It also plans to build public parks, sport clubs, public libraries and art centres around the country, Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said yesterday.

Sommai said that within three weeks the Finance Ministry would present to the Cabinet a proposal to revive the development project at the Mo Chit Skytrain terminal, which has been delayed for years.

After Cabinet approval, the Treasury Department will establish a committee to look into details of the project and the bidding process, he said.

The development will focus on creating a complex to accommodate residential units and parking areas for commuters.

The cost of the project is estimated to be between Bt19 billion and Bt20 billion, with a total area of 900,000 square metres. The department will also develop another two or three park-and-ride projects in Bangkok along the new mass-transit routes.

The original plan included a bus terminal but the new plan will scrap the proposal, said Sommai.

Sommai also said the Treasury Department would give priority to developing public parks, public libraries, sport playgrounds and cultural centres. It will not directly invest in the projects, but will allocate land to local governments for the purpose, he added.

The department estimates there are about 180 plots that could be utilised for this purpose around the country.

For example, the department could cooperate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to build public parks at Suan Plu, Yannawa and Pinklao.

The Treasury Department will also launch new memorial coins to generate more revenue for government coffers.

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation