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Published on December 12, 2007

The plan outlines spending some Bt3.7 billion from the country's non-fixed budget, which Abhisit said would help to reduce costs for people and boost the economy with faster, small-scale projects.

Mega-infrastructure work would need more time, he said. Larger-scale projects include double-track rail lines and irrigation system work.

Based on the current government's budget, Bt1.2 trillion will go to fixed spending - for government salaries, operations and investment.

But the Democrats said there was Bt440 billion available in "other budget" categories.

Abhisit told reporters a a new "government will have little time to work. It doesn't have much opportunity to regain economic confidence unless [its policies] are accomplished within 99 days. Otherwise, I don't think any party governing the country will be able to regain economic confidence within its term".

Abhisit's deputy Jurin Laksanavisit, deputy secretary-general Korn Chatikavanij, treasurer Korbsak Sabhavasu and strategist Kanok Wongtrangarn gave details of how the party could deliver on these promises.

Kanok said the party had budgeted Bt35 billion for free education through to Mathayom 6. About Bt6.8 billion is for textbooks, Bt2.6 billion for stationery, Bt10.6 billion for uniforms and another Bt15 billion is for other school fees currently collected from parents, he said.

The party calculated its spending plans based on the country's 16.3 million students.

Korn said ending the National Oil Fund levy on diesel and gasohol would reduce costs for motorists. It would not hurt the fund, because it still gets Bt20 billion from petrol levies each year. The Democrats would pay off the fund's debt by the end of this month.

The party also promised to reduce levies on electricity and cooking gas.

Korbsak said an Efficiency Economy Fund would give each tambon between Bt1 million and Bt2 million.

The incumbent government has Bt18 billion earmarked for improving quality of life. It has another Bt42 billion in an emergency budget.

Korbsak said this cushion would ensure the country's financial stability would not be affected by the party's promises.

Bancha Khaengkhan

 The Nation