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Published on February 2, 2008

The new coalition government will revive some of the more popular schemes of the disbanded Thai Rak Thai Party, a deputy leader of the People Power Party said yesterday.

Somchai Wongsawat, chairman of the coalition's policy-making panel, was speaking after a meeting of the six coalition partners to discuss joint policies for their administration.

He said the meeting at the Sukhothai Hotel indicated in general how similar policies were among the coalition parties.

However each party's policies also had weaknesses and discussion of their plans would produce the best platform for the government.

Somchai said TRT populist schemes that had benefited the people or received their support should be revived.

"The six parties agree that we will implement the policies that benefit the people," he said. "We should not think of only which party the policies belong to."

PPP secretary-general Surapong Suebwonglee said TRT proposals that should not be ignored included the Bt30 medical scheme, Village Fund, two- and three-digit lottery and educational loans for poor students.

The incoming government will reach a final draft of its policy platform a few weeks after the Cabinet line-up has received royal endorsement, he said.

The new Cabinet will appoint an ad-hoc panel of leading government representatives and the private sector, to discuss and consider what would be best for the administration, Surapong said.

Then it will become the government's official platform, which Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will present to Parliament.

Meanwhile, Phrae MP Worawat Uaapinyakul said Samak had suggested a minor rewrite for purposes of clarity and comprehensive coverage of relevant issues.

Worawat is the drafter of policies advanced by the PPP that will form the government's core platforms.

In the 46-page original draft, the government is expected to implement seven strategies and 17 key policies.

The seven strategies of the coalition are aimed at: boosting the country's revenues via tourism and the service industry; reshaping the farming sector; strengthening the manufacturing sector to boost competitiveness; enhancing commercial and investment capabilities; boosting exports; improving management and ensuring energy stability.

The coalition parties comprise the PPP, Chart Thai, Puea Pandin, Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana, Matchima Thipataya and Pracharaj.

The Nation