Six relief measures for the people

"This will help reduce the burden of the lowincome earners," said Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej who chaired the press conference to showcase the relief package.

The six measures will remain in effect for six months until the government can inject money into the economy via mega projects, Samak said.

The measures are;

1. Reduction of excise charges for gasohol and diesel.

To take effect on July 25, gasohol and diesel excise taxes would be slashed to 1 satang per litre from Bt3.30 and Bt2.30, respectively, paving way for the cut in retail prices by the same amount.

2. Suspend price adjustment for cooking gas for household use.

3. Reduction of water charges. The government will completely shoulder the water costs for household users with the consumption rate of less than 50 cubic litres per month.

4. Reduction of electricity charges. The government will completely shoulder the electricity for household users with the consumption rate of less than 80 units per month. For those using 81to150 units per month, the government will help paying half of the charges.

5. Commuters of nonairconditioned buses in Bangkok will avail themselves to free services. Of 1,600 buses, half will offer free rides for commuters although the government will pay for the fares. The government expects the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to shoulder loss of Bt1.4 billion from this measure.

6. All thirdclass train services in every route nationwide will not charge passengers because the government will pay the fares on their behalf.

"The oil excise tax measures should be the incentive to boost consumption of the alternative energy, and the Energy Ministry will ensure that supplies of biodiesel and gasohol are sufficient," said Energy Minister Poonpirom Liptapanlop. "Yet, (despite the measures) we would like to ask all to cut down their consumption."