Economy to be the top priority for Abhisit govt

Based on the draft statement, the government will also implement measures that would maintain and boost people's income, while reducing their cost of living amid the looming economic crisis.

lTo restore confidence, the government will quickly embark on a national reconciliation programme with the objective of healing the political rifts, which have widened over the past three years.

lSet up a permanent state agency to specifically manage the affairs of three southernmost provinces where violence has remained unabated.

lContinue to reform the democratic governance system but there is no specific plan on charter amendment at this stage.

lRestore confidence in Thailand in the eyes of international community by hosting the Asean Summit within February next year.

lAnnounce short-term policy measures to revive agricultural, industrial, services, tourism, export property and other sectors.

lUrgent measures to restore foreign tourist confidence in Thailand in the wake of devastating eight-day shutdown of two Bangkok airports late last month.

lAccelerate state-sector investment projects.

On maintaining and boosting people's incomes, the government will offer incentives to the private sector to slow the pace of laying off workers in industrial and service sectors which have been hit hard by the export and tourism slowdowns.

Second, it will introduce measures to deal with the rising unemployment as well as new college graduates who are entering the labour market.

Third, the government will announce measures to ease the financial burden on those who have lost their jobs due to the economic crisis.

Fourth, it will grant a monthly allowance to senior citizens aged 60 and over.

Fifth, there will be fiscal measures to increase people's income and stimulate businesses hit by the economic crisis.

Sixth, the government will set up self-sufficiency village funds and allocate more budget for these community development facilities.

Seventh, there will be measures and insurance schemes to stabilise agricultural prices.

Eight, the government will

promote further development

and distribution of farm pro-

ducts and community-based pro-ducts.

Ninth, it will set up the national agriculture council to encourage farmers to help formulate national policies on the farm sector.

Tenth, it will promote the role of village healthcare personnel to improve the quality of life in rural areas.

On reducing the people's cost of living, the government will ensure that everyone gets free 15-year-long schooling.

Second, it will ensure that the prices of necessary consumer goods are under control and that consumers are not taken advantage of.

Third, the government will continue to provide subsidies on selected bus services, electricity, tap water and cooking gas.

Fourth, it will continue to use the Oil Fund to stabilise retail oil prices and promote the development and use of alternative energies.

In addition, the government will form an economic ministers' council and work closely with the private sector via the joint public/private sector consultative committee.

As for longer-term policies which will be implemented in the second and third years of office, the government will focus on national security, education reform, labour, public health, art and culture, welfare, and sports development, among other areas.