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"The enhanced mandate will cover the disbursements related to the annual budget, the midyear budget and the contingency advanced payments, so the relief can reach people in a speedy manner," said Deputy Government Spokesman Watchara Kannikar.

Yesterday's decision was based on a proposal made by Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban in February.

Suthep, in his capacity as the overseer of rural affairs, wanted to streamline the budgetary disbursements earmarked for relief to reach villagers.

In a separate decision, the Cabinet approved a compensation package for villagers affected by the construction of the Rasi Salai Dam in Roi Et province.

The compensation is calculated at the rate of Bt32,000 a rai, covering an area of 54 rai of farmland.

The provincial panel, chaired by the Roi Et governor, has been tasked with supervising the compensation payments.

Regarding the government subsidies of five relief measures for low-income earners, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has instructed relevant authorities to extend the relief for six more months. The authorities are expected to submit the extended measures for Cabinet debate by next Tuesday ahead of this month's expiry of the deadline. - THE NATION