PM urges govt agencies to only invest in beneficial projects

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told top bureaucrats Thursday that their proposals for the 2013 budget should focus on stimulating the country's economy in the midst of economic problems in America and Europe.

She also advised them to also consider Thailand's need to improve its competitiveness ahead of the implementation of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.

"The global economic situation has seen fluctuations. There is high unemployment in the United States and a debt crisis in Europe, while the price of oil is increasing. Thailand will certainly suffer from the impacts," Yingluck said.

"These problems have to be taken into consideration while preparing the budget. We will have to rely more on the economy and stimulate local spending. That means increased industrial output, more tax revenue and higher government spending."

The Nation