Ministry may go ahead with

Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee said the Cabinet agreed in principle yesterday to his proposal that his ministry be allowed to go ahead with studying the atmosphere now that the deal with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) has fallen through.

Nasa cancelled the project because the Cabinet was unable to confirm its request to use the U-tapao airbase by June 26.

According to Plodprasob, at least Bt200 million would be needed to study the atmosphere to improve weather forecasting and water management. He said he needed to consult with related agencies because the Cabinet had told him to come up with clear details on the project and the budget, before he could table the issue at the Cabinet's meeting next week.