On Wednesday, the government introduced a change to the government's two-digit and three-digit lotto scheme. Yesterday, the Tourism Development Office also revealed it is considering scrapping three projects worth Bt500 million initiated under then tourism minister Pracha Maleenont.

Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Kosit Panpiemras said yesterday the government would make a decision next week whether to proceed with the Bangkok Fashion Project, saying the government's four principles - cost-savings, efficiency, transparency and fairness - would be applied in the decision-making process.

"The Budget Bureau has reviewed the project and Deputy Industry Minister Piyabutr Cholvijarn will give me a report next week," he said.

Industry Permanent Secretary Chakramon Phasukvanich said it was quite difficult to proceed with the whole project but some initiatives, like the one that assigns Chulalongkorn University to offer masters degree courses in fashion, could be continued.

Some initiatives, which are operated by private participants, are also beneficial including the one to penetrates the Paris market by having seven designers successfully make their presence felt in the world fashion city.

"I can't say what will happen with other initiatives," he said. "But we are considering the entire project, based on the four principles."

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula also said yesterday that in December, the Cabinet would discuss the future of the Thai-Japan FTA.

"Then we will launch a public hearing before presenting the negotiation results to the National Legislative Assembly in January," he said.

He also said that Thailand is likely to halt negotiations with the US on the proposed FTA, saying the US apparently wants to stall the process.

Meanwhile, Airports of Thailand Plc will consider today if low-cost airlines should be allowed to operate from Don Muang Airport, which was earlier proposed to be reserved for chartered flights, personal jets, and hangars for the Royal Thai Air Force.

Low-cost airlines have urged the government to let them operate from the old airport, following an increase in operating costs after the move to the Suvarnabhumi Airport.

After a meeting yesterday with the National Economic and Social Advisory Council's transport and energy working committee, AOT president Chotisak Asapaviriya said that it is likely that low-cost airlines would be allowed to operate at Don Muang.

"We will discuss this option tomorrow," he said.

According to AOT, low-cost airlines now fly eight million passengers per annum, and the number is expected to increase to 10 million next year. They operate 50,000 flights on average every year and the number of flights is expected to double next year.