Economy could still expand: Abhisit

Bt100 billion in economic-stimulus money will reach the hands of people in either March or April. The Cabinet is expected to approve the mid-year budget by January 20.

He will hold a meeting with the economic coun-cil next Wednesday after conferring with the cen-tral bank on Monday and other key government agencies on Tuesday.

The consultations and opinions from other

economic experts are aimed at formulating a concerted national response to the looming global economic crisis and helping Thailand's GDP stay on the expansion path next year.

It is possible to achieve GDP growth in 2009. If the government's package works, positive signs will start to be seen in the third quarter.

The prime minister has consulted Unctad secre-tary-general Supachai Panitchpakdi and was advised to use trading among Asean countries as the prime vehicle to maintain growth in the region.

The economic package is not intended to bene-fit mostly the rich and middle-class, as critics have claimed. Key measures cover farmers, industrial labour, tourism and businesses as much as they are designed for those with spending power.

The measures will be comprehensive. For exam-ple, efforts to boost the real-estate industry will also be focused on workers in the industry and related businesses.