BANGKOK, Nov 12 – Thailand’s Cabinet today approved establishment of a cooperative mechanism for the ASEAN rice market and a special zone for ASEAN rice trade as proposed by the Commerce Ministry.
Government deputy spokesman Pakdiharn Himathongkam said such measures will help retain stable rice prices in the world market, create sustainable food security in the region, prevent rice smuggling from Thailand’s neighbouring countries, and efficiently develop the quality of rice of ASEAN countries.
The Cabinet also agreed to the result of the first Thai-Myanmar Joint High Level Committee (JHC) meeting on the Dawei special economic zone, approving eight urgent projects — roads, a deep-sea port, industrial estates, a first-phase power plant, water treatment system, telecommunication, community development and migration, and a high-speed train project.
Related agencies are to follow up with further meeting results.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet agreed in principle to provide financial assistance, initially at Bt1.4 billion, to the Lao PDR to spend on a development project and road construction in Thailand’s northern province of Phayao and the Lao PDR. Neighbouring countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) was assigned to study details of the project.
The Cabinet also approved in principle to buy stock at a budget of Bt102 million by the Thai government to increase the capital of Asia Reinsurance Corporation.
