Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said in his weekly television program that the government would continue to maintain diesel prices at 30 baht per liter until the end of September.
He cited excise tax reduction is the reason for further fuel price pegging policy. Abhisit also said the Thai economy was expanding well at present with the tourism industry and exports contributing to the growth in the first quarter of this year.
The number of foreign tourists entering Thailand has risen to 5 million people, more than earlier targeted. Meanwhile, he reiterated the need to keep diesel prices at no more than 30 baht per liter as agreed with the logistics sector as the increase might prompt farm product such as eggs and fertilizer to rise further.
In response to the higher cost of living, Abhisit said the Ministry of Labor would consider raising minimum wages for workers in the middle of this year. The increase will be proposed to the Cabinet for consideration next week.
