ReliefWeb

BANGKOK, 05 May 2010 (NNT) - The Cabinet agreed with the commission for flood and drought crisis resolution's proposed 2009 aiding and rehabilitating projects, with each project screened by the Finance Ministry. A budget of 5.682 billion THB has been agreed to fund the projects.

The projects have been divided into the project under the commission's criteria, worth 5.324 billion THB and appropriated projects but not in line with the criteria, worth 357.9 million THB. The Finance Ministry has been tasked for projects screening and the reserve fund for emergencies of the central budget 2010 will be used.

Deputy Finance Minister Pruttichai Damrongrat stated that the drought affected areas this year included 60 provinces nationwide with 7.2 million people affected. Up to April, the Ministry has aided them by injecting 50 million THB for each province from provincial reserve fund other than the government's assistance, and five provinces getting more than 50 million THB including Lamphun, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Si Sa Ket and Maha Sarakham.