The slow disbursement of Thai Khem Khaeng economic stimulus funds may prompt the government to extend the plan by one more year to 2013, says Korbsak Sabhavasu, the secretary-general to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The latest figures show that only 43 billion baht or 26% of the first stimulus package worth 160 billion baht has been disbursed so far. For the second package worth 150 billion, about 82 billion has been allocated and 42 billion baht disbursed.
Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwankhiri last week threatened to cut the budgets of agencies that have yet to disburse funds or sign contracts for stimulus spending projects.
An estimated 70-80 billion baht from the two packages is expected to be cut and shifted to finance other projects that are ready for implementation, he said.
According to Dr Trairong, accelerated investment projects include a dual-track rail network and high-speed train system linking Bangkok and Rayong, the southern landbridge, and a deep seaport in the Gulf of Thailand.
via Stimulus extension likely.
