Government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said on Tuesday (December 31) that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had asked related state agencies to prepare new support measures for farmers in consistence with its BCG policy [bio-economy, circular economy, green economy].

The government will gather information of local and export markets to draw up separate plans for the production of farm produce. Technology will be deployed to lower costs.

The premier also instructed related agencies to examine the state welfare card scheme ahead of a new round of registration next year, to ensure that it will only be issued to eligible persons. There are 14.6 million card holders nationwide.

The government will also consider launching new programmes to create jobs for the elderly and measures to encourage their kin to take care of them. There are 11.35 million Thais over 60 in age.

She added that the government next year would focus more on helping Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in upgrading their knowledge and widen their accessibility to loans.

Moreover, it will seek ways to upgrade the living standards of labourers and help solve the prevalent problem of informal loans. There are around 14.6 million labourers in Thailand.