Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Thai King Urges Government To Spend More, HIS MAJESTY's BIRTHDAY SPEECH

King urges government to spend more



BANGKOK: -- His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Tuesday emphasised the country's need to boost its spending in light of the strengthened Thai currency.


"Now that the baht is exceedingly strong and the government has plenty of cash, it should spend more. Sufficiency economy means those who have money should spend. There is no need to be stingy," His Majesty said.


The King made his address to Cabinet members, privy councillors and high-ranking officials at Dusidalai Pavilion in Chitralada Palace on the eve of his 80th birthday.


He noted that it might not be appropriate for the present government which has only a few months in office to spend on arms and ammunition but the next government should feel free to do so.


"I raise this issue because we must seriously consider how to purchase arms and munitions which are necessary," the monarch said. "These days the army also must help the people when there are floods."


"You have good ideas; so don't feel inferior. If you want to buy ships, aircraft or tanks, do it," King Bhumibol said.


The King also urged the Thai people to unite, otherwise the country would collapse and "if that happens, many consequences will follow."


Comparing the nation to a body, he said if bones in the body are broken, the person will need to be hospitalised.


"If we are not careful, the country will collapse. If the country collapses, where shall we live?" the King added.


Touching on the construction of dams, King Bhumibol said the issue has always been criticised due to misunderstanding, indicating that a dam must be well managed after it is built.


"In order to operate a project, management is the key," he said. "Everything has to be well managed, be it the project itself or the financial aspects."

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