The cabinet met on March 17, 2020 at the Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
The cabinet approved use of watershed area (class 1B) in Saphli sub-district, Chumphon province for mining activities of Charoenphol Karnsila, Ltd., as proposed by Ministry of Industry.
Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Office of Council of State have earlier approved the concession. Upon the cabinet’s approval, Ministry of Industry, through Department of Primary Industries and Mines, shall proceed according to related laws and regulations before granting certificate for mine concession in the area of 204 – 2 – 10 rai to Charoenphol Karnsila, Ltd.
The cabinet approved use of watershed area (class 1A) in Pak Praek sub-district, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province for dolomite mining activities of Thep Uthit Business Co., Ltd. This is as proposed by Ministry of Industry.
Upon the approval, Ministry of Industry, through Department of Primary Industries and Mines, shall proceed according to related laws and regulations before granting certificate for dolomite mine concession in the area of 224 – 3 - 04 rai to Thep Uthit Business Co., Ltd.
The cabinet approved the following proposals made by Ministry of Interior:
Approved for Ministry of Interior (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration- BMA) to construct Khlong Phraya Raja Montri water diversion tunnel (from Khlong Phasi Charoen Canal to Khlong Sanam Chai Canal). Project period is 7 years (FY2021-2027). The budget ceiling is 6,130 million Baht.
Approved cross fiscal year debts for FY2021-2027 for the budget commitment of 6,130 million Baht (Government subsidy: 3,065 million, and BMA own budget 3,065 million)
The construction project is aimed to enhance capacity of drainage in western Bangkok, and divert flood from the northern part of Bangkok to “Mahachai Canal- Sanamchai Canal” Kaem Ling water retention area. The tunnel is 9-km long and covers the area of 64 square kilometers in Phasi Charoen, Bang Khae, Bang Bon, and Bang Khunthien districts.
The cabinet acknowledged relief measures against the widespread COVID-19 situation to alleviate people’s burdens on public utilities. This is as proposed by Ministry of Interior.
Measures regarding electrical utilities (MEA and PEA)
3-percent electricity fee reduction for 3 months (April-June 2020)
Extension of electricity bill payment with no interest charged (no later than 6 months of each billing period) for the billing months of April-May 2020
Refund of electricity deposit for type 1 and 2 users (households and small scale businesses)
Measures regarding water utilities (MWA and PWA)
3-percent water fee reduction for 3 months (April-June 2020)
Extension of water bill payment with no interest charged (no later than 6 months of each billing period) for the billing months of April-May 2020
Refund of water usage deposit for type 1 users (households)
The cabinet approved the proposal made by Ministry of Tourism and Sports as follows:
Approved in principle for Thailand’s hosting of the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (2021)
Sports Authority of Thailand and concened agencies are assigned to proceed with the preparation in all aspects, as well as planning and budgeting, and submit to the cabinet for further consideration
Ministry of Tourism and Sports is to collaborate with Ministry of Public Health and other concerned agencies to consider the situation of COVID-19 during the hosting of the Games.
The 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (2021) is scheduled for 10 days toward the end of April 2021 in Chonburi and Bangkok. Athletes from 46 countries will compete in 21 sports. Estimated budget for the hosting of 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (2021) is 1,485,500 Baht
Source: Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) March 17, 2020