Thai government: King’s birthday to bring 72,000 rai land allocation

In honour of His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, the Thai government has earmarked 10 initiatives, one of which includes the allocation of 72,000 rai of military-owned land for public use. These projects were unveiled yesterday during the second meeting of the celebratory committee, presided over by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is the leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and also the chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development, was a participating committee member. The initiatives were revealed during a press conference following the meeting.

They have been chosen from suggestions put forth by public and private entities. They are designed to align with the king’s aspirations and policies aimed at enhancing the environment and people’s lives.

The first project on the list is the refurbishment of the Nong Bon Reservoir and Water Sports Centre, Suan Luang Rama IX and 72 pocket parks. This will increase green spaces in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. The government plans to develop a 1,144-rai public park by integrating the 644-rai Nong Bon reservoir and the 500-rai Suan Luang Rama IX, with a proposed rechristening to Suan Luang Rama X.

A nationwide tree planting initiative to restore and sustain watershed forests and forest ecosystems forms the second project, with a target of cultivating 72 million trees. The third scheme is to establish 72 large groundwater sources to alleviate the hardships caused by drought. The fourth project aims to enhance the aesthetic and water quality of 10 canals in Bangkok and numerous other provinces.

The fifth project involves constructing 72 reservoirs to address water shortages and tackle droughts. The sixth initiative will focus on the renovation of 72 royal hospitals and primary care units to upgrade their medical services.

The seventh project is intended to enhance the living conditions, land and homes of marginalised groups. This will include the allocation of the aforementioned 72,000 rai of military-owned land for commercial and residential purposes.

The eighth initiative will aim at procuring 10 million cubic centimetres of blood for donation to the Thai Red Cross Society. The ninth project is the acquisition of 72,000 sets of equipment for the disabled, and the tenth is to ensure the provision of clean water to schools across the nation, reported Bangkok Post.

Srettha confirmed his intention to make field trips to oversee the progress of these 10 projects and partake in as many public activities as possible. He extended an invitation to all Thai citizens and organisations to demonstrate their respect and loyalty to the king on this special occasion.

ORIGINAL STORY: Thai government sets plans for King Rama X’s upcoming birthday

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin issued a directive to all government departments to come up with proposals for events to mark the forthcoming sixth-cycle birthday of His Majesty King Rama X, scheduled for July 28. The announcement came in the wake of a Cabinet meeting yesterday.

The 62 year old Thai prime minister requested that the plans be presented to the steering committee at their meeting, due tomorrow. Teerapong Wongsiwawilas, the permanent secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, shared details with the premier about a special commemorative pin, designed by talented craftsmen. It features the emblem of His Majesty the King, intended as a tribute for his upcoming birthday.

For those interested in owning this exclusive keepsake, orders can be placed at any Thailand Post office or via Thailandpostmart.com. The pins are projected to be dispatched by June, and people are encouraged to wear them starting July 1.

Deputy Government spokesperson Kenika Oonjit announced that the Cabinet approved a budget of 700 million baht for the royal birthday celebrations. The concerned departments have been asked to itemise their expenses and submit them to the budget screening committee, reported Bangkok Post.

A portion of this budget will be allocated to several departments including the Foreign and Interior ministries, the Office of the PM’s Permanent Secretary, the Public Relations Department, the police, and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).