Ministry to divert some of its budget funds to help Thai entrepreneurs

Ministry permanent secretary Atcharin Phatthanaphanchai said that during the board meeting to discuss the budget for fiscal year 2020 and 2021, a proposal to cut the expenditure budget by 10 per cent was approved.

“We aim to cut spending and use that money to hire private contractors to undertake projects under DES’ supervision,” she said. “This should help promote employment and subsequently stimulate the economy amid the slowdown due to Covid-19.”
Eight subsidiary agencies under DES were urged to adjust their spending budgets and create more projects that could use private contractors. These agencies are Meteorological Department, Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission, National Statistical Office, CAT Telecom Pcl, Thailand Post Co Ltd, TOT Pcl, Digital Economy Promotion Agency, and Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Public Organisation).
“In addition, the DES has prohibited all officials from overseas travel until further notice to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and to save cost,” she added. “We have also urged all subsidiary agencies to facilitate their staff to work from home to promote social distancing using digital technology such as video conferencing.”