PM sees positive GDP ahead

The government's second economic stimulus package will bring about positive gross domestic product (GDP) figures in the final quarter of this year, according to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

"I am confident the stimulus measures will turn the GDP in the fourth quarter of 2009 positive, while next year's economy should grow about three to 3.5 per cent," Mr Abhisit said while delivering a speech on the future of the Thai economy at Centara Grand Central World on Monday.

He said the government had continuously encouraged the private sector to be more competitive to raise the country's investment value.

"The administration has nearly completed its first year in office and the economy has continued recovering considerably," the prime minister said. "It is not just solving economic problems but has laid down ways to create a sustainable balance for everyone.

"Since April, economic indicators have been moving in a positive direction. This shows that we can stop the economy from shrinking, especially by reducing the number of unemployment."

Mr Abhisit said he  exchanged ideas on economic issues with Asia-Pacific leaders at the Apec regional meeting in Singapore  last weekend.

He said most countries had seen positive economic growth but many of them were clearly concerned with rising unemployment figures.

The government's first economic stimulus package was intended to reduce the economic contraction but it knew it was not enough to spur the economy, restore confidence and increase competitiveness, he said. So, the government had launched the 'Investing from Strength to Strength' scheme to further stimulate the economy.

"In 2012, we will see major investments in infrastructure and there will be about 1.5 million more jobs. This will help the economy grow by approximately 1.3 per cent annually in the next three years," he said.

The government should be able to use the 400 billion baht loan act in the beginning of next year, he said.

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