The government will launch a "surprise" economic stimulus package next year, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says.
"It will be a New Year's gift for the people," Gen Prayut said after the Tuesday cabinet meeting.
The package will involve tasks for all ministries to make people "happy" in spending, he said.
It will cover financial, investment, and economic security issues such as measures to solve personal loan problems, promote tourism and travel, and reduce inequality.
"Today, many people face rising debts. How can they stop increases in debt which could make them bankrupt?" Gen Prayut said.
"It will be another 'surprise' package but I'm not giving anything away," said the prime minister.
Gen Prayut said the government will press ahead with 163 new laws, including business and economic ones, over the next year.
"Low-income people are the main group that will benefit from those laws," the prime minister said.
In another development Tuesday, the cabinet approved a draft memorandum of understanding on the deal between Thailand and China for the construction of the 734-km Nong Khai-Map Ta Phut dual-track railway.
The cabinet agreed to set up a committee, chaired by Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong, to negotiate with a Chinese committee over the details of the project.
Meanwhile, deputy government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Gen Prayut has rejected a new water management plan proposed by the Water Management and Policy Committee because the proposal was unclear.
Gen Prayut suggested the committee look at five project areas that would involve drinking water, water storage, water quality improvement, flood prevention, and agricultural purposes.
Maj Gen Sansern said the Budget Bureau reported that the suspended 350-billion-baht water management plan could be terminated.
"The prime minister has explained to the countries which participated in the bids that we are revising the plan, but it does not mean that this government will abandon the bid winners," he said.