NEW PROJECTS UP FOR DELIBERATION

       Another batch of projects worth Bt240 billion will be submitted for Cabinet approval today amid new reports of graft involving the government's second stimulus package.
       Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij yesterday said he would today propose the Cabinet expand the second stimulus package from Bt1.06 trillion approved earlier to about Bt1.3 trillion, to be implemented over three years.
       The ministry will also ask the Cabinet to increase investment projects under an emergency borrowing fund by more Bt50 billion, leading to planned total spending next year of up to Bt350 billion, he said.
       An improvement in government revenue in recent months leaves more money available for investment, he said.
       The ministry plans to disburse the first tranche of funds for at least 85 per cent of the projects, he said.
       New projects ecpected to be included in today's proposal are the Bt40 billion farm price-guarantee scheme, Bt23 billion supplementary budget to support local governments and Bt3 billion housing fund know as Baan Mankhong for people living in slums.
       The projects under Thai Khemakhaeng already approved by the Cabinet worth Bt200 billion would be implemented during this and next year, he said.
       In response to complaints about corruption, the ministry has opened a website at www.tkk2555.com to reveal details of all projects to the public. People can also report irregularities in the investment projects via publicwatch@tkk2555.com.
       Korn yesterday met with senior officials to discuss the transparency of the public investment projects.
       The next phase of investment will focus on economic restructuring. The bill to finance it with Bt400 billion loans is in Parliament.
       The next phase will be put into rail projects to improve the logistics system, aimed at lowering logistics costs from 20 per cent of gross domestic product to about 15 per cent.
       The ministry will soon ask the Cabinet to consider another package to develop the capital market, which includes tax incentives, Korn added.