TECHNICAL HELP

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TECHNICAL HELP

Aid budget to help neighbours slashed
Other nations to be asked to give funds

Achara Ashayagachat
The economic slump has forced Thailand to cut the amount it gives to
neighbouring countries for technical assistance by almost two-thirds.
This year the kingdom will give a total 329 million baht. Next year it will
hand over 133 million baht, said Sumathee Srisuchart, deputy director
general of the Department of Technical Economic Cooperation (Detec).
Detec is looking to third countries to help with funding. "We are talking
to various donors, including Japan and the UN Development Programme," said
Mr Sumathee.
The Japanese government has already agreed to increase the percentage it
donates financing 11 training courses for developing countries to 70
percent, up from 50 percent.
Detec will go on financing running projects in neighbouring countries, but
will not take on new ones. 
The Thailand Development Research Institution (TDRI) will advise Detec on
how to help provide technical technical assistance during the economic
crisis by handing over a study shortly. 
Thailand has also given soft loans to neighbours via the Fund for Economic
Development for Neighbouring Countries. It has so far approved 300 million
baht for Burma to help improve the road between Tachilek and Keng Tung.
There is still 200 million baht in the coffers.