The Deputy Finance Minister urges the Treasury Department to utilize abandoned state land to enhance asset value and boost the grassroots economy, in line with the Prime Minister's policy to develop 40,000 housing units for civil servants nationwide, with monthly payments of only 2,000-3,000 baht for a 30-year term. The first phase of reservations is expected to open at the end of July, along with plans to develop 500 rai of riverside land in Nakhon Sawan into a water tourism destination and a model agricultural product market in Samut Prakan covering 50 rai.

        Mr. Santi Prompat, Deputy Minister of Finance stated after discussions with Treasury Department executives that he has instructed the department to expedite the development of abandoned state land across the country for the greatest benefit to the nation, aiming to stimulate economic circulation through various project developments, in accordance with Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha's policy on providing affordable housing for civil servants.

        The Treasury Department has reported progress on the integrated housing welfare project for civil servants, a collaboration between the Treasury Department and the Civil Service Commission (CSC). They are preparing to launch the project and open reservations for housing units by late July or early August 2020, initially offering 800 to 1,000 units across 10 provinces, with a second phase providing an additional 5,000 to 10,000 units. The Treasury Department has been tasked with identifying suitable land for development, focusing on state land in Bangkok, the surrounding areas, and other provinces to find appropriate sites for projects, targeting a minimum of 10,000 to 40,000 units.

        Civil servants will be able to reside in these units for up to 30 years, with payments made through the Government Housing Bank (GHB) at a low interest rate of 3% per year, with monthly payments not exceeding 2,000-3,000 baht. They will also have the option to transfer their rights among fellow civil servants. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life and provide welfare for junior civil servants, allowing them to own their homes and consider them as assets.

        Additionally, there are interesting projects for developing state land, such as 500 rai of state land in Nakhon Sawan, currently under the jurisdiction of the Marine Department but not being utilized. The Treasury Department has requested the return of this land, proposing its development as a water tourism destination in line with government policy, as the area boasts excellent scenery and a port that can connect to tourism activities. Nakhon Sawan is notable for the confluence of two rivers, making it an ideal site for tourism development, including boat tours linking to significant local attractions like Bung Boraphet and ancient shrines, which are respected by the local community, potentially drawing tourists and generating income for the community, thus fostering long-term economic growth.

         Furthermore, discussions included enhancing the potential of a community agricultural product distribution center project in Klong Dan, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan, covering approximately 50 rai. The initial phase has already developed 16 rai, which was returned to the Treasury Department by the local administrative organization, including buildings and land. The idea is for the Treasury Asset Development Company to develop the area and hand it over to the Agricultural Market Organization (AMO) for management. Preliminary discussions with AMO suggest it will be developed into a central market for seasonal fruits and agricultural products, serving as a distribution hub for agricultural goods from all regions.

        Regarding the progress of developing a comprehensive elderly housing center in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, covering 48 rai, which is currently under the care of the Department of Elderly Affairs but has been left to deteriorate, the Treasury Department is urged to create a development plan for this land to enhance its utility. This could include developing it into a training center for elderly care or a learning center for the elderly, allowing seniors from across the country to come and acquire skills and knowledge in various fields.

 

Source: Treasury Department