The government has selected 10 projects to celebrate the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 72nd birthday, including allocating 72,000 rai of military land to the public.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday presided over this year's second meeting of the committee responsible for organising the ceremony to celebrate HM King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua's 72nd birthday on July 28.
Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and chairwoman of the National Committee on Soft Power Development, participated as a committee member.
During the press conference held after the meeting yesterday, Mr Srettha revealed the government has selected 10 projects proposed by public and private agencies, which will be included as part of the celebration.
The projects apply to the King's initiatives, wishes and policies related to improvements to the environment and people's lives and are aimed at allowing people to participate as much as possible, said Mr Srettha.
The 10 projects are as follows.
The first is to renovate the Nong Bon Reservoir and Water Sports Centre, Suan Luang Rama IX and 72 pocket parks to increase green space in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR).
The government plans to create a 1,144-rai public park by combining the 644-rai Nong Bon reservoir and the 500-rai Suan Luang Rama IX. It will be renamed Suan Luang Rama X.
The second involves growing 72 million trees nationwide to restore and maintain watershed forests and forest ecosystems.
The third aims to create 72 large groundwater sources to relieve people's hardships caused by drought.
The fourth project includes making improvements to the appearance and water quality of 10 canals in Bangkok and several other provinces.
The fifth covers the building of 72 reservoirs to tackle water shortages for consumption and deal with drought.
The sixth project includes the renovation of 72 royal hospitals and primary care units to improve their medical services.
The seventh aims at improving people's lives, land and homes, especially marginalised groups. As part of this project, 72,000 rai of military-owned land will be allocated to people, allowing them to use it for commercial and residential purposes.
The eighth project will see 10 million cubic centimetres of blood donated to the Thai Red Cross Society.
The ninth project is the sourcing of 72,000 sets of equipment for the disabled. The tenth is the provision of clean water to all schools nationwide.
Mr Srettha said he would make field trips to track the progress of these 10 projects and participate in as many activities with the public as possible.
He invited all Thai citizens and organisations to show respect and loyalty to the King on this special occasion.
