BANGKOK, Feb 23 (TNA) - Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday extended for another three months measures to lower the cost of living for the country's low-income earners, Minister of Finance Korn Chatikavanij announced.

The finance minister said the decision to extend the measures which will be expired in March for free electricity came as eight million households have benefited from the measure, while free rides on buses and third-class trains will also help ease financial burden of low income earners.

Regarding free tap water, Mr Korn said the government has provided regular help for those using less than 50 and 20 cubic metres per month, respectively. But the water measure will not be continued now as the government sees that many households can afford tap water, which costs only Bt15 to Bt50. (US$0.45-1.5)

The minister said a Bt4.5 billion budget will be allocated to cover the remaining three measures.

The government's measures to reduce cost of living which have been extended through June includes free electricty for households using less than 90 units of electricity per month, free rides on 800 public buses in the capital's 73 routes, and free 172 lines of third-class trains on a daily basis.

Mr Korn however said the Cabinet decided not to extend property tax reduction measures, aimed at boosting the real estate industry during the economic slowdown, which will expire March 28, provided the real estate and other related industries have recovered.

He noticed that the percentage charged on property transfers has been increased by seven per cent in Bangkok and its surrounding provinces, while real estate businesses also produce fruitful income. (TNA)