Bangkok - Thailand on Monday allocated 6.9 billion baht (191 million dollars) for short-term occupational training this year when 1 million people are expected to lose their jobs.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Kobsak Sabhavasu said the training initiative aims at providing short-term occupational courses for the unemployed and new graduates.

"The programme is set to continue for two years and is expected to help some 500,000 people find jobs," Kobsak told the state-run Thai New Agency.

The first stage of the programme would run from April to September, with places for 240,000 people to receive 5,000 baht (139 dollars) a month plus per diem during the month-long training.

The programme is expected to be officially launched Sunday in a ceremony presided over by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. (dpa)