Unofficial Translation

 

Policy statement of
The council of Ministers
of Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai
Delivered to Parliament
on Thursday, 20 November 1997

 

 

Mr. President,

Pursuant to His Majesty the King's gracious appointment of myself as Prime Minister, per Royal Command dated 9 November 1997, and the appointment of the Council of Ministers, per Royal Command dated 14 November 1997.

The council of Ministers has now formulated a policy for the administration of state affairs, abiding by the rule of parliamentary democracy with the King as Head of State; and with consideration for the provisions under Section 5 on basic state policy according to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand; and with a key objective being to expedite political reform, civil service reform, decentralization of authority and popular participation according to the provisions of the Constitution, as well as to promote civil and human rights and freedoms, and ensure the enforcement of the law as set forth in the Constitution, to form the basis for long-term development as soon as possible.

Under present circumstances, the Council of Ministers well recognizes that the urgent problem which needs to be promptly addressed by the Government is the economic predicament which is severely affecting the well-being of people all over the country, resulting in social problems and falling living standards, and which, if not promptly resolved or alleviated, may undermine national security. The Government is therefore resolved to tacking the economic problem swiftly as the first priority, through the mobilization of cooperation of all parties in the nation, to generate strength towards a comprehensive solution, as the Government alone cannot achieve-success quickly, but requires a shared perception of and agreement on the approach to solving the problem, and serious cooperation among the state-sector, private sector and the people, with the interest and future of the nation as the main objectives. If this can be accomplished, it is believed that the country may be returned to normalcy in due course. The Government is prepared to serve as coordinator in the advancement of all mechanisms, whether in the public or private sector, to solve all problems concurrently in a coordinated manner.

However, the national economy is by no means completely damaged. Some sectors are in sufficiently good condition to move forward efficiently, if properly adjusted.

The Government has therefore formulated a policy to rehabilitate all sectors of the national economy and stands ready to be a motivating force for full-capacity development in the future. The Government is well aware that this undertaking is fraught with difficulty and falls under the conditions of a stringent deadline and tight fiscal limitations. The Government is nevertheless confident that the wholehearted cooperation of the entire populace of the nation, and the Government's principles of efficient, swift, honest, and transparent administration should enable the solution of the economic problems currently facing the nation and the people.

For clarity in carrying out the work of the Government in a systematic manner, the Council of Ministers has formulated its policy on the administration of state affairs in two parts. Part 1 consists of policy on the political system, governance, civil service administration, security, and foreign affairs; Part 2 consists of policy on economic and social development, comprising two time frames- - the immediate and intermediate terms - - to respond to the gravity of the problems being faced, and to make clear each step towards the objectives being urgently pursued, as follows:

Part 1 Policy On Political Affairs, Governance, Civil Service Administration, Security and Foreign Affairs

This Government intends to uphold and protect the institutions of Nation, Religion, Monarchy, democratic rule with the King as Head of State, independence and territorial integrity through the following actions:

1. Policy on Political Affairs, Governance, and Civil Service Administration

1.1 Political Reform
1.1.1
 Expedite the passage of legislation supporting the Constitution, other laws, rules, regulations, and other actions to implement the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, in order that the provisions of the Constitution may be complete and yield practical results, with the drawing up of an action plan determining the time frame and the agencies responsible for carrying them out. The passage of legislation, rules and regulations on the part of the Council of Ministers shall also be expedited. The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.
1.1.2
 Support the activities of organizations newly formed or in the process of being formed under the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, in terms of staffing, budgets, and other facilities, to enable them to function independently and efficiently as regulatory or auditing organizations for politics, government and public administration, protection of the rights and liberties of the people, and the management, of national communications resources, according to the Constitution and related laws.
1.1.3
 Protect the rights and freedoms of academics and mass media, both state-owned and privately owned, to educate, conduct research or carry out their duties, as well as promote their role in imparting knowledge and understanding of the form, process and substance of democracy with the King as Head of State, so that the political reform process may proceed more concretely and completely.
1.1.4
 Encourage the people to know and understand their rights, freedoms and duties as set forth in the Constitution, as well as determine measures to review and confirm such understanding with state officials so that they do not violate such rights, with the participation of educational institutions and mass media, both state-owned and privately-owned.
1.1.5
 Promote public participation in policymaking, important polical decisions, planning on economic, social and political development, including scrutiny of the exercise of state authority through meetings and consultation with concerned individuals and communities, and through public hearings or referenda, as the case may be, with the participation of academic institutions, mass media, private-sector professional organizations, and public interest non-governmental organizations.
1.1.6
 Establish a national-level committee, through a selection process free of political interference, to work in conjunction with the Counter-Corruption Commission; draw up a blueprint for the development of politics and ethical standards for political office-holders, civil servants, and state officers or employees, to prevent corruption and malfeasance, improve the efficacy of their performance, and implement the blueprint.

1.2 Reform of Civil Service Administration
1.2.1
 Improve and expedite the restructuring of the legal framework and process in accordance with the Constitution, in order to protect the people's rights and freedoms and carry out justice for the people in an efficient, prompt and equitable manner.
1.2.2
 Introduce greater openness into the work process of the public sector and state enterprises, with public participation, the elimination of unnecessary procedures and discrimination, an efficient and just system, by drawing up a blueprint for the development of the civil service and performance quality standards in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution.
1.2.3
Improve the quality of civil servants' work, with emphasis on results, quality, honesty, public-mindedness, and neutrality in the performance of their duties, with work commensurate to their pay, by drawing up a blueprint for quality development and boosting the morale of civil servants.
1.2.4

Prevent and suppress corruption and malfeasance in both the civil service and political circles, by expediting legislation to establish a National Counter-Corruption Commission and laws on criminal proceedings against offending political office-holders, as specified in the Constitution. In the meantime, the existing administrative structures of government agencies shall be adjusted to enhance preparedness and efficient cooperation among personnel.
The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.

1.2.5

Expedite legislation to decentralize administrative authority to local communities according to the provisions of the Constitution, by determining a plan and steps for action forthwith; clearly delineate the duties and responsibilities between the central authority and local administrative bodies, as well as among local administrative bodies themselves, in order to elevate the role and authority of local administrative bodies; and increase the proportion of tax revenues allocated to local communities. Moreover, local administrative bodies shall be adjusted to come under four categories:
(1) Provincial administrative organizations;
(2) Municipalities;
(3) Tambon administrative organizations; and
(4) Special administrative bodies
Local assembly members must come from direct popular elections. Local administrators or administrative teams may come from direct popular elections or upon the approval of the local assemblies, depending on the appropriate format and timing.
The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.

1.2.6
 Reduce state involvement in various enterprises, while encouraging the partial or complete privatization of such enterprises in a systematic and tangible manner, with the goal of upgrading the efficiency of public service and reducing the investment burden of the state sector, while at the same time refraining from any action that would create monopoly. Legal measures shall be employed to open up opportunities to facilitate the subcontracting of public-service work to the private sector. At the same time, consumers shall be protected to ensure the adequacy, quality and fair prices of the services provided. A master plan shall also be drawn up as guidance for systematically raising the role of the private sector in line with the country's development goals and economic policy.
1.2.7

Expedite the passage of new legislation or amend existing laws, through systematic legal reform, to expand measures for the protection of children, youth and women; the welfare of the elderly, the indigent, the handicapped or disabled, and the underprivileged; public health and the environment; the protection of consumers; eradication of social injustice and unfair competition and investment; land reform or land use, solving problems in the economy, trade and investment, and safeguarding life and property.

The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.

2. Policy on Security

The Government intends to maintain the security policies already in place, with additional policies and adjustments to conform with the regional and global security situations, as well as economic and social conditions, as follows:

2.1 Promote and support the role of the military in efficiently carrying out its mission as specified in the Constitution, including the strengthening of relations and security ties with neighboring countries and partners, by using the potential the military already possesses.
2.2 Promote and support the military to improve and develop its structure into a compact but modern force, through the development of military doctrine, force preparedness, reserves structuring, development of an industry for the production and maintenance of armaments, in order to optimize the preparedness and capabilities of servicemen.
2.3 Promote and support the armed forces to develop its welfare system and other potentialities for the servicemen, veterans, and their families, in terms of health, sports, vocational training, so that they enjoy status, honour, and esteem, and the ability to perform other useful public activities to the best of their potential.
2.4 Promote and support the military to develop its servicemen at all levels, to apply knowledge and skills, particularly in engineering, science and technology, medicine, nursing, and discipline, towards developing the military and participation in economic problem-solving and development, producing qualified personnel where most needed, providing public health services to the people, maintaining discipline in society, disaster relief, safeguarding life and property, conserving natural resources, resolving environment problems, and working with the private sector on other matters.

3. Foreign Policy

The Government shall uphold all commitments under the UN Charter, various treaties and agreements to which Thailand is party, and shall promote a more prominent role on the part of Thailand in actively assuming its responsibilities toward the international community, as follows:

3.1 Promote friendship, amity and cooperation with neighbouring countries and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region by utilizing Thailand's diplomatic capability and experience efficiently and effectively.
3.2 Strengthen and develop relations and cooperation with fellow ASEAN member countries in political, economic, social and cultural fields, including support for the successful implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area, with coverage to include agricultural products and services, as well as support the conclusion of an agreement on cooperation in the production of industrial goods, investment and human resources management.
3.3 Promote economic relations and cooperation with important trading partners under a free trading system with fair competition, as well as actively participate in efforts to reduce international conflict resulting from disputed related to trade, investment, technology transfer and protection of intellectual property rights, by taking into primary account the country's preparedness.
3.4 Promote economic, technical, cultural, tourism and human resources development cooperation, particularly with neighbouring countries and with emphasis on cooperation within a subregional framework.
3.5 Promote Thailand's role in international fora in the fields of environmental conservation as well as sustainable and balanced development.
3.6 Facilitate, protect and promote the rights and interests of Thai citizens, Thai workers and Thai businesses abroad.
3.7 Participate jointly in international fora in protecting and promoting democratic values and human rights.

Part 2 Economic and Social Development Policy

As Thailand's economy is now in critical condition, beset all around by financial, fiscal, trade, investment, and cost of living problems, the floating of the exchange rate which caused substantial devaluation of the baht has contributed to higher commodity prices. Furthermore, efforts to resolve the economic problems with assistance from the International Monetary Fund have not yet restored confidence in the Thai economy, which is in a period of severe stagnation. This has brought about unemployment and social problems, compounding the crisis to affect the people's livelihood even more severely. Recognizing the severity of this economic crisis, the Government has established urgent plans of action to attack the problems on all fronts to see the economy through this crisis. The policies to be implemented may be classified into two phases, i.e., the immediate term, with measures to be taken within the shortest period of time, and the medium term, with measures to be taken within 6 months to 1 year. The policies aim to bring about continuous improvement and the restoration of the Thai economy back to normalcy within a reasonable period, as follows:

1. Immediate-term policy: strengthening stability and confidence in the economic system

1.1 Expediting the strengthening of economic stability
Solving the problems of the financial sector and boosting liquidity
(1)
 The government regards as a matter of utmost urgency the immediate action to solve the problem of the 58 suspended financial institutions by having the Financial Restructuring Authority act expeditiously in accordance with the following approach:
  • Those financial institutions able to increase capital and resume operations shall be released from supervision and permitted to reopen immediately.
  • Those financial institutions needing to be merged shall carry out the mergers immediately.
  • Those financial institutions in poor shape which require dissolution shall sort out their good assets and allow domestic and international financial institutions to take over their management. The bad assets, meanwhile, shall be managed by the Asset Management Corporation.
(2)
 The government shall support the remaining financial institutions and banks that are able to resume operations in a direction that will create lasting stability for the financial system.
(3)
 The government shall expedite the securitization of assets in order to boost liquidity in the financial system.
(4)

The government shall promote the freeing of foreign investment from obstructive regulations that have yet to be amended.

Sustaining international reserves at a level sufficient to build confidence
(1)
 Establish a plan of action and system to monitor closely all foreign exchange revenues and expenditures in both public and private sectors.
(2)
 Support the advancing of and cooperation with the private sector on barter trade in major importables, such as petroleum, armaments, and telecommunications equipment in order to conserve foreign exchange.
Increasing foreign exchange revenues
(1)
 Expedite the boosting of liquidity for export businesses and industries, especially small and medium-sized industries, through state financial institutions such as the Exim Bank and private financial institutions.
(2)
 Eliminate obstacles to exports related to customs and value-added tax, and reduce cost by amending customs laws and upgrading the efficiency of cargo transportation.
(3)
 Cooperate with the private sector in establishing plans and goals in order to enhance consistency between the domestic production system and the direction of international trade.
(4)
 Accelerate the expansion of tourism and eradicate impediments thereto through close cooperation with the private sector, as well as promote the "Thais Travel Thailand" campaign in order to save foreign exchange.
National Budget Management
(1)
 On the management of the budget outlay, the Government shall abide by the conditions agreed upon with the International Monetary Fund, but shall not allow the management of the budget outlay to affect the provision of education and basic public health services.
(2)
 The government shall encourage a greater role for the private sector in state enterprises, with priority given to those already listed on the Stock Exchange and which have the potential to issue increased capital shares on the Stock Exchange, in order to ease the burden of public sector investment.
Promoting thriftiness
(1)
 The government will be the leader on thriftiness by monitoring and regulating budget expenditures for maximum efficiency to prevent waste and eliminate extravagance.
(2)
 Campaign jointly with non-governmental organizations and the public to limit spending, increase savings, and conserve energy.
Creating unity and efficiency in overall economic policy management
(1)
 Arrange for the overall economic policy management system to have a unified decision-making process, clarity and transparency.
(2)
 Restructure existing agencies responsible for overall economic management to enable them to function efficiently, with a work process that is open to public scrutiny.

1.2 Alleviation of economic impact
Alleviating the unemployment problem
(1)
 Have state agencies take a role in expending the current budget to expand employment, particularly in the rural areas.
(2)
 Assist businesses with a large employee base to continue operations through various means of support, such as reduction of production costs, marketing promotion, and improved production technology.
(3)
 Address the problem of laid-off workers by expediting new job placement, new skills training, and coordinating assistance for laid-off workers through a network linking every province.
Alleviating the cost of living problem
(1)
 Minimize the impact on the cost of living, particularly that of low-income earners, by monitoring and investigating the cost of basic necessities and reducing monopolistic middleman behaviour.
(2)
 Increase the role of agencies responsible for consumer protection in monitoring and investigating exploitative business practices regarding product quality and prices.
(3)
 Expedite and increase in the supply of basic necessities, especially products for low-income earners. Monitor and ensure that product quality and prices fall within an appropriate range, and prevent shortages of supply.
Alleviating social problems
(1)
 Guarantee education opportunities for Thai youth whose families are affected by the economic recession by providing assistance in the form of student loans.
(2)
 Provide health and sanitation services, including rehabilitation for people affected by the economic crisis, by expanding health insurance for low-income earners to gain access to comprehensive health services, especially while unemployed or seeking employment.
(3)
 Improve efficiency in crime prevention and suppression as well as the judicial system to render justice and safeguard the life and property of citizens, particularly in the prevention and suppression of crime, drug trafficking and reducing the number of illegal foreign workers.

2. Medium-term policy : structural adjustment and social development

The government aims to lay the foundation for fostering economic strength and increasing competitiveness as well as promoting economic stability in continuation from the immediate phase, by emphasizing economic restructuring and social development in every aspect to cope with rapid changes, and continue with the policy of thorough distribution of income and progress to the rural areas. Nonetheless, due to budget constraints, the government is required to set priorities and a clear direction for implementation, as follows:

2.1 Strengthening sources of funds for economic restructuring
2.1.1
 Develop key financial instruments, especially long-term instruments and bonds, to mobilize funds for use in key development areas.
2.1.2
 Increase the role of the private sector by ensuring that strong state enterprises, or those with the status of limited companies or companies registered with the stock exchange, dispense shares to interested local and foreign investors.
2.1.3
 Ensure that the loans from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank are put to the most efficacious use to bring about adjustment of the production structure and an efficient and internationally competitive trading sector.

2.2 Restructuring the production system
Restructuring the agricultural sector
(1)
 Adjust the agricultural production system to comply with market demand. Use appropriate technology to increase production output and trim production costs, by expanding the volume of capital distributed to farmers through cooperatives, from existing funding sources in state-owned banks such as the Government Savings Bank, in order to quickly reduce production costs incurred by informal interest payments.
(2)
 Expand investment opportunities for farmers, agricultural institutes and the private sector in post-harvest activities; promote the creation of an agro-processing industry and processing of agricultural produce to boost exports; step up the country's role in international negotiations and cooperation at the bilateral and multilateral levels to promote Thai agricultural export in the world market.
(3)
 Support and promote research and development in the distribution of seeds for cultivation, livestock breeding and fisheries of good quality and high standard to farmers, in order to improve quality, increase output and reduce production costs in the agricultural sector, livestock and fisheries, including prevention of crop and animal epidemics.
(4)
 Encourage and reinvigorate agricultural production based on sustainable use of natural resources, with minimal impact on ecosystems and the environment, according to His Majesty the King's new theory, including the completion on schedule of royally-initiated projects.
(5)
 Bolster the capacity of farmers, agricultural institutes and cooperatives, through the systematic transfer of knowledge, technology and key information so that farmers, agricultural institutes and cooperatives can be self-reliant in terms of production, marketing and agro-processing, as well as serve as learning centres for rural communities.
(6)
 Ensure that farmers enjoy fair and stable prices for agricultural products, to raise incomes through boosting output, product quality improvement, development of production technology and marketing. At the same time, the irrigation system shall be completely linked up in line with the existing Master Plan, including the continuous implementation of land reform and addressing the problem of farmers' land to help adjust the structure for faster output growth.
Restructuring the industrial sector
(1)
 Encourage the Exim Bank to expand its credit services and locate sources of funding to support export-oriented manufacturing activities.
(2)
 Promote integrated industrial production by encouraging the continuous expansion in each industrial sector, by increasing the efficiency of technology utilization, and expanding foreign investment, as well as making use of investment guarantees in investor countries.
(3)
 Develop the linkage of production systems among large, medium and small-scale enterprises within each major industry, especially in the agro-processing, textiles, electronics, iron and petrochemical industries.
(4)
 Expedite industrial standardization, testing and standards certification to promote confidence in buyer countries, and provide advice for exporters by expanding the scope of specialized industrial institutes and research and development institutions.
Restructuring the service sector
(1)
 Tourism - improve the quality of tourist sites to promote in-country tourism by Thais and attract foreign tourists to visit Thailand again by decentralizing administrative authority on budget management, revenue allocation, and tourism industry personnel, while increasing the role of communities and non-governmental organizations in the preservation, restoration and development of local tourist sites.
(2)
 International education service - set policy, goals promoting international education, including cooperation between Thai and foreign institutions, and provide facilities to accommodate foreign students studying in Thailand.
(3)
 Public health and health care services - promote Thailand as a regional hub for health care services, by setting standards, quality certification of hospitals, developing the competence of health care personnel as well as using both direct and indirect public relations.

2.3 Increasing the potential of Special Economic Zones to enhance competitiveness
2.3.1
 Continuously work to increase the potential of special economic zones, especially the Eastern Seaboard, into the country's main industrial production base, in order to support higher-technology industries and attract investment and collective integrated industrial development to save production costs and enhance industrial competitiveness. Moreover, domestic and foreign investment shall be given incentives under the Southern Seaboard development scheme.
2.3.2
 Expedite the development of border and contiguous areas to support the growth generated by sub-regional co-operation with neighbouring countries.

2.4 Infrastructural adjustment
Transportation
(1)
 Land Transport - increase private sector participation in the development of land transport routes, including both road and railway , to expand and link all regions of the country , to promote industrial development and the distribution of progress to the outlying provinces.
(2)
 Marine transport - improve and unify the policymaking mechanisms on the merchant marine industry to take Thailand to a new dimension of international transportation , as well as seriously promote a national shipping line and the completion of Step 2 of Phase 1 of the construction of Laem Chabang seaport according to target in order to support the expansion of international trade , reduce shipping costs and the dependency on foreign shipping , as well as improve the coastal shipping system to provide another alternative for transportation and alleviate the congestion of land transport.
(3)
 Air Transport - expedite the development of the New Bangkok International Airport into the country's main international airport to support the country's status as an aviation hub , and develop regional airports to accommodate air cargo transportation.
Communications

Improve the country's communications management by expediting the passage of legislation to abolish state monopolies and encourage free competition in providing services, together with the establishment of a neutral , transparent , and unified body to oversee communications, with the foremost consideration being the target of improving service efficiency and benefit to consumers.
The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.
Energy
(1)
 Expedite the exploration and development of domestic and foreign energy sources to ensure supplies are stable and adequate to meet demand, at appropriate prices and quality.
(2)
 Promote efficient and economical energy usage, and continuously expedite energy conservation in accordance with the law on the promotion of energy conservation.
(3)
 Encourage competition in the energy industry and expedite privatization of state enterprises to lead to the efficient procurement , usage and distribution of energy.
Public utilities
(1)
 Tap water - ensure that the development of the national waterworks proceeds in an appropriate and systematic manner , with greater private sector participation in providing services.
(2)
 Housing - expedite the implementation of measures to solve the problem of inner - city slums in a tangible and integrated manner , including improvement of environmental quality and enhancement of job and income security, together with taking measures to prevent the expansion of slums, through permanent mechanisms for effective, unified coordination and supervision. In addition, ensure that private housing development projects measure up to standards and comply with contracts, in particular projects for low and medium income earners, in order to ensure fairness.

2.5 Development of science and technology
2.5.1
 Promote the use of technology as a tool to boost the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, by emphasizing the development of appropriate technologies that are consistent with workers' capacity to learn , while bearing in mind the economic returns from the adoption of new technology. Moreover, the Government shall promote the methodical development of technology to reduce imports of and dependency on foreign technology.
2.5.2
 Promote private sector participation in the development of science and technology and technology transfer , by granting tax privileges and promoting investment in research and development , so that research is consistent with the demands of business establishments.
2.5.3
 Continuously expedite the production and development of personnel in science and technology , as well as encourage the private sector to play a greater role in this connection.
2.5.4
 Expedite the development of measurement sciences to promote exports to enhance private sector competitiveness in international markets.

2.6 Human and social development
2.6.1
 Labour
(1)
 Improve labour laws , rules and regulations, and enforce them effectively to protect labour , especially women and children , so that they enjoy fair wages , safety and a good working environment.
(2)
 Prepare to absorb workers returning to their domiciles and laid - off workers under the present economic situation , so that they may be gainfully employed in agriculture and household industries , while promoting training and skills development to prepare them for entry into the skilled labour market.
(3)
 Expedite and expand the production of manpower in fields where most needed , both with and outside the formal education system. Expand training services and standards testing for labour skills by encouraging greater private sector participation , and expedite the implementation of the labour skills development fund.
(4)
 Promote bipartite and tripartite labour relations to enhance the investment atmosphere and expand employment opportunities in general.
2.6.2
 Education
(1)
 Devise a plan to expand basic education opportunities to no less than 12 years, to be provided by the state throughout the country , with good quality and at no expense.
(2)

Arrange for a national education law , as well as adjust the education system at all levels to conform with economic and social change, by using education as a medium to promote knowledge and instill political consciousness of democracy with the king as Head of State. Support research on the arts and sciences. Expedite the development of science and technology for national development , and promote local wisdom , arts and national culture.
The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.
(3)
 Support the private sector, professional organizations and local administrative bodies to participate in education management by emphasizing knowledge coupled with ethics , especially in the provision of professional training and education and education for the underprivileged , as well as look after student welfare in terms of medical care , nutritional supplements, milk and lunch.
(4)
 Educate parents and families on providing the basic foundations of life and preparing children at the pre-elementary school level while promoting pre-school education.
(5)
 Promote independent high-quality management in private educational institutions, with the state playing a supportive and promotive role , and introduce the coupon system to subsidize private education.
(6)
 Expedite the development of educational quality so that students enjoy learning and well-rounded development, especially in ethics and the capacity for lifelong self-learning. Set national education standards and evaluation system while guaranteeing educational quality for Thai education to meet standards of excellence.
(7)
 Expedite the development of the teaching profession into a highly regarded profession so that teachers can work with honour, by reforming the process of turning out and developing teachers, emphasizing the production of teachers in fields where most needed. Set standards and criteria to honour and reward good and capable teachers with career advancement by promoting the welfare of teachers.
(8)
 Encourage budgetary and administrative independence at state institutions of higher educations of higher education that are ready, possibly beginning with functional areas that are ready.
(9)
 Expand opportunities for higher education through the formulation of 3 interlinked systems, i.e., the community college system, which turns out mainly medium-level personnel at short periods or in response to community needs; the college system, which focuses on turning out bachelor's degree graduates and the provision of academic services to society; and the university system, which focuses on graduate studies and advanced research.
(10)
 Expand opportunities for higher education to the provinces through the use of information technology.
2.6.3
 Religion, Art and Culture
(1)
 Promote the role of religious organizations in propagating religious teachings to cultivate ethics and improve quality of life.
(2)
 Protect the Buddhist religion by working with the Sangha administrative bodies to improve related laws , rules and regulations for the stability of the religion. Support the education of monks and the establishment of a Buddhist promotion unit that enjoys broad acceptance and functions on a continuing basis.
(3)
 Support the participation of the public , organizations, institutions and communities in activities to preserve , promote, and disseminate Thai arts and culture.
(4)
 Promote Thailand as the center of cooperation on education , research , and the preservation of archaeological sites and artifacts, as well as the development of regional arts and culture.
2.6.4
 Sports Policy
(1)
 Promote and expedite the public utility projects. Concerned to be ready in time for the Asian Games XIII to be hosted by Thailand.
(2)
 Set measures to systematically raise the standards of the country's sports , as well as build sports facilities and provide enough equipment for practice and play to the maximum ability.
(3)
 Strengthen welfare to boost the morale of athletes, as well as support the private sector to play a role in raising the level of national sports to international standards.
(4)
 Promote wand support an increase in the number of professional athletes in various kinds of sports.
(5)
 Promote and support children, youth and the general public to develop their health and fitness through exercise and sports by providing adequate and widely available sport facilities and equipment as a basis for development of quality of life and for excellence in national and international competition.
2.6.5
 Public Health Policy
(1)
 Support the development of healthy practices by focusing on providing health education and expanding fundamental public health services to the family level , so as to improve the ability to take suitable health care for oneself, one's family and community.
(2)
 Expedite the solution of problems with serious trends such as AIDS , accidents, cancer , cardiovascular disease , narcotics , as well as occupational and environmental ailments, and diseases brought in by foreign migrant workers.
(3)
 Improve health care management by the cost - effective use of limited resources for the greatest public benefit, by promoting the use of appropriate medical and public health technologies in conjunction with the private sector, as well as the development of Thai traditional medicine.
(4)
 Expedite the production of public health personnel in sufficient numbers, with widespread distribution, particularly to rural areas , and promote their effective existence in the system.
(5)
 Expedite research and development in medical and public health technologies to contribute to the production of foodstuffs, drugs , medical supplies, and other health products for export and import substitution, as well as control the quality and standards of the products.
(6)
 Monitor and conduct quality checks of the environment which may pose a hazard to public health to remain at standard levels , and protect occupational safety as well as universally provide potable water for people in the rural areas.
2.6.6
 Policy on Security and Safety of Life and Property
(1)
 Conduct campaigns to instill within the public an awareness and sense of respect for the law , in conjunction with law enforcement to maintain peace and order by expediting and supervising state officials at all levels to observe the law strictly and fairly.
(2)
 Develop the quality of officials ,procure equipment and develop necessary technologies to increase the efficiency of crime prevention and suppression , as well as the prevention of accidents and public calamities to ensure the safety of the lives and property of citizens everywhere.
2.6.7
 Policy on Consumer Protection
(1)
 Set measures to expedite protection of consumers so that they enjoy products and services that are good, safe , of good quality and fairly priced through consumer education , checks on quality and standards , as well as strict enforcement of the law to punish offenders who take advantage of consumers.
(2)
 Promote suitable and correct production technologies, and ensure that advertisements for goods and services are truthful.
(3)
 Promote the private sectors to jointly set up central and provincial bodies to play a role in the protection of consumer interests.
2.6.8
 Other Policies
(1)
 Expedite the prevention and resolution of the problems of narcotic drugs and substances through legal , educational , sports and music measures, strengthening of the family institution , communities, educational institutions and religious institutions to take a role in addressing the drug problem; expedite the suppression of drug offenders, including users, sellers and producers, by concentrating on the financiers and influential figures behind the business; and expand therapy and rehabilitation for drug addicts as well as expedite the passage of the law on the laundering of money derived from the drug trade.
The government considers the laws under this heading to be laws necessary for the administration of state affairs pursuant to Article 173 of the Constitution.
(2)
 Care for, rehabilitate and develop the underprivileged and groups deserving special care, such as the elderly, the indigent, the handicapped or disabled, by encouraging them to obtain education, job training, employment and recreation as the case may be, so that they may become proudly self-reliant and live happily in society.
(3)
 Encourage the family institution, religious institutions, the mass media and public interest non-governmental organisations to participate in solving problems of wandering children, child labour and prostitution.
(4)
 Promote equality between men and women by amending laws, rules and regulations to offer equal opportunity for men and women in terms of employment, or an equal role in management or decision-making, both in the public and private sectors, within the limits of the constitution.
(5)
 Instill basic values to children and juveniles on reason, openness to others' ideas, respecting others' rights and freedoms, sportsmanship, discipline, faith in democracy with the King as Head of State, self-reliance, thrift, adherence to the Thai identity, national arts and culture as well as the customs and traditions of one's birthplace and community, scientific thinking, knowing the value of natural resources and the environment, steering clear of vice, drugs, addictive substances, cigarettes and intoxicants.

2.7 The Management of Natural Resources and the Environment
2.7.1
 Support zoning measures to determine the appropriate use of land, taking into consideration soil fertility and site potential, e.g., agricultural, commercial, industrial, community and protected forest zones.
2.7.2
 Promote the conservation and rehabilitation of land and mangrove forest resources, by encouraging local administrative bodies and local citizens to participate in forest conservation and cultivation of community forests conservation and cultivation of community forests, as well as by strictly enforcing the law to prevent and suppress log poaching.
2.7.3
 Expedite the conservation, control and protection of water sources to avoid environmental problems, by ensuring that the responsible units strictly implement water quality control and increasing the capacity for wastewater recycling before release into water sources and major riverways throughout the country, as well as by promoting joint ventures between public and private sectors in building integrated wastewater treatment systems.
2.7.4
 Expedite the decentralization of environmental management authority to the provinces and local communities by supporting communities and citizens to participate in creating environmental action plans at the provincial level.
2.7.5
 Set measures to compel strict compliance with the law to control the exploitation of and rehabilitate natural resources, by designating environmentally-protected and pollution-restricted zones.
2.7.6
 Instill awareness of the importance of natural resource and environmental conservation into the minds of children, youth, and the general public; and encourage the public sector, communities and NGOs to participate.
2.7.7
 Support an increase of green areas in communities or cities that are densely populated or expanding economically.

2.8 Developing Bangkok Metropolis

The Government shall expedite the revitalization of Bangkok Metropolis under the existing budget according to the following approaches:

2.8.1
 Expedite the coordination between Bangkok Metropolis and related agencies on the transportation network projects under construction to be completed on time, to link Bangkok with the new economic zone on the Eastern Seaboard, and the western central and upper central region in order to expand the boundary of the Metropolis and to stipulate plans for the development of satellite towns and suburban communities of Bangkok in the long term.
2.8.2
 Arrange for feasibility studies on the development of modern transportation networks between Bangkok and its satellite towns and suburbs, to relieve Bangkok's congestion in the long term.
2.8.3
 Expedite the resolution of the traffic problem according to the master plan.
2.8.4
 Expedite the implementation of the permanent flood prevention plan.

Mr. President,

Since the new Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand was adopted this Cabinet is the first to announce its policies to a joint session of Parliament according to the new Constitution. The Council of Ministers and I well recognize that the Government has an important mission to carry out in every way with integrity and honesty, openness and accountability, so that our every action corresponds to the wishes of the people and the provisions of the Constitution. The Government shall lay the foundation and urgently push for the implementation of measures to support the Constitution, whether in terms or legislation or other forms, for complete consistency in the enforcement of the Constitution, and to prepare for the first general election under the Constitution so that it proceeds in an orderly and smooth manner, rather than stumble due to regulations or misunderstanding on the part of officials or citizens. Preparations must also be made to ensure the readiness of the supervisors, the election administrators, and the functionaries. Most importantly, it must be clean and fair.

Aside form the aforementioned political circumstances, the Cabinet is also about to enter office at a time of economic difficulty. This is another reason it is being closely watched both from within and outside the country, because Thailand's economic actions henceforth will inevitably affect the region and the international community. I wish to assure you that the Government will use its existing preparedness, cooperation from all sectors and the lessons of the past to mobilize every resource for the maximum benefit, and to use the time wisely to overcome the nation's economic crisis according to the aforesaid policies and measures, with fortitude, integrity, prudence, swiftness and decisiveness.

The administration of state affairs henceforth, especially the first 3 months, will not be under normal conditions, due to the special circumstances of the economic crisis. Both government and private sectors, must carry out their tasks with forbearance and economy, based on confidence in democratic rule with the King as Head of State. The Government shall listen to the opinions of the people, the mass media, and the business sector as widely as possible.

Mr. President and Honorable Members of Parliament,

Resolving the political and economic problems, as well as carrying out the tasks according to the policy just stated and action plans to be drawn up, will be accomplished only with the understanding and co-operation of the people, especially the representatives of the Thai populace present in this Parliament. I and the Government therefore wholeheartedly hop to receive your support and are confident that we hall enjoy your good co-operation.

Thank you.

 


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