Policy Announcement*

Mr. President,
Distinguished Members,

In accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, the government needs not present the formal policies to the Parliament. It is possible to administer right away, without the approval, but I believe it is better to inform, as for our own goods, and have good understandings and mutual cooperations. Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to let me know and I shall answer you in details. Persuant to His Majesty the King's gracious appointment of myself as Prime Minister, per Royal Command dated 9 February 1959, and the subsequent appointment of the Council of Ministers, per Royal Command dated 10 February 1959. The Council of Ministers has now formulated the formal policies, as follows:

Evidently, the Council of the Constitution Drafting shall supervise the drafting of the new Constitution, which, with the Royal Sign, shall enforce the General Election, according to the said Constitution. In this respect, the government shall administer state affairs in the limited time, hence, intend to complete short-term projects, and lay foundations for long-term ones.

Nevertheless, the State Administration Council had led the Coup d'Etat, aspiring not only for the change of the government and the new Constitution, but also for the path towards the modernization and prosperity. Honestly, the government believes that the prior regime was full of defects and obstacles, thus, it is wise to opt for the new form of state administration and national development.

In addition, the government shall continue the policies of the State Administration Council, as for the national benefits, i.e., promoting the national industry, banning the opium consumption and trade, etc., as for the sake of the people.

The government believes that it is necessary to revise and improve the national economic system, as to increase the real per capita, hence, the quality of life of the people. The government shall also revise the national financial system and support the agriculture, cooperatives, industry, trade, and transportation, as for the sake of the people.

The government shall heed particular attentions to provide the formal education. Thai children shall receive the knowledge, together with morals. The government shall also establish and provide the rightful assistance to the National Education Council.

The government shall institute the national ethics, culture, sanitation, as well as, rural developments, in order to achieve the national peace and security.

As for the security, the government shall maintain the efficiency, modernize the military practice, education, and weaponry, as for the greater capacity, and enhance the military welfare.

In addition, the government shall:

1.	Respect the status of the King, as Head of State.
2.	Administer the state affairs, in accordance with the democratic government, respect the human rights, and implement efficient measures, as for the national benefits.
3.	Preserve the national rights and responsibilities, in accordance with the international obligations, and respect the charters of the Southeast Asian Treaties Organization.
4.	Follow the United Nations' Charter, establish good relations with sovereign nations, upon the justice, public well-being, and security basis, furnish good understandings and collaborations with friendly nations, especially the Southeast asian countries, and preserve the regional peace.

Regarding the foreign aids, the government shall consider, as far as it does not concern the national sovereignty. Nevertheless, the government is determined to increase the national self-reliance.

Finally, I hope that the dedication and administration of the state affairs, rendered to resolve the national crisis, shall witness my honesty and good thoughts, towards the country. Although the formal policies of this government may not be as long as usual, I would like to address to you that the government shall lead the country to the prosperity.

Thank you.

Parliament Assembly Report of 12 February 1959, Pages 19-21.

Unofficial Translation