Mr. President,
Distinguished Members,

Pursuant to His Majesty the King's gracious appointment of myself as Prime Minister, as per Royal Command dated 13 July 1995 and the subsequent appointment of the Council of Ministers, as per Royal Command dated 18 July 1995, and now that the Council of Ministers has already laid down policies for the administration of the country, I shall, hereby, present to you the policies, the intentions and the objectives of the Council of Ministers.

In the course of the on-going process of the development of the country, the aim has mainly been focused on economic development with a view that if the economic system is well developed, the quality of life of the people will also in return be enhanced. From this dimension of development, it can be seen that Thailand has successfully attained the objectives set for economic expansion, yet many problems have also occurred as a result of such development. For instance, the ever-widening disparity of income, the deterioration of natural resources and the environment, the disorientation and the growing materialism within society, low morality and neglect of good Thai values, and the change of family structure resulting in juvenile and social problems. In conclusion, the previous development has gradually caused the degradation to the environment and deterioration of the quality of life.

The Council of Ministers has, therefore, set the main objectives for national administration with a view to creating happiness within the society and developing mentally and physically healthy people capable of competing in the modern world without neglecting good Thai values. The ten aspects of the Government's policies are the means leading to the development of Thai society to fulfill its potential, to be knowledgeable, to participate in the developmental process and to be conscious and responsible towards society and the environment, which will put all dimensions of development in balance. The details are as follows:

1. Political and Administrative Policy

The Government will uphold and preserve the institutions of Nation, Religion, Monarchy and the democratic form of government with the King as Head of State. The Government will upkeep the independence of the country and the integrity of the territory, strengthen and stabilize the political institutions as well as encourage the people to participate in politics at all levels. The Government will govern the country with righteousness to ensure increased efficiency and accommodate all the divergent interests of the people as well as maintain the Thai identity. The Government will endeavour its utmost to bring happiness and prosperity to the people by pursuing the following policies.

1.1 The Development Of Political Institutions And The Planning For Political Development

1.1.1	Draw up plans for political development to comply with the Policy of State and the democratic form of government with the King as Head of State. This includes political reforms to encourage greater popular participation in the national administration and in the political check and balance system.
1.1.2	Support the amendment of the Constitution Article No. 211 by taking into consideration the recommendation from the Committee on Democracy Development.
1.1.3	Support the Parliamentary organ to discharge the legislative function and examine the Executive Branch efficiently
1.1.4	Promote and support the people, popular organizations, and the mass media to participate in political developmental process.

1.2 Reformation of Laws

Expedite the revocation and amendment of laws which are outdated or unsuited to present conditions, especially those depriving the rights and freedom of the people, not complying with the Constitution and obstructing the administration and its good service to the people.

1.3 Promoting Political Ideology

Promote and support educational institutions at all levels, all branches of the mass media and popular organizations to participate in disseminating and instilling knowledge; create understanding of and faith in the process, the content and the roles and obligations of the democratic government with the King as Head of State. Support the way of life which conforms with the democratic principles.

1.4 National Administration

1.4.1	Modernize central, regional, and local administrative systems by making appropriate improvements in and streamlining the structures of ministries, departments and governmental agencies. Increase efficiency by eliminating duplication of works, amend the system for granting permission or approval by government officials in order to lay down the criteria and set a clear timeframe for implementation so that the public and concerned persons can be informed in advance. This is aimed at eliminating opportunities for corruption and malfeasance in government circles, especially those involved directly in public services.
1.4.2	Effectively prevent and suppress corruption and malfeasance in government circles, by developing and strengthening counter-corruption agencies. Promote internal inspection within governmental agencies. Enhance morale, work ethics and strengthen discipline of government officials. Apply merit system in evaluating performances and granting promotion. Increase the participation of the public, community organizations, and the mass media in monitoring government works.
1.4.3	Raise salaries and wages of government officials as well as district and village headmen to be compatible with the present cost of living. Provide welfare and various benefits for government officials to lead a secure life with honour and dignity.

1.5 Judicial Administration

1.5.1	Create social justice through impartial and nondiscriminatory law enforcement as well as strictly uphold the principles of law and righteousness.
1.5.2	Improve and expedite the judicial process of administrative, civil and criminal codes to enhance efficiency. Modernize the specialized judicial system and guarantee freedom of judicial institutions.

1.6 Decentralization

1.6.1	Delegate more responsibilities regarding the daily activities of the people to local administrative units, especially in providing public welfare, This is aimed at increasing participation by the local people in their administration. Promote cooperation with the local administrative organs in solving specific local problems which have repercussions on the overall national development such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
1.6.2	Increase distribution of revenue to local administrative body on a gradual basis to ensure its efficiency. Amend laws and regulations to increase the autonomy and flexibility of local administrative body in budget management to cope with increased revenue.
1.6.3	Organize elections of all levels of local administrative posts, taking into account the roles of district and local village headmen as coordinators between local and regional administrative bodies, in order to maintain cohesiveness of the people.
1.6.4	Allow freedom in policy formulation of local administration in areas of management, development, natural resources and environmental management as well as city planning.
1.6.5	Support the work of local administration at all levels to respond effectively and efficiently to local needs.

1.7 Ensure The Orderliness And Safety Of Lives And Properties

1.7.1

Prevent and suppress crimes of all types with effectiveness by rendering full support to the factors contributing to the expansion of community and public relations works; increase awareness and promote participation amongst the public, community organizations, sub-district chiefs, village headmen, and voluntary groups in crime prevention; accelerate the suppression of the production and trafficking of narcotics, including the sources of moral deterioration which create criminal acts.

1.7.2

Develop systems which serve to protect, relieve and prevent disasters in order to provide swift and effective assistance to disaster-inflicted victims; improve the efficiency of the implementing agencies in terms of equipment, accessories, and increase the capability of personnel, encourage community organizations to participate in the Government agencies concerned; campaign and increase awareness and consciousness in the prevention and restraint of disasters inflicted upon students, road users, labour force, and other high-risk professions.

1.8 Public Participation

1.8.1	Promote awareness of government activities and their implementation within the legal framework, as well as encourage the free expression of opinions and to disseminate accurate news in a swift and just manner.
1.8.2	Promote the free expression of opinions on important controversial national problems through opinion polls to assist the decision-making of the nation.

2. National Security Policy

The Government intends to develop and modernize the armed forces to create efficiency in responding to the global changes, by undertaking the following measures:

2.1	Develop and promote the capability of the armed forces to discharge their duties with pride and honour as stipulated by the Constitution, with priority given to the protection of national and people's interests.
2.2	Support the armed forces by providing the necessary personnel, technology, and weaponry which are relevant to modern warfare; promote the research and the development of self-sufficient armed forces for the future.
2.3	Encourage the armed forces to cooperate with other government agencies in national development on the basis of democratic principles for the benefit of the people, particularly with regard to poverty eradication; encourage the people to participate and increase their awareness of the activities of the armed forces.
2.4	Promote the role of the armed forces in the United Nations and establish friendly relations with the armed forces of the neighbouring countries and the international community.
2.5	Improve the spirit and welfare system of all military personnel and their families; promote military sport tournaments in order to achieve excellence in sports at the national level.
2.6	Enhance the honour of war veterans, particularly those who are handicapped and deficient to be treated with respect by the Thai society.

3. Foreign Policy

The Government will conduct on independent foreign policy and cultivate friendly relations with the international community. Promote relations and cooperation with all countries in the fields of politics, economics, social issues, technology and culture based on the principles of national interests, peaceful-coexistence, and in accordance with the increasing prosperity of the global community. Upgrade Thailand's image to a realistic and appropriate standard, presenting Thailand as a capable, active, and responsible nation, by undertaking the following measures:

3.1	Promote bilateral and multilateral exchange and cooperation in economic, social, and cultural issues, as well as to foster cooperation in education, technical, human resources development, and environmental protection.
3.2	Increase relations with the neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia, particularly those countries that share a common border with Thailand, for the purpose of development and cooperation with a view to bringing about peaceful co-existence. In this regard, Thailand supports regular and continuous contacts with all Southeast Asian countries, be it the public or the private sector, community organizations as well as military institutions of the respective countries.
3.3	Increase Thailand's role in important international forums, namely the United Nations, the World Trade Organization (WTO), regional economic forums, and organizations of the developing countries with a view to enhancing Thailand's political role and status in the international community.
3.4	Conduct foreign policy with a view to strengthening and complementing Thailand's performance in benefitting from the trend towards a new international and regional trade order, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), and the economic growth areas, in order to link the sub-regions of Southeast Asia with other regions as well as to generate mutual benefit for the prosperity, and progress of the neighbouring countries.
3.5	Promote the role of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) as well as Thailand's contribution in that forum for the promotion of peace and stability in Southeast Asia.
3.6	Increase the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in economic issues by supporting trade negotiations, exports, investments; promoting tourism, and protecting the interests of Thai overseas investors and nationals abroad.
3.7	Adjust Thailand's role from an aid-recipient country to a donor of assistance to the neighbouring countries.
3.8	Take a leading role in the conduct of relations with the Southeast Asian countries with emphasis on Thailand's constructive role as a democratic nation which upholds justice and righteousness, respects human rights, and protects the ecological balance.

4. Economic Policy

4.1 Monetary and Financial Policies

The Government intends to build a strong and stable national economic system, to maintain financial and monetary disciplines, to encourage domestic savings, to promote financial liberalization within an appropriate period of time in consistent with other economic sectors, to internationalize the country's capital market, and decentralize monetary and financial authorities to local administrative agencies. This government will implement the following measures:

4.1.1	Control the country's inflation rate at a proper level, in line with the growth rate and economic conditions.
4.1.2	Encourage domestic savings, particularly within household, and long-term savings such as through the establishment of pension fund and provident fund.
4.1.3	Maintain a reasonable foreign exchange rate to stabilize the country's economic system and increase the country's competitiveness.
4.1.4	Develop Thailand as the monetary centre of the region through financial liberalization.
4.1.5	Remove the taxation on people's savings intended for home purchases, children's education, and retirement.
4.1.6	Widen and deepen the capital market consistent with international standards by encouraging businesses in Bangkok and other provinces as well as overseas to be listed in the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET); to mobilize capital and to link domestic capital markets with those abroad, particularly the neighbouring countries, and to encourage the issuance of new capital debentures for debts and capitals to diversify and create more options in capital mobilization.
4.1.7	Promote financial decentralization to allow agencies to increase their revenue and efficiency.
4.1.8	Improve the management of the national budgetary system.
4.1.9	Encourage private sector participation in the country's infrastructural development and public services to alleviate the budget burden on the government.
4.1.10	Initiate monetary and financial measures and policies to encourage Thai investments in the economic development of the neighbouring countries.

4.2 Agricultural Policy

The Government intends to develop the potential and increase the standard of living of the farmers. As for the advanced agricultural sector, the Government shall increase its international competitiveness by increasing efficiency and reducing production costs, by opening new agricultural markets, by developing the farm processing industry, and by raising the prices of farm commodities. As for the less developed agricultural sector, the Government shall give emphasis to increasing the income of the farmers by reducing production costs, developing water sources for agriculture, and by resolving the debt problem of the farmers by undertaking the following measures:

4.2.1	Raise the prices of agricultural products to a level acceptable to farmers by expanding new export markets, particularly exports of agricultural products to newly opened markets under the framework of international economic obligations, and support "futures market"
4.2.2	Encourage farmers to cultivate marketable crops, particularly those in demand by processing industry.
4.2.3	Assist farmers in purchasing fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals at acceptable prices in order to promote the competitiveness of agricultural products.
4.2.4	Provide a sufficient supply of water for agricultural purposes as well as for general usage and consumption by developing natural water resources and constructing water reservoirs. Cooperate with the neighbouring countries for water utilization from international sources and increase the efficiency of water management.
4.2.5	Promote the growth of the agricultural sector comparable to that of other economic sectors by encouraging farm mechanization through the reduction of import duties on equipment and machinery, and by promoting technical research with a view to improving the quality and productivity of agricultural products.
4.2.6	Strengthen the role of agricultural institutions in the production and marketing of farm goods.
4.2.7	Support and encourage the private sector to cooperate with the government in investment relating to the development and expansion of all agricultural sectors.
4.2.8	Develop and improve the mechanism of the agricultural cooperative system and farmers with an emphasis on the revolving fund for the members.
4.2.9	Solve the debt problems of the farmers by providing long-term credit at low interest rates as well as improve the efficiency of credit management.
4.2.10	Accelerate land reform for impoverished farmers in accordance with laws relating to agricultural land reform.
4.2.11	Accelerate the process of justly resolving the problem off illegal occupation of state-owned land in accordance with the stipulated laws, as well as to consider the community rights in managing the local resources.
4.2.12	Promote projects of the community organizations in acquiring additional income for agricultural families in the rural areas.

4.3 Industrial Policy

The government intends to maintain and strengthen Thailand's industrial competitiveness in the world market by increasing the capability and efficiency of production along with environmental protection and decentralization of investment to the rural areas through the expansion of infrastructure networks; stress private sector participation in industrial development. The government will undertake the following measures:

4.3.1	Promote and encourage the relocation of industries to the regional and rural areas by establishing industrial estates and special zones. Offer incentives for investment to encourage local employment and distribute income to the rural areas.
4.3.2	Promote and encourage investment in industries of all sizes, especially medium and small industries as well as cottage industries in large urban communities.
4.3.3	Render full support for investment in potential industries which help generate income and employment such as agro-processing industries, high-technology industries, tourism and export industries.
4.3.4	Develop and upgrade the competitiveness of national major export industries to increase the country's market share and sustain the development of labour skills, marketing, production, quality, design etc….
4.3.5	Accelerate the expansion of public facilities, utilities and infrastructures consistent with the increasing needs of industrial development.
4.3.6	Reform rules and regulations with a view to streamlining bureaucratic procedures regarding the granting of permits to help ease the investors' burdens.
4.3.7	Promote and develop supporting industries to supplement the potential key industries.
4.3.8	Control industrial pollution to sustain and nurture the environment and ecological balance at a standardized level by implementing strict laws relating to environmental protection.

4.4 International Economic Policy

The government intends to sustain and increase Thailand's economic prosperity both in the short and long term through the promotion of trade, investment, tourism, and technology transfer and development. To this end, international economic cooperation will be fostered and further expanded, with adherence to international agreements and consistent with economic transformations in the new global community. The government will :

4.4.1

Strengthen Thailand's international competitiveness through the following measures:

4.4.2	Conduct trade and investment policies with a view to reducing the current account deficit through the promotion of high value-added exports, tourism and services.
4.4.3	Seek new markets and sources of funding to increase the economic benefits of the country.
4.4.4	Enhance Thailand's role in the international economic arena to protect the country's interests and raise the quality of life and welfare of the people through the following measures:

4.5 Transport and Telecommunication Policies

The government intends to further expand land-air-waterway transport networks throughout the country with emphasis on the development of transport infrastructure, the expansion of the use of modern equipment and high technology in telecommunications, the reduction of service fees and the support of private sector participation in transport and telecommunications development and management in a free market system. The government will undertake the following measures:

4.5.1 Land Transportation

4.5.2 Air Transportation

4.5.3 Sea and waterway Transportation

4.5.4 Telecommunications

4.6 Energy Policy

The government intends to ensure a sufficient supply of energy to meet demand at reasonable price; support private sector participation in energy management, by undertaking the following measures:

4.6.1	Promote an economical and efficient use of energy at industrial and household levels, by supporting the production of highly efficient energy-saving facilities; promote a campaign for energy conservation in accordance with the Energy Conservation Act. Raise public awareness of energy conservation.
4.6.2	Secure a sufficient supply of energy resources for consumption at a fair and stable price. Explore and develop domestic sources of energy resources and enhance the efficiency of government agencies in energy supervision and management.
4.6.3	Conduct feasibility studies on the use of alternative energy for future consumption and promote cooperation with the neighbouring countries to develop and acquire new energy sources.
4.6.4	Improve and develop oil pipeline networks to reduce transportation costs and introduce uniform retail pricing nationwide.

4.7 Tourism Policy

The government intends to promote and develop the tourism industry to increase national revenue, whilst at the same time, to maintain and preserve the valuable cultural and natural resources of tourist destinations, through the following measures:

4.7.1	Promote and support investment in tourism and related businesses, particularly the hotel industry; upgrade the quality of services to maintain its international competitiveness.
4.7.2	Develop tourist destinations to accommodate the increasing number of visitors as well as provide facilities and safety measures and other basic public utilities. Conserve and restore cultural heritage, historical and natural tourist locations; protect tourists from business malpractises which may affect the country's image.
4.7.3	Promote international cooperation in tourism to create Thailand as a regional centre for tourism.
4.7.4	Encourage Thai travellers to tour Thailand.
4.7.5	Increase the number and quality of personnel to meet the demand of the tourism industry.

5. Social Policy

5.1 Policy on Preservation of Thai Culture and Religion

The Government intends to encourage the preservation of Thai culture; promote and foster religion by encouraging the people to pay more attention to the essence of religious teachings; promote local skills; preserve indigenous arts and traditional heritage of the nation, by proceeding to:

5.1.1	Strengthen the cohesiveness of the family institution by granting various incentives, such as reduction of tax and service fees on family activities.
5.1.2	Promote local skills to contribute to national development.
5.1.3	Promote national arts such as Thai paintings, carvings and traditional Thai dramas-be it shadow theatre, mask dance, folk-lore shows such as 'Morlam', 'Likae' etc, including Thai arts and culture in the form of sports, such as 'korlae', 'longboat' races, and Thai martial arts, by allocating public funds to subsidize these artists in supporting their profession as well as preserving these arts and culture.
5.1.4	Promote the preservation of national and historical sites, particularly sites recognised as world heritage, by allocating a budget for restoration purposes as tourists destinations, by encouraging both the Thai and foreign private sectors to participate in establishing funds for the preservation of relics and historical sites. Separate the zones of the old and new towns in order to control the construction activities in the said area to blend with the existing traditional architecture.
5.1.5	Enhance the various religious activities and encourage the people to pay more attention to the essence of religious teachings rather than on materialistic symbols. The purpose is to create genuine public understanding of the religious principles and teachings, and to practise them towards attaining a peaceful society.

5.2 Policy On Women, Children, Youths And The Underprivileged

The government intends to promote the status of women, to develop children and youth, and to extend care to the underprivileged to enjoy decent living in society, by undertaking the following measures:

5.2.1	Promote those legislations supporting the provision of the Constitutional Law which stipulates that men and women have equal rights. Amend laws, rules and regulations to eradicate any discriminatory treatment against women.
5.2.2	Promote the participation of women in national economic, social and political developments as well as helping define the country's direction
5.2.3	Impose strict measures to protect the welfare of women and to prevent women and children from being lured into prostitution.
5.2.4	Promote fair treatment for female workers in terms of wages, welfare, particularly, for those non-affiliated female workers.
5.2.5	Provide training and improve the skills of women in rural areas taking into account the socio-economic conditions of the community.
5.2.6	Promote physical, mental and ethical development of children by stressing cooperation between the government and private sector.
5.2.7	Support the establishment of youth groups and youth camps; develop youth centres to play an important role in the development of the potential of youths; improve public libraries at various levels; upgrade the sports complex to efficiently serve all children and youths.
5.2.8	Encourage the family institution, government agencies, private sector, community organizations, religious institutions and the mass media, to play a crucial role in preventing and solving problems as well as in developing children and youths in hardship to lead a normal and healthy life, including the effective prevention and problem solving of child labour prostitution.
5.2.9	Attend to, rehabilitate and develop the underprivileged and the special group, such as the disabled, to receive education and vocational training in order to attain self-reliance and self-pride.

5.3 Public Health Policy

The Government will improve public health services nation-wide by focusing on illness prevention and on enhancing public health, as well as promoting private sector participation in expanding public health services by undertaking the following measures:

5.3.1	Accelerate the expansion of the primary health care services in rural areas.
5.3.2	Introduce health insurance system, particularly to the elderly, the handicapped and the impoverished in order to increase access to the public health services.
5.3.3	Campaign and publicize the dangers of AIDS as well as enhance public understanding and assisting AIDS-infected people to remain part of society.
5.3.4	Support public and private sector projects which focus on treatment and rehabilitation of drug-addicts in order to reintegrate them into society.
5.3.5	Impose strict surveillance and inspection of environmental quality which may be hazardous to public health in order to contain them at the safety standard level.
5.3.6	Accelerate the treatment of infectious garbage and wastewater emanating from public and private health agencies, as well as provide sufficient amount of cleansed-water for rural usage and consumption.
5.3.7	Enforce consumer protection measures in order to ensure the safety standard of food and pharmaceuticals.
5.3.8	Promote the production and development of efficient and sufficient medical and public health personnel along with the application of modern medical and public health technology for public health services.
5.3.9	Support the establishment of standardized daycare child centres through tax incentives.
5.3.10	Promote public awareness of proper health and self-care.

5.4 Labour and Social Welfare Policies

The Government will develop workers' skills as well as provide welfare benefits and proper standardized safety system. Support labour union establishment for the benefit of labour relations and protection, and step up appropriate measures on alien labour, by undertaking the following measures:

5.4.1	Promote training and skill development in order to increase the capacity of workers, the underprivileged and the handicapped. Educate and develop working skills as well as provide rehabilitation through short-term skill training and expand cooperation with the private sector in establishing vocational training institutes for specific skills and expertise.
5.4.2	Promote an effective system on labour relations, labour protection and safety standard measures at bilateral and trilateral levels for good relations between employers and employees, Promote cooperation in settling conflicts and disputes and to ensure that employees be provided with proper and standard welfare benefits as well as good working conditions.
5.4.3	Promote employees' rights and protection in forming labour unions. Revise all related state enterprise labour laws and regulations to ensure that rights, duties and responsibilities are well-defined and comply with the democratic system, taking into account the development policy, the promotion of national economic and social policies, and the prohibition of strikes in any public utilities and activities.
5.4.4	Provide more assistance and care for the elderly, the handicapped, the underprivileged and the abandoned people by setting up public welfare centres as well as introducing social welfare laws.
5.4.5	Accelerate the setting up of labour and welfare information centres in order to provide information on employment and registration of workers in order to increase efficient services for workers in all aspects.
5.4.6	Accelerate research and data collection to formulate appropriate measures on alien labour working in Thailand.

5.5 Sport Policy

The Government will promote and develop sports for the health of the people, improve the standard of sports to an excellent level comparable with that of the international community, by undertaking the following measures:

5.5.1	Promote basic sports for amateur and professional competitions for the health of the people by allocating budget to support sport activities. Encourage private sector participation in management and administration as well as expand opportunities is sport activities nation-wide.
5.5.2	Boost morale and instill pride within sportsmen, especially those who bring honour and fame to the country and those who are members of the national teams, by offering them a good standard of living.
5.5.3	Encourage young people to play sports and support the development of sport equipment quality as well as set up international sport centres.

6. Educational Policy

The government intends to develop human resources as the pillar for all other developments through the expansion of basic compulsory educational programmes along with other essential state welfare benefits. Local administrative agencies will be encouraged to participate in managing the educational programmes to conform with the local environment and lifestyles. The Government will promote non-formal education by utilizing modern technology in order to extend and provide education to all rural and remote areas nation-wide. Welfare benefits and remunerations for teachers and educational personnel of all levels will be improved. The following measures will be implemented:

6.1	Increase educational opportunities to fully prepare children for their primary education.
6.2	Extend the compulsory education from six years to nine years in both formal and non-formal programmes with the objective to extend it to twelve years in the near future. Educational assistance and welfare benefits will be provided to students in need.
6.3	Provide scholarships and educational funds to students in need for higher learning.
6.4	Accelerate the production of a sufficient number of qualified personnel in fields vital to national development such as in sciences, medicine, engineering, and computer science. Universities and vocational colleges will be upgraded, particularly with regard to improving teaching personnel, adopting new curricula and teaching methods. Cooperation among international educational institutes will be fostered in terms of technological exchanges.
6.5	University research and development programmes will continue to be promoted focusing on their practical application, both economically and socially.
6.6	Accelerate the improvement of educational curricula, and teaching and learning methodologies, to conform to the new global era, with emphasis on developing analytical skills, learning from facts and experiences, together with the promotion of moral values and ethics.
6.7	Increase non-formal educational opportunities through the utilization of modern technology and long-distance learning access system, mobile teaching system, as well as the creation of animal museums, the renovation of history museums, the construction of aquaria and science parks etc….
6.8	Support the decentralization of educational administration by allowing local agencies to play a more active role in managing the types of educational programmes appropriate to local conditions and lifestyles.
6.9	Promote the participation of the private sector, community organizations, and parent-teacher associations in educational planning.
6.10	Encourage the underprivileged and the handicapped to gain access to education and vocational training in order to attain more self-reliance.
6.11	Develop the administrative system of state institutions of higher learning to be more independent, flexible, efficient, and to attain academic excellence.
6.12	Relax official rules and regulations and develop appropriate incentive measures to promote the private sector's role in providing greater investment in education and more vocational training at all levels.
6.13	Increase welfare benefits and morale of teachers and educational personnel of all levels to enhance career security and professional pride.
6.14	Upgrade the teaching standard by increasing supervision and to systematically and continuously develop the quality and ethics of teachers and educational personnel.

7. Natural Resources And Environmental Policy

The government intends to restore, conserve and develop deteriorating natural resources and decaying environment by encouraging greater participation of the general public, community organizations, and local administrative agencies through the following measures:

7.1	Accelerate the efforts to promulgate laws concerning public parks by providing opportunities for the public and the community organizations to partake in the maintenance and joint utilization of the parks.
7.2	Enhance the effectiveness and strengthen the mandate of the concerned agencies responsible for the management and conservation of natural resources.
7.3	Settle disputes regarding the use of natural resources through land usage planning.
7.4	Introduce plan of action and set priority on environment-related investment to serve as the master plan for managing environmental quality nation-wide.
7.5	Accelerate efforts to prevent and solve problems relating to water, air, and noise pollution, as well as treatment of waste from industrial plants, to be based on a premise that those responsible for causing damages to the environment will have to bear the financial costs.
7.6	Promote international cooperation in monitoring and solving environmental problems.
7.7	Encourage the involvement of the general public, community organizations, and local administrative agencies in the conservation and protection of the environment.

8. Science and Technology Policies

The Government intends to accelerate the development of science and technology as the basis for increasing productivity and quality of life of the people, by undertaking the following measures:

8.1	Promote research and development, particularly for commercial, industrial, agricultural and service purposes, to enhance productivity and raise the quality of life of the people.
8.2	Promote the exchanges of appropriate technology with other countries and apply it to national development as well as to increase efficiency in production, distribution, trading and marketing, including the administration of modern information system to enhance international competitiveness of the private sector.
8.3	Expedite the formulation of a master plan for personnel development in the field of science and technology to meet qualitative and quantitative requirements by producing a sufficient number of qualified personnel.
8.4	Expand cooperation with other countries in scientific and technological development.
8.5	Create and integrated network of science and technology information systems at both the domestic and international levels.
8.6	Promote private sector participation in science and technology development and utilization by means of tax incentives, loans and grants.
8.7	Support the initiative to develop a science and technology town as a centre for research and development.

9. Income and Development Distribution Policy

The Government intends to distribute income and development nation-wide by expanding economic and social infrastructures to all regions in order to achieve balanced and sustainable rural development, by undertaking the following measures:

9.1	Expand economic and social infrastructures such as water, electricity, telephone, communication and telecommunication systems, schools, public health centres, and particularly paved roads in every village, and raise the quality of life of the rural people.
9.2	Support and urge financial institutions to diversify and extend more credit facilities to farmers, agro-businesses, small-scale industries, entrepreneurs, and regional self-run businesses.
9.3	Promote and support the decentralization of industries to rural areas, particularly industries related to village and community economy both in rural and urban areas in order to increase employment and raise income of the rural people.
9.4	Improve the public health system to effectively serve and to achieve the objective of creating a more healthy society.
9.5	Support the formulation of strategic plans for provincial and regional development according to their potential and needs, and to serve as a base for transport and communications, as well as trade linkages with the neighbouring countries.
9.6	Support community learning network and self-help in order to enhance the community's readiness and role to participate in the process of economic and social development.

10. Bangkok Metropolitan and Periphery Development Policy

The Government intends to promote and develop Bangkok into an environmentally friendly metropolis and as a regional centre of trade and economic activities, by undertaking the following measures:

10.1	Expedite the implementation of Bangkok rehabilitation programmes and projects to solve problems relating to pollution, slum areas as well as to the shortage of public utility and housing.
10.2	Urgently solve Bangkok's traffic problems in accordance with the master plan, by revising and unifying the administrative, management, and decision-making systems. Systematically coordinate the process of solving traffic congestion in Bangkok and the periphery by allowing public opinion articulation and public participation in monitoring the implementation.
10.3	Expedite the problem-solving process relating to the environment, water pollution in the Chao Phraya River and canals in Bangkok, waste disposal, air and noise pollution, by the revision and strict enforcement of laws and regulations as well as by improving coordination among public and private agencies concerned. Expedite the use of unleaded petrol, control exhaust emissions, and provide more public parks to serve as the lungs of Bangkok, including the launching of an awareness campaign for environmental conservation and management.
10.4	Expedite the problem-solving process relating to housing and slum areas by formulating housing development plans, improve living conditions in over-crowded communities and encourage private sector participation in providing low-cost housing for lower and medium income groups by means of special investment promotion, low-interest loans, as well as increasing the role of the Government Housing Bank, including expansion of public utility services.
10.5	Systematically plan and specify land use in Metropolitan Bangkok and its periphery in an efficient and effective manner by means of urban planning.
10.6	Expedite the construction of transportation network connecting Bangkok with the Eastern Seaboard, western region and northern central region areas, second Bangkok International Airport and Bangkok's satellite towns.
10.7	Revise laws concerning urban planning, building inspection, land expropriation, real estate development, new town community, slum areas, and other regulations which are conducive to the development and rehabilitation of Bangkok.
10.8	Support the Public health management by expanding public health centres and increasing mobile public health services.

Besides the aforementioned policies, the government shall pursue previous government's pending policies, tasks and projects which are beneficial to the country and people to achieve the set targets as soon as possible. To this end, the government will attach high priority to the coordination and cooperation among the public sector, private sector and non-governmental organizations to fully achieve comprehensive results.

President and Honourable members of the parliament,

I can hereby assure you all that this government is determined to strictly and honestly implement the said policies for the utmost benefit of the country and people. I am confident that with your cooperation, this government will succeed in implementing all of the above-mentioned policies.

Thank you.

Unofficial Translation