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1. Urgent Policies
((1) Immediately grant a grace period
for both interest and principle payments for 3 years for individual small
farmers to relieve their debt burden as part of a comprehensive reform
of the traditional farm economy to be more viable and self sustaining
in the long term.
((2) Establishment of the Village and
Urban Revolving Fund, funded with one million baht each as a loan facility
available for individuals and households of each community to borrow for
local investment and supplementary vocations. Concurrently, the Government
will promote a "One Village One Product" project to enable each community
to develop and market its own local product or products based on traditional
indigenous expertise and local know-how. The Government is further prepared
to provide additional assistance in terms of appropriate modern technology
and new management techniques to market such local products from the village
to domestic and international outlets through a national or international
retail network or through the internet.
((3) Establish a People's Bank to ensure
better and improved access to banking facilities and resources for low
income citizens to enhance their capacity to increasing their income from
self employment and thus reduce their dependence unorganized and punitive
money market sources.
((4) Establish the Bank for Small-and
Medium-sized Enterprise in order to promote existing and increasing the
number of entrepreneurs in a systematic manner with a view to expanding
the national productivity base, increasing additional employment opportunity
and creating income, promoting exports, and serving as the mainstay for
future national economic growth and stability.
((5) Establish a National Asset Management
Corporation in order to comprehensively solve the problem of Non-Performing
Loans (NPLs) in the commercial banking system swiftly, systematically,
comprehensively and to enable the financial system to resume their normal
credit functions.
((6) Utilize State Enterprise as key
vehicle to mobilize domestic resources from Thai investors to promote
revitalization and development of the Thai economy through selling shares
of incorporating a holding company incorporated by grouping a number of
state enterprises with strong income potentials employing professional
management and free from political interference as one alternative and
listing of individual state enterprise directly in the Stock Market of
Thailand at the appropriate time as another alternative.
((7) Provide universal health insurance
with a view to reducing the overall cost to the country and the people
in acquiring healthcare capping each hospital visit at 30 baht. All Thai
people will be guaranteed that equal access to a nationally acceptable
standard of health care.
((8) Accelerate efforts to establish
drug rehabilitation centers concurrently with implementing effective drug
suppression and prevention measures.
((9) Encourage full and open public participation
in the prevention and suppression of corruption.
2. Economic Policy
2.1 Fiscal Policy
((1) Accelerate the stimulation of the economy in such a way as to increase
the people's income levels and arrest the economic slowdown. Toward this
end, the current fiscal deficit policy will be maintained for a certain
period but within appropriate product fiscal and monetary and guideline.
A balance budget policy will be instituted once the economy has attained
a normal and sustained growth path.
( In solving the immediate economic crisis,
the Government will prepare a budget based on the country's needs and
national development strategies. The budgetary process will be reformed.
The budget allocation and payment system will be improved by utilizing
appropriate and prudent technology to ensure that expenditure may be allocated,
disbursed, supervised, audited and evaluated in a timely manner.
(Budgetary reallocations will be made
by reallocating fund from unnecessary or low priority projects or those
having high import contents to projects and programmes which will have
immediate impact to stimulate the economy, create new employment and/or
new income opportunities with definite project or programme targets.
((2) Improve the tax system in line with
national development strategies, in particular, promoting and stimulating
the real sector by increasing productivity and domestic value added as
the basis for future long term restructuring of the economy as well as
the promotion of domestic saving and resource mobilization for investment
and creation of new entrepreneurs. The tax codes will be reviewed, a tax
map prepared and collection methodology will be streamlined to reduce
cost, increase transparency with greater clarity with a view to reduce
official discretionary powers and eliminate corruption.
((3) Maintain a prudent and disciplined
fiscal policy to promote stable and sustained growth consistent with national
economic policies. Implement a responsive, credible and cost effective
debt-asset management policy and restricting government borrowings principally
to economic and social development projects and programmes with the purpose
of creating income and promote private sector economic development and
increasing national prosperity.
(2.2 Monetary Policy, Financial Institutions
and Capital Markets Policies
((1) Implement monetary policies that
facilitate the extension of credits to the real sector in order to support
an expansion in the business sector, stimulate stable economic growth,
and promote public savings. Such policies would also be consistent with
the country's fiscal policies and national development strategies.
((2) Implement exchange rate policies
that facilitate the process of income creation for the people of all levels
and economic recovery. Such policies would also support the productive
and services sectors that rely mainly on the use of domestic resources
in order to make them more competitive in world markets.
((3) Accelerate the development and
revival of the country's financial institutions system to enable it to
function normally to support economic recovery and development, with the
least monetary and financial burden on the Government and with the objective
of promoting the competitiveness of financial institutions over the long
term. The role of state financial institutions will also be developed
and adjusted to make them an important mechanism in promoting activities
that have the potential to generate income as quickly as possible and
in line with the country's national development strategies.
((4) Accelerate the development of the
money and capital markets to make them an efficient mechanism for the
mobilization of capital and the promotion of long-term savings by the
business sector and the people. The tax structure would be revised accordingly
and equitably. Business enterprises that are efficient and have good future
prospects would be encouraged to be listed in the Securities Exchange
so that the economic sectors that are important and correspond with the
country's national development strategies are able to fully utilize the
money and capital markets.
((5) Accelerate the development of the
market for debt instruments in order to create alternatives and opportunities
for greater access to sources of capital of the private sector as well
as to create equal importance among the money market, capital market,
debt instrument market, and savings in financial institutions. This would
help accelerate the development of the country's business sector and the
economy in a comprehensive manner, while also promoting savings and diversified
opportunities for investments among the people over the long term.
3. Income Creation Policy
The country's debt problem must be resolved
by the creation of income. Therefore, the Government would support and
promote the process of income creation for the people at all levels. Towards
this end, the Government would promote the principles of the Sufficiency
Economy in accordance with the potential of each community at the grassroots
level of the country, beginning from production for personal consumption
to sale of excess production to create income at the family level. The
Government would support villagers to join together in conducting economic
activities at the community level, accelerate the development of small-
and medium-scale entrepreneurs, promote mutually beneficial and supportive
linkages between such entrepreneurs and large-scale enterprises, and provide
access to domestic and overseas markets in order to systematically strengthen
the income creation process for the people.
In this connection, the Government will
support the restructuring of the production bases in the agro-industrial,
industrial and services sectors in order to meet the needs of modern-day
markets. In so doing, the Government will emphasize and develop the country's
natural resources and skills potential in areas in which the country has
a natural or proven comparative advantage. The ultimate aim is to create
a new base for creating employment, improve distributing opportunities
and reducing risks, and creating a production base for small- and medium-scale
entrepreneurs with an overview policy in the 3 following areas of agriculture,
industry and services: 3.1 Agriculture
Agriculture policy is divided into 3 parts as follows:
Part 1: Revival and Strengthening
of Farmers
(1) Reform the debt structure and maturity
profile of the agricultural sector to correspond with the crop production
cycle. Expedite the resolution of farmers' debt. Implement a debt moratorium
and suspension of interest payments for a period of 3 years for small-scale
farmers.
(2) Promote the practice of mixed agriculture,
alternative agriculture and organic agriculture as well as support the
learning process for farmers.
(3) Support farmers to have adequate
land for earning their livelihood by implementing a coordinated and comprehensive
land utilization policy and by optimizing the use of idle land. The management
of water resources at every level must also be improved efficiently in
a manner that is suited to the production system of each crop and the
conditions of the terrain. Emphasis must be placed on the full participation
of the people in the restoration, conservation and development of land
that is upriver as well as in river basins, reservoirs, irrigation canals,
water quality, and piped irrigation. The use of surface water and underground
water must also be efficient and systematic, especially in projects involving
the development of large water sources.
Part 2: Development of Domestic Markets and Strengthening Rural Communities
(1) Develop production in the rural
sector and strengthen community economies by linking the processing of
agricultural produce with the "One Village, One Product" Project. A one-million-baht
Village and Community Fund will be established in each village to serve
as a revolving loan facility for the long-term local investments and income
creation in rural areas at community levels.
(2) Develop the marketing system for
modern agricultural produce. Provide support for the construction of barns
and crop drying grounds for farmer groups in rural areas. Promote the
establishment of an information technology network for agriculture news
and improve access to marketing information concerning agricultural goods
so that farmers may undertake production planning in an efficient manner.
(3) Promote and strengthen cooperatives,
community businesses, agricultural institutions, and community organizations,
enabling them to participate in making and proposing agricultural policy
and measures as well as in agricultural research and development.
(4) Increase production efficiency by
promoting research and utilizing local knowledge as well as modern technological
know-how.
(5) Promote and support agriculture
and agro-industry appropriate to the particular conditions of the terrain
and climate as well as in accordance with the demands of the market and
the capacity of each community.
Part 3: Increasing the Competitiveness of the Agricultural Sector in
the World Market
(1) Support the creation of new value
added by processing agricultural produce. Develop the quality, standards,
forms, and packaging of agricultural and agro-industrial goods.
(2) Develop Thailand as a centre for
the production of organic agricultural products. Promote the registration
of patents involving agricultural production in every area as preparation
for future liberalization in trade of agricultural products.
(3) Improve quality controls, standards
and safety of agricultural products, both imports and exports. Support
the development of biotechnology to improve productivity, quality and
standard that are internationally recognized and market tested.
(4) Promote coastal fishing, aqua-culture
and marine farming as well as fishing beyond territorial waters based
on bilateral cooperation with neighbouring countries, developing a strong
national fishing fleet, supporting the cold storage industry, and promoting
the processing of fishery goods. Conservation and protection of natural
marine resources and the ecology of the seas is a primary policy.
3.2 Industry
(1) Restructure the industrial sector
and promote investment consistent with the country's targets and national
development strategies, while taking into consideration the country's
natural resources, traditional and proven Thai skills and local knowledge,
our potential in the area of production and marketing, and the need to
strike a balance between utilization of domestic or imported raw materials.
(2) Promote the development of basic
industries and linkages with related supporting industries as part of
industrial restructuring and development.
(3) Develop skilled personnel and labour
in the industrial sector in line with future industrial development strategies.
Support measures to increase value added in industrial production. Promote
and develop production processes that are of a high standard, pollution
free or low environmental impact, while ensuring transparency and efficiency
in management.
(4) Develop small- and medium-sized
industries to play a significant role in the development of the country's
industrial sector by supporting and promoting cooperation in the research
and development of products and technology among the public and/or private
sector and educational institutions as well as the creation of an information
network concerning production and marketing factors.
(5) Promote the role of financial institutions.
Support the establishment and operations of a Venture Capital Fund as
well as a facility for guaranteeing credits for the development of small-
and medium-sized industries.
(6) Support the growth of new entrepreneurs
in small- and medium-sized industrial businesses in the new knowledge-based
economy.
3.3 Services and Tourism
Tourism is a major foreign exchange
industry. Therefore, it is the policy of the Government to improve the
quality, diversity and standard of services and ensure the long-term competitiveness
of the Thai services and tourism industry as follows:
3.3.1 Development of the Services Sector
(1) Improve and develop the basic factors
necessary for increasing the efficiency and boosting the competitiveness
of Thailand's service sector. This includes the production and development
of service sector personnel, the development of different forms of providing
services, and the development of technology and infrastructure.
(2) Arrange for agencies and organizations
concerned to join together in developing a strategy whereby the potential
of the services sector can be fully utilized. This would enable the services
sector is serve as a source of foreign exchange and local revenue through
areas such as tourism, education, health services, health care, sports
and recreation.
(3) Accelerate the development of entrepreneurs
in the services sector to provide them with appropriate knowledge and
comparable skills in languages, service standards and management. This
would help in strengthening and preparing them to cope with any new changes
in international agreements governing the services sector.
3.3.2 Tourism Promotion
(1) Accelerate the restoration and strengthening
of relations and cooperation with neighbouring countries in order to develop
Thailand as the main gateway for tourism in the region in terms of marketing,
transport, investment and management as well as solving any obstacles
to such tourism developments.
(2) Administer tourism by using proactive
marketing tactics. Tourist activities must be developed both at the domestic
and international level, with linkages to small- and medium-sized enterprises
as well as community businesses. The quality of tourism services must
be enhanced and Thailand's standing must be elevated as a centre for conferences,
seminars and exhibitions in Southeast Asia.
(3) Accelerate the development, restoration
and revival of the country's cultural heritage and assets, both within
and outside city areas, in order to create new focus of tourism. Create
new shopping areas for tourists by promoting the role of the private sector
in collaboration with the community in preserving tourist sites and the
Thai ways of life to remain distinct and vibrant.
(4) Increase the diversity of different
forms and purposes of tourists, targeting eco-tourism, health tourism,
and nature tourism. New tourist sites must be developed and promoted.
Communities must be able to play a greater role in the management of tourism,
whether through the establishment of tourism cooperatives or the development
of community areas as tourist sites.
(5) Increase tourist facilities, ensure
greater tourist safety, prevent unfair exploitation of tourists, and take
effective measures to eliminate the difficulties faced by tourists.
4. Commercial and International Economic
Policies
The Government is determined to elevate
the country's international trade policy from one solely emphasizing the
acceleration of exports at all levels to one focused on developing a global
marketing network system able to respond to the rapidly changing needs
of consumers, thus integrating the Thai economy as part of a powerful
global economy in a borderless world. The strategy will be as follows:
4.1 Commerce
(1) Support and promote the preparedness
of the private sector in coping with competition in the international
trade arena. Towards this end, modern marketing approaches must be employed;
organizations, personnel and an information system must be developed;
planning and development of production must be in line with the needs
of the market; production and sales networks must be interlinked to yield
maximum benefits in terms of capital and marketing; a state of preparedness
must be achieved in terms of the skills, technology and knowledge necessary
to compete at the global level.
(2) Develop and promote Thailand as
a centre for trade in goods and services in the region as well as a centre
for international exhibitions.
(3) Promote e-commerce to create opportunities
for entrepreneurs in accessing the global market by expeditiously pushing
forward measures and legislation essential for the conduct of e-commerce.
(4) Accelerate measures to improve the
administrative efficiency of the agencies concerned, both within and outside
the country, in order that they may carry out their duties in supporting
and promoting exports, whether in terms of marketing, providing information
or helping resolve trade obstacles overseas.
4.2 Trade in Goods and Services
(1) Promote Thai businesses to be able
to obtain technology and intellectual property from all sources, and develop
them to create value added by enabling such businesses to diversify their
production. Promote the establishment of a fund to provide the opportunity
for Thai inventors and entrepreneurs to develop and utilize unique Thai
know-how and indigenous intellectual property rights with full treaty
protection.
(2) Support small- and medium-sized
retail businesses to be able to compete and adapt themselves to withstand
the impact of liberalization of trade in services.
(3) Institute zoning measures and relevant
regulations for new large retail businesses.
(4) Promote consumer protection and
an effective process of informing and servicing the public and ensuring
better quality of services and products for consumers equitably. Revise
and amend laws as well as institute measures for the protection of consumers
with a view to ensuring justice for consumers as well as improving the
country's products and services.
4.3 International Economics
(1) Support free trade in the international
arena, taking into full consideration the level of preparedness and national
interests of the country as well as the interests of domestic entrepreneurs.
Push for the amendment and revision of laws that pose an obstacle to the
Thai private sector in international trade competition.
(2) Emphasize a proactive role in the
international trade and economic arena. Push for the holding of negotiations
in the international arena, based on the principles of justice and bearing
in mind the interests and limitations of developing countries.
(3) Support and advance the free trade
policy of the ASEAN Free Trade Area. Promote trade and investment with
neighbouring countries as well as border trade. Promote the development
of Thailand into a base for the production of goods and the provision
of services in the region.
(4) Promote and support entrepreneurs
from the private sector to play a part in providing trade and investment
data as well as in analyzing the possible impact brought about by international
trade and investment regulations. This would be of benefit in setting
the directions and strategy of Thai foreign policy as well as international
trade and investment negotiations.
5. Communications Policy
(1) Promote the development of infrastructure
for a communications and transport network, which will serve as the basis
for improving production, creating employment, and creating income.
(2) Modernize the telecommunications
system and enable it to reach all parts of the country for the benefit
of receiving and sending information and knowledge to the people, with
linkages to other countries, and lay the foundation for the liberalization
of the telecommunications business.
(3) Improve and develop the mass transit
system as well as the domestic communications network, linking the two
together efficiently, conveniently, swiftly and safely.
(4) Promote cooperation in building
a transport and communications network linking Thailand with her neighbours,
with a view to making Thailand the centre for land transport in the region,
and assist in economic development and enhancing the quality of life of
the people.
(5) Promote the development of the merchant
marine in a systematic and earnest manner in order to support the country's
export sector. Promote the establishment of a Thai merchant marine fleet
and related industries. Ensure that the development, construction and
management of deep seaports are adequate and of a good standard.
(6) Forge closer cooperation with neighbouring
countries with a view to protecting the right, freedom and safety of navigation
through the seas in neighbouring countries.
(7) Develop the quality and improve
the efficiency of air transport services to keep pace with the needs of
customers, tourism promotion, and economic growth. Ensure that Thailand
will remain the central hub of air transport in the Southeast Asian region.
6. Labour Development Policy
It is apparent that human resources are
the heart and soul of the New Economy. The Government has, therefore,
set the following guidelines for developing and elevating Thai labour
as follows:
(1) Promote the private sector to play
a part in developing labour skills and expertise in order to improve the
quality and skills of Thai labour. Towards this end, the Government will
institute monetary and fiscal policies in order that the development of
labour skills and expertise will be responsive to the needs of enterprises
in each community. Labourers should receive just compensation with a view
to alleviating the unemployment problem, reducing the migration from the
countryside to seek employment in urban areas, and improving the quality
of life of the people in each locality.
(2) Implement adequate social security
measures; expand the range and scope of labour welfare in order to provide
suitable protection for labourers, both within and outside the system;
protect the health, safety and environment in the workplace, particularly
one that will protect child and women labourers.
(3) Promote the creation of a labour
relations system that will provide the opportunity for all sides concerned
to participate in the resolution of labour problems as well as develop
and protect labourers in an efficient and just manner.
(4) Protect Thai labourers overseas
from being exploited by employment brokers and employers.
(5) Stipulate appropriate measures for
dealing with foreign labour, taking into consideration the private sector's
need for labour as well as the requirements of maintaining order and internal
security, and the need to develop domestic labour as replacement in key
areas.
7. Science and Technology Policy
The Government is mindful of the fact
in order to achieve an economic recovery it is necessary to rely on appropriate
science and technology for developing the production and services sectors.
Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Expedite the development of personnel
in the areas of science and technology at every level so that there is
a sufficient number in terms of both quantity and quality. This will help
support sustainable national development and prepare the country for entering
the New Economy.
(2) Promote science and technology in
the area of research and development by providing support to agencies
in both the public and private sectors to benefit the management and production
of small- and medium-sized enterprises. Science and technology should
be used to help resolve economic, social and environmental problems as
well as the selection of the appropriate skills suitable to improve the
potential, expertise and proficiency of Thais. This will help increase
the capacity for production for export and domestic consumption, both
in the industrial and agricultural areas.
(3) Promote the use of technology, particularly
information technology, for modern administration and management in order
to respond to the needs of national economic and social development. The
technology chosen should be appropriate, inexpensive, and can be developed
and expanded in a sustainable manner.
(4) Revise and amend the laws dealing
with science and technology so that they may benefit scientific and technological
development as well as protect intellectual property rights.
8. Natural Resources and Environmental
Policy
The Government has the policy to restore
the conditions and quality of natural resources and bio-diversity, to
prevent degradation and depletion of natural resources, and to recycle
and reuse the natural resources and bio- diversity in a manner that is
beneficial to the people's livelihood. National development must be well
balanced and provide a basis for the sustainable economic and social development
of the country. Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Manage the environment, natural
resources and bio-diversity in an integrated manner by upholding the principles
of good governance and popular participation by the people and the local
community.
(2) Promote and encourage participation
by the people and the community in waste control and waste disposal, both
of which affect the health, welfare and quality of life of the people.
(3) Support the notion of taking social
costs into consideration when conducting project evaluations of repercussions
on the environment and natural resources. In managing the environment
and natural resources, the Government supports the principle that whoever
causes pollution shall also bear the costs as well as the system of joint
rights.
(4) Promote technological research and
development with a view to increasing Thailand's capacity to manage, conserve
and restore the environment. Support the beneficial use of natural resources
from all sources, including the recycling of waste and other used materials.
(5) Set national environmental standards
that are suitable for and compatible with Thailand's level of development
in the scientific, economic and social spheres. At the same time, such
standards should be in tandem with international environmental standards
dealing with international trade.
(6) Set standards for controlling the
importation of chemical, toxic and hazardous substances in accordance
with the international standards set by developed countries with a view
to preventing Thailand from becoming a test site or commercial site for
hazardous substances and materials that are sub-standard.
9. Energy Policy
The Government has the policy to conserve
and develop energy as well as promote the efficient use of energy in balance
with the country's environment and natural resources. Efforts will be
made to reduce dependency on energy sources from foreign countries. Towards
this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Promote the combined use of energy
by further developing the use and exploitation of Thailand's natural gas,
which is a domestic resource, as the country's major source of energy.
(2) Promote the efficient procurement
and use of alternative energy sources by expediting the survey, development
and procurement of alternative energy sources as well as by promoting
research and development of innovative energy sources for the purpose
of energy conservation.
(3) Emphasize energy management to increase
the competitiveness of Thailand's production sector and to enhance the
stability of energy prices through appropriate monetary, fiscal and managerial
measures.
10. Social Policy
It is the policy of the Government to
develop the country's human resources, physically, mentally and intellectually.
The Government will also endeavour to strengthen the society and make
it sustainable with the aim of developing Thailand into a just, moral
and balanced society.
10.1 Public Health
The Government is determined to create
a system that provides public health services and health insurance to
the public so that the people of Thailand may enjoy good health. In this
connection, the Government will undertake to reform the public health
system in order to reduce the country's total public health expenditures
as well as to reduce the health care expenses incurred by the public.
The Government will also create guarantees and opportunities for access
to medical and health care services that meet an appropriate standard
for all the people on an equal basis. Towards this end, the following
policies will be pursued:
(1) Establish a National Public Health
Insurance Fund by passing a National Health Insurance Act with the aim
of improving the Government's efficiency in utilizing the public health
budget as well as alleviating the public's burden in paying for public
health services.
(2) Promote the production, development
and expansion of public health personnel and service centres to meet the
needs of the people in the country, both in terms of quantity and quality.
In addition, the Government will promote and develop an information system
as well as set standards for traditional Thai medicine, other alternative
medicine, and Thai herbs for use in the provision of health care services
with quality and safety.
(3) Organize a system for the prevention
and eradication of dangerous infectious diseases as well as the prevention
of accidents and disasters. Efforts will be made to control the increase
of HIV/AIDS patients and provide appropriately for their care. Support
the creation and dissemination of knowledge concerning health care. Accelerate
the organization of activities involving the promotion of health and sports.
Support the establishment of network organizations for controlling and
preventing disease at all levels.
10.2 Sports
(1) Promote sports activities both at
the community and school level with the aim of promoting health and serving
as the starting point for development towards semi-professional and professional
sports. The private sector will be encouraged to play a role in the development
of sports.
(2) Promote and support the organizing
of sports competitions at both the national and international levels in
a systematic manner for the prestige of the country and the pride of the
people. Support will be given to instill a good attitude towards sports
among the people.
10.3 Drug Prevention and Suppression
The Government, as one of its most urgent
policies, will accelerate efforts aimed at drug prevention and suppression.
Such efforts will be based on the principle "Prevention before Suppression",
"Drug Addicts Must be Treated, Drug Traffickers Must be Punished". Towards
this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Stringently enforce the law and
create a special process to control and suppress traffickers and all those
involved in the manufacturing and trafficking of drugs in a strict, swift
and just manner. Amend the law to increase the highest degree of punishment
for political and government officials who are involved in drug trafficking.
Provide rewards and special protection for public officials and citizens
who cooperate with the Government in drug suppression.
(2) Strictly control the importation
of chemicals which may be used in the production of drugs. Strengthen
the mechanisms of the public sector as well as legal measures so that
they may be able to keep up with the evolution in technology involved
in the production of drugs.
(3) Foster cooperation with international
organizations and the international community in order to control and
eradicate drug production bases as well as transnational networks for
the distribution of drugs.
(4) Amend and revise laws that pose
an obstacle to the obtainment of medical treatment as well as the physical
and mental rehabilitation of drug addicts. Such addicts must be able to
receive medical treatment and rehabilitation as soon as possible facing
any legal charges. In addition, the Government will set up a system that
will provide services for the treatment, rehabilitation, vocational training
and acclimatization of drug addicts in order that they may be able to
return to the mainstream of society.
10.4 Family, Children, Youth, Women
and the Elderly
It is the policy of the Government to
build the family institution into a warm and strengthened institution.
The family should serve as the basic core in the revival of the economy
and the shield for all family members of all ages from social problems.
Towards this end, the following policies will be pursued:
(1) Establish Family Development Centres
in each community with the participation of community members. Such centres
shall provide advice and services concerning the family, whether regarding
health, family planning, and family problems.
(2) Support the establishment of childcare
centres for pre-school children in communities and the workplace. Such
centres must be of good quality and standard.
(3) Amend and revise laws as well as
strictly enforce laws aimed at severely preventing, suppressing and punishing
offenders who violate children's rights and abuse children.
(4) Promote the rights, status and role
of women. Develop the potential of women so as to enable them to participate
fully in the development of their communities and country, whether in
the economic, social or political sphere. Promote the equality of women
in pursuing government service.
(5) Honour and provide guarantees to
the elderly through the creation of social safety nets for the elderly.
Develop the health care services provided to the elderly. Utilize the
experience and knowledge of the elderly for the benefit of developing
society.
10.5 Supporting the Underprivileged
(1) Provide assistance and support for
the participatory development of the poor, the disabled, the handicapped,
and the underprivileged to enable them to enjoy a good quality of life
and look after themselves.
(2) Support public charity organizations
in alleviating the effects of public hazards and providing assistance
to victims at both the national and community levels.
(3) Establish an appropriate educational
and vocational training system commensurate with the degree and nature
of the disabilities or handicaps. This includes developing the learning
and teaching media, augmenting specific skills as well as developing facilities
essential for the disabled and handicapped.
11. Education, Religion and Cultural
Policy
11.1 Education
In lieu of the 1997 Constitution and
the 1999 Education Act, the Government is determined to launch educational
reforms with the aim of developing Thailand into a knowledge-based society,
which is a pre-requisite for becoming a knowledge-based economy. The reforms
will provide the Thai public with equal access to life-long education
and training, enabling them to acquire knowledge and capital to generate
income and to eventually pull the country out of the economic and social
crisis. Towards this end, the Government will abide by the principle that
"Education Builds the Nation, Empowers the Individual and Generates Employment"
as follows:
(1) Accelerate efforts to establish
an educational system and network that is of high quality and truly beneficial
to the general public.
(2) Emphasize quality, efficiency and
justice in the management of public education of all categories and at
all levels.
(3) Develop an education technology
system and information network to increase and disperse the opportunities
for education for all Thais in both urban and rural areas.
(4) Establish community colleges, particularly
in provinces where institutions of higher education are still needed.
(5) Promote and encourage all sides
to assume collective responsibilities in managing education and training.
The Government will assume the responsibility of establishing the system
and policies, providing quality controls, mobilizing resources, and ensuring
the preparedness of local government organizations, the private sector,
and family networks. The Government is also committed to providing public
education to the disabled, the handicapped and the under-privileged.
(6) Promote the role of Thailand as
an educational hub for the neighbouring countries.
(7) Promote the integration of education,
religion, culture and sports into the educational and training curriculum
offered to children and youth.
(8) Reform the learning process through
the "learner-centered approach", self-education and life-long education
by emphasizing the power of creativity, encouraging a love for reading,
and providing sufficient community-based libraries, learning centers and
educational mediums for public use.
(9) Ensure that "teaching" becomes a
dignified, highly respected and trusted profession. Develop high-quality
teachers and educators who live up to basic ethical requirements.
(10) Improve the educational curriculum
to ensure that children and youth are disciplined, hard working and competent.
(11) Provide the opportunity for those
who have completed compulsory education (grade 9) and basic education
(grade 12), together with the unemployed and the elderly, to be able to
undergo vocational training in at least one profession, supporting them
to become self-employed.
(12) Reform and improve the quality
of vocational training, upgrading the curriculum of vocational schools
so that they can confer bachelor's degrees. Such reforms are undertaken
in light of the increasing demand for vocational training in the agricultural,
industrial and service sectors. Vocational education should also encourage
on-the-job training by students.
11.2 Religion
(1) Support and promote religion-affiliated
educational institutions in promoting religious teachings and doctrines.
Encourage all religious establishments to maintain a clean and peaceful
environment so that they can benefit the nearby communities in terms of
spiritual development.
(2) Encourage children and youth to
study religious teachings and participate more often in religious functions,
particularly with their family members.
(3) Encourage people of different religions
to engage collectively in public services that are beneficial to society
as a whole with a view to promoting peace and harmony in the Thai society.
11.3 Culture
(1) Promote cultural awareness among
children and students, particularly regarding Thai arts and culture as
a means of preserving Thailand's cultural heritage.
(2) Preserve and restore cultural and
historic sites for educational purposes and as a means of generating income
for the people.
(3) Encourage the public and youth to
play a role and engage in cultural activities jointly with educational
institutions, families and communities.
(4) Encourage the tourist industry to
honor and publicize Thai culture in a dignified and creative manner.
12. National Security
Thailand's economic and security interests
depend not only on having appropriate economic policies, but also on the
country's national security agencies. To promote Thailand's national security,
the Government will pursue the following policies:
(1) Develop the country's national defense
system to have sufficient capacity for self-defense and for maintaining
the country's economic interests. Strengthen the unity of the people and
encourage public participation in the development of a national defense
system according to the comprehensive security approach. Support regional
peacekeeping operations under the framework of the United Nations.
(2) Develop the capabilities of the
Thai armed forces. Improve the command structure and management system
of the Defense Ministry and the armed forces so that the military is fully
prepared to protect the country's national sovereignty and interests.
(3) Promote the role of the armed forces
in national development, particularly in projects under the royal initiatives
and in missions aimed at alleviating poverty. Provide assistance and relief
to disaster victims. Participate in efforts aimed at conserving and protecting
the destruction of natural resources and the environment.
(4) Support the military to cooperate
with government agencies, private organizations and the public in seeking
concrete solutions to the narcotics problem and in providing treatment
for drug addicts.
(5) Encourage the military to join with
the public sector in providing for public health, education, and vocational
training in order to increase the net income of the troops and their families.
Special emphasis is placed on disabled veterans as well as family members
of veterans who were disabled, crippled or lost their lives in the line
of duty.
13. Foreign Policy
(1) Conduct foreign policy with an emphasis
on proactive economic diplomacy as well as other forms of diplomacy with
a view to restoring and strengthening Thailand's international relations
as well as seeking international cooperation in all fields.
(2) Uphold the principles of security,
development and international peace building with a view to enhancing
justice under the framework of the United Nations and related international
organizations of which Thailand is a member.
(3) Promote a more proactive role for
Thailand in the international community by expanding closer international
cooperation and relations between ASEAN member countries and countries
in East Asia, South Asia and other regions as well as by acting as a coordinator
in pursuing cooperation for peacekeeping and prevention of international
conflicts in the region.
(4) Promote, preserve and protect the
country's rights and national interests including those of Thailand's
private sector, Thai labourers and Thai citizens abroad.
(5) Expeditiously restore and strengthen
Thailand's relations and developmental cooperation with its neighbours
and other Asian countries by pursuing or initiating relations and developmental
cooperation in all fields, both bilaterally and multilaterally, with a
view to fostering good understanding in resolving problems and sharing
mutual benefits in a constructive, sincere and peaceful manner.
14. Public Safety
(1) Ensure that the people enjoy safety
in their lives and properties through the prevention and suppression of
all crimes as well as through the establishment of prompt and efficient
systems for the prevention of accidents and disasters.
(2) Promote public participation in
efforts aimed at the prevention of crime and public hazards in their own
communities and localities.
15. Public Administration Policy
It is the policy of the Government to
promote the country's political development towards participatory democracy
in order to give the people the opportunity for greater self-government
and protection of their own rights. In addition, the Government is committed
to improving efficiency, creating greater transparency and eliminating
corruption in public administration and services, with a view to enhancing
social justice and national development at present and in the future.
Towards this end, the Government will undertake the following measures:
15.1 Political Reform
(1) Expedite the enactment and amendment
of laws in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution so that
the people's constitutional rights and freedoms are truly protected. This
may be achieved by clearly determining the procedures, time frame and
responsible agencies, as well as by organizing public hearings on the
issue of political reform and political development.
(2) Promote the implementation of human
rights principles in public administration and the learning of human rights
and civic duties in educational institutions.
(3) Enable the constitution-based non-government
agencies to function efficiently, transparently and with accountability.
(4) Promote and support the establishment
of various forms of organizations and among private individuals, and encourage
such organizations to participate in political activities as well as to
present their opinions and assessments concerning important government
projects which have impact upon the environment and economy. Such organizations
may also participate in inspecting the work of the public sector as well
as participating in the formulation of important public policies.
(5) Encourage the Thai people and private
organizations to cooperate closely with people and non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) abroad, with a view to forging a constructive relationship between
the countries and the peoples.
15.2 Public Administration
(1) Reform the public sector in order
to improve efficiency and streamline the governmental structure in line
with the current situation and to enable the public sector to better serve
national economic and social development. At the same time, accelerate
the enactment of legislation to facilitate bureaucratic restructuring
in order to keep up with the global trends as well as changes in the social
and economic situation.
(2) Revise the public sector's role
from operator and controller to supporter and facilitator. Support the
activities and roles of the private sector and the people by enabling
them to actively participate in the process of public reform in order
to lay down clear and continuous guidelines for operations.
(3) Improve the public administration
process by utilizing information technology with a view to providing the
people with comprehensive, fast and non-discriminatory information services.
At the same time, the Information Act will be amended to truly serve the
people's needs.
(4) Accelerate measures to improve the
quality of government officials, inculcating in them a favourable attitude
towards public service. Revise various laws, regulations, operation procedures,
and guidelines in order to achieve flexibility, effectiveness, transparency,
and accountability in public administration. The Government's administration
should also be open to a systematic and fair evaluation.
(5) Accelerate the reform of the budgeting
process, making it an efficient tool for the allocation of resources in
a way that is consistent with national development policies and strategies.
Promote the public agencies to play a greater decision-making role as
well as institute an efficient and transparent inspection system.
15.3 Decentralization Policy
(1) Place an emphasis on local revenue
collection and decentralization of fiscal power to local authorities in
order to achieve budget management that is more independent, taking into
consideration the needs and appropriateness for development of the localities.
(2) Encourage clear, appropriate and
step-by-step decentralization of power from the central government to
the local authorities. At the same time, the potential of local civil
service administrations and local governmental organizations must be strengthened
and further developed in line with the activities of each locality. There
must be greater independence with regard to local budget management and
allocation, income acquisition and management of local properties.
(3) Encourage the local people, civil
society and private organizations to participate in local administration,
thereby providing for inspection, monitoring, and evaluation of the local
administration. Such participation ranges from the decision-making process,
policy formulation, and procurement to the appointment and removal of
the local authorities for the sake of transparency and efficiency as well
as in response to the needs of the local people. Promote better understanding
with regard to the roles and responsibilities of all the organizations
concerned so that the local decentralization process can proceed in an
effective manner.
15.4 Prevention and Suppression of Corruption
(1) Undertake all measures of punishment
necessary - whether disciplinary, administrative, civil, criminal or tax-related
- in a manner that is resolute, swift and fair to both corrupters and
those involved in protecting them. Push for the amendment and revision
of legislation, while developing the monitoring system to ensure that
those found guilty of corruption are severely punished. Compensation should
also be paid to the public sector and the people who have been affected
by such corruption.
(2) Conduct a serious campaign against
corruption and instill public awareness and social norms concerning this
matter so that the people may join together in fighting corruption and
malfeasance by government officials. At the same time, the morale of all
honest officials should be promoted.
(3) Encourage the people to join together
in forming people's organizations and to play a participatory role in
the prevention and suppression of corruption and malfeasance. Incentives
should be provided to encourage the people's participation in various
forms.
(4) Reform the process of budgetary
allocation and spending as well as the public procurement system with
a view to enhancing transparency and efficiency in approving the budget.
Towards this end, the Government will encourage qualified persons and
members of the public to play a greater role in monitoring and analyzing
the budget proposals and budget spending.
15.5 Development of the Legal Process
and Legal Reform
(1) Accelerate the process of restructuring
the Ministry of Justice to provide it with a role and responsibilities
covering the legal process in a thorough and efficient manner.
(2) Encourage and support the use of
settlement measures other than through court settlements in order that
such measures can serve as a tool for consumers, the public, the underprivileged
and the disadvantaged to ensure that their rights are protected and safeguarded.
(3) Revise the system and procedures
in which offenders are treated, making them more diverse and capable of
providing for the rehabilitation of such offenders in an efficient manner.
(4) Encourage communities, members of
the public, and people's organizations to be more involved in the legal
process as well as in setting policy for the administration of justice.
(5) Accelerate the reform of any outdated
laws, rules and regulations in line with the country's present economic
and social conditions, while making them flexible enough to cope with
future variations.
(6) Promote more research and studies
in law and other fields related to both public and private sectors. This
will, in turn, lead to the amendment and revision of existing laws or
the proposal of draft legislation that is significant to and necessary
for the country's development.
16. Policy for Development of Regions
of the Country and Bangkok Metropolis
16.1 Development of Regions of the Country
(1) Set a strategy for developing the
regions of the country that is both appropriate and compatible with the
region's prominent geographical features, natural resources, and potential
for development of the people in each region.
(2) Spread out but link together the
public utilities system and the transport and communications system. Build
an information technology network in the various regions that is adequate,
systematic and in line with the development of each region.
(3) Promote and encourage those provinces
that are well prepared to join together and collaborate with one another
to form a grouping of provinces or a specific zone.
(4) Establish a city planning system
that corresponds with the directions of the country's development and
the needs of the people in each locality. Promote the strict enforcement
of legislation dealing with city planning.
16.2 Development of Bangkok Metropolis
(1) Support efforts to restructure the
capital city by making clear plans for beneficial use of areas in Bangkok
Metropolis. At the same time, networks will be developed to link together
all the public services in a systematic manner.
(2) Promote and support local administration
by Bangkok Metropolis to be more flexible and independent of central government
agencies, whether in terms of budgeting, policy making and management.
(3) Accelerate and support efforts aimed
at the creation of jobs and income with a view to raising the quality
of life of the people of Bangkok Metropolis. The problem of dwellers in
"crowded communities" will be dealt with in a systematic manner. This
includes finding them new living areas, creating jobs, providing education
and public health, restoring and conserving the environment, preventing
crimes, providing relief from public hazards, as well as preventing and
suppressing drug trafficking.
(4) Promote the establishment of a mass
transit system that is efficiently linked together to form a network.
Develop the quality of services provided by the mass transit system. Coordinate
the construction of basic public utilities so that it is compatible with
the future directions of city development and planning
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