Government to Push for the Implementation of All Policy Promises

(28/08/2011)

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has stated that the Government intends to push for the implementation of all policies it promised during the election campaign. In response to the concern of other members of parliament about whether the promises could be implemented, she called for opportunities to work, saying that time would prove her achievements. In her conclusion after the presentation of the Government’s policy statement in Parliament from August 23 to 25, the Prime Minister stressed that the Government would adhere to a democratic administration with His Majesty the King as head of the state and that it would protect the institution of the monarchy. More importantly, the Government would give top priority to public interests in implementing its policies. She pointed out that the policies aimed to ease the problems faced by the people and to increase their income. For instance, the policy of raising the daily minimum wage to 300 also covers all employees in the public and private sectors. As for the business operators affected by this policy, the Government is willing to offer advice in order to enable them to adjust to the new situation. Regarding the 15,000-baht monthly starting salary for new university graduates working for government agencies and state enterprises, the Prime Minister explained that the Government would like to implement this policy in the 2012 fiscal year. However, the arising problems of related laws and budget would have to be dealt with first. Concerning the policy to hand out free computer tablets to students, she said, primary schoolchildren in the first grade, aged not over eight years, would be the pilot group. A research project shows that children at this age group have reached the highest development. The tablets would contain proper content to broaden their knowledge and vision. She said that the Government will proceed with caution to ensure that the tablets would not be used improperly. As for the policy of reconciliation and harmonization, Prime Minister Yingluck reiterated that she would like to see this policy implemented, saying that she was willing to give cooperation to all MPs. The Prime Minister also stated that she would not intervene in the operations of the Truth for Reconciliation Commission, chaired by Dr. Kanit Na Nakorn. This commission would be allowed to work fully and independently. Concerning the question of her leadership, Prime Minister Yingluck explained that her achievements would be the answer to this question, saying that leadership without achievements would finally disappoint the people.