Government’s One-Month Performance

(27/09/2011)

During its first month in office, the Government has made some progress in its operations, especially the start of urgent policies to be implemented in the first year. Government Spokesperson Titima Chaisang told a press conference that the Government had agreed to the proposal by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission on efforts to foster reconciliation and harmonization and restore democracy. In order to show its sincerity and intention to bring about national reconciliation, the Government appointed a panel, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit, to follow up on the operations in response to the recommendations made by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission. It appointed the Independent National Rule of Law Commission, chaired by former Parliament President Professor Dr. Ukrit Mongkolnavin, to ensure that the National Assembly, the courts, independent organizations established in accordance with the Constitution, and government agencies will perform their duties based on the rule of law. As for lèse majesté cases, the Government will do everything possible to protect the monarchy. Concerning anti-drug operations, the Government declared the anti-drug drive part of the national agenda, with the aim of reducing the drug problem within one year. In an effort to promote integrated water management, it has worked out a long-term plan for flood prevention and control, and has increased compensation to help flood-stricken people. Cabinet members were instructed to take turns chairing a daily video conference with governors of the affected provinces until the floods subsided. Regarding problems in the deep South, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on September 22 held a meeting of all security agencies and assigned the Internal Security Operations Command to establish a new center to integrate the solving of southern problems and the development of the southern border provinces. The new center, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Police General Kowit Wattana, will hold a workshop with various authorities to come up with solutions to the southern issue. The Government is accelerating the promotion of relations and cooperation with neighboring countries. It has urged Thai companies to run businesses, on the basis of corporate social responsibility, with various countries in ASEAN. In order to ease the hardships of the people because of higher oil prices and inflationary pressures, the Government decided to slash monthly contributions to the Oil Fund for a six-month period, starting from 27 August 2011. The policy has resulted in oil price reduction. The Government also approved regulations to provide permanent and temporary government employees, holding at least bachelor’s degree and receiving a monthly salary of less than 15,000 baht, with a temporary allowance. First-time home buyers and first-car buyers will enjoy tax deductions, as well. In addition, the Government has introduced a rice-pledging scheme to provide farmers with income stability.