Preparations for the New Government’s Policy Statement

(13/08/2011)

The new government, led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, is preparing its policy statement, expected to be presented in Parliament on August 23 and 24. Prime Minister Yingluck has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Yongyoot Wichaidit and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Kittirat Na Ranong to head a working team to work out the framework of the policy statement. The Secretary-General of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board serves as secretary to the working team taking charge of compiling the policies of each ministry to be included in the policy statement. The draft policy statement will be presented to the Cabinet for consideration on August 16. According to the Secretary-General to the Cabinet, Mr. Ampon Kittiamphon, the framework of the policy statement must be in line with the directive principles of fundamental state policies stated in the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand. It will consist of urgent policies to be implemented to fulfill the Government’s pledges in its election campaign. After the policy statement is presented, political officials will be appointed, such as the Secretary-General to the Prime Minister, the Government Spokesperson, and secretaries and advisors to ministers. Cabinet members will have to declare their assets and liabilities to the National Counter Corruption Commission within 30 days after assuming office. Mr. Ampon said that the Cabinet of the Yingluck Shinawatra administration held its first meeting on August 11, after attending the swearing-in ceremony in an audience with His Majesty the King on August 10. In the meeting, he said, the Prime Minister emphasized two important issues. In the first issue, the Prime Minister told Cabinet members to adopt His Majesty the King’s speech as their guidelines in administering the country. The speech was made when the new Cabinet members took an oath of allegiance before His Majesty on August 10. His Majesty urged them to work with honesty for the good of the nation and the people. He told them to set good examples for the people to follow and ensure peace in the country. He Majesty pointed out that various countries were now facing confusion, so the Government should strive to keep peace. The second issue emphasized by the Prime Minister involves assistance provided to flood-hit people, especially in northern Thailand. Prime Minister Yingluck assigned the Ministry of Interior to serve as the core agency in rehabilitating the flood-affected areas. The Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office was told to set up a relief center to receive complaints from the people. The Government Public Relations Department was assigned to report news and information about flooding on a continual basis to keep people informed of the situation, while relevant agencies were told to provide prompt assistance to the affected people.