National Broadcast

by General Prayut Chan-o-cha,

Head of the National Council for Peace and Order,

on 27 June 2014

·        Good evening to all fellow citizens. We meet again on Friday as usual. In the past week, we had summarized NCPO’s work in a one-month performance report. However, we need to press on the resolving the still many problems relating to the well-being and livelihood of the people.

·        Some people have expressed concern whether NCPO can successfully solve these multi-faceted and interconnected problems involving social, economic, political and psychological aspects, accumulated over the years and many governments.

·        Today the NCPO would like to convey to you all that we are doing our utmost in a limited time to yield results. There are many steps in our operational plans. We have prioritized the problems for implementation into three phases.

·        The first phase involves immediate issues to be carried out in the first three months. We have been tackling these issues since May. The urgent problems that needs to be dealt with immediately includes crime prevention and suppression, gambling, narcotics, illegal logging and deforestation, and crackdown on war-grade weapons and influential groups such as those who take advantage of taxis, as well as migrant-worker smugglers. Provisional measures will be considered on issues such as living wages, farmers’ assistance, amendment of laws to remove impediments in trade and investment.

·        Such measures will have to be officially approved and beneficial to all in driving the economy forward and expediting the disbursement of the 2015 fiscal year Budget. All projects of government and public enterprises are reviewed in terms of necessity, efficiency and transparency. These projects must undergo scrutiny before their approval. Another important ongoing task in phase 1 is to prepare ground work in reforms that will lead to reconciliation and reforms in phase 2. 

·        In the short term or phase 2, measures on reforms in various areas will be carried out not over 300 days with the participation of the people. These reforms include prevention and suppression of corruption, political reform, the process of acquiring and exercising political power, the justice system, independent institutions, energy reform, mass communication, education, morals and ethics, ensuring economic and social equity, access to natural resources and many other issues. These reforms will be undertaken when a Government, Legislative Council, and Reform Council have been formed.

·        Other vital problems that require a thorough cost-benefit analysis and may widely affect the interest of the people and country will also be addressed in phase 2.

·        The long term phase or phase 3 will be after the elections. Pending issues from phase 1 and 2 will continue to be examined in phase 3 by an elected government to complete reforms initiated in the first two phases for the benefits of all parties.

·        The NCPO stressed on the participation from all sectors – be they private businesses, civil society and general public – in ensuring efficiency and competency of the national administration and driving forward the economy.

·        Today we have heard views and policy recommendations from the public and have taken prompt action. For instance, discussions with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce, instructing the Ministry of Commerce to expedite the signing process of international trade agreements, and pressing upon ministries immediate amend laws and regulations that impede trade and investment.

·        We will listen to comments, recommendations and requests from various groups so that our conduct of national administration meets the expectations of the people and to truly benefit the country. All concerned ministries and agencies have been instructed to provide channels to receive complaints and recommendations from the public so that we can compile and consider in the three phases.

·        According to a recent poll on the satisfaction of people regarding the NCPO’s operation, the result was 8.82 out of 10, which is decent. However, the NCPO has not been complacent or over-enthusiastic about the result, as there are more work to be done. The NCPO has a duty to bring happiness to all even though the burden is on us but we are willing to work hard for everyone. There are still many problems to address. The NCPO has instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to conduct surveys on public opinion and expectations  for further assessment and implementation.

·        As for initiatives to re-organize public services and maintain proper order, we have prioritised them according to urgency which are being implemented parallel by the relevant working groups.

·        Security is an important and immediate issue. The security aspect has to be integrated in all dimension of the present work. The economic, social and psychological and other areas have been devoid of a security aspect and may lead to numerous problems in the future. For example, political conflicts leading to divisiveness, economic development that focuses on profit maximization, cheap labour that led to problems of undocumented and illegal labourers, issues of human trafficking, human rights violation.

·        Tourism promotion that focuses solely on the quantity resulted in problems of mafia and terrorism as well as transnational crimes. A consummate economic development may lead to forest trespass and deforestation, affecting the environment and the living condition of people. In the area of trade and economic development along the 5,800 kilometers border with our neighbours, if we do not give due consideration to national security it will lead to an influx of transnational crimes and illegal migrant labour. We have no fence so we have to work on ways to increase a level of vigilance in border areas.

·        The general public must play a part in national security, reinforced by military, police, and relevant officials. Furthermore, we need to develop technologies such as using video cameras and motion-detection equipments in densely covered areas.

·        In strengthening national security, apart from having a strong military force, other sectors must also be reinforced, namely civil servants, police, general public, civil society, and students. They should possess a conscience of national security and civic responsibility; a shared vision on how to keep the country secure; aware of common duty; respect the laws; and uphold national interest. If we are strong and united, the abovementioned problems will not escalate.

·        Today we need to cooperate. We try to create to understanding and hold outreach activities in order for everyone to learn about each other. People of different opinions will be able to obtain information, correctly understand and accept one another. We can have different opinions but we must live together in peace under social norms which are laws that enable society to live in safety and help develop the country. This will help gain international acceptance. Many problems existing on the international front is because our economy still relies on export revenues – approximately 70 per cent. We have to adjust the problem of reliance on exporting large quantities of low-valued materials.

·        Let me turn to the international positions which many have expressed concern. At a June meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union, the EU expressed its concerns over the situation in Thailand and  reviewed cooperation with Thailand in some areas in order to push us towards holding quick elections. I informed the EU what our problems are. An unsustainsed democracy can be detrimental to both Thailand and other countries. We are giving considerable efforts to addressing the concerns of the international community.

·        If an election were held now, it may a be condition leading to tensions and the country would revert to a cycle of conflict, corruption among those in political power, terrorism and the use of war-grade weapons. Such problems cannot be tolerated. I think most Thais are aware of the situation and do not want the country to be under such circumstances.

·        Today, several countries are facing armed conflicts and civil wars. The international community had to step. I do not think Thailand will reach that point; we must be very careful. Therefore, we will accelerate the reform process in order to make Thailand a fully functioning democracy. The NCPO hopes that the EU and the U.S. will have the same understanding as most Thais who are satisfied with our work.

·        The NCPO held discussions with associations of entrepreneurs and business people from the EU countries and the U.S. and will continue to strengthen trade and investment relations.

·        Concerning measures adopted by the international community against Thailand, I ask fellow countrymen to ease your worries. We do not want to  have to give justifications or take retaliatory measures, which could worsen the situation. Thailand has been an important ally of some countries for more than 100 years, some 50 years and some 30 years. We must put efforts into making the international community understand what our intentions are. We do not want to condemn ourselves and display our faults. However, it is necessary that the international community be informed of the situation in Thailand.

·        On June 23, the Chief of Defense Forces in his capacity as Head of the Security Cluster received the U.S. Ambassador to Thailand. They exchanged opinions on the current situation and the Ambassador was informed of the roadmap and the NCPO’s administration. The U.S. Ambassador welcomed   Thailand’s clear direction forward. She concurred with the way we are tackling the issue of human trafficking while also solving related problems.

·        On June 26, NCPO’s Deputy Chief of Economic Affairs, General Chatchai, met and discussed with chambers of commerce and various groups of entrepreneurs and listened to their suggestions along with recommended solutions to prevent the country from being affected by the measures taken by the EU and the U.S. As a result, foreign entrepreneurs have a better understanding of Thailand and have tried to help the NCPO to work out solutions. Organizations at different levels, the private sector and businesses must also put their efforts.

·        If these problems can be tackled in a short period of time, the measures against the country will gradually reduce. The big issues of concern are labour, human trafficking and democracy in Thailand. As I stated earlier, it takes time to overhaul manpower and rules and regulations to meet international standards and prevent abuse of power. Other improvements include the exercise of state authority, disbursements of budgets and punishment for corruption cases.

·        Regarding the civil service, it must be ready to confront future challenges  that come with the advent of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). We need to improve the way governmental officials work to become more proactive rather than being reactive as has been in the past. Therefore, the government must revise its working strategies and clearly formulate national and international strategies as to how we will move the country forward. The private sector, economic, social, and cultural organizations, and the tourism industry must be improved to accommodate more people expected to travel to the country as a result of the AEC. Performance assessment in every sector should be improved to create transparency. We will take up the many problems in Phase 2.

·        As for the immediate legal amendments, the NCPO’s legal affairs team invited representatives from 20 ministries to attend a meeting to urgently consider amending laws covering more than 400 issues that are pending in the justice process such as laws concerning money laundering and permission to bring currency into and take out of Thailand. The team will consider amending laws relating to ratification of the United Nations Convention against Corruption signed in 2003, an issue brought forward by Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) to prevent and solve the problems of corruption in the country more effectively in accordance with international law.

·        Provincial commissions for the prevention of corruption will be reconsidered. I am afraid that many provincial administrative bodies tend to be under the influence of local politicians and increase budget burdens. Steps that will be added to the operations of the NACC should therefore be clearer, identifying what officials do in each area.

·        As for the seizures of war-grade weapons that can be dangerous to the public, arrests have continually been made. So far, a total of over 2,000 weapons has been seized, including war-grade guns, machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank weapons, mortars, hand grenades and a large number of ammunitions. Arrests have been made weekly, the seized weapons will be tallied monthly, and the dangers of these weapons will be presented to the public. This is done to inform them of what the NCPO is doing. If the NCPO had not taken such enforcement actions, the weapons would have been used to kill our own people.

·          On gambling, it is harmful to families. There have been arrests and a crackdown on gambling dens that provides horse racing gambling machines and illegal gambling equipment. After the cases have completed due process, the  evidence such as slot machines, approximately 1,000 horse racing themed slot machines, and other gambling equipments must be destroyed. I urge you to reduce social problems and gambling activities as quickly as possible. Because of gambling, which is as bad as drugs, there will be no future for our children.

·        The issues of migrant workers and human trafficking will be addressed in 3 phases in line with the NCPO Roadmap. This will start with the registration of migrant workers to ensure that the process is legal, quick, less bureaucratic and economical to pave the way for the nationality verification process and request for work permits. The details of the plans are as follows:

o        The set up of coordination centers for Cambodian migrant workers who seek to return to work in Thailand in 4 areas. The Ministry of Interior is the host agency along with Ministry of Labor and the Immigration Bureau in issuing temporary work permits to employers so that they can register Cambodian workers in the provinces where their workplaces are located within 60 days. The coordination centers will start operations from 26 June 2014.

o        One-Stop-Service registration centers for migrant workers will be set up where unregistered migrant workers and particularly Cambodian migrant workers who have been allowed to return to work in Thailand can register. Samut Sakhon is the pioneering province with operations starting on Monday 30 June 2014 to facilitate nationality verification process and requests for work permits.

o        Another form of One-Stop-Service registration centers for migrant workers will also be set up to prevent smuggling of illegal workers, especially in the fishery industries in 22 coastal provinces. The centers are ready for service from Monday 7 July 2014 onwards.

·        In other provinces, One-Stop-Service registration centers are scheduled to start operating on 15 July 2014, using the Samut Sakhon model as guidelines. The Ministry of Interior has been assigned to inform provincial authorities to follow the plan.

·        Last week, the NCPO visited migrant workers in several workplaces to ensure that their living conditions and welfare meet international standards. The NCPO received good cooperation from the entrepreneurs. For Cambodian migrant workers who had returned to their country and started to come back to Thailand, we have liaised with Cambodian authorities to set up labour reception center to reduce steps from both sides, reduce costs, ensure their decent living conditions, and organize meetings between employers and employees to prevent  mafia and influential groups from reaping benefits.

·        As a means to provide aid to rice farmers for the production year 2014/2015, the NCPO has instructed relevant agencies to set up Agricultural Products Assistance Centres. These centres will serve to connect and  integrate the work from all agencies and oversee the efficiency in the implementation of these measures to ensure its compliance with the set objectives. The centres will be set up in areas all over the country—all provinces and, if possible, all districts—to provide farmers with convenient access to information. They will also serve as a venue where farmers could provide us with inputs to increase efficiency.

·        On Economy: The NCPO has ordered a revision of the rice-field insurance measures to improve their efficiency and ensure that they truly benefit farmers. Specifically for the approximately 1.5 million rai of cultivation areas continually being affected by disasters every year, it is necessary to come up with measures to help allocate suitable areas and properly administer the irrigation and flood-prevention systems. Proper designation of zonings will also be required to make farming in those areas suitable. As for areas facing constant droughts or floods, farmers will need to plant other types of crops that can withstand droughts or require a small amount of water but could sell for similar price as compared to rice. This would be similar to the zoning concept in the future. Today, we must first take care of these troubled farmers. As many cultivation areas are outside irrigation zones, if all of them are used for planting rice, there can never be enough water for use. We must come up with ways to help provide alternatives to these farmers. However, these cultivators will have to also be satisfied with their options, as we know very well that Thai people do not like to be forced into doing things. Still, these hardships continue to persist and we need to solve them.

·        On the release of rice, the Ministry of Commerce has been assigned the task of creating an understanding amongst all sectors that the NCPO has no policy to annul existing agreements made with business operators for the sales of rice. It needs to be understood that the implementation of those agreements will proceed as normal where there are no corruption issues under review by the NACC. We understand very well that businesses will face discontinuity of operations if it were otherwise. As such, please do not cite that the NCPO has prohibited the sales of rice. Agreements already made are to be executed transparently.

·        The NCPO has given approval for the Sugar Cane and Brown Sugar Fund to borrow from the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives with reduced interest rates. The funds will be used to increase the value of sugar canes for the production year 2013/2014 by an extra 160 baht per sugar-cane-ton. Payments will be made directly to sugar cane farmers for each sugar-cane-ton delivered to brown sugar factories. With total sugar cane production of around 103 million tons, the total sum being borrowed will be 16,592 million baht. For this, the Ministry of Industry has been assigned to oversee and administer these payments to ensure that the money reaches those with the rights to them accurately and in full. In addition, the increase in domestic price of brown sugar will be maintained.

·        General Chatchai Sarikallaya, deputy economic chief of the NCPO, has been instructed to cooperate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Industry, and other relevant agencies, in formulating strategies and measures for systematically solving issues relating to sugar canes and brown sugar in the long run. These strategies and measures will then be submitted to the NCPO for further consideration.

·        A budget has been approved for the Department of Fisheries and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to combat Early Mortality Syndrome in shrimps, which has been a major problem for many shrimp farmers. We have approved funds from the central Budget amounting to more than 90 million baht, out of the more than the 200 million baht requested. For the first phase, we are using funds from the central Budget as there are only three months left before the end of fiscal year 2014. The rest of the funds will come from the fiscal year 2015 Budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, where they will be used to thoroughly deal with the problem. There is a need to develop the technology for maintaining suitable farming conditions so as to increase output levels of white shrimps, which fetches a high price in today’s markets. Currently, we do not have the capacity to breed these shrimps. Thus, breeders will firstly be bought from external sources in the hundreds and the Department of Fisheries will proceed with their work from there, as they are highly capable.

·        The NCPO has given approval for the borrowing guarantee project that uses the portfolio guarantee scheme (PGS) initiated for the benefit of OTOP business operators and community enterprises. The budget approved for the project has a ceiling of 1.6 billion baht and are to be drawn from the 2015 Budget and subsequent years so as to provide small and community enterprises with access to capital that are necessary for their operations.

·        On Society and Environment: For those requiring assistance with their grievances or problems, the NCPO asks for their cooperation in going directly to the agencies responsible for those matters. The NCPO has already instructed all ministries and agencies to provide special channels for receiving complaints from the general public. The NCPO will follow up and act on them accordingly.

·        All ministries and governmental agencies have been instructed to conduct surveys on the grievances and needs of the people—be they civil servants, students, teachers, civil society organizations, business operators, or others with problems requiring urgent help. Solutions to these grievances will be provided in accordance with relevant regulations and laws and adhering to the principles of fiscal discipline. We will take a step by step approach in addressing the issues raised.

·        On reform, a matter about which everyone has expressed concerns as to whether and how it will be carried out, we are currently in the first phase. Presently, focus has been put on encouraging all sectors of the general public to participate. Conflicting parties, political leaders, academics, and community leaders has been invited to discuss ideas and provide useful data to ensure that adequate information will have been acquired when entering the second phase of the reform where the Reform Council will take the lead. Civil society organizations will also be invited to contribute ideas.

·        The problem of floods is one of the many immediate problems requiring action as we are entering the rainy season. The NCPO has instructed relevant agencies to dredge canals and waterways in preparation for the coming rainy season. It also instructed the Army and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to monitor the flood situations so as to be able to provide immediate assistance when required. Today, I see canals full of water hyacinths and duckweeds. Apart from clogging the waterways and preventing the water flow, they are also dirty and unsightly. Actions must be taken per instructions already given and must be completed within the next three months.

·        On the issues of energy, electricity, water supply, taxation, public transportation and public utilities, we use urgent measures to temporarily alleviate the problems. The inclusive energy reform is a complicated task and will be dealt with in the second phase. The issues involve elements such as concessions, free competition without government subsidy, and government support for the energy industry segment. If the measures are too restrictive, investors will not be interested in investing. At the same time, if the money given to the government is too low, our country will lose its benefits. We will have to seek appropriate measures to solve this problem in the second phase. For issues related to remuneration and incentives of the executive board, we will improve the system so that people can have more confidence.

·        For budget management of the local administrative organizations in some areas which cannot organize elections during this period, the NCPO has already appointed an authorized acting officer to perform the duties to use the remaining 2014 budget and prepare the 2015 fiscal year budget proposals. The expenditure of this budget must correspond with the operation of the central and regional authorities, mutually benefit the works of those in the same cluster, and align with the 11^th National Economic and Social Development Plan of the NESDB. If the local organizations do not follow the direction adopted by the central and regional agencies, the administration will be redundant, disunited, and incomprehensive. Such administration, if occurred, could benefit some political segments or political groups in particular which could delay the country’s administration.

·        For the administration of National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), today we are improving its roles and duties in many areas, including income generation, expenditure and returning of money to the state. We are speeding up the process. The most important priority is the distribution of the set top box which is now being expedited. Today, we are in the preparing a public hearing to find out the proper steps to urgently distribute them to the people. Therefore, I would like to ask for your patience in this matter.

·        For industrial segment, garbage, waste and toxic fume which are hazardous for all of us, our priority is for the relevant agencies to supervise and monitor all factories so that they are not negligent and release toxic waste into the air or the waters. If the factories cannot resolve the problem within the deadline, we will order their closure. We will ensure that the process is just. In the past, there were some problems, but today we need help from all sectors involved to avoid granting benefits in favour of either side or creating a conflict of interest. This will result in the setting up of a below-standard factory and the burden will return to the government and the country in which the people’s tax will have to be allocated to solve the problem. To lessen the problem, all relevant sectors need to perform their duties.

·        The development of human resources, both civil servants and the general public, is needed since the world today is changing very rapidly. New forms of threats have emerged. Our country is rich in resources and people from neighbouring countries wanted to find jobs in Thailand. We need to seriously develop personnel in all sectors in terms of education, learning, perception and self-improvement by looking at other countries as examples. Everyone should improve themselves by keeping up with the news on TV and cable TV to see how and in which direction the world is progressing. It is fine if you like watching soap operas, but you need to watch other documentary programmes as well. We should see how the cities and environment in the foreign countries are kept clean and people are disciplined and abide by the law. Our country has a long history of culture and traditions. Thai people are known for their simple ways of living that foreign visitors would love to see. We do not need to entirely create new structures since we already have rich and beautiful culture that can be built upon and can attract visitors. Our Thai smile is well known around the world and we need to bring it back. We will not only smile at foreigners but also smile at each other. There is no reason we have to argue against each other. We will attract foreign visitor with this smile. Thailand should not be known in the eyes of foreigners as a haven for illegal actions. We will no longer be an attractive place for foreigners who come to enjoy illegal activities. Instead, foreigners will be attracted to visit Thailand to see our simple ways of life and the Thai smile. I think this will be better for the country.

·        On political detention, I would like to reiterate that we are not doing political work and we are not doing anything political. We are not an enemy of anybody. We want to bring the country back to its normal state. Right now, the problems are multifaceted and extremely complex. The invited individuals who did not violate the law were released. Those that remain are the ones currently going through normal judicial process or violate the normal or criminal laws. These people are under court warrants and will be going through normal judicial procedure. They are entitled to the rights to defend their cases. Even for cases that are tried in a military court, they are entitled to the rights of bail and to defend their cases similar to the normal judicial procedure. Examples of these are the cases of Mr. Jarupong and Mr. Jakrapob. I urge them to return and            I ensure their rights to justice. If they persist, they will be charged with more cases, especially if involved in the use of war-grade weapons and lese majeste law. We should not let these people influence our country. They do not have any credibility to do so. However, if the cases are proven to be purely political, the matter will be resolved in the second phase. On the other hand, if it involves the violation of the Criminal Law Code, the use of war-grade weapons, or those responsible for the injury or loss of life of innocent people, I considered them dangerous. For these people, especially if they are government officials, we have to strictly enforce the law. This problem caused conflict in the past and it will bring about further conflict in the future. Therefore, we have to manage it very carefully. The media should also be careful when reporting the news. They should check with the relevant officials before reporting them in order to avoid future damages. As for the talks by a core leader of the anti-government group who referred to me, I reaffirm that this is not true.

·        During the past six months, I had assumed the role of a government official and wanted the country to be peaceful. I enforced the law and performed my duties as ordered by the then government. I did not participate in any movements or cooperate with any conflicting parties. We are able to differentiate our position and the matters of democracy, constitution, law, state mechanism, and legitimate and righteous matters. I will not let the military be damaged like that. However, when it is impossible to solve the issues, the NCPO needs to step in. At the moment, some kinds of activities are prohibited, for example, the holding of political forum or fund-raising dinner by various groups which often involve discussion on future political movements. These kinds of talks will trigger the opposing groups and the same cycle will repeat.           I ask for your cooperation not to do it. If it is discussed privately, that is fine but you must not hold such event in public. It is against the provision of the Martial Law Act. If it happens, those found committing the act will be summoned and charged with violating the NCPO’s order. The media must also verify the news with us before reporting it.

·        The treatment of the dissidents/protestors or other gatherings, the NCPO will use soft measures. The First Regional Army invited some students who have opposing views for discussion so that we can understand each other. The situation is better now. We do not want to enforce any strict legal measures. In fact, we try our best to reduce the use of such law as much as possible. I urge everyone to remain patient in this period. If everyone does what they want now, the country will not be peaceful. We need some time to achieve this. The restriction of freedom is rare, except for freedom of expression that is harmful.            I cannot ask you to stop thinking but I urge you to refrain from doing as it will cause conflict and more problems.

·        For the restructuring or reorganization of many sectors, I need to apologize to all concerning parties. For the problems of drugs, gambling, horse-racing machines, we have to solve them continuously to reduce the household debts at all levels.

·        For the National Saving Funds, Community/City Welfare Fund, Community Land Title, we will try to make them sustainable in order to reduce inequality and even lessen unjust treatment of various ethnic groups in Thailand. We are in the process of finding appropriate measures that will not impact the national fiscal system.

·        For the sustainable solutions to the problems of land and sea natural resources, we are assigning  the ISOC and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, together with other relevant agencies, to set out clear strategies, both short- and long-term, by integrating law and political science since this issue affect the people. We stress on the strict prohibition of further encroachment. The encroached areas will be dealt with urgent measures in order to increase forest lands leading toward the existence of conserved forest, reserved forest, community forest, and the Food Bank royal project initiative, etc.

·        For measures imposed on the media, there are many requests and complaints against the NCPO on the closure of media outlets. In fact, they know that these are illegal. The media had been used by several groups who benefit from these illegally established radio stations. There are a total of approximately 8,000 stations. We are trying to resolve the problem and about 3,000 stations have already been opened. For some 4,000 stations that remain closed, we anticipate that about 1,000 stations can be opened in the first period and the rest of around 3,000 will be opened later. The last lot of about 1,000 stations will probably be permanently closed because they are entirely illegal. We are working on this issue step-by-step. In fact, if they can abide by the NBTC’s regulations, they are allowed to operate. However, some people own 4-5 media outlets and use them to support the conflicts. In addition, the number of media stations and the consumers is not proportionate and we have to solve this as well. The NCPO and the relevant agencies are working on this issue.

·        On the Roadmap and a timeframe for NCPO’s national administration, it has now become clearer. Phase 1 has lapsed 37 days since 22 May (as of 27 June 2014). On constitutional issues, a provisional constitution has been drafted for the purpose of national administration in accordance with a principle of good governance. The aim is to establish the National Reform Council to reform the country in all dimensions and pave way for an adoption of a Constitution, which will be drafted by principally taking into account recommendations of the National Reform Council.

·        The drafting of the provisional constitution has been completed and it is being vetted by legal experts. It will be sent back to the NCPO for re-examination in case any amendment is needed. After the NCPO has finished with necessary amendment, the draft provisional constitution will be forwarded for Royal Endorsement and should enter into force by this coming July.

·        In the Phase 2, after the invocation of the provisional constitution in July, it will take approximately one month for establishment of the National Legislative Assembly and the Cabinet which could carry out duties in September 2014.

·        As for the National Reform Council, since the members of the Council will be selected from all sectors from every province, it will take approximately 2 months from the date the provisional constitution entered into force. It is expected that the National Reform Council will start performing their duties in early October 2014.

·        According to the provisional constitution, reforms led by the National Reform Council will include areas such as political, economic, social, environmental, energy, judicial process and other matters.

·        The National Reform Council will draw up recommendations for the constitution drafting committee, and the committee has to finish drafting the Constitution in around 10 months from the date the National Reform Council is established, or in around 12 months from the date the provisional constitution is announced, which is by July 2015.

·        In Phase 3, after the Constitution is in force, it signifies that Thailand has a fully democratic regime with His Majesty the King as Head of the State. Nevertheless, the NCPO needs another 3 months to organise the election of Members of Parliament. National administration will be under the framework of the new constitution, which is an outcome of all-inclusive reforms. The NCPO wishes that a free and fair general election be held under the constitution, to lay a strong foundation for a fully functioning democracy devoid of political conflicts. A reform process takes time. But by 2015, we should have an elected government in place. We need to live in the present, learn from the past, and move forward together to the future.

·        On the lottery problem, the Ministry of Finance has already stated that the matter will be dealt with urgently. I ask for the people’s patience as it will take time to address the issue; revamping the whole system altogether in one go will definitely lead to chaos. Measures to tackle the problem will be considered in the first phase of the reform and will be announced as soon as possible. I have instructed the people working on this to provide more detail on the steps and procedures to be taken, including those with regard to the sellers and buyers of lotteries. All plans and measures relating to this issue are for the Ministry of Finance to consider, decide, and take action.

·        Issues relating to the reform of the bureaucracy system and the judicial process will also be considered in the Reform Council and dealt with in the first phase. As for matters requiring comprehensive discussions and alignment of understanding, they will be addressed subsequently within the one-year period already mentioned, which is the overall timeframe for the second phase.

·        During the reform process, relevant agencies have been instructed to take part and contribute. Aside from inviting conflicting parties and other people to discuss ideas and share information, I have also instructed the Reconciliation Centre for Reforms to focus on the issues relating to the people, the economy and society, and academic matters. King Prajadhipok's Institute will be responsible for reform works relating to the people. For  economic and social issues, we will task the seven associations that have provided proposals of reform measures. They will be asked to present their work and help create mutual understanding amongst conflicting parties. As for academic matters, a group of university deans will be in charge of relevant reform works. These three groups and people from all sectors will take part in presenting their work, discussing ideas, and creating mutual understanding amongst conflicting parties.

·        The process in not yet conclusive as all this will be taken up in the second phase when the Reform Council is formed. So submissions of proposals and recommendations will be discussed and concluded at this stage.

·        Today, I have given clear instructions for expediting the progress of work. We are ready to shoulder the many existing and potential problems. We only request that we all cooperate with each other.

·        Lastly, as we are entering the blessed month of Ramadan, allow me and the people around the country to extend our best wishes to our fellow Thai Muslims for the best of health, happiness, and success during the fasting period and be blessed with prosperity as always. We can all share in our generosity which enables people of all religions to be able to live together in Thailand. As His Majesty the King has said, people of all religions can live together peacefully in Thailand with pride and dignity. I once again ask for your understanding of the work we are doing. Thank you and good night.

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