National Broadcast
By
General Prayut Chan-o-cha
Head of the National Council for Peace and Order
22 August 2014

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Good evening dear citizens. We meet again as usual. Thank you for your continued interest in listening and the support shown to me and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO).

I wish to say that sometimes the things we have been thinking and doing may not seem to be progressing fast enough to solve all of the country’s problems in a short period of time. There are still many overlaying issues on many fronts: politics, security, economics, social psychology, etc. These problems especially have impact on the country’s growth and development and the people’s well-being in all dimensions.

We therefore wish to ask for your cooperation, especially from those who still do not quite understand our operations and intentions and those who have tried to criticise and oppose us—incessantly uttering words like ‘democracy’, ‘return our power’, and ‘elections’, making leaflets and anonymous hand-outs, and using social network to smear and slander our good intentions. I do not see their point in doing this. Yet there are still those who are in hiding, evading liability and always doing things behind closed doors. I am aware of the meetings that have been taking place among the same groups of people and of what has been said. This is very counterproductive for the advancements and reforms of our country.

I have always been saying that we want to create a conciliatory atmosphere for reforming the country and achieving results within the shortest timeframe as possible. Nevertheless, many people are still trying to bring us back to the dysfunctional state we were in, carelessly using words like ‘democracy’ and ‘elections’ without realising that there were many flaws in the democratic system of the past. It was an abuse of democracy, leading to failures in governance and thus problems like lack of safety and security, lack of credit from the global community, unfair wealth distribution, corruption, the destruction of natural resources and the environment, and the exploitation of other people via  all possible means—without regard to right or wrong—for the public to be misled into believing that certain actions are good for them, while in truth those actions only benefit certain groups or areas and so far has not solved any of the people’s basic problems.

In managing the entire water system, solving problems relating to modern public utilities, preparing for the ASEAN Community, setting up a tangible national strategy with palpable long term results, solving problems relating to the people’s debts, and providing the people with access to sustainable sources of funds, there have always been problems; there has not been continuity in administration and management and benefits are not reaching all levels nor sustainable. Nevertheless, we have to be able to manage issues that may not always seem to be very tangible.

Since taking charge of the country’s administration, we have found that this condition has incessantly been impeding the advances and development of Thailand. Our education and public health systems are neither sufficiently effective nor sustainable. As such, some intervention into the operations of public servants, policy makers, and politicians may be necessary. Many people know what the problems are but cannot manage to resolve them. As long as there are administrators or public servants who have interests intertwined with the administration of the country, less and less benefits will trickle down to the people. While some people may not be affected by this, it nonetheless impacts the entire system. The bad will offset the good and that is not what we want.

You all should have realised from what I have been saying that if we let things go on as they did the old way, it is likely that Thailand will have much to suffer in the future. Accordingly, this will also slow down the country’s development.

The NCPO’s work in the first phase of the Roadmap has made continual progress in resolving various problems. I do not want to see such progress last only temporarily. However, it seems to me that when we turn our focus from one issue to another and become less strict with the former, old powers and influence groups would try to come back in and change things back to the way they were by using social movements, especially those linked to the poor or those with low income. I really do not understand these people. They are always trying to mislead the Thai people, especially those with low income—giving them only a tiny fraction of the whole pie, all the while keeping the rest for themselves. And the benefits they are willing to give are often ones resulting from activities that are illicit or violate peace and order of the society. This kind of behaviour is turning the people into hostages and need to be stopped.

Despite these people who are trying to keep to the old ways, we need to continue with our reorganisation efforts—in tackling problems about foot paths and street vendors, for instance. Relevant governmental agencies also need to find a way to aid the poor, such as finding new selling areas for them or establishing clear rules in certain areas, etc. The NCPO’s policy on this already exists. Therefore, all must work together to come up with the best measures, both for the short and long term, and to prevent further illegal acts.

We are only just starting the reconciliation and reform process in this second phase of the Roadmap. Please do not denounce us too much. Today, if you look through social media and other media in general, it seems as though there are almost no good people left in the eyes of the society. We need to give everyone a chance to turn over a new leaf and show the society what good we can do to improve our country as we need to be able to live together. The system of good governance will be employed to keep the country’s administration in check.

On economics, I have said before in the past week that we need to turn crises into opportunities. People in all sectors—agricultural, industrial, and other—need to develop themselves in knowledge, abilities, integrity, and mutual understanding. They need to be aware of possible changes and vulnerabilities, which could always happen, and thus be prepared for all possible risks. This is in line with His Majesty’s sufficiency economy theory where a person needs to have ‘immunity’, having both knowledge and integrity—knowledge is important to every profession and having integrity in this sense would mean not taking advantage or bullying those with lower income—and needs to be honest both to self and others.

In the trade and production of goods, businesses should focus more on quality rather than quantity in order to gain the trust of consumers and trading partners, both within and outside the country. What we need today is the strength of all production sectors. Business operators need to consistently find ways to improve or keep their production technology up to date. For instance, they need to frequently check to see whether there are new and better tools or machines for their business operations and how they could improve production. Of course this will require capital; small and medium enterprises, large-scale investment projects, and the various funds that belong to the state all do. And this is where we must help each other. We need to provide everyone with access to the necessary resources. How to ensure access, how to share, how to create sufficiency, how to keep building on progress, how to change?—these are the questions we need to help address.

If everyone continues to focus on production quantity without updating their technology or without working to modernise and increase the effectiveness of production, we will be regressing further and further. Our goods and services—our businesses—will not be able to compete with others. Seeing our shortfalls, people will choose not to do business with us. We need to help each other to swiftly make improvements on this matter. We may need to form groups and rely on each other. I want our business operators and our industries to flourish within our own country; they need to strengthen their operations and be prepared for changes in competition on the global level.

On the judicial process and the law, the NCPO has already made some progress in making amendments and improvements on some of the more urgent issues. As for matters that are rather significant and involve many other issues, those will be dealt with either in the National Reform Council or the National Legislative Assembly, or both. Now that we have these two bodies, we should not be issuing orders or announcements to get rid of this or that issue—or any group of people, for that matter—and intend for such NCPO orders/announcements to remain effective forever or to be a sustainable way out. Past orders and announcements only offer temporary measures to deal with the existing problems; sustainable solutions will need to come out of those two organs. This is because we need to ensure the fairness of all laws for all Thai people. In the coming days, we well go back to being a democracy—a full-fledged one, this time—with elections that are accepted by all. Therefore, we need to consider these issues very carefully, rather than having the NCPO use special laws to find a quick way out.

We have to look back into the past and see whether there are problems of conflicts or interference among the systems, especially among the spheres of politics and the country’s administration. I do not think anyone actually wants to do bad things. It depends on our control and supervision of their use of power. Everyone needs to help each other to move the country forward. Unfounded criticisms will not help anything and the law will decide what is right or wrong. If we want to resolve all these problems, we need to change—to think and act appropriately. But this certainly does not mean wrongdoing will not be punished; everybody is equal under the law.

As for the progress of our work on the security front in the past week, to resolve the issue of productive land tenure which is a major problem for several hundred thousand people—the real number of people facing this problem could actually be well over a million—we have assigned our Security Division to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and other relevant governmental agencies to set up a task force to solve the said problem in an integrated manner.

One idea is that they might consider making use of unused state-owned lands, degraded forest lands which are unable to be restored, and neglected and unoccupied lands—by allocating them for the people to generate income, as well as to look after existing forests and cultivate more forest lands at the same time, where the ownership of the lands remains the state’s. 

I remember having said sometime before about what they are doing in Israel. As they have limited portions of land, a group of people will use and look after a piece of land—a settlement— together, with the state investing in the development of such land, and they will share the benefits or proceeds they receive. It is not feasible to split up land for everyone when apparently there are not a lot. If people work together in groups to make use of state lands—and also cultivate forests in the case of forest lands by converting degraded forests into economic forests—it may help to resolve the productive land tenure problem to some extent. And by economic forests, I mean forests which may be comprised of perennial plants, protected plants, and economic plants such as rubber.

While we need to address the problems of poverty, productive land tenure, and forest lands at the same time, this does not mean I am encouraging more encroachment of forest lands. The idea is to convert only forest lands that are beyond restoration into economic forests. There is a team working on this issue, which will hopefully lead to a significant reform. Perhaps the matter will also need to go through the National Legislative Assembly as there will be many laws and regulations involved.

As for forests in normal conditions, I am asking that there be no more encroachment. A lot of forest lands are having their zoning re-designated with less and less areas by the year. We may need to use both political science and law to solve the people’s problems and right now there are already many projects underway that were initiated by Their Majesties.

If people were to choose, I would say economic forests may be better than community forests as the latter will have lands belonging to different groups or persons rather than being shared and taken care of together. We will need to see again about the feasibility of this idea; we will need to consider the relevant laws and regulations and see whether the approach is suitable and whether it will lead to more encroachment of forest lands.

On the progress of migrant worker registration, we have now completed registering more than 800,000 migrant workers nationwide. At present, we are collaborating with neighbouring countries, such as the Kingdom of Cambodia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the Lao People's Democratic Republic in making preparations and conducting the nationality verification process again, in order to legally issue passports for the those migrants. In relation to this, we have set a clear timetable to properly manage the workers and prevent human rights violation problems.

Business operators also need to cooperate by properly registering their business and notifying the relevant authorities of their needs. We need to know both the demand and supply for labour in order to resolve the existing problems effectively. A huge registration number does not mean anything when the migrants are going off in all directions without a clear record of their working in the country. Also, businesses may want to strengthen their operations to accommodate more skilled workers. This also means that, in developing their places of business to use new machines, new tools, or new technology, aside from increasing the number of skilled labourers, there needs to be personnel training and development to go along with them as well. On this matter, I especially want those who have trained in Thailand to have the opportunity to work in Thailand, lest we lose all these people to businesses in foreign countries and be left with unskilled and unproductive workers.

Registration will be available for migrant workers only until 31 October 2014. After that will be the nationality verification process, which will be conducted and completed by 31 March 2015.

On promoting international relations and cooperation and fulfilling international obligations, we have instructed the Security Division to collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, and other relevant governmental agencies to compile the relevant laws which need amending or improving, to be up to date and in accordance with international obligations. These are, for instance, the laws on anti-corruption measures, human rights, human trafficking, illegal trade of wildlife and animal remains, copyright and other intellectual property, and laws concerning trade and investment cooperation. Proposed amendments will be forwarded to the Legal Division of the NCPO for consideration then submitted to the National Legislative Assembly for approval.

Thai people may not be well aware of some problems which could tremendously affect our country. Examples are problems of ivory trade, both domestic ivories and those that are smuggled from other countries such as Africa, which could impact the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species or CITES, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU Fishing), and human trafficking in which Thailand was downgraded from Tier 2 Watch List (Tier 2.5) to Tier 3, etc. These are binding obligations which derive from problem-solving mechanisms of the international community. They are legally binding obligations according to international law. We have to resolve these problems through law enforcement and law amendment. We need to appoint responsible agencies, allocate budget, and be able to provide statistics of arrests and prosecution cases to the international community. If we can solve these problems and produce concrete outcomes, we can build understanding among foreign countries that Thailand is making efforts to tackle the problem in order to regain confidence from foreign countries. In the past, we failed to show them that we have made concrete efforts to comply with the international standard. This covers a wide range of areas. We must be able to address these issues and provide explanation to foreign countries. All relevant ministries, such as the Royal Thai Police, the Immigration Bureau, and the Customs Department, should be well prepared to provide such information and should seriously implement these measures.

On development of cooperation and strengthening relations with ASEAN countries, we have close neighbouring countries within a distance of 5,600 kilometres. Several countries are good trading partners with high volume of bilateral trades. The quarterly border trade values are exceptionally high. We have developed a Special Economic Zone by improving road transport routes and customs modalities, as well as expanding the immigration checkpoints and bottleneck areas. All of these are being carried out to increase border trade with neighbouring countries.

General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Director of the Security Division, has participated in the high-level committee meetings between Thailand-Malaysia, Thailand-Myanmar, Thailand-Indonesia, and is preparing to visit Cambodia in the near future.

Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs of Thailand, and Mr. Alijandro Solano Ortiz, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Costa Rica, will co-chair the Senior Officials Meeting of the Forum for East Asia Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) during 19 – 22 August 2014 in Bangkok as the Republic of Costa Rica is the Latin America Coordinator and Thailand is the East Asia Coordinator of FEALAC. Thailand will use this opportunity to push forward several areas of cooperation for concrete outcomes and collective interest of the member countries.

Economy

On economy, the inspection of the rice stocks has progressed steadily. I would like to reiterate that the ratio of the good- and bad-quality rice is 80 to 20 percent. I am mentioning only the physical inspection which is the verification of the amount and the quality. There are still several other inspections to be conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and other committees to see whether the rice is of the same kind and determine the accurate type of rice. We have to ensure that only rice that have passed the physical verification in terms of amount and quality, as well as the DNA inspection process will be released to the market. If we mix different kinds of rice and sell them in foreign markets, we will lose credibility. We should never do that. Once the inspection is complete, we will prepare for the release of rice. Apart from the physical problem, amount, quality and DNA, there are other issues to address which will be a lengthy process. This includes the rice pledging procedure, contractual arrangement for domestic and international purchase, and rice storage, all of which will be systematically inspected. Today, we have been able to complete only the inspection on the amount. The rest will be carried out according to the legal and inspection procedure of the independent organizations. We are now focusing on rice that has passed the physical inspection. This amount of rice will be released to the market. Although the lengthy inspection process will result in relatively small amount of rice being released, we have to implement these steps to build confidence among foreign trade partners. We are not implementing these measures for the benefits of legal claims of anyone or any sides.

The NCPO will have to prepare measures for new products and look into how we can help farmers. It is better to plan sustainable measures which lead to fair trade, free-market, and less government subsidies based on market mechanism. I urge all of you to refrain from protesting at this moment. There are several interconnected steps to be taken, for example, farmers should focus on improving the quality of rice to encourage free trade. Farmers should grow good kinds of rice and different kinds of rice should not be mixed together. Domestically grown rice should not be mixed with the internationally grown one. We should allow inspection and sampling test when selling rice to foreign countries. If we sell mixed rice, nobody will be willing to buy rice from us and rice price will fall down. This will eventually affect farmers. Government officials and civil servants will also be impacted.

So far the Ministry of Commerce has conducted auctions on the government rice stocks, and has garnered huge interest from buyers. There are 49 bidders in total. The types of rice that are available for auction are Jasmine rice 100 per cent, White rice 15 per cent, White sticky rice 10 per cent, fragmented Jasmine rice, Jasmine broken rice, broken Pathum Thani rice, broken white rice A.1 super. Auction criteria have been put in place to ensure transparency in every procedure. The auctioning result has shown that the Rice Policy and Management Committee has approved a sale of 73,200 tons of good-quality rice, with an estimated value of 737 million baht. The auction was attended by 11 bidders.

On resolving problems of falling rubber prices, I have seen that several people have prepared to submit complaints if rubber price falls down to less than 50 Baht. We are making our best efforts to maintain the price at above 50 Baht. We have to encourage free competition and increase rubber utilization. The solution has been divided into two parts. The first part is a preparation for the release of rubber stocks in the rubber price stabilization scheme. The government has purchased large amount of rubber at high price and the rubber in stock is unable to compete with the market price. The increasing rubber stocks has caused deficit. Rubber farmers are currently demanding for the same rate of government subsidy for their future products. We have to solve this problem in twofold. First, we have to find out measures to increase domestic consumption and increase the value of raw rubber products by connecting the Board of Investment (BOI) and rubber manufacturers and encourage rubber usage in other activities. Rubber manufacturers will have to purchase domestically produced rubber and several rules and regulations will be amended. The NCPO has considered measures to develop the whole rubber system. This consists of immediate measures to solve stock management problem; measures during production seasons to increase market liquidity, product value and product quality; and measures on sustainable rubber development to adjust marketing structure and find new export markets. Many countries have turned to use domestic rubber plantation and invest in neighboring countries which result in falling price of rubber and lower domestic demand. Other measures are rubber product research and development, control of rubber planting areas, and increasing farmers’ productivity and crop rotation. We cannot focus solely on selling rubber but should rather increase the value of our products.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has discussed with relevant agencies on the preparation of the draft strategy to promoting 4 economic crops (Roadmap) which are maize, cassava, oil palm, and sugar cane, to be proposed to the sub-committee on promoting 4 economic crops (in accordance with the Order of the National Council for Peace and Order No. 116/2557 dated 14 August 2014). The aim is to mobilize the agricultural product sector, food sector, and alternative energy sector to be more balanced, strengthened and stable, as well as to increase sustainable competitive advantage for the country. China Oversea Investment Service Limited has shown interest in importing 20,000-30,000 tons of cassava per month within a period of 1 year. A background check of the company is being conducted.

Another issue of concern is the low prices of agricultural products, including field crops, horticultural crops, and fruits. High volumes of production have caused the problem of oversupply and lower prices. This problem needs to be systematically addressed.  Relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives must closely oversee cultivated areas and provide recommendations and support to adjust appropriate types of crop plantation. Rules, regulations, contractual arrangements and taxation have to be systematically adjusted. Therefore, solving the problem of agricultural products will involve 3 ministries; the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives responsible for production, the Ministry of Commerce responsible for trading, and the Ministry of Finance responsible for taxation. These 3 ministries are interconnected in planning the cultivation, production, processing, and selling of agricultural products. The Ministry of Finance should set out rules and procedures for effective taxation. This is the major problems that need to be addressed. We should not only focus on government subsidy since it is not a sustainable solution. We have limited government budget and it has to be spent on other projects. If we have to spend all budgets on agricultural subsidies, other projects cannot be achieved. We have to balance and spare some budget for infrastructure development projects to be completed in time for the upcoming ASEAN Community and the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC).

Demand and supply as well as an updated database have to be appropriately managed. Demand and supply need to be balanced. We should focus on improvement of quality rather than quantity. Government subsidies and product prices should be systematically and inclusively managed. The problem of loan and debt also needs to be expeditiously addressed to prevent repeating debt problems.  I have already ordered the 3-4 main relevant ministries to jointly take responsibility. They cannot operate independently anymore. The budget planning and the implementation should be collectively continued. Consumers and buyers should refrain from buying agricultural products arising from illegal cultivation such as forestry trespassing. If there is no evidence to prove ownership such as land title or certificate, people should refrain from buying those products. Legal control and law enforcement should be strictly applied and those who committed wrongdoings should be arrested by the police. Every ministry has to cooperate in an integrative and systematic manner.

On investment in energy infrastructure, the NCPO has approved investment projects of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Provincial Electricity Authority and Metropolitan Electricity Authority to meet the needs of households and the industrial sector and to promote energy security in the future. A five-year plan will be drafted to specify the demand for electricity for industrial and household sectors. This will help us decide on where and how the electricity power plants should be built. A clear and comprehensive set of strategies consisting of short- and long-term measures must be developed. The NCPO has approved urgent projects to replace those that are about to expire, for example, the Mae Moh Power Plant Units 4-7 Replacement Project as the Units will expire in 2017. Others include the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s project to extend transmission lines Phase 12, transmission system development projects in the western and southern regions in order to enhance security of electricity supply and to prevent power failures and power shortages in the south. The NCPO also approved the Board of Investment of Thailand’s promotion of investment in waste-to-energy facilities and renewable energy power plants. Last week, 3-4 projects had been approved to encourage the use of waste-to-energy supply and other renewable energy. We have clearly announced our policy to prioritize the consideration for projects that does not have environmental impact and are environmental-friendly. Government promotion will particularly focus on such projects. 

In the past, we have never clearly specify the criteria on where, how and when the projects will be carried out which caused conflict problems. The power plant operations will be conducted in line with the third revision of Thailand’s Power Development Plan (2010-2030), which requires that Thailand generate electricity sufficiently enough to sustain the country’s economic growth in the future. We have to specify how much energy we will produced domestically, how much will be purchased from abroad, and how much alternative or renewable energy will be used. We will have to move forward according to this plan. A 1-year or 5-year plan will be drafted. Actually, all projects should have a long-term workplan to ensure unsustainability and unfair treatment which lead to corruption. The construction of power plant will be distributed in every region and will not be centralized within the industrialized zone or the central region. In the next 5 to 10 years, there must be sufficient power plants in every region which could solve the issue of power shortage. We have to be more self-reliant in terms of energy even at places where we buy energy from abroad.

Society and Environment

The NCPO has considered and approved the Ministry of Interior’s waste disposal operations, with a pioneering project in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya. The project involves generating electricity from garbage with the waste-to-energy technology that uses incineration. Incinerators must have high temperature to ensure all waste is burned. According to data provided by the Environment Office, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya produces 1,200 tons of waste per day, but it has a waste disposal capacity of only 700 tons per day. Currently, there is a total of 300,000 tons of old and new piles of garbage produced. After the construction of a power plant, the province will have the capacity to accommodate another 300 tons of waste per day for electricity generation and a landfill site for the remainder of the waste produced has been provided. Because of the project, the province will have a waste disposal capacity of 760,000 tons. However, I have emphasized that the facility must not spoil the atmosphere and cause pollution. People must also benefit from the project as it should create more jobs such as waste sorting and increase their income. I would like to ask for cooperation from people in the areas. With the waste management and materials recovery facility, electricity can be continuously generated. In other countries, waste management business helps generate income; many Thais also earn a living from it.  

The facility must take into account the community and people living in proximity of the construction. It should also have a strict waste disposal system/ measures for disposing of waste produced by the power plant effectively such as waste water treatment. I would like the Pollution Control Department and the Ministry of Industry to inspect both old and new facilities. If an old waste management facility does not meet quality standards, it must be shut down or redeveloped; what is important is that it must not create problems for people.

Other Matters

Moving towards Thailand’s Democracy/Reform/Reconciliation

Many of you are concerned about continuity of work in reform that is carried out by the NCPO and the Government. You would have noticed many changes since 22 May. I have come out openly to create understanding with you on every issue. Ministries, Bureaus, and Departments all have provided regular briefings on their work. Every working group has made efforts to explain their plans and budgeting. Government agencies have also worked in a more integrated manner. However, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of such plans and budgeting, which require monitoring. If any plans do not work, they can be presented to the National Legislative Assembly and the National Reform Council for revision. These are some key changes from the past. People were unable to travel because of the protests and the use of weapons and conflict was present everywhere. Now the country is peaceful and order has been restored. Citizens respect the law. People traveling to Phuket now appreciate the beauty of Phuket and its white sands, which are not crowded by vendors who are mostly people with low income. However, it is important to find solutions for vendors such as providing areas for them to sell goods or pickup locations for tourists who want to go to a shopping center.

Traffic congestion during rush hours is another problem, which is common in all big cities. Previously, the traffic was bad because of the protests and roadblocks. Now traffic congestion occurs due to a higher number of cars on the streets as more people can afford cars. The government must offer more public transport services and improve the public transit system. Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) must consider whether a number of public transport vehicles should be increased and services in certain routes should be revised. Solutions to the problem should take into account all aspects from the metro transit system to parking space. If the government offers better public transport services, there will be fewer car users, therefore less traffic. Some people drive to a metro station in order to take the train; therefore, there should be enough parking space. The rail transit system is the cheapest means of transport.

People have learned to co-exist and live together peacefully even though some individuals and groups persist with inciting conflict. People are better informed, thereby not allowing others to mislead them or exploit them. This is our future, even before reforms. The reform process can be divided into phases – in the short term and in the long term. If we all unite no one can undermine us or find fault. Everything will progress naturally. There will be no need to be concerned about using special security measures. I have never said that all my actions have been correct, nor have I said that all of them have been mistakes. But I do take responsibility for all my actions. Why don’t others take responsibility for their own actions? Yet they still continue to criticize the works we have done. Foreigners, other ASEAN countries and western countries today understand our predicament. They continue to trade with us and inform us that we are becoming more stable, even though they cannot come out to express full support in accordance with their principles. Those who have lived in Thailand for a long time do understand better and have more confidence.

A former leader of our country, who is a democracy and human rights advocate, has remarked that no one supports a coup but understand that democracy in Thailand must be strengthened in a sustainable manner. There is no point to say if a coup is good or bad, especially after it already has taken place. It is better to help the country move forward and contribute constructively in this short period.

The 11 main reform categories each have their own substantive details. For example, the issue concerning politics can be divided into 4-5 subtopics. Some have stated that there are other categories that are not included, which might make the reform process unsuccessful. However, the 11^th main category, referred to as “Other Related Issues” comprise issues which the public have additionally proposed that does not fall into any of the predetermined topics. Do not worry about whether these issues will not be considered. It is more appropriate now to focus on how to complete these reforms and what measures need to be taken if they are not completed in time. This is up to the National Reform Council (NRC).

Currently, there are approximately 600-700 applicants for the National Reform Council. The 250 who will be members of the National Reform Council will come from an initial selection of 550 candidates which will be cut down to 173; they will be joined by 77 more provincial representatives, making up a final total of 250 members. Rumours that candidates of the NRC have been selected beforehand are not true. The NRC’s selection committee, which comprises governors and attorneys, was set up to oversee the selection process.

For the main selection process, people, whose backgrounds and qualifications vary, are able to apply for the NRC selection process based on their qualifications that correspond to the 11 main reform agenda. With regard to the province-based selection process, each province will select one candidate who understands the 11 main reform issues or at least has expertise in one of the 11 issues. If candidates have one area of expertise, they can learn and obtain more information from the Damrongtham Centers and the Internal Security Operations Command.

It is unlikely that an ineffective person will be selected. There will be the organization of those with particular knowledge and expertise into the appropriate 11 main reform issues. If there are more members needed for a particular issue, then they will be considered for another related issue. The NRC will choose a Chairperson on its own, and will proceed with their course of actions independently. Each group will follow up on each issue and present their plan to Chairperson of the NRC. Once members of the NRC arrive at conclusion, it will be presented to the National Legislative Assembly for consideration and to the government for further action. Members of the NRC can also submit information they obtain to the National Reform Council, the NCPO, the Damrongtham Centers and the Internal Security Operations Command.

Reform and reconciliation will continuously proceed and in parallel to each other. There are 2 ways to apply for the NRC – by submitting application through the post or by directly handing applications in to the Election Commission. Inspection of credentials will be undertaken as applications are being submitted. There will be the nomination of Committees of no more than 50 members. If there are not enough members for a Committee, consideration will be given to a list of candidates for other Committees. On 4 September 2014, there will be a meeting of all Committees with the Head of the NCPO as Chair. The 3 subsequent meetings will be held during 13 – 22 September 2014. The Election Commission will submit a list of those selected from each province (first nominated by a provincial committee) with selection criteria based on candidates’ strengths, experience, profession, acceptance by the public, and potential to contribute effectively to the NRC. In cases when officials from ministries, bureaus, and departments are needed to be involved with the NRC, then the Civil-Service subcommittee will select a representative for the appropriate reform issue. The Ministry of Interior and Election Commission shall provide information and answer questions on the selection process to the NRC by teleconference when needed.

Impact of reorganization of visa regulations/surrogacy laws

There are several cases at present due to advancement in medical technology. Subsequently, there are legal implications. The expiration of temporary tourist visas has led to cases of visa runners, who have to leave the country for 1 day or for a certain period, and re-enter the country. The reorganization of the visa system has considerably affected certain groups such as English teachers and academics. Such problem is being resolved. Visas must be clearly categorized into different types. The NCPO has instructed the Immigration Bureau to be more flexible. Visa runners can register with the Immigration Bureau in order for the Bureau to find a sustainable resolution to the problem. This is an ongoing problem that needs to be resolved, as it can lead to a shortage of English teachers and guides.

On the amendment of laws regarding surrogacy. At present, the laws are not clear-cut. However, the inspections are still ongoing pursuant to existing laws, while a sustainable solution is being sorted out. Thai women who have agreed to be surrogate mothers will avoid seeing doctors in hospitals for fear of being prosecuted, and cannot return to clinics that have been shut down. The exception is possible on a case-by-case basis, if evidence is presented. Cooperation is needed from hospitals and public medical service providers. The Ministry of Public Health needs to look into this matter.

The operation of NCPO after the formation of a Government

National Administration after the appointment of a Prime Minister, Ministers, and an establishment of a Cabinet, will be pursuant to the existing legal framework. However, there are many problems to be addressed, and many of which may not be done in due course. The NCPO and the Cabinet will come up with key policy measures to be carried out by relevant ministries and government agencies. The NCPO will use special authorities pursuant to the Provisional Constitution to solve urgent problems, or committees will be established to oversee issues such as problems of corruption, an increase the country’s competitiveness, problems of poverty, narcotics, and natural resources encroachment and exploitation, and other matters.

Education

Overall, there have been positive developments in the educational system, but they may not be concrete. The resolution of such problems must be expedited within a certain time frame. It must also be comprehensive and reflect the needs of the labour market. Improvements should be focused on the quality and quantity in all dimensions, and should be achieved within this academic year. I know this is not easy, but it must be achieved, so hold meetings, and try to reach an agreement. The Ministry of Education has been allocated a large portion of the national budget, more than any other ministries. Therefore, the resolution of the problems must be achieved.

On Thai history and knowledge about our country, most children do not know the number of provinces in the country, or about world heritage sites located in Thailand. When they go abroad, they are asked to write about their country – be they history, cultures and traditions, but they cannot do that. The Ministry of Education has to include more teachings of Thai history into the school curriculum. I have been informed that children in several newly independent states know a lot about their history. Thai children need to know about their history as well as the monarchy and royal activities.

Our children also have problems with basic written comprehension. We need to provide them with full information, instead of summaries, on topics such as Thai history and the monarchy. How, then, can they develop a sense of pride in themselves? This needs to be resolved. Other skills should also be taught such as mental maths skills. Moreover, children of all ages should be encouraged to develop an effective thought process, and to think about their future.

Another problem is regarding businesses that provide writing service. Children who have money can hire people to do research or even homework for them. This problem needs to be addressed. There are also problems of public and private educational institutions. There are several private educational institutions that have produced a lot of graduates. However, this has led to an increase in the rate of unemployment. Such institutions should attempt to ensure that their students will be able to find jobs after they have graduated.

On Educational IT Management;

Advanced equipment should be used sensibly. The Ministry of Education should prepare people who have expertise in hardware, software and computer networks to oversee the whole system. More emphasis should be given to teaching contents as well as the development of teaching skills to be more appropriate for our children at specific levels of education, rather than focusing on acquiring new equipment. Distance learning programmes via DVDs and the e-learning system must be integrative. Everyone should have a chance to conduct self studies, and for their performances to be assessed.

Teachers or peoples responsible for overseeing the IT system should be designated in each school.

As for the schools in remote areas which have different teaching standards, the IT system will greatly enhance and develop the quality of teaching.

The Ministry of Education has been instructed to oversee the Smart Classroom programmes. Firstly, the teaching contents and methods must be prepared, by adapting from the contents of the Distant Learning via Satellite programme of His Majesty the King. Everyone should be open-minded and each school should tailor the contents to suit their students.

Therefore, relevant laws should be amended, in order for the responsible agencies on IT system to be able to provide effective support for education.

The Damrongtham Centers

There must be expedition in resolving problems such as agricultural problems, prices of agricultural products, and preventive measures. Assistance and resolution of the problems have to be expedited and closely monitored. People should be able to obtain information on the operation of the NCPO or the government.

Public Health

It needs to be considered how to look after people of all ages. Those who have more income may voluntarily give up their right in the universal healthcare scheme for those with less income, so that the State can disburse budgets to help those in need such as the elderly. People who are wiling to help should inform the Ministry of Public Health of their intention. We should perform good deeds. We all have rights as well as responsibilities, and must help each other as we are all Thai.

As for education funds, they are still available. However, there are currently a large amount of outstanding loans, and the Office of the Auditor General of Thailand is investigating on the problems. Those who are able to support themselves in education should not apply for funding assistance to provide opportunities for those is need.

Energy and State Enterprise Issues

There have been improvements in many aspects. Some people have said that nothing has been done. On the contrary, we have set up an Energy Policy Committee an Energy Policy Committee, a Super Board, formulated strategies and workplans, made changes regarding board members, amended regulations and addressed conflicts of interest. These were issues that could be addressed immediately. However, issues involving many dimensions such as pricing structure, production, energy sources and alternative energy are complicated. Reducing energy prices involves many factors and linked with many other issues. We cannot do anything in haste. There are been a lot of arguments. I have instructed that a clear understanding must be made. If not, it should be debated until the better reason and understanding prevail. Believing what appears on websites and social media could lead to more arguments. Everyone should listen to the rationale and understand with reason. Some comments are groundless. I have also been accused of favouring some companies. I do not know them as they are not my relatives. I buy petrol for my personal car at the same high rate as everyone else. So do not blame each other and try to find solutions.  Be patient as the National Reform Council will have to deliberate on issues such as energy sourcing, production, distribution, interest of the state, and general public and private shareholders. If we want to reclaim enterprises currently under private ownership, then the state would have to buy more shares so that the state becomes a majority shareholder. The board members' privileges have been curtailed. But we also have to be fair to them. We are not saying that they are exploiting their status but their work may be exposed to risks of misunderstanding or mismanagement in disbursing expenditures. They have a duty to clarify. I sympathize with all members of various boards as they are governed by over 20 regulations. We must ensure how those regulations can exert control effectively. This should be clearly discussed in the reform stage. Today we are solving priority issues. We have already addressed the issues of energy, water and others. So please listen to what we have said.

We have also addressed the grievances and misunderstandings of the public. A lot of things have been distorted and exploited by certain groups. It takes time, transparency and just management to identify what belongs to the government, private sector or joint partnership. We have to address issues like percentage of shares that the government should hold to reclaim ownership of an enterprise.  It is not right to ask NCPO to use special powers to seize enterprises and make them state owned. It should not be like that. Do not pass on such burden to NCPO because we are performing duties according to the laws. Special laws are applied only to expedite resolution of problems. We are not distorting anything because problems may arise again in the near future. So we are concerned especially on the sustainability of energy security.

The current fluctuating external situation have impacted on domestic economic, social and psychological factors. Armed confrontations and security issues persist globally. We have covered all the problems including energy,  transportation and  services which are ineffective or do not receive sufficient trust and satisfaction from the public. We have addressed measures such as strategic frameworks, government policy, procedure, turnover, restoration, arrangement for the price adjustment and new investments. These can not be done in one time. People may question why there is no development, why energy prices have not come down. There are many binding obligations so we have to gradually untangle the problems. For instance, in the adjustment of the tax collection system, there will always be some who will benefit or lose more than others. I instructed that the adjustments will have to be just to earners with low income. We will have to think over it. So all the proposals for change will be taken up by the Cabinet, National Reform Council and the National Legislative Assembly. There have been critical comments appearing in various media on discussions behind closed doors or confidential issues. Some issues have not been initiated or ordered and some are under discussion but the details have been divulged. NCPO has been recriminated in a sense that we do not understand what we are doing. It is quite tiring. Some people say that NCPO have special powers to seize all property to become state owned. We need to identify ownership of these enterprises. I do not take sides but please deliberate until there is conclusion. Otherwise I would not be able to proceed.  So I ask for your cooperation and understanding. Refrain from making damaging comments.

Cooperation/ Understanding Issue

On the issue of meetings and critical discussions held by many groups, I have not prohibited them in such a manner that there is no room to maneuver.  But I do not think it is right to discuss in secrecy or organize political gathering with tinges of opposition to NCPO. Please ask for permission and I will consider. Some people gathered in inconspicuous places and discussed about waiting for NCPO to stumble and they will re-enter the political scene and ask their followers to be ready. I do not want to comment much. Some of them are former government officials, former politicians and controversial academics that face legal action. They continue to instigate incitements. I do not understand why as these people have many legal cases against them. Still they try to persuade other people to believe them. 

I would like to ask for cooperation from the Subdistrict Administration Organization, Provincial Administration Organization and Village Headmen. You are most important in leading the country out of this situation as you are closest to the people. Please do not gather to stage protests. We are now in the reform process. There have been comments about abolishing local administrations. I have never considered or said so. Please discuss them in the Reform Council. For example on police restructuring, it can not be done by a single order of NCPO. I could only amend some regulations to facilitate the work and in tune with the situation at hand. So those who wish for us to make changes should participate in the reform process. We need to talk with each other, to discuss and to develop ourselves, especially the local administrators, in terms of thinking and approaches in development for public benefit.

The local administration must also sync with regional administration level and vice versa. The central administration has already allocated budget resources accordingly. So the steps in administration should be followed. The local level should proceed with their projects according to the budget plans. They should also have a strategic plan of what needs to be done in the first year such as repairing roads or renovating schools whereas other renovations could be done in the second year. New construction projects could be planned for the third year and so on. Consider using existing budgets for medical service centers, central markets, etc., so that the public have the means to make a livelihood. Avoid duplications of work as in always fixing the same things without any new projects. Formulation of long term plans of 5 or 10 years for your locality are necessary. If your budget is not sufficient, you can request additional budget from the provincial level or central level where ministries, bureaus and departments can provide assistance. We could utilize the central budget in covering the difference. There are 3 levels of budgetary allocations so depending solely on your budget may not be sufficient. The process would also act as an effective check and balance system. I do not intend to change the local administration system but you can discuss any changes and decide on the matter at the reform stage.

We have to reduce conflicts and influence within the area. The local administrators must end such practices. Everything is under the consideration of the National Reform Council, all 11 areas. NCPO has not predetermined anything.  We will only maintain conditions that will move the country forward. It is up to you to find long term solutions, be they 1 year or 4 years of the next government or 5 years economic plan. We would like to encourage all sectors to utilize your thoughts and Thai wisdom to jointly resolve the problems in all dimensions rapidly. This is the fervent hope of NCPO.

Another important issue is the military and police reshuffle of which there have been criticisms. No apologies were offered when the truth is far from the damaging comments. The reshuffles were done under principles and collective consideration of many people. One must maintain composure once reshuffle is made. The military and the police all have discipline so we do not fight over command appointments. One must accept the final decision. Candidates can compete by performing their duties for next year’s reshuffle. Everything is done under rules and norms so do not comment based on personal opinion. I would rather use the word family to describe the military and police corps. We are one family having known each other and worked together. So please do not make damaging comments. Everything is according to rules, regulations, laws, and discipline.

It has been quite exhausting for me. Thank you for listening to me. Whether you believe in me or not, please do not counter us yet. We know of the undercurrents but we do not wish to use violence against them. I feel tiresome to have to resort to law enforcement all the time as it could lead to problems in society. You must consider the truth. Do not look at the world only from one side or listen only to one side. We need to use both political and legal thoughts in working and administering the country as well as good governance in solving problems and move Thailand forward. Please join hands in reforming the country. We do not want to force anyone. I have already explained the rationale and necessity. All Thais, irrespective of which groups, should participate in making the reform process a success. As I told you, we do not intervene in the reform process. This is the national agenda which all Thais must help out.

I have taken much of your time. Listeners may be tired, the speaker as well. My speed may have been too fast but please try to catch up. You will notice that I act upon my thoughts quickly but even then not fast enough for some of you. However some only criticize so we are moving in opposite ways.

Thank you. Sawasdee Good night, “kit teung” (with my personal regards)

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