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

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Good evening, dear citizens. We meet again as usual. On the occasion of His Majesty’s Royal Command appointing me as Prime Minister, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for His royal grace. This has been the highest honour of my life – and not only for myself, but for my entire family. I am conscious of the great duty before me. I thank the National Legislative Assembly and fellow citizens for their support and placing confidence in me to administer state affairs forthwith.  I am happy to bear the responsibility in moving the country towards a sustainable future. From now on, I will be responsible for moving the country and the people forward and working together in national development for the benefit of all. 

In the second phase, the administration of the country by the government, Prime Minister and Cabinet will be in parallel with the NCPO’s handling of immediate issues that require quick action. This will be determined through close consultations on the modes of operation while being careful not to infringe upon each other’s responsibilities. There will also be mechanisms for checks and balances to ensure transparency, integrity and fairness. I wish to urge everyone not to be overly concerned about the individuals.  Today, we have to work rapidly on strengthening every system to be more resilient against corruption, especially in our public service, be they civil servants, police or military, and the related private sector.

Government agencies at the central, provincial and local levels must strengthen themselves in order to support the reforms that will ensure that the politicians will have a system of good governance in the administration of the country, so that they can work together to lead the country into the future.  However, the people are the most important component to ensure that our current administration will be able to successfully solve the various problems that beset this nation – be they security, economic, social, cultural, and legal and justice systems.  The economic sector in particular, is facing many challenges.  Everyone, including public and private sectors, farmers, and the general public have to cooperate to overcome these challenges.

Problems facing Thailand

Our nation has accumulated a host of significant problems that need to be addressed quickly in order to be ready for the ASEAN Community.

On security, there are many problems as already mentioned before. Among them are the three Southern Border Provinces, violation of human rights, human trafficking and forced labour, and mafias and influential figures.  There are also border problems, including border demarcation, illegal migrants, and smuggling.  In addition, there are domestic security issues such as narcotics, crime,  proliferation of war weapons, gambling, and foreign labour. We have already addressed some of these issues.

On the economy, we must proceed in a concrete manner in accordance with the National Social and Economic Development Plan and in tune with global trends. Measures include the promotion of investments in various sectors, the narrowing of social inequality, generating income for farmers and those with low income, reform of the tax system in a just manner, and alleviation of the people’s basic living needs.

These are some of the important economic challenges, in particular how to develop our competitive capacity to equal that of other countries in our region and how to link our economy to the region to prepare for the ASEAN Community. We found that Thailand’s competitiveness is average.  Some of the key weaknesses lie in our administrative system, lack of infrastructure, effective education system and innovativeness. Our laws and services for facilitating the business sector remain a major obstacle to foreign investors.  Judging from our present capacity, the Thai economy will require another 12 years to escape the Middle-income Trap to become a High-income country.  At the same time, some of our neighbours will already have developed into High-income countries in the next six years. So Thailand will have to accelerate our efforts. Furthermore, the ASEAN Community that will emerge in 2015, which has the economy as one of the three pillars, will pose another important challenge for Thailand. We must raise our competitiveness to equal that of our neighbours, especially with some countries that can be considered to be both partners and significant economic competitors.

In sum, our economic problems can be summarised as follows: (1) The Middle-income Trap, where we will be unable to compete with other countries with cheaper labour and countries with greater technological development; and (2) Our stagnant competitiveness level despite the greater liberalization and competition in trade and investment.

The social and cultural challenges that face us include the education system, how to instil conscientiousness into our youths, how to sustain Thai culture in the long-term, how to safeguard our natural resources, how to instil values, solve environmental problems, and land-related problems.

At the moment, a chronic problem – and one that seems to be growing – is the increasing disparity in earning opportunities, income distribution, wealth distribution that is unjust, especially in education.  Many of the poor lack the opportunity to study in high school, college or university. The quality of Thai education also needs to be continuously developed. Access to financial services is still limited though it is an important component that will help to expand earning opportunities. Consequently it is very difficult for people to escape the cycle of poverty.

Today’s aging society will also have a direct and negative impact on the nation’s competitive edge, since it will limit our labour force, while the population of the elderly who rely on the labour force will increase exponentially.  There will also be an additional burden on the nation’s budget through the increased expenditure on the elderly via social security schemes.  Therefore, Thailand must speedily adjust our state social welfare system, so that the needs of the elderly will be looked after in an appropriate fashion. It is an inherent Thai culture to take care of parents and the elderly as best we can. It is pleasing to note that people’s longevity has increased in this day and age but we still need appropriate measures to take care of this group of people.  

On the environment, the problems include the encroachment and destruction of natural resources and the forest, waste disposal, pollution from the industrial sector and urbanization. Another clearly seen problem arises from the consequences of pushing for economic policies unfriendly to the environment, which has severely eroded our natural resources.  In the past, the Thai economy has grown hand-in-hand with pollution.  Thailand’s carbon dioxide emissions have continuously grown, while the ratio between our use of energy and our energy imports to our national GNP has jumped.  Although we have made use of recycled materials, which is starting to gain some popularity in the past few years, the proportion of our use of these materials has not grown significantly. Therefore, the state sector should persuade consumers and producers to change their behaviour to be more environmental friendly. Moreover, the problems of pollution and natural disasters are becoming more severe across the planet.  Part of the problem comes from the widening pursuit of economic interests, which has increased the rate of destruction of natural resources.  The state must, therefore, have a system to assist, ameliorate, and protect victims of natural disasters in a timely manner.

The challenges in legislation and the legal process include the reform of archaic laws that do not conform to international laws and obligations.  There are also laws amended by the public sector in order to facilitate the activities of the people and ensure greater fairness but were stuck in various processes under the previous governments. The NCPO has sent some of these drafts to the National Legislative Assembly for expeditious consideration. All of these drafts have already passed the due consideration of the related agencies, including the NCPO, acting in the capacity of the Cabinet.  Foremost in our consideration has been to update archaic legislations and to solve the problems of the people.

Corruption has been deep-rooted in Thai society.  The problem needs to be seriously addressed now.  In order to see concrete and rapid progress within one year, we require the cooperation of all sectors, including the state and private sectors, civil society, and the population at large. Anti-corruption values should be instilled and severe penalties be handed down for those guilty of corruption.  The procurement system, the process of transferring and appointing civil servants, the exercise of power by state agencies, and good governance in state owned enterprises should be looked at in conjunction with legislative reforms that will update our laws to conform to international norms.  These legislative reforms may include consideration of whether or not corruption-related crimes should have a statute of limitations, increases in the penalties for corruption-related crimes that may extend to both the donor and recipient where, in the past, operators in the private sector who were involved in corruption were not prosecuted for offering bribes to state officials.

I have also heard concerns from certain sectors that the NCPO has not included the prevention and tackling of corruption in the 11-point Reform Agenda.  I wish to state here that the NCPO gives extreme importance to this matter and see it as one of the first issues that need to be tackled by reforms. The prevention of corruption is a massive, cross-cutting issue that affects everything.  If we specified it as one of the main agendas for reform, corruption will not be covered in all dimensions. Therefore, we have decided to set corruption prevention as an important condition for every reform agenda, including political reform, administrative reform, legal reform, as well as reforms in the legal process, local administration, education, economy, energy, public health and environment, media, society, and other sectors.  All sectors must be rid of corruption, as stated in Section 27 of the Provisional Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand B.E. 2557 (2014), which stipulates that the National Reform Council has the duty to study and give recommendations for reform in various sectors, so that the democratic form of government with the King as Head of State will be developed as appropriate for the Thai social context.  This includes having an election system that is honest and fair, accompanied by effective mechanisms to prevent and eliminate corruption and dishonest behaviour, while eliminating inequalities and promoting socio-economic fairness for sustainable development.  This system will ensure that state mechanisms will be able to serve the people in an inclusive, convenient and responsive manner under the strict and fair implementation of the law.

Issues of importance that is affecting the public and requiring urgent attention

Development of a democratic system that is right, comprehensive, internationally accepted and appropriate for Thailand.

The 11 main reform issues undertaken by the National Reform Council will also help in responding to current and future economic challenges. Part of our preparations include the establishment and working of several Policy Committees to address the problems of basic needs and other pressing issues endured by the public, as well as to lay the foundations of important infrastructure for national development will include a Committee on Rice Policy and Management, a Committee for Water Policy and Management, a Strategy Committee for commercial viability of four Agricultural Products (corn fodder, tapioca, palm oil, sugar cane), a Committee on National Energy Policy, a Committee on the Management of Migrant Workers and Human Trafficking, and Committee on the  for Special Economic Development Zone Policy, and a Committee to oversee the operations of state owned enterprises. The issue of corruption prevention will also be considered under these mechanisms and reform agendas.

On management of natural resources, prevention of encroachment and addressing the issue of land productivity, we should consider making  use of unused state-owned lands,  including degraded forest lands that  are currently unable to be restored and other neglected or unoccupied lands -  by allocating them to the people to make use of in order to make a living. These will become land with economic benefits that the community will help look after and plant more trees. However, the ownership of the lands remains the state’s. Such reforestation practices are in conformity with the concept of the Community Food Banks initiated by Her Majesty the Queen who has prompted us to look into how to make the people live in harmony with forests in way that they could also benefit from the forests. If we prohibit people from making use of the forest areas then there will be no one to look after the forests. So it is better to have people look after the forests by planting more trees while deriving benefits from the area. Through this approach Her Majesty envisions that forests will be healthier and the people will have a better living. So we have to balance the two elements.  

Management and establishment of cooperatives under the principle of good governance, which His Majesty the King has promoted throughout the years, will help to, raise the standard of living for farmers who make up the majority of the population. Cooperatives help to promote business partnerships between farmers; foster mutual assistance; resilience; knowledge; modernisation; and communal assistance. Cooperatives are guided by moral and ethical principles so as to improve the quality of life both in the economic and social dimensions.

I would like to commend the case of a cooperative set up in Roi Et Province which was in the news recently. Farmers there have joined together to set up a rice mill and buy good quality jasmine rice from the local area at a rate higher than the market price. I consider this to be a pioneering project which is funded by the people and the private sector without having to wait for help. This is commendable and I urge others to study the operations from the cultivation, harvesting, milling, selling and packaging. The packaging reflects well known local designs. The rice is gaining popularity and widely sold in stores.     

Country Strategy

We have many national strategies covering various dimensions. We need to adhere to these strategies and make adjustments according to the evolving global situation as well as ASEAN. Therefore, in order to find concrete and tangible solutions to the problems, the Cabinet that is to be appointed will need to adhere to the strategy for national administration and make adjustments accordingly. The country strategy will require plans of action, projects, and budgeting that reflects continuity. Short term and long term plans must be developed in line with the 11^th National Economic and Social Development Plan and subsequent development plans for continuity and sustainability.

Progress on work carried out in the previous week:

On the Ebola outbreak – the NCPO attaches high priority and in its meeting last Tuesday approved an urgent budget for improving the screening process for passengers arriving from risk countries. The NCPO has instructed that an additional budget be allocated to prepare dedicated treatment rooms, procurement of medical equipment and protective and anti-contamination gear for various hospitals. There is no need to panic. Health officials must also be careful not to get infected which may bring about cases where no one would want to receive treatment or the hospitals would not receive patients. I am very concerned and that is the reason for approving a budget of over 100 million baht to procure appropriate medical equipment. We will focus on areas where it is deemed urgent first before expanding to other areas.  

The NCPO has requested concerned agencies to provide regular updates and briefings to the staff, public health officials, and the general public in order to properly prevent an outbreak. The NCPO has instructed that every concerned agency monitor the situation closely at every conduit including by land, shipping, or air. Border check points must strictly monitor and observe the symptoms of possible carriers of the Ebola virus or other potent communicable virus. I would like the Public Health Ministry to provide information on potential harmful virus to all border check points, agencies and to the general public.

I thank and commend the suspected patient who has returned from abroad   for showing responsibility to society by cooperating and allowing herself to be monitored for a lengthy period of time until it was proven that she was not infected and has since been discharged. Thank you for being a good example and posed no burden on family or problems for other people. She visited the doctor to be under observation once she is aware of possible symptoms. So thank you once again for being a good example.   

On the matter of finding a sustainable solution to informal debts to loan sharks – the NCPO meeting has approved the measures that were proposed. The problem of informal loans has long been embedded in Thai society and there are many low income earners who have not had access to legal loan facilities. Previously, government agencies have tried to solve this problem but with not much success for several reasons, namely: no clarity in the criteria for solutions, uncooperative officials, no acceptable third party as negotiator for composition, and debtors without adequate collateral. The Ministry of Finance has come up with key measures to serve as sustainable solutions for addressing the problem of informal loans, including: allowing communities to have a greater role in finding solution through community financial organisations; assigning specific financial institutions such Government Savings Bank and Agricultural Cooperatives Bank to deal with informal debts; and informal debt solving measures that takes into account the differences between urban and rural communities.

On the development of housing for low-income earners – the NCPO has given approval to the investment plans for the housing development project at the 1^st phase between 2014 – 2017, under the plan to revitalise the National Housing Authority. The NCPO has also approved the housing development project set 1 of 2014, which includes 38 projects in accordance with a resolution by the Committee on Economic Development of 3 October 2013. The details of the budget will be prepared by the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security in cooperation with the Bureau of the Budget. Thus for collateral and payments of such loans, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security  is requested to proceed according to rules and regulations and the Cabinet resolution. The development of housing for low-income earners must take into consideration matters that can facilitate those receiving such benefits, such as suitable areas to earn a living, access to markets and transportation facilities. Buses, trains and other means should be provided so that people can commute to make a living. However, such developments may take time.

On the restructuring of Thai Airways – this past Saturday a meeting was held to discuss the company’s business plans. Although Thai Airways is now operating at a loss, it is working on a solid foundation which should yield improvements in the future once there has been some restructuring and adjustments to the business strategy. The meeting was confident that the financial status of the company is not as problematic to the extent which has recently been reported in the news because there is an adequate level of cash reserves, shareholders holding over 46 billion baht worth of stocks, and a trend of passenger increase. Along with these many financial institutions have expressed a willingness to support the company and the Ministry of Finance stands ready to assist.

Regarding the NCPO’s policy for farmers to have access to learning facilities in their own area about increasing productivity – the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has established Community Education centers to serve as a source of knowledge, with one center in each district, thus totaling 882 nationwide. Each Center will have varying information based on their own geographical differences such as types of soil, water resources, and climate conditions. This is so that they can effectively serve the community in which they are based. For example the Center in Bang Sai district in Ayutthaya Province will have knowledge on rice production since that area is most suitable for rice growing. This knowledge was selected from rice growers who had proven to be successful and can transfer know-how, while also serving as an example for other farmers. This transfer of know-how starts with adjusting previously held conceptions of farming to understanding the value of sufficiency in accordance with the philosophy of sufficiency economy. From here this know-how is applied, thus leading to lower production costs and development of rice strains suitable to this area.

Cultivation of crops should also correspond to the zoning of land that is being planned. Crop cultivation must be adjusted to be suitable to the geographic conditions of the area such as wet lands, dry lands and areas of sustained drought. I ask the Ministry of Agriculture to oversee this matter and the people to obtain information. If necessary, send representatives to the centers or invite experts to provide information and recommendations.

As for the scrutiny of state expenditures by the Monitoring and Auditing Committee on Fiscal Expenditures and other bodies under NCPO, we have managed to reduce considerable budget for many projects without compromising the projects’ core purpose and quality. This provides an example of when everyone and the state help in preventing corruption by monitoring potential   collusion and conflicts of interest. Subsequent auditing by scrutiny teams can reduce the value of proposal estimates, procurement procedure, and TOR formulation.     

Other Important Issues

On Local Administrations, the NCPO encourages that improvements be made and organisational development is undertaken so that they will be better accepted by society. There has been no attempt to diminish your organisation’s reputation or honour. There may be only a few that need improvement and development. We all should work together in this area as local administrations are closest to the people. Whether the benefits reach the people quickly or not depends on the performance of the Provincial Administration Organisations, the District Administration Organisations and Local Administration even though the budget may not be much.

Thank you to those that have cooperated with the NCPO and moved forward with reform. The NCPO has not been unresponsive to your requirements. We are considering solutions for several issues such as selecting the right government officials to perform temporary duties in local administrations while local elections have been delayed. Other issues of concern for the local administrations could be brought before the National Legislative Assembly so that there is fairness and satisfaction for all sides. As for problems arising from action that has already been taken, we will try to resolve them so please be patient. The solution should be fair to all sides. If any urgent actions which had been undertaken upon the instructions of the NCPO were found to be in appropriate or pose further problems, you can submit proposals to the National Legislative Assembly. Other major structural changes could be brought before the National Reform Council. The people can then provide comments and suggestions. I consider the participation of the people at the reform stage to be of utmost importance. NCPO can not push for every agenda.  

On the matter of checks and balances in the judiciary processes between the police, attorneys and administrative officials, we have initially addressed them to maintain order. We will then review and improve them so that they are on par with international standards by having the National Legislative Assembly further consider the matter.

Other reform movements, such that of the energy sector, the rubber industry or others, should be brought before the reform agenda so that the entire system can be improved comprehensively. Matters such as adjustment of pricing structure of rice and rubber often involve many dimensions. So the overall picture should be addressed in the National Reform Council. As for issues requiring urgent resolution, the NCPO has consistently addressed them such as rice and energy. We have constantly worked with concerned agencies – Commerce, Industry and Agriculture ministries. The NCPO has never been unresponsive to the troubles and hardships of the people as we consider them to be of highest priority. We are considering how to prevent the problems from lingering into the future. Therefore I request for a break in protesting at this time.

Yesterday, I met with several associations and we had great mutual understanding. Of vital importance is whether the full message is conveyed to others. My point is we need to come together collectively to resolve issues. If not the situation will return as happened in the past. We have been addressing problems in same manner for most of our lives and that is at the consequences rather than at the root causes. So we need to start tackling issues at the root causes and all the way until the consequences.  

We may face some legal limitations such as the continued application of martial law. The imposition of martial law was not meant to block anyone. I have not used martial law to block anyone but rather to ensure that peace and order of the nation is maintained. Do not worry if you have not done anything to create problems for peace and order and please make constructive proposals. Stop inciting people to protest and cause conflict otherwise the problem will not end. So I appeal for a break in protesting.

Today we should tell people that martial law has brought peace and order to the country and not the other way around. Perhaps there might be some feelings of confinement. We always welcome foreign visitors. Actually, there is more safety and security now than before without martial law in effect. Please consider where the country stands at this juncture and what laws should be enforced, otherwise there will be disorder all over again. But it does not mean that we are blocking anyone. Feel free to make your proposals at the appropriate setting. We will provide a venue and officials to engage in genuine civil debate and discussions. We cannot correct everything immediately. This is an important matter for us.

On energy, I would like to urge all parties to consider discussing the processes in a step by step fashion, otherwise we will not be able to understand each other. If we consider the upstream process as consisting of the laws, origin of state enterprises or companies. The midstream process consists of operators and entrepreneurs in the forms of public sector, private sector and joint public-private partnership. We have both private investments and joint ventures with the state. There are occasions where state enterprises have joint investment with the private sector, which caused distortion and problems.

The downstream process consists of energy consumers. If all the three processes are to be discussed at the same time, we cannot move forward. I think we should arrange the order for discussion in such a way that we complete the discussion on the upstream issues. We can set aside those points that need revisiting. We should refrain from quarrelling because there will always be those who understand and those who do not. At the midstream level involving the operators or providers, we can question their transparency and keep records. At the downstream level involving consumers, discussions will then focus on servicing and determining price structure whether it should be high or low. This is how we should proceed. In the past we are mixing all the issues so we cannot accomplish anything.  

The global fuel prices are likely to fall and the NCPO has considered that there will need to be an adjustment in domestic prices to reflect cost so that the people will still benefit without distorting market forces. We are working on this matter. Do not complain just yet and wait to how it will work out. We will find long term or sustainable solutions when the government is in place.  But we first need you to be on the same page in our implementation of urgent measures. We want you to see the end result of your proposals so that we can learn from the consequences. Please refrain from quarrelling at this moment. Now is the time to listen to all the facts and examine issue by issue.

We have to be wary about information appearing on social media. There are both correct and false information from various parties. I do not know where they got the information from. Some are accurate, some are reasonable but when put together it is not understood. This shows a misunderstanding of the process. I do not mean that the state is always right or wrong but we must respect each other. We will therefore expedite this issue in the National Reform Council. I would like everyone to make an understanding before taking up the issue. Then we need not waste time on those points clearly understood as we have little time as you know.  

On the matter of the national lottery – there continues to be complications. I have said many times that the NCPO does not want any benefits or favour anyone. There have been some obstacles. We have set up a new committee and new executives so it may seem slow in tacking the issue. However I try to bring issues with implications of conflict of interests before the consideration of relevant bodies so that there are systematic deliberations. I do not want to use special powers of NCPO in such matters. We will gradually resolve the issues one by one. Today we have increased the quota and assigned clear colour coding. Of course there will be those who are affected as they have reaped benefits for a long time. One can not make demands all the time as we need to follow the rules. A little hardship endured today will make for a better tomorrow. But if you oppose the little changes made today then it will be very difficult to solve the issue. So we seek cooperation from lottery vendors, buyers and those who rent out space for lottery sales. One is to sell at 80 baht per lottery ticket. The other category is to sell at a little over 80 baht. I do not want to specify the price. Please check the rules and regulations which have been issued.   

On the matter of rubber prices – the NCPO has been trying to solve this problem from the start, along with other agricultural products, as it involves many other implications. I would like you to look at the big picture and not only at the local area. It is difficult to determine the price according to your preferences. You need to reduce the production cost so that it is consistent with the current domestic price. Today, the market is much more competitive as there are many producers of rubber. There has been an increase in production in Latin America. All this led to the lower buying price, even by domestic traders. Foreign markets kept their stockpile and wait for the price slump. We need a find a solution by reducing production costs and cultivation areas so that there is a reduction in the quantity of rubber. Thailand produces the most in the world. We have expanded production over an area of 10 million rai which is unnecessary resulting in oversupply. Therefore the market price of rubber is based on the quantity of global rubber.   Other countries know that we have huge quantities of rubber and will thus wait for prices to fall.  But we are also protesting against each other so how are we going to resolve this. The question is how to make to prevent falling prices or how to reduce costs. We need to look at that point and see how we can solve this in a sustainable way. We should consider factors like reducing production area and crop replacement. Even hiring workers to tap rubber has become an issue as plantation owners have to pay higher labour wages or face shortage of workers. We are aware of these problems. Therefore help us look at the big picture before one’s own to solve the problem.

A committee is currently considering the sales of rubber. We need to look at the world market as well as in ASEAN. We need to have cooperation with neighbouring countries because every country produces rubber. It would be beneficial if we can all agree to raise the price. If not we will continue to compete with them and the price will fall. We need your help on this so please do not stage protests yet. We will have to continue with subsidies in the years ahead. This problem has accumulated over many years so it is impossible to resolve in 3 months or 1 year. We can come up with urgent measures such as offering low interest loans to provide some relief. Please do not rush us. The prices of agricultural produce are difficult to control as they are subject to the rules of the free market, the demands of the domestic and foreign markets, as well as market traders. Farmers should understand this and adapt accordingly.

On the issue of addressing the problem of the 3 Southern Border Provinces, the NCPO and the incoming government consider it to be a national agenda. We have taken a more systematic approach in discussions and consultations. The NCPO has instructed the Secretary General of the National Security Council to consult with our Malaysian counterparts to expedite this issue. We are very concerned about our Thai brothers and sisters, Buddhists and Muslims. I have consistently been in the situation. Some parts have improved while others have deteriorated.

 Today, there are ongoing debates in the social media which posed many problems. The views may not be factual, irrespective of which side they come from. Everyone has good intention. But certain parties may have bad intentions and incite other sides to turn on each other. I have never seen the kind of action taken by them before. I have never instructed my subordinates to hurt anyone. If there is clear proof, I will take punitive action.

The Deep South problem is one of applying laws that are unjust and those regarding the use of unproportionate force. I have not instructed anyone to enforce such actions but only to enforce the existing laws. However, tempers may rise and strong words exchanged in handling the situation. But the officials have to be tolerant. Such exchanges have caused hatred for between the people and government officials. But we will not harm any children, women and the general public, whether they are Buddhists or Muslims. Solders and police officers are not ruthless so as to murder or bomb innocent civilians. In response to allegations of a religious cleric the other day that we use violent force, I would like to say that we have no such intentions. If so we would have let you continue with your fighting. There would be no need for soldiers to be deployed. But according to universal norms, soldiers will be deployed where there is no peace. So if you do not want soldiers there, you have to bring about peace and order. The soldiers can return home if there are no killings, bombings and chaos. We are there to protect the innocent people.

We urge everyone to carefully consider the difficulties in law enforcement and within the judiciary processes. Even the collecting of evidence has proven difficult as it is being carried out in an area with armed groups. We do not have time to operate as normal; therefore the evidence is weak and often unavailable. We need time, technology, tools and other forensic procedures. In such situation we have inadequate time to collect everything. Sometimes we miss some evidence and arrested the wrong people. Some were rightly arrested but the evidence was not sufficient for prosecution or subjected to the normal law which meant that investigations are slow and cases remain pending for a long time. Perhaps we may have to consider using special means and support such as dispatching legal delegations, establish more courts or whether military courts could be used. We will ensure fairness. Military courts are like normal courts but more expeditious as we have more readiness.

At the moment we can respond to the current situation. We do not want to use special law enforcement. If you stop the violence, we will use the normal law. All groups will have to discuss every dimension in the talks. It is not acceptable that after consultations with one group, the other groups are still undermining the process. Today we have continuity in operations with a clear strategy. Changes in command will not affect the operations because the military and police perform their duties based on set policies and plans. A change in policies each time there is reshuffles of personnel will only stall efforts towards a solution. They must work systematically. For example, there has been 36 former Commander-in-Chiefs of the Army and I am the 37^th. I follow up on the work of my predecessors and then initiate new developments on my part. It is like this everywhere including the 4^th Army Region.   

There have been concerns over the selection of Cabinet members. Whether the new Cabinet will have too many or too few military officers is not the problem. We need to look at the cause of the problem and tackle it. Today we want to have democracy and already have a provisional constitution in place. I have carefully considered that we cannot leave out military officials as peace, order and security is still an issue. I need to have people I can trust which consist of a combination of my colleagues and acquaintances, seniors and juniors and many others. Do not be so doubtful and debate too much until we can not find good people. I am responsible for making the decisions on the selection. If an individual could not perform his job, then changes will be made. Anyone who is not good will have to leave or those who are involved in misconduct will have to face legal action. Today I have not used any political parties but an assembly of Thai people in moving the country forward. Therefore, there is no opposition and no government as such. I want all sides to think of the country as a priority and do not think of the individuals too much. I would not let anyone disrupt the performance of our duties but rather encourage more people to support us.

I listened to all the comments and proposals. I give all of them careful consideration and discussed with various advisers from different fields of expertise before reaching a conclusion or course of action. That is how I work. It will continue in the future so do not be overly concerned about the ministries. All the work must be pass the Cabinet. The Prime Minister will have to approve in principle whether the proposal should be submitted to the Cabinet or not. I will have to set up a system to carefully examine matters submitted to the Cabinet. I would not allow approval of projects that circumvented scrutiny. I have pledged that there will be no corruption on our part.   The problem is how would we know who is corrupt. I need help on this.

On dealing with corruption – currently this issue has manifested as a result of many problems involving the public, entrepreneurs, and government officials. Certain groups and factions who seek to benefit have allowed corruption to take place. The public has not vehemently opposed it or refused it if they can find some own personal gain. We therefore must create a society based on morality and ethics. We must instil in our children the disdain for corruption and indifference, as well as preference for self interest, in order to truly correct this problem. It may take a few generations to get rid of this problem

Conclusion

It seems that Thailand is currently facing a variety of problems. I have mentioned all of the above 11 times already and still doing so for the 12^th time.       I know that this is the reason that Thailand can not move forward amidst the conflicts, domestic and external factors. Therefore the main points of contention evolve around understanding government policy, provision of public service and having clear economic plans, in particular those related to agriculture which we have always been addressing the consequences. We need to solve these problems at their root causes and subsequent steps. Old problems will return if we use the same way to resolve them. New problems will add on to the existing ones so we can not really solve anything. We need to solve them systematically which may take up some time but it is necessary to limit further distress.

I rest my fervent hope in the sustainable future of our country on the National Reform Council and the constitution drafting committee in laying the foundations of our society in the future. They will also have to consider issues that remain a problem, including conflicts, national development, strengthening society and reducing disparities. The reform council must be carefully sorted according to priority. In the meantime we shall continue with national administration in a fully fair and transparent manner and do our best to alleviate the problems faced by our fellow citizens.

Thank you and good night.

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