Good evening, dear Thai citizens.

This past week, all Thais were very delighted after seeing Their Majesties the King and Queen depart Siriraj Hospital for Klai Kangwon Palace in Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. As suggested by the royal doctor, the King and Queen needed to rest and recuperate in a place where they could get fresh air. I was informed that the King and Queen visited the area around the palace once they arrived. Thai subjects were overjoyed to see Their Majesties in good health and together chanted “Long Live the King and Queen” as the royal subjects proceeded to the palace.  His Majesty glanced and smiled at the people while Her Majesty waved at them also. Seeing this picture, some Thais were overwhelmed with joy to learn that their beloved King and Queen are in good health. This is the best news for all Thais.

On this occasion, I would like to inform every citizen of the importance of His Majesty’s advocacy of the principles of “awareness, love, and unity”, which are vital to steer Thailand towards a promising future with peace and unity. “Awareness” refers to the importance of really understanding issues and problems, and then based on that, finding lasting solutions. In this sense, citizens should take the initiative to really comprehend matters so that they can help the government to improve society and tackle all problems. Love in this sense refers to having good intentions and kindness to others, in particular the goodwill to help our society, while encouraging ourselves to use our knowledge in the most constructive way and as a group, and with unity. Based on this love and unity, our nation will thus become more and more resilient.

On Wednesday, Thailand held the annual Royal Ploughing ceremony in recognition of Thai farmers and the importance of farmers and agriculture to the country. This year, the oxen chose to eat grass and sesame, which purports that water and food in Thailand will be abundant. Despite this traditional forecast, the government will not take anything for granted and will be prepared to meet the challenges faced by our agricultural sector. On Tuesday, the weekly cabinet meeting followed up on the progress of water management projects.

The first phase must be completed as soon as possible. We must dig reservoirs, seek more water resources for consumption and agriculture, distribute more water, and build dams and basins. All of these must be finished before the next monsoon season strikes. We will increase the capacity of water storing. There is an idea to turn low-lying areas into lakes. I want Thailand to have more water reserves. However, doing this must not pose any threats to the eco-system and must be most suitable for the areas conditions. At the same I encourage you not just to wait for state assistance, as we can all lend a helping hand. If you are capable of digging your own reservoir, big or small, it would help both the government and the community.

I want you to understand that the government at this initial stage is focusing on reducing the amount of excessive water in areas that are flooded annually. However, it is common that these areas will be flooded when encountering off season rains. There should not be any more drought-stricken zones, whose number accounts stand at more than 3,000 tambons across the country now. The drought problem can be solved by what I mentioned earlier. Thailand has approximately 320 million rais of land, 147 million of which are for agriculture, accounting for more than 40 percent. Therefore, agriculture is the most important sector for the country. The irrigation system can only cover 30 percent of the land. The best we can do is 40 percent of the 147 million rais of agricultural land. The question is how are we going to provide water outside the 40 percent? The answer is to find and expand water resources and at the same time, the planting of crops should be readjusted to suit the land, or in other words - agricultural zoning. We have seen some progress on this today. This is what I want people to understand, as we never take anything for granted. I have sympathy for the farmers and understand that their major problem is water shortages for both consumption and agriculture. Apart from that, there still remains the drug problem for many communities. We need to be eyes and ears for the police. Youths and children should never be tempted or fall victim to drug abuse.

This past week, many news stations covered stories about human trafficking. Begging and human trafficking are related. The problem of panhandling is as important as the trade in human beings. Some of the victims did not volunteer to panhandle, but were forced to. Such problem creates negative image for Thailand. It can be counted as human trafficking, whether or not the victims volunteer. The whole system must be overhauled while ensuring that human rights are upheld. If we don’t take this problem seriously now, the problem will be even worse in the future. But this is a problem not only for government officials to handle. As a matter of fact, everyone should be responsible in helping to solve this problem.

In tackling begging and human trafficking, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has been assigned to oversee this issue. The number of beggars has decreased. Now the problem is where are we going to place them? Some beggars don’t have family or relatives to return to.

Therefore, a center has been set up to address the problem of panhandling as well as homelessness. The “Thanyaburi Model” acts as a one stop service center that aims to eradicate panhandling by providing career training to panhandlers, helping them to support themselves. Those unable to stand on own feet will be supported by the state. This may take some time, but time is what we need to give them, so that they can blend in to their new lifestyle.

Panhandling and human trafficking are also connected to illegal fishing activities (IUU), illegal migrant workers, Rohingyas, human trade, and slave labor. This is the problem that the government must fix immediately.  As well, international organizations are keeping a close watch on the issue. There are many people involved in such crimes including entrepreneurs, agents, and traders. Those who are involved in these illegal activities - be they military officials, police, or civil servants – shall face both criminal charges and disciplinary actions. As for the victims and those affected, the government will assist you at its best capacity. If the victims are foreigners, we will provide health checkups and other assistance before sending them back to their home country.

In addition, I have assigned all related agencies to thoroughly scan their responsible areas for human trafficking. Police will bring all culprits to justice and take care of the victims. Today, there are a lot of victims who have revealed themselves. Remember, this problem has had a huge impact on Thailand for a long time. Therefore, the whole system needs to be changed. I am standing here today and I want to use all my knowledge and experience to tackle the problem. In the past, there was misunderstanding when security units only looked at security related matter while the government was only concerned about humanitarian aid. But today, the two matters need to be taken into consideration. Thailand is the midstream. We need to solve problem at the upstream and downstream levels. We don’t want to have to set up anymore refugee camps or shelters. If there were to be such shelters, it would only be to keep them in custody as illegal migrants. They will be held until we can send them home. We will not put them in prison or treat them as criminals. Immigration offices have limited space while thousands of illegal migrants have flocked into Thailand, thus making such holding areas overpopulated. Authorities need to be careful when treating migrants. Make sure that everything is done in line with international standards.

The central and local administrations are expediting all efforts on this matter while the government is mobilizing policies nationally and internationally. National security units are responsible for tackling the trade in humans within the country through the enforcement of laws and the utilization of Article 44, allowing operations to run more effectively. In the international arena, the deputy prime minister and minister for defense is responsible for coordinating with foreign nations in preventing and suppressing human trafficking. All civil servants need to support the operation as well.

All of the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Authorities involved in any illegal activities will be transferred to other locations or entirely suspended from their duties. They will also be investigated if necessary. There is no need to be worried if you are innocent.

As for the victims, we will take good care of them. However, there will be a problem if they can’t return to their country of origin. Please rest assured that the Thai government will provide humanitarian aid, even though our budget for this is limited at the moment. Now the question is if we have limited amount, how are we going to look after these migrants? And what do we need to do in order not to violate their human rights? I sympathize with these people as all Thai people do as well. We care for other people regardless of race or nationality. However, whatever we decide to do must not damage our own country. The problem is that currently, no country wants to take these people back. This is why we need to seek cooperation from other nations.

Soon, the Foreign Affairs Ministry will invite all related agencies from overseas to discuss and exchange knowledge on how to solve human trafficking. We need to come up with a solution that receives everyone’s consideration. I want other countries to understand our intentions. We are committed to solve all problems concerning crimes against humanity especially with the Rohingyas as well as the IUU problem and other illegal activities.

On Wednesday, I took part in the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in the morning before attending the annual Thai Farmers’ Day in the evening. I met a large number of outstanding farmers who received awards and recognition. I was granted an opportunity to deliver a speech, reiterating the government’s policy to support agriculture. Cooperation must be given at all levels, starting with communities, regional level, special economic zones, border areas, and finally in the international arena. Everything must start at the bottom, meaning it must start with the farmers. Farmers must not only produce, but be able to trade their crops. Farmers should be able to process their products and compete in both domestic and international markets.  We must make sure that Thailand’s agricultural industry is strong.

We have a total of 7 cooperatives that support agriculture. These cooperatives need to stick to their principles and keep up the standards. The government has allocated more than 3 billion baht to 3,000 communities. The farmers told me that they were satisfied with the policy as we, the government, are walking in the right path. They said they wanted the state to continue its support. Stability can be created through learning, support, and cooperation between state officials and agriculturists. Thailand has more than 800 agricultural training centers nationwide. They are located in areas where crops are actually planted. The idea has been very effective.

I spent 3 hours with the farmers. It is not often that I get to talk to the farmers face to face. If I have enough time, I will visit farmers in all provinces. I understand that farmers’ hardship is tremendous. Some have no financial assets but debts. The farmers told me that their lives had improved, thanks to the government’s assistance. Should you have any questions, please go to state offices and seek answers. Some officials may be able to give you clear answers, but some cannot. Please go to Damrong Tham centers if you have a problem.

I thank everybody for their attention and support for agricultural empowerment.  There are many groups that have to be cared for.  This week, I observed a shift in crop selection behavior.  Crops that require little water were chosen for cultivation during this time, when paddies were not feasible.  The farmers have been progressive by choosing mung beans, vegetables and other alternative crops.  Please take these as examples.  Solely growing rice, sugar cane or rubber trees could result in falling prices, and also require more water.  Switch to selling something else by reducing cultivation of crops that fetch low prices.  The price will then gradually increase if we do so.  Meanwhile, seeds produced by the Rice Department might be made more available through the seeds cooperatives so farmers can rely less on the seed companies.

As for fertilizers, I observed that chemical fertilizers were still being produced.  These are appropriate for some areas although the amount of organic fertilizer used was increasing to keep the fertilizer strength from being excessive.  There are farmers producing fertilizer for own use and those who are members of fertilizer cooperatives that help with lowering production costs.

As for the next crop, I have a policy for the agriculture and interior ministries to procure essential equipment and machinery such as harvesters, fumigators and milling machines.  These might be provided for use in areas that have more urgent needs, in order for the price of ploughing and the likes to be reduced practically.  If we increasingly turn to self-produced fertilizer and reduce use of chemical fertilizers, which are expensive, then the costs can be lowered further.

Another issue is land lease.  I am aware that many farmers have been unable to keep the prices in check.  In these cases, the rent is not set in a yearly manner.  Most went without contracts, and the farmers had to pin hopes on land holders.  Some land owners also did want to lease their properties because farmers refuse to leave when they are required to.  We must see to providing legal means that would allow the lessor to have peace of mind and the lessee to pay fair rent that is not excessive.  How else can the farmers make income if the fertilizer cost, seeds cost and land rent adds up to 6,000 baht per rai while the crop only sells for 7,000 baht.  A system-wide approach is needed.  Local administrative organizations must also help with this.  The farmers are people within your own locales and so you should not only think of the budget aspect.  Think about how to address the issue, in your capacity as the link with the regional and central sectors.  All of us need to be empowered.  If the people are empowered, local administrative organizations will earn substantial income that can be used for further development.  If farmers are not empowered, you cannot collect any taxes from them and money keeps being drained away.  Let us all help out.

On the matter of electricity, some areas are without transmission lines but preparations have already been made for said areas to carry out modern agriculture.  Without electricity, how would drip irrigation work?  Agencies have been assigned to determine the appropriate means of alternative energy in areas without power lines.  Cooperatives in these areas also need to be looked after and provided with equipment, machinery and knowledge.  The electricity issue needs to be solved for these locales.  How to acquire electricity?  How to reduce water use?  Is drip irrigation required?  Another method is the creation of water sources in each locale.  Both electricity and water sources – artesian wells – need to be collaboratively pursued.  These cannot be realized if reliance is placed solely on the state.  Over the years, 30% of locales have so far been worked on.  We are trying to cover another 10%, to push the figure to 40%.  This figure is currently limited because of the lack of water source.  Thus, other means have to be found for the remaining 60% – what to grow and how to grow, and whether less water can be used or additional water sources can be acquired.  We must understand these tasks entail difficulty.

I am happy that, based on my conversations with them, farmers are taking satisfaction from how we have been clarifying issues at hand.  Some would listen to my program or read of the information elsewhere.  I believe the farmers have greater awareness now and are looking after themselves.  Cooperative and community leaders have various educational backgrounds but they have all turned to agriculture.  Based on their success, they can help empower local farmers and take on the new role of processing the produce.  Doing so would complete the chain that allows localities to compete with companies and others, based on the trade freedom enjoyed within our country.

I would like to speak on providing knowledge to the public and farmers.  Knowledge constitutes the basis for work within each profession.  All of us need to be mindful and follow up on modernity and technology; otherwise we will be left behind.  Those who have interest will be able to progress first, while those who choose to ignore modernity will stand at the same place or move backward.  The latter will then suffer.  Importantly, I have said before that the Sufficiency Economy philosophy of His Majesty the King can be used in all undertakings, regardless of profession.  This is especially true for farmers, as they need to be very careful of expenditures.  Household accounts should be maintained and children should observe how their parents do the accounts.  Please maintain the accounts even if you feel that all you see is debt figures.  When you maintain an account you will know which parts were causing the excess.  At the very least, parents can make children realize they should not demand for a new phone or other such items beyond their means.  The children will be able to see how their parents had to borrow money to invest in their paddies.  Warmth and reasoning needs to be present within families.  When parents exercise reason with children, the children will exercise reason with their friends.  The warmth will spread from the home to the school, then to society and the nation.

I have already asked for budgets to be allocated to fund study trips by farmers in every cluster in every province, to destinations such as Japan or South Korea.  Those who have never gone abroad and who have the capacity to develop based on new knowledge will be selected.  They will observe aspects of marketing, production and trade, and make use of these observations when they get back home.  We have had a problem with some people not paying attention when listening.  They also did not want to watch things demonstrated on TV.  On-site observation provides us with a more reliable recourse.  Be mindful that these countries have developed their agricultural practices this far in part by observing us in the past.  They have been observing His Majesty the King's projects since the beginning as well.  Today, these countries have progressed very far while Thailand remains at the same place or has made slower progress than it should have.  The decades of development gap needs to be addressed.

Turning to the issue of product prices, I have not received additional reports except for those on existing food shops in communities.  Some of these shops, such as the ones at bus stations or terminals, have raised prices excessively.  Local administrations are asked to check on these prices and report to district chiefs and provincial governors for cases that need to be addressed.  Please do not take advantage of people.  Do not just raise the price whenever you feel like it – some of these shops do not even make good food to start with.  As for cheap food shops, these are set up at state offices and military camps – the latter also have areas allocated for crop cultivation.  These shops are there to help out the poor.  Families of personnel at the said establishments already have cooking skills.  Make use of locally-grown items and safe vegetables to cook single dishes and sell them in the vicinity of barracks or state offices.  This will afford poor people an alternative from excessively priced food shops.  I believe society can get better if this is implemented.  This is all I will speak about today.  Importantly, I would like to ask everybody to listen and follow up on the issues.  Whether you believe me or not would have to be based on our work results.  These work results cannot come about by my single-handed effort or by the efforts of just the cabinet ministers.  Everybody in every sector needs to help out in order for success for all to come about.  Using only law enforcement measures will not allow realization of these goals to take place.  Cooperation is needed.  Let us all consider at this moment how cooperation from all sides is needed for the country.

Next, I would like to invite Gen. Prawit Wongsuwon, the deputy prime minister for security, to speak on important matters of security.  For this aspect, collaboration needs to be asked from all 5 sides.  This will be the second time we are addressing security issues in this program.

Thank you and goodbye

Origin : http://www.thaigov.go.th