Good evening, dear Thai citizens.

As June 12th marks World Day Against Child Labour, Thailand has inked memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with other nations in a bid to immediately and actively prevent and tackle all cases concerning child labour. Child labour is a problem that is linked to other problems such as human trafficking, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

The Ministry of Labour has been collaborating with the Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, on the assessment of of policies and Thailand's national plan to eradicate child labour. The plan, which is the first of its kind, ran between 2009 and 2014, and  consists of 5 strategies, including: raising public awareness about child labour, developing warning systems and complaint filing systems, effectively enforcing law, disseminating knowledge about child labour, and developing mechanisms to prevent child labour under the age of 15. The results of the studies will be assessed and used to formulate policies and draft the 2nd national plan to fight against child labour. The new plan will run from 2015 to 2020. There must be more concrete results which will be assessed on a regular basis. The current government will learn from the previous plan and thus make suitable adjustments.

To resolve the issue of child labour, as well as human trafficking, the government needs cooperation from the general public. Please report any activities suspicious of breaking child labour laws to government officials. Please don’t hesitate to report these cases.

This year, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will campaign for the development of effective education, which coincides with the Thai government’s policy priority. Education is the most important foundation to build resilience for the youths of our country.

Education reform is an important and urgent matter for the government. The Thai educational system, overseen by the Office of Basic Education Commission (OBEC), plays a vital role in the development of Thai students. Given this, I have urged for tangible results in educational reform as soon as possible.

Early this month, OBEC discussed a strategy for the reform of basic education for 2015-2020. The strategy will have 3 aspects: reform of teaching methods, reform of vocational education, and reform of educational management. What we look to achieve from now until March 2016 are: 1) Prathomsuksa 1 students must be able to read and write. Students must be able to read and spell words. We must look back and see if the system we used in the past was more effective. If that is the case, maybe we should consider bringing it back. I want all related agencies to find an answer to this issue. Furthermore, we must make sure that appropriate educational materials will be distributed. 2) Vocational education system will be overhauled. There will be more careers training to open more opportunities. Students in the special economic zones will be more engaged in career training. 3) New teaching methods for English need to be adopted. The government will seek cooperation from the UK and the British Council. This is to prepare Thai students for upcoming formation of the ASEAN Community. 4) Skills of educators and school executives will be improved. 5) Long-distance learning system will be improved. And 6) development of the attributes of learners.

I would like to see Thai students develop so they can have higher intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, as well as being proficient in emotional quotient. The current educational system used in Thailand only focuses on students’ IQ, prompting the students to take extra classes, most of which teach students through rote learning. This method does not give them enough time to perceive what they’ve learnt. Therefore, they are unable to develop emotionally through understanding. Children with emotional intelligence are normally healthy, happy, have self-control, and know how to socialize. I want them to have the intelligence with the ability to be a constructive member of society. A lot of youths now have become a burden to society because their behavior and we have had to use the law and many officials to care for them. I hope they can return to a normal way of life, after all, they are our future. The government wants to see that happen. Parents are happy to see their children develop both intellectually and emotionally. We want smart people who can play a role in the community. Although we have differing viewpoints, we must be able to live with others without conflict and violence.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate those students who have been accepted by universities. To my knowledge, there was healthy competition among students who wanted to pursue studies in the field of education, which I think is a positive thing, as the government has given emphasis to developing education and the teaching profession. I want our youngsters to not take education for granted. Although nursing was the number one pick for the students, the statistics show that Thai students were interested in many areas and professions. I strongly believe that anything can be achieved if we all have commitment. Everyone has the ability to improve our society. Everyone can contribute in order to make Thailand a greater nation and a better place to live. We need to adopt and adapt what we have learnt. It would be a total waste if the ability is not used in the right way. I would like all responsible units to make sure that students’ abilities are maximized and put to good use. Stop using your ability and power in the wrong way. Everyone needs to understand and learn to live peacefully with others. If what I said can be achieved, our country will thrive.

This year, Ms Sirada Tritruengtassana received the highest score in the entrance examination. She chose to study Communication Arts. I would like to congratulate her, her parents, and her teachers. Her father said Sirada is pursuing what she loves, which makes her happy and makes him proud and that success will follow her. This is a true fact and I would like everyone to take heed. Communication Arts gives her a great chance to disseminate knowledge and set a good example for others. She told her father that helping people doesn’t mean you have to be a doctor. Other professions can contribute as well. By not choosing medical science, it also gives an extra seat to students who really want to study it. This is sound reasoning from her. Students should make their own decisions as to what they want to do in life. Obviously, children do not like to be forced by their parents. They need to have their own life experiences. Parents cannot be there for their children all the time. They will one day have a family of their own.

As for overseas study trips for Thai farmers, the government has assigned the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to expedite this under the project aimed at improving the skills of leaders in the agricultural sector. A total of 900 agriculturists from all corners of Thailand will be recruited. They will be specialized in different areas such as rice farming, sugarcane farming, cassava farming, gardening, rubber planting, flower and vegetable planting, young famers, household farmers, community enterprises, cooperatives, fishing, and cattle ranching. They will travel to 6 countries including Japan, South Korea, Australia, China, Taiwan, and Malaysia, where they will learn new technologies and theories about marketing, high-tech machineries, production, postharvest technology, crop processing, organizational management, logistics, creating new generations in agriculture, packaging, creating added-value, and developing community potential. You must adopt what you learn there to Thai agriculture and pass on the knowledge to other farmers. Please bring back know-how that will be good for our nation. Bring back something that we can adapt to our farming. The current government is adamant to apply, adjust, and improve the whole agricultural system for the benefit of the farmers, most of whom have low income. If possible, we will improve the potential of human resources in agriculture. The government wants everyone to show their commitment to this study trip and learn as much as you can for the benefit of other farmers. I would like to see all the farmers improve their ability in all aspects of agriculture. At least, they will have a wider vision and see what strategies other countries have adopted for their farming. This trip is not a vacation. You will go there to learn. After your study trip, you will be required to report what you have learnt throughout your program to the government. You should always have a clear objective prior to your study trip. You need to know what you want to see, what questions you want to ask, or what you expect to see from their production or marketing. You must have all these questions in mind and then understand what you should learn. You cannot go there empty headed. You will be asked what you have learnt when you come back. You are not there to have fun or to go shopping.

With that being said, the most important process is the recruitment. Recruitment of these individuals must be transparent and impartial. Individuals will first be recruited by local cooperatives. There must not be hard feelings afterwards. There will be generations 1, 2, 3 and so on. This message is being sent to all the ministries. Government ministries must take care of the next generation and have them participate in activities. The to-be-selected individuals will come from different areas of specialties and they will get to learn according to what they specialized in. When abroad, they will get to see production, farming, marketing, and the whole process of agriculture. This will allow us to improve. You need to see it for yourself. Same goes to the energy sector and other sectors that are facing problems. If other countries can do it, we can definitely do it. But if in spite of this there is still opposition to everything the government is trying to do then it can affect our goals for security and prosperity. If we have knowledge and vision, we will be able to thrive in our professions. Farmers who have the knowledge and are accepted by others can turn themselves into teachers or instructors who pass on the knowledge they have acquired to other farmers. You need to share your knowledge and experience with other farmers who did not have the same opportunity as you. You must not be afraid to make changes. I believe Thailand needs leaders who are willing to make changes and improvements in all levels such as villages, communities, and at the national level. This type of leader is essential. Changes should be made in accordance with the law and under a working democratic system, not under a lawless society without any social responsibility.

So please give your cooperation to the government and respect the law. Today, we must have a clearer picture of our future and build potential human resources in the agricultural sector. Youths will be the key to national development. I have told government ministries to focus on this. If successful, Thai community will be strong. Farmers will have the knowledge to compete in the market as well as build the capability to exploit their strengths in line with what their community can offer. It is impossible for one to learn and understand every single thing about farming. You only need to learn what your farming community can support. We don’t want to see people unnecessarily seek jobs out of their community. This is why local communities will never be developed. Everyone wants to go to a big city. I want every city and community to be developed together. I want to see new communities with more transportation routes, communication channels, markets, and improved living standards. This is what we need to think about. I will not force anyone to do anything. I understand that we all have to choose what is best for us.

It would be ideal if we can build a network where everything is interconnected. Social and economic factors will be put into clusters. Products will be directly distributed to the market without having to go through a middleman. However, we cannot eradicate the middleman service as it is one of the components in the world economy as well as ASEAN economy. We need to build our own brand of community economy that is set up by cooperatives and the locals, which will in turn lead to the idea of social businesses. It operates for the benefit of addressing social needs that enable societies to function more efficiently. Each community will have its own equipment and machineries. This is what we need to focus on in order to build stability.

We need to find a way to bring balance of interests into this sector so as not to allow the middlemen to have too much influence in the market. This will be connected with special economic zones as well as markets outside special economic zones such as the international community. As you can see, every part plays its own role in the equation. It would not be a problem if we all take care and support one another. The government is willing to be your counselor. This should be sustainable. We do not wish to keep addressing the same issue every year. It would be like giving medication to a sick person and the medication does not work. When this happens, there will be populist policies which do not solve anything.

The government has made some significant progress in the setting up of special economic zones. I would like to inform you that all of the 6 special economic zones have seen much development. Over the past year, we were able to build connectivity, transportation routes, customs checkpoints, etc. Although there has been limited time, I appreciate the progress made. The NCPO took approximately 6 months to restore peace and calm. The other six months was spent to administer and expedite plans and disburse state budgets. Many provinces have asked for extra budgeting as they cite more opportunities and high potential to grow. I would be more than willing to approve the money if we actually had it. Nothing like this was in place before I came to office. Now we have actually been able to start something like this. Today, every province wants the money to build roads, bridges, and other utilities. Let me ask you this. Where are we going to get that money when there is no improvement in the country’s economic status? What we can do now is focus on the task at hand and prioritize what is more important. Borrow only for what is needed. It would take years before the government can find the money to fund all the projects that have been requested for. For all the benefits to be realized it will take approximately 2-3 years. When the economy is better, we will have more money to invest. Six more locations are scheduled to be developed next year. Today, we are drafting a blueprint as well as taking into consideration the benefits to be gained. Some people are saying they have not received enough benefits. How much will it be enough? The government does not have sufficient amount of funds for every project all at the same time. The government will give as much as it can and will provide more whenever we have more. It will be a big problem if everyone keeps asking without reason. Not everyone can get what they want. We all need to adjust ourselves for what we can afford.

The government is supporting developments in and outside special economic zones, as well as developments in provinces with potential in border trade and in intra-ASEAN trade.  Thailand's prominent role within the ASEAN region is being reinforced through improvement of competitiveness via innovations, new products, and use of technology in production.  Costs of production, labour and other issues are interrelated.  We must devote our time to comprehending these issues.  As of today, progress is being pursued where possible.  Areas that present difficulties will be addressed in time.  Budgets are being allocated incrementally towards the 5-6 target areas this year.

The government has determined 5 industries to be of vital importance to the country.  We must consider areas in which we possess high capabilities – areas that we are able to excel in the immediate term.  These areas include automotive parts, processed food, rubber, herbs, medicine, and aircraft maintenance.  The Board of Investment, the National Economic and Social Development Board, the Federation of Thai Industries and the Board of Trade of Thailand are jointly deliberating the championing of these areas.  Infrastructure is being developed in each special economic zone.

For the Mae Sot border area in Tak province there is the building of a road linking Tanao Si mountain range to Ko Karek; a route to bypass Mae Sot's city area, along with the 2nd bridge over the Moei River; Tak-Mae Sot highway no. 105; and the expansion of Mae Sot airport.  For the Dan Khlong Luek zone in Sa Kaeo, there is renovation of rail tracks, improvement to security provisions, and the construction of the route linking highway no. 33 with Dan Khlong Luek border point.  The zone in Mukdahan is seeing the construction of Kalasin-Ban Na Khrai highway no. 12, and route no. 22 and 23.  Khlong Yai special economic zone in Trat is seeing the construction of Trat-Hat Lek highway no. 3, and construction of a multipurpose dock.

The special economic zone for Padang Besar and Sadao border points in Songkhla is seeing the construction of the Hat Yai-Malaysian border motorway, construction of the 2nd deep sea port for Songkhla, and renovation of railways between Hat Yai terminal and Su-ngai Kolok and between Thung Song terminal, Hat Yai and Padang Besar.

The special economic zone at the border in Nong Khai is seeing the construction of Nong Khai-Phon Phisai highway no. 212, and Phon Phisai-Bung Kan highway no. 212.

Some of these projects have been completed, but most are being worked on.  Although all the plans have been issued, funding has been incremental. We have commenced the work nevertheless.  Projects that can be funded are being pursued first.  Even if there was much money, not too many undertakings could have been made at once in just one year, as all initiatives needed to be transparent.  The confidence of locals and investors must be fostered beforehand.  In order for a special economic zone to be set up in an area, consideration has to be made on the available supply of raw materials, and how they can be processed.  How the tax obligations of neighboring countries would be handled is also another issue. How can value be increased in a way that does not create future problems.  Importantly, I would like the workers within these special economic zones to be made up of locals of nearby provinces.  This will lend towards the development of local communities.  Not everybody needs to come and work in Bangkok or go to Chiang Mai.  Otherwise, overcrowding will ensue and problems will overlap.  If we do it this way, all 77 provinces of the country will make progress.

Let us turn to the topic of forest reclamation.  The government places importance on issue of encroachment upon national parks, wildlife preserves, reserved forests and watershed forests.  This problem has been neglected for a long time and much destruction has taken place.  Today, the problem must be fixed in its entirety.  Time would be needed for reforestation, and for implementing agricultural zoning.  The problem is long-standing and overlaps with several other issues.  Another important problem is drought.  Many are complaining that the water management infrastructure is not being realized.  Thousands of projects were implemented in 2014.  The projects were not large-scale, but were distributed throughout the country.  Projects were readily implemented in places with abundance of water, whereas it would have been a waste to implement some of the projects in areas that continually experience shortage of rainfall.  Other methods have to be used for places without raw water.  Alternative crops need to be cultivated as replacements.  There is less than expected rainfall at present, and there is about 9% of usable reserves.  Much of the rain has fallen outside farming areas.  Bangkok also saw an abundance of rainfall, and consequently floods.  Part of the cause of forest encroachment has been previous policies that encouraged farming in all areas of the country.  Forests were thus encroached on by farmers, the poverty-stricken, and then financiers.  Rubber planting was especially notable with 5.5 million rai of plantations.  There is an oversupply of rubber as of present.  The size of areas devoted to rubber planting became excessive.  Our production cost is also higher.  We must foster a balance between demand and supply.  The state had to spend money every year to allocate budgets for addressing the plights of farmers.  Low rubber price meant lack of income from rubber tapping.  There are two aspects that have to be overseen – plantation owners and rubber tappers.  Both needed to be cared for.  There are legitimate plantation owners as well as illegitimate owners and financiers.  The problem needs to be tacked in its entirety.

I must thank the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Interior ministry, the Agriculture ministry, the police, the military and the NCPO for their joint efforts in reclaiming the nation's forests, so they may be kept for the later generations.  Clear and concrete operational plans were established, especially for law enforcement and governance-related measures.  Emphasis is on reclaiming forests from financiers.  The aim is to reclaim 1.5 million rai within 2 years, after which the reclaimed areas will be restored and returned to their watershed status.  I am concerned about the restoration.  There is much area to cover, while there is not much rainfall.  How do we restore the forests?  Talk of forest planting has long been ongoing, and I have yet to see much development.  How do we maintain moisture for our ecosystem, in order for rain to fall according to season.  We have rainforests.  But we have to collaboratively restore them so that they can be a water resource for us.  Their Majesties have emphasised the importance of Thailand’s forests and water resources many times – that the two complement each other in a way so that Thais have places to live and to grow crops.  Their Majesties have been continually working for this cause.

However, policy implementers might not have given enough importance to forests in the past.  It was also difficult to fight off the financiers who sought to profit from them through illicit business. But there are also good financiers who have initiated projects that have been beneficial for the nation.  Mitigation measures must be available for the poverty-stricken who encroached on forests to plant illegal crops.  How do we make sure alternative crops are planted instead?  Can they convert to livestock or fishery?  At the same time, locals must be made to respect, appreciate and treasure forests.  Forests can then be sustainable used for water and food.  This constitutes as sustainable problem-solving for forest well-being, wildlife and environment preservation, as well as the problem of rubber oversupply.  I would like to commend the Five Bordering Provinces Forest Foundation for its performance.  I would also like to ask for the same efforts to be carried out in other areas.

As for the reform of services by state agencies, progress is currently within phase 2.  Service improvement is an aspect being rapidly pursued – channels of access, convenience, and streamlining.  This is achieved starting with simple methods such as setting up one-stop-service centers, Damrong Tham centers or hotlines.  Then, our focus is expanded to tackle areas that require more time, such as the revision of laws.  At present, the bill on the facilitation of convenience in state agencies' approval processes has been issued.  A single database for state agencies' data is being developed to facilitate the digital economy.  Mobile device applications are being developed for people to have better access to state sector services.  An example is the WMSC app that provides information on levels of runoff, flow rates in rivers, and rainfall quantities in irrigated areas.  I have handed out tasks, and they are being implemented by the relevant ministries.  A key point that has been a challenge is the reinforcing of general awareness. Before the public was not fully aware and civil servants were not working in synergy.  From now on, synergy will be had through digital systems such as social media or websites.  Ministries that handle similar affairs will be able to coordinate among one another.  Several ministries will link up their data on water, for example, so each ministry will not be working in a disconnected manner.  Work will commence based on the same database.  The public must learn to make use of these apps in order to avoid costly and less useful forms of communication.  Use the app to learn whether there was groundwater in the locality, and to learn of the appropriate crops for each area as well as the right fertilizers for crops.  The government's undertakings need to be understood – otherwise development will be mismatched, visions will not come about and cooperation will not take place.  The Metropolitan Police Bureau is currently developing a new app with the private sector.  The “Police I Lert You” app will augment the 191 hotline system.  Those in distress or witnesses of emergencies may, provided they have registered, request aid by the push of a single button.  The distress will be notified to some 5,000 policemen from 88 police stations in Bangkok.  Using GPS coordinates of the mobile phone, the 191 radio center will control the overall activity of police patrols to make sure the scene of incident is reached within 10 minutes.  This initiative will help to mitigate losses and the problem of false reports – 80% of calls made are prank calls.  The new system allows for back-tracing in the event of false reports or prank reports.  Penalties will ensue, as information about the person requesting aid can be back-traced.  Please register and download the new app to give it a try.

The app is being piloted in Bangkok, and will later be expanded to large cities and eventually nationwide.  Some time is needed, as everything is being pursued in a single year.  Cooperation is asked from every citizens and we hope that you  have an appreciation for the policies of the government.  State agencies, civil servants, civilians, policemen and soldiers have all been asked to improve on the efficiency of their work.  The interests of the nation and the public are considered foremost.  Cooperation is also sought with the private sector, the civic sector and civil society.  Local administrative organizations are the main drivers – as they must foster understanding in their locales.  If the government is unable to invest or construct anything in a local area, then overall development of the area cannot progress.  It could also hinder progress in other areas, as things such as power lines needed to pass through particular locations.  Please help out to build up comprehension in society.  If public opinion in a given locality is still against certain undertakings, perhaps they need to be shown existing power plants, lignite and mines.  By doing so, perhaps they will be able to determine whether the projects were acceptable, as opposed to resistance of projects.  The capabilities of personnel within each state agency will also be utilized to the fullest.

The season is changing, and I would like you to take care of your health, as diseases can rapidly spread during the rainy season.  There are current outbreaks of MERS coronavirus in South Korea, and some Middle Eastern countries.  No outbreak has been detected in Thailand.  The Ministry of Public Health has been told to monitor against the virus in a manner similar to past monitoring against SARS, bird flu and Ebola.  The Department of Disease Control has issued monitoring measures such as preventive actions, and the advising of individuals within the risk group at the 69 hospitals that can diagnose the disease.  Tourists and workers returning from countries of outbreak have to be provided with oversight.  Strict adherence to hygienic practices should be exercised.  Those who are curious about the disease and its symptoms, those wishing to report a suspected MERS case or those seeking information and advice about any disease can call the 1422 hotline.  You can call to tell them your condition – headaches, fever, diarrhea or serious illness.  Each disease is different, thus the 1422 hotline can be consulted.

I am trying to talk to you about many things while using up the least amount of your time.  In sports, we have won gold in many categories and the medals count is accumulating.  I would like to offer my moral support to our athletes.

About the reform of the country, I must reassert that reforms have begun and are within phase 2 of the government and the NCPO.  Further reforms will be done after phase 3, when an elected government takes office.  Whether the reforms are continued would depend on the incoming administration.  This is all I can do, although I am trying to do as much as possible under the limited time I have, and in accordance with the roadmap.  Please do not ask these matters of me again.  I have to spend a lot of time to answer these questions over and over again, instead of getting things done.  So I sometimes become agitated when I am deprived of working time, so please ask more substantive questions.

As for investment, our strategies are clear and progress is being made at both domestic and international fronts.  Talks have been made with foreign countries.  Investment regulations and incentives have been improved.  If you follow our work in this area, then you would know.  The information might have to be spread through Facebook now.  I have seen many criticisms through the media and in newspapers, made by people who did not realize that these developments have been made.  I would like them to be aware of the progress before they criticize.

There is a better tendency in the pursuit of new marketing channels for our export products.  Many countries have been cooperating by purchasing farm produce.  We shall see how this lends to improvements in the following quarters.  We also need to look around our country.  If prices fall in the region then it is inevitable that domestic prices would also fall.  Because of the differences in economic fundamentals, figures have to be evaluated with respect to the state of our own fundamentals.  Thailand has a broad economic base which we have to use to empower all the parts.  This will give us an advantage.

Much progress has also been had in research and development, such as in alternative energy.  It must be understood that we cannot buy electricity from all places as this depends on the transmission line.  We welcome the act of using alternative energy at home to save on electricity expense and to spare investments in power plants.  The generated power can be used at home – they say it takes just between 5 to 7 years to break even.  But there may be problems if investment at home is only meant to generate income, as people will want higher prices.

The pursuit of connectivity does not involve only linkages of roads, railways or electric trains.  It involves connectivity between the hearts of the 70 million people we have.  We must see how we can connect and how we can all help to foster development and empower the country.  This country belongs to all Thais.  Even non-Thais love our country.  This week, I met an Ambassador from a foreign country.  He said he will continue to live in Thailand after his retirement.  He loves Thailand and Thai food.  I told him I was glad that foreigners were interested in our country.  I also asked him to sustain our friendship for the years to come.  Good friends are for life.  Those that are not true friends don’t stay with you long.

I would like you to ponder the many topics at hand.  This is all the time I ask of you today.  I thank you for the support shown to me and the government and that you give this support to others as well. Do not forget to encourage yourselves as well, while avoiding panic and anxiety.  Start by placing trust in one another and by collaborating to solve problems.  There is nothing that cannot be fixed if all Thais put their efforts to it.

Thank you.  I wish you a happy weekend.  Goodbye.

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