Special economic measures considered
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Thailand's most updated English news website, newspaper english, breaking news : The Nation
THE GOVERNMENT is considering special measures to tackle the economic slowdown, said new Finance Minister Sommai Phasi.
“Taking the position [as finance minister], I haven’t felt worried about the economic slowdown, which follows the economic cycle. But the prime minister, the Finance Ministry and the Bank of Thailand have been considering special measures for the current economic situation,” he said after formally starting his new job yesterday.
He said taxpayer benefits would also be his focus, as they needed to be served.
“I have been out of the bureaucratic system for six to seven years. Therefore, I’ve seen more,” he said.
“What I intend to do is to have tax agencies understand taxpayers. Civil servants’ views have to be changed for taxpayers, who are more special,” he said.
He added that “if taxpayers do not pay tax, there will not be a budget for the country”.
Sommai cited his work experience and familiarity with civil servants at the ministry.
“I’m confident in a team with knowledge and capabilities. About one year in office is enough for several tasks,” he said.
He declined to elaborate on Finance Ministry policy.
Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha asked all ministers to meet to discuss government policy next Tuesday before declaring their intentions to the National Legislative Assembly.
Sommai said that at the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Italy next Thursday and Friday, he would make foreigners understand Thailand’s situation so there was more international confidence in the country.
He will also attempt to do the same in October when he attends meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
After yesterday’s media conference, Sommai gave the green light for Wisut Srisuphan, the former Customs Department director-general, to become his adviser, and for Sun Vithespongse, a former adviser in the Finance Ministry, to become secretary to the finance minister.
