New "Superboard" to oversee state-run companies
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The State Enterprises Policy Commission or "Superboard", chaired by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, has agreed on guidelines to improve regulations and transparency for all state-owned enterprises - by setting up a "holding" organisation and a "
Kulit Sombatsiri, director-general of the State Enterprises Policy Office, said after the superboard’s meeting on Monday that the holding organisation was designed to oversee companies listed on the capital market - such as Airports of Thailand, MCOT, and PTT.
The regulatory body, on the other hand, was aimed at overseeing organisations established under specific laws -such as the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand.
He added that the superboard also instructed a subcommittee to oversee drafting bills relating to regulations and establishment of the National State Enterprise Corporation. The corporation, under supervision of the Finance Ministry, would reduce the number of members who are state officials and open it up for more professionals.
“The corporation will act as a shareholder of state enterprises as well as regulate them, but not to sell their shares,” said Kulit, adding that, “The draft bill is expected before the National Legislative Assembly for deliberation in June”.
In addition, the superboard also agreed on the duties of the Transport Ministry’s Land Transport Department to grant licences to route operators nationwide, including the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority.
Kulit said the superboard agreed to set up a subcommittee for disclosure of state construction projects that would design a guideline of disclosure practice in a bid to promote transparency. The first pilot project would start with the Suvarnabhumi International Airport’s terminal expansion project.
Last, the superboard agreed to improve the structure of the industrial energy and transport sector, focusing on supporting the private sector and fair competition.
It also agreed the Transport Ministry should be responsible for outlining the country’s aviation strategic plans - and making clear details of the development of the nation’s rail route infrastructures.
