PM promises bright future

THE Thai government will provide full support to the work of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) in promoting rounded and well-balanced development of the region, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said yesterday.

In an opening remark at the 71st session of Escap, held in Bangkok, Prayut said this event was about creating balance within the dimensions of development, economic, social and environmental aspects. For countries to develop in a sustainable manner, they need to use their resources efficiently and effectively, instead of wasting resources and leaving nothing for future generations, he said. 

On the economic front, Prayut said the world was facing a widening inequality gap. 

The fact that 1.4 billion people today live under US$2 a day, that 1.7 billion people are lacking access to adequate healthcare and that 3 million children die before turning five has really shaken him, the prime minister said, adding that all countries should cooperate to eradicate these problems. 

Prayut then laid out Thailand’s vision for 2015-2020 that highlights “stability, wealth and sustainability”. The term “stability” encompasses political stability and security of life and property of all Thai citizens that can be derived from good governance and the justice system. He said true stability could provide the basis for wealth and prosperity, as well as create a friendly environment for trade, economic development and investment. 

However, trade and investment must follow strict measures that reduce risks and boost Thailand’s immunity to factors such as a downturn in the world economy or environmental disasters, he said. Economic growth also has to be environmentally sustainable so there are enough natural resources for the future generation. 

As for sustainable development, it should prioritise people’s needs and understand real problems in communities, he said, adding that Thailand had applied His Majesty’s philosophy of “sufficiency economy”, which focused on resource efficiency, evidence-based policy and resilience.

The prime minister said the government would promote small and medium-sized enterprises, product competitiveness on the agricultural front and the One Tambon One Product (Otop) scheme. Science and technology is another area that can add value to agricultural products, he said. 

For social development, the country needs to focus on education, health and welfare, he added. Hence welfare projects such as universal health coverage have been implemented so people have equal access to services in order to remain healthy, be able to hold good jobs and lead a dignified life after retirement. 

Prayut said the single most important aspect of development was the quality of the people, and it was necessary for them to develop physically, morally and intellectually to boost the country’s competitiveness. 

Access to good-quality education is also a challenge and the promotion of life-long learning is necessary, he said, adding that social media should be used for learning things rather than creating disunity or hatred.