National Broadcast by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, September 9, 2016

Good evening dear Thai citizens.

 

I first would like to congratulate a group of Thai youngsters from Suratpittaya School in the southern province of Surat Thani, namely Sureeporn Tripetchprapha, Thidarat Pian and Karnchana Khomkhla, who invented a Bromeliad-like water container. Their creative invention won two awards, including the 2016 national science competition and the Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden. It was a great honor for these students as the Stockholm Junior Water Prize was presented by HRH Prince Carl Philip of Sweden himself.
I would also to thank the two teachers behind this success as well as the Institute for the Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) and other responsible agencies for supporting these youngsters on the world stage.

The newly-invented device is expected to help conserve water, which is in accordance with our sustainable development policy. The invention derives from students’ observations of nature and their surroundings. This proves that such observations have the potential to develop into useful inventions. All great things start from a small step, similar to house building or construction which begins with a small brick.
This successful invention is a product of a study on our nature and how Bromeliad stores water and maintains humidity, coupled with observations of how galvanized aluminum sheets distill liquid by vaporizing it, then condensing it by cooling the vapor, and collecting the resulting liquid.

The students applied this method to build the model water container using aluminum sheets. This is an invention that has the potential to address water shortages in the agricultural industry. This model can allow farmers to plant crops despite dry weather condition.
The cost of this invention is as low as 25 baht. It can also be installed on rubber trees, which are abundant in our country. It helps trees increase humidity up to 17%, thereby allowing less water consumption by 10%. Further, it can increase productivity by 57%, which can then allow farmers to break even in 6 days.

As you can see, this invention has resulted from keen observations and a simple idea, developed through principles of science and the use of available technology. I believe this invention can be even more useful. Therefore, I ask the responsible agencies to expand on this new innovation. It would be a waste if we didn’t make the best use of it.

The recent anti-corruption committee meeting resolved to empower the anti-corruption operation center to help ministries work more effectively by coordinating efforts between state enterprises and public organizations. The center is supervised by the Ministry of Interior and their tasks are to assess the work done by government ministries and prevent corruption. The center works in cooperation with the anti-corruption facilitation center, NACC, PACC, OAG, and other related agencies.

The government views that tackling corruption is a national agenda. To that extent, counter corruption measures must be implemented to ensure concrete results at all levels of government. Between 2013 and 2015, corruption has caused huge damage to government agencies, state enterprises, and local administrative offices. There were more than 200 cases and the damage was around 500 billion baht.
At the moment, this government has successfully reduced corruption practices, as evidenced by recent assessments. For instance, the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), which was conducted in 180 countries between 2013 and 2015, has shown that Thailand’s rankings have improved year after year. In 2013, which is before the government and the NCPO took office, Thailand was ranked 102. At present, Thailand is put at number 76, 30 notches higher than 2013. The ultimate aim is to suppress all corrupt officials and prevent future corruption practices. We will close the doors for corruption in every sector, because we have to be proactive in preventing it.

Currently, a total of 258 state officials are under fraud investigations, 62 of whom have been charged with disciplinary actions. Eight of those have been sacked and 25 have been stripped of ranks.  The rest are under investigations by anti-corruption agencies.
However, I am also concerned for some lower-ranking officials who have been implicated in corruption cases, who were not fully aware that graft was occurring but had to follow orders from their supervisors. I have told the national anti-corruption committee meeting to find the proper mechanisms that will provide just and fair outcomes for every official involved.

I believe we need to be more systematic and comprehensive about our counter-corruption measures, for instance by taking into consideration our surroundings and the impacts of globalization. Sometimes modern and advanced technology can be a double-edged sword, especially information technology. Perpetrators can find new technologies to commit crimes as crime suppression units try to improve their measures under a limited budget. Therefore, a most effective mechanism would be to have the public be vigilant against corrupt practices.
We also have to take into account the basic differences, economic and social disparities, unbalanced economic growth and social development, a materialistic culture based on intense competition for natural resources, and a world based on free competition.
In the past, Thai society emphasized ethics and morality, but we’ve come to place less importance on these virtues due to the changing dynamics of this world.

When addressing our problems, we should start with cultivating a social conscience, first through family dynamics, then all the way through the school, the community and then at the national level. This is also an opportunity to create a mechanism for inclusiveness in emphasizing awareness and life-long education among citizens, so as to develop the country’s human resources and empower its people.
In other words, we must solve issues based on our will, morals, and good governance. This isn’t an easy endeavor because it calls for people to have this mindset within all organizations. Therefore, we must look into how we could cultivate these values and instill a sense of reason based on principles. Tackling issues through strict law enforcement alone will not solve the issue at the root cause. We must also examine how we can be more ethical. Some people cheat because they think it is a necessary means towards achieving social status or to fulfill their family’s needs. Some people cheat because they are never content, no matter how much wealth they accumulate. Therefore, we must consider what measures we can enact that can best address these causes. Social media groups can also contribute by highlighting these issues. Instead of only depicting punishments against corruption, it should also portray information that creates a social conscience and understanding. The media should take responsibility to contribute on this matter as well.

On September 4-5, I attended the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China, in the capacity as Chairman of the G77 group. This had been the first time a G77 Chair had been invited to attend the G20 Summit. This is a reflection of Thailand’s significant role as a bridge between the 134 countries of the G77 group and the G20 group, and how many countries have taken interest towards Thailand’s political economy and our vision for the country, based on His Majesty the King’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy, which has been adopted by the government and advocates a people-centric approach to development.  It is also a reflection of the confidence that they have in Thailand and how this region will contribute towards stimulating global economic growth, given that Thailand is part of the 134-member G77 group as well as ASEAN.
In this past, the G20 meeting has emphasized economic cooperation between large and developed nations. Its members account for 90 percent of the global economy and two-thirds of the world population.

However, sustainable development cannot happen if vast economic and social disparities exist among various countries. This gap will only widen and could lead to a global crisis that will inevitably affect all nations. Therefore, the agenda of this year’s summit is to come up with new models of global economic growth which emphasize cooperation between developed and developing nations in the form of a “global partnership” that promotes sustainable economic growth for all nations.

However, sustainable development cannot happen if vast economic and social disparities exist among various countries. This gap will only widen and could lead to a global crisis that will inevitably affect all nations. Therefore, the agenda of this year’s summit is to come up with new models of global economic growth which emphasize cooperation between developed and developing nations in the form of a “global partnership” that promotes sustainable economic growth for all nations.

 

I believe the agenda of this summit coincides with Thailand’s policies, especially as the Chairman nation of G77 that has pushed for cooperation and mutual development, with each country contributing its own strengths and potential in confronting various challenges. We must overcome the current economic slowdown; dare to think outside the box, while adhering to existing treaties and agreements. We must come up with new methods of mobilizing the global economy in the 21st century. These methods should accomplish the following agendas,
1. Creating opportunities for developing nations to contribute to policy and economic cooperation.
2. Reforming the domestic economy by developing human resources through education, exchanging information on science and technology in order to support new innovations, and supporting SMEs and Start-ups in order to serve as a new mechanism to mobilize the grassroots economy, while also making it part of the global value-chain.
3. Supporting joint participation and cooperation between the state, private sector and the public – alike Thailand’s Pracharat model – in order to achieve global economic growth that is balanced and resilient. Thailand is ready to share its experiences on the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy in order to serve as a viable approach towards achieving sustainable development.

 

The 28th and 29th ASEAN Summit took place this past week, along with other related summits at Vientiane; Laos, on September 6-8, There were 15 summits all together. In addition to discussing cooperation in trade, investment and development, the ASEAN Summit emphasized the balancing of 3 aspects and their successful implementation. These aspects include,

1. Supporting a strong economy where all can equally benefit from economic growth, emphasizing growth that is mobilized through innovation.
2. Creating stability that emphasizes the development of human resources at all ages and encouraging participation from all sectors.
3. Creating economic connectivity, while also maintaining regional security and stability, so as to facilitate the movement of peoples.
Therefore, ASEAN and the international community will need to increase their cooperation and join together to develop regional frameworks and channels of cooperation between the regions in order to successfully deal with complex global challenges such as terrorism, transnational crime, cyber crime, human and drug trafficking, as well as irregular migration.

This is something we can’t avoid or separate responsibility for as every country will be affected. Whether as a developed country or as a developing country – we must have trust amongst one another. If we work together creatively in strategic partnerships in whatever we undertake, we will all be able to benefit equally. There is no need for rivalry. We should learn from one another and share our experiences, knowledge and technology with each other. This will allow us all to grow and develop together in peace and harmony; and work towards a greener earth for us all.

What Thailand and the Thai people will gain from enhanced global collaboration will be new opportunities, both economic and social, not to mention enhanced security for the peoples of our region. By being a member of such strategic partnerships, we will be able to have access to funding for the development of high quality infrastructure as well as investment for our special economic zones along the border areas. This can connect local businesses such as OTOPs, SMEs, and the Start-ups to new enhanced systems of operation at the international level. This is in line with the 20 year national strategic plan, the economic development plan as per the “Thailand 4.0” strategy, and our national administration – in terms of their integration, and the adoption of the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. With this, we will work towards sustainable development in line with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals of the UN, coupled with the ability to cope with new challenges in the future.

Finally, on Monday September 12, 2016, from 09:00 to 12:00, the government will be announcing its 2 year progress report. This will be broadcast live through the radio and television through the Public Relations Department. The various details have been compiled in the form of a booklet which will be distributed amongst the people. Both myself and the 6 Deputy Prime Ministers will be summarizing the achievements,  policies and guidelines of the government from when we first came in to office to the present. We will talk about the various national issues and the long term solutions that have been developed, what stage they are in, and what has changed from the past. We will also touch on the progress of our implementation. This will serve as a foundation for national reforms, bringing Thailand towards  a better future for our children. If you would like to hear more about any topic, please let us know.

We have also selected several major achievements to discuss in our series: “Thailand Moves Forward”. This will be broadcast at 18:00 following the national anthem. I ask for a little of your time each day, other than Friday evenings of course, between September 12 and October 2. You can also catch the show online through the government website if you missed it.
If the Thai people agree with me that we must work together, we can see that our weariness will only be temporary. Solving problems is always hard work, so we might not have much time to rest. However, when everyone is in it together and cooperates, it’s not so exhausting. That said, we should be constructive with our spare time.

If you are resting, you could get yourself up to date on what the government is up to and see where you can help out.
Reading is very valuable and you can learn almost anything from books. Whether it is non-fiction or fiction, it is entirely up to you.
I would also like to encourage people to use their time wisely in consuming various media. I have just been abroad and I have noticed that all the ASEAN countries are watching Thai shows, as well as Thai news. Therefore when we broadcast something, it reaches further than we might think, so we should be diligent in choosing the right content for our shows.

Therefore, we should not only watch entertainment based shows and pay no attention to documentaries. Some of the news also covers information from the government. No other administration has kept the people up to date and informed as this one has.  We do this to communicate directly with all of you. We will continue to encourage cooperation for our nation, our children, and our future.
I believe that all Thais are of the mind that we want a better, brighter future for our children. This is why it’s important to keep up with what the government is working on as this will bridge the gap between the public and private sectors according to the Pracharat model. We will work together to aid and support each other through all the proper channels.
Thank you very much. Sawasdee Kru

Source:  www.thaigov.go.th