Good evening dear Thai citizens.

December 5th of every year is an important national day, as it is
1) the commemoration day of the Birthday Anniversary King Rama IX,
2) our National Day, and
3) National Father’s Day, which is  the day that we commemorate King Rama IXs contributions for the Thai people and His boundless benevolence for the nation.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite the Thai people to express their gratitude to King Rama IX and come together in unity to carry on with His aspirations and bring our nation towards sustainable development.

Moreover, December 5th is another important day for the world, as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has declared this day to be World Soil Day, in association with the Birthday Anniversary of King Rama IX, to honour His work in the  preservation of natural resources, with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) giving the first Humanitarian Soil Scientist award to King Rama IX, to illustrate the importance of His contributions to the conservation of soil resources and thereby, global food security.

On this important occasion, I have the honour to recall the royal remarks by King Rama IX made in the year 2000, which is part of the King’s Philosophy and therefore, our nation’s heritage, for the Thai people to take on for the  benefit of our nation, which says “Our country is in need of improvement and development. One way we can help our country is to have the right way of thinking, based on the benefit of the nation, and to let go of self-interests, and conflicts  that derive from unimportant matters.”

Throughout 7 decades of national development, King Rama IX attached great importance to human resource development, stressing that it is crucial for development. King Rama IX also focused on uplifting the quality of life for all, starting at the basic level, and then incrementally building stability for future development and the social and economic changes to come, so that people can be self-reliant, which is the basis for sustainable development.

An important matter for this government is the development of learning, in which people understand the importance of reason and what is useful information. Being able to understand issues also depends on discussions and researching additional information.

My fellow citizens, regarding to the recent mobile Cabinet trip to southern province of Songkhla, I thank all sectors – local government, private sector, chambers of commerce, industrial sector, community leaders, and farmers – for giving us such a warm welcome.

As for the problems that the locals are facing, the government will remain committed to developing solutions accordingly, whether it be problems in the fishing industry, the rubber industry, or other industries. Some matters will take time and on some issues, we are obligated to follow international agreements and treaties. We all have to help each other, thus some sacrifices will need to be made.

The Southern region has good potential for farming, cattle ranching, fishing, and tourism via border trade, and many cultural sites. The region has economic crops like rubber and oil palm, along with fruits and vegetables that have generated income for the country.

With that said, the region still faces many social inequalities, while some people lack proper access to public services, which has limited regional development. The government is determined to uplift the southern region to be on par with other regions, especially in terms of accessibility and income generation. People must be provided with equal opportunities.

The government will have to speed up digital development in this region, so that everyone has better access to information and knowledge. Digital technology also helps bolster trade and connectivity in the area and will be key to development. Those who have this knowledge should pass it on to the others. This will complement the government’s efforts as well.
During the visit, Cabinet members held talks with local government and the private sector about streamlining several undertakings, particularly future infrastructure projects, which will be key to connectivity and value creation. The south must connect with other regions as well as the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. There are many methods to do this and we have to take it systematically. The goal is to boost trade, investment projects, logistics and transportation proficiency, and tourism.

The region also needs transportation development to enhance the potential of other sectors, which will lead to income generation and reduce social disparities. These projects will be implemented based on their urgency, as the government cannot spend 500 billion baht all at once. Projects must be divided into phases and ministries and agencies should prioritize their investments based on the urgency of each project. The Cabinet can approve them in principle, but they will need to be undertaken in different times. Many of them are already included in the implementation plan, such as:

1. the development of rail services such as Surat Thani – Hat Yai dual rail project, Hat Yai – Padang Besar dual rail project, Surat Thani – Phang Nga rail project, and Surat Thani – Don Sak rail project. These projects need to be implemented soon.

2. the development of sea ports, such as the construction of cruise ports for large-scale marine tourism, the construction of deep sea ports for cargo, and the enlargement of watercourses for better transport and logistics. We will need cooperation from all sides on this.

3. the development of airports that will connect land and rail transport. This will cater to the increasing number of tourists and passengers. We will also consider building new airports, if necessary. If new projects are not added, development will be hampered and so will added value in production. If we want to create jobs and employment, we must push these projects forward.

4. the development of roads and land transport. There are several roads and motorways that need to be built in the southern region. Many are already included in the plan. Environmental impact assessments are being conducted for prompt implementation. Every project must pass an EIA survey, so we must find a way to cooperate with each other as there are people who agree and disagree.

To address the problem of rubber prices, we must first understand the entire system – production, planting, processing, and utilization. The problem needs to be addressed in a sustainable fashion starting at it root causes.

The government has designated the Rubber Authority of Thailand, the Interior Ministry, the Commerce Ministry, and many other organizations and agencies to increase their demand and use of rubber. We have been planning this for a long time, but have not been able to get past issues involving standards and some other legal issues. For instance, the Comptroller General’s Department has had to revise its regulations. However nearly 100% of these regulations have been adjusted. Up to 200,000 tons of rubber will be used in various projects.

There will need to be producers and ways for rubber to enter into the production process. The government does not own manufacturing plants, and is thus seeking cooperation from the private sector. Manufacturers are doing their best as well, though the government cannot force their hands in a free market. But we can discuss with them about buying rubber directly from the producers.

In addition, there have been investment projects within the past 3 years from overseas, supported by the BOI, and rubber processing plants are being built. This will increase demand for rubber by 500,000 tons.

Once these plants are finished, they will invest. Therefore, we must have an investment plan for them. Investment projects will come to fruition in 3 years. There is a future to these investments in terms of employment and opportunities. I want to tell our fellow rubber producers that we, as a country, have been struggling for a long time but things are likely to improve after these investments yield results and manufacturing plants are open in special economic zones.

There have also been efforts to use latex in road construction. However, latex only accounts for 5% of the proportion. The government is therefore encouraging schools and universities to conduct research on asphalt road surfaces.

I have personally looked at these studies, but results have yet to be satisfactory. There are still safety concerns. However, many studies have already been certified and will allow us to increase the proportion of latex in road construction from 5% to 10% or 15%.

Of course, using new technique that adds latex to road construction drives up the cost. If a concern is about worthwhileness or the cost of the construction, then these questions are unanswerable now as such projects will have a positive effect on other sectors, meaning it will improve land transport and open up doors for trade and tourism.

We cannot be concerned only about the cost, but we have to look at the benefits it will bring to a number of sectors. Although the cost is high, society can play a role to help out. Using latex as an additive element can be useful and I have asked the Ministry of Transport, the military, and local governments to put forth road construction projects in rural villages and communities.

The government will hold talks with the Department of Rural Roads to find possible solutions. Sometimes, they do not have enough potential or budget, which may need to be acquired from the Local Administrative Organization.

We have been using more latex and asphalt in road construction. This may drive up the price of rubber. The government asks that buyers and manufacturers purchase from the producers. The whole system has to improve. This might not be the case in the past, but we have to help each other now.

In the early phases, this happens in every sector as reforms usually come with teething problems. Nevertheless, if everyone understands the problem, there will be sustainable solutions. It is impossible not to have some problems during reform. However, if everyone thinks about their own profits, this will hamper the benefit of all.

The Comptroller General’s Department has revised its regulations as mentioned before. Problems are being solved in accordance with the government’s policies. Every ministry and organization needs to understand this.

As for inspecting on corruption, we also have to take into consideration the worthiness of the project, by looking at both direct and indirect benefits. For some issues we need to into the possibility of changing certain regulations and procedures. Though this will not be done in the interest of any parties.

As for fostering better understanding, the government has been doing this and based on our discussions with the people, a key issue is that activities must be transparent and open to scrutiny. I thank you for your understanding, in particular the Auditor General.

Many projects have been restricted by the existing regulations. Therefore, when new practices are required, new rules are needed as well. We also have to look at the outcomes, direct and indirect. Corruption is a separate matter that must be addressed.

If what we do is hindered at the very beginning, then nothing will be done. There will be no efficiency. We are attempting to reform the entire rubber industry and other related matters, so I thank the Auditor General and other graft-related agencies.
We also have to address the problem of forest encroachment. Many people have invaded unauthorized spaces to grow rubber and palm. Therefore, I have asked that rubber trees in unauthorized land be cut down. Only trees in restricted areas will be brought down.
As for rubber plantations that belong to the farmers, there needs to be a slowdown in production and rubber tapping. The issue then is how will the farmers be compensated and how we can reduce supply in the market.

The government will therefore find measures to help the low-income farmers. As I mentioned before, many farmers are invading protected and unauthorized forests. These farmers will be looked after and introduced to new crops such as bananas.

Prices of bananas have been on a decline recently, meaning there may be ample supply. This is what we have to look at as well, including market demand. Too much supply drives the prices down and Middlemen buy crops at lower prices because of excess supply, and in order to shoulder the costs of transportation.

The government has to look at this issue and ensure fairness, though we cannot force any hands in the market mechanism. Many expect the government to force certain issues, but the government and ministries can only do whatever allowed by the law.

Livestock farming can be the answer to this problem. Though, this does not mean that farmers should stop growing rubber. I have never suggested that so the media need to get their facts right. On many occasions, the media have misquoted me, as I certainly did not suggest that farmers stop growing rice or rubber, and turn to coconuts instead. Please get your facts right.

Projects approved by the Cabinet will be put into action for concrete results and for future development. The government attached sees great potential in the southern region, which is an important issue for us. Many may not know or may have forgotten that I have classified the south into two zones. There are a total of 14 provinces. The provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, and 4 districts of Songkhla province are considered special areas.

The categorization of these provinces is for security purposes. The rest of the southern region comprise 11 provinces. To summarize, there are 3 border provinces, 4 districts of Songkhla, and 11 other provinces. The reason for separating the region is for prompt and efficient budget disbursement. Budgets for the southernmost provinces are approved separately for security reasons.

Apart from provincial budgets, there are regional budgets given to the south. This is what the current government does differently, not for political reasons, but because we are sincere about finding real solutions to the problems faced by fellow farmers in the south who are growing crops and catching fish.

The government is adjusting its budget policies in accordance with the needs of the people in this region. There have been several requests from people, thus two-way communication is required for appropriate solutions. We will not rush into things without considering consequences.

At the same time, I ask that citizens acquire additional and necessary information for active cooperation and practicality, after which public forums can be organized for transparency and acceptance. Public hearings are meant to foster a better understanding.
As for the power plant construction project in the south, I have tasked the minister for energy  to find a solution free from conflict.

Previously, the former energy minister never determined for the project to go ahead or to not go ahead because things were still in a process of consideration. But some media didn’t know and then ssome people weren’t aware, causing misperception that the project was a go. There are steps to every project implementation. If the project is problematic, we will not force it, but will look into possible solutions to settle the ongoing conflict.

It is important to pay attention to the facts. The government has no intention of forcing anything, given that fact that the cost of the construction, environmental impact, and energy security must be taken into account first.

Many people have said that electricity should be cheaper. But the power comes from generators sometimes located in other regions, thus the cost for transporting electricity is high.

The cost depends on where the power is generated, and the raw materials used such as gas, oil and lignite. Today, many new technologies can be introduced to address these issues, such as the techniques for construction, machinery, and cables.

If power plants can be built in rural areas, the cost will be lower, because there is no need for cables to transport electricity. In addition, we would not have to worry about blackouts.

Another issue is that we buy power from overseas. We might be able to do so now, but what if one day other nations decided to sell less or increase the price. What would we do then? The impact will be even greater, so we have to look at this from all angles.

All of this adds to the production cost of electricity. The cost, the prices, the operation, and how it is managed – all add to the cost of power generation. We will have long-term problems if we did not try to lower the cost now, if we do not utilise available technologies, or if we elected to ignore the problem. Please consider all options.

I am not in any way forcing anything. I am only suggesting and offering options. The Ministry of Energy is tasked with finding energy sources and there are laws that need to be complied with so we all need to listen to one another.

As for recently, there were two dimensions to law enforcement. First is that the law was enforced to prevent the escalation of tensions. Everyone has to respect the law and law enforcers have to do their job. Both the enforcers and the public have to listen to each other. Complaints can be made through several channels. If you come to me directly, may affect my schedule, but I am willing to listen to everyone.

As for the construction of Thepa power plant, I have received information from both the people and government agencies. I have always asked for updates on this matter and it is a priority issue for me, so I ask for your cooperation.  So, when there are demonstrations on this matter suggesting that it’s a human rights issue, it is a different matter.

I ask the media not to create confusion or stir up this ongoing conflict. All sides have to abide by the law and review the laws, whether the government has been listening, and then have plan to take action.

I have asked for information to be distributed. I have received many requests from many sides, one of which was a group of 50,000 people in Thepa community, expressing support for the construction. Who should I listen to? 50,000 people or 50 people. We will have to find an agreement that both groups can agree upon. Local authorities will be responsible for this.

Everyone in this country is a Thai citizen regardless of his or her religion and beliefs. This is how I look at it. So please do not accuse me of pushing anyone away. I have no intentions of doing that. I have always said that the government cares for all 70 million citizens. And we all as citizens, need to respect the law.

Nevertheless, ill-intentioned parties have used this opportunity for political purposes, pulling people’s attention away from the positive things that are being done, which do not make the headlines, leaving room instead for stories about conflicts and politics. This may be the way it is, but all I ask is that the media help us figure out this problem as well.

The government is ready to answer all questions and listen to all sides. What is the principle of democracy? Politicians should look into this. Today, politicians are criticizing the government and accusing us of not listening. I listen to everyone and every complaint. There are piles of documents on my desk. I read every complaint and ask responsible units to act accordingly.

Sometimes the solution depends on the law and regulations. But some do not respect the law in pursuit their goals. So whether it is smaller groups or big groups, we all need to work together to find an acceptable conclusion.

And then society and social media add to issue, often without considering the facts but only at the benefits to be gained or environmental impact. In the meantime, the government has to look after the poor, so how should we move from here? Please consider what the government has to think about as well, and we can cooperate with each other.

Rest assured that everything will be implemented according to the law and regulations. Whatever is not up to international norms will be fixed. I will need cooperation from you in order to move things forward.

As for marine resources – fishermen should give fish time to spawn. The spawning season is an interval where fish can reproduce. In addition, fishing in other countries’ territories can be illegal. When you are caught in illegal territories, the blame is on the government who has to bring you back. Many fishing crews have been detained overseas for violating the laws.

Boat owners cannot do anything either. I do not want people to use these problems as an excuse for breaking the law. If we let these things happen, they can happen again and lead to political problems. Everyone focuses on politics more than important matters. Therefore, I would like people to pay attention to both things equally.

I do not want there to be violations of the law and attacks on officials. Officials do not wish to harm the people. I did not force them to do so, but they must enforce the law. Please examine what the facts are. I do not wish to make excuses for anyone. There are images in social media that people have distorted. An example is using an image of a soldier who was pointing his finger. People are posting this and claiming that he was issuing orders to beat up the people, while in fact he was talking very courteously.

There are many problems and questions raised by the people in the area and society as a whole that require answers. Sometimes communication may not be that far reaching and it has caused worry to the point where they feel they must reach the prime minister. You do not need to come all the way; you can forward your issues to the governor.

Issues that can be solved will be addressed while things that cannot be addressed right now will be address later because they may require legal consideration. We must also prioritize issues depending on the urgency.

There are many issues regarding the power plant that people are curious about:

1) Moving temples and schools – officials have already discussed this with the locals to relocate no more than 5 kilometers. I have listened to a group of 5,000 to 50000 people and they were satisfied with this agreement.

2) Moving populations – As of now there is no such plan because these projects have not started. If the project is approved, it will undergo committee review and be forwarded to the Cabinet before commencing. We must then examine how we can compensate these people accordingly. Today we are still in the EIA + HEIA review process and have not even passed committee review. If we do not build it, where are will get the  electricity from and what will the costs be?.

3) They wonder about building structures in the sea that would obstruct the flow of water, which might lead to coastal corrosion. Officials have discussed this with the locals and those who have listened understand while those who did not listen claim that the government has done nothing.
We have defined measures clearly, such as creating a dam to prevent this from happening. Therefore, it would not affect maritime travel and lead to coastal corrosion. When these structures are finished, marine life will resume its activity in these areas. They will not disappear.

4) The use of bituminous and sub-bituminous coal – we need to import this through shipping using closed system instead of using coal domestically. Some people claim that there is lignite coal and the government wishes to mine lignite for its own benefit. These are different issues. We are utilizing all new technology that take into consideration the environment.

An example is the use of lignite coal that is high quality and produces little pollution. In the past, there used to be issues at other plants but since they have replaced their equipment, I don’t see that there have been any new problems. The wildlife have been able to exist in the area. I would like to ask for people who have been affected by the law to please understand. Please examine past case studies, in particular

5) using sea water to cool down the coal, which many have expressed concern. However, there is a mechanism to eliminate contamination. There is a system to ensure water quality before it is released back into the sea. It must not affect the marine ecosystem. We can use marine life such as oysters and mussels to test the quality before releasing it back into the sea.

These are technical methods.  I ask that you place your confidence in the control mechanisms that uses tried and tested technology. I am bringing up only some speculated issues so that people can consider them together. As for other details, there are agencies that will handle these matters. Local agencies need to contribute by creating understanding among the local population. Please do not let the government decide as it could become another clash between the people and officials.

Civil servants, the private sector, and the people need to cooperate and discuss with each other, because we must find new sources of energy to accommodate future demand. If there is not enough electricity, and we have to import them from abroad, there will be problems in the future if others country do not have energy to sell to us.

As for the fishing industry, the government is examining all dimensions of the matter and is considering the viewpoints of the fisherman, boat vendors, and local businesses. We must provide fairness to all stakeholders involved, as well as low-income fisherman who cannot travel into the deep sea and rely on nearby marine life.

All parties must respect international maritime borders and be honest with one another. We have seen many vessels arrested. Some businesses have re-registered themselves while some has been reduced because they have failed to comply.

All these things have happened. Do you not want the government to do anything? It is not possible to return things back to how they were because problems will intensify in the future if we do not take action now. There may be people who lose from this change, but we ask for your cooperation and will find a solution. We need to consider the larger picture of the value chain.

For those who think that things in the past were fine just the way they were, you need to see if they were done legally and correctly. If you conduct your business honestly, the government will not crack down on you and I am confident that things will improve, as there are fewer ships according to the regulations.

The number of boats have decreased because many have been illegal and there have been duplicated registrations. Those who say they have problems conducting business should see how many boats they have are legal. If everyone conducts their business honestly, everyone will have access to opportunities from investment and it would benefit the country as a whole.
Businesses and the government need to look at the fishing industry at a large picture. We must trade with other countries and cannot violate laws that lead to trade embargos. Therefore, I ask that for you to understand the position of the government and de-escalate their demands. I do not wish for anyone to go through hardships but we must take into consideration the preservation of the marine life.

The government therefore will define policies and implement them in a clear manner that promotes understanding and trust. If all our actions are approved by the environmental committee, there’ll be less problems and problems will be solved faster, for instance
the incidents at the Thepa coal power plant, which should not have happened. If there had been understanding, there would not have been protests. I was in the middle of working and was talking about your problem as well. Please consider what is appropriate. The government will be able to decisively tackle your issues, fishing, rubber, palm, etc, but we also need cooperation from the people.

People need to understand that in order to do something in any area, there must be:

1) A clear statement of the objective and the reasoning as to why must something be built there. There must be clarity as I have mentioned before

2)  Once there is clear reason, there must be a plan on how to address environmental consequences. Some people do not realize how new technology can address past issues. The technology in the past is not as sophisticated as what we have today and various rules were not clear.

3)  Once these two points have been concluded and the people approve, they will undergo a review by the environmental committee and a public hearing will be conducted. We are only in the middle of this process but people are opposing the plan as if it had already been decided upon.

Local officials need to create understanding about this. Community leaders and officials need to study these issues as well. I have tasked the Ministry of Interior to train all local officials on how to manage, utilize the budget, and enforce laws. You need to work like civil servants and only do what local people ask you to do. You need to respect the laws and be aware of government policy.You are be in a position to hear viewpoints of both sides and therefore need to help with the dialogue.

You do not need to pay attention to the issue of whether the government is considering abolishing community leaders, as this seems to be the main issue that the media is focusing on.  I am in the process of reforming the entire local administration system, which involves laws and processes. The same standards need to be applied to community leaders as well. Those who have been selected by the people must work to serve the people.

Therefore, agencies need to work according to their duties and handle responsibilities according to the law. People need to take into consideration both sides of the argument in order to formulate a conclusion. We need to accept each other’s reasoning, as this is a principle of democracy. So please do not let anyone escalate the situation into conflict.

In the end, the problem affects everyone. Agencies, the people, and society, as well as the government are all affected. Therefore, let us examine the root causes. I have asked many social media outlets to disseminate the right information, which has been made available, but many have not done so.

However, when there is even the slightest misstep, these channels pour on the criticism. What would society and the country gain from these actions? All that is achieved is that such social media channels receive more popularity. I ask that these outlets have the facts and refrain from using their emotions to judge the situation, as it can exacerbate the situation.

Projects that have never been able to commence should be re-examined. As I have said, examine the root cause as to why these projects have never been able to launch. Can they be scaled down? Will people benefit in the beginning stages? Perhaps if they see that they are beneficial, they may allow these projects to continue.

There are exceptions as well, such as projects regarding water management or irrigation, which cannot be broken down and must be done as a whole. These projects must first begin in feasible areas.

The government wishes to extend the benefits of its projects to all areas, but there are processes that exist that may not make it possible right away.  We need to understand this, and be aware of all the facts about the technology and feasibility.

There are coal power plants are located no more than 10 kilometers from us in our neighboring countries. They have constructed large lignite factories. We must examine if they have faced any problems when making a decision for ourselves.

We must also examine agreements and TORs and delegate responsibility for caring for the surrounding communities. We need to find the best way to move forward that results in the least amount of intrusiveness to communities. We also need to minimize the amount of government and private property that must be relocated.

Therefore, we cannot only focus on the EIA process. If people do not understand the projects as well as how they are progressing, protests can intensify and people may view that the government is not credible. So, I ask that media outlets present useful information as well.

The other day, I gave out a document giving clarifications about technology that many people were curious about. But I did not see these media channels publicizing this document. So now I have a record of who I send documents to as well as when and where.

Even if I had given these documents and clarification, some media chose to report otherwise. In any case, we must ensure that there is fairness and that the people are satisfied. That is the important principle upheld by this government for our nations stability, prosperity, and sustainability.

Finally, if we do come together and solve our problems and reform today, we cannot wait for it to happen in the future. Therefore, we need to talk to each other and propose solutions through the correct channels instead of pressuring officials, who are only doing their jobs. And officials have to be meticulous in enforcing the laws.

Officials need to follow processes, as many procedures are based on democratic processes and human rights. Therefore, we might need to review this issue as bringing up contentious issues that have long persisted in this country this way can ultimately distress the people.

Today, I continuously receive information and wish to mobilize many solutions. However, if we connect all the problems together, things will go back to how they were before, and it would seem like this government has not done anything for the people.

I do not want people to think that the law is unjust because there are people who wish to gain from political conflicts. We cannot neglect enforcing the laws; otherwise it will continue to happen in the future.

Whatever can be solved at the community level should be solved then. What is more complex must be forwarded to the government, the ministries, or myself, such as problems that are related to rubber, rice, or energy. I have never ignored anyone or allowed any problem to go unaddressed. The government seeks to address all issues.

The next matter is about creating a constructive communications channel between the government and the people. This has to be done correctly and I hope that social media can be useful. I have said many things already.  Agencies should also inform the people of communications channels such as centers for investigating corrupt practices. The centers are handling many cases but people may not know because a lot of the information cannot be released. Agencies are investigating cases large and small.

Other agencies to receive public complaints/grievances include the Damrongtham Centers, and the centres for suppressing narcotics. We are also cracking down on influential underhand figures. I also ask that agencies report to the public about the cases that have been successfully closed, in order to let the public know what has been done.

All that I have said, I wish to inform the people and civil servants, so as to create understanding and reduce conflicts among us. Anything that I can solve, I will. If there are pressing issues, then we all need to cooperate with each other.

As for our transition into a democracy, I would like everyone to utilise this time to prepare for a fully functioning democratic system by undergoing initial reforms and implementing measures that solve problems for farmers and low-income citizens.

Many reform agendas in the National Strategy have been initiated. However, these things take time, while issues take up to a decade. These things must be undertaken continuously and adapted to suit the changing circumstances by revising our management systems and eliminating laws that become obstacles.

I also ask that people help maintain political stability, which would contribute to a stronger economy as well as security and conflict reduction. People may have both good and bad intentions and all actions affect the country at a national level.  However, if people do not consider the impacts of their actions, we will not be able to move forward.

I also ask that officials enforce laws carefully and refrain from overreacting or overstepping the boundaries. Everyone needs to be aware about the laws and respect them. We cannot live in a lawless society.

Regarding politicians who have come out with damaging rhetoric, I think these people are being opportunists who wish to create unnecessary conflict in society as well as a negative view of the government and the NCPO.
Many of these people have pending cases against them. These people should focus on fighting their cases in the courts instead of trying to convince society to believe in what you say. People should use their discretion on whether to listen to these people. I do not want to argue with these people. The way some of these people are acting, it seems like they are abandoning their principles and are doing whatever it takes in order to resume office or

to prevent myself and the NCPO from preserving power. If politicians want to contest each other or join hands, it is up to you. I will not participate in this. Society has become wary of this. Governments in the past serve as examples for today. I am not blaming anyone, anything that is constructive I will continue with, anything that has problems I shall adjust.

However, these politicians are attacking a government that is genuinely trying to solve problems, thus creating confusion among the people. So I ask that these people talk about the details of what the government should be doing better or what they plan to do instead. Are they saving it for their when running for office? Times have changed. Politicians cannot campaign the way they used to. If you make statements without supporting facts, there will be problems. This is a matter for the NLA to look in to.

A problematic issue is creating false hopes and understandings. You must explain to the voters how you are going to do these things.

Please use this time to prepare for your campaigns instead of discrediting me. I ask the people to be wary about false claims.

Thank you. I have talked about many things today to create understanding. Anything that I have done which is wrong, I always apologize for. So, I hope that this matter is not exacerbated. I am doing my best.

Thank you. Sawasdee Krub.