The Cabinet met on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at Command Building, Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
Title: Draft Integrative Strategy on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Management 2014-2021
The Cabinet approved in principle the draft Integrative Strategy on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Management 2014-2021 in accordance with resolution made by National Environmental Board, as proposed by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The draft Integrative Strategy on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Management 2014-2021 consists of vision, objectives, strategies and measures, and action plans under six strategies as follows:
Strategy 1 – Reinforcement of import-export control;
Strategy 2 – Promotion of production and purchase of environmentally-friendly electrical and electronic equipment;
Strategy 3 – Development of database for amount of WEEE;
Strategy 4 – Development of mechanism for WEEE separation, collection, and transportation;
Strategy 5 – Enhancement of capability of WEEE separation and recycling plants which manage WEEE separation, collection and transportation system in a comprehensive and environmentally-friendly manner; and
Strategy 6 – Promotion of awareness and knowledge in WEEE management.
Title: Supports for Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
The Cabinet approved in principle the project to support SMEs as proposed by Deputy Prime Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, chairman of the committee for implementation of National Council for Peace and Order’s strategies. The SMEs support project consists of five sub-projects and five measures as follows:
1. Policy Loan Project
2. Machine Fund Project
3. Specialized Financial Institutions (SFIs) Measure
4. Compromise Measure on Implementation of State Enterprise Policy Committee’s Resolution
5. Measure on Increase of Government’s Fee Payment Amount for SMEs Credit Guarantee Scheme
6. Measure on Deceleration of Devolution from Ministry of Finance in Appointing Bank of Thailand to Regulate SFIs
7. Measure on Review of Key Performance Indicator (KPI) of SFIs
8. SME Bank Expansion Project
9. Website Establishment Project
10. SME One-stop Service Center Project
Title: Thailand’s associate membership of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
The Cabinet allowed Ministry of Energy to apply for membership of International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as proposed by Ministry of Energy.
According to the Ministry, joining associate membership of IRENA would provide a new channel to access news and information regarding academic research, technology and renewable energy networks. It would also increase accessibility to opportunities in research assistance and development of renewable energy research in terms of funding, expertise and other forms. For example, Thailand would acquire eligibility to take low-interest loan from IRENA/Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) to support development of renewable energy projects. IRENA members can also attend major meetings such as IRENA Assembly or IRENA Conference, and have rights to voice their opinions regarding activities mobilization. Thai delegates can be sent to join IRENA management, which can enable Thailand to participate in IRENA’s administration. IRENA members can also propose projects beneficial to the country’s renewable energy development.
Title: Thailand’s application to become observer country of Pacific Alliance
The Cabinet granted the following approvals to proposal made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
1. Approval on Thailand’s application to serve as observer country of Pacific Alliance;
2. Approval for the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his representative to head Thailand’s delegation in joining ministerial meetings of Pacific Alliance and other relevant meetings to which observer countries are invited; and
3. Appointment of Ministry of Foreign Affairs to serve as main agency to coordinate with relevant Thai government units for the sake of Thailand’s benefit as an observer country.
Title: Approval on hosting of 48th Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Council Conference (SEAMEC)
The Cabinet approved Ministry of Education to host the 48th Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Council Conference (SEAMEC) during May 6-9, 2015 at Royal Cliff Hotels, Pattaya, Chonburi Province, as proposed by Ministry of Education.
Gist of the matter
Ministry of Education reported as follows:
The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Council Conference (SEAMEC) is held once every two years. In 2013, the 47th SEAMEC was organized in Vietnam. Originally, Singapore would be the host for the 48th conference and Thailand would host the 51st SEAMEC in 2021.Thailand’s Minister of Education would serve as Chairperson of SEAMEC during 2021-2022. However, the Government of Singapore will celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence in 2015. Singapore’s Ministry of Education, educational agencies and institutions will have to prepare the event. Therefore, Thailand will host the 48th SEAMEC in replacement of Singapore and the Thai Minister of Education will take the post of SEAMEC Chairperson from 2015 to 2017.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) March 17, 2015--