The Cabinet met on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at Command Building I, Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows;
The Cabinet acknowledged in principle on implementation of the policy on “2016: the year of education for persons with special needs”, and related operational performances of Ministry of Education.
1. To reduce education gap and provide persons with special needs with inclusive access to education in accordance with National Education Act B.E. 2542, Ministry of Education has cooperated with concerned agencies, such as Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Interior, and local administrations to implement the followings:
1) Early Intervention (EI): screenings, fundamental performance evaluation, and prepare persons with special needs for basic education
2) Inclusive Education for persons with special needs
3) Transition from school to work
4) Trainings and seminars for teachers and academic staff
2. Minister of Education has issued ministerial announcement to declare 2016 as the year of education for persons with special needs. Since then, the Ministry has continuously undertaken actions according to the policy. The first stage, Early Intervention, has been achieved.
The Cabinet agreed on proposals made by Office of the Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion on the 4th Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Plan (B.E.2560-2564). The Plan will be a guideline for concerned agencies to develop operational plan SMEs promotion, as well as integrated budget allocation.
The 4th Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Plan (B.E. 2560-2564) aims to increase SMEs’ contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) at no less than 50% by 2021. Increasing SMEs’ competitiveness for national competitive growth will be focused, as well as promoting SMEs’ self-reliance which will ultimately lead to inclusive growth. The Plan consists of 3 key Strategies, which are:
1st Strategy: Promoting and developing SMEs in each area
2nd Strategy: Enhancing competitiveness of SMEs in specific groups
3rd Strategy: Developing mechanisms to systematically mobilize development of SMEs
The Cabinet agreed on proposals made by National Anti-Corruption Commission as follows:
1. Agreed on the 3rd phase of National Strategy on Anti-Corruption (B.E. 2560-2564)
2. Governmental agencies are authorized to translate guidelines and measures under the 3rd phase of National Strategy on Anti-Corruption (B.E. 2560-2564) into actions, starting from FY 2016 onwards.
3. Review operational mechanisms in accordance with the Draft 3rd National Strategy on Anti-Corruption (B.E. 2560-2564)
1st Strategy: Zero-tolerance against corruption
2nd Strategy: Promote political intention on anti-corruption
3rd Strategy: Intercept policy-related corruption
4th Strategy: Develop proactive anti-corruption system
5th Strategy: Reform anti corruption’s mechanisms and procedures
6th Strategy: Upgrade Thailand’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI)
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs as follows:
1. Agreed in principle on BIMSTEC Leader’s Retreat Outcome Document. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the document or against the benefits of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is authorized to proceed without any further approval from the cabinet.
2. Prime Minister or his representative is designated as head of Thai delegation to attend BIMSTEC Outreach at BRICS Summit 2016 and authorized to endorse the aforementioned document.
Gist of the matter
1. the Republic of India is to host BIMSTEC Outreach at BRICS Summit 2016 on October 16, 2016 in Goa, India, where the BIMSTEC Leader’s Retreat Outcome Document will be endorsed.
2. The BIMSTEC Leader’s Retreat Outcome Document is to reflect intention of member states on 13 areas of cooperation under BIMSTEC, which are
1) Secretariat;
2) Terrorism and transnational crime;
3) Environment and climate change;
4) Disaster management;
5) Transport and communications;
6) Fishery and Blue Economy;
7) Energy;
8) Trade;
9) Technology;
10) Tourism;
11) Culture;
12) Public health; and
13) Social interaction.
3. BIMSTEC Outreach at BRICS Summit 2016 will be an opportunity for Prime Minister to meet and exchange opinions with BIMSTEC and BRICS leaders, as well as to reaffirm Thailand’s Look West Policy and its constructive role.
The Cabinet agreed on proposals made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs as follows:
1. Agreed on 2 draft outcome documents: Bangkok Declaration on Promoting a People-Oriented, People-Centred ASEAN-EU Partnership for Shared Strategic Goals; and Bangkok Roadmap for Elevating the ASEAN-EU Enhanced Partnership to a Strategic Level (2016-2017). Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the document or against the benefits of Thailand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is authorized to proceed, and later inform the Cabinet accordingly.
2. Minister of Foreign Affairs or his representative is authorized to endorse the aforementioned documents.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Tourism and Sports as follows:
1. Approved preparation and endorsement of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation between Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Kingdom of Thailand and Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the document or against the benefits of Thailand prior to the endorsement, Ministry of Tourism and Sports is authorized to proceed without any further approval from the cabinet.
2. Minister of Tourism and Sports or his representative is authorized to endorse the MOU. Title: Request for approval on outcome documents of the 2nd World Culture Forum in Bali, Indonesia
1. Agreed on Draft Bali Declaration for the 2nd World Culture Forum
2. Minister of Culture, as head of Thai delegation, is authorized to endorse the Draft Bali Declaration for the Forum
3. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the document or against the benefits of Thailand prior to the endorsement, Ministry of Culture is authorized to proceed without any further approval from the cabinet.
Bali Declaration focuses on promoting the role of culture for sustainable development, and maintaining cultural diversity in accordance with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) October 11, 2016 --