The Cabinet met on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Command Building I, Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows;
The Cabinet agreed on proposals made by Ministry of Science and Technology on nominating Thai government to host two training courses, and to notify Thai permanent delegation to Vienna, Austria and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) accordingly.
Ministry of Science and Technology reported that Department of International Organizations, on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has notified that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) made a request for the Thai government to host training courses as follows:
1. Regional Training Course on Radio Receptor Assays Related Screening and Contaminants under IAEA’s academic cooperation on “Enhancing Food Safety Laboratory Capabilities and Establishing a Network in Asia to Control Veterinary Drug Residues and Related Chemical Contaminants”, to be hosted by Department of Livestock Development, on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, on February 13-24, 2017 in Bangkok.
2. Regional Training Course on Free Open Source Software for Geographic Information System (GIS) and Data Management Applied to Fruit Files in Southeast Asia under IAEA’s academic cooperation on “Integrating Sterile Insect Technique for Better Cost-Effectiveness of Area-Wide Fruit Fly Pest Management Programmes in Southeast Asia”, to be hosted by the Department of Agricultural Extension, on behalf of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, on March 6-10, 2017 in Bangkok. Hosting the two training courses will benefit Thai academicians and agencies to learn and exchange experiences on the use of nuclear technology for peace, and to promote Thailand’s roles under the framework of international scientific and technology cooperation.
The Cabinet agreed on proposals made by Ministry of Tourism and Sports on extension of visa fee exemption at royal Thai embassy and consulate, and reduction of Visa on Arrival (VOA) fee for visitors from 21 countries for another 6 months (March 1-August 31, 2017) as incentive measures to attract more foreign tourists through as follows:
Objectives: 1) To sustain national competitiveness in attracting and facilitating foreign tourists, and 2) to attract more foreign tourists during high season.
1) To extend exemption of 1,000-bath fee for visas sought at royal Thai embassies and consulates.
2) To reduce fee for single visa on arrival to 1,000 baht for foreigners from 21 countries (Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, the Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.)
3) The measures will take effect for 6 months from March 1- August 31, 2017.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Labor as follows:
1. Agreed to the Draft Agreement on labor employment between the governments of the Kingdom of Thailand and Lao People's Democratic Republic.
2. Minister of Labor is authorized as signatory of the Agreement on behalf of Thailand.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to issue Full Powers to Minister of Labor or his representative.
4. Should there be any amendment in wording, if not affecting gist of document or against the benefits of Thailand or against the principle the Cabinet has approved, Ministry of Labor is authorized to proceed with the amendment, and later notify the Cabinet on the aforementioned amendment.
The Draft Agreement aims to promote cooperation on labor employment between the two countries in a more concrete manner in a bid to respond to the need for labors for social and economic development. Its objective is to ensure legality of labor employment process, protect labor’s rights, prevent discrimination, as well as tackle human trafficking and illegal smuggling of labors.
Ministry of Labor concluded that the Agreement would help promote a closer collaboration, enhance efficiency of, and systematize labor employment between the two nations.
The Cabinet approved proposals made by Ministry of Commerce as follows:
1. Approved the extension of Memorandum of Understanding on rice deal between the governments of Thailand and the Philippines with an Exchange of Notes that will take effect from the date of signing.
2. Minister of Foreign Affairs or his representative is authorized as signatory of the Exchange of Notes
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to issue Full Powers to the representative of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
4. Should there be any amendment in wording, if not affecting gist of the aforementioned document, Minister of Foreign Affairs or his representative is authorized to proceed accordingly.
National Food Authority (NFA), on behalf of the government of the Philippines, proposed the extension of the MOU for another 2 years (2017-2018) through signing of the Exchange of Notes between the two nations. Ministry of Commerce has agreed to extend the MOU in order for Thailand to participate in the G2G rice bidding with the Philippines which will take place at the beginning of February 2017. Content of the draft Exchange of Notes will be in accordance with the MOU which has expired in December 2016.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) February 7, 2017 --