The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 7, 2017
The cabinet approved in principle draft National Park Act, B.E…. as proposed by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and ordered for it to be forwarded to Office of the Council of State for deliberation before submitting to the National Legislative Assembly for its approval.
Gist of the draft National Park Act, B.E…. is to amend the law in congruence with current situation. Draft of a new National Park Act that will focus on environmental conservation, protection, revitalization, management, and the utilization of natural resources to promote biological diversity. The draft Act will include:
a. Modernization of terms of reference,
b. Criteria on the determination of land as National Parks,
c. Establishment of a National Park Committee,
d. Rules and regulations on Prohibited National Park Lands,
e. Setting up a Learning Center for educational purposes,
f. And protection and maintenance of National Parks.
The cabinet agrred in principle the draft Act for Wildlife Preservation and Protection, B.E... as proposed by Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and ordered for it to be forwarded to Office of the Council of State for deliberation before submitting to the National Legislative Assembly for its approval.
Draft Act for Wildlife Preservation and Protection, B.E.... consists of updated adjustments from the Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act B.E. 2535, and is in congruence with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora or CITES, and the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The draft Act aims to emphasize the following:
a. Wildlife preservation and restoration plans,
b. Wildlife identity tags and management,
c. Prohibition of the possession of protected wildlife,
d. Prohibition of the import, export or transport of wildlife,
e. And authorized inspections for illegal wildlife trade without the need for a warrant.
The cabinet approved in principle the draft Migrant Workers Act, B.E…. as proposed by Ministry of Labor, and ordered for it to be forwarded to Office of Council of State as an urgent matter.
The purpose of this Act is to ensure migrant labor protection through policies and regulation. The Migrant Workers Act will be a merging of the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 and the Royal Ordinance on Migrant Workers B.E. 2559. It will seek to:
a. Setup a Committee for management and supervision of migrant workers,
b. Hold employers liable for migrant workers,
c. Setup of a Management Fund for migrant workers,
d. And increase benefits and protection for migrant workers.
The cabinet agreed in principle the 5th National Plan on Quality of Life Development of Persons with Disabilities (2017-2021) and the budget for implementation, as proposed by Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. The Ministry is to take into consideration suggestions of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education, and National Economic and Social Development Board.
The 5th National Plan’s vision is to provide persons with disabilities access to benefits and services that will support a better quality of life. The strategy comprises of:
a. Empowerment of persons with disabilities,
b. Bettering the Quality of Service Management,
c. Supporting and developing knowledge to promote awareness in society,
d. Providing Accessibility to Public Services,
e. And creating an integrative network for all involved sectors.
The cabinet agreed in principle the amendment of Thai Vessels Act B.E 2481 and Navigation in the Thai Waters Act B.E. 2456 as proposed by Ministry of Transport, and ordered for it to be forwarded to Office of Council of State as an urgent matter.
The Cabinet has approved the adjustments to the draft of the Thai Vessels Act B.E 2481 and the Navigation in the Thai Waters Act B.E. 2456, as a means to enforce protection, prevention and prosecution of Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (IUU Fishing).
a. Obtaining up-to-date naval registry identification documents,
b. Guidelines on penal provisions,
c. Prohibition of entrance of unidentified and illegal fishing vessels,
d. Stricter fishing fleet control,
e. And installation of vessel monitoring systems.
The cabinet approved for designation of May 14 of each year as “Thai Water Buffalo Conservation Day” as proposed by Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.
The aim is to create awareness on the importance of Thai water buffalo conservation as the number of water buffalo and buffalo raisers has continuously been diminishing. May 14 marks the day His Majesty late King Bhumibol made a royal statement on operation of the “Royal Cattle Buffalo Bank for Farmers” for the first time.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) March 07, 2017 --