The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2017
The Cabinet agreed in principle for Thailand to place a bid to host FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix (MotoGP) from 2018 to 2020 (3 years), as proposed by Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that Hosting MotoGP will promote Thailand’s positive image and potentials in various aspects as the event will be broadcasted in more than 200 countries through the eyes of more than 600 million viewers, which will boost confidence of tourists and investors, as well as generate more revenues.
Thailand’s bid will be based on the Buriram Chang International Circuit, which is the only circuit in Thailand with a grade A classification from the Federation of International Motorcycling. The country has already hosted a World Superbike Championship.
The Cabinet agreed to the proposals made by Ministry of Finance on the criteria and conditions of SMEs Transformation Loan, and the budget framework of 2,250 million Baht. Ministry of Finance is to consider participation of other banks, i.e., Government Savings Bank or Krung Thai Bank in the loan scheme.
The Transformation Loan program aims to help out SMEs with attaining low interest rates loans and increasing competitiveness, thereby boosting the domestic sector. The Government has setup this program to assist corporations, new start-ups, start-ups in targeted industries, and non-Re-Finance clients.
The Cabinet approved the investment in the establishment of industrial estates in Sa Kaeo Special Economic Development Zone as proposed by Ministry of Industry.
Sa Kaeo Special Economic Development Zone is located along the Highway 3085 (Ban Khok - Baan Pa Rai) in Pa Rai sub-district, Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo province. It is approximately 9 kilometers away from Aranyaprathet, 54 kilometers from Sa Kaeo, 255 kilometers from Bangkok, 225 kilometers from Laemchabang port, and 247 kilometers from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. The project covers 660 Rai for industrial logistics and services, commerce, a free trade zone with public facilities, and a green-zone to enhance the quality of living for residents and workers. Targeted industries include: food processing, logistics, manufacturing, machinery and parts, and electronics. The investment will have good impact to local economic growth, and preservation of the environment and natural resources as follows:
1. Economic aspect: generating new investments and employment, increasing demand for local raw materials, which will lead to expansion of other businesses and investments, e.g., construction business, shopping centers, dormitories / rental houses, etc.
2. Development of public utilities and facilities to improve local people's quality of life and access to basic infrastructure such as transportation, electricity, water supply, schools and hospitals, as well as increase of career opportunity.
3. Management of land utilization to avoid environmental impacts.
The Cabinet approved draft Convention on Cooperation for Prevention and Combating of Human Trafficking under the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), as proposed by Office of the National Security Council.
The purpose of this convention is to enhance regional cooperation in preventing and combating human trafficking across transnational borders. The seven signatory countries include: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Thailand.
1. Prosecution Guidelines,
2. Protection for Survivors of Trafficking,
3. Legal Assistance,
4. Extradition Cooperation,
5. Recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of survivors,
6. Dispute Resolution, and
7. Enforcement.
Title: Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology
1. Agreed and approved Draft Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for Cooperation in the Field of Science and Technology. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting the gist of the document or against the benefits or the policies of Thailand, Department of Treaties and Legal Affairs, on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is authorized to proceed without further approval from the cabinet.
2. Minister of Science and Technology or his representative is authorized as signatory.
3. Ministry of Foreign Affairs is to issue Full Powers to the signatory in 2.
Gist of the Draft Agreement aims to promote and develop cooperation in the field of science and technology in a more concrete manner. The cooperation includes joint research and development, exchange of scientists, experts and academic and researchers, as well as exchange of information and technical data, meetings and seminars in the fields of mutual interests.
Title: Implementation of Tourism Cooperation Program between the Republic of the Philippines and the Kingdom of Thailand
1. Approved draft Tourism Cooperation Program 2017-2022 between the Ministry of Tourism of the Philippines and the Royal Thai Government. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting the gist of the document or against the benefits of Thailand, Ministry of Tourism and Sports is authorized to proceed without further approval from the cabinet.
2. Minister of Tourism and Sports or his representative is authorized as signatory.
Draft Tourism Cooperation Program aims to strengthen tourism cooperation between both nations. It covers:
1) tourism cooperation;
2) exchange of government officials staff;
3) human resource development and training;
4) tourism promotion and marketing; and
5) joint working group. The signing will take place during the official visit of President of the Republic of the Philippines (Rodrigo Coronado) to Thailand on March 21, 2017 in Bangkok.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) March 21, 2017 --