The Cabinet met on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at Command Building I, Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
The cabinet approved draft 1st Strategy Plan for Consumer Protection (2017-2021), as proposed by Office of the Permanent Secretary, the Prime Minister s Office. Office of the Cabinet’s Secretariat is to notify National Strategy Preparation Committee, and National Reform Preparation Committee for them to take the strategy plan into consideration.
The Strategy Plan aims to integrate consumer protection measures into a system based on standards to ensure effective and sustainable consumer protection.
a. Improving the enforcement of consumer protection legislation,
b. Improving the consumer protection database,
c. Promoting consumer empowerment and enhancing consumer knowledge,
d. Creating and developing the potential of consumer protection networks,
e. And enhancing the integration of consumer protection measures
The cabinet made approval in principle of the Framework for promoting research and development in science, technology and innovation in the five key S- curve industries under Pracharat model, including related tax benefits on such programs, as proposed by Ministry of Finance, and assigned Ministry of Science and Technology to be the main agency in setting up Public-Private Collaborative Committees for each industry. Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science and Technology are also to work together in determining expenses eligible for tax incentives
- Food, agriculture, and bio-technologies,
- Public health and medical technology,
- Smart electronics, robotics and smart machineries,
- Digital technology and embedded systems,
- and Creative culture services.
The cabinet approved extension of measure to alleviate people’s financial burden in transport. Free standard bus and train services for low-income earners will be extended for another 5 months from May 1- September 30, 2017.
Ministry of Finance’s plan to issue fare exemption card for buses and trains to low-income earners is expected in August- September 2017, and the cards can be used from October 2017 onward.
The Cabinet approved Ministry of Defense’s proposals as follows:
1.Approved Memorandum of Arrangement between the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Ministry of Defense of Japan on Cooperation and Exchanges in the Field of Defense
2.Approved for Minister of Defense to be signatory of the MOA.
3.Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the agreement, Ministry of Defense is authorized to proceed as see appropriate.
The purpose of the MOA is to facilitate collaboration between the two nations through joint meetings, exchanges of officials, information-sharing, research, training, and logistical support. This MOA will be renewed every 5 years and Japan’s Ministry of Defense is expected to visit Thailand in May 2017
The cabinet approved the following proposals made by Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
1. Approved in principle Draft of the Jakarta Declaration on Blue Economy. Should there be any amendment, if not affecting gist of the agreement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs is authorized to proceed without having to submit to the cabinet for further consideration.
2. Approved for Minister of Foreign Affairs or a representative to be head of Thai delegation at the 2nd IORA Blue Economy Ministerial Conference, and to endorse Draft of the Jakarta Declaration on Blue Economy.
The Jakarta Declaration involves regional cooperation on the marine economy under the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
The Declaration will cover a number of issues, such as the development of the marine economy, regional funding mechanisms, research and conservation, as well as the promotion of local knowledge in marine resource management. The Declaration is expected to be endorsed by member states at a conference in Jakarta this week in which participating states will also discuss fishing and aqua-farming, aqua-tourism, port connectivity, customs networks, and handling plastic waste management in the Indian Ocean.
The cabinet agreed on the proposals made by Ministry of Labor as follows:
1. Agreed with Thailand’s ratification in the International Labor Organization’s convention No. 111 of 1958.
2. Assigned Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare for the instrument of ratification of the aforementioned convention.
3. Approved for Ministry of Labor to deposit the instrument of ratification of the aforementioned convention.
ILO Convention No. 111 puts emphasis on equality in the work place, such as equal access to career/vocational guidance services, skill-set enhancement, employment stability, and non-discrimination in the work place.
The ratification confirms Thailand’s commitment to ensure equality, as well as to improve working and living conditions for workers in accordance with international labor standards.
--Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) May 9, 2017--