The cabinet met on August 27, 2019 at the Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
The cabinet approved the proposal of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council as follows:
1. Approved for the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council to be exempted from the cabinet’s resolution dated December 6, 2019 on guideline for submission of proposals to be considered by the cabinet.
2. Approved in principle Draft Policy and Strategy on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (2020-2027), and Science, Research and Innovation Plan (2020-2022), and ordered for the plans to be forwarded to Office of National Economic and Social Development Board for further scruity.
The Draft Policy and Strategy on Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (2020-2027), and Science, Research and Innovation Plan (2020-2022) stipulates development goals in 4 dimensions, that is, 1) competitiveness, 2) reduction of disparity, 3) sustainable development and environment, and 4) Human resource and knowledge building. Mobilization mechanism will be undertaken via 4 platforms:
1. Development of manpower and knowledge
2. Research and innovation that tackle social challenges
3. Research and innovation for competitiveness enhancement
4. Research and innovation for area-based development and reduction of disparity
The cabinet approved in principle a program on production cost subsidy provided to farmers for 2019/20 in-season farming, and approved implementation budget of not over 25,482.06 million Baht. This is as proposed by Ministry of Finance.
The program on production cost subsidy provided to farmers for 2019/20 in-season farming is aimed to help alleviate farmers’ plights with regard to rice farming production cost, and to enhance rice production efficiency. Eligible farmers are those who have registered with the Agricultural Promotion Department for 2019 in-season rice farming (4.31 million households). Subsidy will be provided for 500 Baht/rai, but not more than 20 rai per household.
The cabinet approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding on Education, Research, and Community Development between National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) and ASEAN Center for Energy, and approved for NSTDA Director-General to sign the draft Memorandum at the 37th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting to be held in Bangkok during September 2-6, 2019. Should there be an amendment in parts that are not gist nor against national interest, Ministry of Energy and NSTDA is to proceed without having to resubmit to the cabinet.
The draft Memorandum is an initiative of cooperation on various energy-related aspects, such as research activities, educational quality development, workshops and trainings. It is also aimed to promote NSTDA as ASEAN agency on biofuel technology development.
Source: Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) August 27, 2019