The cabinet met on December 24, 2019 at the Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
The cabinet approved draft Royal Decree issued under the Revenue Code on Tax Exemption (No. …) B.E. … (Tax measure for donations to educational institutions established in Thailand under a treaty or agreement between Thailand and the United Nations specialised agencies), which is already scrutinized by Office of Council of State. This is as proposed by Ministry of Finance.
The draft Royal Decree prescribes extension of tax privileges for support of educational programs by granting exemption of income tax, VAT, specific business tax, and stamp duty to individuals or companies who make donations via the Revenue Office’s e-donation system during January 1, 2019- December 31, 2019 to educational institutions established in Thailand under a treaty or agreement between Thailand and the United Nations specialised agencies.
The cabinet approved draft Royal Decree Issued Under the Revenue Code on Tax Exemption (No. …) B.E. … (Extension of tax measure for promotion of SMEs under “Big Brother” scheme), which is already scrutinized by Office of Council of State. This is as proposed by Ministry of Finance.
The draft Royal Decree prescribes extension of tax privileges for business operation of SMEs entrepreneurs under the “Big Brother” scheme to end on December 31, 2020. This is in order to continue helping SMEs entrepreneurs to enhance their competitiveness, and promote economic value addition.
The cabinet approved the following proposals made by Ministry of Finance:
1. Approved for the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) to provide financial support (soft loan) to Lao People’s Democratic Republic for the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamsai) Construction Project for the total amount of 1,380,067,000 Baht.
2. Approved for the Budget Bureau to annually allocate the budget for 5 years (2021-2025) for the total amount of 690,033,500 Baht.
3. Approved for NEDA to seek loan of 690,033,500 Baht according to the set format and criteria.
Budget for construction of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge (Bueng Kan – Bolikhamsai) has been estimated at 3,930,000,000 Baht, comprising contruction cost of 3,809,000,000 Baht and consultant cost of 30,000,000 Baht. Out of the estimated budget, Thailand will be responsible for 2,630,000,000 Baht for the construction in Thai territory, and Lao PDR: 1,300,000,000 Baht for the construction in its territory.
The cabinet approved the following proposals of Ministry of Finance:
1. Approved for the Neighbouring Countries Economic Development Cooperation Agency (NEDA) to provide financial support (soft loan) to Republic of the Union of Myanmar for the Third Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Corridor Town Development Project (Improvement of consumption water system and development of waste management system in Myawaddy). The total budget is 777,770,000 Baht.
2. Approved for the Budget Bureau to annually allocate the budget for 3 years (2021-2023) for the total amount of 388,885,000 Baht.
3. Approved for NEDA to seek loan of 388,885,000 Baht according to the set format and criteria.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been providing technical assistance to Myanmar for the feasibility study and planning for the Third Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Corridor Town Development Project in 3 cities, that is, Mawlamyine in Mon State, Hpa-An and Myawaddy in Kayin State. However, since this is a large-scale project which needs a large amount of investment money, ADB has informally contacted NEDA regarding the parallel-financing of the project for Myawaddy, while ADB will provide financial assistance for the development of the other 2 cities.
The cabinet approved the draft Exchange of Note for Extension of Agreement Framework between ASEAN and UNICEF. Should there be an amendment in parts that are not gist nor against national interest, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is authorized to proceed without having to resubmit to the cabinet. ASEAN Secretary General or a representative is also authorized to sign the draft Exchange of Note on behalf of ASEAN. The cabinet also assigned Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify ASEAN Secretariat on the approval. This is as proposed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Agreement Framework between ASEAN and UNICEF is aimed to affirm the 5-year agreement to promote rights of children according to Convention on the Rights of the Child, and to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related children. Extension of the Agreement not only helps protect and develops ASEAN children, but also promotes undertakings for achievement of ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and UN-SDGs 2030. Extension is made for another 5 years until December 2, 2024 unless earlier terminated by either party. An amendment on clause 5 of the Agreement (regarding assignment of focal point) is also approved. The change is made from “ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General on Political and Security Community” to “ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General on Socio-Cultural Community”.
Source: Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) December 24, 2019