The cabinet met on March 10, 2020 at the Government House. Some of the resolutions are as follows:
The cabinet approved in principle the draft Narcotics Act (No. …), B.E. …, as proposed by Ministry of Justice. The Ministry is to take suggestions and comments of the Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Interior, Office of National Economic and Social Development Board, Office of Court of Justice, Office of Council of State, and the Budget Bureau into consideration.
The Narcotics Act (No. …), B.E. … stipulates removal of Kratom (Mytragyna Speciosa) and related penalties off the Category 5 substance under the Narcotics Act in order to promote commercial and industrial use of Kratom.
The Cabinet approved in principle the Draft Royal Decree on convocation of first legislative ordinary session of the National Assembly, B.E. …, as proposed by the Cabinet Secretariat.
According to Section 121 of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Thailand, each year there shall be two ordinary sessions of the National Assembly, each of which shall last 120 days. The day on which the first sitting is held shall be considered the commencement date of the first annual ordinary session, and the commencement date of the second annual ordinary session shall be fixed by the House of Representatives.
Year First annual ordinary session (B.E.) Second annual ordinary session (B.E.)
1 22 May 2562 – 18 September 2562 1 November 2562 – 28 February 2563
2 22 May 2563 – 18 September 2563 1 November 2563 – 28 February 2564
3 22 May 2564 – 18 September 2564 1 November 2564 – 28 February 2565
4 22 May 2565 – 18 September 2565 1 November 2565 – 28 February 2566
It is, therefore, appropriate for the first annual ordinary session of the National Assembly for B.E. 2563 to be convoked from May 22, 2020 (2563) onward.
The cabinet approved FY2020 loan for the operation of Office of the Government Pawnshop for the total amount of 500 million Baht, as proposed by Ministry of Social Development and Human Security.
Ministry of Social Development and Human Security requested for loan commitment for the operation of Office of the Government Pawnshop for the total amount of 500 million Baht to be used as revolving fund for the operation, and increase liquidity of the Pawnshop as it is expected that an increasing number of people will pawn in the current situation. The loan amount has been included in the Government’s public debt management plan.
The cabinet approved the proposal made by Ministry of Tourism and Sports to accelerate all public agencies to hold meetings and seminars in the country during the next 3 months (April-June 2020) in a bid to support tourism industry. Public agencies are to plan and spend their FY2020 budget for the meetings, and submit the meeting/seminar calendars to the Ministry to collaborate with tourism private sector who have been affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.
With this measure being put in place, it is expected that worker layoff will be decreased. It also provides positive impact on tourism among the Thais and foreigners, and help drive the country’s economy
The cabinet approved Dubai Declaration. Should there be an amendment in parts that are not gist nor against national interests, Ministry of Labor is to proceed without having to resubmit to the cabinet for its consideration. Minister of Labor is authorized to adopt the Dubai Declaraton without signing. This is as proposed by Ministry of Labor.
The Dubai Declaration is proposed by Abu Dhabi Dialogue Secretariat (ADD) at the 5th Abu Dhabi Dialogue Ministerial Consultation held during October 16-17, 2019 in Dubai, UAE. The Declaration stipulates labor cooperation under the ADD framework in various aspects, such as adoption of technology for transparency of employment, skill development and standard, domestic worker competency standards, related challenges and future of works, etc.
Source: Cabinet Meeting (Prayut Chan-o-cha) March 10, 2020