The Cabinet meeting on 23 June 2009 has come to the following solutions
The Cabinet approved in principle the draft ministry regulation as proposed by the Ministry of Interior, and transmitted the draft to the Council of State for consideration. This draft regulation will be valid for 2010 and is aimed at supporting the tourism industry.
The Cabinet approved 5 June of every year to be National Rice and Farmer Day, as proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. The rationale behind this is that, as rice is important for Thailand and its society in all aspects, there is a need to recognise rice and honour farmers while adding on to their pride. The date recalls the time when HM King Rama 8 and King Bhumibhol Adulyadej visited Kasetsart University, Bangken on 5 June 1946 and harvested rice from the plot.
The Cabinet approved the guidelines for international trade negotiation for 2009-2013, as proposed by the Ministry of Commerce. Regional trade negotiations would prioritise ASEAN’s achieving of the ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN FTAs, such as those under negotiation with India (services and investment), ROK (investment), Japan (services and investment), EU and ASEAN+x. For bilateral trade negotiations, priority would go to potential trading countries with sources of investment, raw materials or technology, such as GCC, MERCOSUR and Chile. Other priorities would go to on-going negotiations or those Thailand would stand to benefit from, such as BIMSTEC, India, Peru, European Free Trade Area. Exports account for 77 percent of GDP, so Thailand must give importance to international trade, especially free and fair trade, with participation of all sectors in the negotiation. Thailand must also engage in strengthening ASEAN and strategic partnerships.
The Cabinet acknowledged the survey as proposed by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology. The National Statistics Office randomly surveyed persons above 15 years old from all provinces, 26,520 families per month, and found that the unemployment rate rose from 1.7 to 2.1. The labor force numbered 37.53 million people, comprising 36.05 million employed and 0.78 unemployed persons, with 0.25 seasonally employed persons. The workforce increased 840,000 persons from the same period last year. Employed persons totaled 36.50 million, with 100,000 more workers in the agricultural sector. Unemployed persons totaled 780,000 persons, with 300,000 coming from the Northeast.
The Cabinet approved two points, as proposed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which are the MOU on the Thai-Qatar Commission and for the Minister of Foreign Affairs or designate to sign the MOU. Qatar is the base for Al-Jazeera news agency. It is an important source of natural gas and has held strong relations with Thailand in al sectors. Qatar has supported Thailand in the OIC on the Southern Border Provinces issue. Qatar has maintained vibrant ties in trade and tourism with Thailand.
The Cabinet approved the Financing Agreement of the Project and approved for the ASEAN Secretary General to sign on behalf of Thailand, with the Foreign Ministry to take further action. Approval was also given for the exchange of letters between the European Commission office in Thailand and the Ministry of Commerce to assure compliance in the Memorandum of Understanding relating to the privileges for experts under EC funded cooperation activities in Thailand of August 9, 1991 and foundation agreements. The Ministry of Commerce was assigned to perform the exchange of letters. The ECAP III project would last 78 months with a budget of 5.1 million Euros.
The Cabinet approved for the Minister of Foreign Affairs to adopt the Joint Press Statement of 30 June 2009 in Manama, Bahrain. The Thai Minister of Foreign Affairs, as chair of ASEAN, and the Bahrain Minister of Foreign Affairs would co-chair the meeting, which was attended by all 10 ASEAN countries and Bahrain, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. Thailand would push forward issues on tourism, investment, energy, and Halal industry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sees that the outcome document is a political document with no legal implication, so it should not fall under Article 190 of the Constitution. However, it has submitted the document for the Cabinet to approve.
The Cabinet approved the MOU, as proposed by the Ministry of Culture, and for the Minister of Culture to sign the MOU. The World Expo Organising Committee of the Republic of Korea proposed for Thailand to co-host the Bangkok — Gyeongju World Culture EXPO 2010. The ROK saw that Thailand has a rich historical and cultural tradition and is a communications hub in the region. The EXPO would have the objective of promoting and exchanging cultures, as well as using the potentials of arts and culture to add value to the society. The event would be held at Ratanakosin Island, Sanam Luang and other sites during 19 October-20 December 2010. There will also be performing arts and traditional music from both countries, including an international arts show, concert, film festival, animation, tourism exhibitions, and handicrafts. During the visit of Prime Minister Abhisit to Jeju Island to attend the ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit, he had also discussed with the ROK President on this matter.
--Cabinet Meeting (Abhisit Vejjajiva) June 23, 2009--