On May 10, 2000, the office of the NESDB organized a national seminar on "Vision and Development Framework of the Ninth Plan" at the Bangkok Convention Centre, Central Praza.
The seminar was attended by 2000 participants from several professions; namely, public sector, state enterprises, private development agencies, academics, politicians, general public and the press.
Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um, NESDB Secretary-General provide a summary report on "Vision and Development Framework of the Ninth Plan", the major ideas of which were gathered from the provincial and regional seminars. The seminar also featured other prominent speakers;namely, Prof.Dr.Kasem Wattanachai, Rector of Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Prof. Dr. Ammar Siamwala, Distinguished Scholar, Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), Prof. Dr. Chai-anun Samudavanija, Member of the Royal Institute and Judge of Constitutional Court, Ms.Nawaaporn Ryanskul, Secretary-General, GovernmentPension Fund, Mr.Suwat Thongthankul,Secretary-General of the Press Council of Thailand, Mr. Thamarak Karnpisit, Chief Executive Advisor, Office of the NESDB with Prof. Dr. Sippanondha Ketudat, NESDB Chairman was the moderator. Next program was the open floor discussion. The discussion results can be summarized as follows.
1. Thailand social development objectives : The meeting suggested that Thailand social development in future should be focused on moral, quality, balanced development and social justice.
2. The Ninth Plan's important development issues are as follows :
- It is necessary to systematically adjust development issues to be syncronized with financial and resource availability especially in setting up the plans and projects for economic and social development, the future capacity of public sector's finance and management administration should be considered.
- Support people to participate in the consideration of public sector's income and expenditure regarding tax restructuring, strategic planning for tax collection and budgeting for social justice.
- Focus on agriculture development in both small scale agriculture emphasizing self-reliance, and supporting competitive agri-business based on resource constraints and potentials.
- Initiate basic human quality development and community empowerment throught urgent education reform as well as strengthening family, religion and community institutions.
- Promote social justice throught reforming health system and public health management and providing health insurance nationwide.
- Support political development both national politics and people's politics throught tri-party system of private sector and people organization so as to create joint efforts to solve the society's problems.
- Support the balance of economic and social structures by readjusting attitudes of public sector and politicians with particular emphasis on joint efforts with people's networks and place equal emphasis on development of economy, society, and culture.
- Readjust budget management system and support management process through AFP (Area, Function and Participation). There must be clear indicators in line with the decentralization of quthority to the local area with the people's participation.
- Ensure efficient law enforcement payin attention to the role of enforcers and the citizens who must abide by the law.
- Reform the media sector to promote ethical conduct so as to be the tool for checks and balances in government administration and conduct of private business.
Development News Bulletin, National Economic and Social Development Board, Volume 15, No. 5 : May 2000 End.
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