Prayut welcomes NDC's national strategic report
Thais know what they want, but they are still lacking in the "know-how", the premier pointed out yesterday at the presentation of the 5-Year National Strategic Report created by the National Defence College (NDC)'s Class 57.
The committee working on the government’s 20-year strategic plan is set to consider the report.
Apart from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, also present were several ministers and top brass, including Deputy PM Somkid Jatusripitak, Education Minister General Dapong Ratanasuwan and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces General Worapong Sanganetra.
The NDC report aims to enhance security, prosperity and sustainability of the country by focusing on six key developments – namely a healthy society, active economy, sustainable energy management, research and development in industrial, agricultural and service sectors, and domestic security management.
Prayut welcomed the report, saying his government had already pursued some of the recommendations, such as making ministries more accountable. However, he voiced concerns about how ready the Thai population was to handle development, as no practical steps were in sight.
“It is key to have a driving force, don’t just think and not know what to do next,” Prayut said, adding that the bureaucratic system required the greatest drive.
Other points of interests raised by the premier were energy management, to which he said: “We can have alternative energy, but will we be fine with rising prices and instability of the sources?”
He also highlighted economic opportunity, saying that despite higher labour cost compared to neighbouring countries, Thailand was still competitive in terms of geopolitics and tourism. He also suggested that more market incentives be created to attract more investors.
As for foreign affairs and security, the premier said he looked forward to the possibility of creating an Asean Navy. He also praised the proposed strategies, saying they will complement the upcoming Asean Community’s three pillars on security, economy and socio-culture.
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