Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2014 5:34:54 GMT 7
Expedite budget spending: Prayut
The Nation September 27, 2014 1:00 am
A young girl presents a flower garland to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who presided over the launch of the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board
PM pushes to speed up disbursement of over Bt100 bn remaining from 2014 budget
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday instructed ministries to expedite their 2014 budget expenditure with focus on boosting investment and employment in order to stimulate the economy.
In his weekly television programme last night, the premier said each ministry had been told to inspect their projects to see if they had been carried out, whether they need planning or revision and whether they have been endorsed.
"This is to expedite the disbursement of more than Bt100 billion from the fiscal 2014 budget in order to stimulate the economy in the remaining three months and to promote income generation," he said.
The government will also push for the conclusion of various small-scale projects before the year-end, he said.
He added that an additional Bt50 billion would be injected into the fiscal 2015 budget to create employment in local communities and the government would also inspect the Bt20 billion that has been earmarked for loan facilities but not yet utilised. Prayut said this money would be used to invest in infrastructure in accordance with public needs, such as renovating schools, irrigation systems, roads and community medical centres.
He pointed out that this would help create employment and increase spending, which will serve to stimulate the economy.
In his televised weekly speech, Prayut also guaranteed transparency in the selection of National Reform Council members, adding that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was also open to suggestions from the public.
"Society should not believe that this process will be based on favouritism. The results are not even out yet ... We shall obtain comments from all parties involved. We are ready to listen to any matter that requires consideration," Prayut said. "I guarantee that everything will be transparent and that there is no corruption." The NCPO yesterday selected 250 NRC members, and the list will be submitted for royal endorsement next week.
The prime minister also had some advice for university lecturers.
"Do not teach with the intention of causing further tensions and confrontation at this time of national reform," he said.
He also referred to the open letter recently issued by 60 academics from 16 universities, in which they condemned the authorities for cancelling academic discussions and detaining academics and students from Thammasat University last week.
"I think you understand my position. There are many other academics who understand the situation and don't have a problem. Let society be the judge of your actions," he said.
Prayut also denied moves to censor the media, though he warned journalists against "intensifying conflicts by reporting beyond facts".
"If you think something is not right, please say so. I will not take it personally … I have never banned the reporting of news and facts, but I don't see the need to exacerbate conflicts."
The prime minister wrapped up the programme by thanking viewers for listening to him over the past four months. He also called on people to learn from their past mistakes and successes in order to ensure a brighter outlook for the country.
The Nation September 27, 2014 1:00 am
A young girl presents a flower garland to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who presided over the launch of the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Board
PM pushes to speed up disbursement of over Bt100 bn remaining from 2014 budget
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday instructed ministries to expedite their 2014 budget expenditure with focus on boosting investment and employment in order to stimulate the economy.
In his weekly television programme last night, the premier said each ministry had been told to inspect their projects to see if they had been carried out, whether they need planning or revision and whether they have been endorsed.
"This is to expedite the disbursement of more than Bt100 billion from the fiscal 2014 budget in order to stimulate the economy in the remaining three months and to promote income generation," he said.
The government will also push for the conclusion of various small-scale projects before the year-end, he said.
He added that an additional Bt50 billion would be injected into the fiscal 2015 budget to create employment in local communities and the government would also inspect the Bt20 billion that has been earmarked for loan facilities but not yet utilised. Prayut said this money would be used to invest in infrastructure in accordance with public needs, such as renovating schools, irrigation systems, roads and community medical centres.
He pointed out that this would help create employment and increase spending, which will serve to stimulate the economy.
In his televised weekly speech, Prayut also guaranteed transparency in the selection of National Reform Council members, adding that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) was also open to suggestions from the public.
"Society should not believe that this process will be based on favouritism. The results are not even out yet ... We shall obtain comments from all parties involved. We are ready to listen to any matter that requires consideration," Prayut said. "I guarantee that everything will be transparent and that there is no corruption." The NCPO yesterday selected 250 NRC members, and the list will be submitted for royal endorsement next week.
The prime minister also had some advice for university lecturers.
"Do not teach with the intention of causing further tensions and confrontation at this time of national reform," he said.
He also referred to the open letter recently issued by 60 academics from 16 universities, in which they condemned the authorities for cancelling academic discussions and detaining academics and students from Thammasat University last week.
"I think you understand my position. There are many other academics who understand the situation and don't have a problem. Let society be the judge of your actions," he said.
Prayut also denied moves to censor the media, though he warned journalists against "intensifying conflicts by reporting beyond facts".
"If you think something is not right, please say so. I will not take it personally … I have never banned the reporting of news and facts, but I don't see the need to exacerbate conflicts."
The prime minister wrapped up the programme by thanking viewers for listening to him over the past four months. He also called on people to learn from their past mistakes and successes in order to ensure a brighter outlook for the country.