Thai PM delivers policy statement, pledges comprehensive reforms

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha Friday delivered his cabinet's policy statement to the provisional legislature, promising to bring changes in the country through reforms in an all-round way.

Prayuth, also chief of the National Council for Peace and Order that staged the May 22 coup, presented the government policies to the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), detailing goals in 11 areas, including combating corruption, reducing social disparity and promoting social welfare, Xinhua reported.

The interim cabinet, which was sworn in earlier this month, can now officially start working.

During his presentation, Prayuth urged NLA members and the public to lend support to the government's efforts to end socio- political discord in the country.

The government will break through difficulties to push for reforms in all areas and achieve the goals of bringing about peace, unity, reconciliation and sustainable development, he said.

The government, which is expected to administer the country for about one year, will be willing to do whatever it takes to prevent and tackle such an urgent issue as corruption, according to Prayuth, who will remain the army chief till the end of this month.

The government, which Prayuth promised would be a clean one, would also be committed to reducing social differences, ensuring people's access to government services, improving public health services, tapping into the potential of the Thai economy and preserving natural resources.

Addressing the issues of human trafficking, transnational crimes and forest encroachment, promoting border and maritime security, boosting defense capabilities, as well as improving legislative and judicial processes, are other priorities highlighted in the policy statement.

It will be time consuming to attain the ultimate objective, Prayuth commented.