Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed all ministries to speed up preparation of 20-year strategic plans as part of the country's long-term reform efforts.
According to Chutima Bunyapraphasara, the commerce permanent secretary, 20-year plans should be divided into four phases, with the first phase running from 2017 to 2021.
The strategic plans will direct each ministry's development priorities and goals for when the mission is complete.
All ministries are required to submit their plans by May 4, Ms Chutima said after a meeting of ministerial heads convened by Gen Prayut.
She said the prime minister voiced special concerns about the slow progress of infrastructure, water management and housing projects.
The Commerce Ministry has pledged to closely monitor living costs, consumer prices and drinking water supplies in light of the widespread drought, Ms Chutima said.
At the National Rice Policy Committee meeting chaired by Gen Prayut this coming Monday, the Commerce Ministry will propose a plan to dispose of the existing 11.6 million tonnes of rice in state stocks.
The 11.6 million tonnes is a mix of Grade C, which is categorised as substandard quality for industrial use; Grade P, which passed ministry certification; and Grades A and B, meaning in slightly poor condition...
General auctions for those categories will occur on a monthly basis through July, Ms Chutima said.
In a related development, Wiboonlasana Ruamraksa, director-general of Internal Trade Department, said her agency was keeping an eye on steel prices after contractors complained that rates were up 15% in...
officials have been tasked with inspecting steel prices at retail and wholesale outlets nationwide to prevent hoarding, while the government is speeding up various infrastructure and low-cost housing projects.