Prayut seeks envoys’ help on economy
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has urged Thai diplomats to help promote the government’s economic policies abroad, including securing overseas know-how to create greater opportunities for Thai firms.
Gen Prayut issued the call on Friday while meeting Thai ambassadors and consuls-general posted to 98 countries, deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukhontapatipak said.
Boosting the economy is one of the government’s major goals, Maj Gen Werachon quoted the premier as saying.
The administration has come up with several urgent measures to help low-income earners, farmers and SMEs as well as other short- and long-term measures to strengthen the economy, he told them.
The premier also asked the diplomats to help move his government’s economic policies forward to help both small-scale businesses and national economic development, the deputy spokesman said.
Efforts must be made to boost the competitiveness of Thai companies, particularly SMEs and new firms with the use of technology, innovation and overseas knowledge, he noted.
Gen Prayut said the government has devised a raft of incentives to draw more investors to the country’s special economic zones (SEZs).
These would go hand-in-hand with the government’s “Thailand Plus One” policy aimed to support investment in neighbouring countries so the regional economy can grow together, Maj Gen Werachon said.
The government is now improving trade and investment incentives through Board of Investment measures in cooperation with industrial sectors, such as agriculture and the automobile industry.
The incentives will be offered to investors in the SEZs, the deputy spokesman said, adding that the government is also ready to create a favourable investment environment.
The premier also called on the diplomats to keep Thai business operators informed about trade and investment opportunities and to press ahead with seeking out trade deals that will benefit the country.
They must also work with other ministries to disseminate information about Thai trade, investment and tourism, Maj Gen Werachon said, quoting the premier.
Gen Prayut also asked that Thai diplomatic missions open special centres to provide up to date information to the international community and businessmen about developments in Thailand, he said.
Thailand will definitely have elections within 17 or 18 months and diplomats must keep tabs on the country’s development in order keep the international community informed, the prime minister said.
Efforts must be made to arrange visits or hold talks with foreign countries and follow up on agreements the government has struck with foreign leaders, he said.
The PM said several problems are being solved to bring Thailand in line with international standards, such as illegal fishing, human trafficking, aviation safety standards and illegal labour.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic policy, told reporters after the meeting that he had asked the diplomats to convince foreign investors that Thailand is still a good place to do business. We are looking at easing investment rules to attract investors, he said, without elaborating.