Royal Thai Government : National Broadcast by General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister –January 30, 2015

Good Evening, dear citizens.

At present, cold snaps are still affecting residents of the North and Northeast.  This is expected to linger on for some time.  I would like everybody to take care of their health, and to take care against accidents that may be caused by fires.  I ask that locals as well as tourists pay attention to the advice and instructions of officials and observe safety regulations.

Current efforts to tackle the country's problems and move Thailand forward require the cooperation of all sectors - the political sector, civil servants, merchants, businesspersons, state enterprises, the general public, farmers, freelancers and the rest.  We need to realise where our problems lie, what problems our organisation's have and what actions are needed to allow us to carry on.  Everybody should consider their own organisation as a source of stability and security, of occupation and income.  If the organisation is weak, changes must be made for improvement.  Compromises of interests have to be made for the improvement of the whole organisation.  The state cannot keep propping up everything.  It is impossible for the company owner to keep supporting a loss-making business.  Similarly, it is not possible for the state to continuously expend its budget supporting loss-making state enterprises.

Therefore, everybody needs to re-think and adjust themselves for the future.  Accept some changes, and lend us a hand in your area of involvement and expertise.  The state will try to mitigate the effects.  Each party must do its part.  Major difficulties will ensue for companies and state enterprises alike if everybody keeps relentlessly demanding more and more.  As an example, some loss-making state enterprises are being maintained for public service as well as for national image.  In addition to short-term solutions, we have to find ways to prevent the losses from stemming up again.

Unions must help us and foster understanding among members.  We will not be forcing quick layoffs.  Things will take place in a step-by-step manner.  Workforce reduction also needs to be implemented in a way acceptable to all parties.  Long-term planning and collaboration are needed.  Compromises need to be made, and I ask that perseverance be our common direction.

We are in a transition period - a rehabilitation period.  We want to complete this in a timely manner.  Once things get better, everyone will gain.  If we keep standing at the same spot and make no changes then we cannot survive.  Collaborate with us so your organisation would be better in the future.  The more collaboration we receive, the faster positive change it will be.  The inability to progress would lead to damage and bankruptcy.  Where then, would we all work?  In such case there will be no jobs.  There are some hundreds of thousands employed within state enterprises.  I ask all unions to give us a hand and to understand that we are laying down a new foundation for the country.  If we can achieve higher revenue, the staff will be the ones to benefit.

As for the agriculture sector, there is a big structural problem that resulted from past mismanagement.  Fixes were not made at the right spots - the strength of the sector was not nurtured.  State budget was incorrectly used for subsidies, leading to unsustainable prosperity, as well as misunderstandings of price, demand and supply.  It can be likened to a sick person who had been intentionally kept on the wrong medication or given the wrong injections.  The illness recurs and the person is never cured.  Today, the government is trying to address this very issue.  Farmers need to adjust and work in groups.  I have said many times that cooperatives for rubber, rice, paddy farmers and the rest should merge into large, regional cooperatives so they may monitor themselves.  The state is unable to cater to each and every demand of the various sub-groups.  Each group needs to bolster its own strength, while the government works to find ways to provide support in a sustainable manner.

It is not as if the current government seeks to issue measures that conflict with the preexisting ones.  The objective is to make them better.  We draw opposition, often in the form of demands for what used to be.  It would be easy to do things like in the past, but we would be incurring problems for the future generations in the process.  I ask, then, for leaders making the wrong demands based on incorrect misunderstanding to take caution.  Many laws hold them responsible.  You need to be knowledgeable, you need to have principles, and you need sufficient information to verify your claims.  It will not do for you to only hear it from someone else or make something up yourself.  We have to heed each other's reasoning and have some mutual trust.

At present, the government is trying to enhance transparently in all sectors.  I ask you to be confident that this government is doing it's all to care for all of you as best as it can.  Time is needed for this transition to take shape, for our agriculture sector to become modern agriculture.  We cannot keep demanding unreasonably without paying attention to the sector's strength and market conditions.  Everything involves trade with foreign countries now.  This is a fact, and this sets today's economic landscape apart from that of the past.  There are numerous binding agreements in trade.  There are issues of taxation all around.  Other countries can now also grow certain crops themselves.  How can we insist on increasing our price when prices have been falling everywhere else?

We have to look at how to lower our costs.  When we achieve the lowest cost or very low cost, profit will increase.  Much time is needed to address this issue.  To sustain your family, you need to find side jobs while the price is low.  Raise livestock or grow some other crops in your rubber plantations or the like.  Suggestions have already been issued for many areas.  Visits have been made to several rice-growing districts to determine how the paddies can be modified to grow other types of crops, so income can be earned and so the local cooperatives may be strengthened.  The state will be able to help more easily when things are done this way.  We seek to aid you in all dimensions, but you need to cooperate and understand the issue and the methodology.

There are many troubled people in the country at present, in consequence of the domestic and global economy.  We must solve our problems, which are not limited to agriculture.  Many countries have similar problems - China for example.  I discussed the rubber price with them and learned that they also experience low prices, prices which they cannot make higher.  Many still think that we will be able to improve the price if we talk to a few countries.  All the countries I have talked to have said the same thing about not being able to boost prices.  Instead, they have implemented other methods of addressing the problem.  Meanwhile, they have also had no protests on the matter.  Please reconsider protesting about this - it would do no good.  We are already trying our best.  The agriculture ministry has informed me that we are trying to get the latex sheet price to reach 60 baht and beyond.  Right now, there is a demand for a raw latex price of 80 baht.  How can this be done when sheet latex does not even fetch this price?  Some provinces or locales have been promoting processing of latex into sheet latex so the price can rise beyond 60 baht.  This is more agreeable, and this is how we can help out one another.  We cannot help you if you keep demanding pay outs - where do we get the money?  Several countries cannot help us with this issue either as they needed to tackle the same problem at home.

Today, we must step towards becoming the ASEAN Community by nurturing our own strengths, and by making sure locally made products are utilised.  Factories and systems must become geared toward using domestic raw material.  Once we are strong, we can then take the lead in adjusting things for correctness.  We need to achieve sustainability and reduce the cost of production.  Our costs of growing rice and rubber trees are higher than all countries around us.  This makes it hard for us to compete.  Demand and supply must be appropriately balanced.  There may have been too much encouragement for people to grow rubber trees in the past, and this had led to difficulty in selling the product.  Some plantations are also illegally located on hills or forests.  In fact, these individuals are all subject to prosecution.  We are being lenient and are allowing them to register so that legally sound solutions can be sought for them.  Please have some sympathy for the government and refrain from single-mindedly making demands.

I am trying my best.  Do not forget there are many occupations in Thailand that do not fetch high income.  These individuals still need to pay for their homes and cars even when their income has dropped.  Aside from agriculturists, freelance workers and some other occupations have also seen reduced income because of the economy.  We have to go through this transition and find appropriate measures.  Resorting to subsidies would only spur on more troubles.

Everybody needs to strive and work more now.  Adjust yourselves for greater strength and do not make unrealistic demands.  Be fair to the other occupations.  The government needs to care for them too.  We cannot only care for paddy farmers - those in other jobs are also Thais.  What are they to do if we divert all of the available funds to the farmers?

The government needs to use a large budget while it also has to watch for debt.  We are deliberating how to address household debts, how to reach compromise with creditors, how to delay repayment and how to register these indebted households.  There are also problems with product prices and investment.  Everybody has become afflicted with problems, not just agriculturists.  The government needs to allocate budget for them as well.

As for the matter of state sector budget use, there remain many problems.  The yearly budget has not been fully utilized.  Parts of it have had to be diverted toward paying public debt, paying interests from loans taken to assist farmers, and for use in other country development projects.  Not much of the large chunk of money remains available.  Most of the expenditure went towards the yearly budgets planned by various state agencies.  In order for the country to be strong and the people to have income, we also need to channel some budget towards investment.  Employment will generate income, and drive all levels of the economy.  Infrastructure investment is also called for - roads, rail, electric trains, ports, airports and etc.

The government needed to tend to problems in many aspects so that we can keep going together, else everything will come to a standstill.  As I said before, employment will generate income for a large number of people.  If this ceases, the public will be put in jeopardy.  I would like everybody to think of the good of the country and also keep in mind the well-being of the majority.  Please help to foster this understanding.  Those who do not engage in agriculture should help talk to those who do, and help them to tone down a little.  The government is moving ahead with everything but the pace is still not satisfactory because of the long-standing nature of the problems - some of these issues have accumulated over dozens of years.  Instead of just talking about how we can improve on the quality of rice, we needed to tackle production, marketing, rice strain, costs of production.  It is very difficult to realize this undertaking quickly.  This is fact.

On the matter of illegal activities, narcotics and crime, the government has been trying to accelerate the progress of several urgent cases.  We have to bring clarity for issues that have severe consequences for the nation.  We have to strive for peace and happiness for the public, as well as safety in life and assets.  These undertakings also needed to be made transparently, fairly and legally.  The remaining cases will start to enter into the judicial system.  I have not been interfering with the justice process, which remains a matter of courts, attorneys and judges.

Everybody can fight their cases under the law, based on tangible evidence.  Prosecutions can be made in all cases where there is ample, undistorted evidence.  However, we need to accept the rules.  What are we to do if we do not respect the rule of law and the justice procedure?  The country is maintained by using laws.  Suggesting that a specific judicial affair was not credible would make it harder for us to carry on.  Thus, please refrain from making comments that may affect our judicial process and our country.  I do not think someone would want to exert influence or authority from abroad or others onto Thais.  I do not believe such a person can be considered Thai.  I think that state officials are currently proceeding fairly and without bias.  I emphasize that we do not take sides.  The decision of right or wrong rests with the court and the judicial process.

Regarding farmers' protests, I am well aware of the plights of farmers.  I would like to mention the speeches of former politicians who are legally embroiled as well as those within political parties.  These individuals have threatened the government with protests, some going as far to say that an insurgency similar to that in the Deep South would be brought about.  I consider these speeches very similar to threatening acts of terrorism.  These words have all been recorded, and legal prosecutions will take place.  This is not a curb on freedom.  The speeches may have serious consequences on security.  Officials need to work, and these individuals keep making threats on officials.  Then, they would claim that it was a matter of politics.  It is not.  No country would bear this kind of thing.  How can you cite politics when your comments are wrong and you have broken the law?  I am not a politician.  I am tending to the nation's present problems.  I have already relayed orders relating to the aforementioned individuals.  They know who they are and what they have said.

The NCPO will immediately analyze their actions and proceed with caution.  I do want to trouble the families, spouses or children of these individuals.  Effects will be had on everyone, and then these aforementioned individuals will claim they were the target of political motivation.  Who do I wish to destroy? If you do not break the law then why would anyone take action against you?  Actions have to be taken because you have done wrong.  Are we supposed to let it be, in the previous manner, and remain still while people shoot at each other with military-grade weapons?  Do we neglect or choose to ignore the prosecution of such individuals?  This cannot be.  I would like everybody to heed the facts, and to have some love for our country.  Everybody has problems and lowered incomes, but everybody wants to be happy as well.  Everybody shares this plight, not just one group. Everyone is having problems, including me.

There are now measures for adding the number of public holidays.  There are measures to stimulate the economy.  So far, that service industry - restaurants, beverage shops and tourism - have all been afflicted.  We need to undertake adjustments.  The holiday measure is specifically for this year.  We wanted to spur spending within the domestic tourism scene.  In the end, who reaps the money?  Thais, of course.  Why, then, is there a need to oppose this measure.  It is meant to drive all sectors.  If we do not speed up these matters, people will complain of not having income.  Then, when I try to get people to have more income, there is opposition.  If nothing I do can satisfy you then perhaps I should not do anything and let things stagnate.  Keep making demands, and we will only resort to legal enforcement.  What will this lead to?  We will go back to where we were.  I keep asking that any issue can be submitted to the government.  It is our job to oversee all aspects.

As for the opinions of representatives from friendly nations, I believe I have taken into account everybody's comments.  How much consideration I pay to each comment is something I must deliberate by myself.  I do not deny how this administration came into office.  However, I would like everybody to understand that it was done for the country that we all love, in order to prevent further problems, losses, injuries and casualties, and in order to avoid being a burden for our international friends.  Are we to have other nations care for our country in instances where we cannot solve our own problems?

We have been free, uncolonized and independent for many hundreds of years.  Why should we go about complaining and trying to have other nations solve our own problems for us?  Why would we need to put our country in the same situation as several other countries that are plagued with problems right now?  I have always allowed the opportunity for everybody to participate.  We have always been involved in international peace keeping operations.  There have been hundreds of missions over dozens of years.  We have deployed soldiers and civilians around the world for this purpose.  Recently, a batch of these personnel has returned.

Today I tell everyone in international society that the government and I ask for time to work for the Thai people, and for Thailand - embroiled in problems as it is.  Since Thailand has helped out in numerous instances elsewhere, then let us try to solve our own issues so we learn and become strong.  We will perform our duty to the best of our abilities, under rules and regulations that are on par with global standards.  We are not overusing our authority in anyway.

Instead of asking specific parties about what they want and then jumping to conclusions, I ask that the Thai people nationwide be inquired about what they want.  Be fair to Thais, and to Thailand.  Be fair to me, as head of government.  Although I am personally not comfortable with how things came into being, it had to be done.  We could not ignore it.  Even now, you can see that it has not stopped completely.  I do not know why they persist on quarrelling with each other to this very day.  Everything then is problematic.  We can hardly issue laws or implement reforms.  I fail to understand how much distress the intended reforms could bring.  Are the concerns related to future prospects of coming into power and not being able to abuse this power and getting involved with corruption?  I did not want to start a spat but this needed to be said.  I don't want to make accusations.  I do not want to make comments that are damaging to the country, or place blame on others.  Doing so is embarrassing.  Are you not embarrassed when rushing about lobbying the foreign community?  I think it is time for this to stop.

The elected government needs to listen to the majority, and correctly administer state affairs. But it also needs to be considered whether the government came into being through a transparent system, and whether it has exercised good governance in state administration.  What does the minority say?  If they oppose something, the minority needs to accept the fact that they are the minority.  However things need to be explained properly if problems are to be resolved. Otherwise conflicts will erupt and escalate into violence - into use of weapons of war.  This was not a normal occurrence.  It was not normal for the populace to fight each other in such manner.  The elected government was unable to resolve the problem.  What was there to be done about peace and about the nation?  This is one of the reasons why I had to come in.  This is why.  I will try to continue on to my best extent.

All of you must help, and retain hope.  I would like us all to have hope for the country's future, in the same way the government has hope for our future.  These hopes from the public and the government should be complemented with a common vision:  hope for an administration that has good governance, hope for peace in the nation, hope for a strong economy, hope for greater trade and investment, hope for a stronger ASEAN.  In the future, we will have more capital to develop our country with.  Our future generations, not political struggles, are of the highest importance.  We should engage in political contests to achieve what is best for the public.  This is something I would like to say to past and future politicians.  They need to be able to tell the public, in detail, about what they will do if given office.  If they are only about giving things to the people, then they need to be able to answer the question of where the money would come from.  The country only has a limited income.  There are limited channels.  Exports have deteriorated.  We are trying to build this up for you today.  If you hinder us today, you will face these problems when you take office.  It would be even worse for you because of the many factions that will be involved.  I am nobody's enemy.  I ask for your cooperation.

This week, I want to keep you updated on the work progress of the government.

First is the prevention and mitigation of drought disaster. The Meteorological department has forecast that this year (2015) drought situation in the country will be more severe than other years due to climate change and global warming. For this, the government has instructed all related agencies to prevent and tackle such disaster. Policies have already been given to each responsible agency.

The government has drawn up a preparation plan for drought that could be coming in the near future. Some farmers are requesting for water for their rice which was grown in unauthorized locations. I do apologize, but it would be difficult to provide what you are requesting. Some demand that the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning distribute water to their rice plantations. Farmers cannot continue planting crops during drought season. If you do not know how to earn a living other way than farming, you need to seek help from authorities. They will be happy to assist you. They will not make you, especially children and the elderly, do hard labor. They will find a way you can generate income without having to rely on farming. The government has allocated a large amount of budget, trying to create jobs and income for the people. We cannot keep providing supplying water for your farming as we could run short for other sectors. We would not have enough water to push salt water away when needed. If we do not have sufficient water for such matter, worse consequences could follow, which could cause the whole irrigation system to fail. Authorities should seek solutions to this problem and assist those affected any way they can. Water will be distributed to scarce areas. I have ordered all relevant units to closely monitor the water situation and prepare for all sorts of disasters namely water shortages, flood, smoke, forest fires, insect infestation which can be found in rubber plantations for example, and animal diseases of which cases can be found mostly during dry season. Don't worry, state officials will provide assistance. You can also consult us if you need.

The government has set up a climate database center collecting information pertaining to weather, water, soil, and disaster risks, all of which will be used to analyze and assess future incidents as well as to lay down prevention strategies and provide various forms of assistance. Assistance ranges from setting up 44 water pumping machines in 7 provinces, sending out 48 trucks carrying 200,000 square meters of water to 11 provinces, and rain-making operations to assisting off-season farming along Chao Phraya River and Mae Klong River, canal dredging, employing jobless farmers, digging reservoirs, and improving water sources in rice fields. We will dig more reservoirs so that when it rains, these reservoirs will store water for the locals and keep it for future need. If people don't help the government prepare for drought, it would be difficult for us to achieve what we set out to. Should the people help along the process, these reservoirs will be ready for use by next year. Sometimes, people rely too heavily on what can or will the government provide, making them incapable of helping themselves. I would like to urge all civil servants and authorities to help the people and sympathize. Sometimes, farmers or low-income families do not know what to do in particular circumstances as they will seek help from you. You must sympathize and help them. If the farmers are not happy, you must help them. Months and years, farmers have been facing hardship in life, therefore, all ministries must lend a hand to this group of people. It has been many years, but still no progress. Solutions these problems must be clear and effective. In order to achieve our goal, all issues must be taken into account such as what can the Irrigation Department do, how much water do we have, or how much would it cost to build a reservoir - all of these questions should have been answered a long time ago. However, all of these are happening now under my administration, but will take time before it yields concrete results. This is what I want you all to think about.

As of now, 1,514 water sources for rice farming outside the jurisdiction of the Land Development Department have been overhauled, with27,134 farmers (61% of the target group) joining the program. There are also training courses given to 13,340 farmers (75%of the target group) as well as the distribution of crop seedlings. This kind of program is only launched in agricultural zones that are battered by the annual drought. We also promote planting alternative crops so that the farmers can generate income even when in drought season. As for those unaffected areas, farmers can also raise cattle to make extra earnings or for consumption. The farmers cannot just sit there and wait for government assistance. Farmers in many districts and provinces group together and plant organic vegetables or grow alternative crops. They also have agricultural cooperatives capable of handling loans and state budget. On the other hand, there are some groups of people who use the state-allocated budget inefficiently and in a wrong way or for personal use, which will create a problem to the area as circulation of money will be clogged. You must find a solution to this problem. Let me say it again, the state cannot keep giving assistance all the time. You need to help yourself first before expecting help for others. In the future when we have more reservoirs, the government would like to see cattle being raised near the reservoirs. Locals can also engage in fish farming and other income-generating activities. We all must share what we have in order for the country to move forward.

The government this week gave approval to a project aimed at creating income and improving agriculture in communities affected by drought. Farmers in 3,052 sub-districts, 58 provinces will be assisted under this project. These areas are crippled by drought every year while crops are damaged repeatedly. There must be a solution to this. Each sub-district currently facing drought will be given 1 million baht. The government has given over 10 billion baht to the agricultural sector. I instructed the Agriculture Ministry and other agencies namely the NCPO and the Interior Ministry to execute the project and monitor its progress. This project must truly bring benefit to the people. Assistance must reach the poor, underprivileged people, elderly and children. Some people are 60 or 70 years old and still have to support their family. Jobs that do not require hard labor should be provided to this group of people.

I am urging the NCPO to best assist these people as well as bring those corrupt people to justice. The budget disbursement process must be quicker in order to allow a quick implementation. Everyone including government officials, civil servants, and members of the public must be honest to each other. Also, we cannot waste any more time as we do not want to be blamed for delayed budget allocation. All ministries need to collect information and get everyone registered before the next season of crop farming. We may not allow additional registrations after this period. Or if farmers are not clustered into groups, assistance may not be sought. The government will enforce some regulations in response to your requests. Rules must be respected which will allow the state to help you out the correct way. We cannot give away tools to individuals, but are able to give them to groups of people who will share the tools. Cheap products must be in the form of bulk purchasing. You would not have any negotiation power if you buy it individually, but in group, you can negotiate the price down. As for organic fertilizer, we are able to produce a lot of organic fertilizers. Therefore, we should establish a fertilizer bank where farmers can exchange crops for organic fertilizers. Anything can be exchanged for anything. Nothing should be pre-determined.

As for the new season of crop farming that is approaching, I call for an urgent preparations as well as the prevention of corruption. All transactions must be transparent. Acts of corruption must not take place as we are moving in the right direction. We do not want anything to hold us back. Corruption activities have been reduced recently. However, I am not satisfied until all are eliminated. I am calling for our fellow Thais to report any sorts of corruption. Should you find state authorities involved in corruption, please give us the clue and we will bring the culprits to justice.

On the reforming of the bureaucratic system to ensure its transparency and efficiency, the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) has approved of the appropriate guidelines of monitoring state enterprises. The SEPO have conducted studies in hand with experts and scholars both domestic and abroad in order to establish appropriate guidelines for making sure the country's state enterprises operate efficiently and utilize the country's resources to the fullest. You all know what has been going on in more than 50 state enterprises or what their balance sheets look like. The first thing the government needs to make sure is to prevent individual groups of people from influencing or seeking benefits from state enterprises. This thing cannot happen, or else, the whole country will be crippled and development will not take place. Support must be given to one another. The question is how can we most effectively monitor activities in the state enterprise sector? Will the new concept be accepted? Is it necessary for the private sector to play a part in the state enterprise sector? Discussions will be held to find answers to these questions. Everything is going according to plan. We must move forward today and build a strong foundation for the country. The lawmakers need to pass laws to facilitate growth. Everything must be transparent in a bid to pave a way to the next administration. The next government will be willing to take care of the citizens. I want the next administration to best use the state budget for the maximum benefit of the people. Therefore the work of state enterprises needs to adhere to clear principles of good governance. The composition of its management will be divided into 3 part which are: 1) The responsible Ministry will be in charge of overseeing its work policy. 2) Regulator agencies will make sure state enterprises function efficiently. 3) The owners will ensure the state enterprise's sustainability in the big picture. Related agencies are now reviewing the plan. These 3 organs will work hand-in-hand. Currently, we are in the process of establishing agencies tasked with the overseeing of these enterprises. Laws regarding this matter will be revised in order to facilitate transactions in this particular sector. These are the changes that we must accept which is very crucial to future growth. We are now studying the possibilities. We do not want to rush into things as some may criticize us. I want people to trust the current government because we are not here for our own interest, but the nation's. We are only thinking about restoring, improving, and moving forward. We will ensure transparency in spending. I've stressed that the work of state enterprises must be transparent, adhere to sound principles and must not be influenced by political forces. Flexibility is as important as people allowing the government to do its work. Everything must be in balance. The efficient work of the state enterprises will lay the framework for the sustainability of these entities in the future. State enterprises play an important role in generating revenue for the state.

On assisting workers, the Ministry of Labor has opened a Smart Job Center under the One-Stop-Service concept in order to assist job seekers. They've installed touch screens in order to expedite services and have a system of registration and accountability. Job seekers can be serviced by the staff or can undergo a self-service system. There are service facilities for the disabled, interview sessions that can be conducted through Skype as well as an area to film a self-introduction video in order for employers to assess their applicants without having to meet face-to-face. There is a job information center and job counseling services provided by skilled counselors who also provide advice for working abroad. I believe these facilities are fully equipped and would like to encourage interested candidates to utilize this service. It is located at the Ministry of Labor on Mitrmaitree road in Din Daeng district of Bangkok. You can also send us some comments following your visit.

As for tourism, this year has been titled the "Discover Thainess" year which showcases what is unique in Thai culture in order to attract foreign tourists to the country as well as encouraging Thais to visit their own country, also known as "Thais visiting Thailand", which would result in Thais loving and wanting to preserve Thai culture as well as making Thais proud of their own heritage.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports has set forth a major plan to exhibit "Thainess" throughout the 12 months of the year across the country. This past January has seen the push for the "Visit Thailand Fair" in Lumphini park, showcased miniature replicas of famous attractions in Thailand. The fair held in the middle of Bangkok was well received by foreign tourists as well as fellow Thais. The fair was attended by over 600 thousand people and created a circulation of over 200 million Baht in less than a week. This is quite the good start.

February will showcase Chinese New Year in Yaowarat district in Bangkok. The event will be part of a special commemoration for Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn on the auspicious event of Her 60th Birthday Anniversary. It is known that Her Majesty is not only a beloved figure among her Thai subjects, but is also adored and revered by the local Chinese people as well as those in China itself.

In March there will be the "Decorative Flowers Fair" and a "Muay Thai as Thai Art, Thai Heritage, World Heritage and Muay Thai Teacher's Day" at the history site at Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Muay Thai is an art that is renowned throughout the world and has received attention from many countries. Foreigners have traveled all the way to Thailand in order to learn about our martial art. I also expect many foreigners will attend the Muay Thai Teacher's Day. I would like to invite and encourage all Thais to take notice of and preserve the traditions of Muay Thai. Muay Thai also promotes healthy exercise. Nowadays, Thai people do not go out for an exercise and become less interested in sports. All men should know this martial art which is our traditional fighting skills. I've also seen a lot of women practice Muay Thai. There are different kinds of Muay Thai such as Muay Kaad Cheuk. No country in the world is like Thailand where people can learn how to fight in Muay Thai style.

In April, there will be the "Major Songkran to Cool and Refresh All" festival on Ratchadamnoen road in Bangkok as well as in other provinces. Many countries have attempted to copy this tradition of ours, so why don't we preserve this tradition. Songkran is a festival people celebrate. Please avoid committing crimes during such period. Songkran is a good festival that needs good practices. The festival will be celebrated on Ratchadamnoen Road. Songkran every year attracts numerous foreign visitors to Thailand while many Thais also travel abroad due to the extended holiday. But this year, I'd like to invite Thais to visit Thailand. I encourage all to return to their hometowns in order to pay respect to their elderly and receive blessings from those whom they respect. Songkran also gives opportunities for families to come together and celebrate this auspicious occasion. Furthermore, it also reminds us of our beautiful culture that we must preserve. I want everyone to enjoy the Songkran holiday at home to help with the economy. People will be happier. Trade will be stimulated. And money will go back to the nation.

In May, there will be the "Thailand Music Festival" which will take place at Cha-am beach in Petchaburi province while June will have the "Thailand Grand Sale" festival. As for the second half of the year, there will be the "ASEAN Arts Festival" in Chiang Mai, the "Thai Silk Festival in Commemoration for Her Majesty the Queen" in Bangkok, the "International Food Festival" in Phuket, the "Loy Krathong Festival: the Colors of the Rivers" across the country. As always, December will be the "Festival of Happiness" on Father's Day, December 5th. See! Thailand has such a number of tourist destinations - I am out of breath just trying to name them.

Furthermore, the government and the NCPO have pushed to gain the trust of tourists with the establishment of the "200 million Baht assistance fund to aid foreign tourists." This fund has already been in effect since the 19th of December of last year. Any tourist who has traveled to visit Thailand and has been damaged due to violence, terrorism, natural disasters, accidents, transportation halts, crime or any other threats which did not occur from the tourist's own carelessness of fault, will be eligible to receive aid from this assistance fund in accordance to the stipulations set by the Comptroller General's Office.  Tourists can ask for assistance by contacting any provincial tourism and sports office and are able to reach the tourist police 24 hours at 1155.

The government must ask for the cooperation from related organizations whether they be tour companies, hotels, guesthouses, tourist sites, tour guides, including taxi drivers and shopkeepers to be accommodating to tourists and help in providing information for tourists in order to ensure their safety throughout their stay in Thailand. I urge all of us to be good hosts to our foreign visitors. Avoid doing anything illegal and avoid taking advantage of foreign visitors. This would create a negative impact for us all. You cannot keep complaining why they don't want to come. It is because they don't want to be treated unfairly. Everyone must be a good host and help promote our country. We want to make them feel confidence and safe while they are here throughout their stay. We need to make good impressions which will last in foreigners' hearts forever. This is how they will keep coming back.

This past Wednesday, His Majesty the King had designated Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to present the awards in the 2014 Prince Mahidol Awards. This ceremony is in commemoration of Prince Mahidol Adulyadej and his contribution to the country as "The Father of Modern Medicine and Public Health of Thailand." The two recipients of this year are Dr. Akira Endo of Japan for his discovery of the first statin drug-compact with significant cholesterol-lowering properties and Dr. Donald A Henderson from the United States of America who headed the international effort to eradicate smallpox. In the name of the Royal Thai Government, I would like to express my congratulations to these two individuals.

Furthermore I would like to congratulate 15 year old Miss Natcha Charoenthongmankhong, 15 year old Miss Paweena Achasiri and 14 year old Mr. Thawanyu Charoenthongmankhong who are Thai youths of Hmong ancestry from Pa-Mai Uthit 4 of Tak Province who won the national English debate contest under the ASEAN readiness program. Let their dedication and commitment be a motivation for all of us. I would also like to thank Mr. HaemandYa-Oothai and Miss Winorn Muan-Ngam who are the student's English teachers.

Next Tuesday the 3rd of February is "Veteran's Day" I would like to invite the people of Thailand to reflect on the courage and service of soldiers and their sacrifices in order to protect the sovereignty of Thailand by attaching to themselves a red poppy or by donating to the assistance fund for veteran's that have been in combat and families of servicemen in combat. Donations gathered will be used to provide shelter, education, prosthetics and loans for conducting business. This fund is supplementary to what the government already provides to veterans such as free healthcare and reduced transportation fares. I'd like to invite all to "give to those who have sacrificed" through your own channels and ways.

In order for Thailand to be stable, prosperous, sustainable, peaceful and loved by all countries, Thais must first love each other, cooperate, understand each other and create a society of sharing.

Thank you and goodbye