Thai PM Says Government Tries to Solve Poverty Problem

NEW YORK, Sept 26 (TNA) – Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha said his government is trying to eradicate poverty problem prevailing in Thailand through practicing a self-sufficiency economic programme, a philosophy initiated by His Majesty the King. In an address given to participants attending the 70th annual session of the United Nations General Assembly being held in New York, Gen. Prayut said income disparity is still a significant problem of the Thai society due to imbalanced ownership of land and natural resources. The Thai government will resolve the problem by practicing the self-sufficiency programme which focuses on sustainable growth and lies within reasons, said Gen. Prayut. He went on to say that his government is laying development foundation and complete national reforms including drawing a fresh draft constitution which would allow the people to participate. The government will be responsible in creating rules and principles for social equality in every field and ensured that people would receive fair protection under the justice system. After concluding his speech, Gen. Prayut presided over the opening of an exhibition on self-sufficiency economic programme, being organised near the conference room. Gen. Prayut said while viewing the exhibition that democratic system being implemented in other countries is different from Thailand because of poverty problem existing in the kingdom which would not allow the poor to speak. He said that his government is trying to assist the poor and corruption problem would continue to exist in Thailand if “inappropriate democracy” is not resolved. Speaking at a dinner party with members of the US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC) on Friday, the Thai prime minister said his government is determined to improve business climate and livelihood of the people, aimed at enabling future government to continue developing the kingdom. Gen. Prayut said that it was necessary for the junta to step in because of deep social divisiveness prevailing in the country almost 10 years. The current government has resolved several problems accumulated in the country for a long time with an objective to improve the livelihood of the people and business climate, he said. Gen. Prayut reiterated that his military government did not want to prolong power. He also thanked USABC members for their support and economic cooperation as well as assistance on helping explained to several sectors in the US to better understand the kingdom. Several American firms still have confidence and increase investment in Thailand, said Gen. Prayut. Accompanied by his wife and senior officers, Gen. Prayut is scheduled to stay in the US, his first visit after launching the coup on May 22, 2014, until October 1. (TNA)