My interview with respect to the qualification of the steering committee for Thailand’s 20-year national strategy (2017-2036), in Matichon, 7th of August 2017:
I personally disagree with the introduction of Thailand’s 20-year national strategy (2017-2036) by the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), because the existing “five-year National Economic and Social Development Plan” implemented by the Office of the National Economic Development Board (NEDB), is already sufficient to provide guidelines for developments. The 20-year plan is therefore unnecessary.
However, the 20-year plan is enshrined by the 2017 Constitution of Thailand, and it is indicated that the military government will appoint a steering committee to implement the 20-year plan. I argued that if military involvement is required it will not be in the interests of Thailand because the military tend to focus and excel on security issues. There are many areas of development such as economic, social developmental programmes, in which the military are not experts. Therefore, it is not necessary to include senior military in the steering committee.
Although there are a number of highly qualified persons, there is indication that the NCPO might appoint the very same people who have been working with them, especially those who are not in conflict with them.
I am hoping to see the appointment of new faces to the steering committee charged with implementing the 20-year plan, so that the committee and development will be in the interests of Thailand, rather than ending up with the same old faces.
