Thanachot Anuwan
The Finance Ministry will focus efforts during the
first half of 2011 on preparing the Customs Department for changes
coming in 2015 with the launch of the unified ASEAN Community.
Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit.
Deputy Finance Minister Pradit Pataraprasit told
reporters after a Dec. 19 chief immigration officers meeting at the
Dusit Thani Hotel in Pattaya that increases in trade, additional stress
on transportation systems and integration of customs operations between
Association of Southeast Asian Nations members require the cooperation
of government agencies around Thailand.
Thus, Pradit said, the ministry is embracing the
World Customs Organization’s theme for 2011: “Knowledge, a Catalyst for
Customs Excellence.” Through innovation and creativity, he said, the
Customs Department can take a leading role in promoting private-sector
development.
The immigration officers meeting, where Pradit laid
out a strategic plan for the upcoming year, is part of Customs
Department modernization plan. The deputy minister said it’s important
all immigration offices adhere to the same standards and adapt to
changes caused by external factors.
The meeting was also a forum for the bureaucrats to
meet and exchange ideas, as well as settle any questions related to
policies set by senior management, he said.
