BANGKOK, Oct 8 – Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Niwatthamrong Boonsongpaisal said on Monday that the report on the Yingluck Shinawatra administration’s performance during its first year in office will be submitted for cabinet approval tomorrow.
“The highlight of the report is the government’s 16 priorities of policies implementing its campaign pledges. Others include drug suppression, ‘First Home’ and ‘First Car’ programmes as well as rice pledging scheme,” the minister said.
Once the cabinet gives green light to the report without any revision, it will be forwarded to parliament in early November, Mr Niwatthamrong said. Parliament then will set a date for the government to deliver its one-year performance report to the assembled lawmakers.
The minister shrugged off concerns over the possibility that the Opposition would grill the government in particular regarding rice pledging programme, saying ministers who are responsible for the policy would be able to clear up any doubts.
The Democrats earlier criticised the government for pressing ahead with the rice pledging plan, arguing that it is marred with corruption and is wasteful. In addition, according to critics, it will also mean that Thailand ends up with a huge amount of rice in government stockpiles.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra emphasised that the scheme is aimed at helping rice farmers and that the rising incomes of farmers would eventually stimulate the country’s economy.
