New Thai PM calls for public trust in national reforms

BANGKOK: Thailand's new Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has given his first policy speech to the Thai National Legislative Assembly on Friday (Sep 12), unveiling a set of reforms aimed at bringing about economic and social stability to the kingdom.

During the two-hour address, the prime minister repeatedly called for help from the public in bringing an end to Thailand's socio-political divide. He vowed to eliminate social gaps, promote education, tighten law enforcement and weed out corruption.

With potential elections scheduled for the end of 2015, Prayuth admitted time would play a part in carrying out comprehensive national reforms. "Whatever can be done first, will be carried out swiftly and continuously to bring an effective outcome. Time is not our weakness, it's a challenge for us," he said.

Throughout the address, the prime minister continually returned to the need to eliminate corruption and create a working environment based on transparency. However, he is off to a rocky start with allegations of corruption marring the current renovations of Government House.

Regardless, he has called for the public's trust in his administration. "The law will do its job, serving justice and gaining trust from the people, giving chances to everyone,” said Prayuth. “I am not doing this for any individual. I'm doing this for all Thais."

For now, the cabinet has now been handed clear guidelines for the task ahead. But General Prayuth's no-nonsense command of parliament shows that he is still very much the man in charge and ultimately the one responsible for the interim government's success.

- CNA/ec