Bangkok: The Prime Minister accepted the parliament’s suggestions, stating that if useful, they would be implemented. He emphasized that it is the government’s duty, not a Songkran gift, after being questioned by the media about the National Energy Policy Council’s (NEPC) reduction in fuel prices.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, in an interview after the conclusion of the government’s policy statement to Parliament, said: “It was good. We listened to every point. Personally, I have noted down almost every issue, including those from all the ministers, especially the suggestions and recommendations during the debate. Even things they wanted this government to do, even if they weren’t in the policy, if we consider them together and see that they are beneficial, we will do them. I must thank the members of Parliament. Over the past two days, we have received a full range of information. We will implement anything that is useful.”
Regarding any suggestions to be brought before the Cabinet meeting today, Mr. Anutin said that the meeting will focus on assisting the public, and today’s meeting is the first day that this government will be able to govern fully. Some policy issues that were carried over from the previous government will be binding on the next government and cannot be implemented immediately; therefore, we must wait.
Regarding whether there will be any measures as gifts for the public during the Songkran festival, the Prime Minister said that everything done is already done for the people every day. It’s not a gift, but the government’s duty to do so. It’s not done to please the people, but to help them.
When pressed on whether the Fuel Fund Management Committee’s (FFMC) announcement of a price reduction of up to 6 baht for all types of diesel and gasoline was a Songkran gift, the Prime Minister stated that it was not a gift, but a duty, a sense of responsibility from every member of the Cabinet. He added that they were able to achieve this because of the people.