NESAC responds positively to Govt´s 6 month progress report

BANGKOK, 7 August 2009 (NNT) – The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) has lauded the Government’s work, saying that it was on the right track, after the administration gave its 6 month progress report yesterday.

NESAC member Narong Petchprasert remarked in an interview today that the Government’s 6 month progress report indicated many positive actions but also showed areas that needed improvement. He gave examples of issues he believed the administration must alter, including its approach to economic stimulus measures, which he said were lacking in detail and sensitivity. Mr Narong elaborated by saying that projects such as the 2,000-baht gift checks were beneficial in theory but must be closely monitored to assure the money was being utilized as planned.

The NESAC member also commented on the Government’s free schooling scheme, saying the project needed better maintenance as many institutions had found ways to circumvent regulations and created costs for parents. On the “Ton Kla Archeep” project, Mr Narong said the project in theory was good but in practice fell short as many people who completed training under the project did not actually have the capital to run their own business.