Dear Fellow Thai citizens,

The House of Representatives has now convened.  His Majesty the King has already granted a royal command, graciously appointing Speaker of the House and Deputy Speakers of the House of Representatives.  Soon, there will be a meeting of the House of Representatives to select a new prime minister and a new cabinet will be formed.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the Thai people that during this transitional period, especially after the dissolution of the House of Representatives, the general elections and the endorsement of the MPs, my government is doing everything to ensure a smooth hand-over process.  There are important works that need to be carried out in the coming days, including the preparation for the royal cremation of HRH Princess Bejaratana, for which the government has already set up a committee to oversee the organisation of the royal rites.  Moreover, there are several provinces that are now experiencing floods, including the lower part of the northern region and the Northeast.  For this, my government has already initiated the process to closely monitor the situation and prepare information needed for the following up by the new government.  Again, I would like to assure you that all government works will continue smoothly during this transitional period. 

Given the fact that a new government has the right to formulate policies it deems appropriate and suitable for the country, before handing-over of the administration to the new government, I would like to take this opportunity to inform you that the current situations relating to our country’s economy, social issues and politics, have been made conducive by my government for the incoming administration to continue addressing the problems for the Thai people.

Given the rise in price of consumer goods, cost of living, as well as the continued uncertainty in the economic situation in the USA and Europe, and the fluctuation in the oil price and other economic problems with which people are concerned, I would like to assure you that our economic situation and financial foundation of our country is very stable and sound.  Indeed, the new government will have flexibility and a good financial standing to tackle the current economic problems. 

Our foreign reserve now stands at 180 billion USD, which is a large number and represents an increase of 70 billion USD. This number is also the 13th highest amount of foreign reserve in the world, which underscores the fact that our government’s financial standing remains strong. This is because of our exports, tourism and income generating activities which allowed the economy to grow continuously and in a robust manner.  My government moved from the need to stimulate the economy and borrow money during the economic crisis to rebalance the debt within the next four years.  In fact, after the three quarters of this fiscal year, we have collected income taxes almost 200 billion baht more than the target set in our budget.  This makes our fiscal situation very stable and will allow for a smooth budget appropriation for the following fiscal years and for debt rebalancing.  In regard to the national reserve, we now have 300 billion baht -- an increase of about 50 billion baht from when I first took office.  This is another good financial foundation upon which the new government can use as the basis for their fiscal and financial policy management.  

For the overall economic figures, the debt to GDP ratio has continuously decreased under my administration, and now standing at about 40 percent. This in fact is regarded as a very low ratio when compared with other countries -- another guarantee that we will have added financial flexibility in the coming years.    For our employment situation it is particularly encouraging.  The unemployment rate is now at a historic low. Regarding the oil price, my government has put in effective mechanisms to handle the fluctuation in the price and related cost. The current status of the Oil Fund together with the continuation in pegging the diesel price at no more than 30 baht per litre will allow for the oil fund to continuously receive income, and the fund level will not be in a minus zone in the next two months or so.

All this is the guarantee to all of you that today the new government will have flexibility, financial and fiscal tools and mechanisms that can be selectively utilized to address various economic situations in an efficient and appropriate manner. 

When I first came into office, I used to say that one could compare our economic situation as a “house on fire”.  Now, we have already put out the fire.  Not only have we made progress in looking after the people living in the house, we have also rebuilt our house to make it stronger.  In particular, as far as looking after the people is concerned, we have laid down a system to provide assistance and care in the form of social welfare.  My government has set the year 2016 as a target date to have in place a comprehensive social welfare system under which all can benefit.   As we can see, the free education, free healthcare and the provision of care for various groups of people, such as the disabled and the elderly, have already been implemented to cater for their basic needs.  Be that as it may, we have to accept the fact that the disparity in our society, which is a structural problem, needs time to resolve and we will have to continue to work on this.  We have set up several independent committees, for example the national reform committee and the national reform assembly, which have already provided many recommendations.  Now these recommendations are being considered by various government agencies concerned. The relevant laws will also need to be passed.  I hope that the new government will continue to consider these laws and recommendations seriously in order to move our country towards a fairer and more equitable society in the future and in providing social welfare for the Thai people.

On the international and security fronts, after our country has faced numerous crises in the past years, it has become clear now that the international community has more confidence in our country.  After a peaceful general election, Thailand will have the ability to accomplish important tasks, including hosting international and world-class events.  I hope the new government will be able to continue this momentum and lead our country to successful bids in hosting such global events. 

As for the neighbouring countries, our relations in general have been smooth, except for the dispute with Cambodia.  On this particular issue, I think we all share the same goal, to preserve good relations with all neighbouring countries, while at the same time we have to stand ready to protect our country’s rights and sovereignty.  The standing issue is the case that Cambodia has taken to the International Court of Justice, as a result of the case in 1962.  My government already fought the request from Cambodia to the Court for the provisional measures against Thailand to unilaterally withdraw its troops.  Now, the ICJ has made an order on the provisional measures, and we have to continue to work on this issue in order to protect our national interest. 

But most importantly, the process has begun for the main case, whereby Cambodia has requested the Court to reinterpret its decision of 1962.  In this regard, the Thai government has prepared information and legal arguments, and it is hoped that the next government will continue to fight this case and successfully protect Thailand’s national interest. 

Besides the problems concerning international relations and security, problems that affect our domestic security also need to be addressed.  On the unrest in the southern border provinces, we have passed a new law on the restructuring of the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center (SBPAC).  Our approach in addressing such problem has been accepted not only at the domestic but also international levels. Of course, violence still persists and it is incumbent on the new government to continue the work on this and to implement policies, paving the way towards a long-lasting peace. I am confident that the members of the parliament will stand ready to join hands and work together in resolving problems, be they security, foreign affairs, domestic unrest, or other problems that affect our people, so that our country can successfully overcome such obstacles. 

Among other issues that the new members of parliament have to address include problems such as drugs or long-standing social problems.  The general election under our parliamentary system is another step forward in Thailand’s democracy. It is aimed to move our county towards reconciliation.  I fervently hope that the new government and the parliament will work to promote unity among Thais.  My administration has set up independent committees to work towards finding the truth for the incidents that took place.  And such independent committees have been ensured of independence and non-interference from the government. My government has always respected the judicial process which has the final say in our system.  I hope the new government will continue with this same principle, paving the way towards truth and justice, and leaving political conflicts to be dealt with through the parliamentary process.  And for other institutions that are not involved in politics, they should be kept above the conflicts, especially the main institutions of the country - nation, religion and the monarchy – as well as other institutions that have their own responsibilities, be they independent committees set up in accordance with the constitution or other agencies set up in accordance with the judicial process.  If such approach is followed, the transition to the new government will help stop conflicts and pave the ways towards the resolution of the problems that have been the cause for concern for our country and our people for the past several years.  

In closing, I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank each and everyone of you, officials, civil servants for their assistance and cooperation in carrying out the work of my government and overcoming various crises, even though there are some problems that still cannot be resolved at this time or have been only partially resolved.  I fervently hope that what I have done would provide a firm foundation upon which the incoming government can continue to work in order to bring happiness and prosperity to us all.    Thank you very much.