BANGKOK, July 25 (TNA) – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha
on Thursday presented his government’s policies to Parliament, focusing on the
goal to move Thailand out of the middle-income trap and 12 urgent action plans.
Gen Prayut made his Parliament debut in the policy
announcement session in which lawmakers grilled him and his Cabinet members and
scrutinized his government’s policies.
The premier delivered the 40-page policy manifesto, which
has been distributed to all lawmakers ahead of the policy debate. He vowed to steer the country out of the
middle-income trap during his tenure and outlined 12 plans to tackle urgent
issues such as the fight against poverty and global economic uncertainty.
The government has incorporated policies of 19 coalition
parties such as promotion of medical marijuana to boost the economy and public
health.
The joint session of 500 members of House of Representatives
and 250 senators is being held at Thailand’s new Parliament complex in
Bangkok’s Kiakkai area for the first time.
After the premier delivered the government policy, leaders
and key figures of the seven opposition parties attacked the policy and
questioned the qualifications and roles of Cabinet ministers. 
Initially scheduled for two days, the policy debate is said
to be extended for one more day and set for fierce discussions. (TNA)
