NESDB told to refocus mission on new tests

NESDB told to refocus mission on new tests

The government's planning unit, the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), has been instructed to transform itself into a real think tank that shapes the country's long-term vision and mission.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak visited the NESDB yesterday and said the agency needs to urgently change to concentrate on handling new challenges such as an ageing society, rapid urbanisation and human resource development to embrace the Thailand 4.0 economy that focuses on technology and innovation.

The board was told to leave non-essential jobs such as monitoring the investment of state enterprises to other state agencies, focusing only on large development projects that play a significant role in the country's development.

Mr Somkid said the NESDB must submit a transformation plan over the next few months to the National Reform Steering Assembly chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. The rejig should focus on how to attract young, talented people to work for the agency.

He pledged that the government would offer a larger budget to support the transformation, as 600 million baht is not enough.

"Budget is not a problem," Mr Somkid said. "I will talk with the Budget Bureau to allocate more resources to the agency."

Founded in 1950 under the administration of prime minister Plaek Pibulsongkram as the National Economic Council, the NESDB provides the government with opinions and recommendations on economic issues.

In 1959, prime minister Sarit Dhanarajata restructured the council and gave it a new name, the Office of the National Economic Development Board. In 1961, this office launched the nation's first economic development plan.

In 1972, social development was recognised as an essential part of the national plan. The newly renamed NESDB was brought under the Office of the Prime Minister.

In addition to recommendations on economic and social development to the cabinet and prime minister, the NESDB scrutinises the National Economic and Social Development Plan and other proposals before submission for cabinet consideration. It also sets up a coordinating mechanism between itself and concerned agencies and state enterprises regarding the planning and implementation of development programmes.

NESDB representatives sit on 600 different committees, a cumbersome arrangement. The board also functions as secretariat of the committee on national reform, strategy and reconciliation.

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