regulations every five years. The responsible Ministries then have to conduct the review process, which shall be made known to public, and make recommendations to improve, revise, or repeal those laws and regulations under their responsibilities. Additionally, the related agencies shall, within two years as from the date the Royal Decree comes into force, translate the new laws and regulations in the working language of ASEAN and publish them via information technology system. The general public will thus gain free access to this information. Identification and Review of Proposed Regulations Enterprise Policy Office, Ministry of Finance - One of the key policy of the current government is to have the - Owned Enterprises (SOEs) reformed, so that they can be used as an effective mechanism to promote sustainable economic and social development for Thailand. - The main objective of SOEs reforms is to increase efficiency and effectiveness, enhance transparency and accountability, and mitigate political abuses. - One of the main processes is to set up the ownership structure (i.e. National holding company), which will be an independent supervision to manage and monitor the performance of major SOEs. This requires a new legislation that establishes the governance structure, outlining responsibilities and relationships among the State Enterprise Policy Committee (SEPC), the State Enterprise Policy Office, National holding company, and SOEs. The draft Act comprises two main parts which are 1) the overseeing of SOEs and 2) the establishment of the holding entity. - According to the governance structure in the proposed legislation, the SEPC will supervise 55 SOEs and will design policies in a macro perspective. These 55 SOEs are divided into 2 groups. On the one hand, National holding company will govern SOEs that are listed and limited companies (in the first - Currently, the Act for establishing such governance structure is now being drafted and supervised by the SEPC. - The proposed legislation is expected to be the Cabinet’s consideration within the first half of 2016. - In addition to the above legal framework, the SEPC establishes “National Holding Company” Establishment Subcommittee to determine the action plan and timeframe for setting up National holding company, and propose the governance structure, budget, personnel and compensation scheme for National holding company.
stage of implementation). On the other hand, the State Enterprise Policy Office will govern the rest. Website for further information: Contact point for further details: 1. Office of the Council of State 2. Enterprise Policy Office, Ministry of Finance Implementation of WTO Obligations/ROOs The Customs Department, Ministry of Finance WTO Agreement, Annex 1A (Goods) - The Secretariat and Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO) are transposing the Product Specific Rules from the 2007 version to the 2012 version of Harmonized System concerning the accuracy, and the simplification of rules and transparency. - The members will consider and provide feedback on the pending 363 lines to the secretariat. Rules of Origin - Harmonization of Non-Preferential Rules of Origin – Dedicated Item on Existing Non-Preferential Rules of Origin: The meeting provided the country report that using Rules of Origin and the members presented their experience of Non-Preferential Rules of Origin practicing. - The Secretariat and TCRO will continue considering the Rules of Origin under WTO and TCRO. The informal discussion for private sector will also be arranged and report in the next meeting. Website for further information: Contact point for further details: The Customs Department, Ministry of Finance Dispute Resolution No changes made. Website for further information: Contact point for further details: Mobility of Business People Regulatory Visa Regimes - As from September 2014, tourists entering Thailand with visa exemtion can extend their stay for another 30 days. - With proper documents, tourists with tourist visas may change their visa status to business visas at Thai Immigration Office. - In the long run: Thailand’s e-Visa is under construction. It will be done after visa outsourcing project has been launched. Once it is completed, it will be more convenient to businessmen and visitors who would like to visit Thailand.