Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn inaugurated the first episode of the series "Talking with the Cabinet under Anutin," addressing the need to enhance the efficiency of the civil service system. He avoided using the term "reform" due to its association with previous unsuccessful attempts and lack of concrete action.
According to Thai News Agency, the initial episode, titled "Is it Time Yet?", featured Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan discussing the intricacies of civil service reform. Pakorn highlighted the need for an alternative approach by emphasizing "civil service reform" over merely improving efficiency, noting that past efforts often resulted in the formation of committees and working groups without tangible implementation. He underscored the impact of the current national budget allocation, where 73% is directed towards recurring expenses, leaving only 20% for investment and the remainder for debt repayment. Pakorn suggested reallocating recurring expenditure towards national development for better performance.
He acknowledged that while various governments have contemplated this issue, concrete actions remain absent amid global challenges, such as geopolitical tensions and disruptions in trade chains. The Deputy Prime Minister also pointed to climate change, aging populations, and economic pressures as factors complicating the situation. Emphasizing the necessity of an efficient civil service system, he argued that without it, there wouldn't be sufficient funds for national development.
Pakorn emphasized the importance of restructuring the bureaucratic system to maintain competitiveness. He proposed reducing workforce costs through technology, drawing parallels with China's private sector's use of AI to replace human labor and create new job opportunities. He stressed the need for change to prevent lagging behind other nations.
Part of the reform strategy involves streamlining government processes to minimize redundancy and enhance efficiency, aiming to increase the national development budget. Pakorn criticized the lack of real action in current plans for developing the civil service system, citing the absence of personnel reduction and the creation of policy-making positions rather than operational roles.
He also advocated for a transition to a Digital Government and an Open Government, leveraging technology to improve transparency and efficiency. Pakorn emphasized the need for interconnected data systems and the use of AI to facilitate this transformation. He addressed concerns about workforce reductions, explaining that different responsibilities require tailored employment systems.
Regarding librarianship, Pakorn clarified that the profession will persist, but adjustments are necessary due to evolving library contexts. He also highlighted plans for a One-Stop Service center to streamline government services and reduce corruption opportunities.
Pakorn further discussed efforts to screen redundant laws, revealing a plan to reduce the number of subordinate laws and involve public consultation in legal amendments. He outlined service delivery time as a key performance indicator for success, with new KPIs aimed at reducing processing time by 20-30%.
In conclusion, Pakorn expressed his desire to rebrand the civil service system, striving to improve its efficiency and shed its negative image associated with hierarchical management structures.