Thailand proceeds with efforts to promote sustainable development

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) -- The government’s Sustainable Development Committee proceeds with its efforts to improve the sustainable development level of the country after the United Nations ranked Thailand 55th among 150 countries in this respect this year. Chairing a meeting of the committee, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha emphasized continuous work for sustainable development following the ranking. He said government officials would work towards sustainable development goals as well as relevant national strategies and master plans. He said that in the past 15 years Thailand made good progress in sustainable development by following the guidelines of King Rama IX. His committee approved a plan for sustainable development at the local level and ordered officials to precisely choose local areas for the development. Gen Prayut said that importantly officials would have to promote the mindset of sufficiency economy and sustainable development among local residents. Sustainable development work at local, regional and national levels was aimed at reducing social inequality, he said. Thailand will be among 44 countries to report progress in working to achieve sustainable development goals at the High Level Political Forum 2017 on Sustainable Development in New York on July 18-20. The country’s sustainable development ranking rose from 61st in 2006 to 55th this year as Thailand includes sustainable development efforts in its 20-year national strategies. (TNA)