He called on the provincial governors to be instrumental in making that happen.

Speaking yesterday at the assignment of the Pracha Rath (People’s State) policy and the guidelines for its implementation, Prayut said the government sector must lead the nation’s development with the support of the public and the social sector.

He said that to solve problems from the grass roots there must be good understanding of the capabilities of each sector to boost incomes to a sufficient level.

“What we start today is having a big flashlight to lead the way and seeing all the problems together,” he said.

He said the governors were the key mechanism for driving the economy.

He said people, particularly farmers, had to understand Thailand’s problems to boost the nation’s competitiveness, stability and safety.

“We must help carry out the nation’s reforms in key structures. This cannot wait,” he said. “All [the policy’s elements] are scheduled for implementation before 2017.”

Prayut reiterated that the work should be done without conflict. Reform starts with individuals and seeing others with fairness, he added.

Prayut urged people to participate in resolving conflicts, as not doing so now could result in them snowballing and reaching a flash point later.

“Today, we team up for the development of the grass-roots economy,” he said. “There are no more grass roots – there are only main roots. All the people can bring about strong trees.”

He said good management was essential in making this happen, with strong public relations in broader aspects in particular.

He called on the governors to improve occupational groups that can be developed, while emphasising there should be no conflicts of interest.

“If there’s any issue, there could be talks. Don’t be afraid. We are all sisters and brothers in the nation,” he said. “If we all respect the law, there’s nothing [to fear].

“The nation lives in the law, and equality is the law. Don’t bring the nation into more violence.”

He said that if problems could not be solved outright, there should be adjustment to make them less severe.

He urged civil servants not to be fearful as they were key for the success of the state. “You must be strong. Today, I will strengthen your structure.”