In the weekly meeting yesterday of the NCPO secretariat chaired by General Warit Rojanapakdee, the junta’s deputy secretary-general, officials were told they had to ensure that development projects were effective and satisfied the people, NCPO spokeswoman Colonel Sirijan Nga-thong said.

Warit’s order came after the meeting considered progress reports of several social development projects, in which he said implementation over the past year had led to positive changes for society in many aspects, said Sirijan, who also attended the meeting.

Sirijan said the projects were related to social order, public transport, Bangkok’s crowded footpaths, solving floods and drought, managing drug problems, and resolving citizen complaints.

Warit suggested that officials evaluate both completed and ongoing projects to ensure they meet their goals and satisfy all related sectors including the public, Sirijan said.

NCPO projects such as improving access to pavements in Bangkok by removing vendors and “beautification” to develop areas along canals in the capital by removing structures and communities that encroach on public space have sparked criticism from people affected.

Warit also instructed officials to maintain security measures including along borders to combat drug trafficking, Sirijan said.

He said the NCPO still focused on helping to resolve public complaints via the junta-initiated Damrongdhamma Centre.