Tackling problems in 2nd half our major goal: Virabongsa

One of the proposals the team will work on involves the Asean meeting late this year, which will be hosted by Thailand, with the commerce and finance ministries as the main sponsors. However, there has been no groundwork laid for the meeting.

Meanwhile, the team will also be expected to come up with plans to counter inflation and promote energy investment. Virabongsa said there had been no short- or long-term energy development plans, and it was necessary for the ministries of commerce, industry and agriculture to work closely for coordinated policies.

He said the task was urgent, as Thailand's investment has been on the decline due to frequent changes in the government and conflicting policies. The prime minister wants all parties to work closely to tell the world that the Kingdom has a clear direction in investment management.

Virabongsa said that as an economic adviser, he would not get involved with any ministry, unless the advisory team is directly assigned by the prime minister to seek information from a particular ministry. The ministry needs to cooperate only with direct orders from the prime minister. Importantly, if the information is classified, the team is barred from making use of it.

Virabongsa said he was waiting for word from the prime minister before formulating the framework of the advisory team's operations.

"I have advised several prime ministers in the past 25 years. There should be no concern that the advisers come into the scene for their personal benefit. I serve the country with my heart and have a proven track record. Though I still work for private companies, all should be assured that I seek no personal benefits, despite suggestions of conflicts of interest. I will do my best for the country."