Singapore, Thailand sign deal on civil servants

SINGAPORE, Nov 28 (AFP): Singapore and Thailand have signed an agreement to improve ties and exchange ideas about civil servants, the Sunday Times reported this morning. It said the agreement, signed yesterday, is aimed at upgrading the quality of civil servants in “both” countries. The Thai government has been slow to upgrade its civil service, one of the most bureaucratic in the region, as the economic crisis squeezed its budget. “I strongly believe the exchange will contribute great benefit to Thailand in terms of receiving expertise and experience to enhance and reform our public service,” said Thai Civil Service Commission secretary-general Dhipavadee Meksawan.