Thai PM Outlines Comprehensive Policies To Spur Kingdom Forward

BANGKOK, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, delivered a comprehensive policy speech in Parliament on Thursday, outlining urgent policies aimed at fostering unity and reconciliation within the Thai society, as well as addressing the country’s economic woes.

Paetongtarn, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party, emphasised that the government will urgently address issues such as high household debt, the rising cost of living, and lagging incomes to restore hope among the Thai people as soon as possible.

She outlined the government’s long-term plans to lay the foundation for the country’s future which include attracting foreign investment in electric vehicle production, promoting creative culture and soft power exports, developing the digital economy by attracting data centres and semiconductor manufacturing plants, and establishing a framework for artificial intelligence (AI) and green economic systems.

bootstrap slideshow

"Other key focusses include transforming Thailand into a global financial hub, expanding the health and medical economy, improving infrastructure, fostering research and innovation, creating a logistics hub with large-scale transportation infrastructure, and advancing the Land Bridge project," she said in her inaugural speech to Parliament.

The prime minister highlighted economic challenges such as low growth relative to potential, chronic debt, growing inequality, and environmental, social, and political issues.

"All of these represent challenges that the government is ready to tackle by collaborating with all sectors to transform them into hope, opportunity, and equality for all social groups," she added.

She emphasised that the government is committed to enhancing people’s capabilities and creating opportunities for them to overcome the country's pressing issues and lead Thailand forward with confidence.

Paetongtarn also said that the current government would implement short-term economic stimulus measures, reaffirming that the Digital Wallet scheme would truly benefit the people, especially vulnerable groups, who would receive the first subsidies to alleviate their financial burdens and increase earning opportunities.

She said the Digital Wallet scheme would also serve as a foundation for promoting the digital economy.

"Policies such as the Digital Wallet scheme, the development of a government data centre, and increased access to funding for village and community development are all part of the government’s plan to maintain the nation’s economic stability," she said.

The prime minister added that fiscal policy will be managed through efficient and proper budget spending under strict fiscal discipline to ensure the public’s best interests.

Paetongtarn also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the monarchy, promoting a correct understanding of royal duties, and implementing projects in line with royal initiatives.

"The government will promote religion as a mechanism for instilling morality and ethics in daily life, and will strictly enforce laws, particularly those related to protecting lives, property, and the environment," she said.

Paetongtarn, the kingdom’s youngest prime minister, was elected by Thailand’s House of Representatives as prime minister on Aug 16, succeeding her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, who was dismissed by the Constitutional Court on August 14.

-- BERNAMA