Thailand outlines key government priorities

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra addressed the parliament on Thursday, detailing the new government's policy agenda, which is set to be implemented before the next general election in the next three years.

She expressed confidence that her administration will bring hope, opportunities, and economic and social equality to the Thai people.

In her 60-minute speech, the PM highlighted nine key challenges facing Thailand and outlined immediate policies, including debt restructuring, reducing energy and utility costs, formalizing informal businesses, boosting the economy through a digital wallet programme, increasing agricultural product value, promoting tourism, tackling crimes and drug trafficking, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and improving social welfare.

She also introduced medium- and long-term policies to enhance Thailand’s global competitiveness, focusing on promoting local wisdom and creative culture, advancing "soft power," supporting future industries, developing green and digital markets, transforming the local automotive industry toward eco-friendly alternatives, speeding up major infrastructure projects, and promoting gender equality. The Thai governmnet will protect the environment and promote sustainable use of natural resources.

On the political front, the PM committed to drafting a more democratic constitution, promoting transparency, and reforming bureaucracy and the military. She also stressed the importance of educating the public on the monarchy’s role in Thailand’s democracy.

The cabinet will disclose the activities of the Royal Family and the projects sponsored by it, so that the public has a better understanding of the role of the monarchy in Thailand’s democracy, she added.

Her speech was followed by a parliamentary debate, which will continue through Friday.