National —
At 10:00 AM on December 12th, 2024, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra presented her government’s three-month progress under the theme “2025: Thailand’s Opportunity, Real Achievements.”
She detailed strategies for governance and outlined upcoming policies aimed at tackling key national challenges and driving sustainable development.
Key Highlights:
1. Foundation for Collaboration
Paetongtarn emphasized the importance of collaboration across all sectors, crediting her team for adapting quickly during the first 90 days of governance. She called for unified efforts to overcome long-standing political divisions and focus on economic and social recovery.
2. Flood Response and Infrastructure Plans
- The government addressed severe flooding in northern, northeastern, and southern Thailand, implementing swift relief measures.
- Plans are underway to integrate flood and drought mitigation systems, including a Floodway Mega-Project to aid central Thailand, led by Deputy PMs Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Prasert Jantararuangtong.
- A new initiative proposes revising laws to allow communities to excavate canals and sell extracted soil.
3. Environmental Measures
- Northern Thailand reduced agricultural burning by 50%, with stricter policies on imports of fire-based products from neighboring countries.
- Deputy PM Prasert will spearhead efforts to achieve long-term solutions to air pollution, particularly PM2.5 reduction.
4. Drug Control Efforts
- A public platform will allow citizens to report drug-related issues directly to the prime minister, ensuring whistleblower safety.
- Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai will oversee coordinated anti-drug campaigns.
5. Breaking Monopolies and Supporting SMEs
- Reforms will target monopoly regulations, particularly in rice exports, enabling SMEs to enter global markets.
- Outdated laws limiting small-scale exporters will be modernized for broader participation.
6. Energy and Economic Reforms
- The government plans to reduce energy costs by 2025.
- Community liquor production will be supported by loosening regulations, fostering new market opportunities.
7. Digitization and AI Development
- Plans to establish Thailand as a regional AI hub include training 280,000 students in AI fields within five years.
- Underground or informal economies, valued at 49% of GDP, will be formalized, boosting tax revenue and reducing corruption.
8. Signature Initiatives for 2025
- One District One Scholarship (ODOS): Providing scholarships for talented students to study abroad.
- Summer Camp Programs: Offering overseas learning experiences to foster global exposure.
- Housing for New Graduates: Affordable urban housing projects near transit lines, with long-term leases and minimal financial barriers.
- 20-Baht Electric Train Policy: Slated for implementation next year.
9. Digital Wallet Expansion
- Phase 2 targets 4 million senior citizens by Chinese New Year 2025, while Phase 3 will cater to the general public later in the year.
Paetongtarn concluded by calling on government officials, businesses, and citizens to join forces in building a strong foundation for Thailand’s next decade. She stressed the importance of reducing bureaucratic power to empower the nation’s 66 million citizens while ensuring robust institutional support for future generations.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
