Thai PM targets food, healthcare, soft power to drive economy
The premier highlights plans to revive ‘Thai Kitchen to the World’ policy, improve healthcare access and boost soft power through cultural tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday that the government will focus on three key industries – food, healthcare and soft power – to attract new investments.
She was speaking at the “Prachachat Thailand 2025: Opportunity – Hope – Reality” event held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
In her keynote speech, Paetongtarn said her government will revive the “Thai Kitchen to the World” policy to promote Thailand’s potential as a global food supplier. This is possible because of Thailand’s strong agricultural sector, she said.
“The government is looking for ways to preserve food products so they can be exported without losing their quality,” she said. “For instance, Spain has never imported fruit from Thailand for fear they may spoil due to the long distance. However, it is known that the quality and taste of Thai fruit is second to none.”
On the healthcare front, she said the government has improved the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme, allowing patients to receive treatment anywhere in the country.
“This scheme has been globally recognised, with many countries wanting to study Thailand’s model. This has become a source of pride for the nation,” she said.
The premier also said that her government will continue working towards making Thailand a healthcare hub at both regional and global levels to attract customers as well as investors.
Paetongtarn added that the government has been promoting soft power by highlighting the culture of each province to attract tourists and generate income for local communities.
The soft power policy has also created opportunities for the Thai film industry by providing cash rebates to foreign filmmakers of up to 30% for productions valued at more than US$10 million, she said.
Citing figures released by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), the prime minister expressed confidence in the recovery of the Thai economy. The NESDC report said that the economy performed better than expected in the first nine months of the year.
“This growth is largely driven by the government’s investment and tourism. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, Thailand welcomed about 40 million foreign tourists per year and we are back on track with an estimated 36 million foreign arrivals this year,” she said.
She also assured investors that her government will complete its term and will continue working on projects initiated by her predecessor, former PM Srettha Thavisin.
Paetongtarn said her government will announce a summary of its 90-day achievements on December 12.
