PM summarises govt's 60 days achievements

During the “Chance of Possibility: From Policy to Action within 60 Days” programme, the PM highlighted urgent measures implemented during this period, such as reducing expenses, especially electricity rates, first from 4.45 baht to 4.10 baht and then to 3.99 baht. This reduction aimed to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

Additionally, steps have been taken to address household debt issues with a focus on non-systemic debt, which has long been a social problem in Thailand. There were also discussions about interest rate charges, which have been excessively high, leading to situations where people paid interest without reducing the principal of the debt. Clear solutions have been sought to rectify this issue, he explained, and further details should be announced within the next few weeks, possibly by mid-December.

Regarding increasing income, the Prime Minister emphasised various measures including the digital wallet scheme, saying that he would personally announce the details on November 10. These will encompass such principles as the flow of funds, recipients, products eligible for usage, distances in kilometres, and even specific districts or sub-districts.

Expanding income opportunities and providing knowledge to farmers are considered crucial. The government recognises the importance of agricultural knowledge dissemination and stressed the need for efficient use of market mechanisms, and opening new markets in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, both of which have significant demands for food products.

The government believes that by expanding markets, income opportunities will increase, and crop prices will likely rise.

In terms of tourism, Srettha noted that the government was still aiming to boost national income through such measures as introducing visa exemption for visitors from China, Taiwan, and India which, he said, was attracting a significant number of tourists from these countries, especially to the southern provinces, notably Phang Nga. The government not only focused on policies and regulations but also emphasised the entire travel experience, ensuring convenience, speed, security, and cooperation with the Thai police. Furthermore, the Airports of Thailand (AOT) had been tasked with facilitating convenience in baggage handling. The government was closely monitoring these aspects to enhance the overall tourist experience.

Regarding visa-free entry for Kazakhstan nationals, it was noted that Kazakhstan was close to Russia and had a relatively high-income population. Previous statistics indicated a considerable number of tourists from Kazakhstan visiting provinces like Phang Nga. Hence, discussions were underway to assess the feasibility of extending the duration of stay beyond 30 days.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the government's efforts to enhance tourism infrastructure, not only in Bangkok but also in other tourist provinces. These included improvements in airport facilities. The government aimed to provide tourists with a better experience and considered the duration of stay crucial. Supporting secondary cities was important, he said, and the focus extended beyond Bangkok to places like Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Hua Hin.

“But we also want to go to places like Nan, Kalasin, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, which would extend the stay of tourists. In terms of development, we need to consider the readiness of airports. Suvarnabhumi Airport recently added a new satellite passenger terminal (SAT-1) and there are plans to develop many secondary airports. In the future, Nan province might need to be upgraded to Nan International Airport. These small investments can elevate certain airports, making secondary cities more desirable for everyone. We want to make these cities convenient,” the Prime Minister said.

Transportation, he noted, was crucial because it connects the entire country. “During my trip to China, discussions about logistic connections were prominent covering, among other projects, the high-speed train system being constructed from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen, Khon Kaen to Nong Khai, crossing into Laos, and further linking to China. This network would facilitate the export of agricultural products to other countries. However, the railway project requires proper planning and key strategies including, for instance, the building of a bridge from Nong Khai to Laos on which agreement was reached during my visit to Laos.

In terms of exports, Srettha made mention of the passion for durian among Thailand’s Chinese neighbours, noting that the average consumption of durian in China is 7 kilograms per person, while in Thailand, it’s 5 kilograms, and in Malaysia, it’s 11 kilograms. “Currently, we export over two million tons. Rapid transportation is thus vital and we are working to simplify the documentation process to make these exports more efficient.”

Srettha also talked about his overseas trips, such as the UN General Assembly meeting in New York, which gave him the opportunity to meet many of the world’s leaders. “The issue of geopolitics is intense, particularly between China and the United States and Russia and Ukraine. The United Nations itself is aware of the challenges faced this year. The major theme is clean energy, or sustainable development goals (SDG), and everyone agrees it needs to be managed well. We spoke on several platforms, including the issuance of green bonds, demonstrating to the world that Thailand is concerned about these matters. We have clear goals to achieve Net Zero Carbon,” he told viewers.

“I also had the opportunity to meet with significant companies interested in investing heavily in Thailand. Next week, when I travel to San Francisco to attend the APEC meeting, negotiations will continue, including the signing of memoranda of understanding.

“In reality, these trips are about trade. We are salesmen; we have to tell them that Thailand is open and there is no better time than now to invest in Thailand. We are ready. Whether it's the tax support measures by the BOI or our advantage in clean energy, we have them all. When it comes to the cost of living, we are competitive, and our quality of life is excellent,” Srettha said.

Srettha also spoke about his visits to Cambodia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. During these visits, he met with leaders and discussed business opportunities while addressing concerns about crime, such as organised crime syndicates.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the challenges posed by drug addiction in the country and highlighted the government's efforts to combat drug-related crimes, including seizing assets of drug traffickers.

Social issues, including constitutional amendments and same-sex marriage laws, were also discussed. The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to resolving these matters, indicating that a committee had been formed to work on constitutional amendments, and same-sex marriage legislation should be submitted to Parliament in December.

Regarding the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Prime Minister clarified that he never stated the intention to dissolve it. Instead, various organisations including the Board of Investment and the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), are undergoing development and changes.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the time constraints faced by his government, emphasising the need for efficiency and productivity. He urged all government agencies and civil servants to work diligently and be open to feedback and highlighted the importance of stimulating the economy, given the challenges faced by the country's economy in recent years.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister assured the public that the government is working tirelessly to address the nation’s concerns and encouraged cooperation and understanding from all sectors to achieve progress and improve the country's overall situation