BANGKOK (NBT WORLD) – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has presented a detailed report on her government’s first 90 days in office, highlighting achievements and policy directions for 2024 under the theme “Empowering Thais: A Real Possibility for 2025.” The address, attended by senior officials, cabinet members, and provincial governors, outlined structural reforms and immediate action plans to improve livelihoods and accelerate economic recovery.
Key priorities include six long-term policies to address challenges such as flood and drought management, PM 2.5 air pollution control, combating drug addiction, dismantling monopolies, formalizing the informal economy, and future-focused mega-investments. Immediate measures for 2024 involve the SML Village Development Project, One District, One Scholarship (ODOS) program, digital wallet economic stimulus, public housing schemes, and household debt relief measures.
The premier expressed her commitment to addressing water scarcity, enhancing canal systems, and exploring sustainable flood management infrastructure. Air pollution reduction efforts focus on domestic and cross-border haze control, with the Clean Air Act under review for parliamentary submission. Monopolies in agriculture and energy sectors are being targeted to lower costs, while formalizing informal businesses aims to integrate untaxed activities into the economy, potentially generating substantial revenue.
For 2024, the government plans to expand its metro system’s flat-rate fare, launch affordable public housing projects, and enhance educational opportunities under ODOS by upgrading district schools and funding overseas programs. Economic measures include extending a digital wallet scheme, offering cash relief to 4 million elderly citizens, and implementing debt moratoriums and settlement options for struggling households.
In her address, Prime Minister Paetongtarn also reiterated her government’s focus on improving the quality of life and economic resilience. Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira will oversee the execution of these policies, which build on the groundwork established by the previous administration.
Source: NNT
