Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra outlined ten of her government’s policies for immediate implementation in her formal statement to a joint session of parliament this morning.
She also identified nine challenges confronting Thailand and informed parliament of the middle- and long-term policies that her Pheu Thai-led government intends to realise before the next general election three years from now.
She said that she is confident that her government will deliver hope, opportunity, as well as social and economic equality to the people.
The prime minister said that the ten policies for immediate implementation include the restructuring of the entire debt system, reduction of energy and other utility charges, the formalisation informal businesses and the underground economy, the stimulation of the economy through the “digital wallet” scheme, the adding of more value to farm products to increase farmers’ revenues, tourism promotion, a crackdown on crime and the illegal narcotics trade, increased support for SMEs and improvements to social welfare.
The prime minister also said that the government has adopted mid- and long-term policies aimed at increasing Thailand’s competitiveness in the global market, setting the foundation for future development.
These policies include the promotion of local wisdom and creative culture, to increase the country’s soft power, the promotion of future industries, the development of green, digital, care and wellness markets, transformation of the local auto industry, from internal combustion engines to HEVs, PHEVs and BEVs, the delivery of major infrastructure projects, including digital technology infrastructure, and the promotion of gender equality.
She said that, while driving social and economic development, the government will protect the environment and utilise natural resources sustainably.
On political development, the prime minister said that the government will speed up the drafting of a new Constitution, to be more democratic and to uphold the rule of law and ensure transparency, and bureaucratic and military reforms.
Regarding the Monarchy, she said the government will publicise the activities of the Royal Family and Royally-sponsored projects, to create a better understanding of the role of the Monarchy in Thai democracy.
The prime minister spent about an hour presenting the government’s policies, after which the house floor was opened for debate by MPs, senators and cabinet ministers. The debate will last for 29 hours.
