BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub on June 7, provided updates on a wide range of government actions and national issues, including public health, economic policy, law enforcement, and the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border.
According to Jirayu, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reaffirmed efforts to tackle illegal businesses harming legitimate operators. Law enforcement has intensified crackdowns on call center scams, especially those targeting students with fraudulent scholarship offers. Customs officials seized nearly 10 million baht in smuggled goods in May, including parcels containing contraband disguised as branded products. Major seizures of electronic cigarettes were also reported in Songkhla and Trat provinces. The government has formed a task force to address the sale of e-cigarettes, including products designed to appeal to children, such as cartoon-themed “Toy Pods.”
On the economy, S&P Global Ratings reaffirmed Thailand’s BBB+ credit rating with a stable outlook, citing investor confidence in government policy. Economic growth is projected at 2.3 percent in 2025 and 2.6 percent in 2026. Contributing factors include strong foreign reserves, the Eastern Economic Corridor project, and government planning to mitigate global trade risks. Key investment areas include infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, exports, and human capital development.
The government addressed speculation about the future of the “30 Baht Treatment Anywhere” scheme, assuring the public that the system remains secure and well-funded. For 2026, the Ministry of Public Health has received a record allocation of over 265 billion baht. Hospital reserve funds now exceed 40 billion baht, with improvements including increased per-patient funding and expanded services such as pharmacy pick-up and home medication delivery. A support system remains in place to assist underfunded hospitals through resource-sharing with larger institutions.
On the Thai-Cambodian border, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of peaceful dialogue under the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding. Border trade remains open through six official and eleven temporary crossings. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to release accurate updates in coordination with the Ministry of Defense, while the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society monitors misinformation. The Prime Minister extended support to the armed forces and urged restraint to preserve peace and public safety.
Tourism and employment were also addressed. JOB EXPO THAILAND 2025 offered about 600,000 job opportunities across the public and private sectors. Meanwhile, Agoda reported strong interest in Thailand from European travelers, especially from Germany, France, and the UK. Bangkok, Koh Samui, and Pattaya remain top destinations. Thailand has welcomed approximately 14 million international visitors since January and is on track to exceed last year’s arrivals.
The government also discussed airport smoking regulations in response to requests from tourists. Relevant agencies have been instructed to propose legal smoking areas that protect non-smokers. In the energy sector, the factory price of crude palm oil was raised to support farmers, and a draft Palm Oil Industry Promotion Act is being prepared. The bill recommends systemic improvements in pricing, regulation, and farmer income. The program concluded with a road safety reminder for both riders and drivers during the rainy season. (NNT)
