BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap on Saturday (April 19), provided updates on key national issues, covering diplomacy, trade, economic relief, public safety, and cultural activities. The program opened with a summary of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Thailand on April 17. During his meeting with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra at Government House, the two leaders discussed strengthening ASEAN cooperation, with Malaysia currently serving as ASEAN chair. Topics included the development of a new border checkpoint in Songkhla’s Sadao district and the construction of a bridge over the Golok River to boost cross-border connectivity.
In response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Thai exports by the administration of President Donald Trump, the Thai government has established a committee to monitor developments and prepare countermeasures. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, along with Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan, is scheduled to travel to the United States to negotiate and safeguard Thailand’s trade interests.
The program also acknowledged global recognition for Prime Minister Paetongtarn, who was recently named among the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders for 2025. She was previously included in TIME magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people. Her administration has been credited with tackling cybercrime, addressing drug issues, and improving access to healthcare through the expansion of the “30 Baht Universal Healthcare” policy.
Domestically, the government has extended the “You Strive, We Support” debt relief program until the end of April. The scheme provides interest reductions and settlement options for both active and non-performing loans. Citizens can contact the 1213 helpline for assistance. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Industry has launched investigations following the collapse of the State Audit Office building in Bangkok, leading to many fatalities. The incident revealed the use of substandard steel, prompting inspections at factories in several provinces.
Additional updates included the continued rollout of the “Thai Select” certification for restaurants serving authentic Thai cuisine, with 496 establishments certified across all 77 provinces. Authorities also reported the closure of over 130,000 mule accounts involved in online scams during the first quarter of 2025. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant for common forms of fraud, including fake deliveries, fraudulent travel bookings, phishing messages, and counterfeit online stores. The program concluded with an update on ongoing Songkran festivities, with “Wan Lai” water celebrations continuing in Pattaya, Bang Saen, Samut Prakan, Trat, Rayong, Nakhon Sawan, and Ubon Ratchathani through April 29. The public is encouraged to participate while helping preserve Thai cultural traditions. (NNT)
