BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsub on May 31, provided an overview of key national issues and recent activities involving Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. The program opened with a renewed call for public discipline, especially regarding traffic safety. As of June 1, the Royal Thai Police are enforcing stricter regulations, with a focus on helmet use and traffic compliance, paying special attention to delivery riders. Over 2,000 complaints submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office this year, covering corruption and misconduct, are under investigation through disciplinary and covert procedures.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur was also reviewed. During the summit, she delivered remarks addressing global shifts toward protectionist policies and urged stronger regional coordination to support economic resilience. The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045, outlining a shared roadmap for regional cooperation in the areas of economy, technology, and society over the next two decades.
In a series of bilateral and trilateral meetings, the Prime Minister discussed deeper cooperation with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., covering education, trade, and innovation. Thailand offered its support for the Philippines’ upcoming ASEAN chairmanship. A separate trilateral meeting with Indonesia and Malaysia focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and research to support the collective economic development of the three nations, representing a combined population of 370 million.
The summit also featured a first-of-its-kind meeting between ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China. Topics included trade, climate change, energy, and regional security. Leaders agreed to increase the use of existing free trade agreements, enhance food and energy security, and expand power grid connectivity. ASEAN also approved the formation of a geo-economics task force to coordinate responses to trade pressures. During a youth dialogue, the Prime Minister proposed greater investment in regional education, cross-border exchanges, and future skills development.
Domestically, the government is progressing with new legislation to accelerate the adoption of solar energy. A draft law will streamline the installation process by replacing the current permit system with a notification model. Financial support, such as tax incentives and low-interest loans, will be offered. A recent visit by Deputy Prime Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga to China sought partnerships to ensure access to affordable, high-quality solar equipment. The government expects this to reduce energy costs for households and businesses while supporting broader economic growth. Thai exports also continued to rise, with a 10 percent increase in April and a 23.8 percent increase in exports to the United States.
The government is also preparing the fiscal year 2026 budget, set at 3.7806 trillion baht, under a deficit model designed to support recovery and long-term development. Budget priorities include reducing inequality, expanding public services, infrastructure investment, and environmental sustainability. Recent anti-drug operations have resulted in major seizures, backed by increased resources and technology. On the tourism front, Thailand anticipates a surge in Chinese visitors following the “Sawasdee Ni Hao” cultural celebration. Plans to support year-round tourism include upgrades to transportation, safety measures, and public amenities. A decision on Thailand’s potential bid to host a Formula 1 race is expected soon. (NNT)
