BANGKOK - Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered his government's policy statement to parliament on Thursday, prioritizing immediate economic relief from global energy shocks while laying the groundwork for long-term structural reforms.
Addressing the National Assembly, Anutin emphasized that the Bhumjaithai Party-led government will urgently shield citizens and businesses from the severe volatility in global oil and natural gas prices triggered by the ongoing conflict and maritime disruptions in the Middle East.
He said immediate actions include providing help to vulnerable groups affected by rising fuel costs, stabilizing prices for essential agricultural and industrial supplies, and accelerating the disbursement of the 2026 fiscal budget to inject liquidity into the economy.
To further boost domestic consumption, Anutin said the incoming administration will drive the co-payment economic stimulus scheme and implement a comprehensive plan for household debt restructuring aimed at helping citizens and small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) re-enter the credit system.
Beyond crisis management, he outlined a strategic shift to upgrade Thailand's economic engines to escape the middle-income trap with plans to attract foreign investment in future industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and clean energy.
To protect local SMEs, authorities will clamp down on illegal foreign nominee companies and tighten import mechanisms to ensure fair competition for locally manufactured goods, he told a joint parliamentary session.
He said the agricultural sector will see a transition from traditional methods toward precision farming utilizing AI and biotechnology, solidifying Thailand's position as a global food security hub.
The strategy for the vital tourism sector will shift from volume-driven growth to high-value experiences, aiming to make the kingdom a secure, 365-day destination, he added.
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On national security and foreign policy, Anutin noted that his government intends to maintain a flexible stance and positive relations with all countries amid a multipolar world while actively eliminating all forms of threats and addressing cross-border issues in cooperation with neighboring countries.
He underscored that the visa-free entry policy and related laws will be reviewed to stop financial channels used by scam networks and all forms of international crime, including money laundering and grey market capital, in line with international agreements.
Domestically, the government promised rapid digitalization of public services, aiming to enact a "super license" law within 180 days to streamline business approvals, alongside an "omnibus law" within one year to eliminate obsolete regulations that hinder economic growth.
The prime minister concluded by pledging to use his mandate to drive Thailand to be secure from within, for Thai people to establish themselves, for the economy to be competitive, and for the world to trust Thailand.
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The two-day parliamentary debate on the policy statement, a key step required before a new administration can officially assume its duties, will continue through Friday.
Following his Bhumjaithai Party victory in the February general election, Anutin now leads a 16-party coalition supported by around 293 legislators in the 500-member House of Representatives.
Anutin has been the 32nd prime minister of the Southeast Asian country since last September. The 59-year-old was re-elected to his second term in office after winning a parliamentary vote in March.
