Abhisit says Anutin’s policy statement ignores public suffering

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said today that the government’s policy statement was written with a lack of awareness, or with total disregard for public interest and suffering, and that it offers no hope for the people.

During the debate on the government’s policy statement, he said he found that most of the promises made during the election campaign by government parties—such as the 3 baht-per-unit electricity price, welfare for the elderly, and the upgrading of volunteer nurses—have been left out.

Meanwhile, the massive land bridge project, which is not included in the policy statement, is still being discussed at the ministerial level.

The protracted unrest in the deep South is mentioned in just a few sentences, and there is no reference at all to the peace process with insurgent groups, which has been suspended indefinitely, Abhisit said.

The Democrat leader said the policy statement appears sound and would not be opposed by most people, but while timeframes are outlined for when projects or promises will be implemented or achieved, there is no mention of tangible mechanisms for implementation or indicators to measure success.

He also questioned the government’s assurance of sufficient oil reserves to meet domestic demand for more than 100 days, highlighting what he described as mismanagement of the oil crisis.

He criticised the government’s use of the Oil Fuel Fund to cushion the full impact of rising oil prices on consumers, describing it as a way to buy time based on the empty hope that global oil prices will fall.

He said the government should instead cut excise taxes to reduce fuel prices.

Commenting on the government’s plan to turn Thailand into the “world’s kitchen,” Abhisit pointed to its failure to stabilise prices for Nam Hom coconuts to support growers, as well as its inability to rein in middlemen accused of suppressing prices.

The Democrat leader said he has no confidence in the government’s policy statement or its commitment to upholding the rule of law, citing the Khao Kradueng land dispute in Buri Ram province—allegedly involving the influential Chidchob family—and claims of collusion in the election of senators.

He also reminded the prime minister and his Cabinet of the oath they took before HM the King.

In delivering the policy statement this morning, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to steer Thailand towards prosperity and internal security, improve people’s livelihoods, enhance the country’s competitiveness, and boost foreign confidence.

Regarding the oil crisis, which poses serious challenges to all nations, the prime minister said the government is doing its best to mitigate its impact on the public, particularly the most vulnerable.

He said the government will prioritise public interest, strictly adhere to fiscal discipline, ensure caution and transparency in managing public assets, promote public participation in infrastructure development, and reduce public debt.