“Standing still is a retreat”: Anutin sets bold reform agenda

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged to do everything necessary to steer Thailand toward internal stability, economic competitiveness, and international trust as he delivered his government's policy statement to Parliament today.

During the session, he outlined a vision centered on protecting the monarchy, upholding democratic governance with the King as Head of State, and adhering to the rule of law and good governance for the benefit of the people.

The Prime Minister also addressed the pressing impact of the Middle East conflict, which has disrupted crude oil shipments and led to unpredictable domestic fuel price increases.

“The government is working to mitigate these effects while maintaining fiscal discipline,” he stressed.

ey immediate measures include improving budgetary efficiency by accelerating the 2026 Budget Transfer Act to address current crises and support vulnerable groups.

Another priority is advancing trade negotiations through consultations with Thai entrepreneurs and international partners to boost agricultural and processed food exports.

The government is also preparing the 2027 Budget Act, with a focus on cutting unnecessary agency spending that does not contribute to national development goals.

The Prime Minister also introduced a strategic shift in state administration, moving toward an integrated “cluster” system. This approach emphasises performance-based targets and key performance indicators, with the ultimate goal of improving public well-being.

“The government will act as a facilitator for the private sector and the public, transitioning toward a fully digital government system for transparency and speed,” he said.

To build the nation’s internal strength and boost global confidence, Anutin laid out the government’s comprehensive policy framework.

The framework is divided into key areas covering the economy, foreign affairs and security, social development, disaster and environmental management, and public administration reform.

On the economic front, the plan prioritises SMEs, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure, with agriculture shifting to precision farming and tourism moving from volume-driven growth to high-value experiences.

In foreign affairs and security, the government aims to strengthen border controls, resolve transboundary issues, including Thai-Cambodian maritime overlapping claims, review the 2001 MOU, and reassess the current visa-free travel policy.

Social development policies focus on implementing free education “that works,” upgrading healthcare systems with AI, and modernising the Social Security Act to better reflect the gig economy and evolving employment patterns.

For disaster and environmental management, the strategy includes using big data and AI for precise, sub-district-level weather forecasting, targeting net-zero emissions by 2050, and establishing a national disaster insurance system for households.

Finally, public administration and legal reform efforts will push for a ‘Super License Law’ within 180 days to streamline public services, alongside omnibus legislation within one year to eliminate outdated regulations that hinder economic growth.

“Standing still is a retreat,” he said, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

“I will do everything in my power to make Thailand secure from within, to enable Thais to thrive, to make the economy competitive, and to ensure the world trusts Thailand,” he concluded.