BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayut Huangsap, provided updates on key government actions and national developments. The broadcast covered economic strategies, infrastructure projects, international relations, security measures, and tourism promotion. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s official visit to China was a central topic, along with efforts to strengthen trade, investment, and diplomatic ties.
The program outlined Thailand’s preparations for the 2026 World Bank and IMF Governors’ Meetings, positioning the country as a business, financial, and tourism hub. Economic and industrial strategies were also addressed, with an emphasis on expanding green technology, solar energy, and electric vehicle production.
Security measures were another key focus, particularly efforts to dismantle call center scams along Thailand’s borders. The prime minister ordered immediate action against criminal enterprises misusing energy supplies, assigning Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai to oversee enforcement. Authorities stressed that electricity supplied to neighboring areas must strictly support essential services such as hospitals and schools.
Thailand’s infrastructure expansion continues, with the Cabinet approving Phase 2 of the High-Speed Rail Project from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. Once completed, the rail system will link Bangkok to Vientiane, Laos, integrating with China’s Belt and Road Initiative to enhance trade and regional economic connectivity. The premier has urged the Ministry of Transport to accelerate work on Phase 1, which has faced delays.
Tourism remains a major priority, with the launch of the “Amazing Thailand Grand Tourism and Sports Year 2025” campaign. The initiative seeks to attract 38 million foreign visitors by promoting attractions beyond major cities, eco-tourism, cultural festivals, and global sporting events. To encourage travel to lesser-known areas, the government will replace the term “secondary cities” with “hidden gem destinations.”
The program also covered Thailand’s participation in international sports, with the prime minister attending the opening ceremony of the 9th Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China. She showed support for Thai athletes during an ice hockey match against China, while the event reinforced Harbin’s reputation as a winter sports hub.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn has also taken part in meetings with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji, reaffirming cooperation in digital trade, artificial intelligence, nuclear technology, green energy, and high-speed rail development. During the talks, the Chinese leaders commended Thailand’s crackdown on transnational cybercrime, especially efforts to dismantle call center scams.
Other announcements included Thailand’s preparations to welcome a new pair of giant pandas from China. The pandas will be housed at Chiang Mai Zoo, continuing the tradition established with Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui in 2003. The government is organizing naming contests and public events to celebrate their arrival.
The program closed with discussions on Thailand’s progress in gender equality, as the prime minister delivered a keynote speech at the 45th anniversary of Thansettakij newspaper. Paetongtarn reaffirmed Thailand’s status as a global leader in female representation in business, ranking third worldwide in the number of female CEOs. The recent passage of marriage equality legislation was also recognized as a milestone for gender rights. (NNT)
