BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Phumtham Wechayachai has outlined the government’s strategic priorities for 2025, describing it as a critical year for implementing policies to restore public confidence and address structural challenges. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the government is focusing on measures to drive economic growth, reduce public burdens, and enhance national stability.
Phumtham told Matichon news agency during a recent interview the government’s economic revival efforts include the 10,000-Baht Digital Wallet Program, which has already supported 14.5 million vulnerable individuals and will soon expand to senior citizens and other groups. The program has been developed to stimulate spending and fuel economic circulation. Measures to address household debt include lower interest rates, a three-year moratorium for manageable debts, and targeted funding to support struggling SMEs.
Phumtham expects GDP growth to exceed 3% in 2025, driven by these domestic strategies despite external economic challenges. Tourism remains a key contributor, supported by soft power campaigns and cultural initiatives that continue to attract international visitors. The government’s focus on quality tourism and leveraging Thailand’s cultural strengths is expected to boost economic activity further.
Tackling the drug problem has also been prioritized. Phumtham has brought together key agencies, including the Ministry of Defense, ONCB, AMLO, Royal Thai Police, and ISOC, to enhance border security and disrupt smuggling routes across 51 border districts, targeting high-risk areas along the Mekong River and other critical regions. Successful models from Nan and Roi Et provinces will guide this approach, with progress reviewed every six months after the strategy’s official launch on January 20.
Addressing political stability, Phumtham expressed confidence in the government’s ability to navigate challenges through transparency and diplomacy. The 2001 MOU on territorial disputes, often a source of public concern, is being addressed within a framework of peaceful negotiation. Constitutional amendments remain a longer-term objective, requiring extensive public consultation and coalition party collaboration.
With policies focused on beefing up security, reducing public expenses, increasing incomes, and driving economic growth, the deputy premier stated that he views 2025 as a transformative year for Thailand. (NNT)
