BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayut Huangsap on Jan 4, provided an overview of key government initiatives and updates as Thailand enters the Buddhist calendar year 2568. The program outlined efforts to improve public safety, stimulate the economy, and enhance the quality of life across the nation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra extended gratitude to civil servants, volunteers, and the Royal Thai Police for their work during the holiday season, ensuring safe travel across the country.
Police operations, covering nine regional commands, managed traffic and security in high-density areas. Progress on major infrastructure projects was also discussed, including the near-completion of the Motorway M6 (Bang Pa-In–Nakhon Ratchasima), which is expected to open later this year to ease congestion on Mittraphap road. Motorway M81 (Bang Yai–Kanchanaburi) was promoted as an alternative route for travelers from the south, bypassing congested areas such as Rama II road.
The government is advancing its economic stimulus programs, including the second phase of the 10,000-baht cash distribution for citizens aged 60 and above, benefiting approximately 4 million registered individuals by the end of January 2025. Farmers will receive support through the 1,000 Baht per Rai Project, which provides up to 10,000 baht per household to reduce cultivation costs for the 2024/2025 crop year. The “You Strive, We Support” program offers relief to borrowers with active vehicle and housing loans, while the “Buy, Repair, Build” scheme provides low-interest housing loans for property purchases and renovations.
To boost domestic spending, the Easy E-Receipt 2.0 initiative offers tax deductions of up to 50,000 baht for purchases made between January 16 and February 28, 2025. Utility discounts include reduced electricity rates of 4.15 baht per unit from January to April 2025 and frozen LPG prices at 423 baht per 15 kg tank until March 31, 2025. Additional measures include deferred electricity bill payments for households with bills under 300 baht and a 15% discount on new water meter installations.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted a record 35.32 million foreign visitors in 2024 and outlined plans to promote year-round tourism by enhancing attractions and visitor experiences. Efforts to address PM2.5 pollution include partnerships with FIT Auto for free tire inflation and discounted motor oil, along with a 1-baht per liter reduction in diesel prices at select stations. Looking forward, the government aims to achieve GDP growth exceeding 3% in 2025 by focusing on five key industries: large-scale AI data centers, electric vehicles, precision agriculture, food technology, and advanced manufacturing. (NNT)
