Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said Thailand needs unity to move forward, comparing the country to a car carrying 70 million passengers.
During the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) Expo 2022, Gen Prayut spoke about the kingdom’s situation, saying that the public and private sectors must come together to address changes and challenges.
The forum, titled “Shaping Future Industries for Stronger Thailand,” was organized under the bio, circular, and green (BCG) economic model.
The prime minister joined Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, and Economy and Digital Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn to deliver a speech on the country’s future.
“Thailand is no exception. It has to face the winds of change, and the wind can turn into a storm. It is time for the private and public sectors to come to an understanding that we must collaborate or else it won’t work,” he declared.
Gen Prayut said that his administration had talks with foreign governments to boost Thailand’s industrial development and enhance the national industrial strength.
“Thailand is like a massive car that moves 70 million people forward to the global stage,” he commented, adding that authorities’ job was to keep the engines running smoothly to ensure passenger convenience.
“We’re in the same vehicle. We need to push it along even when it’s in bad shape. But who will lead it is another story. What we’re doing today has to keep going. It’s not right to keep complaining about what should or shouldn’t be,” he went on.
The prime minister said he knew the plan was not easy as many factors such as technology and people’s skills had to be considered.
“But our job is to get it going. The first thing is to get the car ready and get all the passengers on board without leaving anyone behind. That’s the way I think it should be,” he added.
According to Gen Prayut, the government will work hard to ease economic hardship. However, he insisted that public health is still the most crucial concern.
The prime minister claimed that foreigners are welcomed into Thailand, saying it is a popular destination for them to live, work, and invest. He also spoke of his plans to buy different types of fuel abroad and defended the government’s borrowing to stimulate the economy.
The country needs greater unity, and the government under the current leadership is committed to working in the interests of all, Gen Prayut stated.
