Bangkok: Gen. Prawit urges the government to urgently address issues affecting the livelihoods of citizens, including household debts, while firmly opposing the establishment of "free casinos" for the benefit of capitalists.
According to Thai News Agency, Pol. Lt. Gen. Piya Tawichai, spokesperson for the Palang Pracharath Party, stated that Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, the leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, is deeply concerned about the populace, particularly during the ongoing economic downturn. He criticized the government's slow response in implementing effective solutions, directing MPs and MP candidates to actively engage with communities to understand and address their problems. Notably, visits from party members such as Mr. Suradet Yasawat and Mr. Chaimongkol Chairob have revealed that agricultural product prices have fallen to historic lows, with raw milk and palm oil priced under 4 baht per kilogram and ripe mangoes selling at just 2 baht per kilogram, without any relief measures in place.
The disjointed efforts among ministries, including Agriculture and Cooperatives, Commerce, and Foreign Affairs, have exacerbated issues in domestic goods distribution and exports, particularly to China and Europe. This misalignment has adversely affected crop prices and farmer incomes, further escalating household debts. Data from the Bank of Thailand indicates that 25.5 million Thais, or 38.2% of the population, are in debt, with an average debt of 539,291 baht per person. The household debt resolution project by the government, "You Fight, We Help," has not gained traction and has proven ineffective.
The government's inability to deliver on key election promises, such as economic development and increasing GDP by 5%, has been highlighted. Additionally, there has been criticism for not implementing minimum wage increases and failing to reduce oil and electricity prices, crucial for the development of transportation, industry, and trade. The government has instead increased the oil tax, making Thai oil prices higher than neighboring countries.
Efforts to establish competitive advantages have been inadequate, with Thailand's GDP trailing behind countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Projects with questionable terms, such as digital currency initiatives and free casinos, have been pushed instead. Gen. Prawit and his party have unequivocally opposed the Integrated Entertainment Act aimed at promoting free casinos, emphasizing that they will not support such initiatives that benefit select groups.
Additionally, Gen. Prawit has expressed concern over the flooding in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province, and has instructed Mr. Suradet, Deputy Leader of the Party, to provide aid to affected residents.