Pledges’prosperity for all the persons ‘
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra promised to reinvent Thailand’s coming by embracing its unique talents, exploring new possibilities, and harnessing technologies for the greater good.
Ms. Paetongtarn, who spoke at the Bangkok Post Forum 2024, expressed confidence in her ability to create a prosperous country.
” It is a promise to create shared prosperity for all– our people, communities, and the wider region,” the prime minister told the participants at the forum held yesterday evening at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, who included foreign dignitaries, business executives and politicians.
For decades, she said, Thailand’s growth relied on strategies which focused on mass production and heavy industries.
” These approaches brought progress, but in a world undergoing rapid changes, they are no longer enough,” she said.
” Thailand stands at a crossroads. We must find creative, bold solutions that match our individual strengths and distinguish us from others.
Our potential lies not in following other people’s paths, but in utilizing what makes us truly exceptional: our strategic location, plentiful natural resources, and the creativity of our people.
The prime minister said,” We can chart a new course toward prosperity and establish Thailand as a leader in an interconnected, dynamic world by embracing our identity and reimagining our future.”
Ms Paetongtarn went on to discuss Thailand’s unique strengths, which she said should be utilised to achieve shared prosperity.
She claimed that Thailand’s greatest asset is its geographic proximity because it is situated at the heart of Southeast Asia.
As a result, Thailand has the opportunity to become a hub for logistics, trade and exchange, connecting countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ( Asean ) with the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
” With plans for high-speed rail, an aviation hub and improved cold-chain logistics networks, we can enhance the movement of goods, people, and ideas across borders,” she said.
Thailand can also act as a gateway between the East and the West, fostering international cooperation and mutual understanding.
” In an era of division, we can stand as a beacon of collaboration and shared prosperity,” she said.
Thailand’s second strength is its abundance of natural resources and cultural richness, which gives the country unparalleled opportunities.
” Thailand has long been known as the ‘ Kitchen of the World ‘, but now, it is time to elevate this legacy even further,” the prime minister said.
” With our agricultural resources, culinary expertise, and advanced technologies like precision farming and blockchain for traceability, we can transform traditional farming into a modern industry that prioritises quality, sustainability, and innovation,” she stressed.
The prime minister turned her attention to Thailand’s tourism sector, citing the need for urgent assistance in its development because it is more than just a tourist destination.
” With our renowned hospitality and cultural heritage, we are uniquely positioned to offer wellness tourism, from spa therapies to meditation retreats, and become a top destination for digital nomads and retirees,” she said.
The prime minister also urged the nation to prepare for a tech-driven future and stressed the importance of technology in changing the nation.
” This is Thailand’s next chapter,” she said.
We ask that you join us on this journey along with your friends and partners. “