On May 6, 2025, Ms. Paetongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister of Thailand, led a Council of Ministers meeting at Government House, focusing on various pressing issues, including disaster recovery, tourism promotion, and mental health initiatives.
During the meeting, the Cabinet approved a substantial budget of 2,049.69 million baht aimed at rehabilitating infrastructure damaged by recent disasters across 17 provinces. This funding will specifically target areas affected by floods and other calamities, ensuring that essential roads and public facilities are restored to facilitate better access for local communities.
"The allocation of this budget is crucial for restoring the livelihoods of those impacted by natural disasters," Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated. The provinces benefiting from this initiative include Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Loei, Phuket, Yala, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Kanchanaburi.
In addition to disaster recovery efforts, the Prime Minister announced the launch of the 'Amazing Thailand Tourism and Sport Year 2025' campaign. This initiative aims to enhance Thailand's image as a premier tourist destination and is expected to attract 75 million visitors, significantly boosting the nation’s economy. "We must collaborate with the private sector to promote our tourism brand and ensure that all stakeholders are prepared to welcome tourists," she emphasized.
Aligned with this tourism initiative, the Cabinet discussed strategies to improve the overall travel experience in Thailand. This includes enhancing airline services, promoting local hotels and restaurants, and developing a seamless public transportation system that connects popular tourist destinations.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of mental health, declaring May as 'Mind Month'. This initiative, aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, will involve campaigns to reduce stigma, increase accessibility to mental health services, and create safe spaces for discussions. "Mental health is a concern for everyone, and we must work together to foster a supportive environment," she remarked.
Ms. Paetongtarn also addressed questions regarding the ongoing violence in the southern provinces, reiterating the government's commitment to peace and stability. "We do not support violence in any form, and we are working closely with security forces to ensure the safety of all citizens," she asserted. The government is actively seeking to understand the underlying causes of unrest and is open to dialogue with all parties involved.
In response to inquiries about the BRN group, she confirmed that discussions are ongoing to facilitate understanding and cooperation. "We are ready to engage in talks to foster peace and ensure the well-being of our citizens," she added.
On the topic of digital wallets, the Prime Minister expressed her support for initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital economy, stating that these efforts are crucial for stimulating economic growth. "The digital wallet project is designed to boost the economy, and we will thoroughly consider all factors before moving forward," she explained.
Concerning the global economic situation, the Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges posed by international market fluctuations and the impact of rising import tariffs from the United States. She urged all government agencies to review their operational plans to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in response to the changing economic landscape.
"We must adapt our strategies to bolster the domestic economy and provide support to sectors affected by these changes, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)," she stated.
In conclusion, the Cabinet meeting on May 6, 2025, underscored the Thai government's proactive approach to addressing pressing issues such as disaster recovery, tourism promotion, mental health awareness, and economic resilience. With a focus on collaboration among various sectors, the government aims to foster a more robust and inclusive society for all citizens.
