More economic self-reliance key to happiness, says Prayut

Prayut wrote that over the past decade, political, economic and social imbalances stemming from political instability have led to a lack of continuity in successive governments’ policies.

Prayut said he, as prime minister, is seeking to redress issues the Kingdom has faced in recent years and to lay the foundation for national reform. 

The premier said he is well aware that it’s hard to build a nation if its people do not have enough food on the table or cannot sleep.

Amid the global economic slowdown and the fact that Thailand is dependent on exports for 70 per cent of its income, Prayut said Thais would have to stop depending on others. This, he said, was why the current administration was trying to help farmers – who are the backbone of the nation – to be able to stand by themselves. Measures cited by Prayut in assisting farmers include tackling debts that farmers owe to loan sharks, providing them access to loans, improving irrigation systems and water sources, improving social welfare, encouraging savings and more.

The PM said the government was also trying to strengthen villages and tambons, as well as small businesses in order to create more jobs at local levels. 

Efforts were also being made to extend infrastructure to link various production areas to support Thai exports to the world.

“I am confident that these measures will return Thailand to become ‘Smiling Siam’, that is known to the world, once again,” Prayut concluded.