Bangkok:Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed P-Move protesters on World Habitat Day, assuring them that he never considered cutting the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme.

According to Thai News Agency, Anutin emerged from Government House alongside Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri and other officials to receive a petition from the P-Move group. The group, advocating for healthcare rights and housing, presented demands to the government, emphasizing the importance of keeping the universal healthcare policy intact.

Mr. Chamnong Noophan, a leader of P-Move, highlighted the significance of World Habitat Day, designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about housing needs. He cited UN statistics indicating a global homelessness crisis and presented demands for constitutional amendments prioritizing housing rights. The coalition also called for maintaining the national health insurance scheme and addressing housing issues in communities like Khlong Toei.

The Prime Minister accepted a symbolic flag from the protesters and reiterated his commitment to not amending the healthcare scheme. He emphasized that any changes would improve healthcare services, including broader disease coverage and better quality of care, particularly for the elderly.

Anutin concluded by urging the crowd not to heed misleading claims about potential cuts to healthcare benefits. He stressed that government discussions with the Budget Bureau prioritize funding for public health, and any adjustments would solely enhance the system.