Bangkok: The Democrat Party unveiled its 90-day plan, "How to Eradicate Poverty in Thailand," aiming for 5% economic growth within four years by utilizing state resources, upgrading agriculture, and promoting targeted industries.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit Vejjajiva, leader of the Democrat Party and prime ministerial candidate, along with Korn Chatikavanij, Dr. Kardee Leowpairoj, and Veerapong Prapha, held a press conference to launch the "90-Day Action Plan: How to Eradicate Poverty in Thailand," affirming the party's readiness to govern the country from day one if it forms a government.
Mr. Abhisit stated that Thailand's economic problems have been accumulating for over 10 years, requiring serious solutions through clearly defined policies. He aimed for at least 5% economic growth within four years, emphasizing that improving the economy and the well-being of the people requires structural solutions, not just short-term budget spending.
Regarding the first 90-day timeframe, Mr. Abhisit stated that he did not want it to be viewed merely as a rushed policy for image building, but rather as the starting point for addressing structural problems that need to begin quickly. The Democrat government will play a crucial role in three areas: providing clear direction for the economy and investment; paving the way through infrastructure investment and proactive foreign policy; and not hindering progress by reforming redundant laws and regulations and reducing obstacles to doing business.
Meanwhile, the Democrat Party affirms its commitment to caring for all groups of people, especially vulnerable groups, while simultaneously boosting the economy in the long term through the development of targeted industries. This includes upgrading the agricultural sector from commodity sales to processing and high-value creation, as well as the automotive, electronics, high-tech, quality tourism, digital economy, and clean energy sectors.
Mr. Korn stated that the key to driving economic growth is utilizing existing state resources to their fullest potential without increasing the budgetary burden. This will help GDP grow and reduce government spending in the long term, especially "government data," which is considered the most valuable asset today and can be leveraged for immense economic growth.
Mr. Korn stated that the state holds a significant amount of data, land, buildings, and infrastructure. Therefore, the Democrat Party proposes opening these resources up for the private sector and the public to utilize appropriately, including energy infrastructure. This involves allowing private companies to generate electricity and lease the state's transmission system, where Thailand has a competitive advantage due to its connectivity with neighboring countries, potentially generating revenue through international energy trade.
Mr. Korn stated that Thailand has advantages in infrastructure, including electricity transmission systems connecting neighboring countries, digital payment systems, and telecommunications networks, which should be utilized effectively to open up opportunities for investment, energy trade, and affordable internet access for all citizens.
Regarding the agricultural sector, Mr. Korn stated that the farmer income guarantee program will be reinstated in the short term, with a modernized format, along with a systematic approach to addressing farmers' debt problems. In the long term, the focus will be on increasing farmers' income and bargaining power through agricultural industry reform, market access, innovation, technology, and research and development, enabling farmers to achieve sustainable self-reliance.
Dr. Kardee pointed out that digital infrastructure is the key driver of Thailand's economy, emphasizing that open data will significantly reduce national costs, increase the efficiency of government services, and improve the quality of life for citizens. He also stressed that it will unlock opportunities for startups and SMEs to access technology at affordable prices, supporting Thailand's ambition to become a digital investment hub and preparing for the future economy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Weerapong stated that if Thailand continues to use the same production structure and technology, it will be difficult to upgrade its economic growth. Currently, Thailand's GDP is growing at only around 1-2%, while neighboring countries are growing at 6-8%. Therefore, it is necessary to promote a "new economy" and new industries as the main engines to aim for increasing GDP potential in the long term.
The key approach is to retain the country's existing strengths, such as agriculture, food, and services, by providing opportunities for SMEs to access new industries, meet global market demands, and create added value to generate income for Thai people. Six target industries have been selected: processed food, electric vehicles (EVs), advanced/high-tech technology, tourism, finance, and alternative energy.
Each industry will be supported through infrastructure development, opening new markets, raising sustainability standards, utilizing technology, and fostering collaboration between the public, private, and SME sectors to create a competitive, transparent, and sustainably growing economy in the future.
The Democrat Party affirms that the 90-day action plan is only the beginning of Thailand's economic reforms, aimed at overcoming poverty and building sustainable long-term growth.