Bangkok: The Prime Minister inaugurated the "W-Unity: Uniting Women, Connecting Hearts for Development" event, underscoring the importance of women's contributions to national progress. He emphasized the need to enhance women's roles as a vital element in economic and social development, promising support to amend laws that impede this progress.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, along with his wife, Mrs. Thanon Charnvirakul, presided over the event's opening ceremony. During his policy speech titled "The Government's Direction in Enhancing the Role of Women towards Sustainable National Development," the Prime Minister highlighted the significant influence of women in advancing the nation.
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was warmly greeted by a group of women attendees who expressed their support with hugs and chants of appreciation. In response, the Prime Minister acknowledged their support with a wai and joined them for photos.
In his address, the Prime Minister articulated the importance of addressing key concerns regarding women's roles in society. He posed three critical questions to the audience: concerns about career prospects for women with children, the safety of women in urban settings, and the adequacy of state support for victims of domestic violence.
The Prime Minister asserted that without satisfactory answers to these questions, the nation risks underutilizing the potential of half its population. He outlined the government's priorities to improve women's quality of life and strengthen Thai society by focusing on three main areas: rights related to pregnancy and childcare, addressing domestic violence, and recognizing the essential role of women in economic and social development.
The Prime Minister expressed his belief in the significant role women play in the country's development, emphasizing that women are no longer confined to traditional roles but are integral to family and societal foundations.
He assured women that the government, which includes many women in key positions, is committed to understanding and representing their interests. The Prime Minister pledged to advance proposals from the event swiftly and effectively, with legislative amendments if necessary, to facilitate women's contributions to national development.
Concluding the event, the Prime Minister invited participants to explore the OTOP (One Tambon One Product) fair, which had already achieved significant sales despite not being officially opened.