Bangkok: The Prime Minister chaired a special cabinet meeting to address the ongoing energy crisis and pharmaceutical security challenges.

According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of tackling these issues during the first special cabinet meeting, held at the Sati Maitri Building, Government House. He highlighted that the cabinet, united by royal pronouncements, serves His Majesty the King and the people. Stressing the importance of immediate action, he instructed ministers to commence work promptly, stating that any day is auspicious for starting important tasks.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister congratulated the newly sworn-in ministers, reminding them of their oath of allegiance to His Majesty the King. He underscored the importance of prioritizing the nation's interests and assured them of his support in resolving any challenges that may arise. The Prime Minister reiterated that with global crises impacting Thailand, the cabinet must be prepared to work hard from day one to alleviate hardships and continue the country's development.

The meeting also focused on drafting the government policy statement, coordinating with the Speaker of Parliament, and discussing urgent energy conservation measures. The Prime Minister urged government agencies to implement "work from home, work from anywhere" policies more effectively, with support from relevant ministries and agencies to ensure success. He also called for updated regulations on official vehicles, promoting the use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Additionally, the Prime Minister addressed the pharmaceutical security issue, instructing the Minister of Public Health to ensure readiness for crises affecting drug transportation and availability. He emphasized the need to prioritize domestically produced medicines and amend regulations to maximize their use.

Concluding the meeting, the Prime Minister reflected on his previous use of authority under the Emergency Decree to issue orders addressing the fuel shortage. He requested a summary of these orders for the cabinet's information and urged ministers to report to their respective ministries promptly to begin their work.

The Prime Minister's call for immediate action and cooperation aims to address pressing national issues and ensure the country's continued development.