Thaksin Shinawatra Campaigns in Chiang Rai Amid PAO Election
The former prime minister rallies support for the Pheu Thai Party and addresses economic challenges in local governance.
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra received a warm reception in Chiang Rai on Sunday during a campaign event for the Pheu Thai Party.
The visit came ahead of the February 1 election for the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) president, where the party has fielded Salakcharit Tiyaprairat as its candidate.
Thaksin addressed supporters at Plongwittayakhom School in Thoeng district, where approximately 500 members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship were in attendance.
He emphasized the importance of local elections in driving economic recovery and improving living standards.
"Local elections are key to economic revival and enhancing people's quality of life," Thaksin told the audience.
Acknowledging Pheu Thai's reduced parliamentary presence, Thaksin noted the importance of local governance in advancing the party’s objectives.
"We don’t have 200 MPs like before," he said.
Despite this, he expressed confidence in the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his daughter, and pledged to support her in addressing national challenges through collaboration with local agencies.
Addressing Key Issues
Thaksin outlined a series of economic and social reforms aimed at reducing costs and improving livelihoods.
He predicted a reduction in electricity prices to 3.70 baht per unit this year, citing decreases in costs for animal feed, fertilizer, and medicine as contributing factors.
He also called for eliminating monopolies and cracking down on drugs and call-center scams to lower living costs and boost income opportunities.
"All forms of monopoly must be eliminated," he stated, promising that these changes would materialize by 2025.
Responding to calls from the audience to return as prime minister, Thaksin deflected the suggestion, instead endorsing Paetongtarn’s leadership.
He reiterated his confidence in her ability to lead the government effectively, dismissing speculation about a potential Cabinet reshuffle.
"The current ministers are capable, and Paetongtarn can work well with them," he affirmed.
Local and National Collaboration
Thaksin highlighted the need for cooperation between public and private sectors to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth.
"If people are poor, the private sector cannot thrive," he said, urging businesses to contribute to poverty alleviation efforts for mutual prosperity.
On the topic of energy policy, he rejected rumors of the removal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, describing him as a determined individual and a long-time acquaintance.
He emphasized the need for a concerted effort to tackle economic issues, improve human resources, and streamline state mechanisms.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to convene meetings with various stakeholders to advance these goals, Thaksin added, signaling a coordinated approach to governance and economic reform.
As the Chiang Rai PAO election nears, Thaksin’s active involvement underscores the Pheu Thai Party's commitment to leveraging local governance as a means to achieve broader economic and social improvements.
The visit came ahead of the February 1 election for the Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) president, where the party has fielded Salakcharit Tiyaprairat as its candidate.
Thaksin addressed supporters at Plongwittayakhom School in Thoeng district, where approximately 500 members of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship were in attendance.
He emphasized the importance of local elections in driving economic recovery and improving living standards.
"Local elections are key to economic revival and enhancing people's quality of life," Thaksin told the audience.
Acknowledging Pheu Thai's reduced parliamentary presence, Thaksin noted the importance of local governance in advancing the party’s objectives.
"We don’t have 200 MPs like before," he said.
Despite this, he expressed confidence in the government led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, his daughter, and pledged to support her in addressing national challenges through collaboration with local agencies.
Addressing Key Issues
Thaksin outlined a series of economic and social reforms aimed at reducing costs and improving livelihoods.
He predicted a reduction in electricity prices to 3.70 baht per unit this year, citing decreases in costs for animal feed, fertilizer, and medicine as contributing factors.
He also called for eliminating monopolies and cracking down on drugs and call-center scams to lower living costs and boost income opportunities.
"All forms of monopoly must be eliminated," he stated, promising that these changes would materialize by 2025.
Responding to calls from the audience to return as prime minister, Thaksin deflected the suggestion, instead endorsing Paetongtarn’s leadership.
He reiterated his confidence in her ability to lead the government effectively, dismissing speculation about a potential Cabinet reshuffle.
"The current ministers are capable, and Paetongtarn can work well with them," he affirmed.
Local and National Collaboration
Thaksin highlighted the need for cooperation between public and private sectors to alleviate poverty and stimulate economic growth.
"If people are poor, the private sector cannot thrive," he said, urging businesses to contribute to poverty alleviation efforts for mutual prosperity.
On the topic of energy policy, he rejected rumors of the removal of Energy Minister Pirapan Salirathavibhaga, describing him as a determined individual and a long-time acquaintance.
He emphasized the need for a concerted effort to tackle economic issues, improve human resources, and streamline state mechanisms.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to convene meetings with various stakeholders to advance these goals, Thaksin added, signaling a coordinated approach to governance and economic reform.
As the Chiang Rai PAO election nears, Thaksin’s active involvement underscores the Pheu Thai Party's commitment to leveraging local governance as a means to achieve broader economic and social improvements.
