Bangkok, December 21, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has unveiled her vision to redefine Thailand’s future by leveraging the country’s unique strengths, embracing innovation, and harnessing technology to create shared prosperity for all.
Speaking at the Bangkok Post Forum 2024, themed “Redefine Thailand: Road to Prosperity,” on Thursday evening at Centara Grand at CentralWorld, Ms. Paetongtarn expressed her confidence in leading the nation towards a brighter future. The event was attended by foreign dignitaries, business leaders, and politicians.
“It is a promise to create shared prosperity for all—our people, communities, and the wider region,” the prime minister stated.
Reflecting on Thailand’s economic journey, Ms. Paetongtarn noted that for decades, the country’s growth relied on mass production and heavy industries. While these strategies brought progress, she emphasized that they are no longer sufficient in a rapidly changing world.
“Thailand stands at a crossroads. We must pursue bold, innovative solutions that reflect our unique strengths and set us apart. By embracing our identity and reimagining our future, we can chart a new course towards prosperity and establish Thailand as a leader in an interconnected, dynamic world,” she said.
Strategic Strengths and Opportunities
Highlighting Thailand’s inherent strengths, the prime minister outlined a roadmap to achieve shared prosperity:
- Geographical Advantage
Positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand has the potential to become a hub for logistics, trade, and exchange, connecting ASEAN countries with the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.“With plans for high-speed rail, an aviation hub, and improved cold-chain logistics networks, we can enhance the movement of goods, people, and ideas across borders,” Ms. Paetongtarn said.She also underscored Thailand’s role as a bridge between East and West, fostering global partnerships for mutual growth and understanding. “In an era of division, we can stand as a beacon of collaboration and shared prosperity,” she added. - Abundance of Natural Resources and Cultural Richness
Thailand’s natural resources and cultural heritage present unparalleled opportunities for growth.“Thailand has long been known as the ‘Kitchen of the World,’ but now, it is time to elevate this legacy even further,” the prime minister remarked.With innovations such as precision farming and blockchain technology, Thailand aims to transform traditional agriculture into a modern, sustainable, and high-quality industry.On tourism, she emphasized the need for the industry to evolve. “Thailand is so much more than a sightseeing destination. With our renowned hospitality and cultural heritage, we can position ourselves as a hub for wellness tourism, from spa therapies to meditation retreats, and attract digital nomads and retirees,” she said. - Embracing Technology for Transformation
Stressing the importance of technology, Ms. Paetongtarn urged Thailand to prepare for a tech-driven future. “This is Thailand’s next chapter,” she declared, inviting international partners to join the country on its journey towards innovation and growth.
A Call for Collaboration
The prime minister concluded by emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration in achieving Thailand’s aspirations. “By leveraging what makes us truly exceptional, we can redefine Thailand’s role on the global stage and ensure a prosperous future for generations to come,” she affirmed.
The forum highlighted the government’s ambitious plans to propel Thailand into a new era of growth, reflecting its readiness to embrace challenges and unlock its vast potential.
