“Akniti,” candidate for Finance Minister from the Bhumjaithai Party, promotes economic development ideas targeting new industries like electric vehicles and green electricity to supply the industrial sector, noting that investors want clean energy.
On 15 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Bhumjaithai Party campaign assistant and candidate for Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, outlined his economic development vision. He said the modern world runs on electric vehicles, including electric cars and motorcycles. While overseeing the Board of Investment (BOI), Ministry of Finance, and Excise Department, he plans to provide tax incentives to car manufacturers who produce in Thailand, requiring them to manufacture parts locally, such as electric motors and automatic transmissions. They must also train Thai workers and businesses to join the supply chain. Many companies want to expand factories in Thailand to use the country as a production base for export. Skilled Thai riders who can tune engines will be trained to work on electric motorcycles. There will be support programs to help Thais switch from combustion engines to electric vehicles with affordable installments. For the smart electronics industry, Thailand ranks in the world's top five for server data production. Investors must integrate Thai businesses into their production chains and provide training and technology transfer to Thai people.
Mr. Akniti said investors currently seek clean energy and green electricity. Community solar projects will allow communities to sell electricity, generating income locally. For industry, solar farms will be developed, utilizing many reservoirs by installing floating solar panels—solar cells mounted on floating platforms on water bodies—to enhance Thailand’s energy capacity.
Mr. Akniti also noted the rapid growth of the wellness business, including the Longevity project promoting longer, healthier lives. Tourists are willing to pay for such services, marking a new business model. Tourism will shift focus from quantity to quality and value, ensuring wellness benefits remain within communities. According to global standards, for Thais over 60, the Senior Plus policy will encourage companies to hire elderly workers by allowing double tax deductions for employment expenses. Elderly workers with experience might serve as consultants, earning income after retirement. Additionally, elderly skill development programs like Skill Biz will be implemented. For elderly healthcare, a volunteer nurse will serve each village, and elderly care centers will be established in every province to support an aging society.