“Ekniti” gave his first speech on the Bangkok stage, delivering an extended economic policy address. He revealed leaving a 16-year civil service career to lift Thailand’s economy out of stagnation. He declared that Bhumjaithai does not pursue populist cash giveaways but rather equips citizens with tools to succeed, not to be consumed. He joked about switching numbers, saying he’s worked 73 days, flipped to 37.
On 30 Jan 2026, Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Bhumjaithai’s campaign assistant and member of the economic dream team, spoke at a sub-stage event in Bangkok. He said this was his first speech since leaving civil service, expressing his desire to help improve Thailand’s economy so that Thais and the country can compete internationally. He affirmed Bhumjaithai’s goal to strengthen Thailand.
Ekniti explained his motivation for the Khon La Khrueng (Half-Half) policy, noting that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave him the opportunity to design economic policies. Without their intervention, Thailand’s economy would worsen, stuck like a car stuck in mud. If they can’t lift the economic vehicle out, the country will fall further. Thus, he designed policies to lift the economy out of the mud.
Regarding Khon La Khrueng Plus, he believes many have benefited from the original scheme since it helped reduce expenses. What he takes pride in most is seeing smiling elderly vendors at markets that were once quiet before the program. Now, wherever he goes, sellers have fuller wallets. Importantly, the Plus version doesn’t just give money but adds skills. He was pleased to meet a man who took the Plus course, boosting his sales from 10,000 baht to 50,000 baht via online sales. Their program is not just a typical subsidy but makes Thais more capable.
He also mentioned the “Close Debt Quickly and Move Forward” project. Already, 300,000 people have registered, aiming for 1.3 million. It targets NPL borrowers struggling with car, home, or credit card debt who suffer sleepless nights. The policy extracts debts for management, reduces them, teaches financial literacy to prevent recurring debt, and enables borrowers to take new loans. It’s a revival, not just a short-term relief, designed to end debts and offer a fresh start.
On the SMEs lifeline project, they have set up a new fund to guarantee loans so banks will lend more to SMEs, enabling them to continue operating. Since 90% of traders come from SMEs, supporting them is crucial to improving Thai livelihoods.
He said he left a 16-year civil service career, including a coveted bank chairmanship, to help Thailand improve. The country has now escaped the economic slump. Before he became Deputy Prime Minister for the economy and Finance Minister, growth was forecast at only 0.3%. Now, it has risen to 1.8%, equivalent to about 300 billion baht last year. This shows that government projects have helped improve people’s lives.
He recounted leading a team to Davos, Switzerland, describing it as intimidating because countries are deeply divided. Leaders verbally attacked each other. Many said nations must choose whether to sit at the negotiating table, the dining table, or be the meal. He, Ms. Supachai Suthamphan, and Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew brought Thailand to the negotiation table with international partners.
Their goal is for Thailand to play a role in the global economy and on the world stage. Though talks were in Davos, the effects reached Dawkanong. Without allies, Thailand cannot negotiate with trading partners, attract investment, or bargain effectively, leading to unemployment and business losses. In just three days, they secured 500 billion baht in investments. These negotiations brought not only funds but technology transfer and skill training for Thais. This is key for Thailand’s pride and global presence.
Next is AI technology, which many rely on to improve lives. Those who don’t use AI risk job loss—a warning from Davos. Their Ten Plus policy includes free AI education for Thais, enhancing skills and employment opportunities.
In the new green world, everything requires clean energy. Bhumjaithai’s Community Plus policy enables Thais to install community solar panels and sell rooftop electricity. Everyone can install solar to lower bills and sell excess power, turning rooftops into income sources and boosting community earnings.
Small earners and salaried workers will continue benefiting from Khon La Khrueng Plus. Prime Minister Anutin told him from day one after dissolving parliament that they must continue. Beyond expense relief, they will enhance skills by integrating AI education into digital wallets, improving spending efficiency. Vendors he met have increased earnings after learning AI skills.
Ultimately, Thailand’s global standing matters. He aims not only to solve short-term problems but to ensure long-term happiness and resilience. By attracting 500 billion baht investment for innovation and skill-building, they enable Thais to learn new technologies and improve their lives.
Ekniti concluded that his dream is to see Thai smiles and happiness, with people standing on their own feet. Hence, they reject populist cash handouts, preferring to equip people with skills—giving fishing rods, not fish. This principle guides Bhumjaithai since his first day in office on 30 Sep 2025. After parliament was dissolved on 12 Dec 2025, in just 73 days, they helped lift Thailand’s economy out of the slump. This proves they act, not just talk. Now, they must accelerate progress with the Ten Plus policy. He believes everyone is ready to strengthen the economy, increase incomes, reduce debts, and maintain financial discipline. The 73-day effort to lift the economy can be reversed to 37, symbolizing that while many can talk, few execute well. He stressed that with good policies like Ten Plus, choosing Bhumjaithai means life can improve at least tenfold.