The Prime Minister emphasized that the government prioritizes strong local administrative organizations based on good governance and transparency. He pledged to continue unfinished matters from the previous council and stated that any assistance needed will be provided without hesitation, aiming for the well-being of the people.
At 09:00 on 4 Mar 2026 GMT+7, at Challenger Hall 2, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the 1st Annual Academic Seminar of the Thai Municipal League for fiscal year 2026. Attendees included Deputy Minister of Interior Songsak Thongsri, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry Arsit Sampantharat, Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration Narucha Kosasivilai, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration Theerut Supavibulpol, Auditor General Monthien Charoenphon, Thai Municipal League President Wisut Jongchuwanich, mayors, municipal council presidents, municipal clerks, and other senior officials.
The Prime Minister opened by expressing his great pleasure and honor to meet local leaders nationwide, calling it an important platform reflecting the true power of grassroots governance. In a time of rapid changes in economy, technology, and climate, the key to national development lies not only in proper strategies but in fully implementing them to benefit the people. The answer lies with those here overseeing the organizations closest to the people, such as municipalities, subdistrict administrative organizations, and village heads. Municipalities are not just local administrative bodies but mechanisms that make national development possible. This is why the government focuses on strengthening local administrations in management and budgeting to enable swift decision-making, problem-solving, and timely responses. A flexible municipality can generate jobs, income, promote community tourism, and empower the economic base.
He said another critical topic for this meeting is disaster management. Thailand has clearly faced increased frequency and severity of disasters, including new types of public hazards. As the agency closest to the people, municipalities must be front-line in preparedness and disaster management. Everyone here must move beyond reactive measures to proactive systems with clear emergency plans, readiness, effective warning systems, regular drills, and integrated cooperation with all sectors. This ensures citizens participate, stay informed, and become part of community teams responding to disasters. The meeting will discuss disaster management systems and processes for the most effective recovery.
The Prime Minister added that delivering essential public utilities remains a core municipal responsibility that cannot be neglected, including clean water, infrastructure, environmental management, and quality of life for all age groups, especially the rapidly growing elderly population. This underscores that municipalities manage not only local governance and territory but also the quality of life for citizens. Therefore, principles of good governance, transparency, prudent use of power and budgets, and personnel efficiency are vital to build public confidence and trust in local governments. Strong local administrations mean a strong Thailand.
He continued that whether as Prime Minister or Minister of Interior, he wants everyone to be confident that they are colleagues with a shared goal: the well-being, quality of life, convenience, and livelihood opportunities of the people. Every goal they pursue always includes the people. Together, they must drive and develop these goals to achieve swift results.
In closing, the Prime Minister said that for any matter where he can contribute to success, he will not hesitate. Regarding unfinished issues from the previous council, if a new council is formed and he has the ability to help push forward and drive progress, he will ensure continuation and speedy achievement of goals for stability, sustainability, and the well-being of the people and the nation.