Warawut started his first day at the Ministry of Industry by promoting the ONE MIND initiative, meeting civil servants, uniting Thai industry to overcome the energy crisis, and encouraging SMEs to adopt clean energy.
On 7 April 2026 GMT+7, Warawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, arrived at the Ministry of Industry for his first day. He was warmly welcomed by executives, civil servants, and staff at the Ministry's Permanent Secretary's office building.
The Minister of Industry said today he took the opportunity to greet Ministry officials and discuss initial policies ahead of the Prime Minister’s formal policy announcement. He expressed happiness to assume the ministerial role at the Ministry of Industry, a position once held by Banharn. He considers it a chance to continue that legacy. Initially, he emphasized the need for swift action during this crisis. The Prime Minister regards this ministry as vital for helping Thai people survive the crisis. The focus must be on supporting both small and large entrepreneurs, as well as international engagement, and assisting businesses to adapt to fragile energy and geopolitical conditions. Warawut plans to apply expertise from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security here, addressing climate change, circular economy, and green industry.
Warawut continued that the planned initiatives will be officially announced on 20 April. Initially, support will be provided to factories nationwide—mostly SMEs—to adopt clean energy in their production processes, including installing solar panels to reduce electricity use and lower operational costs. Low-interest loans will be offered through various instruments, including the SME fund under the Pracharat framework, the D-Dee Prom loan of the Department of Industrial Promotion, and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank of Thailand (SME D Bank). Further discussions with the Ministry of Finance will be necessary to alleviate hardships faced by entrepreneurs.
"Modern industry will move forward with ONE MIND, meaning the industry acts as one. I have told the Ministry of Industry civil servants to prepare to swap their leather shoes for sneakers and run the work together, while being open to suggestions to ensure success," Warawut said. Warawut said.