Akeniti pointed out that Thailand's economy is sluggish, likening it to cancer requiring chemotherapy. He revealed plans to review poor people's welfare cards after discovering outdated data for five years, indicating some may have higher incomes. He said he was unaware of the Prime Minister's reserve initial "S" before jokingly referring to "Sekniti" as a play on his name. Tags: [Thailand economy, welfare review, political rumors, government policy]
On 4 July 2026, Akeniti Nititanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, delivered a special speech at the 29th anniversary of the National Press Council titled "Thailand's Major Economic Challenges Amid Global Crises" at the Royal River Hotel, Bang Phlat District, Bangkok. He compared Thailand's economy to a cancer patient, noting its prolonged sluggishness and growth below potential. He emphasized the urgent need for major restructuring—akin to chemotherapy—rather than letting the situation worsen beyond repair. He also highlighted challenges from three global crises: the shift from globalization to a security-focused era, political polarization worldwide, the green energy transition, and the AI technology revolution.Tags: [Thailand economy, global crises, economic restructuring, speech, government official]
He also introduced the 5T strategic model to drive the country and redistribute income. The government proposes five dimensions: Target—using budgets and aid focused on specific groups; Transition—accelerating the shift to clean energy; Transform—investing in infrastructure, human resources, and AI technology while easing regulations with the Thailand Fast Pass policy; Transparency—publicly sharing government data and budgets digitally for media and public scrutiny; and Teamwork/Together—integrating cooperation between public and private sectors through the national economic steering mechanism.Tags: [5T strategy, economic policy, government transparency, investment, Thailand Fast Pass]
He emphasized the trillion-baht investment policy aiming to attract 1 trillion baht in foreign direct investment (FDI). The government continues to promote this as the "year of investment," highlighting the Thailand Fast Pass measure that requires investment-promoted companies (BOI) to realize at least 20% of committed capital this year to stimulate the economy. He explained that the apparent reduction in the 2027 investment budget results from increased transparency, revealing previously hidden regular expenses that raise the regular budget figure. However, the government will compensate by actively driving private sector and state enterprise investments.Tags: [investment policy, foreign direct investment, Thailand Fast Pass, government budget, economic stimulus]
Akeniti also addressed the review of the state welfare cards, stating that the meeting resolved to review a new group of over 5 million people surveyed by the Ministry of Interior. However, this survey excluded those who are poor without income, assets, or any support.Tags: [welfare card review, Ministry of Interior, social welfare, poverty]
Regarding the original group of approximately 13.2 million people surveyed five years ago, Akeniti noted that their eligibility has not been reviewed for a long time. This group includes deceased individuals and those whose income has increased. Therefore, a review and screening will be conducted based on the latest Cabinet resolutions, incorporating feedback from various agencies to be submitted again for Cabinet approval.Tags: [welfare eligibility, data review, Cabinet resolution, social policy]
He added that the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's group, including about 1 million people from the Basic Necessities database, will also be reviewed. This group represents those missed by other government databases. He requested all data totaling about 19 million records be reviewed and screened to identify those truly in need.Tags: [social welfare, data integration, government databases, needy population]
When asked about the timeline for Cabinet consideration, Akeniti said they need to run the data again and hold another committee meeting. Initially, the meeting did not focus on whether the number of welfare rights would exceed 14 million but aimed to care for truly needy individuals. He expressed empathy for vulnerable people, such as elderly without family support or resources, encountered during his provincial visits. He emphasized that the welfare card is only one part of income support and that everyone has opportunities. The government must care for those in genuine hardship regardless of the exact numbers.Tags: [government welfare policy, vulnerable groups, Cabinet process, social empathy]
Asked about rumors that the government has a reserve Prime Minister with the initial "S" ready to replace the current one if problems arise, Akeniti replied, "I really don't know about politics," before leaving the interview.Tags: [political rumors, Prime Minister, government officials, interview]
Reporters suggested the initial might be "A" instead. Akeniti laughed and added jokingly, "Sekniti."Tags: [political humor, interview, government officials]