Representatives from the farmers' assembly across nine provinces flocked to warmly welcome “Deputy PM Chen” in Yasothon, thanking him for tackling poverty locally. He apologized for previously making them wait at the Government House.
On 19 Jul 2026 GMT+7, nearly 1,000 small-scale farmers from nine Northeastern provinces gathered to warmly welcome and support Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Yotsanan Wongsawat during his visit to Yasothon to monitor poverty alleviation efforts. The atmosphere was lively and warm. Upon his arrival, people embraced him, tightly tied traditional checkered scarves around his waist to welcome him, and expressed gratitude for his attention to the hardships of Northeastern residents.
Yotsanan joined a close discussion circle with leaders and farmer representatives, saying he apologized to the public for previously making them travel twice to wait for meetings at the Government House. He emphasized his and his team's sincere intention to listen to problems and suggestions on site. The government has been advancing a "comprehensive poverty reduction project" covering five areas, applying science, research, and innovation to help people escape poverty. He has already visited many Northeastern provinces to hear concerns. Welfare benefits the public should receive are a key mechanism the government will fast-track. Moreover, after discussions with the farmers' assembly, subcommittees will be appointed to genuinely involve all sectors in solving public problems.
"I apologize to everyone who had to wait twice at the Government House. Today, I intend to listen to your problems here directly. I thank many who traveled far to offer support. I am not alone today; I brought my entire team to help take care of you," Yotsanan said.
This visit follows the farmers' assembly previously meeting the Deputy Prime Minister's team to demand government help regarding hardships caused by large-scale state projects and agencies affecting housing, farmland, overlapping national park areas, and prohibited zones under the law. An initial committee has already been appointed to expedite concrete solutions to these problems.