Anutin declared that Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties share a close, harmonious relationship with no unresolved past issues, affirming that THAILAND² will upskill Thais to escape the cheap labor trap.
On 21 July 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of THAILAND², titled “Empowering Thailand, Elevating Human Capital.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotsanan Wongsawat, along with ministers from Labor, Education, Social Development and Human Security, and Agriculture and Cooperatives, joined forces to drive human resource development policies to prepare for changes in the modern world.
Anutin shared his experience from an official visit to the People's Republic of China, where he had the opportunity to study leading technology companies such as Huawei, Alibaba, Changan, and Xiaomi. He noted that Huawei alone generates annual sales of 120 billion U.S. dollars and invests 25 billion U.S. dollars annually in research and development (R&D), equivalent to over 800 billion baht per year—ten times more than Thailand’s entire R&D budget.
“These figures show that if we do not accelerate the development of human capital and technology, Thailand will remain merely a contract manufacturer or a country dependent on cheap labor. We can no longer accept being the 'underdog' or 'second fiddle.' The government must prioritize human development to equip Thais with skills that keep pace with technology, innovation, and the digital economy,” the Prime Minister said.
Regarding the approach, the government emphasizes lifelong learning through upskilling and reskilling for Thais of all ages, focusing on cooperation with the private sector alongside mental health care. Five key ministries (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Education; Agriculture; Labor; and Social Development and Human Security) have signed multiple memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to enhance Thai capabilities across all dimensions, likening their collaboration to interlocking gears driving the country forward together.
At the end of his opening remarks, Anutin spoke lightheartedly about the government’s working relationship: “Today, I and Nit are as close as can be. Therefore, we must move forward fully together, regardless of political roles. What I am confident about is that when it comes to the country and its people, we do not hesitate to prioritize their importance. This is the most important thing that means we have no past conflicts or grudges. Once we can say all our efforts are for the people and the nation, everything is clear. There is only a bright future for Thailand.”