Dr. Liab revealed the reasons behind the comeback of the “Care Think Move Thailand” podcast, highlighting its focus on Moonshot Thinking innovation. The first episode will feature Chadchart Sittipunt on 4 September. He clarified the show has no political undertones, explained why Thaksin Shinawatra has not yet been invited, denied any clash with government programs, and affirmed the podcast aims to propose solutions for the country.
On 2 September 2026, Dr. Surapong Suwanlee (Dr. Liab) told Thairath about the origins and revival of the “Care Think Move Thailand” podcast. He said the CARE group was formed in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, uniting thinkers, experts, and academics to find solutions for the health and economic crisis, while also monitoring global events like the Russia-Ukraine war.
Additionally, CARE made a significant impact via the Clubhouse app, gaining widespread attention, especially through the continuous participation and commentary of Thaksin Shinawatra (Tony Woodsam) from 2020 until after the 2023 election. Beyond Clubhouse, the group held key policy discussions on topics such as constitutional reform, poverty eradication policies, the Negative Income Tax concept, and Universal Basic Income (UBI).
Dr. Surapong added that after the 2023 general election, key CARE leaders took on national responsibilities—he himself driving Soft Power policies, Dr. Prommin Lertsuridej serving as the Prime Minister's Secretary-General, Phumtham Wechayachai as a minister, and others like Duangrit Bunnag—leading to a temporary pause in their collective brainstorming efforts.
However, the decision to relaunch the “Think Move Thailand” podcast arose from concern over current conditions. The group views the country’s economic and social challenges as potentially more severe and demanding than the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, making it imperative to reconvene and seek solutions for the nation once again.
Dr. Surapong explained that the new podcast format “Think Move Thailand” (Moonshot Podcast) aims to gather ideas and promote ambitious development thinking (Moonshot Thinking)—dreaming big to find solutions amid economic crises, global warming, and technological changes like AI. The first episode is scheduled for 4 September, featuring Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Dr. Surapong stressed there is no political symbolism or intention to enter major politics. Chadchart was invited due to his historic highest election vote count, with the podcast challenging his “big dreams” for transforming Bangkok over the next four years in education, healthcare, and urban management, shifting focus from “capillary” to “main artery” systems.
Clarifying the Thaksin issue, Dr. Surapong confirmed that Thaksin Shinawatra has not been invited for the first 4-5 episodes.
Regarding the possibility of inviting former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, Dr. Surapong explained that no private discussions or consultations have taken place. The initial 4-5 episodes will focus on inviting “thinkers and specialists” in various fields, with episode 2 featuring an economic expert. However, if the podcast progresses well, they may consult and invite Thaksin in the future to share his Moonshot perspective on Thailand’s future.
Adopting the Moonshot model to majorly reform the “30 Baht Universal Healthcare” program.
Dr. Surapong described Moonshot Thinking’s origin with President John F. Kennedy’s goal to land a man on the moon within a decade. Thailand previously had a Moonshot innovation with the 30-baht universal healthcare scheme in 2001. Today, this health welfare system needs to be “rethought and reimagined” through restructuring hospital management, improving budget efficiency, and employing technology to better serve citizens.
Addressing perceptions that “Think Move Thailand” airs close to the government’s own programs, sometimes seen as political competition, Dr. Surapong said he was unaware of the government’s agenda. He noted it is normal for every administration to have programs like “Prime Minister Meets the People,” similar to when Yingluck Shinawatra was PM. Thus, it is not unusual for this government’s PM to host such shows. The podcast’s main goal is to open space for brainstorming and present practical, ambitious ideas to turn the country’s crisis into genuine opportunity.
Emphasizing that the CARE group is independent and not affiliated with Pheu Thai Party, welcoming all political views.
Dr. Surapong stressed that the podcast is produced by the CARE Think Move Thailand group, which is not affiliated with or established by Pheu Thai Party, despite his previous work with them. The show is open to ideas from all thinkers and experts regardless of political beliefs, as long as they are committed to collaborating to develop and drive policies for Thailand’s benefit.
Dr. Surapong added that the first episode (EP.1) of “Think Move Thailand” airs on 4 September at 17:00, with episodes every two weeks. EP.2 will air on 18 September, with plans to increase the frequency later.