Prime Minister Anutin inaugurated the 'Metta Sukto' Heart Surgery Center at Nong Khai Hospital, jokingly saying, “Those department heads who don’t come might become former officials.” He rallied Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) as a crucial force, stating that without VHVs, there would be no prime minister.
At 11:40 a.m. on 2 Nov 2026 GMT+7, at Nong Khai Hospital, Mueang District, Nong Khai Province, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Chanvirakul presided over the opening of the 'Metta Sukto' Heart Disease Center and the ceremony to hand out land-use booklets to selected community members under the government policy for consolidated plots in the Praan Phrao-Kaeng Kai national reserved forest area. He arrived by a black Toyota Alphard with license plate Khoth 158 Udonthani.
Several ministers joined, including Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri; Public Health Minister Pattana Prompat; Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin; Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Pradorn Prissanananthakul; Deputy Interior Minister Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, National Police Chief; Nong Khai Governor Saransak Srikruanetr; and related agencies. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister greeted officials and enthusiastically waved to the Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) who welcomed him with the VHV march song.
The Prime Minister then introduced the accompanying delegation, naming each department director. At one point, he asked about the Forestry Department Director Nikorn Sirorojananon, teasing, “Not coming? Then you might be history.” He also asked about the Groundwater Department Director Nat Kongkasorn: “Are you coming? If not, the minister will pay respect to the people instead.” This prompted Minister Suchart to stand and bow to the crowd. The Prime Minister then inquired about the Land Department Director, who was present. He joked, “Whoever doesn’t come might become a former official.” He invited the crowd to cheer for encouragement, noting he had just returned from Bhutan to meet the people of Nong Khai early this morning. He introduced himself as Anutin Chanvirakul from the Village Health Volunteers of Isan Subdistrict, Mueang District, Buriram Province, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
The Prime Minister said he, the Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, and government officials were very pleased to meet the people of Nong Khai at Nong Khai Hospital to receive a blessing by opening the 'Metta Sukto' Heart Center here and to hold the ceremony handing out land-use booklets under the government policy granting land for community farming. He humbly declined to take full credit for the center, emphasizing it belongs to the people of Nong Khai and nearby provinces. This center benefits residents so that if anyone suffers heart disease, they need not travel to Udonthani, Khon Kaen, or Nakhon Phanom, but can seek treatment nearby. He expressed deep gratitude to Luang Pu Thui Chandakaro, abbot of Wat Pa Dan Wiwek in Sri Chomphu Subdistrict, So Phisai District, Bueng Kan Province, for his generous compassion toward the people of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and the Northeast. Opening the 'Metta Sukto' Heart Surgery Center marks a step forward in developing medical services in Nong Khai, allowing timely treatment of illnesses.
The Prime Minister added that every second matters in heart disease, making this achievement commendable. He congratulated the people of Nong Khai for receiving the blessing and compassion from Luang Pu Thui Chandakaro, also known as Phra Rajmongkol Vajrapreda. The Ministry of Public Health will continue to enhance and modernize this heart disease center at Nong Khai Hospital. This is not a one-time effort but a foundation for expanding benefits to all citizens. The term 'Sukto' refers to a path to good or well-being, drawn from Buddhist chants meaning the way to nirvana and prosperity. It symbolizes progress toward good deeds and broader understanding of the world. After speaking, he joked about intending to ordain as a monk, considering this event auspicious and beneficial for the people of Nong Khai and the VHVs.
The Prime Minister further said that when he was in the Public Health Ministry, he proposed a 2,000 baht allowance for VHVs, but now they are demanding 3,000 baht, and earlier some even suggested 5,000 baht. He stressed that VHVs are volunteers motivated by selfless dedication, not compulsion. As a former Public Health Minister, he promised never to forget VHVs. Without them, he said, he could not be prime minister, as their support and that of parliament members enabled his leadership. He vowed to do his best to help the people with his team. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving public care but urged citizens to cooperate by working diligently, avoiding illness, exercising, and maintaining good health since life expectancy is increasing. He called on local authorities to focus on health promotion rather than only treatment, aiming for longer, healthier lives that support future generations without becoming burdensome. He urged everyone to understand their responsibilities: the government will care for people’s health, but citizens must strive to stay strong for quality of life.
The Prime Minister also noted that today’s cabinet meeting tour in Udon Thani Province gathers all 35 ministers and ministry teams to visit various provinces in central northeastern Thailand. This allows ministers to observe opportunities, identify areas for improvement, address problems, and implement beneficial measures. A key agenda for this regional cabinet meeting is to elevate agriculture to a national priority, given Thailand’s abundance and status as a major food security power. Agriculture holds greater value than other energy sources, enabling life, ideas, opportunity, development, and income generation for the country.
“When I eat abroad, any meal without Thai rice, especially fragrant jasmine rice, tastes less special. Eating it reminds me of Thai farmers who generate income for our country. Thai rice is loved worldwide. Therefore, we must secure and strengthen Thailand’s agricultural sector, including rice, rubber, cassava, sugarcane, and other products. We strive to improve quality and price to meet global market demands. This year, rice, cassava, and rubber prices have risen due to market understanding. I believe palm oil and sugarcane prices will also increase because of ongoing conflicts and rising oil prices. Thailand imports expensive oil but thanks to Thai ingenuity—developers and researchers have created fuels like B20 biodiesel, which costs less and suits agriculture well, providing equal engine performance. Farmers and transport operators using B20 reduce fuel costs. The government, via the Energy Ministry, plans to increase B20 fuel production and accessibility. Since cutting excise tax last week, B20 prices have dropped nearly 10 baht compared to B7. B20 use in agriculture has risen from 6 million to 9 million liters daily. Although not aiming for 100% use, diesel consumption is about 50 million liters daily; 10 million liters (20%) of that is significant, saving billions in crude oil imports. The government strives to reduce costs for industry, agriculture, and citizens,” the Prime Minister said.
Before departing, the Prime Minister joined the Village Health Volunteers in singing their march song and applauded enthusiastically. Reporters noted that on the same day, the Prime Minister traveled on official duties in Nong Khai and Udon Thani provinces, using a black Toyota Alphard with license plate Khoth 158 Udonthani.