The Prime Minister presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the hospital and medical center of the Praboromarajchanok Institute. He announced plans to make the Isan region the world's rice bowl, urged the public to use B20 biodiesel to reduce high fuel costs, and ordered a comprehensive crackdown on drug trafficking.
At 15:20 on 2 Nov 2026, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul arrived from Nong Khai province to Kudjab district, Udon Thani province. He presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for the construction of the hospital and medical center of the Praboromarajchanok Institute and the establishment of its Udon Thani Campus at the construction site in Kudjab subdistrict, Kudjab district, Udon Thani.
Upon arrival, Anutin waved greetings to medical personnel, community health volunteers (Aor Sor Mor), and the public. During this, one volunteer said, “The real one is very handsome,” while Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Watcharapol Khaokham, who is a local MP, told the Prime Minister, “This is my constituency.” Watcharapol then introduced local officials to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister then officially laid the foundation stone. He apologized to the public for arriving late and missing the Buddhist ceremony because he traveled from Nong Khai, but said it was better late than never. He announced that tomorrow there would be a declaration to make the Isan region of Thailand the world’s rice bowl, focusing on strengthening agriculture. He emphasized strong and diverse crop cultivation—not just rice, cassava, rubber, and sugarcane, but all crops should be cultivated profitably—before chanting a list of fruits and vegetables in a rhythmic manner.
The Prime Minister also noted that the world today faces many conflicts, comparing them to rain falling somewhere else but causing cold here in Udon Thani. He said because of these conflicts, Thailand must rely on itself more, which is why agricultural strength must be built. He asked rhetorically how to lower fuel costs and urged the public to switch to B20 and E20 fuels, which support palm farmers and reduce fuel expenses while maintaining or improving efficiency.
He further encouraged wider use of rooftop solar power to reduce living expenses. Then, jokingly thanking the white-uniformed health workers who had been his close colleagues in the Ministry of Public Health for four years, he promised that once the foundation stone was laid, construction would certainly be completed. He said the hospital would ease worries for the sick and serve as an educational institution. Ideally, people wouldn’t get sick, but if they do, they should come for treatment, where medical students and doctors will care for them. He urged people not to say they won’t come because it’s a medical school, emphasizing the need to train many health personnel to look after the population. The number of health workers reflects the country’s stability and growth, attracting foreign investment to Thailand.
He added that during the 2028 fiscal year budget planning, if ministers in the area fail to complete construction, they should not be re-elected. He called for everyone to work together, holding hands during the foundation stone laying and sharing responsibility. He declared that everyone is an owner of this hospital and urged cooperation to bring prosperity to the nation. He reiterated the call for all to use B20 fuel to reduce oil imports so the government can have funds to finish the hospital sooner. If successful, B25 or B30 biodiesel blends might be introduced.
At 16:40, the Prime Minister visited the Udon Thani Social Rehabilitation Center at Senei Ronayut Camp (Border Patrol Police Company 24) to inspect progress on the sustainable comprehensive drug problem-solving strategy called the 'Udon Model Plus.' He stated that drug problems are of utmost government concern because their impact extends beyond those involved to families, communities, and society at large. Having a family member involved in drugs causes immense suffering.
“I want to emphasize that post-release care is critically important. I urge district chiefs, village heads, community health volunteers, police, and health officials to closely monitor and encourage former addicts. If any abnormalities or risks of relapse arise, immediate coordination for assistance is necessary to prevent recurrence,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the 'One District, One Rehabilitation Center' policy encourages each area to adapt suitable approaches based on local context and readiness. Administrative officials, police, and health sectors must collaborate closely to achieve genuine results. He also addressed those undergoing rehabilitation, urging them to seize this chance to recover and improve themselves, confident they can overcome this life challenge. He asked family and community members to support and encourage them, noting that support from loved ones is vital and a key starting point for sustainable community change.
“This government is determined to fully support your missions to suppress, prevent, and eliminate drug trafficking. I wish all officials safety and courage in their duties and perseverance to continue until drug trafficking is eradicated from Thailand soon,” the Prime Minister said.
