On September 12, 2024, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra delivered her first policy statement to parliament, highlighting her administration’s strategies to boost citizens’ financial well-being and generate state income. The announcement, lasting 58 minutes, focused on debt restructuring, energy reforms, and support for vulnerable groups.
Addressing economic challenges, Paetongtarn, the leader of the Pheu Thai Party, outlined plans for comprehensive debt restructuring, targeting home and car loans, alongside measures to support informal debtors. She assured that these initiatives would not jeopardize the nation’s financial stability. Additionally, she emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing energy costs and public utility fees by revising the existing energy pricing structure and seeking new energy sources.
A key feature of the prime minister’s agenda is Pheu Thai’s digital wallet handout policy, aimed at assisting vulnerable groups. Paetongtarn expressed her administration’s dedication to ensuring that all citizens can live with dignity and have access to basic needs.
In response to her address, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition-core People’s Power Party, criticized the government’s progress since taking office after the general election on May 14, 2023. He pointed out delays in implementing the digital wallet scheme and raised concerns about the lack of negotiations on energy pricing with suppliers.
Paetongtarn, 38, assumed office after the Constitutional Court removed her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, on August 14, 2024, due to ethical violations. With three years remaining in her term, Paetongtarn faces the challenge of steering the country through economic reforms amid ongoing political scrutiny.
