Acting Prime Minister and Interior Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has issued urgent policy directives to provincial governors and senior officials, urging them to respond faster and more effectively to public needs. The goal is to translate government policies into action to solve long-standing problems and improve citizens’ well-being.
The minister identified several key issues under the ministry’s purview, including narcotics, scams by call-center gangs, illegal online gambling, and the promotion of public welfare.
Key Focus Areas
Combating Narcotics: Phumtham stressed that the growing drug problem is a top priority. He called on provincial governors to act as “commanders” and work closely with security agencies to suppress drug trafficking.
Addressing Household Debt: The acting prime minister highlighted the importance of financial discipline and saving. He proposed a special mechanism to protect citizens from illegal lenders who charge excessive interest rates.
Economic Development: Phumtham emphasized the ministry’s role in developing the grassroots economy. He directed each province to identify its unique strengths and find ways to build upon them.
Improving Aid Disbursement: He called for a faster disbursement of funds, particularly for emergency aid. He cited a recent visit to a flood-affected community where financial assistance was delayed by a multi-step process, stressing that changes are necessary to ensure timely support.
Phumtham also defended a recent ministerial order easing poker restrictions, explaining that the move was to allow poker to be played as a sport under the governance of an authorized association, not to legalize gambling in general. He concluded by urging the adoption of new technologies to streamline work and prioritize public interests.