The Prime Minister visited Bang Yai Market in Nonthaburi to observe the sales of low-cost products under the Thais Help Thais initiative and the public response to the project. Also joining the inspection visit were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun and Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Supamas Isarabhakdi.

Wholesale and retail chains have participated in this project, aimed at providing the public with access to affordable essential products, with good quality, to help cut their expenses. They include Makro, Lotus’s, Big C, Go Wholesale, Tops, and CJ Express Group. 

Apart from consumer goods, community products and OTOP goods are also included, to be on sale to the public at low prices every Friday throughout the month of May. This will help stimulate the local economy, as well.

The Prime Minister had assigned provincial governors to kick off this project in their respective areas of responsibility. During his inspection, he engaged in direct communication with the governors of Chiang Mai, Trat, Si Sa Ket, and Songkhla to follow up on the operations of this initiative. He found that the project had received a positive response from the people in all parts of the country.

The Government began the Thais Help Thais campaign on 1 April 2026 to reduce the people’s daily expenses and ease their hardships caused by the higher cost of living, following the Middle East situation and oil price increases. It has also joined hands with major e-commerce platforms and delivery services in launching the product discount campaign.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that the budget allocation from the 2026 fiscal year's central contingency fund would be used to cover preparations for the meeting venue, registration areas, information technology systems, and office equipment, supplies, and furniture, in accordance with the IMF and WBG's standards.

These preparations must be completed before the scheduled inspection of the readiness of the meeting venue by the IMF and the WBG between September and October 2026. The 2026 Annual Meetings of the IMF and the WBG Group will be held from 12 to 18 October 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok. 

The annual meetings are among the most important meetings of the IMF and the WBG that bring together finance ministers, central bank governors, executives of financial institutions, academics, and members of civil society. 

The 2026 Annual Meetings are expected to welcome more than 15,000 participants from 191 member countries, who will discuss a variety of global agendas, such as economic growth, fiscal sustainability, financial stability, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth.

Thailand became a member of the IMF and the WBG on 3 May 1949. It hosted the annual meetings of the IMF and the WBG once, in 1991. The 2026 Annual Meetings will mark the second time Thailand hosts these events. 

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Ekniti Nitithanprapas stated that hosting the annual meetings once again represents an important opportunity for Thailand; it symbolizes not only Thailand’s significant progress made over the past 35 years but also its continued role as a pillar of stability and a hub for global economic cooperation.

Governor of the Bank of Thailand Vitai Ratanakorn reaffirmed Thailand’s readiness to host the 2026 Annual Meetings, saying that Thailand is committed to facilitating the meetings in a smooth and well-coordinated manner, helping to deliver the outcomes the IMF envisions.

He emphasized that the annual meetings take place at a time when the global economy faces multiple challenges that require long-term vision, innovation, and international cooperation.

Mr. Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defense of the Republic of Singapore, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul on 27 April 2026 during his visit to Thailand

According to Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek, the Prime Minister emphasized that there remains significant potential to further develop cooperation between the two countries, while the Singaporean Minister expressed hope to welcome the Prime Minister once again on an official visit to Singapore.

Concerning defense cooperation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the continuity of joint exercises, such as Cobra Gold, and Thailand’s support in providing training areas for the Singapore Armed Forces. 

On energy cooperation, Thailand and Singapore agreed on outlining plans to increase the use of renewable and alternative energy, with the aim of strengthening regional energy security.

Regarding the aviation Industry, both sides agreed to expand cooperation in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). Singapore possesses strengths in technology and standards, while Thailand has advantages in geographic location and human resources. These complementary factors can support the development of a regional MRO hub. The scope of cooperation can be expanded to cover ship and military equipment maintenance.

Both Thailand and Singapore are aware of the opportunities to expand cooperation in the area of food security. Thailand has strong potential as a major food producer, which can help create balance with countries that possess energy resources but are challenged with food shortages. 

On this occasion, Singapore expressed interest in Thailand’s “Land Bridge” project, viewing it as a means of transport connection between the two coasts to reduce risks and enhance logistics capacity. It is also an opportunity to foster the development of various industries, leading to the emergence of a new economy, supporting stability, and strengthening capacity of the region. The Prime Minister affirmed support for Singapore and emphasized that the project requires large scale investment and cooperation from multiple sectors, both public and private, as well as international partners, in order to be effectively and sustainably implemented.

The Prime Minister welcomed President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani, who paid a courtesy call on him on 25 April 2026 at Government House. During the Prime Minister’s meeting with the OCA President, Minister of Tourism and Sports Surasak Phancharoenworakul and Minister of Industry Varawut Silpa-archa also joined the meeting.

The OCA President was pleased to visit Thailand and commended the country for its role in promoting sports at all levels, especially for youth development, which would help enhance life skills and discipline, as well as fostering international understanding. He reaffirmed OCA’s readiness to cooperate with Thailand in expanding opportunities for Thai youth to have greater access to sports. 

On this occasion, the Prime Minister emphasized the Thai government’s intention to use sports as an important instrument to develop people’s potential, skills, and quality of life, while creating a peaceful society and cultivating Olympic values.

Both sides shared the view that, apart from the competition dimension, sports also serve as a powerful tool to promote unity, peace, and youth empowerment, as well as being the foundation for sustainable economic growth.

The Prime Minister also congratulated Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al-Thani on his position as the new OCA President and commended his active role in strengthening the Olympic movement in Asia.

OCA and National Olympic Committee of Thailand have maintained a close, longstanding partnership. focused on sports development, youth training, and hosting major regional events. 

The issue was raised for discussion on 24 April 2026 during the meeting between Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Mr. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China,

Mr. Wang Yi is on a visit to Thailand to co-chair the third Meeting of the Consultation Mechanism between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China, as well as attending the Informal Thailand - China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, taking place on 24-25 April 2026.

He conveyed his congratulations on Prime Minister Anutin’s assumption of office. Both sides also discussed economic cooperation, as Thailand is ready to welcome investments from China, particularly in new industries, such as high-technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence.

On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sihasak Phuangketkeow welcomed the momentum of Thailand-China relations while commemorating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. They intended to elevate relations toward a truly comprehensive strategic partnership by expanding cooperation across all dimensions, including economic cooperation, science, technology, innovation, agriculture, energy, regional connectivity, and people-to-people interaction. They also discussed ways to address regional issues and respond to emerging challenges, including transnational crime, online scams, water resource management, and transboundary air pollution.

Both sides discussed regional and global developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and responses to the current energy challenges, as well as cooperation under regional and international frameworks, including Mekong - Lancang Cooperation, ASEAN, APEC, and the United Nations.

Mr. Sihasak and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China also traveled to Krabi Province to hold an informal retreat. The retreat will provide an opportunity for both sides to engage in in-depth and candid discussions on issues of mutual interest. The Deputy Prime Minister will brief the media following the meeting in Krabi Province to share key outcomes of the discussions.

Government Spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek cited three reasons for the meeting to make the decision, as follows:

1. The MOU B.E. 2544 (2001) was signed as a framework for negotiating joint management of offshore seabed resources between Thailand and Cambodia. Over more than 20 years, only five rounds of talks have been held, with both sides reaching no mutually beneficial agreement. Negotiations under the MOU, instead, have led to maritime boundary disputes, without shared development;

2. Cancelling the 2001 MOU is meant to end negotiations under this framework. If Cambodia still wants to pursue joint development, it should express its intention, or inform Thailand, so that both countries can negotiate a new, more feasible framework that avoids maritime boundary disputes;

3. Repeated Thai-Cambodian conflicts over 25 years have hindered the progress of negotiations, leading to failure to achieve the objectives of the MOU. If such conflicts persist, progress on joint development will remain difficult. Importantly, maritime boundaries must be agreed upon before joint development can proceed, on the basis of good faith and fair dealing.

The Government Spokesperson said that, in the next step, the National Security Council would submit its resolution on the MOU to the Cabinet for consideration.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, during his presentation of the Government’s policy statement to the National Assembly on 9 April, stated that the Government would continue efforts to reduce the Thailand-Cambodia conflicts through peaceful means and existing bilateral mechanisms, including expediting the study of approaches to terminating the 2001 MOU between Thailand and Cambodia regarding the area of their overlapping maritime claims to the continental shelf at the earliest opportunity.

Ms. Rachada said that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was satisfied with the Moody’s report, which reflects confidence in Thailand’s economic fundamentals and policy directives of the Thai government, as well as the stability of the country’s internal and external positions.

She explained that Moody’s cited greater political stability and policy continuity as supporting factors that help ease external risks and uncertainties and are also favorable to economic reform in the long run. 

Moreover, the stable outlook also reflects the continued recovery of private sector investment and the Government’s supporting measures, such as the introduction of “Thailand FastPass,” a key tool to accelerate the implementation of important investments, promote employment generation, and help drive the country's economy forward.

Ms. Rachada pointed out that, although public debt is likely to increase, driven largely by the Government’s economic-stimulus measures, the public debt level is still manageable and will not affect the country’s overall economic stability. Thailand’s fiscal position remains strong and its international reserves are sufficient to cope with heightened global economic volatility. 

Thailand is now back in the global top 25 and rising in the emerging market ranking, according to the Kearney FDI confidence index. The Government Spokesperson stated that the rising investor confidence is a result of Thailand’s strong economic foundation and its investment policies to promote future industries, such as the establishment of data centers, the manufacturing of electric vehicles, and the promotion of clean energy. The Thai government has also been accelerating infrastructure development and facilitating the operations of investors, which play an important part in restoring investor confidence.

She believed that the change in the credit outlook for Thailand by Moody’s and the improvement in Thailand’s direct foreign investment situation reported by the Kearney FDI confidence index 2026 would attract new investments, contribute to the country’s economic expansion, and further enhance Thailand’s competitiveness.

She also said that the Prime Minister had emphasized the Government’s efforts to upgrade the country’s potential for strong and sustainable growth, as stated in the Government’s policy statement delivered in the National Assembly.

In delivering policy directives on the 2027 national budget preparation, the Prime Minister stated that budget preparation for the 2027 fiscal year differs from previous years, as Thailand is facing a highly volatile global environment. The Government, therefore, needs to adjust urgently by reducing budget allocations for non-essential projects to ensure maximum efficiency in budget spending.

He said that budget preparation must be in line with the “10 Plus” policy framework, aimed at leading the country to get through the crisis, laying down a foundation for sustainable development, and accelerating efforts to move Thailand away from the middle-income trap.

Emphasis will be placed on five areas, as follows:

1. Economic affairs: priorities include income distribution, economic restructuring, and the promotion of trade, agriculture, and tourism;

2. Foreign affairs and security: efforts will be made to strengthen Thailand's role on the global stage, accelerate its accession to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028, and enhance border security and public safety;

3. Social affairs: education and healthcare will be improved, while families will be strengthened and communities will be empowered through the policies of "Ageing Plus" and "Equitable Education Plus;"

4. Disaster management and the environment: Water management and disaster response systems will be upgraded, together with advancing toward net-zero emissions by 2050 under the "Green Economy Plus" policy;

5. Public administration: Legal reform will be emphasized and the efficiency in the public sector will be increased toward becoming a fast, responsive government system, while suppressing structural corruption through the "AI Plus" and "Thailand Plus" initiatives.

The 2027 national budget is set at 3.788 trillion baht, an increase of only 7.4 billion baht, or 0.2 percent, from the previous year. The Prime Minister has also imposed a strict "golden rule" that additional budget requests by government agencies must not exceed 20 percent of the previous year's allocation and must be only for investment expenditures.

The meeting took place at Vithes Samosorn, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Bangkok. Over 100 members of the media attended this event.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs presented a vision on Thailand’s foreign policy amid a rapidly evolving global landscape, and laid out Thai diplomacy, one which responds effectively and overcomes multiple challenges in order to ensure security and prosperity for the country. This involves managing immediate issues and driving long-term strategies, both with neighboring countries and the global community at large.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs underscored that Thai Diplomacy 2.0 advances Thailand’s core interests on the international stage and creates meaningful change for the Thai people, through four key approaches, namely Diplomacy of Strategy, Diplomacy of Speed, Diplomacy of Coherence and Diplomacy of Communication, in which the media plays a vital role. 

He also stressed the importance of an effective and impactful foreign policy - a policy that begins at home, driven in unison, for the interests of Thailand and the Thai people.

Previously, on 8 April, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that science, research, and innovation constitute a key component of foreign affairs and economic diplomacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched science, research, and innovation diplomacy strategy to serve as a framework for systematic and concrete cooperation, as well as the establishment of international networks through nearly 100 Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide. 

The Prime Minister on 20 April 2026 delivered an inaugural address at the opening of the 82nd Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). The session is being held from 20 to 24 April at the United Nations Convention Center in Bangkok, under the overarching theme of “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific.”

In his address, the Prime Minister cited geopolitical tensions, climate pressures, and tightening financial conditions as challenges that are already affecting people of all ages and making it harder to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

He stated that Thailand’s development approach focuses on investing in lifelong learning, promoting active and healthy ageing, supporting decent work in a changing economy, and enhancing social protection-building on universal health coverage - to ensure dignity and security for all.

The Prime Minister said, “Our region is aging rapidly. By 2050, nearly one billion people, or one in five people in the Asia-Pacific, will be over 65. At the same time, millions of young people are entering the workforce with ambition and high expectations.

“This demographic transition must be managed carefully. It raises an important question: how do we build societies where every stage of life is valued, and every person has opportunity to thrive?

“A society for all ages does not happen by chance. It requires deliberate and sustained action. We must empower people at every stage of life. Education cannot end with formal schooling. Lifelong learning must become the norm. We must support older persons to remain healthy, active, and engaged. We must ensure that economic and technological change benefits everyone, not just a few. And we must guarantee equitable access to essential services and social protection for everyone.”

He also identified the key areas that should be prioritized. First, political will. “We must align our policies with long-term goals and deliver on our commitments.” Second, financing. “We must unlock greater resources - including private investment - while making smarter use of innovative financing.” Third, partnerships. “Governments, businesses, and communities must work more closely together. Regional platforms such as ESCAP play a vital role in sharing best practices and scaling up solutions.”

Prime Minister Anutin emphasized Thailand’s pride in having hosted ESCAP since 1949. In a more complex and fast-changing world, he said, ESCAP must continue to adapt to remain relevant, responsive, and results-oriented.