PM says Thailand plans to be a high income country within 17 years

PHOTO: AFP

The PM General Prayut Chan-o-cha has high ambitions for Thailand within the next 17 years, saying the government aims to see it become a high income country.

The PM made the claim while attending a lunch meeting with the Asia Society for Executives and foreign media in New York.

He says the government has spent the last five years paving the way for all Thai people to share equally in the fruits of the country’s development, with none being left behind.

The PM goes on to list the achievements of the previous government (which he also led), referring to how it brought about a reduction in social and economic inequality, has made investment easier for both Thai and foreign investors, and fixed the issue of illegal and unregulated fishing.

The PM claims the government has fulfilled its pledge to restore democracy, having held elections in March, which led to a democratically elected government, under his leadership.

His speech was briefly interrupted by a Thai woman raising a face mask and shouting his name. The woman was escorted from the room by security.

SOURCE: ThaiVisa and Thai PBS World