Prime Minister Srettha hands over 10,000 rai of land to farmers

In a significant move to uplift the farming community, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, on a visit to the northeastern region of Udon Thani, officially handed over lease contracts to farmers for over 10,000 rai of land owned by the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment. This marked a significant day in the Nong Wua So development scheme, designed to safeguard the interests of small farmers nationwide.

This not only addresses national security concerns but also aims to alleviate the poverty experienced by many farmers without land. The decision came after extensive discussions involving the chiefs of all armed forces branches and the Treasury Department, the legal landowner.

The 62 year old prime minister, along with Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, Defence Ministry Sutin Klungsaeng, and Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao, visited Prachaksinlapakhom Camp in Muang district following the contract distribution. The visit aimed to assess the living conditions of the soldiers stationed there, some of whom have been living in dormitories built in the 1950s, reported Bangkok Post.

The poor condition of these dormitories necessitates a renovation plan. Our objective is to improve the quality of life for our soldiers by upgrading these facilities to modern standards, PM Srettha emphasised.

The delegation also made a stop at Prachaksinlapakhom Hospital within the camp premises. The hospital, boasting 200 beds and a team of 19 doctors, caters not only to the soldiers but also to civilians in the surrounding vicinity.

The Thai prime minister expressed concern over the high doctor-to-patient ratio, which stands at 1:14,000, and pledged to channel additional funding to the hospital. According to Army Chief Gen Charoenchai Hinthao, the government’s Gold Card universal healthcare scheme covers medical treatments at hospitals located within army bases.

PM Srettha expressed his optimism for the Nong Wua So development scheme, hoping to replicate its success in other regions as well. This initiative signifies the government’s commitment to addressing both national security and the socio-economic challenges faced by the country’s farming community.