Bangkok: The Prime Minister met with heads of government agencies, emphasizing the need for accurate information dissemination to the public, particularly in light of recent fake news regarding the Thai-Cambodian border situation. She highlighted the responsibility of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, along with other government agencies, to ensure that truthful information is available for public verification. Furthermore, she tasked the Ministry of Energy with addressing three critical issues, including ensuring fair electricity prices that do not burden the public.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra chaired the 5th/2025 meeting of heads of ministerial or equivalent departments at the Ministry of Energy. Prior to the meeting, she participated in a group photo with the Permanent Secretary and other department heads. The Prime Minister also visited an exhibition by PTT Public Company Limited, where she received a briefing from Mr. Chatchai Promlert, the company’s chairman, on the hydrogen business development plan and infrastructure preparations for Thailand. Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and President of PTT, presented on the CO2 capture and storage project in the Gulf of Thailand.
The Prime Minister expressed her commitment to attending meetings across various ministries, having already participated in five, with more to follow. She acknowledged the increasing prevalence of fake news both domestically and internationally, citing examples such as AI-generated images complicating the verification of authenticity. Stressing the importance of presenting true information, she tasked the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society with overseeing efforts to combat fake news.
Additionally, the Prime Minister urged ministries to expedite the disbursement of the remaining 80 billion baht from the 2024 budget, as only four months remain before the 2025 budget period begins. She emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing electricity bills through short-term measures from May to August and tasked the Ministry of Energy with adjusting the electricity price structure to ensure fair, stable, and sustainable electricity.
With global economic fluctuations and tensions at the Thai-Cambodian border, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s focus on maintaining peace and preventing violence. She called for ministries to work collaboratively to provide confidence and safety for the populace, integrating big data from various departments to better serve the people’s needs.
Notably, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Mr. Pirapan Salirathavibhaga was absent, with Pol. Lt. Col. Fuangwich Aniruteva, Assistant Minister to the Ministry of Energy, welcoming the Prime Minister in his stead.