Anutin should use his time judiciously

One month has passed. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul now has three more months to go. Will he make history or be condemned?

- Kavi Chongkittavorn

Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul meets South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung during a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit in Gyeongju, on Oct 30.

(YONHAP VIA REUTERS)

After all, Thai historians and critics have never been kind to politicians. For Mr Anutin, the remaining months will be akin to walking through a political minefield. One wrong step could set off an explosion that derails his reform agenda.

One cabinet minister, Vorapak Tanyawong, a deputy finance minister, has already resigned, and it would not be surprising if more cabinet members follow. That said, Mr Anutin also needs to perform his Houdini act to avoid a guillotine that awaits in the form of a no-confidence vote or hush-hush house dissolution.

Mr Anutin must now focus on two fronts: improving people's standard of living and ensuring that Thailand's diplomacy protects its sovereignty while raising the country's international standing.

From the start, his approach has been pragmatic. Reviving the co-payment scheme, Khon La Khrueng Plus, has shown he values results over ego. He was courageous in restarting the Prayut administration's policy to inject fresh cash into households and small businesses. He quickly earned praise. Still, he needs something more tangible.

At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) business leaders' meeting in Gyeongju, Mr Anutin outlined three strategic pillars to boost the country's competitiveness -- connectivity, future industries and sustainable growth. He paired these with a "Quick Win" policy, aimed at achieving visible progress in key sectors such as electric vehicles, biotechnology, semiconductors and digital innovation.

"True growth must begin with the people," he said, "because economic growth is meaningless unless everyone benefits."

Well said. But the taste of a pudding is in the eating.