Bangkok: PM confirms land "Thames Valley Khao Yai" was obtained legally, says digital wallet is not as advertised but definitely on target
Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra addressed the parliament, responding to the opposition's request for a detailed explanation. She emphasized her commitment to using the parliament's time efficiently by focusing on key points rather than responding to unrelated discussions about other governments.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister addressed concerns raised by members regarding the land ownership of the Thames Valley Khao Yai Hotel. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, the Minister of Social Development and Human Security, and Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, had already provided detailed explanations. The Land Department confirmed that the issuance of the title deed followed legal procedures, and the Prime Minister assured that her family's business dealings were lawful, similar to other operators in the Khao Yai area.
The Prime Minister also touched on the opposition's debate regarding call centers. She highlighted that significant progress had been made in addressing this issue, which dates back to Mr. Settha Thavisin's administration. Collaborative efforts with countries like Myanmar, China, and Cambodia have been instrumental in tackling power cuts and call center scams. The Chinese government, including Mr. Xi Jinping, has praised these efforts, recognizing the swift and decisive actions taken.
The cooperation with neighboring countries has led to a notable decrease in call center problems, showcasing the benefits of teamwork and mutual respect. The Ministry of Digital Economy has established the AOC 1441 Center to integrate operations around the clock, resulting in the suspension of 1.92 million mule accounts and the tracking of unusual financial transactions.
Further efforts have been made to combat mule SIM operations, with 2.4 million numbers cleared and 2.8 million suspicious SIMs suspended. Mobile banking data has been scrutinized, leading to a 20% drop in online crime reports and a 67% reduction in call center cases. Consequently, public damages have decreased from 100 million baht per day to 50 million baht, prompting the government to consider more stringent measures, including an Emergency Decree on Technology Crime Prevention.
The Prime Minister also discussed the digital wallet initiative, a key government policy facing opposition. Despite criticism, the government has been receptive to constructive feedback. The digital wallet aims to stimulate economic growth through cash payments. While initial perceptions suggest it may not meet expectations, the government remains confident that the policy is on target. Economic indicators have shown improvement, and the upcoming third round of payments will focus on digital transactions, particularly targeting tech-savvy youth. The long-term vision is to transform Thailand into a digital society, with tangible results anticipated within the government's current term.