In a remarkable display of charisma and political prowess, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made an appearance in the vibrant province of Bueng Kan, where he turned quite a few heads and hearts. As he walked, giving a traditional ‘wai’ to energized supporters, there was no denying the electrifying atmosphere in support of the Pheu Thai candidate, Sub Lt Phumiphan Boonmatoon, vying for the prestigious position of Bueng Kan Provincial Administration Organisation chief. It was a scene painted with hopeful anticipation and aspirations of a brighter future brimming with opportunities.
Committing to a cause that touches what he calls the ‘moral core of society,’ Thaksin took to the stage and made waves with a promise bound to inspire hope among the populace. Addressing the housing crisis, he pledged to construct an astonishing one million housing units tailored specifically to the needs of those with lower incomes. “We are going to transform the way our communities live,” Thaksin stated passionately, laying out plans far grander than the ambitious ‘Home for Thais’ scheme that had only just seen its grand unveiling the previous week. The scheme itself had already piqued the interest of a whopping 31 million people who rushed to sign up, with thousands eagerly awaiting their new homes.
Although the initial figure of 7,000 units in progress might seem small in the face of enormous demand, Thaksin’s unwavering commitment to scale up the effort was clear. “This year, we will surge forward, creating at least 100,000 more homes,” he confidently announced, with an identical target for the subsequent year. With an end goal of one million homes, the grand vision was beyond any shadow of doubt.
The roots of Thaksin’s ambition, it seems, can be traced back to the time he led the transformative Thai Rak Thai Party – an era marked by bold visions and dynamic projects. “I’ve long dreamt of developing urban condos that are affordable and conveniently located,” he explained. These dream homes would nestle close to the electric rail system, with commutes costing no more than 20 baht per trip. In Thaksin’s vision, the rail lines wouldn’t merely end in Bangkok but become the beating heart of a network flowing seamlessly into other provinces.
In a twist of nostalgia, Thaksin also took the opportunity to reminisce about monumental decisions made during his previous leadership tenure—aided by the insight he’d gained with time. He recalled the contentious 2003 cabinet decision to halt rubber cultivation, a move he promptly overturned upon seeing untapped potential. “Expanding our rubber cultivation to a million rai wasn’t just a leap of faith—it was the right decision. Bueng Kan’s thriving rubber industry stands as a testament to this,” he emphasized, a glint of pride shining in his eyes.
But Thaksin’s fervor wasn’t limited to housing and agriculture. With the same fervency he had exhibited in the past, he pledged anew to tackle the scourge of drugs head-on. “Drug addicts will receive the help they need, and dealers will see a swift end to their wicked trade,” Thaksin declared, promising asset seizures and jail time for those who profited from such illegalities. The ominous tone of his warning was unmistakable—action was imminent.
In the realm of economic stimulus, the former prime minister also teased a new phase of the digital money handout scheme targeting those under 60, hinting at further initiatives to be unraveled soon. This glimpse into Thaksin’s vision for a thriving, inclusive Thailand left many in the crowd buzzing with excitement.
As Thaksin Shinawatra steps resolutely into the future with grand plans firmly in sight, one thing remains certain—his legacy of visionary leadership continues to be written, not just on paper but in the very lives of the people echoing with hope across Thailand.
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