In a stunning announcement during a vibrant rally in Bueng Kan province, Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand and influential figure within the Pheu Thai Party, introduced a bold initiative set to transform the lives of many low-income Thai nationals. This visionary plan promises the construction of up to a million housing units, aimed at providing affordable homes and a fresh start for those who need it the most.
The buzz surrounding the “Home for Thais” scheme is palpable, with an impressive outpouring of interest from approximately 31 million hopefuls eagerly signing up for a chance to secure a new home. This foundation-laying ceremony of sorts was especially timely, complementing the upcoming provincial administration organization elections scheduled for February 1st.
Thaksin’s future-focused speeches often echo with vigor, yet this time, there’s a more tangible excitement about the possibilities on the horizon. To illustrate the current urgent demand, he revealed a stark contrast—only about 7,000 units are presently under construction. But fear not, his plans are grand. The government intends to erect at least 100,000 new units this year alone, and another 100,000 the subsequent year, with an ambitious end goal of reaching that iconic one million mark.
Transporting us back to his leadership era when he helmed the Thai Rak Thai Party, Thaksin has long pondered over housing projects aimed at assisting Bangkok’s underprivileged populace. His dream is to nestle these new homes conveniently close to the ever-expanding electric rail system, ensuring that a commuter’s journey costs no more than 20 baht—tap and go, he muses. He also envisions a rail tapestry that stitches Bangkok seamlessly to other provinces, enhancing connectivity for millions.
On a different note, Thaksin took a stroll down memory lane, recalling the revolutionary overturn of a 2003 Cabinet decision that had previously shackled the growth of Thailand’s rubber farming. With a triumphant gleam, he cited the flourishing rubber fields of Bueng Kan as a testament to his foresight. As he extolled his vision for opening new markets and ensuring fairer prices, he painted a hopeful picture of Thailand’s rubber industry—ripe for expansion and innovation.
In a move that resonates with his law-and-order persona, Thaksin pledged to turn up the heat on drug-related crimes. His message was clear: rehabilitation for users, iron bars for dealers. And for those living ‘high’ on proceeds from illegal drug activities—consider your homes and cars earmarked for confiscation, with the offenders bound for a stay behind bars.
Before leaving the stage amid a sea of applause, Thaksin tantalized the crowd with whispers of what’s next—hinting at future phases of the digital money handout scheme for those under 60, a modern twist on social support, reported by the Bangkok Post.
In a country buzzing with news, from Dowries lost in a temple bathroom to bold rice policy shifts gaining momentum, Thaksin Shinawatra’s housing plan stands as a beacon of hope. A promise of homes not just as physical structures, but as foundations for thriving futures in the Land of Smiles.
This housing initiative is just a political stunt by Thaksin to gain votes for the upcoming elections. It’s all promises and no action.
I disagree. I think it’s a genuine attempt to help the low-income families. We need more affordable housing in Thailand.
But remember his past promises? He always vows big but fails to deliver. It’s hard to trust him.
He’s done a lot for our country already, why not give him a chance?
It’s both, really. Politicians always mix good deeds with self-interest.
If Thaksin achieves this, it could change the housing landscape in Thailand. Let’s focus on the potential positive outcomes too.
I agree, it’s an ambitious plan that could truly benefit society. Hope it works as intended.
Ambitious, yes, but where’s the funding coming from?
Thaksin’s plan sounds good, but when he talks about the rubber industry, I think he’s just reminiscing too much about past glories.
Rubber is a big part of our economy, past or not. His policies did help before.
Exactly, he should focus more on the future than the past.
I hate how people are always cynical about change. Why not cheer for something beneficial for once?
We aren’t cynical, just cautious. History makes us so.
It’s nice that he wants to connect Bangkok to other provinces with better rail systems. Traffic is a nightmare!
True. Commuting would be cheaper and more convenient.
Imagine being able to travel so easily. It would be revolutionary!
Is anyone else thinking that the drug crime crackdown could lead to more harm than good?
If done right, tackling drug crimes could really clean up the streets and make communities safer.
What about the ones who lose their homes because of drug raids? It’s not as simple as it sounds.
Well, he did mention rehabilitation for users. It’s a start.
I agree with Wiroon, there needs to be a more humane approach.
Digital money handouts for those under 60? Sounds like a bribe to me.
It could be a new form of social support, but it’s crucial we monitor it closely.
Thaksin’s digital money scheme sounds innovative. If implemented wisely, it could revolutionize how we support each other financially.
I think this initiative might just be what we need to jumpstart a lot of stalled social projects.
Right! Sometimes, a bit of bold thinking is necessary.