Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul marked National Labor Day by announcing new measures to ease living costs, as he underscored the role of workers in sustaining the country’s economic stability.
The initiatives, including a nationwide “Thais Help Thais” program offering discounted essential goods, come amid ongoing economic pressures, while renewed attention to the prime minister’s Catholic education at Assumption College highlights the formative values he continues to reference in his public leadership.
Speaking at Government House on May 1, the prime minister expressed appreciation for workers across the country, wishing them success in their professions and stability in their lives. He said Thailand’s progress rests on the dedication and resilience of its labor force.
Building on that message, he launched the “Thais Help Thais” initiative on May 2, aimed at reducing living expenses for ordinary citizens.
The program establishes sales points at district offices nationwide, offering more than 3,000 essential items at discounts of up to 58 percent, alongside community and agricultural products.
Officials said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to respond to rising costs while supporting local economies.
Amid these developments, attention has also turned to the prime minister’s educational background at Assumption College, one of Thailand’s oldest Catholic institutions.
During a visit to the school last November, he was received by school leaders, alumni, teachers, students, and parents, where he spoke about his formative years and the lessons that shaped his character.
He recalled an early academic setback, receiving a zero in mathematics, which he said became a turning point that pushed him to improve and eventually pursue engineering studies.
The prime minister is also known for his role as a volunteer pilot for the Thai Red Cross Society, flying his private aircraft to transport life-saving organs and medical teams.
Since beginning more than a decade ago, he has completed over 80 flights, contributing to life-saving medical missions for more than 200 patients.
He also credited his teachers, including his first-grade homeroom teacher, for guiding him in his early years, along with another mentor who instilled discipline and accountability.
“These experiences,” he said, “helped shape my character and sense of responsibility.”
Reflecting on the school’s ethos, he said Assumption College instilled discipline, attention to detail, and moral integrity, qualities he said remain central to his leadership.
He described how strict punctuality and disciplined routines, including handwriting exercises with fountain pens, helped develop habits of precision and perseverance.
He encouraged students to pursue knowledge with discipline and remain grounded in gratitude toward their families, teachers, and country.
He also acknowledged the role of digital tools such as ChatGPT and online resources in modern learning, while emphasizing the importance of genuine understanding and personal effort.
Asked what it takes to become prime minister, he pointed to respect for parents and teachers, self-discipline, and commitment to learning.
“Setting clear goals and working steadily toward them,” he said, “are essential for any future path.”
He urged students to contribute to the nation’s future with integrity and a strong sense of duty.
