He was responding to a recent Financial Times article titled “How Thailand became the ‘sick man’ of Asia”, saying such characterisations reflected conditions under previous administrations rather than the current government, reports the Bangkok Post.
Anutin, who is also the interior minister, said his administration was committed to maintaining strict fiscal discipline to strengthen economic fundamentals and boost investor confidence.
“We are not pursuing policies that lack fiscal discipline. Everything we do must preserve financial and fiscal stability to ensure that our economic foundations remain strong,” he said.
As concrete evidence of the government’s approach, Anutin cited the Finance Ministry’s decision to use surplus budget funds to repay debts owed to the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, rather than diverting them to populist schemes.
The move, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, helped persuade Fitch Ratings to maintain Thailand’s sovereign credit rating at BBB+, reinforcing the country’s credibility and attractiveness to foreign investors.
On political stability, Anutin said the election outcome sent a positive signal, demonstrating a degree of national cohesion.
He also said that campaign-related conflicts and heated rhetoric had ended without escalating into violence, creating favourable conditions for the new parliament to function effectively.
“This is a good sign that the new House will be strong and capable of driving the country forward under Bhumjaithai Party policies that focus on practicality and public benefit,” he said.
Asked whether the new Cabinet would include technocrats or political outsiders, Anutin said it was premature to discuss the matter.
Speaking earlier at an orientation meeting for Bhumjaithai’s newly elected MPs, Anutin congratulated candidates on their successful campaigns, attributing the party’s strong performance to its emphasis on listening to and responding to public concerns.
Based on unofficial results, Bhumjaithai secured 174 constituency seats and 19 party-list seats, giving it a total of 193 MPs, making it the largest party in parliament.