PM Issues Directives to Village Headmen and Elders on Community Care and Drug Suppression

At 11:00 AM on May 11, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisivivattana announced that Prime Minister Anuthit Charnveerakul and Interior Minister presided over a policy briefing for village headmen and elders at the Government House's Santhimaitri Building (Outer Section). The briefing included Interior Ministry deputies, administrators, and representatives from village headman associations.

The Prime Minister outlined that village headmen and local leaders serve as critical mechanisms of governance, operating as the frontline closest to citizens and serving as a lifeline during times of hardship. They bridge the gap between state institutions and communities, bearing responsibility for public welfare while acting as the public's eyes and ears. He emphasized they must perform their duties with transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to law, stating: "Be suppressors of abuse of power, not wielders of power, to serve as a reliable foundation for the people and support the work of district officers and the Department of Local Administration with concrete results."

The Prime Minister stressed coordinated efforts across all agencies, particularly on drug prevention and suppression using the "card never falls" principle, disaster management enhancement, and ensuring citizens receive genuine, transparent, and fair state protection. He also highlighted the need to stay vigilant against emerging crimes such as human trafficking and online fraud scams, enabling citizens to recognize threats and protect themselves and their families.

Economic development initiatives were emphasized through the "Thai Helping Thai Plus" program to alleviate hardship, aiming to distribute state benefits equitably to all target populations. The PM requested village headmen and local administrators to disseminate information and facilitate public access to state benefits and measures.

Additionally, the Prime Minister asked village headmen to monitor local situations and coordinate continuously with district officers and provincial governors to ensure coordinated, efficient problem-solving. An integrated coordination meeting among all parties is scheduled within two weeks to strengthen collaboration between local administration and police.

Following the policy briefing, the Prime Minister shared lunch with village headmen and organizers at the Santhimaitri Building's central hall, then posed for photos with them at the Thai Koo Fah building.