Top Officials Convene to Drive Government Policy Innovation
Top government officials launched a policy innovation workshop in Bangkok to develop integrated solutions for Thailand's three priority challenges: human capital development, AI governance, and environmental restoration, emphasizing cross-s
On July 22, 2025, at the Centara Hotel in Bangkok's government complex, Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan designated Thiirattana Samrenjwanitchaya, assistant minister to the Prime Minister's Office, to chair the opening of a workshop to define guidelines for advancing key government policies. The event brought together participants from the Senior Executive Development Program: Leaders of Change (SEPD curriculum) at all four levels—SEPD 1 through 4—for the 2025 fiscal year. Natphol Natthasombun, director of the SEPD office, led the welcoming delegation.
This meeting continues Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak's July 16 initiative, which emphasizes the Policy Innovation Lab process. SEPD 1 executives define integrated policy challenges and pass them to SEPD levels 2–4 for joint study, fieldwork, and policy prototype development that leads to real-world implementation. Government policy cannot succeed through a single ministry alone; it requires cross-sector integration. This year, three priority national challenges have been identified: (1) Human Capital for Thailand's Future, developing talent to meet tomorrow's changes; (2) AI Governance for Thailand, applying science, technology, and AI to strengthen the public sector and boost competitiveness; and (3) Nature Positive Thailand, restoring natural capital and biodiversity for sustainable growth.
Thiirattana illustrated the principle with Chiang Rai's recent flood and landslide response, noting that the Interior Ministry alone could not solve it. Success required coordination among the Defence Ministry, National Water Resources Office, and other agencies—integrating weather forecasting, water management, transport, public health, and disaster recovery to help people swiftly and comprehensively.
The heart of national development, she stressed, lies in shifting from ministry-by-ministry governance to integrated country management centered on the people. The SEPD curriculum will build cooperation networks and strengthen Thailand's civil service to be more agile, coordinated, and responsive to citizens efficiently and sustainably.
