On December 13, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra delivered a special lecture on global trends and economic adaptation, highlighting innovative financial strategies to stimulate Thailand's economy. Thaksin suggested that the Prime Minister could task the Ministry of Finance with exploring the use of Bitcoin through a sandbox approach, starting in regions like Phuket. This would encourage Bitcoin holders to spend within the Thai economy. He also proposed the issuance of asset-backed coins guaranteed by government bonds, a move he believes could enhance economic liquidity and help achieve a GDP growth of 3.5% in 2025 and 4.0% in 2026.
Thaksin emphasized that Thailand’s economy is currently constrained by limited bank lending and high public debt, urging for strategies to inject funds into the economy without exacerbating the debt burden. He highlighted the need for policies that stimulate GDP growth and reduce fiscal deficits to address the nation’s growing public debt. Additionally, Thaksin called for reforms in state enterprises with heavy debts, suggesting they be privatized to attract private investment. He underscored 2025 as a pivotal year for Thailand’s economic recovery, emphasizing the importance of efficient budget utilization and fostering opportunities for Thai citizens.