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"Suwat" Leads Korat in 28th "Uncle Chat" Memorial, Advises Govt. on Loans & Land Bridge

"Suwat" Leads Korat in 28th "Uncle Chat" Memorial, Advises Govt. on Loans & Land Bridge

MGR Online•Society•3d ago

Reader Briefing

Suwat Liptapallop commemorates former PM Chatichai Choonhavan, advising the current government on fiscal prudence regarding a 400 billion baht loan and thorough evaluation of the 1 trillion baht land bridge project.

  • •On May 6, 2026, Suwat Liptapallop led a commemoration in Nakhon Ratchasima for the 28th anniversary of the passing of former Prime Minister General Chatichai Choonhavan.
  • •Suwat highlighted General Chatichai's visionary leadership and economic policies during the "Golden Era" (1988-1990) when Thailand's GDP grew significantly.
  • •He advised caution on the government's plan to borrow 400 billion baht, urging economical spending due to the public debt nearing 70% of GDP.
  • •Furthermore, Suwat stressed the need for meticulous multi-dimensional evaluation of the 1 trillion baht "Land Bridge" project, considering geopolitical, economic, and environmental factors.

Overview

  • •On May 6, 2026, Suwat Liptapallop presided over a memorial event for General Chatichai Choonhavan's 28th death anniversary in Nakhon Ratchasima, resulting in over 1,000 attendees.
  • •Suwat Liptapallop, as Chairman of the Chart Pattana Party, stated that the government must borrow 400 billion baht cautiously and use it economically in order to maximize benefits.
  • •The public debt ceiling is approaching 70% of GDP, which necessitates careful government spending on loans.
  • •The "Golden Economic Era" under Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan (1988-1990) saw continuous GDP growth of 11-13% annually, leading to Thailand being dubbed the "Fifth Asian Tiger".
  • •Suwat Liptapallop commented positively on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's parole, expressing happiness for the former PM to live with family in his later years.
  • •Suwat Liptapallop warned that the 1 trillion baht "Land Bridge" project requires comprehensive evaluation in all dimensions, including geopolitics, economic viability, and environmental impact on the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand ecosystems.
  • •Suwat Liptapallop recommended focusing on Thailand's four global competitive strengths—tourism, agriculture, food, and health—to achieve strong economic growth similar to General Chatichai's era.
  • •The government should thoroughly study public opinion and involve experts in the serious analysis of the "Land Bridge" project before proceeding.

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Key Quotes

Suwat Liptapallop
""In the golden era of General Chatichai Choonhavan, the 17th Prime Minister, during 1988-1990, it was known as Thailand's 'Golden Economic Era'.""
“ในยุคทองของ พลเอกชาติชาย ชุณหะวัณ นายกรัฐมนตรีคนที่ 17 ในช่วงปี 1988–1990 ถูกขนานนามว่าเป็น “ยุคทองของเศรษฐกิจไทย”
Suwat Liptapallop
""Turning battlefields into marketplaces.""
“เปลี่ยนสนามรบเป็นสนามการค้า”
Suwat Liptapallop
""I am pleased that a former Prime Minister will return to live with his children at the end of his life. I admit that the former PM has knowledge, ability, and experience beneficial to the country."
“ผมรู้สึกยินดีที่อดีตนายกรัฐมนตรีจะได้กลับมาใช้ชีวิตกับลูกหลานในช่วงบั้นปลาย ยอมรับว่าอดีตนายกฯ เป็นผู้ที่มีความรู้ความสามารถและประสบการณ์ที่เป็นประโยชน์ต่อประเทศ

Key Entities

Person

Suwat Liptapallop(สุวัจน์ ลิปตพัลลภ)ℹ️
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Chart Pattana Party, who is commemorating former Prime Minister General Chatichai Choonhavan and advising the current government.
General Chatichai Choonhavan(พลเอกชาติชาย ชุณหะวัณ)ℹ️
The 17th Prime Minister of Thailand, whose 28th death anniversary is being commemorated.
Thaksin(ทักษิณ)ℹ️
Former Prime Minister who has been granted parole, an event that Suwat Liptapallop expressed happiness about.

Organization

Chart Pattana Party(พรรคชาติพัฒนา (ชพน.))ℹ️
Political party whose headquarters hosted the memorial event for General Chatichai Choonhavan. Suwat Liptapallop is its chairman.

Place

Nakhon Ratchasima(นครราชสีมา)ℹ️
The province in Thailand where the memorial event for General Chatichai Choonhavan was held.

Policy

Land Bridge(แลนด์บริดจ์)
A proposed infrastructure project valued at over 1 trillion baht, requiring meticulous multi-dimensional evaluation according to Suwat Liptapallop.