“Anutin” inaugurates heart surgery center in Nong Khai, declares “no Village Health Volunteers means no Prime Minister,” and proposes making agriculture a national agenda item during the mobile Cabinet meeting in Udon Thani

Today (2 November 2026) at 11:40 AM, at Nong Khai Hospital (Nai Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai District, Nong Khai Province), Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the opening ceremony of the “Metta Sukhato” Heart Center. He also oversaw the presentation of land-use authorization documents issued under the government’s policy for collective land management to residents for use within the Phran Phrao–Kaeng Kai National Reserved Forest.

The event was attended by several Cabinet ministers, including Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri, Minister of Public Health Phatthana Phromphhat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, and Paradorn Prissanananthakul. Also in attendance were a Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Minister of Interior Phonphi Suwannachawi, Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police Pol. Gen. Samran Nuanma, Nong Khai Governor Saransak Srikrueanet, and representatives from relevant agencies.

Reporters noted that upon his arrival, Mr. Anutin greeted government officials and waved to the Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) who had gathered to welcome him in a lively atmosphere; the volunteers even sang the “VHV March” in his honor.

Subsequently, Mr. Anutin took the stage to introduce his accompanying delegation, calling out the directors-general of various departments. At one point, he asked about the Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, Nikorn Sirirojananon, jokingly remarking, “Is he here? If not, I won't bother with him anymore.” He then asked about the Director-General of the Department of Groundwater Resources, Nat Kongkesorn, quipping, “Is he here? If not, the Minister will pay respects to the people on his behalf”—prompting Mr. Suchat to stand up and offer a wai (traditional greeting/gesture of respect) to the crowd. Mr. Anutin then asked, “Is my Director-General of the Department of Lands here?” Upon confirming his presence, Mr. Anutin teased, “Those who didn't show up might soon find themselves becoming 'former' officials.”

Before concluding, Mr. Anutin asked the crowd to cheer, saying he needed the encouragement, as he had just returned from Bhutan the previous day (1 November 2026) specifically to meet with the people of Nong Khai this morning. I forgot to introduce myself: I am Anutin Charnvirakul, a Village Health Volunteer (VHV) from Tambon Isan, Mueang District, Buriram Province. We are on the same team!

Mr. Anutin stated that he, along with fellow Deputy Prime Ministers, cabinet ministers, and government officials, were delighted to meet with the people of Nong Khai at Nong Khai Hospital. They were there for a truly auspicious occasion: the opening of the “Metta Sukhato” Heart Center at the hospital, as well as the presentation of land-use permits to community members under the government’s policy to allocate land for livelihoods. Mr. Anutin noted that he did not feel it appropriate to preside over the opening ceremony, as this heart center belongs to all the people of Nong Khai and the surrounding provinces. It serves a vital purpose: should anyone in Nong Khai develop heart-related conditions, they will no longer need to travel to Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, or Nakhon Phanom where such specialized cardiac centers are located, but can instead receive care right here at the hospital in Nong Khai, close to home.

Mr. Anutin emphasized the immense value of this facility, highlighting the profound generosity of Luang Pu Thui Chanthakaro, the abbot of Wat Pa Dan Wiwek in Tambon Si Chomphu, So Phisai District, Bueng Kan Province. Luang Pu has consistently shown great compassion toward the people of Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and the entire Isan region. The establishment of the “Metta Sukhato” Heart Center, dedicated to cardiac surgery and the treatment of heart disease, marks a significant step forward in the development of medical services in Nong Khai Province, ensuring that those who fall ill have access to the care they need to receive timely medical treatment.

Mr. Anutin further remarked that when it comes to heart disease, every second counts. It is truly commendable and a cause for celebration for the people of Nong Khai that they have benefited from the benevolence and kindness of Luang Pu Thui Chanthakaro (Phra Ratchamongkhon Watcharaprida). The Ministry of Public Health is committed to building upon this foundation, enhancing the facilities and modernizing the heart disease center at Nong Khai Hospital. This is not merely about accepting a contribution and leaving it at that; it is an opportunity to expand and create something that serves the greater good of all citizens. Regarding the term “Sugato” (found in Buddhist chants like Vijjacaranasampanno Sugato Lokavidu), those who, like myself, frequently engage in chanting know that it signifies “going toward a good destination.” This does not mean that those who receive care here will “pass away” (in the sense of reaching a final destination); rather, in the context of the chants, Sugato refers to the path toward Nibbana—a journey toward prosperity and virtuous actions. Simply put, it represents a path toward a positive outcome, a deep understanding of the world, and a broadening of one’s perspective. After saying this, I feel like going off to be ordained myself! This is a truly auspicious endeavor that brings great benefit to the people of Nong Khai, fulfilling the wishes of our Village Health Volunteers (VHVs).

Mr. Anutin added that during his time at the Ministry of Public Health, a figure of 2,000 baht was proposed [as an allowance for VHVs]. Today, however, the VHVs have asked for 3,000 baht—and just a moment ago, I was nearly floored when they suggested 5,000 baht! We must remember that we are volunteers; no one forced us to take on this role. Village Health Volunteers (VHVs) are, by nature, individuals with an inherent spirit of self-sacrifice. As a former Minister of Public Health, I, Anutin, promise that I will never forget the VHVs. Without the VHVs, I could never have become Prime Minister; it was through your support, combined with the backing of Members of Parliament, that I attained this position. I will never, ever forget that. Whenever I have the opportunity to do something beneficial for all of you, I will do so to the best of my ability, alongside the team I have already introduced to you. I want to emphasize that this government is committed to elevating the standard of care for the public as much as humanly possible.

Mr. Anutin added that the public must also do their part: stay diligent in their work, avoid unnecessary illness, make a habit of exercising, and actively cultivate well-being. It is essential to maintain good physical health, especially as our lifespans continue to increase. I urge local government leaders to prioritize health maintenance rather than focusing solely on medical treatment. We want our people to live longer, but they must possess a solid foundation of health, enabling them to serve as pillars of support for their children and grandchildren, rather than becoming a burden. This is of the utmost importance. I want everyone to understand our respective roles: the government is responsible for looking after your well-being, while you, in turn, have a duty to stay as healthy as possible to ensure a high quality of life.

Mr. Anutin emphasized that the mobile Cabinet meeting in Udon Thani province involving all 35 Cabinet ministers and their respective ministry teams is designed to allow officials to visit various provinces across the central Isan (Northeastern) region. The goal is for ministers to identify opportunities, areas for improvement, and existing challenges that require resolution, as well as to determine what can be done to foster positive development. A key agenda item for this mobile Cabinet meeting in the Northeast is to designate agriculture as a “national agenda.” Thailand is exceptionally fertile and stands as a global powerhouse in food security—an asset far more valuable than other forms of energy. Agriculture sustains life, fuels thought, creates opportunities, drives development, and generates significant income for Thailand.

“Whenever I dine abroad, a meal that includes Thai rice—especially if it happens to be Thai Jasmine rice—is always exceptionally delicious. As I eat, I am reminded of Thailand’s farmers, who contribute so much to our nation’s revenue. Thai rice is truly cherished by people all over the world. Therefore, we must focus on strengthening Thailand’s agricultural sector as much as possible. For crops like rice, rubber, cassava, sugarcane, and other agricultural products, we must strive to ensure the best possible prices and the highest quality to meet global market demand. We have already taken steps and managed this effectively; this year, prices for rice, cassava, and most notably rubber have improved, thanks to our careful study of market needs and global demand. I believe that prices for palm oil and sugarcane will also continue to rise. Given the current intense conflicts abroad, oil prices have surged. Since Thailand relies on imported oil, we would otherwise face high fuel costs. However, thanks to the ingenuity of Thai developers, inventors, and researchers, we have alternatives like B20 fuel, which is significantly more affordable. This fuel is highly effective for the agricultural sector, offering the same level of efficiency and engine performance as conventional fuel. Farmers can now benefit from lower fuel costs, as can those in the transport and trucking industry.

If they fill up with B20, the government has directed the Ministry of Energy to increase the production of B20-blended fuel, ensuring greater accessibility for the public. Following our announcement last week to reduce the excise tax, the price of B20 is now nearly 10 baht lower than that of B7, making it an excellent, cost-effective option for the agricultural sector. Usage has increased from 6 million liters per day to 9 million liters. We do not necessarily expect 100% utilization, but given that our total diesel consumption is over 50 million liters—with 10 million liters representing roughly 20%—this translates into significant annual savings on crude oil imports, amounting to hundreds of billions of baht. This is part of the government’s comprehensive effort to reduce costs for the industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as for the general public,” said Mr. Anutin.

Photo : Yanawut Samphaothong