Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan has directed the Thai Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) to act as a driving mechanism for human capital development under the 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy, calling it a critical foundation for national progress. On May 1, Prof. Dr. Yuthasak Wongsuwan, in his capacity as supervisor of TPQI, issued work directives to the institute's executive team, including Chairman Pisitr Rangsuksethkul and Director Chullada Meechul, with Labor Minister Julpan Amorwiwattana and his team in attendance. TPQI plays a vital role in certifying professionals, particularly in specialized skill development through upskilling and reskilling programs, issuing professional certificates rather than degrees but with qualifications equivalent to formal education credentials.

The institute can link labor database information with employer skill requirements and workforce capabilities, enabling certifications comparable to academic qualifications that can lead to wage increases and improved employment prospects. Prof. Dr. Yuthasak emphasized the need for cross-ministry collaboration centered on human capital development, involving the Labor Ministry, Education Ministry, Human Security Ministry, and the Higher Education Ministry, all working under the unified 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy. He urged TPQI to develop new professional standards addressing technological, economic, and social changes, including upskilling and reskilling in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, solar installation, post-retirement careers, and creative economy industries, while coordinating with the Wellness Economy initiative.

Labor Minister Julpan pledged support for TPQI collaboration, particularly with the Department of Skill Development in integrating curricula for emerging professions and enabling workers trained by the department to receive TPQI professional certifications. He emphasized that workers must gain real benefits in job opportunities, increased income, and career security, which form the essential foundation for long-term national development.

The House Speaker convened representatives from six political parties that received committee chair allocations to coordinate the division of responsibilities among the current parliament's 35 standing committees. Among the 500 representatives, Bhum Jai Thai Party secured 14 committees, Prachathai Party 9, Pheu Thai Party 5, Kla Tham Party 4, Prachathipat Party 2, and Thai United Power Party 1. The political parties have recently submitted the names of chairs and vice-chairs for all 35 committees. The House will now issue formal appointment orders along with complete rosters of committee members, secretaries, and spokespeople to proceed with their functions.

The current House of Representatives is now prepared to fulfill its legislative role as prescribed by the Constitution. The 35 committees will help distribute the substantial workload and responsibilities of the House. Parliamentary committees are internal organs of parliament composed of selected members from the House, Senate members, and experts appointed to investigate or study assigned matters and report findings upon completion.

Committees serve as mechanisms for parliamentary operations, as parliament holds broad powers and responsibilities encompassing all national affairs while needing to address diverse legal issues. This requires gathering comprehensive factual information for thorough consideration and decision-making. However, parliamentary limitations—including constrained meeting schedules and varying individual expertise—necessitate specialized committees.

These committees take responsibility for reviewing specific legislation and conducting assigned work according to their authority and terms of reference. This enables members to develop deeper understanding of issues and facts, ensures the House receives accurate and appropriate information through coordination with relevant agencies, and allows effective monitoring of government administration.

Therefore, those elected as chairs, vice-chairs, and members of the 35 standing committees are honored with specific responsibilities serving the House and providing robust oversight of the executive branch. They must perform their duties with integrity, prioritizing public welfare and national interest, upholding democracy, remaining open to diverse perspectives, and seeking accurate and comprehensive information.

The Department of Internal Trade visited palm oil farmers to reaffirm that exports remain operational and to encourage increased B20 biodiesel usage, supporting palm prices that have adjusted to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, with farmers confident the situation is improving.

Department Director Wittayakorn Maniyanet revealed that palm oil farmers from central Thailand's Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces had submitted a letter to the Commerce Ministry expressing concerns about palm oil prices and export conditions. Following Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutheppundit's directive, the department is closely monitoring and urgently addressing the issue.

Today, the department visited palm oil farmers in Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces to meet with Manas Phuttarat, chairman of the Thai Palm Oil Farmers Association, mill operators, and local farmers to directly hear their situation and proposals.

The ministry is continuously monitoring the entire palm oil system and managing balance across inventory, domestic consumption, and exports to ensure fair market prices for all parties. Regarding farmers' export concerns, the department confirmed that palm oil exports continue normally under appropriate stock management. Since April 7, 2026, 11 exporters have been approved for shipments totaling over 200,000 tons, maintaining manageable levels.

"Rising global energy prices have increased demand for crude palm oil in the energy sector. The government promotes biodiesel use to reduce diesel imports and strengthen energy security," the director stated.

Monthly demand for crude palm oil for biodiesel production now exceeds 100,000 tons, with over 200 B20 fuel service stations established nationwide. Government policy prices B20 below B7 to encourage usage, clearly boosting domestic crude palm oil demand and supporting current palm prices.

Wittayakorn noted that palm prices have recently adjusted upward to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, up from the previous week's 6.60-7.00 baht range, reflecting improved market direction from both domestic and global demand.

During the field visit, the department checked oil palm purchasing conditions at mills, including Somtong Group Company Limited (Public), which confirmed normal operations at full capacity with no queuing issues, as harvest gradually reaches market without concentrated buildup like previous years.

The department emphasized mills should purchase palm based on quality and oil content to treat farmers fairly and incentivize quality improvement, particularly harvesting ripe fruit with high oil content, to elevate Thailand's long-term palm oil standards.

Manas Phuttarat reported that farmers are currently satisfied with improving prices and this season's purchasing situation is better than last year, with no palm fruit spoilage at mills. He requested continued government oversight to ensure fair treatment and noted farmers are pleased with continuously improving prices.

On May 2, 2025, Suksisat SriChomkwan, Deputy Prime Minister's Political Secretary and Pheu Thai Party spokesperson, addressed lawyer Ruangkrai Leekijwattana's petition to the Election Commission (EC) requesting investigation and referral to the Constitutional Court. The petition questions whether Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's transfer of Royal Irrigation Department and Agricultural Aviation Director Rachan Silparayas to the position of ministry inspector general constitutes a serious breach of ethical standards warranting the minister's removal. Suksisat urged the public to follow the facts carefully. He explained that since Pheu Thai joined the government, urgent work on the 2025 budget has been necessary to align with government policy and campaign promises, making consultations with state agencies routine. He firmly denied allegations that relatives were called to review budgets and stated that the EC petition should pose no problems. "The Agriculture and Cooperative Ministry has conducted all operations according to established procedures properly, and I am confident this matter will not negatively impact the ministry's work," Suksisat said.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of Education Dr. Warat Prueksa-thaveekul, serving as Secretary-General of the National Scout Office (NSO), revealed that he and NSO leadership met with Deputy Education Minister Akkhranant Kannitkittinan to discuss policies for developing Thai scouting operations.

Akkhranant wants the NSO to reshape scouting's image from being perceived as a burden into a voluntary activity that youth genuinely want to participate in. He aims to make scouting—for scouts, guides, and youth volunteers—enjoyable and appealing rather than obligatory. He also champions the SCOUTDD app as a digital platform for modern scouting communities, allowing students to easily record good deeds, participate in activities, and recruit friends under the concept of 'Do Good, Can Do, Do Now.' Rather than just a traditional activity logging tool, the app will serve as an engaging learning space using gamification.

The NSO Secretary-General noted that leadership has proposed 12 development initiatives, including the SCOUTDD good deeds recording system, which has evolved from a LINE-based platform into an app supporting both Android and iOS systems. Currently boasting over 100,000 users, it will be enhanced with a points system for rewards. The office is coordinating with relevant sectors, including the Wachirapatiksa Scout Unit "With Love and Loyalty," which develops scout leaders embodying ideals of love and loyalty while committing to public welfare sustainably. Additional initiatives cover law reforms, curriculum updates, and uniform improvements to reduce parental burden, while elevating Thai scouting's international profile through participation in the 2025 World Scout Jamboree in England and hosting the 2029 Asia-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Thailand.

The Deputy Education Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Education stands ready to fully support the NSO through budget allocation and legislative advocacy, ensuring Thai scouting becomes an essential tool for instilling virtue and civic consciousness in the nation's youth sustainably.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi delivered a keynote address titled "Leadership Beyond Comfort Zone: Breaking Barriers, Opening Pathways for Change" to the Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital on May 1, 2026, at the Aree Wanthasewi Auditorium.

She emphasized the current global situation facing "multiple crises" across economic, geopolitical, and supply chain dimensions, compounded by climate change volatility. The world is entering a complex "New Normal" requiring all sectors to step beyond conventional thinking. She stressed that old approaches to problem-solving cannot address new circumstances.

"Modern leaders must break free from siloed operations and integrate collaboration to drive genuine change amid uncertainty," she noted. "Thailand can turn crisis into opportunity, especially regarding food security, which has become a global priority."

This represents a critical opportunity for Thailand to accelerate agricultural advancement and help SMEs adapt and add value, fostering more balanced and equitable income distribution in the economy.

Another opportunity lies in Thailand's aging demographic structure. The country can leverage its strengths in medicine and hospitality services to develop a care economy that serves both domestic and international demand.

To successfully break beyond the comfort zone, leaders should apply the TAM Model: thinking strategically with a clear data foundation (Think Big), starting with small-scale pilot projects (Act Small), and adapting swiftly to circumstances (Move Fast/Right). Breaking from traditional frameworks is no longer optional but essential for Thailand to survive and grow in a fundamentally changed world.