Promoting the government's scheme to help farmers, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said during a trip to Nakhon Pathom they must learn to develop independently.
Gen Prayut was visiting Bangkok's adjacent province to demonstrate the push for the government's Thai Niyom Yangyuen scheme at a tambon level.
The government announced last month the Thai Niyom Yangyeun (Thai-ism) project which aims, according to the government, to make state agencies and local scholars combine efforts and lift people's living standards to achieve the goals set by the government's 20-year national strategy.
Among the venues, he visited Laem Bua Agricultural Land Reform Office to discuss their success in implementing sustainable agriculture.
"It is great to see the people of Nakhon Pathom working towards the Thai Niyom Yangyuen initiative," he said. "The initiative is designed to create a culture of doing what is best for the country and your families.
"The government's policy to continue expanding wifi services nationwide is intended to connect locals like you directly to consumers anywhere in the country," he said.
"You must learn to move products online and also sell in that marketplace if you want to make enough. This a time where all Thais must learn how to rely on themselves," the premier added.
Many of the attendees gave positive remarks about the prime minister's visit.
They said the government has provided enough subsidies and shown sufficient interest in the agricultural sector that they were not only able to conduct sustainable farming, but also enjoy a new level of financial stability.
One villager identified only as Meow, 44, wanted to know when the general election would be held.
"I can't say for sure what difference the government has had on Nakhon Pathom. But their role in society as a whole can be felt," she said.
"There seems to be a power struggle between the police and military, with the army taking over," she added.
"Nakhon Pathom has remained the same but I'm looking forward to the election."
