Former deputy premier MR Pridiyathorn Devakula urged the government Sunday to reveal the "truth" about the country's economic situation.
Speaking at a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of reformer Puey Ungphakorn's birthday in Chai Nat's Nong Mamong district, MR Pridiyathorn, also known as Mom Oui, said the government had to tell the truth about Thailand's current financial state to help the country get through the current economic hardship.
He added the government should not make unrealistic promises as it would cause people to lose faith.
"The government hopes to impress people. But if it can't keep its promises, people will be disappointed. So, the government has to provide a simpler explanation to the public to encourage them to help address the country's problems together," said MR Pridiyathorn.
He said, however, the government was on the right track in boosting investment by putting funds into the agricultural sector as it would help alleviate farmers' distress.
He added that the government should also accelerate its work on economic stimulus projects.
MR Pridiyathorn said Puey's measures to help tackle economic issues in remote areas was a good model as agriculture is the backbone of the country's economy.
Puey, a former economist and member of the Seri Thai (Free Thai) movement during World War II, was a role model for the public as he promoted cooperation between the public and private sectors to help enhance the livelihoods of people in rural areas.
Puey was a pioneer in launching integrated rural development which covered development of careers, education and public health to create a self-reliant community, MR Pridiyathorn added.
Meanwhile, Boonsom Akkarathammakul, assistant to Thammasat University's rector for alumni affairs, said Puey encouraged students to work with people in remote areas so they could experience the problems they faced.