Songkhla: The Cabinet convened in Songkhla to deliberate on a proposed budget of 302 million baht aimed at restoring flood-damaged public utilities in three southern border provinces and advancing infrastructure projects to boost trade connections with Malaysia. The meeting, which was led by government officials, emphasized the need to expedite the dual-track railway to enhance Thai-Malaysian trade relations, while also reviewing progress on the land bridge project.
According to Thai News Agency, government spokesman Mr. Jirayu Huangsap revealed that the Cabinet meeting, held in Songkhla Province, discussed critical issues, notably the approval of budgets for the southern regions, including the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand coasts. A significant portion of the 302 million baht budget will be allocated to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat, with approximately 100 million baht each, aimed primarily at developing infrastructure, such as roads and embankments, in areas affected by the November 2024 floods.
The meeting also addressed educational and environmental initiatives, with plans to support students through the One District One Scholarship project and allocate a 402 million baht budget for a five-year program focused on preserving Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake. This initiative aims to promote tourism and conserve vital fish species in the region.
Tourism development was a key topic, with reports from the Tourist Police Commander highlighting the influx of Malaysian tourists to areas such as Betong District in Yala Province and Songkhla District. The Cabinet was urged to consider investment in tourism infrastructure, including the new airport in Betong and the Sadao checkpoint, a vital cross-border passage to Malaysia. The proposal includes a 28 million baht budget to develop the new Sadao checkpoint, aimed at reducing congestion and facilitating smoother cross-border travel and trade.
Discussions also covered the progress of the double-track railway at Padang Besar, a project pivotal for enhancing transportation and trade between Bangkok, southern Thailand, and neighboring countries. The Prime Minister has prioritized this development to boost economic ties, facilitating trade routes from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur through Thailand to Indochina.
The meeting concluded with expressions of hope and gratitude from local representatives. Deputy government spokesman Mr. Anukul Prueksanusak and Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, conveyed their optimism for positive developments resulting from the Cabinet's visit, emphasizing the significance of the Prime Minister's engagement with the southern provinces for the first time this year.