Betong: Jirayu said "OK.. Betong", tourists are packed in the city after going to the area to collect information for the Cabinet to consider. The Betong people asked for support for the new airport that has opened but commercial flights have been suspended since 2023, hoping to increase the number of tourists to Betong. They also asked to push the soft power of food and famous culture to boost the economy of the South.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Jirayu Huangtrakul, advisor to the Prime Minister, revealed that as the chairman of the special committee to consider the welfare of the army, along with the group, traveled to the three southern border provinces to listen to information to present before the cabinet meeting in Songkhla Province this Tuesday.
Today, he traveled to listen to problems and suggestions on the Thai-Malaysian border and Betong District, Yala Province. He met with representatives of the private sector, security agencies, local government representatives, and representatives of the Border Patrol Police Bureau to develop the economic, security, and tourism areas on the Thai-Malaysian border. It was found that the people of Betong District, Yala Province, asked the government to consider supporting commercial airlines to land at Betong Airport to accommodate tourists again after canceling flights to Betong since 2023 until now, in order to increase transportation channels for both passengers and goods.
While the general situation in Betong District is found to be lively, with businesses and shops open briskly both day and night. Betong has been peaceful for over 11 years without any incidents. Today, Betong is a city where more than 95% of Malaysian tourists travel to visit every day.
The people of Betong want the Ministry of Tourism to collaborate with Betong District to organize important tourism activities during various festivals in Betong District, as well as support local arts, culture, and soft power, including famous and interesting foods such as Betong Chicken Rice, Dim Sum, and the only famous fish dish, 'Nile Tilapia Sai Nam Lai', which is a specialty of Betong, as well as important local traditions and activities that are a way of life for Thais and Chinese Malaysians in the past. In addition, Betong District reported that the new skywalk in Betong District, which is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., is almost full of tourists every day. It is considered a new landmark of the district, and the people of Betong would like to invite you to visit Betong and you will fall in love with Betong.
Mr. Jirayu said that he will summarize the report of the visit to Betong District, Yala Province, for relevant government agencies to consider taking further action.