Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday ordered six border economic development zones to include "social businesses" that would benefit local residents in their plans, to secure their support for the development projects.
After chairing a meeting on the special economic zone project at Government House on Friday, Gen Prayut said social businesses would create local jobs, buy local products, and protect the local environment and existing local business.
It would also help win support from local residents for the construction of the border economic development zones.
The prime minister said he wanted the work on the six border economic development zones to start this year to boost the national economy. The industrial zones are planned in Mukdahan, Nong Khai, Sa Kaeo, Songkhla, Tak and Trat provinces.
"Cooperation from the civil sector is also necessary. Do not rush into rejection and opposition. I am taking care of all parties.
"If we do not let this happen we will endlessly face such problems as economic downturns, falling income and low prices for all farm products. The value chain must be connected and involve the civil sector, society, the private sector, and large-, medium-, and small business," Gen Prayut said.
He said the government and the private sector would jointly create industrial estates in the six border economic development zones.