The government has unveiled a six-year economic development blueprint for the three insurgency hit southern provinces that includes linking the region’s logistics systems with Malaysia and Singapore.
The plan aims to develop three major districts in the three troubled provinces — Nong Chik in Pattani, Betong in Yala, and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat — based on their socio-economic identity, government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said on Sunday.
“The government will develop Nong Chik into a model city for advanced mixed agro-industry, while Betong is to be a self-reliant city for sustainable energy. Sungai Kolok will become a cross-border trade hub,” Maj Gen Sansern said.
“The three cities will form an economic triangle to stimulate development in the region.”
The six-year plan will run from 2017 to 2022. The first phase of the scheme, implemented between 2017 and 2019, will see the setting up of working panels, a fund to support young entrepreneurs, bond issues to raise funds for community development, and improving transport, water and electricity infrastructure. The second phrase involves connecting the logistics systems of the three southern border provinces to Malaysia and Singapore.
The Southern Border Province Administrative Centre will work with the chambers of commerce and industry councils of the provinces as well as local businessmen.
Maj Gen Sansern said prime minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will go to Narathiwat on Monday for a meeting with officials to seek approval for the plan and wrap up a new package of privileges to entice investment in the deep South.
“The prime minister is encouraging the use of an economic approach to solving problems and developing the southern border provinces in order to improve the quality of life and create sustainable peace,” he said.