Prayut to lure investors to deep South

Prayut to lure investors to deep South

PM offers incentives, stepped-up security

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has vowed to provide more incentives and better security for business operators investing in the far South.

Speaking at a prize-giving ceremony for outstanding industrial operators, held at Government House yesterday, Gen Prayut conceded that investors were often deterred from investing in the far South due to concerns about security.

"I can confirm that incentives will be given to any operators who are ready to invest there," the premier said.

Business operators will be assisted in investing in areas where violence is minimal, Gen Prayut said, adding that some could set up their operations in military areas.

He insisted the government is ready to offer incentives to and handle security for business operators in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and the four districts of Songkhla.

Gen Prayut said this offer also applies to business operators in the five designated special economic zones, which are planned for Mae Sot in Tak, Aranyaprathet in Sa Kaeo, Khlong Yai in Trat, Sadao in Songkhla and Mukdahan.

He noted the vital role industrial operators play in developing the country and in strengthening ties with foreign countries.

The government advised operators that they must quickly adjust themselves to external factors, Gen Prayut said.

The country's development must be balanced in both the agricultural and industrial sectors and any development must be sustainable, he said.

Cooperation with foreign countries must be sought, such as with making Asean a global food supplier, he said.

Foreign investment must also be pursued using additional incentives such as the scrapping of red tape, he said. According to the premier, the government is improving regulations for foreign investment, including incentives from the Board of Investment.

The improvements are being carried out to ensure the sustainability of investment, he said.

Regulation should help investors understand proceedings in relation to their business and reduce complicated processes.

Gen Prayut said foreign investors still showed they were interested in investing in Thailand because he has made sure they have been kept informed that no violence has taken place since the May 22 military coup.

"In the past, foreigners thought the government would step in to seize assets, grab power and take over business, but I confirmed that when I deposed the Yingluck government, I did not come to seize assets or power, but to assist all parties, including foreigners," Gen Prayut said.

The government will also support Thai business operators wanting to invest overseas, he said.

The prime minister said the government will begin a campaign after the New Year to sell low-priced products with the cooperation of business operators.

"I will open every military barracks in Bangkok to sell low-priced goods, both second-hand and consumer products," Gen Prayut said, adding that some products would be handed out for free.

Speaking about his overseas visits, the premier said he intended to explore more investment opportunities and boost confidence among foreigners.

"Confidence has already risen to some extent," Gen Prayut said.

Meanwhile, Thai Airways International (THAI) has signed an agreement with the Civil Society on Peace and Sufficiency Economy — an activist network — in the southern border provinces vowing to support the purchase of agricultural products from the deep South to be served on planes.

The products include durian, mangosteen, longan, pineapples, fresh vegetables and processed foods, acting THAI president Siwakiat Jayema said yesterday.

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