Representatives of the business community in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani have agreed to push for a new train service linking Pattani to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to bolster the local tourism industry.
Kriangsak Seriratyuenyong, president of the Yala chamber of commerce, said on Friday the train route was proposed by the provincial chambers of commerce of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat at a recent meeting of all southern chambers of commerce in Trang.
He said the proposed rail line would link Kuala Lumpur to Pattani station in Khok Po district to serve as an excursion route for the local tourism sector.
However, he said the project needs a push from both the Thai and Malaysian governments in order to materialise. The project is expected to be brought before the Thai chamber of commerce for review and further submission to the government.
Kitti Wangthammang, president of the Narathiwat chamber of commerce, said the proposed route would facilitate international travel all the way to Singapore, and would boost the local economy.