The government has vowed to promote culture and the local way of life in the upper Northeast in a bid to draw more tourists into the region.
Speaking about a tourism promotion plan for the five provinces in the upper Northeastern region, Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said: "Cultures and the community way of life must be levelled up in terms of attractions as they could become new tourist spots."
According to him, a study is required for the development of small piers along the Mekong River, which could serve as a "romantic" route.
He said the region could also be promoted in terms of sports activities in addition to cultural attractions.
Additionally, local food can also be promoted to become internationally recognised, Mr Weerasak said, adding this would bring more money into the region, which currently earns 20 billion baht a year from tourism.
"There is still more room to grow," the minister stressed.
Referring to the planned construction of two Naga statutes on the bank of Mekong River in Bung Kan province, he said the project has become part of the tourism development master plan for the provinces along the river.
"No budget has been set for the project yet," the minister said.
Speaking after a mobile cabinet meeting in Nong Khai on Thursday, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said 67 road projects which were proposed to be carried out over the next two years will be included in the master plan for the country's transport.
Plans will also be made to develop water resources for farming and to tackle flooding, he said, adding that the water supply must be sufficient for consumption as well as for the agricultural and industrial sectors, particularly in special economic zones.
The government has spent more than 20 billion baht for water management over the past five years, he said.
According to him, Udon Thani has also proposed the construction of a sports complex and the legal consideration is now being made.
He said utility development in Udon Thani will be pursued in order to serve the industrial sector in the province over the next five to 10 years.
Government spokesman Buddhipongse Punnakanta said the Transport Ministry also announced its plan to begin construction of a double track railway between Khon Kaen and Nong Khai by next year.