Some 81 development projects worth an estimated 7.4 billion baht will be proposed at a mobile cabinet meeting on Monday.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will chair his first mobile cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province as part of his inspection trip to the cluster of five provinces in the upper Northeast -- Bueng Kan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Udon Thani.
Sources said that a total of 81 projects valued at about 7.4 billion baht will be presented for consideration by the cabinet.
They include proposals on infrastructure and logistics development, drug suppression and prevention, poverty eradication and upgrades to agricultural technology.
Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai also said the cabinet will consider proposals which were put forward at meetings between state agencies and the private sector from the five northeastern provinces.
One proposal involves the extension of the special economic development zone in Nong Khai to cover the industrial estate in Udon Thani so business operators there can enjoy the same privileges as those in Nong Khai.
Other proposals include a new logistics park in the Udon Thani industrial estate that will be a one-stop service centre at the heart of a new free zone for e-commerce in the area.
A free zone is an area where certain customs restrictions are not implemented.
Mr Phumtham said that bringing Nong Khai and Udon Thai into the same special economic development zone would boost cross-border trade with neighbouring countries and the Department of Foreign Trade will be responsible for pushing for the project.
Before Monday's mobile cabinet meeting, Mr Srettha on Sunday visited Ban Phu Din Thong in Nong Bua Lam Phu's Na Klang district where he was briefed about a successful new community-based rehabilitation programme for drug addicts.
He also offered moral support to drug users in the programme, saying that it would help them reintegrate into society and contribute to the country.
Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri on Sunday made an inspection trip of his own to Bueng Kan's Phon Charoen district where he listened to issues faced by more than 500 locals.
Following the discussion, he promised to raise their problems at the mobile cabinet meeting on Monday.