Dozens of provincial projects poised for 2nd half
The private sector is set to propose 50-60 inter-provincial infrastructure projects nationwide worth several billions of baht to spur local economic development in the second half.
Kalin Sarasin, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), said the proposed projects cover inter-provincial roads, airports, ports and a rail network.
The investment is meant to stimulate provincial economies, raise income locally and promote tourism and trade.
“Despite Thailand’s GDP growth of 4.8% year-on-year in the first quarter, the fastest pace in five years, those gains aren’t being felt by enough people [in the provinces],” said Mr Kalin. “The chamber discussed with provincial members the possibility of promoting effective infrastructure projects and agreed each region has to propose at least 10 projects to the TCC before we propose them to the government for consideration.”
He said provincial chambers in the Northeast have proposed a tourism route and infrastructure developments along the Mekong River, which covers Nong Khai, Loei, Bung Kan, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan and Amnat Charoen.
Mr Kalin said the TCC will choose and prioritise 10 infrastructure projects in each region, proposing them to Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith this month.
Pratya Samalapa, vice-chairman of TCC, said that apart from big-ticket infrastructure projects decided by the government, the TCC will also propose their own projects, be it rail, roads or ports, to connect the provinces within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
The government expects to invest 136 billion baht in developing the eastern region between 2017-2021, with a major portion projected to be splashed out on the EEC.
A report by the National Economic and Social Development Board projected spending to cover 209 development projects, with 117 billion baht of the total budget scheduled to develop the EEC as the most modernised investment zone in Asean.
The state investment aims to upgrade the eastern region to become a food manufacturing hub meeting international standards, as well as a gateway for neighbouring countries.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak earlier said the EEC will play an important role in reducing income disparity in the eastern region, while a regional development plan will focus largely on competitiveness enhancement, tourism development and environmental preservation.
The eastern region covers eight provinces comprising: Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat.
The government last December approved a regional development plan and assigned five deputy prime ministers to monitor and supervise it as part of efforts to tackle poverty.
The regional development committee members include five deputy prime ministers, representatives from related ministries, the private sector, civil society and local administrative organisations.
The development plan divides the country into six regions — the North, Northeast, Central, East, South and three southern border provinces.
Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam was assigned t o supervise t he development of the North, Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong was designated to take care of the Northeast, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon is tasked with overseeing Bangkok and the central region, Mr Somkid is handling the East and Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya was charged with the South and three border provinces.
The key development plan for the North will focus on the development of a creative economy centre, linkage with the Greater Mekong Subregion and watershed conservation.
Northeastern development is geared toward water development, tackling poverty and linking the EEC with neighbouring states.
Bangkok is eyed to become a world-class capital and tourism destination, with linkage to the Dawei project in Myanmar and the EEC targeted for the broader region.
Development in the East is centred on EEC development, while the South and three Deep South provinces will target tourism development and adding value to rubber and palm products.
The government expects investment in the EEC to increase from 500 to 600 billion baht over the next five years, fuelled by stimulus measures and infrastructure projects.
Meanwhile, Mr Kalin said the TCC is teaming up with private firms and provincial chambers of commerce to reorganise the TCC trade fair running from Sept 28 to Oct 7 in Chiang Mai.
He said the TCC trade fair, which has been suspended since 1996, aims to stimulate local economies, build up the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs and raise local trade fairs to international standards.