Regional growth plan gets backing

The government yesterday approved a regional development plan and assigned five deputy prime ministers to monitor and supervise it as part of efforts to tackle poverty.

Eliminating poverty tops the agenda, Porametee Vimolsiri, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), said yesterday after the first meeting of the regional development committee chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

The regional development committee members include five deputy prime ministers, representatives from related ministries, the private sector, civil society and local administrative organisations.

Mr Porametee said the development plan divides the country into six regions — the North, Northeast, Central, East, South and three southern border provinces — with the committee assigning five deputy prime ministers to oversee the development of each one.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam was assigned to supervise the development of the North, Deputy Prime Minister Prajin Juntong was assigned to take care of the Northeast, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon will oversee Bangkok and the central region, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak will watch over the East and Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya was tasked with the South and three border provinces.

Mr Porametee said 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 will focus on water development, solving poverty and linking the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) with neighbouring states.

The central region and Bangkok will focus on making the capital a world-class city and tourism destination, linkage to the Dawei project and the EEC.

The East will focus on EEC development, while the South and three border provinces will work on tourism development and adding value to rubber and palm products.