Two duty-free zones to launch as part of new Songkhla project

SONGKHLA: A project to establish two duty-free zones will be launched in Sadao district of this southern province while two main border checkpoints there will officially begin operating around the clock in June.

Provincial Chamber of Commerce chairman Somporn Siriporananon said the new duty-free zones would be designated in two locations: A four-square kilometre plot in the Dan Nok area in tambon Sam Nam Kham municipality; and another two-sq km plot in Padang Besar municipality.

The project is aimed at helping to bolster investment and spur local tourism Mr Somporn said while speaking recently at the second meeting of a joint committee of public and private sector interests arranged to address economic issues in Songkhla.

The meeting zeroed in on following up on a feasibility study for the establishment of the two duty-free zones in a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in the province which was conducted by Prince of Songkla University (PSU).

Besides the chamber, the meeting, chaired by deputy provincial governor Kachornsak Chareonsopha, was also attended by local administrative authorities and relevant agencies including the PSU, the Sadao Customs House and the Provincial Tourism and Sports Office.

Mr Somporn said the university would conduct further study comparing the scheme to similar projects in Myanmar and on the Malaysian island of Langkawi.

Both duty free zones in Dan Nok and Padang Besar have received an approval from the committee, the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Interior since 2015 and 2016, he said.

Apart from the duty-free zones project, Mr Somporn said the Sadao and Padang Besar custom houses, which currently operate until midnight, would officially provide service around the clock, starting on June 1.

However, only freight transport would be allowed through after midnight.

According to Mr Somporn, both custom houses rank as the country’s two land border checkpoints which generate highest commercial value as both places are situated close to Penang and Klang ports in the neighbouring country.

Mr Somporn also said the government was improving transport infrastructure in preparation for the launch of the SEZ.