LOEI ALSO READY TO REOPEN

TOURISM: Loei province plans to launch its own reopening, using the Phuket model, to boost trade activities, while talks have begun over the reopening of the Chiang Khan border crossing with Laos, following the country’s reopening policy.

Deputy Commerce Minister Sinit Lertkrai said yesterday that tourism agencies are encouraging the Chiang Khan move.

Business operators have been instructed to maintain hygiene, as well as looking to new technology to help them catch back up with competition on a global market level.

Apart from the reopening, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has issued a policy to expedite the reopening of Thai borders to resume trade activities as soon as possible.

Supervisory measures on merchandise will be imposed at the border, while Laos has also informed Thai agencies to closely exchange information for a resumption of trade activities.

The province’s products will be advertised internationally after the full reopening of the country, in an attempt to stimulate exports, Mr Sinit said.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the value of trade at the border was 532.8 million baht. Most trade comprises air-conditioners, plastic pellets and diesel engines.