Songkhla: The Cabinet meeting held in Songkhla resulted in significant resolutions, including the appointment of General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat as Secretary-General of the National Security Council and the relocation of the World Horticultural Expo venue from Nakhon Ratchasima to Pak Chong District.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet approved several high-level appointments. General Chaiyapruk Duangprapat, formerly Chief of Staff of the Royal Thai Army, has been appointed as Secretary-General of the National Security Council. Additionally, Mr. Kornin Kanjanomai will assume the role of Director of the Budget Bureau. These appointments will take effect from October 1, 2026, following the royal appointment.
The Cabinet also sanctioned a review of the previous decision to relocate the Korat World Horticultural Expo from Khong District to Pak Chong District. This change follows a cost-effectiveness study by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), aiming to ensure the event's success while maintaining efficient use of the original site.
In another significant move, the Cabinet has approved a national disaster insurance plan intended to cover three types of disasters, with a focus on proactive risk management. The plan will involve insurance coverage for approximately 30 million households, with the government subsidizing premiums and payouts reaching up to 100,000 baht for home damages and 2 million baht in case of fatalities.
Furthermore, the Cabinet endorsed the Declaration on Health Workforce, aiming to improve the distribution of specialist doctors to rural areas through telemedicine and AI, thereby enhancing healthcare access. The approval of this declaration reflects the government's commitment to equitable healthcare distribution across urban and remote regions.
The Cabinet also extended the exemption of factory fees in the southern border provinces for another five years, intended to ease the burden on local entrepreneurs and support economic stability. This exemption applies to Category 2 and Category 3 factories, aiming to sustain production bases and employment in the area.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved three double-track railway projects in the south, phase 2, with a budget of over 106 billion baht. These projects are expected to enhance the transportation network and stimulate economic growth in the southern region. The approval includes the Chumphon-Surat Thani, Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction, and Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar sections.
To address pressing needs in the five southern border provinces, the Cabinet has prioritized flood relief, road repairs, hospital construction, and business support through 44 urgent projects worth over 1,269 million baht. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to boost economic and social development in the region.
The government has also tasked relevant agencies with integrating these projects into their operational plans, ensuring alignment with the overall development strategy for the southern border provinces. The focus remains on enhancing infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities to foster sustainable growth in these areas.