Bangkok: The government has unveiled a strategic plan to rehabilitate and develop the entire southern region, focusing on economic, social, and quality of life improvements for its residents. Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, chaired a meeting aimed at refining development plans for the region, outlining the 2027 operational plan and key government projects.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting involved representatives from the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), the Ministry of Finance, the Budget Bureau, and other key governmental bodies, including governors from the Gulf of Thailand-Andaman Sea region and the three southern border provinces. The gathering emphasized the integration of local and central efforts to ensure that projects address real needs rather than remain as mere figures on paper.
The development plans reviewed by Mr. Pipat covered all 11 southern provinces and provincial clusters, as well as the three southern border provinces. The agenda included evaluating each area's potential, challenges, and opportunities, with a focus on addressing frequent flooding, urban growth, economic disparities, and opportunities in sectors such as tourism, high-value agriculture, and modern logistics.
The urgent section of the 2027 government action plan allocates support for 452 projects in the southern region, totaling approximately 3,900 million baht, while the southern border region will see 150 projects valued at over 1,400 million baht. Central government agencies have proposed key projects, including enhancing cruise and medical-wellness tourism, improving palm oil and oleochemical standards, flood prevention in the Thale Noi area, digital technology-driven agricultural product development, and youth development initiatives in the three southern border provinces. These proposals will be submitted to the Integrated Provincial Administration Policy Committee and Provincial Groups Committee (IPPCC) for consideration.
Mr. Pipat highlighted the recent severe flooding in several southern provinces, including Songkhla, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Phuket, and the government's ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure and alleviate public distress. He urged agencies to look beyond repairs and seize the opportunity to rejuvenate the South, particularly tourism, which is central to the region's economy. This includes maritime tourism, tourism connecting the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea, and cultural tourism, such as the pilgrimage route in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Addressing Songkhla Province and Hat Yai District, key entry points for tourists from Malaysia, Mr. Pipat stressed the importance of ensuring tourist safety and reliable transportation systems to encourage repeat visits. Collaboration among agencies is crucial to achieve sustainable long-term growth in the South.
During discussions on the development of the three southern border provinces, Mr. Pipat expressed concern over religion, education, security, and the household economy. With a Muslim majority in these areas, he advocated for serious development of the halal food industry and education, particularly in pondok schools, to equip youth with knowledge and vocational skills. Mr. Pipat emphasized collaboration among provincial, local, and relevant agencies to develop projects addressing these issues, ultimately enhancing the well-being of residents.
A long-term vision discussed during the meeting was the development of an industrial estate in Chana District, Songkhla Province, into a "Halal Industrial Estate" to support the world-class Halal food industry. Discussions with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul focused on principles for the estate's construction, including youth development in the three southern border provinces and four districts in Songkhla Province. These initiatives aim to create employment opportunities for locals, reducing the need for migration to other provinces. The estate will collaborate with investors to support education and vocational training, preparing youth for the labor market and ensuring local children secure good jobs close to home, fostering local economic growth.
Mr. Pipat also urged governors to maintain important Muslim holidays and ensure adequate lunch welfare for religious teachers. He expressed gratitude to provincial governors, agency representatives, and subcommittees, instructing the secretariat to present project screening results to the NESDB meeting. Only projects with clear benefits and measurable outcomes will be expedited, as the government remains committed to revitalizing the South post-flood crisis, while laying a foundation for long-term growth in tourism, agriculture, the halal industry, and logistics, ultimately improving quality of life for residents in the 14 southern provinces.