Bangkok: "Jaset" is accelerating repairs to the Ban Puk weir while simultaneously supporting the "Nern Nang Phaya-Ban Hua Laem" projects to generate income for local people. Mr. Jetseth Thaiseth, Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3), visited Chanthaburi Province to follow up on important tasks related to public administration, disaster prevention and mitigation, water management, and tourism development. The focus is on ensuring that the development of the area progresses simultaneously across three areas: "public safety, quality of life, community economy, and tourism potential."
According to Thai News Agency, in the morning, the Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3) participated in a video conference meeting with the Minister of Interior at the Chanthaburi Provincial Hall to discuss the implementation of key policies and missions of the Ministry of Interior. Following this, he traveled to the KP Grand Hotel in Chanthaburi to preside over the opening ceremony of the 2026 Central Region Provincial Administrative Organization Personnel Capacity Development Training Seminar and deliver a keynote address. The seminar aimed to promote the development of local personnel capabilities, a crucial mechanism for delivering services to the public in the area.
The Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3) spoke about the potential of fruits in Chanthaburi Province, stating, "Chanthaburi has very clear strengths, especially in fruits and durian, which is considered a prized product of the province. From my experience attending events and seeing agricultural products from many countries, I must say that Thai durian, especially durian from Chanthaburi, has outstanding quality. From what I have encountered, I haven't seen anywhere else that can match our quality. This is one of Chanthaburi's key strengths that we must maintain and further develop to create added value."
After concluding a meeting with the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Jetset visited the spillway at Wat Puk, Moo 7, Ban Puk, Wang Saem Subdistrict, Makham District, Chanthaburi Province, to inspect the area and monitor the situation regarding landslides, riverbank erosion, and damaged spillway. This area requires close monitoring for potential impacts from flash floods, especially during heavy rainfall.
Previously, Chanthaburi Province mobilized relevant agencies to urgently address the problem. On September 12, 2026, the Chanthaburi Provincial Incident Command Center, together with Makham District, Wang Saem Subdistrict Municipality, the Chanthaburi Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Region 17 Chanthaburi, the Chanthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization, village headmen, volunteers, and local residents, jointly carried out the operation.
The operation involved three excavators, five trucks, and approximately 50 personnel. Rocks, utility poles, and big bags were used to divert water and reinforce the area to prevent further damage to the riverbanks and weir, as well as to mitigate the impact of flash floods and enhance public safety.
"Area development must consider all dimensions, including safety, water management, public welfare, and the creation of economic opportunities. Especially in Chanthaburi province, which has natural beauty, beaches, orchards, communities, and promising tourist attractions, we must ensure that development truly benefits the local people."
After monitoring the water situation and safety concerns, the Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3) traveled to the Huai Laem Coastal Ecotourism Development Project (Skywalk Nern Nang Phaya Viewpoint) in Sanam Chai Subdistrict, Na Yai Am District, Chanthaburi Province, to inspect and follow up on the project. The Nern Nang Phaya area and the Chanthaburi coastline boast notable features such as coastal landscapes, coastal roads, and natural attractions. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) stated that the Nern Nang Phaya viewpoint is one of the important viewpoints along the Chalerm Burapha Chonlathit route. Nearby, Ban Huai Laem and the floating pagoda are significant components of the Chanthaburi coastal landscape and community lifestyle.
The Deputy Minister of Interior (M.3) therefore emphasizes developing the area beyond just being a "tourist destination," but rather viewing it as a creative economic zone for the community. This zone should connect tourism with shops, local food, community products, fisheries, lifestyles, and other tourist routes in the province. The development approach should consider aesthetics, unique identity, safety, environmental impact, and community benefits, designing areas that blend harmoniously with the coastal landscape, do not damage nature, and serve as a destination linking to the province's tourist routes. The charm of Chanthaburi lies not only in its beaches but also in its orchards, mountains, waterfalls, mangrove forests, riverside communities, history, culture, and gemstone industry-all components identified by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as essential to Chanthaburi's tourism.
The Deputy Minister of Interior stated that modern tourism development should not focus solely on construction, but rather ask: What benefits will the public receive? Will the community's income increase? Will tourists have more reasons to visit? And can the area be maintained in the long term?
"Chanthaburi already has excellent resources, including natural beauty, the sea, mountains, orchards, the lifestyle of its communities, and its unique gemstone identity. The important thing is that we must leverage these resources to benefit the people as much as possible."
Area development shouldn't focus solely on aesthetics, but must also consider safety, environmental protection, accessibility, amenities, and income generation for local residents. Especially in coastal areas and the Nern Nang Phaya viewpoint, if we can develop them to have a unique identity, be beautiful, and harmonize with nature, we can elevate them into important landmarks of the province and tourist destinations.
The Deputy Minister of Interior's visit to Chanthaburi province reflects a work approach focused on "solving today's problems while laying the foundation for the future," encompassing aspects from ensuring public safety and managing water resources and high-risk areas to developing tourist attractions to generate economic value.