The Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has proposed a strategic move to elevate 10 second-tier provinces to first-tier tourist status, aiming to broaden revenue distribution and boost the national GDP growth target to 3%. This plan involves transforming these provinces into major hubs for trade, investment, and tourism. The provinces selected for this pilot promotion span all five regions of Thailand, including Phrae, Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Nakhon Phanom, Sisaket, Chanthaburi, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang.
As part of a broader government strategy to enhance the tourism sector, the campaign will focus on developing infrastructure and public utilities in these cities while supporting sustainable local economic growth. This includes bolstering the domestic tourism market and enhancing the income of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In response, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has supported the proposal by establishing a working group led by Prommin Lertsuridej, the secretary-general to the prime minister. The group, in collaboration with the TCC and relevant public agencies, will start with Nakhon Phanom as the initial province, with plans to include the remaining nine provinces within the year.
The TCC has initiated the “FAST SMEs” project in partnership with three other agencies to enhance the competitiveness of agricultural SMEs through mentorship, networking, and study trips centered on food innovation. (NNT)
