BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayut Huangsap on Feb 22, provided an update on key government policies and regional developments. The broadcast covered a range of topics, including tourism, economic growth, infrastructure, environmental conservation, and international relations, with a particular focus on the recent mobile Cabinet meeting in Songkhla province.
According to Jirayu, the government is now promoting Betong in Yala province as a growing travel destination, attracting many Malaysian tourists. However, Betong Airport has remained inactive since late 2023, and officials are considering the reintroduction of commercial flights to boost tourism. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has visited Talay Noi in Phatthalung to assess water management for Songkhla Lake, with restoration efforts focusing on reviving its well-known red lotus fields. The prime minister also met with executives at Thai Union Seafood Co., Ltd. in Songkhla to discuss trade barriers, Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), and increasing seafood exports to the European Union.
In Songkhla’s Old Town, plans are being considered to expand business hours, develop a walking street, and enhance waterfront areas to attract high-end tourism. Proposals include improving facilities for luxury yachts and cruise ships and strengthening Songkhla’s status as a premium travel destination.
The Cabinet approved 600 million baht for 35 projects across Songkhla, Surat Thani, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Phatthalung. The projects focus on community-based tourism, road restoration, and flood prevention. Additionally, 400 baht million has been allocated for the conservation of Irrawaddy dolphins in Songkhla Lake, with eco-tourism initiatives expected to support funding.
A 28-million baht project was also approved to complete a 300-meter road linking Thailand and Malaysia at the Sadao Border Checkpoint. The road, set for completion by July 2025, will improve cross-border trade. Plans were approved to expand financial aid for students from Southern border provinces pursuing higher education, with specific quotas for government service recruitment.
During a meeting with the EU-ASEAN Business Council and the European Association for Business and Commerce, discussions involved measures to increase European investment in Thailand, which currently stands at 43 billion Euros. Tourism from Europe remains strong, with Thailand ranking among the top three preferred destinations for European travelers. At the Matichon Leadership Forum 2025, Paetongtarn outlined plans for industrial modernization and improving financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The visit of the Lao Prime Minister to Thailand centered on strengthening border security, tackling transnational crime, and advancing the construction of the 5th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. A new logo was later launched to commemorate 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The government has stepped up efforts to combat PM2.5 air pollution by enforcing stricter bans on agricultural burning and working with neighboring countries to reduce transboundary haze. Long-term air quality monitoring strategies are also being developed.
In law enforcement, the prime minister met with more than 370 senior police officials to push for stricter measures against corruption within the force. The discussions also covered efforts to combat cybercrime, drug trafficking, and human trafficking as part of broader national security initiatives.
The Cabinet reviewed Thailand’s economic outlook, reporting a GDP growth of 3.2% in the last quarter of 2024. The government affirmed it remains focused on investment, tourism, and economic stimulus measures to maintain momentum in early 2025 and throughout the year. (NNT)
