BANGKOK, 4 January 2013 Five border districts in Chiang Mai province are developing historical tourism promotion plans in preparation for the opening of the temporary checkpoint of Kiew Pha Wok in Chiang Dao district.
Mr Phairote Kunlawanit from the Chiang Mai Provincial Office of Commerce said he and a team responsible for studying the feasibility of the opening of the Kiew Pha Wok checkpoint had agreed to have the five border districts create historical tourism promotion plans. The plans will be proposed to the Chiang Mai governor and the provincial border committee as the province’s strategy.
The five districts are Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, Mae Ai, Fang and Chai Prakan.
However, Mr Phairote pointed out that, unlike Thailand, neighboring Myanmar was not yet ready for the opening of the new temporary checkpoint since its government had not established complete control over minority groups living there. Therefore, he said Chiang Mai would in the meantime prepare itself for the checkpoint opening and promote tourism domestically.
If things go according to the plans, the districts would become tourist cities that could generate huge income for the local communities, the official added.
