Yala: Prime Minister Sihasak Srisuk held discussions with business leaders in southern Thailand, emphasizing the importance of economic development alongside security, prioritizing the people, and connecting with Malaysia to develop infrastructure. The business leaders thanked the government for prioritizing economic development to ensure stable and sustainable growth in the southern border region.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sihasak Phuangketkaew, visited Yala province to meet and discuss with a network of businesspeople in the southern border region to explore ways to enhance cooperation in developing cross-border trade connectivity.
Mr. Sihasak stated that the private sector plays a crucial role in driving the economy of the southern border provinces. He explained that the problems in the South have multiple dimensions: security, regional development, identity, justice, and negotiations towards peace. However, the core principle is that security and prosperity must go hand-in-hand. "We cannot achieve prosperity without the private sector," he remarked. The government has discussed infrastructure projects, such as railway connections, which are achievable to create a favorable environment for the private sector. He emphasized that solving the problems in the South must be people-centered, with a focus on increasing opportunities for the people, including education and livelihoods. "Everyone is a partner with the government in working together to develop the southern provinces, especially in economic development," he added.
Mr. Sihasak also highlighted the importance of connecting with Malaysia, noting that the southern provinces have high potential due to their fertile land. With security and infrastructure development, the region can progress significantly. He indicated that the Malaysian government is interested in developing border areas with Thailand, focusing on connecting rail and land transport systems to link with China.
He further mentioned plans for more frequent visits to the southern region to discuss with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC) about the problems and obstacles faced by various projects and the support needed. "I want to listen to their concerns and help drive policies in both security and prosperity dimensions to bring well-being to the southern provinces," Mr. Sihasak expressed.
Representatives from the business sector stated that the Deputy Prime Minister's meeting with business networks reflects the government's emphasis on economic development, trade, investment, and improving the quality of life for people in the southern provinces. The local business sector is ready to support and drive economic growth, create jobs and income, and connect trade opportunities with neighboring countries, ensuring stable and sustainable growth in the southern border region. They hope that receiving information and proposals from the private sector will be the starting point for cooperation leading to new developments and maximizing benefits in addressing economic problems and concretely improving the quality of life for people in the area.
In addition, private sector representatives suggested several actions for government support, such as focusing more on solving economic problems, as the southern border provinces can serve as a production base and have a large workforce; supporting targeted economic activities; providing soft loans to new entrepreneurs; supporting the rapid construction of double-track railways to connect with the central region; developing a master plan for water management; promoting the opening of a Quran museum as a tourist attraction; and addressing education and unemployment, which will help ensure stable economic growth in the South.