The government vowed to tackle problems in northeast covering flood and drought, agro product prices, illicit drug problem, road and airport development.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin disclosed about his field visits to Nan, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Sisaket, and Surin provinces, during which he directly heard from the local people on their plights and problems, especially the problems of flood and drought, agro product prices, illicit drug problem, road and airport development.
He add that the government took these problems seriously, and concern agencies have already been instruct to work in an integrated manner to address all the above problems.
The cabinet tomorrow will consider projects which the public and private sector in fours provinces in northeast to ask the government to support budget.
The PM also observed the making of Buddhis Lent candles, and marveled Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival which is visit by a large number of tourists each year. This event should be further promote as the province’s main annual event or festival. This year Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival will be held during July 20-21, and the PM would like to attend if time permits.
Ordered the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to expedite its water resource management plans
He also ordered the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to expedite its water resource management plans in all aspects to prevent flood and drought. In 2023, there was very few flood disasters thanks to the integrated effort of RID and local MPs in efficiently storing water in various water sources.
The PM was also confident that flood and drought would not be an issue this year with RID’s continue water resource management operation in the Northeast.
Implement anti-drug operation
During his field visit to Sisaket province, the PM ordered relevant agencies, i.e., Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Public Health, police, and the military, to integrate their anti-drug operation and urgently establish treatment facilities, as the province has the second-highest number of arrests in relations to illicit drugs, but the lower Isan region still lacks adequate treatment facilities.
He added that by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2024 (September), the government will make Roi Et a drug-free “White Province”. If this effort is a success, the “Roi Et White Province” model will be applie to other nearby provinces in the Northeast since these Isan provinces have seriously been affecte by the widespread of narcotics, allegedly imported from the neighboring countries.
Ministry of Commerce is assigne to tackle farm price
On agro-product prices, Ministry of Commerce is assign to tackle the problem. The Government commits to make the situation better by seeking new overseas markets.
Surin is one of the leading rice producers of the country. Rice produce in the province, whether it be Hom Mali rice or organic rice, can be sold at high prices per kg.
Nevertheless, the government will find a way to upgrade Surin rice in order for local farmers to generate more income and have better livelihood.
The PM will also push ahead promotion of Surin wagyu beef, and the development of Chong Jom customs checkpoint. which is adjacent to Cambodia’s border, in a bid to stimulate border trade. Ministry of Transport is also instruct to conduct a feasibility on the construction of Surin Airport.
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