DEPUTY Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit visited Satun today (Aug. 29) to check on the progress of various projects under a scheme to upgrade tourism at this Far South province and turn it into “The Riviera of Southeast Asia” with this to be considered by a roving cabinet meeting being held here on Sept. 1, Naewna newspaper said.
Under this scheme, with the full title being “World Class Southern Border, Thailand. The Riviera of Southeast Asia”, the opening hours of the Wang Prachan customs checkpoint on the Thai-Malaysian border will be extended, a “Free Flow Zone” set up to boost cross-border trade and Satun promoted as a destination for Muslim tourists.
On hand to receive the deputy minister were Satun Governor Mr. Kanit Kongchuey, Deputy Governors Ms. Dusadee Phruksaset and Mr. Damrongsak Kaewduang, Capt. Chakraphong Apimahatham from the Thai Navy and other officials.
“The main goal is to promote Satun province as a ‘Muslim-friendly destination,’ leveraging Satun’s strengths: 70-80% Muslim population, outstanding natural resources, and proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said.
This scheme is expected to create economic value as it will be linked to infrastructure development such as connecting Manang district with Pa Bon district in Phatthalung province while the cabinet is set to approve a budget to survey, design and assess the environmental impact of developing Baro-Thung Tam Sao route within the 2027 fiscal year.
“In addition, there are plans to further develop transportation through a seaplane project to attract high-spending tourists, as well as a project to develop a port to accommodate car ferries (Ro-Ro Ferry) and open a shipping route between Perlis state, Malaysia, and Satun province.
“This will have a significant positive impact on promoting local and national economic growth, reducing congestion at the Sadao and Padang Besar border crossings, and creating jobs and expanding business opportunities for the local people,” Worasit added.
Both Thailand and Malaysia had agreed in principle on setting up a Free Flow Zone in this province and extending the operating hours of Wang Prachan customs checkpoint. The local administration is preparing to set up a committee to study these issues and also visit Malaysia for discussions with policymakers there.
Kanit said Satun has the potential to develop into a world-class tourist destination under the concept of “World Class Southern Border, Thailand. The Riviera of Southeast Asia,” due to its abundant natural resources and diverse tourist attractions as well as being home to Thailand’s first Global Geopark. Furthermore, it boasts readiness in halal tourism within a multicultural society.
Satun Geopark is Thailand’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the south. The landscape is limestone mountains and contains small islands and beautiful beaches. There are notable attractions such as Leste Godond, Phu Pha Phet and Jedkot caves, Tanan mountain, Hin Panyod castle, Khai and Hin Ngam islands, plus Than Phew and Tan Sawan waterfalls.
CAPTIONS:
Top: Satun’s Global Geopark. Photo – Sanook.com
Inserted and Front Page: Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasit visiting Satun. Photos – Naewna
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