Pracha Rath markets to boost border trade
THE Commerce Ministry is planning to increase border trade with the set-up of Pracha Rath markets in five northeastern provinces neighbouring Laos and Cambodia - Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdahan and Amnat Charoen.
Kulanee Issadisai, chief inspector-general, says the ministry is gearing up to boost border trade, export and tourism in 20 northeastern provinces, particularly those with permanent crossing points, checkpoints for border trade and traditional checkpoints with Laos and Cambodia.
In an effort to boost trade and tourism and attract more people from the neighbouring countries to cross over for the purchases of Thai products, a Thailand-Lao Pracha Rath Sunday market will be opened in Nong Khai province, opposite to a traditional checkpoint at Bolikhamsai of Laos. The market is estimated to post no less than Bt500,000 a day or about Bt30 million a year in total trade. Another Thailand-Lao Pracha Rath market will be launched in Bueng Kan province with estimated trade of Bt4-Bt5 million a day or Bt48-Bt60 million a year. About 227 local vendors and 20 Laotian merchants from Bolikhamsai are expected to be there.
The ministry will also drive up trade to about Bt3.5 billion year, through the permanent crossing point and two border checkpoints in the province.
In Ubon Ratchathani , another Thailand-Lao Pracha Rath market will be established at the central market for fruits and vegetables, belonging to Ubon haroensri (Warin Chamrap branch) Co Ltd.
Situated on 45-rai plot of land, an estimated 800 sellers and 2,000 buyers are expected to be engaged in trade worth Bt5 million per day or Bt1.8 billion a year with seasonal fruits and vegetables being the main produce.
A similar market will also be set up at the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge in Mukdahan province with an estimated trade of about Bt20-Bt30 million per year. Most products will be hand-woven fabrics, furniture and local agricultural produce.
Meanwhile, the establishment of a Pracha Rath market is under consideration for Amnat Charoen province which has a border checkpoint and six traditional checkpoints. It is estimated the plan could draw Bt60 million in yearly transactions.
During July-September this year, the ministry will launch promotional activities for border trade in other border provinces, including Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket.
