Govt urged to boost roads, rail, ports
A joint public and private committee meeting with Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will propose key points for urgent government resolution - a transport and logistics network, highway expansion along the Andaman coast, and trade and investment promotio
The private sector also has concerns about natural resources and preservation of the Gulf of Thailand, focusing on 15 destinations. The strategy is intended to attract more tourists.
The Federation of Thai Industries proposed to highlight Ranong, Phuket, Phang-nga, Krabi and Trang on the Andaman coastal route to promote the tourism industry around the area. It said the government should place highway construction and coastal train investment on a priority agenda.
Payungsak Chatsutipol, chairman of the FTI, said proposed infrastructure development included a four-lane highway along the Andaman coast. The highway would not only facilitate tourism but also reduce logistics costs of manufacturers.
In addition, the government should urgently revise the operation plans at Suvarnabhumi Airport to improve passport checking which has attracted thousands of complaints because of its slowness.
Manufacturers in the South also want to have a rail transport system. They believe it would smooth transporting of goods - particularly rubber - not only to ports but also to Malaysia.
They also want the government to develop more ports in Songkhla, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chumphon, where existing ports are operated by the private sector.
RELATED