A new industrial estate is set to be developed in the southern border province of Narathiwat, according to a statement from the Public Relations Department of the Royal Thai Government.
Industry Minister Chakramon Phasukavanich spoke about the plan during his inspection of a rubber processing plant in Narathiwat late last week.
The new industrial estate will be established in Lahan subdistrict, Yi-ngo district. It will consist of several industries, such as processed halal food and Islamic clothing
Narathiwat is among the five provinces where special economic zones will be established in the Government’s second-phase plan, which is expected to begin in 2016. The province borders Kelantan and Perak in Malaysia. It has three border trade checkpoints: Buketa, Tak Bai, and Su-ngai Kolok.
When the ASEAN Community comes into force in December 2015, the three checkpoints are expected to play an important role in border trade with other ASEAN partners.
Buketa is set to become the trade centre for the eastern parts of Thailand and Malaysia. Tak Bai will become a gateway for water transportation between border towns. Su-ngai Kolok will serve road and railway links for tourists traveling from one border town to another. It welcomes a great number of Malaysian and Singaporean visitors coming for trade and tourism each year.
There are about 800,000 people in Narathiwat. Of this number, 82 percent are Muslim and 17 percent are Buddhist. Most local residents are engaged in rubber planting, orchard farming, rice cultivation, fishing and trade. They produce mainly natural rubber, rice, oil palm, and fruit.
The Industry Minister stated that the establishment of an industrial estate in Narathiwat is suitable because of its readiness in terms of both raw materials and transportation through the three border checkpoints. He added that the Ministry of Industry would push for the continuation of various projects that had started in Narathiwat.
Among them is the construction of a bridge across the Sungai Kolok River to shorten traveling time and facilitate goods transportation between Thailand and Malaysia. The bridge will also help enhance Thailand’s competitiveness and promote trade, investment, and tourism, as the region heads toward the ASEAN Community.
The Minister also urged local residents to join hands with officials in security measures and development work, which would improve the southern situation and attract more investment.
Andrew Batt, International Group Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email andrew@propertyguru.com.sg
