Prime Minister’s Initiative: Listening to Local Voices
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed a keen interest in connecting with the needs and concerns of local communities throughout the country. With this goal in mind, he plans to establish small mobile cabinet meetings in various provinces. These meetings are designed to allow the Prime Minister and his team to listen to the issues faced by locals and address their needs in a more direct manner.
During a recent visit to Phangnga and Phuket, Mr. Srettha discussed this concept with entrepreneurs and the business community. He emphasized the importance of receiving first-hand feedback from the private sector and local communities, sparking the idea for small mobile cabinet meetings.
Small, Mobile Cabinet Meetings: The Benefits
The proposed mobile cabinet meetings will be small in size, making it easier for the group to travel and engage with communities across the country. Each meeting will aim to address specific issues depending on the unique needs of the targeted provinces.
For example, during a recent visit to Phangnga, Mr. Srettha and the Pheu Thai Party’s tourism policy committee met with Lertsak Ponklin, the president of the Phangnga Tourism Association, to discuss tourism concerns. They discussed extending tourism visas for certain nations and improving transport links between Phuket, Phangnga, and Krabi.
Extending Tourism Visas: Boosting Local Economies
Mr. Lertsak proposed extending tourism visas to stimulate tourism in the province and encourage improved transportation links. He suggested that this extension could also encourage tourists to explore more of the Andaman coast.
In response, Mr. Srettha agreed to extend tourist visas from 30 days to 90 days for arrivals from targeted countries, including China, India, and Russia. He noted that Phangnga had earned 6.3 billion baht from tourism during the first six months of the year, with 40% of over 18,000 hotel rooms booked. The visa extension could potentially boost these numbers, benefiting the province’s economy even further.
Building a Provincial Airport: Connecting the Region
Another topic of discussion during the meeting was the potential construction of a provincial airport. Mr. Lertsak backed the idea, stating it would significantly improve transportation and accessibility within the region, ultimately benefiting tourism and local businesses.
Overall, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s initiative to hold small mobile cabinet meetings demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing local issues and connecting with communities on a deeper level. By engaging with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and citizens, the government aims to foster positive change and improve the quality of life for everyone in the country.
