Bangkok: Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Minister of Interior, has announced plans to propose to the Cabinet the elevation of Satun Province into a world-class tourist destination. The proposal, set to be presented during the Cabinet's mobile meeting, aims to brand Satun as "World Class Southern Border, Thailand. The Riviera of South East Asia," with initiatives to extend the operating hours of the Wang Prachan customs checkpoint to bolster Thai-Malaysian trade and attract Muslim tourists. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Worasit inspected various projects aimed at upgrading Satun's tourism infrastructure, including those at Wang Prachan Customs House and Thale Ban National Park. This inspection precedes the Cabinet's first official meeting outside of Bangkok, where the proposal will be discussed. The goals include making Satun a 'Muslim-friendly destination,' leveraging its significant Muslim population, natural resources, and proximity to Malaysia and Indonesia. Mr. Worasit emphasized the economic benefits of this initiative, which involves infrastructure development such as road connections between Manang district, Pabon district in Phatthalung province, and the Baro-Thung Tam Sao route. The Baro-Thung Tam Sao project is anticipated to receive funding for necessary studies in the 2027 fiscal year. International cooperation plays a pivotal role in the proposal, particularly in creating free-flow zones and extending the operating hours of the Wang Prachan Customs House. Both Thailand and Malaysia have agreed in principle to these changes, recognizing the strategic importance of this land border crossing for high-value goods and cross-border travel. Satun is preparing a committee to collaborate with Malaysian policymakers and has engaged with the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPC) regarding tourism-related issues. Additionally, the proposal includes transportation projects such as a seaplane initiative for high-spending tourists and the development of a port for car ferries (Ro-Ro Ferry) con necting Perlis State, Malaysia, and Satun Province. These projects are expected to stimulate economic growth, reduce border congestion, and create local job opportunities.
