Democrat Party plan to transform Hat Yai into major economic hub

[webfact]

Suchatvee Suwansawat and Watanya Bunnag, members of the Democrat Party, in Hat Yai, Songkhla. Picture courtesy of Assawin Pakkawan.

 

by Mitch Connor

The Democrat Party in Thailand recently revealed its intentions to rejuvenate its previous plan to turn the commercial district of Hat Yai, located in Songkhla province, into a significant economic centre. This attempt aims to attract more investors to the area.

 

Democrat Party officials mentioned that they are considering the enactment of a special law that would promote the growth of Hat Yai, potentially transforming it into an economic powerhouse comparable to Singapore and Hong Kong. Nipon Boonyamanee, the deputy leader and election director of the Democrat Party, assured that the party would see through the implementation of this plan upon returning to the government.

One of the main concerns that the party is focusing on is the generation of revenue. The party, which currently oversees the Commerce Ministry, is set on negotiating deals through economic cooperation by linking up with major free trade areas (FTAs). As part of their goals, they plan to engage with 27 to 30 countries via FTAs to hasten exports and create new sources of income for Thailand, reported Bangkok Post.

 

Boonyamanee further explained that an increase in exports would lead to a higher tax collection from exporters. This would, in turn, result in additional revenue that could be reinvested back into the Thai economic system.

Additionally, the Democrat Party has reminded the public of its previous campaign pledges. These include a proposal to allocate a 2 million baht cash injection for every village and community throughout the nation.

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/democrats-plan-to-turn-hat-yai-into-economic-powerhouse-to-rival-singapore-and-hong-kong

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-04-26

 

- Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here.

 

The most versatile and flexible rental investment and holiday home solution in Thailand - click for more information.

[Stocky]

14 minutes ago, webfact said:

Democrat Party officials mentioned that they are considering the enactment of a special law that would promote the growth of Hat Yai, potentially transforming it into an economic powerhouse comparable to Singapore and Hong Kong. Nipon Boonyamanee, the deputy leader and election director of the Democrat Party, assured that the party would see through the implementation of this plan upon returning to the government.

I almost fell off my chair reading that. I'm not sure which is more far fetched, Hat Yai becoming a new Singapore, or the Democrat Party returning to government.

[bignok]

Hat Yai is pretty boring. Not a bad city to walk around but there is nothing apart from the cable car park.

[Stocky]

1 minute ago, bignok said:

Hat Yai is pretty boring. Not a bad city to walk around but there is nothing apart from the cable car park.

What were you expecting, the Eiffel Tower, herd's of wildebeest sweeping majestically over the plains? 

 

Hat Yai's a nice city to live in and raise a family, but it's not Rome, London or New York, most people who live here are aware of that.

[bignok]

2 minutes ago, Stocky said:

What were you expecting, the Eiffel Tower, herd's of wildebeest sweeping majestically over the plains? 

 

Hat Yai's a nice city to live in and raise a family, but it's not Rome, London or New York, most people who live here are aware of that.

Even Khon Kaen is more exciting. Hat Yai also had terrible hotels. Songkha has the Old Town. Nakhon Si Thammarat is more interesting. I was surprised how boring Hat Yai would be. Phattalung was better as well.

 

 

Edited April 26, 2023 by bignok

[Stocky]

Hat Yai is a new town, think Milton Keynes, it exists because of the railway which only opened in 1909. 

[bignok]

4 minutes ago, Stocky said:

Hat Yai is a new town, think Milton Keynes, it exists because of the railway which only opened in 1909. 

New? Everything looked 80 years old.

[stoner]

hat yai's the bomb........

[Stocky]

41 minutes ago, bignok said:

New? Everything looked 80 years old.

 New as in relatively new by comparison; Khon Kaen is about 250 years old, Songkhla is about 400 years old, and Nakhon Si Thammarat is over 1,000 years old.

[MrJ2U]

I've wanted to see the southern parts but I have been put off by the car bombs and extremists.  

 

Although rare,  I  don't enjoy traveling to places to relax and have to worry about extremists or civil unrest. 

 

Hopefully the next government can sort things out.

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, Stocky said:

What were you expecting, the Eiffel Tower, herd's of wildebeest sweeping majestically over the plains? 

 

Hat Yai's a nice city to live in and raise a family, but it's not Rome, London or New York, most people who live here are aware of that.

And most probably don't want it turned into a powerhouse.

[billd766]

Well before that can happen the Democrats need to win at least 376 seats in parliament and become the overall party in government.

 

I cannot see that ever happening.

[Burma Bill]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

turn the commercial district of Hat Yai..............................into a significant economic centre

Create a Chinese Special Economic Zone with casinos - that should boost the local economy!

[Stocky]

29 minutes ago, Burma Bill said:

Create a Chinese Special Economic Zone with casinos - that should boost the local economy!

That was a suggestion made over 20 years ago by one of Thaksin's appointed governors in the south. Thought a casino on the border with Malaysia would be a great idea to boost the local economy. Not well received, not a smart idea in a majority Muslim area; gambling money is haram and the locals didn't want it.