The World Bank has highlighted the potential for growth in Thailand’s secondary cities such as Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen and Rayong in a recent study.

 

The report, Thailand Urban Infrastructure Finance Assessment, suggests that these cities could boost Thailand’s economy if they invest in urban infrastructure improvements, such as mass transit systems and renewable energy sources. However, the study points out that these cities will need to access private capital to finance these investments, rather than relying solely on central government funds.

 

Bangkok has traditionally been Thailand’s economic powerhouse, but its growth is decelerating. The World Bank suggests that secondary cities could take over as economic growth hubs if they can access the necessary private capital to improve urban infrastructure. The study points out that this would boost the country’s competitiveness and help it adapt to climate change.

 

The report was produced in collaboration with the Programme Management Unit on Area-based Development (PMU-A) and Khon Kaen University. It suggests that municipal borrowing and public-private partnerships could be viable funding methods for these cities.

 

Director-general of the Public Debt Management Office at the Ministry of Finance, Patricia Mongkhonvanit backed the need for growth.

 

“Secondary cities can drive growth and alleviate rural poverty by generation accessible opportunities for those living in rural areas.”

 

By Alex Morgan

Caption: Photo by Tim Durgan on Unsplash

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-12

 

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Common sense. So get on with it!

i too see growth potential in chaing mai

 

increased pm 2.5 levels

growth in severe sicknesses directly related to the pollution

an increase in deaths 

 

nothing to see here. 

16 minutes ago, stoner said:

i too see growth potential in chaing mai

 

increased pm 2.5 levels

growth in severe sicknesses directly related to the pollution

an increase in deaths 

 

nothing to see here. 

More ladyboys each year

More tourists

3 minutes ago, bignok said:

More ladyboys each year

More tourists

capture the flag. red team vs red team. 

13 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The report, Thailand Urban Infrastructure Finance Assessment, suggests that these cities could boost Thailand’s economy if they invest in urban infrastructure improvements, such as mass transit systems and renewable energy sources. However, the study points out that these cities will need to access private capital to finance these investments, rather than relying solely on central government funds.

So that's a non-starter then?

The World Bank isn't credible. Corruption thru and thru just like the World Health Organization in my opinion. 

3 minutes ago, HuskerDo2 said:

The World Bank isn't credible. Corruption thru and thru just like the World Health Organization in my opinion. 

Doesnt mean they are wrong.

14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

secondary cities could take over as economic growth hubs if they can access the necessary private capital to improve urban infrastructure.

Private individuals should pay for the repair of broken stuff in public infrastructure ...?

Sure , good idea , just need to find someone who is willing to pay for that ... good luck ...

Somebody got a nice brown enveloppe at the WB ?

On 10/12/2023 at 7:46 PM, mfd101 said:

Common sense. So get on with it!

It will take time to overcome the 'all roads lead to Bangkok' mentality.

Villages as well. I see lots of young men sitting around drinking lao khao from morning till dusk. Just think what an economic powerhouse Thailand could be if they were all working.