DPM unveils plans for Thai ‘Riviera’

PRACHUAB KHIRI KHAN: -- Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam today laid out ambitious plans for Thailand to have its very own ‘Riviera’ stretching from Petchaburi to Sam Roi Yot, but stressed that environmental considerations had to come first before the project could be given the green light.

Mr. Wissanu, who this morning took part in discussions with senior government officials and the provincial governors of Samutsakhon, Samutsongkhram, Petchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan, said that the ‘Riviera’ project would link beachfront roads from Chao Samran in the north to Sam Roi Yot in the south.

But while he expressed confidence that the new road would attract more foreign tourists, he also said that a clear environmental impact assessment would have to be conducted before the project could go ahead.

The four lower central region provinces have agreed to work together to promote tourism and their role as a major transportation route to the south, but have also noted the importance of eco-tourism and good environmental management.

--TNA 2005-04-24

I've been to Monte Carlo - and that's nicer than the skanky Gulf Of Thailand coastline.

It needs more than just a road for god's sake.

Still - if you have a Riviera - you need Casinos....