20 Billion Baht Requested For Tourism Development

[Jai Dee]

DPM Suwat plans to request 20 billion baht for tourism development projects for three southern provinces.

Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop (สุวัจน์ ลิปตพัลลภ) plans to request a budget of 20 billion baht for the development of tourism in the upper southern provinces. Mr. Suwat plans to submit the plan on tourism promotion along the coasts in Petchburi (เพชรบุรี), Prachuabkirikan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์), and Chumporn (ชุมพร) during a cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai tomorrow. The plan is aimed at boosting the three provinces as top tourist destinations like Pattaya and Phuket. The initial estimation for the project stands at 20 billion baht.

The money will be spent on infrastructure development and tourism restoration, while the government will invite private partners to invest in the provinces. The deputy Prime Minister will ask only approval for the development framework during tomorrow’s meeting. After the plan is approved, the team will plan on budget spending with related agencies. He expressed confidence that the project will generate profits within 5 years.

Mr. Suwat said that around 3-4 million people come to the provinces each year. He said that if the project meets its targets, the number of tourists will increase from 10 million people each year to 20-30 million. He said that the increased revenue is estimated at 1 trillion baht.

He said the related agencies responsible for the project include the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Transport Ministry, the Culture Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, provincial governors of the three provinces and local administrative bodies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 Febuary 2006