Thai Hostages Still Missing a Year After Hamas Attack

[Lite Beer]

PM stresses importance of connecting special economic zones with communities

BANGKOK, 18 July 2015 (NNT) - Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has emphasized that the ASEAN economic connection strategy must lead to connection between special economic zones with communities while urging government units to help promote community businesses.

The PM said on Friday that the connecting of special economic zones with communities was an important element of the ASEAN economic corridor and connectivity strategy. Thailand’s focus was to use its strong sectors, such as industry, agriculture and service, to help it become the center of the ASEAN economic connectivity, said the PM.

Gen. Prayut added that he had instructed all relevant units to work together to promote community businesses such as rice mills and gas stations in a community cooperatives system. As for model special economic zones such as Sa Kaeo-Cambodia, it would be developed as a center of processed agricultural products with the objectives to decrease dependence on the central government and strengthen local communities.

-- NNT 2015-07-19

[bangkokfrog]

"Thailand’s focus was to use its strong sectors, such as industry, agriculture and service, to help it become the center of the ASEAN economic connectivity, said the PM."

This article looks very much like government speak to me and I have no idea what the first paragraph means, but either the PM or reporter should be congratulated for not using the h_b word.

[bamnutsak]

The PM has a special interest in SEZ's; I believe he wrote a paper on this, maybe for a Master's? He's been almost single-handedly pushing this concept during his time in the top chair.

Anyway, the idea is to create these SEZ's adjacent to borders, thereby limiting potential national security exposure with vast numbers of migrants from other countries roaming about the Kingdom. This makes sense from a military/police/xenophobic standpoint, but obviously doesn't hold up in reality. Migrant labor is required everywhere in the country and cannot be limited to just border areas, no matter how much you incentivize employers.

The free flow of both labor, capital and trade would greatly benefit Thailand and the region in general, but the in-bred fear/hatred of migrants here tends to blind policy-makers (esp. military types who's "advertised" mission is to protect the Kingdom) and leads to counter-productive economic policies.

[Oziex1]

So where else would you put special economic zones?

In a place with no community or people, did I miss something.