SONGKHLA, Thailand – Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul has arrived at Hat Yai International Airport in Songkhla Province to lead the first official Mobile Cabinet Meeting of the year. Running through September 1, the two-day mission aims to assess local challenges firsthand and present policy proposals from five southern border provinces to executive decision-makers. The Prime Minister was received by senior regional officials, including Songkhla Governor Ratthasart Chidchoo, military and police commanders, and local administrative leaders.
The Prime Minister’s first agenda item is to address persistent flood risks by inspecting the Na Khuan Water Gate at the Phuminat Damri Canal in Hat Yai District. The government plans to implement an integrated water management system to protect nearby communities, commercial centers, and key southern transport routes, making this site a top priority for state support.
Later at the Buri Sriphu Hotel, the Prime Minister will attend the signing of contracts for two major Green Transport projects. The seven-kilometer Songkhla Lake Bridge will link Songkhla and Phatthalung, reducing travel time from nearly two hours to 15 minutes. The new Koh Lanta Bridge will eliminate dependence on ferry services and significantly shorten transit times. Both projects are scheduled for completion within 1,080 days to reduce logistics costs and boost local economic opportunities.
The Prime Minister will later meet with local leaders at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya by attending a workshop that gathered strategic proposals from Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. These sessions aim to translate local needs into disaster mitigation, economic development, and security into actionable plans. The Prime Minister will then visit Songkhla Provincial Hall for further consultations and tour Songkhla Old Town, the “Songkhla Creative City of Gastronomy” exhibition, and local OTOP displays, showcasing the region’s cultural assets.
The mission concludes on September 1, 2026, when Prime Minister Anutin will chair the official Mobile Cabinet Meeting at the International Convention Center at Prince of Songkhla University. The meeting aims to turn regional recommendations into funded projects and targeted policies to improve flood defenses, transport connectivity, job creation, and security across the south. (NNT)
