BANGKOK, Thailand – The weekly “Voices from Thai Khu Fah” program, hosted by Government Spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap on May 3, provided an update on outcomes from the recent Cabinet retreat in Thailand’s Upper Northeastern region. The session highlighted key discussions and site visits conducted by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her visit to Sakhon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces.
Among the main developments was the government’s progress in disaster preparedness, including the rollout of the new Cell Broadcast emergency warning system. Unlike traditional SMS, the technology sends alerts directly to mobile phones in affected areas, even when phones are silenced. A successful test was conducted on May 2, with additional tests planned for May 7 and May 13 in select provinces, ahead of a full nationwide trial.
On regional development, the Cabinet approved nine projects with budget frameworks of 200 million baht each. These cover tourism, riverfront revitalization, and local health industries. An in-principle approval was also given for the construction of an airport in Mukdahan, aimed at enhancing cross-border connectivity with Laos and boosting economic links with Vietnam.
International cooperation with Cambodia was addressed, including agreements to combat online scams, human trafficking, and illegal border activity. A follow-up joint meeting will be held in July in Sa Kaeo. Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its strategy for navigating U.S. trade policy shifts, stressing the importance of unified ASEAN engagement to protect economic interests.
Other Cabinet matters included the reduction of electricity tariffs to 3.98 baht per unit for the May to August period, and continued inspections into illegal imports of hazardous industrial waste. The government also confirmed that planned entertainment complexes will be largely tourism-oriented, with casinos occupying less than 10 percent of their area, and will be funded primarily through private and foreign investment. (NNT)
