Su-ngai kolok: Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao led the Kla Tham cabinet on a visit to Su-ngai Kolok, aiming to stimulate tourism in Thailand's southern border regions. The visit drew a large crowd, with locals expressing their support by chanting "Commander Thammanat, fight on!"
According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, who also serves as Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, was accompanied by the full cabinet from the Kla Tham Party. The delegation included Minister of Education Narumon Pinyosinwat, Minister of Social Development and Human Security Akara Prompao, Minister of Tourism and Sports Atthakorn Sirilathayakorn, and Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Amin Mayuso. They were warmly received by local officials and over 1,000 residents at a local stadium.
Lt. Col. Thammanat launched a project aimed at controlling rabies and sterilizing stray animals, fulfilling a royal initiative by Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Walailak. The project seeks to boost public health confidence in at-risk areas of the southern border provinces.
Lt. Col. Thammanat emphasized that the visit was not solely a government mission but a genuine outreach effort. He noted that this was the first time such a significant number of cabinet ministers had visited Su-ngai Kolok together. The visit aims to address various local concerns, including education, social development, and tourism, with immediate responses promised for any issues raised by the public.
He also discussed plans to revitalize the area's tourism sector, recalling a time when the Kolok checkpoint was a bustling hub for tourists. The goal is to reignite this vibrancy, making Su-ngai Kolok a key connector for Thai-Malaysian trade, tourism, and culture, thereby generating sustainable income for locals.
The ministries involved are collaborating to provide resources such as agricultural and rubber land title deeds, seeds, livestock, and relief packages. They are also offering free services, including dog sterilization and vaccinations, vocational training, and other community activities.
The visit was marked by enthusiastic support from the public, with chants, applause, and banners expressing solidarity with Lt. Col. Thammanat's mission. Many in attendance offered flowers and requested photographs, highlighting the high level of local engagement.