Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra Commits to Accelerating Development Projects in Southern

Narathiwat, The Gulf Observer: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has pledged to expedite development initiatives in the southern provinces to enhance the quality of life for local residents.
During her first official visit to the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala on Thursday, the prime minister chaired a meeting in Narathiwat to assess progress on key development projects. These include the construction of a parallel bridge over the Kolok River in Sungai Kolok district and the Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok double-track railway project.
Emphasizing the importance of decentralization, Ms. Paetongtarn stated, “Local agencies are better positioned to understand citizens’ needs and preferences, enabling the government to address their challenges effectively.”
She highlighted the urgency of transport development in Narathiwat to prevent project delays and cost overruns. Construction of the Kolok River bridge, a collaborative effort with Malaysia, is set to begin in June and is expected to take 24 months to complete. The Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok railway project aims to improve goods transportation, benefiting the region’s economy.
The prime minister also prioritized agricultural export promotion and announced plans to offer scholarships for students in industries with high growth potential.
On the same day, Ms. Paetongtarn inaugurated a debt settlement fair for Student Loan Fund (SLF) debtors at Princess of Naradhiwas University, organized by the Justice Ministry, where relief measures were provided to over 2,000 attendees.