Songkhla: Deputy Prime Minister Pipat chaired a preparatory meeting for the first Cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok in 2026, aimed at gathering project proposals from the five southern border provinces to drive development in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting took place at 9:30 AM in Meeting Room 1, 5th Floor, Songkhla Provincial Hall. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, who is also the Minister of Transport, led the meeting to review and prepare project proposals from the five southern border provinces. The aim was to determine the direction and approach for development before submitting these proposals for Cabinet consideration. Key officials present included Deputy Minister of Transport Sanpetch Bunyamanee, Deputy Minister of Interior Worasit Liengprasit, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior Pasakorn Boonyalaksam, and Deputy Chief Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior Sakra Kapilakan. The meeting was also attended by provincial governors, heads of government departments, parliament members, and representatives from the private sector and local administrations.
The meeting's main goal was to ensure that project proposals from Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat provinces were complete, clear, and reflective of each area's problems, needs, and potential. The focus was on urgent and feasible projects that would bring tangible benefits to the people. The meeting provided a platform for the provinces to present policy proposals and large-scale development projects to help the government understand local problems and needs directly, facilitating tailored support measures. Additionally, the meeting aimed to integrate efforts across various sectors to ensure coordinated action.
Mr. Phaskorn Boonyalaksam, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the importance of preparation for the mobile cabinet meeting, highlighting the need for quality project proposals that clearly detail the problems and needs of the people, along with supporting data to explain the necessity and potential benefits.
Satun Province proposed 18 projects totaling 209 million baht, focusing on infrastructure, tourism, and port improvements. Yala proposed 6 projects totaling 265 million baht, focusing on infrastructure and tourism. Pattani's proposals aimed to transform the province into a logistics hub with projects totaling 7,683 million baht. Narathiwat proposed nine projects totaling over 404 million baht, focusing on infrastructure and water management.
This meeting marked an essential step in preparing for the 2026 Cabinet meeting, ensuring comprehensive consideration of regional proposals. It also facilitated information exchange among executives and relevant agencies to refine project details for Cabinet consideration.
The Secretariat will compile project proposals and policy issues from all five provinces for submission to the Ministry of Interior by August 14, 2026. A joint meeting with central government agencies will follow on August 25, 2026, at Government House, preceding the first official Cabinet meeting outside of Bangkok, scheduled for August 31 to September 1, 2026, in Songkhla Province.
At 1:00 PM, the meeting will include input from the private sector regarding trade, investment, tourism, and logistics. The private sector's concerns and suggestions will be incorporated into policy recommendations, ensuring alignment with regional potential and business needs to stimulate economic growth and job creation.