The government must speed up development of Chiang Rai as an unique economic zone (SEZ) amid the fast growth of the Fantastic Triangle SEZ within Laos, which lies just across the border, says deputy House speaker, Suchart Tancharoen.
Mr Suchart, which oversees Parliament’s international affairs committee, went to Laos on Fri to discuss investment and trade opportunities within the Golden Triangle area — where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar share an edge.
The area’s SEZ, that was jointly developed by The far east and Laos, has made over 100 billion dollars baht in income since its creation.
Mister Suchart visited Ton Pheung district within Bokeo province along with Wisarn Techatheerawat, Pheu Thai MP regarding Chiang Rai, and Dechit Khaotong, Liberal MP for Songkhla, where they joined the opening associated with 20th Kapok Flower Festival, also known as Dok Ngiew Festival.
The event, that was aimed at promoting nearby culture and traditions, was attended simply by prominent figures through Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Tiongkok.
In a discussion with Laos’ deputy perfect minister Vilay Lakhamphong and the managing company directors of the Golden Triangle SEZ Council, Mister Suchart discussed potential clients for investment, trade and security dangers in the area.
He said Thailand, as Laos’ nearest neighbour, should work together to help transform the Golden Triangle SEZ, long known as a drug-trafficking hub. The area is also gaining notoriety for hosting online con artists.
“Thailand has lost numerous opportunities as it has not initiated any tasks pertaining to the SEZ even though the country provides geographical advantages that make it suitable as a transport hub, inch said Mr Suchart.
Chiang Rai, he said, is trying to take part in the region’s redevelopment because they build the Thailand-Laos link which connects Chiang Saen in Chiang Rai province in order to Laos’ Ton Pheung district.
“The bridge will benefit Thailand as it will ease edge trade, investment plus tourism, especially the particular export of agricultural goods, ” Mr Suchart added.
“The SEZ is suitable for tourism, trade and purchase. Even though the SEZ is mainly developed by the Chinese, the area is not with regard to ‘grey businesses’ as much have wrongly believe” he said.