Directions for the development of northeastern Thailand

The Cabinet, during its meeting on 22 August 2017, approved the directions for northeastern development during the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2017-2021.

The Cabinet heard a report from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board stating that the northeastern region covers about one-third of the total area of the country. It also represents one-third of Thailand’s population.

However, the economic value created by the Northeast is only one-tenth of the country’s total economy, since this region faces constraints in terms of water supply and soil quality. 

Most local people, who are engaged in agriculture, live in poverty. They still need a better quality of life and educational opportunities.

The recurrence of drought is one of the major problems in the northeastern region. Agricultural production in this region is still low, as it depends mainly on climatic conditions. The Northeast needs more facilities for tourism development. Most local industries involve only primary processing of agricultural products.

The report stated that the northeastern region has good potential for economic growth, since it has extensive agricultural areas and a great number of people in the working-age group. 

There are 12 research universities located in the Northeast. For instance, Khon Kaen University is good at public health and agriculture. 

Suranaree University of Technology is well known for engineering and food processing. Kasetsart University, Sakon Nakhon Campus, has expertise in agriculture and fisheries.

The construction of double-track railways, the high-speed train system, and special highways is being carried out, linking northeastern Thailand with Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam, which are members of the Greater Mekong Subregion.

In developing the Northeast, five guidelines have been worked out. The first one involves water resource management to increase the efficiency of water storage. 

The second guideline seeks to generate more employment and income in order to ease poverty and develop local people’s quality of life.

 In the third guideline, the local economy will be strengthened, along with the tackling of natural resource and environmental problems. 

Emphasis will be placed on research and development to upgrade local agriculture to modern agricultural production methods, as well as organic agriculture.

The fourth guideline involves the development of transport infrastructure linking with other economic areas in the central region and the Eastern Economic Corridor. The fifth guideline seeks to enhance cooperation with neighboring countries in strengthening the border economy.