PM visits Mae Hong Son

MAE HONG SON, Jan 17 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is visiting the northern province of Mae Hong Son to meet local people and listen to their suggestions on possible directions for occupational development in order to increase local income. Mae Hong Son is one of the poorest provinces due to its geographical location in the mountains with most area as national parks, which result in scarcity of productive lands, and limited access to public facilities. Upon his arrival at 9 am, the Prime Minister witnessed handover of permits to eight farmers, who are granted land allocation under the Government’s community productive land tenure scheme, said Assistant Government Spokesperson Colonel Taksada Sangkhachan. He will later chair a meeting on Mae Hong Son development strategies, visit model community under Sufficiency Economy Philosophy. Before returning to Bangkok at 5pm, he will travel to tourist attractions, such as Doi Kongmu Stupa, and Pha Bong Hot Spring. The Government plans address poverty and improve people’s quality of life in Mae Hong Son in accordance with the needs of local people and the private sector. Under the plan, more direct flights from Bangkok to Mae Hon Son will be launched and rail transport will be developed. To increase local income, the government will promote premium agriculture and processed agricultural products as well as cross-border tourism. Regarding improvement of their quality of life, more medical personnel will be dispatched to the province. (TNA)