SBPAC follows up development projects in deep South

BANGKOK, June 8 (TNA) - The Southern Border Province Administration Center (SBPAC) followed up progress of the economic and social development in the deep South as part of the government’s attempt to quell the violence in southern border provinces. SBPAC secretary-general, Supanat Sirantawineti met representatives of local businesses to discuss carrying out the projects, called the Triangle of Stability, Prosperity, and Sustainability. Participants ware fishermen, para rubber growers, cattle raisers and tourism operators. Mr Supanat said that the government takes proactive approaches to stimulate economy in the deep South for better living of local residents by adding values to local products and boosting tourism. Last year, tourist arrivals to the southern border provinces rose to 1.5 million people, higher than the previous year and tourism income totaled about 6.4 billion baht. Secretary-general said that several development projects have been implemented to assist local people. Para rubber growers are suggested to grow other crops in para rubber plantations to generate supplementary income. They are supported to make para rubber processing products for export overseas. Oil palm growers are assisted to adopt comprehensive farming system for production of high quality palm oil. Moreover, personnel development programmes have been arranged in local communities as part of the 20-year national strategy. Representatives of local fishermen thanked the SBPAC for helping them create more income and improve their quality of life. The economic development projects play a role in addressing the violence in the deep South. (TNA)