Minister of Tourism prepares to propose at the traveling Cabinet meeting the unlocking of five southern border provinces with a strategy focused on "sports, events, and food" to solve border checkpoint bottlenecks and revive the abandoned Narathiwat stadium, aiming to attract investment to stimulate the economy. Tags: [Tourism, Southern Border Provinces, Economic Stimulus, Sports Development, Border Checkpoints]
On 31 August 2026, Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, Minister of Tourism and Sports, chaired a meeting with affiliated agencies and tourism and sports operators in the five southern border provinces (Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat) in Songkhla Province. The meeting aimed to prepare and compile issues and suggestions to present at the official traveling Cabinet meeting (Cabinet on Tour). Tags: [Minister of Tourism, Southern Provinces, Cabinet Meeting, Tourism, Sports]
Mr. Surasak revealed that an urgent issue impacting tourism raised by the private sector is inconvenience at border checkpoints. Although the new Sadao checkpoint has 22 entry and exit lanes and proper equipment, staff shortages cause delays. There is also a bottleneck caused by Malaysian traffic reducing lanes to just one. Additionally, the 1.2-kilometer connecting road between the old and new checkpoints remains unfinished, confusing tourists. Proposals include expediting construction, installing large directional signs, and implementing an online pre-registration system (Immigration Form TM.2) for faster processing. Tags: [Border Checkpoints, Staff Shortage, Traffic Bottleneck, Construction Delay, Online Registration]
In Satun Province, a key demand from the private sector is to extend the closing time of the Wang Prachan border checkpoint from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to align with Malaysia’s hours, allowing tourists to enjoy dinner and short visits without worrying about checkpoint closure. Additionally, discussions are planned with the Ministry of Transport regarding a cross-border transport memorandum of understanding (MOU). Thai operators seek reciprocal agreements for fairness, as Malaysian buses can enter Thailand, but Thai buses cannot access Malaysia. Tags: [Border Hours, Cross-border Transport, Reciprocity, Satun Province, Tourism]
Another major highlight is the use of "sport tourism" policy. The Minister emphasized local residents’ strong enthusiasm for sports, making it a magnet to attract visitors. The proposal to the Cabinet includes requesting central or expedited budget allocation for fiscal year 2028 to complete the Narathiwat provincial stadium, which has been abandoned and unfinished since 2010—over 10 years. This aligns with the Prime Minister’s direct policy to resolve lingering issues. Tags: [Sport Tourism, Narathiwat Stadium, Budget Request, Prime Minister Policy]
In Pattani Province, football is booming as Pattani FC has advanced to T1 league, drawing crowds exceeding 12,000 per match and generating substantial revenue. However, issues remain with the stadium and running track under renovation to meet standards, with full support from the ministry. In Yala, there is a plan to propose constructing a standardized sport complex and to promote Betong stadium for nighttime use as a new landmark for international sports competitions. Tags: [Football, Pattani FC, Sports Facilities, Yala, International Sports]
Regarding events and soft power, Songkhla plans to elevate itself as a global food city through the "Songkhla World Table" project by inviting chefs from 15-20 countries to compete and hosting a World Table Week using signature ingredients from Songkhla Lake. This is expected to attract over 50,000 to 70,000 tourists and generate 150–225 million baht in revenue. Tags: [Food Tourism, Songkhla World Table, International Chefs, Tourism Revenue]
At the meeting, representatives from Pattani highlighted that the "Lim Ko Niao Shrine Festival," held continuously for 30 years and attracting up to 80,000 visitors, had its regional budget cut this year. The Minister instructed the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to co-host and allocate funds to support the festival to preserve this economically and spiritually vital event for Pattani residents. Tags: [Pattani, Lim Ko Niao Festival, Budget Support, Tourism Authority, Cultural Preservation]
"During this traveling Cabinet meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized that outcomes must be achieved immediately. Whatever the ministry can do will be done at once. For any regulations or laws that obstruct and lie beyond the ministry’s authority, I will compile proposals for Cabinet approval to unlock all issues. We must make this meeting impressive and truly beneficial for the southern people," said Mr. Surasak. Tags: [Cabinet Meeting, Government Policy, Regulatory Reform, Southern Development, Minister Statement]
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