Deputy Prime Minister Somsak is preparing to convene a meeting of five upper northeastern provinces to discuss projects for submission to the traveling cabinet meeting in Udon Thani on 3 November. He confirmed there is no fixed budget limit of 50-100 million baht per project and mentioned that on 2 November, the Prime Minister will lead the cabinet in opening the World Horticultural Expo.
At 09:10 on 20 October 2026 at the Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Somsak Thongsri, overseeing the upper northeastern provincial cluster, spoke about preparations for the official offsite cabinet meeting in Udon Thani on 3 November. The meeting will address development and problem-solving in the upper northeastern provinces: Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Loei. Preparations are underway for venues such as Udon Thani Rajabhat University and private locations. Invitations are being extended to government and private sector agencies in the region to discuss issues requiring cabinet attention, focusing on agriculture and drug problem solutions.
Asked about budget proposals for large-scale projects in the area, Somsak said they are currently under consideration by the Public-Private Joint Committee (PPJC) of the provinces. He will hold a meeting within this week. Some projects have already been proposed.
When asked if there is a budget ceiling of 50 to 100 million baht per province for projects, Somsak said no specific limit has been set yet. He encouraged proposals to be submitted first, noting that suitability will be reviewed later, ensuring alignment with available government budgets. He emphasized that the offsite cabinet meeting aims to benefit the provincial cluster concerned.
Somsak added that on 2 November at 17:00, the Prime Minister and ministers will preside over the opening ceremony of the World Horticultural Expo in Udon Thani 2026, followed by the cabinet meeting the next day.