Private sector calls for opening of more border passes in Thai North

BANGKOK, January 10 (TNA) - The Thai private sector is proposing that the government open more border passes in the country's northern region to promote and further boost border trade. Payungsak Chartsutiphol, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), said that representatives of three main Thai private institutions, including the FTI, the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Thai Bankers' Association, will meet Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at the first meeting of the Joint Public-Private Consultative Committee (JPPCC) this year on January 14, during which the private sector's proposal will be raised. Payungsak revealed that the proposed new border passes include those in Mae Sai of Chiang Rai Province to boost border trade with Myanmar, in Chiang Khong and in Chiang Saen, also in Chiang Rai, to connect with China through the Mekong River to further boost border trade. Payungsak said the Thai private sector will also propose that the government establish special economic zones in three areas where border passes are opened to facilitate and further develop local logistics and to cut costs of cargo transportation. Besides, the FTI chief acknowledged, the local private sector will call for the government to go ahead with its dual rail-track project linking the northernmost Chiang Rai Province to the central region, a new high-speed train project linking Bangkok with all Thai regions and even with neighbouring Singapore and a new motorway linking Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, acknowledging if Thailand is connected well to neighbouring Laos, Myanmar and China, the Kingdom will become a center for regional trade and investment. According to the FTI chair, the private sector will also ask the Thai government to implement effective measures on water solutions to cope with drought and floods to promote and sustain the country's agro-industries in the long run. Regarding the possibility of a Cabinet reshuffle, the FTI chair insisted that the Thai private sector prefer continuation of government policies. (TNA)