Government announces initiative to enhance internet access in North-eastern regions
Revamped Rewrite:
Hop on board, pals, ‘cause the Thai government's got a beast of a plan brewing for the Northeast! This affair's packed with some kickass updates to the transportation and connectivity game in the region.
Let's dive right in!
Deputy Transport Minister Manaporn Charoensri hinted at these changes during her visit to Nakhon Phanom. She announced that the government's no-holds-barred approach will revolve around upgrading the local airport, ratcheting up flight frequencies, and laying down some pretty slick highways and roads.
First off, Nakhon Phanom airport's getting a facelift, totaling approximately 165 million baht. This facelift? It's gonna boost the airport’s capacity to handle flights, making it more comfy for travelers and improving connections within the province.
Sakon Nakhon airport? Don't freak – it'll be seeing more flights too. AirAsia and Nok Air have plans for extra services, lend-a-hand!
AirAsia's valiant efforts will initiate eight daily flights to Nakhon Phanom as of June 19, while Thai Lion Air squeals in with four daily flights. And guess what else? Thai Lion Air's launching a new Don Mueang–Nakhon Phanom route on the same ol' day, offering sweet deals like slashed landing and parking fees for the first three months!
Once the environmental impact assessment is completed, the folks over at Mukdahan airport'll be hopping on the construction wagon.
The magical conduit weaving through Mekong River banks in Nakhon Phanom's aiming to corral tourists. Moreover, the government's building a railway line from Ban Phai to Nakhon Phanom, y'all! But here's the tea – these projects won't be ready till 2027, according to the elusive Mr. Suriya.
Mr. Suriya mentioned that these projects are a crucial part of the government's strategy to spark economic activities across the Greater Mekong sub-region. In the future, they'll be polishing up parts of the R12, an all-powerful highway that ties Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, smh, economy be Damned! The budget's been granted by the Thai cabinet already, Laos, gimme that bread!
Lastly, they're negotiating with airlines to beef up services to Savannakhet airport in Laos, ding-dong-doe!
Enrichment Insights:
- The Thai government has embarked on a comprehensive plan to amplify the connectivity in the Northeast region. This multi-pronged strategy articulates:
- Upgrading airports to augment flight handling capacity and improve traveler comfort.
- Multiplication of flight services for airports like Nakhon Phanom & Sakon Nakhon.
- Construction of new roads and highways to improve connectivity, specifically Highway 223 and R12.
- Timeline:
- The airport upgrades in Nakhon Phanom are part of a broad strategy to catalyze regional tourism.
- The new flight services are slated for commencement by June 19, while the timeline for road and highway construction is uncertain.
- The Thai government's strategic plan involves an upgrade for the Nakhon Phanom airport, which is part of a broader initiative to stimulate regional tourism, supported by AirAsia and potentially other airlines.
- Nok Air and AirAsia are planning to increase flight frequencies to Sakon Nakhon airport.
- The transportation industry can expect enhanced business opportunities due to the government's focus on upgrading local airports, increasing flight frequencies, and constructing new highways such as Highway 223 and the R12, which links Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.
- As per the Thai government's industry and finance strategy, there are plans to negotiate with airlines to strengthen services to Savannakhet airport in Laos, potentially fostering greater connections within the Greater Mekong sub-region.
