Songkhla to Develop New Tourist Sites for the Deep South of (21/4/2016)

The southern border province of Songkhla is preparing to develop its four , namely Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi, and Saba Yoi, into new tourist sites.

Songkhla Governor Songpol Sawasdham discussed the issue at a meeting of heads of various government agencies in the province on 19 April 2016.

Mr. Songpol said that the development of the new tourist sites is in line with the Governments policy of tackling problems in the southern border provinces. The policy focuses on the adoption of His Majesty the Kings royal advice to \"understand, reach out, and develop as the central strategy for handling the southern situation.

It also emphasizes a development-led approach in eradicating poverty and drug problems, improving education, and providing greater opportunities for local people. Emphasis is also placed on local economic and social development in line with the real needs of the people.

At the meeting, heads of various government agencies discussed ways to promote the image of the four districts, which have been affected by southern unrest. They agreed to develop them as economic and tourism areas, with cooperation from all sectors of society.

Moreover, existing tourist attractions in the four districts will be renovated, while the landscape around each attraction will be improved. Among these attractions are Wat Khuat in Chana , Khao Nam Khang Tunnel in , and Wat Tham Talot in .

In addition, new tourism routes in other areas will be developed as natural attractions, linking with the four districts. The objectives are to attract more tourist arrivals and to generate more tourism income for local people.

Lying some 950 kilometers south of Bangkok, Songkhla is a major seaside city, connecting with State of . It has emerged as the economic center of the lower southern region and it is worth a visit in all seasons.

Regarded as the capital of the Lower South of Thailand, Songkhla is the location of the Chinese, Indonesian, and Malaysian consulates. It has been chosen for the development of the Rubber City, because the province has many large rubber planting areas, and the largest rubber trading center in the South is located in this province.

Songkhla has everything to offer visitors and residents alike, such as delicious food, beautiful scenery, and recreational activities. It is also a popular shopping center. Efforts have been made to push for the opening of more aviation routes to facilitate the travel of tourists to this province and for the connection of the Songkhla port with the Penang port in Malaysia to boost logistics services, trade, and transport in the future.

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