Linking Transport Infrastructure Development in the North with Neighboring Countries (31/12/2017) The Government is setting a priority for developing transport infrastructure in northern Thailand, linking with CLMV countries, which comprise Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam. The objective is to promote tourism and economic activities in a more systematic manner. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha touched on this issue in his national address on 29 December 2017, following his visit to Phitsanulok and Sukhothai provinces and a cabinet retreat in Sukhothai on 26 December. He had instructed the Ministry of Transport to accelerate the construction of the second Chiang Mai International Airport, expand runways at Lampang, Phrae, and Nan airports, and improve various services at Phitsanulok airport. Among major transport infrastructure projects being planned in the North is the construction of the Chiang Mai Chiang Rai motorway. A Multi-Modal Transportation Logistics Center will also be built in Phitsanulok, connecting with the Sila At railway station in Uttaradit. Another project is a light rail transit system, to be invested in by the Government, or under the \"Public Private Partnership (PPP) program. Northern Thailand has great potential and vast opportunities for linking trade and services with countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Construction of ongoing double-track and high-speed rail projects will even contribute to trade and tourism opportunities in the North. The northern region covers 33 percent of Thailands total area. Its population accounts for 18.3 percent of the countrys total population. The aging population in the North is the highest of all regions in Thailand. The Government plans to develop Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok as centers for trade, health business, education services, and digital business. Major rail transport stations will be developed in Nakhon Sawan, Phrae (Den Chai district), and Chiang Rai (Chiang Khong district.) A study will be conducted on the development of the West Economic Corridor in Tak, Phitsanulok, and Sukhothai. 1/10/2021 Page 1 กรมประชาสัมพันธ์.