Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited Phatthalung and Songkhla provinces on February 17 to assess key issues in water management, agriculture, and tourism ahead of the first Mobile Cabinet Meeting of 2025. The visit aimed to enhance economic development through improved resource management, support for seafood production, and tourism promotion.
In Phatthalung, the prime minister inspected the Thale Noi Viewpoint in Khuan Khanun district, reviewing efforts to manage water levels in the Songkhla Lake Basin. Discussions focused on addressing aquatic weed overgrowth, which has contributed to sedimentation, with plans to repurpose the weeds for organic fertilizers and land reclamation projects. She later met with local officials and viewed an exhibition on community tourism initiatives, including beaded crafts and fermented catfish products.
Later, Paetongtarn visited Thai Union Seafood Co., Ltd. in Singhanakhon district, where company executives raised concerns about shrimp farming challenges, including breeding stock shortages, disease outbreaks, and financial constraints. Proposals included establishing research and breeding centers, increasing government support for disease control, and providing technological assistance for water quality management. The government pledged support and announced plans to strengthen trade negotiations with the European Union and other markets to improve seafood exports.
In Songkhla Old Town, discussions centered on heritage conservation and tourism development. Officials and business representatives proposed initiatives such as cultural activities, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory reviews to boost tourism. Songkhla welcomed over 7 million visitors in 2024, generating 50.2 billion baht in revenue, with a significant number of international tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. The government is exploring ways to integrate Songkhla into a broader maritime tourism network alongside Phuket.
The visit also included a presentation on water management projects in the Songkhla Lake Basin, with a focus on the Chaloem Phrakiat 80 Phansa Bridge, which connects Phatthalung and Songkhla. Discussions highlighted the ecological significance of the Thale Noi Wetland, Thailand’s first Ramsar Site, which supports diverse bird and mammal species across 45,700 hectares.
The Mobile Cabinet Meeting on February 18 will further review these topics, with ministers incorporating regional insights into policy decisions. Officials, industry executives, and local representatives participated in the discussions throughout the visit.
