The event, held at The Pago Design Hotel in Ratsada, was attended by over 600 participants, including government officials, representatives from local administrative organisations, NGOs, private sector leaders, experts and members of the public.
The meeting was accessible both in-person and online.
DPT Deputy Director-General Lt Col Thiraphong Krutdilkanan presided over the opening ceremony. The forum provided an overview of the project, outlining the policy framework for national and regional land use planning.
Lt Col Thiraphong emphasised that feedback collected from the event would be used to refine the national policy map before implementation.
Discussions highlighted the significance of integrating the national policy plan with existing governmental strategies, aligning with the Town Planning Act B.E. 2562.
The plan aims to guide urban and rural development, natural resource conservation, infrastructure expansion, and special area projects in accordance with national strategies and economic shifts, said an official report of the event.
Key global trends affecting Thailand’s development were also addressed, including demographic shifts into an aging society, economic power shifts due to trade wars, rapid urbanisation, advancements in digital technology and climate change, the report added.
Lt Col Thiraphong stressed that awareness and preparedness for these changes are crucial in shaping future policies.
For the southern region, the national policy plan envisions the area as a world-class tourism hub, leveraging its renowned marine attractions and wellness services to maximise economic potential, Lt Col Thiraphong added.
Additionally, the region is recognised as a major producer of key economic crops such as rubber and palm oil and a crucial player in border trade with Malaysia, contributing significantly to Thailand’s economy, he said.
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