Thailand's Lower Northeast promoted as "universal tourist destination"

BANGKOK, August 25 (TNA) - Charmingly enriched by its traditionally-ecological and cultural tourist sites, Thailand's lower northeastern region will be promoted as "universal ASEAN Connect tourist destination". Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul told journalists of the policy on Friday, saying that the lower northeastern Thai region is suitable to be promoted as the "universal ASEAN Connect tourist destination". Kobkarn, who attended this week's mobile Cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, or Korat, in the Thai Northeast, pointed out that she has seen opportunities to promote several outstanding historial sites in Korat and its adjacent provinces as ecological and cultural ASEAN Connect tourist sites, including the Dong Phaya Yen, a wellknown Thai forest listed as a world heritage linking the Khao Yai and the Wang Nam Khiao Flora Park. Besides, there are airports and land routes, as well as the Mekong River connecting the Lower Thai Northeast with neighboring countries in the ASEAN Community (AC). The minister noted that under the policy, her ministry will work together with relevant public and private agencies to also develop tourist sites in the lower northeastern Thai region to become universal or "barrier-free" for the elderly and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in line with the country's 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2017-2021). (TNA)