Ayutthaya development plans to be proposed to the cabinet

BANGKOK, Sept 17 - The governor of Ayutthaya province will propose three areas of local development projects to the cabinet, including early rice cultivation to avoid flooding. Ayutthaya governor Suchin Chaichumsak told the Thai News Agency that development projects would be for the tourism, industrial and agricultural sectors of the province. They will be proposed to cabinet ministers who will visit Ayutthaya on Sept 18 and 19. During the visit, the cabinet would also discuss water management and logistics in Ayutthaya, he said. According to the governor, Ayutthaya is outstanding for industries but has yet to improve its pollution treatment and environment conservation. The province also needs better logistics, connectivity among road, railway and water transportation, to further support its industries. Mr Suchin said that he planned to advance rice cultivation in Ayutthaya to avoid damage from flooding. Normal cultivation happens between late June and October and flooding usually takes place there in mid-September. He said he discussed his idea with representatives of the Royal Irrigation Department, to advance rice cultivation by 45 days. The cultivation could begin in mid-April and harvest could be concluded before annual flooding. By this means, damage of farmers and the government could be reduced, Mr Suchin said. (TNA)