Government promotes young entrepreneurs in Thai Far South

BANGKOK, June 10 (TNA) - The government eyes to encourage young entrepreneurs to expand their investment in the Thai Far South to support local development. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, who oversees economic affairs, told journalists on June 9, after a meeting with about 60 entrepreneurs from Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala at Government House, that he will ask three banks to give special financial support to young entrepreneurs who invest in the Thai Deep South. Somkid said the group presented plans for economic development in the provinces and he has then considered the southernmost Thai region has high potential for product and tourism development, as local people are ready to invest and develop their own region. Somkid acknowledged that the government would like to see investors from the central region to take part in investment projects in the Thai Far South as well. The deputy premier revealed that he will discuss with the Islamic Bank of Thailand, the Government Savings Bank and Krungthai Bank to provide the financial support for young entrepreneurs investing in the southern border region, with the Islamic Bank to take the lead in the regional development. The deputy premier suggested that the three banks offer special promotions to the young investors in addition to those from the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), such as raising loan ceilings for projects in the region. "The business operators who met me know about information technology (IT). They presented local potential and economic development opportunities and the production of a website that gathers local products. The government will consider their ideas and work out development and promotion plans," the deputy premier told reporters. "The business operators did not mention security problems in their local areas because they have well-adapted to the local situation", noted the deputy premier. According to the deputy prime minister, local products will be developed and halal products from the Thai Far South will be promoted and will enjoy marketing campaigns in overseas markets. (TNA)