The policy for overall regional development in the northeastern region began with the establishment of special economic zones in key cities of Isaan to connect and continue with neighboring countries along the Greater Mekong Subregion. Currently, many provinces are experiencing a surge of interest in establishing special economic zones, which will impact trade, investment, and importantly, local employment, leading to job creation, income generation, and increased financial circulation in the area. Neighboring countries with borders adjacent to Thailand, such as Laos and Cambodia, are also designating target areas for industrial estate development to align with the Thai government's policies.             During a recent mobile cabinet meeting in Nakhon Ratchasima, Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-o-cha confirmed support for promoting northeastern Thailand as a significant area for trade and investment, particularly in agriculture and import-export activities. Overall, the development strategy follows a spider-web connection model, making Khon Kaen a key strategic province that can comprehensively and thoroughly connect these policies via land, air, and importantly, waterways, as the Port Authority of Thailand is interested in developing a dry port in Khon Kaen.           The President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, Khemchat Somjaiwong, stated that Khon Kaen is now referred to as the 'Metropolis of Khon Kaen,' a title that has emerged from collaboration among all local agencies. Khon Kaen is fortunate to have strong government agencies and a robust private sector. Every issue and initiative is discussed collaboratively, and by the end of 2017, the first regional electric train project, resulting from local cooperation, will begin construction.             Meanwhile, the construction of the first phase of the double-track railway from Chum Thong Jirath to Khon Kaen is progressing steadily. The new railway line connecting Ban Phai Junction in Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom has already received cabinet approval. Therefore, the rail transport system today positions Khon Kaen as a central hub connecting major cities and various industrial estates directly to Thailand's industrial zones in the eastern region and port areas.             At the same time, in terms of air transport, it must be acknowledged that last year, Khon Kaen saw a significant influx of travelers, with around 5 million people visiting for conferences, tourism, or business. This led the Airports of Thailand to approve a budget for the construction of an additional terminal in Phase 2, with a total budget of nearly 2.5 billion baht. The project is currently in the study, design, and management phase for the area adjacent to the existing Khon Kaen airport terminal.           The President of the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce further stated that today, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Khon Kaen ranks 16th in the country at 187.271 billion baht, making it the second highest in the northeastern region after Nakhon Ratchasima. The development approach for the province continues to emphasize collaborative thinking, action, problem-solving, and advancing according to the framework of a modern economic center city, or 'Khon Kaen Connect.' This topic is particularly interesting as it showcases the capabilities of Khon Kaen residents in developing their hometown. There have been tangible results in various forms, including the smart city initiative, the Khon Kaen Smart City project, which is Thailand's first modern public transport system offering comprehensive routes at a fare of 15 baht throughout the line, available 24 hours a day. The city is designed to provide complete services to visitors with modern technology, and importantly, government agencies are supporting, promoting, and pushing various urban development projects to make Khon Kaen a province that attracts investors and tourists from both domestic and international markets, increasing every year.            

Thank you for the information from   www.khonkaenlink.info