Upper Northeast Thailand Proposes 78.4 Billion Baht Development Plan

According to a report from Khaosod Online, a regional public-private committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri has finalized a proposal for 170 development projects in the Upper Northeast 1 cluster, which includes Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Loei, Nong Khai, and Nong Bua Lamphu. The total budget requested for these initiatives is 78.461 billion baht. The proposals focus on four key areas: agriculture and food, border trade, tourism, and drug suppression. Notable infrastructure plans include the expansion of roads to four lanes, the construction of a new airport in Bueng Kan, and the revival of the Phu Kradueng cable car project. These proposals are scheduled to be submitted to the mobile cabinet meeting (mobile cabinet) held in Udon Thani on November 3, 2026, for further consideration by the National Economic and Social Development Council. For residents and travelers, these projects could signal significant future improvements in regional connectivity and tourism infrastructure. However, it remains to be confirmed which specific projects will receive official approval and funding from the cabinet, as these are currently only policy proposals awaiting formal review.