PM Anutin Pushes Upper Isan as Global Food Hub

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul summarized the results of the mobile cabinet meeting in Udon Thani, pushing Upper Isan to become a global food production base by championing three key economic crops — rice, rubber, and energy crops — to increase agricultural product value. The government aims to designate Bueng Kan as a special economic zone to accelerate border trade and tourism development, coupled with comprehensive drug suppression. Anutin stressed that farmers must see higher incomes, communities must be strengthened, and the public must be safe.

At 11:00 a.m. on November 3, 2026, at the Montatip Hall International Conference Center in Udon Thani, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the conclusions of the off-site cabinet meeting in Udon Thani. He said the visit to the Upper Northeastern region — comprising Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Loei, Nong Khai, and Nong Bua Lamphu — gave the government a chance to see the potential and unique strengths of each area, hear public opinions directly, and showcase each province's stories and identity to the nation to foster regional connectivity.

For Upper Isan development, the government prioritizes four main dimensions: upgrading agricultural production and products, developing border trade and regional economic connectivity, promoting tourism, and comprehensively solving the drug problem.

On agriculture, the PM said the government aims to elevate production and address farm-price issues through a new approach geared toward the future food industry. He assigned the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to study establishing a food-standard testing laboratory to boost product competitiveness and strengthen national food security.

The government also targets three key economic crop groups: rice, rubber, and energy crops. For rice, the focus is on improving quality and output volume. For rubber, the plan promotes processing into modern industrial products, adding value through innovation, and maintaining price levels as rubber prices rebound. Energy crops — oil palm, sugarcane, and cassava — will be developed for bioenergy to reduce import dependence, creating income and stability for farmers while positioning Isan as a major source of quality food for the world.

On border trade and regional economic connectivity, the government emphasizes infrastructure, transport, and trade facilitation to link with neighboring Mekong sub-region countries, including developing special economic zones in high-potential areas. The Ministry of Interior and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council are tasked with studying the feasibility of developing Bueng Kan as an additional border special economic zone, assessing Bueng Kan Airport's readiness, and considering investment approaches for maximum benefit.

For tourism, the government will leverage each province's unique strengths to develop quality destinations linked via diverse travel routes to attract tourists and distribute income to communities. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports is assigned as the lead agency to consider future tourism-stimulating activities and measures.

Regarding drug suppression, the government will act seriously and comprehensively across enforcement, prevention, and rehabilitation. The Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Interior are tasked with upgrading databases and applying modern technology to enhance operational efficiency, alongside coordinating with neighboring countries to tackle the drug problem.

The PM added that on treatment and rehabilitation...