Cabinet to weigh B78.5bn development plan for Isan - Bangkok Post

The mobile cabinet meeting in Udon Thani on Tuesday will consider 170 development projects worth more than 78.5 billion baht, covering agriculture, border trade, tourism and drug suppression across five northeastern provinces.

The proposals were reviewed on Sunday by the public-private joint committee for Upper Northeastern Province Cluster 1 -- comprising Udon Thani, Bung Kan, Loei, Nong Khai and Nong Bua Lam Phu -- chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Thongsri.

A Government House source said on Monday the proposals comprise 101 quick-win projects worth 2.88 billion baht and 69 long-term projects valued at 75.6 billion baht. Border trade accounts for the largest allocation, with 35 projects worth 57.6 billion baht, followed by 66 tourism projects worth 9.89 billion baht, 38 agricultural projects worth 7.96 billion baht and 31 anti-drug initiatives worth 3.04 billion baht.

Mr Songsak said the proposals were designed around the economic potential of each province, with agriculture remaining a priority under the government's food security policy.

National Economic and Social Development Council secretary-general Danucha Pichayanan said the agricultural strategy would focus on improving productivity, promoting high-value food processing and strengthening lab testing to meet food safety standards.

The region, home to more than 3.6 million people, recorded border trade worth 174 billion baht in 2025, the second-highest nationwide. However, only 7.12% of its agricultural land is irrigated, leaving farmers vulnerable to drought.