Thai Cabinet Tour in Udon Thani Approves 42 Projects Worth 39.8 Billion Baht to Boost Trade, Tourism, and Infrastructure

Key summary

The second mobile cabinet meeting (Cabinet Tour) of the Opanut government held in Udon Thani on November 2-3, 2026, focused on four key policy areas: high-value agriculture, cross-border trade, tourism, and drug control. The National Economic and Social Development Office (NESDO) emphasized a shift from standard per-province funding to targeted policy support addressing local needs. Private sector representatives from the Upper Northeast Group of Provinces presented 42 projects totaling approximately 39.8 billion baht. Key proposals include upgrading Loei Airport, developing a cable car for Phu Kradung (pending EIA results expected mid-2027), establishing Udon Thani University, building a second phase of the Udon Thani stadium, constructing new water irrigation systems in Nong Khai, and developing airports in Buek Kan and Loei. The government aims to attract 3.5 million visitors to the International Horticultural Expo, projecting 20 billion baht in economic impact.