Published: 4/08/2010 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Bung Kan district in northeastern Nong Khai is set to become the country’s 77th province.
The cabinet yesterday approved an Interior Ministry proposal to create the new province, to be called Bung Kan, deputy government spokesman Marut Massayawanit said.
The proposed establishment of Bung Kan province follows calls from local residents who say they have to travel a long distance to contact authorities in Nong Khai.
The creation of the new province will bring local officials closer to residents and solve their problems faster.
It will also help authorities in their efforts to stem the flow of drugs, contraband, illegal migrants and other illicit activities along the border with Laos, Mr Marut said.
Bung Kan is ready to become a province as it has many facilities such as government offices, a court, a tap water agency, an electricity office and a post office, he said.
Part of the 870-rai Kud Ting public park has been earmarked for the construction of a provincial hall. Bung Kan will have three MPs. Nong Khai presently has six MPs.
Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn rejected suggestions the creation of the new province was politically motivated.
Songsak Thongsri, a leading member of the Bhumjaithai Party, also insisted the establishment of Bung Kan province was not intended to undermine the support base of the opposition Puea Thai Party.
He said the Interior Ministry under minister Chavarat Charnvirakul of Bhumjaithai had conducted a survey among local people and found that 98.8% wanted the district upgraded to a province.
He believed the creation of the 77th province would rid the country of bad luck and bring peace to society as 77 is an auspicious number.
Bung Kan, situated on the Mekong River, is about 145km from Nong Khai’s Muang district, Mr Songsak said, adding there were many rubber plantations in the area. The new province is also near Vietnam and China.
Bron: Bangkok Post