PATTANI (Southern Thailand): The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) has upgraded this province to be known as the ‘City of Sea Crabs’ in its effort to enhance the attraction for foreign tourists, especially among ASEAN countries.

The upgrading effort coincides with the presence of 40 travel agents from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore through the ‘Familiarization Trip’ (FAM Trip) to Pattani, which started on August 30 and will conclude in Songkhla province tomorrow (September 2, 2024).

The program to establish Pattani as the ‘City of Sea Crabs’ and the FAM Trip received support from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) in collaboration with the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Industry Association (TAHTA).

The event was launched and officiated by Secretary-General Lt Col Wannapong Kotcharak, and was also attended by Pattani Deputy Governor Sanan Sonthimueang; SBPAC’s Director of Public Support and Development Division, Captain Jakapong Apimahatham; and TAHTA President, Aida Oujeh.

In officiating the program, Lt Col Wannapong Kotcharak said this was the first time SBPAC organized an activity to upgrade Pattani Province as the ‘City of Sea Crabs,’ by connecting the tourism sector in Southern Thailand with the fisheries sector and international tourism.

“This initiative is part of SBPAC’s efforts to attract tourism operators from Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia to open channels, expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and generate income for the local population.

“The aim is to align with the government’s policy to focus on and upgrade the development of Southern Thailand’s border provinces and Malaysian border states to become twin cities for sustainable development.

“It also marks the starting point for further development in many areas, such as food tourism, by promoting local ingredients to be accepted internationally, and developing the local hospitality industry as a guideline for farmers and tourism entrepreneurs to adapt and advance themselves further.

“This is a new challenge that will lead to the development of Southern Thailand’s border provinces and ASEAN countries in the future,” he said.

He added that SBPAC continues to promote knowledge and understanding related to crab farming and expands its chain to increase economic value by linking tourism in the City of Sea Crabs.

“Efforts are also being made to develop entrepreneurs and their networks involved in tourism, industry, and providing tourist-friendly services. This can stimulate spending, create careers, and generate income for the people in the southern border provinces.”

During the FAM Trip, which also included Thai travel agents, participants were taken to explore tourist attractions in Pattani province and engaged in discussions on the topic of ‘Gastronomy Tourism.’

Additionally, all participants had the opportunity to conduct business negotiations and exchange information on tourism products and services in a Business to Business (B2B) format.