NARATHIWAT (Southern Thailand): When discussing the southern provinces of Thailand, particularly Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, many often imagine scenes of armed conflict, violence, bombings, military presence, and loss of life — an image repeatedly shown in the media whenever unrest occurs.

This perception overshadows other opportunities and challenges, particularly in development, which the local population in these three provinces has long hoped for over the past few decades.

Economic problems are among the key challenges intertwined with the conflicts in these regions, categorized as some of the ten poorest provinces in Thailand — a situation that has remained unchanged for more than 20 years.

Therefore, improving the living standards of the population in these provinces to enjoy better conditions is as urgent as managing security issues. The responsibility for this has been placed on the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC).

Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat have resources, infrastructure, and a workforce eager for opportunities to grow and bring prosperity to their hometowns.

Recognizing this, SBPAC has initiated several projects, particularly expanding tourism products, in an effort to help these regions develop into a Halal Economic Corridor (HEC).

“The responsibility for developing the southern provinces has been assigned to SBPAC. It is SBPAC’s duty to expand the sectors of trade and investment; agriculture and food; as well as tourism, including ecotourism and health tourism.

“The HEC initiative in the southern border provinces is an important step towards economic prosperity, cultural unity, and global recognition.

“As the HEC initiative paves the way for a prosperous future, it benefits not only the local population but also the international community seeking genuine halal products and discoveries,” said Captain Jakapong Apimahatham, Director of the Public Support and Development Division at SBPAC.

He explained that the current focus is on introducing crabs as a source of tourism, trade, and food in Pattani province.

Crabs as a Tourism Product

“Tourists will come to Pattani, and the first thing they want is food. Therefore, we will offer crabs as the main dish in every restaurant in Pattani.

“For that, we (SBPAC) see Pattani Bay as having the potential to be developed into a hub for producing and farming sea crabs for gastronomy tourism (a tourism activity characterized by visitors’ experience with food and products).

“Our aim is not only to produce crabs for local consumption but also to export them to other countries… to the world stage,” added Captain Jakapong Apimahatham.

To ensure a sufficient supply of crabs, he explained that the local population has been involved in building two crab ponds, which are now operational, in addition to a fisheries incubation facility established in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University (Pattani campus).

“For the past three years, SBPAC has supported efforts to breed and hatch crab seeds by providing funding. Now, crab seeds have been produced and distributed to farmers. Many locals, especially fishermen, are eager to join this industry, and we have formed crab farming groups.

“Currently, there are 40 groups in the Pattani Bay area. SBPAC is working with the Department of Fisheries to assist these groups by providing knowledge and advice,” he said.

In collaboration with several parties, including the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Association, Pattani has now been positioned as a must-visit destination, especially for tourists from Malaysia, by promoting local food. Restaurants in the region will source crabs directly from fishermen and feature crab dishes as the main menu item.

To further these efforts, SBPAC recently declared Pattani as the “Sea Crab City” — another developmental milestone aimed at lifting the province out of the list of Thailand’s ten poorest regions.