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The Governor of Songkhla, Thailand, His Excellency Mr Somnuek Promkhieo and his delegation are in town.
On hand to welcome him was the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai.
The delegation included Mr. Songphon Jungsiriwattanathamrong, President of the Songkhla Provincial Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Suwit Tanrattanakorn, Chairman of the Songkhla Provincial Industrial Council; Mr. Paijen Maksuwan, President of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization; and Mr. Wichet Saikiseng, Sadao District Chief.
The delegation members represented various sectors from Southern Thailand, including government, commerce, industry, administration, police, tourism, transportation, construction, international relations, and policy planning.
Also present at the meeting were HE Mr. Rachada Jiwalai, Royal Thai Consulate-General in Penang; YB Joshua Woo Sze Zeng, State Assemblyman for Pulau Tikus as well as several business and tourism stakeholders from Penang.
During the meeting, both sides engaged in extensive discussions on tourism, economic, and cultural cooperation and development.
Specific topics included the promotion of tourism and bilateral tourist exchanges, exploration of trade and economic cooperation opportunities and sharing experiences and achievements in creative economy and cultural industries.
Additionally, the discussion covered the optimization of transportation infrastructure, particularly addressing the surge in cross-border visitors between Penang and Southern Thailand during holidays, which often results in traffic congestion and lengthy customs queues.
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Participants shared their views and brainstormed solutions, aiming to strengthen the tourism links and promote regional economic integration.
“During the meeting, the Songkhla delegation inquired about the impact of George Town being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I shared my insights on this topic at length.
“The designation of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has brought numerous benefits, while also requiring additional efforts to maintain and enhance this honor. Firstly, the title has elevated George Town’s international image, garnering more global recognition and respect. This has significantly boosted its international visibility, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists, which in turn benefits Penang’s tourism industry. This influx supports the growth of hotels, restaurants, and retail services, creating more jobs and economic benefits. UNESCO’s recognition also facilitates the preservation and restoration of George Town’s historical buildings, streets, and cultural heritage, ensuring these valuable assets are well-maintained and passed down to future generations”, added Wong.
He shared that to sustain this honor, Penang must make extra efforts in various areas. The state needs to develop and implement scientifically sound urban management and development plans, balancing tourism growth with residents’ quality of life, avoiding over-commercialization and overcrowding of tourists, while also adhering to the building height restrictions within the heritage zone.
“Even so, the benefits of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site far outweigh the challenges. This designation has spurred many related activities, such as the upcoming 15th George Town Festival themed ‘Here & Now,’ which will take place from July 19 to 28, 2024.
“Since becoming a heritage site, a variety of cultural activities and educational programs have been launched to enhance awareness and appreciation of George Town’s cultural heritage among residents and visitors, promoting cultural transmission, innovation, and development. Encouraging local community participation in heritage conservation efforts is crucial for better preservation and utilization of world heritage, while also achieving sustainable development.” added Wong.
During the meeting, Wong also took the opportunity to promote Penang tourism to the Songkhla delegation.
He presented Mr. Somnuek Promkhieo with Thai-language brochures about Penang’s tourist attractions, produced by Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and introduced the Thai-language website of PGT, which provides detailed information on Penang’s various tourist spots.
Both Malaysia and Thailand are founding members of ASEAN and have always been close and friendly neighbors. Given Southern Thailand’s proximity to Penang, our geographical closeness fosters a close relationship between the two regions. Therefore, it is crucial for Penang and Southern Thailand to work together in promoting regional development.
This meeting adds a significant chapter to the economic and cultural exchange between Penang and Southern Thailand, further enhancing Malaysia-Thailand relations. In the future, both sides will deepen cooperation in various fields, jointly embracing new opportunities and challenges.”