Phitsanulok Prepares to Receive Thailand-China Economic Linkage Policy, Hopes to Expand Local Investment

Over the past week, national meetings and diplomatic activity between Thailand and China—especially growing trade and investment ties—have sent momentum to local agencies in Phitsanulok province, which are preparing to seize opportunities from cooperation projects in tourism, processed agriculture, and infrastructure development.

The Phitsanulok provincial governor said the province has held talks with the Board of Investment (BOI) and trade associations to prepare plans for Chinese investment, including providing small industrial zones, developing processed-agriculture clusters, and upgrading cultural tourism services that connect to northern and upper-central tourism routes. Central investment-promotion policies focused on linking the economy with China have led many provinces, including Phitsanulok, to see opportunities to expand markets for agricultural products such as rice, vegetables, fruits, and processed goods.

Local businesses say incoming investment would create jobs and increase the value of local production, but this must go hand in hand with upgrading workforce skills and improving infrastructure—such as power systems, roads, and cold-storage warehouses—so goods can be transported to meet foreign investors’ standards. The provincial industry and commerce office is surveying land and preparing proposals for local tax incentives to submit to central agencies.

Beyond industrial investment, tourism remains a key focus. The province is pushing to link the Nan River tourism route and archaeological sites with regional tourism circuits, which would make it easier for tourists from China and neighboring countries to stay overnight. Language services and service-standard preparations will be required to raise visitor satisfaction.

An economics scholar at a local university warned that although opportunities are plentiful, caution is needed about overreliance on foreign investors, which could affect the resilience of the local economy. The scholar recommended that the province promote policies that strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and quality agriculture alongside attracting foreign investment so communities share the benefits and can cope with long-term changes.

The province plans to hold a public forum with civil society, businesses, and community leaders in August to gather ideas and find ways to align national policies with direct local benefits. If carried out carefully and transparently, expanded economic cooperation with China could be an important opportunity for Phitsanulok to develop a more diversified and sustainable economy.