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New airport could make
'shock impact'
Suvanabhumi airport's opening could have a shock impact on
the development of the eastern and central regions, academics and
private sector commentators told a seminar.
Thongchai Sangkeo, of Rambhai Bharni Rajabhat University's faculty of
agriculture in Chantaburi, said the airport would inevitably lead to
''speedy and strong impact'' on eastern region development which
included Chon Buri, Rayong, Chantaburi and Trat.
He said tourists would flood into nearby Pattaya and Koh Chang while
labour would move into eastern provinces and perimeter provinces such as
Samut Prakan and Chacheongsao.
Koh Chang could end up being over-exploited by tourists, as tourist
numbers were likely to increase. The airport would shorten the
trip to the eastern provinces.
''Koh Chang could become a second Pattaya where all the nightlife fun is
based on Western culture,'' he said.
Foreign businessmen could snap up land on the island and drive up
prices.
The government should plan and monitor the development of Koh Chang and
the eastern region as a whole.
Mr Thongchai was speaking at the National Economic and Social
Development Board seminar on the future direction of central region
development under the tenth National Economic and Social Development
plan, which will be adopted in October 2006.
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