Thailand's Tourism & Sports Minister announced a cross-cabinet initiative for 5 southern border provinces (Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat) focusing on sports tourism, food events, and trade facilitation. Key action items include resolving border checkpoint congestion at Sadao (22 gates but understaffed), completing 1.2km connecting road, extending Satun border hours to 20:00, resolving cross-border transport MOU asymmetry, reviving the 10-year stalled Narathiwat sports complex, upgrading Pattani FC's stadium (attracting 12,000+ fans per match), and positioning Songkhla as a global food destination via "Songkhla World Table" (targeting 50,000–70,000 visitors, ฿150–225M circulation). The strategy aims to unlock regional economic potential through soft power and improved logistics.