[LaoFAB] Border trade: China-Laos-Thailand

Quote: "The Chinese government has rented from Laos more than 90,000
rai of land in Ban Ton Phueng in Huaysay, the capital of Bokeo
province, for 99 years. China plans to send about 100,000 people to
settle in the area" Really?


*PORT OF NO RETURN*

Chiang Saen project snags as Chinese investment streaks ahead in Laos,
write Subin Khuenkaew and Naowarat Suksamran in Chiang Rai

Bangkok Post, 13 Sep 2008

View of Chiang Saen port and the Golden Triangle, which is being
developed into a transportation and trade hub in the Mekong sub-
region. A casino and hotel under construction on the Lao side of the
Mekong river, scheduled for completion next year. The properties are
being built on land rented by Chinese investors.

A shuttle boat service can take passengers, including Thai gamblers,
to and from Burma. Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district is crowded with
tourists, but local business operators say more is needed to promote
business in the area.

Boontham Thipprasong, vice-president of the Chiang Rai Chamber of
Commerce and president of the Mae Sai Chamber of Trade. Workers
unload goods from a Chinese cargo vessel at Chiang Saen port. — Photos
by TAWATCHAI KEMGUMNERD

Thailand has yet to make its northern port of Chiang Saen on the
Mekong river ready for the rapid development enjoyed by other areas
around the Golden Triangle.
Cebu Pacific Air Click Here!

While Chinese businessmen have invested in more than 30 business,
housing and entertainment projects on the Lao side opposite Chiang
Rai's Chiang Saen district, the atmosphere in Thailand is described by
local entrepreneurs as quiet.

"We want the government to pay more attention to the second Chiang
Saen port project and speed up work," said Pagaimas Viera, owner of
Mekong Delta Travel Agency.

Local firms and a conservation group share the same worry that the
remote district may miss an opportunity to become a major tourist
destination in the Mekong sub-region and a transport hub linking
southern China with Thailand, Laos and Burma.

The existing Chiang Saen port is considered too small to support
growing economic activities around the Golden Triangle, an area where
the Thai, Lao and Burmese borders meet.

The port is made up of floats, which are inadequate for ships with
goods to load and unload.

According to port officials, goods vessels made 2,500 trips to the
port last year, carrying fruit, vegetables, palm oil and vehicles.

The government has approved construction of the second Chiang Saen
port.

However, according to Tawit Tiyakwang, secretary to the Wiang tambon
administration organisation, other large development projects near the
port are finding it hard to acquire land, which cannot be traded due
to its Sor Por Kor 4-01 title status, which restricts its use to only
agricultural purposes.

The Chinese government has rented from Laos more than 90,000 rai of
land in Ban Ton Phueng in Huaysay, the capital of Bokeo province, for
99 years.

China plans to send about 100,000 people to settle in the area, which
will house new communities, parks, hotels, shopping centres, casinos
and golf courses.

All the projects are expected to be finished in the next year. So far
more than 30% of the work is done and construction proceeds at a rapid
rate.

"Development in Chiang Saen is slower than on the other side of the
river," said Chiang Saen conservation group's Nikorn Laowanit.

Officials in charge of planning should take care of provincial
historic sites, and promote them as tourist spots.

Some business properties in Chiang Saen such as the Golden Triangle
shopping centre and its river transport station were built only to be
abandoned for nearly 10 years. Electricity has been cut and roads
inside the centre are now covered with grass, Mr Nikorn said.

Local businessmen want the second Chiang Saen port built as soon as
possible.

This would complete Chiang Rai's transport systems, including an
international airport.

The port will make the province a water transport centre, said Chiang
Saen port manager Paiboon Podi.

"Then other big development projects would follow," he said.

But the government needs to think of the social impact as well. Chiang
Saen district police chief Pol Col Tirachai Tianchai, for example, is
worried about a possible increase in crime.