A member of Parliament with the Pheu Thai Party has voiced strong support for the “Isan Next” initiative presented by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra on Friday.
MP Anusorn Iamsa-ard said this programme aims to create a local model that fosters new opportunities for local residents in various industries.
Anusorn highlighted that the initiative has the potential to bolster Thailand's soft power on the global stage while transforming the region's economy from one of the poorest to one of the most prosperous.
During a seminar titled "Isan Next: Turning the Thai Economy through Crisis", where Thaksin discussed the future of Isaan and its opportunities for Thailand, Anusorn was inspired to propose the concept of a Miss Isaan contest.
He believes this contest would concentrate on celebrating natural beauty and could generate new sources of income for the people of Isaan while promoting Thai culture internationally.
He emphasised that if the concept is developed earnestly, it could lead to job creation, bolster regional reputation, and effectively enhance the local economy.
By utilising universities as training hubs, Isaan residents could acquire skills in soft power, AI (artificial intelligence) technology, and modern OTOP (One Tambon One Product) development, thereby driving sustainable economic growth in the region.
"The concept of soft power, combined with technological advancements, will revolutionise the Northeast," Anusorn remarked. "This initiative will create new income opportunities, reduce costs, and improve the quality of life for local communities, representing a significant step towards Thailand's new economy."
He concluded by adding that the initiative aims to strengthen Thailand's soft power. With the support of AI technology, it seeks to dismantle monopolistic capital structures, empowering villagers and enhancing human development through central universities, ultimately increasing GDP and reducing public debt.