16. Policy for Development of Regions of the Country and Bangkok Metropolis
16.1 Development of Regions of the Country
(1) Set a strategy for developing the regions of the country that is both appropriate and compatible with the region's prominent geographical features, natural resources, and potential for development of the people in each region.
(2) Spread out but link together the public utilities system and the transport and communications system. Build an information technology network in the various regions that is adequate, systematic and in line with the development of each region.
(3) Promote and encourage those provinces that are well prepared to join together and collaborate with one another to form a grouping of provinces or a specific zone.
(4) Establish a city planning system that corresponds with the directions of the country's development and the needs of the people in each locality. Promote the strict enforcement of legislation dealing with city planning.
16.2 Development of Bangkok Metropolis
(1) Support efforts to restructure the capital city by making clear plans for beneficial use of areas in Bangkok Metropolis. At the same time, networks will be developed to link together all the public services in a systematic manner.
(2) Promote and support local administration by Bangkok Metropolis to be more flexible and independent of central government agencies, whether in terms of budgeting, policy making and management.
(3) Accelerate and support efforts aimed at the creation of jobs and income with a view to raising the quality of life of the people of Bangkok Metropolis. The problem of dwellers in "crowded communities" will be dealt with in a systematic manner. This includes finding them new living areas, creating jobs, providing education and public health, restoring and conserving the environment, preventing crimes, providing relief from public hazards, as well as preventing and suppressing drug trafficking.
(4) Promote the establishment of a mass transit system that is efficiently linked together to form a network. Develop the quality of services provided by the mass transit system. Coordinate the construction of basic public utilities so that it is compatible with the future directions of city development and planning