The government is accelerating development across the upper northeastern provinces, focusing on agriculture, border trade, transport infrastructure, tourism and drug suppression to boost regional economies. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the provinces -- Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Loei and Nong Bua Lam Phu -- had distinct economic potential that the government wanted to develop while addressing local needs.