It would conduct a feasibility study into the proposal to merge districts in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan to form a new province. The districts earmarked for inclusion were Cha-am in Phetchaburi, Hua Hin and Pran Buri in Prachuap Khiri Khan and also the sub-district of Sam Roi Yod.

Klai Kangwon Palace is in Hua Hin and Thaksin said His Majesty now spent much of his time there.

"The Cabinet would review information from the study," government spokesman Surapong Suebwonglee explained. A panel preparing celebrations for the royal occasion would consider the proposal tomorrow.

His Majesty would be asked to name the new province.

Caretaker Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana said the initiative had been studied for some time and the ministry would now seek opinions from residents.

Kongsak was confident local people would embrace the idea.

Interior permanent secretary Sujarit Patchimnant said final approval would need to come from Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet agreed to future spending of Bt236.6 million on tourist development on Koh Chang - a popular tourist destination in Trat. The meeting approved immediate spending of Bt40 million for urgent tasks.

Piyanart Srivalo

The Nation