Itanagar: Thailand has urged India to reopen the historic Stilwell Road, which links north-east India to South East Asia, to enhance connectivity between the two countries for mutual economic benefit.

Thailand’s Deputy Industry minister Piyabutr Cholvijarm made this appeal Thursday here saying the road, which dates back to World War II and links the north eastern region with South East Asian countries, could be a vital trade route.

The BIMSTEC (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Multi Sectoral and Economic Cooperation) should be given a new thrust in the greater interest of South East Asia, he told a press conference.

Cholvijarm, who led an 18-member Thai delegation of officials and businessmen to Tawang this morning, said Arunachal Pradesh has a huge potential for tourism, hydro-power and agri-horticulture.

In the last 40 years Thailand has grown tremendously in the field of tourism, food processing and infrastructure and was willing to be a development partner for Arunachal Pradesh, he said.

Scores of Thai tourists who visit southern China and Bhutan, skip Arunachal as its natural beauty with snow-capped mountains and lush green hills was not publicised, the minister said.

However, a group of Thai tour operators will visit Arunachal Pradesh soon to facilitate tourism, he said.