The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, emphasised fostering relations between the two countries while addressing critical issues, including the welfare of Indonesian prisoners and their repatriation.
Mr Pringganu highlighted the significant presence of Indonesians in Phuket, including fishermen, tourists and expatriates, many of whom contribute to the local community. He commended Phuket’s cultural initiatives celebrating batik, Peranakan heritage, and ASEAN traditions, which resonate deeply with Indonesian nationals.
However, he raised concerns about Indonesian fishermen arrested for entering Thai waters illegally. In 2022 and 2023, a total of 80 Indonesian crew members were detained in Phuket and Satun. While most have been released, Mr Pringganu urged authorities to notify the consulate before such arrests to facilitate proper identification and communication, given the frequency of shared names among detainees.
Additionally, the Consul-General requested Phuket’s assistance in streamlining the repatriation process for Indonesian prisoners. He proposed that prisoners complete the process at Phuket International Airport rather than being transferred to Bangkok’s Suan Phlu Immigration Bureau, which he said imposes significant logistical and financial burdens.
Mr Pringganu also highlighted cases where Indonesians required urgent medical care in Phuket, including a fisherman who suffered heat stroke but lacked the means to pay for treatment. He expressed gratitude to Vachira Phuket Hospital for its compassionate policy of charging only 50% of treatment costs in such cases. However, he emphasised the need for Indonesians travelling to Phuket to have adequate health insurance.
Governor Sophon reaffirmed Phuket’s commitment to supporting Indonesian nationals, including improving communication channels with the consulate and adhering to international standards for prisoner care. He acknowledged the challenges of humanitarian medical care for disadvantaged foreigners and pledged to continue working with the consulate to address these issues effectively.
The governor also proposed increased collaboration between Phuket and Indonesian authorities, including video calls or virtual meetings during arrests, to ensure transparency and facilitate smoother processes.
Discussions also touched on enhancing tourism and trade between Indonesia and Phuket. With the recent launch of direct flights between Bali and Phuket, the two destinations have seen growing numbers of Indonesian and Australian visitors. Mr Pringganu expressed optimism about introducing a Jakarta-Phuket route to further strengthen ties.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a group photo, symbolising the strong and growing relationship between Phuket and Indonesia. Both parties expressed hope that the collaboration would continue to thrive, benefiting citizens of both nations and bolstering tourism, trade and cultural exchange.