Governor Nirat arrived in Phuket on Tuesday (Nov 18), a day late for traditionally starting a post as important as Governor of Phuket, a province that generated more B467 billion for the national economy last year alone.
Mr Nirat, who was promoted by PM Anutin Charnvirakul from the position of Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) to the post of Governor of Phuket, started his first day as Phuket Governor with a meeting in Bangkok to discuss preparations for the Thailand Biennale 2025, which will start in Phuket by the end of next week.
After spending his first day on the island receiving bouquets, Mr Nirat, widely promoted by local government news outlets by his nickname “Sembe” (meaning “strength”), spent his second day in Phuket by visiting temples.
“Gov Sembe” began at Wat Mongkol Nimit, where he paid respects to Phra Udom Wachiramongkol, the abbot and Phuket’s provincial ecclesiastical chief. The senior monk offered blessings and urged the governor to lead with integrity, mindfulness and a commitment to public benefit.
The governor affirmed his intention to work honestly, listen to all sectors and maintain close ties with religious institutions, noting his personal connection to temples and the Buddhist faith, said an official report of the visit.
From there, Gov Sembe continued to several temples across the province, including Wat Manik, Wat Thepwanaram, Wat Pa Aramrattanaram, Wat Phra Thong, Wat Siri Supharam and Wat Chalong. He also stopped at the Heroines’ Monument to pay homage to Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn.
According to official reports of Gov Sembe’s temple tour, the visits “were conducted in a calm and respectful atmosphere, reflecting the governor’s pledge to engage closely with the Sangha and to build cooperation for Phuket’s continued development”.