The development, named Utopia Urban Glam, is led by Utopia Development Co Ltd, which hosted a pillar-laying ceremony yesterday morning (June 25), noted a report posted by the Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket).
The event, which included a traditional Brahmin ceremony, was attended by company chairman Surapong Yangcharoensakul, executive director Yakal Singh Manchanda, as well as invited guests and investors.
Designed with a modern, luxurious concept, ‘Utopia Urban Glam’ is targeted at foreign investors and residents, particularly from the Chinese and Russian markets, which remain key drivers in Phuket’s property sector, said the report.
“The project is being positioned as a key part of the government’s strategy to stimulate Phuket’s economy, attract premium real estate investment, and develop the island as an international lifestyle destination,” the report added.
Officials highlighted the project’s potential to generate local employment, support economic growth and contribute to Phuket’s image as a world-class city focused on sustainable development.
“The launch of this project supports the government’s policy to boost the economy and attract investment in Phuket, which is seen as one of Thailand’s key tourism and economic hubs.
“The government has named Phuket a pilot city for quality tourism, luxury real estate and international living. The Utopia Urban Glam project is expected to help drive local economic growth by creating jobs and generating income, while further strengthening Phuket’s position as a world-class tourist destination.
Construction is set to be completed by December 2027, with the project expected to become a new lifestyle landmark that highlights Phuket’s role as a modern, sustainable economic city in line with the government’s five-year development plan, the report concluded.
CONCERNS
Despite growing concerns over disappearing green spaces, Phuket’s chief town planner, Pakorn Waraphasakul, is working to revise regulations to allow bigger hotels and condo projects in the island’s ‘Yellow Zones’ ‒ areas currently designated for low-density residential use.
Critics argue that developers are already exploiting loopholes by splitting large projects into smaller ones to bypass legal limits and avoid strict environmental assessments.
Phuket MP Thitikan Thitipruethikul has already highlighted how some projects have used this tactic to gain approvals.
House of Representatives Committee Chairman Poonsak Chanchampi, who recently visited Phuket to investigate the surge in construction, said the island is facing "serious governance problems" including weak oversight, ineffective public consultation, and possible conflicts of interest in project approvals.
He warned that without stronger regulations, transparent processes and proper zoning ‒ similar to those in Bangkok ‒ Phuket risks uncontrolled development and long-term environmental damage.