Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon announced the campaign at a press conference at the Limelight shopping mall yesterday (July 17).
Joining the press launch were Ratchadaporn O-in, Director of the Phuket Tourism and Sports office, and Somchai Patan, representing the Phuket community tourism network.
The project introduces five new tourism “routes” at five communities: Baan Tha Chat Chai; Bang Rong Tourism Community; Baan Khian Community; Baan Lipon Tai Community; and Bo Rae - Ao Makham - Laem Panwa Community.
The five areas were chosen after an inspection visit by media and representatives from Thai Travel Agents Association and Phuket Tourist Association on July 10-12.
Each community was chosen for the experiences tailored to different customer expectations.
Baan Tha Chat Chai was chosen as it is known for its seafood and traditional fishing lifestyle. Activities include batik painting using natural ink, learning about sea gypsy life, dragon shrimp catching, and sea cucumber farming. Prices start at B1,290 per person for groups of at least five travelers.
Bang Rong Tourism Community activities include organic vegetable gardens, pineapple farming, rubber tapping, traditional coconut processing, and mangrove kayaking. Prices start at B2,500 per person for groups of at least four travelers.
Baan Khian Community, known for its historical significance and the Phuket Heroines, has activities including traditional sword dances, historic sites related to the defense of Thalang, storytelling about local heroes, and Thai culinary workshops. Prices start at B1,060 per person for groups of at least 10 travelers.
Baan Lipon Tai Community offers activities such as goat leather crafting, learning about buffalo herding, creating natural dyed fabrics, making herbal scents, organic farming, making coconut soap and natural mosquito repellent spray, and experiencing traditional Muay Thai. Prices start at B870 per person for groups of at least eight travelers.
Baan Bo Rae - Ao Makham - Laem Panwa Community features Thai boxing, a 200-year-old mango tree viewpoint, learning about fishing communities, Thai-Malay cultural centres, traditional Southern Thai performances, Pencat Silat self-defense martial arts lessons, and archery on Ao Yon Beach. Prices start at B1,950 per person for groups of at least eight travelers.
Moving forward, the initiative plans to foster private sector collaboration through Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and hotels to offer packages, Vice Governor Norasak said.
The initiative also aims to develop databases to guide policy-making, conduct customer satisfaction surveys, and promote niche markets like Muslim-friendly services in communities such as Baan Bo Rae, Laem Panwa and Ao Makham, he added.