To combat the issue Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanprai led a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Wednesday (July 9), attended by Monchai Sae Lao, Director of the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Center (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office), as well as representatives from key government agencies and community stakeholders.
The forum was aimed at finding practical and sustainable solutions to noise disturbances, particularly those caused by loud sound systems and live music at entertainment venues, which residents say are disrupting daily life ‒ especially for the elderly and those with health conditions, said an official report of the meeting.
Participants included affected members of the public, local business operators and representatives from the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office, the Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office and the Mueang District Office. Attendees were given the opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and proposed solutions, the report said.
Vice Governor Samawit stressed the need to balance Phuket’s reputation as a tourism and nightlife destination with the rights and wellbeing of local residents.
He urged agencies to conduct thorough investigations into specific complaints and to work toward clear, enforceable and community-sensitive regulations.
“While tourism plays a vital role in Phuket’s economy, it is equally important to protect the quality of life of people living in these areas,” Mr Samawit said. “We must find ways to move forward together.”
Authorities at the meeting said they will continue working closely with all stakeholders to introduce measures that will better regulate entertainment venue operations and minimise their impact on surrounding communities.
However, no specific plan of action was mentioned.