On Saturday (June 21), Governor Sophon was joined by key provincial officials and business leaders, including Thanusak Phuengdet, President of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce; and Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce.
Also joining the tour were Somkid Chokong, Advisor to the Governor of Phuket, and Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thiraphong Chuaychu.
The group visited the Guangzhou RoyalLee Cancer Center, where they were welcomed by Li Min, Chairman of the Board of Directors. The hospital presented its integrated approach to cancer treatment, combining Western and Chinese medicine, and highlighted its expertise in precision radiotherapy, minimally invasive therapy, nuclear medicine, palliative care and integrative oncology, said an official report of the tour.
The centre is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and recognised as a top-tier, 3A-level specialised cancer hospital in China, the report added.
The delegation also toured the Guangzhou Taihe Cancer Hospital, the first in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Special Economic Zone to offer two proton therapy systems: the Varian ProBeam and IBA Proteus+.
Taihe Hospital collaborates with world-renowned medical institutions such as the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Mayo Clinic, using digital technology to support remote diagnostics and patient care, the report noted.
The visit is expected to contribute valuable insights to the planned development of a the yet to be built ‘Radiation Therapy Building’ operated by Vachira Phuket Hospital, which is set to become a comprehensive cancer treatment centre.
Not explained in the official report is that the Vachira cancer treatment centre, touted by officials as the first government cancer treatment facility in any of the six Andaman provinces, has been funded overwhelmingly by private donations and members of the public.
The project aims to expand access to quality cancer care in Phuket, reduce patient congestion and limit the need for residents to travel to other provinces for treatment, the official report said.
‘GREEN TECH’
On Sunday (June 22), the Governor’s delegation continued their study tour at Fushan Industrial Park, operated by Guanghuantou Company. The park showcases modern industrial practices with a strong focus on clean energy, carbon reduction and circular economy principles.
The park is capable of processing up to 12,600 tonnes of municipal waste and 78,000 tonnes of hazardous waste per year and is recognized as a AAA-level industrial tourism site that serves as a public learning center for clean energy and waste management.
The park also features a ‘garden-style’ design, integrating green spaces, quality worker accommodation and recreational areas to promote a better quality of life within the industrial zone. The development model aligns with Phuket’s goal of becoming a “smart, low-carbon city” that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability, the official report explained.
The group later visited the AIMA electric bicycle factory, one of China’s leading producers of electric bikes. They were welcomed by Lin Peijia, CEO of Xiaoju Mobility Technology Co Ltd, who introduced the company’s automated production system and international-standard quality control processes.
AIMA has invested more than 2.1 billion yuan (B9.636bn) in research and development to support its transition to carbon-free manufacturing and supplies electric bicycles to over 50 markets in Europe and Asia.
These visits provided valuable ideas and knowledge to support Phuket’s smart city initiatives, particularly in promoting clean technology, sustainable urban development, and the use of alternative energy.
As of yesterday, local officials noted that Governor Sophon and his delegation were expected to return to Phuket on Thursday (June 26).
STRENGTHENING TIES
In a parallel diplomatic engagement, Rewat Areerob, President of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO), welcomed Wang Hong, Mayor of Guiyang City, Guizhou Province, along with his delegation, at the PPAO office in Phuket Town on Saturday (June 21).
The two sides discussed opportunities to strengthen relations between Phuket and Guiyang in the areas of culture, tourism, and education. Phuket Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam also took part in the welcome on behalf of Governor Sophon.
The exchange is part of ongoing efforts to build stronger partnerships between Thailand and China at the provincial and city levels, with a focus on mutual development and cultural cooperation.