The meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall, was attended by key figures including Vice Governors Sattha Thongkham and Norasak Suksomboon, and Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Sinlert Sukhum.
The meeting was aimed at addressing critical security measures for foreigners in Phuket and fostering confidence among tourists and expatriates, said an official report of the meeting.
Officials stressed the significance of maintaining order and adhering to established rules within the community. Phuket Immigration Office took the opportunity to announce the formation of a sub-committee on the revocation of temporary permission to stay in the Kingdom, the report said.
The meeting also featured discussions on broader issues concerning Phuket, the report continued.
Not missing an opportunity for promotion, the report marked that the Governor raised “critical” issues such as Phuket being selected to host the 4th International Contemporary Art Festival ‘Thailand Biennale 2025’. The festival will continue for five months. Phuket aims to showcase its local arts, culture and identity development from forest to city, “positioning itself as a world-class tourist destination with robust international relationships”, the report noted.
The meeting concluded with an invitation extended to all countries to participate in the Thailand Biennale 2025.
As already explained repeatedly by local government news channels, artists from abroad who are interested in having their works displayed during the festival can apply to do so through their representative consulate or embassy. Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Also at the meeting, the head of the Phuket Provincial Consular Office and Deputy Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Songkhla outlined new visa conditions for Chinese nationals starting Mar 1.
Under the new visa-free scheme, from Mar 1, holders of valid, ordinary Thai passports and Chinese holders of passports for public affairs and ordinary passports will be exempted from visa requirements for entering, exiting or transiting the other country for up to 30 days.
Cumulative stays must not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period, except for the purposes of residing or engaging in employment, study, media activities or other activities that require prior official approval.
The official report of the meeting did not report any other “critical” issues discussed at the meeting.