The video gives a full description of Phuket and a breakdown of its residents, marking that the actual number of the people on the islands stands at 1.2 million, among them 417,891 Thais registered as living in Phuket, and more than 500,000 other Thais living and working on the island.
The video confirmed there are currently 72,966 foreign workers in Phuket, and 205,479 international tourists.
The video also points out that in the years 2019 to 2023, some 35 million tourists visited the island, generating in total over B11 trillion for the national economy in those five years.
“This video was produced by the Phuket Provincial Government to highlight Phuket’s commitment to sustainable development,” explained Anuphong Panarat, Secretary to the Governor of Phuket.
“The use of English is specifically aimed at promoting the island to an international audience, showcasing its growth as a quality tourist destination. It emphasises Phuket’s dedication to offering a value experience for foreign visitors,” he added.
The video also explains in general terms Phuket’s Provincial Development Plan, for five years (2023-2027) and the island’s 20-year development plan.
Phuket’s 20-year development goal is defined as: ““Phuket, a new economic city focused on sustainable development and balancing quality of life.”
Additionally, the five-year Phuket Development Plan and the ‘10-pillar Master Plan’ aim to establish Phuket “as a hub for tourism, education, and innovative services that meet international standards and are sustainably developed”.
According to a survey by the National Economic and Social Development Board, Phuket’s GDP is B153.48 billion, with B6.84bn from agriculture and B146.64bn from non-agricultural sectors. The annual per capita income is somehow defined as B252,279.
Phuket’s development is driven by cooperation among all sectors, under the motto ‘Private sector leads, government supports, civil society contributes’, explained Governor Sophon.
The transportation development project has four areas of focus: Land transportation; Rail transportation; Air transportation; and Water transportation.
The five-year development plan (2023–2027) aims to make Phuket a centre for international tourism, education, service innovation and sustainable development.
The 20-year vision (2023–2042) is to create "Phuket, a new economy city based on sustainable development for balanced living," with a focus on:
- Environmental sustainability and the sufficiency economy
- Reducing economic and social inequality
- Building a new economy through Phuket’s 10 economic and social pillars.
The ‘10 key pillars’ of economic and social development, designed to guide the development of the province’s new economy from 2023 to 2042, were given as:
- Gastronomy and Creative City
Phuket aims to be a creative city focused on safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly food science to boost economic value, following the concept of "Good Food, Good Health, Good Spirit" and the 4 O’s: Food, Buildings, Clothing, and Emotions.
- Education Hub
Phuket is set to become an international education center where learners can reach their full potential through lifelong learning. The province’s goal is to reduce educational inequality and foster global citizens, following the principles of the sufficiency economy.
- Maritime Destination Hub
Phuket will be a world-class maritime tourism center. The province has 55 piers, including one deep-sea port and five private marinas, and supports the development of tourist ports in the region (Andaman Ring Road).
- Medical & Wellness Hub
Phuket will become a world-class destination for health and wellness tourism. The province is promoting projects to upgrade health tourism, including the Andaman International Health Center.
- MICE City
Phuket will be a top destination for hosting world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events in the Andaman region.
- Smart City
Phuket will evolve into a livable, smart city with a sustainable economy, incorporating modern technology such as integrated CCTV systems, smart piers like Chalong Smart Pier, and digital platforms like Data Platform Phuket and Phuket Health Sandbox.
- Sports Tourism
Phuket will be a hub for sports tourism, with projects like the Phuket International Sports Training Center and the Saphan Hin City Project. The province will also promote sports participation and create a sports academy.
- Sustainable Tourism
Phuket will offer quality, sustainable tourism experiences for all. The province will promote community-based tourism through seven key community tourism routes.
- Fisheries Hub
Phuket will become a renowned seafood center with food security. The province aims to be the ASEAN region’s center for the aquatic trade and fisheries products, while enhancing the skills of local fishermen.
- Fusion Farm
Phuket will develop its agricultural sector to create economic value and connect with tourism. The focus will be on food security, agricultural processing, smart technology, and fostering smart farmers and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises).
Beyond the ‘10 key pillars’, the plan identifies ‘Smart SMEs’ as plying an important part in Phuket’s future developement.
“Phuket will promote SMEs, ensuring a free and fair economy. The province will focus on improving product and service standards, developing innovative packaging, and increasing sales to lead the tourism market in Asia,” the video report said.