The Phuket News Novosti Phuket Khao Phuket

Login | Create Account | Search


Phuket pushes for ‘Special Local Government’ status

Phuket pushes for ‘Special Local Government’ status

PHUKET: Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, President of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, has presented a proposal to a visiting delegation from a Senate subcommittee calling for Phuket to be a ‘special local government organisation’.

politicstourismeconomics
By The Phuket News

Sunday 27 April 2025 12:00 PM


 

The Senate Subcommittee on Decentralisation, Transfer of Missions and Governance for Local Administrative Organisations and Special Forms of Local Administration was in Phuket on Wednesday (Apr 23) to hear the proposal.

Mr Kongsak gave his presentation at a meeting, joined by the Senate subcommittee members, at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) offices in Phuket Town on Wednesday (Apr 23).

Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, delivered a welcome speech to the attendees, who were also greeted by PPAO President  Rewat Areerob. Also present were a host of representatives from government agencies and the private sector.

Leading the Senate committee delegation was Apinan Phuekphong, Fourth Vice Chairman of the Committee on Local Administration and Chairman of the Subcommittee. The group conducted a study visit and listened to presentations on local governance strategies.

Outlining his objectives, Mr Kongsak highlighted Phuket’s potential for enhanced self-management and local development, said an official report of the meeting.

In addition to Mr Kongsak’s presentation, Chalermporn Piyanarongroj, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Phuket City Municipality, provided a summary of the municipality’s management structure and spatial development plans.

The meeting served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange views on the potential for Phuket to become a special local government area, particularly as the island serves as a key source of revenue through tourism.

Discussions also addressed existing challenges and offered recommendations for long-term, sustainable development in the region, the official report concluded.