The ambassador, joined by Sven Smolders, Honorary Consul for the Netherlands in Southern Thailand, met with Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai at Phuket Provincial Hall.
The meeting aimed to foster closer relations and explore avenues for cooperation in tourism, infrastructure development and the welfare of residents and tourists, said an official report of the visit.
Representatives from key agencies, including the Phuket Provincial Police, Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and others, joined the meeting to provide updates on the province’s developments and plans, the report noted.
Ambassador van Wingaarden emphasised Phuket’s significance as a destination for Dutch nationals, both as a tourist hotspot and a residential hub. With 500 Dutch residents in Phuket and over 250,000 Dutch tourists visiting Thailand annually, he expressed gratitude for the province’s hospitality and care for Dutch citizens.
He also sought insights on infrastructure management, airport expansion and apparently support for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children, said the report.
According to the report, Vice Governor Samawit highlighted ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including plans to expand Phuket International Airport to handle increasing tourist arrivals.
He assured the Ambassador that provincial authorities prioritise the welfare of foreigners, including legal protections for residents, business operators and tourists, alongside initiatives to enhance care for elderly and young populations.
Honorary Consul Sven Smolders, who has lived in Phuket for over 17 years, praised the province’s rapid development but pointed to traffic congestion as a persistent issue.
He urged local authorities to devise effective solutions for the growing challenge.
“The discussions underscored the commitment of both parties to strengthen ties and collaboratively address challenges while ensuring Phuket’s development aligns with the needs of its diverse population and international visitors,” the official report concluded.