The ideal was announced at a high-level meeting held at the Phuket International Airport Conference Room, attended by key stakeholders such as Tourism and Sports Minister Surawong Thienthong and Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat.
The agenda focused on Phuket’s economic reliance on tourism, which constitutes 92.9% of revenue generated on the island.
In 2024, the province generated more than B481.4 billion from tourism, reflecting a 24% increase from 2023, said an official report of the meeting.
Tourist arrivals also surged by 14.14%, with 12.9 million visitors landing on the island. The province is well-connected, with direct flights from 21 countries covering over 53 cities, averaging 368 flights daily, the report added.
Phuket’s infrastructure boasts a deep-sea port accommodating large cruise ships and five marinas catering to world-class yachts. Together, these facilities support a combined 15 weekly trips, underscoring Phuket’s appeal to luxury travelers, the report said.
Key Initiatives for Phuket’s Development
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of elevating Phuket’s status to a premium destination, emphasising higher spending per tourist to boost local business prosperity. Several initiatives were outlined:
- Infrastructure Improvements:
- Construction on the province’s primary road, Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd), is to be expedited to meet increasing travel demands.
- Plans for ‘Boat Taxis’ at major ports were proposed to enhance connectivity and attract private sector investment.
- Tourism Enhancement:
- Organising large-scale tourism events under the government’s ‘Soft Power’ policy to draw international attention.
- Overhauling the Tourist Police system to ensure visitor safety and improve efficiency.
- Public Safety and Environment:
- Strict enforcement of laws against influential figures to promote public safety.
- A province-wide campaign to promote garbage separation to tackle waste management issues.
To show her support for developing luxury tourism, Prime Minister Paetongtarn yesterday inaugurated the Thailand International Boat Show 2025 at Phuket Yacht Haven Marina.
The luxury lifestyle event aligns with the government’s vision of promoting high-end tourism, said an official report of the PM’s visit. The four-day event, running from Jan 9-12, is expected to attract over 6,000 global visitors and generate B1 billion in revenue for the marine tourism sector.
“Phuket’s vibrant boat tourism industry is a testament to Thailand’s luxury tourism potential,” the Prime Minister stated, urging global publicity for the province’s unique offerings.
Flood Prevention and Water Management
Later in the day, PM Paetongtarn visited Bang Neow Dam Reservoir to assess flood prevention measures. The reservoir, built during the tenure of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, was designed to address water shortages but now faces sediment buildup that limits its capacity, noted one report.
Efforts to dredge Bang Wad Reservoir, which could increase water retention by 150,000 cubic metres in its first phase, had been “prioritised”, the report said.
The PM urged swift action, emphasising the importance of alleviating residents’ struggles with water supply.
Tuna Hub Development: Boosting Fisheries and Trade
Meanwhile, Deputy Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Akara Prompao visited the Phuket Fishing Pier in Ratsada. The pier, a key hub for Taiwanese tuna imports, processed nearly 12 million kilogrammes of tuna between 2012-2021.
Plans to develop Phuket as Asia’s tuna transport hub were announced, focusing on sustainable practices, quality-of-life improvements for fishermen, and promoting Thai cuisine globally. The project will enhance the Phuket International Fishing Port’s role in importing and exporting seafood, the report concluded.