Following his visit to Phuket airport and the site inspection in Kathu, PM Srettha departed for Phang Nga, where he was to be briefed on the plans to built the B80bn airport in Khok Kloi.
PM Srettha was last in Phuket on Aug 25, less than 48 hours after he was royally endorsed as the 30th Prime Minister of Thailand.
During that visit, he was also presented with many critical issues negatively affecting Phuket’s development as a tourism destination.
Mr Srettha today landed at Phuket International Airport, where he was joined by Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit and Tourism & Sports Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol for a meeting at 12:50pm to discuss the development of airports along the Andaman coast.
Chai Watcharong, Spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office, explained that the development projects consisted of:
1) Phase 2 expansion of Phuket International Airport, costing B5.8 billion;
2) Development of Krabi International Airport, costing B2.7bn;
3) Construction of Phang Nga Airport, or “Andaman International Airport”, in Khok Kloi, Phang Nga, costing B80bn.
Also discussed were improving road transportation on the island, namely the Patong Tunnel and Muang Mai - Koh Kaew - Kathu Expressway projects, both being developed by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), and a series of projects by the Highways Department, including the underpass planned for the Heroines Monument and Route 4027 through Pa Khlok.
No figures for these projects were presented in the official report of the meeting at the airport**, though Transport Minister Suriya, already in Phuket yesterday, reportedly said the government was looking to spend B148bn on improving Phuket’s tourism and transport infrastructure.
“The government is ready to work together to develop the tourism sector and to revive the economy again along with confidence in the potential of Phuket Province, which is a model that can stimulate the economy. With the prominence of the province, [we] can connect tourism in cluster provinces (Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga), which all have different identities. It is a destination for tourists from all over the world who choose to travel here,” PM Srettha said, according to the report.
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew, also present at the meeting, pointed out that projects to alleviate traffic on Thepkrasattri Rd (Route 402) were vital, as the road already suffered from traffic problems.
“It is the only route into the city. The traffic volume is as high as 62,609 vehicles per day. Heavy traffic and accidents are therefore a problem for tourism, and confidence in trade. We need investment in passenger mass transit systems. There is not enough coverage within the province and not enough to meet the needs of citizens and tourists, of which there are approximately 1.2 million people,” he said.
Of note, a combined population of 1.2mn residents and tourists on the island at the same time is a peak figure that Phuket has yet to reach this year
Following the meeting at Phuket airport, PM Srettha and his entourage travelled south to Kathu for a site inspection of the Patong Tunnel project, where he was briefed on the two-tunnel plan and designs for the main roads to provide access to and from the tunnels.
At the meeting at the airport, PM Srettha specifically thanked Governor Narong for his efforts during his term as Governor of Phuket, Governor Narong is to retire from government service tomorrow (Sept 30).
“On behalf of the government, I would like to thank you for the entire period of your employment. The Governor has worked with dedication, dedicated to working for the country. After retirement, may you continue to be happy and live happily,” he said.
The Prime Minister “confirmed that the government is continuously following up on the work”, said the official report of the meeting.
“In the past, I had the opportunity to work with government officials from the Ministry of Transport. It is considered a good example of work. Work driven Including good management, using limited budgets to create worthwhile benefits in response to government policy,” he said.
“Even though important projects have been implemented in Phuket province, throughout the [coming] four-year period the government will have to continue development.
“Phuket Province is a world-class city and must not stop its development. It is important to leave the relevant agencies to take care of tourists. I want the first step to the last step for tourists traveling to Phuket to be happy. To be safe. To not cause problems. In addition, I urge the police to take care of safety. Make an impression.
“And for AOT’s part [airports of Thailand, which operates Phuket airport], we ask that they manage the private jet issue well so that it does not affect the flight schedule of tourists,” the prime minister said.
Following his visit to Phuket airport and the site inspection in Kathu, PM Srettha departed fro Phang Nga, where he was to be briefed on the plans to built the B80bn airport in Khok Kloi.
** A later report by Radio Thailand Phuket confirmed the budget figures as:
- Route 4027, from Baan Para in Pa Khlok to Baan Muang Mai in Thepkrsattri - budget of B510mn
- Road construction from Muang Mai to the Phuket Airport Intersection - budget of B2.468bn
- Underpass at the Heroines Monument, B2.425bn