In accordance with election law in Thailand, the alcohol ban will be for 24 hours, leaving Phuket tourists without a drink until 6pm Saturday.
The ban applies to all people in the country. Those caught violating the ban can face a fine of up to B10,000 or even up to six months in jail, or both, officials warned heavily in the run-up to the election.
As a last chance for voters to hear firsthand from the three confirmed candidates contesting the seat of President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO), a debate was held at Phuket Rajabhat University last Sunday (Jan 26).
Present for the occasion were Lersak Leenanitikul, the 48-year-old candidate for the People’s Party (formerly the Move Forward Party); former PPAO President Rewat Areerob; and Srithep Udomlap, 48, a resident of Moo 5, Kathu, representing the Thai Pakdee party.
Yet all eyes were on Mr Lersak and Mr Rewat as the most viable candidates, both strongly supported across the island.
The pair both reiterated their key policies, as announced at separate major rallies held earlier this month.
The People’s Party held their major campaign rally at Saphan Hin on Jan 19 to garner support for Mr Lersak, a medical doctor who served as Deputy Director of Vachira Phuket Hospital from 2015 to 2024. Mr Lersak has been assigned No.2 on the ballot.
The rally was attended by important figures from the People’s Party (or ‘Prachachon’ Party), including Pita Limjaroenrat, former leader of the Move Forward Party, joined by outspoken anti-corruption MP Rangsiman Rome and MP Chutima Klaphan.
More than 1,000 people joined the rally, while police officers were on hand to ensure order.
Present for Phuket were People’s Party candidates for the PPAO seats in all 23 constituencies across the island to be contested in the election.
Also present were all three Phuket MPs, who are all People’s Party representatives: Somchart Techathavorncharoen, Chalermpong Saengdee and Thitikan Thitipruethikul.
All three Phuket MPs were elected to office by large margins under the Move Forward Party in the national election in 2023. Election law allowed them to keep their seats by joining the People’s Party despite the Move Forward Party being dissolved by the Constitutional Court of Thailand on Aug 7 last year.
The court ruled that the Move Forward Party had violated the constitution by proposing an amendment of a law against insulting the monarchy known as Article 112 (lese majeste).
Mr Lersak shared his vision of making Phuket a livable and safe place that prioritizes the well-being of both locals and visitors.
He explained that his policies are the result of over a year of fieldwork, focusing on addressing the real needs of the people of Phuket.
Key initiatives in Mr Lersak’s plan include:
- Developing a better public transportation system.
- Establishing ‘trilingual schools’ and ‘real-life schools’ to improve education.
- Upgrading public health services, such as universal cancer screening and 24-hour community clinics.
- Tackling recurring flooding and wastewater issues.
- Ensuring clean water access for every household.
- Providing support for the elderly who need assistance.
Mr Lersak emphasised that creating a livable Phuket requires attention to the needs of both residents and tourists, proposing sustainable city development to improve the quality of life for all.
Mr Pita endorsed Mr Lersak as a candidate for PPAO President, calling him “the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle” needed to complete Phuket’s transformation.
He highlighted pressing issues such as crime, accidents and health challenges faced by children. All key issues required immediate attention, he said.
Mr Pita also emphasised the critical role of the PPAO in improving education, public health and local infrastructure. He urged voters to select a capable team that can work effectively with various sectors to achieve meaningful progress for Phuket.
REWAT RUNS ON PROJECTS
Meanwhile, also on Jan 19, Mr Rewat running for re-election took to the stage at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town in front of a crowd of over a 1,000 people with a campaign speech at the Phuket Yat Dai Party’s main campaign event.
Under the slogan, ‘We do it for real, not selling dreams’, Mr Rewat emphasised his commitment to addressing Phuket’s pressing issues and building a livable, sustainable and attractive city.
The campaign highlighted eight key policies designed to improve the quality of life for Phuket residents while driving economic and social development. Mr Rewat, candidate No.1 on the ballot, reflected on his achievements during his tenure from 2021 to 2024 and detailed his vision for the future.
Mr Rewat explained his key campaign policies as:
- Traffic Solutions: Expanding mass transit routes, developing secondary roads, and pushing forward the Thepkrasattri parallel road project to make travel more efficient and environmentally friendly.
- Disaster Preparedness: Implementing an intelligent warning system (Phuket Alert), establishing district disaster prevention centers, and strengthening safety measures for residents and tourists.
- Healthcare: Expanding telemedicine across the province, upgrading emergency services, adding dialysis centers, and enhancing the standard of traditional Thai medicine.
- Education: Promoting AI-focused learning, lifelong education, and practical skill development to prepare Phuket’s youth for global changes.
- Environmental Sustainability: Advancing waste management, marine conservation, and carbon neutrality efforts while fostering community involvement to create a balanced and livable city.
- Sports and Health: Developing standard sports facilities, promoting Phuket as a health destination, and encouraging participation in wellness and recreational activities.
- Economic Growth: Supporting international festivals, promoting cultural diversity, restoring tourist attractions, and pushing local products into global markets.
- Youth Empowerment: Launching the Next New Gen initiative, including the creation of TCDC Phuket and Charterbank House by late 2025, to foster creativity, skill development, and contemporary crafts.
Mr Rewat recalled his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting efforts such as establishing quarantine centers, field hospitals and securing vaccines for the community. He credited these measures with accelerating Phuket’s recovery and enabling the province to welcome tourists once again.
“Over the past four years, we have laid the groundwork for progress, from public health and education to economic and environmental initiatives. Now, we are ready to take Phuket to the next level with sustainable policies that address the real needs of our community,” Mr Rewat said.
The campaign also focused on supporting the younger generation through the ‘Next New Gen’ policy, which aims to create opportunities for youth to showcase their talents and gain skills for a modern workforce.
The event concluded with a call for unity and trust in the Phuket Yat Dai team. “We are committed to transparency, action and results. Our team works every day to ensure Phuket remains a city of opportunity and growth. Together, we can build a brighter future,” Mr Rewat said.