The delegation, welcomed by Phuket Vice Governor Samawit Suphanphai, was led by Vice Chairmen and Phuket native Nipon Ekwanich, joined by Tuangkun Songthamwat and Sahaphan Rungrojanaphanich.
The visit brought together key stakeholders, including heads of government agencies, private sector representatives and local administrative organisations. The representatives present shared insights and provided updates on the current status of tourism-related SMEs in Phuket, along with the challenges they face, said an official report of the meeting, held at Phuket Provincial Hall.
One major topic was the need for better support systems for small business operators, particularly in obtaining legal permissions for hotels and other small enterprises. It was strongly urged to simplify the process of obtaining hotel business licenses, which remains a significant obstacle for many business operators.
The discussions also underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between government and the private sector to enhance the competitiveness of Phuket’s SMEs. “By building stronger partnerships, stakeholders aim to enable local businesses to thrive in both domestic and international markets, fostering long-term sustainability,” said the report.
The Senate Committee’s visit also highlighted broader ambitions to position Phuket as a model city for the ‘new economy’. The vision focuses not only on improving the quality of life for residents but also on ensuring economic stability and sustainability across multiple dimensions, the report added.
As Phuket continues its recovery and growth in the wake of global tourism challenges, the collaborative initiatives discussed during the visit signal a promising future for the province’s role as a leader in sustainable tourism and economic innovation, the report concluded.