Welcomed by Phuket Vice Governor Norasak Suksomboon, Gen Thanasak chaired a meeting held at the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command (3AC) headquarters at Cape Panwa, with RTN 3Ac Commander Vice Admiral Suchat Thampitakwet joining the proceedings.
Also present were Phuket Marine Chief Natchapong Pranit along with representatives from government agencies and from the private sector.
Central to the discussions were plans to develop Phuket Deep Sea Port at Ao Makham to serve as a home port for small cruise ships.
Presentations highlighted the readiness of the port to accommodate luxury ships, focusing on immigration and customs procedures, safety measures and passenger facilities.
Key agenda items included upgrading passenger buildings and facilities, improving baggage handling processes, streamlining immigration and customs procedures, and enhancing security checks, said an official report of the meeting.
The importance of efficient terminal operations, including passenger flow and berthing arrangements, was emphasised, the report added.
Discussions also touched upon revitalizing public spaces around the port and appointing a lead agency to spearhead the development efforts.
The meeting underscored the commitment of stakeholders to leverage Phuket’s potential as a premier destination for luxury cruise tourism, said the report.
With concerted efforts underway, the development of the Phuket port of entry for small luxury ships is poised to enhance the region’s allure and boost its tourism economy, the report added.
However, the report gave no indication of any economic forecasts for the move to entice small luxury ships, despite large luxury cruise liners returning in 2022, bringing a much-needed boost to the island’s tourism industry. (See stories here and here.)