“The problem I see now is the continued implementation of the visa-free policy, with the government hoping to attract more tourists and boost [overall] spending,” Governor Sophon told The Phuket News.
“This approach appears to prioritise quantity over quality, potentially leading to negative long-term impacts.” Mr Sophon added.
“The influx of international tourists has brought a rise in lower-quality visitors at destinations, causing disruptions for local residents and diminishing the experience for higher-quality tourists,” Governor Sophon admitted.
Mr Thaneth shared recent statistics showing that Phuket has welcomed between 200,000 to 400,000 international tourists over the past six months. “This number could surge dramatically, reaching 600,000 to 800,000 tourists, similar to the levels we saw in 2019,” he said.
The current visa-free policy is countering Phuket tourism industry’s efforts to improve revenue per tourist, Mr Thaneth noted.
“We aim to prioritise quality over quantity. We are moving beyond simply increasing numbers and are now focusing on enhancing the quality of tourism,” he said.
“While the government may focus on encouraging tourists to stay longer and spend more, I believe that before addressing these aspects, we should first ensure that tourists respect the law and local traditions,” he added.
“Even if tourists stay longer and spend more, it’s important that they respect our laws and traditions. To feel truly welcomed, visitors should embrace local customs and follow the rules,” Mr Thaneth said.
However, Mr Sophon argued, “We can’t control the influx of tourists due to the ongoing visa-free policy.”
SOLUTIONS
“So far, my solution is to distribute tourists to different provinces. For example, if they’re interested in hot springs, we can direct them to Ranong, and for island alternatives, we can recommend Phang Nga or Krabi,” Mr Sophon explained.
“This approach aims to prevent tourists from travelling to just a single province, easing the strain on Phuket while also promoting other beautiful destinations,” he said.
“I have gathered representatives from five Andaman destinations ‒ Phang Nga, Ranong, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket ‒ for a meeting to discuss strategies for diverting tourists from Phuket to these other provinces,” he noted.
The concerns about overtourism appear valid, as the increasing number of tourists has led to more incidents of disruptive behaviour, Governor Sophon admitted.
“This year alone, I have revoked the visas of around 200 foreign visitors for causing trouble in Phuket,” he confirmed.
“I have submitted a request to the central government to elevate the standards for international visitors, particularly those under the visa-free policy.
“We propose requiring a minimum balance of B300,000 in their accounts to help ensure that these tourists are more likely to stay longer and spend more in our destinations,” Governor Sophon said.
“if we continue to welcome an increasing number of tourists without careful consideration, Phuket may encounter more challenges, with the potential for some visitors to impact the community’s peace and safety,” he said plainly.
“I desire higher-quality tourists, but I cannot change the existing [visa-free] policy myself. It’s challenging to determine when and how Phuket can transition toward becoming a destination that attracts more quality visitors,” he added.
Mr Thaneth urged investment into improving Phuket’s infrastructure in order to improve the ‘quality’ of tourists wanting to come to Phuket.
“If we want to have quality over quantity, the government should make the necessary preparations. Creating quality destinations comes from investing in their development.
“By developing infrastructure, providing diverse facilities and ensuring safety for both residents and tourists are essential,” Mr Thaneth said.
“From the supply side, I can confidently say that Phuket’s hotels, restaurants and tour services have been continuously improving since the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance the destination’s appeal,” he added.
“However, infrastructure projects are struggling due to lack of funding. Sometimes, Phuket residents have to use their own resources because government support is lacking,” Mr Thaneth explained.
“Phuket’s over-tourism issue, as highlighted by the Phuket Governor, is driven largely by the visa-free policy, resulting in an overwhelming and uncontrollable influx of visitors,” Mr Thaneth concurred
“To resolve the issues, the Phuket Governor proposes raising the standards for tourists, allowing only quality visitors to enter, while simultaneously working to establish Phuket as a premier destination for high-quality tourism,” he concluded.