Phuket to Be Transformed into a Premium Tourism Destination, Says PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra
Phuket, The Gulf Observer: Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced plans to elevate Phuket to a premium tourism destination during her visit to the island province on Thursday. The visit focused on addressing challenges related to tourism, flood prevention, infrastructure development, and traffic management.
Speaking at a meeting attended by government agencies and private sector representatives, Prime Minister Paetongtarn emphasized Phuket’s significance as a major hub for foreign visitors. “Nearly one-quarter of all international tourists to Thailand visit Phuket, many bypassing Bangkok to head directly to the island,” she noted.
To enhance Phuket’s tourism appeal, the prime minister urged authorities to resolve issues such as traffic congestion, which has impacted the tourism experience. She instructed agencies to expedite infrastructure projects, including:
- A new route from Bang Muang Mai to the airport.
- An additional traffic lane on Highway No. 4027.
- An elevated road construction project at the junction of Highways Nos. 402, 4027, and 4025.
- A study of the new Sarasin Bridge project.
Public safety and environmental sustainability were also prioritized. Ms. Paetongtarn called for a crackdown on criminal activities and influential figures on the island to ensure safety for residents and tourists alike. Additionally, she highlighted the need to tackle Phuket’s waste management issues by launching campaigns encouraging locals to sort and recycle garbage.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, expressed support for the government’s plan. He emphasized the need for budget allocations to develop infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism practices. He noted that the prime minister’s visit created an opportunity for the private sector to propose projects to the government.
Phuket’s economic contribution to Thailand’s tourism industry is significant. Between December 28, 2024, and January 1, 2025, over 230,000 Thai and foreign tourists visited the island, generating at least 8 billion baht in revenue, according to government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub. Hotel occupancy rates during this period exceeded 80%, underscoring Phuket’s pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic growth.
Efforts to upgrade Phuket’s infrastructure and tourism offerings are expected to solidify its status as a world-class destination, aligning with Thailand’s broader strategy to attract international visitors and host major festivals.
