Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently announced that Phuket will be upgraded to a premium tourism destination, with ongoing efforts to address multiple issues across the island province.
She delivered these comments while visiting the southern province on Thursday to discuss tourism-related issues, flood prevention, infrastructure enhancements, and traffic management.
In a meeting with both state agencies and the private sector, Ms. Paetongtarn highlighted that nearly a quarter of all international visitors to Thailand choose Phuket as their primary destination, often bypassing Bangkok.
“The government wants to focus on developing the province into a premium tourist destination where tourist spending is expected to increase,” said the prime minister.
“We also want to promote Thailand as a destination for major festivals, and Phuket is well-known among tourists,” she said.
She directed the relevant agencies to find solutions for the congestion plaguing the island’s tourism sector and to accelerate infrastructure projects to alleviate severe traffic conditions.
These projects include constructing a new route from Bang Muang Mai to the airport, adding an extra lane on Highway No 4027, building an elevated road at a junction connecting Highways Nos 402, 4027, and 4025, and evaluating the new Sarasin Bridge.
Ms. Paetongtarn also underscored the necessity for authorities to intensify their crackdown on crime and influential local figures to ensure safety, and she addressed the need to solve Phuket’s persistent waste issues.
She proposed a campaign to motivate residents to segregate and recycle waste.
Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, president of the Phuket Tourist Association, expressed his support for the government’s initiative.
He noted that the initiative would require government funding for infrastructure projects and sustainable tourism promotion in Phuket.
He mentioned that the prime minister’s visit was a significant opportunity for the private sector to present their projects for government consideration.
Mr. Thaneth stated that the government views the tourism sector as a key driver of economic growth, with Phuket playing a crucial role as a leading tourist destination.
Government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub reported that between December 28, 2024, and January 1, over 230,000 tourists, both Thai and international, visited Phuket, generating at least 8 billion baht in revenue. This surge in visitors led to hotel occupancy rates exceeding 80%.
