Phuket’s aspirations call for new projects

Nisit Jansomwong, 52, from Ratchaburi, landed on the island in October to take up the position of Phuket Governor. He has a master’s degree in administration from Chulalongkorn University, where he graduated with honors. Before coming to Phuket, Governor Nisit was governor of Ratchaburi province for a year.

Governor Nisit is pushing mega infrastructure projects in Phuket in order to welcome tourists from around the world in hopes of Phuket becoming a world-class tourist destination.

PHUKET: Currently, Phuket doesn’t have a low season. I am surprised that hotel occupancies are very high, especially at the five-star and four-star hotels. Most are at about 85 per cent occupancy, both in the southern and northern parts of the island.

It is also abundantly clear that we are now seeing better quality visitors, as Phuket is more welcoming to free independent tourists (FITs).

According to statistics from January to August 4 this year, there have been more than 7.5 million people visiting the island, compared to 6.7 million last year. This is an 11.9 per cent increase.

Our tourists are from so many different countries, and, to my knowledge, the Chinese are the largest group. We are aware that the total number of Russian and European tourists is decreasing compared to previous years. However, the volume of Chinese tourists coming to the island is filling the gap.

We are also starting to see tourists coming from the Middle East and Vietnam. Overall, I am confident that Phuket is doing well in the tourism market.

However, Phuket must open its eyes and see what should be changed or adjusted for these tourists. For example, as we have more tourists coming from the Middle East, we should have more halal food and prayer rooms available in hotels.

Phuket and its people are now learning how to provide world-class service. Both the government and business owners have to drive Phuket forward together.

We are now in a transitional period. Tourists want cleanliness, convenience and safety, with safety being a must for both land and marine tourism, so better transportation has to be provided.

The island requires many changes. We have received a large amount of money, almost 2 billion baht, to develop our infrastructure. The contracts for two of Phuket’s new underpasses have been signed and construction has already started.

Future plans include an underpass at Mueang Mai Junction, near Phuket International Airport, two flyover projects, one just north of Thalang Town and one in front of Baan Jee Teng.
It takes time to improve all the infrastructure on the island. For years we did not have any mega projects in the works. We must be patient for a better future.

I would like to apologize for any inconveniences that these projects cause. The government has given us the budget and I am making sure that the projects are well taken care of by the construction companies, are kept on track, and are safe.

Please understand that we are now trying to improve our island. Phuket earns a lot of money for the country and now the government is giving back and trying to help us grow.

I know it is easy to complain about the projects, but we need to be considerate of the people who are working their hardest to make Phuket better for everyone. At the same time, we encourage everyone to keep an eye on the projects and let us know how we can improve them and keep them safe. We will work together to drive our island forward.

— Chutharat Plerin