Phuket Seminars to focus on quality-of-life issues

PHUKET: In connection with a Nation Multimedia Group (NMG) editorial board meeting to be held in Phuket this weekend, The Nation newspaper and the Phuket Gazette will present an English-language seminar entitled: “Can zoning save Phuket?” Focused on provincial planning, zoning, environmental and other issues critical for tourism, property development and day-to-day living on the island, the seminar will be led by Nation Group Editor-in-Chief Sutichai Yoon and Nation Editor Pana Janviroj. Panelists will include Dr Sommai Prijasilpa, Head of the Foreign Relations Office of Thailand, and Mrs Wanee Samphantharak, Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning. Also on hand to field questions from the floor will be former Phuket Town mayor Phummisak Hongsyok, who earlier this week announced his support for foreign ownership of land in Phuket; property consultant and developer Bill Barnett of c9 Hotelworks; property developer Warwick Renolds; and urban design architect and city planning consultant Tranai Tan-ngamtrong. The seminar starts at 2:30pm, Saturday afternoon, March 27, at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. A morning seminar on the same day, to be conducted in Thai and titled “Strategy Implementation for Phuket” will feature an address by Finance Minister Dr Somkid Jatusripitak. Among the panelists will be Phuket Governor Udomsak Usawarangkura and Nation Group Editor Tepchai Yong. The seminar, also at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, starts at 9am. Both seminars are free of charge to readers of The Nation and Phuket Gazette newspapers. It is not necessary to book seats, but any questions can be directed to either Patcharee@Nationgroup.com (Tel: 02-325 5555, ext 2620) or Rungtip@PhuketGazette.net (Tel: 076-236555).