Stop bickering, Phuket told

PHUKET TOWN: Better cooperation between local authorities was needed before Phuket could achieve its 100-billion baht upgrade, a senior member of the Government said today. Deputy Interior Minister Pramual Ruchanaseree came from Bangkok to attend a two-day seminar at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on the future development of Phuket. “Lack of cooperation in Phuket is still a major problem,” he told the gathering of about 300 representatives from local government departments and the private sector. “It has slowed the development of the island in every aspect, including the construction of the four-lane [Thalang-airport] road, the International Convention and Exhibition Center [ICEC] and the new reservoir.” K. Pramual’s visit was aimed at following up the vision for Phuket expressed by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on a visit in January, when he offered up to 100 million baht in central government assistance for the province. K. Pramual said today that despite Phuket’s relatively small size, “there is a lack of cooperation among local residents and especially from local leaders and businessmen in Phuket. “As a result, administrative power to develop Phuket has been decreasing, which could eventually lead to the destruction of the province.” For example, he said, the ICEC required coordination not just for construction but also for management after completion. He called for greater unity between provincial and local district governments and the private sector. K. Pramual will report back to the Cabinet on progress made at the seminar today and tomorrow.