Video Report: New Phuket Governor starts first day in office

PHUKET: The island’s newest top official appointed by Bangkok, Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada, is settling into his first day of work after arriving to fanfare yesterday.

Hundreds of people greeted Governor Chamroen and his wife, Wassana, when they arrived at Phuket International Airport yesterday afternoon. The Phuket local, and a former vice governor of the island, was then taken to many of the sacred places on the island, including City Pillar Shrine in Thalang, the Heroines’ Monument, the Luang Por Cham statue at Wat Chalong and the Pud Jor Shrine in Phuket Town.

“I am glad to be on the island, my hometown. Thank you all for the warm welcome,” Gov Chamroen said.

The island’s new governor already has two major issues teed up for the province: the beach management policy, which has been stuck in limbo for months, and jet-skis, which continue to be a source of contention.

However, Gov Chamroen had previously declined to make any comments on these two issues until he officially took office. He is expected to call his first press conference as Phuket Governor this week.

— Kongleaphy Keam