Video Report: Phuket’s new governor arrives, Maitri says farewell

PHUKET: A welcoming committee and hundreds of joyous people greeted Phuket’s new governor, Nisit Jansomwong, at Phuket International Airport yesterday.

“Phuket is home to many nationalities, not just Thais. I would like to encourage these people to learn to love Phuket as their real home, so that it becomes a place of real value to them – not just a place for personal benefit or gain,” Governor Nisit told the crowd in his first official comments as Phuket’s governor.

“I would like to focus on developing the local tourism economy and look forward to co-ordinating the direction of Phuket’s provincial policy in relation to this issue.”

Gov Nisit paid his respects at the Heroines’ Monument and the City Pillar Shrine in Thalang, before visiting the well-known Luang Por Cham statue at Wat Chalong.

Gov Nisit takes over for Maitri Inthusut, who bade farewell to friends and well-wishers at the Governor’s Residence on Narit Road on Tuesday.

At the farewell party were the three vice governors – Sommai Prijasilpa, Somkiet Sangkaosuttirak and Chamroen Tipayapongtada – who served alongside Mr Maitri during his time as the top-ranking official on the island.

Mr Maitri first took up his post in October 2012, replacing Tri Augkaradacha, who retired on September 30 that year (story here).

“During my two-year term as governor, I had the complete co-operation of every official and organization in helping to guide Phuket’s development – I heartily recommend you all,” he said at his formal farewell on Tuesday.

Mr Maitri has been promoted to the post of Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok.

As such, he told the Phuket Gazette that he will continue to work toward the positive development of Phuket.

“I will try to push through policies that provide any much-needed funds for Phuket, in order to improve the island’s economic performance and help Phuket improve as an international tourism destination,” Gov Maitri said.

“Phuket is easy to remember, hard to forget.”

— Woranut Pechdee