PM pledges to polish Phuket into a top-tier tourist hotspot
Phuket is turning up the glamour stakes as Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra unveils ambitious plans to transform the island into a premier tourist magnet.
On her whirlwind visit to the sun-drenched southern province, the Thai premier set out a bold vision to tackle key issues facing the beloved getaway, from sorting out traffic snarls to bolstering its allure as a top-tier destination.
In the meeting with state officials and private honchos, PM Paetongtarn dropped a bombshell: nearly a quarter of all foreign footfall into Thailand is skipping over Bangkok and heading straight for Phuket.
“The government aims to develop the province into a premium tourist destination, thereby increasing tourist spending.”
With Phuket’s reputation already riding high with globetrotters, the 38 year old prime minister vowed to clear the current roadblocks.
She laid down orders to speed up vital construction to ease notorious traffic woes, including a fresh route from Bang Muang Mai to the airport, an expanded lane on Highway No 4027, and the ambitious elevated road project at the busy junction of Highways Nos 402, 4027, and 4025. A probe into the future of the Sarasin Bridge is also on the cards.
Public safety isn’t slipping under the radar either. The Thai prime minister stressed the need to crack down on dodgy characters and influential troublemakers to keep the island safe for all. Equally crucial is the push to tackle Phuket’s waste woes, with a drive encouraging locals to sort and recycle their rubbish.
What’s more, Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, is fully backing the government’s roadmap. But he’s keen to flag that substantial government funding is essential for infrastructure and boosting sustainable tourism. He welcomed the PM’s drop-in as a golden chance for the private sector to pitch their projects to the powers that be.
Why the rush? Tourism is Thailand’s golden goose and Phuket is one flashy feather in its cap. Government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub revealed that from December 28, 2024, to January 1, a bumper crop of over 230,000 tourists descended on the island, racking up a hefty 8 billion baht and filling hoteliers’ coffers, with occupancy averaging a boisterous 80% plus.
Good news for the popular resort town with Phuket to shine brighter than ever on the world’s travel map. It’s time for the island to step out as the crown jewel in Thailand’s tourism crown.
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