PM Paetongtarn heads to Phuket to boost sustainable tourism
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is bringing her soft power message to the golden sands of Phuket in a bold bid to reshape the future of Thai tourism.
The 38 year old Thai premier is set to jet off to the southern island tomorrow, March 28, as part of her push to position Thailand as a global leader in sustainable travel.
Before boarding the flight, Paetongtarn chaired the 12th Cabinet meeting of 2025 today at 10am, confirmed government spokesperson Jirayu Huangsap. But all eyes are now on Phuket, where she will headline the Thailand Sustainable Tourism Conference (TSTC) 2025, delivering a keynote speech at Phuket Rajabhat University’s Conference Centre.
The PM’s address, titled Soft Power: A Mechanism for Creating Sustainability for Thai Tourism, will focus on harnessing Thai culture, local identity, and creative industries to build a more sustainable tourism model.
“The aim is to elevate Thai tourism by blending our rich heritage with forward-thinking strategies,” said Jirayu.
TSTC 2025 is being held in preparation for an even bigger stage—Thailand will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference (GSTC) 2026, and Phuket will officially receive the hosting flag later this year in Fiji.
The event is designed to raise awareness and set the groundwork for balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and community wellbeing.
“The conference encourages tourism businesses to adopt sustainable practices that reduce negative impacts and boost local economies,” Jirayu explained.
“It also helps entrepreneurs adapt to shifting markets and environmental challenges, and strengthens collaboration between public and private sectors.”
Following her speech, the prime minister is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall to discuss tourism development strategies with local agencies.
The goal is to hammer out actionable plans that will stimulate the economy while ensuring long-term sustainability for one of Thailand’s most beloved destinations, reported The Better.
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