Phuket's governor endorses proposal for a distinct administrative status
Phuket Pursues Special Administrative Area Status to Address Critical Challenges
Phuket, the popular tourist destination in Thailand, is actively working towards becoming a special administrative area to tackle its pressing infrastructure, environmental, and tourism challenges. The move aims to grant Phuket more autonomy and budgetary flexibility to address issues such as water shortages, waste management, traffic congestion, and road safety.
Key initiatives and progress include:
Infrastructure Projects - The Kathu-Patong expressway (Patong Tunnel), expected to be operational by 2030, is being constructed to ease traffic congestion. - Plans are underway to improve clean water supply by purchasing water from abandoned mining pits and proposing a long-distance water pipeline from Ratchaprapha Dam in Surat Thani. - A second waste incineration plant with a capacity of 1,200 tonnes per day is planned, pending land approval, to manage Phuket's waste effectively.
Administrative and Financial Autonomy - Phuket currently spends nearly 19 billion baht in taxes to the central government but receives only a fraction back (about 3.9 billion baht) for local management, limiting its ability to solve problems. - Special administrative status, like that of Bangkok or Pattaya, would allow more flexible governance and direct control over budget and projects, enabling completion of large-scale infrastructure works.
Tourism and Urban Development Initiatives - The revitalization of Phuket Old Town is being undertaken through heritage preservation and traffic congestion management ordinances. - Phuket is being promoted as a gastronomic destination in partnership with the Phuket Tourist Association and Hotel Association. - Plans are in place to relocate electric cables underground and launch new night markets to enhance the tourist experience and integrate tourism with local communities. - The administration is auctioning rights to produce tourist souvenirs featuring the “Chartered Bear” mascot to generate revenue without raising taxes.
Progress and Political Support - The proposal is strongly supported by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat and MP Somchart Techathavorncharoen, who advocate for the change to overcome budgetary and administrative constraints. - A seminar involving local political leaders and the House committee on decentralization was held to create public support for the initiative. - Further discussions are ongoing, including with the Provincial Waterworks Authority and other stakeholders to finalize approaches for water supply and waste management.
Overall, the upgrade to a special administrative area is expected to significantly improve Phuket’s ability to manage its infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and tourism development with greater financial resources and administrative autonomy, addressing longstanding challenges and supporting sustainable growth.
- The push for Phuket to become a special administrative area, as a response to its critical challenges, reflects a significant shift in the realm of policy-and-legislation, reflecting the need for change in governance structures and financial management in this tropical destination.
- The political discourse surrounding Phuket's quest for special administrative area status underscores the importance of the issue in shaping the future of its infrastructure, tourism, and general news headlines, as leaders seek greater autonomy and resources to address pressing issues.
