Phuket’s stalled international conference centre venture might see new life with Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin‘s promise to revisit it for native economic stimulation.
During a latest go to to Phuket and Phangnga, PM Srettha engaged native tourism representatives, acknowledging their suggestions. Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, President of the Phuket Tourist Association, is assured the prime minister and Pheu Thai Tourism committee will seriously contemplate an international convention centre proposal at Mai Khao Beach.
Plans for the conference centre had been halted as Vachira Phuket Hospital opted for a 1.4 billion baht health and wellness centre. Originally meant for the Phuket Specialized Expo 2028, the province couldn’t safe the bid.
The convention centre project has been in limbo for a decade since the tenure of ex-PM Yingluck Shinawatra. Thaneth also highlighted other stalled infrastructure initiatives, similar to motorway routes throughout the island, a rail transport hyperlink from Surat Thani to Phang Nga and Phuket, and the Patong tunnel.
Tourism operators are urging the government to press ahead with the Patong tunnel project after failing to attract any contractors for the job. Another proposed challenge is a second strong waste incineration plant in northern Phuket, as the prevailing southern plant is over capacity.
In Genuine to the conference centre and transport infrastructure, the business hopes for a government-built water pipe system linking Phuket and Phangnga to deal with summer season water shortages. The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council has approved the budget for this challenge.
Thaneth sees PM Srettha’s broader challenge vision as enhancing tourism, including the MICE sector with the conference centre, past simply profitability.
Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, advisory chairman of the Phuket Tourist Association, shared that a Pheu Thai team is contemplating electric buses or a monorail. He emphasizes regulated transport for honest competitors and countering taxi monopolies.
Bhummikitti helps Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, the likely new tourism minister, applauding her resolve. He encourages open-mindedness and public-private coordination.
The Pheu Thai strategy prioritizes high quality vacationers, prolonged stays, and elevated tourism spending over mass tourism.
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