Phuket –
A recent meeting was held in Phuket which aimed to embark on a sustainable transformation with 1.2 Billion Baht investment, but took place just as an earthquake hit Myanmar, causing tremors in Bangkok.
The meeting was held on Friday (March 28th) at the Phuket City Hall. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra led discussions on an ambitious provincial development plan designed to propel Phuket into a sustainable tourism era. Accompanied private sector representatives gathered to review key proposals and fast-track budget allocations to support the island’s growing tourism industry.
Phuket officials have proposed a development package requiring millions of baht to fund 14 critical projects. These initiatives are organized under three strategic pillars: enhancing infrastructure, upgrading water management systems, and strengthening public healthcare services. Among the proposed projects are improvements to traffic and power infrastructure—aimed at boosting road safety and reducing accidents—as well as measures to address water shortages and flood risks.
Additionally, plans include enhancements to healthcare facilities, such as the expansion of radiotherapy units at Wachira Phuket Hospital, ensuring that public health considerations are integrated into the province’s growth agenda.
In tandem with these efforts, the Minister of Tourism and Sports outlined a visionary plan to transform Phuket into a premium destination for international travelers. Key elements of this strategy include the proposal to expand Phuket International Airport by building a secondary terminal to accommodate an increasing number of passengers, and the development of an enlarged cruise terminal capable of welcoming larger vessels. These projects are expected to attract a higher caliber of tourist and reinforce Phuket’s status as a world-class travel destination.
The Prime Minister expressed strong support for the proposals, issuing clear directives to the involved agencies to expedite the budgetary process and ensure coordinated implementation. “This is a decisive moment for Phuket,” she said. “Our goal is to achieve balanced development—one that drives economic growth through enhanced tourism while preserving our natural environment and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
However, the meeting was immediately stopped after the prime mister was notified about the serious urgent earthquake in Bangkok before she flew back.
A catastrophic building collapse rocked Bangkok Friday as a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar as we reported that afternoon, leaving at least two people initially reportedly dead and dozens of workers trapped under rubble.
