Phuket, 25 Aug – The first visit to Phuket after the inauguration of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was warmly welcomed by all sectors in Phuket. while the tourism sector sees it as a good opportunity for the Prime Minister Come down and listen to problems and suggestions yourself. Because tourism is expected in the fourth quarter, Phuket tourism will grow significantly.
The trip to the area of Phuket province of Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister, together with the tourism working group today was warm. From late morning onwards at Phuket Airport which Mr. Srettha met with the director of Phuket Airport and airport management There is talk about expanding Phuket airport. Including the construction of a second Phuket Airport in Phang Nga Province, in the area of Lor Yung Subdistrict, Takua Thung Subdistrict and Khok Kloi Subdistrict to accommodate the increasing number of tourists traveling to Phuket.
The Prime Minister said that he would gather all the information to send to the NESDB. reconsider At this point, the reporter asked why the Prime Minister chose to travel to Phuket first. The Prime Minister said that it was because Phuket is a tourist destination that is important to the country’s economy, so tourism is the key to boosting the economy in the period. best short in recession era
When asked if coming to Phuket today is implied Or whether the Pheu Thai Party will take charge of the Ministry of Tourism itself along with the ministry related to the economy The Prime Minister smiled and laughed happily. did not answer the question but did not refuse, next to which there was Ms. Sudawan and Dr. Phrommin Lertsureedej who is expected to be the Minister of Tourism and the secretary-general of the prime minister stood by
The Prime Minister said that these two were their own people. in their care As for the ministerial quota The Prime Minister said that in the part of the Pheu Thai Party I’m still now but must respect the ruling coalition Because now it’s still not still. but believe that everything will be calm and the result will be clearly known within 3-4 days
Subsequently, in the afternoon, the Prime Minister traveled to attend a meeting with tour operators in Phuket where tour operators reflected on the problems and presented provincial development strategies in 10 issues to the Prime Minister. Then travel to the community area of Old Phuket Town. Including tasting Hokkien noodles menu famous local food of Phuket
Mr. Kongsak Khupongsakorn, president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, stated that the urgent issue that the private team presented to the Prime Minister today is solving infrastructure and transportation problems in the area To be in line with the growth of tourism, both land, sea and air as Phuket is currently facing a problem with heavy traffic jams. By land, there is a proposal to speed up the construction of a new road from Phuket Airport. with an extension that connects to the Patong Underpass Tunnel This is a project that has been delayed for a long time. Creating a new intersection from the airport to help drain cars around Thep Krasattri Road which is the main route that enters and exits Phuket town water link section The private sector proposed the construction of a ferry port at Ao Po. That will be able to bring the truck onto the boat across to Phang Nga and Krabi provinces. If successful, it will help reduce the travel time from Phuket to Phang Nga and Krabi by 1-2 hours.
As for the air, the Prime Minister has promised to push forward the construction of the second Phuket Airport in Phang Nga Province, which is a very good thing. Because it will allow the 1st and 2nd airports to be able to support each other.
However, there may be some concerns from the private sector about the fact that the location of a second airport so close to one that could make air traffic management difficult. who knew that modern technology would be needed to help Which, of course, will require a high budget and investment. But if everything can be done, it will benefit both Phuket tourism and tourism in the Andaman coast that is connected.
In addition, the president of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce Stating that the private sector has proposed pushing Phuket to be the center of international schools. Currently, there are 12 international schools and there are plans to open 2-3 more, but there are still problems with visas for parents, teachers and students. If the government can help solve this problem, it would be great.
as well as solving water shortage problems which is a must for the tourist city of Phuket. In the short term, in 10 years, it may be used to divert water from Phang Nga to Phuket and in the long term, the private sector proposes the government to use the downstream water from the Ratchaprapha Dam to Phuket, which will make Phang Nga Province benefit as well. If all of these can be done, Phuket’s tourism will grow a lot. And make more income from the original 4-5 hundred thousand million baht per year, may increase up to 1 trillion baht
The Prime Minister promised that all problems and suggestions would be compiled into a policy. To drive the tourism of Phuket Province, I wish all entrepreneurs to feel comfortable that although Phuket does not have a single seat of MPs from the Pheu Thai Party. But it will definitely not be an obstacle for driving tourism.
Mr. Thanet Tantipiriyakit The President of the Phuket Tourism Business Association stated that the Tourism Association proposed that the Prime Minister consider free visas for tourists. for convenience Attract tourists to travel to Phuket and Thailand more easily. especially tourists from China which in the past before the epidemic of COVID-19 A large number of Chinese tourists travel to Phuket. But at present, only 30% return to Phuket. If revising the visa, it will attract more people to travel back to Thailand. It also proposed extending the duration of visas for more tourists. Both from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Israel, who were originally in Thailand for only 15 days, increased to 1 month to stimulate spending from this group of tourists. After the past, it was found that tourists from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan traveling to Phuket increased by 600-700% in the post-Covid-19 period.
As for the issue of minimum wages, 600 baht and 25,000 baht for new graduates. President of Phuket Tourism Business Association see that it can be done but must be gradual Because if it’s too fast, it will push the cost burden on the operator. and affecting overall tourism
However, there are several positions Many occupations in Phuket where employees are currently paid wages plus various welfare benefits. per day, more than 600 baht and 700 baht already, so it must be done gradually so that tourism can move forward together .-Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency