Phuket could thus theoretically bypass Bangkok, approve its own projects and set its own budgets and time frames to complete them in. Phuket could be responsible for Phuket.
He argued that Bangkok central government’s dithering and inability to foresee the specific values of Phuket-based projects coupled with low funds made the speed of building projects extremely painful and impractical.
Case in point was the Patong tunnel. He believes that although the government and more specifically the Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EAT) had expressed interest in getting the project off the (or under) ground, this ascribed responsibility may impact on the speed of it being completed.
His argument is that if private investors were allowed to liaise directly with Phuket authorities, who know the specific needs and requirements of the island, then a lot more could be done, a lot quicker.
Loss of understanding, intentions and moreover dividing of monies would thus be minimised from omitting the 680 km trip from Bangkok to Phuket.
But would having a complete free range to handle Phuket’s affairs be good for Thailand as a whole? Would Phuket become selfish and attempt to safeguard its tourists or even steal them from neighbouring provinces? Would it even be good for Phuket and its inhabitants?
The argument for and against regional devolution is one not exclusive to Thailand and one which carries much support and fervour amongst both proponents and opponents.
Some argue that having a Central government who theoretically approves all decisions is an archaic infringement and the political and bureaucratic logistics of doing it is counterproductive and unhelpful.
Others argue that from a purely business sense it is good for those not emotionally involved with a subject to make the final ‘altruistic’ decision, as this is not clouded by bias judgement or a motivation that would solely benefit the market/area that he represents.
This only works however if you can trust he or she who has been given the power to make the decisions, regardless of where they call home home.