The meeting, held at the Proud Phuket Hotel near Naiyang Beach and led by Chief Administrative Officer of the Phuket Provincial Office (Palad) Somprat Prabsongkhram, specifically sought feedback from the general public on the impact of Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project.
Also present at the meeting was Monchai Tanode, General Manager of Phuket International Airport, representatives from government and private sector entities, community leaders and selected representatives from local community clubs and associations.
Mr Somprat explained that the AOT is fully aware of the importance of studying and preparing environmental impact assessment reports and that a consultancy has been hired to carry out a thorough analysis report of the findings.
One of the aspects of this process was today’s meeting to provide an opportunity for representatives of local communities to air any concerns they may have.
Such concerns would be factored into the report to ensure appropriate measures are implemented to minimise any significant impact and subsequent inconvenience, something required by law Mr Somprat explained. All environmental concerns would be equally considered, he said.
Today’s meeting was, in essence, an opportunity for the authorities to listen to stakeholders from the local community to ensure they are heard and appropriate action is taken, Mr Somprat added.
The information shared and discussed will be used to determine the scope and guidelines for the environmental impact assessment report to ensure maximum benefit to the people of Phuket Province, he concluded.