Gov Chotinrin chaired a consultation meeting on the draft 2028-2032 development plan at Phuket Provincial Hall yesterday (July 22). The meeting was held in person and via Cisco Webex, linking officials and stakeholders across the Andaman provinces.
Participants included representatives from the Strategic Management Office for the Andaman coastal provinces, the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, the Phuket Federation of Thai Industries, state enterprises and civil society organisations.
During the meeting, Professor Saengduen Hangsuwanat of Phuket Rajabhat University presented the draft plan, which sets out a vision of developing the Andaman region into a ‘Blue Economy hub’ driven by high-value international tourism, modern agriculture, sustainable development and an improved quality of life.
The draft focuses on three key priorities:
- Upgrading tourism through a sustainable Blue Economy model and increasing its value.
- Promoting sustainable, efficient modern agriculture.
- Strengthening society and security in all dimensions.
Gov Chotinrin stressed that the plan should be developed through meaningful participation from all sectors, particularly local business groups and community organisations.
He said organisations including the Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, tourism associations, hotel associations, banking representatives and relevant government agencies should be involved from the earliest stages before the final plan is completed.
The governor said feedback from stakeholders would be essential to ensure the development strategy reflects the region’s strengths and addresses local needs. He also urged all agencies to complete surveys on the draft plan to help produce practical development projects that would deliver tangible benefits to residents.
Officials said the consultation process is intended to integrate views from across the Andaman region in setting development priorities for the next five years, with the goals of strengthening the regional economy, improving competitiveness, supporting local communities and enhancing the quality and efficiency of public services.