The initiative, launched at the Governor’s Residence, encouraged people to submit their views in person, write comments on public boards, leave anonymous suggestions in a comment box or submit feedback online via a QR code-linked form.
Governor Chotinrin said all submissions would be processed using artificial intelligence to categorise the issues, identify trends and help provincial authorities prioritise solutions.
“We want the public to participate in offering opinions and jointly developing Phuket,” he said.
The event drew government officials, business representatives, media and members of the public, with Vice Governors Suwit Phansengiam and Romdon Hayiawae also attending.
Among the suggestions posted on the public message board were calls to tackle chronic flooding, reduce traffic congestion, increase police patrols, create more jobs for Phuket residents and improve public transport.
Other comments urged the province to reserve certain occupations for Thai nationals, strengthen action against illegal immigrants, improve care of roadside trees by employing qualified arborists, and “do whatever it takes to make tourists fear the law”.
Residents also proposed a motorcycle transport service linking Phuket International Airport with surrounding areas, while others called for greater protection of marine resources and the environment.
Governor Chotinrin said the feedback would help shape provincial policies across five priority areas: economic development and modernisation, tourism, security and public safety, society and quality of life, and natural resources and the environment.
He said the province aims to strengthen the local economy by supporting SMEs and OTOP (One Tambon One Product) businesses, while expanding higher-value tourism sectors including medical tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) and sports tourism as part of Phuket’s Smart City ambitions.
The governor also reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing issues including public space management, business regulation, labour management and traffic congestion.
Earlier on Friday, Governor Chotinrin inspected Yacht Haven Marina in Thalang to review safety measures during the southwest monsoon season.
The inspection focused on electrical systems, infrastructure and safety equipment at the marina, with the governor instructing relevant agencies to ensure facilities meet required standards as Phuket enters one of its busiest tourism periods.
He also met marina operators to discuss upgrading safety standards and preparing yacht facilities ahead of the coming high season.
Governor Chotinrin later received an update on the ongoing review of five disputed beachfront houses in Moo 2, Ban Kho En, Mai Khao.
Officials reported that additional documents submitted by the property owners are being examined against previously lodged information before authorities determine what action should be taken under the law.
The review follows recent inspections of the properties, with officials expected to decide whether the houses comply with approved conditions or require legal action.
Governor Chotinrin stressed that all investigations and development initiatives would be carried out transparently and in accordance with the law.
He said cooperation between government agencies would be essential both in improving public safety and ensuring investigations were conducted fairly to maintain public confidence.