His comments came after a government meeting on Tuesday (January 13), at which Air Chief Marshall Prajin Janthong, Minister of Transport, announced the plan.
The governor said, “Phuket has potential for international marine transportation. We have marinas, a deep sea port, things that are rarely seen in the other provinces. We also have popular marine tourism.
“During the New Year, more than 300 trips a day were made on boats, with 10,000–15,000 tourists.”
“I think Phuket has the largest number of people with registered private yachts in Thailand.
“We have the facilities to support the plan, such as proper boat yards, different types and styles of big and small hotels across the island, entertainment venues, and interesting activities that yacht and cruise ship passengers can enjoy during their stay.
“The plan sets out a vision of Phuket becoming the main port of call between Singapore and Myanmar for cruise ships, with the deep sea port being adjusted and extended to be able to support the increasing number of ships.”
The minister said he expects Phuket to be ready at the end of this year but the governor admitted that there are some problems that authorities have to discuss and resolve before the plan becomes reality.
“There are two factors that we have to deal with.
“First, concessions from the Treasury Office [for marinas] are for one year only, but the investment can be hundreds of millions of baht, and marina projects take years to build. Because of this, investors are reluctant to jump in.
“I think officers from the Treasury Office will have to discuss this point to find a solution, as the plan has already been approved by the government.”
“Second, around 85 cruise ships visit Phuket a year from around the world, especially Singapore.
“There is a problem that cargo ships cannot moor until the cruise ships leave the quay [and vice-versa], which leads to delays. So the deep sea port must be expanded.”
He accepted that expanding the quay at the deep sea port will affect the environment, but believes that after the EIA for the project is approved, the construction company will do as little damage to the environment as possible.
“I cannot say whether Phuket is ready to be a major hub for yachts and cruise ships or not, but all sectors must help to build a system to support the development,” he said.
Plans were laid several years ago to lengthen the quay and add facilities for cruise line passengers, such as a duty free store, restaurants, shops, toilets, and an Immigration, Customs and Quarantine area.
But expansion of the port has proved troublesome, with the EIA submitted in 2011 being rejected.