“It is time for me to go to Nakhon Sri Thammarat. I will leave Phuket on September 30 to start work there on October 1. I will miss you all,” Governor Chamroen, a Phuket native who has served as Governor of Phuket since October 1 last year, told the press today (Sept 14).
“I have done the best as I can for people. Thank you for everyone for your support,” Gov Chamroen said.
Gov Chamroen repeated that he has a list of projects, including the Patong Tunnel project, that he wants to voice his support for directly with Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha during the Prime Minister’s visit to Phuket on Friday. (See story here.)
“I especially want to raise transportation and highway projects, as the road from Pa Khlok to Heroines Monument and a new road from Chalong to Patong,” he said.
“I would like to see these projects be approved. I will speak with the Prime Minister about it on Friday,” he assured.
Gov Chamroen identified the clearing of Surin Beach as his prime achievement while in office as Governor. “Surin Beach is at the top of my list of successes, as it has been transformed into a public area for the people,” he said.
“The project to transform Surin Beach not finished yet, but Surin Beach has been the most challenging project because of the effect it has had on local people. I understand this, but I do my job,” he said.
“Throughout my term as Governor I have received many negative comments, but I don’t mind. I don’t take offence,” he added.
“Sometimes I did things that were uncomfortable for others. I am saying I apologise to you all, but I just doing my job. Some of the projects I have overseen can’t be called a success, mainly because I don’t have absolute power to enforce what is required,” Gov Chamroen explained.
Gov Chamroen called on people to support the incoming Governor, Chokchai Dejamornthan, who will take office as Governor of Phuket on October 1.
“Please don’t worry about unfinished projects in Phuket. I know the new Governor, “ he said.
Gov Chamreon, who forged his reputation on spearheading the police-bolstered campaign to take down the Phuket taxi mafia during his years as Phuket Vice Governor, vowed to return.
“I will be gone for a couple years, at the least. Then I would prefer to come back Phuket. After that, who knows?” he said.
“But Phuket is my hometown, I will return, even if as a volunteer to help the province,” Gov Chamroen said.