The Marine Department is preparing a master plan for developing marine tourism and maritime transportation (Maritime Hub) by creating integrated and developed community ports in the southern provinces on the Andaman coast, to raise the level of tourism and future economic growth in Phuket, Mr Narinsak told a conference at the Royal Phuket City Hotel yesterday.
Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat chaired the opening of the conference, which was attended by Natchaphong Pranit, Director of the Regional Harbor Office, Phuket Branch, and representatives of other government agencies, along with representatives from the private sector.
The first step is to carry out a study to create a master plan for the development of the ports in the southern provinces on the Andaman coast, namely in Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Trang and Satun, Mr Narinsak said.
“Regarding water transportation infrastructure, economic expansion and the expansion of the world’s population has resulted in the expansion of international tourism and domestic tourism, especially sea tourism along the Andaman coast,” Mr Narinsak said.
“And all six provinces on the Andaman coast have many outstanding international tourist attractions. There are sandy beaches, seasides, beautiful islands, as well as ecotourism activities,” he added.
“Sea and coastal tourism operators all use passenger boats to take tourists to various islands and attractions, from high-end yachts to speed boats, large passenger boats and even sports yachts and large cruise ships traveling from abroad to bring tourists to maritime and coastal tourist attractions.
“In addition, all six provinces have the potential to transport goods. The area is a centre for tourism and sustainable maritime transport, and we can create added value for agricultural products that have potential in the area,” he continued.
Governor Sophon supported the plan. “This will stimulate income generation in the area. We are ready to raise the status and quality of life of the community to be strong and more stable, and give the people in the area, and nearby areas, a better quality of life. This will affect the sustainable development of Thailand’s competitiveness in the future,” he said.