“I am originally from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. I can speak Southern Thai. I don’t think there will be any problems with working here. Here is well known for problems. Don’t worry. Problems exist to be solved,” Governor Norraphat said.
Governor Norraphat said he was surprised with his transfer to the post of Governor of Phuket.
“I am surprised with the order, because Phuket is a not your ordinary province,” he said.
Mr Norraphat and his wife, Ms Sudawan, have a busy schedule for their first day in Phuket, paying respects to revered figures including the Phuket Heroines and to Khaw Sim Bee, formally known as “founding father of Phuket development” Phraya Rassada Na-Ranong (see story here), and a formal dinner with leading island officials and dignitaries to be held tonight.
Governor Norraphat comes to Phuket after serving as the Provincial Management Advisor at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Interior.
He is also a former Deputy Director-General at the Department of Local Administration, which is the governing body for all local administrations below the level of provincial government throughout the country.
His arrival in Phuket follows Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha ordering Phuket’s previous Governor, Chockchai Dejamornthan, to be transferred to the Office of the Prime Minister with immediate effect on April 4. (See story here.)