City Mayor, Somjai Suwansuppana said the extra opening hours would help hard-working Phuketians who don't have time to visit during normal office hours.
“As the economy is sluggish, many residents have to work harder and longer hours, so they don't have time to come in during business hours. Adding new hours of service will hopefully help solve some of the problems,” said Mayor Somjai.
District offices now deal with birth and death registrations, change of address, changes to resident registration and ID card issues as usual during the new lunch time hours, which are in effect until September 30, 2015.
Starting on January 5 next year, residents will be able to pay land- and building-related taxes during weekday lunch hours and on Saturdays (8:30 – 4:30pm) at the Finance offices. The offices will be closed on public holidays as usual.
As an incentive, residents that pay taxes at local Finance office between January 5 and 31 will receive a gift bag of small plants, organic fertilizer, and organic enzyme dish washing liquid, as well as information on being 'green'.