Current Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat will retire from government service on Sept 30, closing out a two-year tenure as Phuket’s highest-ranking official.
The Cabinet approved Mr Saransak’s transfer to Phuket in an announcement yesterday (Aug 19). He was one of 25 high-ranking officials that the Ministry of Interior proposed to Cabinet for transfer approval.
Mr Saransak is currently serving as Inspector General of the Ministry of Interior, responsible for Inspection Area 4 (Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon) and Inspection Area 12 (Kalasin, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et).
Speaking with The Phuket News on his retirement, Gov Sophon commented on many of the infrastructure projects that have progressed during his term on Phuket.
“We’ve only been able to solve four wastewater problems so far because of budget constraints. The Phuket Governor’s office has just B170 million a year to tackle several major issues,” he said.
“This is one of the reasons I support the draft proposal for special local government status. The private sector has already submitted the draft, and I hope it will quickly reach Parliament to gather signatures and secure at least 12,000 votes.
“My concern is that if it is submitted but not placed on the agenda before Parliament is dissolved, the draft will lapse and have to be resubmitted. Without self-governance, Phuket’s development will remain very difficult,” Gov Sophon noted.
“From my two years as governor, I realised within the first three months how hard it was to move things forward. We wanted to push many projects, but the budget was simply too limited. Large-scale projects here can’t be handled by the private sector – such as railways, roads, or the expressway tunnels granted by Prime Minister Srettha. Credit must go to him for making that possible. The Expressway Authority has now completed land expropriation, and the project is expected to open in 2030,” he continued.
Other key issues he noted included waste management. A second incinerator, able to handle 1,200 tonnes of waste per day, is set to be completed next year. “Looking ahead 10 years, we’ve asked the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) to plan for another incinerator outside the city. We are searching for a 60-70 rai site, and we are also considering technology from Saraburi to reduce pollution.”
Water supply is another looming challenge. “Next year, Phuket may face shortages as real estate development is expected to add 16,000 housing units. Even this year, between January and April, we struggled and had to pump water from disused mines,” Gov Sophon warned.
“With so many more households coming, demand will grow even further. I recently discussed this with [Acting Prime Minister] Phumtham Wechayachai. We are studying a plan to draw water from Cheow Lan Dam in Surat Thani, through Krabi and Phang Nga, and down to Phuket. I’ve been pushing for this project because it will provide long-term water security.”
Governor Sophon noted political differences between Phuket and Bangkok has made facilitating budget and project approvals more difficult.
“The lack of government MPs [sic, meaning from the coalition] in Phuket makes things even harder. Without representation, getting approval for projects is more difficult. Still, the three MPs we do have have worked hard, particularly in supporting the petition for Phuket’s self-governance,” he said.
“That’s why I call on Phuket’s people and media to keep advocating, to act as a voice for the public, and to help monitor progress so projects aren’t forgotten. Everyone – not just the media – can submit complaints and information to help push things forward,” he added.
“Even in retirement, I intend to keep following up on projects begun under my tenure and continue to push for Phuket people’s interests,” Governor Sophon said.
“As for my own work, I can’t say I’m satisfied. Many projects remain unfinished. One success is the new road behind Wat Tha Ruea, which will soon open. But there are many things left incomplete, and I feel like time ran out – like the final whistle blew before the goal went in.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me, offered advice, and worked alongside me. After retiring, I’ll live in Loei Province, where my wife’s family is, but I’ll travel back to Phuket often.
“The Phuket Chamber of Commerce has asked me to be an honorary adviser, and the new governor has also asked me to provide guidance and training. I’ll remain available to receive complaints and help connect people with officials. After so many years here, I have many contacts and will continue to do what I can for Phuket,” Governor Sophon concluded.