Speaking during the weekly ‘Governor’s Report to the People’ programme broadcast by Radio Thailand Phuket, Gov Chotinrin said the Governor’s Residence on Naritsorn Rd, in the old government quarter of Phuket Town, would be open from 4:30pm Friday, giving residents the opportunity to raise concerns, offer suggestions and discuss ways to improve the province.
The initiative is intended to help provincial officials gain a better understanding of local issues and deliver faster and more targeted solutions.
“What would you like the Governor to do for Phuket?” Gov Chotinrin asked, inviting residents to bring their answers when they visit the Governor’s Residence.
The invitation came as the newly appointed governor outlined his vision for Phuket following his appointment on Monday (June 29), presenting what he described as a five-dimensional policy framework to guide the province’s development.
Speaking during the hour-long radio programme, Gov Chotinrin said all government agencies had been instructed to work together to advance development in five key areas: strengthening the economy and improving residents’ quality of life; developing tourism; promoting Phuket as a Smart City; enhancing security and public order; and protecting natural resources and the environment.
He said the goal was to ensure continued economic growth while creating a high quality of life for residents through balanced and sustainable development.
Gov Chotinrin also identified several issues requiring urgent action to restore public confidence and protect Phuket’s reputation.
These include tackling encroachment on public land and forest areas, managing illegal migrant labour, suppressing nominee businesses and illegal enterprises, maintaining public order, and intensifying efforts against drug trafficking and criminal influence.
He said addressing these issues was essential to improving safety and maintaining confidence among residents, tourists and investors.
The governor also commented on the heavy overnight rainfall on Tuesday that affected parts of Phuket, noting that some areas recorded about 100mm of accumulated rain.
He said all relevant agencies had been instructed to closely monitor weather conditions, particularly in areas vulnerable to landslides, flash flooding and waterlogging, while ensuring personnel, machinery and emergency equipment were ready to respond quickly and minimise any impact on lives and property.
Gov Chotinrin also thanked all sectors of the community for their continued support in developing Phuket, paying particular tribute to the private sector for its role in driving the island’s economy, tourism industry and investment.
He stressed that close cooperation between government agencies, businesses, local communities and other stakeholders would be vital to achieving his vision of Phuket as a quality tourist destination, a safe and liveable city, and one capable of sustainable long-term growth.
The broadcast also highlighted the recent meeting of the Phuket Provincial Security and Public Order Committee, which brought together multiple agencies to coordinate efforts on crime prevention, drug suppression, illegal labour enforcement and measures aimed at strengthening public safety and confidence for both residents and visitors.
The ‘Governor’s Report to the People’ is broadcast every Wednesday from 8am to 9am on Radio Thailand Phuket to keep residents informed about provincial policies, government initiatives and Phuket’s ongoing development.