Governor Sophon, accompanied by his wife Busadee Suwannarat, President of the Phuket Red Cross Society, began the day in Thalang, where they were welcomed by Srisoonthorn Mayor Chalermphon Kerdsap, Deputy Mayor Chamrat Duangjit and local officials.
The couple paid homage to Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, the revered heroines of Phuket whose bravery defended the island more than two centuries ago.
The Governor later visited Wat Mongkol Nimit in Phuket Town to pay respects to Phra Udom Wachiramongkol, the Provincial Ecclesiastical Chief, before moving on to the Phuket City Pillar Shrine in the new municipal area.
At each stop, district chiefs, municipal executives and community leaders gathered to extend their well-wishes as he marked the conclusion of a career in public administration spanning more than three decades.
At Phuket Provincial Hall, Governor Sophon also presented a handbook detailing his administration’s key achievements, titled ‘Phuket Through the Governor’s Eyes’.
The publication highlights policy initiatives in transportation and traffic development, water resource and environmental management, economic growth and ‘soft power’ promotion, as well as improvements in quality of life, society and education.
“This book is a report to the people of Phuket,” he said, noting that a digital version is available for public download to encourage continued dialogue on Phuket’s development.
In an exclusive interview with The Phuket News last month, Governor Sophon detailed key issues affecting the island during his two-year tenure.
He cited limited budgets as a major obstacle, noting that only four wastewater issues could be addressed so far, and concerns about waste management (a second incinerator is planned) and water supply shortages, as the construction boom brings thousands of new housing units to the island.
Governor Sophon also emphasised the need for greater autonomy (self-governance) for Phuket so that development projects don’t stall.
After retirement, he plans to stay engaged: living partly in Loei (his wife’s home province), serving as an honorary advisor, and continuing to monitor projects and assist residents.
Saransak Srikruaneth, an Inspector General at the Ministry of Interior, will take over as the new Governor of Phuket, effective tomorrow (Oct 1).