Speaking at the forum, organised by the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, Mr Thitikan said Phuket’s vision must be backed by changes to outdated laws if it is to be achieved.
“This requires the collaborative efforts of many sectors, including local residents, the private sector, government officials and organisations, and, equally important, legislative representatives who must amend laws,” he said. “Even with a large budget, if regulations and laws are not met, the problems remain unresolved.”
He also underlined the importance of prioritising residents’ wellbeing.
“We must prioritise the happiness of local people before allowing others to be happy, for the sake of happiness for tourists and visitors,” he added.
Mr Thitikan highlighted laws such as the Forestry Act of 1941 and restrictions on government land use as barriers to Phuket’s development. He urged reforms to allow projects such as a national convention centre, improved infrastructure, upgraded water systems and wastewater treatment, and better waste management and urban planning.
He also proposed the creation of a dedicated website to gather feedback from all sectors, making Phuket’s development plan a living agenda for the province.
The workshop was attended by Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat, Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PPAO) President Rewat Areerob, Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA) Director Siripakorn Chiawsamut, Foundation President Phumikit Raktaengam, and representatives from the private sector.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool played a central role in the event, presenting TAT’s shared vision of Phuket as ‘The Happiness Island for All’.
“Today, I had the opportunity to discuss Phuket Foresight 2030: participating in the strategy for developing Phuket towards sustainable tourism, along with the Phuket Governor and senior executives from key tourism agencies in the country, including the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), and the Department of Local Administration (DLA),” she said.
Ms Thapanee explained that TAT has collaborated with partners on seven key strategies designed to support balanced and sustainable growth: gastronomy, knowledge hub, maritime tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions), longevity, smart city, and smart agriculture.
“These strategies align with TAT’s national policy to create an ‘Amazing Thailand Unforgettable Experience’ through ‘Healing is the new luxury’, delivering beautiful, memorable, and sustainable experiences to tourists from around the world,” she said.
The plan will cover 2026-2030 and aims to ensure Phuket grows as a global tourism hub powered by a smart economy and enriched by talent, culture and nature.
Participants at the forum also identified the challenges Phuket must address, including the impact of climate change on tourism, global economic crises and widening income inequality, and a shortage of skilled labour in the hospitality industry.
Governor Sophon and other leaders stressed that ‘Phuket Foresight 2030’ is not just a theoretical document, but a collaborative platform where government agencies, business leaders, and the community can shape practical, lasting solutions.
Mr Bhummikitti Ruktaengam, President of the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation, was praised by participants for pushing the initiative forward and ensuring it becomes concrete.
With broad backing from provincial and national agencies, the strategy seeks to position Phuket as a model of sustainable tourism in Asia – an island where people, culture and nature thrive together, while ensuring long-term prosperity and resilience for the local community, an official report of the event noted.