The proposals were raised during a seminar on ‘Phuket Self-Governance: Approaches to Decentralization for Sustainable Local Development’ held at Patong Bay Hill Hotel on Saturday (Aug 8).
The seminar was organised by the House Committee on Political Development, Mass Media and Public Participation, chaired by Pukkamon Nunarnan, with representatives from government agencies, the private sector, the general public, MPs and local residents taking part.
Phuket MP for Constituency 2 Chalermpong Saengdee said the province continued to face problems including public-land encroachment, influential figures, nominee businesses and alleged mafia groups, highlighting what he described as limitations in existing laws and administrative structures.
He called for greater decentralisation based on four areas: power, budget, personnel and responsibility.
Phuket should have greater authority over matters directly affecting the province, including public-land use, permits for forest areas, infrastructure development, roads and public utilities, he said.
He also called for sufficient personnel to be allocated to the province and for agencies involved in infrastructure projects to work together more effectively to reduce bureaucratic delays.
Mr Chalermpong proposed establishing a ‘Citizens’ Council’ to provide checks and balances on provincial administrators and monitor budget spending.
He also said he was prepared to push legislation on ‘Self-Governing Provinces’ or a ‘Phuket Metropolitan Area’ through Parliament, while stressing that public opinion should be taken into account before any model is adopted.
Preechawude ‘Prab’ Keesin, one of the seminar speakers, said Phuket’s status as an international tourist city required an administrative structure capable of responding quickly to local needs.
He proposed allowing local authorities greater power to make decisions and issue permits within the law, including in areas such as tourism, entertainment and spa businesses, as well as natural-resource and forest management.
At the same time, the central government would retain responsibility for national security, the justice system, foreign affairs and national financial and tax systems.
Mr Preechawude also proposed returning a greater proportion of taxes and income generated in Phuket to local authorities so they have sufficient resources to manage the province and develop public utilities.
He said better coordination was also needed in areas including public spaces, parking, traffic and public transport, with potential development of mass transit systems such as buses and trams.
He also proposed integrating CCTV and artificial intelligence systems operated by different agencies to improve security and urban management.
Rather than adopting a single model nationwide, Mr Preechawude said each province should be able to develop a system suited to its own circumstances.
For Phuket, he suggested a long-term pilot lasting about 30-50 years, with measurable indicators covering the economy, safety, public-service delivery, education, public health, law enforcement and natural-resource management.
Ms Pukkamon said the ‘Phuket Model’ was not a new concept, noting that a similar approach had previously been pursued under the government of Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha but had not been sustained.
She said the current effort should therefore focus on structural problems and mechanisms capable of continuing beyond the term of any one government.
The committee had identified limitations including laws that do not reflect current conditions, insufficient personnel and resources, and restrictions on the authority of government agencies, she said.
Phuket’s problems with business practices, land use, public-land encroachment and other issues had also attracted national attention, making it necessary to consider long-term provincial management rather than repeatedly addressing individual problems, she said.
Ms Pukkamon said the committee would not impose a model from Bangkok, whether a metropolitan administration or another form of governance.
Instead, it would gather views from residents, businesses, the general public and government agencies before developing proposals suited to Phuket.
The committee will compile the seminar’s recommendations into a report for submission to the government and relevant agencies. It may also consider drafting legislation to support decentralisation and self-governance in Phuket.
Ms Pukkamon said the process should not be constrained by an artificial deadline, as building public understanding and participation was more important.
She said areas where there was still disagreement should remain open for further discussion and development.
The afternoon session focused on ‘The People’s Voices Shape Phuket’s Future’, giving participants an opportunity to identify and prioritise problems and propose solutions for the province’s future development.
The committee said the feedback would be incorporated into policy and possible legal proposals, with public participation and local circumstances forming the basis of any future self-governance model.