A planning meeting held at Phuket Provincial Hall on Friday (May 1), chaired by Vice Governor Suwit Phansengiam, confirmed that the 3rd/2026 Joint Public-Private Sector Economic Development Committee (JPPCE) meeting for the Andaman Sea provinces will take place in Phuket from May 19-20.
Senior officials from government agencies and representatives from the private sector attended the session to finalise preparations for the event, which is expected to play a central role in shaping economic strategy for the region.
The decision for Phuket to host the meeting follows a resolution passed during the 2nd/2026 JPPCE meeting of the Andaman provinces on Feb 26, with further endorsement given at the 4th/2026 provincial-level meeting on Apr 23.
Officials said the upcoming programme is designed to showcase Phuket’s economic potential while promoting deeper cooperation between the six Andaman provinces: Krabi, Trang, Phang Nga, Phuket, Ranong and Satun.
A key component of the two-day event will be a study tour highlighting innovation, healthcare and public safety initiatives currently underway in Phuket.
Delegates are scheduled to visit the Songklanagarind Digital Dental Center (SDDC), located at the Prince of Songkla University Phuket campus, which serves as a regional hub for advanced dental treatment, teaching and research using digital technologies.
The visit will be accompanied by a presentation outlining future plans for the proposed Andaman Health Center project, aimed at strengthening Phuket’s role as a leading medical hub in southern Thailand.
Another major stop on the itinerary is the ‘Phuket Eye’ project, a province-wide smart surveillance system that uses a network of CCTV cameras and integrated technology to monitor traffic and enhance public safety. Officials say the system is a key part of efforts to improve security for both residents and the millions of tourists who visit the island each year.
On May 20, the focus will shift to policy discussions, with Phuket hosting a meeting of the Southern Andaman Provincial Cluster Development Committee. The session will bring together representatives from all six provinces to address shared economic challenges, explore investment opportunities and coordinate long-term development strategies.
Key topics expected to be discussed include infrastructure development, tourism recovery and diversification, logistics, and measures to strengthen regional competitiveness.
In parallel with the formal meetings, an exhibition featuring One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods from each province will be staged, providing a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products. Officials said the initiative is intended to support grassroots economic activity and increase income opportunities for local communities.
During Friday’s preparatory meeting, authorities also assigned responsibilities to relevant agencies to ensure the smooth execution of the event. These include arrangements for venues, transport, accommodation, security, public relations and hospitality for visiting delegates.
Officials emphasised that the upcoming summit represents an important opportunity to align policy and investment efforts across the Andaman region, particularly as Phuket continues to position itself as an economic and innovation hub.
“The integration of cooperation between the public and private sectors is essential to driving sustainable growth,” the meeting noted, adding that Phuket’s role as host reflects its strategic importance within the southern economic corridor.
With less than three weeks remaining before the event, organisers said preparations are progressing as planned, with all sectors working together to ensure the meeting delivers tangible outcomes for the region.
The JPPCE framework is a key mechanism used by the Thai government to bring together state agencies and business leaders to jointly address economic issues and propose development initiatives. The upcoming Phuket meeting is expected to generate concrete proposals aimed at boosting investment, improving infrastructure and enhancing the long-term resilience of the Andaman economy.