The delegation, led by committee chairman Kampol Supaphaeng and second vice chairman Nipon Ekwanich, was welcomed at Phuket Provincial Hall by Phuket Provincial Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thiraphong Chuaychu. The meeting was joined by members of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Industry, as well as representatives from both the public and private sectors.
Among those attending were Phuket Provincial Ministry of Finance Office Chief Naruemon Srisajjang, Phuket Tourist Association President Thaneth Tantipiriyakij, Phuket Tourism Industry Council President Rangsiman Kingkaew and Andaman Southern Provinces Industrial Council President Chernporn Kanchanasaiya.
Officials presented a wide-ranging overview of Phuket’s economy, including provincial development strategies, local customs operations and direct tax revenue.
Proposals were raised for revising regulations to ensure large businesses contribute more to local tax revenues. Data on the number of licensed hotels and accommodation providers was also shared, along with an assessment of Phuket’s overall economic situation, said an official report of the meeting.
A key topic of discussion was the need to improve support and streamline licensing for small and medium-sized accommodation operators, who make up a significant portion of Phuket’s tourism sector but often face regulatory and financial challenges.
Following the presentations, senators engaged in a question-and-answer session with local stakeholders, providing an opportunity for open dialogue and proposals for addressing existing problems.
The visit was framed as an important step in strengthening cooperation between national policymakers and Phuket’s business community, with the shared goal of enhancing the island’s long-term economic sustainability, the report concluded.