The committee held a meeting at Phuket International Airport led by First Vice Chairman Mr Thatchayanat Jiarathanatkanon, joined by Phuket Vice Governor Adul Chuthong and representatives from Phuket Airport, the Phuket Marine Department, Tourist Police, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office and other relevant agencies.
The visit focused on integrating cooperation between agencies to address airport congestion, transport connectivity and water safety measures while gathering information to help shape national tourism policy and infrastructure development.
The discussions form part of the committee’s broader mission to study legislation and infrastructure upgrades aimed at developing Thailand’s cruise port network into a leading regional hub in Southeast Asia by 2026.
Phuket Airport General Manager Monchai Tanode briefed the meeting on current tourism trends and measures being implemented to facilitate travellers amid ongoing international economic and geopolitical challenges.
Officials from the Phuket Regional Marine Department outlined proposals to improve pier infrastructure and strengthen links between land, sea and air transport systems to improve efficiency and safety.
Authorities noted that Phuket currently has about 4,500 registered vessels operating in its waters, including speedboats, tour boats, yachts and fishing vessels. Heavy traffic at major piers such as Chalong Pier, Rassada Pier and Boat Lagoon has made marine safety oversight an urgent priority, officials said.
The Phuket Tourist Police also discussed the use of information technology systems to improve tourist safety and support efforts by authorities to tackle illegal accommodation operations in order to strengthen visitor confidence.
Despite global economic uncertainties, TAT figures presented at the meeting showed Phuket remained one of the world’s leading tourism destinations during the first quarter of 2026.
Russia ranked as Phuket’s largest international market with 416,716 visitors, followed by China with 209,805 arrivals, India with 154,960, the United Kingdom with 82,984 and Germany with 75,684 tourists.
Officials said information gathered during field visits in Phuket and neighbouring Phang Nga would be used to develop clearer tourism and infrastructure policies aimed at boosting the economy and reinforcing Thailand’s image as a sustainable world-class tourism destination.