Phuket aims to boost its tourism revenue to 500 billion baht in the second half of this year by implementing policies targeting high-end tourists.
Rewat Areerob, president of the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO), announced on Monday that the initial revenue goal of 420 billion baht has been revised upward. The new target reflects Phuket’s potential as a premier hub for tourism, transportation, and aviation.
To achieve this, the PAO has outlined two main strategies aimed at attracting high-spending visitors and enhancing their expenditure during their stay.
The first strategy focuses on alleviating traffic congestion by introducing 24 electric vehicles (EVs) to replace the pink pho thong buses, which have been in service for over a decade. These EVs will operate on three primary routes within the city, as well as one route connecting to the airport. The routes include Saphan Hin to Central Phuket shopping mall (11 kilometers), Ao Chalong Pier to Super Cheap supermarket (18 kilometers), Rassada Pier to Andamanda Water Park (10.5 kilometers), and Phuket Airport to Rawai Beach (47 kilometers). Mr. Rewat emphasized that these new routes will improve access to tourist attractions, schools, communities, and commercial areas. Each EV will accommodate 21 passengers, with trial runs scheduled to begin in December.
The second strategy involves relocating Phuket’s provincial prison to Ban Bang Jo in Thalang district. This move will allow the existing prison site to be transformed into a public park. The proposed 33-rai park will provide a green space for recreation and well-being, benefiting both locals and tourists. With a budget of 169.5 million baht, the project will feature parking for 300 cars and will connect with surrounding green areas to create a large central public park.
