Phuket: Moving forward with the "Phuket Model," a boat taxi service will be launched to connect the airport. The government is advancing the "Phuket Model" to organize state land, reclaim forests, and upgrade tourist attractions. Minister Suchart is overseeing the Sirinat National Park project and promoting boat taxis to connect the airport, reduce traffic congestion, and generate income for the community.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is moving forward with the "Phuket Model" to systematically address issues of encroachment on state land, tourism area management, and tourism infrastructure development. The goal is to expand this model to other key tourist provinces such as Phang Nga and Krabi, to enhance the quality of tourism, create a positive impression on tourists, and sustainably increase income for local residents.
The deputy spokesperson stated that Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, visited Sirinat National Park in Phuket Province to inspect its management and follow up on cases of encroachment on state land and development plans for public benefit. He emphasized that national parks are national resources that must be strictly protected and that offenders will not be allowed to exploit legal loopholes to evade responsibility.
Currently, there are approximately 20 cases of encroachment and violations of state land in the area. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has instructed relevant agencies to closely monitor and prosecute these cases to their conclusion. Meanwhile, there are also cases where the court has issued a final judgment, but the process of revoking illegally issued land titles is still underway. These cases mostly involve large plots of land in important tourist areas. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment has coordinated with the Department of Land to expedite the revocation of these titles so that the land can be properly managed for the public and local benefit.
Ms. Lalida stated that the government also prioritizes landscape restoration and beach area organization within Sirinat National Park. They are preparing to mobilize agencies under the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to improve the environment, remove overgrown vegetation, clear weeds, and organize abandoned boats in the area. This aims to restore the beauty of the beach and improve accessibility for tourists, as well as regulate shops and activities along the beach to ensure cleanliness, order, and compliance with national park laws.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is preparing to push forward a project to construct a pier and a boat taxi system in Phuket, using the budget of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. This will provide a new transportation option for residents and tourists, reduce traffic congestion, and connect major tourist attractions with Phuket Airport more quickly.
The deputy spokesperson stated that the project aligns with the Prime Minister's policy of enhancing the tourism experience in Thailand. In the future, tourists traveling from Patong to Phuket Airport will be able to use the Boat Taxi service, which will take approximately 30 minutes, compared to over two hours during peak traffic hours. This will improve convenience, reduce travel time and costs, and distribute income to coastal communities more effectively.
Simultaneously, the government, in collaboration with local administrative organizations, plans to develop coastal areas and public spaces in the Sirinat district. This includes creating exercise areas, recreational spaces, and improving the seaside landscape for the benefit of residents and tourists, while simultaneously conserving natural resources sustainably.
'The Prime Minister has instructed that the 'Phuket Model' be used as a prototype for resolving issues of state land, organizing tourist areas, and developing tourism infrastructure, before expanding it to other important tourist provinces such as Phang Nga and Krabi. He affirmed that law enforcement will be conducted rigorously, ensuring that no influential person or interest group is above the law, and that existing problems will be resolved promptly, while preventing new ones from arising, so that national resources truly benefit the people,' Ms. Lalida said.