Government has huge plans to turn Phuket into a world-class ...

*The Thai government plans to invest heavily in transforming Phuket into a world-class tourism hub, according to thansettakij.com news website.*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:58 UTC Event date: developing

The Thai government has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Phuket into a world-class tourism hub, with a series of major investments and development initiatives announced during Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s second visit to the island and neighboring Phang Nga province on September 29.

Officials say the multi-trillion-baht strategy aims to elevate Phuket to the status of a “global city,” reduce the island’s dependence on traditional tourism, and spread economic benefits across the Andaman region. The government’s 2023-2027 Provincial Development Plan for Phuket targets diversification through seven key sectors, including gastronomy, health and medical tourism, sports tourism, digital technology, marine tourism, tuna processing and trade, and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) activities.

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Phuket welcomed 14.5 million international visitors in 2019, generating 422 billion baht in revenue and ranking second only to Bangkok for tourism income. The pandemic, however, exposed the island’s vulnerability, with 97 percent of its revenue tied to tourism. Although officials expect a full recovery in tourist arrivals by 2024, the crisis has prompted a push to broaden Phuket’s economic base.

As part of this diversification, the government is expediting the Andaman International Health and Wellness Centre project, which received a 5.1 billion baht budget approval in late 2022. The centre, a collaboration with Songklanagarind Hospital and the Digital Dental Center, is designed to position Phuket as a leading destination for medical and wellness tourism.

Infrastructure is also set to see significant upgrades. Prime Minister Srettha has prioritized the acceleration of seven major transportation projects, with a combined investment of 148 billion baht, to improve regional connectivity. One urgent initiative is the "new city - Koh Kaew island - Patong tunnel project," with a 14.67 billion baht budget. The project, intended to ease traffic congestion between key areas, will now be fully funded by the government after initial efforts to attract private investment failed.

Air transport infrastructure is another focal point, with plans to expand Phuket International Airport’s capacity from 12.5 million to 18 million passengers annually. Additionally, a new Andaman International Airport is planned in neighboring Phang Nga, requiring an 80 billion baht investment and designed to accommodate up to 40 million passengers a year.

Local residents and businesses in Phuket can expect to see increased construction and development activity as these projects advance. Authorities say these efforts are aimed at ensuring Phuket’s long-term resilience and prosperity. The government is expected to provide further updates as project timelines and funding allocations are finalized in the coming months.

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/tourism/40031896