Phuket businesses question delivery of Anutin’s ‘Future-Ready’ strategy

Phuket business representatives have questioned how Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s “Future-Ready Thailand” strategy will address the island’s delayed transport links, strained waste capacity and wastewater infrastructure that has struggled to keep pace with development.

Anutin unveiled the plan in Bangkok on 14 October during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. It calls for Thailand to shift from growth driven by volume towards higher-value industries, including tourism, healthcare, technology, advanced manufacturing and food production.

Anutin said the strategy would create opportunities for small businesses and local communities. However, Phuket business representatives told The Phuket News that its ambitions largely reflect plans already under consideration and provide few clear answers on how they will be delivered, who will pay for them or when residents can expect results.

The Phuket Chamber of Commerce president, Kongsak Khoopongsakorn, also questioned the strategy, according to the report. The criticism comes as major transport links remain delayed, waste capacity is under strain and wastewater infrastructure has lagged behind Phuket’s development.