Phuket governor attends IMT-GT forum in Medan
Three Phuket projects were listed under the 2026 framework at the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle forum in North Sumatra.
Phuket’s governor attended the 23rd Chief Ministers and Governors Forum (CMGF) under the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework in Medan, North Sumatra, on Wednesday, 9 September 2026.
The meeting, held at the JW Marriott Hotel, was chaired by the Governor of North Sumatra, which currently holds the forum’s chairmanship. The CMGF brings together governors and chief ministers from 35 provinces and states across Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.
Three Phuket-related projects were listed under the CMGF 2026 framework: a proposed tourism railway linking Surat Thani, Phang Nga and Phuket; a master plan and design study for a large cruise terminal, which is ongoing; and Phase 2 of the Phuket Airport Development Project, also listed as ongoing.
The forum is intended to give local governments a greater role in IMT-GT cooperation covering transport, tourism, trade, investment, urban development and border economies. It also provides a mechanism for local authorities to raise and resolve project obstacles involving regulations, policies, procedures and coordination between government agencies.
A key outcome of this year’s meeting was an agreement to incorporate the Green Council Meeting into future CMGF proceedings to strengthen cooperation on sustainable development among member provinces and states.
According to an official report of the meeting, Phuket’s participation provided an opportunity to discuss development strategies and establish cooperation with local authorities in Indonesia and Malaysia. The CMGF meets at least once a year, normally alongside the IMT-GT Senior Officials’ Meeting and Ministerial Meeting, under a framework whose long-term vision extends to 2036.
