Phuket governor attends NESDC meeting as Thailand sets priorities for Plan 14
Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom attended the 2026 NESDC annual meeting in Bangkok, where Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul called for measurable development results and greater public monitoring.
Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom attended the 2026 annual meeting of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) in Bangkok on 30 September, as the government outlined priorities under Thailand’s 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan, or Plan 14.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also interior minister, said the plan should produce tangible improvements in incomes, opportunities and quality of life while preparing Thailand for economic and technological change, an ageing population and climate change.
He called on public agencies to review their responsibilities, reduce duplication and give private businesses, local administrative organisations and the public a greater role. The plan is also to identify lead agencies, deadlines and measurable outcome indicators, with government data disclosed so the public can monitor progress.
The priorities are directly relevant to Phuket, where traffic, infrastructure, waste management, tourism development and environmental pressures require coordination between provincial and local authorities. Tourism remains central to the island’s economy, while continued development has added infrastructure and environmental pressures.
Anutin said Thailand could move into higher-value economic activities by making better use of its infrastructure, supply chains and strengths in tourism, services, medicine, agriculture and food. He said the five pillars of Plan 14 should support a common goal of creating greater economic value and delivering better outcomes for the public.
