Phuket governor makes public appearances after return to island

Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom made a series of public appearances in Phuket on 6 October, including a visit aboard the USS George H.W. Bush and a meeting with the new general manager of Phuket International Airport.

The governor joined a delegation visiting the aircraft carrier, which was making a scheduled visit to Phuket from 4 to 9 October. He was accompanied by Vice Governors Suwit Phansengiam and Romdon Hayiawae, Mueang Phuket District Chief Siwat Rawangkul, and representatives from government agencies and the private sector.

The delegation met US Navy personnel aboard the carrier. The Phuket government described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen Thai-US relations and promote economic benefits from the arrival of more than 5,000 US Navy personnel.

According to the Phuket government, many sailors had visited tourist attractions and business areas across the island, particularly Patong, and spent money at restaurants, shops and other businesses. A designated area was also established at the Deep Sea Port for local vendors to sell food and other goods directly to personnel who did not travel into Phuket.

The carrier visit followed the governor’s trip to Phang Nga for the opening of the 47th “Bringing the Heart of Thailand to the Heart of the South” project. The programme brought 120 young people from Thailand’s southern border provinces to the Andaman region to learn about its multicultural communities and way of life.

On his return to Phuket, Chotinarin met Karan Thanakuljiraphat, the new General Manager of Phuket International Airport. The airport reported the meeting but did not provide details of the issues discussed.

Karan was scheduled to take up the post on 1 October, following the retirement of his predecessor, Monchai Tanode.

The latest appearances came after scrutiny of the governor’s public presence in Phuket amid reports that he spends significant time away, particularly in Bangkok, on apparent official business. The Governor’s Office has rejected claims that he was preparing to be removed from his post, while political figures and local observers have continued to question his visibility and activity in Phuket.