Phuket governor sets 2027 agenda and warns of possible drought

Phuket Governor Chotinarin Kerdsom has directed provincial agencies to prepare for possible water shortages and drought conditions as the province sets its development priorities for fiscal 2027.

Mr Chotinarin issued the directive while chairing a meeting of Ministry of Interior provincial agencies and local government executives at Phuket Provincial Hall on 19 October 2026. Vice Governor Suwit Phansangiam, agency heads, local administrative executives and representatives of relevant organisations also attended.

Planning for water shortages is to include developing groundwater sources, arranging water transportation, improving water-supply system management and identifying reserve raw-water sources for residents and businesses, according to the official report of the meeting.

The governor also instructed officials to work with integrity, fairness and impartiality, and said administrative action should not unnecessarily burden members of the public or businesses operating in good faith. He called for closer coordination between agencies, better integration of official data and improved communication so government information is more accessible.

The meeting outlined 10 principles for provincial administration in fiscal 2027, including honesty, accountability, political neutrality, fairness, efficient public services and respect for the law. Officials were also told to prioritise public well-being, deliver results, provide prompt and courteous services, set a positive example and take a practical approach.

A key focus was the “Phuket Smart People” initiative, which the report said aims to develop human resources as a foundation for sustainable development. It promotes ethical conduct among civil servants, good governance in the private sector and compliance with the law among the public, while also emphasising family relationships, values and ethics in the development of children and young people.

The initiative is linked to 10 development pillars: gastronomy and food science, education, maritime activities, medical and wellness services, meetings and conventions, smart-city development, sports, small and medium-sized enterprises, fisheries and tourism. Its stated vision is “Phuket Smart People, Smart City, Sustainable Future”.

Road safety was also identified as a priority, with agencies urged to promote safer road use and coordinate efforts to reduce accidents and prevent deaths and property damage. The report noted that 154 people had been killed and 21,823 injured in road accidents in Phuket as of 19 October.

The meeting also reviewed provincial and local-government work, including arrangements for young people taking part in the 47th cohort of the “Sarn Jai Thai Su Jai Tai” project. Officials and the public were also invited to help make dok mai chan, or cremation flowers, at Wat Thepwanaram, also known as Wat Manik, in Thalang.