Phuket struggles with overwhelming tourism growth - Pattaya Mail

*The once pristine island of Phuket is facing a growing crisis as its rapid tourism expansion outpaces infrastructure development.*

Published: 2026-03-14 18:58 UTC Event date: developing

Phuket is facing mounting challenges as surging tourism growth outpaces the island’s infrastructure, causing widespread congestion, environmental strain, and frustration for both locals and visitors. The situation has become particularly acute in recent months, with residents and business leaders warning that the island’s reputation as a top destination is at risk.

Traffic jams have become a daily ordeal on Thepkrasattri Road, Phuket’s main artery, where gridlock often stretches for hours. This congestion affects not only tourists trying to reach beaches and hotels, but also local commuters and businesses. The Southern Thailand Hotel Association’s President, Suksit Suvarnditkul, noted that the chronic traffic situation is compounded by other infrastructure problems, including water shortages during the dry season and severe flooding in the rainy months. “Road and land transportation are major problems for Phuket,” he said, calling for urgent investment in expressways, expanded port facilities for cruise ships, and faster progress on a new airport.

Residents say the rapid pace of condominium and hotel development has outstripped the island’s ability to provide essential services and maintain quality of life. Adisak Akkasinthawangkul, an advisor to the Phuket Community Network, described the impact on daily life: “It takes two to three hours to get anywhere. We, as citizens, demand a seamless public transportation system to accommodate the growing number of condominiums and other developments.”

The environmental costs of unchecked growth are also becoming increasingly visible. Deforestation to make way for new construction has led to a sharp reduction in green space, with Phuket’s national park areas shrinking from about 43,000 acres in 2010 to just 28,000 acres by 2023. Poorly planned developments have obstructed natural waterways, worsening the flooding that disrupts neighborhoods and tourist areas each rainy season.

Urban planners and real estate experts have criticized the lack of a clear vision for Phuket’s future. Pattanun Phisutvimol, a Thai real estate consultant, pointed to the decade-long delay in amending the island’s zoning laws as a key factor in the current “messy” growth. Comparisons with Singapore, which has a similar land area but a carefully managed “City in a Garden” vision, highlight Phuket’s struggles with piecemeal development and loss of green space.

Local authorities are under increasing pressure to accelerate long-planned infrastructure and urban planning projects. Residents and business leaders alike are calling for swift action to improve transportation, update zoning regulations, and restore environmental protections. How quickly these changes are implemented may determine whether Phuket can sustain its appeal as a world-class destination for years to come.

Source: https://www.pattayamail.com/thailandnews/phuket-struggles-with-overwhelming-tourism-growth-468552