Policy scholar backs Phuket Special Economic Zone plan at seminar

Professor Dr Kriengsak Chareonwongsak used a seminar in Phuket on Thursday, June 4, to promote a proposal to develop the island into a special economic zone aimed at driving sustainable growth.

Dr Kriengsak, president of the Institute for Nation-Building and a senior scholar affiliated with Harvard University, presented the idea at the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation offices. The event was titled “Phuket Special Economic Zone (PVN-SEZ) or Pilicon Valley for Nation-Building” and was organised to encourage discussion on turning Phuket into a future special economic zone.

Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation President Rewat Areerob attended the seminar along with Phuket Provincial Public Relations Officer Wimol Nukaeo, representatives of government agencies, business groups, educational institutions and local residents.

Dr Kriengsak said his “Pilicon Valley for Nation-Building” concept would position Phuket as a centre for innovation, technology, investment and talent development in Southeast Asia. He said the plan would build on Phuket’s existing strengths, including its internationally recognised tourism industry, developed infrastructure and global transport links.

According to Dr Kriengsak, special economic zone status would help strengthen Phuket’s competitiveness, attract high-quality investment and create new economic opportunities while improving quality of life for residents.

He said developing Phuket into a “Pilicon Valley” was not only about creating a new economic centre, but also about laying the foundations for an innovation-driven economy, attracting international investment and quality personnel, and creating sustainable economic opportunities.

He added that the long-term goal was for Phuket to become a national and international centre for economic innovation that could help drive Thailand’s future economic development.

Speaking at the seminar, Supat Pongpreecha, a participant in the fifth Advanced Management for Nation-Building programme, said the initiative aimed to create an economic development model that balances growth with preservation of Thai cultural identity.

“The objective is to raise Phuket’s potential as an important mechanism for national development while maintaining cultural values for future generations,” he said.

Organisers described the PVN-SEZ concept as a strategy to create sustainable economic growth and strengthen Phuket’s role as a contributor to Thailand’s long-term economic future.

The proposal comes as Phuket continues to explore ways to diversify its economy beyond tourism and reinforce its position as an international destination for investment and innovation.

The idea also enters an ongoing debate over Phuket’s future governance and economic development model. Earlier this year, the Bhumjaithai Party pledged to pursue special economic zone status for Phuket as part of its platform during campaigning for the Feb. 8 national election, saying the island should retain a greater share of locally generated revenue to address infrastructure, environmental and public service pressures.

However, the source said no draft legislation, policy framework or implementation timeline has yet been made public, drawing criticism from opposition MPs who have questioned whether the proposal will move beyond campaign rhetoric.

Debate has also emerged over whether Phuket’s long-term challenges would be better addressed through special economic zone status or wider decentralisation reforms that would give local authorities greater administrative and budget powers.

Dr Kriengsak’s proposal adds a further strand to that discussion by focusing on Phuket’s potential as a regional hub for innovation, technology, investment and human capital development.