Crisis in Phuket: the island is overwhelmed by tourism, but lacks resources

Phuket attracts millions of tourists every year, but its infrastructure is failing, and the island is appealing to the government.

It may be the jewel of Thai tourism, but Phuket is plagued by dilapidated infrastructure, water shortages and traffic chaos.

Local leaders believe it is time for the government to address the situation.

Last year, Phuket welcomed between 13 and 14 million tourists, generating 497.5 billion baht (13.12 billion euros) in revenue.

Yet despite this economic windfall, Governor Sophon Suwannarat says the island has been left behind when it comes to budgetary support for basic infrastructure.

“We face traffic jams, water shortages during the dry season, flooding during the rainy season, poor lighting in tourist areas and growing waste problems, but support is limited,” Sophon said.

Projects to solve the most pressing problems

Traffic jam in Phuket. Photo: Phuket Province

The province has put forward 14 urgent projects worth more than 1.1 billion baht, aimed at solving its most pressing problems.

Some are already awaiting budget review for the 2025-2027 financial years, including

• Upgrading AI-based traffic systems;
• Improving lighting on the main tourist routes;
• The extension of the water pipeline network in the main sub-districts;
• Dredging of the Bang Wad reservoir to increase water reserves;
• Road renovation in Thalang and Kathu;
• Flood prevention and water flow control networks.

The water crisis during the dry season, which occurs every year in Phuket, is a major concern.

By April, the level of the province's three main reservoirs had fallen to 39%, enough for only 45 days.

“As for the drought, I think we can handle it.

“We have water reserves and emergency supply plans,” Sophon said.

Phuket is also seeking budgetary support for major long-term initiatives:

• The Andaman International Health Centre;
• The water pipeline of the Ratchaprapha Dam;
• The long-awaited tunnel between Kathu and Patong;
• The Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu highway.

The governor appealed directly to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to expedite the funding.

Phuket wants to become a special local government

Phuket Old Town

Phuket wants to modernize its governance model to adopt that of a special local administration, like Bangkok and Pattaya , which would allow it to benefit from greater autonomy in terms of urban planning, traffic and tourism management.

A formal application was submitted in January and a draft Phuket City Administration Bill is currently being drafted, according to the Prachachat .

"We are a global destination, but our systems are stuck in the past," one official said.

With booming visitor numbers and crumbling infrastructure, Phuket is sending a clear message to Bangkok:

It is time for the government to give the island the budget and status it needs to prosper.

See also:

Phuket hit by floods after torrential rains

Thailand: Tourist influx to Phuket worsens waste crisis

Thailand seeks solution to Phuket tourism crisis

Source: The Thaiger