PHUKET, Thailand – Phuket Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom recently welcomed Australian Ambassador to Thailand Pablo Kang and Australian Consul-General in Phuket Kirsten Fletcher for talks on tourism, visitor safety, and cooperation in assisting Australian travelers. According to the Australian delegation, about 800,000 Australians visited Thailand last year, with roughly half traveling to Phuket. They noted the availability of about 11 direct flights daily between Australia and Phuket, discussed road safety issues, and encouraged travelers to purchase comprehensive travel insurance. The meeting also covered coordination between the Australian Consulate-General and provincial authorities in assisting Australian nationals.
Chotnarin said Phuket continues to prioritize public safety through law enforcement, road safety measures, disaster preparedness, and healthcare services for visitors. The province is working to reduce road traffic deaths to fewer than 100 this year after more than 140 fatalities were recorded last year, while maintaining its tsunami early warning system and emergency response capabilities.
Provincial authorities also discussed tighter oversight of vehicle rental businesses to ensure customers hold valid driver’s licenses and comply with Thai traffic laws. The meeting covered enforcement of laws on electronic cigarettes and smoking in public places, along with continued cooperation to improve safety for residents and domestic and international tourists. (NNT)
