Phuket to Launch Open-Top Electric Buses and Develop Sports Infrastructure
The introduction of open-top electric buses aims to promote eco-tourism and enhance safety through increased surveillance as international sports events approach.
Phuket is set to launch two 18-seat open-top electric buses as part of a new initiative to promote tourism on the island while addressing environmental concerns such as pollution and PM2.5 dust particles.
Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas announced that these electric vehicles would serve dual purposes: enhancing the tourism experience and showcasing Phuket's commitment to sustainable transport.
The buses are adorned with illustrations of iconic Sino-European architecture to celebrate the identity and cultural heritage of the Old Town.
In addition to the electric bus initiative, further development projects are underway in Phuket, which include the installation of security cameras across three main public parks, 26 intersections, and 33 communities.
This expansion aims to bolster safety and security, with real-time data being sent to an island command center, ultimately aiming to protect both locals and tourists while improving overall quality of life.
The Saphan Hin Sports Centre in Phuket is preparing to host two significant international sports events this year.
The Toyota Phuket International Series 2025, an annual international badminton competition, is scheduled to take place at Gymnasium 2 from April 1 to April 6. Following this, the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2025 will be held at Gymnasium 1 from August 22 to August 27. These events are expected to drive tourism and stimulate local economies.
The 4,000-seat gymnasium will serve as the focal venue for both competitions, although renovations will lead to its closure to the public starting in June.
In parallel, the Thai cabinet is set to consider the draft ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX bill on Thursday, which aims to legalize casino gambling.
The Ministry of Finance has reported that 80% of respondents to an online public hearing, which gathered over 70,000 opinions, expressed support for the bill.
However, these findings contrast with a recent public opinion poll indicating significant public concern regarding the potential negative impacts of legalized gambling.
The proposed casinos are positioned as a means to boost economic growth and increase tax revenues while also providing a legal framework to combat illegal gaming activities.
However, opposition groups have voiced their concerns, arguing that the bill was not part of the governing party's electoral pledges and that it may lead to social issues related to gambling addiction.
Implementation of the bill would require approval from the House of Representatives if it proceeds after the cabinet's discussion.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance intends to propose an amendment that would enhance the powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This amendment would empower the SEC to conduct investigations, file charges against market rule violators, and expedite legal proceedings to protect investors.
Mayor Saroj Angkanapilas announced that these electric vehicles would serve dual purposes: enhancing the tourism experience and showcasing Phuket's commitment to sustainable transport.
The buses are adorned with illustrations of iconic Sino-European architecture to celebrate the identity and cultural heritage of the Old Town.
In addition to the electric bus initiative, further development projects are underway in Phuket, which include the installation of security cameras across three main public parks, 26 intersections, and 33 communities.
This expansion aims to bolster safety and security, with real-time data being sent to an island command center, ultimately aiming to protect both locals and tourists while improving overall quality of life.
The Saphan Hin Sports Centre in Phuket is preparing to host two significant international sports events this year.
The Toyota Phuket International Series 2025, an annual international badminton competition, is scheduled to take place at Gymnasium 2 from April 1 to April 6. Following this, the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship 2025 will be held at Gymnasium 1 from August 22 to August 27. These events are expected to drive tourism and stimulate local economies.
The 4,000-seat gymnasium will serve as the focal venue for both competitions, although renovations will lead to its closure to the public starting in June.
In parallel, the Thai cabinet is set to consider the draft ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX bill on Thursday, which aims to legalize casino gambling.
The Ministry of Finance has reported that 80% of respondents to an online public hearing, which gathered over 70,000 opinions, expressed support for the bill.
However, these findings contrast with a recent public opinion poll indicating significant public concern regarding the potential negative impacts of legalized gambling.
The proposed casinos are positioned as a means to boost economic growth and increase tax revenues while also providing a legal framework to combat illegal gaming activities.
However, opposition groups have voiced their concerns, arguing that the bill was not part of the governing party's electoral pledges and that it may lead to social issues related to gambling addiction.
Implementation of the bill would require approval from the House of Representatives if it proceeds after the cabinet's discussion.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance intends to propose an amendment that would enhance the powers of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
This amendment would empower the SEC to conduct investigations, file charges against market rule violators, and expedite legal proceedings to protect investors.
