Prachuap Khiri Khan has outlined a series of initiatives aimed at boosting tourism and strengthening the local economy, as officials and stakeholders gathered for the third Provincial Joint Public and Private Sector Committee (PJPPC) meeting of 2025.
The meeting, held on 21 July at Prachuap Khiri Khan City Hall and chaired by Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai, brought together government agencies, private sector representatives, and subject matter experts both in person and online.
Among the key developments, the Provincial Tourism Industry Council appointed a new executive board, with Dr. Somchai Kornjaajerm named as the new chairperson. The move is expected to support the province’s ambition to increase its competitiveness as a tourism and events destination.
The meeting also heard updates on infrastructure progress. The Hua Hin Highways District reported that 46 out of 59 roadworks projects along Phetkasem Road under the 2025 government action plan have been completed, with the remainder still under way.
Tourism figures for the first half of the year showed 5.8 million visitors to the province, generating over 27 billion baht in revenue—a 3.33% increase year-on-year. Thai tourists accounted for the majority of both visits and spending. Hotel occupancy rates stood at 75.84% with more than three million overnight stays.
Several upcoming events were highlighted, including the Dried Squid & Seafood Festival in Pranburi (8–10 August), the Mount Lom Muak climb (9–12 August), and the Annual Food Festival at Hua Don Beach in Hua Hin (22–24 August).
On the infrastructure side, progress continues on a bypass road in Pranburi linking Phetkasem Road to Nong Ta Taem Subdistrict. The route is intended to ease congestion and support local economic growth. Meanwhile, the Department of Rural Roads reported on the scenic route development along the Tanao Si mountain range, part of a 20-year strategic plan to improve tourism connectivity across Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi.
The State Railway of Thailand is carrying out improvements to the horseshoe bridge over the double-track railway in Prachuap Khiri Khan, with further inspections pending to finalise the project timeline.
Economic performance and trade concerns addressed
On the economic front, the Provincial Treasury Office reported a contraction in the local economy in May. While private investment rose slightly, consumption and government spending dropped. Export concerns were raised about potential impacts from U.S. import tariffs, especially affecting Thailand’s electronics and agricultural sectors.
A separate update was given on the SAPP EXPO, with Prachuap Khiri Khan set to host the first edition in 2030 at Bluport Hua Hin. The event will feature 150 booths and showcase products from across the Lower Central Region 2 provinces. A five-day schedule is planned, including exhibitions, business matching, seminars, cultural performances, and promotional campaigns.
Deputy Governor Preeda also spoke about the potential inclusion of Prachuap Khiri Khan in the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC) programme to support creative industries, and introduced the “Show Off the City” project, which encourages provinces to develop community-led festivals with the potential to reach national and international audiences.
A proposal to establish a plant research and development centre in the province was also discussed, with land acquisition currently under consideration.