In an exciting turn of events, Phuket, a shining gem in Thailand’s tourism crown, is gearing up to roll out two brand-new, open-top electric buses, each with an 18-seat capacity, designed to offer a refreshing breeze of sustainable travel to its many visitors. These charming eco-friendly chariots are more than just a nod to modern transportation—they’re a bold statement in the fight against pollution and the perennial menace of PM2.5 dust, and they’re turning heads as the town’s latest must-see attraction! Phuket’s forward-thinking Mayor, Saroj Angkanapilas, proudly announced this green initiative as part of a broader strategy to reinforce the island’s tourism credentials.
These electric marvels aren’t just practical; they’re art on wheels! Decorated with vibrant illustrations of the elegant Sino-European architecture characteristic of Phuket’s enchanting Old Town, the buses are a moving canvas of cultural heritage. Thanks to the craftsmanship of Electric Vehicles (Thailand) Plc, these city tour buses are ready to whisk passengers on a culturally immersive journey through the island’s storied streets.
But that’s not all—safety and security on this island paradise will see a significant boost. In a comprehensive effort to protect both its residents and guests, Phuket is installing a fleet of new CCTV cameras with eagle-eyed views of the three major public parks, 26 junctions, and 33 communities. These cameras, which never sleep, will feed data consistently into the island’s fully equipped command centre, a step that promises not just peace of mind but also enhances the overall quality of life in Phuket.
The Saphan Hin Sports Centre, with its sprawling facilities, is on the cusp of hosting two monumental international sports events that’ll make sports enthusiasts’ hearts race a bit faster. The Toyota Phuket International Series 2025, a prestigious badminton showdown, will be setting the stage at Gymnasium 2 from April 1-6. Later, from August 22-27, adrenaline will spike again as the adored FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 showcases its thrilling matches at Gymnasium 1. With a crowd capacity of 4,000 spectators, this is where athletic dreams sprint past the finish line. However, after playing host to these electrifying events, Saphan Hin Sports Centre will undergo renovations, briefly closing its doors to the public from June onwards. It’s all part of an orchestrated effort to keep the facilities top-notch for the community and future events.
This proactive push in tourism and security is happening as whispering winds carry tales of hazardous air quality levels in Thailand’s northern and northeastern provinces. The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has raised red flags for 43 provinces grappling with hazardous levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which, at their diminutive size of less than 2.5 micrometres across, remain a silent scourge. Despite these environmental challenges, the government remains vigilant in its health advisories as it works with fervent dedication to mitigate the situation.
So, whether you’re a wandering tourist or a lifelong resident, Phuket’s embrace of modernity with its eco-friendly buses and fortified safety measures beckon with the promise of an unforgettable adventure. It’s more than just another stepping stone on the path to tackling environmental challenges—it’s shaping up to be a grand tour that ensures memories for a lifetime, all while steering the island towards a cleaner, greener future!
I love that Phuket is launching these electric buses! It’s about time tourism went eco-friendly.
True, but how eco-friendly are they really when you consider the source of electricity? Just saying.
Fair point, Sarah. Maybe they should consider solar chargers or something similar to make it truly green.
Phuket is becoming like those overly supervised places with all these new CCTV cameras. Privacy is being sacrificed!
I disagree, wildwanderer19. Safety should come first. These cameras boost tourism by ensuring a secure environment.
Safety is important, but at what cost, Julia? People need to feel free, not constantly watched.
I agree with Julia. If you’re not doing anything wrong, you shouldn’t worry about being on camera.
I can’t wait to visit during the badminton series! Plus, those decorated buses sound amazing.
PM2.5 is a huge issue no one is addressing enough. The buses are a good PR move but don’t solve the bigger problem.
They are definitely a step in the right direction but yeah, a lot more needs to be done on air quality in general.
Phuket’s forward-thinking might just inspire other tourist hotspots. It’s a good start for sure.
That’s optimistic, SmartSimpson. I’d like to see how well-maintained these buses are in a couple of years.
Definitely something to watch, AnalystJoe. Sustainability often struggles with long-term maintenance.
The CCTV might feel intrusive, but consider it’s to prevent crime which increases tourism safety.
Electric buses and security cameras—modern life in a nutshell. Enough to inspire a visit!
Right? Who thought buses could make travel sound so exciting!
The synergy of culture and modern tech in these buses showcases Phuket’s uniqueness. Proud of their initiative!
Proud? Sure, but they’re also riding the wave for tourism dollars. Don’t be fooled.
Honestly not sure if these efforts are enough to tackle bigger environmental issues. It’s a start, I guess.
Every small action is part of a bigger change, David. Let’s give credit where it’s due.
Are the buses going to be affordable for everyday people or just a tourist trap?
How effective are security cameras in reducing crime anyway? Seems more symbolic than practical.
Studies show they can act as deterrents and help solve crimes. Definitely not just symbolic.
Hope the refurbishment of Saphan Hin doesn’t take too long. We can’t lose these sporting events.
Talk about PR moves. Let’s see if they uphold these promises or it’s just another political stunt.
Even if it’s a stunt, SkepticalSteve, the end result is beneficial. Let’s be hopeful!
Excited for the volleyball world championship in Phuket! A great opportunity for the sports community.