In his new post, he already understands most of the island's problems without having to spend more time studying them; his experience as vice-governor involved him in three main areas: international affairs, community security and provincial government management.

Originally from Bangkok, Gov Niran was educated mostly in Thailand. He has a law degree from Ramkamhaeng University and a master's in public administration from the University of Detroit, Michigan. He joined the Thai Civil Service 22 years ago in one of Thailand's more remote provinces, Uttaradit, in the north.

The Good And The Bad

As the new governor, I'm paying particular attention to issues such as traffic

In an exclusive interview with Phuket.com Gov Niran explained that Phuket is a special place. "It used to be a semi-agricultural province," he explained. "Now it has become a new Bangkok. There is so much going on. It's hard for us government officers to keep up - not that we are not trying."

Phuket has many advantages, he noted. For example, it has a comprehensive infrastructure. Even through the infrastructure may in some cases be insufficient because of the very rapid development of the island, at least the essential infrastructure exists.

The location of the island is one of the best in Thailand, he added. It also has good natural resources and, when it comes to people, Thais are famous for being good hosts. He then addressed the debit side of the island's balance sheet. "As the new governor, I'm paying particular attention to issues such as traffic, the growing number of road accidents, the garbage problem and safety in general. We have to be very careful about all of these."

Foreigners from other countries initially visit the island and then become residents

Part of the problem stems from the high number of people living in Phuket," he explained. People from all over Thailand come to this small paradise because of the financial opportunities it offers. In addition, there are at least 30,000 registered workers from Laos, Burma and Cambodia, and untold tens of thousands working here illegally. This lack of statistics also applies to foreigners from other countries who initially visit the island and then become residents. Some open businesses, and appear in the statistics when they apply for work permits. But this, Gov Niran notes, provides only a partial picture.

Provincial Hall in Phuket City

"I know that the number of foreigners requesting work permit renewals currently totals about 10,000. In addition, this year alone, we have had 6,000 people apply for work permits for the first time, making a total of 16,000 foreigners holding permits. But then again, there are some who stay here [legally] without work permits, as [non-working] spouses of Thais or as retirees. Others just live here illegally. Put all these factors together, and no one can say really how many people live on the island," he explained.

According to household registration records, about 290,000 people live on Phuket but that number bears no relationship to the reality. This is a problem when it comes to budgets, because the central government allocates funds to provinces based on household registrations. If Phuket were to ask, for example, for more civil servants or a higher budget for the provincial police force, Bangkok's response would be lukewarm because the household registration records show a low number of residents. "I'm working on this and trying to come up with some solution," Gov Niran said.

Together, We Can Make It Work

Bookings for this season are very high

The governor explained how he believes matters can be significantly improved. He knows for a fact, he said, that if everyone, in both the government and the private sector, can work together as one team, everything can be done satisfactorily.

As an example, he cited the way that people worked together to help Phuket get back on the tourist map after the tsunami of 2004. Before the tsunami hit Phuket, the island economy was at its peak. It was attracting huge income for Thailand.

"The last two years [since the tsunami] have not been good but it's getting better. We have been on many road shows - to Russia, Dubai, Australia, Scandinavia, and so on - to promote tourism. We met with all the parties involved and assured them that Phuket was ready to welcome tourists again.

"All that hard work is paying off. I hear that many hotels are back to normal or, if not normal, then close to it. Bookings for this tourist season are very high. It's very satisfying," he said with smile.

Paradise Awaits

Before getting on with his full Monday schedule, Gov Niran ended his conversation with Phuket.Com by sending a warm message to the frequent visitors who have always believed in Phuket as their favourite holiday destination and who keep coming back to support the island.

He said he hopes that this year Phuket will have a chance to welcome newcomers who have only heard about the Pearl of the Andaman but have never set foot in this paradise.

"Welcome, everyone," he said.