Several media outlets have reported Thailand’s Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning was finalising sweeping new development regulations for Phuket. 

At a glance:

• Thai Government reportedly ushering in new development regulations
• "Urbanisation" responsible for changes
• MICE big winners in any changes

According to C9 Hotelworks the biggest change in the regulations will be the implementation of a FAR allocation (floor area ratio) to land size that is typically used in urban locations to manage density.

“Nervous developers are looking at how size of public roadways in the new rules will likely reduce development GFA on plots in many areas and a knock-on effect is land values that will potentially shift down if cases where building footprints are lowered,” wrote C9 Managing Director Bill Barnett.
 
He stated the application of these new regulations were much needed as Phuket moved towards urbanisation. There would also be a rapid escalation of permit applications by developers looking to get in front of the changes over the next few months, though it’s not yet clear when the final rules will come into effect. 

In April the draft regulations were issued for public comment and it was expected the new set of rules will come into effect over the next year, pending review. 

Media outlets have also stated the island’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry was expected to be a big winner from the proposed changes. 

Sources: The Thaiger, C9 Hotelwork

Similar to this:

Thai PM Prayut officially opens Phuket Chalong Underpass

Thai government drives tourism to Phuket with second airport amid declining tourist numbers

Indian tourists choosing Thailand for holiday destination