Phuket Officially Welcomes New Governor Chotnarin Kerdsom

Phuket has officially begun a new chapter in its provincial administration with the appointment of Chotnarin Kerdsom as the island's new governor.

Mr. Kerdsom formally assumed office on Monday, June 29, arriving at Phuket Provincial Hall together with his wife, Mrs. Paveerisa Kerdsom, who serves as President of the Provincial Interior Housewives Association.

His appointment follows a recent cabinet reshuffle approved by the Thai government. Former Phuket Governor Nirut Phongsitthithavorn has been promoted to the position of Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, while Mr. Kerdsom, previously serving as Deputy Permanent Secretary, has taken over the province's top administrative role.

The new governor began his first day with a traditional merit and blessing ceremony, paying respects to the revered Phra Phuttham Tharong Ming Muang Buddha image and the provincial guardian spirit shrine. The ritual is a long-standing tradition for newly appointed provincial governors and is regarded as a symbol of good fortune and a successful start to their administration.

Senior provincial officials, heads of government agencies, and civil servants attended the welcoming ceremony, expressing their support for the new governor. The event highlighted the importance of cooperation between provincial authorities and government departments as Phuket enters a new stage under its new leadership.