Phuket to brainstorm on AEC

 The proposal was floated by Phuket MP Anchalee Vanit Thepbut. She said that the province should be prepared when AEC comes into shape, as then eight professions - engineers, dentists, nurses, architects, surveyers, doctors, accounting and tour agents - would be subjected to liberalisation. She noted that the "Phuket Model' is necessary to ensure sustainability.
 "We'll gather opinions from all parties to plot development strategies for the short and long terms. Initially, key issues in focus concern transport and logistics, education and the city's identity. Now, competition is within border but we will have to compete against Asean countries. We also need preparations in many areas. This requires cooperation from all parties," she said.
 She referred to Democrats-led government's plan to turn Phuket into a global tourism hub, with the proposals to connect the city with monorail to ease traffic problems. Languages used in other Asean countries are being taught at Phuket schools.