(17 December 2025) At Phuket Provincial Hall, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hiran Prasarnkarn, President of Phuket Rajabhat University (PKRU), together with the university’s executive team, paid a courtesy visit to Mr. Nirat Pongsitthithawon, Governor of Phuket. The visit aimed to present the university’s strategic direction for local development projects and to discuss avenues for collaboration with Phuket Province in organizing activities to promote local development.

On this occasion, the President of Phuket Rajabhat University presented various projects undertaken to support local development, covering education, the economy, the environment, and social development. These initiatives include the development of community-based tourism routes, support for small-sized schools, environmental development projects, and skills development for inmates at Bang Jo Prison. The outcomes of these initiatives have been further expanded to generate income for communities through community markets. In addition, the university has worked to enhance the quality of life of vulnerable groups, such as the sea nomad (Chao Lay) communities, across multiple dimensions.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Phuket discussed potential collaboration in addressing the issue of overflowing waste in Phuket. This includes integrating the knowledge and innovations of PKRU lecturers with students who possess community innovation skills to jointly develop a wet waste management system. The initiative aims to reduce environmental problems while fostering students’ sense of love and responsibility for their local community. Phuket Province expressed strong confidence in the university’s potential and capacity to contribute to sustainable local development.