Phuket, the largest and most vibrant island in Thailand, has long been a crossroads of cultures and commerce.
Its rich history dates back centuries, with early accounts from Portuguese explorer Fernão Mendes Pinto in 1545 describing its bustling ports and thriving trade. The island’s strategic location in the Andaman Sea, coupled with its abundant natural resources, particularly tin, cemented its importance in international trade during the 17th century.
The seeds of modern Phuket were sown in the mid-1980s with the opening of a modern airport, ushering in an era of tourism. By 1989, the island welcomed nearly 200,000 international visitors annually, marking the beginning of its transformation into a global tourism hub.
Birth of Andaman Venture Holdings
Amidst this backdrop of growth and opportunity, three companies were established in 1998 in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore. With an initial paid-up capital of 4,000,000 baht for our Thai company, it set out on its journey as an investment firm, focusing primarily on real estate transactions. Through strategic partnerships with both Thai and international entities, Andaman quickly gained a foothold in the burgeoning Phuket market.
Growth and Transformation
The past quarter-century has witnessed Phuket’s remarkable evolution. Today, the island is a thriving epicenter of tourism, projected to welcome 12 million visitors in 2024 and generate annual revenues exceeding 400 billion baht. This rapid growth has propelled Phuket into one of the fastest-growing regions globally.
Phuket’s allure extends beyond tourism, attracting families from around the world with its 13 international schools and high quality of life. The island’s transformation into a sought-after residential destination further underscores its dynamism and potential.
Vision for the Future
The Thai government’s ambitious plans to integrate the six provinces along the Andaman Coast into a unified Andaman region herald a new era of development.
The centerpiece of this vision is the Andaman International Airport, a 70 billion baht project slated for completion in 2031. This world-class infrastructure, along with other major projects underway, will further enhance the region’s connectivity and attractiveness.
The Land Bridge: A Catalyst for Transformation
On the national stage, Thailand’s ambitious Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge megaproject is set to reshape the country’s economic landscape. This visionary undertaking, connecting the Gulf of Thailand to the Andaman Sea, will streamline transportation and international trade, positioning Thailand as a vital link between the Pacific and Indian Oceans.
The Land Bridge, a cornerstone of the Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) development plan, is expected to fuel economic growth, create jobs, and elevate Thailand’s standing on the global stage.
The Andaman region, with its strategic location and abundant resources, stands to benefit significantly from this transformative project.
Enhanced connectivity and accessibility will further unlock the region’s potential, attracting investment, stimulating trade, and fostering sustainable development.
Technological Prowess and Innovation
Phuket’s recognition as Thailand’s most technologically advanced province underscores its commitment to innovation and digital transformation.
The island’s thriving startup scene, coupled with government initiatives to foster a high-tech ecosystem, has attracted digital nomads and entrepreneurs from around the globe.
Phuket’s robust 5G network, advanced data centers, and competitive internet pricing provide a fertile ground for groundbreaking projects in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.
Our Role
Our company is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Andaman region. Leveraging its deep-rooted history, extensive network, and unwavering commitment, the company is dedicated to building the Andaman brand on a global scale.
Our focus encompasses four key pillars:
- Visit: Promoting the Andaman region as a premier tourist destination, showcasing its natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse experiences.
- Live: Fostering a thriving community by attracting residents and investors, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
- Travel: Facilitating seamless travel and exploration within the Andaman region, connecting its various destinations and attractions.
- Invest: Driving economic prosperity by attracting investment in key sectors, including tourism, real estate, technology and infrastructure.
We recognize the pivotal role of technology in driving progress and prosperity and are committed to supporting the growth of the tech sector in the Andaman region, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and entrepreneurs can realize their dreams.
The introduction of new visa programs further strengthens Phuket’s appeal as a hub for global talent, paving the way for a vibrant and interconnected future.
Our journey is intertwined with the remarkable story of Phuket and the Andaman region. From its humble beginnings to its current position as a key player in the region’s development, we remain committed to its core values of integrity, innovation, and sustainable growth.
As we look ahead, we are inspired by the boundless potential of the Andaman. Our vision is to contribute to its continued transformation into a world-class destination, where people from all walks of life can come to visit, live, travel, and invest. We are confident that, together with our partners and stakeholders, we can build a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
