New Special Administrative Zone Legislation

Thailand is seeking to reform legislation which will create new special administrative zones in the country. Essentially the structure would allow locally elected officials instead of politically appointments made from Bangkok.
Currently only Bangkok and Pattaya work under semi-autonomous administrative schemes. In Phuket provincial appointments are made by the Central government.
Recently announced were plans for a consolidated special administrative zone for the tourist destinations of Hua Hin and Cha-Am. It's been reported in the local press that pending approval the reform process will be made prior to December of this year.
The tourism dependant destination of Koh Samui has yet to obtain municipal status and continues to be lumped into the far ranging policies of nearby Surat Thani province.
Local tourism leaders continue to voice concern over the lack of local self determination and prioritization of government funded infrastructure which is rapidly falling well behind private sector development