Phuket's Condo Mania Continues With 1027 Patong Units On Offer

PHUKET: Another huge condo development is planned that will add 1027 units to Patong. Resort managements are concerned that the number of condos now planned for Phuket will inevitably cut into occupancy rates.

The latest announcement comes from Phanason, a developer with a good record on Phuket. The formal launch of the project has yet to happen, but sources say orders have been placed for 50 units already.

The Park Condominiums are to be built over 17 rai on Patong's Nanai Road, with seven buildings each of seven storeys envisaged.

Phanason is seeking Environmental Impact Assessment and other approvals from Bangkok, where large projects on Phuket now have to meet all regulatory conditions.

The Park will contain six different types of units, beginning at 1.9 million baht for an apartment of 40 square metres. The development will incldue a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a dining area.

Once the project is approved, construction will be finished in two years - hopefully by 2014, Phanason believes.

Many of the most recent large condo projects on Phuket have been snapped up by investors hoping to make a profit but there are now so many projects that concerns are increasing about a condo ''bubble.''

Resort managements are also alarmed because the condo owners are likely to offer rents that will be competitive with three-star and four-star resorts. The three-star market on Phuket is already under pressure.

Phuket's 2.6b Baht Convention Centre 'Going to Chiang Mai Instead'

Sign up now for our News Alert emails and the latest breaking news plus new features.

Click to subscribe

Existing subscribers can unsubscribe here

By Chutima Sidasathian PHUKET: Serious concerns are held on Phuket that the long-awaited Phuket convention and exhibition centre will be built in Chiang Mai instead.

''We need this project on Phuket but from what we've been hearing, it is becoming less likely to be built here,'' said Bhuritt Maswongsa, Vice President of the Phuket Tourism Association and a man who usually has his ear close to the ground.

Despite the mobile Cabinet meeting on Phuket earlier this year when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered encouragement to future Phuket infrastructure, there has been no formal endorsement or funding for the convention centre.

With Chiang Mai in the heartland of Thailand's ''red'' zone and Phuket still very much a ''yellow'' stronghold, the fear is that the project will go north.

''In strictly financial terms, it's difficult for the government to justify building the centre on Phuket,'' Khun Bhuritt told Phuketwan. ''They need the centre to earn two or three billion baht within three years of opening.

''Phuket International Airport is already bursting at the seams. It is simply not possible to increase the flow of tourists to Phuket any faster. Chiang Mai is the logical alternative, economically and politically.''

Such a move would shock resort brands to the north of Phuket where the exhibition project has been anticipated with glee.

''Phuket may well have to consolidate and improve the value of its appeal,'' Khun Bhuritt said. ''The better the product, the more value Phuket will have without the need to constanty boost numbers.''

Phuket's bid for the 2.6 billion baht project that would go on low-lying land not far from Mai Khao in Phuket's north is bogged down in the Finance Department, awaiting approval. Environmental considerations also have yet to be resolved.

The Director of the Regional Treasury, Phuket, Tamrong Tongtan, says nothing more has been heard about the Phuket centre for months and there was no guarantee it would go through.

Khun Bhuritt says Phuket may be better off concentrating energy on developing the ''Romance Road'' north through Phang Nga province to Ranong, on the border with Burma, and south to Satun.

Enhancing the road would provide tourists with a green route through some of Thailand's most appealing countryside.

Add your comment using the form below.

Want an avatar for your comments? Register with Gravatar.

Thank heavens for a sensible decision! No sensible person wanted another white elephant in north Phuket, and no sensible person wanted more concrete in Phuket. The defunct Phuket Gateway is a prime example of an ill-thought out idea.

Now about that new idea for developing the 'Romance Road'. Is this yet another idea to waste money? I travel that road every week through lovely countryside and the existing road is modern and adequate.

How about using the funding that will actually benefit the people of Phuket who need it most - in education and health projects for the poor?

Posted by Simon Luttrell on June 29, 2012 10:38

Let me get that right. It's going to cost 2.6 billion to build and they want it to earn 2-3 billion within 3 years.!!!
Jeeses. I wish I could find such a good return on investment.

Never mind, win loose or draw, those involved so far with feasibility studies, architects plans, engineers consultations, and the nearby land owners who sold out to the believing suckers, have no doubt all cashed in already.

Nah.! We'll spend the money on a pretty road in some other province.!!
" Enhancing the road would provide tourists with a green route through some of Thailand's most appealing countryside." .......
Bypassing Phuket altogether.

You just couldn't make these stories up no one in their right mind would believe you.!!

Posted by innocent bystander on June 29, 2012 10:57

PW, can we add a 'like' button for users posts?

Posted by Sean on June 29, 2012 11:55

Simon, Phuket being a tourist island I believe it a great loss if it loses this to Chaing Mai, Yingluck's home town. Phuket lost most of its rural charm years ago, if you seek country life I would seriously relocate.

Posted by coxo on June 29, 2012 12:30

Best news I have heard about this stupid idea.What is that other monstrosity when one arrives near the checkpoint. Looks like dinosaur eggs. Chang Mai is better equipped for convention centres, but a return of 2-3 Billion Baht in three years, yea right!
Phuket could use the 2.6 Billion to upgrade existing infrastructure and improve the lot of the people on Phuket who really need it.
Pray tell, how would this Romance Road to Burma help Phuket?
By the way, I recon it has buggerall to do with what color shirts the provinces wear, just accessibility.

Posted by Robin on June 29, 2012 13:03

"Phuket's 2.6b Baht Convention Centre 'Going to Chiang Mai Instead'"
good!!

Posted by another steve on June 30, 2012 08:33

@Simon: Well said!

Posted by Fritz Pinguin on June 30, 2012 09:37

Very good news. Could the money be used for reforestation, that would be even better news

Posted by Poum on June 30, 2012 19:56

Good decision ... Phuket could do better with a lot of other stuff ... one thing that I would really like to see would be a few provincial garbage trucks that could drive around in all of Phuket and clear the garbage that the inhabitants of this island just dumps at the roadside, be it the plastic bags after finishing a meal or bigger stuff .... would not be very expensive to operate such a system and it could make the island look a bit more like the tropical paradise it is marketed as. Teaching people not to throw garbage in nature I would reckon is a bit too ambitious, but maybe they will understand later on after seeing the clean up teams do the work.

Posted by Bjarne on July 1, 2012 09:57

Good call, Bjarne. My Dad came for a visit a few years back, and knowing him as a nature lover, I tried to show him some of the "unspoilt" parts of the Island, where I was most embarrassed and disappointed to see piles of garbage dumped all over the place. Now, just take a drive on Muang Chaofah Road, which looks like a municipal dump in places. Money spent cleaning up and teaching people not to trash Phuket would be well spent.

Posted by Arvydar on July 5, 2012 19:19

Phuket's Model Prison for 3000 Awaits Billion Baht Backing

PHUKET: A new billion-baht prison for Phuket would be built to international standards, contain cells rather than dormitories and end concerns about human rights, a meeting of senior officials heard yesterday.

Although the budget has yet to be agreed by Cabinet, the 108 rai for a new prison capable of holding 3000 inmates has been set aside at Bang Jo, in Phuket's east. The population at the present 115-year old Phuket Prison in central Phuket City has swollen to 2000.

Only a small number of prisoners are from countries outside Thailand and Burma but the new prison would ease concern, most recently expressed in the bid by Briton Lee Aldhouse to avoid extradition to Phuket to face a murder charge, that Thailand's prisons are substandard.

Local village chiefs, Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada , Minister of Justice Pracha Promnork and the Director of the Department of Corrections, General Suchart Wong-Ananchari joined Phuket Prison Commander Rapin Nichanon at the meeting at Mission Hills Resort in east Phuket.

Some of the present prison's initiatives, including a massage salon for the public, would be enhanced at the new facility, together with the sale of items made by prisoners as part of their rehabilitation.

''The old prison has no room for expansion so we are pleased that the concept of a new prison is being looked at more closely.'' said Khun Suchart. ''It will be Thailand's first international-standards prison.''

A maximum number of eight people will be in each cell. It was not made plain at the meeting whether prisoners on remand awaiting trial would be separated from those who have been convicted.

Commander Rapin said: ''We see this as an opportunity to end the antiquated system where prisoners must wear shackles to court and apply new technology.''

Samui, which already has some modern features, is to be looked at more closely for useful ideas.

Vice Governor Jamleran said: ''Moving the prison from central Phuket City is desirable because it's near a school and cannot expand.''

With the rapid expansion of Phuket and with more that 2000 prisoners already on Phuket, the only question could be whether a jail for 3000 takes account of the rapidly rising number of drug-related crimes.

Phuket's Coconut Island Adapts Property Sales, Joins Holiday Club

PHUKET: Chris Gordon, the owner of the Village Coconut Island development on Koh Maprao, off Phuket's east coast, reveals some changes in a personal message in the latest June Village News.

Here's what he had to say:

For me this is a very exciting newsletter, which I am writing to all of our past guests, without all the lovely glossy pictures! If you have not been back for a while please check out the website to see our new features and types of accommodation.

The last few years have been very tough for most people, including us at The Village. We were promised mainland power over two years ago and it still has not arrived, but we are now confident that by the end of this year it will be on its way.

The problems of running The Village while construction is still ongoing, is almost a thing of the past. All we have left to do is finish the golf course and furnish the last 36 two bedroom pool villas.

Over the last year we involved Absolute to manage our property sales. This has now been terminated. All forms of property sales, will now be managed by our own in house team.

So this is what brings me to what I believe is the most exciting development for The Village and our guests. Since the world financial crisis, which started in 2007, the justification for buying a second home based on capital appreciation and rental return has all but disappeared.

However, there has been a huge growth in Holiday clubs, Timeshare and Partial Ownership. In other words investing in a future lifestyle.

In order for anyone to buy into a lifestyle investment there needs to be ''value''. Many people enjoy holidaying in the same place each year, but ultimately want flexibility of where and when they travel.

So I am delighted to say, that, we are now a fully approved member of Interval International, The World's leading holiday exchange company, with over 2600 properties in 75 countries, featuring many major five-star hotel chains and exclusive resorts.

There is a lot more to them than this, but let us tell you more when you come and visit us again.

We are truly confident that you will love our holiday club and all the Interval benefits. So we are doing an exclusive offer for our past guests only.

The prices are per night, inclusive of tax and service charge, and are on a room/villa only basis. Pre-booked breakfast is 350 baht per person over two and represents a 30 percent saving on our walk-in rate. Space, at these prices, is limited.

Bookings must be made before August 31, 2012. Christmas and New year have minimum five-night stay and compulsory dinner (circa 5,000 p.p). Chinese New Year is blacked out.

Phuket's Tourism Future: TAT Releases Strategy Plan

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a series of strategies designed to maintain Thailand's brand image, marketing profile and visitor arrivals in a world of unprecedented change.

Announced today (July 17) after the conclusion of the TAT's annual action planning meeting, the strategies are designed to ensure that the travel and tourism industry takes advantage of all the emerging opportunities while preparing itself to deal with any threats and challenges, both external and internal.

The TAT has set a 2013 target of 22.22 million international tourist arrivals, generating estimated foreign exchange revenues of 966 billion baht (USD 30.62 billion, based on the exchange rate of 31.54 baht to the dollar).

Said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni: ''Tourism is now recognised as Thailand's most important service industry. Its contribution to job creation, income distribution and foreign exchange earnings is well above par. While the industry has been doing well so far, it cannot rest on its laurels in an unstable and unpredictable world.''

The primary determinant of how travel and tourism performs in future will be global economic and geopolitical stability. If this continues, there will be no shortage of opportunities, technologies and activities to capitalise on demand.

By far the most important opportunity is the emergence of the Asean Economic Community and prospects of free movement of products and people by 2015. These opportunities increase manifold when the nearly 600 million strong population of the 10 Asean countries is expanded to include Asean +3 (China, Japan and South Korea) and beyond by another three countries to include Asean +6 (Russia, India and Australia).

To capitalise on this, the TAT has crafted the 'Thailand and Beyond Strategy' to be ready for AEC in 2015.

At the same time, some traditional source markets such as Europe are slowing down while other new markets such as Africa are emerging. It is also becoming an increasingly competitive market as just about every global destination joins the tourism promotion bandwagon.

Meanwhile, global demographics are also changing with ageing populations in some countries and more young populations in others. Either way, Thailand is fortunate to have a range of products, both natural and man-made, that are well suited to meeting demand.

Overall, the TAT has to ensure creativity and visibility by highlighting Thailand's unique strengths, and undertake campaigns that target the right customer with the right message and right product at the right place at the right time.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Action Plan:

.. The core theme of the 2013 TAT Action Plan is ''Higher Revenue through Thainess''. The TAT will attract tourists with the Charm of Thainess which includes Thai Experience, Thai Way of Life, and Thai Culture.

.. The marketing messages will emphasise Creative Tourism, where tourists can participate in and learn about unique Thai experiences, such as Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, and Thai classical dancing. Thai food and Thai local wisdom will also be used as unique selling propositions.

.. One campaign, known as ''Discover The Other You'' will be especially important in order to promote experiential travel- which taps into a global desire among visitors to learn something new and acquire a new experience.

.. Some key aspects of Thai lifestyles include basic things such as rice farming, massage and meditation techniques, will also be used. For the first time images for visitors participating in a rice harvest and ploughing the fields behind a water buffalo will be used in Thai marketing campaigns.

.. TAT will put more effort to increase first-time visitors and high spenders (luxury markets). Four niche products used to attract high-spenders will be Golf, Health & Wellness, Wedding & Honeymoon, and Green Tourism.

.. TAT will try to increase charter and low-cost carrier flights to destinations where there is no direct access. LCCs will also be used to broaden the base for mainstream tourists.

.. A Partner on Demand strategy will be used to increase the number of strategic alliances and enhance the add-on impact of marketing efforts.

.. Trade shows and road shows will be extensively used in both main markets and new potential markets.

.. All the major global media will be used, especially sports and special-interest TV channels. The same strategy will be used in the print media, especially to reach business executives.

.. The new digital media will be a special focus of attention. Partnerships will also be forged with hotel partners to produce and show special interest videos such as those highlighting weddings and honeymoons.

.. Celebrity marketing will require linking up with famous people who can act as brand ambassadors.

.. The TAT will also put considerable emphasis on a tourism intelligence unit and a crisis management centre. These will be designed to sharpen research skills in order to identify emerging trends and opportunities, and also react efficiently and promptly to the increasing number of global crises.

Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room

Phuket's Lesson About Tall Tales and Rape All Too Real

PHUKET: Australian tourist Stevie Bamford is due to be freed from detention on Phuket tomorrow. She will be placed by police and Immigration officials on a flight home to Sydney.

The 20-year-old hairdresser has served 15 days behind bars on Phuket for having lied to police when she told them she had been raped by a Patong tuk-tuk driver.

If the media in Australia remains true to form, once Ms Bamford is back home she will probably become the target of a television ''current affairs'' show or two.

As the daughter of an Australian rugby league player in a country obsessed with celebrity, Ms Bamford probably stands little chance of slipping back into obscurity immediately.

She will no doubt take with her some indelible memories of her time in the Bang Jo detention centre, the soft option when compared to overcrowded Phuket Prison.

While Ms Bamford did her time, there was a horrific rape and murder on Phuket. Seventeen-year-old Sunisa Chaiyoi was violated and killed in her own home.

The case reminded everyone that the dangers faced by vulnerable women on Phuket are real, not invented.

There are men on Phuket who, given the opportunity, will take advantage of women. There are men on Phuket who, some honorary consuls believe, have raped women and escaped without being charged.

The Patong police were proved right in challenging Ms Bamford's concocted account. She had made up her story of rape to avoid the anger of a boyfriend, who she feared would have been irate that she was out late alone.

However, the death of Sunisa proved in tragic circumstances that women on Phuket remain vulnerable, even at times in their own homes.

The Stevie Bamford case was unusual. Most women are unlikely to see any kind of advantage in telling that kind of lie.

Ms Bamford is also young and unlikely to be a repeat offender. Her 15 days on the inside will have provided a great lesson. She will quickly start over again in Sydney.

Meanwhile on Phuket, it is to be hoped all police remember Sunisa Chaiyoi, recognise the Stevie Bamford case as a rare exception and treat every woman who alleges rape in future with appropriate sympathy and sincerity.

Phuket's Tourism Future: TAT Releases Strategy Plan

PHUKET: The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled a series of strategies designed to maintain Thailand's brand image, marketing profile and visitor arrivals in a world of unprecedented change.

Announced today (July 17) after the conclusion of the TAT's annual action planning meeting, the strategies are designed to ensure that the travel and tourism industry takes advantage of all the emerging opportunities while preparing itself to deal with any threats and challenges, both external and internal.

The TAT has set a 2013 target of 22.22 million international tourist arrivals, generating estimated foreign exchange revenues of 966 billion baht (USD 30.62 billion, based on the exchange rate of 31.54 baht to the dollar).

Said TAT Governor Suraphon Svetasreni: ''Tourism is now recognised as Thailand's most important service industry. Its contribution to job creation, income distribution and foreign exchange earnings is well above par. While the industry has been doing well so far, it cannot rest on its laurels in an unstable and unpredictable world.''

The primary determinant of how travel and tourism performs in future will be global economic and geopolitical stability. If this continues, there will be no shortage of opportunities, technologies and activities to capitalise on demand.

By far the most important opportunity is the emergence of the Asean Economic Community and prospects of free movement of products and people by 2015. These opportunities increase manifold when the nearly 600 million strong population of the 10 Asean countries is expanded to include Asean +3 (China, Japan and South Korea) and beyond by another three countries to include Asean +6 (Russia, India and Australia).

To capitalise on this, the TAT has crafted the 'Thailand and Beyond Strategy' to be ready for AEC in 2015.

At the same time, some traditional source markets such as Europe are slowing down while other new markets such as Africa are emerging. It is also becoming an increasingly competitive market as just about every global destination joins the tourism promotion bandwagon.

Meanwhile, global demographics are also changing with ageing populations in some countries and more young populations in others. Either way, Thailand is fortunate to have a range of products, both natural and man-made, that are well suited to meeting demand.

Overall, the TAT has to ensure creativity and visibility by highlighting Thailand's unique strengths, and undertake campaigns that target the right customer with the right message and right product at the right place at the right time.

Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Action Plan:

.. The core theme of the 2013 TAT Action Plan is ''Higher Revenue through Thainess''. The TAT will attract tourists with the Charm of Thainess which includes Thai Experience, Thai Way of Life, and Thai Culture.

.. The marketing messages will emphasise Creative Tourism, where tourists can participate in and learn about unique Thai experiences, such as Thai boxing, Thai massage, Thai cooking, and Thai classical dancing. Thai food and Thai local wisdom will also be used as unique selling propositions.

.. One campaign, known as ''Discover The Other You'' will be especially important in order to promote experiential travel- which taps into a global desire among visitors to learn something new and acquire a new experience.

.. Some key aspects of Thai lifestyles include basic things such as rice farming, massage and meditation techniques, will also be used. For the first time images for visitors participating in a rice harvest and ploughing the fields behind a water buffalo will be used in Thai marketing campaigns.

.. TAT will put more effort to increase first-time visitors and high spenders (luxury markets). Four niche products used to attract high-spenders will be Golf, Health & Wellness, Wedding & Honeymoon, and Green Tourism.

.. TAT will try to increase charter and low-cost carrier flights to destinations where there is no direct access. LCCs will also be used to broaden the base for mainstream tourists.

.. A Partner on Demand strategy will be used to increase the number of strategic alliances and enhance the add-on impact of marketing efforts.

.. Trade shows and road shows will be extensively used in both main markets and new potential markets.

.. All the major global media will be used, especially sports and special-interest TV channels. The same strategy will be used in the print media, especially to reach business executives.

.. The new digital media will be a special focus of attention. Partnerships will also be forged with hotel partners to produce and show special interest videos such as those highlighting weddings and honeymoons.

.. Celebrity marketing will require linking up with famous people who can act as brand ambassadors.

.. The TAT will also put considerable emphasis on a tourism intelligence unit and a crisis management centre. These will be designed to sharpen research skills in order to identify emerging trends and opportunities, and also react efficiently and promptly to the increasing number of global crises.

Tourism Authority of Thailand News Room

Phuket's Positives and Negatives Spark Call for Phuket Governor's Meeting

PHUKET: Phuketwan and other English-language outlets on Phuket have been invited to meet Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha on Tuesday to discuss Phuket's need for a ''positive'' image.

It's expected to be an opportunity for some of Phuket's business leaders to air their views about the Phuket English-language media, and for the media to respond.

Governor Tri's personally-signed letter of invitation opens the door to a frank discussion about the role of the media on Phuket.

When news is reported in the Thai-language media on Phuket, it's usually less abrupt than the English-language media tends to be.

On Phuket in the Thai language, criticism of authorities is rare.

The English-language media, with its international audience, tends to apply international standards to the way it covers news on Phuket.

This is the way news is reported in most democracies these days - in a straightforward, honest fashion.

Good journalism around the world is accepted as being about reporting the news in a fair and balanced way, without fear or favor.

Phuketwan intends to keep raising all important issues associated with Phuket's future, and to report them openly and honestly, just as we have often done in the past.

These issues include the safety and security of residents and tourists, the number of needless drownings, the jet-ski scams, the high fares of tuk-tuks and taxis, the chronic corruption, the privatisation of the beaches, and the lack of concern shown about many of these problems.

Our ''positive'' coverage of Phuket in the recent past includes establishing what's fact and what's fiction about Phuket.

These recent positive reports include:

..A factual rejection of a scaremonger's account that suggested there were 50 unexplained deaths among expats on Phuket in the past few months;

..The regular unrestrained criticism of travel alerts that falsely portrayed Phuket as an unsafe place to visit.

..A sustained rebuttal of the allegations by ill-informed authorities who suggested that people on Phuket eat elephants.

..The appropriate response that was required to the latest allegations in Singapore and Sweden that Phuket is an unsafe destination for tourists.

No other Phuket English-language media outlet has done more to dispel the false reports that have been spread about Phuket.

At the same time, no English-language media outlet has more honestly and accurately reported about Phuket and its problems.

We look forward to hearing more about what Phuket's business community has to say about fairness and balance - and to reporting in detail what's said at the meeting.

Phuket's Positives and Negatives Spark Call for Phuket Governor's Meeting

PHUKET: Phuketwan and other English-language outlets on Phuket have been invited to meet Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha on Tuesday to discuss Phuket's need for a ''positive'' image.

It's expected to be an opportunity for some of Phuket's business leaders to air their views about the Phuket English-language media, and for the media to respond.

Governor Tri's personally-signed letter of invitation opens the door to a frank discussion about the role of the media on Phuket.

When news is reported in the Thai-language media on Phuket, it's usually less abrupt than the English-language media tends to be.

On Phuket in the Thai language, criticism of authorities is rare.

The English-language media, with its international audience, tends to apply international standards to the way it covers news on Phuket.

This is the way news is reported in most democracies these days - in a straightforward, honest fashion.

Good journalism around the world is accepted as being about reporting the news in a fair and balanced way, without fear or favor.

Phuketwan intends to keep raising all important issues associated with Phuket's future, and to report them openly and honestly, just as we have often done in the past.

These issues include the safety and security of residents and tourists, the number of needless drownings, the jet-ski scams, the high fares of tuk-tuks and taxis, the chronic corruption, the privatisation of the beaches, and the lack of concern shown about many of these problems.

Our ''positive'' coverage of Phuket in the recent past includes establishing what's fact and what's fiction about Phuket.

These recent positive reports include:

..A factual rejection of a scaremonger's account that suggested there were 50 unexplained deaths among expats on Phuket in the past few months;

..The regular unrestrained criticism of travel alerts that falsely portrayed Phuket as an unsafe place to visit.

..A sustained rebuttal of the allegations by ill-informed authorities who suggested that people on Phuket eat elephants.

..The appropriate response that was required to the latest allegations in Singapore and Sweden that Phuket is an unsafe destination for tourists.

No other Phuket English-language media outlet has done more to dispel the false reports that have been spread about Phuket.

At the same time, no English-language media outlet has more honestly and accurately reported about Phuket and its problems.

We look forward to hearing more about what Phuket's business community has to say about fairness and balance - and to reporting in detail what's said at the meeting.

Phuket's Pleasant Surprise: Police Chiefs Mass to Start Jet-Ski, Tuk-Tuk Rip-Off War

PHUKET: Senior national police joined a top-level meeting on Phuket today as action began to end rip-offs and scams and restore Phuket's reputation.

The ''Phuket Model'' will not only obliterate the rip-offs and scams that have plagued Phuket tourism but also serve when the time comes to clean up Pattaya, Samui and Bangkok, Phuket business leaders were told today.

''We are here to end the mafia's influence on Phuket,'' said Thailand's second most highly ranked policeman, Deputy Police Chief Lieutenant General Pansiri Prapawat.

The murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on Phuket may have been random and coincidental but it appears to have been the last straw for Phuket's would-be reformers.

In the wake of the savage killing by would-be bag snatchers on June 20, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered police to fix Thailand tourism's reputation.

Today at Provincial Hall in Phuket City, Phuket business leaders looked on as the largest assembly of police leaders Phuket has seen gathered to keep the PM's promise.

Represented at today's historic Phuket summit were not just police superintendents and commanders from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and neighboring provinces, but from every province in Thailand with a connection to tourism.

The meeting is the culmination of two-and-a-half years of continuous pressure for change from tourists who made complaints to honorary consuls and to embassies.

Ambassadors from Europe, Australia, the US and China have persuaded Mrs Shinawatra and her government to end the corruption and make Thai tourism clean again.

First in line for action, it is believed, will be Phuket's jet-skis, where scams have continued despite one local authority claiming that an insurance scheme has solved the problem.

Phuket tuk-tuk drivers with a reputation for thuggery and hidden weapons are likely to be next.

The vast number of illegal taxis on Phuket, where high fares are demanded out of proportion to distances, now seem certain to be turned into a modern, effective network eventually.

Deputy national Police Chief Lieutenant General Pansiri chaired today's meeting.

Phuket Police Commander Major General Chonsit Wadhnawarangkun was there, with police chiefs from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

Lieutenant General Pansiri and other police chiefs are to meet the PM on Friday to bring her up-to-date on progress, the meeting was told.

Phuket's Deputy Land Transport Director, Wanta Pumararoskon, said that deadlines had been set for Phuket's illegal taxis to be registered, beginning at the Central Festival shopping mall's cab rank at 2pm today.

A deadline has been set of 2pm on Friday when illegal ''black'' taxis based in Thalang can register, followed by a July 11 deadline for taxis in Patong and the surrounding Kathu district.

Phuket's Pleasant Surprise: Police Chiefs Mass to Start Jet-Ski, Tuk-Tuk Rip-Off War

PHUKET: Senior national police joined a top-level meeting on Phuket today as action began to end rip-offs and scams and restore Phuket's reputation.

The ''Phuket Model'' will not only obliterate the rip-offs and scams that have plagued Phuket tourism but also serve when the time comes to clean up Pattaya, Samui and Bangkok, Phuket business leaders were told today.

''We are here to end the mafia's influence on Phuket,'' said Thailand's second most highly ranked policeman, Deputy Police Chief Lieutenant General Pansiri Prapawat.

The murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on Phuket may have been random and coincidental but it appears to have been the last straw for Phuket's would-be reformers.

In the wake of the savage killing by would-be bag snatchers on June 20, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered police to fix Thailand tourism's reputation.

Today at Provincial Hall in Phuket City, Phuket business leaders looked on as the largest assembly of police leaders Phuket has seen gathered to keep the PM's promise.

Represented at today's historic Phuket summit were not just police superintendents and commanders from Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and neighboring provinces, but from every province in Thailand with a connection to tourism.

The meeting is the culmination of two-and-a-half years of continuous pressure for change from tourists who made complaints to honorary consuls and to embassies.

Ambassadors from Europe, Australia, the US and China have persuaded Mrs Shinawatra and her government to end the corruption and make Thai tourism clean again.

First in line for action, it is believed, will be Phuket's jet-skis, where scams have continued despite one local authority claiming that an insurance scheme has solved the problem.

Phuket tuk-tuk drivers with a reputation for thuggery and hidden weapons are likely to be next.

The vast number of illegal taxis on Phuket, where high fares are demanded out of proportion to distances, now seem certain to be turned into a modern, effective network eventually.

Deputy national Police Chief Lieutenant General Pansiri chaired today's meeting.

Phuket Police Commander Major General Chonsit Wadhnawarangkun was there, with police chiefs from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Chiang Mai and Pattaya.

Lieutenant General Pansiri and other police chiefs are to meet the PM on Friday to bring her up-to-date on progress, the meeting was told.

Phuket's Deputy Land Transport Director, Wanta Pumararoskon, said that deadlines had been set for Phuket's illegal taxis to be registered, beginning at the Central Festival shopping mall's cab rank at 2pm today.

A deadline has been set of 2pm on Friday when illegal ''black'' taxis based in Thalang can register, followed by a July 11 deadline for taxis in Patong and the surrounding Kathu district.

Phuket's Big Wet; New Thai Budget Air Brand Coming; Games Logjam; ManU NY IPO; Phuket Events

METEOROLOGISTS are forecasting an 80 percent chance of rain for Phuket on Wednesday with storms likely to continue through until Friday.
PHUKET: A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

nationmultimedia.com Thai Airways is working with budget sister Nok Air to launch a new low-cost regional airline by the middle of next year. It will avoid the word 'Thai' to give it a more international image. THAI Smile will be launched this Saturday with its first flight to Macau.

Phuket Update Heavy rain continued to fall on Phuket City today after an overnight dousing. Thunderstorms are forecast for all of Phuket for the next few days.

bangkokpost.com As Bangkok prepared for another two days of heavy monsoon rains, scientists got 200 million baht for an atmospheric study.

nationmultimedia.com Six overseas tourists and four other people were killed when their bus, bound for the pier to the full moon party holiday island of Phangan, blew a tyre at high speed, veered into a divider strip and slammed into a power pole before flipping into a ditch.

afp British airport operator BAA admitted that immigration queues at Heathrow Airport, the main gateway for the London Olympics, have been "unacceptably long" in recent days. Some passengers were forced to wait for two and a half hours for passport checks at the west London airport, which will welcome around 80 percent of the athletes, officials, fans and media coming for the Games.

independent.co.uk Britain's Moors murderer Ian Brady is under observation in hospital after being taken acutely ill at the high security psychiatric unit where he has been held since 1985.

bangkokpost.com The Constitution Court has ordered the 416 lawmakers and cabinet ministers who voted in support of charter amendment drafts to justify their decision in writing within 15 days.

nationmultimedia.com After a rumor that Thaksin Shinawatra asked Pheu Thai Party not to fight if the Constitution Court objects to the charter amendment bill, a Pheu Thai MP confirmed that Thaksin wants the party to accept the court's ruling.

nationmultimedia.com Encouraged by the success of properties in Had Yai and Pattaya, Tune Hotels is opening its first hotel in Bangkok on October 1. ''Next up will be the resort island of Phuket,'' a spokesperson said.

cnn.com A prisoner release announced by Burma (Myanmar) authorities includes at least 24 political detainees, a prisoner rights group said.

Agencies Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has brushed off orders from Myanmar's government to stop calling the country ''Burma,'' a name widely used by democracy campaigners to defy the former junta.

bangkokpost.com Airports of Thailand said the eastern runway, one of Suvarnabhumi's two runways undergoing overlays since June 11, will be fully operational on August 2, one week ahead of schedule.

AP A 52-year-old man from Thailand has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after federal agents say they found him with child pornography at a Las Vegas airport. Manu Panatkul was sentenced to 78 months behind bars after pleading guilty to transporting child pornography.

thescottishsun.co.uk Comic Chris Dangerfield has secured sponsorship for his Fringe show about sex tourism in Thailand - from an escort agency. The 40-year-old's show is about his seven-week trip to romp with vice girls in the Far East.

cnn.com China is planning to ban shark fin soup from being served at official banquets in a sign the country may be losing its taste for the expensive delicacy. According to Chinese media, the ban could take up to three years to implement.

thewest.com.au An investigation by Channel 7's 'Today Tonight' tested Balinese showers, taps, swimming pools, Kuta beach, ice and a popular water park and found the water was essentially as good as what holidaymakers would find at home.

afp Thirteen Paris landmarks attracted more than one million visitors last year but the Notre Dame Cathedral with 13.6 million was top choice and far ahead of the emblematic Eiffel Tower, the city's tourism office said.

theage.com.au When one newspaper makes a factual error, the others should point it out. It is likely to make the competitors more careful about being accurate in the future - something that is in everyone's long-term interest. And more reliable papers might win more readers.

afp Spanish Formula One driver Maria De Villota was fighting for her life after suffering serious injuries during a crash in testing for the Marussia team in Britain.

AP Manchester United filed a registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to hold an initial public offering of stock and become a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.

theage.com.au Four-time winner Serena Williams beat Wimbledon titleholder, Petra Kvitova, 6-3, 7-5 to move through to the semifinals.

smh.com.au Fourth and fifth seeds Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, indefatiguable Spaniard David Ferrer and Germans Florian Mayer and Philipp Kohlschreiber joined earlier arrivals Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Mikhail Youhzny in an all-European last Wimbledon eight.

July 18-22 Phuket Raceweek

July 21-22 Toyota motor racing at Saphan Hin, Phuket City

July 29 Health International Phuket Marathon

August 2 Asarnha Bucha public holiday

August 3 Buddhist Lent Day

August 12 HM The Queen's Birthday

September 12-15 Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition, Patong

September 24 Mahidol Day

October 14-23 Vegetarian Festival

November 24 Laguna Phuket Triathlon

November 28 Loy Kratong Day

December 1 World AIDs Day

December 1-8 King's Cup Regatta

December 5 HM The King's Birthday

December 10 Constitution Day

December 15-20 Patong carnival

December 25 Christmas Day

November 14-21 Fourth Asia Beach Games, Phuket

Phuket's Big Wet; New Thai Budget Air Brand Coming; Games Logjam; ManU NY IPO; Phuket Events

METEOROLOGISTS are forecasting an 80 percent chance of rain for Phuket on Wednesday with storms likely to continue through until Friday.
PHUKET: A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

nationmultimedia.com Thai Airways is working with budget sister Nok Air to launch a new low-cost regional airline by the middle of next year. It will avoid the word 'Thai' to give it a more international image. THAI Smile will be launched this Saturday with its first flight to Macau.

Phuket Update Heavy rain continued to fall on Phuket City today after an overnight dousing. Thunderstorms are forecast for all of Phuket for the next few days.

bangkokpost.com As Bangkok prepared for another two days of heavy monsoon rains, scientists got 200 million baht for an atmospheric study.

nationmultimedia.com Six overseas tourists and four other people were killed when their bus, bound for the pier to the full moon party holiday island of Phangan, blew a tyre at high speed, veered into a divider strip and slammed into a power pole before flipping into a ditch.

afp British airport operator BAA admitted that immigration queues at Heathrow Airport, the main gateway for the London Olympics, have been "unacceptably long" in recent days. Some passengers were forced to wait for two and a half hours for passport checks at the west London airport, which will welcome around 80 percent of the athletes, officials, fans and media coming for the Games.

independent.co.uk Britain's Moors murderer Ian Brady is under observation in hospital after being taken acutely ill at the high security psychiatric unit where he has been held since 1985.

bangkokpost.com The Constitution Court has ordered the 416 lawmakers and cabinet ministers who voted in support of charter amendment drafts to justify their decision in writing within 15 days.

nationmultimedia.com After a rumor that Thaksin Shinawatra asked Pheu Thai Party not to fight if the Constitution Court objects to the charter amendment bill, a Pheu Thai MP confirmed that Thaksin wants the party to accept the court's ruling.

nationmultimedia.com Encouraged by the success of properties in Had Yai and Pattaya, Tune Hotels is opening its first hotel in Bangkok on October 1. ''Next up will be the resort island of Phuket,'' a spokesperson said.

cnn.com A prisoner release announced by Burma (Myanmar) authorities includes at least 24 political detainees, a prisoner rights group said.

Agencies Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has brushed off orders from Myanmar's government to stop calling the country ''Burma,'' a name widely used by democracy campaigners to defy the former junta.

bangkokpost.com Airports of Thailand said the eastern runway, one of Suvarnabhumi's two runways undergoing overlays since June 11, will be fully operational on August 2, one week ahead of schedule.

AP A 52-year-old man from Thailand has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after federal agents say they found him with child pornography at a Las Vegas airport. Manu Panatkul was sentenced to 78 months behind bars after pleading guilty to transporting child pornography.

thescottishsun.co.uk Comic Chris Dangerfield has secured sponsorship for his Fringe show about sex tourism in Thailand - from an escort agency. The 40-year-old's show is about his seven-week trip to romp with vice girls in the Far East.

cnn.com China is planning to ban shark fin soup from being served at official banquets in a sign the country may be losing its taste for the expensive delicacy. According to Chinese media, the ban could take up to three years to implement.

thewest.com.au An investigation by Channel 7's 'Today Tonight' tested Balinese showers, taps, swimming pools, Kuta beach, ice and a popular water park and found the water was essentially as good as what holidaymakers would find at home.

afp Thirteen Paris landmarks attracted more than one million visitors last year but the Notre Dame Cathedral with 13.6 million was top choice and far ahead of the emblematic Eiffel Tower, the city's tourism office said.

theage.com.au When one newspaper makes a factual error, the others should point it out. It is likely to make the competitors more careful about being accurate in the future - something that is in everyone's long-term interest. And more reliable papers might win more readers.

afp Spanish Formula One driver Maria De Villota was fighting for her life after suffering serious injuries during a crash in testing for the Marussia team in Britain.

AP Manchester United filed a registration statement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to hold an initial public offering of stock and become a listed company on the New York Stock Exchange.

theage.com.au Four-time winner Serena Williams beat Wimbledon titleholder, Petra Kvitova, 6-3, 7-5 to move through to the semifinals.

smh.com.au Fourth and fifth seeds Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, indefatiguable Spaniard David Ferrer and Germans Florian Mayer and Philipp Kohlschreiber joined earlier arrivals Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Mikhail Youhzny in an all-European last Wimbledon eight.

July 18-22 Phuket Raceweek

July 21-22 Toyota motor racing at Saphan Hin, Phuket City

July 29 Health International Phuket Marathon

August 2 Asarnha Bucha public holiday

August 3 Buddhist Lent Day

August 12 HM The Queen's Birthday

September 12-15 Quiksilver Thailand Surf Competition, Patong

September 24 Mahidol Day

October 14-23 Vegetarian Festival

November 24 Laguna Phuket Triathlon

November 28 Loy Kratong Day

December 1 World AIDs Day

December 1-8 King's Cup Regatta

December 5 HM The King's Birthday

December 10 Constitution Day

December 15-20 Patong carnival

December 25 Christmas Day

November 14-21 Fourth Asia Beach Games, Phuket

Phuket's Coconut Island Adapts Property Sales, Joins Holiday Club

PHUKET: Chris Gordon, the owner of the Village Coconut Island development on Koh Maprao, off Phuket's east coast, reveals some changes in a personal message in the latest June Village News.

Here's what he had to say:

For me this is a very exciting newsletter, which I am writing to all of our past guests, without all the lovely glossy pictures! If you have not been back for a while please check out the website to see our new features and types of accommodation.

The last few years have been very tough for most people, including us at The Village. We were promised mainland power over two years ago and it still has not arrived, but we are now confident that by the end of this year it will be on its way.

The problems of running The Village while construction is still ongoing, is almost a thing of the past. All we have left to do is finish the golf course and furnish the last 36 two bedroom pool villas.

Over the last year we involved Absolute to manage our property sales. This has now been terminated. All forms of property sales, will now be managed by our own in house team.

So this is what brings me to what I believe is the most exciting development for The Village and our guests. Since the world financial crisis, which started in 2007, the justification for buying a second home based on capital appreciation and rental return has all but disappeared.

However, there has been a huge growth in Holiday clubs, Timeshare and Partial Ownership. In other words investing in a future lifestyle.

In order for anyone to buy into a lifestyle investment there needs to be ''value''. Many people enjoy holidaying in the same place each year, but ultimately want flexibility of where and when they travel.

So I am delighted to say, that, we are now a fully approved member of Interval International, The World's leading holiday exchange company, with over 2600 properties in 75 countries, featuring many major five-star hotel chains and exclusive resorts.

There is a lot more to them than this, but let us tell you more when you come and visit us again.

We are truly confident that you will love our holiday club and all the Interval benefits. So we are doing an exclusive offer for our past guests only.

The prices are per night, inclusive of tax and service charge, and are on a room/villa only basis. Pre-booked breakfast is 350 baht per person over two and represents a 30 percent saving on our walk-in rate. Space, at these prices, is limited.

Bookings must be made before August 31, 2012. Christmas and New year have minimum five-night stay and compulsory dinner (circa 5,000 p.p). Chinese New Year is blacked out.

Phuket's 2.6b Baht Convention Centre 'Going to Chiang Mai Instead'

PHUKET: Serious concerns are held on Phuket that the long-awaited Phuket convention and exhibition centre will be built in Chiang Mai instead.

''We need this project on Phuket but from what we've been hearing, it is becoming less likely to be built here,'' said Bhuritt Maswongsa, Vice President of the Phuket Tourism Association and a man who usually has his ear close to the ground.

Despite the mobile Cabinet meeting on Phuket earlier this year when Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra offered encouragement to future Phuket infrastructure, there has been no formal endorsement or funding for the convention centre.

With Chiang Mai in the heartland of Thailand's ''red'' zone and Phuket still very much a ''yellow'' stronghold, the fear is that the project will go north.

''In strictly financial terms, it's difficult for the government to justify building the centre on Phuket,'' Khun Bhuritt told Phuketwan. ''They need the centre to earn two or three billion baht within three years of opening.

''Phuket International Airport is already bursting at the seams. It is simply not possible to increase the flow of tourists to Phuket any faster. Chiang Mai is the logical alternative, economically and politically.''

Such a move would shock resort brands to the north of Phuket where the exhibition project has been anticipated with glee.

''Phuket may well have to consolidate and improve the value of its appeal,'' Khun Bhuritt said. ''The better the product, the more value Phuket will have without the need to constanty boost numbers.''

Phuket's bid for the 2.6 billion baht project that would go on low-lying land not far from Mai Khao in Phuket's north is bogged down in the Finance Department, awaiting approval. Environmental considerations also have yet to be resolved.

The Director of the Regional Treasury, Phuket, Tamrong Tongtan, says nothing more has been heard about the Phuket centre for months and there was no guarantee it would go through.

Khun Bhuritt says Phuket may be better off concentrating energy on developing the ''Romance Road'' north through Phang Nga province to Ranong, on the border with Burma, and south to Satun.

Enhancing the road would provide tourists with a green route through some of Thailand's most appealing countryside.

Phuket's Drowning Toll: Chinese Visitor Dies on Night Swim at Patong

Sign up now for our News Alert emails and the latest breaking news plus new features.

Click to subscribe

Existing subscribers can unsubscribe here

By Chutima Sidasathian and Alan Morison PHUKET: A 19-year-old Chinese tourist drowned while swimming off Patong beach on Phuket last night despite rescuers' efforts to find him and save him.

A female tourist sounded the alarm on the famous west coast beach about 8.30pm last night. A jet-ski headed out, found the man after a short, desperate search, and brought him back to the beach, where tourists performed cpr in vain.

He was named as Tinqi Li, and he became the seventh tourist drowning on Phuket beaches since May 18 - an alarming number for a year-round beach holiday destination.

He was the second young tourist to drown in that period while swimming on Patong beach at night. American Joshua Shane, 21, drowned during a night swim on June 12.

Phuketwan and water safety experts have called for greater commitment by resorts and local authorities to end the needless drownings. Warning signs in Chinese are rare at Phuket beaches, where the monsoon season brings dangerous ''rip'' currents.

Holidaymakers who come to Phuket for a beach break are often unaware that the sea can be deadly at this time of year - and many resorts are reluctant to tell them in person on check-in, even though a few simple words in the appropriate language would save many lives.

Some Phuket tourism authorities view the drownings as ''natural,'' others would prefer if the tourists were always blamed. More astute authorities understand the need for prevention and are pressing for resorts to behave more responsibly.

Phuket's lifeguards are overwhelmed by the number of tourists who choose to swim even when red warning flags are flying. They say they need the help of resorts and authorities to make sure swimmers realise their lives are at risk.

One resort where guests are warned about swimming on the beaches suggests that guests are told on check-in: ''We've got a great swimming pool here. Please use it. Swim at the beach when the red flags are flying, and you'll die.''

Unless a more responsible attitude prevails, visitors are not likely to come to Phuket for beach holidays in May and June.

Drownings on Phuket May 18-June 30

June 30 Chinese tourist Tinqi Li, 19, drowns while swimming at night at Patong. A jet-ski rider finds him and pulls him back to shore but cpr fails to revive him.

June 19 Unidentified Western man drowns at Nai Harn as red flags fly. Two Chinese tourists, a man and a woman, are rescued. The man is later identified as Rasmus Beyemann, 72, a Dane who had been living on Phuket for five years.

June 12 American university student Joshua Shane, 21, goes missing at Patong on a late-night swim with friends. His body is found on June 14. Another swimmer requires hospital treatment.

June 8 A tourist from Egypt and a tourist from Kuwait, visiting Phuket, go on a whitewater adventure tour north of Phuket with friends. The friends are rescued when a monsoon-boosted stream overturns their raft. The two men drown.

June 2 A young Thai visitor from Bangkok, Austatiwood Prommarat, 18, disappears into the surf at Patong after he and a relative allegedly hang their shirts on a warning red flag before going into the water. The relative is rescued.

May 31 An American kite surfer collapses in the shallows at Nai Harn, Phuket's most southerly beach, and dies soon after. His death may not have been a drowning but possibly a heart attack.

May 30 Russian tourist Denis Korobogatov, 33, appears to be caught by a ''rip'' tide at Karon beach and is dragged to his death.

May 27 Phuket's lifeguards, absent from Phuket beaches for seven weeks because of a contractual dispute, return to daily patrols of Phuket's 13 most popular west coast beaches.

May 20 On a day's outing to difficult-to-access Freedom Beach, between Patong and Karon, Frenchman Stephane Dacosta, 32, disappears into the water. He washes ashore at nearby Kata beach a day later.

May 18 With lifeguards absent from all of Phuket's beaches, Angelo Piazza, 53, disappears into the surf at Karon beach, south of Patong, and drowns.

The figure of seven beach drownings on Phuket between May 18 and June 30 contrasts with just five drownings recorded for the whole of Phuket - including deaths in ponds and canals as well as beaches - in the first four months of the year.

Add your comment using the form below.

Want an avatar for your comments? Register with Gravatar.

The Phuketwan reporting is so slanted it is beyond reproach.

This is a case of a young thrill seeker swimming in the ocean AT NIGHT!

I doubt any level of warning would have stopped them - common sense should have been the stop gap.

To once again blame the resorts and tourism authorities for this drowning is laughable on the part of the reporter.

The seas during the day light hours right now are NOT deadly as the article suggests.

If you are reading this and thinking about not coming to Phuket due to the DEADLY seas, think again.

Common sense and following the advise of the lifeguards is all you need to do to enjoy the sea around Phuket.

Posted by Bill on July 1, 2012 10:30

Editor Comment:

Resorts entice holidaymakers to Phuket during the dangerous monsoon season. Then the tourists suddenly find, as they try to swim, that they have been misinformed. You may kid yourself, Bill, but don't try to kid us. We've talked to the family and friends of the drowned. We know the causes and the solutions. It's not darkness that makes Phuket's beaches more dangerous at night. It's the same problem in daylight - lack of appropriate warnings by the people who entice the tourists here under false pretences. (By the way, you need to look up the meaning of 'beyond reproach.' Best not to use terms you don't understand.)

These 'night' drownings occur when lifeguards are not on duty, and the beaches are not crowded with tourists who could rapidly raise the alarm.

Perhaps a large warning sign in all languages 'Warning, dangerous thieves on this beach at night' might deter those who want to swim after dark

Simon

Posted by Simon Luttrell on July 1, 2012 10:32

Editor Comment:

Rather than make light of a succession of preventable tragedies, Simon, please tell us what warnings do you give arriving holidaymakers at your establishments.

[quote]
Rather than make light of a succession of preventable tragedies ...
[/quote]

Ed, I was actually speaking with all seriousness. At night there are no lifeguards to warn of the dangers of swimming. It seems that many tourists ignore the 'no swimming/rip current' signs. But would they ignore a sign which cautions them that they may be mugged or robbed if they go down to the beach at night? I think not.

What warnings do I give to my hotel guests? Belief me or not, I do ask all arriving guests where they will be staying next, and I warn them about the danger of rip currents and need to listen to the advice of the lifeguards. I also advise warn them about the dangers of the tuk-tuks and black taxis.

Depending on your take about travel warnings, I'm doing no favours to the Thai Tourist Authorities by speaking out to my guests. But I'd rather tell them the honest truth and hopefully greet them as returning guests, rather than reading about their demise in the sea or treatment in the hospital...

Simon

Posted by Simon Luttrell on July 1, 2012 11:06

Editor Comment:

Phuket needs more signage like a hole in the head. The way to warn tourists about beach dangers is to make it compulsory for the danger to be mentioned on descending flights and compulsory for resorts to mention it at check-in - in the appropriate language

If professional brochures about the nature of the sea, transportation etc. were available I would display them on my reception counter, and I am sure that most hotels would be happy to do the same.
Guests are stressed and tired when they arrive, they want to go straight to their rooms and relax.
At check in they are not interested in listening to endless warnings about swimming, tuk-tuks and other potential problems, and the receptionist's English might be to poor to explain these things.
Therefore brochures is needed.

Posted by Niku on July 1, 2012 13:58

Editor Comment:

Brochures or back-of-the-door warnings are a waste of time. What's needed is a direct verbal warning - in the appropriate language - by a real, live person at check-in. We interviewed survivors who arrived and went for a swim immediately at Karon in the early evening. If there had been a verbal warning, their first hour on Phuket might not have been marred by a death. Brochures are a cop-out. There are too many brochures. If you've attracted guests from China, Russia, Rumania etc to be responsible, the verbal warning must be immediate and it must be in their language. Another brochure at reception? You must be kidding.

dont they have such a line with bouys on it, which splits the dangerous part of the sea from the safe area to swim at?

Posted by me on July 1, 2012 14:51

Frankly I think what can be done by hotels have already been done. Hotel staff have been briefed to warn guests about the sea conditions and to heed the flag warnings as part of their introduction to the hotel - yes a lot of information is given at that point in time, resort map, restaurants, facilities, breakfast hours, happy hours and oh by the way, beach warning. Most guest barely listen during check-in. They just want to get to their room after a long flight. So we also put printed warnings out in the rooms incase they missed it during introduction in a variety of languages.
Travel agents we speak to have also done their homework and their part in warning guests. a large chinese web agent gave clear instructions that the guest is always to be aware of sea conditions before going in and to always heed the warnings by local authorities. Flag colours are explained clearly in their language.
Monsoon periods are also clearly indicated in another Aussie travel agent's website and guests are once again told to be careful of conditions and advised to heed warnings.
But sometimes there is really nothing you can do, when the sky is so perfectly blue, the seas perfectly calm on the surface, the guest just don't believe the lifeguard who told them that the sea is dangerous and refused to heed the warning not to get in. What really can you do then?

Posted by May on July 1, 2012 15:34

Editor Comment:

The answer to your question is: A bit more. It's people's lives you are talking about. It's also possible you are speaking on behalf of one hotel and imagining that other hotels do the same. What you can do is make sure that all resorts behave responsibly. We know for a fact that it's not the case. It also wouldn't hurt to have a prominent warning trolley in the doorway headed 'Today's Beach conditions' with the capacity to change the flag color from red NO SWIM to yellow SWIM WITH CAUTION to green SWIM. We repeat: not enough is being done to save lives. Repetitive warnings are the answer - short of closing Phuket's beaches. And if there were that number of drownings on a similar stretch of beaches in Australia in a short period, that's what would happen. Australian visitors are among the least likely to drown. But on occasions, they still do.

Close the beaches is a very good idea. Who will enforce this?
There are not enough police on the island to do proper police work, let along go running up and down the beaches to warn people off.
One suggestion sounded good, but elaborate it to make lines of bouys anchored out to sea and spread them 25 meters apart, in a designated swimming area. Then the people can return from the sea with their proper names, instead of being called," Bob".

Posted by DunB on July 1, 2012 16:16

Editor Comment:

Fixed rips are usually in the same place but moveable rips do just that, so the buoys may one day be over the place they are not meant to be over . . . Too much work for the lifeguards, which is why it's time for airlines, resorts and local authorities to stop pointing fingers and accept joint responsibility. And when the monsoons arrive next May, the lifeguards need volunteers to reinforce the message at resorts and on the beaches. Or close them.

Dear Ed, I do not kidding about brochures. Here is some reasons why.
- A very few receptionists speak all Chinese dialects, Russian, Rumanian etc.
- Guests do not want to listen to common information at check in.
- The top of the check in counter in most hotels are not loaded with brochure stands, so the right illustration will catch attention.
- On request tourists will pick up a brochure in their own language and read it when they have time.

Posted by Niku on July 1, 2012 17:28

Editor Comment:

As we've said, Niku, some tourists have gone straight to the beach after check-in and drowned. Life and death issues are not ''common information.'' Resorts that bring people to Phuket in ''the drowning season'' have an obligation to inform them directly, indirectly, and on a daily basis as sea conditions change. If you are bringing groups from individual countries, it's your responsibility to make sure those people are warned in their native tongue. To have brochures for people to read ''when they have time'' is a cop-out.

Ed... it is a practical idea that all resorts should properly inform each guest arriving. But the fact of the matter is that Hotels and Resorts, in the mainstay, won't do it. It would be tantamount to them saying Phuket is not safe this time of year in the waters (which it is not) but that would mean driving visitors away which means a serious drop income.

You can say all you like, but the truth is Phuket is nearing, if not arrived at, a breaking point where tourists will avoid the place because of the lack of care.

If the Tourism Authorities cared one iota they would make it compulsory for Hotels and Resorts to warn all guest - but this such a poor track-record of implementing anything remotely to aid the tourists, this is unlikely to ever happen.

Posted by Graham on July 1, 2012 18:05

What about the people who not travel in groups, there is actually a lot of them.
Tourists who just arrive to a hotel and book a room for a few nights. How can they be informed in their own language?
PS. Last words in this debate from me.

Posted by Niku on July 1, 2012 18:17

Editor Comment:

Independent travellers have usually done more research and are less reliant on ''team leaders'' to do their thinking for them. I agree, smaller places have greater difficulty in complying. Perhaps Club Med could record warnings in the 35 languages of its staff members, and make them available to all other resorts? ''Oh, you're from Transylvania? Hang on while I press this button . . . ''

I commend the tourists who attempted CPR. Trying to revive a dead person is a very traumatic thing.

Posted by Joe on July 1, 2012 22:00

Phuket's Reputation Being Ruined by Lies and Those Who Spread Them

By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian
PHUKET: Exaggerated reports in Sweden and Singapore are damaging Phuket's reputation with lies about tourism safety and security that require immediate action by Thailand's government. The biggest lie of all is being carried in Sweden's popular 'Aftonbladet' newspaper, quoting an inflammatory online report. The report says: "Phuket is now one of the world's most dangerous places for foreign and domestic tourists and businessmen.

''Armed gangs, some tuk tuk drivers, some jet ski-rental companies, travel agents, etc., is controlled largely by criminal elements and Phuket is no longer safe for foreigners and Thais."

There is no evidence to support this comment.

Phuketwan has been led to the simple conclusion that the publishers of the website are carrying out a vendatta against Phuket.

The Thai government should act accordingly, demand a correction from the publishers, and punish them appropriately.

While the 'Aftonbladet' newspaper report also carries a calmer response at the end of the article, putting Phuket and its problems in perspective, it's not ethical and responsible to headline the article "One of the world's most dangerous places" and highlight the false allegations.

The entire article should have been presented in a more balanced way.

Indeed, Phuketwan came across the outrageous claims made by the Singapore website earlier this week and did what all intelligent readers should do: ignored it completely.

Now that these scaremongers are generating false information about Phuket through the world's mainstream media - 'Aftonbladet' once had a reputation for balanced journalism - it's time for the Thai government to take action.

Most sensible people recognise that the murder of Australian Michelle Smith was a random act that did not indicate a deterioration of safety levels on Phuket.

Police have chosen to announce action to make Phuket even safer by cleaning the island up, ending scams and rip-offs - hardly cause for this kind of unfair and illogical media reaction.

Add your comment using the form below.

Want an avatar for your comments? Register with Gravatar.

Sensationalist journalism. I'm just glad we never see any of that on this site.

Posted by chrisT on July 1, 2012 10:49

Editor Comment:

Thanks, chrisT. Nothing but the truth here.

What?

This article does not make any sense to me.

I am a frequent visitor to Phuket and have been reading this site for years and it seems like the article is talking about this site not some Swedish or Singaporean site.

There are several news stories that I have read in Singapore that quote from Phuketwan as its source when reporting that Phuket is a dangerous place.

How are the reports exaggerated if the source is a Phuket news site like Phuket wan???

Most overseas news looks for local reports like those here on this site and re-write the copy. You can't complain that another news site is destroying Phuket's image when they got the news from here.

Posted by Joe on July 1, 2012 10:50

Editor Comment:

We never exaggerate. We have always taken a strong stand against scaremongers, fake travel alerts, and fools who claim people on Phuket eat elephants. Please produce the report where we say ''Phuket is a dangerous place.'' Perhaps you just don't have the ability to sort accurate information from inaccurate information, Joe.

Wow. Some exaggeration in the Swedish paper no doubt. Take it down three notches though and it is quite close to the truth. I have even detected PW getting weary of all that goes on. Neverthess politically good to be outraged. The Swedish report is unlikely to affect tourism much though. its their number one destination I believe.

Posted by andrew on July 1, 2012 11:00

Editor Comment:

andrew, I'm sure you recognise a good beat-up when you see one. The original source is what's really over the top. Stringing one isolated incident together with other isolated incidents . . . outrageous and unfair. And likely to be followed up in the British press any minute!

would be nice, to read the name of the Singapore website. Probably, it is blocked already?

Posted by ??? on July 1, 2012 11:11

Editor Comment:

We don't direct readers to websites filled with lies. And we're no longer holding your hand.

Ed - I would lie to see your point, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass...

Posted by CharlieD on July 1, 2012 11:20

Editor Comment:

With your head where it is, CharlieD, you obviously can't tell the difference between ''lie'' and ''like''. Typing must be difficult . . . and probably painful, I hope.

(moderated)

Posted by PhuketExpat on July 1, 2012 12:25

Editor Comment:

We have no interest in your anonymous slurs against PW and your self-interested claims. Find the courage to act or accept the situation. Our aim is to improve Phuket, not fight your battles for you.

i think all the better.... truth or not , the fact is this... Phuket is not safe with the current level of policing ...it is time to bring the police force up to an acceptable international level .. an example ..today is Sunday see how many cops u see patrolling , or after dark , or in the rain ....this cleanup is way overdue...IMO

Posted by chris on July 1, 2012 12:47

Editor Comment:

Phuket doesn't have enough police, which in many ways is a sign that the island is a relatively peaceful, law-abiding place for the vast number of people who either live on Phuket or visit the island.

The headline is an exaggeration but the rest pretty close to the truth. friends recently came back from their 1st trip to Patong never to return after having drinks spiked.

Posted by Dave on July 1, 2012 12:57

Editor Comment:

Where are their names and the police report, Dave? Forgive us for assuming that, as this is your first post and it's free of intelligent thought and details, you're trying it on.

(moderated)

Posted by Jesse on July 1, 2012 13:21

Editor Comment:

Ah, scaremaster Jesse. What took you so long? Sorry, your thoughts have not suddenly become worthy of dissemination, then, now or ever.

Please elaborate on the following quote:

"The Thai government should act accordingly, demand a correction from the publishers, and punish them appropriately."

The Thai gov'nt should punish a Swedish newspaper?!

Obviously, you have lived in Thailand too long. In Sweden, the government does not punish newspapers for writing "wrong" articles. Perhaps the newspaper should be punished by Saudiarabia as well, as it wrote badly about Sharia?

Geez...

Posted by Ruandakid on July 1, 2012 13:25

Editor Comment:

We were talking about the online source quoted by 'Aftonbladet,' where the claims are totally false and misleading, in a calculated fashion. But 'Aftonbladet' erred by publishing the claims, then almost as an afterthought, knocking them down. This is tabloid journalism at its worst. Grab the audience by the throat . . . then tell them you're a good friend. The Thai government will, I am sure, take appropriate action. Swedes don't respect outlets that mislead in such appalling fashion. Singapore doesn't want to be associated with online sites that maliciously spread lies about neighbors. To lead on to religion is something only a fool would do.

There are always those news websites or sources that downplay problems. Local government, TAT and Thai media in general tend to belittle the problems of Phuket.

The report in Aftonbladet is more or less the opposite extreme, exaggerating its severity.

It's like if you combine Fox and Al-Jazeera you get BBC.

PW strikes a good balance in unbiased reporting but I think this outburst against Aftonbladet is a bit over the top. I have seen no similar outrage on PW against local authorities and news outlets that equally downplay the problems.

That said, I would rate PW in fairness and balanced reporting at the level of BBC and above many others for going the extra mile and talking to the source directly instead of relying on third party information.

Posted by Andrew on July 1, 2012 14:24

Editor Comment:

Aftonbladet has taken a report that they must have suspected was inaccurate and gave it maximum oxygen before knocking it down. That's not fair and balanced. It's irresponsible. The Thai government has every right to be upset at that kind of tabloid approach, and even more upset at the lies in the original source. Sins of omission are less of a problem.

I agree with you it is irresponsible but it can partly be blamed on the growing frustration at the inaction and lip service given by local authorities on Phuket.

It does not justify it but many are fed up with the stall tactics and may even resort to what Aftonbladet did.

In no way do I condone it but I understand why something of that kind ended up being published.

Had the problems on Phuket been addressed in a professionaland timely manner, such reports would simply be laughed at as pure fantasy.

As of now chances are many will indeed believe it to be true because of many problems on Phuket remaining unchanged or even getting worse.

Posted by Andrew on July 1, 2012 14:58

Where there is smoke there is usually a fire, too.

Posted by Bjarne on July 1, 2012 15:05

This negative pupliceringen of Phuket on Aftonbladet's just one of 10-15 and has gone on the past year, it is defenitift something that I and many others have noticed. Certainly, there have been something in the head office. Maybe a journalist was cheated on vacation? or have they lost a large advertiser.

Posted by Martin on July 1, 2012 15:22

Editor Comment:

Aftonbladet has the readers and the revenue to support its own research. I think they had a series on Phuket and Thailand earlier this year, highlighting the negatives. To pretend that the source site has validity is a problem if Aftonbladet wishes its readers to treat it as a reliable source.

Every country has it tabloid rags that exist on dramatic journalism that over exaggerates, bordering on lies. However, there may be an element of revenge at perceived lack of action by Thais, on a variety of issues, over a period of time, including 'unsolved' murders such as the Norwegian 4 years back. It is not acceptable, but it is clearly happening. I am more intrigued by fellow ASEAN country, Singapore, getting in on this act. That is not usual.

Posted by Logic on July 1, 2012 15:49

Editor Comment:

I think it's just a lapse in normal standards at 'Aftonbladet.' The source, though, is outrageous mischief.

"Most sensible people recognise that the murder of Australian Michelle Smith was a random act that did not indicate a deterioration of safety levels on Phuket."

There are an awful lot of so called random acts.

While I haven't read either of the other news articles it has to be said that Phuket is not the safe destination it once was.

While the Authorities are once again beating the 'We're going to clean Phuket Up" drum it doesn't alter the fact that over the last 10 years alone I've been listening to the same lip services.

What has occurred is that the death of Michelle Smith has stirred an awful lot of officials to make statements of what they intend to do - intention is one thing - action is something entirely different and the latter has always proved most difficult for the ineffective administrators.

Posted by Graham on July 1, 2012 18:13

Editor Comment:

There are not an awful lot of so called random acts, except in the imagination of those who link one event to another and find themselves scared witless. Phuket remains an extremely safe destination, as the Australian ambassador said on Friday. Scams and rip-offs certainly convey the wrong impression. Most expat victims, though, have been murdered by other expats. As many expats have been charged with killing Thais in the past couple of years the other way around. As you are tossing up thoughtless notions, you might as well consider how much safer Phuket would be without the expats.

"We never exaggerate." Just perfect.

Posted by Sam W on July 1, 2012 18:17

IMO All negative comments about Phuket are good, because MAYBE the government will do something. Which they haven't done so far.

As many readers quote on here - All we see are meetings and lip service and never any action. - A lie or not.. depends on perspective surely.

I can't imagine one person in Phuket, who doesn't think the criminal act of Phuket needs to be cleaned up and this maybe the only way it happens.

Posted by Tbs on July 1, 2012 19:18

Editor Comment:

A lie doesn't ''depend on perspective,'' tbs. There are lies and there is the truth. To encourage the lies that you like only indicates that you are probably prepared to tell them, or to live them.

Take it easy Mr M and your trusty side kick deputy ed Mr CS because you are going to pop a vein .I now how you pair love to tell everyone else their wrong and you know best but I don't think I've ever seen you ever get so worked up and have such a hissy fit. I can't believe you've put a sarcastic comment after every one of your devoted readers comments they can't all be wrong can they. Miss Smiths dastardly attack wasn't that random was it an innocent 37 year old English man was stabbed on that very same day by thugs on Phuket near Chalong/Rawi or is that pure fantasy read your most viewed section. I will no doubt be moderated but what the heck.

Posted by Scunner on July 1, 2012 19:41

Editor Comment:

We don't have hissy fits, just relatively constant dismay and amazement at how far some readers stray from logic and intelligence. And here you are again, spouting that ''they can't all be wrong, can they,'' and that two knife attacks in one night proves . . . well, whatever you seem to think it proves. All it proves, Scunner, is that some readers are deservedly objects of dismay and amazement.

I have said it before and I will say it again. I feel safer in Phuket than I do in the single street which is the entertainment strip in Darwin, where I live.
To me Phuket is no more dangerous than any other city today and a lot safer than most.

Posted by Arthur on July 1, 2012 22:25

ha ha never heard so much bull s**t in my life,phuket one of the most dangerous places in the world{a joke]. Try visiting london, paris ,eastern europe or manila you will get more bother there than in phuket. I always go to patong as a lone traveller and i have never had any trouble. i love the country. As for drink spiking just be a bit streetwise, buy your own drink, try buying it in bottles and never leave your drink unattended. I travel a lot and thailand is the safest country i have visited, i will be back to patong in september, so all the scaremongerers, get a life.....south london

Posted by Darren walker on July 1, 2012 23:37

No offence, but Aftonbladet is entitled to it's opinion like any other newspaper. This is called freedom of speech. As of course with many articules (however distaceful they may be), they certainly have the right to report on oustanding issues which Phuket is now facing.

If you feel that strongly about a paertcular article which could possibly misrepresent say a place like Phuket then of course you do have the option of emailing the editor directly to lodge your complaint (if of course you have not done that already) I'm sure if it is valid then they will explain why they printed such an article and be able to give a full account of their findings. Otherwise just dismiss it and move swiftly onto the next thing.

Posted by reader on July 2, 2012 02:56

Editor Comment:

There's a difference between news reporting and opinion/news analysis. This was calculated to deceive readers. Too much deception and Aftonbladet will find its readers move on to the next thing.

Mr. Editor...You remind me of quite a few of the individuals with crustacean mentalities that post on Yahoo...Your condescending and near hateful after comments are nothing less than deplorable.You sir should learn some journalistic manors and set examples...not degrade or denigrate.Every person here has the right to a voice and a view point, (within so called guide lines)...If you do not agree with a particular opinion the just leave it...No need for 3rd grade mentality, 85 IQ, chest puffing. One more thing and I will even tell you to your face...Phuket is a cesspool...just like BKK and Pattaya...Until the police are brought to task, stop turning their heads, stop taking payoffs and do the job they are supposed to be doing then there will always be the black cloud hanging over that island. My own wife will not even visit there...We live in Phan. I am a retired boat builder/designer. My wife is a physics professor...Life is quite nice here...Not one third the crap here as in Phuket. That place should have been completely washed away in the Tsunami...Save the lives lost...

Posted by Ted Davis on July 2, 2012 03:37

Editor Comment:

It's odd how people on their second post suddenly become experts about Phuketwan, its editor and everything else known to humankind. Your comment just shows, Ted Davis, how living with a physics professor in Phan does not necessarily improve one's spelling or one's ability to stick to the point. I do hope your cooking is good. What's Yahoo?

Ed, your making your news site into a laughing stock. Not your articles, but your responses to comments. You sound like a old man shouting at kids, "get off my lawn"...
Ive been reading pw for a while, it's getting worse

Posted by Frankie on July 2, 2012 04:19

@Darren; I agree south London is a dump and getting worse; full of aggressive people; this country is overcrowded and will sink; that is why I am leaving asap.

Posted by Mal on July 2, 2012 05:43

Actually it has some points, most tuk tusk do have weapons , well known fact and surprising that something isn't done about it. look at the number of deaths each year of foreigners tourist and expats! it is a dangerous place.

Posted by Dave66 on July 2, 2012 08:17

Editor Comment:

What a load of rubbish, Dave66. People wonder why I respond to readers who offer opinions like yours. It's because you're spouting nonsense. But don't worry, most people will agree with you.

I just read the original Aftonbladet report (I speak fluent swedish) and once one gets past the sensationalist headline, it's surprisingly accurate.

They offer opinions with which I don't agree but the cases they refer to have been well published.

Had they chosen a more factual headline their report would be take more seriously.

Perhaps it was meant to provoke action from the authorities. It's quite obvious that pleading, reasoning and negotiation isn't getting any changes done.

Posted by Andrew on July 2, 2012 09:05

Editor Comment:

Are you saying, Andrew, that it's ok for a reputable Swedish news site to republish and repeat information that's plainly untrue?

The headline in the original article: Phuket, Thailand: Crime Capital of Asia

The introduction: If you are headed to Thailand for holidays you will have a great time, with one exception, avoid Phuket at all costs. For fun, investment or business Phuket is far too dangerous for tourists.

The main paragraph: Phuket is now the one of the world's most dangerous destinations for foreign and local tourists and businessmen . . . Phuket is no longer safe to visit for foreigners or Thais.

Is repeating and spreading lies what reputable Swedish newspapers do these days?

No, of course not.

I'm not Swedish so I don't know what their local media does on regular basis but where I come from near by we have an authority that monitors media. They do intervene when blatant lies or misrepresentation takes place. I assume they have a similar agency in Sweden. With a bit of googling I'm confident you could find it and file a complaint.
Being a reputable journalist yourself I'm sure you would be taken seriously.

I was not able to find that original Singaporean article but republishing reports by other news outlets, sometimes precicely for the reason of being inaccurate is something I occasionally see on PW too.

To your credit you usually add your own comments correcting what you believe to be wrong so the reader is not misled.

To call Phuket the crime capital of Asia is ridiculous. I just happen to be in Manila and though a frequent visitor here with no negative incidents so far, the danger is obvious and gripping.

Never felt anything like that in Phuket. What worries me most in Phuket is the unwillingness of the police and many locals to assisst foreign victims of crime when the suspect is a Thai.

IMHO a change in that particular attitude is more important than any increase in officer or security camera numbers.

I think Aftonbladet has succeeded in one aspect though - to spark conversation. To such an extent that even PW decided to write an article about their article about another article.

Perhaps that was their true intention.

Posted by Andrew on July 2, 2012 09:33

Editor Comment:

We have published this kind of article before, but only when others get it wildly wrong. Aftonbladet also appears to have overlooked the intervention of Bangkok's top police officers, with a comprehensive plan to end scams and rip-offs on Phuket. That would at least have been an appropriate follow-up. Why does a quality newspaper settle for giving oxygen to this kind of coverage instead of doing its research, properly?

We've made our point. But I would be surprised if the Thai government doesn't pursue the matter.

Thanks for sticking to the issue.

The "rating" also appears on major online websites. Phuket usually makes the top 10. A quick internet search will demonstrate that. These ratings are based in large part on perceptions, and right now, the public image of Thailand has taken a hit in some of its tourism major markets. No doubt, people will put such concerns aside if the price is right. Unfortunately, the prices keep climbing in Phuket and sooner or later the tipping point will eventually be reached. other major tourist destinations had to find out the hard way before they took concrete action. Phuket could quickly restore its reputation if it just took some small actions such as reining in the taxi/tuk tuk free for all and the motorbike and jetski scams. The laws are already in place. All it needs now is honest enforcement.

Posted by ryan on July 2, 2012 11:47

Exaggerated or not. I have lived in Thailand for 14 years now 12 of those in Phuket.

I have noticed an increased level of violence particularly in the last 5 years.

Not only against Tourists and Expats but also between Thai's themselves.

Not a week passes without hearing about motor bike theft, burglaries.

Aggressive violent attacks.

Topped by the on going Tuk Tuk, Jet Ski illegal taxi scams.

Perhaps some reports are exaggerated but centrally not all.

Most of us that live hear do so because we love the Island.

But increasingly disturbed by the levels of crime.

Posted by dub on July 2, 2012 13:39

In other countries they would be considered as simple moves to clear the situation but here unfortunately it seems to be impossible to do this simple moves.

Uncounted times listed by so many readers: Taxi & tuk tuk scams, overcharging, jet skies, beach vendors, corruption...

Get rid of these ' problems ' and the island's image will change automatically but TIT...

Posted by Resident on July 2, 2012 16:41