NOVEMBER will be Phuket's big bargain month to attract tourist back to Phuket as the high season opens, with prices slashed on holiday packages, shopping, spas - the works.

The island's industry leaders have opted for a package of goodies to drive Phuket's tourism business back to full capacity as rapidly as possible.

Media from around the world will also be flown in so they can see for themselves that Phuket is open for holiday action and fun despite a political deadlock in Bangkok.

Phuketwan has also learned that the spectacular Similan islands, a prime attraction for divers, will be open from November 1 for the first time this year.

The plans to revitalise tourism on Phuket were announced on Wednesday at a large media conference chaired by Tourism and Sport Minister Weerasak Kowsurat.



September and October are key booking months for the November to April period. Occupancy rates on the Andaman coast have dipped in the face of continuing political uncertainty.

Most people in resort management see the setback as temporary. Newly arriving brands, including Courtyard by Marriott, with three new resorts on Phuket planned for 2008, are continuing on schedule.

There is no sign of an investment retreat and stalwarts of the industry are continuing expansion plans in the firm belief that Phuket remains a ''hot'' tropical destination.

Phuketwan has yet to encounter any sign of hesitancy on the part of major investors on the island, although the property industry is bound to share the tourism industry's pain for perhaps a little longer.

Among the believers is Mom Tri's Boathouse at Kata, where beachfront renovations that will change the Gung restaurant into the Oasis On The Sea are almost complete.

The Boathouse also has plans to open a Regatta restaurant at the Royal Phuket Marina in November.



A repetition of last month's invasion of the airport by anti-government protestors is highly unlikely. Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy have accepted that it was a major mistake.

The invasion halted 190 flights, thousands of incoming and outgoing tourists were stranded, and the wrong message about Phuket went out to the world.

Cancellation of more flights and especially conference bookings have continued in the face of the ''state of emergency'' declaration, although it is limited to Bangkok.

Phuket airport was the setting for Wednesday's special media conference, and included most of the leading lights from Phuket and the region's tourism and business worlds.

The Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tourism of the Senate, Tunyaratt Achariyachai, and the New Zealand Ambassador accompanied the Minister, along with a contingent of Bangkok television, radio and press media.

Look for every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. To tell us your news, email bigislandmedia@gmail.com or telephone 081 6513489.

Latest from Phuketwan:

September 5
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September 4
The Prime Minister defends his right to remain in power, and Cabinet follows up with a plan for a public referendum to defuse the political crisis. A referendum may also divide the protestors.

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September 3
Phuket occupancy rates are down from 55 percent to 30 percent and the recovery will take up to two years, a tourism industry leader says. The island and airlines continue to count the cost of the airport siege.

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September 2
With a state of emergency announced in Bangkok, a survey of Phuket resorts indicates that the airport siege cost the tourism industry dearly. One thing is sure: Phuket is no longer the haven from political unrest it was last week.

Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty

September 1
Phuket is flying again. Perhaps not as high as it would like yet, but that will come in time. What was the cost of the airport blockade and what are the lessons for the island? Here's our analysis.

Phuket Flights Return, Island Counts The Cost