A BUSLOAD of Red Shirt supporters rode off Phuket this morning to Bangkok and Chiang Mai. They have promised not to protest on Phuket at the Asean meetings and will not return until after the gathering is over. Governor Wichai Praisa-nob gave 6000 baht towards bus fuel. Passengers said they were planning to visit the pandas at Chiang Mai Zoo.
EXTRAVAGANT media coverage of next week's Asean meetings on Phuket has begun with one source reporting that the island is ''virtually locked down.''
Anyone who has actually been on the island will know that simply isn't true. There are no commandos on every corner. People are moving about freely.
Yet a ''lockdown'' is what Singapore readers are being led to believe is happening on Phuket today online in the Straits Times and at greater length in the newspaper.
The article is accompanied by a Reuters photograph of Thai commandos in a welcoming ceremony, watched by a media contingent, at Phuket International Airport.
They are not ''on guard,'' as the caption suggests.
The Straits Times is a reliable source of news, especially about Thailand. But coverage today exaggerates the military presence.
Yes, there are military on Phuket. Are there 10,000 soldiers on the island? Not on the basis of the deployments that Phuketwan has seen so far.
There are certainly soldiers and checkpoints on the north of the island (along with welcoming flowers, flags and colorful banners).
But tourists are still enjoying the beach walks and the Phuket ambiance as normal, both north and south of the Asean meetings central resort.
The image of Phuket ''virtually locked down'' simply isn't accurate.
On the south of the island, where most people reside and most tourists enjoy holidays in Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai, there are no signs of a military presence.
The difficulty is that Thai officials have been forced to project the image of an island under tight security because of the Pattaya fiasco.
Internationally, faith in Thailand's ability to hold an important summit needs to be restored.
But in projecting a ''strong'' image, media coverage may produce just what Phuket's tourism industry does not want: creation of the impression that Phuket is jam-packed with armed law enforcers.
Security may intensify as the arrival of more Foreign Ministers from 27 countries draws closer.
The bombings in Jakarta certainly demand an upgrade in security checks. Will Phuket be ''locked down'' then? We can't say because we don't know.
Is Phuket ''virtually locked down'' now? On one half of the island, there are no soldiers to be seen.
Is that a ''lock down''? No, we don't think so.
The dictionary definition of a lockdown is ''confinement of prisoners to their cells for a temporary period as a security measure.''
ASEAN Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan has confirmed that Phuket will be the venue for the Asean Plus Six summit meeting of 16 national leaders in October. He added: ''I can assure you all that Thailand's preparation on the security arrangements is superb. I am confident that the meeting will proceed without disruption.''
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SOUND Phuket Opening Party: Photo Special
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EXTRAVAGANT media coverage of next week's Asean meetings on Phuket has begun with one source reporting that the island is ''virtually locked down.''
Anyone who has actually been on the island will know that simply isn't true. There are no commandos on every corner. People are moving about freely.
Yet a ''lockdown'' is what Singapore readers are being led to believe is happening on Phuket today online in the Straits Times and at greater length in the newspaper.
The article is accompanied by a Reuters photograph of Thai commandos in a welcoming ceremony, watched by a media contingent, at Phuket International Airport.
They are not ''on guard,'' as the caption suggests.
The Straits Times is a reliable source of news, especially about Thailand. But coverage today exaggerates the military presence.
Yes, there are military on Phuket. Are there 10,000 soldiers on the island? Not on the basis of the deployments that Phuketwan has seen so far.
There are certainly soldiers and checkpoints on the north of the island (along with welcoming flowers, flags and colorful banners).
But tourists are still enjoying the beach walks and the Phuket ambiance as normal, both north and south of the Asean meetings central resort.
The image of Phuket ''virtually locked down'' simply isn't accurate.
On the south of the island, where most people reside and most tourists enjoy holidays in Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai, there are no signs of a military presence.
The difficulty is that Thai officials have been forced to project the image of an island under tight security because of the Pattaya fiasco.
Internationally, faith in Thailand's ability to hold an important summit needs to be restored.
But in projecting a ''strong'' image, media coverage may produce just what Phuket's tourism industry does not want: creation of the impression that Phuket is jam-packed with armed law enforcers.
Security may intensify as the arrival of more Foreign Ministers from 27 countries draws closer.
The bombings in Jakarta certainly demand an upgrade in security checks. Will Phuket be ''locked down'' then? We can't say because we don't know.
Is Phuket ''virtually locked down'' now? On one half of the island, there are no soldiers to be seen.
Is that a ''lock down''? No, we don't think so.
The dictionary definition of a lockdown is ''confinement of prisoners to their cells for a temporary period as a security measure.''
ASEAN Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan has confirmed that Phuket will be the venue for the Asean Plus Six summit meeting of 16 national leaders in October. He added: ''I can assure you all that Thailand's preparation on the security arrangements is superb. I am confident that the meeting will proceed without disruption.''
Phuketwan Latest News
SOUND Phuket Opening Party: Photo Special
Updating Photo Special Bangkok hi so and Phuket so so met to enjoy a treat of an evening when SOUND Phuket opened its doors and the eyes and ears of hundreds of fans in Patong.
SOUND Phuket Opening Party: Photo Special
Tragic Riddle of Young Tourist's Death in Patong
Updating report A student nurse on holiday on Phuket has died leaving question marks about what caused her sudden demise. A grieving father is looking for answers.
Tragic Riddle of Young Tourist's Death in Patong
Patong Tourist Tells of Sharp Jellyfish Sting
Latest An Australian tourist has told of a marine sting that took place in the sea off Patong, raising concerns about safety as jellyfish numbers increase.
Patong Tourist Tells of Sharp Jellyfish Sting
Jakarta Blasts Will Trigger Phuket Terror Checks
Updating Report As many as three Australians feared dead. Bomb blasts at two hotels in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta are likely to bring intense security on Phuket.
Jakarta Blasts Will Trigger Phuket Terror Checks
Teenager's Death Highlights Plight of Rohingya
Latest Still stateless, the fate of a group of Rohingya boat people remains uncertain on the eve of human rights talks on Phuket. One has died, others seek escape.
Teenager's Death Highlights Plight of Rohingya
Economy: Phuket Remains a Pear-Shaped Pearl
Economic Analysis Waiting for the tourists to float from the sky seems to be popular with Phuket's cargo cult. Others show more energy and chase the cash flow. Which way is up, and when?
Economy: Phuket Remains a Pear-Shaped Pearl
AseanWATCH: Expat Loses Cool at Checkpoint
Latest Who's a Checkpoint Charlie then? The first case of an expat losing his cool over security delays fills the air with expletives, but fortunately not lead.
AseanWATCH: Expat Loses Cool at Checkpoint
Another example of how officals think they are doing the right thing but don't think / confer with others on the right wording for a press release and as per usual shoot themselves in the foot.
Posted by Whispering Jack on July 20, 2009 09:39