A new daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective. Reports from national and international media, with translations into English from Thai.

Bangkok Post: Senior security officials have raised objections to permitting regional leaders to bring their own armed bodyguards to the Asean summit on Phuket. One source said two security plans were under way, named Thep Satree-Sri Sunthorn 52 and Phuket 09. The only foreign armed guards to ever set foot in Thailand were those accompanying US presidents, the source said. Compromise would come at the expense of Thailand's security image.


New York Times: One of the largest fleets of ships ever gathered idles just outside Singapore, one of the world's busiest ports, marooned by receding global trade. Hundreds of cargo ships bob so empty that they seem to perch on top of the water rather than in it, their red rudders and bulbous noses, submerged when the vessels are loaded, sticking a dozen feet out of the water. So many ships have congregated that shipping lines are becoming concerned about near misses and collisions in the Strait of Malacca, one of the world's most congested waterways.

TNA: Thailand's gross domestic product in the first quarter of this year is expected to shrink 6.5 per cent, the sharpest in a decade, compared to the same period last year, according to Kasikorn Research Center. During the second quarter, the economy is projected to pick up slightly, boosted by government injection of money into the economic system as part of the stimulus package and the expected global economic recovery.

Straits Times: The number of international tourists to Thailand plunged more than 50 percent in the first quarter from a year ago, with the forward hotel bookings also slow because of the H1N1 flu threat, Thai tourism associations reported. Chinese, Japanese and South Korean tourists represented much of the drop in visitor numbers between January and April, Association of Thai Travel Agents president Surapol Sritrakul was quoted as saying. Fear of flu has become the third obstacle to tourism, along with the worldwide economic crisis and internal political problems,

AFP news agency: Thailand has confirmed its first two cases of swine flu, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation hit by the virus. Public Health Minister Witthaya Keawparadai said the patients, both Thais, had recovered. There were no signs that the H1N1 virus had spread. ''There are two confirmed cases, both of them contracted from Mexico,'' Witthaya said. The patients returned separately from Mexico, suffering from mild fever, but recovered after treatment with anti-viral drugs, Witthaya said.

Voice of America: The World Health Organisation says globally at least 61 people have died with more than 4700 cases reported in 30 countries. Fifty-six of those deaths are in Mexico, where life is slowly returning to normal following the end of a nationwide shutdown aimed at halting the spread of the virus. Most primary schools have reopened and in Mexico City, restaurants, bars,and night clubs reopened. Even flower markets were doing a brisk business as fears appear to have eased.

smh.com.au: Air fares are at their cheapest in more than a decade as airlines discount tickets in a contest for budget travellers. One expert calculates that international fares have fallen in Australia on average by 40 percent. He said a range of factors had contributed to the bargains: a fall in demand for first and business class tickets, increased capacity, greater competition and a fall in the number of tourists to Australia. But the main trend has been a shift in consumer sentiment. Passengers are hunting for budget tickets and are not willing to pay the normal fare.

ibtimes.com: (International Business Times) The future of tourism includes ultra-health-conscious hotels, a surge in river cruises, abundant choices for medical trips. And sky nannies, according to a report based on the hottest new travel trends evident at the ITB Berlin show. A total of 11,098 exhibitors from 187 countries spread throughout the centre's 26 halls, with exhibitors including Syria, Yemen, Sudan and Kosovo.


Phuket's 'Rude' Tourist Given Air Ticket to Ride
Latest A mysterious Thai benefactor comes to the aid of British tourist Simon Burrowes, who suffered unfair punishment after swearing at Phuket airport. So long, Simon, and good luck!
Phuket's 'Rude' Tourist Given Air Ticket to Ride

Phuket Jobless Tide Turns: Resort Cuts Loom
Latest The outlook on Phuket is bleak as resorts undergo an occupancy slide that will test the nerves of managers and staff. Unpaid leave is becoming more common, along with uncertainty.
Phuket Jobless Tide Turns: Resort Cuts Loom

Tourists Trek to Phi Phi Despite Deaths Mystery
Latest Young travellers continue to flock to Phi Phi, undeterred by the strange deaths of two young female tourists who occupied adjoining rooms at Laleena Guesthouse.
Tourists Trek to Phi Phi Despite Deaths Mystery

Phuket Private: Inside the PM's Holiday Haven
Take the Tour What is it like inside the PM's choice resort for his weekend holiday on Phuket? Sri panwa provided some shots and we made a trip to see Cape Panwa for ourselves.
Phuket Private: Inside the PM's Holiday Haven

Phuket Red Shirts Speak Out: We Want Peace
Latest Whether there are red shirts on Phuket has been a matter of speculation. Now the island's red shirt leaders are stepping forward, waving a flag of peace, for the Asean Plus Six Summit.
Phuket Red Shirts Speak Out: We Want Peace


MediaWATCH: Report Casts Doubt on Summit
Latest Will the Phuket Asean Summit go ahead? A Singapore report says diplomats have doubts; Ikea on the way to Thailand; Three Phuket resorts win rave reviews; swine flu latest.
MediaWATCH: Report Casts Doubt on Summit

MediaWATCH: More than 100 Resorts For Sale
Latest Swine flu continues to swirl as an issue while the red shirts mass in the Bangkok rain and a report says that more than 100 resorts are for sale in Thailand. Here's Monday MediaWATCH>
MediaWATCH: More than 100 Resorts For Sale