THE CEO of a Phuket group of resorts has called for a greater variety of tourism activities, more control over development and an end to corruption on the island.
Javed Shaikh heads Horizon Hotels and Resorts, which has two establishments in Patong and a third in Karon.
''Do we have to wait to talk about our island's problems only when they appear on the BBC or CNN?'' he asked during an interview with Phuketwan ''When will we wake up?
''Don't you think everybody knows what's going on in Patong? ''Everbody knows what's going on, every department knows what's going on, and who is doing what.''
He said that the jet-ski rip-offs may have received international media attention recently, but the issue had been there for a long time. And it was not just about jet-skis.
''Rent-a-cars, motorbikes, tuk-tuks . . . people have been complaining for many years about these things, about tailors harassing them on the streets.''
One case Mr Shaikh mentioned involved a guest who returned a hire-car, to be faced with a large bill for ''scratches.'' The guest was due to fly out that day, had no time to negotiate through authorities who may have been able to help, and so had the choice of paying up or missing the flight.
''If something bad happens to us, We will come back and tell our family and friends as well,'' he said.
''People who are supposed to actually stop these things don't stop them. And when you complain, they get upset with you for complaining. I think we should address these things before people suffer.''
Drownings at beaches in the monsoon season, especially at Karon:
''We have to be honest. Maybe sometimes out of our own selfishness, we try to avoid these kinds of topics for financial benefit. For four or five months, the weather is so bad it's a big risk to go into the sea unnecessarily. I think it's stupidity on the part of the tourists as well. When they see the red flag, they shouldn't go. I think the tourists themselves have to be careful. You see a red flag, you have to respect that. But maybe we could do more, I think.''
Why Phuket needs to have more year-round activities:
''India and China economically are growing a lot . Indians are not so much interested in watersport. Other places have good zoos, aquariums. There are a lot of things we need to do where people can play for long periods of time, too. For two or three days, people will want to come to Phuket. Many people do not come for the beaches. Visitors will come and go to Phi Phi for a day trip, and also go to Phuket FantaSea. What else is there to do? Phuket has a long way to go. If our infrastructure is not proper and if we are going after quantity, not quality . . .''
The economy: still a long way to go for recovery:
''I think the next high season is going to be the worst that I have seen. People giving 60 percent or 70 percent discounts is not good for the long term. People seem intent on quantity, not quality. We might end up becoming just like what happened to Pattaya. The economic cycle comes and goes. We should always think long-term. Just blindly reducing the prices doesn't make sense. What I am more worried about is the image of Phuket.''
The need to control development so the island does not become a big, rambling city:
''Phuket is one of the best-known islands around the world now, although we have a long way to go. It depends how we go. We still don't have all the top resort brands. If we maintain infrastructure, if there is just construction, construction everywhere, this will become more like a commercial island rather than for tourists. I think commercialisation is necessary, but only to a certain limit. Once it crosses over we will be more like a city, rather than being an island. That feeling will not be here. When I first came here and you drove from Karon to Patong, you had to overtake one or two cars. Now there's too much traffic.''
He adds: ''This is my home. So it's very natural that I want everything on Phuket to be the best.''
Horizon is a Phuketwan sponsor.
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CommentsAdd your comment using the form below. Unedited footage of the JJ boatyard scene has just been posted on YouTube which clearly shows him bringing the gun out as a joke. The production company edited the footage to make it appear that he was holding it in a threatening manner when he clearly wasn't. This should help keep him out of jail! Footage is here:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuPGNyKdR7U Posted by Ivan on Monday October 12, 2009 at 18:27 excellent! i agree 100% with that statement! its sad that in thailand there is no problem discuss culture. and if somebody speaks up he is a chai ron. but dont want we all the same? the best for the island and we have to see how its going down from year to year. its to much everywhere...i hope somebody can stop this nightmare Posted by Mike on Monday October 12, 2009 at 21:33 Mr Shaikh is defining a discussion that Phuket itself must have on many things but especially on development, or should, I say, over development. Posted by rfdunedin on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 03:17 Kudos, Mr. Shaikh. Posted by Philip on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 08:03 whats your problem Ivan? its not important that the movie is maybe not 100% real. The truth is, and i live 4 years here already, that the scams are real! there are many cases. Posted by Mike on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 10:41 Have to agree with Mike. Why is ivan defending jj? is he a friend? Ivan, read what he is charged with if you dont remember he is charged with Extortion with menace ie using threats to steal money how can you defend this? In the uk are waiting to see what message the court system will send out to the west. Posted by billy dale on Tuesday October 13, 2009 at 14:34 Where am I defending JJ? I don't condone him ripping people off for jetski damage. I was merely pointing out the what was aired on the so called Reality TV programme was edited to give a false impression of what actually happened. Posted by Ivan on Thursday October 15, 2009 at 17:26 Ivan: The fact remains that the Marines were in a threatening situation. JJ produced a gun after saying: 'Motherf...kers no going to mess with me' and referring to the Marines as 'mun' Posted by Andrew on Friday October 16, 2009 at 10:13 About 8pm last night I was at the corner of Kata beach resort where the taxi drivers wait, when a pick up truck reversing fast smashed into the front of a mini van. Posted by Michael on Friday October 16, 2009 at 21:42 Locals Turn Lifesavers to Spare Phuket Drownings Latest Prompt action in wild surf led to a spate of rescues at Phuket beaches on a day when there could easily have been multiple drownings. Safety of residents and tourists remains uncoordinated. Locals Turn Lifesavers to Spare Phuket Drownings Phuket Deadline Means End for Illegal Jet-Skis Latest Unregistered jet skis, also hired out on Phuket by operators of registered jet skis, are to be banned as the island seeks a way of ending scams that have damaged Thailand's image. Phuket Deadline Means End for Illegal Jet-Skis Jet-Ski JJ Case Delayed as Scam Plot Thickens Latest The court case involving jet ski operator Winai ''JJ'' Naiman has been postponed as local authorities and Phuket's jet ski industry prepare for a key meeting. Jet-Ski JJ Case Delayed as Scam Plot Thickens Phuket Tourists Accused of 'Lost Goods' Scam Phuket Latest Phuket jet ski owners are accused of trying to extort money from tourists, and some tourists in turn attempt scams of their own. Take the latest case involving five Israelis. Phuket Tourists Accused of 'Lost Goods' Scam Phuket's Big Buddha: Now With Uplifting Garudas Phuket Attractions Completion was expected in 2009 but a new vision for Phuket's Big Buddha means it will take another two years. And it will be truly spectacular for visitors. Phuket's Big Buddha: Now With Uplifting Garudas New Murder Evidence: Video Shows Patong Killing Shock Video The case against four men charged with murder took a surprise turn yesterday when police were presented with a video of the Patong killing. New Murder Evidence: Video Shows Patong Killing Two Phuket Attacks: Expat Raped, One Escapes Updating Report One expat woman has been raped and another narrowly escaped in separate sex attacks on Phuket within 24 hours. Police are not sure whether one man or two is involved. Two Phuket Attacks: Expat Raped, One Escapes Bangkok Arrivals Boost Good for Phuket, Too Arrival Statistics A revival appears to be in the making as Phuket's high season looms. Figures from the national airport hub show good times should be achievable again. Bangkok Arrivals Boost Good for Phuket, Too |
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Well Well WellL It is about time someone stood up. Well done Horizon Beach Resort, some of the others just turn a blind eye .
hip hip horay
Posted by Peter J Notley on Monday October 12, 2009 at 18:09