aljazeera.com PM Abhisit Vejjajiva has warned of ''clashes and losses'' if anti-government protesters do not end demonstrations that have paralysed large areas of Bangkok. ''The government knows what it's doing. What needs to be done must be done," he said in a regular weekly television address.


A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

presstv.ir In Thailand, the government has called for an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss how to deal with the ongoing political turmoil in Bangkok. A government spokesman says the cabinet will meet Sunday morning in a special session. Meanwhile, the opposition claim more protesters are on their way from provinces to join the red shirts in the capital.

scotsman.com The Brussels-based International Crisis Group said: ''The stand-off in the streets of Bangkok between the government and red shirt protesters is worsening and could deteriorate in undeclared civil war.'' It called on the government and opposition to seek foreign mediation from neutral figures, perhaps drawn from among Nobel peace laureates.

webnewswire.com A Hong Kong government spokesman today (May 1) reminded residents that the Black Outbound Travel Alert for Thailand (Bangkok) is still in force. Residents are urged to avoid all travel to Bangkok. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and avoid protests and large gatherings of people.
As at 5pm today (May 1), the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department had handled six assistance cases after the Black OTA for Thailand (Bangkok) was issued on April 10. The assistance cases involved loss of travel documents in Bangkok and difficulty in arranging earlier flights back to Hong Kong. All the cases have been resolved.
Since March 10, 410 inquiries have been received. They were mainly about the OTA in force, local flight information and the latest situation in Bangkok.

afp The reds have faced heavy criticism after about 100 supporters raided Chulalongkorn hospital on Thursday evening under the mistaken belief it sheltered security forces preparing a crackdown, following deadly street violence. The 1400-bed hospital evacuated most of its patients because of the incident, and red leaders have apologised profusely.

bangkokpost.com Although love motels are scattered all over Bangkok and have been there for decades, little has been published about their real function - something our investigation discovered. They are used not only by prostitutes, but also for various criminal activities. Even some law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies have used these places.

Phuketwan Update The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation held its annual fund-raising ball, One Night in May, at the Andaman Ballroom of Sheraton Grande Laguna on Saturday with hotels, tour operators, restaurants and companies supporting the event by providing an array of fabulous raffle and auction prizes.

theage.com.au The filmmakers of a documentary about Bali beach boys are ''aghast'' at the arrest of 28 men for allegedly selling sex to foreign women. The documentary's Singapore-based director, Amit Virmani, said he found the arrests deplorable. ''A witch hunt for men with tanned and muscular bodies on the beach is the last thing anybody wants,'' he said.

nzherald.co.nz More than six million foreigners visit Bali every year, and the predominantly Hindu island derives 80 percent of its income from tourism. Local officials believe the documentary 'Cowboys in Paradise' has cheapened its image. The Kuta raids in which 28 beach boys were arrested were an effort ''to clean up the beach of prostitution'', according to a spokesman for Bali police. Police have asked Interpol to track Amit Virmani down in Singapore.

antara.co.id While being an international retreat, Bali keeps on maintaining its image so that it would not be tarnished by the immorality aspect of the tourism industry where free sex behavior can thrive. The term ''3S'' or ''Sun, Sea, and Sex'' should never take place in the island of gods.

nationmultimedia.com Q: I'm going to Phuket for the first time and have already booked accommodation in Kata. The hotel can pick me up at the airport for Bt900 but I would be interested in alternatives. Are there taxis from the airport and what is the best way of getting around Phuket? Thanks, Jenny. A: Phuket is a great place to visit but getting around is a major concern for visitors as it's quite expensive. Most visitors agree the island needs to improve its public transportation system.

cnbn.com Up to $58 billion has been pumped into the local economy in preparations for Expo 2010 Shanghai, which runs from May 1 to October 31, with 70 million visitors expected. According to Chinese state-run media, 179 countries and 57 international organisations are confirmed to participate in the Asian nation's first time hosting the event - which began in 1851 in London as the first world's fair.

thestar.com.my When police caught 16-year-old Wu Jin chatting with friends into the wee hours of the morning near her home, they wrote a letter to her parents informing them of her night-owl activities. When her parents received a second letter, Wu Jin was given stricter curfew at home. This is part of a Singapore police initiative to cut juvenile crime and keep teenagers safe - its version of national curfew where any youngster under 17 who is found loitering in public places after 11pm by patrolling officers will be reported to their parents.

express.co.uk Actress Joanna Lumley has launched an extraordinary attack on ''dull'' Britain, accusing the country of being TV obsessed. ''What's happened to us? We seem to have lost our zing in this country. We've got no effort and no energy, no interest in other countries. We don't do anything,'' says the 'Absolutely Fabulous' star. She said people are lazy and only interested in ''watching other people's lives on TV''.

bangkokpost.com While images of deadly clashes in Bangkok have gone around the world, the fallout for tourism to the country's premier resort islands, Phuket and Samui, has not been as bad as feared so far, says Bill Barnett, managing director of C9 Hotelworks. As protests and confrontation in Bangkok become more ferocious, people are now saying 2010 can be written off, but Mr Barnett remarked that hoteliers and other businessmen cannot write off a whole year.




Until May 4 a local products show called 'The Best Thai Products' will be held at Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City. About 250 products are on display, with food available.

Two farewells are taking place for popular Phuket writer-musician Tony Kelsey-Stead, who died of leukemia in Britain recently. On May 2 the Andaman Players will put on a free show at The Green Man pub in Chalong from 6.30pm, with donations welcome for Tony's partner Fon, who is now in hospital. On May 4 from 6pm at Friendship Beach in Rawai, tribute will be paid by musicians who played with Tony.

May 31-June 5 Eight-nation football tournament for players over 55 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City. Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Iran, Armenia competing.
May Annual Phuket seafood festival.
May Date to be finalised for Muay Thai kickboxing competition at Laguna Phuket.
May 21-23 Paragliding on Phuket.
June 4-13 Phuket International Film Festival, Coliseum Cineplex, Phuket City.
June 13 Laguna Phuket International Marathon. Fun runs, too.
July 21-25 Phuket Six Senses Race Week, Evason, Rawai
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta

2011
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi