xinhua Thailand's government has ordered the army to prepare armored cars in a move to retake areas occupied by red protesters in central Bangkok, an army spokesman said.

bangkokpost.com The army spokesman used the term rod hum gror which generally refers to armored humvees. He said there were an estimated 6000 to 8000 red protesters in central Bangkok.

bangkokpost.com Thai Airways International is considering fare discounts, letting ticket holders bound for Thailand switch to other destinations within the airline's network at low fees, and offering international flights directly to Thai destinations outside Bangkok [which may include Phuket].


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

variety.com Summit Entertainment has acquired most worldwide rights to 'The Impossible,' starring Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor, based on a true story during the 2004 tsunami in Thailand. Production will begin in August in Alicante, Spain, and move to Thailand [probably based on Phuket] in October.


independent.co.uk Many members of Britain's general insurance industry are refusing to cover cancellations or visits to Thailand, leaving travellers unable to claim if they travel and unable to claim if they don't. This week Thomas Cook and Kuoni cancelled Thai holidays, offering customers refunds or re-booking. For independent travellers, the situation is less clear. Airlines are still flying to Bangkok and anyone asking for a refund is likely to fail. Around 800,000 British people visit Thailand every year, sampling Bangkok or beach resorts such as Phuket and Samui


bangkokpost.com PM Abhisit Vejjajiva plans to unveil a national reconciliation road map which he says will end the political stalemate with the red shirts, including plans to bring forward the dissolution of the House. Mr Abhisit told foreign journalists he would announce details of the road map in one or two days.


abc.net.au Thailand's cabinet has held emergency talks after another grim prediction that the country could be on the brink of civil war without international mediation. Leading global think tank the International Crisis Group says Thailand's political system seems incapable of ending violent protests that have gripped Bangkok for two months.


guardian.co.uk PM Abhisit said he had no plans to declare martial law despite demands for the government to take firmer measures to end protests. In a concession, demonstrators shifted tyre barricades to allow a hospital on the edge of their encampment to reopen.


thejakartaglobe.com Thailand usually welcomes up to 15 million visitors a year and tourism contributes about seven percent of the country's gross domestic product. But the political strife will likely reduce that number. Thailand is surrounded by competitors looking to grab a piece of the tourism pie, with Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia all experiencing double-digit growth in arrivals.


straitstimes.com Former Thai premier Thaksin Shinawatra belied persistent rumors of his death, telling The Sunday Times on the phone that he was very much alive. Thaksin said: ''You're talking with a man, not a ghost.'' Speaking from an undisclosed location, he went on to castigate the Thai government for ''ungentlemanly'' tactics such as broadcasting ''propaganda'' through its own media outlets while shutting down critical media.


nationmultimedia.com When Thaksin was asked why his family members were wearing black while travelling overseas, he said he had not seen his ex-wife for two years. The political fight was no longer about him, Thaksin reiterated. The interview came hot on the heels of his talks with international media.


news.sky.com Australian PM Kevin Rudd has been following porn sites online - all because of an inadvertent setting on his Twitter account. According to the Herald Sun newspaper, other profiles followed by the premier include sex show webcams and a gay resort in the Phuket region.


cnn.com The US Embassy and the British Foreign Office have warned citizens about the possibility of terror attacks in India. ''There are increased indications that terrorists are planning imminent attacks in New Delhi,'' the US alert said. ''Terrorists have targeted places in the past where US citizens or Westerners are known to congregate or visit.''


guardian.co.uk American Jacob Weisberg writes: I'm not sure why anyone would want the job of British prime minister for the next several years. But evidently, a few people still do.


scmp.com The Airport Authority in Hong Kong is looking at introducing controversial full-body scanners, which show images of passengers under their clothes, as part of stepped-up efforts to combat terrorism.



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.

May 4 from 6pm at Friendship Beach in Rawai, tribute will be paid by musicians who played with Ton Kelsey-Stead.
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 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