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

nationmultimedia.com The Thai Hotels Association is to survey hotels in 24 districts to force illegal operators to comply with the lodging law implemented in 2008. ''Pseudohotels'' are providing substandard service and security, and hurting the hotel industry's image. After Bangkok, the campaign will go to Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai.

afp US President Barack Obama's administration said it looks forward to alleged Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout's ''speedy extradition'' to the US from Thailand. But Bout's defense lawyer plans a last-ditch legal challenge.

upi.com Singapore Airlines said it would outfit its fleet with mobile phone and Internet connectivity starting in the first half of 2011.

bangkokpost.com A colonel in the eastern region considered an ''influential figure'' is to be investigated by the army over the seizure of two Suvarnabhumi airport car park buildings early on Friday morning. Airports of Thailand has decided to terminate a concession to manage the parking lots.

allheadlinenews.com Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono canceled his state visit to the Netherlands amid fears of possible arrest after a separatist group called for a court to detain him. Indonesian authorities crushed the group after it declared independence in 1950, and allegedly violated human rights.

gulf-times.com Thailand currently holds 38 percent of the world's market share of patients travelling for medical and wellness care. International traffic of patients resulted in more than 920,000 travellers visiting Thailand annually, a Medical Health and Wellness roadshow revealed.

scandasia.com The Rapper/ artist "Ribkat" and band members were asked to leave their Nasa Vegas Complex Luxury Hotel in Bangkok because as they were told by the hotel manager ''they had to respect the Hotel policy which is to discriminate against blacks and Indians''. The hotel staff and manager also refused to refund the amount they paid up front for their hotel rooms.

tradearabia.com Centara Hotels & Resorts, a member of the Dubai-based Luxury Hotels by Dnata, is opening a brand-new hotel in Phuket on October 15 - the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket. Accommodations consist of 262 guestrooms and villas. All guestrooms have a balcony with sea view, and Deluxe Spa rooms have a Jacuzzi on the balcony.

thephuketinsider.com The InterContinental Hotels group has signed the 241-room Pan Pacific Bangkok which will go under the Crowne Plaza brand.

japantoday.com Flash floods in Indonesia's West Papua Province this week have killed at least 56 people and left 24 missing.

southalltravel.co.uk Thailand and Vietnam have launched a new initiative designed to encourage more tourists to visit the two countries. Co-headed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the One Million Tourists in 2015 project will involve joint shows to widen the region's overall appeal.

bbc.co.uk Hungary says it will take more than a year and cost tens of millions of dollars to clear up the damage caused by toxic sludge which burst from a reservoir. Four people were killed by the debris which cut a swathe a kilometre wide, engulfing nearby villages.

ukpa A gay Saudi prince murdered his servant in a ferocious attack with a ''sexual element,'' a court has heard. Saud Abdulaziz bin Nasser al Saud killed Bandar Abdulaziz in the London hotel room they shared. The 34-year-old denies murder.

trizone.com.au Chris Kemp is going to do some great things in triathlon and he is one to watch. Chris is racing in Noosa, Australia, as a lead up training event for the Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship in Phuket.



IBAP meets on Friday to discuss Phuket economics and politics with Bill Barnett and Alasdair Forbes on the discussion panel. Catch them at the Thai Naan restaurant, on the Central Festival corner, from 7pm.

October 8 IBAP panel on Phuket's economy, Thai Naan restaurant, Central Festival corner, 7pm.
October 8-16 Vegetarian Festival, Phuket
October 12 Qatar begins daily flights to Phuket
November 2-7 Phuket womens' beach volleyball, Karon beach
November 5 Phuket Charity Pro Am Golf, Blue Canyon
November 19 AustCham at the new Westin Hotel at Koh Sireh from 3pm. E: harry@ladypie.com Tel: 081 2731740
November 21 Loy Kratong Festival
November 28 Laguna Phuket triathlon
December 4-11 Phuket King's Cup Regatta
December 5 Laguna Ironman title
2011
January 6-9 PIMEX boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi