PHUKET is ''80 percent certain'' to have a lightrail transit from the airport to Phuket City before the island hosts the fourth Asian Beach Games in 2014, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said today.

He told Phuketwan that the games would cost 750 million baht and involve 64 nations and at least 20 sports. Most activities would take place on Karon beach and Patong beach over one week in the 2014 high season, he added.

With three Chinese construction companies putting up their hands to build the lightrail, a go-ahead and speedy implementation were likely for the Asian Beach Games, the governor said.

Thailand's Cabinet will discuss the final budget for the Games next Tuesday, but the organisers have asked for a 750 million baht spend. Governor Tri is to put Phuket's case directly to the Prime Minister.

Approval of 500 million baht from Cabinet is anticipated. The rest of the funding is expected to be raised by the Ministry of Tourism and Sport and local Phuket authorities.

Governor Tri said ''more than 10 billion baht'' could come Phuket's way as a result of the Games and its aftermath.

''This is a very good chance for Phuket to prove its capacity to be a world sports centre, and to solve some of the enduring infrastructure problems of the island as a result,'' he told Phuketwan.

Next week Governor Tri will begin the Games campaign trail by telling authorities, businesses and vendors in Patong how Phuket's main tourist town needs to improve its game for the Games.

Governor Tri said he would take the opportunity to discuss the reversal of the Patong one-way system with Mayor Pian Keesin. ''Police tell me they are against the reversal and fear it will cause more problems,'' he said.

''Beach businesses, jet-skis and associated problems . . . we will need to make sure solutions are found quickly, and permanently,'' he said.

The Games could provide stadiums close to both Karon and Patong beaches that become permanent assets.

All 19 local government authorities, plus representatives from Public Health, Natural Resources and Environment, Tourism and Sport, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Marine Transport, Transport Office, Highways Department and the Phuket Road Office met the governor at Provincial Hall today.

In a recent News Analysis, Phuketwan made a case for campaigning to improve Phuket's beach safety, water pollution and beach cleanliness in the leadup to the Games.

Bali held the first Asian Beach Games in 2008 and the second Games are to be held in Muscat, Oman, from December 8-16 this year. Phuket will be sending representatives as observers, Governor Tri said today.

The third Games are set for Haiyang in 2012. Boracay in the Philippines withdrew its bid for the 2014 Games because of the high entry cost.