PM YINGLUCK returned from Phang Nga in a fast-moving convoy two abreast down Phuket's Thapkasattri Road this afternoon. One observer noted the fresh and clean look of Phuket's roads for a change and said: ''It's a pity the PM can't visit every day.'' She was due to open an OTOP Fair at 3.30pm.


PHUKET: Phuket tourism and business leaders plan to explain Phuket's needs to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra when they meet her later today.

The island's 21st century chiefs hope that Khun Yingluck's team is about to end what some view as 50 years of neglect of Phuket by Bangkok governments of all colors.

PM Yingluck looked serious when she emerged from Phuket International Airport today and noted protesters on the doorstep.

In 2009, on a private visit to award scholarships to Phuket regional students, Khun Yingluck had to leave a Phuket hotel by the rear entrance to avoid a political protest by yellow-shirts.

Today's protesters were friendlier, seeking her help to alleviate rising electricity and water prices and land titles for the Phuket region's poor.

At 5pm today, after a trip to Phang Nga, Khun Yingluck will meet Phuket business and tourism leaders briefly before her official welcome.

The Secretary General of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Dr Sirichai Silpa-Ar-Cha, said that the plan for a single four-lane higway from Krabi all the way to Ranong was high on the list.

Among other items up for discussion: the possibility of more land reclamation at Saphan Hin in Phuket City to find a use for treated garbage; a light rail link extending from Phuket airport to Chalong Circle; a rail extension from Surathani to the Sarasin Bridge linking Phuket to Phang Nga; self-administration under a special economic zone for Phuket; a world-class sports complex.

Senator Tunyaratt Achariyachai, leader of the Senate Standing Committee on Tourism, is likely to press for the saving of Phuket's beaches. A couple were recently described by members of the committee as ''looking like slums.''

On Tuesday, Cabinet meets on Phuket for the first time since 2003. It's the third in a series of upcountry meetings which began with Chiang Mai on January 15 and Udon Thani on February 22.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung was due to meet senior Phuket police this afternoon, with drugs a likely topic. The PM and Cabinet are scheduled to return to Bangkok on Tuesday afternoon.