PHUKET could have a population of more than one million unregistered Thais and Burmese - making its total resident population more than 1.3 million, plus tourists, Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said today.
He was speaking at a crisis meeting called in Phuket City to solve the issue of Phuket's most pressing money problem - the growing imbalance between government income and the number of Phuket residents.
The governor's estimate that unregistered Thais and Burmese could total above 800,000 or even one million is the highest figure so far suggested by a government official.
With just 347,664 registered citizens (164,822 males, 182,842 females), Phuket struggles to cope.
The official number of registered citizens has increased by less than 10 percent under the past three governors, while the unofficial tally has rocketed out of all proportion.
Thailand's central government calculates its ''spend'' for infrastructure for each province on the basis of registered citizens.
With the highest minimum wage in the country and the prosperity generated by tourism, Phuket continues to attract more residents from other parts of the country, as well as legal and illegal Burmese laborers.
Today's meeting at Provincial Hall of local council leaders, police, Airports of Thailand and other officials set up a committee to brainstorm the issue and from the end of May to begin promoting the benefits of registering on Phuket.
A mobile van will go from resort to resort and to district centres to try to gain more registration signatures.
Warship to Anchor off Phuket: More Due SoonHe was speaking at a crisis meeting called in Phuket City to solve the issue of Phuket's most pressing money problem - the growing imbalance between government income and the number of Phuket residents.
The governor's estimate that unregistered Thais and Burmese could total above 800,000 or even one million is the highest figure so far suggested by a government official.
With just 347,664 registered citizens (164,822 males, 182,842 females), Phuket struggles to cope.
The official number of registered citizens has increased by less than 10 percent under the past three governors, while the unofficial tally has rocketed out of all proportion.
Thailand's central government calculates its ''spend'' for infrastructure for each province on the basis of registered citizens.
With the highest minimum wage in the country and the prosperity generated by tourism, Phuket continues to attract more residents from other parts of the country, as well as legal and illegal Burmese laborers.
Today's meeting at Provincial Hall of local council leaders, police, Airports of Thailand and other officials set up a committee to brainstorm the issue and from the end of May to begin promoting the benefits of registering on Phuket.
A mobile van will go from resort to resort and to district centres to try to gain more registration signatures.
Latest The first of several US warships has been confirmed as arriving on Phuket with an aircraft carrier and accompanying vessels also now drawing closer.
Warship to Anchor off Phuket: More Due Soon
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Latest An expat who stole a camera from tourists swimming at a Phuket beach is nabbed. Beach attendants warn that expat on expat thieving is on the increase.
Phuket Expat Thief Nabbed Stealing at Nai Harn
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Latest More lifeguards than ever before are now on Phuket's 13 most popular west coast beaches as numbers at Karon and Patong especially are increased.
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Latest One night in Bangkok made a hard rain tumble. Now FC Phuket has six minutes to score three or perhaps even four goals to save defeat. Unless the rules say different.
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Scams, Rip-Offs, Touts: Phuket 'in Danger of Decline,' Warns Aussie Veteran
Latest Extortionate prices, jet ski scams and tuk tuk rip offs are putting Phuket's future as an attractive destination for Australians at risk, says a veteran tour operator.
Scams, Rip-Offs, Touts: Phuket 'in Danger of Decline,' Warns Aussie Veteran
So does that mean the government (BKK) are so inept they cannot make an exception to the rule for Phuket? Or do they not believe the figures that people are saying?
What excuse are the government officials giving that they won't increase the budget for Phuket?
Surely they know this is where ALL their money income comes from. Phuket IS the second richest area for income to Thailand behind only BKK.
Surely they must realise if they don't protect the people in Phuket, especially tourists worse things will happen as we see in the news everyday.
Common sense anyone?
Posted by Tbs on April 28, 2011 09:48