PHUKET: A special section at Phuket Provincial Court will open on September 24 to speed cases involving tourists, Santi Palai, Director of Tourism and Sport Phuket, said today.

''It's not a court,'' he said, ''but a service to help tourists resolve court-related issues speedily.''

The office at the court building in Phuket City would be staffed by members of his department, Khun Santi said.

''They will provide translation services and help the tourist to be processed through the court system faster.

''The same circumstances will apply whether it's a civil or criminal case, and whether the tourist is a victim or an accused.''

The service will be for tourists, not Phuket expats, Khun Santi said.

Court cases processed through the Tourism and Sport service are likely to be reported more fully by the media because judgements and mediations should come quickly after incidents and arrests.

In the past, tourists have sometimes been unwilling to pursue some cases because of the delay in the justice process.

Rape allegations especially have been abandoned because the alleged victims quite often opt to head for home.