Phuketwan MediaWATCH
A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.
nationmultimedia.com People in the tourism industry perceive the year 2010 as the worst since Thailand opened its doors to foreign visitors 40 years ago. Private-sector observers believe only Phuket will see its ranking secure while traffic to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya and other destinations will continue to slow. Travel operators overseas have adopted Phuket as the country's biggest attraction.
bangkokpost.com The international airline industry is up in arms against Thailand's plan to impose a hefty tax on air travellers, warning it would be counterproductive for a country that relies heavily on tourism. The International Air Transport Association said a proposed 15 percent tax on ticket prices would discourage airlines to operate to Thailand and drive away travellers.
telegraph.co.uk British Benefit cheats who move overseas to enjoy a sunshine lifestyle at taxpayers' expense are to be targeted in a New Year crackdown on ''abroad fraud''. Officials will also make contact with the authorities in countries as far a field as Thailand and Sweden.
bangkokpost.com Anchalee Wanich Theppabutr will definitely be appointed to succeed Korbsak Sabhavasu as PM's secretary-general, PM Abhisit Vejjajiva confirmed. Asked about a report that some MPs were opposed to Khun Anchalee's appointment, Khun Abhisit said he would explain all at a party meeting on Tuesday.
nationmultimedia.com Anchalee, a veteran Democrat from Phuket, has declined to comment on her new job. "This is not yet the time to comment," she said, reminding reporters that she will not assume her new office until after New Year.
theforeigner.no Five men impersonating police allegedly tried to kidnap a Norwegian millionaire in Pattaya. Describing himself as a local property magnate to police, the millionaire managed to escape after shouting for help, and fighting off his alleged kidnappers as they tried to push him into a blue Toyota. The five were pursued and arrested.
torontosun.com A stuntman has been hospitalised in Thailand after he was involved in an accident on the set of 'The Hangover' sequel. Australian daredevil Scott McLean is still in a coma after a stunt went wrong on December 17 , according to the Sydney Daily Telegraph.
todayonline.com One of the survivors of a boat sinking that left four Singaporeans dead and one missing in Malaysian waters said he knew there were life jackets in the cabin - 12, according to his wife - but none of the passengers were wearing them, nor were they asked to.
nationmultimedia.com Thai foreign ministry has alerted its embassies in Kenya and Oman to help Thai fishermen of a Thai bulk carrier captured by Somali pirates. The 27 members of the Thor Nexus was seized in the early hours while on its way to Bangladesh from the United Arab Emirates.
stickmanweekly.com What I wonder about most is just what the big event of 2011 will be. There's a major problem in Thailand every year that affects tourism and causes angst for expats. In recent years we've had SARS and bird flu and a tsunami and an airport closure and street riots and a coup. What will it be in 2011? For sure, there will be something!
globalpost.com Outside Phnom Penh bars, the evangelical teams - made up of male and female volunteers - try to engage passing men in conversation. Ministry volunteers have begun reaching out to ''wayward'' Westerners in the city's red-light districts.
Phuket Coming Events
December 29-January 1 Colorful Phuket Countdown 2011, Phuket City
December 30-January 1 2011 New Year Countdown, Patong
December 30-January 9 Phuket Red Cross Fair, Saphan Hin park, Phuket City
Phuket Coming Events 2011
January 6-9 Pimex boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
January 22 QSI International fun run day at Bang Wad Dam, Kathu
January 23 Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race Day, Laguna Phuket
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi
February 26-27 Phuket Spicy Soccer 7s, Phuket International Academy
March 14-19 ADFEST 2011 at Movenpick Resort, Phuket
March 27 Earth Hour comemmoration on Phuket
Phuket Coming Events 2014
Fourth Asia Beach Games, Phuket
@stickmanweekly.com "What I wonder about most is just what the big event of 2011 will be."
No event is needed this year, so few tourists around that it isn't worth the trouble to scare them away.
Posted by Hotel owner in Patong on December 28, 2010 16:11