A deal was struck in talks this afternoon that allows the sea gypsies to get water free for a month from the local Rawai council. The council meanwhile will connect the village to the mains supply, and the sea gypsies will start paying from supplies at the end of a month.
ABOUT 500 locals were blockading Phuket's Rawai Pier intersection in a protest over water supplies today.
Phuketwan was told that the demonstration began about 9am - the first major sign of the effects of lack of water supplies and the social consequences.
Bystanders said that the increasing number of resorts and businesses in the area had forced up the price of water.
But what triggered the dispute was the filling in of a water well that had been the traditional supply for the sea gypsy village at Rawai.
The owner of the land has decided to develop the land, so the well was filled in. The sea gypsies, celebrating their annual sea festival today, gathered in numbers at the Rawai Pier intersection in protest.
During the morning, as often happens with street protests, the food began to cook and the canvas marquees went up.
Police asked for a settlement to be reached before 2pm, so they could clear the road.
Seven village elders were engaged in talks with a Vice Governor of Phuket, Niwit Aroonrat, Phuket Police Commander Major General Pekad Tantipong and local officials.
Photo Album Sunshine, surf and sea. A tourist ventures in, forgetting about the fourth ''S'' . . . safety. Before long, he is fighting for his life. Can this visitor be saved?
Help! Phuket Rescue Team Tested: Photo Special
Phang Nga Riding High on Scandinavian Influx
Phuket's neighboring province is looking forward to a strong high season, which means more visitors must be turning left at the airport intersection and casting their vote for nature.
Phang Nga Riding High on Scandinavian Influx
Phuket Police Slim Down Fat-Thin Knifepoint Robbers
Knifepoint Robber Held Police say they have arrested one half of a gang accused of pulling four knifepoint robberies in Phuket City this week.
Phuket Police Slim Down Fat-Thin Knifepoint Robbers
Phuket Police Warn of Spate of Raids on Houses
Latest Several breakins at homes on Phuket have netted thieves in Patong and Phuket City hauls of jewellery, appliances and cash. The thieves are still on the loose.
Phuket Police Warn of Spate of Raids on Houses
Tourism brings tourists.. Tourists consume resources.. Price of resources rise.. Tourism provides jobs.. Jobs provide income.. Income pays for increased costs.
You can't have it both ways.. Tourists, as much as it seems desired, will not just get off the plane and leave their money at the airport and depart again.
You cannot have both a profitable tourist economy, without an effect on local pricing.
Posted by LivinLOS on October 22, 2010 11:43