PHUKET'S future as a medical hub and a halal food destination will prove to be a big attraction to Middle East tourists, a team making a historic mission to Saudia Arabia told Phuketwan today.

For more than 20 years, Thailand's relationship with Saudi Arabia has been obscured by a row about an intriguing murder mystery and stolen gems of exceptional value.

But tomorrow, after Democrat MPs conclude their regular annual conference at the Merlin Beach Resort Phuket, Thanyarat Atchariyachai, the chairperson of the Senate's Tourism Committee, and the Deputy Minister of Commerce, Alongkorn Ponlaboot, will head off to Saudi Arabia, leading a tour aimed at attracting visitors to Phuket.

Khun Alongkorn told Phuketwan that potential property investment and halal food were Phuket's two big advantages. The group from Thailand - the first official visitors in 20 years, according to Khun Alongkorn - will be in Saudi Arabia until August 4.

A representative from the Thailand Construction Association will be part of the group, checking out job opportunities for Thai construction workers in Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East.

Phuket has more than 50 mosques and about one third of its registered population is Muslim. The importance of providing international-standard halal food has been recognised and the island now encourages visitors from the Middle East without concern about quality.

The low-key tour that begins from Phuket tomorrow could be a major breakthrough after years of animosity over the actions of a Thai gardener with an eye for gems back in 1989.

In the aftermath of the theft of a large bag of jewellery by the gardener, who climbed into the palace of a Saudi prince, three Saudi diplomats in Bangkok were shot execution-style in two different attacks on the same night. Two days after that, a Saudi businessman was kidnapped and never seen again.

In January this year, five Thai police officers were arrested and charged for a murder that is allegedly connected to the 'Blue Diamond Heist', raising hopes that some of the questions surrounding the affair would finally be answered.

The tour group from Thailand probably anticipate a few interesting off-topic questions.