A very laudable effort but it is a pity that the census is conducted in July/August when most expats with children are on holiday abroad and when at least one fourth of all expat residents are NOT on Phuket and thus cannot be counted.

Posted by Dirk Naumann on July 5, 2010 11:19

How is it that the Immigration Dept., with its severe reporting schedule and meticulous paper-copy appetite, has no idea how many expatriates are living here?
Why do I file an address every 90 days?

Posted by Ripley on July 5, 2010 12:25

"Last year, Phuket's budget was, remarkably, the 72nd smallest of Thailand's 76 provinces."

That is obscene. As much money as Phuket brings in, one would think that the government would want to make sure that the upkeep of the place was properly funded.

Maybe the big boys in Bangkok do not like Phuket and a tiny budget is their way of getting back at them.

Posted by Anonymous on July 5, 2010 12:35

Once again I agree with Dirk and Ripley's comments. The left elbow does not know what the right hand is doing?

Good effort but what will it prove, just check the visa records, chaps, should be easy?

Posted by Robin on July 5, 2010 20:19

Valiant effort for the census. About time too. This comes with a big BUT!
The authorities in Thailand are fanatical about keeping paperwork and documents, right, so how hard would it be to check the visas of those reporting every 90 days to do address updates at immigration? Then there are the modern thinkers who wonder why all information is not data captured on a very big computer so everybody has access to this information? Only thinking out loud.

Posted by Graham on July 5, 2010 21:29

Mr Editor, I do concur with your comment in the green box.
Thank you.

Posted by Graham on July 6, 2010 13:21

There was a story a few years ago about a new computer system in Phuket for the immigration authorities. Didn't that materialise? Emperor's new clothes, perhaps? Charged a fortune for a box with a few twinkly lights on it, money in back pocket...

Posted by Dan Keschern on July 6, 2010 23:15

How about not only a count from the Immigration Dept. but also from the Labor Dept.?

At the end of the day the Thai Departments need to better communicate with each other. I know it's easier said than done, but it needs to start some where.

Posted by Charles P. on July 7, 2010 11:14

Why not make it compulsory for both Thais & Expats to register in Phuket whenever working here? This could be implemented directly through the employers without too much of bureaucracy or large effort & cost by conducting a census. And it could certainly help Phuket to get a fairer share of tax revenue.

Another effect of up-to-date registration would be that more ordinary people are entitled to take part in Phuket's elections. As of now, mostly native Phuket citizens and Thais who are owning property are registered and therefore able to vote in Phuket. The interests of ordinary Thais working here may differ from those of landlords and a better representation could also help to solve some of the current issues such as public transportation.

In order to pay for infrastructure used by tourists - wasn't there a room tax of 1% introduced to be paid by all hotels in Phuket?

Posted by Anonymous on July 7, 2010 19:00

Is that true? Phuket ranks only at number 72 out of 76 provinces, in terms of how much budget is allocated?

That is the most ludicrous situation I have ever heard!! I also understand that Samui suffers from a similar 'shortfall' because it is but one amphur in Surat Thani province.

If nothing else, these statistics clearly indicate the total lack of interest by central government in investing in Phuket as a world-class tourist destination.

Posted by Simon Luttrell on July 7, 2010 21:34

Perhaps an explanation for lack of adequate funds is Phuket has a large Muslim population and I believe this group is rather out of favor with the National Government, and this is reflected in the dole-outs.

Posted by Ripley on July 8, 2010 09:02

Editor, you're right. Certain 'red' provinces will no doubt get the government's attention as the government tries to win over new voters. Sadly, since all the talk of Phuket getting its share under Democrat-rule, I see no improvement in the last 18 months or so than under Thaksin previously. Politics is exactly what it is... it follows no rules. Phuket will have to continue alone for a long time as no government is likely to pay attention to something they think works without their help.

Posted by Duncan on July 8, 2010 16:52