PHUKET: Tour groups from China have been told to make sure all their passengers have comprehensive travel insurance, China Consul Xu Mingling said today.
He met Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusud at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City and told him there was continuing concern about the safety of Chinese tourists.
Although there had been a succession of drownings and incidents especially at sea, the consul said the total number this year so far was down on last year.
''We advise Chinese tourists about safety on our web site,'' he said.
''But it would be useful if the Chinese media showed greater interest and reported more fully on Phuket so that people could obtain information before they leave home.
''Most of our travellers still cannot understand English well.''
The consul has previously made an appeal to have more signage in Chinese characters and is still in the process of organising the transfer of the consul from Haad Yai in Songkhla province to Phuket.
''It's too far to come the six hours by road when something does happen here,' he said.
The number of Chinese visitors to Phuket and the Andaman coast continues to rise rapidly. However, most investment from China was still largely in factories in other parts of Thailand, he said.
''If a Chinese firm was eventually chosen to provide Phuket with a light rail system, I would be pleased to see that,'' he said.
He met Phuket Governor Maitree Inthusud at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City and told him there was continuing concern about the safety of Chinese tourists.
Although there had been a succession of drownings and incidents especially at sea, the consul said the total number this year so far was down on last year.
''We advise Chinese tourists about safety on our web site,'' he said.
''But it would be useful if the Chinese media showed greater interest and reported more fully on Phuket so that people could obtain information before they leave home.
''Most of our travellers still cannot understand English well.''
The consul has previously made an appeal to have more signage in Chinese characters and is still in the process of organising the transfer of the consul from Haad Yai in Songkhla province to Phuket.
''It's too far to come the six hours by road when something does happen here,' he said.
The number of Chinese visitors to Phuket and the Andaman coast continues to rise rapidly. However, most investment from China was still largely in factories in other parts of Thailand, he said.
''If a Chinese firm was eventually chosen to provide Phuket with a light rail system, I would be pleased to see that,'' he said.
Comprehensive travel insurance should be a must for all travelers. As the Australian Smart Traveler website says "If you cannot afford travel insurance you cannot afford to travel".
The idea of signage in the languages of Phukets most numerous visitors is a very good one however it must be understood that no matter what signage there is some people will always chose to ignore it. You cannot legislate for common sense, unfortunately.
Posted by Arthur on October 25, 2012 05:59