As Phuket's greedy fall out, local examples are constantly surfacing of corruption.
About 20 Phuket honorary consuls, meeting regularly with Phuket's administrators every three months, have highlighted demands for bribes in return for illegally-held passports, continuing scams by Patong jet-ski operators, the detrimental effect on tourism of timeshare and tailor touts, and the excessive fares charged by tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.
The main aim of the international envoys is to make Phuket a safe and secure place for tourists - and for all Phuket residents as well.
Bribes to authorities are also blamed for breaches of laws designed to protect Phuket's natural beauty, putting at risk the beaches, the coral reefs and the island's green and pleasant surroundings.
Expats who condone and in some cases exploit corruption are among those at fault for the crisis on Phuket that is putting its future as a tourist destination at risk.
Phuket Transport 'at the Core of Most Phuket Problems'
Latest With the backing of the Prime Minister, an in depth investigation has begun with the aim of correcting all of Phuket's problems as soon as possible. Transport is No. 1.
Phuket Transport 'at the Core of Most Phuket Problems'
Phuket Expat Guides Cheat System, Probe Told
Latest A special investigator ordered by the PM to ''fix Phuket'' is told that guides and tour companies from Korea and Russia have help in flaunting Thai laws.
Phuket Expat Guides Cheat System, Probe Told
Phuket's Touts and Mafia: Probe Told of Illegal Payments
Special Report Several ''mafias'' exist on Phuket, a special investigation ordered by the PM is told. And just how do some timeshare and tailor touts obtain real work permits?
Phuket's Touts and Mafia: Probe Told of Illegal Payments
'Fix Phuket': PM's Man On The Spot Aims to Clean Up All of Phuket's Troubles
Special Report During an astonishing long meeting today, the man ordered by the Prime Minister to ''fix Phuket'' made it plain that extortion and corruption may be numbered.
'Fix Phuket': PM's Man On The Spot Aims to Clean Up All of Phuket's Troubles
Phuket Corruption Probe Begins, Action Planned
Breaking News For two weeks, officials of the Public Sector Anti Corruption Commission have been conducting investigations and interviews on Phuket. Action will follow.
Phuket Corruption Probe Begins, Action Planned
Thailand Probes Tourist Rip-Offs: Phuket Joins In
EXCLUSIVE Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban heads a high level 'scam summit' aimed at exposing Thailand's tourism rip offs and corruption, says Phuket Vice Governor Niwit Aroonrat.
Thailand Probes Tourist Rip-Offs: Phuket Joins In
Phuket Changes Push Aided by Aussie Ambassador
News Analysis Pressure for changes on Phuket is intensifying. Next week's important meeting of honorary consuls will come with a visit from Australia's ambassador.
Phuket Changes Push Aided by Aussie Ambassador
Honorary Consul Calls for Phuket Residents to Act 'Before it's Too Late'
Latest With a sixth meeting with the governor a few days away, a senior Phuket honorary consul is calling for Phuket residents to get active and help save their island.
Honorary Consul Calls for Phuket Residents to Act 'Before it's Too Late'
Planet Phuket Project: Making Tuk-Tuks, Taxis Fair
The Quest for Answers Phuketwan's Planet Phuket Project, with Singapore's Lee Kwan Yew School of Public Policy, aims to find ways of solving corruption and other problems on the holiday island.
Planet Phuket Project: Making Tuk-Tuks, Taxis Fair
Planet Phuket Project: Crunching Corruption
The Quest for Answers Phuket has the offer of expert help now to prepare the island for a corruption free future, necessary to achieve fairness and balance for future generations.
Planet Phuket Project: Crunching Corruption
Planet Phuket Project: How Phuket Went Wrong
The Quest for Answers Clarity is being sought to solve Phuket's problems with some help from scholars at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore.
Planet Phuket Project: How Phuket Went Wrong
Dear PM, Please Make Phuket Corruption-Free
Latest Happy Birthday, Mr Prime Minister. Here's a gift to you, an idea that could make Phuket and perhaps Thailand better places. Start your fight against corruption here, on one small island.
Dear PM, Please Make Phuket Corruption-Free
Phuket and Corruption: The Thai Perspective
The Big Picture Here's a thorough overview of corruption in Thailand that also provides plenty of insights about what happens on Phuket. It's part of Phuketwan's Challenge for Change.
Phuket and Corruption: The Thai Perspective
Let's all hope a difference can be made. It is a shame to see what is happening not only in Phuket but in Thailand in general. I have made several trips to Thailand with my family for holidays and we love it. But Myanmar or Laos might be worth a try.
Posted by Richard on May 22, 2011 09:03