PHUKET'S Governor, Wichai Praisa-nob, last night thanked the people of Phuket for helping to make the important Asean Regional Forum on the island such a success.
''It was a wonderful team effort,''he said. ''All the representatives from 26 countries and Thailand must have liked what they saw.''
Khun Wichai said there was no chance for outsiders to cause problems because the week-long conference had the support of the entire Phuket community.
He said he thought the even more prestigious Asean Plus Six Summit was almost certain to be held on Phuket. But there was no formal paperwork as yet to confirm the gathering, scheduled for October
The governor campaigned to beautify the island for this week's series of meetings, and said it would be great if the island was kept as appealing and attractive all year long.
''Tourists would like the way Phuket looks now,'' he said. ''It's something that Phuket people need to bear in mind, keeping the whole island looking good.''
Phuketwan asked him about police numbers, making the point that perhaps adequate security should be maintained year-round too, not just for international leaders.
''The island only has 1160 police officers, and that's not enough,'' he said. There are only 32 tourist police and 20 volunteers to help with visitors.
''With five million or more tourists coming each year, that's inadequate. I am still relatively new to the island, but we will certainly be trying to improve this long-standing problem.''
The governor's ''1000 eyes of the pineapple'' idea has helped to make the island safer in some aspects but economic crimes are growing as the downturn continues.
He is hopeful that the tourism industry is already on the way to resuming its former status as the island's most successful industry.
The governor revealed that he had been given 10 million baht that will be used to improve the main road from the airport to the Heroines' Monument.
Palmyra palms, which he believes are the island's most important symbol, will be used to decorate that stretch.
Airport Scam: Duty Free Store Declares Innocence
Latest The duty free firm named in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi scam declares its innocence as the airport, a transit stop for many passengers to Phuket, prepares for a crackdown.
Airport Scam: Duty Free Store Declares Innocence
Phuket's Asean Invasion: The Winners and Losers
Latest Asean is over. Who are the winners and losers? What does it mean for Thailand and Phuket? Phuketwan looks at the pluses and minuses, and what happens next.
Phuket's Asean Invasion: The Winners and Losers
MediaWATCH: PM's Promise to End Corruption
News Digest Thailand PM says he will end corruption; US Rabbis among accused; Indonesian police take over hotel security; Hillary v North Korea; Model Malaysia Muslim says: 'Flog me'
MediaWATCH: PM's Promise to End Corruption
Tattoo Man and the Riddle of Nai Harn Beach
Latest Some people have nightmares about dying alone, unloved, and with a life unremembered. The man in red underwear washed up on a Phuket beach. But who is he?
Tattoo Man and the Riddle of Nai Harn Beach
Patong Police Dial a Killer: 'Give Yourself Up'
Latest A Patong lieutenant reveals that he called the chief suspect in a murder investigation following a gun battle and told him to surrender to police. The escape vehicle belonged to the victim.
Patong Police Dial a Killer: 'Give Yourself Up'
AseanWATCH: Phuket Nuke War for Hillary's Turf
Latest War broke out on Phuket today on the diplomatic front as US security men made a preemptive strike. North Korea fought back with a strategic flanking manoeuvre.
AseanWATCH: Phuket Nuke War for Hillary's Turf
Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
Photo Special Huge crowds flocked to the Phuket Flower Fair on opening night. Green folding cash may be in short supply but the currency of horticulturalists is holding its value.
Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
''It was a wonderful team effort,''he said. ''All the representatives from 26 countries and Thailand must have liked what they saw.''
Khun Wichai said there was no chance for outsiders to cause problems because the week-long conference had the support of the entire Phuket community.
He said he thought the even more prestigious Asean Plus Six Summit was almost certain to be held on Phuket. But there was no formal paperwork as yet to confirm the gathering, scheduled for October
The governor campaigned to beautify the island for this week's series of meetings, and said it would be great if the island was kept as appealing and attractive all year long.
''Tourists would like the way Phuket looks now,'' he said. ''It's something that Phuket people need to bear in mind, keeping the whole island looking good.''
Phuketwan asked him about police numbers, making the point that perhaps adequate security should be maintained year-round too, not just for international leaders.
''The island only has 1160 police officers, and that's not enough,'' he said. There are only 32 tourist police and 20 volunteers to help with visitors.
''With five million or more tourists coming each year, that's inadequate. I am still relatively new to the island, but we will certainly be trying to improve this long-standing problem.''
The governor's ''1000 eyes of the pineapple'' idea has helped to make the island safer in some aspects but economic crimes are growing as the downturn continues.
He is hopeful that the tourism industry is already on the way to resuming its former status as the island's most successful industry.
The governor revealed that he had been given 10 million baht that will be used to improve the main road from the airport to the Heroines' Monument.
Palmyra palms, which he believes are the island's most important symbol, will be used to decorate that stretch.
Airport Scam: Duty Free Store Declares Innocence
Latest The duty free firm named in Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi scam declares its innocence as the airport, a transit stop for many passengers to Phuket, prepares for a crackdown.
Airport Scam: Duty Free Store Declares Innocence
Phuket's Asean Invasion: The Winners and Losers
Latest Asean is over. Who are the winners and losers? What does it mean for Thailand and Phuket? Phuketwan looks at the pluses and minuses, and what happens next.
Phuket's Asean Invasion: The Winners and Losers
MediaWATCH: PM's Promise to End Corruption
News Digest Thailand PM says he will end corruption; US Rabbis among accused; Indonesian police take over hotel security; Hillary v North Korea; Model Malaysia Muslim says: 'Flog me'
MediaWATCH: PM's Promise to End Corruption
Tattoo Man and the Riddle of Nai Harn Beach
Latest Some people have nightmares about dying alone, unloved, and with a life unremembered. The man in red underwear washed up on a Phuket beach. But who is he?
Tattoo Man and the Riddle of Nai Harn Beach
Patong Police Dial a Killer: 'Give Yourself Up'
Latest A Patong lieutenant reveals that he called the chief suspect in a murder investigation following a gun battle and told him to surrender to police. The escape vehicle belonged to the victim.
Patong Police Dial a Killer: 'Give Yourself Up'
AseanWATCH: Phuket Nuke War for Hillary's Turf
Latest War broke out on Phuket today on the diplomatic front as US security men made a preemptive strike. North Korea fought back with a strategic flanking manoeuvre.
AseanWATCH: Phuket Nuke War for Hillary's Turf
Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
Photo Special Huge crowds flocked to the Phuket Flower Fair on opening night. Green folding cash may be in short supply but the currency of horticulturalists is holding its value.
Phuket Flower Fair to August 2: Photo Special
