PHUKET has a new tourist information centre, right in the heart of Old Phuket Town. As Phuket City has grown up around it, the historic centre where Chinese traders built their homes has become a prime attraction for visitors looking to explore Phuket culture.

The truth is that much of Phuket's culture remains overlooked or undernourished, but at least the buildings attract attention and splendid care these days. Old Phuket Town is thriving and growing stronger in character, particularly since the ugly powerlines were buried.

There's even talk of Old Phuket Town being nominated as a World Heritage site, although this would mean joining the listing as an addition to the honor already granted to Penang and Malacca in Malaysia, where other trading communities also once thrived.

The alternative is to apply for World Heritage listing for all of Phuket, but with the beaches and reefs so underprotected, there would be little hope of achieving that honor.

Phuket, although it still is an appealing natural place compared to many in the world, cannot guarantee to remain beautiful. Its present-day guardians fail to do their duty. World Heritage listings can also be taken away.

Old Phuket Town, on the other hand, deserves to be visited and celebrated. If only all the old mansions left on Phuket were in good hands. If only the authorities always took the right stance and protected Phuket's natural beauty as well as their colleagues now protect historic buildings.

The new Tourist Information Centre, opened by Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana today, will provide visitors with essential information about Old Phuket Town seven days a week between 8am and 4pm.

It's in a historic Chinese shophouse that was bequeathed to the Phuket City municipality many years ago, and has now been restored.

Out the back is an ancient water well, and a kitchen. Other good things are happening in the once-thriving historic hub of Phuket.

Local residents are being trained in arts and crafts, with a course in batik for 20 people already fully subscribed later in the month.

Upstairs in the shophouse, which can be found in Thalang Road between Soi Romanee and Yaowarat Road, there's a meeting room for 20 that can be used privately or made available for free for community projects.

The Old Phuket Town walking street festival between February 8-10 promises to be the best yet, with expanded activities and the fantastic Street Show Festival of 2010 as an example-setter.

Phuket's traditional urban heart seems to be in good shape, and in good hands. Perhaps one day soon, we hope, we will be able to say the same about Phuket's beaches and reefs.