AN EXPAT returning to Phuket by road became the first known victim of the island's intense security checks today, losing his cool and swearing at soldiers manning the Thatchatchai checkpoint.
''F*** You!'' he was heard to say more than once, after being delayed in his pickup for a vehicle check.
Fortunately the soldiers, armed and dangerous at least in theory, were not provoked that easily.
As British tourist Simon Burrowes discovered earlier in the year in an encounter with Immigration at Phuket airport, swearing at Thais in uniform can earn you time in a cell.
But not today. The man's frustration was understood, and he was allowed to go . . . as soon as the check was completed.
Governor Wichai Praisa-nob has urged all the VIPs attending the Asean meetings to wear surgical masks to ward off an H1N1 infection, but it will be left up to individuals to decide what to do.
Only a few masks were being worn when Phuketwan visited the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, where most of the talks will be held, and the Laguna Beach Resort, where the media is being corralled.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a mask (preferrably a Smiley one) and with her healing broken elbow in a sling would be a photo opportunity not to be missed.
The big names will be arriving over the next few days, led by Asean Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan, a familiar Thai face, who flew in today.
He said there were no concerns about security on Phuket despite the Jakarta hotel bombings, adding that all 27 nations would be represented at sessions and sideline meetings.
Tourists are still coming and going around the Laguna Phuket sanctuary, although they too need security passes.
''Most of them seem to be enjoying it,'' an insider said. ''After all, it does make your holiday a memorable one.''
Plenty of people on the island are keen to see Mrs Clinton and some of the other key officials who will be attending.
Because there are so many lively current issues, the July meetings are likely to prove more meaningful than the coming October Asean Plus Six summit of 16 national leaders, delayed from April when red-shirt protesters invaded the Pattaya resort before the talking could start.
The H1N1 influenza pandemic has added another reason for closer control of illegal movements from country to country, and concerns are also mounting about the activities of rogue states North Korea and Burma.
We couldn't help wondering whether there's the chance the North Korean delegate might see Hillary queuing at the breakfast buffet one morning next week, and sidle over for a chat about missiles.
Who knows? On Phuket, as those who live her understand only too well, anything is possible. If something can happen, it will.
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''F*** You!'' he was heard to say more than once, after being delayed in his pickup for a vehicle check.
Fortunately the soldiers, armed and dangerous at least in theory, were not provoked that easily.
As British tourist Simon Burrowes discovered earlier in the year in an encounter with Immigration at Phuket airport, swearing at Thais in uniform can earn you time in a cell.
But not today. The man's frustration was understood, and he was allowed to go . . . as soon as the check was completed.
Governor Wichai Praisa-nob has urged all the VIPs attending the Asean meetings to wear surgical masks to ward off an H1N1 infection, but it will be left up to individuals to decide what to do.
Only a few masks were being worn when Phuketwan visited the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, where most of the talks will be held, and the Laguna Beach Resort, where the media is being corralled.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, in a mask (preferrably a Smiley one) and with her healing broken elbow in a sling would be a photo opportunity not to be missed.
The big names will be arriving over the next few days, led by Asean Secretary General Dr Surin Pitsuwan, a familiar Thai face, who flew in today.
He said there were no concerns about security on Phuket despite the Jakarta hotel bombings, adding that all 27 nations would be represented at sessions and sideline meetings.
Tourists are still coming and going around the Laguna Phuket sanctuary, although they too need security passes.
''Most of them seem to be enjoying it,'' an insider said. ''After all, it does make your holiday a memorable one.''
Plenty of people on the island are keen to see Mrs Clinton and some of the other key officials who will be attending.
Because there are so many lively current issues, the July meetings are likely to prove more meaningful than the coming October Asean Plus Six summit of 16 national leaders, delayed from April when red-shirt protesters invaded the Pattaya resort before the talking could start.
The H1N1 influenza pandemic has added another reason for closer control of illegal movements from country to country, and concerns are also mounting about the activities of rogue states North Korea and Burma.
We couldn't help wondering whether there's the chance the North Korean delegate might see Hillary queuing at the breakfast buffet one morning next week, and sidle over for a chat about missiles.
Who knows? On Phuket, as those who live her understand only too well, anything is possible. If something can happen, it will.
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Typo - last line - understand....
You may wish to correct it
Editor: Thanks. We are thrilled to know someone made it to that all important last line.
Posted by Scott on July 17, 2009 22:59