PHUKET: An unwanted drop of about 25 percent in the number of European visitors to Phuket is likely to be top of the agenda when a group of European ambassadors meet the holiday island's governor later this month.
Focus will be on the causes of the decline, which now go beyond the usual ''economic downturn in Europe'' to include lack of a sensible beach policy, the presence of large numbers of jet-skis and parasailers at Patong and the clearance of umbrellas and sunbeds.
It is believed the new governor is determined to restore the natural appeal of the holiday island. He wants to match the laid-back serenity of the neighboring provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga.
Whether the revitalised island comes without jet-skis, as in the neighboring provinces, remains to be seen.
The concept of a ''new Phuket'' - safe, secure and free from scams and rip-offs - is known to be what both the envoys and the governor want.
It's even possible that the concept of a corruption free Phuket could be raised in Bangkok.
If the national government was serious in its efforts to wipe out graft and the so-called ''mafia'' groups around the whole country, Phuket would be a good place to start.
A successful ''Phuket model'' could then be carried to the other 76 provinces.
British ambassador Mark Kent is known to be among the envoys visiting Phuket on November 23 for talks with Governor Jamleran.
The Canadian ambassador and several other European ambassadors are likely to join.
Dutch Ambassador Karel Hartogh visited Governor Jaleran today for a private meeting and is likely to be back in a fortnight with the other ambassadors.
Regular meetings between Phuket administrators, police and the island's honorary consuls will probably also resume before the end of the month.
Australian ambassador Paul Robilliard is expected to make a separate trip later to open the new Australian Consulate-General, which will offer improved services to visitors and expats.
Focus will be on the causes of the decline, which now go beyond the usual ''economic downturn in Europe'' to include lack of a sensible beach policy, the presence of large numbers of jet-skis and parasailers at Patong and the clearance of umbrellas and sunbeds.
It is believed the new governor is determined to restore the natural appeal of the holiday island. He wants to match the laid-back serenity of the neighboring provinces of Krabi and Phang Nga.
Whether the revitalised island comes without jet-skis, as in the neighboring provinces, remains to be seen.
The concept of a ''new Phuket'' - safe, secure and free from scams and rip-offs - is known to be what both the envoys and the governor want.
It's even possible that the concept of a corruption free Phuket could be raised in Bangkok.
If the national government was serious in its efforts to wipe out graft and the so-called ''mafia'' groups around the whole country, Phuket would be a good place to start.
A successful ''Phuket model'' could then be carried to the other 76 provinces.
British ambassador Mark Kent is known to be among the envoys visiting Phuket on November 23 for talks with Governor Jamleran.
The Canadian ambassador and several other European ambassadors are likely to join.
Dutch Ambassador Karel Hartogh visited Governor Jaleran today for a private meeting and is likely to be back in a fortnight with the other ambassadors.
Regular meetings between Phuket administrators, police and the island's honorary consuls will probably also resume before the end of the month.
Australian ambassador Paul Robilliard is expected to make a separate trip later to open the new Australian Consulate-General, which will offer improved services to visitors and expats.
I think the road the drowning Toll and Tuk tuks also deserve a mention, the concept of a corruption free Phuket sounds wonderful but its so deeply entrenched its become more like a standard business practice on the Island how many tourists have visited and left with a bad taste in their mouth due to scams corruption touts pests twin pricing and overcharging could we guess at 25 percent.
Posted by slickmellb on November 10, 2015 21:12