TWO CASES of H1N1 flu detected in Thailand are not being seen as an additional problem for Phuket tourism, rather a sign that the health checks are working.
Reports that the tourism industry is ''braced for a new blow'' are an exaggeration simply because the outbreak is a worldwide issue, not one confined to Thailand.
Methee Tanmanatragul, president of the Thai Hotels Association Southern chapter, sees detection of two cases involving Thais returning from Mexico as an encouraging sign that public health is being protected.
''Outside Mexico, the infection seems to be mild and people will learn to live with it,'' he said.
''All the indications are that the checking system in Thailand is working.''
No cases had been reported in the south, Khun Methee said, with thermal scanner checks being made at Phuket airport and on cruise liner passengers, as well as at key border crossings.
Some may view the virus as ''a third strike'' for tourism on Phuket but the entire world was suffering from both the economic downturn and the H1N1 outbreak.
What distinguishes Thailand from other destinations, Khun Methee says, is the uncertainty caused by political unrest of the kind that led to skirmishes on the streets in Bangkok and the postponement of the Asean Plus Six Summit at Songkran.
''It's business as usual,'' Khun Methee said. ''Although unfortunately, not quite so much business as usual.''
Concern is now focussed on the Asean Plus Six Summit, with a key meeting being held on Phuket yesterday between local authorities, top-level military and regional police leaders.
''We don't want anyone to take any chances with security on Phuket,'' Khun Methee said. ''But we do not believe a repetition of the Pattaya resort invasion is likely.
''We are also concerned not to paint an out-of-proportion picture in providing the security.
''There will be international media coverage, and the wrong kind of footage could upset Phuket's reputation as a peaceful tourism destination.
''If security is maintained in the appropriate way, to the appropriate scale, that will be ideal.
''Everyone has pledged to do that.''
Khun Methee said he understood that while the final confirmation had not been given to the June 13-14 date or the Hilton Arcadia Phuket as the summit centre, that should come soon.
He believed all the 10 Asean nations had approved the present plan and assent was expected from the ''three or four'' dialogue partners who have yet to confirm attendance.
He added that while Phuket was suffering from political unrest and economic concerns, there had been no layoffs at resorts, although voluntary unpaid leave of up to seven days a month was now widespread.
Chiang Mai, he said, was faring much worse, with normal 100 percent-plus occupancy at 50 percent over Songkran this year.
*Latest World Health Organisation figures show H1N1 flu has now reached 33 countries, with nearly 6000 people infected.
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Reports that the tourism industry is ''braced for a new blow'' are an exaggeration simply because the outbreak is a worldwide issue, not one confined to Thailand.
Methee Tanmanatragul, president of the Thai Hotels Association Southern chapter, sees detection of two cases involving Thais returning from Mexico as an encouraging sign that public health is being protected.
''Outside Mexico, the infection seems to be mild and people will learn to live with it,'' he said.
''All the indications are that the checking system in Thailand is working.''
No cases had been reported in the south, Khun Methee said, with thermal scanner checks being made at Phuket airport and on cruise liner passengers, as well as at key border crossings.
Some may view the virus as ''a third strike'' for tourism on Phuket but the entire world was suffering from both the economic downturn and the H1N1 outbreak.
What distinguishes Thailand from other destinations, Khun Methee says, is the uncertainty caused by political unrest of the kind that led to skirmishes on the streets in Bangkok and the postponement of the Asean Plus Six Summit at Songkran.
''It's business as usual,'' Khun Methee said. ''Although unfortunately, not quite so much business as usual.''
Concern is now focussed on the Asean Plus Six Summit, with a key meeting being held on Phuket yesterday between local authorities, top-level military and regional police leaders.
''We don't want anyone to take any chances with security on Phuket,'' Khun Methee said. ''But we do not believe a repetition of the Pattaya resort invasion is likely.
''We are also concerned not to paint an out-of-proportion picture in providing the security.
''There will be international media coverage, and the wrong kind of footage could upset Phuket's reputation as a peaceful tourism destination.
''If security is maintained in the appropriate way, to the appropriate scale, that will be ideal.
''Everyone has pledged to do that.''
Khun Methee said he understood that while the final confirmation had not been given to the June 13-14 date or the Hilton Arcadia Phuket as the summit centre, that should come soon.
He believed all the 10 Asean nations had approved the present plan and assent was expected from the ''three or four'' dialogue partners who have yet to confirm attendance.
He added that while Phuket was suffering from political unrest and economic concerns, there had been no layoffs at resorts, although voluntary unpaid leave of up to seven days a month was now widespread.
Chiang Mai, he said, was faring much worse, with normal 100 percent-plus occupancy at 50 percent over Songkran this year.
*Latest World Health Organisation figures show H1N1 flu has now reached 33 countries, with nearly 6000 people infected.
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