PHUKET may be suffering an economic crisis and a crime wave, but July is expected to bring a celebrity visitor to restore morale: one of the world's most powerful women, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
Her visit is expected to be formally announced on Tuesday.
Mrs Clinton, wife of former US President Bill Clinton, will visit the island during the important Asian Regional Forum from July 16-23.
Representatives from at least 26 countries are expected to attend the forum, an important prelude to October's Asean Plus Six Summit when the leaders of 16 nations are due to come to the island.
The July meeting has been kept low-key so far.
But a large delegation of officials from Thailand's Foreign Ministry is expected to visit the island on Tuesday when details of the summit will be announced, Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-nob said today.
Preparations have been continuing around the island to make it look as attractive as possible for both international gatherings.
Just as importantly, the resort that will be the centre of activities in July is expected to be known on Tuesday, with Laguna Phuket and the Hilton Arcadia Phuket the leading candidates.
Mrs Clinton, who like President Barack Obama has expressed a great interest in Asia, is especially concerned at present over the trial of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in neighboring Burma.
Her visit will not be the first by the Clinton family.
Former US President Bill Clinton visited Phuket twice when he was the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery.
The first visit in 2005 was with another former US President, George Bush Snr. who was also a special envoy.
Mr Clinton came back in 2006 on a second visit intended to help revive the tourism industry, something the Secretary of State may also help to do in July.
Latest: Phuket Crime Wave Sparks Public Protest
Crime Wave People on Phuket are protesting in public at a surge in crime. The island's police chief admits it is going to be difficult to control. He just doesn't have enough officers.
Latest: Phuket Crime Wave Sparks Public Protest
Young Australian Killed in Motorcycle Mishap
Latest The son of a well known Phuket restaurateur, Kim Bonow of Shanti Lodge in Chalong, has been killed in the latest motorcycle fatality on Phuket.
Young Australian Killed in Motorcycle Mishap
Phuket's PAD Leader Tastes New Thai Politics
Key Interview She's one of the youngest leaders in the PAD, and perhaps the most powerful woman in the movement. Phuket's Aparat Chartchutikumjorn talks about growing New Politics.
Phuket's PAD Leader Tastes New Thai Politics
Phuket's Stink Mountain Now on Toxic Overload
Toxic Shocker The mountain of trash on Phuket is now growing out of control. There is no reduce and recycle strategy. Expect a toxic disaster for the island and tourism any time now.
Phuket's Stink Mountain Now on Toxic Overload
Phuket Revolutionaries 'Plotted Overthrow of Vietnam'
Latest Phuket was the place where a group of Vietnamese ''revolutionaries'' plotted to overthrow the Communist government of their country, police say.
Phuket Revolutionaries 'Plotted Overthrow of Vietnam'
Aussie, Swiss Take Phuket Marathon Titles
Sport An Australian and a Swiss led home 4500 competitors in an array of events to suit everyone at the Laguna Phuket Marathon Titles. Athletic Singaporeans turned out in large numbers.
Aussie, Swiss Take Phuket Marathon Titles
Monsoon Riders Patong Surfing Photo Special
Photo Album The Monsoon Riders surf title is the first of three to be held on Phuket this season, with a lifesaving carnival in Patong in mid july, too. Check the waves.
Monsoon Riders Patong Surfing Photo Special
Phi Phi Deaths Riddle: 'No Findings' Autopsy Claim
Latest The mystery of what killed two tourists on Phi Phi remains as a local health officer claims in a local newspaper report that autopsies on the women victims failed to produce a result.
Phi Phi Deaths Riddle: 'No Findings' Autopsy Claim
No Panic Required: Patong Joins Swine Flu 'Club'
Latest Cases of swine flu reportedly contracted in Thailand indicate that health authorities would be wasting their time by reacting too strictly to outbreaks in Patong and Pattaya.
No Panic Required: Patong Joins Swine Flu 'Club'
International Hospitality Expo Set For Phuket
Expo Planned Wining, dining, good food and Thailand hospitality are expected to be on view at the first Phuket International Hospitality Show this September.
International Hospitality Expo Set For Phuket
MediaWATCH: Actors Turn Out to Farewell Carradine
News Digest Actor David Carradine farewelled in LA; Indonesia's tourism boost; Lands Department speaks on foreign ownership; TAT targets markets; Burma trial delay.
MediaWATCH: Actors Turn Out to Farewell Carradine
Her visit is expected to be formally announced on Tuesday.
Mrs Clinton, wife of former US President Bill Clinton, will visit the island during the important Asian Regional Forum from July 16-23.
Representatives from at least 26 countries are expected to attend the forum, an important prelude to October's Asean Plus Six Summit when the leaders of 16 nations are due to come to the island.
The July meeting has been kept low-key so far.
But a large delegation of officials from Thailand's Foreign Ministry is expected to visit the island on Tuesday when details of the summit will be announced, Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-nob said today.
Preparations have been continuing around the island to make it look as attractive as possible for both international gatherings.
Just as importantly, the resort that will be the centre of activities in July is expected to be known on Tuesday, with Laguna Phuket and the Hilton Arcadia Phuket the leading candidates.
Mrs Clinton, who like President Barack Obama has expressed a great interest in Asia, is especially concerned at present over the trial of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in neighboring Burma.
Her visit will not be the first by the Clinton family.
Former US President Bill Clinton visited Phuket twice when he was the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery.
The first visit in 2005 was with another former US President, George Bush Snr. who was also a special envoy.
Mr Clinton came back in 2006 on a second visit intended to help revive the tourism industry, something the Secretary of State may also help to do in July.
Phuketwan Latest News
Latest: Phuket Crime Wave Sparks Public Protest
Crime Wave People on Phuket are protesting in public at a surge in crime. The island's police chief admits it is going to be difficult to control. He just doesn't have enough officers.
Latest: Phuket Crime Wave Sparks Public Protest
Young Australian Killed in Motorcycle Mishap
Latest The son of a well known Phuket restaurateur, Kim Bonow of Shanti Lodge in Chalong, has been killed in the latest motorcycle fatality on Phuket.
Young Australian Killed in Motorcycle Mishap
Phuket's PAD Leader Tastes New Thai Politics
Key Interview She's one of the youngest leaders in the PAD, and perhaps the most powerful woman in the movement. Phuket's Aparat Chartchutikumjorn talks about growing New Politics.
Phuket's PAD Leader Tastes New Thai Politics
Phuket's Stink Mountain Now on Toxic Overload
Toxic Shocker The mountain of trash on Phuket is now growing out of control. There is no reduce and recycle strategy. Expect a toxic disaster for the island and tourism any time now.
Phuket's Stink Mountain Now on Toxic Overload
Phuket Revolutionaries 'Plotted Overthrow of Vietnam'
Latest Phuket was the place where a group of Vietnamese ''revolutionaries'' plotted to overthrow the Communist government of their country, police say.
Phuket Revolutionaries 'Plotted Overthrow of Vietnam'
Aussie, Swiss Take Phuket Marathon Titles
Sport An Australian and a Swiss led home 4500 competitors in an array of events to suit everyone at the Laguna Phuket Marathon Titles. Athletic Singaporeans turned out in large numbers.
Aussie, Swiss Take Phuket Marathon Titles
Monsoon Riders Patong Surfing Photo Special
Photo Album The Monsoon Riders surf title is the first of three to be held on Phuket this season, with a lifesaving carnival in Patong in mid july, too. Check the waves.
Monsoon Riders Patong Surfing Photo Special
Phi Phi Deaths Riddle: 'No Findings' Autopsy Claim
Latest The mystery of what killed two tourists on Phi Phi remains as a local health officer claims in a local newspaper report that autopsies on the women victims failed to produce a result.
Phi Phi Deaths Riddle: 'No Findings' Autopsy Claim
No Panic Required: Patong Joins Swine Flu 'Club'
Latest Cases of swine flu reportedly contracted in Thailand indicate that health authorities would be wasting their time by reacting too strictly to outbreaks in Patong and Pattaya.
No Panic Required: Patong Joins Swine Flu 'Club'
International Hospitality Expo Set For Phuket
Expo Planned Wining, dining, good food and Thailand hospitality are expected to be on view at the first Phuket International Hospitality Show this September.
International Hospitality Expo Set For Phuket
MediaWATCH: Actors Turn Out to Farewell Carradine
News Digest Actor David Carradine farewelled in LA; Indonesia's tourism boost; Lands Department speaks on foreign ownership; TAT targets markets; Burma trial delay.
MediaWATCH: Actors Turn Out to Farewell Carradine
I expect US right wing politicking from the Gazette's editors, but really Phuket Wan, The " Help!" in front of," Clinton Coming.." [ U.S. Secretary of State ]is inappropriate and demeaning.
You can do better
Editor: The 'Help!' is, as the intro to the story makes plain, a reference to Phuket's need for help in the face of a down-turning economy and a crime surge. Perhaps others will take it the wrong way, too . . . but our views are non-political, just pro-Phuket. We can't speak for the Gazette. You'll just have to wait to see.
Posted by MediaWatch2009 on June 17, 2009 08:49