A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective and reports from national and international media.

THE THIN line between democracy and discord seems to be blurring on Phuket, which has long been viewed as a stronghold for the ruling Democrat Party and their yellow shirt supporters . . . even though the yellow shirts have since established their own political party.
Meanwhile, the red-shirt Pheu Thai Party is to announce plans today to open an office on Phuket, Phuketwan has learned, upping the ante in a way that does not seem to indicate unity is the prime objective for either side.
The colors are on the move following the rumble over a red-shirt fund-raising dinner at Phuket's Rajabhat University, which was abandoned on the eve of the event when the university's director bowed to pressure and ordered its cancellation.
The reds threatened court action to recover money already spent by supporters from 14 southern provinces who were to come to Phuket. However, it is believed the court action will not go ahead thanks to conciliatory moves by the Governor, Wichai Praisa-ngob, the university and local authorities. They have reached agreement with the red-shirts on reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
Phuket's privileged position as a tourist destination, remote from national politics, has become increasingly at risk since the invasion of Phuket International Airport by yellow shirts in August last year. After that provocation, the red shirts can hardly be blamed for seeing the need for an increased red presence on the island.

Associated Press The crew of a Royal Navy vessel watched as a British couple was abducted by Somali pirates, unable to rescue them without endangering their lives. As armed pirates boarded Paul and Rachel Chandler's yacht on October 23, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary replenishment tanker Wave Knight was within view, carrying light arms and a crew of 75 merchant seamen and 25 navy sailors. But the crew could not intervene without putting the Chandlers at further risk, and could only watch as the pirates forced the couple off their yacht.

abc.net.au In Indonesia, 22 Sri Lankan men spent their first night in detention on Bintan Island after spending four weeks aboard the Australian customs ship the Oceanic Viking. Some of them, already been acknowledged as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, can expect to be resettled in Australia within a month. But 56 of the original 78 remain on board, and some are still saying they are determined to stay there.

Phuketwan Update Thai Airways is now operating its high season schedule, with 11 Bangkok-Phuket flights daily, plus daily flights to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong. Airline officials say forward bookings are improving rapidly on the Hong Kong route, with 1400 passengers already set to travel to Phuket in December.

smh.com.au An Australian man detained in the United Arab Emirates for swearing at an official says he intends to ask the official for forgiveness, in the hope it might speed his return home. Sun McKay, 32, has been stranded in Dubai since late September, awaiting trial on charges of insulting and using inappropriate language to a police officer. [The circumstances are similar to the Simon Burrowes case earlier this year on Phuket.]

bangkokpost.com Amadeus, the global travel distribution system provider, sees bright prospects for Thai tourism, which is expected to return to at least the level of 2007 in line with the Asia-Pacific trend. But local political instability remains a key threat to the recovery and could hurt the industry if there is any new violence, said David Jones, president and CEO of Amadeus IT group.

bbc.co.uk British Airways and Spanish airline Iberia say they have reached a preliminary agreement for a merger expected to be completed in late 2010. The merger, which must be approved by the European Commission, would create Europe's third biggest airline.


There's a QSI fun run and fair on today at Bang Wad Dam in Kathu, with everyone welcome to compete or join in the fun. It runs until 1pm. The Rawai Fair continues, too, until November 19. Futher afield, Phang Nga is celebrating its 200th anniversary with events at Thai Muang and Khao Lak.