THE GOVERNOR of Phuket, Wichai Praisa-nob, made a private plea for the Asean Plus Six summit to come to the island in a meeting recently with the Foreign Minister, Kasit Piromya.
''The summit is 90 percent certain, I think,'' the governor told Phuketwan '' but the final decision lies with the Government.''
He added that it would be appropriate for the Hilton Arcadia Phuket to be the centre of the summit because the resort had already been thoroughly checked and approved for security.
''Phuket is ready. The security is ready. The landscaping will be ready.
''We hope to have a big rally at Saphan Hin before October to show that the people are ready, too.''
He said the islanders would undertake to watch for troublemakers and were committed to make the summit work.
''If the summit is a success, it will improve the reputation of Phuket and Thailand and bring back confidence and tourists,'' the governor said.
''Even the red-shirts on the island have promised to support the summit and will prevent others from causing problems.''
He advised the Government to book a date for accommodation on Phuket in October early.
''They missed the opportunity at Songkran and tourists will hopefully be returning to Phuket in large numbers by October,'' the governor said.
Khun Wichai said he was ready to lead and help Phuket if he can.
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''The summit is 90 percent certain, I think,'' the governor told Phuketwan '' but the final decision lies with the Government.''
He added that it would be appropriate for the Hilton Arcadia Phuket to be the centre of the summit because the resort had already been thoroughly checked and approved for security.
''Phuket is ready. The security is ready. The landscaping will be ready.
''We hope to have a big rally at Saphan Hin before October to show that the people are ready, too.''
He said the islanders would undertake to watch for troublemakers and were committed to make the summit work.
''If the summit is a success, it will improve the reputation of Phuket and Thailand and bring back confidence and tourists,'' the governor said.
''Even the red-shirts on the island have promised to support the summit and will prevent others from causing problems.''
He advised the Government to book a date for accommodation on Phuket in October early.
''They missed the opportunity at Songkran and tourists will hopefully be returning to Phuket in large numbers by October,'' the governor said.
Khun Wichai said he was ready to lead and help Phuket if he can.
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Nobody seems to question the benefits (few at best) of hosting such summits. Holding it in Phuket sends the message to the world that Thailand is incapable of holding it in Bangkok (where it should really be). A successful summit in Phuket is not a solution to Thailand's tourism industry... that's a wee bit more serious and takes much more effort.
Posted by Duncan on May 29, 2009 19:22