Greed among a few has influence on a lot of people in many ways of their daily life. Perhaps that put a lot of stress on the normal citizens of Phuket.

Posted by Sherlock on March 4, 2012 15:06

Greed is definitely a major contributor of Phuket's decline. A clear example is the recently revealed increase in golf course green fee charges at PCC, with existing members further punished for a poor high season (Russians don't play golf) by steep increases in the maintenance fee & a ridiculous hike in the transfer fee if you sell.

The value of golf club memberships across the island, once a resalable asset, have diminished for a number of reasons: (i) that golf on Phuket has become the most expensive in Thailand & indeed by comparison, with most parts of the world [I have played at Troon & Carnoustie for less]; & (ii) the new breed of tourist simply does not play golf, so in order to make ends meet, the clubs punish the existing members.

I am only using this as a confirmable known example of greed. I am sure others could provide their own examples to illustrate the point. Greed by the many echelons of Phuket society is killing the golden goose that used to feed the many bottom feeders.

Posted by Logic on March 4, 2012 17:27

Poor golfers, but there might be other matters, which bothers the majority more. Lack of safe public transportation, illegal privatization of public areas, constant building noise, increasing violent crime etc.

Posted by Sherlock on March 4, 2012 18:23

I only quoted it as one clear example of unmitigated greed! For your info, I have stopped playing golf for the very reasons stated, just as I have moved my Thai family well away from Phuket for all the many other reasons stated, shortly to follow myself once I retire. It is sad as I could never once have foreseen the need to leave what was once Paradise Island.

There are many areas, much discussed, with little or no action to date. Talk is cheap, action not so. One ex- Governor, when challenged as to why he had failed during his tenure to live up to his inaugeral promises to deal with the various mafias, famously stated, "they know where my children go to school!"

That just about sums Phuket up. Money buys power & those that have that money & power ain't about to relinquish their grasp on it, no matter what we who care, might post.

As a footnote, I am working my last few trips in Nigeria, where I work with some real decent people offshore. But when I go onshore, I have to travel everywhere with a police armed escort & live in a hotel surrounded by a 4 metre high wall topped with barbed wire, with armed security at the entrance. Phuket has not quite got that bad ... yet!

Posted by Logic on March 4, 2012 21:52