PHUKET remains a perfectly safe holiday destination despite the confrontation on the streets of Bangkok.

Andaman region tourism industry leaders were anxious today to reassure visitors that they would be safe and secure on the island.

''There is nothing to worry about on Phuket,'' the director of the regional branch of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Setthapan Putthani, told Phuketwan.

''The protests are part of the democratic process. They are happening in a small part of the capital.

''Tourists on Phuket are enjoying their holidays as usual. Songkran is a great time to be here.

''Tourists should look at the travel warnings and distinguish between Bangkok and Phuket.''

Travel warnings for Thailand, upgraded by countries including China, Korea, Australia, Singapore, Germany, Russia and Malaysia, often fail to take account of the political and geographical differences between Phuket and the capital.

Resorts on and around the Phuket region report 80 percent occupancy rates for the Songkran-Easter break. However, the numbers are likely to drop needlessly because of the travel alerts.

''Direct flights and charter flights to Phuket mean that tourists coming to the island are perfectly safe,'' Khun Setthapan said.

''There is also no suggestion of any group taking over Bangkok airport, so transfers are continuing unhindered.''

The problem for many travel agents is insuring their travellers, a new concept introduced recently in Europe, which means responsibility lies with with the agents.

This leads to a more cautious approach when nations issue travel warnings. As a result, the whole of Thailand's tourism industry suffers, even though Phuket is perfectly safe.

The director of Phuket International Airport, Wing Commander Wicha Nurnlop, said that there had been no cancellations of flights to Phuket.

''I don't understand why the news from Bangkok is made to seem so bad when there has really been very little violence,'' he said.

An additional 36 flights to Phuket have been added for the Songkran holiday period.

''Passengers coming through the airport are happy, as you'd expect holidaymakers with no concerns to be,'' Wing Commander Wicha said.

No Phuket events have been cancelled. The annual Phuket International Cricket Sixes tournament is set to go ahead on the island from April 15-April 19.

The People's Alliance for Democracy, the yellow-shirt group that blockaded the Bangkok airports in November and triggered the rise to power of the Democrat Party, plans a large outdoor concert on the island on April 18.

More than 5000 people are expected to attend.

PAD Phuket leader Natjarong Eakpemsub said today that there were only a few red-shirts on the island, traditionally a Democrat stronghold, and they had all gone to Bangkok.

Tourism at War: The Fight to Save an Industry
Latest In Thailand, tourism always becomes the first innocent victim of political unrest. One well known industry name tells Phuketwan about his own battle on the streets of Bangkok.
Tourism at War: The Fight to Save an Industry

Update: Songkran 'Revolution' Goes Quiet
Update Troops were on Bangkok streets for Songkran Day after years of political standoff. But there were no reports of deaths or serious clashes with red shirt protesters.
Update: Songkran 'Revolution' Goes Quiet

Phuket International Cricket Sixes: April 15-19
Photo Album Phuket wants to attract more international sport but, to borrow a sporting phrase, somebody is letting the side down. Conditions for one major sporting event are abysmal.
Phuket International Cricket Sixes: April 15-19

PAD Phuket Payback: Big Rally 'a Tourist Boost'
Latest A PAD ''invasion'' set for Phuket this month is likely to boost tourism and perhaps achieve a worthwhile outcome in occupancy rates and benefits to the island's economy.
PAD Phuket Payback: Big Rally 'a Tourist Boost'