ONE of the most impressive funerals in memory took place on Phuket today to mark the life of Viroj Areerob, who helped bring tourism to Phuket.

Many years ago he bought a jeep and modified it so that visitors could take a ride around the island.

Today, at Wat Chalong, about 1000 mourners turned out to farewell the Phuket pioneer, who grew his business interests into a small empire.

The Deputy Prime Minister, Suthep Thuangsuban, interrupted a busy schedule to fly in from Bangkok to be there today.

National government ministers came and went from Bangkok last night, making the trip despite a pressing agenda of things a new government needs to do.

One large bouquet, among hundreds of bouquets today, was from Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva.

Among the high-ups who wanted to say farewell and travelled to the island last night: Paitoon Kaewthong, Minister of Labor, Satid Wongnongteay, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, Alongkorn Pollabut, Secretary to the Commerce Ministry, Thavorn Senneam, Secretary to the Minister of the Interior, and Chaiwut Bannawat, Secretary to the Education Minister.

Khun Viroj died aged 69 on January 6, from heart failure, before he reached Vachira Hospital in Phuket City. His first health problem symptoms had appeared in 2001, restricting his activites.

His grandmother and grandfather left him coconut plantations and he grew the coconut export business. Before then, coconut byproducts had not been exported.

Then along came that jeep. He started selling souvenirs to tourists, too, just as Phuket began attracting visitors. Other people were quick to follow his lead.

As they grew up, his family became involved and the business grew. One family brand is Kinnaree House, in Rawai. Andaman Place is another Rawai family business.

Some of the coconut plantations have been turned into property developments.

A jeep, decorated proudly and escorted by two outrider motorcycles from Chalong police station, formed part of the procession today.

Khun Viroj leaves three children, Democrat Member of Parliament Raywat, Watcharin and Rungfah.

After the funeral, Deputy PM Khun Suthep held a short media conference. He said the government had development of the south of Thailand as a priority.

Peace in the Thailand's three southernmost provinces was also being sought.

Criticism from the opposition could be expected, but the Government would listen and adapt its actions as necessary.

Asked about declaration of Phuket as a special economic zone, he said: ''Wait and see.''

But he did add that Phuket was an important part of the government's overall economic planning.

On tourism, he said the blockade of the airports was over and an incident of that kind would not happen again.