CHANTING anti-government protestors paraded the streets of Phuket City in pouring rain on Saturday afternoon, undaunted by storms and heavy flooding.
Rain poured constantly as about 200 marching protestors cheered and mocked a large effigy of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who has repeatedly rejected calls for his resignation.
The march was peaceful and concluded after about two hours at Provincial Hall, where protest groups continue to occupy the grounds despite rising mud and water.
Free food was handed out to bedraggled marchers and the effigy of the PM was laid on a coffin with the words ''No War'' at its head.
At noon on Sunday, the grounds of Provincial Hall remained sodden, with a loudspeaker blaring speeches out to an audience of perhaps three people.
Protestors in Bangkok have said they plan to continue to occupy Government House and the peaceful occupation of Provincial Hall in Phuket is likely to continue in a display of sympathy.
Apart from forays around Phuket City, the protestors seem unlikely to repeat last weekend's seizure of Phuket International Airport that stopped flights, stranded thousands of tourists and badly damaged Phuket's international reputation as a peaceful haven.
In a radio and television speech nationwide on Thursday, Khun Samak refused to resign. He also made the point that he was an elected leader and those who sought to replace him wanted to change democracy.
He repeated his intention to stay on in a speech on Sunday.
The Thai News Agency reported on Saturday that the Tourism Authority of Thailand's deputy governor, Juthaporn Rerngronasa, said the agency was monitoring the political unrest and coordinating with its overseas offices so that they could explain the situation to foreign tourists.
A random survey was conducted and over 50 per cent of ''Thai tourists'' [probably they mean tourists in Thailand] said the unrest did not affect their tourism plans because their travel destinations were not close to sites of possible unrest, mostly in Bangkok, Mrs Juthaporn said.
The TAT chief said that the agency advised tourists to engage in activities such as shopping and visiting tourist spots away from the areas where protest demonstrations occur.
TNA also reported that Assumption University's Abac Poll director Noppadol Kannikar said a survey, conducted from September 2 to 5 among 532 foreign investors and tourists, found that 98.9 per cent said they would ask their relatives and friends to visit Thailand.
The gross happiness index of foreigners residing in Thailand improved marginally to 8.06 in the latest survey from the 8.02 registered earlier.
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Rain poured constantly as about 200 marching protestors cheered and mocked a large effigy of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej, who has repeatedly rejected calls for his resignation.
The march was peaceful and concluded after about two hours at Provincial Hall, where protest groups continue to occupy the grounds despite rising mud and water.
Free food was handed out to bedraggled marchers and the effigy of the PM was laid on a coffin with the words ''No War'' at its head.
At noon on Sunday, the grounds of Provincial Hall remained sodden, with a loudspeaker blaring speeches out to an audience of perhaps three people.
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Protestors in Bangkok have said they plan to continue to occupy Government House and the peaceful occupation of Provincial Hall in Phuket is likely to continue in a display of sympathy.
Apart from forays around Phuket City, the protestors seem unlikely to repeat last weekend's seizure of Phuket International Airport that stopped flights, stranded thousands of tourists and badly damaged Phuket's international reputation as a peaceful haven.
In a radio and television speech nationwide on Thursday, Khun Samak refused to resign. He also made the point that he was an elected leader and those who sought to replace him wanted to change democracy.
He repeated his intention to stay on in a speech on Sunday.
The Thai News Agency reported on Saturday that the Tourism Authority of Thailand's deputy governor, Juthaporn Rerngronasa, said the agency was monitoring the political unrest and coordinating with its overseas offices so that they could explain the situation to foreign tourists.
A random survey was conducted and over 50 per cent of ''Thai tourists'' [probably they mean tourists in Thailand] said the unrest did not affect their tourism plans because their travel destinations were not close to sites of possible unrest, mostly in Bangkok, Mrs Juthaporn said.
The TAT chief said that the agency advised tourists to engage in activities such as shopping and visiting tourist spots away from the areas where protest demonstrations occur.
TNA also reported that Assumption University's Abac Poll director Noppadol Kannikar said a survey, conducted from September 2 to 5 among 532 foreign investors and tourists, found that 98.9 per cent said they would ask their relatives and friends to visit Thailand.
The gross happiness index of foreigners residing in Thailand improved marginally to 8.06 in the latest survey from the 8.02 registered earlier.
Look for
TRENDS
every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. To tell us your news, email bigislandmedia@gmail.com or telephone 081 6513489.Latest
TRENDS
from Phuketwan:September 4
Why did they do it? That's the week's big question. The invasion of Phuket International Airport was a big mistake that is going to cost Phuket people dearly. Why?; Jobs is the critical topic as tourism slows.
Phuket Flights: Why Was Airport Invaded?
September 3
Phuket occupancy rates are down from 55 percent to 30 percent and the recovery will take up to two years, a tourism industry leader says. The island and airlines continue to count the cost of the airport siege.
Phuket Air Siege: Two Years For Recovery
September 2
With a state of emergency announced in Bangkok, a survey of Phuket resorts indicates that the airport siege cost the tourism industry dearly. One thing is sure: Phuket is no longer the haven from political unrest it was last week.
Phuket Resorts Report Cancellations, Uncertainty
August 28
Phuket's Big Buddha stands at the top when it comes to tourist attractions, bringing more and more visitors to the island; Phuket artist takes on Manhattan; Charity golf day.
Phuket's Big Buddha Tops With Tourists
August 27
After a month's delay for a poll challenge, Patong has a reelected mayor. Pian Keesin is likely to push the Patong Tunnel and the Big Buddha cable car; Phuket mourns five in van blast; Alert on PAD action.
Patong Mayor Pian Wins Despite Poll Challenge
August 26
The familiar green Phuket City buses are turning pink and changing in other ways, too. Look for the new buses from October 1; New discount for airlines at Phuket; Dengue fight goes on foot.
Look for
TRENDS
every day, Monday to Friday, at Phuketwan. It's essential reading. To tell us your news, email bigislandmedia@gmail.com or telephone 081 6513489. 
