Thursday TRENDS
AND NOW for some good news: Tiger Airways is to double flights from Singapore to Phuket, beginning on October 26.
The announcement comes as officials revealed a second piece of good news. Consumer prices on the island dropped for the first time in months during August.
Tiger Airways, probably responding to increased requests for flights on the route, sold the increased number of flights this way: ''The new flights to Phuket mean that travelers have more choice and flexibility for that great fly and flop holiday.
''Now travellers can fly in the morning or evening to maximize their holiday with minimum fuss.''
As well as increases on the Phuket-Singapore route, the airline announced an increase on the Singapore-Bangkok route to three flights daily.
The extra 28 flights each week take the airline to 70 flights in and out of Thailand each week, a suitable milestone just days after the fourth anniversary of Tiger Airways' maiden flight to Bangkok.
It's an encouraging sign that Phuket tourism is on the way back, although if the latest figures are to be believed, a full recovery is still some time off.
And it will depend on the political turmoil being resolved quickly rather than have the uncertainty stretch on indefinitely.
The airline's managing director, Rosalynn Tay, said that flights could be as low as $S19.99, plus taxes and fees.
From October 26 Tiger Airways flights will leave Phuket each day at 10.40am and 8pm. From Singapore, flights will arrive at 10.10am and 7.10pm.
Consumer Prices Fall
THE OTHER good news is that consumer prices are dropping, thanks largely to a reduction in the price of oil.
The Ministry of Commerce on Phuket says inflation topped 11.5 percent for the year in June and July, but dropped to 9.6 percent in August, the first retreat of the year.
Reef Bound For Bang Tao Soon
PHUKET'S first artificial reef will be sunk one aircraft at a time, beginning in November and taking at least four days to complete.
Each of the 10 aircraft and helicopters will be loaded by crane onto barges, then the barges will be assisted by tug-like vessels to travel from the deep sea port at Cape Panwa to Bang Tao.
At Bang Tao, a crane on a barge will lower the aircraft into the water.
In the event of rough weather, arrangements have been made to secure submerged aircraft by anchor to large underwater balloons if necessary.
A team of 10 people will load the aircraft, five people will accompany the barges to Bang Tao, and a team of 10 divers will affix concrete blocks to the aircraft on the bottom.
Each of the divers has been contracted to receive 5000 baht a day. The workers on the dock will be paid 500 baht a day.
The reef opening ceremony is planned for November 29, with a concert by Sony on Bang Tao beach. There will be an exhibition relating the history of the aircraft.
At first it was estimated that each of the obsolete Dakota aircraft would require three concrete blocks to keep it in place.
That has now been increased to five blocks per plane, with the helicopters requiring four each.
One concern is that the tides may damage the aircraft. It will take about seven days to fix the aircraft firmly in their final resting place.
The artificial reef is being established to offer an easy-to-access alternate diving destination to the natural coral reefs, which are suffering from an excessive number of visitors.
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 17
The political turmoil that has damaged Thailand's reputation as a safe haven tourist destination is likely to continue despite the election of a new Prime Minister.
Phuket PAD weighs Next Move Against New PM
September 16
Central Festival Phase II brings a 140 million baht expansion, with new brands set to arrive; The 2008 Vegetarian Festival is sharpening its act, too; Sky Dive Reef meeting planned . . . again.
Phuket Central Festival Phase II Set to Sale
September 15
This week should give Phuket and Thailand a new leader. The best role model for 'new politics' is Singapore; Travel warning stays; Rawai supermarket opens with showgirls
Phuket and Thailand Need a benevolent Dictator
September 11
The Andaman's added attractions this high season will include a month of widespread price cutting in November, part of a push to revitalise the tourism industry on Phuket and in the region.
Phuket Price Packages Chase Tourism Rebound
September 5
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 4
The Prime Minister defends his right to remain in power, and Cabinet follows up with a plan for a public referendum to defuse the political crisis. A referendum may also divide the protestors.
Samak Tells Thailand: I Am Not Going Anywhere
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
September 1
Phuket is flying again. Perhaps not as high as it would like yet, but that will come in time. What was the cost of the airport blockade and what are the lessons for the island? Here's our analysis.
Phuket Flights Return, Island Counts The Cost
