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Phuket Tourism's Clear Vision for the Future
By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian Sunday, January 4, 2015
PHUKET: Change for the better or face the consequences - that's the key to what 2015 holds for Phuket and its future in tourism and the Asean Economic Community.
With Thailand's military government determined to right past wrongs, Phuket presents an ideal role model for showing the world what can be achieved with a new outlook.
Phuket now has a second chance at the new beginning that really should have taken place after the 2004 tsunami.
The old model, which relies on self-interest, greed and an unending supply of tourists, is cracked and in danger of being completely broken.
The new model, returning a sensible social pecking order, community values and a competitive viewpoint, can be achieved in record time under the military.
If the Army does not finish the job it began so well in 2014, Phuket's future will remain murky and impossible to chart.
We would say this to the Governor and the other island administrators: do not give in to compromise. This leads inevitably to corruption and failure.
Decide what's right for Phuket - then enforce those decisions.
It's plain to us that Phuket needs to finish the job of aligning itself more closely with Krabi and Phang Nga as environmentally-aware destinations by upholding the ban on sunbeds and extending the clearance to include jet-skis and parasailers.
The other large issue is public transport. The recent Asian Beach Games could have put Phuket in prime position for hosting the first World Beach Games except for the extortionate fares still being charged by Phuket's tuk-tuks and taxis.
Until locals can afford to catch taxis, Phuket's social scale will continue to be a nightmarish distortion.
Nowhere else in the world do young men completing their education choose to become taxi drivers rather than go on to pursue degrees.
That's because being a taxi driver on Phuket is far too lucrative and cushy. The ''jobs for the boys'' mentality must be broken if Phuket is to be returned to reality.
No other destination within the Asean Economic Community has taxi driving among the best-paid of jobs.
It's a measure of the distortions of Phuket's values over the years, values bent and twisted by self-interest and greed.
Corruption must also be removed from every level of society, not just because it's morally wrong but also because many of those corrupt payments are made by tourists.
The cost of the corruption adds to the price of a holiday.
The military has a chance to set all these matters to rights, to make Phuket a role model for the rest of Thailand, to provide the New Phuket with the wind beneath its wings.
As new destinations emerge around Southeast Asia with the beauty and allure of Phuket 20 years ago, the theory of tourism evolution remain unchanged.
The island must adapt, or perish. The next 12 months will prove decisive.
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Comments
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very well said..this year will be the corner stone...with the Russian economy greatly affecting Russian travel and all the on going scams here..It's time to clean up or lose out
Posted by
sky
on
January 4, 2015 10:48
In the face of all the evidence, you are still an optimist.
Unfortunately, when it comes to improving Phuket, the powers that can make the changes necessary, never fail to snatch defeat from the mouth of victory.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
January 4, 2015 10:51
Editor Comment:
The military is running Thailand, Sir Burr. They can make it happen. The past year has been a succession of incremental improvements - oblivious as always to the Doomsayers, who can't see beyond their noses.
Forgot to say to totally ban the bus, except on the main road.. It's become a nightmare to pass in Kata Karon Paton if there is some bus on the road caise none of them has reagular exaust and with the big fear that can broke the brakes at any moments.
Posted by
dave
on
January 4, 2015 11:10
"The island must adapt, or perish" Has been said the last 15 years, so what's the reason for prove within the next 12 months?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
January 4, 2015 12:27
Editor Comment:
Because the military will still be in charge, Sherlock, for the whole year. They have the capacity to implement change rapidly.
In my experience once a place starts to get a bad name it is extremely hard to undo the damage. With Phuket it's been years of scamming and cheating that has left people never wanting to go back.
Now with the jet-skis being given the green light to monopolise the beaches like at Patong, many tourists will be thinking nothing will ever change and look elsewhere.
For me Phuket is not an option anymore, there are cheaper and nicer places without all the crap you get in Phuket. I can't see the Scandinavians, Swiss or Germans returning and they were the best spenders Phuket ever had.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
January 4, 2015 13:12
Editor Comment:
Phuket still attracts plenty of tourists with money to spend but there are other issues: constant development without the evidence of increasing numbers of visitors causes the same problem as a sudden falloff in tourist numbers and diminishes the island's appeal at the same time. That's why we've advocated a brake on development. Taxi extortion and the presence of jet-skis are not enough to keep tourists away. It's possible to avoid both.
It would be nice to see change but I feel the military gov have already shown their colours... they've removed the vendors (although some are back) who didn't have a powerful influence backing them up.
Pure common sense would tell you that Jet Skis are not wanted; well at least under the current system of intimidation and extortion.
Why hasn't the military gov taken action ... it appears that greed and corruption remains alive and well.
To achieve what is necessary for the survival of Phuket's and indeed Thailand's tourist industry will take a whole new mindset; something that I don't think will change as we continue to see the self-serving, greed and corruption play out on a daily basis.
Whilst we may call for change our voices are ignored; as a Thai recently said to me ... you know where the airport is if you don't like it --- of course if I'd said the same to him in the UK I'd be arrested and charged.
This is not the west and what we see now has been going on for hundreds of years and it's unlikely it will change in the foreseeable future ... a shame I admit considering the possibilities but only those in power can make the change and as we have seen time and time again they are not interested in change where graft is reduced.
Posted by
Graham
on
January 4, 2015 14:23
Editor Comment:
What we have seen ''time and time again'' Graham is the inevitability of change.
What is the latest on the AM situation? The last I can remember is that important stuff is happening in Feb, and if that fails AM isnt allowed a work permit.
Posted by
Jay
on
January 4, 2015 14:24
Editor Comment:
We're about to begin sorting out the passport and work permit issues. Sadly, the Australian government is choosing to ignore the precedent set by the British government in asking for and winning back the passport of workers' rights advocate Andy Hall. Australia these days does precisely whatever the Thai government suggests it should do.
The promises that we hear, sounds like true politician's promise. A lot of noise, but when it comes down to action, too many heads are buried in the sand. Speaking of sand, the beaches are getting more and more occupied with umbrella's these days. So the only thing we are waiting for is the moment that they will shove a sunbed underneath them. This morning, i even saw a drinks stall back ON the beach, opposite Angsana, Laguna, and on top of that, a sign for taxi service, with a black plated taxi. May 22th, 2014 is just another day in paradise for these people.They disappeared for a while, and they are creeping back.Personally, i don't have a problem with them, and i like the idea of lying on a sunbed, and have a drink served, on a well deserved holiday. The thing is, it should be more controlled, and that's what lacking. Like it shows now already in Kamala, and Surin with the umbrella's.
Posted by
Carl
on
January 4, 2015 14:32
A well stated article if somewhat repetitious. You've been stating this for years (possibly the past 3 to 5?) & we the readers have mostly echoed that sentiment. How many more 'last chances' does Phuket want.
It has a real chance under the military efforts, if only they could get rid of the lazy attitude of a core group of predominately Thais who want to continue eating golden goose eggs when that goose is no longer laying!
Posted by
Logic
on
January 4, 2015 14:45
Editor Comment:
We've never been in a situation where the beaches have been cleared (apart from 2005) and where the military is in control. The governor appears to be willing to give the local councils a chance to respond and apply their own enforcement . . .
(moderated)
Posted by
MediaWatcher
on
January 4, 2015 15:08
Editor Comment:
Plainly you're just as ignorant in 2015 as you always have been, MediaWatcher. Are they still publishing you at Thai Visa, or have they wised up, like everyone else?
.....and in ten more years you'll still be bleating the same old lines. "Last chance for Phuket", "Now is the time for change".
You just can't seem to get it through your head that EVERY institution that can effect change is corrupt and money is number one.
You must be a deeply disappointed individual, whereas I am not.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
January 4, 2015 15:22
Editor Comment:
I wouldn't make assumptions about you, Sir Burr, except to make the point that people who makes assumptions seldom get much right. As for people who not only make assumptions but can also see 10 years into the future . . .
As I have said before, I hope they don't change - with Russian numbers plumetting and scandinavians over in krabi, that only leaves drunken miners from Perth and chinese
Good luck to the taxi drivers and vendors then!
Economics mean they will soon lose income and will pack up and go somewhere else (maybe back home to isaan).
Then, and only then, does phuket have a chance to be rebuilt.
Locals in phuket (and Thailand in general) will never listen to advice from foreigners - as another poster said - there is the airport, go if you like.
Let them destroy it - let it collapse. Then it can be rebuilt properly (hopefully)
Reputations can be rebuilt but will take many years.
Posted by
Amazing Thailand
on
January 4, 2015 15:39
"Phuket still attracts plenty of tourists with money to spend"
Thisis where you are complacent and intrinsically wrong. And all the lotus eaters and risky Ruskies who are are going elsewhere in droves (as declared on your website) are gone for good. So all the little rooms in patong will just become short time knocking shops. And the beach already rubbish, will get worse. Doomsayer no, Realist yes.
Posted by
phonus balonus
on
January 4, 2015 16:09
Editor Comment:
Change is inevitable, PB, which means Doomsayers are so buried up to their necks in their own ennui that they can't see beyond the ankles of the people passing them by. Realism is accepting that change is inevitable. As i said, there are still plenty of tourists with money to spend . . . but also many more people competing for the money. Those who know how to market themselves well will survive. But those who are simple doomsayers, not realists, inevitably live on the edge.
I was relieved to leave Phuket a few days ago. It was not a "happy" place. Despite the removal of some sun beds,the vendors are back in action, the tuk tuks are operating as they did pre-coup and the jet ski operations are in full swing. Yes, change has occurred; prices are higher tun anywhere else in Thailand, and the value proposition for visitors is gone. In fairness though, here in Hua Hin, the restaurants are still operating on the beach, a large hotel had a wedding on the beach 2 days ago, there are sun beds in the same places as before with the exception that they doo not go all the way up to the water line, and the jet skis and surf kite rentals still have free rein of the beaches, although there are less than a dozen jet skis spread out over a few kms.
Posted by
Ryan
on
January 4, 2015 16:58
Yes, change is inevitable. See how Phuket has kept changing since the tsunami.
Change does not necessarily mean change for the better.
P.S. My assumptions have been correct for the last 30 years here in Phuket.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
January 4, 2015 17:27
Editor Comment:
I do wonder why people stay for a long time in places when they can find so little to say about them that's the slightest bit positive.
I've been to Patong Beach in 2010 and 2011. Which things have changed until today? I'm considering to visit patong again in april this year. Is it still safe? Has the situation with tuk tuks, jet skies... improved compared to 2011?
Thank you!
Posted by
Seb
on
January 4, 2015 17:34
The military in control. I prefer democracy instead of militacracy.
Stop constructing buildings in the unlimited way they do now.
Remove the expats who earned their money by self-interest and greed.
Posted by
Cecil
on
January 4, 2015 18:29
Great article PhuketWan. All said is reality and happening. I Applauded 22th may 2014. I welcomed the arrival of the military. Like you say greed and corruption are ruining Phuket (Thailand). It is like cancer ruining live...
But I got last couple of months so disappointed again.
Posted by
phuketgreed
on
January 4, 2015 22:45
[quote]
...do young men completing their education choose to become taxi drivers rather than go on to pursue degrees.
[/quote]
Ed, IMHO I doubt very much that many of these taxi drivers would be able to complete Prathom (elementary) level education, let alone study for a degree.
There has been discussion for years about how the taxi drivers and their service can be improved by introducing meters, assisting the drivers to learn English and good manners, ensure they wear a neat uniform etc.
But there seems to have been scant discussion about the ability of the driver to actually perform his/her job in an efficient manner, by being highly knowledgable about the location of hotels, tourist attractions, street names and the like.
Many (and I mean MANY) of the taxi drivers who bring guests to my hotel fail on one or several counts, namely:
- They are unable to navigate using a map
- They do not know right from left - telling them to 'leo kwa' means nothing because they simply do not know which hand is right and which is left
- They cannot read simple English addresses or hotel names
- They cannot read Thai. Yes, many of our esteemed taxi drivers are unable to read their own language...)
- They refuse to listen to customer directions, such as 'turn left here, there is the hotel sign'
- They cannot use a GPS navigation system, (yea, that would be expecting too much...)
Frankly, their abilities to perform their job are hugely lacking.
I provide a free hotel taxi service for all my hotel guests, because I am sick and tired of having to deal with ignorant drivers who do not understand Central Thai language (only speaking Southern Thai to me), and who will not follow my instructions in fluent Thai because I am a foreigner.
There are some good taxi drivers on the island, but few and far between.
Why should a Thai person have the right to become a taxi driver, just because they have paid the required licence fees?
IMHO, a knowledge test should be required, (similar to the London cabby 'The Knowledge' test), to ensure that licenced taxi drivers can actually do the job that the customer is paying them for.
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
January 5, 2015 08:13
Still 400 baht for a 7 minute trip from Karon to Patong, and Soi Sansabai, one minute on a mototbike tuktuk, normally 40 baht, 200 baht on New Year,s Eve,they will continue to annoy, regardless.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 5, 2015 11:11
If you want a model on which Phuket can be based come to Khao Lak. There weren't the rows and rows of sun beds and umbrellas on the beaches, just those on the edge of beach resorts or beach restaurants. However, like Phuket and other destinations those beach restaurants and havens for lotus eating layabouts like my wife and I were given orders by the military to demolish and demolish they did. Thereafter in agreement with the Provincial and local governments and the Military beach restaurants and massage places were allowed to relocate back frim public beach on to land that is privately owned or in public ownership and approved licences issued to be reviewed annually and aprroved rents paid. proper toilet and shower facilities have been installed and there will be greater control over kitchen and hygiene facilities which legally operating restaurants off the beach have always had to provide subject to inspection. So here am I on the fabulous Pak Weeb beach typing this from the comfort of my sunbed under the shade of the casuarinas with Khun On our very happy beach boy and waiter ready to bring us an umbrella should we need one, provided like the sunbed free of charge by the restaurant behind us where we will soon retire for a delicious lunch, our view being of the beautiful beach and ocean not mackerels lying basting in the sun as there used to be on Patong. This vista is repeated on both sides of us and at each of Khao Lak' beaches which we enjoy over the course of our 5 month stay. Those who want to lie in the full sun by and large do so on mats or towels or drag their sun bed a few feet down without spoiling it for others. Tourists, locals and nature in perfect harmony. Let's hope that Phuket can achieve the same.
Posted by
Alan
on
January 5, 2015 11:52
Editor Comment:
Sadly, that tranquility will only last until KL becomes seriously popular.
Simon Lutrell, excellent recollection ! The point I was excited the most is illiteracy in mother tongue , as it was first time in my life when I met really illiterate person - taxi driver in Phuket.
I would like to add, that once I was driven by manager of the rank, when I refused to be driven by driver who was born lacking a brain, only to discover that he is myopic - he explained this to me in a warm, sincere and friendly fashion - that he doesn't see too much details around, and he didn't take today his glasses. Fortunately, trip was just few kms, traffic was very slow, but a feeling that it is really Amazing Thailand was so strong.
Posted by
Sue
on
January 5, 2015 12:28
I entirely agree with you Simon. Reading maps is not the strongest Thai skill. The head of the English department at a university that shall remain nameless did not know her north from south from east from west. However she was not ferrying people around for a living...
It's funny because there is a disproportionately high percentage of taxi drivers (yes taxi drivers) who do well on British TV quizzes. Put it down to that old chestnut - culture differences.
Posted by
Sam Wilko
on
January 5, 2015 13:48
Me ..I still love Phuket to visit in small doses and always have a great time....though have to admit it is not what it was 10 years ago. From Trang...
Posted by
david
on
January 5, 2015 15:26
On 24 Nov after arriving at the airport, the first taxi "quote" to Phuket town was 2500 Baht. When my family appeared from behind it was immediately reduced to 550 Baht.
He must have thought they looked under fed?, maybe?
Posted by
Manowar
on
January 5, 2015 16:19
"Sadly, that tranquility will only last until KL becomes seriously popular." - now who's a doomsayer? ;-)
Posted by
Alan
on
January 5, 2015 17:00
Editor Comment:
A realist, Alan. A realist.
Manowar, I'm sure that was a case of major Misunderstanding, as the guy perceived that you asked what is a year now per calendar, but then suddenly stopped when his phrase when recognized something interesting going on at other corner of the building, that attracted his attention.
When you family appeared, then he realized that you are keen about using taxi srrvuces, and provided that service at correct price.
So everything is fair and no reason for complaint.
Posted by
Sue
on
January 5, 2015 17:26
Alan, Ed is right about Khao Lak trend:
let"s look at WhiteSandBeach, what it was say 5-7 years ago, and what it is now, when N hotels are ferrying their patron daily on scheduled shuttle buses there, and with refurbishment of nearby ghost-after-Tsunami hotels.
There is a strip of KhukKhak beach, that is still really enjoyable , and that is.
Everything else from BangSak southward to KhaoLak beach is either naturally unappealing , or under major erosion, or fully developed.
In 5 years and longer perspective the rest of Tsunami-crashed sites will be re-developed, and many other vacant land plots too, which currently creates such nice ambience when you stroll along the beach.
Posted by
Sue
on
January 5, 2015 17:55
Sue,
Sounds reasonable to me however if any are reading PW, this may become the standard line.
Posted by
Manowar
on
January 5, 2015 18:53
I am from USA...third time in patong with my wife. We really enjoy the Thai people, the climate and natural beauty. But everything you said in this editorial mirrors our impression. In November the beach had no sunbeds, few umbrellas and a nearly pristine view. Now a few vendors are catering to tourists who need to lie on their backs in a sunbed throwing their bottles, CIG butts, and trash on the beach. At night the hundreds of paper lanterns look romantic as they rise in the sky, but nobody seems to care about how they pollute the sea. The beach is getting dirtier by the day. Please enforce the new policies that were recently started. They are wise, benefit all but the careless and lazy and selfish.
Posted by
Anonymous
on
January 5, 2015 20:19
Sue,
Whilst I share a concern about the future of Khao Lak I'm taking the Editor's "glass half full" view of it's development that he expresses for Phuket as opposed to the "glass half empty" one he and you seem to share. It probably won't surprise you that I also disagree with your synopsis of the current beach scene of all Khao Lak's beaches. It is naive to expect a destination whose principal attraction is its beaches should not attract development and investment as that attraction is rewarded by a growing number of visitors. I have misgivings about Phuket, which I hope will be proved wrong just as I hope the "realism" predicted for Khao Lak is proved wrong. If we were as successful predicting this I for one would be living in luxury on my Lottery winnings. We all have our hopes and aspirations for the places we love and support. Making them come true is in many other people's hands.
Posted by
Alan
on
January 6, 2015 10:29
Quote "many of those corrupt payments are made by tourists". I total agree with this statement and the solution is to persecute those tourists trying to bribe. I am astonished to know my childhood dream of Phuket, a sunny and most friendly place on earth has come to this stage. Worst was, I have booked my family ticket for holiday this coming March. I hope all things will improve by then. Thanks!
Posted by
Mr Eric
on
January 20, 2015 14:36
According to Marine 5 there's no jet ski problem to resolve note the below
Phuket's Jet-Ski Scams Solved by Insurance, Honorary Consuls Told
By Phuketwan Reporter
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
PHUKET: The problem of jet-ski disputes between operators and tourists had been solved, Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Chief of Phuket's Marine Office 5, told a meeting of the island's honorary consuls yesterday.
He said that Phuket's jet-skis were now all insured, so there was no longer a need for tourists and operators to negotiate the cost of damages when crashes occurred.
many scams and disputes later we all know what that rhetoric proved to be just words
Posted by
slickmelb
on
February 1, 2015 20:54
Editor Comment:
Khun P is good at just words.
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very well said..this year will be the corner stone...with the Russian economy greatly affecting Russian travel and all the on going scams here..It's time to clean up or lose out
Posted by sky on January 4, 2015 10:48