PHUKET: A new office at Phuket International Airport has just opened to deal with tourists' complaints and help with information about Phuket.

The office is one of six around Thailand set up by the Government under the Bureau of Prevention and Assistance in Tourist Fraud.

The call centre at 076 327100 is now available to take complaints and to liaise with tourists in trouble, or who need to know how to contact police.

The Bangkok-based Director of the Bureau, Jaturon Phakdeewanit, told about 60 Phuket police and administrators today about the new service.

He said the initiative came about because of the government's concern to safeguard tourists and ensure Thailand developed the maximum revenue from tourism.

Eleven people will staff the new bureau at Phuket's airport - near the Laguna Phuket booth close to the exit door for arriving passengers - around the clock.

A staffer at the centre today said the office had opened yesterday and would be staffed around the clock from tomorrow.

''We haven't had any calls yet,'' she said.

A steady sdtream of arriving tourists, though, had come in seeking information.

The new bureau comes under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. As well as the Phuket office, the bureau will be opening in Haad Yai, Chiang Mai, Surat Thani, Chonburi and at Don Muang Airport in Bangkok.

Phuket Vice Governor Dr Sommai Preechasin chaired today's meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall in Phuket City.