Analysis
PROTESTS in the streets of Bangkok, a Government and its policies under assault. Sound familiar?

Yes, that's right. It's Thailand's political ructions threatening the tourist industry yet again, only today the color of the shirts on the streets will be red, not yellow.

As Phuket's tourism chiefs understand only too well, the future of Thailand tourism rides on the global perception that all is proceeding peacefully.

If the international media sniffs danger, all the good work done in recovering from the outrageous and unnecessary blockade of the capital's main airports for eight days will be blown away.

Today will be the most severe test of the new coalition government on two fronts: in the streets, and in its policies.

Phuket stands to benefit and perhaps even lay the foundation for a new beginning in 2009 if the key promises of the new government are kept.

On a whirlwind visit to Phuket at the weekend, Foreign Minister Kasit Pirom promised that the island would benefit in many ways from the new Democrat-led government.

Under PM Thaksin Shinawatra and his successors, the island has been deprived of its rightful return on the large amounts of tourism baht that have been siphoned off by the national government.

Among Khun Kasit's promises: that Phuket will become a special economic zone, thus having a vital say in its own future, and that Phuket will get a fair return of funding for essential infrastructure from now on.

He continued to support the tourism industry strongly over the weekend, saying that the government was determined to turn the economy around.

Clear-cut policies would be introduced, particularly on tourism promotion, to put the country back on its feet, he told the Bangkok Post.

As Phuketwan reported earlier, the Foreign Ministry has instructed embassies abroad to ''spread the message that Thailand is back in business regarding government stability, natural beauty, accommodation and facilities to serve foreign visitors.''

Khun Kasit said that many visitors from China were looking forward to celebrating the Chinese New Year in Phuket in January.

China has been asked to cancel its travel advisory, urging its citizens not to visit Thailand because unrest that could compromise their safety.

Better security measures would also be introduced for visitors, he said, but did not elaborate, the Post reported.

As Phuketwan reported earlier, a Foreign Ministry branch office in Phuket is also planned.

With the new Governor making some clearcut statements about Phuket's future, the promise of 2009 and beyond will largely hinge on the international media's take of events in Bangkok today.

We hope it goes peacefully. But the day did not begin well, with protestors denying MPs access to Parliament, leading to a policy speech postponement until later in the day.

Phuket Promise: Special Economic Zone Coming
Photo Album Phuket can look forward in 2009 to government promises made by a senior minister. In the new deal: the island becomes a special economic zone and gains fair annual funding.
Phuket Promise: Special Economic Zone Coming