Editorial Comment
PHUKET: Astute readers will have noticed a change in the Phuketwan masthead on the front page. The alteration signifies a change in mood, too.
More than five years ago, Phuketwan began life with the motto ''Sweet Phuket, Every Day.'' Our aim was to bring readers a complete and truthful portrait of Phuket.
Our belief has always been to also offer a vision of where Phuket should be heading, a way through the problems besetting the popular holiday island.
At the same time, we acknowledge that Phuket has been and remains an appealing destination. There's nowhere else on earth we'd rather be.
Yet the past few weeks have marked a noticeable change. It's as if the points we've been making over the past five years have been absorbed.
It's as though the makeover that Phuket needs has finally begun. A couple of weeks ago, China's ambassador told Phuket officials what needed to change.
Today the Minister for Tourism listed his selection of Phuket's 13 problems. Tomorrow it's the turn of the European ambassadors, who will be meeting on Phuket for the first time.
In two weeks, the ambassadors will take what they have learned about Phuket and relay their opinions to the Minister of Tourism, and to Thailand's top police officers.
Despite the thoughtless cynicism of Phuket's gloomy expat grumps, we've always remained optimistic. Now, Phuketwan is more upbeat than ever.
The mood has changed. The change is coming. Phuket does have a growing number of people who care for its future.
It's in recognition of the change that we've helped to bring that Phuketwan from today takes on its bold new motto.
These are not our words but the words of Vice Governor Jamleran Tipayapongtada.
At a meeting about tuk-tuks and taxis earlier this month, he looked at the Mayor of Karon and said: ''Are you brave enough to try to fix this problem here? Are you brave enough to change?''
We thought it was an inspirational moment. We think the vice governor, Phuket born and bred, put in a few words what a lot more people on Phuket are now thinking.
Khun Jamleran, his fellow Phuket Vice Governors and the Director of Phuket's Kathu district, Veera Kerdsirimongkol, are just a few among those now pressing for change from the ground up.
From above in Bangkok, the ambassadors, the Minister for Tourism and others are likewise pressing keenly for change. It's now or never.
So we hope all our readers and the broader community of the good and the great on Phuket will sense the significance of the moment.
The mood has changed. On Phuket, the change is coming. Are you brave enough to change?
Many good points in this article. I can confess being one of those grumpy and gloomy expats too but I struggle to be anything else after seeing how things have regressed in the past 10 years.
It's also very true that my sentiment doesn't matter.
What I find very positive in this round of "talks" is the fact that influential Thais are starting to appear equally fed up with empty promises and window dressing.
I can't wait to see how this round plays out.
Posted by ThaiMike on June 13, 2013 15:24