PHUKET: It's time for an assessment of the impact of Bangkok's floods on Phuket, and for signs of action to remove Phuket's disfiguring tourism warts.

We don't need to tell you what those warts are - everyone can see them.

Tomorrow, the new Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior, Pranai Suwanrath, holds a special video briefing for all of Thailand's provincal leaders, including Phuket's senior administrators.

Then a day later, Phuket's honorary consuls meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and Phuket's senior officials and police in their three-monthly gabfest.

It's going to be an interesting couple of days, warts and all.

What Khun Pranai is likely to reveal to Phuket's Governor Tri and Thailand's other governors is the effect that the Bangkok floods will inevitably have on planning nationwide and more importantly, budgets.

One has to wish him well. As Deputy Permanent Secretary, Khun Pranai was the man delegated earlier this year to begin the process of looking at the complaints of embassies and their honorary consuls on Phuket and in other Thai tourism destinations.

Those complaints were sharply focussed on Phuket as being the destination that could prove the role-model for broader reforms, if they proved necessary, in Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Samui and other popular spots for tourists in Thailand.

Phuket's authorities were told to investigate whether they could solve the problems cited most often by tourists and embassies: Rip-offs and transport, including tuk-tuks and jet-skis; Tailors and touts and the use of high-pressure street sales techniques; Traffic and the lack of a strategy for Phuket's growth; Garbage disposal; Local and international tourist guides.

While progress may seem slow in coming, the rolling committees established on Phuket have reached the point where they have tried their best, but now concede that Bangkok's help is needed to solve most of Phuket's problems.

That should have led to quick action by Bangkok but the north and central Thailand floods have understandably preoccupied the Interior Ministry and the newly-appointed Khun Pranai, even though his elevation to the top job is considered to be a promising sign for Phuket.

On Thursday, just how much patience Phuket's honorary consuls have is likely to become apparent in the eighth meeting of the innovative series.

Two ambassadors from Bangkok are likely attend the Phuket City gathering - making it perhaps the most significant meeting yet in terms of its diplomatic weight.

Will the honorary consuls be as feisty and forceful as usual on the important issues of tourism safety and security, which on Phuket translates roughly into taxis, tuk-tuks, jet-skis and rape?

Phuketwan expects to hear more revealing examples of holidays gone horribly wrong, of the need for Phuket to safeguard its tourists, and for the island to embrace a sensible public transport strategy at sensible prices for visitors and residents alike.

Given the enormity of the Bangkok floods, the honorary consuls and their embassies will probably allow Governor Tri and Khun Pranai a little more time to formulate strategies and appropriate cures for Phuket's chronic problems.

But by 5pm on Thursday afternoon, Phuket's future as a tourist destination should, at least, be a little plainer.