PHUKET: The daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media. Beware of inconsistent imitations.



bangkokpost.com Business and hotel operators on Samui are facing an economic slowdown in the wake of Friday's explosion in a shopping mall parking lot, resulting in a decline in both domestic and foreign tourists.

wwlp.com It's been several days since American Joshua Devine disappeared on a diving trip off Phuket. His family is still hopeful. Mother Marie Major and his sister are flying to Thailand so they can join the search.

bangkokpost.com With one dangerous day still to go, the death toll on the roads looks to be one of the worst ever, as government plans to reduce casualties crashed.



bernama The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Tan Sri Iyad Ameen Madani, said the OIC wants to resolve the Rohingya issue: ''The best way to engage with the government of Myanmar (Burma), which is also a member of Asean, is through the Asean family.''



bangkokpost.com A swimming ban has been imposed off beaches in downtown Hua Hin district after three holidaymakers drowned on Monday. Red flags were put up on beaches along Hua Hin and nearby Suan Son Pradipat Army Rehabilitation and Recreation Centre.

scmp.com Four Chinese women were jailed for five days after a cat fight over a reclining seat erupted a flight between Dalian and Shenzhen in China. Police were called by the crew and the women were jailed, The People's Daily Online reported.

cjr.org At the same time, I had been covering the story of Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian, two small-time beach reporters in Phuket suddenly charged with defamation by the navy for citing 41 words from a previously published Reuters story. I became consumed with every detail of Morison and Chutima's case.
http://www.cjr.org/criticism/thailand_bangkok_post.php

cnn.com Mailman Doug Hughes landed a gyrocopter on the West Lawn of the Capitol building to protest over corruption that results in money politics, causing a panic among security services and raising issues about protection.

Khaosod A speeding Mercedes Benz sports car driven by British tourist John Benjamin, 44, crashed into a motorcycle at U-turn in Hua Hin town, killing a border patrol policeman. Benjamin may face charges after hospital treatment.

theage.com.au Rescuers have found no more survivors from the shipwreck of a boat in which 400 migrants are believed to have drowned off the Libyan coast.

bangkokpost.com Editorial: All eyes are on how newly nominated US Ambassador Glyn Davies will maintain the balance between his role as the guardian of Western-style democracy and friendship with its long-time Southeast Asian ally.

centreforaviation.com Thai Lion now operates an average of nine daily flights to Chiang Mai and Hat Yai as well as up to five daily flights to Udon Thani and four daily flights to Krabi.



news.com.au From Thursday it will be illegal to sell alcohol in mini marts in Indonesia, including Bali. Indonesia Institute president Ross Taylor said nationalist sentiment was also running high, with Indonesian authorities reviewing every property to ascertain whether it was being held on behalf of a foreigner.

Try Phuketwan's Asean Today daily:
http://phuketwan.com/tourism/asean-today-bali-booze-snub-volunteers-cambodia-maid-beheaded-acid-hurled-police-22264/



afp Luis Suarez hit a brilliant second-half double as Barcelona appeared to end Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League dream for another year with a 3-1 quarter-final, first leg win at the Parc des Princes.

news.com.au Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is facing a ban from China over his ''sexist'' celebration at the nation's grand prix on Sunday. Demands are growing that Hamilton not be allowed to return to China after the Mercedes driver sprayed champagne in the face and side of the head of a race hostess on the winner's podium, according to The Times.

theguardian.com A clever brand of flight and drift brought James Tredwell figures of four for 47 as West Indies were bowled out for 295, 104 runs behind England.



Until April 19 Phuket Bike Week

May 4 Additional public holiday scheduled

June 20-21 Baba wedding at Old Phuket Town

July 15-19 Cape Panwa Hotel Phuket Raceweek