PHUKET: The holiday high season on Phuket has delivered more forward bookings than ever and tourists had not been put off by recent violence, says Dr Kritsada Tansakul, Phuket-based southern director of the Thai Hotels Association (Southern branch).
''Complaints from tourists have been reduced as Phuket developed better management of safety and security,'' he said. ''Jet-skis and tuk-tuks are still a cause for concern but there are fewer serious complaints compared to a few years ago.''
Bookings were up on last year, he said, especially in Patong. In the west coast hub alone, there were 40,000 rooms available, he said, with the total across Phuket now at 92,000.
''I would like to see the regular meetings with envoys and honorary consuls on Phuket resumed,'' Dr Kritsada said. ''They provide a good forum for the island's authorities to hear from the tourists' side.''
He said there were times when tourists got into trouble and Phuket authorities only found out what was happening when told by consuls.
Introduced in 2010 and held every three months until Governor Maitree Intrusud arrived and decided he didn't like hearing the opinions of tourists and expats, the forums generated change for the better on Phuket, bringing together envoys, administrators and police.
Phuketwan noted at Phuket International Airport last month that the list of honorary consuls posted in baggage collection is at least two years out of date.
With the regular transfers of officers twice a year, the three-monthly meetings provide a forum where police and administrators could be reminded just how different Phuket is from all other Thai provinces, and why tourists and expats need a place where they can express opinions. Good suggestions came from both sides.
''Complaints from tourists have been reduced as Phuket developed better management of safety and security,'' he said. ''Jet-skis and tuk-tuks are still a cause for concern but there are fewer serious complaints compared to a few years ago.''
Bookings were up on last year, he said, especially in Patong. In the west coast hub alone, there were 40,000 rooms available, he said, with the total across Phuket now at 92,000.
''I would like to see the regular meetings with envoys and honorary consuls on Phuket resumed,'' Dr Kritsada said. ''They provide a good forum for the island's authorities to hear from the tourists' side.''
He said there were times when tourists got into trouble and Phuket authorities only found out what was happening when told by consuls.
Introduced in 2010 and held every three months until Governor Maitree Intrusud arrived and decided he didn't like hearing the opinions of tourists and expats, the forums generated change for the better on Phuket, bringing together envoys, administrators and police.
Phuketwan noted at Phuket International Airport last month that the list of honorary consuls posted in baggage collection is at least two years out of date.
With the regular transfers of officers twice a year, the three-monthly meetings provide a forum where police and administrators could be reminded just how different Phuket is from all other Thai provinces, and why tourists and expats need a place where they can express opinions. Good suggestions came from both sides.
Sure, business has never been better, especially in Patong. Just ask any hotel, guesthouse, restaurant or bar and they will confirm the opinion of Dr Kritsada Tansakul - or will they?
Posted by Sherlock on October 16, 2015 13:15