Phuketwan 'Brave Enough to Change' Campaign
PHUKET: For Phuket's beach clubs and restaurants, a line has definitely been drawn in the sand. And Phuket's taxi drivers are no longer being allowed to continue to be the island's biggest passengers.
The past week has brought momentous change to the holiday island with the arrests of scores of taxi drivers and a decision by Phuket authorities to shut down dozens of beach clubs and restaurants.
In the coming week there will be a third crackdown - this time, we are told, on drugs. Phuket prison is likely to be bursting at the seams if the local authorities get tough on drug-takers.
We can't say whether these remarkable turn-arounds are going to last forever but we can marvel at the extraordinarily swift application of the coup command's ''harmony'' policy.
People in the know are saying that if General Prayuth Chan-ocha had not taken over in Thailand on May 22, there would have been no impetus for these sweeping and dramatic changes.
So often in the past on Phuket, decisions encouraging a law-abiding lifestyle have faded as greed and commerce come into play once more. Will it happen once again?
We hope not. There was no telling where the exploitation of Phuket's foreshore was going to end, and if the seafront can be saved, at least tourism has a brighter future.
A lot more work needs to be done on the beaches and in protecting the coral reefs, too, for posterity.
Regrettably, some of Phuket's best beach clubs and restaurants are going. Like many residents and tourists, we enjoyed our share of meals by the seaside.
If the process of what's allowed on Phuket's beaches was properly managed, dining on the sand could possibly return - and pay for the preservation of the beaches, rather than go into private pockets.
The taxi and tuk-tuk system needs a more complete overhaul. Fares should be cut in half and drivers allowed to pick up anywhere on the island.
And a serious attempt also should be made to encourage real drivers who want to work.
Drugs? A drive against drugs on Phuket can only be good, especially if it removes some of the real dealers and their cohorts, not just the users at the end of the supply chain.
There might have been the need for a fourth campaign to clear Phuket of its negative expat doomsayers and no-hopers.
But we think they've already taken flight and are too ashamed now to offer even a peep.
without the no hopers Alan, you'd find yourself bored out of your mind
Posted by sky on June 11, 2014 12:30
Editor Comment:
I'd actually have more time to write about important topics. Few comments have anything of value to add, sky. This one is typical.