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Phuket Tourists Up, Patong Struggling
By Alan Morison and Chutima Sidasathian Saturday, November 7, 2015
PHUKET: More than a million passengers moved through Phuket International Airport in October as the facility headed towards bursting its official capacity level before its opening ceremony.
However, the characteristics of most of those travellers have changed from Europeans spending two or three weeks on the holiday island to Chinese spending two or three days.
Whatever successes are touted by Thailand's tourism officials ring hollow for just that reason. The numbers are increasing but the revenue is now concentrated in fewer pockets.
Tourism-related businesses in Patong, Phuket's western holiday hub, say business is really bad. Patong is also western in the sense that it's a destination popular with Europeans and Australians.
Whatever appeal Patong beach may have had for many has been destroyed by authorities giving so much of its stretch of sand over to jet-skis and parasailers after removing thousands of sunbeds that were once horizontal holiday havens for sunloving layabouts.
Inept management of Patong beach especially has cost those who have invested in the place a small fortune.
This month, a Belgian who ran restaurants in the tourism hub committed suicide because he couldn't pay his staff.
Yet this steady slide towards social chaos is being ignored by Phuket's officials. Local media report in denial.
Yesterday we watched as island and Bangkok authorities scratched their heads again in trying to introduce the dead-duck idea of a ''10 percent zone'' for umbrellas, mats and services at Patong beach.
Ceramic pots are apparently the answer. Pots were being placed to mark the ''10 percent zones'' at the back of a beach already crowded with hired umbrellas and mats, and with jet-skis and parasailers all over it.
Phuketwan reporters were there on July 9 last year when the military cleared Patong beach of all commerce.
It seemed such a hopeful sign, a chance for the ''new Phuket'' to commit to nature and attract tourists to the island's original beauty.
Yesterday we watched several of the officials who are supposed to be imposing a foolish compromise with commerce at Patong and other beaches smoke cigarettes and grind the butts into the sand.
So much for the faint hope that, after 16 months of the ''new Phuket'', island authorities might actually be beginning to understand what's required.
Everything now being planned is trashing the environment. The ''10 percent zone'' is a hollow joke.
Instead of a new beginning, Patong has been gifted to the jet-ski and parasail operators by uncaring local officials who don't have a clue about proper beach management or culture.
There is no avoiding the blame this high season for the needless loss of so many European tourists.
Local officials have with few exceptions, including the new governor, never cared what the tourists think, as long as their money kept coming.
Now in Patong, the money is not coming. Higher prices and a whiff of violence have also contributed to Patong's continuing decline.
As a matter of record, there were 1,039,459 arrivals and departures through Phuket International Airport in October, an increase of 9.18 percent on the same month last year.
With just two months to go in 2015 and the total for the year already at 10,512,756 arrivals and departures, the enlarged airport's capacity of 12.5 million will be exceeded before it opens early in the new year.
But the figures don't fool anyone. Not enough of those tourists are heading for Patong and its abused, no longer natural beach, once one of the most popular swimming destinations in the world.
The commitment to Chinese tourism also leaves the whole island in the perilous position of no longer being a destination with diverse global appeal, but a holiday place that can easily be crossed off the list at any time by Beijing authorities.
That's the sad, sad story behind Phuket's healthy-looking tourist figures and the unnatural commerce all over Patong beach..
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Comments
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Sounds like doomsaying to me Ed.
Posted by
Arun Muruga
on
November 7, 2015 09:27
Editor Comment:
Realism is different to doomsaying, AM. Doomsayers believe nothing will ever change. Realists know change is certain. Sometimes change will be for the better, sometimes for the worse.
Excellent article Ed. I agree with every word, as I'm sure most of the "doomsayers" will, too.
Posted by
Sir Burr
on
November 7, 2015 10:13
so is it still BYO beach umbrellas ED or has the Governor changed his mind AGAIN ????
Posted by
reg
on
November 7, 2015 10:15
Editor Comment:
Still BYO. Best not to confuse this governor with previous governors, reg. This governor remembers how Patong beach once looked and probably has a clear idea of how it should look.
"....most of those travelers have changed from Europeans spending two or three weeks on the holiday island to Chinese spending two or three days..."
That is a commonly believed generalization that, from my point of view as a business owner in Patong, is inaccurate. We see a lot of travelers from China, for sure. But our customers are independent travelers, not just package tour groups, and stay more just a few days. We also have large numbers of customers from Malaysia, India, the middle east, Singapore, Korea and Hong Kong, as well as returning customers from Europe and Australia and are not just dependent on Chinese tourists. Many are traveling with family or together with work colleagues and are saying at least a week or more.
Many of the commenters here base their negative comments on business owners they know saying business is terrible. If they mainly are talking to owners of bars, western restaurants and dodgy massage places, the comments are probably true. But that is just ignoring the reality of who the tourists coming here are and what they want.
Most of the non-european customers we serve are not by any stretch "budget" travelers and many are probable much more wealthy than you or I or most of the commenters here. They are more than willing to spend, but insist on receiving value for service. They are generally not interested in bar hopping or going to western restaurants or staying in over priced 5 star hotels. And they expect to be treated with consideration and respect. I have seen incidents of staff in some businesses turning their backs on customers, from India or the middle East, ignoring them or refusing them service.
With the large numbers of tourists coming here now, if a business is experiencing a downturn, it is a failure of their business model not a failure of the quality of tourists. It is ridiculous to categorize Western tourists as being "high quality" and everyone else as being low quality budget tourists.
Posted by
Richard S
on
November 7, 2015 10:21
Editor Comment:
We're not suggesting that where you come from determines whether you are a ''quality'' tourist.The predictable increase in independent travellers from China has been accompanied by a vast increase in package tourists, Richard. You are the exception, not the rule. It's certainly true, though, that in tourism, best make your own luck.
Do you have an apartment block, Richard?
Excellent Article, Well Written..
and told how it is....
Well Done.. Phuketwan.....
Posted by
robert
on
November 7, 2015 10:23
Beleive me ED.. it will change but in the worst direction.. just talking with a thai businessman yesterday that he got a loan from the bank of 20 million baht to run other more 10 bus to bring aorund chinese tourists. The chinese business isn't focus on natural beauty of the island, but only in spending potential in the big shops specially constructed for them. So why care the beach and the nature? That's why on the short cut from Chaofa Road and Kathu where manu fo these shop arre under costruction has been destroyed tha last piece of flat land with beautiful water and nice MTB trails. That's it: the money run the business. The new dophinarium is the icona of this phuket mentality.
Posted by
dave
on
November 7, 2015 10:39
Ed
Excellent article and of course, quite correct
Change is happening and it's getting more and more of a farce after each round of changes
Of course the issue with "2 day" tourists rather than "2 week" tourists is the main one. Just a few people making lots of money from this new business model. All the independent businesses continue to suffer
But hey, it's what TAT and other authorities want. Good luck to them !
Posted by
Discover Thainess
on
November 7, 2015 11:47
Go further south to Kata Karon, or North to Suring Bangtao and bet more for your buck !
patong should come with a health warning, I know where I am going this year !!
Posted by
Steve smith
on
November 7, 2015 12:12
Despite what is written, my travel companies will no longer sell tours nor trips to Phuket.
Phuket get your stuff together without mafia rule and idiot administraters with 10 % beach rules, then you can be a good destination again.
Until then you are a old hasbeen holiday destination.
Posted by
Duncan B
on
November 7, 2015 12:42
#Richard S
Quote; "failure of their business model" - Seems to be rather a sweeping statement, based on what evidence? Furthermore, I would say most Europeans (generally speaking), also expect value for money, and of course good service. So I'm not sure why you suggested that certain tourists may have different expectations from the rest?
In terms of the future of Phuket, certainly it needs to adapt in these changing times. I do agree however, whilst the beaches are not as crowded as before, it is misleading to suggest that this is the main indicator on how healthy tourism is. Of course Phuket is now attracting a different variety, and therefore businesses in general must make subtle changes to survive.
Posted by
reader
on
November 7, 2015 13:07
Something tells me the sand will be dug out of the pots & they'll be rolled away & sold SOON! I'm not being negative, just stating the obvious as they're worth MONEY! Watch this space..
Posted by
Anonymous
on
November 7, 2015 14:32
Editor Comment:
We don't expect them to last, especially the ones on top with no sand in them.
It will not be the chinese who will feed the phuket people and investors, this is the worst high season for the last 7 years. No sunbeds=no european tourists who spend= no income= jobless people= more criminality in Phuket.
As long as the chain of governors who land in Phuket will not realise Phuket will loose his good old spending customers to Bali,Vietnam and others.
All the people who have support the ban of sunbeds should be shy not!Phuket is a holiday destination and if you can not tolerate sunbeds move to another part of Thailand.
Posted by
Eric
on
November 7, 2015 15:03
Editor Comment:
Beaches are public and sunbeds are banned, Eric. Get over it.
Great article - hits the nail firmly on the head. Phuket is at its nadir & surely cannot get any worse, so the only way is up ... or that too optimistic a view?
Posted by
Logic
on
November 7, 2015 15:18
As long as the jet ski and parasail are there then everyone else will stay away. They are rude aggressive and no one wants them on a nice quiet tropical beach
Posted by
Simon
on
November 7, 2015 16:06
Wow. What an extremely, well written article. I'm still holding out for the new Governor to finally come to his senses and for sanity to ultimately save the island. What a mess.
Posted by
Paradise
on
November 7, 2015 17:01
The jetski's stayed and are not the problem, removing the sunbeds IS.
Posted by
simon
on
November 7, 2015 17:41
:)
4 times this year we arrive in hkt.
4 times we left hkt so soon as possible
and went to khao lak.
Posted by
rudolf
on
November 7, 2015 17:54
#Reader
"So I'm not sure why you suggested that certain tourists may have different expectations from the rest?"
Consider that many of the current crop of tourists are from India or the middle east. Indians will not eat in a restaurant that serves beef. Those from the middle east will not eat in a restaurant that serves pork. Neither group is not particularly interested in hanging out in bars or nightclubs on Bangla Road or sitting in loungers on the beach or doing many of the other things that European tourists like to do. They have completely different expectations and needs for how they want to enjoy their holiday. Doesn't mean either that they are budget travelers who won't spend. Many are business owners and very wealthy and successful in their own country. They just have different expectations and as well are often discriminated against by many locals and businesses who consider them lower class and less worthy of their attention than European tourists.
Businesses that recognize and cater to those differences will do better than those that still run businesses based on what their previous predominately European customers wanted. That is not just my random hypothetical generalization but rather my experience owning a tourist related business in Patong.
Posted by
Richard S
on
November 7, 2015 19:58
maybe they need a new measuring stick not just turnstile figures, the Chinese market prefer spectator type tours Asian food and 4 star hotels if you think Chinese will flock your bar cheap guesthouse or other businesses outside this scope your dreaming the amount of Chinese drowning's on snorkeling tours who see it as a safe beach holiday The Chinese government may put a avoid Phuket unless absolutely required travel ban on it what then, as for the pots on the beach they will slowly just disappear into thin air.
Posted by
slickmelb
on
November 7, 2015 21:12
I see things broken down into two main groups. First, Chinese package tourists who actually spend a lot of money per day and are kept very busy by there package provider. The caveat with these tourists is there tour organizer has negotiated exceptional rates with hotels, restaurants, and attractions and healthy kickbacks from shops they bring there groups to. Also they tend to stay for 3-4 days. This leaves little meat on the bone for hotels that contract there hotels/restaurants to this clientele. The second group is the independent traveller from everywhere else not just Europe. They want value and service for there money, have no tight schedule of events and float around from the beach, to various restaurants, bars, shopping and other tourist attractions. Depending on whether it is a family trip or not they may spend the evening on Bangla Rd. These tourist tend to spend 2-3 weeks and often experience the worse side of Phuket. These are the tourists which will experience Phuket's Tuk Tuk mafia, they may experience the jet ski mafia and if over-served on Bangla road in the evening may run into other issues.
These are also the tourists that will miss the beach umbrella/sunbed, massage, food and beverage operations.
The TAT just points to the rising numbers at the airport and gives itself a pat on the back. If the airport has the capacity (it appears it does not) there would be plenty of room for both types of tourists. In reality it would not take much of a change but the Tuk Tuk/ Jet Ski mafia are well entrenched. Sorting out the beach is not really that difficult but it is so lucrative everyone is fighting and lobbying hard for there piece of the pie. One line of beach chairs/ umbrellas. A set number of old massage ladies on platforms. Possibly drink vendors and food carts on the road. (no structures)Hawkers cannot keep bugging sunbathers but can walk up and down the beach, Umbrella/sunbed guys are responsible to clean the beach. Most importantly, no jet skis, no para-sailing. Simple.
Posted by
Tuna58
on
November 7, 2015 21:50
Dear ED let me explain to you how a market works: (you are a writer and maybe you dont now).Phuket is in a globel competition and believe me just to have beautifull beaches is not inove.(you can find it anywhere in the world)The Tourist these das wont some comfort that means sunbeds, ambrellas and Food and Drinks on the beach.If you are so heavely depending on tourism like Phuket does you have to do somthing for your guests.(customer!)If you dont they dont come (this is happening now) And believe me other destinations are very happy to get all this tourists from Phuket so easy because Phuket is acting so silly!And pleas dont argue all the time ITS THE LAW, you can change the law ore make exeptionfrom it.(Goverments do it all the time.(Ist there Job making new laws changing or adjust old ones etc.)How many laws have already changed since the Military took power? And as Duncan B said many travel companies will not sell Trips to Phuket any more because there is no Demand.(thas how the market works)
Posted by
chavis
on
November 7, 2015 22:45
Editor Comment:
No other country I know of allowed the entire beaches to be covered in sunbeds, chavis. The beaches look much better now, thanks, and their appeal is totally different everywhere except Patong.
[quote]
With the large numbers of tourists coming here now, if a business is experiencing a downturn, it is a failure of their business model not a failure of the quality of tourists.
[/quote]
This is the crux of the problem for many tourism-related businesses in Phuket.
They have failed to understand that the demographics (and interests) of the average Phuket tourist have changed.
Those businesses which followed this changing trend, and adapted their business to meet the needs of the new type of tourist, will survive.
Those who fail to adapt will fail.
My own little airport 'transit' hotels made that change, such as by operating all night, since that is when most flights from China arrive/leave the airport.
I cannot keep up with the demand for guest rooms, especially from the well-off Chinese tourists who are savvy enough to stay for their first or last night of holiday close to the airport in a modest hotel, rather than paying for half a night in their 5-star hotel.
I've doubled the number of guest rooms to meet this demand for accommodation.
In Patong, I see failed businesses everywhere. I also spotted what was once a Thai/western restaurant, who had thrown away that theme, and erected large advertising signs in Chinese and English that offered 'Fast Food - Chinese'.
The restaurant was packed with customers.
(In general, I find that Chinese do not like spicy food, or only want to eat Chinese food, do not drink beer and therefore shun the 'beer-bar' entertainment in Phuket).
We may not agree with the change in tourist demographics and needs, but as businesses, we will go to the wall unless we meet that need.
For me, although I have a successful and growing business, the fact that 'Western' tourist visitor numbers are in decline in Phuket, can be blamed on the selfishness, greed, ignorance and 'Me, me' attitude of local officials and vendors.
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
November 8, 2015 06:59
Editor Comment:
We noticed the first China-themed business in Soi Bangla about to open on our last visit.
To continue, (IMHO), the whole concept of renting out sun-loungers or chairs, or selling drinks, food and souvenirs on the beaches is a broken business model.
Why?
Because the type of customer who enjoys those activities no longer visits Phuket in large numbers.
That money-making machine is obselete and no amount of marketing or 'painting lipstick on a pig' will bring back the previous (Western) customers - they are all too aware of the dirty sea, the aggressive and greedy tuk-tuk drivers, the bait-and-switch scams of Bangla touts to sell overpriced beer, the endless 'buy a suit you are a lucky man' patter from the tailors.
Most tourists who visit Phuket now are Chinese or Asian. The last thing they want to do is to lie on a hot beach, getting a suntan and drinking a beer.
From my experience, they will visit the famous Patong beach to quickly take a selfie, to show to their friends back home.
They have no time to relax on the beach - their schedule is tightly-packed with other sights to visit. (I am talking not only about tour-bus Chinese - the independent travellers work to a similar schedule).
The only reason to linger longer on the beach is to rent a jetski or go parasailing, because that is an opportunity that is maybe not usually available back home - and it can offer great selfie opportunities.
(And for simlar reasons, I believe that the new Dolphinarium and swimming with dolphins will be a popular venue for Chinese tourists).
So let's see the vendors and authorities offer the type of services and products that will attract revenue from these new tourists.
Why not create a 'new' Patong that is the food, entertainment and culture capital of ASEAN? ==> restaurants that offer food from each of the ASEAN countries, with daily on-the-beach food shows and demonstrations, where tourists can pay to take part in cooking with famous chefs. Add in daily Chinese lion dance shows, Vietnamese water puppet shows, Thai Khon dancing, (and tourists can pay to dress up in these customs for those great selfies...).
Out with the beer-bars, in with the culture-cafes.
Patong, stop trying to be a 'has-been' and start being a town that offers what the new type of visitor to Phuket really wants
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
November 8, 2015 07:48
Editor Comment:
It was interesting to see passengers come ashore from a cruise ship off Patong the other day, and to note how most got into minivans straight away to be whisked to other sights. Patong doesn't get it. Change is inevitable.
"Patong doesn't get it. Change is inevitable."
Is the purpose with all this new rules, to change Patong?
Who will benefit from that?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 8, 2015 17:24
Editor Comment:
Phuket's tourism market is changing, Sherlock. How are your Mandarin lessons going?
I have just written some signs in four languages, here among Chinese.
We all have to adapt to new tourists, but what is the point in forcing the old ones, who have supported Phuket's tourism sector for decades, to stay away, with regulations?
Posted by
Sherlock
on
November 8, 2015 18:27
Editor Comment:
Who can say? The clearance of the beaches and foreshores was unexpected and the logic to what has followed is impossible to discern. My guess is that people with big money on Phuket and in Bangkok see the island's future as a shopping paradise for visitors from China and nearby countries. Although the charm has gone off ''duty free,'' I wouldn't be surprised to see Phuket become ''duty free.'' Shopping tourism with diving and some tours works in the same way that medical tourism works.
Some of you seem to be changing your "business model" to accommodate the chinese - good luck with that!
For now i'm sticking with trying to attract the western-style tourists who are still coming in sufficient numbers to sustain my business. If and when they stop coming i'll evacuate and leave the rest of you to cope with the cheap hordes.
For sure this daft 10% rule and some bad publicity is hurting but i'm optimistic that one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, the message will get through, and we'll get back to quality tourism.
Posted by
jimbo34
on
November 8, 2015 20:42
Chinese Lion Dance Shows?
Vietnamese water puppet shows'
Thai Kon dancing?
My advice to Phuket is GET BACK TO HOW IT WAS BEVORE as soon as possible if you dont wont that Phukets west coast become a GHOST PLACE with emty Hotels Restaurants Bars etc.
Posted by
chavis
on
November 9, 2015 00:11
A bear baiting show or any animal circus would do very well in phuket. How about boxing kangaroos? A few great business opportunities to be had.
Posted by
mac
on
November 9, 2015 05:45
[quote]
... and leave the rest of you to cope with the cheap hordes
[/quote]
This myth about Chinese tourists being 'cheap' doesn't hold water with me.
Many of the Chinese guests who stay at my 2-star airport hotel are '5-star' Chinese, staying at the best hotels on the island.
People need to understand that many Chinese tourists spend a lot of money in Phuket, but what they buy differs dramatically from what 'Western' tourists buy.
For Chinese (and other Asian tourists), it is the purchase of brand-name clothes and perfumes, jewelry and the like - the type of product that can be taken back home and 'shown off' to the neighbors.
Drinking numerous bottles of beer and eating local Thai food is not something that gains face for them.
Will Western tourists return in substantial numbers? Whilst I hope they do, I am also a realist. My hotel menus, signs and emails sent to Chinese guests have been in Chinese language for over 12 months. Now I employ Chinese bloggers to write about my hotel on Chinese websites.
Better red than dead, I say :)
Posted by
Simon Luttrell
on
November 9, 2015 09:47
Editor Comment:
There will be lots of empty malls on Phuket in a few years if the big brand stores haven't done their homework.
Wealth doesn't make "quality tourists"
Better to have politeness and common sense than noisy yobs who have no respect for anything I say :)
Posted by
mac
on
November 9, 2015 10:26
I have to agree with the editor. As I see the endless building going on in Phuket, my immediate thought is that they will soon become 'white elephants'. A gut feeling I have.
Posted by
Paradise
on
November 9, 2015 12:12
Editor Comment:
We don't believe luxury malls will be investing without some certainty of market growth, Paradise. And ''white elephant'' has two meanings in Thailand.
My wife and I have stayed in Paying the last three years. We appreciated the efforts to clean the beaches and have more open access for tourists and locals. Removing the beach chairs seemed a bit extreme but we favored it. That removed the jungle of chairs and umbrellas that consumed major portions of the beach. Thanks donation of at least fifty percent of the beach to jetskis and psrasailing was most upsetting. The operators are hucksters who monopolize the beaches with impunity! They are careless so far as safety considerations.my guest is that the owners who respond the majority of income from these attractions are powerful in business or in the mafia and that the governor is hesitant to risk offending these people. We enjoy most aspects of Paying and do not mind paying prices that are higher than some other places. But the motorized beach craft business makes us hesitant to return. We may spend our three month winter holiday in another country rather than coming to Patong. A related matter: we have observed several of the operators and some vendors who are too cheap or too lazy to use the toilets at the beach. Many urinate (and more) by the clumps of trees near the street and walkway. The odors are strong during times that rain is infrequent. I am not a prude but I do respect cleanliness.
Posted by
Bill
on
November 9, 2015 14:22
@Ed "We don't believe luxury malls will be investing without some certainty of market growth".
Have you taken a look at "The Garden: Phuket Luxury Mall" on Thepkassattri Rd. directly across the street from Home Pro? Empty. In fact, I've never once seen anyone in it except for the security guard. It's grand opening was I believe on March 29, 2014. There goes your theory.
Posted by
Paradise
on
November 9, 2015 20:52
Editor Comment:
You have a different idea to Bangkok brand leaders in retailing than I do, Paradise. There goes your reputation.
Tuna58/Simon L spot on gentlemen.
The times are indeed a changin and unless your hotel/business is in working with the chinese tour operators you will have to rely on whats left.
But lets not kid ourselves there is too much supply in Patong driven by the "gold rush" of developement which was due to a misconception that Patong and original tourists would keep on coming and increasing, back in the early 2000's prior to mass construction you could always get a room, there will be thousands left empty this high season i fear.
Now it saddens me that street food restaurants and other interesting original shops are being demolished for boring faceless boutique hotels and the insatiable global well known food/drink outlets that have destroyed what thai character the place once had.
Competition from other countries has never been so prevalent and Patong through its ineptitude has blown away its original fan base, they are not going to get it back without a total restructuring.
The idea of no tuk tuks, jet ski's and a sensible beach policy will not happen overnight if ever, therefore the problem is going going to get worse.
It will be interesting when we have the "wash up" discussion at the end of the high season as to how it all panned out, however dont expect to find much gold !
Good article by the way ED
Posted by
LES
on
November 9, 2015 22:35
As A Uk resident fond of visiting Phuket I am sad that I have not visited this or last year due to the banning of Loungers and other services. I dont think I will ever come again unless the stupid ban is recinded
Posted by
keith UK
on
November 19, 2015 02:23
The Chinese come here to see the sites and tourist attractions not the bars and nightlife usually.
as far as the buying of designer brands I have found Hongkong and other Asian destinations have better prices on quality products especially watches, camera's and electronic items
As far as clothing goes I like many people am happy with good quality copies which can be bought in any Asian holiday destination,
Its the small businesses restaurants etc that are missing out on business from the package tourists, you only have to look and ask around to know this.
They are missing out because of so few long time tourists 3 weeks to 3 months
The current exchange rates for a lot of currencies is not good in Thailand and encourages people to go to other tropical Asian countries with better exchange rates
Posted by
peter allen
on
November 19, 2015 11:31
Worse, the Chinese are so hopelessly ignorant. I was asked to vacate/move from my table at a restaurant in Patong to make way for a few more Chinese. Never, ever coming back here - the Chinese should not be allowed to wreck everyone else's live by being let out of their own hopelessly polluted country.
Posted by
markphillips669@gmail.com
on
June 5, 2016 14:04
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Sounds like doomsaying to me Ed.
Posted by Arun Muruga on November 7, 2015 09:27
Editor Comment:
Realism is different to doomsaying, AM. Doomsayers believe nothing will ever change. Realists know change is certain. Sometimes change will be for the better, sometimes for the worse.