The Phuket Clean UP

**zubber** · 02-01-2010, 09:15 PM

Sadly, on Phuket it's the heads that get buried in the sand
Photo by phuketwan.com

Phuket Economy to Suffer Unless Government Acts

By Alan Morison
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Phuketwan News Analysis/Opinion

FIRM and speedy Government action is probably the only way that some of Phuket's long-standing internal cancers can be successfully treated.

Phuket, still a beautiful island with many attributes, needs a clean bill of health to function to its full potential in a new era of transparency and trust.

Yet Phuket begins the second decade of the 21st century beneath the weight of the massive handicap of an outdated economy that rides on rip-offs and greed.

Asked by Phuketwan to name Phuket's biggest problem, a former director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand had a quick one-word response: ''Corruption.''

There was no need to say more. The disturbing incidents of thuggery, the reoccurring extortion, the neglect of the environment and the rule of the rip-off all stem from the c-word.

Now it's time to look at alternatives, to look at systems that function to international standards, to look at methods that give locals a fair income for honest work.

Thailand needs this to happen, tourism needs this to happen, Phuket needs this to happen. For too long, the island's evil underbelly has been ignored.

As Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob has pointed out, Phuket is an island peppered with problems. The unstoppable internet chatter now damaging the future prospects of the country's best island destination comes as a result of years of neglect.

The time is right for implementation of a ''Clean Up Phuket'' campaign that goes beyond the litter on the beaches to target the real mess.

Thailand's national government must quickly focus on setting this island straight, economically and socially, or run the risk of permanent, irrevocable and extremely costly damage to the tourist industry.

Having now apparently halted the scandals that tainted tourism at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, the Government must turn its attention to setting Phuket straight.

Continuing harsh economic times lie ahead. To allow the tuk-tuk and jet-ski philosophy to continue to flourish would be a huge mistake.

Easy targets, easy money, jobs for the boys . . . and a happy life for everyone, except the unfortunate victims.

That does not work in the 21st century, where tourists who fall victim once do not come back. They have more choice these days. They tell their friends. The word spreads.

In the best interests of Thailand, as an imperative for the island and all who rely on tourism, it's time to clean up Phuket.

**StrontiumDog** · 02-01-2010, 09:27 PM

Nice article...but a dream. Too many leeches there.

**Smug Farang Bore** · 02-01-2010, 10:25 PM

is it the second decade?

**Stinky** · 02-01-2010, 10:41 PM

Nothings gonna happens, Governor Wichai Praisa can make all the right noises but we all know (as dose he) that Nothing ever happens

**jim1176** · 02-01-2010, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Nice article...but a dream. Too many leeches there.

100% TRUE

Originally Posted by Sdigit

Nothings gonna happens, Governor Wichai Praisa can make all the right noises but we all know (as dose he) that Nothing ever happens

110% TRUE

NEXT

**Smug Farang Bore** · 02-01-2010, 11:21 PM

They don t care as there are a lode on the next flight

**Mr Lick** · 02-01-2010, 11:46 PM

I agree on the 'nothing much is likely to change', however without the voice of the press, residents and visitors, nothing surely will alter.
It would be quite refreshing to see community members banding together in order to prevent further adverse publicity which has tainted the island. Jet ski and Tuk Tuk operators are after all, but two of the many business's that depend on tourists frequenting Phuket to earn a living.
Support should be given for government intervention and maybe the movement of several top cops/officials to inactive posts will improve matters somewhat.

**zubber** · 03-01-2010, 02:28 AM

yes its just rotten to the core with corruption that nothing can change it. His maj can beseech his subjects to be unselfish and caring but its a waste of breath .

**StrontiumDog** · 03-01-2010, 03:00 AM

Originally Posted by Mr Lick

I agree on the 'nothing much is likely to change', however without the voice of the press, residents and visitors, nothing surely will alter.
It would be quite refreshing to see community members banding together in order to prevent further adverse publicity which has tainted the island. Jet ski and Tuk Tuk operators are after all, but two of the many business's that depend on tourists frequenting Phuket to earn a living.
Support should be given for government intervention and maybe the movement of several top cops/officials to inactive posts will improve matters somewhat.

I agree, but not going to happen. Corruption is endemic. "Mafia" controlled, as a lady of Phuket once told me. They can give it a fresh lick of paint, but underneath it'll still be rotten to the core.

**ch1ldofthemoon** · 03-01-2010, 06:01 AM

I used to go to Phuket all the time,up until 2005. Got fed up with the `rip off` culture there. Nowdays,I usually go to Chiang Mai...what a difference

**malako** · 03-01-2010, 06:36 AM

I'll never go back there. I talked my parents out of going there recently too. I was afraid for their safety. They went to Bali instead and loved it so much they will go back there in June.

**The Menace** · 03-01-2010, 08:20 AM

The film Mad Max ... Reminds me of Phuket !!!!!

**setaputra** · 03-01-2010, 08:27 AM

Originally Posted by ch1ldofthemoon

I used to go to Phuket all the time,up until 2005. Got fed up with the `rip off` culture there. Nowdays,I usually go to Chiang Mai...what a difference

Chiangmai is not immune to it.

And the ripoffs are not purely Thai. Farang owned restaurants and bars work on much higher margins than their Thai equivalents

**corned dog** · 03-01-2010, 09:11 AM

Maybe they've rounded up the sealions from san francisco to boost tourism They've done crazier thai inspired ideas before

**Baan Nok Billy** · 03-01-2010, 09:31 AM

I just booked up for me, the wife and baby for a trip to Phuket for 5 nights.
I took advantage of some cheap flights. I can't change them...
Maybe it'll cost me more in the long run after all the negativity concerning the place?
I do hope things change there but somehow can't see it.
Tpp many palms are being greased and that's all the way to the top!!

**Mid** · 25-05-2010, 04:31 PM

4 provincial governors sidelined

Four provincial governors will be transferred to inactive posts, the Cabinet was informed Tuesday.

Manit Wattnasen, permanent secretary for Interior, told the Cabinet that Khon Kaen Governor Pramote Sajjarak, Udon Thani Governor Amnat Phakarat, Ubon Ratchathani Governor Chuan Sirinanporn, and Mukdahan Governor Boonsong Tejamaneesathit will be seconded to inactive posts at the Interior Ministry.

The transfer will take effect on Thursday.

nationmultimedia.com

**peterpan** · 25-05-2010, 04:34 PM

take that, you redshirted bastards

**CharleyFarley** · 25-05-2010, 04:46 PM

Why the fuck don't they just get sacked.

Mealy mouthed manouvering just to save fukkin face.

Hey, Somchai, you are fukkin useless at your job, so we are going to move you to an inactive post.

**Myofb** · 25-05-2010, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by CharleyFarley

Why the fuck don't they just get sacked.

Mealy mouthed manouvering just to save fukkin face.

Hey, Somchai, you are fukkin useless at your job, so we are going to move you to an inactive post.

In a country where ministers and officials found guilty of corruption get themselves promoted, why sack someone for mere incompetence?

Abhisit managed this whole mess with an incompetence that is breathtaking, doubtless he will get a royal funeral.

To which I would like to buy a ticket.

**sabang** · 25-05-2010, 05:17 PM

Lock them gates Somchai. The horse has bolted.

**sabang** · 25-05-2010, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by Myofb

why sack someone for mere incompetence?

Because they are not pro Democrat. If they were, you could burn down the CBD and they would be promoted for heroism displayed under a mattress.

**CharleyFarley** · 25-05-2010, 05:21 PM

What is really annoying though in most walks of life here in Thailand is the arrogance with which they carry off their imagined superiority.

**jandajoy** · 25-05-2010, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by CharleyFarley

Why the fuck don't they just get sacked. Mealy mouthed manouvering just to save fukkin face. Hey, Somchai, you are fukkin useless at your job, so we are going to move you to an inactive post.

I agree with you 100% Charley, but I must say that the Northern Territory Government, Aus. does exactly the same. You stuff up, you get promoted out of the danger area. Disgraceful.

**Perota** · 25-05-2010, 05:42 PM

Quite interesting ...

There is this guy that recently pissed me off in the office. I think I will organize a "reconciliation" meeting ...

You're fired M ... F... !

**jandajoy** · 25-05-2010, 05:44 PM

Originally Posted by Perota

Quite interesting ... There is this guy that recently pissed me off in the office. I think I will organize a "reconciliation" meeting ... You're fired M ... F... !

Who ?

Which guy?

Come on, tell us the story.......

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