Big “Yes” Vote For Duty Free Port

PHUKET TOWN: More than two thirds of the 636 participants in the Gazette Poll which closed at noon yesterday believe that ‘Duty Free’ port status would be good for Phuket. The overall vote was 67.4 percent in favour, with 15.5 percent against and 17.1 percent “Not sure”. Most in favour were tourists and visitors to Phuket, 71 percent of whom responded “Yes” to the question: “Would ‘Duty Free’ port status be a good thing for Phuket?” Thai nationals were close behind in their enthusiasm, with 70 percent in favour and 13 percent against. Of the local foreign residents, 61 percent said “Yes” and 18 percent voted “No”. Issues raised in the Gazette Poll change every Friday. The polls appear on both the Phuket Residents’ Page (www.phket.loxinfo.co.th/~gazette) and on the Phuket Gazette Online at thethaiger.com. In addition, a team of seven staff pollsters works the streets every Friday from 5 to 7 pm, covering Chalong and Rawai, Phuket Town, Patong, and Cherng Talay.