Phuket
Phuket business community pleads for stability

PHUKET: With it still unclear whether the Democrat Party or the Pheu Thai Party will form the next Thai government, top figures in the Phuket tourism and real estate sectors say a return to stability is the key to restoring the local economy.
Tanan Tanphaibul, President of the Phuket Real Estate Club, says the Phuket business community is calling for a government that can restore economic and political stability. Businesses agree that the real estate and tourism sectors on the island have suffered from the double impact of a declining economy and the cancellation of visits to Thailand, particularly by foreign tourists.
The plummeting visitor numbers following the turbulent economic and political situation, coupled with the recent seizures of Bangkok’s airports, has adversely impacted the island’s tourism industry and that, in turn, affected the local real-estate business, he said.
Unlike other provinces, the real-estate business in Phuket relies very heavily on the tourism sector, he noted.
The new government must be able to restore investor confidence and tackle the ongoing political conflict, he added.
Bhuritt Maswongsa, Vice President of the Phuket Tourist Association, says the number of tourists visiting the island has dropped by 50% due to the political turmoil and the recent airport closures. Many tourists have canceled bookings due to concerns about their security, he says.
Regarding the formation of a new government, Mr Bhuritt says he needs to see stability, which could restore confidence among tourists and investors, as well as Thais, and bring unity to the country.
The association’s members have discussed the measures they would propose to the government to solve the problems facing the island, including a request for soft loans to improve Phuket’s economy and a project for restore the island’s image as a tourist destination.
Read more headlines, reports & breaking news in Phuket. Or catch up on your Thailand news.
Phuket
Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police
The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.
The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.
The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.
The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.
Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.
Phuket
Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

PHOTO: Patong Police
Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.
Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.
Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.
Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.
Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.
(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)
PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง
Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Phuket
500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.
Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.
Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”
“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”
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