Phuket worries about effects of US horror

PHUKET: The Governor of Phuket, Pongpayome Vasaputi, has ordered local officials to report to him any effects on tourism arising from Tuesday’s horrific events in the United States. “I think there may be some effect on tourism in Phuket during the coming high season,” he told the Gazette, “because some people may feel uncomfortable about traveling abroad.” He said that he had called a meeting on Wednesday of all local government departments involved with tourism and had ordered them to tell him when any problems might arise, so that solutions might be devised. He said that he had also spoken with officials at the Phuket International Airport and urged them to beef up security. The director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in Phuket, Anupharp Thirarath, told the Gazette that so far there had been no serious indication of knock-on effects from the devastation in New York City and Washington DC, but that he would be monitoring the situation carefully. “We have checked with the travel agents and they report that they have received very few cancellations by people booked to come to Phuket. “However, we have to follow developments in this situation. If things remain peaceful, I believe tourism in Phuket will return to normal soon.” K. Anupharp added. The United States is not a large market for tourists coming to Phuket. Of the half-million Americans who visited Thailand last year, only 4,000 came to the island.