Send the backpackers packing: deputy pm

[lumar]

Thursday, December 26, 2002

PHUKET TOWN: Backpackers should be discouraged from visiting Phuket because they bring problems such as drugs, Deputy Prime Minister Korn Dabbaransi has told local officials.

In a wide-ranging meeting with local leaders at Provincial Hall on Wednesday, he also mentioned that employers in Phuket should take responsiblity for controlling levels of Burmese laborers and that the runway at Phuket Airport needed to be lengthened so that Boeing 747s could land on it.

Local authorities delivered presentations on the environment, society and culture, tourism, and Phuket’s basic infrastructure.

At the meeting were Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi, Phuket Tourist Association President Pattanapong Aikwanich, Chamber of Commerce Chairman Pamuke Achariyachai, Members of Parliament Chalermlak Kebsab and Suwit Sa-Ngiamkul, mayors and other officials.

MP Chalermlak said that Phuket needed a top-quality sports stadium to become the venue for international events.

Some concern was expressed at the meeting about work permits for foreigners and the potential for Thais losing jobs to foreigners.

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[fester]

Sad that some Thai politicians have this approach. They must be very tired of us foreigners ???

[chaladmak]

interesting date of this article ! same as tsunami date 3 years later!

[Ajarn]

You must be bored

65 posts, and you joined today, - 3 hours ago?

[chaladmak]

sort of...

yeah - today - why? is there a tabu or something?

[booma]

You must be bored 

65 posts, and you joined today, - 3 hours ago? 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

who's bored

I wouldn't have even noticed that fact.

[chaladmak]

in fact - me neither....

seems like many people not only notice but even pay close attention? is there some unspoken competition someone mentioned about - records, etc. do I miss something?