Phuket Governor Nirun Kalayanamitr ordered all agencies concerned to step up security measures across the island, especially in government premises after the People’s Alliance for Democracy or PAD stormed into NBT head office in Bangkok and got into a few government offices yesterday. The governor said he has ordered officials to monitor movements in Phuket to make sure that the members carry out activities within the law and regulation and they do not disturb social order. In our NBT studio here in Phuket, which has a main aim to serve and provide news and information for the local community in the 3 provinces of Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, we are still functioning normally, with police officers on guard duty. The station’s broadcasts feature local Thai documentaries and tourism spots plus daily news in English through this program, Andaman News.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps relays/repeats on local Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Wednesday 27 August 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Send comments to [email protected]

Edited August 27, 200817 yr by NBT TV Phuket

MiniVDO: Private sector in Phuket are concerned that if the protests against the government drag on, they would result in tourist cancellations.

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Phuket Tourist Association President Somboon Jirayus commented on the effects of the People Alliance for Democracy or PAD’s rally in Bangkok which included surrounding and storming NBT’s main TV station in Bangkok and other government premises saying that no direct impacts like cancellations are seen yet. He however is concerned that if the protests drag on longer and each party is less tolerant or it leads to violence, it will adversely have negative impacts on overall tourism, especially the sensitive market like Japanese tourists. He said they may redirect their holiday destinations. Mr Somboon further stated that the association prepares to explain to tour agencies and also called for all parties to be logical with no violence for the sake of the country’s image.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps relays/repeats on local Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Thursday 28 August 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Contact [email protected]

MiniVDO: TAT keeps watch on possible affect on tourism mood from the current political turmoil, while US Embassy warns American citizens about street protests in Bangkok but some French tourists were happy to be in Phuket.

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Following the current protest situation in Bangkok, which raised concerns from many businesses and tourism sectors that it damages the nation’s economy and image, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Deputy Governor for Tourism Products Mr. Auggaphol Brickshawana said so far the direct affect has not been felt. However the officials are following the situation closely and concern that the long protest may deter the tourists from Thailand. Meanwhile the US Embassy in Bangkok through their Warden in Phuket issued an alert to U.S. Citizens traveling to and residing in Thailand of demonstrations by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) throughout Bangkok. They wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. We also spoke to a French tourist who is vacationing with his family in Phuket to ask if they were worried by the street protests and they said they learnt about it via internet, would keep away from it and most of all are very happy to be in Phuket.

Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) + FM90.5 Radio Thailand at 8.30am & perhaps relays/repeats on local Cable TV channel 1, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Friday 29 August 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/ Contact [email protected]