Outside investors buying up Phi Phi

KRABI: -- Business operators on Phi Phi island fear a much-delayed town plan may benefit outside investors who have reportedly bought large blocks of land encompassing tsunami-hit areas. Pankham Kittithornkul, chairman of Ao Nang tambon administration, said outside investors were setting up brokerage firms to buy land.

``Local residents are worried,'' he said.

``We fear the new town plan, which has proceeded at a snail's space, may benefit outside investors rather than local operators and residents who need it most.''

Natthawut Kaenthong, a member of the Credit Union Cooperative on Phi Phi, said the government should hurry up with the rehabilitation plan for the tsunami-ravaged island.

Since the giant waves struck there had been no positive help from the state sector.

``We only saw a helicopter bringing officials to inspect our island.

``However, no officials asked us about what we needed,'' said Mr Natthawut. He also criticised authorities for the lengthy delay in the preparation of the new town plan.

--Bangkok Post 2005-10-14

Outside investors buying up Phi Phi

KRABI: -- Business operators on Phi Phi island fear a much-delayed town plan may benefit outside investors who have reportedly bought large blocks of land encompassing tsunami-hit areas. Pankham Kittithornkul, chairman of Ao Nang tambon administration, said outside investors were setting up brokerage firms to buy land.

``Local residents are worried,'' he said.

Is it just my failing memory, or does anyone else remember Koh Phi Phi once being an uninhabited National Park belonging to the people of Thailand?