 |
 |
|
Story: Kultida Samabuddhi
Photos: Vichit Saeheng, Pravej Tantrapirom |
|
 |
|
News clipping #1 - The National Forest Reserve of the Klong Baang Rong shores, one of the mere seven remaining coastal forests of Phuket, benefited from the conscientious care of its local Muslim residents and a dedicated community leader, referred to here simply as "Bangpoj". The sudden clearing of the forest to make way for shrimp-breeding ponds thus immediately sparked worry and criticism. In an attempt to stem the expansion of the shrimp breeder's activities and halt the destruction of the entire forest, Bangpoj led in reporters and forestry officials to witness the damage firsthand. Threatening phone calls ensued and soon after, Bangpoj was the victim of a repeat hit and run... |
 |
|
News clipping #2 - The nine-day and nine-night Chinese observation of vegetarianism in Phuket is a source of pride as well as, more recently, a source of concern and indignation for local Chinese residents. In addition to the spread of disease possibly caused by the conduct of "supernatural" ceremonial rites, there have been equally disconcerting attempts by advertising companies to gain license and profit commercially from the sanctified tradition by sponsoring events in its name. Such actions have incensed the local Chinese, who vehemently protest licensed ownership of their way of life, and any such commercial profiteering. |
 |
|
News clipping #3 - In its first year of operation, the Mercedes Benz Company, Phuket, Ltd., claims to have sold between 50 and 60 cars. A grand total of thirty-two, five million baht, V-Class edition luxury vans were purchased within a mere nine months. A local distributor for Honda cars claims that in the first half of 2000, Honda averaged forty car sales per month. Eighty per cent of the buyers reside in Phuket - the richest southern province in terms of average yearly personal income, ranked seventh in the entire country. |
 |
|
Numerous "developmental plans" have been projected for the island paradise of Phuket. Fortunately for some and unfortunately for others, most of those visions effectively increase the island's dependence on tourism. Ideas to transform the island into a "cyber port", a tax-free port, an international convention center, an international city, the host of APEC 2003, etc. place the island on a fast track, irrespective of "sustainability" and "preservation". Where is Phuket heading? Does the future bode well for the local island residents? Have they, the preservation of the natural island, local history and culture, been favored over economic recovery? These news clippings do not represent a comprehensive insight into the many dimensions of Phuket, yet it stirs the juices, providing us with a little more than a faint memory of the sun and sand... |
|
