PM stresses importance of protecting Phuket

[reader]

From National News Bureau of Thailand

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently convened a meeting with Phuket’s government officials, consuls, and honorary consuls from 12 countries, along with local police units, to discuss and enhance measures aimed at boosting tourist safety and clamping down on crimes involving foreigners. The discussions focused on strategies to ensure that Phuket remains a safe destination for international visitors.

During the meeting, Srettha stressed the importance of protecting the lives and property of both residents and tourists. He advocated for the creation of a ‘Phuket Model’ that integrates tourism development with heightened safety measures and rigorous law enforcement. Specific attention was given to preventing accidents on roads and waterways, enforcing stringent fire safety regulations, and ensuring that all business operations are properly licensed.

The premier directed special attention to high-traffic tourist areas such as Patong and Bangla, insisting on a zero-tolerance policy towards drug use and public disturbances. Urgent upgrades were ordered for local police facilities to better equip them to handle these challenges.

Reflecting on his tenure, the prime minister highlighted the progress made in enhancing Phuket’s appeal as a tourist destination since his first visit after assuming office. He also called for a balanced approach to economic benefits, urging local stakeholders to consider national security as a crucial aspect of their tourism and business strategies. (NNT)

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From The Thaiger / Phuket News

Phuket hospital calls for law-abiding visitors

Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat.

A man of Russian nationality was arrested on April 19 for intimidating the staff at Vachira Phuket Hospital and declining to pay his outstanding medical bill. The hospital has declared it will not tolerate such conduct.

The letter appealing to the Russian community in Phuket was signed by Methavee Maneesri, the Head of the International Department at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

“Dear Russian Community in Phuket, please find the attached information from the police daily record regarding an incident [that occurred at Vachira Phuket Hospital]. The behaviour described in the report is unacceptable to us. I am ready to assist and cooperate with anyone involved in medical cases, provided they adhere to standard procedures and respect public laws and regulations.”

Methavee stressed the importance of respecting hospital procedures and public laws. She also reminded everyone that healthcare services are not free, encouraging everyone to have medical or work insurance and adhere to the waiting in a queue like Thai nationals do.

The letter, dated April 20, was sent to The Phuket News with a request to share the information in Novosti Phuketa, the Russian-language sister newspaper of The Phuket News.

Included with the letter was a copy of a Phuket City Police report corroborating Methavee’s complaint about an incident involving a threatening Russian patient. According to this report and Methavee’s account, a 48 year old Russian patient, Sergey Chent, received treatment on April 17 and left without paying his bill totalling 8,380 baht.

On April 19, Chent returned to Vachira Phuket Hospital for another medical consultation. Methavee and other hospital staff requested him to pay the outstanding bill of 8,380 baht. Chent refused to pay and threatened the staff, bragging about his connections with high-ranking police officers, influence, and wealth. He was accompanied by a woman carrying a baseball bat, according to the police report.

Continues at

https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/phuket-hospital-calls-on-russian-community-to-respect-thai-laws

[Moses]

Oh, now I know why Thai govt just extended initial visa-free time for Russians from 30 days to 60 days from May 1st. They just do not like VP hospital.

P.S. Novosti Phuketa is just a Russian translation of Phuket News leading by AU men, who moved to Phuket in 2000. 

[Marc in Calif]

5 hours ago, reader said:

 

Vachira Phuket Hospital called upon the Russian community in Phuket to respect Thai laws and hospital regulations following a string of incidents involving Russian nationals. Recent episodes include a Russian man refusing to settle his medical bills, and a woman threatening hospital staff with a baseball bat.

 

Thailand is not the only country in Southeast Asia where Russki nationals offend local communities and cause serious resentment and anger. 

More stories like this help to spread the word about terrible Russki behavior.

They flee Little Pooty-Poot's war in Ukraine in fear -- yet they create culture wars wherever they land.

[Moses]

1 hour ago, Marc in Calif said:

More stories like this help to spread the word about terrible Russki behavior.

You should check Gallup report published today: disapproval of Russia and Russians lowered 4% in world in 2023 despite all Western propaganda, while disapproval of US and Americans raised on 3%.

[Marc in Calif]

21 minutes ago, Moses said:

You should check Gallup report published today: disapproval of Russia and Russians lowered 4% in world in 2023 despite all Western propaganda, while disapproval of US and Americans raised on 3%.

You should always check your Google Translate. I was speaking specifically about the Russkis' behavior in Southeast Asia.  

Do you know where that is? I'll happily show it to you on the map! 😎

[reader]

32 minutes ago, Moses said:

You should check Gallup report published today: disapproval of Russia and Russians lowered 4% in world in 2023 despite all Western propaganda, while disapproval of US and Americans raised on 3%.

Do you have a source link?

[Keithambrose]

There are always misguided people in this world. 

[Moses]

5 hours ago, reader said:

Do you have a source link?

https://www.gallup.com/analytics/355787/gallup-rating-world-leaders-report.aspx

For to get full report you should fill form. Basic numbers are on that page, including number about Russia (of course).

[reader]

From Gallup Poll

Russia's disapproval rating fell from a record high of 57% in 2022 to 53% in 2023.

World Leadership Approval Ratings for 2023:

Germany  46%

United States  41%

China  30%

Russia  22%

 

[vinapu]

7 hours ago, Moses said:

You should check Gallup report published today: disapproval of Russia and Russians lowered 4% in world in 2023 despite all Western propaganda, while disapproval of US and Americans raised on 3%.

Was this Gallup Russia or Gallup Belarus ?

Catchy statistics  but it could  mean that disapproval of Russians  went down from 70 % to 67.20 %, drop of 4% and disapproval of Americans went up from 5% to 5.15 % , increase of 3%.

 

[reader]

From Pattaya News

In a move to boost tourism and economic growth, the Thai cabinet has announced an extension of the visa-free scheme for Russian visitors. Starting May 1st, Russians can enjoy a 60-day visa exemption, but this is shorter than before, replacing the previous 90-day programme set to conclude at April’s end.

Previously, the Thai government had sanctioned a 90-day visa-free period to lure Russian tourists during the peak travel season. With the impending expiration of this programme, the new 60-day exemption is poised to maintain the momentum in attracting visitors from Russia.

TPN media notes that the reduction in timeframe for the visa exemption is not entirely surprising, however, after several viral incidents involving Russian tourists mostly in Phuket and complaints from local residents, also mostly in Phuket, of overtourism.

[vinapu]

1 hour ago, reader said:

...... and complaints from local residents, also mostly in Phuket, of overtourism.

impression of my recent ( and a first at the same time ) visit there was that inconvenience was compensated by overcharging.