Flashermac Posted October 17, 2009 Report Share Posted October 17, 2009 Bangkok Post 17 Oct 2008 Phuket eagerly awaits the arrival of foreign sailors to give its economy a boost Recent visits by foreign warships have given Phuket's economy and its tourism sector a much-needed shot in the arm. Generally regarded as a playground for foreign and local tourists, many visitors from afar also find it a challenge of sorts to brave the seas and visit the island on their leisure craft to enjoy the pleasures of this world famous resort. While visits by warships are not as common, they bring with them thousands of male and female sailors and officers looking forward to a break and having a good time. Warships in transit from the US, Australia, Britain, India and Russia have made stops in the past. The island province recently welcomed three warships from the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group with more than 6,000 sailors. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser, USS Chancellorsville, and the guided-missile destroyer, USS Howard, anchored in Phuket from Sept 22 to 27. During their six-day stay, it was estimated the crew from the vessels spent at least 34 million baht. They injected life back into the sagging economy, including restaurants, hotels, spa services, souvenir shops and beer bars. Tourism-wise, most months of this year were much quieter than past years because of the swine flu scare. Aside from relaxing on the island, 210 of the visiting sailors took part in volunteer projects in Phuket and in neighbouring Phangnga province, which were badly hit by the 2004 tsunami. Their activities included painting school buildings and building homes for Habitat for Humanity, an international, non-profit organisation aimed at building simple, affordable housing. Commander Matt Ashley, a naval attache at the US embassy in Bangkok, said 60 to 70 US warships enter Thai waters every year, and a third of them make stops in Phuket. Purit Maswongsa, deputy chairman of the Phuket Tourism Association, said security measures were beefed up for the international warships and their crew during their stay. Despite their short visit, he said the sailors helped inject a lot of revenue into local businesses feeling the pinch of the economic downturn. After completing their tough daily exercises on board the vessels, the young sailors would spent the evenings visiting popular nightspots and other entertainment venues on Patong beach, which is dotted with beer bars and massage parlours. Placards welcoming US sailors sprang up along Patong beach and at tourist attractions in the area long before the ships' arrival. A flower vendor in Soi Bang La on Patong beach said her roses and garlands sold like hot cakes when the US sailors came ashore. She said the sailors bought the flowers for the bar girls. The bar girls are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next warships. The presence of foreign sailors certainly lifted the spirits on the island. It was a great opportunity for everyone to make hay while the sun shines. Tuk-tuk drivers also benefited as the sailors rode them around town. Chai, a 34-year-old tuk-tuk driver, said there were 700 tuk-tuks operating along Patong beach. But the drivers were under strict orders from the authorities not to overcharge. Pol Col Kritsak Songmulnak, chief of Kathu district police, said local police and volunteers were out in force to beef up security for tourists and the sailors. Chairat Sukban, deputy mayor of Patong municipality, said tough legal action was planned against businesses found cheating the tourists. Phuket governor Wichai Praisa-ngob said he was happy there were no reports of cheating or overcharging during the US sailors' stay. Phuket Chamber of Commerce chairman Sirichai Silpa-archa said US officers and sailors had plenty of money in their pockets. Each spent from 10,000 baht to 20,000 baht during their short visit to the island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kristasmith Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 The presence of foreign sailors certainly lifted the spirits on the island. It was a great opportunity for everyone to make hay while the sun shines. Tuk-tuk drivers also benefited as the sailors rode them around town. yours, krista Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavanami Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Win-win. The Thais made some $$$ and the fleet had their "oil changed"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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