Phuket Holiday

Went to Phuket week when the Bangkok airport was closed due to demonstrations. Many people were asking me if its safe. Aiyo.... its ok lah. In fact, Phuket is quieter because less people can come if they have to transit via Bangkok. This is good for us :) I even wish Phuket airport can be closed while I was there so that my holiday can be extended!
Nugget: Don't easily panic like the mass.

My last trip was back in April 2000, and Phuket has indeed developed a lot more since then. The island rebuild herself after the tsumani, and now there is so many new shops, malls, hotels, etc than ever. More are under construction. The islands and beaches are fantastic! It's a paradise God created on earth. Water is so clear, beaches so nice, fishes swiming around you, blue sky, lime stone rocks, etc. The Europeans really love this place. They flew 14 hours to stay here for weeks or months, and there is so many direct flights between the cities there and here. Hotels are everywhere. This is amazing that so much money is poured into these islands, and hundred of thousands of Thais are fed. In fact, business is so good that even the Indians, etc are coming here to setup shops to tap the tourist dollar.
Nugget: When you have real value, customer will come.

However, this has made the people there very mercenary. And this I dont like, cos everywhere you go, you get the sense that people are trying to rip you of your money whenever they can. The tuk-tuk, hotel staffs, shops, etc etc.... and they do not offer the same singature Thai hospitality which one expects. Where is the smile in the Land of Smile?
Nugget: Don't be complacent when you get successful, else you may soon lose your charm.