PHUKET: The number of Spanish tourists visiting Thailand has risen by almost 30 per cent this year while the number of Russian tourists continues to rapidly decline, according to the latest figures released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Despite a drop in the overall number of European visitors to Thailand by about nine per cent, there was a 28 per cent rise in the number of tourists from the Iberian Peninsula this year. However, Russian tourist numbers dropped by a dramatic 45 per cent.
PHUKET: Fire fighters were called out this morning to tackle a blaze which broke out in Cherng Talay and threatened to spread to nearby forest and damage a golf course in the area. Witnesses say the fire started at about 11:00am.
PHUKET: The Interior Ministry has designated Phuket as a launch pad for a new government-backed social enterprise initiative to help grass-roots businesses flourish and contribute to bolstering the local economy. On a visit to Phuket to officially launch the nationwide initiative on March 31, Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda said the aim of the initiative was to increase income for the rural population and to improve standard of living in the southern provinces.
Read the original: Phuket airport retailers forced to drop prices
BANGKOK: Police have detained at least three Taiwanese suspects for allegedly smuggling more than 30 kilograms of heroin into Thailand. An informed source said the suspects were nabbed at about 1:45am yesterday at Terminal 1 at Bangkok Port in Klong Toei district.
Taken from: Opinion: ATUS protecting the dive industry
Read this article: Phuket to splash out B450k for animatronic Sea Gypsy Museum exhibit plans
Read More: Four tourists hurt in knife fight with robbers on Patong Beach
PHUKET: Authorities are trying to track down the owner of a house in Chalong that was gutted by fire this afternoon. The fire broke out at about 12:45pm at the single-storey residence situated in a row of terraced houses in Soi Songkun.
Read More: Imagine: A World Without Boundaries