Pearl loses its lustre

Phuket, as does any attraction, relies on having a positive image among potential visitors. However, such an image is always vulnerable to being sullied by high-profile crimes as well as a perceived lack of safety.

Recent news reports of crimes on the island have put the reputation of the “Pearl of the Andaman” on the line. And they’ve come at the least opportune time given the island province has been positioned as a prime driver to revive the country’s tourism sector battered by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Provincial authorities have taken stock of such incidents and are moving fast to address them to control impacts on Phuket tourism, which is leading the way in restarting the wider industry in the country.

“We have to maintain a welcoming image. We’ve tried…