The May 24th edition of Phuket XTRA reported on various news items from Phuket, Thailand. The first news item related to the B300 tourism fee, which appeared to be in limbo, with no clear resolution in sight. Although the fee was initially proposed to help finance Phuket’s tourism development, there have been mixed reactions from both tourists and locals, leading to confusion about its implementation.
The second news item highlighted a motorbike collision that occurred in Rawai, in which a 73-year-old expat was involved. Fortunately, the expat did not sustain any serious injuries.
The third news item focused on Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s efforts to allay concerns over the transfer of power. He affirmed that he would step down from his role as the leader of the junta, and that his new appointment as civilian prime minister would not unduly influence the election process.
The final news item was on the seizure of more than 5,000 meth pills in a recent police raid. No further details were provided on the raid or the individuals involved.
In addition to the May 24th edition, the May 23rd edition highlighted concerns over potential landslides in Kamala, as well as the rescue of tourists whose longtail boat capsized. It also featured a report on a child sex trafficking case in Patong, for which a man was arrested. The Patong police were transferred following the operation.
The May 22nd edition reported on visa extensions being offered to victims of the Phuket speedboat crash, as well as the captain potentially facing up to three years in jail for the accident. The edition also featured a report on the MFP (Future Forward Party) signing a deal with allies, and the Electoral Commission looking into Pita Limjaroenrat’s shareholdings.
The May 19th edition reported on a cable technician who was killed by a pickup truck in Phuket, as well as the upcoming rainy season in the province. In addition, there was a news story on senators backing Pita Limjaroenrat’s bid to become the next prime minister, and a report on a road accident involving a pickup and parked van.
Finally, the May 17th edition highlighted a bad-tempered SEA Games football final in which Indonesia beat Thailand, as well as a tourist who got trapped in a Pattaya drainage pipe. The edition also covered the slow response from senators regarding Pita Limjaroenrat’s PM bid.