What's up with Phuket??

[Elgrande]

Well, where to start.

Just got back from phuket, last time was 3 weeks after the tsunami. I have been to phuket 6 times.

I first landed in Krabi and spent a couple of days, from there, I took the boat to Phuket. Finding a decent hotel in Phuket turned out to be a nightmare, the island was full. I finally managed to find a 4 star hotel in Karon, which was very nice, but a bit overpriced for the hotel, in any event, I didn’t complain, however, just about everything else surprised the hell out of me.

It seems that the Thai people in Phuket quickly forgot the tsunami and shifted gear at full speed, which included overpricing, lower standards of service, poor attitude, smaller portions of food and in general, greedy money grabbing maniacs.

My first impression was that Phuket is rapidly changing – for the worst and the way they are continuing, it won’t be long until people decide to change their destination.

I have many friends in Phuket as well as other areas, farangs and Thai, they all say the same thing. I was totally shocked by the increase of prices for just about everything, from the sunbeds on the beach, to jetski rental, to a beer and just about everything else.

Food portions are smaller, you won’t find a orchid on your cocktail drink anymore, nor will they offer you free fruit after your meal, even if your bill is more than 1000 baht, small things that make a difference and to them, cost nothing, but all these things combined, it’s easy to notice the standards dropping. Even the wetnaps that they would offer you before and after eating at a restaurant – those are gone too.

To add insult to injury, their attitude towards tourists, the Thai business owners, badmouth tourists in their native language (I speak Thai and can understand very well when they speak) and make fun of the tourists.

If it wasn’t for the tourists and the good reputation that Phuket once had, there’s no way in hell that most would have returned after the tsunami, they would have opted for another destination, other than Thailand – perhaps Burma, which is opening it’s doors to tourism and is expanding – probably something like what Thailand was 15-20 years ago.

It’s not hard to go somewhere else, other than Thailand, but if things keep up the way they are going, it won’t be long, the day will come that the Thai people will see a great reduction in arrivals and income generated from Tourism.

I was staying in Karon and most of my beach days were at Kata and Kata Noi – both these beaches are now filthy, the color of the sea in the middle of both beaches is brown and smelly. The Thai people have not or cannot manage their sewage system and now, with the 100% capacity that the island is facing, sewage is spilling into the sea at an incredible rate, some much so, that in a couple of years, the beaches will resemble the beaches at Samui, cloudy, murky and dirty.

Ever since I first went to Thailand, I fell in love with Phuket and everything it had to offer, but things have changed, sure, everything changes – this is evolution and the world is becoming a smaller place and easy to circumnavigate but at the same time, each place should protect it’s uniqueness and treasure it, otherwise, it’s something that you put aside and move on to somewhere else.

[IRISH JONNY]

Good Post.............phuket Is Now Gearing Towards The Families.......hence The Rise In Prices........its Just Become To Commercialised.........it Had To Happen Sometime.......ij

[webner]

Originally Posted by Elgrande

Well, where to start.

Just got back from phuket, last time was 3 weeks after the tsunami. I have been to phuket 6 times.

I first landed in Krabi and spent a couple of days, from there, I took the boat to Phuket. Finding a decent hotel in Phuket turned out to be a nightmare, the island was full. I finally managed to find a 4 star hotel in Karon, which was very nice, but a bit overpriced for the hotel, in any event, I didn’t complain, however, just about everything else surprised the hell out of me.

It seems that the Thai people in Phuket quickly forgot the tsunami and shifted gear at full speed, which included overpricing, lower standards of service, poor attitude, smaller portions of food and in general, greedy money grabbing maniacs.

My first impression was that Phuket is rapidly changing – for the worst and the way they are continuing, it won’t be long until people decide to change their destination.

I have many friends in Phuket as well as other areas, farangs and Thai, they all say the same thing. I was totally shocked by the increase of prices for just about everything, from the sunbeds on the beach, to jetski rental, to a beer and just about everything else.

Food portions are smaller, you won’t find a orchid on your cocktail drink anymore, nor will they offer you free fruit after your meal, even if your bill is more than 1000 baht, small things that make a difference and to them, cost nothing, but all these things combined, it’s easy to notice the standards dropping. Even the wetnaps that they would offer you before and after eating at a restaurant – those are gone too.

To add insult to injury, their attitude towards tourists, the Thai business owners, badmouth tourists in their native language (I speak Thai and can understand very well when they speak) and make fun of the tourists.

If it wasn’t for the tourists and the good reputation that Phuket once had, there’s no way in hell that most would have returned after the tsunami, they would have opted for another destination, other than Thailand – perhaps Burma, which is opening it’s doors to tourism and is expanding – probably something like what Thailand was 15-20 years ago.

It’s not hard to go somewhere else, other than Thailand, but if things keep up the way they are going, it won’t be long, the day will come that the Thai people will see a great reduction in arrivals and income generated from Tourism.

I was staying in Karon and most of my beach days were at Kata and Kata Noi – both these beaches are now filthy, the color of the sea in the middle of both beaches is brown and smelly. The Thai people have not or cannot manage their sewage system and now, with the 100% capacity that the island is facing, sewage is spilling into the sea at an incredible rate, some much so, that in a couple of years, the beaches will resemble the beaches at Samui, cloudy, murky and dirty.

Ever since I first went to Thailand, I fell in love with Phuket and everything it had to offer, but things have changed, sure, everything changes – this is evolution and the world is becoming a smaller place and easy to circumnavigate but at the same time, each place should protect it’s uniqueness and treasure it, otherwise, it’s something that you put aside and move on to somewhere else.

Very good post i agree 100 % its very dangeros to change to other Clientel
see other destination who try to change like Ayia Napa Cyprus, Faliraki Greece etc they are all out and not much familys

[Nicke]

I dont think the clientele is the reason for raising prices, I do think families is even more price sensitive than single guys coming here and spend as little as possible.

But, Phuket is more than Patong and Karon/Kata. If you want more of the old way of Phuket and cheaper, explore the other beaches and elsewhere on the island.

In Patong, the main reason is the landlords who want more and more all the time, so businesses have to charge more aswell.

[Elgrande]

You can go almost anywhere in Phuket these days and have almost the same result - face it, the Thai people are waking up and they see farangs as ATM machine, the genuine smiley faces are transforming into new means of cashing in.

Other places in Phuket now, as someone mentioned, are now dangerous, I don't know if you all keep a close watch on what's goin on in Phuket, but ever since the tsunami, times have changed and hardship has fallen on many, and this has recruited new forms of crime, regardless of skin color, too many are potential vicitms and walking in the wrong area these days, is just asking for trouble.

It really is a shame, for a country so beautiful and full of so many things to offer, Phuket is rapidly turning into an island of greedy, money hungry, sarcastic smiling and dangerous gang.

If you read the statistics on crime in Phuket, it'll open your eyes more than you can imagine, and we're not talking about petty crime, like pick pocketing, more like rape and murder - scary thought - let's be careful out there people!

[Coolhand]

Originally Posted by Elgrande

Just got back from phuket, last time was 3 weeks after the tsunami. I have been to phuket 6 times.

Originally Posted by Elgrande

I've been to Phuket 12 times

So what is it 6 times or 13 times?

[floppy]

All very daunting stuff and may be true But..what are the alternatives stay home and go nowhere. Ive found any destination where its main income relies on tourism are on a grab for cash spiral, the more they can get the more they want, unfortunately that is the way it is and nothin is gonna change that.los in my view still good value for the dollar and is as safe as you let it be .

[Elgrande]

Originally Posted by Coolhand

So what is it 6 times or 13 times?

my mistake, thailand 12 times, phuket 6 times

[Dodger]

So exactly what dangerous things did you actually see Elgrande? how many rapes or killings did you actually witness, I am assuming none so you are just giving your opinion with no sound facts.

You dismiss Nicke's very sensible suggestion of try visitng other area's of Phuket, how many did you visit on your most recent trip??

You also seem to be struggling to remember how any trips you have been on and where. Try telling us a little about yourself and why perhaps I should not just put you on my ignore list???

[pmcd8243]

I agree completely reguarding the sea water in all of the K's. Kamala. Kalim, Karon, Kata and Kata Noi are nothing but raw sewage. I was in the water in Kata yesterday, waist deep, and I could not see my feet. It is completely gross. I used to snorkel around all of these beaches as recently as last Jan and the water was then clean and clear, now it looks like onion soup. Take a peek in the klongs draining directly into the water on these beaches, they look like an unflushed toilet and smell like BBQ'd ass. ThAT overwhelming bad smell coming from every drain in Phuket is untreated or undertreated raw sewage and human waste going straight into the sea. Does anyone test the safety of the swimming beaches water? Would they dare close a beach if it was found unsafe, not a chance. After 10 years off and on in Phuket and the last 2 years here continiously I am exploring other options. Next week I am checking out the Philippines. It breaks my heart to see how greed has raped the once beautiful island of Phuket.
P

[seafox]

Originally Posted by Elgrande

It really is a shame, for a country so beautiful and full of so many things to offer, Phuket is rapidly turning into an island of greedy, money hungry, sarcastic smiling and dangerous gang.

If you read the statistics on crime in Phuket, it'll open your eyes more than you can imagine, and we're not talking about petty crime, like pick pocketing, more like rape and murder - scary thought - let's be careful out there people!

You mean that now my Heinekin costs me between $2-$2.50 US in Phuket. Wow, that is still half what I p-ay for one here. So what's the problem? No matter what happens, Phuket will still be a lot cheaper than anyplace I can go to the beach around here.

And as for crime, just go out in your home town, and get drunk like we do in LOS and see if you don't have someone try to take advantage at home also.

[niftynau]

I normally go to Bangkok (because of business) and have only been to Phuket once 2 years ago so certainly not qualified to comment..

Nor have i been to Pattaya but on another forum the numbers of crimes reported in Pattaya is enormous...Muggings, murders and so called suicides seem commom place with farangs....

[Nicke]

Bullshit, I agree Patong/Karon/Kata is more expensive but there is still plenty of places here with decent prices around the island.

Even in Patong there are bars and restaurants on nanai with significantly lower prices than beach road and Bangla.

As for other crimes, how about your own home country? I still feel safer here than Stockholm in Sweden.

Originally Posted by Elgrande

You can go almost anywhere in Phuket these days and have almost the same result - face it, the Thai people are waking up and they see farangs as ATM machine, the genuine smiley faces are transforming into new means of cashing in.

Other places in Phuket now, as someone mentioned, are now dangerous, I don't know if you all keep a close watch on what's goin on in Phuket, but ever since the tsunami, times have changed and hardship has fallen on many, and this has recruited new forms of crime, regardless of skin color, too many are potential vicitms and walking in the wrong area these days, is just asking for trouble.

It really is a shame, for a country so beautiful and full of so many things to offer, Phuket is rapidly turning into an island of greedy, money hungry, sarcastic smiling and dangerous gang.

If you read the statistics on crime in Phuket, it'll open your eyes more than you can imagine, and we're not talking about petty crime, like pick pocketing, more like rape and murder - scary thought - let's be careful out there people!

[Tommychrk]

Originally Posted by niftynau

I normally go to Bangkok (because of business) and have only been to Phuket once 2 years ago so certainly not qualified to comment..

Nor have i been to Pattaya but on another forum the numbers of crimes reported in Pattaya is enormous...Muggings, murders and so called suicides seem commom place with farangs....

It is interesting that you mention suicides because The major Norwegian had recently an article of Norwegians that died in Thailand last year. They say that of the Norwegians that comitted suicides which was quite a few had severe drinking and/or mental problems and that they had somehow "escaped" from Norway and brought their problems with them. Cheap booze were the major reason why they either drank themself to death or comitted suicide. Not really Thailands fault is it?? Besides only one girl died in what is called a sispicious death! She fell out of a window at a Bangkok Hotel. So it is not crime or Thai society that was the reason for the deaths but they were self inflicted or natural reasons.

[jimholio]

Its too bad to hear stuff like this. But either way, Phuket in high season is too busy for my taste anyways. Its too much like canary islands or mallorca now. I do not want to run into my neighbor when im on the other side of the world for vacation.

[niftynau]

Originally Posted by Tommychrk

It is interesting that you mention suicides because The major Norwegian had recently an article of Norwegians that died in Thailand last year. They say that of the Norwegians that comitted suicides which was quite a few had severe drinking and/or mental problems and that they had somehow "escaped" from Norway and brought their problems with them. Cheap booze were the major reason why they either drank themself to death or comitted suicide. Not really Thailands fault is it?? Besides only one girl died in what is called a sispicious death! She fell out of a window at a Bangkok Hotel. So it is not crime or Thai society that was the reason for the deaths but they were self inflicted or natural reasons.

Yes Tommy did see an article on Norwegians dying in Thailand, maybe more misfits go to Pattaya and Bangkok than to Phuket....

But many of these crime reports involve ladyboys and it has been suggested that it is easier for authorities to call something suicide than suspicious circumstances...

[Nautilus]

Why is Elgrande whining?

What popular tourist city or beach wont end up being commercialized ?

Crime? I guess you must be living in a box then, there is no crime from where you come from.

[seafox]

6 posts in over 2 years. Now there is a contributor.

Have you never heard of inflation.

[ElectrO]

The original post is very true. I understand some Thai and yes, they take the piss out of Tourists, but so do tourists take the piss out of them (although not as nasty as far as I can tell).

But you have to remember the sole purpose is to Make Money. Money is and always will be number 1 in Phuket. Above friends and even above family.

Look at it this way - charge a little amount and the restaurant/hotel is full.
Charge average amount, the restaurant/hotel is full.
Overcharge to extortianate prices and if the restaurant/hotel is full then why not?

there generally seems to be no cut off.

Look at the bar under tiger that charges 200 baht for lady drinks. Its still packed every night and the owner imo is a complete alcoholic c***.

But still people go there and no matter what he charges they will keep on going there.

Business has no morals, and Thailand seems to have less morals than most other countries.

But of course, this is all My Oppinion

E

[LivinLOS]

I dont agree with the OP fully tho there is some truth in some things water quality is dropping as are service levels at the same time as rising prices.. Phuket is a victim of its own popularity..

Originally Posted by seafox

You mean that now my Heinekin costs me between $2-$2.50 US in Phuket. Wow, that is still half what I p-ay for one here. So what's the problem? No matter what happens, Phuket will still be a lot cheaper than anyplace I can go to the beach around here.

And thats exactly the reason why it will continue.. Tourists dont comparison shop with other locations or other asian countries as much.. Comparing costs to back home means the deal can be bad and still feel ok..

Originally Posted by ElectrO

Look at it this way - charge a little amount and the restaurant/hotel is full.
Charge average amount, the restaurant/hotel is full.
Overcharge to extortianate prices and if the restaurant/hotel is full then why not?

there generally seems to be no cut off.

Thats enabled by the 'whats the problem its still cheaper than home' attitude above..

I wonder if they will make themselves less desirable compared to other locations or if there will always be an increasing amount of new tourists filling the gaps left by those that start to turn away. Thais are not known for thier long term planning so it will be interesting to see.

[K2]

Originally Posted by pmcd8243

Next week I am checking out the Philippines.

Ummm - well prepare yourself for a shock - Manila alone from the airport downtown will be a huge shock if you think Phuket is less than idyllic. As for AC - well away from Field's Ave - its orders of magnitude more dangerous than Phuket. Still doesn't me off - if I wanted dull sterile holiday then would stay in 5* resort and never leave the compound!

[LivinLOS]

I dont feel a safety vibe issue at all...

But I do see some of the issues with farang fleecing and service levels and price, I guess thats perhaps part of my often mentioning inflation aspects..

I think Thailand has a much much bigger issue with its governance and the (miss)management of the country and economy and its attitude to 'outsiders'.. How that aspect is handled in media and how its fed to the population will be interesting and have wider implications. When government officers openly say things like "we should just take from the west and not give anything back' those ideas can become ingrained as a way to do things in general. I would say without any doubt Thailand is less easy than it was 5 years ago when I arrived.