President Obama Speaks at a Fundraiser for Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Penn.)

SPEAKER: PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA

[*] THE PRESIDENT: Hello, Philadelphia! (Applause.) It is good to be back in Philly with a man who's always put his state before politics, before party -- your senator, Arlen Specter. (Applause.) We've got a number of other luminaries here today, starting with the great governor and sports fan -- (laughter) -- here in Pennsylvania -- Ed Rendell is in the house. (Applause.) The outstanding young mayor of the city of Philadelphia, Michael Nutter, is here. (Applause.) Not here, but I want to give him a shout-out anyway because we're in his district -- Congressman Bob Brady, doing great work for us. (Applause.) Senator Bob Casey is on the way and will be here soon, and we love Bob Casey. (Applause.)

TJ Rooney, chairman of the Democratic state party, is here. (Applause.) And I want to acknowledge a special friend, somebody who is a great supporter of mine and is the chairman of this event -- David Cohen is in the house. Please give him a round of applause. (Applause.)

Now, I want to say a few things about Arlen Specter. Arlen is not someone who came to Washington to fight for a particular ideology. He came to fight for the working men and women of Pennsylvania. And he has a long and successful record of doing just that. This is a man who has voted to raise the minimum wage 20 times -- (applause) -- because he understands if you work in this society, you shouldn't be in poverty. This is a man who's fought for workplace safety and mine safety, who stood up for the American steelworker and American manufacturer; who has voted to extend unemployment benefits time and time again.

I'll never forget that in the height of this recession, when we had just been sworn in -- you remember. There's some selective memory going on out there. (Laughter.) You remember what it was like. We thought we might be tipping into a great depression, losing 700 [sic] jobs per month; financial system on the verge of collapse. We had to act boldly, we had to act swiftly, and Arlen Specter cast the deciding vote in favor of a Recovery Act that has helped pull us back from the brink. (Applause.) A Recovery Act that's already making a difference in the lives of millions of Pennsylvanians.
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Since the Recovery Act was signed, nearly 5 million Pennsylvanians are seeing a tax cut in their paycheck. Think about that -- 5 million people getting tax cuts -- as I promised during the campaign. We provided relief to 2.5 million seniors and veterans and other struggling Americans. This puts money in their pockets. (Applause.) That means they're spending it in small businesses and circulating it within the economy.

We've extended unemployment benefits for over 800,000 Pennsylvanians who've borne the brunt of this recession. We've approved over 700 loans to small businesses throughout Pennsylvania.

You talk to your governor, Ed Rendell, about the kinds of drastic cuts and layoffs that would have had to occur had it not been for the Recovery Act -- tens of thousands of state workers potentially laid off.

At the time, this was not an easy vote for Arlen to take. You can imagine the pressure he was under from the other side. But Arlen knew that it was more important to answer to the people who sent him to Washington than to the party he belonged to. That's why you should send him back to Washington for six more years -- because you know he's going to fight for you regardless of what the politics are. (Applause.)

For the same reason that Arlen has been fighting so hard for health insurance reform -- for him, this is not an issue of politics or party; this is personal. This is a man who has seen the health care system up close -- the good and the bad. This is a man who courageously battled cancer, and is here today because he was able to receive some of the best health care available in the world -- and also because he's a tough son of a gun. (Laughter and applause.)

And he knows that. And he believes that every American should be able to get that kind of care, no matter who you are or how much money you have. (Applause.) That's why he's spent the summer holding town hall meetings across the state. That's why he hasn't been afraid to take some criticism and some hard questions and occasionally some -- well -- (laughter) -- he knows how important it is to pass health care reform this year.

It has now been nearly a century since Ted -- Teddy Roosevelt first called for health care reform. It's been attempted by nearly every President and every Congress ever since. And our failure to get it done year after year, decade after decade, has placed a burden on families, on businesses, and on taxpayers that we can no longer sustain.

We know what will happen if we don't do anything, if we fail again. If we do nothing, premiums will continue to rise faster than your wages. If we do nothing, more businesses will close down; fewer will open in the first place. If you have health insurance, you are going to see more and more of those costs taken out of your paycheck. And eventually, some of your employers are going to decide, we just can't afford to bear the burden.

If we do nothing, we will eventually spend more on Medicare and Medicaid than every other government program combined. We would end up having to use all the money that we currently spend on student loans, or national parks, or Department of Homeland Security -- all of that would be consumed by Medicare and Medicaid -- if we don't make a change in the system.

That is not an option for the United States of America. (Applause.) Arlen Specter understands it's not an option. That's why he's fighting alongside me to get this thing done. (Applause.) Because as I said last week, I may not be the first President to take up the cause of health care reform, but I'm determined to be the last. (Applause.)

The plan we've put forward will offer security to those Americans with health insurance. It will offer health insurance that's affordable to those who don't have it right now. And it will bring down the cost of health care for families and businesses and taxpayers.

If you're among the hundreds of millions of Americans who already have health insurance through the job, or Medicare, or Medicaid, or the VA, nothing in this plan will require you or your employer to change your coverage or drop the doctor that you have. But what it will do is it will make sure that even if you lose your job, you can still go get health insurance, even if you have a preexisting condition. (Applause.)

Well, this young lady knows all about that. It will make sure that your out-of-pocket costs are capped, that you are not -- meaning, on the other hand, a lifetime cap where at a certain point an insurance company just says, you know what, we can't pay anymore. It will make insurance work better for you. That's if you have health insurance.

Now, if you don't have health insurance, you're going to be able to buy into an exchange with millions of other Americans, which means you have leverage and you can now get the same kind of better deal that people who work for the biggest companies or work for the federal government -- or, by the way, our members of Congress are able to get for themselves. That's a deal that all Americans should be able to enjoy. (Applause.)

AUDIENCE PARTICIPANT: Particularly Joe Wilson! (Laughter.)

THE PRESIDENT: Now, everybody knows we have to change the system. But people have a legitimate question, and that is, how are we going to pay for all this? Arlen is fiscally conservative. He doesn't want to see us wasting taxpayer dollars. Neither do I. We can't afford it -- especially when we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit, in part because the war in Iraq and the war in Afghanistan, and the prescription drug plan and tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans were not paid for. I'm not going to make that same mistake when it comes to health care. Arlen Specter will make sure we don't make that same mistake. (Applause.)

And that's why what we've said is let's use the money that's being wasted in the system right now -- subsidies to insurance companies that are already making a profit; tens of billions of dollars in waste and abuse -- the majority of this health care plan can be paid for with money that's already in the system but just not used wisely, not making people healthier. (Applause.)

And I want to say to all the senior citizens out there, don't let these folks scare you about Medicare. Nobody has been more of a champion of Medicare than me and the Democratic Party. We are going to keep on doing it. Not a dollar is going to come out of the Medicare trust fund. (Applause.) Don't believe these stories. We want to make Medicare stronger and close that doughnut hole in the Medicare system that is causing seniors to have to shell out thousands of dollars for their prescription drug costs.

We're going to get this done. This is going to be a priority because one of the things that Arlen Specter came to Washington to do is to solve problems. He and I, even when we were on the opposite side of the aisle, understood that the American people aren't looking for slogans, they're not looking for ideology, they're not looking for bickering. They're looking for the solutions that can help build a foundation for long-term economic growth and security for the American middle class. That's what they're looking for. That's what we're fighting for.

But we can't do it without you. There is a lot of noise out there. There's a lot of misinformation out there -- not just on health care. We also need to have a clean energy economy that can produce good jobs that can't be outsourced. (Applause.) We've got to have the school system that works for every American and every young person here in Philadelphia. (Applause.)

Those are all parts -- part of a foundation for long-term economic growth. And it's not going to happen unless the American people mobilize and say to themselves, now is the time -- we're going to stop putting off the tough problems.

I understand that the American people are feeling anxious and we're going through a recession right now, and people are wondering, can this be the "American century" the way the 20th century was the "American century"? I know that there are doubts that creep into people's minds. I know that there's a tendency during tough times for us to turn on each other instead of come together. But the one thing that American history shows us is that each and every time that we confront major challenges, each -- every time where we come to the fork in the road where we can keep on doing the same thing and going into slow decline, or we can go through some transformation and make some changes even when they're hard, we always take the harder, better road.

We do it not only for ourselves; we do it for our children, we do it for our grandchildren. We know that the central idea in America is we don't have to stand pat; we are going to make sure that the next generation has it better off than we do. (Applause.) We're going to build a stronger America, a more prosperous America, a more secure America.

That's why Arlen got into politics so many years ago. That's why he was a prosecutor. That's why he has excelled in the United States Senate. That's why he is -- he was a great senator when he was a Republican; he's going to be a even better senator now that he's a Democrat. (Applause.) And that's why you are all going to work just as hard as you can to make sure that he gets reelected and is continuing to help me move this country forward.

Thank you very much, Philadelphia. (Applause.) I love you, and I love Arlen Specter. I appreciate you guys. Thank you. (Applause.)

END

Changing Political Money

To hear some commentators, the U.S. Supreme Court is about to gut restrictions on corporate and union spending to influence elections -- a move critics fear would upend a century-long effort to contain the power of big money to determine elections. Their proof is last week’s argument in a case in which an overzealous Federal Election Commission blocked the showing on cable TV of an unflattering documentary about presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton. Several conservative justices were sympathetic to the view that corporations, like individuals, have 1st Amendment rights.

That's a provocative possibility, and it pits campaign reformers against free-speech advocates, two groups not accustomed to disagreeing. Yet alarms about what the court might do are overstated. It does seem poised to invalidate a well-intentioned provision of the 2002 McCain-Feingold law banning the broadcast close to an election of advertisements, funded by unions or corporations, that refer to a candidate for federal office. As we have observed before, that provision goes too far in stifling speech.

The justices also could overturn a 1990 decision allowing government to prohibit corporations from paying for ads endorsing or opposing candidates. That further step is unnecessary. But even if the court decided to take it, unions and corporations would be forbidden, as they have been for generations, from contributing directly to election campaigns. As the court has recognized, contributions create more of a risk of real and perceived corruption than independent expenditures expressing an opinion about an election.

The problem with McCain-Feingold is that it bans the broadcasting of some political ads even if they stop short of endorsing or opposing a candidate. These are the spots, sometimes called "phony issue ads," that assail a politician's position on some issue and allow the voter to infer that the candidate isn't worth voting for. It was this provision that regulators used to prevent a nonprofit corporation from transmitting over cable television a 90-minute attack on Clinton titled "Hillary: The Movie."

In a 2007 case, the court narrowed the ban on "electioneering communications" to cover only those ads that were susceptible to "no reasonable interpretation other than as an appeal to vote for or against a specific candidate." Still, applying that standard case by case would, in the words of Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., "put our 1st Amendment rights in the hands of FEC bureaucrats." That's to be avoided, but the extreme alternativeis perilous as well: Giving unions and corporations carte blanche to fund candidates could result in staggering opportunities for corruption.

There is a middle ground: Unions and corporations, profit and nonprofit, should be allowed to engage in political communications without micromanagement by federal regulators, but they should continue to be barred from contributing to campaigns. That solution serves the interests of both clean campaigns and free speech, even if it means that institutions viewed with suspicion by many Americans (and not a few judges) are freer to express their opinion and, yes, influence elections.

Politics and the Age Gap

U.S. policy has been defined by the differences between the sexes, racial gaps and geographical divide between religious and secular.

Now comes the geriatric gap. As the population ages, and the nation is facing fierce fighting on the rapidly rising cost of health care and pensions, it seems that U.S. policy has become increasingly polarized on the generations.

The question is, how real, and this gap will be defined - whether in 10 or 20 years there will be as intense as a result of or, say, the gap between the sexes, especially in what was going on in the last presidential campaign of Hillary Rodham Clinton.

As unpleasant sound the concept of conflict between the generations may seem, the battle for health care - not to mention the election of the chief representative of the current health care reform that President Obama proposes - is that something happens. The older Americans tend to oppose the initiative of Mr. Obama than any other age group. The White House believes that this is a dynamic as the main obstacles in public concern about the actions trump and attach a legislative coalition to get a law passed by Congress.

Older voters were one of the few groups that Mr Obama has won in the presidential elections last year, allowing him and his party, of particular significance to young voters who are not as reliable as polls show the elderly. They have a dimmer view of his presidency as the rest of the nation.

And there is no reason that everything has been discovered that tensions will think in this battle worked to put an end once it is resolved. Obama has his intention to the long-term financial problems of Social Security, another issue to fight signaled the elderly to play a disproportionate role, and they are resistant to change in the rule, too.

The baby boomers have reached retirement age began in the last year. Americans are living longer and healthier longer. With him came a more active approach to life in retirement. The older Americans working longer. You are seeing more television news, to attend City Council meetings and call their members of Congress. Who is especially true when it comes to health.

While friction drives the strategies of both sides in the struggle for health care. The Republican National Committee has funded a television advertising campaign and internet advertising for older Americans in places like Florida, say that Democrats are proposing a threat to Medicare, would services healthcare rationing and involve the government at the end of life decisions (the infamous But that does not exist a symbol of death ").

The Democrats have responded by attacking the Republicans for past efforts to Medicare. Mr. Obama devoted a long chapter in his speech before Congress on Wednesday night, reassuring older voters about his plan. Pensioners' lobby AARP, with the White House last week was working on letters of nine million members of the health sector reform, officials said there favor.

David Axelrod, a senior advisor, Mr Obama said: "We are certainly not allow that someone from Little Red Riding Hood in reverse - passes for Republican Friends of Medicare, if they do not.

Nevertheless, Mr. Axelrod acknowledged the obstacles Obama faces as the Republicans argue that the proposal would be the cost of extending Medicare health insurance services for a total Medicare beneficiaries reduce reduced.

"The Americans have all the earlier reporting," he said. "I'm not saying that they are not interested in someone else. But it is a natural tendency to want to keep them. It is not a strategic overview of things to say, 'Let's go rattle older voters and raise objections."

For all the comings and goings, there is no evidence that this demographic votes as a block or base electoral decisions primarily on issues of concern to older Americans, said Robert H. Binstock, professor of aging at Case Western Reserve University. Mr. Binstock said that older voters prefer Sen. John McCain over Mr. Obama since the elections last year - 53 percent to 45 percent - partly reflecting a population that tended to have more Republicans.

It may also be difficult to adjust for some older voters to the novelty of the first African-American president himself.

Meredith Minkler, Professor of Health and Social Behavior at the University of California at Berkeley, argues that the concept of the war generation is exaggerated anyway: vote suggests that other issues such as reform of health care, older Americans are no different than the rest of the country, how they divide the questions.

"The whole issue of conflict between the generations, the proportion has blown out," said Professor Minkler.

However, it is difficult to console, the politicians are reading the same polls and observe their offices are to blame by telephone calls, emails and faxes, not overwhelm, to note in this story. Their fear, as Mr. Binstock said, is a mistake, "the mobilization of a sleeping giant."

No matter how they vote on older voters turn out in heavy numbers in the elections for the medium term, as the emerging next year.

"You have seen the polls: I think older people are affected, especially on the cuts in the Medicare program, said Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who heads the National Republican Senatorial Committee." And they are a significant influence on the election 2010. "

And it remains to be seen whether the influx of young voters who were in favor of Mr. Obama in the presidential elections last year, and - who helped Obama overcome a relatively low growth in the electorate no longer 65 - turn without Obama on the ballot.

"There is no doubt that one of the challenges that we in this cycle, it is young voters in the polls," said Representative Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

The latest CBS News poll found that 51 percent of people over 64 said that the reform would affect health care seniors, compared to 36 percent of surveyed adults. Only 31 percent of respondents over 64 said they approve of Obama's handling of health care compared to 40 percent over all.

And 48 percent said more than 64, it was against the work of Mr. Obama, against 35 percent over all.

Democrats and Republicans have focused on older voters return of at least 50 years that one is clearly important and growing at stake, because it was something of a reversal of roles today focused on the Democrats attacking Republicans on Medicare.

"The Democrats should be very concerned," said Robert B. Hudson, president of the Boston University School of Social Work. "That is simply incredible that the Republicans, or a subset of the Republicans after 20 years of war between the generations, suddenly on a dime and present themselves as defenders of Medicare."

Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey, head of the campaign committee for Senate Democrats, said he did not think that would be next year, the Republicans in a position to make attacks. "People who have fought Medicare, the credibility, to demagogue this issue," he said.

Maybe. But it will still take some time before the gap can be measured between the generations. A year from now, the fight for health care May in oblivion. The problem for the White House is that even if the difference of geriatrics proof is a little more of a political city, this is for very strong indeed - this is a significant influence on how the Democrats look at re-election in the troubled neighborhood approach could be very difficult to vote in next year.

Obama: 'Our healthcare problem is our deficit problem'

President Obama was determined to follow through his main goals on the hotly-debated health care reform issue early this evening in an address to Congress and the nation.

Obama's three goals are to provide security and stability for the already insured, provide insurance to those without it and slow the growth of health care costs without adding one dime to the deficit.

He said that every day 14,000 people lose their coverage and that insurance premiums have gone up three times faster than wages. Obama also said that insured people pay a hidden and growing tax to cover those without insurance.

"Our health care problem is our deficit problem," said Obama, noting that costly emergency room visits for the uninsured are only making fiscal issues worse.

Jason McDaniel, an SF State political science assistant professor, said Obama spoke directly and challenged people on both the left and right sides of the political spectrum in his speech.

"I was impressed by how strongly he tried to situate himself and his ideas in the center politically but also with the core of American values," said McDaniel, who showed the speech live in his American politics class.

Obama spent a large chunk of his time going into details on how he plans to make health care a well-rounded system that will be the most beneficial.

The president also mentioned that young and healthy individuals who choose not to be insured would be required to carry health insurance the same way some states require the purchase of auto insurance -- to avoid expensive emergency room visits.

"For those who can't afford health care, that's one more bill they have to pay every month," said freshmen Natasha Newman, 18.

Other SF State students agree that requiring young people to purchase health coverage would be a lot to ask.

"If we are in school we don't have the means to be purchasing insurance," said George Tano, 18.

After laying out what exactly would be covered in his plan, he went on to clear up any misconceptions that some might have had.

Obama discussed the public option, which Albert Angelo, a health educator at SF State's Student Health Service Center, likens to having to drive a car not of a person's choice.

"The issue with a public option is really to say that everybody could get health insurance and the government could compete with Kaiser, Blue Cross and HealthNet and offer something," said Angelo. "If there's no public option then you have to pick a private organization."

Obama tried to squelch these fears by assuring that the public option would be available only to those who are not insured.

Another issue that could not be ignored was the constant talk of "death panels." Many feel that if the government becomes too involved in health care, panels of bureaucrats would decide when senior citizens would die.

Obama concluded his speech discussing a letter given to him by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. He said that Kennedy believed that this would be the year for health care reform and that it is "the great unfinished business of our society" -- a sentiment Obama whole-heartedly agrees with.

"I am not the first president to take up this cause but I am determined to be the last," Obama said early on in his speech.

Obama's Big Political Gamble

Red-state Democrats are being asked to risk their seats.

Millions of Americans watched President Barack Obama's speech last night to a joint session of Congress. Much of it was familiar, having been delivered in at least 111 speeches, town halls, radio addresses and other appearances on health care. But his most revealing remarks on the topic came on Monday, at a Labor Day union picnic in Cincinnati.

There Mr. Obama accused critics of his health reforms of spreading "lies" and said opponents want "to do nothing." These false charges do not reveal a spirit of bipartisanship nor do they create a foundation for dialogue. It is more like what you'd say if you are planning to jam through a bill without compromise. Which is exactly what Mr. Obama is about to attempt.

Team Obama is essentially asking congressional Democrats to take a huge gamble. The White House is arguing that ramming through a controversial bill is safer for Democrats than not passing anything. This is based on the false premise that the death of HillaryCare is what doomed Democrats in 1994. Mr. Obama told a reporter in July that the defeat of HillaryCare "Helped [Republicans] regain the House." Former President Bill Clinton echoed that thought recently by saying "doing nothing" today is "the worst thing we can do for the Democrats."

Actually, attempting to pass HillaryCare is what brought down the party. Voters rejected a massively complicated, hugely expensive government takeover of health care and the Democrats who pushed it.

In reality, it is riskier to be at odds with where Americans are than just standing by as an unpopular proposal goes down. The problem for Democrats is they are scaring voters by proposing a takeover of health care that spends too much money, creates too much debt, gives Washington too much power, and takes too much decision-making away from doctors and patients.


The political risk for Democrats is clearest among seniors. A late July Gallup poll showed they were the age group least likely to believe health-care reform would improve medical care. Seniors are coming out strongly against Mr. Obama's health-care plan even though they're already covered by government care. Perhaps it's because, as a White House fact sheet makes clear, he wants to pay for his plan's $948 billion cost over the next 10 years by cutting some $622 billion from Medicare and Medicaid.

The latest Pew poll (August 20-27) found that 30% of seniors supported health-care reform while 54% were opposed. In July, Pew showed 29% in favor and 48% opposed. The same August Pew poll shows Republicans gaining 12 points among seniors on the generic ballot, compared to where they stood in the 2006 congressional elections. The generic ballot among seniors then was at 50% Democrat, 39% Republican. Today, it's 51% Republican and 43% Democrat.

This matters because seniors make up a disproportionate share of the off-year vote. CNN exit polls showed that they were roughly 16% of eligible voters in 2008, but 29% of the turnout in 2006. The generic ballot among seniors in 1994 was 45% Republican and 43% Democrat.

These numbers should worry red-state Democratic senators and the 70 Democratic congressmen whose districts were carried by John McCain or George W. Bush. The people back home are likely to punish Democrats if they vote for ObamaCare.

Already, many of them are drawing fire for having toed the party line on a stimulus package that's likely to celebrate its first anniversary with unemployment near 10%. They're also likely to be blasted for supporting a budget that doubles the national debt in five years, a new energy tax in the form of cap and trade, and a host of other liberal policies that voters did not expect from a candidate who ran as a centrist.

Until Ted Kennedy's vacant Massachusetts Senate seat is filled and there is confidence West Virginia's Robert Byrd is well enough to show up for a vote, there simply aren't 60 Senate Democrats to invoke cloture. That means Republicans will have considerable procedural sway, even if the White House isn't interested in giving them a real role by taking out a clean sheet of paper and starting over.

Given the Senate situation, do vulnerable House Democrats really want to go first in voting for ObamaCare? They've already done that by slamming through cap and trade, which is now stalled in the Senate. How much political capital will Speaker Nancy Pelosi have to spend to pass an increasingly unpopular health-care measure?

The danger for vulnerable Democrats is they have a president who is losing popularity while championing an unpopular proposal. The wise course would be to push for more time to figure out the best consensus policy and for more bipartisanship in crafting any solution.

Congressional Democrats will be under enormous pressure to stand with Mr. Obama. But the prospect of their own political future may yet concentrate many Democratic minds in Congress.
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About Karl Rove

Karl Rove served as Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush from 2000–2007 and Deputy Chief of Staff from 2004–2007. At the White House he oversaw the Offices of Strategic Initiatives, Political Affairs, Public Liaison, and Intergovernmental Affairs and was Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy, coordinating the White House policy making process.

Before Karl became known as "The Architect" of President Bush's 2000 and 2004 campaigns, he was president of Karl Rove + Company, an Austin-based public affairs firm that worked for Republican candidates, nonpartisan causes, and nonprofit groups. His clients included over 75 Republican U.S. Senate, Congressional and gubernatorial candidates in 24 states, as well as the Moderate Party of Sweden.

Karl writes a weekly op-ed for The Wall Street Journal, is a Newsweek columnist and is now writing a book to be published by Simon Schuster. Email the author at Karl@Rove.com or visit him on the web at Rove.com.

Or, you can send him a Tweet@karlrove.

Remember, Pres. Obama: "It's the Culture (Not Health Care), Stupid!"

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WHERE YOU WANT TO HOLIDAY?

Phuket map
Airport Phuket International Airport (ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติภูเก็ต)
The gateway to Phuket Island as well as to Phangnga and Khao Lak, all of which are very popular destinations over the years for tourists from any origins looking for a holiday paradise of tourists in the South of Thailand.

Airport code is HKT is now under supervision of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited. Many domestic and international carriers are servicing the island as well as long haul charters, some of which are available year-round.

Most of the traffic is staying on the Island of Phuket, but more and more sub-destinations are gaining in popularity. Let aside the many beaches and night entertainment, Phuket and the Andaman Islands have something for every taste and from young travelers to families and retirees the combination of warm climate and developed infrastructure made Phuket on the center of longer staying tourist.

The easy reach to the stunning white powdery beaches of Koh Racha or the more private and adventurous Koh Yao Noi as well as Koh Phi Phi in the South and the Similan Islands in the North make Phuket an ideal gateway and/or access point for unforgettable holidays.

Hotels near Phuket International Airport
Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon Thaland District (อำเภอถลาง)
Thalang was the original center of Phuket province, of which the Island had its former name : Mueang Thalang. The district borders to the south Mueang Phuket and Kathu, while to the north is Takua Thung of Phang Nga Province, separated by the Pak Prah strait, crossed by nowadays by Sarasin bridge, thus connecting Phuket to the mainland.

The Khao Phra Thaeo Natural reserve protects more than 20 km² of rainforest within the hills of the district. The three highest peaks of this reserve are the Khao Prathiu (384 m), Khao Bang Pae (388 m) and Khao Phara (422 m). The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area), including the Nai Yang beach known for being a sea turtles sanctuary and breeding area. In the South of the district a branch museum of the National Museum was opened in 1989 at the heroines monument. The monument itself commemorates the local heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon, who forced the Burmese army besieging the town of Thalang to retreat. Phuket International Airport is located in the Northern part of the district. The main road is Highway 402, which runs from Sarasin bridge over the Pak Prah strait till Phuket city in the South East of the Island.

Hotels on Thalang
Phuket Boat Lagoon Boat Lagoon (ท่าเทียบเรือ)
The Boat Lagoon, a unique maritime township on the east coast of idyllic Phuket is offering an easy-living homes surrounded by tropical green garden, full service marina, resort hotel, commercial plaza, bank, med park, supermarket, restaurants and other sporting facilities.

Yacht Haven An increasing number of both sailing and motor yachts are moored year round there as yachting in the emerald seas around Phuket Island as well as the smaller islands around the Phang nga Bay rapidly gains in popularity.

Hotels near Boat Lagoon
Kathu Waterfall Kathu District (อำเภอกะทู้)
Kathu is a district of Phuket Province, located in the west of the island.

It neighbors Thalang to the north, Mueang Phuket to the east and south, and the Andaman Sea to the west.

Patong Beach Kathu is the district which covers the most touristical beach of Phuket, namely Patong beach. Kamala beach to the North is much less developed, but rapidly gaining in popularity.

Hotels on Kathu
old building Phuket Town (เมือง ภูเก็ต)
Mueang Phuketis the capital district of Phuket Province. The town Phuket itself is in the northwest of the district.

Saphanhin The district covers the southern part of the island Phuket. The western and southern coast consists of several more or less touristical beaches, from the northwest: Karon, Kata, Kata Noi, Nai Harn, Rawai and the Friendship Beach along the Chalong Bay. The beaches are separated from each other by rocky capes, most notably the Promthep Cape with the southernmost trip of the island. The cape is popular for Thai as well as International tourists for its dramatic views of the sunset.

Wat Chalong The most important of the 29 buddhist temples of Phuket is Wat Chalong (วัดฉลอง, วัดไชยธาราราม). It is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem (หลวงพ่อแช่ม) and Luang Pho Chuang (หลวงพ่อช่วง), who with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured of a tin miners rebellion in 1876.

Hotels on Phuket Town
maikhao Mai Khao Beach (หาดไม้ขาว)
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast of Phuket. The main beach which stretches a bit over 10km is still much less developed as the other destinations. Mainl as it is part of the Sirinat National Park and the only significant constructions along it is Phuket International Airport as well as a few high end resorts, such as JW Marriott and Anantara. Although the sand is not the finest, and perhaps the coarsest in Phuket, the beach is so positively secluded that visitors can enjoy endless privacy.

Both due to the isolation and the National Park status, Mai Khao is a very popular camping spot . At the far north of the beach, where the waters from Phang Nga Bay meet the Andaman Sea, surfers sometimes ride the waves, otherwise the beach is mostly devoid of activities except fishing and hiking. Due to a sharp drop off in to the Andaman Sea, swimming may be limited in the low season due to strong underwater currents.

Mai Khao is as well where the endangered giant leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs in the spring. In addition, every year young hatchlings are released into the sea in an effort to repopulate the sea.

Hotels near Mai Khao
naiyang Nai Yang Beach (หาดในยาง)
Is a very popular beach for local and residents alike. Only located 5 minutes south of Phuket International Airport, it is as well where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with casurina trees that provide shade to picnicker.

The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February; unfortunately the population of these has however, dropped off greatly.

First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance.

Aside of some informal restaurant and bars in the sand – there is not much of evening entertainment available to the visitor. All very laid back, it recalls the early days of Phuket Island, before it made it to be listed in nearly every travel agency programme.

Hotels near Nai Yang
naithon Nai Thon Beach (หาดในทอน)
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of the sand. It is a beautiful beach, and until now not developed commercially. There are some accommodations but virtually no other business. Ideal for swimming and dining in the small restaurants in high season, the area is very isolated and nearly forgotten in low season, when the occasional stormy sea make the bay unattractive or even dangerous.

Located between Bang Tao Bay and Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach can be reached by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first traffic light north of Thalang Town to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off to Nai Thon. The journey is definitely worthwhile, especially from the south, as the long winding road reminds a lot of the Southern areas of Europe.

Aside of swimming there are very good diving and snorkeling spots, most of them accessible only by boat which can be arranged at local dive shops on the Beach Road. Entertainment and nightlife are very limited to a few beach bars and shopping is pretty much the selection of a few mini marts.



Hotels near Nai Thon
layan Layan Beach (หาดลายัน)
Layan Beach is at the northern end of Bang Tao area where the beach meets a river and a lagoon. Many birds and other wildlife call this area home as they can enjoy the peacefulness of the lagoon.

layan The many small tracks which cover the hillside of the beach are well known by climbers and bird watchers. You can reach the beach by walking pass the Laguna Phuket Resort or by following the highway and turning in to Nai Thon beach at the road sign. Layan Beach Resort & Spa Village is the only resort on this beach.

Banyan Tree Club The beach can be accessed by a small road passing close by the Banyan Tree Golf Club. Altogether though the beach is quite limited and for swimming tourists and residents prefer to head to Bang Tao Beach, a 10 to 15 minute walk south.

Hotel on Layan Beach
bangtao Bang Tao Beach (หาดบางเทา)
Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phukets longest beaches. In the older days the whole area was used for tin mining, but has since been developed into a number of luxury resorts and apartments. Most of Bangtao Beach is occupied by the Laguna complex, a massive five-hotel development with golf course. During the Dry Season (November to April) swimming is excellent, during the summer months the swimming is restricted due to strong currents. At the Northern end there is a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral. Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale, which has kept its traditions alive with most of the inhabitants living off fishing, rubber taping and farming.

In terms of nightlife and entertainment, the area is rather undeveloped as most of the upmarket hotels have their own activities for guests and thus there are not many alternatives in the immediate vicinity.

Hotel near Bang Tao Area
pansea Pansea Beach (หาดพันซี)
Pansea Beach is refined luxury by excellence.

Small, intimate and exclusive, the Northern end is reserved for the top end Amanpuri Phuket and Chedi resorts – home away from home for the rich and famous and numerous celebrities from fashion designers to industrial magnates are known to be regulars.

The only access to Pansea Beach is through the hotel grounds and it therefore quite restricted.

Hotel on Pansea Beach
surin Surin Beach (หาดสุรินทร์)
Swaying casurina tress in the sea breeze rim this small, curvy bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala. A bit off the beaten track, Surin has seen a lot of mid to upper market development in the recent years and it rapidly gaining in popularity by couples and families alike.

As well Surin is home to Phuket's first golf courses, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years ago during the reign of King Rama VII. It is now largely in disuse except as a park.

Word to the wise, the steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season, but during the dry months, it is a perfect location to collect perfect holiday memories.

Suring Beach is located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument. Nightlife is very limited, but both accommodations and restaurants can be found. Some of the hotels do run Sunday brunches which have long been very popular to the locals and foreign residents alike.

Hotels in Surin Beach
kamala Kamala Beach (หาดกมลา)
Kamala is a Muslim fishing village north of hustle and bustle of Patong Beach. Tourist development on this much more laid back and quiet beach have become a preferred place for long stays and retirees, although much of the area is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming. Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is very beautiful and spans over about 2 km in length. There are accommodations ranging from guesthouses to international class hotels and self catering apartments as well as a number of small Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist. Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong. On a scenic drive along the headland to the south, can be found a number of luxury villa developments, with great views of Kamala Bay and beyond.

Kamala is more the type of place to meet and relax with friends in a local seafood restaurant or bar, so night entertainment is rather low-key. This said, Kamala is also home of the acclaimed Phuket FantaSea entertainment complex which has become one of the must-see places when visiting Phuket.

Hotels near Kamala Beach
nakalay Nakalay Beach (หาดนาคาเล)
Nakalya Beach is the private and secluded beach of Thavorn Beach Village. The entrance to the beach bears a DO NOT ENTER sign, clearly limiting it to the residents of the resort. Swimming is only possible at high tide.

In the center of the Beach, a long pier has been built and the Nakalay Junk moores not too far away, providing both day and sunset trips as well as being available to be fully chartered for parties.

nakalay Nakalay Beach is located in Nakalay Bay near the Patong/Kamala border sign and 4 km north of Patong Beach. It is suitable for people who like it quiet but still want to be near the entertainment area of Patong.

Hotel on Nakalay Beach
kalim Kalim Beach (หาดกะหลิม)
Kalim Beach, Phuket is in fact a continuation in the North of Patong's main beach, of which it is separated by some cliffs. Kalim beach with its extensive coral reef is more for snorkeling than for swimming and the views over the bay are very charming.

Despite the more quiet edge to the beach, the vicinity to Patong Beach make it an ideal alternative for travelers who like to have a bit more of a quiet time, albeit easy access of the nightlife, restaurants and entertainment.

It is though recommended to use solid footwear if planning to enter the water in that area as the corals do have very sharp edges. The Northern part of the bay is quite exposed to strong winds in low season (June to September) and occasional surfers are to be found on the breaking surf.

Hotels near Kalim
patong Patong Beach (หาดป่าตอง)
Patong Beach is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the past ten years, Patong has turned from a quiet fishing village into one of the island's two cities. Mainly due to the development of tourism, the beach has seen a massive number of restaurants catering to any taste and cuisine, pubs and bars, tour and travel agencies. As well a lifestyle shopping complex, Jungceylon, opened recently offers more international goods and brands in air-conditioned space in addition to the usual endless night market popping up at sunset all along the side walk of beach road, turning the whole of Patong into one extensive market.
The famous bay and about 4 km long beach is more often referred to when tourists are aiming for Phuket to be their holiday destination. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars. Motorbike rentals as well as paragliding and jet ski rental are widely available on the beach. Nightlife is centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road), but is virtually found all over, in either shape or form. Nevertheless both North and South end of the bay are however there are quieter and family friendly. Patong Beach is ideal for swimming as well as water-sports.
tritrang Tri-Trang Beach (หาดไตรตรัง)
Tri Trang beach is located in a scenic bay South of Patong Beach in front Merlin Beach Resort. The cosy atmosphere and peaceful silence is only interrupted by the occasional longtail boat to and from Freedom Beach. As popular the beach is for snorkeling, Tri Trang is definitely not to be recommended just for swimming, as by low tide there are many rocks in te rather flat seabed.

In addition, Tri Trang is very near the popular possibly finest beaches of Phuket, namely Freedom Beach, which can only be accessed by boat.

Hotel on Tri-Trang Beach
karon Karon Beach (หาดกะรน) The second largest of Phuket’s main tourist beaches. Many large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, such as Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, Ramada or Hilton Arcadia but the beach itself, long and broad, has no development. Due to its extensive size, and despite being very popular, the beach never is too crowded and there is always ample space between the sun loungers. It is therefore a very popular beach for families as well as longer staying travelers. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island.

Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the northern end of the beach, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small shops and galleries.

Karon Noi Beach (หาดกะรนน้อย) Karon Noi Beach, in the North of Karon, is in principle the private beach of upmarket Le Meridien Resort and Spa and is basically only accessible through the resort.
kata Kata Beach (หาดกะตะ)
The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Patong or Karon, while only a few minutes drive away. The beach itself is broad and curvy, and structures bordering it are low–rise. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to mainly its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife.

The clear water is perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with a rich variety of colorful tropical fish and corals which stretch out toward Poo Island, about 500m off shore.

katanoi Kata Noi Beach (หาดกะตะน้อย)
South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development. The beach is superb and the scenery is breathtaking from the popular Kata Viewpoint. Swimming can be difficult due to the abundant rocks and corals but Kata Noi has long been a popular spot for surfers during the summer months. To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.
naiharn Nai Harn Beach (หาดไนหาน)
Nai Harn Beach is located South of Kata Noi and north of Promthep Cape, while by far not not Phuket's longest beach, it borders the most gorgeous lagoon on the island, and is therefore definitely worth a visit. The center of the beach is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Han monastery, which has obstructed excessive development and is the reason why the beach is generally less crowded than other spots on the southern part of the island.

A wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed, but swimmers should be alert for the red flag which warns of dangerous currents during the monsoon season from May to October. As well, and not too far away, Ao Sane Beach offers outstanding snorkeling. In addition one can walk to nearby Promthep Cape to observe sunsets, which are often fiery and spectacular, and thus a very popular destination for tourists and photographers alike.
rawai Rawai Beach (หาดราไวย์)
Rawai Beach is the site of the famous Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy villages as well as the very first tourist beach of the island. Indeed in the earlier days, the residents of Phuket town would prefer to drive out to Rawai to enjoy the shady Casurina fringed beach rather than take a chance with the hilly and (then) treacherous winding roads across the island's hills to go onto the West shores of Phuket.

Many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands are available in Rawai Beach, which is very suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. West of Chalong Circle.

In the current times, Rawai is more of a transit beach and launching point for day boat excursions out to the numerous islands surrounding Phuket. Many longtail boats are available for hire and trips to Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island.

Rawai is home to some of the island's the five-star resorts and has become a very popular living area for foreign residents lending a bit a bohemian and laid-back touch to the area.
chalong Chalong Bay (อ่าวฉลอง)
Chalong bay is a very popular an safe mooring place for many yachts and tour boats because it is protected from strong winds. As well, many day trips to the nearby islands starting here so it is crowded between sunrise and 9am, when the boats leave, and between 4pm - 5pm when they return.

A vast parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve the many visitors passing through. There's also a one-stop customs, immigration and harbor master service to assist visiting vessels, as well as a new marine rescue centre. In addition, the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which organises regular sailing races, makes its base here, and its bar is a favourite spot for sailors to swap yarns and party.

In the evening the beach restaurants are a favorite place for tourists coming back from watching the sunset at Promthep Cape as well as all the day tourists. A number of quality restaurants, British pubs and bars have developed in the recent years offering a taste of both international as well as local fare
panwa Panwa Cape (แหลมพันวา)
The southernmost tip of this cape is home to a Marine Biological Research Center and Phuket's Aquarium where visitors may inspect several hundred exotic and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in the teeming waters of Phuket and elsewhere, comfortably and without risk of getting seasick on a snorkeling trip.

It is in principle more of a functional beach – due to both the Marine research center as well as a marine base with a large pier, mainly for commercial and military use.

panwa There are a few accommodations developing in the area in the recent years and some of the hotels also have an attractive beach, but often reserved for their guests only.
yamu Ao Por / Yamu Cape (อ่าวปอ / แหลมยามู)
Ao Por or Yamu Cape is located in the East Coast of Phuket, in close access to both Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina. The stunning scenery overlooking the numerous limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay is prominently advertised by the real estate developers setting up properties in this lesser known part of Phuket. The easy access to Phuket town as well as the boating / yachting areas will attract a different public and thus create a new destination.

yamu There are currently not too many developments there, but rather hi-end quality ones, with more to be developed by international investors. As yet still a bit away from the crowds, Yamu will rapidly gain momentum in the years to come.
nakayaiisland Naka Yai Island (เกาะนาคาใหญ่)
Naka Yai Island used to be a rather simple destination with mainly a small fisherman village on the West. In the meantime, major developments are seen to be made resulting in hi-end hotel properties. The island is therefore becoming more of a exclusive destination than what it used to be.

The stunning views in the East towards Phang Nga Bay are simply stunning and most of the fine white sandy beaches are currenly occupied by day – trippers from Phuket. Lazying in the sun and swimming are pretty much the only activities on Koh Naka and due to the scarcity of restaurants, one may consider bringing a picnic along if planning to stay during the whole day. Although most of the visitors are coming as part of a day trip around Phuket and many a boatload of simmers and snorkellers are generally stoppiong off at some point during the afternoon off the Eastern coast.

The most direct access to the island is with longtail boats which can be hired at Ao Por pier. Accommodations are about to be completed, so mainly still a day trip destination.
loneisland Lone Island (เกาะโหลน)
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket. The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting.

There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast. Boats to Koh Lone leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.

Else the island has so far not been developed much and is therefore a perfect hideaway for travelers who want to have a break from the hustle and bustle of Phuket’s main touristy and commercial areas.
coralisland Coral Island or Koh Hae (เกาะเฮ)
Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae, is located 9 km southeast of Phuket.

Koh Hae is part of a marine park, but accommodations, local restaurants, watersports, and above all diving and snorkeling are widely available. To access the island, boats leave from Rawai beach and Chalong bay. Also, package tours are available, which tend to bing a large amount of day trippers to the island and its reefs.

The main attraction of Coral Island is its very rich marine life and is therefore a favourite scuba diving and snorkeling location. Main beaches are Long Beach and the smaller Banana beach.

Currently there is not too much choice in terms of accommodation aside of the long established Coral Island Resort.
rachayaiisland Racha Yai Island (เกาะราชาใหญ่)
Racha or Raya Island as sometime refered to consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The island is located about 12 KM south of Phuket and can be access by boat, speedboat or though a excursion tour. Mostly travelers are heading to Racha Yai as the west coast is probably the most stunning fine white sand beach available in the area. It is closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow.

A very clean powdery sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Racha Yai attract day-trippers from Phuket. In the recent years, aside of the original bungalow accommodations, some upmarket resorts have been developed and combining outstanding service with the breathtaking sceneries making Koh Racha a all-time favorite for couple and honeymooners.

As well, from the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
yaonoiisland Yao Noi Island (เกาะยาวน้อย)
Koh Yao Noi is one of the larger islands in Phang Nga Bay, an archipelago of 44 islands. It is easily accessible from both Phuket and Krabi Provinces and sports some of the most beautiful sea scenery in South East Asia. Great for bicycling and walking, the island covers about 50 square kilometers and has about 18 kilometers of dirt track and concrete road around. There are a few hotels developed in the last years ranging from budget to a high end exclusive resort.

As one of the major island, Koh Yao Noi is home the District Administration office as well as to a hospital, several schools and a post office. 24 hour electricity supply, Internet access, mobile telephone connection and ATMs are available.

Attractions include Tha Khao Beach, about five kilometers away from the Koh Yao District Administrative Office. This beach has many colorful rocks and pebbles. As well, a short distance away from the beach is a small island called Koh Nok which can be reached on foot during low tide or by canoe during high tide.
yaoyaiisland Yao Yai Island (เกาะยาวใหญ่)
Yao Yai is the largest island in Koh Yao District and has many interesting beaches, such as Ao Thi Kud, Ao Klong Son, Ao Sai, Lo Pa Raed beach, Ao Laan, Ao Hin Kong, and Laem Nok Og. Lo Jaak pier is an important pier from Koh Yao to Phuket. The water at the pier is clear and schools of fish swim near the bridge at the pier. Visitors can see the production of dried anchovies (pla ching chang) here.

There are inexpensive bungalows on the island along with home-stay accommodation with the local people, who make a living by fishery or agriculture, to learn their lifestyle. Attractions of Koh Yao Yai are Loh Jaak Beach and Loh Jaak pier, which is an the main transit point from Koh Yao Yai to Phuket. The beach here is white, and the water is clean and very clear.Visitors can also go fishing or search for shells or see the production process of making dried anchovies (pla ching chang). Long-tail boats can be hired to go to Koh Kai Nok or Koh Kai Nai. There are two trips leaving the pier to Phuket everyday at 8 pm and 2 pm daily.
List of Phuket hotels

HOW SAFE PHUKET FOR TRAVEL

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist locations in Thailand and the number of visitors. To better the previous year. Street Beach in Phuket and quiet and business will start feeling tense. Thai political problems have many good documents in the media is portrayed as being in complete anarchy. Although the central problem in Bangkok, they have affected Phuket. But the truth of the situation should tourists. Beware of traveling to Phuket?

Short answer is "no". For a bit of Thailand to view the problem from many years mine coups. But the tsunami that has really affected tourism in the long term. Thailand often create problems within a few ripples, and short written materials on the streets of chaos, but for those in the country. Thai will tell you that in normal life.

In Phuket, tourism is way down. Hotel will be nowhere near full, and people on the island that will affect the industry. Worse in the long term than the tsunami. The serious situation, but not required. Travel advisory warning not help.

If you go now you will see Phuket Island calm. Not all dangerous than normal security. To fight in the streets and tourists will not be victimized or attacked. In fact, there may not be a good time to Phuket island because it is less crowded than usual.

Beach is a popular site and wait for visitors to place indeed still travel. Should use the same caution them to Phuket last year, which will. Travel alone at night in the motorcycle not a good idea and care. When out and about should. But do not allow you to press reports from Phuket.

Sad state of affairs, but Hotel website reported decreased in the book. The same is true of the airline was thrown out left right and center to appeal to Thai people. Odds to snapped. While.

If Phuket is safe for tourists, then what about. Bangkok, which is what most of the problems. Demonstrators and airport closures and all. แต่ถ้าคุณจับเครื่องบินในครั้งถ้าคุณอยู่ในกรุงเทพฯคุณจะไม่พบมาก. From each other when you click Open. All normal load. Not ever.

After the rebellion before the tanks and soldiers have become a tourist attraction. Appointment is the most fun before the picnic and concert. Some media reports speculating that Thailand is a bloodbath, but events like revolutions in the past does not crystallize.

Forum and blog call has been inundated with people still ask Phuket safe for travel. Be safe and may be longer.

Phuket reviewing our latest information about the people in Phuket, Phuket restaurants and women.

Source Article: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Crook.

The Political Problem of Thailand

Political problems in Thailand.
Permalink political problems in Thailand, Cam, 1,076 words, 0 comments, Thailand, Alexander Downer.

Military coup, suspended the Constitution of Thailand in September 2006 - eight months ago. Since the military junta in Thailand Ltd. in emergency operations. Australia signed a free trade agreement with Thailand in January 2005.

Before the policy. neoconservative preemptive, the main method used for international trade with countries that are efficient. Liberal Democrat work out an overall political, economic and military containment. Therefore, our policy is to Thailand.

Quote Alexander Downer said last year.

To sit in foreign countries I want to program more interesting. National security and economic agreements.

Main ideas or guiding principles of management, but necessary policies and introduce our method. Believe that democracy and market liberalism is the best mechanism for global problems.

Howard government is willing to put muscle behind the replacement of the dictatorship in Iraq and others. Replaced by what is not democracy, but I work. Contemporary thought. Neoconservative. Deep in the government before Howard.

I think the rate of teaching "Great and powerful friends and his security key. Punish any ideological depth should be established democracies by military force.

After September 11 and the flow of American political parties on this issue, I suspect that fashion. neoconservative. Primarily in the Australian electoral advantage.

But fashion has expanded to East Timor and ASPI lack "of our neighbors reported a number of missions in the Solomons in the later weeks. Must have said these are not made by people; Australian diplomatic and military photos of people of legal terms used in the creation of these delegations burn.

Paul said that Australia's commitment to democracy and institutions. Liberal democracy is a political and moral power, military or not, which - with Iraq is a mistake with this policy.

Political and moral support is more or less of good. Because small island next to the doorstep when a few of our political power. When compared with Australia, Fiji, between democracy and the junta has set a new strobe Jindavik. We have no power to stop or inhibit behavior.

Promoting democracy itself. Freedom has come from within not from outside and determined by external force. Downer others.

We need to support the spread of democracy and good corporate in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is an example of democracy that can offer - to improve economic justice better than opening all the people. Enterprise is the best way to choose the time and place and practice their faith.

But forty years, and Indonesia to conduct spot. Cascada military dictatorship of Suharto. We support decolonization. Establishment of the Republic of Indonesia and Indonesia, but a fail by Sukarno.

You juntas and oligarchies economic disaster dictatorships. With economic measures? Containment Hussein military war dead, but his real talent is not enough to remove the handle. His political power. North Korea to punish that country in darkness dictator enjoys a Cadillac and Harley Davidson.

National Tiger and now China has created conditions that developed in Japan that the government has made. Authority in charge of export-oriented countries. Singapore remains current repressive junta in Thailand, Indonesia, such as democracy in Taiwan and South Korea while in Japan, too. Party state.

Liberalism of middle class economic freedom and economic freedom through. That death is not economic but political challenges to state enforcement.

Pinochet of Chile may be the best examples of this as all major countries adopting free market and political ogre he is authoritarian.

Pinochet to embrace liberal democracy, the market for Chile? No. democracy and dictatorship, Chile, before coup Pinochet.

Business with Tiger, economic liberalism is not guaranteed and proven. Only the form that must come from democratic countries, even to create them. In force and compulsion.

This bring us back to politics and Thailand FTA. We should use the carrot or the installation or not.

Three largest countries in the region, Australia, Indonesia and Thailand - dumping FTA will not check. The King of Thailand, a military and economic. protectionist. Called the sufficiency economy "may have wisdom to open FTA with Thailand to open markets.

But Thailand, working in emergency conditions, which means that laws and treaties to the whims junta. A FTA warrant should not have privileges to adjust to the junta's economic policies do not.

Thailand does not seem to threaten to leave the border. Emergency overseas will not have to support all military, economic and political containment no.

I can not add new Thailand and Alexander Downer. The new government will not not speak or political relationships between countries. Australian and Thai values strong.

May be mixed with three positions.

While a FTA or can not stand is the best policy. Australia will continue to pressure the junta to accept the establishment of constitutional democracy, they say they are. Thailand has a democratic Constitution that work before their revolt.

King's ideas of their own economic self-FTA can not be used as an important vehicle to reach his or junta. And then again in May, Thai interest groups lobby to see it continue and. Junta pressure her.

Thailand remains a political issue now, even if the new radar will be closed. For the chaos in Iraq. Junta can not create a good business because unconstitutional. Legitimate power and benefits in the form of their democracy. Selfish in nature.

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