Phuket Travel Realities

It is nothing short of a dream destination. Phuket, Thailand's largets island is justifiably famous and, when not in ultra high season (normally) most affordable. Phuket has it all. Beautiful beaches, great eateries, inexpensive shopping, the lot. So why is it that this year, Phuket is struggling. Why are the best hotels and resorts taking less and running lower occupancy rates? The Tsunami? No. As distarous as that was the Island make a relatively quick comeback. Phuket.s woes are traced to more recent acts. Some of man, some of nature. Closed airports do not a friendly destination make. Charges of cruelty and mistreatment of refugees-unless they are completely refuted-paint any paridise black. And, last but not least tales of hundreds of jellyfish washed up on beautiful beaches are not condusive to great relaxation. Top all of that off with a recent supported call to increase the fees for foreigners work permits from 300 Baht to as much as 300,000 and you are not lighting the tourism trail.