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nbt tem —1 Tourism sector in Phuket expresses their concern over the Pheu Thai party's 300 baht minimum wages stating that they foresee adverse affects on businesses and inflation Starting with the Honorary Advisor to the Thai Hotel Association, southern chapter, Metee Tan-ma-na-tra-kul, who commented on the 300 baht minimum wage proposed policy stating his agreement that the wage rise would support the low income earners. He however suggested that the incoming government consider the issue thoroughly as it will lead to high inflation. The cost of products will be higher and that the workers or employees will in turn suffer from the pay rise, rather than benefit from the scheme. Meanwhile the Phuket Tourist



Association president Somboon Jirayus voiced his concern over the new policy saying that the rise will certainly affect the business, particularly the hoteliers as they have high rates of employment. This would have further impacts on tourism as the operators cannot adjust the room rates or packages immediately. He then concluded that the government should adjust the minimum wage rise on a ratio basis instead of promptly. Item —2 Business operators in Kata Karon called for police to impose strict legal measures equally to violators of intellectual property or pirated goods Around 100 merchants from Kata Karon areas felt compelled to gather in front of the Phuket Provincial Police headquarters to submit their petition against what they called 'unjust' treatment by Chalong police officers. According to the group, who sell souvenirs such as pirated garments, bags, glasses etc, they were arrested and their goods confiscated.


This followed the authority's policy to seriously tackle piracy and designate Kata Karon as one of the pioneer locations. Such action has led to some of the businesses to run out of income, they claimed. The group pointed out the fact that they were heavily taken legal action against while the similar shops at Patong and Naka market areas in the city can open freely without any disturbances from police. The sellers requested four main issues to be resolved by the Commissioner of Provisional Police Region 8, Pol. Lt. General Korkiat Wong-wo-ra-chart. Their first request is the provisional police impose tough checks and impose legal action against any violators, not only in Kata-Karon; secondly police stop supporting some local community leaders who may misuse their power; thirdly transfer a police officer who is found to have misused his power; and fourthly if their requests are not responded to, they would further their petition to the Office of the Commissioner General in Bangkok.

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