Dare To Discipline Phuket

For those not on the ground in Phuket, the current action against the island's taxi mafia may come as a surprise.
The current military regime from Bangkok has targeted the removal of illegal transport stalls from public land on the island and launched a large-scale effort.
Driving through Patong, Kamala or Surin Beach the newly vacated areas one littered with shanty-like structures have astonished both locals and visitors alike.
Of course, there remains a degree of cynicism with many voicing out the question – how long can this last? But for now the campaign is moving at a speed once considered unthinkable.
One has to ask, could the island even one day see metered taxi's operate throughout Phuket?
As Thailand's politician's championed an increasing array of childishness for months on end, which effectively put the tourism industry on hold, the military is now firmly acting with a sort of parental guidance.
While many residents are hailing the moves against the island's mafia-like transport cartel, many eyes are now tuning to the privately operated beach clubs and oceanfront restaurants and bars that dot the shoreline, to see how the new policy makers will view these outlets.
How will local Or Bor Tor's (municipal government offices) who often lease these premises react to a higher level of scrutiny?
The same goes for the property sector's current spate of DSI investigations over encroachment on public land?
Their remains merit to many of these business claims that have valid leases or titles, so what will happen to the Big Bad Wolf?
So many questions and yet not many answers, the island will just have wait.
On the larger scale the national curfew is being pragmatically rolled back with the latest news that Krabi, Phang Nga, and Hua Hin are now back on the nightlife grid. Koh Phangan's world famous Full Moon Party has even received a reprieve, which is putting smiles back on the Greater Samui tourism sector.
What's next Phuket? Stay tuned, as there seems to be never a dull moment in this particular corner of paradise.