Air Crash in Phuket, Thailand

The fate of the 'plane that came down on Phuket yesterday in heavy monsoon rains, should not make anyone change their plans to visit the area.

Way back in January I wrote a blog which is still up on this site, about a drowning on Phuket. It is obvious this morning, from the amount of hits on this particular blog post yesterday, that many people are concerned about safety on the island.

Phuket is still recovering from the effects of the tsunami, although most of the hotels and entertainment establishments are now up and running again. I remember the sheer horror of that time, I was there, and how we all felt that the lovely people who worked so hard to help their foreign visitors deserved to be supported.

Now I hope that those same people will join me in persuading any who may feel like cancelling their upcoming trips to the Island, not to do so. Phuket relies on visitors and anyone who has been there, knows how strong the welcome is, whether you are backpacking or staying in one of the fine luxury hotels that dot the landscape.

Don't let yesterday's air tragedy affect any plans you may have to visit the Island. If the crash has made you reluctant to fly, then there are alternative ways of reaching the island from Bangkok - train, bus, luxury coach or self drive. An eight hour journey with a stop of lunch at delightful Chumphon is my favourite way of getting to Phuket.

The monsoon will be over very shortly, and the brilliant blue skies and calm seas for which the area is known will once again delight those who come to enjoy the things this beautiful place has to offer.