June 2003
SARS
Still effected by the triple whammy of world uncertainty due to the Bali Bombing, the Second Gulf War, and SARS, Thai tourism is still in a bit of a mess. Bookings are way down and in many areas like Phuket, Samui and Koh Phangan and there have been significant layoffs in the hotels and tourist related businesses. Phi Phi Island has not enough hotel rooms to make all the bookings in high season so it is almost always full.
Reggae Bar
The Reggae bar is still holding court as the place for night life on the island with the biggest crowds hanging out. When the island is quiet popular opinion always chooses one bar, and this year, well done Reggae.
Diving
As always, when customers are few, the high season Dive Instructors and Dive Masters move on to busier diving centers like the Caribbean and Hawaii. This has has a knock on effect with the businesses that cater for the diving community like Le Grand Blue.
Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort
With the upgrade of the Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort this season, the pool and landscaping completed, bookings are moving ahead fast. The mountain view bungalows will be completed soon.
Phi Phi Princess
Definately hit by SARS resulting in less than normal occupancy. Khun Charnalong has reported renewed bookings for most of June and July.
New Road
The new road or walk way has been designed to improve the waterfront on Phi Phi Island. It will replace some of the tin huts over the water and rehouse the local people in more modern convenient housing, improving the lot of some of Phi Phi Islands least represented inhabitants.
New Pier
Continual rumours abound that the proposed new pier for Phi Phi Village will start soon. The basic idea is to create a large new environment to properly marshal all the boats using the main Tonsai Pier. This is part of the Thai governments process of cleaning up Phi Phi Island. The 200 meter pier will probably be an extension of the existing one but may be recreated in front of the Cabana Hotel. Update; In 2007 this finally started and nears completion June 2008.
Weather
Unusual to say the least. Cloudless skies from the 3rd -10th of June have given the island a high season feel, with near perfect Phi Phi island weather. Normally expecting cloud, wind and occasional rain, it is very rare to see the late sunsets of these June months. Good for travellers, but the island needs it's low season rain. Weather Update. The weather has stayed hot and pretty dry for the rest of June. there have been thunderstorms 23rd-25th June but no great winds.
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Mattias Spelman
