He was not specific about this issue.

But reporters think otherwise. At least, we know the plan to build a second airport on Koh Samui does not fit the philosophy at all.

The proposal for the second airport comes from the Civil Aviation Department, following growing demand for air travel to and from the southern island. If the second-airport proposal is shot down, the existing airport could simply be expanded to accommodate more traffic. Thus, the island could welcome more tourists.

I remember what Phornsiri Manoharn said soon after her appointment as governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. She noted that one item on the TAT's main agenda during her term would be to safeguard the environment of Thailand's tourist destinations. She was specific in saying that Koh Samui was now too crowded and should not be burdened with a new airport.

"How many coconut trees would be chopped down to pave the way for the new airport?" she asked during an exclusive interview.

Her views are highly appreciated, but I doubt whether this will fit in any discussion of construction plans.

Indeed, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told us how the sufficiency economy came into play through his refusal to support the construction of a convention centre in Phuket. He said the island-province needed to take care of environmental problems and water shortages before thinking about new development projects that could worsen the existing mess.

My question is: while the government advertises the sufficiency economy, do civil servants and businessmen share this concept?

achara_d@nationgroup.com