Phuket’s traditional role as a source of raw materials began to erode in the 1970s as the island moved towards international tourism of the stereotypical ‘sun, sea, and sand’ variety (Uthoff, 1997). The first large hotel in Phuket was built in 1976 and, by 1979, the Thai government had built an international airport while also supporting the further construction of hotels in Phuket Town and Patong Beach on the island’s west coast.