Phuket may be suffering an economic crisis and a crime wave, but July is expected to bring a celebrity visitor to restore morale: one of the world’s most powerful women, US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Her visit is expected to be formally announced on Tuesday. Mrs Clinton, wife of former US President Bill Clinton, will visit the island during the important Asian Regional Forum from July 16-23. Representatives from at least 26 countries are expected to attend the forum, an important prelude to October’s Asean Plus Six Summit when the leaders of 16 nations are due to come to the island.

The July meeting has been kept low-key so far. But a large delegation of officials from Thailand’s Foreign Ministry is expected to visit the island on Tuesday when details of the summit will be announced, Phuket Governor Wichai Praisa-nob said today. Preparations have been continuing around the island to make it look as attractive as possible for both international gatherings.

Just as importantly, the resort that will be the center of activities in July is expected to be known on Tuesday, with Laguna Phuket and the Hilton Arcadia Phuket the leading candidates.

Mrs. Clinton, who like President Barack Obama has expressed a great interest in Asia, is especially concerned at present over the trial of democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in neighboring Burma.

Her visit will not be the first by the Clinton family. Former US President Bill Clinton visited Phuket twice when he was the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Tsunami Recovery. The first visit in 2005 was with another former US President, George Bush Snr. who was also a special envoy.  Mr. Clinton came back in 2006 on a second visit intended to help revive the tourism industry, something the Secretary of State may also help to do in July.