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Recent dramatic TV images might lead some to believe the whole of Thailand is under water, but Phuket and many other tourist destinations in the country are operating as normal and have not been affected by the floods. The Phuket International Airport is fully operational, as is Bangkok’s international airport, Suvarnabhumi, where many connecting flights to Phuket from Europe and Asia are continuing as normal (as of November 7). There have been some disruptions in supply sources from central Thailand, but so far people in Phuket are still able to find most everything they need on the store shelves.

The flooding situation in Thailand is mainly affecting the central provinces along the Chao Phraya River including Bangkok and Ayutthaya. Some popular tourist destinations in the central region including Pattaya, Hua Hin, Kanchanaburi and Koh Chang have not been affected by the floods. Other tourist destinations in the south of Thailand including Krabi, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Hat Yai and Phang-Nga; and in the north including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukhothai, also have not been affected by the floods.
 
Though it’s recommended to check the latest news and advisories before travelling, visitors to Phuket can rest assured that they will find a high-and-dry sunny island of their holiday dreams this month. (Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand)

Phuket golf enthusiasts seeking some competitive play still have the chance to join the Khao Lak Charity Golf Tournament, to be held at Tab Lamu golf course in Phang Nga province on November 19.
 
The tournament will raise money to help support students and schools that were affected by the 2004 tsunami. Funds from last year’s event, which raised some 420,000 baht, went towards the sponsorship of Phang Nga teachers and students, as well as buying much-needed equipment and supplies for a local school and orphanage.

Phuket is set to join the nation in celebrating Thailand’s annual Loy Kratong Festival, which reaches its peak on the full moon day of November 10 this year. Every beach and waterway across the island will be thronged with people releasing handmade ‘kratong’ – small candle-lit vessels made from banana tree trunk and adorned with flowers and incense -- with the wish for a better year ahead for romance and fortune. Hundreds of floating lanterns are also released, often by couples seeking to strengthen their love.
 
Several Phuket resorts will hold their own events, many offering the chance to learn how to make your own kratong. It’s a magical event not to be missed.

Atmanjai, a Phuket spa and wellness centre in Rawai, is organising efforts to raise funds to help Bangkok flood victims. Director Michael Massey is making an appeal for donations as follows:
 
“You are most likely aware of the devastating floods in Thailand. Here in Phuket we are safe as we are over 1,000km from the issue, and of course, we are on an island. We have been minimally inconvenienced with supply logistics, but otherwise it is life as normal. For millions of other people the situation is not so fortunate. Countless people are homeless, out of work, have had their businesses, farms etc destroyed. I know that it seems sometimes as if there is an endless stream of worthy causes that require your support. If you feel like you would like to support these people in need, I invite you to follow this link: www.atmanjai.com/donate-thailand-flood-relief-effort.htm.
 
“The webpage gives details on how to make a donation that will actually reach the people in need, and not be siphoned off for administration costs, or worse yet, to corrupt officials.”

Phuket’s Soi Dog Foundation, which has rescued scores of pets affected by the Bangkok floods, is urgently seeking hselp in finding a larger boat. The small boat being used by SDF to rescue pets is not sufficiently big to take a larger number of dogs that is required to make a difference. The dogs must be housed in large, heavy cages, which requires a larger boat.
 
SDF has caught the eye of CNN, the international cable news network, which ran a story about the dog rescue operation last Friday.
 
Anyone able to donate, or sell, a large boat should contact John Dalley at john@soidog.org. Donations to help rescue the pets can be made to www.soidog.org.

Fierce battles between the world’s most elite beach volleyball players will give sports fans an exciting spectacle when the FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch World Tour hits the sands of Karon Beach from November 1-6.
 
The Phuket Thailand Open is last stop on the tour, in which players from 32 countries are competing for the top prize. Players to watch include current world champions and top-ranked duo Julian and Larissa of Brazil.
 
Organisers say that the flooding in Bangkok has resulted in few cancellations and the event is going ahead as planned.
 
For more information visit www.pentanglepromotions.com. Free admission!

Phuket jazz fans will have a rare chance to enjoy top-notch live performances at the Phuket City Jazz Summit on October 30. At least five local and international bands are expected to play both mainstream and modern jazz favourites.
 
This groovy gathering will take place at the Lemon Grass Dome along Dibuk Road in Phuket City from 5pm till midnight. Visit spotlightphuket.com for more information.

Phuket bicycle fans will want to join the ride around Koh Yao Noi island, an event that will raise money in support of the Koh Yao Children’s Community Center in addition to being a great way to explore this picturesque island off Phuket’s east coast.
 
The ride is a gentle 30km cycle around the island including lunch at a beachside restaurant and a stop at the community center. All cyclists are required to make a minimum donation of 2000 baht to join the ride, all of which will be donated to the project.
 
The ride will take place on October 30. To join or for more information contact Amazing Bike Tours via www.amazingbiketourstshailand.asia.

Phuket hipsters hoping to pick up some new or recycled art and fashion items will find it at the Hip & Chic Market at Siam Indigo restaurant in Phuket Town, from 5pm onwards on October 15. A mini fashion show, creative cocktails and tapas and chill-out music will make for a stylish evening out in Old Town.
 
For more information call Siam Indigo on 076 256697.