Latest News

Phuket yachting enthusiasts will soon have some roomy new berthing
spots to try across the bay, with the construction of the Port Takola
Marina underway. Set three kilometres away from Krabi Town at a former
shrimp farm site at the mouth of the Krabi River, the marina will be
able to accommodate up to 250 yachts in lengths ranging from 10 to 35
metres.
 
The first phase is expected to be complete by the middle of 2012. The
overall plan includes development of a low-density collection of
luxury villas and a private hospital. With its exciting regattas,
quality boat services and exotic yacht charter destinations, Greater
Phuket is known as Asia's premier marine playground. (Source: New York
Times)

Artists from around the world are set to create their superb works of
art on a one-of-a-kind canvas: the human body. Koh Samui, Phuket's
sister resort island on the Gulf of Thailand, is set to host the Samui
International Bodypainting Competition on March 26 and 27. The art
action will take place from 5pm to 11pm on the beach in front the
Buddy Oriental Samui Beach Resort on Lamai Beach.
 
Painters and models from around the world including Austria, Germany,
Romania, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, the US and Thailand
are joining the event, which is themed 'Preserve the Paradise'.
 
Visitors are welcome, and entry is free of charge. There also will be
nail painting, henna painting, doll painting, and painting on recycled
goods. Participants can also be models or try a bit of body painting
themselves.

Having recovered from its own tsunami in 2004, Phuket is in a prime
position to lend a hand to its Asian neighbour, Japan, which was hit
hard by one of the largest earthquakes and tsunami in recorded history
on March 11. One way to share the love is by joining the 'LOVE AID -
To Japan From Phuket With Love' benefit concert in Karon Beach on
April 2, where proceeds will be sent to aid victims of the disaster in
Japan.
 
A Phuket bank account has also been set up, where donations may be
made directly. Send your donation for Japan Aid to the Krung Thai
Bank, Account No. 805-0-41578-3, account name Phuket Help Japanese
Victims, office branch code 805. Or contact the Phuket Call Centre on
076-216333 Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm, where suggestions for
assistance and financial aid are being accepted.

More than 1000 of the region's most creative minds in advertising are
arriving to Phuket this week to join this year's Asia-Pacific
Advertising Festival (ADFEST) at the Movenpick Resort and Spa in Karon
Beach from March 17-19. This year's theme is 'Jump Start' with more
than 2800 entries sent in for the festival's Lotus competitions. In
addition to the award competitions, there will be seminars and
exhibitions throughout the festival. Visit www.adfest.com for more
information.

More than 1000 local people will be performing in historical dramas
and other cultural shows in the annual Phuket Heroine's Festival, from
March 13-15. The festival honours the bravery of two women, Thao
Thepkrassatri and Thao Srisunthorn, who led the defence of Phuket
against Burmese invaders in 1785. It's also a great chance for both
locals and visitors alike to learn more about local history and
culture.
 
The Thalang Historical Drama performance will run each night of the
festival from 7pm-9pm, while a number of Thai cultural shows will be
held from 9pm to midnight. Local food and products will also be on
sale throughout the festival.
 
Most events will take place at the Thalang Victory Memorial Field,
located across from the wet market and Thalang Witthaya School on Dom
Chom Tao Road (Route 4030).

The wonders of Phuket and the rest of Thailand will be on show
starting today at the ITB Berlin fair, the world's largest trade show.
More than 120 Thai exhibitors and travel and tourism operators are to
join the show in the German capital from March 9-13. The delegation
will include senior executives of hotels, tour operators, airlines,
car rental companies, MICE venues and organizers, as well as
provincial promotion agencies.
 
The Thai delegation plans to highlight family travel, repeat visitors
and niche-market segments including golf, ecotourism, and health and
wellness. Thailand is expected to attract some 4.45 million European
visitors this year.

Phuket's high-flying visitors could soon be arriving in style with the
construction of the island's first private jet terminal coming closer
to reality. Following the launch of its first private terminal in
Bangkok, MJets is now looking south to Phuket for its next venture.
 
There are 30 to 35 private jets landing at Phuket International
Airport every month, with capacity for many more should the luxurious
flight handling facility be opened. An MJets spokesman said the
company sees great potential for Phuket as a regional private jet
centre.

Water, water everywhere. Phuket's tropical weather makes swimming
pools a must-have addition to a home or resort, and the best of the
region are set to show off their shimmering best in the Phuket Pool
Asia Expo and Conference, from today until March 6 at the Hilton
Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa in Karon Beach.
 
Some 150 exhibitors representing a range of pool products will have
display stands. A highlight will be the launch of the Pool Asia
awards, with resorts from all around the region invited to submit
applications. The third day will be open to the public, with plenty to
see and do. Email expo@poolasia.com or call 0884020070 for more
information.

This month's meeting for the International Business Association is
sure to have a lively discussion about the island and its environment
with featured guest speaker John ''Caveman'' Gray, owner of John Gray
Sea Canoe. One of the most colourful iconic people on Phuket Island,
John's leadership and stewardship awards trail behind him through
provinces, countries and continents. From guano to emergency rooms,
and board rooms to estuaries John is a treasure.
 
The meeting will take place at Thai Naan Restaurant starting at 6.15pm
on March 11. Tickets are 200 baht for members or 400 baht for
non-members. Visit www.ibap-phuket.org for more details.