Latest News

Phuket has been recognised as one of the hottest destinations for the
luxurious giants of the cruising world: the superyachts. The editors
of SuperYacht World named Phuket the top of its 10 new superyacht
playgrounds in a report published on CNN online this week.
 
The report highlights Phuket's newest east coast yachting facility, Ao
Po Grand Marina, as being a major part of the island's appeal. "Apart
from the stunning backdrop of the region, a large part of the
attraction of the Ao Po Grand Marina is its proximity to major
facilities. Phuket International Airport is only 15 minutes away, as
are major hotels and resorts," the report said. Having a prime
location at the "gate of Phang Nga Bay, Phuket's premier sailing
ground" was also cited as a major enticement for superyachts.
 
Locations in Qatar, Canada, British Virgin Islands, Costa Rica and
Tunisia were among the other top-10 new yachting playgrounds listed.

Phuket resorts across the island are fully booked for the Chinese New
Year festivities from February 2 to 8, says Bangornrat Shinaprayoon,
Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office.
 
Visitors from mainland China, Hong Kong, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia
are set to arrive, boosting Phuket tourism revenue up to more than one
billion baht during the week, she said.
 
One of the highlights being promoted is a tour of nine Chinese shrines
around Phuket from February 4 to 10 on an open-air 'Pho Thong' taxi
bus for only 99 baht each. The Phuket Old Town fair and walking street
will run during the same period along Thalang and Phangnga roads in
Phuket Town. (Source: MCOT news online)

Give Peace a Chance. John Lennon sang this simple phrase yet for many peace remains an elusive frame of mind. American Zen priest and founding teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order, Roshi Joan Halifax, will be discussing the Zen method of skilful living in a session at Phuket International Academy on February 2 from 5pm to 7pm.
 
'The practices of a Zen peacemaker offer a skilful approach to living a socially engaged and meaningful life. The practices include being mindful of interdependence, encountering all with respect and dignity, listening and speaking truthfully and compassionately, among others.'
 
The entry fee is 300 baht per person. Visit www.phuketinternationalacademy.com for more information.

February 6 marks the start of the Topper Sail Phuket Dinghy Regatta Series, a sailing race open to all dinghy classes including Optimist, Topper, Topaz and race Lasers and Hobie Cats vessels. The racing action takes place on February 6, February 27 and March 13.
 
Those interested in the exciting sport of sail racing but lacking the skills or confidence are welcome to join the race training workshops on February 5 and 26 and March 12. Boat charter is also available.
 
Visit www.toppersailphuket.com for more information and to book a racing spot.

Phuket is getting ready to usher in the Year of the Rabbit with a number of colourful festivities planned. Chinese New Year celebrations will be held at the many Chinese temples throughout the island, with the largest events happening in Phuket Town.
 
The 12th Phuket Old Town Festival will take place on the streets of Phuket's historical district and Queen Sirikit Park from February 8 to 10. The revered Chinese goddess Kwan Yin will be enshrined at the park, where people are welcome to come and pay homage and make wishes for good fortune in the coming year.
 
From 7pm to 10pm daily, performers from Suining City, China, will entertain visitors along Thalang and Phang Nga roads, which are being converted into walking streets for the duration of the festival.

In addition to its usual attractions of 'sun, sand and sea', Kata Beach is adding 'strings' to its palette of pleasures on January 24 at Mom Tri's Villa Royale. Performing at the Baan Kata Arts Festival Concert is ML Usni Pramoj, Tasana Nagawajara, Siripong Tiptan and Kittkhun Sodprasert, who will play Joseph Haydn's String Quarter in F Major and a new work by ML Usni, the String Quartet No 1.
 
The evening begins at 6pm with cocktails. Tickets for the concert are 500 baht each or 1600 baht including a three-course set dinner. Call 076 333568 or email pr@villaroyalephuket.com for more information.

Thousands of baht are expected to be raised for a number of projects to help children, in the Phuket Community Foundation's second annual Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race at the Latitude venue in Laguna Phuket on January 23.
 
The main event is the duck race, where 2000 rubber ducks are launched, with big prizes to be won for the duck 'owners'. There will also be dragon boat races, kayak races, a home-made raft race, a cardboard box race for kids, classic car rides, a trampoline, arts and crafts, a Delightful Duckling costume contest, magic shows and more.
 
Check the website www.phuketcharity.org/pcf-race-day for more details on the event and where to buy tickets.

Tourism in Phuket has improved this month, after a softer than usual
December due to persistent European economic woes and the high baht,
says the President of the Southern Region branch of the Thai Hotels
Association, Suchart Hirankanokkul, in an online media report.
 
After an occupancy rate at 75.2 percent for last month, Phuket hotels
are expected to be 78-80 percent full in January. February is looking
even more rosy, with a projected Phuket resort occupancy rate of 88
percent, driven by strong growth in arrivals from Russia, said Khun
Suchart.

Phuket rolled out the fun carpet for kids on Saturday in celebration of
national Children's Day. Several venues across the island offered fun
activities, games, food and entertainment. Among the most popular with
locals are the Thai Navy events at Phuket Port, where budding sailors
get the chance to clamour aboard a navy ship, and a day of games and
contests at the Phuket Aquarium.
 
Thailand's Children's Day is always held on the second Saturday in
January. Most events are open to the public and free for all to join.