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Phuket's first-ever Fun Fly festival is set to run this week from May 21-23 in Nai Harn Beach. Some 30 pilots have already registered for the competition, and will be vying to win a number of categories including Spot Landings, Passing Gates, Fun Flights and 'Fancy Dress' Flying. The flying is set to run from 8am to 6pm each day.
 
More details may be found on www.phuketparagliding.com.

British DJ Boy George, best known for his wacky fashion sense and catchy 1980s pop hits with the Culture Club, is making a one-night performance in Phuket on May 26. The show starts at 10pm in Seduction Discotheque in Patong Beach. Tickets are 300 baht at the door.
 
The original Karma Chameleon will be mixing house tunes, and is also set to play in Pattaya as part of his frenetic round-the-world tour. For more information see www.24phuket.com.

Stage shows and artifacts highlighting Phuket's tin mining days will be featured in the Kathu Culture Road fair from June 25-27. Tin mining and ore trading displays will be joined by exhibits on opium smoking, which was a part of life in the island's tin-mining era in the late 19th century. The infamous tin miners' rebellion of 1876 will be reenacted in a stage performance. Local food and products will be on sale, too.
 
Most of the action takes place in front of Kathu Municipality, along the road to Wat Kathu, and on Kathu Soi 4.

Four of Thailand's beach destinations placed in the 'Top 10 Beach & Sun Destinations in Asia' for 2010 on the influential travel-review website TripAdvisor. Two Andaman coast destinations made the list: Krabi's Koh Lanta placed third, while Khao Lak, just north of Phuket in Phang Nga province, ranked fourth in the awards category. Koh Phangan and Koh Samui on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast ranked fifth and sixth, respectively. Thailand also placed high among travellers' top choices in other tourism categories.
 
"We are immensely proud to have Thailand recognized so extensively in such diverse categories by the members of the TripAdvisor community," said Srisuda Wanapinyosak, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) – New York. "It is particularly gratifying for Thailand to be awarded for its many facets, including beaches, cultural sites, food and spas."
 
TripAdvisor.com, which features independent traveller reviews of hotels, restaurants and attractions, has more than 9 million unique visitors per month.

Phuket is probably best known as a place to relax on the sands of its famed west-coast beaches or in your Phuket resort, but there is plenty available for those seeking more of a wild time and a workout. In recent years Phuket has carved out a space on the global martial arts scene, attracting people from all over the world for month-long or longer Muay Thai kickboxing training sessions.
 
Kiteboarding and surfing are two other popular ways to challenge yourself and keep fit in the waves, with courses and competitions offered to those who wish to hone their skills. Kayaking, or 'sea canoe', as its usually called here is another great way to get out and enjoy Phuket's wondrous waters. Rent kayaks on your own or go with a guide, and explore the hidden lagoons reached only through small caves in the limestone cliffs.
 
Rounding out the top 5 is rock climbing, which is done mainly in and around Railay Beach in nearby Krabi province. Novices to expert climbers will enjoy the thrill of scaling rock walls, in a breathtaking tropical setting. A fantastic way to enjoy nature while building your strength and challenging your mind and body.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand office is organising a bike ride around Phuket Old Town on May 23. The four-hour ride, which starts at 7am, offers a cultural tour of the town with stops at historic sites along the way. Registration, open from May 10 to 23, is 100 baht, which includes a free T-shirt and two meals.
 
The ride starts at the TAT office on Thalang Road, and then goes down Phuket Road to Saphan Hin. The return journey travels along Kra, Rassada, Ranong, Phutorn, Krabi and Satun roads, finishing at 11am with a meal at the Lok Tien food center.
 
For more information, call the TAT South Region 4 Office (Tel: 076 217138, 076 211036).

'Slow and steady wins the race . . .' -- this is the mantra that helped the tortoise defeat the hare in the famed fable that has delighted children through the ages. Whether the racers are slow or fast, turtles will again be the winners in the May 23 mini-marathon at Mai Khao Beach, with funds raised going to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. Registrations start at 4:30am and the race begins at 6am. Entry fees are 250 baht for the 10.5km race or 200 baht for the 3.5km run. Fees include a T-shirt and a chance to win trophies, medals and prizes.
 
For more information visit www.maikhaoturtlefoundation.com.

Tomorrow is a very special day in Phuket and throughout Thailand with May 5 marking the anniversary of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej's ascension to the throne. HM the King is the world's longest-reigning monarch, with this year marking his 60th anniversary as Thailand's King. He is the ninth monarch in the Chakri Dynasty, which has reigned over Thailand since 1782.
 
While the main event for Coronation Day is a three-day ceremony at the Grand Palace in Bangkok, people in Phuket celebrate by spending time with their families and making merit at local temples.

More than 30 films from around the world are set to be screened in the Phuket International Film festival, being held at the Coliseum movie theatre in Phuket Town from June 4-13, including the much-anticipated world premiere of 'Friday Killer,' the third in a popular series by renowned Thai director Yuthlert Sippapak. Film buffs will also have the chance to rub shoulders with a number of movie directors, including Hollywood's Gus Van Sant ('Milk') and Darnell Martin ('Cadillac Records'), at a special Meet the Directors event at The Yamu in Cape Yamu.
 
The full film festival schedule will be announced in mid-May. A full festival pass, which gives entry to all festival activities, is 3800 baht. Tickets for individual films are 120 baht per movie or 1000 baht for a block of 10 movie tickets, available now on the Film Festival website or at the Coliseum from May 16.
 
Full details are available on www.phuketfilmfestival.asia.