phuket

Anyone who has visited [Phuket] [1] recently may have taken a trip to the ‘monkey viewpoint’ area, which can be found on Koh Sireh. This is a great place to watch the colony of crab-eating macaques that live in the area. The monkey viewpoint has proven so popular in recent years that a project has been proposed to entirely revamp the area. A large central government budget has been requested from the Rassada Municipality to set up three tourism projects in the area, which would include a system of boardwalks leading through the mangrove forest, restoration of the Mali Kaew Dam and Wat Phranon and the construction of facilities such as a health park, restaurants and a car park. Although the project would take up to 80 million baht to complete, Rassada Mayor Surathin Lianudom seems confident that the work could be finished early next year. In a recent interview with the [Phuket Gazette] [2] he stated: “In the past, Koh Sireh has not been attractive for tourists because it is dirty and unorganized, but our new project will ensure the island is viewed as a major selling point for the Phuket tourist market.” [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-08-13T09:00:00+07:00 1413 2009-08-12T10:41:59+07:00 5 true 1413-monkey-viewpoint-gets-a-facelift Andrew

Travellers trying to leave or get to Samui were resorting to ferries following the closure of the island's airport while investigators attend to Wednesday's accident. Havoc was created to travel plans on this island which receives most its visitors by air. An ATR-72 aircraft belonging to Bangkok Air crashed while landing in bad weather, resulting in one death and several serious injuries. All flights have been cancelled to and from this airport and passengers are being re-directed to the Surat Thani airport on the mainland, which is connected to the island by several daily two-hour ferry rides. The airport remains closed until further notice, but is expected to re-open before the weekend, to accomodate the 16 daily flights that arrive from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. Scheduled flights are now landing and departing from Surat Thani airport and ferry connections are being arranged for passengers to reach the island conveniently. The airport, which was built and is owned by Bangkok Airways, has previously won an award for its eco-friendly 'island'-styled terminal. It has had no previous incidents of air safety. More on [Samui airport](http://www.1stopsamui.com/getting_here/airport/) 2009-08-05T08:40:00+07:00 1402 2009-08-05T08:42:16+07:00 5 true 1402-samui-airport-remains-closed-following-accident Andrew

Passengers aboard an ATR inter-island flight that crashed on landing at Samui airport have escaped with their lives, however the captain perished and several have been critically injured when the Bangkok Airways flight crashed into a disused control tower when landing in bad weather. The plane, which had 68 passengers aboard and was arriving from Krabi, crashed on landing at 2.30pm Tuesday, forcing the closure of the airport and creating travel delays to travellers arriving on or leaving the island. Chartchai Pansuwan, 58, was the only person to die in the accident. He was described as an experienced pilot with 14 years experience flying this particular model of aircraft. "During the landing there was a strong wind. What happened is similar to the crash of the One-Two-Go plane in Phuket," commented an official who asked to remain anonymous. The injured include an Italian and Swiss national and two Britons. The airline has revealed that the plane is covered by a US$250 million insurance with Bangkok Insurance Co. The crash follows a more serious accident in September 2007 when a One-2-Go aircraft, operated by Orient Thai, crashed in Phuket while attempting to land in bad weather, killing 88 passengers. The airline was subsequently grounded for more than a year pending safety examinations. Bangkok Airways has a virtual monopoly on flights into the island, and a similar fate for this airline will seriously affect the air traffic to Samui. Bangkok Airways has created an emergency information number - 02 265 8777. Updates and more information at the [Bangkok Post](http://bangkokpost.com) 2009-08-05T08:13:00+07:00 1401 2009-08-05T08:29:49+07:00 5 true 1401-lucky-escape-from-samui-airport-crash Andrew

Great news for those with children who live on the southern island of [Krabi] [1] or are thinking of relocating. It has just been announced that Krabi should soon be graced with its first international school. The solution will be provided by Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann, who is the founder of the extremely successful Nawattaphume International School in Lampang. This has long been one of northern Thailand’s leading schools, featuring a day care nursery, Montessori kindergarten and a British curriculum primary school with around 150 pupils. There are also plans to add a high school, boarding facilities and a local hospital. Recently, Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann received a call from parents in Krabi begging for his help. As Dr. Pimonmas Photong-Wollmann explained in an interview with [Your Krabi] [2]: "They explained their predicament and we arranged a visit. After meeting the parents, children and other local people, we felt we could really help them - plus we loved the area and the people as well. The decision was not terribly business-like, but it came from the heart." Nawattaphume has lodged a formal application with the Krabi Board of Education to open a school on the Ao Nam Mao - Sai Thai Road, near Ao Nang and it looks as though his application will be successful. [1]: http://1stopkrabi.com [2]: http://yourkrabi.com 2009-08-04T09:17:00+07:00 1398 2009-08-03T18:18:07+07:00 5 true 1398-krabi-expats-wait-for-international-school-to-open Andrew

Anyone who visits [Phuket] [1] in the next few months will discover a great new way to keep cool. West World Sands Water is a fantastic new water theme park, which is currently being constructed. Situated in the West Sands five-star resort complex in the Mai Khao area of the island, this is Phuket’s first water park and will feature a number of exciting rides such as the Superbowl. There will also be a number of regionally-themed sections including African, Asian, Turkish, Northern European, North American and Incan zones. The park has been designed by Disney theme park creators Whitewater Industries and comprises a 500 million baht project, covering an area of 22,400 square meters. Barry King is the Project Director. In an interview with the [Phuket Gazette] [2] he stated that: “We are highly confident that West Sands Water World will take little time to become the new major attraction and a must-do activity for travelers who have landed in Phuket.” The owners of the new water theme park are already anticipating large number of daily visitors, and this will be a real treat for anyone who feels the heat while relaxing in Phuket. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-08-04T09:00:00+07:00 1397 2009-08-03T18:17:14+07:00 5 true 1397-splashing-around-in-phuket Andrew

This Saturday residents of [Phuket] [1] gathered on the beach to aid in the release of a giant turtle. Thought to be about 50 years old, the massive turtle weighed a staggering 120kg. This is the largest turtle to have been found in Phuket for more than 10 years. According to a report by the [Phuket Gazette] [2] the turtle was originally rescued in the waters near Phuket in April during an early morning raid by Phuket-based marine inspectors who had been informed of about an illegal fishing operation. The turtle had been tied to an anchor line by one of its flippers. As the captors fled, the turtle was abandoned to die. Fortunately, marine inspectors managed to rescue the badly injured turtle and took it to the Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) to be treated by vets. They nicknamed the turtle loong, which means uncle in Thai. As soon as loong was fit to return to the sea, a farewell party was held and a crowd of over 200 people gathered to watch the turtle swim to freedom into the sea at Cape Panwa. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-08-03T10:23:00+07:00 1396 2009-08-03T10:24:14+07:00 5 true 1396-phuket-turtle-returns-to-the-sea Andrew

According to a recent study by the Phuket Tourist Association, the Patong area of [Phuket] [1] is by far the most popular tourist destination this season, even though major hotels in other areas may be struggling to fill rooms. In a recent interview with the [Phuket Gazette] [2], Phuket Tourist Association President Somboon Jirayus admitted that the existing average occupancy rates are about 30-40 percent in most parts of the island, which is down about 30 percent on last year’s average. In addition, most hotels are being forced to offer rooms at discounted rates, meaning that profits are being cut dramatically. One person who is being affected by the change is Methee Tanmanatragul, who is President of Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter. He attributed much of the loss in tourist revenue from the recent spate of protesting and rioting, adding that: "If this rut Thai people stop fighting, everything will surely improve, but if we can't find harmony we will remain stuck in." The good news for tourists is that hotels continue to lower their rates, meaning that there has never been a better time to find quality accommodation at a bargain price. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-30T09:12:00+07:00 1392 2009-07-28T22:53:21+07:00 5 true 1392-patong-is-thailand-s-number-one-tourist-destination Andrew

Keen surfers have been coming to [Phuket] [1] for years to catch the excellent waves that can be found in this part of Thailand. While many travellers may be put off visiting at this time of year by the heavy rains and storms, for some this is the perfect time to hang 10 and soak up the sun at the same time. In fact, the rainy season is the ideal time for surfers as the strong winds make for excellent waves. So good are the waves in fact that last month saw the opening of the Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series, which is Thailand’s first international surfing championship. Chanin Aiyarak is the president of Phuket Boardriders Club. He was proud to welcome guests and the media to the competition, which promises to be a popular event. In a recent interview with the [Bangkok Post] [2] Mr Chanin said that: "We want to put Phuket on the map. Our aim is not only to attract surfers from all over the world to visit our city; we also hope to keep the Phuket surfing scene up to international standards and, at the same time, promote this activity as a new tourist attraction." The second round of the championship will be held in Phuket next month, and promises to be a spectacular event, with entrants from all around the world. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-07-28T09:00:00+07:00 1387 2009-07-27T23:21:59+07:00 5 true 1387-hanging-10-in-phuket Andrew

Looking for something to do in [Phuket] [1] this weekend? Head on over to Galleria 346 to see the gallery’s 3rd art exhibition entitled “see you later-part 1”. The exhibition features the work of contemporary Cambodian artist Leang Seckon. According to a recent report by the [Phuket Post] [2], Leang Seckon is a 35-year-old who has shown his work in venues around the world including countries such as venues in Thailand, Myanmar, Shanghai, Hong Kong Singapore, Norway and New York. Leang Seckon was educated at the Royal University of Fine Arts and will be the artist in residence at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum later this year. The busy artist will then be representing Cambodia at the Fukuoka Triennial in September. The current exhibition at Galleria 346 exhibits 14 of the artist’s pieces, which comment on a number of the political and social changes that he has observed in both Thailand and Cambodia. Galleria 346 can be found at 346-348, Kra Road, Phuket Town. The exhibition will be displayed for the next three months, so make sure you take the time out to visit. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuket-post.com 2009-07-24T09:10:00+07:00 1384 2009-07-23T21:58:16+07:00 5 true 1384-check-out-the-phuket-art-scene Andrew

Anyone looking for a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year should check out the "Mother's Day Special", which is available at a number of leading hotels in [Phuket] [1] and a number of other prominent locations in Thailand. Hurry over the picturesque island of Phuket and check into the Amari Hotel and check into one of their luxurious Ocean Deluxe, Ocean Tower, Garden Wing or superior rooms. Until October 31st rooms are available at excellent rates, with 20% discounts available on food and drinks. And the deals don’t end there. Not to be outdone, a range of Courtyard properties in Phuket and Hua Hin, are offering what is called "Thai Residence Rates to Thais and resident expats, meaning that those who live in the Land of Smiles can stay in this lavish resorts at heavily discounted rates. This is a great time to explore Thailand. Those who visit Chiang Mai in the north can experience the new panda packages at a range of leading hotels. These offers include luxurious accommodation, breakfast and tickets to see the newly born panda at Chiang Mai Zoo. Check out the [Bangkok Post] [2] for more information. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://bangkokpost.com 2009-07-23T09:15:00+07:00 1382 2009-07-22T16:16:31+07:00 5 true 1382-great-savings-on-phuket-hotels Andrew

If you’re in [Phuket] [1] on Thursday night and looking for something a little different to do, head on over to the Boathouse for writer’s night. Held in Mom Tri’s Boathouse from 7pm to 9pm, the evening is hosted by writer S. Tsow, who has been a regular writer for a number of local publications such as the Bangkok Post, The Nation and the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. His column in the Phuket Gazette has proven particularly popular and nearly 200 editions have been published to date. S. Tsow took up residency in Thailand in 1986 and has also written and published a couple of books, namely Thai Lite 1 and Thai Lite 2. Now 71, the author is famously for stating “I’ll keep inflicting literary atrocities upon the public till they pry the keyboard from my cold, dead hands.” This evening is an ideal opportunity for aspiring authors to pick the brain of the great writer as well as meet up with likeminded writers. For more information on the event and Mom Tri’s Boathouse, visit www.boathousephuket.com. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-15T09:20:00+07:00 1369 2009-07-14T13:34:45+07:00 5 true 1369-writer-s-night-in-phuket Andrew

Residents of [Phuket] [1] in the south of Thailand can relax as the local ‘red shirt’ political group has announced that they don’t intend to interrupt the Asean-led meetings. These meeting will begin early next week and will be held in Cherng Talay. Actually, the group plan to travel to the northern city of [Chiang Mai] [3] instead to take part in another meeting. Phuket UDD leader Wisut Tangwittayaporn is head of the National United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) movement in Phuket. This week he told the [Phuket Gazette] [2] in an interview that: “We have already confirmed with the UDD leadership in Bangkok that we will not take any action during the Asean meetings and that we will oppose any red-shirt members who try to disrupt proceedings. To quell any uneasiness the governor may have, we informed him that all red-shirt leaders in Phuket, about 80 of us, plan to leave Phuket for Chiang Mai to attend a big meeting while the talks are on.” According to Mr Wisut, there are approximately 20,000 red shirt supporters on the island of Phuket. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net [3]: http://www.1stopchiangmai.com 2009-07-15T09:00:00+07:00 1368 2009-07-18T16:24:54+07:00 5 true 1368-phuket-s-red-shirts-head-to-chiang-mai Andrew

Last month, forty-eight [Phuket] [1] students became mysteriously ill and 16 were rushed to hospital. The test results are now back and the Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) is saying that the illness was caused by bad milk that the students drank. The milk was given to the students by their school, which is being blamed for storing the milk incorrectly. Extensive tests were carried out at Phuket’s new Medical Science Center in Thalang, with the results being released over the weekend. Dr Pongsawas Ratanasang, chief of the PPHO is blaming the Piboonsawaddee School, which all the students attended, for over-stacking cartons of UHT milk, which caused them to split and their contents to spoil. “It was a storage problem. The cartons of spoiled milk had twisted and split. We found bacteria in there that must have come from outside. It wasn’t the sort of bacteria that would have been introduced during the manufacturing process,” Dr Pongsawas told the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. “The milk hadn’t expired so it should have been alright. We tested some cartons from the same batch and they were fine. The milk company has high manufacturing and transport standards. Schools in Phuket City have to improve their storage and checking processes. ” Dr Pongsawas Ratanasang also suggested that rats or other animals may have nibbled through the containers and contaminated them. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-07T09:00:00+07:00 1356 2009-07-06T10:24:10+07:00 5 true 1356-phuket-school-crying-over-spoiled-milk Andrew

If you were in [Phuket] [1] last week you may have witnessed the fire, which decimated the Touch Wood Furniture & Thai Advanced Solar Power Co Ltd shop. The shop, which is located opposite Kajonkietsuksa School on Chao Fa West Road, caught fire on the evening of June 28th. Phuket City Police received an emergency call at around 9pm and sent out five fire engines to battle the blaze. However, despite a speedy response more than half the store was reduced to ashes, causing an estimated 1 million baht in damages. Luckily, the store is able to remain open for business as the front has remained unharmed. The fire was reported by neighbours as two staff members had been preparing food in the store and had left to buy more food. Phuket City Police Duty Officer Anek Mongkol told the [Phuket Gazette] [2] that the Phuket’s police force is still investigating the cause of the fire. “We still have to interview Burmese staff and speak to the owner again. Police forensics and fire department investigators have already visited the site and will release their findings soon,” he said. [1]: http://1sopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-06T08:54:00+07:00 1354 2009-07-05T20:55:23+07:00 5 true 1354-phuket-furniture-shop-loses-1-million-baht- Andrew

If you’ve recently touched down at [Phuket] [1] airport you may have noticed airport workers scrubbing the building and singing while they work. Staff at Phuket International Airport took part in a Big Clean Day recently, scrubbing down all areas that could be possible transmission sites for the A(H1N1) virus. Staff were encouraged to sing “Happy Birthday” while they washed their hands as it takes about 20 seconds to sing – the amount of time needed to ensure all germs are neutralized. In an interview with the [Phuket Gazette] [2] Airports of Thailand (AOT) chairman Piyaphan Champasut commented that: “We’re cleaning and repairing the airport because it’s been in use for a long time. We want to make it a clean, attractive and welcoming environment for tourists. And as swine flu spreads during 2009, passengers will trust in the standards of hygiene here.” Phuket Public Health Office (PPHO) officers have visited the airport to drill staff members on the correct cleaning and health procedures necessary in order to make sure that the airport stays virus-free. So visitors to Phuket can be sure that the airport not only looks clean but is free from germs and viruses. [1]: http://1sopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-03T09:00:00+07:00 1352 2009-07-03T09:47:34+07:00 5 true 1352-singing-against-swine-flu-in-phuket Andrew

Anyone wandering through the Patong area of [Phuket] [1] at 3am on Thursday morning would have noticed the fire, which was blazing on the beach road in Patong. A total of five fire engines from Patong Municipality arrived on the scene to battle the blaze, which consumed an Indian restaurant, a tailor shop and a pharmacy in a two-story building on the corner of Soi Post Office. "I was awakened by a phone call from my brother at about 3am. By the time I got there everything inside was burned. I have two stalls inside and the damage to my belongings was about 3 million baht. Overall, I think the damage will be about eight or nine million baht.” Mr Pongpetch, one of the shop owners told the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. "I took out an insurance policy a few months ago, but unfortunately my colleagues were uninsured. I don’t know about the cause of the fire. I have worked here more than 10 years and there has never been a fire before. It wasn’t arson like the fires at Jintana Plaza, as we don’t have any conflicts with anyone. We all get along here, just like family.” This is just one of several fires which have ignited in Phuket recently. The fire service are investigating the cause, but have drawn no conclusions as yet. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-07-01T09:00:00+07:00 1349 2009-07-07T09:21:25+07:00 5 true 1349-phuket-s-towering-inferno Andrew

If you plan on swimming in the sea off one of [Phuket] [1]’s beautiful beaches, make sure you look out for the red flags and other signs, which have been put in place to warn swimmers about strong currents in certain parts of the water. The currents can be so strong that several people have already drowned this summer, many of them simply because they ignored the natural and man-made warning signs. Karon Beach is one area where swimmers are particularly at risk, but only in certain parts. To try and draw attention to this fact, new signs have recently been erected. According to a recent report by the [Phuket Gazette] [2] these signs include a message in English and have been signed by Karon Mayor Thavee Thongcham. “The monsoon season has started and on certain days the sea can be very dangerous. Whenever the red flag is placed, we urge you not to swim in the sea as there are invisible undercurrents which are almost impossible to detect from the shore. Too many accidents occur every year on the Andaman Sea beaches and we cannot assume responsibility for every one.” Life guards have also been appointed in notorious danger spots, so swimmers should have no problem staying safe this summer. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-06-23T09:11:00+07:00 1337 2009-06-22T15:04:40+07:00 5 true 1337-phuket-s-answer-to-baywatch Andrew

[Phuket] [1]’s tourist figures have just been released and as many would have predicted they show a dramatic reduce in figures compared to last year and other previous years. The figures were released by the Office of Tourism Development last week and show that tourist figures have dropped right across Thailand, from 5.5 million in 2008 to 4.7 million in 2009, which is about 14.8% less than last year. However, those involved with Phuket’s tourism don’t seem to be concerned over the falling figures. “The tourism industry in Phuket is still good, a lot better than many other tourist destinations in Thailand,” Promchote Traivate, director of Phuket Tourism and Sports Office told the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. Phuket has long been one of Thailand’s top tourist destinations and many visitors have been visiting year after year for decades. However, many of the island’s hotels and businesses are launching campaigns and offering deals to entice visitors back to the island. With plenty of travel bargains and deals to be found, it would seem that now is a great time to visit Phuket. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-06-23T08:58:00+07:00 1336 2009-06-22T15:03:55+07:00 5 true 1336-phuket-still-a-popular-tourist-destination Andrew

Sadly, as more and more people lose their jobs, the crime rates go up as people have to turn to burglary and other means of survival. This is especially true on the island of [Phuket] [1], where the amount of burglaries have shot up in the last few months. Unfortunately, it isn’t simply a matter of locking your house securely, as Phuket resident Chris Anderson told the [Phuket Post] [2] recently: “More and more intruders are now starting to break into homes at night when they know the homeowner will be there. They know if the owner is home, he will almost certainly have most of his valuables, such as his wallet and his laptop, at home with him. He may well have some sort of weapon, such as a knife or even a gun, which he will probably be prepared to use to avoid being captured.” Chris Anderson has a unique way of protecting his home; he operates Security Safe Stop on Srithoonthorn Road in Thalang and has installed electric fencing all around his properly. The fencing discharges an electrifying 7000 volts, enough to stop thieves in their tracks. So thieves beware, Phuket residents have a new way to fight back. [1]: http://1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuket-post.com 2009-06-17T09:25:00+07:00 1328 2009-06-16T13:25:38+07:00 5 true 1328-phuket-burglars-in-for-quite-a-shock Andrew

The mystery continues over the two tourists who were found dead in their guesthouse on the picturesque island of Phi Phi. USA citizen Jill St Onge and Norwegian Julie Bergheim died within hours of each other in Phi Phi Island Hospital near [Phuket] [1] at the start of May. They had been staying in rooms next to each other at Phi Phi’s Laleena Guesthouse. It was originally thought that the pair had died of food poisoning as there was no sign of violent death or external injury. However, food poisoning has now been ruled out as no toxic chemicals were found in the blood, bodily fluids and other tissues of the two women. “I can say it definitely wasn’t food poisoning,” deputy chief of Krabi Public Health Office Dr Buncha Kahkhong, told the [Phuket Gazette] [2]. “From the autopsy and blood tests and the questioning of witnesses it’s been established that the women ate different food prior to their deaths. This is looking like some freak accident. With cases like this, sometimes you never find the cause.” The doctor also commented that if the women’s deaths had been a result of food poisoning there would probably be many more victims. With pressure being applied from foreign organizations for a result, the mystery continues. [1]: http//1stopphuket.com [2]: http://phuketgazette.net 2009-06-15T09:35:00+07:00 1324 2009-06-15T11:23:28+07:00 5 true 1324-mysterious-tourist-death-on-phi-phi Andrew