Phuket – Travel information

Phuket Island is probably the most popular tourist destination in Thailand if we judge by the number of tourists that travel here every year. Besides being a great place for vacation, this island is also well knows as scenery for many Hollywood movies. However the movie scenes cannot show how beautiful Phuket really is.

According to some sources Phuket is a word used to describe a hill in Malay language. It covers a total area of 550 km2 (around 210 mi2) and it is located nearly 900 km (560 miles) from the capital Bangkok. Although it is an island it has a connection with the mainland with a 700 m long bridge on the north of the island. It has a population of around 300.000 people and most of the people there are Thais but Chinese and Muslim minorities are also present. Beside the ethnic diversity all people there live in great harmony. This island has long history and it was a popular trading destination in the past. It was used by many European traders and the influence of this presence can be still seen in the capital of Phuket Island – Phuket where there are many structures built in European classical style.

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April because the rest of months are usually very rainy. The temperatures vary between 25 and 33 Celsius degrees during the whole year. The food on Phuket is something special so make sure you try some of the local delicacies and enjoy the exotic fruit that can be found on every corner of the island. Those who want to try some other cuisines can find many Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese and Indian restaurants.

When it comes to night life, the most popular place is Patong beach, where you can visit some of the bars and restaurants where the party finishes long after midnight.

You can see many interesting things on Phuket Island including – Siam Safari in the jungle, visiting some of the many waterfalls, orchid farms or maybe some traditional Thai village. You can also visit some of the incredible beaches like Maya Bay beach, Bangtao beach (one of the longest beaches in Thailand), Patong beach, Karon beach etc.

These are some of the reasons why Phuket Island is the most popular tourist destination in Thailand.

 

Phuket Island – The Most Popular Tourist Destination in Thailand

Phuket Island is located around 500 kilometers from the capital of Thailand – Bangkok. The temperature and humidity are almost the same as they are in the capital. Phuket Island became famous among tourists because of the natural beauties but also because of its pleasant inhabitants. People are always relaxed and in the mood and you cannot witness traffic rushes here.

 Phuket Island is filled with beautiful bars, cafes, restaurants that are offering tasty food and of course lots of stores and hotels. There are many beautiful beaches on this island and on nearby smaller islands.

Phuket Island has access to the Andaman Sea which is part of the Indian Ocean and it is known for the warm water. This famous tourist destination is a real paradise for people who enjoy night life too because they can enjoy various clubs that literally work 24/7. Those who like more peaceful vacation will enjoy reading books under the palm trees or long romantic walks and watching the sunset. Those who are looking for more concrete travel information will find the following text very useful.

There are many things that you can do while you are on Phuket Island. For example you can visit some of the famous attractions on the island. Old Phuket Town is one of those attractions. This is the place where you can see a beautiful mixture of European and Chinese architecture and visit some of the shops where you can buy handmade crafts. Wat Chalong is one of the many Buddhist temples on the island and it is famous for the tiny glass decorations used to beautify this old temple. Big Buddha statue is a statue built in recent time and it can be seen from many places in South Phuket. You can go to the place where it is placed and enjoy the view. Bangla Road is famous for the nightlife and all those who want to experience the true nightlife in Phuket should go there.

Those interested in sport activities should watch a Muay Thai fight. Thai boxing is very popular here and you will certainly find a place where this fights are held almost every day. If you want to engage in physical activity you can join a Muay Thai training camp yourself. There are programs for total beginners and for professionals too so you won’t find training Muay Thai that difficult even if this is your first time.

Top 5 Landmarks of Thailand

With more than 15 million tourists that enter the country every year, Thailand is the most attractive destination in Asia. Excellent climate, great food, amazing mountains and beaches are difficult to resist. These are some of the landmarks that Thailand has to offer for the millions of tourists from around the world.

1.  Bangkok

In order to understand Thailand better you will have to visit its capital – Bangkok. This is the best place to see how Thais are implementing some parts of Western culture but still stick to their traditions. The floating markets, the countless shops, dozens of temples and palaces are some of the attractions that you can visit in Bangkok.

2.  Similan Islands

This group of small rocky islands became a Marine National Park in 1982 and thanks to that the nature here remains protected. If you are looking for a place where you can explore exotic fish, beautiful corals and the beauty of diving in crystal clear water then a trip to Similan Islands is a must.  

3.  Doi Suthep

This legendary mountain is located in Chiang Mai province and it is a part of a national park. The view that you can witness from the highest point (Doi Pui) is breath-taking. Dense forests, amazing waterfalls and wildlife are some of the things that you can see in this park while you are there. Wat Phra That Doi Suthep is a temple that is part of this national park too. With its unique architecture and a 24 meter high monument this temple is attracting visitors and believers from around the country. It is considered to be one of the holiest places in whole Thailand.

4.  Mae Hong Son

Known for its peace and isolation this Northern city is attracting tourists that want to see the other side of Thailand. Whether you are looking for unique scenery, bold trekking or a visit to a local tribe, Mae Hong Son has everything for you. You have probably heard about the long neck tribe called Karen which lives here.

5.  Koh Phi Phi

There are literally dozens of amazing islands in Thailand and it is hard to choose which ones are the most beautiful. However we are sure that a trip to Koh Phi Phi won’t leave anyone disappointed. This small island has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and the views from the rocks on the island are something that can’t be described with words.

 

True Story about Muay Thai

For some people maybe never heard before about Muay Thai kick boxing. Muay Thai is the most popular martial art sport in Thailand. Many people come and visit to Thailand just only to see or watch live Muay Thai match at Muay Thai stadium. Muay Thai is interesting kick boxing sport in the world. Every fighter can push their arms, elbow, knees and feet to their enemy. Muay Thai teach people how to use their arms, elbow, knees and feet as powerful weapon in fighting.  For this reason, many people includes; men, woman, adult and children come to Muay Thai training camp to learn and practice Muay Thai well.

Before you start Muay Thau lesson, every student should practice some exercise such as; running, jogging, skipping rope and stretching. You can practice it for 5 – 10 minutes before class begin. All exercise is useful to make your body more flexible, relax and ready to achieve Muay Thai technique.

You can read at  http://muaythaiboxingshop.de/?p=17 about the muay thai training .
Every student should practice it on regular basis. Muay Thai teach people to discipline and serious motivation to learn all Muay Thai technique. Muay Thai is easy to learn and practice. There is no specific requirement to learn it. You just only come and register at Muay Thai training camp in Thailand.

Many people believe that Muay Thai ( resource : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/February-6-proposed-as-Muay-Thai-Day-30153668.html ) is benefit for human health. Here are some fact benefits from Muay Thai kick boxing.

       -          Muay Thai can give strong body and flexibility.

-          Muay Thai is excellent sport for people who want to improve their fighting skill.

-          Muay Thai can make your body more relax, flexible and comfort

-          Muay Thai is good way to improve and develop self defense skill in fighting technique.

-          Muay Thai can manage and control self emotion

-          Muay Thai can help people to reduce unwanted calories in the body

-          With regular Muay Thai practice, people can reduce and eliminate lose weight ASAP

And here are some people said about Muay Thai kick boxing;

Sandra, California

“ I have learn and practiced Muay Thai for 2 months , read at  http://thespringmount6pack.com/2014/04/muay-thai-training-in-thailand-the-best-way-to-lose-weight/. Before I came to Muay Thai training camp, I was worry about my protection. I always got bad experience from bad guys. Nowadays, I can fight well. I can protect myself with self defense technique and other fighting skill. Thanks to Muay Thai “

Elizabeth, Canada

“when I was traveling in Thailand, I was interesting with live Muay Thai match. There are a lot of people watches the game. I was surprise that there is a woman who able fight in the ring. So, I decide to learn it. I came to Muay Thai training camp. It was amazing. There is awesome, friendly teachers who are ready to guide and assists me learn Muay Thai. They are very professional in fighting. I learn Muay Thai course at 2 weeks. …. When I finish my class, I got strength muscle, flexible and I am become slimmer. I can reduce lose weight as much as I want….. amazing. Thanks !”

Travel to the most amazing bay in Thailand – Phang Nga bay

If you ever decide to travel to Thailand, remember to put Phang Nga bay on your list for visiting the most beautiful places in Thailand. This magnificent bay is located in the Phang Nga province, in Southwest Thailand in the well known Andaman Sea. The bay has many fabulous places that should be on everyone’s list of destinations to visit!

Phang Nga bay is bordered by dense and beautiful forest. In the green waters of Phang Nga bay you can see over forty limestone islands and rocks with extraordinary shapes. This is a scenery that is hard to find anywhere in the world. Although they are small, some of the islands have height of more than 250 meters. The islands have a lot of amazing caves and tunnels filled with water, waiting for curious visitors to explore them.

Nowadays, these islands offer a lot of activities for tourists, such as swimming, diving, fishing and hiking. One of the most popular travel tours is the one that leads to the amazing Tham Lot caves, although there are a lot of other equally impressive caves. Tourists who decide to travel to Tham Lot can witness the greatness of nature through some amazing stalactites that are hanging above their heads while they are traveling in long boats. For caves that have narrow entrances, tourist guides use small canoes. You can choose to take a one day trip with a boat over the Phang Nga bay but our suggestion is to take few days of camping and explore the bay in details because it is surely worth it.

Phang Nga town is located on cliffs and it is the perfect base to start the exploration of the area. Another popular island in this area is Khoa Ping Khan which literally means two islands that rely on each other. It is also known as James Bond Island because one of the sequels of James Bond was filmed on this island.

Ko Tapu Island in Phang Nga bay is part of many postcards from Thailand. It is also known as Nail Island because of its unique appearance.

On all this islands you can find a rich wildlife and vegetation (especially mangrove forests).

Phang Nga bay is one of the most amazing places not only in Thailand but in the world too!

Phuket Cobra and DSI

At 9:45 pm on August 29^th  the call went out for help from Somneuk Pramod , 57, assistant to the village head, that a king cobra had been spotted in a tree overhanging a worker camp in the village, in the Baan Chalong area. The Kusondharm volunteers, arriving at the scene, tried to catch the snake, but it crawled up to the top of a tree. In the dark it was hard to see the snake, much less catch it. The villagers, it was reported, were “freaked out” and worried that the snake might slide down the tree in the wee hours and attack them. They refused to let the volunteers go until the snake was dealt with. The decision was then made to shoot the snake. Almost three hours later a marksman managed to hit it and the cobra fell lifeless from the tree The villagers were reported to be happy and very relieved.

DSI at Phuket

he Department of Special Investigation hit a new level of flamboyance last week. A team led by DSI chief Tarit Pengdith landed at Phuket airport, lined up the notoriously unfriendly taxi drivers for inspection, and began issuing summonses for illegal activities. Mr Tarit then held a press conference, in which he named 11 prominent Phuket businessmen and groups, frequently and pointedly using that well-known code word "influential".

Those on the list were not accustomed to or pleased with being the subject of such attention on their turf. Some summoned their lawyers and threatened lawsuits.

The DSI was trying to show it had drawn a line in the white sand of Phuket's famous beaches. It clearly hopes to shut down the increasingly notorious mistreatment of visitors to Phuket. Because the word is most definitely out, and spreading worldwide: Phuket rips off, abuses, hurts, beats up, robs and generally turns up its collective nose at millions of tourists.

The DSI hopes to shut all that down, and return Phuket to the attitude of the rest of Thailand _ that visitors are not just welcome, but deserve to be safe.

The responses of the named tourist operators to the DSI's aggressive approach are depressing. One insisted that he paid rent every month, that he has done everything by the book, and that he always "talks with officials". There is a missing component in this and other statements by the operators named by the DSI. That word is "tourists".

 

Go-kart event returns to Phuket at Patong

Organised by the Lions Club of Patong Beach, this is the third edition of the annual event that has attracted a large following in the local community. Some teams are regular entrants, such as those from Kata Rocks, St James Property, Phuket GOMS (Grumpy Old Mens Society) and Crissey Co. Group. Each team consists of five drivers who will each race three times during the evening. Their times will be recorded by the track’s computer timing system using a transponder on each kart. The aggregate times of the four fastest drivers in each team will be added up, and the team with lowest total time will be declared Phuket’s Lions Go-Karts Team Champions of 2013.
Last year’s winners were a team from St James Property and Chief Executive K Esa Huovila says they are keen to return to their winning ways this year for another trophy and more gold medals. There will also be awards presented to the driver recording the fastest lap time during the competition and also to the fastest lady driver. Team entry fees are B6,000, which includes a buffet supper for the drivers and their team manager. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Patong Beach Lions Club’s Eyesight Improvement Programme at three local schools. Nearly six hundred children at Baan Bang Thong School in Kathu; Baan Bang Khu School in Koh Khaew and Baan Bang Rong School in Phak Lok will have their eyes tested by the Club’s partners in this project – K T Optics. Any child found to be in need of prescription glasses will receive them free of charge. Once again the major sponsor for the event is Auto Express – the importers of luxury cars based on the Bypass Road. Other major supporters are Saraphan Plaeng, K T Optics, Julapan Stationery and Jula Place in Chalong and fellow Lions Clubs.
The organisers recently announced a new addition in the evening’s programme – Miss Go-Karts beauty competition – open to all women over 16 years of age. Entry fees are B250 and entrants can sign on at the racetrack during the evening.

 

“representatives of entrepreneurs in Taweewong, Rat-U Thit 200 Pi, and Bangla roads”

The letter alleged that the companies, Absolute Destinations and Pisona, were sending out “many foreign marketers working outdoors on motorcycles and pitching to tourists and customers on the streets, blocking traffic.” Some, the letter alleged, walked along the roadside trying to persuade tourists to go to timeshare presentations.

“They don’t have work permits and some of them are in Thailand on visas that have expired,” the letter complained. A total of 10 officials from the Kathu District Office, Phuket Immigration, Kathu Police and the Phuket Business Development Office went to the offices of Pisona, which sells timeshares at the Patong Bay Garden Resort, and Absolute, which does the same for the Absolute Sea Pearl Resort.

Jellyfish warning for Phuket waters and tourist

The DMCR announced, “Our records show no sightings or encounters this year of these jellyfish in the waters around Phuket, but just in case we have erected warning signs at 11 beaches along the west coast of the island that are most likely to be affected. “These are Nai Yang, Patong (two places), Racha Yai, Naithon, Bangtao, Surin, Kamala, Kata, Karon and Nai Harn. “It should be noted that the jellyfish might appear at other beaches.” The DMCR believes that seven species of jellyfish could pose a danger to swimmers. Of these, Tripedalia cystophora and Chiropsella are venomous but not likely to cause death. The others are four types of box jelly – Chiropsoides buitendijki, Carybdea sivickisi, Chironex sp. A and Chironex sp. B – and Morbakka fenneri, first identified five years ago, and highly venomous. “We have briefed life guards and local people on first aid for jelly fish poisoning.” The DMCR has also issued an information sheet (download here) giving first aid advice, primarily to use vinegar to neutralise the venom. Lacking vinegar, any mildly acidic liquid (lime juice, perhaps or, in extremis, urine) can be used. Phuket Police must stamp out abuse of tourists Mr Qin told The Phuket News, “I have received a report from the Thai police though I have not been able to read all the details yet. He said he could not comment on this particular case. “I have spoken with the victim already, but I will wait for the results of the police investigation. However, he added, “I have noticed that in the past couple of years there have been many cases [of this sort] in which tourists have been victims – not just Chinese – and the incidents seem to be increasing. “I would like to ask for the help of the police to suppress and reduce such crimes.” Police told The Phuket News this evening that the taxi driver involved in the alleged molesting of the tourist has denied all charges. They said he will be held in police custody until Monday (May 20), when he will appear in court.

Cricket training for Phuket's HeadStart students

About 55 children aged between 8 and 14 took part in the coaching session, part of efforts by the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) to develop cricketing skills among young people on the island. PCG chairman Mark Ashman said children at the HeadStart session were enthusiastic and looking forward to playing children from other schools in the upcoming Sawasdee youth cricket league, which will be held at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) on Saturday, March 2 and Saturday, March 16. The PCG has been rolling out cricket training to schools across Phuket, to develop skills for a regular junior cricket league at the ACG. Students from Kajonkiet school visited the ACG in Thaland for coaching last month, and this month the PCG coaches visited HeadStart. The Youth Academy has also been holding regular Saturday-morning coaching sessions at the ACG. Coach John King said the children at the sessions were now equipped with basic cricketing skills and the Sawasdee league would take their cricketing to the next level. The PCG Youth Academy is sponsored by Property Care Services (PCS), who have funded the purchase of cricket equipment for the schools and after-game refreshments. Muay Thai legend Yodtong Senanan dies, aged 75 Muay Thai Legend and Sityodtong founder Kru Yodtong Senanan passed away earlier today in Phuket . A revered teacher, trainer and fighter his death will be mourned all over the world. Born in Banpong Kru Yodtong had around 50 Muay Thai fights but discovered that he had an amazing aptitude for instructing others and decided to focus his efforts on teaching rather than competing hismelf. He founded the Sityodtong camp in Pattaya which is now over 50 years old and has produced famous fighters such as Samart Payakaroon, Kongtoranee Payakaroon, Nuengpichit Sityodtong, Detpitak Sityodtong, Chartchai Sityodtong, Yoddecha Sityodtong, Daotong Sityodtong and Yodsanan Sityodtong. His influence spans the globe and there are Sityodtong camps in Boston and Los Angeles while Evolve MMA in Singapore was founded by one of Kru Yodtong’s long term students, Chatri Sityodtong.

Megaparty fo New Year may move to Patong

Sydictive representatives confirmed to last night they are exploring the option of moving the event to Patong Beach, saying with 12 days to go they can no longer afford to negotiate with those at Surin Beach who oppose the event. “We would like to release official facts later on once our engineer, production designer and architect have confirmed with us everything is feasible,” a spokesperson said. The shock move came following an appointment party organisers had with two general managers of hotels in the Surin Beach are, who demanded “substantial” amounts of compensation, organisers said. One hotel, which organisers refused to name, requested B3.5 million as the “strict minimum required to ensure that some of our guests are compensated for the disturbance,” an email said. Another hotel also requested “a couple of million baht”, the organisers said. “The two hotels have almost 100 per cent occupancy – we know this only based upon the booking information they showed us in the meeting,” a Sydictive representative said. “But they have notified us that they would like us to compensate them for all the rooms and that they will be allowing their guests to stay there free of charge because of the “disturbance” that will be caused to them. “Even before our team has discussed this in detail, you can probably see from the figures that it is not a feasible proposition for us. “With 12 days to the event, we cannot afford to lose any more time to ‘negotiate’ with them any longer. “We have already had to use our limited resources on trying to accommodate and compromising to their needs. And at this point, time is simply a luxury we do not have.” The organisers of the megaparty have said in the past that they had already spent B66 million and expected the entire outlay would be B120 million. “It was a really hard decision … to make. And we would like to express our deepest and most sincere apologies to the shop owners and hotels who have supported us throughout. Of course, if they would like to come join us at Patong Beach we would be more than happy for them to [do so].” Sydictive representatives said they would be taking a 30 per cent cut of food sales by vendors, and 60 per cent of beverage sales. “The vendors will provide the food. The restaurants will provide the food that they want to (or their speciality if they would like) whereas we will provide the alcohol. As we have an official alcohol sponsor (and one that most clubs/bars use), they will be ordering through us to them at factory price, and we will have stocks on hand during the days of the event should they run out of any alcohol. “Personally, I understand that the restaurants will be quite concerned that it means that there will be a cut out of their profit. On the contrary, our proposal is only as follows for two reasons: “Number one, we are bringing in customers (as we provide the entertainment, the renovation of the venue and the safety and security). “Number two, food and beverage pricing – our menu prices will not be roadside low-end pricing. The pricing will be [set at a level] to ensure that everyone makes money and the partygoers can enjoy good food at an affordable price. “

Movie about 2004 tsunami of Phuket shuns ‘disaster’ label

But the Spanish director of The Impossible insisted that the film – which starts with a spectacular recreation of the huge wall of water crashing onto a beachfront resort – is far from a typical “disaster movie.” “Even if the film tells the story in a very direct way, the conclusions it comes to are very complex, more complex than those usual with disaster movies,” Juan Antonio Bayona said. The earthquake-triggered tsunami on December 26, 2004 killed some 230,000 people around the Indian Ocean, including large numbers of tourists caught in the resorts of Thailand. In the Spanish-financed movie, based on the real story of a Spanish family and filmed in the south of the country, McGregor and Watts play a couple on holiday with their children in Thailand, and separated when the tsunami hits. “There was something immediately symbolic in the story of this family, which caught my attention when I heard about it for the first time,” Bayona said after a November 4 screening at the American Film Institute festival in Hollywood. After the tsunami crashes ashore and separates them, the seriously injured mother finds herself with her eldest son, while the father played by McGregor manages to save the two youngest children. The movie portrays the battle for survival amid the havoc wreaked by the wave, from devastated hotels to an over-crowded hospital.

It opens with a family enjoying a luxury holiday in spectacular beach surroundings – before the wall of water hits. “When we were looking for funding, the first thing we were told was, if we were going to make the film, we had to see” the catastrophe itself, Bayona said. “In a film like this about the tsunami, you have to see the monster face to face, and plunge your camera inside it to make filmgoers really feel what it was like to be there.” The young director focused intensely on what the characters are thinking and feeling – notably the eldest son, played by Tom Holland – with techniques including unsparing close-ups and omnipresent music. “The film starts with a shock, in a more documentary style, and as it progresses it takes on a more melodramatic tone... “We want people watching to feel emotions as intensely as the characters themselves,” Bayona said. AFP

Double champion to lead field at Laguna Phuket Triathlon 2012

Newly crowned 2012 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 triathlon double world champion Leanda Cave of Britain will lead a strong line-up at the Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket on December 2st. The 34-year-old Cave, who won the Ironman 70.3 world championship in Las Vegas last month and the Ironman world championship in Hawaii two weeks ago, has confirmed her participation in the third Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket.

"She has signed up for our Ironman 70.3 just hours after becoming the world champion in Las Vegas," said Debbie Dionysius, Laguna Phuket's assistant vice president of destination marketing. Cave is expected to face a tough challenge from Phuket defending champion Melissa Hauschildt of Australia who was fourth at this year's world championship in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, the 19th Laguna Phuket Triathlon will take place on Nov 25. Australia's Belinda Granger and Czech Radka Vodickova are vying to become the event's first-ever women's triple champion. Italian Massimo Cigana, the tournament's first-ever triple champion, will return to defend his title in a bid to be a four-time champion. He will face stiff opposition from elite pros such as Chris Lieto.

Patong hospital flood prevention measures done for 2012 @ 2012-10-30

A larger expansion project – which includes construction of the hospital’s first Intensive Care Unit (ICU) – is due to finish by September 2013. Mr Pumin met with Phuket Vice-Governor Sommai Preechasilpa today and confirmed that construction had began on flooding prevention measures, which include a waterproof wall around the area, raising the road inside the hospital, and a new improved drainage system. The upgrade will cost B16 million, and will be finished by January 7. Patong Hospital is often flooded during the rainy season because it is in a low lying area. In addition, the project to expand the hospital by 60 additional patient beds, and add 13 private rooms, an ICU department, a new delivery room, a medical stock room, and sterilisation room was almost 15 per cent complete. Around B69.5 million has been earmarked for the project. “However, the budget only covers the building. It is not for new medical instruments, so we will use the hospital savings to buy them, and then get some more funding,” Dr Pumin said.

US Navy leaves Phuket, Indian Navy arrives at Ao Makham @2012-10-12

The Sujata operated for 19 years as an offshore patrol vessel but is now used exclusively for training. The cadets spend six months on the 101-metre-long ship, exposing them to life at sea, shaping their skills on bridge watches, chart work, small arms handling and communications. The ship arrived complete with its own 11-piece orchestra, which swung into action for an on-board reception last night, playing Indian music as guests from the local diplomatic community, the Royal Thai Navy and others arrived. Later, the versatile musicians played the music for a karaoke session.

The ship will leave on Monday for the return voyage to India waters. So today Phuket have many tourist by national army .

Free Wi-Fi service for all on its way to Phuket @ 2012-10-01

Free Wi-Fi is on the way for residents and visitors to Thailand with the introduction of the latest government project, ICT Free Wi-Fi for Tourism, TTR Weekly reports. The project will offer more than 2,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, 323 of them in the south, including Phuket. Under the ICT project, people must register to gain access, using their ID card numbers or passport numbers in the case of tourists. After registration, users will get free access to Wi-Fi hotspots anywhere in the country for up to six months, though sessions will be limited to just 20 minutes online, with a two-hour wait before users are allowed back on again. Launched late last week, the project is a joint effort of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. The latter claims the project will help the government reach its tourism revenue target of B2.2 trillion in 2015. In the first phase, ICT Free Wi-Fi for Tourism will cover 1,616 hotspots across Thailand by the end of the year, mostly in tourist destinations. Apart from the 323 in the South, 253 hotspots will be installed in tourist districts in Bangkok, 446 in the central region, 201 in the eastern region, 325 in the North and 67 in Isarn. The project will uses CAT Telecom as the service provider, offering a speed of 2 Megabits per second for downloads. Details of how the project will be applied in Phuket have yet to emerge. Chuan Sutontatspidok, CAT’s Phuket director of marketing and service, told The Phuket News that his office had sent a plan for up to 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Phuket, half in the Patong area and half in Phuket Town. But he had not heard anything back yet. “The research has been done. The next step will be the go-ahead from the ICT. I believe we can have all the Wi-Fi points working before 2015,” he said. Free Wi Fi is part of the Smart Thailand project of the ICT Ministry, which includes a target of high-speed internet for 80 per cent of people living in Thailand by 2015, and 250,000 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the country by 2017. This is not the first project to offer free Wi-Fi access to tourists. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has already launched Green Bangkok Wi-Fi, which offers around 20,000 hotspots. True Internet is the provider for that project. Earlier this month, Pattaya announced it will offer free Wi-Fi for tourists covering areas from Na Kluea in north Pattaya, south to Jomtien beach, with a download speed of 2 megabits per second. In the case of Pattaya, users must register first. Registration lasts three months, with a maximum of five hours’ use per month. But Phuket will have more Wifi user in 2013 .

1,000 black taxis in Phuket register to 'go green' @ 2012-09-11

The Provincial Transportation Department (PTD) was deluged with paperwork yesterday when it opened registration to convert illegal “black” taxis into legal “green registration plate” cabs. Because the black taxis is the problem in Phuket . The office received 1,048 applications for conversion from taxi drivers on the first day. Drivers will be called back to the department later so that their cars can be inspected to ensure that they are roadworthy and suitable for use as taxis. Somsak Poknuengnong, expert adviser to the Phuket Land Transportation Office, said, “The [black] taxis have 180 days in which to sign up and we expect more to come. As a result, the paperwork will take some time to complete.” In addition to getting a green plate, the converted drivers will be required to charge regulation fares (with fare tables in every taxi), to dress properly, and to have good manners and a “service mindset”. The drive to legitimise black taxis is the first step in a renewed drive to bring some order to the island’s chaotic transport sector, which is dominated by fiercely independent drivers who have rejected all past attempts to bring them to heel. For the PTD, the black taxis are the low-hanging fruit; many of the estimated 10,000 black taxi drivers on Phuket will be only too happy to become legal, making it relatively easy to organise them. Bringing some kind of order to the mafia-ridden tuk-tuks and stemming the violence that erupts from time to time over taxi territories are likely to prove less easy to achieve. So the tourist in Phuket will receive the good service from the good taxis .

Tourist at Phuket airport arrivals jump 30pc in first half @ 2012-09-04

Extrapolating from this, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that seven million tourists – both domestic and international – will have visited Phuket by the end of this year. The new Director of the TAT’s Phuket Office, Chanchai Doungjit, speaking at a meeting in Provincial Hall yesterday (September 3), said flights coming to Phuket are full this year, even in the “green” season. The increase in the number of international flights arriving has gone up in line with the number of tourists, rising 28 per cent from last year. Most of the additional flights are from the Middle East and North Asian countries such as South Korea and China. Last year, more than half of the four million international tourists who came to Phuket were stamped in by Phuket Immigration directly, an indicator that Phuket itself (as opposed to Thailand) is an increasingly popular destination. “The rate of growth is very positive,” said Mr Chanchai. “Though the number of European tourist has fallen between 3 and 5 per cent this year due to the impact of the Euro crisis, the Asian market is going up, replacing the missing European tourists.” He noted that although Europe as a whole has fallen, the numbers of tourists from France, Britain and Germany have remained stable. Their numbers, however, have been far outstripped by the new markets. In the first half 142,582 tourists arrived from China and 140,297 from Russia. In third place was Australia with 121,916, followed by South Korea with 102,021 and Sweden in fifth place with 80,427. According to TAT’s statistics, the biggest growth markets were China and Russia, which both more than doubled. China increased 107 per cent and Russia 105 per cent, followed by South Korea (30) Malaysia (25) and Sweden (25). But other news said it is not mean the tourist in Phuket , becuase their flight landing at Phuket airport but they go to other city around Phuket island .

Koh Lone villagers to get hydro power from Phuket @ 30-08-2012

After a three-year wait, villagers on Koh Lone in Chalong Bay are finally to get some green, clean power – not a lot, but better than none.

We’ve been seeking help from the authorities for several years,” said the Headman of Koh Lone, Manit Yotharak. “Finally, it’s happened.”
By March next year, however, villagers will have a small hydro-electric power plant, set up on Klong Tone on the east of the island, which will be able to generate up to six kilowatt per hour, enough to power 220 36-Watt fluorescent light – though only in the rainy season when the flow of water in the klong is strong.
The new power source will bring eco-friendly power to the island’s 106 households, who currently depend on a diesel generator and solar cells, many of which are not working because of a lack of funds for maintenance.
The cost of running the generator on the island has been a heavy burden on the villagers, most of whom earn a living agriculture or fishing. Each household has had to pay B2,000 a month, but even that provides for only four hours’ power supply a night.
The hydro project, costing B1.8 million, is being funded by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DAEDE) in the Ministry of Energy.
When the project is completed, the DAEDE hopes that Koh Lone will become a model for alternative eco-friendly solutions for other islands that have no access to mains electricity.
For example, the villagers of Koh Maphrao, east of Phuket City, have been lobby for authorities to honour government promises to provide them with mains electricity through a B46-million submarine power cable project, which was approved during the last Democrat government.
So Koh Lone is the good place to visit because have the electricity .
Koh Lone Map : 

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That project was due to be completed in October this year, but work has not even started.
On Koh Lone, Mr Manit noted that once the hydro project is up and running, villagers will need to think about the cost of maintenance.
He said they may set up a committee to raise maintenance funds, either from villagers or from appropriate government bodies.

New Chalong-Patong route confirmed @ 24-08-2012

The route for the proposed new road linking Patong with Chalong was confirmed today at a public hearing at the Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town.

The new 2.7-kilometre road will wriggle its way from the eastern end of Hasip Pi Rd, Patong, to Yothatikarn Rd (the road to Luang Pu Supha temple), near Amazing Bukit Safari in Chalong, and from there will join Chao Fa West Rd to the east of Wat Chalong.
In a previous meeting in May this option, put forward by a trio of companies – Transconsult, Phisut Technology and Panya Consultant Co received the greatest support because people felt it was the most appropriate. So it is for people in Chalong area to Patong beach .
There is already a dirt road along this route that is used by local people, and people felt that upgrading this would result in less environmental damage than cutting a new road.
Banpote Jaroensathayatam, Executive Director of Transconsult, said that the new road will serve the growth in tourists and residents in Phuket, and also act as an additional escape route in case of disasters such as the 2004 Asian Tsunami.
He added, “The result of this hearing means we can make a start on survey work and begin designing the road. When these are complete we will call another public hearing, probably in October.”
Next year , it is short time from tourist from Chalong to Patong beach .

French family tell of terrifying hours after Tiger blaze at Patong beach

Benjamin, 30, is currently in intensive care in Bangkok Hospital Phuket after suffering severe burns to around 40 per cent of his body. He is being flown to an international hospital in Bangkok this afternoon, for specialised burns care. Four people died in the fire that broke out at around 3.30am on Friday, while Benjamin and 10 others were injured.
Benjamin's niece spoke to The Phuket News at the hospital and said the seven family members were on a one-month holiday around Asia. On the trip were Benjamin, his wife and one-year-old daughter, Benjamin's brother and sister in law, and his niece and nephew.
The family arrived in Phuket about a week and a half ago, and were due to fly back to France in about a week's time.
But Friday night changed that.
Benjamin, his brother in law, and nephew were at the Tiger complex when the fire broke out.
Benjamin's brother in law, who did not want to be named, said the lights went off at the venue, and before he knew it there were flames. He and his nephew were right by the door on the ground floor of the building and left the building quickly, but said Benjamin was a floor above with another friend.
The pair waited an hour outside the complex for Benjamin. His motorbike was still outside Tiger, but they hoped he had already made it out.
"I was very nervous and so worried. I thought and hoped that maybe he had got out already and gone back to his hotel,” said the brother in law.
The pair then spent the next three hours driving around Patong, including going back to the hotel on Nanai Rd where the family were staying, trying to find Benjamin.
They visited Patong Hospital, but were told that no one with his name had been admitted. Relieved, they returned to the hotel and waited, hoping he would show up soon.
"They searched around for so long but found nothing. They were really happy when the hospital didn't have his name,” the niece, who did not want to be named, said.
But later, Patong Hospital called the hotel to say Benjamin was in the hospital and was seriously hurt with burns to his upper body.
The family arrived and found him wrapped in bandages. He was conscious, and the family learned that he was able to give hospital staff his name and details of where he was staying, which meant his family could be called.
Since then his scorched throat has swelled up and he's unable to talk, but is able to move his limbs.
"The doctor said these are good signs,” said his niece.
Benjamin's wife was too upset to speak to the media, and his niece said she was “devastated”.
“She's crying a lot, but she's being very strong.
"We are so shocked. We are in a different country, and not our own country. We never imagined we would see him in this state.”
She said Bangkok Hospital Phuket had been excellent, taking very good care of Benjamin, and keeping the family well informed. Benjamin is now in a stable condition.
Thankfully the family are covered by insurance which means Benjamin can be transferred to Bangkok today. His niece said family members in Paris, where Benjamin and most of the other family members live, were waiting to hear more before deciding whether to come to Thailand.
Benjamin's brother in law did not know the three other French people injured in the fire .
Tiger Bar is in the Bangla Road where are the destination of tourist to walk and drinking .