Members of the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) are gathering in 17 northern provinces to support their fellow protesters in Bangkok, Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul said earlier today.

“Although protests are sprouting up, there are no reports of any danger,” he said, claiming the authorities have control of the situation.

Provincial governors are under instructions to enforce maximum security measures at government installations in their provinces, he said.

Security forces have been tasked with guarding provincial halls (sala klaang) but ordered not to clash with protesters if they stage raids. Security cameras would record incidents for future prosecutions, he said.

Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop told a press conference last Friday that anyone attempting to illegally occupy Phuket Provincial Hall would face prosecution.

The province has an extensive network of CCTV cameras to identify protest leaders who incite violence or other criminal behavior, he said.

“I believe the Phuket people understand the situation and would never do a terrible thing like that… It doesn’t matter what color shirts they wear – yellow, red, pink or green – anyone caught committing acts of violence will be prosecuted,” he said.

“It’s good for Thai people to express their opinions, but they should do so in a non-violent way,” he said.

Gov Wichai said he heard the tourism industry in Chiang Mai had been crippled, with rooms that would normally go for 1,000 baht a night being offered at just 399 baht. The northern province is famous for its Songkran celebrations.

“It’s unbelievable…the protesters may have fun, but businesses will suffer,” he said.

“As for the Songkran Festival, Phuket is relatively free of the political turmoil which has beset other parts of the country… Both Thai and foreign tourists are likely to flock here in record numbers over for the Songkran Festival,” he said.

The grounds of Phuket Provincial Hall were last occupied by political protesters in September 2008, when yellow-shirted People’s Alliance of Democracy (PAD) members set up camp during the premiership of the late Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej.

Although there was no violence, PAD members restricted parking lot access to then-governor Niran Kalayanamit and other high-ranking civil servants. They also conducted body searches of members of the public entering the building to do business.

The protest ended after a few days. Officials at Phuket Provincial Hall allowed PAD members to use the building’s electricity to power their public address system and broadcast PAD protests in Bangkok.

CREDIT : phuketgazette.net

MAI KHAO, PHUKET: The construction firm building a new bridge to Phuket has released computer generated images of what the project will look like upon completion.

Project engineer Dr Phattanapong Thonsuk of project contractor Italian-Thai Development Co said the old Sarasin Bridge has suffered from years of saltwater corrosion and wear and is being replaced following concerns by the Highway Department about its structural integrity.

The original bridge, completed in 1967, was named after Pote Sarasin, who served as head of the now-defunct National Development Ministry.

Construction conglomerate Italian-Thai built not only the original Sarasin Bridge, but also its sister span the Thepkrasattri Bridge.

Although the official name of the project is ‘Sarasin 2,’ the replacement bridge will likely get a new name.

The name will possibly be decided through a public vote like the baby panda ‘Lin Hui’ born in Chiang Mai last year, Dr Phattanapong said.

Dr Phattanapong said his preferred name for the new span is ‘Srisoonthorn Bridge,’ after Phuket’s beloved heroine Thao Thep Srisoonthorn.

The name would once again ‘pair’ the two heroines by having one bridge named after each, he said.

CREDIT : phuketgazette.net

Bangkok. Five years on from the tsunami that battered Asia’s shores, experts fear a new generation of coastal dwellers will be  ill-prepared to face another giant wave as memories fade.

While sound alert systems have now been developed in many countries to forewarn governments of impending danger, getting that message out to seaside communities, and to children in particular, remains a challenge, they say.

The tidal wave that swept in on December 26, 2004 killed around 220,000 people and still haunts the beaches and coastal villages of the 12 countries devastated by the worst natural catastrophe to hit the region in decades.

But experts and officials fear that as time goes  on and fear of the sea recedes, so too will the memory of what to do if another similar disaster strikes.

“Five years on, tsunami awareness is still very high. I would not be able  to tell [if it will remain so] five or ten years from now,” said Sanny Ramos Jegillos, regional crisis prevention director for the United Nations  Development Program.

“The reason it is difficult is that tsunamis historically don’t occur in  the same place within one or two generations,” he explained. “The last tsunami  in Sumatra before 2004 was in 1907 — that’s almost one hundred years and  that’s a long time for children to remember.” Since the Asian Tsunami hit five years ago, governments have made massive  efforts and poured huge sums of money into improving the region’s  preparedness.

India spent $32 million on a tsunami warning system designed to  detect all earthquakes above a magnitude of six on the Richter scale in the  Indian Ocean, apparently within 20 minutes.

Sri Lanka is ready to send SMS warning alerts to mobile phones in the event  of a disaster, while Thailand has set up 103 towers equipped with loudspeakers  along the coast and has increased its radio reach in the six provinces  bordering the Andaman Sea.

But educating the population to encourage them to react efficiently and  without panic in the event of another tsunami is complicated, said Al Panico,  head of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent  societies’ (IFRC) tsunami recovery unit.

“In the alert system, messages get to governments when a disaster is  imminent. Getting it to the people who need to act … to the people who need to  protect themselves, that’s where there is a gap,” he said.

Malaysia, hit relatively lightly in 2004 with a death toll of 68, has 17 earthquake monitoring stations. But its authorities say work among the youth is  needed.

“Since tsunamis are rare and when a tsunami occurs time is limited for  evacuation, public education and awareness among the population at risk is necessary,” said Yap Kok Seng, head of Malaysia’s meteorological department.

Indonesia, which registered three quarters of all deaths that resulted from  the tsunami, is lagging behind in its efforts.

“Many Indonesians are still clueless about tsunami disaster mitigation,” said Danny Hilman Natawidjaja, an earthquake expert with the Indonesia  Institute of Sciences.

“The drills from the Disaster Management Agency are yet to be effective.  They have a lot to learn.” The country’s Disaster Management Agency said about ten tsunami preparedness drills have been carried out since 2004 but “there is still a  considerable amount of delay time in the tsunami early warning system,”  Natawidjaja said.

The key, say experts, will be to teach the subject in schools.

On December 26, 2004, on the southern tourist island of Phuket in Thailand, a  ten-year-old British girl, Tilly Smith, saved one hundred lives when she used  her knowledge of tsunamis from a recent geography lesson to clear the beach.

Experts hope this idea carries into Asia’s schools.

AFP

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.

The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.

Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods’ images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).

Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

Date: August 2009
Location: All Chinese Shrines on the Island

The largest island in Thailand, the most populous and the most popular one- Phuket is a major watershed in the tourism industry of Thailand. And festivals and events in Phuket are more than you can even think of. In this cosmopolitan island there are festivals for every faith, every religion every race, and every kind of tourist for that matter. The Por Tor Festival in Phuket is a Chinese Festival celebrated in the month of July/August. Por Tor in Chinese means “Hungry Ghosts”.

An important merit-making event for ethnic Chinese, the Por Tor Festival is celebrated to worship and satiate the ghosts of the ancestors who they believe are released from hell for the month. Special food, flowers and candles are presented to the ancestors’ altars. Colorful turtle shaped cakes are made and put on display. Since turtles symbolize longevity, making such offering is believed to bring long life to the worshippers.

The Por Tor Festival again holds testimony to the large number of Chinese population that have migrated and settled down at Phuket. During the festivities, the Chinese populace can be seen dressed in their best headed for their ancestors’ altars with all the offerings. After the offerings are done they revert back home where a sumptuous spread of gala treat await them.

Date: July 22nd – 26th, 2009
Location: Chalong Bay

Six Senses Phuket Raceweek will be held from 22-26 July at the Evason Phuket & Six Senses Spa, with racing off the southern tip of Phuket. It promises to be a week of exciting, international-standard yacht racing off Phuket’s East Coast with plenty of social activities throughout the week.

Six Senses Resorts & Spas return for a second year as Title Sponsor, joined by Co-Sponsors Jaguar Cars, the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Rodenstock. Composite Catamarans join Canpac Beverages (supplying the wine), Nivea and Moorings as Official Suppliers, the latter launching their Phuket fleet of new power and sailing catamarans at Raceweek. For more information and to register, contact www.phuketraceweek.com

Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office and Phuket Japanese Association will hold “The 4th Phuket Japanese Festival” on the 7th of March 2009 at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town. As we are one of the parts of Phuket, we would like to provide the opportunity to the local people who is working for the tourism and local students interested in Japan and Japanese people through the Japanese traditional festival which introduce the Japanese culture and foods, and we hope these experiences will help them to be familiar with Japanese tourists.

And also, we hope this festival make Japanese children in Phuket improve their knowledge of Japan.

Due to the economic crisis and the Bangkok Airport closed last year, it is very hard situation for Japanese market. So we hope this festival shows the good news of Phuket through the media to Japan and can be contributed to the tourism as we usually had done in the past.

This festival is supported by Tourism Authority of Thailand (Phuket Office), Japan Embassy in Bangkok, The Japan Foundation, Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok, and Japanese Association in Thailand, Fujifilm and Japan Airlines which are our special sponsors.

The highlights of the festival are “Free photo taken with Kimono by Fujifilm” and “JAL Air Ticket to Japan” for the lucky draw.

Also, In order to promote further exchanges between Japan and Mekong Region Countries (Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Union of Myanmar, Kingdom of Thailand, and Socialist Republic of Viet Nam), it was decided at the Japan-Mekong Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in January 2008 to celebrate the year 2009 as “Mekong-Japan Exchange Year.” By the government.

In this Japanese festival, it came to co-sponsor with The Japan Foundation, Bangkok, and to screen the movies as a film festival, and it is authorized as one of the events of the Japan – Mekong Exchange Year. Two movies will be shown (“YUKI NI NEGAUKOTO” and “BEAT KIDS”).

The movies will be shown at the Baan Kathu School one day before the festival on March 6, 2009 and it is also one of the promotions for the festival.

We will hold the first speech contest during the festival. We would like to provide the opportunity to the students who are studying Japanese hard, and we hope they use this event for the improved motivation to further studying Japanese.

In others, the Heisei Nozomi no Kai, Japanese acting volunteer group comes from Japan to show the Edo folk craft as same as the last time, and you will enjoy it. And also we will organize Thai Classical Dancing Performance to present Thai Traditional cultural for relationship between Thailand and Japan; such as local Thai dessert.

Additionally, we have much more things at the festival. Lucky draw free ticket and free gift will be distributed, first come and first served basis. We are waiting for many people coming on that day.

More information Contact:
TAT Phuket Office Tel. 076 – 212213, 211036
Phuket Japanese Association Tel. 076 – 234446

The Thailand Open will make an emphatic return to the Asian Tour schedule from March 5 to 8 at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club and boast prize money of US$500,000.

Having not been played since 2005 due to a lack of sponsorship the event is now back in full swing. The tournament welcomes on board Singha Corporation (as in Singha beer) as the title sponsor and the Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and PTT Public Company Limited as premier sponsors.

It will be a full-field event on the Asian Tour and in another boost for the event US PGA Tour star Daniel Chopra will compete. The Swede is a two-time winner in America. The final 2 rounds of the Thailand Open will be broadcast live on Star Sports.

The event will showcase world class golf facilities, gracious Thai hospitality, and the great value for money that Thailand represents.

Voted in the top 10 for Best Golf Resort in Asia, Best Clubhouse in Asia and Best Golf Course in Thailand by readers of Asian Golf Monthly magazine, Laguna Phuket Golf Club features a wealth of scenic lagoons, coconut groves and undulating fairways, set against the dramatic backdrop of the surrounding mountains and Andaman Sea.

Coincidentally, the Thailand Open was last played in Phuket when New Zealander Richard Lee lifted the title in 2005 at Blue Canyon Country Club.

Sponsored by Golfasian and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, you can win a chance to play FREE in the Pro-Am, the day before the Singha Thailand Open 2009!

How? It’s simple, just fill out a Phuket holiday inquiry and be entered to win a slot in the Singha Thailand Open 2009 Pro-Am! Golf packages can be tailor-made and include all Phuket resorts and Phuket golf courses.

Meandering through the labyrinth of lagoons, the course requires golfers to play with great accuracy, and to select clubs carefully. Water looms on 13 of the 18 holes and threatens to swallow any shot veering too far to the side. On several holes, adventurous long hitters will certainly enjoy taking a rewarding gamble by cutting corners, while on other holes, strategic iron play is a must!

Laguna Phuket Golf Club also offers a wonderful opportunity for you to refine your game at its extensive practice facilities. Features include a covered area for sun and rain protection, a driving range, putting greens, practice bunkers and chipping areas; so you can work on both your short and long games. The Club also provides professional golf instruction.

The well-appointed clubhouse and pro shop offer an impressive range of golfing accessories, as well as three tennis courts and the Banyan Café.

In terms of location, Laguna Phuket Golf Club is just 20 minutes from Phuket International Airport, and only 25 minutes from Phuket Town. In fact, it is easily reached from virtually all points on the island.

The course is accessed by a complimentary shuttle bus service within the Laguna Phuket resort complex, which features six deluxe hotels: Banyan Tree Phuket, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Laguna Beach Resort, Allamanda Laguna Phuket and Laguna Holiday Club Phuket Resort.

In addition, golfers staying at any of these six hotels enjoy special green fees at Laguna Phuket Golf Club.

The 23rd year of Patong Carnival is organized and funded by Patong Municipality. There will be One Tambon One Product (OTOP) sales, arts and culture displays, spa and massage services, and food and beverage services.

The entertainment will display traditional Thai culture from various regions across the country.

Highlights of the carnival include:

- Dec 15: Fireworks after dark.
- Dec 16: Beach clean-up and longtail boat competition, off Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 17: Adventure Competition at Loma Park at 9am.
- Dec 20: Fancy Parade along the beach road at 5pm.