Countdown 2015 at The KEE Resort & Spa

Countdown 2015 at The KEE Resort & Spa  This promises to be the best New Year bash in Patong with a sensational rooftop party at the KEE Sky Lounge featuring an amazing all-you-can-eat buffet dinner of festive foods from around the world. Plus, live music and a variety performance. Win prizes in the beer drinking contest and double lucky prize draw!

New Year’s Eve Party, Dec 31, 7.00pm – 1.00am

Adults – THB 4,900
Children-  THB 2,450

The KEE Resort & Spa
152/1 Thaveewong rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
P: +66 76-335-888

Heavier Police Presence in Phuket during Christmas & New Year

Heavier Police Presence in Phuket during Christmas & New Year The mobilization of a 353-strong police force, overseen by Deputy Commissioner of Region 8 Police Pol Maj Gen Krajang Suwannarat, was witnessed by high-ranking government officials on the evening of Tuesday December 20th 20414 in front of the Phuket City Police Station.

Officials present were: Phuket Governor – Nisit Jansomwong, PPAO President Advisor – Samanasak Rattanasaenyanuparp, Phuket City Police Commander – Pl Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit, police officers and dignitaries.

Heavier Police Presence in Phuket during Christmas & New Year The mobilization follows instructions from the Royal Thai Police which orders all police units to up the crime control activities during December 20 – 5 January 2014. The show of strength aims to increase tourist safety and confidence during the time when both locals and tourists travel widely. All 353 police were made up of officers from the Regional Police, Region 5 Tourist Police, Immigration, Airport Immigration, Region 8 Marine Police, Phuket Security Police, Narcotics Suppression Unit, Forensic Department, as well as community police volunteers. All are ready and will do their best to protect the lives and properties of members of the public.

Phuket Colourful Countdown 2015

Phuket Colourful Countdown 2015Phuket Governor – Nisit Jansomwong together with PPAO President – Paiboon Upattising recently hosted a press conference to announce a New Year celebration “Colorful Countdown Phuket 2015,” at Raya Room, Royal Phuket City Hotel. The two officials were joined by PPAO officials and representatives from Phuket Tourism Authority of Thailand as well as the local media.

“Colorful Countdown Phuket 2015” will be staged from December 29 to 31, 2014, at Sanamchai Field in Phuket Town. The celebration aims to boost local tourism, generate income for the community and provide an opportunity for tourists and locals to ring in the New Year together. By observing the New Year alongside other countries, Phuket hopes to raise its calibre as a tourist destination.

Under the slogan “Opening the new sky to a magical, illuminated land – solidarity for all – happiness to the people of Phuket,” spectators will enjoy underwater scenes lit up by hundreds of lights and lanterns (to pay homage to Phuket as the Pearl of the Andaman). Adhering to the government’s reconciliation policy, this year’s celebration will feature a zone displaying HM’s speech on unity to drive home the idea of solidarity and peaceful co-existence.

The whole area of Sanamchai Field will be divided into three main areas as follows:
Zone 1: (at the entrance of Sanamchai opposite Provincial Hall) Magical underwater tunnel of 25 meters long decorated by thousands of LED lights, and dotted by sea creatures.
Zone 2: Information area comprising of boards announcing daily activities, words of New Year’s wishes, and animal of the Chinese horoscope, the sheep.
Zone 3: Magical and illuminated land, land of unity and return happiness to the people. This zone is divided into two further areas, namely: a) solidarity area – “Follow in the footstep of the King to forge unity in Thai society,” displaying the King’s speech to inspire social integration, reconciliation, solidarity and peaceful co-existence. This area is decorated with numerous yellow lights and a 4-m tall golden Bodhi tree; and b) area dedicated to Phuket tourism promotion.

President Paiboon said that the spectacles presented in this celebration reflect Phuket as the Pearl of the Andaman and its beautiful landmarks such as Laem Promthep. There are also many stage entertainments throughout the three nights leading to the year’s end countdown.

Official opening of the celebration is scheduled to take place on December 29 which kicks off with the performance by P Sadern Band, while the 30th will see artists from Fe Fang Kaew group. On the final day, December 31, famous bands such as Carabao, B-King and Kan Tee will perform while colorful fireworks accompany the countdown to the New Year. Additionally, there are contests for “Young Cultural Ambassador to the Colorful Countdown Phuket 2015,” to promote sense of cultural heritage in young people and the general public. Applications are reserved for youth of 13 – 20 years old, in teams or individuals, who have special skills in Thailand’s traditional crafts, arts or performances. Winner will received 10,000 baht educational grant as well as a trophy.

“I would like to invite everyone, locals and tourists, to come and join us in the fun-filled “Colorful Countdown Phuket 2015” at Sanamchai Field on December 29 – 31,” said President Paiboon.

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning Centre

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning CentreOn Monday, 22 December 2014, Laguna Phuket launched its Community Learning Centre in Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket.

The opening ceremony which was attended by approximately 100 participants comprising government officials, Laguna Phuket management, Cherngtalay villagers, and members of the press, started at 2 pm with a welcome remarks addressed by Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket.

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning CentreThe 2-hour launch was then continued by a press launch discussion on “Public-Private Partnership in Developing Sustainable Communities.” Panelists included Dr. Punlop Singhasenee, Vice Governor of Phuket; Ms. Claire Chiang, Co-Founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Chairperson of Banyan Tree Global Foundation; Associate Professor Dr. Prathana Kannaovakun, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism, Prince of Songkla University, Phuket Campus; and Ms. Pattamaporn Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Senior News Editor and News Anchor of National TV Channel 11.

The launch participants were asked to join a moment of silence in remembrance of the 10th Tsunami Commemoration with a poetic recital to the Thai classical flute before Vice Governor Dr. Punlop and Mrs. Claire Chiang jointly rang a gong to signify the official opening of the Centre.

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning Centre
From left: Ms. Prae Sunantaraks, Dir of Community Relations, Laguna Phuket; Ms. Claire Chiang, Co-Founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Chairperson of Banyan Tree Global Foundation; Dr. Punlop Singhasenee, Vice Governor of Phuket; Dr. Prathana Kannaovakun, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Prince of Songkla University; and Ms. Pattamaporn Rattanadilok Na Phuket, Senior news editor and news anchor of national TV Channel 11

Laguna Phuket Community Learning Centre (CLC) was established in March 2007 from Phuket Tsunami Recovery Funds (PTRF) to develop long-term assistance for those affected by the 2004 Tsunami.

It was originally set up as a community English language centre providing free English courses to community members, with the generous support of Cherngtalay Sub-District Administrative Office.

To-date 7,328 learners have enrolled with our program (4,250 learners completed Beginner’s Level, 3,025 learners completed Intermediate Level, and 13 learners completed Advanced Level).

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning Centre“I’d like to thank all of our supporters, especially the Cherngtalay Municipality, for being a great partner from the start. The Community English Centre has served its purposes for over 7 years and more than 7,000 local people had benefited from it,” said Mr. Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, at the launch.

“With continued support from all, I believe those numbers can double. We are well on our way to developing sustainable communities” he concluded.

Ms. Claire Chiang, Co-Founder of Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts and Chairperson of Banyan Tree Global Foundation, is a true believer in partnership and engagement, “The sense of collective responsibility will bring us all together the way we are here today at this launch ceremony. The private sector, the government, the educator, the media, and the community itself all have vital roles in holistic approach to CSR. Together we can.”

Laguna Phuket Launches Community Learning CentreThe newly refurbished centre will be opened as the Community Learning Centre in recognition of the 10th Tsunami commemoration. The new centre will become a community hub where people can develop their skills and further their knowledge in addition to English courses. Starting of January 2015, the centre will provide free and open community education with training on general life skills to empower individuals, so that they can realize their potential at home, in the workplace and in the community.

To see more photos from this event, please visit: http://events.phuketindex.com/laguna-phuket-2-3418.html

Regent Phuket Conducts CSR Initiative

Regent Phuket Conducts CSR InitiativeOn December 15, 2014, Regent Phuket Cape Panwa had the pleasure of conducting a happiness initiative with the Panwa community as the resort’s General Manager Brice Borin and his team invited students from the Baan Laem Panwa School to a cooking class at the resort. There were twenty two children attended this class. Through the class, children had fun and learned how to make a famous Thai dessert called “Look-Chub” which is mashed and sweetened Mung beans made into cute candies, colorfully painted with food colors to look like fruit and glazed in the sweet candy. This activity is carried out to provide the children an opportunity to gain knowledge outside of school.

Regent Phuket Conducts CSR Initiative Children Cooking Class at Regent Phuket 3Mr. Borin said “At Regent Phuket Cape Panwa, we are not only committed to providing excellent services to our guests, but also ensuring the continuous positive contribution to local communities and the environment.”

Main Photo: Sitting in the center from left: Ms. Parinya Pongthong – Director of Human Resources, – Mr. Brice Borin- Resort General Manager and Mr. Vichit Wisanjaturong – Executive Assistant Manager with the students from Baan Lam Panwa School.

Regent Phuket Conducts CSR Initiative Regent Phuket Conducts CSR Initiative

Phuket Yacht Show has truly global appeal

Phuket Yacht Show has truly global appealThe Phuket Yacht Show is attracting exhibitors from all around the globe, who see the great opportunity for the charter and brokerage market in South East Asia.

Fraser Yachts presenting M/Y Azul A at the Phuket Yacht Show
The latest addition to the Show is Fraser Yachts, presenting 34m M/Y Azul A, built by Dutch shipyard Moonen.

“Fraser Yachts is excited about presenting M/Y Azul A at the Phuket Yacht Show. She would be perfect for the Asian-based cruising enthusiast as she combines relaxed luxury with ocean-going capabilities, including stabilisers for a smoother on-water experience” explained broker Jan Jaap Minnema of Fraser Yachts.

Book your accommodation at Dewa Resort
The Show has also partnered with Dewa Resort at Nai Yang Beach to offer discounted rates for exhibitors.

It is estimated that over 300,000 visitors will travel to Phuket in the month of February 2015, so the Show highly recommends brokers and industry members wishing to attend the four-day event to book accommodation at the Dewa, which is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Yacht Haven Marina.

Bookings can be made via the Phuket Yacht Show’s website at http://www.phuketyachtshow.com/accommodation.

Get involved in the Phuket Yacht Show
For more information about participating at the Phuket Yacht Show, please contact us at clare@phuketyachtshow.com.

Thanyapura PIA Phuket Stars Shine At National Games

Thanyapura PIA Phuket Stars Shine At National GamesThanyapura PIA Phuket’s reputation as an elite swimming breeding ground has been underscored after three of its star products qualified for next year’s SEA Games with standout performances at the 43rd Thailand National Games in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Tanakrit ‘Nok’ Kittiya, Kornkarnjana ‘Golf’ Sapianchai and Peerapat ‘Garfield’ Loessathapornsuk each won multiple medals, with teenage prodigy Nok capturing two gold medals and two silver medals and a new national record for the 1500m (15:53.87).
Golf claimed five silver medals and a bronze medal in a herculean freestyle and butterfly sprint display while Garfield won silver in the 400m and 1500m freestyle.

“We expected all three to deliver great performances and they certainly didn’t disappoint,” Thanyapura Phuket Head Coach Miguel Lopez said. “They set high standards for themselves and hopefully they’ll use these performances as a springboard to success at the SEA Games in Singapore next year.”

Nok: gold 400m and 1500m freestyle; silver 4x200m freestyle relay and 200m butterfly. Golf: silver 50m butterfly, 200m freestyle, 4x200m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x100m medley relay; bronze 50m freestyle. Garfield: silver 400m and 1500m freestyle.

Thanyapura regularly attracts some of the world’s best national swimming squads. Its world-class facilities and state-of-the-art technology includes a 50m Olympic-standard pool, a 25m training and teaching pool, Omega Track start blocks, a Daktronics timing system and scoreboard, an underwater video analysis window, ozone filtration and sports science services.

The Thailand National Games runs from 9-19 December, 2014.

Phuket track & field event a great success

Phuket track & field event a great successOn Wednesday December 17th 2014, Phuket Vice Governor – Suthee Thongyaem hosted the launch of a Phuket Track and Field event which kicked off at Surakul Stadium amidst elaborate fanfares. PPAO President Paiboon delivered an opening speech in the ceremonywhich was attended by teachers, school administrators, students, and pupils from local schools as well as dignitaries, the media and the general public.

Phuket track & field event a great successThe opening ceremony was accompanied by dazzling parades and displays organized by participating schools and institutions, and a torchbearer. A special football match between a PPAO team and local administrative officers was played after the ceremony, in which PPAO lost to local officer’s team 2-3.

Phuket track & field event a great successThe Phuket Track and Field event, taken part by students and members of the public, is organized by PPAO on a yearly basis. This year’s event, which took place from December 17 – 19 at Surakul Stadium, aims to promote health and fitness among Phuket’s youths and citizens, steer them away from drugs as well as a means to find athletes who will represent Phuket in future, said President Paiboon. Altogether, 32 institutions took part.

Phuket track & field event a great successEntries were divided into eight categories, namely 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18-year-old, as well as a general public category. The total number of athletes was 3,000 who are accompanied by 20,000 supporters making up cheering teams.

President Paiboon said that the organization has received strong support by local government agencies.

Phuket track & field event a great successVice Governor Suthee commented on the cooperation and commitment of the organizers, students, teachers and parents. He realizes that PPAO has a strong policy on sports as instrument unifying young people and believes the activities will highlight the schools’ and students’ sports prowess and forge unity among all as well showing the vision of PPAO and in special its head Mr Paiboon. The magnificent parades also show strength of Phuket youths who dazzled the spectators with their shows.

Mr Suthee ended by thanking all concerned.

Last Skal Dinner of 2014 held at Amari Phuket

Last Skal Dinner of 2014 held at Amari PhuketMr Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (front row – second from left in photo) and the other team members of Amari Phuket recently hosted a dinner meeting for the Skål International-Phuket and South Thailand members at La Gritta Restaurant, which was the last dinner of 2014.

Table on Ten at Thanyapura Phuket

Table on Ten at Thanyapura Phuket
From left: Andy Kunz, Anantara General Manager; Albert Ocasio, Angsana General Manager and Patara Suwannakarn, The Garden Phuket Luxury Mall General Manager

Thanyapura recently held a distinguished “Table of Ten” dinner party. Many guests joined that event hosted by Thanyapura management, Philipp Graf Von Hardenberg, Thanyapura President and CEO; and Chris McCormack, Executive Chairman.

Table on Ten at Thanyapura Phuket
From left: Philipp Graf Von Hardenberg, Thanyapura President and CEO; Martin Carpenter, Manhattan Group Affiliate Partner-S.E.A and Nathaphat Asavathanachart, Marketing Communications Manager
Table on Ten at Thanyapura Phuket
From left: Julian Whiteley, Chief Executive of Phuket International Academy IB School working towards becoming a UWC (United World College); Wayne Milgate, Iniala General Manager and Kanokpan Pranweerapaiboon, The Attitude Club Real Estate Managing Director
Table on Ten at Thanyapura Phuket
From left: Albert Ocasio, Angsana General Manager; Tom Travers, Indigo Real Estate- developer Phuket Managing Director; and Chris McCormack, Executive Chairman