Cotton bags combat climate change

Cotton bags combat climate change

In February, 5,000 cotton shopping bags were distributed to 30 Patong hotels as part of a drive to reduce the number of plastic bags used in Patong.

The project, known as “Be Clean Be Love for Patong Beach”, is organised by the Patong Hotels Association (PHA) and backed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Jungceylon shopping mall and others.

When checking in, guests at the 30 hotels are informed by the hotel’s receptionist that they can borrow one of these eco-friendly cloth bags when they go out shopping, and return the bag when they are finished with it. The hotels are also putting up posters in public areas to reinforce the message.

Krisada Tansakul, head of the PHA, told Phuket.com, “So far, guests have been cooperating and the project is running very smoothly. The PHA hopes to built up an awareness among all parties – not just hotel guests. We want hotel staff, the people of Patong and the Patong Municipality to understand that we all can help to reduce global climate change by cutting down on our use of plastic bags in day-to-day life.” Reducing the use of plastic bags should also result in cleaner streets and beaches.

If everything goes to plan, the PHA will order more of the bags to hand out to other hotels with the aim of covering the whole of Patong. They will also look at the possibility of making the bags from materials that are already available in each hotel.

Aqua Park in Patong Beach

Aqua Park in Patong Beach

Visitors to Patong last high season will remember a colourful inflatable water park on Patong's beach front. This year it's back but looks completely different. Why is this? Well, the Aqua Zone, as it is now known, went shopping in Germany and came back with all new equipment of the highest quality and safety standards.

All inflatables are UV treated and feature commercial-grade PVC vinyl tubes with enhanced elasticity.

This, the largest beachfront activity in Phuket, promises hours of fun in the sun with colourful slides, a massive five-metre high mountain, trampolines and thrilling rides. Why not have a go in the water volleyball court or try out water polo? If you're not feeling energetic you can just relax on the aqua-glide pad. Aqua Zone also has certified lifeguards and new attractions will be added on a regular basis.

Ricky Zen's Flamingo's Bar in Kata Night Bazaar

Ricky Zen & dancers

Kata's newest music development is the opening of Ricky Zen's Flamingo's Bar in Kata Night Bazaar. The Night Bazaar used to be known as 'Crazy Corner' because just about anything went there.

Nowadays Ricky has set up a stage, coordinated all of the bars' music so customers don't leave with headaches and gotten in some great live acts.

Situated right at downtown Kata's threeway junction, Flamingo's is set to become a class act for those who love quality music with snappy humour.

Marriott staff help Aids victims

Aid for AIDS

As part of its "Spirit to Serve Our Communities" program, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has launched a year-long campaign to help Aids sufferers by raising funds and awareness of the problems faced by HIV/Aids victims.

The campaign, "Aid for Aids", will support HIV/Aids patients at Prabatnampu temple in Loburi province. This year's aim is to raise more than 120,000 baht (about US$3,600). Forty two managers from the hotel are taking part, divided into 12 groups. Each group has selected a team captain who is responsible for organizing activities for team members – or "associates" – in order to raise a total of at least 10,000 baht a month.

"The Aid for Aids project helps not only the HIV patients but also the associates, as it inspires them to help others and unites them in supporting a worthy cause," explained John Webb, the resort's General Manager. "We believe that, with love and compassion, we can return strength and hope to Aids sufferers."