Phuket.com Magazine
December
2006
Dear Reader,
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| Phuket.com Team
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We are proud to present you with our brand
new monthly Phuket.com Magazine. We picked December for our
launch partly because, this month, all Thais celebrate the birthday
of our beloved monarch, HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This is a particularly
special year because it is his 79th birthday.
Another reason for picking December is that,
on Phuket, it's the holiday season - a great time to celebrate.
Our aim is to be a community magazine, giving both tourists and
local residents useful, up-to-date information - with a good helping
of fun.
Now, make yourself comfortable and enjoy
our first issue. And from all the team here, have a terrific holiday
season!
Rungtip Hongjakpet Izmen
editor@phuket.com
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Jungceylon
Phuket will have reason to celebrate
early in the New Year when the island's largest shopping, restaurant
and entertainment centre, Jungceylon, finally opens officially.
Even better, the giant complex will hold its soft opening just
before Christmas. Read more... |
Villa Development in Phuket
Peter Tkac of Shibumi Villa
Management is a man with secrets. "I can't tell you who
my customers are," he said, "because part of my job
is to protect their privacy and that of their guests."
But he doesn't mind talking in general terms about what his
customers - the owners of multi-million-dollar villas on Phuket
- want. Read more.. |
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Phuket
Personality:
Niran Kalayanamit Governor of Phuket
On November 13, 2006, Niran Kalayanamit
became Governor of Phuket. Gov Niran is no stranger to local
people and some of the island's frequent visitors; before
his promotion he was one of Phuket's vice-governors for five
years.
He is not a tall man and he is soft-spoken. He has a way of
making people feel that he is listening with care to what
they have to say. He gives you time to talk. A new kind of
leader, perhaps. Read more...
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Silk
and Lair
Lay Tong
Sam Wilkinson proudly
presents two superb restaurants in this edition of Phuket.com
Magazine. Try Silk, near Surin
Beach, for a special and intimate dining experience or head to Lair
Lay Tong in Patong for a taste of Thai home-style cooking. From
upscale atmosphere in serene surrounds to no-frills feasts in a
refuge from the ruckus, Sam shows just how versatile the Phuket
food scene is. Read
more...
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Paddling in Phang Nga Bay
It's the late afternoon, and from
the small plot of white sand I've laid claim to, I can see Phuket
Island, the mainland province of Phang Nga, and a couple small, uninhabited
islands - both inspiring Gilliganesque fantasies. Another boat arrives,
an armada of inflatable canoes storms the beach, and tour guides do
battle in a game of beach football while their charge flop on mats
in the shade and reflect on the day. Read more... |
Krabi: A Krash Kourse
Krabi must be seen to be believed.
I know, everybody says that. But unlike the travelling freak show,
this is for real (and it won't scare the kids). A big chunk of wild
mainland and a smattering of islands in the Andaman Sea, Krabi province
is unique in its mind-boggling scenery, ecological diversity, and
million-and-one ways to get out and have fun. It may not be as well
known as its sister-in-the-sea Phuket - a big plus for recently converted
Krabi-heads - but it's just as accessible. Read
more... |
Phuket Health
Some five years ago, doctors on Phuket
reasoned that Thailand's low costs yet high medical standards, coupled
with the sea-sun-and-sand-factor, gave the island huge potential as
a prime destination for health vacations.
Backed by hospitals and government
bodies, they started sending out the message, and took road shows
to Singapore, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Japan and many other countries.
Read more...
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Jazz
Royale Festival
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is to hold the inaugural greatest
jazz festival of the year, "Jazz Royale Festival", in order
to honour His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej, as the world's royal
musician, on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration in 2007.
The event will be held during December 9-17, 2006, with more than
100 world-class artists and staff taking part. Led by Kenny G, McCoy
Tyner, Nancy Wilson, Chris Botti, Regina Carter Quintet, and The Dizzy
Gillespie™ All-Star Big Band, the event will take place in four
main cities of Thailand, comprising Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai,
and Phuket. Read more... |
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Visiting local markets
There's a saying that if you really
want to get to know a country, you should go to the market. In Thailand
that's certainly true; you can soak up a whole lot of local flavor
- and eat some too - just by walking around the local market.
Thais just love to eat - they snack all day - so in any market you'll
find cooked food along with a huge variety of vegetables, all kinds
of meats and every spice and herb you can think of, as well as a load
of them you never even knew existed. Read more... |
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The Art of Wai
Do learn how to wai. For Thais, the
wai is everything. It's a beautiful way to greet people, to say thank
you or goodbye.
Most Thais expect and accept handshakes from
Westerners, but you will probably feel more at home in Thailand
if you do things the Thai way and learn to wai. Read
more...
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Phuket's Top Ranking
Beaches
Boats. Soft sand. Eye candy. Chairs.
Solitude. Snorkelling. Shade. Really big men in really small swimming
suits. There are limitless make-or-break factors in a great beach
being an amazing beach experience. Everybody has their preference,
and now you can voice your opinion with our interactive top ten
list. It’s a great place for first-timers to learn about Phuket,
while old-timers can finally put to rest that age-old question:
Which of Phuket’s beaches is top dog? Read
more...
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