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Feb 12, Thailand Thanks You For Not Smoking

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 16:03:57 GMT

Yesterday saw the introduction of a smoking ban throughout Thailand. From 11 February 2008, it is against the law to smoke in any and all air-conditioned bars, pubs, discos and clubs in Phuket and the rest of the country. In addition, the owners of outdoor restaurants and markets are required to designate smoking and non-smoking zones. Perhaps, not surprisingly most bar owners are reported to see the law as impinging on people's civil liberties. According to Seri Hongyok, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Office, bar and restaurant owners can relax until June. "Although the ban takes effect on Feb 11, we will focus more on educating people and issuing warnings rather than fining wrongdoers until May 31."

Jan 15, Phuket Restaurants and bars

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:32:43 GMT

No matter where you are on Phuket restaurants and bars are in good supply. You will find some great places to eat within easy reach of your hotel from Phuket Laguna all the way down to Rawai.

Jan 9, Phuket Car Rental

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 12:27:26 GMT

For the more independent visitor to Phuket I can recommend Phuket car rental having driven my family from Krabi to Phuket. Rent a car and explore the island and beyond just like we did.

Sep 29, Phuket Vegetarian Festival - not as tame as you might think

Fri, 29 Sep 2006 10:55:53 GMT

Phuket Vegetarian Festival is held over a nine day period in late September/early October. It is not for the feint hearted.

Sep 22, Coup has done little to change Thailands real estate market

Fri, 22 Sep 2006 17:09:32 GMT

The effects on Thailands real estate market in the wake of this weeks military coup will vary from region to region say industry insiders. Bill Barnett, Managing Director of C9 Hotelworks in Phuket, says there will be little effect to the paradise islands skyrocketing real estate market. We dont see any significant changes, especially at the higher end where you have offshore companies developing mixed use estates, with hotels and condominiums he said when asked about the development side of things. There have been no glitches among big institutional investors.

Sep 20, Thailand Coup

Wed, 20 Sep 2006 18:32:05 GMT

No one knows how the current crisis will play out but personally I have faith in the Thai people and their King. I believe that the situation will be resolved soon. I base this belief on the way of previous coups in the country. More so given that thankfully this one, thus far at least, has proven bloodless. Let us hope that everything returns to normal quickly and peacefully. In the meantime all visitors are advised to avoid Government buildings and large crowds and demonstrations.

Sep 15, Phuket real estate - another resort development

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 10:27:29 GMT

Phuket Real Estate - I find it interesting to see the trend toward resort-style developments. Phuket Real estate development seems to be following the Floridian model.

Sep 11, Plans For Phuket Mass Transit System Submitted

Mon, 11 Sep 2006 13:19:20 GMT

The consultant company which conducted feasibility studies for Phuket s future Mass Transit systems have handed over the final results and suggestions to the Phuket provincial authority on Friday.

Sep 6, Faith In The Phuket Real Estate Market

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 09:23:46 GMT

Tescos CEO Sir Terry Leahy, one of the most respected names in UK business, was in Thailand last month for the official launch of West Sands, a villa and condominium development on Phukets west coast.

Aug 28, Phuket Aquarium

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 08:29:25 GMT

What do you do in Phuket when the weather is being unkind? Well you could of course go shopping or (in my case) have extended meal times! Or perhaps more usefully, you could visit the Phuket Aquarium. This recently refurbished tourist attraction is at Cape Panwa, in the south-east corner of the island. Personally I haven't been but if you have I would be keen to have your comments.

Aug 22, New Attraction For Phuket Scuba Diving

Tue, 22 Aug 2006 18:01:10 GMT

Sculptures worth 4 million baht have been placed on the seabed at a depth of 15 meters close to Koh Racha Yai, and are being promoted as a special must see site for divers in the coming high season. Phuket Diving Park, as the site is now known, features sculptures including Thai demons (yak), traditional decorative arches, a sala, two elephants and a giant pearl oyster. Over time they are expected to become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of sea life.

Aug 18, Kata Beach - no high-rises here

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 10:56:01 GMT

Kata Beach. This is Phuket's third largest resort area on the island's west coast. Thanks perhaps partly to the presence of Club Med, there are no high-rise hotels to blot the landscape.

Aug 11, Karon Beach rivals Patong

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 10:26:07 GMT

Karon Beach is how Patong could have been. Karon Beach stretches for around 1.5 km along Phuket's west coast. There are hotels, shops and restaurants but not in overwhelming numbers.

Aug 8, Phuket Apartment development at Cape Panwa

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 11:11:48 GMT

Cape Panwa on the south-east tip of Phuket has been popular with visitors for many years. Now you can rent or buy a Phuket apartment here at the Bel Air Panwa - a development of 87 luxury condos.

Aug 4, New Deep Sea Port For Phuket

Fri, 04 Aug 2006 16:26:46 GMT

After winning a government bid, Intensive Mechanics Co, Ltd, from Bangkok, is to invest more than 170 million baht in the construction of a marina at the deep sea port at Ao Makham. Chief of the Phuket Regional Treasury Office, Tamrong Tongtan, told Phuket Post that.....

Aug 3, My Favorite Phuket Accommodation

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 11:36:33 GMT

Which is my favorite Phuket accommodation? That's a tough one because the island has so much good quality accommodation, especially at the high-end. What would my answer be if pushed?

Jul 26, Patong Beach love it or hate it.

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 10:45:50 GMT

Patong Beach is the main tourist resort on Phuket Island and is a must visit. I suspect though that you will either love it or hate it. Patong Beach is not somewhere you can feel neutral about.

Jul 21, Extra flights from Kuala Lumpur to Phuket

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 16:26:10 GMT

From 01 August 2006 Malaysia Airlines is adding an extra flight to Phuket per day. You will now be able to fly from the Malaysian capital, KL, twice per day every day, with one flight in the morning and a second in the afternoon. This might make international connections over KL even easier.

Jul 13, Second Helitour Firm For Phuket?

Thu, 13 Jul 2006 17:02:18 GMT

According to the Phuket Gazette Australian Harry Kerylidis this morning met with Phuket Governor Udomsak Uswarangkura to solicit his support to launch Phuket Heli-Tours, which would become the islands second helicopter tour company.

Jul 12, New Golf Driving Range Opens This Month

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 15:22:34 GMT

Another golf facility in Phuket is scheduled to open on 20 July 2006. The Mountain View Golf Centre is a 50-bay covered golf driving range and practice putting green. The Golf Centre has a resident PGA golf pro and a clubhouse. Mountain View Golf Centre, 8/57 Moo3, Kwang Road, Vichit Tambon, Muang District, Phuket. Open every day from 6am to 10pm.

Jul 10, Phuket FantaSea expanding

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 16:33:43 GMT

I understand that Phuket FantaSea theme park will add three new attractions this year: the Similan Entertainment Center, the Songbird Luminarie and the Tiger Adventure Safari. I have never visited the park myself: it really isnt my type of thing but I have had differing opinions about it. If you have a moment, and have visited, I would be interested in your comments. Please use the Feedback form to let me know what you think. Just follow this link.

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Jul 6, Phuket Town architecture and shopping

Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:34:41 GMT

Phuket Town is not a great tourist attraction. You might visit once during your stay on Phuket but I would be surprised if you go again, unless

Jul 3, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket wins award

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 17:43:08 GMT

Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has been awarded two accolades in the 2006 CEI Asia Pacific Industry Survey, presented by Managing Editor, Kenny Coyle in Phuket last week.

Jun 29, Phuket for New Year will you be there?

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 11:44:16 GMT

As I write this, the summer sun is streaming through my window and naturally I am prompted to think about the Christmas and New Year holiday period! As strange as that might sound, I know from experience that it is around this time of year that those who prefer to celebrate the holidays in a warm climate start to plan their arrangements. Airline seats start to fill on the peak travelling dates, and hotels will soon be putting up the full signs, if they havent already. The peak dates to watch out for are approximately 09 24 December for air travel to Thailand and between 01 and 16 January for flights outbound from Thailand. The hotels critical dates tend to be around 25 December to 15 January. If you are hoping to be in Thailand for the New Year now is not too soon to be making enquiries or even booking.

Jun 28, My Best of Thailand Hotels

Wed, 28 Jun 2006 10:47:09 GMT

In my opinion Thailand Hotels are among the best in the region. Obviously I prefer Phuket but the range of good Thailand hotels is impressive. Here some of my favourites.

Jun 27, Learn the art of Thai cooking at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa

Tue, 27 Jun 2006 11:21:40 GMT

I love cooking Thai food - but not as much as I love eating it! Those delicious flavors and delicate blends of herbs and spices. Yum. Well if you too enjoy Thai cooking and would like to develop your skills you will be interested to learn that the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa has recently launched Ginja Cook, an on-site Thai cooking school. The school can accommodate up to 8 people at a time, at four cooking stations with 2 students per station. Courses are held daily from Monday to Saturday from 8.00 am 2.00 pm. You can learn to prepare such mouth-watering dishes as Som Tum, a spicy green papaya salad Tom Ka Gai , a delightful chicken coconut milk soup; and Nhue Phad Prik Thai On, stir-fried beef tenderloin with young peppercorns in oyster sauce. If your appetite is whetted read more.

Jun 26, Laguna Phuket From Wasteland To Premier Resort Complex

Mon, 26 Jun 2006 11:35:33 GMT

Laguna Phuket was a tin-mining wasteland in the early 1980s when I first visited Phuket Thailand. Today the Wah Chang Group has turned the Laguna Phuket into a premier resort complex.

Jun 23, Phuket Travel the best ways to get around Phuket Island.

Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:51:23 GMT

From the sublime hotel limo to the ridiculous tuk tuk, Phuket travel is very easy but there are a few things you need to be aware of.

Jun 22, Phuket Thailand How to get there.

Thu, 22 Jun 2006 09:52:46 GMT

You can travel to Phuket Thailand by land, sea and air. Naturally by air is the most convenient but the other ways can be fun.

Jun 21, Phuket Map

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:08:44 GMT

Who needs a Phuket Map? I am a Man and therefore have a natural sense of direction - except for that one time.

Jun 21, Favourite Phuket beach

Wed, 21 Jun 2006 15:29:14 GMT

I have to say I havent visited them all but I do have a favourite Phuket Beach. Let me tell you which and why.

Jun 19, Phuket for golf travel? Definitely

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 19:47:29 GMT

If you enjoy golf, travel to Phuket, probably the leading golfing destination in Asia. When it comes to golf travel where else can you find such attractions?

Jun 19, Phuket Thailand, Exclusive Accommodation Beyond The Ordinary

Mon, 19 Jun 2006 16:42:47 GMT

Phuket from the perspective of a retired travel-professional with over 25 years experience. This is a personal guide to Phukets luxury resorts, boutique hotels and villas.

Jun 13, High-end Phuket apartments and condominiums are coming

Tue, 13 Jun 2006 10:25:38 GMT

As Phuket land prices continue to rise, demand for Phuket apartments is also rising. Although there is already a selection of Phuket apartments available, in my view the choice is limited at the high-

Jun 9, Health Spa In Phuket

Fri, 09 Jun 2006 14:10:45 GMT

Finding a health spa in Phuket is easy. Choosing a health spa in Phuket might be more difficult: you really are spoilt for choice.

Jun 7, Phuket Scuba Diving

Wed, 07 Jun 2006 13:22:24 GMT

Among the best in the region, Phuket Scuba Diving offers you choice. From snorkeling to full-blown courses, Phuket scuba diving suppliers have all options covered.

Jun 6, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket Private Villas and Residences

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 09:56:45 GMT

A deluxe hotel and 27 Private Villas and Residences. Guests who rent one of the 27 Private Villas and Residences at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket, will also have access to the resorts facilities

Jun 6, CBRE Phuket Property Report

Tue, 06 Jun 2006 08:36:10 GMT

CB Richard Ellis, the international real estate consultants, have just released their latest report on the Phuket property market. The Phuket Residential Market Guide provides an excellent overview and reveals that the market is still an attractive proposition for investors in spite of (or perhaps because of) the islands growing popularity. According to the report, capital appreciation over the past 4 years has varied from 15-20 per annum, although some properties have seen the value of their asset rise by as much as 50 or 100 between the launch of a project and the transfer of title. Prices of properties range from around USD260,000.00 for a low-end condominium right up to over USD1,000,000.00 for a high-end villa. On the rental scene, which, as I have mentioned elsewhere on this site, is still quite young, Sheraton-managed properties have reportedly experienced an average return of well over 10 over the last 10 years. CB Richard Ellis consider that an actively managed property should produce 6-12 per annum, based on 100 nights occupancy. A full pdf copy of the report can be obtained direct from CB Richard Ellis by emailing them: phuket at cbre dot com (email disguised to prevent spamming).

Jun 5, Thai food restaurants near the Mangosteen Phuket

Mon, 05 Jun 2006 16:02:32 GMT

The following is a starting point for anyone planning to stay at the Mangosteen or indeed anywhere at the southern end of Phuket. I have to be careful about recommending restaurants because it just needs the chef to change, or even be off duty, and everything can change; so please take the following as just a suggestion. This information has been kindly provided by Hajo Von Keller, the owner of the Mangosteen. You could start with the Mangosteen itself and explore the Thai food menu there. The next is worth at least one visit for dinner because Mom Tri's Kitchen in Kata Beach has a great reputation and I am sure will not disappoint. Both of these are hotel-based and have excellent cellars. The rest are more local in style. If you fancy the bright lights of Patong visit Baan Rim Pa and try their Royal Thai cuisine: there is a great ambience with piano music and views to Patong. For a more casual atmosphere try Kan Eang 2 in Chalong Bay, close to Mangosteen. This restaurant is huge, right on the waters edge, with a wide choice of seafood. Another place to try, again near the Mangosteen, is Nikita Bar in Rawai. Also right on the water, this place is popular with expats and Thais, enjoying a cool beer and some spicy Thai food.

May 26, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket: the widest choice.

Fri, 26 May 2006 10:30:13 GMT

The Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket is the largest of the Laguna Resorts. Perhaps best known for its direct pool-access rooms, Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket has a whole lot more besides.

May 24, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort

Wed, 24 May 2006 11:02:52 GMT

Although in a secluded setting Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort is close to Patong. From the sheltered beach of Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort to shops, bars and restaurants in around 10 minutes.

May 22, Kayaking in Phang Nga.

Mon, 22 May 2006 14:06:23 GMT

Eco tourism at its best. Kayaking in Phang Nga is, for me, the single most exciting tour in Phuket and a must-do.

May 18, Mangosteen Resort and Spa Phuket

Thu, 18 May 2006 15:35:30 GMT

If you like views, The Mangosteen Resort and Spa is for you. When I first heard about The Mangosteen Resort and Spa Phuket, I thought to myself itll never work, people want to be right on the beach.

May 18, New Phuket Apartments and Villas

Thu, 18 May 2006 13:56:27 GMT

The trend toward managed Phuket properties continues with the start, this month, of the Mangosteen Suites Estate and Pool Villas at Rawai, on the southern end of the island. According to the Asia Property Report, the development will comprise 4 x one-bedroom residences, 18x two-bedroom, four-tier Mangosteen Suites apartments and two penthouses (both of which are apparently sold already). Just as with other new developments on the island, there is also an emphasis on an environmentally-friendly design. When you consider the seasonal nature of Phuket tourism it makes sense that property owners might prefer to leave their investment in the hands of experienced resort management companies: they are, arguably, in the best position to maximise the rental returns.

May 17, Phuket Island

Wed, 17 May 2006 13:31:56 GMT

An introduction to Phuket Island.

May 17, Phuket Airport

Wed, 17 May 2006 13:31:56 GMT

Phuket Airport is Thailands second largest airport and one of the countrys major gateways. Apart from flights via Bangkok, it receives services direct from Asia, Europe and Australia.

May 17, Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club

Wed, 17 May 2006 13:31:56 GMT

Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club - some of the best sea views on the island.