PHUKET: Amari Phuket is one of the resorts embracing Phuket Pride Week, with the Easter weekend combining to boost what's likely to be a record April for Phuket tourism.
With Phuket also being promoted as one of the best places in the world for gay people to marry, the Amari is striking special packages designed for same-sex couples, most of whom are well-off and good spenders.
''In the words of Miss Ross, 'I'm coming out' to Phuket, one of the most popular and gay friendly destinations in Thailand,'' says the Amari in its promotional blurb.
''Rainbow flags at the ready! Grab your closest 'dancing Queen' and prepare to experience the colorful, fun and eccentric nightlife of Patong beach.''
It's a decade since the first gay festival was held on Phuket because Singapore took exception to staging it. Singapore's loss has been Phuket's gain.
And the fun in Phuket Pride Week is open to all. The Phuket Loves You Club (PLU) has just announced its line up of events. Here's what they have to say:
EIGHT DAYS of FUN and celebrations. The theme for this year's Pride week is ''Celebrating who we are,'' and all through the week they will be holding parties and events which not only will offer the opportunity for all people, be they Gay, Straight or undecided to come together and have fun celebrating their diversity and the fact that we live in a mixed and understanding society, but to also raise money for HIV Charities in Phuket.
The PLU goal is to raise one million baht, which will go to help support their partnered charities.
The Life Home Project sponsors the education of children living with HIV or who have parents with HIV, thus giving these children a better future, by helping them to break the cycle of poverty or stigmatisation in which they are trapped.
The Community Project where they work with groups like the Sabaidee Clinic, where local people can go for Free HIV & STD testing, receive safe sex advice and Free condoms.
Some of the weeks great events include:
Sunday April 20
Pride Week Opening Pool Party at CC's Hideaway
6pm to 11pm
DANCE to great DJ's and swim, plus see two stunning cabaret shows.
Special drinks prices and Pride special buffet @ 350 baht (includes a donation to PLU/PRIDE charities). CC's Hideaway is at 84/21 Patak Road Soi 10 Kata. The entry fee for this great night is 100 baht which includes a free beer or cocktail. Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL Thais (but excludes the free drink). No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door.
Monday April 21
All Day Pool Competition by Kiss Bar & Sundowners
THIS POOL competition will be held at Sundowners Bar in Soi Paradise, Patong. There will be singles competitions which will begin at 11:00. They are open to all nationalities and are planned to finish at 7.30pm. The entry fee will be 500 baht per person. There is no charge for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favorite person. There are bar and food facilities available at this venue.
Tuesday April 22
Gay Day Cruise to Raya Island
THIS GAY Day Cruise to Raya Island promises to be a day to remember.
Relax on the secluded white powder beach of Raya Yai Island, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Only 30 minutes and 12 Km from Chalong by speedboat. The brochure price for this great day is usually 2400 baht, but as a Phuket Pride Week special it is being offered at a very good price of just 1200 baht per person.
Wednesday April 23
Volleyball Tournament morning and afternoon
THIS VERY popular Beach Volleyball competition, to be held in front of La Flora Hotel on Patong Beach. This will be a competition for teams of five people, with all teams playing each other on a points basis, leading to a final knockout for the final. The entry fee will be 250 baht per person. The competition will begin at 11am, is open to all nationalities and is planned to finish by 6pm as the light fades. There is no charge (other than for beach chairs - one per person please!) for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favorite person/team. There will be bar and food facilities available and spectators are encouraged to support these by not bringing their own refreshments.
Lounge 69 Pride week Grand opening @ Aquarius 8pm to late
THE BRAND new concept bar in Paradise - Lounge 69 has chosen Phuket Pride week for its official grand opening. Lounge 69 is situated situated in Paradise Soi 2. The evening is free to attend and is offering a free buffet, free welcome drink, great show and entertainment from a live band (subject to confirmation). Lounge 69 will be donating 10 percent of all bar income from this evening to PLU/Pride charities.
Thursday April 24
Gala Dinner at the Millennium Resort Hotel Patong 6pm to 11pm Including Grand Charity action
THIS EVENT is a first for the PLU and Phuket Pride and is being held at the prestigious five-star Millennium Resort Hotel in Patong, near Jungceylon. Dress code is casual but fabulous. The evening will include a high level buffet of both Thai and International cuisine, world famous cabaret show, guest DJs and entertainers. During the evening also there will be a Grand Charity Auction, with a mix of both open and silent bidding, with some ''must have'' items up for auction. Auction items last year included flat screen TVs, weekend stays in Hotels, Thai artifacts, free dinners, spa visits and much more. The function room is in the Lakeside wing of the resort and is limited to 200 people. There are a limited number of VIP tables for 10 at 2000 baht per person. Regular Gala tickets at 1500 baht can be purchased individually or tables of 12. To purchase a table for you and your friends, email gala@phuket-pride.org The evening starts at 6pm for cocktails, Dinner is at 7pm and goes until 11 pm. There is also a free entry ticket for Famous night club for a Gala dinner after party for everyone attending.
Friday April 25
Garland Party at CC's Hideaway 4pm to 11pm Including Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contest
DRY DAY AND ELECTIONS IN PATONG - WET DAY AND ELECTIONS IN KATA
As the bars all close at 6pm for Patong elections, CC Hideaway is in Kata where the bars will all be open. While Patong hold elections for their Mayor, they will hold elections for Mr Phuket Pride 2014 - a beauty and personality contest. Along with this Mr Phuket Pride 2014 election, as always at CC Hideaway, there will be great DJs, the pool for a swim, a giant balloon POP, Special drinks prices and much more.
A special buffet will be available @ 350 baht (which includes a donation to PLU/PRIDE charities). The ticket price for this garland event will be 200 baht, which will include a free beer or cocktail drink, a free D.A.W. ticket and free garland ready to give to your favorite Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contestant. No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door. Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL Thais (but excludes the free drink)
Saturday April 26
Sunset Beach Party at Iguana Beach 5.30pm to 11.30pm
IGUANA BEACH is a private bay in Phuket, 15-20 minutes drive from Patong. We have exclusive use of the beach for this amazing sunset party. Swim, dance, eat and party along with guest international DJs, including one from the famous Catch Beach Club, guest performers, stunning dancers, a sunset saxophonist and much more, whilst enjoying the beautiful Phuket sunset. The ticket price for this six hours of fun is 900 baht which includes a welcome drink, canapes (until 6.30) and buffet BBQ. This is a ticket only event and tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited. For ticket information contact: email: info@phuket-pride.org
Sunday April 27
Grand Parade 3pm - Beach Road Patong starts from Soi Tan at 3pm
THIS PARADE will have many floats and street entertainment from gay and gay friendly venues and organisations from all over Phuket, with fantastic costumes and music. In previous years this parade has always attracted big crowds and this year we again anticipate thousands of people lining the street to enjoy this wild and colorful spectacle.
Tea Dance Street Party BBQ by Bistro in Paradise Including Big draw for of Donate And Win a Charity prize draw
A GREAT WAY to spend your late afternoon/early evening. Music and shows from the bars, dancing and partying in the street during the daytime warmth of the sunshine and a BBQ from The Bistro Restaurant. During the afternoon/early evening at Lounge 69 there will be the big Charity prize Draw of Donate And Win, make sure you come along and see if you have won one of the many great prizes. This event is free, although there is of course a charge for the BBQ. All profits made from the week's events will be donated to PLU/PRIDE charities.
Soi Paradise in Pride Week
AS ALWAYS evenings in Soi Paradise will be buzzing with noise, boys and entertainment, with many bars holding parties and special events throughout the week.
Charity collection/donation buckets
DURING the week at many venues around Phuket you will see the official Charity/donation buckets, all money raised from these will go to PLU/PRIDE charities.
Full details listings and more information on Phuket Pride week 2014 and all the events can be found on their web site: www.phuket-pride.org and their face book page: prideinphuket
With Phuket also being promoted as one of the best places in the world for gay people to marry, the Amari is striking special packages designed for same-sex couples, most of whom are well-off and good spenders.
''In the words of Miss Ross, 'I'm coming out' to Phuket, one of the most popular and gay friendly destinations in Thailand,'' says the Amari in its promotional blurb.
''Rainbow flags at the ready! Grab your closest 'dancing Queen' and prepare to experience the colorful, fun and eccentric nightlife of Patong beach.''
It's a decade since the first gay festival was held on Phuket because Singapore took exception to staging it. Singapore's loss has been Phuket's gain.
And the fun in Phuket Pride Week is open to all. The Phuket Loves You Club (PLU) has just announced its line up of events. Here's what they have to say:
EIGHT DAYS of FUN and celebrations. The theme for this year's Pride week is ''Celebrating who we are,'' and all through the week they will be holding parties and events which not only will offer the opportunity for all people, be they Gay, Straight or undecided to come together and have fun celebrating their diversity and the fact that we live in a mixed and understanding society, but to also raise money for HIV Charities in Phuket.
The PLU goal is to raise one million baht, which will go to help support their partnered charities.
The Life Home Project sponsors the education of children living with HIV or who have parents with HIV, thus giving these children a better future, by helping them to break the cycle of poverty or stigmatisation in which they are trapped.
The Community Project where they work with groups like the Sabaidee Clinic, where local people can go for Free HIV & STD testing, receive safe sex advice and Free condoms.
Some of the weeks great events include:
Sunday April 20
Pride Week Opening Pool Party at CC's Hideaway
6pm to 11pm
DANCE to great DJ's and swim, plus see two stunning cabaret shows.
Special drinks prices and Pride special buffet @ 350 baht (includes a donation to PLU/PRIDE charities). CC's Hideaway is at 84/21 Patak Road Soi 10 Kata. The entry fee for this great night is 100 baht which includes a free beer or cocktail. Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL Thais (but excludes the free drink). No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door.
Monday April 21
All Day Pool Competition by Kiss Bar & Sundowners
THIS POOL competition will be held at Sundowners Bar in Soi Paradise, Patong. There will be singles competitions which will begin at 11:00. They are open to all nationalities and are planned to finish at 7.30pm. The entry fee will be 500 baht per person. There is no charge for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favorite person. There are bar and food facilities available at this venue.
Tuesday April 22
Gay Day Cruise to Raya Island
THIS GAY Day Cruise to Raya Island promises to be a day to remember.
Relax on the secluded white powder beach of Raya Yai Island, swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water. Only 30 minutes and 12 Km from Chalong by speedboat. The brochure price for this great day is usually 2400 baht, but as a Phuket Pride Week special it is being offered at a very good price of just 1200 baht per person.
Wednesday April 23
Volleyball Tournament morning and afternoon
THIS VERY popular Beach Volleyball competition, to be held in front of La Flora Hotel on Patong Beach. This will be a competition for teams of five people, with all teams playing each other on a points basis, leading to a final knockout for the final. The entry fee will be 250 baht per person. The competition will begin at 11am, is open to all nationalities and is planned to finish by 6pm as the light fades. There is no charge (other than for beach chairs - one per person please!) for spectators, who are encouraged to turn up and cheer on your favorite person/team. There will be bar and food facilities available and spectators are encouraged to support these by not bringing their own refreshments.
Lounge 69 Pride week Grand opening @ Aquarius 8pm to late
THE BRAND new concept bar in Paradise - Lounge 69 has chosen Phuket Pride week for its official grand opening. Lounge 69 is situated situated in Paradise Soi 2. The evening is free to attend and is offering a free buffet, free welcome drink, great show and entertainment from a live band (subject to confirmation). Lounge 69 will be donating 10 percent of all bar income from this evening to PLU/Pride charities.
Thursday April 24
Gala Dinner at the Millennium Resort Hotel Patong 6pm to 11pm Including Grand Charity action
THIS EVENT is a first for the PLU and Phuket Pride and is being held at the prestigious five-star Millennium Resort Hotel in Patong, near Jungceylon. Dress code is casual but fabulous. The evening will include a high level buffet of both Thai and International cuisine, world famous cabaret show, guest DJs and entertainers. During the evening also there will be a Grand Charity Auction, with a mix of both open and silent bidding, with some ''must have'' items up for auction. Auction items last year included flat screen TVs, weekend stays in Hotels, Thai artifacts, free dinners, spa visits and much more. The function room is in the Lakeside wing of the resort and is limited to 200 people. There are a limited number of VIP tables for 10 at 2000 baht per person. Regular Gala tickets at 1500 baht can be purchased individually or tables of 12. To purchase a table for you and your friends, email gala@phuket-pride.org The evening starts at 6pm for cocktails, Dinner is at 7pm and goes until 11 pm. There is also a free entry ticket for Famous night club for a Gala dinner after party for everyone attending.
Friday April 25
Garland Party at CC's Hideaway 4pm to 11pm Including Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contest
DRY DAY AND ELECTIONS IN PATONG - WET DAY AND ELECTIONS IN KATA
As the bars all close at 6pm for Patong elections, CC Hideaway is in Kata where the bars will all be open. While Patong hold elections for their Mayor, they will hold elections for Mr Phuket Pride 2014 - a beauty and personality contest. Along with this Mr Phuket Pride 2014 election, as always at CC Hideaway, there will be great DJs, the pool for a swim, a giant balloon POP, Special drinks prices and much more.
A special buffet will be available @ 350 baht (which includes a donation to PLU/PRIDE charities). The ticket price for this garland event will be 200 baht, which will include a free beer or cocktail drink, a free D.A.W. ticket and free garland ready to give to your favorite Mr Phuket Pride 2014 contestant. No need to pre-buy, just turn up and pay on the door. Entry to this event is FREE FOR ALL Thais (but excludes the free drink)
Saturday April 26
Sunset Beach Party at Iguana Beach 5.30pm to 11.30pm
IGUANA BEACH is a private bay in Phuket, 15-20 minutes drive from Patong. We have exclusive use of the beach for this amazing sunset party. Swim, dance, eat and party along with guest international DJs, including one from the famous Catch Beach Club, guest performers, stunning dancers, a sunset saxophonist and much more, whilst enjoying the beautiful Phuket sunset. The ticket price for this six hours of fun is 900 baht which includes a welcome drink, canapes (until 6.30) and buffet BBQ. This is a ticket only event and tickets must be purchased in advance as numbers are limited. For ticket information contact: email: info@phuket-pride.org
Sunday April 27
Grand Parade 3pm - Beach Road Patong starts from Soi Tan at 3pm
THIS PARADE will have many floats and street entertainment from gay and gay friendly venues and organisations from all over Phuket, with fantastic costumes and music. In previous years this parade has always attracted big crowds and this year we again anticipate thousands of people lining the street to enjoy this wild and colorful spectacle.
Tea Dance Street Party BBQ by Bistro in Paradise Including Big draw for of Donate And Win a Charity prize draw
A GREAT WAY to spend your late afternoon/early evening. Music and shows from the bars, dancing and partying in the street during the daytime warmth of the sunshine and a BBQ from The Bistro Restaurant. During the afternoon/early evening at Lounge 69 there will be the big Charity prize Draw of Donate And Win, make sure you come along and see if you have won one of the many great prizes. This event is free, although there is of course a charge for the BBQ. All profits made from the week's events will be donated to PLU/PRIDE charities.
Soi Paradise in Pride Week
AS ALWAYS evenings in Soi Paradise will be buzzing with noise, boys and entertainment, with many bars holding parties and special events throughout the week.
Charity collection/donation buckets
DURING the week at many venues around Phuket you will see the official Charity/donation buckets, all money raised from these will go to PLU/PRIDE charities.
Full details listings and more information on Phuket Pride week 2014 and all the events can be found on their web site: www.phuket-pride.org and their face book page: prideinphuket
