CENTARA is showing its faith in Brand Phuket by continuing its Phuket expansion. There are now 11 Centaras throughout Thailand. Coming up: a big, grand 1.9 billion baht Centara, right on the beachfront at Karon.

But first, Centara has signed on the Centara Sawaddi Patong Resort Phuket to the group. We noticed the new signage in Patong, as the media release says, with only a little exaggeration, ''accessible by a 40-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and conveniently connected by a comfortable road system to Phuket City, popular beaches, and attractions.

''Heading for the Patong Beach is just a gentle walk from the resort where the dazzling white sand and crystal clear water of Patong Beach sweeps before you.''

After the Bangkok violence and the exaggerated travel alerts that made Phuket seem as dangerous a place to be as the red barricades, copywriters can hardly be blamed for striving to undo the needless damage to the tourism industry.

Promotions are proliferating. Centara Sawaddi Patong Resort Phuket is offering ''a fantastic value 'Discover Patong Phuket - Introductory Sale'. The special introductory rate begins at 1200 baht, plus plus and remains valid until October 31, which is around the time we expect to see the Centara Grand unveiled at Karon.

No doubt there will be Centara lifesavers on duty.

Meanwhile, the new Patong branch is offering ''complimentary room stay for children under 12 years of age, with a maximum of two sharing parents' room and bedding. An extra bed can be provided at 600 baht plus plus per night.

''Jung Ceylon Shopping and Entertainment Complex and the popular Bangla Walking Street are also a gentle walk distance from the resort,'' the copywriter tells us.

E: reservations@chr.co.th