PHUKET: Lovers are turning to chocolates this Valentines Day as the price of roses and other flowers rises beyond what some sweethearts can afford.

Isn't that what Forrest Gump said, ''Love is like a box of chocolates . . . you never know what you're gonna get.''

Oh, that was ''life''? Life, love . . . same, same, but different.

Flower sellers on Phuket today were prepared to admit that a 20 to 30 percent rise in prices had caused some loss in sales, although those who put no value on love were prepared to buy roses for 500 to 1000 baht, said Pran Supasri at Flowers by Metha in Phuket City.

Down the road at I Am Flower, Chatakirt Kurdsipeng could still find customers at 600 baht and up.

''Last year there were more customers, but about 60 locals and expats have placed orders this year,'' Khun Chatakirt said. ''There may be more coming during the day today.''

Forty couples are due to tie the knot later today at Cape Promthep in a mass wedding that organisers hope will attract romantics to Phuket in coming years.

The viewpoint at sunset at the cape remains a spectacular attraction. Phuket MPs Anchalee Thepabutr and Raewat Areerob joined the couples at Cape Promthep on Sunday for a few formalities.

Every day is Valentines Day at the cape, with couples having their wedding photos taken and others expressing their affection in a multitude of ways.