A daily wrap of Thailand news, with a Phuket perspective, plus relevant reports from national and international media.

nationmultimedia.com Thai and Cambodian generals agreed to a cease-fire as Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva called for national unity in response to the border conflict with Cambodia.

thehindu.com British Prime Minister David Cameron was accused of reigniting the post-9/11 rows over Islam and fuelling Islamophobia after he used a speech at an international security conference in Munich to call for a more ''muscular''' defence of Western values and a tougher approach to tackling Muslim extremism.

Phuket Update The first Phuket-Phang Nga Cultural festival is to be held from April 11-13 around the bridges that separate the two provinces, officials agreed this week. The festival will feature local culture, a boat rally, a triathlon and fireworks.

bangkokpost.com The number of sea turtle nests along the Andaman Sea coast had declined this egg-laying season because of a more volatile climate. Kongkiet Kittiwattanawong, a researcher at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre, said a survey found the number of turtle nests on the Andaman coast decreased from 50 in recent years to only 40 this year. Khun Kongkiet said hundreds of leatherback turtles started laying eggs on Mai Khao beach on Phuket 20 years ago, but this year only one nest was found.

express.co.uk Royal Navy commanders have condemned a Dutck couple who demanded a warship escort across the pirate-infested waters of the Indian Ocean. Rene and Edith Tiemessen, who had sailed with British kidnap victims Paul and Rachel Chandler before the pair were snatched by Somali pirates, claim they have the right to protection as they make their way home from Thailand in their 60ft yacht, Alondra.

Phuket Update Phuket Marine Region 5 officers are to inspect all piers on Phuket during March in a quest for greater water safety. Those that do not measure up will be closed. Boats will also be inspected for safety provisions, including the number of life-jackets. Seminars are also planned for boat owners on boat safety, with certification provided.

cnn.com The numbers tell the story: Of the 308 million-plus citizens in the US, 30 percent have passports. That's just too low for such an affluent country, said Bruce Bommarito, executive vice president and chief operating officer for the US Travel Association. "Americans are comfortable in their own environment," Bommarito said.

news.com.au Those considering a Phuket trip shouldn't discount it if they don't want the sort of hedonistic holidays that Patong offers. Nai Harn is also popular with Phuket locals, who retreat to the secluded spot to take a break from the tourists, and with Aussie expats who have settled on the island.

prwire.com Singapore based Castlewood Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of a new two hundred key hotel project near Laguna Village and Bang Tao Beach on Phuket. Two purchase options are available to investors; the first gives buyers a guaranteed return of five percent for the first three years, then three percent for a further seven years. The second offers a return of five percent for the first three years, then full revenue from the hotel's rights of use policy for the following seven years.

birminghammail.net A disabled man's dream trip to Thailand turned into a nightmare when an airline lost his wheelchair on his flight home. Air India spokesman Ramu Masti said Paul Phipps's wheelchair had still not been found but the company was sending a cheque to reimburse him.

news.com.au Virgin Atlantic airline staff have revealed the most bizarre questions asked by passengers on flights, with "Can you turn the engines down, they're too noisy!" topping the list.



The speaker at IBAP's February 11 meeting will be Michael Doyle, a US attorney and co-author of 'Doyle's Practical Guide to Business Law in Emerging Countries in Asia.'

February 8-10 Old Phuket Town Festival, food and walking street fest
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi
February 18 Makha Bucha public holiday
February 23-26 Phuket Gay Pride Festival, Patong
February 25-26 Phuket International Blues and Rock Festival 2011
February 26-27 Phuket Spicy Soccer 7s, Phuket International Academy
March4-6 Pool Asia Expo and Conference, Hilton, Phuket
March 14-19 ADFEST 2011 at Movenpick Resort, Phuket
March 27 Earth Hour commemoration on Phuket
April 13-15 Songkran Festival
May New PPAO Hospital to open, Phuket City


Fourth Asia Beach Games, Phuket