KATE MOSS, the catwalk model now being used and abused in the British press the way that Princess Diana once was, is doing her level best to boost Phuket.
According to reports, she spent 100,000 pounds on her eight day holiday in and around Phuket.
Fleet Street may no longer be the centre of the print media universe, but the presence of of a minor celebrity on Surin beach appears to be news the world can use to press hounds who find the latest Middle East death rage a little boring.
So it's Kate Moss, labelled the ''bummy mummy'' by the Daily Mirror because supermodels sag, just like everyone else does.
Now isn't that remarkable and worth a well-placed photo or two?
It may be pure coincidence, but the rush of attention on Kate Moss's bum on Surin beach happened around the same time as a push to restore tourism to Thailand began in earnest.
The same press slagging the supermodel were also urging Britons to visit Thailand (to see for themselves, perhaps, how the ravages of time have affected Ms Moss's derriere.)
A little ahead of the baying pack was Stephen Hayward, Consumer Correspondent of the Daily Mirror, who made Thailand the destination of preference for Brits whose pound is closer to the sand than Kate Moss's rosy cheeks.
Who could resist an introduction promoting ''The top 10 holiday destinations where you get most value for your money'' and a photo of tourists on Kata beach, even minus Moss?
''Recession-hit Britons can make their summer holiday money go twice as far by ditching resorts in Europe and going long-haul instead,'' Hayward enthused.
''Hot spots in Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Kenya are offering families the best value as the pound slumps to a new low against the euro.
''Even though sterling has lost 24 per cent against the Thai baht since last January, Thailand still works out as the cheapest far-flung destination.
''It is less than half the cost of Italy, the most expensive eurozone country, and 43 per cent cheaper than Spain.''
Kate Moss may well deserve a pat on the bot for that free kick for Thailand and Phuket.
Never to be outdone by an opposition rag, the Daily Mail crunched back on January 5 with the heading: Despite politics and protests, Britons 'are best off going to Thailand'
The report by a nameless writer began: ''Despite suffering political instability and civil unrest, Thailand remains the best value for British holidaymakers on long-haul trips, according to a survey released today.
''The Far East country had the cheapest living costs for tourists in a survey of 15 long-haul destinations.
''Assessing eight items including meals and drinks, the study showed they would cost just 39.89 pounds in Thailand.'
'This compared with the most expensive destination in the survey -- Barbados, where the same items would cost as much as 153.73 pounds.''
''The Daily Mail reporter adds: ''In November many Britons were caught up in the unrest in Thailand which involved the closing down of the country's main airport during a week-long protest.
''Post Office Travel Services spokesman Andrew Spice said: 'Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for UK holidaymakers.
'''The Thai baht may have strengthened against sterling but prices remain very low in the country, as our new holiday costs barometer shows, and the discounts now available to top resorts like Phuket and Hua Hin will make Thailand unbeatable value.''
This is all wonderful stuff, especially coming as Phuket's tourism chiefs ponder what can be done about the lack of bookings for March, April and the chasm of the low season.
They had planned a rally led by cut-price resort and spa offers but have now decided a better strategy lies in promoting Phuket at the Asia Forum, coming up in Hanoi, then moving on to ITB Berlin, the world's largest and most significant travel show, from March 11-15.
Perhaps they should take a few photos along of Kate Moss's backside on Surin beach, just for luck.
When it comes to Phuket promotion, we think her bot is still hot.
Follow Up: According to reports on January 11, Moss spent 100,000 pounds on her luxurious eight-day holiday in Thailand.
This is one agency report in the China Daily: ''the 34-year-old stunner paid for her partner Jamie Hince, her daughter Lila Grace, and three friends to join her on the lavish New Year break.
''Chinawhite owner David Tang, former 'Hollyoaks' star Davinia Taylor and her husband Dave Gardner partied with Moss aboard a luxury yacht for five days.
''The party then moved ashore, spending three days in a private villa attached to the glamorous Amanpuri hotel.
''A source said: 'Nobody has ever witnessed generosity like this. She was throwing away obscene amounts of money.'
''The source said: 'They enjoyed a non-stop flow of champagne and shots and a vast Thai banquet. When the bill came, she didn't flinch.''
Phuket's Prime Time Fan Speaks Out
Photo Album One way of Phuket regaining its top spot in global tourism is by having its best known advocates sing its praises. A former Miss Universe and television travel journalist shows how.
Phuket's Prime Time Fan Speaks Out
The Phuketwan Resort of the Year Award 2008
Photo Album Phuketwan starts its second year with its first award for 2008, a new one, for the resort of the year. Take the tour of the resort we think tops the lot and sets the standard.
Phuketwan Resort of the Year Award 2008
Phuketwan Attraction of the Year 2008 Award
Photo Album Happiness probably is more important than success. At least, that's the view from 2008 and the view from the Phuketwan ''business'' award winner of the year.
Phuketwan's Attraction of the Year Award 2008
Phuketwan Innovation of the Year 2008 Award
Photo Album Golf and sailing vie for Phuket's top sporting spot and the latest award from Phuketwan reflects that competition. Greet this year's winner of the innovation of the year award.
Phuketwan Innovation of the Year Award 2008
According to reports, she spent 100,000 pounds on her eight day holiday in and around Phuket.
Fleet Street may no longer be the centre of the print media universe, but the presence of of a minor celebrity on Surin beach appears to be news the world can use to press hounds who find the latest Middle East death rage a little boring.
So it's Kate Moss, labelled the ''bummy mummy'' by the Daily Mirror because supermodels sag, just like everyone else does.
Now isn't that remarkable and worth a well-placed photo or two?
It may be pure coincidence, but the rush of attention on Kate Moss's bum on Surin beach happened around the same time as a push to restore tourism to Thailand began in earnest.
The same press slagging the supermodel were also urging Britons to visit Thailand (to see for themselves, perhaps, how the ravages of time have affected Ms Moss's derriere.)
A little ahead of the baying pack was Stephen Hayward, Consumer Correspondent of the Daily Mirror, who made Thailand the destination of preference for Brits whose pound is closer to the sand than Kate Moss's rosy cheeks.
Spotted Kate's bot? Send us your hot shot!
Who could resist an introduction promoting ''The top 10 holiday destinations where you get most value for your money'' and a photo of tourists on Kata beach, even minus Moss?
''Recession-hit Britons can make their summer holiday money go twice as far by ditching resorts in Europe and going long-haul instead,'' Hayward enthused.
''Hot spots in Thailand, Malaysia, South Africa and Kenya are offering families the best value as the pound slumps to a new low against the euro.
''Even though sterling has lost 24 per cent against the Thai baht since last January, Thailand still works out as the cheapest far-flung destination.
''It is less than half the cost of Italy, the most expensive eurozone country, and 43 per cent cheaper than Spain.''
Kate Moss may well deserve a pat on the bot for that free kick for Thailand and Phuket.
Never to be outdone by an opposition rag, the Daily Mail crunched back on January 5 with the heading: Despite politics and protests, Britons 'are best off going to Thailand'
The report by a nameless writer began: ''Despite suffering political instability and civil unrest, Thailand remains the best value for British holidaymakers on long-haul trips, according to a survey released today.
''The Far East country had the cheapest living costs for tourists in a survey of 15 long-haul destinations.
''Assessing eight items including meals and drinks, the study showed they would cost just 39.89 pounds in Thailand.'
'This compared with the most expensive destination in the survey -- Barbados, where the same items would cost as much as 153.73 pounds.''
''The Daily Mail reporter adds: ''In November many Britons were caught up in the unrest in Thailand which involved the closing down of the country's main airport during a week-long protest.
''Post Office Travel Services spokesman Andrew Spice said: 'Despite its recent troubles, Thailand remains a great prospect for UK holidaymakers.
'''The Thai baht may have strengthened against sterling but prices remain very low in the country, as our new holiday costs barometer shows, and the discounts now available to top resorts like Phuket and Hua Hin will make Thailand unbeatable value.''
This is all wonderful stuff, especially coming as Phuket's tourism chiefs ponder what can be done about the lack of bookings for March, April and the chasm of the low season.
They had planned a rally led by cut-price resort and spa offers but have now decided a better strategy lies in promoting Phuket at the Asia Forum, coming up in Hanoi, then moving on to ITB Berlin, the world's largest and most significant travel show, from March 11-15.
Perhaps they should take a few photos along of Kate Moss's backside on Surin beach, just for luck.
When it comes to Phuket promotion, we think her bot is still hot.
Follow Up: According to reports on January 11, Moss spent 100,000 pounds on her luxurious eight-day holiday in Thailand.
This is one agency report in the China Daily: ''the 34-year-old stunner paid for her partner Jamie Hince, her daughter Lila Grace, and three friends to join her on the lavish New Year break.
''Chinawhite owner David Tang, former 'Hollyoaks' star Davinia Taylor and her husband Dave Gardner partied with Moss aboard a luxury yacht for five days.
''The party then moved ashore, spending three days in a private villa attached to the glamorous Amanpuri hotel.
''A source said: 'Nobody has ever witnessed generosity like this. She was throwing away obscene amounts of money.'
''The source said: 'They enjoyed a non-stop flow of champagne and shots and a vast Thai banquet. When the bill came, she didn't flinch.''
Holiday Phuket: What's Really Hot
Phuket's Prime Time Fan Speaks Out
Photo Album One way of Phuket regaining its top spot in global tourism is by having its best known advocates sing its praises. A former Miss Universe and television travel journalist shows how.
Phuket's Prime Time Fan Speaks Out
The Phuketwan Resort of the Year Award 2008
Photo Album Phuketwan starts its second year with its first award for 2008, a new one, for the resort of the year. Take the tour of the resort we think tops the lot and sets the standard.
Phuketwan Resort of the Year Award 2008
Phuketwan Attraction of the Year 2008 Award
Photo Album Happiness probably is more important than success. At least, that's the view from 2008 and the view from the Phuketwan ''business'' award winner of the year.
Phuketwan's Attraction of the Year Award 2008
Phuketwan Innovation of the Year 2008 Award
Photo Album Golf and sailing vie for Phuket's top sporting spot and the latest award from Phuketwan reflects that competition. Greet this year's winner of the innovation of the year award.
Phuketwan Innovation of the Year Award 2008
Kate Moss? If what the press reports is true about her habits then she's hardly a good ambassador for Phuket is she? You may as well praise Pete Doherty. When will you realise that just because someone is a celebrity that their being here is not automatically a reason to celebrate.
Posted by Rob C on January 8, 2009 11:33