PHUKET: Ceremonies today marked the start of construction and regeneration of two key landmarks on Phuket that are likely to become new drawcard tourist attractions.
Phuket's Tourism and Sport Ministry has been granted 18 million baht to build a spectacular new viewpoint monument on Rang Hill in Phuket City and another 18 million baht to refurbish the Old Clock Tower in Old Phuket Town.
After years of neglect, the Old Clock Tower, home to Phuket's first police station, is to be renovated and refurbished before it becomes a Baba-Peranakan culture museum.
Baba-Peranakan grew from the blending of Chinese, Malay and Thai cultures following an influx of Chinese immigrant workers to Phuket in the late 1800s and early 1900s, mostly to work in tin mines.
The Rang Hill viewpoint will attract plenty of tourists. The hill, one of two in central Phuket City, is already a regular destination on tours for Russians especially.
Santi Palai, Director of Tourism and Sport Phuket, said today: ''We are delighted to have the two projects start simultaneously.
''Phuket City is proving to be increasingly attractive as a tourist destination offering something quite different to the west coast beaches.''
Old Phuket Town is undergoing rapid gentrification with chic bars and restaurants now opening amid the historic stores and guesthouses.
Both projects are expected to be complete in time for the beginning of the 2014 high season.
Phuket's Tourism and Sport Ministry has been granted 18 million baht to build a spectacular new viewpoint monument on Rang Hill in Phuket City and another 18 million baht to refurbish the Old Clock Tower in Old Phuket Town.
After years of neglect, the Old Clock Tower, home to Phuket's first police station, is to be renovated and refurbished before it becomes a Baba-Peranakan culture museum.
Baba-Peranakan grew from the blending of Chinese, Malay and Thai cultures following an influx of Chinese immigrant workers to Phuket in the late 1800s and early 1900s, mostly to work in tin mines.
The Rang Hill viewpoint will attract plenty of tourists. The hill, one of two in central Phuket City, is already a regular destination on tours for Russians especially.
Santi Palai, Director of Tourism and Sport Phuket, said today: ''We are delighted to have the two projects start simultaneously.
''Phuket City is proving to be increasingly attractive as a tourist destination offering something quite different to the west coast beaches.''
Old Phuket Town is undergoing rapid gentrification with chic bars and restaurants now opening amid the historic stores and guesthouses.
Both projects are expected to be complete in time for the beginning of the 2014 high season.
The thing missing from this section of Phuket Town is mature trees. Unfortunately, they seem to be cut down with little regard. Go to Georgetown, Penang to see what a difference they make in rendering a community attractive.
Posted by Feminista on October 20, 2013 17:31