Phuket Update III The first AirAsia ''paradise to paradise'' fight between Phuket and Bali was due for take off today, and visitors should be savoring the sights of Kuta beach around lunchtime. The return daily flight from Bali lands on Phuket at 2.10pm, with a swim at Kata beach a possibility before sunset. When Phuketwan called yesterday, both flights were at 75 percent capacity.


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

Phuket Update I A Swedish tourist was found to have died as he snorkelled with a party of visitors off Lanta Yai island in Krabi around 2pm on Wednesday. He was Erik Olov Granstrom, 63, whose wife was among the other snorkellers. Police believe he suffered a heart attack.

Phuket Update II Phuket's hillside ''Patong City'' sign appears to be complete with no workers in sight when a Phuketwan reporter dropped by yesterday. The cost of more than eight million baht came from a national government grant, said Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban. The gateway sign offers a dramatic introduction to Phuket's most popular tourist destination, on the other side of the hill.
Visitors should be warned that it is not intended as a viewing platform. Crossing the road at this point could be dangerous.

asiaone.com For the past four months, some 200 members of the medical staff at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn Hospital have been working hard to bring Atthapon "Pik Namwan" Daengkhamkhun's weight down from 300 kilograms to 87.5kg. The man, finally able to walk again, was discharged yesterday.

dailymail.com Thailand is celebrating after announcing a 12.6 percent rise in visitor numbers for the year so far, despite political turmoil and a shaky world economy. While British visitor numbers remain strong, it is actually Indian and Middle Eastern tourists that are the country's fastest-growing markets.

bangkokpost.com The Appeals Court upheld the Criminal Court's decision to allow the extradition to the US of two British men alleged to have sold muscle-building steroids illegally. Edwin Richard Crawley, 46, and Ashley Vincent Livingston, 47, were arrested in Pattaya on March 21, 2008 in a joint operation involving US Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Thai police.

Associated Press A South Korean company contracted to build a new airport serving visitors to Cambodia's famed Angkor temples says its $1 billion project will also encompass a new city and industrial estate. NSRIA Co. Ltd. said its planned New Siem Reap International Airport and linked developments represent Cambodia's "largest national project" and Korea's first-ever export of its airport development and operation expertise.

nationmultimedia.com A weather model study has found that Bangkok could be submerged by seawater in as few as 10 years, says the director of the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park's Energy for Environment Centre. Seree Supharatid said the capital was among nine Asian cities at risk of being flooded.

bbc.co.uk Malaysia's leading opposition figure, Anwar Ibrahim, has been banned from parliament for six months. Lawmakers voted to suspend Mr Anwar over allegedly misleading statements that a government unity policy was inspired by an Israeli initiative. Muslim-majority Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel.

bangkokpost.com Retailers insist they need another week to ensure there are clear expiry labels on each product in their New Year gift baskets. The Thai Retailers Association urged the Food and Drug Administration to delay enforcement of the labelling regulation, which was due to take effect yesterday.



ARCHERS and spectators are invited to an outdoor competition at Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City from 12.30 on Sunday. The opportunity to try bow and arrow is the first public event highlighting the opening of Phuket's first permanent archery site earlier in 2010. The arrows will fly just opposite the Chinese Shrine, at the end of the Saphan Hin park.

THE Southern Big Bike Party Charity 2010 event will se the arrival of as many as 300 motorcycles today with a welcoming party is at 6pm at Saphan Hin's central stage. On Saturday at 2pm, all the bikers will wear the national flag-colored shirts and at 4pm ride to campaign for helmet-wearing in Phuket City.

Until December 20 Patong Carnival
Until December 18 2010 Asia Superyacht Rendezvous
Until December 19 Phuket Street Show Festival, Old Phuket Town
December 17 US Consular outreach service on Phuket
December 22-24 Disaster warning drills
December 26 Tsunami sixth anniversary
December 30-January 9 Phuket Red Cross Fair, Saphan Hin park, Phuket City


January 6-9 PIMEX boat show, Royal Phuket Marina
January 22 QSI International fun run day at Bang Wad Dam, Kathu
January 23 The Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race Day, Laguna Phuket
February 9-13 The Bay Regatta - Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi


Fourth Asia Beach Games, Phuket