IT MAY fall short of the scale of the Shanghai World Expo but Phuket's One Village One Product Fair at Saphan Hin park in Phuket City has plenty going for it.

The fair runs until May 4 and is bound to attract thousands of people with an eye for a bargain and something a little different. Products on sale come in all shapes and sizes and have all manner of purposes. But as always, there are plenty that come under the category of food and beverages.

For anyone bored with the sameness of western food and longing for a little taste-bud adventure, the place is a fine way to make a start.

Governor Wichai Praisa-ngob opened the show from the stage last night with a host of dignitaries, and then vanished in a shower of smoke and fireworks.

About 250 stalls have goods on show. We noticed that a lot of dogs seem to be carried around events like this one. Owning a pet dog seems to be a growing trend among the aspirational citizens of Phuket.

Next year, expect to see a village offering Thai varieties of dog food.