IS THIS the world's biggest nam prik (shrimp chili paste)? Phuket may have to wait until the Guinness Book of Records people see this photo.
One world record that the island seems certain to hold soon is as the place where most festivals are held.
We'd even suggest that the Tourism Authority of Thailand should begin marketing Phuket as ''The Festival Island.''
Barely a days passes without some fun to be had, some place to go, some food to taste. But more locals and more tourists need to be told about these events, all year round, so they can plan their holiday trips and their fun outings properly.
This evening, it was the first Phuket Local Food Festival, a new four-day eating and music fair at Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City, promoted by the Governor, Dr Preecha Ruangjan.
He wants to celebrate genuine Phuket culture, and food is a good place to start.
A huge number of taste sensations were available at Saphan Hin this evening, along with some great farang style music.
The festival has been organized by the Phuket OrBorJor, to introduce local food to tourists and offer those suffering through the economic slowdown a chance to earn some extra income.
Cultural performances featuring Thai ''famous super stars'' and students, a lady-boy contest plus shows organized by various government sections will also be staged.
Here is what has yet to come:
January 21: 3-11pm Local food booths set up by housewife groups and Phuket somtam making demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Stage shows with students from local schools.
January 22: 3-11pm Local food booths set up by housewife groups and Phuket khanom lar making demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows.
January 23: 3-11pm Local food booths and rice cooking demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows and a Mit Jamlang ladyboy contest.
January 24: 3-11pm Local food booths and ice carving demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows and a Mit Jamlang ladyboy contest.
More information at the Phuket OrBorJor on 076-211877 or www.phuketcity.org.
One world record that the island seems certain to hold soon is as the place where most festivals are held.
We'd even suggest that the Tourism Authority of Thailand should begin marketing Phuket as ''The Festival Island.''
Barely a days passes without some fun to be had, some place to go, some food to taste. But more locals and more tourists need to be told about these events, all year round, so they can plan their holiday trips and their fun outings properly.
This evening, it was the first Phuket Local Food Festival, a new four-day eating and music fair at Saphan Hin public park in Phuket City, promoted by the Governor, Dr Preecha Ruangjan.
He wants to celebrate genuine Phuket culture, and food is a good place to start.
A huge number of taste sensations were available at Saphan Hin this evening, along with some great farang style music.
The festival has been organized by the Phuket OrBorJor, to introduce local food to tourists and offer those suffering through the economic slowdown a chance to earn some extra income.
Cultural performances featuring Thai ''famous super stars'' and students, a lady-boy contest plus shows organized by various government sections will also be staged.
Here is what has yet to come:
January 21: 3-11pm Local food booths set up by housewife groups and Phuket somtam making demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Stage shows with students from local schools.
January 22: 3-11pm Local food booths set up by housewife groups and Phuket khanom lar making demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows.
January 23: 3-11pm Local food booths and rice cooking demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows and a Mit Jamlang ladyboy contest.
January 24: 3-11pm Local food booths and ice carving demonstrations.
7.30-10pm Student stage shows and a Mit Jamlang ladyboy contest.
More information at the Phuket OrBorJor on 076-211877 or www.phuketcity.org.
