Andaman News Friday 4 January 2008

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO: People in the Andaman region joined the whole nation in mourning for HRH Princess Galayani Vadhana’s death and signed the condolences book.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215808

Just like citizens in other regions of Thailand, people from all walks of life in the Andaman provinces of Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi dressed in black in mourning for the death of HM the King’s elder sister HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana. In Phuket, governor Nirund Kalayanmitr led officials, doctors and nurses to write condolence messages in abook set up at the Provincial Hall. The place is decorated in black and white in memory of the Princess. The Princess’s portrait is put up plus the book for people to sign their condolences. The provincial authority also arranged a campaign for people to refrain from drinking alcohol and any other bad habits in tribute to the late Princess. At Wachira Hospital, which is a government hospital in Phuket, doctors, nurses and medical staff signed their condolence book at the Hospital. They also opened it for patients and families to sign their condolences there. In Krabi, governor Siwa Sirisaowaluk led officials to write messages of condolence in the book provided at the provincial hall. He also requested the local administrative body to provide such facilities for people in their respective areas to convey their sorrow towards the Princess’s death. It was the same in Phang Nga where the facility is provided at the provincial hall. All government buildings have their flags at half mast and government officials and state employees observe 15 days mourning for the death of the Princess.

MiniVDO: The U.S. sends condolences on the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215807

The United States yesterday extended a condolence message on the passing of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana, expressing deepest and sincerest sympathy to Thailand. A statement issued by the US Embassy in Bangkok said the Government and people of the United States were deeply saddened to learn of her death. The Princess will be remembered for her valuable contribution to the charitable foundations under her royal patronage and her deep concern for the well being of those in need not only in Thailand, but around the world, the statement said.

MiniVDO: TAT in Phuket estimated the number of tourists to Phuket in 2007 exceeded target of 5 million.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215806

The Tourism Authority of Thailand or TAT region 4 office in Phuket is now accumulating the total number of tourists who arrived in Phuket for 2007, but the Deputy Director Rungjuan Tungrut estimates that the figure exceeds the target of 5 million with an estimated revenue of 95 billion baht. She stressed that the tourism activities and the island’s safety measures played prominent roles in attracting tourists back to the region. During the New Year holiday period, all major accommodation hotels were fully booked. 557 flights were reported in the week, 270 domestic and 287 from overseas, bringing in new charter markets from Europe like Estonian and Belgian tourists. The TAT will continue its overseas marketing campaign this year 2008, she added.

MiniVDO: Phuket sets up crab bank to add more crabs into natural water sources.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215805

The Rasada Crab Bank, the first crab bank in Phuket is now set up with initial 153,160 baht fund from the provincial ‘Happy and Wellness’ program. The Phuket provincial chief of Fisheries, Pairot Sutangkorn, said the project aims to encourage fishermen to bring mature crabs caught to keep in the bank’s farm, providingmore opportunities for female crabs to lay eggs in nature before making use of them. The local community prepares to launch the project on January 10th at a public land site in Soi Kingkaew community in Rasada, as an activity to promote public awareness in aqua animal and local resource conservation.

MiniVDO: A foreign investor is interested in a 100 million baht investment to establish ‘Monkey Land’ at an island off Phuket.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215804

Phuket Vice Governor Worapote Ratasrima chaired the meeting to assess the possibility of a project called ‘Monkey Land’ proposed by a foreign company to establish sucha project on an island, just off Phuket. The 60 Monkey Heart/ Primate Resort Company proposed a project aiming to develop Koh Thanan and Ew islands, just off Rawai beach as wild animal reserved areas. The group discussed with the Phuket about possibilities in obtaining a license, environmental impact, animal imports as well as learning the local authority’s suggestions and restrictions and the possibility in developing such a project. According to the project, more than 12 types of monkeys from across Asia will be brought in to nurse and be visible for public and tourists to visit. The project is expected to cost around 100 million baht investment.

MiniVDO: The official land price appraisal in Phuket rose from January 1st 2008

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215803

Starting January 1st 2008 the appraised land prices in Phuket increased about 1- 5 times compared to the past four years. Land in Thalang District reportedly jumped the most at 284%, while land plots in a housing estate in Saku sub-district of Thalang shot up to an appraised value of 20,000 baht per square wah this year from 3,000 baht per square wah in 2004. The official rates, stated by the Department of Treasury, are divided into 3 lists with the property price appraised in the Phuket City area remain unchanged for the next 4 years. To give some example, the appraised property price in Koh Kaew area near the Phuket Town increased 174% while the price in Rawai rose 178% . The new appraised property price in Choeng Thale was raised as much as 202% while the one in Srisunthorn also in Thalang district rose 284%. The land price near Boat Lagoon is also reported to have jumped 300%. Analysts say that while these figures seem to indicate a huge jump in land prices, they are still likely to be somewhat below market prices—albeit by a much lesser amount than now.

MiniVDO: Phuket Airport figures showed an increase of 22% in passengers last year until November.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215802

The Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited, which manages Phuket International Airport, have informed Andaman News about their latest statistics for the year 2007 up to November 30th. They showed a total of 36,579 aircraft movements, in and out, up 33.01 % from the same period in 2006. The total numbers of arriving, departing and transit passengers in the first 11 months of the year, showed 5,095,560 passengers, a 22.03% increase compared to the same 11 months in 2006. The total freight showed 16,966 tonnes, in and out, a 11.28% increase. These are all the highest ever numbers at Phuket airport.

The Boathouse hotel announced the second Mom Tri’s Boathouse Short Fiction Contest.

They are inviting aspiring writers to write up to 1,500 words of original prose. Last year saw the first annual Boathouse writing competition which was judged by Jake Needham, writer of such bestsellers as ‘The Big Mango’, ‘Laundry Man’ and ‘Killing Plato’ –a Jack Shepherd crime fiction story set in Phuket and starting in the Boathouse’s own Galley Bar. The second competition will be in two parts. Firstly the adult competition open to all, requiring stories of 1,000 up to 1,500 words, containing the three key words: the Boathouse, Phuket and (the big) Mango. Deadline for Part 1 entries will be 29 February and winners will be announced 12 March 2008. Secondly a competition open to young school age writers 15 to 18 years: To get the students going, the beginning of a short Jack Shepherd story is posted on the hotels website. Students are asked to finish the story using between 800 and 1,200 words. Part 2 of the contest closes 10 April 2008. Three outstanding entries will be chosen and announced by the end of April 2008. Prizes include free nights & dinners in the hotel. More details and conditions can be found on www.boathousephuket.com

MiniVDO: The new administrations in Rasada and Rawai municipalities announced their policy for local development.

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215800

After assuming their office in the new administrative team of Rasada, headed by Surathin Lien-Udom, the mayor has made a statement announcing the management policy for local development. Mayor Surathin stated 4 main policies for his administration. They comprise political and administration, economic, natural resources and environment and social aspect with the main aim of local development for the best benefit of local people. It also emphasizes on public participation and evaluation. Meanwhile the new mayor of Rawai Municipality Arun Soros, who was reelected to resume the office after it was upgraded to the municipality area, has also announced the administrative policies focusing on 5 main aspects. They are development in social and people’s quality of life, political and administration, development in education, religion and culture, economic and tourism development and natural resources and environment. He vows to rectify residents’ difficulties as well as response to their needs.

Special - Souvenirs from coconuts at Ban Nateen Krabi

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215726

Coconuts are fruit of wonders as they can be consumed in many ways and forms. Even their shell can turn into cash as villagers at Ban Nateen of Krabi found out. Let’s learn more from our special report how.

These members of a souvenir production group at Ban Nateen are working together as a group to transform and decorate local small coconut shells into different shapes including animals and other utensils in modern style. The products became famous for tourists who visit the area. Ban Nateen community is part of the famous tourist location of Krabi’s Ao Nang. The group was founded 19 years ago under the initiative of the present head of the group Supa Khwaeng-lee who started to use coconut shells from household consumption to make souvenirs. The natural texture of the shell, which is also durable, enables easy drawing and cutting, crafting for different pattern and styles. The group members’ creativities always come up with new ideas which led to the products’ recognition as Krabi’s One Tambon One Product or OTOP. "Our products are categorized into 3 types. The first one is household utensil including dishes, plates, spoons, secondly accessories like necklaces, ear rings and accessories, and thirdly, all types of souvenirs like Logo for any organization, wedding souvenirs and so on. "

Who would imagine that the left overs like coconut shell can be a major source of income for members of this community, one that may be earns 3,000 to over 10,000 baht per month. The peak for orders is November to April as it is tourist season for the Andaman region.

Interview - Varaporn Ponrit or Map, Thai artist, at exhibition My Awakening P

To see or download mini-video, go to http://news.prd.go.th/news_detail.php?newsid=215799

Our interview is with Varaporn Ponrit nicknamed ‘Map’, a Thai artist, who is now holding an exhibition called ‘My Awakening "P"’ at Watermark Restaurant, Boat Lagoon, Phuket until 30 January. She previously worked as an interior designer for "La Scala" in Spain, France & Italy before moving to Phuket; and after studying at Thaivichitsilp Art School & Poh-chang Art Institute in Bangkok, as she first tells us more: ……. Contact: www.PhuketLifestyle.com Tel 081-6963901

from Andaman News TV11 (VHF dial) 8.30am + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, both broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket & Phuket Cable TV Channel 1 at 7, 10.30 or 11pm, Friday 4 January 2008 & http://news.prd.go.th