Does anyone know whether there is a new helicopter flight to the Big Buddha? Over the pass 1 hour, I notice a helicopter flying over Kata towards the Big Buddha every 10 minutes.

There's some sort of ASEAN convention at the Hilton Arcadia. Maybe some VIPs there. I've heard the helicopter today as well.

There's some sort of ASEAN convention at the Hilton Arcadia. Maybe some VIPs there. I've heard the helicopter today as well.

Thanks, madmitch. If it is just the ASEAN convention then its ok. Otherwise I can't imagine the noise pollution if a commercial helicopter flight is on offer.

They are looking for dope plantations...

There has been at least one helicopter tour company on the island for some time, so not sure how new it is. It has been very active lately. I have seen it several times a week for several months now flying over southern Phuket. Always the same helicopter. A French made Eurocopter EC130. The Thai Navy also have what I believe is an SH-60 Seahawk stationed at the airport. I see this one around Phuket quite often as well.