Flight low demand for Thai AirAsia in Ho Chi Minh City and Medan force this airways company temporarily suspended the flight from Phuket to those two cities. Still, the carrier remains committed to growing Phuket as its second air hub in the Kingdom.

The two services began at the end of last year with daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City and three flights weekly to Medan, Indonesia.

The Ho Chi Minh service ended on May 15 and the Medan service on April 30.

Thai AirAsia CEO Tassapol Bijleveld says, the aircraft used on the routes will now be used to increase direct flights frequency on Phuket to Chiang Mai, and Phuket to Udon Thani routes.

Starting June 1, Phuket to Udon Thani route will begin its daily flights and route increase for Phuket to Chiang Mai into two flights a day.

Domestic flights escalation will help boost the economy and encourage domestic tourism spending, Mr Tassapol said.

Mr Tassapol described the cancellation of the Ho Chi Minh and Medan services as ‘temporary,’ but did not specify when they would resume.

Thai Air Asia also plans to add new routes from its Phuket hub, including flights to India, in the near future.

By year’s end, all Thai AirAsia flights will be aboard new Airbus A320s.

By 2014, the budget carrier will have 40 new A320s in service, he said.

News by Phuket Gazette

One of Phuket most popular leisure spot is undergo a huge renovation in order to change it to a fully fledged recreational park. Bang Wad Dam project is underway to add a new drainage system, a new bike path, new landscaping and building as it is called “the most beautiful toilet in Phuket.”

That whose control for this renovation is Phuket Irrigation Department Director Weerawat Aungsupanith. He said that because of the dam increasing popularity in recent years, especially among local expats. Foremost among the developments is the 9.7 million baht drainage system, which stretches 3,250 meters around the dam. The system will redirect rainwater, which typically flows down the hills onto the dam’s encircling road which creates hazardous conditions and causes long-term damage to the road. The new drainage will ensure virtually all the overflow water will make its way into the dam.

The company responsible for the project is Nakhon Sri Thammarat company Calearmyod Pattana had started the project January this year. The company hopes for its construction completion within 120 days, or before the end of May. In addition to the drainage system, Chalearmyod Pattana is also building the infrastructure for a state-of-the art restroom facility.

Once complete, a separate company will design, decorate and maintain the facility. Mr Weerawat hopes that it will become one of the “most beautiful” and hygienic restrooms in Phuket. After the current phase of construction is completed, other companies will be contracted to continue other parts of the renovation such as bike path, pavilions and landscaping, which will include introducing new floral species to the area. Plans are also in the works to add a security gate and sufficient lighting for the dam at night.

Mr Weerawat also said there are plans to expand the capacity of the dam reservoir by 3.3 million cubic meters by adding an additional three meters in depth. The construction schematics have been prepared, but Phuket Irrigation Department is still waiting for a confirmation regarding the dam tenacity which has already 30 years old.

News by Phuket Gazette

17 million baht has been provided by Phuket Provincial Administration Organization (PPAO) for installation funding of 53 more closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in and around Phuket Town.

PPAO President Paiboon Upatising met with Phuket Provincial Police Commander Pekad Thantipong and other high rank police officers on Wednesday morning at the CCTV monitoring center in Phuket City Police Station. Mr Paiboon told the officers the purpose of the project is to increase safety for local residents and tourists alike.

The locations of the 53 cameras will be as follows: Saphan Hin, Phuket Provincial Bus Terminal, Suan Luang Park, Queen Sirikit Park, Lan Nawamin Park on Phuket Road, Rang Hill.

There will also be one CCTV camera installed at some intersections for instance is Thepkrasattri Rd-Komarapat Rd, Yaowarat Rd-Komarapat Rd, Thepkrasattri Rd-Phang Nga Rd, Chao Fah East Rd-Sakdidet Rd, Sakdidet Rd-Sakdidet Soi 1, Wichit-Songkraam Rd-Mae Luan Rd, Thepkrasattri Rd-Tungkha Rd, Dowroong School Intersection, and Kaset Market Intersection. Whether, for the location of one more camera has yet to be announced.

The installation work will be carried out by Advance Information Technology (AIT) Public Company Limited, which won an ‘electronic bid’ with the low tender of just over 16.8 million baht earlier this year. AIT, which began the work in mid-September, only has until January 15 to complete installation under the contract terms.

All 53 cameras are waterproof, sun resistant and have a 35x digital zooms and 360-degree imaging capability, set for round the clock recording and storage to DVD, Mr Paiboon said.

The Phuket Town work is a ‘prototype project’ under the PPAO’s ‘Information and Technology Police to Protect the Lives and Property of Phuket Residents and Tourists’.

“In the future we will install more CCTV cameras in other areas, such as Chalong Bay. Eventually we will cover the entire island,” Mr Paiboon said.

News by Phuket gazette

Plans for a world-class convention center on the island have come and gone for almost two decades, with numerous sites considered and plans unveiled. Under the latest plan, the center is to be built on Treasury Department land in Mai Khao, near the Sarasin Bridge.

The lion’s share of the newly approved budget, 5.8 billion baht, is slated for an expansion of Phuket International Airport that will increase transit capacity from 6.5 million to 12.5 million passengers annually. An additional 2.8 billion baht is earmarked for the convention and exhibition center, which will be built without a hotel and some other facilities that were included in the original proposal.

Phuket MP Raywat Areerob of the Democrat Party said Mai Khao and Thalang in general stood to benefit in many ways from the convention center, including an improved road network with overpasses. The Mai Khao location will also make the center more easily accessible to people driving in from Phang Nga and Krabi, he said. But following that plan, some people have criticized the location as too remote from the island’s main population centers to be practical.

Other projects approved under the plan include 100 million baht for a new indoor stadium at Saphan Hin, 400 million baht for an overpass or tunnel at the Darasamuth School Intersection on the bypass road, and approximately 90 million baht for infrastructure improvements, including paving of dirt roads.

Mr Raywat said the funds should be available after next month.

Construction of the convention center should take two or three years, he said. Whether for the airport expansion works or known as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process was completed earlier this year, but plans still need to be drawn up and finalized before it can go out to bid, he said. Then, Darasamuth School Intersection flyover (or tunnel) would be the most labor intensive of the smaller projects. Still in the very early stages of its extensive EIA preparation, it could take up to five years to complete, he said.

News by Phuket Gazette

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas opened today with over 75% occupancy booked for December and January. The second property of Outrigger in Phuket opened on time in an environment where many hotel openings have been delayed. The opening General Manager, Mr Pieter van der Hoeven, attributed exceptional booking levels from Korea, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia to the resort’s unique value plus space proposition.

Until 31 March, 2011 the 229 square meters two-bedroom villa will sell from Thai Baht 6,000 (US$176), the 457 square meters three-bedroom pool villa starts at Thai Baht 9,000 (US$265), and the 604 square meters four-bedroom pool villa is available from Thai Baht 13,000 (US$382).

“We are getting a lot of interest and bookings from visitors who already know Phuket quite well, but want a home away from home where they can find time for themselves in luxury surroundings,” said Mr van der Hoeven.

The 68-villa property is part of the Laguna Phuket destination resort at Bang Tao beach. Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas guests have signing privileges at 30 food and beverage outlets and spa facilities across Laguna Phuket, and at the nearby Laguna Phuket Golf Course. Outrigger guests also receive free transfers to the resort’s own beach club.

Mr van der Hoeven said butler service, a gymnasium, a kids’ club, free wifi and a conveniently located international poolside restaurant were contributing factors that had driven demand beyond pre-opening expectations.

The special opening rates at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, which are valid until 31 March 2011, can be booked online at www.outrigger.com. Or by calling (+66) 76 336 900. Or by emailing laguna@outrigger.co.th. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charge and VAT and are valid from 1 December 2009 until 31 March 2011.

Source: etravelblackboardasia.com

You know that frame of mind when you do not want to know anything, ask no questions? That is the beginning of luxury – not having to think, plan, book tickets, pack ….well, I am taking it a bit too far. I would rather pack for myself than have my husband pack. The last time he planned a surprise trip, he packed backless black cocktail dresses and stilettos for chilly Mashobra. Normally, a killer for information, I was happy being told, “We are off to a beach place.”

At Delhi airport, “We are off to Bangkok.” No surprises. “You will be driven to your hotel in a tuk-tuk.” Now that was exciting. I am all for hopping onto to rickshaws, tongas or trams to get the ‘local’ feel. The tuk tuk was a silky smooth BMW that lulled me into an early morning snooze.

Banyan Tree, Phuket. I took in the lobby and sank into sheer decadence. A golf cart took us through vast greens, ponds, palms to our villa. The pool seemed to stretch and fall into the lagoon at the edge. A waterfall on one side, an open Jacuzzi on the other, the foliage all fused into one to create a picture. A lomi lomi massage at the edge of the lagoon was like a straight dive into the way of life for the next three days.

The massage and steam made us skip lunch. Pink rose tea with finger sandwiches, mini almond-and-fruit tarts served on a tiered platter was a light treat. A walk to the beach to watch the sun going down and surf coming in was all right. The pull of the Banyan Tree proved greater. The hedonist in me was awakening. A swim in the pool to earn dinner seemed to be more the thing to do.

The villa beckoned. Languorous and still drinking in the sounds and smells of twilight, we ‘buggied’ our way to Saffron for dinner. I wanted to taste Tom Yum and Tom Kha in Thailand to assure myself that we get the authentic version in India. Both the soups were amazing, the prawns melting on the tongue, the galangal biting and the lemon grass suffusing the overall taste. The broth was tart, sassy and just sour enough. I have not seen galangal so finely sliced, almost thread-like. The steamed snow fish with lemon and sweet chilly and the sauteed Phuket lobster in dry red curry sauce accosted us with a cheeky mixture of sensations. No room for dessert. Pampered to the point of being silly, we chose to fall asleep on fresh, crisp white cotton sheets and foam pillows. There was a choice of kapok, rayon, satin, cotton sheets along with foam, feather pillows.

Breakfast in bed or breakfast in pool? The huge basket captured my attention with its an endless array of eats – omelettes, fruits, cereal, coffee, juices. A swim later, the action began. A short walk to one of the pavilions was the start. Surrounded by ebony and gold filigreed pillars, birds of paradise blossoms, fish swimming in a lotus pond, I could only feel hands pressing, kneading, sliding the lemony kaffir lime scrub and the massage after that. A four-hour treatment seemed like four moments. Back to the villa on the buggy, my eyes never tired of the orchids flowering carelessly.

We watched the night come in. From peach to orange to a sap green before the colors of purple darkness took over. We decided to dine at Lotus, one of the more famous restaurants in Phuket. We entered to see crabs, shrimps, lobsters, tuna swimming in tanks to be weighed and cooked. We chose to remain faithful to a grilled lobster with Penang sauce, and crab in red curry. Lime and lychee sorbet to round off the hot spicy meal on the beach.

Deep, contented slumber and then a huge Thai and Japanese breakfast. Miso soup, shrimp broth, Thai omelette, wheat noodles and some fruits later, we meandered into another spa pavilion for the Tranquility Hydromist Revitalising treatment. A hot steam and gentle shower on each point of the body later, we were scrubbed with a creamy ginger and honey scrub. I kind of figured out the life that Cleopatra led … something similar to this.

It did not stop here. More than warm honey was slathered on generously. I understood what it meant to be steeped in the satiny finish, feathery in touch and reaching into your very insides. The glow, as they say, went deeper than skin; I made up my mind never to scoff at such romantically sensuous descriptions. An hour’s massage with Bergemot oil and a facial … such bliss. Sensuousness is spiritual here.

The spoilt-for-choice syndrome is on rampage here. The spa treatments are many and attractive. I need to be here for another week to try each package and those purse strings as well. The food at the Water Court with its Mediterranean flavors in citrus salad with garlic prawns and charred aubergine cappuccino or the intimate dinner at the Sala Terrace. There is too much to eat, drink and get massaged.

We giggled like teenagers as the Banyan Tree staff moved noiselessly to set up the ‘Intimate Moments’ evening. The entire passage through the villa was lined with purple orchids and candles right up to the open bath. Orchids floated in the water. Wine glasses and a wine bottle waited silently on the side. Bath salts, aroma sticks et al, we slipped into the bath. Stepping into the bedroom had some more delights unfolding. A sinful chocolate mousse bedecked with a chocolate rose await.

Phuket has a range of tours from coach trips to private excursions. Island tours leave daily stopping at places like national parks, temples and areas of interest. Some specialize in giving a flavor of local island life with stops at rubber and coconut plantations, while others focus on shopping and visiting spas.

Phuket has some of the world’s finest beaches like Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, Surin Beach …

Whether they are held to honor a religious belief or just for fun, the festivals of Phuket are exciting, sometimes bizarre spectacles. The island’s most distinctive event is the annual Vegetarian Festival.

Most hotels are within close proximity to the beach, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and activity centers, which makes getting round on foot the best bet.

Written by MITA KAPUR
Published on The Hindu – beta.thehindu.com

The resort is also only 40 minutes drive from Phuket International Airport making it an easy and convenient location for guests. Families can visit Patong Beach and Phuket town with complimentary transfers provided twice daily by the hotel. A short half hour drive and families are in Patong Beach experiencing the shopping and night life.

The Bel Air Resort and Spa, Panwa, Phuket offers a choice between its 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom suites featuring extensive living space and the luxury of outdoor balconies. Each of the suites provides the finest in modern amenities such as televisions with DVD players, personalized kitchen and private on-call butler service, making in-room dining a pleasure. The suites have an open balcony with spectacular sea or garden views. Selected suites and plunge pool suites also provide private and direct pool access at the edge of the balcony.

Guests can dine at Giovanni’s Restaurant serving international cuisine with a selection of wines, seafood & Thai dishes. At day’s end, guests can enjoy an icy cold beer or an exotic cocktail served at Panwa Bar and Lounge. The Patio Bar and Kitchen is an informal open-air restaurant situated next to the main pool affording stunning views across Phan Nga bay and Phi Phi island. It offers a wide range of mouth-watering Asian and Western favorites from poolside snacks and Tapas to extensive a la carte menus. Dinner theme buffets are being offered on select evenings alongside live entertainment by our resident band. Children’s menus are available throughout the day.

The Kids World offers different sections for different ages, offering play stations, internet café, movie room, juice bar, indoor and outdoor games, all in a spacious setting, and supervised with love.

Exclusive for guests of The Bel Air Resort and Spa, Panwa – Phuket is the use of the Beach Club located only 1.4 kms from the resort, approximately 3 minutes by our free shuttle bus. The Beach Club provides loungers with side tables and umbrellas to enjoy the sun, sea and sand in complete relaxation. The Resort Beach shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the resort to the beach. Unlike hotels on Patong Beach, Bel Air Panwa can arrange private beachside BBQs in the evening for families and groups.

All package rates include complimentary roundtrip transfers to/from Phuket international airport and are fully inclusive of breakfast.

C9 managing director Bill Barnett said despite the delays, new developments continued to enter the stream, with 38 properties offering 6,231 rooms at various stages of advancement in the construction cycle. “Non-traditional product, such as hotel-managed villas and condos, now represent 34 per cent of the upcoming inventory,” Barnett said.

The research shows tourist arrivals declined 14 per cent in the first half of the year, but a combined luxury/upscale/middle-market occupancy rate of 60.4 per cent produced an average room rate of US$141 (Bt4,800).

The report also said branded hotels outperformed non-branded properties in terms of rates by 33.7 per cent, although the non-branded sector outperformed the brands on occupancy by 12.4 per cent. “Looking forward, short-term trading will focus on occupancy at the expense of long-term rate strategies,” Barnett said.

“Cash flow is a key underlying consideration in this market, with most hospitality assets largely carrying low debt ratios. Defying the trends are the high-end tier luxury properties which operate in a favorable supply-and-demand segment and budget-tier hotels that have captured changing demographics are experiencing business from price-conscious travelers.”

The report concluded Phuket’s long-term outlook remained positive with brand concentration, growing airlift and infrastructure improvements, although a recovery has effectively been written off for this year, with prospects pushed into next year instead.

News by The Nation Business – www.nationmultimedia.com

Currently on the island there are nearly 40,000 rooms in registered tourism establishments, ranging from guest houses up through to branded hotels with approximately 10,000 of these, or 25% of total supply, being international star rated. Adding in the new inventory there will be an increase by 50% of the existing international standard units, with 47% being upscale and luxury hotels, 41% midscale, 9% budget/economy and 3% extended stay (villas/condos). 2009 is set to see the largest surge in supply with 38% or 1,850 new rooms scheduled to open.

According to C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett, “Significant trends emerging include a greater number of Thai investment entities developing new hotels at the back of both publicly listed firms and private individuals. Much of this can be attributed to the domestic liquidity and greater availability of debt. Branding of hotels is also on the rise with 27 of the 30 hotels operated by international, regional and domestic chains. Thailand based brands such as Anantara and Centara are growing at a rapid pace and regional chains such as Langham are now expanding into the country.”

Adds Barnett, “The hotel market in Phuket 2.0 is seeing a strong shift of new properties at the northern end of the island in particularly Mai Khao and now even over the bridge into Phang Nga. The east coast and Phang Nga bay are set to define a new era of luxury properties at the back of offerings which include The Yamu – designed by the design dream team Philippe Starck/Jean Michel Gathy, Jumeriah Private Island and Taj Exotica.”

“There remains growing concern on possible oversupply issues facing the island in the coming years and what is currently a sleeping giant, in terms of supply growth, is the conversion of exclusive villas and condos, in the non-traditional accommodation segment, becoming a direct competitor to the mainstream hotel market,” Barnett concluded.

News by Taiwan News – etaiwannews.com

The celebrations on 25th November, 2008, involved special offerings to the Guardian Spirit at the Spirit house early in the morning, Buddhist blessing ceremonies conducted by nine monks, and prayers and blessings from five imams during a Muslim ceremony. All of the staff were thanked for their efforts with special meals served at the Mongkut Staff Canteen.

During the celebrations, Peter Komposch, GM of Dusit THani Laguna, explained “I have learned from many guests that they return again and again because they really enjoy our beautiful resort and our exceptional services and facilities. We constantly update and maintain our standards of service as well as the facilities and guest rooms, so every time they come back they always find some new pleasant development,” he continued. “It makes them feel good that someone is taking care of their 2nd home away from home.

News by e-Travel Blackboard – etravelblackboard.com