Phuket Film Festival June 2010

Scheduled for June 4-13, the Phuket Film Festival offers 10 days of award-winning movies, parties and networking events with international filmmakers, cultural activities and, of course, world-famous Thai hospitality.

The film festival is unique in that events will be held all over Phuket, allowing visitors to experience the spice of island life as activities take place in their backyards.

It will kick off on June 4 at the SFX Coliseum in Central Festival with a screening of India's official entry in the 2010 Oscars, Harishchandrachi Factory. Director/writer/producer Paresh Mokashi will be in attendance.

The Gala Opening will take place on June 5 at Royal Phuket Marina, one of the biggest boat marinas on the island. This is an evening of networking with movie stars, politicos and other VIPs from the island. It is supported by Kingfisher Beer, Mont Claire wine and great food from Skippers and Silk restaurants.

On June 6, moviegoers and music fans are invited to The Green Man pub and restaurant on Rawai beach to experience the Thai premiere of a Hollywood movie filmed in the kingdom, The Prince and Me 4: The Elephant Adventure. The screening will be followed by a music performance by internationally acclaimed rap band Thaitanium. Thai stars Ase Wang, Vithaya Pansringarm, Parinya Intachai and Amarin Cholvibul will attend.

The "Meet the Directors" session on June 8 at Cape Yamu will provide some of the most spectacular views of the islands in the Gulf and also some great company as film aficionados will join Hollywood director Darnell Martin for an informal evening of movie talk, networking, food and refreshment, while watching a screening of Darnell's Cadillac Records.

June 11 will see the Thai premiere of another film also shot here, Bitter/Sweet. Joining the movie's gala reception at Vijitt Resort on Rawai beach will be Thai actresses Napakprapa 'Mamee' Nakprasit and Viyada Umarin.

The festival winds up with a world premiere screening of Thai director Yuthlert Sippapak's Friday Killer, which will be held at Kargo in the Laguna area on June 13.

Discounted beverages and great food will be available as Yuthlert unfurls his 'director's cut' of the first in his Killers trilogy. This is a wonderful opportunity to kick back with one of Thailand's most prolific movie directors to discuss the Thai film industry.

Also included in the programme line-up is the international premiere of Adrian Granier's documentary Teenage Paparazzo, the Vietnamese action thriller Bay Rong (The Clash), Australian comedy Bran Nue Dae and Canadian thriller Repo Men.

The festival also pays tribute to Thai director Kom Akadej by offering free screenings of his classic films.

Tickets for all events are available at the main theatre screening location, the Coliseum Cineplex in Phuket Town.

For more information, please call the Festival Hot Line on 081-722-4461 or visit http://www.phuketfilmfestival.asia.

The Royal Spa at Absolute Sea Pearl

The Royal Spa is a Spa Development and Management Company established in 2000, which owns the well-known tropical day-spa “The Royal Spa & Health Club” in Phuket. The Royal Spa is now a well-known professional Thai spa management brand which has long reputation and experience in Thai spa management throughout resort and day spas in Thailand’s top destinations.

In 2004, The Royal Spa signed an agreement with International Center of Chiang Mai University to establish “Phuket Spa Academy”, that offer complete spa training course focus on the educational institution in the spa business. The curriculum and technical expertise has been adopted by Chiang-Mai University known for its high educational standard in medical.
In 2005, “King’s Design” was set up for the team of spa design, construction development and retail division ofthe group, offers a range of spa conceptual design, interior design and product design specifically sourced and created from environmentally friendly materials. They include handcrafted items, apparel and accessories, furnishings and decorative items.

The Royal Spa
Be pampered with the Absolute spa at the Royal Spa, nestled at the Absolute Sea Pearl Resort. Spa options are inclusive of herbal steam, rain showers and luxury bath. The 3 treatment rooms offer a great array of soothing, rejuvenating and relaxing treatments. A truly unforgettable spa experienc

ABSOLUTE “SPA LOVER” PACKAGE / 3 Days 2 Nights Valid until – 31 October 10 Special OFFER BHT 13,899 net / per 2 persons (Sharing twin room or double) Extending Stay : BHT 4,100 net / per room Incl. breakfast Description » Complimentary upgrade to Deluxe Room » Welcome fruits in room on arrival day » Daily breakfast » Be pampered with The Royal Radiance for 3 hours at the Royal Spa (Spa treatments : Herbal sauna, flora foot bath, Royal honey scrub, the royal experience massage and the Royal facial) » Enjoy dining at the Absolute Restaurant with Seafood basket set » Airport round trip transfers » Tax and VAT included Itinerary » Day 1 : Pick up at airport and Check in at Absolute Sea Pearl » Day 2 : Royal Radiance for 3 hours at the Royal Spa : Dinner at the Absolute Restaurant with Seafood basket set » Day 3 : Half day relaxing : Check out and transfers to Airport

Phuket Country Club

Phuket Country Club is the realisation of a remarkable transformation of a former tin mine located at the heart of Phuket, which since 1989 has been the site of one of the very best courses in Phuket, and one that is a must for any group visiting the popular holiday destination.

10 minutes from the centre of Phuket town and 15 minutes from the famous Patong beach, the Country Club is easily accessible, and has played host to a number of prestigious national professional championships. The par-72 layout is just shy of 6,500 yards, and is characterised by holes of hugely differing characters.

The layout can be approximately divided in three stylistically; six holes span natural undulations, six are flatter, while the remaining six are carved through lush woodland. Severe dog-legs and enormous lakes are among the hallmarks of this Thailand golf holiday gem, which is a superb option for Phuket visitors.

THE OLD COURSE provides a strenuous resort 18-hole, 6483 yards, par 72 golf game.

Hole #10, 557 yards par 5, is one of the most unusual holes you will find anywhere; a dog-leg right that snakes around an enormous lake and reachable in one!

To achieve it, you must aim 90 degree right of the fair way – and be able to carry you drive 240 yards over the water. The course is fun and friendly. Set in a valley, the fairways meandering through the hills and limestone cliffs.

You will traverse 3 distinct environments:- six holes in undulating hills, six holes on the level and six holes through landscape forest.

It is generally not humiliating or intimidating (depending on your temperament, of course!). Wayward shots are not too severely penalized; just stay away from the ‘vertical-cliff’ wall bunkers guarding strategic Greens.

Although high handicappers have the best round of their lives and keep coming back for more, the low handicap golfers still find the course quite a challenge.

THE COUNTRY CLUB COURSE is a challenging 3375 yards (championship tee) par 36, 9-hole course, particularly suitable for the low handicap golfer. The picturesque beauty of the scenery and layout, somewhat softens the difficulty of the course. Watch out for those wayward shots; all are penalized either landing in water or out-of-bounds. However, with five tee-off boxes at each hole, you have a choice of making it less of an ordeal.

The distinct feature is water- water comes into play 90% of the time. Black swans glide amongst the water lilies taking very little heed of your slices! (Hint: high handicap golfers, remember to purchase a few dozen second hand balls from the Pro Shop before tee off! You just might need a few!)

THE DRIVING RANGE is conveniently situated at the entrance of the Country Club Course.

It has 52 floodlit bays and just about everything necessary to help you improve your game- chipping and putting greens, practice bunkers, including a restaurant, serving delicious Thai cuisine.

Need help with your technique? Book a lesson or three with the PGA professional.

No time during the day? Day or night, rain or hail, the weather proof bays and floodlight system will allow you to practice your swing any time,seven days a week. Hitting practice balls here is an experience in itself!

Phuket Fun Fly : Photo Competition

The Phuket Paragliding Club, Thailand, are to host their first ever `Fun Fly’ paragliding festival from 21 – 23 May 2010.

Backed by several local authorities and tourism boards, organizers hope to make Fun Fly an annual event, boosting tourism to the area. It will featrure synchronised paragliding displays, spot landing demonstrations and a photo contest.


“Phuket Fun Fly” (See Paragliding Through Camera lens)

Sponsored by: – Canon Marketing (Thailand) Company Co.Ltd.

Event location : – Nai Harn Beach, Rawai, Muang, Phuket

Date of competition : – 21 – 22 (12.00 Midday) May 2010

Objectives. – To promote the sport of Paragliding flight, Phuket and products by Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co.Ltd.

Features contestants.
- Thais and foreigners who use a Digital Compact Camera or Digital Single Lenes Reflex (DSLR) by Canon.

Qualification of the photo submitted.

1. Each photos must be taken with DSLR cameras or Canon Digital Compact camaras.
2. You can use color and lighting techniques from the camera functions only such as Picture Style / Picture Style Editor. All images must not be retouch in any process customized by Application Software from all computers.
3. All images submitted must be in a highest resolution and in JPEG File only (All RAW FILES will be disqualified).

Considered criteria.

1. The concept of creativity.
2. Meanings and accuracy by theme contest

Judges.

1. Professional photographers or expert photographers represented Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co.Ltd.
2. Mr. Danai Pli-Komon, a President of Professional photographer Association Phuket.
3. Mr. Somchai Yim-Pat. An independent photographer and a former teacher of Prince of Songkla University, Phuket campus.
4. Mr. Suparerk Teepapan. An independent photographer and the owner of www.phuketneophoto.com.
5. Mr. Kitti Tantibanpakun. An independent photographer and the owner of www.phuketoutdoor.net.

Prizes for winners.

• 1st Prize: Digital Camera Model EOS 550D worth 32,900 Baht
• 2nd Prize: Digital Camera Model Power Shot G11 worth 20,900 Baht
• 3rd Prize: VDO Camcorder Camera Model FS306 worth 11,900 Baht
• Two honorable mention awards: Printer model MP258 worth 2,190 Baht
• The Competition Management Committee will also honor the last top 10 participants by announce the last top 10 final photos.

Rules and Regulations.

1. Submitted photos must respond to the ideas and topics assigned to the contest. .Submitted photos must only be taken about activities on the event from 21-22 May 2010. Each contestant is allowed to send only 1 photo and that photo could not be changed after submitted.
2. submitted photo must never have been seen to the public, published in books or documents of any drawing made for distribution and on the website. And have never received any awards before.
3. The judges have the total right in decisions and resolutions for all contest categories. Therefore, the contest results from the judges are final and conclusive.
4. All photos submitted are allowed for Glider Club (Thailand), Paragliding Club Phuket and the Contest Organizing Committee to be selected to perform and publish for Non-commercial without a permission and a compensation to the photo owner.
5. All photos submitted are allowed for Phuket province and Canon Marketing (Thailand) Ltd. to publish and present in any goods and media without permission and compensation to the photo owner.
6. The Photo Contest Phuket Fun Fly by Canon 2010. All Participants shall be acknowledged the competition rules and regulations, and agree to comply or accept with the rules and regulations as mentioned above.
7. The contestant is acknowledged, accepted and agreed to follow the rules and regulations of the contest “Photo Contest : Phuket Fun Fly by Canon 2010”.
8. The judges have all the rights of making decisions and resolute result from the judges is final and conclusive.
9. Executives and employees of Canon Marketing (Thailand) Co., Ltd., BMS Event Organizer Co., Ltd. And Phuket Alpha Co., Ltd. is not allowed to participate.
10. The contest result will be announced on May 23, 2010 at 3:00 pm. at the contest area of Phuket Fun Fly 2010, Nai Harn Beach.

Applying to competition and sending picture.

1. Free of charge to sign up for a competition.
2. All participants must submit the application in advance. An application forms are available at the Phuket Alpha Store, 3rd floor, Central Festival Phuket or apply via the website www.phuketparagliding.com, www.phuketalpha.com, www.phuketoutdoor.net and www.phuketneophoto.com, within May 13, 2010. However, the judges may consider opening for more additional applications to apply after the deadline without notice.
3. The first 100 applicants will have an exclusive access to free training on a topic of “Techniques of Photography” by speakers from Canon Marketing (Thailand) Company Limited on 15 or 16 of May 2010. Also the selected participants will receive a souvenir which is a Canon T-shirts. Please confirm to attend the training on an application.
4. The day of a competition, those selected 100 participants must wear the given Canon T-shirts and all must wear a sign tag which the competition committee has provided during the competition.
5. All participants can submit or send their photos at the division of The Photo Contest: Phuket Fun Fly by Canon (Canon booth) in front of Nai Harn beach area before 12.00 am on Saturday, 22 May 2010 only.

Old Phuket Town

For millions of international visitors, Phuket is an island paradise, wrapping sun, sand and sea into a glamorous package that attracts them back again and again. However, 150 or so years ago, the island attracted visitors of a different sort – Chinese migrants seeking to make their fortunes from Phuket’s lucrative tin mining industry.
Many were from the Fujian area of China, bringing with them their Hokkien culture and language; others were from nearby Penang, as well as traders from Malaysia, India and the Straits Settlements. Together they forged Phuket Town, channelling tin, goods and money through the port in Tongkah Bay in ever growing amounts.



Some gained mine concessions, making fortunes and establishing family dynasties on the island. They built huge mansions, similar to the colonial properties in Penang, and wore European clothes. Others set up trading companies and shops-cum-homes along Thalang Road, Old Phuket’s main commercial centre, and adjacent streets.


Old Town Phuket is a maze of one-way streets and small sois (alleyways). For first time visitors walking tours of Phuket Town are the best option to avoid confusion from trying to figure out the one way streets. Walking tours of Phuket Town are also the best perspective from which to take in some of the city’s beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Architecture in the old town dates back to the height of the tin mining era, roughly 80-120 years ago. Lining the streets are Sino-Portuguese-style shophouses. These have a narrow frontage, but go back a long way from the road. To get an idea how far back they go, drop in at China Inn Café (closed on Sundays) at the west end of Thalang Road.
All true shophouses are built to conform with Chinese feng shui beliefs, which include a central courtyard open to the sky, with a well at which the families in the old days would bathe and do their washing. The buildings in front and back of this courtyard have thick walls and small windows, keeping them cool in the hottest weather.



In front, along the street, is a Ngor Ka Kee (Chinese for ‘roofed pavement’), originally intended to give pedestrians shelter from sun and rain. Over the years many of these were taken over as part of the shops they fronted, but recent efforts by the local government have seen many of them returned to their original purpose, making a stroll through the old city much more pleasurable.

 

Making a big splash

Are you ready to make a big splash?  Then Phukets’ first water park is the place for you. Cool off in over six million litres of pure water excitement surrounded by a host of activities and entertainment for thrill-seekers or spectators alike.



Splash Jungle is a thriving and safe destination for everyone to enjoy, from toe dipping kids pools to exhilarating rides like Boomerango! And where better to have a day of adventure than at the edge of Phukets jungle overlooking the pristine and untouched beauty of Mai Khoo Beach, the perfect scene to get wet!
The little ones can splash, play and slide in their own kids pool, whilst Mom and Dad can enjoy a drink at the  swim-up Splash Bar or escape into the Spa Village for a sauna.



The water park reflects seven inspiring places on earth; the Inca Mayas, Africa, Asia, Turkey, Northern Europe, North America and the North Pole.
Thrills and Spills
The maze of adventure begins with 335 meters of the Lazy River which surrounds a Wave Pool, Aqua Play Pool, the two premium rides; Boomerango and Super Bowl amongst many others. Alternatively find time to unwind in the Igloo Sauna or Hot Spring Pool, whilst the little ones explore a Kids Aquarium, Kids Slide Pool and multiple water slides of varying heights and speeds.
Lazy River
This is a fun way to get around the water park as you journey through 335 meters of water which meanders through seven wonderful parts of the world from Asia to the North Pole. So sit back inside the comfort of a floating tube and laze away.
The Boomerango
Located at the Slide Tower.  Starting with a thrilling drop through our Aqua tube, the riders are launched into the Super Bowl, with centrifugal forces keeping them high on the wall for several turns ending in an exciting transition into a splashdown pool.



The Super Bowl
located at the Slide Tower.  Starting with a thrilling drop through our Aqua tube, the riders are then launched into the Super Bowl with centrifugal forces keeping them high on the wall for several turns ending in an exciting transition into a splashdown pool.
The Aqua Play Pool
This is the place where the whole family can have fun together, enjoy multiple interactive water features which are sure to get everyone wet from waterslides of varying heights and speeds to a giant tipping bucket, and if you still feel you are not wet enough then try out the water bomb cannons.
The Wave Pool
The great thing about The Wave Pool is that it truly offers hours of enjoyment for all ages. Feel the currents and waves of the open ocean in the safety of our pool.

There is something for everyone at Splash Jungle making it a great day out with an unforgettable experience for the whole family.  If you seek adventure and have a love for tropical Islands, then Splash Jungle will be your sanctuary of fun.  So enjoy and splash out!

Phuket FantaSea : Dazzling, entertaining and quintessentially Thai.

Phuket FantaSea Theme Park is arguably the best and most popular attraction on Phuket. This cultural theme park combines the best of entertainment, amusement, dining and shopping while showcasing the best of Thai culture and heritage.




Made to impress, everything in this theme park is big, bold, ornate and bright. A glittery display of costumes, glitzy elephants, exotic animals, lively carnival games, sumptuous food, international shopping and the crowning glory of the stage show all combine to provide guests with an evening of entertainment that they’ll never forget.
The FantaSea Theme Park offers two different buffet restaurants. The Golden Kinnaree Buffet is the largest of its kind in Asia. With seating for up to 4,000 diners this buffet restaurant is housed in a monstrous building decorated like a Thai palace. The Golden Kinnaree serves a variety of hot and cold dishes in both traditional Thai cuisines as well as international dishes. The décor of the Golden Kinnaree is as wonderful as the food. The golden walls and detailed Thai peaked roof offer myriad photo opportunities. Equally fabulous to look at is the newest buffet restaurant. The Suriyamas Seafood Buffet offers a selection of Thai and International seafood dishes all in an opulent, regal and traditionally Thai setting.



Cameras are an absolute must while exploring FantaSea. The first major photo op comes inside the park entrance at the koi pond. This large pond is filled with many yellow, white and orange koi who dart after the bits of food that visitors toss in to them. The luxury boutique is another great picture in the making. Its dazzling mirrors and brilliant white lights are stunning. The Palace of the Elephants is the main theater and is a replica of a historic Thai palace and is simply begging to be captured on film.
The main show begins at 9p.m. though the doors open at 8:30p.m. for guests to begin taking their seats. Prior to entering guests need to check-in their cameras and any video equipment, and this rule is strictly enforced. The carnival style games, shopping and exploring the areas are great ways to pass the time between dinner and the show.



The performance and stage areas are simply colossal. Every part of the theater is used, from the aisles to the ceiling and even the audience becomes a part of the show. Modern effects such as rain, smoke, lasers and more are combined with traditional Thai costume, dance and music. The animals are the stars of the show. Included in the performance are elephants, roosters, goats, doves and water buffalo. The show is dazzling, entertaining and quintessentially Thai.

The FantaSea Theme Park is a must see on any visit to Phuket. Bring your camera, your appetite and be prepared to be dazzled by this Thai themed Vegas-style show. The park is open daily except for Thursday. You won’t leave disappointed, or hungry.