Prime Phuket property remains among the cheapest

Prices of prime Phuket property are amongst the cheapest of the world’s most popular international homes market according to a new report.

The International Residential Report published by Chesterton Humberts discovered the price of new homes on the Thai island were EUR3,500 (US$4,460) per sqm. Prices for similar homes in Singapore were recorded at EUR16,200 (US$20,650), and at EUR19,500 (US$24,850) in Hong Kong. Monaco remains the world’s most expensive location for property, with prices for a second hand home coming in at EUR45,000 (US$57,350) per sqm.

The report said: “While the Asia Pacific region is largely maintaining healthy growth rates with China and India leading the way, the road to recovery remains bumpy in Europe and North America – a scenario that is broadly mirrored in the respective residential property markets.”

It also noted the millionaire population is rising fastest in the Far East – with Singapore, Malaysia and China all recording growth of 35 per cent, 33 per cent and 31 per cent respectively.

“Several Asian markets, like China and Singapore for example, are already exhibiting signs of overheating. If another bubble is developing, this would indicate a worryingly short cycle from trough to peak and back again although both the Chinese and Singaporean governments have taken decisive action to head off such an occurrence through a combination of restrictions on purchases, tax penalties and increased public land sales,” the report concluded.

Absolutely Fractional

The Absolute World Group are Asia’s leading lifestyle vacation club, property development and hotels & resorts organisations with offices across China, Europe, Hong Kong, Russia and Thailand.



The Absolute World Group are pioneers within the exciting fractional industry in Asia Pacific and organise the industry's highly anticipated fractional conference, AOCAP 2009. Absolute Fractionals represents a collection of fully managed and fully serviced properties offering headache-free deeded outright secure ownership with a one time payment to own for a lifetime.

Tiger means business

PHUKET is likely to be central to the ambitions of the new Thai Tiger budget airline, with details to be formally announced in Bangkok today.



AirAsia’s declaration of Phuket as a regional hub and its rapid expansion to link up the region at low cost has pushed the increasingly popular red brand’s claim to be the industry leader.
Now Thai Airways, the national carrier, is finally reacting. Tiger, based in Singapore, and with a toe-hold in Australia and growing international exposure, is a natural ally.

Thai Airways has suffered from the conceit that as the national airline, it somehow automatically warrants the support of air travellers in Thailand. That approach may have worked through the 20th century, but the 21st century is redrawing the global flight patterns and many fliers are choosing V for value over S for superior service.
Phuket is being seen as one of the key destination battle zones for the new era of budget competition. The battle over value is matched by the battle to lock in the rougher V shape geography formed by Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Phuket.
In Southeast Asia, this three-country zone is likely to be the target for rapid air travel expansion over the next 20 years, both for business and tourism.
In many ways, Phuket is in the process of breaking free and proving its independence from its traditional links to Bangkok. The recent political violence in the capital only served to emphasise the difference.



Plans have been approved to double the capacity of Phuket International Airport before 2015. And already existing flight entry space has become precious as carriers seek a trouble-free destination within Thailand.
In Australia, fares have tumbled as Tiger challenges Virgin Blue and Qantas in a market that has never previously supported more than two national carriers for longer than two years. Tiger has nine planes based in Australia, where it has been leading the competition for lower prices.
Jetstar, the Qantas budget arm, has driven an enormous increase in the number of Australians choosing Phuket for holidays. AirAsia meanwhile is reaching out from Phuket to Hong Kong and China.


Opting to enter the international low-cost duel, Thai brings fresh resources, including the recent purchase of seven more A330-300 wide-bodied Airbus aircraft in a deal worth $1.5 billion.
Today’s deal shows that the national carrier means business.

location, location, vacation

The brand new Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort is located at a private cove of peaceful Nakalay beach on the Western coast of Phuket Island.

The resort offers beach front luxury apartments with stunning panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and jungle-clad mountains.

This ultra modern resort in Phuket is the perfect place to relax with beautiful natural surroundings, simply breathtaking land and seascapes, and dramatic sunsets!

The resort features an exciting blend of studios, 1 & 2-bedroom apartments as well as spectacular penthouses in Phuket. Each apartment is spacious with a private terrace.

The apartments and suites have been designed to integrate the outdoors with the spacious indoor living areas, and are ideal for couples or families. All apartment types contain a kitchen or pantry as well as a full size refrigerator. LCD TVs are in each apartment along with DVD player and a magnificent array of TV channels with programs bound to please all.

Absolute Twin Sands Beach Resort and Spa

Proving that there is still life in the Phuket property market,  Absolute, have launched their latest branded resort – Twin Sands Resort and Spa, overlooking Tri Trang Beach, Patong.

Investing over 750m Baht into the project, Twin Sands Managing Director, Darren Judges, feels they’ve hit the market at exactly the right time despite the political situation in Thailand and the global economic problems.

“Stock of prime units in Phuket is running out, we’ve seen nothing new launched in the last twelve months which has a good ocean view and is within a minutes’ walk to the beach. Those people who are in a position to buy are struggling to find a product which fits their lifestyle and their pocket.” says Darren.

It’s fair to say that ocean view apartments are in very short supply and with the new environmental restrictions coming into place during the latter half of this year, these type of developments are likely to become even harder to find.

Darren went on to say, “‘A key market for us is Hong Kong and with the stock market flattening, bank interest rates at a low level, many Hong Kongers and expatriates are looking to overseas property to boost their investment portfolios.”

The development, located on seven Rai, (11,200m2) of prime ocean view land, in the Tri Trang area of Patong, is aimed at the mid to low end of the Phuket property market with prices ranging from 4.7m Baht to 15.2m Baht.

The location is certainly appealing, just a few kilometres from the bustling nightlife and entertainment centre of Patong, but yet far enough away to be peaceful. It’s ideal for those who want to party all night and come back to a place where they can relax and unwind.

Positioned between two idyllic beaches, Merlin and Tri Trang, Twin Sands owners can deliberate over which beach they visit, whether to spend the day lounging beside the communal pool or to take the resort shuttle bus into the centre of Patong.

Twin Sands will be built to the same exacting standards as Absolute Nakalay Beach Resort, the developers primary resort located on Nakalay beach on the outskirts of Kamala. Designs at Absolute are distinctively modern and maximise natural light with large scale windows and good use of outdoor terracing. Twin Sands Resort and Spa will comprise 46 units in the first phase, with a range of studio (50m2), one bedroom (80m2) and two bedroom apartments (120m2).

Purchasers at Absolute Resorts, buy not only due to the exceptional quality of design, breathtaking ocean views and convenient location but also because of the superb rental programme which is fully managed by the resort and guarantees owners an excellent return on investment.

Owners will also benefit from a good range of facilities which include, a restaurant and bar, pool lounge bar, fitness centre and spa as well as an infinity edged swimming pool and plenty of terraces for sun-bathing.

The newly launched Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa in Patong,  Phuket, has sold over 60% of their inventory in record time.

Ocean Villas Group officially launched the development less than three weeks ago at the SMART International Investment and Property Expo, Hong Kong and sales have been incredibly strong.  The mix of studio and one bedroom units, priced from 4,800,000 Baht, have been snapped up by eager investors who are banking on the development as a sound investment for the future, with strong rental returns and high capital appreciation.

I asked the developer why he thought sales had been so good, “I think we’ve got the mix right, we offer value for money, ocean views and are within walking distance of four beautiful beaches, yet we’re just minutes from Patong….the location couldn’t be better.”

“Our investors can be assured of high quality accommodation, sound rental returns and high capital appreciation,” he continued.

Located on Tri Trang beach, a picturesque and relatively unknown spot just south of Phuket’s entertainment and nightlife centre in Patong, Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa has all the advantages of being close to the centre of the action but none of the disadvantages. Owners and residents can take a shuttle bus or taxi into town or opt to spend the day relaxing at Tri Trang or one of the other four beaches within walking distance of the resort.

On completion Absolute Twin Sands will be managed by Absolute Resorts, who already have several top performing hotels and resorts in Phuket, including Bangla Suites in Patong and Absolute Nakalay in Kalim Bay.  The resort will have full hotel facilities including a restaurant and pool bar, infinity-edged swimming pool, gymnasium and spa…..and the benefit of being within walking distance of several other top hotels and resorts in the area.

Investor, Brian Southall, explained why he’d bought into the project. “I’ve been looking around for a good investment close to Patong for some time but I’d not been able to find anything suitable.  When I heard about Twin Sands I was impressed by the location but also by the fact that it’s managed by a well respected hotel operator, rental income is very important to me.  Also, as I bought in off the plan I got a good price and I’m likely to make a good return if I come to sell in a couple of years…but I think I’m likely to keep it.”

If you’re looking for a well priced ocean view apartment within a superb resort development……with high rental yields and good capital apreciation then Absolute Twin Sands is the development you’ve been looking for.

Red Mountain Golf Course

Winding its way through a truly dramatic 1400 rai former tin mine site in the heart of Phuket, Red Mountain is surely one of Asia’s most exciting new courses.



The course has been cleverly routed to take advantage of a huge variety of landforms and dizzying elevation changes. Scars left from the tin mine era have been imaginatively incorporated into the overall scheme, creating a unique character at the same time as establishing an indelible link with an important era in the Island’s past.

Designer Jon Morrow and co-designer Al Tikkanen, have created a highly strategic and challenging 6,900 yard lay out to complement the shorter and gentler old Loch Palm Course. While the course is undoubtedly challenging, numerous risk and reward options create a fun playing environment, an exhilarating test of golf and a breathtaking scenic tour around a course destined to become a golfing landmark in the region.

• As you walk in to Red Mountain's clubhouse you will be welcomed by responsive staff and will find a modern yet stylish Pro Shop on the left hand side where you may register your tee-time and purchase your green fee or make a future reservation. You'll also find that our friendly Pro Shop staff caters to all golfers needs whether it is a piece of memorabilia, a new glove to rental clubs or shoes.
• Once you've checked-in you may make your way to the locker rooms located just around the right hand corner at the end of the clubhouse lobby where we allow guests to freshen up after their round. As you enter the locker rooms sign yourself in and a locker key will be handed to you, then put away your fresh set of clothes and any other possessions you won't need on the course.
• For golfers looking for a sensational meal before or after hitting the course head to Red Mountain's Restaurant where we serve first-class breakfasts and a variety of western and Thai fine cuisines.
• If you're not feeling like a full meal then head down to our Staging Area just past the locker rooms and down the stairs. Here you can order a cup of freshly brewed coffee and a snack from our restaurant while overseeing golfers tee-off on the first hole. Your clubs will be close by on you golf cart with your assigned caddie ready to assist you around the mountains and if you would prefer to get a feel for the greens prior to your round you may head down to the putting green adjacent to the first tee. Once it's time for you to tee-off you will be approached by a Starter who will direct you to your allocated tee-box.
• Red Mountain golf club has kiosks spread out along the course every 3 holes filled with refreshing beverages and snacks keeping golfers energy levels high throughout the round. We also provide marshals on the front and back nine to maintain the pace of play at all times.
• Searching for the golfing experience second to none? We cater specifically to your requests to make your day at Red Mountain GC unforgettable to your business partners and colleagues. Organizing your day, from scoring to 'closest-to-the-pin' challenges you'll find our operation is highly service minded. So lay back, relax and allow us to prepare an array of dishes and keep the drinks flowing.
• Make your next family celebration or special event even better by enjoying our selection of western and Thai dishes accompanied by a bottle of great wine and if you like, we'll even arrange the cake!
• Furthermore, Red Mountain golf club provides golf club storage, scoring teams and a taxi pick-up service.

Red Mountain Golf Course is the second course at Loch Palm Golf Club and the newest golf course on Phuket Island. The course was designed to take advantage of a huge variety of landforms and dramatic elevation changes, making it Phuket's hilliest course.

The entire Loch Palm site, like Blue Canyon, Phuket's other famous golf course, is an abandoned tin mine. The hole routing explores the four corners of the former tin mine property representing a memorable tour of Phuket’s historical landscapes. Cliffs and gullies etched in sandy tailings over the years by storm waters feature on several holes. Towering cliffs cut out of the hills and flooded canyons frame several other holes. Golfers face the full range of natures hazards; wind, water, slopes and elevation changes. This is the highest golf course on Phuket Island and dramatic views are realized from many of the points on the golf course.



The concept of variety has been carried into all areas of Red Mountain. There are large and small greens; some with subtle breaks, some with wilder contours. Bermuda grass is used on the greens which make for fast but smooth putting surfaces. Fairways and tees are grassed with Seashore Paspalum; a popular turf being used at other Thailand championship courses like Amata Springs and Best Ocean, both in Bangkok. Wild, local grasses have been preserved in some rough areas to complete the natural look.

The course has a few shorter par 4's to give some good birdie chances, but also for the longer hitters there is the 12th, a 481 yard par 4. The par 3’s all require accurate shot placement and they are as beautiful to look at as they are challenging to play. For example, the signature ninth hole has a vertical drop of 50 meters from tee to green and the shot must be carefully threaded through large pine trees lining both sides of the hole. The four par 5's are also all unique. The 6th and 10th holes play downhill and are both over 500 yards. The 8th and 18th are uphill and shorter. Each of the four holes presents golfers with different challenges that require a variety of shots.



The Loch Palm site, being located almost in the exact center of Phuket Island makes this course one of most accessible to those staying on the poplar Patong and Karon beaches. Only 15 minutes is needed to get to/from the course which makes it a real possibility for those with non-golfing families to spend the better part of the day with their family after a quick early morning round.

For golfers wanting to spend more time at the course, there are excellent shared practice facilities, a grass driving range, as well as a fully stocked club house for 19th hole formalities. While Loch Palm is an optional walk or ride course, golf carts are compulsory at Red Mountain. This is usually a negative, but in the case of the hilly Red Mountain course, it is unlikely that anyone on a golf vacation would opt to walk this layout anyway. Loch Palm's new Red Mountain course is one of the top three Phuket courses and should be part of any golf package to the area.

Guide to Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay is an unspoilt paradise located between Phuket and the west-side of the Malay peninsula, where 67 virtually deserted islands sit in 400km² of spectacular natural beauty. The bay forms part of Phang Nga province, which is bordered by Phuket and Krabi provinces.

Phang Nga’s unspoilt beauty takes visitors back to a time when all of southern Thailand was uninhabited thanks to its protected status as the Ao Phang Nga National Park, which is has enjoyed since 1981. While neighbouring Phuket has suffered the ravages of rampant commercial development, eco-travellers can rest easy in the knowledge that Phang Nga is not about to suffer the same fate.

The bay’s beauty is typified by vibrant, turquoise sea waters in which sit stunningly unusual karst islands formed by thousands of years of fault movements. Some of these peaks stand at lofty heights of up to 300 metres and the majority is enhanced by a thick covering of lush green vegetation. More than 40 of these structures, which are essentially comprised of limestone, are dotted across the bay, creating unique and genuinely awe-inspiring views.

The smaller structures can only be admired from afar, while the larger ones are big enough to allow for exploration. Networks of caves located at the bases are significant features of the geological evolution of these islands, with many able to be entered by kayak. Inside, unusual rock formations can be seen, while a flashlight might help you to catch sight of the birds and bats which call the caves home.

Inhabitants are few and far between in Phang Nga Bay. The small island of Koh Phan Yee has settlements that are over 200 years old, with residents who are simple people, fishing for a living and dwelling in bamboo houses which sit on stilts in the waters immediately offshore from the island’s beach. These primitive sea gypsies who are known locally as Chao Leh, are devout Muslims, and their community is believed to have descended from two families who first migrated here.

While natural beauty should be Phang Nga’s greatest claim, the islands here are perhaps best known for their tenuous Hollywood connections. The 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun included a number of scenes featuring the island hideout of Scaramanga, which were filmed on Khao Phing Kan, one of the bay’s larger islands. This island is now referred to as ‘James Bond Island’ and forms the focal point of many boat tours of the bay.

Khao Phing Kan offers zero in the way of tangible evidence of its once famous encounter, although the distinctive karst structure sitting in the bay off of the island’s beach serves as a good photograph backdrop for the hoards of tourists wanting a souvenir of their trip there. Additionally, there’s a wooden sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Scaramanga’s hideout is nowhere to be seen however.

Boat trips from Phuket and Krabi offer tourists the best opportunity to see Phang Nga’s most notable sights, with typical itineraries including stops to check out Tham Lawt (caves) and James Bond Island. The sea gypsy village at Koh Phan Yee is also included on most trips and is generally the stopping point for a lunch break, with the locals providing the food and dining facilities.

A trip to the unspoilt wilderness of Phang Nga Bay with its breathtakingly spectacular views will reassure you that many of Thailand’s finest natural sights continue to remain unaffected by the tourist dollar.

Absolute Developments enters Thailand Property Awards 2010

Asia Property Report is urging everyone to nominate their favourite projects, developments and companies in the Thailand Property Awards 2010. Don’t worry Absolute Developments have already got their entry in.


The Thailand Property Awards celebrate the best of the best and showcase Thailand’s residential real estate industry.
Now in their fifth year, the awards assist in promoting the high level of quality of Thailand’s real estate, construction, architectural and interior design as well as industry professional services, and through a professionally run awards system helps put Thailand real estate on the world stage.
Starting with nominations by the public and the industry, followed by entry submissions and judging by a panel of professionals, including site visits for the top short-listed developments in each category, makes the Thailand Property Awards a tough and grueling process with only the winner in each category being awarded.
The awards are highly coveted by real estate agents, property developers, interior designers and architects in Thailand’s residential real estate industry.

Absolute Developments have been entered in the Best Boutique Developer category.

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Absolute Developments defines what it means to enjoy luxury properties in a paradise location.

Phuket turns green

As May turns to June, people in Europe, North America and more northerly parts of Asia are thinking of the summer, with sunny skies, warm balmy days and BBQ’s in the garden. It’s summertime and the livin’ is easy… Here in Phuket, the weather doesn’t have the same 4 seasons as “back home”. We don’t get cold weather, I have no use for warm clothes save for the occasional early morning ride on the bike, you can wear polo shirts and shorts every day. We don’t have a spring with the bluebells flowering in the woods, we don’t have an autumn with golden leaves. But – we do have weather!

Now, there are many reasons why people choose to take a vacation in Thailand. Could be for scuba diving, could be for the culture, could be for the great food, for the nightlife, for the beaches, for the chance to sample Asia in small easy to manage pieces or because it’s cheap… but the weather is also an important factor.

High season is when (on average) you get the best weather – meaning more sun and less rain. This is approximately November to April. It can rain anytime, but the prevailing winds at this time are from the North East, bringing little in the way of storms and rain. Also it means that the west facing beaches in Phuket are sheltered and calm. So, this is when most of the tourists come.

Low season is what we are in now. From May to October we enter the South West monsoon season, meaning prevailing winds are from the South West, coming across the Indian Ocean bringing (on average) more rain than the high season. The winds also mean that the beaches are sometimes too rough for swimming. Many guidebooks and travel agents will tell you the weather is always bad at this time of year and many people believe it. Of course, thats nonsense.

Low season rocks. Low season is a great time to visit Phuket and the rest of Thailand. That is, so long as you don’t mind occasional rain and don’t want to sit on a beach for 2 weeks. You’ll get sun most of the time, most days are hot and you start to wish it WOULD rain just to cool things off! The rain that does fall mostly comes right at the start and end of the season. For example we had a wet start to May this year, but most of the rest of the month was great weather.

Another plus – the colour Green – many locals call this time of year the Green season, as the rain that does fall is lapped up by the tropical plants that cover Phuket. Another plus – less crowds. Yep, this is not package tourist season, so you have more space to move, more room on the beach, less crowds at the main sights, less divers in the water, more breathing space in the restaurants.

What to do in Phuket

When in Phuket make sure you don’t miss these highlights

Phuket Fantasea is a stunning 140 acre cultural theme park that is the ultimate in night-time entertainment on Kamala Beach, 4 kms from Patong. Fantasea takes you on a fantastical adventure into Thailand’s myth, mystery and magic. There is a 3000 seat theatre that stages Las Vegas style productions featuring magical illusions, acrobatics, stunts, pyrotechnics, elephant performances, and a song and dance spectacular that brings to life tales of Phuket‘s history and mythology. There is a Carnival Village shopping street and the Golden Kinnaree buffet restaurant hosting the world’s largest buffet of Thai and international cuisine.

Phuket Zoo is located on the way to Chalong Bay. The zoo contains a collection of Asian and African mammals and birds. Elephant and crocodile shows are performed every.

Khao Rang Hill has a great view overlooking Phuket Town, the southern part of PhuketIsland and some of the offshore islands. There are several restaurants featuring spectacular views of the city and a park with a bronze statue of Phraya Ratsada Nupradit, the Governor of Phuketduring King Rama V’s reign.

Phuket Butterfly Farm is 3kms from Phuket Town via Yaowarat Road and the Sam Kong intersection. There is a great collection of tropical animals such as butterflies, insects and marine life.

Phuket Aquarium is located at Cape Phanwa and is an amazing underwater world with over 150 different species from freshwater and marine habitats, most of them local species from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Elephant trekking is a must-do experience in Thailand and a way of supporting the remaining domesticated elephants of Thailand and their mahout (trainer). The elephants are gentle and well trained, taking visitors on interesting jungle treks.

Dinos Park Mini Golf is located at Karon beach next to the Marina Phuket Resort. The 18-hole mini-golf course feature dinosaurs and an erupting volcano

Thai Massage & Spa has evolved into a major business in Thailand. A traditional Thai massage starts around 250 baht in one of many massage shops in Phuket. There are many places to get a massage right up to 5-star hotels/resorts that offer a whole range of spa treatments to guests.

Phuket provides visitors with the opportunity to engage in many outdoor activities, including: scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing, jet-skiing, yachting, fishing & deep sea fishing, sea canoeing, horse riding, mountain biking & hiking.

As you can see there is a lot to do in Phuket – one visit will not be enough!

Siam Country Club

The first privately owned course in Thailand was also the first Thai course to ever host an LPGA event: the 2007 Honda LPGA Thailand. It’s got all the attributes of a championship track. Built by Isao Mazumi in 1970 and redesigned by Schmidt-Curley in 2007, the 7,016-yard stunner shares terrain with fruit trees, creeks, lakes and – count ‘em – 101 sand traps. The immaculate greens are huge, elevated and contoured, meaning even the best putters will want the expertise of a well-trained caddie.

Fortunately, Siam CC has those in spades, as it has the ideal perch for a clubhouse, which overlooks the course from a low hill just a few kilometers from the bustling resort town of Pattaya. The last four holes make up what is widely considered the best closing stretch in Thailand.

Siam Country Club is set in the low hills just a few kilometers from Pattaya and has been wonderfully landscaped to contain more than its fair share of mature trees, shrubs and plants. Various fruit trees on the course give the impression of being in an orchard, especially when in season. After a 2 year closed period, Siam Country Club re-opened in March 2007. The course having under gone a complete renovation and upgrading has been renamed to the Siam Country Club Old Course following the Scottish tradition recognizing classic golf courses.

For players on a golf holiday Siam Country Club offers world class golf in truly stunning surroundings. The club has hosted a large number of national and international tournaments and is cited as being the premier location for golf events in Thailand including the Thailand Open 4 times, many Asian Golf Circuits and the latest being a world class tournament  the “Honda LPGA Thailand 2007″. The Siam Country Club was closed for the entire 2006 season and underwent a huge amount of renovation and redevelopment, it reopened its gates in 2007, gifting the golfing community in Thailand with well laid out fairways, strategically placed bunkers and several water hazards. The clubhouse at Siam Country Club is noted to be of excellent quality, offering an exceptional level of service including locker room, restaurant, reception, pro shop, seminar and function rooms.

The course has an out and back layout with many of the golf holes playing past a series of lakes, and strategically placed creeks and even a large golden Bhudda on the 9th fairway. Long, straight driving is required to negotiate the often narrow fairways. The large trees at Siam Country Club often get in the way and will punish errant tee shots. It is not uncommon to find an otherwise good drive actually nestled under a bed of pine needles or a shaded canopy of huge trees hanging over the fairway. The greens at Siam Country Club are for the most part large, roll fast, and are excellently maintained.

Dotted with many bunkers and water hazards, the course also boasts several dramatic holes, particularly the last four. The 15th through 18th holes taken together could arguably be the best finishing holes of any Pattaya golf course. If you’re having a good day and scoring well, take care as these 4 holes could easily bring you back to earth and ruin a good score.

In 2008 the long anticipated 27 hole course “Plantation” was finally opened, adding an exciting and demanding course for even the most experienced player.Designed by a well known Arizona based, Schmidt & Curley Design Inc.  The “PLANTATION” name was given in the honor of the historic Sugar Cane, Tapioca, and Pineapple plantations, and each 9-hole is named accordingly.

Peaceful Phuket

Wichai Praisa-ngob, the Governor of Phuket, asked people, both Thai and foreigners, who are worrying about the situation in Bangkok, to change their destination to Phuket. He said that the island was very beautiful , calm and was not affected by the violence or protests in other part of Thailand. Moreover, the accommodation and services costs decrease during this time of the year.

Meanwhile Tawee Tongcham, the Mayor of Karon Municipality, said that during the ‘green season’ this year the municipality would hold many activities to promote tourism in Phuket. He told us that on May 22nd, there would be a new event called ‘Phuket Live Volume 1 Jazz on the Beach’ near Nong Harn Lake. He said the event would be crowded with tourists from Scandinavia and local visitors.

During May 31st – June 5th, the 5th Senior World Cup would kick off in Phuket, including some matches at Karon Stadium: there were senior football teams from eight countries joining the tournament.

In November, the women’s World Beach Volleyball Tour 2010 would again take place on Karon beach.

The mayor added that Karon Municipality planned to hold activities continuously to promote Phuket tourism and asked people and related organizations to express assurance to tourists that Phuket was free from any violent protests.