Phuket Town Mayor Saroj Angkhanapilas made the remarks at a press conference held at Provincial Hall yesterday (Feb 14) to highlight and promote ongoing and upcoming events that tourists and local residents can enjoy.
“We are ready to welcome tourists 365 days a year and not only when the traditional high tourism season is underway,” Mayor Saroj said.
Key among the various events is the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations being held in Phuket Old Town which start today and run until Saturday (Feb 17), from 6pm – 11pm each day.
Then there is the Discover Phuket Night Run, taking place in Talat Yai on Feb 24 and incorporating a 3.6 kilometre fun run and a 10.5km mini marathon, with both starting at 9:30pm, that will appeal to local and overseas sports enthusiasts alike, Mayor Saroj said.
On Mar 2-3 Phuket City Municipality is collaborating with the Southern Amulet Preservation Club to organise an event to showcase cultural amulets, statues and coins. Valuable amulets from 14 different provinces in the southern region of the country will be showcased at the event, which is to be held at the 4,000 seat gymnasium at Saphan Hin.
On Mar 5-8 the same location will then register children who wish to participate in a summer camp running between Mar 26 and Apr 11 which will incorporate 14 different leisure activities for the youngsters to enjoy to encourage physical exercise and social interaction.
There is also the return of the hugely popular Phuket Provincial Fishing Competition, Mayor Saroj explained. Being held for the 15th year, the event is organised by the Phuket Fishing Sports Club and will take place between Mar 8-10 at Plai Laem park in Saphan Hin. The event is a great way to promote marine tourism while providing an economic boost to the local economy, Mayor Saroj said.
These are just a few of the major activities upcoming that people can look forward to, Mayor Saroj explained, adding that tourists should be welcomed so they enjoy the experience and are keen to return to the province again in future.