Additional tsunami anniversary events announced
PHUKET: The provincial government has announced more of its schedule for the upcoming tsunami anniversary, which is to run from December 24 to January 21.
December 26: 10 am-11 am: simultaneous memorial ceremonies to take place at Patong Beach, Kamala Beach and Mai Khao Cemetery. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, along with members of the Thai government and VIP guests, will lay wreathes at 10:30 am at Khao Lak. At 6:30 pm of the same day there will be multi-faith ceremonies at Chong Fah and Baan Bang Niang beaches, Phang Nga Province.
December 1-31: post tsunami-themed art and sculpture exhibitions along Patong and Kamala beaches. Month-long international seafood festival at Patong Beach along with fashion shows and live jazz music.
December 27: “New leaf – New life” symbolic tree and shrub planting ceremonies at Patong and Kamala.
27-30 December: international beach volleyball on Patong Beach.
December 31-January 1: Phuket Countdown Party 2006 at Patong Beach. Fair, live bands. Phuket-Phang Nga Marathon, starting at midnight.
December 30-January 3: international firework shows on Patong Beach featuring pyrotechnic display teams from Belgium, China, England, Thailand and Japan.
December 31-January 2: the Andaman Music Festival – “The Rhythm of the Island” – and dance show at Karon Beach.
January 1: one-day international tennis tournament, featuring Serena Williams and Lindsay Davenport, at Saphan Hin.
January 15-21: Bangkok-Phuket Tour of Siam 2006 international bicycle rally.
For additional information contact the Tsunami Center at Surakul Stadium, Tel: 076-217054; at Phuket International Airport, Tel: 076-327230-5; or at the Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa, Tel: 076-370500.
