All-English radio launches in Phuket
PHUKET CITY: Phuket now has its first all-English radio station, 90.5 Phuket Gold FM, broadcasting from the Radio Thailand office near Phuket Rajabhat University.
The launch was announced at a press conference at the China Inn restaurant in downtown Phuket City this morning.
90.5 Phuket Gold FM is managed jointly by Bangkok-based KOOL…EST Co Ltd and monthly lifestyle magazine Phuket Bulletin.
A press release distributed at the launch announced that programming would be positioned as a “touristainment radio”, also targeting the local expatriate community.
Music segments will feature Western music hits from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, along with local tourism industry news and national news by Radio Thailand.
Listeners can expect to hear songs by such artists as Eric Clapton, Elton John and The Eagles, the press conference was told.
Speaking at the launch were MR Rujayapa Abhakorn, Managing Director of Bangkok-based KOOL…EST, Phuket Bulletin Managing Director Chaiyot Pinpradab and Radio Thailand acting Director Weerapong Waitayawongsakul.
While other radio stations on the island have had limited segments in English, 90.5 Phuket Gold FM will be the island’s first all-English radio service, broadcasting daily from 8 am until midnight.
Listeners in parts of Krabi and Phang Nga will also be able to receive broadcasts.
The service will start with a music-only format, with other features to be added gradually over the next two months.
The station will have an expatriate program director with more than 10 years of experience. All DJs will be native English speakers.
The new format replaces the Thai-language “Aloha FM” service, which previously operated the station under a two-year contract with Radio Thailand.
