Phuket
Kiteboarding lifts off at Phuket King’s Cup Regatta

PHUKET: Organizer’s of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta have announced that the 2011 event will include an invitation-only exhibition of kiteboarding hosted by Kiteboard Tour Asia (KTA).
The introduction of such an exciting sport to this year’s event is part of the Regatta’s 25th anniversary celebrations and in recognition of kiteboarding’s development and popularity as a sailing discipline.
Kevin Whitcraft, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the event’s inclusion on the Regatta’s schedule.
“We’re delighted to welcome an exhibition event by Kiteboard Tour Asia at this year’s Phuket King’s Cup. This is a bold step for us in terms of broadening the Regatta, and we hope this new element will have very strong appeal to kiteboarding enthusiasts and a younger sailing audience,” explained Kevin.
As many as 20 kiteboarders are expected to take part, combining talent from Asia and International pro riders from the World Tour.
Two-time Asia Champion from Thailand, Narapichit “Yo” Pudla, will headline the demonstration spectacle alongside two-time Asia Freestyle/ Race Champion and two-time Japanese Freestyle Champion Aya Oshima.
Other big names from the international circuit include: Ken Nacor, Philippines Champion and Asia Number 2; Beijing Olympics Silver Medalist (windsurfing) Ho Chi Ho; Turkish KTA Champion and Turkish Freestyle Champion Taner Aykurt; and Kathryn Bogwardt, 2010 and 2011 KTA Ladies Champion.
For more information, visit www.kingscup.com.
Pick up a copy of next week’s Gazette for a full report on kiteboarding in the King’s Cup Regatta.
The Phuket Gazette is proud to sponsor the 25th King’s Cup Regatta.
— Neil Quail
Read more headlines, reports & breaking news in Phuket. Or catch up on your Thailand news.
Phuket
Phuket tourist decides hotel awning more comfortable than his room

PHOTOS: Rawai Rescue workers / Phuket Tourist Police
The Phuket Tourist Police have been notified that a tourist had jumped from a building in Rawai and ended up on a steel awning covering the bottom floor today. But that wasn’t, in fact, what had happened.
The local Tourist Police say the owner of the building told staff at the Tourist Assistance Centre that the tourist had checked into the room on February 13.
The tourist didn’t actually jump down from the building but had moved a mattress from his room on to the awning and slept on it (mosquitos!!) He was also drunk and damaged some property inside the room.
The man is a 37 year old Estonian tourist. He was staying at the room with a 25 year old male friend.
Chalong Police have charged them both with being drunk and damaging property. They have said that they will pay for all damages to the owner of the property. They are heading back home on February 26.
Phuket
Patong motorbike racer arrested and fined – VIDEO

PHOTO: Patong Police
Patong Police yesterday arrested a motorbike racer after identifying him and his motorbike from video clips that were popular in social media this week.
Patong Police are investigating alleged foreign motorbike racing gangs in Patong after video clips went viral in local social media.
Read more about the racing around Patong’s streets HERE.
Patong Police report that they have now arrested one motorbike racer and charged him with the maximum fine.
Patong Police are also asking motorbike rental operators to explain basic traffic rules for motorbike drivers who want to rent a motorbike.
(The Thaiger is assuming this would be covered when they get their motorbike license, which they are required to have before a motorbike is rented to them.)
PHUKETForeigners racing around Patong. Who would have thought?! https://thethaiger.com/news/phuket/police-investigate-motorbike-hoons-in-patongVIDEO: เป็นปากเป็นเสียง
Posted by The Thaiger on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Phuket
500 free helmets handed out to motorbike drivers in Patong

Patong Development Foundation together with Patong Police and Patong Municipality have given 500 helmets to motorbike drivers in Patong today under the campaign ‘Wear your helmet’.
Handing out the 500 helmets to motorbike user in Patong was led by Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, Patong Municipality Chalermluck Kebsup and President of Patong Development Foundation Preechawut ‘Prap’ Keesin.
Col Anothai says, “Many motorbike drivers have been injured and died in road accident. We want 100 percent of motorbike drivers and passengers wearing helmets. ”
“More motorbike riders are now wearing helmets as the number of not wearing helmet charges has been dropping in Patong with better enforcement.”
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