Miss Universe beauties to visit Phuket
PHUKET: Miss Universe 2005 contestants will visit tourist attractions and hospitals, and learn about “Phuket culture”, when they visit the island on May 19 on a tour designed to boost Phuket’s tourism industry.
The 82 young women from around the world will spend a day in the province during the run-up to the competition, which will take place in Bangkok on May 30.
Vice-Governor Winai Buapradit told a press conference today, “Phuket is the only province apart from Bangkok that is to play host to the Miss Universe contestants.
“Thailand and Phuket will gain many benefits from hosting Miss Universe 2005, especially in terms of promoting tourism. The activities will be shown in the media worldwide.”
The group is due to arrive at Phuket International Airport at 10 am. Their first stop will be Phuket FantaSea at Kamala, where they are due to be welcomed to the island by Vice-Governor Winai and then have lunch. They will then see an “Amazing Kamala” show.
In the afternoon, the contestants will be divided into two groups. One will go to Patong, where the contestants hand over a donation of 12 million baht to the hospital, then experience a demonstration of the new tsunami warning system.
The other group will go to Thalang Rd in Phuket City for demonstrations of cultural attractions such as batik making. They will also have a chance to buy One Tambon One Product (OTOP) goods.
Vice-Governor Winai added that Phuket will take this opportunity to show countries around the world that the province is ready to welcome tourists back after the tsunami.
Provincial Police Deputy Commander Pol Col Kokiat Wongvorachart said that a total of 394 police officers will be providing protection for the contestants and directing traffic to ensure they travel smoothly around the island.
