Olympic heroes head for Phuket
PHUKET: People in Phuket have a chance to see and maybe chat with Thailand’s most successful Olympic team ever, when the athletes come to Phuket as part of a three-day victory tour of the Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.
The tour is yet another of the rewards heaped on the 60-strong squad, plus support staff, for their efforts in Athens – where they secured three gold medals, one silver and four bronzes, the country’s best-ever tally.
Tennis superstar Paradorn Srichapan, who carried the Thai flag at the opening ceremony, may be in the party, though his presence has yet to be confirmed. However, Sports and Tourism Minister Sontaya Kunplome will definitely be on the trip.
The party is due to arrive at Phuket International Airport at 10:30 am on Friday (October 8) and will go from there to Chalong temple. After lunch at Kan Eang restaurant in Chalong, they will visit to Phuket Fantasea, staying the night at the Cape Panwa Hotel.
The following day, the team will move to Krabi, to stay at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort, and on October 10, to Phang Nga, before returning to catch a flight from Phuket International Airport at atround 8pm.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has provided 300,000 baht to cover the cost of the trip, which is being organised by Skyline Trip Co Ltd.
Suwalai Pinpradab, Director of Phuket TAT office, told the Gazette, “People are welcome to congratulate these Olympic stars at any of the places they will be visiting.”
