PM expected to launch “Seven Wonders’

PHUKET TOWN: The “Seven Wonders of Phuket” project, which aims to attract tourists to Phuket Town, gained momentum today with the news that Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra might open the first Sunday of festivities on April 7. The announcement, made by Phuket Town Mayor Phummisak Hongsyok at a press conference, comes before three private companies – Kantana, JSL and All in One – present their ideas for the seven wonders to Deputy Prime Minister Pitak Intrawitayanunt in Bangkok on March 15. The “Seven Wonders” will be the themes used to attract people to visit the town’s historical areas including Thalang Rd, which will be closed to traffic from 1 pm to midnight on Sundays for 26 weeks. The project has gained support from the Office of the Prime Minister, which has allocated a 10-million baht budget for the project. Expecting big crowds, Mayor Phummisak said that Phuket was lucky that the OrBorJor will launch its bus service at the beginning of next month. “I will ask Dr Prasit Koysiripong, President of the OrBorJor, to provide a free bus service on the opening day to avoid traffic jams in Phuket Town,” he said.