Phuket Carnival kicks off in Patong
PHUKET: The celebration to launch Phuket’s tourism high season starts today and runs through November 3, from 9 am to midnight daily. Previously known as the Patong Carnival, it has been revamped and dubbed Phuket Carnival 2005.
The annual parade, from near Phuket Simon Cabaret, along Prachanukhro Rd to Thaweewong Rd and then north to Soi Bangla, takes place from 4 pm to 6:30 pm today. This year, it includes representatives of Japanese, South Korean and Swedish Phuket-based groups.
The three-day Phuket Carnival also includes a fashion show from 7:45 pm to 8:15 pm this evening, performances of traditional Thai dancing tomorrow, and a performance of Thai classical xylophone on November 3.
Games and sports competitions will include beach volleyball, beach football, a sail-for-the-flag contest, a beer-drinking contest on November 2, and an eating competition on November 3.
Phuket Tourist Association President Pattanapong Aikwanich said that this year, the activities will be more international thanks to increased participation by foreigners.
“Eighty percent of Phuket’s tourist industry relies on foreign visitors, so we are giving this event an international flavor,” he said. “We expect 10,000 people to attend the Phuket Carnival 2005.”
For more information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand at Tel: 076-212213.
