Phuket readies for Phuket Games 2012

PHUKET: Phuket Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa today opened a “coordination center” to act as an information kiosk and souvenir shop for the Thailand National Youth Games 2012, dubbed the “Phuket Games 2012”.

An estimated 14,000 athletes, fans, spectators, supporters and coaching staff expected to arrive in Phuket during the coming week for the event, which will run from May 26 to June 5.

Located at Saphan Hin, near Phuket Town, the center offers programs of the scheduled events to be held throughout the games as well as souvenirs.

“Phuket has been ready for the 2012 Phuket Games for quite a while,” said Wirat Patee, Director of the Sports Authority of Thailand Phuket office.

“Equipment and personnel need for the games is ready to go. And now we have the games’ coordination center,” he said.

“I believe the Phuket Games will be as good as we expect,” he added.

Mr Wirat explained that 20,000 souvenirs of the official mascot ‘Hai Leng’ have been prepared.

“Half of them are for sale to the public, and the other half will be given as gifts to the athletes,” Mr Wirat said.

“There are also shirts with ‘Phuket Games’ printed on them and other kinds of souvenirs. I hope these will be enjoyed by the athletes and visitors,” he added.

Mr Wirat also reminded those present for the opening, including representatives from the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office and other organizations, that Phuket’s own Dome and Silvy of the nationally televised singing contest The Star will be performing a free concert at the games’ opening ceremony.

The opening ceremony will be held at Surakul Stadium, on Wichit Songkhram Road, on May 26.

The free concert will be from 6pm to 8pm.

— Kritsada Mueanhawong