Santi Ho Withdraws From Sunshine

PHUKET TOWN: Phuket’s latest entry into the local radio market has lost one of its founders to an internal dispute. Sunshine Radio (95 FM) took to the air late last year, and was immediately dogged with technical and personnel problems. Though enthusiastic about its mission and ambitious in its goals, the station was plagued by frequent shutdowns, halting segues and faltering DJ’s. Now company founder Santi Ho has announced his withdrawal. “I want everyone to know that what you’re hearing is not my doing. I’m sorry to let down those who supported us,” he told the Gazette on Thursday. After originating the concept and spending a year working on the project, Managing and Creative Director Santi ran into problems with shareholders disappointed with the station’s performance and intent on change. “Some would prefer Thai oriented programming,” he said, while vowing to return to the airwaves. “Phuket still needs a radio station to serve the international community.” For the time being, Santi has set up a business center in the Royal Phuket City hotel. Contacted this afternoon about the change in management and future plans at Sunshine Radio, a representative of the station declined comment.