Seven Wonders get green light

PHUKET TOWN: A seven-week schedule of festivities was announced yesterday as part of a plan to attract more visitors to Phuket Town’s historic downtown area. The “Seven Wonders of Phuket” festival will start on April 21, and will run for the following six Sundays. JSL Co won the right to organize the festival with its concept of promoting a “Green Paradise”. The company was granted a 10-million baht budget from the Office of the Prime Minister, which was delivered by Deputy Prime Minister Pitak Intrawitayanun in a ceremony last week. The first week will focus on saving energy and will feature a bicycle parade. The second week will have performances from people of various nationalities residing in Phuket. The third week’s theme will promote good health and exercise, while the fourth week will have pop dance and musical performances. The fifth week will focus on local art. Week six will have food presentations. The final week will be dedicated to promoting the preservation of historical buildings in Phuket. Over the same period, Thalang Rd will be opened as a walking street from 9:30 am to midnight on Sundays. Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to preside over the opening day’s ceremonies.