Phuket King's Cup Regatta set for new record

The 2007 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is set to be another spectacular event, bringing record numbers again this year to Phuket for a week of sun, sailing and celebration. This year’s event, from December 1 to 8, will be held to celebrate His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 80th Birthday. Another exciting year of races is expected.

Last year saw record turnout of over 100 boats and around 200 international and domestic media. Competition was strong and sporting, with a lot of old rivalries being retested for another year. This year will see another record turnout of sailors with a strong showing of media in attendance – from Thailand and around the world. There will also be a good showing of Thai and Phuket-based sailors joining the event, both Thai and expatriate.

'We’re happy to be kicking off another strong year for the Regatta. We see this not only as a great sporting event, but an event having a very positive impact on Phuket and Thailand as a whole. In addition to the strong international media attention, the event itself brings hundreds of people to Phuket – while involving a large part of the Thai sailing community and Royal Thai Navy as well,' said Santi Kanchanabandhu, President of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organizing Committee.

'We are seeing strong turnouts in all categories involving Thai and Thai-based sailors. There will also be a good spread of boats in both IRC and Multihull classes with leading charter companies Sunsail and Elite Yachting, both of Phuket, already full for this year’s event,' said Simon James, Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Race Management Director.

The Royal Thai Navy’s involvement continues again this year with entries in the IRC classes. Lieutenant Commander Peera Sagultem will be joining again this year at helm of The Royal Thai Navy 1, in IRC Division 2, which has won back to back years since 2003.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organized by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

The Third Naval Area Command, Royal Thai Fleet, which is based in Phuket has fully supported and facilitated the event with logistics as well as their equipment, officers, boat, helicopter and SEAL unit for security and rescue.

Sponsorship of the event this year will be helped by many organizations with interests in Phuket. The Kata Group has been sponsoring the Regatta now for ten years, while Mom Tri’s Boathouse has helped for over a decade. Media sponsorship in part comes from Phuket Magazine, The Nation and Phuket Gazette.

Principal sponsorship again this year comes from Raimon Land, which currently has projects throughout Phuket including Kata Gardens, The Heights as well as an upcoming project in Surin Beach. Raimon Land last year announced they would sponsor the King’s Cup until 2012.

Raimon Land CEO Mr. Nigel Cornick said, 'We’re pleased to be continuing our support of the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta because of its positive impact on the sport of sailing in Thailand as well as the local economy of Phuket. We feel that few events combine the excitement, prestige and positive impact on the local community – we look forward to supporting the regatta for years to come.'

Also joining the event as sponsors are TMB Bank Plc, Thai Airways, Thai Beverages Plc, Natucia, Sunsail and a host of local Phuket businesses which support the event.

Entries will be open until 9 November 2007, after which entries will be accepted at the discretion of the Race Committee. For general information on the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, contact Regatta Secretary at info@kingscup.com or +66 0 7627 3380. For racing inquiries, contact Simon James on racing@kingscup.com. The regatta web site is www.kingscup.com where further information, Notice of Race and online entry forms can be found.

Phuket King s Cup Regatta

1st December - 8th December, 2007.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

The Phuket King's Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta. More than a regatta, the week long event consists of great parties, great sailing and lots of fun.

Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty the King of Thailand, the event has been held every year since during the first week of December.

With the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King, the Regatta is organised by the Phuket King's Cup Regatta Organizing Committee under the auspices of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, in conjunction with the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand, the Royal Thai Navy and the Province of Phuket.

10 RULES FOR THE VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

1. Cleanliness of bodies during the festival

2. Clean kitchen utensils and to use them seperately from other who do not join the festival

3. Wear white during the festival

4. Behave physically and mentally

5. No meat eating

6. No sex

7. No alcoholic drinks

8. People at mourning period should not attend the festival

9. Pragnant ladies should not watch any ritual

10. Ladies with period should not attend the ritual

PHUKET VEGETARIAN FESTIVAL

Date: 11 Oct 2007 - 19 Oct 2007



Phuket's Vegetarian festival (or jia chai in local Hokkien Chinese dialect) began in 1825, when the govenor of Thalang, Praya Jerm, moved the island's principal town from Ta Reua in Thalang District to Get-Hoe in Kathu District, where were tin mines and Chinese miners. Kathu was then still covered by jungle and fever was rife. It happened that a traveling opera company (called ngiu in Thai or pua-hee in Hokkien dialect) came from China to perform for the miners

When the whole company grew sick from an unnamed malady, they kept to a vegetarian diet to honor two of the emperor gods, Kiew Ong Tai Teh and Yok Ong Sone Teh. The sickness afflicting the opera troupe then disappeared. This greatly interested the people of Kathu, who asked how it was done. The answer came that ritual vegetarianism with its attendant ceremonies had been the cause, with the result that people embraced the faith enthusiastically. Thus the festival began:starting the first evening of the ninth lunar month, it continued until the ninth evening; the aim was to bring good luck to individuals as well as to the community.

It later happened that one familiar with the festival volunteered to return to Kansai, in China, where he invited the sacred Hiao Ho-le or Hiao lan (incense smoke) and Lian Tui (name plaques), which have the status of gods, to come stay in Kathu. He also brought holy writings used in the ceremonies, returning to Phuket on the seventh night of the ninth month. The people, upon hearing of his arrival, went in procession to Bang Niao Pier to bring him and his sacred cargo back. This was the origin of the processions that figure so greatly in the festival.

The afternoon before the festival begins, a great pole at each temple is raised, called the Go Teng pole, with which the gods are invited to descend. At midnight the pole is hung with nine lanterns, signalizing the opening of the fest. Two important gods are also invited down at midnight to preside over ceremonies; these are Yok Ong Hong Tae and Kiew Ong Tai Tae.



Aside from this, there are other ceremonies throughout the fest, notably: invocation of the gods Lam Tao, who keeps track of the living, and Pak Tao, who keeps track of the dead; processions of the gods' images; and feats of the Ma Song-like bathing in hot oil, bladed ladder climbing and fire-walking. The festival ends with merit making ceremonies at each temple (sadoh kroh) and the send-off of the gods on the last night (when fireworks are at their most impressive).


Ma Song, or entranced horses, are devotees whom the gods enter during the fest. They manifest supernatural powers and perform self-tortures in order to shift evil from individuals onto themselves, and to bring the community good luck. Ma Song fall into two categories: those who, having had an intimation of impending doom, want to extend their lives; and people specially chosen by the gods for their moral qualities.

Throughout the festival fireworks and drums are sounded, especially during ceremonies. It is held that the louder they are the better, because the noise drives away evil spirits.

Participants in the fest keep to a strict vegetarian diet for a varying number of days, usually no less than three. This they do to make themselves strong in mind and body; they refrain from all vice, eating animal flesh, and killing animals. The festival thus promotes good hygiene, brightness and inner peace.

Raya (or Racha ) Islands

Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast.

- Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract day trippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.

- Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable.

To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.

Mai Ton Island

This tiny island off Phuket's southeast coast is highly prized for its still perfect natural environment, including fine white beaches and crystal waters;ideal for swimming, diving, or fishing. The only business of any kind is the plush Maiton Island Resort. Those not wishing to stay overnight may take a daytime excursion leaving from Ao Makam Deep Sea Port.

Phuket Scuba Driving

Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world – the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world. Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs. All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities. For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.

Underwater experience Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands. Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive. Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one dive at Surin Island. Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark. Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket.

Andaman adventure Day 1 : From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail overnight to the Similan Islands. Day 2 – 3 : Wake up at a Similan dive site and after breakfast, explore the area. Surroundings Range from delicate sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs The variety of marine life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous huge range of fish. Set sail For the Myanmar Banks in the evening. Day 4 – 5 : Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring marine life including many different varieties of shark The area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility visibility so it is strictly for experienced dives. Day 6 : Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Ta-chai. Return to Similan in the evening Day 7 : The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting several important reefs such as Shark's fin and Elephant's Head. Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket. Day 8 : Early morning arrival at Patong. Participating divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action on these tours for non-divers and various entertainments on board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore. Divers' paradise Day 1 : Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkeling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occa-sional and harmless whale shark. Day 2 – 7 : Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful under-water world with experienced divers. Day 8 : Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumpon. Dive sites ANDAMAN SEA : Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with prime spots such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and the twin islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin islands to the west, Krabi and Trang to the east. GULF OF THAILAND : Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Combodian border. EAST COAST : On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out to Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai. There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any level and in any language.

Karon Beach

Karon Beach (20 & 17 km from town)


The second largest of Phuket's principal tourist beaches. Large resort complexes line the road back of the beach, but the strand itself, long and broad, has no development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island. Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the north end, near the traffic circle, and at the south, on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small businesses as well as the Dino Park Mini Golf facility. Karon is the most up-scale of Phuket's beaches. Regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket Town.