item-1- The Two Heroine Sisters – Thao Thep Kasartri and Thao Srisunthorn Fair is scheduled to be held during March 6-20

The annual festival in commemoration of the heroic deeds of the two sisters Thao Thep Kasartri-Thao Srisunthorn is scheduled to be held during March 6-20. The main activities however will take place during March 13-15 at the Thalang Victory Memorial Site at Ban Riang in Thalang area. Other activities include a mass ordination for Buddhist monks during March 6-20 at Lattiwanaram Temple in Chalong area, a ritual worship of Phuket’s ancestors on 12 March, a flower laying ceremony at the Two Heroines’ Monument on Thepkasartri Road, on 13 March, a sports event on the historical road on 7 March, and tours to historical sites during 8-10 March. The main venue, which is at the Thalang Victory Memorial site, will showcase local products, exhibitions and a light and sound stage presentation for three evenings during March 13-15. The stage performance will depict the heroic deeds of the two sisters, Thao Thepkasartri-Thao Srisunthorn, who gathered villagers to fight back and conquer the Burmese invaders, thus saving Thalang Town 225 years ago.

item-2 CCTVs in Rawai are now fully operational

The 20 million baht close circuit television or CCTV is now up and running in Rawai with the control centre located within the municipality office. Showing our news team the facility and its operation, the Rawai mayor, Arun Soros, explains that the camera covers 34 locations in Rawai which include the beaches of Rawai and Nai Han, the windmill location, and the popular tourist destination of Phrom Thep Cape. He hopes that the cameras will assist police in surveillance and that the system would be monitored 24 hours by police officials. The mayor also said he would like to restore confidence regarding the safety of the area.

item-3- Thailand hosts an APCERT Conference and annual General Meeting in Phuket

Around 100 participants, mostly computer experts, from nations across the Asia – Pacific region are now gathering at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa for the APCERT – Asia-Pacific Computer Emergency Response Teams - Annual Conference 2010. The conference is hosted by the Thailand National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre ( NECTEC ). The annual conference provides a platform for CERTs (computer emergency response teams) in the Asia – Pacific region to share security information and build a strong relationship. The Deputy Executive Director of NECTEC, Dr. Asanee Kawtrakul explains that the main aim of the APCERT conference is to give an opportunity for APCERT teams, potential members, other closely related organizations and local professionals to come together and share trends and challenges, new initiatives and technical expertise in internet security, as well as raising the capacity of coordinating large-scale and cross border security incidents through a trusting relationship. The meeting was established in 2003 and, since then, has been an annual meeting held in different countries. The next meeting will be scheduled to take place in the Republic of Korea.

item-4- US Embassy inspired environmental awareness in Phuket

A beach cleaning activity in Rawai was one of the programs which was carried out during a three day environmental education campaign sponsored by the US Embassy in Thailand, the National Audubon Society from the US along with other local organizations in Phuket. The beach cleaning activity was joined in by officials and staff from Rawai Municipality, local students and residents. During their visit to Phuket, the US Embassy along with local coordinators and organizations, also presented US environmental speakers in a seminar and workshop on Environmental Education and the Role of Local Community at the Kang Eng Pier Restaurant and Phuket Merlin Hotel. The session also included ‘Envisioning a Green Community: Issues and Analysis’ and ‘Creating Effective Partnerships Exploring Global Warming’. After the beach clean-up in Rawai, Judy Braus-- Vice President of National Audubon Society, spoke about her organization as well as her impression of the local community in Phuket. Voice :

item--5 Bangkok –Phuket bike riders raised funds for children under the Asia Centre Foundation in Phuket

Three foreign Rugby players, led by Bob Pearson, on Saturday February 27th , arrived on their bikes at the Patong Childcare Centre located near the Bang Wad Reservoir in Kathu of Phuket. The three riders began their adventurous ride from Bangkok on February 22nd with the aim being to help raise funds for a permanent facility for the Asia Centre Foundation ( ACF ). The bike riders were warmly welcomed and greeted by children of the home upon their arrival. The three riders, who intended to raise 3 million baht for the centre, admitted that they were impressed and enjoyed the scenic 957 kilometers Bangkok to Phuket route. Involved with the local Phuket Vagabonds Rugby Club, as well as the Bangkok and Phuket International Rugby Ten’s Competition, Mr. Pearson plans to hand over the donation during this year’s event in Phuket at the end of May. The Asia Center Foundation is a local charity organization working with disadvantaged children on the island since 2002. They currently are working in a rented facility and would like to expand their work in the community by developing a permanent youth centre in Kathu.

item-6- Patong municipality opens floor to members of the public and media to enquire and make suggestions to management

Residents, businesses and media members on Monday attended an open public session held by the Patong municipality on the municipality’s lawn. The session started off with Patong Mayor Pian Keesin reported the overall policies and the achievement. They include the measures to ease or resolve flood problems, the progress of the back road construction, the educational budget support to build classroom and meeting hall at Ban Sai Namyen school, water treatment facility and the close circuit camera or CCTV installation. Residents and media then enquired and reported their concerns which have not been tackled. These include lacking of parking space on the beach road, the floods during heavy downpour due to slow water flow and need for recreational location for senior citizens to exercise. The session is reportedly part of the local government’s transparency manner in administration which they must have local people involved.

item-7- Phang-Nga Sea Turtles Conservation Fair is being held at Thai Muang Beach

The annual fair highlights sea turtle conservation awareness with a turtle release event taking place at Thai Muang Beach. This year’s fair started on March 1st and was presided over by Public Health Minister Jurin Laksanavisit, who is a native of Phang-Nga. He led governors, officials, local leaders and members of the public to release turtles into the Andaman Sea. Thai Muang Beach is home to 14 kilometres of white sandy beach and is a famous location for turtle egg laying in the past. Due to development and the fact that some people still consume the turtle eggs, local residents have joined hands with authorities to campaign for a turtle conservation project. Here, residents report to authorities whenever turtle eggs are discovered. The eggs are then taken care of until hatched or until they are strong enough to face nature and released to sea. The conservation program in form of a ‘Turtle Release’ has been observed for 40 years now. The fair will go on until March 10th with many local products on sale plus cultural performances and entertainment in the evening.

item-8- A 72 years old man in Phang-Nga has won the individual category entry in the southern region for people who successfully apply the sufficiency economy

72 years old Sompong Pornpol or locally known as ‘Uncle Per’, has been selected to represent the southern region in the national competition for individuals who continue to successfully apply the sufficiency economy principle to their lives. The national sub-committee paid a visit to his farm in Thakua Thung district of Phang-Nga to assess his operation and practice. Finishing with only a grade 4 primary school education, Uncle Per has been farming his whole life and has won several awards such as being a model father, a farmer who demonstrates love for his homeland and best agriculturalist. He has received 12 awards altogether since 1977. Not only does he follow the principle of sufficiency economy, but Uncle Per is known to demonstrate strong social awareness by sharing and dedicating his work towards local community development and advising community members of how to be successful agriculturalists.