WILD IN LAGUNA Vietnam TRIATHLON 2014

WILD AND VODICKOVA TRIUMPH in LAGUNA LaNG CÔ – VIETNAM AIRLINES TRIATHLON 2014

Olympics triathlete Ruedi Wild and female world champion triathlete Radka Vodickova blazed through and won against an elite pro field that included three-time Ironman World Champion Chris McCormack of Australia and fellow Australian Ironman legend Belinda Granger, who has recently announced 2014 would be the final race year of her professional triathlon career after 12 years being part of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.

Swiss Ruedi Wild was crowned the new male champion and Radka Vodickova of the Czech Republic successfully defended her female champion title for a second year at the Laguna Lang Cô – Vietnam Airlines Triathlon 2014, each finishing the race in just over 2 and a half hours at the Laguna L?ng Cô integrated resort in Central Vietnam.

The second Laguna Vietnam Triathlon saw more than 250 athletes from 28 countries competing on the course in a heated race. The inaugural amateur Laguna L?ng Cô Bike Race in the afternoon on the same 62km course drew in a significant crowd of local bike enthusiasts.

Champion Ruedi said: “It’s an amazing course with beautiful scenery, and there is great enthusiasm from the crowd. I have raced in many places but the Laguna Vietnam Triathlon is one of my favourite races. It’s my first time racing in Vietnam, and I will definitely come back next year.”

 Vodickova commented: “The run course through Banyan Tree was beautiful; it was even more amazing than last year. For me this triathlon is more than a race, it’s a wonderful holiday, and I’d love to come back to defend my champion title next year.”

Related articles

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Phuket Fashion sets the scene

Phuket Fashion and SKAL do it for the kids

After a weekend of storms and torrential rain the annual SKAL International Phuket and South Thailand fund raiser “Red Passion”  looked like it was going to be a wash out as the event organizers and all the helpers and volunteers headed to Zazada Beach Club at Surin Beach, Phuket.

Eka Liu

Fortunately the brand new Zazada Beach Club had everything in hand and a weather contingency was in place and after a few requests to the “man upstairs” the rain yielded and the wind died down.

The Phuket Charities

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception and musical rendition from Eka Liu which was followed by the first of the evenings LIVE auctions with the benefactors being the SKAL Scholarship Fund, Phuket Sunshine Village, Phuket Has Been Good to Us and Phuket International Women’s Club, all supporting the education of Thai Children.

Dinner was served in a organized and well planned manner and a credit to the Zazada team as they catered for over 160 guests, and while they all ate and drank there was a wonderful opera set from the Grand Opera company from Bangkok.

Following dinner and after a few short showers everything moved onto a Phuket Fashion Show supplied by the lovely Katalina and here seven models and all the staff that helped make this an evening to remember deserve a special vote of thanks.

Katalina and her models

Full Monty Cast of 2012 Appearance.

More LIVE auctions and a tombola fund raising and then the finale of the evening, a guest appearance of the Full Monty Cast from 2012. The video will follow shortly.

Overall an excellent fund raiser, the Phuket Fashion Show a highlight and along with everyone else including the two MC’s from local Phuket radio station 91.5 FM Paul Norris (aka DJ Doris) and Steve Johnston SKAL can be proud to have pulled off such a successful event in the weather situation.

Thank you sponsors

Steve Johnston, Kanyarat Jones and Paul Norris 91.5FM Phuket Island Radio

Of course any event like this needs sponsors and The Phuket Gazette and Phuket Island Radio 91.5 FM   once again were there promoting the tickets sales well in advance and PG TV capturing the evening along with a host of other sponsors from B B&B, Chalong Bay Rum, W Cafe, Choice Foods, Swissotel, Gourmet One and Katalina Collection.

Well done SKAL a fantastic initative to share fund raising amongst four local charities and a credit to everyone that was involved.

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Kathu Street Culture Fair 2013

2013 Kathu Cultural fair.

Another huge success in it’s fifth year and set to be held annually the Kathu Phuket Street cultural fair despite the heavy weather had thousnads of Phuket residents and tourists on the street over the three days of the event.

The latest pictures from the 2013  Phuket Kathu Street Cultural fair are here

Phuket New Years

Phuket New Years with Paris Hilton

One Night in Bangkok or is it New years eve in Phuket as Paris Hilton was in town to endorse Sydictive Element Phuket New Year’s party.

Now this might be something great for Phuket as the party is going to be held in the up market beach area of Surin with apparently a floating stage on the Ocean. Is that a first for Phuket?

Whatever happens this is great news for Phuket and Hilton went on to say ““I believe you should live every day to its fullest, filled with fun and laughter. This time, Sydictive is going to make that so easy and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Hilton who made a small speech announcing the official lineup artists which include LMFAO, Dash Berlin, MSTRKRFT, Ken Ishii, Tiga, and Marco V.

You can read the full report here at Coconuts Bangkok and for sure full details will be announced soon of ticket prices and other details to asist with booking.

Today news and Party launch took place at Central world’s rooftop Zense Panoramic restaurant, with a pyrotechnic display and numerous Thai celebrities including Woody Milintachinda in attendance.

So what are you planning to do for the New Year? It certainly looks like Phuket is fast becoming a Hi So place to go and with the likes of Paris Hilton bring promotion that can only mean one thing.

Ironman Champions

Phuket Boutique Resort, Sala Expands

Phuket Boutique Resort

SALA diversifies

Three new sala boutique brand properties in Thailand

Phuket Boutique Resort, SALA Resorts and Spas is excited to announce a major company expansion with 3 new properties in the sala boutique brand due to open in the next 6 months: sala lanna, Chiang Mai (Dec 2012), sala rattanakosin, Bangkok (Jan 2013) and sala ayutthaya, Ayutthaya (April 2013). These new hideaways & retreats join the hugely popular sala khao yai, the flagship of the sala boutique brand; the well known SALA Samui Resort & Spa and SALA Phuket Resort & Spa complete the SALA portfolio.

Sala lanna Chiang Mai, opening in December, is conveniently located along the popular east bank of the Ping River, just a short walk to many of Chiang Mai’s enjoyable tourist attractions, bustling street markets and historical sites, which date back to the renowned Lanna Kingdom. This relaxing escape is just a short 5-minute ride from the famous Chiang Mai night market. Many of the 16 rooms have beautiful river views, including the 2-bedroom ping riverview pool suite, destined to become one of Chiang Mai’s premier accommodations. Guests will be able to experience two exciting dining options; the river – a romantic all day dining cafe that subtly transforms into an evening wine bar and bistro, and italia, Chiang Mai’s engaging new Italian dining experience.

Sala rattanakosin Bangkok, named for the current Thai Kingdom of Rattanakosin, is set to debut in January 2013. This boutique retreat is conveniently located in Bangkok’s old city, within walking distance to numerous Thai tourist attractions and historical sites. sala rattanakosin will feature 17 stylish rooms and suites, most with spectacular views of the mighty Chao Phraya River, the inspiring Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun) and also the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Pho). sala rattanakosin also be home to the river, one of Bangkok’s most romantic riverfront dining experiences and the roof lounge, an exciting rooftop bar with dramatic views of the Chao Phraya River and the Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun).

Sala ayutthaya, located on the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Ayutthaya, just a short drive from Bangkok, will launch in April 2013. Guests will enjoy discovering and exploring the many historical sites and ancient ruins of the former Siamese Kingdom of Ayutthaya, founded in 1350. This historical haven, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers 27 guest rooms and suites, many with beautiful river and temple views. Additional facilities include a swimming pool, art gallery and the river, certain to be one of Ayutthaya’s most popular bars and restaurants.

Brian Moodie, Chief Operating Officer for SALA, remarks, “We are thrilled to be expanding our sala boutique branded properties in these cultural Thai cities, all of which have important historical significance to Thailand. These retreats, escapes and getaways, in addition with the flagship – sala khao yai – are the ideal enhancements to the beach resorts & spas SALA owns and operates in Samui and Phuket.”

For more information related to media, please contact marketing@salaresorts.com

Phuket Boutique Resort

Sala Phuket is a real Phuket Boutique Resort and well worth a vists if only to sample the excellent dinning and beach side views.

Ironman Champ coming to Laguna Phuket

Ironman 70.3 World Champion to Race Laguna Phuket

In a major coup for Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket, recently-crowned 2012 Ironman 70.3 World Champion Leanda Cave has joined the ranks of top professional athletes set to appear at this year’s event.

Welsh Superstar Cave’s entry sets up Thrilling Title Duel

Cave signed up for Laguna Phuket less than 24 hours after completing her epic World Championship victory in Las Vegas on 9 October – and before resuming training for her next title bid at the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii on 13 October.

Her Laguna confirmation has set up a thrilling duel with 2011 Ironman 70.3 World Champion and defending Laguna Phuket 70.3 Champion Melissa Hauschildt of Australia – beaten into fourth place in Las Vegas by Cave – who will be eager not to lose another title to the Welsh superstar.

“To have the brand new Ironman 70.3 World Champion immediately accept our invitation to race at Laguna Phuket is a testament to the drawing power and popularity which characterises our race on the pro circuit,” said Debbie Dionysius, Assistant Vice President of Destination Marketing, Laguna Phuket.

“Attracting such top talent is an indication of the international stature we’ve achieved and we’re looking forward to a fantastic display of world-class competition.”

 The competitive mix

The Laguna Phuket 2012 competitive mix is also fuelled by Czech Olympian Radka Vodickova and Australian veteran Belinda Granger – both vying to become the first women’s Triple Champion of Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT), a week earlier on 25 November – and also with points to prove in the 70.3.

Cave, an ITU World Long Distance Champion, is hitting peak form in the run-up to Kona and Laguna, despite an indifferent start to the year that followed a spectacular end to her 2011 season when she recorded a third-place finish at the Ironman World Championship, a win at Ironman 70.3 Miami, runner-up finish at the ITU World Long Distance Championship in Las Vegas and her first Ironman title in Arizona.

Born in the UK, Cave emigrated as a child to Australia, before moving back to the UK with her Welsh mother. She now lives and trains in Tucson, Arizona and races for both Wales and Great Britain.

Cave is no stranger to Phuket, having raced LPT in 2006 when she was second-placed behind Canadian Samantha McGlone, who then went on to become 2007 Ironman 70.3 World Champion.

Hauschildt, currently battling back from an injury-hit season, made a determined defence of her World 70.3 title in Las Vegas, but her fourth place was more than seven minutes behind Cave’s winning time of 4:28:05.

At Laguna Phuket she’ll be aiming to hold off the challenges of Cave, Rodickova, Granger and a field of other top pros to hold onto her 2011title, which she won with a course record of 4:17:01.

Phuket International Boat Show

Phuket International Boat Show

The 2013 Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) will showcase leading marine and lifestyle businesses, products and services from 21 – 24 March at the Royal Phuket Marina on Phuket Island, with a large in-water boat display, 2,500 sqm indoor exhibition space and marina-side activities on the boardwalk.

 The 10^th Anniversary

The 10^th Anniversary PIMEX will be the biggest and best yet, with upto 60 boats in-the-water, a packed Exhibition Hall and a new ‘Marine Market’.

Organisers moved the Show in 2012 from the traditional January slot to March, to accommodate a larger in-water display of quality boats, which proved to be a great success with the largest and highest quality boat display ever seen in Asia.

The date change in 2012 was well-received, and resulted in an increased demand for more in-water display space. The change also meant the quality of product displayed in-the-water, as well as the quality of visitors, was the highest yet,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director.

This year, the in-water area has been expanded further with space for upto 60 boats.

Asian boat show season

Strategically positioned at the start of the Asian boat show season which runs March through May, PIMEX is set to attract more top international boat and marine product brands, and will host a number of regional product launches as companies from around the world come to PIMEX to showcase their latest products for the 2012/13 Asian season.

New for this year is the Marine Market – an outdoor waterside exhibition space catering to trailer boats, marine products and widgets.

 Trailer boats and gadgets.

“We have noted a growing demand in trailer boats – both for exhibitors requiring display space, and from interested buyers. We have created an open space near the Town Square at Royal Phuket Marina which will allow sellers to display small boats on trailers, together with display areas for products, gadgets and widgets. The aim is to attract exhibitors who don’t display in the Exhibition Hall or in-the-water, and give them the chance to be a part of PIMEX,” added Dowden.

Show Director Andy Dowden

The Show will have up to 60 yachts in-the-water from 10m to 35m, power and sail, and smaller trailer yachts for the entry level visitors, with as many as 120 exhibiting companies representing over 250 brands worldwide. Products on display will range from boats to marine equipment and accessories, charter and diving and sailing holidays, technical and design services, marina construction and a wide range of water sports toys and gadgets. Alongside the marine exhibits will be a wide choice of luxury property, reasonably priced condominium projects and investment opportunities together with other iconic branded goods.

 Already 30% of the in-water space is booked and the Exhibition Hall space has seen early reservations in excess of 20%.

For more information, visit www.phuketboatshow.com.

Phuket FM radio 91.5 FM is delighted to be an official media partner with the Phuket International Boat Show

Phuket Peace and Reconciliation

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket News.

Welcome The Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC)

Mr Peter Komposch, General Manager (3rd left) of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, is honoured to welcome Asian statespeople and leading international politicians, the founding members of the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC).

These include the former president of East Timor H.E. Jose Ramos Horta (5th right); Pakistan’s former prime minister H.E. Shaukat Aziz (2nd left); Austria’s former chancellor H.E. Dr Alfred Gusenbauer (2nd right); the Philippines’ former house speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.(3rd right); Thailand’s former deputy premier and foreign minister H.E. Dr Surakiart Sathirathai (centre); General Manager of PACTA Mr Juha Christensen (3rd left, far behind) ; and Thailand’s former Minister of Tourism and Sport of Thailand H.E. Mr. Weerasak Kowsurat, (4th right, far behind);

The council recently visited Phuket on 5-7 September 2012.

Visit the Phuket Radio News site here for more upto date news stories.

Laguna Phuket Triathlon

Phuket Triathlon News

Granger and Vodickova to Challenge for Unique Honour 

 This year’s Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) will see an intriguing battle when two elite pro athletes face-off to become the first-ever women’s triple Champion of the iconic event.

Australian Belinda Granger and Czech Olympian Radka Vodickova are among the first pro registrations for LPT 2012 on Sunday 25 November and the Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket a week later on Sunday 2 December.

The enduring appeal of LPT, now in its 19^th year, and the unique challenges of Laguna Phuket’s Ironman 70.3 are attracting entries from leading international pro athlete personalities, as well as age groupers worldwide.

In LPT, Laguna veteran Granger, champion in 2008 and 2010, will again find her bid to lift a unique third title threatened by the younger Vodickova, who beat her into second place last year by just over three minutes.

And Vodickova, still buzzing from her London Olympic Games experience with the Czech triathlon team, is keen to repeat her 2009 and 2011wins to crown a memorable season and become LPT’s first three-time women’s Champion, a year after Italian Massimo Cigana achieved that feat in the men’s field.

 Australian Legend.

“To compete for this honour against the legendary Belinda Granger will make it a fantastic race,” she said.

“Belinda was a big part of my first LPT victory – I was inexperienced with the distance and unsure on the bike course, so I just tried to follow Belinda and hoped I could survive her pace.

Ironman 70.3 Champion to Defend Title

In the Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket, 2011Champion Melissa Rollison of Australia – now racing under her married name of Melissa Hauschildt – has registered to return to defend her title.

She’s set to face strong challenges from a field that will include Vodickova and Granger, who finished third and eighth respectively last year.