Phuket Magazine
 Vol.19 No.5

Summer Season Fun
By Collin Piprell
The southwest monsoon, from late May till October, brings with it the rainiest and most unpredictable weather along with frequent swells off the Indian Ocean. But the rich, vari-coloured cloak of green on the hillsides and framing the beaches more than compensates for the less consistently fine weather. And the same range of recreations is available, while some activities, such as gamefishing and surfing, are at their best.

Another Look at Rafflesia
By Thom Henley
One of the region's most renowned environmentalists and authors takes a close look at the world's largest flowering plant, the notoriously pungent Rafflesia. Growing to amazing dimensions this mega bloom is notoriously hard to find and has intrigued botanists and laymen alike for generations. Luckily, Khao Sok National Park, three hours north of Phuket, is prime Rafflesia hunting ground.

The 2008 Mom Tri's Boathouse Short Fiction Competition
This year's Mom Tri's writing competition saw an outpouring of creative work from all corners of the world, as well creative writing seminars conducted at Phuket schools lead by author Jake Needham and a writer's evening of awards, discussions and abundant libations at the Boathouse itself. Here we publish the winning piece of writing, the fascinating tale title The Gift by Eric Rosenkranz.

The Asian Senior Masters
by Frank Molmc
The latest happening in Phuket's ever growing golfing events calendar is the return of the Asian Senior Masters tournament. One-hundard-and-eighty golfers participated in the five-day competition, which is part of a circuit which also includes other venues in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. There is no doubt that Phuket's golfing reputation continues to flourish with this superb addition to its calendar.

Monsoon Season Hues
The green or rainy season has long been John Everingham's favourite. Find out why he's always encouraging people to visit Phuket at this time of year and why so much of his life depends on the weather.

Escentika Spa
by Molly F. McGill
They say that two heads are better than one and in the burgeoning world of Phuket's spa and massage industry, perhaps four hands are better than two. That is certainly the philosophy behind the Escentika's latest massage offering, where not one but two highly trained masseuses tend to every muscular stress that your tired body might manifest with a co-ordinated four-handed session.

The Allure of Traditional Handicrafts
by Michael Moore
Phuket, with its numerous shopping centres, makes a great place to buy Thai handicrafts. The range of items includes virtually every type of handicraft available in the rest of Thailand, plus items from neighbouring countries. Good places to find handicrafts include Phuket Town, Patong Beach, Kata and Karon beaches, Bangtao, Surin and Kamala beaches, and shopping centres at majors resorts.

Expat Diary - Mobile Misery in Phuket
by Baz Daniel
Baz Daniel tries to escape the annoying ring tones and subsequent inane conversations that mobile phone mania has brought to the once tranquil beaches and bars of Phuket. But even on a diving boat headed for the Similian Islands, he discovers that there's no escape from the constant madness, unless one jumps overboard with no intention of ever coming back.