Phuket’s Leading Hideaway Hosts Bank's Advisors

Phuket, Thailand, December 07, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Mom Tri’s Villa Royale The Gourmet Hotel on the shore of the Andaman Sea, hosted the Advisory Board of Bangkok Bank for their first meeting outside of the Bank’s capital city offices. The group was led by Khun Chatri Sophonpanich, Chairman of the Board of Directors. The objective of the Advisory Board’s trip is to aid in the recovery of the tsunami affected region by offering encouragement to the local population and to visit some of the group’s housing restoration projects in Kao Lak, north of the Island. Sites on today’s itinerary include projects that have been sponsored by the General Prem Foundation. General Prem is Chairman of the Bangkok Bank Advisory Committee and President of the Privy Council. “This is an opportunity to say that this is the place to stay, to give our blessing to the residents and to encourage tourists to return.” declared Prof. Dr. Prasop Ratanakorn, Director of the Advisory Committee and H.Secretary General of the International Medical Parliamentarians Organization.

“The early concerns were economic.” said Dr. Prasop, “The first few days we recommended getting help through charities for the physical damage. After recovery comes rehabilitation. We are now here, post tsunami. Most suffering is caused by isolation and can only be cured by love.”

The development of Phuket and the region as a tourist destination was brought about by Former Senator Mom Tri Devakul with members of the visiting Advisory Board including H. E. General Prem Tinsulanonda, Former Prime Minister of Thailand, Dr. Amnuay Viravan, Former Minister of Finance and Former Deputy Prime Minister, and Dr. Arsa, Former Secretary of State whom together headed the most successful government of Thailand.

“We organized an ad hoc committee for the promotion of tourism. We lobbied for funding for roads within Phuket and to the other provinces. The first flights to Phuket and Songkla began with Dekota planes. There were no proper seats. We brought in the airlines.”

Frequent guests of Mom Tri ’s Phuket residence, which was transformed into the elegant Villa Royale Hotel in 2002, shared their memories of the early days with staff on the evening of the 29th. “I remember this sala when it had a thatched palm roof,’ recalled Dr. Prasop. The visitors were warm and very friendly, pointing out their images in the many photographs that hang on the walls. “Look, that’s Prince Charles, Tri and I.”

Before departing for Kao Lak of the morning of the 30th, the group stopped by Mom Tri’s Boathouse where more reminders celebrate the origin of next week’s Phuket’s King’s Cup Regatta. “We started the King’s Cup Regatta.” Dr. Prasop proudly asserted.” His photo standing with Prince Henrik of Denmark, at the time of the first races is hanging above the Galley Bar. “There were many obstacles: A lack of understanding of tourism.” Dr. Prasop recalled. “Promotion of tourism sometimes looks like a fun fair; a temporary thing. It must be sustainable.” The Regatta, now in its 19th year, is recognized as Asia’s largest and most prestigious yachting event.

Bangkok Bank is the largest bank in South-East Asia with a network of branches encompassing all of the financial centers worldwide. The purpose of the Advisory Board is to organize programs to benefit the quality of life for humanity, participate in international relations to facilitate cultural exchange, analyze current situations and provide advice to the Executive of the Bangkok Bank for consideration and implementation.

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