HERE we are on the eve of the high-season, a time when dreams are fulfilled or shattered, enhanced or decreased. Anything can happen... and it usually does.
Some of Phuket’s more visionary nightclubs and bars are trying to keep one step ahead of the ever changing tourist demographic by adopting a fresh approach.
Long gone are the days when the majority of Phuket’s holidaymakers were single men frequenting Bangla Road girlie bars in search of hedonistic adventures.
They are still around, but they’ve been pushed aside by an increase in families and backpackers over the last three years.
Mobile devices such as the I-Phone, I-Pod and the Sony PSP, have helped us to understand the infinite wealth of options now on offer.
The internet is the plateau of creation for all things new and exciting, and networking websites such as Facebook and Hi5 have attracted unprecedented numbers of users in the past year or so.
Some of the island’s forward-thinking businesses are now exploiting new avenues of growth and expansion.
Clublime, Banana Disco, White-Box, Liquid Lounge and the Silk Restaurant are using Facebook to promote themselves to tourists before they even arrive in the Land of Smiles.
By registering as a member of Facebook, you can join hundreds of groups dedicated to various Phuket community activities, such as nightclubs, bars, restaurants, diving, and live music venues.
Expats are also adding to the surge in interactive information, offering people diversity and continuity within Phuket’s nightlife scene.
For example, if you become a member of Clublime’s Facebook group, they will send you updated information about their current and upcoming events, DJs and general happenings.
Clublime’s marketing man Fabrice Lamy is always online and on hand to answer any queries or question you
might have.
It’s a simple equation: more information equals more people through the turnstiles.
These new information formats promise to revolutionize the already evolving entertainment scene in Phuket, by providing up-to-date news of events and promotions.
Phuket’s newest dance music DJ collaboration, Phuket House Mafia, has become very popular in a short space of time after using Facebook to provide their fans with updates about future gigs.
Thai Reggae sensation Job2Do and the world-renowned DJ Nakadia are also using these platforms to reach out to people.
This style of interactive-info also benefits potential visitors to the island, who get a feel for what is on offer before they get here.
Other Phuket Facebook groups are dedicated to common interests, cultural differences and holiday advice suggesting the finest beaches, restaurants and other things to safeguard your well-being while on holiday.
If you have recently moved to the island, the Facebook groups are also a great way to make new friends.