🏆 Phuket’s Big Wins, Street Art Buzz, and Your Holiday Rental Guide.

Hey Phuket Fam!

Welcome to your go-to Phuket Community Newsletter—your weekly dose of everything happening around Phuket and Thailand.

We’re here to keep you updated on the latest events, local news, and everything in between, making sure you stay in the know and live your best island life.

Here’s what we’ve got lined up for you today:

🏆 Phuket Wins Big

📅 What’s Happening in Phuket This Week

🏡 How to List Your Holiday Rental on Google

🏙️ Alex Face, The Banksy of Bangkok

🏆 Phuket Wins Big: ‘2024 World Festival & Event City’

On September 30th, Phuket was crowned ‘2024 World Festival & Event City’ by the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

That’s not just another trophy collecting dust. This is big.

Why does this matter?

First off, if you’ve got a thing for festivals or events, Phuket’s proving it can still bring the heat. Check out these heavy-hitting highlights:

• The Phuket Vegetarian Festival scored Silver at the Grand Pinnacle Awards (Think: The Oscars of festivals)

• The Peranakan Festival and Chinese New Year snagged Gold for Best Parade

• The city nailed Best Children’s Programme for its BICT on the MOVE event

• Best Green Programme? Phuket locked that down too with Thailand Coffee Fest 2023.

This isn’t just about showing up—it’s about leveling up every single year.

So what does this mean for you?

More reasons to plan ahead:

• Make sure you’re not just here for the beaches—lock in the dates for these events.

• Consider how the rainy season (yep, it’s still around) affects travel. Some festivals overlap, so plan your trips smarter.

• Want to experience the absolute best of Phuket? Timing is everything. The Phuket Vegetarian Festival alone brings a cultural vibe you won’t find anywhere else.

Phuket’s events are bigger, better, and giving you more reasons to get involved.

Got plans? You do now.

📅 What’s Happening in Phuket This Week:

2nd - 11th October:

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is still going strong until Friday! Expect epic firewalking, intense piercing ceremonies, and an overload of delicious, traditional vegetarian food.

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12th - 13th October:

AmazingKids 2024 – Triathlon Series at Blue Tree Phuket 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♀️
An action-packed weekend for the little ones! Dive into the crystal-clear lagoon, bike through stunning trails, and run across diverse terrains. It’s the perfect venue for kids to race, have fun, and create unforgettable memories!

Why this event is a must:
✨ World-class facilities and exciting adventure zones
✨ Family-friendly activities before and after the race
✨ Safety is our top priority!

Ready to level up? Don’t miss this epic triathlon challenge!

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12th - 13th October:

Blu Monkey Friendly Market Ep. 3: Paws & Playtime 🐒🐶 at Grove Phuket
Think beachside craft workshops, live music, and a feast of food and drinks with the perfect sunset view.
Your pets are VIPs this weekend:

• Pet spa day? ✔️

• Dog & cat ice cream? ✔️

• Signature sunset marshmallow campfire? Double ✔️!

Grab your furry friends and come chill!

🏡 How to List Your Holiday Rental on Google in Time for High Season

If you’re sitting on a killer property in Phuket and wondering how to get more bookings this high season, you're not alone.

A lot of expats and residents have these amazing places that could rake in some extra cash, but how do you get it noticed?

Here’s the truth: you can’t just list directly on Google.
But there’s a workaround, and it's easier than you think…

Why You Want to Be on Google

• More exposure: Your property gets seen on Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Travel.

• More trust: Google’s platform builds instant credibility with potential guests.

• More bookings: You’re not stuck relying on one platform like Airbnb—you're hitting multiple channels at once.

Steps to List Your Property on Google

1. Pick a Platform
   Google pulls listings from sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.

2. Optimise Your Listing
   High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and accurate pricing are key.

3. Use a Property Management System (Optional)
   Tools like Lodgify or Guesty can sync everything for you.

4. Set Up Google My Business (GMB)
   Add photos, details, and encourage guest reviews to stand out locally.

Want more details on how to do it all? Read the full guide on this blog!

🏙️ Who Is Alex Face? The Banksy of Bangkok

Ever wondered who’s behind the quirky bunny murals in Thailand?

Meet Alex Face, aka Patcharapol Tangruen. He’s a Thai street artist with a twist. His signature character, Mardi, is this odd yet captivating bunny with a child’s face. And while it looks adorable, Mardi isn’t just for show. The expression on that face? It reflects the urban grind—poverty, inequality, and environmental issues. Heavy stuff.

People often call him the Banksy of Bangkok because his work has become a movement.

Street Art in Bangkok: More Than Just Graffiti

Street art in Bangkok isn’t just about slapping paint on a wall. It’s a cultural shift. Artists like Alex Face are changing how we see public spaces.

And it’s not limited to Bangkok. Alex Face has done murals all over the world, from local Thai streets to major cities like Paris and Tokyo. His work even features in international exhibitions, like at the Dorothy Circus Gallery.

So, if you’re into street art that speaks, follow his journey.
Head to his Instagram, check out his website—there’s a whole world of Mardi waiting for you.

Thanks for sticking around! Got any thoughts, questions, or ideas? We’d love to hear them. Stay in the loop with the Phuket Community Newsletter, and we’ll catch up with you in the next one!

Cheers,
Codi & The Phuket Community Team