Vegas-Phuket Links Discussed

PHUKET: Student exchanges, international flight service and Internet promotions were among the topics discussed between representatives of Phuket and Las Vegas during a Sister Cities visit to the American entertainment capital by a delegation led by Governor Chadej Insawang. The Phuket delegation, which included local officials, prominent business operators and members of the media, returned to the island yesterday following a week-long visit. Phuket Town Mayor Phumisak Hongyok told the Gazette today that he and other administrators met with Las Vegas City Councilman Arnie Adamsen to express their interest in developing stronger ties between the two cities. Among the proposals were the establishment of a student exchange and scholarship program, new air service between the two tourist destinations, and cooperation on joint Internet website promotions. The scholarship program calls for funding two candidates from each city to study abroad for one year. A new Thai Airways International flight route between Las Vegas and Phuket will be pursued by local administrators, while Las Vegas tourism officials will be exploring avenues to inform their website visitors of Phuket’s attractions as an overseas resort, Mayor Phumisak said.