Communication and Telephones in Phuket

More and more on my travels throughout Asia, I have been seeing wording such as:

“TURN OFF DATA ROAMING to avoid unnecessary charges.”

I was reminded of this, when I was at Cape Panwa Hotel yesterday, and saw a guest who sat with Tim in the Front Lobby for 45 minutes. They were communicating with an Australian Service Provider trying to get the guest’s mobile or hand phone to work. 

I have written here, previously, about the merits of technology and Apps, such as Skype, to aid communication whilst on holiday, BUT remember that technology does not always work. 

So please remember there is a fixed line phone in each room from which you can dial anywhere in the world. 

Press 9 to get an outside line, then dial the number you want. Leave your mobile or hand phone in the safe, relax and enjoy your holiday. If you can’t leave your mobile or hand phone in the safe, please remember to turn off “Data Roaming.”  

              

Long Live His Majesty The King

              

I am Mayor of Cape Panwa

I was having dinner in Panwa House at Cape Panwa Hotel, watching and listening, to a group of young people as they sat at their table and ate their dinner, whilst tapping on their phones.  

One loudly exclaimed (which is why I noticed): “I am the Mayor of Panwa House.” I immediately thought that something was odd.

I spoke to Chaovirit, the Assistant Front Office Manager, and social IT media expert , and he explained to me that foursquare was a social media tool where the user checks-in to locations they visit. 

The user who ‘checks-in’ the most often is the Mayor of that place: it’s simple really.

I am not the Mayor of anywhere yet, but I do have some badges. I have since read that Tim and Chaovarit are both Mayors of different places. Download the App and have a look. 

(Editor’s Note: I am the Mayor of 5 places and have 11 badges. Beat that!)