Fridae

Fridae has named Karon Beach Crowne Plaza Phuket the official host hotel and Hilton Arcadia Phuket the supporting hotel for Nation.V, Asia's largest gay and lesbian event, to be held in Phuket from Nov 4-6.

The All Access Pass and Weekend Pass will be on sale online from this weekend.

The S$180 (US$110) Weekend Pass includes admission to the Poolside Reception, G.Y.M. Welcome Party, Nation.V and United Nations Closing party while the S$360 (US$220) All Access Pass will include admission to additional poolside and after-hours parties over the three days hosted by all-star DJs from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand.

All Access Pass holders will also receive a goody bag with a limited edition Nation.V CD. All Access Pass holders are eligible to make room reservations at the Crowne Plaza and at the Hilton, while Weekend Pass holders are eligible to make reservations at the Hilton.

The passes will go on sale from September 1 at retail outlets while individual tickets will be sale at the door.

For the very first time, partygoers will have exclusive use of the facilities at the Crowne Plaza as the hotel has been booked for the weekend of revelry.

The idyllic Thai resort island of Phuket has expressed its honour to host Fridae's fifth annual gay and lesbian party said to be the largest event of its kind in Asia.

Udomsak Uswarangkura, the Governor of Phuket said, "Phuket is pleased and honoured to host the Nation party organised by Fridae. Phuket has much to offer visitors in terms of hospitality and the city will work closely with the organisers to ensure that the event is a successful one."

Fridae also expressed its appreciation for the level of co-operation extended by the Phuket authorities in establishing such a symbiotic partnership.

Dr Stuart Koe, CEO of Fridae said, "Fridae is committed to working closely with the Governor's office, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Phuket Business Association to ensure the success of Nation.V. We are grateful for the warm welcome that they have extended to the thousands of Fridae members who are planning to visit Phuket in November. This sets the standard for any country that embraces diversity like Thailand is doing, and shows that homophobia and discrimination has no place in the land of smiles."

The Nation party is expected to buoy the Phuket tourism industry which remains a shadow of its pre-tsunami self. The TAT Southern Region 4 Office has estimated that at least 5,000 visitors will attend the festival, providing a significant boost for the tourism and hospitality sector.

Ms Suwalai Pinpradab, Director TAT Southern Region 4 added, "Phuket very much welcomes travellers from all over the world and looks forward to playing host to this internationally acclaimed event. It is a good opportunity to introduce Phuket as an alternative destination to Bangkok for first time visitors."

Nation.V is sponsored by Motorola and Subaru.

As of publication time, the top-tier 2-room family villas at the Crowne Plaza have been sold out. Partygoers are advised to book their rooms early to avoid disappointment.