Phuket International Hospital is urging everyone to buy a toy bear to show that they care for the impoverished and orphaned children of Phuket this Christmas.

The Andaman Players take to the stage of the Green Man for this year's Christmas Panto - Sinbad the Sea Gypsy on Boxing Day at the Green Man Theatre. Suitable for children from 2-years-old and up, the pantomime is free for kids and 200 baht for adults. Call Nui on 081-894 7736 or Howard on 081-891 5508.

DaVinci Ristorante & Pizzeria has rapidly established a reputation as a fine Italian eatery. The restaurant is set in a convivial inside/outside courtyard and offers friendly al fresco dining, conducive to long meals with happy gatherings of family and friends.

The Transport Ministry has approved a budget of 135 million baht to improve the deep sea ports of Phuket to bring them in line with international standards. Deputy Transport Minister Kuakul Danchaiwijit said: “The deep sea port in Phuket can be redesigned and managed not only as a port for imports and exports, but as a tourist service port and fishing port, Phuket certainly has the market and potential to develop them.”

The Phuket office of the National Blood Center is currently appealing for extra donations to build up an emergency stock in readiness for the predicted extra accidents during the festive period.

This pick of the crop is a two-bedroom apartment set in a very high quality low density condominium, just a few minutes walk from the beach.