The Deputy Prime Minister, Korbsak Sabhavasu visited Phuket recently to check up on the progress of the proposed new gymnasium in Sapan Hin.

The new 4000 seat stadium will be ready in time to host the 25th National Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Phuket in 2012.

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana said of the existing stadium that was built to host the Thailand National Games in 1982. “Right now it can only contain 500 seats and is not sufficient for the national and international games, the new project will be able to contain 4000 people and will have air conditioning facilities.”

The old stadium which has just 500 seats and a 25 metre swimming pool is now owned and managed by the Phuket municipality and the football, badminton, volleyball and tennis courts are used by the public.

Khun Somjai said, “The new building will be near to the football court, on 4,460 square meters. The budget of 154 million baht is from the 2012 Strong Thailand Project and another 30.8 million baht is from the Phuket municipality. The project will start at the beginning of 2010 and is hoped to be finished within one year.”

Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak said,“The government has agreed to support this project as part of our sport and tourism strategies to strengthen the economy of Phuket. This will also encourage health and wellness in people.”