Agro-tourism represents a new niche for Phuket, and already there are many kinds of agro-tourism attractions, such as Thai herbs gardens, rubber plantations and various kinds of orchid gardens. The Phuket Service Centre for Crops and Product Resources office in Talang, across from Meang Talang School, is at the centre of this new theme for tourism in Phuket.

Driving up to the crops centre?s location is a quick trip into the heart of Phuket?s agricultural environment. Set amid a rubber tree plantation, the location is fresh with oxygen from growing trees, and it quickly clears and freshens the lungs. But lately the scene there isn?t totally pastoral. Amid the rubber trees stands a tower 34 feet high for a 100-metre zip line that runs past the treetops, a new attraction the crops centre established for tourists and locals to learn about Phuket?s agriculture ?? and to raise their heart rates.

?We welcome both groups and individuals to enjoy with us,? says Artit Wongsuriya, the chairman of the zip line committee. ?Actually this activity is not just a zip line, but it also includes other adventure activities. We plan to construct everything here as a military camp.?

Staff are careful to screen everyone before they take a turn on the 100-metre line. Blood pressure is checked first, and then zip line riders are given the proper clothing: a hat, a safety belt, a backpack. The garb is like a parachutist?s harness, but instead of a parachute, it has a hook for the zip line. Next comes some basic instruction on how to ride the zip line, the correct way to brace during the ride, how to prepare for the push-off, how to protect clothing, and what to do while flying through the trees.

Then, it?s 34 feet up to the highest point on the zip line. Up there, three staff help to connect the harness to the line, and after a quick jump, it?s a zip down the cable. Depending on your comfort level with the whole thing, the initial jump is an option. But for thrills, take the jump, which for the first split-second is like a bungee jump. The staff will ask beforehand, ?Do you want to jump?? And they?ll ask again ? two or three times ? just to make sure.

As the trees whiz past, staff training to keep knees together runs through your head. Bend your neck, and shout, ?Ear!? during the run. That, the staff says, comes from the army, which believes that yelling that word relieves pressure (not to mention nervous tension) during hot moments in combat. At the end of the run, you say, ?Roo rak sa mak knee. She wit nee peur chart,? a Thai phrase that means ?be harmonious and peaceful? and ?this life for country?.

When finished, the staff present a certificate and brooch with the symbol of the army indicating that you have passed the test. It?s a test not just of ability, but of spirit and efficiency, too.

CROP CENTRE ZIP LINE
166 Moo 9 Thepkasattri, Thalang076-311-997
rpuket@doa.go.th
THE ATTRACTION
Zip line attraction patterned after Thai army-style training. Set among a rubber plantation and orchid garden.