With all the troubles in Thailand 2008 you would be wondering why anyone would even consider a holiday to Thailand in 2009? I can imagine that for many people who had planned a holiday to Thailand in 2008 found themselves changing those plans at the last minute to go somewhere less in the media.

Last year seen a continuation of ‘problems’ with the government leaders and Taksin Shinawatra, who was for ever popping up now and then keeping media attention focused on his political plight. Thailand’s problems however hit the headlines when PaD protesters managed to close down the International airport for a long period of time. As was to be expected the protest ended without too much fuss and the headlines of yesterday are long forgotten, when something new captures the media headlines.

So back to the fun side of Thailand and why I think you should consider a Holiday to Thailand in 2009.

With the world economy in a tailspin and the UK in recession, prices are dropping everywhere and the tourist industry is no different. With airline operators and hotels all slashing prices to entice overseas travellers to use them, you are in a great position to get a bargain.

If you are in the unfortunate position to have been laid off work or just can’t find a job, then why sit in the UK and be miserable? Avoid the recession and go travel! Sell your stuff, grab a cheap flight and head of for Thailand beaches. You won’t worry about the recession lying on a beach and you can always come back when the economy is better.

Winter in the UK is a time to batten down the hatches and semi-hibernate for the long cold months ahead. Usually however Christmas and New Year was a time to get out and party with friends and family but again the recession put that on the back burner this year. So more likely than not you have been living a day to day existence through the winter, with nothing to look forward to. A holiday to Thailand won’t only heat you up but you will meet a lot of new people from all over the world doing the same thing you are, escaping the recession!

You’ve been working all year, you deserve a break! Sitting behind a desk or working on the factory line or stacking shelves in ASDA for eight hours a day is no fun if there isn’t a light at the end of that tunnel. Let’s face it, between worrying about next month’s budget or sitting on the beaches in Thailand, everyone would choose the beach.

A holiday to Thailand is often a life changing experience, it was for me and many other people I have met while travelling Thailand. You only get one chance at life your so make it worthwhile and don’t let media scare stories stop you from anything. There’s no reason not to go to Thailand in 2009 as many of the reported problems have either subsided or were blown out of proportion by the media.

Some time back in 2008 I posted about the Hua Hin Jazz Festival, now it’s the turn of Phuket to host a musical festival but this times its the blues.

The Phuket Blues Festival is now in its 4th year (missing 2006) and this year is being held at The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, on Karon Beach. This hotel is an ideal location for this large outdoor festival and with Eric Bibb headlining the 2009 show they will need all that space.

If you never heard Eric, or even heard of Eric, then you are in fro a treat. You can find some of his best works at other festivals on you tube, look out for “Don’t let know body drag your spirit down”, a masterpiece in blues playing and singing.

If you are on or around Phuket between February 19 and 22 you should definitely take advantage of this blues festival, with tickets costing 1,200Baht (about £24 at the current exchange) for 2days buy at only 3000Baht (£60) you could have the VIP treatment at the festival for the full2 days.

The un-official kick off for the 2009 Phuket Blues Festival starts at 10pm on Thursday 19 in the Rockin’ Angels Jammin’ Cafe in Phuket Town with a warm up. The main events happen across the next two days at The Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa with the end of the festival being played out at the Royal Phuket Marine from 6.30pm to 10.00pm on the Sunday.

The video below is highlights from the Phuket Blues Festival 2008, not only does it show the wonderful acts  on stage last year but it also shows how hot the weather is during February in Thailand. If you happen to be on holiday to Thailand or planning a last minute get away to the tropical island of Phuket during the last week of February definitely look out for this treat.

Edit :- The video on the page seem to be breaking this wordpress theme. So I have had to remove it and just place the link to it HERE