The newly refurbished Republic Phuket Football Ground & Kata Group Resorts Thailand will this year play host to the Asian Cricket Sixes Tour (ACST) 11th Annual Phuket International Cricket Week 2014 in April this year.

ACST Chairman Michael Maher said he was very impressed with the new “state of the art” Clubhouse, the new re-laid surface of the pitch and the excellent new facilities available at the ground.

“I am looking forward to seeing the teams in action at this brilliant ground and thank the Kata Group Resorts Thailand for investing in the future of sport and tourism for Phuket,” Mr Maher said.

“The ground staff are working with us to ensure that this year’s tournaments are memorable in making 2014 an excellent event.

“ASCT is delighted to be returning to the Republic Phuket Football ground, which is about 20 minutes’ drive from Kata and Karon Beaches where the teams stay. We are excited to be amongst the first to enjoy these fantastic enhanced facilities.

“This will be the 11th ACST event in Phuket and it is fitting that we start a new decade at this brand new, wonderful ground which reflects our “Friendship Through Cricket” Phuket Cricket Week.”

Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, President of the Kata Group Resorts Thailand and Phuket Football Club said the Group was thrilled to continue to build the special partnership with the ACST’s “Fun In The Fun” cricket events.

“Kata Group Resorts Thailand has a 32-year reputation for offering high-quality, affordable resort destinations and the world-famous Thai holiday experience,” Khun Pramookpisitt said.

“We are also proud to be a leader in supporting sport in Phuket through The Kings Cup Sailing, Beach Volleyball, Rugby, Indoor Soccer and of course the Phuket Football Club.”

The Republic Phuket Football ground, which is owned by the entertainment media creator Republic Phuket, is managed by Mr Pariyawit Achariyachai, a son of Khun Pramookpisitt.

“Republic Phuket Football ground provides courses and a place for Phuket children aged between 6-12 who want to become professional footballers in Phuket FC academy,” Khun Pariyawit said.

“The ground will also provide a strong base for the ongoing development of international cricket on Phuket, as well as other international sports.”

Mr Maher said millions of Baht had been raised at the ACST events over the past 10 years for Tsunami relief and to support orphans and Junior Cricket Development in Phuket.

He said teams from Australia, the Middle East, the Sub-continent, England and the Asian region would come for the tournament joining Phuket teams which included young local players funded by the ACST and supporters.
 
Mr Maher also thanked long-term supporter of the event, Australian-based Asia Escape Holidays (AEH) and the Phuket Cricket Group for their ongoing contribution to the development of cricket in Phuket.

For information about the tournaments: www.cricketsixes.com and www.phuketsixes.com or e-mail mmaher.padmir@bigpond.com

About Kata Group Resorts Thailand
Kata Group Resorts Thailand currently owns and operates six resorts in Thailand: Kata Beach Resort & Spa, Phuket; Beyond Resort Karon, Phuket; Phuket Orchid Resort & Spa, Phuket; Kandaburi Resort & Spa, Koh Samui; Beyond Resort Khaolak, Phang Nga and Beyond Resort Krabi in Krabi. For more information please visit www.katagroup.com

Media contact: Michael Maher mmaher.padmir@bigpond.com