In the grand scheme, five years is not long, but from within the constantly evolving media industry, the past halfa-decade spanning 1,827 days to reach this benchmark can be likened to a small mountain, one that has been scaled steadily yet surely by a dedicated team through clear but challenging, and at times rough, conditions.
Making it possible from the helm of upper management, Simon Samaan and Jason Beavan have been integral in creating and driving what has become the most prominent media company south of Bangkok and north of Kuala Lumpur, with The Phuket Newscontinuing to serve proudly as the flagship of the fleet.
Inevitably, the face of the editorial team of our humble little paper has transformed over the years, and the present team is ever grateful to have gained and learned from all the triumphs, and failures, of our predecessors, all of whom played some part in making the paper the success it is today.
And for this legacy, we thank you all: Alasdair Forbes, Phil Teese, Sarah Jarvis, Nigel Carter, Greg O’Regan, Marque Rome, Norachai Thavisin, Janyaporn Jornjarun, Sukanya Phoonphong, Paritta Wangkiat, Simon Ostheimer, Dan Ogunshakin, Dane Halpin, Claire Connell, Jody Houton, Tom Metcalfe, Apinya Saksee, Nattha Thepbamrung, Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan, Naraporn Tuarob, Anthika Muangrod, Wiparatana Nathalang, Saran Mitrarat, Nick Walker, Nick Davies, Saroj Kueprasertkij,Dalia Hilmi, and any other editor or reporter we may have forgotten, who inked a chapter in this five-year novel – we salute you and wish you all prosperity moving forward.
Although the “Who”, “When” and “What” have been in flux, the “Where” and “Why” of this mission remain constant. Phuket’s challenges ahead are as daunting as ever before, but we’re now more prepared to serve the growing, evolving market, reinforced with the complements of TV, radio, social media, and our Russian and Chinese sister publications, enabling us to keep up with the “How”.
Above all, we thank our faithful readers, contributors, informants and advertisers, who are the most important factors in the formula. We look forward to serving you in the coming five years, and beyond.
Gratias vobis ago!