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A number of sea-based creatures naturally featured in the Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah was joined at the Opening Ceremony by Thailand's former Prime Minister General Surayuth Julanon ©Phuket 2014

Host country Thailand received the biggest cheer during the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014

Olympic Council of Asia President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah promised the Asian Beach Games would be full of "sun, sea and sand" ©Phuket 2014

Officials and members of the Thai Navy brought the flags for the Asian Beach Games into the Saphan Hin Sports Centre during the Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014

The flags of Thailand, the Olympic Council of Asia and Phuket 2014 will fly throughout the competition ©Phuket 2014

The Asian Beach Games Flame was lit by Thailand's extreme sports BMX rider Chokchai Wanitsakul ©Phuket 2014

A spectacular firework display was the highlight of the Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014

Local dancers proved a popular attraction at the Asian Beach Games Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014

There was no shortage of nautical themes at the Opening Ceremony ©Phuket 2014