The Phuket News August 23, 2019

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LEGACY PHOENIX OWNER LOOKS TO RESTORE, SINK WRECK > PAGE 2

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MP Sira returns fire after condo death threats

LIFE

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Life gets a taste of the Taiwan capital, Taipei A lifeguard watches over tourists at Patong Beach while wearing a black armband as a mark of respect after the death of Phuket lifeguard founder Prathaiyuth Chuayuan last Friday (Aug 16). Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

LIFEGUARD ‘FOUNDER’ DREAM FOR WATER SAFETY TO BECOME STANDARD EDUCATION CLOSER TO REALITY Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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huket’s core contingent of lifeguards this week vowed to carry on the work of “founding father” Prathaiyuth Chuayaun in the hope of realising his dream of swimming and surf survival skills becoming a standard element of young children’s education.

Mr Prathaiyuth passed away after a heart attack last Friday morning (Aug 16). He was 57.

Funeral services for him were held at Wat Suwankhiriwong (Wat Patong), with his cremation held

at the Laem Petch temple opposite Loma Park on the Patong beachfront on Wednesday (Aug 21).

Mr Prathaiyuth, better known just as “P’ Nut”, helped to develop Phuket’s first beach lifeguards some 20 years ago and drove them to achieve international certification and even compete in international lifesaving events.

Patong Chief Lifeguard Somprasong Sangchart worked alongside Mr Prathaiyuth for years as one of the key members of the Phuket Lifeguard Service, which for more than a decade provided trained, experienced at 12 of the key tourist

beaches along Phuket’s west coast.

“Prathaiyuth was determined in his goal to teach life saving and drowning prevention to people. He always helped to teach, train and support new lifeguards, even lifeguards in Thailand do not get the same pay as lifeguards abroad.

“He is my inspiration for being a lifeguard. He will be honoured as my teacher forever.”

Yet Mr Prathaiyuth’s true legacy may be on the verge of becoming something much greater than ever anticipated.

The Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec), under the

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Ministry of Education, is currently reviewing a training manual from the Phuket Lifeguard Service (PLS), founded by Mr Prathaiyuth and his wife Ms Witanya, to be used to teach water safety and survival skills to all students in the country from primary school to high school as standard, required education.

“The Office of the Basic Education Commission is very interested in what the Phuket Lifeguard Service is doing, and life saving and drowning prevention skills may well be officially added to the education system soon,” Ms Witanya said.

“We currently conduct lifesaving…

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Lifeguard founder honoured Continued from page 1 ...courses for students in schools and at universities in Bangkok and nearby provinces, and we plan to soon hold lifesaving and drowning prevention classes at local schools in Phuket,” she added.

The PLS has long conducted an ongoing series of water safety and lifesaving classes for young children in Patong – free, and open to any children who want to take part.

“The PLS has not stopped.

We continue to train and recruit lifeguards,” Ms Witanya said.

“P’ Nut needed people to learn water safety, to make people at beaches more aware of the dangers, especially Phuket people and tourists.

And now surf lifesaving has become popular and well known nationwide, and especially in Phuket,” she added.

In the footsteps of Mr Prathaiyuth’s drive for excellence, the Sports Authority of Thailand will be supporting the “Lifesaving Thailand Championship” competition to be held in Phuket next year, Ms Witanya explained.

“The purpose of this competition is to select the national Thai lifesaving team to join the Lifesaving World Championships of 2020 in Riccione, Italy,” she noted.

“We have about six people who are the main lifeguards who run the PLS. We have encountered lots of obstacles

Julie Bishop (centre, black jacket), Australian Foreign Affairs Minister in 2017, is flanked by Prathaiyuth Chuayuan and his wife Ms Witanaya at an event at Patong Beach. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service along the way, but we won’t give up. We are moving together toward our goal. Sometimes we might move slowly, other times quickly, but we won’t stop working towards our dream,” Ms Witanya said.

Working with Australians David Field and Jayne MacDougall, Mr Prathaiyuth drove to improve the skills of the handful of volunteer lifeguards Phuket had some 20 years ago through training sessions from professional lifesavers visiting from Australia.

The lifeguard training programme blossomed, inspiring many local Thai “beach

boys” to join their ranks to help save lives – mostly of tourists – in Phuket’s dangerous low season surf from May through October each year.

Mr Prathaiyuth and Ms Witanya for years together operated Phuket Lifeguards Service Co Ltd, which provided lifeguards all along Phuket’s west coast under a government concession offered through the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor).

Then the PLS encountered a critical hurdle. The PPAO arrangement ended in Sept 2017 after Mr Prathaiyuth on

behalf of the PLS refused to accept the terms offered by the PPAO, which for the third consecutive year had refused to increase the budget to be provided in order to provide qualified, experienced lifeguards on Phuket’s beaches.

The PPAO had even slashed the budget by 10%.

The salaries to be paid to lifeguards was not commensurate with them risking their lives, and the budget provided would not allow for the modern, functioning equipment needed by lifeguards to carry out rescues, Mr Prathaiyuth explained.

Instead, the lack of proper equipment would only endanger the lives of the lifeguards themselves, he added.

With no other operators willing to take up the role of providing lifeguards under the contract offered, Phuket’s system of lifeguard protection at the beaches fell into disarray.

The Phuket Governor at the time, Norraphat Plodthong, over-ordered the stance by PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Pathomwattanapong and mandated that all local municipalities and administrations organise lifeguard

patrols for beaches in their own respective areas.

Patong Mayor Chalerm­ luck Kebsup wasted no time in making sure that Mr Prathaiyuth and his team of qualified, trained lifeguards were hired to ensure lifeguard patrols on Phuket’s busiest tourist beach, Patong.

Mr Prathaiyuth leaves Phuket not just with a legacy of essential lifesaving beach guards, but also a long-standing programme of teaching children essential surf survival skills and lifesaving techniques, including basic CPR. As recently as last week Mr Prathaiyuth led a junior surf lifesaving course, and earlier this month led yet another lifeguard training intensive to ensure their skills were honed and up-to-date.

Volunteers were, and remain, always welcome.

Daren Jenner, the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) Marine Safety Officer for Phuket, expressed his sincerest condolences to Mr Prathaiyuth’s friends and family.

“I had many good conversations with him over the years. He was a good-hearted man who did his best in difficult and changing circumstances,” Mr Jenner said.

“A very big loss for Phuket and the lifesaving community here. ISLA sends our deepest respect for his long commitment to ocean safety in SE Asia.”

Phoenix owner aims to restore wreck, return to sea floor T H E PH U K ET M A N W HO bought the wreck of the fateful Phuket tour boat Phoenix at auction earlier this month aims to restore the boat and then sink it at the same location where it fell beneath the waves in July last year, killing 47 Chinese tourists, as a way of making merit.

Preecha Jaiart, who operates the Truck2hand.com website for selling secondhand heavy vehicles, including trucks, buses, vans and boats, conducted several meritmaking ceremonies on the boat at Rattanachai Shipyard on the east side of Phuket Town on Thursday last week (Aug 15).

Mr Preecha bought the salvaged wreck for B905,000 at an auction

held in Phuket on Aug 7.

The boat was finally sold after several attempts by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo), which has been tasked with disposing of the state-seized asset since police investigators completed their inspections last year into the operations of the former owner for operating illegally.

“Lots of people have asked why I bought the Phoenix,” Mr Preecha said.

“I am a Phuket person and a Thai citizen. I feel deeply saddened as many people lost their lives in the tragic accident,” he added.

“Those who died from the tragic boat sinking were tourists who travelled to my hometown

and unfortunately have to be here forever. I want to try my best to take care of them,” he said.

“Next, I want to restore the Phoenix to be good condition like it used to be, and return it back to the sea where the boat lay on the seabed. If possible, I also want to invite (Deputy Prime Minister) Mr Prawit Wongsuwan to preside over the ceremony to return the boat to the sea,” Mr Preecha explained.

Asked why he would want to restore the boat and then sink it again, Mr Preecha simply replied, “It just feels like the right thing to do.”

Mr Preecha is now encountering a wall of bureaucracy in fulfilling his wish.

“The process to do that is not easy. I am talking with with the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), the Phuket Provincial Environment Office and the Phuket Marine Office.

“It is proving very difficult and complicated, but I assure you that I won’t break the boat down and sell its parts as other merchants would. My true aim is that I want Chinese people to know that Thai people love them like our close family members.” he said.

Mr Preecha added that he was open to other ideas of what to do with the Phoenix.

“I still need feedback about my idea. Please post your comments on whether you think it is appropriate

Preecha Jaiart, who bought the Phoenix wreck at auction earlier this month, aims to restore the boat and send her back to bottom of the sea. Photo: Preecha Jaiart or not. Or if you have a better idea, please let me know,” he said.

Mr Preecha invited people to post their comments on his Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/preecha.phuket Tanyaluk Sakoot thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

MP returns fire over condo death threats

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fter going public late last week about receiving death threats over The Peaks Residences condo project under construction at Kata Noi, Palang Pracharath Party MP Sira Jenjara arrived in Phuket in person last Sunday (Aug 18) to launch his own reprisal.

MP Sira last Sunday attended a protest by local residents against the project, and on Monday at Phuket Provincial Hall assured the press that he will push to prosecute any officials found involved in allowing the project to be built on protected forest land.

Top of Mr Sira’s agenda was a meeting with Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana on Monday to explain that formal requests to investigate all officials, including the Governor himself, were to be filed with a host of agencies.

“I will also go to Karon Municipality to ask about permission given for the construction, and go to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) Phuket office to check if there has been any progress in this case,” he said.

“I will ask the Ministry of Interior why the Phuket Governor let this happen, and I will prosecute relevant officers who did wrong or ignored this case – even though I have received a death threat,” Mr Sira assured.

At Provincial Hall on Monday, Mr Sira filed a formal complaint with the Damrongdhama Center (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) calling for them to investigate The Peaks project for encroaching on protected forest land.

In his complaint, Mr Sira also called on the Phuket Government to investigate the construction permit issued

An autopsy found a 15cm-long stingray barb inside the adult dugong’s stomach. Photo: DMCR

Stingray barb kills dugong at Railay

Palang Pracharath Party MP Sira Jenjara (left) with Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana on Monday (Aug 19). Photo: PR Dept and whether the construction is continuing as written in the permit.

Mr Sira also requested that if any wrongdoing is found, for the government to order all work at the site to stop and for the Karon Mayor to be removed from office and the contractor to leave the area so that the investigation can be transparent.

Mr Sira levelled a barrage of heavy criticism at Phuket officials for allowing the project to continue.

“The complaint that I filed today will also be filed to the Ministry of Justice to be considered as a special case on Aug 21,” Mr Sira told Governor Phakaphong.

“Additionally, I will also file a request to the Department of Rights and Liberties Protection for protection,” he added.

“I will also file a request with the Anti Money Laundering Office (Amlo) to investigate the properties owned by and any financial transactions involving any officers related to

this project,” Mr Sira promised Gov Phakaphong.

Mr Sira on Monday pointed out that the project was receiving attention from the highest levels. “Gen Prawit Wongsuwan called to ask me about this,” he said.

Governor Phakaphong pointed out that on Aug 16 he had ordered for an investigation committee, led by Vice Governor Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai, to be set up to investigate the project.

“We will know the investigation result within 30 days.

The Phuket Government pays attention to the accuracy and fairness for everyone,” Governor Phakaphong said.

During a heated discussion with Mr Sira at Provincial Hall on Monday, Karon Mayor Tawee defended the actions by his office.

“Karon Municipality and relevant officials permitted the construction as all the required documents, which are legally accurate, had been filed,” he said.

“However, on Aug 13,

Police investigate alleged electrocution POLICE AR E WAITING for a post-mortem examination

by Forensic Police in Bangkok to confirm whether or not 45-year-old Dutch tourist Herdri Henrikus Hermannes Vos (as named by police) was killed by electrocution after touching a pool-side steel fence at a resort near Phuket International Airport.

The examination by Forensic Police came at the request of Mr Herdri’s widow after doctors at Thalang Hospital were unable to provide a con@thephuketnews

The poolside fence where the Dutch tourist was allegedly electrocuted. Photo: Sakoo Police firmed cause of death, Lt Col Bandasak Srilert of the Sakoo Police told The Phuket News.

Mr Herdri and his son were swimming in the pool

at Marina Express Aviator Hotel at about 6pm on Aug 8 when Mr Herdri grabbed the fence and then screamed out in pain before collapsing into the pool, hitting his head on a submerged wall separating the child and adult sections of the pool, Col Bandasak explained.

Officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority inspected the site but were unable to see how the fence could have become electrified.

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there was a complaint about a landslide which negatively affected local residents, so on Aug 16 we ordered the construction to be suspended and for those who are responsible for the project to ‘manage the environmental impact’ (sic) of the project,” Mayor Tawee said.

Manassanan Nararattanawee, the CEO of Kata Beach Co Ltd, as the owner of The Peaks Residence, at a press conference on Wednesday (Aug 21) assured that all dealings regarding the purchase of the land were lawful.

He admitted that the company had only a NorSor 3 Kor land-use document issued for the land, despite the law requiring a Chanote to be issued before condo units may be built and sold on the property.

While pointing out that halting construction was causing harm to the project, he also said the company was waiting for the Supreme Administrative Court to rule on its appeal to overturn a lower Administrative Court ruling that the NorSor 3 Kor be revoked.

A MATURE MALE DUgong found dead off Ton Sai Beach in Krabi last Sunday (Aug 18) was killed by a stingray barb, reports Phuket Marine Biological Center (PMBC) Chief Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong.

The body of the dugong, estimated to be about 25 years old, was brought ashore and taken to the PMBC last Sunday in the hope of determining what caused its death, as marine experts noted that the fully-grown adult male appeared to be in perfect health other than some bruises at the base of its front flippers.

An autopsy on the dugong’s remains conducted at the PMBC discovered that the dugong had suffered a puncture to its belly, Dr Kongiat told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Aug 20).

“It was a wound and officers found a 15 centimetrelong stingray barb inside the dugong’s stomach,” he said.

“The barb had pierced through the skin to the small intestine and stomach. Inside of the small intestine was inf lammation. That led to an infection in the dugong’s abdomen,” he added.

“Lymph nodes all throughout the body had responded to the infection. There was bloating of the stomach and the remains of some food left in the stomach,” Dr Kongkiat explained.

“We believe that the cause of death is infection from the stingray barb,” he concluded.

Dr Kongkiat pointed out that the male dugong was the 16th to be found dead along the Andaman Coast this year, with the toll standing as: two in Phang Nga, eight in Trang, five in Krabi and one in Satun.

Dr Kongkiat just last month raised the alarm over the mounting number of dugong deaths after two more were found dead, bringing the number of dugongs found dead to five in just four months.

The news followed Mariam, the 8-month-old dugong rescued from Koh Libong in Trang in June that endeared the heart of the nation with her recovery broadcast 24 hours a day on Facebook, dying last Saturday (Aug 17) after months of care.

Mariam died three days after she was taken from the sea and placed in a nursery tank, over concerns for her safety, ahead of torrential rain and rough seas forecast for the Andaman Sea. Officials reported that Mariam died of shock and other reasons, including several pieces of plastic found in her intestine, which respected marine expert Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat said ultimately led to an infection that caused her death.

Her remains will be preserved and put on display at the Phuket Aquarium, operated by the PMBC, “for education purposes”, reports the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR).

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NACC raps land probes Deputy Sec-Gen calls for more reports on land grabs The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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iwatchai Kasemmongkol, Deputy Secretary-General of the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), was in Phuket last week to be briefed on the progress of investigations into people attempting to claim state land.

Mr Niwatchai attended a meeting held at Provincial Hall last Thursday (Aug 15) for the briefing, and to call for officers to expedite their investigations.

Mr Niwatchai also called on the public to report any suspected attempts to claim government land by reporting it through the NACC official website or writing to the NACC headquarters at 361 Nonthaburi Rd (Sanambinnam Rd), Thasaai District, Amphur Muang, Nonthaburi 11000, Thailand.

All reports will be treated

Niwatchai Kasemmongkol, Deputy Secretary-General of Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC).

Photo: PR Dept anonymously, and whistleblowers will be protected, Mr Niwatchai assured.

The NACC has the ability and the authority to bring such cases to court and appeal for claims to any state land to be annulled, Mr Niwatchai said.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit and NACC Phuket office Director

Suksan Prasa-Ra-ae, along with a host of other relevant officials were all present at the meeting to brief Mr Niwatchai.

However, ahead of Mr Niwatchai’s arrival in Phuket on Thursday, Phuket officials including the Governor held their own meeting just one day earlier (Aug 14), when several cases were specifically mentioned, including the

claims to the 178 rai along the Layan-Leypang beachfront which has been estimated to be worth at least B10 billion.

Officials have failed to evict businesses – mostly restaurants serving tourists – from the pristine location despite a Supreme Court ruling in November 2017.

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has several times threatened to evict the businesses, but has so far failed. Phuket officials have so far done nothing other than make rare public statements that they are “waiting for the legal process to be resolved”.

At t h e m e e t i n g l a s t Wednesday, according to the reports by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department, officials had upgraded their stance to “now in the process of enforcing as in the judgment”.

“The Department of Land is working under the regulation of National Land Management Committee (case) no.

9/1986” was all the report said.

The reports made no further mention of the case.

Also of note, while the meeting last Wednesday specifically cited several claims to state land under investigation, it was not made clear whether the Layan beachfront case was brought to Mr Niwatchai’s attention.

Cases that were specifically mentioned at the meeting on Wednesday, attended by Phuket branch of the Office of the State Land Management (OSLM-Phuket), included a claim filed by Sanoh Pohpandee for the land on which his house sits in Moo 3 Mai Khao, Thalang.

Other claims under investigation included land plots in Moo 6, 7 and 8 in the Khao Khad area of Wichit; Moo 1, 2 and 6 in the Khao Dang area of Rawai; as well as land claims in Baan Kuku, Rassada, and a public cemetery in Moo 3 Rassada, the meeting was told.

Stores caught over preservatives TWO CONSUMER WATCH FOUNDAtions have called out two popular Thai food and souvenir shops in Phuket for selling a fish curry paste overloaded with preservatives.

The Foundation for Consumers, operating as ConsumerThai.org and the Consumer South Network, announced the news in a report of product tests conducted on 15 outlets in the South, including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket.

The quality tests identified that Gaeng Tai Pla curry paste sold at the Khun Mae Ju store on Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang contained 1190.45mg/kg of sorbic acid, and that Gaeng Tai Pla curry paste sold at the Mae Kui store on Rassada-nusorn Rd north of Phuket Town contained 1107.64mg/kg of sorbic acid, explained Ms Monrudee Po-in of the Foundation for Consumers.

Both shops are very popular Thai tourist souvenir stores, with buses of tourists often brought to them on tours in Phuket.

Ms Monrudee pointed out that the legal limit for sorbic acid was 1,000mg/kg, as stipulated by Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) announcement no. 389/2018.

The same regulation limits the amount of benzoic acid in any products to 500mg/ kg, she added.

The news came in a report of product tests conducted on 15 outlets in the South, including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi and Phuket. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Ms Monrudee did note that previous testing of products at the two stores did not show elevated levels of preservatives.

Proifon Theera-ampornpan, owner of the Mae Kui store, responded to the report, saying, “Officers always come to examine our products and make suggestions about how to improve our products. We do not worry about our products because we always follow officers’ suggestions,” she said.

“I am confused [about the illegal amounts of sorbic acid now found] because the Public Health officers have never found preservatives in our products, but this time it was found by other organisations,” she added.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Both men were charged and police seized 224 ya bah pills, 134.03 grams of ya ice and three motorbikes. Photos: Phuket Provincial Police

Restaurant staffer caught in meth sting TWO MEN, INCLUDING a restaurant staffer in Karon, have been arrested for peddling methamphetamine (ya bah) pills and crystal meth (ya ice).

The arrests were made on Tuesday and Wednesday last week (Aug 13-14), reported police.

According to the report, the first arrest came at 6pm on Tuesday, when police took into custody Sutin “Tom” Jengpo, 34, from Suphan Buri, at an apartment building in Rawai.

Sutin was found in possession of 24 ya bah pills and 134.03 grams of ya ice, separated into 13 packs.

In making the arrest, police also seized three modified motorbikes with an estimated value of about B110,000.

After officers questioned Sutin, officers arrested Thawatchai “Bum” Poondam, after he was caught with 200 ya bah pills in a sting operation when he dropped off the drugs near the restaurant where he worked.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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Patong beach road to close

Work on burying electrical, comms cables reaches Bangla Rd Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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400-metre section of the Patong beachfront road will be closed from Bangla Rd to Sawatdirak Rd each day from 6am to 4pm for a month, starting this Sunday (Aug 25).

The section of the busy road, officially called Thaweewong Rd, will be closed each day until Sept 30 so that workers can install power and communications cables underground along the beachfront, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup announced.

“All vehicles will be prohibited from driving through this area. All vehicles on Thaweewong Rd must turn onto Bangla Rd instead,” Mayor Chalermluck said in an announcement on Monday (Aug 19).

“The road will re-open each night after 4pm,” she added.

However, project engineer Aut Khrueasane later confirmed to The Phuket News that some vehicles will be allowed to drive along the road while the works are ongoing.

“One lane will be left open for special vehicles to pass. These will be vehicles being used by workers or business owners wanting to get to their businesses,” he said.

“However, the vehicles must have

The Patong beach road will be closed during the daytime for a month starting this Sunday (Aug 25) so the trench can be excavated to install power and communications cables underground. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot on them a special white sticker issued only by Patong Municipality in order to be allowed to drive through the work site,” he said.

Taxis and tuk-tuks will be allowed to drive into the area, Mr Aut said, adding, “but only if staff at businesses along that section of road confirm that the taxi or tuktuk is picking up or dropping off customers at their business”.

The works will see a trench for power and communications cables excavated under the road, leaving the footpaths available for pedestri-

ans to walk along while the work is being carried out.

“I apologise to the people again for this inconvenience, but please be patient. When the project is completed the road will be beautiful to look at. It will be ready to welcome tourists,” Mayor Chalermluck said.

Excavation of the trench began further north on July 26.

Excavation for Phase 1, from Sawatdirak Rd to Loma Circle at the northern end of the beach is complete, Mayor Chalermluck explained.

Couple arrested for spate of burglaries THALANG POLICE HAVE presented to the press a couple arrested for a spate of burglaries across central Phuket. The couple have been charged for nine break-ins, and stealing items with a reported value of B600,000 as well as 16 bank cheques to the value of B2 million.

Chaiyo Lia m sai, 22 , from Ubon Ratchathani, and Wanphen Chuchay, 23, from Ranong, were arrested at a rented room in Baan Ya, in Moo 6, Srisoonthon, Thalang Police Chief Col Theerawat Liamsuwan told the press last Saturday (Aug 17).

Officers learned their whereabouts after checking CCTV surveillance camera footage at the scene of the crimes and CCTV cameras that helped track the suspects as they made their escape by motorbike.

In total, police recovered two gold necklaces, a diamond necklace, two gold rings with diamonds, a pair of golden earrings with diamonds, three gold pendants with diamonds, 17 watches, nine cameras, five mobile phones, a large collection of amulets, three laptops, multiple wallets and many other items, including 16 bank cheques, Col Theerawat said. @thephuketnews

The couple had committed nine break-ins and stolen more than B600,000 in jewellery and other items, said the Thalang police chief. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Chaiyo, who worked as an aluminium technician, and Wanphen, who performed services as a spirit medium, had committed at least nine break-ins, Col Theerawat said.

Together the couple would monitor a prospective victim’s house, and then break in by using a screwdriver to force open a window while the owners were not at home, he explained.

The couple were brazen, committing break-ins during the day and night, Col Theerwat said.

Wanphen told police that she needed B600,000 to have an operation to remove cysts from her uterus, he added.

The victims from the nine

break-ins had come to the police station and identified their stolen property, Col Theerawat said.

However, some items remained at pawn shops, he said.

Both Chaiyo and Wanphen were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug for methamphetamine (ya bah) and crystal meth (ya ice), noted police – though the amount of drugs seized was not reported.

The couple have also been charged with jointly committing robbery at night by causing damage to property and using a vehicle to commit the crimes (a separate charge in Thailand), Col Theerawat confirmed.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Work is now beginning on Phase 2, the 400-metre section from Bangla Rd to Sawatdirak Rd, she added.

Project engineer Mr Aut explained that a meeting was held with local residents, building owners, shop owners and tenants on Aug 17 to explain to them that the road closure was coming.

“These business don’t have to close during the day. They can open their business normally,” he said.

However, Mr Aut admitted, “We understand that business operators will be affected while the work continues as it will not be convenient for them to access their properties.

“Also they have been asked to keep the footpaths clear for workers and so that people can walk unobstructed along the footpath while the construction is ongoing,” he said.

Traffic signs and flashing warning lights will be installed to warn motorists, Mr Aut said.

Mayor Chalermluck explained that the project to install the cables underground will be carried out during the low season only.

“I will pause it for the high season and work will resume after the high season is over,” she said.

Mr Aut also explained that the original plan to excavate the cable trench at the northern and southern

ends of Patong first, and leaving the middle section to last, was changed at the last minute by Mayor Chalermluck after consulting with local residents and business owners.

“It was changed to try to minimise the disruptions to traffic and businesses as much as possible,” he said.

The work is being carried out under a B228 million contract signed to joint-venture I.M.P Consortium, which has until Mar 5, 2020 to complete the work.

Under the contract, power lines and communications cables, including a fibre-optic mains, are to be installed underground along three kilometres of the Patong beach road from the Pak Bang Canal at the southern end of the beach to Haad Patong Rd near Loma Park.

Mr Aut assured that having power cables installed underground will be safe, despite the Patong beachfront exposing the cables to regular heavy rain, sand and salt corrosion.

“It is safe. The equipment being used and all the construction processes have been approved by the Council of Engineers Thailand.”

“Also, no trees will be cut down along the Patong beachfront to make way for this project,” Mr Aut said.

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

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084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000.

Degree in business management.

Spare time spent sailing or with family.

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Lifestyle Editor

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Former freelance writer and editor for a music news and reviews website in the UK. Now turning her hobby into a career with The Phuket News and broadening her scope from music to, well, everything. Likes the weird and wonderful.

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EDITORIAL

Making it personal

alang Pracharath Party MP Sira Jenjara pulled no punches this week, telling Phuket Gover nor Phakaphong Tavipatana to his face that he can expect investigations by the Ministry of Justice and the National Anti-Corruption Commission over construction of The Peaks Residences condo project in Kata Noi. Mr Sira also made it plain that he will be questioning the Governor’s superiors themselves, the Ministry of Interior in Bangkok, where Mr Sira’s connections are likely to be more direct than those of our provincial head honcho, and asking how such complacency had been allowed under the current governorship.

And that message was delivered literally just after Mr Sira had filed a complaint with the Provincial Ombudsman’s Office to investigate the project.

Even before talking with the Governor, Mr Sira confirmed that he had already contacted Department of Land Director General Prayoon Rattanasenee and filed a formal request to investigate the project.

It’s almost as if Mr Sira knows that if you file enough complaints with the right agencies, you’re bound to hit one that has not been paid enough to take a bullet for a dodgy construction project.

Yet, with the project valued at B2.1 billion, at that price it is possible for enough people around here to be persuaded to allow construction to proceed.

But the icing on the cake was Mr Sira also announcing that he will be calling on the Anti-Money Laundering Office to investigate the assets owned by and any financial transactions involving any officials involved in the case in any

way. That alone is normally enough to prompt most Thai “influential figures” to call off their gunmen.

It’s easy to think that all of this is a bluff, but at his press conference on Wednesday Manassanan Nararattanawee, the CEO of Kata Beach Co Ltd, as the owner of The Peak Residence development, failed to denouncing or deny the death threats. Also odd is that no law-enforcement agencies have affirmed that the death threats are to be treated as genuine.

If the death threats are genuine, then whoever made that call just made it personal.

And Mr Sira will have support. His party will not have forgotten the SorPorKor scandal, and the mass corruption behind the theft of huge tracts of state land. Failing to resolve that issue led to the fall of the Democrat government within just six months.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Forensic Police to investigate alleged electrocution of tourist at Phuket resort Couple arrested for spate of Phuket burglaries, B600k in stolen items recovered Phuket’s lifeguard founder, chief driving force, passes away Visa waiver proposal under fire After death threats, Bangkok MP fires up legal action over Phuket condo project Phuket Opinion: The Expendables Patong beach road to close daytime as beachfront power cables buried Thai airways reports loss of 122% in Q2 Otter found beached in Phuket Patong power pole works cause monster traffic tailback

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Appreciating our lifeguards

Re: Phuket’s lifeguard founder, chief driving force, passes away Condolences to the family.

Khun P’Nut was a very special person. He tried so hard along with his family for the safety of the tourists and locals on Phuket’s beaches. He will be sadly missed by all, not only by those who knew him. RIP my friend.

Mark and Maureen Saved countless lives by passing on knowledge. Rest easy now.

James Bahr RIP. Hero of Phuket!

Tan Hooi Jennifer Re: Phuket lifeguard helps to catch a beach thief Just imagine the good that could be done if proper lifeguards were on all the popular beaches. They could be the ‘good will’ ambassadors of the beach, besides saving lives. Who knows, tourism might even have a future here if the Phuket government supported it.

Daren Jenner

Re: Turtle tangled in plastic sack rescued by Phuket Nai Harn Surf Lifesaving Club Thank heavens for lifeguards!

Nicola Lowry

of the fishing boat slaves in the South. And the scapegoats in the British murders on Koh Tao. The list goes on but the lack of human rights doesn’t.

Danyel Erickson

do agree with this gentleman that the ship needs destroying.

This is the only way to show respect to the people that died in this awful tragedy.

David Holbourne

Thanks a million. You are a lifesaver and a hero. Well done.

Rosa Dias

Myanmar workers do what the Thais don’t want to. If it wasn’t for the Myanmar workforce, Thai people would actually have to do manual labour amongst other menial tasks.

Brett Lee

Taking a stand

Myanmar lives matter

Re: Officials promote state benefits for Myanmar workers killed, injured in Phuket building collapse Let’s hope the insurance company refuses to pay out for these irresponsible gold diggers. This was criminal negligence and someone needs to be held responsible. Instead we get victims insulted with B750,000 for a human life and construction continuing as if nothing happened.

CaptainJack69 Re: Phuket Opinion: The Expendables Thousands of people [from Myanmar] flee persecution only to be treated as slaves. Reminds me of the SuperCheap fire and the missing persons that were covered up. Or the mass graves

Return to the sea

Re: New Phoenix owner aims to restore wreck, return it to the sea Just recently Mr Preecha told us he’d like the Phoenix to remain at the shipyard grounds.

His latest thinking to sink the Phoenix at the disaster location is great. There it can be a underwater monument and new dive site. I feel it is very appropriate and 100% support his idea.

Kurt Maybe he could donate the restoration costs to the Chinese families whose members lost their lives as it seems a complete waste of money to restore the ship only to sink it. But I

Re: After death threats, Bangkok MP fires up legal action over Phuket condo project I am glad they will respond. The “things” that need changing require effort and discomfort. The reward is a better nation for millions not hundreds.

James Bahr Re: MP Sira warns Governor of Amlo complaint over Phuket condo project Too little too late! Local official jurisdictions should not allow so much power to so few when accepting these questionable builds. Add three or four more steps to the process of acceptance, and you won’t find yourself in an irreversible position.

Marc Richmond Methinks there’s some unexpected transfers about to be announced…

Geoffrey Morris

Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

7

From banana leaves to dishes A green local initiative meant to cut out plastics SUKHOTHAI

Narupornn Khemthong holds the prototype of a 12cm bananaleaf bowl. Photo: Bangkok Post

Bangkok Post

S

ince she was young, Naruporn Khemthong helped her mother grow banana plants on their family’s plantation in Ban Klong Krachong, in Sukhothai province.

Today she is also a farmer, but plants bananas not for fruits, but for selling fresh banana leaves for a living. Today her house is a learning centre for producing banana-leaf plates and bowls.

“My goal is straightforward. I want to create something useful. It will be even better if that thing can help replace the use of styrofoam food containers,” said Naruporn, 51.

Ban Klong Krachong is the largest producer of fresh banana leaves in the Kingdom. More than half of the 14,215 rai of banana farms in Sukhothai are in Ban Klong Krachong, and generated about B179 million for the community last year.

The farmers grow kluay tani, a wild species of banana which is prized for it’s tough leaves used for wrapping food or snacks.

Two years ago, Naruporn had an idea to produce plates from banana leaves and, together with Pakhom Prachamwong, a retired a village

head, and founded Klum Kasettakon Plaeng Yai farmer group in November last year. The group has 40 members, who together own 354 rai of banana plantations.

In February, Naruporn presented her idea to produce the banana leaf plates to the governor of the province.

“To my surprise, the governor not only said yes, he even asked me how much of a budget my group needed. He said there were choices of a B100,000 or a B500,000 fund, so I chose the latter,” she said.

Naruporn was happy to have the initial investment, but, she had another problem: no one knew how to make the leaf plate.

Although the concept of producing biodegradable plates is not new, she couldn’t find any experts who make plates from banana leaves.

“The only way to know was to get plate-making machine and try,” she said.

Since the farmer group had not yet received government funds, she self-funded the project and contacted

No ban on plastic bags yet, says PM BANGKOK PRIME MINISTER PRAyut Chan-o-cha on Tuesday (Aug 20) pledged to protect marine life from sea waste but refused to respond to growing calls for an immediate ban on single-use plastic bags.

“I have ordered related agencies to protect these sea animals. It is this government’s policy that no one will be left behind and that does not only mean humans – we include animals like dugongs,” the prime minister told media in response to the fate of Mariam, the popular young dugong which died last week after ingesting ocean plastic waste.

He said he has now ordered officials to do everything to protect another baby dugong, Yamil, a three-month-old that was rescued and placed under Department of Marine and Coastal Resources’ veterinary supervision in July.

“Yamil must not die,” said the prime minister.

He insisted that the government will ban the use @thephuketnews

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha holds a miniature doll of Marium, a young dugong which died last week from an infection caused by bits of plastic in her stomach.

The prime minister has pledged to protect sea animals from marine debris. Photo: Bangkok Post of some plastic, including single-use plastic bags, by 2022.

“Everyone has a duty to help reduce plastic waste.

It is unfair and pointless to blame the government when sea animals die due to marine waste. This issue is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

On Tuesday, a conservation plan dubbed the “Mariam Project” was approved by the Cabinet after being proposed by Varawut Silpaarcha, minister of natural resources and environment.

Among similar proposals are the nomination of Aug 17 as “National Dugong Day” and the “1+11 Dugong Project”.

The latter plan will create 12 dugong conservation areas modelled after Koh Libong in Trang province where Mariam was cared for.

Areas to be included are Pattani, Satun, Trang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Chumphon, Chanthaburi, Rayong and Chon Buri provinces, all of which have beaches rich in sea-grass – dugongs’ favourite food.

Bangkok Post

a factory in Samut Prakan province who agreed to produce a prototype with a B5,000 down payment.

The first machine was delivered on March 5. Without a manual, she did not know how to operate it. But after some tinkering, they were up and running.

“We thought about the old wisdom, that our ancestors used dry banana leaves for wrapping cane sugar so we tried using dry brown leaves,” she said.

T he Fa r mer s Cou ncil led Naruporn to a research team from the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research, who suggested they change the glueing technique to a mix of tapioca starch and water – the method was right.

Naruporn also changed the raw material from brown leaves to sundried green leaves because it is easy to find, and stacked them together in three to four layers. So far the plates and bowls can be stocked for three months remain in the right form.

“Our samples created in April are still in good shape. They can be used for serving hot soup or for heating food in a microwave oven,” she said, adding that the plates can even be reused.

Today the group has three machines, and each can produce up to

200 plates or bowls a day.

Although the business of producing banana-leaf plates is in the infant stages, they have already gotten pre-orders domestically and abroad. Meanwhile, communities far and near are requesting workshops.

“I don’t mind if anyone wants to produce the banana-leaf plates like us,” she said. “I am not afraid of having competitors. The more people are interested in it, the better.

It shows that they care about our environment. My group cannot do it alone. Together we can help reduce the use of foam food containers.”

How to produce a banana leaf plate 1. Dry fresh banana leaves over hot sand for at least a day 2. Cut into a preferable size.

3. Select an untorn piece for the first layer and apply the mixture of tapioca and water all over.

4. Place the second layer, which can be torn or dry leaf, then apply the glue-like mixture on top.

5. Put another piece on top.

6. Place the stack of banana leaves on the mold of the plate making machine. Use a temperature of 130ºC for 90 seconds.

7. Take out the plate and cut the unwanted part. The plate is ready for serving food.

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Smart cities option Over to deal with glut

2,300 tigers killed and trafficked this century

THAILAND THAILAND RISKS BEing overwhelmed by tourism within the next decade as the “Thailand Towards 2030: Future of Travel & Tourism” report indicated the capacity of airports and the transport system have not caught up with the pace of tourism growth.

The report by Amadeus, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (Depa) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association, also suggests four urgent improvements and proposes smart cities as a solution.

The World Travel & Tourism Council reported Thailand's tourism grew by 6% last year, far above the global average of 3.6%.

Last year the country reported 7.5% year-on-year growth in international arrivals to 38.3 million, causing congestion at major destinations such as Bangkok and Phuket, which are the top two provinces earning the most tourism revenue, B1 trillion and B470 billion, respectively.

Simon Akeroyd, vicepresident of corporate strategy and business development at Amadeus, said Thailand needs to increase airport capacity, improve air-to-city links, scale up public-private partnerships to improve transport networks, and reduce “over-tourism” by adopting smart technologies as soon as possible.

“Collaboration between public and private sectors is the key to success of every

THAILAND AFP

Last year Thailand saw 7.5% year-on-year growth in international arrivals. Photo: Bangkok Post smart city in the world, such as Singapore, Dubai and London,” said Mr Akeroyd.

Pracha Asawateera, VP of the southern district for Depa, said Thailand began the Smart City project four years ago.

Phuket, one of the seven pilot areas, received an initial budget of around 400 million baht and can kick-start the city data platform under the umbrella of City Development Companies, using information technology to improve the capacity and capability of tourism in the city.

“Management is a need for Phuket, as we’ve experienced congestion in the city centre since last year. The city is almost at stage of over-tourism, while Bangkok shares the same fate,” said Mr Pracha According to Amadeus executives, even with the downturn in the global tourism business, visitor growth in Thailand will not dip below 7.5% for another 5-10 years.

Better management of airto-city links is also needed to accelerate growth of the Mice sector, which accounted for 8mn visitors in the second quarter this year.

Bangkok Post

M

ore t ha n 2 ,30 0 endangered tigers have been killed and illegally trafficked since the turn of the century, according to a report published Tuesday (Aug 20), urging more action to protect the giant cats.

With an average of more than 120 illegally trafficked tigers seized each year – which amounts to over two each week – since year 2000, conservation group Traffic warned there was little sign of respite for the species.

Report author Kanitha Krishnasamy, who heads Traffic’s Southeast Asia operations, said the numbers were deeply concerning.

“It looks like we are losing this fight,” she told AFP. In 1900, more than 100,000 tigers were estimated to roam the planet. But that fell to a record low of 3,200 globally in 2010.

Since then, population numbers have inched upwards, but there are still estimated to be fewer than 3,900 tigers left in the wild.

“This pernicious trafficking, evidenced by the continuously high number of whole skins, whole animals – both dead and alive i and bones is testament to the ongoing demand for tiger parts,” Krishnasamy said.

Traffic, which campaigns

A Bengal tiger rests in water at its enclosure at the Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai on July 24, 2018. Photo: AFP to protect endangered animals and help governments catch those who trade in their parts, published a new analysis looking at 19 years of tiger seizure data from across the globe.

It found that an estimated total equivalent to 2,359 individual tigers were seized from 2000 to 2018 across 32 countries and territories.

Skins are the single most frequently seized tiger part, with an average 58 whole tiger skins seized each year, the report found, also noting a clear increase in seizures of whole animals, both dead and alive.

‘Undermine conservation efforts’ The study also highlighted

the growing role breeding centres play in fuelling the illegal tiger trade, especially in Southeast Asia.

The tiger farm industry often argues the trade in captive animals helps to relieve the pressure on wild felines, but wildlife groups argue it reduces the stigma around buying the animals or their body parts and could create new markets for them.

More than half of tiger seizures in Thailand and a third of those in Vietnam over the past two decades were identified as coming from captive breeding facilities, Traffic said.

“Seizures of tigers from captive facilities continue and serve as a stark reminder

that such facilities seriously undermine conservation efforts to safeguard this species and provide opportunities for laundering and other illegal activities,” said senior Traffic crime analyst Ramacandra Wong in the statement.

Tuesday’s repor t was released as parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meet in Geneva to evaluate and fine-tune the treaty that manages trade in more than 35,000 species of plants and animals.

Tiger farms are on the agenda, with the report authors calling for CITES to monitor facilities to ensure they are not helping feed the illegal trade chain.

Six more months in prison for Premchai BANGKOK THE CRIMINAL COURT on Tuesday (Aug 20) sentenced Premchai Karnasuta to six months in jail for illegal pos-

session of guns and rejected his request for suspension.

He was released on bail of B200,000.

The construction tycoon was previously sentenced to two years and four months for

poaching and bribery.

In the latest case, public prosecutors told the court that the president of Italian-Thai Development Plc was found on Feb 7 last year with unauthorised possession of three

rifles, a musket and three rifle bullets at his residence in Huai Khwang district, Bangkok.

On May 1 last year he denied the charge but last month he confessed to it. Given the confession, the court commuted the jail term from one year to six months.

Earlier released on bail of B200,000, Premchai was at the Criminal Court to hear the ruling on Tuesday.

His lawyer filed a request with the court proposing that he would enter the monkhood for 15 days, donate three million baht to charity and stay away from guns for the rest of his life in exchange for the court giving him a light punishment or suspending the sentence.

The court told him that he could do the good deeds for himself, but it could not accept the proposal because he was convicted in two other crimi-

Premchai Karnasuta arrives at the Criminal Court in Bangkok on Tuesday (Aug 20). Photo: Bangkok Post nal cases by the Thong Pha Phum Court and the Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Case Region VII. T he cases concer ned poaching and bribery in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Thong Pha Phum district of Kanchanaburi early last year, and resulted in a combined jail term of two years and four months.

Premchai, 64, and the three others were arrested

at their unauthorised camp in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary on Feb 4 last year in possession of firearms and the carcasses of protected animals, including a rare black leopard.

Three days later authorities searched his residence in Bangkok and found numerous firearms and elephant tusks, resulting in the arraignment that led to Tuesday’s sentence.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Take it, or leave it

Labour Protection Act update takes effect LAW Olaf Duensing

T

he major legislation governing labour law in Thailand is the Labor Protection Act (the “LPA”). The LPA prescribes labour protection standards applicable to both employers and employees working in Thailand.

The LPA was amended on April 4 this year (the “Amendment”) and became effective 30 days after its publication.

Among other things, the Amendment prescribes new requirements regarding employee leave. The following presents a summary of the new mandatory employee leave requirements.

Weekly Leave Unchanged remain the regulations governing leave that the employee is entitled to on a weekly basis. The employee must be given at least one day of leave per week. However,

@thephuketnews

in the event that the business that the employee is working for is a hotel, the employer and the employee may agree that the employee may accumulate and postpone his weekly leave days within a period of four consecutive weeks to be taken at any time later.

Annual Leave An employee who has worked for an uninterrupted period of one year must be given at least six working days of personal annual leave per year thereafter.

Public Holidays In addition to such personal annual leave, an employee must be given leave not less than 13 national holidays per year.

In the event that the business that the employee is working for is a hotel, entertainment establishment, beverage shop, food shop, or similar, the employer and the employee may agree that the

employee to present a certification of such illness from a licensed physician or an official medical establishment.

The Amendment was passed on April 4 and came into effect on May 5. Image: Ministry of Labour employee will take leave on an alternative day(s) to substitute for the official holiday(s) but the higher requisite “holiday wages” applicable on official holidays must be paid to the employee for his work on any such substitution work day(s).

However, and in any event, an employer must obtain an employee’s consent for an employee to work overtime or to work on a holiday. An exception applies in the event that the employee is working

for a hotel, entertainment venue food store, club, or other similar business, in which case an employer may require an employee to work on a holiday without the employee’s prior consent.

Sick Leave An employee is entitled to a sick leave as long as he is actually ill. However, if an employee takes sick leave for three days or more, his employer may require the

Maternity Leave The regulations on maternity leave changed with the new Amendment. Previously, a pregnant employee is entitled to a maternity leave of up to 90 days for each pregnancy.

Under the Amendment the entitlement for maternity leave has been extended to 98 days. It should be noted, however, that the employer is only required to pay the salary for up to 45 days during such maternity leave.

Business Leave The employer is required to allow the employee to take up to three working days leave for “necessary business”. The employer is required to pay the employee’s salary during such business leave.

Other Leave Finally, the LPA also pro-

vides many other categories of leave for the employee: for example, sterilisation; military training and service, and others.

Finally, although it is not directly related to an employee’s mandatory leave, both employees and employers should note that the Amendment makes clear that an employer is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of sex with regard to employee wages; work of the same nature, quality, and quantity, or the work is of equivalent value, must be remunerated at same rate regardless of whether the employee is male or female.

DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in over 50 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Dot Property Awards go top BEATNIQ, Sansiri lead outstanding developers at annual awards PROPERTY Sponsored

T

he inaugural Dot Property Winning Weekend was the perfect setting for the 3rd annual Dot Property Thailand Awards as the real estate’s best turned out to celebrate the industry during a special event at EmQuartier. The top honour, Best Developer Thailand, went to Sansiri while the very first People’s Choice Award for “Project of the Year” was won by BEATNIQ from SC Asset.

A total of 15 projects were eligible with the stylish BEATNIQ garnering the most votes from the public.

In addition to winning People’s Choice Award for “Project of the Year”, BEATNIQ also took home Best Luxury Condominium Bangkok on what was a very good night for SC Asset.

Meanwhile, Sansiri’s outstanding portfolio of work throughout Thailand was recognised with the award for Best Developer Thailand, the most prestigious honour at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019.

“It is a great honour for us to be recognised as Best Developer Thailand at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019. To win the award is

The top honour, Best Developer Thailand, went to Sansiri while the very first People’s Choice Award for ‘Project of the Year’ was won by BEATNIQ from SC Asset. truly rewarding for our company and once again highlights the hard work of everyone at Sansiri. People from both Thailand and abroad put their trust in us and we will continue to provide the best for all our clients in terms of design, quality, service and experience,” Apichart Chutrakul - Chief Executive Officer, Sansiri Public Company Limited.

Sisaran Group took home two awards in the developer categories, Best Developer Eastern Seaboard and Best Developer (CSR) Eastern Seaboard, for its work in Bang Saray.

In Phuket, Utopia Corporation was presented with the top developer

award for the island.

Turning to the country’s top projects, it was a good year for luxury.

In Phuket, the impressive Botanica Luxury Villas won Best Luxury Villa Development Phuket while the thoughtfully-designed Pirom at Vineyard was presented with Best Luxury Villa Development Khao Yai. Wyndham Garden Irin Bangsaray Pattaya from Irin Property was honoured twice at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019. The project won Best Condotel Eastern Seaboard along with Best Interior Design Eastern Seaboard.

New for the Dot Property Thai-

land Awards 2019 was the Box Brownie Special Recognition Award for Online Marketing was awarded.

Plus Property was presented with the very special honour judged by the team from Box Brownie.

In the design and innovation categories, Best Condominium Interior Design Bangkok was awarded to Chalermnit Art De Maison from Areeya Property while a trio of Phuket developments also took home honours for their efforts.

The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019 also saw the return of Thailand’s Best Real Estate Agencies. A total of eight agencies were

bestowed with this honour in 2019.

“The Dot Property Thailand Awards is a proper celebration of real estate in the Kingdom. Both the presentation ceremony and exclusive Winners Party were a hit with everyone. The event is an inclusive showcase that connects the individual elements of the real estate industry,” Adam Sutcliffe, Dot Property Director, Events and International Markets, states. “We would like to congratulate this year’s record-setting class of 28 winners whose hard work and commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed.”

The Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019 would like to thank Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® and BoxBrownie.com for their support of this year’s event.

Now in its third year, the Dot Property Thailand Awards celebrates the best in local real estate by honouring the country’s best developers, projects and companies that contribute to the sector. It is part of the Dot Property Awards series that also includes events in Vietnam and the Philippines.

For more information on the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2019, please visit www.thailand-property. com

BCCT business briefing targets sales SALES TA R E Q BAGA E E N, Founder and CEO of Aqedina Hospitality Sales Excellence and also a hotelier with over two decades of extensive experience in international sales, will be the guest speaker at the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) Multi-Chambers Phuket Briefing & Networking event at the Banyan Tree Phuket resort next Friday (Aug 30).

The one-hour business briefing will start at 5pm and followed by the networking event at The Lagoon Deck, until 9pm.

During the briefing, Mr Bagaeen will share his insights how he strives to develop hungry and effective salespeople in today’s markets for today’s consumers. From showing how to be the persuasive negotiator with outstanding technical and interpersonal skills through to constant research, learning, dedication, teamwork and energy, he will explain how it all works.

“During this keynote, I will explain the evolving buying cycle of our clients in most business situations but will keep a focus on the leisure

Tareq Bagaeen of Aqedina Hospitality Sales Excellence, will deliver the keynote address at the business briefing. and hospitality industries as this will be the majority of the audience in Phuket. I will also highlight how sales people have normally been functioning and why this is not sustainable in today’s and tomorrow’s world then give actionable advice on how the sales mindset when adjusted can yield much greater results,” Mr Bagaeen told The Phuket News.

“Our markets in which we operate in are becoming highly congested with products on offer as well ending up quite similar which naturally puts a huge pressure on price and profit margins,” he explained.

“If we sell based on what we think are our USPs (Unique selling points) then we will always end up closing business on rate and not much else; that

is unsustainable especially that costs continue to climb.

“Rather, if we focus on the concepts of value and benefit, the results will be dramatically improved. This is easier said than done and I will highlight some tips on how to get on the path to recovery,” Mr Bagaeen noted.

The BCCT Multi-Chambers Phuket Briefing & Networking event is being held in cooperation with the American, Australian, Canadian, EABC, French, German, Netherlands and Singapore Chambers of Commerce.

Free admission for briefing, while joining the networking event costs B500 for members and B900 for non-members.

For more information visit the AustCham website.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

In search of artists for Thai elephant project

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

13

The art and science of baking at Les Diables

14

Taipei skyline. Photo: Thomas Tucker / Unsplash

TAIPEI 101

Discovering the overlooked Taiwanese capital Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

I

’ll admit I did fairly little research before my recent trip to Taipei. Do I need a visa? No. How’s the weather this time of year? Swelteringly hot and humid. And what’s the currency? New Taiwanese dollar. And one dollar = 0.98 baht. So that’s easy to work out. And off we went.

Somewhere in my subconscious I harboured images of the Taiwanese capital as fiercely industrial: factory stacks coughing out plumes of black smoke; high-rise buildings closing in on narrow streets; a heavy smog weighing down on a crush of commuters. Perhaps this came from the fact that half of my wardrobe and many of my appliances started life on this island. But my imaginings were far from reality. The city sits in the Taipei Basin, an ancient lakebed, and is surrounded by undulating hills.

To get a sense of this surprisingly green capital, we zip up to the 89th and 91st floors of Taipei 101, the city’s 1,670-foot landmark skyscraper, the tallest building on Earth when constructed in 2004, and look out at the patchwork of architecture that nestles at the base of the ‘Four Beasts’ mountains. We stay until the sun sets and the city becomes a switchboard of twinkling lights.

Back at ground level, it’s time to head to Tianmu Stadium to experience the nearest thing Taiwan has to a national sport: baseball. First introduced to Taiwan over a century ago by Japanese occupiers, the game is now weaved into the country’s national identity. We pick up tickets for the Fubon Guardians vs.

Lamigo Monkeys with ease from a FamilyMart, and as we pay I notice even the 500 dollar note captures a youth baseball team launching their caps into the air in celebration.

For nine straight innings, cheerleaders and mascots dance above the dugout and spectators copy their wellrehearsed moves in between chanting, beating drums and blowing vuvuzelas. Cute kids and unsuspecting Westerners are picked out of the 10,000-strong crowd and punched up on the stadium’s big screen. And we lose count of how many balls soar over our heads right out of the stadium. It’s all good, baffling fun. @thephuketnews

Liberty Square. Photo: Ross Armstrong Some of our days in the capital have… rocky starts.

An earthquake serves as our wake-up call one morning, and hot on its heels is Typhoon Lekima (I’m not selling this very well, am I?). Fortunately, Taiwan is well-versed in the challenges that come with sitting on the ‘Ring of Fire’ seismic fault, and although our plans to explore some national parks further south are hindered, Taipei remains open, so we take the opportunity to get lost in its enticing side streets and alleyways. In most major cities, this is an endeavour best avoided but, staggeringly, it’s widely accepted that there are no “rough” neighbourhoods in Taipei, and so meandering down tight, lantern-lit lanes of hidden bars and trinket shops becomes a safe, exciting and rewarding pastime.

Wherever we go, local food is never far away – street stalls, night markets, cutesy cafes, high-end restaurants – and we get a lot of nosh for our NT$.

We sample the popular beef noodle soup, salt and pepper popcorn chicken, steamed pork dumplings, deep-fried dough fritters dipped in soy milk, and mango shaved ice at eateries across the city, many of which feature in the Michelin Guide (presumably for the quality of their food rather than the service which can be of the no-nonsense ‘get in, eat, then get the hell out again’ variety).

To wash it all down, there’s the Taiwanese favourite, bubble tea. Most boba joints let customers choose the sugar level of their drinks, helping us avoid midafternoon slumps. Bars serving local craft beverages

Night market fun. Photo: Vernon Raineil Cenzon / Unsplash are also popping up across the city, but drink responsibly or you might find yourself without your glasses at 3am, for example…

Replacement contact lenses purchased, and with Lekima now a distant memory, we soak in the returning Sun’s rays at Da’an Forest Park, known as the “lungs of the city”, where flora, fauna and social activity all thrive. Locals practice tai chi in the mornings, birdwatchers are on guard with binoculars to spot the many species of their feathered friends in the day, and fireflies dot the air at night.

From there, we wander to Liberty Square, a vast, open plaza that serves as a reminder of Taiwan’s push towards democratic progress. The National Concert Hall stands to the left, the National Theatre to the right, and at the centre a bronze statue of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, the former president of the Republic of China, casts an authoritarian stare from a grand Memorial Hall.

One final bubble tea sugar rush and it’s time to head back to Phuket. The seven-hour journey affords me time to reflect on our time in a city that took me entirely by surprise. Taipei is often overlooked in favour of nearby Hong Kong or Tokyo, but our trip served to demonstrate how much it has to offer. Rich in history; beaches, mountains, valleys and national parks a train ride away; and endearing idiosyncrasies at every turn make it a corner of Asia well worth visiting. So long Taiwan, and thanks for all the dumplings.

12 EVENTS

Laughs all round

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Live comedy at the Marriott on September 8 The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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tandUp Asia is proud to bring yet another rapturous night of live comedy to the Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach on Sunday, September 8. Be prepared to laugh yourself silly with the original comedy stylings of Malaysian queen of comedy Joanne Kam, veteran US comic Matt Davis and Pakistan’s very own Umar Rana.

Joanne Kam “Vibrant, loud, fearless!” – New Straits Times “Joanne hits the sweet spot.”– The Straits Times “A seasoned duchess.” – Beat Magazine Armed with a distinct style of acid-tongued humour, Joanne’s risqué material covers everything from sexual misadventure to awkward encounters with rock climbing walls. With close to 30 years of experience in the business, Joanne commands the stage with “the moxie of someone who’s eternally skulling Red Bulls”.

Joanne began her career in the 1990s at the infamous Boom Boom Room Kuala Lumpur, where she dived headfirst into nightclub management and show production with nothing but her wit and tenacity.

Joanne went on to host numerous Malaysian radio and TV shows. Her most notable foray into television was a leading role in the HBO Asia series Grisse.

A historical drama centred on a fictional town in Dutch-Singapore, Joanne played the role of a badass won’t-take-no-for-an-answer madame of a brothel under attack by the colonial masters of old.

Earlier this year, Joanne hosted the Melbourne Festival’s Comedy Zone Asia, a showcase of the biggest names in Asian comedy. Selling out almost every night for the entire month, the 2019 edition of Comedy Zone Asia was rated four stars by leading Australian arts publication Beat Magazine.

Besides that, Joanne has also worked (and is known to dine) with female comedy icons such as Shazia Mirza (BBC) and Gina Yashere (Comedy Central) – female comics who, like Joanne, have managed to establish themselves in a male-dominated industry.

Queen of comedy Joanne Kam takes her throne.

Umar Rana delivering one of his no-holds-barred jokes.

Matt Davis “Dirty but smart!” – Sony’s Crackle.com “Cool as the other side of the pillow but as harsh as unfiltered cigarettes.” – Creative Loafing Matt Davis has close to 30 years’ stand-up experience and has performed in over 150 cities across eight countries. His comedic force of dark and dirty humour has earned him notoriety and hilarity across the globe.

Nothing is sacred nor safe with Matt.

Matt has released five full-length comedy albums, featured at Sketch Fest in San Francisco as well as The Nasty Show at the prestigious Just For Laughs festival and often performs for troops in the Middle East and Africa.

Umar Rana “No-holds-barred jokes!” – Time Out “One of Asia’s top 10 comedians!” – Top 10 Magazine Founder of Comedy Masala, Singapore’s most popular weekly comedy show, Umar Rana is a stalwart of the Southeast Asian comedy scene, with close to two decades of com­edy under his belt.

Umar is best known for his ability to make an

Nothing is sacred nor safe with Matt Davis. audience hate him in one minute and laugh uncontrollably in the next. He’s worked with the likes of Bill Burr and Rob Schneider, and made his television debut on Comedy Central Asia’s Stand-Up Asia! in 2016.

Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now from B350 (early bird), B650 (show only), B950 (burger, two Moosehead beverages and show), B1,200 (hotel buffet and show) or B1,450 (VIP, freeflow drinks from 7-10pm and meet-and-greet with the comedians). Get your tickets via the Phuket Ticketmaster website.

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COMMUNITY 13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

The Painted Elephant

A call for artists to get creative for charity colouring book The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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WERTY PR is on a colourful mission to help rescue sick, abused, old and tired elephants in Thailand. The agency, which specialises in words and creative content for hospitality and tourism businesses around the world, is on the hunt for artists to contribute work to The Painted Elephant, an elephantthemed colouring e-book for children and adults. The aim of the e-book is to bring awareness to the plight of the elephant in Thailand and raise funds for Samui Elephant Haven.

Samui Elephant Haven provides a sanctuary for rescued elephants on Koh Samui. The elephants living at the sanctuary previously endured harrowing lives providing entertainment at tourist shows and walking endlessly on tourist treks. With that life now behind them, these lucky elephants are free to express their instincts without fear – interacting with each other in beautiful natural surroundings, foraging on native plants in the jungle and playing together in their pools and mud pits. Funds raised from purchases of The Painted Elephant will help the sanctuary make further rescues

Morolair, Sri Nin and Nong Pech at Samui Elephant Haven. Photo: Lesley Fisher

and construct additional safe enclosures.

So far, QWERTY PR has 15 talented artists on board from different corners of the world, each set to bring their own individual styles to the e-book.

Kind contributors include Dolores de Sade, an artist from the UK living on Koh Samui, who is turning her hand from her signature forgotten landscapes to gentle giants in a style she describes as “wilderness of the other, escape and the search for the horizon”. Her etched

Bras can be donated up until August 31.

Behind bras: GMS Duty Free calls for donated intimates for inmates

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MS Duty Free are encouraging Phuket residents to donate new or second-hand bras to their women’s underwear department for female inmates at Phuket Provincial Prison.

The project, named ‘GMS Bra Charity’, runs until August 31 and welcomes all bras, so long as they are in good condition. Those who donate will receive a B100 voucher to spend in the department store’s women’s underwear department.

CEO Natthaphol Hongsrisook said, “We can’t deny that [society] doesn’t pay enough attention to female inmates’ lack of living necessities. The Department of Corrections has a low budget and is not able to provide these necessities. GMS Duty Free sees this problem and wants to help. That’s what inspired the ‘GMS Bra Charity’ project.”

There are currently 409 female inmates incarcerated at Phuket Provincial @thephuketnews

Prison, and the Phuket community often donates necessities to them to mark special occasions, such as His Majesty the King’s birthday. GMS Duty Free chose August to coincide with Mother’s Day and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit’s birthday which fall on August 12.

“We are pleased to receive bras in good condition to donate to female inmates at Phuket Prison. GMS Duty Free will be a representative of love and encouragement. We hope to spread positive energy and also hope that the inmates will be able to live in society happily after they’re discharged from prison,” Natthaphol added.

“Those who are interested can donate from today (August 15) until August 31.”

GMS Duty Free is located at 888 Moo 1, Kathu, 83120. For more information, contact Marketing Advisor Mimmem on 085-6648782.

The Phuket News

and engraved works have been held in prestigious private and public collections across the world, including the V&A in the UK, the Ministry of Culture in Thailand and the Guanglan and Guangdong Museums in China.

Yvonne Roberts and Donna Reiss are used to using their artistic talents for good use; the pair are part of the Samui Trash Bins community who create vibrant, fun painted bins and distribute them across the island to en-

courage visitors and residents to keep the community clean. Each bin takes around 50 hours to paint and Yvonne and Donna will bring this careful dedication and attention to detail to their elephantastic contribution.

American Ellie Barnard is already an accomplished author and avid elephant activist at the tender age of 11.

Her book, Ellie’s Elephants: A true story of a little girl and her wish for chain-free elephants, is based on her deep love for these animals and her wish for them to be free. She will be creating a picture for the e-book and flying from her home in Singapore to Koh Samui later this year to play mini-mahout and meet the creatures she works so hard to protect.

QWERTY PR continues to seek out talented artists from across the world for this project. The agency will collate the artists’ work in a PDF format. Artists are also asked to provide a short biography, a quote about elephants, their signature and their contact details (web address and a social media page).

Assistance is offered with the creation of text if required.

Enquiries and artwork should be sent to Katie at pen@qwertypr.com. The deadline for artwork is August 31. For more information about the sanctuary, visit samuielephanthaven.org

14 DINING

The devil is in the detail Artistry baking at Les Diables

Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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aking is an art. A patisserie chef needs a steady hand, a creativity that extends beyond the recipe book and more than a pinch of patience. It’s an exact science too; a careful balance of chemical reactions. To these challenges, Peter Webber, owner and chef at Les Diables, has risen perfectly, just like his cakes.

Peter’s patisserie, bar and restaurant sits on the boardwalk at Phuket Boat Lagoon, looking out at a peaceful marina of gently bobbing superyachts.

The decor inside is reminiscent of a traditional English tea room. Handillustrated fabrics depicting quaint country homes deck the windows and chairs, and there’s polished silverware stacked on the sideboard. Decorated in deep blues, golds and yellows, it feels sophisticated but comfortable and welcoming at the same time. A tiered sugar model of Queen Mary’s wedding

cake takes pride of place in a glass case by the entrance, and the detail in the carved crests, flowers and figures is enough to have Mary Berry hanging up her oven mitts for good.

Peter’s foray into the world of the sweet and the baked has taken him to The Savoy in London, the Hotel Okura Tokyo, the Hyatt Regency Belgrade and even the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok where he spent 15 happy, hectic years as head patisserie chef overseeing some 70 members of staff. His anecdotes of his time at these world-class establishments are wonderfully British. Think apple crumble-related disasters at a state dinner for Queen Elizabeth II and whipping up honey parfaits for Princess Diana.

In Phuket, Peter has built up a reputation for custom, almost hyper-realistic cakes for all occasions. He’s yet to turn down an order, taking on whatever challenging, risqué or downright bizarre requests his ambitious, sometimes blushing, customers throw his way. Yachts, designer handbags, unicorns, guitars, snooker tables, boxing rings, action he-

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

To bag yourself a custom cake, email Peter. roes, supercars, helicopters, elephants and what can only be described in this family paper as ‘intimate’ cakes fit for a hen do are just some of the edible creations to have graced Peter’s display case over the years.

A recent relaunch of Les Diables has seen the breakfast and lunch menus become more bakery-orientated – salmon spring rolls, duck and hoisin tortillas, quiches and pies of the day – whilst holding onto customer favourites, such as salmon cheesecake, salmon florentine and confit of duck. Peter also continues to serve up a mean Sunday roast and a charming afternoon tea while keeping his bar and dessert display case continually stocked up. (The chocolate fudge cake is a Class Act Media favourite that has editors fighting over the last slice. Rich but never heavy, soft in the middle with chocolate shards providing a crisp crunch on top.)

There’s a sense that Peter has hit his stride at Les Diables. While the heady days in the kitchens and lounges of the Oriental, serving the royal and

The man behind Les Diables. aristocratic, are certainly memorable ones, the virtues of going solo are found in time spent interacting freely with customers and honing in on the artistry baking he does so well.

Whatever corner of the world Peter’s career takes him to next, one thing’s for sure: it’s going to be tasty.

Les Diables is located at Phuket Boat Lagoon, 20 Moo 2, Thepkasattri Rd, Koh Kaew, 83000. Open from TuesdaySunday from 8am-6pm. Closed on Monday. Les Diables cakes are also available at Central Festival and Central Patong. lesdiablesphuket.com 081 935 0454 acecourtchef@yahoo.co.uk

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Doi Ku Sathan or Doi Thong, Khun Sathan National Park, Nan.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT 15

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

TAT announces new parks The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that Thailand has added five new national parks around the country during 2016 to 2019 since the start of the reign of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (King Rama X).

This is also in accordance with Thailand’s 20-year National Strategy, which targets increasing the forest area to 55% of the entire country by 2037.

“Part of the work to increase the forest area as well as forestry conservation is by the national park system under three key mandates, which are environmental conservation, research and recreational development,” TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn explained.

There are currently 133 national parks in Thailand with Khao Yai National park being the country’s first – established in 1962 – and Tham Sa Koen National Park in Nan being the last designated during the reign of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The five new national parks are as follows:

Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park Added December 2016 as Thailand’s 129th national park, Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park has a scenic waterfall with an interesting past. The name of the waterfall comes from a story about the people in the area. Long ago, seven women drowned together in the waterfall. Another story tells that it comes from a village named Baan Sao Noi and later renamed to Chet Sao Noi. The park covers a total area of 40.89 square kilometres covering Muak Lek and Wang Muang districts in Saraburi province and Pak Chong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park.

Khun Sathan National Park.

Khun Sathan National Park Added March 25, 2017, as Thailand’s 130th national park, Khun Sathan National Park covers an area of 404.52 sq. km in the districts of Na Noi and Na Muen of Nan province. The mountain ridge of Doi Phrae Mueang separates the boundaries between Phrae and Nan provinces while Doi Ku Sathan is 1,630 metres above mean sea level.

of the island on its rugged and steep mountain range.

Khao Ra is the highest peak at an elevation of 627m.

Mae Takhrai National Park Added December 16, 2017, as Thailand’s 131st national park, Mae Takhrai National Park covers an area of 356.66 sq. km in San Kamphaeng, Doi Saket and Mae On districts of Chiang Mai province along with Ban Thi and Mueang districts of Lamphun. The park is origin to the main tributaries of the Ping River, and offers scenic views, such as waterfalls, cliffs and hot springs.

Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park Added November 22, 2018, as Thailand’s 132nd national park, Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park is situated on Ko Phangan, and occupies a total area of 44.99 sq. km. The park has maintained the wilderness

Soi Dog goes green.

Soi Dog Foundation’s clean-ups net five tonnes of waste at Mai Khao

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n Friday, August 2, 30 staff and volunteers from Soi Dog Foundation (SDF), along with a couple of the shelter’s resident pooches, came together for another clean-up of nearby Mai Khao Beach.

With the help of members of the Mai Khao community, SDF staff and volunteers managed to fill over 35 large rubbish bags in a little under two hours.

Including the organisation’s two previous beach clean-ups, SDF has removed a staggering five tonnes of rubbish from Mai Khao Beach.

The majority of items collected were plastic water bottles, cigarette lighters, single flip-flops, straws, bulbs, toys, food wrappers, fishing nets and other synthetic items. Sadly, the majority of this rubbish was in the formation of a tide line along the beach, indicating that it had been washed ashore from the ocean – a problem that is highlighted during low season as rougher seas churn out more of the rubbish within it.

SDF’s efforts aim to prevent that rubbish being washed back into the sea. @thephuketnews

Beach finds.

Beach clean-ups form part of SDF’s Go Green initiative which aims to create an environmentally friendly culture within the organisation.

SDF has introduced various other steps to help the environment, such as providing free water in reusable cups to staff, visitors and volunteers in order to minimise the use of PET water bottles within the shelter; incorporating environmentally friendly products such as bamboo straws and stainless steel travel water flasks into their merchandise range; and ordering volunteer lunches in reusable clip-top containers.

The Phuket News

Doi Chong National Park Added in April 2019, as Thailand’s 133rd national park, Doi Chong National Park covers an area of 346.18 sq. km in Sop Prap, Thoen and Mae Phrik districts of Lampang province and Li and Thung Hua Chang districts of Lamphun province. The park offers mountainous areas and a range of deciduous forests. The highest point, Doi Jong, is 1,379m above mean sea level.

From 2016 to 2019, Thailand added a total of 331,952 rai (53,120 hectares) in additional forest area to its national park system.

“This brings the total forested area in Thailand to over 102,488 million rai, representing 31.68% of all area nationwide. It also signals the progress made in adding more protected forest area under the jurisdiction of Thailand’s fast-growing national park system,” the TAT noted in a recent press release.

A further 22 national parks are in the process of being established, totalling 44 million rai or 13% of all area nationwide.

16 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

The walk of the gods Ma Song say that the gods that inhabit their bodies protect them from feeling any pain.

In the final days of the festival. Photo: Phuket PR Dept

Phuket readies for Vegetarian Festival, schedule released The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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reparations are already underway for the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which this year will be celebrated from September 29 through to October 8.

The annual festival, observed during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar, honours the gods and delivers devotees good health and an elevated state of spirituality as they that abstain from meat, alcohol, sex and stimu-

lants, and perform rituals of devotion.

The festival is not only about abstaining from meat but is also a chance for people to make merit, and shines a light on one of Phuket’s oldest festivals.

A sure sign that the festival is nearly upon us is the extensive cleaning of each shrine taking part in the festival. Then, at sunset on the eve of the festival, this year on September 29, devotees raise giant Go Teng poles at the shrines so that the Jade Emperor and the Nine emperor gods may descend from the heavens to walk upon the Earth once again.

The opening days of the festival traditionally feature quiet prayers and ceremonies to honour the gods, while ablutions of faith and flesh – including fire-walking, bladed-ladder climbing, hot oil bathing and “nail bridge crossing” – dominate the latter of the nine days of festivities.

A schedule of the now world-known street processions and of the shrines to observe fire-walking as a form of spiritual cleansing for this year’s festival, was released this week, as follows: Monday, September 30 Hun Jong Aam Joh Su Kong Naka Shrine, Wichit Tuesday, October 1 Sam Pai Kong Shine, Bang Khu Guan Tae Kun Shrine, Sapam Sang Lang Tong Shrine, Baan Muang Mai Wednesday, October 2 Tae Kun Shrine, Baan Nabon Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine, Samkong Tai Houd Tong Shrine, Surin Beach Bu Sent Tong Shrine, Cherng Talay Thursday, October 3 Tai Seng Pud Joh Shrine, Chalong Jeng Ong Shrine, opposite Vachira Phuket Hospital Ban Tha Rua Shrine, Tha Ruea Tae Koon Tai Tae, Baan Pasak, Cherng Talay Hun Jong Aam Joh Su Kong Naka Shrine, Wichit Sang Lang Tong Shrine, Muang Mai, Thalang Guan Tae Kun Shrine, Sapam

Friday, October 4 Bang Neow Shrine, Srisoonthorn Gim Tsu Ong Shrine, Baan Don Sam Ong Hu Shrine, Cherng Talay Jong Ngie Tong Shrine, Ton Sai Waterfall Tai Houd Tong Shrine, Surin Beach Saturday, October 5 Jui Tui Shrine, Phuket Town Gim Tsu Ong Shrine, Baan Don Sunday, October 6 Lai Too Shrine, Kathu Tae Gun Shrine, Ban Nabon Hai Yian Keng Shrine, Baan Mai Khao Yok Ke Keng Shrine, Soi Pa-niang Monday, October 7 Ngoh Hian Tai Tae, Cherng Talay Sui Bun Tong Shrine, Phuket Town Sam Pai Kong Shrine, Bang Khu FIRE-WALKING CEREMONIES Friday, October 4 8:09pm Jui Tui Shrine 8:09pm Jeng Ong Shrine 8:30pm Ban Tha Rua Shrine 8:45pm Guan Tae Kun Shrine 8:45pm Yok Ke Keng Shrine 9:00pm Sui Bun Tong Shrine 9:00pm Tae Gun Shrine 9:00pm Hai Yian Keng Shrine Saturday, October 5 9:00pm Tai Houd Tong Shrine 9:00pm Bu Sent Tong Shrine Sunday, October 6 2;00pm Kim Su Ong Shrine 8:00pm Bang Neow Shrine 8:00pm Tae Koon Tai Tae 8:09pm Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine 9:09pm Jong Ngie Tong Shrine 8:15pm Sang Lang Tong Shrine 8:30pm Sam Ong Hu Shrine 8:30pm Tai Seng Pud Joh Shrine Monday, October 7 3:00pm Lai Too Shrine 7:30pm Sam Pai Kong Shrine Tuesday, October 8 The Go Teng poles will be lowered in the evening of October 8 to mark the closing of the Vegetarian Festival 2019. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Getting with the programme Computing and ICT students go from strength to strength at BISP Lee Phillips & Jonathan Clark

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he 2018-2019 academic year has been another actionpacked rollercoaster of innovative learning within the Computing & ICT department at British International School, Phuket – BISP. Key Stage 3 students have been busy exploring the world of robotics, competing in Lego Mindstorms challenges, as well as developing their skills in the Python and Arduino C++ programming languages. IGCSE and IBDP students worked towards their final examinations by evidencing industry-standard web design, using HTML, CSS and JavaScript. Furthermore, they engaged with emerging technologies, such as driverless cars and augmented reality. These skills will not only prepare them for academic success, but also give them exposure to future employment opportunities that may not currently exist!

The BISP technical team (BISTEK) has also had a busy year providing video and audio support to many of the school’s academies. The team produced YouTube live streams for numerous music and drama productions (Aladdin, Snow White and Hairspray to name a few). They also live-streamed

@thephuketnews

Using technology for good with 3D printed prosthetics. Photo: BISP the school’s major sporting events, such as the Soccer 7s Football Tournament and the Flying Fish Swim Meet. These live streams were not only broadcast on YouTube as the event was taking place, but are also stored on the group’s YouTube channel, so that friends and family are able to enjoy the footage weeks or months after the curtains have closed, or sporting participants have gone home.

The BISP Prosthetics CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) team has also

Students flew high in the 20182019 academic year. Photo: BISP done exceptionally well. They fulfilled their brief by successfully manufacturing fully customisable, functional 3D printed prosthetic hands and arms.

Their final task is to locate people in need of free prosthetics.

Finally, the BISP STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Academy soared to new heights again this year. Students ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 created their own aircraft, which hugely extended their

engineering skills. This epic project involved every step, from inception to final product. Students researched, designed, manufactured and finally flew their conceptions. The sky really is the limit for these young bright sparks!

Lee Phillips and Jonathan Clark are computer science teachers at British International School, Phuket. For more information, visit them at www.bisphuket.ac.th or call +66 (0) 76 335 555.

18 ISLAND SCENE

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

PHUKET BIDS FAREWELL TO MUCH-LOVED LIFEGUARD FOUNDER P’NUT Family, friends and colleagues came together at Laem Petch temple on Aug 21 for the funeral of Prathaiyuth Chuayuan, known as “P’Nut” to friends, one of the main founders and driving forces behind Phuket’s lifeguard services. Prathaiyuth passed away unexpectedly on Aug 16. He leaves a legacy of essential lifesaving beach guards and a long-standing programme of teaching children essential surf survival skills and lifesaving techniques. He will be dearly missed.

Nittaya, Khemmalat and Tasnee (back row). Maggy, Jo and Jureewan (front).

Diane and Truus.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB ROCK KATA WITH AUGUST LUNCH Kata Rocks was the venue of choice for the monthly Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) lunch on Aug 15, and the ladies had a great time taking in the stunning ocean views and tucking into a tasty three-course meal. There was particular reason to celebrate this month; August marks 30 years since the PIWC was founded, making it the oldest non-profit organisation on the island. Congratulations ladies! thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Andrew, Susan, Gun, Peter, Yin and Gren.

Gun and Susan.

Asa, Jeniffer, Wicky, Wan and Jason.

Jeniffer, Wicky, Mark and Ti.

Peter, Yin and Richard.

BUSINESS ON THE BOARDWALK AT NETWORKING EVENT, AUGUST EDITION Whisgars Tasting Room hosted this month’s Phuket Business Networking (PBN) event on Aug 16, providing the island’s businesspeople with the opportunity to meet, greet and network in the relaxed environs of the boardwalk at Phuket Boat Lagoon. New and regular local business owners enjoyed a spread of food and drinks as well as live jazz.

Thanks go to Richard and Wan for their kind hospitality.

Leading the parade.

Paying respects to ancestors.

Devotees leave out food offerings for any spirits without descendants who may come to visit.

The parade featured replicas of Ang ku (red turtle cake), one of the many food offerings devotees leave out.

PHUKET TOWN COMES ALIVE WITH ‘HUNGRY GHOST’ FESTIVAL PARADE A colourful crowd of Phuket residents paraded from Queen Sirikit Park to Ranong Rd on Aug 17 as part of the Hungry Ghost, or Por Tor, Festival. At this time of year, ThaiChinese people believe the spirits of ancestors are released from hell to visit their relatives. Festivities will be honoured at shrines across Phuket until Aug 29. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

23 AUG

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SAT

24 AUG

SUN

25 AUG

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

MON

26 AUG

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Light and Fresh Buffet

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

The Watercourt is presenting a line of tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt,fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended.

B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

XANA BAREFOOT BBQ

The Sunday Brunch Club Come 4, Pay 3

Back to The ’80s We’re going back to the totally awesome times of the ‘80s with Dj Garry and mixology inspired by this groovy era. Every Saturday night at Firefly from 6 pm - late. Reservation, Firefly Pool & Restaurant at Pavilions Hotels, firefly.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 371 600.

Green season special! Enjoy COME 4 PAY 3 The Sunday Brunch Club for a limited time. Book your table for the most vibrant Sunday Brunch on the island now.

Dream Member Price THB 1590++. Adult Brunch THB 1890 ++ Kids under 10 eat free (1 paying adult = 1 child free). ** Toddler area open with designated staff, babysitting service, and kid activities. Reservation, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

Experience barefoot dining with freshest seafood from the Andaman Sea while watching a fire performance and listening music from our DJ. Every Monday and Thursday from 18:00 – 22:00 hrs at XANA Beach Club. Price THB 1,450++ fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com +66 (0) 7635 8500.

TUE

27 AUG

MALAYSIAN FOOD FESTIVAL WITH GUEST CHEFS KALAI AND FAHMI FROM LE MERIDIEN KUALA LUMPUR. 21 AUG – Beach BBQ, THB 1300++ CHILL ON THE BEACH. Beachside buffet dinner with live DJ music and fire show. 22 & 24 AUG – Latest Recipe, A LA CARTE SPECIALS. Selection of signature specials for lunch and dinner. 23 AUG – Pakarang, THB 1300++. MALAY BUFFET DINNER. Buffet dinner with live band music and dance shows. Reservation, LE MERIDIEN PHUKET BEACH RESORT, Restaurant.

Phuketbeach@lemeridien.com, 076 370 100 ext. 5307.

ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce.

Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our fish of the day selection prepared in one of three ways, a special seafood appetiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier selections special offers, available Tuesday only. 950* Baht. 18.30 - 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax.

Sala Phuket. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

TUE

27 AUG

Thai Night Buffet Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies. Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand. THB 950++ per person. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

WED

a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY 95 THB. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations.

Reservations are highly recommended.

You can book on our website at WWW. TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFS THAILAND. Come for the food, stay for the FUN! Reservations, Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076-330-065, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Karon 076-286479, Patong 076-344-914

FRI

30 AUG

28 AUG Multi-Chambers Phuket Briefing & Networking

Ribs, beats, brews Wednesday Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding.

DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews.

Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, Half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076-338-888.

THU

Briefing: 5-6pm. Free admission. Networking: 6.30 - 9.00pm (last drinks 8.30pm). THB 500 for members/THB 900 non-members.

Price includes food & selecrted beverages.

Join us to hear from Tareq Bagaeen CEO aQedina, a hotelier with over two decades of extensive experience in international sales, shares his insights how he strives to develop hungry and effective salespeople in today’s markets for today’s consumers. From showing how to be the persuasive negotiator with outstanding technical and interpersonal skills through to constant research, learning, dedication, teamwork and energy, he will explain how it all works! www.bccthai.com

FRI

6 SEP

29 AUG Grow Boating Networking Evening - September 2019

BACK TO THE ’70s & ’80s EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Cajun Grilled Chicken Breast served on a wooden plate with mashed potato, red wine sauce, and bearnaise sauce for ONLY 395 THB. Have @thephuketnews

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for September 2019 will be held at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, at The Royal Phuket Marina on Friday the 6th of September 2019 from 5pm onward. There will be a light buffet sponsored by The Speakeasy Yacht Club and special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along.

SUN

8 SEP

SAT

21 SEP

Children First Charity Event

Malaysia’s Queen of Comedy, Joanne Kam LIVE IN PHUKET! Standup Asia is proud to bring yet another rapturous night of live comedy to the paradise that is Phuket Island! On Sunday 8 September, be prepared to laugh yourself silly with the unique comedy stylings of Malaysian Queen of Comedy Joanne Kam, supported by veteran US comic Matt Davis and Pakistan’s very own Umar Rana! The show, at the illustrious Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach, begins at 8pm with doors opening at 7pm. Magic Rock, Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin Beach.

FRI

13 SEP

A charity journey from day into night under the theme “Swing for Good” where you will enjoy a fun golf tournament throughout the day at Laguna Golf Phuket. As the sun sets, sit back and unwind in a unique “Battle of the Chefs” charity dinner gourmet experience, complete with delicious food, free-flow beverages and live entertainment – all to support children in Phuket. Register your interest now at just THB18,000 per team of four and help to raise big bucks for children in need.

FRI

1 NOV

The Exotic Fishing Thailand 1.5 Million Baht Tagged Fish Challenge From Nov 1st to March 1st. Test your fishing skills Phuket and Catch a Monster fish and Monster Prize.

50 tagged fish with 50 prizes valued at over 1.5 Million baht. Anyone can enter for just 1,000 baht in addition to your daily fishing ticket ................. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail. com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

Joint Phuket Sundowners hosted by AustCham Taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings at the Boat Lagoon, the Phuket Sundowners offers a great opportunity to network with like-minded people from the business community. Prior to the Sundowners, we will hold a Panel Discussion on “Asian Regattas – Highlights on Phuket, Towards Sustainability”, with a panel of experts on organising and participating in regattas in Phuket and throughout Asia. Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members**, and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for non-members.

EVERY DAY

Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its custom-designed kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What is the name of the sea on Italy’s west coast?

2. What does the term ‘shrinkflation’ mean?

3. Which celebrity has an AI assistant named Jarvis that’s voiced by Morgan Freeman?

4. The quote “manners maketh man” features in which 2014 film?

5. For every person on Earth, how many lego pieces are there?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Goldcrest or warbler 5. Nights spent in anticipation 9. Compile 14. Big name in TV talk 15. Paw 16. Twelfth of a year 17. Hit man 18. Kournikova of tennis 19. Comic actor Murphy 20. Team 23. The Giants’ Manning 24. Scottish cap 25. Patronizes 29. Makeshift shelters 31. SALT discussion item 34. Ancestor 35. Combine 36. Nicollette’s “Desperate Housewives” character 37. Team 40. Native Coloradans 41. Winter ailment 42. Nintendo’s The Legend of ___ 43. High school exam 44. Explosives 45. Pressure 46. Break drink

22. River creature 25. Free of errors 26. Send 27. Waited 28. Succeeds in coming or going 29. Chucks 30. Employed 31. “21” singer 32. Chains 33. They have flat tops 35. Bottom 36. “... happily ___ after” Down 38. Herding dog 1. Legal paper 39. Mexican empire 2. Palatial 44. Care for 3. Fencing weapon 45. ___ the deal 4. Bust maker 5. Contacts quickly, 46. Expert eye-rollers 47. A British perhaps doctorate 6. Leonardo’s 48. Act greedy, in a birthplace way 7. Active Sicilian 49. Melodic Hindu volcano music 8. Male deer 50. Scans 9. Single cells 10. Transmitter, in a 51. First family member way 11. Wing ___ prayer 52. Conn. university 53. Fulfilled as a 12. Going __ crazy promise 13. Female 54. Large lake contraction 21. Artist Toulouse- 55. Angry reaction 56. MRI reading Lautrec 47. Near failure 48. Team 57. Used a sci-fi gun 58. Creator of Charlie and Matilda 59. Mystery writer Ambler 60. “Quantum of Solace” man 61. “That’s ___!”

62. Leaning tower 63. ___ profundo 64. Fuse 65. New driver, often

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Tyrrhenian Sea; 2) Items shrinking in size or quality while their prices remain the same or increase ; 3) Mark Zuckerberg; 4) Kingsman: The Secret Service; 5) 62

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW VIEW ISLAND

This week in history

5

US dollars is how much Frank Sinatra’s publicist paid girls to scream at his early performances to get the crowd excited.

‘Moon animals’ featured in hoax articles.

August 23, 1973 A bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden turns into a hostage crisis; over the next five days the hostages begin to sympathise with their captors, leading to the term “Stockholm syndrome”.

10

minutes spent petting a cat or dog can significantly lower stress levels, according to researchers from Washington State University.

August 24, 2006 The International Astronomical Union redefines the term “planet”; Pluto is now considered a “dwarf planet”.

38,560

August 25, 1835 The first Great Moon Hoax article is published in The New York Sun, announcing the discovery of life and civilization on the Moon.

victims of the Irish famine were taken in by Toronto in just six months in 1847. At the time, the city had a population of only 20,000.

276,000

August 26, 1920 The 19th amendment to United States Constitution takes effect, giving women the right to vote.

US dollars is how much Nicolas Cage paid for Tyrannosaurus skull. He returned it to the Mongolian government after learning it had been stolen.

August 27, 1859 Petroleum is discovered in Titusville, Pennsylvania leading to the world’s first commercially successful oil well.

12 billion

tons of ice melted in just 24 hours in Greenland this month after the country experienced unusually high temperatures, up to as much as 71.6°F. Source: Uberfacts

Ghosts of the Past. Photo by Chris Yoon, QSI Phuket’s Student Photo of the Year winner Sunset at Promthep Cape. Photo by Michael Rafael Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it or to particularly execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Got an unusual beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

August 28, 2003 In “one of the most complicated and bizarre crimes in the annals of the FBI”, Brian Wells dies after becoming involved in a complex plot involving a bank robbery, a scavenger hunt and a homemade explosive device.

August 29, 1966 The Beatles perform their last concert before paying fans at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Jobs

Events Operations Manager

Phuket Weddings and Events successful Rental Supplies and Event Support Division is looking for an innovative and articulate Operations Manager to further develop the brand. Hotel experience is preferred within F&B and/or Operations with strong leadership and management skills. The role includes managing client enquiries; corporate inventory; logistics; staffing and on-site installations and support. Applicants should have a good knowledge of local venues and contractors, must have excellent communication skills in English and Thai and be passionate and focused. This is a great opportunity for the right applicant to expand their future prospects in an exciting and rewarding position where everything is possible. Full time position in Cherngtalay; excellent package and bonus scheme. Please contact us on 062 698 2426. Fern Chaiyaporn, fern@ phuketweddingsevents.com, 062 698 2426. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Urgent required

Asia Marine Ltd., a yacht managemet company in Phuket, is looking for Chief Accountant. Candidate must be graduated in accounting field, English speaking, min 5 years’ experience in management, extensive corporate and personal tax experience, expertise working with Quickbooks and financial statements.

Interested candidates, please email your CV with photo to chatpassorn@asia-marine.net Mobile: +66 8 1823 4736 40,000-55,000, Chatpassorn, 20/99 Moo 2, Thepkassattri Rd., T. Kohkeaw, Muang, Phuket 83000, chatpassorn@ asia-marine.net, 0818234736, 076238805.

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Accountant

Assistant to an entrepreneur. Managing a variety of new startups as well as personal accounts. Must be a qualified graduate accountant, speak perfect English.

Will be required to Create/ Interrogate management accounts and provide accurate information feed back. +447968753409 simon.phillips@ct-automotive.net

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

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FORD WILDTRAK 2014 FOR SALE

Big A S+S Swan 55

S+S Swan 55, must let her go. Getting too old! In perfect running cond. El winches Yanmar, all sails and more. bigasail@yahoo.com, 0869401860.

2.2L Double Cab 4WD 6 GearAutomatic.

One owner. 50,000km. ARB Crash Bars.

New Tyres. English: 081-958-1055 Thai: 081-606-5772 580,000 baht, pauljames@ expathotel.com, 0819581055

Speedboat for Sale

14.2 m Speedboat, named Rayao DD, is still in a good condition with 3 engines, four-stroke engine, Yamaha manufacture. The boat is owned by 1 owner for 1 year (2018) with well maintenance. 4,400,000, Jane, social@karonseasand.com, 062 842 486.

Mitsubishi Mirage 10/2018

9 months old, 9,000KM, first class insurance. Like new. THB 360,000. Andy, Call 082 281 5976 ENG/098 059 8714 THAI

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT

Car for sale

Toyota Fortuner 2007 for sale

Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 5777.

200,000 km. Two owners. Smart TRD 3.0 Good condition! Great deal! Call now!!

590,000 THB, Nony, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand, Nony_ntp@hotmail.com, (Eng/Thai) 099 2650808.

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Car for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

Car rental @fair prices

Low season prices Monthly from 10,000 Baht.

Daily from 400 BHT. High Season from 12,000 monthly. All our cars are in very good conditions at affordable prices. From 10,000 BHT monthly, Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Pa­ klok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail. com, 0848474377.

Audi TT 2007, THB 1,150,000, Ph 083 103 1330.

@thephuketnews

PROPERTY WANTED Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a 2 Bedroom Freehold Unit at the Allamanda in Laguna.

Budget is 8million baht. Can contact me on wandererthomas1@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

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3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

Willing to Sell / Rent Property in Laguna?

Willing to sell or rent your property in Laguna area? Please contact me raisa@rl-property.com +66 (081) 737 1687 (Viber, WhatsApp, Line) Raisa Sheludkina, Railand Property International., 46., Lagoon Road.,Cherngtalay., Thalang.,Phuket 83110., raisa@rl-property.com, 0817371687, 076324448.

House Wanted in Chalong

4 Bedroom House Wanted in Chalong for under 10 million baht. Please email me at mick11468@gmail.com

Car For Sale

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Car for sale

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

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The Phuket News

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER

“Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE GYM EQUIPMENT TREADMILL

LIFE FITNESS F1 TREADMILL - FOLDABLE Brand new: THB 35,000+(VAT) from retail price of 188,000 Compact foldable treadmill. 35000, carolinelaleta@gmail.com, +66869504961

28 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PERSONAL SERVICES Tom Jones Of Philippines

Has been doing a show in different country here in Asia like Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Macau, China, Japan, Canada and here. He is now in Phuket, Thailand. For special occasion please call. Jun Alvarez (AKA), junalvarez331591@gmail. com, 096 592 6297 / 094 947 7712.

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Super villa for sale

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Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185 meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two storey pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

Royal Phuket Marina 2 Bed

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 948411918.

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

1 story building for rent

150m2 Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna Phuket is available for rent. The building has its own drive in, at this time only short term rental available. 096 646 6287

PROPERTY FOR RENT Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@ thairesidential.com, 0948411918.

44 sqm Condo for sale at THB 5,200,000 – Parking space included – Quiet Unit – email: sale. hd.design@outlook.com - 66937198098.

3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, maid quarter, fully furnished and ready to move in, usable area of over 330 sqm, very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from the ocean, 150 meter from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina, 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers, for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888.

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

RPM by owner

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and on- site restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

Super villa for sale. 4 bed, 4 bath, 450 sqm private pool villa, 500 sqm land, Heavily reduced price 14.9M. Call +66 (0) 92-6950329 15.000.000,-, +66 (0) 92-6950329.

Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

7 Bed Boutique Hotel for Sale

CONDO FOR SALE THE DECK PATONG

@thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

A unique opportunity to buy a beautiful, fully licensed and 100% legally compliant boutique hotel business in Cherng Talay.

The resort has full restaurant, alcohol and cigarette licenses. B30,000,000, Mike, phuket@thairesidential.com

The Phuket News

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

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Sell your products at one of Phuket's most successful five-star Resorts! Le Meridien Phuket has one 31-sqm shop space for rent. Sumalee Intana, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort 29 Soi Karon Nui, Karon, Muang 83100 Phuket Thailand, sumalee. intana@lemeridien.com, +6676370100.

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa

NT

Absolute Beachfront Pool Villa, 3 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom, fully serviced. Short Term Rental from 35‘000 THB/Week to 195‘000 Month depend on Season. Long Term on Agreement. sunparasol@gmail.com , +66 91 040 8869

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

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4-Bedroom House for rent

4 Bedrooms / 4 Bathrooms furnished house for rent.

7 minutes to BIS. Newly renovated. Swimming Pool and Garage. 65,000, Owner, Baan Suan Loch Plam, heitmann@hlbthai.com, 081-8996557 (Eng)/ 0887602825 (Thai)

Paul MOORHOUSE

‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands.

UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury.

Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

Condo in Patong for Rent

Full-furnished studio with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, kitchenette, mountain view, and free wifi.

2 Rooms available; 66 sq.m and 88 sq.m. Start from 25,000 THB/month, Jane, social@karonseasand. com, 062 842 4861.

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool.

Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DIDIER, aouichedidier@hotmail.com, 093 717 9343 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai).

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com

Villa in Patong prime location

One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden.

Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quiet area, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com

Beach Front Land

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 014 7888

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu.

Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Morgan thwacks century, too much for tourists

Continued from page 32 ... just 22 runs between them.

They did however successfully rotate the strike to Morgan who amassed an incredible 128 runs which included 10 fours and 8 sixes. It was Morgan’s first century on the ground but came as no surprise to local onlookers as the golden boy of Athena Siam Co. Ltd., (official sponsor of the Phuket Cricket Group) continued his outrageously dominant form at the ground.

Patong’s total of 196/9 from the 25 Overs was 4050 runs in excess of what Patong considered a par score and proved too much for the tourists as they were always chasing the game losing wickets with frequency.

The Pakistani side showed a lot of grit in the end however with Faheem scoring a resilient, unbeaten half-century to lift the Academy to 170/9 after 25 Overs.

Despite the 26-run defeat, the tourists will no doubt leave Phuket feeling they still hold the upper-hand over Phuket’s local sides.

On the previous day, the

@thephuketnews

Phuket took it to the tourists.

Photo: Michael Way Misfits won the toss and posted a mediocre total of 141 All Out in a T30 clash with the Academy.

Their eventual total looked an unlikely one when Misfits captain Mudasir Rehman (0) mistimed a pull-shot to square-leg to leave his team floundering at 52-7.

The experienced #4 Stuart Hamilton (69) had withstood the early onslaught and in combination with Maliq Iqbal (28) lifted the Misfits to the 141 total (which incidentally included 5 ducks) with an intelligent mix of attack and defense.

The Misfits then managed to get themselves right into the thick of the game taking regular wickets to have the Academy at 91-7. Asif Butt (39*) and Sadam (28*) however kept their composure as they guided the tourists to what was eventually a fairly comfortable 3-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.

The Pakistan Academy players all seemed to enjoy the weekend and have expressed interest in joining an upcoming Phuket league with further discussion and planning in the weeks and months to come.

Patong Penguins’ Craig Morgan scored an incredible 128 not out off just 73 balls.

Photo: Michael Way For general information regarding Phuket Cricket, connect to Phuket Cricket on Facebook or contact jbriggs11689@gmail.com

SPORT 29

Brazilian gets call-up for China national team FOOTBALL CHINA NAMED ELKESON in their squad for their opening World Cup qualifier with the Brazilian poised to be the first without Chinese ancestry to play for the country.

Coach Marcello Lippi has long complained about a dearth of attacking options and has moved to plug the gap with the 30-year-old, who will use the Chinese name Aikesen.

The move to naturalise a Brazilian is controversial and comes after China similarly gave a passport to Londonborn midfielder Nico Yennaris.

The former Arsenal man however is half-Chinese, whereas Guangzhou Evergrande striker Elkeson qualifies for China having played in the country since 2013.

Along with Espanyol forward Wu Lei and Yennaris, Elkeson is part of a 35-man squad named by Italian World Cup winner Lippi for China’s game at the Maldives on September 10.

Elkeson appears likely to be the start of a growing trend for perennial under-achievers China.

Fellow Brazilians Ricardo

Brazilian striker Elkeson has been called into Marcello Lippi’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Photo: AFP Goulart and Fernando are both reportedly set to be naturalised, along with English defender Tyias Browning, also of Evergrande.

Although many other nations, notably 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar, call up players born in other countries, China had resisted doing so until now.

But respected football commentator Zhan Jun recently hinted at public discord, writing to his 16 million followers on the Twitter-like Weibo: “Sigh, don’t know how the fans who care about Chinese football are feeling?

“I can’t get over it,” said Zhan, in a post which drew thousands of comments.

AFP

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MotoGP preparations approaching final lap MOTO GP TRANSPORT MINISTER Saksayam Chidchob on Sunday (Aug 18) welcomed the upcoming MotoGP Buriram 2019 and assured that authorities in the province would be fully prepared to ensure the success of the international event scheduled to take place on Oct 4-6.

Mr Saksayam was briefed by permanent secretary for transport Chaiwat Thongkamkoon about the preparations for the upcoming race during his visit to the province.

The Department of Highways is speeding up the widening of the road linking Highway 2445 and Krasang Intersection to ensure it is finished before the event, and work on Highway 218 Buri Ram-Nang Rong is completed, he said.

The Department of Land Transport has prepared shuttle buses and improved Buri Ram Bus Terminal to accommodate visitors, he said.

Shuttle buses will depart from Buri Ram Airport to Chang Arena Stadium, from Buri Ram Railway Station to Chang Arena Stadium, from Buri Ram Bus Terminal to Chang International Circuit, and from Buri Ram Provincial Administrative Organisation to Chang International Circuit,

Mercedes tune-up

Bottas to learn Mercedes fate later this month BOX OF NEUTRALS

Marc Marquez (centre) will look to win again. Photo: AFP he said.

Mr Saksayam said the Department of Airports has beefed up security and arranged extra flights and waiting areas for passengers, while the State Railway of Thailand will lay on extra train carriages and implement a ticket reservation application and QR code payment service.

He also instructed the Department of Land Transport to finish 13 construction projects, including 890 kilometres of new highways to accommodate the amount of traffic expected over the next five years.

Mr Saksayam also said he will submit three infrastructure proposals to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

“Dual carriageways will facilitate locals and reduce accidents. Moreover, we are going to construct a second passenger building at Buri Ram Airport as well as extend the runway for large aircraft under a B750 million budget,” he said.

Bangkok Post

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

M

ercedes is poised to choose between Valtteri Bottas and reserve driver Esteban Ocon to partner reigning champion Lewis Hamilton in 2020 by the end of the month.

Though Mercedes has an option to retain Bottas in 2020, team boss Toto Wolff attached it to the requirement that he match teammate Hamilton’s performance after a poor 2018.

The Finn started the season strongly, and whereas in 2018 he failed to win a race, so far this year he has won two grands prix and equalled Hamilton’s tally of four pole positions to sit second on the points table as the Briton’s closest challenger.

But his form has faded during the European summer. He hasn’t won a race since April, and crashes in Germany and Hungary before the midseason break have left him 62 points behind Hamilton with nine races remaining.

It’s now more than a year since Bottas signed his last contract extension, and as a

Bottas and his Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton at the Russian Grand Prix on March 25, 2018. Photo: AFP driver who needs to feel he has the team’s confidence to perform, he admitted the uncertainty is affecting his form.

“For sure when contractwise you’re on the limit it never helps,” he said after the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he finished eighth after a firstlap crash. “Some people might think some drivers perform better under pressure when things are on the limit but for me it doesn’t help.

“I’m not really nervous, but it would be nice to hear some news from the team, to know what they want to do.”

In the Finn’s favour is that he has ensured the team has claimed the constructors championship in his two years racing in silver and is likely to do so again this year — but his

fate is more about Mercedes’s long-term future than its immediate needs.

Team leader Hamilton is 34 years old and out of contract at the end of next season, and though the Briton insists retirement isn’t yet on his radar, many are convinced he’s unlikely to race long beyond breaking Michael Schumacher’s record seven world titles, a feat the Briton is odds-on favourite to match next year and break in 2021.

Mercedes has its next-generation line-up prepared, the most senior member of which is highly rated reserve driver Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman undertook a two-year apprenticeship with Racing Point in 2017-18, but a planned move to Renault for 2019 was

scuppered after the team’s late move for Daniel Ricciardo, leaving Ocon seatless.

Wolff is adamant his protégé will race in 2020, but with few teams willing to sign Ocon if he were still attached to Mercedes, he’s forced to contemplate moving him into the senior team.

“For us it’s not only about making the right decision for next year; it’s about looking ahead. This is why we agreed that we will take the decision in August,” Wolff said.

But promoting Ocon after a year on the sidelines risks making Mercedes vulnerable in the constructors standings as he brings himself up to speed — or, if he were immediately on the pace, a feistier character in the sister car would threaten the equilibrium that has enabled Hamilton to dominate the sport.

“It’s stability and a great personality and a great driver versus giving youth a chance in the car with all the rewards and risks it can bring,” Wolff summarised.

It’s an agonising decision with significant consequences, and while most tip Bottas to retain his seat, Wolff could yet be about to turn the 2020 driver market on its head.

Australia rule out bouncer battle despite Smith blow CRICKET AUSTRALIA COACH JUSTIN Langer has told his side to avoid being drawn into a bouncer battle after Steve Smith was ruled out of the third Ashes Test against England.

Star batsman Smith suffered delayed concussion symptoms after being hit on his neck by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer during the drawn second Test at Lord’s.

His absence from the third Test at Headingley, which started Thursday (Aug 22), leaves Australia with a huge hole to fill.

Smith marked his return to Test cricket after a 12-month balltampering ban with innings of 144 and 142 during Australia’s 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston that put his side 1-0 up in the fivematch series.

He also made 92, having retired hurt after being hit when on 80, at Lord’s where Marnus Labuschagne,

Test cricket’s first concussion substitute, made a brave fifty in the second innings after being hit flush on the grille of his helmet by Archer.

World Cup-winning fast bowler Archer struck several telling blows on a Test debut that yielded five wickets.

Australia also have plenty of fastbowling firepower at their disposal in Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc.

But Langer insisted his side would not be sidetracked from their

goal of becoming the first Australia side in 18 years to win an Ashes series in England.

“We know what our plans are to beat England,” Langer told reporters at Headingley, where the third Test started on Thursday.

“It’s not an ego game,” the former Australia opening batsman insisted.

“We’re here to win the Test match, not to see how many bruises we can give. That’s not winning Test matches, trust me. You can’t get out with a bruise on your arm.

Steve Smith suffered a nasty blow from a brutal Jofra Archer short ball. Photo: AFP “I’m sure the bouncer will still be part of every bowler’s armoury, if it helps us get batsmen out then we’ll use it, otherwise we’ll keep sticking to the plan.”

AFP

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

SPORT 31

The good, bad, and ugly in the Premier League FOOTBALL AFP

L

iverpool and Arsenal lead the Premier League with the only 100% records after two games as VAR and Tottenham denied Manchester City in a 2-2 draw.

Frank Lampard is still waiting for his first win as Chelsea manager as the Blues were left holding on for a 1-1 draw with Leicester, while Norwich and Sheffield United got their first victories back in the top flight.

Here, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from the second weekend of the English top-fight season: Leicester give Lampard plenty to ponder Frank Lampard was greeted as a returning hero when the Chelsea boss emerged from the tunnel ahead of his first home game.

But 90 minutes later the mood was decidedly gloomier at Stamford Bridge after Leicester earned a share of the points that left the Blues legend with plenty of work to do.

Battered by Manchester United in their Premier League opener and beaten by Liverpool on penalties in the UEFA Super Cup, Chelsea were in need of a morale-boosting success against the Foxes.

They looked well on course after young midfielder Mason Mount marked his home debut with his first goal for the club in the seventh minute.

Mount, an attacking midfielder in Lampard’s mould, had impressed under the Chelsea boss during their time together at second-tier Derby last season.

But the 20-year-old was one of the few positives for Chelsea as they faded badly

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

2

2

0

0

6

2

+4

6

2

Arsenal

2

2

0

0

3

1

+2

6

3

Manchester City

2

1

1

0

7

2

+5

4

4

Manchester United

2

1

1

0

5

1

+4

4

5

Brighton

2

1

1

0

4

1

+3

4

6

Tottenham Hotspur

2

1

1

0

5

3

+2

4

7

Bournemouth

2

1

1

0

3

2

+1

4

8

Sheffield United

2

1

1

0

2

1

+1

4

9

Everton

2

1

1

0

1

0

+1

4

10 Burnley

2

1

0

1

4

2

+2

3

11 Norwich City

2

1

0

1

4

5

-1

3

12 Leicester City

2

0

2

0

1

1

0

2

13 Wolverhampton

2

0

2

0

1

1

0

2

14 Crystal Palace

2

0

1

1

0

1

-1

1

15 Chelsea

2

0

1

1

1

5

-4

1

16 West Ham United

2

0

1

1

1

6

-5

1

17

Aston Villa

2

0

0

2

2

5

-3

0

18 Newcastle United

2

0

0

2

1

4

-3

0

19 Southampton

2

0

0

2

1

5

-4

0

20 Watford

2

0

0

2

0

4

-4

0

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

Leicester City’s Portuguese defender Ricardo Pereira (2R) vies with Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian (C) during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Stamford Bridge in London on August 18, 2019. Photo: Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP after their bright start.

Perhaps fatigued by their midweek trip to Istanbul, Chelsea were lucky not to lose after Wilfred Ndidi’s equaliser, leaving Lampard with plenty of food for thought as he chases that elusive first win.

Norwich’s Pukki party Of the three promoted clubs, Aston Villa were the big spenders, splashing over £100 million (B3.736 billion) in the transfer market.

However, it is Sheffield United and Norwich who have made a brighter start to the season.

Norwich spent just over one million in the transfer window, but trusted in the likes of Teemu Pukki to make the step up to the Premier League.

Last season’s top scorer in the Championship already has four in two games in the

top f light after becoming the first Norwich player in 26 years to score a Premier League hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday (Aug 17).

Sheffield United were also worthy 1-0 winners against a toothless Crystal Palace in the first Premier League game at Bramall Lane for 12 years on Sunday (Aug 18).

By contrast, Villa’s first home game back in the big time ended in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth with two of their 12 signings Tom Heaton and Douglas Luiz at fault for the Cherries two goals inside the first 12 minutes.

No slip in City’s standards Manchester City have become a relentless winning machine under Pep Guardiola in the past two seasons, yet despite being held to a 2-2 draw by Tottenham on Sat-

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1751: Saturday August 24 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Lesser, Bluey Location: West of Heroines Monument - Mama Duck Land Directions: At Heroines Monument turn west towards Cherng Talay. After 300 m turn LEFT HHH and continue straight ahead into the rubber and laager HHH. From Cherng Talay drive east towards Heroines Monument. Make the U-turn 200m before reaching the circle, then more 100m and turn LEFT HHH. Continue on into the rubber and the laager.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:15 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 14:45 More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

English Premier League 2019 - 2020

urday (Aug 17), the Catalan lauded the Premier League champions'’performances as the best of his tenure at the Etihad.

City dominated the Champions League finalists with 30 shots on goal to Tottenham’s three and would have scored an injury-time winner through Gabriel Jesus but for the intervention of VAR. “Better than this I don’t know if it is possible,” said Guardiola, normally known as an arch-perfectionist.

The manner in which City conceded two soft goals to Erik Lamela’s long-range effort and Lucas Moura’s header from a corner will give those hoping to end Guardiola’s men’s reign as champions hope.

But on the evidence of the first two weeks of the season after a 5-0 thrashing of West Ham, there appears no slipping of City’s standards.

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday 23rd Aug Aussie Rules

16:30 19:30

AFL

Collingwood v. Essendon

Rugby League

17:00 19:00

NRL

Broncos v. Rabbitohs

Cricket

12:00 19:30 2nd Test, Colombo Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 2

Cricket

17:00 01:30 3rd Test, Headingley Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 2

Cricket

20:25 01:00 1st Test, Antigua

Saturday 24 Aug

West Indies v. India, Day 2

th

Rugby Union

Friendly, Murrayfield

19:00 21:00

Scotland v. France

22:10 00:00

Currie Cup

Cheetahs v. Western Province

00:30 02:30

Currie Cup

Blue Bulls v. Sharks

NRL

Wests v. Newcastle

Rugby Union

20:00 22:00

Rugby League

14:30 16:30

Friendly, Twickenham

England v. Ireland

Motor Bikes

18:00 22:30

MotoGP

Qualifying, Silverstone

Aussie Rules

13:30 16:30

AFL

Geelong Cats v. Carlton

17:00 20:00

AFL

West Coast Eagles v. Hawthorn

Soccer

18:30 20:30

EPL

Norwich v. Chelsea

21:00 23:00

EPL

Man United v. Crystal Palace

21:00 23:00

EPL

Brighton v. Southampton

21:00 23:00

EPL

Watford v. West Ham

23:30 01:30

EPL

Liverpool v. Arsenal

Cricket

12:00 19:30 2nd Test, Colombo Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 3

Cricket

17:00 01:30 3rd Test, Headingley Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 3

Cricket

20:25 01:00 1st Test, Antigua

West Indies v. India, Day 3

Sunday 25 Aug th

Soccer

20:00 22:00

EPL

22:30 00:30

EPL

Tottenham v. Newcastle

10:00 13:00

AFL

W Bulldogs v. Adelaide Crows

Motor Bikes

16:45 22:00

MotoGP

Grand Prix of Great Britain

Rugby League

13:00 15:00

NRL

Raiders v. Sea Eagles

Aussie Rules

Bournemouth v. Man City

Cricket

12:00 19:30 2 Test, Colombo Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 4

Cricket

17:00 01:30 3rd Test, Headingley Sri Lanka v. New Zealand, Day 4

Cricket

20:25 01:00 1st Test, Antigua

nd

West Indies v. India, Day 4

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23, 2019

Changes at Mercedes on horizon? >p30

MORGAN BAT DOMINATION CRICKET Michael Flowers

A

fter a narrow threewicket victory over the Phuket Misfits on Saturday (Aug 17), the touring Pakistan Academy side based in Hat Yai succumbed to a devastating unbeaten century from Patong’s Craig Morgan on Sunday (Aug 18) at the ACG Cricket and Sports Facility.

It was the first win for a Phuket cricket side over the

skillful tourists after the PCG Members badly underestimated them in June and the Phuket Misfits failed to pick up the final few Academy wickets on Saturday.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first in the 25 -over match, Patong struggled against the swinging new ball, losing their first three wickets within just 15 balls.

The talented left-hander Morgan batting at No. 4 suddenly found himself out in the middle with 13-year-old Patong debutant Eddie Chata-

way in the third over. The young pair, with a combined age considerably lower than many individuals in the team, dragged Patong out of the mire lifting them from 8-3 to 69-4.

Chataway (10) was eventually run out in the 12th over, a most important contribution as Morgan began to plunder the Academy bowling at the other end as the ball slowly lost its shine.

Following Chataway’s departure, Patong’s final six batsmen managed to score...

Continued on page 29

Craig Morgan (with bat) looks up just after another hit during his dominant run at the crease. Photo: Michael Way

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