June 2013

Page 1

June 2013

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

LEGITIMIZING A CHILD IN THAILAND

BY ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTRATION

APEX ASIA PROPERTY GROUP Specialists in Phuket Properties

VAT Refunds

for tourists in Thailand

AN UNSPOILED KHAO LAK


Editor’s Note

Contents

It would appear that rainy season has started early this year with much of the island seeing quite a large amount of rain falling throughout the month of May. However, that doesn’t seem to deter the ever increasing number of tourists arriving, as Airports of Thailand are still reporting month on month increases of not only passenger arrivals at Phuket International airport but also incoming and outgoing flights, and according to reports the airport is literally now at full capacity, not that it hasn’t been up until now.

Cover Photo

for travelers, the expatriate community & everyone in Phuket

Over the last 12 months Phuket has seen a dramatic increase in the number of condominiums being built or planned to be built all over the island and it appears that this is quickly becoming the property type of choice not only for the locals but also for foreign investors. For this reason inside this issue of ‘in Phuket’ we give you all the relevant information required for when it comes to buying a condominium unit in Phuket. We hope you find it of some help if you are considering purchasing a unit.

APEX ASIA PROPERTY GROUP SPECIALISTS IN PHUKET PROPERTIES

04

06

Phuket’s Food Markets/ Centers

08

Sales & Marketing: Ponglikit Yuadyong Busayamas Sittidej Pirada Wongpara

09

Lamborghini Egoista

10

APEX Asia Property Group

Lamborghini Egoista

Bua Tod

12 07

Editor: Russell Smith

Legitimizing a Child in Thailand by Administrative Registration

Google Glass

13 14

Are they the future?

Russell Smith Editor

15 16 18

NewspaperDirect-Phuket announce same day International Newspaper delivers to Khao Lak

IBAP monthly meeting

Buying Condos in Phuket VAT Refunds for tourists in Thailand A guide through VAT Refunds for Tourists in Thailand An Unspoiled Alternative - Khao Lak

Events & News What will happen and what has happened in Phuket

Quiz

Photographers: Suksan Samranrit Ukit Hanamornset Suravut Teepprasan Wasan Limsakul Watchara Sangmanee Designers: Mana Tinratreengam Somphot Hama Production: Ukit Hanamornset Sutin Wonglang Uten Arrerob

All photography in this publication is copyright of Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. unless noted otherwise. No photos or any other part of this publication many be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. All rights are reserved.

in Phuket is published by Four Seasons Info Media Co., Ltd. 50/21 Moo 4, Chao Fa Nok Rd., Vichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel.: +66 (0) 7624 8715 Fax: +66 (0) 7624 8901 Email: info@phuket4seasons.com www.phuket4seasons.com

IN FOCUS SPOTLIGHT TWO OF OUR OUTLETS Find and read your complimentary copy of “in-Phuket” at

After more than a decade of printing and supplying Phuket with the

Located at the rear of PPT gas

‘same day international newspapers” NewspaperDirect–Phuket are

station next to Boat Lagoon

delighted to announce they have now expanded deliveries to cover

entrance.

Khao Lak.

www.cafe-amazon.com Newspapers can be ordered from all the Major Hotels, or found at

Cafe Amazon is the Thailand’s largest franchising coffee shop with more

selected retail outlets in Khao Lak. You can also order directly by e-mail;

than 700 branches all over Thailand. It offers smooth and classic blend

info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com.

coffee and other drinks together with freshly-baked bakeries in relaxing natural surroundings. A place to sit and refresh.

Located opposite TESCO LOTUS in Cherngtalay.

www.gitanolove.com At GITANO Restaurant & Love, every sense is immediately awakened by the rich colours, sounds and aromas of this family-run Mexican-Thai For further information call NewspaperDirect on 076 346 800-1

restaurant. GITANO’s menu is imaginative and lively, with a broad selection of flavourful, fresh dishes as well as a special section for the kids.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


4

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, June 2013

PHUKET’S FOOD MARKETS/CENTERS Traveling to any destination will be much more memorable when you try to fit in with the locals, and food is an interesting aspect you should never miss when travel to this diner’s paradise. It is also an opportunity to mix with the locals. The cost of an exploration into the local’s way of food life is not expensive and it is worth visiting one or more of the following on your trip.

Downtown Market The Downtown Market is located in the center of town, just opposite the fresh market on Ranong Road. The market sells fresh vegetables, ingredients and fruits from early in the morning. Street food can be found from the afternoon. Here you can enjoy a bag of fresh coconut juice, guava and more for only 10 baht. Thai style fried chicken, sausage, Thai desserts, local foods and so much more awaits you.

Talaad Kaset This fresh daytime market turns into a food center in the early evening and features a number of restaurants and food stalls. Here you can have seafood cooked to you preference at an affordable price, as well as some local specialties such as Ow-Tao, a la carte chicken and rice, stewed pork leg and rice, desserts, etc. The market is just behind Robinson’s Department Store.

Lor Rong Food Center Lor Rong Food Center is located on Ranong Road, at the Pattana Road junction, and it has been popular with locals for decades. There is always something for breakfast, lunch and dinner here, but it is most hectic at lunch time. You can find Por Pia Tod, Pad Thai, Loba, Satay, Mee Hoon as well as O-Oew, the famous local dessert and a lot more.

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Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, June 2013

5

Lok Tian Food Center Lok Tian Food Center is located at the intersection of Dibuk and Yaowarat Roads and is know well among locals and Thai tourists as they offer a variety of local cuisine in one place. Here you can order food from different venders and eat together at your table, whether it is Hokkien Noodle, Por Pia, Satay, etc.

Banzaan Market Patong The Banzaan Market is perhaps the biggest source for seafood and other cooking ingredients in Patong. If you plan to cook for yourself, this is the place. Or if not, you can select fresh lobster, squid, crab etc from the first floor and walk upstairs to let the restaurant cook them for you. The price and quality is fantastic regardless of its unnoticeable atmosphere. The market is located near Jungceylon Shopping Complex in Patong. It opens in the morning and closes early evening.

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06

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, June 2013

Bua Tod Bua Tod is a local food for everyone in the family. The menu comprises of prawns and eelgrass battered and deep fried. Eelgrass, or “Yaa Chong” in

Thai, is a type of submerged aquatic vegetation that grows in estuaries and shallow bays which can be found mostly during the rainy season. If there is not eelgrass, people sometimes use Wildbetal leaves or Ming Aralia as a substitute. Bua Tod is served with a sweet spicy sauce. You can find Bua Tod at some local restaurants; however, it is not common to see it on the menu, but you can find it at local food markets or on the street.

Ingredients 600 g

Prawns

300 g

Rice flour

1 tbs

Curry paste

0.5 kg

Vegetable oil

Eelgrass or Wildbetal leave or Ming Aralia

Sauce Goat pepper Garlic Salt Sugar Vinegar

Procedures 1. Clean prawns, do not peel. 2. Dissolve the rice flour in water but don’t make it too watery. Then add the curry paste and mix well. 3. Heat oil in a pan. 4. Dip the Eelgrass or Wildbetal leave or Ming Aralia in the batter and fry. 5. Place some prawns onto the leaves and fry again until the batter has turned golden and the prawns are cooked.

Sauce 1. Finely pound together the goat pepper and garlic. 2. Season with salt, sugar and vinegar.

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in Phuket, June 2013

Lifestyle

07

d n la i a Th n i ld i h C Legitimizing a n io t a r t s i g e R e v i t by Administra By virtue of the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (CCC), a child born out of wedlock is deemed to be the legitimate child of the mother, not the father, and therefore only the mother can lawfully exercise parental power and custody over the child. The biological father is not (yet) considered the legitimate father until he applies for legitimation of the child. Legitimizing a child in Thailand by administrative registration is one of the procedures available to a father for a child born out of wedlock. This procedure can be executed without the need to register a marriage between the father and the mother of the child. The other procedure is through court order. The process of legitimation by administrative registration is as follows: The biological father may apply at the nearest local district office to register the legitimation of the child together with the consent of both the mother and the child. Note that each district office is likely to have slightly differing supporting documentation requirements, with those outside major metropolitan areas being less accustomed to such procedures. As such, it is recommended that you first enquire what is required and if possible apply at a district office in one of the major cities or populated areas. Where the child and the mother do not appear in the presence of the Registrar to give consent, the Registrar shall notify the mother and child of the father’s application for registration. If the child or mother raise an objection or alternatively fail to provide written consent within sixty days after the acceptance of the notification by them, it is presumed that consent has been withheld (not granted). The period of time shall be extended to one hundred and eighty days when the child or the mother are or have been outside of Thailand. Where the mother or child do not give consent, are unable to give consent, or even raise an objection that the applicant is not the father, then the father can effect the registration by a judgment at Court. Subsequent to the Court hearing, the order can be produced with the Registrar who then shall affect registration. When the legitimation is successfully registered, it takes effect as of the date of the child’s birth at which point the father can exercise full parental power over his child.

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08

Lifestyle

in Phuket, June 2013

A

fter the launch of Apple’s iPad, it’s been years since the world got excited about a new technological revolution. The introduction of the Google Glasses Project represents the next stage in mobile computing. It is the most hotly-anticipated gadget that many people have kept their eyes on and widely discussed if it is really going to be the future. For those who never heard about this before, The Glasses Project is an effort by Google to develop augmented reality glasses. In other words, they are wearable a computer with a headmounted display. Google Glasses display information in a smartphone-like hands-free format that can interact with the Internet via voice commands. The frames do not currently have lenses fitted to them. The concept for these glasses was introduced on April 4, 2012 on a Google+ page, which also included a YouTube video demonstrating the possible uses of the Glasses Project. You may go to its official website google. com/glass or Google Glass on Google+ for the video and news.

Google Glass, the future? For those who never heard about this before, The Glasses Project is an effort by Google to develop augmented reality glasses. In other words, they are wearable a computer with a head-mounted display. Google Glasses display information in a smartphone-like hands-free format that can interact with the Internet via voice commands. The frames do not currently have lenses fitted to them. The concept for these glasses was introduced on April 4, 2012 on a Google+ page, which also included a YouTube video demonstrating the possible uses of the Glasses Project. You may go to its official website google. com/glass or Google Glass on Google+ for the video and news.Since the Glass design is modular, so you will be able to add frames and lenses that match your prescription. The prescription frames are only the beginning stage though.

At present, there are only a small group of people that have experienced the Glass during beta months. The prototype of the so-called Glasses Explorer can be acquired at 1,500 USD and have received both good and bad comments which you can find at many tech blogs and websites. Besides battery life, weight etc, privacy issues seem to be the most important question the developer need to deal with before the device hits the market in 2014.

The Glasses comes with a mooted 640 x 360 display, the built-in camera is a 5MP snapper that can film at 720p, a battery life with the usual use, built in 16GB of flash memory, 12GB user storage which you can sync to your Google Drive in Cloud, built in Bluetooth and WiFi, but no GPS chip, so the Glasses will probably work best alongside an Android phone or with any Bluetooth enabled phone.

Anyway with the limitations, some feature on Glass can be performed over Wi-Fi or GPS-based functions; when offline they can only takes photos and videos.

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, June 2013

09

APEX ASIA GROUP

A

pex Asia Property Group recently opened its new office in Patong, previously concentrating on hotel marketing and management, Kevin Baker, a founding Director of the company, felt it was time to tap in to the booming Phuket property market. With planned expansion into Indonesia and Malaysia and also marketing partnerships in China, Apex Asia plans to triple its sales over the coming year. It is expected that the Jakarta office will open later in the year and will focus on promoting Phuket properties across the region.

in Phuket and expanding across Asia Apex Asia not only sell apartments and condos but also has a rental and commercial department with hotels, restaurants and shops for sale. Its first 2 months of operations have been a great success with over 150 Million Baht of properties sold or rented. As well as the hotel and property business, it also has its own web design company Apex Asia Creative which recently designed a website for 2 times former heavyweight Boxing Champion Tim Witherspoon

Kevin also has interests in promoting boxing matches, is Tim’s manager, and has a promotional visit to Jakarta together with undisputed champion Mike Tyson planned for later this year. Tim Witherspoon’s biography has been co-written with Ryan Danes and Kevin Baker and they are currently juggling with prospective titles for the book. The book promises to be a “crazy” read and should be out later this year or maybe early next year.

Featured on the front cover is the fabulous Blue Point development of luxury condominiums with stunning views, Kevin and his professional team will be delighted to tell your more about this and the many other investment opportunities they can offer you across Phuket. If you would like to list your property for sale or rental then contact Apex Asia directly sales@apexasia.asia or call 076 345 024

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


10

Lifestyle

LAMBORGHINI EGOISTA FOR THOSE WITH AN EGO Lamborghini unveiled its “Egoista” to mark its 50th anniversary at the final stop of the Grande Giro d’Italia in Sant’agata Bolognese recently. Designed by Walter de Silva, head designer of the Volkswagen group, the “Egoista” is a one-off car powered by a 600 horsepower 5.2-liter V10 engine The design is inspired by the look of Apache attack helicopters and features a cockpit-style cabin entered through a removable flip up canopy. De Silva: said “This is a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is designed purely for hypersophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world. It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word “Egoista” (or selfish).” “The cockpit, made completely of carbon fiber and aluminum, represents a sort of survival cell, allowing the driver to isolate and protect themselves from external elements”. Walter De Silva explained.” We kept an eye on the future when designing the “Egoista”, with the idea that its cockpit could have been taken from a jet aircraft and integrated into a road vehicle, to provide a different travel option.”

in Phuket, June 2013

Photo courtesy: Lamborghini The concept car is characterized by two fundamental aspects: its architecture and the materials used. The side flanks represent a ‘bull preparing to charge, horns lowered’. There’s no aero on top, but flaps in the bodywork that flip open or closed automatically depending on driving conditions. There are two at the back to increase stability, and a series of intakes on the back of the engine hood to increase cooling for the V10 engine. In place of traditional headlights, it is fitted with two white LED warning lights buried in the recesses of the three-pod design, as well as bull’s eyes’ orange side indicators, red rear lights and two more lights on the roof, with two ‘eagle eyes’ hidden in the front intakes and a red flashing light on the upper part of the tail. There are also green and red flashing lights which denote starboard and port sides. Lamborghini claims that when it the dark it makes the” Egoista” look like a four-wheeled UFO.

The body is made up of carbon fibre and aluminum, using aeronauticalspec antiradar material, and anti-radar coating orange-tinted anti-glare glass. The orange-tinted cockpit has just a single racing seat with a four-point seatbelt, a bare minimum of instruments, with most gauges replaced by a heads-up display and steering wheel. The cockpit canopy slides forward for entry and exit which according to Lamborghini requires the driver to stand up in his or her seat, swivel their legs over and literally jump out from the inside of the cockpit to the outside of the vehicle similarly to what Tom Cruise did in “Top Gun”. “It’s as if Ferruccio Lamborghini were saying: I’m going to put the engine in the back, I don’t want a passenger”, said De Silva on the “Egoista”. “I want it for myself, and I want it as I imagine it to be. It is a fanatical vehicle and the “Egoista” fits it well with the Lamborghini brand”.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


in Phuket, June 2013

Travel & Eateries 11 Phang Nga

Sarasin Bridge

402

Mai Khao Beach

Thepkrasattr i

R oa d

402

Phuket International Airport

Nai Yang Beach

4026

The pkra s

4031

Naithon Beach

4027

Po Bay

attri Road

Layan Beach

Bang Rong Bay

Bang Tao Beach

Phuket

402 4027

Yamu Cape

Srisoonthorn Road 4025

Surin Beach

4025

4025

Pa ss R

Ro ad (B y

rak

iat

Ro

ttr i Road

r9

ra s a

mp

Ch ale r

Nga Cape

4020

4233

Prab aramee Road

Kathu

Patong Beach

Phuket City

4233

( Fa

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40

Sakdide

21

.

4021

Pa t a k R o a

Cha o Fa

4028

Phuket Bay

d t R oa

(Ea st)

Rd

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Karon Beach

Koh Maphrao

402

402

4026

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4233

Tha Ruea Bay

Th

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Kamala Beach

Koh Taphao Noi

4021

Ao Makham

Koh Taphao Yai

d 4028

Kata Beach

4129

Chalong Bay Kata Noi Beach

Yon Bay

4233

Panwa Cape

Viset R

4009

oad

Phuket Aquarium

4024

Koh Lon

Nai Harn Beach Rawai Beach Phromthep Cape

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12

Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, June 2013

VAT REFUNDS FOR TOURISTS IN THAILAND Shopping in Thailand is even more fun when you can save some money by claiming VAT. Since each country has its own rules and regulations, here below is a guide through VAT Refunds for Tourists in Thailand.

Who can claim VAT refunds? A non Thai visitor, who is not a airline crew member, has been in Thailand less than 180 days in a calendar year and departs Thailand by air carrier from an International airport. How to shop and get your VAT refund? 1. Shop from the stores that display the “VAT Refund for Tourists “sign. 2. Note that VAT refund only applies to merchandise that is taken out of Thailand within 60 days from the date of purchase. 3. On any day, the value of merchandise purchased at each participating store shall not be less than 2,000 baht including VAT.

4. Present your passport and ask the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourist Form (P.P. 10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form on the day of purchase. Please bear in mind that each application form (P.P. 10) must show a value of 2,000 baht or over. 5. The total amount claimed for refund must not be less than 5,000 baht, including VAT. How do you claim a VAT refund? Tourists are able to submit P.P.10 forms to claim for the VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office located in all eight international airports; Suvarnabhumi, Don Muang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, U-Tapao, Krabi and Samui. At an international airport, 1. Before checking in, show your purchase, completed P.P.10’s and tax invoice(s) to the Customs Officer at the Customs Office. 2. Hand-carried luxury merchandise, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watches, glasses and pens with a value of 10,000 baht or more per item must be re-inspected at the VAT Refund Office after passport control.

3. Request your VAT refund at the VAT Refund Office. If you are in a hurry, after all inspections are made by the Customs and Revenue Officers, you may either drop your application form P.P.10 and tax invoice(s) into the box located in front of the VAT Refund Office or mail them to: VAT Refund for Tourists Office The Revenue Department of Thailand 90 Thaholyothin 7, Phayathai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. How will the refund be paid? 1. If the refund amount does not exceed 30,000 Baht, the refund can be paid in cash in Thai baht, bank draft or credited to your credit card account. 2. If the refund amount exceeds 30,000 Baht, the refund can be paid in bank draft or credited to your credit card account.

Please note a process fee of 100 Baht will be charged for cash refunds. For bank draft refunds, a process fee of 100 Baht will be charged, plus draft issuing fee at the rate charged by banks and a postage fee. While for credits to credit card accounts, a fee of 100 Baht plus a money transfer fee at the rate charged by banks and a postage fee. Do allow yourself adequate time at the airport to fulfill all the necessary procedures. You cannot claim VAT refunds for the following goods: • Prohibited items • Firearms, explosives or any similar items • Gemstones For more information, you can contact VAT Refund Tourist Office at 0-2272-8196 to 8 or E-mail: vrefund@ rd.go.th, www.rd.go.th/vrt. VAT Refund for Tourist Office (Phuket International Airport) Tel: 0-7632-8267 Fax: 0-7632-8266

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Lifestyle

in Phuket, June 2013

Buying Condos in Phuket

P

lanning for retirement or to work in Phuket? Instead of renting, you may consider buying a condominium which are on offer at various locations around the island. Buying a condominium in Thailand is way easier than dealing with land and a house when it comes to Thai law. A non-Thai national can purchase a condo unit without significant restrictions. Thai law allows foreigners to own condominium unit(s) freehold and 100% outright. It can be brought off-plan or you can buy one that has already been built and has a freehold title and contains their name in the title deed. Condominiums in Thailand have a foreign quota of 49% purchasers, which means that only 49% of the total space/units of a condominium can be owned by foreigners on a freehold title. The other 51% is for Thai Nationals. Before purchasing a condominium unit in Thailand, it is advised to ensure that the foreign quota has not been met or exceeded.

Besides freehold ownership, foreigners may also choose to lease out a premise for the maximum period permissible by law of 30 years. Generally, there is an extension of the lease permissible for a period of up to 90 years; however, the land departments are usually reluctant to register such a lease, and this is also upon the discretion of the land and house owner. The lease option gives a legal right to reside and possess the house with an option to sub-lease with the permission of the land owner. Leases are not transferable but they are inheritable if it is agreed between the parties and is stipulated in the contract.

13

There are some restrictions and suggestions you should know about. • A foreigner must buy a condominum with 100 % funds transferred to Thailand from overseas. They will need a Tor Tor 3 document (Exchange Control Form) from the Thai bank to certify that the condo is being purchased with “legal” funds for purposes of buying a condominium. • Inspect the background of the seller carefully as well as the physical condition and construction of the condominium if it is presented in the sales material. • Ensure the condominium you will acquire is free from encumbrance. • Study any maintenance and management fees and bills you will have to pay. • In addition to the regular purchase price, there are various fees which must be paid at the date of purchase to various government agencies. • Carefully revise clauses in the contracts covering your rights and best interest. • Learn condominium rules and regulations. • It is recommended that prior to purchase you should take time to sit down and understand the purchase process with a lawyer or a solicitor. Local law firm can help you with general advice, the contract and agreements as they will be familiar with Thai laws and have experience in dealing with such matters.

Phuket condos can be purchased starting at around 2 MB to over 60 MB depending on its location, size and what it offers. Units in prime locations such as Patong, Karon-Kata area, along with some of the more exclusive areas of the northern west coast, are the most expensive and those with sea views are even more expensive. While those projects in the Phuket town area, east coast and southeastern part of the island are much less expensive.

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Travel & Eateries

14

in Phuket, June 2013

An Unspoiled

ALTERNATIVE - KHAO LAK

For those travelers who seek the feeling of Phuket Island 20 years ago, Khao Lak is the place to visit. Its’s a secluded destination in the Phang Nga Province, just 80 Kilometers North of Phuket International Airport, about one and half hour travel by car.

I

n 2004, Khao Lak was the hardest-hit area in Thailand by the tsunami. There were thousands of fatalities, injuries and lost. The majority of its infrastructure and facilities were wrecked by the tradegy. But since recovery, it is gaining more popularity at international level. Khao Lak is known for being quite and not overdeveloped.

The name Khao Lak laterally means “Lak Mountain” in Thai. The mountain is part and center of the 150-squarekilometre Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park which was declared a national park in August 1991. As Khao Lak is located in the western coast of Andaman sea, it gets an influence of the southwestern monsoon winds and northeastern monsoon winds, which means it has rain almost all year round. It has two seasons; hot season starting from January till April; and raining season starting from May till December, the latter of which has a lot of rainfall and of course strong winds, meaning that Khao Lak is really only ideal for tourism for only 6 months, from November to April.

Khao Lak has 20 kilometre of pristine beaches along the Andaman Sea coastline set against a backdrop of lush jungle-covered mountains. The region is dotted with numerous accommodations ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts and tourist facilities. Its beautiful beaches are namely Khao Lak beach, Nangthong beach, Bang Niang beach, Khuk Khak beach, Pakarang beach, Pak Weeb beach and Bangsak beach.

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Travel & Eateries

in Phuket, June 2013

15

Besides sandy beaches and unspoiled nature, Khao Lak offers easy access to great off-shore diving. Tourists can also get to the world renowned Similan, Tachai and Surin Islands by boats which leave from Baan Naam Khem Pier or Thap Lamu Pier in Thai Muang District (30 minutes from Khao Lak beach) and it takes about 3 hours to reach the islands.

About 30 minutes from Khao Lak, tourists can also explore Khao Sok National Park which is suitable for either one day trips or overnight stays. The National park is ideal for nature lovers looking for activities either on land or in water. There are lots of floras and faunas as well as the nature scenery to appreciate. A self-drive by motorbike or car to explore Khao lak area is also recommended. There are plenty of attractions such as waterfalls, jungle and Old Town Takuapa which takes you back to the old tin mining era and the slow local way of life.

IBAP

Monthly Meetings

IBAP,

the International Business Association (Phuket), has for 13 years been holding monthly meetings open to the public and aimed at putting business-interested people together for an evening of social & business networking. Most evenings include an insightful presentation of topical interest with audience Q&A. Check-in starts at 6:15 with a 400 THB entry donation that includes a light buffet dinner with drinks. The evening usually wraps up before 9, and the venue shifts around the island. Follow program details, maps/instructions and members’ area on the website, www.ibap-phuket.org The June Member’s Meeting will be especially interesting as we hear from local author, and colorful character, Colin Mackay. Colin Mackay is the author of the book “A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region” a book that was recently published to much acclaim on the Island. Mr. Mackay has a masters degree in History from Edinburgh University. He has been visiting Phuket since 1986 and has lived on the island permanently since 1998. He has established several businesses on Phuket over the years.

His company Asia Island Homes Ltd was one of the fist foreign developers on Phuket with projects such as Ban Chai Nam on Bangtao beach and Surin Springs and Samsara, the first development of USD million dollar plus homes to be sold on the island. He has also established several other businesses on the Island over the years such as PIPS (Phuket Island Property Services), Phuket Island Lager as well as hotels, restaurants and agricultural projects. He is a well known personality on the island.

version of his book on the night at the trade price of THB 1,000 instead of their Mr. Mackay shall give a historical normal retail price of THB 1,500. presentation explaining why women on Phuket and Thailand are comparatively Mr. Mackay will also present several so successful and powerful in business, interesting anecdotes that have politics and as heads of their households revealed themselves since publication in Phuket and the region. For example, of his book. The presentation will be Thailand has a higher percentage of followed by a Question and Answer Female CEO’s than any other country and session. over half of all businesses in the country are owned by women. Thereafter he will open the floor to any questions you may have about any aspects of the history of Phuket from any period. He has agreed to offer IBAP members signed copies of his 438 page limited-edition hardback

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


16

Events & News

in Phuket, June 2013

events

Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2013 9 June 2013

The Laguna Phuket International Marathon takes place on 9 June 2013. The event features a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10.5K Run, 91.5FM Phuket 5K Community Walk and a 2K Kids Run. The course is basically an out and back course with a loop for the last 10K. Marathon and Half Marathon runners follow the course out of Laguna and then head north through local villages and rubber plantations. For more information, visit the Phuket International Marathon website: www.lagunaphuket. com/events/marathon

Phuket Baba Wedding 2013

USA 237th Birthday & Air Show Days

The 5th Baba Wedding 2013 Ceremony is a celebration of Phuket’s Peranakan

Join Phuket’s Greatest High Flying Fun Air Show & Family Picnic Celebrating Ameri-

culture and exhibits elegant cultural costumes and authentic local Baba cuisine, in

ca’s 237th Birthday. The event features two full days of entertainment such as flying,

Phuket Baba Wedding 2013

6-7 July 2013

a historic Sino-Portuguese mansion.

games, music & fun for the entire family.

The event sees couples dress in the style

Experience a real American-style picnic

and manner of 19th century Chinese traders

and

well-to-do

local

with American food & American beer on

Thai

July 6-7, 2013, 10:00 - 20:00 hrs at Phuket

maidens and the two venues, the Thai Hua

Airpark at Paklok, 6.7 km east of Thalang.

Museum on Thalang Road and the Hongyok Mansion on Thepkrasattri Road

Contact Pat James: President, 08-5258-0006,

were chosen as both mansions exemplify

Email:president@navyleaguephuket.

then Sino-Portuguese style. For more

org, www.navyleaguephuket.org.

information, please visit www.phuketbaba.com.

Two Chefs

Monday Surf Night & BBQ Buffet Two Chef Kata Beach offers a fantastic BBQ Buffet Aussie Style every Monday starting from 6 p.m. till late. You can enjoy a variety of meats plus delectable deserts and exotic cocktails. Along with live music, pork fillet skewers, chimi-churri marinated chicken breasts, Australian rib-eye steaks, blacken salmon burgers, grilled beef burgers, chicken fajitas, tacos, smoked chicken, pumpkin salad, chocolate cake, apple crumble pie etc are awaiting you. All this and much more for 495 Baht for adults and 250 Baht for kids aged 3-12 years old. The restaurant is located opposite the Boathouse. For more information or reservations please call 0-7628-4155 or log on to www. twochefs.com.

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


Lifestyle

in Phuket, June 2013

17

Telephone Directory Emergencies Police & Emergencies Fire Department

191 199/ +66 (0)76-211111

Ambulance Bangkok 1646 Vichara Hospital 1554 Narenthorn Emergency Services 1669 Diving Medicine Center 1719 (Bangkok Phuket Hospital ) Tourist Police National Hotline 1155 Phuket Hotline 1699 Phuket +66 (0)76-225361/ +66 (0)76-254693 Marine Police +66 (0)76-211883 Hospitals Bangkok Phuket Hospital 1719/ +66 (0)76-254425 Mission Phuket Hospital +66 (0)76-237220-6 Patong/Kathu Hospital +66 (0)76-344034-5/ +66 (0)76-342633-4 Phuket International Hospital +66 (0)76-249400 Thalang Hospital +66 (0)76-311033-4 Vachira Hospital +66 (0)76- 361234 Travel & Tourism Suvarnabhummi Airport +66 (0)2- 132 1888 Don Muang Airport +66 (0)2-535 1192 Phuket International Airport +66 (0)76 327230-7 Air Asia +66 (0)2-5159999 Bangkok Airways +66 (0)2-2655555 One 2 Go/ Orient Thai Airlines 1126 Nok Air 1318 Thai Airways +66 (0)76- 360444 Lufthansa German Airlines +66(0)2-2642400 Jetstar Asia Airways +66(0)2-2675125 Business Air +66(0)2-1346036 United Airlines +66(0)2-2530558

Singapore Airlines +66(0)2-3536000 Malaysia Airlines +66(0)2-2630565-71 Firefly Airlines +66(0)76-351477 All Nippon Airways +66(0)2-2385121 Asiana Airlines +66(0) 2-2638333 Etihad Airways +66(0)2-2530099 Emirates +66(0)2-6641040 KLM Royal Dutch Airlines +66(0)2-6352300 Delta Airlines +66(0)2-6322914-8 American Airlines +66 (0)2-2376917 British Airways +66 (0)2-7284533 China Airlines +66 (0)76-327099-100 Silk Air +66 (0)76-304018-20 Phuket Bus Terminal +66 (0)76-211480 Tourism Authority of Thailand 1672 ( Phuket Office: +66 (0)76-212213 ) Telephone Directory Enquiry Directory Enquiry 1133 Overseas Operator 100 Landline Call Centres TOT Call Centre TT&T Call Centre CAT Call Centre

1100 1103 1322

Mobile Phone Call Centres AIS 1175 DTAC 1678 True Move 1331 Government Offices Phuket Customs +66 (0)76-211105 Immigration +66 (0)76-221905 Harbour Master +66 (0)76-391174 Department of Labour +66 (0)76-211995 Post Office +66 (0)76-211020

Embassies & Consulates (Phuket) Australia +66 (0)76-372600 Austria +66 (0)76-248334-6 Czech +66 (0)76-249400 China (Songkhla Office) +66 (0)74-325045 Denmark +66 (0)76-221159-60 Finland +66 (0)76-330530-3 France +66 (0)76-288828/ +66 (0)76-273511 Germany +66 (0)76-610407 Ireland +66 (0)76-281273 Italy +66 (0)76-323029 Korea +66 (0)76-234452 Morocco +66 (0)76-219881-2 Norway +66 (0)76-230130/ +66 (0)76-237156 Russia (Bangkok Office) +66 (0)2-2349824 Sweden +66 (0)76-380000 United Kingdom +66 (0)76-318188/ +66 (0)89 874 0908 Lost Cards American Express +66 (0)2-2730022-44 City Bank 1588/ +66 (0)2-2322484 Diners Club +66 (0)2-2383660 HSBC 1590 JCB Card +66 (0)2-6520341 Master Card +66 (0)2-2991990-2 Visa +66 (0)2-2991990-29 Couriers DHL Phuket TNT Phuket

+66 (0)76-355850 +66 (0)76-239804-6

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


18

Lifestyle

in Phuket, June 2013

SUDOKU These Sudoku puzzles are pitched at a middle level: not too easy, and not too frustratingly hard, for the average person.

Last month's sudoku answers

Crossword Across 1. Pig meat 3. Stated 5. Every one 6. High mountains 8. Throw gently 11. Tooth-like edge of a wheel 12. Land around the house 15. Round cream filled cookie 16. Short for Elizabeth 17. Platter 18. Sight organ

1

2

Down 1. A Clue 2. Untidy 3. Scooby's buddy 4. Disk operating system 7. A fleshy fruit 9. Above 10. Mystery Inc.'s dog 13. Throbbing pain 14. Truth or _____ 15. Not in

Trivia Quiz

Last month's solution 1

2

3

S W A R M 6 A G A C 7 C R O O K K E 9 11 10 S A F E S 13 L R 14 15 Y O U A N 17 A I N C 18 19 M E T E N

4

3

4

2. Who painted the “Girl with a Pearl Earring"? 3. Who is the most nominated actor in Academy history?

5. Until 1939 what was Thailand called? 6. Which branch of science deals with the study of insects?

6 9

1. What acronym is used for the group of nations that export the vast majority of the world's oil?

4. Who directed The Silence of the Lambs?

5

8

5

S U E T G 8 R O O U 12 M U G R 16 G L E O E D E D

7. In physics, what is energy measured in?

7

8. What is the name of the inventor who is best known for his invention of the electric light bulb and the motion picture camera?

10 11 12

13

14

9. Calabar international airport is in which country? 10. Which modern-day African country was formed from the three Italian colonies of Fezzan, Tripolitania and Cyrenaica?

15 16 17

18

Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com



Advertising Contact: 076 346 800-1, 08 0038 1537 info@newspaperdirect-phuket.com www.NewspaperDirect-Phuket.com


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