The Phuket News 01 March 2019

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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

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FRENCHWOMAN DEPORTED FOR VAPING > PAGE 2

BEYOND THE WATERSHED

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NEWS

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National reaction after Finnish boy attacked by dogs

LIFE

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Everyday life as seen through a monk’s eyes

The putrid pools of wastewater on the beaches at Bang Tao and Surin are hoped to soon be a thing of the past. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

CHERNG TALAY MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST LOCAL WASTEWATER-TREATMENT PLANTS COME ONLINE Waranya Prompinpiras reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he popular tourist beach areas of Bang Tao and Surin Beach on Phuket’s west coast make history today (Mar 1) as the first wastewater-treatment plants serving the areas are brought online – the first major step forward in the hope of eradicating the putrid pools of black wastewater that have gathered on the two beaches for more than a decade.

The two wastewater plants – one located near each beach – were built under government contract by Prayongsil Karnyotha Co Ltd over five years, from 2012 though 2017,

at a cost of B355.52 million. A total of B248,773,025 of the budget was provided by the Environmental Fund operated by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep), and B106,746,975 was provided by the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

However, both facilities fell into disrepair after laying idle while no company entered bids to operate and maintain the two plants.

Late last year that changed, Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn Samran told The Phuket News this week.

Local company Kwan Rawee Co Ltd, with its office located in

Srisoonthorn, took on a B1.65mn contract to service the ailing wastewater treatment sites back to operational condition. The maintenance and repairs began on Jan 1 and were completed last Saturday (Feb 23), Mr MaAnn explained.

Today (Mar 1), the company will bring both facilities online, operating 24 hours a day, he said.

Cherng Talay OrBorTor signed an initial contract with Kwan Rawee Co Ltd to operate the plants for just seven months, from Mar 1- Sep 30, 2019.

“This is because the contract cannot extend beyond the fiscal year (ending Sept 30), which official budgets must adhere to. After that,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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we will have to offer a new contract, as that is required under the Thai government procurement legislation,” Mr MaAnn explained.

“The contract for operating the two plants for seven months is for about B3.2mn. If offered for a whole year, the amount will be about B5.6mn,” he added.

The cost includes conducting regular water-quality tests to ensure the wastewater being released posttreatment complies with environmental regulations, Mr MaAnn noted.

Both the Surin Beach and Bang Tao plants have been built beside the beaches where local major canals that run through the neighbourhoods...

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Cherng Talay tackles wastewater eyesores

Continued from page 1 ...empty onto the sand.

“This is to make sure that we treat as much of the dirty water as we can before it is released into the sea,” Mr MaAnn explained.

The main sludge separation tanks and the secondary treatment tanks at both sites have been installed underground in order to not create visible eyesores, and to keep the stench to a minimum, Mr MaAnn explained.

Cherng Talay OrBorTor has already installed sewers throughout the areas immediately adjacent to the two wastewater plants. Sewers installed in Cherng Talay Moo 2 and Moo 5 will feed the Bang Tao station, while the waste pipes laid throughout Moo 3 will feed the Surin Beach plant.

“Treated wastewater from the Bang Tao plant will be released straight into the sea

Police to rein in tourists hooning on motorbikes in Patong > page 4

Frenchwoman deported for vaping e-cig in Karon Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Worker s complete the finishing touches to one of the plants last week. as there is no room to store treated water, but the Surin plant does have a storage facility. During the dry season, such as now, this treated water will be used for watering gardens and roadside trees or put to some other beneficial use,” Mr MaAnn said, adding that any excess treated water from the Surin plant will be emptied onto the beach.

Also, as a last-gasp measure to clean dirty water in the canal at Bang Tao, an ozone water-treatment machine is in operation near the southern end of Bang Tao Beach, he added.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

P

olice have responded to complaints made by a French tourist who was apprehended in Karon for possession of an e-cigarette.

Cecilia Cornu, 31, in Phuket for a family holiday, was caught

by Karon Police holding an ecigarette on Jan 30 whilst on a scooter with her fiancée as her parents and brother followed behind.

Cornu claims she was stopped by four police officers who snatched the e-cigarette and demanded B40,000, which she refused to pay.

She claims she was then arrested and taken to Karon Police Station where officers tried to bully her into paying a bribe.

Cornu was charged, her passport confiscated and a

Cecilia Cornu went public on French TV. Screengrab: France 3 / FranceInfo

trial date set for Feb 11. Her return flight was scheduled for the following day.

She posted bail of B100,000 and was released the same day pending trial.

On Feb 11 Cornu attended Phuket Provincial Court where she was convicted for the offence and says she was fined B827. She was then sent to Phuket Immigration for what

she thought was to collect her passport. Upon arriving at the immigration office, she was told that she would be transferred to Bangkok for deportation.

Cornu was then taken to Bangkok where she claims she spent four days and three nights in a prison cell shared with 60 other women in dire conditions where she had to sleep on a hard, dirty floor

with no sheets or mattresses before returning home.

Cornu claims the ordeal cost her a total of approximately 8,000 euros (B286,000) in legal fees and travel expenses.

Karon Police Chief Col Prasarn Hankotha on Wednesday (Feb 27) flatly denied Cornu’s claim that his officers demanded a B40,000 bribe.

“Karon Police had nothing to do with that,” he asserted.

“We had to confiscate her passport to prevent her from leaving the country before trial, which is a normal procedure,” he said. “Police then sent her to the Phuket Immigration Office on Feb 11 to process her deportation via Bangkok.”

Asked about Cornu’s case, Phuket Immigration Chief Col Kathathorn Kumthieng said, “I don’t know about Ms Cecilia’s complaint. It is not an important issue.”

Phuket City Municipality urges residents to conserve water PH U K ET CIT Y M U N ICI PA LIT Y IS urging residents to use tap water sparingly in order to make water-supply reserves last throughout the dry season, and has issued its second warning in a week that water pressure may be introduced in order to conserve water-supply reserves.

The notice was issued last Thursday (Feb 21), as Thailand officially entered its hot season.

Although Phuket during this period experiences isolated thundershowers from time to time, rainfall is relatively rare and will not return until the southwest monsoon returns in May, Phuket City Municipality explained in its notice, which read: “We ask people to save water throughout the dry season. We ask people to cooperate as follows: 1. Please use water sparingly and store water in a container for use in case water supply becomes weak or stops.

2. The Phuket City Municipality water supply division will have to reduce (mains) water pressure from 10am - 5pm and from 10pm - 5am in Talad Nua and Talad Yai subdistricts. Areas far from mains supply points or on high ground will have weak water pressure or water flow will stop.

3. Please check pipes in your house to ensure water is not wasted (through leaks).

If you find leaky or broken pipes, please inform the Phuket City Municipality water supply division by calling 076-211130 (24 hours).

“Phuket City Municipality requests coop-

Phuket City Municipality is urging residents to use tap water sparingly in order to make water-supply reserves last throughout the dry season. Image: Phuket City Municipality eration from all people to save water so there is enough water to use later,” the notice read.

The notice was the second warning in the same week that Phuket City Municipality had issued cautioning that water rationing may be introduced within city limits and in nearby areas.

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana earlier last week explained that Phuket City Municipality provides tap water to more than 18,096 residences in Phuket Town and nearby areas and admitted that water reserves were lower than usual for this time of year – but also called on residents to not panic.

“If people do need urgent supply of water, please call the (Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation) DDPM hotline 199 or Phuket City Municipality at 076-211111 or the Phuket City Municipality hotline 1132 for help,” she said.

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3

Boy, 5, savaged by stray dogs

HM King dispatches envoy, PM Prayut stops by, round-up launched Eakkapop Thongtub and Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

A

5-year-old Finnish boy was attacked by a pack of stray dogs at Ao Nang Beach in Krabi last Wednesday (Feb 20), spurring a rapid reaction from local and national officials.

The boy, Eemi Nikula, suffered scratches and bites to his torso, back and buttocks and has a wound about five centimetres long on his right calf. The most dangerous wound was a bite to his neck where fangs had punctured two holes near his Adam’s apple.

Eemi was rushed to Krabi Nakharin International Hospital, where doctors treated his wounds. He was also vaccinated for rabies and tetanus, and provided psychological treatment for trauma.

Eemi’s father, Appo Nikula, 30, explained that the dog attack happened at about 6:30pm.

Mr Nikula was leaving the beach with his two sons, but Eemi went back to the water to wash sand off himself.

Five-year-old Finnish boy Eemi Nikula pictured recovering from his ordeal at Krabi Nakharin International Hospital. Photo: Sutee Krabii Suddenly he saw a pack of four to five dogs attack his son, he said.

He ran to intervene and with the help of people nearby managed to get the pack away from Eemi.

The pack of dogs even followed him while he was carrying Eemi from the beach, Mr Nikula said.

In the end, local people chased the dogs away, he added.

Local officials quickly had

the pack of dogs captured and held for observation for any signs of rabies.

The dog round-up was quickly expanded to include all strays in the Ao Nang area.

The attack evoked a national reaction, with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha last Friday taking time out of his Krabi itinerary to visit Eemi in hospital.

His Majesty The King also dispatched an envoy to visit Eemi in hospital to present

Chikungunya bites hard across island TH E PH U K ET PU BLIC Health Office (PPHO) has ramped up its campaign against Chikungunya after a spike in infections throughout the province since the beginning of the year.

Phuket Public Health Office Chief Tanit Sermkaew explained to The Phuket News last Thursday (Feb 21) that 308 people in Phuket had been confirmed as contracting Chikungunya from Jan 1 through Feb 14 this year.

The spike in infections has resulted in Phuket being designated as having the highest infection rate in the country, he added.

“Since the beginning of the year there have been confirmed cases of Chikungunya in 17 provinces. Phuket is now in the top spot, while Pattani is second and Songkla third for the number of infections per 100,000 people,” Mr Tanit explained.

According to the Ministry of Public Health’s Bureau of Epidemiology, from Jan 1 through Feb 17, a total of 1,841 cases were reported from 18 provinces, with no deaths reported.

The highest proportion of cases by age group were: 2534 years old (23.03%); 35-44 @thephuketnews

Wichit Municipality has already begun rolling out its campaign to prevent an outbreak of Chikungunya.

Photo: Wichit Municipality years old (18.47%); and 15-24 years old (16.89%).

The top five morbidity rates for the period by province were given as: Phuket (81.83 / 100,000 population); Pattani (64.63 / 100,000); Songkla (61.52 / 100,000); Narathiwat (6.68 / 100,000); and Phang Nga (6.47 / 100,000).

Mr Tanit explained that in Phuket during the period, 234 people were infected in Muang District (including Phuket Town and the southern end of the island), 49 were infected in Thalang District; and 25 were infected in Kathu District (which includes Patong and Kamala).

The tambons (subdistricts) in Phuket with the highest number of infections were

Rassada (85 people infected); Chalong (32); and Rawai (21), Mr Tanit added.

Mr Tanit said, “Chikungunya will not result in death like dengue can, and while the number of dengue infections on the island is decreasing, the number of Chikungunya infections is rising.”

Regarding Phuket being designated as having the highest morbidity rate, Mr Tanit confirmed that the infection rate was calculated by comparing the number of infections with the officially registered population of Phuket, which he gave as 402,707 people living on the island as of July 1, 2018.

The Phuket Provincial Statistical Office confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday (Feb 22) that the official registered population of Phuket as of Dec 31, 2018 stood at 410,211.

However, it is openly accepted that after accounting for the number of Thais living on the island but not registering as living here, the expats living in Phuket and the number of tourists on the island on any given day, the island’s population is more than double that.

Waranya Prompinpiras

him with gifts of condolences for the attack.

Meanwhile, the national Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development (DLD) Sorawit Thanito while visiting Ao Nang last Friday announced that the last remaining stray dogs at Ao Nang Beach will be caught and removed from the area, and the campaign to remove all stray dogs from tourist areas will be expanded.

“I have ordered officials

to round up stray dogs in all tourist areas, starting with tourism areas at Ao Nang Beach and Phi Phi Island,” Mr Sorawit said.

“We will continue this in many places across the country for the safety of tourists,” he added.

“We ask for cooperation from local people because officers will catch (and remove) any dogs even if they have not caused any harm,” Mr Sorawit explained.

“But we will find a suitable place for the dogs to live without disturbing or harming tourists,” he stressed, countering comments online from people calling for officials to cull strays.

Junelachat Junelaphet, a veterinarian with Krabi Provincial Livestock Office, told The Phuket News, “There are only three more stray dogs that we know of at Ao Nang Beach that still have to be caught, but there are about 70 other dogs throughout the rest of Ao Nang (subdistrict) that we need to catch.”

Mr Junelachat said that his office aims to catch the 70-odd

dogs within the coming week.

“Now we are moving all dogs that we have already caught from the Krabi Livestock Office to the Animal Husbandry and Genetic Improvement Office in Krabi Noi subdistrict because there is not enough space at the Krabi Livestock Office for all the dogs,” Mr Junelachat explained.

The Ao Nang OrBorTor will continue with this campaign,” he assured.

“NGOs have put pressure on Ao Nang OrBorTor officials over this, but this order is beyond Ao Nang OrBorTor’s level of authority,” he said.

Meanwhile, young Finnish boy Eemi was discharged from Krabi Nakarin International Hospital on Monday (Feb 25), Krabi Provincial Immigration Office Pol Col Suparuek Pankosol confirmed to The Phuket News.

Col Suparuek and other officials visited Eemi in hospital on Friday (Feb 22). “He is improving, but Eemi and his parents must wait for doctors to check his condition again on Wednesday (Feb 27), he said.

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PHUKET NEWS

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Police to rein in hooning tourists The tour boat sank off Similan Islands in the early hours of last Sunday (Feb 24). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

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Tourists, crew safe as dive boat sinks off Similan Islands A TOTAL OF 11 PEOPLE, including four foreign tourists, were taken to safety in the early hours of last Sunday (Feb 24) after the dive boat they were on board of sank off Similan Islands.

The Similan Islands National Park Headquarters and the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command base in Phang Nga received a notification of a marine accident off Similan Islands at 2:45am. The incident happened not far from a small beach on one of the

islands of the archipelago.

At the scene the joint team discovered a partially submerged dive boat, named in their report as Panthip 2. All the people on board – seven Thai nationals and four foreign tourists – were taken to safety. No injuries were reported.

According to the report, foreign passengers of Panthip 2 were two Australian nationals, an Italian national and a French national.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Waranya Prompinpiras reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

P

atong Police have set up a new check point on Phra Mettha Rd to catch speeding tourists after a video emerged on social media showing a tourist on a motorcycle popping a wheelie on the road.

Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee told The Phuket News last Thursday (Feb 21), “We have invited the driver in the video and the rental shop owner to Patong Police Station this evening to discuss the incident. We will then decide how to proceed with charges.”

“We will also tell the rental shop owner to explain the traffic rules to all future

The checkpoint on Phra Mettha Rd set up to catch hooning motorists. Photo: Patong Police renters,” he added.

Col Anotai explained that there are always police checkpoints in Patong to maintain safe traffic in the area.

“When the video emerged, we set up a check point in the same location day and night to put a stop to the dangerous driving there,” Col Anotai said.

Col Anotai went on to speak about road safety statistics in Patong, “2018 figures

show that Patong Police arrested approximately 2,000 people per month for traffic violations.

“The most common violations were driving without a valid licence, driving through red lights and driving without a helmet,” he noted.

Col Anotai added that, “Of the 2,000 monthly traffic violations in Patong, half were foreigners and half were Thais.”

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Opinion 6

OPINION

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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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editor3@classactmedia.co.th From risk analyst to music producer to news editor, Poria has worked in various contrasting fields following his graduation from university. Growing up in central London before moving to Phuket in 2016, he has but one ambition, freedom.

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EDITORIAL

Up the creek

he wastewater treatment plant at Bang Tao finally coming onstream this week is welcome news. The plant comes as part of a decentralised “cluster” strategy to have one small plant in Bang Tao and another at Surin Beach, where the “black pool” of water has been a feature on the sand, every time it stops raining, for more than a decade.

The issue of wastewater on our major tourist beaches gets passing recognition each year, but the simple infrastructure needed to deal with the problem still fails to arrive in time to stave off incident after incident.

Only on Jan 18 this year, Pralong Dumrongthai, Director General of Pollution Control Department (PCD), in his statement on the Thailand State of Pollution 2018 report noted, “The major courses of

deteriorated water and coastal water quality were the insufficient wastewater treatment systems.”

The PCD has for years warned of the impact of wastewater on the environment, health and tourism.

“Solid waste, waste and effluent from resort restaurants and other service places, as well as oil spills caused by travel and passenger boats, cause seawater quality to deteriorate.” the PCD itself noted in 2017.

“These problems have resulted in coastal resources, the underwater marine ecosystem as well as the scenery of tourist attractions to deteriorate and affect the health of tourists and locals, and has an impact on tourism and the economy.”

And still wastewater is low on official agendas. The only understanding we can make of this is the attitude that

when you’re busy offloading a public relations offensive after an incident involving tourists dying, you can afford to ignore them getting sick.

The days of Phuket officials relying on the annual southwest monsoon and passing storms to flush out our bays and to pretend that putrid canals don’t cast a stain on our tourism industry – never mind the health of local people – are long gone. The number of people on the island has passed the tipping point for our natural resources to soak up our spillage.

As such, we’ll take any move in the right direction.

The Bang Tao wastewater plant has taken far too long to arrive, and along with the Surin Beach plant comes at a heady cost of B335 million – but we’ll take it anyway.

It’s better than having nothing at all.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Italian tourist gored as trekking elephant goes wild Phuket Opinion: Last orders, please Finnish boy, 5, attacked by stray dogs at Ao Nang, Krabi Phuket officials ramp up fight against Chikungunya Tourists, crew safe as dive boat sinks off Similan Islands Central takes hold in Patong Interpol Red Notice sought for Greek suspect over Phuket beautician murder 6 officials dead, 5 injured in Phuket-Bangkok transit Black water flows across Kamala Beach His Majesty sends flowers to Finnish boy, 5, attacked by stray dogs at Ao Nang

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Animal rights and wrongs

Re: Italian tourist gored as trekking elephant goes wild Riding elephants is unethical and it supports animal cruelty. I feel sorry for the elephant for having to endure the phajaan (elephant torture ritual) and having heartless tourists ride them day in and day out.

Galong I completely agree that we shouldn't be using elephants for our own entertainment.

However, not everyone is always as informed. This man was likely a tourist and didn't mean the elephant any harm, but isn't informed enough to realise the implications of his actions and how it fuels this horrid business. Go out and do your part of spreading information against animal rides and informing more of the public.

Theresa Marietta Re: Angry elephant in quarantine, tourists treated If I was taken from my family, chained up in isolation and had a hook stuck in my neck/side to make me compli-

ant I’d be pretty angry too.

This is cruelty/animal abuse and needs to stop.

Lisa Trounce Doesn't matter what animal it is, if you are going to treat it badly, it will fight back one day. Wish they would ban all elephant riding in Thailand.

Robert Taylor

Road to change

Re: B1bn earmarked to improve road safety around schools The picture says it all.

Three kids on a bike with no helmets and presumably no licence. This is how Thais learn about road safety. They then grow up to be the drivers speeding past the schools, turning without indicating or looking, driving in the wrong lane, drunk driving, without helmets or licences. Address the problem at the source.

CaptainJack69 There are constant comments about the safety on the roads, but when a public safety campaign is initiated especially for children, there are still howls of protest!

Jor12

It's about effective safety measures, not wasting a billion baht on nonsensical signs and crosswalks in front of schools.

The issue runs deeper, like the police watching three kids leave school on a motorbike ridden by an unlicensed child with none of them wearing helmets and all holding their phones. Expats are all for safety, but deplore the nonsense from officials.

BenPendejo Education on helmets should start with parents setting an example and at school.

Why is it every morning hundreds of school kids arrive on bikes with no helmet, yet both the police on duty outside the schools and the teachers say nothing?

Alan Clayton

Dry days

Re: Phuket Opinion: Last orders, please It is not about the alcohol, it is about the psyche, to put the authority boots in the neck of common people, just to remind them who is the boss to wai for. Unfortunately these authorities just hide behind this simple behaviour, instead of

taking care of another liquid: water on Phuket.

Kurt It is not an alcohol ban, it is a ban on the sale of alcohol.

Nothing to stop people buying alcohol before the sales ban and consuming it during the restricted period (which does make a mockery of the law anyway).

Fascinated Oh my god! A whole extra two days with no alcohol! Yeah I guess it's an opinion but if not being able to drink for seven days this year is going to stop someone from coming to Thailand I have to ask if they are wanted in the first place.

Andy Jennings

Recipe for success

Re: Thai-European fusion at number one brasserie Thong Dee This is a fabulous place!

Congratulations to all the Thong Dee team!

Stef Qui One of the few real quality places on the island. Pure skills and dedication.

Steffen Singto

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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

THAILAND NEWS

7

Grab Taxi nearly made legal

Ride-hailing to be legalised to help tourism revenue target BANGKOK Suchit Leesa-Nguansuk

T

he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Land Transport Department will discuss legalising ride-hailing services like Grab as the state seeks to promote this year’s tourism revenue target of B3.4 trillion, particularly in 55 secondary provinces.

Ride-hailing services are a key transport option in second-tier provinces that lack public transport for tourists, said Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, deputy governor for digital R&D at the TAT. Tarin Thaniyavarn, country head of Grab Thailand, said tourists account for 20% of Grab’s passengers in Thailand and it has services in Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines that are supported

by Alipay, which is highly popular with Chinese tourists.

Tourism makes up 20% of Thailand’s GDP. Grab will transfer know-how from its Singapore data science team to the TAT and plans to increase driver supply in secondary provinces. Grab Thailand operates in 16 provinces and 18 cities.

The TAT is partnering with Grab Thailand and investing B40

@thephuketnews

Grab and other ride-hailing services are still illegal in Thailand, but the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will try to reverse that. Photo: Grab.com million in a smart data system with accuracy marketing.

“By signing a par tnership agreement to use big data with Grab Thailand, we will be able to strengthen the tourism industry because transport is key to visitors accessing experiences and being able to spend,” said TAT governor Yuthasak Supasorn.

Grab has data on tourist behaviour, such as preferences for pickup points and destinations that the TAT

could use for analytical purposes.

The data can be used for marketing to increase the number and quality of tourists.

“Our main goals are to have tourists revisit Thailand, increase new tourist numbers, distribute tourism income to secondary provinces and introduce new destinations to stimulate the market even further,” Mr Yuthasak said.

Apart from exchanging data, the TAT will develop services and run

a campaign with Grab.

The TAT will provide special rewards for Grab drivers who receive good reviews from tourist passengers. This will help to boost the image of transport in Thailand, long hindered by dishonest tuk-tuk and taxi drivers.

Mr Siripakorn said that starting last year the TAT spent B40 million on the Tourism Smart Data scheme by using data from the Immigration Bureau, National Statistical

Office, Expedia.com and the Thai Meteorological Department.

With Grab’s tourist insights, the TAT will be able to better promote travel to 55 secondary provinces because these areas lack data and public transport.

The TAT aims to increase revenue from 55 second-tier provinces to close the disparity in tourism revenue. This year Thailand is expected to gain 15% of tourism revenue from secondary provinces and 85% from major cities after gaining 90% from major cities and 10% from second-tier cities in the last two years. Some 70% of tourists go to major cities and 30% to second-tier cities.

Mr Yuthasak earlier disclosed the TAT’s goal in 2019 to raise the travel industry’s value to B3.4 trillion and increase foreign visitor growth to 10%.

Despite the illegality of ridehailing services in Thailand, authorities have persistently encouraged the use of Grab.

In 2015, Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong publicly endorsed Grab and went as far as to threaten to fire Grab drivers who did not operate fairly – in essence threatening to stop from them doing something that is illegal.

8

THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

German fugitive found after 9 years CHIANG RAI 74-YEAR-OLD GERMAN man who jumped bail and fled after allegedly stabbing his teenage wife to death was caught in Chiang Rai province after almost nine years on the run.

Heinz Jurgen Theil, wanted on an arrest warrant issued

by Chiang Rai provincial court on murder charges, was apprehended in front of a clinic in tambon Robwiang of Muang district, said Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop Bhuridej, Crime Suppression Division chief, during a media briefing on Tuesday (Feb 26).

The German national had been charged with stabbing to death his wife Janjira Janthapool, 17, at his rented house in Mae Chan district, Chiang Rai, on April 4, 2010.

The teenage girl had more than 20 stab wounds to her face, neck, chest, arms and hands.

According to police, the suspect had been in Thailand for more than 20 years and had a Thai wife and one daughter. After his wife died, he was romantically involved with Janjira, then 14, who was

German murder suspect Heinz Jurgen Theil, 74, is arrested for stabbing to death his 17-year-old Thai wife at a rented house in Chiang Rai province after nine years on the run. Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham his daughter’s friend. He then took the teenage girl and her disabled father to stay with him at his house for more than three years.

He told police that he and Janjira frequently quarrelled. Before the murder, they fought and he allegedly used a knife to stab her to death inside their room. After that, he told his daughter and Janjira’s father and asked the pair to take him to Mae Chan police.

Later, police took him to the Chiang Rai court for

detention. He was released on B400,000 bail but as the ruling date neared, he feared he might end up in jail for many years and decided to run, the suspect allegedly said.

Over the past years, he had fled to several provinces in the North before returning to Chiang Rai province, where he was later caught

by CSD police, said Pol Maj Gen Jirabhop.

The suspect would be sent to the Chiang Rai provincial court.

Wassayos Ngamkham

Police escort 32-year-old Wanlop Nuchfaeng (2nd right) to his house on Soi Kamnan Man 13 in Bang Bon district, Bangkok. Photo: Bangkok Post

Thugs apologise for school assault and molestation BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

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he leader of the ordination ceremony hooligans who violently invaded Mathayomwatsing School on Sunday (Feb 24), disrupting a university entrance examination, has apologised and explained they were drunk.

Police said the intruders will face multiple charges, regardless.

The apology came from Wanlop Nuchfaeng, 32, when police and soldiers escorted him to his house on Soi Kamnan Man 13 for a search on Tuesday.

“I’d like to apologise to everyone. I admit to all wrongdoing in this case. It happened while we were drunk. In fact, I just wanted to enter the school to talk with the director,” said Mr

Wanlop, known as Ek Fai. He on Sunday led a large group of men into Mathayomwatsing School on Ekachai Road in Bang Khunthian district, Bangkok, where they allegedly assaulted the director, teachers and staff, and students who were sitting a university entrance examination. They hurt 12 people and some students and a teacher were allegedly sexually harassed. They also damaged school property.

Mr Wanlop was the leader of a drum troupe that was playing at an ordination at nearby Wat Sing. The sound blasting from their loudspeakers disturbed students sitting the exam. Mr Wanlop and his group were infuriated when asked to tone down the noise.

About 30 police and soldiers accompanied Mr Wanlop and 15 other suspects to search their residences on Tuesday. Police found nothing

illegal at the homes.

The 16 are among 24 suspects arrested and detained in the case so far. Four of them are minors. Some of the suspects have earlier prosecutions for drug abuse.

Pol Lt Col Narongrit Tongpae, deputy chief of Bang Khunthian station, said arrest warrants would be sought for three more suspects.

Pol Col Luesak Damnoensawat, chief of the station, said the suspects would face six charges: violent trespass, damaging property, physical assault, coercion, violent assembly and drinking alcohol at a temple. These offences carry jail terms of up to five years and/or fines.

The suspects also accused of sexual harassment would be charged with molestation and coercion, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Mr Wanlop was one of them.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Thai MICE to chase Big Data TCEB moves to boost Thailand’s global MICE competitiveness MICE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) is calling for Thai MICE entrepreneurs to bring their businesses up to speed as competition in the global market is ramping up.

The bureau has thus adopted MICE Intelligence combined with Data Analytics to respond to the changing behaviours of the MICE community with a strategy driven by MICE Intelligence and Innovation that encompasses 16 highlighted projects based on the three-year MICE business development plan (2019-2021).

T he bu reau ha s also launched a MICE Intelligence & Resource Center on its website, allowing all target groups – entrepreneurs, businessmen, students and the public – to jointly foster MICE business through the power of data and create sustainable economic growth.

Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President of the TCEB’s Strategic Business Development & Innovation, explained that taking account of the visions of the 20-year national strategy on security, prosperity and sustainability, a coherent digital strategy will be a crucial mechanism for growth. In line with the government’s policy, TCEB is placing emphasis on three key goals: revenue generation, innovation-driven development and equitable distribution of income and prosperity.

In terms of the MICE strategy for this year, TCEB is aiming to boost the quality MICE market and distribute income to the cities. To accomplish this, the bureau is reorganising its operating structure and has created a new

@thephuketnews

Supawan Teerarat, Senior Vice President of the TCEB’s Strategic Business Development & Innovation, speaking at the launch in Bangkok last week. Photo: TCEB MICE Intelligence & Innovation department. In addition, TCEB’s three-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (2019-2021) is based on a study of the behaviours of MICE travellers and private operators. These operational guidelines have spawned 16 highlighted projects, which will be implemented over the next three years. Through the new department, TCEB will work closely with operators to substantially boost the MICE sector in creating revenue and knowledge.

TCEB has studied the major trends in global MICE business development including the changing behaviour of business travellers. The study indicates that business travellers require events offering a full range of services. An optimum outcome will be expected even though they will have little time to engage in the event.

As MICE travellers are important to economic growth, governments around the world are trying to catalyse the MICE industry and boost the number of MICE travellers. In the past, governments mainly supported budgets to develop personnel, venues and win more MICE

events. However, financial support on its own cannot meet customer needs and ensure sustainable growth of the MICE business. In addition to financing, many countries are designing strategies to support the industry through other means. Several countries including Thailand are moving from the role of general information provider to offering more insightful information, allowing the operators to come up with concrete business plans through Data Analytics & Artificial Intelligence.

For this reason, the TCEB has initiated the MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department to promote the adoption of innovations and data for MICE development with particular emphasis on creating innovations based on the real demands of entrepreneurs. The bureau conducted a survey of the expectations of those involved in the MICE industry to determine the innovations and data needed. It then designed and developed 16 key MICE intelligence and innovation projects that meet the needs of target groups.

TCEB hosted a MICE Intelligence & Innovation Confer-

ence in Bangkok on Feb 22 on the concept “Break Through the Hype – Uncover the Reality of Customer Insights”.

This platform, which has been created by TCEB’s MICE Intelligence & Innovation Department, introduced the strategies and 16 highlighted projects under the three-year MICE Intelligence & Innovation Strategic Plan (20192021). The bureau encourages suppliers and individuals to

raise awareness on harnessing innovations and Big Data to set a plan and strategies for the future MICE development.

The first project launched

by TCEB, the MICE Intelligence & Resource Center, will dramatically shape MICE innovations and data and is aimed at suppliers as well as the business, educational and public sectors. All will have access to the center, leading to an exchange of knowledge among people in the industry.

The TCEB has collaborated with global leading partners including the World Bank, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), market research and analysis consultancy Frost & Sullivan and media intelligence firm Meltwater Singapore.

Local and international speakers were on hand to share their knowledge during the event, including Gordon Alexander Candelin, Design Director at McKinsey & Co, and Khanet Kijsaereborerug, Business Connect Commercial Consultant at LINE Thailand.

The conference was divided into three parts. During the first part, each speaker was

allocated a 20-minute slot to address their topic. The second part had two breakout sessions enabling participants to ask for insights, while the final part was a panel discussion with an open Q&A session. The conference was designed in such a way as to allow participants to truly focus on the contents.

“Previously, Thailand’s MICE industry grew by an average of 5-10% annually.

The adoption of innovation and technology as enablers will potentially drive the industry to grow by 20% a year,” Ms Supawan said.

“Meanwhile, technology will also reduce inequality, allowing all parties to access information equally. The technology will also create empowering partnerships allowing individuals the opportunities to create startups or businesses through a MICE platform.

Finally, the innovation and technology will create countless business opportunities, exchanges of knowledge and extend the industry, leading to the sustainable strengthening of MICE competitiveness,” she added.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

B5.5bn Beach Plaza underway

EIAs approved for six of 11 hotels at 15-rai prime Kata site PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

S

ix hotels to be built at the 15-rai Beach Plaza site in Kata have had their Environment Impact Assessments (EIAs) approved, and work on driving the first piles at the site are set to begin this month.

The news was announced

by Watchara Jaru-ariyanon, Chief Executive Officer of Phuket property developer KW Plaza Co Ltd, and fellow KW Plaza Director Karn Prachumpan at the official launch of the project held at the Beach Heights Resort last Saturday (Feb 23).

KW Plaza directors Mr Watchara and Mr Karn are al ready well k now n for their role in Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD), which launched the Phuket Smart Bus initiative. Mr Kar n is PKCD chair man and Mr Watchara is PKCD Executive Director.

At the Beach Plaza launch last Saturday, the pair invited

An artist’s impression of the completed project. investors to take advantage of the Beach Plaza project. The master plan for the project includes 11 hotels located within the development.

“We invite both Thai and foreign investors,” explained Mr Watchara.

“The hotels are to be three to four stars, with each comprising from 76 rooms up to 204 rooms, each with full facilities. Our plan supports

investors who have different budgets. The total project value is about B5.5 billion,” he said.

The project is situated in a prized location in the heart of the Kata area, which can be accessed by the three main routes through the popular tourist haven.

“It is be aut if u l la nd in a pr ime area and the project will become a new

landmark of Kata Beach, which is suitable for a hotel developme nt a r e a ,” M r Watchara said.

The investment is divided into two phases, he explained, with the f irst six hotels already approved their EIAs. “Three of the six hotels approved can be used to develop three small hotels of about three stars, each with 76 rooms, a rooftop pool,

parking, restaurant, lobby and a recreation area,” he said.

“We are ready to provide opportunities to three types of customers to join the investment group. 1: Groups with no previous experience in hotel business. 2: Groups that have had some business experience, such as guesthouse and apartment operators that want to upgrade to a standardised hotel business. And

3: experienced customers who want to expand their locations to do business in the Kata area,” Mr Watchara explained.

“We have two Thai investors and one foreign investor interested in the project with terms already under negotiation,” he added.

The project is to see about 1,500 new rooms added to the area’s inventory, he noted.

“The project has been designed under the concept of smart hotels with modern innovation to extend the customer base to create a cost-effective business with the slogan ‘Smart Hotel Smart Rewards’,” he said.

“Phase-by-phase construction continues using leading contractor companies with modern construction technology and quality materials.

People can keep up to date and monitor the project development progress via the website,” he added.

Mr Watchara said that KW Plaza expects all investment opportunities in the project to close before the high season starts in December 2020.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Smoke and fire at Prime restaurant

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

12

The universal language of stickers

14

THROUGH THE EYES OF A MONK

An exclusive interview with Phra Maha Tongmee Supanla

Wat Arun. Photo: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi / Pexels

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

E

ach year, Thailand is discovered by tens of millions of tourists. Love arrives. Marriages happen. Families start. Babies are born. Children smile.

Hearts are changed... and spirituality is sought.

Understandably, there are many tourists who want Thailand to become a permanent part of their lives.

They feel called to become a monk, so we started exploring the question ‘could I become a Buddhist monk in Thailand?’

In order to help us foreigners understand the question more fully, Phra Maha Tongmee Supanla has graciously allowed The Phuket News to walk with him through a normal day at his temple. He is the senior monk at The Flat Temple in Bangkok and oversees the education of 3,000 elite Thai youth at Thailand’s prestigious Suankularb Wittayalai School.

Phra Maha Tongmee explained that a monk’s day is unique because Thai monks are not allowed to cook food, engage in gardening or otherwise alter @thephuketnews

reality. They have to accept the world however it exists, so Thai monks can only eat food that is donated by a caring community.

“All the food is donated in goodwill, so we eat whatever we are given no matter the taste,” he said.

Novice monks are up at 5am and the teaching monks are usually awake by 5:30am. In some ancient temples, such as Bangkok’s Wat Sai, arcane bell ceremonies are still held to awaken the monks but modern alarm clocks are becoming increasingly common.

Breakfast ends by 7:30am and morning chanting begins shortly thereafter. For junior monks, Buddhist classes take place between 8:30am and 10:30am. Lunch is served at 11am.

The Eight Precepts of Buddhism dictate that Thai monks may only eat food from sunrise to midday.

“Special exceptions are sometimes made to the midday rule,” he explained. “We do not carry wristwatches so, if we are in a rural area, we must guess based on the position of the sun.”

Phra Maha Tongmee explained that, while monks often rely on bygone methodologies like star position, modern monks are open to new methods as well. He pointed to Buddhist talks as an example. Until recently, it was common for monks to spend much of their

free time reading sacred Buddhist texts and great speeches. However, the 20th century’s evolution of vinyl records, 8-track tapes, cassettes, CDs and mp3s have made it possible to preserve the voices of Thailand’s great sages as though they were still standing beside us. Many modern monks spend more time listening to these Buddhist discussions than they do reading the actual Thai canon.

On this front, it practically seems as though what’s old again is simply new again because the teachings of Buddha were originally transmitted as oral histories. The Thais even have a term for heavy listeners of Buddhist talks.

They’re called paharajsatha, but you certainly do not need to memorise that.

Happily, modern technology seems to be leading us back toward Thailand’s flamboyant and boisterous bygone era of storytelling. This is an intriguing expression of culture that we now understand may occupy the free hours of numerous Thai monks.

Phra Maha Tongmee explained that no two Thai temples are exactly the same and it is the monk’s duty to care for their temples. At his temple, there is no hierarchy of tasks; the monks just divide up what needs to be done on a daily basis and little protocol is exercised.

A monk’s day is often filled with a variety of unremarkable chores. Steps must be swept and pigeon poop must be cleaned. All of these chores are part and parcel of monastic life in Thailand.

However, some monks have special duties. The Flat Temple is directly across the street from Thailand’s most historic high school and Phra Maha Tongmee oversees religious class at the school. Each temple has unique idiosyncrasies.

In summary, a monk’s basic day begins around 5am and starts with alms collecting followed by breakfast, Buddhist classes, chanting and lunch. It ends with evening chanting. Numerous activities are interspersed throughout the free hours. However, this mainly describes a routine day.

There are special events, like certain holy days. These days are often marked by tremendously elaborate ceremonies and the preparations can take inordinate periods of time.

However, now that we had an idea what a monk’s day is really like, I asked Phra Maha Tongmee what he thought about us foreigners who are interested in Thai monkhood. His response? Read the next installment of All About Buddhism to see what he has to say about that.

Translation by Tanakorn Udarasak

Prime Time 12 DINING

THE CULINARY DETECTIVE

Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

I

thought I would begin by waxing lyrical about the view from Prime, the latest restaurant from The Nai Harn stable. However, Prime is open for dinner only, so if it’s a breathtaking sunset you are after, you may equally visit Cosmo or Hansha, the hotel’s other restaurants, where the view is arguably more impressive due to the added elevation.

For me, spectacular ocean views are best experienced during the day. Visit Cosmo for the newly launched Sunday

brunch, or Rock Salt, where one can enjoy fresh seafood and Thai specials whilst savouring the beachside location.

Without taking anything away from the high quality of food or incredible creativity to be discovered at these other restaurants, Prime is where you go for truly exceptional ingredients and, in my opinion, a culinary experience.

Prime is open-air, rustic and, with only 14 seats, intimate. Stretching along one edge is the kitchen, the centrepiece of which is a custom-built wood-fired oven, majestically dominating the compact but well-equipped space. Mark Jones, the Executive Chef at The Nai Harn, is at the helm of his new baby. With a background in celebrated Michelin-star restaurants, he looks particularly at home within this dramatic setting.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Prime is open-air yet intimate too.

The menu explains Wagyu and marble scoring.

The restaurant is described as the home of smoke and fire the menu outlines this philosophy as well as the provenance of each and every premium product with a narrative helpfully explaining Wagyu and marble scoring. I am suitably impressed!

The menu itself, whilst not extensive, has more than enough choice to tempt. I begin with Spanish octopus, cooked sousvide to ensure it is cooked evenly and both flavours and moisture remain. It is then chargrilled and served with skordalia and gremolata. The former a rich garlic and potato purée, the latter a herb and citrus dressing. The octopus, with a perfect light char, is both tender and flavourful and the accompaniments both compliment and accentuate the taste.

This is followed by a further appetiser of cold-smoked Hebridean salmon.

Grown in the cold and stormy waters of the Scottish North Sea, the salmon has a firm and succulent texture and distinctive taste. The menu also features an impressive high-end pairing along with an encyclopedic list from around the globe recommended by James Suckling, the internationally-renowned critic, with helpful tasting notes.

Moving on to main courses, the star of this restaurant is the calibre of premium beef. There are a number of options, several to share, such as 48-hour slowcooked short ribs or a 270-day grain-fed, dry-aged black onyx Angus côte de boeuf.

Cooking the perfect steak, even when provided with a prime (no pun intended) cut of beef, is not that easy. It requires talent, patience and love, all of which Mark possesses in abundance.

I go for a Rangers Valley Wagyu rib eye with a marble score of six. This Australian cut is raised in the cool climate of the New England Tablelands and then finished on grain for 360 days. It is served up with truffle mashed potatoes, charred romanesco cauliflower and a red jus. The meat arrives charred on the outside, offering a perfect crust whilst perfectly pink within. It’s almost butterlike in texture with a slight bite and explodes with flavour. The purée creamy, buttery and earthy all at the same time; the cauliflower adding a welcome

Spanish octopus cooked sous-vide.

Firm and succulent Hebridean salmon. crunch, the jus concentrated and made to marry the meat.

With Mark’s gentle persuasion, I sample a further main course: the Red Label young yellow chicken. A marinated poussin arrives at table surrounded by a tasty pancetta and white bean fricassee, wild mushrooms and charred broccoli. It truly looks like a picture! The chicken is imported from Rungis Market in Paris.

The birds are corn fed, hence the yellow colour and the truly mouth-watering flavour of the meat.

To complete my evening, I choose a triple chocolate brownie sundae composed of dulce de leche layers coating a crumbly chocolate biscuit with raisin ice cream infused with a Chalong Bay liquid.

Prime, as one has come to expect from The Nai Harn, is staffed with efficient and engaging waitresses. The food is fantastic and, whilst the prices are not your everyday, is nevertheless affordable for this quality.

My advice: book soon; forego lunch; and arrive early, not for the view, but to allow time to peruse the menu and its stories. And the day after dining, ask yourself where else in Phuket can you truly experience this quality of imported fish and meat? I had a prime time!

Prime is open for dinner only. www.thenaiharn.com/dining/prime-rocksalt/ +66 7638 0200 Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and contributes a monthly restaurant column. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PETS 13

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

It’s a dog-meet-dog world Boarding and training help our pups to socialise

B

eing a parent is a big responsibility. All children need an education to stay safe and become good, upstanding and sociable members of society. As its happens, the same is Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com true for our dogs. Education, in the form of training, not only helps us have control of our dogs, but also helps to build their confiTaking dence which is a huge asset for your Fido.

Whilst training is an excellent opportunity to our young bond with your new pup, or strengthen the relationpups out ship with your adult dog, spending time apart helps and about to see your dog learn how to cope on their own. The same and learn about the goes for your dog being in a new environment surrounded by strangers. Board and train programmes, world around them or even doggie daycare, are excellent ways to help is one of the most your dog develop.

Almost everyone asks me about ‘socialising’ their important things we dog. Whilst it is a massively important aspect of becan do. ing a dog parent, most people misunderstand what it means. Most owners think that socialising their dog means getting them out and about to play with as many other dogs as possible. However, socialising our dogs properly means introducing to them as wide a variety as possible of real life scenarios. This does include meeting and socialising with other dogs, but also means learning how to remain calm and disengage from them when required. Taking our young pups out and about for short sessions to see and learn about the world around them is one of the most important things we can do.

Taking them to the vet a number of times, not for any treatment, but just to go and have some treats and cuddles for five minutes, helps them to create a positive picture of going to the vet. Walking around a busy shopping area – with people of all shapes and sizes, different noises and smells etc – shows them the real world around them. Busy environments like this can be distracting but training can teach our dogs to learn how to focus on the rewarding bit: you, their human!

While these activities are important, they can be time-intensive. And this is where daycare and board and train options come into their own. Our dogs quickly develop confidence from the training aspects and learn how to behave in a variety of situations.

Equally, they have to meet lots of other dogs, of various temperaments and social levels, and they learn how to engage and disengage calmly.

The reality in life is that we just never know what’s around the corner.

Naturally, it’s best to be prepared, and this applies to our dogs too. If our dogs Re-tail therapy: let your dog see the world around have been used to spending the octhem; at a shopping area, for example. casional night in boarding kennels or

UNLEASHED

@thephuketnews

Pupular: Meeting other dogs is important, but so is learning how to disengage from them when required. at daycare with other dogs, then when the time comes that they just ‘have’ to spend time at the kennels, it’s not a major drama. Your dog will be calmer and settle in much quicker.

A trained and confident dog is a joy to have around, and the more enjoyment you get from each other, the more you are likely to do together – it’s a win win situation.

Additionally, as the safety and comfort of our dogs is paramount, having a dog that understands some basic commands and how to properly engage

with the world around them makes life much easier and much more enjoyable.

If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com.

CPA is the only K9 organisation in Thailand accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator.

14 TECHNOLOGY

Doodler dream THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Stickers are a serious business at Line Pornchai Sereemongkonpol

Line aims to make sticker creating a new and legitimate career in Thailand, enabling creators to live off their stickers.

T

hey say a picture is worth a thousand words, but perhaps this classic idiom needs an update. Let’s go with, “a Line sticker is worth a thousand words and some cash too if you know how to make them.” Mouthful, I know, but read on and all will become clear.

As stickers become the new universal language, an industry built around them provides an opportunity for aspiring illustrators to make it big on local and international scales. You may not think of stickers as a serious business but insider information suggests otherwise.

We recently visited the Line office in Shinjuku, Japan, along with 10 Thai winners of the fourth Line Creators Market Sticker Contest 2018, to find out how big the sticker industry is and what makes a sticker, well, stick.

The numbers speak for themselves I sat down with three Line executives – two from Japan and the other from Thailand – to gain some insight into the sticker market.

Japan, Thailand and Taiwan are the top countries in the world when it comes to Line stickers usage, while usage of Line stickers continues to increase worldwide, according to Naotomo Watanabe of Line Corp.’s Sticker Planning Team.

As of May 2018, there were 1.5 million registered

Stickers: a universal language. creators. In Thailand, the growth in the number of paid stickers downloaded in Q1 of 2018 increased by 52% compared to the same period in 2017, while the number of paid sticker users increased by 28% in Q1 of 2018 compared to Q1 of 2017.

Moreover, the number of Thai creators reached 340,000 and counting, a jump of 204% from May 2017 to May 2018, while the number of creators stickers soared by 700% during the same period. Thailand comes out on top in terms of growth in sticker section.

A lot of big numbers, I know, but they point to a very fast-growing industry with opportunities that Thai doodlers can tap into.

What makes stickers stick?

Trends of popular stickers in different countries were also discussed during the visit. On the basis of this information, creators can choose markets where their stickers are available via the Line Creators Market. Thus, your made-in-Thailand stickers can go international.

According to Yung Ai-Chen, Line Corporation’s Global Sticker Manager, Indonesian users prefer humorous, less-text and American-style stickers in their everyday communication.

Cute characters in white and stickers related to seasons are popular among Japanese users, while the Taiwanese dig designs based on local festivals or big fonts surrounded by cute frames.

For the Thai market, characters like little girls and play-on-word stickers are among the best-sellers. The rule of thumb for sticker design is cute and easy-to-use.

Interestingly, females between the ages of 25-29 make up the biggest group of sticker buyers.

Creators can further improve their stickers by developing new sets of an existing popular character or, now that the sticker approval period is around a week, incorporating what’s currently relevant into their stickers.

Naotomo Watanabe.

Watanabe added that religion also plays a role in sticker usage; in Islamic countries, for example, stickers with animal characters aren’t popular.

Support for Thai creators Kanop Supamanop, Line Thailand’s Director of Stickers Business Office, aims to make sticker creating a new and legitimate career in Thailand, enabling creators to live off their stickers.

“Creators often tell me that people doubt what they do as a real career,” he said.

Not only does Kanop believe sticker creation is a great opportunity for university students and first-jobbers to make extra cash but also a potential life-changing opportunity.

“We have had several people who quit their jobs to become sticker creators full-time.”

To make sticker creation a legitimate career, Line Thailand organises year-round activities. Sticker creating workshops are held to drum up interest among potential creators in different provinces before Line Creators Market Sticker Contest accepts applications. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TECHNOLOGY 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Japanese and Thai sticker creators at a brainstorming session.

Kanop Supamanop.

Selected winners will get to make their sticker dream come true and enjoy a trip to Japan as an educational bonus. Connect Days are held so fellow creators can mingle, learn from top creators and be updated on trends Top creators are recognised at the Line Sticker Awards. The fourth Line Creators Market Sticker Contest last year saw 2,200 entries, up from 800.

Every month, a top best-selling creator receives B50,000 to turn their creation into merchandise and a chance to become official stickers. Line matches them up with a manufacturer but the creative control is with the rising star creator, who gets to sell their merchandise via the Line Gift Shop for free. Pop-up stores where creators can sell their merchandise is in the pipeline for this year, too.

Pro Tips Kanop says, “Perseverance is important. You never know which set will be a hit. I always tell creators that if you hit it big with your debut set, you’re lucky, but if not, that doesn’t mean you

@thephuketnews

Plug & Pudgy. fail. Think of stickers as content. It doesn’t resonate with everyone.

You should know who you make your stickers for. Know your target and know what they like. Be creative. Playon-word stickers are unique to the Thai market. Text-driven stickers can top the best-selling charts too so long as you’re creative about it.

You don’t need to be the best drawer.

It certainly helps but that alone doesn’t make your stickers stick.

Also, think about how people would communicate with your stickers in real situations. Stickers with phrases that are often used in daily situations like ‘thank you’, ‘good night’ and ‘555’ tend to do well. Not all minute details will be obvious because of the screen size so your sticker should be able to communicate clearly at a glance.”

Koranan “Place” Chuenpichai, illustrator and creator of six sticker sets, says, “There’s no fixed ways to succeed, it seems. Some creators follow trends while some do what they love. I think it really comes down to keep trying.

Sticker making is my passion pro-

ject as I dreamt of seeing my stickers on Line since they first introduced creator’s stickers. I like it when people use my designs and get some joy out of them.

My latest set [‘Animal Addict’] is inspired by people complaining about traffic jams but I turn vehicles into different animals and add catchphrases to make it more fun. You can be creative with something that’s unpleasant.”

Mueanfun “Pink” Sap-anake, illustrator at Plan for Kids, says, “My main job is illustrating children’s books but personally I like to create something more edgy and fun. I thought about things in everyday life first, especially things that come in pairs.

At first, I wanted to make a rabbit and a fox, but after browsing through the sticker market I realised there are so many cute animals out there already. I thought cuteness alone doesn’t cut it so I opted for something no one else does in order to stand out. I arrived at a female electronic socket and a male plug and thus ‘Plug & Pudgy’ was born. They come with catchphrases

based on office life.”

Pomprom “Aum” Ruksasirikuk, graphic animator, says, “I submitted my first animated sticker last year but it’s my second sticker set. At first I went back and forth between following examples of what sells well or following my gut. After doing stickers for a while, I found myself in need of a new direction. I met a Japanese creator who does what she loves and believes in. And that’s enough to make her creations stand out.

With ‘Hard Life’, I make fun of mistakes or mishaps in real life like running out of tissue while in the toilet or not having enough cash to pay for things at the cashier. I think you should put yourself into your designs.

I would love some day to make stickers full-time but first you need to make your characters memorable. Stickers can be a platform to make your characters well-known and that’s a starting point. If you want to try your hand at sticker making, just do it. You only gain from it.”

Bangkok Post

16 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Global comedy on your doorstep Don’t miss Irish, British and Indian comedians at the Marriott on March 10 The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

E

ach month, StandUp Asia brings some of the best international comedic talent on the circuit to the Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach; a great way to see the week out and set up the next one the right way.

On Sunday, March 10, Kevin Gildea, Imran Yusuf and Deepak Chandran will take to the stage for a side-splitting evening of original comedy. Here’s what the lucky Phuket audience can expect from these comedian extraordinaires.

Kevin Gildea “Highly original and explosively funny.” – The Sunday Times “Comedy on a different level.” – The Irish Times Kevin Gildea is one of the most important figures in Irish comedy having been in the pioneering sketch group Mr Trellis with Barry Murphy and Ardal O’Hanlon, with whom he also co-founded The Comedy Cellar, Dublin’s longest-running comedy club.

Gildea has performed stand-up comedy all over the world, from Shanghai to Dubai, from Kansas to Rome, from London to Cavan. He is invited regularly to play all the major Irish comedy festivals, and his Edinburgh Fringe Festival shows regularly achieve critical acclaim and sell-out runs.

Gildea played Father Cave in Father Ted and has written for Alexei Sayle, along with being a regular writer and performer on RTÉ TV’s satirical sketch show Irish Pictorial Weekly and BBC TV and Radio. His short film No! No! No! was shortlisted for an Irish Film & Television Acad-

Kevin Gildea’s career is blooming... emy award. Gildea’s mild manner and quirky, absurdist viewpoint and ruminations create what The Sunday Times called “highly original and explosively funny.”

Don’t miss this brilliant comedic mind on stage this month.

Imran Yusuf “Intelligent, thought-provoking and laugh out loud funny.” – Time Out “Sharp, passionate and uplifting.” – The Telegraph Imran Yusuf is renowned as a skillful raconteur who seamlessly weaves socio-political stature with heartfelt introspection in his charmingly endearing trademark style. Born in Kenya, raised in London, studied in the USA and fluent in Hindi/Urdu, Yusuf has been able to experience much of the world and has established himself as a truly original voice in the world of comedy.

Imran Yusuf is sure to have audiences grinning from ear to ear.

In 2010, Yusuf presented his debut show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival where he gained a collection of five star reviews and was nominated for Best Newcomer, the first performer from the free festival to ever be nominated. Since then, Yusuf has appeared on Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow (BBC One) and the Edinburgh Comedy Fest broadcast (BBC Three) and created and toured numerous solo shows. His latest show, Saint, Sinner, Sufi, proves to be his deepest work yet, observing and acknowledging his journey towards middle-age maturity.

Don’t miss this languid, punchy, cheeky and utterly loveable comedian on the Phuket stage.

mindset of a programmer. Being good with mathematics and computers has allowed Chandran to travel the world, live in eight different countries and perform material that is global and relatable to a variety of crowds.

Chandran has now been performing comedy for over three years and has headlined across Asia and beyond, joking about almost everything that can be made fun of and making people understand why Indian comics are not just about cheap parents and head bobs.

A finalist at Hong Kong Comedy Festival 2016 and runner up at Bangkok Comedy Festival 2017, Chandran is a comic to watch out for.

Deepak Chandran Deepak Chandran is an established host at Comedy Masala, Singapore’s biggest comedy night. His comedy is observational and written with the

Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8:30pm. Early bird tickets are on sale now from B350 or B600 at the door. Get your tickets today at www.ticketflap. com/phuketcomedy-kevingildea

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Ramp Up Your Run Clinic

HEALTH 17 Born to run. Photo: Rick Nuffer

Starting you on the road to an active, healthier lifestyle

H

Darren Scherbain

ave you ever wanted to run 10km or a half marathon?

Are you a seasoned runner but think your best times are behind you because you are getting older?

Transformation and change are often thought of as long and tiring processes; this thought, in turn, acts as an obstacle to starting.

However, at the Ramp Up Your Run Clinic, we will teach you how to transform yourself one step at a time, making small but impactful improvements that inspire you to continue.

All of what you will learn can be easily brought into your busy daily routine and will help you to better balance your lifestyle and health.

Sport has always been used as a vehicle for change, hope and inspiration to be a better you. Here are three small changes that lead to significant results: Start with a strong foundation Usually the best ideas are the simple ones that pay attention to the small details. These small details may seem trivial and a waste of time; however, they are the stepping stones to progress.

Legendary basketball coach John Wooden, who led the UCLA Bruins to 10 NCAA championships, would get his players to practise putting on their socks for the first two weeks of each season. The reason was quite simple: any wrinkles in the sock could lead to blisters. A blister meant his players were not bringing the best versions of themselves to practice; it could even mean missing practice altogether.

One of the smallest details that we share with people at the clinic is how to walk with a book on their head. This teaches optimal posture for human

@thephuketnews

movement and is the first simple step to running like a predator.

Fifteen centimetres can make a big difference When doing a gastrocnemius (calf) stretch, the pivot point should be the heel and not the mid-foot. This 15cm will change the movement arm and its effect on the ankle joint. The movement arm and pivot point at mid-foot will cause an eccentric (lengthening) contraction on the gastrocnemius muscle.

You will feel the traditional heel drop because the muscle is contracting eccentrically. If we want to stretch a muscle, it can’t be contracting.

The gastrocnemius crosses the ankle and the knee. If the gastrocnemius is chronically shortened from the inherent nature of running and lifestyle, this will cause a slight bend in knee, “turning on” the quadricep muscle (thigh muscle). This could result in tension pulling the patella (knee cap) upwards.

This tension will force the patella into the joint space which can lead to increased friction and possible inflammation.

Fifteen centimetres might not seem like a big deal when running 10km or 21km, but when it comes to peak performance, they can make all the difference.

The power of action One of the most difficult steps is the first one. There are times when I’m not bolting out the door to chase the health benefits associated with running. It can be a grind at times to get out and take that first step. The solitude of the road doesn’t make for the best running partner at times either.

It’s important not to wait for the ‘right’ feelings or the ‘right’ timing.

They are never going to ignite you to start, and the timing is never going to be ‘right’. Action is more powerful than

lack of confidence or not having the ‘right’ feelings.

Transformation happens. Footfall after footfall you realise that you have picked up momentum and you will finish the run with a bigger smile then when you started.

Entry to the Ramp Up Your Run Clinic includes: a dynamic better running technique training session; a 10-week step-by-step training guide for either the 10km or half marathon; healthy, nutritious, post-training meal and lunch; a strong running and

lifestyle postural foundation; injury prevention; healthy nutrition; runningspecific strength training; mindset training; and instant access to support and accountability.

The Ramp Up Your Run Clinic takes place on Saturday, March 23, from 7am1pm at Phuket Boat Lagoon. Tickets are available from Phuket Ticketmaster. Alternatively, search ‘Ramp Up Your Run Clinic’ in Google and follow the links on The Phuket News website. The closing date for tickets is Thursday, March 21.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

All aboard. Photo: Vertigo Video Productions and Sophisticated Me

Clear the decks for the Sophisticated Me ladies.

GiGi, Jason and Paul all at sea.

IMAGE ASIA, FAMILY AND FRIENDS MAKE WAVES ON SAILING TRIP A relaxing couple of days on the water last week for IMAGE Asia's MD, Grenville Fordham, with family and friends. Sailing catamaran courtesy of Sail In Thailand.

Jeanie, Rona, Amy, Jo and Lillian.

Some light reading before lunch.

Ladies who lunch.

Smiles and postcard views.

PHUKET INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB FEBRUARY LUNCHEON A TREAT Still riding high on the success of their annual fundraising party days before, the ladies of the PIWC assembled at Taste Yamu on Feb 21 for their February luncheon. It was an afternoon of great company, breathtaking views, wonderful food and, of course, their renowned raffles for charity with generous prizes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Toine, Cedric, Tiya and Gren.

Craig, Conor and Gren.

ISLAND SCENE 19

Franklin, Richard and Doran.

Tim, Scot, Jason, Connor and Jay.

FIREFLY HOSTS TRAVEL DAILY THIRSTY THURSDAY NETWORKING EVENT Over 90 travel trade professionals came together at Firefly Pool & Restaurant at The Pavilions on Feb 21 for the Travel Daily Thirsty Thursday networking event, the first of its kind to be held at the Phuket hotel and resort. It was an evening of great conversation and fabulous food.

Anastasia (Russia), Valeriia (Ukraine) and Liu (China)

Amalie (Norway) and Miao (China)

Preschool performance of ‘Hello to All the Children of the World.’

Thai traditional dance.

QSI CELEBRATE THEIR DIVERSITY ON ANNUAL ‘INTERNATIONAL DAY’ At QSI International School of Phuket’s annual ‘International Day’ on Feb 15, students, parents and staff celebrated the diversity of the school and the 22 nationalities that are represented there. The day of food, community and fun reminded everyone how lucky they are to be able to learn and share with each other every day. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

1 MAR

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.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Club, Royal Phuket Marina from 5 pm. A light buffet, sponsored by The Speakeasy Yacht Club and some drinks, sponsored by Superyacht Services Guide, will be provided. Everyone is welcome to join the fun so, please spread the word, bring others and make the most of this relaxed networking event. We look forward to seeing you there! There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. Contact for Superyacht Services Guide: zara@superyachtpublications.com To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com

SAT

2 MAR

and soft drinks) For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

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, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

MON

4 MAR

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.

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.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS 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 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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.

Futsal League 2019 Is your child interested in football? Would they enjoy enhancing their football skills whilst spending time with friends? At British International School Phuket, the Cruzeiro Saturday morning league will allow your child to play fun, competitive football at the incredible facilities.

Bring them along to either U9/U11 or U13/U15 fixtures at the advertised times! See you there!

SUN

3 MAR

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers. Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht. Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

Boat Lagoon Weekend 1-2 March 2019

Simmer & Spice Curry buffet, Great variety, Vibrant flavours.

Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

TUE

5 MAR

Beat & Bite. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดงดนตรี ่ อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลายรูปแบบ ทีงานโบ๊ ทลากูนวีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon, Phuket Boat Lagoon

Grow Boating Networking Evening Superyacht Services Guide, regionally represented by Marieke Derks and Zara Tremlett, will be co-sponsoring The Grow Boating network evening on Friday 1st March, at the Speakeasy Yacht

The Great Nai Harn Phuket Sunday Brunch, just got better...

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Rock Night

With our exclusive offer 4 guests eat for the price of 3! Culinary maestro Executive Chef Mark Jones, added exquisite new dishes for the most demanding palates. Experience it while enjoying the spectacular views over Nai Harn Bay and listening to the sounds of Resident DJ Sun. Every Sunday from 12:30 - 15:00 hrs THB 5,500 net per adult (With free-flow premium beverage handpicked by James Suckling) THB 3,850 net per adult (food only) THB 2,200 net per child aged from 6 to 18 (with free-flow juices

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

YOU WANNA ROCK?? Head over to our famous Rock Night at Two Chefs Karon on the 5th of March. Live music starts at 8:30 pm until late.

Chef Daniel our executive head chef will be doing his signature “Rock Night” Burger, PRICE: UP TO YOU! (We leave the price up to our dear customers for this special burger, on this special night! Mexican lover? We also got 20% Discount from our Tex-Mex items on that day! Make your reservations NOW at: karon@twochefs.com or call: 076-286479 Reservation.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

6 MAR

held on Friday 8th March, 2019, at the Angsana Laguna Phuket. Cost: Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for nonmembers.

SUN

10 MAR

KEVIN GILDEA & IMRAN YUSUF IN PHUKET

Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish it 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 B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket. com or call 076 338 888.

Do not miss KEVIN GILDEA (IRL) and IMRAN YUSUF (UK) with host DEEPAK CHANDRAN (IND). Early bird tickets are on sale now from 350 THB or 600 THB at the door. Get your tickets today on TicketFlap: www.ticketflap.com/ phuketcomedy-kevingildea Magic Rock, Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket.

SAT

16 MAR

Run Community. Ticket Price - 2,900b. Darren, Phuket Boat Lagoon, darrenscherbain@gmail. com

WED

27 MAR

Children First Fund. Why not come and join the event with some great local hole sponsors treating all the golfers to some fun challenges and exciting Food and Beverage service. We are proud to have 89.5FM and Phuket News TV as our Media Partner and Sponsor. Visit www.aseanevents.com or email mark@asean-events.com

FRI

5 APR

Baba Beach Club x Colours of Love March 27-31, Wild Sirenda presents Colours of Love @ Baba Beach Club Phuket. This 5 day experience will bring together an ever-growing community of free-thinkers, awakened beings and global go-getters. Uniting in celebration to activate your dreams, this incredible music and wellness lineup will create the perfect journey for your experience Baba Beach Club Phuket.

For more information & bookings, contact us: 076 429 388.

SUN

31 MAR

Boat Lagoon Weekend 5-6 April 2019 Beat & Bite. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดงดนตรี อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลายรูปแบบ ทีง่ านโบ๊ทลากูนวีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon

SAT

27 APR

Food Competition 2019

International Women’s Day Luncheon Celebrate the social and economic achievements of women. Join the Phuket community to hear empowering speakers whilst enjoying a set luncheon and beverages at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Make a donation of 1,000 baht net to book your seat. Contact lunch@classactmedia. co.th (Donna) or tina@phukethasbeengoodtous.org (Tina).

FRI

8 MAR

Phuket Sundowners - Mar 2019 AustCham Thailand is delighted to invite members and guests from AustCham and partner chambers to join our Phuket Sundowners to be

@thephuketnews

Don’t’ miss the 3nd Annual Culinary Completion @ QSI Phuket on Saturday March 16th from 11:00 – 15:30. Schools from around Phuket will compete in two divisions, junior and senior.

They will compete in creating an original and chef replicated dish. These dishes will then be judged by our celebrity executive chef judges, who will decide this year’s Top Chefs.

SAT

23 MAR

Ramp Up Your Run Clinic - Starting You on the Road to a Healthier and Active Lifestyle March 23rd 7am @ Phuket Boat Lagoon. 10km or 1/2 marathon Preparation for the Laguna Phuket Marathon. Have you ever wanted to run a10km or 1/2 marathon? Are you a seasoned runner and thought just because you are getting older that your best times are behind you?

Your Entry Includes: *Dynamic better running technique training session *10 week step by step training guide for either the 10km or 1/2 marathon *Healthy Nutritious Post Training meal and lunch *Injury prevention *Healthy nutrition *Running specific strength training *Mindset training *Instant access to The Ramp Up Your

Supersport 10 Mile International Run 2019 Get yourselves ready for the Supersports 10 Mile International Run Series Thailand 2019. Thailand’s number 1 sports retail store, Supersports, is back with 5 challenging races across Thailand.

• Phuket (31 March 2019) at Thanyapura Phuket • Hatyai (28 April 2019) at Central Festival Hatyai • Bangkok (19 May 2019) at CentralWorld • Korat (29 September 2019) at Central Plaza Nakhon Ratchasima • Chiang Mai (27 October 2019) at Central Festival Chiang Mai Part of the entry fees will be donated to both the “Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation” under the royal patronage of Her Royal Highness Queen Sirikit, and “The National Paralympic Committee of Thailand” which is under the Royal Patronage of His Majesty the King. Register for 5 races at once and enjoy a 10% discount.

WED

Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand 2019 The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge continues in 2019 with the top 10% of teams (2 people per team) from each qualifier gaining entry to the Thailand Final on the 27th of April 2019 at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. Prominent sponsors provide an all-expenses paid trip to the World Final at Oitavoss Dunes in Cascais, Portugal. For more details and to sign up contact events@foremanagement.com

EVERY DAY

3 APR Prime at Rock Salt

Hospitality Golf Challenge 2019 The 4th Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge charity golf tournament will take place on the 3rd April 2019, with an amazing day of gourmet golf at Laguna Golf Phuket Course all in aid of The

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 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@ thenaiharn.com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. English author Eric Arthur Blair is better known by which name?

2. Sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia is better known as what?

3. Yasodharapura is the ancient name for which Asian Kingdom capital?

4. In which year did the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong open?

5. How old is Kim Jong-un, Supreme Leader of North Korea?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

57. Sword Across 58. End early 1. Didn’t dillydally 59. Glorified gofer 5. Type of plug 60. Succulent plant 10. Arctic sight 14. First name in jeans 61. Proportion 15. Very quick (mus.) 62. Believe, old way 63. Jumble 16. Jack’s partner 64. Town ___ 17. Camera part 65. Geographic 18. Watery direction geographical feature 19. Romantic Roman Down 1. Insignificant poet 2. Cuzco’s country 20. 2001 neo-noir 3. Devilish psychological thriller directed by 4. Rumple 5. Furs David Lynch 6. A sacred song 23. Adversary 7. Evaluation 24. Milk provider 8. Don’t __ on his 25. Equal divisions parade 28. Drops the ball 30. Symphony member 9. Giving 10. Norwegian inlets 31. Lazybones 33. Cell phone memory 11. More than miffed 12. They are black or card green 36. Beatle film 13. Patriarch 40. ___-time low 21. Matchless 41. Italian tubes?

22. Guinea corn 42. Ultimatum word 25. De La ___ 43. People movers 44. “Jo’s Boys” author 26. Victim of Cain 27. Hang loose 46. Love in Paris?

28. North Sea feeder 49. Prevent 51. Film with a jungle 29. Recurring sleep state, abbr. setting

31. Contraction 32. Demand payment 33. Storage cylinder 34. Relating to the present month, for short 35. Get together 37. Musical piece 38. Very small 39. Make anew 43. Colored flares used as a warning signal by trucks and trains 44. He who improves a nuisance 45. __ of luxury 46. 1983 American action series 47. Syrup variety 48. Milk dippers 49. Hindu men’s wear 50. Strange and frightening 52. 2002 Liotta film 53. Alpine lift 54. Actress Sorvino 55. Flurries 56. Salamander

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) George Orwell; 2) Brain freeze; 3) Angkor; 4) 2007 (April 9); 5) 35

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

7

hours a year is how long men spend on average hiding in the bathroom for ‘peace and quiet’, according to a study by Pebble Grey.

23

percent of young adults check their phones within one minute of waking up.

362

times more germs than a public toilet seat is what your typical free weights in a gym can harbour.

750,000 US dollars is how much Google offered to sell their company for to another company called Excite in 1999. Excite declined.

110.8 billion

US dollars is how much Google is worth today. Its parent company, Alphabet, is worth about US$851.2bn.

Source: Uberfacts

The Thinker. Photo: Chris Yoon, 17 years old @ QSI Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history Mar 1, 1972 The Thai province of Yasothon is created after being split off from the Ubon Ratchathani Province.

and his band, records “Rocket 88”, often cited as “the first rock and roll record”, at Sam Phillips’s recording studios in Memphis, Tennessee.

Mar 2, 1983 Compact discs and players are released for the first time in the United States and other markets.

They had previously been available only in Japan.

Mar 4, 1351 U-thong, or Ramathibodi I becomes King of Siam. Uthong (1314-1369) was the first king of the kingdom Ayutthaya, reigning from 1350 to 1369. He was known as Prince U Thong (meaning “Golden Cradle”) before he ascended to the throne in 1350.

Mar 3, 1951 Jackie Brenston, with Ike Turner

holiday”, closing all US banks and freezing all financial transactions.

The Fall of the Alamo (1903) by Robert Jenkins Onderdonk.

Mar 5, 1933 Great Depression: President Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a “bank

Mar 6, 1836 After a 13-day siege by 3,000 Mexican troops, 187 Texas volunteers defending the Alamo, including Davy Crockett and Col Jim Bowie, are killed and the fort is captured.

Mar 7, 321 Emperor Constantine I decrees dies Solis Invicti (sun-day) the day of rest in the Empire. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Jobs

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

International Sales Support

APR is an international company dealing with customers in Asia and Australia, as well as decorative surface suppliers from Europe. Asia Pacific Representatives Ltd. are looking for: Support staff for our sales team Age: 20-35 years Thai National Excellent English language skills required Knowledge of Microsoft office Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Excel Office location: Phuket – Chalong Tasks will include: - Project tracking and follow up - Communication with international suppliers and customers - Understanding of our products and services Please submit your resume and recent photo jobs@apr-pfleiderer.com

The View Kata - Wanted

Interested Buyer looking for Foreign Freehold Units at The View Kata Phuket. If you are an owner or have any available units, please contact: +66872699206 or email mick11468@gmail.com URG

ENT

Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort.

Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354. @thephuketnews

Art House Real Estate company

Looking for Thai Marketing manager at the property booth, Patong Area, for more detail please contact: info@arthouse.asia

Thai Yoga Instructor

Position available now - Full Time Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach various Yoga Styles. Additional Health Skills i.e. Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, etc. - Assist with Yoga Class inquires and Retreat health consultations. English Speaking - Thai National only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/wellness.htm

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PROPERTY SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

BUSINESS FOR SALE U

RG

T EN

SA

LE

Toyota GT 2013 - FT86

UR

GE

N

LE

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission. Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres.

B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

@thephuketnews

The Heights Phuket - Freehold

Interested Buyers looking for Foreign Freehold Units at the Height Phuket, if you are an owner or have any available units, please contact: +66872699206 or email mick11468@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Subaru XV

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Mitsubishi 2.0 GT Mivec Auto

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FINANCIAL, LEGAL Loan money for bail

Pablo, pablolawyer@gmail.com, Whats up +79841886289 Whats up +79147907378

MEMBERSHIPS

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MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Ducati Multistrada 2012

2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only 23,000 kms.

Faithfully maintained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank bag.

Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309.

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Paul MOORHOUSE

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Paul MOORHOUSE

On the west side of Cape Panwa overlooking a stunning beach and Chalong Bay this wonderful property sits in 1.75 Rai’s of beautiful landscaped grounds and has a huge pool, jacuzzi, waterfall, shaded and non-shaded decking, large bar/dining sala and much more. With 4 bedroom suites and ample space to build more if required. This superb property with great sea views must be viewed. Being sold at a reduced price for urgent sale and is fully furnished and equipped and ready to move in immediately. B57,000,000. 0898737075.

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP

425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.

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

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Excellent Condition. Modifications on the car - Dual stainless steel exhaust, Bonnet, front & rear bumper, side skirts are Evo X Upgrade, Tinted windows and Upgraded alloy wheels. THB 470,000. Call Lek 0991677378.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

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PROPERTY WANTED

Cross trek bought new 2013. Well maintained, glass coating, rust proofing, new tires, single owner. Must see! Nicha Residence, 0892873128.

Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979

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�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@ lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

Providing International Clients with Complete Debt Recovery Solutions in the Phuket. Pablo, Umbrellacorp144@gmail.com, +66952688880 and +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

Immaculate condition, QUICK SELL REDUCED PRICE includes over 1M baht in options; GT Brembo brakes, Adjustable suspension, performance exhaust. Pioneer AVH-X8850BT with Audison sound system. ADV7.1SL. 1 Piece forged rims. B1.5M OBO, Dan Miles, danmilesmedia@gmail.com, 065 621 5541, Thai 091 165 9332

Golden Business Opportunity

Car for sale

Business Services

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

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081-894 -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/English).

PERSONAL SERVICES

Car For Sale

42ft Sport Yacht,Reduced Price

All prices are for up to 6 people, include: - land transfers, lunch, soft drinks, water, tea/coffee and selected beverages, fruits and services of a captain and a stewardess. Charters start at 9 am, finish at 5 pm. Hours can be adjusted.

Pavel, fortuna-2009@bk.ru, +7 984 188-62-89. Pavel (WhatsApp) +7 914 79073-78 Pavel (WhatsApp) +66 83-475-7351 Pavel + +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner. Regular maintenance in authorized centers. Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.

Sunreef 60 Loft, year 2016, 185,000 baht day charter

The Phuket News

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Paul MOORHOUSE

Recently fully renovated villa at the heart of Laguna Phuket. Huge plot, 4/5 bedrooms, study, dining. lounge, European kitchen, lots of decking, large garden and sala with pool and a double garage. Can walk anywhere in Laguna and Boat Avenue in 5 minutes or so and includes family Laguna Golf and Sanctuary Club Membership. Fully furnished and equipped, freehold or leasehold to suit buyer. Reduced to 22 million Baht for quick sale. 22 million Baht, ceopaulm@hotmail.com, +66898737075.

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28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Mueang Phuket 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, Christine, 094 841 1918.

Sale - Koh Kaew, 2-Bed Condo

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo.

Must be seen to be believed. So much space! 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million Baht, Christine, 0948411918

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.

White sand beach

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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Layan Gardens Luxury Apartment

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

Layan Gardens is a luxurious complex of only 40 wonderful 3 and 4 bedroom apartments just outside Laguna Phuket with tremendous facilities including 3 pools, jacuzzi, BBQ areas, Floodlit tennis court, boules pitch, golf pitching and putting area and much more. We currently have 2 apartments for sale (from 15.5 million Baht) and 2 apartments available for long term (minimum 12 months) let. Check out this wonderful development on our website and contact us for sales or lettings.0898737075.

1 Bed Condo for Sale in Rawai

The Title Rawai, Phuket This beachfront 1 Bedroom condominium is located in one of the premier developments on Rawai Beach. Also, the beauty, luxury, and durability of this condo is immediately apparently from its genuine teak wooden flooring. Designed with absolute care and attention to detail! Also, only the highest quality materials have been selected throughout, and every square metre of useful space is utilised to the fullest.

Furthermore, the large common area has 3 swimming pools. Also, there are 2 saunas, and a fitness room. Moreover, it is surrounded by tropical jungle. Also, within walking distance of shops, bars, and international and Thai restaurants.

However, you are nevertheless ensured of complete peace and tranquility. This development was completed in April, 2014, and is available for sale on a leasehold basis. ADDITIONAL UNITS AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT FOR DETAILS. Christine, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918

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RPM by owner

A Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREEHOLD. 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 at 16MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@ gmail.com

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1 Bed Condoin Kamala

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and onsite restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment.

B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

5-Bed Pool Villa 1.2 Rai Rawai

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Villa with 4 beds, open-plan living area, western kitchen. Separate 1-bed guest suite. Separate workshop and laundry. Pool 11mx5m, large private garden, residential area. www.thaivillaonline.com Price B15,750,000. 0844477247.

Mai Khao 1 Bed Condo Sale

Mai Khao Beach Condo-Great condo. 5mins from Splash Jungle Water Park. Wonderful location and is a must see. B5,300,000, Christine, 0948411918.

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. Fantatsic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo for Sale

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 58sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy.

B3,600,000, Andy, phuket@thairesidential.com, 083 800 1888.

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

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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

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

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai, just 20 minutes from Phuket away, secure Chanote tittle, public concrete road, water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 0147888.

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

Private location in prestige area. Outstanding Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.

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

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance.

0870608400 engl/german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail.com

Penthouse for sale

432.44 Sqm.Penthouse for sale: 320 Degree view of Patong bay and city. Private pool. 22nd floor (top floor) at Andaman Beach Condominium, Patong, Phuket, Thailand. Condo Facilities. see beachsuites.com/gallery.

No broker please. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

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

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Paul MOORHOUSE

Solid, profitable business for sale at the entrance to Laguna Phuket. Specialising in Ladies Fashion, Beachwear, Footwear, accessories and jewelry.

New 3 year lease on large unit and fully equipped and quality stocked store. Ready to take over and no additional costs. Tel 089 8737075 for more information.

thephuketnews

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The series promotes healthy lifestyles and health trends among the new generation.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Last year, more than 13,000 Thai and foreign runners joined the event.

For the love of running

Supersports 10 Mile International Run Series Thailand 2019 SPONSORED

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he Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2019, presented by Skechers, inspires everyone to join its grand runs along five routes in five different Thai provinces, highlighting the tempting fact that participants will be

able to run and travel in one same trip, stay healthy, and contribute to the causes of helping physically-challenged athletes as well as breastcancer patients.

Mr Tony Morton, president of Supersports, reveals that this international run project has continued for six consecutive years now with

the aim of promoting the love for exercise in Thais and also to highlight his firm’s status as Thailand’s No. 1 sports store.

Last year, more than 13,000 Thai and foreign runners joined the event. Various organisations have partnered with Supersports in promoting healthy lifestyles and health

trends among the new generation because these elements promise to form a foundation for everyone’s good health.

Everyone who participates in the event benefits not just from good health but also through opportunities to make merits as parts of the event’s entry fees will be donated to the Paralympic Committee of Thailand under Royal Patronage, as well as the Queen Sirikit Center for Breast Cancer Foundation – Pink Park Village – which looks after physically challenged athletes and patients respectively.

Ms Siraporn Wattana, Vice President of Marketing at Supersports, says the firm is committed to promoting good health among Thai people be they in Bangkok or other provinces. To encourage Thais across the country to take good care of their health, the run event has now expanded its coverage to five leading destinations in Thailand: Phuket – March 31, 2019 at Thanyapura; Hat Yai – April 28, 2019 at Central Festival

The run event has now expanded its coverage to five leading destinations in Thailand, including Phuket.

Hat Yai; Bangkok – May 19, 2019 at CentralWorld; Korat – September 29, 2019 at Central Plaza Nakhon Ratchasima; and Chiang Mai – 27 October 27, 2019 at Central Festival Chiang Mai. “Another highlight of the series is its race shirts. Inspired by the landmarks of the five provinces that will host the series’ races, the shirt design reveals the different appeal of each host city and spurs people’s wish to join all five races.” Ms Siriporn says.

Mr Vincent Leung, Presi-

dent of Skechers Southeast Asia, says that Sketchers is the main sponsor of the race because the event resonates with the company’s determination to make Thais recognise the importance of exercise. It is a way to stay healthy and enjoy living each day, and Skechers itself has produced several models of running shoes to suit the needs of beginners up to advanced runners.

For more information about the event, please visit www. supersports10mile.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Fatigue, injuries won’t stop quadruple: Pep FOOTBALL

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2019 will receive a B3,000 voucher to be used on food, beverage and/or fishing at the Chalong Fishing Park.

EPL PREDICTIONS

AFP

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anchester City manager Pep Guardiola has war ned his players not to use injuries and fatigue as an excuse as the English champions chase a historic quadruple of trophies this season.

City secured the first of a potential four-trophy haul by beating Chelsea on penalties last Sunday in the League Cup. Guardiola’s men also face Swansea in the FA Cup quarter-finals and are well set for the last eight of the Champions League after winning 3-2 away to Schalke in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

However, i nju r ies to Aymeric Laporte and Fernandinho blighted victory on Sunday with John Stones and Gabriel Jesus also unlikely to return before an international break in mid-March.

“I don’t want to see excuses from my players about tiredness, fixtures, schedules, the number of games. That is nothing,” said Guardiola on Tuesday.

“When you have the opportunity to fight until the end, to fight for the title, then the power, the energy that gives you that is higher than any excuses you find.

“We have to run and beat them (the opposition), then beat them again. In the last two months of the season, the mentality makes the difference.

“I don’t care about the way we play. I want the smell in the locker room, I want to smell at the beginning of the game and during the game,

@thephuketnews

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MONTHLY STANDINGS

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OVERALL STANDINGS

phils64 19 SirBR 19 giggs 18 Gracie 18 lufc 18

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giggs 161 fazza 158 Griffsbar 156 Smiley Bar 155 Fitz 153

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday 1st Mar Rugby Union 13:30 15:30

Super XV

Hurricanes v. Brumbies

Super XV

Rebels v. Highlanders

Saturday 2nd Mar Rugby Union 13:30 15:30

Super XV

Chiefs v. Sunwolves

15:40

17:40

Super XV

Reds v. Crusaders

20:00

22:00

Super XV

Lions v. Bulls

22:10

00:10

Super XV

Sharks v. Stormers

Rugby Union 20:40

Racing 92 v. La Rochelle

Soccer

that we can win.

“When one competition is over I want to see that we want to win this title. I want to see it on their faces they want to win the title and I hope that after I will be able to tell you I saw something special.”

Fernandinho’s absence was strongly felt when City lost to Crystal Palace and Leicester in December to cede Liverpool an advantage in the title race, while Laporte has made such a big impression in just over a year in England that the Frenchman was rewarded with a new contract last week.

“People say: Without this player, they are not the same.

It doesn’t matter,” added Guardiola.

“We have a good squad, a good second team, and I want to see the desire that we want to win the title.”

A run of three draws in four Premier League games for Liverpool has allowed the champions back into the race, the latest of which came in a 0-0 draw away to Manchester United in the hours before the League Cup final.

And Guardiola wants his side to continue applying pressure with Liverpool desperate to end a 29-year wait to win the title.

“When I’ve said that we focus on our game, that’s because it’s the truth, but of course we look at what they do, and when they don’t win we are happy,” he said.

“There is still very little between us and we have much to play for so it’s in our hands. It’s in their hands but our hands too.

“The only thing we can do is put on pressure, to feel we are not to drop points, but to

win. Every game is the same, when you are on top you can drop points but when you are behind, you cannot.”

TEAMS / INFO

17:40

15:40

Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the League Cup final between Man City and Chelsea at Wembley stadium on Feb 24. Photo AFP

EVENT

22:30

France Top 14

19:30

21:30

EPL

Tottenham v. Arsenal

22:00

00:00

EPL

Man United v. Southampton

22:00

00:00

EPL

Wolves v. Cardiff

00:30

02:30

EPL

West Ham v. Newcastle

Cricket

22:00

02:00

ODI5 - Gros Inlet

West Indies v. England

Cricket

14:50

23:00

ODI1 - Hyderabad

India v. Australia

Sunday 3rd Mar Rugby Union 21:55 Soccer

Cricket

00:00

Gallagher Premiership

Newcastle v. Worcester

19:00

21:00

EPL

Watford v. Leicester

21:00

23:00

EPL

Fulham v. Chelsea

23:15

01:15

EPL

Everton v. Liverpool

14:50

23:00

ODI1 - Johannesburg

South Africa v. Sri Lanka

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

‘Nothing can stop historic quadruple’ > p31

IT’S A KNOCKOUT Thai Fight holds 10th anniversary event in Phuket MUAY THAI Poria Mermand editor3@classactmedia.co.th

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hai fighters, led by the legendary Saenchai, descended on Phuket’s high-end Laguna Resort last Saturday (Feb 23) as Muay Thai promotion ‘Thai Fight’ held their 10 th-anniversary event on the island.

More than 12,000 Thai and foreign fight fans flocked to the northwest of the island for the gratuitous, inaugural Phuket event boasting 10 fights, each between a Thai and a foreign fighter, broadcast live on Thai national television.

The decision to hold the milestone event on Phuket comes as the dust settles on the city’s recent negative press around its tourism industry.

The Phoenix tour boat disaster that killed 47 Chinese tourists off Phuket in July last year spurred a wave of tourismboosting initiatives, with Thai Fight Phuket and January’s All Star Fight event in Patong putting the island under the spotlight among national and international fight fans alike.

Saturday’s main attraction was, without a doubt, Saenchai.

The 38-year-old veteran won

the first of his five Lumpinee Stadium championship belts – the most prestigious prize in Muay Thai – at the mere age of 16. A multi-time world champion, Saenchai is a star attraction at Muay Thai events when he isn’t flying around the globe holding seminars in halls filled with budding fighters and enthusiasts.

One unique feature of Thai Fight’s three-by-three-minuteround fights is the ‘kard chuek’ – the traditional use of rope instead of gloves. Although the history of Muay Thai in various forms is said to date back to more than a thousand years, its first known practice as a sport came about in the reign of King Naresuan the Great (1590-1605) who was a proficient fighter himself and made the art a compulsory part of military training.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the sport was codified, with official rules and regulations being created and introduced into the sporting world.

Traditionally, fighters wrapped their hands and forearms in rope, reminiscent of the Ancient Greek Himantes, to make attacks and defences more effective. This practice is relatively scarce in modern day Muay Thai however, since

the sport’s adoption of certain Marquess of Queensberry boxing rules in the 1920s, introducing rings and gloves to replace courtyards and ropes respectively.

Thai Fight’s choice of hand protection however, differs from the traditional ‘kard chuek’ in that ropes are replaced with cloth to dampen the impact – a welcomed modification by the receiver, no doubt. Nonetheless, the difference between the World Muaythai Council’s regulatory 6-10 ounce gloves (depending on the weight category of the fighters) and a fist wrapped in cloth, is significant, as was seen on Saturday.

The scale of the production on the night did not disappoint, as expectations were high of a promotion whose stakeholders include a former prime minister and the CEO of the country’s largest beverage company.

The action took place in a vast outdoor area on Phuket’s finest land lit up by huge LED screens and plenty of fireworks.

A long walkway led fighters to the open-air ring where they would begin their ritualistic Wai Kru Ram Muay.

The musicians begin playing Sarama (the traditional

rhythmic music that accompanies fights) whilst fighters begin the ritual. They start by sealing off the four corners of the ring to block out evil spirits and negative forces. Fighters pray at each corner, touching it with one hand and moving onto the next in an anti-clockwise direction before kneeling down to commence their individual dance. Although some of the foreign fighters opted not to perform a dance after sealing the ring, every Thai fighter did in his own style as Thai Fight insists on preserving and promoting traditional aspects of Thailand’s national sport.

Ring sealed, the first two fighters walked to the centre to kick-off the event. Brazil’s Felipe Gois faced Thailand’s Ratchasing RongraenkeelaKorat in an enthralling threeround battle that ended in a devastating flurry of punches from Gois that Ratchasing could not get up from.

Suddenly the effect of the kard chuek was evident as the quickly captivated crowd were now fully focussed on the centre stage.

For the foreign patriots in the audience, that would be their only cause for celebration as the next nine fights ended very differently. Eight of the

nine ended with knockout victories for the Thais, five of which came in round one.

The fifth fight of the night saw half-Thai, half-British actor and model, Peter Denman, make his professional debut against Estonian, Rainer Salajev, in a novelty bout. Much to the delight of Denman’s many female fans, his fight was one of two in which gloves were worn. The next several minutes sounded more like a Bieber concert than a bare fisted Thai boxing event as fans cheered on the heartthrob to a first round knock-out of his Estonian counterpart.

Denman spoke with The Phuket News before the event at the official weigh-ins on Friday.

“I’ve been training on and off since I was 15. I’ve never had the opportunity to take it seriously until now because I was acting and it was an obligation not to fight whilst shooting,” he said.

Now I’ve finished the soap, it’s a great opportunity. A dream come true.”

Four knock-outs later and the main event was upon us.

Following a long, extolling introduction, Saenchai danced to the ring in typical Saenchai fashion. A charming, humorous

Saensatharn throws a high kick at British Phuketbased fighter Curtis Allen. man in and out of the ring, he never turns down an opportunity to fan out his feathers in front of an audience.

True to form, Saenchai displayed a barrage of acrobatics, trick shots and sweeps, putting his young Uzbek opponent, Firdavs Boynazarov, on the canvas numerous times in each round.

A veteran of the art, Saenchai is a prize fighter and no longer fights for titles, having already won everything worth winning over a long, illustrious career. This bout was the only other bout in which the fighters wore gloves, and as expected, the 38-year-old dominated the fight from start to finish, winning by unanimous decision.

In January of this year, Patong welcomed Muay Thai promotion, All Star Fight, in a star-studded event led by superstar fighter, Buakaw, drawing thousands of fight fans to Phuket’s tourism hub. The event was a success and paved the way for a second on March 31 in which Buakaw will once again grace the island’s shores.

Whether Phuket will one day be nationally recognised as a fighting town remains to be seen. But one thing is certain; the island definitely has the fan base. thephuketnews