The Phuket News 01 June 2018

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

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VENDORS PLEA FOR HELP AFTER MARKET FIRE > PAGE 5

BOMBS AWAY

NEWS

PAGE 3

Monkey polls deliver divided local opinions

LIFE

PAGE 16

CHIARO puts a funky twist on classical music A man refuels speedboats with a hose from fully loaded fuel drums on Rawai Beach.

Photo: Supplied

DANGEROUS REFUELLING OF SPEEDBOATS DIRECTLY FROM THE BEACHES COMES UNDER FIRE Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

P

ickup trucks and even song­ thaew buses fully loaded with drums of fuel being pumped into speedboats at Rawai Beach will cease this coming week as the Phuket office of the Ministry of Energy starts enforcing public safety laws banning the dangerous practice.

After being informed of the beachfront refuelling by The Phuket News earlier this month, Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos at first said that he was

aware of the practice, especially as Rawai Beach is literally right out the front door of the Rawai Municipality offices.

But only this week did Mayor Aroon concede that it was dangerous and that he had instructed his officers to take steps to ensure the beach refuelling stops.

However, he noted, “Rawai Municipality is limited in the regulations that we are empowered to enforce, so the Phuket Energy Office has been notified and will respond and take action on this.

“It is their direct responsibility, and I will support them in doing their job,” he added.

Pannee Raknai, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) and Chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation division at Rawai Municipality (DDPM-Rawai), was clear in her understanding of the situation.

“This (refuelling) cannot be done in a public area. It is dangerous for people living near there and may result in damage to the environment,” she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 @thephuketnews

“We reported this to the Phuket Energy Office on May 21. We are waiting for their reply, as we do not have the direct authority to stop people doing this,” Ms Pannee added.

“In this respect, we are only empowered to enforce laws concerning any pollution, so if there were any spillage or other form of polluting on the beach, we could call in the police and have the culprits fined up to B10,000 – but we are powerless to prevent people from refuelling their boats directly from the beach,” she explained...

SPORT

PAGE 32

Triple trophies for Phuket at Int’l Rugby 10s

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Governor faces Chinese officials over tourist safety, lifeguards > page 4

Residential evil Family shooting fugitive arrested in Satun The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T A fisherman in a longtail boat pulled Mr Suthat from the water under Sarasin Bridge.

Photo: Tha Chatchai Police

Man rescued after leap from northern bridge A CONSTRUCTION WORKer was pulled from the water after an alleged suicide attempt from Thepkrasattri Bridge, joining Phuket with the mainland at the north of the island, on Monday afternoon (May 28).

Financial issues are believed to be the reason behind the suicide attempt.

Lt Col Akarapol Sivila of the Tha Chatchai Police received a call from a local fisherman on a longtail boat who stated he had pulled a man from the water under Sarasin Bridge.

People in the vicinity along with members of a rescue team were standing by and assisted bringing the man to shore.

“The man, Suthat Jitromsri, 47, had a white telephone charger wrapped around both his wrists. He was taken to Thalang Hospital where he is conscious but has declined to talk,” reported Tha Chatchai Police Chief Col Prawit Suttiruangarun.

“A white Toyota Triton pickup was found parked on the bridge but it still had its engine running. Officers checked inside the vehicle and found Mr Suthat’s ID card. He lives in Rassada.

“Officers have since taken the pickup to Thalang Hospital,” he explained.

“Mr Suthat’s relative explained that he lived with his wife and three children and worked in the construction industry.

“According to the relative Mr Suthat said yesterday (May 27) that he had financial problems regarding his work, and we believe this is what caused him to jump from the bridge today,” Col Prawit added.

The Phuket News The Phuket News notes that there is a “One Stop Crisis Centre” at each government hospital on the island that can help people cope with emotional distress. Thai speakers can call the 1300 help hotline.

he lone gunman wanted for shooting three members of the same family at their house in the quiet residential housing estate Moo Baan Tinnawut, off Chao Fa West Rd south of Phuket Town, on April 9 was arrested in Satun province last Friday (May 25).

Panpakorn “Aon” Suwanrit, 36, was taken into custody

by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police and local police officers at a house in Moo Baan Palm Phattana, in Moo 7 of Satun’s Muang District.

The house, where police said Panpakorn had been hiding out for a month, belongs to Matlaad Lisiri, a male relative of Panpakorn’s father.

The exact relationship was not disclosed.

Panpakorn faces charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm and carrying a firearm in a public area without a permit, police confirmed.

Panpakorn denied that he shot the three family members over a barking dog, as claimed in reports at the time, but he did not explain any other alternative motive.

He just said, “For personal reasons.”

Police have yet to recover the gun used in the shooting, though Panpakorn told police that he threw it away “in water”.

Panpakorn was escort-

Panpakorn ‘Aon’ Suwanrit, 36, was taken into custody by Crime Suppression Division (CSD) police at a house in Satun province last Friday (May 25). Photo: CSD / Royal Thai Police ed back to Phuket to face the charges against him, Lt Kwansirinat Thairat of the Wichit Police confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday.

“I don’t know when he will arrive, but we still have to conclude our investigation, which includes questioning him,” Lt Kwansirinat said.

The hunt for Panpakorn led police to believe that he had fled to Phang Nga after officers caught his father driving towards the bridges heading off-island soon after the shooting.

Officers took Panpakorn’s father into custody for questioning, but have yet to reveal whether he, too, faces any charges for aiding and abetting a murder fugitive.

Lt Kwansirinat told The Phuket News last Friday that two of victims in the shooting – traditional Thai dance teacher Somchai Kieingchan, 42, and his wife Mrs Urarat, 43 – were still recovering at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

However, Lt Kwansirinat did not reveal any details of

their medical condition.

Mr Somchai had been shot in the left side of his neck and was bleeding profusely when emergency responders arrived.

His wife, Mrs Urarat, had been shot twice in her lower back, once in an arm and once in a leg, and had a broken finger on her right hand.

Their son, Thanawat, 20, was shot in his right leg and in his lower back, though Lt Kwansirinat made no mention of his condition or current whereabouts.

End of days for dangerous refuelling of speedboats from beaches Continued from page 1 ...To this, Wirot Damkong, Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Energy, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 30) that his office will take action as soon as next week.

“I received a formal request from Rawai Municipality about this on Friday (May 25). This behaviour is illegal under the Fuel Oils Control Act,” Mr Wirot said.

“We will call in everyone involved – the workers actually doing the refuelling, speedboat

captains and representatives of the companies involved – to a meeting at Rawai Municipality next week to warn them that they can no longer do this.

“If they continue to break the law, we will fine them,” Mr Wirot warned, though he declined to specify which sections of the Act the practice breaches or what penalty repeat offenders would face.

However, he added, “It (beach refuelling) is clearly illegal under the Act. For example, any persons operating a refuelling operation

or just commercially transporting fuels must have a permit to do so,” he added.

On this point Phuket Marine Office Chief Surat Sirisaiyat declined to answer any questions or comment on the issue.

Looking forward, Mr Wirot noted, “Our next step is to draw up plans to create a safe place in the area where these boats can be refuelled. It must to be a controlled area and reduce the exposure of risk to others.

“We also know that Rawai is

A ‘songthaew’ fully loaded with fuel drums arrives at Rawai Beach. not the only place in Phuket where this happens. We know this also happens in Cherng Talay,” Mr Wirot pointed out.

“We will bring the same attention to this at other beaches in Phuket after we have dealt with the situation in Rawai,” he said. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

PHUKET NEWS

Opinion divided on monkeys’ fate The Phuket News & Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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esidents in Phuket Tow n on Monday (May 28) voted to allow the wild monkeys to stay on Rang Hill, overlooking the town. The vote came at one of a series of public-feedback meetings held asking residents what to do with the troupes of wild monkeys in their respective areas.

A total of 47 local residents were present at the meeting on Monday, held at “Wat Khao Rang” (Rang Hill Temple), in Phuket Town.

The local residents made their opinion clear for wildlife officials to take steps to control the number of the wild monkeys living on Rang Hill, but asked to let the monkeys stay there.

As with the previous publicfeedback meetings, as a simple way to gauge public opinion on two key issues attendees were asked to vote by a show of hands on two questions:

A tourist feeds one of the monkeys at the popular ‘Monkey Viewpoint’ on the east side of Phuket Town.

Photo: Rassada Municipality 1) Do you want to the population of the monkeys to be controlled?

2) Do you want you the monkeys to be relocated?

To this, 44 people supported that “population control” measures must be taken, while three residents disagreed.

But only seven people voted to have the monkeys moved; 30 people disagreed and 10 people abstained from casting a vote.

At a public-feedback meeting held last Friday (May 25), Phuket Town residents also called for wildlife officials to take steps to control the number

of the wild monkeys living on Toh Sae Hill in the heart of Phuket Town, but also asked to let the monkeys stay there on the hill.

However, at the first publicfeedback meeting, held at the Chalerm Phrakiet Rama 9 Hall on Soi Tah Jeen, Rassada, on Tuesday last week (May 22), 66 of the 68 local residents presented voted in support of “population control” measures of the monkeys, and 55 of the 68 people present voted in support of having the monkeys removed.

Regarding the Koh Siray

meeting held last Thursday (May 24), the senior official who attended the meeting told The Phuket News, “Because it was raining very hard, no residents turned up. Actually, the only people present were reporters.

“As we could not use that meeting to gauge the opinion of any of the local residents, we will just use the forms completed and returned by residents so far and we will hold another public-feedback meeting on Koh Siray at a later date.”

The votes cast at the meetings and the actual feedback forms completed and submitted by local residents will be used in deciding what local wildlife officials will do with the evergrowing populations of wild monkeys in Phuket.

The results of the feedback questionnaires will be announced on June 30, Pongchart Chouehorm, Director of the Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area in Thalang, explained last week.

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Police and rescue workers render assistance at the scene.

Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Student hurt as tour bus hits motorbike A 14-YEAR-OLD STUDENT escaped serious injury after the motorbike he was riding was struck by a tour bus in a small street in Chalong on Tuesday morning (May 29).

Police and rescue workers were called to the scene, in Soi Yodsane 2, Chalong, at 9:25am.

Officers arrived to find a Bangkok-registered tour bus with “Sri Nawanput Transport” emblazoned on the side parked in the small street, with 14-year-old Thonkorn Sommat still under the bus just before the front right wheel.

Tharakorn, a student at Muang Phuket School just south of Chalong Circle, was bleeding profusely from

injuries to his mouth. He also suffered scratches and other minor injuries to his right leg and head.

By the time police arrived, the white-black Kawasaki KSR motorbike Tharakorn had been riding had been moved to the side of the road and local residents were rendering assistance.

Tharakorn was taken to the Accident & Emergency Centre at Chalong Hospital for treatment to his injuries, which at last report were not serious.

The driver of the tour bus, yet to be named by police, was taken to Chalong Police Station for questioning over the incident.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Facebook shamed over house bills, man slays landlord’s relative OUTRAGED BY A FACEBOOK post calling him out to pay utility bills, a man last Saturday (May 26) stabbed and killed a relative of the landlord of the property the man had lived in for years.

The suspect, Wachara Plekpon 25, from Trang, surrendered himself at Cherng Talay Police Station at 9pm last Saturday night, some five hours after the murder.

Capt Ronnapoom Permpoon of the Phuket City Police was notified of a stabbing, at a house in Soi Bangsan 2, Rassada, at 4pm.

@thephuketnews

At the scene, Nattapol “Meg” Vanich, 30, was unconscious on the floor in the kitchen with a knife wound to his stomach.

Unable to confirm that Mr Nattapol had a pulse, Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers administered CPR and rushed him to Mission Hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Wachara had lived in the house for years and knew Mr Nattapol well, police said.

“Wachara was a tenant in the house and lived there with his

girlfriend for years,” Capt Ronnapoom explained.

“Mr Nattapol is a relative of the landlord, and he often visited Wachara,” he added.

However, Wachara became angry when Mr Nattapol posted on Facebook a call for Wachara to pay his water and power bills, which some reports said had been only recently increased.

“The landlord called both of them to meet and resolve the matter, and asked Mr Nattapol to delete the Facebook post,” Capt

Ronnapoom explained.

Despite the call for a truce, an argument between Wachara and Mr Nattapol blew out of control, resulting in Wachara stabbing Mr Nattapol in the stomach, Capt Ronnapoom added.

After stabbing Mr Nattapol, Wachara fled on his yellow Honda Wave motorcycle, but later surrendered himself to police in Cherng Talay.

He was handed over to Phuket City Police to face legal action for the crime.

Wachara Plekpon 25, from Trang, surrendered himself at Cherng Talay Police Station at 9pm last Saturday night (may 26)t, some five hours after the murder. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

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Chinese envoys target tourist safety, lifeguards GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

gm@classactmedia.co.th

SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

high-powered delegation of Chinese officials were in Phuket again last week to specifically plea for better safety measures for tourists. It was the second Chinese embassy delegation to visit Phuket over tourist safety concerns in as many weeks.

Leading the delegation at the Pearl Hotel in Phuket Town last Wednesday (May 23) were Zhou Haicheng, who as the Chinese Consul-General in Songkhla is the lead Chinese government representative for all Southern Thailand, along with Zhang Xinhong, the Director of the Bangkok office of the powerful China National Tourism Administration (CNTA).

Also present to hear the statement was Ma Cuihong, who as Deputy Consul-General of the Chinese Consulate-General in Songkhla also heads the Phuket Consular Office of the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China.

Consul Zhou made it plain that the top priority of the

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (left) defended the efforts by local officials. Photo: PR Dept delegation was to prevent any further Chinese tourists from drowning.

“A lot of Chinese drowning in the Andaman region is the main issue,” he said.

Mr Zhou called for all Chinese tourists engaging in water activities to be warned of the dangers of drowning. He even called on tour companies to test tourists on whether they understand the warnings before they are allowed to enter the water.

“This way the tourists will have better knowledge of water safety and this will reduce the

number of drowning incidents,” he said.

Mr Zhou also called for measures to ensure marine transport was safe. “Especially speedboats, which must have rescue equipment on board to save tourists’ lives in emergencies,” he said.

“Tour companies must make sure that boat crews and the equipment on board is in perfect working order for each trip,” he added.

Specifically regarding beach safety, Mr Zhou said plainly: “Tourists need more lifeguards

on each beach to ensure faster response times when needed.

This will help to save tourists lives.”

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong, in front of representatives of at least 16 Phuket government offices, defended the efforts by local officials. “Officials work hard on enforcing the rules for tourists’ safety, on the road and in the sea,” he said.

“Especially in the hiring of lifeguards, which is now looked after by local administration organisations (Or­Bor­Tor and municipalities) but funded by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor),” Gov Norraphat added.

However, it was not explained to the delegation that funding from the PPAO has not yet arrived as confirmed by all the municipalities contacted by The Phuket News little more than two weeks ago.

Worse, following a beach audit by International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) Marine Safety Warrant Officer for Phuket Daren Jenner, the ISLA last Thursday (May

24) issued a damming Global Travel Warning for Phuket due to what it describes as “unsafe, unguarded beaches”.

“After a series of high-level meetings, we are no closer to our goal of improving Phuket’s lifeguard service. Vested interests in Phuket’s numerous local governments, along with inaction on the Phuket Governor’s part, have left us literally in the same position as three years ago,” said Mr Jenner in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) has revealed plans to spend B140 million on a CCTV system to somehow support lifeguards to provide better protection for swimmers at Phuket beaches during the dangerous southwest monsoon.

Apparently a “special program” will allow the CCTV cameras to identify when swimmers are no longer in the safe swimming zones, and send direct alerts to a mobile phone via an app, DEPA Phuket office chief Pracha Asawathira, told Governor Norraphat in presenting the plan last week, reported ManagerOnline.

Kiattisak (Rudy) Deamer 088 754 1371 sales2@classactmedia.co.th

Tourist found hanged on Patong Hill

POLICE ARE CONTINUing their investigation into the death of a Swedish tourist found hanged on Patong Hill last Saturday morning (May 26).

The body was noticed by people driving from Patong toward Phuket Town, who stopped to confirm what they saw and called police.

Officers from Patong Police Station led by Patong Police Chief Col Ayotai Jindamanee arrived at the scene, opposite the Tiger Temple on Patong Hill, to find the body hanged from a belt tied to overhead power cables behind a small hut.

The man, about 182cm tall with blond hair and wearing a blue long-sleeved shirt, long blue jeans with white trainers, was later

Police investigate the scene where the Swedish tourist's body was found. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub identified as Alexander Mats Linden, 24.

Police believe that he died about three to four hours before they arrived.

A Red PCX Honda motorcycle was parked about 50 metres away.

“At this stage police believe that the tourist was stressed about personal

issues, but we are still continuing our investigation in case there may have been other factors,” Col Ayotai said.

“We will co-ordinate with the Swedish Embassy in Thailand to coordinate with the man’s relatives,” he added.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Blaze guts market

PHUKET NEWS

5

Without insurance, vendors plea for support Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

V

endors at the Chatuchak Market in Phuket Town whose stalls were destroyed by fire late last Sunday night (May 27) are calling for people to support them by turning up at an interim market set up at the market site this weekend.

The “fire sale” stalls will be open from 3pm to 9pm on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend (June 2-3).

The blaze last Sunday night destroyed some 80 shops at the market, ripping through the site in just one hour, destroying stalls and vendors’ goods totalling an estimated B4-5 million.

More than 10 fire engines – from a combined force from Phuket City Municipality Rassada Municipality and the Phuket office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket) – were called to the scene at about 10:30pm.

However, by the time the fire teams arrived to battle the blaze at the old market, the damage had been done.

The fire had spread quickly and laid waste to many of the 80-plus shops at the market, including many clothes stalls.

Power supply to market was shut off while firefighters fought the flames, taking about an hour to bring the fire under control.

The woman filed the complaint after the Facebook group administrator stopped responding to messages when the gold-trading operators owed her B400,000.

The fire gutted the market, on the east side of Phuket Town, in about an hour last Sunday night.

One firefighter suffered burns to his hands while battling the flames, but no other injuries were reported as a result of the fire.

The Chatuchak Market is well known for cheap goods and secondhand clothes, and remains one of the splinter groups from the original, huge Phuket Chatuchak Market on Phang Nga Rd set up more than a decade ago.

The rest of the original Phuket Chatuchak Market vendors left to create what is now the Expo Market on the corner of Tilok U-Thit 2 Rd and Chanacharoen Rd in Phuket Town, while others moved south to join the Naka Weekend Market on Wirat Hongyok Rd in Wichit.

Investigators have yet to determine the

cause of Sunday’s fire, though electrical short-circuits causing sparks is a common cause of household fires throughout the country.

Peetiphas Pattarapagorn, Assistant Manager of the market, told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 30), “Right now we are waiting for officials to confirm the cause of fire. Then we will know what we will do next.”

Mr Peetiphas said the market was not covered by insurance as the structures were deemed as only temporary.

However, he added, “We are supporting the vendors by giving tents and allocating them areas where they can set up their stalls for free for at least a month.”

Deadline eased for B50mn project THE ALREADY LATE B50-million project to upgrade the main intersection just south of Phuket International Airport has been granted an extended deadline of 120 days, giving the contractor until late July to complete the project.

Confirmation of the extended deadline came last Thursday (May 24), when Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong urged the Phuket office of the Highways Department to expedite the work to upgrade the intersection, located at the junction of Route 4026 and Route 4031.

The work needed to be completed as quickly as possible as the project has been causing serious traffic delays since August last year, Gov Norraphat pointed out.

Under the government concession, contractor Morakot Chumphon Construction Co Ltd had 240 days to complete the works, from August 1, 2016 to March 28, 2018.

The work included expanding the width of the traffic lanes, installing roadside drains and making a footpath alongside the roads. @thephuketnews

Although the contract is for B50mn, the work is to affect only 418 metres along Route 4026 and one kilometre along Route 4031, effectively 500m either side of the junction. Map: Phuket Highways Office Although the contract is for B50mn, the work is to affect only 418 metres along Route 4026 and one kilometre along Route 4031, effectively 500m either side of the junction.

However, it was explained at the meeting last week that Morakot Chumphon Construction had been subjected to delays beyond their control, namely being forced to wait for power lines and telecommunications cables to be moved by other local government agencies before they could continue the work.

So far the company has

only completed 35% of the project, the governor was told.

This project has now been given an extra 120 days to complete the works, providing a new deadline of July 26, 2018 for the project.

Under the government contract, the contractor is supposed to be held liable to a fine of B124,532.50 per day for failing to complete the project on time. However, it was not made clear last week whether Morakot Chumphon Construction would be subjected to any fines for late completion.

The Phuket News

Woman loses B400k in Facebook scam POLICE ARE INVESTIgating a complaint from a Phuket woman who claims she has been defrauded out of B400,000 in a Facebook gold-trading scam.

Capt Kraisorn Boonprasop of the Thalang Police received the complaint from the woman, who he identified only as “Miss Nam”, last Thursday (May 24).

Miss Nam told police that she saw the scheme advertised on Facebook and made several minor investments.

“She initially had no complaints as she received her returns as advertised,

which were much higher than the usual market rates,” Capt Kraisorn explained.

However, with the operation reportedly owing her B400,000, the administrator of the Facebook group has gone silent – along with Miss Nam’s money.

Capt Kraisorn said his officers were investigating the complaint, and investigating whether Miss Nam’s case is related to a scam that saw 50 people in Sadao District, Songkla province, filing complaints amounting to B200 million.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Opinion 6

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

EDITORIAL

Time to protect our children

CONTACT US

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KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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.

MATTHEW POND

News & Sports Editor

editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has over six years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

T

he recent death of a 12-year-old boy and injury of a 14-year-old boy in separate incidents highlights yet more of the glaring issues contributing to Phuket’s appalling road-safety record.

These two most recent instances involved young boys illegally riding motorcycles, as they were both too young to obtain a license, and colliding with large tour buses. These accidents represent a “perfect storm” of negligence resulting in devastating consequences.

First, these young boys should never have been riding motorcycles in the first place, so why were they? A fair proportion of responsibility must rest with the boys’ parents, who for whatever reason allowed their children to be in control of a motorbike. Where would young boys get the money to buy a motorbike? Or if it was borrowed, then any adults that

editor1@classactmedia.co.th From Melbourne, Australia, Mark holds a BA from La Trobe University where he completed a double major in Anthropology and Media Studies.

He has over eight years experience as a journalist, photographer and editor for several magazines and newspapers.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT Reporter 091 165 0260 reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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it is too see young children riding motorbikes, often with two or three of their friends along for the ride.

Third, some portion of the blame must be put on the government officials who have failed to provide adequate public transport to schools, making it all the more tempting for parents to let their children ride to school. Teachers at government schools should also be directed to monitor students who ride to school without a license and report them to police, their parents or take whatever steps needed to stop it from happening.

It is time for parents, police, teachers, officials to uphold their responsibilities to the children they should be protecting from harm. It’s time to change attitudes, treat this issue seriously and take concrete steps to stop underage children from riding motorbikes.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

16 foreign inmates to be sent home from Thailand Phuket Opinion: Foreigners not the only bad guys!

Police investigate Swedish tourist hanged on Patong Hill Thai women ‘married’ by Indian gangsters Visakha Bucha Buddhist holiday brings alcohol ban to Phuket Welcome to Phuket: The rainy season officially arrives ISLA issues Phuket travel warning Man arrested for knife rape attack on neighbour Phuket’s ‘whale shark boats’ banned from leaving port Fire rips through Phuket market

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY

MARK KNOWLES

Lifestyle Editor

lent them the motorcycles must also shoulder a fair part of responsibility for the accident.

That they were able to get their hands on a motorbike can be put down to the pervasive attitude that it is fine to ignore road laws because it’s unlikely that you will be caught or face any financial penalty for doing so.

Second, a share of the responsibility must be put on police and their lack of willingness to enforce road laws that encourages the widespread attitude that they are just silly rules that you needn’t pay attention to. In any place that takes road laws seriously, these boys would have been stopped within minutes by police who could clearly have seen that they were too young to be riding. Sadly this rarely, if ever, happens in Phuket and you just have to stand out the front of any school at the end of the day to see how common

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How many more?

Re: Phuket student injured as tour bus hits motorbike in residential sidestreet Twice in just weeks, schoolboys had been hit or lost control over their motorbike. One boy 12: Dead. One boy 14: Almost dead. How old do you need to drive a motorbike? Has the 14-year-old boy’s motorbike been modified? It also looks like he had no helmet on. How many kids have to die, lose their limbs or just be lucky and get a few minor injuries, before the police, parents and officials wake up?

Wilma ..................................................

Dangerous egos

Re: Angered by Facebook post over bills, man stabs, kills landlord’s relative Another day in paradise, another fragile Thai male ego and another murder over such a trivial matter, bonkers!

Pauly 44 ..................................................

Building bubbles

Re: Phuket condo market climbs after big hit Yes, demand is up, that’s why Emerald group and many others are in so much trouble

for not building units they’ve taken deposits on… because they sold them all? Nope.

Meantime the resale on all these sky-coffins is nonexistent, so once the company folds and your rental guarantee disappears with it you’ll be stuck with a property you can’t sell on.

Captain Jack An article on the resale value of condos would be very interesting. Condos being sold today are nearly all sold with a rental guarantee, which is what the Asian buyers want.

But what happens to these units after the guarantee period runs out and they try to sell?

Who is going to buy them all? Has anyone managed to sell a second-hand condo in last three years? Huge bubble being created.

Discover Thainess ..................................................

Twist of fate

Re: 16 foreign inmates to be sent home from Thailand The foreign inmates returning to their country will be very happy. The Thai inmates abroad will see their return to Thailand, and a Thai prison, as

a nightmare. No bed, no private toilet, no air-con, no TV in their cell. No sport facilities, no good dental and medical care. Ease overcrowding? How? There are 16 out and 17 back in.

Kurt ..................................................

Self responsibility

Re: International Surf Lifesaving Association issues Phuket travel warning There is no-one on standby to save you from crossing the road unsafely. There is no-one on duty to ensure you drive your moped safely. No-one on duty to save you from snakes if you walk through the forest.

The moral of this story is: If you cannot swim quite well, don’t go in the ocean past your waist height, or don’t go in at all. Stop blaming the Thai government for not babysitting you.

Winfield ..................................................

Misguided solution

Re: B140mn CCTV project punted to support Phuket ‘Smart City’ lifeguards As with most of the traffic CCTV, they rarely work, are rarely maintained or even monitored. The B140 million

would pay for 100 lifeguards at B15,000 month, year round, for six years. And, still provide funds for operational costs. I love Thailand, but, it’s difficult to understand why the simplest solutions are ignored and the unworkable, most expensive are used. Why is this?

Foot ..................................................

Paved with gold

Re: Phuket airport junction B50mn upgrade gifted extended deadline B50mn for such a small stretch of road – I’m in the wrong business! The roads are certainly paved with gold in Thailand.

What next? An extensive CCTV system to cover it?

Fascinated ..................................................

First things first

Re: AoT approves B60bn airport for Phang Nga ‘in principle’ Build more airports! Ten million more passengers per year!

Hey, how’s about some basic infrastructure? Like maybe a more sophisticated sewage system than the current ‘dump it into a canal and let it flow to the sea’?

Timothy

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

7

Accomplices added to hunt Two Thais, one Lao national sought for assisting monks flee arrest BANGKOK Bangkok Post

P

olice are hunting two Thais and one Lao national who are believed to have helped two senior monks flee as they were being sought in connection with a temple fund embezzlement scandal.

The three suspects – a Thai man, a Thai woman and another woman from Laos – assisted the abbot of Bangkok’s Wat Sa Ket (Golden Mount), Phra Phrom Sitthi, and Phra Phrom Methi, the assistant abbot of Wat Samphanthawong, to escape before officers raided the two temples last Thursday (May 24), a source in the Crime Suppression Division claimed.

Officers came armed with arrest warrants for both monks.

Shortly after they made their escape the three wanted suspects vanished from their living quarters and have not been heard from since, accord-

These monks and aides to wanted abbots are in custody but two top abbots in the greatest crackdown ever on crooked temples are on the run. Photo: Post Today ing to those who know them, the source added.

Investigators have alerted the Immigration Bureau and if any of the suspects is found attempting to leave the country, authorities now have the authority to detain them without a warrant, the source said.

Both Phra Phrom Sitthi and Phra Phrom Methi are believed to be hiding in Bangkok with the help of their followers,

another well-informed source said.

Meanwhile, police arrested five senior monks in predawn raids on three temples that same Thursday.

At Wat Sa Ket, they arrested three assistant abbots but Phra Phrom Sitthi could not be found.

At Wat Sam Phraya, they took Phra Phrom Dilok and his secretary Phra Atthakit Sophon

Living dogs, cats found dumped in tied sacks SAMUT PRAKAN T W E LV E L I V E D O G S and two cats were found stuffed in fertiliser sacks on the back of a parked pickup truck in Muang district of Samut Prakan in the early hours of Wednesday (May 30).

Police and rescuers were called to the entrance of Klang Muang housing estate in tambon Dan Samrong about 1am.

There they found 10 sacks left in the back of a pickup parked near a wastewater treatment pond, said Lt Col Uthit Sudjai, investigation chief at Samrong Nua Police Station.

The sacks were tightly tied shut, with the cries of dogs and cats coming intermittently from them.

When they were opened rescuers found 12 poodles and two cats inside the sacks.

The animals were exhausted and weak.

Onlookers quickly brought water, milk and food for the rescued animals.

Pathipan Thaiyakorn, 22, who found the animals, said he went to see a friend at the housing estate and parked his car near the parked truck @thephuketnews

around 5pm on Tuesday (May 29). He heard animal noises at the time but assumed they were coming from an area behind the wastewater facility. He paid it no attention and went to visit his friend.

When he returned to his vehicle late Tuesday night he again heard the cries of dogs and cats in distress and started looking around to see where it came from.

He quickly tracked it down. The cries were emanating from closed sacks on the back of the parked pickup.

He immediately called police.

Rescuers took the 14 distressed animals to a temporary shelter in Samut Prakan.

A foundation in Chonburi reportedly plans to take them under its care.

Police said the pickup might have nothing to do with the animals. According to local residents it had been parked there for a long time. Someone might have dumped the sacks with the animals onto the parked vehicle and left.

Investigators were viewing recordings from security cameras to find out when the animals were dumped, and by whom. Whoever was responsible would face legal

action under the Prevention of Cruelty and Animal Welfare Act. Bangkok Post

into custody. At Wat Samphanthawong in the Yaowarat (Chinatown) area of Bangkok they could not locate assistant abbot Phra Phrom Methi, who also had a warrant out in his name.

The same source said investigators were gathering evidence to back more charges of money laundering that will be laid against the senior monks.

Twelve dogs and two cats, clearly exhausted, after they were rescued. Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan

A source at the police force’s Counter Corruption Division (CCD) said on Sunday (May 27) that the CCD has finished probing 40 temples, 30 of which were suspected of being involved in the embezzlement scheme.

Losses are estimated at more than B102 million, the source said.

The source said investigators are being instructed to widen their probe to cover other irregularities detected at a number of temples implicated in the scandal.

In situations where temple properties or land plots affiliated with monasteries has been leased, investigators are being advised to track all related financial transactions to determine whether the rent was paid to the correct bank accounts belonging to the temples, the source said.

Some officers expect the trail may lead to the personal bank accounts of specific monks, the source added.

After investigators found a

number of land title deeds during last Thursday’s raid at Wat Sam Phraya, Phra Phrom Dilok may face additional charges if sufficient evidence is found proving that he was involved in unauthorised mortgaging and lending services, said the same source.

In light of his seniority, Phra Phrom Dilok is considered a state official. If it can be proven that he was involved in providing such financial services, his actions could be deemed a violation of Section 157 of the Criminal Code, which concerns dereliction of duty.

In another development, Phra Tham Suthi, who has been serving as the first deputy of the Sangha ecclesiastical chief of Bangkok, was appointed acting chief of the sect, according to another source.

The move came following the detention of Phra Phrom Dilok. Phram Tham Suthi, 75, currently serves as the abbot of Wat Hua Lamphong in Bang Rak district.

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

A bad choice of words Wrong phrase gives Third Region Armay commander bad image BANGKOK Bangkok Post

T

hird Region Ar my commander Vijak Siribansop had no idea he would still be answering questions about the extra-judicial killing of Lahu hilltribe rights advocate, Chaiyaphum Pasae, a full year after the incident occurred on March 17 last year.

Lt Gen Vijak, who leads active suppression squads against the heavy proliferation of drug smuggling in the North, even earned the notorious alias “Ti Auto” from Chaiyaphum’s extra-judicial killing.

The incident, the commander said, does not discourage him from cracking down on transnational drug rings. He only needs to be more careful about his words, he said.

Combatting drug traffickers is his priority. He insisted there is no let-up in the authorities’ fight against drug traffickers and couriers in the north under the army’s jurisdiction he leads.

He is all ears to intelligence reports about frequent drug trafficking.

“About 500 million methamphetamine pills (ya bah) will be smuggled into Thailand soon,” Lt Gen Vijak told the Bangkok Post, citing intelligence warnings from the Office of the Narcotic Control Board. The pills would be smuggled in over an unspecified period of time.

He admitted the highprofile Chaiyaphum’s extrajudicial killing has generated much criticism which marred his reputation.

Third Region Army commander Lt Gen Vijak Siribansop inspects denuded hills in Nan where soldiers are tracking down suspects who cut down protected trees and are allegedly involved in drug trade. Photo: Post Today Chaiyaphum, who was suspected of possessing thousands of speed pills, was shot dead near a military-supervised checkpoint in Chiang Mai’s Chiang Dao district. The military claimed the shot was fired because the suspect tried to throw a hand grenade at soldiers.

One soldier fired a single bullet in “self-defence” which killed the 17-year-old. Lt Gen Vijak said the soldier had no intention to kill the rights advocate.

The 3rd Army chief later made a controversial comment, saying he would have fired with an automatic gun if he were that soldier. The comment instantly earned him the alias “Ti Auto”; Ti being his nickname and Auto for the automatic gun.

“I just wanted to make a comparison,” Lt Gen Vijak said, adding he wanted to explain that the soldier was

well-trained while he, by comparison, would not have shot with such precision.

“It’s a lesson learned for me. I have to be more careful when talking to the media,” Lt Gen Vijak said. “I regret the incident.”

Now he is concentrating on anti-drug operations in the far North where, despite the continued crackdowns, the drug situation has shown no sign of abating.

In crackdowns between April and May, authorities seized a combined 30mn ya bah pills, over one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice), in targeted areas in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. However, these drug interceptions, which were mainly based on intelligence reports and tip-offs, have stopped a large quantity of drugs from being trafficked and cost the drug network at least B4 billion.

His troops, together with state agencies, are preparing new sting operations in response to a report that about 500mn ya bah pills, produced by the two main Wa ethnic groups in Myanmar, will soon be slipped into Thailand.

The pills produced by the Wa Nua (Northern Wa) are recognisable by the “Y1” embossed on the tablets while the pills manufactured by the Wa Tai (Southern Wa) typically bear the “999” mark on them.

He said a failure to stem the inflow of the drugs would turn Thailand into a transit point for drug re-export to other countries.

The ya bah pills are delivered to southern Thailand before they are smuggled into Malaysia and Indonesia while the ya ice is destined for Australia, Lt Gen Vijak said.

He conceded soldiers alone cannot stamp out drug traf-

fickers. They need help from other state agencies as well as from people in Myanmar on whose side of the border area some drug factories are reported to be produced by ethnic groups.

Lt Gen Vijak said the armed ethnic rebel groups, including the Wa, have not agreed to peace talks with the Myanmar government. The proposed talks are believed to hold promises for a permanent drug eradication plan.

Their long-running internal conflicts have motivated minority groups to keep selling the drugs as they need money to buy weapons.

Lt Gen Vijak said allegations had arisen that some weapons were sent via courier service companies from the eastern border provinces of Thailand to the northern border and supplied to the ethnic minority groups. The companies had no idea they

were transporting weapons.

Thai and Myanmar authorities are working together to tackle the weapon and drug problems. “We turn to each other for help,” Lt Gen Vijak said.

“They [Myanmar] will help us crack down on drug traffickers while we intercept the weapons and block them from reaching minority groups in Myanmar.”

Lt Gen Vijak said the Thai authorities are fully able to stop arms smugglers.

The commander said the authorities have sent details of 18 Thai drug suspects to Myanmar’s narcotic agency which will arrest them. The suspects are thought to have f led to the neighbouring country.

“I also learn that Myanmar has increasingly put pressure on the Wa armed groups,” he said. As a result, large quantities of ya bah pills were seized in Tachilek, opposite Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai. These anti-drug operations have built an image of Lt Gen Vijak as a drug buster of the North.

However, there is another side to the commander, Lt Gen Vijak can cook up a storm.

The former student of Class 18 at Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School is known to his friends, including his close friend, 4th Army chief Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanich, as “chef Ti”.

His skills and fondness of culinary arts have seen him cook for family, friends and customers. He runs a restaurant in Lampang, his home province, and plans to open a branch in Nan.

‘Dino’ traffic cop wins hearts of parents, pupils NAKHON NAYOK A POLICE OFFICER DIRECTing traffic outside a school in Nakhon Nayok has impressed pupils – along with their parents and passing motorists – with his creative costumes.

Sen Sgt Maj Tanit Bussabong has become a darling for netizens after pictures of him wearing cartoon costumes while on duty outside Anuban Nakhon Nahok kindergarten in Muang district went viral.

One photo posted on social media featured a large dinosaur doll, which made it appear as if the officer was

actually riding the extinct beast.

Other famous characters making an appearance were Minnie Mouse and the Japanese mascot Kumamon.

Sen Sgt Maj Tanit was assigned to the location almost a year ago, and has since become popular nationwide after pictures of the officer were shared on the @tiny.

NakhonNayok Facebook account on Monday (May 28) – and rapidly went viral.

“I can encourage children to go to school,” he told the catdumb.com website. “I asked for permission from my boss and he supported the idea,” he added.

“My daughter likes him”, posted

a follower named New Nitikul. “Her eyes went wide with excitement when she saw him. Her face looked pretty sad on days she didn’t see him. She asked me ‘Where is that policeman?’”

Since his pictures were shared, many thanked him for delighting their children – and called for more. more.

“I’ll do it again. See you on Thursday,” the officer wrote on the @tiny.NakhonNayok Facebook page.

“I’m off on Wednesday. Come for selfies and thank you all for liking what I’m doing.”

“I enjoy my job,” he added.

Bangkok Post

Sen Sgt Maj Tanit Bussabong appears to ride a dinosaur while directing traffic outside Anuban Nakhon Nayok School in Nakhon Nayok. Photo: @tiny.NakhonNayok Facebook via Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Threatened by deforestation

India’s artisan wood carvers face ruin as rare wood disappears INDIA Bhuvan Bagga

A

rtisan wood carvers who have been making intricate toys for Indian maharajas, ministers and their children for generations are facing ruin as the rare wood their unique products rely on disappears.

The highly treasured, brightly coloured Kondapalli toys are under threat from deforestation, and in particular the rampant exploitation of the Tella Poniki tree.

The wooden elephants, soldiers and gods are named after the Andhra Pradesh village of Kondapalli, where artists have lived since the 16th century.

The craftsmen and women produce the figures for royalty and high-ranking politicians, with ministers still regularly giving Kondapalli toys as gifts to foreign dignitaries.

Their tradition depends on the Tella Poniki, a rare tree that only survives around the nearby city of Vijayawada.

The disappearing forests mean the carvers must look further afield for supplies of the white wood, which is prized for its malleability.

The Kondapalli carvers are also battling the threat of digital toys and are wrestling with the quandary of whether to adopt modern machinery to up their efficiency and cut their prices.

“Market demand and curiosity for these toys may be increasing but we are nothing without quality wood at a reasonable price,” Bharani Kota Verma, a 48-year-old fifth-generation Kondapalli toymaker said.

Verma said the price of wood has doubled in the past three years because of the shortage. “Our margins

@thephuketnews

Artisan wood carvers who have been making intricate toys for Indian maharajas, ministers and their children for generations are facing ruin as the rare wood their unique products rely on disappears. Photo: Noah Seelam / AFP have been squeezed,” he said.

“The wood from the tree is very soft and ideal for carving into various shapes,” explained 55-year-old S.K. Ashra Funnisa, who has been making toys for more than 40 years.

Funnisa owns a small shop in Kondapalli’s busy market crammed with wooden elephants, bullock carts and figures from Hindu mythology.

She pointed to a Tella Poniki log that cost 400 rupees (B188.50) three years ago but now costs double.

J.S.N. Murthy, Andhra Pradesh chief forestry officer, said the state government planned to establish extra plantations to ease the crisis.

He explained many craftsman are unable to find legal local supplies and are approaching middlemen who pass off similar softwoods

from further afield at higher prices.

Murthy said authorities would create up to five hectares of new land for Tella Poniki each year over the next two decades.

Competition from more modern toys and the growing attraction of machines also weighs heavily on Kondapalli.

“Eight to 10 hours of labour to carve 20 cows or buffaloes only gives me about 300 rupees (B141.38),” Shaik Moulali said at his cramped one-room home, which doubles as a workshop.

He sat with a jute basket of carved and part-finished animal figures in one corner.

His wife, Baji Sheikh, sat with their two sons, cooking on a small stove at the other end.

“The introduction of machines will definitely reduce the effort and energy spent by people like me,” he said.

Others like Verma reject the replacement of traditional knives, brushes and chisels.

“No genuine toymaker uses machines,” he said.

Men and women in Kondapalli families traditionally share the toy work. Men carve the wood while women do the intricate painting. Baji – who

does household chores and takes care of sons Khaja, 9, and Shahin Baba, 12 – spends eight hours each day painting at least 50 animals.

“It’s time-consuming but 50 painted toys bring me about 100 rupees (B47.13),” she said.

Many locals say the authorities should do more to promote the toys that still have a special significance at festivals and social occasions.

More contemporary designs have been added to the toy catalogue, while the use of enamels and other modern paints have cut costs and made the toys more durable.

But even with these efforts, things look bleak.

“The next generation, who can earn more without learning these tough skills and the hard work, isn’t interested in entering this field like people did 10 or 20 years back,” Verma said.

“I just want them to study and find a job,” he said, gesturing toward his 15-year-old daughter nearby. Verma fears he will be the last toymaker in his family.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Riding out waves, harassment

Women surfers now a common site but still face prejudice MOROCCO Younes Boujabha

M

oroccan women surfers have become a common sight as they skim the waves off the coast of the capital, Rabat, but they still can face prejudice and harassment back on land.

“It’s easier in the winter because the beaches are empty,” said surfer Meriem, 29, who, like most of the women surfers, wears a wetsuit.

“In the summer we suffer a lot of harassment, that’s why we pay attention to what we wear.”

The engineer, who took up the sport four years ago, said she’s lucky to have grown up in a “tolerant” family.

For m a ny Mor o c c a n women from conservative backgrounds, such activities are off limits.

“Some families are ashamed that their daughters practise water sports,” said Jalal Medkouri, who runs the Rabat Surf Club on the capital’s popular Udayas beach.

Meriem, a 29-year-old Moroccan engineer and surfer, surfs off the coast of Rabat. At Rabat’s popular Udayas beach, women surfers prefer wearing traditional robes over stylish swimsuits, but they still face harassment out in the water. Photo: Fadel Senna / AFP The gentle waves nearby are ideal for beginners, but nestled at the foot of the 12th century Kasbah and easily visible from the capital’s bustling touristic heart, the beach is far from discreet.

Yet some club members say attitudes are changing.

Rim Bechar, 28, said that

when she began surfing four years ago, “it was a bit more difficult”.

“At first, my father accompanied me whenever I wanted to surf,” she said. But now, “people are used to seeing young women in the water, it’s no longer a problem.”

Today, she surfs alone,

stays all day and goes home without problems, she said.

Surfers first took to the waves off Morocco’s Atlantic Coast in the 1960s, at the popular seaside resort of Mehdia, about 50 kilometres north of the capital.

Residents say soldiers at a nearby French-American

military base were the first to practice the sport there.

A handful of enthusiasts, French and Moroccan, quickly nurtured the scene, travelling further south to the lesserknown beaches of Safi and Taghazout, which later gained popularity with surfers from around the world.

The sport gradually gained Moroccan enthusiasts, including women. In September 2016, the country held its first international women’s surfing contest.

But mentalities differ from beach to beach.

Despite efforts to improve the status of women in the North African country, attitudes have been slow to change.

A United Nations study in 2017 found that nearly 72% of men and 78% of women think “women who dress provocatively deserve to be harassed”.

The harassment women surfers can face in Morocco ranges from looks and comments to unwanted attempts at f lirtation and attention from men.

In Mehdia, however, surf instructor Mounir said it’s “no problem” for girls to surf.

Last summer “we even saw girls in bikinis on the beach and the authorities didn’t say anything”, he said.

Back at Udayas beach, popular with young men playing football, attitudes are more conservative.

“Girls are often harassed by the boys,” Bechar said.

“At first it wasn’t easy, so I decided to join a club.”

The Rabat Surf Club now has more than 40 surfers, half of whom are girls, Medkouri said.

“Parents encourage their children when they feel they are in good hands,” he said.

Club surfing is particularly popular among girls because the group setting cuts harassment and eases the concerns of some families.

Ikram, who also surfs there, said she hopes “all girls who were prevented by their father or brother from doing what they want will follow this path”.

“Surfing makes you dynamic,” she said.

AFP

Rose surplus crushes petal prices BULGARIA EVERYTHING IS NOT coming up roses for Bulgaria’s petal traders.

A particularly abundant harvest this year has sent the price of Bulgarian rose petals crashing, leaving producers in the Rose Valley in the Balkans fearing for their livelihoods.

On May 19, a group of rose growers protested in the town of Kazanlak in the heart of the valley, scattering delicate pink rose petals on the roads in a bid to shed light on their plight.

The lush Bulgarian rose is a gorgeous flower whose essential oil is used to make perfumes, face creams and body lotions all around the world.

Bulgaria, alongside Turkey, Iran and Morocco, is one of the world’s largest rose oil producers.

Bulgaria’s temperate climate and alluvial soils provide the ideal conditions for growing the best plant, the Damask Rose.

In recent years, a kilogram of rose petals was sold

Rose producers stand in front of rose petals as they block a main road near the city of Kazanlak on May 19 during a protest against the decrease in rose petals price. Photo: Ivan Yanev / AFP at between four and six leva (B75.83 and B113.74). This year, the price per kilogram has plummeted to 1.3 leva (B24.64), Agriculture Minister Rumen Porozhanov said last week.

Bulgaria produces some 1,500kg of rose oil each year.

That may not seem like much, except that it takes a whopping 3,500kg of rose petals in order to produce a single kilogram of the prized essential oil.

Each kilogram of rose oil sells for around 6,000 euros (B223,133).

Porozhanov said Bulgaria will harvest 16,000 tons of rose petals this season – 25% more than 2017, after an

increase in rose farmland and a warm winter.

“This quantity exceeds the capacity of distilleries, some of which have not opened yet after they were saturated with last year’s harvests,” the minister told Bulgaria’s public broadcaster BNT. He also pledged to introduce subsidies for rose farmers affected by the surplus, as he announced a proposal to draft a law to defend the country’s producers.

Some exporters mix Bulgarian essential oil with oils imported from Turkey or Iran, endangering the national trade, the minister said.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Condos in recovery

Market starts climb back after huge hit in 2017 stalls growth PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Phuket condominium market is expected to perform better in line with brighter economic forecast and the growing population on the island, according to the latest research report by Knight Frank Thailand.

“Increasing supply and higher selling prices will be the key drivers, while demand is forecasted to improve slightly,” noted a report issued last Friday (May 25).

“The number of new supply (units) launched in Phuket is predicted to mount continuously and local developers as well as joint-venture development companies will be key players in the market,” the report added.

“Average asking prices per square metre are also anticipated to rise in all areas, while increasing demand for luxury condominium units may see prices approaching a

@thephuketnews

Average Selling Price Phuket Condominium 2008 -2017.

Source : Knight Frank Thailand Research new high in 2018, especially those properties located by the sea,” the reported highlighted, adding that the rolling out of projects under the Phuket Smart City umbrella is also expected to help boost the island’s property market.

Among the highlights of the report is that the bright outlook follows Phuket’s condominium market taking a big hit in 2017.

An estimated 1,736 units were launched in 2017; as a

result, accumulated condominium stock in Phuket surged to 14,266 units, increasing approximately 14% y-o-y.

However, the number of new units launched in 2017 slashed by 29% y-o-y from 2,478 units to 1,736 units since developers become more selective and exercise greater caution in their investment as well as product offered to the recent buyers’ market, the report explains.

On the demand front, 1,147

condos were sold in 2017, a plunge of 36% year-on-year (y-o-y).

In 2017 alone, the market saw an average take-up rate of 66%, a fall of 6% y-o-y while the absorption rate dropped 35.8% y-o-y.

Average take-up rate for the new partly seaview developments plunged to 65%, representing a decrease of 16.7% y-o-y. Over the same period, take-up rate for the new seaview and non-seaview units

witnessed moderate declines of 3.4% and 2.5%, respectively.

On customer profile front, the Phuket condominium market is predominantly driven by foreign buyers, especially those originated from Mainland China, Russia, and Australia.

The buyers of these properties tend to buy them for own occupation or long-term capital appreciation.

Demand across the market is expected to continue to be driven upwards by international homebuyers, investors, and expatriates, especially those from Mainland China, Russia and Australia, with a larger portion of buyers from South Korea predicted to play an increasing role.

“Newly launched supply with seaview, partial seaview, and non-seaview accounted for 44%, 54% and 2%, respectively,” the reports noted.

The majority of the new developments are in the high-end market segment, principally located in Karon, Nai Harn and Bang Tao, the report added.

Condominium projects

launched in 2017 recorded an average take-up rate of 66%, a fall of 6% y-o-y.

However, certain projects commanding “affordable pricing, attractive down payment packages, exceptional amenities and convenient locations” were able to achieve higher sales within weeks of their launch, the report pointed out.

Meanwhile, the average asking prices of all condominiums launched across the island in 2017 stood at B135,719 per square metre, representing an increase of 2.5% y-o-y.

Average asking prices for seaview units were B181,522 per sqm, up 1.5% compared with the previous year. Driven by increasing selling prices of the new additions to the market, partly seaview units’ average asking prices in 2017 reached B115,828 per sqm, approximately 5% higher than 2016.

Over the same period, average asking price of nonseaview condominiums surged to B103,927 per sqm, up from B102,583 per sqm in 2016.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Marine event merger Phuket RendezVous join forces with Thailand, Singapore Yacht Shows MARINE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Thailand Yacht Show and the Phuket RendezVous, both key marine lifestyle events held in Phuket, will merge and become one combined yachting extravaganza, starting next year, organisers have announced.

The news was announced in a joint statement on May 24 issued by Andy Treadwell, CEO of Verventia Pte Ltd, owner of the Singapore and Thailand Yacht Shows, and Gael and Olivier Burlot, owners of Asia RendezVous Pte Ltd organisers of the Phuket, Penang and Singapore RendezVous events.

The two companies have agreed to collaborate by jointly producing only one show in Thailand and one in Singapore – the destination hub and the business hub respectively for the yachting industry in Southeast Asia, read the announcement.

“The move was precipi-

Andy Treadwell (centre), CEO of Verventia Pte Ltd, owner of the Singapore and Thailand Yacht Shows, with Gael and Olivier Burlot, owners of Asia RendezVous Pte Ltd organisers of the Phuket, Penang and Singapore RendezVous events. tated by a request earlier in the year from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to gather the industry together in one major event in Thailand so as to demonstrate united support for the government’s yacht tourism initiative,” the statement added.

“The yachting industry has been vocal for years that there should only be one boat show in each strategic location and has requested just such a ‘get together’. The two show organisers acknowledge that they have different yet complementary strengths and skill

sets that, combined, will create bigger and better single events in each country.

“Similarly, with their combined resources and budgets, they will be able to activate an aggressive and far-reaching promotional plan that should draw many more potential

buyers and charterers into the market,” the statement read.

The new Phuket event will be a straight joint venture between the two existing businesses, called the “Thailand Yacht Show & RendezVous”, and there will be an additional jointly-owned event alongside the current Singapore Yacht Show which will be called the “Singapore Yacht Show RendezVous”.

Andy Treadwell explained, “It’s a classic example of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, from every point of view. The TAT, our partners and main sponsor of the Thailand Yacht show, asked us to try to get everyone working together instead of competing and dividing the industry. The major industry players asked us to do exactly the same thing.

“Gael and Olivier have a great work ethic, an excellent region-wide digital and print media platform, and a direct line to the luxury lifestyle industries – which is a good complement to any kind of yacht show,” he added.

Gael Burlot noted, “We feel it’s a good time and a good place to get everyone working together – the luxury industries are coming out of a challenging period, and things are looking better and better, while the yachting industry should now be in a position to dramatically expand in the Asia-Pacific region.

“All our efforts over the last 15 years to promote the industry and educate a growing audience of prospects in Asia are paying off; so is the hard work Andy and his team have been doing with the regional governments to open up Asia to yacht tourism - an initiative we want to support and fully be part of. Exciting times ahead!”

The Thailand Yacht Show & Rendezvous will take place from January 4-7, 2019, with the venue to be confirmed shortly in conjunction with the consensus of industry opinion.

The Singapore Yacht Show Rendezvous will replace the current Luxury Pavilion at SYS 2019, which will run from April 11-14.

AoT approves B60bn Phang Nga airport TOURISM T H E BOA R D OF A I Rports of Thailand (AoT) has approved “in principle” construction of second airports for Phuket and for Chiang Mai with a combined planned investment of B120 billion.

AoT president Nitinai Sirismatthakarn last Friday (May 25) said the board approved the plans in principle for fiscal years 2019-2023, with each project allocated B60bn, reported the Bangkok Post.

Phuket’s “second airport”

An aircraft awaits departure at Phuket International Airport. Photo: The Phuket News / file is planned to be located in the Khok Kloi subdistrict, just north of Phuket, a senior official at the AoT office at Phuket International Airport confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday afternoon (May 25).

“The planned site covers 4,700 rai, but at this stage the project is still in its policy development stage,” the official said.

Construction of both airports is expected to begin in 2019 and be completed no later than 2025, with the two facilities built to each accommodate about 10 million passengers a year, Mr Nitinai said.

AoT board chairman Prasong Phunthanet said the airports would ease overcrowding at the existing airports in both Phuket and Chiang Mai. The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

The tropical gardener’s treasured shrub

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

14

CHIARO is bringing music to the people

16

THIS IS SPARTA!

The Spartan Burger and Souvlaki Bar is proving to be a heavyweight fighter in the island’s best burger battle The Spartan’s burgers feature delicious dry-aged beef patties, quality ingredients and house-made condiments.

Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ike many Phuket expats Alex Stathopoulos first came to the island for a short visit, but charmed by the tropical lifestyle, ended up staying here and opening a business. His restaurant, called The Spartan Burger and Souvlaki Bar in a nod to his Mediterranean heritage, is located close to the entrance of Phuket’s famous Muay Thai training hotspot Soi Ta-ied.

That’s a good thing too, because you need an appetite worked up from a hard day’s training to take on one of the hearty burgers or chunky souvlakis for which The Spartan is quickly becoming known.

Alex was born in Greece to a very food-focused family, and even after moving to Australia at age 13, he was constantly surrounded by family members who made their living through food. “Between my extended family we’ve got all bases covered: Abattoir, greengrocers, importers, a pastry chef... so I’ve just been involved in food for a long time,” says Alex.

Alex is no novice himself with two successful cafes in Melbourne, a city famous for its competitive and cuttingedge cafe scene. And as I spoke to him about the food on offer at The Spartan it quickly became clear that he takes his work in the kitchen very seriously.

“The key thing about here is that we make everything from scratch… mayonnaise, ketchup, barbecue sauce, pickles… I just couldn’t find good burger pickles here… even the yogurt for the @thephuketnews

tzatziki we make from scratch,” reveals Alex.

You can really taste the difference too, Alex handed me a squirt of each of his house-made sauces to sample and they are bursting with flavour, his tangy ketchup and sweet BBQ sauce putting store-bought versions to shame. It’s not just your basic condiments either, Alex guards the recipe for his Big Spartan special sauce (his take on Big Mac special sauce) closely and the caramelised onion jam and Australian-style tomato bush relishes add a rich and complex layer of taste to any burger.

But it doesn’t stop there, he also makes his own pita bread for souvlaki and to serve with his freshly made hummus and tzatziki dips. He also makes all of his own spice mixes to season the burger patties and the huge slab of layered meat for the yeeros that spins in front of the grill every day in the high season.

He also has a butcher’s keen eye and respect for quality meat, buying whole sides of pork and beef to butcher to his liking. A devotee of dry-aged beef, he has even set up a dry-ageing fridge above the restaurant to ensure his beef is dried for 30 days in the ideal temperature and humidity conditions. Once it’s ready he trims it up and minces it up for his huge burger patties, which are cooked to the customers’ liking.

If you like your beef then Alex suggests you try the Big Spartan: A tribute to the Big Mac with two patties, slices of two different types of cheese, pickles, lettuce, caramelised onion jam, and Secret Spartan Sauce. For the

purists there is the Simple Spartan: A beef or pork patty with American cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion jam, Spartan relish and a drizzle of mayonnaise. Or if you like a bit of spice, then do what I did and order the Scorched Spartan, which has all of the above but kicks it up a notch with some jalapeño peppers and house-made chipotle mayonnaise. If you prefer chicken there is the Mississippi Spartan: A succulent chicken thigh either grilled of southern-fried with slaw, pickles and topped with chipotle mayo.

If you feel like something different, than a yeeros is sure to cure any hunger, with slices of tender grilled pork or chicken (or both) marinated in a unique spice blend and served with house-made tzatziki, chips, tomato, onion and a tomato-mustard sauce. Alternatively you can opt for an open souvlaki or yeeros plate with meat, grilled pita bread, fries and a Greek salad.

For vegetarians, or just those looking for something a tad lighter, you can order a vegetable patty on any burger or you can try a delicious falafel wrap doused in tasty tzatziki. There is also a classic Greek salad available, as well as Alex’s Cabbage Patch salad – a Mediterraneanstyle blend of cabbage, olive oil, lemon, vinegar, celery, herbs and carrots.

Hummus, tzatziki and pita bread can also be ordered separately.

Naturally, fries are the perfect compliment to any burger and besides the traditional potato fries, Spartan offers sweet potato fries, potato wedges dusted with Spartan spice and fried onion rings – all served with your choice of house-

made sauce. Alex says he is in the process of putting chilli cheese fries on the menu, so with any luck, by the time you read this they should be available.

If you’ve still got room, or just a sweet tooth, you can top of your meal with a waffle. Choices include the classic malted Belgium waffle with whipped butter and maple syrup or whipped cream and nutella sauce, the Snickers waffle, red velvet waffle (with cream cheese frosting), funky monkey waffle (caramelised bananas, chocolate chips, peanut and honey sauce) or even a fried chicken waffle.

With a line-up like that it’s clear that The Spartan is not your run-of-the-mill burger joint, but a heavyweight contender in the island’s best burger battle. In fact Alex sold out of burgers at the recent Phuket’s Best Burger competition and his veggie burger won the praise of the judges, despite not being in official competition.

It seems that Alex has still got a few more tricks up his sleeves. His Melbourne-style breakfast cafe Poached is opening next door to The Spartan in time for high season and his food truck “Hangry Dogs” is ready to hit the streets slinging New York-style hotdogs – keep an eye out for it around Soi Ta-ied and events across Phuket.

So it looks like we’ve got a lot more to look forward to following the fantastic debut of The Spartan on the island’s food scene. Watch this space.

For more information visit facebook. com/thespartanburger, instagram.com/ thespartanburger or thespartan.asia

14 GARDENING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Allamandas come in a variety or warm hues. Photos: Pixabay/Vaikoovery

Going for Gold: The allamanda A climber to treasure, no tropical garden should be without one GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

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e are well into the dry season in Phuket and all the flowering shrubs are showing off their wares. As I look out from my study, I can see a mass of golden blooms festooning the front wall of the garden. Nothing unusual about that, you may say. And you would be right; After all, the island is not short of spectacular yellow shrubs. But what is surprising about this one – Allamanda cathartica – is that once it starts, it never stops flowering. Come rain, come shine, the blooms appear every day, and unless there are high winds or torrential storms to knock them to the ground, they are produced in great profusion.

The allamanda is the quintessential tropical shrub, colourful, flamboyant and even a tad sinister. A

member of the dogbane or apocynaceae family, its stems contain a milky and poisonous latex. Technically a vine, its large, glossy, evergreen leaves are the perfect foil for flowers which are a burnished golden yellow, a colour that is even more intense at the heart of the blooms. Unsurprisingly, one of its names is the buttercup flower.

Up to 15 centimetres wide and seven centimetres long, these huge floral trumpets have a widely flared throat with five overlapping petals.

They appear in clusters at the end of new shoots. Less pendulous than brugmansia bells which hang vertically down from brittle horizontal branches, allamanda flowers have stronger stems and look you straight in the eye from amid the shiny foliage. There are usually several lush ochrous-yellow buds on a single stem, each one waiting to enjoy its day in the sun as the previous flower fades. The show never stops…

Allamandas are native to Central and South America where they grow so vigorously that they have become naturalised. In some corners of the globe, notably parts of Queensland, they have been declared invasive. In the wild, they are usually found near river banks, since they have a predilection for water.

That is one cultural requirement you cannot ignore: the shrub does not like to dry out completely, but once established, it sends down deep tap roots that will withstand most periods of drought. Not one for a container though.

A real sun-worshipper, the allamanda moreover does not like full shade or, for that matter, strongly alkaline soil. While the shrub can be propagated from seeds, most cultivars are sterile and do not produce the characteristic prickly seed pods. So your best bet is to propagate from cuttings.

They take amazingly well.

Talking of cultivars, the allamanda has been extensively hybridised, especially in the southern United States where apricot, white (alba) and orange varieties exist. A double-yellow variety known as flore pleno is also available in some garden centres.

A common inhabitant of Phuket gardens is the rose pink Allamanda blanchetti, which has pale greenish-grey leaves. It is a less profuse bloomer, and grows less vigorously than cathartica, with a tendency to become straggly if deprived of full sun. Some gardeners train it into a standard form. “Chocolate

‘Allamanda cathartica’. Photo: Biswarup Ganguly Cherry” and “Chocolate Swirl” have distinctive purple-brown throats.

While cathartica is a rapid grower – it has been known to reach 15 metres in height – it will not do so unsupported.

After all, it is basically a tendril-less vine with a heavy superstructure. A wall with some anchor points to which the stems can be tied, is ideal. There it can show off its paces…

Other allamandas are less spectacular but are still useful garden plants. Schottii is a dwarf variety which is especially popular with municipal gardeners here. It has a compact form and has the same capacity as its bigger brother to flower more or less all year round. The flowers are smaller but of a similarly intense yellow. It is often used as a hedge since it responds well to pruning.. Indeed, it will form a bushy plant if clipped regularly. If not it will become leggy, particularly if the supply of sun is limited. Unlike its bigger brother, the leaves are narrow and relatively insignificant. But it is much tougher, requires little or no maintenance and will even adapt to life in a pot.

Going for gold? The allamanda is your best bet.

Patrick has been writing for 10 years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbelll@gmail. com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Phuket food vendors go to class Street food vendors attend seminars on hygiene, Unesco Gastronomy status The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ore than 1,200 food vendors and restaurateurs from across Phuket have joined a series of seminars held to educate them on the importance of food hygiene and the important role they play in Phuket’s status as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy.

Of the three such seminars, one was held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town last Wednesday (May 23), organised by the Prince of Songkla University (PSU) Phuket campus and opened by Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) Chief Dr Jirapan Teapan.

Pan Tongcheumneung, Dean of the PSU Phuket campus Faculty of Technology and Environment, explained simply, “Making sure you store and prepare food clean and safely is very important. It reduces the risk of illness from food or unhygienic practices, and it also increases your business’s competitiveness.”

Dr Jirapan in his opening address, explained, “It is important for you to understand the importance of cooking food using clean and safe practices, and to good quality.

@thephuketnews

Hundreds of Phuket food vendors attended the seminar on May 23. Photo: PR Dept “This is for your own benefit. This seminar also allows you to exchange ideas in your expertise as food vendors.”

The seminars have been held with three main aims: to specifically educate all vendors of food in Phuket on what the Unesco “City of Gastronomy” status means; to teach the importance of hygiene; and to give tips on improving the quality of dishes food vendors serve.

Attendees who passed a test con-

ducted at the end of the seminar were given a certificate issued by the PPHO which is valid for three years.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s strategy to promote gastronomy tourism took a huge step forward with the 4th UNWTO World Gastronomy Forum held in Bangkok until June 1.

It was the first time the event was held in Asia.

Organised annually by the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Cen-

tre, the event was supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports with more than 567 delegates registered to attend.

This fourth edition specifically focused on harnessing the power of technology as a driver for sustainable growth. The event included a symposium, workshops and seminars in which leading experts in gastronomy tourism discussed current trends and challenges in the sector, exchanged best practices and inspired discussion on intercultural dialogue, gastro diplomacy, and the importance of technology for sustainable gastronomy tourism.

“This is going to be a landmark event in the annals of Thai and AsiaPacific tourism. We will take full advantage of this gathering of leading experts in the field of gastronomy tourism to strengthen the connections between Thailand’s two bedrock industries, agriculture and travel and tourism,” said Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat in a release issued last Wednesday (May 23).

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “TAT has made gastronomy tourism an important part of its marketing strategy under the Thailand 4.0 socio-economic development plan.”

“Thai cuisine is famous all over the world. It is rare,” he added.

16 ART

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Bringing music to the people

CHIARO wants to share a love of music with audiences in Phuket and beyond

BISP student Viktor Viktorsson performed with CHIARO in Phuket in May this year. Photo: Supplied Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Chiaro is an Italian word that means “clear”, so we decided to create CHIARO because we all have the same clear vision that we love to sing and entertain audiences.

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ast month at the Phuket Mining Museum members of the classical singing group CHIARO, along with guest performers, demonstrated their vocal prowess during their musical comedy “Take Off”. The show featured performances of classic opera songs

by Handel, Puccini and Verdi as well as more modern songs from Broadway musicals like Miss Saigon, Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde.

While this was the group’s third performance in Phuket, CHIARO’s journey began back in 2006 when three wide-eyed young singers, Sirikhwan Buathong (who is now a singing teacher at BISP) Marianne Poh and Sarunpong Dechsangworn, attended a music camp. There, under the tutelage of highly acclaimed coaches, the trio discovered the beauty of making music together and the idea that would drive them to create CHIARO began to form.

It was during this collaboration and their debut performance in Malaysia that the trio discovered not only their shared interest in making music, but also a vision of making classical music more “funky” and to promote it to a wider audience using various innovative approaches. One way they could do this was by taking a repertoire of songs from different genres and weave them together into brand new stories.

Ever since their debut in Malaysia the selfproclaimed music weavers have been invited for performances by various groups, both in Thailand and Malaysia and as was the case with last month’s “Take Off”, collaborating with other artists.

One of CHIARO’s founding members, soprano singer Sirikhwan Buathong, has been teaching singing and piano at British International School, Phuket for the last six years. Her student Viktor Viktorsson, a talented young singer who recently won the PAPA Youth Talent Contest in Phuket, was one of the guest performers in Take Off in a role written especially for him.

“We asked him to be one of our guest performers this time because we could see the talent and passion in him. This year the Take Off concert was performed in Bangkok and Hua Hin in March, but without Viktor because he was in Phuket. So we adjusted some of our story to add Viktor as a character in the Phuket performance. It was a great chance for

From left: Manasanun Aksornteang, Ong-ard Kanchaisak, Viktor Viktorsson, Pichaya Kemasingki, Sarunpong Dechsangworn and Sirikhwan Buathong performing the show ‘Take Off’ in Phuket in May. Photo: Supplied someone from a younger generation to learn and perform with advanced singers,” said Sirikhwan.

Clearly passionate about her roles as both a performer and a teacher, Sirikhwan explained a little bit about how the group came to be and what she hopes lies in its future.

“CHIARO is me and my friends – Sarunpong, Marianne and Thanes – who all love music. Together the four of us are the founders of CHIARO. We all know each other because we joined a music camp together. We learned and performed together at the camp and it made us feel close to each other,” said Sirikhwan.

“When we were invited as guests singers for a performance in Malaysia in 2006, we discovered that not only did we share an interest in making music, but also a vision to make classical music more accessible to a wider audience.

So we created CHIARO. Chiaro is an Italian word that means ‘clear’, so we decided to create CHIARO because we all have the same clear vision that we love to sing and entertain audiences.

The group now has five members. The four founders and one new member, Ong-ard Kanchaisak,” she added.

The future is looking bright, with CHIARO already booked for performances in Chang Mai and Hat Yai later this year. Sirikhwan says she hopes the group’s unique mix of musical styles and fun storytelling will continue to draw audiences around Thailand and beyond.

“We hope that people get to know us more and more. For people who don’t listen to musicals and classical music we would like help change their attitude by showing them that classical music is not very hard to understand. In that way we hope we can increase the number of classical music lovers,” she said.

It seems that their approach is working, as they have attracted a wide range of audiences from many different backgrounds and ages. Finding a good mixture of songs and music is the key to impressing audiences and the formula

needs constant tweaking to keep it in tune with what audiences like.

“Our audiences have a variety of ages, music backgrounds and culture.

The youngest audience members can be as young as 6 years old and up to 70 years or older. We always get different feedback from them. Some of them want more classical songs, some want more musicals and movie soundtrack songs. It’s a key challenge for our team to choose the best program to suit to our audience in different places,” said Sirikhwan.

“But we try to choose well-known songs and mix them with some nice classical songs that may not be as well known. This way, audiences can hear some of their favourite songs and fall in love with some new songs as well.

Because we believe that beautiful music can reach every heart. They love to come back again for the next performance and always give us a smile and laugh to our jokes during the performance,” she added.

Sirikhwan said she hopes CHIARO can hold more performances in Phuket in the future and help introduce audiences here to the music they love and create more classical music fans in the process.

“Most of the audience said it’s very hard to find a performance like this in Phuket. We want the people in Phuket, especially local people, to have a chance to listen to classical music and discover that it’s not boring like they may think.

“It’s very hard for us to get an audience because many of them have never been to this kind of concert before. Past audiences have said they didn’t know how to dress or how to understand the show and the songs. But once they come they say that it’s so fun and they want to come back again. When we hear this kind of feedback, we know that we have achieved our goal,” said Sirikhwan.

For more information, see the “CHIARO Edition” channel on YouTube, visit: facebook.com/chiaroedition or email: chiaroedition@gmail.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Talking to the animals KIS students set to bark, caw, roar and meow in ‘Doctor Dolittle JR’ SPONSORED The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ntelopes will lope, ostriches will fan, kangaroos will do what kangaroos can, polar bears will wear top hats, leopards with spots will wear spats and hyenas will laugh as long as a long giraffe when students from Kajonkiet International School (KIS), Phuket present Doctor Dolittle JR. KIS Principal Mr Gareth Eynon recently announced that the school’s annual end of year show would begin on June 22.

The whimsical musical follows the adventures of a small-town doctor in Victorian England who uses his special gift of being able to talk with animals to learn more about the world. Doctor Dolittle JR is part of the Music Theatre International (MTI) Broadway Junior Collection a special collection of musicals written for younger performers: 60-minute musicals for performance by middle school children and 30-minute musicals for performance by primary students.

“In this musical, Doctor Dolittle becomes the world’s greatest animal doctor by learning how to speak the thousands

A scene from KIS’s annual show last year. Photo: Supplied of dialects of different creatures. This ability to connect and communicate sets him off on a fantastic life adventure. Similarly, through the common ‘language’ of this musical theatre production, students with a wide range of interests and backgrounds are working as a team to create something together.

We hope audience members outnumber all the animals in the animal kingdom,” says Freddie Gershon, CEO of MTI. Featuring a book, music and lyrics

by Leslie Bricusse, Doctor Dolittle JR is based on the Doctor Dolittle stories by Hugh Lofting and also on the Twentieth Century Fox film staring Rex Harrison, which won Academy Awards for “Best Original Song” and “Best Visual Effects”

Danny Boyle to direct new Bond film set to be released in 2019

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scar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle will direct the next James Bond film, with actor Daniel Craig returning for the fifth time as the legendary British spy, the movies’ producers announced last Friday (May 25). The 25th as yet untitled film in the storied 007 franchise will begin production later this year and hit cinemas in Britain first, on October 25, 2019, EON Productions and Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios (MGM) said in a statement.

“We are delighted to announce that the exceptionally talented Danny Boyle will be directing Daniel Craig in his fifth outing as James Bond in the 25th instalment of the franchise,” said producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Production will start at Britain’s Pinewood Studios in December with Universal Pictures the international distributor, they added.

Boyle, 61, who won an Academy Award in 2009 for Slumdog Millionaire, will partner again with screenwriter John Hodge on the new Bond film. The pair worked together on two Trainspotting movies, in 1996 and 2017, and The Beach, starring Leonardo di Caprio.

Boyle, who also directed 2015’s Steve Jobs and 28 Days Later in 2002, had previously said he was working on a great idea for a James Bond script but was unsure if it would be made. @thephuketnews

Daniel Craig will play James Bond for the fifth time. Photo: AFP The film is expected to be Craig’s last time playing the spy, having previously starred in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.

“The unparalleled combination of Danny’s innovative filmmaking and Daniel’s embodiment of 007 ensured we simply had to be partners in the next chapter of this iconic series,” said Universal Pictures Chair Donna Langley.

AFP

and earned an Academy Award nomination for “Best Picture”.

Set in the year 1837, the musical follows a Dr John Dolittle, who is loved by everyone in his western England fishing village community, Puddle-By-TheSea. After a particularly unsuccessful appointment with a not-so-friendly General Bellowes, Dr Dolittle realises his calling and vows to become an animal doctor. With the help of a wise parrot named Polynesia, Dr Dolittle begins to learn how to speak to animals.

Five years later, Dr Dolittle has learned almost 500 animal languages, has a thriving practice and is planning a grand adventure to seek out the oldest and wisest creature ever to inhabit the

Earth: The great pink sea snail. However, through the course of fundraising, Dr Dolittle makes good on a promise to help a seal escape the circus and reunite with her husband. This act of friendship lands Dr Dolittle in court and eventually in an asylum. Dr Dolittle must find a way to free himself so that he may find the great pink sea snail and gain a greater understanding of the world and its inhabitants.

KIS Phuket will present the MTI Broadway Junior production Doctor Dolittle JR on Friday, June 22 at 12-2:30pm and Saturday, June 23 at 9-12pm at KIS Phuket – located at 125/1 Soi The Valley 1, Phraphuket Kaew 1 Kathu, Phuket. Tickets cost B300 and may be purchased at the KIS Admissions Department. This exciting production filled with unforgettable songs and characters is a fun-filled presentation of music and drama by KIS students to be enjoyed by both the school and the wider community. We warmly invite you to participate in this particular event!

For more information, please contact KIS Marketing Manager Mr Cheepy on 091 034 0240 or act@kisp.academy.

The Phuket News and Khao Phuket are proud sponsors of this event.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

From left: Brendan, Harry, Cedric, Susan, Jason and Greg.

From left: Thomas, Robert and Joy.

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

From left: Richard, Reuben and Colin.

From left: Colin, Harry, Gordon and Robert.

NOVOTEL PHUKET PHOKEETHRA HOSTS AUSCHAM MONTHLY SUNDOWNERS AustCham Thailand, in collaboration with British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) and Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) together staged another top Sundowners event in Phuket last Friday (May 25) hosted at the stunning Estrela Sky Lounge on the 17th floor of the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra with its jaw-dropping bird’s-eye views of Phuket Town. Top food, top banter and top networking opportunities with old and new friends in Phuket's business community. You missed it? Your loss.. See you at the next one!

AOT representatives present the donations to staff and students.

AOT representatives present the donations to staff and students.

AOT DONATES MONEY FOR MEALS TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS Last Wednesday (May 23) Mrs Kanyarat Suthiphatthanakit, a representative of Phuket AOT, presented a donation help provide meals to local primary schools in the north of Phuket. The B25,000 donation was shared among Ban Maikhao (B10,000), Ban Laem Sai School (B10,000) and Wat Muang Mai School (B5,000).

The Amari Phuket Team with their awards from TripAdvisor.

AMARI PHUKET WINS TWO TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS AOT representatives present the donations to staff and students.

The Amari Phuket team on May 25 received two major TripAdvisor awards: Amari Phuket is one of only 25 hotels across Thailand to receive a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, while Amari’s flagship La Gritta Restaurant was named one of TripAdvisor’s Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Thailand. These awards are significant as they are based on reviews and opinions left by worldwide hotel guests on TripAdvisor based on criteria such as quality, service and value. In 2017, Amari Phuket was also named

by TripAdvisor as the most widely reviewed hotel in Thailand. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

From left: Gordon and Bart.

From left: Peter, Sue and Rabbit.

ISLAND SCENE 19

From left: Peter, Sue and Michael.

From left: Chef Anthony and Tim from Negociantas.

BB&B LAUNCHES ‘DISCOVER AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM DRINK DIVERSITY’ BB&B hosted its “Discover Australian Premium Drinks” range at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket last Tuesday, May 22. The event welcomes hoteliers and restaurateurs to sample BB&B huge range of Australian Premium fermented grape juices from some of the country’s best-known brands.

The team from Naughty Nuri’s was there cooking up their tasty ribs.

The Viagrabonds proved to be stiff competition.

AUSSIE BAR PHUKET HOSTS INTERNATIONAL RUGBY 10S AT THANYAPURA Last Friday (May 25) was the opening day of the 20th Anniversary Aussie Bar Phuket International Rugby 10s with blood, sweat, but thankfully no tears.

Participants enjoyed a trail ride through the stunning Phuket landscape.

Participants enjoyed three days of intensive wellness activities.

JW MARRIOTT PHUKET RESORT & SPA’S HOSTS 6TH WELLNESS WEEKEND Sixteen participants got their health checked and reprogrammed at the “Reboot and Maximize Your Energy” hosted by JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s Mandara Spa last week. The workshop took place from May 24-27 and was conducted by specialists including Hayden Rhodes, Kim White, Andrew Stannard and Susanna Eduini. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

1 JUN

SAT

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

2 JUN All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Mussels night @ Shakers

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

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.

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.

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.

An Italian Evening Enjoy a selection of Italian antipasti, cold cuts, premium cheese, marinated olives, grill vegetables, homemade pickles, caprese skewers, bruschetta and homemade breads - all complemented by free-flow Italian beverages. B1,999 net per person for antipasti buffet and free-flow Italian beverages. Enjoy 25% OFF when you dine with four persons or more. Reservations at Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket: dtlpfb@dusit. com or call 076 362 999 ext.7303.

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 445 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

SUN

3 JUN

Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

World Cup League @ BISP Term 3 Dates: May 12, May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9 and June 16, 2018. Age / Time U9: 9:30-10:30; U11: 10:3011:30; U15: 11:30-12:30 *Girls may play down one age group. Package Includes – World Cup Team Kit, Participation Medal and Seven Saturdays of Matches.

Price: B3,000 if you register and pay before April 8, B3,500 if you register any time after April 8, 2018. To register for the World Cup League please contact: infobisp@cruzeirothailand.com

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant

Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night 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 Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservation, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

MON

4 JUN

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.

Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550. Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

Jazz Night

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org

Jazz Night at Mom Tri’s Wok Pagoda Kitchen, Every Saturday night from 18:00 - 20:00 with Canape & Cocktail. For more infomation & reservation please contact 076-333-568 or fb@villaroyalephuket.com THB 850 per person. Mom Tri’s Wok Pagoda, fb@villaroyalephuket.com, 076-333-568.

The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

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TUE

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

5 JUN

goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at www.TwoChefs.com or find us on Facebook at Facebook/TwoChefsThailand. Come for the food, stay for the fun! Reservations: Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076 330 065, Kata Beach 076 333 370, Karon 076 286 479 or Patong 076 344 914.

MON

11 JUN

FRI

22 JUN

Dinner - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to enjoy dinner, drinks and a good time with the RCPB. The event starts at 6:30. Please visit www.rotarypatong.org for additional information.

WED

KIS End of Year Show Ride 4 Kids Ride 4 Kids V2.0 is in full swing, 20 riders will be cycling 700kms from Phuket from June 11 to 16, 2018.

All to raise money for The Good Shepherd, PHBGTU and Outrigger’s Share4Change. Join the coming home party at Metzos on June 16 and meet the team, tickets available for B2500 per ticket, please email donna.thethaiger@gmail.com and visit www. ride4kids.co for more information.

6 JUN Live Organic Blues Rock Colin illy Hill Band, every Thursday from 9pm till midnight @ Expat Sports Bar. No cover charge, Car parking available. Visit: facebook.com/ExpatSportsBar

SAT

TUE

12 JUN

9 JUN

Sala Wednesday nights ribs, beats, brews.

Celtic Comedy Legends PHIL KAY & AIDAN KILLIAN

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

DJQ 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.

Celtic Comedy Legends which is a duo’s split show described by The Australia Times as “..nothing short of genius” Irishman, Aidan Killian teams up with the hyperactive Scotsman, Phil Kay. Both of them present individual material but they compliment each other wonderfully in this truly legendary mix. Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach. Time: 8pm (door 7:30pm, LAUGHTER INVESTMENT: B500 (advance booking), B700 (on the door), B1200 (including buffet) Tickets: ticketflap.com/celticlegends-phuket18.

THU

7 JUN

Filipino Fiesta WANNA TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT? Come on over to our Filipino Fiesta at Two chefs Karon On Saturday the June 9. There will be a large buffet with lots of your Filipino Favorites like Lechon Pork roll, Sisig and much more. Happy hours in the bar! And of course, our awesome Filipino house band will rock the house until the late hours. Price is ONLY B495 per person, so make your reservations now at: karon@ twochefs.com or 076 286 479.

@thephuketnews

SAT

23 JUN

P-REA Charity Golf 2018 Raising funds for medical equipment for Thalang Hospital. Teams of 4 - B11,000, individuals - B2,900 includes Green fees, T-shirt, cap, dinner, drinks, prizes, awards and more. Carts - advance booking - B700 shared. Rego - 10:30am, Shotgun start - 12:29pm, Dinner 6:30pm. Hole in One - Volvo V60 (B1.9M) from Stockholm Auto. prea.news@gmail.com, 086 471 4874, 081 982 9208 (Sam).

EVERYDAY

Hospitality Golf Challenge 2018

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70S & 80S Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Flambé 300g Australian grass-fed rib eye steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin for ONLY B495. Have a sweet tooth? Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY B95. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8pm and

FRI

15 JUN

Each June since opening in 2011, Kajonkiet International School, Phuket has hosted an end of academic year theatre production. This June, our End of Year Show is Dr.Dolittle JR. The production will be held at Kajonkiet International School, Phuket, 125/1 Soi The Valley 1, Praphuketkaew Road Kathu, Phuket on Friday 22 June and Saturday 23 June. This exciting production, filled with unforgettable songs and characters is a fun-filled presentation of music and drama by KIS students to be enjoyed by both the school and the wider community. We warmly invite you to participate in this particular event!

SOUTH EAST ASIA’S LEADING DESTINATION MARATHON Laguna Phuket Marathon was launched in 2006 and is owned and organised by Go Adventure Asia. Now in it’s 13th year, Laguna Phuket Marathon won GOLD for “Best Amateur Sports Event of the Year in Thailand” at the 2017 Asia Sports Industry Awards (SPIA Asia 2017), the race is sanctioned by AIMS. For more information please visit www.phuketmarathon.com

The Third Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge charity golf tournament will take place on the June 15, with an amazing day of gourmet golf at Laguna Golf Phuket Course all in aid of The 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 Live 89.5FM and Phuket News TV as our Media Partner and Sponsor. Visit www.aseanevents.com or email mark@asean-events.com Laguna Golf Phuket Course, golf@lagunaphuket.com, 076 324350.

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s BEST Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent five-course tasting menu including Foie Gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska Scallop, slow cooked Duck breast and Baba au Rhum. “Grape juice” pairing available! Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182. Located at 8 Lagoon Rd., Laguna, Cherng Talay.

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. The city of Eindhoven is the birthplace of which famous electronics company?

2. What name is given to the ‘woman of the fairy mound’, a spirit in Irish mythology which heralds the death of a family member?

3. How many bones are there in an adult human body?

4. In 1830, Edwin Budding’s first machine had a frame made of wrought iron and was 19 inches wide. What was it?

5. Name the largest and most populated Japanese island?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. TV giant 4. List for the day?

8. Split soup 11. Part of a score, maybe 13. Bribed 14. Ayatollah’s land 15. Movie food 18. Hormonal years 19. Sewing machine foot pedal 20. Family head 22. Upbeat 23. River feature 27. Nice goodbye?

31. Consummate 32. ___ Station 33. Old coin from Barcelona 36. Dessert without frills 40. Type measures 41. Seaweed 42. Shot glass capacity 43. Choir offerings 44. Quark-plusantiquark particle 45. Engine purr 48. Adam’s madam 50. Cause of ruin 53. Fragrant oil 57. Creamy dessert 61. Slow movement

30. Compass direction, abbr.

33. Quills 34. Chalupa alternative 35. You can say that again Down 37. Ballad 1. Get 38. Total 2. Man’s cologne 3. Quote as authority 39. Greatly regret 4. Wed, with the knot 43. Parade honoree 45. Blood of the gods 5. Prehistoric 46. Something 6. Cabinet div. bizarre 7. Quality 47. ‘’Fortune’’ founder 8. Goads 49. Femme fatale 9. At dawn 10. One of the 50. Sean Connery is Windsors one 12. Scarfed up 51. It keeps things 13. Approximately together 14. Aviation acronym 52. End in London 16. The ultimate 54. Bath receptacle purpose 55. On a deck, 17. Lima’s land perhaps 21. It’s incendiary 56.

Invitation request 23. Half gainer, e.g.

58.

Large cask that 24. Dutch treat sounds heavy 25. Camera 59. Century, for attachment example 26. Randy’s rink 60. “Red ___” thriller, partner starring Rachel 28. Think fit McAdams 29. Just __ 62. Seize by force 63. Loads 64. Risk 65. Mediterranean volcano 66. Emulate

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Philips; 2) Banshee; 3) 206 (a baby has around 305 bones at birth); 4) The first lawn mower; 5) Honshu (Honshu means ‘main island’)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

14

percent Is how much travel times were reduced in Los Angeles in 2013 when it became the first city to install traffic lights that make automatic adjustments based on car flow.

72

percent of US police officers claim that their poorly performing colleagues are not held accountable, according to a Pew Research Center survey.

450

kilograms is how much the heart of an adult blue whale weighs. It’s about the size of a VW Beetle car.

7,300

Kamala Beach sunset. Photo by Gary Eidsvik-Moody Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

percent more than the cost of sending the equivalent amount of data is what phone companies charge for sending texts.

360,000 lives have been saved by the horror-movie “SAW” franchise as people have been able to donate blood in exchange for a free movie ticket. As of September 2017, 120,000 pints of blood were donated.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history June 1, 2001 Nepalese royal massacre: Crown Prince Dipendra of Nepal shoots and kills several members of his family, including his father and mother.

June 3, 2017 London Bridge attack: Eight people are murdered and dozens of civilians are wounded by Islamist terrorists. Three of the attackers are shot dead by the police.

June 2, 1962 During the FIFA World Cup, police have to intervene multiple times in fights between Chilean and Italian players in one of the most violent games in football history.

June 4, 2018 “Day Zero” in Cape Town, South Africa, with most taps in the captial city turned off.

June 5, 1949 Thailand elects Orapin Chaiyakan,

Photo: Joseph Novak / Flickr the f irst female member of Thailand’s Parliament, elected as a representative for Ubon Ratchathani Province.

June 6, 1985 The grave of “Wolfgang Gerhard” in Embu, Brazil is exhumed and the remains are later proven to be of Josef Mengele, Auschwitz’s “Angel of Death”; thought to have drowned while swimming in February 1979.

June 7, 1982 Graceland (see photo) opens to the public; the bathroom where Elvis Presley died is kept off-limits.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Jobs

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Jobs

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FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS T EN Live-in housekeeper wanted G R ULive-in housekeep wanted for house in Kata. Must understand English and love dogs. Excellent conditions. 31/3 Soi Plukjae Kata Phuket. Contact: Lillian Dinic: lil@ladolcevitare. com.au or call 080 690 5248.

GE UR

NT

Bar staff wanted

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided. Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE T EN

SA

LE

FOR SALE SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW 35 HOURS ONLY, STILL UNDER WARRANTY EXTRAS GRAB RAILS COVERS. AVAILABLE NOW THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK, new price inc reg & extras B4,863,000 offers over B4.6 million considered. Please contact William at: wfphelps@me.com or call 00 44 11 89 841 627.

G UR

G UR

T EN

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Boat For Sale

72’(22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom 3 years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son).

Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Offers over THB 500,000. Contact Shayne on 0934 189 529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE MINI RESORT - Near Laguna

Luxury Villas, 4- and 3-bedroom, pool, office/Apt, 1/2 Rai, well furnished – tropical garden setting. Now on vacation rentals, a money maker. Only B13.5mn - 089 594 4067.

UR

G

T EN

SA

LE

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design and furniture, all-new imported kitchen and bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden and 40 rooftop. Pablo: 080 143 5541. info@dedos-restaurant.com

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE G UR

T EN

SA

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.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT GE

R NT

EN

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CARS FOR RENT

We offer car rental at affordable prices.

Monthly from B10,000. Daily from B400.

Call us and find out what we offer. B10,000 monthly. Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2, T Paklok, A Thalang, 83110 Phuket. Contact: stigisaan@gmail.com, 084 847 4377.

UR

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with a 20year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Andreas Ruthe, 22/5 Moo1 Kamala, Kathu. Contact: office@tcm-asia.com, 086 943 9834 or 076 385 081. @thephuketnews

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE For Sale

New set of Kasco G7 golf clubs RH R FLEX. Driver 10.5°, 3 Wood 15°, U4 Hybrid 19°, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, P, S irons.

Milled head putter. 11 clubs, 4 head covers, graphite shafts except putter. B25,000. Bob Mather, Kathu.

Contact: bobmather_4@hotmail.com, 095 549 2748.

POOL TABLES Rasson Victory 2 Pro Tounament

Style is forever! The Victory Tournament 9 ft. pool table is a tournament-style, highquality pool table designed with commercial and private use in mind, slate bed. B228,000.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES CHATTHA Property and Rental Management Service in Phuket

Our services: Housekeeping, Garden, Swimming Pool, Maintenance and Repair. www.chatthamanagement. com office: 076 636 244 or mobile: 090 179 6635.

Chattha Management.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

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 : Two tennis courts, 10 x 24 Meters swimming pool , fitness & game room,restaurant, parking. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Boat Lagoon

With private boat morning and jacuzzi.

Email paradise11@mac.com for pictures, plans and price.

OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2-minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full-length verandas. Ideally located in Phra Ae village, with many amenities in the immediate area. The resort benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & storage For further information, please Email gardenisland.pp@ gmail.com For the attention of Ms. Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1. Full name of potential Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

Two-storey villa in a gated community @ Pruksa The Plant, Kathu. Corner land plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Indoors 140 sqm. With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15. Email: nicklas.klodner@gmail.com or call +66 80 519 7719.

RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREEHOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool, etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required.

Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner): 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarina Condos.com

Amazing 1-bedroom house in great area

Brand-new one bedroom house with full kitchen and car parking and ready to move in, right in the heart of Rawai. Perfectly priced home on the most desirable street of Rawai, so don’t miss out! B2.9M for quick sale. Contact Benni by email at: b_gholami@ hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032.

80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m , 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million. Contact Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

2

Building for Sale

One-unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a halfstorey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherng Talay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity Not to be missed: 5 pool villas, big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates.

More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www.thegardenkptphuket.com

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai.

B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Pa Khlok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Modern Villa – 5 Mins to Ao Po Grand Marina

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo 3 Soi Ban Bang Pae, T. Pa Khlok, T. Thalang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Pool Villa For Rent PhangNga

4-Bed Pool villa nearby Natai beach. Surrounded by nature. North of Phuket, 25 mins from airport. Idea for retired/long term stay family. Yupadee: miakcg@yahoo.com, 081 926 3286.

New Rawai Villa Rent & Sale

PuriAnda Villa: 2 Bed, Furnished, Kitchen, Private Pool, Sala, Land 350m2, House 165m2, 2km to Nai Harn. Short or Long Term Rent Only B60,000, Sale: 8.9m. info@purimasproperty.com, 0815384588

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Property 5 Mins to Ao Po Grand Marina

Very big house 750sqm, Land 4,000sqm, available 15 June, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool, garden, service, wifi-tv/sat.

Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

PROPERTY FOR RENT 3-Bedroom Western Villa

Near Laguna, has all, full kitchen, quality furniture.

Live in tropical garden, good security, secluded.

6/M lease: B20,000/M. Call 089 594 4067.

For Rent Kata Beach

Nice one-bedroom apartment, modern furnished, 68sqm first floor close to indoor pool-sauna-elevator. B25,000 per month. Exclusive electric, minimum rental period 6 months. Tel: English 064 532 3637, Thai 094 803 5944. Email English: villaonroof@ gmail.com or Thai: maliwan_kaewmeesri@yahoo.com thephuketnews

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT 29

Redemption for Ricciardo

Driver’s win at Monaco GP was nothing other than deserved BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

W

ith the spectre of his 2016 Monaco Grand Prix defeat hanging heavily over him, Daniel Ricciardo didn’t dare allow himself to dream of victory around the famous principality’s streets.

If you believe in karma, it would be tempting to assume that Monte Carlo owed Ricciardo for 2016, when his own team made a series of pit stop blunders that lost him the race to Lewis Hamilton, but sentiment plays no part in Formula One’s blue riband event.

So it was that Ricciardo kept his emotions strictly in check as he went about setting the foundations for his long-awaited redemption story, never allowing himself to believe that victory would be anything other than earned.

He dominated all three practice sessions and stormed to only his second career pole position with foreboding ease, but still the Australian cut a restrained figure.

Starting from the front row is half

Red Bull Racing’s Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo jumps into a pool as he celebrates after winning the Monaco Grand Prix last Sunday (May 27). Photo: Boris Horvat / AFP the battle given the difficulty of overtaking around Monaco’s serpentine streets, but nothing would be taken for granted last weekend.

However, even the cautious Ricciardo could have been forgiven for thinking he was finally in the clear when his sole pit stop on lap 17 went off without a hitch, keeping him in the lead ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel – but winning the Monaco Grand Prix is never

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PLAYERS OF THE MATCH

U9s: Conor Walby - England, Christopher Simpson - Germany @thephuketnews

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“I think I can show more emotion today than yesterday!” he said after the race. “I finally feel like the redemption has arrived.”

The result promoted Ricciardo to third in the drivers standings behind Sebastian Vettel and title leader Lewis Hamilton, the triumvirate sharing two wins apiece after finishing second and third respectively behind the race winner.

The Australian remains a distant 38 points off the lead, however, but promised Renault power unit upgrades for the next round in Canada could deliver Ricciardo and Red Bull Racing, currently hamstrung by the French manufacturer’s underpowered engines, into genuine title contention.

“It’s not impossible but not really at the forefront of my mind yet,” Ricciardo hedged.

After a champion drive and still without a 2019 contract, the Australian will need more convincing of his team’s credentials before he allows himself to believe he’s a shot for Formula One’s greatest prize.

Don’t forget to listen to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

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quite so easy.

“Losing power,” he said mutedly over team radio on lap 18. His MGU-K – the part of the engine that recovers and deploys electrical energy from the brakes – had failed, leaving him around 160 horsepower down on the pursuing Vettel, who closed the previously healthy gap down to less than a second.

Without the energy recovery system the car became markedly

more difficult to drive around a circuit that demands perfection.

The rear brakes, no longer being harvested for heat, soared perilously in temperature, necessitating a dramatic change to the brake balance and far more gentle inputs, which in turn made keeping the heat in the tyres substantially harder.

It was a recipe for disaster that threatened to end Ricciardo’s race.

“I wanted to close my eyes and start crying,” he later told Sky Sports. “I thought that was it, that my race was over.”

But instead Ricciardo struggled on, acing his corner exits to prevent Vettel from taking advantage of his lack of straight-line speed, which was more than 20 km/h down on the Ferrari, enough to render seventh and eighth gears effectively useless.

The race settled into a tense rhythm, an excruciating final trial that could have gone wrong at any moment, with an ever-likely safety car a certainty to take a deserved victory away from the Australian a second time.

But with three laps to go, Ricciardo let himself believe.

“I got it, buddy,” he told the pit wall, and four minutes later he scored a career-defining victory.

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Run #1687: Saturday June 2 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Tootsie Location: Rawai - Soi Suksan 2 Directions: From Chalong Circle travel south and make a U-turn at the traffic lights at Soi Sayuan (2.3 kilometres from Chalong Circle).

Continue back north past the Green Lemon gasoline station (600 metres). Turn left between the Family Market and 7-Eleven into Soi Suksan 2. Follow along for approximately 1.2km and laager site will be set up on the left-hand side.

Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Vagabonds retain Open Cup Team will be hoping to make it three in a row at next year’s 10s

Continued from page 32 ...Once day one was done and dusted, Sunday’s (May 27) Athena Siam vets finals would be the Singapore Bucks vs Asian Japanese Dragons Gold in the Bowl Final, Jaegermeister Wrinklie Assassins vs Phuket Viagrabonds in the Plate Final, and the Moorabbin Rams taking on the Gold Coast Babas in the Cup Final.

In contrast to the Friday, the action on Saturday (May 28) got underway in torrential rain with the Ladies Tournament seeing the Southerners Ladies and the Bangkok Banger Belles prevail over spirited HKFC sides.

By the end of the day the Southerners had made Sunday’s Plate Final against HKFC Fire and the Banger Belles would contest the Cup against the HKFC Ice team.

In the men’s Aussie Bar Open Tournament it soon became clear that the teams to beat would be East Admiralty Football Club and Headhunter Sport Barbarians as they dominated their pool games, but a strong showing by the Singapore Wanderers and Phuket Vagabonds, growing stronger as the tournament progressed, showed that they wouldn’t have it all their own way.

The Asian Japanese Dragons, Bedok Kings, Naughty Nuris Vaga-

bonds and the Beaver Nomads would all progress to Sunday’s Cup quarter-finals whilst the rest of the teams would vie for Bowl and Shield honours.

Sunday’s finals began in brilliant sunshine with the Pattaya Panthers progressing to the Bowl semi-final with a win over the local Thai side the Old Man Mix while the Dubai Wasps, Gold Coast Barbarians and Groote Eylandt Mudchooks all made the Bowl semis. The Old Man Mix, Prince of Songkla, Misfits and Jakarta Komodos all dropped down into the Shield semis.

In the Cup quarter-finals, the Phuket Vagabonds found their route to the semis that little bit easier getting a walkover against the Beaver Nomads. East Admiralty clicked into gear beating Bedok Kings 26-5 and the Headhunter Sport Babas brushed aside a strong Asian Japanese side 26-0. The Wanderers gained a walkover against the Naughty Nuris Vagabonds who dropped down into the Plate semi-final.

On Sunday, leading up to the Cup Final, the Moorabbin Rams won the over 45s comp, the Bangkok Banger Belles won the Ladies Cup, and the Southerner ladies won the Plate.

In the Ladies Tournament it was the Bangkok Banger Belles who walked home with the trophy. Photo: SEALS Sports Photography

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Fri June 1

4:30pm

Thalang Tigers – Kids’ cricket coaching

Sat June 2

All Day

FOBISIA – T-ball tournament

Sun June 3

All Day

Ride 4 Kids – Charity Touch Rugby

Wed June 6

All Day

FOBISIA – T-ball tournament

4:30pm

Thalang Tigers – Kids’ cricket coaching

Cricket, Touch Rugby, T-ball – and all for the kids this week at the ACG. Photo: Michael Way

The Phuket Vagabonds celebrate retaining the Open Tournament Cup. Photo: SEALS Sports Photography In the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Vets Cup Final, the Moorabbin Rams were beaten by the Gold Coast Barbarians, the Phuket Viagrabonds took the Plate final whilst the Asian Japanese Gold took the Bowl.

In the Aussie Bar Open, the Shield went to the Old Man Mix, a great result for the local Thai lads, whilst the Bowl was won by the Gold Coast Barbarians. The Plate Final was won by Naughty Nuris Vagabonds to cap a great tournament for the Phuket sides.

However, a stern test awaited defending champions the Phuket Vagabonds as they took on the East Admiralty Football Club in the Cup semi-final, a game that was exceptional in skill, pace and defence from the off.

The Vagabonds got the first breakthrough to lead by 7-0 but the East boys fought back to score just

after half time to make it 7-5. The 2nd half was even until the final few minutes when the Vagabonds took advantage of a loose pass to score in the corner and win 12-5 to reach the Final. The Headhunter Sport Babas were handed a walkover in their semi-final when the Wanderers couldn’t field a team.

The Final kicked off in front of an expectant full house with the experienced Babas team looking to exert control through their forwards but a solid Vagabonds defence wouldn’t break. This resulted in the Babas kicking away possession to Vagabonds sweeper Skinny who ran through 22 breaking tackles to score under the posts to give the Vagabonds a slender 7-0 lead.

The Headhunters immediately hit back with a sustained period of possession which resulted in a try in the corner. Half-time 7-5 and

all to play for.

The second half was dominated by some brutal hits and sublime skills by both sides and as it looked like the 7-5 scoreline would be enough to win it, but a fumble on their own line by Babas’ sweeper resulted in another try for the Vagabonds leaving them to take control, and with the last play of the game the Vagabonds forwards, who were immense throughout, drove over to score to make sure that the Vagabonds were crowned 2018 Champions and retain the trophy.

Among all the happiness, this year’s event was tinged with sadness as all involved remembered two special people who had made Phuket Rugby and especially the 10s what it is today, Eam Thavornvongwongse 1946-2018 and Maria Elisabeth Cotter 1963-2018. Gone but never forgotten!

P-REA Charity Golf Tournament 2018 GOLF THE PHUKET REAL EState Association’s annual Charity Golf Tournament for 2018 will take place at Laguna Golf Phuket on Saturday June 23 and is open to all.

The aim of the event is to have a great day of golf and lots of fun for a great cause.

As for the real estate community of Phuket and all concerned it is a great opportunity to compete and network at this award-winning golf course.

As always, the main objective of the event is to raise money for charity, and this year’s beneficiary will be

Members of the Phuket Real Estate Association at a press conference to announce details of the 2018 charity golf tournament. Photo: Supplied the Thalang Hospital. Monies raised will provide much needed medical equipment for the facility.

The event’s main sponsors are Tostem and American Standard, other sponsors

include Vista Flooring, Boat Pattana and many others.... and media sponsor The Phuket News. Host Sponsor, Laguna Phuket will, as always, provide the perfect venue and service.

Of course, there will be many prizes and awards on offer, not least an amazing Volvo V60 (valued at B1.9 million) offered by key sponsor Stockholm Auto for a hole-in-one.

All entries are welcome.

Fully inclusive entry fees are B11,000 for a team of four or an individual for B2,900.

To register please email prea.news@gmail.com or call 086 471 0871, 081 892 9208 (Sam) or 087 382 3838 (Amp).

The Phuket News is proud to be media sponsor of the Phuket Real Estate Association Charity Golf Tournament for 2018. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

SPORT 31

Visitors in clean sweep

On maiden visit, touring Jolly Wallabies win back-to-back matches CRICKET

Phuket's Prakash Ja, playing for the Jolly Wallabies, gets creative with Alex Runhaar's bowling. Photo: Michael Way

Jason Robertson

O

n their maiden visit to Phuket, the Jolly Wallabies – a touring side comprising of players from Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia – defeated the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) XI and the Patong Cricket Club (PCC) in back-to-back matches over last weekend at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang.

Last Saturday’s (May 26) game was a 30-over affair, with the Jolly Wallabies opting to bat first in wet and testing conditions.

After a slow start, the visitors managed to gain momentum and post a score of 177 for six in their allotted overs.

PCG’s chase began well, with two quick-fire innings

from Phuket stalwarts, Mathew Kohler and Ike Bekker. However, the PCG’s challenge faltered with the subsequent cheap loss of wickets, eventually capitulating 32 runs short of their opponent’s total.

Last Sunday (May 27), clear skies and stifling heat greeted the players for the shorter T20 encounter.

Following their previous day’s triumph, confidence in the Jolly Wallabies batting

camp was evident as their openers attacked PCC’s bowling with intent – eventually posting a challenging 167 for six in their 20 overs.

PCC replied brilliantly, with another devastating duet

from Bekker (52 not out) and Kohler (49) – the former claiming his maiden half-century.

However, the dismissal of Kohler sparked another disastrous batting collapse, resulting in the PCC eventually coming

up 16 runs short of the winning score, and handing the Jolly Wallabies their second victory in as many days.

Incoming tours are festive affairs, offering as much fun off the field as on it. The Jolly Wallabies thoroughly enjoyed their tour and vowed most certainly to return to our beautiful island or, indeed, host our Phuket sides – desperate for vengeance no doubt – on their home turf.

Cricket on the island is still growing and they are always looking for new players, teams, and sponsors. If you would like to get involved or know more, please contact the Phuket Cricket Group through Facebook or by email at jason@ acgphuket.com Or check out the ACG Cricket and Sports Facility Facebook page for all upcoming events.

Entry into May coincides with ‘Tuna Bashing Season’ FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

AHOY ME HEARTIES! AND with our entry into May, once again it coincided with the Tuna Bashing Season, more small tuna – around 1,000 – than you can shake yer boson’s mate at.

Freshwater fishermen are renowned for keeping their favourite fishing hole/spot a closely guarded secret, often becoming extremely annoyed if anyone else happens to come along by chance.

This, for obvious reasons, rarely happens at sea with all the modern technology, GPS etc., but following on from my “Burma Banks” article

@thephuketnews

last month, I was just advised of an exceptional find “marked” by Thai 2 On, which for the third year running has come up a winner with one or two large billfish caught on every occasion.

Skipper “Ian” has nicknamed this hot-spot “The Big Drop Off” as it goes off the scale on his depth sounder at 350 metres, which means you can’t hang about overnight unless you have a sea anchor or a skyhook.

Found by accident due to a foulup at the Myanmar Immigration, which changed the boat’s customary course when heading to the Banks, this “Holy Grail” of fishing is now it’s “A Must” for Thai 2 On en route to and from the Banks.

Meanwhile, congratulations go out to Daniel Johannson who has just caught the biggest Halibut ever, “tagged and released”, a monster at 462lbs, not bad with the world record standing at 515lbs. Wait till

Jimmy with his 30/35kg Giant Trevally. Photo: Supplied you catch it next time Danny Boy. For those “warm-water” fishermen who don’t know what a Halibut looks like, here’s one we prepared earlier. Picture courtesy of Bo “Big” Neff our long-time resident “coldwater” pro.

Not to be outdone, I went out mid-month with a couple of my pals on Mena 2 and pulled in a huge, by local standards, GT (Giant Trevally)

This is what a halibut looks like for those who didn’t know.

Photo: Bo ‘Big’ Neff estimated at 30/35 kilograms, a personal best, which will feed me and most of my neighbours for the next week or so.

Caught on a steel line and my mate’s Rapala, I had a 40-minute fight on a 50lb leader. Photo included for all those skeptics who demand photographic evidence, another one for the annals.

Overheard in a restaurant: Cus-

tomer “What’s wrong with this fish?”

Waiter “Long time no sea, sir.”

Finally, if you are wondering about why I included a catch report from the other side of the world – “I only did it, for the HALIBUT” Ouch!

As usual, keep yer rods bent yer lines tight and send in any decent catch reports, as I can’t guarantee my luck every month.

Jimmy – fishinginphuket.com

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2018

Win at Monaco GP gives Ricciardo redemption > p29

HISTORY MADE Three local teams take trophies at Phuket International Rugby 10s RUGBY Pat Cotter

T

Founder of the Phuket International Rugby 10s and Phuket Vagabonds Pat Cotter (left) with Vagabonds team captain Tjaart van der Walt. Photo: SEALS Sports Photography

hanyapura Sports Club was once again the perfect venue for the 20th anniversary Aussie Bar Phuket International Rugby 10s last weekend, and it was a historic weekend for the event with three Phuket teams picking up not only the Open Tournament Cup but also the Plate in the same competition and the Plate in the vets tournament.

The tournament kicked off last Friday (May 25) with the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers vets event with two groups of four teams vying for honours. Previous winners

the Moorabbin Rams from Australia took immediate control in Group A beating the Asian Japanese Dragons Gold, and the Australian Gold Coast Barbarians showed that the Rams wouldn’t have it all their own way by taking out the Hong Kong Bulls.

In Group B, the Jaegermeister Wanderers Wrinklies beat the Singapore Bucks whilst the Phuket Viagrabonds went down to the Al Ain Amblers.

A new addition to the tournament the “One Foot in the Grave” over 45s saw three teams competing with the Moorabbin Rams and the Sham 69 Cottesloe Pirates making the final after the Phuket Viagrabonds faded as the day went on...

Continued on page 30

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