01-09-2017 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

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Hunt launched for crocodile on the west coast

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The guys behind Phuket’s oldest surf shop

A staffer checks one of the tanks at the wastewatertreatment plant in Patong. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

PATONG WASTEWATER TO GET WORSE BEFORE TREATMENT PLANT UPGRADES KICK IN Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

ater quality at Patong Beach where tourists swim has plunged and is not likely to improve until the town’s wastewater treatment plant gets a major overhaul, which is planned to commence within three months. Worse, however, is that while the improvements are underway, the capacity of the plant to treat wastewater

before it flows into Patong Bay will be greatly diminished, The Phuket News was told this week. The news follows the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s water-quality report for July showing the northern and southern ends of Patong Bay as the only locations with long-standing poor water quality readings, with no readings taken regularly close to shore. The PMBC is tasked with monitoring water quality at 23 stations around the Phuket coast, a project started

after a unified call for better beach water quality, among other things, from 17 ambassadors of European countries in 2013. “Principal parameters collected include salinity, temperature, pH, dissolve oxygen, suspended sediment, nutrients and total coliform bacteria. These parameters were analysed and interpreted in terms of marine water quality indices,” said the report. “Marine water quality during October 2016 –July 2017 was gener-

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ally found in good and fair conditions respectively, except in some stations and during certain periods of time that the quality was in poor conditions [identified as Patong Bay on the map included in the report]. “The main reason for the issue of wastewater is the total coliform bacteria in the water in the monsoon season,” the report admitted. Patong Municipality also released its wastewater treatment analysis report for July 2017, which yielded...

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Gov Norraphat revives vital feedback consul meeting > page 4

Army offensive begins in Patong parking blitz Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

The boat was serving tourists in Banana Bay when the anchor was dropped on a section of the coral reef.

Charges pressed for anchor on reef THE CA PTA I N A N D A crew member of a chartered fishing tour boat were brought in by Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) officials last Friday (Aug 25) to be notified of charges they would face after photos and videos of them dropping anchor and damaging a coral reef off Koh Racha Noi were circulated on social media. After the images were published, Director of the DMCR Phuket Marine and Coastal Management Department, Mr Watcharin Thintalang, ordered Director of the DMCR’s Conservation Department, Mr Suchart Rattanareangsri, to prosecute the two offenders. Mr Suchart reported that the main offender was the boat’s captain, Tossaporn Jansengsri, 46, but that crewman Niran Nuisue, 30, was also to be prosecuted. Tossaporn and Niran took foreign tourists on a fishing trip off Koh Racha Noi on the chartered vessel Nichakorn 6 on Aug 24, departing from Chalong Pier, reported Mr Suchart.

The anchor was dropped on a reef off Koh Racha Noi. “According to the investigation, at 1pm the pair anchored the boat at Banana Bay, Koh Racha Noi while they served the tourists food,” he said. “The boat was then moved into an area with coral reef, where the anchor got caught and dragged the coral reef, causing substantial damage,” he added. Mr Suchart assigned fisheries officer Naree Choophung to make a record of the accusations against Tossaporn and Niran who advised them of the offences they have been charged. The offenders were taken to Chalong Police Station to be charged, said Mr Suchart. Eakkapop Thongtub

oldiers from the Royal Thai Army began their campaign against tuktuk, taxi and van drivers occupying public parking spaces in Patong in earnest last week with more than 76 drivers fined in just four days. “The warning period is over,” Col Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the highest-ranking army officer stationed in Phuket, told The Phuket News. Soldiers, along with Navy personnel, police as well as officials from Patong Municipality and the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO), launched the campaign quietly and politely on Aug 3, with nothing more than warnings. However, that changed on Aug 21. “O n the Mond ay, we found 22 vehicles parked in the wrong parking spaces. Since then we have found 18 vehicles parked in parking spaces reserved for the public each day,” Col Santi told The Phuket News last Friday (Aug 25). All of the drivers caught were fined B1,000 each, for each infraction, he confirmed. “The warning period is over, no more requests. If they want to be fined at least B1,000 each time, let them

More than 76 tuk-tuk, taxi and van divers in Patong were fined for illegally occupying public parking spaces in just four days last week. Photo: The Phuket News be fined. Be neat and tidy, we are managing this problem,” Col Santi said. Col Santi pointed out that three more taxi and tuk-tuk ranks, or “stands” as they are called in Thailand, were added to the original 21 allowed on Aug 3, bringing the total number of taxi, van and tuk-tuk ranks in Patong to 24. “We kept warning them since the campaign began, now that time is over. Any drivers who continue to ignore us will be nominated to have their commercial driver’s licence revoked (by the PLTO),” he warned. Patong Police Chief Col Tassanai Orarigadech last

Friday repeated that the campaign to reclaim parking spaces for the public was a multi-agency effort, not just that of the Patong Police. “Every arrest is considered fully before deciding to charge,” Col Tassanai added. “We collect evidence and then officers consider each case before issuing any fines. Many drivers have complained about this to police. If they have ignored repeated warnings, they will be fined,” he explained. One van driver who was fined on Aug 22 after being caught parked in a public parking space told The Phuket News, “I was just going to

buy some food and water, but when I came back the front wheel of my van was chained and locked. It is really not fair. “Police did not explain what they were doing, they didn’t even ask what I was doing. Then I had to pay a B1,000 fine because I went to buy food. My friends were fined too,” said the driver, who asked not to be named. Asked what he will do next, the driver said, “I have no excuse for breaking the rules, but it is just not fair for us and others who work in the transport industry, but there is nothing more I can do than put up with it.”

Patong’s dirty secret about to make a splash in beachfront waters Continued from page 1 ...a BOD result of less than 20, though Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup also admitted that untreated wastewater going into Patong Bay was – at least in part – due to many hotels in Patong not being connected to the drains that feed the wastewater-treatment plant on Pakbang Canal. “I have known about the poor water quality, some of which is due to hotels releasing wastewater,” Mayor Chalermluck told The Phuket News. “In addition, sometimes weather is the cause of waste being washed out into the environment. We are finding a solution to treat all

wastewater,” she said. “Officials will attempt to correct the insincere and destructive actions of these big and small hotel owners. It is not easy but officials will do what they can,” she added. The existing wastewater-treatment plant has the capacity to treat all the wastewater that is fed to the facility, Mayor Chalermluck noted, However, she added, “Sometimes, during peak moments of high season, it can be over capacity and overflow. During that time, there are a lot of tourists spending their holiday here. Plus, the private sector (hotels and restaurants) release wastewater illegally. “We are planning to upgrade the

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup peers down the Pakbang Canal, which feeds the bulk of the wastewater to the treatment plant. plant with two new bigger treatment tanks to replace three smaller, old ones, which were built in 1989,” Mayor Chalermluck said.

An engineer at Patong Municipality’s environmental department, who asked not to be named, revealed that construction of the

new treatment tanks is to start within the next three months and is expected to take about year. The project is to cost B125 million, with B110mn provided by the Office of the Environment and B11mn from Patong Municipality, Mayor Chalermluck confirmed. In the meantime, random inspections of hotels will be carried out to ensure the wastewater they release does not exceed legal limits, Mayor Chalermluck assured. Those found breaking environmental laws by discharging wastewater with illegal levels of contaminants will be fined fourfold the general wastewater tax, she added.

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Experts begin search for beach crocodile

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Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong this week ordered officials to keep a 24-hour watch out for a crocodile that was spotted off Bang Tao Beach last week. The order came on Wednesday (Aug 30) while Governor Norraphat inspected the northern reaches of Bang Tao Beach, a stretch of sand also known to locals as Lay Phang Beach, where the crocodile was seen from the shore. “I was told that many people spotted the crocodile last Thursday and Friday (Aug 24-25), but it was from a long distance and they were not sure what it was,” Gov Norraphat said. Since then few swimmers have been brave enough to enjoy a swim at the beach, the Governor was told. However, confirmation came from drone footage, which showed the crocodile to be about seven feet long. “Officials from the Phuket office of the Department of

Ms Kharenko recounts her ordeal to police at Bangkok Hospital Phuket after having the bullet removed from her waist on Wednesday. Photo: Chalong Police

Russian woman shot in break-in The croc was caught on video swimming off Bang Tao Beach last week. Photo: Supplied Fisheries have confirmed from pictures we have received that the crocodile was a freshwater crocodile. This area is not suitable for saltwater crocodiles,” Gov Norraphat explained. “We have set up a team to search for the crocodile,” he added. “We have ordered Phuket Fisheries officials to contact offices that are expert in catching crocodiles and have them on standby. “Officials in the area have been ordered to keep an eye out for the crocodile. Phuket lifeguards have been searching

the sea on jet-skis, and drones have also been used to check the area,” Gov Norraphat said. An official from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Aug 29) that the crocodile was likely to have escaped from a crocodile farm. However, Phuket Fisheries Chief Paiboon Bunlippatanon on Wednesday noted, “There used to be two crocodile farms in Thalang, but both farms were deregistered in 2016 and sold all their crocodiles. “It is possible that the

Governor orders Bang Yai Canal to be widened to aid flood relief PH U K ET G OV E R NOR Norraphat Plodthong has ordered for Bang Yai Canal in Phuket Town to be widened as a precaution against further flooding after water levels breached the canals’ banks during heavy rains last weekend. Gov Norraphat gave the order while inspecting flooded areas in Phuket Town on Monday (Aug 28). Joining him during the inspection were Thawee Homhuan of the Phuket Provincial Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning, Phuket City Municipality Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Thawatchai Thongmung and other relevant officials. During the heavy rains, flood waters from the canal spread to the Chartered Bank Intersection on Phang Nga and Thepkrasattri roads, while municipality staff collected rubbish from the canal to improve drainage. “The cause of this overflowing is due to a high volume of water flowing from Kathu. The Bang Yai Canal is somewhat narrow, especially at the bridge. With a width @thephuketnews

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong inspects the water level at Bang Yai Canal on Monday (Aug 28). Photo: PR Dept of only four to five metres, it cannot handle the flow of water quickly enough,” said Gov Norraphat. “The Phuket Provincial Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning has set a budget to widen the canal to at least eight metres to accommodate the amount of water and prevent overflow in future,” Gov Norraphat added. However, as some land around the canal is privately owned, Gov Norraphat said that he has ordered Phuket City Municipality and the Phuket Provincial Office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning to negotiate with the

landowners urgently to carry out the reconstruction as soon as possible. Meanwhile, an official from the DDPM confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (Aug 29), “There is no ongoing flooding in any areas of Phuket this morning. Patong was the most recent area to be drained and is now free of flood water. Of course, the DDPM will remain on alert in case of anything. “Draining pumps will be on standby in some areas such as Patong for now, in case of any imminent heavy rainfall,” said the official, who declined to be named. Shela Riva

crocodile came from one of the big freshwater sources in Thalang that are connected to the sea, where a crocodile would live,” he added, without citing an example of where. However, Mr Paiboon added, “Officers are keeping an eye on beaches and big fresh water sources 24 hours a day. “Also, crocodile show operators are on standby so if the crocodile is spotted, they can safely catch it,” he said. People who spot the crocodile were urged to call the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office at 076-212460.

A RUSSIAN WOMAN WAS shot during a bungled break-in at her home in Rawai early Wednesday morning (Aug 30). Elena Kharenko, 52, was rushed to hospital in Phuket Town after she raised the alarm by running to neighbou rs for help at about 2:47am. She was shot twice – once in the left side of her waist and in the calf of her right leg, Lt Chanat Hongsitthichaikul of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News. Ms Kharenko had the bullet in her waist removed at Bangkok Hopsital Phuket later Wednesday morning. “We have had very little time to question Ms Kharen-

ko, but she said she saw two thieves in the house,” Lt Chanat confirmed. “One of them shot her. The thieves took the small safe from the house, but she said there was nothing inside,” he added. At the scene police found bloody footsteps from the shower, where the glass wall had been shattered, through to the bedroom, where officers found two .38 bullet casings on the floor. They also found another .38 bullet casing outside in the garden. Lt Chanat said police were checking CCTV footage from the house for more leads. Eakkapop Thongtub

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ollution, drownings and tourists’ safety on Phuket’s roads topped the agenda at the first meeting of the honorary consuls and envoys with the Governor of Phuket to be held in more than a year at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday afternoon (Aug 25). Present for the meeting were Phuket Vice Governors Snith Sriwihok and Siwaporn Chuasawad, chiefs of all the major government offices on the island and honorary consuls from 12 foreign countries, including China. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong outlined his key list of important issues relevant to Phuket, including two topics most relevant in recent months: drownings and bus safety on Patong Hill. With regards to preventing the frequent drownings, Gov Norraphat explained, “The first solution to this problem is that lifeguards will extend their shifts from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. “Volunteers will also begin to patrol some key locations where lifeguard observation may be temporarily absent,” he added. He also noted that a multimedia video is currently being made to warn foreigners of the dangers of swimming, videos that are to be shown in tourist places such as in buses and hotels. “We also ask for you all to help us warn tourists of the dangers before they reach Phuket,” Gov Norraphat told the envoys. “Last year we had 260 drowning [incidents], this year we have had 120 so far. We want to reduce that number to even less next year,” he stressed. “Regarding safety on Patong Hill, firstly we are extending the heavy vehicle ban from 4pm-7pm to now 4pm-11pm. “The second factor we are trying to improve is traffic engineering, including add-

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong's move to revive the regular meetings with the foreign consuls and envoys on the island was warmly welcomed. Photo: Shela Riva ing rubber to road surfaces. We have already requested a B4-million budget from the government for this,” he added. “We are in the process of setting up emergency brake areas along the road and we are setting up checkpoints around the island for three types of vehicles: vehicles registered in Phuket, vehicles registered from outside of Phuket staying in Phuket, and vehicles that occasionally enter Phuket from elsewhere,” he said. “We are also currently developing the Welcome Gate at Tha Chatchai and it will be ready in November. “Another factor that causes accidents is low-cost tour operators who use buses in poor condition. We must tackle this problem urgently. I am working on a strategy to catch these low-cost tour operators as we speak now.” Governor Norraphat also spoke out about wastewater and garbage dumping. “A very important project we have today is called Keep Phuket Clean by our Hands and Hearts. It is important because Phuket has been using natural resources as a main resource to attract tourists to come here for more than 40 years. Now, every tourist needs to consume a lot of natural resources such as

water, and produces a lot of garbage and waste. “This project came about to restore natural resources on this island to better condition for our future generations,” Gov Norraphat explained. Gov Norraphat also spoke about stray dogs and cats, explaining that strays not looked after by the Soi Dog Foundation would have to be vaccinated and neutered for the safety of the community within the coming years, and urged donations from the public for stray dogs and cats in the foundation and in the streets. Gov Norraphat also explained that the municipality is undergoing research for another island to relocate stray monkeys, and plans to add 1,500 CCTV cameras to high-risk areas, including in traffic blackspots. “We want to prevent problems before they happen,” he said. Gov Norraphat also noted to the honorary consuls that 60% of Phuket now has free Wi-Fi and the remainder will be set up by the end of next month. With regards to boat safety, Gov Norraphat stated, “To maintain order of boat passengers, we have already begun to enforce identification before passengers board

the boats, using wristbands. Some places have this rule already, while we implement it at other piers.” Governor Norraphat also outlined topics of flooding, airport improvement strategies, developing Phuket as a centre for sports, medical standards, closing the economic gap between Thais who working the the tourism industry and agricultural workers, hazardous and infectious waste management, and building an international bird park as an alternative attraction for tourists. Of interest, South Korean honorary consul Tossapol Theppabut brought to the Governor’s attention that the number of tourists arriving from South Korea had fallen dramatically over the past two years, due to Koreans being afraid of the many dangers of Phuket, including road accidents. “People in Korea have said that in recent years they would rather holiday in Bali, due to being afraid of the dangers in Phuket, such as drownings and road accidents,” he noted. Other honorary consuls voiced their own concerns, including issues involving illegal narcotics, tourists being poisoned through alcohol as well as police seizing from tourists legal medications

that the tourists brought in Thailand from their home countries, where the tourists have been issued prescriptions for them. Consuls also called for clarification on plans for the Royal Cremation on October 26. The meeting was closed with thanks, and a proposal by Gov Norraphat to initiate a “LINE” application group whereby all honorary consulates could be informed on upcoming meeting dates, and honorary consulates could voice their concerns wished to address in future. The date for the next meeting has yet to be set. Craig Ferguson, the Australian Consul-General for Phuket, told The Phuket News, “We welcome these meetings… Today the Governor gave us a good run down on some of the projects happening in the province, including for the safety of tourists, which is a main concern for us. “The Governor told us today that we will have these meetings every two months, which is a very positive development especially with the high season upon us. There’s a lot of things on the go – a lot of ambition, and many of these things affect tourists, which of course we support,” Mr Ferguson concluded. thephuketnews

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Dog shelter resources ‘nowhere near enough’ Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

he B1.3 million budget announced for the Phuket Stray Dog Shelter in Thalang during the “Big Cleaning Day” improvements last week is “nowhere near enough”, says the Phuket Livestock Chief, who is responsible for the operations and upkeep of the facility. The shelter is not big enough and the budget is too small to keep the facility up to a decent standard, Surajit Witchuwan, Chief of Phuket Livestock, told The Phuket News. “The dog shelter is not big enough for Phuket, which still has more than 2,000 dogs roaming the streets,” Mr Surajit said. The four-rai shelter is currently home to little more than 460 strays. Mr Surajit pointed out that after many years of waiting, his office still has not received the promised budget for the shelter to be expanded. “This is up to the Phuket Governor to deal with, and it

Phuket Livestock Chief Surajit Witchuwan says his budget is nowhere near enough to help solve Phuket’s stray dog problem. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot has been a long time. I have no idea when this will be done,” he said, noting that the situation has not changed after a long succession of Governors in Phuket. “Honestly, I want to help solve the problem of stray street dogs in public areas as much as I can. I would guess that for the appropriate shelters and all the medical and other expenses that need to be covered that we need a budget of about B15mn. “But we don’t have much money. Now we have B1.3mn

and that is just for improving the shelters we do have,” he added. Speaking at the Big Cleaning Day event at the shelter, located in the Bang Kanoon forest in Thalang last Wednesday (Aug 23), Phuket Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawad pointed out that Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong has voiced his concern about the island’s strays. “He wants to help stray dogs so they have better lives, with a better shelter. Their living conditions need to be

‘Pico loans’ to ward off loan sharks THE MI NISTRY OF FInance will hold its “Money Fair 2017 #1” at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Sept 14 where people can register for microloans under the national government’s push to protect low-income earners from debt with loan sharks. “The objective of the fair is to help people understand the sources of finance available to them, and to explain the dangers of and how to deal with loan sharks and investment scams,” explained Ladda Phutthachart, chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Comptroller General. “We will also be explaining financial innovations such as… national savings schemes, tax rights and insurance rights, government credit services, credit guarantees, PromptPay and free credit rating checks,” Ms Ladda noted. Somkiet Jaturabandit, of the Southern Thailand moneylending firm OK 2017 Co Ltd, explained that the fair will be open from 9am to 4pm. The private company OK 2017 Co Ltd is the sole agent accredited by the government to provide “Pico Finance” services in Phuket. The “Pico Finance” is a campaign ordered by Prime @thephuketnews

The fair is to help people understand the sources of finance open to them, and explain the dangers of loan sharks and investment scams, explained Ladda Phutthachart (left). Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in March to help low-income people an alternative to resorting to loan sharks, while setting a deadline to eliminate 200,000 informal lenders within two years. “People who register at the fair will be able to apply for loans from Sept 14 to Dec 31,” Mr Somkiet said. According to the information provided at the press conference by Mr Somkiet, people will be able to sign up for loans under two options: 1) 0% for an undetermined period of months, then 3% per month “until the contract is finished; or 2) 1.5% interest per month for six months with no other terms explained “until the contract is finished.” However, it was made clear

that loans will be capped at B50,000 per applicant. “The project is to give credit to persons who are registered as living in Phuket or work in Phuket,” Mr Somkiet said. “Loans will not be more than B50,000, and they may or may not require guarantors, but even persons declared bankrupt and banned from receiving loans from formal credit facilities can apply,” he added. Of note, Mr Somkiet last made headlines in December 2015 when he left B400,000 in a bag in the men’s bathroom at the Tesco mall on the bypass road. The bag, and the money, were duly returned by an honest security guard. Premkamon Ketsara

improved,” V/Gov Siwaporn said. “Phuket Governor Norraphat has provided a Phuket Provincial budget of B1.3mn to be spent on all areas of the dog shelters. “Next, he wants to lead people to make merit by giving food to these dogs and support dog adoptions so they can have new homes in the future,” she added. Phuket Livestock Chief Surajit pointed out that V/ Gov Siwaporn herself donated B300,000 to help the shelter.

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‘Chao Fah bridge’ faces delay over electricity post THE BRIDGE AND ROAD located behind the King Power duty-free “mega-store” on Chao Fa West Rd that was expected to open in April this year will be delayed by at least another three months due to delays in installing an electricity post and flood issues. The project has raised complaints as the drain at the entrance and exit to the bridge, which has been excavated for repositioning, has been left dangerously open for weeks. “We have temporarily stopped working on repositioning the drain as there has been heavy rain and some flooding in the area. However we will begin the works as soon as possible. It will take about another week,” project manager Pirapong Pongpradit of Ratchintin Co Ltd explained on Wednesday (Aug 30). The roadside drain, which connects to the lake that the bridge crosses, is being moved to give cars an extra lane, Mr Pirapong said. “We still have about 10 metres to work on,” he added. “Also, the project itself is facing delays as the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) need to move a 22m-high electricity post out

Those waiting for the bridge to finally open will have to wait a little longer, says the project manager. Photo: Supplied of the way of the construction using a large crane provided by Nakhon Sri Thammarat PEA. “The crane, however, has to first be used by Nakhon Sri Thammarat PEA to move the same type of pole in another construction project, at an underpass for the Department of Highways. So there is a delay in the move.” Mr Pirapong noted that the project does not have an official name, but is currently referred to as the “Chao Fah bridge”. The project has been three years in the making and was extended once already by 32 days back in March as the contractor was ordered to halt work during New Year and Songkran holidays over the past three years. Shela Riva

Opinion 6

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EDITORIAL

Meeting us halfway

he return of the honorary consul meeting last week was welcome news, finally enabling the consuls and envoys on the island direct feedback about officials’ activities on the island. Also welcome was allowing the press to attend, a factor that previous incarnations of the same forum – under previous Governors – made access to supposedly public information a privilege. That said, at least that was better than canning the consul meetings entirely, which would be nothing new for this province under some of the provincial mandarins we’ve entertained. We can only hope the meetings do continue at least once every three months, as announced by Governor Norraphat Plodthong, though whether he remains on the island to see that through at this stage remains anyone’s guess

The Oct 30 annual reshuffle of government officials to posts upwards or sideways – but never downwards – is just around the corner. There have been rumours Gov Norraphat will be moved on, but such rumours circulate every year, usually arousing suspicion that the post is a lucrative one, but nearly always serving up the arrival of yet another top cat who will take months to learn even the basics about the important issues – and players – on the island. We also hope that the meetings become a forum for true change, with officials hearing the concerns of those representing the millions of tourists who feed this fantastic beast of an island’s tourism revenue, and the consuls returning with news of what is being done to address those problems. Issues raised in forums past include jet-ski thugs, taxi mafia,

beach-operation corruption to tourists’ safety and rental operators demanding and holding tourists’ passports to trash and the ever-diminishing quality of the seawater tourists swim in. Just raising these issues with concerted public voice has yielded positive action – and even before May 2014 always with the support of the military. A word of warning, however: the meeting should not become a venue for sledging officials for inadequacies and inefficiencies, though there is no denying such issues should be raised, and publicly. For all who believe foreigners should voice their grievances to their hosts with sneering derision need only to ask themselves one question: When was the last time they were outright rude to someone and then expected that person to help them? It just doesn’t happen.

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Army opens fire with fines on Patong tuktuk, taxi drivers Phuket Governor warns of Storm Pakhar’s rains French tourists rescued at Phuket beach Phuket Town floods continue as sandbags deployed in Patong Phuket Opinion: Always a pleasant experience Patong residents plea against forced evictions for B6bn tunnel Illegal sections of controversial Phuket property being demolished Phuket officials charge captain, for dropping anchor on reefs Thais, Chinese arrested for removing marine life from Phuket reefs BBC journo in Phuket for defamation trial

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HAVE YOUR SAY More work to do

Re: Phuket Governor targets key tourism issues at consul meeting revival Big tick for the lifeguards who are doing a great job while under-funded. I do not understand why every beach doesn’t have a rubber ducky or jet-ski! Pollution is a huge problem and really needs addressing, especially fires and car and motorbike smoke. Sam Hayman ...................................................

Wide support as army cleans up Patong tuk-tuks

Re: Army opens fire, fines Patong tuk-tuk drivers A great start but they are still parked two or three deep on Rat U Thit Rd every night. On beach road all they do is park up the side streets until the army moves on and then they are back. But this is a great start as if the army do this every day and every night week in week out then it will have a good effect. But it needs to be kept up day and night for weeks even months on end. But so far so good. Great work. Simon 01

Having driven through Patong recently I can assure you all that nothing has changed. Plenty of yellow lines painted for the new taxi stands, but the taxis and tuk-tuks are still parked along the entire length of both Rat U Thit Rd and the beach road. I think the army needs to be out enforcing the law 24 hours a day. Just an occasional whiz around doesn’t appear to be working. Come on army, if you really want to do this, let’s do it properly please. Discover Thainess Tuk-tuk drivers talk about fair treatment? Well, if they started out with fair pricing we would sort out several problems. Firstly, farangs would be able to use the transportation without the feeling of getting robbed in broad daylight. And secondly, they would be so busy, actually transporting us around, that it would leave little or no time to be occupying the public parking spots. And I suspect they might also see an increased income as well. Michael K

Not exactly ‘Escape from Alcatraz’

Re: Army says escape plot well hatched It was hardly escape from Alcatraz was it? I mean they can’t even trace a guy who regularly travels to and from Thailand in his private jet! Malczx7r ....................................................

With a pinch of salt

Re: Pollution sags star ratings for tourism beaches One needs to be very careful form information gained from some organisations, for example: TripAdvisor. As it is taken from reviews submitted by “guests” from many locations, this of course can easily be manipulated by certain organisations, i.e. the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or any hotel chain. Rorri_2 ................................................

Less lanes please

Re: Patong residents plea against forced evictions for B6bn tunnel How much cheaper would the tunnel be with only two lanes instead of three? The third, here in Phuket is, as

we can see, useless. Not to mention the traffic light that comes with it! Bigaresort My advice to these residents would be to jump at the chance to sell their properties. If they get anything close to what people think is “market value” then they are already way ahead of the property market curve. Elsewhere, people are desperate to sell properties that have been on the market for years, and what few homes are selling are going for way less then “market value”. So take advantage to upgrade to a nicer place. Captain Jack 69 ...................................................

Find real offenders

Re: The long game: Trisara MD Anthony Lark says sustainable tourism is the future All very commendable, but, it isn’t these internationally recognised hotels that are, polluting, dumping, overdeveloping, building over the 80m contour, slashing forest and mangrove, encroaching etc. What’s the plan to stop the real offenders? Sir Burr

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THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Thailand’s gourmet bug grub

Bangkok’s fine diners explore new, adventurous insect cuisine BANGKOK Sippachai Kunnuwong & Delphine Thouvenot

t a hip Bangkok diner, foodies with an adventurous palate tuck into a bug-based menu that includes watermelon salad sprinkled in bamboo worms, nachos with silkworm cherry tomato salsa and pasta made from ground crickets. Abundant and stacked with protein, insects have long been a favourite snack among Thai farmers. But they have often carried a negative image, perceived as “food for the poor” in a country with profound class divides. Now bugs are creeping onto the menu of some of Bangkok’s high-end restaurants as the capital’s gourmands leap on the latest global food trend with a sustainable agenda. Ratta Bussakornnun, a 27-year-old who works in the cosmetics industry, admitted she was initially sceptical as she sat for a meal recently at Insects in the Backyard, which says it offers Bangkok’s first insect-themed fine-dining menu. Many wealthier Thais, she

Edible winged ants are placed on a fish fillet inside the kitchen of Insects in the Backyard, which says it offers the first insect-based fine-dining menu, in Bangkok. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP said, think of insects as “unappetising and dirty”. But by the end of her meal she was won over. “I just ate scallops topped with bamboo worms and a fish fillet with an ant egg sauce. It was delicious,” she beamed, a gentle jazz track playing overhead in the dimly lit restaurant. “The food is well presented,” she added. “This gives an impression of sophistication.” The restaurant is located in Chang Chui – an arty district in western Bangkok filled with vinyl record stores and local

fashion designers. Co-founder Regan Suzuki Pairojmahakij says insects are more than just a gastronomic trend – they are a potential panacea for an increasingly crowded and meat-hungry world. The Canadian national used to work in the NGO sector with remote rural communities, many of whom incorporated insects into their cuisine. “I’ve been working in the climate change, natural resource management fields for a number of years, and a big

part of it has been the search for the sustainable forms of protein, food and supply chain,” she said. With the world’s population expected to hit 9.8 billion in 2050, many experts remain acutely concerned about how the world will feed itself as well as the environmental damage caused by so much meat being consumed. Insects, she said, require a fraction of the costs and energy needed to farm compared to staples like chicken, pork, and beef.

That is nothing new to many of Thailand’s rural classes. Insect consumption is particularly popular in the rural northern regions, mainly due to its drought-prone climate, which has created a more varied and less fussy local palate. For people in the central part of the country that is fertile all year long, insects are eaten more as a snack, often deep fried and served with seasoning or spicy sauce. But persuading the wealthy middle classes of Bangkok, a city of huge disproportionate wealth compared to the rest of the country, is still a challenge. “No Bangkokian eats insects because it has a social status connotation,” said Massimo Reverberi, an Italian entrepreneur of a small start-up called Bugsolutely. Based in Bangkok and Shanghai, his firm says the not-so-welcoming look of insects remains a major turn-off for many. Instead he looks for ways to use insects in everyday food items like chips and energy bars. Their current product is a pasta made from cricket flour, which is now sold by a small number of outlets in Japan

and New Zealand, but not yet Thailand. Back in the kitchen of Insects in the Backyard, chef Thitiwat Tantragarn says the most important thing is to get the flavours right. “Giant water bug meat has a similar texture to crab, so that’s why I use it in the ravioli,” he enthused. Ant eggs are another favourite of his, which he tends to serve with fish. “They have a sour flavour, which helps reduce the fishy taste. We try to make sure the menu has balance and harmony. “My intention is to change diners’ attitude. Insects are edible and delicious,” he added. “It’s not disgusting.” His culinary approach appears to be working. Ania Bialek, a British teacher living in Thailand, said she had tried fried insects sold by street vendors but wanted to know what a higher end menu would taste like. “I will happily eat them again,” she said at the end of the meal. “But I would need someone else to prepare it for me. I will not be keen on cooking it myself.” AFP

Army says escape plot well hatched BANGKOK FORMER PRIME MINISter Yingluck Shinawatra seized the moment when the government’s guard was down and with help from the likes of her brother, Thaksin, slipped out of the country undetected, army chief Chalermchai Sitthisad said on Tuesday (Aug 29). “Her escape had been well prepared and decided in ad-

vance. She waited for the right time and opportunity,” said Gen Chalermchai, who is also the secretary-general of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). He rejected claims the army let her escape. Gen Chalermchai told reporters that the former premier managed to elude authorities after she “abandoned all of her phones and changed her cars so it was hard to trace her us-

ing the same methods we did before”, AFP reported. Ms Yingluck failed to show up at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions last Friday (Aug 25) to hear the ruling in the rice-pledging case, in which she was accused of dereliction of duty for failing to stop the losses and corruption which crippled the program. The court issued a warrant

for her arrest following her noshow. She is believed to have fled to Dubai, where Thaksin lives in self-imposed exile. The army chief admitted that there is still no clue to indicate how she escaped if indeed she fled the country. “Someone such as the former prime minister has enough supporters and networks that would allow her to escape,” said Gen Chalermchai. She was also in touch with people knowledgeable in matters of national security who could help her slip out the country undetected, said the army chief. He believed Thaksin helped arrange Yingluck’s escape by arranging a private jet after she crossed by land or sea to a neighbouring country. Meanwhile, he said, before she fled, the NCPO had slackened its monitoring of her after it had been criticised for causing intimidation, the army chief claimed. The army chief denied claims the former premier was aided by senior figures in the current administration to leave the country, asking:

From the left: Thai Lt Gen Chalermchai Sitthisad, Maj Gen Wittaya Wachirakul, US Marine Corps Brig Gen Richard Simcock, and US Army Maj Gen Roger A Mathews, laugh during a conversation while watching a combined strategic air drop demonstration during Exercise Cobra Gold 2014 in Lop Buri. Photo: Sgt Matthew Troyer “What would be an advantage of that? “If you say the NCPO or the army made a mistake in their supervising forces at border, I will accept it,” the army chief said. “Do not forget that the country’s border is 6,656 kilometres long, with officers deployed only at important points.” Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday that he ordered officials to determine how she managed to flee the country. “The order was given days ago. But various routes must be checked both domestically

and internationally,” the prime minister said, adding that the countries in contact include Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. “I admit I am worried about what has happened, as is everyone. Officials are anxious because many people still attach importance to these powerful figures,” the prime minister said. “Please don’t let what I have been trying to do for three years collapse so suddenly. You should trust me; I will not allow this case to collapse,” Gen Prayut appealed to public, referring to Yingluck’s escape. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

ASIA NEWS

The pet-friendly acupuncturist

Chinese medicine practitioner saves dogs and cats being put to sleep CHINA Matthew Knight

ooking like a furry brown pincushion, eight-month-old French bulldog “Dan Jiao” whimpers nervously as he waits for the end of a Chinese acupuncture session aimed at curing partial paralysis caused by a puppyhood injury. “Dan Jiao” (“Egg Dumpling”), would obviously rather be chewing on a bone somewhere than sitting strapped against his will into a harness that resembles a medieval torture device, pricked by several long needles hooked up to a mild electric current. But the Shanghai clinic of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Jin Rishan at least provides hopeful owners an alternative to putting down the beloved family dog or cat, the typical fate of pets immobilised by severe spinal and nervous-system injuries. “We’re getting more and more customers,” said Jin, 53, whose Shanghai TCM Neurology and Acupuncture Animal

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A partially paralysed dog receives acupuncture treatment by Jin Rishan at the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Neurology and Acupuncture Animal Health Centre in Shanghai. Photo: Chandan Khanna / AFP Health Centre is operating at full capacity of around 20 patients per day, and growing. Many dogs suffer from tough-to-treat back injuries or

spinal deterioration that can render them unable to walk. A range of breeds including Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Collies, Basset Hounds and Shi

Tzus are particularly prone. “Seventy percent of the animals here suffer from spinal disc herniation, leading to paralysis of the hind legs or

all four legs,” Jin said, adding that acupuncture is “more effective” than modern medicine. “Western medical practices can’t do much,” he said. It appears to be working for “Dan Jiao,” who was completely paralysed when his owner Michael Xu first brought him in for treatment after a fall that broke his back. “After three days of acupuncture, he was slowly able to crawl on his front paws. By the seventh day he was able to limp on all four legs.” Last Friday (Aug 25), patients ranging from a gangly black Labrador to a tiny teacup poodle were carried in by their owners or carted in baby prams. They were eventually strapped into harnesses before the thin acupuncture needles were inserted into their problem spots. Others sniffed nervously as smoking moxibustion cups – a form of heat therapy that involves burning aromatic plants – were applied to their hides. But the place had not completely gone to the dogs. The

day’s sole feline patient looked particularly put out, being completely strapped down to prevent it squirming around. Wang Ping, the owner of “Mei Mei” (“Little Sister”), has fresh hope of getting the five-month-old teacup poodle back on her tiny feet after a paralysing neck injury suffered three months ago. “I went to traditional clinics with “Mei Mei” but the vets said she was too small for surgery,” Wang said. Doctors initially recommended euthanasia before referring Wang to Jin’s clinic. “So I came over and she’s much better, at least she can lift her head and crawl a bit now.” Jin’s practice is based on the feeling that a pet is like a human member of the family, entitled to the same loving care. “In the past, Chinese people had a very weak notion of what a pet was. But now more and more families treat pets as a companion or family member. So they care so much about their pets, it is not like in the past.” AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Struggling to house locals

In Ibiza, behind the sea, sun and dancing lurks a serious problem SPAIN Daniel Bosque

abriel Alberto Andrade has lived in a van for a year, unable to pay for a home in Spain’s Ibiza where rental prices have shot up as mass tourism takes its toll on locals. Known as much as a wild party island as a place of tranquillity with coves of turquoise blue water, Ibiza has increased in popularity over the years. But behind the sea, sun, dancing and yachts lurks a serious problem of tourism overcrowding that is preventing many locals from finding affordable accommodation. “It’s not easy living in a van but rental prices are crazy, you just can’t pay them,” says Andrade, a 47-year-old Argentine who has lived in this part of the Balearic Islands since 2000, but was forced to move out of his home when he separated from his wife. In his metallic blue van, he sleeps on a sofa-bed and makes meals on a small gas cooker. On the roof, solar panels provide him with electricity. Just under a decade ago, he says he could rent a coun-

Gabriel Alberto Andrade stands in his modified van where he has lived for a year in Ibiza. Photo: Jaime Reina / AFP try house for just 400 euros (B15,892) a month. Now for that price, he would be reduced to sharing a room. The number of tourists visiting Ibiza, a small island of just 142,000 inhabitants, has almost doubled from 1.7 million in 2010 to three million in 2016, according to the regional statistics institute. High demand for accommodation prompted the appearance of scores of tourist rentals, most of them without

a permit, provoking a rise in real-estate prices and making it hard to find a room for less than 600 euros (B23,838). The citizen’s Platform of those Affected by Rental Prices in Ibiza has detailed the existence of countless abusive offers – 500 euros (B19,865) a month to live on a balcony, 300 euros (B11,919) for a mattress not including the bathroom, or 2,100 euros (B83,433) for a small caravan. With a salary of just 1,400

euros (B55,622) as a truck driver and vendor, Andrade chose to buy his van for 3,000 euros (B119,190). Four caravans are parked next to his van in a wasteland, its occupants opting for a nomadic lifestyle due to high rental prices. The situation gets even worse in high season, when the number of people on the island triples and temporary workers are needed in the tourism industry and other sectors,

such as health services. Such is the difficulty to find affordable housing that the Can Misses Hospital in Ibiza, the main one on the island, has rehabilitated an unused floor to provide accommodation for temporary workers. Javier Segura, a 30-yearold microbiologist, arrived in June for a three-month contract and was forced to stay there after an unsuccessful search for a flat. “Some of the offers were rip-offs and others were really pricey... over 2,000 to 3,000 euros,” he says. “And the offers with accessible prices, between 1,000 and 2,000, were all taken.” In an ironic twist, the tourism sector itself is finding it hard to find much-needed temporary workers if it doesn’t offer accommodation with the contract. Years ago “in May, I would receive 10 to 12 CVs every day to come work in the summer, now just one or two come,” says Joan Riera, owner of the Can Alfredo rice restaurant in Ibiza Town, who has since opted to hire local personnel only. “We have perverted the system,” deplores Lucas Prats, president of an organisation

that promotes tourism. Before there were “buildings dedicated to residential homes and those in tourism zones. Now everything is for tourism”. As such, the regional parliament of the Balearic Islands has passed a law banning the use of apartments for tourists without a permit. It also limits to just over 623,000 the number of visitors who can stay in hotels or legal rental accommodation in one go, and plans to reduce that figure to around 500,000. “If we continue growing in this direction there will come a moment when we will not be a competitive destination. And neither will it be an area where one can live well,” says Vicent Torres, director of tourism for the local government in Ibiza. “That’s why we feel the need to reduce it all a little.” The aim is to stop locals from turning against tourism, an important activity for an island that was once poor and relied solely on fishing and agriculture before turning into an attraction for visitors in the 1960s. “In Ibiza there are no exceptions, we all live off tourism,” says Prats. AFP

Go fetch! Drones help Swiss rescue dogs find the missing SWITZERLAND CAPO, A GOLDEN R Etriever wearing a bright orange rescue harness, runs with his handler in tow towards a body sprawled in the high grass as a giant drone whirs overhead. The scene was part of a simulated dog rescue operation aimed at highlighting the rapidly growing use of drones

to help speed up and expand such searches in Switzerland. The exercise took place on the same day as a massive landslide on the Piz Cengalo mountain in the Swiss Alps that left eight people missing and triggered a search-andrescue mission where dogs and drones were deployed. “The main benefit is to gain more time, to be more efficient and to be faster to find the

missing person,” Dominique Peter, a pilot with the Swiss Federation of Civil Drones, said. The federation has for nearly a year been working with the Swiss Association for Search and Rescue Dogs (Redog), providing drone teams to help with search-and-rescue. Since then they have assisted with 12 out of 22 Redog missions.

“This allows us to have an eye in the air and a nose on the ground,” Redog president Romaine Kuonen said. Her colleague Christa Koller said the goal is to have drones on all missions. She said the drones are particularly useful for searches around cliffs and other areas in the Swiss Alps that are too dangerous for dogs and their handlers to access. The drones, with their mounted high-definition and infrared cameras, can also quickly survey flat, open areas, leaving the dogs to search in wooded terrain where the drones cannot fly. Wearing a bright orange and yellow emergency worker jumpsuit, Peter expertly steered the Matrice 600, a large, professional-level drone made by the world-leading civilian drone maker DJI, over a vast field. An accompanying search specialist surveys the footage and communicates by mobile phone with Capo’s Redog handler Marie Sarah Beuchat to let her know which direc-

A drone flies as members of Swiss disaster dog association Redog and a rescue dog perform during a press presentation on combined search and rescue with drones and dogs. Photo: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP tion to send the dog. High-end drones can fly at high speeds, allowing them to quickly cover large areas. The Matrice 600 can fly up to 65km/h, while DJI’s Ispire 2, which was also on display, can go up to 100km/h and five kilometres away from its pilot. “This can save lives,” Peter said. And while the drones used by the rescue teams can cost up to 30,000 euros (B119,190) each, Kuonen insisted that us-

ing them saves money because they speed up searches and can often be deployed instead of costly helicopters. Peter stressed though that the drones are meant to complement the work of the dogs, not to replace them. A dog is a “very wellengineered tool for search and rescue,” he said, voicing scepticism that researchers will be able to develop an artificial nose that can match the sensitivity of a canine’s. AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Rise of the condotel Mai Khao Beach Condotel developers solve Hotel Act conundrum PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

new condo development at Mai Khao, on Phuket’s northwest coast, is among the first to make a major breakthrough for potential owners wanting to rent out their properties for periods of 30 days or less since the recent crackdown on condo projects across the island under the Hotel Act. Mai Khao Beach Condotel has had its building permit as well as its essential Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) both approved, giving the developer Mai Khao Beach Condotel Co Ltd, which is part of Thai Business Development (TBD) Company Group, the green light to go full steam ahead in delivering the units. The condotel, located just 450 metres from Mai Khao Beach, is surrounded by fivestar resorts and is only 10 minutes’ drive to the airport. But sales off-plan have been

Mai Khao Beach Condotel, freehold and legally available for rent at daily rates. swift, with only about 160 units of the 342 units still available, confirmed TBD Company Group CEO Igor Protasov. “Other major drawcards are the 10% guaranteed rental return for five years program, and with unit prices from B1.999 (for 36sqm one-bed-

room units) to B6 million, the option of freehold ownership has had incredible appeal,” Mr Protasov said. Further, the completed project will be “hotel managed”, he added. “We are in negotiations with three different Western hotel chain companies to get

AustCham eyes marine industry MARINE THE RENOWNED AUStralian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (AustCham) Sundowners networking event will return to Phuket next month with a special presentation by experts in the marine industry. The event, organised in collaboration with the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) and the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (BCCT), will be held at Phuket Boat Lagoon on Friday, Sept 8. “Set in the beautiful surroundings of Boat Lagoon, the Phuket Sundowners offers a chance to enjoy an evening on the docks with the resting vessels, while networking with like-minded people from the business community,” explained AustCham Executive Director Brendan Cunningham. “Prior to the Sundowners, we will hold a Panel Discussion titled ‘Outlook for the Phuket Marine and Hospitality Industries’,” he noted. The speakers tabled are Michael Cowan, Executive Director at Beacon Sky Hospitality; Wicky Sundram CMP, Executive Director at Phuket Boat Lagoon; Scott Bradley, @thephuketnews

The AustCham Sundowners will be held at Phuket Boat Lagoon on Friday, Sept 8. Photo: Phuket Boat Lagoon CEO at East Marine; and Andrew de Bruin, General Manager at Multihull Solutions Asia. Harry Usher, Owner of Lady Pie and AustCham Phuket Coordinator, will be the Panel Moderator for the event. “All speakers will focus on the important link and integration between the hospitality and marine industries and modern trends, with specialist input in their respective subjects,” said Mr Usher. As such, Michael Cowan will speak on hospitality, covering not only hotels and resorts, but also restaurants, bars, catering, events such as sailing regattas, boat trips and cruise lines, he explained. “Meanwhile, Wicky will cover marinas, Scot will cover the boating industry, and An-

drew boat sales,” he added. “Despite these two large industries bringing in tourist revenue, there are still very poor public marine facilities in the form of boat ramps, jetties, rubbish facilities and toilets,” Mr Usher noted, highlighting some of the issues available to be raised at the event. The Panel Discussion will be held at the Boat Point meeting room from 4:30pm to 5:30pm, followed by the Sundowners networking at the Anchor Building Deck from 6pm to 9pm. Entry is B400 for members and B800 for non-members. Event sponsors include The Coffee Club, Phuket Boat Lagoon, Lady Pie and media partner The Phuket News. For details email office@ austchamthailand.com The Phuket News

a four- to five-star hotel brand of one of those companies to manage the Mai Khao Beach Condotel,” Mr Protasov noted. Yet the major attraction is that foreigners can own their units freehold and can rent them out at daily rates as the entire project has been designed to comply with the

Hotel Act and the required building standards and the project will be managed by a hotel operator, explained Mr Protasov. The move to ensure dual compliance was done to appeal to buyers in the market for their full confidence. “The decision to ensure

the project complies with both the Condominium Act and the Hotel Act was made before we launched into the design and planing of the project,” Mr Protasov explained. “The main factor was to create a project that is interesting for buyers as an investment. Owners can legally rent out of their units on a daily basis to guaranty the customers 10+% return on investment per year from rentals,” he pointed out. “As well, because it is a commercial property, its value after construction is finished will be at least 25% higher compared with market prices of standard residential condominiums.” Regarding the hotel operator to be brought in to manage the daily operations of the development, Mr Protasov noted that TBD Company Group already has experience with hotel operations. “We have been operating the Palm Oasis Boutique Hotel, which is a part of TBD Company Group, over the past five years,” he said.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Mövenpick on the move HOSPITALITY

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

övenpick Hotels & Resorts will open a new resort in Mai Khao, at the northern end of Phuket, as part of the company’s expansion throughout Southeast Asia, The Phuket News has learned. The new venue will be built at the site of the existing D Varee Mai Khao Beach resort, Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer and Senior VP Asia, confirmed to The Phuket News. “We are opening up a 240room hotel in Mai Khao,” Mr Langdon said, adding that the D Varee Mai Khao Beach will be closed and fully renovated into a Mövenpick resort. “It will be double the size. It is going through the design phases now,” he said. The move comes amid a huge push by Mövenpick to expand throughout Southeast Asia. Thailand is where Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts first embarked on its Asia development journey with the opening

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts ExCom Team in Thailand (from left): Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer and Senior VP Asia; Craig Cochrane, Senior VP Human Resources; Floor Bleeker, Chief Information Officer; Olivier Chavy, President and CEO; Paul Mulcahy, Senior VP Commercial; and Michel Checoury, Chief Financial Officer. of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket in 2006. Today the company operates five properties in three destinations – Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya – with four more set to open by the end of next year. Mövenpick Suriwongse Hotel Chiang Mai and Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai will open this year, while Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin and Mövenpick Resort Mai Khao Beach Phuket are set for completion in 2018,

adding more than 700 keys to the market, noted a release issued to announce the news. The Mövenpick Asara Resort & Spa Hua Hin is slated to open this December, Mr Langdon noted. “It will be 98 keys, half villas and half suites, very much like Bang Tao,” he told The Phuket News. Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently operates 10 hotels and resorts in seven Asian destinations. In addition

to its five hotels and resorts in Thailand, the company manages one property each in China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. There are already 17 new projects signed, all of which are on track to open by 2020, growing the Asia portfolio to 27 properties, but the goal is to operate at least 30 hotels and resorts in the region by the end of the decade. “Thailand is strategically important for Mövenpick Ho-

tels & Resorts,” said Olivier Chavy, President and CEO, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, during his recent visit to the island as Mövenpick’s Hotels & Resorts leadership team, including its expanded Executive Committee (ExCom), kicked off their “Grand Tour of Asia” in Thailand. “It [Thailand] is not only the gateway to Asia and one of the region’s most flourishing hospitality markets, but has strong development potential

for our company – by 2020, more than 30% of our properties in Asia will be located in key destinations across the country,” Mr Chavy said. “We are always looking at expanding our portfolio wherever it makes sense in terms of brand awareness, where it makes sense to optimise what we have currently, we always grow not at the expense of, but for the benefit of the current properties,” Mr Chavy told The Phuket News in an exclusive interview. “We like clusters, because when you have a cluster you can centralise skills, crossover power and muscles, and yes Phuket is on the map for us and it’s more than a dot, in terms of strategy, in terms of visibility and in terms of what I call brand awareness,” Mr Chavy said. “And this is the way we like to operate – we like to open new territories and to grow flags as a cluster or as a new pick flag in the same country so we can optimise business for the benefit for every single unit and not at the expense of every single unit – and that’s Phuket for us,” he added.

New Phuket Ramada goes ‘Peranakan’ HOSPITALITY W Y NDHAM HOTEL Group have announced the continued expansion of its globally-recognised Ramada brand in Thailand with the signing of Ramada Plaza Chaofah Phuket, a franchised hotel with Southern Star Hotel Co Ltd, an affiliate of the CAS Group. The 270-room upscale hotel is slated for completion in 2018 and will be managed by Bangkok-based Kosmopolitan Hospitality. Ramada Plaza Chaofah will be part of the larger Muang Chaofah development, an “Urban Entertainment Centre” with proposed attractions such as movie theatres, an international conference centre and retail outlets. The hotel is aimed to be a vibrant addition to the hospitality scene in Phuket with a Peranakan-influenced design concept, said a press release announcing the launch. Peranakan Chinese, or Straits-born Chinese, are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay Archipelago, which includes British Malaya and Dutch East Indies, between

The 270-room Ramada Plaza Chaofah is to feature distinctive Peranakan-influenced designs throughout the resort. the 15th and 17th centuries. Members of this community address themselves as “Baba Nyonya”. The Straits Chinese settlers arrived in Phuket in the 19th century amidst the tin-mining boom and make up a critical part of Phuket’s population. Over the years, the intermixing of cultures has given the Phuket Babas a unique Peranakan character defined by Thai influence. “Guests can expect a blend of modernity and tradition with contemporary furnishings artfully decorated with Peranakan porcelain and batik prints,” noted the press release. “The hotel will focus on curated food and beverage concepts, with plans to offer Thai-Nyonya styled cuisine – a distinct characteristic of

Phuket’s Peranakan identity – in its all-day dining outlet and speciality restaurant on the rooftop. Other facilities will also include a grand ballroom which seats up to 700 guests and a range of fitness facilities,” it added. “We have seen great success with our Ramada brand across Southeast Asia and the Pacific Rim with 63 hotels now operating in the region,” said Barry Robinson, President and Managing Director of Wyndham Hotel Group South East Asia and Pacific Rim. “Ou r newest hotel in Phuket will be no exception and will offer guests an authentic experience into the heart of the destination, and a unique insight into Phuket’s colourful history,” he added. The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Lost souls and hungry ghosts visit the living

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Phuket Street Food Fest kicks off this month

FREEDOM RIDERS

From left: The Freedom Boardsports team Khun Jome, Tom Fekete and Rick Reynolds. Photo: Mark Knowles

Meet the guys behind Phuket’s legendary surf shop: Freedom Boardsports Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

alking in to Freedom Boardsports for the first time, my jaw dropped at sheer number boards on display, lining the walls and stacked on shelves. There were hundreds of surfboards, wakeboards, bodyboards and stand-up paddle boards taking up every bit of available space.

I was there to meet Rick Reynolds and Tom Fekete who, with their halfcentury or more of combined local surf knowledge, are the brains behind Freedom Boardsports. After the introductions, I sat down with the pair to talk about the history of the business and how they had steered it to become such a prominent player in the boardsports industry in Southeast Asia. As you might have guessed, it was no overnight success story. Rick, who opened the original Cobra Surf Shop in Phuket Town “because that’s where you had to go to buy anything, in those days” has been a mainstay of the island’s boardsports community for more than 30 years. “We first opened in 1986 and we were a purely windsurfing company – we were a branch office for a large manufacturing company called Cobra International,” says Rick. “We started off selling mostly windsurfing equipment, but over the years @thephuketnews

we expanded to become a comprehensive supplier; selling Hobie cats, kayaks, canoes, body boards, snorkelling equipment and life jackets. “The main target in those days was hotel-supply contracts. We were very well known for a long time with a lot of the big resorts like Le Meridien and all the Laguna resorts,” adds Rick. In the 1990s surfing took off in a huge way, quickly becoming a worldwide professional sport and a cultural phenomenon. Rick was riding the wave of the sport’s resurgent popularity by organising surf competitions to help strengthen Phuket’s surf scene. It was during such a competition that Rick first met Tom Fekete – a lifelong surfer hailing from California’s Huntington Beach, just south of LA. That friendly meeting would be the foundation for their future business partnership. It was around 2014 when Rick found himself in search of a partner to help modernise and revitalise his business. “There were a lot of missed opportunities being a one-man show, so I was actively looking for a partner, but I’m very fussy… and Tom’s name ended up at the top of the list,” says Rick. As luck would have it, Rick caught Tom at the perfect time, he had only recently sold off his surf-safari charter business in Indonesia after his largest boat was severely damaged in a tsunami. As soon as they had shaken hands on the deal, Tom wasted no time – transforming the company from a laid-back local surf shop to a modern,

online and tech-savvy enterprise. “Freedom Boardsports was Tom’s brainchild and he built up our brand very effectively, it has really just been growing like a mushroom,” says Rick. “The new website was key to the modernisation, but I’m also out there every day surfing and talking to everyone, so I’m a bit more familiar with the products, the new trends and what people want,” adds Tom. Both Tom and Rick agree that the current boom in stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) has been great for business and is just getting started. “Thailand has been slow to get traction on SUPs, they are about five years behind on the popularity compared to other countries,” says Rick. Adding to their swelling SUP sales, Freedom supplies the Phuket Lifeguard Service with their surf-rescue boards. They also make their own custom board-bags right in the shop. And to top it all off, they’ve even had a member of the Thai Royal Family drop by to purchase a surfboard. Further strengthening the market, according to Tom, is the fact that surfing seems to be rapidly gaining in popularity among sports-minded Thais. “The Thais are starting to get into surfing more and more. Whereas before they were all on hand-me-down boards, now they come in and want the best. I see kids from Bangkok down on the beach here all the time,” says Tom. Another little-known reality of the boardsports industry is that Thailand

is home to some of the best board manufactures in the world – most notably Cobra International – the largest board maker in Asia. “Up to about 15 years ago they used to hide the fact that the boards were made in Thailand, well not hide… but just not promote it. Nowadays, it’s a badge of quality to say a surfboard, or any board, was made in Thailand as opposed to ‘Made in China’, says Rick. The other pillar of their success, says Tom, has been to stock the best quality brands and provide the highest level of customer service possible. “Every product in this shop is top end, we get top of the line brand name products under strict quality controls, we don’t deal with cheap off-brands, so we feel we can stand completely behind our products,” says Tom. “When it comes to online shopping, we are a true bricks-and-mortar company and with our stock, if people see it on the website, they can come in the next day and buy it. Or we can ship it straight out to you,” he adds. So, I ask Tom and Rick, what’s next for Freedom Boardsports? The gregarious pair seem a bit more tight-lipped about the future, but hint at plans to expand and become the region-wide distributor for some of the biggest manufacturers in the industry. “That’s what we’re tirelessly working towards,” says Rick, “fortunately we have the advantage of longevity, reputation and connections in the industry developed over 30-odd years.”

14 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Lost souls and hungry ghosts Phuket’s Por Tor Festival centred on paying respect to familial ancestors

huket’s annual Por Tor Festival, also celebrated throughout Southeast Asia as the “Hungry Ghost Festival”, will take place on the island from September 3-19. The Por Tor Festival commences on the During the th day of the seventh waxing moon accord15 festival ing to the Chinese lunar calendar. Thais with people Chinese ancestry believe that the Gates of Hell open at this time to allow the spirits of their ancestors prepare various to re-enter the mortal realm to visit their relatives and foods, carved seek food and entertainment. fruits and colourful Hungry ghosts, also know as preat in Thai, are said desserts to place at to be human-like with a tall skeletal figure, long neck, altars for the spirits and very small mouth, which keeps them from ever satisfying their hunger. The are believed to be people of their ancestors whose deaths have been violent or unhappy, as well as the ancestors of those who have forgotten to pay tribute to them after they died. Festival activities are centred around Por Tor Kong Shrine in Phuket Town, which is dedicated to the god Por Tor – the King of Hell. The shrine features painted panels depicting some of the gruesome punishments handed down by Por Tor to those souls judged to be worthy of such suffering. During the festival participants prepare various foods, carved fruits and colourful desserts to place at altars for the spirits of their ancestors. Many people also set up extra offerings at the back of their homes to invite the lost souls that have no family to come and enjoy the festivities. It is also traditional for families to offer prayers to their deceased relatives and burn fake currency as “hell money”, which is believed to be a valid currency in the underworld and helps ghosts to live comfortably in the afterlife. In Phuket, “red turtle” cakes called ang ku, which come in various sizes and are made from flour and sugar, are central to the celebrations and form an important part of the offerings made to Por Tor and hungry ghosts. The turtle represents strength and longevity, while the colour red is associated with good luck. Unfortunately, Phuket City MuniciA woman prays at a Chinese shrine in Phuket Town. pality has announced that there will not The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

‘Red turtle’ cakes known in Thai as ‘ang ku’ are an iconic part of Phuket’s Por Tor Festival. Photo: TPN/File be a traditional parade of red turtle cakes this year, which in Phuket have become a symbol of the Por Tor Festival. “This year Phuket Municipality will not hold the ang ku parade or other amusements as part of the festival because we are now in mourning for King Bhumibol Adulyadej,” said Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana. “Every year at this time, Phuket holds the Por Tor Festival to give thanks and offering to our ancestors as a way to express our gratitude. This practice has been passed on to us from generation to generation,” she said. “This annual giving not only gives the spirits great food, but also brings luck and good health in return to the givers,” Mayor Somjai added.

Festivities at participating locales and shrines in Phuket Town this year: • Sept 3 and Sept 10 – Thaihua Museum on Krabi Rd. • Sept 5 – Joor Shu Kong Shrine (Surin Circle). • Sept 6 – Jor Ong Shrine (Talad Nuea Community). • Sept 7-8 – Fresh market on Ranong Rd. • Sept 9-19 – Por Tor Kong Shrine, near Ban Bangneaw School on Phuket Rd. • Sept 11 – Gew Leng Ong shrine on Takua Pa Rd.

Fruit carving: a meticulous skill

Thai fruit carving traditions have been traced back to the Royal court in the 14th century. Photo: AFP

t is a royal tradition that has proved bountiful through the ages and one that Thailand’s fruit carvers are determined to keep alive – even as young people peel away from the unique art form. From beetroots carved into roses to fruity floats made from papayas and melons, the most important fruit carving competition in Thailand took place in Bangkok recently. But for competitor Piyanat Thiwato, carving is about more than just winning. “Carving can improve our mind because it requires concentration and enhances our imagination, it’s a way to relax,” he said. The tradition has been traced back to Thailand’s royal Sukhothai dynasty, in the 14th century. “The art of food carving started hundreds years ago. Thailand is rich with arts and crafts. It’s like a very beautiful treasure that we have,” said Araya Arunanondchai, the event’s organiser. “In the old days, it was done in the royal palaces for the royal family,” she added. Dozens of Thai artists competed in the famous fruit and vegetable carving competition, where more than 20 teams

An intricately detailed watermelon carving. carved anything from owls to elephants or intricate Thai designs onto fruits including taros, melons, and papaya. Fruit carving is still popular as an offering in temples or as a decoration for weddings. Fine arts students can still choose to learn it at university, as they would take painting lessons. But the tradition is fading away. “Not so many young people are interested in it or the ones who studied it in art schools cannot make a living out of it,” said food carving expert Manirat Svastiwat na Ayutthaya. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Buyer Beware!

EDUCATION

The complicated business of university admissions requires careful navigation EDUCATION CORNER

BISP University Counsellor Dale Ford.

@thephuketnews

rivate university admission counselling companies used to be found only in the wealthy suburbs of the United States. They can now be found everywhere. Unfortunately, many of these supposed “experts” aren’t really experts at all. Bad advice can hurt a student’s chances of admission and affect their future. Buyer beware! The British International School, Phuket, like most other well-established international schools, employs professionals with a deep knowledge of what it takes to choose, apply and be admitted to universities all over the world. True experts in helping students gain admissions to universities participate in admission conferences, have professional memberships in international university admission associations and relationships with admission officers all over the world. At BISP, for example, the university counsellors are frequent speakers and attendees at international admission conferences. They have also received international awards from their peers for their service to the international counselling community. Not every student is able to attend a school with an expert in uni-

Bad advice can hurt a student’s chances of admission to university and affect their future. versity admissions. In that case, sometimes a private consultant can be of assistance. If you are considering hiring a private consultant, be certain you are working with someone who is accredited. The highest level credential is that of Certified Educational Planner (CEP). The person should also be a current member of the International Association for College Admission Counselling. Beginning university is the next step in a process that began as far back as kindergarten. While university counsellors offer advice on selecting universities that provide a great fit and assist with the actual applications, no application will be successful if planning only begins in the final year of high school.

Success is the culmination of many years of quality education. To help your child find university success, make sure that beginning in primary school, they are getting the best education possible. Also, take a look at the success of the graduates. A high quality school should make it easy to find out where their students go after graduation. If your child is attending a great school with experts in university admissions, work with them. If your school doesn’t have one and you are considering hiring a private individual, make sure you practice due diligence. In addition to wasting a lot of money, the wrong advisor could actually hurt, rather than help, your child’s chances of university admission.

16 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

‘Luk chup’ sweets made from bean paste and shaped to resemble fruit.

The ever-popular street food snack of stuffed and grilled whole squid.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

‘Khanom Krok’ are a Thai sweet made from coconut milk batter.

Phuket Street Food Festival 2017 The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

he annual Phuket Street Food Festival will be held this month over September 16-17 with the dual aims of showcasing the island’s Unescolisted cuisine and promoting “green-season” tourism. As well as upholding Phuket Town’s title of “Gastronomy City” as bestowed by Unesco in 2015, leading Phuket to join the ranks of 18 other cities around the world so recognised, the event will also support the important MICE tourism industry. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong, speaking on the importance of the festival, said, “Phuket has many good things to show the world. Phuket is a tourism destination with many beautiful beaches. Phuket is also famous for it’s unique food culture and traditions. “Phuket is a place that through the combination of Thai, Baba, Peranakan

and many other religious and cultural traditions has created many unique local dishes that can only be found in Phuket. For this reason, Unesco has continued to recognise us as a ‘Gastronomy City’. “In September each year, many of the hotels and resorts in Phuket promote special discounts to welcome tourist during the ‘green season’. The Phuket Street Food Festival 2017 is focusing on local food, healthy food, seafood, creative food and rare food from restaurants across Phuket. More than 50 food and beverage booths and food trucks will gather together for both Thai and foreign tourists to try our delicious local food,” Gov Norraphat added. Ms Kanokkitthika Krittawutthikorn director of TAT Phuket said, “We hope that the Phuket Street Food Festival 2017 will attract more tourists, both Thai and foreign, who like food, and of course, taking pictures of food for sharing on social media. This festival will create more food aware-

A woman makes tiny crepes topped with meringue and shredded coconut. Photos: Mark Knowles ness of the variety of local dishes and ingredients and offer a new attraction for food-loving tourists in Phuket,” Ms Kanokkitthika added. The Phuket Street Food Festival 2017 will be held from 6pm on September 16 and 17 at the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park on Thalang Rd in Phuket Town – also known as Dragon Park for the large Golden Dragon Sculpture facing Thalang Rd.

The festival is organised in conjunction with the following organisations: The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office, Phuket Tourism and Sports Office, Phuket Municipality, Thai Hotels Association-Southern Chapter, Phuket Tourist Association, Phuket Chamber of Commerce, Phuket Thai Chef’s Association, Phuket Food Seller Club and Social Enterprise Phuket Co.,Ltd.

Handcrafted mooncakes to help celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival PRESS RELEASE

B Mooncakes have a rich sweet filling made from bean paste and often contain the yolk of a salted duck egg.

anyan Tree Phuket will celebrate this year’s mid-Autumn festival by becoming the first and only hotel in Phuket to have an in-house pastry Chef producing traditional Chinese mooncakes. Residents of Phuket will finally be able to enjoy these delicious and iconic mooncakes. From September 1 to October 4, these exclusive mooncakes, including the ever-popular creamy Durian mooncake will be made available to the public. Savour Banyan Tree’s range of five delightful flavours – such as Red Bean, Black Sesame, Lotus Seeds and Assorted Nuts. All Banyan Tree mooncakes are handmade daily with fresh, fine-quality ingredients. These decadent, pastrycoated treats come in elegant boxes, making it the perfect gift for family members, business partners and friends. A Chinese holiday tradition, mooncakes are typically exchanged between friends, family and business associates. This festival is a time for reunion among relatives and friends as they eat mooncakes and celebrate harmony and completeness of families. Banyan Tree Phuket’s new mooncakes showcase the 5-star resort’s commitment to providing visitors the best of local and regional culture, giving guests a taste of a traditional

Chinese pastry steeped in history and folklore. These very special mooncakes can be purchased at the hotel’s lobby, as well as from booths at Central Festival Phuket department store, Laguna Holiday Club and Cassia Phuket. Prices start from B188 net, with a box of two available for B488 net and a box of four for B888 net. For enquiries or to place an order, please call + 076 372 400 or email: fb-phuket@ banyantree.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TECHNOLOGY 17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Myanmar startups map the past

High-tech devices preserve the past while pointing to a brighter future

Phyo Hein Kyaw

asps echo across the hall as the Myanmar school kids trial virtual reality goggles, marvelling at a device that allows some of Asia’s poorest people to walk on the moon or dive beneath the waves. “In Myanmar we can’t afford much to bring students to the real world experience,” beamed Hla Hla Win, a teacher and tech entrepreneur taking virtual reality into the classroom. “If they’re learning about animals we can’t take them to the zoo… 99%of parents don’t have time, don’t have money, don’t have the means,” she added. Few countries in the world have experienced such rapid discovery of technology than Myanmar which has leapfrogged from the analogue to the digital era in just a few years. During the decades of outright junta rule, which ended in 2011, it was one of the world’s most isolated nations, a place where a mobile phone sim card could cost up to US$3,000. For half a century its paranoid generals cut off the country, restricting sales of computers, heavily censoring the Internet and blocking access to foreign media reports. But today phone towers are springing up around the country and almost 80% of the population have access to the Internet through smartphones, according to

A student uses a virtual reality interface to tour historic Bagan, captured in detail by drones. Photo: AFP telecoms giant Telenor. Tech startups are emerging around the commercial capital Yangon, many seeking to improve the lives of rural people, most of whom still live without paved roads or electricity. “The increase in activity from last year till now – new startups, more people determined to become entrepreneurs and working in the tech sector in general – is significant,” said Jes Kaliebe Peterson, CEO of community hub Phandeeyar. Virtual reality is the latest advance to cause a stir, with a handful of entrepreneurs embracing tech for projects including preserving ancient temple sites to shaping young minds of the future. The Phandeeyar incubator works

Japanese satellite to power GPS

apan recently launched the third satellite in its effort to build a homegrown geolocation system aimed at improving the accuracy of car navigation systems and smartphone maps to mere centimetres. An H-IIA rocket blasted off at about 2:30pm (12:30pm Phuket time) from the Tanegashima space centre in southern Japan, according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The rocket successfully released the “Michibiki” No.3 satellite about 30 minutes after launching. “The rocket flew as planned, and the agency confirmed that the Michibiki No.3 was released with no abnormalities 28 minutes and 37 seconds after the launch,” an official statement said. The launch was initially scheduled last week but was postponed due to a technical glitch. Satellite geolocation systems, initially designed for the US military, now power countless civilian applications, from car navigation to internet browsing on mobile phones. Japan relies on the US-operated Global Positioning System (GPS). Saturday’s launch was part of a broader plan to build a domestic version with four satellites focusing on the country and wider region. The first satellite was put into orbit in 2010 and the second was launched in June. The fourth is to be launched by March 2018 to start up the service. The Japan-built system will still need to operate in tandem with GPS. Though GPS is widely used in Japan, having supplementary satellites @thephuketnews

An H-IIA rocket blasts off from Tanegashima space centre. Photo: AFP/Mitsubishi Heavy Indiustries/JAXA is important in a country where mountainous terrain and high buildings may interfere with its signals. Michibiki, meaning “guidance” in Japanese, will cover the Asia-Oceania region and is intended for civilian use. Japan plans to boost the number of its satellites in orbit to seven by around 2023. AFP

with more than 140 startups. Among them Hla Hla Win’s virtual reality social enterprise 360ed which is using affordable cardboard VR goggles attached to smartphones to break down barriers in Myanmar’s classrooms. She founded the non-profit last year after 17 years working in the woefully underfunded education system in a bid to bring learning to life. “I see it as an empathy machine where we can teleport ourselves to another place right away,” she said. And it’s not just school children who benefit from stepping into places they could only ever dream of visiting. 360ed has used virtual reality to help Myanmar teachers attend train-

ing courses in Japan and Finland and is working on setting up deals with schools in India, Pakistan, China and Bangladesh. “With VR there’s no divider, there’s no distance,” Hla Hla Win said. While 360ed is thinking about the future, Nyi Lin Seck is obsessed with the past. Some 600 kilometres north of Yangon, the budding tech entrepreneur and founder of 3xvivr Virtual Reality Production launches a large drone into the skies above Bagan, one of Myanmar’s most famous tourist sites. The drone, which carries a 360-camera, circles one of the many ninth-to-thirteenth century temples that dot the landscape of what was once a sprawling ancient city. The data it records allows those with virtual reality headsets to explore the temples, their crumbling centuries-old walls so close it feels like you can touch them. A former head of the local TV station, Nyi Lin Seck says he makes most of his money providing virtual reality footage for hotels and luxury apartments. But after an earthquake damaged the Bagan site last year, he vowed to use the tech to preserve a digital replica of Myanmar’s archaeological treasures. “A lot of artworks on the pagodas collapsed and were lost. Using this technology, we can record up to 99% of the ancient art,” he says. AFP

18 ISLAND SCENE

Watcharaporn ‘Jay Jay’ Yankomut (centre) takes a photo with guests following her talk.

Attendees got a chance to strengthen their public-speaking skills.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

From left: Watcharaporn ‘Jay Jay’ Yankomut and Able Wanamakok.

The talk was part of the Inspired Phuketians series of events hosted by Skye Lake Club.

JAY JAY YANKOMUT TEACHES PHUKETIANS HOW TO BECOME A ‘STAR ON STAGE’ Watcharaporn “Jay Jay” Yankomut is a noted public-speaking coach and founder of the “Star on Stage” public-speaking course. She has worked with business executives, television and radio presenters, as well as regular people to improve their public-speaking ability and reap the gains in self-confidence that naturally follow. Ms Yankomut gave a talk on how to become a better public speaker on August 27 as part of the Inspired Phuketian series of talks hosted by Skye Lake Club. The event was proudly supported by The Phuket News, Khao Phuket and Live 89.5.

This year’s event will feature runs in 3km, 10km and 21km distances.

Starwood and Marriott staff take to the stage at the ‘Run to Give’ press conference.

ALL SET FOR ‘RUN TO GIVE’ 2017 CHARITY EVENT AT BANG WAD DAM, KATHU Starwood properties together with Marriott properties in Southern Thailand, representing Marriott International, are once again organising the “Run To Give” charity event, to be held on September 24 at Bang Wad Dam in Kathu. The organisers held a press conference on August 24 to confirm the lineup of activities for this, the sixth annual event. Aside from the 3km and 10km runs, this year the organisers have added an exciting and scenic 21km route from the newly renovated Bang Wad Dam. This event is proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Francophiles enjoyed some fine French cheeses and more at the event.

French expats in Phuket enjoyed a taste of home during the event.

NOVOTEL PHUKET KAMALA BEACH HOSTS A FANTASTIC EVENING IN FRENCH STYLE On August 18, Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach hosted a celebration of all things French for its “Fantastic French Evening” rooftop soirée. Guests enjoyed fine French beverages with even finer French cheeses and delicious charcuterie from the vantage of the hotel’s rooftop dining area. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

It was smiles all around at C & C Marine’s annual ‘Thank you’ shindig.

Guests enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner and ice cold drinks.

C & C MARINE’S ANNUAL ‘THANK YOU’ PARTY GOES OUT LIVE ON 89.5 FM C & C Marine’s annual “Thank You” party its for staff, customers and suppliers got underway on August 25. Craig Holmes and the team at C & C Marine did it again with a great party and tasty food and drinks. The Live 89.5 team was also on hand, broadcasting live from C & C Marine’s offices in Koh Kaew.

From left: Andrew and Marcus.

The event is a fixture on the calendar of anyone involved in the marine industry in Phuket.

From left to right: Mr Pracha Asawateera, Mr Craig Ferguson, Mrs Andrea Kotas Tammathin, Dr Piriya Atisook, Mrs Nantana Wongsatayanont, Mrs Anette Jimenez Hochstetter, Mr Richard Berthe, Mr Supornthap Meesap and Ms Mei Lin Lin.

BANGKOK HOSPITAL PHUKET HOSTS ‘GET TOGETHER: CITY OF TOMORROW’ Bangkok Hospital Phuket hosted the third episode of “Get Together, City of Tomorrow” in the hospital’s President Suite on August 23. Deputy Hospital Director Dr Lalita Kongseeha represented the hospital’s management team in welcoming Phuket’s honorary consuls from France, Germany, Chile, Austria, Australia, Estonia, Switzerland and China as well as delegates from the Lions Club of Phuket Jungceylon. This regular event is aimed at providing fresh opportunities for key people and business leaders across the island to discuss and exchange new ideas in the run-up to Phuket becoming a Smart City, in-line with government policies.

Miss Supra International hopefuls help clean up a beach in Phuket last weekend.

From left: Pierre-Andre Pelletier and Miss Vietnam 2016, Do My Linh.

AMARI PHUKET WELCOMES MISS VIETNAM ON HER TOUR OF THE ISLAND Amari Phuket recently welcomed Miss Vietnam 2016 – Do My Linh. Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Regional Vice-President, Operations – Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives, warmly welcomed Miss Linh during her recent stay at the Amari, aimed at promoting Phuket’s attractions to the Vietnamese market.

There are scores of women vying for the coveted title of Miss Supra International.

MISS SUPRA INTERNATIONAL THAILAND PARTICIPANTS GATHER IN PHUKET The inaugural Miss Supra International Thailand beauty pageant saw participants from 77 provinces, gather in Phuket last weekend (Aug 26-27). The candidates for the title of Miss Supra International took part in beach clean-up, fun runs, and wearing traditional Phuket Baba costumes. The winner of the competition will be announced on September 2. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

MON

1 SEP

4 SEP

WILD WEST COUNTRY NIGHT! Saddle up Boys & Girls! Only at Two Chefs Kata Center, September 2nd, 2017. Yehaa!! - 50% off on all selected beverages only for cowgirls. - Wear your cowboy boots and cowboy hat and get a free shot. Make your reservation at Two Chefs Kata Center, 076 333 065. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8pm until late, delivering sweet music. COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!!

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar Competition starts at 9pm - Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com

SUN

3 SEP

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Sunday Roast All Day All Night

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

SAT

2 SEP

King of the Mountain Trail Run 2017 King of the Mountain Phuket Trail Run, one of Thanyapura’s most popular races, returns on September 3, 2017. Beginner and experienced trail runners can compete in three distances: the 4-kilometre fun run, the 8 kilometres and the 15 kilometres along steep hilly terrain amid beautiful waterfalls of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Kata Rocks Collective Series 10 Phuket’s most highly-anticipated event of the summer, Collective Series X ‘Best of Mixology’. An AllStar crew of Asia’s best from 28 KongKong Street SING; Mandarin Oriental, BKK’s Bamboo Bar, legendary bartender Michele Montauti and Kata Rocks and Brand Connect. Tickets THB 2,500 Net p.p. 7pm until late with live performances (DJ & Sax) and Chef Laia’s canapés. Limited tickets dining@ katarocks.com

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com

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 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favourites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavoured with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy live music from 8pm-late performed by our famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/ TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370; Kata Center 076-330-065; Karon 076-286-479; Patong 076-344-914.

Mountain Bike Classic 2017 A new mountain bike race through Khao Phra Thaeo nature reserve highlighting ecological tourist destinations comes to the island on September 3 2017, following the highly-popular King of the Mountain Trail Run on the same day. The Thanyapura Mountain Bike Classic features a new route through Northern Phuket’s 23 sq km rainforest. Bikers can test their endurance in four distances: the 4km fun race, the 9km, the 18km (two loops of 9km laps) or the 27km (three loops of 9km laps). Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

TUE

5 SEP

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

6 SEP

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS All you can eat! Grilled Australian rib-eye steak, teriyaki-marinated chicken and grilled tiger prawns with BBQ sauce, red wine sauce and Bearnaise sauce, Caesar salad and herb-sautéed potatoes. Only 495 baht. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. www.twochefs.com Karon 076-286479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch - September - New Zealand Black Shell Mussel. 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 services, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Prices start from THB 2,800 net per person. Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

BISP hosts SWAP - A Musical Comedy We welcome CHIARO to BISP to collaborate with BISP soloists, Secondary singers and Parents’ choir. It will be a fantastic opportunity for our students to work with professional musicians and for Phuketians to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of music. Tickets available at BISP Information Centre! Contact sirikhwanb@bisphuket.ac.th for details. British International School, Phuket.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

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WED

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

6 SEP

FRI

8 SEP Darren Sanders Veteran comic & TV chat show host “Darren Sanders”. Live stand-up comedy in Phuket at Underwood Art Factory. Advance B600 . On the door B800. at comedyclubbangkok.com & Underwood Art Factory. Chris, Underwood Art Factory, Chris@comedyclubbangkok.com, 095 721 9563.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

THU

7 SEP

Austcham Phuket Sundowners & Panel discussion All welcome, panel discussion on the “Outlook for the Phuket Marine and Hospitality industries” starts at 16:30 in the Boat Port meeting room, followed at 18:00 with the Sundowners held on the deck of the Anchor Building. Members - THB 400 and non-members - THB 800. Includes Aussies meat pies, cocktail style food and drinks. office@austchamthailand.com Location : Phuket Boat Lagona.

FRI

15 SEP

SUN

24 SEP

Run to Give 2017 Marriott hotels in Andaman area will hold the 7th Run to Give charity event on September 24, 2017 at Bang Wad Dam Kathu. The event aims to raise funds for Pun Fun Pun Yim and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Children’s Foundation. There will be 21km, 10km and 3km runs. Check their Facebook official page, Run to Give 2017, Phuket.

SUN

1 OCT

Thailand Property Awards 2017 BISP to welcome six top US universities to campus BISP is delighted that Columbia, Duke, Georgetown, Northwestern, Princeton and Vanderbilt Universities will visit British International School, Phuket. Admissions Directors will give presentations on their institutes’ undergraduate programmes and provide an overview of admission and financial aid policies and procedures. To register email at counsellor@bisphuket.ac.th or follow the link provided.British International School, Phuket

Returning for a landmark 12th year held at Plaza Athenee Bangkok. With a professionally run awards system supervised by BDO, the world’s fifth largest auditing and accountancy firm, the PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards is the biggest and most prestigious real estate event in the Kingdom, with the top and emerging names in real estate celebrating the best developers, projects and designs. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

SUN

17 SEP

In aid of Phuket Panyanukul School – Engaging with Autism The 10th Anniversary Millennium Resort Patong Phuket Charity Run 2017 is a run-for-charity organised by Millennium Resort Patong Phuket (MRPP) in conjunction with its 10th year celebrations. “Engaging with Autism” has been chosen as the theme for this marathon. More info at gotorace. com/event/millennium-charity-run/. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

3rd ACCOR HOTELS Heartbreak Hill Mini Marathon 2017

Chalong Bay Experience by Marriott Resort Phuket Merlin 1,950 THB net price per person. 3pm - 5pm, leaving at 2pm. Including transportation, distillery tour, cocktail class and Thai pantry dinner with Chalong Bay. Reservation at 076 335 300.

@thephuketnews

Do an afternoon cooking class with Nan and discover why the Halfway Inn has been rated in the Top 10 Thai restaurants in Patong on TripAdvisor for the last 4 years running. Classes can be booked any time between 2pm till 6pm any day of the week. Google Halfway Inn, Patong’ for more details or call Nan to arrange a very fun and unique Thai culinary experience. Line:+66(0)852533278. Khun Nan, Halfway Inn Patong, halfwayinnpatong@hotmail. co.uk, 085-2533278.

10th Anniversary Millennium Charity Run

EVERY DAY To create an annual fundraising event which supports the improving education and well-being of underprivileged children within the community we live and work. Our priority is to raise funds for local schools in Phuket and nearby provinces and support to Accor Yim Kids Project, which is a part of ACCOR HOTEL’s Corporate Social Responsibility. More info: tel. 076602544 (Thai) 076602541 (English) or Facebook: HeartBreakHillPhuket. Venue: Khao Kad, Panwa Cape. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Cooking Classes Every Day

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Mana Smokehouse Traditional American BBQ/smoked and slow roasted, along with TEX MEX tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas etc etc. Open 7 days a week, all day dining. Best ribs in town. At the front of BEST WESTERN Patong Beach. Promotion everyday i.e 399B all you can eat A La Carte, Mondays come 4 pay 3, Live music. Heart of Patong. Free parking. Reservation, 076-360-220.

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. Phuket Night Market @690 THB++, Thai & International buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++, Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++ The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, rimtalay@amari.com, 076 340106-14 #8027.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Who in 2012 gave birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter? 2. What is an ogdoad? 3. Which musician would often sign his letters ‘Red Beans and Ricely Yours’? 4. What is the first name of the film director daughter of Francis Ford Coppola who directed the film Lost in Translation? 5. What is the circumference of the Earth around the Equator? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

55. Cold war leader Across 57. Avoid a 1. Frozen knockout? 5. Richard of “Ocean’s 64. Benjamin Eleven” Disraeli, e.g. 10. ___-a-lug 14. Supernatural force 65. Growls like a dog 66. Tow behind you 15. Sandwiches for 68. In ___ of (as a dessert substitute for) 16. Not at all well-done 17. Cemetery purchase 69. Tilled fabric 18. Diamond measure 70. Pac Man man 71. Deception 19. Similar 72. Little ones 20. One way to fall 73. Overflow 23. Hardly a beauty 24. Expression of Down annoyance 1. Little rascal 25. Moving slightly 2. Delivery in the 29. Little toymaker field 31. Couples 3. Carbon compound 35. Final words 4. Computer 37. Something that information might roll over, 5. Après-ski drink briefly 6. ___ Julius 39. Witty remark smoothie 40. How to get a 7. Roman emperor knighthood? 44. One of the Clantons 8. Back-and-forth 9. Ethyl acetate, e.g. 45. Last, abbr. 46. Advocate of a very 10. Sly 11. Dance simple life 12. Acid type that 47. Roomy vehicle can cause gout 50. Color 13. DNA material 52. Laugh-a-minute 21. Discard folks 22. Unhappy 53. Stratum

25. Auspices 26. Uttered 27. Flowed to and fro 28. UN agency for workers’ issues 30. Like a dryer trap 32. Pregnancy test, familiarly 33. Biblical word 34. Proofer’s marks 36. Antelope with tufted tail 38. Soldier 41. Inherited wealth 42. Bend the ___ an adviser 43. Like a goldfish, like a carp 48. Temporary refuge 49. Prefix with colonial 51. Become visible 54. Discomfort 56. Donkeys 57. Your or my ender 58. Kite stablizer 59. ‘Hood 60. Police informer, in London 61. Proofread 62. Sea flier 63. Scene attempt 67. Weighty facility?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Beyonce; 2) A group of eight; 3) Louis Armstrong; 4) Sofia (Coppola); 5) 40,075km

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Sept 1, 1952 The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway, is first published.

years is how long a snail can stay asleep.

Sept 2, 1666 The Great Fire of London breaks out and burns for three days, destroying 10,000 buildings including St Paul’s Cathedral.

per cent of Canadian men prefer bacon over sex, according to a national survey.

Sept 3, 1189 Richard I of England (a.k.a. Richard “the Lionheart”) is crowned at Westminster.

600

Sept 4, 1882 Thomas Edison f lips the switch to the first commercial electrical power plant in history, lighting one square mile of lower Manhattan. This is considered by many as the day that began the electrical age.

minutes of sitting and taking only 1,500 steps each day is the common average activity of a person who is obese.

1,000

kilometres is how far an average Dutch person cycles each year.

100,000

Sept 5, 1960 Muhammad Ali (then known as Cassius Clay) wins the gold medal in the light heavyweight boxing competition at the Olympic Games in Rome.

bees were removed from Rockwood Hospital in Cardiff last year after honey started dripping from the ceiling.

4 billion

years in the future, the Milky Way will merge with the Andromeda galaxy. Source: Uberfacts

Sept 6, 1522 The Victoria, the only surviving ship of Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition, returns to Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain, becoming the first ship to circumnavigate the world.

Kamala Beach wedding. Photo by Kurt Heck Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Sept 7, 1978 While walking across Waterloo Bridge in London, Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is assassinated by Bulgarian secret police agent Francesco Giullino by means of a ricin pellet fired from a specially-designed umbrella. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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Jobs

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

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MARINE SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Long Tail Boat For Sale

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail.com 080 695 3933.

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 525,000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@hotmail.com 083 093 9724.

2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

2014 Nissan Juke, one owner, full history, leather interior, rear sensors, climate control. Perfect Phuket runabout, only 82000km. 530,000, soiana56030@gmail.com, 0950 924 729

t ge n

s al

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000km. One owner since new. Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +6684 690 9144, andysmalster@gmail.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT TechWorX Projects

TechWorX Projects now offer a full Electrical Contractor service. This complements our existing offerings of AV, IT, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Security systems. If you are planning a new build or renovation please contact us for a free consultation. Daragh, 393/8 moo 1 Srisoonthorn road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, daragh@techworx.asia, 084 443 9863.

MEMBERSHIPS Life Time Family Membership

LEGAL, FINANCIAL Bangkok law firm in Phuket

The Bangkok law firm PUGNATORIUS Ltd. provides its foreigner-focussed legal support and assistance through a trusted partner law firm in Phuket. For a protected corporate structure in full compliance with the law. For a comprehensive due diligence which truly lives up to its name. For a most efficient hotel business licensing process. For a more competitive design of the property development. The PUGNATORIUS advantage is badly needed at a place where foreign investments are typically built on sand. Protect your investment in paradise. phuket@pugnatorius.com, (00) +66 22 072 647

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com. Mr Joe: bigmovephuket@gmail.com 081-797-5377.

Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee. Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee. Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

PETS, BOARDING

MEMBERSHIPS

I have two great dogs looking for a home. According to a Vet, 7.5 years old. I’ll update their shots. Please see pictures, both are great dogs. I’m leaving the country. Contact Chris 087-884-8972.

Phuket Country Club Family Golf membership

2 courses, 9 & 18 hole course 390,000 Thai baht. Seller will pay transfer fee. Contact Chris: 087-884-8972.

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Golf membership for sale, includes transfer fee of 60,000 THB. 450,000, David, dsgrabham@yahoo.co.uk 087 881 7545.

Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. 400,000 baht, the Loch Palm transfer fee of 72,000 baht will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. sales@joydive.asia @thephuketnews

Dear Pet Seekers

PUBLIC NOTICES Relocation of Major Office

Phuket Plus Co.,Ltd, Corporate Registration Number 0105549008784 has relocated its head office, originally located at 580/123, Moo 2, Saimai Sub-district, Saimai District, Bangkok, Thailand. The company’s head office is now located at 45/11, Moo 4, Kamala Sub-district, Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand. This announcement is on behalf of Mr Manusanan of Phuket Plus Co., Ltd. 45/11 Moo 4 Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120. Contact: rattana65992@gmail.com, 076-525-848, 076-525-715.

PERSONAL SERVICES Rawai Custom Tailor store

Rawai Tailor – Ladies and Gents custom Tailor Store. Serving local and international clients for the past 10 years, get a free shirt for each suit ordered, fully air conditioned, clean environment, friendly staff, parking space, quality materials, good workmanship and money back guarantee. Located within walking distance from major hotels in Rawai, opposite Sea Shell Museum on Viset road in Rawai. Visit us for free consultation, no obligation to buy. www.RawaiTailor.com Thomas Ghimiray, 158/2, Moo 2, Viset Road, Rawai, Phuket. info@RawaiTailor.com, +6681-415-4883.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket? International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 098-064-4408/Email:info@ipa. black/Website:www.ipaphuket.comContact Khun Pat, International Property Advosory, utopia@ipa.black, 076-604-260, 080-886-9660.

Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENT-MANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GAURANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076-636-244, 090-179-6635. Chanapa, Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., info@chattha. asia 076 636 244, 090 179 6635.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Condo for sale

Nice Condo for sale in Rawai 27m2, 2nd Floor renovated. Fully furnished. Ready to move in. 300m from the beach. 750,000 THB, Duverne Jacques, Rawai, Eng-061-0686696, Thai-065-0714228.

'New' foreign freehold condo

Totally renovated in 2016, located in centre of Patong. Size of 65 sqm with a common fitness, sauna and large swimming pool. Perfect for living or investment! B5,600,000, guy@sunny-property.com, 0831 052 707.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Land: 3 Rai close to Monument

Land for sale in Phuket. 3 Rai close to Monument Thepkrasattri Thalang. Perfect for apartments. Contact Thai/English 093 619 2323. 12,000,000, supaku1013@hotmail.com, 093 619 2323.

House for Sale in Karon

House for sale the price is negotiable. 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom house in Karon with a salt water pool. Great opportunity to buy in a good location where houses rarely come up for sale. Good as an investment or a place to call home. 16,000,000 Baht, ณริศรา โคทส์, g-a-coatesy@outlook.com, 063-541-5642.

Royal Place Condo For Sell

Royal Place Condo is located at the center of Phuket Town, opposite the Tesco Lotus, close to international school, 3 minutes to Big C and Phuket International Hospital, 4 Minutes to Central Festival. 45SQM, 5th floor, Corner Room, 2 balconies, 1 bedroom, 1 living room. Before price 2,800,000 Now Available for 2,250,000. Harry: h.jabary@ gmail.com, 084 249 0526.

1 BRM UNITS FOR SALE

Spacious, modern 90sqm luxury European style apartments in a Golf Resort for sale. For further information please contact 062-019-1421. 4.9 Million THB, Bruno, Golf Resort, brunohaag@yahoo.com, 062-019-1421.

PROPERTY FOR SALE 4 bedroom house in Chalong

4 king bedrooms (one with ensuite, the others with dedicated bathrooms), 5 bathrooms (1 with a bath, the other showers), Living room, Morning room (lounge/diner), 2 studies, Home cinema, 7 seater, DVD/CD library, 2 carports, 3 separate entrances (+ 5 French windows, a total of 8 exits). Property is at the end of a quiet soi near Big Buddha, no passing traffic. It overlooks a stream and jungle. The garden is 12 years old with bananas, papayas, mulberry bushes, cherry bushes, flowering plants and shrubs and several palm trees. There are frequent bird visitors…2 birdbaths. Just a few minutes drive from Tesco and Villa/Home Pro on Chao Fa West. Only 12 min drive to Central or big Tesco/Big C/Makro. 16.9MB (negotiable). Area of the site: 137.9 square wah (approx 560 square metres). To view, call 081 415 5522 or email m.allen.phuket@gmail.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT Rawai Naiharn with spa pool

Unique Thai style home, open plan, close to beach and shops, AC, 3-bedroom 2-bathroom with spa pool, must see! Eng: 090 867 4849 Thai: 081 081 9875.

House for Sale/Rent

Locate Baan Saun Loch Palm Kathu. Fully furniture with swimming pool, 3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms + maid room, 2 living rooms. Large entertainment area. Very convenient location. Close to BIS, Headstart School, shopping centre, Central, Tesco Lotus, 10 min to Patong beach. Easy access to the Airport. Long term lease 65,000/month including pool + garden service. Sale 13.5 millions baht (negotiable). Khun Bea, Loch Palm Kathu, I.thumwong@gmail.com 098 194 9351.

Long term luxury Villa

Luxury 2 bed villa available for long term rental 10 minutes from Patong with outstanding sea views from B95,000 per month. We have other villas available for shorter rentals. Contact Justin 084 242 6952 (Eng) or Tan 094 596 2558 (Thai).

To rent: 1800 m2

To rent: 1800 m2 of concrete slab with 5m high walls + 500 m2 of parking. Heroines Monument area. Roofing may be arranged, long term and serious interest only. Open to ideas, Leo: 081 821 4064. thephuketnews

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Every day of swell is precious, get out now SURFING

Team Amanpuri celebrate their victory in the ‘Thanyapura 7 Soccer Charity’ competition.

Amanpuri victorious at ‘Thanyapura 7 Soccer Charity’ competition CHARITY LAST FRIDAY (AUG 25), Amanpuri walked away as winners of the “Thanyapura 7 Soccer Charity” competition, a fundraising event for Yaowawit School, Kapong which was held at Thanyapura from Aug 18-25. Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort was the first runner-up while Trisara took second place. A total of 24 Phuket hotels and companies gathered to compete in the friendly football match. The tournament took place at Thanyapura’s Fifa Standard football pitch and raised B84,000 for Yaowawit School. Yaowawit School is a public-private home-stay school for children from underprivileged families, located in the rainforest of

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

Phang Nga Province, 135 kilometres from Phuket. Founded by the “Children’s World Academy Foundation” registered in Germany and Thailand, the school was inaugurated with the blessing of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn in April 2006. The goal of this nonprofit organisation is to help children reach their full potential and break them out of the poverty cycle by providing them with quality education. The school was founded by German philanthropist Mr Philipp Graf von Hardenberg in 2005. Yaowawit has partnered up with Marriott International’s “Marriott Thailand Business Council” to run the Yaowawit Pre-Vocational Hospitality Academy and Yaowawit Lodge.

Phuket certainly doesn’t have the best waves for surfing, but many places in SE Asia do.

Tim Campbell info@surf-sup.asia

ey surfers! My friend gave me a nice wake up call the other day. Well, it was more like an encouraging slap in the face, and I’m glad he did it. So, on this particular afternoon last week my friend asked me if I wanted to go for an early morning surf. My response was, “Umm yeah maybe, I’ll see how I feel.” His sharp and direct response back to me was, “Tim, there are only a few months where Phuket gets waves in a year so make the most of it.” WOW, straight to the heart, and like I said, a wake up call. For a lot of us, once the start of Phuket’s surf season rolls around and we get a few surf sessions in we start to feel content again. Then the wind and the rains come and you start to get lazy and think, the waves aren’t an offshore perfect three foot so I’m not going to bother to surf this week. Bang! All of a sudden the surf season is over and you’re losing your mind wishing there were waves again. Even if you just had a one foot runner to ride, you would be so happy. Well, I’m continuing my

friend’s trend of slapping people in the face with this written wake up call people, get out there and don’t miss an opportunity to get some waves no matter how imperfect they are. For all you non-surfers reading this and not keeping up, typically Phuket gets all its waves from April to October, only half the year. So each day of swell is precious. Now, while I took up the offer from my friend to go for that early surf, I was sitting in the line-up thinking to myself, what will I do once the waves are gone for the year? Hmm… all the other different surf destinations in Asia – places I had read about in surf magazines or have travelled to myself – started to come to mind. That’s it, I’ll save my pennies and go on a surf trip searching for more waves so I can continue to make sure more of my year is full of opportunities to catch waves

and satisfy the craving to surf. So here you go, these are my top three recommendations for a surf trip in Asia. 1. Lombok, Indonesia. Now everyone goes on about Bali being the ‘must-go-to-place’ for surfing. Granted, it does have perfect big waves. It also has big crowds and if you’re a beginner to intermediate you will most likely spend more time counting temple monkeys than you will catching waves. There is a misconception that Bali is the place to learn to surf. With Bali’s reef bottoms, strong currents and huge crowds it’s not the friendliest places to learn to surf. Now, Lombok, the island next to Bali is just as cheap, food is delicious, it offers amazing waves for all abilities and the crowds are much, much less. You can fly cheaply via Kuala Lumpa. 2. Sri Lanka. This exotic island of wild animals, rich culture and yep, you guessed it, amazing waves, is a must

for all levels of surfing. For the months of January through to April you can surf at multiple locations up and down the west coast. I recommend hiring a surf guide who will pick you up from the airport and drive you around for the length of your stay. It’s super affordable especially if you share with some friends. 3. Maldives. Now this is not a cheap holiday, but if you desire crystal clear water and perfect waves day after day then this is your spot. These islands are not far away but you need a boat to access most surf spots. If you can treat yourself to a trip here, your smile will most likely never leave your face. We live in an amazing part of the world where we have easy access to so many stunning surf destinations, which won’t break the bank. So start saving that baht my friends and enjoy the opportunities of doing what you love. See you in the water!

Island Cricket Club dominate in latest Phuket cricket action CRICKET LAST SUNDAY (AUG 27) SAW the second installment of the Madras Cafe 30 Over Cricket League with Patong Cricket Club (PCC) taking on Island Cricket Club (ICC) in front of a packed clubhouse of sport fans watching the early morning boxing bout between McGregor and Mayweather in the Boundary Bar at the Alan Cooke Ground ACG, on a wet and rainy day. Sadly, as per the opening game of the season, last Sunday’s game also turned out to be another one sided affair. PCC won the toss, chose to bat first and early on managed the difficult conditions well. Anthony Van Blerk hit two beautiful sixes over extra cover to move the score along to 26 before he lost his bat-

ting partner Stuart Hamilton for eight runs when he was trapped LBW by Mudasir Rehman. Rehman was in the action for the second wicket when he took a magnificent diving catch to dismiss PCC skipper Seemant Raju for a duck, with the score on 30. New batsman Hico McDonald joined Van Blerk to steady the ship, moving the score to 51 runs. But when they were dismissed for 12 and 24 respectively, PCC collapsed and lost their last seven wickets for just seven runs, and all due extensively to fantastic spells of bowling from Ravi Nair (three for three) and Surrender Kumar (three for 13). This left ICC a target of 59 runs for victory and a muchneeded bounce back from their huge defeat in their opening match last week, at the hands of the Phuket Stars.

PCC would need early wickets if they were to rattle the ICC, but ICC’s openers played beautifully with Shah Vila and Yasir moving the score to 35 before losing Yasir (18) to a sublime running catch by McDonald in the outfield, off the bowling of Shivam. This PCC double act were in business just nine runs later to dismiss Vila for a well played 25. That was the end of the PCC’s challenge, however, and the ICC cantered to an eight wicket victory with the help of not out batsman Mudi (14*) and Sarvesh (5*), well inside the allotted 30 overs. This Sunday (Sept 3) will see the next game in the Madras Cafe 30 Over Cricket League when PCC will look to bounce back against the Phuket Stars at the ACG. Start time will be 10am. All teams are still looking for players, so if you would like to

Shah Ullah makes his ground; ICC took their chances and were rewarded with a win. Photo: Michael Way play cricket on the island, sponsor a team or would like more information on cricket in Phuket, please contact the Phuket Cricket Group committee, by email at

phuketcricketgroup@gmail.com or through their website http:// phuketcricket.com/. Written by Jason Robertson. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

You can’t say it’s good without photo evidence FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

ell blister me barnacles! As the seasonal westerlies continue, that leaves us with little fishing news. There were a few brave souls who did go out and reported good fishing, but returned with no photographic evidence. So I would once again like to turn your attention to “Ship’s Cookin”. A few of you may remember my last venture into these culinary waters when I divulged the secret recipe for “Pirates Viagra”. Undoubtedly The Phuket News’ “Sports” Editor “Matt” will remember that “treasured” contribution

now buried deep in the The Phuket News archives and place a link here, for all you “sports” fans, when he finishes playing with his block and tackle. OK, let the “Buccaneering Baker” strike again: Have you ever noticed fish tastes better on a fishing boat than in your spotless kitchen? Many say, “It’s the sea air appetite, or the romance of the sea.” But muff le your oars at that, that's far from the full story. Truth is, don’t ever clean your saltwater fish under the “fresh” water tap! Nothing other than salt – on boats we never clean our fish in fresh water, “it’s a pirate sin” – fresh water draws all the natural flavours out of what will become a tasteless piece of fish. Only use salt, preferably sea salt and the fish will retain a lot more of its natural flavour. Take two fillets from

As there were no photos of fish, Jimmy wanted to share this image. the same fish and check out the difference for yourselves. I figured it out years ago – fresh water is bad for you, it’s a fact – apart from for what fish do in it, why do you think pirates only drink grog and the odd tot of rum? Because, once upon a time, it was a lot safer than drinking the ship’s water. As there are no impressive pictures relating to this

month’s fishing, I thought a nostalgic contribution would suffice: So I give you a pic from “Anne T Boleyn”. Seeing this print took me back about 60 years to when I was about eight or 10, when I watched in horror as my mum tucked her skirt into her knickers and jumped, knee deep, into a “nameless” river after a big sea trout that had taken her fly. First time I’d seen a female leg above the knee. Arrr, “Once upon a time” when the world was young, innocent and full of pirates, proving, once again, that not all pirates are bad. Nelson and Drake, two of England’s favourite heroes, were at one time pirates of sorts, while the infamous Henry Morgan died of TB as Governor of Jamaica, and only us buccaneers know that Nelson, having lost an arm at Santa-Cruz de Tenerife, went on to invent the half

MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for September 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O'Tool's Karon Beach.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

LFC444 18 Red Dragon 18 Fitz 17 gamagan 17 sami 17

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

nelson, which to this day is the preferred wrestling move for gay sailors. Back to Phuket, the PST organisers (Phuket Sportsfishing Tournament – Nov 22/25) have just announced the “Early Bird” discounted booking is now open until October 31. Save B3,000 on the B13,000 entry fee, (for four anglers per boat) and support Walter and his helpers to keep this popular fishing attraction hale and hearty. Details are available from El Presidente “Walter” at Phuket Sport-fishing Tournament which unfortunately

LFC444 18 Red Dragon 18 Fitz 17 gamagan 17 sami 17

seems to be only available on “Facebook” as I can’t find a relevant website, but further details are available from Walter at:- phuket.tournament@gmail.com Looking to the future I have it on good authority that next year will see considerable improvement in the weather as the El Nino affect has now passed until next time nature decides to bring us floods and fires in a bid to educate us lunatics into keelhauling the “Three Ps” – pollution, plastics and politicians. Tight lines to all. Jimmy.fishinginphuket.com

Phuket FC score late to seal point against Hat Yai FOOTBALL PHUKET FC LEFT IT UNtil the last minute of play to seal a 1-1 draw with Hat Yai FC last Sunday (Aug 27) in what was their third-to-last game in the official 2017 Euro Cake Thai League 4 season. The result was still enough to leave the Andaman Dragon in 2nd in the Southern Zone on 42 points. However, the two teams who are battling with Phuket FC for 2nd spot now have a game in hand over the Dragon as they were set to play each other last weekend but

Phuket FC’s Porncha Rodnakkaret (25) closes down on Hat Yai’s keeper Jarudet Ramudth (40). Photo: Phuket FC / Facebook the game had to be cancelled due to pitch conditions. T hose t wo teams, Chumphon FC and Pattani

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1648: Saturday August Sept 2 Run Start Time: 4PM Hares: Murkury, Not Long Enough (VH), Delicious Lickalot (VH) Location: West of Heroines Monument Directions: From Heroines Monument go 0.9 kilometres West and turn left into narrow road (between Supalai Essence & Supalai Hills estates). Go on for 0.5km to laager site. From Cherng Talay, go East and 200 metres before Heroines make a U-turn at the Honda building. Continue for 700m and then turn left into narrow road (between Supalai Essence & Supalai Hills estates). Go on for 0.5km to laager site. Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

FC now sit at 3rd and 4th in the league table respectively with Chumphon on 39 points and Pattani on 38 with both having played 21 games. The cancelled match has now been rescheduled for Sept 6. A lucky break in weather last Sunday meant Phuket’s game against Hat Yai could go ahead, but heavy rain throughout the weekend left the pitch in far from ideal conditions. Had the rain not abetted then there was a high possibility that Phuket’s game could also have been cancelled. It wasn’t a great perfor-

mance from Phuket, and when Hat Yai opened the scoring some 72 minutes into the game it looked like Phuket were going to suffer their fifth defeat of the season. However, that wasn’t the case and the goal appeared to be the kick up the butt Phuket needed to get them to step up a gear. They upped their game drastically and were rewarded in the fifth minute of additional time when a goal from Issarapong Angsirikul (19) brought them the point they so badly needed. Phuket will play their last

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday September 1

Rugby League 16:45 18:50 Rugby Union 23:10 01:00 Tennis 22:00 02:00 Saturday September 2 Rugby League 11:55 13:50 16:30 18:30 Rugby Union 14:30 16:30 Rugby Union 18:55 21:00 21:10 23:00 Cricket 17:00 20:00 20:30 23:30 Soccer 19:00 21:00 20:00 22:00 22:50 01:00 Motor Racing 18:30 19:30 Tennis 22:30 02:00 Sunday September 3 Rugby League 13:00 15:00 15:25 17:25 Rugby Union 20:55 22:50 Soccer 19:00 21:00 Cricket 15:50 22:30 Motor Racing 18:00 18:45 18:45 21:20 Tennis 22:00 02:00

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

NRL Currie Cup US Open, Day 5

Eels v. Rabbitohs Blue Bulls v. Griquas Flushing Meadow

NRL NRL Mitre 10Cup Currie Cup Currie Cup Nat West Trophy – SF1 Nat West Trophy – SF2 WC Qualifier WC Qualifier WC Qualifier Formula 1 US Open, Day 6

Roosters v. Titans Storm v. Raiders Taranaki v. Counties Manukau Golden Lions v. Pumas Sharks v. Cheetahs Warwickshire v. Glamorgan Hampshire v. Nottinghamshire Lithuania v. Scotland (Rpt) Malta v. England (Rpt) Georgia v. Ireland Qualifying, Monza Flushing Meadow

NRL NRL Aviva Premiership WC Qualifier ODI 5 Colombo Formula 1 Formula 1 US Open, Day 7

Dragons v. Bulldogs Tigers v. Warriors Leicester v. Bath Wales v. Austria (Rpt) Sri Lanka v. India Raceday, Monza Italian Grand Prix Flushing Meadow

home game of the official season Tomorrow (Sept 2) when they take on Surat Thani City FC with kick-off set for 6pm. They will then play their

final game away from home against Phatthalung FC on Sept 9 at the Phatthalung Provincial Stadium with kick-off set for 4pm.

Team

GD Pts

Satun United

Phuket FC

Pattani FC

Chumphon FC

Phatthalung FC

-3

Hat Yai FC

-6

Yala United

-5

Surat Thani City FC

-20

Sungaipadee FC

-25

Date

Time

Match

Home/Away

Sat Sept 2

6pm

Phuket FC vs Surat Thani City FC

Surakul Stadium

Sat Sept 9

4pm

Phatthalung FC vs Phuket FC

Phattalung Provincial Stadium

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2017

It’s surf season here, but where else to surf in SE Asia? > p30

YOUNG STARS Phuket siblings make their mark on golf world championships ‘Project’ (front) and older sister ‘Pai’. Inset: With their father Mr Manotham and younger brother ‘Pegus’.

GOLF Premkamon Ketsara thaiassist@classactmedia.co.th

t the tender ages of nine and seven, Phuket natives “Pai” and “Project” are already making a name for themselves on the world’s golfing circuit. With Pai recently taking the first runner-up spot at the FCG Callaway World Championship at The Westin Hills Resort, California and Project taking the first runner-up from the FCG International Golf Championship at St Mark Resort, California as well as at the US Kids Golf World Championship at Pinehurst, North Carolina. Both students at Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS), nine-year-old Ratanavarin “Pai” Tassaneetipagorn and her younger sibling, seven-

year-old Rattanabodin “Project” Tassaneetipagorn, scored seven under, and two one under pars, respectively to garner their runner-up positions. Pai and Project start playing golf, at the ages of seven and five respectively, after watching and enjoying golf tournaments they had seen on television, and ever since they have been backed and supported 100% by their father Mr Manotham Tassaneetipagorn and his wife. Speaking in a recent interview with The Phuket News’ sister paper, the Thai language Khao Phuket, Mr Manotham said, “My wife and I fully support our kids and we want to let them do what they want when it comes to finding an interest which they enjoy. “Prior to playing golf, Nong Pai had a keen interest in ballet. Not long after Nong Pai and her brother Nong Project

became interested in hip-hop dance, piano and swimming, they latter of which they competed in at a provincial level. “But after that they both became interested in golf and since then that has been their main point of focus,” he said. “But from the off-set I told Nong Pai and Nong Project that to play golf requires a lot of money and that I needed them to really be sure that this is what they wanted to do. “If they really like something then I am happy for them to be and will support them to be fully engrossed in what they want to do. “When they both insisted that golf is really what they want to do, my wife and I started to look for where they could learn. We found out about Dragon Kids Golf Academy and met with Pro Itthiphol ‘Thiean’ Sattaphithak, and he now teaches our

kids,” he added. After teaming up with Pro Thiean, Pai and Project practiced hard and after a short time had a chance to take part in their first tournament. Then in June 2014 they joined the TGA-Singha Golf Ranking tournament where Pai won first runner-up and Project third runner-up. “Later in 2014 they joined the TGA at the Pakasai Country Club in Krabi where Pai and Project both came first runners-up. This result made them so happy,” Mr Manotham explained. “Since then they are continuing to enjoy playing golf and have gained valuable experience. One valuable thing they have learned is that they do not only compete against others, they also compete against themselves. “Good golfers have a lot to learn; the courses, the

weather and even the grass on the course. Everything is important,” he said. “It is now three years since Pai and Project asked us what that sport was on the television, and now they continue to practice and never give up. In fact, they are interested in nothing more than golf. “Golf can bond families and make them become closer. Sometimes I will even caddie for my kids when they compete in tournaments. At the weekend we usually go jogging at Suan Luang Park in Phuket Town or swimming. Actually, we like outdoor activities and we are happy doing these activities together,” Mr Manotham noted. “Their mother take cares of their nutrition and clothes. I take care of their activities and studies. I pick them up from school at 4:30pm and take them to Phuknaka Golf

Course. We arrive home at 7pm almost everyday. However, I know that they pay a lot of attention to their studies. “We don’t need to push them for the extra lessons outside of school. I want them to take time to do things that they like at their age,” he said. When asking about her favourite female golfer, Nong Pai said, “I like Pro May (Ariya Jutanugarn), she has a big body that can hit the golf ball very far.” Nong Project said, “My favourite golf players are Rory Mcllroy and Pro Arm Kiradech Aphibarnrat. They can hit very accurately. I have received a trophy from Pro Arm.” But the Tassaneetipagorn family’s golfing story doesn’t quite end with Pro and Project, as three-year-old Nong Pegus is now learning the ropes and is so far following in his older sibling’s footsteps.

Hundreds turn out for mini-marathon against drugs CHARITY H U N DR EDS OF RU N N ERS descended upon Patong Beach last Sunday (Aug 27) to take part in the fourth mini-marathon against drugs. The event, which was a collabo-

ration between Patong Municipality and the Chaywat Community, got underway at 5:30am under the watchful eyes of Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong. The route of the mini-marathon saw runners start from Loma Park, then running along Patong Beach

up to Traitrang Hill, where they turned back and continued back to the starting pint. The total distance for the main event was 10.5 kilometres, however, there was also a 3.5km fun run which also started from Loma Park and along the beach, but run-

ners in the fun run turned back at the Coral Beach Bridge and then returned to the start point. At the end of the event, at around 7am, Gov Norraphat and Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup awarded trophies and prize money to runners. The Phuket News

Runners line up for the start of the mini-marathon. Photo: Patong Municipality thephuketnews