02-06-2017

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

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BISP graduates make the grade

Maj Gen Teeraphol warned Phuket of the new Computer Crime laws.

Photo: Chutharat Plerin

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

C

ommander of the Phuket Provincial Police, Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen, has urged people to be aware of the consequences of breaching Thailand’s new Computer Crime Act 2017, which came into effect on Wednesday May 24.

“Any person or business which promotes a product or products on another person’s or businesses social media page will be breaking the law

according to the new Computer Crime Act 2017,” he said.

“If a person or business is found guilty of this they will be fined B200,000,” he added.

“Furthermore, if any person or business sends an SMS advertising a product or products to a number which has not given permission to do so, or sends spam email to an email address, then that person or business, if found guilty, will also be liable to pay a fine also of B200,000,” he explained.

Gen Teeraphol went on to state

that pressing the “Like” button on Facebook should not be a problem unless what somebody has “Liked” is in relation to the Royal Family.

“If anyone if found guilty of breaking this law then they will be charged under Section 112 of the Criminal Code,” he said.

With regards to Sharing Facebook posts, Gen Teeraphol explained that if shared Facebook posts are deemed to have some form of negative effect on a third party, then the person who shared the post can be charged under the Computer Crime Act 2017.

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In addition, if any device owner finds illegal information stored on their device which they are not responsible for putting there, they can report this to relevant officials, he said.

“After it is reported then the device owner must remove the content and they will not be charged,” Gen Teeraphol confirmed.

“Also, pornographic material MUST NOT be posted or shared, and if a post refers to a minor then the faces of that minor must be blurred,” he said.

“However, if it is a post that is...

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New law clamps down on online comments Continued from page 1 …respectfully praising and congratulating a minor then the face does not have to be blurred,” he added.

“With regards to posts relating to a deceased person, these posts must not ruin one’s reputation, or look down upon or show hatred towards that person,” he said.

“If the family of the deceased sees that a post does ruin one’s reputation, or looks down upon or show hatred towards that person, then they can take action against the person who has made that post,” he added.

Gen Teeraphol then went on to say that any posts that are seen to scold another person, or if a post is made against another person which is untrue or may cause damage to another person, then the poster can be charged under the new law.

“If found guilty, the poster

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

‘Dok Mai Jan’ project for Royal Funeral taking shape > page 5

All aboard for B9bn

More than 30% budget hike for light-rail project Chutharat Plerin thai@classactmedia.co.th

T The Facebook login screen promotes the use of the ‘Like’ button. Image: Screengrab could be jailed up to three years or fined up to B200,000,” he said.

In concluding his warning, Gen Teeraphol said that people must also take care when sharing and posting songs, pictures, or videos as doing so might infringe on copyright.

“This could also apply to another person’s photos when they have been used for advertising purposes,” Gen Teeraphol concluded.

he price tag for Phuket’s long-awaited light-rail system has jumped B9 billion now that the revised plans have included six underpasses, officials in Bangkok have confirmed.

Sirigate Aphirat, a policy and planning officer at the Ministry of Transport’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), confirmed this week, “This project has been added to the Fast Track Project of the 2017 government budget, which has been fully supported to get the project done as quickly as possible.”

“The budget for this project is B39.4 billion,” Mr Sirigate said.

In his explanation of what had caused the B9bn jump in price, Mr Sirigate avoided

A variety of images included in the presentation for the revised plans. Images: OTP specifics, and said, “We had to change the plans, such as making the plans suitable for the area and ensuring the project is safe.”

However, in February this year Nirun Ketkao, Acting Director of Bureau of Regional Transport and Traffic Promotion, explained that the cost

of building all six “tunnels” had yet to be estimated.

“We cannot estimate the cost of tunnels at this stage as the budget for these has yet to be calculated,” he said.

Finalising the plans has already seen the required budget balloon from B23.5bn in November 2015 to B30bn

in December – and now jump another B9bn in the past six months.

Meanwhile, Mr Sirigate this week admitted that the project still had yet to pass its critical Environmental Impact Assessment, but was confident construction would begin sometime next year.

Residents left in the dark over huge blackout OFFICIALS FROM THE Phuket Provincial electricity Office were scant on details on what caused a power failure that left thousands of residents and businesses without electricity on Tuesday (May 30).

Swathes of heavy residential areas and their key neighbourhood businesses were left powerless as the electricity supply shut down at 1:20pm.

Repeated calls to the PPEA – and even to the PEA main headquarters in Bangkok – resulted in confusing and oblique explanations as to the unscheduled outage.

After the power supply was finally restored at 3:45pm, an official at the Phuket PEA office, who asked not to be named, said, “The equipment is broken, we fixed the load break switch again.”

Exactly which “load break switch” failed and reasons as to why it failed were not for thcoming,

A worker attends to high-voltage power wires. Photo: PEA / file though one officer said that the power outage followed residents saying that the power went out in their areas after heavy rain.

Another officer at the PEA main office in Phuket said his office was unable to confirm exactly which areas went without power, but confirmed that “areas near Wirat Hongyok Rd, Phra Phuket Keaw Rd and the bypass road” were affected.

Another officer noted that the power outage start-

ed in front of Index on the bypass road and included in front of the Shell petrol station on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd in Kathu.

Suwat Prompriang from the Patong PEA office confirmed that Patong was unaffected by the blackout.

“It did not affect the Patong area at all, because we have own power supply (lines) which are separate from those that serve Phuket City, Kathu, Rawai and Chalong,” he said.

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Police face corruption probe

Action follows guns, cars, B2mn cash seized in gambling raid The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen on Monday (May 29) ordered the transfer of three highranking Phuket Town Police officers pending an investigation into allegations against the three officers’ for corruption and malfeasance.

Phuket City Police Chief Col Kamol Osiri and Phuket City Police Deputy Commanders Lt Col Chao Phomna and Lt Col Nat Phromthep have been transferred to Phuket Provincial Police Station, said the order.

According to the order, the three officers are under investigation for failing to effectively perform their duties, notably failing to protecting (against) and suppress crime and possible involvement in crime.

The transfers are in accordance with Royal Thai Police regulations and were put into action in order to prevent any damage to the government and to ensure a fair investigation,

At least 62 suspects were arrested in the Army-led raid on the gambling den north of Phuket Town on Saturday (May 27). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub said the order.

Meanwhile, Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander Col Peerayut Karajaedee has been transferred to temporarily take up the post of acting Phuket City Police Chief.

Tha Chatchai Police Deputy Commander Lt Col Nikorn Chuthong and Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Commander

Lt Col Pathak Khwanna have been posted to serve temporarily as Phuket City Police Deputy Commanders.

The transfers followed more than 30 officers and armed soldiers arresting at least 62 suspects and seizing 56 cars and motorbikes – as well as several firearms and nearly B2 million in cash –

Wild weather erodes beach OFFICIALS HAVE YET TO decide what action to take to prevent further coastal erosion after recent heavy weather saw a large tract of sand eaten away by strong waves along Bang Niang Beach near Khao Lak, north of Phuket.

Concrete barriers on either side of the eroded area protected beachfront businesses from the onslaught of strong waves, but a large stretch of sand in front of the Bang Niang Beachfront Restaurant suffered heavy erosion in the past week, confirmed Khuk Khak Mayor Sawat Tankang.

The area affected already had wood piles hammered into the sand and sandbags and rubble placed to dampen the beach erosion, Mayor Sawat explai ned to T he Phuket News on Wednesday (May 31).

“The beach constantly suffers erosion, but the weather over the past week caused the worst erosion so far this year,” he added.

“The concrete and wood and other damaged materials have to be removed first before repairs can begin. Currently we are in the process of clearing the area,” Mayor Sawat explained. @thephuketnews

The strong waves eroded a large section of Bang Niang Beach, north of Phuket. Photo: Sawat Tankang “Right now, we cannot estimate yet what the cost of repairs to the beach will be.

We have to finish clearing the area first, and I must go to inspect the damage today,” he added.

Bang Niang Beach and Khao Lak Beaches encounter problems with strong winds and waves every year during the southwest monsoon, Mayor Sawat noted.

The beach damage came ahead of the Thailand Meteorological Department (TMD) issuing a weather advisory this week, warning of heavy rain and floods in risk areas as Cyclone Mora fallout hit the Andaman coast.

Small vessels were advised to remain ashore and monitor the weather closely with storm weather expected to cause waves of up to three metres tall.

According to the alert, issued on Monday night, Cyclone Mora would bring heavy rains to most parts of Thailand and stir the Andaman Sea as it looks makes landfall at the northern cusp of the Bay of Bengal, bringing strong winds and heavy rain from Bangladesh to Myanmar.

“Please, people be aware that heavy rain might lead to flooding in risk areas,” the warning said.

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during a raid on a gambling den north of Phuket Town last Saturday afternoon (May 27).

The raid on the house, in Soi Tha Jeen off Rassadanusorn Rd in Rassada, began after 4pm. The house sits on a two-rai plot fenced off with a three-metre high wall, with a steel-plate front gate and a CCTV camera.

On entering the property, officers arrested 34 men and 28 women engaged in gambling while playing the “Turtle, Crab, Fish” game of chance.

Of f ice r s also sei ze d B1,955,086 in cash, 22 cars and 34 motorbikes, one shotgun and four handguns, 12 rounds of .380 bullets, 27 rounds of .45 bullets, and 233 gambling chips.

All suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further questioning and to be charged.

After the raid, Col Kriangkrai Srirak, commander of the Special Task Force of the 25th Infantry Regiment, which is based in Phuket, told the press that the raid was ordered by Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanit after officers received a tip-off.

Gen Piyawat is Commander of the Fourth Army Region base in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, and as such is the top-ranking Army officer for all of Southern Thailand.

Also, officers were now investigating reports that the house was rented by former Phuket politician Jirayut Songyod, Phuket City Police

Chief Col Kamol Osiri told the press.

The house reportedly had been used as a venue for gambling for a long time.

Mr Jirayut’s family home in Phuket was raided in February last year after police carried out a dawn raid on the home of his brother, Srisoonthorn Mayor Worawut Songyos, where firearms were seized.

Those raids on the Songyos’ homes followed Mayor Worawut filing a formal complaint against overzealous police raiding homes of the Songyos family without a search warrant in December 2015.

That raid, carried out by more than 20 officers, was aimed at arresting Padungsak Songyos on a charge of issuing a bad cheque.

It was not clear whether or not a warrant was presented to raid the house on Saturday.

Also, none of the cash seized in the raid was presented to the press.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

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Immigration 90-day reports offline – again AN OFFICIAL FROM THE Phuket Immigration Office has confirmed that expats wanting to carry out their 90-day reporting online are currently unable to do so due to server issues in Bangkok.

The problem means that all expats needing to do their 90-day reporting must do so at one of the island’s immigration offices.

The Phuket News attempted to access the 90-day reporting webpage last Friday (May 26) to find a message stating that the website is currently undergoing maintenance.

A Phuket Immigration official, who declined to be named, said “Unfortunately, as the website is currently not working they will need to report to the immigration office in Phuket Town or in Patong.”

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Glass denies charge

Brit expat appeals for help to fight in court Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

B

ritish expat Danny Glass has denied the charge of reckless driving causing death for the motorbike accident that killed his long-term partner Sophie Anderson and is calling for donations to help fund his legal defence.

Mr Glass was formally charged at Thalang Police Station last Saturday (May 27).

Ms Anderson, who was six months pregnant, was riding pillion on a motorbike when she spilled onto Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang and was crushed by an 18-wheeled truck on May 8, leaving her 5-year-old son Shaye without his mother.

The driver of the truck – Nattawoot Kimchue, 30, from Phang Nga Province – initially fled the scene but later surrendered himself to police. He was also charged with reckless driving by Thalang police last Saturday.

“The police are trying to

Danny Glass, pictured here with Sophie Anderson, is calling for donations to fund lawyers for the undated court case.

Photo: YouCaring.com / Danny Glass give me a charge of reckless driving, which I do not agree with whatsoever, because I was driving under the speed limit…

I was driving in a straight line.

I wasn’t doing anything illegal on the bike. So yeah, it is a wrong accusation that I have refused as of yesterday...” Mr Glass explained on his YouTube channel last Sunday (May 28).

“It was an accident. It was not the driver’s fault that [he] ran her over, it was an accident

on his side and on my side. No one is to blame. It was just one of those freak accidents that happen,” Mr Glass said.

To fight the charge, Mr Glass appealed for public support to help fund his legal defence.

“I need to raise funds for legal help and lawyers to fight the case against me over Sophie’s accidental death,” he said in a second video on Sunday.

“Any amount of money

helps,” he said. “Please help me. I really need your help.”

An appeal page has been set up on YouCaring.com with a target of raising £7,000 (more than B300,000) to pay for legal fees.

As of Tuesday afternoon (May 30), the appeal had raised £1,275 (just over B56,000).

Meanwhile, Lt Col Sanit Nookong of the Thalang Police confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (May 30) that police were still in the process of compiling the case file.

“We have yet to complete the case file before sending it to the Public Prosecutor. Then the Public Prosecutor will decide if it goes to court,” he explained.

“No bail was required. We are holding his (Mr Glass’s) passport and we are confident Mr Glass will keep his word and not run away,” Col Sanit added.

To make a donation to Mr Glass, visit the YouCaring. com website and search for “Danny Glass”.

Fugitive caught after ceiling fall Toilet mishap leaves PR MANAGER Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

POLICE HAVE ARRESTED the two men who escaped a locked cage while being transported to Phuket Court on drugs charges early last month after one of them fell through a house ceiling to the surprise of officers raiding the house.

Fugitives Suriya Lakpet and Wasurat Mulikabut, both 21, managed to free themselves from their handcuffs and kick open the door to the cage on the back of a Chalong Police pickup truck while being transported to Phuket Provincial Court to face drug charges on May 3.

The men had been arrested on drug-possession charges in Rawai the day before.

Maj Ritthichai Chumchuay of the Phuket Provincial Police explained that the arrests came last Wednesday (May 24). The officers were raiding a house in Moo Baan Tharn Thong 3 at 5:15pm after receiving a tip-off, he explained.

At the house, officers found Panuwat Yaifai, 27, in possession of 16.9 grams of

Police arrest Suriya after he crashed through the ceiling.

Photo: Phuket Provincial Police crystal meth (ya ice), 2.04g of marijuana and a homemade pen gun designed to fire .22-calibre bullets, Maj Ritthichai reported.

Little did officers know that the fugitive Suriya was in the same home, and that he had scrambled to hide in the ceiling.

However, unlucky for Suriya, the ceiling panel supporting him broke, sending him crashing down to land with a thump in the room below.

Grateful for their heaven-sent suspect, officers placed him under arrest.

Adding to their luck, while police were still at Panuwat’s abode, 16-year-old Panuphon Ariyajirakul turned up at 5:30pm. A quick search of revealed that he was carrying seven meth pills (ya bah).

Panuwat and Panuphon were taken to Wichit Police Station and charged, while Suriya was taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged with escaping custody as part of a group.

During questioning, Suriya told police that Wasurat – his partner in escaping custody on May 3 – “might be” at Wasurat “lover’s” rented place near the fishing port area on the east side of Phuket Town. Police moved quickly and arrested Wasurat at 7:30pm.

Regarding their escape on May 3, the pair told police they unlocked their handcuffs with a key given to them by a foreigner.

Eakkapop Thongtub

student hospitalised

A PHUKET RAJABHAT University student was hospitalised last Sunday afternoon (May 28) after a yet-to-be-explained toilet mishap left her with a five centimetre gash on her leg.

Kusoldhar m rescue workers received a report at about 1pm that a student had a sustained a laceration to her leg in an accident at one of the university’s toilets.

Rescue workers arrived at the scene, inside the teacher’s toilets of Building 13, to find a student, identified only as “Ms A”, with a 5cm long wound on her leg and blood on the floor.

Rescue workers administered first aid before transferring Ms A to hospital.

Rescue workers reported that there was a broken toilet lying on the floor along with several broken tiles.

Rescue workers attend to ‘Ms A’ at the scene. Photo: Tan Promedic Phuket A friend of Ms A told rescue workers that she found Ms A lying on the floor with the wound to her leg.

“I think that she might have squatted or stood on the toilet and this caused toilet to tip over.”

Rescue workers confirmed that they would speak to Ms A again to find out exactly what happened.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

PHUKET NEWS

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respected, Royal Funeral flowers Ramadan underway in Phuket project in full bloom The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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overnor Norraphat Plodthong on Monday (May 29) presided over a ceremony crafting Dok Mai Jan, the traditional artificial flowers used in Thai-Buddhist cremations, in contribution to the funeral processions for the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej to be held in October.

Governor Norraphat was present with his wife, Sudawan Plodthong, President of Phuket Red Cross Phuket Chapter, along with Janthanee Yutthip from the Provincial Community Development Office of Phuket and many other volunteers.

Ms Janthanee said, “The Dok Mai Jan volunteer project is to commemorate the Royal Funeral of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and people are invited to participate.

“The Ministry of Interior has instructed all provinces to participate in the project… with the goal to expand the project to a national level in terms of budget support,

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (2nd from left) creates a freshly pressed ‘Dok Mai Jan’. Photo: PR Dept equipment and supply of venue.

“We will teach the leader of each province (Governor) to practice and learn how to create Dok Mai Jan,” she said.

“The Phuket Community Development Office has recruited qualified graduates and teachers located in the Thalang area and sent them to be trained to teach volunteers (students) to participate in the program. The goal is to create enough flowers for each and

every citizen to be able to offer a Dok Mai Jan during the funeral period,” she said.

The three places in Phuket where people can offer their Dok Mai Jan for the Royal Funeral were announced last week as Saphan Hin, Ket Ho temple in Kathu, and Wat Manik (Thepwanaram Temple) in Thalang.

Governor Norraphat on Monday congratulated volunteers from a variety of organisations from all districts

Furore over local museum closure A M I D A F U ROR E OF comments online, the Peranakannitat Museum in Phuket Town has closed temporarily to the public while some items loaned to the museum for its official opening are returned to their owners.

The closure was confirmed by a statement from Phuket City Municipality issued last Thursday (May 25).

The statement, for which no official signed as responsible for, follows heated comments online complaining that the museum had closed its doors within days of HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn officially declaring the venue open on May 17.

“We want to inform people that we have received good cooperation from the Peranakan Association and Baba people for the official opening of the Peranakannitat Museum,” the statement said.

“We wanted willing HRH to see accessories, clothes and other items that are unique.

We put them (on display) in the exhibition room.

“Now that the Peranakannitat Museum has been officially opened, the Peranakan Association has to return the items back to their owners, so we have to temporary close @thephuketnews

Dr Kosol Tang-Uthai explained to the press on Monday (May 29) that Phuket City Municipality wanted to operate the Peranakannitat Museum itself. Photo: PR Dept the museum… If the museum is open while these items are being moved, it will be inconvenient and dangerous.

Phuket City Municipality is concerned for these reasons, so we have to postpone the (public) opening day for people to visit,” the statement added.

The statement denied claims online that the museum was empty.

“Inside the museum are stories and items ready to be shown. Downstairs is a wide hall that shows pictures of HRH Sirindhorn and has spaces for exhibitions all year round,” said the statement.

However, Dr Kosol Tang-

Uthai, President of Peranakan Association – and yet to be confirmed whether he still holds the position of Phuket City Deputy Mayor, told a press conference on Monday (May 29) that although the association had helped develop the museum since 2009, Phuket City Municipality now wanted to operate the museum itself and had instructed the association to remove its belongings so “renovations” can begin.

“Phuket City Municipality has announced that the renovations will be finished within one month,” he said.

The Phuket News

for becoming teachers of the districts.

The trainers, totalling 70 people, include community development staff representatives from 19 local authorities, the Women’s Development Committee Phuket, the Phuket Red Cross and OTOP representatives in Phuket.

The next session open to the public will be held at the Phuket Skill Development Center in Srisoonthorn on June 12-14.

THE SHEIKHUL ISLAM Office of Thailand formally announced that the holy Muslim month of Ramadan is underway, following the sighting of the moon last Friday night, invoking the beginning of Ramadan on Saturday (May 27).

Throughout the month, Muslims across Phuket will fast during the days and assemble during the evenings for prayer, food and charitable community activities at the island’s 51 mosques.

Ali Komol, a coordinator with Phuket’s Muslim Relations Association last year revealed that it is estimated that one in three Phuket residents is Muslim.

To mark the occasion, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong on Monday visited the Muslim community in Patong at the Nurun Islam Mosque. Joining Gov Norraphat were Kathu District Chief Sayan Chanachaiwong, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup, and Uthai Phatanapichai from the Phuket Culture Office.

“We have a project which will see myself visit religious venues in each of the island’s districts, and also meet with

Governor Norraphat presents a bouquet of flowers at the Nurun Islam Mosque in Patong. Photo: PR Dept the various communities within these districts, and on this occasion we have visited the Nurun Islam Mosque here in Patong,” said Gov Norraphat.

“This is a very good time for our visit because this month is very important to the Muslim community. It is their month for fasting and cleansing their bodies and hearts,” he said.

Maroj Thongyon, Imam of the Nurun Islam Mosque, said, “We have set three philosophies for our mosque: to make it a centre for social development, so we must keep it clean and safe; to make it a centre for education and religion; and to be a place that supports poor people.”

Ramadan is set to conclude on Saturday, June 24.

The Phuket News

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

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EDITORIAL

A sledgehammer to crack a nut

T

he new sections of the Computer Crime Act that recently came into force are yet another sign that Thailand’s authorities are not only completely out of touch with the realities of the modern world, but terrified of them.

T he va g uely-worde d law has dire consequences for freedom of speech and the freedom of the press in Thailand. Worse, it leaves the average person – and in Thailand, especially the poor and uneducated – open to abuse by those able to wield the new provisions’ power.

The words of the Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen, as quoted on the front page of this newspaper, highlight the Kaf kaesque nature of the law: “If shared Facebook posts are deemed to have some form of negative

effect on a third party, then the person who shared the post can be charged”.

Some form of negative effect? Just what exactly does that mean? Will schoolyard tiffs and lovers’ spats played out on Facebook now lead to jail time and fines for the parties involved? Should restaurant owners start reporting their negative review’s online to police? What about online opinion pieces such as this one?

It seems a taste for employing repressive legislation has been developed – as evidenced by the marked increase in lese majeste cases prosecuted in the past three years – and the thought has arisen, why not just make a law like that to protect ourselves?

The Act also has broad implications for the millions of tourists who visit Thailand

every year. The vast majority of whom will be blissfully unaware of just how vulnerable they are should they unwittingly violate the ill-defined wording of the new laws.

Will foreign embassies have to start issuing travels warnings telling people to leave their computers and smartphones at home, lest the authorities pounce on them at the airport for a Facebook post they nonchalantly clicked “Like” on in their home country?

Perhaps this author is guilty of taking the logic of this argument to the extreme, but as the saying goes; to a man whose only tool is a hammer, every problem begins to look like a nail.

The clock is now ticking for the first prosecution under the new law in Phuket, who will be hammered first?

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

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Phuket Police formally charge Brit for death of Sophie Anderson Phuket lifeguards warn of man o’ wars at west coast beaches Phuket Police chief warns against breach of new Computer Act Phuket taxi, tuk-tuk drivers rally against parking crackdown Phuket driver’s arm severed in accident Russian man, passenger die after hitting power pole in Patong Police hunt two foreigners for shoplifting Lifeguard captures snake at Nai Harn Beach Phuket weather warning as Cyclone Mora fallout hits coast Top police transferred, face corruption probe

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HAVE YOUR SAY Slap on the wrist

Re: Phuket top-brass police transferred, face corruption probe I just don’t understand why corrupt and criminal police are just shifted to some other less popular post. It’s like taking the fox out of the hen-house and putting him inside the duck cage... same dirty cop put in a different position where he can continue his corrupt/ dishonest behaviour, albeit on a smaller scale.

He should be stripped of all responsibility, and placed in home arrest without pay until the “investigation” is complete. If he is innocent, give him back pay and let him carry on... but if guilty, throw him in jail for a long time, and send a serious message to all the other dirty cops.

Ben Pendejo ...................................................

A combined effort

Re: Phuket Opinion: You have our full support As usual, a well thought balanced piece of opinion by the PN. Newspaper’s/journalist’s jobs are to put the finger on issues. Analyze, criticize, suggest solutions to solve prob-

lems. It is not a newspaper’s job to do what a government suppose to do, and is not doing even when it is so clear that the government is failing to do it. A newspaper is not a swimming pool attendant to rescue the government. I am sure the government wouldn’t like that idea.

More than what the Thai newspapers are doing now is almost impossible, due to the strict limits of Thai law.

If readers don’t understand what I mean, I would say: Look at CNN, BBC World, read foreign newspapers like the Washington Post – their journalists can dig, investigate, publish in freedom.

Thai newspapers do not have to make a plan. The Government has to make a plan, and newspapers can support it. That is the way it works in democratic countries.

Kurt Yes, governors are nonelected and have a maximum tenure of two years. This is to discourage governors becoming corrupt. Can a locally elected governor be trusted not to enact policy to benefit his own, or his cronies businesses? Or, be

influenced by “dark forces”?

I don’t think so.

Until corruption by highup officials is punished by jail time, which certainly won’t happen in my lifetime, this problem will always exist.

Sir Burr ...................................................

Accidents happen

Re: Phuket Police formally charge British boyfriend for death of Sophie Anderson What is wrong with the police in Thailand? They never enforce the hundreds of misdemeanours on the roads every day, but when there is an accident they immediately try to charge everyone.

Danny Glass had an unfortunate accident, so it would seem, and will have to live with the result the rest of his life. The truck driver would appear not to be to blame either, although in the Thai tradition he stupidly ran away. Why don’t the police get around to catching real criminals?

Marcher ...................................................

Ignorance of the law hard to avoid Re: Phuket Police chief warns against breach of

new Computer Act I believe visitors should do their best to obey the laws of the countries they visit. I clicked on the link but I was only able to see a document written in Thai.

As the publishers of an on-line English newspaper you would be doing your readers a great service if you could help us obtain an English translation of the new law, so that we can make sure to be in compliance while visiting Thailand.

Concerned Visitor ...................................................

Simple solution

Re: Phuket taxi, tuk-tuk drivers rally against Patong parking crackdown There’s a solution that will solve the problem and it would cost very little: a radio for each taxi, tuk-tuk and bike taxi.

The current roads loaded with taxis would be clear. No drivers would lose their jobs.

Sidewalks would be less cluttered. Shops could be easily visited. More parking for folks. An easy, cheap solution that would benefit everyone.

Think they’d even look at it?

Probably not.

Foot

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

7

Two held for bar girl murder

Victim brutally slain after divulging drug information to police KHON KAEN

Bangkok Post

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wo suspects wanted by the police in connection with the grisly murder of a 22-year-old karaoke bar worker have been arrested, police said on Tuesday (May 30).

The first arrest was of Wasin Namprom, 25, who was detained in Laos on Tuesday.

It was followed by the arrest of Jidarat Promkhun, 21, who was nabbed in Ubon Ratchathani.

Two other suspects in the case are Preeyanuch Nonwangchai, 24, and Kawita Ratchada, 25. They are all accused of premeditated murder and concealing a body.

Wasin, who was detained on Tuesday by a combined team of Thai and Lao officials at a guesthouse in the neighbouring country, confessed to witnessing the murder of Warisara “Am” Klinjui, 22, according to an unnamed police officer who is part of the team that arrested Wasin.

But Wasin insisted he did not kill her.

Warisara Klinjui, 22, who worked at a bar in Khon Kaen was killed and her body chopped in two, allegedly because she informed police of drug trafficking. Photo: Post Today Ms Warisara’s dismembered body was found in Khon Kaen’s Khao Suan Kwang district last week.

Wasin told authorities that Preeyanuch, also known as Preaw and Gift, throttled Ms Warisara, covered her head with a plastic bag and beat her to death after the victim was abducted in a rented Honda CRV car, said

the police source.

Wasin said he drove the car for Preeyanuch.

After Ms Warisara was killed they disposed of the body in a plot of land owned

by Preeyanuch in Khao Suan Kwang district, said the officer.

The officer said the suspect revealed that Preeyanuch held a grudge against Ms Warisara

SIM fingerprinting for all NATIONWIDE ALL MOBILE USERS MUST participate in the online fingerprint ID system for new prepaid and postpaid mobile SIM card registration, or they will not be allowed to use mobile services.

The automated fingerprint registration system, implemented by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), is set to start from Jan 1, 2018, said secretary-general Takorn Tantasith.

Earlier, the NBTC had conducted fingerprint registration on a voluntary basis.

The regulator unveiled the first fingerprint ID machine to the media last week, with a plan to launch the first batch of 30 machines on May 31.

Mr Takorn said 25 of those machines will be installed in three provinces in the deep South: Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

The fingerprint ID system is aimed at creating greater security and benefits for mobile users, especially mobile banking services.

He said the number of fingerprint registration machines will be delivered to mobile @thephuketnews

Secretary-general Takorn Tantasith of the NBTC demonstrates ‘fingerprint enrolment’. Photo: NBTC operators nationwide, with 30,000 machines targeted by year-end.

“From Jan 1, all mobile users must participate in the system if they want access to mobile network services,” he said.

Through a fingerprint enrolment process, mobile operators will scan each person’s fingerprints, which will stored on the national ID card database and the NBTC’s secure database.

The fingerprint machine will cost mobile operators B8,000 per unit for installation.

The machine will be capable of connecting civil registration data through the server of the Department of Provincial Administration.

Mr Takorn said the fingerprint system would not create a financial burden on

mobile operators because the investment can be deducted as a business expense from the universal service obligation fee that operators pay annually to the NBTC. Online fingerprint ID registration will take less than two minutes, he said.

Mr Takorn said the NBTC is focusing on the three southern provinces in order to protect against bombings triggered via mobile phone signals.

Mr Takorn said all mobile users who have registered via the existing registration system in the three southern provinces have to register again with the online fingerprint ID system

by October.

Those who failed to comply with the rule face a mobile signal cut-off.

Bangkok Post

as she believed the victim had divulged information to police which led to the arrest of Preeyanuch’s husband in a drug case.

He said they stopped to buy a saw at a hardware shop on the way to dispose of the body.

Col Phakphum Phisamai, chief of Khao Suan Kwang Police Station, meanwhile,

said Preeyanuch’s older sister, Praphasiri Somsri, 34, told police investigators on Monday (May 29) that Preeyanuch told her she had murdered Ms Warisara.

Preeyanuch’s sister was quoted as telling police investigators that Preeyanuch had confessed the crime to her on the phone.

According to the sister’s

statement, Preeyanuch and the other three suspects lured Ms Warisara out of a bar and forced her into a Honda CRV where Preeyanuch beat the victim until she lost consciousness.

When the victim regained consciousness, she yelled at Preeyanuch saying that if she survived, she would kill Preeyanuch, the sister said.

That only angered Preeyanuch more and in a fit of rage, she began beating the victim again and strangled her to death, according to Praphasiri’s statement.

She added that Preeyanuch later told her she dismembered the victim’s body on her own at a resort in Ban Nonthan in Muang district.

Col Phakphum also said the Honda CRV used in the abduction was seized from a car rental company in Khon Kaen on Monday night for examination, along with the car rental documents.

Forensic police were collecting evidence including fingerprints, blood, hair and DNA samples from the seized car, he said.

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

DSI targets customs officers

Officials to be grilled over dodgy luxury car imports scheme BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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ine customs officers, including two former deputies of the director-general of the Customs Department, were complicit in a scheme to import luxury cars under false pretences to avoid paying high taxes, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) said on Monday (May 29).

“The Office of the AuditorGeneral looks set to take legal action against nine customs officials who were [allegedly] involved in forging invoices so that the prices of these products [luxury cars] could be falsely declared below their true price,” said DSI deputy chief Korrawat Panprapakorn.

“Deputy director-generals of the department are among the nine,” he added.

Over 160 luxury cars have been seized for inspection, including 10 that were found to have been stolen in Britain and then smuggled to Thailand.

The nine officials were involved in an illegitimate return

Officials of the Department of Special Investigation impound more luxury cars suspected of being stolen in Britain. Photo: Apichit Jinakul of B19.88 million in taxes to Jubilee Line and Niche Cars Group, Auditor-General Pisit Leelavachiropas said, citing findings from a probe into the Customs Department’s revenue collections.

These were two of several companies raided by the DSI on May 18 when about 60

luxury cars were seized.

The raids followed a lengthy probe after a trailer truck that was transporting luxury cars was engulfed in fire in Nakhon Ratchasima province’s Pak Chong district in May 2013.

Tax evaluation officials later found the prices of a

Lamborghini Gallardo and Lotus Elise S declared by Jubilee Line and Niche Cars to be unusually low, and asked the companies to provide the original invoices, said Mr Pisit.

The two companies were ordered to pay deposits covering what the legitimate taxes were believed to be in case

they could not provide proof to the contrary. Jubilee Line paid B16.8mn and Niche Cars B3.4mn, Mr Pisit said.

The companies missed a seven-day deadline to confirm the previously declared prices so the deposits were confiscated, he said.

The two firms appealed the move and had their money returned upon approval by the two deputy director-generals of the Customs Department, he added.

In approving the tax return, the two deputies bypassed the authority of the committee responsible for considering the appeals filed by the companies, Mr Pisit said. The OAG probe showed this also violated Sections 10 and 112 of the Customs Act. The OAG has sent a letter to the Customs Department asking it to investigate the alleged misconduct of its nine officials and report the findings within 90 days, he said.

Failing this the OAG will seek help from the Office of the National Counter-Corruption Commission and the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Com-

mission, he said.

A source close to the case said the Customs Department will have to study the OAG letter in detail before it decides how to respond. The source added that the OAG has sent a similar request to several other agencies.

Kulit Sombasiri, the department’s director-general, was not immediately available for comment when the Bangkok Post tried to contact him.

The OAG is now seeking cooperation with the Customs Department, said Lt Col Korrawat, adding that the probe is expected to become more comprehensive.

The DSI said earlier that 10 of 42 luxury cars which the British National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) said were stolen in Britain and shipped to Thailand had been located here.

The agency also impounded 160 supercars at showrooms in Bangkok on May 18 and last Wednesday (May 24) as their declared prices were unrealistically low. It later found this amounted to B3 billion in lost taxes.

Elephants go wild for pineapples PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN WILD ELEPHANTS REpeatedly blocked fruit-carrying trucks on a rural road in Hua Hin district so they could eat the pineapples they were carrying.

A resident of Ban Pa La-u village in tambon Huai Sat Yai of Hua Hin recently shared pictures of a wild elephant blocking rural Highway No. 5062 (Ban Walai-Pa La-u) and eating pineapples from a passing truck.

Sornkhwan Uthaitham, the resident who took the pictures, said she saw a big wild elephant using its front leg to stop a truck and reaching for food in the truck’s bed with its trunk.

Local pineapple traders Suwan Kaeopoltrang and his wife Suthida Jitjampee said they encountered starving wild elephants twice while sending pineapples on their six-wheeled truck to a factory in Kui Buri district.

Mr Suwan said the latest incident happened on Monday (May 29) when an elephant emerged from the roadside and leant on the truck right beside his driver’s seat. Its

A wild elephant eats from a pickup truck on a rural road in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan, on Monday (May 29). Photo: Sornkhwan Uthaitham weight dented his truck and caused a side mirror to fall while it was eating pineapples in the bay.

Mrs Suthida said the previous incident happened two nights earlier as she and her three-year-old son were accompanying her husband to deliver about nine tonnes of pineapples.

While the heavy truck slowed down on an uphill section of the same road, a big wild elephant with one tusk emerged in the middle of the road and blocked their vehicle.

It then, using its trunk, ate about 100 kilograms of the pineapples. The truck was

blocked for about 45 minutes while her husband had to keep the engine running and occasionally revved up the engine to keep its air brake system functioning or their truck would slide downward.

The sound of the accelerated truck engine irritated the elephant which reacted by roaring, frightening the whole family.

Mrs Suthida said there was not a phone signal in the area and all she could do was praying. Finally, police were passing by on a vehicle and then managed to call park rangers to chase the animal.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

ASIA NEWS

9

Scrambling to tame the chaos

Booming bike rental business causes havoc from Beijing to Tibet CHINA AFP

A

booming bike rental business has flooded China’s streets with packs of cyclists, but their habit of going the wrong way and abandoning their rides anywhere is causing havoc.

The authorities, scrambling to catch up, are considering new regulations to curb the chaos – from capping the number of bikes to even barring people they consider too big or too small for bicycles.

Unlike the docking station systems in cities like London, Paris or New York, the bikes in China can essentially be found and left anywhere.

From Beijing to Tibet, riders can grab a yellow, blue, green or orange bike by opening a smartphone app and pointing their camera at a QR code that releases a lock for as low as 1 yuan (B5).

Once the ride’s over, they simply park the bike and apply the lock.

But many simply leave the bikes in the middle of sidewalks or abandon them haphazardly on freeways. The rules that do exist, are often ignored.

This has culminated in fatal accidents in recent months, including the death of a child,

A booming rental bike business has flooded China’s streets with packs of cyclists, but their habit of going the wrong way and abandoning their rides anywhere is causing havoc.

Photo: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP spurring officials into action.

In recent weeks, police around the country have impounded thousands of bikes that were discarded in piles.

But companies plan to put thousands more on the streets.

“I like the convenience of cycling instead of taking the subway, but the system backfires when the sheer amount of bikes causes traffic jams in some areas,” 21-year-old Beijing student Zhang Wei said.

“Many people also don’t know how to bike very well and it is annoying when they swerve around or cycle in the wrong direction,” said Zhang.

Some 30 different providers wrestling for market share have placed more than three million bikes on streets around

the country, according to state media.

There were 18.9mn users of shared bicycles nationwide in 2016 and that number is expected to rise to 50mn by the end of this year, according to the China E-Commerce Research Centre.

With the patience of police and pedestrians wearing thin, some firms have appointed staff to patrol streets.

Wearing armbands or neon vests, they stack bikes onto motorised trolleys to move them to places they are more likely to be used.

But the startups, including leading rivals Mobike and Ofo, may soon need to comply with stricter regulations.

Beijing plans to limit the

total number of shared bikes that can be on the streets. The lively Dongcheng district is aiming to create hundreds of dedicated parking spots that bike rental firms would help manage, according to the stateowned Legal Daily.

The city of Shanghai is considering a more drastic approach to limit their use: Barring people authorities consider either too tall, too short or too overweight to hop on a bike due to fears they may be unstable on vehicles made for the average frame.

China’s Ministry of Transport recently released a draft proposal on rules requiring local governments to better manage the booming bikeshare industry.

It calls for the development of dedicated parking zones near major transportation hubs, shopping areas and office blocks, and advises local authorities to make some areas off-limits for bike parking.

It would also forbid children under 12 from riding shared bikes.

Jeffrey Towson, a professor of investing at Peking University, said good rules would “shift responsibility for handling bad behaviour from the police to the bike-sharing companies themselves”.

“I doubt the police will continue gathering thousands of bikes and putting them in lots,” Towson said.

The growing scrutiny partly stems from recent accidents, including the first fatal collision involving a rental bike in March, when an 11-year-old boy died after a bus struck his Ofo bike at a busy Shanghai intersection.

A month later in southern Fuzhou, a car killed a woman with such force that her bike shattered into pieces.

Road laws in China already ban children under age 12 from riding on public roads, but state media reports say children are frequently seen riding the colourful bikes to school.

An Ofo spokeswoman said

the company runs campaigns to encourage parents and teachers to keep children off the bikes.

Mobike says it requires users to register with an identification document before they can unlock the bikes.

“We were the first in the industry to work with local businesses and regulators to develop specially designated parking spaces for our bikes...

We have over 10,000 of these in China now, and will roll out thousands more in the coming months,” a Mobike spokeswoman said.

But Zhang Wenzhong, an urban studies expert at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said companies are not using available technology well enough.

“The government should require all companies to install GPS functions on bikes in order to meet consumer demands and control random parking, vandalism and theft,” Zhang said.

Regulators in Beijing, Chengdu and Hangzhou want GPS to be mandatory.

Mobike’s GPS-enabled system shows locations of idle bikes. The company has a reward system encouraging users to ride bikes from low-traffic to higher-traffic locations.

This month, Ofo rolled out a similar system.

Mountains and dams at Pyongyang bus stops NORTH KOREA THE BUS STOPS OF PYONGyang have no advertisements. Instead of exhortations to buy an energy drink or sign up to a mobile service, travellers are offered soothing images before they cram into packed vehicles.

From mountain, coastal and farming landscapes to views of dams and

@thephuketnews

city squares, the depictions have no words or slogans, unlike the ubiquitous propaganda posters that take the place of commercial messages in North Korean urban centres.

Buses are by far the most common means of public transport in the capital of around three million people, where access to private cars is rare, and offer the most extensive network. Tickets cost 5 won (B3.41) each – at free-market rates, making

journeys virtually free.

Journalists working in Pyongyang are restricted in what and who they can photograph, film and interview

by North Korean rules.

The city is one where everyone almost always appears to have a purpose, whether going to or from work, or taking part in some kind of group activity.

At bus stops, though, commuters are forced to disrupt that process as

they wait for a vehicle.

It is a moment that reveals their private interests – whether talking to friends and colleagues, pensively watching the world go by, or sometimes playing with a smartphone.

Shop assistant Sin Hyi-Yong credits the country’s founding father Kim Il-Sung and his descendants and successors for building up the system.

“When you go to and from work

North Korean commuters wait at a bus stop in Pyongyang. Photo: Ed Jones/AFP using the bus you can feel the warm love of the great leaders every time,” she said.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Spinning into a tizzy

Fidget spinners whips up teachers’ anger on both sides of the Atlantic UNITED STATES AFP

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t was supposed to calm nerves, relieve stress and improve concentration but a new anti-fidget toy spreading fast through US and European schools is whipping up anger among teachers on both sides of the Atlantic.

Just months after the “fidget spinner” first whirled its way into the hands of antsy youngsters, some schools have already banned it – prompting a debate about difficulties children experience concentrating.

“The fidget spinners came out of nowhere, and then it seemed every other kid had them,” said Meredith Daly, a sixth-grade teacher at a public school outside Phoenix, Arizona. “The kids would say, ‘Oh it helps me calm down.’

I did not really know what to think at first.”

Sold for just a few dollars, the spinning top-like gadget divided into two or three branches, has proved a surprise hit this spring, first in the United States and then

Just months after the ‘fidget spinner’ first whirled its way into the hands of antsy youngsters, some schools have already banned it – sparking a debate about difficulties children experience concentrating. Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP across Europe after its release on the continent last month.

The spinners have the advantage of being silent, Daly says – a relief to many grown-ups after months of “bottle flipping”, a popular game that involves flipping a bottle of water until it lands upright.

But it quickly became

clear that with “the fidget spinner, you need to keep it going, they want to look at it spinning around... it is too distracting if you are trying to learn something new,” she said.

“So we all decided ‘No fidget spinners – keep them in your backpacks!’”

Like many A mer ican

teachers who have recently vented their irritation on Twitter, Daly tolerates them only at parents’ express request.

Or when the need arises, as is sometimes the case for children with attention problems, hyperactivity or certain forms of autism.

Other schools in the United States, France and England

have banned them, even during breaks, much to the annoyance of children like Tom Wuesteberg.

“It would help (to have them in school)... if I don’t want to do my work any more, I take my fidget, do a little spin and then get back to work,” the eight-year-old New Yorker originally from Belgium says.

Noelle Cullimore, who lives in Long Island with her two children, says spinning helps her 10-year-old son, who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), to relax.

“He spins it at the bus stop or in the car, it really does keep him occupied, and for the most part it has been good for him.”

It’s not just for kids. Adults also like to use spinners as a way “to burn out stress”, says Richard Gottlieb, CEO of Global Toy Expert.

“People do want to fidget,” he says. “There is so much to worry about in the world right now that people need a way to work out stress.”

As annoying as it may be, many teachers recognise that

a growing number of children need to play with something in their hands to concentrate better and are now more tolerant of students clicking pens or tapping their feet.

Stress balls and wiggle seats have become common in schools, Daly says.

“We could probably make a lot of money if we could come up with that quiet, effective toy that kids could do while they are writing an essay.”

One of the contenders to fill that void is the Fidget Cube, a small plastic box whose every side offers a new possibility to keep fidgety fingers occupied.

A runaway success on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter, it has spawned multiple imitations.

“This behaviour (fidgeting) isn’t one that should continue to be stigmatised and mocked as unbecoming or inappropriate,” the inventors of the Fidget Cube said in a press release.

“We are passionate about the idea that fidgeting is a process that, with the right tools and outlet, can have positive and real-life applications.”

Dutch funeral expo digs up the latest in death trends NETHERLANDS COFFINS DECKED OUT with board games, gravesites doubling as vegetable patches or children’s toy “funeral building bricks” complete with a hearse and crematorium – just some of the latest trends for dealing with death.

More than 3,500 visitors flocked to a recent one-day expo at Amsterdam’s historic central Westerkerk church for a peek at new gadgets to help

give a loved one a grand, final farewell.

From those wanting a unique burial for a relative or friend, to others with an appreciation for the morbid, there was plenty on offer, such as 3D-printed urns in the shape of a deceased person’s head.

A hollow walking stick, which can be filled with ashes that are then scattered at the touch of a button and registers the person’s final resting place via GPS coordinates, was another innovative exhibit.

Pulling in the crowds were the “funeral” small plastic building blocks for children to create their own hearse that comes with a coffin and a crematorium with imitation flames at the back or a graveyard.

Far from just being macabre playthings, the toys have a very practical application.

“Often you find that children don’t understand the funeral process and what happens at a funeral,” said Richard Hattink, a children’s

counsellor, who specialises in dealing with grief.

“We found that using these blocks helps to include youngsters in the mourning process,” said Hattink, who painstakingly put together the miniature models, also used by some funeral parlours and crematoriums.

What about cultivating a vegetable patch on top of a loved one’s grave? No problem.

The veggie patch grave is the brainchild of exhibition organiser Peter van Schaik and found particular appeal among green-fingered Dutch, many of whom live in densely-built homes without enough space for a garden.

The veggies are grown in self-contained holders on top of the grave so there is no risk of contamination, Van Schaik pointed out.

A myriad of different coffin designs were also on display.

They included one incorporating a traditional Dutch game of shuffleboard where players slide the wooden pucks along the top of the coffin, and another casket shaped like a football boot.

Another was a mail-order coffin, which conforms to

More than 3,500 visitors flocked to a recent one-day expo at Amsterdam’s historic central Westerkerk church for a peek at new funeral gadgets. Photo: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP Dutch postal standards and, once delivered, can be assembled by the family of the deceased themselves.

“It’s a coffin that’s easy to assemble. We often refer to it as IKEA-style,” Dingco Geijtenbeek said, referring to the Swedish household manufacturer known for its ready-to-assemble furniture.

The idea of a funeral expo is “all about life, how you celebrate and say farewell to your life”, organiser Van Schaik said.

“All these objects we have are meaningful ways to expose a little bit about your personality and the way that you want to be remembered.

“It’s about things that you were doing while you were

still alive, so it’s not morbid at all,” he said.

As well as those on the lookout for novel ideas and people in the funeral business were visitors with perhaps just a gloomier sense of curiosity.

“We have a special interest in graveyards as well as ways in which people are buried and so we ran into this expo and thought, yes, that’s interesting... let’s have a look,” said Ybert Gerritsen, 44, from the central Dutch city of Almere.

“Death should not be something sad. This expo shows that dying can be celebrated, rather than mourned. It is, after all, something that’s going to happen to all of us,” said Van Schaik.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

The learning curve

‘If you think education is expensive, try ignorance’ EDUCATION Phuket Expat Finance

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recisely to whom we owe the phrase, “If you think education is expensive, try ignorance,” is a matter for some debate, but the sentiment was first recorded over 100 years ago.

Ponder on that for a moment: more than a century ago, the cost of a private education was already a matter of concern. But anyone with children in private schools for the last 10-15 years doesn’t even need to look back a full century to recognise that school and university fees have been increasing by more than the headline rate of inflation.

Unless you have children, you may not have noticed the pace of school fees inflation over the past few years. The table above shows the tuition fees only for high school age students at some of Thailand’s best-known international schools. These figures are in baht, and do not include any deposits, application fees, registration fees or any other fees which the schools may charge.

The current figures are taken from either the schools’ own websites, or where tuition had already been updated for the 2017-18 academic year, from John Catt’s Guide to International Schools. The 2010 tuition numbers are taken either from John Catt’s, or

Chinese tourists buy seafood at the sea gypsy village in Rawai. Photo: Mark Knowles

Tourism opens 2017 with B840bn boost High-school tuition fees at some of Thailand’s best-known international schools. where no tuition was listed, from a 2010 Daily Telegraph article on Thai international schools.

As you can see, fees at these prominent international schools have gone up between 30% and 61% in the past six years alone. That is an average annualised inflation rate of 6.65%! But what does this mean when it comes to planning for education fees? If you were to begin saving today, you would need to put away around B78,000 per month for the next 18 years to fully fund the average school fees of one child – assuming the average school fees inflation remains constant, and the growth rate on your savings is the same 6.65% per annum.

It may not surprise you to learn that the rising cost of academia is not limited to secondary schools; universities have seen similar increases.

In another cross comparison, Harvard University, University

Amari Phuket’s team, led by Pierre-Andre Pelletier, (centre right, holding award) celebrate receiving the awards.

Amari Phuket scores in-house award double HOSPITALITY T H E A M A R I PH U K ET resort, located on the quiet headland south of Patong Beach, has been bestowed two awards as part of Onyx Hospitality Group.

The resort, led by PierreAndre Pelletier – Vice President & Area General Manager, South Thailand – won the Outstanding Guest Satisfaction Award and Scorecard Champion Performance of the Year Award 10/10 2016, as presented @thephuketnews

by the Onyx Hospitality Group to the Group’s best-performing properties.

“Amari Phuket’s team is committed to continuing the delivery of the best hospitality achieving the highest satisfaction from its guests,” noted Mr Pelletier.

Amari is the centrepiece of the Onyx portfolio of hospitality brands, with a network of properties in seaside and urban locales, including Doha, Dhaka, Bangkok, Phuket, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and China.

The Phuket News

of Oxford were held as obviously the “standard bearers” of the US and UK, respectively, while the University of Southampton, the University of Minnesota were held as not considered “elite” institutions.

The latter two, however, do represent large, well-respected universities in both the UK and the US. Finally, Gill University and the University of Melbourne were included to show that the trend of tuition increases extends to Canada and Australia as well. For all but Oxford, we were able to find data going back to the year 2000.

The comparison revealed that, on average, annualised increases in university tuition fees have been less than those at international secondary schools. At each university, tuition fees are for foreign students, and demonstrate the drawing power of universities in English-speaking countries.

England, owing to its his-

torical imperial ties to many countries around the world, has always been a popular destination for international students, while the growth of economies throughout Asia has seen Australia – by virtue of its geographic proximity – become a “go-to” country for Asian students.

Putting it all in perspective, in order to send a child to Oxford University in 18 years, you would need to save £300 (ca. B13,397) per month for the next 20 years to fund only the cost of tuition.

Whether private schooling or university, education is not cheap and the prices are heading in only one direction (HINT: not down). To put it succinctly: if you have children, it is imperative that you begin planning today.

To learn about dedicated education savings accounts, email chatwithus@PhuketExpatFinance.com

TOURISM T H E M I N I S T RY O F Tourism and Sports has released figures showing that during the first four months of this year, 12 million visitors came to Thailand spending around B620 billion, an increase of 4.71% compared with the same period in 2016.

Domestic tourism saw more than B220bn generated during the same period, reported a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) release issued early last week.

Of the 12mn visitors to Thailand from January to April, 7.5mn came from East Asia, generating B308bn, while China remained the leading source market at “about 3.2mn arrivals”, the report added.

However, although the TAT release noted that, “Thai authorities have invoked measures to stop

unscrupulous tour operators taking advantage of visitors,” there was no mention of how much revenue the Chinese arrivals had generated.

European arrivals from January to April totalled 2.7mn, up 8.41% compared with the same period in 2016, noted the report, adding that the continental tourists contributed B200mn to the Thai economy.

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said, “We are delighted to be doing so well in 2017 and will continue to offer a warm Thai welcome to visitors yet to come.

“We now have a healthy balance between our new Eastern markets and our more traditional tourism markets in the West. But wherever they come from, people visiting Thailand expect unique and memorable visits and this is what we can provide,” he said.

The Phuket News

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Moving forward Australia’s ‘Mediaweek’ spotlights Class Act Media MEDIA Peter Olszewski

ATTA will stage roadshows across Europe.

ATTA operators set sights on Europe TOURISM THE ASSOCIATION OF Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) has unveiled plans to hold roadshows and participate in more international trade fairs to boost tour bookings from European markets.

ATTA Vice President Mingkwan Metmowlee revealed the marketing strategy plan for the European market at the association monthly meeting last Wednesday (May 24).

“The association will organise a series of roadshows to Europe to open opportunities in new markets with visits to Prague in Poland, Budapest in Hungry from September 12-15 this year,” she said.

Europe’s outbound travel market remains sluggish mainly due to the slowdown in economies and political uncertainty with elections due in some EU nations later this year, but all the business sectors, including travel, perform better than other retail sectors in Europe, she noted.

Meanwhile, Thailand is suffering from unfavourable exchange rates with the UK pound and the Euro,

which is making Thailand as a destination about 25% more expensive than two years ago, Ms Mingkawn explained.

The roadshow will also include stops in Toulouse, AIX Provence, Nice and Luxembourg from September 18-22, as well as Russia and a roadshow to Sweden, Denmark and Norway on November 1-4, Ms Mingkwan announced.

The planned roadshows correspond with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) marketing strategy to boost the country’s tourist arrivals from European markets, she noted.

The association will also participate at international trade shows, including the World Travel Mart in London on November 6-8 this year, the ITB Berlin on March 7-11, 2018, the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai on April 22-25, 2018 and the Asean Tourism Forum in Chiang Mai on March 22-26, 2018.

“Roadshows and trade fairs are important for tourism operators to expand business and find new partners,” Ms Mingkwan added.

TTR Weekly

T

he Australian-ownedand-managed Class Act Media company, which operates a mini media empire on Thailand’s resort island Phuket, follows a strategy of print-first to ensure its future sustainability.

Class Act is led by its f lagship English language newspaper, The Phuket News, and the company’s general manager, former Sydneysider Jason Beavan, talks enthusiastically about the advantages of print.

“We get better ad revenue with print. And with our publications being ‘local’ publications, readership is very high,” he said.

“Sure you can get your news online, but there is nothing like turning the pages with a coffee on a weekend morning and seeing who is on the social pages this week.

“Or sitting in immigration and your battery runs out on your phone – there are always copies of our papers to read while you wait.”

Coincidentally, shortly after Beavan extolled the virtues of his company’s print products to Mediaweek, an opposition newspaper, the Phuket Gazette, backed by the powerful Nation Multimedia Group in Bangkok, axed its weekly B20 print edition and announced it will now run a Phuket-dedicated supplement, Gazette Lite, in The Nation newspaper every weekend.

The Phuket Gazette had been continuously published for 23 years since May 1994

‘We get better ad revenue with print,’ explained Jason Beavan. and Jason Beavan noted that for the last few months the Gazette was a 12-page publication, B5 size. He added, “Sorry to see them go – competition is a good thing to have. We are going to work even harder to stay on track.”

Class Act publishes four paid-for newspapers on lively Phuket island – the English language The Phuket News and its Thai-language counterpart Khao Phuket are both published weekly on Fridays and both sell for B20 (A$0.80).

The Chinese-language Puji Dao Xinwen (B60) and the Russian-language Novosti Phuketa (B40) are published fortnightly.

The company also of course has websites, and operates a radio station Live 89.5 and Phuket News TV. In 2009 Beavan, who had been working in sales and for resorts in Thailand since 2000, teamed up with publisher Simon Samaan, an accountant also from Sydney, and sold advertising for Sa-

maan’s monthly magazine, The Phuketian.

Beavan was subsequently appointed general manager of Class Act Media and on March 4, 2011, The Phuket News was launched.

In October 2014, publisher and owner Simon Samaan returned to Australia leaving Beavan in Phuket to run the operation. Beavan said he didn’t encounter difficulties in running a media operation for the first time in his life.

“The experiences in my earlier jobs, from selling shoes part-time on a Saturday morning while at high school to heading up a customer service team for an international freight company, all helped,

that is for sure.

“Create a fun work environment, staff will be happy and loyal, provide your clients the same easy going experience and you can’t go wrong.”

To some media observers, the notion back in 2011 of setting up a newspaper in competition with a longrunning and well established paper operated by a leading Bangkok media conglomerate was a gutsy move.

Beavan disagrees. “Not sure if it was gutsy, just good observation,” he said. “Looking at the local market in Phuket it was clear that there was room for another weekly English newspaper.”

Part of the publication’s success is looking after the advertisers. “We try to bend over backwards to help our advertisers get results,” he said. “When it works, we know they will come back time and time again.”

Beaven also noted that growth is important to survival. This year on January 6 the company launched the Thai-language paper Khao Phuket and for now it is focusing on that publication.

But Beavan added, “Still on the drawing board for us is expanding out of Phuket.

We’re looking at Chiang Mai and Samui in the next few years.”

This article, unsolicited, was first published by Mediaweek, a highly respected trade journal for the media covering newspapers, magazines, TV, digital, radio, outdoor advertising and entertainment media. Dubbed “the media industry’s bible”

by The Australian, Mediaweek was created by publisher Philip Luker in 1990. In 1999 James Manning took over the publication as publisher and editor. In 2008 Mediaweek TV began on Sky News Business Channel and the magazine’s infamous podcasts began a year later in 2009.

Chinese airlift main driver for growth in Krabi airport tourist arrivals TOURISM PH U K ET’S SIST ER A N DAman tourism province of Krabi, across Phang Nga Bay, has enjoyed a high-velocity growth spurt that has seen airport passenger arrivals multiply by 5.4 times over the past decade, which has further accelerated during the past five years by a 33% compound annual growth rate, reports expert hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

From a mere 376,000 who arrived at the airport 10 years ago, last year the number exceeded 2 million, says C9 Hotelworks newly released report, “Krabi Hotel Market Update”.

Connectivity certainly remains a factor, though 27% of total flights landing at the destination came

from Greater China, pointed out C9 Hotelworks Managing Director Bill Barnett.

The offshoot of the boom resulted in tourism receipts to Krabi totalling an estimated B84 billion last year, and has more than doubled since 2016, he noted.

“Despite China sitting in a starring role, Scandinavia and Russia both registered double-digit arrival growth for 2016,” said Mr Barnett.

“With mounting airport traffic a plan is underway to upgrade the two existing terminal buildings at Krabi International Airport as well as construct a third together with extending aircraft parking slots.”

Despite mounting rate pressure on hotels across most of Southeast Asia’s resort markets, STR’s Area Director Jesper Palmqvist noted that,

“Krabi hotels’ average rate growth in the first quarter of 2017 spiked up by nearly 3%, off-setting a 5% increase in new supply. Demonstrated demand is clearly stimulating higher rates.”

Looking across the bay and comparing the trading story to mainstream Phuket, Krabi’s broad international standard hotel market for FY2016 outperformed that of

Phuket in terms of market-wide ADR, which raised the overall RevPAR for the province, according to STR. The report also indicates that registered accommodation establishments in Krabi at year-end of 2016 totalled 502 properties with 19,905 keys.

“Non-registered accommodation continues to represent a considerable portion of inventory in the market, though Thailand’s government is becoming increasingly active in enforcing hotel licences,” Mr Barnett noted.

“The numbers speak for themselves and bode well when stepping back and seeing how the last five years have established a strong platform for continued success,” he said.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Walking the cultural heart of Hong Kong

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

15

A look at the simple life of early Phuket

17

2017 Valedictorian Hanna Willoch with Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok.

BISP CLASS OF 2017

Graduates to continue studies at universities in 16 countries

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

B

ritish International School, Phuket recently launched another large class of graduates at the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Graduation.

In all, 61 students representing 24 different countries received their graduating certificates from Headmaster Neil Richards during the graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 20. The school auditorium was packed with

@thephuketnews

parents and well-wishers who witnessed an emotional conclusion to the school careers for the Class of 2017.

Secondary Principal Simon Meredith revealed that 16% of the students had entered BISP at the age of 18 months, while 23% had been enrolled for more than 10 years. In total, the school has now graduated 623 students.

Special congratulations to the following award winners for their outstanding achievements: Creativity, Service and Action Award: Natasha Berger; Theory of Knowledge Award:

Hudha Ahmed; Extended Essay Award: Maria Sukhareva; Valedictorian of Year 13 Award: Hannah Willoch and Leyla Rigamonti.

The members of the Class of 2017 plan to attend universities in 16 different countries, with the United Kingdom and Australia being the two top university destinations of the year group. Chosen universities include NYU, Russell Group Universities: University of Manchester, University of Leeds, as well as Bath University, Deakin University, Mahidol University and University of Alberta.

With such interest in Australian universities by graduating students, it was particularly appropriate that Australian Consul-General for Phuket, Mr Craig Ferguson, gave the graduation address, in which he urged the graduates to ensure that they take good care of themselves in order to develop the personal resilience required for success in the modern world.

The Graduation Dinner was held at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort and it was a fitting farewell to an outstanding group of young people.

14 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

It’s a hard-knock life for KIS The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The advantage of having so many students on the stage is that we can create a truly spectacular and jaw dropping effect during the big numbers that will no doubt amaze the audience.

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ehearsals for Kajonkiet International School’s blockbuster end of year show Annie are well under way and going well. The school is calling on all parents and members of the school community to join the fun on Saturday, June 24 at the Simon Star Show Caberet in Samkong.

Annie is the story of a fiery young orphan girl in 1930s America, struggling through life in an orphanage until she is plucked from obscurity to spend a few days with the industrialist billionaire, Oliver Warbucks.

Annie wins the hearts of the staff at Warbucks’ house and even the cold-hearted Warbucks is powerless to resist her charms. Warbucks, so taken by Annie, decides to help her find her real parents and sets out on a huge search for them, gaining help from many high profile people such as the FBI and President Franklin D Roosevelt and offering a large cash reward.

Orphanage manager, Miss Hannigan, her evil brother Rooster and accomplice Lily have a different plan and try to convince Warbucks that they are the parents so they can get their dirty hands on the large cash reward. The story will take you on a journey through 1930s America with large dance numbers and hits such as, “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow”.

Olivia Pulaski (Year 7) is taking the role of Annie, while Ashley Wheeler (Year 9) will be playing Oliver Warbucks. Kimmy Nel (Year 10) is playing Grace and Patty Jiraputanasopon (Year 8) will be playing the role of Miss Hannigan.

All Early Years and Primary students, as well as students from Years 7, 8 and 9, will be taking part as members of the chorus section. Pre-Nursery through to Year 5 will be playing the roles of orphans, whilst Year 7 will be playing the servants of the Warbucks

KIS students rehearse for the school’s production of ‘Annie’. household. Year 6, Year 8 and Year 9 will be playing New Yorkers in some of the show’s biggest musical numbers.

With over 250 students involved in the show, the directing team of Mr Davison and Mr Orme have their work cut out. The success of last year’s show, The Jungle Book, has left high expectations for another top-class musical production to be enjoyed by the whole family.

“With such a large cast, organisation is paramount,” said Mr Davison, Head of Expressive and Performing Arts.

“The advantage of having so many students on the stage is that we can create a truly spectacular and jaw dropping

Alastair, Debra, Jimmy, Larry and Dr Supaluck.

effect during the big numbers that will no doubt amaze the audience,” he added.

For the second year running, Kajonkiet International School are working in collaboration with Music Theatre International (MTI) of New York to bring you the show, and following the success of The Jungle Book in 2016, this year’s show is sure to be another excellent event to finish off a very successful year for Kajonkiet International School.

Tickets are available now for the bargain price of B400. The price includes a buffet breakfast. Call 089 652 7599 to reserve your tickets now.

A young student with his new helmet.

RCoPB helps distribute scholarships and helmets

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he Rotary Club of Patong Beach (RCoPB) proudly participated in a wonderful ceremony at Prince of Songkla University last Thursday (May 25). The ceremony was held to present scholarships to 302 underprivileged children. The scholarships will help guarantee that these children will be able to complete their primary education.

Child Watch is a local community group and registered Thai charity which aims to co-operate with the authorities and provide help for children in need. It has been estimated that there are 2,000 children living in Phuket who are not legal residents lack access to basic education or medical services.

These children are both foreign (mostly Burmese, Mon, Vietnamese, and Khmer) and Thai. Some are children of itinerant construction workers; others are in prison, forced to stay with their parents who have

been arrested. Many work as beggars or vendors of gum, roses and cigarettes in bar entertainment areas at night. Children of Sea Gypsies, although residents of Phuket, are also without adequate educational opportunities because of the poverty of their families.

Several Rotarians attended the ceremony on behalf of the club and presented scholarship envelopes to the children, along with representatives of other organisations who support Child Watch. Governor of Phuket Mr Norraphat Plodthong was greeted

by Child Watch President Dr Suplaluck Kanchajanamethakul. Fun and games were played by the children and the young ladies from Phuket Sunshine Village performed a graceful traditional Thai dance. Rotary Club of Patong Beach representatives also distributed helmets from its joint Rotary child helmet safety campaign.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The iconic skyline of the vibrant and historical city of Hong Kong.

Five ways to walk Hong Kong Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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eneath the stunning skyline of Hong Kong’s Central Old Town, history, arts, food and culture flourish in one of the city’s oldest and most archetypal neighbourhoods. East and West, past and present, traditions and innovation, excitement and tranquillity — this is where Hong Kong’s contrasting attributes coexist, blend and collide.

As a microcosm of the city, it’s a perfect starting point for visitors. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has recently released a walking that guide explores the heart of this vibrant neighbourhood – focussed on the history-steeped area outlined by Wyndham Street, Caine Road, Possession Street and Queen’s Road Central, with Hollywood Road, one of the first roads built in the colonial era, coursing through the middle.

You can follow the five routes in this guide to discover heritage, food, arts and hidden treasures in the warren of streets and alleys. Along the way, you will bear witness to the dramatic transformations that have characterised Central’s short but colourful history and explore a city that is always changing but never detached from its origins.

Central is the birthplace of colonial Hong Kong. It reflects the evolution of Hong Kong from a sleepy British colony to one of the world’s great cities. Central is well-known as a glitzy financial district, packed with skyscrapers, but beneath the stunning skyline, history, art, food and culture take hold in this oncecolonial neighbourhood, where East and West, past and present and tradition and innovation coexist, blend and collide.

There are five themed walking routes that have been thoughtfully designed to reveal over 100 years of Hong Kong history. The routes take visitors to colonial monuments, temples, art galleries, street art display, antique stores, hip boutiques, trending restaurants, and bars and local delicacies, with hidden gems at every turn.

The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok is very colourful and one of the best places to shop for clothes. @thephuketnews

Time Traveller The Central and Sheung Wan area was where the story of modern Hong Kong began. From Possession Point, where the British flag was first officially raised, to the Tai Ping Shan area, which was where many Chinese first settled in the 1840s, this journey leads you through some of the city’s oldest streets.

The walk takes in Chinese temples, the city’s first bacteriology laboratory, the haunts of a famous revolutionary, Hong Kong’s earliest judicial and police buildings as well as many little shops that still offer glimpses of what life was like when a world city was still in the making.

Possession Street marks the British possession of Hong Kong. Originally perched on the waterfront, Possession Street was given a new lease on life through reclamation. The area is now dotted with hip restaurants and boutiques, alongside historic stores where you can still sample a taste of an older Hong Kong.

Crazy for Art Take a stroll down the Hollywood Road, one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, lined with galleries offering a huge range of artworks, from ancient to contemporary and from Asian to Western. Rows of galleries invite you into different realms where the works of Western and Asian maestros are featured alongside those of up-andcomers, whilst culture hubs combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics.

A very different expression of creativity can be seen in the form of graffiti on the walls of the many little alleys leading off the street. Take a stroll down the old streets of Central and you will see a dazzling fusion of quirky artistic landmarks.

Tasting Hong Kong Central is a paradise for food lovers, offering a world of choices only steps from each other. From traditional dim sum and international and fusion cuisine to local dai pai dongs and street food, there’s something to appeal to every taste.

Dim sum, the steamed and fried Cantonese dishes created to go with tea, has undergone countless reinterpretations in Hong Kong and is now widely available around the world.

However, in the hustle and bustle of Central, many traditional teahouses with decades of history still offer the most classic dim sum dishes, and Lin Heung Tea House, established in the

Hollywood Road, where upscale galleries meet street art murals. early 20 th century, is one of them.

Treasure Hunt: Hidden Gems in Back Alleys This route takes you to Upper Lascar Row, which has a fascinating mix of antiques; a blooming creative neighborhood on Tai Ping Shan Street and in the PoHo area, where design studios are nestled between teahouses; and the Bridges Street area, where visitors can find second-hand books, knick-knacks and reminders of the city’s past.

The warren of streets and alleys packed full of stores and markets in Central make it a great area for treasure hunters. Start off on Upper Lascar Row, where you will see a fascinating mix of antiques and Chinese calligraphy dealers. Walk uphill to reach Tai Ping Shan Street and the PoHo area – a young and vibrant community of

businesses formed by creative minds and the style-savvy. Wrap up your stroll around the Bridges Street area to find some quirky souvenirs and books to read.

Something for everyone Possession Street is the best point to start a one-day or afternoon trip in Central. You can discover heritage sites, explore art, sample local food and hunt for hidden treasures in a warren of narrow streets and alleys. End your trip at Pottinger Street in the vibrant heart of the neighbourhood.

Hong Kong is a 3.5-hour flight from Phuket. HK Express, Cathay Dragon (Dragonair), Air Asia and Thai Airways offer daily direct flights. Return flights start from approximately B8,000 per person. Download the walking guide at: discoverhongkong.com

16 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The balance of the Sun and Moon Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

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ello, by now we are well into our Yin yoga journey and this month I have another fantastic Yin yoga asana to share with you. I like to call this pose the Sun and Moon pose. Ancient yoga sages spoke of the Sun dwelling in the navel and the moon dwelling in the crown of the head.

Often the energy that flows from the crown’s moon is consumed by the Sun’s fire in the navel, leading to death and decay. However the continual practice of this posture helps to preserve the cooling energy of the moon and in the ancient sages belief, slow down the process of ageing.

I can imagine some ears and eyes are pricking up here at the thought of slowing the ageing process. While I have your attention, let’s look at the other amazing benefits of this easy yet highly effective Yin yoga pose:

• Helps to reduce Insomnia • Reduces anxiety and panic attacks • Improves circulation • Improves digestion • Calms the nervous system • Improves posture • Relieves and opens the lower back • Stretches the hamstrings • Opens the back of the knees

This posture is so simple and easy for any level and you can feel the benefits almost instantly. Follow the steps below to be on your way: 1. Lie down on your back with your bottom pressed up against the wall.

2. Extend your feet upward keeping them as straight as possible with feet together. If you are having difficulty straightening your legs, pull your bottom away from the wall until your legs can straighten.

3. The entire line of the back is flat on the mat.

4. Arms are resting by your side.

5. Head and shoulders are flat on the mat.

6. The aim is to create a 90-degree angle with your back on the floor and legs against the wall.

7. Breath steady with longer outbreaths to your in-breaths, and hold

Lie on your back with your bottom against the wall. the posture for one to three minutes.

8. Bend your knees to your chest and roll onto your side to come out of the pose.

The aim is to create a 90-degree angle.

“Three things can not be hidden: the Sun, the Moon and the truth.” – Gautama Buddha.

Happy stretching, Metta, Kim oxo

Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www.mindbodyyogasystem. com or 086 276 9174.

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

Banyan Tree to host five-day traditional healing experience with Jason Chan

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Master Jason Chan will guide you through his Infinite Arts techniques.

orld-renowned traditional healer Master Jason Chan will guide participants through his groundbreaking Infinite Arts techniques from July 6-10 as part of an exclusive five-day, fournight wellness experience designed for guests at Banyan Tree Phuket.

Ideal for guests on honeymoon, or urbanites seeking a break from their hectic schedules, the rejuvenating Sense of Wellness program allows time to

unwind and reconnect with inner peace through a series of engaging classes and activities, featuring two special healing sessions by Master Jason Chan as a highlight.

Banyan Tree Phuket’s Sense of Wellness package is available for guests staying in the Signature Pool Villas or the Grand Two-Bedroom Pool Villas.

The experience begins with a naturopathic health consultation after arrival at the resort, along with a gift of a traditional healing kit, an exquisite dinner at the hotel’s signature Saffron restaurant, followed by an in-villa aroma bath for ultimate relaxation.

The following days seek to restore the mind, body and spirit to a state of balance through guided lessons in yoga, Thai boxing, pilates conducted at the stunning beachfront, as well as healthy cooking and handicrafts workshops.

A boat trip is included for guests to enjoy the sceneries of the Laguna Phuket destination. In addition, guests can look forward to an award-winning Banyan Tree Spa treatment for complete renewal of the senses.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn the art of Infinite Tai Chi and Infinite Chi Kung from the creator himself, Master Jason Chan. Voted as one of the leading health and wellness practitioners in the United Kingdom, his teachings have enlightened generations of students and spiritual seekers.

This package is themed around traditional healing, as part of Banyan Tree’s six pillars of wellness which encompasses Nourishment, Healing Heart, Centering, Keeping Fit, Enlightenment and Traditional Healing.

The Banyan Tree Group is a leading international operator and developer of premium resorts, hotels, residences and spas, with a collection of award-winning brands.

Banyan Tree offers a sanctuary to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul in awe-inspiring locations around the globe.

For reservations and further information, contact phuket@banyantree.com or call 076-372400. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HISTORY 17

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Phuket life in simpler times Under the Siamese kings life in Phuket was simple and close to the land HISTORY OF PHUKET Colin Mackay

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veryday life in Phuket appears to have changed relatively little from the time the island fell under the dominion of the Siamese kings in the 14th century until the reforms of Kings Rama IV and V and the massive influx of Chinese on to the island in the later 19th century. In this article we will look at the food, home lives and entertainments of villagers on Phuket during that period.

The People The people in Phuket during this era appear to have been predominantly Malays mainly ruled over by Thais, with some Mons, Chinese, Tamils, Bengalis, Arabs, Persians and Europeans living amongst them. The relative acceptance of foreigners, the religious freedom and the relaxed sexual mores in Phuket – as in the peninsula in general – meant that these different groups interbred reasonably freely, and as today, many Phuket locals had the mixed blood of two or more of these different peoples. It was really not until the 1930s that the concept of a homogeneous nation state of “Thailand” was forged out of the heterogeneous Kingdom of Siam.

Food In 1864, the French naturalist Henri Mouhot told us, “The hovels of the common peasants are bare and comfortless, the furniture a few coarse vessels of earthenware or wicker work and a mat or two on the floor.”

The main foods for most residents of Phuket would have been coarsely milled rice and seafood with a variety of local vegetables, tree shoots, eggs and fruit.

They also kept ducks, chickens, goats and water buffaloes and hunted the plentiful fowl and wildlife abounding in the jungles.

The locals also ate most things – deer, crocodiles, snakes (boa constrictor being a speciality), gibbons, frogs, worms, turtles, bats, birds, lizards, dung beetles, other insects and ant eggs.

The 17th century Frenchman Gervaise stated, “The curries are very good … but sometimes abominable things are in their vessels, as when they make a curry of rats, bats or animals that have died of disease.”

Insects are still a part of the Thai diet in modern times. @thephuketnews

Rice was planted and harvested in the low-lying wetlands of Thalang in the centre of the island.

Another 17th century Persian visitor noted, “The natives are inclined to roast lizards and snakes and this is quite a common practice in Siam. In all the market places you see these repulsive animals on sale instead of partridge and lamb.”

Generally, the plenty of nature on Phuket and the surrounding sea meant obtaining enough to eat was relatively easy.

Recreation, Home Life, Alcohol and Drugs Several foreign observers commented that there was little intellectual life in the remote west coast ports of Siam such as Phuket. The Frenchman Pierre Poivre, who stayed in Tenasserim in 1745, believed this was because “the pursuit of knowledge has become impractical because no use can be made of it for a livelihood. All the arts have been neglected because as soon as an individual achieves little success at one of them he is obliged to work solely for the lord or king – who usually rewards him with beatings”.

Recreations on Phuket included lower-brow affairs such as boat races, fishing, kite flying, boxing, puppet shows and, of course, gambling. One 19th century visitor to Siam mentions that the Siamese “are born gamblers and to make a bet is the delight of everyone, from prince to peasant. They will bet on the results of cock fights, boxing matches, a fight between crickets or combat between their pugilistic fishes”.

In the 1820s the French vicar apostolic in Siam, Jean Baptiste Pallegoix, tells us, “The Thai possess a passion for cock fights despite the king’s prohibition… they bet… and the game often ends up in quarrels, so that after having seen the cocks fight, they end up seeing fighting between men.”

Buffalo, tiger or elephant fights, though rarely staged, were also very much appreciated. Sir Frank Swettenham, a late 19th century governor of the British Straits Settlements, recalls watching a fight staged between a buffalo and a tiger. It was “a rather sorry affair… an ordinary water buffalo taken from the shafts of a cart, walked quietly to the centre of the enclosure and stood there”. The tiger was then released into the area and “the two beasts stared at each other and the hairs on the buffalo’s neck stood up”.

The tiger, “surrounded by moving shouting people… sought only to get

away and started to run round the area keeping close to the fence”. The buffalo then attacked and “judging his enemy’s pace with accuracy, he rushed head down at the tiger, transfixed him with his horns and smashed his body against the palisade”. The “grievously damaged tiger” was prodded by the spectators “with sticks and umbrellas in an attempt to get him moving again. He was however past that, or any other effort and never moved again”. The buffalo however escaped with only an “unimportant scratch on his nose”.

The Frenchman De La Loubère in the 17th century noted that, “The home life of the Siamese is filled with leisure.

Aside from his public duties [compulsory labour or military service for the lord] he hardly works at all, he seldom goes out and hunts and is usually to be seen on his back or on his hunkers eating, smoking or sleeping. The time between meals is occupied with siesta, gaming and gossip. It is women who do the work in the fields as well as buying and selling.”

Many locals, both male and female, cultivated and constantly chewed areca nut with betel leaves and lime, turning their gums, lips and black teeth bright red. However, for a stronger escape from the hardships of life, some turned to coconut nipa wine or a strong alcoholic drink of fermented rice, brewed by the Chinese and called “arrack” by Europeans. This wicked liquor, according to many reports, rapidly led to the drinkers’ ruin; they would sell off their wife and children, go into debt slavery and very often die from “a profound drunkenness”.

They also smoked dope as the Frenchman Pallegoix in the 1850s tells us, “The Thai plant hemp, pick the leaves of it and smoke them… because it excites and causes fantastic dreams.” Opium became the main drug in use by the locals after the 17th century and consumption increased dramatically with the arrival of the thousands of Chinese tin miners in the region and particularly on Phuket Island in the 19th century.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The Team from Phuket Cider man their booth at the Boat Lagoon Quay.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The Live 89.5 team going out live across the island.

Guests enjoy some refreshments by the quay.

Guests perused the market and food stalls.

LIVE 89.5 BROADCASTS FROM BOAT LAGOON’S FINAL ‘BEATS AND BITES’ WEEKEND Boat Lagoon Phuket hosted two evenings of fine food and funky live music for the last in its monthly series of ‘Beats & Bites’ Weekends last weekend (May 26-27). The team from Live 89.5 were also in attendance, broadcasting live across Phuket from the Boat Lagoon Quay. Restaurants and shops along the quay hosted outdoor stalls featuring delicious food as well as clothing and accessories.

From left: Max of The Boathouse, Chef Jonathon of The Naka Island and Bart of BB&B.

Ying and Massimo.

AUSTRALIA VS CALIFORNIA WINE DINNER AT THE THE NAKA ISLAND RESORT The Naka Island Resort & Spa, with Chef Jonathan and Spa Phuket, hosted the Andaman Wine Club’s spectacular Australia vs California wine dinner last Friday (May 26).

The victorious Phuket Vagabonds.

Some of the Rugby 10s boys out for a quiet night in Bangla Rd.

PHUKET VAGABONDS TRIUMPH AT PHUKET INTERNATIONAL RUGBY 10S Last weekend (May 26-28), rugby teams from around the world came together at the Thanyapura Sports Club to compete in the 19th Phuket International Rugby 10s competition.

The Phuket Vagabonds made the most of their home ground advantage to win the Cup after a weekend of fierce competition. The tournament also raised funds for the Asia Center Foundation Scholarship Fund (www.asiacenterfoundation.org) which helps keep kids from underprivileged backgrounds in school, giving hope for the future. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

From left: Catherine, Keem, Natcha and Dave.

From left: Yao and Sumalee.

From left: Nina, Nan and Danny.

LIVE 89.5 SUMMER SATURDAY PARTY AT THE VILLAGE COCONUT ISLAND Last Saturday (May 27), the Live 89.5 team hosted a day of music, food and partying at The Village Coconut Island for it’s first Summer Saturday. The weather gods were kind and all Live 89.5 DJs took their turns to broadcast live across the island then mingle with the crowd.

The Class Act Media team on duty.

From left: JP Mestanza with Mrs and Mr Singh.

From left: Emilio and Felipe.

From left: Joshua and Marisa. @thephuketnews

From left: Mile and Thomas.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

2 JUN

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

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

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

SUN

4 JUN

6 JUN

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.

TEX MEX TEX MEX BUFFET IN KARON AND PATONG TWO CHEFS! A feast for everyone to join, mouthwatering Fajitas, crunchy Tacos, delicious Mexican Spring Rolls, creamy Guacamole, Jalapeños, Tomato Salsa and sour cream. Salad, Beans, Corn, Cheese and Onion.

Nachos and spicy Ground Pork. + MORE. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm to late. www.twochefs. com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914.

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

SAT

3 JUN

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach 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

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Seafood Brunch experience returns with a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exception Lobster dished, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asia wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12.00-15.30, price start from B2,800 net per person. Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com 076 372 400.

Sunday Brunch Steak Night Delicious special cuts of beef are offered especially for meat lover. Reservations, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234 # 5106.

It’s Sunday, Enjoy the most family friendly brunch of the island !! Wide selection of Thai & international dishes - Foam party for the kids – All sports events covered at Champions and more for the parents!

Only 499 THB !!Served From 12.00 until 15.00 Booking strongly advised. Tel: (0) 76 303 300. Reservations, Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort.

WED

7 JUN

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night Traditional Sunday Roast It’s Sunday, So That Means Sunday Roast!! Sunday Roast With All The Trimming Only 400 THB Served From 12pm Til Sold Out! Get In Early. Tel: 076 337 000.

MON

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.

5 JUN

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS

Laguna Phuket Marathon 2017 More than 6,000 athletes from around the world head to Phuket this June to “Run Paradise” at the 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon. Having put Phuket on the map as a world-class sports tourism destination, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has grown to become the leading destination marathon in Southeast Asia and will take place on June 3 and 4, 2017. More info visit phuketmarathon.com.

Proudly sponsored by Live 89.5.

Seafood Buffet 1400 THB net. Indulge lobster, oysters and much more every Tuesday, 6.00 - 10.30 pm at merchant Kitchen with live sax and soulful vibes. Reservations, Merchant Kitchen at Marriott Resort Phuket Merlin Beach, mhrs.hktmb.fb.sales.coor@marriotthotels.com, 076 335 300.

Bodega Italian Brunch Experience our exquisite ‘Italian Sunday Brunch’, which began on May 7 and runs weekly throughout the season. Choose from a wonderful variety of dishes, including lobster spaghetti, foie gras on saffron risotto, grilled suckling pig, live pizza and pasta stations and much more. Email for reservations at Bodega & Grill: Paneenart.Pengraksa@angsana.com

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

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 CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!!

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

THU

8 JUN

THU

15 JUN

FRI

30 JUN

MANNY PACQUIAO AUTHENTIC GLOVES RETRO NIGHT THE TWO CHEFS BAND WILL TAKE YOU BACK TO THE 70s & 80s WITH SOME OLD GOODIES AND TAKE REQUESTS! EVERY THURSDAY @ TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER. CHEF’S RETRO SPECIAL: FLAMBEED RIB-EYE STEAK 300g, ONLY 495 BAHT; BANANA FLAMBE, ONLY 95 BAHT. www.twochefs.com Karon 076-286479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!!

PIWC Luncheon June PIWC Luncheon June will be held at Divino Tapas Restaurant in Boat Avenue, Cherng Talay. Registration starts at 11.30 am followed by Lunch at 12.15 pm Please send your booking to info@phuketiwc.com, attention Carole Dux Price for members is 600 baht and for guests 750 baht.

FRI

23 JUN

Bring your passion to reality for the authentic boxing gloves signed by “Manny Pacquiao” up for silent auction and the winner will be announced on June 30, 2017 on Swissotel Resort Phuket Patong Beach’s Facebook page and all proceeds will be donated to “The Destination Kids Foundation”. For enquiries or about bids please contact: Facebook: www.facebook. com/SwissotelPatong Email: events.phuketpatong@ swissotel.com Call: 076 337 000.

WED

12 JUL 7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 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. For reservations, rimtalay@amari. com or 076 340106-14 #8027.

PIWC Meet & Greet Coffee June New members are encouraged to join our monthly Meet & Greet Coffee Morning to find out more about our organisation. It’s also a great opportunity to chat with a few members in a more casual setting over a cup of coffee. For more info, please contact Joan Watson – imm@loxinfo.co.th or Renate Hirte – hirtefamily@hotmail.com. From 10.30 - 12.00 hrs @Starbucks Central Festival.

SAT

10 JUN

Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2017 The second annual Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge – Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Laguna Golf Phuket. The event sees hospitality professionals from Phuket and surrounding areas come together at the award winning golf course. To register your team, please visit www.lagunagolf.com/phuket or email golf@lagunaphuket.com for more information.

Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News, Live 89.5 and Khao Phuket.

SAT

24 JUN

Architect & Engineering Exhibition 2017 Welcome to the best exhibition in Phuket and Andaman coastline for construction tools and materials and architectural design & décor items comprising a wide range of products and technology. This is a great opporturnity to introduce construction materials and decorative items to the Phuket and Andaman area.

Venue: Second floor, Royal Phuket City Hotel. More information please visit www.pic-phuket.com or info@ pic-phuket.com. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

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.

MISCELLANEOUS Iron Chef Kids at QSI The First Annual International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair will take place on QSI’s campus in Kathu on Saturday, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Student teams from across the island will construct two signature dishes which will be judged by two celebrity chefs. Many local restaurants will be providing samples to taste while you watch the competition. And, local organic produce and products will be for sale. Come see the excitement and celebrate local cuisine. Entry fee is 300 baht for adult and 100 baht for children under 12. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

@thephuketnews

Kajonkiet International School (KIS) presents ANNIE Saturday, June 24 at The Simon Star Cabaret Show Samkong. Doors open 9am. Tickets are 400 THB, including a buffet breakfast. Annie is the classic story of an orphan girl searching for her parents in New York City. Filled with upbeat songs and loveable characters, Annie is a musical to be enjoyed by the whole family. CALL: 089 652 7599 to reserve your tickets. This event is sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

All Day Breakfast at Cafe Siam Aussie bacon & egg rolls NOW at Cafe Siam. All day breakfast, just like mum makes. Lavazza Coffee, healthy snacks & salads. Find us at the Entrance of The Royal Paradise Complex, Patong. Mon - Sat 8.30am 4.00pm. Facebook: CafeSiamGuesthousePhuket 081 676 9411.

Rotary Club of Patong Beach Lunch meeting at Days Inn, Patong - every Friday except first week of every month. Starts at 12pm. Dinner out at selected restaurant - every first Tuesday of every month. Start at 7pm. Fun Raiser Quiz Night at Aussie Pub, Kamala - every last Wednesday of every month starts at 7.30pm. For more info please visit rotarypatong.org

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. The 19th century British physician Peter Roget is best known for what type of book?

2. The Gunpowder Plot featuring Guy Fawkes was an attempt to assassinate which king?

3. Which city is home to the first and oldest university in the world?

4. Which science deals with the motion of projectiles?

5. What is spelled backwards in the tattoo on Justin Bieber’s abdomen?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. Veggie holders 5. Use a vegetable peeler 9. Leonine ruffs 14. Comply with orders 15. Raise 16. Plugged in 17. Draw in outline 18. Distinctive doctrines 19. Diligent worker’s goal 20. Projects very obviously 23. Mail carriers (Abbr.)

24. Elmo fan, maybe 25. Rumpus 29. Ante’s location 30. Suffix with web or sky 33. Port NW of Gibraltar 34. Sign from above 36. Churned out 37. NFL stat 40. Wranglers alternative 41. Digital-camera setting 42. Japanese capital until 1868 43. Flub up 44. TV network 45. Sundial indicator 46. Have a bawl 47. 1952 Olympics host 49. Approaching slowly

27. Ne’er-do-well 28. Pinches 29. Dominican dinero 30. Bank in a pool hall 31. Enlarge, as one’s lead 32. Elementary atomic particle 34. Wagner composition 35. Quip 36. Deli item 38. Torah expert Down 39. “___ what I mean, 1. D.C. dealers Vern?”

2. Last words?

3. Moore of “G.I. Jane” 44. Hold fast 45. Item in an actor’s 4. Put in phase 5. Prim and proper portfolio 6. Fabled man?

46. Doggie-bag bit 7. Branch of a vein 47. Gazed amorously 8. Before the present 48. Bed or home time ending 9. Woodchuck 49. Worship object 10. Stand around for 50. Verboten thing late date 51. A turtleneck tag 11. Get but good may irritate it 12. Gaelic tongue 13. Respond to Lasik 52. Calla Lily or Jack-inThe-Pulpit surgery, say 21. Invasive Japanese 53. City near Lake Tahoe vine 22. Go to confession 54. First queen of Carthage 25. Weighing device 55. Spoiled brat 26. More healthy56. Chump looking 56. Pay divine honor to 57. Some keg contents 58. Bit strap 59. Sub spotter 60. They may be split in soup 61. Open, as knots 62. Incline 63. Water whirl 64. No longer relevant

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Thesaurus; 2) James I (1605); 3) Bologna (founded in 1088); 4) Ballistics; 5) “Purpose”

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history June 2, 1953 The coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

3.6

June 3, 1969 Australian aircraft carrier HMAS Melbourne cuts the US Navy destroyer USS Frank E. Evans in half off the coast of South Vietnam.

kilos of dead skin is shed by the average person each year.

7

June 4, 1989 A natural gas explosion near Ufa, Russia, kills 575 as two trains passing each other throw sparks near a leaky pipeline.

times is how often the average person falls in love before getting married.

18

June 5, 1949 Thailand elects Orapin Chaiyakan, the first female member of Thailand’s Parliament.

percent of Americans cannot drive a “stick shift” car (with a manual gearbox).

48

percent of US moms say they feel judged by strangers within their own community, but only 24% of dads report this.

84

June 6, 1892 The Chicago “L” commuter rail system begins operation. (1922 vintage “L” cars. Photo: © Jeremy Atherton, 2007.)

percent of vegans and vegetarians eventually go back to eating meat.

June 7, 1991 Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupts, generating an ash column 7km high.

300

percent is the increase in the likelihood of having an accident if you use a phone or portable electronic device while driving.

Source: Uberfacts

Something terribly ‘a miss’ at the Phuket Rugby 10s. Photo by Matt Pond Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

June 8, 793 Vikings raid the abbey at Lindisfarne in Northumbria, commonly accepted as the beginning of Norse activity in the British Isles.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Jobs

@thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

24 CLASSIFIEDS

Jobs

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

FISHING CHARTERS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MOVING SERVICES

MARINE 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

TRAINING

HOME DECORATION

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Buy&Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Sign up today for a discount code

The new website for Tiya’s hammocks is ready! Visit now at: native-habitat. com and subscribe for a discount code to use for online shopping. Tiya: hammockphuket@yahoo.com 076 631 841.

AUTOPARTS, TYRES Used Wheels & Tyres

For 4 pcs. (Wheel & Tyre) Size 235/40 ZR 18” Used only 6,000km. 18,000 Baht, Near Panwa Beach, Phuket, marnskjold@gmail.com 083 635 1440.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Sell 1/2/3 engine speed boats

3 engine speedboat: Length 13.5m; Width 3.4 m; Capacity 45 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. 2 engine speedboat: Length 11.6 m; Width 2.83 m; Capacity 32 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. 1 engine speedboat: Length 8.1m; Width 2.40 m; Capacity 15 passengers + 3 crew. All boats are in good condition. Prices start at 600 000 THB. Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Motorboat for sale

Superb “Bayliner 215” motorboat with trailer built in 2010 and fully maintained throughout. Full service record. 650,000 baht O.N.O 650000, Barry Daniel, Fisherman Way, Chalong, Phuket 83100, baz_gunner2000@ yahoo.com.au +66843053974.

CAPELLI TEMPEST TE 800

Year 2016. Engine Yamaha 300 HP, Special hypalon tubes, Refigerator, Shower, Electric Toilet, Sink, Teak floor, Navigation, Water thank 60 L. 2,900,000, Owner, 093 575 2304.

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.

Steel boat for sale

32 metre steel boat for sale. Built 2012, 2 x Cummings engines, 10hrs work only. International REG. Excellent for live-aboard or ferry. Price 6MB. Contact: call Joe 087 8918912 or email joe@similan-divers.com @thephuketnews

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant set up for sale

CAR FOR SALE n r ge

t sa

le

Honda Jazz 2009

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly 1500cc Auto U sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna.

57,000km. One owner since new.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and service area. Ready to go in days. Email: Insurance until the end of June and available now at right jukeboxphuket@gmail.com 081 090 1608. offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com Looking for investor / partner

Looking for investor / partnership for Patong beach front location to start with Japanese and Indian restaurant.

Narin, narinpga@gmail.com 081 826 9390.

Beauty Salon with Equipment

For Sale, Nai Harn Beauty Salon with Equipment & lease, B290,000. Salon Equipment replacement cost is more than B300,000. All equipment shown as new. Must view to see excellent opportunity to purchase Salon for extremely good price in prime location. Call Nok for details 098 017 8818.

CABLE TV PULSE TV. ASIA’S No.1 EXPAT TV

140 channels (HD & SD) in English, French, German & Thai. All Premiership & Euro Leagues live plus all your favorite Soaps & Series from back home. ON-Demand Movie/TV Series library with over 700 of the latest titles, more added daily & with our CATCH-UP Facility (Records all Channels for instant Playback) you’ll never miss a show. This is not kodi – Our high quality set-top boxes come pre-loaded with our own in-house developed App backed up by our own high-speed Asia based Servers & Online Support Network. PULSE TV, sales@ pulse-tv.net +66(0) 99 316 6212.

CAR FOR SALE 2009 Ford Focus Ghia

Excellent condition, 63k miles, silver grey, beige leather interior.

Automatic, Ford serviced, 310,000 baht. Call 096-809-9350 (Eng).

CAR FOR SALE 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

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.

Convertible

Mercedes CLK 200 Cabriolet W-209 Brabus Package - seat 4. Excellent condition and fun to drive. 37,400km.

1,199,000 Bht. Eng - Thai 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL 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

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Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

MEMBERSHIPS 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

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.

Life Time Family Membership

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.

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 081 797 5377.

OTHER

PROPERTY FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE/RENT IN RAWAI

Land 620 sqm. 2 story with 4 bed & 2 Bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, 4 Air-con, big tropical garden with swimming pool, car park, Wi-Fi. In a very quiet area. For long lease 70,000 Baht/month. Email: harrij@loxinfo.co.th 11.9 MB Negotiable, Harrij@loxinfo.co.th 089 731 0283.

SEARCHING FOR PAUL VAN DIJK

Searching for Paul Adraan van Dijk. The executors of the estate of Adraan Geurt van Dijk are searching for Paul Adraan Van Dijk, formerly of New Zealand (aged about 57 – born 15 June 1960 or 15 June 1961). Paul is believed to be residing in Thailand. Please contact the executors’ solicitor by email: nick@hjc.co.nz

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Need condo issues resolved?

We can help with condominium and estate-related, developer, management, non-compliance, Juristic Person issues. Structure (by-laws) register at land dept, provide CJP services, in-depth advice and organize, AGM/EGMs.

Phuket real estate tour

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. md@tourasian.com 080 826 4665.

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

PHD has 125,000 pages indexed in Google and an average of 22,000 page views per month! See stats image. Also see the selling points on the link below. Quick sale: 33.000B!, Mark, mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com

LUXURY GERMAN POOL VILLA

URGENT SALE BY OWNER: Luxury Villa, Floor Area 420m2 – Land Area 800m2 (Approx.), High perimeter wall with sliding gates, 6 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, Maid- & Guest-App, Saltwater Pool with Jet-Stream, Spa with Sauna, Roof Top Jacuzzi & Massage Room, Chanote Freehold - Can be sold with holding company, Price: 18.9 mio Bath. Tel.: 062-9851024 Sandra Grunewald, 68/124 Kwang Road., 062-9851024.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Prime Kathu land with panoramic views and quiet location. Starts from 400sqm. Perfect for private Villa. Close waterfall with more land plots and different beach!!! Start from 2.5 MB, K. Pam, Phuketmyhouse@gmail.com +66 (0) 94 829 3619.

LAND FOR SALE IN RAWAI

4 Rai, 2ngn, 64tlw, total 7.456sq.meter. chanotte title. Near Shell Museum, 3 minute to Rawai Beach. Great for project. already have electric and road. Email: harrij@loxinfo.co.th 36 MB, Harrij@loxinfo.co.th 089 731 0283.

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

Beautiful mountain view with option of sea view land of 742m2 for sale in Rawai with chanote title. For more information contact 085 790 2021.

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

5 BED LUX SURIN VILLA FOR SALE

URGENT SALE BY OWNER: Reduced from THB28.9m to JUST THB16.750.000! MUST SEE! My luxury lake-side 5 bedroom pool villa is within a secure gated community and is only 5 minutes walk to Surin & Bang Tao beaches. A MUST SEE Villa, requiring a little upgrade, but is a TRUE bargain for anyone looking to enter Phuket’s most exclusive property market. Call owner(Cass)NOW on 0925 710 770 for viewing, or visit my web ad for full details: www. hoteldealsphuket.com 16.750.000, Cass, 0925 710 770 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

SPORT 29

Vagabonds reclaim 10s Cup

Continued from page 32 ...In a hard fought semi-final, the Vagabonds managed to secure a victory by means of the rule where if a game finishes as a draw the first team to score in that match are declared winners.

At the end of their semifinal, against a strong showing by the Emirates Flying Muppets, the game finished at 7-7, luckily however, the Vagabonds had scored their try first, so advanced to the final against popular visiting side, the Asian Japanese Dragons.

The Asian Japanese Dragons reached the final after defeating the Moorabbin Rams 17-10 in their semi-final playoff.

But victory in the final was no easy feat, with the scoreboard at the half-way mark standing blank at 0-0.

Not to be discouraged, the Vagabonds upped the ante in the second half and eventually managed to get 12 points on the board to secure their win.

Speaking to The Phuket News following the win, one of the event’s key organisers, and the man who brought

WINNERS TABLE

Hanro Smit kicked the ball from the 10 metre line and made it in time to catch and score the 2nd try of the Final game.

Photo: Naratip ‘Golf’ Srisupab rugby to the island, Pat Cotter, said, “Despite torrential rains during the weekend there was some brilliant rugby played with sublime skills across all three divisions Open, Vets and Ladies, in conditions that would have tested most players.

“However, despite the weather, it was another classic Rugby 10s tournament played under extreme conditions and credit goes to all the teams and supporters, especially the lady champions – the Buck Ladies.

“Congratulations also go to the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Vets Tournament Champions – The AC Ballsmackers. And of course, even bigger congratulations go to the Phuket International Rugby 10s Open Champions for 2017 – the Phuket Vagabonds,” said Cotter.

“We hope to see all the teams and spectators back next year for the 20th anniversary of the 10s,” said Cotter, who just one day after the comp

was on the long drive back, with family in tow, to his home in the northern province of Chiang Mai. In the Ladies’ final, the Bucks Ladies lifted the trophy after defeating the Bangers Belles 7-5.

But in the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Vets Competition, the AC Ballsmackers held the trophy aloft after securing a comfortable 34-7 win over the Gulf Legends.

As the AC Ballsmackers

2017 Open Champions

Phuket Vagabonds (Thailand)

Plate Winners

Lord Howe Woodhens (Australia)

Shield Winners

Bedok Kings (Singapore)

Bowl Winners

Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers Vets Champions

AC Ballsmackers (New Zealand)

Plate Winners

Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Shield Winners

Asian Japanese Dragons (Asia)

Bowl Winners

VRQ Ballymore Barflys (Australi )

Ladies Open Champions

Bucks Ladies (Singapore)

Tour Virgin Beauty Pageant Winners

Phuket Vagabonds (Thailand)

hail from New Zealand, they of course celebrated their victory, and gave the spectators some additional entertainment, with a forceful and hearty Haka on the running track surrounding the playing field.

Having now covered the 10s for three successive years, this writer has to say that the event is now drawing even bigger names from the world of rugby. Perhaps most notably the Wallabies’ legends Adrian “Moose” Skeggs and Andrew

Walker – who were both on the island representing the Lord Howe Woodhens.

Despite it being their first year together, and at their first ever 10s, the Woodhens were crowned Plate winners.

In addition, it has to be said that each and every year the action both on and off the pitch gets more exciting and next year’s 20th anniversary is sure to be biggest and best yet.

Once a Vagabond, always a Vagabond.

What beastie is so clever it needs brains all over its body?

FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

O N C E AG A I N S H I P mates, welcome aboard.

A few months ago I wrote about the “Kraken”, a fictitious sea monster, which drew a considerable amount of attention, so this month I decided to write about another monster of the deep. A beastie so clever it needs brains all over its body. How do you fancy a brain in all your appendages including your reproductive organ?

A beastie with a cloak of invisibility that even Harry Potter would be jealous of and an escapologist who could give lessons to Houdini.

Guessed the name yet?

OK, how about a shape shifter that can mimic other species who learns by observation and is totally selfeducated, as the female always dies subsequently to looking after her eggs until hatching.

This exceptionally clever animal has its brains distributed throughout its body, try to imagine your arms and legs being able to “independently” touch, feel and taste – your @thephuketnews

toes in a trifle, a beer in one hand while doing a jigsaw with the other. This would be child’s play for this odyssey of the all the world’s oceans.

Guessed yet, me seafairin’, swashbucklin’, maties?

More clues: For those of you who have been at sea too long, our hatchling even grows up to be featured in the “Shunga” early 19th century Japanese erotic art.

They have three hearts and there are about 300 different species all venomous but only one dangerous to humans.

Now I’ll make it easy for the landlubbers.

Our beastie is related to the oyster and squirts ink as part of its defensive strategy.

He/she can fit through very narrow gaps or holes as long as it’s wider than the space between its eyes, hence they are never caught in traps unless they are taken by surprise when stealing bait.

This seagoing cephalopod mollusc, can swim, walk and is jet propelled, it has a powerful break and eight arms, and is a cousin to the squid and cuttlefish. Yes me hearties, it’s the Octopus.

But now moving on to some fishing, the scuttlebutt this month has been few and far between possibly due to the weather and the lack of “fishing” tourists, although

that jammy dodger Mateus who pulled last month’s Marlin, and the only one who reported in, informed me of a large Sail Fish this month, with some 30+ medium to small Tuna to help fill, once again, Mena 1’s fish box.

Good old solid, dependable, timber. I think “If God had wanted us to have fibreglass boats; he would have given us fibreglass trees”.

Well that’s it for this month shipmates, that’s me off for a bit of exercise.

Where you may ask do pirates go to keep fit? O Arrr.

It’s got to be off to the - Jim Lad! Once again, tight lines to all.

Jimmy fishinginphuket.com

Fisheroes pose with just one of the catches made in the month of May.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Phuket girl wins Open Saranporn, 17, was confident she could win event GOLF

Thai surfer Somsak Cheelongtai. Photo: Tim Campbell

Phuket’s surf season is here SURFING

HEY SURFERS, YOU’VE been watching surf videos for months now, you have been keeping your fitness and flexibility in check with regular off-season training, and you have maintained a healthy and balanced diet for all that energy you will need, RIGHT? C’mon, who really does that you’re saying. You have been waiting months for this moment though and the wait is over my friends.

It’s time to regain your sanity people. May has produced a steady flurry of clean swells and nice waist- to shoulderheight waves. The month of May is considered the shoulder season, meaning it’s not the peak of the surf season where Phuket gets it’s heavy monsoonal rain and wind, exploding the beaches with consistent waves most days.

The shoulder season swells help take all the built up sand on the beaches and in turn create sand bars, in which the waves can break on and we can surf.

Plenty of fun to be had, so stay tuned as I’ll be bringing you updates, surf tips and stories over the whole surf season.

See you in the water!

The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

L

ocal girl Saranporn Langkulgasettrin won the women’s title at the Singha Phuket Open on home soil last Saturday (May 27).

The 17-year-old Phuket native shot a one-under-par 69 in the third round for a total of eight-under 202 to seal a wire-to-wire victory.

Preenapan Poomklai was second on 205 following a final-round 67.

The amateur title went to Kiratriya Fucharoen, 17, who had a total score of 213.

Kiratriya, who was sixth overall, is a member of the Thai team that will compete at this year’s SEA Games in Malaysia.

“I was confident that I would win. I was not worried about the wet conditions as I am a long hitter,” said Saranporn.

“The course is quite far from my home but my family members, particularly my

Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol with the Phuket Open trophy. parents, were at the course to give me moral support.”

Meanwhile, Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol endured a nervous finish to close with a three-under-par 67, completing a wire-to-wire victory for his maiden Asian Development Tour (ADT) title at the inaugural Phuket Open last Sunday (May 28).

The 23-year-old Thai, who held a four-shot advantage heading into the final round, dropped two bogeys in his closing three holes to sign off with a four-day total of 27-under 253, claiming a one-shot victory in the B2million event.

Newly-crowned Asian Tour champion Rattanon Wannas-

richan gave himself a fighting chance for a back-to-back win as he rolled in a birdie putt from one club length on the last to close with a 64 and take second place on his own at the highly-rated Laguna Golf Phuket.

Sutijet Kooratanapisan stole the limelight by producing a magnificent 59 to grab third place on 24-under 256. His sizzling round of 59, highlighted by one eagle and nine birdies, would have been a new record on the ADT if not for the preferred lies ruling in place.

Chanachok, who secured his Asian Tour card at the Qualifying School in January and landed his first professional win on the local circuit in March, continued to make it a season to remember by sealing his first ADT title on home soil this week.

“I got really nervous towards the end, especially after dropping two shots. I didn’t drive the ball well today. I kind of lost my game plan on the last few holes but luckily, I was still able to par the last

to secure my title.

“This win means a lot to me. It will give me a lot of confidence heading into the rest of the season. I am also happy because this win will boost my world ranking,” said Chanachok, who shot superb rounds of 62, 61 and 63 before heading into the final 18 holes.

Chanachok took home the winner’s cheque of B300,000 and received six Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, courtesy of his victory. The top-six players and ties will also receive OWGR points based on a sliding scale.

Despite surmounting a strong challenge on the final day with seven birdies against one bogey, Rattanon was gracious in defeat and tipped his hat to Chanachok.

“I played solid again. I tried to birdie the last three holes but 16 was too difficult.

I gave myself a good chance by making a great birdie on the last. I am very pleased with the way I played despite missing out on the win,” said the 21-year-old Rattanon, a one-time winner on the ADT.

Thanyapura triathlon pro wins Toyota Pattaya Triathlon TRIATHLON MEMBERS OF THE THANYApura Pro Triathlon Team took top places in the Toyota Pattaya Triathlon Tour Series 2017 standard race held over last weekend (May 27-28).

Eimear Mullan of Ireland took the title of female champion, Ritchie Nicholls of Scotland came in 4th place overall, and Elle Brookes of Australia took 1st place in her age category (18-29).

“I am so happy to have been able to race and win at the Pattaya triathlon, this was my first race since 2015 due to injury. Training at Thanyapura has helped me to progress towards full

recovery and I look forward to racing again,” said Mullan, the overall woman’s champion (02:21:05).

“The race at Pattaya was a tough but enjoyable day for me. I found the run quite hard but managed to hang on to 4th place and am looking forward to racing at the Japan 70.3 in less than two weeks,” said Nicholls, 4th place finisher in the overall male category (02:11:15).

“The Toyota Tri-League Series Pattaya is one of the best races I have done. The crew, staff and organisers were first class. Beautiful swim, then off on the bike with a little bit of rain, then head out on the run for a very hilly challenging course! Can’t wait for next year!” said Brookes, 1st place

finisher in her age category (02:45:58).

Other notable mentions from Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort: Dr Nichakarn (Nini) Ruttanaporn of Thailand, Thanyapura’s brand ambassador, finished 3rd in the Thai Elites category.

“It was a very close battle between the fastest Thai girls in a tough race, pouring rain on the bike and running up steep hills. It was great to race alongside Thanyapura teammates.

We greeted and smiled at each other whenever we met on the course... that was every encouraging and kept everyone’s spirit up on a rainy day,” said Ruttanaporn, 3rd place finisher in the Thai Elites category (02:50:30).

“It was a great race. I believe all

Eimear Mullan of Ireland took the title of female champion. the training at Thanyapura and a good balance of nutrition helped. I used to live in Pattaya nine years ago with a different lifestyle, I would never imagine the day I would join the triathlon and finish with a podium.”

The Phuket News

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1635 Sunday June 4 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: No Hope, Singha Location: Bang Kha Nun - North Side of Old Airport Rd NOTE: RUN HAS BEEN CHANGED TO SUNDAY (JUNE 4) BECAUSE OF VOLUNTEERING ON SATURDAY (JUNE 3).

Directions: Heading North from the Thalang traffic lights, turn left at the Old Airport Rd (#4301), continue West for approx 1.6 kilometres and take the second right turn at the HHH sign. Follow the road for approx 600 metres and turn into the laager just before the dirt track at the HHH sign. Weather permitting, park in the rubber plantation or to one side of the road/track. HHH Truck will be marked.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:30pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

SPORT 31

PCG crowned T20 champs CRICKET

Waseem opens his account for the PCG Marvels with a four. Photo: Michael Way

Dave Thomas

T

he Patong Cr icket Club (PCC) took on the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) in the final of the C&C Marine 2017 T20 Tournament on Sunday, May 14 at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), with PCG coasting to a well-deserved 44 run victory.

It was PCG skipper I Mushtaq who won the toss and he elected for his side to bat first.

Mushtaq and M Sadarangani opened the PCG innings and got off to a flying start with Mushtaq attacking PCC’s opening bowlers.

With PCC boasting a very strong batting lineup, PCG knew a big score was needed that PCC would have to chase.

The PCG openers reached their 50-run partnership in the 7th over, but the breakthrough for PCC came in the 10th over when Sadarangani (30) was stumped off the bowling of S Wetherell.

Sadarangani had played a solid role supporting Mushtaq, who was looking to push

ahead and dominate after the drinks break.

W Bahtt was next batsman in, and he didn’t waste any time, attacking each and every delivery. Together with Mushtaq, they brought up 100 runs in the 11th over. Mushtaq reached his half century in the 12th over.

It was hard work for PCC in the field but their persistence paid off when they finally

snared Mushtaq (80) in the 17th over caught by Wetherell off the bowling of Kohler.

Mushtaq’s innings of 80 included seven 4s and four 6s off just 64 deliveries.

M Rehman (3) was run out

by H McDonald when looking for the last few singles. He was followed shortly after by Bhatt (44), and N khan (9) was then bowled by McDonald, leaving Y Mirza the not out batsman.

PCG had set PCC a substantial target of 191 runs to win.

Patong opened with S Hamilton and Wetherell – both of whom had enjoyed good form during the tournament.

With such a large total to chase, they couldn’t afford to start slowly. However, they were soon on the back foot when they were both

dismissed in just the second over – Hamilton (9) and Wetherell (4).

Kohler and McDonald were next in, however, Kohler (5) was on his way back to the pavilion one over later when he was caught by Mushtaq off the bowling of Mirza.

McDonald, on the other hand, was in his usual aggressive mood and was punishing each and every delivery.

Captain S Raju (2) came to the crease looking to support McDonald in the run chase, however, he was run out by Bhatt looking to steal a run.

J Robertson was next in, and together with McDonald, steadied the innings with some solid batting and opportunistic running between the wickets. Both batsman took the team past the 10 over drinks break, but their 83 run partnership was broken when McDonald was caught in the deep by Sadarangani for 64 runs, an innings which included three 4s and four 6s off just 39 deliveries.

A van Blerk (2) was clean bowled by Ahmed after facing just two deliveries and

Robertson was bowled by Mirza for a well played 27 runs, bringing N Quail (7) and S Bhattacharya (6) to the crease.

Q uail was caug ht by Mizra off Sadarangani and Bhattachar ya bowled by Sadarangani two balls later.

With just two overs left and the total now out of reach, the remaining Patong batsman S Abraham (1) was bowled by Ahmed, leaving R Kohler not out.

PCG coasted home in the end, winning by 44 runs, with the continual fall of wickets preventing PCC from building any sort of platform to chase such a large total.

PCG were justly crowned C&C Marine T20 2017 Champions.

For further information about cricket on Phuket, visit the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) web-site at: www.phuketcricket.com or e-mail the PCG committee at phuketcricketgroup@gmail. com. New players are always welcome and would be well received by the current teams on the island.

BISP’s inaugural Run the Hour a huge success CHARITY LAST SUNDAY (MAY 28), the inaugural Run the Hour Event was held at British International School, Phuket (BISP) on the specially created 1km course.

After eight hours of continuous rain throughout the day, the skies cleared just as the event was due to start. The Year 7 and 8 concert band opened the program with a

stirring rendition of "Chariots of Fire" and then the 2km fun run, which was enjoyed by families and serious competitors alike, got underway.

The atmosphere on the course, and among spectators, was fantastic with big cheers for the runners and live commentary from MC Luke Curtis.

First male to finish was Josh Barnhurst and the first female home was Linn Helbing.

After the conclusion of the

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START Friday June 2 Rugby Union 14:30 Rugby League 16:45 18:45 Tennis 15:30 Aussie Rules 16:30 Cricket 15:00 Saturday June 3 Rugby Union 12:10 16:45 18:55 Motor Bikes 17:30 Soccer 01:45 Rugby Union 14:30 Cricket 15:00 Tennis 15:30 21:00 Aussie Rules 10:30 13:30 16:30 Sunday June 4 Aussie Rules 13:30 11:00 Rugby League 13:00 Tennis 15:30 20:30 Motor Bikes 15:30 Cricket 15:00 Soccer 16:30

STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

16:35 18:45 20:45 23:00 19:30 23:00

Super Rugby Blues v. Reds NRL Eels v. Warriors NRL Storm v. Knights (D) French Open Roland Garros - D6 AFL Geelong Cats v. Adelaide Crows ICC Champions Trophy Australia v. New Zealand, Edgbaston

14:20 18:40 20:55 20:30 03:45 16:30 23:00 18:00 00:00 13:30 16:30 19:30

Super Rugby Chiefs v. Waratahs Super Rugby Brumbies v. Rebels Super Rugby Western Force v. Hurricanes MotoGP Qualifying – Oakley, Italy Champ League Final Juventus v. Real Madrid British Lions Tour BL v. Barbarians ICC Champions Trophy Sri Lanka v. South Africa, The Oval French Open Roland Garros - D7 French Open Roland Garros - D7 AFL Gold Coast SUNS v. W Coast Eagles AFL GWS Giants v. Essendon AFL North Melbourne v. Richmond

16:30 13:00 15:00 18:00 00:00 20:30 23:00 18:30

AFL NRL NRL French Open French Open MotoGP ICC Champions Trophy Champ League Final

@thephuketnews

Fremantle v. Collingwood Sea Eagles v. Raiders Bulldogs v. Panthers Roland Garros - D8 Roland Garros - D8 Oakley GP of Italy India v. Pakistan, Edgbaston Juventus v. Real Madrid (R)

2km race, the track was cleared for Run the Hour – a unique event where runners attempted to complete as many 1km loops as they could in an hour.

The tension before the start was palpable with athletes wondering how they would respond to this challenge and finalising their strategies. The field was split into three lanes so that each runner could have their laps individually counted and runners soon fell into the habit of crossing the line in the correct lane.

Boggy sections on the field added an extra cross-countrystyle dimension to the race and the runners came to know a small incline on the course well as they had to deal with it on each of their laps.

One of the benefits of the

multi-lap format was that drinks were available every kilometre and each lap finished in front of the cheers and applause of the spectators.

As the clock counted down the rule that allowed runners to finish the lap they were on meant that careful planning could allow them the chance to add to their total.

At the finish of the hour several pairs of runners opted to cross the line together and their sore legs were testament to how hard the competitors had run.

The overall male winner was Thitinan Thongdee with a grand total of 14 laps in 1:01:42 and the female prize was shared by Annie Pedroni and Rebecca Frith who both ran 13 laps in 1:05:06, but there were

Students of all ages, along with their families and friends, had a ball participating in the first ever Run the Hour. many more trophies awarded for age category places and some inspiring performances from younger runners.

The event has unanimously been hailed as a success, offering both a family friendly run, and a challenge which really allowed more serious runners to test themselves.

The BISP grounds were a wonderful location for the event and entrants were a mix of school families and local runners. The organisers are already planning next year's event and Run the Hour looks set to become a permanent fixture on Phuket’s running calendar.

Sport 2017 CHAMPIONS THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

RUGBY Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

T

here were jubilant celebrations at the Thanyapura Sports Club last Sunday (May 28) – for a large number of Phuket expat residents at least – when the Phuket Vagabonds took the title in the Open competition of the Phuket International Rugby 10s.

This was the 19th edition of the annual competition, played from May 26-28, and saw teams

from across the globe descend on the island to battle for the title.

It was only the second time in the history of the event that the Vagabonds have taken the Open title, the first being back in 2015.

Notwithstanding the steady downpour over the weekend, there was some brilliant rugby played, with magnificent skill demonstrated on the field across all three divisions – Open, Vets and Ladies – in conditions that demanded laser focus and solid teamwork.

Continued page 29

FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 2017

Phuket girl, 17, walks away with Singha Open title > p30

Players, wives, friends and family all celebrate last Sunday’s victory by the Phuket Vagabonds. Photo: Matt Pond

thephuketnews