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Martin Carpenter, British Honorary Consul, makes a point at the meeting. With him (centre) is Samantha Nieman, Bangkok-based British Proconsul, who is responsible for helping Britons involved in accidents or attacks. At left is Piyanoot Hongsyok, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Estonia.

TUK-TUKS. AGAIN. Consuls voice outrage over spate of violence T

here were no prizes for guessing what was top of the agenda at Wednesday’s Phuket consuls meeting – tuk-tuks, and particularly the recent string of vicious assaults on tourists and expats involving groups of tuk-tuk drivers.

The meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall, held every three months, brings together the island’s honorary consuls to meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and voice any concerns they may have. Phuket Provincial Police

By Paritta Wangkiat (Mai) REPORTER

Commander Maj Gen Pekad Tantipong and other relevant officials were also present.

The frustration among the consuls was apparent as they discussed how to tackle the ongoing problem of the island’s tuk-tuk drivers, and voiced concerns over the commitment of local government to resolve the issue.

“Several tourists have run

into problems here recently,” Seven Smulders, the Dutch Honorary Consul in Phuket, said.

“Three Dutch tourists were assaulted by tuk-tuk drivers [on August 1]. Until today, these problems haven’t been resolved.” The drivers responsible for that particular assault, which left one of the tourists requiring 18 stitches in the head, still have not been apprehended.

Dirk Naumann, the Germany Honorary Consul in Phuket, also told the story of

53-year-old German man Kurt Trotnow, who as of press time Wednesday remained in a coma after allegedly being beaten by tuk-tuk drivers in Patong over a B100 fare late last week (see page 5 for full story).

“I’m asking myself,” Mr Naumann said. “How can we allow the law on this island to be taken into the hands of the mob?”

A key issue remains the clannishness of the tuk-tuk drivers, and their often extortionately high prices, said to Mr Naumann, who noted

that the majority of quarrels between tuk-tuk drivers and tourists are results of fares.

He pointed out that an 800-metre drive costs only B40 in a metre taxi in Bangkok, but B200 in Patong.

Mr Naumann was also furious at having received a phone call from Kathu police notifying him of the incident on Wednesday morning, six days after it occurred. The consuls have an agreement with police that they should be notified immediately of Continued page 2

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EDITOR

Kodchanat Thinsepon EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Alasdair Forbes 08 7884 9964 email: execeditor@ thephuketnews.com

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THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Honours for road safety leaders

Touchy tuk-tuk drivers cop small fines Four tuk-tuk drivers who blockaded a road in Patong last month have escaped with a small fine after surrendering to police early this week.

The blockade on August 1 followed an incident in which three Dutch tourists were assaulted by a group of tuk-tuk drivers after one of the tourists allegedly damaged a tuk-tuk.

In the melée one of the tourists received a head injury that required 18 stitches.

The tuk-tuk drivers responsible for the subsequent blockading of Rat-U-Tit 200 Pi Road, whose names were not released by police, surrendered to Kathu Police Station on Monday (August 29).

They claimed the blockade was in response to actions taken by a Kathu police officer who, they alleged, drew and fired his gun into the air in an attempt to stop the brawl between the drivers and the tourists. The drivers apparently found this offensive.

Each was fined B1,000 for blocking a public street, an act illegal under Thai law.

K at hu Pol ice Lt Col Kittpong Klaikeaw said officers were now searching for the drivers responsible for the assault.

German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann: 1,000 tourists cancelled trips to Phuket.

Chronic problems ‘need solving now’ German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann worries that Phuket’s many chronically unsolved problems will result in the island’s tourism industry being damaged or destroyed by the very people who rely on it most – Phuketians.

For example, he said, when news broke recently in the Phuket media about sewage draining into the sea, he received 33 emails from German tourists who had cancelled

their trips to Phuket.

At the government-consular meeting on Wednesday (August 31) he said he had received a report that the 33 were just the tip of the iceberg – around 1,000 Germans had decided not to travel to Phuket as a result of the news.

Mr Naumann told The Phuket News that, in his opinion, there was a lack of cooperation between the various parties who should be correct-

ing Phuket’s problems such as tuk-tuk violence, scams and environmental deterioration.

“The cooperation must come from the central government and the Interior Minister, as much as from local authorities and local people,” he said.

Many problems had remained unsolved since he first arrived in Phuket nine and a half years ago. Without cooperation they would never be solved, he said.

Eight caught in Chalong drug busts REPORTER

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Eight alleged drug offenders have been arrested in Chalong after being found with a combined 432 ya ba (methamphetamine) pills and over 120 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine).

Chalong Police Superintendent Police Colonel Krittapas Det-intarasorn announced the news on Wednesday afternoon, and said his team was pleased with the arrests.

The first man to be arrested was Prasit “Pe” Sabchoomchuen, 25, who was found in his house with 12 ya ba pills and 0.9 grams of ya ice, on Tuesday (August 30).

Police said Prasit confessed to the crime and told them about fellow dealer Soonthorn “Piek” Poonklin, 39, who was arrested later in the day with 40 ya ba pills and 1.2 grams of ya ice.

Also at the same house were Janjira “Im” Rakcheep, 28, and Boonjan “Jan” Rongkhampee, 34, each with 1.2 grams of ya ice apparently for their own personal use.

L a t e r t h a t e ve n i n g , Chalong Police arrested three more alleged dealers.

Wiphas “Wat” Nhooyooprai, 38, was found at at Chanakarn in Chalong, in possession of 79.6 grams of ya ice, digital drug scales, and plastic bags for holding drugs.

Wiphas denied the charges, saying he borrowed the car from his friend and the drugs and equipment were not his.

Thuranon “Baan” Khampluk, 29, was in possession of 380 ya ba pills, 15.6 grams of ya ice, digital drug scales and plastic bags, also in Chalong.

Police then arrested Boon­

Continued from page 1 any incidents involving their nationals.

But Mr Naumann said the problem with tuk-tuk drivers is so bad on the island that he is scared of dealing with them.

“I was asked to be a mediator between the victim and tuk-tuk drivers, to negotiate with them how much com-

pensation they should pay,” he said. “I can’t do that. I fear for my life.”

The consuls offered their own suggestions on how the issue might be resolved more quickly.

“The problem is that the tuk-tuk drivers have power.

They are protective,” Larry Cunningham, Australian Hon-

Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (OrBorJor) President Paiboon Upatising and former Phuket City Police Superintendent Colonel Wanchai Eakpornpit, now based in Ranong, have both been awarded a top road safety award by the Government.

Both men were presented the Prime Minister’s Road Safety Award by the Ministry of Interior last week for their hard work campaigning during the island’s “100% Helmet” campaign, which significantly reduced the island’s road toll.

From August 2009 to August 2010, an estimated 200 people died on the island’s roads in car and motorcycle accidents, Mr Paiboon said.

In the last year however, the number was reduced to around 130 deaths.

Mr Paiboon said B17 million would now be spent on installing speed and red light cameras around the island. Police will monitor the cameras and fine drivers who break the law.

Mr Paiboon attributed the decrease in road deaths to people listening to the campaign message about wearing helmets while on motorbikes, generally becoming more aware of road safety, and the collaborative work of local authorities.

“The number of road accidents on Phuket has been reduced and we hope it can continue,” he added.

Dancers happy with 5th place Alleged drug dealers Wiphas “Wat” Nhoo-yooprai, left, and Soonthorn “Piek” Poonklin enter the press conference. kiet “Kiet” Kanghae, 30, with 22.3 grams of ya ice, digital scales, and plastic bags in his car.

Kittisak Wongnayat, 19, was also arrested near Chalong circle in possession of 2.2 grams of ya ice.

Pol Col Krittapas said police would continue to take a hard line on those found with drugs in their possession.

The offenders’ main clients were people who worked at night in Chalong, like masseurs and bar staff, he said.

orary Consul in Phuket, said.

“Could it be because there are just too many of them?”

Martin Carpenter, the British Honorary Consul, also noted CCTV coverage in Patong is inadequate for nailing down criminals.

“Police are unable to focus [cameras] in on a specific place, which makes their job

very, very difficult.” Two recent assaults by tuk-tuk drivers in Patong were caught on CCTV, but police said the images were not clear enough to identify those involved.

As Gov Tri and Maj Gen Pekad offered their assurances that they were seeking a solution, but repeated that it would take time.

Consuls slam spate of attacks

Phuket break-dance group Power Storm Crew hopped and flipped their way to fifth place in the national “Battle of the Year 2011” dance contest held in Bangkok at the end of August.

The five-member Power Storm Crew earned their place in the national shoot-out after winning the southern region stage in July, out-dancing local rivals Exotic Family.

Top of the pile were Isarnbased One Peace UD Town.

They and two other teams will go through the the international Battle of the Year finals, which will take place later this year in Montpelier, France.

Although Power Storm Crew failed to get a ticket to the land of Ooh La La, their leader, who modestly calls himself just ‘King’, was upbeat about his group’s performance.

“It was really good to show off our creativity. We did our best.”

ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

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CSR key to improving tourism

Phuket tourism will be improved, if only local people will follow the laws and local business people need to develop a socially responsible corporate ethic, a conference in Kata was told today.

Members of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC) arranged the conference with local business people at the Ibis Hotel in Kata, to hear from local business people about obstructions to the improvement of Phuket tourism, and to offer possible solutions.

NESAC is a non-governmental organisation set up under the 1997 constitution to provide advice and make suggestions to the Cabinet on economic and social issues.

Among the problems raised were a lack of information for tourists, very poor public transport, degradation of the environment, shortage of Immigration personnel and of skilled employees.

Artanon Huangthanapan, a member of the executive committee of the Phuket Tourism Association, complained that accepting problems but never fixing them had become part of Phuket’s culture.

Once again, the chronic problem of taxis and tuk-

NESAC member Nimit Samphantharak believes that Corporate Social Responsibility could be the key to fixing many of Phuket’s problems. tuks was raised. Many in the meeting complained that such problems – related to “local influential groups” – have damaged Phuket’s reputation.

In addition, many tourist were threatened by local people or harassed by people wanting to sell products or services.

Reunreudee Nambut, a

representative from Ibis Hotel, cited as an example the way that local taxi or tuk-tuk drivers became angry if the hotel arranges transport for guests instead of using local taxi services.

Bangornrat Chinaprayoon, a Director of the Phuket office of the Tourism Authority of

Thailand (TAT) complained about airport taxi drivers harassing arriving passengers outside the arrivals terminal.

The NESAC were worried about deterioration of Phuket’s environment, with resorts and hotels being built where there should be none.

“During my visit this time,

I saw some hotels built on top of hills,” said Nimit Samphantharak, one of NESAC’s 99 members, and leader of the delegation to Phuket. “That shouldn’t be happening here.”

Thailand has laws to control urban and town planning, as well as social order, Mr Niwit explained.

But some Phuket people don’t follow the laws. As a result, threats and corruption abound, and construction sites illegally occupy environmentally sensitive areas.

“Tourism has been developing on this island, but the island itself has degenerated,” Mr Nimit said. “Those who are supposed to enforce the law have been negligent, so many things here are out of control.”

Corperate Social Responsibility (CSR) can be the key to solving problems, Mr Nimit told The Phuket News. NESAC believes CSR would improve Phuket tourism in a sustainable way.

“Most of the problems effect Phuket tourism are created by Phuket people,” Mr Artanon said. “We have to start solving problems in our own people.”

According to Mr Niwit, if local businesses could base their philosophy on CSR, Phuket tourism would be strong, steady and sustainable.

“And also, the law must be enforced on everyone. No compromises.” he said.

Following the meeting, the NESAC team will write a policy proposal to improve tourism on Phuket.

Governor Tri Augkaradacha, left, inspects the new campus with Thanyapura Chairman Klaus Hebben.

Governor tours Thanyapura Governor Tri Augkaradacha inspected the brand-new 23-hectare Thanyapura campus in Thalang earlier this month.

Thanyapura Chairman Klaus Hebben showed Gov Tri the large project consisting of Thanyapura Mind Centre (TMC), Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club (TSLC) and the Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS) which is near completion and full operation.

Gov Tri also visited PIADS, which has 200 students representing 40 nationalities.

Gov Tri said that Thanyapura was a welcome addition to the existing portfolio of world-class services and facilities in Phuket.

“This new addition to Phuket fully supports our opportunity to grow and foster one of the fastest growing tourist sectors in the areas of sport and green tourism.”

School students, amateur and professional athletes from around the world have begun using Olympic-class swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer pitches, a rugby field,

athletic track and a 900-sqm gym.

Part of the large integrated campus is the TMC, with its meditation and wellness programmes, that supports the school’s social and emotional learning. It also complements the sports club’s sports mindfulness training, to sharpen athletes’ mental edge.

Thanyapura’s first 38-room hotel commenced operations in April 2010 and a second, with 77 rooms, is under construction, planned to be open early in 2012.

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THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Quality system ‘aims to improve taxi standards’ Taxis, tuk-tuks and minibuses in Kata and Karon will be the first to be put into a new system devised by police and other officials as part of a rolling attempt to improve standards.

The system will also, it is hoped, counter the negative perceptions of Phuket caused by misbehaving taxi and tuktuk drivers.

A meeting at Karon Municipality offices on Monday agreed that transport ranks will be visited by a committee comprising members of Chalong Police, Karon Municipality, Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) and other relevant government offices.

There are 40 such ranks in Kata and Karon, said Theerayut Prasertpon, the Director of the PLTO, as well as 59 independent taxis roaming in the area.

He added that there are more than 500 taxis, tuk-tuks and mininbuses in the area, but more than half of them are illegal “black” transport.

“The com mit tee will

check on the ranks, looking at the condition of the vehicles, drivers’ behaviour and how reasonable their fares are,” Mr Theerayut explained.

“If all members of a rank meet our standards, the Phuket Provincial Government will issue ‘quality’ certificates to each of the drivers.

“We will also post a list of fares at the rank, and promote their services to tourists.”

“If they don’t want to wait to be inspected, drivers in a particular rank can send a request for inspection to the Phuket Provincial Office,” said Vice Gov Niwit Aroonrat, who chaired the meeting.

He added, “We will set up the system in Kata and Karon first, as a prototype for other areas of the island.

Strict rules will be needed to control transport.”

He said he believes that the new system, in addition to making tourists feel more safe and ensuring fair prices, will be a powerful tool to persuade drivers of “black” vehicles to register, converting them into legal drivers.

The leader of the Kata and Karon taxi drivers, Pornthep Chamkao, right, agrees with the plan to put local taxis in the quality system.

He also warned, “There will be rules for drivers to comply with. If they don’t, their quality certificate will be revoked. Without the certificate they will not be allowed to drive a vehicle for hire.”

Standard prices will be

posted at each rank that passes inspection, and any driver who overcharges or who drags tourists to shops that pay commissions for delivering customers, will lose his quality certificate.

Pornthep Chamkao, the

leader of the Kata and Karon taxi drivers, said of the initiative, “It may reduce drivers’ incomes, but we’ll accept it because it’s a sustainable way to run taxi services.”

The inspections will start at the beginning of next month.

Kids have fun making ‘positive balls’ The Bangkok Hospital Phuket in Phuket Town recently held a very hands-on workshop to teach 30 youngsters how to make Effective Microorganism (EM) balls, the organic wonder substance used to improve soil, stagnant water and even human digestive imbalance.

The hospital’s CSR Manager, Pareeya Jullaphong; Hea d of t he Ma k k awanich Foundation, Nontalee Makkawanich; Director of Phuket Provincial Cooperative Office, Somjit Chaochong; and the children from the Si Kaeharassada Phuket Union Cooperative had a messy day making 450 EM balls and organic liquid solution.

The workshop was made aware of the health dangers of being dependent on chemical fertilisers.

The concept of friendly micro-organisms was origi-

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Children make EM balls at the Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

nally developed by Professor Teruo Higa from the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. He found in the 1980s that a combination of approximately 80 different micro-organisms is capable of positively-influencing decomposing organic matter so that it reverts instead into a “lifepromoting” process.

He found that three groups of micro-organisms exist: positive for regeneration, negative for decomposition and “opportunist”.

In soil, water, air and human intestines, the ratio of positive and negative microorganisms is critical, since the opportunist micro-organisms follow the trend to regeneration or degeneration.

Higa believes that it is possible to positively influence a given medium by supplementing with positive microorganisms.

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ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

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Phuket prison to get security cameras Phuket Prison is finally to get modern technology to combat the nagging problem of mobile phones being smuggled in, mostly for use by drug dealers keeping their networks alive.

Security cameras are to be set up 12 points along the prison walls and inside prisoners’ dormitories.

The officials hope the cameras will help control smuggling of mobile phones and drugs, of which there have been increasing instances over the past six months.

Rapin Nichanon, the Director of the prison said that three months ago as many as 12 mobile phones a day were being thrown over the walls, some stuffed into dead rats.

Twenty of these phones had been confiscated.

Apar t f rom th rowing phones over the walls, prisoners’ accomplices tried to smuggle phones in during visiting hours.

In one case that was detected, the visitor walked in with a phone hidden in his rear end.

“Of those locked up in the prison, 82 per cent are serving sentences for drug-related crimes,” Mr Rapin said. “So

Dutchman Bas Meulendijks was last heard from two weeks ago.

Appeal for Dutch man to call home

Worried friends of a 44-yearold Dutch man who has dropped off the radar have asked people in Phuket to keep an eye out for him and let them know if they come across him.

Bas Meulendijks was last heard from two weeks ago. His friend, Martin van der Akker, said Mr Meulendijks was close to a Thai woman called Joy, who works as a manager in a hotel in Phuket or nearby.

“Her age is, we think, between 31 and 36 years,” Mr van der Akker wrote. “She is divorced and has a son called Bank who is about six years old. She lives with her parents who own a rubber plantation.”

Mr Meulendijks is also divorced, with two children from his marriage.

Anyone meeting Mr Meulendijks is urged to tell him to phone his friends at +31 6 50 20 23 92. Alternatively, they may contact The Phuket News by email to editor@thephuketnews.com or by calling 076 612 553 and asking for the editorial department.

Pictured left: Although Phuket Prison is surrounded by high walls, the hill to the north side makes a good platform for flinging mobile phones into it, as a prison officer demonstrates.

some of the mobile phones delivered to prisoners are used for the drug trade.

“There have also been reports that prisoners order drugs from outside but we have yet to get firm evidence about who is involved in this.”

Mr Rapin said he hoped the security cameras would help control smuggling, but added that warders must still keep a close eye on prisoners.

The B90,000 budget for installing the security cameras was approved on Tuesday (August 30) by Provincial Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

Besides smuggling, Phuket prison’s biggest problem is overcrowding. The prison was designed to hold 800 prisoners but currently has more than 1,500 under lock and key.

“We can’t transfer prisoners to other jails in southern Thailand, because everywhere is as overloaded as we are,” Mr Rapin said.

Asked whether there were plans to install mobile phone jamming equipment in the jail, he said that this had been considered. However, when similar equipment had been tried in other jails in urban areas it had also jammed the phones of people living nearby, leading to complaints.

The only prison where jamming was successfully used was the one in Rachaburi, where the jail was surrounded by rice fields.

German expat in coma after battle with tuk-tuk drivers In what appears to be yet another example of overreaction by tuk-tuk drivers in an argument, a German citizen lies in a coma in the Phuket International Hospital after a fight with tuk-tuk drivers in Patong on Thursday (August 25).

The man, 53-year-old Kurt Trotnow, became involved in an argument over B100. Witnesses say that he threw the first punch but was then set upon by a group of drivers.

The Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, Pol Col Arayapan Pukbuakhao, said Mr Trotnow’s Thai wife explained that a fare of B200 had been agreed before the couple, along with Mr Trotnow’s brother, got in the tuk-tuk.

But when they reached the Taipan nightclub on Rat-U-

Thit 200 Pi Rd, Mr Trotnow declared he would pay only B100. The argument that followed escalated to a point where Mr Trotnow threw the first punch. Immediately he was surrounded by other drivers.

The scuffle stopped when Mr Trotnow’s brother intervened, and the incident appeared to be over. However, another tuk-tuk driver, newlyarrived on the scene, punched Mr Trotnow from behind. He fell to the ground, hitting his head.

Col Arayapan said he had spoken to a doctor who was treating the victim. The doctor said Mr Trotnow was suffering from haemorrhage of the brain, but that his other injuries were slight.

German Honorary Consul

Dirk Naumann told The Phuket News, “I understand there is a good chance he could die.

“He has a medical condition that causes hardening of the arteries, not only in his heart and brain but all over his body. He has had 12 bypass operations.

“Under German law he is regarded as severely-disabled.

“It was his fault that the fight started. But B100 – that’s not a reason to beat someone.”

Mr Naumann was also furious that he was told about the beating only today – four days after it happened.

“The police agreed to let us [honorary consuls] know about such incidents. But I heard only today, from a friend of Mr Trotnow.

“I’m really concerned. This

is not appropriate.”

Col Arayapan said that he was waiting to hear from the doctor whether Mr Trotnow’s coma was a result of the beating he received, and his fall, or whether it was because of his existing medical condition.

Police are hoping that he will come out of his coma and be able to identify the man who hit him. Phuket Police Chief Maj Gen Pekad Tantiwong visited Mr Trotnow on Wednesday morning, hoping to speak with him, but Mr Trotnow was still unconscious.

Col Arayapan added that the drivers involved in this incident were not the same as those who attacked three Dutch tourists on August 1, leaving one of them with 18 stitches in his head.

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ISLAND NEWS

IN BRIEF Dane dies on Big Buddha Rd Danish expat Michael Anderson, 20, was found dead on the road up to the Big Buddha, apparently the victim of a motorbike crash.

Local people found Mr Anderson’s body found at about 8.30am on August 26 and arranged to have it sent to Vachira hospital for autopsy.

Tailor drowns in sunken car A Nepalese tailor, Ohn Bahadur, drowned in his car after it ran off the road and into a canal alongside Don Jom Tao Rd in Thalang District on Saturday (Aug 27).

The car was almost totally submerged in the water. Rescuers said that Mr Bahadur seemed to have tried to get out of the vehicle by rolling down the window.

But the current, made worse by the recent rain, was too strong and he failed to escape.

Biker dies in rain Mo t o r c ycl i s t Ja t u p o n Boonkerd, 28, died after crashing into the back of a parked lorry during heavy rain in front of Baan Porn Furniture Shop on Thepkrasattree Road last Sunday.

New road named A new section of road linking Chao Fa Rd and Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd in Phuket Town was named Tha Krang Rd.The name was chosen from entries in a contest launched in July.

The winner was Naruamol Pakdeemai, a student at Phuket Wittayalai School.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Prizes for e-waste items The Pollution Control Department (PCD) in Bangkok and Phuket Town Municipality have joined a nationwide trial project to collect and recycle electronic trash such as broken or unwanted mobile phones, phone batteries, computer printers, MP3 and MP4 players, DVD players and digital cameras.

Electronic trash collected during the trial project, which will run until December 5, birthday of HM the King, will be sent to recycling plants.

The national aim of the “Weee Can Do” project is to collect 84,000 items for recycling, it being the King’s 84th birthday this year.

The municipality offices, at the intersection of Surin and Narisorn Rds, will be the major collection point for electronic waste. Electronic trash may also be dropped off at six municipality schools – Bang Niew, Baan Samkong, Plukpanya, Piboon Sawasdee, Muang and Wat Kajorn Rangsan, and also at Vachira and

Bangkok hospitals, the Royal Phuket City and Metropole hotels, the Sony showroom on Thepkrasattri Rd and the G-net Mobile Phone centre in Big C. Anyone taking an item for disposal will receive a ticket to a lucky draw with the chance of winning prizes consisting of future electronic trash: digital cameras, printers, tablet computers and even sewing machines.

The prize draw will be made on December 15. Winners will be listed in Matichon newspaper on December 21.

The PCD estimates that this year people in Thailand will throw away more than a million pieces of electronic trash, which either clutter up homes or are sold to ragpickers who extract valuable metals such as copper, before dumping the remainder without regard to environmental damage.

Collections will continue after December 5 but no more prizes will be offered.

Lunar Fest approaches The annual Chinese Lunar Festival celebrations will take place in the Golden Dragon Park on Thalang Rd in Phuket Town from September 10 to 12.

Also known as the Mooncake Festival or Lantern Festival, the three-day event is a Chinese tradition which marks the end of the Autumn harvest – the 15th day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

Traditional moon cakes, local food and other items will

Chinese Lunar. be on sale and there will be nightly stage performances, including song and dance, martial arts and magic.

Performances begin on Saturday at 5pm. A moon blessing ceremony will conclude the celebrations at 9pm on Monday (September 12).

Do the drawers in your home look like this? Now you can get rid of your e-waste.

–Photo MikroLogika.

Beach rescues on the rise The Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (OrBorJor) has countered a perception that its beach lifeguard service is not up to scratch, pointing out that the number of successful rescues has increased and the number of drownings has fallen in the past two years.

OrBorJor Vice President Soratham Jinda said at a provincial meeting on August 24 that tourists’ safety was a top priority for the organisation.

He explained that a bud-

get of B20 million has been allocated to fund the beach lifeguard service until next March. The service now has three lifeguards at each of 38 points on 13 beaches: Ya Nui, Nai Harn, Kata Noi, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamala, Surin, Laem Singh, Bang Tao, Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao.

Statistics show that 191 people were rescued and 57 died in 2009. Last year 126 were rescued and 33 died. In the past six months lifeguards have successfully rescued 24

people and three have died.

The biggest cause of drownings was people disregarding warning flags and verbal warnings from lifeguards, said Mr Soratham.

“There is no law in Thailand allowing us to ban swimmers when red flags are raised.

All we can do is warn them and help them [when in trouble],” he explained.

The OrBorJor is producing flyers in different languages for tourists, highlighting the dangers of each beach.

Purple partying for family fest Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival came to a colourful close on Saturday (August 27) with a special “purple party” at Canal Village.

The party, marking the end of the 10-week, fun-filled festival, also celebrated the forthcoming opening in December of Angsana Laguna Phuket (formerly the Sheraton) which has purple as its theme colour.

Fun and games included a raffle draw to win accommodation, dining and spa prizes at the Angsana, with proceeds going to Laguna Phuket’s new community project to provide local children with survival swimming lessons.

Prizes were drawn by Angsana Laguna Phuket General Manager Jerry John and Director of Sales and Marketing Aaishah Bohari. www.thephuketnews.com

A purple heart for a young lady at the final party of the Laguna Summer Family Festival.

NATIONAL NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Jail term for Red Shirts

A court jailed four “Red Shirt” protesters for 34 years each for their involvement in last year’s political unrest – a punishment criticised by the movement last Thursday (August 25) as too severe.

The four – Patama Moolmee, Thirawat Sajasuwan, Somsak Prasansap, and Sanong Ketsuwan – were among 21 Red Shirt supporters charged with trespassing, arson, break-

ing security laws and terrorism over an attack on a provincial hall in Ubon Ratchathani in the northeast in May 2010.

“Four were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison, but as they co-operated, the court commuted the sentence to 34 years,” an official at the Ubon Ratchathani provincial court said after Wednesday’s ruling.

Nine other defendants were

acquitted due to a lack of evidence while others were handed prison sentences ranging from eight months to two years.

“I respect the ruling but in my opinion I think the punishment is too harsh,” said Red Shirt chairwoman Thida Thavornsert, saying the accused were motivated by a desire for political change.

“We will appeal,” she added.

The Red Shirts, who are broadly loyal to ousted fugitive premier Thaksin Shinawatra, held two months of protests in Bangkok last year that sparked a military crackdown which left more than 90 people dead, mostly civilians.

The violence also spread outside the capital, mostly to the Red Shirts’ stronghold in the northeast, including Ubon Ratchathani.

The Red Shirts were campaigning for early elections, accusing the then-Government of being an unelected elite, because it came to power after a court ruling ousted allies of their hero Thaksin.

Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra is now Prime Minister after his party staged a comeback with a major victory in a general election last month.

–AFP

Chuwit tackles illegal casinos The Government vowed Monday to crack down on illegal casinos, after a maverick politician accused senior police officers of owning gambling dens in central Bangkok.

Chuwit Kamolvisit, a lawmaker who made his fortune with a string of massage parlours and hotels, last week showed a video clip in Parliament purportedly recorded at a casino on Rama IX road in the heart of the capital.

The outspoken MP, who has admitted to bribing authorities in the past, criticised the Government of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for

MP Chuwit Kamolvisit.

failing to tackle the problem.

Announcing the clampdown, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung said Monday that he had spent more than a year gathering information on casinos while his party was in opposition until its election win last month.

“Not only the casino on Rama IX road, but also other casinos in other areas will no longer exist,” he told reporters.

He said two senior officers had been assigned to oversee the crackdown but if the metropolitan police would not close the casinos then he would ask other agencies, such

as the border patrol police, to do the job.

Mr Chuwit’s party won four seats in Parliament last month with a pledge to fight corruption.

“I am the insider, I know how to pay. I know how to bribe,” he told AFP in an interview in June. “You see bribery in Thailand is a deeper issue, problem than anyone can think.... but no one wants to say the truth.”

Most forms of gambling are outlawed in the kingdom but it remains popular in a country where corruption is rife.

–AFP

7

IN BRIEF Arrest made in Kiwi murder Pattaya Police have arrested Syrian national and former commando Mohamad Shanar Ryad, 21, for the murder of New Zealand’s World Croquet Federation president Charles Jones.

Ryad, said to be a refugee fleeing Syria, reportedly met Jones a week before stabbing him to death in a Pattaya apartment.

Mr Jones’ laptop, mobile phone and wristwatch were reportedly stolen at the time of the murder, leading police to believe the sports official’s death may have been the result of a botched robbery.

Katoeys labelled ‘psychotic’ The Defence Ministry may stop labelling cross-dressing conscripts as “psychotic” after a court ruling this month.

An administrative court will make a definite ruling on September 13 whether the military can still label transvestites who had undergone gender-change operations as “psychotic” as they suffer from a “permanent mental disorder”, as it does at present.

Vow to crack down on anti-royal websites The new Government last Friday vowed to crack down on what it described as online insults against the revered monarchy, despite widespread criticism of the country’s strict lese majeste rules.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said insulting the royals was “unacceptable” and identified an online campaign as an immediate priority.

“The first thing I must tackle as a matter of urgency are those lese majeste websites.

They are not allowed during this Government,” he said.

“I will set up a war room,

a working group to take care of this immediately, starting today. It must be done as soon as possible.”

Under lese majeste legislation, anybody convicted of insulting the King, Queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison.

The laws have come under heavy criticism from rights groups, which have expressed concern that they were used to suppress freedom of expression under the previous government, considered close to the establishment.

Soon after winning the July 3 election, Prime Minister

Yingluck Shinawatra said the rules should not be abused.

But in a sign she did not want direct confrontation with the country’s powerful elites, Ms Yingluck stopped short of saying she would reform the legislation.

Tens of thousands of web pages have been removed from the internet for allegedly insulting the monarchy in recent years.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 83, the world’s longest-reigning monarch and revered by many Thais, has been in hospital since September 2009.

–AFP

Thaksin’s ex-wife acquitted A court last week acquitted the ex-wife of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra after she appealed against her conviction and three-year prison sentence for tax evasion.

Pojaman Shinawatra “did not have a duty to pay tax” when she sold shares in a then family-owned telecoms business to her brother, a judge at Bangkok’s Criminal Court said.

Ms Pojaman, her brother

and her secretary Kanjanapa Hongheun were convicted in July 2008 of colluding to evade tax totalling B546 million in a 1997 transfer of shares in Shinawatra Computer and Communication, which later became Shin Corp.

Mr Thaksin fled the country days after his wife’s conviction – and ahead of his own corruption trial – and has never returned, arguing

that charges against him were politically-motivated.

He was later sentenced in absentia to two years in prison over a land deal involving his ex-wife.

In February last year the Supreme Court confiscated around B42 billion – about half of Mr Thaksin’s fortune – thought to be the proceeds of the 2006 sale of Shin Corp to Singapore-based Temasek Holdings.

–AFP www.thephuketnews.com

8

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Twin Towers replica in Paris for 9/11 anniversary A replica of the Twin Towers destroyed in the September 11 attacks will be built on a square opposite the Eiffel Tower in Paris to mark the tenth anniversary of the atrocity, organisers said Tuesday.

US ambassador to Paris, Charles Rivkin, said the 25-metre high towers will be constr ucted on Trocadero square, and will bear the names of the people killed in the attacks.

Tropical storm gathers steam in Atlantic Tropical Storm Katia continues to gain strength as it moves west-northwest across the Atlantic.

Katia had maximum sustained winds late Tuesday afternoon of 97kmh, a 32kmh increase over earlier in the day.

Katia is centred about 1,270km west of the southernmost Cape Verde Islands and is moving at 32kmh.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Libya needs aid: UN Libyan rebels may not want foreign troops, but they will need outside help getting used to a democracy they have never known, according to the UN’s chief planner for life after Moamer Kadhafi.

Ian Martin, Special Advisor to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, has been working for months on how to revive political life in a country with virtually “no living memory of elections”.

The UN does not expect the National Transitional Council (NTC) to ask for military observers, Mr Martin said after a UN Security Council meeting on the conflict.

“It’s very clear that the Libyans want to avoid any

kind of military deployment of the UN or others,” he said.

But the United Nations could organise an international force of police trainers and monitors to help the country, which Mr Ban said recently was “awash” with weapons following the six-month uprising inspired by the Arab Spring.

The UN Security Council on Tuesday let Britain release US$1.6 billion (B48 billion) in seized assets to buy aid for Libya but despite new calls for urgent help, a bid by France and Germany to free US$8.6 billion (B258 billion) remains blocked, diplomats said.

Britain’s Foreign Secretary William Hague said the release “represents another

major step forward in getting necessary assistance to the Libyan people, building on the remarkable progress in recent days.

“These banknotes, which were frozen in the UK under UN sanctions, will help address urgent humanitarian needs, instill confidence in the banking sector, pay salaries of key public sector workers and free up liquidity in the economy.”

Mr Ban said there was now a critical shortage of water in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, even though rebels are now largely in control having beaten Kadhafi’s forces.

Two ships are headed for Libya with 850 tonnes of

www.thephuketnews.com

Mr Ban, his post-conflict planner and other top officials, were due to hold talks with rebel government leader Mustafa Abdel Jalil at an international summit on Libya in Paris on September 1.

Mr Martin said the United Nations would inquire whether the council wants police help, but said the UN mission for Libya – expected to be approved by the Security Council within weeks – would focus on political work.

The interim government’s roadmap sets a target of establishing a formal government within 30 days “after they declare liberation in Tripoli” and national elections in 240 days, Mr Martin said. – AFP

Muslims celebrate end of Ramadan

Chinese miners rescued after seven days trapped Twenty-two coal miners have been rescued from their flooded pit in northeastern China after being trapped underground for a week.

State broadcaster CCTV showed the men being brought slowly to the surface, with all apparently in good condition.

Hopes for the miners were revived Sunday after noises were detected through a 280-metre pipe that was drilled to allow fresh air into the illegal mine near the city of Qitaihe.

Twenty-six miners were trapped on August 23 when workers broke through into an adjacent flooded pit.

bottled water on board, in an attempt to beat the shortage.

The United States was given approval to send about US$1.5 billion (B45 billion) in seized assets back to Libya last week, after a dispute with South Africa over whether easing UN sanctions implied recognising the rebels who are fighting Kadhafi.

The UN leader said the first US$110 million (B3.3 billion) from the funds held in the United States had now been allocated.

He also appealed to the Security Council to give urgent consideration to requests for money by the Libyan rebel National Transitional Council (NTC).

The holy month of Ramadan is observed by Muslims around the world.

Muslims in Russia and around the world on Tuesday crammed into mosques to celebrate the end of the Ramadan holy month.

Tens of thousands of Muslims gathered in Moscow and Saint-Petersburg for worship on Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the monthlong Ramadan holy fast.

Russia’s Muslim citizens – usually estimated at over 20 million people concentrated in the two main cities, Caucasus and Volga region – have been joined in recent years by a huge influx of migrant workers.

Most of these are from ex-Soviet Central Asia.

“It’s a sacred holiday for all Muslims. Not going is out of

the question,” said 45-year-old Akhmed Gusseinov, one of the tens of thousands gathered near the central mosque in Moscow just north of the city centre.

About 50,000 people came to the central mosque to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, known to Russia’s mainly Turkic Muslims as Uraza Bayram.

Moscow has only a handful of mosques. The main one, an ornate historic building dating from a century ago, only big enough for 1,000 people.

President Dmitry Medvedev wished Russian Muslims good health and happiness.

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin praised the community for “fruitful, multi-faceted work” to build peace and harmony in the country.

–AFP

Australians farewell house fire victims Family members overcome with grief farewelled two final victims after they were recovered from the scene of the blaze believed to be the worst house fire in Australia’s

history, the Newcastle Herald reported.

Fa m i ly, f r ie n d s a n d mourners, wailing in their native tongue, followed a van carrying the remains of their

loved ones from the ruins of the house in Wagensveldt Street, Slacks Creek south of Brisbane, last Friday.

Their journey was painful, taking each step behind their loved one knowing they would never return home.

Survivor Jeremiah Lale, whose wife and five children perished in the blaze, walked with one hand on the back doors of the van.

He kissed the hearse when it stopped momentarily before leaving the street, yelling “goodbye” in his native tongue.

Treicee Taufa, who lost her teenage daughter Ardelle in the fire as well as her mother, sister and several more family members, was inconsolable as the hearse left.

She and other mourners stood at the top of the street,

clinging to one another for some time before turning to come back to the scarred hull of the house.

The Taufa and Matauina families say they can now rest, knowing their loved ones are safe.

Earlier today, Mr Lale said if he had known his family was still inside the home, he would never have left the burning building.

Jeremiah Lale addressed a press conference with the support of his extended Samoan family, just two days after losing his family in Queensland’s deadliest ever house fire.

He described jumping out a window, thinking his wife Neti and their five children were outside, before frantically running around outside the burning house calling

them, Australia Network News reported.

“There was nothing I could do inside the house, the fire and the smoke,” said an emotional Mr Lale who was surrounded by family.

“I keep calling my wife’s name, my boys, my girls, no one answered.

“At that time, I thought to myself they are already outside. They’ve jumped from the window.

“I ran calling my wife and my kids – no one there.

“No one answers and I realised that at that time my wife and my kids, they can’t make it.

“If I knew my wife and kids not outside the house, there’s no way I’m going to leave them in there.

“I’m going to stay inside the house with them.”

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Thousands rescued as Irene batters the US US rescuers battled Tuesday to reach thousands cut off by flooding in towns across Vermont, New Jersey and upstate New York as the death toll from Hurricane Irene climbed towards 50.

Emergency provisions had to be airlifted to dozens of communities stranded by floodwaters as torrential weekend rains dumped by the massive storm system washed away roads and sent rivers cascading over their banks.

President Barack Obama dispatched senior officials to survey some of the worst of the damage as rescuers ferried thousands of people – including the elderly, small children and babies – to safety in rubber motorboats.

Although the much-hyped direct-hit on New York failed to translate into major damage or casualties in America’s most populous city, heavy rain in places like the Catskill Mountains proved a ticking disaster time-bomb.

Two days after the storm’s passage, marooned families were still waiting anxiously for the national guard and firefighters to bring food and water to towns swamped by the floodwaters.

The main highway to Wilmington, Vermont was clogged with mud and Irene had turned other roads into

Floodwaters near downtown Walden, New York, following Hurricane Irene. deathtrap chasms after dumping two months worth of rain (21 cm) in less than a day.

“The problem is inaccessibility, emergency operations supervisor Dave Miller said as teams struggled to pull trucks out of the sludge and remove fallen trees that had perilously dragged down power lines.

The drastic situation was mirrored in parts of New Jersey and upstate New York, where schools and community centers turned into makeshift Red Cross emergency shelters were nearing full capacity.

In Paterson, New Jersey, teams were rescuing and

evacuating people non-stop under thankfully blue skies after the Passaic River crested four metres above flood stage, its highest level since 1903.

“It’s over 500 (people rescued) and the amount is climbing,” police sergeant Alex Popov told CNN. “We are dealing with elderly people, families, small children, and pets.”

Millions of Americans remained without electricity, many farther south in states like Virginia and North Carolina, where Irene’s winds were strongest as the storm barrelled up the eastern seaboard on

Saturday and Sunday.

Vermont, a mountainous state criss-crossed by numerous streams and rivers, saw several towns completely cut off by the floods and some smaller communities were reportedly wiped off the map.

“There are currently 13 communities that are unreachable by vehicle due to road damage,” said a statement from Vermont Emergency Management.

“There are more than 200 roads that are still impassable statewide and all 500 road workers from the Agency of Transportation are on the street

today working on repairs.

Much of that staff is working with local road crews to make isolated towns accessible.”

Dramatic television pictures from New Jersey, New York and Vermont showed flash floods sweeping through towns and vast oceans of water out in the country where rivers had burst their banks.

Research firms have estimated that Irene could cause up to US$7 billion (B210 billion) in damage, but that does not factor in the longerterm effect on farmers whose livelihoods may now be under threat.

Officials reported at least 43 deaths across 11 states, including eight in New York, seven in New Jersey and six in North Carolina, where Irene made landfall last Saturday with winds upwards of 140 kilometres an hour.

The hurricane was already responsible for at least five deaths in the Caribbean before it struck the United States, and is being blamed for a 49th fatality in Canada, where the storm finally petered out on Tuesday.

More trouble was on the way though as Tropical Storm Katia formed in the Atlantic, forecast to become a category 3 hurricane by Saturday or Sunday with winds topping 193 km per hour.

–AFP

Embattled former IMF chief visits HQ Former International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn dropped in to the organisation’s headquarters in Washington DC on Monday, making his first public appearance since charges of sexual assault against him were dropped on August 23.

Strauss-Kahn, accompanied by his wife Anne Sinclair, drove himself to the IMF headquar-

ters to address supporters in an auditorium closed off to reporters. Strauss-Kahn briefly met with his successor, Christine Lagarde, who currently faces allegations of abuse of power over a €285m (B12.3 billion) settlement made during her time as French finance minister.

Now back on the campaign trail as a candidate in France’s 2012 elections, Strauss-Kahn

reportedly arranged the visit personally and is said to have told the audience that the US justice system had been fair to him.

News of Strauss-Kahn’s planned visit was met with a mixed reactions. Some observers reportedly expressed dismay while others said they felt sorry for the man.

Strauss-Kahn held the top

9

IN BRIEF Texas polygamist seriously ill from fasting

Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs is in critical condition after refusing to eat or drink in a Texas prison.

Jeffs, 55, was sentenced to life in prison earlier this month for his “spiritual marriage” to two young girls using evidence gathered after police seized hundreds of children from the reclusive sect.

Builder killed by sharks in Aus

Searchers have found the body of a man killed by sharks off a Queensland island 13 hours after he disappeared while trying to recover a boat.The 48-year-old Melbourne builder had been refurbishing buildings hit by Cyclone Yasi in the Palm Island group, about 65km northeast of Townsville, and was taking a weekend break when tragedy struck.

Sweden politician targeted in arson attack

A Sweden Democrat local politician was targeted in an arson attack at her home in Södermanland south of Stockholm on Monday evening.

Frida Grundström, who is a member of the municipal council in Gnesta, was home alone in her apartment when someone threw a burning object into her letterbox.

Police have labelled it as arson or attempted arson.

The fire was put out immediately.

position at the IMF for four years. He resigned on May 18, after being arrested in New York on criminal charges of sexual assault and attempted rape of a hotel maid.

After a high-profile media circus surrounding the allegations, the charges against Strauss-Kahn were eventually dropped and the case was dismissed.

Putin revs up for election polls Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Monday described leather-clad bikers as brothers and boasted of the “indivisible Russian nation” after roaring into a biking rally on a Harley Davidson.

The black-clad Putin led a column of bikers, their lights blazing into the night sky, who drove into a mass biking rally held on a former Soviet warship in the Black Sea port

city of Novorossiisk.

Putin, an avowed fan of bikes, appeared to be riding the same massive threewheeled Lehman trike conversion motorbike he rode to a similar meeting of the bikers in Ukraine last year.

Cheered by the biking faithful, Putin immediately took to the stage upon arrival.

He delivered a demagogic speech which managed to

combine patriotism, historical memory and the motorcycle, state television pictures showed.

“I want to tell you, brothers, it’s really great that you have not forgotten the heroism of the past,” he told the crowd.

Recalling that Novorossiisk had been freed from Fascist occupation 68 years ago, he added: “These pages of history are

in a striking way linked with the motorcycle because it was easiest to take children away from firing by motorbike,” he told the audience.

“This historical memory is the cement which makes people of different peoples, ethnic groups and religions into one indivisible Russian nation, and creates a great Russia!” he said.

– AFP www.thephuketnews.com

10 OPINIONS & VOICES

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

NORACHAI’S WORLD

Editor’s viewpoint

Missile throwing is not passionate support

The tuk-tuk haka before the Rugby World Cup.

Q&A:

Where can I find cheap sports facilities?

BADMINTON: Andaman Badminton

B300/hr; night time B360/hr.

Tel. 08 1895 8703.

Eight rubber courts and four cement courts. Parking space for 10-20 cars.

Where: In Phuket Town at the Slaughterhouse intersection (Yee Teng intersection), near Siam Commercial Bank on Chao Fa Rd. There’s a small road behind the bank where you’ll see an orange and green sign.

Open: Mon-Fri, 4pm-10pm; Sat-Sun, 4pm-8pm.

Cost: Rubber court B150/ hr, Cement court B100/hr.

Tel. 08 9645 2848, 076 212 492.

W h e r e: Fr o m Ph u ke t Town take Chao Fa West Rd towards Chalong, take a left Kwang Rd Junction, keep straight until you see Jomthong Village sign on the right. Drive into the village.

There are two courts.

Cost: B50/person. First come first served (literally).

Tel. 08 7629 3616.

TENNIS: Intana Court Where: Take Chao Fa West road towards Chalong. Turn left into the soi that has Tiger Muay Thai gym, and the courts are about 50m down.

There are three courts.

Open: 7.30am-10pm daily.

Cost: Day time court rental www.thephuketnews.com

Jomthong Village

OrBorJor Tennis Court Where: Phuket Town, right opposite Phuket Provincial Hall at intersection of Damrong and Surin Rds. Open: 4pm-9pm, but can call to arrange play at other times.

Cost: B100 per visit.

Tel. 08 1537 3639.

GYM: Smart Gym Suan Luang Where: On Chao Fa East

road, next to Big One grocery store, near Siam Commercial Bank.

Open: 9am-9pm daily.

Cost: B80/session Tel. 081 958 0260

Smart Gym Fitness Phuket Town Where: Phuket Town, near Robinson. If you drive from the Royal Phuket City Hotel towards the Thavorn Grand Hotel, turn left at the Expo shopping centre traffic lights.

The gym is opposite Expo.

Open: 9am-9pm daily.

Cost: B180/session.

Tel. 076 232 964

Chalong Gym Where: From Phuket Town, take Chao Fa East Rd towards Chalong. Chalong Fitness is the blue building on the left hand side of the road, approximately 200m before Land and House.

Open: 8am-9pm daily.

Cost: B150/day Tel. 087 889 1104

Nai Harn Gym Where: In the Bzenter Mall in Naiharn, the building cluster that also houses Da Vinci restaurant.

Open: 7am-9pm daily.

Cost: B200/visit Tel. 082 415 9925

SWIMMING: Phuket Municipality Swimming Pool Where: This 25-metre public pool is in Saphan Hin, on the southeast edge of Phuket Town.

Open: Daily from 2pm-9pm except Sunday.

Cost: Children B5; Adults B10. Stay until your skin is thoroughly wrinkled, or longer.

Jomthong Village Where: Take Chao Fa West Rd towards Chalong. Take a left Kwang Rd Junction, keep straight until you see Jomthong Village sign on the right. Drive into the village.

Cost: B40/day

Football is a game built on passion; it lives and breathes because of its ability to enthral and enchant its supporters.

There are few finer sights and sounds in sport than a packed stadium in full voice, serenading and lifting the home side to greater heights, buzzing with anticipation and excitement.

Passion is what football needs. What it doesn’t need is ‘supporters’ hurling objects onto the field of play because they claim they are ‘passionately supporting’ their team.

Sadly, this is exactly the sort of behaviour that was witnessed at FC Phuket’s Surakul Stadium last Wednesday (August 24) in the closing stages of the Toyota League Cup quarter-final second leg which finished 3-3.

Throwing missiles isn’t passion, it’s stupidity. No matter how bad a situation might be, no matter how much the opposing team is cheating or how poor the referee is, that kind of behaviour is unacceptable.

As a TPL Division One club, FC Phuket should have progressed through to the semi-finals yet it wasn’t to be and as the game drew to a close, the frustrations of a small group of ‘supporters’ boiled over and they began to hurl objects onto the pitch.

Whether this displeasure was at the home side’s performance, the away side’s blatant cheating and time wasting or the ineptitude of the referee and his assistants is not clear. But that, ultimately,

is irrelevant. Any one of the objects could have hit a player or perhaps one of the ball boys sitting innocently at pitchside.

Disappointingly, there have been other incidents this season and the Phatthalung match, if anything, proved that it’s getting worse.

This sort of behaviour must not be tolerated. It must be stamped out by the club and it was good to see FC Phuket officials and other fans reprimanding the guilty parties.

But more must be done.

There is usually a familyfriendly atmosphere at FC Phuket matches and a number of parents love taking their children to Surakul on the weekend.

That number is likely to plummet unless something is done to prevent the small number of idiotic ‘fans’ from ruining the game for everyone.

One measure would be to bar people from taking beer into the stadium.

It would be a shame to punish the majority because of the actions of a few. Being allowed to take your own beers into the ground can enhance the match experience.

Therefore, the club must station more stewards/police within the ground with the express purpose of crowd control.

Should anyone inside the ground be seen hurling objects, then the stewards should eject them from the stadium and allow those still inside to watch the game with peace of mind.

Letters to the editor Tourist dies as Phuket floods

LRT boss slams ‘money grubbing’ Phuket

I once got hit in the face by a hanging broken power cable in Karon riding on my bike.

The cable stayed there for months before it was removed properly – lucky I had a helmet to absorb it or I would of been knocked out or dead.

Many more deaths will come if the government do not step in [and fix] this. Cables cause many fires in this wonderful island, and until we can develop, [we should] wear rubber shoes to stay alive in the rain.

Kevin Wise

The man has a point. What’s the point in putting in a classy LRT system if the infrastructure is not ready for it?

Communication is a fundamental must in every society and whereas other Asian countries are quite f luent in English, Thailand has a little catching up to do in that department.

Thailand could adapt a more cross-cultural society with more integration and a work-together attitude. Education and training is essential.

Irish Kev

Have your say We welcome letters to the editor. Letters must be under 250 words.

You can email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax your contribution to 076 612 553. Please include your name, address and contact telephone number.

HOT TOPIC 11

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

The pyramid of pain

Is Phuket drowning in a sea of drugs?

By Sukunya Phoonpong (Beau) REPORTER

More and more frequently police in Phuket are busting small dope rings on the island, and recently the amounts of drugs seized have been increasing.

Disturbingly, drugs are increasingly a problem involving young people – as young as 12 or 13.

Thailand’s struggle with drugs, particularly ya ba (methamphetamine) and its close relative ya ice, the crystal version, but also heroin, opium, cocaine and marijuana is an endless and depressing task, with the police sometimes appearing to gain an upper hand, sometimes losing it.

It’s a job that has to be done, however; the social consequences are manifold, ranging from crime and violence to broken families and severe mental problems as addicts hunt for the next hit, not caring what kind of damage they do to others.

Phuket is not a big centre for drug gangs. It is not a major distribution centre either, and the big drug lords are elsewhere in the country. But, like the marketing department of any aggressive company, they want to sell their product into every small corner of the country. Phuket is one such corner, and it’s suffering for it.

Police admit it is difficult to pin down the big drug lords.

Though they can sometimes move up the chain, arresting a user, then his or her supplier, then the bigger distributor, eventually they hit a wall of silence. In any case, the drug lords, as mentioned, are outside Phuket.

All the local police can do is hand the information they winkle out of the small fish, and pass it on to police in other parts of the country.

Head of the Phuket AntiNarcotics Task Force Wiroj Suwannawong explains that today’s drug networks resemble a pyramid, with the base consisting of hundreds of drug users and small dealers – often users and dealers. At the pinnacle of the pyramid are the well protected drug lords.

At the slightest sign that confessions to the police may identify the people at the top, it is a simple matter to order a layer of the pyramid removed.

Permanently. The mid-level dealers in the chain know

Ruined: A young couple, arrested on drug dealing charges in July, contemplate life behind bars. this, hence their silence when arrested.

“The mid-level dealers won’t say who they bought from. All they will do is admit to their own part in the overall network,” Mr Wiroj said.

The big problem in Phuket, as elsewhere in Thailand, is ya ba and ya ice. “Drug dealers on the island – sometimes Phuket people, sometimes from elsewhere originally – buy ya ba or ya ice in bulk from a producer or a bigger dealer, and then resell it in smaller amounts to smaller dealers further down.”

At the bottom of the pyramid, the selling methods begin to resemble relationship selling – small dealers, often addicts themselves, buy “upline” and sell “downline” to friends, as this is safer, less likely to get them caught.

When police do arrest a user carrying drugs, they move swiftly to roll up the local network. Their target is three days to move as high up the pyramid as they can before hitting the wall of silence.

Drugs seized used to be sent to the Regional Medical Sciences Centre (RMSC) in Trang or Surat Thani provinces, but – a sign of how drug sales and arrests are increasing – Phuket now has its own RMSC, north of the Heroines’ Monument on Thepkrasattree Rd. There, the drugs seized

are counted or weighed, and the drugs tested to ascertain their strength. The results of this analysis are used in the subsequent court case. When no longer required as evidence, the drugs are destroyed, usually by incineration.

Can the police win? Not definitively. All they can realistically do is keep a lid on the problem. Mr Wiroj believes the answer lies with families; addiction is much less likely to surface in a warm, loving family.

“What we do is pick up the pieces after the family has fallen apart. Good care by families can deter young people from trying drugs.

“I also believe that Thailand’s laws must be applied more rigorously so that the risks of being in the drug trade outweigh the potential profits,” Mr Wiroj said.

The drug networks are all-pervasive. Even dealers locked up for drug offences are thought to be keeping their lucrative networks alive from inside Phuket Provincial Prison, using smuggled mobile phones to arrange deals.

More than 80 per cent of the people in the prison are serving sentences for drugrelated offences.

The Prison Director, Rapin Nichanont, said that while there is no clear evidence so far that prisoners are running drug networks, there are strong

suspicions that this is the case.

Mr Rapin said he has stepped up patrol and surveillance in the prison, and any prisoners caught in possession of a mobile phone are in big trouble. CCTV cameras are also to be installed soon to keep an eye on prisoners and on people on the outside who may attempt to throw mobile phones over the walls.

Mr Rapin has sympathy for those running the big prisons.

“Prisoners in Phuket are just the small dealers though, while the prisoners in Nakorn Sri Thammarat prison, for example, are the big-time drug dealers. There are about 5,000 prisoners over there, so it is difficult for the officers to search all of them,” he said.

Is any part of Phuket a particular focus of drug dealing?

Recently, the superintendent of Thalang Police Station, Pol Col Witroon Kongsudjai, said that it was “becoming clear” that Thalang District was Phuket’s biggest drug trading area, especially the Baan Liporn and Pa Khlok areas. Many of the couriers and small drug dealers, he added, are young people between 20 and 30 years old.

However, it appears that this concentration in Thalang is more likely a result of geography.

Thalang District Chief Naruenart Supattaraprateep said the drugs enter the island

by air, through the airport, by road, through Tah Chat Chai, or by boat, through small piers on the northeast coast.

All of these points are in the north of the island – in Thalang District – and as a result this is where the smallscale distribution chains begin.

“The drug situation here is quite serious, but we crack down on each area regularly,” Mr Naruenart added.

Apart from arrests, many agencies in Phuket are involved in various anti-drug campaigns such as the White Patong Project launched jointly

by Patong Municipality and Kathu police in an attempt to get the town involved in reducing drug problems.

Patong, because it is a tourism centre, is a special case. Pol Col Arayapan Pukbuakhao, Superintendent of Kathu Police Station, said that the large numbers of tourists with their fat wallets inevitably attract drug dealers.

That said, he adds that the dealers are not high up the pyramid. “There are not many big dealers here but there are quite a lot of users who buy drugs from various places.

It’s more a focus of drug use than of dealing.”

He believes a major part of the solution is more vigilance at the entry points – the airport, local piers and the Tah Chat Chai police check point.

“Drugs can be delivered by

air, sea or road, so it is better if the equipment to detect drugs can be upgraded to catch the drugs shipments as they come into the island. It will cost money, but prevention is better than trying to cure things after the drugs have entered the distribution system.”

Are drug enforcement officials in favour of another nationwide War on Drugs, such as was declared by thenPM Thaksin Shinawatra in 2003? It does seem as though cracking down on drugs is a priority of the new government headed by Thaksin’s sister and current premier Yingluck Shinawatra.

The 2003 War on Drugs though was a failure. It slowed drug dealing for a while, but at a terrible cost – more than 2,000 dead across Thailand, more than a dozen in Phuket.

Though there were suggestions that police were carrying out extrajudicial killings of suspected dealers, many of the deaths were laid at the feet of the big dealers, cutting out layers of the pyramid below them.

It is also thought that a considerable number of deaths were not related to drugs at all, but to people settling “business disputes”, knowing that the murders would most likely be treated by police as drug-related and therefore only cursorily investigated.

Thaksin declared the ‘war’ a success. It was not, as today’s situation in Phuket demonstrates. But local officials are still in favour of a government-backed push to crack down on drug dealing.

Mr Wiroj said he agrees with the Thaksin “way of justice for drug dealers”, but said it is important to be sure those targeted were involved in the drug trade.

“It would be an example for other drug dealers; it might make them afraid to trade in drugs. But we need to be certain that they are dealers.”

Experience in other countries has shown that police are likely to be involved in a never-ending war of attrition, rather than the one-off solution which changes nothing in the long term.

Prevention, they say, is better than cure. The most effective solution has to be a joint campaign to stamp out the producers and dealers while at the same time educating children and parents on the dangers of drugs. www.thephuketnews.com

12 ART & CULTURE

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Random View “Being mindful of the Thai saying ‘clear as the eye of a grasshopper’, I saw that the eyes of this grasshopper are really clear, while its greenish yellow colouring blended well into the leaves. So I had no more to do than to let my finger trip the shutter,” says Phuket photographer Chanchai Hatsut.

What a striking Random View this is, as the result.

Through the camera’s close-up macro lens, we are invited into the grasshopper’s world. As if to also re-enforce the grasshopper’s clear eyes,

the aesthetic shapes of the large dew drops on leaves add to our visual enjoyment.

It’s a beautiful world of the grasshopper, a private, comforting, green labyrinth.

There is plenty of juicy leafy food to eat and a lot of cover to protect from predatory birds.

But those clear eyes still need to be vigilant, just in case.

To have your own work published here, please email your photo (over a megabyte in size) to editor3@ thephuketnews.com.

MAKING Navin Rawanchaikul

The 54th International Art Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, directed by Bice Curiger, is in full swing and filled with avant garde (experimental) art from 83 visual artists chosen from around the world. Over 150,000 international visitors have so far poured onto the small crowded historic island of Venice that is, as usual, bursting at its artistic seams.

Representing Thailand there is Navin Rawanchaikul, with his “In the city” project.

Born in 1971 in Chiang Mai of Indian descent, Navin is an internationally-recognised artist who has developed a unique and vast body of works that rely heavily on team spirit and collaboration and seek ways to put art in touch

ART

with the lives of everyday people.

His work is often produced

by Navin Production Co Ltd, his production company that launched its first product of bottled polluted water from a canal in Chiang Mai. In 1995 came the Navin Gallery that was an ordinary Bangkok taxicab transformed into a mobile art gallery.

ARTEYE

We had Art Deco style in the decorative arts, now we are down to Bus Deco, Thai-style.

This bus, resplendent in ocean-blue with its pretty decorations, was parked in a Phuket car park.

It’s always fascinating to enjoy these flights of the imagination, lifting off from the mundane street on to the sides of buses where there is usually vast empty metallic space to fill.

The kitsch artwork creation may have started from www.thephuketnews.com

the commissioning of the spray-paint artist to make “something nice.”

Then it’s the time for what is pretty and interesting in the Thai street imagination to kick in: fire-breathing mythical dragons fly, muscular horses gallop, movie stars and cowboys smile.

But who are these cute fairies with their large bright eyes and pretty and satisfying decorations? Where did they fly in from, just to spend time decorating the dusty wheels of this bus?

PHUKET PEOPLE 13

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Loving a healthy life in Chalong Becky Antrobus

Yoga teacher at The Little Yoga Room in Chalong What were you doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was just about to start my final year at university and having way too much fun in Leeds, England.

I was doing a degree in Counselling and Therapeutic Studies, but, by the end, I decided that I didn’t want to be a counsellor after all and went travelling instead.

How long have you lived on the island and why did you move here?

I have been here for almost three and a half years now.

I got a job as a primary school teacher at a government school in Kathu and being engaged to a diving instructor when I came here, it helped that we were near the sea. (I married him by the way).

What were you doing before you moved here?

Before moving to Phuket, I used to live in Tokyo, Japan which as you can imagine is VERY different to here.

I was an English teacher for a Japanese company.

Tokyo is a wicked place

to live with so much to do and see.

The food, music, clubs and people were spot on! I loved it there and it will always have a special place in my heart.

What is the best thing about living here?

I like being warm! And living near a beach where you can actually go in the sea without freezing also helps.

Also, I think that living here has given me the opportunity to practice, study and teach yoga full time.

I honestly don’t think I would have been in a position where I could leave my full time job to totally give my time to something I love so much if I was back in England.

My hubby and I have a lovely lifestyle.

What do you do to relax?

Yoga, yoga, yoga! A bit of poolside action in the sunshine, a spot of reading, maybe watching a film and having coffee with friends.

What hobbies or sports are you interested in?

The sports I’m interested in

Exposed

might sound a bit boyish, but I really enjoy watching MotoGP, World Superbikes and UFC. I also enjoy travelling and eating out very much.

I have many different places on my ‘list’ that I would love to go and visit in the future (India being one of them).

figure out where you want to live.

Definitely research which visa you need and if you are planning on working or have a job lined up, look at work permit info.

I also think you should bring a poncho, some cheese and a bottle of red vino.

Favourite food or dishes?

This changes all the time, but at the moment, I am LOVING poached eggs, or eggs florentine from the Gallery Cafe in Phuket Town.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you while living on the island?

I was driving home one day in Chalong when I stopped a couple of cars behind a pick up truck. On the back was a baby elephant!

The driver of the car directly behind it must have had the surprise of their life when the baby elephant decided to go to the bathroom ALL over the bonnet of their car!

Note to self: never get too close to a pick up truck when it has a baby elephant riding in the back.

What kind of music are you into?

Loads of different stuff. James Lavelle, Maximo Park, Kasabian, Ian Brown, Felix da Housecat, Primal Scream, David Bowie, U.N.K.L.E, Arctic Monkeys, Rolling Stones, Stanton Warriors, Lamb and Beck to name but a few. A lot of Indie and a lot of dirty, techy house.

No R‘n’B. What is the best tip you have for people moving to Phuket?

Do a bit of research on areas around Phuket, so you can

The person you admire the most and why?

My yoga teacher, Julie Hirunchai. Julie has been my teacher for more than two years

Becky Antrobus is a yoga teacher in Chalong. now. She is a really dedicated teacher with lots of experience behind her.

She always has a way of keeping me on track and calms me down if I have a mini freak out about stuff.

I find Julie an inspiration and I feel honoured to have her as my yoga mum and friend.

Is there anything you don’t like about living here?

I always forget how much it

rains during monsoon season and as I have a motorbike, I soon get rather bored of being drenched every time I go anywhere and pretty much all my clothes are strewn around the house damp.

Also, sometimes when you think a couple of jobs you have to do will only take a short time can turn into a right mission, but I think that happens anywhere in the world to be honest.

IN CLASS

Teachers on the English and Thai programmes at Kajonkietsuksa School in Phuket take their sport day seriously, judging by the determination on the faces of these staff basketballers.

-- Photo KISP

Class of the Week

Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KISP) staff and students from the early years foundation stages one and two pose on the first day of the new school term last week.

–Photo KISP If you would like a class from your school to appear here, please email a photo file, of at least one megabyte in size for good printing, to editor3@thephuketnews.com. www.thephuketnews.com

14

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Natural mineral water

www.thephuketnews.com

VILLAGE OF THE WEEK 15

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

The bedroom in artist Kittipong Ngowsiri’s house.

Painter Somrak Maneemai draws in his Red Gallery.

The sculptural house of Kittipong, made from timber recycled from abandoned old fishing boats.

Nurturing creativity in Naiharn P

eople may think that artists live in their own world and work a different way from others, but the artists at the Phuket Art Village want to open up their world to the rest of us.

I went there one rainy afternoon to meet with Somrak Maneemai, de-facto head of the village, who introduced me to his village which he imagines would be a place where art is involved in everything.

In a quiet soi on the road to Naiharn Beach, a group of eight artists came together to build the village. I was greeted by a “PhuCAT” map at the very spot where I turned into the soi, and I knew I had come to the right place.

The map was Somrak’s idea – a map of Phuket with details as seen in every other map. But this one is in the shape of cat, with art village as the cat’s brain.

Five years ago a group of artists who were living and working around the Rawai area called themselves Rawai Art Village, and created their own original art. But that first attempt at making an art village went unfinished as Somrak Maneemai took a teaching job at an art college and moved to Nakhon Sri Thammarat.

In late 2010, Somrak, who is from Krabi, returned to Phuket with his ambitious idea to complete his dream of an art village. He had found a piece of land in Soi Naya 2 in the Sai Yuan neighbourhood and shared the plot with seven other artists. This time the Phuket Art Village became a reality.

In front of the village is a metal sign which, Somrak explains, is actually a banana.

“If you look closely, it’s six

Village

of the week

bananas, because we started with six artists. Now we have eight artists but we ran out of space so the banana sign is still six bananas.”

Somrak says they grow banana trees in the village because the artists love bananas as they can do many things with it. “You can eat the fruits, can use the leaves to wrap the fish and barbecue it, or you can even use the leaves to make a roof.”

On this one-rai plot of land, each of the eight artists started building their own home in February. Each home is full of each artist’s own style and upon completion these homes will be their studios and galleries to showcase their work.

There is a common area where artists hold live concerts and events now such as children’s art day, music jam sessions and other artistic projects.

The artists want their village to be a place where original arts are created and every art form is welcomed. Visitors are welcome to see how they live and work. There will be painters, sculptors, musicians and a nung talung (shadow puppet) masters living in the village.

Somrak says they want their village to stand out from many other galleries, as their art works are unique. “Every artist in our village has their own style different from the others.”

The first house to be completed was Somrak’s Red Gallery, a lofty, spacious highceiling building with large windows that stands at the

Artist Kittipong at work.

The PhuCAT map at the start of the soi to the village. entrance of the village, waiting to greet you. “The artist homes will be built in U-shape, we will leave an area in the middle to be common space, where we can use for everything.”

Then there is the village landmark, a house made from driftwood, pieces of wooden planks from old fishing boats and things others might called junk, but in this village, they are turned into a small and colourful house called the Love Art Studio.

Artist Kittipong Ngowsiri said he collected the wood and built his house piece by piece.

He has his small studio and a small kitchen on the first floor and wants to turn the second floor into a cozy homestay where guests can visit the village and stay in his sculpture, as it were.

“It’s doesn’t look like much now, but I want people to be able to stay here in my home

and experience art in everything from when they wake up to when they go to sleep. We will eat art, smell art, sleep art and even live in art. I hope to get two more homes up in the back of this one. But that depends on where I can find enough driftwood to build them,” he says with a laugh.

Somrak says that while there are many galleries in Phuket and Patong, there are very few that make original work. Copy painters reproduce Van Gogh or Monet on demand in big volumes and sell for a few thousand baht a piece.

“They can do that but that’s not what we want to do here.

We want our art to come from us. That is why we decide that we should come together so we can support each other, spiritually and maybe a bit financially.

“Unlike other things, it’s difficult to find an indicator

to measure the success of art.

Even at school, for example, how do you measure if this child’s art is better than the other child’s art? For artists like us, it is just like that. You just can’t measure your own art. And to get the support from the Government means that I must be able to present to them what can art do, what can art produce.

“For example if you look in something like tourism marketing, you do one marketing campaign for tourism, and then have numbers to show how many tourists come to Thailand, how much money it generated from that one marketing campaign. But when it comes to art, there’s no such indicator for it.

“Therefore, we agree that it is the best for us to help ourselves by coming together, forming our group, and building our village. It is also good for us this way so we can maintain our own identity and personality without having to worry that one day our sponsors who give us money will ask us to change to suit their preferences.

“At the moment we start

working on small projects with schools. Last month we had children from ABC Nursery visiting us here and creating their art with us. We also worked with the Rawai Administration Office to set up a small live performance in June to raise money to help with the tsunami relief in Japan.

“We hope that one day when people see us growing, they’ll see that the village is part of their community and they will come to us with the help we need,” Somrak says.

–Kazira Hanshanasattru How to get there: From Chalong Circle head to Rawai on Viset Rd. At the first traffic lights, take a right turn into Sai Yuan Rd that leads to Naiharn Beach.

At the T-junction, turn left to Naiharn Beach and not right to Kata Beach.

About 150m past Da Vinci restaurant on the right is Soi Naya 2 with the Thong Thai Gold Shop and the PhuCAT map on the side of its building.

Turn right into this soi and the Red gallery is about 100 metres along the way. www.thephuketnews.com

16 BUSINESS & TOURISM

Unions push for minimum wage hike The Thai Labour Solidarity Committee (TSLC) said it has given the government six months to fulfil its election promise and increase the minimum wage for workers to B300/day.

TSLC Chairman Charlie Loisoong did not specify what the TSLC would do to pressure the government if it is unable to put into practice what it had promised the people.

Mr Charlie said if the new government fails to increase the minimum wage, it would be considered in breach of its campaign promise.

“If the government twists its words by including overtime payment, other welfare components such as food, transportation and housing allowances into the B300 wage, it could be considered that it has failed to honour its election pledge,” he said.

The labour activist said that if overtime pay is included, workers would normally receive more than B300 per day.

Mr Charlie said only 30 per cent of Thailand’s workers get paid over B300 daily, and that the remainder were underpaid.

Although employers generally disagreed with the increase, both the government and workers in the Wage Tripartite Committee – comprised of representatives from government, employer and worker organisations – agreed with the move, so it should mean that the Tripartite Wage Committee agreed with the plan.

PM Yingluck Shinawatra had earlier repeatedly said a B300 minimum wage was feasible, but the business sector had voiced concerns over the move.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) earlier said the government should consider taking three or four years to implement the process. –MCOT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Krabi to launch marinas From having no marinas at all, Krabi is set to jump into the yachting big league with two marinas due to open this year, one of them considerably bigger than any currently on the shores of Phang Nga Bay. With Phuket’s Boat Lagoon almost always full to capacity, its owners looked across the water to Krabi to increase the number of berths they could offer.

They have just announced that phase one of their Krabi Boat Lagoon will be completed in November this year.

The new marina is in the Baan Taling Chan area of Krabi.

Phase one covers an area of 42 rai (out of 110 rai for the completed marina) and will have 90 wet berths, 70 hard stands and six undercover berths. The facility can take yachts up to 20 metres in length.

“Berths will be offered initially to existing owners in Phuket and an on-site sales office in Krabi will open next month,” said Suriya Yongsakul, sales and marketing director for Krabi Boat Lagoon.

Facilities will include a fuel dock, a boat service centre, 24-hour security and a travel lift which can support yachts of up to fifty tonnes.

Meanwhile, phase 1 of the

Plenty of ports in a storm: the two new marinas in Krabi will bring the total around Phang Nga Bay to six.

Port Takola marina, being built by retired Royal Thai Navy Vice Admiral Dr Suriya Na Nagara, is also expected to be commissioned later this year.

The marina is a couple of kilometres downriver from Krabi Town on Phang Nga Bay, near the mouth of the Krabi River. When completed, it will be bigger than any of the others in the area – with

250 wet berths and 100-150 dry berths up to 35 meters.

About 10 berths for superyachts – defined in this case as yachts over 27m in length – are in the plans, though because of the amount of manoeuvring space needed by such yachts, there is a limit to the number of such berths that can reasonably be fitted into the basin.

The land for the marina has been in Dr. Suriya’s family for almost 100 years. “My grandfather, who had served as governor of many southern provinces, including Krabi and Phang Nga, retired in 1918 to develop a coconut plantation on 800 rai (128 hectares) of land he had bought across the water from Krabi Town.”

Much of that land was later

converted into prawn farms, and it is these farms that are now being excavated to create the first phase of the Port Takola marina.

The design of the marina is in the hands of Simon Arrol, who was Managing Director of renowned Camper & Nicholsons Marinas for 16 years before setting up his own company, Arrol Ltd.

MICT to provide free public Wi-Fi The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has announced that it has begun working on a government initiative to provide free wireless internet services to the public across the nation.

Thais will initially be able to access the internet free of charge in public areas as well as at state offices and educational institutions, said MICT head Anudith Nakornthap.

Free public Wi-Fi is an urgent policy of the Government.

The first free Wi-Fi services

will be available within three months, and will cover the entire country over the next four years, said Mr Anudith.

The Ministry continues to work on previous government initiatives to provide people with affordable internet services, said Mr Anudith, including a policy to hand out tablet PCs to students. The Ministry will be responsible for applications, knowledge base and internet network to support the operation of the devices.

–NNT

Herbal medicine shop in Hong Kong. The Ministry of Public Health aims to further penetrate the region’s B20-billion conventional medicine market.

Ministry pushes herb health While British and US health authorities move to restrict the availability of herbal supplements with new laws favouring big pharmaceutical corporations, the Thai Ministry of Public Health aims to become the region’s leading supplier of traditional medicines.

With 12,025 formulas of traditional medicine registered in Thailand, the public health authority estimates the herbal medicine market to be worth over B391 million a year; however, that figure is only about two per cent of the www.thephuketnews.com

total conventional medicine market, which is worth about B20 billion.

Under the banner “Herb for All” [sic], the Ministry of Public Health plans to boost awareness of traditional Thai and Chinese medicinal herbs and products at the eighth national herbal fair, at the Impact exhibition centre in Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok from August 31 to September 4.

Public Health Minister Wittay Buranasiri said the fair will feature herbal products suitable for children and adults,

who can receive free advice and get health check-ups from Thai and Chinese traditional medicine practitioners.

“Thailand aims to become a regional leader in traditional medicine and encourage more people to rely on herbal medicines, instead of importing conventional medicines from Europe,” said Mr Wittay.

“The fair will show the potential and readiness of Thailand in the field of traditional herbal medicine, as well as massage therapy – not just for stress relief,” he said.

BUSINESS & TOURISM 17

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Wake-up call for tourism industry Thai hoteliers have been warned that they risk losing control of the country’s hospitality industry to foreign investors if they do not improve their standards before the ASEAN Economic Community comes into being four years from now.

Speaking at a seminar entitled Trends for Thailand Tourism ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in Bangkok on August 26, the Policy and Planning president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), Kongkrit Hiranyakit urged hoteliers and hospitality employees to improve skills and performance, or face losing out on top positions around the region.

He pointed out, “The shareholder percentage for foreign investment is set to increase from 49 to 70 per cent across the region’s travel and hospitality industry.”

The TTR Weekly website said that Mr Kongkrit proposed a five-point plan to strengthen the country’s competitiveness, the five points being: improving quality and standards of products; establishing better investment data and information; relating more man-made destinations and products; creating alliances with related associations throughout ASEAN; and building contacts with government agencies to tap resources and support.

The TCT academic board president, Paradej Payakawichean, noted an additional problem. “The problem for Thai hotel staff is that they are not gaining experience at the top level, as most top posts are still held by expatriates.”

“Although the AEC is expected to boost Thailand’s tourist industry by allowing more foreign companies to invest in travel in Thailand, that alone will mean company owners will have invest more in skilled labour and be prepared for more competition,” Mr Kongkrit said.

The seminar warnings echoed concerns voiced by tourism industry experts at a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) conference Phuket on August 26. (See local news pages, this issue.)

Participants in the conference, organised by staff of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC), raised a number of long-standing issues facing the tourist industry, especially damage to Phuket’s reputation due to the actions of “influential groups”.

Exports hit record high Thai exports in July hit a record high of B645 billion (US$21.5 billion), an increase of 38.3 per cent year-on-year, beating the record in March of B645 billion ($21.2 billion), Permanent Secretary for Commerce Yanyong Phuangrach said on Thursday.

Exports rose in all categories, particularly agricultural and agro-industrial products, which increased by 53.5 per cent – such as rubber up by 69.3 per cent and rice 110.6 per cent.

Similarly industrial goods rose 34.9 per cent, particularly jewellery and ornaments, which expanded by 302 per cent resulting from rising gold prices that caused the value of gold exports to grow by 3,919 per cent.

Exports in the first seven months of this year were valued at B4185 billion ($139.5 billion), an increase of 25.7 per cent, compared to the same period last year.

All groups of export markets expanded with 21.4 per cent growth of the matured markets. Thai exports to Europe and Japan, which is facing economic problems, also

Rice is one of the main components of Thai exports. rose by 35.5 per cent and 23 per cent respectively. The US market grew 8.1 per cent, marking a slowdown for the second consecutive month.

Meanwhile, the emerging markets tend to improve with export to Russia growing by 128.7 per cent and by 47.6 per cent for Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and

Africa. Exports to Australia grew by 38.3 per cent.

Meanwhile, imports in July totalled B543 billion ($18.1 billion), a 13.5 per cent increase from the same period last year.

Fuel imports rose by 60.7 per cent, capital goods by 18.3 per cent and consuming goods by 22.8 per cent while imports of raw materials and semi-

finished products dropped by 3.7 per cent and gold imports decreased by 43.2 per cent.

Imports from January to July 2011 were valued at B3,909 billion ($130.3 billion), an increase of 26.1 per cent year-on-year.

Thailand enjoyed a trade surplus of B84 billion ($2.8 billion) in July and B186 bil-

lion ($6.2 billion) for the first seven months of this year.

However, the overall picture of exports for the whole year is still on target at 15 per cent growth.

Although the new government policy is not to depend on the export sector, it is still a key factor for economic growth and tends to rise in the last four months of this year.

Even though the United States, Europe and Japan may face some problems and signal negative Thai exports to those markets, new markets such as Russia, China and other countries have appeared.

It was projected that exports for the whole year may exceed the target and worth over B6,000 billion ($200 billion), so the Commerce Ministry has not yet reviewed the export target.

Department of Export Promotion (DEP) DirectorGeneral, Nuntawan Sakuntanaga, said export figures in the second half will be lower than the first two quarters but in the overall picture, exports are on target as projected by the Commerce Ministry.

–MCOT

Tiger boss Davis to step down Singapore-based budget airline Tiger Airways on Monday announced that its chief executive Tony Davis will quit in November.

Davis “is leaving the company on November 1 to take up a new position outside of the company,” Tiger said in a statement to the Singapore Exchange, where the airline’s stock is listed.

The statement did not mention where Davis, who joined Tiger Airways in 2005, was heading. He will also vacate his position as executive director of the airline when he leaves.

Tiger Airways acting chief executive Chin Yau Seng, currently seconded to Tiger Airways Australia as chief executive, will succeed Davis.

Tiger Airways this month

announced plans to raise S$158.6 million (B3.9 billion) in a rights issue to fund an expansion plan that will include the purchase of aircraft.

It said the funds would also be used to bolster its balance sheet and provide financial flexibility as it recovers from losses incurred after its Australian operations were suspended for six weeks due to safety concerns.

Tiger Airways Australia lost about S$2 million (B49.7 million) a week before Australian regulators lifted the suspension and flights resumed on August 12.

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and another major shareholder linked to state investment firm Temasek Holdings have said they will subscribe to the rights issue.

Tiger Airways’ operations will undergo a change of management in November, when acting chief executive Chin Yau Seng replaces Tony Davis.

Analysts said SIA may take a bigger role in driving strategy at Tiger Airways after the rights exercise.

It is unclear what impact this will have on the proposed

joint venture between Tiger Airways and Thai Airways to launch new low-cost international and domestic flights in 2011.

The t wo airlines had

planned to launch the lowcost service in May, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), but the Thai government has yet to approve the move.

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www.thephuketnews.com

18 PROPERTY

Hornbill comes home to roost The island’s restaurants and bars are abuzz with the news that Phuket Beer – the one with the hornbill on the label – is to re-appear on the island this month, after a hiatus of almost 10 years.

Now brewed at the San Miguel brewery, but to its own unique recipe, Phuket Beer will be back in bars around Phuket after almost a decade of absence from the island’s entertainment venues.

Originally sales of the beer – which was then brewed at the Amarin facility in Bangkok, were aimed at the local market.

But company marketing policy soon changed 180 degrees – and Phuket Beer could be bought anywhere but in Thailand.

Phuket-based distributor Bart Duykers of BB&B Wines Phuket said his clients have already ordered hundreds of cases of the boutique beer, which has become popular among Asian beer drinkers in China, Japan and South Korea.

“Phuket Beer is also big in the US, Holland and Spain, but has not really been available in Phuket because the focus has been on exporting the product,” said Mr Duykers.

“However, the drinking demographics have changed in Phuket over the past few years, and the local market is now ready to be re-introduced to the island’s branded beer.

Every one of my clients has ordered cases from the first batch of Phuket Beer,” he said.

Described as a ‘niche beer’, Phuket’s home brew sells wholesale at B936 for a case of 24 bottles, said Mr Duykers, who predicted sales would top 10,000 cases over the coming 12 months.

The beer will officially be relaunched next Friday (September 9) at Brush Restaurant in Kalim.

www.thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Villa Royale opens new wing Upmarket architect, hotelier and restaurant owner ML Tridosudh Devakul – better known as Mom Tri – has turned five of his private homes into exclusive Ocean Wing suites to offer luxury beach-front holiday accommodation adjacent to Villa Royale in Kata.

In true Mom Tri style, each Ocean Wing suite is filled with unique artefacts from Mom Tri’s private antique collection and named after a wine, allowing guests to choose from 61sqm Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir and Beaujalais suites, and a 72sqm Bordeaux suite.

Guests are treated to private swimming pools with secluded sunset sea views off Kata Beach and full Villa Royale service, including the breakfast buffet, for between B4,500 and B5,500 per night until September 15. From midSeptember until the October 31 the suites can be booked for between B7,500 and B9,000 per night.

Interior of one of the new suites at Villa Royale.

Centara takes on West Sands Luxury resort brand Grand Centara has taken over management of the West Sands Resort and Splash Jungle water park near Mai Khao Beach.

Now named Centara Grand West Sands Resort & Villas Phuket, rebranding of the resort will take place over the next 18 months.

A management contract was signed on August 4 between the Centara Group and owners Central & City Developments Ltd. Initial rebranding of the resort includes the introduction of Centara Grand F&B standards over a 90-day period with the entire process taking 18 months,” Centara International Management

Office President Kevin James Wallace told The Phuket News.

Asked if there will be any changes in the entry prices for Splash Jungle, Mr Wallace said nothing had been decided yet, but all aspects of the resort’s operations would be evaluated as part of the new management deal.

Mr Wallace was unable to reveal any financial information about the deal, but said the resort would be offering five-star facilities under the group’s top brand, Centara Grand, and that the water park and the existing facilities will remain open as usual.

Covering a total of 47 acres (121 rai) and bordering a 500-metre stretch of

Mai Khao Beach, the resort already offers 316 rooms and the Splash Jungle water park with 12 water slides and a 335-metre lazy river.

Two more construction phases will raise the total number of accommodation units to 784 and offer dining and bar facilities, including a beach-side barbecue, a Thai restaurant, spa, fitness centre, tennis court and a kids’ club

by October 2013.

Managing a new resort in Mai Khao is a break from the trend of Centara properties developed in the Kata-Karon area of Phuket, said Mr Wallace.

“We see this as a great opportunity to establish Centara in the north of Phuket, whereas our other six properties are in Kata, Karon and Patong,” he said.

The main drawcard of this three-bedroom Rawai home is the large garden and pool.

Traditional twist Set in a large garden, this threebedroom, two-storey house in Rawai is a modern twist on the traditional Thai home.

While the main living area and two bedrooms on the top floor, downstairs is where all the action happens, with its large covered terrace, guest bedroom and two bathrooms.

The terrace, with its rolldown blinds to protect from the weather and a dining table, sofas and bar, is the perfect place to relax and look out over the real drawcard of

A new

Home this property: the garden and private pool.

Upstairs, the lounge and dining areas are equipped with quality fixtures, furniture and fittings. One room can also be used as an office.

An alarm system and high perimeter wall also mean the property is secure. The wall and mature palms provide privacy, though there is only one neighbouring property in the direct vicinity.

This quiet area of Rawai is green and peaceful, however all amenities are just a short drive away, including shops, restaurants and the famous Naiharn beach.

The internal area of the house covers 369 sqm, with a total area of 1,392 sqm. It is for sale at B16 million.

For further information contact Patrick Lusted at Siam Real Estate tel: 076 288 908 or email: patrick@ siamrealestate.com visit the website at siamrealestate.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

BUSINESS & PROPERTY 19

Patong resort gets B500m credit line Limsup Grand Co, owner of the former Club Andaman Resort – which is to receive a major overhaul at the end of which it will emerge as the Andaman Embrace Resort & Spa – has secured a B500 million loan from the Siam Commercial Bank (SCB).

The resort is set to open in February next year, with 200 guest rooms, restaurants, a privately-operated spa and a 570-sqm swimming pool.

Pictured at the loan

signing, on the left, project consultant Pakhin Aunggulsant; Trimiti Group marketing consultant Napawun Rumpivitaya; and Andaman Embrace managing director Salisa Limsakul.

On the right, the SCB team: Southern Region Commercial Banking Head Kiat Wimonsopa; Relationship Manager Chanthima Wongsavanon and Portfolio Management Analyst Eakkachai Kanjanadee.

Phuket ahead of the curve Contrary to earlier predictions of negative trading performance in Phuket during this period, investor confidence in the Phuket hotel market is high, with most agreeing that much of the region has reached or passed the trough of the market cycle and should see growth over the next two years and beyond.

A recent survey by global real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle indicated that investors believe the regional hotel market has bottomed, bringing increased confidence in medium-term expectations for the market, especially in Phuket and Bangkok.

The survey revealed investors believe the region’s hotel industry will benefit from the increasingly affluent domestic population as well as an influx of foreign corporate travellers, putting investor confidence in Phuket on a par with places like Brisbane and Seoul.

Investors view Bangkok and Phuket with a positive short-term outlook with the perception that Thailand is a safe destination experiencing growth in inbound tourist arrivals and limited supply additions.

Another level of investor optimism in the region is the fact that capitalisation rates across Asia Pacific have dropped below 11 per cent for the first time since surveys began.

Asia Pacific markets are gener-

Phuket is riding the wave of recovery. Melbourne hotel investment is still declining, while Phuket is climbing quickly out of the trough in the region’s hotel market cycle.

– Graphics courtesy of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels HISS ally clustered between the trough and early upturn of the market cycle. Investors are confident the recovery has commenced and that further upside is expected for most markets. However, there are some exceptions.

Melbourne is likely to face difficult trading conditions in the short-term in light of the significant supply increases. However, given the rapid turnaround noted in the trading expectations, investors believe the downturn will be relatively brief. Investors also believe Sydney will move quickly into the upturn to face a strong medium-term future.

Phuket’s high placement on

the region’s property market cycle may indicate that investors expect strong growth over the next four to five years; however, trading conditions remain difficult in Manila and Jakarta, where oversupply remains an issue, the survey reported.

Almost half of the investors surveyed by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ said they intended to hold their hotel assets, with this being the overriding intention for 12 of the 20 markets.

Although the intention to hold hotel assets remains the dominant strategy for Asia Pacific investors, it is the buy sentiment that has increased since the last survey.

Above: The short-term trading performance outlook for Bangkok and Phuket is positive.

Tokyo and Sydney have joined Below: Short-term investment intentions. the perennial favourites of Bali, Bangkok, Phuket, Shanghai and Beijing as the investment hotspots for 2002. Investors are keen to gain a foothold in these markets which are expected to enjoy strong trading performance over the medium term.

Beijing and Phuket have the highest level of build sentiment.

However, overall new development is not a favoured strategy, accounting for only 9.3 per cent of total investors’ intentions. It would appear that investors believe there are opportunities to acquire hotels that fit their strategic needs at below replacement cost.

www.thephuketnews.com

20 WEIRD WORLD

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Taking the plunge A new record time has been set in one of the UK’s most unusual sporting events – the annual World Bog Snorkelling Championships in the Welsh county of Powys.

If you don’t know what bog snorkelling is, take a wild guess – it involves a bog, a snorkel and a rather smelly plunge into some icy cold water.

Andrew Holmes, from Halifax, West Yorkshire, took less than 90 seconds to complete two lengths of a 55 metre trench. He smashed the previous record, set last year

by Brecon’s Dan Morgan, by more than six seconds.

More than 100 people took

Nooooo! A highway in The Netherlands was closed on May 11, 2005, after an accident that spilled 2,184 cases of Grolsch beer. One officer described the scene as “a sea of beer”.

In Oregon, USA, in June 2007, a valve broke on a truck hauling animal waste from a processing plant, sending 4,000 gallons of pig blood gushing forth onto the road and into the yards of nearby homes.

Bog snorkelling - enough said. part in this year’s event at Llanwrtyd Wells.

Contestants use flippers but must avoid conventional swim-

ming strokes when negotiating the water-filled trenches.

The championships were started 25 years ago after

a group of local people got together in a pub brainstorming session to find new ways of raising funds for charity.

thief

Emergency crews were called in to clean up the rather sticky mess. and artificial insemination estimated the four canisters were worth up to US$80,000 (B2.4 million).

Once deemed safe, the containers were placed to the side of the road where a Greyhound representative came and put them back on

their journey to a breeding facility in Loredo, Texas.

The highway was eventually re-opened to motorists four hours later, much to the amusement of local media outlets who were inundated with calls about the unusual spillage.

Police in the US are hunting possibly the world’s loneliest man after he broke into an adult store in Ohio last weekend, using a stolen truck in order to steal an expensive sex toy.

The unidentified man is said to have taken a red truck and trailer, which he then used to ram his way through the front of the AdultMart store.

The deed appeared to be all in order to get his hands on the $800 (B24,000) product, described only as a “makeshift vagina”.

Detective Tony Kovacs of the Lorain County Sheriff’s Department said: “It’s kind of crazy to steal a vehicle that is that expensive to break into a store to get some kind of sex toy.”

Police said they suspect he was a regular visitor, as he appeared to know exactly where it was straight away.

Surgeons to tackle monster tumour

A group of US doctors will travel to Vietnam later this year to help remove an massive 90 kilogram tumour from a man’s leg.

The metre-wide tumour has been growing on 31-yearold Nguyen Duy Hai’s right leg for more than 30 years, despite an amputation at the knee 14 years ago.

The tumour had grown 10 cms in diameter over the last month alone, and from 80 to 90 kgs, said Le Hoang Minh, director of Ho Chi Minh’s tumour hospital.

Surgeon MaKay McKinwww.thephuketnews.com

Messy Motorways Motorists on a Florida highway in October 2000 got an unexpected fright when a tractor-trailer carrying 26 dead alligators overturned, spilling the carcasses across the road.

Bus drops B2.4 million Police hunt load on US highway ‘vagina’ The act of blowing a load across a highway has taken on a completely new meaning after four vats of prized bull semen fell from a bus and shut down an American interstate last week in Nashville, Tennessee.

The wayward canisters containing the cattle sperm were first reported to police after motorists driving on the downtown Nashville interstate caught a whiff of a foul odour wafting across their vehicles.

Once on the scene, police closed down the off-ramp and called in the fire brigade who investigated the unmarked canisters which had liquid nitrogen vapour pouring out of them.

A Greyhound bus ticket found near the vats alerted emergency crews as to who was responsible for their transportation, and it’s understood the bus carrying the canisters was totally unaware of its lost cargo.

Experts in cattle breeding

THE BIG LIST

non and four other doctors will arrive in November to try to remove the growth, the biggest ever recorded in the country, Minh said.

The growth has twisted Hai's spine and pelvis and caused problems with his breathing and blood circulation.

Doctors will need eight to 14 hours to remove the tumour.

The operation is dangerous because the growth is fed by major blood vessels.

The hospital is covering Hai’s medical expenses because his family is too poor to afford another operation.

A truck overturned near Salt Lake City, USA, in August, 2005. Onlookers rushed to help, but soon legged it in the other direction when they learned the truck was carrying around 16,000 kgs of explosives. About three minutes later, the truck exploded creating a 10 metre deep crater in the road, blasting chunks out of the canyon wall, setting brush fires, and damaging a Union Pacific rail line.

A truck spilled more than 500 pounds (226kg) of decomposing animal entrails and hides, pig heads, and outdated processed meat through Arizona, USA. The road was closed for a half-hour and bystanders gagged while a 15-man crew cleaned up the smelly spill.

A 56-foot, 60-tonne sperm whale died on a beach in Taiwan in January, 2004. Researchers wanted the carcass to perform an autopsy and for research, but as it was being transported through the city, gasses built up to a critical level inside the whale and it exploded, spewing whale guts in the street, on the cars and over pedestrians.

On July 21, 2006, a Tomahawk Cruise Missile fell off a truck and landed in the middle of the highway near the Bronx. Luckily, it wasn’t armed.

On April 2, 2009, about 2,000 pounds of raw sausage meat spilled onto a busy road in Savannah, Georgia. To make matters worse, it was also raining at the time, turning the processed fatty meat into a thick, mushy mess which took about four hours to clear.

On June 11, 2009, an armoured car travelling on I-75 in Detroit, USA, somehow managed to spill bags of cash onto the highway. Local motorists began stopping and scooping up as much cash as possible, scrambling to get the money before the guards could.

In Colombia, Bogota, on April 20, 2007, a truck overturned when it cornered a turn too fast, spilling almost a tonne of cocaine on the highway. The cocaine had been hidden in the walls and roof of the truck. The driver wasn’t hurt, but probably had a lot of time to contemplate the dangers of speeding while he sat in a prison cell afterwards.

A truck carrying 12 million honeybees hit a wall on a highway ramp in California on December 15, 2004 sending the bees swarming. The Las Vegas Fire Department eventually had to douse the bees with water to kill them.

Doctors will need eight to 14 hours to remove the tumour from Nguyen Duy Hai’s right leg.

Firefighters in Chengdu, China had a hell of a time cleaning up a highway after a truck loaded with buckets of construction glue crashed into a bus. They tried using water guns without success, and it didn’t take long before their spades and brooms became mired. Onlookers even slipped and got stuck.

Special chemicals eventually had to be used to dissolve the sticky mess.

ON CAMERA 21

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Helping out those in need Matty T. is all smiles.

Stan Horn, one of the musicians for the the charity event.

N

early B40,000 was raised during the African Count Charity Party at Håkan’s Bar, in Karon, last Saturday (August 27). All profits will go towards helping the needy in Africa, and to buy medicine for Médicins

Sans Frontières’ Africa programme. Those who attended purchased a B500 “life ticket”, which meant they had donated enough to effectively save one life in Africa. They then pinned the ticket on the wall with their name on it.

Keyvan Joharian enjoys a drink as he makes his contribution.

Nicklas Ljunggren shows his support.

Olaf Duensing, left, and Benjamin Hirasawa.

Impressive fire show by Zazi from Fire Art Entertainment.

DJ Maddiee Moodie and Zazi, a fire entertainer.

Obee and Oliver Thurmann enjoy the night.

Kanitta Thongsanoe and Nathanial Bibby. www.thephuketnews.com

22 DOWN TIME BOOK REVIEW

The Leftovers

Tom Perrotta St. Martin’s Press, 368 pages Tom Perrotta is a master at exposing the quiet desperation behind America’s suburban sheen. In The Leftovers he explores what would happen if The Rapture actually took place and millions of people simply disappeared from the face of the earth. How would normal people respond?

The novel is filled with those who have changed their lives radically or discovered something cr ucial about themselves, as radical upheaval generates a variety of coping mechanisms. Though the tone is more comic than tragic, it is mainly empathic, never drawing a distinction between “good” and “bad” characters, but recognising all as merely human.

The result is a novel that’s a slow burn yet strangely compelling, one that leaves the reader pondering the story long after it’s over.

MUSIC REVIEW

The War on Dugs

Slave Ambience Secretly Canadian, 2011) On Slave Ambient, The War on Drugs come up with a synthesis of classic Americana and ambient groove and somehow make it sound natural.

Little Dire Straits-inspired guitar licks pop up here and there, often hidden behind droning synths and unchanging, motorik drumbeats. Like former War on Drugs guitarist Kurt Vile, Adam Granduciel tends to drawl like a less engaged Springsteen or an especially stoned Dylan, and he has a knack for melodies that would sound at home on classic rock radio if not for their avant-garde context.

Songs often ruminate on one or two chords for minutes at a time, while little bits of instrumental texture quietly snowball in the background. It’s easy to get lost in the pleasant, euphoric drone, but at 47 minutes the album is more of a marathon than a sprint.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

FILM REVIEW Cowboys and Aliens

Run Time: 118 minutes Rating: 13+ In what can only be described as a fairly close contest, it’s fair to say the only thing more ludicrous than both the premise and execution of this film is the title.

There were always going to be two ways you could play a film as ridiculous as Cowboys and Aliens – take it seriously, or have a bit of fun with it. Director Jon Favreau unfortunately chooses the former, and the result is a disappointingly humourless movie that takes itself so seriously that it actually borders on the edge of caricature, and as a result, completely fails.

In the end, this is a nightmare almost on par to the sheer horror that was Wild, Wild West, Barry Sonnenfeld’s mash-up retro-futurist Western from 1999. It is a

movie that might have been frankly better left as a throwaway joke, or a doodle on an executive’s notepad, but has instead made it through the system as a full-length feature film.

Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) is the epitome of a taciturn Western hero, which is fine, but he’s surrounded

by Western characters who act exactly as you would expect them to act – not only the wise, benevolent Sheriff, but also Meacham (Clancy Brown), a preacher who’s remarkably open-minded, as well as a bartender/medical doctor named, surprisingly, Doc (Sam Rockwell).

The stockpile of ste-

reotypes rises higher with a wise and discreet Native American (Adam Beach), a loyal underling to Woodrow Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) who treats the older man as his father, and a sad little boy (Noah Ringer) who helps soften up the cattle baron.

With a script eager to embrace every witless western chestnut — talking is “flapping your gums” to this crowd — and a passion for stock situations, Cowboys and Aliens displays one thumping cliché after another as if its bankrupt derivativeness was in some way reinventing the wheel.

On a positive note, the cinematography is top notch, with director of photography Matthew Libatique using some stunning shots to create an authentic American west setting (though stutters with some disorientating action sequences). That’s really where the good points about this movie end though.

It’s not that Cowboys and

Aliens is bad, per se, just that it pokes along rather than galloping, and never really succeeds in cohesively gelling together two vastly divergent genres. It really wants to be a Western, but it’s a horse opera that relies upon the novelty of an alien invasion to perk up the plot.

In the end, both the cowboy and the alien halves of the venture play like tired retreads of once-vibrant material, and putting them together doesn’t disguise the deficiencies — it doubles down on the losses.

And so at its best, Cowboys and Aliens is a mediocre western movie. At its worst, it is a horrible mix of two already tired genres that fail to deliver any sense of cohesion. Combined with the fact that it takes itself way too ser iously, this serves as little more than a warning for future illconceived genre mash-ups.

–Dane Halpin

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or phone the cinemas: Phuket 076 209 000 and Patong 076 600 555.

AT SFX COLLISEUM PHUKET THIS WEEK Captain America (E) [13+]: 15:50 Conan the Barbarian (E) [15+]: 13:50, 16:20, 18:50, 21:20 Cowboys & Aliens (E) [13+]: 12:20, 14:50, 17:20, 19:50, 22:20 Cowboys & Aliens (E/F) [13+]: 13:40, 16:10, 18:40, 21:10 Final Destination 5 (E/3D) [18+]: 12:00, 14:05, 16:05, 18:15, 20:20, 22:25 King Naresuan 4 (T) [S] 14:00, 16:50, 19:35, 22:25 Kon Khon (T/E.SUB) [G]: 12:00, 14:25, 16:45, 19:20, 21:50 Rise of the Planet of the Apes (E) [G]: 13:30, 18:25, 20:45

AT SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET Conan the Barbarian (E) [15+]:

11:40, 14:10, 16:40, 19:10, 21:40

Cowboys & Aliens (E) [13+]:

11:15, 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15

Final Destination 5 (E) [18+]:

11:50, 13:50, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00

King Naresuan 4 (T/E.SUB) [S]:

13:30, 18:40

Kon Khon (T/E.SUB) [G]:

12:00, 14:25, 16:50, 19:20, 21:50

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (E) [G]:

16:20, 21:30

STRETCH YOUR BRAIN Across 1. Projectile excretion, it’s said, is out of the wind. (9) 6. Colorless, rejected – throw it out. (5) 9. Facial feature in Mae’s engine. (7) 10. Encounter Meg outside noted container.

(7) 11. Money for clipped sheep? That’s nuts! (6) 12. Labor ace cooked tuna. (8) 15. Fool and French possession. (5) 17. Can’t be beaten

Solutions to last week’s puzzles

www.thephuketnews.com

without tournament. (9) 19. Tonic go in mix – unrecognizable. (9) 22. Fish for dessert? (5) 24. Composition or a rocky outcrop. I have nothing. (8) 25. Encourage using trophy as food holder.

(6) 28. Note Ron has Greek letter for windpipes. (7) 29. Scottish accent has gal mixed up with thief.

(7) 30. Windy? Happy about ship. (5) 31. It’s Easter. Compose dissertations. (9) Down

obfuscation. (7) 1. Plague writer bowled 7. Ode to cooked pies – one of a series. (7) over nasty plant. (5) 8. Follow label. (3) 2. Forgives 13. Cardinals say “Try!” explanations. (7) (5) 3. Fishing fork 14. Believer that experi­ is identification in ence is best, crime tip is Canadian or British resolved. (10) river. (7) 15. French pal go to 4. Type of grass Spanish pal? (5) instrument part. (4) 16. For example, nothing 5. Destruction of is conceit. (3) protest fired particle.

18. Marvin’s shelter. (3) (10) 20. Goat after church 6. Look at clean

morning ? Nothing is.

(7) 21. Bad-tempered Napoleonic general. (7) 22. Two ways to run to get third. (3-4) 23. Places locals out East. (7) 26. Average is added to capital. (5) 27. Before baker, is competent. (4) 28. Capture dreadful woman. (3)

THE ENVIRONMENT 23

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Well Creek in Norfolk allows surface water to drain out from Outwell village. The bank of the creek is covered by vegetation which brings aesthetic appeal. This is a good example of a drainage system that could be applied to A drainage canal in the village of Ditzum, in the East Frisian region of Germany. Drainage is a necessity in the lowlying marshlands close to the North Sea coastline. development projects in Phuket.

A solution to flooding woes

Unexpected floods in Patong last week is the best lesson for Phuket people – to learn the consequences of shortsighted development, and inadequate drainage.

One of the main reasons for the flooding is the buildings and development that obstruct natural waterways.

Patong used to have wide canals and subsidiaries, which would allow water to drain, and flow out to sea.

However, as the area has been developed, often without thinking ahead, large concrete areas and poor drainage systems have become common.

Phuket is still relatively backward in terms of environmental-friendly matters, and concepts like the Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) are yet to dominate the mindset of landscape developers.

SuDS is a method where

GREEN thumb rain runoff and surface water is collected and cleaned, and released back into the environment.

The main idea is to replicate natural drainage systems, and reduce developmental impact on natural drainage systems.

The system can be applied for the whole city area or even in one property development, and it’s cheap and easy to maintain.

Usually, a natural drainage system has many ways to discharge surface water, such as ground filtration, water conveyance or just simply flowing into a larger water source, which can prevent a particular area from flooding.

Using permeable paving –

such as turf blocks and gravel – will allow surface water to drain through the ground, while unpaved waterways covered with vegetation will do the same job, as well as discharging surface water to a water source.

A water collection area is needed in SuDS, to collect and store surface water during heavy rain.

Let’s use Patong during heavy rainfall as a case study.

If Patong is more covered by permeable paving and vegetation instead of concrete, storm water will be able to drain through the ground.

Imagine ditches covered with plants along the side of the roads.

Not only will it make Patong look green, it also can provide a route for surface water to travel to a main canal, as well as directing surface

water to a lagoon or sunken garden that can hold storm water during heavy rain, instead of flooding residential areas.

Once the rain dies down, storm water collected in these lagoons or sunken gardens can be discharged to a water source, leaving zero or minimal damage.

This is the way SuDS works – simply and efficiently.

However, good city planning and good water management are needed to implement it.

It might be too late for Patong to establish SuDS as most of the area has already been covered by buildings.

But it’s not too late for any new developments to integrate SuDS into their planning design, which might help the environment as well as residents the next time a big rainfall comes along.

–Paritta Wangkiat

A rain garden collects storm water at SW12th Avenue in Portland, Oregon, USA.

–Photo by Kevin Perry / ASLA

Meet the natives

E

ach week The Phuket News introduces an animal or plant that is found on the island of Phuket.

This arowana, or dragon fish, looks lonely as it swims slowly by itself in a tank. In fact, this highly photogenic fish is usually kept by itself as it has a tendency to attack and eat most other fish.

Named dragon fish because of its long dramatic body, large scales and whiskers, and thus similarity to the mythical beast, the fish is particularly

popular with Chinese aquarium enthusiasts, who believe that this fish brings good luck and prosperity, and so are prepared to pay thousands of baht for a specimen.

Sometimes called bonytongue, this native southeast Asian fish is endangered in the wild because of the demand of the aquarium trade and destruction its natural habitat. www.thephuketnews.com

24 PET PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Pet of the Week

Adopt a dog

Above: Lillian Dinic, pictured with Tubby.

Left: Housekeeper Aof helps prepare food for Lillian’s 14 dogs.

Email us a photo of you and your pet to: editor@thephuketnews.com *Each month one winner who submitted the best Pet of the Week photo will win a B500 voucher from the Chao-Fa Andaman Pet Hospital.

The Chao-Fa Andaman Pet Hospital is located at 8/28--29 M.9 chaofah (East) Rd., T Chalong, A. Muang Phuket 83130. Tel: 076 283 365 or fax: 076 384 524. Mob: 083 501 8488 or email urenium333@hotmail.com.

www.thephuketnews.com

These three little puppies are just waiting to be adopted from the Soi Dog Foundation.

If you are interested in adopting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.

GETTING AWAY 25

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

A huge karst looms through the mist.

A longtail boat putters between a couple of the smaller rock formations.

Revealing the secret of Surat V

ery few who visit this part of the world – indeed, not that many of those who live here – know about possibly its greatest secret. In the west of Surat Thani province, bordering on Phang Nga, is a lake a third the size of Phuket, with scenery every bit as spectacular as fabled Phang Nga Bay. The lake is man-made, created when dams were built between hills at the southeast end of a series of jungle-clad valleys, trapping the water which is now used to provide hydropower.

There is a tale that there was a secondary, strategic reason for building the dam in the early 1980s – to prevent Communist students who battled with the government through the 1970s from finding shelter under the dense foliage – but if this is true, it doesn’t appear in any official history.

The landscape here is part of the same geological system that stretches from the shores of the Andaman Sea through Phang Nga Bay, Vietnam’s Halong Bay, and on up to Guilin in China: precipitous peaks of limestone known as karsts.

Unlike the islands of Phang Nga Bay, which have been undercut by the constant action of waves, the 200-plus islands and the surrounding mountains of the Chieolan Reservoir drop straight into the water. Like Phang Nga Bay, however, every part of the surfaces that is less than vertical is covered with trees.

There are around nine

Mist swirls off the limestone mountains into the sky after one of the areas short but heavy rain showers. floating resorts on the lake.

Though by no means five-star, at night they’re billion-star – with no towns or street lights for miles, on a clear evening the sky is spectacular.

In the early morning, as rays of sun filter past the karsts, the lake water casts up mist and low clouds that make for a magical scene; while in the rainy season, short rainstorms rattle across the lake. After they pass, the entire surrounding scenery steams, a right-in-your-face lesson in how clouds are made.

Boat hire: To get out onto the lake there are longtail

boats that can carry up to 10 people, for hire at B1,500 an hour. The pier for these boats is close to the dam, and is well sign-posted. Entry fees: You’ll need to pay a Khao Sok National Park entry fee – B40 for Thais, B200 for others.

diameter flower, which infamously reeks of dead flesh.

A highlight on longer trips is the Namtaloo Cave, a former Communist hide-out. Go with a guide; a river runs through the cave and sudden storms can bring on flash floods.

Tour companies: Tour companies, particularly those based in the resorts at Khao Sok, about an hour away, can arrange one-day or two-day trips to the lake with accommodation, as well as jungle treks with the possibility of seeing monkeys, gibbons, exotic birds, deer, bears and the Rafflesia, the world’s largest-

Getting there: From Phuket Town to Baan Ta Khun is about 150 kilometres. Figure on a drive of approximately three hours. To get to Chieolan Reservoir from Phuket, head north through Khok Kloy, Khao Lak and Takua Pa. From there keep following the signs to Surat Thani until you reach Baan Ta Khun, where the road

Rachaprapha Dam. suddenly and unexpectedly becomes a four-lane highway.

Just before it narrows down again, go left and follow the signs to the dam, which is 12 kilometres away. Turn

left across the dam for the viewpoint (with restaurants and other essential amenities). Or turn right to get to the longtail boat pier.

–Alasdair Forbes www.thephuketnews.com

26 FASHION

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Street Fashion 1 2

Must haves

Accessories from Gheeze Mango, at 12 on Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town.

3

Zazithorn Ruengchinda, Fire performer

Zazithorn bought her top (B699) from Phi Phi island.

Her under shirt (B50), necklace (B200) and earrings (B150) were bought from the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket Town. She bought her shoes (B199) from Sai Namyen Road in Patong. Her bracelets were passed down from her mother. She got her leggings as part of a video advertisement she featured in.

Chamaiphon Saepo,

Owner of a local fashion shop.

1: Pink hair clip and green hair pin 2: Violet handmade bracelet handmade roses bracelet 3: Sandals

Chamaiphon’s dress (B390), her shoes (B590), her head band (B250) and her bracelet (B550) all came from her shop, Gheeze Mango, in Phuket Town.

B120 B180 B220 B250 B350 per pair

ISLAND WEDDINGS

M is t y a nd Sha

n e fro m

www.thephuketnews.com

A u s tr a li

a w e re

m a r r ie d –Photo a t L a y a n B e a ch s by the romanc o n A u g u s t 1 3 eplann ers.com .

ON CAMERA 27

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

The models wore swimwear from the Katalina Collection and jewellery designed by Boom Ydmark.

One of the models was Selina Pearce, daughter of Boat Lagoon Cruises manager John Pearce.

Something for everyone

T Above, Danilo Sangrigoli, Jay ‘Le Shark’ Walker, Robert Akerblom and Martin Foster.

Below, Katarina Bonér and Boom Ydmark.

Danilo Sangrigoli delights a youngster with his ‘pizza’ juggling.

here was a bit of something for everyone at The Galley restaurant in the Boat Lagoon Marina on August 26.

For boating types who like their briny with a load of luxury there was the M/Y Lady Katalina, a 42-foot 2010-model Princess fly-bridge yacht, newly delivered to Boat Lagoon Cruises.

For foodies there was the ever entertaining Danilo Sangrigoli, demonstrating his pizza juggling skills and then cooking

up a storm of pizza and pasta.

For fashionistas, a bevy of models displayed swimwear from the Katalina Collection, which has an outlet in Boat Lagoon, and wore jewellery designed by Boom Ydmark.

For alert readers who noticed the happy coincidence of names, an explanation: Katalina Collection is owned

by Katarina Bonér, who also happens to own the Lady Katalina, which is now managed by Boat Lagoon Cruises.

There was another close connection at the party: One of the models, Selina Pearce, is the daughter of Boat Lagoon Cruises manager John Pearce.

Just 17, she has already made a name for herself, appearing in a music video for Tongchai “Bird” MacIntyre and in her first small TV soap opera role on August 31.

All of the connections produced a cosy atmosphere, augmented by the wine from, yes, Wine Connection.

No model boat, but the real thing, full of models – the M/Y Lady Katalina. www.thephuketnews.com

28 EAT PHUKET

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Tuscan tippling

L

Chef Fabrizio adds sauce to one of his creations.

ocal oenophiles gathered at the Mare Restaurant at the Centara Grand, Karon, recently to enjoy five different Tuscan wines and some fine Italian cuisine to lay a foundation.

The wines came from the family-owned Castello Banfi vineyard estate and winery in the Brunello region of Tuscany. Together with its sister estates in Piedmont, Vigne Regali and Principessa Gavi, Castello Banfi has become recognised for its dedication to excellence and for its claim to have sparked a renaissance

in Italian winemaking.

The wines were served with a five-course menu starting with a salad of Asian greens with roasted sea scallops, followed by polenta with roasted tiger prawn, tagliolini with duck ragout and foie gras terrine, slow-cooked beef tenderloin, and finished off with red wine cake with caramelised pear and saffron ice cream.

The meal was devised by Mare’s Italian chef Fabrizio Crocetta, and Guillaume Banchard, Regional Manager of Castello de Banfi, was on hand to explain the wines.

From left, Min Ching Lin, Poompong Patpongpanit and Scott Toon, with Guillaume Blanc of Castello Banfi and Morgan Morel of Independent Wine and Spirit.

Slices of slow cooked beef tenderloin.

Light creamy polenta with roasted tiger prawn.

Ning nong nibble Ning nong is a snack made by spearing a quail egg, a cocktail sausage or a kani (artificial crab stick) with a satay skewer, dipping it in a batter mix made from flour, egg and sugar, and then deepfrying it.

Ning nong expert Jantra who, with her family, has been selling the snack at Saphan Hin, Phuket Town, for nine years, explains the secret of the perfect ning nong.

First, it must be dipped in the batter and then quickly deep-fried. Then repeat this process twice. Second, the oil should not be too hot or

Street eats the outer crust will be burned while the inside will not be thoroughly cooked.

Ms Jantra opens her stall at the entrance of Saphan Hin, in front of the former Lucky Plaza shopping centre, at 1pm and finishes up at around 10 pm every night. In that time she sells around 300 ning nongs.

The nibbles sell for B7 apiece or you can get three for B20, no matter what the filling – egg, sausage or kani.

Ms Jantra at her Saphan Hin stall. Left: triple-wrapped ning nong with egg (top left), sausage (top right) and kani.

WE'RE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL OUTLETS IN PHUKET

This is in addition to 400+ locations including all 7-Eleven, Big One Supermarkets, Se-ed book store and all major shopping outlets.

For full list of outlets please visit www.thephuketnews.com/distributionlists.php

Tel: 076 612 550-2

www.thephuketnews.com

EAT PHUKET 29

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Head chef Robert Luck, left, and co-worker Radio, make pizza.

The dessert buffet.

Interactive kitchen boasts a touch of extra Panache Newly opened Panache restaurant at Outrigger resort in Laguna has put a new twist on dining – buffet-style with a noodle station and salad bar, plus design-your-own pizzas.

The restaurant opened early August as part of the redevelopment project at Outrigger, complete with interactive kitchen, and has so far proved popular, staff say.

Experienced head chef Robert Luck, who hails from Vienna, Austria, has spent 20 or so years working in Malaysia, Vietnam, China and elsewhere in Thailand, including the last 15 years as an executive chef.

Robert runs the team of about 14 kitchen staff and says the restaurant is targeting local expats in the area, as well as visitors to the Outrigger resort. His staff are all trained to a high standard by himself, he says.

“I’m very selective. The most important thing is that their heart is in the right place.

“We have got a great concept here. At lunchtime its light, with a buffet and casual food. For dinner, its finer dining. It’s top quality for a reasonable price.”

Robert says he uses local products, such as mozzarella made by two Italians living on the island, but imports other items such as steak (from Australia).

Outrigger General Manager Darren Shaw said often finding a simple, great tasting

Deputy chef Kook shows how to make pizzas.

Western meal on the island could be a challenge.

Then came the idea to introduce buffet style menu options to the new restaurant, full of fresh ingredients for customers to chose from. The noodle station offers a wide range of options for creating your own personalised noodle dish.

Lunch options include the salad buffet (B220), pizza or noodle station (B360) or the dessert buffet (B240), which

includes a variety of delicious desserts plus fresh fruit.

Sampled was the smoked salmon wrap, made from fresh flour tortilla with layers of smoked salmon, philadelphia cream cheese, tomato, onion, plus french fries, for B320. Also on the lunch menu are Westernstyle burgers (B320 upward), a sample of sandwiches and wraps (B290 upwards), plus Thai dishes starting at B260.

“It’s about value for money, fresh products, and a great va-

Smoked salmon wrap (B320). riety. It’s an interesting twist,” Darren says.

In the evening, the menu is stepped up a notch, and while the pizza, salad and noodle station options remain, the Thai menu turns extensive and other dishes such as lobster (B840) and ribeye steak (B680) are

Design-your-own pizza.

introduced. Don’t be put off by the maze that is Laguna, simply ask for directions along the way or better yet, download a map, or call Panache staff for directions before you arrive. It will make the poolside restaurant experience all the more stress free.

Panache, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, Laguna Village, 142/3 Moo 6, T. Cherng Talay, A. Thalang, Phuket. Tel: 076 336 900.

Email: panache@outrigger. co.th. or visit outriggerthailand.com/phuket –Claire Connell

Great food with Unique Flavors by awarded Chef daniel Isberg

September Special

To Cherngtalay & Bangtao Beach Catch Beach Club

(All days except Wednesdays)

Surin Beach The Plaza Surin Leam Singh

Kamala

3 Course Steak menu 995 THB Ahi Tuna Tartar California Style Black Pepper Grilled Filet Mignon with Pinot Noir Sauce, Potato Gratin & Poached Asparagus Chocolate Brownie with Strawberries & White Espresso Cream

www.suringate.com Reservations. 086 047 1474

www.thephuketnews.com

30 EVENTS-MAIN

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET

List your events on our website and here for free www.thephuketnews.com

THIS MONTH

THIS WEEKEND

SEPTEMBER 10 Rip Curl Grom Search 2011

Curl Grom Search 2011. What a good opportunity for every family to enjoy together!

On Saturday 10 September, 2011 at Kata Beach. The event will consist of a morning registration then a beach clean up and ocean awareness program, free surf lesson from Jamie Smith, and a free lunch .

Heats and finals for the boys and girls of varying divisions, awards, prizes and giveaways, ending with Rip Curl Kata Grand opening party, plus discounts on Rip Curl gear.

Kids get ready for another fun weekend when the Rip Curl Grom Search kicks off!

Grab the sunblock, find those board shorts, sunnies, get your surfboard and head to Kata beach. Enjoy the day at Rip

After fun all day, take your kids home happy that they are exhausted and will sleep all night, understand a little more of Phukets surf breaks - specifically where the rips and sandbanks are. Happy

that they have heard about the difference and perhaps found both the local marine garbage and something from the mountain of debris floating in the Pacific Ocean quaintly described as the ‘Eastern Garbage Patch’, filled up their tummies with a healthy choice lunch and not been on the dreaded PSP and Nintendo all day.

So don’t forget to put the Rip Curl Grom Search into your calendar, and be ready to surf at Kata beach on 10 September 2011. Registration booth in event at 7am. Surf lesson registration: Registration booth opens at 8.30 am.

For more information get your kids to log on to Facebook www.facebook.com/ripcurlthailand.

SEPTEMBER 27-OCTOBER 05 Phuket Vegetarian Festival

SEPTEMBER 3 Rotary Club of Patong 10th Birthday Celebration Once in a decade. The

birthday to end all birthdays. A spectacular party to celebrate the contribution Rotary Club of Patong Beach has made.

Tickets strictly limited to 120 only. With after-party across

IN COMING MONTHS OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day (Wan Piya Maharat) A public holiday in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1910. Thai people lay flower wreaths at his statue in Bangkok and in the provinces. Piya Maharat is the nickname for the King, meaning the beloved great king.

NOVEMBER 10 Loi Krathong Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful festival in Thailand. The event occurs on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month. The festival originally came from Sukhothai Province.

Loy means to float and Krathong is a lotus-shaped boat www.thephuketnews.com

made from banana leaves.The festival is of Brahmin origin to honour Mae Khongkha, the Mother Goddess of the Waters.

People float krathongs in rivers, canals, lakes and the sea, all over Thailand. The krathongs are made from banana leaves and contain a candle, a coin, incense and flowers.

Before people float their krathong, they make a wish.

It is believed that the krathongs carry away sins and bad luck. If the candle stays alight, the wishes will come true. Today it is simply also a time to have fun.

NOVEMBER 26-27 9th Phuket Intern.

Soccer 7s The one and only Phuket

the street at Hard Rock Cafe.

B1,500 per person including buffet and alcoholic drinks.

Time 6.30pm-1.30am. For more info please see facebook.com/RCoPB.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

Asian Hospitality & Travel Show Be seen...

Soccer 7s will celebrate its ninth anniversary this year.

This tournament has developed into one of the largest 7s tournament in Asia with over 80 teams from 20 countries that will compete during two weekends.

Also with the 6th Andaman International Soccer 7s on December 3-4 there is a lot to look forward to this year. Register your team now on info@Thai7s.com, www.

Thai7s.com.

DECEMBER 3-10 Phuket 25th King’s Cup Regatta 2011 The Phuket King’s Cup Regatta is Asia’s largest regatta comprising five days competitive racing in the tropics, with six nights of some of the best regatta parties to be found anywhere.

Celebrating its 25th anni-

versary, the regatta regularly attracts over 100 boats and 1,000+ participants from all corners of the globe.

The jewel in the crown of the Asian Yachting Circuit, the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta has become “the one to win”.

More infomation visit www. kingscup.com.

DECEMBER 5 HM the King’s Birthday A public holiday celebrating the birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX). Also observed as National Day and National Father’s Day ( Wan Por Haeng Chart).

18TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2011 @

Phuket’s biggest ‘trade show’ for organisations whithin the Hospitality & Travel industry Hosted Buyer programme - 100 buyers from Asia, Australia, India and more.

For Exhibiting opportunities Contact: info@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089 725 6994 BOOKINGS CLOSE 1 OCTOBER 2011

DECEMBER 10 Constitution Day Commemorates the anniversary of the first permanent Constitution in 1932.

www.eventsthailand.net

D IL IR NT R B U E B LY NT EM R U T A E CO EP IS 5 S D 1

EVENTS-REGULAR 31

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

List your events on our website and here for free www.thephuketnews.com

Happy Hour?

Special promo?

Live Music?

Live Sport?

Brunch?

Dinner?

Spa Promo?

List here for

FREE! thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY TapasTree TapasTree (Near Peppers Bar Laguna) Buy one get one free cocktails. Resident DJ, ’70s to now. Great tapas. Call 088 443 4166.

Beach BBQ Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club, Surin (from B1,190++ per person). 7-10pm. Call 076 316 567.

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Alternate Fridays, all-you -can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

Tapas & Wine Night Order tapas, as much as you like, plus one bottle of wine. B1,200 net per person. 6-11pm at White Box Kalim. Call 076 346 271.

50% Off All Drinks From 10pm to midnight with live music, Roaring Bhoys. Every Friday. Irish Times Irish pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

BBQ Ribs Only B250 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

Indian Night At RPM Due to the overwhelming

success of “Indian Feast” at Les Anges, guests can now enjoy this unique event regularly. Enjoy authentic Indian cuisine from 7-10pm.

This authentic homemade Indian buffet will be prepared and served by in-house Indian Chef Padum Kahtri. Only B495++ per person. Please call Les Anges on 076 360 803

SATURDAY

Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Sunday Brunch Enjoy the original Sunday brunch in Phuket at Twinpalms. 12-3pm (from B1,190++ per person).

Call 076 316 577.

Champagne Brunch at Trisara

TapasTree TapasTree (Near Peppers Bar Laguna). Resident DJ, ’70s to date. Great tapas. Contact 088 443 4166.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

Ever y Sunday, the beachfront bar becomes a celebration of f ine wines, exquisite tapas, live cooking stations and Phuket’s best dessert, featuring the cool sounds of a jazz trio.

Come and indulge in Roederer Champagne or a wide variety of wines.

Kids club welcome all children with complimentary snacks. Advance reser vations rec om mended on 076 310 100 or guest@trisara.com.

Sunday Roast Buffet

B295 at Shakers, Rat-UThit Road Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

B350 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations please call 081 891 4381.

All Major Sports Live

Sunday Family Brunch

BBQ Buffet Night

On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

At Club Yamu by Twinpalms. Noon till 3pm. Enjoy delicious pasta, BBQ, Thai home cooking. Call 076 310 557.

20% off all Pizzas

MONDAY

At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, Patong.

Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

SUNDAY Family Brunch on The Boardwalk Les A nges at Royal Phuket M ar ina. From 11am to 3pm. B795++ Adults, include one glass of house wine, 50 per cent discount. Children under 12 eat for free. Call 076 360 803.

Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit R o a d , P a t o n g . Fr e e pickup Patong and Kalim. Reservatins 081 891 4381.

TUESDAY Beach BBQ Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club (from B1,190++ per person).

7pm-10pm. Contact 076 316 567.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

Colin Hill Colin Hill performs (duo) now every second Saturday at Legends Bar in Kamala, with local guitarist Florian. Call 081 079 1069.

BBQ Buffet

Book & DVD Exchange at Duke’s Duke’s at Kata is happy to sponsor the ChickyNet monthly book and DVD exchange. We meet every second Monday of the month. Visit ChickyNet. com or w w w.dukesbig board.com for details.

Roaring Bhoys Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4, Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. 081 895 4763.

Salsa Dance With Didier and Anna in their Dance Studio at The Green Man Pub. Dance continues in the pub after class. Happy hour 6-7 pm.

Call for more details on 084 437 0233.

award-winning Chef Daniel Isberg. Call 086 047 1474, chefdanielisberg. com, suringate.com.

Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill.com or call 089 226 2878.

Salsa Class At RPM

GAA Football & Hurling

Salsa c las s at Royal Phuket Marina from 7.309pm. For more info on www.phuket-dance.com.

BBQ Ribs Only B250 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim.

Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

THURSDAY AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

DAILY Brew Great Beer

20% off all Pizzas At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

WEDNESDAY Interactive Pub Quiz night. Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest se lection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Wicked Wednesdays at Delish Delish-ous selection of cakes with your favourite coffee or tea only B99 at Delish cafe, Viset Road, Rawai, 150 metres past Tesco Lotus.

Chef’s Dinner at Surin Gate Kitchen Star t at 7.30 pm, four courses for B750 with

3-Hour Happy Hour Three-hour Happy Hour Monday-Friday, 4pm-7pm.

Beer from B50. House spirits B90. Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. 089 226 2878.

Duke’s Sports Bar at Kata Watc h your favour ite sports and enjoy a cold beer at the best little spor ts bar in Phuket.

Special “drink of the day” B110, all day - every day. www.dukesbigboard.com.

English Breakfast @ Ship Inn Kata Real English breakfast from 10am and all your favorite meals happy hours from 3-8pm. Next to old Kata Bazzar.

Rotary Club of Patong Beach Weekly meeting of the only English-speaking Rotary Club on Phuket at the Aloha Villa Hotel (Dinner out on first Tuesday of the month). rotarypatong.org.

Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill.com or call 089 226 2878.

Happy hour daily from 4pm to 7pm. Draft beer B110/pint, cocktail two for B220. Behind the ship at Jungceylon Call 076 3667 753.

Tri-Nations Match @ Duke’s Catch ALL the live rugby action - Five big screen TVs and free popcorn at Duke’s in Kata. Check dukesbigboard.com for details.

Currie Cup Rugby Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill.com or call 089 226 2878.

Sunset Happy Hours & Ninjazz Don’t miss the Sunset happy hours. Between 5pm and 7pm. “Buy one get the same one free” promotion. The Luna Bar, Centara Grand Beach Resort. 076 201 234.

ITM Cup Rugby Live games shown at

Live Sports Tri Nations Rugby, Netball World Cup, FIFA Womens World Cup, Tour de France. At Australia Bar & Grill. Call 089 226 2878.

Peppers Quiz Night Peppers Sports Bar daily happy hour, great food, full English breakfast.

Open from 8.30am. All spor ts shown. Laguna area. Please call 088 443 4166.

Rawai Buffet Breakfast B149 at Tiffany Restaurant. Fried potato, dark bread, fresh coffee and more. Near The Vijitt resort, Rawai. Contact 085 786 6272.

Australia Bar & Grill at Kata Projector screen plus 50” TV’s. TrueVisions and Astro systems. All live sport include AFL, NRL, rugby, F1, football. Call 089 226 2878.

We're now available at all outlets in Phuket So you'll never have to go far for your weekly edition of The Phuket News.

This is in addition to 400+ locations including all 7-Eleven, Big One Supermarkets, Se-ed book store and all major shopping outlets.

For full list of outlets please visit w w w.t h e p h u ket n ews.co m/d i st ri b u t i o n l i st s . p h p www.thephuketnews.com

32 ENTERTAINMENT IN BRIEF Beyonce, Jay-Z expecting first child

Singer Tom Jones denies heart scare

Beyonce Knowles has revealed that she is pregnant with her first child.

The 29-year-old singer has announced that she and husband rapper Jay-Z are expecting a baby.

While gracing the red carpet in a flowing gown and cradling her baby bump, Beyonce confirmed to reporters that she was indeed pregnant at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Beyonce and Jay-Z wed in 2008. This will be the couple’s first child together.

Singer Tom Jones cancelled a concert in Monaco due to severe dehydration but his spokesperson denied reports that the veteran Welsh crooner was suffering heart problems.

The 71-year-old star’s performance had been due to be the last of a three-month tour.

“Tom was ordered by doctors not to perform in Monte Carlo yesterday evening, due to severe dehydration,” a statement issued on behalf of the singer said.

“There are no heart problems, as has been reported in the press.”

Katy Perry wins top MTV Award Katy Perry picked up the award for video of the year for Firework at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles earlier this week.

Pop st ar Lady Gaga picked up two awards and Perry won three, including video of the year.

Perry also picked up best collaboration for ET featuring Kanye West, and a minor trophy for special effects with ET. Perry, who is known for cute and colourful costumes, accepted her award with a cube-shaped hat on her head.

www.thephuketnews.com

Sofia Coppola weds in Italy

Sofia Coppola and Thomas Mars have married.

The filmmaker and Phoenix frontman tied the knot in a civil ceremony in Italy on Sunday.

They chose to wed in Bernalda in South Italy, which is where Sofia’s grandparents are from. The ceremony was held at a villa owned by the director’s father, Francis Ford Coppola.

Sofia wore a lilac Azzedine Alaïa dress on her big day.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Double pop action at Central Festival Pichaya ‘Golf’ Nitipaisalkul will perform in Phuket.

Two of Thailand’s most famous Although born in Bangkok, celebrity acts will be perform- she is not Thai, instead coming ing at Central Festival next from mixed Filipino, French Saturday (September 10) to and Vietnamese descent. celebrate the shopping centre’s Meanwhile, Pichaya, 24, seventh birthday. is exploring a new solo career Bangkok-based singer with the release of his new Christina Aguilar (not to be single suggestively entitled confused with the American ‘Take Me to Ur Bed’. star of The Voice) and special Anyone who spends B2,000 guest Pichaya ‘Golf’ Nitipais- or more at Central Festival alkul, from Thai pop duo Golf from September 2 to 10 will & Mike, will perform from earn themselves a seat for the 6.30pm onwards on the first concert. Standing room is free.

For more information floor of the shopping centre.

Aguilar, 44, is one of Thai- about the concert please land’s biggest selling artists. contact Siromanee ‘Ploy’ Her debut album Ninja made Koomudar at Central Festival her the first female artist in on 076 291 111 ext.1940, or Thailand to sell over 1 million by email at marketingpf@ central.co.th copies of an album.

Christina Aguilar will sing in Phuket next weekend.

JOBS 33

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com Assistant Sales Manager

Thai female, 25-30 years.

Good English and computer skills. Interest in the fitness industry. Salary B15,000 plus commission and benefits. Send CV to cj@searasports.com or call Khun White 081 597 6904.

PA to GM Wanted Personal assistant to general manager of trading company in Kamala. Only Thai national, must speak English 100% and have driving license. Salary start at B25,000 per month.

Send resume to email only giovanni@skgf.asia.

Travelling Salesman/Woman Sales representative available to travel around Thailand for our range of fast moving consumer products. Must be Thai national, have a driving license and proven experience of sales to minimart, supermarket.

We already have more than 500 customer in Thailand. Contact via email skgf@skgf.asia.

Candidates must have their own transportation. For interview please contact 089 648 2408.

am to 4 pm. Salary starts at B10,000 plus commission. Please contact 089 648 2408.

Accountant Needed

Hotel Receptionist Wanted

Phuket Fish Boat Company and its director seek an accounting graduate for general accounting work and database management.

Can be without experience but require a degree in accounting. Full-time position with salary starting at B15,000. Please send applications to martin@phuketfishboat.com.

Secretary Required

Handling all other tasks as may be assigned by Hotel Manager. Can work at Night or Day. Respond to guests requests. Has good computer skill. Check In/Check Out of the daily guests and responsible for incoming calls.

Providing information and coordinate with each depar tment. Thai male with good command of spoken English. Email songsvcmgnt@live.com

Female, bachelor degree.

Speak ing, w r it ing and reading English well. Must have at least two or three years work experience.

Please your send CV: daragh@techworx-projects.com or call 084 449 3863.

Thai Nanny/Maid wanted for 20 hours per week for one child. Must speak English,have own transport and be flexible with work hours. Airport/Blue Canyon area. 0811422910

Charity Manager

PEXGO Courier requires driver for pick up and deliveries in Phuket. Must be able to work at night. Must speak some English, basic use of computer. Contact Meaw on 076 322 663 or email phuket@pexgo.com.

The Phuket Community Foundation has a full-time opening for a manager.

The job: Working with the Board to implement the board’s policies and decisions; Implementation of projects, including fundraising activities; Serving as spokesperson for the foundation, Developing and managing budgets, taking day-to-day responsibility for financial management.

The candidate: Thai, age up to 35, degree, computer literate, Thai/ English literate. Email resume to apply. manager@ phuketcharity.org.

Thai Staff Wanted

Help Wanted

Four Thai staff for sandwich/delivery shop. B8,500 per month. Contact robby. bbd@hotmail.com or call 083 738 7139.

Food services are looking to fill several positions within the business: One account and marketing manager (Thai or expat).

Two kitchen helpers (female). One cleaner.

For more information or to apply call 076 390 977 or 0 82 816 0126, or email info@foodservicesth.com.

Driver

Maid Who Can Cook Needed Need maids who can cook for three villas. Laguna needs a live in maid who can cook and clean. Patong villa needs a maid who can cook and clean, live in or live out. Kamala villa needs a maid who can cook and live out.

All maids must speak English ver y well and have experience and references. Must have flexible working hours after 5pm. Six days per week.

Fore more info call 080 699 2436. Email kokakat@ gmail.com.

Nanny/Babysitter/ Maid We are looking for experienced staff to work for us as a nanny/maid or babysitter. Basic English is a plus.

Nanny/Maid

Spa Therapists Required Award Winning DAY spas in Dubai looking for qualified 5 star spa female therapists for immediate vacancies. Work permits and accommodation provided Salaries include commission on treatments and retail sales.

If you have a passion for being a therapist and have great interpersonal skills, please email hannah@sensasiaspas.com.

Driver Wanted My car, part-time, good English. Contact Mr Brian.

089 054 4354.

Personal Assistant Wanted

Accountant Wanted

Personal Assistant wanted full-time. This is a longterm position with growth opportunity. Lady between 25-35 years old Can work in the morning and evening, be able to speak, read, and write English and Thai.Must have own vehicle Good computer skills College graduate, good salary. Please reply with resume(CV) to hr@newyorkcasual.com.

Accountant wanted for cooking school and food services business. Thai national. For more information call 082 816 0126 or info@foodservicesth. com.

www.atsumihealing.com is seeking a Thai national to join our detox team. Excellent English required. shell@atsumihealing.com.

Secretary We a r e l o o k i n g f o r a Thai secretary to work in a placement agency in Kathu. The candidate must speak English and have basic computer skills.

Hours of work are from Monday to Friday 9am to 6 pm and Saturday from 10

Swimming pool, health club and tennis cour ts steps away. Send CV to bggvirgo@gmail.com.

Hotel Manager Two years experience in a senior management role in a mid-scale hotel, good knowledge of day to day operations. Strong ability in driving the team of 10 to exceed revenue goal.

Strategic thinking character, team player and ability to communicate efficiently with staffs.

Strong guest relations skill and problem-solving skills. Proper knowledge of Sales & Marketing – specially internet. Good command of English, both written and spoken. Has account and budget skills. songsvcmgnt@live.com.

Sales Staff for Cherng Talay Good English, positive attitude, good in sales, outgoing personality. Salary B12,000 plus commission.

Please contact Phuket Pool Tables 085 782 1200.

Native English Speaking Teacher Need native English speaking teacher with ability to speak, read and write Thai. Call Robin on 081 803 7189.

Native English Teacher Female caucasian to teach class of 10-12, 3-5 year old children. Chalong, MonFri 8am-4pm. Immediate start. phuketpreschool@ yahoo.com or call 080 624 7060.

English Teacher Wanted Muang Thalang Secondary School is looking for a foreign English teacher.

TEFL certificate and work permit are re-quired. Send CV to al.lang.tutor@gmail. com.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN EVENTS? DO YOU LIKE MEETING PEOPLE? Due to continued expansions, Events Thailand is looking for a Sales/Events Coordinator The right applicant needs to have: • Good English skills(written & spoken) • Experience in a sales environment (or willingness to learn) • Experience in an events role an advantage but not essential We offer: • Good salary + bonuses • Great work environment • Excellent progress opportunities with Phuket's leading events company The position is open to Thais and Non-Thais

Please email your CV in English to jorge@eventsthailand.net

The Phuket News is looking to add to its ever growing team of professionals and seeks:

Sales Representatives (Thai National) Responsibilities:

- Thai & Expat.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills both in Thai & English - Self driven and motivated with a positive attitude - Work well under pressure and highly achievement oriented

Tele Sale Executives (Thai National) - Able to work to deadlines - Experience in sales or telesales would be an advantage - Must have good command of English & Thai

Reporter (Thai National)

- Thai - A curiosity for news and breaking stories.

- A willingness to team.

- Good English speaker and communicator - Must have above average English writing skills.

- A proficient photographer.

- Must be able to work unsupervised and be a self starter.

- Must be willing to work after hours to cover events and some weekend work will be required.

- Applicants must have their own car and drivers licence.

We offer:

 Competitive

salary, bonuses and travel expenses work environment  Social security (10%) paid by the company  Excellent career progress opportunity  Friendly

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 6212 550-2 for mor info.

Health Consultant

Homemaker/PA Needed Single, attractive female under 32 years. College graduate with good English, live in.

Own luxury apartment and transportation provided. Flexible hours and liberal time off. www.thephuketnews.com

34 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com CONTENTS Animal Care...............34 Boats & Yachts..........34 Business Opportunities............34 Business Services....................34 Cars for Sale..............34 Child Care Servies.....34 Computer Sales & Repair......................34 Clubs & Associations.............34 Computer- Sales-Repairs............34 Diving Services.........34 Education Services...34 Miscellaneous Items Wanted.......................34 Miscellaneous Items for Sale.............................34 Motorbikes for Rent...34 Motorbikes for Sale....34 Personal Services..34-35 Pets for Sale...............35 P o o l Ta b l e S a l e s & Repair......................35 Property & Concierge Services.....................36 Property for Rent......36 Property for Sale...36-37 Trade Directory..........38

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant in Patong for sale

Thai-European-Chinese Restaurant for sale on Rat U Thit 200 pee Road.

Opposite to Andatel and Postoffice. Good location. Sale B680,000. Call for more details on 082 277 3446.

8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. 076 283 365, 083 501 8488.

BOATS & YACHTS Wonderful Chaparral Boat

Shop for Rent

Toyota Fortuner 2005

52,000 KM Black colour.

Excellent condition, like new.Pr ic e B870,0 0 0.

Russian and English speaking. Call 083 636 1435.

2005, Automatic, ABS, air-bag, leather, full opt i o n s , b l a c k c o l o u r, 121,000km. Service by Chevrolet, Sell B355,000.

O.B.O. Call 085 369 1933.

Nissan Frontier AX-L 4 Door 2006

Sales, service and repair. Hardware/software.

WLAN a speciality. Free telephone advice. Call for more details on 084 625 7744.

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS SKAL International Phuket

Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. See www.skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket

Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket ”. Contact Robin 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

DIVING SERVICES Phuket Scuba Club

CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals Tile It

Thalang. Wana Par k on Sr isoonthor n Rd. Phuket ’s Quality Tile Boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tileasia.com.

Protect your home or office with an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Call 085 798 9469 or email contact@alarms-phuketservices.com.

Green House

Construction, renovation, electric, metal work, wood work, shop fitting.

Please contact 085 654 2244.

2.5 Turbo, 75,000km.

Exellent condition. Leather trim, full service. New tires. Price B320,000.

Call 089 831 4703.

PADI 5 Star Centre. Half day, daytrips, live-aboards a n d di ve r e d u c at i o n.

Phuket’s only dive club!

Please contact 076 284 026.

CHILD CARE SERVICES Buds Nursery Kindergarten

Fully insure d st ar t B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.

CARS FOR SALE Car for Sale As New 2010

Nissan Traveller, top model as new. Only 18,000km cost B1,625,000. SELL B1,325,000. Please call 087 276 0529.

Phuket’s oldest bi-lingual international child care facility. High quality time proven schedule and curriculum. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1½ -6. MonFri 8am-5pm. Bus service available. Call 076 282 232, 080 624 7060. www. budsphuket.com.

Rawai Progressive School

International private sc ho o l fo r age s 3 -12 years, offering Montessori education. For more informationtin see our website montessori-thailand.com.

Education for children 18 months to six years old with experienced native English teachers following the UK EYFS curriculum. For more details call 089 971 1813.

International Kindegarten

International Kindergarten. Native English teachers, UK and Singapore curriculum, small class sizes. The best choice.

Call for info on 082 323 1188.

Cooking School Fire up your creative flare with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine. Try our famous pizza school. Call 082 816 0126 or email info@foodservicesth.com.

Guitar Lesson By Pro Player

Guitar/bass lessons beginner to advanced. Personal one-on-one or by DVD. Diploma of Teaching (Aust) Degree. Call 089 777 3063.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS WANTED Phuket Country Club

M ember ship required immediately. Will pay B500,000 plus half transfer fee. Please contact 084 065 7590.

Carpet for Luxury Condo Wanted

Four Large approximately 9’x12’ High-end carpets.

Call on 089 054 4354.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Leaving, Items for Sale

All courses and diving trips. Boat charter and individual tours. See more information at www.diveparadise.com.

Whole body vibration workout machine “Flabelos FL-3000. The fast track to great abs (for press).

DH Fitness running track.

LG digital TV 47’ LH50.

LG DVD receiver system home theater. Philips DVD player. Frosen camera “Sandem Intercool”. Russian and English speaking 083 636 1435 or Email for pictures: natadubai@ inbox.ru.

EDUCATION SERVICES

Brand New “TYLO” Sauna

All 4 Diving

ABC International Nursery

www.thephuketnews.com

COMPUTER SALES-REPAIRS English Computerman

Chevrolet Optra 1.8LT

BUSINESS SERVICES

Alarms & CCTV Services

22FT, year 2009, wonderful chaparral boat 215 SSI Cuddy, 35 hours engine usage only, amazing prize for quick sale.

Contact 087 515 7064.

best selection of imported food and drinks with low prices! online shop&delivery импортные продукты русская кухня низкие цены онлайн магазин и доставка 08 2427 0154 (eng/thai) 08 2427 0155 (рус)

Prime potential shop for rent in prime commercial location. Also has franchise opportunity for Bellini. For more information call 082 816 0126 or email info@foodservicesth.com.

ANIMAL CARE Chaofah Pet Hospital

www.phuketdeli.com

5/4 Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach. For more info call 076 344 611 or info@ all4diving.com.

Paradise Diving Asia

English or German Lessons

Study English or German at home with experienced TEFL certified teacher.

089 886 8576

Inside 1.40mx1.40m, 2m height. Price B150,000.

Call 082 271 4487.

For Quick Sale

Yoga Teacher Training Course

Yoga teacher training international training course certificate, 250 hours. October 16-November 13. www.ayuryoga.ch. Contact Khun Noi 080 533 2202.

Teaching English

We o r g a n i s e En g li s h courses and lessons for Prathom and Matayom students at their home.

Books provided. Call for more info on 087 282 2699.

Learning Tagalog

Want to learn Basic Tagalog? We can help. Please contact patong.peter@ gmail.com.

Comercial Gas Ovens One Small and One Larger. The Larger Has A S t a i n l e s s Fr a m e .

B20,000 O.N.O. Both Must Go. Contact Margo 082 523 7368 or Robin 089 175 3421 and 076 451 442-3.

CLASSIFIED ADS 35

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com MOTORBIKES FOR RENT

Honda CB 750 Chopper

Honda Click for Rent Shor t- and long - ter m available, no scams, honest good value. Free delivery for hires over one week. Call Cat 087 188 9047.

Motorbike for Rent Honda PCX, Honda Airblade for rent, cheap price and free delivery.

Call now. Omar 087 075 2166.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE BMW R1200 GS US

Recently had major overhaul and re-spray black, kick and electric start. This bike is a real head turner. Nice and loud. Has green book so all legal. Get ready for Bike Week 2012. Only B95,000. Call 087 267 8602.

Southern Big Bike Chopper Shop All your chopper needs, located on the hill before Safari heading south from Patong. Get ready for bike week 2012. Contact 076 292 079 or 087 382 2494.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Kata Hot Yoga

Why buy a pet?

The most popular Yoga for men and women in Phuket. Four c lasses every day. Kata yoga, it works! www.katahotyoga. com, Contact 076 605 950.

Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 087 050 8688, john@ soidog.org.

Bon Café Phuket A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.

Opposite HomePro Village Chalong. Khun Vasanh 081 956 2024. vinoltds@hotmail.com.

Visa run B1,100 A completely new visa run company. Only B1,100.

Leave 5am, return 5am.

No crazy driver, no boats, no bull. Please call 083 390 4924.

Yamaha Mio Fino White/orange, excellent condition, 10,800km, with book. B25,000 ono. In Kathu area for viewing.

Phone 0866902720 (Eng)

First time in Thailand. www.rhodesian-ridgeback.name. Rhodesian r i dg e bac k pup p i e s.

Ver y play ful nature.

Most faithful friend for life from “Top Pedigree World Champion Parents” Please contact l enysikuv@ h ot mail. com or call 089 871 2744.

Phuket Visa

Red Honda CBR 250R, 7 months old, in perfect condition. Approx 11,000km still under warranty non abs version B95,000 ono.

086 269 9097.

Of fers consulting and ser vic es on c ompany registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Please call 081 892 9960.

PROPERTY & CONCIERGE Selling Your Property?

Chaofa West Suites in Chalong is now offering special rates for AugustOctober, from B8,500 per month, inc ludes maid service, internet, cable TV, rooftop pool.

Please drop by for a look! More details and pix on our website www. chalongapartment.com.

Call 086 282 6221.

House for Sale or Rent PROPERTY FOR RENT New House for Rent in Patong New house for rent in Patong. Two bed, t wo bath, fully-furnished. Quiet area. Contact 081 878 2199.

Popular expat pro musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www. play-guitar.net, please call on 089 777 3063.

Adoption

House for Rent

S i x y e a r o l d C o c ke r Spaniel may need a good home. Please contact for details 085 784 1955.

PETS FOR SALE

POOL TABLE SALES & REPAIRS

Detached house, three b e dr o o ms, t wo bat h rooms, four air-con. Fully-furnished. Only five minutes from Central Festival. 087 270 9093.

Phuket Pool Tables

Honda CBR 250R for Sale

Studio Suites Special Rates!

Get maximum exposure on our top ranked website. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket.net.

Havana Cigar Shop

Live Music

By Colin Hill

2006 with 46,600km.

Farang owned. Perfect condition and serviced

by BMW. Silver colour with leather side bags and cover. Selling price: B550,000. Call 089 814 1458, lucdayot@gmail. com.

For Sale 13 Pedigree Puppies

accessories and services. Please call for more details on 081 823 4627.

www.phuketpooltables. com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit sharing. All

One Bedroom House Seaview Great little house, four minutes walk to Ao Yon Beach. Fully-furnished and now available daily/ monthly. Call 083 390 4924.

Large house in Chalong, three beds, four bath rooms, swimming pool.

Well worth a look. Offers over B6 million or B30,000 a month. Contact 076 374 562.

One Bedroom House, Kata Fu l l y - Fu r n i s h e d , o n e bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, WiFi and cable TV. Price B9,000 per month. Located in Kata.

Please call for info on 081 606 2827.

Patong Lovely Freehold Condo Huge price reduction from 3.4 million to 2.0 million, 50 Sq metre, Including furniture, per fect location, enormous swimming pool.

Please contact 086 757 1362.

Write your classified advertisement Heading ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

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50% discount until 30 September 2011 ONLY 49 Baht per line.

Add picture, box or coloured background for only 100 Baht.

Please hand this form to our office or Fax to: 076 612 553 www.thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR RENT CONT Happy Home Apartment (Rawai) Apar tment for rent at Saiyuan 15, Rawai. Fully-furnished, swimming pool, WiFi. Start B6,800 per month. Call 081 956 1218.

Apartment for Rent in Patong New 1 bedroom fully furnished apartment aircon.

WiFi, on hill & good view of Patong Town & beach.

Quiet location, gate lock at night. Tam 082 2714 487.

Orchid Kathu Heights Stylish Service Apartments Studio. One bed t wo b e d, t wo bat hs.

Roof top swimming pool free WiFi en suite room from B6,000 per month.

Please see www.orchidkathuheights-phuket.com or 076 203 208.

Studio Apartment for Rent On the beach, Chalong.

Studio apartment/office can convert to cafe, close to the light house. Call 081 892 0960.

Beach Frontage One bedroom selfcontained holiday villa Rawai. Rental Day/Week Call 081 677 1641.

Comfortable Private and Quiet

rate lease. B15,000 per month. 089 594 40 67 (English).

rung, B8,500-B9,500 per month. For more details call 086 470 2468.

Nice Apartments in Kata Beach

Spectacular Panoramas

Nice clean safe, one bedrooms all with aircon. kitchen, cable TV, fast internet and jacuzzi. B500 a day. Call Ari at 086 595 8512.

For Rent: Villa in Phuket/Chalong New renovated town house, three bedrooms and parking, without furniture B10,000 per month.

Or with furniture B12,000 per month, minimum one year. 081 788 8280.

Pool Villa for Rent Fully furnished with three bedrooms. Near Lotus Rawai, in quiet and secure area. Call 086 940 0379 or email nunok-ka@ hotmail.com.

Saiyuan House For Rent Two bedrooms, one bathroom with a big garden in Saiyuan near Naiharn Beach. Good price for long term. 087 883 0105.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Kata - Office for Rent

Kata beach in front of hotel Alpina resort. Good condition, with air-con 1 unit, pantry, Well-decorated. B16,700 per month only. Contact for more details on 081 956 1077.

Seaview Pool Villa

Fantastic opportunity in the heart of Kata Phuket, Detached family home set on its own plot offering convenient access to Kata beach 300 metre away and all surrounding facilities.

Built by the owners this house allows both families and investors the chance to access the property market at this incredible price. Price B9.9 million. Contact 086 95 22 444. www.

PhuketParadiseProp erty.com.

Detached luxury villa in Ao Yon set on the east coast of Phuket at Cape Panwa. 250 sq metre offering both executive and family living has four bedrooms, living room and 9 metre x 3.5 metre infinity pool all positioned with panoramic ocean views of the famous Phuket Deep Sea port.

The property has a fully fitted kitchen with appliances. Total land area 600 sq metre with private walled parameter and gated security. Price B23 million. Contact 086 95 22 444. www.PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

Condominium in Katu

Private Pool Villa In Centre of Nai Harn “Reserved”

Patong Tower Rent Sea view and mountain view. Short term and long term, starting B30,000.

Good location,walking distance from the beach.

081 878 2199.

Townhouse three bedrooms, just a few minutes to Karon Beach. B25,000 per month, long term rent requires. 081 396 0880.

Sea View Apartments

Cape house, Cape Yamu. A luxurious fourbedroom villa at a remarkable destination.

In a hillside estate with amazing ocean views.

Features include marble finishes throughout, pool and lush tropical gardens. Close to BIS/ PIA schools. B60,000/ month. Call 086 279 6283.

Villa in Kata:

Stunning two bedrooms villa with big pool. Big modern kitchen and living room. Two separate bedrooms w bathroom, two minutes walk from Tesco Lotus Express. B10.4 million. Contact 086 95 22 444. www.PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

KATA – Sea View Apartment

NEW PRICE 3 million for 180 Sqm. With Seaview Central Phuket. One bedroom kitchenette and living room opening on to balcony. Fully serviced accommodation 6 minutes from Patong and all amities.

This property is due for completion in December 2011 offering pre build discounts from the vendor. List at B1.3 million.

Contact 086 95 22 444.

See www.PhuketParadiseProperty.com.

Nic e and quiet of f ic e space for rent, includes kitchen, server room and toilets. Perfect for property, IT, legal business.

076 521 873.

Super Pool Villa

House Rental Phuket Town

By Laguna, luxur y villa, jacuzzi, etc. Special

House for rent with furniture. In Phuket Villa Dow-

Big living room and kitchen. Two bedroom and bathroom, two minutes walk to the beach. Common pool. Contact 086 95 22 444. See www.

PhuketParadiseProp erty.com.

One Bedroom Apartment With Seaview in Rawai

One Bedroom Apartment With Seaview in Rawai

1.Valuation.

2.List your property.

3.Sale.

-Promotional booths with fully trained staff through out Phuket.

-Five International offices supplying customers direct.

-Nine sales staff all nationalities.

Phuket Paradise Property A Step In The Right Re-sale Direction.

Visit our website www.

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Modern one bedroom apartment with pool. New kitchen. Bathroom with spa. Big living room and balcony. Fully furnished.

Price B3.5 million. Contact 086 95 22 444. See w w w. Phuket Paradis eProperty.com.

Modern one bedroom apartment with pool. New kitchen. Bathroom With Spa. Big living room and balcony. Fully-furnished.

Price B3.9 million. Contact 086 952 2444. Seew w w. Phuket Paradis eProperty.com.

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Approx 1,300 M2 block with power ready to build in small quiet village 15 minutes to golf course / airport / shopping centres. Price B1,900,000. 087 276 0529.

Condo Patong 3.2 M In one of Patong’s best locations. Two bedroom with pool and resort facilities.

100 sq. metres, freehold condo. Needs decoration.

086 757 1362.

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Beautiful Office for Rent Modern furnished one and two-bedroom apartments in Kata. Available for long and short term rent. From B20,000 per month. Contact 081 326 2542.

Phuket Paradise Property

CLASSIFIED ADS 37

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT Bungalow in Chalong

Rawai-Naiharn Land for Sale Soi Saiyuan13. Sale at reduced price. 640 sq.m.

B4.2 million. Elevated, walled, views and Chanote.

085 782 7551.

House Near Laguna 2.1 MB

For rent or sale. Three bedroom on 65sq wah, with Western kitchen and bathroom. For rent B17,000 per month. For sale B3.95 million. 089 922 2800.

Rawai Land for Sale One Rai plus 77 Tarangwah in Soi Saliga, close to Eva beach and Palm House School. Clean and ready to build. Sale by owner. Call 084 745 4132.

Rawai-New Thai/ Bali Villa

Detached house in Baandon, 55 sq wah Chanote, two bed with aircon.

2two bath (one en-suite), phone/ADSL, fully furnished, nic e garden.

Price B2.1 million. Call Tay 086 280 4734.

House for Sale in L&H Phuket

Stunning three bedroom villa with big kitchen, living room, office, pool garden and parking. Freehold and free transfer.

Original price B19 million.

Now B14.5 million. Call 081 788 8280.

180 Degree Seaview Land Sale

In Soi King Saliga, front 22mx42m long. Walled and about 100m from Rawai Beach. Full chanote title.

Contact 080 530 6880.

Great 180 degree elevated seaview land for sale in Leelawadee Hill behind Toyota on Bypass Rd. 1080sqm for B18.9 Million.

081 823 4627.

Two bed with en-suite in Naiharn, 480sq metre, fully furnished, internet etc, freehold. Priced at B9.7 million. Contact anohoa@gmail.com.

Land at Anuphas for Sale 40 sq.wah of land behind weekend market at Naka Temple, on Wirathongyok 3/1 Road. 089 668 3639.

20 metres to beach. 900 sq metre. Sale B14 million. Call 081 259 6052.

Land for Sale One rai with Chanote title.

Five minutes from Rawai Beach in secure area. Call owner on 086 940 0379.

Private Pool Villas, from B4.9M

Intira Villas is a development of 15 boutique villas in the hear t of Rawai. Second phase open now! Only few villas available. www.in tiravillas.com, call 083 594 9279.

Saiyuan-House for Sale Two bedrooms, two bathrooms in Soi Samakee 2, Saiyuan. Near Naiharn

Kathu: Serviced Land for Sale NS3K land plot of 500 square metres, including infrastructure and construction permit for a 220 m2 villa. Price at B2,900,000.

Call: 089 724 7211.

Rawai Beachfront Pool Villa with High Rental Income for Sale

20 metres to beach, 260 sq metre. Three bedroom, three bathroom.

Land 1,000 sq metre.

B22 million. Call 081 259 6052.

Land up Patong Hill, Sea View

Land for sale Rawai

Various sizes of land with sea view overlooking Patong Bay. znresidence@ gmail.com, Please see www.znresidence.com.

Four Rai, two Ngan, 64sq Wah (7,456sqm), near shell museum, 80m road frontage. Price at B7.5 million per Rai. Call 089 731 0283

Guesthouse for Sale Eight rooms, internet cafe and an apartment. Rent B52,000 per month. Asking price B1.75 million. Call 085 794 6530.

House for Sale or Rent

11th Fairway LochPalm For Sale

Villa with three bed, two bath, open living, fully furnished, sala, pool and jacuz zi. Fair way and mountain views. Urgent sale B10.8 million. Contact 089 731 0283.

Rawai-Sai Yuan For Sale

Nice One Rai For Sale B7.0M

Two-storey villa, threebed, three-bath and pool.

516sq metre, two years old. Orginal price: B13 million. Now: B9 million.

Needs work. Call 089 731 0283.

In Chalong 200 metre off main road. In great location. Full Chanote title. Call 089 651 3479.

Rawai Beachfront Land for Single or Double House for Sale

Two storey house, 134 sq.m, land 225 sq.m, three bedroom, two bath room, in Chaiyapruek, Land&House Park Phuket. 086 470 2468.

850 SQM Land Plot for Sale

Bali Style Pool Villa for Sale

Prime Land for sale in Rawai

One-Three Rai with private access. Nice quiet country area. For sale by owner B6 million per Rai ono. Call 081 477 4792.

Kata-Phuket from 19m now 14.5m

Soi Suksan, Newly constructed private pool villa. Three bedroom/ three bathroom. Land 1/4 Rai, built area 180sq metre. Open plan living dining with western kitchen. Mountain views in a nice green area.

Fully furnished. Asking B8.5 million, but negotiable on this price. Call 089 973 1180.

beach. 100 sq.wah, B5.5 million. Contact owner on 087 883 0105.

Three bed t wo bath, full furnished, four aircon. European kitchen.

B15,000 per month near BIS, opposite Boat Lagoon. For sale B3 million.

For more details call John 086 940 4267.

Land and House Park Phuket For sale. 82 sq metre, three bedroom, two bathroom, Chalong, B4.3m. Call for more details on 087 907 4004.

JINDARIN BEACH CLUB & RESORT

Rawai-Sai Yuan Villa

For sale or rent. Twostorey villa on 620sqm land. Living spac e: 220sqm. In quiet area.

Three-bed, office, open living area, Western-style kitchen, bathroom, cable TV, telephone, ADSL, balcony, car parking, beautiful garden, swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Must see. Original price: B12.5 million. Now B9.9 million. 089 731 0283 or harrij@loxinfo.co.th.

Penthouse for Sale Two-bedroom, two bathr o o m p e n t h o u s e. 2 0 0 metres walk to Bangtao Beach. B11.5 million, plus furniture. phuketbbgc31@ gmail.com.

Eco Resort on Coconut Island: Private Pier - Spa - Grass-roofed Village - Lap Pool - Resort lots start at B1 million. Cottage and lot start at B2.5 million. w w w.jindarin. com. Email eam1008@ me.com or call 081 396 6060.

The Sands Condominium 150sq metre foreign freehold, two bedroom, swimming pool, GRG FLR, lake view, 150 metres to Naiharn Beach. Price B9.8million.

Call 089 875 4173.

House with Financing

Near Laguna, five minutes to Layan Beach, small pool, two air-con. Two bedrooms ensuite, furnished, Electrical gate. Land:400m2, B5.9 million. 086 267 0157.

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38 CLASSIFIED ADS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com

TRADE DIRECTORY AIR CONDITIONING Siam Cooling System Marine air-conditioning, Koh Kaew. Contact 081 891 9442, or scspkt@loxinfo.co.th.

Phuket Home Services Installing, servicing commercial and residential aircon systems since 2001.

All brands. Call 076 324 400, or www.phukethomeservices.com.

BOAT REPAIRS

Phuket Pro-Built Construction, renovation, electrics and shop fitting.

Call 089 909 8604.

Just Sofas Premier supplier of leather sofas. Is your sofa looking old and tired?Give it a new life for less than half the cost of a new one. Call 076 262 024-5

Water Proof Phuket Waterproof, water stop and water swell. Design, construction for factory and home structure roof.

See www.itrthailand.com.

Lucky Awning

Parts supply, refits, repairs, project management yacht delivery. Call 076 239 111.

For the best pr ic e in phuket for retractable/verticals/roll ups with acrylic fabric direct from the importer and save. Call 087 276 0529.

C & C Marine (Thai)

KV Southern

Asia Marine Ltd.

Marine Engineering Services. Call 076 273 247. www.candc-marine.com.

Dan Marine Limited Koh Kaew. Yacht interiors, maintenance and management. Call for more info on 081 271 742.

BUILDING SUPPLIERS Casa Nine Co.,Ltd Mosaics, tiles, stones, wall plaques, hand-made, c er ami c s, de c o r at ive items. Call 081 514 8547.

Island Curtains For all your windows furnishings. Made to order in our factory. Workmanship is guaranteed, our service is second to none. Call 076 262 0245.

Waterproof flooring. Engineering, product architectural, product repair system. 081 828 2457.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES J-SAT Communication The leader of a communication system in Phuket.

Service fire alarm, CCTV system, PABX system, TV system. Call for more details on 076 258 200.

Mono Sun Technology Phuket solar, tomorrow’s technology, working today. Wind and solar at down-to-earth prices. 076 263 717.

AVC Engineering Mechanical, electrical and

plumbing to international standards. 076 615 810.

Raksa Electric Service Electric, airconditioning, lighting services and water systems. Call 084 849 8204 for details.

Cooling Technician All commercial, kitchen needs, fridges and cooling systems. Good, reliable and honest. Service all over Phuket. Contact Tammarat 086 310 3870.

AAA Phuket Electrician UK-approved electricians available to advise on all electrical issues. Contact for 081 691 9907.

Phuket Home Services Specialise in domestic and commercial electrical wiring installations, telephone, internet and security systems. 076 324 400 or www.phukethome services.com.

HARDWARE STORES Phaisan Makita Paint All types of paints, colours for home and more.

Find us at MaeLuan Road, Phuket Town, entrance to Rang Hill 076 355 664.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Shades (Thailand) Awnings, shade sails, tension fabric structures.

Call 076 367 566, www. shadesasia.com.

Canvas Creations Boat Lagoon. Deluxe awnings and covers for your boat. Contact 076 238 946.

Phuket Home Maintenance Renovations,house repairs, painters, electricians, plumbers, construction workers. Fluent English speaking. Free quotes given. Please contact 084 139 5124.

Contex Phuket Co. Bang Tao area. High-end teak doors and windows with German technology.

Call us on 086 281 1264.

Chem-Dry Cleaning Service The carpet and furniture exper ts. Also of fering full cleaning services for stone, marble, terrazzo, granite and more. Contact 076 261 513.

Phuket Home Maintenance Renovations, house repairs, painters, electricians, plumbers and construction workers. Fluent English-speaking manager. Free quotes. Call 084 139 5124.

Phuket Home Solutions Providing a solution for all your home requirements.

076 270 854.

The Stone Doctor Co.,Ltd “Expert cleaning and protective sealing of all stone types including sandwash, Terrazzo, marble, ceramic etc. Operating in Thailand nine years under European Management.

Call 087 282 4930.

your removal and shipping needs. 076 263 987.

Adisak Trading Bypass Road. We have the largest selection of TOA paint. 076 261 420.

Phuket Awnings Service Making an alliance with the sun. Contact 076 612 870 for more details.

Phuket Home Services High-quality building, contracting and refurbishment work in Phuket and the surrounding region. 076 324 400.

Global Logistics Asia Thalang area. We have the knowledge, networks and technology to answer your needs. 081 797 2753.

Advance Interfreight Express Chaofah (East) Road.

Moving and shipping. Better services, better prices.

076 376 677.

WATER SYSTEMS

Buildersmart Public

Phuket Home Services

Treated pine, Thai gypsum, Shera, Weber, and Watty. Contact for more information 076 275 221.

Since 2001. Offer a range of qualif ied in - house plumbing engineers, p lum b in g inst allat i o n teams and plumbers. Call 076 324 400.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES Chateau Sabai Villa Cherng Talay area. Professional landscape design and care. Call 076 318 266

Phuket Home Services Design and build salas, pergolas and decks. Offer custom design and build water features and ponds.

076 324 400, www.phuket homeservices.com.

The Mobile Pool Doctor Srisoonthorn Road, all areas of Phuket. Contact 076 620 193 or www.mobilepooldoctor.com.

Environmental Solutions Chalermphrakiat Road, Rassada. 076 304 278 or 089 724 5617.

Phuket Water Supply Water filtration systems for home and pool. Thepkrasattri Road, Rassada area. Call 076 215 681.

REMOVAL SERVICES Siam Pickpack B oat L ag o o n. G l o bal transportation services.

076 238 791, www.siam pickpack.com.

Bigmove Phuket One-stop service for all

Chai Choochuay Hot Water Air- con and solar water heating sales and ser vice. 076 321 562. www.phuketaircon.com.

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Wana Park, Srisoonthron Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel 076 620168 info@tile-asia.com

For quotation call for Thai: Lek on 081 535 9936.

For English call: Mel on 086 687 8806.

Shop number 076 215 081.

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THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

FC PHUKET’S LATEST STARS

During the mid-season break FC Phuket officials were busy signing new players to bolster the squad in an attempt to help propel the Southern Sea Kirin into the Thai Premier League. The Phuket News’ Kazira Hanshanasattru got the low down on the six new stars.

Nitipong Limsuwan

Defender #36 Nationality: Thai

DOB: 29/05/1986 Midfielder #29 Nationality: Thai

How did you get here? My contract with Nonthaburi ended.

I was looking for a new challenge, so I came to Phuket.

Previous clubs: Osotspa M-150 FC (2008), Insee Police FC (2009) and Nonthaburi FC (2010-April 2011).

Goal: To play my best to take FC Phuket to the Thailand Premier League.

On FC Phuket: For a local team that came from a Division 2 Regional league, FC Phuket is a great team that will have no problem playing at a higher level.

On FC Phuket fans: The fans are fantastic. I have yet to experience it on the pitch but I saw the fans and heard them sing for the others; it was really awesome. They come together to support their team. I think they must be some of the best fans in the country.

Describe yourself in three words: Friendly, funny, focused.

Ossien Nissim

Midfielder #23 Nationality: Thai

Jongrak Pakdee

Previous clubs: Insee Police (2008-2009), Chantaburi FC (Division 1) and TTM Pichit FC (2011).

On FC Phuket: It’s a good team and good teammates. I played three matches with Phuket, all of them away games, everyone played well together and I feel I adjusted to their style very well.

Boubacar Issoufou

Midfielder #34

DOB: 02/02/1990 Nationality: Niger (currently in Africa playing for the national team).

How did you get here? I came on loan from Muang Thong United.

Other clubs: Muang Thong United (2009-April 2011).

Goal: To play my best and take FC Phuket to the TPL. On FC Phuket: Good team, good footballers, good fans.

On FC Phuket fans: Fans make me feel very welcome. They support the team and footballers with everything.

Describe yourself in three words: Strong, determined, friendly.

Jonathan Matijas

DOB: 31/10/1991 Goalkeeper #30 Nationality: French

How did you get here? On loan from Bangkok Glass FC. Previous clubs: Bangkok Glass FC Youth team (2009-April 2011).

Goal: To play my best to take FC Phuket to Thailand Premier League.

On FC Phuket: Though FC Phuket is a new team its development is remarkable. The team has potential and good footballers. I think FC Phuket could finish in the top three at the end of the season.

On FC Phuket fans: They are great. Being Phuket’s own team means Phuket people can relate to the players as their hometown heroes; they support team with all their heart. I hope in the future there will no repeat of the scenes against Phattalung. I understand the feelings but throwing things in the stadium is not acceptable. I think the fans already gave them [the officials] a hard time by yelling and shouting at them.

Describe yourself in three words: Determined, goal-oriented, friendly.

DOB: 06/01/1990

How did you get here? My agent asked me if I wanted to have a trial with FC Phuket. I was offered a contract after four days of training.

Previous clubs: SC Bastia (2007-2009), Amiens SC (2009-2011) Goal: To take FC Phuket to the Thailand Premier League.

On FC Phuket: Right now team is not in the best shape and we’re far from challenging for the title. I will do my best to change that as we still have four months to play. If we can finish the season strongly maybe we can finish third.

On FC Phuket fans: I love FC Phuket and the fans are the most important thing. They are really amazing. It’s great to have supporters like them. To me the fans are the team and their actions can affect the team as much as the footballers.

Describe yourself in three words: Determined, honest, enthusiastic.

Kittitach Kraithong

DOB: 03/05/1983 Midfielder #32 Nationality: Thai

How did you get here? I was looking for a new challenge, so when my contract ended I moved to Phuket.

PHUKET SPORT 39

DOB: 21/07/1989

How did you get here? I had a trial with FC Phuket and have been with the team since they were in Division 2. I missed the 2010 season with a broken leg.

Goal: Getting FC Phuket to the Thailand Premier League.

On FC Phuket: The best team.

On FC Phuket fans: I’m a Phuketian, a local boy, so all the fans are like family to me.

Describe yourself in three words: Quiet, determined, friendly.

30/9/2011

www.thephuketnews.com

40 PHUKET SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Kata Beach will host the second RipCurl Grom Search on Saturday, September 10.

Calling all groms Following the success of the inaugural event in 2010, the RipCurl International Grom Search will return next Saturday, September 10.

The one-day event will take place at Kata Beach from 7 am until 9:30 pm, and is open to anyone under the age of 16.

Entry to the event is free and those looking to participate can register at the RipCurl shop in Kata or on the day itself at the registration booth between the hours of 7 and 8am.

The international surf com-

SURFING petition will take centre stage with some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

The winners of the girls and boys surf events will each receive B5,000 in cash and a B5,000 RipCurl gift voucher.

The 2011 RipCurl Grom Search 2011 isn’t just limited to those who wish to compete; there will be teachers on hand to give any newcomers to the sport of surfing a free lesson.

As well as the surf-related activities, there will also be

an ocean safety demonstration where kids can learn important information about staying safe while playing in the water, a beach clean up, RipCurl games, a BBQ and a grand opening party for the Kata RipCurl shop.

Like the 2010 edition, this year’s RipCurl International Grom Search is set to be a full day’s worth of fun, competition and education designed to support junior surfing on the island, encourage further participation and increase water safety.

Thirst quenching: Phuket triathletes Johannes Rabl, David Campion, Dan Ogunshakin, Steve Coleman, and Mario Piazza rehydrate after the 2011 Hua Hin Triathlon.

Phuket triathletes in 3rd Queen’s Cup action The sport of triathlon is growing rapidly in Phuket and a number of the island’s keen triathletes made the long journey to Hua Hin on the east coast last weekend (August 28) to take part in the third Queen’s Cup International Triathlon.

The 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run course proved to be trickier than it appeared from the outset and all the competitors – just under 200 in total – had to battle against the threat of jellyfish, bad road conditions and blazing heat.

The weekend began badly for the Phuket contingent when Tim Haddon, director of golf at Laguna Phuket, was stung by a jellyfish while on a practice swim on the Saturday and had to be taken to hospital.

Haddon, in Hua Hin to compete in his first triathlon, was forced to miss the race as a result of the incident.

TRIATHLON On a more positive note John Douma, a member of the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC) Triathlon Academy, finished 16th overall and first in the men’s 50+ category in a time of 2:26:34 and he was joined

by Dr Richard Cracknell who finished in sixth place.

Another TSLC member Sue Thornley finished fifth in the open women’s event, setting a personal best of 2:46:33.

Elsewhere, there were strong efforts from Johannes Rabl, David Campion and Steve Coleman in the men’s 30-39 category, who finished eighth, 10th and 16th respectively.

Darren Hancock, GM at RPM Health Club, and Giles Leonard, Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club, finished 16th and 17th in the men’s 40-49 category.

The Phuket News’ very own Sports Editor Dan Ogunshakin also took part in the race, enjoying a strong swim to exit the water in 19th before finishing 107th overall and 29th in the 30-39 category.

Charlie Pulaski also produced an impressive swim, completing the 1.5km course in around 26 minutes to enter the first transition in 34th place before finishing in 127th.

First-time triathletes, George Grecia and Mario Piazza both put together solid races to finish 40th and 46th in the men’s 40-49 category.

In the team triathlon event Thayani Phuangsil, Ted Pulaski and Sunanta Kolsamon placed second overall with a time of 3:04:24 while Ekkarat “Ricky” Phanthip struggled with injury, but still finished second in his duathlon (runbike-run) age group with a time of 2:37:18.

Legends tour cancelled FOOTBALL Liverpool fans eager to catch a glimpse of some of their former heroes in the flesh will sadly no longer get the opportunity after it was revealed that the planned Legends of Liverpool Tour of Thailand 2011 has been cancelled.

A squad of 15 former Liverpool stars, led by two-time European Cup winning goal scorer Alan Kennedy, were due to arrive in Thailand on September 29 for a week-long football tour that would have seen them play matches both here in Phuket and in Bangkok for the Prime Minister’s www.thephuketnews.com

Football Legends Charity Cup. Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Centre were due to host a football clinic on Saturday October 1 and then the match between the Legends of Liverpool and the Thai Legends the following day.

The likes of Phil Neal, Jan Molby, John Barnes, Bruce Grobbelar, Steve McManaman and Robbie Fowler, the Muang Thong United striker, had been set to take the field against the likes of Piyapong Pue-On and Kiatisuk “Zico” Senamuang, two of Thailand’s greatest footballers.

The Phuket leg of the Legends of Liverpool Tour of

Thailand was being staged to raise money for Thalang’s Youth Football Home (YFH), a charity that gives schooling and quality football coaching to disadvantaged Thai children who display a particular aptitude for football.

Kennedy, a patron of the YFH, was a friend of founder Henrik Lorenz.

Cris Rosenbergs, the creator of the Football Legends Tour concept, said that he was holding off on making an official announcement at this time due to other developments relative to the event.

See a later issue of The Phuket News for more info.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 41

City and United thrash North London’s ‘finest’ FOOTBALL

In round three of the 2011/12 Barclay’s Premier League Manchester United and City signalled their intent for the coming season with convincing hammerings of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs respectively.

In the first of Sunday’s two games between the Manchester and North London clubs, City hit five past Spurs at White Hart Lane as last season’s goal-shy striker Edin Dzecko scored four times to take his EPL tally to six in just three games.

Club record-signing Sergio Aguero scored Roberto Mancini’s side’s other goal, while Younes Kaboul grabbed a consolation goal for the shellshocked home side.

Not wishing to be outdone by their city rivals, United went three better, scoring eight times against an injury-hit and suspension-depleted Arsenal.

It was the first time Arsenal had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896.

Wayne Rooney grabbed a

Mancini’s City are looking good. Photo by Andy Brannan. hat trick to take his total for the season to five, just one behind Dzecko, before setting his sights on Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time goal scorers record at United.

Of the other contenders, Liverpool and Chelsea currently seem the best equipped to challenge the two Manchester clubs after they both recorded 3-1 wins at home

against Bolton and Norwich.

Of the two it was the Reds who looked the more assured, producing a convincing display of attacking football that Owen Coyle’s men couldn’t live with.

Andre Villas-Boas’ side looked less assured but still took all three points with goals from Jose Bosingwa, Frank Lampard and Juan Mata on his debut.

Elsewhere there were home wins for Newcastle United and Wigan, away wins for Stoke and Everton, and draws for Aston Villa, Wolves, Swansea and Sunderland.

In The Phuket News’ football tipping comp this week, resident ‘expert’ Dan Ogunshakin scored 13 points after correctly predicting the results of the Chelsea, Liverpool, Swansea, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Wigan matches.

Last week’s guest tipper, Ballboy, didn’t fare quite as well, picking up just eight points to slip from top spot.

After three rounds of results the top ranked player is the curiously named Film

who has 55 points. As things stand Film is in pole position to score the prize given to the top points scorer in August and September: a 3,000 baht voucher to be used at Peppers Bar and Restaurant, Phuket’s premier sports bar, located outside of Laguna.

There’s still all to play for in September, however, so the destination of the B3,000 Peppers voucher is still along way from being determined.

This weekend sees the EPL take a break as players are away on international duty.

The next set of fixtures will take place over the weekend of September 10.

You can enter your predictions for round four now. Either enter them online by 23:59 next Friday (September 9) at thephuketnews.com, fax them to the office on 076-612 553, or hand them to us personally here in Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco-Lotus, before 2 pm.

You can still take part, even if you didn’t play in rounds one to three. Just register at thephuketnews.com and make your predictions.

Our ‘expert’ pundit Results from Round three: Aston Villa 0-0 Wolves

Wigan 2-0 QPR Blackburn 0-1 Everton Chelsea 3-1 Norwich Swansea 0-0 Sunderland Liverpool 3-1 Bolton Newcastle 2-1 Fulham Tottenham 1-5 Man City West Brom 0-1 Stoke Man Utd 8-2 Arsenal

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1. Film 2. MRB 3. chasman 4. dcoutts 5. A1CR 6. MAMCHAM 7. keefers 8. Coral Seekers 9. Allard 9. BallBoy 9. Patrick

55 54 52 51 48 47 46 45 44 44 44

No plans for rule change after Bolt’s shock exit ATHLETICS

Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, had barely left the track after his astonishing false start in the world 100m final before a debate swirled over the controversial one-falsestart-and-you’re-out rule.

A packed stadium was stunned into silence in the seconds after the preening sprint star shot too early from his blocks on Sunday.

The Jamaican defending world champion and world record holder was a victim of a rule in effect since January 1, 2010, meaning immediate disqualification for a false start.

It was seen as a way to prevent gamesmanship from potentially slower sprinters looking to unsettle their rivals and to enable organisers to stick more closely to TV-dependent schedules.

Other athletes have paid the price but the “Cult of Bolt” has ensured it is now the major talking point at the worlds in Daegu, South Korea.

Before the dust had even settled over the incident, a British bookmaker offered odds of 5/2 that false start rules will be changed to permit two rather

Bolt was unable to defend his world crown because he false started – once. than the present permitted one before the London Olympics in 2012.

But despite the furore and the loss of the globe’s most marketable sports star from the 100m final, athletics chiefs confirmed there were no immediate plans to discuss a rule change.

“Rules are rules and those are the rules at the moment,” an IAAF spokesman said.

“There has been no decision in terms of it being brought up at the next council meeting [at the end of the championships] that I know of.”

In a statement issued after Sunday’s dramatic events, the

IAAF said it was “disappointed” that Bolt had false-started, but that a sport’s credibility depended on its rules and they had to be applied consistently and fairly.

Bolt’s disqualification shook up his rivals but after a delay of a few minutes team-mate Yohan Blake held his nerve for the restart and powered to victory in 9.92 seconds.

American Walter Dix was second in 10.08 and 2003 world champion Kim Collins of St Kitts and Nevis won bronze in 10.09.

Blake, Bolt’s training partner under coach Glen Mills, admitted to conflicting emotions following his unexpected win.

“I knew I would do this one day but I did not expect it today. Now I am traumatised and have mixed feelings – very sad for Usain Bolt but at the same time I am enjoying this moment very much,” he said.

Veteran Collins said: “As much as I want to be on the podium, tonight is a sad night for athletics.

“I don’t think the false start rule is the right one but as the IAAF think it is good for TV it will probably stay,” Collins said.

www.thephuketnews.com

42 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Vettel extends his lead Sebastian Vettel extended his already yawning lead in this year’s drivers’ world championship on Sunday when he drove to a well-judged if, at times, fortunate victory in the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old defending champion and current leader recovered from a poor start and problems with blistering tyres to ride his luck, manage a successful strategy and emerge ahead of Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber in a memorable one-two triumph.

Vettel came home 3.7 seconds clear of the Australian, who dropped back after a bad start before recovering splendidly, with Jenson Button claiming a well-judged third for McLaren after an even more topsy-turvy race.

Two-time champion Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Michael Schumacher, 42, who marked the 20th anniversary of his F1 debut with a dazzling drive into the points from the back of the grid.

Vettel now has 259 points and leads second-placed Webber on 167 with Alonso on 157.

Vettel reflected: “We had a lot of concerns going into the race after qualifying and weren’t quite sure about the tyres blistering.

FORMULA 1

“The team took the risk and we had reason to be confident, but you never know until you get out there. We both stopped early on so the main target was to see how the tyres were over the first few laps.

“Then the pace was steady and I was feeling comfortable and got back into the lead so, after the safety car, it was key to get past Alonso and get a gap.

“It was certainly more tyre management than usual for me.”

Vettel’s win was his seventh of the season and 17th of his career and, if not one of his most impressive, enough to suggest that as the season runs towards the final few races he remains the dominant force.

Hamilton, of McLaren, crashed out after 13 laps when he was involved in a controversial collision with Japan’s Kamui Kobayashi of Sauber.

Taking full advantage of the safety car period that followed Hamilton’s luckless exit, Vettel swooped for his second new set of tyres in a move that gave him control thereafter.

Runner-up Webber described his start as “shocking”.

“I dropped the lever and

Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium after winning the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit of Spa Francorchamps on August 28 in Spa Francorchamps, Belgium.

–Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images. the car stalled, so that was disappointing. It put me on the back foot knowing we would stop early to get rid of the set of tyres.

“The team handled things really well. It was not an easy Grand Prix for the crew on the pit wall, but it was a good result and I enjoyed the race.”

Webber signs new contract FORMULA 1 Mark Webber celebrated turning 35 on Saturday by signing a oneyear extension to his Red Bull contract for the 2012 season.

The Australian, who finished second behind team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, said: “I want to continue racing at the top in Formula One so it’s a no-brainer to remain at Red Bull Racing for another year.

“My motivation to achieve the best results possible both for myself and the team is still Red Bull’s Mark Webber very high. and build a competitive and “Over the past five years, championship-winning car, we have worked hard and and I’m looking forward to proved that we can design putting the car and myself

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on the limit again each and every race weekend in 2012.”

Red Bull boss Christian Horner said agreeing Webber’s new deal had been “very straightforward”.

“When we sat down and started talking about 2012, it was immediately obvious that Mark and the team wanted to continue our successful relationship.

“Mark knows the team well, having been with us since 2007, and his motivation, fitness and commitment are as high as they have ever been.

“The pairing of Mark Webber and Sebastian is a very strong one; they push each other hard and we are extremely happy the pairing will remain unchanged for a fourth season.”

Webber has experienced a sometimes strained relationship with his team-mate and world champion Sebastian Vettel at times in recent years, but has proved to be a strong and brave racing driver.

Despite being the only one of the leading drivers still without a win this year, Webber is lying second in the driver’s standings on 167 points behind Vettel on 259.

–AFP

Button said: “If I’d stayed in 13th place at the start, it would have been easier to challenge these guys [Vettel and Webber] but it was mayhem.

“Paul Di Resta hit my rear wing, or we collided, then someone’s front wing flew off and went through my front wing and took off my mirror,

which was pretty scary.

“So it was a case of what might have been, but all in all, from starting 13th it’s good to have finished on the podium.”

The minor places were filled by Schumacher’s teammate and fellow-German Nico Rosberg who came sixth ahead of another German Adrian

Sutil of Force India with Vitaly Petrov eighth for Renault.

Brazilian Felipe Massa was ninth for Ferrari with Venezuelen rookie Pastor Maldonado, who started 21st after a grid penalty for crashing into Hamilton during Saturday’s qualifying, finishing 10th for Williams.

Three in contention for final NRL spot Newcastle, South Sydney and Canterbury will chase the eighth and last National Rugby League playoff spot in this weekend’s final round of the regular season.

The Canterbury Bulldogs downed the Newcastle Knights 32-22 last Saturday (August 27) to draw level on 26 points after Souths lost their chance to take outright eighth when they went down 22-12 to the Brisbane Broncos on Sunday.

Newcastle and Souths play each other in Newcastle tonight, while the Bulldogs are at home to the Canberra Raiders on Sunday.

In the weekend’s top-ofthe-table clash, Manly beat Melbourne 18-4 as the Sea Eagles flexed their premiership muscle to maintain their unbeaten year at home and bring an end to the Storm’s 12-game winning run.

The victory, however, took a back seat as wild brawls erupted at Brookvale Oval on Friday.

Manly’s Glenn Stewart and the Storm’s Adam Blair

NRL were sent off as a result of an ugly all-in fight which saw the benches cleared and threatened to spill into the stands.

It was triggered as the pair made their way to the sin bin, exchanging words and punches, and were soon joined by every one of their teammates.

Both clubs have been fined A$50,000 (B1.5 million).

Stewart and Blair have been referred to the NRL judiciary for punishment, NRL chief executive David Gallop said.

Another nine players have been charged with conduct offences following the mass brawl.

“We need to remind everyone that the episode we saw on Friday night is wrong both for the behaviour in itself and for the image of the game,” Gallop said in a statement.

“There are many fans, families and commercial partners who will simply walk away unless we send a clear

message that what occurred will not be tolerated.

“There is a collective responsibility here that both clubs must share.

“The sight of so many players from both teams fighting, of people running in and leaving the bench area, was a horrendous look for the game.”

Champions St George Illawarra ended a five-match losing run to beat the New Zealand Warriors 26-22 in Wollongong on Sunday.

Down 10-0 after as many minutes, the Dragons responded with four tries to keep alive their slim top four hopes.

North Queensland maintained their hopes of a top-four finish with a come-from-behind 28-20 win over Cronulla in Townsville on Saturday.

Coming off a three-match losing streak, the Cowboys needed to win their final two matches to have any hope of earning a home final.

Wests Tigers climbed to fourth when the beat the Gold Coast Titans in the round’s final match on Monday.

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 43

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

Coming up this week

English Premier Team Man United Man City Liverpool Chelsea Wolves Newcastle United Aston Villa Wigan Athletic Stoke City Bolton Wanderers Everton QPR Sunderland Norwich City Swansea City Fulham Arsenal West Brom Blackburn Rovers Tottenham

P 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2

W 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

D 0 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 0 0 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 2

F 13 12 6 5 4 3 3 3 2 7 1 1 1 3 0 1 2 2 2 1

A 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 6 1 6 2 5 4 4 10 5 6 8

Pts 9 9 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 0 0 0

NRL after round 25 Team Storm Sea Eagles Broncos Tigers Cowboys Dragons Warriors Knights Rabbitohs Bulldogs Panthers Roosters Sharks Raiders Titans Eels

P

W

23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

19 18 17 14 14 13 13 11 11 11 9 9 7 6 6 5

D 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

L 4 5 6 9 9 9 10 12 12 12 14 14 16 17 17 17

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513 529 493 489 526 451 486 438 507 413 418 377 406 401 351 353

268 313 362 408 462 329 387 419 522 467 485 492 527 587 597 526

Pts 42 40 38 32 32 31 30 26 26 26 22 22 18 16 16 15

Australian NRL Round 26

Euro 2012 Qualifying matches

(Times in Thailand) Friday September 2 Israel v Greece, GpF Lithuania v Liechtenstein, GpI Finland v Moldova, GpE Andorra v Armenia, GpB Azerbaijan v Belgium, GpA Russia v Macedonia, GpB Georgia v Latvia, GpF Malta v Croatia, GpF Turkey v Kazakhstan, GpA Belarus v Bosnia-He’vina, GpD Luxembourg v Romania, GpD Hungary v Sweden, GpE Norway v Iceland, GpH Bulgaria v England, GpG Netherlands v San Marino, GpE Cyprus v Portugal, GpH Faroe Islands v Italy, GpC Germany v Austria, GpA Northern Ireland v Serbia, GpC Rep of Ireland v Slovakia, GpB Slovenia v Estonia, GpC Wales v Montenegro, GpG Albania v France, GpD

Friday September 2 Dragons v Panthers 16:35 Knights v Rabbitohs 16:35 Saturday September 3 Sharks v Tigers 16:30 Titans v Eels 16:30 Warriors v Cowboys 14:30 Sunday September 4 Bulldogs v Raiders 11:00 Broncos v Sea Eagles 13:00 Roosters v Storm 16:00

AFL Round 24 (Aussie Rules) (Times in Thailand) Friday September 2 C’wood v Geelong 17:40 Saturday September 3 Gold Coast v H’thorn 10:10 W Bulldogs v Fr’mantle 11:10 Swans v Brisbane 13:10 Carlton v St Kilda 16:10 Eagles v Adelaide 16:10

UEFA U-21

Sunday September 4 Port v Melbourne 12:10 Richmond v N Melb 13:40

Champs Qualifiers Friday September 2 Kazakhstan v Romania Belarus v Bosnia-Herceg’ina Serbia v N Ireland Latvia v France Albania v Poland Cyprus v Greece Leichtenstein v Turkey Saturday September 3 Andorra v Armenia Monday Septmeber 5 Sweden v Lithuania Switzerland v Croatia Scotland v Bulgaria Spain v Georgia

Bye: Essendon.

MotoGP (Times in Thailand) GP Aperol di San Marini Friday September 2 Practice 1 15:10 - 15:55 Practice 2 19:10 - 19:55 Saturday Septmeber 3 Practice 3 15:10 - 15:55 Qualifying 18:55 - 19:55 Sunday September 4 Warm-up 14:40 - 15:00 Race 19:00

Sport on TV: Times in Thailand Friday, September 2 EVENT

AFL: Collingwood v Geelong Tennis: US Open

AFL after round 23 Team

P

W

Collingwood Geelong Hawthorn West Coast Carlton St Kilda Sydney Essendon North Melbourne Fremantle Richmond Melbourne Western Bulldogs Adelaide Brisbane Lions Gold Coast Port Adelaide

21 21 21 21 21 21 21 22 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 21

20 18 17 16 14 11 11 11 9 9 8 8 8 7 4 3 2

L 1 3 4 5 6 9 9 10 12 12 12 12 13 14 17 18 19

D 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0

PF

PA

2539 2399 2249 2090 2159 1805 1778 2217 2002 1730 1978 1870 1953 1692 1747 1437 1606

1397 1566 1537 1665 1614 1611 1668 2217 1991 2048 2292 2203 2094 2048 2121 2620 2559

Points 80 72 68 64 58 46 46 46 36 36 34 34 32 28 16 12 8

Formula 1 Driver Standings after Hungary 1. S. Vettel 259; 2. M. Webber 167; 3. F. Alonso 157; J. Button 149; L. Hamilton 146; F. Massa 74; N. Rosberg 56; M. Schumacher 42; V. Petrov 34; N. Heidfeld 34; K. Kobayashi 27; A. Sutil 24; S. Buemi 12; J. Alguesuari 10; S. Perez 8; P. di Resta 8; R. Barichello 4; P. Maldonado 1. All others 0.

Hash House Harriers Run 1330: Saturday, Sep 3 at 4pm.

Hares: J.C. and Saggy Balls.

Directions: From Heroines’ Monument, go west for 5.3 km. Turn right into Baan Jo (HHH). From Cherng Talay traffic lights Baan Jo is on the left after 1.6km. In Baan Jo turn left after 700m (HHH), left again after another 500m (HHH) and go a further 500m to the laager.

TIME

CHANNEL

16:30 22:00

Australia Network Astro Supersport 2.

Saturday, September 3 AFL: Gold Coast v Hawthorn AFL: Bulldogs v Freemantle AFL: Swans v Lions AFL: West Coast v Adelaide AFL: Carlton v St Kilda Football: Bulgaria v England Football: Germany v Austria Athletics: IAAF World Champs Tennis: US Open Tennis: US Open MotoGP: Italian GP qualifying

10:00 13:00 17:00 20:00 22:30 01:10 01:40 07:30 6:00 22:00 18:55

Australia Network Australia Network.

Australia Network.

Australia Network.

Australia Network.

Astro Supersport 3 Astro Supersport Astro Supersport Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport 2 STAR Sports

AFL: Port Adelaide v Melbourne NRL: Broncos v Sea Eagles Athletics: IAAF World Champs MotoGP: Italian GP Tennis: US Open

12:00 12:55 07:00 15:57 22:00

Australia Network Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport STAR Sports Astro Supersport 2

Sunday, September 4

Bundesliga, Germany Team

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Pts

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Bayern Schalke Werder Bremen Hannover Bor’sia M’gladbach Bor’sia Dortmund Mainz Bayer Leverkusen Hoffenheim Nuremburg Hertha Berlin Stuttgart Freiburg Cologne Wolfsburg Augsburg Kaiserslautern Hamburg

4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

9 9 9 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 5 4 4 4 3 2 2 1

3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 1 0 2 2 1

1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 3

9 10 9 6 6 5 7 2 5 3 4 4 9 6 4 3 2 6

1 6 5 4 3 2 6 2 4 4 4 3 9 12 8 6 7 14

Peace at the London 2012 stadium. Lord Sebastian Coe insists riots will not be tolerated during the Games.

Coe: Riots will not be tolerated next year Riots that rocked London last month were nothing more than “illegal night shopping” and will not be tolerated during the 2012 Olympics, Lord Sebastian Coe, the chairman of the organising committee said.

The frenzy of looting and destruction, which started in the north London district of Tottenham on August 6, before spreading across the capital and to other cities, left five people dead in the worst riots in England for decades.

Coe, speaking to AFP on the sidelines of the World Athletics Championships, which he is attending in his capacity as vice-president of athletics’ governing body the IAAF, said it was not the London he knew.

“I am a true Londoner.

I was born in London, my parents were born in London and my grandparents on my father’s side were born in east London, exactly where we’re doing the work in Olympic Park,” he said.

“That is not the London that I understand, that I love and that I recognise. Nobody should draw conclusions from what they saw.”

But Coe, a two-time Olympic 1,500m gold medallist in 1980 and 1984, did not dismiss the potential effect of the images of violence and looting seen around the world.

“Internationally, to have

OLYMPICS

pictures like that going around the world was not good. But they [rioters] were brought under control in two days,” he said.

“Do not run away with the idea that these were political demonstrations. This was illegal late-night shopping.”

And he issued a stark warning in view of the London Olympics, saying he had full confidence in the security measures planned for next year’s Games: “We will have systems in place.

“Security, you review all the time. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in a tough climate or a benign environment.

“You review security every day and we will have contingency arrangements in place that are very strong and, yes, they will deal with any issues of public disorder.”

During the riots, London was hosting six test events at Olympic venues and Coe hailed their success as testament to the spirit of the majority of people in London.

“I had 205 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in London at the time. We had six test events going on at the same time,” he said.

“I was able to show the NOCs that this city, under extraordinary challenges, still delivered six test events with no interruptions.”

–AFP

www.thephuketnews.com

44 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2011

NO NEED TO PANIC

Writer Chris Rattue believes that Richie McCaw (pictured) and co “still have the goods to smash their trans-Tasman rivals when it counts”.

–Photo by Steve Punter.

Deans delight at Tri-Nations win Wallabies coach Robbie Deans hailed his side’s tenacity after they held on to beat the All Blacks and claim the Tri-Nations crown, but warned the victory was “irrelevant” to the upcoming World Cup. The Australians showed great commitment and determination to down the top-ranked Kiwis 25-20 in the tournament decider in Brisbane last Saturday, buoying their hopes of a third World Cup triumph in New Zealand in October.

The All Blacks have so often proved too resilient for the Wallabies, and clawed their way back from 20-3 down at half-time to draw level midway through the second half, but this time Australia held on for the victory.

Asked what had pleased him the most about the Wallaby performance, Deans said: “The win... getting it done.”

“We’ve had stanzas of good play in some of our recent meetings against the All Blacks but we haven’t gone the 80 minutes and that’s what we had to do

www.thephuketnews.com

TRI-NATIONS

and we got there,” he said.

It was only Australia’s third win in their last 14 encounters with the All Blacks, but significantly their second in their last three meetings.

The Wallabies, who edged out the All Blacks 26-24 in Hong Kong last October, had not beaten them at home in more than three years.

The victory also ended a 19-year winless run against their trans-Tasman rivals in Brisbane.

The three tries to two victory gave the Wallabies their first Tri-Nations title in a decade and only their third in 16 seasons of the southern hemisphere championship.

“It’s a significant result for us as we haven’t done that since 2001 so that’s a biggie,” Deans said.

“We’ll take some real value out of it, the momentum in the game changed and the All Blacks got back on top and looked ominous.

“But these blokes really kept their nerves, got their hands on the ball and

produced enough pressure to get the result. So that was an important step for us.”

Wallaby fly-half Quade Cooper, who was cleared of kneeing All Blacks’ skipper Richie McCaw after being cited following the match, said the victory gave the Australians a lot of confidence heading into the World Cup. “Any time you beat the All Blacks you’ve got to give yourself a pat on the back,” Cooper said.

“They’re not the best team in the world for no reason and the performance we put in as a team gives us a lot of confidence moving forward.

“But at the same time they [the All Blacks] will be raring to go and the next time we happen to meet, if we’re lucky enough to make it through to the World Cup final, I’m sure they will be raring to get one back on us.”

New Zealand meet Tonga in Auckland in the opening match of the World Cup on September 9, while Australia begin their campaign against Italy two days later on September 11.

New Zealand media urged All Blacks’ fans not to hit the panic button after the Rugby World Cup favourites crashed to successive losses in the Tri-Nations.

New Zealand’s 25-20 loss to Australia on Saturday blew the All Blacks’ chances of retaining the southern hemisphere title and followed hot on the heels of an 18-5 defeat to South Africa earlier this month.

T he K iw is st a r t t h is month’s tournament as heavy favourites because of their position as the number one side in the world and because they have home advantage.

All Blacks fans will be wary, however, because their side has been favourites to win virtually every World Cup since its inception in 1987.

The Kiwis were successful in the inaugural tournament but since then have reached the final just once – in South Africa in 1995 – and have also suffered a number of early exits when they were widely expected to win.

In the 24 years since the first Rugby World Cup Aus-

RUGBY

tralia (2), South Africa (2) and England have all lifted the Webb-Ellis Cup. Despite the overwhelming feeling that history is about to repeat itself, the New Zealand media is still confident of an All Black win.

The New Zealand Herald described the Wallabies’ victory over a full-strength All Blacks side as a “reality check”, although columnist Chris Rattue took heart from a late fightback that almost got them home.

“Breathe easy, All Black fans, because the third-quarter comeback against the victorious Wallabies shows that [captain] Richie McCaw’s troops still have the goods to smash their trans-Tasman rivals when it counts,” he wrote.

Former All Black Justin Marshall said New Zealand had been out-coached by Australia and the back-to-back losses showed the All Blacks were “eminently beatable”.

But after seeing the All

Blacks take control of the match in the second half, Marshall said he was not fretting about the World Cup, particularly as he believed home ground advantage would be a huge asset for New Zealand. “[Auckland's] Eden Park has this security blanket that envelopes them and inspires them to great deeds,” he wrote in the Dominion Post.

“It seems to bring out the worst in other teams... I don't know why, it just does.

“Hence, as a pundit, I'm fairly sanguine about the All Blacks' changes.”

The Dominion Post's Tony Robson said the world's topranked team lacked intensity in the early stages of the match against Australia but coach Graham Henry would ensure there was no repeat at the World Cup. “He will sleep well knowing complacency has been stamped out completely,” he said.

“And he can also rest easy that his forward pack can deliver up front after a stirring second half in Brisbane.”

–AFP

Bin Hammam slams FIFA bribery probe FOOTBALL Ousted Asian football chief Mohamed bin Hammam on Monday accused FIFA of threatening Caribbean football officials to force them to admit he offered bribes – claims that led to his life ban.

Bin Hammam was slapped with the ban last month after he was found guilty of trying to buy votes in the FIFA presidential race by offering Caribbean football officials $40,000 (B1.2 million) each.

The former head of the Asian Football Confederation has denied the charges, calling them “politically motivated”, and is appealing the ban.

In a blog posting, Bin Hammam published a copy of a letter from FIFA secretarygeneral Jerome Valcke, asking Caribbean Football Union members to come forward “with all relevant information”.

Anyone who didn’t come forward would “be subject to the full range of sanctions,” the letter said.

“Based upon the evidence gathered to date, there is reason to believe that numerous people have not been completely candid and forthright in their statements about... whether they or others were offered or received money,”

Mohammad Bin Hammam believes that his lifelong ban is politically motivated and that FIFA threatened Caribbean football officials.

–Photo AFP. it said.

Bin Hammam said he had been found guilty by a “kangaroo court - FIFA branch”.

“Valcke, the co-owner of FIFA, issued a letter to the CFU member associations, threatening them to either admit that they have been bribed or he will open an investigation to find out if I have bribed them or not!,” he said.

The Qatari did not say how he obtained the document.

In an email to AFP, FIFA

confirmed the letter was authentic but said Valcke acted within his role, supporting FIFA’s investigation.

“I am surprised by these comments. Frankly, this is a bit low,” Valcke said in the email.

“The facts clearly show that I acted at the request of the deputy chairman of the ethics committee and perfectly in accordance with the FIFA code of ethics. Contrary to what these comments appear to insinuate, I never deviate from my line of duty.” –AFP