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■ Commandos raid tiny Rang Noi island east of Phuket looking for illegal casino ■ However, there are undercurrents: embezzlement ‘on a massive scale’, an upcoming trial of those responsible, and death threats against American owner FULL STORY ON PAGE 3
Officers of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division head for Koh Rang Noi on Tuesday (July 31)
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Gig makes it into the finals
Phuket singer Gig through to finals of ‘Thailand’s Got Talent’ contest > 6
Alasdair Forbes, Jody Houton & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com
Locals to fight Tesco ‘Demolisher’ Damrong LE A DER S OF L O CA L communities in Phuket City held a meeting on Wednesday (August 1) at the Phuket City Municipality office to discuss their plan to call for a public hearing before construction begins on a planned new Tesco Lotus hyperstore. The store is planned for Bangkok Road, close to the Slaughterhouse intersection. The President of the communities, Manu Kiewkram, said they plan to meet with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha to call for his support in arranging a public hearing. “We are concerned about the communities who have xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Manu Kiewkram: Livelihoods could be at stake
been earning their living in Phuket City, as well as traffic problems that will follow after the opening of the new Tesco,” said Mr Manu. About 18 communities, comprising more than 300 people, will join the public hearing, as well as a protest march against the new Tesco Mr Manu said that the new Tesco project is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Assessment. A spokesperson for TescoLotus Thailand said the company could not comment at this stage but added that it would release information about the new store as soon as possible.
47 sign up for council poll FORTY SEVEN CANDIDATES SIGNED UP on Tuesday (July 31), the first day of registration for upcoming Provincial Council elections, scheduled for August 26. Among them are former council members and local business people, including former Council President Pradit Sangjan: former
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councillor and Yamaha motorcycle dealer Anupart Wetwanitsanong; and the owner of Chaiyo Seafood restaurant, Theera Kiatsakul. In the election voters will select one candidate each for Phuket’s 24 wards – 15 in Phuket City, six in Thalang and three in Kathu. Registration will continue until tomorrow.
under investigation
T
he Director of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Plant Conservation, Damrong “The Demolisher” Pidetch, is to be investigated by a special government committee over the demolition of nine resorts in Tub Lan National Park that straddles Nakorn Ratchasima and Prachinburi Provinces last Friday night (July 27). The nine resorts he ordered demolished included the B300-million Baan Talay Mok Resort in Prachinburi. It is this demolition in particular that is reported to have caused conflict between Mr Damrong and a number of politicians who deplored its destruction. Channel 3 TV reported that the owner of the resort had complained to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra that the destruction “was not fair”, resulting in the setting up of a committee to investigate the case.
Damrong Pidetch says he will continue until he retires or is moved. Some national media outlets have reported that Mr Damrong, who is due to retire from government service in October, will be transferred to an inactive post. Mr Damrong, however, told media that he had not yet been transferred, though he added
that he would accept the order if it came. “But if I’m still in this position, I will continue with the demolition of 418 resorts that sit on encroached land in national parks until the day of my retirement,” he said. Mr Damrong has been praised for his straightforward style of his investigation of land encroaching into national parks. Last year he ordered the demolition of a number of resorts and private villas built on public land in Wang Nam Kiew, also in Nakorn Ratchasima Province. Earlier this month he visited Phuket and ordered the investigation of 10 luxurious resorts and villas suspected of encroaching on the Sirinart National Park in the north of Phuket. He insisted that he would push the investigation through to completion before his retirement.
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HITTING THE JACKPOT?
Official raiders say island complex ‘may be casino’ fficers of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NREC) raided Rang Noi island to the east of Phuket on Tuesday (July 31) where, say officers, they suspect a high-class casino is being built on land leased by an American with a gaming background. The Commander of the NREC, Pol Maj Gen Norasak Hamenithi, led officers on an inspection of six buildings and three pavilions found on the site. The two largest buildings each have eight luxurious seaview rooms, a large hall and a walk-in vault with a massive door a foot thick. In the large buildings large power cables run along the walls, with smaller cables branching off at right angles every two or three metres, suggesting – according to police – that, when finished, the electrical system will consist of underfloor cabling with sockets in the floor. The site is ringed with two fences, and surveyors reported finding CCTV cameras on the higher of the two, which is about 1.2 metres high. Entrance to the island is gained through a floating pier ending on the beach at the south end. An engineer from the Koh Kaeo Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) noted that the buildings on the island did not conform with plans submitted to the OrBorTor. The raid on Tuesday was a culmination of a long investigation of the island by the NREC, which began last year after the NREC received a complaint “from an individual”. Gen Norasak added, “We received information from a police detective that some casino brokers had been invited to inspect the island, with the intention that they might bring guests there.” The Superintendent of NREC region 5, Pol Col Watcharin Pusit, added that
O
Above, one of the elegant buildings in the 15-rai complex. Left, an official inspects the partially completed vault, which police feel is one indication that complex will become a casino. research showed the land was owned until recently by the Bridge Rang Noi Co, whose board includes two foreigners. One of those is an American, named by the NREC as John Kevin Baldwin, who is an owner of the Savan Vegas Casino in Savannakhet province in Laos. Mr Baldwin is also the principal of investment company Bridge Capital LLC, an affiliate of Bridge Rang Noi registered in Saipan in Micronesia. In March this year Bridge Rang Noi sold the land to Kan Krao Co, a Thai company owned by three Thais, for B38 million. Attached to the deal was a 30-year lease on the land in Mr Baldwin’s name. But the land deed is suspect, according to police, and the history of the title deeds for the 15 rai of land, covering most of the island, will
be another prime focus of the case; NREC officials will be expanding the investigation to include the origins of the land deed. In 1961, reporters were told, the island was surveyed and registered as state land, meaning that people might visit the island but not occupy it. There was no population reported on
the island, which was described as covered in forest. At some point, however, a SorKor 1 paper was issued for the land, though this paper identifies the land as being in Moo 3 of Tambon Koh Kaeo when in fact the island lies in Moo 6, leading to suspicion that a “flying SorKor 1” may have been used to claim ownership.
On the basis of that SorKor 1, a NorSor 3 paper was issued in 1973, followed by a Chanote title deed five years ago. A surveyor who came with the team confirmed that a piece of land on the northern tip of the island, where a large villa is being built, is outside the borders of the land defined in the Chanote, as is, also, part
of one of the large buildings. A mar in Suthisaksoaphakul, a lawyer for Kan Krao, who accompanied officials on their raid, insisted to reporters that the deeds were obtained legally. “We are not worried about the raid today because we have evidence to prove our innocence,” Mr Amarin said. He added that the buildings are for tourism purposes, not for a casino, as police claimed. Though the owners of the land were not charged on Tuesday, the NREC gave Kan Krao Co seven days to produce evidence showing it has no case to answer. As this issue went to press, The Phuket News learned that there are undercurrents to this story that have yet to come to light. These involve embezzlement from Mr Baldwin on “a massive scale”, an upcoming trial of those responsible, and death threats made against Mr Baldwin. There are also suggestions that pressure is being applied by Mr Baldwin’s opponents to get him to back away from legal action. Although the police theorised that a casino was being built on the island, they uncovered no concrete evidence to back the theory – so far. Investigations will continue. The Phuket News will be following a number of leads in order to uncover details.
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used in the horribly bungled robbery. Mr Smith hoped the Thai courts would “do the right thing and give them a tough penalty – the most they can get”. But Mr Smith was forgiving towards Phuket and Thailand in general. He said he felt sorry for Phuket, which had “copped a lot of flak” after his wife’s murder. He added that his experiences with Thais had led him to believe they were “lovely people”.
Surasak Suwanchot, accused of killing Mrs Smith.
Michelle stabbing trial starts Monday Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com
T
he trial of the two men accused of killing Australian travel agent Michelle Smith in a botched bag-snatching in Kata Noi on June 20 is scheduled to begin on Monday (August 6). Police handed over the case to the state prosecutor on July 20, and the prosecution case was then delivered to the Phuket Provincial Court last Friday (July 27).
The Phuket News understands that the court has been instructed to hear the case as soon as possible because of its international ramifications. In Perth, the West Australian newspaper quoted Mrs Smith’s husband Geoff as saying that he hoped the Thai judge would deal severely with the two accused men, Surasak Wannachot, who allegedly wielded the knife, and Surin Tapthong, who allegedly drove the motorbike
Japan roadshow ‘a success’ Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com
THE PHUKET TOURIST Association (PTA) has declared its July 21-29 Japan Roadshow a success, estimating that as a result the number of Japanese tourist arrivals will jump 54 per cent in 2013. The Vice President of the PTA, Bhuritt Maswongssa, said that he expected around 100,000 Japanese tourists to visit Phuket next year – the highest number since before the 2004 tsunami. This would be a huge leap from the 65,000 Japanese tourists who visited the island last year. “Before the 2004 tsunami, the Japanese were a big market for Phuket’s tourism industry,” said Mr Bhuritt. “We hope the Japan roadshow will get the Japanese to come back.” The Japan Roadshow 2012 was sponsored and paid for by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (OrBorJor), and organised by President Paiboon Upatising. Around B15 million is spent each year by the OrBorJor on roadshows to foreign
Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha, governor’s adviser Methee Tanmanatragul, and the President of the OrBorJor, Paiboon Upatising, in Tokyo. countries. Countries providing “low-season” tourists are typically targeted, including South Korea, India, Australia and China. Mr Bhuritt added that, as a result of the roadshows, Phuket no longer suffers economic slumps during the low season, with special tour packages and promotions offered during this time of the year. Japanese tourists have been particularly targeted to boost tourist numbers during the low season, as March to May
is a popular holiday period in Japan owing to the annual Japanese Golden Week from late April to early May. August to October is also a popular period among Japanese for honeymoons. Representatives from 21 of Phuket’s hospitality businesses attended the 2012 Japanese Roadshow, visiting three of Japan’s biggest cities; Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo. Altogether they met and held discussions with more than 360 Japanese buyers and
tour agents to discuss Phuket tourism. Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said he was satisfied with the result of the roadshow. However, he also called for Phuket people to be well behaved and good hosts for tourists, as Phuket authorities and many hospitality businesses had put a lot of effort in promoting Phuket. “Phuket authorities have been trying to fix the problems of fraud and violence,” said Gov Tri.
Illegal resort targeted Fugitive AROUND 150 FORESTRY officials descended on a resort under construction on a hill in the Bang Kanoon National Forest Reserve on Saturday morning (July 28). No arrests were made; officials could find neither the project owner or the workers. The raid was led by Region 12 Krabi Branch Office of Forest Resources director Amnaj Soikiao, along with the chiefs of the Krabi National Forest Preservation Operations Centre No 6; the Forest Fire Prevention Unit; Forestry criminal investigation officers from
Krabi, Phang-nga and Phuket; and every unit attached to Mr Amnaj’s Krabi office. Mr Amnaj told reporters, “The circumstances with regard to forest encroachment on Phuket are increasingly grave. “Roads are being cut and land appropriated illegally. These forests are an important national resource and they are being damaged, putting them out of balance with nature and causing natural disasters. “To put an end to this situation, the Region 12 Krabi Branch Office of Forest Resources and the Krabi National
Forest Preservation Operations Centre No 6, which have authority in this area, initiated this joint operation aimed at discovering criminal violations in Phuket’s National Forests.” Amnaj listed three forest preserves as targets for investigation: Bang Kanoon; Kamala; and the Nakkerd Mountain Range. “Bang Kanoon was declared a Forest Reserve in 1964, covering about 5,000 rai.” But, he explained, “Since 1999, some 268 plots covering 3,844 rai have been identified as encroachments.
arrested BELGIUM’S MOST WANTED fugitive was arrested in Phuket on Monday (July 30). Marc de Schutter is wanted in Belgium for murder, extortion, embezzlement, smuggling, involvement in drugs and laundering money. He was arrested in a raid by dozens of police, from Chalong and Bangkok, on his home in Rawai Police moved de Schutter to Bangkok on Tuesday in preparation for extradition procedures to begin.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Body in the bin: Dokset denies all the charges
PHUKET NEWS
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Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com
N
orwegian Stein Havard Dokset, arrested on February 28 after police found the rotting body of his ex-girlfriend, Rungnapa Suktong, in a garbage bin in a bathroom of his house in Kata appeared in court on Monday (July 30) to deny all the charges against him. He faces charges of murder, illegal possession of a gun and obstructing an investigation by hiding a body and denying any knowledge of it, even though subsequent DNA tests proved that the rotting contents of the bin were the remains of Ms Rungnapa. His next hearings before the Phuket Provincial Court are scheduled for February and March next year. He has reportedly not requested bail. Dokset was arrested on February 28 after a tip-off that Ms Rungnapa’s body was stashed in his house. She had not been seen for the best part of three years. Dokset denies killing her, saying that she died during an argument with him, when he pushed her and her head hit a wall.
The thief’s face was caught on the hotel’s CCTV system.
Police hunt for Cello thief
Stein Dokset remains behind bars. The next hearing in his trial will be in February.
POLICE A R E HOPI NG that images from a CCTV camera in a Patong hotel – along with a reward – will lead to the arrest of one of the island’s busiest thieves. The thief, who has yet to be identified, raided the Scandinavian-owned Cello Hotel in Nanai Rd on Saturday night (July 28), waiting until then receptionist took a toilet break, and then swiftly grabbing her handbag and a walkie-talkie. Hotel GM Joni Soila told The Phuket News that he had
handed CCTV footage to the police in Patong, who are trying to identify the thief from it. The thief has pulled similar raids on many other hotels and has always eluded capture. The hotel’s owners have offered a reward of B25,000 for information leading to the arrest of the man. Police said they believe they know who the man is, and are now searching for him. They added that he appears to work on his own, and not as part of a gang.
Huge illegal sand mine raided THAILAND’S DEPARTment of Special Investigations (DSI) raided a sand mine in the Tai Meuang district of Phang Nga on Monday (July 31), said to be worth hundreds of millions of baht. The mine’s main clients are construction sites in Phuket. Sixty officers were led on the raid by Pol Col Yanpol Yangyeun, DSI deputy director. Also involved were Royal Thai Navy commandos. Raiders, divided into five units, burst into the 5,000-rai sand mine in the Klong Toong Maprao Forest in tambon Lam Kaen Moo 4 of Tai Meuang
district. Seized as evidence were 10 earth-movers and seven sand pumps. Twentyeight people were arrested, including an unidentified senior police sergeant major attached to the Phang Nga Police Investigations Division, temporarily assigned to the Tai Meuang police. He was grabbed while engaged in overseeing work at the mine for an unidentified “big investor”. Investigators said owners of the mine include politicians at the local and national levels, provincial police officals and businessmen – none were
identified in the report. The mine reportedly averaged 500 deliveries of sand daily, mostly to construction sites in Phuket. “The DSI was asked to investigate this operation by the Phang Nga Natural Resources and Environment Office,” said Pol Col Yanpol. “We were informed that the mine had been operating without a permit, causing damage, but was allowed to work unhindered because its owners had created a network of such influence that no single unit of government could close them down. So we had to join forces to arrest them.”
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Gig’s in the final Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com
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huket’s Thailand’s Got Talent competitor Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak says she is “so excited” to have reached the final of the competition, and extended a huge thanks to all those who voted for her. Gig performed British singer Adele’s Rolling in the Deep on Sunday night (July 29) in the semi finals of the competition, and was one of two competitors selected to go through to the September final. Gig was the Judges’ Choice while the other competitor, singer-guitarist David Kim, went through after getting the largest number of SMS votes from viewers. “I’m so excited to get through,” Gig told The Phuket News on Monday (July 30). “I thought last night I didn’t sing too well. I didn’t think I had enough power. “[After I sang] I thought people might not want to vote for me any more, I thought I
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wouldn’t get through. So when I did, I was very excited. “When I went backstage everyone was chanting “Gig, Gig”. I could hardly believe I got through. “The judges said I sang well, and commented on how much I’ve changed from last time, when I auditioned.” She underwent a complete transformation to resemble singer Adele, a far cry from when she auditioned several
months ago, wearing a simple outfit of tank top and jeans. “I looked so different from the audition. Many people didn’t recognise me.” When it was announced she was through to the final, a stunned-looking Gig and was joined on stage by her mother, father and brother, who had all travelled from Yala to see her perform. “They were very proud and happy.” Also on stage with Gig was
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Gig: 'I really hope I can win the final.'
her fiancé Soeren, who Gig said “cried a little bit” because he was so happy for her. On Monday Gig was driving back to Phuket, and expressed her deep gratitude for all the support islanders have given her. “I just want to thank everyone for every vote they made, and for supporting me. Please keep supporting me until the show is over.” When asked if she thought she would win the competition – her ultimate dream – Gig said, “I’m not sure, but I really hope I can. I will try my best.” The Phuket News has learned this week that singing sensation Gig may very soon have some competition for the hearts of Phuket fans of Thailand’s Got Talent. Nai Harn-based street performer ‘Romodom’ will be bringing his unique brand of art to the semi finals on August 26. For an in-depth interview with the amiable artist, pick up next week’s issue of The Phuket News.
THE PHUKET JOB FAIR 2012 is the first job fair on this scale ever to be held in Phuket, taking place on October 27 and 28, at Rajabhat University. There is a huge demand for quality staff in all industries within Phuket – a high percentage in the hospitality and tourism sector – especially with Phuket about to enter its annual high season. The 1,000 potential candidates – all who have expressed a keen interest in working in Phuket – come from around Thailand via bus for the event, right to your doorstep. The privately chartered buses from eight surrounding provinces will bring the 1,000 potential and motivated job seekers who all have to preregister by uploading their resumés on the website (www. phuketjobfair.com), which guar-
antees their place on the bus from their particular province. Local businesses will be invited to take a booth at the show, which has huge benefits, including not only meeting and interviewing some of the 1,000 potential candidates, but also reducing the normal cost in employing new staff. Each candidate at the event will have a unique ID number that potential employers can use to access their resumé online, before interviewing them face-to-face. Events Thailand is Phuket’s premier event organisers and hospitality consultancy company, with over 20 years experience in hospitality and events management. For more information, or to schedule an interview with Managing Director Jorge de la Torre, call 076 612 550-2, email Jorge at jorge@events thailand.net, or visit www. phuketjobfair.com
IN BRIEF Figures highlight dangers for Brits Thailand ranks fourth in the world in terms of likelihood of British nationals requiring consular assistance, says the British Behaviour Abroad Report 2012, just released by the UK government. The report cited 978 consular assistance cases in Thailand from April 1 2011 to 31 March this year, an increase of 1.14 per cent. During the same period, 894,224 British visited or resided in Thailand.
Patong ‘safe from natural disaster’ People in Patong are safe from natural disasters, Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukkabal said last week in a safety briefing for members of the local press. However, he did admit that the evacuation of the town after the tsunami alert of April 11 did not go as smoothly as it could have. In particular, Mr Chairat said that, instead of listening to advice from Phuket officials, police waited for orders from the commander of Phuket police.
Fire destroys Burmese camp Fire ripped through a Burmese construction workers’ camp on Soi Hua Pru in Rawai on July 25, causing an estimated B200,000 in damage. The flames were extinguished in 30 minutes, but not before they had destroyed everything. An electrical short is suspected.
Village chief dies in hail of bullets GIVING BACK Representatives from The Phuket
News officially launched The Phuket Colouring Book on Wednesday (August 1) to Governor Tri Augkaradacha and others present at the Phuket Provincial Hall. Pictured above are Phuket News Marketing and PR Manager Tamakorn Khowpon, presenting the colouring book, watched by Sue Ultmann of the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation. The colouring book, available from outlets around the island on sale for B149, features drawings by artist Sophie Crichton. Funds from sales go toward local charity the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation. Anyone wishing to stock or buy the colouring book should contact Ms Tamakorn on 076-6125502 or email pr@thephuketnews.com
Pareuhas Kongbanneuk, a village chief in Krabi, died in a firestorm of bullets from automatic weapons on Saturday evening (July 28), and four villagers riding in the back of his truck are in critical condition in hospital with bullet wounds. An investigator said, “The attackers pulled up beside the victim’s vehicle, and gunmen in the rear sprayed three bullets into the truck bed of their target.”
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
PHUKET NEWS
Patong security ‘well under way’ K
at hu police have stepped up policing to try to achieve the “Phuket Model” of security, which includes a Patong safety zone aimed at creating a nocrime zone in Phuket’s tourism hotspot. The Superintendent of Kathu police station, Pol Col Jirapat Phoachanapan, said in a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall on Monday (July 30) that 12 officers have been stationed at each of six zones in Patong. In addition, six check points have been set up around Patong, on Prabaramee Rd, Thaweewong Rd, and Rat U-Thit 200 Pi Rd at periods when statistics
show crime is most likely. Col Jirapat reported that more raids have also been staged to seize weapons and drugs, and stamp out gambling and “gathering places for illegal activities”. Like the overall security plan for Phuket, the Patong scheme relies heavily on cooperation from local people and the installation of increasing numbers of CCTV cameras. “Police cooperation with local people is very important,” Col Jirapat said. “For example, we now have more CCTV cameras on Soi Tan, installed by local businesspeople as part of our cooperation.”
“We are now cooperating with other local people to ask for their help in completing installation of CCTV cameras [in front of their buildings] as soon as possible.” Once Patong is established as a secure zone, the focus of the Phuket Model will switch to Kata-Karon, the meeting was told, with check points being set up on Karon Beach Rd, Kata Beach Rd and Patak Rd. The Phuket Model is a security policy ordered by the government and the Royal Thai Police, following the brutal stabbing murder of Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on June 20.
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MR PRESIDENT Larry Amsden was installed as president of the Rotary Club of Patong at a ceremony on Saturday (July 28). He is pictured with his new regalia after the installation, conducted by Dr Sanguan Kunaporn, Phuket’s Rotary District Governor-Elect. Mr Amsden takes over as president from Best Wannamakok. Photo: Dan Miles
The Thai language ‘must be cherished’ RAJABHAT UNIVERSITY’S Humanities Department head, Professor Tawachai Toomtong, said during a seminar on Thai Language Day last week that the Thai language is “something to cherish” and is the glue that holds the community together. During the event, organised by the University in conjunction with the Provincial Office of Culture, Prof Tawachai told the audience, “Thai is the language of this nation, its distinguishing characteristic
and something to cherish.” “More than that, it is the very glue that holds us together, for those who speak the same language inevitably have a closer affinity and more harmonious relations than those who don’t. “As His Majesty noted in a chapter of the text Being Truly Thai: ‘Language creates a more deep-seated affinity than anything else; nothing makes people feel more closely united than speaking the same language.’”
The event was held on Thursday (July 26) and was made up of a range of activities to celebrate the Thai language. The University’s event was separate from the National Thai Language Day which is held on July 29 every year, and was marked last Sunday. “Everyone should endeavour to speak the language well and develop the ability to appreciate when it is well used,” Prof Tawachai said. – Source: Siang Tai
A vendor makes A Pong, a traditional local dessert, at the launch event for the carnival, which was held on July 25.
Kathu ready for annual carnival TH E FOU RTH K ATH U Street Culture carnival will run from tomorrow to Monday (August 4-6) on Vichit Songkhram Rd, bringing back the old days to the town, and showcasing the town’s cultural and culinary heritage. The Mayor of Kathu, Chai-anan Sutthirun, who is chairing the organising committee, told The Phuket News, “I would like to see Phuketians bring back some of the old traditions that have been lost, and incorporate them into modern life. “I hope this event may help local people promote our culture and preserve our traditions.” The carnival will begin with a grand opening at the
Chinese Shrine in the market on Wichit Songkhram Rd at 5.30 pm, followed by a parade along the road, featuring people in traditional costumes, some carrying PorTor – edible sculptures of turtles, signifying long life. The sides of the road will be decorated to look like Phuket in the old days, and stalls will sell traditional food, Thai desserts, arts and crafts. Visitors will get to learn about the beliefs behind Phuket’s famed Vegetarian Festival, and ways that tin was mined in the area. There will also be different stage shows each day featuring enactments of old-time fairy tales, Phuket culture or live music.
Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.
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PHUKET FOCUS
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Phuket lions roar on national stage James Goyder editor@thephuketnews.com
A
rguably the single m o s t s u c c e s sf u l sporting establishment in Phuket is tucked away behind an innocuous looking metal gate halfway up the Ha Sip Pee Road hill leading out of Patong. Most passing motorists probably don’t give it a minute’s thought, but if they did pause they might be able to make out the small sign which says simply ‘Sing Patong’. This translates as ‘The Lion of Patong’, and this Muay Thai camp has been roaring louder than any other in Thailand in recent months after taking three young men and transforming them into world renowned fighters. Penthai Sitnumnoi, from Krabi, Peneak Sitnumnoi from Phattalung and Damian Alamos from France all hold titles at Lumpini Stadium, the most coveted in the entire Muay Thai world. Peneak is also the reigning fighter of the year. Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and thousands of young men aspire to the sort of success that will bring glory and more significantly, because few, if any, come from affluent backgrounds, money.
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Sing Patong’s (left to right) Charlie Peters, Penthai Sitnumnoi, trainer Num Noi, Peneak Sitnumnoi, Damian Alamos. Every year the best fighter in the entire country is crowned and at the end of 2011 that prestigious accolade went to Peneak. It is unusual for fighters based in Phuket to make such an impression on the Bangkok stadium scene, and Sing Patong’s success is largely due to the softly spoken and
humble manager and head trainer Somnuck Padburee, or Num Noi as he is more commonly known. Originally from Phattalung, he has been in Phuket for a decade and has helped the likes of Peneak and Penthai go from being aspiring young fighters to becoming two of the most recognisable ‘Nak
Muay’ in all of Thailand. While Sing Patong’s fighters have been in the spotlight in the last six months, Num Noi is anxious to point out that this success did not come overnight. “Sing Patong was founded in 1971 by Somsak Junlaka, my boss, and it is the only camp in Thailand which has three Lumpini champions now and Damian is also the only foreigner to hold a Lumpini belt. “Peneak was voted the best fighter in Thailand recently, he is 22 and has been training with me since he was 12 years old. “For his first fight he got B200 or 300, but now he gets at least B100,000 for a fight.” Damian is the most successful of the foreign fighters
at Sing Patong at present but there are a number of others from as far afield as Australia, England and France including WPMF Champion Charlie Peters. While the ‘farangs’ and the Thai fighters train side by side the focus, according to Num Noi, is very much on local talent. “We have about 15 Thais. The younger ones all go to school so they don’t train hard in the morning, they just go running and then after school they train hard. “Some of the boys go to school on Saturday and Sunday and train during the week.” While the foreign fighters pay around B8,000 per month to train at Sing Patong and tend to live outside the camp, the Thais all stay together and
their food, accommodation and education is taken care of. In return the camp is entitled to 50 per cent cut of a fighter’s purse, although Num Noi is very laidback about money and says he often chooses to take less. As you would expect from a group which comes predominantly from Southern Thailand, they are a mixture of Buddhists and Muslims but in the relaxed atmosphere of Sing Patong this doesn’t create any difficulties. “They do not always eat the same food but apart from that everything is the same. “When they are fighting they are expected to train hard for 15 days but after the fight they can relax. “I don’t mind if they have girlfriends and sometimes we all play cards together. “It’s not strict, but I don’t allow them to drink or smoke.” While Peneak is not exactly a household name in Phuket, in his hometown of Phattalung it is a very different story. Almost 10,000 people turned out to see him fight former Lumpini Champion Saketdao Petphayathai on a school playing field their recently, with the gate taking almost B5 million. It was a momentous occasion in what is normally a sleepy Southern town, and the place was absolutely packed with some spectators having to settle for watching the action on two big TV screens set up at opposite corners off the field. Alamos had originally been scheduled to fight but pulled out after a family member fell ill, but that still left two of Sing Patong’s fighters on the card with Penthai facing the more experienced Palongpon Watcharachaigym for the WPMF flyweight belt. The fighter from Krabi came out strong in the early rounds, looking to make amends after having already been knocked out once by the same opponent. Palongpon came back in the all important third and fourth rounds causing a desperate gambler to offer Penthai a cool B50,000 to turn the fight around.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
In the final round he came out all guns blazing and cut Palongpon open with an elbow as the crowd urged him on, but it was too little too late and all three judges awarded the decision to the Bangkokbased fighter. It was almost midnight by the time Peneak made his way into the ring for the main event, which would also be for a WPMF title. Before the battle commenced it was announced that the dignitaries in attendance had decided to award him a B10,000 bonus for his elaborate Wai Kru, the pre-fight dance which all Muay Thai fighters perform. After winning titles at both Channel 7 Stadium and Lumpini Stadium, opponents are understandably reluctant to face Peneak and he has had to move up in weight. As a result, Saketdao looked bigger and stronger and was able to dominate the Phattalung native in the all important clinch. As if the presence of 10,000 fans in his hometown wasn’t enough, Peneak was offered a B50,000 tip to turn the fight around at the end of round three, and by the start of the fifth round this had risen to B150,000. He gave his all in the final three minutes and many in the crowd thought he might just have done enough to overtake Saketdao on the scorecards but all three judges ruled against him. It was disappointing for the 22 year-old, who at least had the consolation of receiving a career high B150,000 purse for the fight. Muay Thai stadiums are, along with horse racing tracks, the only place in Thailand where gambling is legal, and if a gambler feels they are in danger of losing a significant bet they will often try to alter the course of the fight by offering the fighter they have backed a big tip if they can come from behind to win. Penteak says B150,000 would have been by far the biggest tip he had ever received
PHUKET FOCUS
Num Noi with Penthai Sitnumnoi at Lumpini Stadium. Photo: Rob Cox
“At the stadiums in Phuket it is mainly foreigners, there are not so many Thais so I don’t think you could ever get 10,000 people turning out to a Muay Thai event in Phuket” in his fighting career, and is sorry he could not do enough to overhaul Saketdao’s lead
on the scorecards in the latter stages of the fight, “The biggest tip I have
ever received from a gambler before was at the Channel 7 Stadium when I fought for
the title there and I got given B20,000. “I tried my hardest to win
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because I knew I was behind in the final round but he is very strong. “I am happy that so many people came to see me fight and I hope to fight in Phattalung again next month.” Num Noi is himself a Phattalung native and is happy to be able to bring some of his best boxers to compete in his hometown. However he does not feel there is much chance of an event on this scale ever taking place in Phuket, “At the stadiums in Phuket it is mainly foreigners, there are not so many Thais so I don’t think you could ever get 10,000 people turning out to a Muay Thai event in Phuket. “When my fighters start out they will fight in Phuket, but once they win a lot of fights and are successful I send them to Bangkok to fight because that’s where the best fighters are.” Num Noi says Sing Patong does not have an active website and has never advertised but still attracts a steady flow of foreign customers due to its excellent reputation. It also receives regular coverage in the Thai media where it is more commonly referred to as the ‘Sit Numnoi’ camp. In 2012, Sing Patong celebrated its 42nd year of existence in some style: February saw Alamos win the Lumpini Super Lightweight title, in March Penthai became flyweight champion in the same stadium and the most magical moment of them all came in July when Peneak deposed arguably the top fighter in all of Thailand, Sam-A Gaiyanghadaogym, to take the featherweight title. While Peneak, Penthai and Alamos currently sit at the pinnacle of the sport there is an entire generation of hungry young fighters just waiting to knock them off their perch. Success in such a competitive sport is difficult to obtain and even tougher to sustain but ‘The Lion of Patong’ is currently king of the Muay Thai jungle.
Take the plunge! Daily Trips to Phuket‘s best dive sites Special packages for Residents Holiday programmes for Kids Unique customer service e-mail: info@sea-bees.com tel: +66 (0)76 381 765
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10 THAILAND NEWS
IN BRIEF Mobile X-ray machine in use Pattaya Police used a mobile x-ray machine to randomly scan vehicles at a police checkpoint for the first time on Saturday (July 28). The mobile x-ray machine fitted to a minivan is currently touring Thailand. It can scan either parked or moving vehicles from a distance of five metres and for safety reasons drivers and passengers are advised that anyone who may be pregnant should exit the vehicle prior to the scan. No one was arrested during the two hour checkpoint, nor were any weapons or drugs seized.
Poisonous fishballs found in Samut Sakhon factory
Traces of poisonous pufferfish were found in a fish processing factory in Samut Sakhon on Wednesday (August 1). The plant owners will be charged with manufacturing food with incorrect labelling, punishable by a maximum fine of B30,000, and manufacturing food for distribution containing pufferfish, which carries a sentence of six months to two years and a fine of B5,000 – B20,000.
thephuketnews.com
Villagers catch naughty monk O
utraged villagers in the Haad Yai district of Songkhla have finally nailed the abbot of the local Wat Kuanluang, who they claim has been dallying salaciously with women for years. Ph ra Atiganboonjong Krugo has been abbot at Wat Kuanlang for 10 years, and aroused suspicion the whole time by “consorting with at least 10 women”. But no evidence against him could be adduced, however, till he was seen by evervigilant villagers entering a store room with Mrs Ya Klogkajorn, aged 39, on Monday afternoon (July 23). “When they saw him alone with a female attendant, they saw it as improper,” a local press report noted. The couple were seen entering the storeroom, where they remained alone together for some time. It was noted that they sat close enough that “their clothing intermingled”. One beer was opened and three plastic glasses laid out, together with a bag of snacks.
Villagers, concerned that such behaviour violated strictures concerning monkish discipline central to the Buddhist faith, stealthily placed a lock on the outside of the door, trapping the pair inside. Other villagers were called to witness the forbidden scene, and tambon Kuanlang chief administrative monk Phra Kru Sumet Sutakul contacted to hold a hearing on the facts, along with relatives and followers of the suspect abbot numbering well over 100 people. When Phra Kru Sumet arrived, he ordered the pair released and brought to the hearing room. Phra Atiganboonjong defended himself against villagers’ accusations by stating unequivocally that – whatever appearances might suggest – he had violated no rules, had certainly not been drinking beer, and, indeed, engaged in no improper behaviour with Mrs Ya. “I went into the room with her only to receive an offering,” he explained, “but then local people locked us in together.”
Ya confirmed that Phra Atiganboonjong had not been drinking: “I was the only one drinking beer,” she said. “We went into the storeroom simply to eat,” she asserted. But her accusers pointed out that if she and the abbot wanted merely to eat they might have done so with propriety in one of the wat’s public places, or in the abbot’s residence, which was open for all to see. To this, neither the abbot nor Mrs Ya made any reply, sitting silently. After considering the evidence, Pra Kru Sumet ordered Phra Atiganboonjong relieved of his duties for seven days, pending results of further investigation by an ad hoc committee of Buddhist monks and laymen. “Both will receive justice within seven days,” he said. The report added that when the abbot was inside his residence he frequently locked its door from the outside, “to make it appear no one was in, but in fact he was inside – alone with a female attendant.” – Source Siang Tai
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
A selection of ‘fake’ sex aids openly on sale.
Police make B100m Bangkok sex drugs bust Agence France-Presse
T H A I P O L I C E H AV E seized illegal sex drugs and toys worth several million dollars in a raid on a warehouse in Bangkok, a senior official said on Monday (July 30). Authorities found 326,760 purported sex enhancement and aphrodisiac pills, some made in China and India, in a raid in Chinatown on Saturday, said Tarit Pengdith, director general of the Department of Special Investigations. They also netted 9,365 sex toys such as rubber dolls
and vibrating toys that are banned from sale in Thailand, he said. All together the haul was worth an estimated B100 million (US$3.2 million). A Thai woman was arrested in the raid and would be charged with offences including illegal drug smuggling, selling drugs without a licence and non-payment of taxes, Tarit said. Fake sex drugs, such as counterfeit Viagra, are openly on sale on street stalls targeting tourists around Bangkok’s red light districts, along with sex toys.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
AUSTRALIA/ASIA NEWS 11
‘Paradise’ threatened Down Under W Agence France-Presse
hen Elaine Pearce left Sydney for the seaside peace of Old Bar 12 years ago, she was assured her new house was a solid investment, with a century’s worth of frontage to guard against erosion. But three neighbours have already lost their homes to the rising ocean and there are scores more at risk as roaring seas batter the idyllic beachside town, ploughing through 40 metres of foredune in just eight years. “I wanted water frontage, and frontage I’m going to get,” Pearce joked. Property values have dived along her once exclusive culde-sac, with homes once worth A$1.5 or A$2 million (US$1.5 or $2 million) now abandoned and offered for A$300,000. Weathered ‘For Sale’ signs dot the sidewalk. Insurers will not cover homes for erosion and longtime local resident Allan Willan said the banks were even struggling to sell off the land on which the repossessed homes stand. “They can’t even give it away,” said Willan, who estimates that another five metres
Old Bar in Australia’s New South Wales state faces severe erosion. of frontage could “easily” be lost in the next storm period. “If it continues at this rate in seven years it’s going to be at the front door.” Old Bar is the most rapidly eroding and at-risk piece of coast in populous New South Wales state, losing an average one metre of seafront every year and far outstripping other areas in terms of property at risk. Andrew Short, director of Sydney University’s coastal studies unit and a government planning advisor, said the 4,000-person town was among the worst erosion sites in Australia, with huge vol-
umes of sand routinely lost in storms. Currently there are 14 similar “hot-spots” along the densely populated NSW coast – a region home to 5.8 million Australians – with about 100 properties at risk. But Short said “many hundreds of properties, if not thousands” would be at risk in the next 50-100 years as sea levels rise due to climate change, with planning authorities factoring in a one-metre increase over the next century. Australia’s government estimates that more than A$226 billion in commercial, industrial and residential property
Photo: AFP
and road and rail infrastructure is at risk from erosion and inundation by 2100. That forecast includes 274,000 homes. Old Bar has been in the grip of an unprecedented storm period, in terms of both frequency and strength, and University of New South Wales oceanographer Matthew England said it was a trend likely to intensify. “The sea level rise is one thing, but we’re expecting storms to become more intense and storm surges are what really hits these low-lying coastal communities,” said England.
England said a one-metre sea level rise could “really quickly” become four metres during a wild weather event, bringing “a really incredible rise of water right up the coast that just can do huge amounts of damage”. Even with a 50 centimetre sea-level rise the government has warned that severe weather events currently considered to be once in a century, such as the major flooding of Brisbane in 2010, would happen several times a year by 2100. More than 30 people died and tens of thousands of homes were swamped in the floods that swept across northern Australia and peaked in Brisbane, forcing Australia’s thirdlargest city to a standstill for several days. Major cities were expected to face profound challenges from erosion and inundation, with the government warning in a 2009 report that Sydney’s airport faced closure in the next 100 years due to its lowlying waterfront location. Ports, hospitals, power stations and other critical infrastructure were also deemed to be at risk. Short said the issue was at a “tipping point” in the public’s consciousness, with new local
planning guidelines showing future sea level projections and requiring people to take measures such as elevating their property. In the longer term, authorities faced a mammoth task to counter the problem, with roads, drainage systems and other infrastructure also needing lifting, he added. England said Australia “certainly stands to be hit with massive increased costs” from sea level rise, with 85 per cent of its population living near the coast and insurance and liability battles already looming in the courts. “We’ve seen some properties already across the New South Wales coast being devalued by as much as 50 per cent because of their vulnerability to storm surges,” he said. “And we’re only at the very start of the projected trend from human-induced climate change.” The residents of Old Bar are banking on a government lifeline to help them build a A$10 million artificial reef offshore to protect their dwindling beach. For her part, Pearce has little doubt about the cause: “Climate change. It’s worldwide, isn’t it.”
China to build first polar icebreaker Agence France-Presse
CHINA IS SET TO CONstruct its first icebreaker for polar expeditions, state media said on Tuesday (July 31), in a move it described as greatly boosting its ability to explore the strategic Arctic. Melting ice sheets in the far north have opened up the possibility that ships could routinely cross through the Arctic Ocean as a shortcut between China and Europe. The ship “is expected to greatly boost the country’s expedition capacities in polar and oceanic regions”, the
Xinhua state news agency said, citing the State Oceanic Administration. The vessel, which will be designed with the help of a Finnish company and will be the first built in China, is set to begin operation in 2014. It will join the active vessel, Xuelong, which was purchased from Ukraine in 1993. The 8,000-tonne ship will be able to break through 1.5 metres of ice, Xinhua said, citing officials from the State Oceanic Administration. China has said it would like to play a larger role in the Arctic region.
It has applied, alongside the European Union, Japan, South Korea and others, for permanent observer status on the Arctic Council. The eight-member council – which includes Canada, Denmark/Greenland, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the United States – meets to discuss matters concerning the icy region. China’s interest in the Arctic was highlighted last year when a Chinese property tycoon sought to purchase 300 square kilometres (200 square miles) of land in northern Iceland for a tourism project.
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12 WORLD NEWS
IN BRIEF New York’s Times Square to broadcast Mars landing The highly anticipated landing of NASA’s sophisticated US$2.5 billion rover on Mars will be broadcast on a large screen in New York City’s Times Square. The touchdown of the Curiosity rover, equipped with a sophisticated roving tool kit for analysing the terrain for signs that microbial life once existed, is scheduled for Monday (August 6). A rocket-powered sky crane aims to lower the carsized vehicle on to the surface of the red planet so it can embark on a two-year science mission. .................................................
Most wanted Nazi suspect Csatary denies war crimes Top Nazi war crimes suspect Laszlo Csatary, 97, accused of overseeing thousands of Jewish deportations during World War II, denied all allegations against him at a hearing Tuesday (July 31), his lawyer said. Csatary allegedly helped organise the deportation to Ukraine and the Nazi death camp Auschwitz of some 15,700 Jews over three years.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
victims to their original neighbourhoods, with a subsidy of around US$500. St-Cyr has proposed leveling 2,000 houses near the most dangerous ravines. In addition, all new buildings on such sites would be banned. Many slum dwellers are livid at the plans and have taken to the streets of Portau-Prince to protest, erecting flaming barricades and sometimes clashing with police. “There’s no danger in Jalousie,” said a clearly angry Sylvestre Veus. “Over my dead body will they evict us.” Sylvestre Telfort works for an organisation defending the rights of Jalousie residents and has called for a dialogue between residents and the government while encouraging those living in danger to move. “Every socio-economic crisis has pushed people to come here, just like in the other ghettos of Port-au-Prince,” Telfort told AFP. Some 400,000 Haitians continue to live in tents, according to the International Organization for Migration. “It’s in the shantytowns
that they come looking for voters, after that they forget them,” said Jocelyn Louis, sitting on his bike. “I say no! No one can tear us away.” As those around him muttered their approval, he accused the Haitian government of reacting slowly to the crisis and not respecting “the constitution that guarantees housing for every son of this country.” Some residents pointed angrily to luxury homes nearby. “They want to evict us but the owners of two- to three-level houses continue to enjoy their position,” said a pregnant woman, pointing to large residences hidden behind high walls with barbed wire. What will happen remains to be seen. Michel Martelly, one of Haiti’s best-known musicians with a colourful past as a Carnival singer, was elected president in 2011 promising to end the inequality and corruption and help the plight of the poor. But despite billions of dollars of pledged international aid, progress has been painfully slow.
Anger over slum eviction plans in quake-hit Haiti Agence France-Presse
P
lans to evict people from slums precariously situated on the vertiginous slopes around the Haitian capital are sparking protests from many who want to stay despite the dangers. Port-au-Prince acts as a magnet in this desperately poor Caribbean nation, which was struck by a catastrophic 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 225,000 people and displaced 1.5 million, one in six of the population. Haitians flock to the capital from badly deforested and degraded rural areas in the hope of finding work to support their families. But 80 per cent of people in the capital live below the poverty line, many in squalid tent cities or in rickety housing near the edge of deadly ravines. Some shantytowns are built on flood plains that risk being washed away when rainstorms come. Many camps lack basic sanitation, leaving them more prone to infectious diseases like the cholera epidemic that
Much of Port-au-Prince remains damaged to this day. has claimed more than 7,500 lives since sweeping the country in the wake of the quake. For all these reasons, there have long been moves afoot to relocate slum dwellers to safer housing. When the quake hit and the international community turned its attention to Haiti’s woes, those calls became a clamor. But many slum dwellers don’t want to leave. A lot of the housing alternatives being offered are outside the capital, which would mean less opportunity to find work. “I was born here,” 62-yearold William Jean told AFP as
he sat on a bench facing his small dwelling in the optimistically named “Jalousie” or “Jealousy” neighbourhood. “At the beginning, there were just a few houses.” In tents or makeshift abodes made out of sheeting, families eke out a miserable existence in the camps. When the flood waters pour in, mothers try to sleep standing up, cradling their babies. “It’s a delicate matter,” Environment Minister Ronald St-Cyr told AFP, adding “something has to be done.” The government recently launched a program promoting the return of earthquake
THE PHUKET NEWS
LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 13
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
OPINION
Editor’s Viewpoint
Norachai’s World
Promoting the island’s artists
P
Dome and Gig’s performances show that Phuket is full of talent.
huket is fast becoming recognised for its talented performers, following the success of Warunee ‘Gig’ Suwannurak, who has made it into the finals of the Thailand’s Got Talent television competition. Gig performed British singer Adele’s song ‘Rolling in the Deep’ during her semi-final on Sunday evening, capturing the judges’ hearts. Although not as high profile, there is another Phuketian involved in the competition: Nai Harn-based street performer ‘Romodom’, well known on the streets of Phuket for being the ‘silver statue’ in Jungceylon and other areas around the island. Romodom has his competition semi-final on August 26, where he will show off his unique brand of art (for an indepth interview with the amiable artist, pick up next week’s issue of The Phuket News). But these two are not the first talented local performers to make headlines in nationwide competitions.
Letters to the editor Reporting to who matters
[Re: Briton drowns at Patong] After commenting recently on a lifeguard article it saddens me to see this news. The article was online on this website. It saddens me because if Mr Cook had read it then maybe his children and wife would still have their loved one. Clearly the article stated the right message, but clearly the message is not being read by enough people. The Phuket News is providing the news, but who is then sending the right message/news to the tourists? A swim safe campaign needs to start now, can The Phuket News go one step further and sponsor such a campaign? If not can anyone? [It would] be a good marketing campaign for anyone involved in tourism. Love and deepest sympathy. Lei
Baby loris spoils Bangla
[Re: Bangla Loris touts still at it] Last night I saw three baby lorises, drugged to the eyeballs, on display at Bangla Road for pics! And to make it worse: the number of stupid tourists who were paying for the photos was incredible! If arrests are occurring and the animals are confiscated than these people are just getting more, something has to be done. To get a baby loris, the parents have to be killed. That really spoiled my night in Bangla road. Perth
Never touch a monk
[Re: Villagers finally catch naughty monk] On the part of a monk, such
behavior is not in accordance with the Dhamma nor is it coming from a lay person! Mom
On the noisy road
[Re: Demand made for bus decency] Over the years, and having travelled on many buses, I’ve yet to observe anyone actually watching one of these movies. In general, all they do is annoy, and keep those awake that want to sleep. Save some money Khun Kriengkrai and let your passengers enjoy a ‘noiseless’ journey. Agogohome
Catch the real perpetrators
[Re: Illegal forest resort targeted] We applaud the removal of illegal construction on
public land, but we hope they will spot the greedy local politicians, tycoons and civil servants which were making extra money to get legal ownership documents. Whistle-Blower
Just me and zoo Our second time in Phuket and we enjoyed it. We did not manage to see the Phuket Zoo the first time around, so made it one of our “high” lights to see it this time around. It was one of the most disappointing attractions in Phuket. It was extremely depressing. The animals live in small cages. Some don’t even have a tree or any type of plants, water features etc. Most of the animals are stressed and walk up and down the cages in frustration. There is garbage everywhere – the lakes have garbage floating in them.
In April, Jaruwat “Dome” Cheawaram became the second Phuket-born contestant to win the popular TV talent contest The Star. In 2008, fellow Phuketian Wichayanee “Gam” Pearklin was the first winner from the island, and the first female winner of the competition. Phuket is a small island punching well above its weight in national competitions, but locally, there are hardly any avenues for tourists and residents to appreciate local talent. There is no Phuket art centre, where artists can all display their work, and very limited performance spaces. Local authorities need to get behind genuine Phuket entertainment, and promote it just as much as they do tourist attractions such as our beaches, nightlife and elephant trekking. Residents and tourists alike would benefit from the increased arts focus, and who knows, they might even get to see one of Thailand’s top performers at their very best.
This week in history There are – I presume – coin-operated food dispensers for the fish which don’t work and are filled to the brim with garbage. To take a picture with the tiger the poor animal gets slapped so that they can get the correct pose (oh how I wished the tiger would slap the handler back). All I can say to anyone going to Phuket is, “Give this a big miss.” I walked around crying and feeling hopeless for the animals who are helpless. I am writing this to you in an effort to bring your attention to the plight of the animals there. Please let me know if there is a minister or person “in charge” that I can address as this is not a good reflection of “The Land of Smiles” and its people. Very, very unhappy traveller. Stephanie Parkes
Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.
■■ August 3, 1946 – Santa Claus Land, the world’s first themed amusement park, opens in Indiana, US. ■■ August 4, 1693 – Date traditionally ascribed to Dom Perignon’s invention of Champagne, although he actually did not have anything to do with sparkling wine. ■■ August 5, 1861 – The US Army abolishes flogging. ■■ August 6, 1926 – Harry Houdini performs his greatest feat, spending 91 minutes underwater in a sealed tank. ■■ August 7, 1944 – IBM dedicates the first programmecontrolled calculator, the Automatic Sequence Controlled Calculator. ■■ August 8, 1967 – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) is founded by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. ■■ August 9, 1965 – Singapore is expelled from Malaysia and becomes the first and only country to date to gain independence unwillingly.
thephuketnews.com
14 MONEY/TOURISM
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
BUSINESS National rice BIG BROTHER loan scheme Thailand’s hurdles
Asean and Unctad bosses underline Thai problems in run-up to AEC 2015 > 16
Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com
Renminbi ‘becoming an anchor currency’
to continue, C says Govt
MCOT Online
THE THAI GOVERNMENT will continue its rice mortgage scheme and is confident that rice exports in 2012 will reach at least eight million tonnes, Commerce Minister Boonsong Teriyapirom says. Mr Boonsong confirmed that the government will continue this year’s rice mortgage scheme with unchanged guaranteed prices of B15,000 a tonne for unmilled white rice and B20,000 for Hom Mali (fragrant jasmine) rice. The National Rice Policy Committee is scheduled to meet to consider and set criteria and procedures for the rice mortgage for the upcoming 2012-2013 crop season. The government’s rice pledging programme is set to start October 1 and run through to February 2013, the minister said, projecting that the budget for this year’s scheme would cost at least B200 billion, the same as was used for last year’s programme. Meanwhile, Mr Boonsong expressed confidence that Thailand would be able to export eight million tonnes
of rice this year, and would remain the world’s top rice exporter despite rice exports in the first half of this year dropping dramatically. He rejected critics who said the rice pledging scheme had knocked Thailand off the No. 1 spot for rice exports. Mr Boonsong admitted that it was understandable for Thai rice exporters to see the rice mortgage programme as hurting Thai rice, making it more expensive than rice produced by Thailand’s competitors. However, he said, the exporters were making this judgement without taking Thai rice farmers’ quality of life into consideration. He explained that the government needed to take care of farmers in accordance with its priority policy, so the prices of agricultural products had to be set at high levels. To offset the negative effects, he stressed that the government was urgently distributing a large quantity of rice in the government-togovernment (G2G) system with many countries.
hina’s renminbi currency is increasingly being used to settle trade transactions in Asia, gradually cementing its way to becoming a regional ‘anchor’ currency, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) says. The rise of the currency’s use in trade and in the financial markets is likely to nudge China to further open up its financial sector if it wants renminbi to play a bigger global role, the Manila-based lender said. Renminbi “is being increasingly used to settle trade transactions”, the ADB said in a statement issued in Singapore at the launch of its latest report, the Asian Economic Integration Monitor. “Over time it could become an anchor currency, helping the region to integrate their economies, cooperate on monetary and finance issues as well as gradually open up the (Chinese) financial market,”
ASE II RN PH A H I A N OW HING N LAUNC
JAPANESE TOURISM HAS bounced back from the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, with the number of visitors exceeding the figures
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the statement said. Iwan Azis, head of ADB’s Office of Regional Economic Integration, told reporters at the launch of the report that some countries engaging in bilateral trade with China settle in renminbi, and their number has been increasing. “I know that policymakers in Beijing are actively persuading Asean countries to use renminbi for their bilateral trade settlement with China,” he said. Hong Kong, Singapore and London settle some international trade in renminbi, and this month the Singapore Exchange said it is ready to
quote, trade, clear and settle securities denominated in renminbi, the ADB report said. “All in all, it makes sense that some of the players – exporters and importers – start to accept the use of alternative currency, and since China is the biggest player in the field, they accept the use of the renminbi for trade settlement,” Azis said. He said it is “only a matter of time” before renminbi becomes an anchor currency, given that China is now the world’s second biggest economy. Since late 2008 China has established 20 bilateral local currency swap arrangements
Japanese tourism back on track
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The Chinese renminbi is headed toward internationalisation.
with countries within and outside Asia, totalling 1.6 trillion yuan renminbi (B4.7 trillion), the ADB said. In the first quarter of this year, current account transactions settled in renminbi were 8.6 per cent of China’s total current account deals, well above the 5.7 per cent in the same quarter last year, it added. “This is a very big step forward. Definitely, they are pushing renminbi toward internationalisation,” ADB economist Lei Lei Song said in Singapore. He said, however, that becoming an anchor currency does not automatically mean the renminbi will become part of the forex reserves of Asian countries, most of which hold the US dollar, Euro and Japanese yen. Being an anchor currency means that regional countries that use the renminbi to settle their trade with China will manage their currencies depending on renminbi movements
before the twin disaster. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reports that the country welcomed 686,600 international visitor arrivals in June 2012. This was a 131 per cent increase on the 295,800 who came to Japan in the month immediately following the disaster, in April 2011, and an increase of 1.4 per cent over the number recorded in June 2010. The JNTO said the latest
results gave it “great pleasure”, adding “This result has only been possible through the tremendous support and cooperation that we have received from everyone around the world. “We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude for such heartwarming support.” Hotels, too, have largely recovered, with average occupancy levels in Tokyo now back above 80 per cent, while
aviation is also buoyant, with the launch of low-cost carriers such as Peach and Jetstar Japan, backed up by ANA’s continuing strength and a resurgent Japan Airlines (JAL). “It is very encouraging to see demand returning to countries such as Japan,” UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai said earlier this month. “[Japan is] fully welcoming back the millions of tourists that each year choose to visit.”
THE PHUKET NEWS
TOURISM/AVIATION 15
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
AirAsia buys Indonesia’s Batavia Air
Thailand ‘should aim to get more Indonesian tourists’ TTR Weekly
AN INDONESIAN TOURISM expert says the unified market in Asean that will come into being in 2015 will open doors for Asean’s private sector tourism industry to build better businesses. Bagus Sudibya, vice-chairman of the Association of the Indonesian Tour & Travel Agencies, told Thai travel agents at a meeting last week that cooperation was the key to competing in the global market. “The Asean Economic Community (AEC, which will begin) in 2015 is an opportunity for all Asean member countries to work together and tighten regional competitiveness. “Now is the time to act and exchange more travellers, particularly between Thailand and Indonesia, as there is vast potential to grow the two markets.” On average, around 40,000 Indonesians a year travel to Thailand, while around 20,000 Thais visit Indonesia. These figures, he said, should be compared with 2 million or so Indonesian tourists travelling to Malaysia and 1.2 million to Singapore. “Thailand is not ready to support Indonesian travellers,” he said. “There are insufficient tour guides who can speak Bahasa.” There are also food issues for Muslim travellers who visit secondary non-Muslim destinations. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country after China, India and the United States, and has the potential to deliver more tourists as its middle class expands with stronger spending power. Already, its middle class exceeds 40 million from a population of 225 million, and many of them are now travelling overseas. Indonesia faces stiff competition from Vietnam, Cambodia and Malaysia to attract inbound travellers. Malaysia attracts 11 million foreign tourists annually, while Indonesia is still striving to reach 8 million.
Agence France-Presse
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is rated the most Islam-friendly airport in a nonMuslim-majority country.
Boom in Muslim tourists predicted Agence France-Presse
F
rom halal spas to prayer rooms at airport terminals, the global tourism industry is gearing up for a projected boom in Muslim travel over the next decade, experts say. Their growing number and affluence means Muslims – especially from the oil-rich Middle East – are travelling as never before, and this is a trend that looks set to gather pace. Spending by Muslim tourists is growing faster than the global rate and is forecast to reach US$192 billion (B5.8 trillion) a year by 2020, up from US$126 billion (B3.8 trillion) in 2011, according to a 47-country study by two companies specialising in the market – Singaporebased halal travel specialist Crescentrating, along with DinarStandard, a US-based firm that tracks the Muslim lifestyle market. Crescentrating chief executive Fazal Bahardeen said Muslim-majority states such as Malaysia, Egypt and Indonesia were already favourite destinations, but non-Islamic countries are now “taking a serious look” at Muslim
holidaymakers. The Economist Intelligence Unit said in a March report that meeting the needs of the world’s 1.8 billion Muslims is fuelling business opportunities in numerous sectors. “From food and Islamic finance, the industry is spreading its wings into pharmaceuticals, fashion and tourism, among many other areas,” it said, noting more than half of the world’s Muslim population is aged 24 or younger, many of them well-educated. Thailand is hungrily eyeing the Muslim travel boom. The Tourism Authority of Thailand– which has an office in Dubai – is promoting halal spas for Muslim tourists, who
require strict privacy for male and female clients. It also organised a monthlong festival of Thai cuisine in the United Arab Emirates from June 8 to July 7. Crescentrating’s study ranked Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport as the most Islam-friendly airport in a non-Muslim-majority country. And it found that tourists from the Gulf – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – are the sector’s biggest spenders. Gulf countries accounted for 37 per cent of Muslim tourist spending in 2011 even though they represent a mere 3 per cent of the global Muslim population.
LOW COST CARRIER AIR Asia has announced said that it is to buy Indonesia’s Batavia Air for US$80 million (B2.4 billion), with the acquisition expected to be complete by the second quarter of next year. AirAsia chief Tony Fernandes, who has announced he is moving to Jakarta to oversee AirAsia’s expansion, described the acquisition as a “fantastic opportunity”. He said it would “accelerate our growth plans in one of the most exciting aviation markets in Asia [Indonesia] and further underlines our belief in the growth potential of Indonesia’s aviation sector”. Demand for air travel in Indonesia, with a growing middle class among its 240 million population, has been soaring. The purchase will be carried out in two stages, with the acquisition of a majority 76.95 per cent stake to be followed by the remaining 23.05 per cent held by existing shareholders, AirAsia said in a statement. “The total purchasing consideration for Metro Batavia Group is US$80 million and will be settled in cash,” the statement added. The carrier has been shoring up its presence in the region against a host of other competitors, including Lion
Air, Indonesia’s largest low cost carrier. Batavia, which has a fleet of about 30 aircraft, mainly flies domestic routes and a few international routes such as to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Singapore and Guangzhou in southern China. It has been facing tough times recently, with the Transport Ministry saying the carrier was forced to return two leased Boeing 737 airliners to their owners after failing to pay overdue bills. Indonesia’s domestic airlines carried more than 60 million passengers last year, and the Indonesia Air Carriers Association predicts a 52 per cent increase in passenger numbers by 2015. With the launch of the Asean Economic Community in that year will come a Southeast Asian open-skies policy, reducing barriers to regional airlines expanding their route networks to other countries. Earlier this year Lion Air sealed a $22.4 billion (B672 billion) deal for 230 Boeing 737 aircraft, billed as the largest commercial airplane deal for the US plane maker. This would allow Lion Air to go head-to-head with AirAsia. In reply, AirAsia has set up subsidiary budget carriers in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, and is planning one that will serve Japan.
thephuketnews.com
16 PROPERTY/ECONOMY
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Thais urged to change for AEC 2015 MCOT
S
Unctad Secretary-general Supachai Panitchpakdi: Thailand has five problems to tackle.
urin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) advised Thailand today to change its trade and investment models from one of trying to attract investment into the country to one of investing more in Asean markets and then bringing revenue back to the country. Speaking at “New Dimensions in Asean”, a seminar organised by the Judicial Training Institute for high-ranking Thai officials, Dr Surin said Thailand must change itself to start focusing on innovation, using technology to improve its economic potential, such as packaging development or trading online. It would take Thailand many years to change and to trade more in Asean,
as the country has for a long time been dependent on low-wage labour and natural resources, like its neighbours. Dr Surin also advised the government to increase its budget for supporting research, to tackle corruption, and to have the Board of Investment (BOI) and the Bank of Thailand (BoI) adjust to supporting Thai investors to invest more abroad. The 10-member Asean has a total trade value of US$2.6 trillion (B78 trillion). However, only 25 per cent is traded internally, Dr Surin said. Meanwhile, another international Thai, Supachai Panitchpakdi, the SecretaryGeneral of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad) speaking at the same seminar on “Looking at Thailand in the World Arena”, said that Asean, along with China, Brazil and India, will
be the hope and the stimulus of the world economy. However, he said, clear regulations are needed in Asean countries to deal with a higher capital flow coming into the region in order to prevent a bubble economy. Mr Supachai said Thailand’s ability to compete ranked 39th last year out of 142 countries worldwide, 19 places behind Malaysia and even further behind Singapore, which is in the top 10, along with the United States, Finland, and Sweden. Despite the fact that Thailand has continuously attracted foreign investment, he said, the nation has five problems that must be tackled to improve its competitiveness: political instability, corruption, unstable government policies, an inefficient bureaucracy, and the inefficient education of labour.
Yangon opens mining Record hotel sales this year – JLL Agence France-Presse
MYANMAR ON MONDAY invited foreign firms to invest in its mining sector, in the latest step to open up its economy after decades of isolation. “For investors who would like to do exploration to confirm [mineral] deposits or to start with the grassroots exploration operations in virgin land, they may apply accordingly, clearly stating their intentions,” Win Htein, a top official at the Ministry
of Mines, told a conference in Yangon. “Funds required to conduct the prospecting, exploration and feasibility study will be borne by the investors 100 per cent, and at their own risk,” he told an audience of about 300 delegates from 26 countries. President Thein Sein has vowed to put the economy at the centre of his next wave of reforms, following a series of dramatic political changes since decades of military rule ended last year.
JONES LANG LASALLE Hotels is predicting that Phuket will be one of the Asia Pacific region’s hotel investment hot spots in 2012, following record sales in the first half of the year. Investment in the hotel property sector in Phuket is expected to exceed B10 billion for the full year – an all-time record. Mike Batchelor, Managing Director of Investment Sales at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels,
said: “Phuket has seen record investment in the first half of 2012 and the market looks on track to enter a renewed period of growth as savvy international investors strategically secure landmark properties in Asia’s premier resort destination.” Since the start of the year, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels has advised on and managed the sale of three prominent properties in Phuket: the Movenpick Resort and Spa by Malaysian-
based TA Global, the Evason Phuket by Singaporean-based LC Development, and the Laguna Beach Resort by Hawaii-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts. “With international passenger volumes surging 30 per cent in 2011, the island’s international appeal remains strong,” Mr Batchelor said. In addition, he noted, “International visitors to Phuket exceeded domestic arrivals for the first time. This growth
has been fuelled by excellent air links and the expansion of low-cost carriers.” Another factor driving growth to the region is the B5.4 billion upgrade to the airport, which will double capacity to 12.5m passengers a year. Political stability in Thailand since the 2011 elections has seen international confidence return to the region as evidenced in the spate of recent sales, JLL says.
No change in interest rates for now – BoT Agence France-Presse
THAILAND’S CENTRAL bank, the Bank of Thailand, left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.0 per cent last week, warning that the worsening global economic situation was weighing on Asian exports. The Bank of Thailand said it stood ready to act if needed, but stopped short of following some other Asian central banks and easing official borrowing costs.
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“Risks to the global economy increased further as weaknesses in consumer spending and the labour market damped US economic growth, while a comprehensive resolution to the Eurozone crisis remains elusive,” BoT assistant governor Paiboon Kittisrikangwan said in a statement. The Thai economy has recovered steadily from last year’s floods and is “close to potential”, supported by lower interest rates, good employment
opportunities and government stimulus measures, Mr Paiboon said. “These factors should continue to sustain private consumption and investment expenditures going forward,” he added. But in a possible sign of another rate cut in the future, two of the bank’s seven-member monetary policy committee voted in favour of a quarterpoint reduction at last week’s meeting.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
ARTS 17
LIFE&STYLE
The Yangon attraction Why Myanmar is the new tourist must-see > 30
Jody Houton & Claire Connell editor@thephuketnews.com
Fast times for Phuket Muslims
W
hile many of you might be reading this over a coffee or sandwich in your favourite cafe or restaurant, spare a thought for the fasting Muslim Phuketians who are currently observing Ramadan. Ramadan, which falls this year from July 20 – August 18, is an Islamic festival that promotes fasting, considered the ‘fourth pillar’ of Islam. Phuketian Sirisa ‘Natt’ Wangsuppaporn is a Thai Muslim who will be observing Ramadan. She said that she is now quite accustomed to the month-long fast, as she should be really – she’s been doing it every year, apart from two years while living in London – since she was 17-years-old. “I wake up at 7am and basically don’t eat anything during the day, but I eat after sun set.” Ramadan decrees that nothing during the religious period should pass the lips; no food, no water, no smoke. After night falls, Natt gradually breaks the fast by eating date seeds, before eating a real meal. Although Natt doesn’t consider herself strict – she doesn’t pray and doesn’t cover her hair with a head scarf – Ramadan is a festival that she
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Phuket’s Daritihart Mosque.
Natt is happy to fast. ‘religiously’ observes, much as her mother’s mother did and generations before that.
GERRY’S
editor@thephuketnews.com
Because well, that is what they have always done. Interestingly though, neither her father or brother are Muslim. “My mother’s side is Muslim, but not my father’s. They are Buddhist and my brother followed his religion.” She finds it rather easy to be a Phuket Muslim observing Ramadan.
Photo: Gerry Cummings “Following Ramadan in Phuket is relatively easy as many understand the sacrifice that we make – two reasons being to seek enlightenment in order to empathise with poor and hungry people. “However, some are not so understanding and ask me why I am doing it, and that it’s unhealthy.”
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Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722. Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)
Mom Tri’s VR Gallery
Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.
Watcharin Art Studio
27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town, 088 386 1449, watcharintinorodnit@hotmail.com, rindamagicalart.com.
Wua Gallery and Studio
1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 258 208, wua.artgallery@gmail.com; wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.
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THIS WEEK’S HINT: “This photograph only shows a fraction of the items from the past that are housed in a large ground floor room in one of Phuket Town’s first hotels, built in 1963. It not only houses these artefacts from the past, but has the oldest working elevator (lift for you Brits) on the island. This museum should not be missed as the lobby of the hotel has a beautiful polished wooden staircase and contains many very old safes and wall paintings. “For the 30 baht entry fee to the museum, you will truly be amazed”. –Gerry Cummings
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Congratulations go to Wilailuk Wises and marcher, who correctly guessed that last week’s picture was of a statue of Admiral R.H. Prince Abhakara Kiartiwanges, better known as the Prince of JumBorn, who lived during King Chulalongkorn’s reign, and became known as the ‘Father of the Navy’. His statue is next to the lighthouse at Phromthep Cape lookout.
thephuketnews.com
18 PEOPLE
Finding room to breathe island. Phuket is a very international place, with all kinds of different traditional dishes, an international medicare health service, great security, entertainment, shopping and sport. You can find it all here.
10 Questions Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com
Y
amila ‘Ao’ Naulsawang has a lot of responsibilit y on her young shoulders. The 23-year-old Thai-German has recently taken over the reigns as manager and owner of the Sunshine Home hotel, a small family-ran budget property that has operated in Patong for the last decade.
6 What is your favourite part of living on the island? The beaches are clean, it’s safe and I like the crazy fun. 7 How do spend your free time? I enjoy shopping, cooking, swimming and hanging out with friends at night.
1 Are you originally from
Phuket? I was born in Pattaya but moved down to Phuket about 15 years ago when my parents settled here to open a hotel business in Patong. 2 Could you tell us about your hotel? The Sunshine home is a small hotel located on Sawatdirak Road, about 80 metres to the beach, two blocks to Bangla Road and ten minutes to Jungceylon shopping mall on foot. 3 How is your experience
so far as a young business owner? I think age is not so important
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8 Since you have both Thai and German backgrounds, what is your favorite dish? I love all kind of food especially steak, but my favourite might be rib eye steak with Béarnaise sauce on top. Yummy!
Yamila ‘Ao’ Naulsawang at home in her hotel. and experience is a great lesson. The mantra ‘Learning by doing’ is one that I very much agree with. Sometimes however I do feel under pressure a bit. 4 How bright can the Sunshine Home hotel shine? Who knows? Our clients tend
to be backpackers, who come all year round and who often make return visits, so we must be doing something right. 5 What is your pitch to people thinking of visiting Phuket? Pack your bag, grab a ticket then f ly to our wonderful
9 Where is your favorite place on the island? Rawai area is pretty lovely and Nai harn beach is peaceful. 10 Any messages for your
fellow islanders? As we know Phuket is a popular tourist attraction and most of our income comes from tourists, so please keep Phuket clean and think positive!
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
Bringing glory to your mornings EVERY MORNING MOST people wake up and need coffee. Those who need a kick as early as possible make it at home, while others get the ‘good stuff’ at a coffee shop. The unique smell of fresh coffee is enough to provide a perk to the most mundane of mornings. Some people are addicted to fresh coffee, while others indulge merely as a passion and can quit any time. Really... God bless the barista. For it is they who rescue us from the drudgery of day-to-day life and deliver us a most righteous latte. At the PTT gasoline station in Chalong, there is one such drinks angel who works at the Amazon Cafe. Her name is Sofiya Pensuk, she is 42-years-old and has over 10 years of experience. For Sofiya, the job is much more than just filling coffee powder into a machine and letting the machine do its work. She said, “The detail often lies in the sweetness of a particular specialist cup as
per the customer’s request. Also the taste of coffee will change if the coffee isn’t at the right temperature.” In fact, Sofiya attended a three-month long barista training course to learn how to make the perfect cup of Joe, at the right temperature and of course, how to decorate it. A particularly difficult coffee recipe to follow is a hot cappuccino, as the coffee has to be the exact right temperature to ensure the foam does not melt into the coffee. Out of all the different types of coffee, including Mocha, Cappuccino, Latte and Espresso, one of Sofiya’s favourites, owing to its unique flavour is Amazon Cafe’s very own ‘Amazon’ coffee.
20 HEALTH
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Mr Juicy: Health in a bottle One man’s door-to-door mission to cleanse our bodies Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
P
huket is a place where you can enjoy a ridiculously indulgent and hedonistic lifestyle, though one that unfortunately claims numerous lives every year through heart attacks and other related diseases. Alternatively, it can be a place where you can pursue a thoroughly healthy and natural lifestyle, owing to the island’s easy access to fresh fruit, food, air and the ocean. More recently, Phuket has become a place for visitors who have lived life in the former way but perhaps need a little help to finish it in the latter. Hence we have seen more and more rehabilitation centres and various detox programmes introduced on the island. By and large though, they tend to be rather expensive and especially rather timeconsuming. It is for this reason that Glagwegian Ross Brunton hit upon rather a novel idea when he moved to Phuket, less than eight months ago. “About five months ago I had this idea of opening Clearer Cleanse; a service that delivers fresh juice to your home. It’s good that Phuket has rehabilitation retreats like Atmanjai and Bhavana, but they are not only expensive but also require a lot of time and commitment,which people often do not have. “So I take and deliver juices to them every day, so they can carry on with their daily life.” Ross’ daily life begins early. At around 5am, he’s up making juices and can be at a client’s house just when they’re waking up, before the first rumble of the stomach. For those wanting to do a juice fast, it’s relatively easy; they replace their three daily meals with six juices for a period of between three and six days. Each day the ‘one size fits all’ process includes two green juices, two red juices, a coconut milk juice and the final one of the evening, which
Above left: Ross is on hand to deliver juicy goodness Above right: Just some of the great ingredients Ross affectionately calls a nut and milk elixir. Ingredients in the green juices include ingredients such as kale, celery, parsley and apple; while the red juices include ��������������������� beetroot, lemon, ginger, cucumber and carrot. Although participants may feel weak initially, this is only likely to last for the first day or so. Proponents of the juice fast believe that being freed from having to digest solid foods, which takes up considerable amounts of energy, makes the process of detoxing all that much easier. And Ross is a man that knows a thing or two about the need for detoxing. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, a city known for its hard drinking culture, Ross knows a thing or two about living an unhealthy life. He used to drink four bottles of red wine per day. “It all came to a head one day. My energy levels were really low, my skin was in bad shape, there were these weird little indentations on my skin. “My liver was in really bad shape, and then my uncle
Ross will deliver a basket of juices to your door.
thephuketnews.com
died from cirrhosis of the liver. That was a big wake up call.” There are many expats on the island who lead shockingly unhealthy lives, removed from the conventions and expectations that living in a home
country places on them. Many men (and some women) tend to experience a second childhood, and push their bodies to the limits. It is these reluctant exercise enthusiasts that Ross would
like to help most. “There are many who are health conscious on the island, but perhaps many more who aren’t. These are the ones that are eating badly and drinking to excess.
“It is these people that will benefit and be ideal for this treatment, because in a way it’s a lazy detox.” It all starts a few days before you drink your first juice. With the onset of the pre-cleanse, ‘juicers’ are advised to cut out caffeine, alcohol, additives, preservatives and processed or packaged food completely from their diet. Clearer Cleanse can arrange for a complete precleanse basket containing plenty of organic vegetables and produce to help ease you in, provided by Puraorganic. Ross believes that the short ‘3 Day Clearer Cleanse’ course is an easy-to-manage first step. “Often this is just the beginning for people. Once they stop putting anti-nutrients and coffee and alcohol in their blood, they’ll realise the benefits and see how bad those things are for them.” For more information, visit clearercleanse.com The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.
HEALTH NEWS
1976 photograph shows two nurses standing in front of Ebola case #3
Ebola: profile of a killer The Ebola virus plaguing Uganda is one of the deadliest known to man, claiming the lives of two-thirds of the people it has infected so far, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The tropical virus can fell its victims within days, causing severe fever and muscle pain, weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea – in some cases shutting down organs and causing unstoppable bleeding. No medicine or vaccine exists. Of about 1,850 people diagnosed with Ebola haemorrhagic fever since the virus was first identified 36 years ago in the Democratic Republic of Congo (then Zaire), 1,200 have died, the UN health agency says.
Experts say the virus, despite being extremely virulent, is containable because it kills its victims faster than it can spread to new ones. The incubation period between exposure and the first symptoms varies from two to 21 days. There are five species of the virus, of which three are particularly dangerous with fatality rates from 25 to 90 per cent, according to the WHO. It is transmitted through contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected person. The virus has been known to spread at burials where mourners touch the body, but doctors and nurses have also fallen ill after failing to take adequate precautions. Even testing blood specimens for the disease presents “an extreme biohazard risk”, states the WHO, and is done only in the strictest containment conditions. People have contracted the virus after handling infected chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, forest antelope and porcupines, dead or alive, in the Ivory Coast, Congo and Gabon. Named after a small river in DR Congo, the virus killed 37 people in western Uganda in 2007 and at least 170 in the north of the country in 2000. In a new outbreak, 14 people had died in the last three weeks – including one in the capital Kampala. The only approach for the moment is to isolate patients and promptly bury the dead, said the WHO.
Hospital staff should use gloves, masks and goggles, and disinfect religiously. “Several potential vaccines are being tested but it could be several years before any is available,” says a WHO factsheet. “A new drug therapy has shown some promise in laboratory studies and is currently being evaluated.” The virus’ natural reservoir animal, possibly the bat, is believed to reside in rain forests in Africa and areas of the Western Pacific.
Sunbed tanning kills 800 in Europe every year: study Sunbed users run a 20 per cent higher risk than non-users of developing skin cancer, according to a report that blamed some 800 melanoma deaths in Europe every year on indoor tanning. About 3,400 of some 64,000 new cases of cutaneous melanoma diagnosed in 18 European countries every year are related to sunbed use – more than five per cent, said a statement issued by the BMJ medical journal. The risk doubled if tanners started before the age of 35. The findings were based on an analysis by researchers of 27 studies on skin cancer and sunbed use conducted between 1981 and 2012 in Britain, France, Germany and other countries. They found a “1.8 per cent increase in risk for each additional sunbed session per year”, said the statement.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
EDUCATION 21 THEENVIRONMENT
School’s out but surf’s up BIS students get ready for a debate - paintball style.
The kids get ready to hang out at the Flying Hanuman.
BIS camp a hit with kids
O
ver 115 students from a variety of nationalities attended last month’s four-week long British International School Sports and Adventure Camp. As well as making use of BIS’ facilities, the international school was also used as a base for the resident and visiting students to explore Phuket and the neighbouring provinces of Krabi and Surathani. The Phuket News very own fitness trainer Patrick Du Preez, who was responsible for the running of the summer camp said, “It was the aim to promote the growth and development of individuals and teams through dynamic and challenging experiences facilitated in a unique and
Learning to catch lunch. supportive environment.” Activities included snorkelling, canoeing, ocean kayaking, surfing, tubing, cave exploring, jungle hikes, elephant trekking, go-karting, fishing,
FOR TIM CAMPBELL, THE director of Sykla’s Surf Camp, summer holidays don’t necessarily mean a break from education for the little ones. Tim is currently in the enrollment stage of the fourth term of Surf Camps, and is pleased with how well the ‘new’ summer courses have gone so far. “We have been stoked with the positive spirit and enthusiasm of all the kids. “Although we have been running our surf school for the last eight years, this year is the first time we have delivered ocean and beach education alongside the Surf Camp.” Examples of the subjects raised were ocean awareness, environmental issues, being ‘sun smart’ and ‘how to enjoy the healthy outdoors.’
Steady does it. Tim was however, quick to point out that the education element didn’t necessarily detract from the fun of learning to surf, for the children in attendance, it was just an added bonus. “We feel that swimming, especially in the ocean, is a key life skill to have. “We aim to provide these life skills to kids. who will have them for the rest of their lives.” For more information, call Tim Campbell: 082 519 3282
Painting umbrellas.
paintball, and horse riding. Patrick said, “In addition the students also had the opportunity to perform in plays and paint umbrellas and fans.” The Sports and Adventure
Camp is run annually during July at the British International School, Phuket. It is rated as one of the best camps in Southeast Asia, and has been running for the past 16 years.
Tim with one of the classes of summer 2012.
Pets
Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:
“Meow, I’m Moon, and I will be turning five years old at Christmas time. I belong to Mari Okawa and Parinya Rathasamut. I love jazz music and I enjoy eating boiled fish and rice. My favourite trick is to disappear for several days and then show up at home again! My owners don’t like this trick very much though. One time I went away for eight months and my owners thought I would never return, but of course I did! I live with Mari and Parinya and their two other cats and two dogs. We are one big happy family!”
“Woof woof, we are Dada and Nene. We are the parents of six beautiful puppies, all Jack Russell dogs just like us. Our owner is Aoh Supawadee.”
Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to editor1@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com
DANE’S WORLD
22 WEIRD NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS
The burning truth ow here’s a terrific idea: bet your friends that you can set some high-proof rum on fire. Better yet, pour it over your head and challenge them to set your face on fire. No? No takers? William Bonner, 36, of Georgia in the US found takers. CCTV footage in a bar shows Bonner standing with a row of rum shots on the floor in front of him. He pours one over his head, someone else steps forward and it’s “Flame On!” Bonner, looking like a drunk and overweight version of the Human Torch, staggers around crashing into furniture before others pour beer over him. A police spokesman said no criminal charges will be filed because Bonner admitted that he had agreed to the dare. “The man who was set on fire bet friends he was drinking with that he could set his face on fire,” the spokesperson
Rum? Why would I want to drink it? It’s far more fun pouring it on myself and then having someone light a match. added. “No one believed him. He proved them wrong.”
Bonner is now in intensive care in the local burns unit. The CCTV vid has gone viral.
Just search for “really really really REALLY dumb rum fire”.
rived on the scene, Hetzel was sitting on the curb shirtless and screaming. They tried unsuccessfully to calm him down but, when that failed, they attempted to restrain him. Hetzel was having none of it. He broke free of the police, jumped a back fence
into a neighbour’s garden, broke through a window and went in. There he was confronted by the owner of the home, and, The Las Vegas Sun reported, started a fight with him, bashing him around the head with a wooden guitar and a toilet lid. He also tried to strangle the
homeowner “multiple times”. Police caught up with Hetzel 20 minutes later but went nowhere near him. Instead they unleashed one of their fearless K9 dogs, who took him down without any bother. Hetzel is now in deep s**t and his future is, it seems, down the toilet.
Hopper Horror Agence France-Presse
GRASSHOPPERS WHO DIE frightened leave their mark in the Earth in a way that more mellow ones do not, US and Israeli researchers said July 26. “So ... this sounds a little bit weird,” lead author Dror Hawlena said in an interview on journal Science’s website. Hawlena, a researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, along with colleagues at Yale University devised a test to measure the legacy of grasshoppers who were scared by spiders. They placed cages in areas of natural vegetation and allowed some grasshoppers to be alone while others were placed in cages with a spider. They glued the mouths of the spiders shut in order to make sure that the grasshoppers experienced pure fear
thephuketnews.com
THE BIG LIST
Scary mascots
Wenlock and Mandeville, the mascots for the London Olympics, have come in for a fair amount of flak, but on a scale of awfulness (or awesomeness, depending on how you see these things), they’re nor the worst we’ve ever seen. Okay, so they each have only one eye, which is like the Cyclopses, renowned for their enormous size and very short tempers, and Wenlock has this big blue patch in the crotch area that makes it look like he’s suffering from a rare form of incontinence. But they’re basically sort of cute, and in there have been some far creepier mascots:
Berserker’s toilet-lid bash A LAS VEGAS MAN IS IN jail for attempted murder. His weapons of choice: his hands and a guitar. And a toilet lid. The problems for Ronald Hetzel, 41, began when police received a complaint about a man throwing things around in his own house. According to KNTV-TV, when they ar-
with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
Photo: London 2012
N
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Photo: Multimotyl but were not actually killed by the predators. When the grasshoppers died, Hawlena took their bodies back to the lab and deposited them in soil. He found that the body composition of the frightened grasshoppers was changed – their carbon to nitrogen ratio was about four per cent higher than their calmer peers. But that rather tiny difference caused plant matter to decay much more slowly than it did in comparison tests using grasshoppers who died more peacefully.
■ Schneeman the Snowman, mascot for the 1976 Innsbruck winter Olympics: Schneeman was based on your classic snowman, white with a carrot-looking orange nose. But that’s where the resemblance stopped. Schneeman had no body – just a huge round head with enormous feet and hands sticking out of it. The eyes were as black and blank as a corpse’s, and although the designers tried to equip him with a smile, he ended up looking, not happy, but more like he had indigestion after swallowing too many kittens in one go. To top it all off, they equipped him with a hat borrowed from Freddy of Nightmare on Elm Street. ■ The Burger King: In August last year Burger King finally retired after years of spooking kids. The King looked vaguely like Erroll Flynn with a bad case of Ebola – the part of the disease where it eats all your face muscles and renders you incapable of any facial expression. And he’d been getting increasingly weird, with ads that showed him peeping through people’s windows and even appearing in their beds. ■ Aunt Jemima: Today’s Aunt Jemima of pancake mix fame is fairly innocuous, but back in the 1930s she was downright scary. Not frightening per se – she was smiley and happy looking. No, the scary part was her bulk – the sheer massive lardiness of her. Lord knows how they thought she was going to sell pancakes for the company; the message, loud and clear, was “You eat these and you are going to be seriously, obscenely, fat. Get ready to spend the rest of your short life in a wheelchair cos you’ll be way too heavy to walk and then you’ll die of a massive pancake-fuelled heart attack.” ■ The Kinder Surprise Egghead: This was a mascot for a line of chocolate sweet-goo-filled eggs. The egghead looked like a very creepy version of Humpty Dumpty – the kind of egg you just knew was going to molest your children if you let him get anywhere near. Kids detected it too; the company ditched him after too many complaints of toddlers having nightmares whenever he appeared on TV. ■ The Qui znos Sponge monkey: Quiznos is a chain of sandwich shops based in Central and South America but with branches in, of all places, Reykjavik and Riyadh. The Quiznos mascot looks like a rat on acid, wearing a bowler hat. According to the company, the mascot is actually a “spongemonkey”. But it looks like a rat to us. Wanna eat in one of their restaurants?
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
BOOK
TIME OUT 23
MUSIC
FILM Rak Jed Pee Dee Jed Hon 105 minutes Rating: General Director: Jirayut La-ongmanee
Kornkarnokphan Suwan reporter2@thephuketnews.com
Two Women Martina Cole
AS THE TITLE SUGGESTS, Two women is a book that follows the lives and encounters of two women – who in fact couldn’t be more different. Sue Dalston is from the East End of London, and comes from rather a turbulent and troubled background of domestic abuse that has characterised her upbringing and current lifestyle. In fact, danger and violence have never been too far away from Sue’s life. One night her husband pushes her too far and she snaps and murders him. She is then imprisoned with upper class lady Maltida Enderby. The two form a relationship and their fates become linked. Can these two very different women have a positive effect on one another’s lives?
The Gaslight Anthem Handwritten
NEW JERSEY ALTERNAtive rock group The Gaslight Anthem return with their fourth and easily most sophisticated and advanced effort to date. The lads manage to somehow combine 1960s soul, ‘70s stadium rock, ‘80s hardcore and ‘90s grunge into a rather contemporary unique-sounding little album of ‘everyman anthems’. While perhaps not an American rock ‘n’ roll classic, its Pearl Jam-esque tunes and melodies will ensure people will be tapping their feet and nodding their heads in a rhythmic fashion for many years to come. This latest work shows the graduation of the underground punk rockers, into a young band who know their stuff.
R
ak Jed Pee Dee Jed Hon (Love Changes Every Seven Years) is a trio of short love stories that deal with three different issues of the heart: teenage lust, long relationships, and age difference. The movie is split into three segments taking place seven years apart. The first one is a teenage love story that involves a young internet-addicted boy named Paun who loves to share
every aspect of his personal love life in cyber space. The only problem is that his girl “Milk” doesn’t. One day he uploads a video of Milk and it quickly gets more than 10,000 views. Paun starts to love and crave this online attention and feedback, almost as much as he loves his girlfriend.
But Milk prefers to keep their love life private, and she the more Paun uploads the worse she feels. The relationship becomes increasingly complicated which ultimately leads to more misunderstandings. The second part of the movie follows the story of a famous actor called John who, upset with negative reviews of his latest film, runs decides to leave the industry. He becomes a recluse and leaves his old life behind, including his girlfriend and co-star Mam. Years pass and John goes to work in a sea aquarium. Everything is going ‘swimmingly’ until the director decides that he wants to make a sequel to the film, and Mam is dispatched to look for John. Can she inspire him to
return to the industry that scorned him? Both of their futures depend on it. The final story is about young marathon runner Kao and middle aged TV reporter Lhon, who accidentally meet in a park. Kao invites Lhon to join the marathon and they gradually get closer as the day of the marathon approaches. However, the budding relationship creates gossip in the media industry and Lhon has to consider what will ultimately bring her the most happiness. In sum, with each of the three shorts centred around the classic themes of love, inspiration and following your heart, this is a feelgood, great movie date.
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 directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.
SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL)
SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG)
DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE (E) [G] 12:10, 15:25, 18:40, 22:00 DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE (E/F) [G] 13:15, 16:30, 19:45 DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE (T) [G] 11:20, 14:35, 17:50, 21:00 ICE AGE : CONTINENTAL DRIFT (E/3D) [G] 11:15, 16:20 RAK 7 PEE DEE 7 HON (T/E.SUB) [G] 11:30, 12:30, 13:20, 14:30, 15:30, 17:30, 18:30, 19:20, 20:30, 21:30, 22:10 STEP UP REVOLUTION (E/3D) [15+] 11:40, 13:50, 16:00, 18:10, 20:15, 22:20
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, THE (E) [G] 16:50, 21:45 DARK KNIGHT RISES, THE (E) [G] 11:40, 14:55, 16:15, 18:10, 19:25, 21:30, 22:35 ICE AGE : CONTINENTAL DRIFT (E) [G] 12:00, 14:10 LOL (E) [13+] 12:30, 14:40, 19:40 RAK 7 PEE DEE 7 HON (T/E.SUB) [G] 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 21:00 STEP UP REVOLUTION (E) [15+] 11:20, 13:30, 15:40, 17:50, 20:00, 22:10
BRAIN TEASERS Down
1. Type of ball direction for riflemen’s blasts. (7) 4. Bart’s a virtual person with quiet son. (7) 8. Plant went up. (4) 9. Barrel a fish! (4) 10. A hundred and four and a cat. (5) 12. Oddly, most do chafe when well-shaven. (6-5) 14. Eat in the evening, then took an attitude. Dubious. (8) 17. Miss takes tea, they say, in light fogs. (5) 20. Known associate of Ron in western town. (5) 21. Arrest wedding attendant for obstruction. (8) 25. Hi! Arctic spy destroyed treatment for mental problems. (11) 27. Transport was gloomy. (5) 29. Biblical parts of play. (4) 30. Worker and I are in opposition. (4) 31. Up-to-date electrical charge. (7) 32. Concerning title: Get back! (7)
1. In flower holder, antiMafia law is swollen. (8) 2. Thpeakth. (5) 3. Coal carrier may sink ship. (7) 4. Employs people for sticks. (6) 5. A big one, buddy. (3) 6. Rescued! Dave’s back. (5) 7. Not a particle? It’s an idea… (6) 11. Not stereo, Tony causes boredom. (8) 13. Ships manicure equipment. (8) 15. After physical education, a legume. (3) 16. Some French for “Little Desmond”. (3) 18. Drink and eat badly. (3) 19. Muir I led back to fever. (8) 22. Pamphlet or agricultural machine. (7) 23. Acid in favor of microphone. (6) 24. Block boat seat. (6) 25. Musician, be quiet in support! (5) 26. Cheat Georgia, and dance. (5) 28. Expire, little cube! (3)
1. Who described playing golf as “like chasing a quinine pill around a cow pasture”? 2. Who was married to policeman Joe Dougherty, ball player Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller? 3. Which word comes after the following to make three new words; Band, Hand and Grand? 4. In which sport do competitors use a mallet? 5. Which part of your body would be affected by astigmatism? Answers at the bottom of the page.
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Winston Churchill; 2. Marilyn Monroe; 3. Stand; 4. Croquet; 5. Eyes.
SUDOKU
Across
thephuketnews.com
24 KIDS PAGE
THE PHUKET NEWS
COLOURING CONTEST
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
On Sale
NOW!
Every book sold helps disadvantaged kids. With 22 Island Scenes to colour in, it makes the perfect gift for your children, friends and family. Free colouring crayons with every copy! For commercial inquiries, call Boo on 088 766 1615 or email pr@thephuketnews.com
POWERED BY
To order your copy today, call 076 612 550 or email info@thephuketnews.com
Also on sale at all the following outlets: www.thephuketnews.com/distribution-points.php
E
very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with your work, and email it to editor@thephuketnews.com We look forward to seeing next week's entries, pick up y o ur copy o f T h e Ph uk e t Colouring Book today! For more information, visit www.thephuketnews.com/ colouring-book.php
Thalang Road is one of the oldest streets in Phuket, with many houses more than 100 years old. DID YOU KNOW? Every January, the whole street is closed for the Old Town Festival.
mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk
thephuketnews.com
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
FASHION FILE
THE PHUKET NEWS
SHOPPING 25 Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to: editor1@thephuketnews.com
SPOT THE STAR Burberry watch / Central Festival / B15,900
Large belt / gift from a friend
Thunyanun Boonperm
Sale Executive
Black leather belt / Siam Paragon, Bangkok / B350
Manie dress / Fashion shop on Takua Pa Road / B450
Coach bag/ bought in US / B10,500
Leopard-print T-shirt / Sam Kong Market / B500
Glass bead bracelet / CPS shop / Central Festival / B550
Blue jeans/ Playboy shop / Central Festival / B1,800
LADY IN RED
Wachiraporn Putrakul
Shoes / Naka Weekend Market / B199
Owner of Richy by Francis
Black shoes / Sam Kong Market / B500
ACCESSORIES 1
2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
White feather earring Sexy lip ring Smiley necklace Brown feather earring Brown leather bag Red handbag
B150 B500 B350 B290 B650 B490
3 4 5
FORTY EIGHT
6
SHOP & BAR
Accessories from Forty Eight Shop & Bar, 367/1 Yaowarat Rd., 089 909 9891. Open daily 11am-8pm. Enjoy a 20 per cent discount off all products if you present this copy of The Phuket News at time of purchase.
thephuketnews.com
26 DINING
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Pegasus Bay Marketing Manager Edward Donaldson, left, and JC Wine Brand Management John Cope at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale.
PEGASUS WINES FLY AT MOM TRI’S Around 40 people enjoyed the four course Pegasus Bay wine dinner at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale on Thursday evening (July 26). Pegasus Bay was established in Wairarapa, north Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1985 by the Donaldson family, who planted a one acre vineyard and made wine in the garage. It remains a family owned and run operation today. “My father (Ivan) wanted to make wines that had texture,” said Marketing Manager Edward Donaldson. These days the vineyard is made up of one third riesling, one third pinot noir (the winery’s two flagship varieties) and the remaining one third of various other grape varieties.
Satien Kitpajam has a mushroom soup stall in Patong’s Banzaan Market.
Isarn’s favourite fungi STREET EATS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com
Seared scallop, tortellini, fried quail egg and tomato and onion chutney.
thephuketnews.com
ISARN NATIVES LIVING in Phuket are probably very glad there are good mushroom soup sellers here on the island who can help remind them of the tastes of home. Mushroom soup, also known as kaeng oom in Thai, is an original spicy soup from Thailand’s northeast. One of the most popular vendors in Phuket is Satien Kitpajam, aged 42, who is originally from Roi Et province. He is the owner of the kaeng oom food stall in the Banzaan Market, behind the Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong. Mr Satien has been living in Phuket for eight years, but has only sold mushroom soup for one and a half. Before that, he sold fruit in the same area, but noticed there was a real demand for kaeng oom. There are a lot of people in the area originally from Isarn so he thought it would
Mushroom soup – a very popular Isarn meal. be a good business to open. Mr Satien uses an original recipe for his kaeng oom, which is made from different types of mushrooms, chilli, vegetables, Thai herbs, and the famous Isarn ingredient, pla ra, also known as fermented fish sauce. He also serves mushroom soup with frog meat (very popular with his Isarn custom-
ers) plus chicken and shellfish. He also has a dish which includes small white eggs from the red ant. Many people believe eating mushroom soup is good for your health, and can help with losing weight, diabetes and allergies. Mr Satien’s soup starts at B50, and his stall is open every day from 5.30pm to 10pm.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
DINING 27
Five star food at affordable prices ADVERTORIAL
B
aan Talay is Angsana Laguna Phuket’s contemporary style restaurant featuring fresh local seafood and authentic Thai cuisine with an open kitchen concept. Designed by Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts’ architectural team, Baan Talay features a warm, welcoming ambience with accents of traditional Thai decor. The restaurant is outfitted with earth-toned furniture and graced by meticulously carved traditional Thai wooden panel. The restaurant is one of seven at the resort, and one of the favourites of diners. But don’t expect five-star prices at Baan Talay. The majority of dishes are priced around B150-200, and are perfectly presented. Think five star food and setting, but without the price tag. Meaning “house by the sea” in Thai, Baan Talay offers an extensive menu of fresh local seafood specialties for a truly authentic Thai dining experience. Guests can select live seafood such as tiger prawns, lobsters, and black crabs from
Clockwise from right, banana fritters, Thai assorted appetisers, and the signature Pla Gao Rad Prik.
a custom-built fish tank. This fresh catch is prepared using traditional methods that highlight Thai flavours and spices, including lemongrass,
turmeric, and galangal. Angsana Laguna Phuket Executive Sous Chef Prasong Thaochan has been working at the hotel for around one
year. A Phuket native, he has worked in Mexico and the United Kingdom, and has spent seven years working for the Banyan Tree brand,
both in Phuket and abroad. Hi signature dishes at Baan Talay include the Pla Gao Rad Prik, which is crispy grouper with a spicy garlic,
chilli and tamarind sauce, (B190), and the Massaman Curry, made from braised beef (B190). Baan Talay is open seven days per week for dinner; operating hours are from 6pm-11pm. The dress code is smart/casual and reservations are recommended. Enquiry and reservation services for Baan Talay at Angsana Laguna Phuket may be made via gsc.lag unaphuket@angsana.com or telephone 076 324 101.
thephuketnews.com
28 ENTERTAINMENT
THE PHUKET NEWS
THE TICKET Dusit diva Dhonna with Claire Connell
IN BRIEF Bangkok Invaders at Seduction Top Thailand DJ team the Bangkok Invaders perform at Seduction on Bangla Rd tomorrow (August 4) from 10pm.
The Stafford Brothers fly in The Stafford Brothers DJ duo, made up of Australians Matt Stafford and his brother Chris, will perform at Seduction on Bangla Rd on August 8 from 10pm. Tickets B400 on the night. The brothers are currently the number one ranked DJs in Australia, according to the 2011 “inthemix” DJ Awards.
Book pulled over Dylan lies A staff writer for The New Yorker magazine has resigned, after admitting he had made up quotes from singer and songwriter Bob Dylan in his book Imagine: How Creativity Works. Science journalist and author Jonah Lehrer became the latest non-fiction writer to admit making up material, saying in a statement released Monday by the book’s publisher, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, that he had lied to a journalist for online publication Tablet who had questioned Lehrer several weeks ago about the authenticity of quotes in a section devoted to Dylan.
editor1@thephuketnews.com
F
ilipino native Dhonna Campos has been the singer at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket for four years now, and has now brought her two musical brothers over to the island to join her. Dhonna, together with guitarist and older brother Barry, and pianist Ash, her younger brother, form the Red Rhythm trio. Working together is “challenging” and has been quite an adjustment says Dhonna, but together the siblings have has a lot of fun performing. The siblings’ parents were great singers and always entered local singing competitions – in fact that was how they met. Dhonna fondly recalls them playfully arguing over who won what competition as she was growing up, and says they instilled a love of music in her. Dhonna sang regularly from when she was young, and won a singing scholarship through her local Catholic church that paid for her four
Dhonna Campos with her brothers Barry and Ash. Together they form “Red Rhythm”. year degree in Mass Communications in Manila, in return for singing at weddings and other events held at the church. She spent six years in Seoul, South Korea, performing as part of a seven piece show band, meaning her dancing skills were required as well.
“Music is my first love,” she says. “I cannot live without music. It’s something I can be proud of, and it’s a craft I have – nothing can take that away from me.” Dhonna is well known on the island for her soulful
Crooner Tony Martin dies at 98 Tony Martin, the romantic singer who appeared in movie musicals from the 1930s to the 1950s and sustained a career in records, television and nightclubs from the Depression era into the 21st century, has died. He was 98.
thephuketnews.com
voice, and names musical influences such as Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, Barbara Streisand, Mariah Carey, The Carpenters, Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner. “At the Dusit we play a real mix – ‘70s, ‘80s, ballads, rock and roll, and jazz,
plus new songs. We have to do lots of practice to keep improving and learning new songs, particularly because Ash only started in June so he’s quite new.” Dhonna also has to learn to sing songs in different languages, catering to the resort’s international clientèle. As well as performing and practising around 10 hours a week with her brothers, Dhonna is also a full time mum to her and husband Ariel’s 10 year-old son, Johnriel. Despite her singing and Ariel playing the piano, Dhonna says Johnriel is much more interested in Taekwondo than music at the moment. But no doubt he’ll be influenced by his parents’ musical talents, and perhaps one day might even join them on the stage himself. Red Rhythm per for m at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket hotel every evening except Sunday, from 7.30pm to 11.30pm.
WEEKDAYS Breakfast
Madonna plays down boo-fest Pop star Madonna has downplayed media reports of boos and calls for refunds from the audience of her recent concert at Paris’ famed Olympia theatre, saying they were caused by “a few thugs” in the audience. “Unfortunately at the end of the show – after I left the stage – a few thugs who were not my fans rushed the stage and started throwing plastic bottles pretending to be angry fans,” Madonna said on her website.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Sam & Natasha
7am-11am
The Power Hour with Live 89.5 Radenska Natural Water
11am-12pm
Lifestyle
Steve Johnston
12pm-3pm
Drive
Jason Wilder
3pm-7pm
Non Stop Music
Live 89.5
7pm-7am
SATURDAY CleArly CleAr’s Fa Bruneau and Connie Cottus with Live 89.5 Drive host Jason Wilder.
French musical duo make Phuket record CHIANG MAI BASED DUO CleArly CleAr, comprised of musicians Connie Cottus and Fa Bruneau, are in Phuket to record their first album at Legend Music recording studio. The singing and songwriting couple, originally from France, stopped by the Live 89.5 studio last Wednesday afternoon to perform several of their compositions. They are in Phuket to re-
cord 11 songs, which will make up their first album. “We used to live in China for a couple of months, but we came to Thailand because we needed a quiet place to compose,” says guitarist Fa Bruneau. Connie says, “Creating songs is a need. We don’t force ourselves into composing anything, it’s just very fluid. Sometimes Fa will pick
up the guitar and play a few tunes and I’ll come up with a melody and instantly have the lyrics, sometimes it will take longer. “But I wouldn’t say there’s a process, it’s just letting go.” The band have a producer in Jakarta who is in the process of targeting record labels. For more information visit myspace.com/clear2live
Weekend Brunch
Jay Le Shark
10am - 1pm
Phuket News Radio
Live 89.5
1pm - 2pm
Saturday Sport
Sam Clarke
2pm - 5pm
Going Green
Nick Anthony
5pm – 7pm
Saturday Night Fever
Live 89.5
7pm – 11pm
SUNDAY Weekend Brunch
Jay Le Shark
10am – 1pm
The Spin
Tim Newton
1pm - 4pm
Jason Wilder
4pm - 7pm
Live 89.5
7pm - 8pm
Live 89.5
8pm – 11pm
Lazy Sunday Afternoon Phuket News Radio (repeat) Sunday Night Chill
www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Charity launches monthly pub quiz TH E LAST Monday of every month will see the brains of Phuket converge for a battle of wits and intellect – all for a good cause. The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, in conjunction with Aussie Pub Kamala, began monthly pub quizzes on Monday (July 30) starting at 7pm. The entry fee of B100 per person goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children. B10 from every drink will also go to the charity. Teams of up to four will go head to head for the title of ‘Phuket’s Most Smartest’, while improving the lives of local children. Phuket Has Been Good To Us is a Thai registered charity which teaches free English classes to every student in Kamala and Kalim Schools. They also run free after school and weekend programmes for the 130 residential children at Kamala School, most of who have no family to take care of them. Prizes include bar tabs, meals and beauty treatments – all generously donated by local businesses. To find out more visit phukethasbeen goodtous.org
ENTERTAINMENT 29
Blogger Bubble covers Olympics for Thailand B Coconuts Bangkok
angkok video blogger Chayapa Boonmana, also known as Bubble, was one of the winners of Samsung’s Global Blogger competition and is representing Thailand, along with three other bloggers Phoobordin, Korakot and Justin, at the London 2012 Olympics as a global video blogger. She flew to London for the first time to spend 10 days there capturing the action.
What is your regular job? I work as an online media planner and I’m a co-founder of BrandBaker. I’m a social media queen and my work is in the digital field. Social networking is now part of my life, I can’t live without it. My business partners and I also met on Twitter – we were friends for a year until we decided to open a company together. I’m active on Twitter, and I have 4,200 followers. Mostly I tweet about events that I get invited to, life, relationships, nail art and salsa dancing. On Facebook I have over 4,000 fans on my page “Nailing You Nail Art”. On my personal Facebook account I have 1,700 friends and mostly they are people who work in the digital industry. So the digital
Bangkok blogger Chayapa Boonmana, also known as Bubble. world is my life, I tweet, I share almost everything. All my best friends work in the digital industry.
have been to France, the United States, Australia, and most of the countries in Southeast Asia.
Why were you chosen as one of the competition winners? I’m not sure, but from what I heard, the Samsung team said that all four winners have a strong passion for video blogging. The rules stated that the judges were looking for creativity and knowledge on video editing and presentation.
What do you have to do as a winner of the competition? During our 10 days in London, every day we will be given assignments. We need to be with bloggers from other countries and produce a video blog together every day. We also need to write a blog with photos every day as well. The assignments will cover a subjects from museums and markets to fashion and transportation. Visit samsungglobalblogger. com for more information on Bubble and the other bloggers representing Thailand, or follow Bubble at her twitter account: @BubblyBubble.
Have you been to the Olympics before? I’ve never been to the Olympics before and I’m not really a fan, but I do watch it on TV every four years. Have you been to London before? I’ve never been to London but I
IN BRIEF Noel Gallagher confirmed for BKK
It has been confirmed that Noel Gallagher, former lead guitarist of rock band Oasis, will perform in Bangkok on September 20 at the Bitec Bangna venue, with the High Flying Birds. Tickets are available from Thai ticketmajor.com, starting at B1000. The band, who formed in 2011, will perform in Bangkok before heading to Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Suede and The Cardigans in Bangkok
English alternative rock band Suede and Swedish rock band The Cardigans will perform in Bangkok tomorrow (August 4) as part of the Sonic Attack 2 festival.
Maroon 5 return to Thailand
BEC-TERO Entertainment have announced that American pop/rock band Maroon 5 will be back in Thailand in October for another concert “Maroon 5: Live in Bangkok”. Dates have not yet been confirmed.
Batman clings to the top of US box office Agence France-Presse
THE LATEST BATMAN flick The Dark Knight Rises held on to the top spot at North American box offices last weekend despite the mass shooting in Colorado, according to figures released Sunday. Twelve people were killed and 58 wounded when a gunman sprayed bullets into a midnight premiere of the final installment of the Batman trilogy in Aurora, Colorado on
July 20. The film finished its debut weekend with the thirdlargest earnings ever, and this weekend raked in earnings well above its competitors, bringing in US$64 million, according to Exhibitor Relations, which tracks ticket sales. Second place, with US$13.3 million, went to 3D computeranimated adventure comedy Ice Age 4: Continental Drift. Coming in just behind was science-fiction comedy The Watch, which opened with $13
million in box office receipts. The film stars Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade as four suburban dads who form a neighbourhood watch only to end up battling an alien invasion. Step Up: Revolution, about a crew of street dancers protesting urban development plans in Miami, opened in fourth (US$11.8 million), followed by cheeky teddy bear comedy Ted (US$7.3 million).
k Meinds ù
Weekly SET MENU, 2 courses with a glass of wine or soft drink @ 375 Baht After 2-course-dinner, free limoncello A bottle of Chianti, 990 Baht only
*AUTHENTIC ITALIAN, GREAT ATMOSPHERE*
thephuketnews.com
30 TRAVEL
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Myanmar reforms open floodgates for tourists Kelly Macnamara / AFP
T
he hotels are full or eyewateringly expensive, creased dollar bills are worthless and credit cards are widely refused – welcome to Myanmar, Asia’s next big tourist destination. The Southeast Asian nation, once shielded from international eyes by a brutal military junta and a travel boycott supported by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, has become a must-see for many travellers. “Because the country has been so isolated, the deeply Buddhist ‘Land of the Golden Pagoda’ resonates with a strong sense of place, undiluted by mass tourism and warmed by genuine hospitality,” the New York Times said in January, ranking the country third on its list of the top 45 destinations of 2012. But the influx of tourists is posing a challenge to the burgeoning travel industry in a country where a string of political reforms has not been matched by infrastructure development. The few hotels in Yangon offering international standards of business accommo-
At Yangon’s famed golden Shwedagon Pagoda, foreigners have out-numbered locals. All photos: Simon Ostheimer dation have begun to charge up to several hundred dollars a night for rooms that were half the price, if not less, a year ago. Even hoteliers admit that the situation is unsustainable. “To be really honest at this point I don’t think that Myanmar is ready yet to cope
Even the local monks are signing up for guided tours.
thephuketnews.com
with the high demand of mass tourism,” said Thomas Moons, front office manager at the colonial-style Governor’s Residence hotel in Yangon. “At the moment in terms of availability and accommodation that we’re able to offer, it’s just not enough to cope with demand,” he told AFP. “People might think that if they come to Myanmar they will have a cheap holiday when it’s completely the opposite.” While few doubt Myanmar’s attraction to tourists, some people returning to the country say they enjoyed it more before the hordes arrived. Klaus, a 61-year-old German travelling with his wife in the remote western town of Sittwe, said they were “disappointed” by their third trip to Myanmar.
“There are too many people this time, even though it is April (the peak of hot season),” he told AFP. “People in hotels used to be so nice – smiling and taking care of us – but they don’t have time anymore... And hotel prices have gone through the roof.” International arrivals have rocketed, with almost 365,000 foreigners jetting into the main city Yangon in 2011, up 22 per cent on the previous year and almost double the figure for 2003, industry figures show. This year is likely to see another jump, with more than 175,000 arrivals between January and April, against almost 130,000 in the same period of 2011. According to the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism, there
are only around 8,000 hotels rooms in the city. At Yangon’s famed golden Shwedagon Pagoda, the slow, circular promenade around the majestic golden spire was until recently mainly the preserve of local couples, children and burgundy-robed monks. But recently foreigners have at times appeared to outnumber locals, their cameras seemingly searching for the rare frame not to include a posse of other visitors. Phyoe Wai Yar Zar, of the Myanmar Tourism Board, said the tourism influx had also caused “unprecedented congestion” at hotels, especially in Yangon, which have begun inflating their prices in response. “Potential holiday makers may opt for other destinations
The four sided Buddhist Kyaikpun Pagoda in Bago, a few hours drive outside Yangon.
in the region,” he added. Westerners used to the relative ease of travelling in other Southeast Asian countries, like neighbouring Thailand, are also being caught out by other symptoms of Myanmar’s long years of isolation under military rule. There are almost no places where credit and debit cards or travellers’ cheques are accepted so visitors must bring all the money they need for their trip with them in US dollar bills. While recent reforms mean there are more official moneychangers competing with the black market, the dollar bills must be crisp and clean or they will be rejected. “Candidly speaking, there have been some tourists who arrived in Myanmar with insufficient information and did not bring enough cash for their stay,” said Phyoe Wai Yar Zar. But he stressed that travel agents were often able to help. “It is the nature of Myanmar people to give assistance to the people in trouble.” The government is scrambling to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure, with efforts to build new hotels and upgrade transport links at major tourist destinations. Travel is currently centred on four main sites connected by internal flights – Yangon, Inle Lake in eastern Shan State, the temples of Bagan and the royal capital Mandalay. “A lot of the tourist money is concentrated into certain parts of the country,” said Andrew Appleyard at British adventure tour operator Exodus Travels, which returned to the country last year after a decade-long hiatus. Appleyard said the company, which advocates responsible travel, plans to take up to 400 people into the country annually but said there was an awareness that all operators were facing the problem of “making money out of an emerging country that can’t cope”. “We will continue to operate there and look at best practice but clients’ expectations are going to have to be managed, if they go there,” he said. “Service is slow, things don’t always work and you are going to have to share places like Shwedagon with hundreds of tourists.”
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
ISLAND SCENE 31
Winning team St James Property with their trophy and Saksri Kerdphol of sponsor Auto Express (centre).
ON YOUR MARKS Property agents St James Property entered the fastest team in the Lions Club of Patong Beach annual go-kart championships on Sunday (July 29). Close behind were Crissey Co. The event, staged at the go-kart track in Chalong, drew 10 teams of five drivers each, and raised funds for Lions charitable projects. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 were among the sponsors.
Club 88 team driver Bella Thirapan Narongkool (centre) with race girls.
Luke Remmers, Ben Cox and Chaya Musor.
Runners-up Crissey Co.
Phuket News sub editor Jody Houton.
Richard Prior of Kata Rocks with cheer team.
The original “Two Chefs� - Billy Agren and Henrik Ojelind.
Joachim, Dennis and Roger.
GRAND OPENING The new Two Chefs Bistro, Deli and Bakery on Khoktanod Road, Kata, was Yasko and Two Chefs owner Kig Bohthong.
officially opened on Friday evening (July 27). The new cafe offers a more casual dining experience compared to the three Two Chefs restaurants, with bakery goods, sandwiches and other food items.
thephuketnews.com
32 ISLAND SCENE
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
CAN WE FIX IT? YES, WE CAN Srisoonthorn Municipality officially opened the Community Fix It Centre in Thalang, a project between the Phuket Vocational College and the Municipality, on July 20. Pictured far right is Sommai Prijasilpa, Vice-Governor of Phuket.
BOWLING FOR PHUKET Competitors shone at The Dusit Smiles Bowling Cup 2012, held at Big C on July 28. Jintana won the award for highest-scoring female competitor, while Karan took the title for the highestscoring male competitor. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 were among the sponsors for this event.
Highest male scorer Karan, second from left, and highest female scorer Jintana, centre, purple.
thephuketnews.com
PARTYING IN THE NAME OF ART Artists, musicians and hipsters had a groovy time at the inaugural Friday evening social night at the Phuket Art Village in Naiharn, on July 27.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
ISLAND SCENE 33
Aussie Pub Kamala owner Peter Crisp with employees Noot, Ying and Noy.
COMPETING FOR MOST SMARTEST Eleven teams battled it out for the title of “Phuket’s Most Smartest” on Monday (July 30) in the new monthly pub quiz at the Aussie Pub Kamala to raise money for the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation. The winning team was “Quiz on Your Face”. Around B25,000 was raised from the event. (See page 29 for more details.)
The winning team “Quiz on Your Face”, made up of Kamala locals.
Angela and Hayley from Phuket Has Been F o u n d a t i o n v o l u n t e e r a n d Dave Galloway, Barry Larkan, Brian Greig and Dean Lambert. Good to Us. quizmaster David Berman.
Pedro and Bill.
Christel and Roxy Bar owner Karen Townsend.
RAGING AT ROXY Roxy Bar, on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, was packed on Saturday night (July 28) as patrons gathered to watch the Bangkok Traveller Band, made up of Phuket musicians Goff, Sak and Chang.
Guitarist and vocalist Sak.
Samsia and Leanne.
thephuketnews.com
34 EVENTS
THE PHUKET NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php WAHOO THAILAND 2013 SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands
19th - 21st February 2013
Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.
57 hours of non - Stop fishing!
Huge media coverage!
CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING
JULY 27- AUGUST 25
AUGUST 24-26
AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 6 Por Tor Festival
Mark the Date
Please contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery, 076 333 568. See www.momtriphuket.com.
Summer Family Festival Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival runs until August 25. Canal Shopping Village is transformed into a carnival playground, with a Beer Tent for parents to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge. Festival attractions during the two months include art classes with an Artistin-Residence, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week in Canal Village, entertainment by a strolling troupe of international performers from the famous Palazzo dinner theatre, and theme parties. The Beer Tent offers a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events with coverage London Olympic Games, F1 grand prix races and AFL games, as well as a variety of entertainment, weekly quiz night and happy hour drinks. And a popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s festival will be the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks, for just B200 per session. For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, please visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/events/ family-festival.
UNTIL AUGUST 17 Robin Gillow @ VR Gallery Divided by an ocean, yet linked through art and friendship, Phuket based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist, Libby Harrison will be showing their newest work in this joint exhibit. The exhibition’s ocean related theme perfectly suits the art duo’s subject matter.
thephuketnews.com
AUGUST 10
The event is a joint cooperation between the AMCHAM Greater Phuket Chapter and SEEK. Find out how green sustainable programs ranging from recycling, energy and water savings and more can help the island. Whether you work in a hotel, tourism industry, and property development or run a business here, this practical seminar by leading experts from the hospitality sector is set to help you take the first step towards contributing something back to Phuket. On Friday August 24 at Holiday Inn Patong. Registration starts at 4pm with the session running from 4.30-6pm. Networking drinks will follow. AMCHAM Attendance is open to the public for B100 and includes drinks. To register for the event, please visit the website www.amchamthailand.com or contact Sheree Tanpensuk by email sheree@ amchamthailand.com or call 02 254 1041 ext 212.
Ethnic Chinese in Phuket believe that Por Tor Kong is a God of Devil. The seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar is believed to be the period when spirits are released. The gates are opened and spirits released to wander or revisit homes. During the festival, people bring food and nicely-decorated fruits to make offerings to Por Tor Kong to pass onto those spirits. An essential offering for the festival is red turtle- shaped cake, large or small. They believe that turtles symbolise longevity. The fresh market on Ranong Road under the Office of Phuket City is where residents here hold the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival to make merits and offerings to their ancestors. As it is organised in many communities in Phuket city, each location begins at a different date but within the seventh lunar month or around August each year.
OCTOBER 15-23
AUGUST 24-26 IBAP programme: Crisis Management Richard Hancock, a professional crisis management specialist based in Singapore, who will discuss the parameters of this subject in relation to Phuket and take your questions. Richard has 24-years professional experience working across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He has been at the forefront of the increase in Risk Management Planning needed in today’s global market. Richard has worked with countries, governments, companies, and individuals at all levels on a wide spectrum of topics that come under the umbrella of Crisis Management. Location A2 Resort, By Pass Road. All welcome. Doors open 6:15pm. http:// ibap-phuket.org.
AUGUST 12 HM the Queen’s Birthday Monday, August 13 is a substitution day. Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit, also observed as National Mother’s Day (Wan Mae Haeng Chart). It is a public holiday.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Phuket Seafood Fiesta 2012 One of the main symbols of Phuket will play the most important role as the main selling point to encourage more tourists to visit Phuket during the green season. It is a good chance for all diners to join many activities in a relaxed environment in the exquisite Phuket environment. At The Port Arena Jung Ceylon Phuket. Activities include bartender competition, cooking competition, towel folding competition, special promotion seafood and seafood selling. For more information contact Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office 076 211 036, 076 212 213. E-mail: tatphuket@ tat.or.th.
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”.
OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day 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.
THE PHUKET NEWS
EVENTS 35
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Buy and sell tickets to your event at phuketticketmaster.com
ONGOING EVENTS
Summer Promotions! Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.
FRIDAYS
SUNDAYS
.
MONDAYS
THURSDAYS AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.
DAILY
Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.
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Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.
SATURDAYS
Two Chefs Surf Night Come Hear the Loving Words of Jesus At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seedchurchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.
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At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.
TUESDAYS
Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.
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Pool Competition Every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.
Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa
Sunday Roast Pork
BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar. com.
Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.
Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers. To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults. Look for the voucher inside this paper. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeach club.com.
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WEDNESDAYS
Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.
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Surin Beach Just Got Better
Traditional Home Cooked
Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.
Traditional home cooked food, also special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All NRL and AFL games shown live on big screen. Sugar Reef opposite Tescos Cherngtalay.
daily event updates on
thephuketnews.com
36 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
JOBS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Furnished Kathu house Now available for sale or rent > 40
classifieds@thephuketnews.com
hours, motivated, ability to multitask. info@mobilecarrent.com.
Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position
Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***
Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com
Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to
adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.
Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper (The Phuket News), Phuket’s leading English radio station (Live 89.5 Radio), a host of print publications such as The Phuket Colouring book as well as Phuket’s leading Events company (Events Thailand). We are currently expanding into TV and will be setting up a new English TV production company/ station. The station will start airing in October/November 2012 and will offer English news as well as a host of travel, topical programs and features.
TV Presenter/ Producer (Thai or Foreigner)
We are currently recruiting for a TV Presenter/producer to join our team to present/produce our news and other feature programmes.
Wanted Admin Assistant Part Time: One or two days plus one evening per week to start. Must be fluent in English and Thai. For details call Larry on 081 487 4812 or e-mail lams den@phuket.ksc.co.th.
phuket.com, email buds. span@yahoo.com.
Catering and Events Intern: Intern is required to work closely with our team with tasks including: develop/budget catering and event packages, market research, and working with the F&B service staff. Call: 081 893 4122.
Female Driver Wanted: Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman seeks
TV Cameraman (Thai only)
We are currently recruiting for a TV Cameraman to join our
team to film external and internal (in studio) features.
TV Editor (Thai only)
We are currently recruiting for a TV Editor to join our team to edit our news and other feature programmes.
Office Staff Wanted: English speaking female Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.
We offer:
- Competitive salary - Friendly work environment and being part of Phuket’s fastest growing media company - Excellent progress opportunity and job security
driver. High end separate accommodation available. Call 089 054 4354.
Semi-retired UK/Canadian businessman seeks Companion: English speaking female
Woman Wanted: For only. Free high end sepacooking European food, or to be trained. “Weissbier & Wine” Restaurant, Patong. Evening working hours. Nice atmosphere. Contact 087 273 6427.
rate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.
Construction consul- Sales Staff Wanted: tant: Looking for construc- English-speaking female.
male to help with daily routine work. Driving license and English skills are required. Fixed salary B15,000 plus social security. Send resume with recent photo to info@ phuketdrive.com.
Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to
info@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.
tion consultant overlooking renovation of a large proper t y, weekly visits and reports. Please send resume and expected salary to info@phuketlp.com.
Sales And Marketing Executive: Thai, self mo-
tivated, fluent in speaking and writing English, driving license, preferably experience in ad sales or property field, competitive salary plus commission. See Exotiq Property. Please call 076 527 568.
Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.
A s si s t a n t t o Ca r Hire Company: Thai
Operations Manager / Sales: Club Asia Fitness - Phuket’s leading fitness
Chef de Partie Need- centre requires an Operaed: Phuket Adventure Mini tions Manager and a Sales Golf is currently looking for a Chef de partie. Salary B12,000-B17,000. Minimum two years’ experience required. Email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.
Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. Email info@cluba siaphuket.com.
Wanted 1 - 1.5 hours per day, 5 days per week for 3 months. Teaching English to staff at our 5* resort. Job to start early/mid August. Please contact us for more details. Please contact 087 627 6115.
administration. Accurate and organised team member with the ability to manage multiple tasks. English essential rogerg@seamari neservices.com.
Office/Admin ManagCar-rental Company er: Boat service company is hiring - Drivers : P/T English Teacher in Yacht Haven Marina for Thai nationality, deliver, Wanted: English Teacher secretarial, accounting and collect and clean our cars, be chauffeur if necessary. Requirements: basic English knowledge, driving licence, flexible in working hours, multitasking and reliable. Email:info@mobilecarrent.com.
Thai Freelance Phot o g r a p h e r : Phuket
Car-rental Company Kindergarten Teach- Photo Tours is looking for is hiring - Recep - er: Female c auc asian a Thai Freelance Photogtionists: to handle book- native English speaking rapher to perk up tourist ings and walk-in clients’ requirements: basic English knowledge, driving license, good computer skills, flexible in working
thephuketnews.com
teacher with experience to teach class of 10-12 children ages 2- 6, Mon-Fri, 8am - 4pm, Chalong. Call 080 624 7060. www.buds-
activities in Phuket. Excellent knowledge of English is required. CV and photo at info@phuketphototours. com.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS 37
List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php
JOBS IN PHUKET
How would you like to join a young dynamic radio organisation?: We are looking for an EXPERIENCED ENGLISH speaking FEMALE Thai radio presenter to be part of our expanding team.
Restaurant Staff Vacancies: Hog's Breath Cafe
This position is based in Phuket and could be either full time or part time depending on salary and experience. If this interests you then please send am mp3 demo of three minutes (no demo no reply) to manager@ phuketliveradio.com.
requires experienced waitresses, bartenders, kitchen staff. Spoken English needed. Good salary and work place. Internal book keeper also needed. Call Khun Yong 084 625 8259.
Office Administrator Customer Ser vice language skills a plus com- ing and hiring plus training Wanted: For general of- Wanted: Customer Ser- petitive salary++; accom- of staff. Excellent conditions fice duties, book keeping and some visa application processing. Two positions available for shared duties. Please contact 086 272 3320.
O p erator Wanted:
Looking for a Thai national with good English communication skills. Experience in operator or reception work is preferred. Send CV to jobs@hoteltravel.com or call 076 282 808.
Sales & Marketing Manager: Condominium
Project Sales & Marketing Good command of English. At least one year’s experience required. Must be an enthusiastic and self-motivated professional. Email: sales.admin2@ap.jll.com.
Marketing Director: CC’s located in the
lush hills of Kata is your home away from home. Currently under renovation but when open, our hotel will have gone through many major upgrades. We are currently looking for a Marketing Director who will be responsible to direct and oversee the hotel’s marketing plans. Experience in understanding tourism trends in Phuket and able to adjust marketing plan as required is a must. At least two years of experience in the tourism industry and is familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices and procedures. Self-motivated and able to meet stated goals and objectives. Attractive compensation package offered. Position available now. C o nt a c t Ke n M i l l e r : sales@ccbloomshotel. com, 086 604 1333.
vic e for Frozen Yogur t Shops/Patong, good English, shop experience, good salary, bonus and carreer prospects, CV’s gkonstan tinidismail@facebook.com, call 088 225 4742.
Administration Office: Speaking and writing
English is a must. Email: lek@headstartphuket.com
modation available contact us now: 076 344 531.
Reservations Person: N a n n y / M a i d L i v e Reservations person re- in Wanted: Only Thai quired for small hotel. Good English language and computer skills required. Please email: pauljames@expa thotel.com. See www.expa thotel.com
Receptionist wanted Rawai Area: English
Free Security Train- speaking helpful, outgoing ing Course: Free secu- personality. Well groomed,
rity training course open to all Thai nationals over the age of 24. You must have a basic command of English, be physically fit. Please email info@securi tysafestop.com for details. Contact 076 620 010.
plus pay forward. Send CV to: bazens ir@gmail.com.
height /weight in proportion. Thai or Indo/Filipina/ Burma. Join our dynamic team, send your CV with recent photo and references. Email info@katagar dens.net.
nationality, basic English essential. Take care of the house and family. One new born baby and 1.5 year old boy to help with. Private room, insurance, long term contract - one month trial. Please contact 087 980 7570.
El ec t r ic an Plus:
Swimming pool company requires an electrican with an electronics and motor repair background. English skills an advantage. Contact 076 620 193.
helper wanted for Thai/ English family in Kathu. 0 8 6 2 741 4 9 3 ( E n g l i s h) 0841935124 (Thai).
-Villa Technicians
-English speaking Maids -Villa Supervisor -Accountant
Wanted Seller: Wanted Nanny/ Helper Wante d: Fu l l t i m e N a n ny/
U RG E N T S TA FF WANTED:
seller. Women, Thai nationality, good English, good looking, friendly, tidy. Six days a week, 3pm to 7pm, B300 per day plus comissons. Please contact 083 649 6169.
-Villa Handyman -Villa Attendant (Male). Please contact HR Phuket Villas & Homes. Call 076 527 633, email hr@phuket villasand homes.com.
Restaurant Manager Pharmacist: position Wanted: Restaurant manas licensed pharmacist in Rawai, Phuket available valid license required; English
ager wanted for new Patong bakery, must have computer knowledge, stock order-
Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui. Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position
Sales Representatives Qualifications: - Thai or Expat. - Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. - Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude. - Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.
We offer: Competitive
salary, bonuses and travel expenses. friendly work environment. Social security paid by the company. Excellent career progress opportunities. A
Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to
adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.
thephuketnews.com
38 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUY&SELL
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Phuket cottages
Luxury pool villas, from B8.8million > 41 Phuket Cottages
Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com
Call: 089-724-7211
BOATS & YACHTS
CARS FOR SALE
Restaurant for sale:
Fi shin g Yac h t fo r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 91 Custom build Speedboat: 49 foot fiberglass Speedboat. build 2011,3 Honda Engines a 225 Hp, custom build for diving and day trips, international survey, excellent condition, side entry and exit, seats for 35 people, sundeck, bathroom, big cooler, two outside showers, places for 50 scuba tanks, VHF Radio, storeroom, lighting for night diving, good for business best design on the island. Call 084 188 4544, email: michahildner@hotmail.com.
Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Email martin@phuketfishboat.com.
BUSINESSES FOR SALE Guesthouse Backpacker Hostel: Strong bookings and online ratings, 41 beds in 18 guest rooms (Five with jacuzzis) three retail shops paying 50 per cent building rent, two staff rooms, office, inhouse laundry, tour counter, #19 tripadvisor. Contact 087 173 1773.
Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing
L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.
business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www.phuketfishboat.com, email mar tin@ phuketfishboat.com.
Cement Production Plant: Ready mixed concrete company’s factor y. 446.92 horse power. Output of workers in the production of 22 people per day at an average yield of about 100 Q/Day (B1,800 per Q). Average revenue per day about B180,000. Manufacture of readymixed concrete. Can continue immediately. Just bought a cement truck delivery only. Ready water source to be used for production. Address: Moo. 4, T. Maikhao, Thalang Dist. Phuket 83110. Land Size: 20 rai 2 Ngan and 56 talang wah. Price: B130 Million. Contact: Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.
Restaurant Thai and Noodles:Located on Kata main road, busy reastaurant, fully furnished kitchen, 10 tables, 38 seats, Thai food and Champ noodle soup restaurant, low rental, already with farang and Thai customers. Call 086 940 4801.
Established restaurant located in the heart of the island. New kitchen, toilets, private roof top terrace etc. Two connected shop houses on main road. 40+ seat dining area with room for expansion. Huge owner’s apartment could be converted into rooms for rent or otherwise. Must-see, ready to move in. Owners relocating. Contact us for details and pictures. 081 956 3166.
Ventury Van for Sale: Toyota Pick Up for Sale: Date of register : 28 October 2008
Year: July 2008 (4 years) Color: White/brown. Mileage: 218,039 km. Price: B1.2 million. Contact 081 803 7189.
Plate No: Korkor869 Phuket Year: 2008 Color: Black Engine: 3,000 CC Diesel
BUSINESS SERVICES
Mileage : 124,455km Price: B690,000 (negotiable)
Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.
Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Contact 076 381 895.
Farang Food Paradise:
Suzuki/Carr y PickUp 1.6M/T: Suzuki/Carry Pick-up 1.6 M/T 2009, FOR SALE. B300,000. 1.5 metre cover, roof carrier, side ladder and comprehensive Insurance. Contact Daragh 084 443 9863.
Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.
Three Toyota Camry for Sale: Year: 2009, engine capacity: 2,362 cc, Color: two white and one metallic silver, Navigator. Price B1.3 million (Negotiable) Contact Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.
CARS FOR RENT CHILDCARE
A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.
Car for rent: Car in good condition, short and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. Please contact 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.
thephuketnews.com
ONLY 170,000 BAHT CASH!: October 2011, 8,000km. Proton Exora 7/8seat family car. Many options, including GPS, DVD. Price new: B940,000. Now B740,000, or on finance: B570,000 + B170,000 cash. Call 081 788 8280. Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com.
Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket. com.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS 39
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php CHILDREN’S CLUB
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE
Funstart: Family spor ts
Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact 082 276 1675, www. goodkarmathailand.com.
and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstartphuket. com.
MOBILE PHONES FOR SALE
BUY & SELL IN PHUKET
Bon Café Phuket: A
PET FOR SALE
producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact: 076 355 600-1.
Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273, info @buonappetito group. c o m , w w w. b u o n a p p e t i t o group.com.
CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS
Persian Kitten for Sale: Purebred female Persian kitten looking for a good home. Born May 28 - available to take home in August. Call 084 676 6663 (Thai + English) or email miko_blackbird@hotmail. co.th (Thai + English) for more info.
Personal Trainer: FulSamsung SII / Galaxy Note: Samsung SII, four
Club Asia Fitness: Royal Phuket City Hotel. Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s au n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.
Clearance Sale: Techworx clearance sale: amplifiers, speakers, network kit, printers, media players and servers. Please email daragh@techworx.asia for detailed list.
normal batteries, two double batteries with special back covers, two charging docks, plug in wall charger B15,000. And Samsung Galaxy Note, white B15,000. Call 084 443 9863.
MOVING & STORAGE
PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Please contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@ soidog.org.
SK A L I nt er nat ional Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.
Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Sin-
We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY
gaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.
STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.
COOKING CLASS
ly-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.
Second Hand Goods for Sale: Executive Ta-
PET HOSPITAL Chaofah Pet Hospital: A r e Yo u L o o k i n g For A New Puppy or Adult Dog?: Many dogs and puppies all sadly locked in dirty cages without much to eat, would love to find a new home and have someone take care of them. If you’d like to see these dogs located in Thalang, Contact: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com
8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road, Chalong. Contact 076 283 365.
POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www. phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call for more details 081 823 4627.
bles and More. Contact 081 978 2725 for details. Prices are negotiable.
Safeway Storage: Self Summer Sale French Collection: French Collection 50% discount. Summer Sale. Stock Clearance 2012. Meet Mam and Ling at Zee Zee Interior Building. Call 076 620 201.
storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/ Site of fice A /C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,80 0/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.
PERSONAL SERVICES Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines. Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www.phuket-cookingacademy.com or call 081 821 40 64.
Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gently used maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.
thephuketnews.com
40 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
PROPERTY PROPERTY CONCIERGE
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Land for sale at Loch Palm Overlooks golf course > 41
Discount Rentals Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA
Info: 089 594 4067 Furnished House for Sale/Rent in Kathu:
Selling or Renting Your Property?: We
have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.
PROPERTY FOR RENT
Land size 153.85 sq met r e. Fu r n i s h e d, g a r d e n, swimming pool. For sale B17,000,000 million or rent plus Honda civic B65,000 per month. Contact ket.phuket@ hotmail.com.
Big Luxury Villa: Pool, House for Rent-Kathu: Laguna, designed for comfort. Has everything+spa, B32,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.
Luxury Pool Villa: La-
Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished
1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes.Quiet area near Ao Yon beach,Cape Panwa.1bdr start from B9,000per month, 2-3 bedroom from B20,000 free WiFi. Call 081 892 4311, http://panwagreen.weebly. com.
availablity. FREE Hi-Speed WIFI Cable TV The LOFTS apartments are situated on the beach road in Surin which is fast developing into one of the trendiest areas of Phuket. 086 120 0298, info@rentalpropertyphuket.com. See rentalpropertyphuket.com.
guna, quality furnishings spa, bar, security, BBQ. B22,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.
Two b e dr o o ms / t wo bat h rooms. Calm and clean area. Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms. Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.
Three Bedroom Furnished for Rent: B11,000
S u r i n B e a c h per month, one bathroom, Apartments[LOFTS]: lock up garage and carport One and two bedroom apartments now available for long term rentals,[minimum period 6 months]. Shor t term will be considered depending on
on 800 sq metre lot. Close to PIA school, golf, beach and airport. For more info email gordon_asia@hotmail.com.
Friday 21st (Room For Rent) Good cond i t i o n: H i g h S e as o n
B800.- per day, B18,000.per month. Low Season B500.- per day, B13,000.per month.
PROPERTY FOR SALE
five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@ hotmail.com.
Please contact 076 344 133, TUM 081 171 7993, BAS 080 523 5371, e-mail: friday_21st@hotmail.com. Facebook : Friday Twentyone.
Villa for Sale at Kathu: Rawai Beachfront Pool Villa: Rawai Beach front
pool villa for rent/sale.3 bed rooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.
WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
Stylish House Rental / Rawai: Separate located
nice 2-floor-house (furnished) close to Rawai and Nai-Harn. 2-bedrooms (air-cond.). TV and phone/internet provided. With kitchen, dinning area, terrace and garden. Call 076 388 639, 083 106 2680.
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Overlooking golf course. Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen. Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.
Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum three- month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).
Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali
style three and four bed villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.
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189 CHARACTERS
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Online upgrades:
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FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES
PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:
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DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAY’S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553
thephuketnews.com
House Villa for rent: Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 Bed 4 Bath Jacuzzi Bath, Private pool, The striking two-storey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD Player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.
Loft Style Flat: Secure,
quiet, spacious, new decoration. Great location for exercise. Long-term rental. 086 664 5575.
Land for sale: 6 rai beautiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale. Full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views. Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com
Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood floors, stairs, walls, two bedrooms. Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location,
S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong pier,
150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206
House in Patong for Sale: Very nice townhouse
for sale, 3 floors,3 bathrooms, living-room,kitchen,3 sleeping rooms, roof-terrace, parking, good location, 200 square metre living area. Must see. Call 084 188 4544.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
CLASSIFIEDS 41
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Mission Heights Residence
Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.
Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.
The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.
THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS
Phuket Cottages
Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.
Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Plot for sale
Now for sale The White House (Baan Khao) Kata In the safest and best residential area in Phuket This stand alone villa has 3 bedrooms+office room Pool /Tropical Garden/Inside Parking include Peogeot Cabrio/Coupe
Transfer Chanote title or Company FREE!! Price 16 MB (or any interesting BID)
Tel: 084-8438720 E-mail: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com housing complex in Rawai over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Email for plans. Call 081 270 4291.
chanote title at Manik-township. 20x25 metre in natural surounding, B2.6million. Free design+construction permit. Phone 087-2759621, email: nuttapol_trateng@yahoo.com.
Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.
400sq metre Beatuiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suksan, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai mountains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build. Quality western villas on the same soi. Call 089 973 1180.
6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,000sq metre). B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. 10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. 10 minutes to Airport. 7 minutes to new Tesco Lotus. Roadside land and chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.
Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here. For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.
www.thesunrisevillas.com
Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket:
Beach Front Plots: Located opposite of Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.
Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, Kathu : Ser viced Land for Sale: Near the
one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.
British International School, 500 sq. m. including road, water, electricity and security. B3,000,000. Call 089 724 7211. E-mail julien@ phuketimmo.com.
Land for sale in Kathu:
Renovated Condo for Sale: Patong near Simon
Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan�. Three easy payments over seven months. Situated in a well established
Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom. Located in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Contact 088 178 1845, email min tra99@gmail.com.
Call: 089-724-7211
kitchen, free hold. Sale B3 million, no stupid offers. Thai 087 621 3405/ English. Contact 085 471 9246.
PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.
One condo unit, half of a deluxe twin house. Fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace. Longterm rent or sale. 081 737 0365, utaipan@ yahoo.com.
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Cabaret, 50sq metre huge pool and garden area. Everything new, fully furnished plus
Near the British International School, 2 rai with public road access. B 6,000,000 per rai. Call 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.
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42 CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL
THE PHUKET NEWS HOME IMPROVEMENT
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
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THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
Kenyan wins Health Marathon THE WINNER OF THE 2nd Phuket Health International Marathon, 2012, on Sunday (July 29) was Sammy Ridrond from Kenya, who completed the run from the Sarasin Bridge to the centre of Phuket Town in just 2 hours and 35 mins. In second place was Suwat Paiboon, a sergeant in the Royal Thai Army Fourth Area, and the first Thai runner to complete the 42-km event. Two other events, a 10-kilometre mini-marathon and a 4.5-kilometre fun run, took place alongside the main event, with all three races ending outside the Provincial Health Office on Narisorn Rd. The event was very popular with people from a wide range of nationalities, backgrounds and levels of fitness. Alison Davie from the UK, a member of the Ultraman team, who came second in the women’s 30-39 category of the mini-marathon, said, “I really enjoy running, and all the events in Phuket are well organised and good fun. There are great people at the competitions.” Full results are availabe at phukethealthmarathon.com
PHUKET SPORT 43
Patong beat ICC in second round of T20 CRICKET
T
he second match of the Outrigger T20 league between Patong and ICC took place at the ACG on Sunday (July 29). Patong were coming off a loss to Laguna last week and were seeking to get off the mark this season with their first victory. Meanwhile, ICC was feeling confident going into the match after a comfortable win against the Village in their last outing. Patong eventually ran out winners after posting a very solid total of 160 runs from their 20 overs and then bowling ICC for 108 in the 17th over. ICC conceded 45 extras during their stint in the field (including 37 wides) which boosted the Patong total score. Team 1 2 3 4
Laguna Patong ICC The Village
The other telling difference between the sides was a brilliant fielding display by Richard Desmond of Patong who bagged three catches, including the catch of the season, at full-stretch and diving at mid-wicket, to wrap up the ICC innings. ICC won the toss and decided to put Patong in to bat first hoping to contain their innings to a achievable total. They got off to a good start dismissing opener, Richard Folds (0) early on. However, Richard Desmond (27) and Rishi Sadarangani (30) steadied the ship with a 62 run partnership which including a towering 6 by Sadarangani into the adjoining rubber plantation. Meanwhile, Sadarangani’s brothers, Manesh (13) and Kishor (14) also made valu-
Played 1 2 2 1
Won 1 1 1 0
Lost
Points
0 1 1 1
2 2 2 0
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Patong’s Richard Desmond. able contributions as did Anil Rawat (23) towards the end of the innings. Some wayward bowling by ICC which included 37 wides did not help their cause in containing Patong, who finished on 160-9 after their 20 overs. Pick of the bowlers were Anand Chand (2 for 15) and Surendar (“Zola Bud”) Kumar (3 for 9) who came on for the final over and bagged a treble. After the innings break,
Photo: Michael Way ICC knew they would need to get off to a solid start if they were to have any chance of reaching their target of 161 runs. However, they suffered an early setback when Darshan Vaigankar (0) was clean bowled in the 2nd over. Patong nabbed another scalp the very next over with Seemant Raju knocking over the stumps of Naeem Ul Haq (1). Imtiyaz Mushtaq (17) and
Virender Kumar (23) put on a 40 run partnership but this ended with the first of Richard Desmond’s catches after Kumar skied a high ball out to mid-wicket. ICC captain, Anand Chand (35) top-scored for ICC and showed some dogged resistance. However, he did not receive any support from his fellow team-mates with no other batsmen reaching double figures. The ICC innings finally came to an end with the score on 101 in the 16th over with the catch of the season by Richard Desmond. Pick of the bowlers for Patong were Anil Rawat (2 for 14), Manesh Sadarangani (2 for 6) and Kishor Jhagta (1 for 12). After three league matches, Laguna remains on top and undefeated. This Sunday (August 5) at 9am, current T20 champions Laguna take on the Village, who will be looking to avenge their defeat in the Island Furniture League final.
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44 OLYMPICS
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
July 27 - August 12
IN BRIEF Thai boxer fuming after defeat Thai lightweight Saylom Ardee was left feeling he had been cheated out of a win over world bronze boxing medallist Gani Zhailauov on Sunday (July 29) in their Olympic bout. The 26-year-old – who reached the second round four years ago as a featherweight – lost to the Kazakh fighter on countback after the bout finished 12-12, a result that was neither appreciated by the crowd, himself, or team coach Oscar Fuentes. While Fuentes refused to talk, Saylom expressed his frustration at losing out on what he thought was a merited victory over the fifth seed.
“I definitely had an extra point in the final round,” said Saylom, a two-time winner of the King’s Cup in Thailand. “However, the judges didn’t award it, maybe they only see one side of the ring,” he added. Saylom, who had been egged on by a vociferous group of supporters, said he was convinced he had done enough even after the final bell. “Even after the third round I was certain I had won,” he said. Saylom, who led 5-4 after the first round, said he was not lodging an objection. “However, my coach may feel otherwise.”
Thai weightlifter grabs Olympic silver A huge effort by 58kg Thai weightlifter Pimsiri Sirikaew won her an Olympic silver medal on Monday night (July 30). The Bangkok Post reported weightlifter Pimsiri was stuck in sixth place as she came to her last lift in the 19-woman field. But she
told officials to add four kilogrammes to the bars, and lifted 140kg – a record lift for the Khon Kaen native. However, China’s Li Xueying eventually won the gold with lifts of 10kg more than second-place Pimsiri, who eventually took silver with a total of 236kg.
Rarefied world of horse dressage comes to town Agence France-Presse
he tall elegant figure of William Fox-Pitt, ramrod straight in the saddle and resplendent in black top hat and tails, a bit like a coffin bearer at an East End gangster’s funeral cortege, enters the arena on Lionheart. You can almost hear the silence as 20,000 spectators follow the stadium announcer’s urgings for total hush – not a crisp is crunched, not a ringtone sounds, not a programme page is rustled. Every graceful step, every move, every flick of the reins, is followed by the beady eyes of men and women – the judges – hunched over their notebooks, pens at the ready, holed up in log cabins at various points around the ring. This is the rarified world of dressage, which emerges from its four-year hibernation since the last Olympics to mixed reviews. The dressage cognoscenti
T
Briton William Fox-Pitt stands tall. will tell you dressage is equine ballet, Joe Public may have a
Photo: Russ Hamer
rather less flattering verdict of this most disciplined of
Olympic disciplines. “It’s not everyone’s cup of tea,” admitted one fan, Ann Whitecroft, in attendance at Greenwich Park this week. “Some people do find it mysterious and boring, what I love about it is the partnership between horse and rider. “It’s not shown on television in this country, but in Holland and Germany in particular a major dressage competition is like Royal Ascot.” Indeed the Dutch were in shock in 2010 when Totilas – the dressage equivalent of Lionel Messi and who is so popular he has his own Facebook page – was sold to Germany for 10 million euros. Dressage made its Olympic bow in 1912, but its origins are as ancient as the Saxon ruins underneath Greenwich Park, if not older, with historian and horse trainer Xenophon, who used to hang around with Socrates back in ancient Greece, credited with bringing it into the world.
British street artists take aim at the Games Katy Lee / AFP
AN JAVELIN THROWER stands poised to make his throw – but in place of a spear, he holds a missile. The striking image, stencilled in black onto a dirty wall, is one of two new works recently unveiled on the website of British satirical street artist Banksy to coincide with the London Olympics. The other shows a polevaulter, springing over a rusty fence onto an abandoned mattress. Banksy – whose works sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars – is famed for his secrecy, but his witty observations about British life can usually be spotted on the street. The location of the two new stencils, however, has been kept under wraps – prompting speculation that Banksy feared they could be removed as part of a reported drive to clean graffiti from London’s walls for the Olympics. British Transport Police arrested four graffiti artists this month and banned them from Olympic venues in an apparent bid to prevent the Games becoming a target for subversive spray-painters.
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Above, javelin thrower. Right, Banksy mural in Liverpool. “There’s a more widespread clean-up operation than normal, definitely,” street artist Mau Mau told AFP. “There’s loads of work disappearing from the tracksides by the railways.” Mau Mau, who declined to give his real name, made his own Olympic offering to the city walls a few weeks ago: an overweight McDonalds clown, carrying a torch labelled “Coca-Cola” that was spewing out a thick plume of black smoke. Both brands are official sponsors of the Games.
“I painted it to protest against the corporate takeover of the Olympics,” he explained. Mau Mau created the west London mural with the permission of the wall’s owner, but it was whitewashed just six days later by the local council, which said it had received a complaint from a member of the public. “It wasn’t offensive,” said Mau Mau. “It was just a picture of a fat clown.” The artist believes he may have fallen foul of strict regulations designed to protect the Games’ corporate sponsors.
His mural clearly featured the Olympic rings, a symbol that can only be used with the approval of the International Olympic Committee. With the rings emblazoned on his vest, Banksy’s javelinthrower also breaks the rules, which could give Games officials additional cause to paint over it – if they can find it. James Cochran, whose vivid mural of the world’s fastest man Usain Bolt beams
over an east London car park, said he was careful to seek official approval before shaking the first aerosol can. “They said, “By the way, don’t touch the Olympic rings – there’s very strict copyright control on that,” he recalled. “They’re getting a bit authoritarian,” the BritishAustralian artist told AFP. “The Olympic Committee have got to be careful that they don’t infringe on freedom of
expression. Sometimes you think, ‘Jeez, Beijing was more open-minded.’” The Games’ corporate sponsors, and the lengths to which organisers have gone to accommodate them, have become popular targets of Britain’s vibrant underground art scene, particularly near the Olympic Park in east London. At Hackney Wick station on the edge of the park, someone scrawled the word “Shame” in huge letters over a mural commissioned by CocaCola, forcing the company to have the work painted over. For Cochran, the Games are an opportunity to spread a more cheerful message. His image of Bolt, with brightly coloured rays pulsing from his face in all directions, is his “homage to the buzz around the Olympics”. “I love London, and I see this as an amazing and positive time for the city,” the 39-yearold said. “When the Olympics are done and everyone’s gone home, it would be nice to have something that speaks about that time. But who knows if it will last? That’s the interesting thing about street art – anything can happen to it.”
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
OLYMPICS
45
July 27 - August 12
Sports fans left bleary-eyed in Asia Martin Parry / AFP
I
t’s the early hours of the morning and people would normally be in bed ahead of their workday, but not at the giant Steyne pub in Sydney or in living rooms across Asia. The Olympics are on and billions of people worldwide are glued to televisions and cheering on their local stars, or following the action on social media with athletes being encouraged to blog or tweet. But with London nine hours behind Australia’s eastern states and six or seven hours behind most Asian nations, many events are being held overnight, meaning a potentially tired and dysfunctional workforce for the next two weeks. Australia’s Olympic television marathon, with the free-to-air Nine Network screening 14.5 hours of live action each day and pay-tv broadcaster Foxtel showing 24/7 coverage on eight dedicated channels, is mirrored across Asia. China’s late-night armchair fans have access to a plethora of online tips on surviving the Olympics – from face masks to avoid looking like they have been up all night, to Chinese medicine ingredients that help relieve backache.
Sydneysiders get up early to watch. Some private hospitals posted online “midnight soup” recipes containing herbal ingredients designed to enable viewers to stay alert late into the night. For others, it is not a question of staying up late, but rather getting up early. Emma Smythe, a 50-yearold Sydney public servant, said she planned to be up for the swimming finals at 4.30am each day they are on. “I know they’ll be long days, but I plan to get up early quite a lot during the Games. Watching replays isn’t the same as live action,” she said. As bleary-eyed sports fans roll up for work, the Australian Medical Association warned of the dangers of not getting enough sleep, with president Steve Hambleton
Photo: AFP
cautioning people not to go “berserk”. “If you spend five nights in a row without having proper sleep you’ll pay for it,” he said. “Your concentration levels, in fact the health benefits (generally) of adequate amounts of sleep and worklife balance, are really, really important. “We don’t want people to have car accidents because they’re fatigued and fall asleep on the way home from work.” Late nights, or early starts, also bring other health risks, with nutritionists warning that junk food intake will rise as people turn to sugary, salty and fatty treats to stay awake. In Japan, convenience stores have boosted their
inventories of light meals such as instant noodles to meet an expected boost in demand for late-night snacks. It is a similar scenario in South Korea where fast-food delivery outlets are experiencing up to three times their normal business, Yonhap news agency said. Hambleton recommended replacing junk food with healthier snacks, and urged people to mimic the athletes and be active while watching the Games, rather than stay prone on a couch or a barstool. “It’s important to move around,” he said. “Screen time ultimately is a predictor of obesity.” While millions will yawn their way through the next fortnight, not everyone is prepared to lose sleep, or suffer the health risks that could come with it. “I cannot (stay up), knowing I have to go to work on the next day,” said Hidefusa Miyama, 65, from Tokyo. And while the appetite for live viewing is strong in Australia and other nations, some fans in Malaysia were content to watch replays at a more civilised hour. Hafiz Noor Shams, a 30-year-economist in Kuala Lumpur, said: “I can watch it when I want and where I want. Hail to the Olympics on Youtube.”
Great Olympic judging rows Agence France-Presse
SOUTH KOREAN FENCER Shin A-Lam’s contentious loss in the semi-finals of the women’s Olympic epee on Monday was just the latest in a line of controversial judges’ decision at the Games. 1972, Munich: Basketball final ends in uproar With one second left, the United States were leading the USSR by a point. However, officials then reset was said to be a faulty clock to add an extra two seconds. The Soviets scored the winning basket for a 51-50 victory that ended the Americans’ 63-game undefeated streak, the longest in the history of Olympic team sports. The Americans protested but the USSR victory stood. The US silver medals remain unclaimed to this day. 1988, Seoul: Jones denied boxing gold Roy Jones Jr of the United States was widely agreed to have completely out-boxed local hero Park Shi-Hun in the light middleweight final only to lose the gold to the South Korea as a result of an astounding judges’ decision. Jones, who became one of the outstanding professional fighters of his era, was named the most stylish boxer of the tournament but that was scant consolation. 2000, Sydney: Shinohara loses out in judo final Japan’s Shinichi Shinohara
was too quick for the judges when he somehow slipped an attempted throw by David Douillet in the heavyweight judo final and put the Frenchman on his back. But instead of awarding the Japanese an ippon or knockout score, they gave a minor yuko to the Frenchman, who went on to win. No replays were in use then but they have been introduced for 2012. 2008, Beijing: Taekwondo fighter Stevenson gets verdict overturned Britain’s Sarah Stevenson won a bronze medal but only after the result of her quarterfinal against Chen Zhong, the double Olympic champion, was reversed. A kick from Stevenson to the face of Chen in the dying seconds did not register with the judges but, using video evidence, the Briton’s protest was allowed. 2012, London: Shin’s tears of anguish South Korea fencer Shin A-Lam staged a sit-down protest for more than an hour after losing a women’s epee semi-final to Germany’s Britta Heidemann. With the scores tied, the German scored what she thought was the winning hit with one second left but which the Koreans believe was too late in a contest Shin would otherwise have won on a judges’ decision. Chaos ensued before Heidemann’s win was upheld and a tearful Shin was escorted off the piste.
Aussie boxer causes Aborigine stir Agence France-Presse
Photo: Peripitus
AUST R A LI A N BOX ER Damien Hooper could be punished for entering the Olympic boxing arena on Monday wearing a T-shirt bearing the colours of the Aboriginal flag. The 20-year-old light heavyweight, who should have emerged from the tunnel
dressed in a red singlet, said he did not regret the gesture. “I’m an Aborigine representing my culture and my people here at the Olympic Games,” said Hooper. Hooper, the first indigenous Australian boxer to triumph at a junior world title level when he won Youth Olympics Gold in 2010, was ambivalent about being pun-
ished for his gesture. “I didn’t say I didn’t care,” said the fighter. In the ring on Monday, he pulled off one of his best ever victories, beating America’s Marcus Browne – the first defeat for the United States at the boxing in these Games – 13-11 to set up a second round clash with Russian fourth seed Igor Mekhontcev.
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46 WORLD SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
Tim Cahill ready for New York phase of his career
IN BRIEF Sierra Leone, Liberia partner to develop cricket Sierra Leone and Liberia have signed an agreement to coordinate the development of cricket in their countries and encourage their neighbours to take up the game, an official said Monday (July 30). Em manuel Pessima, development officer of the Sierra Leone Cricket Association (SLCA), said the two nations had agreed “to
coordinate cricket development activities” and encourage other countries in the Mano River Union – a four-nation bloc that also includes Guinea and Ivory Coast – to develop cricket programmes. Under the agreement, “the SLCA shall provide coaching and other assistance to Liberia including umpiring and groundmanship.”
Zidane to begin coaching career with Madrid youths Zinedine Zidane, who has been tipped to one day manage France, will soon begin training to be a coach while he works at Real Madrid’s youth academy, the Spanish club said Monday (July 30). “Zinedine Zidane will shortly begin training to be a coach whilst at the same time coaching Real Madrid’s youth academy,” the club said in a statement posted on their website.
The 40-year-old, who played for Real between 2001 and his retirement in 2006 and who has since last year been working as the club’s sporting director, will finish his team management qualification this year, the statement added. The three-time World Player of the Year, whose 17-year-old son Enzo is a member of the Real academy, is studying a diploma in sports management in France.
Titans’ prospect Murdock found dead Tennessee Titans wide receiver O.J. Murdock was found dead Monday (July 30) of an apparent suicide. Tampa police said Murdock died of an apparent selfinflicted gunshot wound. He was found in his car in front of Middleton High School around 8.30am Tampa time. He was rushed to Tampa General Hospital and was
pronounced dead just over two hours later. “We are shocked and saddened to hear of O.J. Murdock’s death this morning,” the Titans, of the NFL, said in a statement. “In his brief time here, a number of our players, coaches and staff had grown close to O.J., and this is a difficult time for them.”
Teams admit Lotus are big threat in title race Formula One teams have admitted Kimi Raikkonen and Lotus should now be considered genuine title contenders following their success in Sunday’s (July 29) Hungarian Grand Prix. Finn Raikkonen finished just a second behind racewinner Briton Lewis Hamilton of McLaren while his Lotus team-mate, Frenchman
Romain Grosjean, claimed the final podium position. It was Raikkonen’s fifth podium of the year and moved him to fifth place in the drivers’ standings, just 48 points behind leader Fernando Alonso of Ferrari, while the Enstone-based team lie third in the constructor’s standings, one point behind McLaren and 54 points from Red Bull.
FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse
Manchester City players celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League. Photo: AFP
Mancini ‘confident’ City can retain title FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse
M
a n c h e s t e r Cit y manager Roberto Mancini expressed confidence his champion squad will be able to retain their Barclays Premier League trophy after beating Malaysia in style. Playing in humid conditions in Malaysia as part of City’s Far East tour, Mancini’s boys wrapped up their visit with an impressive 3-1 victory Monday over the Southeast Asian team. The star of the game was Argentine striker Sergio Aguero who looked fresh and full of energy after a brief summer rest. Aguero, who scored the goal that won City their Premier League trophy in May, opened the scoring on 17th minutes and created the other two goals for Carlos Tevez and Adam Johnson. Aguero had the chance to put City one up in the ninth minute when he rounded the Malaysian defence only to see his shot hit the crossbar. But he was not to be denied eight minutes later when he burst past three defenders before chipping the ball over Malaysian goalkeeper Mohamad Farizal Marlias. A smiling Mancini was delighted with the performances of his players and Aguero in particular and said the tour reinforced his belief the team
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
can go all the way in the coming season. “We were confident two weeks ago and I’m even more confident today. Sergio played very well and his partnership with Carlos has continued from last season,” he said when asked about City’s chances of retaining the Premiership title. “They scored a goal each today which is good. Sergio also played in the wide position today but still produced the goods. Hopefully we can continue his good form in the coming season,” he added. Meanwhile the City manager was quick to downplay injury concerns surrounding team captain Vincent Kompany, who had to cut short his Malaysian tour after picking up a knock earlier in the week. “It’s nothing serious. He had a scan and should be fit to play against Chelsea in the Charity Shield in two weeks’ time,” Mancini said. “I’m happy we didn’t have any injuries today despite playing two matches in four days. It is difficult but the players are alright now,” he added. Mancini described the tour as a “eye opener” for his team as he was able to try out several of his younger players. Although City started as the favourites, it was Malaysia who nearly opened the scoring in the second minute when City goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon handled the ball
outside the box. Pantilimon however made up for his error when he saved Safiq Rahim’s freekick. It was City who then dominated play and kept the Malaysian side defending. Just three minutes into the second-half Aguero turned provider, slipping the ball to compatriot Tevez, who dinked the ball home from close range. Four minutes later Aguero’s sublime chip split the Malaysian defence and Johnson collected the ball on his chest before slotting home. Malaysia pulled a goal back three minutes from time when substitute Azamuddin Akil dribbled through the City defence and hammered the ball past substitute goalkeeper Eirik Johansen. City has three more friendlies before they play in the Community Shield against Chelsea on August 12. City, who are visiting Malaysia for the first time, won 2-0 in a friendly against Premier League rivals Arsenal in Beijing on Friday. Malaysia has hosted several top English Premier League clubs, who are increasingly keen to nurture a fan base and help attract sponsors in Asia. Arsenal visited the Southeast Asian country before travelling to China to meet Manchester City. Queens Park Rangers played two friendlies in Malaysia earlier this month.
TIM CAHILL SAYS A homecoming to play in the Australian A league wasn’t in the cards, but he does plan to suit up for Australia in the 2014 World Cup. Cahill, who was introduced as the newest member of the New York Red Bulls at a news conference on Monday (July 30), said at this point in his career he decided to try Major League Soccer (MLS) because it “would have been a step backwards” to return to his native Australia. “And that’s no disrespect. It is basically I want to still play at a high level,” said Cahill. “There is still a World Cup for me to play in and qualify for the Australian team. Cahill, who joins international stars Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, decided to leave Everton FC in the English Premier League after eight seasons of being the club’s most popular player. The midfielder met with reporters at the Red Bull Arena on Monday. He had to spend four days in Montreal, Canada as his arrival in New York was delayed because of problems getting his American work visa. “It’s a glamorous city and a great place to be,” Cahill said. “I am going to watch the NBA, go to Yankee games, see the NFL, things I can do with my kids.” “It’s a great sign for us,” coach Hans Backe said. “I’ve seen Tim play in Europe for many years with Everton.”
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 3, 2012
OLYMPICS/WORLD SPORT 47
Medal-shy Thailand backs badminton hope for glory BADMINTON Apilaporn Vechakij / AFP
O
ff a dusty road in a Bangkok suburb away from the city’s skyscrapers, a badminton school gathers around a television to watch the London Olympics – and the daughter of its cleaner in action. Every winning stroke off Ratchanok Intanon’s racket draws a squeal of delight from the dozen or so children taking a break from practice, and a celebratory drum roll on a trestle table from the 17-year-old player’s parents. “I never imagined she would go to this competition,” said her mother Kampan, who has worked at the Banthongyord Badminton School for more than two decades, sporting flip-flops and a polo shirt emblazoned with her daughter’s name. “I am so proud of her. But whatever happens she will come back here to be with her family. She is still so young.” Thailand boasts few top class athletes and Ratchanok, ranked ninth in the world, represents one of its few genuine
Three-time junior world champion Ratchanok Intanon could win gold in London. chances of a medal in London. She has caught her country’s imagination as much for her modest upbringing – her parents are migrants to Bangkok from the country’s hardscrabble northeast, with her father a driver at the school – as her on-court exploits. On Sunday she breezed by her first rival Thilini Jayasinghe 21-13, 21-5, much to the approval of her seven-year-old
Live Sports TV Schedule
CHANNEL GUIDE
1XX - True Visions; 8XX – Astro; 8 – Setanta
*Times may be subject to change
CHANNEL START END
SPORT
EVENT
16:30
Rugby League
NRL
521
16:30
19:30
Aussie Rules
AFL
812, 108
14:00
01:00
Various
Olympics
813, 109
15:00
01:00
Various
29
16:30
00:00
Cricket
32
22:00
05:00
Cricket
Olympics
Roosters v. Dragons
279
32
Rabbitohs
19
13
0
6
2
468
365
30
2
United States
9
8
6
23
2
3
France
4
3
4
11
3
Storm
19
12
0
7
2
444
297
28
Cowboys
19
11
0
8
2
449
367
26
4
5
Broncos
19
11
0
8
2
412
350
26
Sea Eagles
19
11
0
8
2
384
349
26
Day 7
West Indies v. New Zealand
18:50
Rugby League
NRL
Cowboys v. Eagles
521
11:00
14:00
Aussie Rules
AFL
Western Bulldogs v. North Melbourne
Super XV Final Chiefs v. Sharks
6
Kazakhstan
3
0
0
3
6
7
Italy
2
4
2
8
7
Sharks
19
10
1
8
2
336
348
25
8
Titans
19
9
0
10
2
353
355
22
8
Germany
2
3
1
6
9
Russia
2
2
4
8
10
South Africa
2
0
0
2
11
Japan
1
4
8
13
12
Australia
1
3
2
6
13
Romania
1
2
2
5
14
Brazil
1
1
1
3
15
Hungary
1
1
1
3
AFL
Collingwood v. St. Kilda
16
Netherlands
1
1
0
2
Brisbane Lions v. Richmond
17
Ukraine
1
0
2
3
25
Thailand
0
1
0
1
521
21:00
00:00
Aussie Rules
AFL
812, 108
14:30
01:00
Various
Olympics
Day 8
813, 109
15:00
01:00
Various
Olympics
Day 8
00:45
Pts
449
1
16:30
TBC
A
2
0
816, 107
Cricket
F
5
3
Storm v. Panthers
23:00
B
0
South Korea
NRL
16:00
L
14
5
Rugby League
32
D
19
Day 7
14:15
Cricket
W
Bulldogs
8
12:30
20:00
P
1
3
816, 107
16:30
4
2
Rugby Union
29
6
3
16:30
Aussie Rules
Team
23
Silver Bronze Total
North Korea
14:30
19:30
13
NRL
4
816, 107
16:30
Gold
COASTA L SH A R KS have included backs Paul Jordaan and Patrick Lambie in a 24-man squad for the Super 15 final against Waikato Chiefs in New Zealand tomorrow (August 4). Both missed the 26-19 semi-final triumph over fellow South Africans Western Stormers last Saturday through injury, with Lambie also absent from a play-off triumph over title holders Queensland Reds in Australia the previous weekend. Versatile Springbok Lambie, who played at full-back during the 2011 World Cup, aggravated a knee injury in the final round of league action and Jordaan suffered a hamstring problem against the Reds. The starting line-up against the Stormers plus the seven replacements are retained by New Zealandborn coach John Plumtree as the Sharks seek a first southern hemisphere provincial championship title.
Hawthorn v. Geelong
Test Match 2 - England v. South Africa, Day 2 Headingly Test Match 2
China
RUGBY
adorn a wall in the reception, which doubles as a canteen. By all accounts shy and humble – highly prized traits in Thai culture – Ratchanok has swept domestic and international honours at junior level. But coaches, friends and family at Banthongyord are convinced she has what it takes to step up. “Her chances of a medal are 50-50 – there’s a strong German and a Chinese girl in her side of the draw,” says the school’s principal Kamala Tongkorn. “If she beats them, she can take gold,” she said. “But it doesn’t matter either way. We’re already so proud of her... she knows how to practice and look after herself. There’s nothing I can tell her any more.” Stretching out on a mat after training, Ratchanok’s 16-year-old friend Karnjanavadee Bunsomboon says she has been sending her constant text messages of support, adding with a laugh that a podium place will bring fame to Banthongyord. “Lots of foreigners will come – they can play badminton and we can practise our English.”
4
Saturday, August 4
521
Country 1
18:30
B8,500 ($270) a month for coaching, food and accommodation but Ratchanok has received free full-time lessons since she was young to keep her occupied while her parents worked. She first took to the courts aged six, and more than a decade later a collection of trophies dominates the cabinets, while newspaper cuttings of her achievements proudly
Olympic Medal Count
TEAMS / INFO
Friday, August 3 816, 107
brother Ratchaporn. “I am so happy,” he said, beaming a toothless smile. “I hope she brings me a medal.” If she does, the three-time junior world champion will owe a lot to the Banthongyord school, where she has lived since she was a baby and now sleeps in a bunk in a cramped dormitory with several other girls. It usually charges athletes
Sharks add Jordaan to Super 15 final squad
9
Knights
19
9
0
10
2
372
376
22
10
Wests Tigers
19
9
0
10
2
385
420
22
11
Dragons
19
9
0
10
2
294
344
22
12
Warriors
19
8
0
11
2
437
414
20
13
Raiders
19
8
0
11
2
397
466
20
14
Roosters
19
6
1
12
2
340
494
17
15
Panthers
19
6
0
13
2
327
452
16
16
Eels
19
5
0
14
2
339
510
14
RESULTS Broncos Rabbitohs Raiders Sea Eagles
22 – 42 32 – 6 6 – 36 24 – 22
Eels Tigers Knights Warriors
Sharks Bulldogs Roosters Dragons
20 – 21 32 – 18 16 – 36 26 – 18
Panthers Cowboys Titans Storm
Test Match 2 England v. South Africa Day 3 ODI No.5
05:00
Cricket
Test Match
Sri Lanka v. India West Indies v. New Zealand
Sunday, August 5 812, 108
14:00
01:00
Various
Olympics
Day 9
813, 109
15:00
01:00
Various
Olympics
Day 9
521
10:00
13:00
Aussie Rules
AFL
Melbourne v. Gold Coast Suns
816,107
12:00
13:50
Rugby League
NRL
Titans v. Rabittohs
Cricket
Test Match Day 4
England v. South Africa
Test Match
West Indies v. New Zealand
29 32
16:30 22:00
23:00 05:00
Cricket
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