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This year’s drive for New Year road safety, the ‘7 Days of Danger’ campaign, ended with mixed results – the total number of accidents dropped to a third of the number in 2011-2012, as did the number of injures. But the death toll rose – seven Thais and two Russian tourists “The main cause of the accidents was alcohol,” an official from the Phuket Public Health Office said. All but one of the victims died while riding on motorbikes

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Nine die during Seven Days of Danger Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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his year’s drive for New Year road safety ended with mixed results – the total number of accidents dropped to a third of the number in 2011-2012, as did the number of people injured. But the number of deaths rose, from six a year ago to nine.

The Phuket Road Safety Centre announced that during the Seven Days of Danger – from the beginning of December 27 to midnight on Wednesday (January 2) – there were 27 accidents, compared with 66 in the same period last year.

Last New Year’s Eve 70 people were injured badly enough to require hospitalisation, and six died. This year, the number of injured fell to 24 (including three foreigners) but nine people died – seven Thais and two Russian tourists. Only one of the victims

died while in a car. The other eight were all on motorbikes.

“The main cause of the accidents was alcohol,” an official from the Phuket Public Health Office told The Phuket News.

The nine deaths took place as follows: December 27: Yuthapong Tampetch, 37, from Krabi, died after his motorbike was rear-ended by a speeding truck on Chaofa East Rd at night on December 27.

Mr Yuthapong was severely injured and died later at Vachira Phuket Hospital.

December 27: Supansa Kamlungtawee, 25, from Chaiyapoom, rode her motorbike into the back of a six-wheel truck in Thalang District when the truck slowed down to park at the side of the road.

The Kusoldharm Foundation took her to Thalang hospital and she was then moved to Vachira Phuket Hospital where she died of her injuries.

December 28: Thongdech Kamhom, 40, from Sakon Na-

Emergency personnel fight to save the life of Adul Suthisan after the bike on which he was riding was hit by a bus. He died. Photo: PhuketAndamanNews khon, died after the motorcycle on which she was a passenger was in collision with a car on Thepkrasatri Rd in Thalang District. Her husband, Pissanu Thongchamnan, who was driving, and her son Sakchai were injured.

Neither Mrs Thongdech nor her son were wearing helmets and Mr Pissanu was found to be drunk.

December 29: Two Russian tourists, Ivan Berestnev and Ekaterina Emelyanov, from Moscow, died in Cherng Talay when they crashed their motorbike and a pickup truck ran over them.

Witnesses said that the two tourists were riding “very fast” from Cherngtalay towards Baan Don. The truck was coming in the opposite direction.

As they approached one another, the driver of the bike

lost control of it and it slid under the wheels of the truck.

December 31: Adul Suthi­ san, 44, and Pairote Hemmin, 41, died of severe head injuries when they were hit by a bus full of tourists heading for Phuket International Airport.

A witness said the two victims were riding on a motorbike from Phuket Town. The bus came up behind very fast and clipped the bike, which fell under the wheels.

It’s thought the men died instantly in the collision, but the motorbike and their bodies were dragged along by the bus

for dozens of metres before it stopped.

The bus driver, finding he could not drive away because of the bike jammed underneath his vehicle, jumped out and ran away, leaving dozens of frightened passengers in the bus.

January 1: A former broadcaster with NBT TV channel, Ake Akewechakul, died of a broken neck after the car in which he was a passenger slammed into a power pole.

The Honda Accord failed to negotiate the bend near the Go-Kart track in Kathu after coming down Patong Hill, and smashed into the pole.

The driver, whose name was not released, was not seriously injured. He was taken to Patong hospital. A blood alcohol test showed that he was over the legal limit.

January 2: Phuket resident Manit Srikrang, 50, died instantly when his bike went out from under him at high speed and his head hit the kerb at the side of the eastern carriageway of the main Patong-Phuket Town road, opposite the Caltex station in Kathu. The crash took place at 11 am.

Pol Capt Wattanatorn Bumromgthin of Thung Tong Police Station told The Phuket News, “We found his helmet not far from the accident site, so we are not sure whether he was wearing it or not.”

Appeal for blood

THE PHUKET REGIONAL Blood Centre appealed on Wednesday morning (January 2) for more blood.

A representative of the Phuket Regional Blood Centre explained that the centre needs more than 2,000 units of blood a month (about 946 litres).

Right now there is a shortage, particularly of O-negative

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blood, following road accidents over the New Year holiday.

Mobile blood donation points will be staged until the end of the month at various places on the island. The times and locations will be as follows: January 3 and 4, 12:0019:00, near SCB Bank in Tesco Lotus on the Bypass road.

January 8, 13:00-16:00,

near the Coconut Grove room at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa. January 9, 13:00-16:00, Patong Hospital.

January 10, 10:00-15:00, OrBorJor Hospital.

January 11, 13:00-16:00, JW Marriot Phuket Resort & Spa. January 16, 13:00-16:00, Friendship Beach Resort, Wiset Rd. January 17, 10:00-15:00, British International School.

January 18, 13:00-16:00, Mercure Phuket Deevana Hotel, Patong.

January 25, 10:00-16:00, Office Building, Phuket International Airport.

January 27, 14:00-21:00, Big C Super Center, Bypass road.

January 29, 13:00-16:00, Centara Grand Resort, Karon.

January 30, 10:00-15:00, Robinson store in Jungceylon, Patong.

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IN BRIEF Australian dies after 9th-floor leap A 21-year-old Australian, Eric Sebastian Faulkner, died of his injuries on New Year’s Eve after jumping from the ninth floor of the Andaman Beach Suites Hotel on RatU-Thit Song Roi Pee Rd in Patong.

An investigation revealed that the day before, Mr Faulkner had been taken to Patong Hospital suffering from hallucinations, but had left without anyone noticing.

It is believed that, suffering from further hallucinations, he jumped from the ninth floor of the hotel.

Firemen save Karon apartment It was not a good start to the New Year for the residents of an apartment on Patak Soi 10 in Karon when fire threatened to engulf their flat in the early hours of January 1.

A Karon police spokesman told The Phuket News, “Everything is fine now.

The fire started in a washing machine and damaged an air conditioner.

“A next-door neighbour called us and the firemen put out the flames in about 10 minutes.”

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Rohingya sent back Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

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eventy-four Rohingya refugees fleeing persecution in Myanmar, who brought their rickety boat close to Rawai on Monday (December 31), looking for supplies to allow them to continue their journey to their intended destination, Malaysia, were rounded up and sent back to Myanmar.

Chalong Police Station Superintendent Pol Maj Kitipas Dejintrasorn, Mayor of Rawai Aroon Sorot and other officials hurried out to meet the boat after being informed that the refugees were approaching the shore at midnight.

Maj Kitipas said, “They speak very little Thai, but we have established that their intended destination is Malaysia.”

Officials also established that they had left western Myanmar 13 days before and had approached Phuket only in search of water, food and fuel.

Most of the Rohingya on board are men, but there were 14 women and 10 children also aboard the open boat.

Looking exhausted, hungry and thirsty, they immediately gulped down water and food

The tiny, rickety boat in which 74 Rohingya had spent 13 days, bobs in the water next to Koh Bon, Rawai. offered to them. They requested supplies of water, 200 litres of fuel and a sack of rice to continue their journey.

Rawai Municipality cooperated with Chalong police, the Royal Thai Navy, the health department and others to deliver medicines along with the requested supplies to the refugees.

Mayor Aroon said, “Now

we have given them the supplies they asked for. Next we will send them on their way to the third country; they are not allowed to land on Phuket.

The 74 were allowed to sleep overnight on their boat in the lee of Koh Bon, before being seen out of Thai waters by the Navy .”

But on Wednesday morning (January 2) Phuket Governor

Maitree Intusut announced that the refugees were to be sent back to Myanmar.

He said that officials were worried about the state of their boat and feared that it would sink on the way to Malaysia, drowning the passengers.

Thousands of Rohingya, regarded by the Myanmar government as interlopers from Bangladesh, but regarded by

Bangladesh as Burmese, have fled the country in the past few years in an attempt to find a home where they will not be targets of persecution.

Twice in the past year western Myanmar has been convulsed with violence against the Rohingya by Burmese. Some 200 people died in violence last year alone, and more than 100,000 were displaced.

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ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.

JODY HOUTON Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.

TOM METCALFE Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; 15 years as a print journalist and television news producer in the UK, NZ and Southeast Asia, including BBC World and Reuters in London, and Al Jazeera in Kuala Lumpur.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

F

our people smugglers were sentenced to up to 10 years in prison after 54 illegal workers from Myanmar suffocated to death inside a seafood container on their way to Phuket, an official said on December 28.

The 2008 incident was the deadliest in a wave of tragedies afflicting migrants making perilous journeys from impoverished Myanmar in search of work in Thailand, where many end up exploited and abused.

The victims were among 121 people crammed into the six metres by 2.2 metres container with a broken ventilation system for the journey to

February 25 (Monday): Makha Bucha Day.* This commemorates the day, some 2,500 years ago, when the Buddha handed down the principles of Buddhism to 1,250 enlightened men, and ordained them as the first Buddhist monks.

April 8 (Monday): Substitute for Chakri Day. Chakri Day commemorates the establishment of the Chakri Dynasty – the royal family of Thailand today, in 1782.

April 15 (Monday): Substitute for Songkran.

April 16 (Tuesday): Substitute for Songkran.

May 1 (Wednesday): Labour Day. May 6 (Monday): Substitute for Coronation Day.

PROVINCIAL PROSECUtors have stated in court they will pursue a murder conviction against Lee “Pitbull” Ald­house for the killing of American Dashawn Longfellow in August 2010.

Aldhouse was in court on December 24 for a remand hearing. He has denied murder, claiming he did not intend to kill Mr Longfellow.

But the prosecution affirmed at the hearing that they would seek a murder conviction for the kick-boxer.

Coronation Day recalls the coronation of His Majesty King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, Rama IX, on December 5, 1927.

July 22 (Monday): Asanha Bucha Day.* Also known as Dhamma Day, this marks the anniversary of the Buddha’s first major sermon.

August 12 (Monday): Birthday of HM Queen Sirikit, also Mothers Day.* October 23 (Wednesday): Piyamaharaj Day.* Commemorates the death of King Chulalongkorn the Great, Rama V, on Octoiber 23 1910.

December 5 (Thursday): Birthday of HM King Bhumiphol Adulyadej, also Fathers Day.*

December 10 (Tuesday): Constitution Day. Commemorates the pro­mulgation of Thailand’s first “permanent” constitution in 1932.

December 31 (Tuesday): New Year’s Eve. *Alcohol ban likely to be imposed or “requested”.

Elections: No elections are scheduled for 2013 (many were held last year).

But by-elections (following the death, resignation or expulsion from office of a local politician – or the collapse of the Thai government) will bring alcohol sales bans .

These will last from 6pm the day before until midnight at the end of the election day, for the area in which the election is taking place.

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and B400,000 while they file appeals,” the official said, adding that one defendant remained in custody after failing to meet bail terms.

The truck driver, who fled the scene after discovering the tragedy, was jailed for six years in August 2008 after admitting his role in the crime, the official added.

Survivors have recounted desperately trying to raise the alarm as they fought for breath in the storage box.

“No matter how many times we hit the container the driver did not pay any attention,” one female migrant who was on board told Thai TV. AFP.

Prosecutors will pursue murder verdict in Pitbull trial

Public Holidays 2013

Reporter

NATTHA ‘KAMIN’ THEPBAMRUNG

Phuket to work as labourers.

Four Thais were convicted on Thursday of gross negligence resulting in death and of breaking immigration laws, an official from a court in Ranong province said.

The owner of the container truck was sentenced to 10 years in prison, a second defendant received nine years and a third – who owned a jetty in southern Thailand where the migrants arrived by boat – was jailed for six years.

A woman defendant had her sentence halved to three years after confessing.

“Three of them were granted bail of between B200,000

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GUESSING GAME New parks supremo sows confusion with reshuffle Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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nvironmental activists are trying to understand the implications and the behind-scenes politicking following a major reshuffle of senior staff at the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

On December 18, Manopat Huamuangkaew took over the hot seat, left vacant by the retirement on October 1 of Damrong “the Demolisher” Pidech.

He immediately removed the chiefs of six national parks – Khao Laem Ya National Park on Koh Samet, Phang Nga Bay National Park, the Similans and Surin National Parks in Phang Nga Province, Doi Phu Ka in Nan Province and Khao Kich Kuth in Chantaburi Province.

He also made a visit to Koh Samet, where National Park officials are in dispute with the Provincial Adminstration Organisation (OrBorJor). The

OrBorJor has built a pier that park officials say infringes on the Khao Laem Ya National Park.

Mr Damrong, while still head of the DNP, presented a case to police, urging them to prosecute the OrBorJor for encroachment. The OrBorJor denies any wrongdoing.

Mr Manopat said on the day he took his new position that he and Mr Damrong had worked together before, so no one should worry that he will drop the department’s suppression of encroachment in Phuket’s Sirinart National Park, despite an earlier decision by the Thai Cabinet to suspend the probe.

He also said he would continue with investigations on Koh Samet and in Tablan National Park in Nakorn Ratchassima province.

He said that the reshuffle of park chiefs would make the suppression of encroachment in national parks more efficient. He also promised to demolish illegal resorts on Koh Samet.

Two Brits busted for dealing crystal meth TWO BRITONS, BILLY David, 23, and Lee Cannon, 42, were arrested on Christmas Day (December 25) on charges of dealing in crystal methamphetamine (“ya ice”).

After receiving a report that the duo had been selling the drug in “many” entertainment venues in the Patong area, undercover police, under the command of Pol Lt Col Jirapat Pochanapan, contacted the two traders to buy some of the drug.

The two men were arrested in Room 201 of the Sira Boutique Hotel on Phrabaramee

Rd after the officers bought a one-gram bag of Ya Ice from them for B4,000.

Katu police said that the two men claimed to be British police officers but were not believed, and were arrested.

Police later searched their home in Thalang, and found another 600 mg of the drug.

“Mr Lee already has a police record of possession of Ya Ice two years ago,” said Pol Maj Jakkapong Luangaon.

The two men have refused to answer questions, letting their lawyer do the talking.

New director Manopat Huamuangkaew has said he will not drop the Sirinart Park probe.

However, there is still concern from a number of close observers that the removal of

Akom Namkam as chief of the park on Koh Samet will slow down the three investigations

the DNP has there. They point out that his replacement has close links to “powerful

people” in Rayong province.

Many more national park chiefs are expected to be moved this month (January) in what some believe is a concerted drive to sweep into history Mr Damrong’s entire team.

Mr Damrong is keeping a close eye on the new man at the DNP, and reserving judgement for the moment.

“I am still watching his actions; he has just taken up the job. I will see who he moves and what he does about suppression of encroachment before I form an opinion,” Mr Damrong said.

Surachet Chetthamat, president of National Park Association of Thailand, a non-governmental organisation that supports the preservation of national parks, said that people should watch Mr Manopat’s actions, especially in Tablan, Khao Leam Ya, and Sirinart, and compare his performance with that of Mr Damrong, who had only nine months to suppress land cheats.

Phi Phi speedboat driver murdered RONNACHAI CHAILIANG, 26, a speedboat driver from Phi Phi was murdered early on Wednesday morning (January 2) in front of Wat Wichit Sangkaram on Narison Rd, Phuket Town.

Called before dawn to the scene, police found Ronnachai’s corpse with three deep stab wounds in his body and with his throat slashed.

Pol Col Sermpan Sirikong told The Phuket News, “Whoever attacked him really meant to kill him because we found his mobile telephone and a necklace still on him.”

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Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast FRI JANUARY 4

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huket chef Ronnie Ma­ cu­ja came "close, but not close enough” on De­ cember 26 when he competed in the TV show cooking com­ petition, Iron Chef Thailand.

The award-winning execu­ tive Chef Ronnie brought his two Phuket assistants Ann and Yean from the VSet restaurant at Chalong Pier to help him take on the programme’s specialist Western food chef Pongtawat “Ian” Chalermkittichai in the timed cooking battle using sup­

Chef Ronnie chats with the show’s host Chakrit Iemnaam. posedly surprise ingredients.

Restaurant owner Wallee Pachantabutr was in the Thai

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TV Channel 7 studio to watch the nail-biting competition.

The VSet trio were defeated

by just one point (69-70) in the overall scores from the five judges, but Chef Ronnie was more than happy with his and his team’s performance, espe­ cially considering he knew who he was to be cooking against only on the night.

“I specialise in beef, but as the show came out at Christmas time they chose turkey and for me turkey is a very hard meat to cook – it can break and go stringy – but I was very happy and it turned out perfectly,” Chef Ronnie says with a smile.

“I’m happy I got my hour of fame.”

No feeding the fishes, please

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Sergeant Major fish know where the bread and bananas are, and shove other fish out of the way to get to them.

THE DEPARTMENT OF National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is to crack down on visitors feeding fish at diving and snorkelling sites near the Surin and Similan islands.

Trang Marine National Park Innovation Institute chief, Songtham Suksawang, said the department has banned feeding monkeys at Khao Yai National Park and is now extending bans to include feeding fish at marine parks.

“The ban has been intro­ duced at the Surin and Similan islands to prevent visitors from disturbing the feeding chain.”

Dive or snorkelling tours often include feeding fish as a photo opportunity, but officials claim fish behaviour along reefs line has changed dramatically as a result. “[The fish] gather at specific feeding spots waiting for divers to arrive and feed them. Some of them, especially Pomacen­ tridae [including the black-andyellow-striped Sergeant Major fish] are more aggressive and chase other fish away, which will impact on the marine food chain,” Dr Songtham warned.

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Dancing officials help save boatmen I N T H E L AT E ST I N uniformed song-and-dance performances, the lads and lasses of the Marine & Coast­ al Resources Research Centre, who run the aquarium at Cape Panwa have posted a “Happy New Year” video on Youtube, set to the song Sawatdee Pee Mai by famed Thai singer Thongchai “Bird” McIntyre.

Thanet Munnoy, the di­ rector of the centre, said he wanted to “send happiness to everyone”.

He also hoped the video would encourage people to exercise, and to preserve the island’s environment and beautiful views as long

Screen grab from the video by staff of the Marine & Coastal Resources Research Centre. as possible.

The video gained addi­ tional drama when – as the officers filmed a dance scene on a pier – they spotted a long-tail boat upside-down

nearby, with two men cling­ ing to it.

The dancing off icers promptly called the Royal Thai Navy who sent a speed­ boat to pluck the boatmen

from the water. Both were fine after their rescue.

The rescue is immor­ talised at the end of the video, which can be seen at tinyurl. com/NY-dance.

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Christians, OrBorJor reward ‘excellent people’ MEMBERS OF THE PHUKET Provincial Administrative Or­ ganisation (OrBorJor) and local Christian groups gathered on December 30 to reward eight “Excellent People of 2012” for their contributions to society.

The recipients were: Yodsawit Rukan and Nichapa Pornprasit, who created and run the Smile Kids Club in Koh Sirei.

Wanlapa Sealo, an adviser at Phuket’s Women’s Prison, who spends much of her free time giving companionship and encouragement to a man in an old people’s home who has no family or friends to visit him.

Somchai Sriwichai, a staff member of the Asia Centre Foundation, who also coaches children in the Chalong area in rugby..

Pol Sub Lt Boonlert Jumpa of Cheng Talay Police Station, whose swift investigation re­ sulted in the capture of a thief and the return of the stolen goods to a tourist victim.

Prosecutor Kanda Puchew­ chanwit, who created the an­ nual Christmas Eve party at the Phuket Provincial Prison.

She also offers free legal advice to convicts.

The staff of the Phuket Rua­ mjai Rescue Foundation for their work helping people of all kinds in a variety of sometimes dangerous situations.

Pol Sub Lt Surakit Niramon, Deputy Superintendent of Chalong Police Station who created the Chalong Volunteer Police Centre.

Twenty local students also received scholarships during the evening, held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel.

Nine-year-old Chanayut Yongyun, one of those who received scholarships for their good attitude and manner, and for studying hard, said, “I am so proud to get this”.

Boonserm Suwannabhum, Consultant to the Orborjor said, “This is a good time to bless the people of Phuket and to wish everyone a happy 2013.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

7

The Sydictive New Year’s megaparty finally happened. But was it all worth it?

Nattha Thepbamrung & Alasdair Forbes editor@thephuketnews.com

T

here couldn’t have been a bigger contrast between the first and last nights of the Sydictive Element New Year party.

On Sunday night (December 30) only a couple of thousand people turned up for the show, which was plagued with technical problems that prevented the entertainment from beginning until almost midnight.

On New Year’s Eve, however, the walled-off area of Patong Beach was much fuller and although Senegalese R&B and hip-hip headliner Akon failed (as predicted by The Phuket News) to make an appearance, the partygoers enjoyed themselves immensely.

The exciting light and laser show, augmented at midnight

by Patong’s traditional warzone of fireworks, and the pulsing beat of the surround-sound music played by the deejays attracted more walk-in guests who were initially watching the excitement from outside but opted to pay money to get to the heart of the party.

Partygoer Plalida Khamsong, who said she went to the party about 11pm to see her favourite, DJ Tydi, told The Phuket News the event was “awesome” and the light and sound were “really good”.

She finally left at around 4am, she said.

As the tide went out and the VIP guests left their special barges (anchored in front of the main floating stage), partygoers were able to wade from the beach and were allowed to take their place.

Phuket resident Sophida said that overall she had a lot of fun, despite there being

New Year’s Eve saw good crowds at the Sydictive party, though nowhere near the 50,000 hoped for by the organisers. Photos PhuketAndamanNews

certain “weird mistakes” about the event, not least of all the fact that after the event, “those who paid for VIP [access] had to swim back from the stage.”

Sophida, who paid B2,000 for a ticket, also mentioned that the event did not start at the advertised time of 3pm, but six hours later, and said she was angered that after 1am everybody could apparently walk in free.

The first dawn of the new year broke over a few stragglers, the sound system by now silent. Officials will no doubt now be looking at the chequered history of the event, and wondering if it could have been handled better.

Only the organisers know how many people came to the party but some of those who did believe the number was well below the predicted 50,000.

The event was dogged by controversy from the start.

Originally Sydictive Element CEO Jirat “Champ” Petnunthawong, in a Bangkok press conference decorated by socialite/porn star/reality show star Paris Hilton, said they would stage the event on Surin Beach, blocking the non-paying public from the entire beach for two days.

There was a great deal of local grumbling, culminating in threats from two hotels to sue for millions of baht.At that point, with about a week to go and with the organisers claiming 20,000 tickets sold at around B2,500 apiece, it was announced that the party would be switched to Patong.

Easier said than done.

Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukban opposed it on the grounds that beaches are public and it

is illegal to occupy part of the sand for a commercial venture.

Besides, he said, beer company

ThaiBev was arranging its annual free concert for New Year’s Eve on the beach.

Mayor Pian Keesin agreed in principle. But he stipulated that the Sydictive party could go ahead, either in combination with ThaiBev’s, or could go be staged separately. But either way, he said, the event should be free.

Finally, Sydictive Element’s chairman Vorachat Petnunthawong – Mr Jirat’s father – arrived in Phuket having twisted enough arms to coerce agreement to the event going ahead.

Behind the scenes, a number of artists who were supposed to perform pulled out, citing breeches of contract.

These included the headliner Akon, whose management complained that although Akon pulled out on December 11, the organisers continued to use his image to promote the party, as if he were still playing.

The Sydictive party went ahead, but the organisers have burned so many bridges and put themselves through so much stress it seems doubtful they will come back for a second bite.

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

British tourist shot at countdown party

A

23-year-old British tourist was killed by a stray bullet during a fight involving a group of Thai men in a bar at Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin Beach early in the morning of New Year’s Day. Stephen Ashton was with a group of friends and 300 other tourists in the 2013 countdown party at a pub and restaurant named Zoom Bar when he was shot by a home-made gun shortly after 4am, Pol Col Kittakarn Kramomthong, chief of Koh Phangan station said.

According to witnesses

who spoke to police investigators, two groups of Thai customers got into an argument which escalated into a fistfight in the crowded bar.

One of the groups ran out of the bar and one man turned and fired a shot back into the bar, causing panic and chaos.

The bullet hit Ashton in the torso, seriously injuring him. He was sent to Ban Don International Hospital and was later pronounced dead.

Ashton was visiting the island with friends and had stayed at Pink Bungalow on Haad Rin. Police launched a search

for a 26-year-old man identified as Ekkapan Kaewkla, or Lae Kaewkla.

About noon, a team of police led by Pol Col Kittakarn searched for the suspect who was thought to have gone into hiding up in the mountain and arrested him in tambon Ban Tai. Mr Ekkapan was found with a home-made gun believed to have been used in the shooting.

Mr Ekkapan denied he fired the shot that killed Ashton but admitted he had fought with another group of men when partying at Zoom Bar. Bangkok Post

Belgian threatens suicide outside ex-girlfriend’s house Cabbies say ‘no’ to service refusal Bangkok public transport, now travelling in the same direction. Photo: toolmantim

A BELGIAN RESIDENT of Pattaya was involved in a dramatic incident on January 1 in front of the apartment of his former girlfriend – a woman he wanted back in his life, despite her not wanting him.

Police were called to the apartment block in Soi Yai off the Central Pattaya Road by concerned neighbours who reported seeing the man lying on the ground in front of his former

girlfriend’s apartment. She was out at the time and returned to find the Belgian, who is aged 60, lying on the ground shielded by an ironing board with a towel placed over it.

He was holding a large knife and was pressing it against his stomach and claimed if he could not have his girlfriend back in his life he would end his life instead.

After 20 minutes of nego-

tiation, his former girlfriend was able to persuade the man to throw away the knife. He was taken to the police station and given an opportunity to discuss the afternoons events in a controlled environment with his former partner present.

Police took no further action but have recorded full details of the man and where he lives in case he comes to the attention of the police again. Pattaya One

MORE THAN 2,000 TAXI drivers in Bangkok have pledged not to refuse service to passengers by choosing who to take or where to go.

The drivers made their promise on December 31 as part of a campaign called “Taxi Jai Dee” (jai dee in Thai means kind, good hearted) initiated by the Royal Thai Police.

The campaign, which will finish at the end of the 2014 New Year holiday week, was launched at Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) where deputy national police chief Ruangsak Jaritek signed a commitment with Julie Sawangarun, president of Taxi Thai, Hua Jai Inter Club, representatives from the Taxi Drivers Association of Thailand and Wutthichart Kalayanamitr,

managing director of The Transport Co. Pol Lt Gen Ruangsak said more than 2,000 jit arsa (volunteer) cab drivers had vowed they would not refuse service to passengers and would only charge fares on the meter for both local and foreign customers.

The campaign also calls for the participants to uphold quality services while doing their job, both during this New Year festival and at regular times.

Pol Lt Gen Ruangsak said the initiative was launched after many complaints from commuters about taxi drivers refusing service if they do not want to go to a specific place.

The jit arsa cabbies will be deployed at Mo Chit Bus Ter-

minal, Southern Bus Terminal and Ekamai Bus Terminal.

He said he had instructed officers to strictly enforce the law and punish cabbies who refuse service or overcharge taxi fares. Under the 1979 Land Traffic Act’s section 93, violators face a maximum fine of B1,000, 15 day-seizure of their driving licence and deduction of 20 driving-offence points.

The campaign’s aim is to reduce public grievances while also being a New Year gift for commuters, he said.

In July 2012, a Thai man was severely beaten up by taxi drivers at Bangkok’s Makkasan Airport Link station when he took photos of a driver who refused to take him to his destination. Bangkok Post

BANGKOK WELCOMES THE NEW YEAR Thousands of spectators watch the Bangkok New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display from land and on boat. Photo: Prachanart

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

ASIA NEWS

9

Philippines set to quit Marcos wealth chase Jason Gutierrez

T

he Philippines is to wind down a near30-year hunt for the embezzled wealth of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with more than half the supposed US$10 billion fortune still missing, the man in charge of the search said.

With Marcos’ widow and children back in positions of political power, and the government tightening its belt, the cost of the pursuit has become prohibitive, said Andres Bautista, head of the Presidential Commission on Good Government.

“It has become a law of diminishing returns at this point,” Bautista said in an interview at the commission’s offices, a now rundown building where Marcos’ oldest daughter Imee used to hold office.

“It’s been 26 years and people you are after are back in power. At some point, you just have to say, ‘We’ve done our best’, and that’s that. It is

Former Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos with US President Lyndon B. Johnson, in this photo dated October 23, 1966. Marcos’ wife Imelda sits in the background. really difficult.

“In order now to be able to get these monies back, you need to spend a lot.”

Bautista, 48, left a highpaying corporate job two years ago to answer a call to help the government of President Benigno Aquino, who promised to end corruption and uplift the lives of millions of poor Filipinos.

He and like-minded young lawyers who joined the agency

soon found out that reforming the under-funded commission – itself prone to corruption – while at the same time going after powerful people, was no easy task.

Despite numerous criminal and civil cases being filed against them, none of the Marcos heirs or their cronies, who have been accused of plundering government coffers, have so far been successfully prosecuted, while

high-powered lawyers have been used to tie up the judicial process for years on end.

Long-term chronic mishandling of the commission led to an unmanageable paper trail and evidence went missing that led to bitter losses in litigation, Bautista said.

“These accusations (against the commission officials) are not without basis. They were the ones in charge of guarding the chicken coop and some of

them helped themselves to the eggs,” he said, refusing to name names.

The president’s late mother and democracy icon, Corazon Aquino, replaced Marcos after a bloodless people power revolt ended his 20-year regime in 1986 and sent him and his family into US exile.

She made it her first priority to create the commission, tasked with recovering all of Marcos’s wealth. Conservative estimates put the worth of assets and funds looted from government coffers at US$10 billion.

But before she left office she allowed Marcos’s flamboyant widow, Imelda – known for her thousands of pairs of shoes – and their son and two daughters to return home.

And over the past two decades the Marcoses have regained and consolidated their political base.

Marcos’s son and namesake, Ferdinand Marcos Junior, is a senator who has hinted at contesting the presidency in the 2016 elections.

Imelda is expected to run for a second term in the House of Representatives in May 2013, while her daughter Imee, governor of the family’s Ilocos Norte provincial bailiwick, is also widely thought to want a second term.

“There is still a lot of mystery surrounding the fabled wealth, and my sense is there is still much more out there,” Bautista said.

“Our problem now is that everyone is back in power.

That does not in any way make our job any simpler.”

Since its creation, the agency has recovered 164 billion pesos (about US$4 billion), some invested in prime New York real estate, jewellery, and about US$600 million stashed in secret numbered Swiss bank accounts.

The jewellery, including a 150 carat giant Burmese ruby and diamond tiara, is locked in a vault at the central bank, and at one point the international auction house Christie’s estimated it could fetch up to US$8.5 million. AFP

Indian rapper caught in gang-rape backlash A C H A R T-T O P P I N G Indian rapper known for his sexually explicit lyrics was caught in a backlash Tuesday against sexism and misogyny after a deadly gang-rape that shocked the nation.

Yo Yo Honey Singh, whose hits include “My home my village”, saw his New Year’s Eve concert in New Delhi cancelled following an online campaign highlighting lyrics that incite violence against women.

His 2007 track “Prostitute” refers to him having violent sex with a woman after he forces her to “dance naked” and includes the line: “You will scream and run but where can you go... I will take your life”.

Amid low-key New Year’s celebrations following the shocking gang-rape on December 16, the upmarket Bristol Hotel in a suburb of New Delhi cancelled the show, an employee said.

The popular star, who sang in Bollywood films last year and has several top 10 hits, told the Hindustan Times he himself had called off the performance to “express my

THE RESTAURANT WHERE YOUR INDULGENCE WILL BE COMPLETED

Women in Kolkata (Calcutta) protest. Photo: Jorge Royan grief for the unfortunate girl”.

The furore over the rap star comes as the country comes to terms with the Delhi gangrape in which a 23-year-old medical student was repeatedly

assaulted and violated with an iron bar while being driven around in a bus for 40 minutes.

She died from internal injuries in a Singapore hospital at the weekend. AFP

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British press predicts rocky ride for Cameron in 2013 B

ritain’s newspapers welcomed in the New Year on Tuesday with a warning for Prime Minister David Cameron that he will have to lay a clear path to economic growth and national renewal in 2013.

Newspapers said Cameron needed to reset Britain’s direction in the world at a time when the cuts in the budget deficit would really kick in.

The Times asked how happy a New Year it was going to be, saying the “suspended animation” of British politics would break in 2013, when austerity spending reductions will bite.

It said Cameron has to convince the country that he had made “the correct economic choices” and Britain was indeed on the right track.

He also has to persuade the “malcontents” in his Conservative Party that he can deliver a new settlement in Britain’s relations with the European Union that will keep them satisfied.

“Above all else, though, the politics of 2013 will be dominated by the actual experience of austerity,” it said.

“Britain’s resolution this New Year must be to get its stuttering economy started.”

The Daily Telegraph said 2013 would be a year of challenges and it was unclear whether Britain’s leaders would rise to them.

“Today we enter the fifth year since the banking crash, and crisis management can, perhaps, give way to a more measured assessment of the longer-term ramifications of this seismic event,” the broadsheet said.

In 2013 Britain can “think long and hard about the kind of people we want to be, the kind of country we want to live in and the kind of

role we think we should have in the world.”

Britain’s EU membership is “in a state of flux”, while the withdrawal of nearly 5,000 troops from Afghanistan will give space to think about Britain’s future military posture.

And the UK’s survival will come into focus when the bill for a referendum on Scotland leaving the union is published.

The Daily Mail said “whisper it quietly, but there are grounds for cautious hope about the economy.

The deficit has already been cut by 25 per cent and is still falling, unemployment is down, and our national credit rating is strong”.

On the domestic scene, Cameron needs to find a narrative to persuade voters he truly understands their problems, it said, rather than focus on “side issues” like gay marriage.

The Daily Express said Cameron’s “dithering over the EU” must end this year.

“David Cameron must very soon decide if he is prepared to lead an unstoppable movement to restore British sovereignty. If he decides not to do so then a people’s army will march right over the top of him,” it said.

The Sun said 2012 would be remembered as a momentous year in modern British history.

“Doom-mongers predicted we would be seen as a global laughing stock. A declining world power – riven with riots and inequality – slipping into its dotage. They were proved utterly wrong. Instead, we showed a rainbow nation at ease with itself.

“If 2012 taught us anything it’s that we are at our best when we believe in ourselves.” AFP

Facebook fixes ‘Midnight Delivery’ privacy flaw FACEBOOK SIDESTEPPED a privacy gaffe on Monday by fixing a flaw that made it possible to snoop on private New Year’s Eve messages sent using a “Midnight Delivery” service.

Facebook took “Midnight Delivery” offline temporarily to patch a vulnerability pointed

out by Britain-based blogger Jack Jenkins.

The new feature, which lets people prepare digital messages in advance and have them automatically delivered to Facebook friends the moment the year 2013 arrives, was back in action Monday.

“I have just checked, the bug/oversight has now been fixed,” Jenkins said in an update to his blog time-stamped 1435 GMT. “I don’t know how a site like Facebook can continue to take these kinds of risks.”

Jenkins outlined in his blog a way to get into Midnight Delivery messages by tinkering with characters in URLs, essentially manipulating electronic address data.

The privacy slip came less than a week after the older sister of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg tripped on the social network’s privacy settings, landing in the midst of a debate

The Zuckerbergs clown around. Photo: Facebook about “online etiquette.”

Randi Zuckerberg, who launched a Silicon Valley themed online reality show after quitting her job handling Facebook public relations, kicked off the controversy after a family photo intended for friends went

public.

The picture showed Mark Zuckerberg in a kitchen with family members dramatising reactions to messages sent with a freshly launched “Poke” feature at the California-based online social network. AFP

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Jose RamosHorta named UN envoy to G. Bissau U N S E C R E T A RYGeneral Ban Ki-moon has tapped Jose Ramos-Horta, a former East Timor president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, as his new special representative to coup-stricken Guinea-Bissau.

T he man who helped bring independence to East Timor will also head up the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office (U NIOGBIS) in GuineaBissau.

He replaces Rwandan diplomat Joseph Mutaboba, whose term in the troubled west African nation ends on January 31.

Ramos-Horta, 63, “brings with him more than three decades of a diplomatic and political career in the service of peace and stability in Timor-Leste and beyond,” a UN statement said.

Mutaboba, appointed in 2009, left the country in early December. Guinea-Bissau demanded he be replaced, accusing Mutaboba of favouring the government that lost power in an April coup that interrupted a presidential election.

An interim civilian administration plans to hold elections in 2013. GuineaBissau has suffered chronic instability due to conf lict between the army and state since independence from Portugal in 1974.

Ramos-Horta, an exiled voice for East Timor during two decades of often brutal Indonesian occupation, advocated clemency for Indonesians accused of atrocities as well as renegade troops who tried to assassinate him in 2008.

He has since been active on international peace initiatives.

Ramos-Horta shared the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize with East Timorese Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo.

He was nominated to the UN post just as the UN ends its peacekeeping mission in East Timor on Monday – after 13 years in Asia’s youngest nation following a bloody transition to independence. AFP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

‘Lost’ movie sparks China tourist surge MORE CHINESE TOURists are expected to travel to Thailand following the massive success in China of a comedy-adventure film shot in Thailand, in an echo of the bursts of tourism sparked by The Beach in 2000 and The Hangover II in 2011.

Lost in Thailand is directed

by Xu Zheng. The plot follows two Chinese in hilarious adventures travelling in Chiang Mai. Word about the beautiful scenery of Chiang Mai and other parts of Thailand has been spreading across Chinese social networks, with many Chinese are talking about film and saying they want to come to Thailand to follow the route of the film’s protagonists.

Meanwhile, a number of people who have been to Thailand before are sharing their holiday photos in their profile pages. According to Filmbiz.asia, the film has been at the top of the Chinese box office for three consecutive weeks since its premiere on December.

In the first eight days, it earned about 450 million yuan (B2.166 billion). On December 15 alone, the film pulled in 100 million yuan (B500 million). NNT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

BUSINESS NEWS 11

GET ON WITH IT

Huge rise in funding for Tourism AoT told to speed up Phuket airport expansion Department

T

ranspor t Mi n ister Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered construction of the extension of the Phuket International Airport terminal to be speeded up.

Mr Chadchar t visited Phuket International Airport to see for himself the congestion; the air port’s designed capacity is 6.5 million passengers in and out per year but it is currently handling an annual flow of 9.1 million.

Air por ts of T hailand (AoT) began construction in October with a budget of B5.7 billion, with the work scheduled to be finished in February next year. Apparently construction is already behind schedule, hence the minister’s speed-up order.

W hen completed, the expansion will allow the

CG image of the new terminal building at Phuket International Airport (centre). airport to handle 12.5 million passenger movements a year.

However, if each year sees similar growth as the past year’s 11 per cent, the revamped airport will reach capacity at about the same

time as the modifications are completed, leading one local pundit to remark that it will be “dead on arrival”.

In addition to expansion of the terminal, the work will include expanding the length

of taxiway and enlarging the car park from 500 to 1,500 parking spaces.

Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction is the main contractor for the expansion project. MCOT Online

Amari to launch development in Patong A PUBLIC LAUNCH OF THE NEW Amari Residences in Patong is expected in the first quarter of 2013, reports Bill Barnett in his PhuketInsider blog.

Located next to the Amari Coral Beach resort, the development will have

148 apartments and 12 villas. CBRE Thailand will handle sales and marketing.

Ownership will be on a leasehold basis. Pricing has yet to be finalized but it’s expected to be significantly higher than the recent Laguna Shores offerin

With a lease offering and geared towards investment buyers expecting hotel yields, the apartments are highly segmented into the foreign marketplace.

The industry will be watching the offering closely to see how fast units sell.

THE TOURISM DEPARTment’s budget will rise to B2.7 billion from B1.7 billion this year as it seeks to attract more visitors to the country’s attractions.

It also plans to seek a budget of B4.3 billion to continue its projects in fiscal 2014.

The tourism site development plan for 2012-14, which will soak up some B8 billion, will focus on eight clusters covering 61 provinces.

About 60 per cent of the cash will be used to upgrade sites and the rest for marketing campaigns, said deputy director-general Anupap Gaesornsuwan.

After criticism by private operators about work delays and the lack of concrete projects in 2012, Mr Anupap explained that major projects take eight to 12 months to develop.

“The time-consuming budget disbursement has been the main cause of delays,” he said.

Mr Anupap said the department would focus marketing campaigns on domestic tourism, which is targeted to see growth of 6 per cent next year.

Bangkok Post

12 BUSINESS NEWS

‘GOLDEN YEAR’

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Second small airline hit 2012 saw 22m people visit Thailand by red tape

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nbound tourists to Thailand hit a record of almost 22 million people this year, generating at least B900 billion, a prominent Thai tourism industry leader said this week.

Piyaman Techapaibul, president of the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT), described 2012 as a “golden year” for Thailand’s tourism industry, with revenue circulating from domestic tourists also increasing, to B500 billion.

She said that political stability and the increasing popularity of tourist attractions in Thailand have contributed to the tourism boom, while the ongoing Sino-Japanese face-off over the Diaoyu/ Senkaku Islands has diverted travellers from both countries to Thailand.

Film shoots hit record T H E M I N I S T RY O F Tourism and Sports’ Film Office reported a record B1.7 billion in earnings from location film shoots in Thailand from January to November last year.

Film productions shot in Thailand are considered a valuable source of revenue as well a tool to build awareness of Thailand.

The department reported 596 films, documentaries, advertisements, TV series, and music videos were filmed on location in Thailand. In the same period last year the number was 570, contributing B1.1 billion.

Japanese film makers top­ ped the list with 135 productions, followed by 119 from India, 96 from Europe, 33 from Hong Kong, 32 from S Korea, 27 from the US and 23 from China. TTR Weekly

Piyaman Techapaibul: Wants to see luxury taxes cut.

The biggest market for arrivals this year was China, which delivered 2.5 million visitors. Russia was second with 1 million visitors, with India, South Korea and Japan

all close behind.

Ms Piyaman said the Tourism and Sports Ministry will be asked to plan a strategy to attract tourists to a range of attractions wider than the

traditional locations in the North and beach resorts along the Andaman Coast.

She added that the TCT has also targeted stretching foreign tourists’ average five-day stay in Thailand to six days and increasing their daily spending of B3,000 per person to B5,000.

(Just quite where the B900 billion figure quoted in the first paragraph comes from is not clear – with 22 million inbound tourists, that is already B41,000 per tourist, or an average of B8,000 a day for a five-day stay.)

She urged the government to lower the import tax on luxury goods to make Thailand more competitive with shopping destinations such as Hong Kong and Singapore.

MCOT Online

TAT goes online to boost FIT numbers THE TOURISM AUTHOrity of Thailand (TAT) has announced that it has teamed up with Google, TripAdvisor and Zizzee to promote its products.

The cooperation is aimed at increasing the number of free independent travellers (FITs) by at least 10 per cent next year.

Although the majority of people come to Thailand with tour groups, there are many who prefer to plan their trips and search for information via the internet.

Tourism-related online reviews are trusted more than advertising or promotions as the number of FITs worldwide significantly increases.

TAT has focusing on technology and digital marketing since changing its portal from

the 1.0 version to 2.0 in 2010, with many online projects launching since then.

When all the numbers are in, international tourist arrivals last year are expected to total 20.7 million, of whom 3 to 5 million count as FITs. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT’s director for marketing IT, said the collaboration with the biggest tourism website, TripAdvisor, would allow the agency to develop information and products.

Google and TAT will introduce Thailand’s world heritage sites through Google Maps.

Attractions such as Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi, Baan Chiang prehistoric site in Udon Thani and Si Satchanalai Historical Park in Sukhothai will be vis-

ible via 360-degree panoramas on Google Maps.

TAT will embed the Zizzee search engine intotourismthailand.org, allowing tourists to find flights and hotels, and rent cars.

This will help site visitors to reach about 200,000 tourism operators nationwide under a one-stop-service concept.

For domestic tourism, TAT has developed a new app to serve smartphones, both iPhone and Android, with an expected 17 million users.

The app provides tourism information and promotions with augmented reality (AR), which provides interactive maps on smartphones for checking in or sharing travel experiences, Ms Thapanee said. Bangkok Post

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE lured by cheap tickets offered

by Thai Regional Airlines (TRA) have been left in limbo after the carrier’s launch of regular services last week was aborted because the airline did not have an operating licence.

The Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and the Civil Aviation Department summoned TRA executives for a meeting, due to take place yesterday (January 3) on how to deal with a case that has reportedly affected more than 500 would-be passengers.

OCPB officials said they have not filed charges against the Thai-owned airline for deceiving consumers, as amicable solutions such as booking refunds or finding seats on other airlines could be forthcoming for affected passengers.

TRA has posted on its website that its services are “temporarily unavailable” until March 31, as its application for a licence to operate scheduled flights is still awaiting consideration by the Civil Aviation Department (CAD).

The airline said its launch of regular services, initially from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Khon Kaen, will take place on April 1.

A senior CAD official said that TRA had jumped the gun by selling tickets long before it secured a licence.

Authorities need more time to consider TRA’s application, which was submitted in September, because issues including the airline’s safety and aircraft maintenance had cropped up, said the official.

TRA had hoped to get the permit early this month so that it could launch scheduled flights during the festive season.

Like other start-up airlines in Thailand, TRA was repeat-

45x90 |

edly warned by the department not to start selling tickets before the permit was granted – a practice that TRA executives have denied.

But TRA started to offer 5,000 one-way flights from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and Phuket for only B1,000 on its website as far back as October.

A recent case involving an alleged breach of contract between start-up Thai airline PC Air and passengers called into question the accountability of operators and whether carriers are properly regulated by authorities.

TRA executives could not be reached for comment, and there was no answer from the airline’s call centre or office.

The CAD said TRA has sought to change its licence from being an air taxi and charter airline using small aircraft to an operator of scheduled flights.

It signed a letter of intent with Amico Private Wealth Ltd, a London-based firm with a “financial intermediation” service, to make available two leased Airbus 320 narrow-body jets to kick off its scheduled operations.

TRA was granted an air taxi licence in January 2011 and operates two Piper PA31-350 Navajo Chieftains, twin-engine propeller aircraft capable of carrying 8-10 people.

TRA has told the department it has raised its registered capital to B400 million, twice the minimum required.

Bangkok Post

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PROPERTY NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

TIL KINGDOM COME

Alasdair Forbes talks with former Raimon Land boss Nigel Cornick, now heading Kingdom Property

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he mid-range property market, which all over the world fell into a big hole following the 2008 global financial crisis, will come back in Thailand, predicts Nigel Cornick, former CEO of Raimon Land and now boss of new Pattaya-based development company Kingdom Property.

Kingdom has just begin construction of its first project, Southpoint, and he says he already sees signs of a recovery.

“I believe it will come back because Thailand is now seen as less risky. We’ve seen that to some extent in Southpoint where the Japanese have bought around 20 units. Russians are also buying, and we are selling two-bedroom units for up to B9 million.

The big buyers in Pattaya at the moment, Mr Cornick says, are the Russians – “They are by far the largest market” – but at the low end Southpoint also has condos priced around the B2 million mark, appealing to the growing Thai middle class.

With that element he is ahead of the big Bangkok boys. Although Sansiri, for example, has eight low-end projects on the go in Phuket at the moment, it has yet to do the same in Pattaya.

“I don’t think it will be long before people like Sansiri will step it up a pace [at the lower end of the market] in Pattaya, because Pattaya’s got that backdrop of the eastern seaboard, the industrial base, where you have people with the potential to buy a condo for B1 million-plus.”

But he foresees potential problems for developers in the low end.

“The stuff that’s being churned out now is easy to sell but the difficult thing will be delivering, because construction costs without a doubt are rising and will continue to rise.”

Labour is the main problem, he believes. The B300 minimum day wage is having an effect, but the accelerating economies of Myanmar and Cambodia will see rising demand for labour in those two countries which, up to now, have provided most of the labour for Thailand’s developers.

In addition, car makers are hiring the same kind of skilled people – electricians, plumbers and so on – as the construction industry, but for wages that are twice or three times as high.

“So these margins [on low end developments] will come

Nigel Cornick: ‘The stuff that’s being churned out now is easy to sell but the difficult thing will be delivering.’ under real pressure. The quality of what you get for that money – and a lot of it hasn’t been built yet – will not be up to much. It can’t be.”

With Southpoint, he says, Kingdom is averaging sale prices of around B90,000 a square metre, of which B40,000 is pure construction costs. Add in marketing, fees and the price of the land and Kingdom needs to be selling at about 65,000/sqm to start making a profit.

“We’re very keen to make sure the first project sets the standard,” he says, adding with a grin, “So we aren’t necessarily being as greedy as we might otherwise be.”

Mr Cornick has spent the past three years in the wilderness, running Kingdom as an agency. He plainly was not enjoying it, and is happy to be back in development.

“Being in the middle in the agency is being between a rock and a hard place. The owner doesn’t want to pay you nor does the customer.

It’s fee-driven and you’re not really producing anything.”

Raimon Land in his day built half a million square

Construction has just begun on Kingdom’s first project, Southpoint in Pattaya. metres of property, in projects that won awards and which he believes have “improved the landscape”.

His official biography, handed out to the press, describes him as having “unerring vision”. He seems slightly

embarrassed by this, but is also proud of some of the decisions he made.

“When [Raimon Land]

started Northshore, people thought I was crazy to even think that I could sell anything in Pattaya for B50,000/sqm.

But in the end we averaged about B75,000 and some people sold for B180,000 before we finished.

When he started on The River in Bangkok, people said, “You’re crazy. It’s on the wrong side of the river. Why would you possibly want to buy that?” That project too, has been highly successful.

“I paid prices [for land] that other developers thought I was crazy to pay. ‘Why are you paying B900,000 a square wah for Rajdamri Rd?’ Today it’s worth two million.

“So I’d like to think that’s what they mean [by ‘unerring vision’].”

Under Mr Cornick, Raimon also had a reputation for its CSR programme – in Phuket the most visible was sponsorship of the King’s Cup Regatta for four years.

Regatta committee member Bill O’Leary, passing by during the interview with Mr Cornick, said, “He saved the regatta. Without him there would have been no King’s Cup. Put that in your paper.”

Mr Cornick believes that CSR is a very effective tool in the marketing toolbox. “Its a different way of spending our marketing budget.

“Probably at Raimon, between 2003 and 2009, we averaged B6 million a year for CSR. That’s less than one tenth of a per cent of the marketing budget.

“The regatta was good.

And it was good to bring our customers down to Phuket. A little does go a long way – to turn a mediocre event into a good event doesn’t take a lot,and people remember it.”

He has no plans at the moment for projects in Phuket. But he likes the island. “I want to come back more often. Maybe we [Kingdom] should try to do something with the King’s Cup next year.”

14 OPINION

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editor@thephuketnews.com

Gerry’s View

Editorial

The best things in Phuket are free

T

EMPTY NETS The saying is that a picture is worth a thousand words and in this photograph I have to agree. This

picture was taken at Bang Tao Beach at the end of the last high season, and the dark foreboding clouds, turbulent sea, deserted beach, heavily wind tilted trees and the empty beach volleyball court exude several senses, but the one that strikes me most is of loneliness. The tourists have gone, returned to their home countries, along with the laughter and joviality that I could imagine was shared at this spot, quiet again until the next high season. Gerry Cummings

If you have a Phuket photo to share, email it with a caption to editor@thephuketnews.com

he best things in life are free. Try telling my girlfriend that.

Money can’t buy me love.

Try telling my Patong-dwelling friend that.

But seriously, if the shambolic organisation of the paidfor Sydictive party and the comparative success of the free Karon Electronic Music Festival teaches us anything, it is that songwriters Ray Henderson and The Beatles were maybe onto something.

Sometimes it’s quite literally money for nothing (Dire I know).

Song titles aside, you can’t put a price on love, or fun or enjoyment for that matter.

Although resorts, hotels and a consumerist society is likely to read that idiom in a certain way, one can also interpret the pithy lyrics to mean that to love to do something has nothing to do with cost. It is priceless.

One doesn’t have to pay extortionate amounts of money to have a good time. One doesn’t

Comments, Facebook & Twitter A Peranakan place in Phuket [Re. Peranakans put jewels on display] In the current issue of The Phuket News, you wrote: “Peranankan, or Baba is the name given to the Chinese who settled in Southeast Asia – mainly modern Malaysia, Singapore and Phuket – in the late 19th century”.

Please allow me to add that the Malay word Peranakan means “locallyborn” as in the Malay archipelago during the Portuguese/Dutch/British colonial era.

And so, Peranankan Chinese refers to the descendants of mixed Malay and Chinese heritage. Its history goes as far back as the 15th century when traders from China came to Southeast Asia, married Malay women and settled down.

Many generations later, the Peranankan Chinese culture; namely customs, language and food, came to be an interesting mix of Malay and Chinese that we find fascinating.

Mei-Mei Moore, Docent at the National Museum of Singapore

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Don’t be so sure [Re. Police ‘sure’ missing surfer still alive and in Phuket] How many more days do we have to wait?

I’d really like to be “sure” he’s okay too.

I wish the police would find out who he had lunch with on the 26th and ask those people about where he is. I’m “sure” they know exactly where he is.

Why are the police in denial about the obvious crime that took place here?

Elizabeth

Iron Man Ronnie [Re. Phuket chef Ronnie loses to the Iron chef] Chef Ronnie is always the best, not only his dishes but his kindness and hospitality make everything perfect.

Sasi Keaw

Fact or fiction?

[Re. Alcohol banned at Phuket Sydictive megaparty]

Announced by a convicted drug-user, evicted from Surin Beach, on-againoff-again at Patong, moved up and down the beach, free-entry-paid-entry and now no alcohol and fencing that looks like a concentration camp.

Luckily there are still another two days to go for this Hollywood script to get even more bizarre.

Pat C

Not for the world [Re. Phuket Sydictive megaparty announces arrival of first act] How can she say “world class concert,” it hasn’t happened yet, it could easily turn out to be a “world class flop.”

Laurie Howells

Water disaster this is [Re. Woman killed by Phuket water truck] This road has been under “repairs” for months. Many people have been injured, now one killed.

God only knows why it has taken so long.

Many businesses have suffered and will lose a lot of baht.

Someone should be made responsible.

Laurie Howells

Stop (jet-skiing) in the name of the law [Re. Envoys rapped for ‘out of date’ Phuket remarks] Jet ski’s were “officially” outlawed n the Kingdon on January 1, 1999.

They are the lowest of the low when it comes to marine devices – highly polluting, highly dangerous and they attract exactly the type of tourists we don’t need in Phuket.

In a poll before the 1999 “law”, 99 per cent of beachfront hotel GM’s opposed them and 98 per cent of general tourists opposed them.

When the worldwide media descended upon Phuket to observe the ban, jet ski operators were quoted as saying “We don’t care about the law – we will do what we want. Who will stop us?”

LingYai45

Have a question about Phuket you want answered? Email editor@thephuketnews.com

need to attend a B3,000 ++ dinner, or peacock it up at an ‘exclusive’ party. The happiest New Year celebrations on the island were likely to be had by those who carefully chose with whom to spend it.

But unfortunately money makes the world go round, and quite often serves as a literal currency in which individuals choose to value a person metaphorically.

However, by equating a person’s worth by monetary means, this will forever limit one’s own measure of enjoyment by a materialistic yardstick.

As 2013 starts, it is important to remember the important things in life: Friends, family, happiness, satisfaction, pride.

Add to that a cleansing, all-encompassing sea breeze on an early morning after a stressful night; a smile from a stranger after an argument with another; a dalliance, a dance, an embrace, laughter, relief.

This is life. This is important.

Happy New Year readers.

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16

Finding God Jody Houton pays a visit to the Russian Orthodox church in Thalang > 2

Photo: Aleksandr Kotin

2 PEOPLE

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FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

Russian priest to ring in an Orthodox Phuket Christmas Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

The magnificientlydesigned Russian Orthodox Church is set deep in the dense jungle of the rubber plantations of Thalang, Phuket. Its Sunday services attract around 500 Russian residents each and every week.

W

hile many of us are now looking at the sparse underside of our Christmas trees with wistful eyes, rubbing our bellies and massaging our throbbing heads as the festive period draws to an end, the fun is just beginning for our Russian friends on the island.

As Russia only replaced the Julian calendar with the Gregorian calendar after the advent of the Soviet Union, for a long time the Russian calendar was two weeks behind the rest of the world.

Although Russia now runs on the same clocks as everywhere else, religious occasions and festivals are still held according to the Julian calendar, meaning their Christmas is celebrated on January 7.

This year, Phuket’s Russians have their own Russian Orthodox Church in which to mark the occasion.

Set among the rubber plantations of Thalang, it is overseen by 26-year-old Father Aleksey Golorin.

Its construction is a remarkable achievement for the estimated 5,000-strong Russian community on the island, especially considering the relatively short time many of them have been in Phuket.

Christmas is an increasingly important festival in modern-day Russia, despite religion and – in effect – Christmas being banned during the time of the Soviet Union. Interestingly, as a result of this, many of the Christmas traditions, such as decorating trees and giving presents, turned into New Year’s traditions.

However in recent years, partly owing to attendance at Christmas liturgies by Vladamir Putin and

other Russian leaders, Christmas, Santa Claus and Christ have once again become integral to Russian culture.

Father Aleksey, who has been at the Russian Orthodox Church for three months, said, “For Russian people, religion is very important, so wherever they are, they always search for it and seek the church.”

As there is now a sizeable Russian community on the island, there are already restaurants, shops and even a newspaper – the first Russian edition of The Phuket News is out on January 12 – catering to the their needs and interests, and so it was only going to be a matter of time before a church was built.

“The motherland is very far from here,” said Father Aleksey, “So it’s all the more important to have something like this so that they may have a little piece of home.”

The little bit of home, where Father Aleksey lives with his wife of 4 years Maria and their daughter Sophia, is certainly a magnificent address.

The ‘Parish in the name of Holy Life-Giving Trinity on Phuket island’, to give it its correct name, is built in the classic cross-shaped plan and topped with a resplendent and distinctive gold dome.

Inside, the splendour continues with walls adorned with images of Christ and Orthodox saints set in a gold wall.

One in particular has supposedly already brought a parishioner good luck via the proxy of Father Aleksey – the church’s conduit to God. “One Russian lady came to us and said that her daughter had contracted dengue fever and her condition was in a critical state. She was taken to Bangkok Hospital where she was getting check ups every day but her condition wasn’t improving”.

Father Aleksey told her to start

Clockwise from above: Father Aleksey Golorin and a copy of the ‘Good’ Russian book; three elephants stand proudly in the chruch grounds (the donated items represent Father Aleksey, his wife Maria and their fouryear-old daughter Sophia. Photo: Aleksandr Kotin); the baptismal bath; Father Aleksey in the church grounds; putting the finishing touches on the Christmas tree.

PEOPLE 3

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

For Russian people, religion is very important, so wherever they are, they always search for it and seek the church. The motherland is very far from here, so it’s all the more important to have something like this so that they may have a little piece of home

praying to one of the church’s images of Saint Pantaleon, which she did. On the day of having a complete blood transfusion, the girl suddenly recovered.

There are now six Russian Orthodox churches in Thailand – two in Pattaya, one in Bangkok, one on Koh Samui, one in Ratchaburi and the one here in Phuket.

The church’s beautiful if remote location was the plot of land which the Phuket authorities said could be bought by the Russian community for religious use. The white and gold-topped building stands in striking contrast with the surrounding sea of green.

Asked how local people were responding to such a ‘different’ presence in their community, Father Aleksey smiled and said, “Many of the local people like the building and the architecture and also the songs that we sing.

They often come to have a look around.”

Yet its inaccessibility is proving particularly problematic, and a matter that Father Aleksey has given serious thought.

“Most Russians live in the south of the island, so have to travel very far to get here.

“This is a problem for many as they are mainly on income of B20,000 – 30,000 per month and can’t afford the taxi fare of B1,500 to get here and back every Sunday.”

It is for this reason that Father Aleksey is considering introducing a Sunday minibus pick-up service.

The young priest already regards Phuket home, despite it being vastly different to his homeland.

“I was born and raised in Siberia, but grew up in St Petersburg. The weather there was quite different to here though,” he says with a smile.

“I like the Phuket nature and the sea views – this helps me feel closer to God. I like Phuket very much, especially the Sino-Portuguese buildings of Phuket Town.”

Father Aleksey studied Theology at undergraduate level in St Petersburg and is currently in the process of completing a Psychology degree.

“I am studying psychology in order to combine the soul, body and spirituality so that I may help people in every way possible.”

He believes that although the tools by which ‘conduits to God’ such as himself learn nowadays have changed, the reasons that people still seek guidance from religion have remained constant.

And despite the younger generation of Russians’ lives changing rapidly, combined with the proliferation of technology, both are inconsequential compared to the ancient message of Christ.

“Religion is still the same and still important. If man needs direction and needs to make a decision between good and evil, religion will always help him choose the correct way.”

It’s food for thought as the Russian community prepares to mark their Christmas.

4 PETS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

The Dachshund YOUR BREED Jackie Perry editor@thephuketnews.com

The head of the dachshund when viewed from above or from the side resembles an icecream cone as the top of the skull is slightly rounded and the muzzle is straight and to a point. The eyes are almond shaped and dark. The ears are set high on the skull Jackie Perry is based in Phuket but travels to judge dog shows all over the world. She is happy to answer any questions from dog lovers.

T

he name Dachshund in German means”Badger Dog”, and was given to dogs with long bodies and short legs who hunted badgers.

They came in three different coat types and were kept separate for breeding purposes in the smooth and long haired varieties. The wire haired dogs were introduced to combat working in heavy undergrowth where briars would stick and scratch into the other two varieties.

In the origins when this breed was used for badger hunting they were larger than their present day cousins. Dogs of around 16 kilos were used, as badgers themselves weighed between 11-18 kilos and were a very formidable adversary.

The dog had to be extremely brave and keen to attack its prey both above and under ground. Gradually dachshunds were reduced in size from 7.25 kilos up to 10 kilos. Smaller dogs started to appear and are the present day’s “miniatures”. These weigh in at no

more than 5 kilos.

The breed is low to the ground, long in body and short in leg but with good muscular development. His skin is smooth and elastic.

He has a good depth of brisket and his elbows are well into his ribcage. He has a pronounced sternum (chest) and his ribs are well rounded allowing for plenty of heart and lung space.

His legs will appear closer together at their base than the shoulder as this capacitates the digging motion required in its origin. The feet are compact and strong and may incline slightly outwards.

The trunk of the dog is long and well muscled. His topline from withers to very slightly arched loin is as straight as can be.

His hindquarters are strong and well muscled. The legs turn neither in nor out and he should have strong, straight hocks.

The head of the dachshund when viewed from above or from the side resembles an ice-cream cone as the top of the skull is slightly rounded and the muzzle is straight and to a point. The eyes are almond shaped and dark. The ears are set high on the skull and carried not too far forward. The neck is long, clean and without dewlap.

Pet

The three coats are: Smooth, Long-Haired and Wire-Haired.

On the Smooth the coat will be fine and silky, the Long-Haired will have smooth coat over the top of the body but with feathering under the neck, on the forechest, under the belly and behind the legs. The tail will carry the most hair and must be carried gracefully as an extension of the spine.

The Wire-Haired dog carries a short, tight, thick rough and hard outer coat and good undercoat with the exception of on the jaw, eyebrows and ears where the hair is softer. He will carry a beard on his face, his ears will have short, soft hair and his eyebrows will be bushy.

In character this is a bright, busy, sharp little dog and can be full of fun. Around small children needs to be watched due to over excitement ending in a nip or two and they have very large teeth! This is not done intentionally but in moments of excitement.

They are an excellent apartment dog as they are clean and neat. They do, however, like all dogs, require exercise and should never be allowed to get fat as this will put immense strain on those short little legs!

Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:

These two beautiful chow chow dogs belong to Franz Gutierrez. Their names are Chuck and Blair, both are three years old. Franz says, “They like to sleep in my room because they like to cuddle and, well, the aircon, but they also like playing around the yard. They love opening presents because they are used to getting them during Christmas and birthdays or whenever I travel. Their favourite trick is running around in circles every time I ask them “Do you wanna play outside?”. My mom sends them doggie biscuits from the States called “Super Lekker” and it has become their favourite, although they can’t hide the excitement every time they hear me opening the bag of their doggie food “beef pro”.

Want to see your pet here? Email your photo to editor1@thephuketnews.com

HEALTH 5

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Pura Organic Foods adds to its healthy Phuket lineup SPONSORED This week Pura starts delivering its new seasonal organic “Deliciously Healthy box”, full of farm fresh vegetables and fruits at the peak of flavour and freshness to your doorstep.

An easy way to eat healthier because of convenience and freshness. Initially available in two sizes, for B1,250 and B1,050 per box, respectively. More variations will follow

P

ura Organic Foods Ltd opened its fresh farm organic shop about a year ago, and in addition to the ever growing number of restaurants and resorts, more good food minded consumers are finding their way to their store (on the main road 402 just north of Thalang).

Globally, consumers are becoming more and more critical of what they eat and the fact of the matter is that organic tastes better, is more nutritious and is simply a healthier choice.

Excessive use of chemical fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides depletes soil of many elements, which causes vegetables and fruit to become potentially risky, less nutritious and far less tasty.

Associated with the organic farm and 5 star resort of Thanyamundra in Khao Sok, Surat Thani, Pura Organic Foods Ltd today has access to more than 1,000 organic products and a network of over 70 organic suppliers from all over Thailand.

Recently Pura Organic started a home delivery service whereby customers can order by email, telephone or via their online shop (www.puraorganic.org), which is delivered to their doorstep.

This week Pura starts delivering its new seasonal organic “Deliciously Healthy box”, full of farm fresh vegetables and fruits at the peak of flavour and freshness to your doorstep. An easy way to eat healthier because of convenience and freshness. Initially available in two sizes, for B1,250 and B1,050 per box, respectively. More variations will follow.

The box contains (pic: above right is a sample content of the “Large box”) vegetables, fruit and herbs and additional products can be selected from Pura’s extended range of organic products such as dairy, eggs, yoghurts, organic chicken, icecreams.

With juicing becoming more and more popular all over the world, Pura will also soon be introducing a special version box which contains ‘juice-able’ fresh items and which can optionally be combined with various ‘super food’ items like raw cacao, spirulina, and wheatgrass powder.

Pura thinks juicing should be as organic as possible, because it means consuming large quantities of vegetables and fruits (a lot more than in a normal diet). Not opting for organic produce increases the consumption of unhealthy chemicals we ought to avoid.

Recently, Pura became the agent for world’s best home juicing machine, the Hurom, which is available at Pura for B12,900.

Juicing is different from blending. The latter is seen as ‘outsourcing’ chewing, and the body reacts the same as normally to it.

However juicing, especially ‘slow juicing’ as with the Hurom, which rotates 80 times a minute, extracts fibre from the material and what remains is absorbed by the body in a more direct way.

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING Educating all food handlers to understand the importance of food safety standards.

Our training is highly interactive.

info@foodhygieneasia.com 076 617 692, 081 862 4439 www.foodhygieneasia.com

Great variations are possible, for instance with kale, sweet potato, carrots, beets, tomatoes, kwantung, beans and of course many fruits.

Compared to a high speed blender, slow juicing doesn’t create friction and therefore doesn’t reduce nutrition. In addition, the slower speed creates less air in the drink, which allows for better keeping.

From next week, Pura will also sell their new line of health drinks “Swash 100% juice”, a Phuket-made product by the same people who make their popular

“Swash Organic 5 Bacteria Yoghurts” and a range of healthy snacks. These juices will be available in seven different flavours.

Last but not least are Pura’s selection of ‘super foods’, an unscientific term to describe food with high nutrient and health benefits. These include Raw Cacao, Chlorella, Spirulina, and Chia Seeds.

Of course, we at Pura Organic consider all of our fresh organic produce to be ‘super’ food.

For further information, call 076 313 363 or visit www.puraorganic.org

6 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

Indonesian helps turns page for literacy with new library Arlina Arshad

One reason people don’t like to read is that they feel that books are force-feeding them information about the New Order. Other aspects of history, especially concerning important figures and heroes, have been deliberately removed

Above right: A young Indonesian girl looks at a book at a library run

by Indonesian woman Kiswanti in Pemagarsari village near Bogor.

Kiswanti went to great lengths to get people to read in Indonesia, a nation addicted to social media but with a lacklustre interest in books.

Her humble efforts have snowballed and her modest village is now home to a library, a rare sight even in Indonesia’s biggest cities. Photo: AFP

K

iswanti went to great lengths to get people to read in Indonesia, a nation addicted to social media but with a lacklustre interest in books.

For six years, as she cycled on bumpy village mud tracks in western Java as a door-to-door herbal medicine vendor, Kiswanti would carry a stack of books on the back of her bike to lend to children.

Her humble efforts have snowballed and her modest village is now home to a library, a rare sight even in Indonesia’s biggest cities.

“Reading gives you knowledge and knowledge is power. Nobody, no matter how poor, should be deprived of reading,” Kiswanti, 46, said.

Kiswanti gave up her days as a “mobile librarian” in 2005 when a liver illness struck, confining her to her tiny concrete block house in Pemagarsari village, where narrow dirt trails lead off the main road.

As a neighbour kept the mobile library on its wheels, international and local donors caught wind of the initiative and fronted the cash to start the Lebakwangi Reading House, which now boasts a collection of 5,000 titles.

“This library is a dream come true. I had to pinch myself many times to make sure it was real,” Kiswanti said in the library, set up in the house next to hers.

The library gets around 100 visitors a day, mostly students, and Kiswanti is plotting ways to expand her reach, already touting her library to teachers and students at schools in three villages.

Indonesia has an impressive literacy rate for a developing nation – nine out of 10 adults can read, the World Bank reports – but books are considered luxury items for many of its 240 million people, half of whom live on less than US$2 a day.

The country has a much richer tradition of oral story-telling, with age-old shadow puppet shows and plays still popular.

Libraries are few and far between, and many are run by foundations, like the Yayasan Usaha Mulia which has two libraries, in west Java and central Kalimantan.

“There are also very few public libraries,

and most stock encyclopedias, not novels or books for pleasure reading,” the foundation’s executive director Noriyana Parabawati said.

Indonesians, however, read volumes of text every day online – they make up the world’s third-largest Facebook community and fifth-largest on Twitter, and they are avid text and messaging users.

Tom Ibnur, a lecturer at the Jakarta Institute for the Arts, said that social media, as well as TV, have “become something like a drug and encourage people to watch and listen more than they read”.

There is also a history of distrust in books in Indonesia, where dictator Suharto used them as a vehicle for propaganda under his iron-fisted New Order regime.

“One reason people don’t like to read is that they feel that books are force-feeding them information about the New Order.

Other aspects of history, especially concerning important figures and heroes, have been deliberately removed,” Ibnur said.

But Kiswanti is still hopeful she can get her community to pick up books, and her spirit has rubbed off: 16 volunteers, mostly graduate housewives, help her run a preschool in the same building that holds the library, teaching English and mathematics.

The two-storey library houses children’s

books, novels and non-fiction books, as well as self-help books, mostly in Indonesian.

English titles include works by popular writers Paulo Coelho, Sidney Sheldon and Agatha Christie.

“What will make me happier now is Tintin in my library,” she said, her voice rising and eyes sparkling with excitement as she raved about the hugely popular Franco-Belgian comic series.

Born to a trishaw rider father and herbal medicine vendor mother, Kiswanti was the eldest of five children who was forced to drop out of school at the age of 12.

She spent her childhood removing peanut shells and picking fruit for a pittance, which she would spend immediately on books. As an adult, she washed and scrubbed expatriates’ homes in exchange for rare novels.

Her passion for reading even prompted her to place an unusual precondition for her marriage to construction worker Ngatmin.

Ngatmin, 57, who now works as swimming pool maintenance worker, said he had to agree to let her buy as many books as she could afford.

“It’s obvious my wife loves books more than me. She goes to bed with one and reads until she falls asleep,” he said.

“But because I love her, I don’t mind being her second choice.” AFP

Thailand scores badly in education assessment ranking

T

hailand’s education system is ranked 37th out of 40 countries assessed in the latest global index rankings published by British education and publishing group Pearson.

Finland took first place with a score of 1.26 points, followed by South Korea and Hong Kong. Following them are two other Asian countries: Japan and Singapore.

By comparison, Thailand scored badly, with 1.46, and just three countries below it in the rankings.

The index ranking is based on cognitive skills – test scores in reading, writing, and mathematics – and educational attainment, literacy and graduation rates, accumulated from 40 developed countries.

Sir Michael Barber, Pearson’s chief education adviser, said successful countries gave their educators a high status and have a culture that is supportive of education.

Thai netizens later posted messages on various

forums mostly criticising the Thai education system.

“It’s because of the educators,” said a poster on posttoday.com.

“I feel that education does not account to how successful you are in the real world,” said a comment in pantip.com. “These highly educated people have the knowledge but can’t perform.”

Another netizen suggested that Thailand should improve the social belief in education, spend more money to improve the quality of teachers and promote school autonomy, in order to climb up the rankings.

“The quality of some private universities is really worrying. The quality of graduates with a bachelor’s degree here is lower than high school graduates in other countries,” one netizen said.

“If you pay all the tuition fees here, you’ll definitely graduate.” Bangkok Post

WEIRD WORLD 7

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

THE BIG LIST Weird medical treatments The wonders of modern medical science have been achieved at the experimental cost of many treatments that didn’t work out as intended.

Here are a few of the stranger medical procedures that have been prescribed in the past for various ailments. Trust me, I’m a doctor.

Hair of the dog: Today this phrase refers specifically to partaking of liquor after waking, in order to see off the ill effects of the previous night’s overindulgence – something that might well occur on a New Year’s morning. But originally “the hair of the dog that bit you” described a supposed medical treatment, based on an ancient belief that an injury from a dog bite could be treated with a dressing that included a few hairs from the offending animal.

A dose of radium: The unfortunate scientists who discovered the radioactive element radium discovered too late that it was also deadly – in the meantime, the strangely glowing stuff was touted as a remedy for everything from arthritis to dental decay, in the form of radioactive bath salts, radioactive drinking water and even radioactive toothpaste. This phase of “radiation quackery” in the early 20th century ended quickly when many of its proponents died suddenly from radiation illnesses.

T he t ap ewo r m d ie t : Intestinal tapeworms were touted in the early 20th Century as a sure-fire way to get rid of body fat and keep it off.

Pills that claimed to contain tapeworm cysts were marketed in the US until around 1920, although no-one is now sure if they really did. Urban legend tells that the opera singer Maria Callas kept trim with tapeworm pills – but in fact she suffered from tapeworms after eating contaminated steak tartare, a dish made from raw meat.

Holes in your head: The practice of trepanation, or having holes drilled your skull, has attracted a surprisingly large number of adherents over the centuries.

Trepanated skulls have been found in prehistoric tombs from thousands of years ago, and in the Middle Ages it was touted as a cure for madness, epilepsy, migraines and various mental illnesses.

Today this treatment has only limited medical use for some types of eye surgery.

S mok i n g c i ga r et t e s : Before there were anti-smoking ads, there were pro-smoking ads. In the early 20th century it was common for cigarette advertising to tout the health benefits of smoking tobacco.

The inhalation of fumes from burning tobacco was even suggested as a therapy for asthma and other lung disorders, and images of reassuring doctors were often used to sell cigarettes.

Man saved by shot of alcohol to the heart

A

s doctors warn of the dangers of over-indulging in booze this festive season, a British man has the demon drink to thank for his survival – after medics attempted a radical treatment to shock his ailing heart back to life.

Englishman Ronald Aldom suffered from an unusual heart rhythm called ventricular tachychardia, which can be fatal if left unchecked.

His doctors had tried to treat it without success – until they hit upon the little-used idea of a direct injection of neat ethyl alcohol directly into Mr Aldom’s heart.

The alcohol injection triggered a “controlled heart attack” that killed of

some of his heart muscle, and restored a more regular rhythm to the beating heart ventricles.

The rare treatment has only been conducted a handful of times in the UK, and his doctors said it was used as a last resort – without treatment Mr Aldom would not have been able to leave hospital, and is likely to have died.

“While it sounds like a very barbaric treatment, it was a very rewarding one, [but] very high risk,” Mr Aldom’s cardiologist told ABC News.

Mr Aldom was thrilled to be out of the hospital: “I think it’s wonderful that the doctors tried everything to help me,” he said. “If they hadn’t had done this I wouldn’t be here now.”

Japanese man sets new record for old age

U

ntil a few weeks ago, 115-yearold Jiroemon Kimura was merely the world’s oldest man – now he’s added two more titles to his belt.

On December 17, with the death of 115-year-old Dina Manfredini in the United States, Mr Kimura became the world’s oldest living person – and two weeks later, on December 28, he passed the record set in 1998 by California’s Christian Mortensen to become the longest-lived man in recorded history.

Mr Kimura was born on April 19 in 1897 – the year that Queen Victoria celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, and the 30th year of the Meiji era in Japan.

He was six when the Wright Brothers flew their first plane, and already in his mid-60s when Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space.

Mr Kimura celebrated his 115th birthday this year with his family in Kyoto Prefecture: including five children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren.

The former post office worker credits his longevity to getting plenty of sunlight, and his efforts to keep his mind active: he has recently been studying to speak English.

Record-keepers have confirmed

Englishman speaks only Welsh after stroke

A

fter a brain injury caused by a serious stroke, 81-year old Englishman Alun Morgan forgot his native tongue and could speak only Welsh, a language he thought he had never learned.

Mr Morgan grew up in England and spoke only English for most of his life.

But after his stroke last year he discovered he could only communicate in Welsh – even though he had never learned the language and had last visited the country 70 years before.

Doctors believe Mr Morgan’s experience is caused by a brain disorder called aphasia, which caused damage to the parts of the brain that governed his use of the English language.

With his faculty for English damaged, Mr Morgan’s

brain appears to have fallen back on a language that he thought he never even knew – there are signs that Mr Morgan may have picked up some Welsh when he was young.

He lived with his Welshspeaking grandmother as a child, and during World War Two he was sent with other children to Wales as an evacuee, to escape the German bombing of English cities.

“It gave my wife the shock of her life when I started speaking Welsh,” Mr Morgan told the BBC.

that Mr Kimura is one of only three men ever to reach the age of 115, and is the first Asian man to do so.

His family say his birthday is actually in March, making him even older than his official age – but the date was mistaken reported as April by a local government official in 1955.

Four of his five brothers and sister lived to be more than 90 years-old, and his youngest brother Tetsuo, died at the age of 100.

Along with Japanese woman Koto Okubo, who turned 115 on December 24, Mr Kimura is one of the last two surviving people born in the year 1897. Both are among 22 Japanese people on a list of the oldest 64 people in the world – a fact that highlights the demographic challenges faced by Japan as its population rapidly ages.

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

A visit to gourmet heaven Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

For those who have never eaten truffles, the real thing is on offer for a reasonable price at Angsana’s Bodega restaurant.

I

t’s the diamond of the kitchen, weightfor-weight as much as five times the price of silver, and the ultimate gourmet addition to a meal.

If you’ve eaten truffles – not the chocolate kind, and not the tiny bits mixed in with a sauce, and not truffle oil, but slices of the real thing – then you know you’ve dined in a rarified atmosphere as close to gourmet heaven as mortals can get.

Truffles grow in many and varied parts of the world. Each place claims their truffles are the best, of course, but most of these elusive subterranean mushrooms come from either France or Italy, and divide into two broad categories – black (very

expensive) and white (even more expensive).

Generally, no one is going to eat a whole truffle. That would be like sloshing an entire bottle of Chanel No 5 over you in one go. But as an addition to any dish, their unique delicate earthy perfume is an experience not to be forgotten.

For those who have never had the experience, it’s now on offer at the Angsana Resort’s Bodega restaurant for a remarkably reasonable B1,650 per person, for a threecourse meal with coffee or tea.

The meal, a triumph from Chef Mirko Cappa, begins with yellowfin tuna and scallops carpaccio, served with microgreens, pomegranate and black truffle

dressing – and a couple of slices of unadulterated black truffle from Puglia in southern Italy.

This is followed by the main event, seared Wagyu beef tenderloin from Australia with seared foie gras, onion jam (a real eye-opener – delicious) white and green asparagus and, of course, more black truffle.

No truffles in the dessert, but no complaints either. The crisp espresso-infused Sicilian cannolo filled with sweet Ricotta cheese, nuts and dried fruits, with a cinnamon sauce is a delightful coda to a very worthwhile meal.

The special truffle menu is available at Bodega until January 20. For more information, visit angsana.com

‘Godfather’ of cuisine fetes 25 years at the top Dominique Ageorges

O

Chef Alain Ducasse. Photo: br1dotcom

ne summer's day 28 years ago, Alain Ducasse – the man dubbed the "godfather" of French cuisine – was rescued half-paralysed from a mountainside in the Alps, sole survivor of a light plane crash.

It was three years before the chef could walk unaided: "I had to imagine and write down recipes, and have others execute them for me," the 56-year-old told Le Monde newspaper in a recent interview.

“The accident changed my way of doing the job.”

Today at the helm of a global empire with 21 Michelin stars to his name, Ducasse pioneered a radical new culinary business model, sharing his secrets with an army of disciples of the Ducasse school of haute cuisine.

The chef has fingers in dozens of pies from space flights to the Eiffel Tower, luxury hotels, publishing and train-

ing programmes, under the umbrella of Alain Ducasse Entreprise (ADE), which turned over US$87 million last year.

Ducasse is not alone at the top table of French cuisine – the profession already has an “emperor” in Paul Bocuse, 86, and a “chef of the century”, Ducasse’s longtime rival Joel Robuchon, 67.

But his Louis XV has trained hundreds of chefs in the Ducasse style, acting like an incubator to create what France’s top food critic Francois Simon dubs “an extraordinary network”.

“There is no space left on the world map to put our guys,” jokes Franck Cerutti, Ducasse’s longtime ally and the chef of the Louix XV. “Jet chef” is another of Ducasse’s nicknames, from the time he spends travelling the planet inspecting his two dozen eateries, from Paris to Tokyo or Las Vegas, with Qatar to follow next year.

Born to a family of farmers in the southwestern Landes region, Ducasse talks of being strongly influenced by his

grandmother’s home cooking.

Impatient by nature, he quit catering school “because it wasn’t going fast enough,” says Cerutti, learning his trade in the kitchens of nouvelle cuisine pioneer Michel Guerard, as well as Gaston Lenotre, Roger Verge and Alain Chapel.

His style? Though Mediterranean at its roots, he adapts to each venue with a “glocal” approach – both global and local – turning out camel pastilla in Doha, and classic Parisian for the Eiffel Tower’s eatery, the Jules Verne.

“He’s like the Steve Jobs of gastronomy,” jokes one colleague.

His skill, according to Marc Haeberlin, chef of the three-star Auberge de l’Ill in France’s eastern Alsace region: “The ability to spot talent, and to duplicate the secrets of his cuisine.”

The critic Simon is more measured: for him, Ducasse’s strategy has brought a kind of “coldness to a cuisine that has to be imitable, therefore less demanding in terms of research” AFP

The Bistro - Taste of Italia Experience the real taste of traditional Italian food Mama Style at The Bistro 50% off for cocktails, beers, soft drinks and juices during Happy Hours from 3.00 pm - 5.00 pm & 10.00 pm - 11.00 pm daily Opening hours : 3.00 pm - 12 Midnight www.impiana.com 41 Taweewongse Rd., Patong Beach, Phuket 83150 Thailand.

Tel: 66 (0) 7634 0138, 66 (0) 7634 2100 Fax: 66 (0) 7634 0178 Email: rsvnipc@impiana.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM JANUARY 4, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY,List your restaurant here: call 076 612 550 or email sales@thephuketnews.com

DINING GUIDE 9

EUROPEAN

INTERNATIONAL

ITALIAN

SEAFOOD

Bodega & Grill

Weaves Restaurant

Acqua

Trisara Seafood

Bodega & Grill is situated on a picturesque patio by the lagoon. The restaurant serves premium char-grilled steaks and seafood from a wood-fired oven, as well as authentic homemade pastas, risottos and paellas. Bodega’s generous steaks are available in portions of up to 1.2 kilogram. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101

Watch the evening sunlit ocean in the lavish and contemporary ambient atmosphere that is the Weaves restaurant. With its intimate low lit private dining, Weaves serves a variety of delectable Asian and International fusion cuisine, rich enticing desserts and tropical blended refreshments. Manathai Resort Phuket, Surin Beach, 076 270 900

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine can revel in Acqua’s experiential concept. The Acqua restaurant experience promises to deliver only the freshest of ingredients, sourced from only the best producers both local and international. Taste explosions from the portfolio of Chef Alessandro Frau, of both traditional & contemporary are offered. Kalim Bay-Patong, 076 618 127

The first truly world-class destination seafood dining experience on Phuket. A private entrance leads guests either to an outdoor, beachfront deck or to the cool, relaxed interior. The menu is a balance between local and imported seafood prepared and served in a Mediterranean way.

Lunch 12.30pm-3pm, Dinner 7pm-10.30pm (Closed Sundays). Trisara, 076 310 100

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Irish Times

Art Caffè

RE KÁ TA Beach Club

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic sea views in sensually indulgent setting. Delicious Thai and European creations are served on the open-air terrace. Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is the winner of the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. Situated on the only road into to Kata Noi Beach.

Reservations recommended. momtriphuket .com; 076 333 568

The only Irish owned and managed Irish Pub in Phuket. A real Irish Pub at the heart of Phuket’s world famous nightlife. In this traditionally styled Irish pub you will find a very warm welcome from the Management and their fantastic staff. All your favourite Irish food and beverages. Jungceylon, Patong Beach; irishtimespub-phuket.com

The idea of Art Caffè comes from the need to have a place to stop and enjoy something different. Meet friends, exchange ideas, propose initiatives, organizing events or reflect only reading, watching and perhaps enjoying a good cup of coffee. The exhibition space is an affront to the repetitiveness of the artistic culture of the island. Naiharn-Saiyuan Road, 076 388 546

The beachfront restaurant off­ers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood.

In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach.

Open daily 6.30am-11pm; Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); info@rekataphuket.com, rekata phuket.com, 076 330 421

Tablespoon Salad & Grill

Super Natural

DaVinci

Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood

Discover newest stylish restaurant in modern vintage setting. Creative and unique salad and grill menus are served while you experience a delectable dining in romantic and intimate atmosphere with a reasonable price tag.

Open 11am-10pm. 2nd Floor, HomePro Village, Chalong; 076 383 244

Super Food deserves a Super Location. SuperNatural and more. The only waterfront restaurant in Phuket serving exciting raw vegetarian cuisine in addition to our delicious seafood, Thai and International menu. Great selection of fresh to order juices & smoothies, as well as great wines and chilled beers.

Open 365 days a year. Facebook Supernatural -Phuket, 2.5km south of Chalong Circle.

Great food and people you know! Authentic Italian cuisine in Nai Harn area. Three different dining areas, cocktail lounge, children’s play area, Delicatessen, live music....DaVinci is not just a meal, it is an experience of taste, atmosphere and more. Restaurant open daily 5pm-11.30pm; Deli open 11am-6pm; Sunday close; Naiharn 076 289 574. davinciphuket.com

Start your evening with delicious food and fine wine. Pick the perfect spot to take in stunning views of Patong bay, as the evening breeze surrounds you. Relax and enjoy live music to make your evening into that truly wonderful and unforgettable dining experience. Open daily 11am-Midnight. Patong; baankalim.com; baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com, 076 618 125

FRENCH

Gallery Cafe by Pinky

Diavolo

THAI Baan Vijitt Restaurant

Breeze Restaurant

A menu of modern Mediterranean influences created by Chef Ryan to tantalize the senses in a modern ambience. Offering everything from fresh seafood pastas to simple good pizzas. An impressive selection of well priced beverages and stunning sea views complete the experience. Open daily for lunch or dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala Beach; 076 302 000

Phuket’s most exciting new restaurant is situated on the waterfront at Cape Yamu. Chef Cheryl Johnson is providing diners with her innovative modern French interpretations of local ingredients. Open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch. Our menus change frequently. Cape Yamu, Paklok, 081 271 2320

Gallery Cafe by Pinky proudly present to you cafe food at its best. Whether you’re looking for an excellent breakfast or a quick light lunch or dinner plus an outstanding range of fine wines or cocktails. A homemade cake or freshly roasted premium coffee.

Open everyday from 8am - 10pm. Rassada Road, Phuket Town. Facebook page ‘Gallery cafe by Pinky‘. www.gallerycafe-phuket.com, 089 103 7000

Tre by DoublePool Villas

Sala Bua Restaurant

Tamarind Restaurant

An array of culinary experiences is offered to tempt and intrigue in Tre - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant set among the superb surroundings of the DoublePool Villas. Tre’s signatures dishes include scallops and green apples and tartar with pan-fried foie gras. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay; banyantree.com

Sit alfresco to embrace the view of Andaman Sea and enjoy an elegant dining experience, where the art of cooking is personally steered by the newly arrived Executive Chef, Hans Engerer. There are many great dishes to whet your appetite, ranging from the East to the West.

Open daily 6am to 12 midnight. Patong Beach, www.impiana.com; 076 340 138

To complement an already distinctive cuisine, Tamarind is bringing to the island high quality authentic Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Master Chef Shiraishi. Gracing our Japanese menu will be fresh sushi, sashimi, healthy salads, yakitori and tempura and much more. Tamarind is your ultimate destination to savour the best Japanese cuisine in Phuket. Cherngtalay; banyantree.com

JAPANESE

A half-century old Sino-Portuguese style house at The Vijitt Resort Phuket offers a unique authentic experience of Thai cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Thai Select Premium Award certifies the quality and standard of product and service here. The Vijitt Resort Phuket, Rawai; fb@vijittresort.com, 076 363 600

Talung Thai

The restaurant has a stunning sunset location, offering views of the Andaman Sea. The menu of southern Thai specialties and true local dishes, are not seen on many other restaurant menus in Phuket. Chill with a cocktail from our award wining mixologist at sunset and then relax with authentic Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala; 076 302 000

10 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

Quick guide to

AO NANG

Words: Simon Ostheimer Photos: Kiri Heald

J

ust a few hours drive from Phuket, the drive around Phang Nga Bay to Ao Nang in Krabi is enjoyable and easy, passing by limestone outcrops and forgotten trading outposts.

For people living in Phuket, the first question about visiting Ao Nang must be, ‘why?’

After all, our island is already a famous destination for millions of tourists worldwide, drawn by its tropical charm and sandy shores – so what does Ao Nang have that Phuket doesn’t?

The answer is easy – it doesn’t have all the tourists. Geographically similar in size, Ao Nang is like Patong was a few decades ago, much quieter, more easygoing, and mostly undeveloped.

It’s what makes it so attractive for northern European tourists, who during high season come to relax by the beach, stroll along the night market, and take a longtail boat to the nearby offshore islands.

During the low season, Ao Nang sees more Thai and Southeast Asian visitors, which makes it a popular destination all year-round. Here, our quick guide.

STAY Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach The new Holiday Inn says it has the largest pool in the area. It undoubtedly has some of the best views – early morning sunrises over moored longtail boats, and dreamy sunsets over the craggy outcrops of Phang Nga Bay. (holidayinnkrabi.com)

DINE Blue Mango With its chic blue and white theme, cool logo, and al fresco and air-conditioned seating, this is one of the smartest restaurants on the Ao Nang waterfront – parents will particularly love the children’s club out back. (T: 075 637 689) A-One Located down the quieter of Ao Nang’s two main beaches, A-One stands apart from the neighbouring neon-lit Thai eateries with its romantic atmosphere and broad Western menu – the Sunday roast is the stuff of local legend. (No tel.)

DRINK The Irish Rover Alongside its sister outlet Paddy’s in Klong Muang, this Irish drinking hole offers the most authentic pub atmosphere in Krabi. When you’ve had your fill, go for a stroll along the night market that runs on the street outside. (irishpubskrabi.com) Red Devil Grill & Lounge No, it’s not a Manchester United bar, rather a friendly

lounge founded by a couple of local expatriates. Wash down a meal from their decent grill with one of their range of Belgian beverages. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (reddevilaonang.com)

SHOP Krabi Town Walking Street As well as the regular evening market in Ao Nang, which offers a variety of souvenirs, don’t miss the famous weekend night market in nearby Krabi Town, which runs every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. For dinner, wander down to Chao Fah Pier for a variety of cheap eats (nightly 6pm-11pm).

SPA Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach Almost every hotel offers its own in-house spa treatment, while there are always the 300 baht places along the street, however the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach offers a particularly value for money massage. (holidayinnkrabi.com)

DO Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi Take to the skies with the Tree Top Adventure Park Krabi’s ziplines, climbs and swings. French experts have brought the know-how and techniques to do this activity safely. There’s even a tightrope walk for the brave. (treetopadventurepark.com)

TRAVEL 11

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Malaysian Steve Ng is the General Manager of the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach.

Pictured here (back row, black shirt) with members of his resort team.

In resorts we don’t have the luxury 5 QUESTIONS FOR THE GM of full manning, so I applied my are now ahead of time. There will be Steve Ng another 129 rooms, a huge kids club, background General Manager and more family-orientated facilities.

Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach and experience The pool we currently have is alas a chef, a Do you see Ao Nang becoming ready one of the largest pools in Ao Nang. In the new phase we’ll have a kitchen mentality. a more popular destination? pool three times the size of the existWhenever a guest Krabi is expanding. ing one, and on top of that we’ll have We have an international airport, orders, they will slides. with scheduled flights from Bangkok order appetiser, The designer is White Water West, and charter flights from Scandinavia who have worked on huge theme parks soup, main course and Germany. around the world.

Krabi is not as packed as Phuket. and dessert. They Phuket is overcrowded. People know don’t come and Your ‘manning’ philosophy Phuket, they know Pattaya, they know sounds intriguing ask you for the Samui, and now they know Krabi.

In resorts we don’t have the luxury of whole set in one full manning (staffing), so I applied Does the kind of visitor go. So should I my background and experience as a depend on the season? have my whole chef, a kitchen mentality.

I see the Krabi market as separated Whenever a guest orders, they will into different categories: during high manning in each order appetiser, soup, main course and season there are a lot of Germans. Desection of the dessert.

They don’t come and ask you cember, January, February, and somehotel, or move for the whole set in one go. times March will be a good European So should I have my whole manning season. my manning to in each section of the hotel, or move my But when it comes to April, I was different areas for manning to different areas for differsurprised [when I came here] that a different times? The lot of Asians come during that period. ent times? The latter of course.

During busy time everyone will Singaporean, Malaysians, Indonelatter of course

1

4

2

sians, Indians, they come during this season because it’s cheap.

The rates are reasonable, and there are school holidays in their countries.

be in front desk, then breakfast time everyone come ups to help, then when the guest checks out even I help strip beds.

3

5

Tell me about the hotel expansion plans By next October the whole Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach expansion will be complete, and actually we

Facing page: The quiet beach at Ao Nang is the launching point for trip to outlying islands; the pool at the Holiday Inn Resort Krabi Ao Nang Beach is already one of the area’s largest, a new pool three times the size is already under construction.

This page, top right: A European couple take in the stunning limestone outcrops in Phang Nga Bay; tourists browse the Ao Nang evening market.

Best thing about being in hospitality?

It’s not easy in hospitality, but it’s fun.

You have something different everyday. Every day.

12 GAMING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

IN BRIEF Star Trek game gets release date

The movie-based video game Star Trek The Video Game will finally be released on April 23 next year. The game, which takes place in the universe produced by the prequel films from J.J. Abrams, will be available across all platforms except the Wii U. The setting of Star Trek The Video Game will include storylines that take place between the first film and the upcoming Into Darkness sequel.

Star Trek The Video Game was originally announced in 2009 and is part of a larger effort to tie the franchise closer to a more interactive medium.

The Secret World drops subscription requirement

Following the recent trend of massive multi-player online games, Funcom’s The Secret World is dropping their subscription requirement and will instead offer gamers access to all of its content for a one-time purchase price of US$30 (B920).

According to the game director Joel Bylos, the decision was made due to several factors, including lower than expected sales and launching in a “crowded launch window” with both Guild Wars 2 and Mists of Pandaria released not-too-long after.

Multiplayer Tomb Raider confirmed via Twitter

Brand director for the company that handles production on the Tomb Raider franchise, Karl Stewart, confirmed via Twitter that the upcoming sequel would add a multi-player mode for the first time.

The upcoming issue of Official Xbox Magazine is expected to have several details on the new Tomb Raider game, which features the iconic video game heroine Lara Croft.

This will be the first time the franchise will add multi-player capabilities.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com

Violent video games in play after Sandy Hook shootings

I

n the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings in the United States in which 26 people lost their lives, 20 of them children, the video game industry has been in the spotlight with the National Rifle Association partially blaming the medium for glorifying violence.

NRA vice president Wayne LaPierre said in a recent press conference following the shooting that “there exists in this country a callous, corrupt, and corrupting shadow industry that sells, and sows, violence against its own people, through vicious violent video games with names like Bulletstorm, Grand Theft Auto, Mortal Kombat, and Splatterhouse.”

However, California senator Leland Yee criticised the NRA for its hypocritical stance and lambasted them for not speaking out when the state’s violent game law was shot down by the Supreme Court in 2011.

“I find it mind-boggling that the NRA suddenly

cares about harmful effects of ultra-violent video games,” Yee told reporters last week, “while several states, medical organisations, and child advocated submitted briefs in support of California’s effort – the NRA was completely silent.”

The bill would have prevented retailers from selling violent video game to children and was signed into law by then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005 but overturned by the nation’s high court last year.

Meanwhile, game manufacturers Electronic Arts Inc. (makers of Mass Effect and Medal of Honor franchises) and Activision Blizzzard (makers of Diablo and the Call of Duty franchises) have reported an eight per cent drop in sales since the Sandy Hook shooting.

Last week, West Virginia senator Jay Rockefeller introduced a bill to United States Congress that would allow the National Academy of Sciences to look into the effect on children of violent games and similar media.

UbiSoft interested in THQ purchase

W

ith the recent news that THQ is filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the United States, French publisher UbiSoft has been revealed to be a frontrunner to acquire the firm’s studios and franchises.

UbiSoft, which produces the successful franchises Assassin’s Creed, Rayman, Far Cry, and the Tom Clancy gaming franchises, is reportedly holding out for a “bargain buy” and hoping to buy specific properties instead of a total package deal.

The company had looked to acquire THQowned properties in the past.

“They have good things. We are always in-

terested in good brands. For sure, it’s something we can consider, but I can’t tell you more,” said UbiSoft CEO Yves Guillemot.

THQ filed for bankruptcy earlier in December in order to sell its studios – Relic Entertainment, Volition, THQ Montreal, and Vigil Games – as well as several popular gaming properties which include titles such as Saints Row, Red Faction, Homefront, Metro, and Company of Heroes.

THQ has until January 15 to sell its properties and gain new ownership under the terms of its bankruptcy filing.

The company has announced that production on soon-to-be-released games will not cease.

TOP VIDEO GAMES THIS WEEK Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

1

Fathead

Xbox 360

2

The Adventures of TinTin: The Game

Need For Speed Most Wanted

PS3, Xbox 360, VITA, PC

3

MinoMonsters

9

Lego The Lord Of The Rings

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, 3DS

4

GTA3: 10th Anniversary Edition

10

WWE ‘13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii

5

Sin or Win

Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

6

Assassin’s Creed II (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

7

Halo 4

Fifa 13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, VITA

8

4

Just Dance 4

Wii, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS3

5

Far Cry 3 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

1

Call Of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)

2

Hitman Absolution (18+)

3

TOP MOBILE GAMES

T

he year was 1991 and video games were finally hitting the households and engaging users with innovative gameplay.

The Sega Genesis console had been released just a year earlier with Sonic the Hedgehog becoming a fast and furious hit.

The game featured the title character speeding through levels to try and stop Dr Robotnik from taking over South Island, and save the animals the evil villain had captured.

One of the most memorable parts of the game, other than the quick-pace and loops that Sonic would do as he sped through the game, were the sounds.

Sonic would collect several rings throughout each board – if he was stopped by an immovable object, many of the rings would fall out creating a sound that has become iconic for Sega.

Every 100 rings collected would equate to an extra life, which was always needed because of the speed in which Sonic would engage the gamer. It was one of the first games that brought gamers into a world of checkpoints, special stages, and secret ending sequences – only replicated by Super Mario (Nintendo) and Doom (PC) at the time.

Today, when one thinks of Sega, they immediately came to think of Sonic. Although several sequels were produced, this was the game that introduced Sonic as a video game icon to rival Super Mario.

Do you have a Blast from the Past? Let us know at editor@ thephuketnews.com

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

IN BRIEF Aging Oscar judges vexed by online voting

Jack Reacher

Reaching for the heights FILM REVIEW Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com

Director: Christopher McQuarrie Starring: Tom Cruise Rosamund Pike Robert Duvall

A

sniper kills five people at a city riverside plaza, seemingly at random – the main suspect is a disturbed Iraq War veteran who scrawls “get Jack Reacher” on a notepad before he is beaten into a coma. Who is Jack Reacher, everyone asks?

Jack Reacher is a popular literary character created by the British author Lee Child, over the course of 17 novels in about as many years. A former military policeman, Reacher now drifts from place to place, writing wrongs where he finds them, motivated only by a desire for justice and the opportunity to make cynical wisecracks.

Child says that Reacher is an archetypical hero with a history that stretches from Beowulf to (Charles) Bronson – the outsider who comes into town and cleans it up, through a combined effort of heroics, cunning, and superior firepower. Specifically, Jack Reacher is a sort of a cross between Sherlock Holmes, MacGyver, and Jason Bourne – or maybe a bluecollar, Levis-wearing James Bond.

Unfortunately for literary veracity, Jack Reacher in the books is also distinctively tall, at 6 foot 5 inches – and there has been concern that Tom Cruise (5 foot 8 inches, or thereabouts) is perhaps not of sufficient stature for the role. Child, with some gallantry, says that “with another actor you might get 100 per cent of the height but only 90 per cent of Reacher.

With Tom, you’ll get 100 per cent of Reacher with 90 per cent of the height.”

Cruise does dominate the movie, which develops into a slick cop mystery with plenty of gunfire and car chases.

Jack Reacher comes to believe that the accused Iraqi vet has been framed for the crime, but struggles to convince his defence lawyer (Rosamund Pike), let alone the smart homicide cop (David Oyelowo) or the District Attorney (Richard Jenkins). Reacher falls foul of a Russian gangster named “The Zec” – played with convincing menace by film director Werner Herzog – and he recruits a retired Marine gunnery sergeant (Robert Duvall) to his posse.

One of the unsettling features of the film is its focus on American gun culture – a facet which concerned the film’s distributors in the wake of the Sandy Hook school shooting, enough to postpone the film’s premiere for a few days.

At one point, Reacher tracks his suspect to a sport shooting range in Ohio, where the locals are “mighty touchy about their constitutional rights,” as the owner explains. The many rapid-fire shoot-outs between Reacher and the bad guys look convincingly dangerous and sound ear-splittingly realistic.

It’s a competent action film, and the conclusion is as archetypical as its main character: after delivering justice to the wrong-doers, Jack Reacher spurns the girl and splits town.

With 16 more of Child’s Jack Reacher novels available to film, the cinematic version will surely be back soon – as long as Cruise continues to rise to the challenge, that is.

Winslet marries for third time – to Mr RocknRoll

O

scar-winning actress Kate Winslet has married her third husband in a private ceremony – tying the knot with one Ned RocknRoll, a curiously named nephew of British billionaire Sir Richard Branson.

Winslet, 37, was given away by her Titanic co-star Leonardo DiCaprio at an intimate service in New York attended by just a few close friends and family in early December, according to newspaper reports.

The service was kept so

secret that even Winslet’s parent’s weren’t aware she was walking down the aisle for the third time.

Although Winslet’s spokeswoman confirmed the actress had married, it came as a surprise to her family – her father Roger told The Sun newspaper “What are you going on about?” when he was asked.

Her new 34-year-old husband works for his uncle’s space venture, Virgin Galactic.

Mr RocknRoll changed his

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Chinese Zodiac (T) [15+] Countdown (T/E Sub) [18+] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (E/F) [G] Jack Reacher (E) [15+] Jack Reacher (T) [15+] Khun Nai Ho (T) [15+] Life of Pi (E) [G] Wreck-It Ralph (E/3D) [G]

11:30, 14:00, 17:40, 21:10 11:00, 13:00, 16:30, 20:10 11:45, 15:00, 18:15, 21:30 11:50, 14:30, 17:10, 19:50, 22:25 10:45, 13:10, 19:05, 21:45 10:50, 12:55, 15:15, 17:35, 19:55, 22:15 15:00, 18:30 10:40, 12:40, 14:55, 17:10, 19:25, 21:50

name from Abel Smith several years ago because he felt that other people took themselves too seriously, according to his ex-wife, heiress Eliza Pearson: “it was hilarious,” she said.

RocknRoll and Winslet met last year when they were both guests on Uncle Sir Richard’s exclusive Carribean island resort, and Branson’s wedding gift to the couple is said to be a trip into space on board a Virgin Galactic spacecraft – whenever the launches get underway. AFP

Voting for the Oscar Awards was extended by one day as some of the Academy members struggled with the complexities of online voting. “It’s easier to break into the CIA,” one told the Hollywood Reporter.

“You know, a lot of older, cantankerous people – people who aren’t so highly motivated to vote – are going to say, ‘Oh, forget this.’ I’m sure there’s going to be some votes lost,” said another member. The average age of the Academy’s 5,765 members is 62, according to a recent study.

Pakistan briefly unblocks YouTube website Pakistan briefly unblocked access to the YouTube website before Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf ordered the plug be pulled again. Ashraf ordered the website blocked in September after it refused to heed the government’s call to remove a controversial video that mocked the Islamic religion.

This week Pakistan’s Telecommunication Authority (PTA) notified all internet companies to “immediately unblock/restore” YouTube until further orders – but hours later Ashraf ordered PTA to cut access again, reportedly because it still contained “blasphemous” content. AFP

Oscar-winning sound editor drowns in New Zealand Double Oscar-winning sound editor Mike Hopkins drowned in a rafting accident in New Zealand. Hopkins, a 53-year-old New Zealander, died after being thrown into a fast-flowing stretch of river in the remote Tararua Ranges in the central North Island. His two rafting companions both survived.

Hopkins won Oscars for his work on The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers in 2003 and King Kong in 2006 while working with American Ethan Van der Ryn. He also worked on several other notable movies including Blade Runner, The Last Emperor and Octopussy. AFP

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 1

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

$32.9M

$223M

2

Django Unchained

$30.7M

$64M

3

Les Misérables

$28M

$67.5M

4

Parental Guidance

$14.8M

$29.6M

5

Jack Reacher

$14M

$44.7M

6

This Is 40

$13.2M

$37.1M

7

Lincoln

$7.51M

$132M

8

The Guilt Trip

$6.7M

$21.1M

9

Monsters, Inc.

$6.36M

$18.5M

$4.9M

$90.2M

10 Rise of the Guardians

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Chinese Zodiac (T) [15+] Countdown (T/E Sub) [18+] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (E) [G] Jack Reacher (E) [15+] Khun Nai Ho (T) [15+] Life of Pi (E) [G]

Weekend Gross gross

Film

11:40, 16:35, 19:30 11:20, 14:15, 19:10, 22:00 13:20, 16:15, 21:10 11:30, 14:10, 16:50, 19:30, 22:10 12:00, 14:20, 16:40, 19:00, 21:20 11:50, 14:20, 16:50, 19:20, 21:50

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 call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

14 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

FUN AT THE BIG TOP Revellers at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia’s New Year’s Eve gala dinner in Karon enjoyed entertainment from an eclectic crew – including Elvis and Captain Jack Sparrow, above left, and Phuket rockers Legends of Siam. The evening had a Circus theme, with toy trains, carousels and face painting for children.

LIGHTING THE TREE FOOTBALL CHRISTMAS

Mr Hansruedi Frutiger, General Manager at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, invited guests to join the charity Christmas tree lighting ceremony in the resort’s lobby on 20 December. There were Christmas carols from Phuket students, and the resort helped raise money to support the Life Home Project.

The players and staff from Phuket FC celebrated Christmas last week.

Above, footballers and management at the annual Phuket FC Christmas team party, held at Kata Beach Resort. Pictured below: Second from left Head Coach, Paniphol Kerdyam; pink blouse, Senator Thanyarat Atchariyachay, Mr Pamuk’s wife; black shirt, Mr Pamuk Atchariyachay, Phuket FC Chairman; white shirt Mr Paitool Sillapawisuth, Mr Pamuk’s secretary.

TOGETHER FOREVER The Phuket News’ IT Manager, Apichai ‘Toee” Pitachotiwong, was recently married to Sirikwan Sakulchit at the Royal Phuket City Hotel in Phuket Town. Above, the happy couple. We wish them all the very best for the future.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

ISLAND SCENE 15

KARON GOES CRAZY

Thousands of locals and tourists saw in the New Year for free at the Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival held at Karon beach.

PARTY ON PATONG After all the changes, the Sydictive megaparty finally went ahead on the southern end of Patong beach, complete with floating stage. Here, revellers enjoy the New Year’s party.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

She’s almost famous Alasdair Forbes meets the girl who aims to be the world’s first celebrity model/socialite

I

n the olden days, celebrities became famous for being good at something. Then came Paris Hilton.

Hilton became famous in other ways – the combination of her good looks and massive wealth, spiced up by a porn home-movie, and a leading role in an inane reality TV show with Nicole Ritchie.

Australian Cindy Carino has decided to follow in Hilton’s questionable footsteps. She is determined to break into this world, to become “the world’s first recognised celebrity model/socialite”.

In Phuket last week to relax with a girlfriend after finishing a long-term relationship, she explained how she is developing her “brand” – without being rich or in a porn movie.

“Our aim [she has a manager] is within six months to get some sort of celebrity status, and then we’ll see how it goes after that. I’m just doing it now while I’m young and I’m having fun.”

So how does one go about becoming famous? “You just go to events and you’re basically one of the celebrities but you don’t have the same status as them – but everyone knows who you are.”

So the aim is to be famous for being famous? “Yeah, that’s it. Yeah. I do it because it’s fun.”

The 28-year-old has been modelling since she was 16. Not runway – she’s only 157 cm tall – but photographic and calendar work, including a Penthouse swimwear calendar when she was 21 (“I was the only Australian”).

She’s also done what, in Thailand, would be termed “pretty girl” work at events, such as the Australian Grand Prix where she was one of the lovelies holding umbrellas for the drivers.

So what exactly is a celebrity? “It’s really weird, isn’t it? It’s more about exposure, it doesn’t matter whether it’s bad or good.”

So it’s not because you’re able to do thisor that, or you’re super-rich or incredibly good looking? “I think it’s all in the attitude. And I love talking to people.”

She attracts cameras, apparently. “I wasn’t asking for anything at the Spring Carnival Races [in Melbourne]. The cameras just came on me. Out of all the non-celebrities I was the only one whose picture made it into the official video of The Age [newspaper].

Cindy Carion: ‘I’ve been doing it for years, but I didn’t know that I was doing it. It’s weird, isn’t it?’

“I got on with all the celebrities except maybe [Aussie Rules player] Nathan Buckley. I did on the first couple of days but not on the last day. I think he had a girlfriend there that day.”

She almost didn’t go to the races in Melbourne. “But I did, and then I found out it wasn’t about the horses. It was about being seen.”

The whole celebrity-meeting thing is snowballing.

Thanks to people she’s already met who move in celeb-

rity circles, she’s receiving more invitations to parties.

She also has a friend, “a big investor who likes to drag me to all these events’.

So how does she make money out of this? It’s not really important, she says, though she does have bills, holidays and a mortgage to pay. The answer is sponsorship.

The investor pays her to go to events with him “to make him look good. A pretty face next to him makes him money, he says.”

She is also “sponsored” by fashion designer Christopher Chronis to wear his clothes at events.

She’s due to do another “pretty girl” gig soon – the launch of a new Jeep. She’ll be paid, but the main thing, she says with her eyes shining, is “it’s very high profile. There’ll be millionaires coming in helicopters and all that. [AFL player] Michael Clem will be there – he’s really nice.”

In between parties, she still does modelling and acting. She’s had small parts in a couple of movies and she’s in the video for Surrender, a new song from upand-coming singer Ryan Morgan.

The drive to be a celebrity model/socialite has gelled only in the past year or so. “I’ve been doing it for years, but I didn’t know that I was doing it. It’s weird, isn’t it?”

You can see how she appeals to celebs and the camera. Her parentage – German father and Filipina mother – has given her a face that’s not not conventionally beautiful but is unusual and interesting, and which changes with almost every degree of angle as she turns her head.

She also makes conversation easily. You suspect that she has the very useful knack of making other people think that she finds what they say fascinating, possibly this writer included.

Is her life’s aim frivolous? Well, she’s not contributing to society in the same way a doctor or an architect or a firefighter does. So yes, it is frivolous. But then, wouldn’t life be dull without frivolity?

Besides, when she is finally famous, I’ll be able to brag about how I once sat chatting with Cindy Carino for an hour by the pool in Phuket.

For more about Cindy visit cindycarino.com.au

Redfoo spotted party rocking in Hua Hin REDFOO, ONE HALF OF dance act LMFAO, behind global smash hit Party Rocking, was spotted on a Thai beach last weekend.

However, it wasn’t to play to thousands of Phuket party people like his partner Sky Blu – who performed at the Sydictive megaparty on Sunday night (Dec 30) – but rather to partake of some jet-skiing in Hua Hin. While Sky Blu was playing to crowds of fist-pump-

ing punksters, it was likely that Redfoo was enjoying a quiet, more tasteful time alongside gorgeous tennis player Victoria Azarenka (pictured above with Redfoo), who lost to China’s Li Na in a Hua Hin invitational tennis match.

Redfoo and Sky Blu must have decided that their idea of a festive family holiday (Redfoo is in fact Sky Blu’s uncle) differed radically.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 4,2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Songs from a beach boy Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

A

lthough I’ve travelled across the entire country playing music, I like Phuket the most,” says Singto Numchok, an up-and-coming singer, songwriter and ukelele player.

“I already have a lot of friends here, and have fallen in love with the unrushed way of life in Phuket.”

Singto, aka Singha Tooe, is the son of country singer Chaitung Rungroj, and was born in Buriram.

His style is reminiscent of surf rock king Jack Johnson, with an extra touch of jazz.

He taught himself to play ukulele, and won Thailand’s first ever ukulele competition. He now

teaches others through his series of instructional YouTube videos.

He initially expected to stay in Phuket for just three months, but ended

up staying for three years.

“It started when I was on holiday in Koh Chang, and saw a musician playing in a bar.

‘Blessed’ Kim Kardashian to have baby with Kanye West

U

S reality television star Kim Kardashian is expecting a baby with her boyfriend rapper Kanye West, she announced Monday, saying she was “blessed.”

“It’s true!! Kanye and I are expecting a baby,” she wrote in a blog post entitled “New Year, New Beginnings,” as global celebrations were under way to ring in 2013.

“We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us,” added the 32-year-old.

“Looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a

Photo: robertcastro family. Happy New Year!!!

Xo,” wrote Kardashian, who announced in March that she and West were dating.

The news was first reported by the website E! News, which said 35-yearold West announced it at a show in Atlantic City on Sunday night.

The rapper was singing

“Runaway” when he broke into a freestyle ballad with the words “and now she’s having my baby,” according to People magazine, which said the crowd of 5,000 broke into cheers.

On the last song of the show, “Lost in the World,” he cut the music and asked his fans to applaud for his baby mama, said the celebrity bible.

Kardashian’s family took to Twitter to welcome the news.

“Oh BABY BABY BABY!!” wrote her mother Kris Jenner, while sister Kourtney added: “Been wanting to shout from the rooftops with joy and now I can! Another angel to welcome to our family. AFP

“It got me thinking that I could be happy if I could find work on an island playing music at night, and exploring during the day. After many

inquiries, I was invited to play at Intro Bar in Phuket in 2007.

“During my time in Phuket, I started writing my own songs. After a

while, I wanted to share them with others so in 2010 I went to Bangkok when my friend Kijjaz invited me to make an album for his music company, Pollen Sound (Music Production & Sound Design).

“Kijjaz was the producer for my first album, then he helped make a deal with Believe Records to promote my new album, of which the main single is Yoo Tho Lei Dai Mai (‘Can I Stay Longer?’).

Other songs of Singto’s to check out are his rendition of Somewhere Over The Rainbow, original song Beach Boy, about a Thai boy in a relationship with a foreign girl but actually wanting a Thai girlfriend instead.

Singto’s new album is out in January. For music videos, visit youtube.com/ user/tooeleon

Booze hound actor Charlie Sheen opens bar in Mexico

A

merican actor Charlie Sheen, who has a long history of hard partying and scandal, has a new night spot in Mexico – his own, a local official said Saturday.

The perennially troubled Hollywood star hosted a gala opening night dinner Friday at his new bar, The Goose, in the Mexican resort area of Los Cabos, said state Tourism Secretary Ruben Reachi Lugo, who was not invited.

Many celebrities “spend their vacation, celebrate their birthdays or open a new restaurant or new development,” Lugo said of the resort area at the southern tip of the

Baja California peninsula.

Sheen, born Carlos Irwin Estevez, was abruptly booted from his long-running gig starring in the television comedy series, Two and a Half Men in 2011, after publicly insulting the producer.

He returned to television in 2012, with a somewhat tongue-in-cheek role playing a man sentenced to anger management counselling.

Son of actor Martin Sheen and brother of another actor, Emilio Estevez, Sheen first became famous for his roles in the Vietnam War drama Platoon, and 1980s greed parable Wall Street.

Highlights in his ca-

Photo: Joella Marano reer have also included comedic roles in the Major League movies and Top Gun parodies Hot Shots and Hot Shots: Part Deux. AFP

18 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, 2013 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 4,4,2013

The home of Phuket's finest performers coming together to bring a night of enter tainment, delicious food, and great fun. The show consists of Rock, Blues, Country, Jazz and much more all performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. Contact 084 668 6515.

pan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

FRIDAY JAN 4 Sunday Chillout at Sunsets Bar Special Friday at Hogs Breath Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Art Exhibition at VR Gallery Phuket artists Watcharin Rodnit and Kriangrat Thephabutra have a joint exhibition of oil on canvas and mixed media sculpture.

Watcharin has a Masters of Fine Art from Silpakorn University and has exhibited internationally. Kriangrat also attended Silpakorn University and received a Bachelors of Fine Art. His paintings and sculptures have been exhibited throughout Thailand.

Contact 076 333 568, http://momtriphuket. com/artgallery/index.html.

MONDAY JAN 7

Sunday chillout every week. Live music, free BBQ or buffet, free karaoke, free pool table. Happy hour every day midday to 6pm, beverages from B60. Bar open every day midday until late. Farang hospitality, everybody welcome. Sunsets bar and guesthouse, 62 Hasip Pee Road, Patong.

For more information call Kiwi on 083 640 1082.

BBQ Night Buffet at Karon Phunaka Restaurant Of fers diverse and exquisite menus, served indoors open fresh air, or in the crisp open air on the terrace with an invigorating view of waterfall, Karon bay sunset and Andaman Sea. Every Monday enjoy BBQ Night Buffet by Swimming Pool at only B590 nett per person. Every Thursday, Past Night [Buffet] at B390 nett per person. Contact 076 337 800; secretary@ karonphunaka.com.

Fish and Chips Friday Night B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

SATURDAY JAN 5 Sunday Brunch at Hilton Phuket

Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

Special Saturday at Hogs Breath B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each Sunday at Sails – a Hilton experience. Our jazz band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kids’ activities. Every Sunday at 12pm3pm. B1,100++ per adult. B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). Make your reservations at phuket.sales@hilton.com.

BBQ All You Can Eat Mondays and Thursdays. BBQ all you can eat: Pork, Chicken, Beef, Prawns, Fish and Squids with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, Garlic Bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for B325 per person. pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

BBQ at Expat Hotel Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong Char-grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.

SUNDAY JAN 6

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath Kids eat free when adults buy main courses.

B99 beverages during live sports coverage.

Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person.

7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

B399 per person all you can eat. Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

daily event updates on

Sunday Carvery Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal

Schnitzel Day

Sunday Roast Pork Sunday roast pork or beef dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Tai-

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia.

Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week.

Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

TUESDAY JAN 8

for B295 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

EVERY DAY

beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late.

Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8-9.30pm. Come on everybody - Let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Half Chicken Spit Roast Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with French Fries, Salad buffet, Potato Salad & Gravy sauce for B225 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse

Phuket Wake Park: Phuket’s First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master Dj Doris, from 91.5FM. Bar Tabs: 1 Prize B1,500.

2 Prize B1,000. Every Wednesday Night From 8 pm. Free entry. Maximum 4 people per team. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

THURSDAY JAN 10 Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town

Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

WEDNESDAY JAN 9

Come wake board at Asia’s BEST and newest wake park located in Kathu. Full morning just 550 baht and evening sessions from 500 baht! We have happy evening! All evening riding only for 650 baht. Wake in the day or wake up your night! See www. phuketwakepark.com.

Pork Roast and Roast Chicken Every Thursday. Buffet includes salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings.

ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.

Wicked Wednesdays

Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and walled relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round.

The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybodylet’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Double Happy Hours Karaoke Night Fever BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Wednesdays and Fridays. BBQ ribs all you can eat with salad buffet and potato salad

Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected

The Unique One Rare Selection of Art by Khun Manop & Mike Runs until January. 31, 2013. Born in 1982, Nakonsitumarat, Thailand. Monap (Boy) Srisawang graduated with a Bachelor of fine arts degree in 2004 from Rajamangala University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. He worked in Chiang Mai for two years after graduation. He moved to Phuket island in 2006. During this time, Khun Boy has proven himself as a very fine relief sculpturist and created many relief sculptures that can be seen all over Phuket. His work will be on display at Home-Pro Shoping cetre, Chalong, from 9am - 9pm daily and at Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach all year round.

Tel: 087 280 3282.

Monday Party, Tue. Party, Wed, Party, Thur. Party, Fri. Party What the Puck Saturday Party, Sunday Party Come on everybody, let’s party At Rawai Plaza, cool atmosphere, unique setting. happy people.

WILL PERFORM JUST FOR ASKING!!!

POLE DANCE BY EMMY THAI DANCE BY NANCY & HIS FRIENDS SO, DON’T BE SHY!!

Shows sponsored by Emmy & Joey Bar Nancy Ni Nancy Bar Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach, Phuket 087 280 3282

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

This week in history

GOT YOUR NUMBER

■■ January 4, 1961 After 33 years, the Danish trade union of barbershop assistants ends its strike for higher pay – the longest industrial strike on record.

5,000

■■ January 5, 1825 Alexandre Dumas, a 23 year-old who will one day write The Three Musketeers, fights his first duel. He is not badly injured but his pants fall down in the fight.

The number of times a hummingbird flaps its wings in a minute – that’s 90 times a second.

■■ January 6, 1066 Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England after the death of Edward the Confessor, to the annoyance of the future Conqueror, William of Normandy.

32

■■ January 7, 1785: Frenchman Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American John Jeffries fly in a hydrogenfilled balloon from Dover to Calais – the first sea crossing by air.

Number of muscles cats have in each ear. Humans have just three per ear.

30

■■ January 8, 1946 Elvis Presley, aged 11, gets his first guitar: a birthday present from his mother. He really wanted a bicycle or a rifle.

Average lifespan of ancient Egyptians at the time the Pyramids were being built.

■■ January 9, 1493 Explorer Christopher Columbus sights three “mermaids” – in fact, manatees – in the Caribbean: they are “not half as beautiful as they are painted,” he laments in his log.

6:1

Likelihood of men being struck by lightning, compared with women

■■ January 10, 49 BC Roman general Julius Caesar leads his armies across the river Rubicon from Gaul into Italy, igniting the civil war with Pompey the Great.

On January 9, 1493, Columbus sighted three ‘mermaids’ – actually manatees.

1. What is a “quidnunc”? (You’ll know one, for sure.)

2. By what name is Diamorphine more commonly known?

3. The Waldseemullar map of 1507 was the first to use what name for a part of the world?

4. What does “ectothermic” mean?

5. In terms of floor area, what is the largest building in the world?

Answers at the foot of the page.

SUDOKU

Across 1. If smart about pigeonhole… (8) 5. …add a very quiet finish. (6) 10. Wandering, no crazy person in charge. (7) 11. I call in on clothing improvement. (7) 12. Pharaoh’s disapproving noise. (3) 13. Twister ripped a party.

(7) 14. Gently moves sea back a couple of points. (5) 16. I break senior teacher.

(3) 17. Brazilian city part of Nobel empire. (5) 18. Be some part of witch’s transport. (5) 21. Entertain an inspirational figure. (5) 23. In country, type note badly. (5) 26. Pay out a penny in Southend. (5) 27. A ball or a key. (3) 29. Become liable in dog?

(5) 31. Enchant as part of tenth rally. (7) 32. Cow’s depressed sound. (3) 33. Put faith in type of doctor’s corrosion. (7) 34. Am, about the eyes, a

lack of faith. (7) 35. Sat back with Edward and tried. (6) 36. Key of bone? (8) Down 1. Artistic policeman? (9) 2. Daily tram turns into UK Navy HQ. (9) 3. Weapon for team limb. (7) 4. True! With no stomach he does everything. (8) 6. Saying that is in favor of action word. (7) 7. Adjusts commands, almost.

(5) 8. Take gasoline from artist. (5) 9. Widows pensions create parasites. (5) 15. I, therefore, not right. (3) 19. Penetrate money factory to get herb. (9) 20. Trader who’s not short or tall?

(9) 22. Stroll after team next to the street. (8) 24. Card game drink. (3) 25. Utter, or rephrase, a way to get answers. (7) 26. Sat with Che to the left of a bag. (7) 28. Below these, it’s against the rules. (5) 29. In the east, the right is inactive. (5) 30. Refers to wildlife trade rules.

(5)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1.Busybody or gossip; 2. Heroin; 3. America; 4. Cold-blooded; 5. The Boeing factory in Everett, Washington State, in the US.

WEEKDAYS Breakfast The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music

Sam & Natasha Live 89.5

SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm

Live 89.5 Got Talent Weekend Brunch

Siobhan McGovern Kirsty Meyer

9am - 10am

Best Of Breakfast

10am - 1pm

Live 89.5 Dance Anthems

SUNDAYS Sam & Natasha

5pm - 7pm

Weekend Brunch

Kirsty Meyer

10am – 1pm

Steve

7pm - 10pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Steve Johnston

12pm - 3pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

10pm – 12am

International Chart Show Top 40

Jason Wilder

3pm - 7pm

Box Of Neutrals

Live 89.5

2pm – 3pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

12am – 10am

Sunday Night Chill

Live 89.5

7pm - 10pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 7am

Going Green

Nick Anthony

3pm – 5pm

Tel: 076 612 895 SMS: 090 490 7895

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

10pm – 7am

Reach Thailand's huge

RUSSIAN MARKET

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Jobs

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

House for sale in Chalong 2 Bedrooms, 2 bathroom, extra penthouse > 19

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Mobile Car Rental is hiring!: Rapidly ex-

URGENT! Job vacancies in a 5-star hotel in Phuket, looking for strong candidates in F&B Job Positions: 1. Mixologist (Bar) 2. Restaurant Coordinator 3. Wine Guardian Service charge guarantee 8,000 baht. Experience: All candidates need to have at least 1 to 2 years food and beverage service experience in a restaurant within a luxury lifestyle brand. Benefits: Social security, accommodation, all meals, work 5 days, off 2 days, public holidays as per resort standards, free transportation, health insurance, uniform, provident fund.

Contact us: Email: jobs@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089-785-6994 (English) Phone: 076-612-550 Ext.800 Visit our website: www.jobphuket.net.

Experienced Foodservice Salesperson Wanted: *Must live permanently in Thailand and organise own residency status. *Must speak fluent Thai and English. *Must have experience selling food/ alcohol to executive chefs and purchasing managers.

Experienced food service. *Must have own car. Only people meeting all above criteria please send resume to george_d@jagota.com. organisation skills. Working hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Please contact 086 940 4801.

Graphic Designers Content Management 2 Positions Wanted: /Marketing: QualificaSPIKEMEDIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients. We are seeking fulltime Graphic Designers, to work on a diverse range of print and web design projects. Salary depending on experience and talent level. Please send CV and some samples of work to: info@spikemediagroup. com.

tions: Thai Nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills.

Preference given to those with driver’s license. Please email: kritsanaphat@lepep group.com.

-Waitress 5 Positions.

-Bartender 2 Positions.

Salary B9,000. Service charge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before it will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511. Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

Admin O f f icer re quired: Club Asia Fitness

requires an Admin Officer urgently. Good salary and benefits. Candidates must have good English communication skills. Email cluba siaphuket@hotmail.com.

Thai Cook-Sous Chef Wanted: Thai/Western restaurant is looking for a experienced Thai cook.

Must work under pressure, team player and with good

basic English and good interpersonal skills. Develop and modify websites on detailed design specifications. Email: kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com.

Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment:

Webdeveloper: Knowledge: HTML, CSS, JQuery, Javascript, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak

panding car rental company is hiring new staff members. Required: good English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills. Call us: 081 970 5204.

Personal Assistant Required: PA required to help CEO of charter boat company. Duties would include marketing, hospitality and some book keeping.

Suit attractive Thai lady with ver y good English.

Contact Mike: blueworld safaris@gmail.com.

Thai Admin Wanted:

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering: 1 Position -Spa Therapist: 4 Positions -Reservation Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888.

Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

Organizing paper wor k, documents and computerbased information. Taking care of inventory and stock levels. Providing secretarial support to the Director. Basic accounting.

Dealing with customers.

Email: m.hill@phuketsoc cerschools.com.

Sales Staff Wanted: English-speaking female.

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.

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’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

Sales Manager

S a l e s / M a r ke t i n g People: 4 Full time and 2 Part time sales/marketing people required.

English essential. Good commission and incentives. New Australian te r m i te m a n a g e m e nt product. Call Jody 087 266 2252.

Restaurant Manager Wa n t e d: Re st au r a nt manager / accounting with experience managing restaurant, accounting, managing staf f and ser ving customers. Call 087 471 1351.

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@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

Air Con/Refrig Technician: Looking for a technician with experience in electrics, air or refrig (compressors), for servicing, repairing and maintaining equipment. Competitive salary and bonuses. Call 084 915 9507.

We are looking for key members: Restaurant manager, executive chef, waiter / waitress, guest service agent (English speaking and writing, male preferred) room maid, room boy, cleaner, technical engineer. Care@ bydlofts.com.

T

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

JOBS IN PHUKET Boomerang Village Resort: Job Opportuni-

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’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS We are currently recruiting for a graphic designer to join our team to handle the layout of our publications, including online.

The job: We require Full Time Graphic Designers to handle: ● Designing advertisements for clients ● Layout of our The Phuket News and other publications ● All artwork and graphic design work related to production

Applicants must have: ● Excellent skills with InDesign, Photoshop, In Copy and other graphic design software ● Min. 1 year experience in designing and layout of newspapers or magazines ● Good English (written and spoken)

We offer: ● Competitive salary ● Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: Simon Ostheimer: managingeditor@thephuketnews.com or K.Nisakorn: graphic2@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

Looking for people who love animals: And would like to do some volunteer work looking after sick, injured and homeless dogs in Thalang area. Contact: Sherin. peace@gmail.com.

Apprentice Chef: Looking for a young Thai chef for new restaurant in a villa complex in Phangnga. Successful candidate will be trained in Spain with three Michelin stars chef.

Good command of English required. Email: hr@iniala. com.

ties at Boomerang Village Resort Cafe Del Sol Restaurant.

C & C M a r in e Urg ent Posi t ions: Store Supervisor: Good command in English/Are responsibility/Leadership/Problem solving skill. Please contact : 076 273247, 076 272049 or Send resume by: info-phuket@candc-marine.com

Waiter / Waitress (4) Restaurant Captain (1) Bartender / Bartendy (1) Boomerang Village Resort Receptionist (2) Manager, Receptionist (1) Guest Relation (1).

Contact: Email boomerangvillageresort@gmail. com, 085 692 3474.

Staff for Dive Cen- 5pm, Chalong. Call 080 624 grammers to join our team ness to work with 3 Miter Office: Immediate 7060. Email: phuketpre- in PHUKET! Qualifications: chelin star chef. Good Engstart. 6 days/week. Good salary, adjusted to ability/ experience. Thai female with good English/computer/book-keeping skills required. In-house training possible. Chalong area. 088 380 9712.

school@yahoo.com, www. buds-phuket.com.

Situation Vacant: CLEANER part time Patong area. 3 - 4 hours 2 times weekly. Call 089 972 3861.

Travel Writers Wanted: SambaWalker seeks f reelanc e w r iter s f r o m around the globe to contribute 400 – 1,200 word articles. Submission guidelines: See http://sam bawalker.com/about/writers-wanted. Email: contrib utor@sambawalker.com.

Graphic Designer: Knowledge: Illustrator, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills.

Create professional website design, flyers, banners, business cards. kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com.

Min. 2 years experience in related field. - Excellent working knowledge of PHP, MySQL, & JavaScript. Email: hr@netzillaphuket.com.

Kindergarten Teacher: Female caucasian native English speaking teacher with ex p e r i e nc e to te ac h class of 10-12 children ages 2-6, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm, Chalong.

Contact 080 624 7060, www.buds-phuket.com.

Email: buds.span@ yahoo.com.

Apprentice Chef: 6 Secret ar y KinderStar resort on Natai Beach garten: Must have good Net zilla Co., Ltd.: is looking for young Thai English and computer skills Programmer: Netzilla chef with positive attitude, Monday-Friday, 7.30am-

is looking for talented pro-

lish speaking is required.

Emial: hr@iniala.com.

motivation and creative-

DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn: Thai nationality only. Waitresses 2 positions, Bartender 1 position. Experience and good English will be an advantage. Good salary and benefits. Contact Khun Jana 086 947 5197, jana@davinciphuket. com.

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Property

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Phuket villa for sale

4 bedrooms, located in Rawai > 21

PROPERTY FOR RENT

“More than just office space”

Bar, Pi z zer ia , Ho t el, Rawai Beach: B800,000 yearly rent, longterm lease. Negotiable, 9 bedrooms, full guest. No key money, 60m to beach.

Call 084 242 8914, email: rawai4@yahoo.com.

For your private or virtual office call Martin on 08 9874 9080 info@asiapacificoffices.com

Office for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B34,500 per month. 106 sq.metre: B53,000 per month.

126 sq.metre: B63,000 per month. 076 341 369-71.

www.asiapacificoffices.com

ศูนย์ธุรกิจปาล์มพลาซ่า

Laguna area, Cherngtalay From 8m2 to 120m2

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Restaurant / Guesthouse: Established res-

Patong Bangla Building for Sale: B28 million,

Retail Space Opportunity: Large international resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy. Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise. Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@ chr.co.th.

Phuket Penthouse for Rent (MTW-PT): B8,800 - B19,800 per night.

3 - 4 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Facilities: Comunal swimming pool, CB Richard Ellis Property Management.

Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

Commercial Building For Sale: 5 metre x

Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. Located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location

fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parking spots, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.

Chanote, 4 floors 6mx 14m. 1st & 2nd tenanted.

Flr 3-staff accom, bath, kitchen. Separate office with access to lower floor.

4th flr private Penthouse one bed. 087 881 7600.

Ocean Front Villa for rent: Luxury brand new villa, fully furnish and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Grand AoPor marina.

For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month. Call 081 343 0777, email : montha_phuket@ yahoo.com.

NaiHarn Beach Lagoon Resort: on South end of Naiharn Beach, Phuket, just 10 minutes to Kata. Nice and quiet nature for your relaxation.

Massage, Tours, and Services.

Start from only B599. Contact 083 173 9636. B.Jack, email: naiharnbeachresort@hotmail. com.

18.30 metre, three floors, located close by condo at Saiyuan, two big halls, two bedrooms, four bathrooms, clean and new building.

Negotiable price. For more details please call 087 881 7979, 081 472 0770, email: ss.kijrungruang@gmail.com.

Investment Property for sale!: New, modern waterfront townhome at the Boat Lagoon for sale. Rented out long term at 570.000 Baht/year. 3 bed/4bath, 2 balconies, terrace at canal, 6 m berth in front of house.

250 sqm living space. Top condition. Luxury finishings. Brokers welcome.

B9.9 million. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English).

taurant covering two shop houses with private terrace and owners apartment or 8 room guesthouse. Freehold (no lease/rent). Includes all equipment and newly renovated kitchen. Contact for details. Projected ROI 4 years. Call 081 956 3166.

House For Sale In Chalong By Owner: Chanote title. 412 sq.metre.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Extra penthouse with open k itc he n an d sto re r o o m.

Lovely garden, very quiet and cosy place. Access to pool nearby. Price B3.9 mill. negotiable. Telephone 087 881 3062 (After 5/4-13 +47 47390581) email: kjellsyvertsen@hotmail.com.

Mission Heights: Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work December 2012. B10 million. Call 088 838 3242.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

living+dining, 1 laundry, big kitchen + long island 1 front off + aircon. Nice view of club house: big garden, pool, tennis. 300 sqm, B5.9 Million. Call 089 925 5486.

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

with own well. Restaurant and bar with satellite TV and Adsl.

Opened for 15 years, with lots of repeat customers, parking, quiet. 086 940 1860.

Beautiful Karon Villa: 3 Bed Pool Villa Pa Khlok: 3 Beds, 2 Bath Pool Villa nex t to PIA: Brand new, luxury villa with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 12 metre swimming pool, guest bungalow, ready to move in. Perfectly located in a development with underground electricity and security, only 800 metres from Mission Hills golf course, less then 10 mins to airport, Phuket International Academy and Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B14.9 mil or long term rent 100,000 Baht/month.

Tel 081 343 0777, Email : montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

House for sale near Loch Palm: Three bedroom pool villa in Kathu close to international schools. Views over Loch Palm. All bedrooms with aircon and en suite bathrooms. Two car garage and secluded garden. Chanote title. Call 084 844 0991

for sale in Permsap Villa, Cherng Talay. Land 735 m2, original 4 bedroom house w it h 2 3 0 m 2 f l o o r are a modified to 3 bedroom, all windows and doors from SUNPARADISE, separate carport from Shades. Very quiet estate. First owner since 2009. Price 10.9mln o.n.o. Call 083 509 8797 for information.

205/34 Soi Thamdee Nanai 6: House for sale in a very good location in the heart of Patong. The house has 3 floors, 3 sleeping rooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms and a roof terrace with jacuzzi, garage. Good rental return. Price on request. 084 188 4544.

B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront.

Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty. com. Ref AB-V453, email: dmuir@exotiq.com.

room, kitchen, washing machine, aircon, balcony, fully furnished. Condo with gym, 24hr security, car park. 5 mins to Patong, Loch Palm golf. Good view. B1.25 million. Call 086 947 1273.

Phuket Villa for Sale (PKS0812): B57,000,000.

4 Bedrooms, 5+2/half Bathrooms. Address: Rawai.

Typical Unit Size: 816 sq.m.

Land Area: 1,250 sq.m. Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

con, warm water, 2aircon for

Pool Villa For Sale Nai Harn: Modern, open

Laguna/Layan. Luxury private pool villas in secure development. Available now.

All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million.

Contact owner: 085 549 7110.

design villa with a large 9x3 meter pool, 2 floors, nice garden, car park and mountain views, 6 years young, 120 sqm floor, 2 bedrooms, chanote, located close to center & beach. Call 085 473 7812.

Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket town. Land: 855sq.m. House: 650sq.m.

Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room.

2 Parkings. Price B54.9 mill.

Tel: 081-8953628 E-mail: jin_ koy@yahoo.com

Patong Tower for Sale: Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream pool

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa for Sale: Rawai Beach front pool villa for sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

villa with 5 bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 rai of land. Big hall, office, maid’s room. Brand-new construction opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill.

A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern European- designed kitchen. Big sea view pool terraces incl sala and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@gmx.de.

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

Best Functional House for Sale: 3 bed+4 bath, air-

villa, fully furnish and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 meter long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view.

Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month.

Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas:

NEW Studio Apt in Kathu: 30 sqm, 1 bed-

Freehold House for sale: Freehold house

Opportunity Knocks:

6x3m pool. Full aircon and funishings. Ready for occupation and rental. Secure estate, private parking. 6km from Heroines monument.

Close to PIA , BCS and shops. 081 737 0722.

Modern open living villa has it all, fully furnished, private secure estate close to beach enjoy the private salt water pool undercover parking, 3 large bedrooms freehold investment. 081 719 4688.

Ocean Front Villa for Sale: Luxury brand new

Resort for Sale: Resort 2 rai, with Chanote. 22 Double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden

bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School.

To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

Luxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect condi-

BanYan Villa: 2 year-

tion, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1,600 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: B25.5 million www.tamataphuket.com crishausb@ hotmail.com Tel. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.

old 3 -storey townhouse 31.5 s.q wah or about 126 s.q.m at BanYan Villa, 3 bed rooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 aircon, fully furnished located nearby Land and House par k, Chalong. Pr ic e 3. 2 m.

Contact owner tel 081 535 1252 Mr Krich.

And for rent. Sea view and mountain views. Freehold from 64 to 448 sq metres. Phone no: 080 692 6114. Email: orsoreal estate@hotmail.com.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan” in Rawai. Three easy payments over eight months build time. Overlooking a peaceful, fish-filled lake. Valued at B12 million on completion. Save millions. Contact 081 270 4291, email: thailandmls@gmail.com.

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PROPERTY IN PHUKET

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with 3 large bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances. Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation.

Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

20M Baht. Rent minimum 6 months. High season 90K per month.Twelve months or more 70K PM. 087 078 6379.

Busy Bar for sale: Very busy Mushroom bar for sale in Soi Bel Air. Wally Bar. All stock, TV sound system, beer boxes and fridges included in sale, rent B10,000 monthly.

Key money paid until 2013.

Call 086 725 0771.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet locaOne + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai:

Main home: two bed, extended bungalow with outside kitchen, shower and seating salas set in mature, walled, private gardens. Own well, tanks and pumps. Sold, furnished.

Will sleep 8+ can be sold with a 30-year land lease for non-Thai. Price B5.5 nego: Mobile: Eng 082 416 0150. 3BB WiFi internet also.

Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

tion and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument.

70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including furniture.

Excl. furniture B2,995,000.

Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

Near Beach 3 Bed Pool Villa: Fully equiped holiday home with private garden and pool. Within easy reach of Rawai and Nai Harn beach. For full details and pictures please contact me. 084 850 1340.

Seaview Townhouse Patong: Bet ween the city and the jungle at the northern edge of Patong.

70m alt., 10mn walk to the beach. 4 storey +/- 290 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 toilet visit. 4 aircon, partly furnished. andamanhills@ gmail.com.

Single House Special Price B9.5 million: Nice house fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, close to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palm, major stores, BIS and KIS. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac. Nice gardens, two b at h r o o m s. 3 . 5 M B a ht .

Negotiable. 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), e m a i l:d av i d g e m 9 8 @ h ot mail.com.

Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket town. Land: 855sq.m. House: 650sq.m.

Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room.

2 Parkings. Price B54.9 mill.

Tel: 081 895 3628 E-mail: jin_koy@yahoo.com.

good condo deal now. 1-bedroom corner condo 56sqm, fully furnished. Only 1.99 mil.

Normal price 2.6 mil. 10mins walk to beach and Bangla Road. Tel: 089 872 6895 or jos peder@live.no.

Luxury Ocean View Apartments for Rent in Kata and Karon: 1 or 2 Bdrm, 2 Bathrm, Kitchen, large Balcony, Parking, 24 hrs Security, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool. Ph: 076 486 624 and 086 281 9311.

Email: bao200@gmail.com.

Patong Lof t Condo: Pool Villa in Marina: Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina.

Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.

Makes a good condo deal now.

1-bedroom, fully furnished, 67 sqm living area. Only B2.99 Million. Big swimming pool. Normal price 3.7 mil baht. Tel: 089 872 6895. Email: jospeder@ live.no.

3 gorgeous lots, clean Titles: For sale or long

Townhouse Chalong Bargain!!: Town house on 3 levels with mezanine, 112 sqm, fully furnished, 3 BR, 3 Bth room, 2 kitchens, 3 air con. Tasteful western decoration, MUST see, HP English 0854415115. Thai 081 555 1230.

Patong Condo: Makes a

Kathu- Pool Villa for sale: Hillside setting. Luxurious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent. Sale

lease. 2 Lots on IslandBeachfront (Bungalow-/ Housing-Estate) and 1 big Mainland-Mountain property all in very quiet, safe, well maintained locations near Krabi. 089 291 4671.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Seaview 1 BDRM New Condo Patong: Stunning seaview, city view 1 bdrm condo on hill 500m from Patong beach. Fitness centre, roof top pool, security,car park, freehold.

Only 4,400,000. Keith 084 628 3 4 3 0, keit hb 025 @ gmail.com.

Phuket Cottages Urgent Sale - Make an Offer: Studio condo at The

Point near Lotus, Big C, Central. All furniture and inventory include. Great views 6th floor. Cost over 2.8M Baht.

Call 087 889 3838 or 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@ hot mail.com

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

New Condo ‘Phuket Villa Patong’: Prime location, deluxe 43sqm, 1 bed 1 bath apartment, freehold, modern full furnished, pool, gym, sauna, CCTV + security 24hrs, private park. 3.5MB. Jeab: 087 978 1947 (Eng/Th) Email: nhoj0512hotmail.com.

Guesthouse for Lease in Patong: 12 rooms, good location Nanai road. 9 years lease: very low rent, strong starting, easy to manage and good return on investment.

Price 1.2MLN. Take this opportunity. Thamad17@yahoo. com. 089 728 4005.

1 Rai Sea-View Land: Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full ownPatong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready

for immediate sale located at Lotus Residence, a small 3-storey boutique condo of only 12 apartments total.

It is located on a southern hillside above Patong Bay. Call 084 436 2540.

views over the Lake and Loch Palm. Very quiet, secluded plot but with all facilities ready to go. 1551 sqm plot, freehold leasehold with full Chanote title. 081 273 6959.

Apartment for sale in Patong: Apar tment for

SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view / mountain view, furnished, Po o l, 24 h r s e c u r i t y, f o r SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66 (0) 83 103 3801, 081 415 7774.

1 Rai Chalong Pier Land Sale: 1483 square meters (0.927 Rai). Chanote Title. New Survey. Public road, electric and good well water. 450m walk to Chalong Pier and all boat tours. Build your dive resort. 085 784 0209.

Karon Hill Condo for sale ! Foreign Freehold: Seaview over Karon B e ac h. 10 0 sqm. Li v ing area. 1 bedroom, walk in closets, luxury bathroom, terrace, etc. Fully furnished.

Many upgrades. Luxury furnishings. Only 6.9 million baht. Brokers welcome. Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520 4 (English/ Thai). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.

Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold, 2nd floor, corner unit, stunning sea view, pool, car park, security, best location, ca. 110sqm, 2 bedroom, German kitchen, all new, terrace, only a few metres to beach, B10.6 M 081 824 1385.

Patong and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 square wah or 564 square metre with ready public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

2 Rai Seaview Landplot for sale: Beautiful 180 degree Oceanview plot for sale near Bang Pae Waterfall. Peaceful with a lot of privacy. One of Phuket’s last available Seaview Plots.

Only B3.8 M per rai (total B7.6 M). Brokers welcome.

Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned). B7.5M. Call owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

land for sale. B4.2 million per rai. Full chanote, water, electrical, sea/mountain views. Call 087 797 8503 (Eng).

Hill Land for Sale: Very nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 rai, 96,000 square metre.

Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail.com.

Beachfront land for sale: 2 rai absolute amazing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket.

B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail.com.

Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build

Ama zing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic

sea view, mountain view and Big Buddha. 310 sq metre, 2 beds, 2 baths with option to convert in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail. com.

Land for Sale: One rai.

Very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. B3.4M. 087 276 0529 for info.

6 Rai Hilltop Land for Sale: Mission hills 6 rai hilltop

Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic

Patong Apartment Reduced Price: Condo 4 years old. Swimmingpool, security 24/7, cafeteria. Studio 46sqm fully furished. Freehold for foreigners. Price:2.6MLN. Urgent sale, no agent. tel.089 728 4005. Mail:thamad17@ yahoo.com.

ership forever-beyond the financing plan of 10 years.

Rent 9,000B/Month. Studio Room Renovated With furniture. A/C, WiFi, kitchen, 200m to beach.084 242 8914. Rawai4@yahoo.com.

Opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill, Chanote, ca. 36 m x 45 m, sophisticated hillside project, proratable, B8.5 mil direct to owner: 085 65 44 0 11 or 089 40 40 737.

Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 minutes to

Ocean Front Land: 7 rai with 185 metres of sea frontage. Water, electricity, road and boat access, located 800 metres from Yacht Haven marina, perfect site for small beach front development. For quick sale only B5 million per rai. Tel 081 3430777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

G o l f Co u r s e L a n d For Sale: Near British

Intl School, 17 rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B 4. 5 m p e r r ai. C o nt ac t owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.

Don sa k B eac hf ront Land 3 rai: 67 metres absolute beach frontage, fully infrastructured, ready to build.

Close to ferry going to Koh Samui. Chanote title. 6.6MB for all. Tel 087 978 1947 (Eng/ Thai) Jeab Email: nhoj0512@ hotmail.com.

your own home with good location and gated community.

All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power, telephone, ADSL internet etc.

Contact 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproperty trip.com.

Seaview Land Patong: Land For Sale: 3/4 of

rai in small community, very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco B2.5M. 087 276 0529 for info.

Two parcels of superior land 11 rai. Inc seaview. Main road frontage. Ideal for resort and condominiums. 150 mil Baht. (Thai) 087 889 3838 or (Ger) 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com

Absolute beach front land: Songkla district near new deep sea port. 4.5 Rai divided into 7 Chanote plots.

Reluctant sale. B4.9M the lot. mail jmicchia@yahoo. com or call 087 276 0529.

Rawai half rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre.

Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Email: rawai.steen@ gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell Charter Boat: 62ft Hatteras Style yacht, 35 + 4 crew, large upper deck includes website: www.char terboatsphuket.com, price B5,370,000 or best offer. email eastcoastefi@aol.com or 087 889 8044.

Charter boat for sale 62ft Hatteras-style yacht, 35+4 crew

facility. High-quality, time proven schedule and curriculum.

Now in brand-new purposebuilt school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong.

Tel: 076 384 638, 080 624 7060. Website: www.budsphuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

BOATS & YACHTS

maintained top of the line wauquiez PS40 see details at www.http://wauquiezforsale.blogspot.com, contact Rober t:087 632 8259 or send email: caminata40@ hotmail.com.

TV For Sale: TV Large 72 cm B9,500. Call 089 972 3861.

BBQ with Gas for Sale: BBQ with gas bottle B8,000.

Call 089 972 3861.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption.

Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@soidog.org.

Motorbike Trailer with Tow bar: Professionally

POOL TABLES

built motor bike trailer, with tow bar and coupling. Cost B45,000 to built, will sell for B25,000. Ideal for dog caring or shopping. Very stable.

Please ring 084 858 1917.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Speed boat for sale!: Yacht For Sale (Exceptional): Beautifully

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

6 metre body Bayliner, 200 HP (EFI) Mercury engine, Yamaha 5 HP back up engine. Blue book. Including: trailer, 2 anchors, and cover, Garmin deep sounder and fish finder brand new.

Call 081 477 5637 THAI; 086 283 0082 ENG, RUS.

Lodestart RIB: 3.8m, To h a t s u 4 0 h p, Tr a i l e r, skis, tube, lifejackets. THB 140,000. Contact 080 073 5371.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Xmas Present?: Brand new “Heavy duty” Soccer/ Foosball Table for rent and sell. Suitable for bars and hotels. Call us now at 081 823 4627, 085 782 1200.

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE COOKING CLASS

Kite Surf Equipment for Sale: 2 new boards, never used. 2 Kites, used 2-3 times. New price was more then 200,000 Baht.

Sell altogether for 100.000 B a h t . Fo r s i n g l e i t e m s please call. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520.

Moonsoon for sale: A Steal For A Quick Sale: 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47f t Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro385,000. Call: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@ yahoo.com.

28Ft, registered for 15 passengers. 200Hp/ V6 Mercury motor, only 240 hours, totally restored 40 hours ago, perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping, water taxi navigation system + fishfinder, 5hp spare motor. Boat and motor in very good condition. Located at Boat Lagoon. Priced for quick sale at B330,000.

Contact at : 086 747 9292 or claudstrey@gmail.com.

Investors Resort project: Resort project. Situated by Laguna, develop a 44 or 60 room resort on a 2 rai plot. Sought after area, 25 year lease. Realistic ROI within 3 years. Lucrative & secure investment in ideal location. Offers may be considered for sale of lease.

Contact 087 884 0644.

BUSINESS SERVICES

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.

Ski Boat for Sale: Speedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent condition, 12.18m Fiberglass Bowrider, 12mm thick hull, 600ltr fuel tank, 150ltr water tank, licensed for 25 passengers, storage area, manual head, 5 years old, B1.4 million o.n.o, please contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.

Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120ltr fuel tank, 200hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition.

Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

CHILDCARE

Phuket Cooking A c a d e my: C o o k i n g and baking classes have never been more fun using our top-class professional facilities. With complimentary transport from around the island, head to the best Masterchef kitchen on the island. Learn the tricks of the trade from international award winning Chef, Lionel Raiffort. Learn how to cook, from Thai & European cuisines, to the art of baking. Get involved and make a day of it, groups are welcome. For more information, visit w w w. phuket-cooking-academy. com or call 081 821 4064.

• Movement • Stillness • Balance M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0 Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

done 4.5 road bike. Ashima wheels. Carbon aero-bars.

Profile design water bottle.

Great condition plus travel case worth B20,000. Call 087 887 1292, email drew joy27@yahoo.com.

Life Fitness Walking Machine: Brand new retail B150,000. Sell for B70,000.

Call 0872760529.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food: Online health

Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest international childcare

Tr e k R o a d B i k e B75,000 ono: Trek Ma-

food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

Are You Looking to get a New Dog or Cat?: Why not adopt a homeless dog? Many lovely pups - free to a good home, also fully grown adult dogs that would make great guard dogs and a best friend.

Contact: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

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liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

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Office 3.L.H & I.C.P. Manufactory 3.L.H & I.C.P.

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SWIMMING POOLS

Specialized in large commercial and small residential cooling & heating systems.

076 319406-8 086 4702026-7 www.choochuay.com

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p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m

1,800 baht pool service

for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)

19/43, 19/45 Moo 7,Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

24 PHUKET SPORT

Phuket futsal team aim for lofty goal

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

FUTSAL

Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

The Bay Regatta fleet. Photo: RolienPhotography.com

2013 Bay Regatta prepares for start

P

huket United are in good hands – the team’s newly appointed director Narubet Aryupong, who led Phuket FC from the bottom of the Division 2 table in 2009 to Southern Region Champions in 2010, is looking forward to similar success with the island’s homegrown futsal team.

Although the team has struggled in its first games in Thailand’s top futsal league, its fortunes have begun to turn around and the team still hopes to fight its way to the top of the table.

Known as the “Andaman Pearl”, the Phuket United futsal team was formed in 2011 by Preechawut Keesin, the son of Patong’s Mayor Pian Keesin.

The team entered the CAT Regional Futsal Tournament 2011 and represented the Southern Region in the playoffs against nine other Thai teams.

Phuket United’s 7-3 win over Thonburi Futsal in the championship game made

SAILING

The Phuket United futsal team, nicknamed the “Andaman Pearl.” Team captain and former Thai national futsaler Anuwat Patan is in the front row, third from right. them the only Southern team to win promotion, along with 15 other teams nationwide.

The current league season started on the weekend of October 11, 2012, but Phuket United had to allow national team players to compete in the Futsal World Cup in November, before resuming their league duties later that month.

Phuket United then got off to a slow start in the top league, losing their first four games before getting a better grip and winning their first

match in mid-December.

The road to championship success remains bumpy, but the team won their 10th league game on Saturday, December 28, with a 2-0 away victory over Leo Bangsue Futsal, to end their first year at eighth in the league.

Going into the New Year, Phuket United will miss their Brazilian star player Rojerio Moreira, who bid farewell to the team this week to return home to his wife just before New Year’s Eve.

“It was such a disappointment for Phuket and for fans to see Roje leave,” said Phuket’s United’s assistant coach Patt Sriwichit.

“Since the season started, he has been missing his wife tremendously and that has affected his performance on the pitch. We had such a high hopes as last year he was the tournament’s MVP. “We wish him good luck, and we hope he gets to play with a Brazilian team where he will be closer to his wife.”

Former Phuket footballer dies in Ivory Coast FOOTBALL FORMER PHUKET MIDfielder Camara Ahmed has died at his home in the Ivory Coast, after a long illness dating from his collapse during a football match in Phuket more than two years ago.

The popular player suffered a heart attack on the field during a crucial playoff game between what was then FC Phuket and Chainat FC in October 2010.

Camara collapsed during the second half of the game and had to be resuscitated by the Chainat FC physiotherapist. He was taken to Bangkok Phuket

Camara Ahmed in action for Phuket. Photo: James Goyder Hospital in a coma.

After weeks of treatment, Camara regained consciousness and was flown home to the Ivory Coast to be with his wife and infant son, who was born after Camara left to play

football in Thailand.

Camara remained bedridden since the heart attack two years ago, and his flight home and the cost of his care in the Ivory Coast have been paid for

by Phuket FC, under the direc-

tion of club chairman Pamuk Atchariyachay.

Phuket FC’s manager, Mr Jakkapob Soo-gnan, said the team had heard about Camara’s death from Ivorian Phuket FC player Nene Bi. “It was a terrible news for us,” Mr Jakkapob said, “but we have tried all we can to show our gratitude to him and to his dedication to our team.”

Camara Ahmed joined FC Phuket on loan from Muang Thong United, and helped the team become the Southern Region champions in 2010 and secure promotion into Division 1 for 2011.

D OZ E NS OF YAC H TS will race through the stunning scenery of Phang-Nga Bay later this month for the 2013 Bay Regatta.

The Bay Regatta is the first of three sailing regattas in the Phuket region this year, and is a regular fixture on the local sailing calendar – this year is the 16th time it has been held.

In 2012, more than 40 yachts took part in the four-day race around the bay, including nine vessels in the Cruising A Class and 13 in the Multihull class.

The Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which hosts the regatta, this week issued its official Notice of Race and a provisional course book that describes more than 100 nautical miles of yacht racing courses around the islands of Phang-Nga Bay, spread over three days of racing.

The registration and opening party this year will be held on January 31st at the Ao Po Grand Marina on the northeast point of Phuket.

On February 1, the first race day, the fleet will race a 17-mile leg to the Paradise Beach Resort at the northern tip of Koh Yao Noi.

After the second day of racing in the bay, the yachts will moor at Koh Yao Noi’s Villalaguna resort, and on the third day they sail to to Krabi.

On the final day, February 3, the fleet heads back more than 30 miles to Ao Chalong Yacht Club – typically with the fleet running ahead of the westerly winds, spinnakers aloft – for the final line honours and the prize-giving party.

Known for many years as the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, the rebranded Bay Regatta typically attracts between 40 to 50 racing yachts each year.

Part of the special appeal of the regatta is that the races take the racing fleet to a new anchorage each night, where the award parties are held.

Because the most serious racing yachts have no accommodation onboard, to save on weight, the racing crews often sleep out under blankets on the deck – and although the racers often trounce the slower boats during the day, the heavier boats offer their crews more comfort berths at night.

The regatta is locally famous as “the party that sails around” – and it usually includes at least one night with boats rafted together as a floating platform for celebrations.

Hash House Harriers Run 1400: 3:30pm on Saturday, January 5 Hares: JC, Paper & Billy Boy Directions: From Honda on Chao Fa West, head toward the Prince of Songkla University, turn left after about 1.5 kms and follow HHH signs to the laager. From Patong, drive to Kathu, 100m past the Little Expat Bar (on your left) turn right at traffic lights, go around the university and after about 2 km turn right at the HHH sign.

More info: phuket-hhh.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

WORLD SPORT 25

Relaxed Murray heads into new ATP season TENNIS

Andrew Dent

Former England captain Tony Greig. Photo: RubyGoes

Greig hailed as ‘godfather’ of the modern game CRICKET THE CRICKET WORLD on Sunday paid tribute to former England Test skipper and broadcaster Tony Greig, remembering him as “the godfather of modern cricket” due to his influence in shaping the game.

South African-born Greig died Saturday after a heart attack at his Sydney home at the age of 66, as he battled lung cancer diagnosed just two months ago.

The towering Greig was remembered as being instrumental in the formation of late Australian media tycoon Kerry Packer’s breakaway World Series Cricket (WSC) contest staged from 197779, which sent shockwaves through the sport.

“It could be argued that Tony Greig was the godfather of modern cricket, the man who believed the game should be entertaining and a little irreverent but always ruthlessly competitive,” wrote The Australian’s Peter Lalor.

“Cricket has lost one of its giants.”

Broadcasting doyen Richie Benaud, a former Australian captain who shared the Channel Nine commentary box for decades with Greig, described him as a dynamic cricketer, a fearless thinker and an entertainer.

“I found him a fellow full of courage; that was before he was ill,” Benaud said.

“He was full of courage because of many things that had happened to him in his cricket life and his outside life as well. It’s one of those things where we know this was inevitable but there’s always a sadness when you see a good friend go.”

Kerry Packer’s son James said Greig “stood shoulder to shoulder with my father at times when it was not always fashionable”.

“Together with the backing of other key players and supporters, they forged a brave new age for both cricketers and spectators alike. For that

alone, every fan of the game is in Tony Greig’s debt.

Former Australian captain Lawry was distraught by the news, describing Greig as “an Englishman with an Australian attitude” whose absence from the commentary box had left a big hole in the game this Australian summer.

“I missed Tony this summer just in the commentary team and now he’s gone forever,” Lawry said.

“My wife and I are absolutely shattered.”

Greig’s opposing captain in WSC and fellow Channel Nine commentator, former Australia captain Ian Chappell, spoke of Greig’s trademark competitiveness.

“He was a great optimist as a player and a commentator.

You always knew you were in a contest with him – whether playing cricket or over dinner.”

Current Australian captain Michael Clarke said the news was upsetting for the Test team.

“I was only speaking with Tony a couple of days ago, so news of his passing is absolutely devastating,” Clarke said.

Greig played 58 Tests – 14 of them as captain – for his adopted country England between 1972 and 1977, scoring 3,599 runs with eight centuries at 40.43 and capturing 141 wickets at 32.20.

Greig said earlier this year of his life in cricket: “Give your hand to cricket and it will take you on the most fantastic journey, a lifetime journey both on and off the field.”

He is survived by his wife, Vivian, and four children. AFP

A

ndy Murray says he is heading into the new tennis season more relaxed than ever after breaking through for his first Grand Slam title at last year’s US Open.

Murray, the top seed for this week’s Brisbane International, ended one of sport’s longest droughts when he became the first British man to win a Grand Slam singles title since Fred Perry in 1936.

Apart from a few airline upgrades in the months following the win, Murray said the only other change to his life was a new attitude.

“I prepared exactly the same (for the new season),” the Scot said.

“I probably just feel a little bit more relaxed maybe in the last few weeks than I normally do a few weeks out from a slam.

“But, you k now, I’m sure once I get on the court everything stays the same,” he added.

“I prepared very well in Miami and trained hard to get myself ready for the new season, and I hope I can be successful here.”

Andy Murray in action at last year’s US Open, which he won. Photo: Francisco Diez Murray, who was awarded an OBE by the Queen in the New Year’s honours list, said having coach Ivan Lendl with him had helped him cope with the extra commitments that come with being a Grand Slam winner.

“Obviously the few weeks afterwards were very busy, and then once you start travelling and playing tournaments again and get back into the routine of training and practising, life hasn’t really changed that much, to be honest, which has been nice,” he said.

“Also having someone

like Ivan around me as well – he went through a similar sort of thing, so that’s obviously helped as well. He’s given me some advice on how to deal with certain things that come with winning big events.”

Murray says he is now better prepared to win the big tournaments following his US Open triumph.

“I always prepared to give myself the best chance to win the event,” he said.

“Obviously the last few years I got close but never managed to get over the final

hurdle.

“So whether it was a mental thing, whether it was things in my game that I needed to improve, physical things, you know, who knows exactly?” he asked.

“But now that I’ve managed to do it, I hope that when I’m in those situations again I’ll deal with them better and put less pressure on myself, which obviously will help me play better.”

Murray opens his Brisbane campaign against Australian qualifier John Millman on Thursday. AFP

Rivals support Nadal comeback bid TENNIS Richard Eaton

TWO OF RAFAEL NADAL’S top ten rivals have spoken out against critics who say that the winner of 11 Grand Slam titles can never again be the player he was.

David Ferrer, the world No. 5 from Spain, and Richard Gasquet, the world No. 10 from France, both contradict the idea that Nadal’s prolonged absence is too long for him to become the world’s best player again.

The murmurs of doubters increased with Friday’s news

Photo: Yann Caradec on Nadal that his six months on the sidelines with a damaged knee will be followed by more weeks out, reportedly because of gastroenteritis.

But Ferrer, voted Spanish

player of the year in Nadal’s absence, talks differently.

“The good news is he doesn’t have pain in the knees, so that’s the most important,” he said, contradicting suggestions that the statement that Nadal has been unwell is merely cover for continued mobility problems.

“Rafael, he can do it because he’s a very good player.

He’s a special player, no? He’s not like anyone else. Rafael, he’s very competitive, he’s a

winner, and he’s young also.

“I have confidence that when he comes back he will play good.”

Gasquet sounds even more certain of Nadal’s resilience, suggesting that the seven-time French Open champion will be adding to his record-breaking exploits as soon as June.

“For sure he has problem with his knee, but I’m sure he’s coming back on clay in a month, and I’m sure he will be ready for Monte Carlo.” AFP

26 WORLD SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: WEEK 21/22

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

United remain top with Wigan win FOOTBALL

J

avier Hernandez and Robin van Persie each scored twice as Manchester United preserved their seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 4-0 win against Wigan at the DW Stadium on Tuesday.

Hernandez had already had a goal ruled out for offside when he put United 1-0 up by tapping in after Ali Al Habsi saved from Patrice Evra in the 35th minute.

Robin van Persie got off the mark in the New Year eight minutes later, sending Ivan Ramis to the turf with a dummy before curling the ball inside the right-hand post.

Hernandez then added a third in the 63rd minute, and van Persie completed his brace in the 88th minute.

Meanwhile, Manchester City dominated the early stages at home to Stoke, who had gone into the game looking to protect a 10-match unbeaten run.

Pablo Zabeleta broke the deadlock two minutes before half-time, and Sergio Aguero lined up City’s second in the 56th minute with a low drive

Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez. Photo: Gordon Flood that was parried by Begovic, only for Edin Dzeko to turn the loose ball home.

Aguero scored a 74th-minute penalty after Steven Nzonzi was adjudged to have tripped David Silva.

Tottenham fell behind in the fourth minute against Reading when Pavel Pogrebnyak headed the visitors in front, but Michael Dawson’s header meant the hosts were level within five minutes.

Spurs were dominant from then on, Emmanuel Adebayor putting them in front with a powerful 51st-minute header before Clint Dempsey’s fortuitous deflected strike made it 3-1.

The victory took Spurs a

I’m not retiring any time soon says Ferguson ALEX FERGUSON HAS quashed retirement talk by revealing he has no plans to step down as Man United manager in the near future.

Ferguson, who turned 71 on Monday, has been forced to deal with questions about his retirement plans since the time he reversed his decision to leave the club in 2002.

With Pep Guardiola due to end his post-Barcelona sabbatical in a few months, Jose Mourinho tipped to leave Real Madrid and David Moyes’ Everton contract close to expiring, three of the main candidates to replace Ferguson could be available at the end of the season, prompting a new round of speculation.

But Ferguson, who has been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986, marked the new year by making it clear he won’t be leaving United for some while.

“I’m hoping to stay on for a bit of time,” he said in an interview with the Abu Dhabi Sports channel.

It is widely accepted few will get to know when Ferguson is ready to call it a day, with chief executive

point clear of Chelsea, who have two games in hand and host bottom club Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.

Arsenal were prevented from making ground on the top four after their four-game winning run came to an end in a 1-1 draw at Southampton that left Arsene Wenger’s side four points below Chelsea in fifth place.

Gaston Ramirez exploited some calamitous Arsenal defending to put Southampton ahead in the 34th minute, but a Guly do Prado own goal meant the visitors were level before half-time.

It was enough to take Nigel

Adkins’ side out of the bottom three at Wigan’s expense.

Aston Villa put an end to a run of three straight defeats with a 2-2 draw at Swansea City, but were denied victory by a 95th-minute goal from Danny Graham.

Christian Benteke had put Villa ahead with an 84th-minute penalty, after Wayne Routledge’s ninth-minute opener for the hosts had been cancelled out by Andreas Weimann.

West Ham United were also on the up, beating Norwich City 2-1 through goals from Mark Noble and Joey O’Brien to climb to 11th.

Earlier, Fulham shook off their slumbers from 2012 to win 2-1 at West Bromwich Albion and record only their second win in 13 matches.

Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov had the honour of scoring the first goal of 2013 at the Hawthorns, with Alex Kacaniklic netting a 58thminute winner after Romelu Lukaku equalised early in the second half.

In The Phuket News Premier Predictions contest, congratulations go to December’s monthly winner Blackrosebar,

TOM’S TIPS WEEK 24 Aston Villa v Southampton Everton v Swansea Fulham v Wigan Norwich v Newcastle Reading v West Brom Stoke v Chelsea Sunderland v West Ham Manchester United v Liverpool Arsenal v Manchester City QPR v Tottenham

Lose Win Win Lose Lose Lose Lose Win Lose Lose

MONTHLY STANDINGS

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. Blackrosebar 130 2. alanphuket 124 3. fazza 124 4. scottkip 124 5. diggersd 121 6. gafferworld 121 7. jamiemonk 121 8. mickyleeds 121 9. Ping 121 10. suncat100 121

1. suncat100 398 2. mickyleeds 390 3. scottkip 390 4. Blackrosebar 373 5. apollo131 369 6. bazerb 369 7. diggersd 367 8. alanphuket 364 9. MRB 358 10. toptipster 355

who led the last monthly table of 2012 with 130 points, followed by alanphuket, fazza, and scottkip, each with 124 points for the month.

In the overall scores, at the end of December player suncat100 with 398 points has increased his lead from last

week, and now stands eight points ahead of the nearest challengers mickeyleeds and scottkip, both on 390.

As the Week 23 games were already underway when The Phuket News went to press, this edition’s tips are for Week 24.

Lampard says Chelsea transformed FOOTBALL Ian Winrow

Photo: Gordon Flood David Gill the man tasked with advising the Glazer family about a replacement.

And, though Guardiola, Mourinho and Moyes are bound to be at the top of the list if they are available, Ferguson knows plenty of other candidates are likely to have emerged by the time he finally quits.

“It’s very difficult,” Ferguson said. “Over the years, names have been bandied about but football is such a precarious industry.

“But you could be talking about one of the potentially exciting young managers in the game, but is he going to be here in two or three years’ time?

“The sack race is horrendous. Sometimes a manager can only survive four games if he doesn’t win.” AFP

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

FRANK LAMPARD SAYS Chelsea’s dramatic upturn in form has transformed the Premier League title race.

Lampard struck twice in the 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park that moved the Blues back up to third place and ensured they face bottom club Queens Park Rangers at Stamford Bridge looking for a seventh win in eight games.

Four successive league wins have moved Rafael Benitez’s side to within eleven points of leaders Manchester United with a game in hand.

And after having dropped off the pace during a disastrous dip in form in November and early December, Lampard believes the club can once again be considered serious contenders.

“We have to keep believing,” said the midfielder. “There is a long way to go and things have changed around.

“It can only happen if we win our games but if we go on performing like we have done in the last few league games and keep doing that, it’s all we can do.

“We need to keep this form and this attitude.”

Lampard, back right, celebrates Chelsea’s victory in the 2012 Champions League final. Photo: Julian Mason Lampard’s double at Everton highlighted the midfielder’s uncertain future with the 34-year-old yet to receive an offer of a new contract despite becoming a free agent at the end of the season.

Chelsea manager Benitez has steered clear of the debate surrounding Lampard’s future and faces a more immediate problem with goalkeeper Petr Cech a doubt for the visit of QPR. Cech was replaced at halftime against Everton and Benitez said: “He felt something in his adductor so we didn’t want to take any risk.

We’ll have to do a scan and see and this depends on the doctors.”

QPR’s home defeat to Liverpool left Harry Redknapp’s

side eight points adrift of safety although Benitez has cautioned against underestimating Chelsea’s near neighbours.

“Obviously they’re in a difficult position and that means they will be more dangerous,” he said.

“So we have to carry on doing our job and focus on the things that we are doing well and trying to improve the things that we’re not.

“It’s a team that is fighting to avoid relegation and it will be a totally different challenge - we’ll have to check how each player is after the tough game at Everton.

“And after that we will decide but our idea is to play in the same way, to play good football if we can, and if we can’t at least show some character.”

Chelsea skipper John terry is not expected to recover from a knee injury.

“He’s getting closer but we have to wait and see every day when he is training with the physios and we will see,” said Benitez. “I think QPR is too early for him.”

Redknapp insisted after the Liverpool defeat his side could survive but admitted the forthcoming games would provide a daunting challenge.

He said: “I just believe we will stay up. I just feel we can still turn it round, if we can get one or two in now. It can still make the difference and we can do that.

“The next two games, Chelsea away and Tottenham at home are difficult games, but I still think we’ll do it.”

The manager will attempt to strengthen his squad in January, but admitted the continuing absence of striker Bobby Zamora with a hip injury is a major blow.

Zamora is not expected back until mid-February and Redknapp said: “If we can find the right players, get one or two in to make the difference and get Bobby Zamora fit, he would give us a target up there and he could make a difference.” AFP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

WORLD SPORT 27

Redskins, Vikings nab last NFL playoff berths NFL

NHL talks still hope to save ice hockey season

W

ith quarterback Robert Griffin III and fellow rookie Alfred Morris leading the way, the Washington Redskins beat Dallas 28-18 Sunday to capture the last NFL playoff berth.

In the final game of the regular season, Morris rushed for a career-best 200 yards and three touchdowns to help the Redskins claim the NFC East division crown in a must-win game against their bitter division rivals.

The victory was Washington’s seventh straight, and their post-season berth was the reward for a remarkable turnaround since they opened the season with just three victories in their first nine games.

Morris finished the regular season with 1,613 rushing yards, surpassing the Redskins’ single-season record of 1,516 set by Clinton Portis.

“My goal wasn’t to break the record. My goal was to make the playoffs,” Morris said. “I couldn’t have imagined to come in here in my rookie year and do what I’ve been

NHL

Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers in a thrilling win. Photo: Kevind810 able to do.”

Griffin, still hampered by the lingering effects of a knee injury, completed just nine of 18 passes for 100 yards, but still rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown.

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo completed 20-of-37 passes for 218 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions as Dallas missed the playoffs for the third successive season.

The first round of the playoffs begins on Sunday, when the Redskins will host the

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

1

Team Manchester United

21

17

1

3

54

28

52

1

Barcelona

17

16

1

0

57

19

49

2

Manchester City

21

13

6

2

41

19

45

2

Atlético Madrid

17

13

1

3

37

17

40

3

Tottenham Hotspur

21

12

3

6

39

27

39

3

Real Madrid

17

10

3

4

41

17

33

4

Chelsea

19

11

5

3

39

18

38

4

Málaga

17

9

4

4

28

12

31

5

Arsenal

20

9

7

4

40

22

34

5

Real Betis

17

9

1

7

26

28

28

6

Everton

20

8

9

3

33

25

33

6

Levante

17

8

3

6

21

24

27

7

West Bromwich Albion

21

10

3

8

29

27

33

7

Real Sociedad

17

7

4

6

24

20

25

8

Swansea City

21

7

8

6

31

26

29

8

Rayo Vallecano

17

8

1

8

22

32

25

9

Stoke City

21

6

11

4

21

20

29

9

Valencia

17

7

3

7

23

26

24

10

Liverpool

20

7

7

6

31

26

28

10

Getafe

17

7

3

7

21

25

24

11

West Ham United

20

7

5

8

24

24

26

11

Real Valladolid

17

6

4

7

23

21

22

12

Norwich City

21

6

7

8

24

34

25

12

Real Zaragoza

17

7

1

9

20

24

22

13

Fulham

21

6

6

9

32

37

24

13

Athletic Club

17

6

3

8

21

34

21

14

Sunderland

20

5

7

8

21

26

22

14

Sevilla

17

5

4

8

22

26

19

15

Newcastle United

20

5

5

10

26

37

20

15

Granada

17

4

4

9

13

25

16

16

Aston Villa

21

4

7

10

17

41

19

16

Mallorca

17

4

4

9

16

29

16

17

Southampton

20

4

6

10

27

38

18

17

Celta de Vigo

17

4

3

10

16

22

15

18

Wigan Athletic

21

5

3

13

22

39

18

18

Espanyol

17

3

6

8

19

26

15

19

Reading

21

2

7

12

23

40

13

19

Osasuna

17

3

5

9

14

19

14

20

Queens Park Rangers

20

1

7

12

16

36

10

20

Deportivo La Coruña

17

2

6

9

21

39

12

*Times may be subject to change

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, January 4 07:30 – 09:30

09:30 – 13:00

Basketball

NFL

Big 10

Fiesta Bowl

Penn State vs. Wisconsin Oregon vs. Kansas State

Saturday, January 5 09:00 – 12:00

17:40 – 23:30

19:30 – 21:15

NCAA

Tennis

Football

Football Cotton Bowl Hopman Cup

FA Cup

Spanish Primera Liga

English Premier League

Live Sports TV Schedule TIME

Peterson narrowly missed the NFL’s single-season rushing record but played a key role in a thrilling 37-34 Vikings victory over the Packers.

Peterson ran for 199 yards – nine less than he needed to break the rushing record of 2,105 yards set by Eric Dickerson in 1984.

Peterson, a year removed from a career-threatening knee injury, admitted it was “bittersweet” to miss the record, but rejoiced in accomplishing the “ultimate goal” of reaching the playoffs. AFP

Seattle Seahawks.

Seattle closed the season with a 20-13 victory over St. Louis, with their rookie quarterback Russell Wilson completing 15 of 19 passes for 250 yards and rushing for the game-winning touchdown.

The Seahawks secured the NFC’s fifth seed, while the NFC West crown went to division rivals San Francisco – who beat Arizona 27-13 and gained a first-round bye.

Green Bay were also trying for that bye, but fell short in Minneapolis, where Adrian

Texas A&M v Oklahoma

Group A & B final Brighton & Hove Albion v Newcastle

22:00 – 23:45

Football

FA Cup

Southampton v Chelsea

22:00 – 23:34

Football

FA Cup

Manchester City v Watford

Sunday, January 6 00:15 – 02:00

Football

FA Cup

West Ham v Manchester United

02:30 – 04:30

Basketball

Big 10

Purdue vs. Michigan State

08:30 – 22:15

Football

FA Cup

Swansea v Arsenal

23:00 – 0045

Football

FA Cup

Lincoln/Mansfield v Liverpool

N H L OW N E R S A N D players continued talks aimed at saving a shortened season on Tuesday, with a contract agreement needed by midJanuary in order to get games on the ice.

“The fact that we’re involved in a continuous process is something that I’m glad to see,” NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said as discussions ended for the day. “But we’re clearly not done yet.”

The NHL Players’ Association has presented a response to the latest contract proposal from the league – which came last Thursday night.

Deputy commissioner of the NHL, Bill Daly, declined to go into specifics on that offer, but the proposal was reported to include a six-year limit on player contracts – up from the five years the league had sought previously – along

with movement toward the players on issues including year-to-year salary variance and contract buy-out regulations.

Bettman said the league moved toward the players again on Tuesday on some issues, but not all.

“In our response there were certain things that the players’ association asked for that we agreed to,” Bettman said. “There were some things that we moved in their direction and there were other things that we said ‘No’, but that’s part of the process.”

The fact that the two sides are at least talking is heartening for North American ice hockey fans, but time is short.

Team owners have already wiped out 625 games up to January 14, just over half the planned schedule that was to have started in October, and vow they will not stage a season with less than 48 games per team. AFP

RESULTS Everton Queens Park Rangers West Brom Manchester City Swansea

1–2 0–3 1–2 3–0 2–2

Chelsea Liverpool Fulham Stoke Aston Villa

Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United Wigan Athletic Southampton

3 – 1 2–1 0 – 4 1 – 1

Reading Norwich City Manchester United Arsenal

Team

RESULTS Real Betis Real Valladolid Osasuna Málaga Athletic Club

1 – 2 1 – 3 1 – 2 3 – 2 0 – 2

Mallorca Barcelona Granada Real Madrid Real Zaragoza

Rayo Vallecano Espanyol Real Sociedad Valencia Atlético Madrid

3 – 0 2 – 0 2 – 1 4 – 2 1 – 0

Levante Deportivo La Coruña Sevilla Getafe Celta de Vigo

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 2013

Time to sail in Phang-Nga Bay Notice of Race given for 2013 Bay Regatta > 24

editor2@thephuketnews.com

CITY STROLL, BUT MAN U STILL TOP FULL STORY ON PAGE 26

Manchester City’s Argentian defender Pablo Zabaleta celebrates after scoring a goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Stoke City at The Etihad stadium in Manchester, England on January 1. Man City won 3-0. Photo: AFP/Andrew Yates

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