04-05-2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

FRIDAY, MAY 4 - THURSDAY, MAY 10, 2012

BANK ROBBED DRAMA AT GUNPOINT IN KATA THEFT P3

OLD LOGO

DAY OF RAGE

MAY 1 PROTESTS GET UGLY P9

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ROVING 100 72 0 32ROY 0 100 100 0 ENGLAND

0 35 100 0

CHOOSE HODGSON P42

TUK-TUK

DENIAL 100 100 40 50

• Meeting between authorities and tuk-tuk cooperatives closed with no solutions • Drivers blamed illegal “black plate” operators, officials blamed the drivers • The island has 10,000 taxis and tuk-tuks - only 1,000 tuk-tuks are registered

0 100 100 0

‘DON’T BLAME US, IT’S NOT OUR FAULT’

0 35 100 0

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

thephuketnews.com

2

ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

NEWS

Pachyderm pedestrians

Elephants lead parade in Bangkok to mark Labour Day > 7

news@thephuketnews.com

Tuk-tuk talks fail to find solutions to transport woes

The vehicle sits at the side of the road under the power pole it knocked over.

Pick-up truck slams into homes A pick-up truck smashed into two houses, a phone booth and an electric pole, after the driver swerved to avoid the warning light in Kathu on Saturday (April 28) and lost control.

Witnesses told police that the flashing light had been erected to warn drivers that

thephuketnews.com

a ceremony was underway at the Kathu Chinese shrine, so that they would be careful when passing the shrine.

But the pick-up driver, Salee Pholdee from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, was driving very fast and swerved to avoid the warning light, losing control.

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Mr Salee told police that he thought the warning was for a traffic police checkpoint.

He received head injuries in the crash, for which he was treated at Vachira Phuket Hospital. No one else was hurt.

Police are waiting for him to be released before charging him with traffic offences.

Phuket authorities arranged a meeting with local taxi and tuk-tuk cooperatives on Saturday (April 28) in search of cooperation to improve the image of Phuket’s transport sector.

The meeting, at Phuket Provincial Hall, gave local drivers a chance to put their side of the story.

Local drivers blamed illegal “black plate” operators and the authorities for taxi and tuk-tuk problems, while some officials blamed “influential people” and drivers in general.

The president of the Phuket Tuk-tuk Cooperative (PTC), Daroon Suksai, insisted that none of his members ever caused problems. But unregistered tuk-tuks are everywhere, Mr Daroon alleged.

He added that he believed that this has caused a surplus of vehicles, ratcheting up competition and giving rise to the informal territorial zoning system agreed between legal operators’ groups.

He reported that the island now has 10,000 legal and illegal tuk-tuks, taxis, limousines and minibuses.

There are only about 1,000 registered tuk-tuks.

Addressing the issue of high fares, the president of the Phuket Limousine Cooperative (PLC), Nikom Panmee, blamed these on the high concession fees charged by Phuket International Airport (PIA).

The PLC, he said, currently pays around B1.7 million a month, including concession

There are ‘only’ 1,000 registered ‘yellow plate’ tuk-tuks on the island. Plates change hands for as much as B800,000. fees, tax and facility bills, just to be allowed to operate at the airport. That comes out at more than B9,400 for each of the PLC’s 180 members.

He added that the contract between the PLC and the airport stipulates an annual rise of 10 per cent in the fee.

A representative of the airport management said the charge was a policy set by Airports of Thailand (AoT), which owns the airport, and PIA management would have to discuss the matter with AoT. A member of the Samakkee Tuk-tuk Cooperative of Rawai, Nui Khaoviset, told media that another component of the exorbitant fares was the high fee required by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) to obtain a legal tuk-tuk registration plate.

However, the head of the Advisory Department of the DLT, Wanta Pummararossukon, slammed this claim as utterly untrue. The registration fee is not high, he said.

But because the number of plates is limited, he explained, some people use the plates to make money, selling them or renting them to others.

He cited a complaint received by police from an individual who said he had paid a fee of B500,000 to a local tuk-tuk cooperative for a registration plate.

Members of the cooperative claimed they had passed the B500,000 to the DLT. The individual, however, told police that he believed that the cooperative had kept the money; in the end he did not get his plate.

The Phuket News has been told that tuk-tuk registrations can change hands for as much as B800,000. Many people try to get plates simply for the profits to be earned from selling them onward.

The meeting ended with no clear solutions to Phuket’s transport woes. The issues aired are to be discussed further by the relevant authorities.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

3

Broadcasting body looks to improve disaster warnings Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

A police sketch of the man wanted for the robbery.

Robber steals B48,000 from exchange booth Police are looking for a Thai man who robbed a Kasikornbank currency exchange booth in Kata at gunpoint on Saturday (April 28). He escaped with B48,000.

CCTV camera footage shows the man as being about 30 years old, 160 cm tall, wearing an open-faced motorcycle helmet and a long-sleeved jacket. The robber stopped his motorbike in front of the booth, on Pakbang Rd next to Kata Beach Resort & Spa, at

about 10pm, walked up to the counter and pulled out a gun, threatening the bank teller, 29-year-old Janya Siwasutham.

He ordered Ms Janya to stuff money in his plastic bag before fleeing the scene.

Ms Janya told police that the man had southern Thai accent.

The man’s face was caught on CCTV footage, allowing police to put together a sketch of him. They hope to arrest him soon.

Two die as bikes crash head-on A Burmese and an Austrian died when their motorbikes collided on Sunday night (April 29) on Patak Rd, close to Wat Kata.

The Austrian was identified as Oliver Praxmarer, 39, while the Burmese was identified only as Koa, aged 34.

Witnesses told police that Mr Praxmarer, riding from Karon Beach towards Chalong Circle, collided head-on with

the other bike, ridden in the opposite direction by Mr Koa. Mr Praxmarer died instantly, while Mr Koa died on the way to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

After examining the scene, Chalong police said that the bikes apparently collided in the middle of the road, leading officers to believe that the crash was caused by carelessness on both sides.

Commissioners from the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) visited Phuket last week to get public feedback on how they can improve the island’s disaster-alert communication system.

The NBTC is an independent agency that regulates frequencies for broadcasting and telecommunications.

Supinya Klangnarong, former Thai media rights advocate and now a commissioner of the NBTC, said the agency was concerned about the problem of jammed telecommunications and limited access to information during the tsunami evacuation on April 11.

T he com mu nication problem of April 11, she said, was a special case, because the tsunami alert coincided with the cremation ceremonies for HRH Princess Bejaratana, which were broadcast live on all Thai TV channels.

Ms Supinya said the NBTC had contacted all of the channels to ask for their cooperation in broadcasting the tsunami warning as a matter of urgency.

However, only two Thai channels broadcast the alert

Supinya Klangnarong: Law being drafted to force TV stations to broadcast warnings. immediately. The remainder continued to show the royal ceremony, though some ran the warning as a line of text across the bottom of the screen.

“Our request [to broadcast the tsunami alert] was not a command, so the TV channels had the right to decide for themselves whether or not to broadcast the alert,” said Ms Supinya. “I’m not criticising this. It depends on

the individual broadcasters’ judgment as to what they regard as the top priority.

“However, if a tsunami had hit the shore, we would have seen more losses [if people could not get access to information].”

This concern has prompted NBTC to begin drafting a new law making televised broadcasting of disaster alerts mandatory, with sanctions for broadcasters who

don’t comply.

T he d raf t will t a ke around two months to complete, Ms Supinya said, and several more months, at least, will elapse before it emerges from the due process required to bring it into law.

She said that other alternatives to get around the problem of jammed communications were also being looked at.

House of horror body identified The rotten body found in a bathroom of the eight-bedroom Kata home of Norwegian expatriate Stein Håvard Dokset, 50, has been confirmed as that of his former girlfriend, 33-year-old Roongnapa “June” Rachsombat.

Kanlayakorn Waesae, Ms June’s niece, said last Friday (April 27) that the Institute of

SilkAir now flies 4 times weekly to Darwin, Australia.

Forensic Medicine had unofficially confirmed to the family that DNA tests showed the body was that of her aunt.

She told The Phuket News that a mitochondrial DNA test showed that a sample taken from one of the thigh bones found in Dokset’s house correlated with a sample taken

from the inside of Ms June’s mother’s cheek.

Chalong Police are waiting for official notification of the DNA test result, expected to be delivered to the police station soon.

Dokset remains in custody while police continue to build a case against him for murder.

He was arrested on February 28 after a tip-off that Ms June’s body was stashed in his house. She had not been seen for the best part of three years.

Dokset denies killing her, saying that she died during an argument with him, when he pushed her and her head hit a wall.

All in return fares to Darwin from

THB

20,280

More journeys to treasure at silkair.com

The Kakadu National Park.

The Regional Wing of S i n ga p o re A i rl i n e s

Fares quoted are for return trip on Economy Class per person, for flights originating out of Phuket only. All advertised fares are inclusive of associated taxes and surcharges only. Fares quoted are subject to change due to currency fluctuation and exclude agents' service fee. Bookings to be made online at silkair.com or through any SilkAir authorised agents from today to 31 May 12 for travel until 30 June 12. Subject to seat availability. Tickets are strictly not refundable, and change of flight, date or passenger name is not permitted. Other terms and conditions apply.

thephuketnews.com

4

ISLAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

CONTACT US

0/35/100/0 If you have any news, upcoming events, or want to share your views, then call or email us.

100/100/40/50

KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

0/100/100/0

SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.

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).

DANE HALPIN Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From Australia; Degree in Journalism, Charles Sturt University. Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, and The Vientiane Times.

CLAIRE CONNELL

Computer-generated view of how the new Bangkoo underpass and intersection will look from the air.

Photo: Department of Highways

Underpass design finalised

The design of the underpass at the Bangkoo intersection, at the north end of the bypass road, has been finalised.

Engineer Somporn Rattanaburi from the Highways Department told a final public consultation meeting at Boat Lagoon on Monday (April 30) that the project will improve Thepkrassattri Rd by adding a two-lane northbound underpass, just under 100

metres long and diving nine metres below ground.

People driving cars, buses or trucks from Phuket Town heading north will be able to use the underpass, but it will be barred to motorbike riders, who will have to wait for traffic lights above ground.

The road in the opposite direction will have one lane added, allowing vehicles heading for Phuket Town

to go straight through the intersection without stopping for traffic lights.

“Thepkrassattri Rd will be widened by taking space for the new lanes from the sidewalk and the median st r ip,” M r Sompor n explained.

“We also plan to add more lanes at the Koh Kaew intersection and build the new pedestrian bridge at that

intersection. All of this is expected to cost about B450 million.”

Now that the public consultation phase is over, he said, the project will be presented to the government with an application for funding.

Mr Somporn added that work on the underpass at Central Festival, already approved and funded, is out for tender and will begin “soon”.

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 the Gisborne Herald, and the Marlborough Express.

NORACHAI THAVISIN Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From Thailand: BA, BFA and Master of Fine Art and Design, University of Tasmania, where he worked as a painter and illustrator. Six years’ experience with the Bangkok Post, Pattaya Mail and Fine Art magazine.

PARITTA ‘MAI’ WANGKIAT Chief Reporter 083 240 5837 reporter3@thephuketnews.com

SUKUNYA ‘BEAU’ PHOONPONG Reporter 081 535 8080 reporter2@thephuketnews.com

SOMCHAI ‘KIM’ KOKITTIRAT NISAKORN ‘SAI’ KITTIPRAPANANT Graphic Designers

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ThePhuketNewspaper1

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING

076 612 550-2 ext. 600 Fax: 076 612 553 info@thephuketnews.com www.thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

thephuketnews.com

Anti-reservoir activists picket Phuket talks Around 30 members of the Network of Thai People in eight Mekong Provinces (TPMP) traveled from the Thai northeast to Phuket to protest on Tuesday (May 1) against the Xayaburi Dam, a major project to dam the giant river.

With the Mekong River Commission (MRC) holding an international conference on “transboundary river basin management” at the Mövenpick Resort in Karon from Tuesday until Thursday, the TPMP saw a chance to confront senior figures in the Thai government to call for them to pay more attention to the sustainable use of the Mekong.

The Xayaburi Dam project on the Mekong river in Laos, currently under construction, is aimed at giving the impoverished country an income from electricity generation.

If completed, the dam would be capable of producing 1,260 megawatts of electricity, 90 per cent of which would be sold to Thailand.

Construction began in March, sparking outrage from the TPMP because the project’s environmental impact assessment has yet to be

completed.

Niwat Roykeaw, a leader of the TPMP, explained that the project would have a major effect on the ecology and local communities downstream, in Thailand, Cambodian and Vietnam.

Mr Niwat added that the start of construction breached the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement (PNPCA), which state that the nations along the Mekong River must consult the MRC before building a mega project on the river.

However, the CEO of the MRC, Hans Guttman, told media that although the MRC acts as a coordinator among Mekong nations, it has no power to make decisions on the dam.

Laos is preparing for construction of the dam, he added, but has not yet decided absolutely whether to go ahead.

The TPMP said it will watch the MRC’s reactions to events in Laos “for a period of time”. If no “action” is taken, a TPMP spokesman said, the group will up the stakes with a blockade of the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai and Vientiane.

Dome (left) receives his winning star.

Photo: Facebook

Dome wins The Star 8 Jaruwat “Dome” Cheawaram ha s become t he second Phuket-born contestant to win the popular TV talent contest The Star, now in its eighth year.

Dome, 21, managed to win the favour of the public and beat fellow finalist Tanatat ‘Kangsomm’ Chaiyaat in the live finals, held on Sunday (April 29) at the Impact Arena in Bangkok.

Dome, who at tended Phuket Wittayalai School, will need to juggle his new found super-stardom with his studies – he is currently a second-year law student at Thammasat University.

Dome decided to compete in The Star contest for the prize money, which he plans

to use to support his disabled father, who is confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke.

Big things are ahead for the young Phuket star. He has signed a contract with Thai entertainment giant GMM Grammy, and has already recorded his first single, A thi taan tang nam ta (Make a wish when you cry).

Governor Tri Augaradacha said that the island will give Dome a special welcome when he comes home, followed by a parade around the island “to let him say thanks to his fans”.

Dome will also sing at the opening ceremony of Phuket National Youth Games at Surakul Stadium on May 26, the governor added.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Beach vendor Arrak Kraisab, 38, is questioned by police.

In front of him is the knife he used to kill his neighbour.

Vendor arrested after cutting ‘bully’s’ throat A Patong beach vendor was arrested on Monday morning (April 30) in Phuket City after he cut his neighbour’s throat the night before at a rented room on Wichitsongkram Road in Tung Tong.

The vendor, Arrak Kraisab, 38, admitted that he had killed his neighbor, shoemaker Kamonchai Suwanin, 36, after Mr Komonchai had threatened him many times with a gun.

Arrak said he believed Mr Kamonchai simply didn’t like his face.

Arrak told police that last night Mr Kamonchai had

come to his room once again to harass him.

Unable to tolerate any more bullying, Arrak grabbed a knife and stabbed Mr Kamonchai in the stomach.

Mr Kamonchai staggered back towards his own room.

Arrak, fearing he had gone to get his gun, followed him and cut his throat.

Police said Arrak spent the night in the Pip-in Motel in Phuket City, planning to run away to another province, but was caught before he could do so. He was charged with intentional killing.

WHEW!

Phuket authorities led by Governor Tri Augkaradacha joined Sri Soonthorn villagers in a “Believe in Phuket” event on Saturday (April 28) to dispel rumours and fears that the island would sink as a result of the recent earthquakes.

The fears were sparked by a Facebook posting by “Chaney Jane” that predicted the island would sink under the sea on that day.

The event was held in Baan Bang Kham in Sri Soonthorn sub-district, the area most affected by the April 16 quake and aftershocks.

Also in attendance was MP Rawat Areerob, Pheu Thai party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit and the Director of the Department of Mineral Resources, Nitade Phuwattanakul.

During the event, the Mayor of Sri Soonthorn reported that 525 households had petitioned the municipality for funds to repair their quakedamaged houses. The most common types of reported house damage were cracks in walls and collapsed ceilings.

Gov Tri also took the op-

ISLAND NEWS

5

We’re all still here

Pheu Thai party spokesperson Prompong Nopparit (black suit) chats with Gov Tri during a ‘Believe in Phuket’ parade organised in Baan Bang Kham. portunity to reassure villagers that the tsunami warning system was a success and totally functional. He said that two old tsunami warning buoys were replaced with new ones last year to ensure the warning

system worked.

The National Disaster Warning Center said one of the two warning beacons is located in the Andaman Sea, 230 kilometres west of the Surin Islands in Phang Nga

Province, while the other is stationed 250 kilometres due west of Phuket island.

Police have instructions to track down Chaney Jane and charge him or her with spreading false alarm.

Burmese denied concerts Phuket authorities have turned down two applications by Burmese migrants to stage concerts on the island, citing concerns of possible violence that might get out of control.

Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha said on Friday (April 30) that he was afraid of the possibility that a concert planned for the following day in Thalang District would turn out to be “harmful rather than entertaining”.

He said he had been told that the organisers of the concert had sold more than 10,000 tickets, even though an event permit had not been granted.

The governor said that this would be a large gathering of Burmese and might deteriorate into brawls between gangs.

The other application came from a group of Mon migrant workers, who applied for permission to stage concerts at Thungtong fresh market over three nights, from Saturday to Monday (April 28-30).

The superintendent of Thungtong Police Station, Col Kraitong Jantongbai, said the group said they expected up to 10,000 people to come to the event. This application, too, was turned down.

In recent years, a number

of crimes related to immigrant workers have been reported in the media.

The most notorious involved fatal fights between Burmese, or murders by Burmese of other Burmese.

Police have found it hard to track down the perpetrators because of the large number of Burmese who have entered Thailand illegally and are therefore not documented.

Immigrant workers are bar­ red from gathering after 8pm.

In Phuket’s history, no concert proposal by Burmese organisers has ever been granted permission.

thephuketnews.com

6

ISLAND NEWS

The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print.

0/35/100/0

100/100/40/50 0/100/100/0

Amway visitors ‘will put B2.5bn into economy’ Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471 gm@thephuketnews.com

PR & MARKETING MANAGER

Tamakorn (Boo) Khowpon 088 766 1615 pr@thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

The arrival of 16,000 Amway operatives from China between April 15 and May 16 is expected to boost Phuket’s economy by B2.5 billion.

A Vice President of Amway, China, Martin Liu, told media at Phuket FantaSea last week that the event is the biggest assembly of Amway China delegates ever.

The participants come from five regions of mainland China, as well as Hong Kong and Taiwan, and are divided into seven groups, each group staying in Phuket for about four days.

Sixty nine charter flights, 130 regular flights and more than 100 buses are being used to get the delegates to Phuket and to ferry them around the island.

“So far, the delegates have favourable opinions of Phuket,” said Mr Liu. “According to our survey of delegates who have already returned to China, 94 per cent were satisfied with their stay in Phuket.”

Making the B2.5 billion prediction, Thongchai Sridama, acting president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said that more than 750,000 meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) participants will visit Thailand by the end of this year, resulting in an additional B60 billion or more circulating in the Thai economy.

Forty five per cent of the MICE visitors will be in the country for meetings or on incentive trips.

Chinese MICE visitors are mainly from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, he said, adding that people from these cities have a habit of using luxury services.

He added that a recent TCEB survey showed that MICE visitors spend 30 per cent more in Thailand than the average tourist.

The number of MICE visitors coming to Thailand from China is growing by 15-20 per cent a year, he said. Ten per cent of Phuket’s visitors are MICE delegates.

Andrea Kotas Tammathin: ‘I’ve been mostly helping people on holiday.’

Phuket gets Swiss consul Phuket’s Swiss residents and holiday-makers now have their very own Honorary Consul in Phuket, Andrea Kotas Tammathin.

Although she has been in the role since April 2, she will be officially installed in the role this evening (May 4) at Serenity Terrace in Rawai.

Mrs Tammathin, who has lived on the island for 16 years, working for a SwissGerman travel agency, said that the appointment of a Swiss representative in Phuket was

long overdue.

“Phuket is a very popular holiday destination for Swiss travellers and there are around 800 long-term Swiss residents in the South of Thailand, so it’s good that they now have somewhere they can go for help or information.”

The Swiss Honorary Consul’s office is at the Patong Beach Hotel, where Mrs Tammathin will be available Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm to assist tourists, travellers and expats alike.

“I’ve been mostly helping people on holiday. I’ve been giving information and assisting when people lose their passports or need to be transported home.

“I can also of course refer people to the Ambassador in Bangkok if the issue is serious,” said Mrs Tammathin.

For further information or if you require help or assistance, contact Andrea Kotas Tammathin by email to phuket@honrep.ch or by calling 081 891 5987

Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast

www.foreca.com

FRI MAY 4

SAT MAY 5

SUN MAY 6

MON MAY 7

TUE MAY 8

WED MAY 9

THU MAY 10

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +31° Low: +26°

High: +32° Low: +26°

Wind 7 kmh

Wind 7 kmh

Wind 6 kmh

Wind 6 kmh

Wind 5 kmh

Wind 4 kmh

Wind 4 kmh

CLASSIFIED MANAGER

Jarunee Phetchmanee 088 754 1372

24-34 °C

classified@thephuketnews.com

25-31 °C

DHAKA

HONG KONG

24-38 °C NAYPYIDAW

25-35 °C

25-34 °C HANOI

VIENTIANE

25-32 °C

24-36 °C

SANYA

CHIANG MAI

27-35 °C

25-35 °C

YANGON

DA NANG

26-35 °C MANILA

26-40 °C BANGKOK

30-35 °C

26-35 °C

26-36 °C

MADRAS

PHNOM PENH

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN

SALES SUPPORT

Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470

sales@thephuketnews.com

ADVERTISING 076 612 550-2 ext. 600 Fax: 076 612 553

28-34 °C

thephuketnews.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

PHUKET

25-31 °C

24-33 °C HAT YAI

COLOMBO

24-32 °C BANDA ACEH

25-33 °C 26-31 °C LANGKAWI

KOTA KINABALU

24-34 °C KUALA LUMPUR

24-34 °C

info@thephuketnews.com www.thephuketnews.com 99/7 Moo 1 (Billion Plaza), T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120

24-34 °C

KO SAMUI

25-31 °C

SINGAPORE

REGIONAL WEATHER REPORT

23-33 °C KUCHING

THE PHUKET NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

7

PM aiming for peace in South

TRUNK ROAD: Workers parade next to elephants on international worker’s day in Bangkok on May 1.

Activists around the world marked the day with marches demanding better working conditions. Photo: AFP

During her trip to the South on Sunday (April 29), Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the Government had strategic plans to restore peace in accordance with His Majesty the King’s guidance of understanding, reaching out and development.

Accompanied by her deputies Yongyuth Wichaidit and Yuthasak Sasiprapha, Mrs Yingluck visited the predominantly Muslim region to meet religious and local leaders and officials of state agencies, reported The Nation.

Religious leaders encouraged her to visit the region regularly and boost efforts to restore peace.

The Government would step up security measures for

the safety of local residents and promote all areas in the region equally, Mrs Yingluck told the community leaders.

The focus would be on local participation, creating local jobs and to use peaceful ways to contain violence, she said.

Mrs Yingluck said Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong would look after economic development for the Deep South.

Bombing suspect Amphon Wa-Ngor, 25, was presented by police for his alleged involvement in a planned car bomb in Narathiwat’s Wang district in March.

The bomb was defused in front of an office of the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (TOT).

Lèse majesté sentence delayed Agence France-Presse

A Bangkok court on Monday (April 30) postponed giving its verdict in the closely-watched trial of a web editor accused over remarks about the monarchy posted by other people on her website, while a political activist had more years added to his sentence for insulting the monarchy.

Chiranuch Premchaiporn, who faces up to 20 years in prison, denies allegations that

she did not remove 10 online posts perceived as critical of the monarchy quickly enough in 2008. Judge Nittaya Yamsri said the Bangkok Criminal Court was unable to finish considering the evidence in time due to the large number of documents filed by both sides.

“The court postpones its verdict to May 30 at 10am,” she said.

The case against Ms Chiranuch, the editor of the popular Prachatai news website, has

shone a spotlight on Thailand’s strict lèse majesté and computer laws.

Ms Chiranuch, who has become a figurehead for freedom of expression in Thailand, appeared shaken by the court’s announcement.

“I don’t know what to say. I prepared for a verdict, I did not prepare for this,” she told AFP. Ms Chiranuch’s case has received widespread international attention, because of both the length of the poten-

tial sentence and the fact the accusations relate to other people’s comments that she says she removed as quickly as possible.

She has also made the unusual decision to deny the charges – many accused in lèse majesté trials opt to plead

guilty in the hope of receiving a royal pardon.

“This is a quick solution for those who have that option but I don’t think that’s the right way to resolve the issue. That just means that it will remain an open wound in Thai history and the Thai justice system,”

she told AFP last week.

In another lèse majesté case, political activist Surachai Danwattananusorn, already serving a seven and a half year sentence under controversial royal insult laws, was given an extra two and a half years for similar charges on April 27.

Calm on deadly South anniversary No extra safety measures were introduced last week leading up to the eighth anniversary of the Kreu Se incident, in which 105 young Muslims were killed in a co-ordinated attack.

Fourth Army Region Commander Lt-Gen Udomchai Thammasaroj said last week he did not see the need to tighten security because his troops prepared for incidents every day, reported The Nation.

Police chief Gen Priewpa n Da m ap ong said he had i nst r ucted h is men in Yala to be on alert on Saturday April 28.

Young Muslims in Pattani, Yala and Sonkhla simultaneously attacked security outposts on April 28, 2004, in a move to protest against the Government’s rule of the predominantly Muslim region.

Of the 105 protesters shot dead on the day, 32 were

gunned down after they retreated into the Krue Se Mosque in Pattani.

Deputy Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit said the Government will employ “political means” rather than military power to win the hearts of local residents in the restive region. Political measures meant giving them education that is not religious but secular in order to better their lives, he said.

Take the plunge!

Daily Trips to Phuket‘s best dive sites Special packages for Residents Holiday programmes for Kids Unique customer service e-mail: info@sea-bees.com tel: +66 (0)76 381 765

thephuketnews.com

8

REGIONAL NEWS

IN BRIEF Indonesia stages Asia’s biggest Labour Day rally Thousands of Indonesian workers held Asia’s biggest May Day rally on Tuesday, demanding better pay and protection of job security, watched warily by a heavy police and army contingent.

Carrying banners saying “raise our salaries” and “stop outsourcing contracts”, more than 9,000 workers gathered in Jakarta.

Around 16,000 police and soldiers were deployed to guard the protest, Jakarta police spokesman Rikwanto told reporters.

Minimum wage set to be introduced in Malaysia Malaysia will introduce a minimum wage for the first time in a move to bolster incomes amid rising living costs and speculation of a snap general election, a report said Tuesday.

An estimated 3.2 million workers are expected to gain from the move.

Private sector workers in peninsular Malaysia will receive a minimum salary of 900 ringgit (B9,100) a month.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

China allows Chen to stay in ‘safe’ location

Agence France-Presse

Beijing has committed to allow Chen Guangcheng to go to a “safe” place in China, a US official said Wednesday, adding the activist made no request to leave the country.

Chen, who riled Chinese authorities by exposing forced abortions and sterilisations under the “one-child” policy, fled house arrest on April 22 and sought refuge in the US embassy where he demanded assurances on his freedom.

Explaining the case in detail for the first time, a senior US official said that Chen agreed to leave the embassy on Wednesday after “a number of understandings.”

“China acknowledged that Mr Chen will be treated humanely while he remains in China,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

“When he leaves the hospital, the Chinese authorities have stated that Mr Chen and his family will be relocated to a safe environment so that he may attend a university to

A picture dated March 28, 2005 shows blind activist Chen Guangcheng with his wife and son outside their home in Dondshigu village, in northeast China.

Photo: AFP pursue a course of study,” the official said.

The official said that Chen – a 40-year-old self-taught lawyer – would be given the options of several universities.

The official said that China also agreed to allow US embassy officials including doctors to see Chen while he remains in a Beijing hospital.

Chen, who has been blind

from childhood, said at the embassy that he climbed over eight walls during his escape and injured his foot on one of the walls at his home, according to US officials.

The foot injury requires medical attention but is not life-threatening, the officials said.

Another senior US official involved in the case said that

Chen never requested safe passage and said he wanted to remain in China.

“He expressed that view from the very first conversation we had with him and he never varied from it,” the second official said.

Another US official meanwhile said on Wednesday there would be no repeat of the incident involving Mr Chen,

but declined to comment on China’s call for an apology over the incident.

In what appeared to be a carefully scripted response, the senior US official said: “This was an extraordinary case involving exceptional circumstances and we do not anticipate that it will be repeated.”

“Recognising the exceptional circumstances under which Mr Chen entered the US embassy, we intend to work closely inside the US government to fully ensure that our policies are consistent with our values,” he said.

“Because of the unique circumstances of his case, including his disabilities and his medical condition – and that much of this was conducted during the night – the United States did assist in his entry into the embassy,” he said.

The official declined to elaborate, but another official accompanying Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on a visit said that the United States believed its actions toward Chen were “lawful”.

India ferry disaster leaves 100 dead, 100 missing Agence France-Presse

Indian rescue teams hunted for bodies in the Brahmaputra river on Tuesday after a ferry sinking left at least 105 dead, with more corpses feared to have been flushed downstream into Bangladesh.

The vessel was split in two while navigating the fast-f lowing river in India’s northeastern Assam

thephuketnews.com

state, and police said about 100 passengers were still missing.

Despite an operating capacity of 225, some 350 people were believed to be on the two-deck boat when it broke up mid-stream during torrential, pre-monsoon rains.

The boat sank near the riverside town of Dhubri, about 25 kilometres from the border with Bangladesh.

The Brahmaputra, which is eight kilometres wide at the scene of the accident, flows through northeastern India into Bangladesh and out into the Bay of Bengal.

Police said 105 bodies had been counted and some 150 people were rescued or swam to safety, adding that the ferry carried no lifeboats or lifebelts and the chances of picking up more survivors were remote.

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

9

Anti-austerity anger sweeps through Europe on May Day Agence France-Presse

The Freedom Tower, pictured under construction in 2011, will be the tallest building in the US once completed.

‘Freedom Tower’ becomes tallest in New York City One World Trade Center, the monolith being built to replace the twin towers destroyed in 2001 terror attacks, claimed the title of New York City’s tallest skyscraper earlier this week.

On Monday workers erected steel columns that made its unfinished skeleton a little over 381 metres high, just enough to peek over the roof of the observation deck on the Empire State Building.

City officials and iron workers applauded as the first 12-ton column was hoisted onto the tower’s top deck.

The building is most commonly known as the “Freedom

Tower” but officially called “One World Trade Center.”

The Freedom Tower, scheduled to be opened in 2013, is being built to a height of 541 metres, which is a symbolic figure reminiscent of the US year of independence.

The building is planned to be the tallest in the United States once work has been completed.

The skyscraper is being built alongside the 9/11 Memorial, where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers stood until terrorists slammed airliners into them, killing nearly 3,000 people.

Fed up with high unemployment and austerity, May Day protesters took to the streets across Europe on Tuesday in a wave of anger that threatens to topple leaders in Paris and Athens.

From the eye of the eurozone debt storm in Madrid to the streets of Paris and Athens, where tottering governments face elections within days, marchers spoke of job losses, spending cuts and hard times.

More than two years after the eurozone sovereign debt crisis erupted, frustration with austerity is boiling over across the continent as voters wait in vain for signs of the economic pay-off.

In Spain, suffering the industrialised world’s highest jobless rate of 24.4 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, the major unions called protests in about 80 cities.

Tens of thousands massed in Madrid’s Neptuno square, decrying the jobless queue, new labour reforms that make it easier and cheaper to fire workers, and a budget squeeze in health care and education.

“They are going to destroy

A protester shouts slogans during a demonstration in central Athens to mark global May Day on May 1.

Photo: AFP more jobs with the labour reform,” complained 28-year-old graphic designer Sonia Calles.

“Already in Spain almost everyone is an intern up to the age of 30. And now employment insecurity is going to hit those in their 30s and 40s,” she said in the capital.

Thousands more rallied in Athens, Thessaloniki and other cities around Greece, five days ahead of cliffhanger

general elections with voters fed up with years of austerity.

“No-one Alone, Together We Will Get There!” read a banner draped on a stage in Athens’ central Kotzia square.

Polls indicate that Greeks are fleeing the main parties for smaller groups in revenge over a European Union-IMF economic recovery plan that has brought repeated waves of pay and pension cuts.

In Paris, the French presidential election race overcast the day as three powerful political movements battled for attention with competing rallies five days before polling day.

Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigrant far-right National Front kicked off the May Day events with several thousand supporters marching through central Paris.

SA

LE

Building C1-C2 Premium Outlet-Gallery Zone, Bypass Rd., Phuket 83000, Thailand Tel: (076) 350-465 Fax: (076) 350-465 Email: abfabsales@gmail.com www.abfabphuket.com Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10 am-5.30 pm Closed: Sunday

thephuketnews.com

10 LETTERS/VIEWPOINT

THE PHUKET NEWS

OPINION

Not so Gaga over the Lady

“I call on Lady Gaga to respect our cultural and traditional values. Most people here are Muslims and we cannot tolerate her revealing outfits and sexy performances” > 11

editor@thephuketnews.com

Editor’s Viewpoint

NORACHAI’S WORLD

PHUKET’S MUSIC DOES MATTER Those behind Monday’s jazz event at Music Matter in Phuket Town should be well proud of themselves.

Anyone who was at the jam session, to mark Unesco’s International Jazz Day, was treated to an outstanding display of local talent.

Music Matter co-owners Jeffery Sevilla, originally from the Philippines, and Thidaporn ‘Kay’ Mungkonkeaw have created a great music venue.

On Monday there were around 30 musicians present, many of whom took to the stage to perform during the night.

As well as local musicians getting behind the event, Phuket Town vice mayor Kavee Thansukthanont supported the plan at a Municipality level.

This helped get the road closed off, which allowed the crowd to set up chairs and tables in the street, creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere.

Mr Kavee explained that, although he is not a musician himself, he loves listening to music and was happy to sup-

Taxis stand.

Letters to the editor Design flaws [Re. Bangkoo underpass design finalised] Don’t hold your breath folks. Dave’s right but his wager is only valid if they complete the project. I’ll bet not in the next ten years.

“Just under 100 metres long and diving nine metres below ground.”

Yeah, right through the water table in that area.

My quick sums work out if it is 100 metres long then it is 50 metres to the centre and it is 9 metres at its low point. This is assuming equal slope at either end. This gives us a gradient of 5.6 to 1.

What engineer ever thought this is a safe gradient at highway speeds even in dry weather? Can you imagine when the planned drainage pump breaks down or the power goes off! Some enterprising soul will no doubt set up a scuba stall.

These public statements beggar belief.

Innocent Bystander

All that jazz

[Re. Local players mark Unesco Jazz Day] I was there. There was definitely an awesome celebration with lot of long time friends, drink and food, great jazz jamming and laughter.

I can’t wait for next year edition on April 30, 2013, International Jazz Day! Mariefilleokawa

Want to bet?

[Re. Bangkoo underpass design finalised] “...it will be barred to motorbike riders.”

As if this will be enforced. Motorbikes will use it and they will also drive on the wrong side of the road.

I’m not a betting man, but this seems worthy of a wager.

Dave

Open minds

[Re. Authorities nix Burmese concerts] Such a shame really. There is a big population of Burmese workers in

Phuket. Sooner or later Thailand will have to open their minds to the neighbouring countries around them, especially with Myanmar.

[There is] no room in Asia for racism.

Marc Husted

Mistakes made

[Re. Robber gets B48k from exchange booth] Probably not the sharpest pencil in the box, could have at least worn a full face helmet.

Says a lot for bank security as well, virtually sitting in a shop window on her own late at night. The CCTV can’t be up to much detail either if they have to draw a picture.

Absolutely no security whatsoever except for a glass window which I’m sure is not bulletproof. A bit of a joke all round.

Innocent Bystander

No Atlantis

[Re. Surprise: Phuket fails to sink] The crime is from the Thai govern-

ment that keep their citizens in such a state of ignorance than can believe islands sink with no reason.

Viral posts exist and will ever exist.

Perico

Cover up job

[Re. Patong-Chalong road ‘essential for evacuation’] If approval is given for this road it will be only a matter of time before what remains of the tropical jungle on this section is paved over, sold for housing estates and lost forever for future generations.

BenjamIn Walker

Candid camera

[Re. Robber gets B48k from exchange booth] The CCTV camera, possibly bought on special at Wal Mart and the image that it captured, possibly leaves doubt as to whether it was even a male or female Without the teller’s testimony and her photographic memory we would possibly be left to guess.

Sherlock

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax 076 612 553. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

port the project.

Phuket has great local music talent, as shown by Jaruwat “Dome” Cheawaram’s win in The Star 8 talent contest in Bangkok last Sunday, and Phuket Town is the perfect place to nurture such talent.

Full of old, traditionallydesigned buildings, the area lends itself to culture and arts.

Any events held in Phuket which promote local musical talent and provide an outlet for people to perform should be encouraged.

Clearly there is demand for such events, as shown on Monday night.

There is no doubt that people in Phuket, including locals, expats and tourists, would support such events, for the opportunity to see fresh local talent, as well as to perhaps get out of their comfort zone and visit a new bar in the old town.

And if future events get the backing of the Municipality, then there is the opportunity to expand and develop them into something bigger and better.

This week in history ■■ May 4, 1974 – An allfemale Japanese team reaches the summit of Manaslu in Nepal, becoming the first women to climb an 8,000-metre peak.

■■ May 5, 1905 – The trial in the Stratton Brothers case begins in London, marking the first time that fingerprint evidence is used to gain a conviction for murder.

■■ May 6, 1782 – Construction began on the Grand Palace, the royal residence of the King of Siam in Bangkok, at the command of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke.

■■ May 7, 1952 – The concept of the integrated circuit, the basis for all modern computers, is first published

by Geoffrey W.A. Dummer.

■■ May 8, 1912 – Paramount Pictures is founded.

■■ May 9, 1874 – The first horse-drawn bus makes its debut in the city of Bombay (Mumbai).

■■ May 10, 1960 – The nuclear submarine USS Triton completes Operation Sandblast, the first underwater circumnavigation of the earth.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FEATURE 11

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

South Korean fans attend the Lady Gaga (right) concert outside Seoul’s Olympic Stadium on April 27. Photo: AFP

NOT ALL IN ASIA ARE

GAGA OVER

THE LADY Agence France-Presse

A

ccused of contaminating youngsters with “satanic” dance moves and “intolerable” outfits, the cult of Lady Gaga is on a collision course with Asia’s moral guardians ahead of her mammoth world tour.

In other words, the performer – who goes by the name of Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta when not clad in outfits made of raw meat or tottering on vertigo-inducing footwear – is doing her job as a provocative pop star.

The multi-million-selling artist arrived in South Korea last week ahead of the first date of her Born This Way Ball at Seoul’s 70,000 seat Olympic Stadium Friday, the start of a touring juggernaut encompassing 110 dates.

“I will perform the tour of your life,” the performer tweeted to her 23 million Twitter followers.

The tour, featuring elaborate sets designed by in-house team Haus of Gaga, follows up on the success of her album Born This Way, which has

sold nearly six million copies worldwide since it was released in May 2011.

But amid the hype and clamour for tickets is a drum beat of protest from those who do not take the gender-bending antics of the frequently scantilyclad US performer lightly.

Gaga will in June head to Indonesia, the world’s biggest Muslim nation, where Islamic leaders have said her risqué outfits will not be tolerated.

“I call on Lady Gaga to respect our cultural and traditional values. Most people here are Muslims and we cannot tolerate her revealing outfits and sexy performances,” the Indonesia Ulema Council leader Amidhan told AFP. He added, however, that the country’s highest Islamic body has no plan to issue a fatwa against her performing.

“It’s better for Lady Gaga to cancel her show in this country if she has no willingness to respect our demand. Please do not destroy our nation’s morality and ruin our dignity,” said Amidhan, who goes by one name, like many Indonesians.

Big Daddy, the promoters

for the concert in Jakarta, said tickets began selling in early March and were sold out within two weeks.

“We have informed Lady Gaga’s management (about these concerns), and they said that they will respect the country where she will perform”, said Hanny Marpaung, corporate secretary for Big Daddy.

But he added “we still don’t have any clue” about what she will wear.

Four of the Giorgio Armani outfits Lady Gaga will wear for her Seoul concert were unveiled Monday, including a leotard fashioned from guitars and a black body suit made of hundreds of glittering vinyl tubes sewn together with metal studs.

Conservative Christian groups in South Korea have rallied against the self-styled “Mother Monster”, accusing her of promoting pornography and homosexuality on malleable young minds.

South Korea has East Asia’s largest Christian community after the Philippines, with about 8.6 million Protestants and 5.1 million Catholics. About

10 million South Koreans are Buddhists.

Scores of Protestant church members held a group prayer on Sunday against the concert, calling her dance moves “satanic” performances that “contaminate souls” of the country’s youth.

South Koreans aged under 18 have been banned from the show, Lady Gaga’s second concert in the country, after the government rated it unsuitable for younger audiences.

Internet portals and social network sites have been abuzz with intense debates, with most commentators accusing the religious groups of bigotry.

“What an international embarrassment they are! Do they really believe they can violate other people’s right to enjoy her show?” said one anonymous user.

In the Philippines, a youth organisation urged people to stay away from Gaga’s May 21 concert, saying it poses a threat to moral values in Asia’s largest Catholic nation.

Organisers said fans have swiftly snapped up most tickets for the show, including the

highest-priced 15,850-peso (B11,500) options.

But Laurence Pintero, head of the Manila-based Youth for Christ, criticised the government for allowing the concert to take place.

“If the government thinks she is a threat, first and foremost they should stop it,” he said. “I think we should be bold. We discourage (people from) attending her concert.”

Elsewhere in the region, Gaga has been embraced.

In Japan, whose Manga art and cosplay – a phenomenon in which participants wear costumes representing a character or trend – are clearly some of her biggest influences, she is affectionately known as “Lady Gaga-san”.

Gaga won more friends after declaring “Japan is safe” when she visited three months after the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that left 19,000 dead and sparked the

Fukushima nuclear crisis that helped decimate tourism.

And in Australia she was crowned “Honorary Citizen of Sydney” for using her star power against “prejudice directed at gay men and women”.

Then there’s the tiny Pacific atoll of Niue, about 2,500 kilometres northeast of New Zealand, which pledged that all of its 1,600 inhabitants would attend a Lady Gaga concert in a bid to lure her to its shores.

Tickets for Lady Gaga’s shows in Singapore and Hong Kong sold out within hours, with three extra dates shows added at the Chinese territory’s Asia World-Expo venue as buyers queued for days for tickets.

The Born This Way Ball world tour includes a performance at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium on May 25. Tickets available from thaiticketmajor.com

thephuketnews.com

12 BUSINESS/TOURISM

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Little quake risk locally

But expert gives advice for protecting buildings, just in case > 14

business@thephuketnews.com

Excise tax take totals B180bn NNT

The Excise Department has reported that it collected almost B180 billion in the first half of fiscal 2012.

Benja Louicharoen, the department’s director-general, said that the department has collected B179.24 billion in taxes during the first half of fiscal 2012, which began last October.

Mrs Benja said that the No 1 source of revenue was vehicle tax, which amounted

to B42.97 billion, followed by tax on beer of B34.61 billion and tax on tobacco of B31.83 billion.

These were followed by oil and oil products, which brought in B30.38 billion, and alcohol (excluding beer), which added B28.48 billion.

Mrs Benja added that the Finance Ministry has instructed the department to step up action on tax evasion and to implement “offensive and clampdown measures” against violators of excise tax law.

Asia aces best airports awards Asian airports have swept the annual SkyTrax World Airport Awards, occupying the top three places, and taking three more of the top 10.

According to Skytrax the awards are “based on 12 million survey questionnaires completed by over 100 different nationalities of airline customers during the nine month survey period in 2011/2012, covering more than 388 airports worldwide”.

First place went to Incheon International Airport in South Korea, with Singapore’s Changi and Hong Kong in second and third.

Beijing Capital International Airport was fifth, Kuala Lumpur eighth and Central Japan International Airport 10th.

Skytrax (airlinequality. com) dsecribes itself as “the world’s leading airline and airport review site for over

thephuketnews.com

681 airlines and 725 airports”.

Incheon, which is the main airport for the Korean capital, Seoul, also won the top accolade from Skytrax in 2009, and has been rated by the Airports Council International as the best airport in the world for seven years in a row, from 2005 to this year.

Edward Plaisted, Chairman of SkyTrax, looking at the way Asian airports dominated the survey, noted, “The real differentiator that comes across in customer feedback is that the service culture across these Asian airports is very often at a much higher quality level and, most importantly, [is delivered] in a consistent manner.”

Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport came 25th overall and 10th in the list of airports handling 30 to 50 million passengers a year. Phuket is not yet ranked by SkyTrax.

A Malaysian tourist died in the March bombings in Haad Yai and Yala (above).

Terrorism insurance set to be extended TTR Weekly

An insurance scheme that offers security incident-related cover for tourists visiting the country could be extended beyond the expiry date of June 30.

The scheme, introduced on March 1 after bombings in Bangkok, offers tourists insurance cover in the case of injury or death linked to a security incident, and is expected to be extended until

June. Ministry of Tourism and Sports permanent secretary, Suwat Sidthilaw, said the extension aims to build confidence at a time when there are regional terrorist threats and concern that Thailand could be a target.

“The scheme was supposed to expire at the end of June, but the ministry is asking the Cabinet to extend this advantage to September as it is a plus point that builds confidence,” said Mr Suwat.

Mr Suwat noted that there were more than 400 securityrelated injuries in Yala last month, and also a car bomb in Haad Yai’s Lee Garden Hotel that killed one Malaysian visitor.

“There are good reasons to keep the insurance scheme alive,” he said.

The scheme only covers foreign tourists. Domestic tourists injured in security incidents such as the one at Hat Yai are eligible for treat-

ment under the national health insurance scheme.

Insurance covers up to US$10,000 (B308,000) per person in the case of death, while it covers the actual costs of hospital treatment in the case of injury. It also compensates financially those who lose limbs or suffer impairment due to a bomb or other kind of security-related incident.

Extending the insurance will cost the ministry B100 million in additional budgets.

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS/TOURISM 13

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

IN BRIEF Myanmar to revive visas on arrival Visas on arrival will be introduced by Myanmar from June, Union Minister for Immigration and Manpower, U Khin Yee told local press in the capital, Naypyitaw.

The 70-day visas, for business trips only, will be issued on arrival at Yangon Airport and cost US$40 (about B1,200).

Mr Yee said talks were on-going with travel agencies that should see the country follow with tourist visas on arrival for Asean passport holders “in the near future”.

–TTR Weekly

Inflation ‘to hit 4pc’ The Thai Chamber of Commerce says this year’s inflation could reach 4 per cent because of the minimum wage hike, and surging prices for petrol, electricity and public transport.

However, the economy is expected to expand by 5.9 per cent, partly due to higher consumer spending power as around five million people will have more money to spend after a wage rise.

–TAN

Survey looks at Brit property habits Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has team­ ed up with property TV, magazine and website group A Place In The Sun to conduct extensive research into the overseas property buying habits of the British.

The research will examine who buys property abroad, what factors influence where they buy, what motivates them to buy property overseas, the price of the property, how it is financed and the use of the property.

Professor John Swar­ brooke, tourism lecturer at MMU, who is heading the research team, hopes to have the first set of data from the research later this month.

–homeguru.com.my

Toshiba moves to high, dry ground Toshiba has announced that it will build a new chip factory in Thailand to replace one hit by record flooding last year.

The plant, scheduled to start production by mid-2013, will be built in Prachinburi province, about 140 kilometres northeast of Bangkok on a site with no major rivers nearby, Toshiba said.

“The investment will be several billion [baht],” a Toshiba spokesman said.

–AFP

‘likely to stay Mövenpick Resort Thailand on US piracy watch list’ sold to expanding Malaysian group MCOT

The Mövenpick Resort, next to Karon Beach, is to change ownership, with current owner Kingdom Hotel Investments reported to have signed a contract to sell the property to TA Global of Malaysia.

P roper t y pu nd it Bill Ba r net t, w r it i ng i n h is thephuketinsider.com blog, reports, “The purchase price for the 338-key property is US$90,208,000 [about B2.7 billion].

“TA Global is an affiliate of Malaysia-based financial services group TA Enterprises.

“Over the past four years the group has embarked on

a hotel acquisition strategy which has included buying the Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore, the Westin Melbourne, the Radisson Blue Sydney, the Aava Whistler [in Canada] and the Swissotel Kunchan in China.”

The Mövenpick Karon began life as the Karon Villa and Royal Wing, owned by the Vanich family. In December 2003 it was sold to LaSalle Investment Management, which spent US$20 million (B600 million) on an extensive makeover. Inter-continental was contracted to run the property as a Crowne Plaza

resort.

Kingdom Investments, which is more than 90-percent-owned by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, bought the resort in May 2006 for US$98.5 million, at that time about B3.7 billion.

Kingdom brought Mövenpick in to run the hotel.

While TA has been on a buying spree, Kingdom has been doing rather the opposite, selling off its stakes in the Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta and the Mövenpick Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. It put the Karon property on the market in February this year.

Power bills set to surge The cost of electricity will most likely rise in May by 30 satang a unit as the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) adjusts rates to cover rising gas and oil prices.

The adjustment will see the fuel adjustment tariff (FT) rise by 30 satang a unit, raising the price per unit of electricity for households by 8.6 per cent, from the current B3.50 to B3.80.

For households, electricity rates are set to rise to B2.57 a unit from B2.27 now.

Rates for higher usage will also rise. For example, rates for use of 100 to 150 units a month will go up to B3.53 a unit, 151 to 400 units will cost B4.04, and over 401 units will cost B4.24.

The chairman of the Energy Regulatory Commission, Direk Lawansiri, announced the rises after the commission met to discuss the FT rate for the next billing period, from May to August.

He said that in order to fully cover rising fuel costs, the FT charge should actually increase by 57.45 satang.

However, the commission had asked EGAT to swallow 19.05 satang of the

cost increase per unit. The remaining 8.4 satang of the difference would be covered by capital remaining from the investment budgets of the state electricity utilities during 2008 and 2010.

EGAT has already absorbed as much as B10 billion in costs by freezing the FT following the floods in Bangkok and central Thailand, in order not to put extra pressure on companies already suffering from the disaster.

Mr Direk also called on the public to help save energy, as the country currently needs to import a greater amount of fuel from abroad for power generation. With the hottest months of the year coming up, energy imports are expected to rise even further.

Members of the public are invited to share their opinion on the issue at the commission’s website, www.erc.or.th, up until May 4, when the new FT rate will most likely come into effect.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) made its opinion clear even before the commission met, arguing that a sharp increase may result in a large number of manufacturers raisYOUR RIGHTS ARE PRECIOUS

ing prices.

FTI chairman Payungsak Chartsuthipol said a hefty increase in the FT would particularly affect manufacturers in the seven pilot provinces, including Phuket, who have just been hit by the April 1 rise in the minimum day wage to B300, and are also facing price increases for raw materials.

Rising fuel and electricity costs have also seen a rise in demand for energy-saving products, said Twarath Sutabutr, the deputy director-general of the Renewable Energy and Conservation Energy Department (RECED).

He predicted that the upward spiral in oil prices should increase the ratio of renewable energy usage to non-renewable from 8.5 per cent last year to 10 per cent this year.

RECED, in partnership with the Thai Environment Institute and the Thailand Business Council for Sustainable Development, have organised an energy-saving campaign in the private sector.

The United States is likely to announce by the end of this month that Thailand will remain on its intellectual property Priority Watch List (PWL) for another year.

The director of Thailand’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP), Patchima Thanasanti, said although Thailand has “continuously campaigned and acted against the infringement of intellectual property”, the US view is that the problem has not lessened in the past five years and that Thailand has no serious law to protect intellectual property.

The DIP is trying to introduce a copyright and trademarks law as soon as possible, she said, and the law on intellectual property should be in force by 2014, particularly relating to software and movie piracy.

Once the law is in place, the US may then move Thailand off the PWL.

WE HAVE SELECTED ONLY THE BEST THAI & FOREIGN QUALIFIED LAWYERS

• Experienced team of Thai & Foreign lawyers specializing in all areas of law & Business

995

PER MONTH!

Storage Solutions Call 076 29 29 09

Unit 6D CCM Complex 77/77 Moo 5, Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Rd., Rasada Sub District, Muang Phuket District, Phuket

E: info@hhlegaladvisors.com

WWW.HHLEGALADVISORS.COM

Safe Smart Simple

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

Reserve Your Storage Space

HARIS & HAWRYLUK - ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW

T: 076 510 111

She added that Deputy Commerce Minister Poom Sarapol had assigned her department to revise measures and take serious action against department stores that allow retailers to sell pirated items on their premises.

The DIP is organising a three-day IP Fair from today (May 4) at Bangkok’s Queen Sirikit National Convention Center to raise awareness and to provide opportunities for inventors and owners of intellectual property rights to meet with entrepreneurs.

FROM ONLY THB

• Timely, Professional and Quality Legal Service • Transparent & Task Based Billing

Patchima Thanasanti: Waiting for new laws.

Hotline : 086 666 8448

or visit mystorageasia.com

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage

Mon to Sat 9am-6pm, Sun & Holidays 10am-4pm

Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

thephuketnews.com

14 BUSINESS/PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Little to fear in Phuket, says earthquake expert (but just in case, here’s some advice on protecting buildings) Marque A. Rome business@thephuketnews.com

Computer generated view of the condos in RPM’s new development, La Reserve Residences.

Half-price schooling for buyers of condos Royal Phuket Marina has come up with a nifty marketing ploy to help sell its new family-style condominium development – a 50-per-cent subsidy on tuition fees for two consecutive years at the nearby British International School.

The special offer halves the standard school fees, which are US$7,800 (B230,000) a year in kindergarten, rising to US$14,000 (B420,000) in primary school, and US$17,000 (B500,000) in secondary school.

In addition to the 50 per cent discount on the tuition fees, entrance and application fees totalling as much as US$4,750 (B140,000) per child are waived.

The deal is available for all dependent children of families buying two-bedroom condos at La Reserve Residences, which is selling for prices starting from US$262,000 (B7.86 million).

Royal Phuket Marina owner and developer Gulu Lalvani explained, “Phuket now has some of the finest international schools in Southeast Asia.

“These, together with the Villa Suksan is a q uie

t seclude

arn 2 Nai H e s a h P now Selling

safe and relaxed island lifestyle, provide an attractive option for young families either settling in Asia or looking for an alternative to overcrowded city hubs.”

The development consists of 40 one- and two-bedroom condominiums in two blocks, each with its own rooftop Sky Pool.

The infinity-edged rooftop pool decks are tropically landscaped, with barbecue areas and sun decks, and are reached by a direct-to-roof lift.

From the roof, owners will get broad views of Phang Nga Bay. One-bedroom condominiums, range from 527.4 to 678.1 square feet of combined indoor and outdoor space with sophisticated designer lounges with Thai accents, dual entry, ensuite bathrooms, fitted kitchens and balconies to enjoy cool tropical nights.

Two-bedroom condos of 893.4 to 1507 square feet of indoor and outdoor space feature en suite bathrooms in both master and guest/children bedrooms, spacious kitchens and generous dining areas.

For more information, see royalphuketmarina.com

d deve lopme nt of bout ique villa s

The April 16 Thalang earthquake, which measured 4.3 on the Richter scale, caused damage to 35 Phuket homes and panicked the island’s local population.

It has since been urged in Parliament that 20 seismometers be set up in Phuket as a precaution against future quakes – though precisely what use so many seismometers might be in this geologically tranquil area remains an open question.

Last week, at a seminar orchestrated by the Phuket Real Estate Association and the Phuket Architects Association, the featured speaker, Thailand’s foremost expert on earthquakes and structural engineering, Thamasat University associate professor Dr Amorn Pimanmas, sent a mixed message to the hundred or so gathered at the Boat Lagoon Resort in Koh Kaew.

In a nearly three-hour talk, he demonstrated more or less conclusively that Phuket denizens have little to fear from earthquakes centred here. But just in case, he offered advice on protecting structures from the effects of quakes.

Phuket lies in the zone least affected by earthquakes in Thailand. Chiang Mai, close to the deep fault that slices through Myanmar, is far more at risk. So is Bangkok, because of nearby faults in Myanmar, and because its skyscrapers are underlain by soft-soil strata.

But, as the doctor pointed out, quakes occur along any given point in Myanmar faults about once every 1,000 years.

Along the Ranong fault, which affects Phuket, just once in 10,000 years.

Dr Amorn also presented research showing that incidence of quakes world-wide over the last 10 years remains at the historic average, about 500,000 yearly, and the vast majority of these register less than 3.5 on the Richter scale.

Quakes registering 5.0 - 5.9 occur about 1,500 times yearly; 6.0 - 6.9 about 150 times; 7.0 7.9 15 times; and quakes over 8.0 only once a year.

Although Thailand has suffered just eight quakes over 5.0 in the last 36 years – and none in Phuket – quakes greater than 5.0 can cause

considerable damage if they occur at shallow depth in builtup areas, where structures are not effectively reinforced.

Thus the professor, who has written a number of volumes on the subject, including the 721-page Nonlinear Mechanics of Reinforced Concrete, concludes that: “Because earthquakes can occur anywhere, at any time, without warning, this country cannot be described as completely free of risk.”

The latter half of his lecture was given over to describing methods useful in preventing earthquake damage.

In any earthquake, buildings receive greatest stress where the ground intersects. To defeat the mechanics of a shake on pillars and pilings, they can be clad externally with a

Phuket scores high in awards com bini n

g lu xury and affor dabilit y

Villa Suksan is a quiet secluded Boutique Development of Bali Style Pool Villas combining luxury and affordability. Villa Suksan is inspired by the calm and tranquillity of the Balinese lifestyle combined with Thai and modern elements to achieve an elegance that is both comfortable and functional for overseas buyers. Our goal is to build high quality villas at an affordable price that blend well with the tropical environment.

• Full property management • Freehold and Leasehold Ownership Nai Harn Beach & Rawai Bay Tel. 086 686 2389 or 076 384 691 Sales andrew@villasuksan.com

thephuketnews.com

Amorn Pimanmas: ‘This country cannot be described as completely free of risk.’

metre or two of carbon fibre at ground level.

This, the doctor points out, is rather expensive, so he suggests wrapping those in small buildings and houses with cladding composed of lath and concrete. Lath and concrete can also be attached to the unreinforced brick walls typical in Thai construction, to prevent injury from falling bricks.

Dr Amorn, who has ties to a number of international engineering firms and participated in designing Dubai’s The Palm electric monorail, as well as Bangkok mass transit lines, says making Phuket structures safe from earthquakes will “add about five per cent to construction costs, which is affordable.”

Asked why, if Phuket is such a low-risk locale, people should spend any extra, he said, “Still there are risks,” he said, “and as an academic it is my responsibility to identify those risks and provide against them.”

Dr Amorn says Phuket is at considerable risk from tsunamis precipitated by seismic events in Sumatra. To protect against injury he urges the building of strong platforms for use as temporary escape structures, and construction at seaports of “heavy” multilevel concrete buildings with seaward “bumper pillars”, to prevent damage by vessels torn from moorings.

Dr Amorn is also a member of the Thai Concrete Association.

Phuket properties have once again scored significant wins in the Asia-Pacific section of the International Property Awards.

The biggest local winner was Kata Rocks, whose team brought home six awards. Four

of these were in the Thailand category, for best apartment, best development marketing, best developer website and a highly commended in the best development segment.

The development also won best development marketing

and best developer website accolades for Asia-Pacific.

“Adding six awards to our list is pretty outstanding,” says Kata Rocks Developer and MD Richard Pope. “We couldn’t be any more proud of what we are achieving with our project and with the level of recognition it’s bringing to Phuket.”

Bluepoint Condos won two awards in the Thailand category, for best development multiple units, and best architecture multiple residence.

Architects Original Vision won a highly commended for architecture single residence, for their work on Sava at Natai.

Hunter Sotheby won best agency website, Thailand, while Banyan Tree won best development multiple units for Banyan Tree Residences at Laguna.

16 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

CULTURE

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

BIG LIST: Occupy the loo: worst toilets > 20

culture@thephuketnews.com

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

view

THIS WEEK’S HINT: “Only a face a mother could love? This guy is a giant grouper (epinephelus lanceolatus) who can grow up to 2.7 metres and weigh 600 kgs.

He and his tank mates can’t go very far in their glass enclosure located on the East coast of Phuket Island, as they are there to be observed on a daily basis by dozens of locals and tourists who gape at his immense size”.

–Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT: www.photohutgroup.com

photohutgroup.com

Congratulations go to Sharon Scott Bennett, Sineenart ‘Apple’ Srisutam, and marcher, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the Heroines Monument statue, located about six kilometres south of Thalang at the centre of the roundabout.

Great work from a cool mind

thephuketnews.com

Designed by Woulfe Studio

Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo.4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, 076 620 071, designedbywoulfe.com.

Norachai Thavisin editor3@thephuketnews.com

Painter Somrak Maneemai’s nickname is ‘Yen’, which means ‘cool’ in Thai.

His preference for cool, pastel colours is clearly evident in his oil and acrylic paintings, which are being shown at the VR Gallery of Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in Kata Noi until June 9.

It must feel good for an artist to be able to sit back and watch as his work of the past half decade is being appreciated by a lively crowd, as was the case at his exhibition opening last Saturday evening.

In Yen’s imaginative work, fantastical and whimsical little child figures bounce and cavort on beautifully-painted clouds and on the back of dreamy animals featuring large, clear eyes.

The artist normally works at his Red Gallery in the Phuket Art Village in Rawai, where he and four other artists are busy creating an active creative space out of their home-made studios. It is the only such facility in Phuket, apart from the garden of Nakonnai Gallery, not far away in Soi Saiyuan 2.

Yen explains that his painting process consists of letting pools of thin paint wash over

PHUKET GALLERIES Dream Gallery

Boat Lagoon, 23/122 Thepkasattri Rd, Koh Kaew, 076 273 487, gallery@asiansourcingallery.com, thedreamgallery.asia.

I Mon Art Gallery

29/2 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 086 961 8968, montian_29@live.com. Open daily 8am-7.30pm.

Nakonnai Art Museum

84/34 Moo7, Soi Saiyuan 2, Rawai. 085 974 7218, nakonnaiartmuseum@yahoo.com.

P. Fire Studio

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 085 591 1587, virat-uttakut@hotmail.co.th. Open daily.

Red Gallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 087 323 321, redgallerythai@yahoo.com; phuketredgallery.com. Open daily.

Sarasil Art Galllery

121 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 532, somkiatkaewnok@yahoo.com; oilpaintingsphuket.com.

Open daily 8pm-9pm.

Tawan Ook Art Gallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 081 956 5872. Open daily.

Painter Somrak Maneemai sits in front of one of the paintings at his current show.

The Love Art Studio

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 089 471 5653, pui.t.l.a.s.@hotmail.com; theloveartstudio.com. Open daily.

Veerachan Usahanun

110/34 Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach Rd, 081 490 4359, usahanun@live.com; veerachanusahanun.com.Open daily.

Vichen Gallery Bzenter

Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722.

Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)

VR Gallery & Coffee Shop

Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.

large canvases laying flat on the ground. These paint pools dry up as landscapes of sky, clouds and desert that are then populated by a fantastic

collection of little people and animals, popping up everywhere the eye looks.

This is Norachai’s last Gallery Focus, as he is moving

to Chiang Mai to pursue his own art. We wish him all the best for the future. Next week, our new Arts Editor focuses his artistic eye on the island.

Watcharin Art Studio

27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town, 088 386 1449, watcharintinorodnit@hotmail.com, rindamagicalart.com.

Wua Gallery and Studio

1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 258 208, wua.artgallery@gmail.com; wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

PEOPLE 17

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

A Celtic influence in Phuket

Helene Fallon Wood

Honorary Consul of Ireland to Phuket, Krabi and Phang Nga, and Manager of Tamarind Villas Phuket

What were you doing before you moved here?

Before I moved to Phuket I was a production co-ordinator/ manager for several TV series here, in addition to providing and movies, working mainly visa applications for Thais wanting to go to Ireland. in Ireland and the UK.

Exposed

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

This September I will have lived in Phuket for 24 years.

I moved here because my husband Peter wanted to come to Thailand.

What is the best thing about living here?

Coming from Ireland it has to be the weather!

Tell us about your position as the Irish Consulate for Phuket.

I was appointed just after the tsunami in 2004. However I had been unofficially representing Ireland for a number of years before that. My position basically involves offering a service to all Irish citizens, whether holidaying or residing

Favourite food or dish?

A good risotto with seafood, preferably crab, and a good glass of crisp white wine.

What kind of music are you into?

Some Celtic music, R&B and What do you do to relax? some classical.

I love a Thai massage and What is the best tip you I love visiting the salon for have for people moving hours of pampering. to Phuket?

What hobbies or sports Take your time and decide on are you interested in? things slowly and after seeking I go to the gym daily and love good advice. Make sure you to ride my bike around Nai have super health insurance, Harn and Rawai. I also read please! lots and love movies and lots The person you admire of TV series. the most and why?

I am involved in the Life Home Project [a shelter for Irish president Mary McAleese women and children affected who came to Phuket in 2002

by HIV/Aids] and spend time for the Asian Gaelic Games working on events and projects hosted in Phuket. She took for the betterment of the project. time out to visit the Life What is your favourite Home Project and subsequently we received a grant childhood memory?

Picking blackberries and from the Irish Government gooseberries at my grand- to assist in the building of the parents’ gardens and making project in Koh Sirae. jams and pies with them.

P resident McA leese

A very busy Helene Fallon Wood. Photo: Matt Burns, www.southeastasiaimages.com. stepped down this year after two terms as Irish president.

She will be very much missed.

Where in Phuket would you take someone on a first date?

Again, being Irish, it would have to be a pub, probably The Irish Times in Jungceylon.

If you could come back as any other person who would

it be and why?

My husband, he plays golf most days or sails if not golfing, and generally has a great life!

Favourite place on the island, and why?

I love Nai Harn as it is still very unspoilt and in the green season it is almost back to our own local beach. I love to sit

watching the sunset and having a glass of wine with friends.

What’s your favourite night out?

Going out for dinner at Ka Jok See and having a boogie and a lot of shooters, compliments of the great host Khun Lek. I love the show and the atmosphere and the huge laugh one always has.

thephuketnews.com

18 EDUCATION/HEALTH

HEALTH BRIEFS Scientists find gene that inhibits pancreas cancer spread

Scientists have identified a gene that slows the spread of pancreatic cancer tumours, paving the way for targeted treatment of one of the deadliest forms of the disease, said a paper published on Sunday (April 29).

After discovering the gene dubbed USP9X at work in a study of pancreatic cancer in mice, the international research team found it also played a role in humans.

“Patients that had a low level of the gene expressed ... they died very quickly after their operation and the patients who at the end of their life had lots of metastasis (spreading of the cancer), they had also a very low level of this protein,” researcher David Tuveson said.

Mind-controlled robot unveiled for paraplegics A professor at a Swiss university has unveiled a robot that can be controlled by the brainwaves of a paraplegic person wearing an electrodefitted cap.

A paralysed man at a hospital in the town of Sion demonstrated the device,

sending a mental command to a computer in his room, which transmitted it to another computer that moved a small robot 60 kilometres away in Lausanne.

The system was developed

by Jose Millan, a professor at the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne who specialises in non-invasive interfaces between machines and the brain.

The same technology can be used to drive a wheelchair, Millan said.

US scientist claims to have found elusive G-spot A US gynecologist claims to have found the G-spot, a supposed pleasure centre on the front interior wall of the vagina, but some critics say, not so fast.

In a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, Adam Ostrzenski said he has confirmed the presence of the G-spot after extracting a tiny “well-delineated sac structure” from inside an 83-year-old cadaver.

But critics have cast doubt on the latest finding, noting that the supposed G-spot only seems to provide arousal for some women and that its importance may be overstated by sex product marketers.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

New Thai scholarship Stenden Rangsit University has introduced a unique scholarship program to Thailand with the objective to give a chance to students with outstanding achievements.

With all subjects being taught entirely in English and professors from around the world, Stenden offers an international standard of education. Students come from all over the world to study International Hotel Management in Bangkok. It’s a colourful mix of nationalities with both Thai and international students from New Zealand, the United States, China, The Netherlands, Germany, Bhutan, Hungary, South Africa and many more.

This unique environment makes Stenden a truly international university in which students can meet people from all over the world and learn about diversity of cultures.

Stenden Rangsit University is part of a global network with campus sites in The Netherlands, South Africa, Qatar and Bali. With identical curriculum of International Hotel Management at any of these campus sites, Stenden students can conveniently study abroad and gain even broader international insights. With the global industrial networks, students

Stenden Rangsit University’s student body comprises of a multitude of nationalities. can also do their internship abroad and students achieve a double degree with a study abroad at their campus in the Netherlands.

The full or partial academic scholarships are open to outstanding Thai students to help reduce their financial burden. This scholarship gives students a chance to join the International Hotel Management program in Bangkok with a Double Bachelor’s degree upon graduation (Thai and

Dutch Bachelor of Business Administration).

“With this initiative Stenden strives to make high quality, international education more accessible to Thai students. Our programme, with its international scope and its strong focus on management throughout the curriculum, gives them the right foundation to start a successful national or international management career in the hospitality industry”, explains General

Manager Maureen van der Meché.

Stenden Rangsit University’s International Hotel Management programme offers four intakes per year. The scholarship programme is open for the September admission only. The application deadline for the scholarship program is July 1, 2012.

More information can be found at www.stendenrangsit. com or www.facebook.com/ StendenRangsit.

WHO hopeful drug-resistant malaria can be contained Agence France-Presse

The World Health Organisation (WHO) this week said it was optimistic drug-resistant malaria that has emerged along Thailand’s borders with Cambodia and Myanmar could be contained within the region.

Malaria that was resistant to the commonly used antimalarial artemisinin emerged on the Thailand-Cambodia border eight years ago, and has since also been discovered along the Thailand-Myanmar border, scientists say.

“This emerged around eight years ago, and so far we

A mosquito chows down. haven’t found any artemisinin resistance outside the Mekong region,” WHO expert Pascal Ringwald told reporters in Bangkok, noting containment efforts were also in place.

“I think we have good chances to keep it in the Mekong region,” he added.

But he also said the drug resistance on the two Thai borders appeared to be “totally independent, and could emerge anywhere.”

A pair of studies published in The Lancet and the journal Science earlier this month of 3,202 patients along the northwestern border of Thailand near Myanmar from 2001 and 2010 indicated a steady increase in drug resistance.

Resistance to artemisinin does not prevent patients being cured thanks to partner drugs, but treatment typically takes a few days instead of 24 hours, said Ringwald.

EAT RIGHT: The Fresenius Kabi Advanced Nutrition Course (FRANC) Asia 2012 was held in Thailand at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa from April 27-28, bringing together medical experts in their field for scientific discussions on current concepts and developments within Clinical Nutrition therapy.

Pictured are some of the 220 delegates from Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

PETS 19

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

THE SHIH TZU:

PERFECT HOUSE PET YOUR BREED

by Jackie Perry

T

here are varying reports on the origin of this lovely breed, which is so very popular here in Thailand.

Some place it as a breed originating in China during the Tang Dynasty around A.D.642.

Others are convinced it is actually a Tibetan breed and was used by the monks in the mountain top monasteries – it is an excellent alarm dog as it has very acute hearing and would sound off the alarm at any approaching stranger.

Whatever its origins, this delightful breed makes a terrific house pet and is such fun to live with as it adores children and mixes well with other dogs and cats.

As the picture shows, the Shih Tzu is around 25cm to 26cm tall and has a body which is slightly longer than high. It has short well boned legs which are straight and reasonably wide apart to allow

for a good chest.

The hind legs are also well boned and stand parallel to each other.

The topline should be straight and the tail should be set right off the top of the line and carried with a high curl over the back.

The head should be well rounded between the ears, short in muzzle not longer than 2.5cm and the chin should be broad and turned slightly upwards to cover the six straight lower teeth which form an undershot (bottom teeth in front of upper teeth) mouth.

The muzzle (lips) should meet the chin and cover over the bottom lips but never droop. The eyes are large and lustrous, round, set well apart and looking straight ahead.

They should never be prominent. The ears are set slightly below the crown of the head and are covered in long hair.

The nostrils should be large and well open to allow the dog to breath properly.

One of the older standards in Europe always called for

Shih Tzus make the perfect house pet, according to Phuket dog judge Jackie Perry. a “Clown’s” nose, in other words a nose that looks as if it has been stuck onto the end of another nose.

The whole dog should give the impression of being sturdy in build.

The coat (hair) which is the crowning glory of this breed should be long and crisp to the touch. Never curly though a

Adopt a dog

slight wave is permissible and never fine and silky. It should have a double coat – i.e. a short undercoat with the longer coat over the top giving plenty of thickness. The coat should never be fine or thin.

On the move the Shih Tzu should hold its head high and stride out kicking up its back legs to show its pads from the

rear. A proud little dog with arrogant movement.

This author has bred these lovely little dogs for many years producing many champions for the show ring and would recommend to anyone who has the time to look after the long coat as they do need daily grooming to keep the knots away. Also they should

have their faces cleaned with a damp tissue after eating.

Enjoy your Shih Tzu and love it and you too will be rewarded.

Jackie Perry is based in Phuket but travels to judge dog shows all over the world. She is happy to answer questions from dog lovers. Simply email her at culture@thephuketnews.com

Pet of the Week

PROSPERO IS LOOKING FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL

Prospero was dumped at the Phuket Pound as a young puppy five years ago.

She’s spent the last few years at the Soi Dog Shelter and we’d love to find her somewhere special to live. She’s around five years old and quite shy, but a very sweet little girl. She needs someone who’ll cherish her and show her love and affection. Prospero is fully vaccinated and sterilised and can be adopted locally or abroad. Please email cindy@soidog.org for more adoption information. or phone the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222. You can also visit our website www.soidog.org or follow us on Facebook.

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

Around 5 months old and recently clipped, this spunky fireball is the mascot for the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation. Biscuit (pronounced BIZ-quit) has a flair for the dramatic when making new friends or attacking old ones.

Being an office cat he has a love for pens, paper and rubber bands and a willingness to learn new skills. He recently has tried to learn to take the paper from the printer to staff desks. Sadly it only gets as far as the floor where it’s promptly torn up. Feel free to stop by and say hello to Biscuit!

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

thephuketnews.com

DANE'S WORLD

20 WEIRD NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

Boring embraces Dull There’s nothing boring about Boring, USA. But it’s now a little closer to being Dull.

Dull, Scotland, that is.

Boring, a rural suburb of Portland, Oregon, named after its early 20th century founding family, is poised to formally declare itself Dull’s sister community tomorrow (May 5) when its community planning organisation convenes.

“It’s for fun, really, and to attract some attention to both our communities,” the organisation’s chairman, fire equipment dealer Stephen Bates, said.

In population terms, it’s a bit of a mismatch.

Bates said 7,800 people live “in the general Boring area,” where core industries include agriculture, lumbering and a nationally recognised training centre for seeing-eye dogs.

By comparison, Dull,

with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

THE BIG LIST

Game of thrones Nobody does toilets like Japan, but a few bathroom innovations do manage to come close to matching their levels of eccentric expertise.

Boring and Dull - the beginnings of a very lively and entertaining partnership. northwest of Perth, on the edge of Dull Wood, has just 22 houses and, according to one resident, no shops.

“Neither of us is a city, so officially we cannot be sister cities,” Bates said, explaining why the pairing is being defined instead as a friendly match of sister “communities”.

The idea got off the ground when a Dull resident hap-

pened upon Boring – which bills itself as “the most exciting place to live” – during a cycling holiday through the Pacific Northwest.

“It might seem like a joke, but this could have real benefits for Dull,” community councillor Marjorie Keddie told Scotland’s Perthshire Advertiser newspaper this week.

“It will be interesting to

see where this goes,” Keddie said, adding: “Everyone has been smiling at the prospect of the very eye-catching road sign this will inevitably require.”

Boring, meanwhile, is mulling ways to build on the newfound relationship. “We can probably send them some strawberries,” Bates suggested, “and they can send us some good Scotch whisky.”

OUTDOOR OUTHOUSE For those who ‘enjoy scenery and that feeling of relief’ There’s nothing quite like the liberation of being alone in the great outdoors; and then releasing your bowels all over it.

But now the stress-factor of finding that perfect spot, and cleaning up after yourself, have been removed thanks to those wacky Japanese (who else?).

Designers of the new outdoor outhouse say that their 2,150-square-foot restroom is

the largest toilet in the world – and possibly the most scenic.

Designed by architect Sou Fujimoto, the single glass washroom cubicle is protected by a six-and-a-half foot fence enclosing a garden of peach, plum and sakura trees.

“The area around the station has an incredible natural beauty,” Fujimoto said. “We wanted for those who used the

toilet to enjoy this scenery and that feeling of release.”

The luxurious lavatory costs around US$123,000 (B3.7 million), according to CNET. This fancy outhouse is one of many designs keeping Japan at the forefront of toilet technology. The country is also responsible for the pooppowered bicycle and the urinecontrolled video game Toylet.

LEGLESS AT SEA

He’s crossed the English Channel before, and now he wants to swim around the world.

Oh, and Philippe Croizon has no arms or legs.

The French endurance athlete – who lost his limbs after being shocked while changing a TV antenna on his roof – announced last week that he wants to swim between five continents.

The 44-year-old will use prosthetic limbs and fins attached to the stumps of his legs, starting with a swim between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea in May. He will be joined by friend Arnaud Chassery.

“We are going to symbolically link the five continents, two little people like us, two little men, we’re going to be able to build a bridge between the continents,” he told the International Business Times.

“That means that we’re going to bring them together.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Philippe Croizon.

Which means no one is very far from each other. So even if we have different political opinions, or skin colours, or even with our disabilities, we all live on the same planet.

And that’s the clear message we want to send.”

Croizon says he’ll swim across a series of narrow straits totalling 85km and some 45 hours in the water.

Easy rider: Nothing spoils the fun of a road trip like the notorious highway rest stop. Between the festive bacterial orgy going on inside the bathrooms and the deranged sex offenders lurking in the shadows, there really is no rest to be had at these places. Enter the Indipod. The in-car outhouse was invented to let you drive right on down the highway while urinating and defecating in the comfort of your own vehicle, the way nature intended it to be. The Indipod is little more than a tent that you just set up in the back seat with a really advanced-looking bucket inside. Where do the contents of the bucket go, I hear you ask? Why, they stay in your car for the duration of your long trip, of course.

Battle of the Sexes: Public restrooms – the epitome of sexual inequality. While women are forced to wait in long lines to use a limited number of stalls, us men are simply lining up next to each other, exposing our genitals to the world in awkward moments of sweet release.

Thus men have long held urinals over womens’ heads (more figuratively than literally, we hope). But now, at long last, women can get all of the advantages of the urinal. How, you may ask? Well, the picture ought to clear it right up, as well as demonstrating how this device would be in no way embarrassing or degrading for women to use.

DIY dunny: Sick of taking orders from the man? Forget Occupy Wall Street, it’s time to occupy, well, you know. What we’re getting at is that it’s time to make your own toilet. And not just any toilet, a $25-or-less toilet. You can’t even take a dump in most of the Western world for less than $25, and that’s a legitimate fact according to some guy we met in a Bangla bar last weekend. Basically, the DIY toilet is little more than a box with a bucket inside and a hole in the top. You can probably guess what happens from there, but if not, there are various German educational websites dedicated to informing you of the messy aftermath. But just in case you think it’s as easy as all that, rest assured you need some sawdust to make it a fully functional poop receptacle. So why did we ever need all that flushing and plumbing and other such nonsense when a box and some sawdust is all it takes? Try it and see.

Dog-gone: Why should humans be left alone to revel in our lavatory lavishness while our canine friends are left out in the cold? After all, their toilet has seen precisely no technological advancement since ‘the ground’ became popular several million years ago. Now, thanks to the Pet Potty, dogs never really need to go outside again. This indoor toilet for dogs gets installed right into your plumbing, which the promotional website assures us is easy without actually explaining the process, and is such a time saver. Of course you still have to manually hose off the poop each time (which the website also shows us in gratuitously graphic detail), unless you can somehow teach your dog to do that too.

Hitting the mark: Okay, we give in – it wasn’t possible to make a list about weird toilets and not include something Japanese. And so we have the Portable Washlet, invented for those people who can’t stand how public toilets don’t send a streaming jet of water up their anus. For those people, and perhaps also the mildly curious, the device can be filled with water, extended and jammed between their legs in the bathroom stall, squirting water around until they hit the bull’s-eye and achieve satisfaction.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TIME OUT 21

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

BOOK

MUSIC

FILM Lockout

95 minutes Rating: 18+ Director: James Mather & Stephen St. Leger Starring: Guy Pearce, Maggie Grace, Vincent Regan, Joseph Gilgun

Calico Joe

by John Grisham John Grisham trades the courtroom for the baseball field in his latest novel, which begins with a fictional twenty-one-year-old named Joe Castle being called up to the major league from the Chicago Cubs’ AA club in Midland, Texas, after an unlikely series of injuries.

In the summer of 1973, Castle became the boy wonder of baseball. The kid from Calico Rock, Arkansas hit home run after home run, shattering all rookie records in the process.

But on the day that hardpartying and hard-throwing Mets pitcher Warren Tracey faced Calico Joe, he threw a fastball that would change both their lives forever.

Grisham’s new novel may be about baseball, but it’s off field the where Calico Joe shines.

Blunderbuss

Jack White Jack White has always been at his best when he’s at his weirdest – and let’s just say his latest offering might be his weirdest yet.

Blunderbuss has elements of nearly every project White’s ever worked on, but also shows sides that the self-imposed, regimented simplicity of the White Stripes didn’t allow.

There are softer piano-driven songs like Love Interruption and, at the opposite extreme, filthy guitar raunch in 16 Saltines, but also elaborate tracks like Hip (Eponymous) Poor Boy which are reminiscent of late-’60s psychedelia.

The overall sound is vintage, but also very clean, and the album is so diverse that virtually every song comes as a joyful surprise.

Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Have you ever wondered how Con Air or Escape from New York would play out if it were set in deep space?

Luc Besson has, though apparently not too deeply, delivering a film that is somehow more implausible, less entertaining and more derivative than the films from which he so heavily borrows.

While Besson outsourced directorial duties to untested feature co-helmers, James

Mather and Stephen St. Leger, the fan-favourite producer was still instrumental in crafting the Lockout story, as well as overseeing production.

As a result, it’s no surprise that Lockout features plenty of Besson’s staple calling cards: most notably a snarky but charming leading man (Guy Pearce), an erratic and overplayed villain (Joseph Gilgun), and some hard-hitting action set-pieces. What’s not clear is whether Besson’s vision was simply lost due to incompetent

direction, or whether there was simply no real vision in the first place.

The film is set in 2079, and follows an attempt to rescue the President’s daughter from a prisoner rebellion in a deep space jail. It’s not the most visually-stunning movie in the genre and definitely has a ‘budget’ look at times, particularly the rendering in some of the CGI sequences.

The most disappointing aspect though is the lack of creativity in the sci-fi world that has been created. Mather and Leger were operating off a small budget (about US$20 million), but so did breakout South African hit District 9.

Here, a little more imagination could have stretched that money a lot further – the sets and costumes and general vibe of Lockout feel like all the sci-fi

of the past 20 years blended into an indistinct mud. There is no world-building, and we never really explore the film’s potentially intriguing universe.

Similarly, the film fails to capture the scale of the deep space prison facility and the sheer number of prisoners that are running around in it.

In the end though it’s not one big flaw of Lockout that dooms it, but a bunch of small, slowly accumulating ones, from dialogue that leaps from cringe worthy into complete nonsense and brazen plot holes.

After starting with a humorous and dynamic interrogation scene, the air slowly drains from Lockout – a fun premise killed by a thousand cuts of slack direction and not a single original idea.

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

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) Battleship (E) [13+]: Battleship (E/F) [13+]: Battleship (T) [13+]: Home (T/E.SUB) [18+]: Lockout (E) [18+]: Lockout (E/F) [18+]: Ma Mha 2 (T) [G]: Plon Naya 2 (T/E.SUB) [15+]: The Raven (E) [18+]: Titanic (E/3D) [13+]:

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

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) Battleship (E) [13+]:

11:30, 14:10, 16:50, 19:30, 22:10

The Cold Light of Day (E) [13+]: 11:35, 13:35, 15:35, 17:35, 19:35, 21:35 Home (T/E.SUB) [18+]: The Hunger Games (E) [15+]: Lockout (E) [18+]: The Raven (E) [18+]:

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

BRAIN TEASERS Across

Down

2. Samuel’s teacher gets lie wrong. (3) 3. Korean republican initials sound like they are

1. In which sports do teams compete for the Stanley Cup and the Ashes?

2. Which five countries share a land border with Colombia?

3. In which US state is the animated TV series South Park set?

4. Alphabetically, which is the last element?

5. How is Steak Tartare cooked?

Questions provided by Peppers bar in Cherng Talay.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Ice hockey and cricket; 2. Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and Venezuela; 3. Colorado; 4. Zirconium; 5. It’s not. It’s served raw.

SUDOKU

1. House of salesmen?

(15) 9. Metal coin. (6) 11. National park jam. (8) 12. No dreamer in charge, it’s lifelike. (9) 14. Brag about cardinal in boat. (5) 16. A man of color, we hear.

(4) 18. Al’s got nothing, too. (4) 19. Point into coconut tree to get church chant. (5) 21. A foot ailment seed. (5) 22. Bird on a string? (4) 23. Not mad about quarter South African. (4) 25. I’m in rocky outcrop and island. (5) 27. Play alarm demo fouled up. (9) 29. Rates, with 501 and a letter in glows, (8) 31. Consent to account with letter of the French. (6) 34. Failure to understand mission in most of catch.

(15)

okay. (1, 1, 1) 4. Sal points to man: one of 1. (8) 5. Little sleep; give bad review back. (3) 6. Type of power Ed passed easily. (4) 7. Back use; is echo of cold stores. (9) 8. First lady’s roof parts?

(5) 9. Not the southwest, nor the letter to saint. (9) 10. Jackie takes key to get beer. (5) 13. Breathe in and enthuse.

(7) 15. Strengthen and consumed, but exercising moderation. (9) 17. Small organ? Ha! Romeo and Monica! (9) 20. Set off school in date.

(8) 24. A boat’s path is not asleep. (5) 26. Ira question: “I Arab?”

(5) 28. Pets up to dance move.

(4) 30. Haggard’s one who must be obeyed. (3) 32. Disks and certificates.

(3) 33. Pair take Arabic instrument back. (3)

thephuketnews.com

22 KIDS PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

E

very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with your work, and email it to editor@thephuketnews.com The winner will be announced on this page next week.

This week, congratulations go to Theprit Sachdeva from British International School Phuket, for her excellent work above. We look forward to seeing how you all colour in Sophie's FC Phuket illustration!

mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk

Runners-up

Elise, age 8, PIADS

thephuketnews.com

Leo White, age 6, Kajonkiet; Snow White, age 7, Kajonkiet

Thanks to all the children at Da r a s a m u t h Ph u k e t S c h o o l, Kajonkietsuksa School, HeadStart, British International School Phuket, Phuket International Academy, and Coconut Club for their entries.

Please keep them coming in, remembering to write your name, age and school on your work.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

LIFE&STYLE lifestyle@thephuketnews.com

SHOPPING 23 Pride of Phuket

The week-long event shown in pictures > 29

fashion file Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to:

editor@thephuketnews.com

FLOWER POWER Nasamon Boonrak Student

HOOP DREAMS Koraphat Luangsawat Sales & marketing

Flowered headband (B40) bought in Bangkok’s Siam Square.

Large loop ear r i ngs (B29) from a stall at the Naka Weekend Market.

Patterned dress (B250) from a different shop in Siam Square.

Knitted bag (B650) was purchased in Cuba.

Longchamp bag (B2,000) picked up on a trip to London.

Platform flower shoes ( B 4 8 0) f r o m t h e Phuket Indy market.

Full length flower dress was bought in Jungceylon.

Sekonda watch was a gift from a friend.

ACCESSORIES

BLACKBIRD 1

4

2

3

1. Earrings 2. Bracelet 3. Earrings 4. Handmade bag

B120 B350 B140 B580

Accessories from Blackbird, 91 Yaowarat Rd, Old Town, 084-676-6663. Open daily 10.30am-10pm.

thephuketnews.com

24 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

Joe’s Downstairs, in Kalim.

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Boathouse, at Kata Beach.

Re Ka Ta, at Kata Beach.

Tatler lists Phuket’s top eateries

Nineteen Phuket restaurants – including seven new entries – have made the Thailand Tatler “Best Restaurants” guide for 2012.

Included in the list for the first time are Bistro 104 (Phuket Town), Brasserie (Phuket Town), Cudos (Surin), Mare (Karon), Re Ka Ta (Kata), Suay (Phuket Town), and Taste (Surin).

Also featured are The 9th Floor (Patong), Acqua (Kalim), Baan Rim Pa (Ka-

lim), Boathouse (Kata), Da Maurizio (Kalim), La Gaetana (Phuket Town), Into The Sea (Rawai), Joe’s Downstairs (Kalim), Mom Tri’s Kitchen (Kata Noi), Siam Indigo (Phuket Town), La Trattoria (Thalang) and Vset (Chalong).

The highly anticipated guide is an annual publication that features all-new reviews of the top 200 plus dining establishments in Bangkok as well as Phuket, Samui, Pattaya, Hua Hin and

Chiang Mai. Thailand Tatler editorin-chief Naphalai Areesorn and chairman Nigel Oakins presented “best restaurant” certificates to 28 restaurants that participated, during the event launch in Bangkok.

It is the eighth time that the guide has been published in conjunction with American Express (Thai), targeting affluent consumers and corporations in Thailand, as well as overseas visitors.

Acqua restaurant, in Kalim.

From barrister to barista Australian master coffee roaster Danny Hyams hopes to make his passion an islandwide obsession.

His newly opened Garage Café in Kamala is a tribute to his love of the bean, which began while living on a kibbutz in Israel at the age of 18.

He returned to the country at the age of 23 for a four year stint, including one year spent in the Israeli Army. It was during this time he first drank Turkish coffee.

Arriving back in Australia, Hyams completed his law degree and began working as a civil and immigration lawyer, all the while becoming increasingly interested in the nation’s coffee scene.

In the late 1990s he purchased a small espresso machine and grinder, at a time when the price of coffeemaking equipment was beginning to become affordable to

Garage Café, situated just off the main road in Kamala. the general public.

“The smell, the texture – I was obsessed and wanted to learn more,” says Hyams.

The self taught barista trawled the internet for information about coffee, eventu-

ally completing a few courses.

He decided to move to Phuket nearly four years ago, about a year and a half after the death of his wife. She was Thai, and it had been their dream to eventually one day return

to Thailand.

“I wanted a change of scenery and I was keen on the lifestyle.”

He worked as a lawyer in Phuket before deciding to “give it a bash” selling his own roasted and ground coffee beans about a year ago.

Business has gone well, leading him to open Garage Café in Kamala last month.

“Once you’ve roasted coffee it’s got a life on it, and that’s what most people don’t understand. Coffee beans have a life of more than one year, roasted beans of around three weeks, and ground coffee of around three minutes.”

Hyams believes the four key points to making good coffee are having fresh coffee beans, a good commercial grinder, a good coffee machine, and the skills to operate it.

At Garage, he currently uses Arabica coffee, from northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai regions, and also some blends from

Australian Danny Hyams is a self trained barista. imported coffees. The Thai Arabica coffee has a great “chocolatey” after-taste, which appeals to most people’s taste, he says.

“People have a right to expect good, fresh coffee, but it is hard if they’ve never had fresh coffee before, they don’t know any better. I’m hoping to carve a niche for people who are real coffee lovers.”

Garage, 74/25, Moo 3, Kamala (close to the Phuket Ha s Be e n G o o d To Us Foundation office), 080534-5512; facebook.com/ GarageCafeKamala. Open daily 8.30am-6pm. Most coffees B50-B90.

Starting next week, Danny will be writing a monthly coffee column exclusively for The Phuket News.

Burger time Chef Aaron from Joe’s Downstairs restaurant in Kalim is offering a burger special every Tuesday in May. Reservations are a must as these delicious burgers are limited.

Joe’s Downstairs, 223/3 Prabaramee Rd, Patong Beach. For reservations, call: 076 618 2456.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

DINING 25

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

The front of the Q Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

O

n an island where the high-end restaurant business is massively competitive, and where many restaurants make most of their income from one or two evenings a week, Le Winch in Boat Lagoon does it every day, at lunch and dinner.

So good has the living been that the restaurant has been able to have a bit of fun every couple of weeks with its Libertine series of dinners – which are now packed with those in the know.

Libertine – dinners with a theme – is the brainchild of chic American food-lover Quetta Locchi – “Ms Q” to her fans, or “Ever Fly Ms Q” in her own alter ego.

“The Libertine concept grew out of my own desire for an interesting gastronomic experience in Phuket,” Ms Q says.

“I rarely had a dining experience where all of my expectations were satisfied; if the food was delicious, the music and ambiance were lacking. If the atmosphere was stimulating, the menu and wine list were less than stellar

or the service was uninspired.

“So the Libertine idea slowly revealed itself over the last two years – to create a thematic event where all elements of a vibrant night out come together: cuisine, ambiance, hospitality, cocktails and wines.”

Recent themes have included “Lights of Buenos Aires”, “Harlem Renaissance” and “Swinging London”.

The most recent, last Wednesday (April 25 – Libertine is always on a Wednesday) was “Warhol’s Factory”, featuring a mini-exhibition of Warhol prints and a menu “inspired by his most iconic images”.

That of course, included tomato soup.

Creating the menu is Winch co-owner Vincent Meuwly.

“I had a (very) short list of my favorite chefs on the island, but an incredible degustation dinner at Le Winch in November last put Vincent Meuwly at the top of it.

“So I made a straightforward proposal to him and he was enthusiastically on board.”

How does it work between Ms Q and Vincent? Who comes up with the themes, the

The Libertine take on the Côte d’Azur, clockwise from top left, Niçoise foccacia topped with onion confit & black olives; grilled grouper with a fresh olive tapenade crust and ratatouille; and fresh lemon tart, with pomegranateinfused orange sections.

Chef Vincent Meuwly and Quetta ‘Ever Fly Ms Q’ Locchi.

menu? What are the dynamics?

“I came to Vincent with a sackful of thematic concepts and ideas inspired by everything from my American background to my travels, as well as iconic films and art.

“Vincent has been game for everything, even the daunting themes that challenge him to work with unfamiliar flavor profiles and ingredients – the

career, in his native Switzerland as well as in Thailand, means that his technique is not only formidable, but allows him “a solid foundation to approach his cuisine with inventive flair”.

The dinners are also very reasonably priced, at B1,200 a head for the food. “Vincent and I want guests to leave Libertine feeling as if they’ve

Harlem Renaissance event springs to mind.

“Once we discuss the important elements of the theme, Vincent suggests possible dishes/recipes and begins outlining the menu – usually four courses: an amuse-bouche, an appetizer, a main course and a dessert.”

She says that Vincent’s classic culinary education and

received a bargain.

The Phuket News, having sampled the recent Côte d’Azur event, feels just that way. We’ll be back.

To become a Libertine, keep an eye on libertine.everflymsq.com or use the contact page to get news alerts of upcoming events. Ms Q also maintains a sassy blog at everyflymsq.com.

It’s that paella feller

Chef Daniel makes a huge paella.

Phuket chef Daniel Isberg wowed the crowd at Phuket Adventure Mini Golf in Bang Tao last Thursday night, creating a special Spanish paella for diners.

Daniel is Swedish but has been based in Phuket since 2009, and runs his own event catering company.

First up for the evening were gourmet tapas, consisting of lobster and vanilla cappuccino, shrimp salad, beetroot carpaccio with feta cheese crème, white truffle oil and balsamic reduction, wonton chips with tuna tartar

and quail egg, and a pulled pork burger with smoked jalapenos.

Next up was the spectacular paella, made from Spanish rice, saffron, white wine, seafood and chicken stock, and mussels, prawns, chicken, squid, smoked bacon, roasted bell peppers and other vegetables.

“The secret to good paella is to get a good base flavour – I use very good virgin olive oil mixed with herbs and garlic,” Daniel explained More info: chefdanielisberg. com

A selection of gourmet tapas, including lobster and vanilla cappuccino.

thephuketnews.com

26 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

DUE NORTH Exploring the natural wonders of Phang Nga Norachai Thavisin editor3@thephuketnews.com

FESTIVALS Kamala Festival January Kamala Beach Park

L

inawaty Ko, Director of Marketing Communications at Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach and Spa Resort, just to the north of the little town of Khao Lak, sits back and relaxes in the resort’s big lobby.

The hotel is more than 95 per cent full, and has been like that most of the high season, filled with guests from Europe, especially from Scandinavia and Germany, who have always preferred the less crowded and more natural coastline of Phang Nga province to the crowded shores of Phuket.

However, tomorrow being Saturday, and hence Ms Ko’s day off, she will drive the 80 odd kilometres to Phuket to shop and maybe take in a movie.

She says there will be a sharp drop in occupancy next month, as usual every year as the low season arrives. But right now business is good.

Phuket Local Food Festival January Sapan Hin Park, Phuket City Old Phuket Town Festival (Chinese New’s year Festival) January or February Queen Sirikit 72 year Chalearmprakiat Park, Phuket Town

Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach and Spa Resort, just to the north of Khao Lak town.

Out on the long empty beach, darkly dramatic thunder clouds move in slowly from far out to sea to drench everything soon with torrential downpour.

But from the balcony of our well-appointed room, all is well with the world.

The resort’s breakfast has to be eaten to be believed.

It’s safe to say that in the huge spread being enjoyed by guests, there is everything one could possibly want for the most important meal of the day.

After checking out, we drive from the jungle-covered mountain in the Khao Lak National Park in Phang Nga province, some 70 kilometres

north (via the historical port town of Takua Pa) then east (on Route 401 towards Surat Thani) to the jungle-covered peaks of Khao Sok National Park.

The picturesque and deserted road winds through thick vegetation of all shades of green. Rubber, oil palms and native trees cover the rolling hills and sizeable mountains along the way.

The attractive little village on the road to the Khao Sok National Park gates has small restaurants and bars sitting by the gently-flowing Klong Sok, which slips under a bridge on the road.

For our lodging that night,

we chose one of the comfortable, bright-green-painted cabins of the Khao Sok River Lodge (B1,500 with air-con, but not including breakfast).

Through its dark balcony under the canopy of bamboo, comes the sound of the river gurgling all night.

Strolling about a kilometre along the river following the sign to “Monkeys’ swimming hole”, we discover Art’s Riverview Lodge, and its 20 or so solid brick and timber Thai-style houses perched on posts at tree level, all blending into the jungle (B1,500 a house without hot water or air-con).

The very natural cabins peer through the vegetation at a natural swimming pool by the side of a cliff, where troops of macaque monkeys swing through jungle vines to come down for a dip.

The vast rainforest park is spectacular, even when only seen from its boundary.

It covers 738 sq km of sheer limestone outcrops and caves, and six beautiful waterfalls, plus the huge Rajaphrapa Dam. It’s a trekkers’ paradise and home to the indigenous tapir, hornbills and the weirdest – and largest – flower in the world, Rafflesia kerri (named after Sir Stamford Raffles himself) that grows up to 90 cm in diameter, and exudes the smell of dead animals to attract the flies that pollinate it.

STAY Le Méridien Khao Lak Beach & Spa Resort: lemeridienkhaolak.com Khao Sok River Lodge: khaosok riverlodge.com Arts Riverview Lodge: krabidir. com/artsriverviewlodge

thephuketnews.com

Chalong Temple Festival February Chalong Temple Old Style “BaBa” Wedding Ceremony February Office of Tourism Authority of Thailand,Phuket Town Thao ThepkrasattreeThao Sri Soonthorn Festival March 13-15 Thalang Battle Victory Field, the two Heroines Monument, Phuket Food Festival March Sapan Hin Park , Phuket City Turtle Release April Nai Yang Beach Songkran On The Beach April 12-13 Patong Beach Songkran Festival April 13-14 At the beach around the island.

Chao Lay (Sea Gypsies) Boat Floating Festival April-May Rawai Beach Cultural Street at Kathu District July Kathu District Phuket Seafood Fiesta August Rawai beach Phuket Pineapple & The Annual Flower Expo August Sapan Hin Park, Phuket City The Moon Festival August 1-3 Queen Sirikit 72 year Chalearmprakiat Park, Phuket Town Phor-Tor Red Turtle Chinese Festival August-September At Chinese shrines around Phuket Island Phuket Vegetarian Festival September- October At Chinese shrines around Phuket Island Loy Kratong Festival November 27-28 Sapan Hin Park, Phuket Town Phuket Carnival December 15-20 Patong Beach Tsunami Memorial Day Light up Phuket December 26 Patong Beach Fishing Tournament “Bang Tao Night Fishing Games” December Bang Tao Beach, Phuket Town Colourful Countdown New Year December 30-31 Sanam Chai, Phuket Town Red Cross Festival December-January Sapan Hin Park, Phuket City

MUSEUMS Chinpracha House

This elegant colonial-style mansion was completed in 1907 by wealthy Chinese immigrant Tan Ma Siang. Chinpracha House is one of the most integral ancient remains on the island.

Old photographs, Italian floor tiles, imported furniture from China and old utensils are wellmaintained in the house’s interior.

98 Krabi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 281. Open daily 8am4pm. B100.

Kathu Mining Museum

Built according to colonial architecture, imitating a mansion of a tin miner, the museum shows the origins of Phuket’s culture and history especially from the mining era.

Several indoor exhibition rooms display Phuket architecture, mining, Thai-Chinese way of life, Chinese immigrants’ life, the Baba’s marriage and the solar system.

Muang Tor Sung Rd (behind Loch Palm Golf Club), Kathu, 088 766 0962. Open daily 9am4pm. B50 for Thais, B100 for foreigners, children half-price.

Philatelic Museum

The museum is in the old preserved Post Office, housing old equipment such as telegraph tickers, telephones, parcel-weighing machines and collections of Thai stamps issued since 1951.

Phuket Post Office, Montri Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 883.

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm.

Sat 9am-12pm. Free entrance.

Seashell Museum

Over 2,000 species of sea shells that were collected by the Patamakanthin family are now displayed in the museum.

2/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, 076 613 666; www.phuketsea shell.com. Open daily 8.30am5.30pm. B100 for Thais, B200 for foreigners, children half-price.

Thai Hua School Museum

The museum is in what used to be the main Chinese-language school, built in 1934. Classrooms inside were renovated as exhibition rooms, displaying Phuket Thai-Chinese culture and tradition.

28 Krabi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 224; www.thaihua museum.com. Open daily 9am-5pm.

B50 for Thai, B200 for foreigners, add extra fee for photograph.

Thalang National Museum

The museum focuses on the histor y and archaeology of Phuket and nearby provinces.

Has archaeological finds such as ancient statues, pre-historic beads and tools.

On 4027 Road (east of the Heroines monument), Thalang, 076 379 895. Open daily except public holiday 9am-4pm. B20 for Thai, B100 for foreigners.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 27

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

COMMUNITY HELP: The Regent Phuket Cape Panwa kicked off their first CorpoMEET AND GREET: The Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce held a get together at Da Vinci in Nai Harn on April 27.

rate Social Responsibility activity, led by the General Manager, Brice Borin, above, and the management team. The hotel organised a trip to visit the local village at Koh Lone, and donated food and played games with the children at Koh Lone School

WARM WELCOME:

Peter Komposch (right), General Manager of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket was honoured to welcomed Sansern Ngaorungsi (centre), Tourism Authority of Thailand, Deputy Governor for International Marketing for Asia and South Pacific, and Bangornrat Shinprayoon (left), Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office, during their recent visit to the Amway China convention in Phuket.

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Australians and Kiwis attended Anzac Day commemorations held at Lady Pie on April 25, to honour their soldiers who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War 1.

CELEBRATING ART: From left, Jo Stuart and her daughter; husband Somrak Maneemai; Sylvie Yaffe, Mom Tri’s GIVING BACK: The Phanason Group held a charity PR Manager, and artist Watcharin Rodnit at the opening of Khun Somrak’s art exhibition, Lost in the Clouds at Mom Tri’s new VR Gallery in Kata Noi. Photo: Dan Miles

event “Nice Scene Green Song in the Park” on April 6, to donate money to charities supporting those with disabilities.

thephuketnews.com

28 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

BLISSFUL

NIGHT OUT It was a sell-out crowd at the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation’s fund-raiser, the Bliss Beach Ball, held at Bliss Beach Club in Bang Tao on Friday (April 27) evening.

Around 200 guests were well fed thanks to a four course meal prepared by chef Alexander Oddy, later dancing the night away to music from DJ Jay Leshark and musician Pjae Stanley.

Mid Air Circus Arts wowed

thephuketnews.com

the crowd with an impressive aerial performance by acrobats – though a wardrobe malfunction meant there was more spectacle than perhaps originally intended.

More than B860,000 was raised to help the foundation, which puts English-language teachers in government schools in Kalim and Kamala.

The Bliss Beach Ball was sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5FM.

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SCENE 29

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Full of Pride Phuket Pride Week finished in style on the weekend with its annual parade down the beach road in Patong.

Phuket Loves You (PLU) Club was the organisation selected to produce this year’s island-wide celebrations, with the goal being to create a stronger sense of community within the

Thai and Western communities in Phuket – the theme for this year’s events was “Join our Family”.

The Phuket News and Live 89.5FM were proud media sponsors of Phuket Pride Week..

Photos: Amarin Ratanarat & Norachai Thavisin

thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE TICKET with Claire Connell

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

editor1@thephuketnews.com

Local players mark Unesco Jazz Day Marque Rome lifestyle@thephuketnews.com

Jazz lovers had the chance to experience some great music on Monday evening when a multinational jam of musicians assembled at Music Matter, on Chana Charoen Rd in Phuket Town, to mark Unesco’s International Jazz Day. Around 30 or so keen music lovers attended the event, which attracted musicians from around the island.

“This is the first time since jazz was born in the ’20s that we have had a day for it internationally,” says pianist and Music Matter co-owner, Jeffery Sevilla, who persuaded the Phuket City Municipality to get behind the event.

“I proposed the idea [of joining the celebration] to the vice mayor [Kavee Thansukthanont] and he loved it because he knows it could be big. Maybe Phuket can become a centre for jazz.”

Jazz has a long and illustrious history in Thailand; it’s not every nation can say their king is a composer and saxman who often played with the likes of Benny Goodman.

But, as Sevilla, 45, sees it, jazz is in trouble: “It’s dying,” he says. “Young people – I think few know about jazz.

In the jazz clubs you don’t see teenagers. Hotels, if they hire a jazz band and don’t see

Mr Murat from RPM, left, pictured with Khun Ooy.

Putting ladies first The jazz evening kicks off at Music Matter. Below right, vice mayor Kavee Thansukthanont.

many customers, kick you out.

People don’t understand it.”

But Wednesday night was a celebration. Unesco has declared that Jazz Day “is intended to raise awareness … of jazz as an educational tool, and a force for peace,

unity, dialogue and enhanced cooperation.”

Sevilla saw it also as a day of reverence, “paying respect to all the legends”.

Sevilla’s partner at Music Matter, Thidaporn ‘Kay’ Mungkonkeaw, 32, started

singing jazz at 19. “Jazz is like a sport,” she says, “never the same twice, and takes teamwork.”

There have been weekly jazz jams at Music Matter for 11 years, usually held on Wednesday evenings.

Soi Dog fundraiser promises a good time Put on the black and white gear; prepare yourself for the gig of the year. It’s party time at the Soi Dog Foundation’s fundraiser soiree at the fabulous Xana Beach Club at Angsana Laguna Phuket resort in Laguna on Saturday, May 12.

The ticket price of B2500 includes a delicious buffet dinner and free flow beer and wine. Phuket’s best MC, Gary Holden, will keep things moving and top DJ Ben Jay hits the music. Both are donating their valuable time in true SDF spirit.

All you need to do is put on something black, something white – or be a devil and wear both –and come along to be wined, dined and entertained – with some serious fund raising thrown in.

Some absolutely fantastic prizes in the raffle, silent and live auction.

Our main sponsors are Pink Shrimp Yacht Charters, Soneva Kiri Six Senses and Evason Phuket. We also thank

thephuketnews.com

the Phuket News and Live 89.5, and Phuket Public Relations.

If you get too tired and emotional on the night take advantage of Angsana’s great special room rate of B3800 net per night, including a slap up breakfast. Reservations can be made on 076 324 101 or reservationslagunaphuket@angsana.com It’s all for a great cause. SDF is expanding operations to prevent thousands of unwanted puppies being born and dying from starvation and disease on Phuket—as well as increasing its presence in Bangkok.

The expanded programme, called PUP [Prevent Unwanted Puppies] is an ambitious attempt to sterilise 20,000 animals over the next two years. It will cost SDF B10 million in addition to SDF’s normal operating costs.

For bookings contact Cristy Baker at cristy@soidog-foundation.org or 084-054-4367. Dress code for the event: Black and white.

Les Anges in Royal Phuket Marina hosts a Ladies Beauty Night on May 9, from 7pm to 9pm.

Phuket businesswoman and stylist Khun Ooy and her team are offering free makeovers, including hair styling, make-up and manicures to all women who attend. Khun Ooy is the owner of the House of Beauty, Dee Hair Club, and the All Love Wedding Studio, and has been a hairdresser for 20 years. She has been based in

Phuket for the last 12.

RPM Events and Group Manager Murat Can Sakarya said women would also receive a 25 per cent discount on Les Anges’ Mediterranean and Thai dinner menu, and “buy one get one free” drink deals.

There will also be the opportunity to receive discount cards and to purchase beauty products.

Reservations recommended, for more information contact Mr Murat on 081-797-3364.

WEEKDAYS Breakfast

Sam Clarke

7am-11am

Non Stop Classics

Live 89.5

11am-12pm

Lifestyle

Steve Johnston

12pm-3pm

Drive

Jason Wilder

3pm-7pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

7pm-7am

SATURDAY Box Of Neutrals

Rob James, Peter McGinley & Michael Lamonato

9am-10am

Saturday Morning Glory

Sam Clarke

10am-12pm

Phuket News Radio Dazed and Confused Phuket News Radio

Steve Johnston & 12pm-1pm Simon Ostheimer Bongo Bob 1pm-4pm & Baba Fats Steve Johnston & 4pm-5pm Alasdair Forbes

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm-7pm

Saturday Night Fever

DJ Burt

7pm-11pm

SUNDAY Dazed and Confused

Bongo Bob & Baba Fats

1pm til 4pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

Jason Wilder

4pm til 7pm

www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 31

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

UPCOMING EVENTS

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php UNTIL MAY 19

MAY 9-12

Cajun-Creole style buffet with: - Cajun-style boiled crayfish - Cajun shrimp Creole - Seafood Jambalaya - Fried soft crab with black pepper - Chicken Fajitas - Tacos - Chili con carne - Prawn Quesadillas - Blackened salmon cakes - Fresh oysters - Cheese cake

Somrak Maneemai at VR Gallery

- Chocolate cake

Somrak Maneemai’s “Lost in the Clouds” collection is his newest work. Somrak has a MFA from Silpakorn University. His Red Gallery was specially mentioned in the New York Times and has recently relocated to the Phuket Art Village in Rawai.

The NYT commended the art village for its originality. The VR Gallery is located adjacent to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale at the entrance of the Baan Kata Estate. Contact 076 333 568. See momtriphuket.com.

MAY 5 Coronation Day (Wan Chatra Mongkhon) Monday, May 7 is a substitution day.

Commemorates the coronation of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1950.

MAY 6

- Apple crumble pie Our popular house band will be here all night long. All this and much more B495.

Free-flow Chang Draught and house wine, B795.

For reservations 076 330 065 www. t woc hef s.c om, w w w.fac ebook.c om / twochefsthailand.

Palazzo Comedy Dinner Show Surrounded by a timeless atmosphere in a luxurious theatre, enjoy live music, comedy and circus extravaganza during gourmet 4-course dinner, served by “outrageous” team of international performers.

An amazing mix of a wonderful meal, spectacular entertainment and a warm atmosphere. Price: B2,200 includes a 4-course dinner, spectacular show, one welcome drink, and free transfer! Location: 86/3 Moo 6 Vichidsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket (near Kathu waterfalls).

MAY 11

MAY 12 It's Party Time Come join everyone at the Soi Dog Soiree. At Xana Beach Club, Laguna. Time: 6.30 pm till late. B2,500 including dinner, free flow beverages and entertainment.

Dress code: Black and white. Special rate of B3,800 net per night including breakfast at Angsana, Laguna. Contact Cristy for tickets at 084 054 4367 or cristy@ soidog-founation.org.

For reservations at Angsana, phone 076 324 101 or email reservation-lagu naphuket@angsana.com .

MAY 9 Royal Ploughing Ceremony and Farmer’s Day Ceremonies giving blessing to the country’s farmers are held on this day. It is officially known as Wan Phra Ratcha Phithi Phuet Monkhon Lae Charot Phra Nangkhan Raek Na Khwan. This day is also observed as Farmer’s Day. Each year’s date is astrologically-determined and announced by the Bureau of the Royal Household.

A government holiday only, this ceremony revives an ancient blessing of the plants and ceremonial start to the new growing season. The action takes place on Bangkok’s Sanam Luang in front of the Grand Palace.

MAY 11 Columbia Trail Masters 2011

Ariya Banomyong, Head of Google Thailand, will be speaking on “Getting to know Google in Thailand”, an overview of Google’s business and focus areas in Thailand. Location: A2 Resort, bypass road. All welcome. Doors open 6.15pm. http://ibap-phuket.org.

JUNE 4 Visakha Bucha Day Falls on the full moon of the sixth Thai lunar month (May). A Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Also observed as National Tree Day.

Offering exciting routes that travel along scenic trails exploring the mountains, farmlands and greenery of tropical Phuket.

The start and finish will be at Asia’s leading sports complex Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club set among the majestic scenic view of Khao Phra Taew Wildlife Park.

Distances: 21.5km Off Road Half Marathon-10km-3km for all and children. www. ama-events.com.

IBAP Networking

New Orleans Night Start 6 pm until late at Kata Centre. Large

On this, the holiest Buddhist holiday of the year, you will find the temples full with devotees receiving blessings and giving offerings. All government and public sector business will be closed, including most bars and pubs.

JULY 23 - AUGUST 31 Learn to Fly - Flying Trapeze Season 7 and 25 years experience. At Laguna summer family festival I can fly Trapeze. Open to the public, for all ages 4 years and up. Class times everyday from 5pm - late.

Contact K. Pee 084 837 5726 or K. Gee 086 003 0241. See KidzSole.com.

thephuketnews.com

32 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

REGULAR EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person.

Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

where an “outrageous” team of international performers (acrobats, jugglers, aerial gymnasts and clowns) dissolve the borders between stage and audience so that you can be a part of the show. Price: Children B300, Adults B500. 076 202 277, www. phuket-palazzo.com.

.

WEDNESDAY

................................................................................

SATURDAY Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa

Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria.

See www.twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@twochefs.com.

................................................................................

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 7.30pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsports bar.com.

Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with live jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club.

B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

................................................................................

Sunday Roast Pork Every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong B290 per person.

Please see www.expathotel.com.

................................................................................

Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399.

Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

MONDAY

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www.twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@twochefs.com.

................................................................................

Quiz Night @ Peppers Quiz Night every Wednesday at Peppers Sports Bar near Laguna. Great food, great music, great beer. Contact 081 728 1010.

Facebook Peppers Sports Bar.

................................................................................

Interactive Pub Quiz Night Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night.

The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

................................................................................

THURSDAY

All Major Sports Live

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Rd, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.

................................................................................

SUNDAY

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM Two Chefs Surf Night At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.

................................................................................

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

.

DAILY

Grizzly’s Sports Bar & Restaurant Watch all the sport that is on TV this weekend with us. Located between Loch Palm Golf Course and Kathu Waterfall. Call 087 471 8747.

................................................................................

Roaring Bhoys Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

TUESDAY AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Call 081 895 4763.

thephuketnews.com

Palazzo Sunday Circus Show

................................................................................

Kids and adults of all ages are invited to our Sunday live circus shows in amazing mirror “Big Top” near Kathu waterfalls. Palazzo Sunday Circus is a colourful modern show

At 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse. com.

Pool Competition

The Craíc Live Music every week. Roaring Bhoys Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bangkok Travellers - Sundays. Draught Guinness at the only Irish Bar in North Phuket. Open from 5pm, closed Mondays. Laguna Phuket

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS 33

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Exclusive pool villa

Big pool with sala, designed with style and class > 36

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Private Drama Teacher WANTED: Female students aged 6 and 9 years old are looking for someone fun and creative to do some private drama and movement lessons after school (4.30-6pm) twice a week, in the Laguna area. This person must be English speaking and non -smoking. Please email: Sherin.peace@ gmail.com with previous training credentials, photo of yourself and contact details.

Swimming Teacher: Looking for a qualified Thai swimming teacher to teach and assist teaching swimming for HeadStart International school and after school classes at FunStart.

Salary B15,000 plus good commission. Contact: 076 203 185, 087 882 5544.

Receptionist: Receptionist needed for FunStart Family Sports Club in Kathu. Should have a working knowledge of cashier duties, a good command of English and good customer relation skills.

Salary B15,000. Contact Phone: 076 203 185, 087 882 5544.

084 520 4978, email: info@ c ravensnur ser yphuket. com.

suited towards Villa/Condo developments wishing to lease and sell. Email: mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com.

Project Manager / Sales: Motivated Thai male 25-30 years. Degree in Civil Engineering or related field. Proficient in English and Autocad. Willing to learn products, travel and sell. Two years minimum experience preferred. Send CV to cj@searasports.com.

Vacancy for Cook: Cook wanted. Must be able to cook both Thai and Western Food and be able to speak a little English. Six day week. Good salary, negotiable. 089 855 3207.

Reggae Musicians: Looking for a reggae lead guitarist and keyboardist to help form a reggae band in Phuket. The goal is to create a quality Roots Reggae band that does covers, originals, and dub! Contact: movidaflow@gmail.com.

Accom/Development Manager: With SEO/ Web design, Real Estate S&M and travel agent / wholesaler marketing exper ienc e searching for contract/temp work. Best

Real- Estate Staf f Wanted: Looking for full time young Thai staff, fluent in spoken and written English with real estate business experience.

Please send an e-mail with a photo to info@ molokophuket.com.

Japanese Staff: Wedding coordinator: Japanese female, good English and computer skill. Sa- mer Wedding, www.sa-mer.com Email: info@sa-mer.com.

Staff Wanted: Siam Div-

ing Enterprises and Pier 42 Boutique Resort in Chalong are seeking staff for the following positions (Thai nationals only): Reception, café staff, housekeeping, porter, kitchen staff helper, sales staff, sales supervisor, warehouse/drivers. Interested candidates please send CV to ian@ sde-asiapacific.com. Call: 076 384 476.

JOBS IN PHUKET

S a l e sp e r so n Required: Thai female – good command of English, confident, and highly-motivated for a Design Agency based in Phuket. Basic salary plus commission. Contact: john@cre8-media.net or call 083 502 5552.

M a r ket ing Per son Wanted: Full-time/parttime. Great opportunity with Phuket-based company.

Must speak good English.

Must have good computer skills & internet knowledge.

Please send resume to: gary@shadesasia.com.

Sales Executive: We

have an opening for a field sales executive to promote our range of luxury website and print design products.

See our jobs page on lfrasia.com for more info and details on how to apply.

Email: sales@lfr-asia.com.

Looking for Staff: DaVinci Restaurant in Rawai Naiharn is looking for staff.

Waitress and bar tender with experience. Working hours 4pm-11.30pm, one day off, good salary. Contact: 086 947 5197.

Looking for Thai Sales Lady: Good English, with selling experience, own bike/car, positive and outgoing personality.Starting B14,000+fuel+phone+ excellent commission. Call: 085 782 1200.

Kindergarten Teacher Wanted: We are looking for a native English kindergarten teacher to join our team to teach 10-12 children aged 3- 6 years of age. Must have a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Contact Daniel

thephuketnews.com

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.

New Mazda2 & Vios for Rent: First class insurance, special price for long term rental. Call 080 521 9888, email sornin_s@yahoo.com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE

BOATS & YACHTS

year old ready with all licences for business. 084 188 4544.

door to the White Room, a lot of people passing because it is between Soi Crocodile and Soi Gonzo. Big screen TV, loud speakers, refrigerator and all else that needed. 082 272 0609.

CARS FOR SALE

35 Feet Speedboat for Sale: 35 Feet Speedboat with Yamaha 2 x 200 HP-.

Recently spent B380,000 to rebuild like new . Selling it for B1 million. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@googlemail. com.

Dive Speedboat for Sale: Custom built dive speedboat.A must see; one of a kind in Phuket. Places for 24 divers. 49 feet Glassfiber 675hp Honda Engines. Only 1

The car for rent: Car in good condition, shor t and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. Call 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.

Royal Phuket City Hotel. Offers Zumba/LesMills classes/weight training/sauna/ steam/swimming pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 354 027, 087 275 3614. www. clubasiaphuket.com.

SK A L I nt e r n a t i o n a l Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www. skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

Guesthouse and Shop For Sale: Three-

S p e e d b o a t D i ve / Snorkelling: Customised speedboat diving, snorkelling, GPS radio, 2x Yamaha engines 200cc. Also available Bauer compressor 40 tanks regs BC DS boat.

900,000 baht. Call Joe 087 891 8912, joe@similan-diving-safaris.com.

storey 10-metre-wide double shop premises plus 10 newly-fully- furbished rental rooms above for sale in Phuket Country Club area.

Chanote title. B22 million or nearest offer. Call 081 606 5772.

Bar In Bangla / Soi Gonzo: Brand new bar next

Boutique Hotel For Sale:

EDUCATION

- 4 floors - 6 rooms (television, refrigerator, air-conditioning, safety box and furniture included) - 7 bathroom (1 downstairs bathroom) - Kitchen (c ooker, hood cooker)

Benz 2000 E for Sale Benz 2000 E. Was B3.95 million as new, now offering B2.95 million. Has 30000 km. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.

- Reception area (Currently used as coffee shop) - WiFi - Key card and key tag system - Good security - Growing area - Good location - Successful business Price B10 million.

Call 088 761 2617, 085 261 3405.

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.

Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Contact 076 381 895.

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your children starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program.

Visit http://PhuketRussian School.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 082 804 9131.

Want to Practice your Thai?: Thai courses and

- CCTV

thephuketnews.com

Club Asia Fitness:

Old Clasic 1960 Benz for Sale: Old classic 1960 Benz. Spent B250,000 torecondition. Offers accepted.

Call 085 064 4806 for more det ails or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international child care facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school.

Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/28. Mon-Fri 8am.-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS Funstart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade.

Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstar tphuket. com.

lessons for daily life (culture and language) with friendly and energised Thai female teacher. Graduated from university. Negotiable prices can be offered. Plus have outdoor activities for your experience.

Call 080 386 5026.

Cooking School: Fire up your creative flair with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine.

Try our famous pizza school.

082 816 0126, email: info@ foodservicesth.com.

MOVING & STORAGE

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php PROPERTY CONCIERGE

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

BUY & SELL/HOMES IN PHUKET

B17,000. Contact May 089 973 3276.

Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact 082 276 1675. www.goodkar mathailand.com.

Loving Home Wanted: Hi, my name is Spot.

PERSONAL SERVICES

Eight months ago, I got caught by the dog catchers and thrown in the Phuket stray dog pound, where I got beaten up by all the other aggressive dogs and became very frightened and sick. Until one day a lovely lady came and rescued me and took me out of this awful place. That was the best day of my life.

Since then I have been at her home recovering, but now I’ve fattened up and am fully-recovered and she needs to move to a home with no backyard and I don’t want to go back out on the streets.

Bon Café Phuket: A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.

Buon A pp et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273, info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetitogroup.com.

Is there anyone out there who would like a quiet, wellbehaved male guard dog, that prefers to come out at night? During the day I hang out in the backyard in my new wooden home that you see in this picture. I would love to meet you.

Please mail me on: gon e2thedoggies@gmail.com and we can talk, if you include your phone number.

Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

CCM Complex, call 076 510 111, email info@hhlegaladvi sors.com, www.hhlegaladvi sors.com.

PET ADOPTION Thre e Cu t e K i t t ens Looking for a Loving Home: These kittens have

nearly finished suckling and would love a new home within the next few weeks. At present they are located in Thalang area. Please mail: Sherin. peace@gmail.com.

House for Rent Near Heroines Monument: Two bed, one bath, cable TV, internet, fully-furnished house at B8,000 per month. 080 521 9888.

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new bali style 3 and 4 bed villas 1 km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment.

Prices from B12.9m (incl. full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com +66 878 974 42.

Room for Rent in Pool Villa: Room for rent in luxury villa with pool, B1,500 per day, minimum stay 3 nights. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.

PET HOSPITAL 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

PET SERVICES

The Heights Apts & Villas: Superb 195-215 sq metre modern apartments, as well as enormous 3 bedroom pool villas. Huge terraces, free WiFi. Estate features gym, sauna, 4 pools.

Kata beach/town less than 5 minutes walk. info@katagardens.net.

ropean standard, fully-furnished 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, living, dining, kitchen, 2 carparks, garden, Internet and True Vision. Near new Thalang Tesco Lotus and PIA school. Price B40,000 per month long term. Price B75,000 per month. Short term minimum 1 month. Contact: Owner’s mobile 081 606 2827 Email: nij017@hotmail. com.

ing Soon in August 2012!

Dog-A-holics Thailand is ideal for small to medium size dogs. Owner Rose Nattanicha who is a dog lover.

For more information: dogaholicsthailand@gmail.com.

POOL TABLES

n e s s s p ac e f o r r e nt o n fifth floor of Patong Towe r. C a l l 0 7 6 3 41 3 7 0 .

Private Pool Villa: Private pool villa for rent, Rawai area, 5 minutes to Chalong centre, fully furnished. Please contact : 089 472 9870, e-mail: dchaibut@gmail.com

Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog

Phuket Pool Tables:

Furnished 3bed 2bath + Office Near Central for Rent: Furnished house

Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised.

Contact 087 050 8688, email: john@soidog.org.

www.phuketpooltables.com.

Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket.

Sales, rent and profit-sharing.

All accessories and services.

Call 081 823 4627.

for rent opposite HeadStart International School by Central and Makro. 2 air-con. ADSL, washer, 2 hideaway sofa, 2 TVs, 3 desks, office with view over shared swimming pool.

Kata Hill House For Rent: Fully-furnished, one bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, air-con, internet and cable TV. Price B9,000 per month. Contact: Owner’s mobile 081 606 2827. Email: nij017@hotmail.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Land for sale, chanote title at Maniktownship. 20x25 metres in natural surrounding, 2.4 million baht. Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@ya hoo.com.

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most compettitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach.

Each villa has an living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quarter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee a complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Bargain Land Rawai: Quite location for sale: 1 plot 724 sq metre, perfectly developed behind excl project, Bali wall, 16m well, electric, freehold, Building permit for pool villa, private street. Price B4.5m. www.phuketlivingart. com, residler@gmail.com.

Eng.German 080 890 5187/ Thai 081 817 4805.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale:

Space for Rent in Patong: Of fice, BusiHome Stay & Day Care For Dogs: Open-

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

Pa to n g:Ni c e A p a r tment for Rent: Condo

Thalang Private Pool House For Rent: Eu-

Personal Trainer: Fully-qualified female personal trainer from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@ one2one-fitness.net.

4 bed/5 bath custom home with full western kitchen. Gated entry in quiet development across from Boat Lagoon, near BIS. ADSL, Satellite, Only B30k per month. Martin 087 850 4684.

with swimming pool, security 24/7, furnished, 46sqm. Daily/ monthly. 089 728 4005, thamad17@ya hoo.com.

Chaofah Pet Hospital: Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D

4 Bed/5 Bath HomeB30k month: Immaculate

10,000sq metre. B2,500,000 p e r r a i . To t a l p r i c e : B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach.,10 minutes to airport, 7 minutes to new Tesco Lotus. Roadside land and chanote title. 085 793 2718.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonderfully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here.

For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Monta at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrise villas@yahoo.com.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

Pura Vida Villas Phuket Special offer for long term rent

New spacious 3 bedrooms boutique pool villas with private steam room.

Close to Thanyapura International School, Blue Canyon Golf Course.

Between Naithon and Naiyang beach, Ideal for families, 24 hrs security, Daily maid service, Pool cleaning, Gardening.

120,000 baht per month.

Email: rsvn@puravidaphuket.com www.puravidaphuket.com

Tel: 076 510 160, 083 637 6237 short term rental is available

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

HOMES IN PHUKET

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

SEAVIEW LAND FOR SALE: Near Chalong pier,

150 metres from the sea.

Three rai and one ngan plot.

Chanote title. Price: B20 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

B1.9 Million New Condo: New Studio (1 bedroom) condominium in The Point, across from Phuket International Hospital and BigC. Beautiful four-year-old central atrium building with no stuffy hallways. 36 m2, high-speed internet, cable TV, and swimming. Parking under building. Third floor with nice view.

B1.9 m. Contact Walter at wp drake2@yahoo.com, 083 301 3470.

Exclusive Pool Villa with Class & Style.

(English, Thai, German) email: utaipan@yahoo.com.

condo unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully-furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace with sala, etc. For sale or long-term rent.

Phone (66) 081 737 0365

1 bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

Discount Rentals Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

sion Hills half rai plot, quiet select location, chanote, water, electricity. Price B1.6m. Six rai hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2m per rai. Call 087 978 5804.

Info: 089 594 4067

Incredible investment: Five bed, four bath pool villa.

Luxuriously- furnished. Wood pizza oven, 14x4 metre salt water pool. Chanote, Thai company and finance available. B14.9 million. www.villademeo-phuket.com, call 087 897 4421 or sakt27@gmail. com.

Nice Villa for sale: Three bedroom villa with separate bedroom/office, opposite pool.

Khoa Khad Road, two minutes walk to river, four km to Ao Makham beach. Secure parking for two cars, government water, six ring oven, fridge, washing machine, satellite TV, cable TV, Wi-Fi, nature gardens, plot size 104 sq metres.

Asking price B7 million. Call owner 084 304 6723 Thai/ English.

Land For Sale: 6 rai Hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2 million per rai , Contact : 087 978 5804.

FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline:

Stunning three-bedroom pool villa, five minutes from Laguna 600 sq metre plot in peaceful location. Finished to a very high specification. MUST SEE. Selling price B12.9 million. Please contact 084 994 9303 or email phuketpoolvilla.info@ gmail.com.

Home/Self-Contained Office: Fully-established

24 Rai Flat Land Cheap:

estate between Patong and Kamala. Ground floor: selfcontained office with own entrance (approx. 70sq metre) First floor: entrance, kitchen, dining, living plus games room. Second floor: Two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Master with separate living room/third bedroom.

Price: B5,500,000. Sold with 20-year lease (B23,000 per month equivalent). Contact Paul +66 89 586 2959.

New Townhouses in Kamala: This is a develop-

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

189 CHARACTERS

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Urgent banner B199

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM

FOR JUST B1,099 GET AN ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES

PLUS 1 ISSUE IN THE PRINT COPY OF THE PHUKET NEWS Print upgrades:

Box B199

Colour Background B199

Colour Headline B199

DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAY’S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews.com

ment of affordable 3-bedroom townhouses, located in Kamala, approximately 1.5 km from the white sandy beach of Kamala and about 10 minutes drive to Patong. Prices from only B4,900,000. 087 882 2856 or email luc@phuket-tropicalrealestate.com.

at Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 rai adjoining plots OrBorTor road access to super end of soi private location. Private sale direct from the owner.

Only 3.5 million baht per rai.

Contact 081 087 9237, www. phuketlandforsale.net.

Jindarin Beach Club & Resort: B1.5 million

New Apartment for Sale Patong: Condo: swimming

pool, security 24/7. Furnished, 46sqm, freehold: B2.9 million.

089 728 4005, thamad17@ yahoo.com.

room/4 bathroom European style single-storey house with self-contained guesthouse and pool on 736m2 plot. Large master bedroom with en-suite, walk-in wardrobe. Modern western-style kitchen with granite tops, built-ins throughout and 4 air-cons. Electric gate, TV and phone line. Large verandahs, carport, and established garden. Chanote title B11m, 087 891 9349.

Sea View Villa: Luxury seaview Patong-Karon villa, four bedrooms, private pool.

Sell for B22 million, and also available rental daily and monthy basis. www.awphuket.com.

Kata House For Sale: 5 minutes to beach, large modern house, three floors, furnished, three beds, two

for one plot, B3.2 million for cottage + plot. Call 080 467 7770 (Thai), 083 520 0020 (English). www.jinda rin.com, Email: eam1008@ me.com.

Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum threemonth rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai). Email:diod@ telia.com.

Rawai Pool Villa: 4 bed-

Body:

24 rai flat land close to Phuket zoo. Owner direct, B3.8 million per rai, chanote title. Call 085 789 1773.

Approx three rai, with chanote title, 2 km south of Thai Muang town centre. Just 24 km north of Sarasin Bridge. Good road access and electricity. Very quiet, green area. Urgent sale for just B5 million total, nonnegotiable. 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@gmail.com.

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Modern Pool Villa:

Perfect Land for Villa:

1.5 Rai (2 X 0.75 Rai) Chanote at Cape Yamu: 1.5 rai flat land

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED

full bath, air- con, western kitchen, spacious living room, garage with laundry/ overhead storage, large covered patios, security doors/ windows, garden, company name available. B5.5 million.

Call 081 131 5751, email: seadog5000@yahoo.com.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo,

Land 700 sq metre. Big pool with sala, 400 sq metre living area, 4 sleeping room. dining guesthouse garage. 6 bathroom.

Full basement. Private street. Bargain price B16 million. www. phuketlivingart.com, residler@gmail.com. Call Rene: 080 890 5137 Yupin: 081 817 4805.

Land for Sale: Land Mis-

Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: 1

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Modern, New Two Storey Villa for Sale: Living space 200 m2, balcony. terraces, three beds, two baths, furnished, ADSL, tropical garden, calmly gated village, clubhouse pool/tennis court, near Phuket Town, shopping, Rawai-Naiharn beach. Call 089 593 8690, ruen_narayan@hotmail.com.

Kathu House for Rent and Sale: House and land

for half and 22 sq wah with mountain view style near Serenity hotel and condo very peaceful natural environment.

For detail please call owner Boonsin 081 691 3940.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

MY STORAGE– The Home Extension: Store your belongings at MY STORAGE Storage solutions to home space problems arising from situations such as: Moving, Renovating, Relocation, Travel or simply lack storage space at home. Call 076 292 909.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRADES 37

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

AQUARIUM SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE

Design service for aquarium, fish pond and fountain.

Filtration systems for fresh and salt water.

All aquarium equipment.

Fresh-water and salt-water fish from around the world.

Clear water guarantee.

Bangkok Branch: 02 272 4334.

Phuket branch: 076 258 340 (Thai), 081 562 7939 (English)

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Wana Park, Srisoonthron Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel 076 620168 info@tile-asia.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management

liberto@construction-thailand.com

liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

Study Project Architecture Design Construction & Management

Office 3.L.H & I.C.P. Manufactory 3.L.H & I.C.P.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SWIMMING POOLS

w w w. e m

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

thephuketnews.com

38 ISLAND SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

Tired Kirin can’t catch Blue Marlin Kazira Hans sport@thephuketnews.com

FC Phuket continued their run of poor form last weekend, overcome by the tactically superior ‘Blue Marlin’ of Sriracha Suzuki FC at Sriracha Municipality Stadium on Sunday (April 29).

Despite having their best players back on the field, the long bus journey north looked to have taken its toll, and the Southern Sea Kirin players struggled on the synthetic surface at Sriracha Stadium The Kirin players had prepared for the match by training on an artificial football pitch in Phuket Town, but their fatigue was obvious from the moment they took the field.

The home side’s strong start had FC Phuket struggling for composure. Sriracha’s Kojima Seiya used his speed to run rings around Kittitach Kraithong, and the Phuket defence succumbed to the constant pressure after only 20 minutes.

Douglas Gon zales

thephuketnews.com

charged in on a cross from left field, sending a curving ball into the box. The shot was blocked by Alonso Da Silva, but the Brazilian goalkeeper couldn’t hold onto the ball, and Kojima leapt on the chance, heading back past Alonso to score Sriracha’s first goal.

While Phuket were still getting used to the added speed of the synthetic pitch, and struggling for possession in midfield, Kojima spotted Alonso off his line, and the Japanese striker decided to try his luck Luis Suarez-style, looping the ball high over the goalie’s head and under the crossbar for his second.

Despite their 2-0 lead, Sriracha then applied long ball tactics, sending the ball long towards the Phuket goal to try and exploit their speed advantage, and nullify the increasingly potent Phuket midfield.

The tactics seemed to work, and only five minutes later Sriracha striker Narakorn Kana sailed past Phuket’s defense, Alonso

was too slow with his dive, and the score was 3-0.

Sriracha cruised through the rest of the first half, com for t able to w i nd down the clock with some slow passing.

The second half began pretty much the same way; possession was with the home side while FC Phuket were only creating opportunities through counter attacks.

Midway through the second half, yet another long ball gave Gaston Gonzales a free header, and Sriracha suddenly had an imposing 4-0 lead.

With nothing to lose, FC Phuket turned around and scored two quick goals; one through Imbrahim Kanoute and another th rough a blunder from the Sriracha goalkeeper.

But it was too little too late, and a late red card to Macio Santos will further compound FC Phuket’s woes.

The Southern Sea Kirin now find themselves inside the relegation zone, yet again.

FC Phuket have not won a game since March.

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Ebersole finds new ‘home’ Jon Pritchard sport@thephuketnews.com

With 65 professional fights, an undefeated 3-0 UFC record, an improbable debut victory over legend Chris Lytle, an impenetrable chin, and an odd fixation with his chest hair, it’s safe to say that Brian Ebersole carries an impressive resume – both as a fighter and as an “interesting” guy.

But there’s one major talent in his repertoire that most people are probably unaware of – he’s also a talented coach, mentor, and leader. And that’s exactly why Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp have announced their decision to hire him as their new Head MMA Coach.

After a long-running mutual love affair, the two parties came to an agreement that seemed only natural.

Ebersole has been one of Tiger’s favourite guests over the past few years, while the UFC Welterweight has often called Tiger his “home”.

“What can you say about the guy, except that he’s a current UFC superstar, he’s ultra-popular, and he’s super exciting – I mean he does car t wheel k icks!” Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Director Will Elliot said.

“He’s overhauling our

Brian Ebersole at Tiger Muay Thai and MMA. Photo: Jeff Sinclair entire MMA programme, overseeing the whole thing, and he’ll put his own twist on it. It’s going to be fantastic.”

Ebersole started in the sport at the age of five, and it’s what carried him through to a Division I collegiate wrestling scholarship in the United States. And eventually to the pinnacle of competitive mixed martial arts – a UFC contract.

“I have to acknowledge the fact that I’ve gone from

being a wrestler to being a martial artist,” he says of his evolution as a fighter.

“Like Randy Couture, I’d like to someday be known as one of the guys that was able to bridge the gap between wrestling and the world of combat sports.”

His deal with Tiger Muay Thai and MMA will have Ebersole on-site, coaching in Phuket for roughly six months out of the year.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1365: Saturday May 5 at 4pm Hares: Murkury & Jungle Balls Directions: From Thalang traffic lights go 4.4km north and turn left just before the pedestiran bridge (HHH). Go 400m and turn right (HHH). After another 400m turn right again (HHH) and under the power lines to laager site.

THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SPORT 39

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Tigers tamed by Laguna CRICKET Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

Thanyapura News Tigers (TNT) may have failed to finish their season with a win on Sunday against Laguna, but there was still some consolation to cap off their first year in the Island Furniture League (IFL).

Canadian Dave Roberts, unfamiliar with the game of cricket before joining TNT this season, notched his side’s top score with a well-deserved 25, despite his unorthodox hybrid baseball stance.

It couldn’t rescue TNT though, as they fell 73 runs short in reply to Laguna’s 227.

Despite setting an attacking field, the TNT bowlers couldn’t get the tight start they wanted, with openers Barry Buck and Roshan Jayasuriya conceding 25 runs off the first four overs, 11 of which came from the sundries column.

Jayasuriya did manage to get the breakthrough in the sixth over though against the run of play, cleaning up the stumps of Bill Stahmer (21).

The wicket slowed the Laguna run rate considerably, but Darren Shaw (76) and Andrew Cole (30) went about building

Island Cricket

a solid partnership that carried their side through to 127-1 before Cole was caught off Giles Leonard, who was playing his first game of cricket after a 19 year absence.

Sameer Khan came to the middle and helped lift the run rate with 35 off 34, while Val Guirard improved his season average, unbeaten on one off just a single delivery.

Paul Lattimore was the best of the bowlers on paper with 31-2 off eight overs, though Sid Prahbu bowled exceptionally

well and was unfortunate not to pick up a wicket as he finished 28-0 off eight.

With an asking run rate of just under six an over, TNT knew they were in with a chance if they could see off the pinpoint pace bowling of Sami Ullah and Val Guirard.

Roshan Jayasuriyah (19) and Dane Halpin (10) made a watchful start, reaching 26 without loss until a calling mixup and a brilliant throw from Bruce Whitehead at mid off found Halpin inches short of

his ground at the keeper’s end.

Sid Prabhu (18), Paul Lattimore (11), Gary Carrick (12) and Simon Samaan (14) all reached double figures, but TNT were unable to find the big partnership required to get them in reach of Laguna’s total.

The skills of the big hitting Ryan Jon, who returned to Australia last month, were missed.

The Canadian Dave Roberts obviously wasn’t too concerned about the predicament when he entered at 110-8, putting his teammates to shame by blast-

Team

P W L D NR Pts

1

Laguna

6 5 1 0 0 32

2

Village

6 5 1 0 0 30

3

Island

6 4 2 0 0 26

4

Patong

6 3 3 0 0 25

5

Lizards

6 2 4 0 0 18

6

TNT

6 3 3 0 0 15

7

Leopards 6 0 6 0 0 1

ing 25 off 25, including four boundaries. It was a brilliant consolation effort for Roberts, who had been one of the most committed TNT players this season but had struggled to find his feet in the unfamiliar game of cricket.

With the last three overs played in torrential rain, TNT were eventually dismissed for 154 off 32.5 overs. The wickets were shared for Laguna, with Ullah, Whitehead, Lijo Jose and man of the match Sameer Khan each picking up two.

Race week sets course After several months of uncertainty, the organisers of Phuket Raceweek have finally announced the event’s new venues and sponsors.

The new title sponsor for Phuket’s biggest week of sailing will be Cape Panwa Hotel, which will also double as a venue sponsor along with Kantary Bay Hotel.

The regatta was previously held at Evason Phuket, but changes to the ownership of that resort meant Raceweek was forced to find a new home.

“This new agreement means that we continue to race in the same waters in and around Chalong Bay that are so popular with regatta participants, that we keep our signature ‘one regatta, one venue’ format – and that we have security of venue beyond 2012,” Grenville Fordham, managing director of regatta organisers Image Asia, said in a statement.

O n l i ne r eg i st r a tion opened on Monday (April 30).

For more information visit phuketraceweek.com

thephuketnews.com

40 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

IN BRIEF NZ cricket coach Wright to resign New Zealand coach John Wright will step down from the national side in August after rejecting an offer to extend his contract, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said Tuesday.

In a move White described as “disappointing”, he said Wright will leave the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

Road accident kills three South Korean cyclists

SHIV SHINES

West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul regained the number one Test batsman ranking after a standout series against Australia.

The veteran left-hander finished a superb series with knocks of 68 and 69 as the tourists recorded a 75-run win in the third Test in Dominica.

Chanderpaul’s half-centuries helped him above South African pair AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis in the ICC Player Rankings, which were released on

Sunday (April 29).

The 37-year-old, who first held top spot in July 2008, slipped to as low as 15th in June 2010 before beginning his climb back to the top.

Australian wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was a big mover, jumping 46 places to 69th in the world after his maiden Test ton at Roseau.

In the bowlers’ rankings, South African speedster Dale Steyn remains top ahead of

Former Olympic swimmer Princess Charlene of Monaco is helping the South African team prepare for the 2012 London Games.

The princess will provide accommodation, food and facilities for the South Africans, whose best medal hopes are Cameron van der Burgh (breaststroke) and Chad le Clos (butterfly and individual medley).

Pakistan’s Saeed Ajmal and England’s James Anderson.

West Indies off-spinner Shane Shillingford was rewarded for his 10-wicket match haul, leaping 21 spots to 46th.

Speedster Kemar Roach (16th) and Australian spinner Nathan Lyon (36th) moved into career-best spots.

In the Test championship, Australia officially climbed above India and into third, behind England and South Africa.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul: World’s Number one Test batsman.

Nadal sets eyes on Roland Garros after 7th Barca win TENNIS Agence France-Presse

England’s Danny Cipriani leaves Melbourne Rebels

SA swim team get royal boost

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Windies batsman regains top ranking

Three South Korean professional cyclists were killed and five others injured on Tuesday after a truck crashed into the group while they were training, according to local police.

The 25-ton cargo truck hit the cyclists in Euiseong about 330 kilometres southeast of Seoul.

England’s Danny Cipriani parted ways on Monday with the Melbourne Rebels four months before his contract was due to end, with the fly-half in tears as he told his teammates.

Reports said that with his form waning and believing his motivation was gone, the club decided to pay out Cipriani’s contract.

THE PHUKET NEWS

England’s Luke Donald.

Photo: Jenni Douglas

Donald reclaims top spot from McIlroy GOLF England’s Luke Donald took back the World No. 1 golf ranking that he lost to Rory McIlroy two weeks ago with a third-place finish on Sunday (April 29) at the US PGA Zurich Classic.

Donald has exchanged the top spot with the Northern Irish star and reigning US Open champion for the past two months.

The Englishman needed a top-seven finish this week to secure the top ranking once more. With a birdie on the par-5 18th to complete a final-round five-under par

67, Donald finished 72 holes on 17-under 271.

In a bogey-free final round, Donald birdied the par-3 third and ninth holes on the front side and added birdies on the par-5 11th and par-4 13th before his concluding birdie, which avoiding him sharing third with two rivals.

Two weeks ago at the US PGA Heritage Classic, Donald finished in a share of 37th place when he needed to finish eighth or better to keep idle McIlroy from passing him for the top ranking.

McIlroy had moved to World No. 1 for the first time in his career last month.

Rafael Nadal is back on top of his mental and physical game after completing a fortnight of history-making with the Spanish king of clay adding another line for the record books on Sunday (April 29).

The world number two became the first man to win two separate events seven times, as he defeated battling compatriot David Ferrer 7-6 (7/1), 7-5 to win a seventh trophy at the Barcelona Open.

That success came seven days after he thrashed world number one Novak Djokovic for an eighth consecutive title at the Monte Carlo Masters.

At the start of the month, Nadal would not have liked his victory chances after being forced to quit before his Miami semi-final with Andy Murray due to left knee pain.

But a week or so of therapy, married to his iron will, has put the 25-year-old on course for what would be an unprecedented seventh French Open title.

His Barcelona triumph marked his seventh title in eight editions, with his only loss prior to 34 straight victories coming in 2003 to current Davis Cup

captain Alex Corretja.

“I’ve won two extremely difficult events – Monte Carlo and Barcelona without losing a set,” said Nadal. “No one deserves more than David to win here, but I had the luck on the day.

“When you play your best, as I always say, it’s because the opponent makes you do so; that’s what David did. I was able to play some of my best tennis in the first set.

“You have to really enjoy the victories as you never know when you will have another

one. I’m very happy to win but I’m only looking ahead to Madrid.”

Nadal took a well-deserved week off before heading to the Spanish capital for the Madrid Masters starting this Sunday (May 6).

His Barcelona victory came a decade to the day since he made his winning ATP debut on his home island of Mallorca.

Now he owns 34 claycourt titles and has lost only four finals on the surface. He has 48 career trophies overall.

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

Force see red over Genia Super 15

RUGBY Agence France-Presse

Wallabies scrum-half Will Genia on Monday re-signed with the Queensland Reds until the end of the 2015 Super Rugby season in a dramatic turnaround after the club said he had joined Western Force.

Genia said he changed his mind several times over the weekend after the Reds on Saturday night announced he was leaving for the Perth club next season.

Queensland Rugby Union had said it could not go close to matching Force’s offer, reportedly between A$550,000 (B17.5 million) and A$600,000 (B19 million) a season.

“I always maintained a strong desire to stay in Queensland with the Reds, however I also received offers from both here in Australia and from overseas and I considered my options,” Genia said in a statement. “(Coach) Ewen (McKenzie) asked me after the game on Friday whether I was going to be staying with the Reds and

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A

1

Chiefs

9

8

0

1

241

162

3

39

2

Stormers

9

8

0

1

210

144

1

37

3

Brumbies

9

5

0

4

242

206

7

31

4

Bulls

8

6

0

2

270

171

5

37

5

Highlanders

9

7

0

2

228

203

2

34

6

Crusaders

9

6

0

3

253

206

5

33

7

Sharks

9

4

0

5

202

218

7

27

8

Waratahs

9

4

0

5

226

219

6

26

9

Reds

9

5

0

4

176

227

1

25

10

Hurricanes

9

4

0

5

253

270

5

25

11

Cheetahs

9

3

0

6

260

274

6

22

12

Rebels

8

2

0

6

154

241

2

18

13

Force

9

2

0

7

184

229

5

17

14

Lions

8

1

0

7

150

226

2

14

15

Blues

9

1

0

8

187

240

4

12

RESULTS: Waratahs Chiefs Force Cheetahs

33 – 37 33 – 14 3 – 17 33 – 36

Conference leader

STAYING PUT: Will Genia in action for the Reds. Photo: AFP I told him I was going to join the Western Force.

“When I considered my options over the weekend, I realised it didn’t really sit well with me and my heart was in Queensland and that’s where I want to play my rugby.”

The Reds’ player of the year for the past two seasons, Genia came to the realisation that there was more to it than money.

“The financial gain to move to Perth was quite significant but it’s not about

BP Pts

Crusaders Hurricanes Stormers Highlanders

Blues Lions

11 – 23 20 – 34

Wild card team

money. It’s about where I’m happy and this is where I’d be happy,” he said.

Genia’s decision could impact star Wallabies flanker David Pocock, who was reportedly on the verge of resigning with Western Force but only if his international teammate agreed to join them.

Force chief executive Vern Reid remains confident Genia’s backflip will not affect

Pocock’s contract negotiations.

“David obviously did a lot of work in recruiting Will,” Reid said.

“He wants to put this speculation on his future aside and wants to make sure the team performs at its heights.

“That’s the position from David and, obviously, we’ll keep working with him and see if we can secure his future as soon as possible.”

Sharks smell blood after frenzy RUGBY LEAGUE The Cronulla Sharks continued their resurgence as they claimed their sixth Australian National Rugby League (NRL) win in a row – their best run in a decade – with a 44-22 demolition of Canberra on Sunday (April 29).

The southern Sydneybased Sharks matched their best winning streak since 2002 with the 22-point win, cementing third place for a team that has finished near the bottom of the competition for the past few years.

Five-eighth Todd Carney was at his damaging best, orchestrating a handful of tries and kicking six goals to put himself in the picture for New South Wales state of origin selection.

The Sharks had not won

NRL Team

P

W

D

L

B

F

A

1

Storm

8

8

0

0

0

242

99

Pts 16

2

Broncos

8

7

0

1

0

190

102

14

3

Cronulla

8

6

0

2

0

154

117

12

4

Dragons

8

5

0

3

0

132

130

10

5

Cowboys

8

4

0

4

0

190

150

8

6

Bulldogs

8

4

0

4

0

146

120

8

7

Sea Eagles

8

4

0

4

0

144

137

8

8

Rabbitohs

8

4

0

4

0

161

178

8 8

9

Roosters

8

4

0

4

0

122

188

10

Knights

7

3

0

4

0

102

103

6

11

Tigers

8

3

0

5

0

154

169

6

12

Warriors

8

3

0

5

0

178

196

6

13

Raiders

8

3

0

5

0

147

174

6

14

Panthers

7

2

0

5

0

109

143

4

15

Titans

8

2

0

6

0

106

168

4

16

Eels

8

1

0

7

0

121

224

2

RESULTS: Eels Raiders Rabbitohs Broncos

30 – 31 22 – 44 20 – 16 26 – 6

Tigers Sharks Cowboys Titans

by more than 12 points in any of their previous five victories and the 44-22 scoreline also matched their highest ever total against Canberra.

Bulldogs Storm Dragons Knights

10 – 12 32 – 14 28 – 24 34 – 14

Sea Eagles Warriors Roosters Panthers

However, coach Shane Flanagan said Cronulla could not be considered in the same class as competition leaders Melbourne or second placed

Brisbane.

“We’re doing a real good job at the moment but the testing times are ahead, when blokes like Gal (Paul Gallen) and Todd (Carney) are in Origin, to get results (then) as well,” he said.

“It’s been 10 years since we’ve won six in a row,” he added.

“But we’ve got to make the most of it – we’ve got to drum into the young blokes that opportunities like this don’t come around all the time.”

Wests Tigers almost let slip a 31-point lead over lowly Parramatta before just holding on to win 31-30.

The Tigers were leading 31-0 with 13 minutes to go before they went completely off the boil and allowed the Eels in for five tries to draw within one point.

IN BRIEF Colts draft Luck The Indianapolis Colts selected Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the first pick in the 2012 NFL draft on Thursday, just one month after releasing veteran Peyton Manning.

Luck, who is the son of ex-NFL quarterback Oliver Luck, is expected to step right into the starting role after a brilliant career at Stanford.

This marks the fourth straight year a quarterback was selected first overall.

Loeb clinches seventh Rally of Argentina

Reds Brumbies

Byes: Bulls, Rebels, Sharks

“It’s just rubbish – the only positive is the win,” Tigers coach Tim Sheens said.

Melbourne Storm remain on top of the ladder with eight wins from eight matches after they beat the New Zealand Warriors 32-14, while Brisbane are just one win behind following their 26-6 win over neighbours the Gold Coast.

41

Defending world champion Sebastien Loeb won his seventh successive Rally of Argentina on Sunday to extend his lead in his hunt for a ninth drivers’ title.

The French driver led home a Citroen 1-2 with teammate Mikko Hirvonen taking the runner-up spot, 15 seconds behind. Ford’s Mads Ostberg took third.

Stoner ends Spanish jinx Australia’s defending world champion Casey Stoner won the Spanish MotoGP on Sunday (April 29) for his first win in the race.

The Honda rider beat home Spain’s 2010 world champion Jorge Lorenzo on a Yamaha while another Spaniard Dani Pedrosa was third on a Honda.

English r ider Cal Crutchlow just failed to edge out Pedrosa for third and recorded his second successive fourth place.

Fine Indian Cuisine • • • •

Finest Indian Food Air-conditioned Restaurant Indian Takeaway / Delivery Service Open Daily From 12 noon Until 10.30pm

For menu and more details visit:

www.deepavaliphuket.com

• Live Sports on five 55' TV's

• International And Thai Food

• Food Takeaway / Delivery Service • FREE Wifi • Regular Happy Hour: 4pm-7pm

• Cocktail Happy Hour: 10pm-11pm

• Chilled-out Sounds All Day/Evening • Club/Dance Hits From 10pm

Open Daily: 11am - Last Orders: 12.30am

For menu and more details visit: www.loungephuket.com

Deepavali Restaurant / The Lounge 123/24 Bangtao Place, Phuket, Thailand

0807 223377

thephuketnews.com

42 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS TIPPING COMPETITION: 34

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

‘Gafferworld’ closes in on UK flight FOOTBALL The Premier League championship race may have been blown wide open after Monday’s match between Manchester City and Manchester United (see page 44), but it wasn’t the only significant result from the weekend’s play.

Tottenham climbed back to fourth after beating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at White Hart Lane, meaning Spurs regained the final Champions League spot, taking advantage of Newcastle United’s disappointing 4-0 loss to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.

Rafael van der Vaar t smashed Spurs ahead with a close-range shot after Gareth Bale’s header came back off the bar.

A William Gallas nearpost header also struck the crossbar as Spurs dominated for the majority of the game.

Kyle Walker eventually curled in an exquisite 25-yard free-kick to secure the win against second-from-bottom Rovers, who did not muster a single attempt on goal.

Newcastle, meanwhile, were ha nded a su r pr ise

Rafael van der Vaart helped put Spurs back into Champions League contention after their 2-0 win over Blackburn. loss to Roberto Martinez’s scoring, then fired a second Wigan after Victor Moses past Tim Krul less than two headed home to open the minutes later.

Chelsea, City face Europe ban Big spenders Manchester City and Chelsea have been warned they could be barred from taking part in future Champions League competitions if they splash out on players during the off season.

Under UEFA’s new Financial Fair Play rules, applied from this season, clubs are allowed to make losses of no more than US$56 million over two years.

But with sanctions for offending clubs due to be enforced from 2013-14, City and Chelsea face an almost impossible task to reduce their losses to

thephuketnews.com

FOOTBALL acceptable levels.

City reported a US$306 m illion loss last yea r, while Chelsea’s deficit was US$105 million.

With both expected to rebuild their squads at considerable expense, their prospects of success – and even future participation – in the Champions League look bleak.

Alasdair Bell, UEFA’s director of legal affairs, said serious sanctions will apply to clubs who miss the US$56 million limit by more than 20 per cent. In the first instance,

UEFA will force offending clubs to withdraw up to five players from their 25-strong Champions League squads for the 2013 competition.

Repeat offenders will face being thrown out of the Champions League from the following year.

“Sanctions need to be sufficiently effective and credible to make people abide by the rules,” Bell said.

“Clubs who maybe have made more serious and effective efforts to bring their own house in order will expect the rules to be applied to those who have not done that.”

Shaun Maloney slotted in to extend the lead and Franco di Santo curled a brilliant fourth just before half-time.

In other results, Fernando Torres returned to form ahead of next week’s FA Cup final as Chelsea beat QPR 6-1 at Stamford Bridge, with the Spaniard bagging a hat-trick.

Daniel Sturridge scored after 45 seconds before John Terry headed home and Torres struck twice as Chelsea swept into a 4-0 lead after 25 minutes.

Torres sealed his hat-trick after the break, with Florent Malouda making it 6-0 before Djibril Cisse’s consolation.

Elsewhere, Luis Suarez scored from the halfway line as Liverpool beat Norwich City 3-0 in East Anglia.

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw at Stoke City and Bolton Wanderers drew 2-2 with Sunderland.

In The Phuket News tipping competition, ‘Farang 2005’ fought off a late charge from ‘Clare Bolzon’ to win the April prize, a B3,000 voucher to be spent at the Peppers Bar & Restaurant, Phuket’s premier sports

Phone +66 76 270958 abpoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.lcc-albatross.com THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

DANE’S TIPS ROUND 35 Arsenal v Norwich Newcastle v Man City Aston Villa v Tottenham Bolton v West Brom Fulham v Sunderland QPR v Stoke Wolves v Everton Man Utd v Swansea Blackburn v Wigan Liverpool v Chelsea

home win away win draw away win draw home win away win home win home win away win

TOP 10 PERFORMERS (APRIL): 1. Farang2005 2. Clare Bolzon 3. dcoutts 4. scottkip 5. zestrealestate 6. chasman 7. mickyleeds 8. MRB 9. Chaochao 10. gafferworld

85 80 78 77 76 75 74 73 71 71

bar. With only two weeks remaining in the Barclay’s Premier League, this was the last monthly competition, as we now count down to the overall winner.

In the overall competition, ‘gafferworld’ has

TOP 10 (OVERALL): 1. gafferworld 2. MRB 3. chasman 4. apollo131 5. scottkip 6. Farang2005 7. alanphuket 8. dcoutts 9. Paul614724 10. zestrealestate

532 510 481 479 479 475 469 461 455 454

maintained a 22 point advantage over MRB, and is now only two weeks of solid tipping away from winning a return flight to the UK, courtesy of A lbat ross Luf thansa City Center.

Sorry ’Arry, Roy’s our boy FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse

Roy Hodgson insists he can win over the skeptics following his surprising appointment as England manager ahead of Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp.

Hodgson was unveiled as England manager by the Football Association on Tuesday after emerging as the shock choice to succeed Fabio Capello following the Italian’s resignation in February.

The 64-year-old’s elevation to the poisoned chalice of English football came amid a lingering sense of incredulity that the FA had not sounded out Redknapp as a possible candidate for the role.

However Hodgson, whose

UP TO THE JOB: England manager Roy Hodgson. Photo AFP long career includes stints as coach of Switzerland and Inter Milan, is confident that his experience of elite management will equip him for the task of

convincing his detractors.

The most important audience will be England’s senior squad, several of whom such as Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand had already issued public calls for Redknapp to be appointed back in February.

“Every coach has got to win over players,” Hodgson acknowledged. “It won’t be the first time I’ve stepped into a job where I’m meeting a group of players, many of whom I don’t know, and my job is to win them over.

“I’d like to think that given my CV, given the work I’ve done over the years, I’ve succeeded fairly well with that.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

Fergie’s ‘worst nightmare’ From page 44 anything can happen.

“It is enough for my players that they remember six weeks ago and we were four points ahead of United. In two games we lost everything. Up to now, we have done nothing.”

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had earlier been embroiled in a spectacular touchline bust-up with Mancini which saw the two managers need to be separated by the fourth official and staff from

both clubs.

The pair clashed after Ferguson took exception to a rough challenge on Danny Welbeck by City hardman Nigel De Jong.

Welbeck later hobbled away from Eastlands with his leg in a protective boot.

“He’s been complaining about referees this season but he won’t be complaining tonight that’s for sure,” Ferguson said of Mancini.

Ferguson had no complaints with Monday’s defeat however

English Premier League Team

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 43

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

his worst nightmare,” Neville told Sky Television.

“Losing a championship on goal difference is what he always talks about, every single season.

“In January, in February, in March, whatever month it is going for a championship, he will say if you’re 1-0, 2-0 up, ‘score three, score four’.

“You never know whether it’s going to get to goal difference.

“It is his worst nightmare.”

French Ligue 1

Dale Oen. Photo: Facebook swim team was training for the London Olympics.

The cause of death was not immediately known.

He had been tipped as one of Norway’s best chances at a medal at the London Olympics.

Italian Serie A

D

L

F

A

P

D

L

F

A

P

D

L

F

A

P

Manchester City

36

26

5

5

88

27

83

1

Montpellier

35

22

7

6

63

33

73

1

Juventus

35

21

14

0

62

18

77

2

Manchester United

36

26

5

5

86

33

83

2

Paris Saint-Germain

34

19

10

5

64

37

67

2

Milan

35

22

8

5

68

28

74

3

Arsenal

36

20

6

10

68

44

66

3

Lille

34

18

11

5

64

37

65

3

Napoli

36

15

13

8

64

43

58

4

Tottenham Hotspur

35

18

8

9

59

39

62

4

Rennes

34

16

9

9

48

37

57

4

Udinese

35

15

10

10

47

35

55

5

Newcastle United

35

18

8

9

53

46

62

5

Lyon

33

17

5

11

52

43

56

5

Internazionale

35

16

7

12

52

47

55

6

Chelsea

35

17

10

8

62

39

61

6

Saint-Étienne

34

16

8

10

45

37

56

6

Lazio

35

16

7

12

50

45

55

7

Everton

36

14

10

12

47

39

52

7

Toulouse

34

15

8

11

36

31

53

7

Roma

36

15

7

14

55

50

52

8

Liverpool

36

13

10

13

43

38

49

8

Bordeaux

34

12

13

9

43

37

49

8

Catania

35

11

14

10

45

47

47

9

Fulham

36

13

10

13

46

48

49

9

Evian

34

12

10

12

50

49

46

9

Parma

35

12

11

12

48

52

47

10

West Brom

36

13

7

16

41

47

46

10

Nancy

34

10

12

12

34

40

42

10

Atalanta

35

13

13

9

40

36

46

11

Sunderland

36

11

12

13

44

43

45

11

Marseille

34

10

11

13

41

40

41

11

Bologna

35

11

12

12

38

42

45

12

Swansea City

36

11

11

14

43

49

44

12

Valenciennes

34

11

7

16

33

40

40

12

Chievo

36

11

12

13

30

41

45

13

Stoke City

36

11

11

14

34

50

44

13

Lorient

34

9

11

14

34

45

38

13

Siena

35

11

10

14

45

38

43

14

Norwich City

36

11

10

15

47

63

43

14

Nice

34

9

10

15

34

41

37

14

Cagliari

35

10

12

13

36

42

42

15

Aston Villa

36

7

16

13

36

50

37

15

Caen

34

8

11

15

36

50

35

15

Palermo

36

11

9

16

48

56

42

16

Wigan Athletic

36

9

10

17

38

60

37

16

Dijon

34

9

7

18

37

55

34

16

Fiorentina

35

10

11

14

34

41

41

17

Queens Park Rangers

36

9

7

20

40

63

34

17

Ajaccio

34

7

13

14

34

57

34

17

Genoa

35

9

9

17

46

66

36

18

Bolton Wanderers

35

10

4

21

41

69

34

18

Brest

34

6

15

13

28

37

33

18

Lecce

35

8

11

16

39

53

35

19

Blackburn Rovers

36

8

7

21

47

75

31

19

Sochaux

34

8

9

17

34

57

33

19

Novara

35

6

10

19

29

61

28

20

Wolves

36

5

9

22

38

79

24

20

Auxerre

34

6

13

15

41

48

31

20

Cesena

35

4

10

21

22

53

22

4-0 1-1 2-2 4-4 0-0 4-0

Fulham Arsenal Bolton Wanderers Wolves Aston Villa Newcastle

Norwich Chelsea Tottenham ManCity Liverpool Stoke City

Live Sports TV Schedule SPORT

Liverpool QPR Blackburn Man Fulham Everton

CHANNEL GUIDE

1XX - True Visions; 8XX – Astro; 8 – Setanta

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END Friday, May 4

0-3 6-1 2-0 1-0 0-1 1-1

EVENT

MP W

A

P

D

L

F

A

P

30

91

1

Borussia Dortmund

33

24

6

3

76

25

78

6

3

104

26

84

2

Bayern Munich

33

22

4

7

73

21

70

10

10

54

43

55

3

Schalke 04

33

19

4

10

71

42

61

12

51

47

55

4

Mönchengladbach

33

16

9

8

46

24

57

13

51

48

52

5

Bayer Leverkusen

33

14

9

10

48

43

51

12

49

44

49

6

VfB Stuttgart

33

14

8

11

60

44

50

49

46

48

7

Hannover 96

33

11

12

10

39

44

45

39

55

48

8

VfL Wolfsburg

33

13

5

15

45

57

44

41

42

46

9

Werder Bremen

33

11

9

13

47

55

42

13

39

42

46

10

FC Nuremberg

33

12

6

15

37

45

42

14

40

49

46

11

1899 Hoffenheim

33

10

11

12

40

44

41

9

15

45

51

45

12

SC Freiburg

33

10

10

13

45

57

40

11

10

14

44

50

43

13

FSV Mainz 05

33

9

12

12

47

48

39

12

7

16

42

51

43

14

Hamburger SV

33

8

12

13

35

56

36

12

6

18

34

53

42

15

FC Augsburg

33

7

14

12

35

49

35

36

9

14

13

39

51

41

16

FC Köln

33

8

6

19

38

71

30

35

12

4

19

50

67

40

17

Hertha BSC

33

6

10

17

35

63

28

Sporting Gijón

36

9

7

20

40

67

34

18

FC Kaiserslautern

33

4

11

18

23

52

23

Real Zaragoza

35

9

7

19

31

60

34

Racing Santander

36

4

15

17

25

57

27

35

16

7

5

Levante

35

15

7

6

Atlético Madrid

35

13

10

7

Athletic Club

35

12

12

11

8

Osasuna

35

11

15

9

9

Sevilla

35

12

10

13

10

Mallorca

35

12

10

11

Getafe

36

12

10

12

Espanyol

36

12

13

Real Sociedad

35

14

Real Betis

35

15

Granada

36

16

Villarreal

Estoril

17

Rayo Vallecano

18 19 20

Eels v. Bulldogs

816, 109

16:30

22:00

Tennis

ATP Series

BMW Open

Saturday, May 5 Motor Bikes MotoGP Estoril Qualifying Rugby Union Super XV Chiefs v. Lions Rugby Union Super XV Brumbies v. Waratahs Rugby Union Super XV Sharks v. Highlanders Rugby Union Aviva Prem.

Wasps v. Newcastle Motor Racing V8 Supercars Perth, Australia Golf Spanish Open Seville, Day 3 Rugby Union French Top 14 Toulon v. Toulouse Soccer EPL Soccer FA Cup Final Chelsea v. Liverpool Soccer EPL Rugby Union Asian 5 Nations Tennis ATP Series Stoke v. Arsenal

Sunday, May 6 8, 816, 107

11:00

13:00

Rugby Union

Super XV

Crusaders v. Reds

8, 816

22:00

00:00

Rugby Union

Aviva Prem

N'hampton v. Worcester

817, 101

19:30

21:30

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v. Man City

817

20:00

22:00

Soccer

EPL

QPR v. Stoke

102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Fulham v. Sunderland

102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Man United v. Swansea

104

20:00

22:00

Soccer

EPL

Bolton v. West Brom

815

18:30

00:30

Golf

Spanish Open

Seville, Day 4

816, 104

18:45

22:00

Tennis

ATP Series

BMW Open

Juventus Milan Parma Lazio Roma Palermo

F

Málaga

NRL

0-4 1-4 1-2 2-0 0-0 2-0

112

4

Rugby League

Novara Siena Lecce Udinese Chievo Napoli

2

26

22:00

Catania Chievo Napoli Genoa Cesena Fiorentina

L

15

20:15

1-1 0-0 2-2 3-2 2-1 2-0

4

35

Hurricanes v. Blues

Palermo Cagliari Roma Bologna Internazionale Atalanta

MP W

D

35

Rebels v. Bulls

8, 107

MotoGP

Team

Team

German Bundesliga

Valencia

Super XV

Dijon Bordeaux Nice PSG Evian TG

Spanish Primera Liga Barcelona

Super XV

Rugby Union

Motor Bikes

1-0 0-3 2-0 2-1 2-2

3

Rugby Union

22:00

Saint-Étienne Sochaux Valenciennes Lille Montpellier

2

16:35 18:30

17:00

Montpellier Marseille Brest Caen Ajaccio

35

16:35

813, 109

0 - 1 2 - 1 4-0 1-1 3-1

Real Madrid

14:30

22:00 16:35 18:30 00:00 18:15 14:00 00:00 21:00 20:45 01:45 01:30 16:47 21:00

MP W

1

8, 816, 107

18:55 14:30 16:35 21:55 16:30 13:02 18:30 19:00 18:40 23:10 23:30 15:00 18:30

Toulouse Lorient Auxerre Nancy Rennes

TEAMS / INFO

8, 816, 107

813, 109 8, 816, 107 8, 816, 107 8, 816, 107 8, 816, 107 813, 109 815, 111 814 812, 101 813, 101 817, 103 813, 109 816, 108

Team

Norwegian world swimming champion Alexander Dale Oen has died aged 26 at a training camp in the United States, Norway’s swim federation announced on Tuesday (May 1).

Dale Oen, who won the gold medal in the 100m breaststroke in the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai, was found dead on Monday in a shower at a swimming pool in Flagstaff, Arizona, where Norway’s national

1

Everton Stoke City Sunderland Swansea West Brom Wigan

MP W

and said his side were paying the price for blowing leads of 3-1 and 4-2 in their 4-4 draw with Everton at Old Trafford on April 22.

“That was a ridiculous performance for the last seven minutes to lose two goals. That’s maybe cost us the league.”

United legend Gary Neville said Ferguson now faced with the “worst nightmare” of losing the title on goal difference.

“I know – I’ve been in that changing room for 20 years – it’s

Norway’s star swimmer dead

Getafe Levante Espanyol Real Sociedad Villarreal

1-3 3-1 0-3 3-0 1-1

Mallorca Granada Sporting Gijón Racing Santander Osasuna

29

Real Madrid Real Zaragoza Málaga Real Betis Rayo Vallecano

3-0 2-0 1-0 2-2 0-7

Sevilla Athletic Club Valencia Atlético Madrid Barcelona

Team

MP W

Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 0 Bayern München 2 - 0 Schalke 04 4-0 Hamburger SV 0-0 Freiburg 4-1

Hannover 96 Stuttgart Hertha BSC Mainz 05 Köln

Champions League Relegation

Kaiserslautern

2 - 5 Borussia Dortmund

Hoffenheim

2-3

Nürnberg

Wolfsburg

3-1

Werder Bremen

Mönchengladbach 0 - 0

Augsburg

Champions League qualifiers

Premier League promotion

Europa League

Premier League play-off

thephuketnews.com

44 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MAY 4, 2012

BACKFLIP

GE S T 7 PAP OR OF STION! AC

Western Force left seeing red as Genia stays with Queensland > 41

sport@thephuketnews.com

GREAT KOMPANY Man City 1 - Man Utd 0 THE RUN-IN:

• May 6: Newcastle v Man City • May 6: Man Utd v Swansea • May 13: Man City v QPR • May 13: Sunderland v Man Utd

Agence France-Presse

R

Vincent Kompany scores the winning goal for Man City. Photo: AFP

Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano.

Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products.

Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.

thephuketnews.com

oberto Mancini has challenged Manchester City to finish the job after a win over Manchester United that left his side just two wins away from the Premier League crown.

A 1- 0 w i n ove r United saw City return to the top of the table on goal difference, and maximum points from their remaining games at Newcastle and at home to QPR will almost certainly seal the club’s first title since 1968.

However as Manchester City’s fans and players celebrated after a raucous title decider at Eastlands hyped as the biggest match in Premier League history, Mancini’s eyes remained firmly on the prize.

“It is not finished,” Mancini warned his players after Vincent Ko m p a ny’s h e a d e r clinched a famous win.

“If we think it is finished, we will be making a big mistake.”

“It is important that we are on the top now but it is more important to be there after May 13.”

If City win their final

two games, Manchester United would only be able to overhaul their bitter rivals by racking up big victories over Swansea and Sunderland. City’s goal difference now stands at plus eight.

Monday’s triumph capped a remarkable turnaround in the championship race, which appeared to be done and dusted as recently on April 8 when United went eight points clear after City’s defeat at Arsenal.

But a disastrous run of results from United which has seen them take only four points from a possible 12 following one win, two defeats and a draw means the destiny of the title is now back in City’s hands.

Mancini warned his players that United’s stumble illustrated how quickly fortunes can change as they steeled themselves for their final two tests.

“Football is crazy,” Mancini said. “It is important to always believe in yourself when you have a bad moment.

“We were on t he top for 28 games and I think we deserve another chance. But in two games, Continued page 43