05-05-2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

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PHUKET BIDS FAREWELL TO ‘NONG BETA’ > PAGE 3

BACK TO BASICS PHUKET GOVERNOR LEADS CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THE ISLAND OF PILES OF GARBAGE

Gov Norraphat has been leading the islandwide cleanup. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong this week led the charge in a reinvigorated campaign to clean up the island with a series of high-profile events in which he branded cleanliness as a critical “back to basics” issue to be tackled as a personal responsibility of every person on the island in order for Phuket to maintain its reputation as

a leading tourism destination.

The “Big Cleaning Week” began on Labour Day Monday (May 1) with the Governor leading scores of government officers in picking up litter at the public park near Community Hall on Narisorn Rd, in the government quarter of Phuket Town.

Gov Norraphat donned a pair of gloves and himself set to picking up rubbish, even from filthy drains, showing by example that such an act was not above even his high

standing in the community.

“We can take one of the 23 guiding principles from Rama IX and apply them in how to live our lives,” Governor Norraphat told the officers.

“We can start with something small with ourselves, and thus to make Phuket clean we can start practising cleanliness ourselves and together we can make the whole island clean.

“The way to become an international tourism city is to be able to cope with the basic things, such as

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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cleanliness and tidiness,” he said.

On Tuesday (May 2), the Governor led another cleanup at Phuket Provincial Hall, and on Wednesday he led another at a home for the elderly near Provincial Hall.

“I have been in Phuket for 20 days. This is just the first step. I’d like to show people what they can do for Phuket. This is what people and tourists want to see, that it is a clean place,” he told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 3)…

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A lifeline for a visitor to Phuket

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Outrigger serves up tourney for island charity

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The impact with the digger’s excavating arm ripped open the tour bus roof. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Tourists injured as roadside digger rips open tour bus TWO CHINESE TOURists were hospitalised after the tour bus they were travelling in slammed into a roadside digger in Thai Muang, north of Phuket, last Sunday (April 30).

Rescue workers were called to the scene, at the entrance to Moo Baan Hua Nam, at about 10am after receiving a report that a bus had part of its roof ripped open in the collision.

Officers arrived to find the bus, registered in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, still in the middle of the road.

Bus driver Chairat Nonthakaew, 52, escaped with

minor injuries, but two tourists, named as Wan Yibing and Ai Zijins, had already been taken to Thai Muang Hospital.

Police did not report the full extent of the tourists’ injuries.

The operator of the large digger, Khamthon Wang Khorglang, 35, from Nakhon Ratchasima, was waiting at the scene when police arrived, confirmed Lt Col Jarun Srirat of the Thai Muang Police.

Police have yet to reveal any charges pressed for the collision.

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FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Lifeguards called into question over second jobs while on duty > page 4

Cleaning up island’s image gains traction Continued from page 1 ...“It is similar to how Thais love to travel to Japan because it is clean and neat there. I want people who live in and visit Phuket to have the same feeling,” he added.

Gov Norraphat said the broader, longer cleanup campaign, called “Keep Phuket Clean By Our Hands And Hearts”, would be extended for other vested interests to join and support.

“I’d love to do campaigns with local media. My ideas include clean village competitions and building up cleaning trends and attitudes with children in schools. Now, we have only just started our project but these ideas will develop soon. Give me a week,” he said.

Regarding the lack of public rubbish bins on the island, he explained, “We just started doing a survey. My officials are analysing the average amount of trash, type of trash in each area, and people’s behaviour.

“Give me a week,” he smiled. “Then I will know the number of trash bins to add to certain areas in Phuket.

Then we will invite the private

A cleanup at the tourist-popular Coral Island last weekend netted a ton of garbage collected from the beach and snorkelling sites. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub sector and others to join with us. We would love to join with them to make Phuket clean.”

Gov Norraphat was confident that the campaign will be a success, despite failures of previous attempts in years past.

“I can’t compare my actions with others. I just do what I can do. Also, it depends on the people’s ability to do it together,” he said.

“I believe that it is possible

to achieve. I won’t give up on Phuket people. I have my faith in creating a clean Phuket. We can make it happen together.

I am confident.

“All local (administration) organisations must join our efforts in this campaign as a province-wide project. Moreover, local organisations have their own power and ability to act to clean their own areas,” he added.

If they failed to show true

progress, he warned, “We have our (provincial) committee to follow up the local officials’ reports.” The reports must be submitted to the Governor’s Office every month, he noted.

Regarding maintaining impetus in the keeping Phuket clean if – or when – he is transferred, Gov Norraphat explained, “I have no intention to assign anyone particular to do it. But, I assign it to the people of Phuket.”

Lifeguards warn of surf danger ‘coming early’ L I F E G UA R D S H AV E warned for all beachgoers to beware of large “shore break waves” after a Russian woman was battered by a large wave at Nai Thon Beach on Monday (May 1).

The Russian tourist, who lifeguards identified only as “Katya”, suffered a blooddrawing graze after she was dumped on the sand by a large wave at the northern beach.

Asked how often bathers suffered such injuries, a representative for the Phuket Lifeguard Service told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 3), “There are many bad ones.

“It happens when heavy big waves crash into the beach.

Lifesavers call it a ‘shore break’. This kind of wave is common at Nai Harn, Kata, Karon, Surin, Nai Thon and

Russian tourist ‘Katya’ receives treatment. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service Mai Khao beaches,” the representative added.

Large shore break waves are more likely as Phuket enters its annual “rainy season”, the representative noted.

“From now on they will likely happen every day as the beaches are now changing. Normally, the (southwest) monsoon begins in the last week of May, but we are getting it early this year.”

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Phuket bids farewell to ‘Beta’ Emotion floods funeral as Governor orders support for family Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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elatives of Jiranuch Trirat, 22, gathered at Srisoonthorn temple graveyard last Saturday (April 29) as the distraught mother bid farewell to her 11-monthold child.

Phuket resident Wuttisan “Tei” Wongtalay, 20, hanged his daughter and then himself from a derelict building in Mai Khao on April 24 and broadcast the horrific incident on the internet through a Facebook Live video. That was how the devastated Ms Jiranuch learned that her baby daughter had been murdered.

Police believe the act was motivated by jealousy.

The funeral ceremony last Saturday took place at noon with Beta’s mother sprinkling flowers upon the grave surrounded by weeping family members.

“Heaven has opened for Nong Beta. Let the holy thing be kind to her”, the words of farewell were.

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong last week ordered government social workers to

Jiranuch Trirat, 22, covers her tears at the funeral for her 11-month-old daughter ‘Nong Beta’ last Saturday (April 29). Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha / AFP provide immediate support to Ms Jiranuch.

“I am deeply saddened by this,” Governor Norraphat said. “Although it is a private issue within the family, I have ordered government social workers to provide immediate assistance to the victim’s family, who we have learned are financially poor.

“The mother needs support in this time of such

suffering,” he added.

Pimpon Khorsantiwichai, Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, told The Phuket News, “We have met with the family and discussed how we can help them. Right now, they just need time.”

Mrs Pimpon declined to explain any further details.

“It is a personal issue and very sensitive. I don’t want any

more details to be published,” she said.

Gov Norraphat said that the horrific murder-suicide, which has drawn condemnation from around the world, was likely the result of poor support through family relationships.

“With any problems in the family, it is much better to talk things through,” he said, echoing the theme of a current campaign on nationwide

television that encourages family members to reconcile their differences through the theme, “Give them a chance to talk”.

Although Facebook has confirmed it has removed the video of the incident from its servers, Gov Norraphat urged people to not circulate any other copies that may still be present on the internet.

“Please don’t share the clip of them, that only does more damage to the family,” he said.

Mrs Pimpon expressed her concern for the state of relationships among family members in Phuket. “We are very concerned about the family institution in Phuket.

Honestly, relationships within families on the island are very weak,” she said.

“Also, it is important to remember that many families on the island are not originally from Phuket. Many of the families here come from many other provinces and the primary focus of the parents is on work.

“They don’t have time to take care of their children.

They leave them at home alone or with friends. They have no

time to talk or spend together, which places increasing pressure on relationships. In some cases this can lead to wife beating, child abuse, elderly abuse and teenage pregnancy,” Ms Pimpon lamented.

“We have a hotline, just call 1300,” she noted.

“Any person, even neighbours, can inform us of family disturbances. We will go directly to calm them down during such difficult times. If needed, we will remove children from violent situations and any other form of harm,” Ms Pimpon explained.

People in need can also seek help at a One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC), she added.

“There is one at every government hospital,” she said.

Mrs Pimpon also pointed out that her office can provide limited support in helping people improve their financial situation.

“We can provide help with finding a job and we work with other organisations that can help people to learn new skills,” she said.

Additional reporting by Tanyaluk Sakoot

Teacher slammed off motorbike on day 2 of school Tourists rattled by lizard

A 26-YEAR-OLD AMERIcan woman on her second day as a school teacher in Phuket was slammed off her motorbike in Kathu on Tuesday morning (May 2) while driving to school.

The woman, Megan Mari, was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town after the accident left her with head and back injuries, confirmed Capt Wattanatorn Bumrungthin of the Kathu Police.

A Khao Phuket reporter noted that a motorbike helmet was at the scene.

Ms Mari was driving to-

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Police and rescue workers arrived to find the white Honda City sedan with heavy damage to its front. ward Kajonkietsuksa School, where she had just joined as a language teacher, Capt Wattanatorn said.

“It was only her second day at the school,” he added.

The accident occurred at the U-turn in front of Chotima Driving School on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd at about 8:20am, Capt Wattanatorn confirmed.

Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find a white Honda City sedan with heavy damage to its front.

“Three metres away was a Yamaha Nouvo motorbike off the side of the road,” one rescue worker reported.

“Ten metres away was a foreign woman with a big wound on her left ankle, and her hands and feet were swol-

len. Her ears were bleeding and her back was seriously hurt,” the rescue worker added.

Capt Wattanatorn told The Phuket News, “The driver of the car was a Thai woman, 30 years old, who works for Krungthai Bank. She was driving from Kathu.”

Capt Wattanatorn did not name the driver.

“The woman said that when she arrived at the U-turn, Ms Mari pulled out in front of her and she was unable to brake or swerve in time to avoid the collision,” he said.

Premkamon Ketsara

wandering on the beach

TOU R ISTS ENJOY I NG Nai Harn Beach scattered across the sand last Thursday afternoon (April 27) to make way for a monitor lizard that decided it wanted to join the international jet-setters in sunning itself on the beach.

One lifeguard told The Phuket News that the lizard was about a metre long and weighed over seven kilograms.

“We think the lizard went onto the beach in search of food, and seemed unafraid of the tourists,” the lifeguard said.

Lifeguards caught the lizard barehanded and released it into the nearby forest. Photo: Phuket Lifeguard Service “But we were afraid that some tourists might scare it by trying to approach it to take photos,” he added.

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The black swan, returned.

Return of the black swan A WOMAN FROM WICHIT has been praised for finding a black swan and returning the bird to its rightful owner in Phuket.

Wichit resident Watcharakon Na Takauthung reported to police on April 26 that a black swan had gone missing from his house. Police organised a search for the bird, but failed to find it.

Two days later (April 28), Pongchat Cheuhom, head of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Office in Thalang, delivered the bird to Mr Watcharakon. According to Mr Pongchat, the swan was found by Ploy Phuklang, also of Wichit, who called Mr Pongchat’s office to report an unusual bird at her house.

“I bought my first four swans four years ago and now I already have 11 of them. A pair of black swans costs around B45,000 and I’m very thankful to Ms Ploy for her kindness,” Mr Watcharakon said.

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Are Phuket lifeguards allowed to have second jobs?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

QUESTION

For months now there has been a lifeguard at Kata Beach that rents out surfboards and provides surfing lessons. He does this all day and while he is doing this is never looking out for tourists (as a lifeguard should).

While he is doing this, all he is doing is making money for himself, and he does this every day. It was the same all last year. The most recent time I saw him doing exactly this, looking after customers instead of looking after tourists on the beach was at 11am on April 11.

I always wonder why is he allowed to do this? I have written to the Phuket Lifeguards many times about this, but I have never received a response.

– BR, Kata

ANSWER

Lifeguards are allowed to

One Phuket lifeguard rents out surfboards and provides surfing lessons while on duty at Kata Beach. work while on duty – and work other jobs on their days off – because their salaries from being lifeguards are not enough to support them

and their families.

Phuket lifeguards are paid only B12,000 to B15,000 a month, and this is not enough to support them while they

are supposed to be supporting their families.

Making matters worse are the recent budget cuts (see story here), which means less pay for our full-time lifeguards.

So, if lifeguards want to use their experience and knowledge of what they know best in order to make a living, it is very difficult to stop them. If we did, we would very likely will end up with even fewer lifeguards to patrol Phuket’s beaches – and it is already very difficult to get people interested in becoming a lifeguard as a full-time job.

While we allow this, the chief lifeguard at every beach where lifeguards are stationed is still responsible for making sure that lifeguards’ second jobs do not interfere with their primary duties as lifeguards while on shift. People’s lives come first.

And so, when lifeguards are doing their second jobs, there is always another lifeguard on lookout at the beach.

– Prathaiyuth Chuayuan, Chief, Phuket Lifeguard Service

Musician survives sleep driving PR MANAGER Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

A PUB MUSICIAN EScaped with only minor injuries and a charge for reckless driving after his vehicle flipped when he fell asleep at the wheel at 5am on Monday morning (May 1) about 200 metres from the PTT petrol station in Baan Lipon, Srisoonthorn.

Montri Suwankhet, 32, and his passenger Sonthichai Simachai, 29, were driving home to Mai Khao after seeing a friend in Chalong at about 5am when he dozed off, causing the vehicle to swerve and flip “without damaging any other vehicles or property,” confirmed Capt Chatree Chuwichien of the Thalang Police.

Mr Montri was knocked unconscious in the impact, but after he came to he man-

The pickup truck flipped without colliding into other vehicles near PTT petrol station in Baan Lipon. aged to pull himself out of the overturned truck and find help from local residents, who alerted Thalang Police.

M r Mont r i a nd M r Santichai suffered minor injuries and were treated with first aid at the scene by Srisoonthorn rescue workers before being taken to Thalang Hospital.

Mr Montri told Capt Chatree that he was a musician at the “Hor NokHook” (or the Thai equivalent of the letter H) pub in Phuket Town, but that he also performs at other venues.

“We tested the driver for alcohol, which came back as negative," he said.

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Navy to the rescue Chinese, Korean tourists saved at Similans The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

I Woman, 66, beaten Trakulkit Somrak, 23, was arrested and charged with theft and assault. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

in B700 shopbreak A 23-Y EA R-OLD TH A I man from Nakhon Sri Thammarat province was arrested for assaulting an elderly shop owner and fleeing with B700 in Wichit last Friday (Apr 28).

Maj Narong Muangduang from Wichit police was informed at 1:30pm that an unidentified man broke into a local grocery shop in Chao Fah Village housing estate, attacked the owner and then fled with money stolen from the counter.

“The man entered the grocery shop in Chao Fah Village at about midday. The owner of the shop – 66-year-old Yaowadee Saejia – was inside and heard the man searching for money. When confronted by her, the man hit Ms Yaowadee in the face and tried to drag

her into the inside rooms of the building,” Maj Narong told The Phuket News.

“While struggling, Ms Yaowadee shouted for help and managed to attract attention of one of the neighbours. The attacker then fled with B700 in his hand dropping the rest of the money on the ground,” he said.

The suspect, Trakulkit Somrak, 23, was arrested within hours after the assault in a residential community in Wichit’s Moo 2 not far from the crime scene. Police charged him with theft and assault.

“Ms Yaowadee’s suffered several bruises and a head injury. She is at Vachira Phuket Hospital now,” Maj Narong said without giving further details.

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n two separate incidents, less than two hours apart last Friday (April 28), a Chinese and a Korean tourist were saved from drowning by Navy rescue officers at Koh Ha and Koh Si, respectively, at the Similan Islands north of Phuket.

At 10:10am, a tour guide from the Seastar tour company put out an emergency call requesting assistance from rescue authorities of the Royal Thai Navy Third Naval Area Command about a drowning on Koh Ha (Island 5).

Chinese national Zheng Guiping, 47, had reportedly been struggling at sea for between three to five minutes whilst on a trip to the Similan Islands before being recovered from the water by the rescue team, according to a Navy officer.

She was taken by dinghy to Koh Miang (Island 4), where Navy officers performed CPR. According to the Navy official, Ms Guiping’s initial signs were “unconsciousness,

Chinese national Mrs Zheng Guiping, 47, was rescued from the water at Koh Ha (Island 5) of the Similans. Photo: Royal Thai Navy no pulse and no breathing.”

“Rescuers opened the respiratory tract and performed three cycles of CPR. Another speedboat arrived at 11:40am to take her to Tab Lamu Pier, Phang Nga province where an ambulance awaited.

Ms Guiping was then transferred to to Takua Pa Hospital and then brought to Mission Hospital in Phuket,” the Navy official told The Phuket News.

“We were told that Ms

Guiping has a history of high blood pressure, so the CPR had to be adjusted accordingly,” the official added.

Soon after, at 11:30am, national park officials received a report that a tourist from the Wow Andaman tour company had drowned at the beach at Koh Miang (Island 4).

Kang Shinsung, 33, a Korean citizen, had been recovered form the water by another tourist after struggling in the

water for two to three minutes, according to the same Navy official.

“Navy rescuers then performed CPR on the man, and the primary signs were pulmonary edema, and choking on blood. The medical rescue continued as we transported the man to Tab Lamu Pier, where an ambulance was waiting to deliver him to Thai Muang Hospital in Phang Nga Province,” the official confirmed.

Phuket firefighters brought the flames under control within about 20 minutes.

Fire breaks out in downtown Patong TRAFFIC IN THE HEART of Patong was brought to a standstill last Sunday night (April 30) as Phuket firefighters brought a blaze in a shophouse in a densely populated part of the beach resort town under control.

Firefighters arrived at the scene, on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd at the entrance to Soi Kebsub, at about 8pm to find black smoke billowing out of a four-story commercial building.

Fire trucks were forced to stop in the middle of the road while police held traffic at bay for motorists’ own safety.

The firefighters had the blaze under control within 20 minutes and entered the building to confirm no one was trapped inside and to ensure the fire would not spread to adjoining buildings.

Due to alarming nature of where the fire broke out, Phuket Provincial Police

Chief Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen was notified of the incident.

“Thankfully, no one was injured in the fire,” he said.

Fire teams scoured the building for possible sources of the fire and determined it began in a shoe storage room.

However, police have yet to reveal the suspected cause of the fire or an estimate of the damage caused by the blaze.

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Army pledges support in fight against graft The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Driver blames bottle as runaway car flips Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanit.

Photo: Phuket PR Office being corrupt, the Royal Thai Army is ready to accept all the relevant information.

“Every official must report on their work to local residents and tourist on a regular basis, while police and the Army are always here to support you,” Gen Piyawat assured.

Gen Piyawat gave his “approval” of actions taken

by Phuket officials in resolving key recurring issues on the island.

At the meeting, Governor Norraphat singled out about 10 key issues that he and his

team were currently working on.

The list included beach management, unlawful occupation of public land by car rentals and other businesses, foreign workers, illegal tour guides, public transport, hotel management, security and more.

“Some mentioned issues have to be resolved urgently.

First, illegal occupation of public land by businesses, such as vehicle rentals occupying parking spaces and businesses encroaching on

Maya Bay closure still mulled THE DEPARTMENT OF National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation this week confirmed that it is still considering temporarily closing Maya Bay to give the worldfamous beach’s ecology time to recover.

Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation chief, Thanya Nethithammakul, said the department has considered closing the beach in the Noppharat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park for some time to restore the marine ecological system that has almost been destroyed as a result of largescale tourism.

“We have seen the success of nature recovery after closing other tourist spots and we think the same approach could work at Maya Bay. We are looking into the possibility and a proper time to close it,” he told the Bangkok Post.

Yoong Island in the same park has been closed for about two years and the recovery of natural marine resources has been dramatic.

The closure of Maya Bay was tabled in August last year, when Krabi Governor Phinich Boonlert filed a request with DNP Chief Thanya Netitham@thephuketnews

7

The post on Line said that a plastic water bottle that became stuck under the brake pedal caused the accident.

Photo: Peeraphong Phonpramoon

T

he new Commander of the Fourth Army Region, Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanit has called on Phuket officials to take down “influential figures” on the island, and pledged Army support in doing so.

“There are two types of influential people in Phuket.

Those belonging to the first group are well known in area, they are good men so try to make them part of your public work,” he told Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and a bevy of high-ranking local officials at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday (April 28).

“Those of the second type break the law for their own benefit and make troubles.

They must be removed from this area,” Gen Piyawat noted.

“Any state official must put serving the public first and their own business second.

All official organisations must cooperate to support both people and the private sector.

All officials must follow the law, and if you find somebody

PHUKET NEWS

Tourists enjoy their moment at Maya Bay. Photo: Bangkok Post

makun to allow the protected sites a chance to recover from intense environmental pressure from mass tourism.

During peak season, about 5,000 visitors – more than double its capacity – visit the bay each day, Mr Thanya said.

Sarayuth Tanthien, chief of the Noppharat Thara Beach-Phi Phi Islands National Park, said he has discussed the issue with tour operators and there was no objection to the closure, but the department should inform operators in advance so they can alter their tour programmes.

“If possible, we will close the bay from July to September this year. That is the monsoon

season and fewer tourists visit the beach. We also plan to introduce measures to control the number of visitors,” he said.

He said the beach’s coral reef has been damaged by boats, since there is nowhere to tie boats up.

Boat owners drop anchor, damaging the coral below. The department will set a side a new mooring area for boats, he added.

Last year about 1,000 local people called for Maya Bay to be closed. They also suggested the DNP open “Sam Hat” Beach on Phi Phi Don while Maya Bay remained closed.

The Phuket News

Surin Beach. Then, public transport improvements such as drivers wearing uniforms and keeping their vehicles ready for service. Third, public transport management at Phuket International Airport where service must be faster,” Governor Norraphat said.

To this Gen Piyawat answered that he was satisfied with Phuket officials and urged them to continue working. The regional Army chief agreed that the issue of illegal occupation of public land by business should be a priority.

POLICE SAY THEY HAVE yet determine whether to press charges against a man who lost control of his car, which narrowly avoided wiping out a family sitting on a motorbike with side car and then mounted a footpath and came to rest on its roof in Phuket Town early Monday afternoon (Mar 1).

Phuket City Police were notified of the accident, near the intersection of Komaraphat Rd and Thepkrasattri Rd, at about 1pm.

Officers and medical staff from Vachira Phuket Hospital arrived to find a silver Phuketregistered Honda City turned turtle on the footpath.

Lt Col Rachan Panwai of the Phuket City Police told The Phuket News on Monday, “The driver was an elderly man, about 60 years old. He

had two elderly women passengers. All of them sustained small scratches and sprains.

“I have not charged them yet (sic). I need to talk to them,” Col Rachan told The Phuket News on Tuesday (May 2).

Meanwhile, dashcam video footage from inside the car has blasted across Phuket social media networks The video, 1:06 minutes long, was posted to the Phuket Traffic “Line” group at 9:34pm on Monday night with the message, “the driver was a friend’s father. The accident happened because a water bottle that was under the seat got stuck under the brake.”

Col Rachan on Tuesday said he had not yet confirm this caused the accident.

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Opinion 8

OPINION

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FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

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CONTACT US

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CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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

MATTHEW POND

News & Sports Editor

editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has over six years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

MARK KNOWLES

Lifestyle Editor

editor1@classactmedia.co.th From Melbourne, Australia, Mark holds a BA from La Trobe University where he completed a double major in Anthropology and Media Studies.

He has over eight years experience as a journalist, photographer and editor for several magazines and newspapers.

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EDITORIAL

A lethal combination

eaders may or may not have noticed that there’s a new bike on the roads here in Thailand.

Well it’s not exactly new, it was actually launched in Thailand back in 2015, but it is certainly gaining popularity here and you can see a growing number of them on the roads on any given day.

The bike, which is quite a nice looking piece of machinery if you’re into that kind of thing, has a engine of only 149 cubic centimetres. Nevertheless, many Thai news reports prefer to class it a “big bike”.

Any two-wheeled machine with an engine of 149cc is far from a big bike to any Western big bike fan. So now you may be wondering, “Where are you heading with this?”

You also might be wondering why we’ve referred to how Thai media might report on this bike.

The answer is simple, because in recent months this bike, the Yamaha M-Slaz, has been making the news. Not only the news, but in the very latest incident, the headlines.

Yes, it is sad to say that this bike has been in the news in recent months because the riders of the said bike have been involved in accidents – yep, big surprise there, motorbike accidents in Phuket – with several resulting in the deaths of the riders.

In fact, in the past eight weeks alone, The Phuket News has reported four accidents involving a Yamaha M-Slaz, and there could well be some accidents involving a Yamaha M-Slaz that have gone under the radar that not made it to the news.

But an even more glaring factor in each of these four stories, beyond the fact that they all involve a Yamaha M-

Slaz, is that in every incident the rider of the bike in question has been a Thai male aged between 18-25.

Now The Phuket News is in no way saying that these accidents are due to the bike itself. What we are pointing out, however, is the combination of youth-targeted design and marketing on behalf of the manufacturer, and overconfidence and youthful recklessness on the part of the rider, that has created a lethal cocktail on our roads.

Given that people are free to buy any bike they can afford, and that more young riders join us on the road every day, it seems like there is little that can be done to prevent more of these predictable, but statistically inevitable accidents.

Except perhaps giving Yamaha M-Slaz riders as wide a berth as possible on the roads when you see them.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Fire breaks out in downtown Patong Facebook removes Phuket baby-killing video Phuket tourists rattled by beach-faring monitor lizard Bangkok Hospital Phuket confirms emergency care policy under new law Tourists injured as digger rips open tour bus roof north of Phuket American Phuket school teacher slammed off motorbike on second day at work Swiss expat found dead at home in Chalong Parks department mulls closing Maya Bay Phuket Army chief confirms BYO umbrellas, sun loungers welcome at Surin Beach Red Bull scion flees Bangkok with two days to spare

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Off to a clean start Some tough love?

Re: Phuket Governor gets serious with ‘Keep Phuket Clean’ Great initiative and perhaps the Governor’s team should travel down the road from Tesco Lotus in Cherng Talay to the Amora Hotel.

This is a busy roadway for tourists from the beach hotels to Tesco and Tinlay Market and is probably one of the worst areas for fly-tipping in a Phuket. Also the road is in a very poor condition and the lights do not work at night.

Needs to be looked at urgently Mick ...................................................

Re: NRSA tipped to ease media bill Ban Facebook from Thailand’s internet access. Good for the Thai economy, good for Thai people.

Capt B ...................................................

A rare shy bull

Re: Phuket gets ready for an island-wide clean up A fantastic initiative, I hope this spreads through all areas as suggested and becomes common practice for all residents, Thai and foreigners alike.

LES ...................................................

Re: Red Bull scion flees with two days to spare I might be wrong, but why do I feel we are being told a bucket full of lies.

Rorri Re: Red Bull heir threatened with arrest after latest no-show “Been threatened with arrest” I bet he’s really worried now!

Haha, time to buy more brown envelopes.

Malczx7r

Daily duty of care

Re: Phuket clean-up nets ton of rubbish at Coral Island This is great but it needs to be done every day not just once a decade.

Discover Thainess ...................................................

Clean the streets

Not good enough

Re: Prostitute’s record ‘doctored’ to help official Well that’s normal. Same all over the country. When the police or officials are involved

suddenly everything stops working or there is a fire/ flood and something gets lost or damaged. Someone forgets to follow basic rules.

So if video or sound was forgotten then the officers involved are incompetent and should be sacked. Or they forgot on purpose and therefore part of the ring to some level or just perverting the course of justice.

But this just proves they are covering up something as now they can not say the girl is not telling the truth, which was their best hope, but they need the tapes to prove that.

Just have to see what happens but my guess will be the same as all the others. Nothing. It will just get lost in the mists of time.

Simon 01 What a sad story. Why not interview the young lady again, and make sure the equipment is working this time?

Discover Thainess ...................................................

Infernal meddling

Re: Phuket Army chief confirms BYO umbrellas, sun loungers welcome at Surin Beach

I wonder if the authorities have any idea of how tourists (the lifeblood of Phuket) interpret these statements? I personally cannot believe that senior military people get involved in sunbeds. What kind of island has Phuket become?

Discover Thainess A very sensible decision. But why not every beach? Why do we have to go to Surin Beach to use our chairs and parasols. Tourists are happier to be out in the sun. It’s why they come to bake in the sun and go home after two weeks with a lovely suntan.

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

Where to start?

Re: New regional Army chief “satisfied” with Phuket officials Fine words from the General, let’s see what progress is made. Oh, and how about the good general look into some of the land titles in Phuket and how they were obtained. Perhaps they could start with the seafront land north of Layan?

Andy

Have an opinion? Comment on stories at thephuketnews.com thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

9

Red Bull scion flees Two days before he was due to answer charges, ‘Boss’ does a runner BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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ed Bull scion Vorayuth “Boss” Yoovidhya, the suspect in a brutal hit-and-run case in which a police officer was killed, gave authorities the slip once again by leaving Thailand for an unknown destination on April 25, just two days before he was due to answer charges over the 2012 incident.

Legal proceedings to indict the grandson of the late founder of Red Bull have dragged on for five years, hampered by excuses and delays by Vorayuth.

He dodged another summons last week, inflaming a public already angered by the lack of progress made on the case and reeling at recent news reports that he had been living a lavish jet-set lifestyle despite the legal proceedings looming over him.

Maj Gen Apichart Suriboonya, Chief of the Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division, said immigration records showed Vorayuth ex-

Legal proceedings to indict the grandson of the late founder of Red Bull have dragged on for five years, mainly due to problems caused by Vorayuth. Photo: AFP ited the kingdom last Tuesday (April 25). His whereabouts remain unknown, he added.

The suspect’s lawyer, Thanit Buakhiew, lodged a request last Wednesday (April 26) to seek an eighth deferral

for his client to answer the charges. But the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) rejected the request and asked police to seek a court warrant for Vorayuth’s arrest.

The warrant for Vorayuth’s

Record ‘doctored’ to help official MAE HONG SON LOCAL ADMI NISTR Ators claim the record of an interview with a teenage prostitute who accused a senior government official of having sex with her was doctored to help the person.

The girl’s mother was also told that video of the questioning was unavailable because officials forgot to plug in the recorder, and audio was not available because of “technical” reasons.

The claims were made in a complaint filed last Friday (April 28) by Boonyarit Nipawanit, head of a confederation of assistant district chiefs, who met with Col Somjetta Pakdeebundit, the deputy director of the Mae Hong Son branch of the Internal Security Operations Command.

Mr Boonyarit said the girl had referred to a high-level government official during questioning by legal officials but the name did not appear in their report.

Several repor ts have claimed that a governor of Mae Hong Son was a customer of the vice ring in which a senior police officer has also been implicated, but the cur@thephuketnews

The mother of one young woman involved talks to the deputy national police chief. Photo: Tawatchai Kemgumner rent occupant of the office has denied the stories.

Mr Boonyarit said his team found that the complaint concerned a reception for a highlevel government official who was assuming his position, held at a building tn the Hong Son Suksa School in Muang district of the northern province on Oct 1.

There had been a request for sex services, so procurers brought several girls there. Selected girls were then brought to many places, Mr Boonyarit said.

Pipat Ekphaphan, the governor of Uttaradit province and former governor of Mae Hong Son, wrote on his Facebook page that he did not buy sex services and he did not think his successor, Suebsak Iamwicharn, did so either.

One of the people arrested

so far in connection with the case is Snr Sgt Maj Yutthachai Thongchart of the Nam Phieng Din Police Station in Mae Hong Son. Already dismissed from police service, he and two other women suspected of being the procurers – Piyawan Sukma and Piyatas Thiansuwan – were charged with forcing girls aged between 15 and 18 into prostitution.

The 43-year-old mother, identified only as Namphet, of one alleged prostitute, said the minors controlled by the procurer’s group, including her daughter, had owl tattoos on their chests.

The gang allegedly lured girls to take drugs. After they became addicted, they were forced to sell sex she said.

Bangkok Post

arrest was issued last Friday (April 28).

Maj Gen Apichart said the Foreign Affairs Division sent a letter to the UK National Central Bureau for Interpol that same day asking it to confirm

whether Vorayuth was in the United Kingdom.

He said the two agencies would meet this week to follow up on the issue as the OAG is keen to initiate an extradition request.

If Vorayuth is not in the UK, Interpol will issue an international alert, known as a Blue Notice, to its 190 member countries to locate, identify or obtain information on the suspect, he said.

Police in Sukhumvit’s Thong Lor area – where the officer was hit and dragged to his death in the early hours of the morning before the suspect allegedly fled the scene – have forwarded a letter to the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affairs to initiate a process to revoke Vorayuth’s passport, said Maj Gen Apichart.

He said this is the first case involving the extradition of a hit-and-run suspect he has seen during 15 years on the force, but that he was confident the man would eventually be brought to justice.

Many outspoken critics

have less faith in the outcome of a case they claim highlights the privilege enjoyed

by Thailand’s wealthy elite, or so-called “hi-so” families.

Vorayuth’s father is Thailand’s fourth-richest billionaire, according to reports.

Deputy police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said on Monday (May 1) that Thong Lor Police have taken steps to bring Vorayuth to court, including forwarding the arrest warrant to the Immigration Bureau and the RTP’s Foreign Affairs Division. He said the Foreign Ministry’s Department of Consular Affairs has also been notified.

He said the probe is not being stalled but has been extended to make sure all involved are questioned thoroughly.

The inquiry centres on the police’s handling of the case, which faced heavy criticism after two charges – speeding and reckless driving causing damage to others’ property – were dropped after their one-year statute of limitations expired.

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Finally reunited Man meets father after running away at 10 BANGKOK Bangkok Post

A Bomb hoax delays Bangkok Airways’ flight PG145 is kept at an isolated parking stand pending searches after a bomb threat on Tuesday afternoon. Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutvorakan

BKK-Samui flight SAMUT PRAKAN A SWEDISH PASSENGER claimed to have a bomb in his baggage on Bangkok Airways’ Bangkok-Koh Samui flight PG145 at Suvarnabhumi airport on Tuesday afternoon (May 2).

Searches cleared the plane and delayed the flight by about five hours.

The pilots informed traffic controllers of the bomb threat on the aircraft, originally set to take off with 140 people at 1:45pm.

Sirote Duangratana, General Manager of the country’s main airport, said the Swedish passenger said on the plane that a bomb was inside his baggage

and the pilots decided to implement emergency procedures.

All 140 crew members and passengers were brought off the plane to a rescue station on the eastern side of the airport for body and baggage searches.

Bomb experts, security officials, firefighters, rescue workers and medical personnel were mobilised to handle the situation.

As the searches found nothing suspicious, the management of the airport terminated its emergency response at 5:50pm.

The flight was rescheduled to take off at 6:30pm.

The Swedish passenger was detained and questioned.

Bangkok Post

young man who ran away from home when he was about 10 years old has finally been reunited with his family 15 years later.

Investigators from the Metropolitan Police Bureau’s Children and Women Protection Sub-Division and staff from the Mirror Foundation announced at a press conference on Tuesday (May 2) that they had succeeded in reuniting the 25-year-old man, identified only as “Um”, with his father.

Lt Col Patisart Srimontha, the sub-division’s deputy chief, said the Mirror Foundation asked police to help the man track down his family.

Um had only vague memories of the community he lived in as a child, the officer said.

But police and foundation staff finally found clues that helped them find his father in the Talad Sri Khema community in Bang Sue district of Bangkok.

Ekkalak Lumchomkhae, head of the missing persons

Grownup runaway Um (right) with his happy father after being reunited with his family. Photo: Missing Persons Centre, Mirror Foundation centre of the foundation, said the man sent a message to the inbox of the centre’s Facebook page early last month, asking for help finding his family. He had run away from home when he was a young boy and could not remember the surname of his family.

He called himself Um, and remembered only that his father’s name was Boontham and his mother’s was Maew.

His home was in a community near a rail track with a canal or a river nearby.

Foundation staff went to meet Um in Prachuap Khiri Khan, where he worked as a hired hand, to seek further details before asking police for help, Mr Ekkalak said.

In an tearful reunion with his father and relatives on Tuesday, Um said that he left home as a child when his friends persuaded him to get on a bus to Sanam Luang.

When he reached there, his friends abandoned him and he could not remember the way back home.

He had eked out a living as a beggar in Sanam Luang and on Khao San Rd and, when he grew up, as a scavenger.

Sometimes he had to ask for food from temples.

He began to look for his family by using Google Voice.

He uttered his name and the words “missing boy”, hoping there might be some news about himself on the internet.

And then the Facebook page of the Mirror Foundation came up. And then, he finally found his family.

Cabbie charged with tourist’s rape BANGKOK A TAXI DRIVER ACCUsed of raping a Brazilian tourist was tracked down and arrested last week, and is reported to be have been involved in two previous sexual assaults on women passengers.

Khamkhuncharoen Khonchaturas, 44, of Nakhon Ratchasima’s Sikhiu district, was apprehended while hiding out on Samakkhi Rd in Nonthaburi.

Police initially pressed charges of rape, illegal detention, and theft with violence.

On April 25, the 22-yearold Brazilian woman filed a complaint with local police in Suphan Buri, saying she had been raped by a taxi driver after she waved down his cab in front of Don Mueang Airport on arrival from Malaysia about 1:30pm.

She asked to go to Soi Thong Lor in the inner city, but the driver instead took her through the outskirts of the city to Suphan Buri, where she was later found in tambon Thung Khok of Song Phi Nong district.

Khamkhuncharoen allegedly stopped his cab beside a eucalyptus plantation and assaulted, overpowered and

The woman said she had been raped by a taxi driver after she waved down his cab in front of Don Mueang Airport.

Photo: Ian Fuller/Flickr raped her. He then abandoned her beside the road, where she was found by a local resident.

Earlier, Thai media reported that she was assaulted in a paddy field.

Last Thursday (April 25), the suspect was taken to the crime scene, a eucalyptus plantation in Song Phi Nong district, and then to Suphan Buri provincial court, where the Brazilian victim identified him as the rapist.

Friends of the victim earlier posted messages on their Facebook pages seeking her whereabouts after she failed to arrive at the arranged meeting place in Thong Lor last Tuesday (April 23). Her disappearance sparked worries for her safety.

There were media reports

that the Brazilian victim, who has not been named, is a former beauty queen.

Police said criminal records showed driver Khamkhuncharoen was involved in two previous rape cases, according to Daily News Online.

T he f i r st i nvolve s a 20-year-old Thai woman who was raped in Lat Lum Kaeo district of Pathum Thani on Sept 24, 2008. The second case involves a 25-year-old Myanmar woman who was raped on Kamphaeng Phet 6 Rd in Thung Song Hong area, Bangkok on Jan 9, 2013, the report said.

Khaosod Online reported that the driver had served a prison term for rape and was recently released.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

ASIA NEWS 11

Social media battleground

Kashmir officials say networks misused by ‘anti-social elements’ INDIA AFP

A

n unprecedented ban on WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter in Indian Kashmir has highlighted social media’s role in energising an insurgency that has roiled the disputed Himalayan region for decades.

Authorities in the Kashmir valley last week ordered internet service providers to block 15 social media services for at least one month, saying they were being misused by “anti-national and anti-social elements”.

The move followed an upsurge in violence in the region, where authorities say social media are being used to mobilise stone-throwing protesters behind increasingly frequent civilian attacks on government forces.

Anti-India sentiment runs deep in the predominantly Muslim Kashmir valley, one of the world’s most heavily militarised spots, where most people favour independence or a merger with Pakistan.

One senior police officer said the power of social media to mobilise large groups of civilians was “worrying the security forces much more than the armed militants”.

“Social media is misused to mobilise youth during antimilitant operations,” said the

A Kashmiri man is seen here browsing the internet on his mobile phone on a footbridge in Srinagar. Photo: AFP officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Rebel groups have been fighting Indian forces in Indian Kashmir for decades.

But the violent civilian protests, which often mobilise around the anti-militant operations conducted by government forces, are a relatively new phenomenon.

The local government already frequently blocks mobile internet services in the volatile Kashmir valley, but it is the first time they have banned specific social media services in the interests of public order.

The Kashmir valley has been tense since April 9, when eight people were killed

by police and paramilitaries during election day violence.

Since then, students angered by a police attempt to detain suspected protest ringleaders on college grounds have held regular demonstrations, frequently clashing with police.

Kashmir’s tech-savvy young – 70% of the population is under 35 – have increasingly turned to social media to express their anger as well as to mobilise demonstrations.

“If they (the government) take away our means of communication and protest we will keep finding new ones,” said Asim, a university student who gave only his first name.

Political scientist Noor

Ahmed Baba said that the conflict was now “playing out in the social media space”.

“The present government wants to silence the people.

The violence of suppression will generate more violence,” said Baba, a political scientist with the University of Kashmir.

Young Kashmiris have also used their mobile phones to record videos of killings and other rights abuses by government forces and upload them on YouTube.

One video circulated online this month depicted a Kashmiri man tied to the front of an army jeep, apparently as a human shield against stone-throwing protesters.

Indian police took the rare step of registering a criminal case after the footage went viral, sparking outrage in India.

But no arrests have yet been made and India’s Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi even appeared to support the use of a human shield, saying “if it has to be done again, it should be done again”.

Another video showed an Indian paramilitary soldier being heckled and slapped by protesters outside a polling station.

But security expert Ajai Shukla said banning social media was “unlikely to control or diffuse the situation”.

“It is at best a temporary solution, but also means shoot-

ing the messenger,” he said.

“It indicates poor security management. Politically it is a double disadvantage and from a strategic and technical (military) operations point of view it achieves nothing.”

Kashmir’s armed insurgency has significantly weakened since its peak in the 1990s.

But dozens of Kashmiri youths have joined its ranks since last July, when security forces killed the popular young leader Burhan Wani.

The death of the charismatic rebel – himself a social media sensation who regularly uploaded video messages – also sparked a wave of popular protest.

More than 100 people died and thousands more were injured in clashes between protesters and government forces last year, the worst violence to hit the Himalayan region since 2010.

One student activist said the ban on social media would remove one of the few remaining outlets for peaceful protest in Kashmir.

“Social media is our media, everyone’s media. We’re in it to show the world what is done to us generation after generation,” said the activist, who asked not to be named.

“Indian politicians and media misrepresent us. This has to end. How else do we protest without being called terrorists?”

Marriage, sex, and being LGBT in Pakistan PAKISTAN PAKISTAN’S TRANSGENder community, known as “khawajasiras” or “hijras”, are now fighting for change.

Usually shunned by their families, the victims of beatings and rapes, they are often condemned to a life of begging or prostitution.

The situation is complicated by the deeply conservative, traditional Muslim country’s views of sex and sexuality.

The law only permits heterosexual relationships within marriage. Sexual relations outside marriage are punishable by imprisonment.

For women, virginity is an important condition for marriage, the vast majority of which are still agreed and arranged by parents and family members.

The suspicion of an unlawful love relationship, or even regular communication with @thephuketnews

a man, could see a woman killed by her relatives in the name of “honour”.

Homosexuality is punishable by 10 years imprisonment or even 100 lashes.

While homosexuals are viewed with derision, in the case of men, few would identify themselves as gay so long as they are the “active” partner.

Homosexuals identified as “passive” are ostracised in patriarchal Pakistan. Known as zenana, they wear men’s clothes but display effeminate behaviour. Some from this group form a community who are traditionally both close to and rivals of the hijras, the third sex.

Lesbians, meanwhile, are all but invisible.

Hijras, or khawajasiras, are those born male but who identify as women. They are perceived as a third sex and have been able to hold Pakistani identity cards since 2009.

There is no term for women who identify as men.

In Islam, a Surah popular among the hijras says Allah “creates what He wants” – “girls”, “boys”, or “both boys and girls”.

Sexual intercourse between a man and a hijra is not considered homosexuality, even if it amounts to the same action.

Almost all hijras claim they have been born in a man’s body with “a woman’s mind”.

They say they are cultural heirs to a glorious past as eunuchs during the Mughal dynasty, when they were part of the elite – as harem guardians, artists, but also generals, like Malik Kafur in the 14th century.

Some hijras use hormones and silicone to enhance their feminine features, often injected without proper medical supervision, to shape their bodies – but full, expensive sex-reassignment operations

cannot be done in Pakistan.

Their effeminate behaviour can cause families to reject them, and they often end up in the power of a so-called “guru”, with the risk of commercial sexual exploitation that implies.

AFP

Members of the Pakistani transgender community attend a party in Peshawar. Photo: AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Scars from Colombia war

Countless women and girls raped and abused during conflict COLOMBIA AFP

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ike thousands of women, Zoraya suffered sexual abuse by fighters in Colombia’s civil war.

But that horror is secondary to the memory of what was done to her toddler daughter.

At a year and a half old, the child became one of countless women and girls raped and abused during the chaos of the conflict.

The country is trying to move on under recent peace accords. But it is still counting the human cost of a war in which the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says rape has been used as a “weapon” to terrorise civilians.

The 32-year-old AfroColombian woman, who asked to be identified as Zoraya rather than by her real name, says she blames herself for “not looking back” that day in 2011.

She had left her daughter at the child’s grandparents’ home in the northwestern town of Quibdo, but the girl wandered out, trying to follow her. She was found later in a pool of blood.

“They took her dress and her diaper off and put a stick up her anus. They punctured her intestine,” Zoraya said.

“When they called me and

Zoraya (her real name has been changed for security reasons) was the victim of sexual violence by an illegal armed group in the Colombian region of Choco.

Photo: Alina Dieste/AFP I saw the girl...” she went on, before breaking off into sobs.

The child spent a month in intensive care and lives now with “a big scar across nearly her whole abdomen,” Zoraya said.

Zoraya went to and fro visiting the prosecutors’ office until she got sick of it.

The child’s attackers were never found.

Zoraya does not know whether they were members of one of the armed sides in the conflict, or just motiveless

sadists swept up in a climate of violence and impunity that decades of war instilled in deprived neighbourhoods like hers.

“It will mark me forever,” she said.

Zoraya threw away the dress the girl was wearing that day since she refused to wear it any more.

A psychiatrist told her he thought the child would not suffer after-effects from the trauma, but Zoraya is not sure.

“She was very little, but people have mentioned it to her and asked her about it.”

Like thousands of people displaced by the conf lict, Zoraya lives with all her six children in fear of the gangs that still roam Quibdo, extorting money from civilians.

“Life is hard here,” she says. “Often we have nothing to eat.”

The father of her children has disappeared and Zoraya does not know if he is alive or dead.

Since er upting in the 1960s, the war has pitted various rebel groups against state forces, right-wing paramilitary groups and drug gangs.

Zoraya fled her home after one of the armed groups threatened her in 2013. She will not say which one.

She was making breakfast when one of her sons heard boots approaching.

An armed man in camouflage whom the other men called “boss” ordered her to cook chicken and fish.

Then he tried to rape her.

“He took hold of me. He wanted to kiss me and I didn’t let him. I grabbed him, I hit him in the face, I scratched him,” she said.

“We fell on the floor and star ted wrestling” as he groped her.

Before he left the man told the family: “If you’re still here when I get back this afternoon, I’ll burn the house down. You’ve got 24 hours.”

The ICRC said in a recent report that most of the victims of sex crimes in the conflict are black and from rural communities.

“Sexual violence has been one of the most common weapons used to control civilians,” says Lorena Mosquera, an ICRC health worker in Quibdo.

“It has been used like a weapon of war.”

Such atrocities have “very serious” consequences, she says: unwanted pregnancies, abortions, venereal diseases, injuries, broken families and single mothers.

The rape victims range in age from 18 months to 65 years and also include men, Mosquera said.

The report says sexual violence “is recurrent and can affect several generations within one family”.

The Colombian state has recorded nearly 17,100 women as falling victim to sex crimes in the conflict since the 1980s, it says.

But Mosquera warned that “there is a very, very high degree of under-reporting” of cases by victims who are too ashamed or frightened to speak.

A peace deal between the government and the leftist FARC rebel force includes a constitutional reform that will set up special courts to try the perpetrators of sexual and other atrocities in the conflict.

Zoraya and her family fled the home where the armed man had attacked her before he could come back and carry out his threat.

Terror drove them. As the man had lain on top of her, with her son watching, all Zoraya could think of was what had happened to her infant daughter.

Roll with it: Gazans create own limo from five different cars PALESTINE A GA Z A N F I R M H A S found a way to add style to weddings in the Palestinian enclave despite being unable to import a limousine: make one with parts from five cars.

Wedding planner Salama al-Odi sought to import a limousine as part of the various offerings to young Gazans by the firm he heads, Farha, but said he was unable to.

The Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for 10 years, with the entry

and exit of goods and people tightly controlled by Israel.

Its sole crossing with Egypt has also remained largely closed in recent years.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008.

Israeli officials say the blockade is necessary to prevent the importation of weapons and materials that could be used to make them, but UN officials have called for it to be lifted, citing deteriorating conditions in the enclave of two million people.

With poverty widespread and unemployment at nearly 45%, Gazans have had to show creativity – and Odi has responded to the challenge.

In his small mechanic shop, a group of men were busy taking parts from five different cars and adding them to a white Mercedes.

Some 30 people weighed in on the design and drew up plans for the improvised limousine.

“It took us three months and $21,000 (B725,340)” to build the vehicle, whose interior with curtains was “completely conceived in Gaza,” Odi said.

The result looks something

A Palestinian mechanic works on his ‘Cinderella’ vehicle at his workshop in Gaza City on April 22. Photo: AFP like a cross between a car and a spaceship, with a rounded roof extending upward from what would have been the original top.

Hand-painted designs adorn the sides of the vehicle.

Final touches are being put on the “limo” and the first bride and groom should have been able to climb aboard on April 27.

Odi says he will offer it at an affordable rate for young

people in Gaza, where marriages have been delayed due to a lack of financial resources.

For him, seeing the homemade vehicle roll through the streets of the Gaza Strip will also be a message to Gazans to “not give in to the restrictions” imposed by Israel.

“You have to answer by inventing and embarking on an adventure,” he said.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Indonesia sails forth New laws drafted to attract more yachting tourism to the Asean region MARINE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ndonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya stopped

by Phuket Boat Lagoon last week to deliver a resounding message: Indonesia, by presidential decree, was taking serious steps towards opening its doors to yachting tourism.

Minister Arief delivered his message at Boat Lagoon Resort’s Boat Point Meeting room last Thursday (April 27), accompanied by Indroyono Soesilo, Chairman of the Tourism Maritime Acceleration Team, and Fauzi Husien, Head of Sabang Port Authority Agency.

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and Phuket Vice Governor Teera Anantaseriwidhya were present, along with all the key players in Phuket’s yachting industry.

Key to the presentation was that laws had literally been rewritten – and new laws still being drafted – to encourage more yachts

Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya (right) in deep conversation with Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong at the Boat Lagoon. to tour Indonesian waters, which are home to some of the most beautiful and most biologically diverse marine environments in the world.

Visas to enter Indonesia are now free to nationals from 169 countries and boats entering Indonesian waters are now processed via the overhauled CIQP (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Port Clearance), through which details of boats arriving are entered

online, and usually approved within hours.

A critical question from floor during the post-presentation Q&A session was whether transnational charters were possible, with Phuket yachts picking up clients in Indonesia.

The short answer: Not yet.

“We are working on this right now. I mean, the actual regulations are being drafted at this time,” explained Mr

Tourism improves by a sliver TOURISM THAILAND’S MINISTRY of Tourism and Sports reports international visits exceeded 9.19 million, January to March this year, representing a slight increase of 1.72%.

Released late last month, the ministry’s data showed the country attracted 9,194,057 international visits last year, compared with 9,038,893 visits during the same period last year.

The data is based on foreign passports, or ID holders, passing through international checkpoints (land, sea and air).

Tourism and Sports Permanent Secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra said China, Malaysia and Russia were the main source markets that helped to boost the country’s tourism in the first quarter of the year.

Tourism in Q1 also generated an estimated B154.698 billion in revenue up 3.73% over same quarter last year, he said.

In March, the country recorded 3,007,833 visits up 2.01% from 2,948,690 visits during the same month last year.

By regions, all markets @thephuketnews

The increase in arrivals from the US outpaced the fall in arrivals from China. Table: TTR Weekly recorded increases except East Asia, Oceania and Africa.

The Middle East recorded the highest growth of 25.41% from 60,400 to 75,747 visits.

Israel showed the highest arrivals with 14,134 visits up 33.78% from 10,565 visits.

Other main markets in the Middle East: United Arab Emirates (13,809; +22.36%); Kuwait (4,226; +13.69%); Saudi Arabia (2,425; +25.71%); and Egypt (2,138; +1.71%).

Late last month Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor Yuthasak Supasorn announced that Thailand was expected to finish the first quarter of 2017 right on target with tourism revenue of B734 billion, up 9% over the same period of 2016.

The growth momentum is anticipated to continue through to the second quarter with an 11% year-on-year increase on revenue to B630b, including B16.6bn revenue targeted from tourism spending during the five-day Songkran holiday.

“In the first quarter, we’ve seen healthy growth from all source markets, and so we expect this growth momentum to continue into the second quarter,” Mr Yuthasak said.

“This expectation is based on a number of factors. Thailand will host the WTTC Global Summit 2017, from April 26-27 in Bangkok, and the Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017, from May 2-4 in Phuket,” he added.

TTR Weekly

Indroyono.

“Please keep in mind that we are still learning how to do this, and we are learning from – and working closely with – the Thai Government to make this possible,” he added.

Tourism Minister Arief explained that he had arrived in Phuket after meeting with Thai Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, at which he said the delegation

was “very well received”.

“Minister Kobkarn has assigned a Permanent Secretary to work closely with us and to provide assistance to us in working with other Thai government departments to developing these regulations,” he explained.

The Indonesian delegation called on Phuket’s yachting industry to take advantage of the “Sail Sabang 2017” event, which Indonesian President Joko Widodo, better known simply as “Jokowi”, will attend in person to declare officially open in December.

“He has taken a serious interest in developing our marine tourism industry, and has signed specific laws to encourage growth in the sector,” Mr Indroyono noted.

Economic targets have been set to map out Indonesia’s development in the sector, he added.

Of note, Indonesia garnered US$9 billion in revenue from foreign tourists in 2014, a figure slated to be boosted to US$20bn by 2019, Mr Indroyono said.

In that, the US$1 billion in revenues generated by marine-related tourism in 2014 is expected to be ramped up to $4bn within the next two years, he added.

The number of visiting yachts is to upped from 750 to 5,000, during the same period, Mr Indroyono explained. Likewise, the number of cruise ships is to be increased from 400 in 2014 to 800 in 2019, and the number of diving destinations from 25 to 45 over the next two years.

The push is part of the implementation of IMT-GT (Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – Government Transformation) to boost yachting and cruising tourism throughout the region, he noted.

The push was already gaining traction, Mr Indroyono said, revealing that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed to boost cross-border yachting dealings.

The MoU involved a private enterprise, Mr Indroyono said, but revealed no further details.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Think ahead for a smart home

Phuket-based Techworx leading the field with custom solutions TECHNOLOGY Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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he home-automation industry is booming and experts predict that “smart-home” technology adoption rates are set to increase rapidly as the customer base transitions from early adopters to the mass market. Perfectly poised to take advantage of this boom is Phuket-based company Techworx. Owned and operated by expats Daragh and Kay O’Higgins, Techworx offers bespoke home and yacht automation solutions to their customers in Phuket and across Southeast Asia.

Daragh, a qualified electrical engineer with 35 years experience, and Kay, a qualified interior designer and home stager, agree that the industry is set to explode due to a combination of factors.

“It’s going to make a huge progression because of the ‘internet of things’. The equipment that is necessary to make a smart home is also now considerably cheaper than it used to be. One of the biggest

Techworx is owned and operated by expats Kay and Daragh O’Higgins. things pushing home automation is integration with security, energy-saving and home health monitoring systems,” says Daragh.

“It used to be that a highend villa automation system would cost about B1 million, but now you can do it for a third of the cost. Things are smaller, faster and wireless, which makes installation and retro-fitting much easier,” he adds.

With Daragh’s extensive experience and team of highly-trained engineering staff, Techworx has landed contracts throughout Thailand as well as Bali, Hong Kong and Singapore.

“In this business it’s very important to keep up to date, so we give our staff a lot of training, often direct from the manufacturers,” he says.

Many of these regional contracts have been for outfit-

ting and upgrading superyachts – which they say makes up about 40% of their business.

Techworx has also been involved with many high-end villa projects, such as Trisara and Malaiwana in Phuket and Samujana on Koh Samui.

But despite Techworx’ Alist customer base, Daragh says that advances in technology have put a smart-home within everyone’s reach.

“People have their existing

villas and would love to have all these automation systems, now the tech has caught up.

Most Thai homes are wired with coaxial cables for satellite TV, but we can now re-purpose those cables to create highspeed internet and control systems,” he says.

He says many new customers are unaware of the huge range of benefits smart-home technology can provide. A truly smart-home encompasses a range of systems, both automated and controlled remotely from a smartphone anywhere in the world. From audio-visual systems, climate control, and security to remotely operated door locks, blinds, appliances and health monitoring – smarthome systems can offer an amazing level of control over your property from anywhere.

“A lot of people don’t really know what they want or what is available, so we offer a free initial consultation. I ask simple questions like, ‘What would you want to listen to in here? What would you like to be able to control remotely?” says Daragh.

“It’s bespoke work. We meet the customer, we discuss

Phuket hosts global Wedding Congress WEDDINGS HUNDREDS OF THE BEST wedding planners in the world descended on Phuket this week for the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress, held from May 2-4 at the Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is an official Host Partner along with the other partners and sponsors including Laguna Phuket, Banyan Tree Phuket, Angsana Laguna Phuket and The

Wedding Bliss.

Thailand is the first country in Asia to host the event, which brings together high-end destination wedding planners to do business with the most unique destinations, extravagant hotels, resorts and venues along with leading wedding suppliers and creative partners such as, couture designers, photography partners, furniture rentals, jewellery partners, cake designers and more.

The event also includes groundbreaking conference sessions, networking functions,

ritzy cocktail receptions, lavish luncheons and themed gala dinners, all designed to help participants capitalise on the multi-billion-dollar industry.

The line-up of confirmed speakers includes Preston Bailey, Katherine Apostolidis, Koby Bar Yehuda, Marcy Blum, Mohomed Morani, Joe Blackman, Wendy El-Khoury, Bryan Rafanelli, Evelyn Mills, Alison Hotchkiss, Matthew Oliver, Michelle Rago, Innayat Khubchandani, Christina Holt, Bhavnesh Sawhney, Funke Burknor-Obruthe, Joanne

Brown, Kevin Lee, Janine Closs, Sumant Jayakrishnan, Joann Gregoli, and Aleit Swanepoel.

Kevin Lee’s celebrity clients include Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt, Drew Barrymore, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Oprah Winfrey. Also, he is said to have been the inspiration behind the character Franck, played by Martin Short in the early ’90s movie classic, Father of the Bride.

Preston Bailey has been designing and planning weddings for celebrities, royal families, CEOs and athletes for more than 33 years. He has worked with renowned names; such as, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Jennifer Hudson and Donna Karan, to name a few.

Bryan Rafanelli runs Rafanelli Events, one of the biggest event planning and design companies in the United States since 1996. He has worked with clients such as, President Obama, Chelsea Clinton and Hollywood star Matt Damon.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Mills heads Marriage Maestros – specialists in creating signature weddings in Hong Kong, Bali, China and across Asia.

Organised by Dubai-based QNA International, the DWP

their situations and expectations and then we come back to them with an approximate budget,” he adds.

Investing in a homeautomation system can also significantly improve a property’s sale value and decrease running costs.

“For rental villa owners, one of the things people don’t know about are our home efficiency systems. When operational they can save up to 40% annually on their utility bills. But it’s also a lifestyle thing, a comfort thing and a safety thing. It’s keeping people informed about their properties,” he says.

Despite all the technological wizardry, Daragh says that at the end of the day, good customer service is the most important aspect of the business.

“The main thing we offer is good advice. We are someone people can easily ring up afterwards and ask advice and tweak their system. Follow-up customer service is a crucial part of our business,” he adds.

For more information visit: www.techworx.asia

‘If we want to be the World’s Best Wedding Destination, we really need to enhance our expertise and better understand all our source markets,’ said Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul. Photo: TAT

Congress has been held previously in Greece, Mauritius and Italy.

In revealing that Phuket was to host the event, Thailand Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul last September noted, “Thailand will leave no stone unturned in ensuring the best of preparations for this Congress in order to become a global wedding hub for couples of every nationality. We definitely have to work as a team.

If we want to be the World’s Best Wedding Destination, we really need to enhance our expertise and better understand all our source markets.”

The global weddings industry is estimated to have a total value of US$298 billion (B10.31 trillion), of which the value of foreign country weddings is US$80bn (B2.76trn).

TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn noted, “This will be the first of Destination Wedding Planners Congress to be held in Asia. We ex-

pect the Congress will go a long way towards raising the image of Thailand as a wedding destination globally, and showcasing our superb range of destinations, venues, as well as the unique products and services that make each event memorable and extraordinary.

“Such events have an enormous ripple-effect benefit as they generate income for numerous suppliers of products and services; such as, decorations, gifts and souvenirs, party arrangements, F&B, audio-visual equipment, musicians, singers, and many more.”

“This (event) is exactly in line with the policy to focus on high-spending, long-staying, niche-market visitors, distributing income and creating jobs in the provincial areas. Wedding ceremonies typically involve at least 20 people, with an expenditure of B5-20 million per event, depending on its size,” he added.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Basil the Barfly on Ursula and other inspirations

19

Hard Rock unleashes ‘World Burger’ lineup

SERVING SELFLESSLY

20

The dedicated team of Phuket Immigration Volunteers are seeking new recruits > P17

The Phuket Immigration Volunteers currently have 12 members and collectively speak 14 different languages. @thephuketnews

16 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Racing against the clock!

The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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reparations are in full swing for BISP Run the Hour – a brand-new running event due to be held at the British International School Phuket at 4pm on Sunday, May 28. Running is hugely popular on Phuket and the idea for Run the Hour came from the organisers’ desire to contribute a unique experience for runners to the annual racing calendar. Most local races set off at 6am and the early start time for the runners means that spectators are few and far between and therefore, although they are brilliantly organised, the races often lack the atmosphere they deserve.

Run the Hour is different in two respects – first of all, it has an evening start time, which means no early Sunday morning alarm for anyone. This will mean more spectators. Secondly, the concept for the event, which is borrowed from the crazy world of 24-hour running, is that runners will try to complete as many 1km loops as they can in one hour. This means that potentially a runner could pass by their supporters as many as 10 times or more in the race.

Compare this to supporting a runner in a typical race where you may only see them at the start and the finish.

The atmosphere will be enhanced by an announcer giving constant name checks and encouragement to runners and music being played as the race is in progress. The organisers are also hoping to offer live musical acts to further inspire the runners.

The unique ‘Run the Hour’ format will make the race more fun for both competitors and spectators.

This year is the first time Run the Hour will be held and for this year entrants are limited to 150 for Run the Hour and 150 for the 2km Fun Run, which will also take place as part of the event. The timing of the race has been chosen partly to benefit runners racing at the Laguna events a week later, but plenty of runners are targeting their training at Run the Hour. The organisers are keen to make the event an annual event on the Phuket running calendar and a hopefully successful first event will inspire them to make it even bigger next year.

All profits from Run The Hour will go to the BISP Project Restart charity which is a student-driven initiative to help children in devastated or impoverished areas – so far their first campaign has been to help restart a school in Nepal following the Gorkha earth-

quake. So it’s time to get your running shoes out and start training as British International School Phuket is to host the charity run event, with the start time scheduled for 4pm.

Details: • Race 1 – 2km Fun Run: Two laps of the course.

• Race 2 – Run the Hour: Runners have one hour to complete as many 1km loops as possible.

Prices: • 2km Fun Run – B200 including medal and food.

• Run the Hour – B350 including Tshirt, medal and food.

Runners can do this in their own way – run for the whole hour or stop for some breaks. How far can you go?

The run will be a great opportunity for cross training for any team sport players, a real target for beginners to train for and a unique challenge for seasoned runners.

The school has created this as a real school community event – family friendly with food and live music, and they hope spectators who turn out will create a great atmosphere with cheers, banners and placards. With the 2km option there is a chance for everyone to get involved, but even if you are not tempted to run, keep the date free to come and support the event!

You can register online https://goo.gl/ forms/qud9xz9jLrLz1Zim2 – and pay at the Community Information and Support Office in the Primary foyer (Gate 1).

For more information contact running@ bisphuket.ac.th

AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival 3 to rock the ACG

T

he AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival 3 – an all-day to late-night open air carnival of music and familyfriendly entertainment – will be staged among the majestic greens of the Alan Cooke Cricket Ground (ACG) on Saturday, May 20.

For the third year on the trot AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival will dazzle your ears and souls with an eclectic mix of music. With seven

bands and three DJs on one stage, the AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival will alight the green with a truly festive spirit. A diverse range of bands from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket are set to provide stellar sounds, with fun-fair style attractions, arts and crafts, foodie favourites and all run to be kid friendly – this festival provides all the trimmings. Gates open 4pm and the fun

runs until midnight (and beyond).

The line-up includes: Shark Boy Alive, Lord Liar Boots, The Grumps, Moody Band, The Fuzztonez, DTACH & Dj Tank, The Odd Gods, Funk-R, DJ Ejanan and DJ Rozza.

All this for just B400 pre-event and B600 at the gate – to get your tickets, PM the AsiaLIFE Radio Facebook events page at AsiaLIFE Radio Festi-

Odd Gods are one of the many bands scheduled. val 3, email: prim@asialiferadio.com, telephone: 085-6917250 or visit: www. asialiferadio.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 17

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Easing the burden of red tape Immigration volunteers are a lifeline for both tourists and residents Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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veryone who has visited or lived in Phuket for more than a few months will have likely made a pilgrimage to the Phuket Immigration Office – it’s a more or less unavoidable part of life for foreigners on the island. You might remember being greeted by one of the friendly, white-shirted foreigners that man the desk at the entrance to immigration office – asking you what you need to get done that day, help you organise your paperwork and fill out the necessary forms.

What you may not have realised, is that despite appearances, these patient and helpful souls are not paid employees of the Immigration Department, but community-minded volunteers who selflessly donate their time and effort to making our time in Thailand that little bit easier.

Day-in, day-out this tireless team of volunteers help people from every corner of the globe deal with the often complicated and opaque bureaucracy of Thailand’s Department of Immigration. But hasn’t always been so. The group traces its roots back to 2004 and the devastating tsunami that hit Phuket – wreaking havoc, death and injury on thousands of Thais, tourists and expats who were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

In the wake of the tsunami the need for translators soared, as foreigners caught in the maelstrom struggled to find lost loved ones, seek medical aid, communicate with authorities and begin to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. This urgent demand was quickly filled by volunteers, many of them longterm residents of Phuket, who found their language skills could provide essential help for victims.

The post-tsunami recovery effort forged a deep sense of community spirit for those involved and it was during this time the seeds were sown for what would become two of Phuket’s most dedicated foreign volunteer groups.

“That [post-tsunami translation volunteering ] was so successful that the government decided they wanted to create something like this on a permanent basis,” says Gerar Teuben, spokesman for the Phuket Immigration Volunteers.

“So they created the Tourist Police Volunteers. Then the Immigration Department saw the work they were doing and said they wanted to do something similar. So we started the Immigration

The friendly volunteers are usually the first people you’ll see when you go to the immigration office. @thephuketnews

Volunteers,” he adds.

Initially organised and overseen by the Phuket Tourist Police, the Phuket Immigration Volunteers quickly grew and evolved – eventually separating from the Tourist Police and coming under the command of the Phuket Immigration Chief. It is also a uniquely Phuketian phenomenon: despite Thailand’s huge tourism industry and vibrant expat community, nowhere else in the country is there a volunteer group like it.

For Gerar, a nine-year veteran of the group, being an immigration volunteer provides immense satisfaction – knowing that he is giving something back to the place he has made his home and assisting countless others who want to visit or live here.

“I have lived in Phuket for 28 years and about nine years ago a friend asked me if I wanted to be an immigration volunteer. I had also been asked to join the Tourist Police, but that wasn’t really for me. I don’t like the bars – it’s a very difficult job. So when I looked at immigration, I saw that you could really help people with their problems,” he says.

While it may be slightly calmer than working a Tourist Police volunteer, Gerar says he still often sees people in very difficult circumstances.

“You see people coming in very desperate and almost crying, but you can help them and they come away smiling and happy,” says Gerar.

Gerar is one of a close-knit team of 12 (together they speak 14 languages) who each volunteer for two days a week to ensure there is always someone on hand to help visitors to the immigration office. With this heavy workload, Gerar says the group is always looking to recruit new members.

Along with fellow spokesman Olaf Taenzer, Gerar is putting out a call to anybody who might be interested in volunteering to get in touch. They are particularly hoping to recruit Russian and Chinese speakers, which are in hot demand due to the rise in visitor numbers from these countries in recent years.

Gerar says the that the group is not only about the work – it’s also underscored by strong friendships between members. The multi-national group often gets together for social events and recently took part in a team-building trip to Khao Lak. “It’s very much a friendship group too,” says Gerar. “We have Dutch, German, English, Australian, French and other members, from about eight countries in all – but our working language is English,” he adds.

Gerar says there are a few essential traits you need to be an immigration volunteer.

“You have to be willing to help other people. You have to be able to tolerate a level of stress because people aren’t always happy with the answers they get from immigration. You have to be service minded, if you can’t do that, it’s not the job for you,” he says.

“Normally, of the people we help, 80% are happy, 15% are okay, and maybe 5% are unhappy. But we have full backup from the officers to help us. We have a very good relationship with the

Phuket Immigration Volunteer spokesman Gerar Teuben has been helping visitors to Phuket for nine years. immigration officers,” adds Gerar.

So after nine years at the coal face, what advice does Gerar have for people when dealing with Thai Immigration?

“Check your passport stamp when you leave airport immigration counter – a mistake can create a lot of problems if not noticed or fixed accordingly. Also, check the dates of your stamps and don’t overstay – it is a criminal offence and you could be blacklisted,” he says.

Most importantly, says Gerar, “Dress appropriately and remember to keep a

big smile, if you have problems, keep smiling. If you get angry, you get nothing. Try to solve your problems with a big smile – it really helps.”

Surely sound advice for life in general here in the Land of Smiles.

For more information or enquiries about becoming a Phuket Immigration Volunteer visit: http://piv-phuket.com, email PIV.information@gmail.com or call 090-1707360 (English) or 090-8622785 (German).

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND LIFE 19

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

The name is Bond... Basil Bond Basil the Barfly

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reetings Earthlings, I’m writing to you from the Loser’s Bar in the heart of deepest, darkest Rawai. Yes, that’s me, sitting in the far corner seat overlooking the decrepit long-tail boats and fishing bric-a-brac along the sands of Rawai Bay and ordering up another cold one. Hence forth I shall be bringing you this regular column packed with rapier wit and incisive observation about the quirks and conundrums of life in Phuket.

But first, who am I and how did I get here?

As a retired, overweight expat I’m here mainly because I cherish the company of attractive young women while sitting in bars surrounded by beautiful weather and scenery. Now you may say that is a pretty shallow outlook on existence on this island that offers visitors and residents so many opportunities to do new and exciting things. But you have to remember that I grew up in the north of England in the 1950s where not only was the weather foul and the beer warm and soapy, but the nearest thing you’d ever see to an attractive young woman was an underwear model in your mum’s black-and-white printed Christmas shopping catalogue.

Then James Bond arrived on the scene to put all this right.

I can still clearly recall the day I went to my first Bond film, it was Dr. No starring Sean Connery and Ursula Andress as the delectable Honey Ryder and filmed in Ian Fleming’s spiritual home – Jamaica.

As per normal it was a miserable chilly day with the icy rain flying in horizontally from the Irish Sea. As an audience made up almost entirely of

Ursula Andress in her iconic bikini from 1962’s ‘Dr. No’.

pimply schoolboys like myself trudged into the darkened interior of the cinema, the air of excited anticipation was palpable. News of James Bond’s exploits with sumptuous young women had travelled around our school like wildfire and now we were going to witness it for ourselves.

When the pneumatic shape of Ursula Andress waded out of the Caribbean waves in her white bikini, with a dagger in her belt, a collective sigh of semiorgasmic longing echoed around the theatre.

Upon leaving the cinema I was in a trancelike state….I had just seen the life I wanted to lead and now I had to work out how on Earth I was going to get out of England and land myself a job as a super-spy working – mainly on sun-drenched beaches with bikini-clad young beauties, while sipping martinis and driving my Aston Martin. No easy task for an 11-year-old.

Needless to say my life didn’t pan out quite that way. In actual fact the number of Aston Martins, bikini-clad nymphomaniacs and exotic spying assignments that came my way as I forged my career in Britain’s thrusting carpet and linoleum sector was disappointing to say the least. Suffice to say that my work life was much like the typical English weather forecast – light drizzle turning into a steady downpour, with the chance of a thunder storm later in the day.

In fact, come to think of it, that’s a fair summation of how my married life went as well.

So, having survived the various disappointments of adult life, saved a small amount of dosh and become a statistic that proves that “optimism always triumphs over experience ” by getting married and divorced three times, I arrived at the age of retirement and started to think about where I would like to spend my “Golden Years”.

Naturally my mind drifted back to my early dreams of Bondian romance and I hit upon Phuket as a place that seemed to offer a number of the essential ingredients at bargain basement rates.

Phuket even had a connection to the great super-spy in that Phang Nga Bay featured in 1974 Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun. This Bond epic starred Roger Moore’s dancing eyebrows, Christopher Lee as the dastardly villain Scaramanga, a very silly dwarf named Nick Nack and of course Britt Eckland’s wondrous bottom wiggling about in various bikinis.

Time wipe to 2017... back in the deep

This rock formation in Phang Nga Bay is now known as James Bond Island after it appeared on film in 1974. @thephuketnews

south of Phuket, in the Loser’s Bar, on the Rawai beachfront. As I settle into my usual corner seat and sip my first drink of the day (more likely a cold bottle of suds than a martini shaken and not stirred) I reflect on the fact that my current life is not that far removed from the Bondian fantasy of my boyhood.

I do live on a sun-drenched tropical island where the palm trees and girly hips sway in the ocean breezes. I can spend my time inventing spying assignments for myself as I ponder the lives of the other lay-abouts and reprobates who populate this corner of Phuket. And if I

fancy a dalliance with a bit of shapely stroodle, well even that can be arranged in these benign parts.

The strange thing is that now that the Bondian lifestyle is actually available to me, it seems to have less appeal.

Maybe these sorts of things are meant to live only in our imaginations. And maybe understanding that is what is loosely described as “wisdom”.

And dear old Ursula is now 81 years old, bless her white cotton bikini. So, bartender I’ll have another please… shaken and not stirred and offer up a toast to ‘Bond… Basil Bond.’

20 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Rock Salt overlooks beautiful Nai Harn Beach.

Rock Salt restaurant to celebrate 1st b’day

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omorrow – Saturday, May 6 – Rock Salt, the signature beachside restaurant at The Nai Harn Phuket will celebrate its first birthday with an evening of fine drinks and culinary delights.

The beachside eatery has built a strong reputation for its global offerings with varied lunch and dinner selections, which include indulgent oyster platters, perfectly grilled meats and seafood from the charcoal BBQ, authentic wood-fired pizzas, traditional tandoor dishes, Thai favourites and Greek classics.

While top flight DJs mix mellow beats as the sun sets, complimentary canapés will be served to tempt guests’ taste buds. To fuel the evening celebrations there will be a range of specials on high-end drinks.

“We launched Rock Salt a year ago as a new destination dining venue,

not only for our discerning guests at the hotel, but also for outside visitors and diners from the diverse island community who welcome a fresh approach to top quality dining,” says Frank Grassmann, General Manager, The Nai Harn Phuket.

“The casual, breezy ambiance complements the enticing, innovative dishes from across the world and the breathtaking setting celebrates the beauty of island,” he added.

Rock Salt overlooks the soft sands and lapping waves of Nai Harn Beach, which was voted as the “Best Beach in Thailand” in the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2017.

To reserve a table or book a stay at The Nai Harn for a Rock Salt birthday weekend call +66 7638 0200-10, or email info@ thenaiharn.com

Fresh oysters are a must.

Brunch Italian style Bodega at Angsana ushers in yearly brunch Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

B

eginning on Sunday (May 7), Bodega & Grill at Angsana Laguna Phuket will be serving up a fantastic selection of Italian-themed favourites as part of its Sunday Brunch. This weekly feast has become a much-anticipated seasonal event, bringing together sumptuous and mouthwatering treats and delicacies for the whole family to enjoy.

Choose from a wonderful variety of dishes, including lobster spaghetti, foie gras on saffron risotto, grilled suckling pig, live pizza and pasta stations and much more. A generous selection of homemade salads, antipasto platters and authentic Italian gelato flavours will complete the experience. Bodega & Grill will present a range of beverages for the free flow bar option to the semi-buffet Sunday Italian

A huge selection of Italian food is on offer.

Bodega’s serene poolside setting.

Brunch. A non-alcoholic drinks package is also on offer with the buffet, and includes juices, soft drinks and other refreshments.

Complimentary use of the pool is included for all guests enjoying the brunch, and Angsana Laguna Phuket Tree House Kids Club will also be opening its doors to all kids whose families are dining at the buffet. The restaurant offers comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, with its warm and welcoming atmosphere perfect all year round for casual lunches or intimate dinners.

Bodega & Grill’s exquisite Italian Sunday Brunch begins on Sunday, and runs weekly throughout the season. The buffet is from midday to 3:30pm, with prices starting at B1,650++. For beverages, choose between the nonalcoholic drinks package for an additional B500++, or the complete free flow package for B1,000++ extra.

For enquiries/reservations please email Bodega-LagunaPhuket@angsana.com or call 076 358 500.

Hard Rock unveil’s ‘World Burger Tour’ lineup

H

ard Rock Café Phuket’s World Burger Tour is back and ready to take guests on an international adventure – no passport necessary! World Burger Tour, a limited-time offering of Hard Rock “Local Legendary Burgers”, inspired by the taste and flavours from cafe locations around the world, hits tables at select participating Hard Rock Cafe locations as of Monday (May 1).

This year more than 160 local burgers were evaluated by Hard Rock’s culinary team and four crowd favourites will be on the menu at Hard Rock Café Phuket.

•Tango Salsa Burger (Buenos Aires, Argentina) Shake it up with Andouille sausage, certified Angus beef, salsa criolla, garlic aioli, Monterey jack cheese, fresh arugula and a fried egg to top it all off.

•Banh Mi Burger (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam) Coated in tangy house-made Vietnamese glaze, topped with sliced cucumbers and pickled vegetables, garnished with cilantro and green onions, all on a certified Angus beef patty.

•Tennessee BBQ Burger (Tennessee, United States) Like a good country ballad, this certified Angus beef burger will bring tears of happiness to your eyes with its BBQ dry rubbed premium beef topped with

The Vietnamese inspired Banh Mi Burger is available at Hard Rock. pickle slices, Memphis ‘slaw, pulled pork, pig sauce, crispy onions and cheddar cheese.

•When In Rome Burger (Rome, Italy) Dine as the Romans dine with pancetta, garlic aioli, crisp arugula and ricotta cheese spiked with sun-dried tomatoes atop a certified Angus beef patty in a crisp toasted bun.

Just like the artists whose memorabilia lines the walls at Hard Rock locations worldwide, the burgers served at Hard Rock Café are nothing short of legendary. All of Hard Rock’s “Legendary Burgers” feature the highest quality meats, fresh ingredients, savoury sauces and rich, melted cheeses. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Let’s get twisted!

Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

H

i and welcome to May and another awesome Yin yoga pose in the pursuit of a healthier and happier body and mind. The spine is the highway of our body and when it gets congested and overworked, the rest of the pathways in the body also have a hard time functioning to the best of their ability.

The Yin yoga exercise we will look at this month is a great way to keep the spinal highway of the body clear and free-moving.

“Twisted Roots” is the name of our asana this month and it does just that! This posture twists the body to manipulate a deep release in all three sections of the spine, from top to bottom: the lumber (lower), thoracic (middle) and cervical (top).

I like to practice spinal twists throughout the day and start with my first twist when I am still waking up in the morning. I put my body into a mild twist, supported by pillows under my knees and

shoulders and lay and hold this position on both right and left for a few minutes. It really helps to wake the body up and get it prepared for the day.

During the day, every hour or so, I will remind myself to do some nice simple basic standing twists – turning my head to look over each shoulder, while feet and hips face forward. Then as I am getting into bed for the night, I will once again put myself into a spinal twist and let my body know that it is now time to rest and rejuvenate during sleep. If you try to maintain an ongoing spinal twist routine, I promise you (and I don’t promise often) that you will feel better in your everyday movements and happier with the general health of your spine.

This twisted roots pose is the Yin yoga way to allow an ongoing happy spine. How, you ask? Well let’s look at a few of the benefits of this awesome pose before we talk about it step by step: •The twist brings equilibrium in the nervous system.

•Releases tension in the spine.

•Helps to relieve sciatica •Stimulates the obliques, gluts and IT band.

•Massages the stomach and cures gastritis.

•Twisting the spine stimulates the

urinary bladder lines •Opens the chest and stretches the intercostal muscles •The arms above head opens several meridians in the arms that stimulate the heart, lungs and small intestines •Twists compress the stomach and massage the internal organs.

•The twist of the rib cage stimulates the gall bladder •Assists the shoulder joint and upper spine, as well as all the tissues in the upper chest, breast, and shoulder.

Wow! What a list of great benefits for such a simple posture. Let’s follow these steps to make this pose an addition to our lives: 1. Lie on your back with knees bent, feet on the floor.

2. Cross the right leg over the left – double wrap the right leg around the left to deepen the stretch. Beginners to this pose having difficulties with the leg cross over will keep the right ankle flush with the left calf.

3. Open your arms out to the side, wide, with palms facing upward.

Interlock your fingers together at the back of the head and keep your elbows wide and relaxed.

4. Inhale and pull your stomach back to the spine, face your head right and roll your legs left. Beginners can place a pillow under their

Heart and mind connection

T

o say, “I meditate” is akin to saying “I play sports”. Just as there are many types of sports, there are so many forms of meditation. Meditation is classified into three groups: concentration, insight (vipassana) and loving kindness.

•Concentration meditation: focuses on one object. Consider everything else as a distraction. Come back to the subject of concentration.

•Insight meditation: opens us up to every phenomena around us whether it be through sounds, tastes, touches or thoughts and their impermanence.

They come and go. Vipassana meditation allows us to experience impermanence, instead of understanding it from an intellectual perspective.

•Loving kindness meditation: when practitioners deeply realise the heart and mind connection.

Here are a few ways on how loving kindness meditation can touch your heart and help you connect with those around you: It develops a sense of connection towards ourselves, our loved ones, neutral acquaintances and seemingly difficult companions.

It develops empathy. We do not always have to agree with everyone, but we can relate to how a person feels. To experience empathy, a person must first experience it through compassion and a desire to help someone. There can be no empathy if there is no desire to help.

@thephuketnews

HEALTH 21

Meditation can help you to develop empathy.

It is rooted in neuroscience. This form of meditation activates a part of the brain called the insula. This region is responsible for bodily representation of emotions and holds the map of our internal organs.

Empathy is intimately connected to what we experience physically when someone tells us about their life difficulties or pleasant experience.

Practicing for just eight weeks helps practitioners to feel a sense of connectedness to people around them and naturally fosters a desire to help others. Loving kindness is powerful and magical. People practising it feel a sense of unity towards everyone. Try it once and you will see the effect it has on you.

Pierre Gagnon is a Mind Trainer at the Thanyapura Mind Centre.

For more information email: info@ thanyapura.com

‘Twisted Roots’ is a great pose for releasing tension in your spine. knees to bridge the gap between floor and knees.

5. Your head looks right as the right shoulder continues to sink.

6. Hold this posture from 3-5 minutes, inhale as you slowly release from the posture and repeat.

“Yoga is more about making the twisted mind straight rather than the twisted body,” Manish Sargam. Happy stretching. Metta, Kim oxo.

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

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (L) and Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.

Many key players from Phuket's yachting community attended the evening.

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Andrew de Bruin of Multihull Solutions and Lori Ashton of Lee Marine.

Grenville Fordham presents a copy of Southeast Asia Pilot to Minister Yahya.

THAI-INDONESIAN SAILING COMMUNTIES RENEW TIES AT BOAT LAGOON EVENT Indonesian Tourism Minister Arief Yahya dropped by Phuket Boat Lagoon on April 27 to promote the ‘Sail Sabang’ event and to explain the great strides forward Indonesia is attempting to make yachting and charters into Indonesian waters faster, and easier. Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and Phuket Vice Governor Teera Anantaseriwidhya were present, along all the key player’s in Phuket's yachting industry. A very good day for Phuket’s marine industry.

Jany Jonjarn (left) and TAT Director Phuket Anoma Vongyai.

Vice Governor of Phuket Snith Sriwihok (C) was one of the honoured guests at the event.

Many memebers of Phuket's French speaking community came to the event.

Pol Capt Dulthepparat Siltirit and Pol Maj Woropol Penpetch.

FRANCO-THAI NETWORKING EVENT STRENGTHENS SOCIAL AND BUSINESS TIES The first Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce (FTCC) Phuket Committee networking event was held on April 28 at Banyan Tree Phuket. In attendance was Vice Governor of Phuket Snith Sriwihok, Director of TAT Phuket Anoma Vongyai, President of the FTCC Alexandre Dupont and his team from Bangkok and over 50 members from Phuket's French-speaking community. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

There was plenty of sun and fun for everyone at this year’s Pride Week.

The Stargazer talent competition is a crowd favourite at Pride Week.

ISLAND SCENE 23

It was all smiles at Pride Week 2017.

Mr Phuket Pride competitors prepare to strut their stuff on stage.

SEVEN DAYS OF NON-STOP FUN AND FRIVOLITY FOR PHUKET PRIDE WEEK 2017 Phuket Pride Week 2017, held from April 24-30, was a resounding success with a fantastic turnout to the many parties and competitions that have become iconic of the annual LGBT pride event. Organisers, the Phuket Loves You Club, will be ensuring that all monies collected during this major fundraising will go towards creating a healthier Thai and expat LGBT community in Phuket.

Organisers and local officials took to the stage to open the festival.

Spectators enjoyed music from over 60 performers on the night.

Performers came from as far afield as Singapore and England.

A bumper crowd turned out to make sure the 2017 Jazz fest was one of the best yet.

PHUKET GETS INTO THE GROOVE AT UNESCO INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY FEST The 6th Annual Phuket Unesco International Jazz Day Festival, held on Sunday, April 30 in Phuket Town, was a treat for music lovers and a fitting tribute the late, great Thai reedsman, pianist and composer, King Bhumibol Adulyadej – the late King of Thailand, Rama IX. Well-known Phuket jazz afficionado Marque Rome was the MC for the evening, which featured the Villalta Boon MacKenzie Trio, Michelle SgP and the Stuffed Toys, Jeffrey Sevilla, Louis Kersley Piron and many more. @thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

WED

5 MAY

10 MAY

Brunch To The Beat

Spain v Greece at Paresa ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

Celebrity Mediterranean Dining Experience. Four hands dinner with UK TV celebrity and Master Chef finalist – Theo Michaels and Michelin experience Paresa Executive Chef – Jordi Valles. Five course taster menu including delicacies from Spain and Greece accompanied by a choice of drink parings. THB 3,500 ++ per person. 076 302 000 info@paresaresorts.com

SUN

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Chill Out Fridays in Surin 5 Gourmet Tapas plus 2 drinks for just B690 net!!!

And French Oysters for just B50 net/piece. Never worry about where to spend Friday evenings again!

Join DeDos LeLounge for our Chill Out Fridays featuring cool beats from DJ Not from 7:30pm until late!

So grab your friends and start your weekend off right! www.dedos-lelounge.com 076 621 692.

SAT

6 MAY

Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

PIWC Meet & Greet Coffee May

11 MAY

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Seafood Brunch experience returns with a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exception Lobster dished, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asia wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12.00-15.30, price start from 2,800net per person.Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com 076 372 400.

MON

Sexy Thursdays in Surin DeDos LeLounge is bringing sexy back on Thursday nights! Ladies grab your girlfriends because: Selected beverages are only 150++ all night (Sorry fellas!), DJ Not will be bringing down the house from 7:30pm onward! Make sure to bring your A-game because the sexiest dressed will win a bottle on the house! Who needs the weekend when there’s Sexy Thursdays? www.dedos-lelounge.com 076 621 692.

8 MAY

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

11 MAY

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

THU

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Center, Karon and Patong! Indulge ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces.

Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

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

Sunday Roast All Day All Night

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

THU

7 MAY

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

Spend a Sunday with us at The Pool House and The Pool Bar. Try our new style brunch. Price: THB 1,600++ buffet with free flow of soft drinks, THB 2,200++ buffet including premium beverages package. Reservations, fnb.phuhr@ hyatt.com 076 231 234 #5106.

All you can eat BBQ night

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

13 MAY

sic Festival will alight the green with a festival spirit.

AsiaLIFE Radio.com, The ACG, prim@asialiferadio. com, 085 691 7250.

mini-marathon and 3.5KM fun-run. Entry fees are B350 per person for the mini-marathon and B300 per person for the fun-run. Entries are now open, so to register contact 097 267 5969 or for tickets go to phuketticketmaster.com. This event is proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

Murder Mystery Evening at The Green Man

Phuket FC VS Pattani FC Phuket FC VS Pattani FC on Saturday May 13 at Surakul Stadium, Phuket Town. Kick off 6pm. Entrance fee is B50 and students are free with student ID. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

XANA Full Moon Party with Bermudos XANA Beach Club is once again bringing Thailand’s world-famous FULL MOON PARTY to Phuket. Back by popular demand Thailand’s world-famous Full Moon Party at XANA Beach Club. The phenomenal night features DERMUDOS, thrilling entertainment, astonishing fire performance and much more! FREE ENTRANCE !!! Reservation, XANA Beach Club, 076 358 500.

THU

18 MAY

Solve the murder and win a prize! Ticket includes welcome drink, pub style finger food and murder mystery theatre play. Presented by THEATRIX, written by Ian Hornby with adaptation by Basil Lunatic. Ticket cost is THB 400/person before 18 May and THB 500 later and at door. Ticket reservation: 093 649 0066 (Joel) and 076 390 360 (Green Man). Attire : Phuket beach and party clothes. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5 and The Green Man Pub and Restaurant in Chalong.

SUN

21 MAY

2nd Anniversary at The Drunken Leprechaun

The May Luncheon will be held at Moevenpick Resort in Karon, name of restaurant is Pacifica. Registration starts at 11.30 am followed by Lunch at 12.15 pm Please send your booking to info@phuketiwc.com, attention Carole Dux Price for members is 600 baht and for guests 750 baht.

SAT

20 MAY

FRI

26 MAY

May 26-28, 2017, will once again see teams from around the world coming together at the superb sports facility at Thanyapura Sports Club to compete at this year’s 19th Annual Phuket International Rugby 10s.

With teams from Australia, The Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, it promises to be a fun action-packed weekend. Entry to the tournament is free so come on down and enjoy some spectacular rugby and support your local Phuket Vagabonds team. More info visit: phuketrugby10s.com. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

@thephuketnews

EVERY DAY

SUN

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

Proudly sponsored by Live 89.5.

FRI

23 JUN

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 THB++, Thai & International Buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++,Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++.

The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. For reservations, rimtalay@amari.com or 076 340106-14 #8027.

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu

Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef

Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

28 MAY Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2017

AsaiLIFE Radio Music Festival 3 at the ACG An all-day/night open air carnival of music and familyfriendly entertainment – will be staged in the majestic setting of the grounds at the ACG (Alan Cooke Cricket Ground) on Saturday 20 May. For the 3rd year on the trot; AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival allures our ear-soul with an eclectic mix of music. With 7 bands and 3 DJ’s on one stage, the AsiaLIFE Radio Mu-

SAT

3 JUN

Join us for our 2nd Anniversary with Live Bands, All Day Spit Roast BBQ + Brews for B300. Games: Catch The Leprechaun and get a FREE BREW, Hot Dogs eating competition WIN BIG PRIZES! Bull’s eye darts competition, Ping pong toss, Spin the wheel of brew, and more! Tel: 076 337 000.

Phuket International Rugby 10s PIWC May Luncheon

BISP Run the Hour BISP is hosting a charity run called BISP Run the Hour and is open to all ages. There will be two races held on campus over a closed 1km loop. All profits will go to the BISP Project Restart charity which is a student-driven initiative to help children in devastated or impoverished areas, and their first campaign has been to help restart a school in Nepal following the Gorkha earthquake.

More info contact running@bisphuket.ac.th. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5

Rotary Club of Phuket South Mini Marathon 2017 The second running of this annual family friendly event is expected to attract over 2,000 runners for its 10.5KM

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

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

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

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. How old was Joan of Arc when she died?

2. What is the name of the struggling jazz pianist portrayed by Ryan Gosling in the film La La Land?

3. On a computer keyboard what letter is directly to the right of ‘Y’?

4. Whose 1986 album was entitled Graceland?

5. Where did the Hindenburg airship disaster in 1937 occur?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Across 1. From the same source (abbr.)

5. Cold war threat 10. Missile 14. Long hair 15. “Pomp and Circumstance” composer 16. Buckeye’s home 17. “La Vie en Rose” singer 18. Santana love song is about her 19. Phil Collins: “Can’t ___ back the years” 20. Mariah Carey love song 23. Raccoon relative 24. “Savvy?”

25. “Merchants of Cool” singers, ___ Company 27. Tackle 28. Small lizards 32. State the meaning of 34. Lacking color 36. Bridle part 37. Beatles love song 40. French priest 42. Part of a dining table setting

43. Foot long maker 46. Fall locale 47. French painter, Jean 50. Can be Roth or traditional 51. “I didn’t know that!”

53. Kind of orange 55. Heart love song 60. China setting 61. Slick 62. Info 63. Fail to see 64. Just beat 65. Greek love god 66. Course 67. Mediums 68. Unit of force

12. Indian rice dish 13. Football night 21. Submit 22. Spell-off 26. Cub’s home 29. J. Edgar Hoover’s org.

30. Knight fight 31. Dorm annoyance 33. Fuss 34. All over again 35. “Ars Amatoria” poet 37. Medieval war engine 38. Apple picker 39. Reddish-brown 40. Greek letter 41. Continental combination Down 44. Back 1. Strike 45. Approvals 2. Entruster of 47. It’s for the birds property 48. Overlay 3. To some extent 49. Request 4. Remove fat from sweetener 5. Does some 52. Chopin piece tailoring 54. Extra 6. Tell all 56. Moonshine mix 7. Cruel person 57. Summon 8. Hurts badly 58. Allege as fact 9. Hee-hawed 59. Rose, crimson, 10. Small amount garnet, etc.

11. More plump 60. Band aid?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 19; 2) Sebastian; 3) U; 4) Paul Simon; 5) New Jersey

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

May 5, 1994 American teenager Michael P. Fay is caned in Singapore for theft and vandalism.

3

days is how long rats can tread water. They can hold their breath for three minutes.

May 6, 2001 During a trip to Syria, Pope John Paul II becomes the first pope to enter a mosque.

25

May 7, 1952 The concept of the integrated circuit, the basis for all modern computers, is first published by Geoffrey Dummer.

years is how much time the average person spends of their life just sleeping.

64

May 8, 1886 Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells a carbonated beverage named “Coca-Cola” as a patent medicine.

per cent of American Millennials say they would rather make $40,000 a year doing a job they love instead of $100,000 in a boring one, according to a recent study.

70

May 9, 1874 The first bus, drawn by horses, makes its début in the city of Mumbai, travelling two routes.

per cent of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings accounts – 34% of those people have no savings at all.

May 10, 1668 King Narai nominates his daughter Sudawadi to succeed him with Constantine Phaulkon, Mom Pi and Phetracha acting as regents. The ensuing revolution leads to the Ayutthaya Kingdom severing all ties with Europe.

328 million

US dollars is being spent by the Pentagon in 2017 in “directed energy” weapons that use microwaves, lasers, and electromagnetics.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Bothers forever. Photo by Akom Tinglub Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

May 11, 1949 Siam officially changes its name to Thailand for the second time. The name had been in use since 1939 but was reverted in 1945.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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

AUTOPARTS, TIRES Used 4 Wheel & Tire for sale

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

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Motorboat for sale

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

CAPELLI TEMPEST TE 800

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

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

Restaurant set up for sale

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, service area. Ready to go in days. Email: jukeboxphuket@gmail.com 081 090 1608.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat.

New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail. com 080 695 3933.

Steel boat for sale

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

Looking for investor / partner

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

Narin, narinpga@gmail.com 081 826 9390.

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

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

CAR FOR SALE 2009 Ford Focus Ghia

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

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

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Beauty Salon with Equipment

t ge n

s al

e

Honda Jazz 2009

For Sale, Nai Harn Beauty Salon with Ur 1500cc Auto Equipment & lease, B290,000. Salon 57,000km. One owner since new.

Equipment replacement cost is more than B300,000. All Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and equipment shown as new. Must view to see excellent Insurance until the end of June and available now at right opportunity to purchase Salon for extremely good price offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht in prime location. Call Nok for details 098 017 8818. o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com @thephuketnews

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 525,000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@hotmail.com 083 093 9724.

Convertible

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

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

MEMBERSHIPS

Life Time Family Membership

Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee.

Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee.

Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue canyon Golf membership

For sale at 250,000 baht, buyer pays transfer cost. 2017 dues not paid.

Contact Ian Lancaster on 083 263 4590 or ilancast@ me.com

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Golf membership for sale, includes transfer fee of 60,000 THB. 450,000, David, dsgrabham@yahoo.co.uk 087 881 7545.

32 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com 081 797 5377.

OTHER SEARCHING FOR PAUL VAN DIJK

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Need condo issues resolved?

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

Phuket real estate tour

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

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE NO1 LAND FOR SALE, LAYAN BEACH

PRIME LOCATION LAND FOR SALE: 26 Rai + 2 Rai of picturesque land 5 minutes walk to Layan beach, Phuket. Reduced to THB13m per Rai! A MUST SEE land plot perfect for a large Villa or a Hotel / Resort type development, and is a TRULY valued investment for anyone looking to invest in Phuket’s most exclusive property market. Call Porida (Por) (Owners representative) NOW on +66 (0) 954296655 for viewing, or visit: www.hoteldealsphuket.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas development is now for sale.

Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meter from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand Ao Po Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no polution and no mass tourism.

Over 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quater, games room, 10 metre infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 27.9 mill baht.

For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha on: 081 343 0777 or email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

LAND FOR SALE IN RAWAI

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

COMMUNITY

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

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

HOUSE FOR SALE/RENT IN RAWAI

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

5 BED LUX SURIN VILLA FOR SALE

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

Foreign freehold corner unit

76 sqm, sea and mountain view in Patong Tower, Patong. Reduced to 8.8mn. Special deal with car, info@sunny-property. com 083 105 2707. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Buy&Sell

PROPERTY FOR SALE LUXURY GERMAN POOL VILLA

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

Land For Sale at Kamala Beach

PRIME LOCATION LAND FOR SALE 3.3 RAI total 6,200 sq.m.

Chanote title. 5 minutes walk to Kamala Beach. Call: 081-4766431 Bow, 100/206-207 kamala, kathu, phuket, asakura_yo_26@hotmail.com, 081-4766431.

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Prime Kathu land with panoramic views and quiet location. Starts from 400sqm. Perfect for private Villa.

Close waterfall with more land plots and different beach!!!

Start from 2.5 MB, K. Pam, Phuketmyhouse@gmail.com +66 (0) 94 829 3619.

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quite and safe area.

3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. 7.5 million baht, bergsstigen@telia. com 090 701 4204.

House for sale

Good location in Chalong area. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 200 sqm.

House on 800 sqm plot. Including furniture, 084 745 5546.

Apartment

1.65mill. 60qm 2bed 2bath + 30qm balcony, liv-kitchen, 3 a/c, quality doors/wind., Dream Village near mission hill golf, tel: 087 383 8709.

HERE IS THE FUTURE. 17 RAI FOR SALE

Between Kok Loi and Thai Muang, 38 km from the airport, we are selling a beautiful peice of land with 2 new houses. A perfect place for artists or a sport resort. The land is more than 17 Rai, full of old trees, with a big private lake and located directly behind the river. Chanote title. With a canoe it takes 20 min to paddle to the sea. A great opportunity for a fair price.

Price 9.5M, Yupin, residler@gmail.com 081 817 4805 Thai, Eng, Deutsch. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Beautiful, gently sloping land for sale near Bang Pae waterfall. Good road, 3-phase power. NS3 paper (upgrade applied for). 7 rai, B4m/rai. 087 884 9964 (En) or 087 272 5594 (Th). alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

Ten Room Villa for sale

With 5 Rai land. 5 sleeping rooms, 5 bathrooms, 5 balconies, 2 kitchens, big living room, play room, lobby, car port. Hillside Maikhao Beach sunset seaview. Asking price 24 MB. julius_schuster2001@ yahoo.de 087 267 1192.

House for Sale

House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near kids’ playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to build a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Land For Sale

Land for sale. Anuphas Golf Ville, Kathu. 81 sq wah. Golf course view of Phuket CC. Quiet village, convenient location. E-mail for details Contact David, d1jarvis@hotmail.com

House for Sale

3 bed, 2 bath, living/dining, Farang & Thai kitchens. Back/both sides under cover. Water fall/relax area.

BBQ area under cover/car port. 4 aircons/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroines Monument. B4.9 mil. o.n.o. Contact Randy. randyalltime@gmail.com

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island.

A “snip” at 22m THB. Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com 081 979 1945.

Land for sale in Saku - Phuket

1 to 5 Rai. Chanote. 10 mins south to the airport. Nice quiet location near Naiyang - Naithon Beach. Fixed price only 2.6Mil Baht per Rai. Kanchana, kanchanajit09@gmail.com 087 076 6016.

Property for sale

Large building near airport and sea view land near Bang Pae Waterfall for sale or lease. Any reasonable offers accepted. Lana, Lana.phuket@gmail.com 080 271 6484.

Apartment Country Golf Club House

One room with kitchen in main house Country Club. 6th floor with balcony 75sqm. Membership in Country Club included. Price 3.3 Million THB. Contact pzw@gmx.at Per Dompert, 086 043 4315 (English and German)

PROPERTY FOR RENT For Rent Per Month

KATA BEACH CENTER LUXERY APARTMENTS studio/one bedroom 60 sqm AND 2 bedrooms 140 SQM. FROM 18.000.B. PER MONTH. FOR INFO TEL/SMS 064 532 3637 e.mail:katainnphuket@yahoo.com

Amazing 5 Bed/Bath Villa Rawai

Stunning 5 Bed Pool Villa quiet and private location. Quality furn and fully equipped. Beautiful lounge/kitchen, very spacious with great pool.

90000 Baht per month, bricothailand@hotmail.com 081 271 7092.

House for rent.

Nr Wat Chalong

3 Bed/4 baths house in quiet estate.

Available from April 1st to Oct 31st. email me or phone me, Paul, for photos and full details. 25,000 pcm, PAUL WHITTALL, Phuket Private Lagoon, Chao Faa West Road, Chalong, pwhittall@aol.com 093 793 4258.

House For sale or rent Baan Manik (Cherngtalay)

Attractive 3 bed, 2 bathroom detached house for sale or rent. Set in quiet surroundings but with easy access to Laguna, Boat avenue, PIA, airport, Surin, Bangtao and Layan beaches. The property boasts many additional features including, Auto-gate, Western-styled kitchen, security system, natural stone floors, imported ceiling fans, 12volt LED Garden Lighting and air-con throughout. Asking B4.5 Million Negotiable Rent 25K Per Month Fully furnished or 20K per month unfurnished.

081 9686 051.

Kata Western Apartment

1 and 2 115sqm furnished apartments, full kitchen, huge covered terraces, mountain and seaview.

1 month minimum, 1 year lease starting B20,000/month. gordy240@hotmail.com 084 840 1262.

Seaview apartment near Ao Po

Luxury 2-bedroom 137m2 furnished apar tment near Ao Po Marina.

Seaview, pool, Wi-Fi, TV, balcony, carport. B36,000/month lori@artandcultureasia.com +66(0)817207834.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54.5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available: 48 sqm – THB 10,000-15,000 per month; 54.5 sqm – THB 15,000-20,000 per month + electricity & water. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

SPORT 35

Struggling to find form

Fans hope Andaman Dragon are not starting on a downward spiral FOOTBALL

Full Weekend Results

Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

H

aving made a better start in the 2017 season than previous years, and now in the second leg of the Euro Cake Thai League 4 campaign, the Andaman Dragon and its fans are hoping it will be able to keep the momentum going.

If they can, it will enable them to at least manage a top two place, so they can either get automatic promotion to Thai League 3 or a chance of promotion via the available play-off positions.

However, in recent weeks things are looking to be reverting back to the form of seasons past, when slowly but surely, the team starts to drop easy and important points and begins sliding down the league table.

Phuket started their 2017 Euro Cake Thai League 4 campaign picking up nine out of a possible 12 points in their first four games of the season.

But in their last five games they have only managed to take

Phuket FC seen here in action against Sungaipadee FC last Sunday (Apr 30). Photo: Phuket FC Facebook five points from a possible 15.

Up until their last game they have sat comfortably in one of the top two positions in the league table, but after only managing to take a single point against Sungaipadee FC on Sunday (April 30), in what should really have been an easy win for the team, for the first time this season they have dropped down to 3rd in the league table and are struggling to find their form on the pitch.

The Dragon opened the season with an away game to Sungaipadee FC and walked away with an comfortable 0-5

win. But their performance on Sunday just shows how the tables have turned as they hardly even managed a shot on target, and the closest they came to scoring was when they hit the post from a free-kick in the early stages of the game.

If there was anything of real relevance to report from the game then you would be reading it here. Sadly there wasn’t.

Meanwhile, last Friday (April 28), the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) announced that it was forced to cut off its financial support to Thai League 3 and 4 clubs

Team

P

W

D

L

F

A GD Pts

1

Satun United

9

5

3

1

8

5

3

18

2

Pattani FC

9

5

2

2

10

4

6

17

3

Phuket FC

9

4

3

2

15

7

8

15

4

Phatthalung FC

8

3

5

0

7

3

4

14

5

Chumphon FC

9

3

5

1

6

5

1

14

6

Hat Yai FC

9

2

3

4

8

11

-3

9

7

Yala United

8

1

3

4

9

11

-2

6

8

Sungaipadee FC

8

1

3

4

5

11

-6

6

9

Surathanee City

9

1

1

7

7

18 -11

4

this season to stave off the possibility of being declared bankrupt.

FAT President Somyot Poompunmuang had promised B2 million each in cash support to the clubs in Thai Leagues 3 and 4 during his election campaign last year.

Somyot also made an attempt to reassure the aggrieved clubs in the lower tiers.

“I am confident that the problem is only temporary,” he said, adding: “For the time being, we have to have money to pay off the huge debt.

“I am hoping that we will be able to generate more money

in sponsorship next year and the financial support for Division Two [Thai League 4] clubs will be restored as promised,” he added.

Somyot said last Friday that mismanagement by the previous administration had left the association facing severe financial problems and that the governing body was now over B80 million in debt and this was the reason financial support for the lower tiers had to be cut.

Somyot said, “We had to pay more than a B100 million in back taxes to the revenue department.

Saturday April 29 Yala United

0-1

Pattani FC

Hat Yai FC

1-2

Satun United

Sunday April 30 Phuket FC

0-0

Suladthanee United

Surathanee City 0 - 1 Chumphon FC

“A failure to do so would have allowed the government to initiate bankruptcy proceedings against us and our properties and assets could have been seized as well.

“I could not have allowed that to happen.”

Phuket FC return to action again this coming Saturday (May 6) when they will take on 7th placed Yala Utd at the Yala Municipality Stadium.

The following Saturday (May 13) the team will return to Surakul Stadium where they will face Pattani FC who replaced them at 2nd in the league table last Sunday following a 1-0 win over Yala.

The Phuket News and Khao Phuket are proud media sponsors of Phuket FC.

Motley fishing crew hit the ‘Burma Banks’ FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

A VA ST A N D BE L AY M E hearties, lend me a lug.

This month’s tale goes a bit further afield than usual, to the world renowned fishing-ground the “Burma Banks”, where “Thai 2 On” spent the earlier part of the month, with Laust Bendiksen, Steve Dickson our own marauding mariner, Ian

Tubby and his crew who ventured north into Myanmartian waters, if that’s what the sea off Myanmar (Burma) is called.

Firstly, this trip means a call into Victoria, Myanmar to pick up the obligatory “guide” before our motley crew were allowed to continue the journey to the “Burma Banks”, which has some of the best bill-fish fishing on the planet and is within the comfortable range of most of our “overnight” boats.

The Burma Banks themselves are a series of flat topped underwater mountains covering a huge area of around 1,500 square kilometres.

The waters around the “Banks” are

300/350 metres deep and gradually rise to 15m from the surface, making this vast area inaccessible to commercial trawlers, who in the past few years have decimated much of the Andaman Sea and the Similan Islands where we used to have our sadly lamented fishing “club” competitions.

Situated 180km North West of the Similan Islands, 90 to 180km due west of Ranong (Thailand) and Kawthaung, Myanmar (Burma), and nearly half way to the Andaman Islands (India), the “Banks” are in international waters although economic rights are claimed by the Myanmar government.

Run: #1631: Saturday May 6 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Fungus, Hard On, (vh) Location: Patong - Freedom Hill Directions: From Heroines Monument travel East for 14 kilometres, turn left and then follow the mostly concrete road (some tarmac) for 1km until you reach laager site.

Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2.30pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

@thephuketnews

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Because of strong currents and no place to “run” for protection from foul weather, the “Banks” can only be visited, for safety reasons, during our “high” season – mid-February to mid-April.

Obviously there is nothing to see, but if you’re here for the fishing this is one of the best “bill” fishing areas anywhere, with Marlin and Sailfish also in abundance.

Thai 2 On’s log confirmed hooking into 12 Marlin with three Black’s and one Blue brought to the boat and all estimated at 300lb, plus a few (six) broken lines. To this tally they added one Sail around 60lb and lots of Sea Bass and Red Snapper all about 20lb.

Just one of the many fish caught in the ‘Burma Banks’.

Later in the month I managed to damage my right foot and all I needed was an eye patch and a parrot and I could have been “Long John Jimmy”, which brings me to :- Did you hear about the pirate who took up boxing, as he had a killer left hook?

Lastly, I’m thinking of a new car, do you think I should go for an Arrrgh-V? Tight lines to all.

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Getting down and dirty

Chalong residents hit the muddy coop for pig-catching contest COMMUNITY Eakkapop Thongtub editor3@thephuketnews.com

R

esidents in Chalong got down and dirty last weekend at a local sports day that included Petong and tug of war contests between villagers, and a “winner takes all” pigcatching contest.

The event, held at the Chalong Municipality offices on Sunday (April 30), was organised by Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapon and Deputy Mayor Thanong Ongsantiphap to help foster good relations among residents from neighbouring villages and to highlight that taking part in fun, traditional events also engenders good health.

Joining the activities were officials, village headmen and local residents.

“Community sport is a project that residents can join in order to have good relations and harmony. All kinds of sports were used with the aim of getting people to take part,

‘Chakayor’, or ‘tug of war’ was another activity residents took part in. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Those who caught the pig were allowed to keep them. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub and any exercise is good for the body and mind,” Deputy Mayor Thanong explained.

The key activities included Petong, which is Asian version of “pétanque”, and Chakayor, better known in western countries simply as

“tug of war”.

But the big crowd pleaser was the pig-catching contest.

“In the ‘Normal’ category in the pig-catching contest, all 10 villages in Chalong sent one representative,” Mr Thanong explained.

Those who caught their pigs could keep them, he added.

Two pigs were released in the muddy coop in each round, and before each round contestants had to perform their own special wai kru,

similar to those performed

by Muay Thai fighters before a bout.

“The contestant from Moo 9 presented a great ‘wai kru’ in the mud – it was a lot of fun for everyone,” Mr Thanong said.

However, not everything went to plan. Several times when the start signal sounded, the piglets bolted out of the the coop.

“A contest official caught one of the pigs and a contestant not competing in that

round caught another,” Mr Thanong recalled. Neither were allowed to keep their catches and the piglets were returned to the sty and the round restarted.

In the Open category in the pig catch, anyone could take part.

“Again, the pig bolted and escaped the coop,” Mr Thanong said.

“Three contestants finally caught the pig, but without a sole winner, they had to share it,” he added.

New development league kicks off FOOTBALL T H E PH U K ET YOU T H Development League, presented by Cruzeiro Soccer Schools, kicked off last Saturday (April 29) at British International School, Phuket with young players from the island’s footballing community playing for – albeit unofficially – four of the most famous football clubs in the world; Barcelona, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The aim of the Phuket Youth Development League is to bring together young footballers from across the island to participate in a league that promotes player development, friendship and respect.

Last Saturday’s action kicked off with the U7s teams of Manchester Utd and Barcelona taking on Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively.

Both were high-scoring games, but it was Real Madrid and Barcelona who walked away with the first wins of the tournament beating their rivals 5-6 and 7-6 respectively.

At the end of the games, a man/woman of the match

Barcelona take on Chelsea in the U7s age category. award were presented to outstanding performers and in the U7s category those awards went to Zac (Barcelona) and Oscar (Real Madrid).

Next up it was the U9s and U11s with Manchester Utd vs Real Madrid and Barcelona vs Chelsea in the both age categories.

In the U9s games, Real Madrid walked away with a big 3-8 over United while Barcelona and Chelsea played out a goalless draw.

Man/woman of the Match in the U9s went to Lennox and Till.

In the U11’s games Manchester Utd beat Real Madrid 6-4 while Chelsea defeated Barcelona 2-3.

U11s man/woman of the Match awards went to Tony and Dominic.

The final action of a great morning of football saw Manchester Utd vs Real Madrid and Barcelona vs Chelsea in the U13-16 age category.

United walked away with a comfortable 9-4 win over Madrid while Barcelona and Chelsea played out a 5-5 draw.

Man/woman of the match awards in the U13-16 age category went to Vincent and Vic. The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Phuket Youth Development League.

Matt Pond thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

SPORT 37

Tough times lie ahead FOOTBALL

Bangkok Post

W

hen the country’s new football coach Milovan Rajevac uttered the words “Su Su Thailand” in a videotaped message to the fans of the War Elephants last Thursday (April 27), he looked like a happy man.

He’s got to be.

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) off icial ly a n nou nced la st Wednesday(April 26) that Rajevac had been selected to take over the reins of the Thai national team.

His appointment was confirmed just one day after FAT bosses celebrated the organisation’s 101st anniversary.

It is obvious that Rajevac is content to have landed the job of Thailand’s head coach.

The veteran Serb arrives in the Land of Smiles in a few days’ time and begins another journey into the unknown.

This is not to doubt his credentials because he is coming with enviable qualifications, padded with a lot of experience at the highest level.

After all, he is the man who has been credited for steering Ghana to the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals.

He has coached Asian football powerhouse Saudi Arabia, their neighbours Qatar and also Algeria, where he lasted only two matches

Milovan Rajevac was officially named as the Thailand coach last Wednesday (April 26). Photo: AFP and quit in the midst of the country’s campaign for a place in the 2018 World Cup finals last year.

It is the football history of Thailand which is making people – well at least some of them – worried.

Rajevac is stepping in the hot seat when the Thais are experiencing another slump.

They were hammered 3-0 at home by Saudi Arabia and thrashed 4-0 by Japan in Saitama in World Cup qualifiers recently and these results ended whatever mathematical and hypothetical chances

Pasin kicks off with 2nd place in Monza MOTORSPORT PASIN LATHOURAS ENjoyed a promising start to his second season in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup after the No.50 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GT3, which he was sharing with Italian duo Michele Rugolo and Alessandro Pier Guidi, raced to 2nd place overall in last weekend’s 3 Hours of Monza.

It proved to be a very strong performance by the 23-year-old Thai as the trio qualified the car on pole position with the team electing Pasin to start the race.

In the end, Guidi brought the Ferrari over the line for a second place overall to get the new Blancpain GT season off in great style.

This is Pasin’s second sea@thephuketnews

Pasin Lathouras drives his Ferrari in last weekend’s 3 Hours of Monza race. Photo: via Bangkok Post son in the Blancpain GT and his fourth racing in Europe.

It’s also a second year that he is sharing this car with Rugolo and Guidi so it’s a very settled and rounded driver line-up.

Pasin said: “It was good to be back on track and get the season underway and blow off the cobwebs as I haven’t raced since December. I love Monza so there isn’t any better way to get it started really.”

Bangkok Post

they had had of making it to Russia 2018.

It just happens that Thailand had tried to arrest similar slumps in the past by signing a variety of high-profile coaches.

T he list includes the names of the likes of England and Manchester United great Bryan Robson, Peter Reid, a former Sunderland and Leeds United manager, and German veteran Winfried Schaefer, who all unfortunately had forgettable stays in the Kingdom.

While all those named

above were warmly welcomed in Thailand, Rajevac may find himself in a slightly different position.

Rajevac will officially take over f rom Kiatisak Senamuang, who resigned as coach of the national team last month.

Robson, Reid and Schaefer came in at a time when there were no Thai coaches who could lay a claim to ever being a national idol in any capacity.

Kiatisak, however, is altogether a different being.

Nicknamed Zico by his

fans at the peak of his playing career, Kiatisak is Thailand’s most successful person in football on the international stage.

One of the Kingdom’s best strikers of all-time, Kiatisak has won four SEA Games gold medals and three Southeast Asian (the Tiger Cup or Suzuki Cup) titles.

As coach, he claimed two Southeast Asian crowns and one SEA Games gold medal.

Thailand’s best result in the Asian Games has been fourth place four times and Kiatisak had a role on three occasions – as player in 1988 and 2002 and as coach in 2014.

Kiatisak may have resigned as coach, but that appears to have a very little impact on his following on the social media – any post by “coach_zico” still fetches tens of thousands of “likes” on Instagram on a daily basis.

Rajevac’s first mission will be to prepare the Thai squad for an away warm-up game with Uzbekistan on June 6.

It will be followed by a World Cup qualifying round match with the United Arab Emirates on June 13 at Bangkok’s Rajamangala National Stadium.

That is exactly where Rajevac’s honeymoon period in the new job is likely to end.

The daggers can be out sooner than that given the liking the local media had developed for his predecessor, but after that World Cup

qualifier with the UAE it will be all businesslike on all fronts.

Soon we will learn of the extent and magnitude of the “change” that FAT president Gen Somyot Poompunmuang had been so anxiously seeking for so long.

Apart from some damage control exercises that he undertook on a few occasions, Somyot never made any attempts to disguise his dissatisfaction with Kiatisak.

However, at times he also hinted that some of the national team players are in line to get the boot and it goes without saying that some of them are deserving candidates for the sack.

It remains to be seen who gets selected for the national team and why.

At the advanced age of 63, Rajevac is about to start learning a new lesson in what he might have already experienced in Saudi Arabia and Qatar to an extent.

After his resignation, Kiatisak left behind a clear message for his successor: “We [Thailand] may be forgetting who we are. Everybody wants to play at the World Cup finals but we have to know ourselves.”

Add to it all the unwanted interference, egos of the officials and antics of the allknowing media, the Serbian veteran of many battlefields may be found telling himself “Su Su Milovan Rajevac” in a few months’ time.

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Bottas bests Vettel in Sochi BOX OF NEUTRALS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

V

altteri Bottas became just the fifth Finnish grand prix winner after a cool and collected drive to Russian Grand Prix victory in Sochi last weekend.

After the embarrassment of throwing away pole position in Bahrain two weeks earlier, where he was twice forced to move aside for his faster teammate in the race, Bottas made himself Mercedes’s lead man in Russia on a weekend teammate Lewis Hamilton couldn’t extract any pace from the car.

But it was far from the waltz to victory many expected Mercedes to enjoy. Despite the German marque’s 100% victory record in Sochi, including the rare record of having led every lap ever run at the circuit, Bottas had to hardearn his first winner’s trophy.

Ferrari stole the show last Saturday (April 29) when Sebastian Vettel led teammate Kimi Räikkönen to the Italian team’s first qualifying one-two since 2008, sending

Mercedes’ Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit in Sochi on Sunday (Aril 30). Photo: Andrej Isakovic/AFP the strongest signal yet that the Scuderia in 2017 would be a match for the reigning constructors champion.

With the Silver Arrows lamenting the loss of its silver bullet – unbeatable qualifying pace thanks to a trick engine mode usable for just two laps

a weekend – and with Lewis Hamilton a shocking halfsecond off Vettel’s pace, it took an ace start on Bottas’s part to rescue the weekend for Mercedes.

The Finn matched Vettel’s launch off the line, but the Sochi Autodrom’s long run to

the first braking point enabled the Mercedes to slipstream the Ferrari, winning Bottas a lead that eventually won him the race.

The super-smooth Russian asphalt meant the grand prix was a straightforward one-stop affair, with the only

question being on what lap to change tyres.

Bottas and Vettel dared each other to pit first, but it was the leader who blinked – the Mercedes switched to more durable Pirelli rubber seven laps before the Ferrari in an attempt to build a lead on newer tyres.

Fer rar i u nexpectedly stayed out to give Vettel slightly fresher tyres to end the race and a chance to chase down Bottas’s lead – and it came nerve-rackingly close to paying off.

The pressure on Bottas to deliver his first race win was extreme, and the ordinarily silky-smooth Finn made a costly lock-up on lap 38 of 52, allowing Vettel to make major in-roads on what was a 4.6-second gap.

The pair dodged lapped cars in the final five laps as the gap dropped to less than a second, but Bottas composed himself in time to navigate around the final backmarker – former Williams teammate Felipe Massa, no less – to beat Vettel to the line with just 0.6 seconds to spare.

In his 81st grand prix Bottas was finally a winner.

“It’s going to take a while

to sink in,” he said after the race. “Normally I’m not that emotional, but hearing the Finnish national anthem was very special for me.

“It’s all a bit surreal – the first win and hopefully the first of many. It was definitely one of my best races ever.”

The result turns Bottas into a popular and genuine title contender for Mercedes, with the Finn now third in the title standings with a 10-point gap to his teammate and a 23-point gap to Vettel in the lead.

But more important was the way Bottas dominated his title-winning teammate in Sochi – the pair were separated by a mammoth 36 seconds at the chequered flag, which will have satisfied the modest Finn and gently recalibrated the Mercedes dynamic away from becoming a one-sided, Hamilton-centric affair.

It certainly adds intrigue to the evolving title fight, the next chapter of which takes place at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on May 14.

Don’t forget to tune in to Live 89.5 each and every Saturday from 9am for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

Ready to take out rivals ‘one by one’ BOXING WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT champion Anthony Joshua says he could take out his rivals in the top division “one by one” following his sensational victory over Vladimir Klitschko.

Jo s hu a , 27, s t o p p e d Klitschko in the 11th round of last Sunday’s (April 30) Wembley super-fight to add the vacant WBA and IBO titles to his IBF crown.

He has offered Klitschko a rematch and also has his eyes on an-all British clash with Tyson Fury, who has not fought since spectacularly dethroning Klitschko in November 2015.

“If it works out for my career, I’ll definitely relish the challenge against Tyson Fury or anyone else for that matter,” Joshua wrote in a column for the London Evening Standard newspaper published on Tuesday (May 2).

“Fury has come from the ground up. He’s an ordinary guy who has achieved great things. He’s back in training and he’s getting into shape and that’s good for boxing, so I hope that he comes back to his very best.

“The fans want the Fury fight and I do, too.”

Britain’s Anthony Joshua (right) throws a punch at Ukraine’s Vladimir Klitschko during the 4th round of their IBF, IBO and WBA, world Heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium. Photo: Ben Stansall/AFP Fury, 28, has claimed he could beat Joshua “with one arm tied behind my back”.

The self-proclaimed ‘Gypsy King’ has relinquished his titles and had his boxing licence revoked after revealing he is battling mental health problems.

On the prospect of fighting Fury, Joshua said “it feels that we’re heading in that direction”.

“I like to entertain and if that’s a fight that will bring entertainment to the sport again, then I would love to be involved,” added Joshua, nicknamed ‘AJ’.

“If I have to go through everyone in the division, then

great. I am not hearing, ‘Let’s see Fury v (Deontay) Wilder or Wilder v (Joshua) Parker.’ It’s always, ‘We want AJ versus Wilder, Fury and Parker.’

“So if I have to go through the division to keep it entertaining, then that’s what we’ll do – take them out one by one.”

Joshua said his victory over Klitschko, in which he overcame a sixth-round knockdown, showed he “can knock anyone out”.

“As for Vladimir, I’ve got the ultimate respect for him in and out of the ring and, if he wants a rematch, I’d have no problem fighting him again,” Joshua said.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Four things we learned in the Premier League P FOOTBALL

AFP

remier League leaders Chelsea were left four points out in front with four games to play as second-placed Tottenham Hotspur maintained their title charge with victory over Arsenal in the last North London derby at White Hart Lane.

Both Manchester clubs dropped points

in their race for a Champions League place after United and City were each involved in frustrating draws, while Sunderland had their relegation confirmed.

Here are four things we learned in the Premier League last weekend.

The overall competition winner receives a two day/one night private fishing charter to Racha Island on board Wahoo Yacht Charters Phuket’s Reel Blue. Total prize value: B180,000 The monthly competition winner for April 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any of the island's Two Chefs outlets.

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Battling Boro sum up Guardiola grief

Players warm up with the building works for Tottenham’s new stadium in the background. Photo: Ian Kingston/Ikimages/AFP

Arsenal no longer lord it over Spurs

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger asserted prior to his side’s trip to Tottenham Hotspur that talk of a north London power shift was premature, but Spurs’ devastating 2-0 victory in the last derby match at White Hart Lane suggested he may come to eat his words.

Second-half goals from Dele Alli and Harry Kane ensured Spurs will finish above Arsenal in the table for the first time since 1995.

Defeat left Arsenal six points off the Champions League places, albeit with a game in hand. As Champions League perennials with a massive global fanbase, the Gunners are still the dominant club in north London.

But with a young, hungry team steered by one of the most dynamic coaches in world football, and with a spectacular new stadium to move into next year, Spurs are closing the gap.

Sunderland fans watch their team lose during their game against Bournemouth. Photo: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

Sunderland pay the price for inaction

As the relegation picture began to take shape over the English winter, several club owners near the foot of the table sacked their managers. Crystal Palace, Swansea City, Hull City and, most strikingly, Leicester City pressed the panic button and all have since witnessed upturns in their fortunes. Only Sunderland @thephuketnews

and Middlesbrough kept faith with their managers, Boro eventually sacking Aitor Karanka, by which time it was effectively too late.

David Moyes’s Sunderland sank into the Championship after losing 1-0 to Bournemouth last Saturday and Middlesbrough are poised to follow them. Sometimes it pays to change.

If ever a match demonstrated why Pep Guardiola will end this season without a major trophy for the first time in his managerial career it was surely his Manchester City side’s 2-2 draw away to relegationthreatened Middlesbrough last Sunday (April 30). A comparable La Liga or Bundesliga clash when the Spaniard was in charge of either Barcelona or Bayern Munich would most times have ended in a comfortable win for one of the European football giants.

But the Premier League, for all the questions regarding its quality, is generally more competitive, with City twice having to come from behind in a match where

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Gabriel Jesus’s equaliser five minutes from time rescued a point for Guardiola’s men.

Pedro underlines Chelsea strength

Pedro may not make headlines in quite the same way as Diego Costa but the way in which he opened the scoring in an eventual 3-0 win away to an obdurate Everton said much about the strength in depth that has left Chelsea eyeing the Premier League title. Antonio Conte’s side initially found it impossible to impose their high tempo game as Everton matched them blow for blow in a bruising first half. But Pedro broke the deadlock with a bolt from the blue, the impish Spanish winger blasting home from 20 yards

Chelsea’s Pedro celebrates scoring their first goal against Everton.

Photo: Paul Ellis/AFP before goals from Gary Cahill and Willian completed the victory.

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Manchester City’ Pep Guardiola gestures on the touchline during the match against Middlesborough. Photo: Lindsey Parnaby/AFP

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SPORT START Friday May 5 Rugby Union 14:30 23:55 Rugby League 16:55 Aussie Rules 16:30 Cricket 21:20 Saturday May 6 Rugby Union 12:00 14:30 16:40 20:00 22:10 Rugby Union 00:10 Soccer 18:30 21:00 23:30 21:00 21:00 Cricket 17:20 19:20 Aussie Rules 10:30 13:30 16:30 Sunday May 7 Aussie Rules 10:00 13:30 Cricket 17:20 22:20 Soccer 18:00 00:30 Soccer 19:30 22:00

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2017

Chalong residents get muddy in the pig coop > page 36

Outrigger charity tennis tournament raises funds for Baan Khok Wat Mai School

Tennis enthusiasts with various levels of ability took part in the tournament last weekend.

TENNIS Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

S

ome 120 participants and support staff gathered at the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort’s Tennis Centre last weekend to take part in the Outrigger Share 4 Change Charity Tennis Tournament.

Hosting last weekend’s event, the fourth time Outrigger has done so, is a big commitment and can only be possible with the support of the entire team at the resort, many of whom had given up a substantial portion of their

own time to get involved.

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort’s General Manager, who spoke to The Phuket News in the days leading up to the event, said special thanks should go out to the resort’s Human Resources and Recreation departments who worked tirelessly over the previous two months to pull everything together.

“We are also very grateful to our sponsors – many of whom have supported us since the first event back in 2014.

“This year we have two age group categories and a special category for participants working in Phuket’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The tournament has always thrown up great match-ups and the quality of tennis on display has been really enjoyable to watch,” said Pedroni.

When asked if there was a specific financial target to meet from the event, Pedroni explained, “Not really, but we are confident that with the great turnout and support the event has received, we will be able to raise funds to support our project goals for this year at a local school we are supporting; Baan Khok Wat Mai. “We are in the second year of our commitment to support the teachers and children of this school by improving some of the facilities which greatly

need to be upgraded. This year we plan to add a new toilet block and install a covered walkway so that the children and faculty can move around the school safely, especially during the monsoon season,” he said.

Pedroni went on to explain that this is not the only activity the resort has been part of to raise funds for this specific project.

“We also participated in the Ride4Kids fundraising event in early March and are planning to host a beach volleyball tournament later in the year.

“In addition to this, we have received great support

from corporate partners who have held meetings and events at the resort and have donated funds or given up their time to support this community project,” said Pedroni.

The conversation then turned to how and why it was decided to hold a tennis tournament to support the project, and Pedroni told The Phuket News that the resort was very lucky to have a great tennis facility where they have been running a tennis coaching program led by James Corin for the last three years.

“When we began to discuss the idea of hosting an annual fundraising event, it seemed like the perfect fit

given the passion many in the local community have for the sport,” he said.

Finally, Pedroni was asked if the resort intended on holding this event for the foreseeable future and he replied, “Yes we do!

“When we hosted our first tournament in 2014, it was always with the view that if the inaugural event was a success, this would become an annual event,” he said.

“Thankfully, three years later we have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed great support from hotels and recreational players from Phuket and neighbouring provinces,” he added.

Vanchai storms to Amateur Matchplay Championship title GOLF ITS BEEN ANOTHER OUTstanding week for British International School, Phuket (BISP) student Vanchai “Mark” Luangnitkul with an impressive victory in the prestigious Singha Thailand Amateur Matchplay Championship 2017 held at the Kabin Buri Sports Club in Prachin Buri.

Mark, 15, competed against the highest ranked amateur players in Thailand, in both Strokeplay and Matchplay formats.

The qualifying event consisted

of the top 79 players in Thailand playing a strokeplay event of which the top 32 went on the play for the title in a head-to-head matchplay format.

With Mark qualifying in 14th place, shooting one under par (-1) it meant he would have to compete against some of the highest ranked players in Thailand in order to progress to further rounds.

Mark didn’t back off, he produced some magnificent golf to progress through rounds 1 and 2, shooting 5 and 6 under par in the process. Once in the quarter final, he showed great composure under

Vanchai ‘Mark’ Luangnitkul swung through to take the title. pressure to beat highly ranked Napporat Panichphol in a tight match on the 19th hole in a play-off.

It didn’t get any easier in the

Semi-Final when Mark drew the impressive 20-year-old National team player Sajawat Spiparsit of which he again was successful and won on the 17th hole.

Next to play in the final was #1 ranked Kousuke Hannamoto. Both players were impressive, making many birdies to contest a great final. With Mark shooting -6 to Kousuke’ s -5, Mark was victorious on the 18th green in what was a great climax to win the biggest event of his career so far.

“Mark has worked so hard on his game, especially his fitness and mental side. His attitude has been

first class and he really deserves the victory.

“Also, he has had some great support from family, sponsors (Blue Canyon and Transview Golf) and the BIS teaching staff and BIS golf academy,” said Head Coach of the BISP Golf Academy Oliver Bates.

“Mark will now train with the Thai national team which will be a great honour for him and I’m sure he will push on to higher levels of golf from here,” he added.

Meanwhile, fellow BISP student Toy qualified for the matchplay, losing narrowly in the 2nd round to Sanchai Kaewcharoen.

thephuketnews