06-02-2015

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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HANDS ON LIFE

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A bouncer’s lessons in selfdefence

POLICE TAKE HANDS-ON ACTION TO TACKLE HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN PHUKET, CARRYING OUT RAIDS ON 292 PLACES INCLUDING 78 MASSAGE PARLOURS. BUT THEY FIND NOT A SINGLE CASE Tanyaluk Sakoot rep orter2@classactmedia.co.th

A

s part of a nationwide drive to clamp down on human trafficking, Phuket police on Monday and Tuesday (February 2 and 3) carried out raids on almost 300 businesses around the island.

Flying the flag for the anti-human traffic ing dragnet, Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit and Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong, visited two of the target places them-

selves – two massage parlours in the Phoolpon area of Phuket Town.

The two raids, aimed specifically at discovering underage sex workers or women forced into prostitution, drew a blank, however.

In fact, in all of the 292 places visited during the two days, not one case of human traffic ing was discovered.

During the raid of the first massage parlour, where about 15 women – who clearly didn’t want to be identified – were working, police checked the owner’s business licence and all the

women’s ID cards.

Everything was found to be in order, with none of the women being under 18 or complaining of being forced to work.

Police then moved on to a second parlour close by. Some of the workers, who were surprised by the raid, were in a room awaiting customers. O nce again, chec s confirmed that all was in order, and that nobody was forced to work in the shop.

O ne woman’s ID card did not give her full date of birth, only the year

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

.

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(1985). She told police that she was 31 years old and that she had transferred her nationality from Burmese to Thai.

Gen Patchara told media who accompanied police during the raids, “We have done raids like this before, but this time we have to work harder and ensure that underage workers and traffic ed women are not wor ing as prostitutes in Phuket.

“If we do find any woman wor ing who is under 18, the owner of the parlour will be charged according to the law and the shop will be closed down.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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Two dead, two hurt in teen gang shooting in Saphan Hin > page 5

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UNDER THREAT

Old Phuket Town row over new four-storey building Nattapat Tuarob rep orter1 @classactmedia.co.th

B siness licences and I officers d rin the raids

cards

ere checked y

C o n t i n u e df r o m p a g e 1 “If the girls are Thai, they will be sent to a foster home. If they are foreign we will send them back to their country.”

H e said that other areas of Phuket will also be checked, especially for children selling garlands and flowers, and that if any illegal workers are found they will be arrested. This, he said, will make the mission a success.

Elsewhere, police visited 39 karaoke bars, 76 massage shops, 6 4 entertainment places, 22 hotels and resorts, restaurants, seven fish canneries and nine seafood

storage facilities, fishing boats along with workers at the fishing pier, si prawn farms, si rubber plantations, seven known haunts of beggars and si places where beggars live, and si tailor’s workshops.

The raids came as part of the national governnment’s drive to lift Thailand out of Tier 3, the lowest grade in the United States Traffic ing in Persons R eport.

Pol Col Peerayut K alajedee superintendent of K athu Police, told T he Ph u k e t N e w s , “We have found no human traffic ing yet.”

Cops raid massage parlours in anti-human traffickin dri e

N

eighbours of a construction site in the heart of O ld Phuket Town have complained that the project is damaging their historical homes.

Their complaint was discussed at a recent meeting with the property developer after a complaint was filed with the D amrongtham Centre in August last year.

The owner is building a four-storey structure with 29 rooms, which she refers to as a residence.

D on Limnunthaphisit, President of the O ld Phuket Town Community, told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s , “We don’t have any personal grievance with the owner.

“But this is about how we can preserve the old town.

“You have to understand the old town conte t, where the ma imum number of floors [ in the past] was three.

“The O ld Town Preserva-

Plai Kasemwut (inset) wants her 4-storey building but neighbours are dead-set against it. tion Act says building height must not e ceed 2 metres.

That Act covers preserved buildings all across Thailand, but it doesn’t work. You must

loo at the conte t of each area.

“Stop and think about it for a minute before you do anything that affects the old town.

“I wonder how the EIA [ Environmental Impact Assessment] for her project was ever approved,” he said.

Nij Thongtan, who lives close to the site said, “The owner said she sold her house [ at another location] to build a new one for her mother, but why does she want to build it four-storeys high with 29 rooms? That doesn’t make sense.

“She proposed a residential building. D oes she want her mother to live in all 29 rooms

on all four floors “The contractor also took stones from the foundations of the original house on the site.

But the houses in that area are [ linked to one another] , so if one house collapses others in the row will follow.

“Also, when they took out the stones, they used cement to fill the holes. That’s not right because the stones were granite which are different in weight and density.

Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuthhirak, who chaired the meeting said, “Mayor Somjai [ Suwansuppapana] must be aware of this.

The Mayor was not at the meeting.

“I think you have to consider it carefully if you want to build a four-floor building in the middle of the preserved old town.

“The municipality must take great care about this issue since it’s very sensitive, and must check if [ the owners and contractors] are following all the correct engineering procedures.”

Plai K asemwut, the owner of the project said, “I will do my best about this project. I don’t want to build three floors, it’s not beautiful. Four floors will look gorgeous.

“I was born short. I always dreamed of something tall.”

The negotiations between the two sides unfortunately made no progress, with the owner insisting she had to have four floors.

It now appears that the only way the matter will be resolved is in court.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Body in bin killer jailed for 9 years

Nattapat Tuarob rep orter1 @classactmedia.co.th

N

orwegian Stein Havard Dokset was last Thursday (J anuary 29 ) sentenced to a total of nine years in jail at the end of his trial in the infamous “body in the bin” case.

Dokset was sentenced to 15 years for unintentionally killing his partner Rungnapa “J une” Ratchasombut, in 2009 , at his home in Kata.

He also was sentenced to a year in jail for attempting to hide J une’s body.

Because he pleaded guilty to both of these accusations, the sentences were halved, for a total of eight years.

He denied, however, illegal possession of a gun, arguing that a pistol found in his house belonged to J une, not him. The judge disagreed and sentenced him to another year for that offence.

After his arrest Stein Dokset demonstrates to police how he put his dead girlfriend in a garbage bin. Phuket News file photo In addition to the jail time, the court ordered Dokset to pay J une’s two children B500,000 compensation each, with a further B4 00,000 each for her parents, the numbers having been reached after lengthy

negotiations with the family.

The family’s lawyer told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s after the sentencing that the family were happy with the result.

“They are content with the result, that he was sentenced

to nine years,” he said. “Part of the reason is that Dokset used to be kind to J une’s family before.”

He noted, “The compensation will be paid from the proceeds once the house in

Kata is sold. So far that has not happened.”

Dokset’s lawyer, asked whether any appeal against verdict or sentence was being considered, said that nothing has been decided yet.

Dokset was originally charged with murder but he always maintained that he did not murder J une; that her death was accidental, coming in the middle of furious row that became physical.

After her death he bundled her into a wheelie bin which he taped shut and stowed in one of the eight bedrooms in the house.

It was almost three years before police, acting on information received, were able to get a search warrant and discovered the bin and its gruesome decayed contents. J une’s remains could be identified only by DNA matching.

Ad d i t i o n a l r e p o r t i n g b y T a n y a lu k S a k o o t

Heated family argument ends with shots

Stepson Jamie Smith was hit in the hip with a bullet.

A STEPF ATHER AND STEPSO N WERE taken to hospital last Thursday night (J anuary 29 ) with gunshot wounds following a heated argument which a led to the stepfather pulling out a gun.

At 11pm, Chalong police and tourist assistance officials were called to a house in Moo 8, where an argument had taken place between a man and his two stepsons.

According to police, witnesses told them that at around 10: 50pm, the stepfather, Amnart L akupapkawin, 54 , was drinking beer with his three friends when his stepsons, J amie Peter Smith, 3 0, and Ronnie Smith, believed to be 25 or 26, arrived to visit their mother.

The three got into a heated argument

which went really bad when Amnart pulled out a .3 8 Smith and Wesson pistol with the intention of shooting the younger stepson, Ronnie.

Ronnie’s elder brother, J amie, tried to take the gun away from Amnart and while the two were wrestling for the weapon, Amnart pulled the trigger five times, with one bullet hitting J amie’s hip, and another hitting Amnart’s right arm.

Rescuers gave Amnart first aid treatment on the scene before taking him to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

J amie was taken to the new Dibuk Hospital on Chao F a West Rd. So far no charges have been filed against any of those involved.

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The stabbed man, before he was rescued from the canal.

Man found stabbed in klong A MAN WAS F O U ND L Y ING unconcious in Klong Bang Y ai at around 8: 50am last Thursday (J anuary 29 ). It is believed that the man was stabbed prior to being dumped in the canal.

Kusoldharm rescuers and Phuket City police were called to an area of Khlong Bang Y ai, about 500 metres from the Rungrawee Mansion in Talad Y ai.

U pon arrival at the scene, they found the man lying unconcious in a pool of blood in a shallow part of the canal. He was bleeding heavily from a wound on the upper part of his chest, and his left collar bone had what appeared to be a stab wound.

Rescuers workers used a ladder to reach the man, and it took them around 20 minutes to take him out. A bloodied shirt and a pair of shoes were found nearby.

He was immediately taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

The victim was later named as Anan Kamdee, 4 3 , a Phuket resident.

Police were questioning nearby residents to find out exactly what had happened to him.

O ne witness said, “I saw him unconscious in the canal and thought that he might have fallen in.”

Police are looking for a suspect or suspects believed to have taken part in the assault.

Mr Anan is still in Vachira Phuket Hospital receiving treatment for the injuries he sustained.

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Government moves to retake stolen forests F

ollowing discussions between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, aimed at finding solutions to illegal deforestation on Phuket, it has been agreed to retake land from compromised areas and allocate some to the poor, as farmland.

Details of the agreement were announced at a land reform meeting held on J anuary 27 at Phuket Provincial Hall.

The intention is to set up a provincial work group which will come up with a comprehensive plan within 180 days.

Speaking at the J anuary 27 meeting, Phuket Vice-Governor Somkiat Sangkhaosutthirak said, “The issue of deforestation in Phuket is a big problem

One of the targeted homes.

Burglars hit homes near golf course

One of the worst-hit forests in Phuket is Bang Kanun, which is almost all chopped down. that has gone on for a long time, and many previous governments have been unsuccessful in solving the issue.”

V/ Gov Somkiet recently threw up his hands in despair at trying to solve the problem

of national forests hacked down and occupied by local people, proposing that the land be given to the encroachers – if they are poor.

“O ne of the problems is that we do not have accurate

boundary lines. We can see a boundary on a map, but when we visit the actual site we do not know where it is.

“There are many agencies responsible for this, but they cannot protect the land due to a lack of budget or shortage of staff.

It is very difficult to displace the people who already live in the area as they will have nowhere to go.

“If this problem cannot be solved by the Agriculture O ffice and the Forestry Office, it will be decided by the Governor at the next provincial meeting.”

C h a w a la K o n g s a n g

THE HO MES O F TWO BRITish expats and their partners in Mission Heights, Thepkrasattree, were burgled last F riday night (J anuary 3 0), with cash and small valuables stolen.

Police believe the thieves may be the same who robbed three expat houses in Bang Rong, a couple of kilometres away, on J anuary 10.

Peter Tiehurst, 54 , from Britain and L uksanawan Srisamut, 4 6, had B3 0,000 cash with the wallet, passport, Visa card, ATM card and an iPhone 4 stolen.

Sawanee Hogbrow, 3 7, who lives with her British husband in another house in the complex, had an iPad mini, a wallet containing B1,000 cash and a purse stolen in the robbery.

Police believe that a gang of three are involved, traveling by motobike.

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IN BRIEF THAI to axe Phuket to Seoul route Thai Airways International Plc (THAI) will axe the Phuket to Seoul f light routes to help the national carrier stem losses.

The ights from Phuket to Seoul will be suspended from March 29 THAI president Charamporn J otikasthira said last Thursday (J anuary 29 ).

The changes are part of the carrier’s rehabilitation plan which involves five measures: reducing and suspending unprofitable ight routes, adjusting marketing strategies, selling assets and unused aircraft, restructuring manpower and improving non-core businesses.

Depressed Chinese tourist attempts suicide A Chinese tourist on Saturday (J anuary 3 1) attempted suicide in the room of the Pa Khlok resort where she was staying.

A tour guide for her group, anit Saeloh, told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s that the woman arrived in Phuket with her four friends from unnan on January 2 , still depressed over a recent divorce.

F riends found her in her room at the Supalai Resort covered with blood after apparently trying to cut her own throat with a kitchen knife.

Kusondharm Rescue volunteers took her Thalang Hospital. She was later transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

20-year-old man arrested with gun A 20-year-old man was arrested in possession of a .3 8 pistol Monday (F ebruary 2) following a swoop on Baan Meaung Mai Moo5 in Thepkasattri.

While patrolling the area, a young man caught the attention of police officers. After noticing the police, the young man suddenly ran down Soi L ak Meaung.

Police found the man, Arthon Markkhaw, 20, and found in his possesion a home-made .3 pistol, holster and four bullets.

Arthon told police that he had brought the gun from a friend in Trang for B2,000 and that he carried it as protection from local teen gangs. @thephuketnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

PHUKET NEWS

5

Two dead, two hurt in student gang shooting

Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

wo young men were killed and two others were injured when a gunman stepped out of a black Toyota Vios and started shooting at a group of students near Bang Y ai Canal in Saphan Hin just after midday last Thursday (J anuary 29 ).

At 12: 22pm Kusoldharm rescuers dispatched units after receiving a call about the shooting close to the Phuket Vocational College. The shooting, they were told, involved students from the Technical College in Phuket Town.

They arrived to find the body of Sakkarin iembuth, 1 , from Rassada, a recent dropout from the college, lying in the middle of the road with a gunshot wound to the right side of his chest.

Still alive but in very bad shape was another youth, Piyapat Jatsang, 1 , bleeding badly from a bullet hole in the back of his head. He was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hos-

Police officers play the part of the people in ol ed in a reenactment of the shootin s pital but died from his injuries.

Also shot were Rapee Sombat, 1 , hit in the left leg and Sataporn Moidee, 1 , hit in the upper right chest. They were taken to the nearby O rBorJ or hospital by friends.

Police later found six 9 mm casings and two spent bullets.

O ne witness described how the killing took place. He said Sakkarin was riding on a motorbike with two friends and stopped under a palm tree at the side of long Bang ai,

Suspected Yala terrorist caught in Phuket THU NG THO NG PO L ICE last F riday evening (J anuary 3 0) arrested a man wanted for terrorist activity in the Deep South of Thailand, who was hiding in a rented house in Kathu.

A police team led by Pol L t Col Chalermchai Hernsawad arrested Saudei Bahembunga, 21, from Pattani, on an arrest warrant issued by the Y ala court for conspiracy to murder and commit extreme violence in Y ala Town.

The police received a tip-off that Saudei had run away from the Deep South to Kathu. They found him in a no-number rented house in the area. When confronted,

a dei Bahem

n a

Saudei admitted that he was the person described in the arrest warrant.

After questioning at Thung Thong police station, he was returned under escort to the Y ala police.

along with several students on another three motorbikes.

The black car pulled in close by and one person stepped out and began blasting away at the group. According to a security guard who saw the shooting, he fired around 10 shots before the car was driven away toward the orjan Bridge.

Patrol units were called to track down the suspects in what, at that time, was known only to be a black vehicle.

It did not take long. After examining footage from nearby security cameras, police were able to identify the car as a black Toyota Vios, and could identify the number plate.

F our people were arrested and the murder weapon was seiz ed. The four have yet to be named.

Relatives of the victims said they believed that the gunman was from a rival gang at the Technical College, composed of second-year students at the

college. The victims were all first-year students.

During questioning of the four it was revealed that the two gangs had had a verbal confrontation on Tuesday (J anuary 27) and had agreed to meet up today at Raiphoon Rd in Wichit to settle matters.

Sakkarin’s gang went to Raiphoon Rd but felt unsafe meeting with the others there, and left. When they did, the four followed and caught up with them in Saphan in, where the shooting broke out.

L ater the same day (J anuary 29 ) police staged a reenactment of the deadly shooting.

The reenactment did not involve the four boys accused in the shooting, who are all under 1 , because police were afraid that they might be attacked. Instead, police officers were used to play most of the parts in the scene.

Police at one point had to block relatives and friends of the victims who thought the shooter himself was involved in the reenactment, and wanted to punish him.

6

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American battling Phuket kidnap case

A

Chen Yuchung with his extra bank books and ATM cards

Taiwanese nabbed for buying bank accounts ATHU POLICE AT THE weekend arrested a Taiwanese man who attempted to hire 12 Thai people to open accounts with ATM cards for “financial transactions”.

One of the 2 reported the matter to the police.

Chen uchung, , was arrested just before leaving his accommodation in Patong to head for Phu et International Airport.

He was in Thailand on a tourist visa.

He admitted that he had hired Thai people to open multiple ban accounts.

The 12 bank accounts were opened in Jungceylon and Central Festival Phu et malls. Each of the 2 people were paid between B5,000 and

B ,000 to open an account.

Suwarot Taebut, 47, who was offered B6 ,000, reported Chen’s approach to athu police.

When arrested, Chen was found in possession of five K asikorn Bank ATM cards for three accounts with bank books in the name of Tom On aew, Moe Thidarwin and Suwarot Taebut; six Bangkok Bank ATM cards and one bank book in the name of Naw Li ar and one Siam Commercial Ban ATM card.

Chen himself told police he had no idea what the bank accounts would be used for.

However, multiple ban accounts have many criminal uses, from money laundering to scams such as phishing.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

n A mer ican man is fighting extradition to Thailand on kidnapping and extortion charges brought by another American said to have strong ties to senior Thai officials.

Shawn Abraham Shaw, 43, has denied the charges, saying the alleged victim laid a complaint with Thai authorities after the pair had a falling-out in Phuket over a business deal.

The alleged victim, a millionaire businessman from Las Vegas identified in court papers only by the initials AMA, is said to have highlevel connections in Thailand.

Shaw has been in custody in Palm Beach, Florida since November 2 . He has applied for bail but sources say he is unlikely to be granted it, given the seriousness of the charges.

The extradition hearing is scheduled to open on March .

Shaw’s girlfriend D awn Pasqualucci, 45, added a new twist to the tangled tale at his bond hearing last wee . She told the court that Shaw’s accuser brought the charges

Shawn Abraham Shaw and his girlfriend Dawn Pasqualucci. against him because he feared the latter would expose him as a paedophile after seeing images of “little boys” on his computer.

“To say that this is a strange case is an understatement,” US Magistrate Judge William Matthewman said, according to an account of the proceedings published in the Pa l m B e a c h S u n S e n t i n e l .

“I thin all of this would certainly make for an interesting trial – in Thailand,” the udge added.

The saga began in Las Vegas, where Shaw and his

accuser became acquainted while working out at the same fitness centre. Mr Shaw subsequently came up with an idea to recover millions in uncashed gambling chips, and travelled to Thailand to see if AMA would be interested.

Mr Shaw and his girlfriend stayed in AMA’s Phuket mansion and left on good terms in mid-D ecember 2013, an earlier court hearing was told.

Shaw’s lawyers maintain it was only after negotiations for the business venture fell through that AMA concocted the idnapping tale.

Investigators in Thailand say the victim filed a complaint stating that he and Shaw had gone to a bar together in Phu et. He began to feel “very strange” after drinking a couple of Diet Co es.

The victim, who did not report the incident until several weeks after Shaw returned to the US, told police that Shaw put him in a car and drove him to a building where he was held overnight and negotiated a US million (B 0 million) ransom, later reduced to 2 million (B6 0 million), to be paid when Shaw returned to the US. Shaw’s defence lawyer, Jason K reiss, raised many questions about the allegations and questioned why the victim delayed reporting the crime.

But Assistant US Attorney Stephanie Evans, handling the extradition case for the State D epartment, told the judge the victim was terrified. She said he feared for his family’s safety.

Evans told the udge that the case against Shaw – and his allegations about the victim – must be proved or disproved at a criminal trial in Thailand.

B a n g k o k Po s t

Wrong-way ride ends in death POLICE ARE HUNTIN the driver of a vehicle which collided with a “ghost rider” motorcycle on Monday morning (February 2) leaving one person dead and another inured.

At am, Ma Rachan Panwai, an investigator from Phu et City police, and usoldharm rescuers were called to the scene of the accident in front of the entrance to Royal Place on the bypass road.

The body of the dead man, identified as security guard

Pairat Rungpein, , was lying in the road in a pool of blood. His colleague was sitting injured at the roadside, and a damaged Honda Scoopy motorcycle was found about 0 meters away. A witness told police that he saw the two men on the motorcycle driving against oncoming traffic on the bypass. The motorcyle collided with a vehicle which was driving on the inside lane, in the opposite – correct – direction.

The witness was unable to give the make, model or colour

of the vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the motorbike to bounce 50 meters down the road, and Mr Pairat, who was the passenger, was killed instantly with a bro en nec .

The car didn’t stop. After the crash it sped away north along the bypass.

Police are loo ing at CCTV footage from the area to see if they can identify the vehicle.

Rescue wor ers too Mr Pairat’s body and the ghost rider to Vachira Phu et Hospital.

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SeaBees boss Holger Schwab with the award.

9th Golden Dolphin award for Sea Bees CH ALO NG-BASED SEA Bees D iving has been awarded the prestigious Golden D olphin at the Tauchen Awards held at “Boot D ü sseldorf 2015” in Germany, the largest yacht and watersports expo in the world.

The award was for “Best D iving Company in the IndoPacific Region”. It is based on votes from the diving public worldwide.

H olger Schwab, owner and Managing D irector of Sea Bees was on hand to receive the award personally. This is the ninth Golden D olphin the company has won since he took over the reigns at Sea Bees D iving in 1995.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

7

Giant shark ends up on the barby S

cientists from the Coastal Fisheries Research and D evelopment Centre in K rabi on Monday (February 2) went to take a look at a large dead shark local people found floating ust off the coast.

But when they got there they found that local residents had already beaten them to it – chopping up the shark and 18 baby sharks found dead inside it, and distributing the meat fairly to everyone, while it was still fresh.

The locals in Tha Maprao village reported that they had found the dead shar floating in Maprao Bay. Local fishermen used a long tail boat to bring it ashore. They said that the shark had no signs of any in uries – at least, before it was chopped up.

O f some help to the scientists were a bunch of photos someone thoughtfully took before the knives came out.

In the interests of sci-

Villagers drag the shark ashore. But now pictures are all that remain of the 3.15-metre toothy predator. ence, the villagers also used a yardstick to measure the shark – it was 3.15 metres long – and weighed it – it topped 300 kilos.

The villagers gave their opinion that the shark had

died while giving birth.

Tassapon ra angdara, an official from the Andaman Coastal Fisheries Research and D evelopment Centre in Phuket, commented after seeing photos of the shark that

it appeared to be either a bull shark or a cub shark.

“D on’t worry,” he said.

“This one is not a great white shark. We don’t have great whites here in Thailand.”

Bull sharks are, however,

far from harmless. N a t i o n a l G e o g r a p h i c magaz ine rates them alongside the great white and the tiger shark as one of the three shark species most likely to attack humans.

E a k k a p o p T h o n g tu b

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Fund-raiser gets B75,700 for local disabled woman

Gregory Westcott (left), Wan and Rodney Gothe, who has a mobility scooter himself.

A FUND -R AISING EVENT held on January 23, of which C l a s s Ac t M e d i a was a sponsor, raised close to B76 ,000 to go towards buying a mobility scooter for a local disabled woman, K hun Wan. The event, held at the K angaroo Bar in Bangla R d, was organised by Australian expats Gregory Westcott and R odney Gothe.

Both have known Wan for several years and felt that she deserved a better chance in

life, having been born with no hands and deformed feet.

Speaking to T h e Ph u k e t N e w s , Mr Westcott said, “It was a great night. We managed to raise B75,700 Baht at the K angaroo Bar from donations and a BBQ, and H ash H ouse H arriers made a futher donation of B6 ,000 on Saturday (January 24).

“H owever, I’m pleased to say that we are still receiving donations from various sources.

“R odney and I will soon be

in talks with Pride Mobility in Australia [ who will be supplying the scooter at cost price] to work out exactly what kind of transportation Wan will have.

“We are currently leaning towards an electric chair that is specifically built for people with no hands, and Pride are giving us wonderful support with helping to chose the right mode of transport for Wan. “We will keep everyone involved with updates as soon as we have any.”

Want Heritage status?

Clean the beach – Gov Nattha Thepbamrung rep orter3 @classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Governor, Nisit Jansomwang on Monday morning (February 2) visited K aron Beach as part of his series of monthly beach clean-ups. H e was joined by a large contingent of volunteers from both private and public sectors.

H e said that he would continue cleaning up garbage on beaches for at least 12 months or until local people start to realise their responsibility for keeping beaches garbage-free.

The Governor pointed out that the Natural R esources and Environment R eformation Committee, led by D irector Pramote Maiklud, is pushing for the Andaman coastal provinces – including Phuket – to be declared a World H eritage Site.

But, he asked, “If we leave our beaches – the most outstanding natural treasure of the island – dirty, how can our island become a World H eritage Site? ” H e had praise for the local authorities responsible for K aron Beach. “I have to say that K aron Municipality has good management. K aron

Do as I do: Gov Nisit helps clean up Karon Beach.

Beach is very long but we found very little garbage compared with previous beaches we visited.”

The Governor previously joined clean-ups of K amala, Patong and Saphan H in Beaches, and along K long Tha Cheen.

“The monthly beach cleaning is planned to continue for 12 months. I will quit this monthly routine whenever the beaches are clean and people understand and recognise the importance of keeping them clean.”

D uring the walk along the

beach for garbage collecting, he and his party were approached by tourists complaining about the lack of beach umbrellas, allowing the team the chance to explain the new rules.

“We understand that there are several different points of view, from people who want the beaches to be completely clear, to beach business operators and tourists who have a different view.

“We are trying our best to have them meet in the middle.

But rules are rules. We have an official agreement and everyone must follow it.

“There are still people putting umbrellas outside the 10 per cent special z one. It is not easy to make all the tourists understand, especially people with other languages.

Meanwhile, the island s new beach regulations are now being enforced, and all beaches are to be regulated under the same standards.

The announcement came from the Governor at a beach management meeting he chaired last Thursday (January 29).

H e said, “The problem we now face with beach management is that the local municipalities do not apply the same standards.

“From now on, the local authorities, both municipalities and O rBorTor (Tambon Administration O rganisations), are the keystone for regulation control. They will have to put out marks to specify the border of the 10 per cent z oning area [ such as ropes] .

“They must also put signs in Thai, English, Chinese and R ussian on the beach fronts, and provide a team made up of deputies to the district chiefs, police officers and representatives from the beach business

operators.

“The local authorities must upgrade the regulations to be municipal bylaws, and the regulations must be printed and spread to all business operators to make them understand.”

H e added, “We need to announce the regulations wider to get tourist s attention.

“I will have a meeting with hotel operators around the island to ask for cooperation in putting announcements in the hotels and giving information to their customers.”

In addition, there will be a new Beach Management D epartment in every municipality to work on the monitoring and controlling of each z one and the regulations.

“After work has continued for three months, a Prince of Songkhla University team will evaluate the effectiveness of the work and we will then consider about continuing it or not.”

“From now on, the local authority team monitoring the beach will have to do field operations everyday to make sure that the measures are strictly followed as there are still some people trying to break the rules,” concluded the governor.

Price wars: Sithipol Pechkhajee

To r firms under siege to get help ACCO R D ING TO O NE tour desk operator, taxi drivers are turning themselves into tour sales operators.

This, says the local D irector of Tourism and Sports, Santi Pawai, is illegal.

This issue was one of many raised at a meeting of tour desk operators that took place on January 28.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Santi said he would set up training for tour desk salespeople that would help prevent foreigners from selling tours illegally.

“Tour sales operators will have an identification licence just like we give to guides, and that will reduce scams on tourists,” he said.

“Also, you have to tell me your cost estimates.

After the agreed price [ for tours] has been set, whoever sells below that price will have their licence cancelled.”

“From what I’ve seen, the problem is because of a price war.”

Sithipol Pechkhajee, President of the Phuket Tour D esk Group said, “We have a problem about pricecutting. This issue has long been fought over.”

The meeting failed to find solid solutions for various other problems so a follow-up meeting will take place later this month .

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 17

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

t s official Aussies ha e new on on Matt Pond editor3 @classactmedia.co.th

A

lthough she has been doing the job since May 2014, it was announced in a press release by the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on January 29, that Canadian Michelle H awryluk, , has now officially been appointed as H onorary Consul in Phu et – for Australia.

She took up the post, replacing Larry Cunningham, who stepped down at the end of September 2013, after eight years in the post.

Ms H awryluk is an experienced lawyer, admitted to practice in Australia and the United States. She is currently Managing Partner of the Phuket based H awryluk Legal Advisors, and has lived on the island since 2009. She is fluent in spea ing the Thai language.

Ms H awryluk can be contacted by email at info@ hhlegaladvisors.com or by calling her office at 0 0 111.

Meanwhile, Singapore is

ichelle a ryl k a Canadian ho ill look after in discussions with government agencies in Phuket about the possibility of setting up a consular office on the island to assist Singaporean workers and tourists.

D etails were revealed following a meeting on January

ssies

28 between the administration consultant for the Singapore Consulate in Thailand, Gabriel Liew, his team, and Phuket Vice Governor D r Panlop Singhasenee.

After the meeting, V/ Gov Panlop said that Singapore

New committee set p to fi ht corr ption AS PAR T O F TH E INTER IO R MINISTR Y’S drive for all provinces to eliminate corruption, Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwang has ordered that a new committee, which will include all heads of provicial departments, be set up to create a strategy to protect and track down corruption within their organiz ations.

D etails of the committee were revealed during a meeting of Provincial authorities last Thursday (January 29).

Governor Nisit said, “According to a recent poll, people believe that local administration organisations, the police and the land office

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have the highest percentage of corruption.

These departments will have to report to the new committee about their activities and measures set in place to protect against corruption.

“All departments in Phuket have to work transparently, and for areas such as the land office, their process for approving land papers must be clear and transparent,” he said.

The committee will monitor the work of all departments, especially their work in processes that in the past have been particularly prone to corruption.

plans to open consular offices in all major cities in Thailand that deal with Singaporean workers and tourists including Phuket, Chiang Mai, Songkhla, and Chonburi.

The team from the Singapore Consulate in Thailand are scheduled to visit each of these provinces and will use the information gathered from each visit to determine the needs and timescales for opening a consular office in each area.

V/ Gov Panlop said, “O ur records show that there are 94 Singaporeans registered in Phuket who have work permits for work such as hotel CEO s and golf course staff.

“They also show that Phuket receives about 100,000 Singaporean tourists per year, which is quite small when compared with Chiang Mai and other places.”

H e also gave an assurance that any unrepresented tourists needing help while in Phuket can get help by going to the Provincial H all Ad d i t i o n a l r e p o r t i n g b y S u th ic h a S itir a t.

PHUKET NEWS FOCUS

9

The cracked indscreen of the hotel an after the attack

stran e tale of hi h ay mayhem

PO LICE O N TUESD AY (February 2) night arrested a car driver who beat up a van driver, putting him in hospital, before fleeing – without his car.

Called to the scene near Baan Thungka-Mai K hao mosque, Lt Col Watcharin Jiratthikarnwiwat, Superintendent of Tha Chat Chai police, and his men found two vehicles by the side of the road – the Yaris and a van, whose driver, Thutchai Saisa’ad, 33, was bleeding heavily from the head and had a number of bruises elsewhere.

The windscreen of the van was cracked. Inside sat two scared tourists.

Mr Thutchai was taken for treatment to Thalang hospital, where he told police a strange story. “We were driving along Thepkrasattri R d when someone drove up alongside and

yelled at us to stop.

“After I stopped, the Toyota pulled up to block me from going anywhere and the driver jumped out and banged on the windscreen, cracking it. H e shouted that my van had run over someone and hurt them.”

The furious car driver then cracked Mr Thutchai over the head with a pistol.

Things got worse. Moments later, Mr Thutchai said, five or six men on motorbikes arrived and started beating him up.

At that point local residents intervened and the attackers drove away. The car of the prime attacker, however, remained at the scene.

Police began a search of the area, figuring that the driver could not be far away. They found him hiding nearby and was soon handcuffed and taken away to face assault charges.

Opinion 10 OPINION

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A LONG BATTLE WITH EVIL

S

lavery is an evil that has existed since prehistory.

K ing Chulalongkorn, R ama V the Great, abolished slavery in Thailand in 1905, but the continuing existence of human traffic ing and forced labour are a clear indication that slavery cannot just be legislated away.

In an effort to clamp down on human traffic ing in Phu et, police carried out raids on almost 300 businesses around the island (see page 1). Amaz ingly, in none of the places visited over two days, was a single case of human traffic ing discovered. Good.

Everything was found to be in order in massage and arao e places, on fishing boats and in factories and plantations, with no one being under 18 and no one complaining of being forced to work.

But despite the clean sheet this week, cases of human traffic ing do occur in Phu et and occasionally come to light.

f rom C an ada; B A in S ociolog y f rom the U n iB irmin g ham in the U K an d an M A in O n lin e/ iv ersity of the A rts in L on don . T hree y ears ig g est p u b lisher, I mmediate M edia, as w ell as az in e.

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EDITORIAL

R eaders may recall that, in June last year, a 49-year-old Burmese national was arrested at the Por Pichai Fishing uay on charges of human traffic ing.

H e was accused of conning Burmese people into working on fishing boats without pay, and then demanding a ransom from their families for their release from slavery. H e was certainly not the only member of the traffic ing gang.

This week’s raids were part of a drive ordered by Bangkok in an effort to lift Thailand out of Tier 3, the lowest grade in the United States’ Traffic ing in Persons Report – which, in the worst case, could result in sanctions for Thailand.

Thailand has repeatedly been accused of ineffectiveness in tackling slavery and human traffic ing, especially in the fishing industry. More recently gross violations of the rights of refugees from Myanmar have been making headlines.

Britain’s The Guardian

reports that the International Organisation for Migration documented widespread traffic ing within the fisheries sector in Thailand, with migrant fishermen being ept wor ing on board for years without pay.

A report in 2009 by the UN Inter-Agency Pro ect on Human Traffic ing found that per cent of interviewed migrants traffic ed aboard Thai fishing boats reported witnessing the murder of a fellow crewman.

Although no women in the se industry in Phu et were found to have been traffic ed in this week’s raids, in other parts of the country underage girls have been found working in brothels.

T h e Ph u k e t N e w s fervently hopes that the military and the police continue to search hard for cases of human traffic ing.

The enslavement of people is an evil that must constantly be battled against, not just when Thailand’s reputation is threatened.

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HAVE YOUR SAY R e : C h a ir s & U m b r e lla s o n B e a c h e s De a r Ed i t o r We are disappointed about the decision to not allow chairs on beaches. We have come back every year (since 1995) to have wonderful vacations. We love the people, the weather and beaches. A large percentage of people are at an age where they are unable to lay down on mats on the sand. In our opinion there are better ways to use the public places, like other countries do.

O ur suggestions: The Government should open-up bids for concessions to rent chairs and umbrellas where the beach area is deep, and where there is NO direct access from hotels.

The operator who offers the most money should be allowed to rent a maximum number of chairs and umbrellas under strict conditions (confined to a mapped-out area first row has to be a certain distance away from the waters edge, they MUST clean their own area; and the maximum price for rental should be set by the Government).

Between the concessions should be areas for people who don’t want chairs and umbrel-

las. The number of concessions for each suitable beach to be decided by the Government.

We feel that concessions should be set for a few small areas where drinks can be sold.

Setting-up a “Beach Patrol” is a very good idea, and they should not control only the concessions, but also the drunks and the litter on the beaches.

Do r i s & He r b e r t f r o m Ge r m a n y Ma r i a n n a & Ga b o r f r o m Ca n a d a R e : N o is e p o llu tio n De a r Si r I would like to bring this to the attention of those retirees who wish to live in R awai.

Please do you homewor , go to the area at different times of the day and night. O nce you have signed a lease agreement you are bound by it no matter what, come rain, hail or noise.

Yes noise. I refer to the constant noise from an open air bar behind the Siam Commercial Bank.

My wife and I thought R awai was the perfect location to retire, we were wrong. After renting a house in Soi Lamkayai every night we were greeted with noise until the early hours.

Sometimes the noise was so bad

we had to wear ear plugs to be able to sleep. I enquired about who to complain to but was told it was a top official running the show so my complaint would fall on deaf ears.

We have since left Phu et and now live in Chiang R ai where the authorities are more retiree friendly.

We enjoyed R awai, met many new friends. But if the authorities would close down noisy bars and were more conscious of retired peoples’ needs and not noisy bar friendly we would still be living there.

We saw on the TV how R awai streets were being cleaned up, it is a pity the clean up does not include noise pollution.

Mr Le p e t i t R e : C o n c e r n e d fo r th e c o m m u n ity De a r Ed i t o r As an overseas visitor who has come to adore old Phu et Town, I would be greatly worried for a project that emotionally upheaves a neighbourhood in such a way that the local community has decided to join as one to voice their concerns together.

Firstly, there is the structural integrity of immediate buildings to consider, especially as this particular point has already

been raised as problamatic during recent beautification of the area, with many tenants stating that they would be unwilling to take on smaller renovation projects to help enhance the area for fear of dislodging the poor limestone and possibly requiring further major renovation.

Looking around the town one has to wonder whether ualified engineers have enough experience to foresee whether these beautiful old buildings will continue to stand should new constructions requiring much deeper foundations be placed inches apart from one another.

Secondly, the character and charm should be considered.

Where most attention is given to building design, one must not forget the skyline is as important as the building if it is to enhance the area.

Lastly, and possibly more importantly, should be whether proposals for new constructions placed amongst the oldest buildings in Phu et ought to be determined by just a few people or by a committee consisting of local councillors and local community representatives who have lived in the area for decades.

J o s h Ki r b y No 1 3 Kr a b i Rd

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Army ‘not behind bombs’ A

Facebook user Yakumi Kung quickly deleted his account.

Bangkok dad shows off baby driver on Facebook A F ATHER WHO F L AU NTed his 9 -year-old son’s driving skills online has been summoned by traffic police.

F acebook user Y akumi Kung, who is known for posting photos of his baby driving home on Bangkok’s Phet Kasem Road, could face a small fine for letting a child operate a vehicle and being a stupid parent.

“My temporary driver,” Y akumi wrote in a caption for photos posted Sunday (F ebruary 1). “The regular guy is on vacation. O n Phet Kasem road.

I’m praying as I’m sitting here.”

Maybe he wouldn’t have had to pray if he hadn’t put his life and those of others in the hands of a 9 -year-old.

Traffic police’s official F acebook page posted a screenshot of his post Monday night (F eb 2) with a succinct message: “Come turn yourself in, Y a,” the page wrote.

Y akumi responded by shutting down his F acebook page, but based on a similar case of a father letting his 9 -year-old daughter drive to school in Surat Thani last year, Y akumi will probably have to pay a few thousand baht if he’s caught.

The dad in Surat Thani famously claimed he just “forgot to think” when putting his baby behind wheel.

C o c o n u ts B a n g k o k

r my c o m m a nd e r U domdej Sitabutr vehemently denied speculation spreading Monday (F ebruary 2) that the explosions at Siam Paragon on Sunday (F ebruary 1) were an attempt by the government to prolong martial law.

“The state would never do that. We do things honestly. We don’t create situations,” he said.

Rumours that the Paragon blasts were staged to justify the enforcement of martial law spread widely Tuesday (F ebruary 3 ).

Gen U domdej played down suggestions the incident was aimed at challenging the government and the National Council for Peace and O rder (NCPO ), saying motives have not yet been established and the incident could be a prank by rogue groups.

The army named three groups it believes could be responsible for the two explosions, while police said they are “9 0% certain” the attack is politically motivated.

According to a source, the three groups the army suspects are those affected by the

Security has been stepped up at the blast site, near a walkway linking the Siam Paragon shopping centre to BTS Siam.

NCPO ’s crackdown on bribery, extortion and corruption; the political group dissatisfied with the military government; and police officers who are displeased after recent transfers.

“With an incident like this, the NCPO will focus on groups with political leanings. Some people are not happy with the impeachment of former prime minister Y ingluck Shinawatra and have made remarks that make them suspects,” said the source. However, Pol Gen Chakthip Chaichinda, deputy national police chief, said it was too early to conclude whether

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no evidence linking the blasts at the moment.

F irst Region Army commander L t Gen Kampanat Ruddit said people who have made threats of violence are under the most suspicion.

“Inviting them to an army unit doesn’t work and is likely to lead to opposition. So I think we will drop by their houses for a visit and seek cooperation from them. We have to solve problems. If I have a chance, I will talk to them myself,” he said.

But Worachai Hema, a red-shirt leader and former

Mega-corrupt top cop jailed for six years DISGRACED F O RMER CENtral Investigation Bureau chief Pol L t Gen Pongpat Chayapan and five other policemen were sentenced to 12 years in jail last F riday (J anuary 3 0) for lè se majesté and involvement in the running of casinos.

The sentences were halved to six years because all the officers pleaded guilty.

The six men had already pleaded guilty in four cases at Bangkok’s Criminal Court, but the judge’s sentence last week applied only to the lè se majesté and illegal casino cases.

The former policemen are also accused of taking bribes from oil smugglers and demanding bribes from CIB

officers in exchange for promotions and transfers – to which they have also pleaded guilty.

The six were taken to the court from Bangkok Remand Prison on Ngam Wong Wan Rd after prosecutors filed the charges against them in three cases on Thursday (J anuary 29 ).

In the first case, Pongpat, 58, and his former deputy, ex-Pol Maj Gen Kowit Wongroongroj, 59 , were charged with lè se majesté , malfeasance and provision for gambling.

Prosecutors identified the Colonz e gambling den, a large casino in Bangkok’s Wang Thong L ang district, which has since been closed.

O n the lè se majesté charge,

Mobile per-second calls from February 16 THE O F F ICE O F THE National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) requests all mobile carriers to offer the per-second call rate service from F ebruary 16 on.

Interested customers are allowed to change their promotions free of charge.

The NBTC SecretaryGeneral Takorn Tantasith said that all mobile carriers in Thailand must provide per-second call rates in their

the explosions were politically motivated.

“Ninety percent of similar incidents have been politically motivated,” he said.

There were at least two people involved in Sunday’s explosions and warrants for their arrest are to be issued expected this week, he added.

Police and the military said the bombs were low-impact devices and could not have caused loss of life. Police spokesman Pol L t Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said the explosive devices were similar to those used in Min Buri last year, but said there is

Pheu Thai MP, said the red shirts are not behind Sunday’s explosions.

He said the violence does not match with red shirts’ aims because the group wants the country to return to peace and order as soon as possible so that elections can proceed.

According to Mr Worachai, one of two groups could be responsible.

The first is those who are dissatisfied with the government and the NCPO , and the other is those who think the explosions could be used as leverage to prolong enforcement of martial law, he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha condemned the blasts on Tuesday (F eb 2) and urged the public to give authorities enough time to solve the case.

Gen Prayut said it was too early to say whether the incident was politically motivated.

“People must understand that differences of political views and breaking the law are two separate issues,” he said.

He added that security would be intensified following the blasts. B a n g k o k Po s t

services.

The deadline for all mobile carriers to change their services is March 1.

He has said that the carriers are allowed to set the minimum charge for each call at 3 0 seconds, while the charge of the call will be calculated per second from the 3 1st second to compensate the connection cost. The price rate must not exceed the NBTC’s regulated price.

The new service plan will

not affect existing users and anyone can change to the new service plan for free.

However, the existing users on service plan contracts with minimum usage date or device-based contracts will not be able to change to the new per-second rate until the existing contract expires, said the NBTC Secretary-General.

The NBTC’s directive will not affect customers who do not wish to change their existing services. N N B T

Former Pol Lt Gen Pongpat is escorted to Bangkok’s Criminal Court. Photo/ Apichart Jinakul/Bangkok Post the duo allegedly put a Royal Crest pin on their epaulets and put a badge bearing the portrait of HRH Prince Rasmijoti Dhipankara, the son of HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and former

Princess Srirasmi, on their left pockets at all times, to indicate that the casino they were protecting had the backing of the palace.

In the second case, Pongpat, Kowit and ex-Pol Maj Gen

Boonsueb Praithuen, 55, a former Marine Police chief, were charged with soliciting and accepting bribes, malfeasance and lè se majesté .

The indictment said some oil smugglers in the Gulf of Thailand paid Kowit, who then transferred the money to his boss, in exchange for not arresting them. The total amount received was B14 7.4 million.

The indictment also stated they committed lè se majesté because they wore police uniforms with a badge bearing HRH Prince Rasmijoti Dhipankara’s portrait on the pockets when they solicited the bribes.

B a n g k o k Po s t

12 ASIA NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Kuala Lumpur rules MH370 ‘an accident’ T

The naughty French trio were barred for four years.

Tourists booted out for snapping naked Angkor photographs C caught snapping naked photos of each other at an ancient Cambodian temple were deported after being convicted of pornography and indecency charges, local media reported Monday (February 2). he male tourists, all aged or , were at anteay dei, near the temple complex that includes Angkor Wat in the western province of Siem eap, when they were apprehended on Thursday

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

anuary , the Cam odia Daily reported.

They were tried over the weekend and fined million riel , each, given six-month suspended sentences and deported, the report said.

“We won' t allow them to enter Cambodia for four years and confiscated their [ camera] equipment, said Chau Sun erya, spokeswoman for the cultural authorities, according to the newspaper. K h a o s o d

he Malaysian Government has recently declared that the Flight MH37 0 was an accident and all passengers on board were pronounced deceased.

It has been more than 10 long months since the ill-fated flight went missing, ut now Malaysia Airlines’ representatives will be contacting the appointed next-of-kin to proceed with the compensation process.

The airline remains steadfast to ensure that fair and reasonable compensation is paid to the families of all MH37 0 passengers in accordance with the applicable laws.

Malaysia Airlines will deploy further resources at its Family Support Centre (FSC) which had been set up in K uala Lumpur.

The FSC will be the main point of contact for any next of kin in Malaysia and other parts of the world, along with our various regional offices, apart from China.

Malaysia Airlines’ personnel from the Human Resources department remain the main

Flight MH370 has still not been found after en months. point of contact for the next of kin of the airline’s cabin and technical crew lost in the tragedy.

As has been the case since the eginning of the crisis, Malaysia Airlines continues to provide assistance to the families of the passengers and crew.

The management and staff of Malaysia Airlines wish to thank the public for their outpouring of support throughout this challenging time. eanwhile, last hursday anuary , Indonesia s ational Transportation Safety

Committee said that the French co-pilot was at the controls of an AirAsia plane before it crashed into the sea last month after flying through an area of towering clouds, killing all people on oard, investigators said.

The announcement came as fishermen found two more bodies from the crash in waters off Sulawesi island in central Indonesia, around , kilometres from where the plane crashed.

Flight Q Z 8501 went down in stormy weather on December 28 in the Java Sea during what

was supposed to be a short trip from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore. Only 7 2 bodies have so far been recovered.

Indonesia s ational ransportation Safety Committee, which has been analysing the plane s lack o es, said that prior to the crash, the aircraft had climbed fast in an area packed with huge storm clouds, and the stall alarms started going off.

They also revealed that the Airbus A320-200’s less e perienced rench co-pilot, emi lesel, was flying the plane efore it went down, rather than Captain Iriyanto, a former fighter pilot who had around , hours of flying time “The second-in-command was the pilot flying, chief investigator Mardjono Siswosuwarno told reporters in akarta, disclosing details from a preliminary report into the crash.

He said the captain sat on the left and acted as “the monitoring pilot E T B / AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Ex-IMF chief begins trial for ‘pimping’

T

he sexual proclivities of former International Monetary F und chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn came under the spotlight again on Monday (F ebruary 2) when his trial for pimping began in F rance, four years after a sex scandal cost him a shot at the F rench presidency.

The disgraced 65-yearold economist finds himself back in the dock – this time in the northern F rench city of L ille – accused of being part of a prostitution ring used by his entourage to organise sex parties for him in Brussels, Paris and Washington.

L urid details of group sex and high-end prostitution are likely to emerge in the three-week trial during which Strauss-Kahn will take the stand alongside a colourful cast of characters including luxury hotel managers, police officers, freemasons and a brothel owner nicknamed “Dodo the Mackerel.”

The former head of the International Monetary F und, known in F rance as DSK, saw his career implode in

elf confessed li ertine

omini

2011 when he was paraded handcuffed in front of the world’s cameras after a New Y ork hotel maid accused him of sexual assault.

W hile those criminal charges were dropped and the case settled in a civil suit, further humiliation ensued as a litany of sordid tales – from affairs to further charges of violence against women – emerged.

Then, six months after the scandal in New Y ork,

e tra ss ahn

his name cropped up in an investigation into a prostitution ring in northern F rance and Belgium known as the “Carlton Affair” after one of the swish hotels in L ille where local businessmen and police officials would organise sex parties.

The probe into a vice ring revealed some of the prostitutes involved had been paid to participate in orgies attended by Strauss-Kahn, who was charged with “aggra-

‘Knightmare’ Australian PM vows not to resign AU STRAL IAN PRIME MINister Tony Abbott said on Monday (F ebruary 2) that he had not contemplated stepping down, as pressure mounted on his leadership following a controversial decision to give Britain’s Prince Philip an Australian knighthood.

Abbott faced ridicule after naming the nonagenarian consort of Q ueen Eliz abeth II a Knight of the O rder of Australia last month, incensing members of his ruling coalition who are already dealing with falling poll numbers, policy back ips and an unpopular budget.

When asked by reporters if he had considered resigning, Abbott said “no” – but admitted: “I accept that I probably overdid it on awards.”

But, he said, “I have listened, I have learned, I have acted...” in reference to the adverse public reaction.

The honour for Prince Philip bemused Australians, some of whom want to cut ties with the British monarchy and turn Australia into a republic. The media dubbed the award for the non-resident @thephuketnews

o h co ple of months Tony ot a “knightmare” for Abbott.

Abbott insisted he was the right person to lead the government, after reports that some colleagues were under

pressure to challenge him.

“L et me make it absolutely crystal clear: we were elected in 2013 because the Australian people rejected chaos. And we are not going to take them back to that chaos,” he told the National Press Club in Canberra.

“It’s the people that hire and frankly it’s the people that should fire.

I never came into politics to be popular,” said Abbott, after being asked why people did not seem to like him.

“L ook, we’ve had a rough couple of months, I accept that,” Abbott said. AFP.

vated pimping in an organised group”.

The former finance minister admits to being a “libertine” who enjoys orgies but has denied knowing the women attending the parties were paid.

The crux of the case the state will have to prove is: whether he knew the women were prostitutes and whether he played a role in organising them.

In F rance, while prostitution is legal, “proxenitisme”, or procuring, is not. So-called pimping has a much wider scope in the eyes of the law than its usual definition of acting as an agent for prostitutes, and includes profiting from and aiding and abetting prostitution.

But even prosecutors have been divided over whether there is enough evidence for DSK to face trial and a possible 10-year jail term. In 2013 the state prosecutor called for charges to be dropped, but investigating judges overruled him and ordered DSK to stand trial. AFP

WORLD NEWS 13

Bo i ristina Bro n left ith her mother died in a atht three years a o

hitney

ho

Whitney’s daughter fi htin for her life BO BBI KRISTINA BRO WN, the daughter of late singing legend Whitney Houston, was fighting for her life on Monday (F ebruary 2) after she was pulled unconscious from a bathtub over the weekend, her family said.

The 21-year-old’s husband and a friend found her nonresponsive in the bathtub of her home near Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday (J anuary 3 1) in an incident with eerie echoes of her mother’s drowning in a L os Angeles tub in 2012.

Bobbi ristina is fighting for her life and is surrounded by immediate family,” the Houston family said in a statement provided to U S media.

There has been no official word of Brown’s condition,

but several U S media outlets have cited family sources as saying she was in a medicallyinduced coma.

“We are asking you to honour our request for privacy during this difficult time,” the family statement added.

“Than k you for you r prayers, well wishes, and we greatly appreciate your continued support.” Whitney Houston died in F ebruary 2012 when she was found in a bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in L os Angeles on the eve of the music industry’s annual Grammy Awards show.

Coroners concluded she died by accidental drowning, with cocaine use and heart disease as contributing factors. AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

SGS launches unique security training centre Alasdair Forbes e x e c e d ito r @ th e p h u k e tn e w s .c o m

S

iam Guardian Services (SGS) last week launched its Training Centre, with a slew of training courses aimed primarily at the hospitality industry but applicable to just about any work environment.

The courses offered are life guarding at pools and water rescue first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); fire safety advanced driving techniques; security awareness; health and safety; and crisis management.

The SGS Training Centre was given its public launch on January 29, but has long been an ambition of SGS Director Barrie Buck.

“I’ve been planning it for eight years. It was a question of finding the right people, making sure I’d done it right, and a lot of regulatory hoops to jump through.

“I just wanted the island – and Thailand – to be more

The launch of the SGS training centre drew a good crowd at the Thanyapura Mind Centre. secure. I noticed when I came over here that there was no training for anyone, be it the guards or the people in hospitality.

“When you look at all these people in Provincial Hall who

say, ‘ We want to make the island more secure,’ they don’t seem to be following it up.

It’s like a toothless shark. It’s almost as if they’re saying these things because that’s what people want to hear.”

The main target market is hospitality, he says, but looking further ahead, schools are also a target. “[ The target is] hospitality for the people who need it right now and schools for the next

instructors. We can’t teach people who are driving the wrong way with 17 people and a pig on a bike at night with no lights. You can’t teach them.

“So you go back to grass roots, take it to the schools and say [ to the children] , ‘ Spread the message.’ They then spread it to their parents and grandparents, who would rather listen to the children than to some 6’4” bald-headed foreigner [ like me] .

“It’s not schools but children in general. So at weekends we’re working with the Phuket Lifeguard Club, and the CSR groups [ to teach children] . The children of today are our target market in 10 years’ time.”

Training can be done at the centre or, where appropriate, at the client’s property. Price quotes for the courses are on application. For details see the SGS website at sgsphuket.com SGS also recently became the only security company in the region to offer a K 9 service, with dogs trained for security patrols and detection of a variety of substances.

Tourist growth 4.7pc last year ACCORDIN G TO THE LATest UN WTO World Tourism Barometer, international tourist arrivals reached 1.138 billion in 2014, a 4.7 -percent increase over 2013, and equivalent to 16 per cent of the world’s population of 7 .292 billion, or 1 in 6.25 people.

The increase was 51 million people, roughly equivalent to the population of Burma.

By region, the Americas pc and sia and the acific (+ 5pc) registered the strongest growth, accirding to the UN WTO, while Europe and the Middle East at + 4pc.

Charlie Dang

Starwood promotes Dang to regional VP STARWOOD HOTELS & Resorts Worldwide has announced the appointment of Charlie Dang as Regional Vice President (RVP) for Southeast Asia.

Mr Dang, Starwood says, “will play a key role in leading growth in Southeast Asia as the company continues to rapidly expand in this region.

“Southeast Asia is experiencing a phenomenal pace of growth in the past few years, thanks to urbanisation, digital connectivity and the rise in the middle class,” Stephen Ho, President of Starwood otels esorts sia acific explained.

As RVP, Mr Dang will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the company’s growth and development across countries in Southeast Asia which includes Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.

Michiel Lugt

Indigo Pearl appoints new EAM DUTCHMAN MICHIEL Lugt has been appointed Executive Assistant Manager of the Indigo Pearl Resort at N aiyang Beach.

Mr Lugt has worked as F& B Director at Grace Bay Club Resort in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Hong K ong Jockey Club and De L’Europe in Amsterdam.

Before joining Indigo Pearl he was F& B Director at The Chedi Muscat in Oman, managing a 100-strong team and seven department heads. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Yacht Haven expanding to tempt superyachts Nattapat Tuarob r e p o r te r 1 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

T

he island’s northernmost marina, Yacht Haven, is being expanded at a cost of B400 million to allow it to berth megayachts of up to 80 metres in length.

The new complex of pontoons, to be built in an F shape to the south of the current marina berthing, will have a total length of 260 metres, with more than 500 metres of berthing space.

Thanet Lekagul, assistant to the MD of the marina, on Monday (February 2) explained to a visiting committee headed

by Vice-Governor Suthee Thongyam, “The project will bring more superyachts and megayachts to Phuket because [ Yacht Haven] has a proper channel that is 4.5 metres deep at low tide.

“The EIA [ Environmental Impact Assessment] for the project was approved last month.” Instead of piles being driven into the seabed to keep the pontoons in place, he said, a technology from the SeaFlex company of Sweden will be used.

“The pontoons will be attached y fle i le ca le slings to anchors underwater.

“Because the seabed is not

Marina representative Thanet Lekagul (right) discusses details of the new pontoon system with Thalang District Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol (left). as rocky as in the Mediterranean [ where SeaFlex has been used extensively for marinas] we have tested it carefully.

Ma r i ne Of f ice ch ief Phuripat Theerakulpisut said “This project is included in the Provincial Development Plan.

“I will make regular checks to ensure [ the marina management] follows navigation regulations and that they do not obstruct any water channel.

“I will also check that the condition of any coral reefs, sea creatures and water quality

are well-maintained. Also, the needs of local people must be catered for.

“I will check the pre-project conditions and post-project conditions every six months to monitor any effects from the project.”

Mr Phuripat also noted, “If there is a natural disaster [ in Phuket] or if circumstances arise in which the government needs to use part or all of the marina, the rules governing all marinas stipulate that the marina must comply.”

Thailand is ‘sexiest honeymoon destination’ – magazine THAILAN D HAS BEEN named the “Sexiest Romance/ Honeymoon Destination in Asia” by readers of US-based R e c o m m e n d magazine.

The long-established magazine, now in its 43rd year, is read by a wide network of US-based travel agents. The publication announced the winners of its 18th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards in the December 2014 issue.

Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “This award is another testament to Thailand’s wide variety of upscale tourism products and services that suit the needs of newlyweds and loving couples wanting to create an ever-lasting memory of their nuptials.

“The award is also a result of the tireless effort y our offices in the S to work closely with travel agents as well as to reiterate greater awareness of Thailand among travellers in the US market.”

The TAT has been marketing the US market aggressively over the years, via oth offline and online marketing platforms.

Thai regions ‘must create distinctive brands’

BRAN DIN G EX PERT DAVID K EEN HAS called for Thailand’s private sector to create distinct regional brands.

Addressing an audience of more than 500 industry stakeholders at the annual Thailand Tourism Forum in Bangkok, the CEO of Bangkok-based hospitality branding agency Q uo expressed concern that regional destinations in Thailand were suffering from a lack of focused, well-defined identities

The national ‘ Amazing Thailand’ campaign conveyed a positive message to the global market, he said, but did not accurately represent all the diverse cultures, landscapes and assets found in the different parts of the country.

“Our friends at TAT are doing a great job, but why are we relying on one brand to tell our story? ” Mr K een asked.

By marketing an independent local brand, private operators across the country could take

ownership of their image. Failure to do so, Mr K een said, resulted in misunderstood identities and put regional destinations at the mercy of market forces.

Mr K een offered N ew Z ealand as an example. Destinations within that country have created their own distinct identities to distinguish them within the N ew Z ealand market.

Cities such as Wellington, Q ueenstown and Auckland have successfully differentiated their

offerings from those of other regions, he said.

The same could be done for regional Thai markets, Mr K een said, providing Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Pattaya as examples.

Right now, these places suffer from a public perception that falls short of reality. It is up to the private sector to change this perception. ith a single, unified voice, destinations could address local issues with the media in a positive, authoritative manner.

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16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST THE LAND WHERE It s t a n a n d – He r e , w e ir d

d s d e in th

to r e p e n d n o p e m e

a so n in g o a r t ic p a r k

th a t th e r e is a w id e a r r a y o f w e ir d , w a c k y n p e r s p e c tiv e – w o n d e r fu l th e m e p a r k s . u l a r o r d e r , i s T h e Ph u k e t N e w s ’ top five s.

THE LAND WHERE NIGHTMARES COME TRUE : Let’s face it, most kids, and some adults, love toilet humour. People also love animals... A Danish entrepreneur followed this logic to the practical end and opened Bon Bon Land – the world’s most tastless animalthemed park. Rides include the Farting Dog, the Mentally Deranged Tortoise and the fun-for-the-whole-family Vomiting Rat. It’s a day trip for the senses as each ride also comes with its own range of disgusting noises.

THE LAND WHERE WET DREAMS COME TRUE: Perhaps the most akward theme park to go to with your parents or kids is Love Land in South K orea.

The theme park, which contains 140 sculptures, interactive exhibitions and love films is apparently a hot spot for newlyweds and honeymooners. A popular sculpture includes a huge giant green hand that springs up out of the ground and seems to be pleasuring itself. The park’s designers believe that it is not only about a little bit of horny, sexy fun but have said that it can also be educational.

THE LAND WHERE YOUR HOPES DIE: Missing the Soviet Union?

Yearning for a little bit of the communist regime?

Feel a touch too liberated?

Well then the Grutas Park a.k.a Stalin’s World might be just for you. Located in a Lithuanian national park, the fun theme is a Soviet-occupied Lithuania. There are guard towers and barbed-wire fences around the perimeter to authentically replicate the dismal Gulag experience. A fun way of spending the afternoon is to try and find each of the socialist statues of tyranny including Lenin and Stalin.

THE LAND OF BUDDHA: Like Buddha, but don’t like the seriousness and piety that comes with it? Why not visit the Suoi Tien Park in Vietnam – a Buddhist-inspired theme park, where you can have fun and, well, it’s probably not the best place to come to learn about the tenets of Buddhism or the Lord Buddha, or seek enlightenment or a meditative state, so probably just come and have fun. You can give it a go-though on a waterlog ride through the 12 forms of animatronic hell, including experiences of hell for drug addicts, gamblers and adulterers. Even more controversially is the ‘ Feed the Crocs’ section, which allows visitors the chance to feed/ tease crocodiles with a sack of food on a stick.

THE LAND OF THE LITTLE PEOPLE: Without doubt the most offensive in T h e Ph u k e t N e w s ’ 5 Weirdest Theme Parks is the K ingdom of the Little People in China. A theme park that is entirely staffed by little people. The gag is that dwarves are just like me and you really – just tinier.

They live in tiny castles and put on miniature shows of Swan Lake. The kingdom, of course, has a crown-wearing king who apparently rules over his loyal subjects. All of the dwarves (around 100) live onsite, in specially made dormitories and not – despite pretending to – in the mushroom-shaped houses. The full-sized owner of the theme park has big plans to employ over 1,000 dwarves.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Big Mac special sauce with that?

F

ast-food giant McDonald’s is giving Australians the opportunity to buy a bottle of the special sauce used on their famous Big Mac – the only problem is it will cost at least A$ 23,100 (B540,000).

The half-litre Limited Edition Big Mac Special Sauce Bottle # 1 of 200 is being auctioned on eBay with all proceeds going to charities run by the global chain to help sick children and their families.

“This bottle is # 1 of only 200 being produced worldwide,

and they won’t be sold in restaurants,” the eBay ad reads, adding that the sauce could

be used to improve anything from goulash to cupcakes.

McDonald’s said the special

sauce was one of the company’s most iconic ingredients, and customers often ask where they could buy it – but until now it was trapped between the buns of a Big Mac. The auction for the sauce – whose ingredients are known to include relish, mustard, distilled vinegar, onion, garlic and salted egg yolks – will run until February 11.

Australian customers of McDonald’s will also be able to buy 25ml tubs of special sauce at restaurants around the country in February, the company said. AFP

Power Ranger arrested for murder

This is the real life Ken Doll RODRIGO ALVES, A 31year-old Brazilian who lives in London, spent over B7 .5 million and went under the knife for a six-in-one operation that included an eye augmentation and widening of the mouth for a bigger smile.

In total, Alves has undergone 30 procedures, including liposuction and adding ab implants. He had his calves reshaped, four nose jobs and several botox injections.

“It’s like a snowball effect and I’m not going to stop. It doesn t define the man that I am – I’m much more than silicone and cosmetic surgery – but once you get started it’s difficult to stop, he told the D a i l y M a i l in the UK .

Alves, who apparently calls himself “K en Doll”, added that he had no regrets about any of his procedures.

“I’m pretty aware that I’m far from perfection,” he said. “I’m not deluded, and I know that I’m not the most good-looking guy. I’m just aiming to be the best that I can possibly be... I really believe that everything that I’ve done to myself is an investment ...

It is who I am.”

IN 2002, RICARDO MEdina was a 23-year-old actor with a gig on TV you might have heard of: he was the red ranger on the Po w e r R a n g e r s W i l d Fo r c e TV show.

N owadays, Medina is staring at the inside walls of a prison cell after he was arrested last week on charges that he stabbed Joshua Sutter to death with a Samurai sword.

Reports say that Medina and Sutter go into an argu-

ment last Saturday (January 31) that quickly turned into a fight hen edina went to his room, Sutter forced his way in. Medina grabbed

the Samurai sword that was nearby and allegedly stabbed Sutter in the stomach.

Medina’s bail is set at US$ 1 million.

Taking the pizza? Couple’s 2,252km Super Bowl delivery A CAN ADIAN COUPLE WEN T TO extreme lengths as they prepared for last Sunday’s (February 1) Super Bowl and placed a pizza delivery order from their favorite restaurant – more than 2,200km away.

Lee and Carol Brown, who recently moved to Regina, Saskatchewan from Windsor, Ontario, told Canadian media they placed the order after failing to find a local pizza parlour to their liking.

So as the Browns hunkered down for the Super Bowl, they tucked into an extra-large pie courtesy of Windsor’s Arcata Pizza, weighing in at C$ 140 (B3,300).

Most of the cost was because of the delivery fee charged by UPS.

The pie was made fresh by Arcata before being frozen immediately; the Browns cooked it before the game.

“The sauce is good, the dough is good, the toppings are fresh, Arcata was the best pizza in town for us,” Mrs Brown was quoted as saying.

“We talk about it all the time. We don’t really eat pizza here. We’ve tried it here, it’s just not the same.”

Arcata pizza owner Bob Abumeeiz admitted he thought the couple were joking when their long-distance order was placed.

“A week ago I got the phone call and I thought it was crazy and it was someone playing a joke on me, but then I realized it was for real,” he said. AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

The benefits from the classic chair pose

5

A delightful Peranakan experience at Outrigger

8

BLOODLESS MASTER Nightclub bouncer teaches how to get down and dirty > Page 3

@thephuketnews

2 COMMUNITY

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Round Phuket by bus This bus is suitable if you want to go to the port where ferries depart for Koh Phi Phi.

Rina Eva www.rino4ka.ru

P

ublic transport – one of the mysteries of Phuket. There are plenty of alternative routes on buses across the island, but very few people know about them. So, I decided to bring some clarity and break it down.

Let’s start with the fact that there are three bus stations in Phuket, they are all in Phuket Town but in different locations.

All public transport is divided into three types: small indoor songteo trucks, minibuses and large buses.

A typical blue songteo bus, for local routes.

Beaches, shopping centres and Sarasin Bridge

The beaches of Phuket can be reached via the songteo. The station offers transportation services to the sea, and it is located on Ranong Rd. The coordinates on Google maps are as follows: - 7.883327, 98.386139 Songteo runs every half hour from 6/7 am to 4/5pm. The cost varies from B15 to B30 per person. From here, you can ride to the beaches of Bang Tao, Kamala, Karon, Kata, Patong, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, Surin, Panwa, Rawai, as well as to Kathu, Chalong, Thalang, and to the Sarasin Bridge at the north of the island.

It is pretty hard to explain the route that the buses take. For example, the songteo to Patong Beach from Phuket Town passes Central Festival, along Wichitsongkram Rd in Kathu, then turns at the Caltex gas station towards Patong, where it runs along Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, past the Jungceylon shopping mall, and stops in front of Ocean Plaza.

The bus to Kata Beach leaves from a stop near the Kata Beach Resort,

then goes along Karon Beach to the circle, turns onto Patak Rd, goes through Chalong Circle, past Villa Market on Chao Fa West Rd, and stops near the weekend market. Then, instead of heading towards Central Festival, it turns towards Phuket Town.

All the buses that go to the north, pass Tesco Lotus, Big C and Central Festival.

Movement on songteo can be complicated by the fact that not all have centralised stops and the buses run every half hour. If you’re thinking of going sightseeing, it’s probably better to order a taxi or rent a car. Using the songteo is better if you are planning on going to Phuket Town or to shopping malls.

Airport bus, left, and pink bus.

To the city, the airport, and the neighbouring province From Terminal 1 on Phang Nga Rd (Google maps coordinates - 7.883726, 98.395720) minibuses serve the southern provinces of Thailand: Phang Nga (Taplamu, Khao Lak, Takuapa), Krabi (Krabi Town, the island of Ko Lanta), Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Haad Yai).

The pink buses drive across Phuket Town, with one route to the airport.

Schedules and fares are specified at the ticket office at the bus station.

Pink buses travel on four routes: Route 1: BigC – Central Festival – Tesco Lotus – Bangkok Hospital – Phuket Merlin – Rang Hill – Maeluang Rd – Bus Terminal 1 – Hotel Metropole – Robinson – Saphan Hin. Route 2: Super Cheap - Bus Terminal 2 - Thepkasattri Rd – Terminal for beach routes – Bus Terminal 1 - Expo Robinson - Metropole Hotel- Park Rama IX - Chao Fa East Rd. Route 3: Bus Terminal 1 - Mission Hospital - Bus Terminal 2. If you want to save time when travelling from one terminal to another, then choose this pink bus.

Route 4: Saphan Hin - Department of Transportation – Phoonphol Rd - bus to the beach - Yaowarat Rd - Thungkha Rd - City Post Office - Bus Terminal 1 - Rassada Pier - Koh Sireh.

The new bus station (No 2) just north of Phuket Town.

To the capital and to almost all provinces

New Terminal 2 (Google maps coordinates - 7.917655, 98.395578) located on Thepkasattri Rd, near Super Cheap.

From here, large buses depart to various provinces and cities in Thailand: Phang Nga, Krabi, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, Hua Hin, Bangkok, Chumphon, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Pattaya, Ranong, Trang, Satun and others.

This terminal is also suitable if you want to go to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak National Park, Khao Sok and other places, except for the nearest southern provinces.

Bus schedules and fares are specified at the bus station.

From here, regular buses offer up to 41 seats and VIP buses 24 seats. The bus station provides covered car parking. The cost per day for parking cars is B100, B30 for motorbikes.

There are several cafés where you can eat local Thai food, as well as the agency where you can buy tickets for the ferry to Koh Samui and on to Pha Ngan.

Before you think of using public transport in Phuket, make sure you prepare yourself with maps and read all the routes.

And remember, in some cases it is easier to just take a taxi.

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PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 thephuketnews

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PEOPLE 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Martial artist by day, bouncer by night JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

It’s no surprise that it was Mesa who was called upon to give many of Seduction’s bouncers lessons on techniques to restrain rowdy and violent patrons, if the occassion arises.

(Top) Pedro teaches his coworkers new martial arts techniques during a training session.

(Insert) Two Seduction bouncers training.

(Below) Pedro with Seduction’s Ira Sipari.

@thephuketnews

O

ut of the 35 security personnel at Seduction Nightclub in Patong, one of them stands out: Pedro Gutierrez Mesa.

More than 26 years after taking a job as a bouncer at a local club in his native Spain, Mesa still finds himself protecting club patrons and staff night after night. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“It’s not for everyone, but it is for sure something I’m good at and take very seriously,” he says.

Though the 44-year-old still looks forward to his job every night, his true passion is in martial arts – specifically, anything Japanese.

With a 3rd degree black belt each in Aikijitsu, Nihon Tai Jitsu, and Daitu Ryu Jitsu in addition to a 1st degree black belt in Aikido and experience in other martial arts, it’s no surprise that it was Mesa who was called upon to give many of Seduction’s bouncers lessons on techniques to restrain rowdy and violent patrons if the occassion arises.

“We want to be different from other clubs. We want to fix problems with violent customers and make sure there are no repeat offenders. Of course, the last thing we

try to do is hurt someone,” he says.

Every Friday, dozens of Seduction bouncers, all of whom are Thai, head to Fun Start in Kathu for lessons with Mesa – who is also an explosives expert and the former Head of Security of Pacha nightclub in Ibiza for 12 years. For just under an hour and a half, Mesa provides lessons on techniques that are specific to the crowded confines of a nightclub.

“We tried this for two months during the low season last year,” Mesa said, “to have bouncers try these

Pedro Gutierrez Mesa and his sensei, Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, in Japan. techniques. The Seduction owners noticed the bouncers were working as a team so we continued,” he says.

“The difference between a serious fight with injured people is whether there is blood or not,” Mesa says. “When someone sees their own blood, in a club or in the street, that’s when trouble starts and, surely, there would be more injured people.”

Everything from joint locks to grappling techniques are used to make sure bouncers maintain control of the offender yet reduces their zeal for violent retaliation.

“What I’m trying to do is teach these guys how to work as a team, to intervene in less than 10 seconds, restrain people, take them outside, and have no blood spilled.”

“If you hit someone, it doesn’t do anything but get people angry. If you know how to work clean, teach someone how to defend themselves, finish things quickly and effectively, nothing else needs to happen. The guy might be on the floor, he’d probably be mad but he wouldn’t attack you. The thing we try to mitigate is injuries and blood. We eliminate it completely.”

4 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

How to shed those extra pounds

T

he weight loss industry is overcomplicated and makes the whole process of information overload unnecessary.

The overwhelming information, on just about everything, only confuses people and makes them purchase useless products all the time.

New Year’s weight loss resolutions would simply go away if people could shut out all of the distracting noise and just do Holistic Chef Barry’s 7 rules of thumb tips for achieving effective and ever lasting weight loss.

1. Human made products do not support health and weight loss. Only nature direct foods will support weight loss and good health.

2. Address the cause of the obesity condition head-on rather then covering up the problem with a weight loss product. Obesity is a condition of wrongful living and dietary comfort food addictions, usually on a MONO diet plan of eating the same favourite processed foods every day. Chronic dehydration of not getting enough fluids into your body will promote weight gain.

3. Most obese people have candida which is an out of balance fungus yeast condition that feeds on all processed simple sugars in the human diet. This sweet sugary carb diet must be eliminat-

ed first to start your weight loss plan.

Powerful herbs such as oil of oregano, grapefruit seed extract, garlic, onions, chives and shallots will destroy candida.

Lemongrass tea, lemons and limes are anti candida. All cultured health supporting fermented sour foods will replace all of the sweet disease promoting foods, all in controlled stages. Note that

a weight loss product may work only when the candida problem is corrected and cured.

4. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is missing the key weight loss ingredient: dietary fibre. Increase this essential element with a much higher water and fluid intake throughout every day of your life and the weight will drop, with your regular bowel movements improving.

5. Any organic or healthy foods that you consume will just sit inside your body and do very little for you unless you do exercise. In particular, interval training to increase your metabolism which will burn more fat cells.

Sweating everyday is in fact very good for you, and exercise is best done outside, like in a park or on the beach, or in the garden just as Holistic Chef Barry does.

Sure gym memberships can be beneficial, but did you know that many obese people feel uncomfortable in a closed area surrounded by lean wonderfully fit athletes pumping iron and looking good all the time?

Did you know that America now has gyms only for obese members for this very reason?

6. Are you unwittingly trading Paul for Mary in your attempts to lose weight in your life?

Are you hitting the gym everyday to burn calories and your weight is still hanging on to your body like glue after months of knocking yourself out with no results? Or is there very little to show for all your hard efforts? A lot of people are complaining about this very thing.

One size does not fit all in this industry, and there are so many variables to why a person cannot lose weight, even with a gym membership.

Points to consider are your occupation; age; how long you have lived with obesity; constitution (immune system); where you live and the status of your food supply; your body type: endomorph (muscular), mesomorph (average build), and ectomorph (tall and slim); your past

diet and lifestyle. The human body completely replaces all of its blood, organs, skin and bones etc, within a seven year time zone.

The following factors can stop you from achieving your weight loss goal. Four main reasons for weight loss failure, even with a work out regime at the gym everyday.

Are you making your own meal plans or is someone else you don’t know making your meal plans for you? Your meal plans can determine your weight loss, whereas someone else's meal plans could equal weight gain.

Some protein shakes and commercial body-building food supplements sold at gyms can lead to obesity. How is this possible? Many brands are filled with gluten fillers, artificial flavouring and colourings.

Do you exercise on hills? When you do repetitive training for long hours at a time, such as marathon running, your brain can think you are on a starvation lifestyle and will hang on to your fat cells. Interval training is the most effective for fat burning.

Some comfy home tips: Fasting one day per week with no training and just relaxing will encourage even more fat loss as the body can now repair damage from the work outs.

During this special day just drink juice and smoothies all day, along with herbal teas.

Meditate, do yoga, walk around nature, do some gardening, house work, walk the dog.

Barry is an American living in Phuket.

Having suffered from obesity in the past, Chef Barry has learned the culinary arts of working with foods from nature and has dropped more than 100 pounds of excess weight.

Over 20 years, Barry conducted extensive research about the weight loss industry.

Barry lives with his Thai Family at the Garden Villa Phuket Good Earth Health Residence. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

The delights of a chair pose Kim White k im@min db ody y og asy stem.com

This yoga pose is known in the west as chair pose or utkatasana.

Utkata means powerful or fierce in anskrit, so someone knew this simple yoga pose was a powerhouse from the beginning.

H

ello and happy February!

This month we are looking at a very simple asana that is sneakily also very powerful. You have heard the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover”? Our asana this month is a prime example! This yoga pose is known in the west as chair pose or utkatasana. Utkata means powerful or fierce in Sanskrit, so someone knew this simple yoga pose was a powerhouse from the beginning.

It looks deceptively easy and straightforward; yet, when you try it, you’ll find it demands a great deal of flexibility in the shoulders as well as stability in the core and strength in the legs.

Lets get back to this idea of not judging a book by its cover for a second. Thailand is a land of contradictions and contrasts and in order to experience the best of life here, it is always best to keep an open mind, open heart and presumptions at the door!

You really cant judge a book by its cover!

Who would have thought this simple little imaginary yoga chair could whip your butt back into shape but it does just that: Strengthens the hip flexor muscles, the front of your thighs, the abductor muscles of your inner thighs and the gluteus muscles of your hips, lower back, pelvis.

Strengthens and stretches your calf muscles.

Improves the range of motion in your ankles.

Increases proprioception (or the sense of position in space) in your feet.

Reduces flat feet.

Stabilises the knee joints.

Opens and stretches the abdomen, diaphragm and heart.

Stretches shoulders and chest.

Strengthens the ankles, thighs, calves, and spine.

Stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm, and heart.

Follow the steps below and you will be on your way to creating your own yogi chair!

Stand tall and upright, inhale as you lift your arms up, palms facing each other, keep your arms next to your ears so you can see them through peripheral eye sight, keep the neck long and shoulders down the back.

Exhale as you bend the knees as if you’re about to sit down on a chair, bringing your thighs as close to parallel to the floor, as possible. Most weight is in the front of the heels. Keep the knees in line with the toes.

Your back stays straight, but it leans forward

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

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation. @thephuketnews

HEALTH 5

over the thighs a bit, you're looking to form a right angle between the thighs and the torso. Do not stoop forward, keep your chest as far back as possible.

If you are having great difficulty holding your back upright, practise this pose close to a wall, have your tail bone just slightly touch the wall as you hold the pose.

Pull your abdomen slightly in and up, this helps to extend the lower back.

Sitting bones point down.

Slide your shoulder blades down

along your spine and firm them in to the back.

Hold this asana and breathe steady for 30 seconds.

To come out of this pose, exhale, and press into the four corners of your feet, straighten the legs, lengthening through the crown of your head to come back into upright standing.

Happy stretching!

Metta Kim oxo

6 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Phuket Turtle Shelter & Education Centre to begin taking shape King’s College London visits Kajonkiet

K

ajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) welcomed King’s College London for a ‘Guidance Session’ for secondary students and parents on January 28.

Nelly Purcell, Head of International Marketing at King’s College London, led the event and informed the students of the selection of courses the university offers, as well as some key information on how to apply.

Nelly (pictured above) said, “I hope that the students were able to find out about the opportunities available.

The university offers a great range of facilities, and students can gain an all rounded knowledge here.

“Students can live in London and be a part of a larger international community. It is the largest hub of international students in the world.

“As long as students are passionate about what they want to do, then they will make the right choice. It is a great institution, so if they are ready, then they should go for it. Don’t be afraid. Students applying should be positive and determined.

“Some people have asked me whether it is difficult to be accepted since the entry criteria seem challenging. But, there’s nothing you can’t achieve in life so long as you’re passionate enough.”

Nicola Chokkuea, Deputy Director of Academics at KIS, said, “We hope the session gave the children an idea of the direction they want to go in life. “ It is a pivotal time for them, so if they have options then hopefully they will choose the right path for themselves.

“I hope it has been useful for the children. We opened up this event to all the international schools across Phuket, as we believe in being a community and sharing our resources,” Nicola concluded.

T

he Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation on Friday, January 23 broke ground on the Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Centre, a new facility located on-site at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. It will be dedicated to the protection and conservation of Phuket’s endangered sea turtles who face multiple threats from commercial fishing, consuming or becoming entangled in ocean litter and being hit by speedboats.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s General Manager, who is also Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation’s President, Oriol Montal said: “It is wonderful to see Phuket’s society actively working together to help the area’s turtle population and to promote sustainable marine tourism.

The groundbreaking honour was given to a group of 20 children and their parents from the Gecko Community in

Sign up now for Tracks Dance Camp at BISP 6-10 April

‘M

ake a Dance in a Week’ will be a five-day intensive programme specially designed for young people who are passionate about dance, and who would like to take part in a choreographic process and performance. Previous dance experience is not required, but an enthusiasm for dance is.

Students aged 9-18 years old will participate in making a show and performing it in a week. Choreographers Jess Devereux and Kelly Beneforte from TRACKS, based in Dar-

win, Australia, will work with students during the first week of the Easter/Songkran school holidays to devise, rehearse and perform a contemporary dance work.

T he th ree hou r da i ly workshops will run along the same lines for all age groups; a technical warm-up, choreographic development and finally creating a dance composition with a focus on developing technical skills and improvisational ability, while enjoying dancing and making new friends.

K

ajonkiet International School have spent the past week taking part in The Great Kindness Challenge 2015, challenging students to be as kind as possible each and every day both at school and at home.

The Great Kindness Challenge is a powerful and positive bullying preven-

awarded reg ional airline

Making every journey worth its while.

That’s A joy to f ly.

silkair.com

Inflight Meal

For more information about the wonderful work Tracks do, please visit tracksdance. com.au.

Venue: Auditorium and other venues at British International School, Phuket Course Fee: (incl. drinks, snacks, certification of participation and T-shirt) – B4,000 Dates: Monday April 6 – Friday April 10 Application deadline: February 12 Registration procedure: Please visit www.bisphuket. ac.th

Kajonkiet takes on The Great Kindness Challenge

A s i a ’s m o s t

30kg Baggage Allowance

Thalang, who have been learning about endangered marine species and are on a mission to raise awareness of sustainable marine tourism. The groundbreaking of the new Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Centre was the first stop on the children’s ‘Ride for Sustainable Ma-

rine Tourism’ activity which then saw them continue on an 85-km journey by bicycle north to JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa. The ride was also to help raise funds for the children to fly to Taiji in Japan at the end of January where, as the first ever Kid Cove monitors, they will actively assist the Dolphin Project initiative which is working to stop the slaughter and capture of wild dolphins.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort and Spa, Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation and Gecko Community are all working together to promote sustainable marine tourism.

Due to open in conjunction with the 6th Mai Khao Turtle Release during Songkran this year, the Marine Turtle Shelter & Education Centre will be located at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa donated by the resort and its owning company, the Minor Corporation.

Reliable Flight Schedule

SilkAir Studio

tion initiative organised by the Kids for Peace foundation, that has developed into a global celebration of kindness, unity and respect. KIS is one of the thousands of schools around the world that took part in this special week dedicated to performing as many acts of kindness as possible.

The week took place across the whole school including all members of the school community from the Pre-Nursery children right up to the Key Stage 3 students.

During the school day students had a variety of kindness-themed activities to take part in, from morning assemblies exploring why they should be kind, a lunchtime ‘Kindness Station’ with arts and crafts and a group kindness canvas artwork, a ‘Candygram’ service being offered by Year 7 students and a collection of canned food and coins for kindness in conjunction with Phuket Community Foundation.

The students at KIS managed to clock up over 2,000 acts of kindness.

The past week also saw the annual KIS House Public Speaking Competition, with the theme of ‘Kindness’ tying nicely

into the whole week’s activities. Shakespeare took the winning trophy with an overall win as deliberated by a panel of judges.

Kylie Millar, Head of the Pastoral Support Department and organiser of the week’s activities said, “Students and teachers alike have had a really fun week getting involved in all of the activities. We hope that through encouraging the students to take notice of each and every act of kindness, that we can develop a culture of kindness throughout the school, at home and in the wider community.

“We hope the students realise just how kind they already are.” thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Going solo with the water flow Off-grid autonomy in Phuket, water works for a lifetime HAPPY HABITAT Steven Layne e d ito r 3 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

I

n a previous Happy Habitat column, I highlighted the benchmark of achieving some 90 per cent electrical energy autonomy out here on the island’s mangrove-lined east coast.

Today, I’ll discuss the most essential and practical domestic applications of solar energy – namely the pumping of harvested rain water and electrically-irrigating an aquaponics herb garden.

12 volt/DC Pressure pump.

An age-old essential

For the “garden”, I’m experimenting with aquaponics, a type of system that combines the benefits of aquaculture and organic hydroponics for the purpose of sustainable herb, food and medicine production.

Clockwise from top: Holy basil: 100 per cent organic holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) thrives in this Phuket aquaponics garden.

12 volt/DC pressure pump: this moves water from the ground level cistern to the elevated water tank.

As our ageing society converges with the rapidly-advancing technological age, at least one thing appears to be clear in the cloudy future ahead, especially for someone like me who doesn’t look forward to a premium post-prime pension payout.

The simple yet powerful ability to harvest and cultivate one’s own food and medicine – independently at home – is what will be my retirement “check”; research and knowledge to be the “savings”.

A logical place to begin – the life-enabling element. Horticulturists, chemists and biologists can agree that the most important compound on this planet forms when two atoms of hydrogen bond with one atom of oxygen.

The resulting molecule – water – cultivated en masse, is what can make or break life on planet Earth.

Pumping life’s Essence

I may still be long off from conventional retirement age, but that’s no reason not to get an early start.

For the “garden”, I’m experimenting with aquaponics, a type of system that combines the benefits of aquaculture and organic hydroponics for the purpose of sustainable herb, food and medicine production.

The life of the system is driven by submerged 12 volt DC electrical pumps, which draw from my solar power station between 10–24 Watts (W) for each hour of operation.

In the past year’s experiments, I’ve grown mostly household herbs, including sweet and holy basil (Ocimum), cherry tomatoes, garlic, amaranth, chillies and spinach.

Initially, I had been using a 10W (about 700mA draw) gardening pump I acquired second hand at a local solar shop, and which likely came on a container from China.

However, this pump stalled up and stopped working recently. So as a contingency system heart, until I can replace or fix the 10W pump, I’ve installed a 12VDC, 24W (2A draw) bilge pump, which effectively moves water around the system, albeit at twice the draw.

When I have a more permanent, consistent, timed and regulated water circulation system in place, I plan to upgrade production from kitchen herbs to more larger, wholesome vegetables and fruits.

In an ideal world, the water would be flowing through the system for 24 hours (much like the blood in a human body).

However, as my system is currently not automated, I prefer not to run the pumps when I’m not home and can’t keep an eye on things.

In the near future, I plan to install a relay switch timer so I can programme the pump to run at intervals throughout the day.

Holy Basil. of the house, up to a plastic 1,000 litre water tank elevated about four-five metres off the ground, gravity-fed ready for the house, which is conventionally plumbed.

This pressure pump is rated at 55 pounds per square inch (psi), with a flow rate of two litres per minute, drawing up to 1A (12V @ 2W) per hour. I run it, using a simple on/off switch, and only for a few hours at a time – after a downpour, or when supply is running low.

To keep larger sediments out of domestic water, I use a strainer-type, in-line filter attached directly to the pump, between the cistern and water tank.

Automated aqua

The next practical upgrade would be to automate pump and fill functions using an electrical float switch. The basic idea is that whenever the cistern fills up to a certain level, the float switch activates the pressure pump to run and complete a fill cycle automatically.

Relying on such a cistern in the long term, however, poses other challenges. This particular cistern, built by a previous tenant, was initially designed to hold some 1,000 litres of water. But the cistern was made out of some corrosion-prone metal, tin I reckon, which is slowly being de-constructed by nature, rusty holes forming all along its midsection. The maximum holding capacity is currently less than 400 litres.

During the green season, when the Southwesterly monsoon winds expel a generous supply of rain, 400 litres of water on demand could comfortably suffice for days if not weeks; but in the dry season, when rain may cease for months on end, then do we appreciate the value of securing safe and sufficient water storage capability.

Water bubbles: Water must be rich in oxygen to ensure life can thrive. Saving for a rainy day

For my own domestic water (toilet, sinks,

Water tank: The elevated water tank shower) I use a pressure pump to move water is four–five metres above ground. from a ground-level rain cistern at the front @thephuketnews

Water tank.

Water bubbles.

For the long-term, it is practical to invest in reliable water storage tanks – many thousand litres’ reserves to last several months of dry Phuket weather.

Namely, a UV-conditioned polyethylene plastic water tank, for modular applications, or, for more semi-permanent set-ups, waterproofed concrete and steel formed cisterns merit consideration.

Liquid foundations

In sum, water is the fundamental and foremost element that should be sorted/secured in any off-the-grid set up – especially if you intend to cultivate fruit, vegetables and fish through the decades.

Meanwhile, dry season is here and I’m in a similar predicament to much of rural Phuket; as rain water reserves begin to dry up, I need to start considering alternative sterile sources for domestic and portable water.

I do have access to a well, though it is only a few metres deep, which means there is a decent probability of surface level contamination.

Potential and practical solutions to keep in mind: • Large bio-sand filter, possibly pumpassisted for larger quantities • Passive solar vapour distiller But before the development experiments for such projects can ensue, we’ll need to have a solid strategy for powering our multimedia devices and other micro-computer processors, to be research-ready.

In a near-future column, we’ll explore the relevant energy requirements for powering modern communications devices that will enable us to stay in touch with the world while off the grid.

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

A Peranakan-style evening Discover Peranakan culture on Outrigger’s beachside restaurant Dalia Hilmi e d ito r 1 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

The platter included one whole lobster, one red snapper, two tiger prawns, one rock lobster, one tuna steak served with rice...

S

et on Phuket’s stunning west coast, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort offers guests an allround luxurious experience. Surrounded by sparkling beaches and refined dining inspired by local Thai cuisine, the resort is a true gem with endless activities for guests to indulge.

The resort has various dining options on offer, but one in particular that has caught the guests’ attention, is the pop-up beachfront al-fresco restaurant, Peranakan. Located on the beach, overlooking the magnificent Andaman Sea, Peranakan is all about local people serving local food.

How did the Peranakan culture evolve?

The resort area of Laguna was previously a thriving tin mine that boasted a vibrant Peranakan community. Peranakan are of Chinese ancestry and make up a significant portion of Phuket’s population, many of whom are descendants of the tin miners who migrated to the island during the 19th century. They integrated into the local community sharing their unique cultures and culinary secrets along the way. Peranakan culture can also be found in Singapore, Penang and the straits of Malacca.

The food seemed so inspiring that I recently went and sampled the intriguing menu. All of the dishes were a unique blend of aromas and a spicy fusion of Chinese, Thai and Malay flavours; all combining aromatic herbs and spices.

With our own private table set on the beach, decorated with flowers and romantic mood lighting, it truly felt like a private dining experience. First up, we were brought out some Pandanus leaf juice, a nice welcome drink, which was then followed by their signature cocktail, Peranakan Mojito.

The delicious appetisers consisted of Yum Som O (authentic Thai pomelo salad): marinated shrimp, pomelo, roasted coconut flakes and crispy shallots. This is something you will not find easily in Phuket, the pomelo complimented the taste of the fresh shrimps perfectly. It really was an excellent way to get our taste buds flowing. Some more soups followed, including Tom Yum Goong, a spicy, sour tiger prawn soup; along with Yum Goong Siab, a crispy smoked-dried shrimp salad.

The main course was absolutely divine, it consisted of barbecue chicken marinated in lemongrass, galangal, garlic, coriander served with Nam Jim Jaw and sweet chilli sauce.

Just when we thought we were almost done, they spoiled us some more and brought out this unbelievable barbecue seafood sharing platter. The platter included one whole lobster, one red snapper, two tiger prawns, one rock lobster, one tuna steak served with rice, as well as stir-fried vegetables, garlic and coriander sauce.

Next up, they brought out some delicious Poo Pad Poing Kala, an Andaman blue crab, cooked in curry powder, garlic,

onion, spring onion, celery and Chinese wine.

I decided I was too full for dessert, but when they showed us what was on offer I knew I couldn’t say no. Beautiful Ice Kachang, which was a mixture of crushed ice, condensed milk, sweet corn, grenadine syrup, peanuts, red beans and palm sugar. Out-of-this-world.

Overall, the food was consistently fresh and the quality of ingredients was so impeccable, it was evident through the high grade food served to us. The combination of aromatic herbs and spices such as lemongrass, chillies, tamarind paste, shrimp paste and coconut milk are key in this menu, as it creates a rich cuisine of braised dishes, stews and curries.

Dine at the Peranakan and you’ll discover authentic local Thai/Chinese culture and food, that is commonly shared between families, through a menu that uses classic techniques and recipes.

The Peranakan is open daily from 6:30 pm to 9:30pm, except for Wednesday and Sunday. For reservations, contact the food and beverage team at +66 (0)76 360 600 or fbs.phuketbeach@outrigger.co.th

SEVEN DAYS OF BOATHOUSE DELIGHT

The Boathouse by Montara at Kata Beach will be the venue for a special weeklong six-course Chinese New Year Celebration gourmet event with each dish paired, not with wine but with a single malt. The menu, devised by Executive Chef Bryan Burger, will begin with Fine de Claire Oysters, followed by Scottish Salmon Ceviche, then Suckling Pig. After that it’s on to Stilton, Candied Walnut and Sorrel, before finishing with not one, but two desserts: Vanilla-Infused Ricotta Tart with Honey and Figs, and Chocolate-Dipped Candied Ginger. Each dish will be served up with a different malt, none less than 10 years old, starting with Talisker, then, in order, Glenkinchie, Cragganmore, Lagavulin, Dalwhinnie and Oban, all supplied by experts Diageo. The event runs each evening from Wednesday February 18, to Wednesday February 25, beginning at 6pm. The price per person is B2,600++.

For reservation please contact fb@boathousephuket.com or call 076-310-015

From bottom: Andaman blue crab; authentic pomelo salad; lobster; and marinated barbecue chicken.

Located 500 m From Jungceylon

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

The best of the best Dalia Hilmi e d ito r 1 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

Mee Hun Kradukmoo STREET EATS Nattha Thepbamrung r e p o r te r 3 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

M

ee Hun Kradukmoo or Mee Hun Pa Chang (Stir Fired Rice Noodles with Pork Rib Soup) is a traditional Phuket fast food that can be found at breakfast, lunch and dinner times. It is a quick and easy dish which will not only please your palate, but also fill an empty stomach for a price of between B40-B60.

The sweet and salty flavour of the soya sauce in the stir fired rice noodles blends wonderfully with the saltiness of the deep fried shallot garnish. Something, which along with the side serving of spring onion, adds to the smell and taste of the dish, and gives it a very unique taste.

The pork rib soup is the dish’s better half.

Soft and tender from being boiled in a broth for hours, the pork ribs make this a fulfilling quick and easy meal.

@thephuketnews

S

et on Phuket’s stunning northwest coast, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa offers guests a luxurious getaway. With 11 extraordinary culinary options to choose from, guests are left spoilt for choice.

But one option in particular that stands out is the Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre, where it is known for holding special promotions and international delights!

I recently attended the Saga Beef Promotion, which was a three-day promotion held from January 22 - 24 and presented by renowned Chef Nakahara from Kira restaurant in Tokyo, Japan and Chef Norio Nomoto, Japanese Head Chef of Tsu Japanese Restaurant and Nami Teppanyaki Steakhouse at JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok.

From Saga Prefecture of Kyushu Island, SagaGyu (Saga Beef) is a premium quality Wagyu beef with an increased marbling characteristic that results in naturally enhanced flavour, tenderness and juiciness, all of which are exquisite.

Both chefs started with a remarkable food demonstration showcasing their talented skills and giving guests a glimpse of how they work. They presented an array of dishes, some of which we were lucky to sample.

The menu featured four delicious types of Saga

Beef appetisers, namely; rolled beef Tempura with curry salt; Temari beef sushi; slow cooked beef coated with bonito flakes; and cold beef Shabu with spicy ponzu.

As if this wasn’t enough, I was then served some chilled custard soup with king crab and scallop, kira style.

This was then followed by a delicious serving of sustainable Yellowfin Tuna smoked on the Teppanyaki.

The most amazing course was of course, the mains. Saga striploin steak with honey mustard. The beef was so tender and perfectly cooked, which complimented the taste of the honey mustard really well.

Finally, we were served a delightful selection of Thai tropical fruits alongside some divine vanilla ice-cream. A pleasant end to the meal.

Chef Nakahara who created the menu said, “We used grade five beef, the best of the best. The dishes are part of my favourite menu from my restaurant back home.”

From bottom: Sustainable Yellow fin Tuna; four types of Saga Beef appetisers, rolled beef Tempura with curry salt, Temara beef sushi, slow cooked beef coated with bonito flakes, cold beef Shabu with spicy ponzu; and Saga striploin steak.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENTERTAINMENT 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Celebs, sex changes and Miss Universe AMIGOVIA Whitney Mitha w hitn ey mitha@y ahoo.com

It would seem that Barranquilla has some of the most beautiful women in the world.

P

ageantry The elaborate Miss Universe Pageant was held in Miami recently.

The winner was Miss Colombia, 22-year-old Paulina Vega. She comes from Barranquilla, the same place as Shakira and Sofia Vergara, and is a student there. It would seem that Barranquilla has some of the most beautiful women in the world.

Shakira and her footballer boyfriend, Gerad Piqué.

Sporty

I don’t pretend to know anything about sports but I do know that last Sunday (February 1) was the Super Bowl in the United States. The event was hosted by the city of Phoenix, Arizona, where the Seattle Seahawks played the New England Patriots.

The famous halftime show headliner was Katy Perry. The Patriots won 28 to 24.

Welcome to the world

Shakira and boyfriend Gerad Piqué welcomed their second baby boy, named Sasha, who is now the little brother to two-year-old Milan. On Monday (February 2), just days after giving birth, Shakira celebrated her 38th birthday Whitney is an American living in Phuket, writing about the latest gossip and trends in pop culture.

Read more from Whitney on Wordpress and Facebook (search: “amigovia”) and follow her on Instagram @Amigovia.

Say what?!?

Paulina Vega.

Apparently all the rumours about Olympian Bruce Jenner’s changing appearance are true! He is in fact going through a transgender transition. After over a year of speculation, the former athlete’s family is now publically supporting him. The Kardashian-Jenner clan are never short

Andrew Thatcher and Khun Wallop Nadan.

Surf House catches waves of awards

K

ata beach’s premier entertainment venue, Surf House Phuket, was recognised for it’s services to the community with two awards from water parks amusement company Whitewater West last week.

Surf House Phuket won the Venue of the Year and Community Service awards at a small ceremony on January 29, just days after celebrating their 2nd anniversary.

“Thailand is really leading the charge with these venues,” said Andrew Thatcher of Whitewater West. “This was an obvious choice. We have 180 venues around the world and Phuket is special to us because it’s the model moving forward.”

Thatcher explained that Surf House’s focus on building and fostering relationships with the local community, specifi@thephuketnews

cally with youths, have made it an ideal venue.

“We work a lot with the local kids.

These kids have an opportunity to learn and train with us. They represent Phuket as a province and can compete against people from all over the world,” said Surf House General Manager Joe Ang. “What these awards mean is that the market is going to gain more confidence in Thailand, specifically in Phuket, where beach entertainment and surf culture is concerned. A lot of people are going to find out that Phuket has more to offer than just restaurants and clubs.

“We’re grateful for these awards, we have seen that this kind of sport (flow boarding) could generate benefits for the tourism industry in Phuket,” said coowner Wallop Nadan.

of news/drama but I must say I was a bit surprised to see this. I think it is great and will hopefully help change people’s attitude for the positive regarding transgender choices.

Currently reading

I am halfway through Lena Dunham’s book entitled Not That Kind of Girl. Lena is the creator of the hit HBO series Girls. In the book she gives random anecdotes from her childhood all the way to behind the scenes tidbits of recent projects. The book is an easy read and quite funny. I find it confirmation in a way that I am not “mental” and girls of our generation do think this way, to some degree anyway.

12 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

IN BRIEF Reddit money on hold

When smart homes and communications meet CONNECTED LIFE

Dana Blouin D T B lo u in @ y a h o o .c o m

Dana Blouin is an expert in the field of the nternet of hings and connected de ices ollow hi on witter danablouin

T

he Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a lot of cross-sections for different industries. One of the most interesting to think about is where the smart home intersects with communications.

While there is a lot of hype about the consumer products for the smart home, like connected refrigerators and microwaves, something that is often overlooked is how the smart home will leverage IoT technology to facilitate change in the way we communicate.

As more items in our homes become connected to the internet we are able to use them in more unique and interesting ways. Right now, we mostly interact with these devices by controlling them or collecting data from them for our own use. While these products are great, and go a long way to improve how we interact with our homes and utilise the objects around us, they do not enhance how we communicate.

But there are some objects that do.

One product that caught my eye recently is the Blueberry Wall (www.blueberrywall.com); this is a photo frame that contains a grid of photos, each

overlaying a touch sensor and is linked back to a mobile app. The idea here is to give the frame as a gift to a loved one and, when you think of them, you can send them a message through the app. When you do, their frame lets them know by illuminating its back lighting to let the owner know that you were thinking of them, communicating to them through the frame itself in a simple and streamlined way.

Similarly, they can send a message direct to you by touching one of the photos delivering a message to the phones app, letting the user know which photo they are thinking about at the moment. Since the item is linked between just two people directly, the context in the communication is built-in. Touch a picture and the message that you are thinking of someone or miss them is delivered, simple but effective.

I don’t think these types of devices will replace mobile phones as our primary form of communication, but it’s a great supplement at this point. Being able to receive a simple but effective message through an everyday object is just one way the IoT is changing our lives.

Until next time, stay connected.

NASA spending boost allows for Europa plans

N

ASA on Monday (February 2) hailed a proposal by President Barack Obama to boost spending for the US space agency and announced plans for a mission to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa.

The agency’s administrator, Charles Bolden, said at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida that NASA has made strides in the journey toward Mars – where a human mission is planned for 2024 – with a “nearflawless” flight test of its new Orion deep space vehicle.

The US$18.5 billion proposal for NASA is half-billion-dollars more than last year’s.

Bolden also touched on a new mission in the works for Jupiter, but gave few details.

“Looking to the future, we’re planning a mission to explore Jupiter’s fascinating moon Europa, selecting instruments this

spring and moving toward the next phase of our work.”

One interesting feature of Europa is that, underneath it’s icy surface, there is an ocean of salty water that astrobiologists surmise is 10 times deeper than earth’s oceans.

According to astrobiologist Kevin Hand, its distance from the sun should mean that Europa’s liquid is frozen though, because of the strong tidal tug from Jupiter, all the mechanical energy allows heat to build-up and permits liquid to exist.

“That tidal energy may also allow that ocean to interact with rocks on Europa’s sea floor and may give rise to things like hydrothermal vents which could help provide not just the building blocks for life but also the energy for life,” Hand said in a recent video.

In 2011, NASA sent a solar-powered

spacecraft called Juno on a five-year journey to Jupiter. Juno, which arrives back on land July 2016, was launched two weeks after the final space shuttle mission returned to Earth and the 30-year program was shuttered for good.

The European Space Agency already has an unmanned spacecraft in the works to explore Jupiter’s icy moons, including Europa. AFP

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK:

One of the biggest websites on the internet, Reddit, has put its plans to make their own cryptocurrency on the shelf for the time being.

Dubbed “ R edd it Notes”, the cryptocurrency had been planned as a way for the website to give back US$5 million to it’s users after a round of successful funding. According to Reddit Chairman, Alexis O’Hanian, their research suggested to “wait until the laws and technology around cryptocurrency are further along before deciding exactly how to issue Reddit Notes.”

No timetable has been set.

Chef in your home?

China lets it happen

Chinese startup “Hao Chushi” allows users to hire chefs working nearby to cook at the user’s own private kitchen in their home.

The service has been described as “Uber, with professional chefs” for it’s similarity to the carsharing service as they both operate on-demand.

Users can choose out of four pricing tiers depending on the number of people to be served (US$13 for two, US$16 for four, US$27 for eight) –prices don’t include ingredients or cooking utensils.

Supermarket shopping through Line

Two days ago, Thailand became the first country in which Line users could buy groceries online and have it delivered for free.

The new service includes promotional discounts on items and will be expanded to the rest of Southeast Asia at an undetermined time.

“This campaign is our first step towards moving into developing our channel exclusively for the emerging online groceries category,” said Sedong Nam, from Line Plus Corp.

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK:

1

Dying Light

PS4, Xbox One, PC

6

inFamous: Second Son

PS4

1

Complete (To Do)

iOS

2

Just Dance 2015

Wii U

7

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS

3DS

2

Falcon Pro 3 (For Twitter)

Android

3

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (Bundle)

PS4, Xbox One, PC

8

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

3

Top Farm (Game)

Android

4

Far Cry 4

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

9

Pokemon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire

3DS

4

Starlike (Social Media)

iOS, Android

5

Grand Theft Auto V

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

10 Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

5

Concentration (Kids Math)

iOS, Android

thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL FEBRUARY 6, 2015

IN BRIEF Holly wood in Phuket

Oscar-worthy?

FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

THE IMITATION GAMES

It’s no wonder the film was nominated for Best Picture in this year’s Academy Awards, it ticks all the boxes that Hollywood loves...

Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, K eira K nightley, Matthew Goode, R ory K innear, Charles D ance and Mark Strong Director: Morten Tyldum Running time: 114 minutes

H

ollywood, likes to stretch things out.

In re-telling the story of the man who helped break the “impossible” Nazi Enigma machine and decypher German intelligence codes used in World War II, The Imitation Game gives a history lesson without depicting much of the violence that ravaged that age.

The Imitation Game is a biographical film about Alan Turing, the man responsible for breaking the German intelligence codes that were thought to have been impossible to crack. The audience puts themselves in the shoes of Turing, a loner who fell in love with cryptography at a young age, as he navigates through levels of British military intelligence to finally help win the war for the allies.

Anyone with more than a cursory knowledge of World War II will know where this story goes, though it is interesting to see the obstacles that stood in Turing’s way: socially, at work, and through his own idiosyncracies.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s portrayal of Turing is fantastic and deserves his Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Keira Knightley, as Turing’s close confidant Joan Clark, gives a solid performance as well, but probably not as worthy for nomination for Best Supporting Actress as some other candidates this past year.

Given that much of the film’s action takes place within the confines of a British military base – in England – the absence of violence, apart from a few scenes, skews the sense of urgency. Director Morten Tyldum does a great job of ramping up the pressure with a few montages of numbers and bomber planes, although he falls short of depicting just how high the stakes were.

Since this is a film about a British mathematical genius, it’s done in a similar vein as A Beautiful Mind in which Russel Crowe’s John Nash character was aloof, distant and socially-impaired due to his schizophrenia. Turing is depicted in very much the same way (sans the hallucinations) and possesses qualities that would put him in the “crazy genius” category (even the music is similar to A Beautiful Mind).

This “troubled genius” is quite different from the man that Turing was, according to several sources.

The brilliant cryptographer was far more wellliked and actually had a sense of humour. However, this depiction of Turing seems to go in line with how others viewed his ho-

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 ilm

Weekend

Gross

ilm

Weekend

Gross

1 American niper

$31.85M $248.94M

6

he edding inger

$5.70M

$48.10M

2

addington

$8.51M

$50.54M

7

he mitation ame

$5.17M

$67.96M

3

ro ect Almanac

$8.50M

$8.50M

8

aken

$3.65M

$81.35M

4

lack or hite

$6.46M

$6.46M

9

trange agic

$3.44M

$9.90M

$6.09M

$24.68M

$2.88M

$2.88M

5 The Boy Next Door

@thephuketnews

10 The Loft

mosexuality at the time and could have been added to provide more of an emotional impact, to empathise with Turing even further.

It’s no wonder the film was nominated for Best Picture in this year’s Academy Awards, it ticks all the boxes that Hollywood loves: covers a historical event, includes homosexual oppression, is based on a novel, depicts a troubled genius, includes British accents. And, just like A Beautiful Mind, the film was also nominated for the big three Oscar categories (Actor, Picture, Director).

The Imitation Game is up to par with the best films of the year, but will most likely not win the award. Still, it’s a great film that brings about an appreciation for the man whose work changed the world.

Actor Jason Statham was seen filming his latest movie, The Mechanic: Resurrection, in Phuket last week in Cherng Talay and Boat Lagoon.

The 47-year-old Hollywood actor will star in the film alongside Jessica Alba and Tommy Lee Jones, both of whom are also in Phuket. The Mechanic: Resurrection is the sequel to the 2011 film The Mechanic and is slated to be released in 2016.

The production crew were also seen filming in Phang Nga province in December.

New director for oil spill film

Pet er Berg (Lone Survivor) has been tapped to replace J.C. Chandor and direct Deepwater Horizon.

The film is based on the 48 hours prior to the cataclysmic 2010 explosion of the BP oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico in which 11 people died and 16 were injured, not to mention the devastation on the area’s ecosystem.

Mark Wahlberg is set to star as the second-in-command of the crew.

The cameras start to roll in April.

The film is based on The New York Times’ article “Deepwater Horizon’s Final Hour”.

14 FASHION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

From left: Mari Huerta, Um Hiran, Natthapicha Klongjing, Erii Dias, Dorothy Petzold, Jada Stephanie Ketley, Maria Doroshenko, Nastia Chernyeva, Stacy Doroshenko, Grace Von Wildenradt, Lyobov Novokhatnyaya, Mo Shasha Shacreya.

Nikki presents what women really want Models take to stage to display stunning swimwear collection

Dalia Hilmi e d ito r 1 @ c la s s a c tm e d ia .c o .th

F

lashbulbs went off as each model hit the runway in oneof-a-kind swimwear at the “What Women Want” fashion show at the fabulous Nikki Beach Phuket.

It was certainly a big day for fashion lovers and buyers on Saturday (January 31), as the day showcased not only Nikki Beach brand’s

signature fashion series, but also Katalina’s stunning new beachwear collection.

Everyone was up on their feet as the beautiful ladies modelled the latest collections and strutted down the runway at the glamorous venue on Phuket’s westcoast.

A series of different colourful outfits were presented to guests, and models styled them with extravagant backcombed hair, animal print makeup, a collection of bold glittery makeup, body jewellery and creative heels and sandals.

thephuketnews

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Party-goers enjoying the Australian celebrations.

AUSSIE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT KEE POOL Guests joined in on the huge Australian Day celebrations at KEE Pool Bar in Patong on January 26, which involved plenty of snacks and beverages.

LAGUNA MARKET ON FIRST LAUNCH The launch of “Laguna Market on First” on Sunday (February 1) saw more than 4,000 community members - a combination of the local Thai, expat, tourists, and hotel guests - come together to enjoy the true taste of Phuket. More than 200 local vendors were present from the villages at Laguna Grove in Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket.

Noom and Jennifer Kim, The Voice Thailand.

Gary Crause of event organisers Legend Music Recording Studio.

ofia rmstron

STUDENT PERFORMANCES AT CENTRAL FESTIVAL On Saturday (January fi e children aged 5 - 15 from BISP, Kajornkiet International School, ISA and Head Start all took part in the monthly student performances at Central Festival Phuket..

Luisa Scarpa, Music Instructor.

Chris Gordon, Richard Overton, JJ, Oliver Wells.

Claire, SGS.

Lars Ydmark, Colin Mackay and Kit Chotithamaporn.

Jason Wilder and Prim Crazy Fool.

DRIVE LIVE AT THE DOCK BAR, ROYAL PHUKET MARINA

Many people gathered to enjoy a Friday beverage in the sun during Live 89.5’s outside broadcast on January 30, which was held at The Dock Bar, Royal Phuket Marina.

TRAINING CENTRE OFFICIAL OPENING ith the Trainin Centre officially opening this year, SGS proudly exposed their accredited safety courses to the island through a seminar on January 29. The day involved internationally accredited key note speakers, and live and first aid demonstrations

Russell Russell.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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obo

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aew.

SECRET GETAWAY AT NIKKI BEACH ikki each ifest le hosted the fabulous hat omen ant e ent on anua showcasin the b and s si natu e fashion se ies as well as atalina s stunnin beachwea collection. he man uests who attended we e also t eated to beaut t eatments and cocktails.

ew and he

.

CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE BICYCLE RIDING FOR GOOD HEALTH n anua the ma o of athu continue do so e e hu sda at

haianan utthikul and his c ew oined local esidents includin senio s and students on a bic cle tou th ou h athu and will pm sta tin f om the athu unicipalit ffice.

SUNSURI PHUKET CLEAN UP NAI HARN BEACH unsu i s fi st beach clean up of the ea took place in ai a n on anua . whole t uck was filled with ubbish in less than an hou . @thephuketnews

laude altes

ene al

ana e of unsu i huket with his helpe s.

18 EVENTS

FRI

6 FEB

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM ter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

7 FEB

live beats will set the tone and backdrop to the perfect Sunday session 12 noon till 4 pm every Sunday 1500++ per person for brunch and 2500++ including free flow o f s e le c te d b e v e r a g e s R e s e r v a tio n s r e quired, Email: reservations@katarocks. com, Phone: +66(0)76 370 777

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

MON

9 FEB

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Youth Talent Contest 2015 Taking place again at the Royal Phuket Marina in Phuket, starting at 6pm. This year the c o m p e titio n h a s b e e n s p lit in to tw o c a te g o ries of Vocal Performance and Instrumental Performance. The main cash prize sponsor is Phuket International Academy. Additional sponsors are Hard Rock Caf Phuket, Legend Music and Siobhan’s Music School in conjunction with Rock School out of the UK. Entry fee is B500. To enter contact 084 304 2587 or admin@phuketacademyofperformingarts.com. This event is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi E v e r y S a tu r d a y n ig h t, N u m N o i S in g p a to n g , th e h e a d tr a in e r a n d o w n e r o f S in g p a to n g + S itn u m n o i g y m in P a to n g B e a c h , h o s ts a n elite fight series Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night at Patong Boxing S ta d iu m ( S a i N a m Y e n R o a d ) , w h e r e to p international and Thai fighters compete.

Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Contact 087 628 2719. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free tr a n s p o r ta tio n in P a to n g , K a r o n , K a ta a r e a s when requested in advance. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delic io u s b a n q u e t o f g r ille d m e a ts , fr e s h s e a food and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar. c o m

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.

SUN

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and b o ile d p o ta to e s , th r e e fr e s h v e g e ta b le s , Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 p e r p e r s o n w h ic h in c lu d e s a fr e e g la s s of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree oin Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafo o d S u n d a y b r u n c h fe a tu r in g lo ts o f LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t fo r g e t to le a v e r o o m fo r c h e e s e a n d d e s sert. With live azz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fbphuket@banyantree.com

Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic flavours from our Thai kitchen. ust THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half. Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@dewaphuket.com

Free Sauna TRX – Santosa Signature training Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class.

Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly! To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class times, please go to www.santosaphuket. com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

TUE

10 FEB

Toastmasters Phuket

8 FEB

Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills Ignite your career oin Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only.

Contact joannetoastmasters@gmail.com for more info.

Phuket Walking Street For THB 4 9 9 /-nett.

All you can eat

Sunday Poolside Chill Out Brunch at Kata Rocks Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach.

T r y o u t o u r d e lic io u s n a a n s , m u tto n v in daloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, but-

Chill out poolside every Sunday for b r u n c h , w ith o u r s h a r e d ta b le fa m ily s ty le dining along with live chill out music. Chef serves modern Mediterranean inspired plates and platters with an Australasian accent. Relax the afternoon away enjoy th e b r u n c h th e n c o o l o ff in o u r s tu n n in g 35 meter oceanfront infinity pool Chilled

Phuket Walking Street, Laad Yai is a Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the Old Phuket Town Community in Laad Yai, Phuket Town.

The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 16.00 - 22.00 Hrs. For more info visit facebook.com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

Weekly Charity Jackpot Quiz Every Tuesday 6.30pm at Sea Breeze Royal Phuket Marina. Schedule February 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th. First Prize is a 1000 THB food voucher for use in Sea Breeze.

The ackpot is a minimum of 2000 THB per week which rolls over to the next week if no-one wins it. The quiz costs 100 THB per person and teams numbers are unlimited.

100 of the entrance fee per person goes to charity of the month. contact info@seabreezerpm.com 081 415 2884

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

10 FEB

Free Sauna Zumba in the Jungle W e d o n o t c o n s id e r Z u m b a a c la s s , it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant a n d e n e r g e tic , a n h o u r o f s e r io u s c a r d io passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at a ll! J o in u s a t S a n to s a , w h e r e th e fo r m idable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other umba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

WED

EVENTS 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

11 FEB

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 oin Thailand’s Largest Pool League !

Have Fun - Meet People - Play Pool For more details LIKE us on www.facebook. com/vneaphuket or call: 085 797 0005 F o r S c h e d u le s , S ta n d in g s & S ta tis tic s check out: www.compusport.us Proudly s u p p o r te d b y C la s s A c t M e d ia - T h e Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

M o r e i n f o iv is t w w w . t h e g o o d sh e p h e r d . info/shop/ E - m a i l : r e g i n a t u d o r @ g m a i l . c o m , C o n ta c t: 0 8 3 1 0 4 0 7 8 8

PASTA MANIA at Dewa Phuket

unique Valentine’s Party. Here everyone is w e l co m e . L i ve D J f r o m 1 9 : 0 0 – M i d n i g h t . A t Air Rooftop Bar & Lounge. 750.- Smoking BBQ Buffet and Welcome Drink, 500.- Free flow beverages whole night, 200.- Free flow soft drink. Email: saleschp@chr.co.th, C o n t a ct : 0 8 1 1 7 1 0 1 4 3 , 0 7 6 3 4 9 8 7 0 - 7

SUN

22 FEB

Wednesdays from 7pm Savour the flav o u r s o f Ita ly w ith fr e s h p a s ta , h o m e m a d e s a u c e s , ta s ty a p p e tiz e r s a n d d e s s e r ts .

J u s t T H B 6 5 0 + + p e r g u e s t, K id s E a t H a lf Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@ dewaphuket.com

THU

12 FEB

WED

Free Sauna Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relie v in g c o m p r e s s e d jo in ts a n d r e - a lig n in g th e b o d y . T h e p r a c tic e u s e s g r a c e fu l, trapeze-like movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful w a y to d o in v e r s io n p o s e s , a e r ia l y o g a really is an innovative fitness trend, and S a n to s a a r e e x tr e m e ly p r o u d to b e th e only center in Phuket offering suspended m o v e m e n t in e v e r y d ir e c tio n a lo n g w ith s tim u la tio n o f th e o r g a n s , m u s c le s a n d bones. To book this class, or to find out th e o th e r A e r ia l y o g a c la s s tim e s , p le a s e go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center.

076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@ santosaphuket.com

SAT

14 FEB

3rd’ Thailand SUP Invitational, Stand Up Paddle racing Come & soak up all the action & witness the best of the best SUPers on offer as we crown Thailand’s SUP champions doing an Elite 6km race & 1km Sprint race.

It’s not all serious with plenty of fun & family r a c e s & th e u n fo r g e tta b le Is la n d te a m relay challenge where business’ & hotels b a ttle it o u t fo r b r a g g in g r ig h ts . T h e r e is a special SUP clinic for beginners to try as well as Music, Indie markets, games, fo o d , b e e r te n t, F in is h e d o ff w ith a n e p ic a fte r p a r ty a t B lis s B e a c h C lu b w ith th e freakishly talented Soundwave Sunday D ’s. 500THB/ person includes race r e g is tr a tio n & e q u ip m e n t h ir e . E n te r a s m a n y r a c e c a te g o r ie s a s y o u w is h . F o r e a r ly r e g is tr a tio n & m o r e in fo c o n ta c t: tim @ s ta n d u p p r o je c ts .c o m , 0 8 2 5 1 9 3 2 8 2 Proudly supported by Class Act Media The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

MON

16 MAR

First day of TEFL training The Good Shepherd Craft Shop O p e n s e ve r y W e d n e sd a y f r o m 1 0 A M t o N O O N a n d e ve r y S a t u r d a y f r o m 9 A M t o N O O N . W e h a ve a w i d e a n d w o n d e r f u l se l e ct i o n o f h a n d i cr a f t s su ch a s e d u ca t i o n a l t o ys, d o l l s, p u p p e t s, p a p e r a r t , g r e e t i n g cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fa ir y p illo w , a n d m a n y m o r e . A ll p r o c e e d s g o d i r e ct l y t o T h e G o o d S h e p h e r d m i si o n .

@thephuketnews

Love to Hate Valentine’s Day Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong presents Love to Hate Valentine’s Day. oin us for a

E a r n a n in te r n a tio n a lly r e c o g n iz e d T E F L certificate from Phuket’s highest-rated T E F L c o u r s e . T r a in e e s le a r n a b o u t te a c h in g m e th o d o lo g y , la n g u a g e a w a r e n e s s , a n d p h o n o lo g y w h ile g a in in g in v a lu a b le e x p e r ie n c e th o u g h g u id e d le s s o n p la n n in g a n d o b s e r v e d te a c h in g p r a c tic e .

Meaningful job support for Phuket, Thaila n d o r a n y w h e r e in th e w o r ld . D is c o u n ts a v a ila b le fo r lo c a l r e s id e n ts . F o r m o r e in fo r m a tio n , c o n ta c t E r ic H a e g . T E L : 0 8 1 968 9334, EMAIL: info@teflcampus.com.

18 MAR

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament T o b e h e ld 1 8 to 2 0 M a r c h 2 0 1 5 o f f th e b e a u tif u l S im ila n Is la n d s , th e to u r n a m e n t b o a s ts th e m o s t g e n e r o u s p r iz e m o n e y in A s ia !!!

At least 20 boats have already confirmed, in c lu d in g te a m s fr o m A u s tr a lia , C a n a d a , U S A , U K , G e rm a n y , O m a n , H o n g K o n g a n d S in g a p o r e . F o r f u r th e r d e t a ils p le a s e c o n t a c t W a r r e n C r o w e T e l: + 6 6 ( 0 ) 8 1 2 7 0 4 2 9 1 o r A n d y B r ig h t T e l: + 6 6 ( 0 ) 8 6 2 7 3 9 9 4 8 . E - m a il: info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com

FRI

27 MAR

CONSTECH 2015 T h a ila n d In te r n a tio n a l C o n s tr u c tio n M a c h in e r y , E q u ip m e n t a n d T e c h n o lo g y E x h ib itio n 2 0 1 5 is a n in te r n a tio n a l b u s in e s s p la tfo r m g a th e r in g m o r e th a n 4 0 0 e x h ib itin g c o m p a n ie s & b r a n d s fr o m a r o u n d th e w o r ld s p a n n in g a v a s t r a n g e o f c o n s tr u c tio n a n d m in in g m a c h in e r y a n d e q u ip m e n t, a n d m a c h in e r y fo r b u ild in g m a te r ia l p r o d u c tio n . M o r e th a n 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEA N c o n s tr u c tio n a n d m in in g in d u s tr ie s a r e e x p e c te d to v is it th e e v e n t. C O N S T E C H 2 0 1 5 is o r g a n iz e d b y T h a i C o n tr a c to r s A s sociation under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed by IMPACT Exhibition M a n a g e m e n t C o ., L td . C O N S T E C H 2 0 1 5 is a must visit exhibition!, Address: IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, T h a ila n d ., E m a il: p a s in c @ im p a c t.c o .th , Phone: 02 833 5208 Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

20 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. Which country is directly east of Chile?

2. What is actor Hugh Grant’s middle name?

3. Which common product typically contains water, abrasi es oride and deter ents 4. If the US has Boardwalk and Park Place, what does the UK have?

5. Going clockwise on a dartboard, which number follows 15?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

57. Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” 58. Set apart 1. Auricular 60. Port of old Rome 5. Liq. measures 64. Debate 9. Deity to many strenuously 14. “’Tain’t nothin’!”

15. Unit of distance, in 68. Venusian, e.g.

69. Skinny astronomy 70. Biblical heirs 16. Flat paper? (with “the”) 17. Some are marches 71. Bead material 20. Permeate 72. Anatomical 21. English satirist network 22. Cheer starter 73. Nestling hawk 23. Ukraine’s capital 26. A shot Down 27. Rough stuff 28. Dreamy-eyed 1. Stone of many 32. Girl in a gown Libras 34. Rah-rah 35. “Gimme ___!” (start 2. Stereo knob 3. Letter before of an Iowa State kappa cheer) 4. Songbirds 36. Stir up, in a way 5. Govt. property org.

40. Follows a 1960’s slogan 6. Lending letters 44. Polished 7. Reindeer herder 45. Roth ___ 8. Sharpen 46. Next in line?

9. Sidekick 47. Meet 10. Majors in acting 49. Entrusts 11. It’s catching 51. School of thought 12. Out of bed 54. Veteran 13. 1946 Literature 56. Sibyl Nobelist

18. Spiny shrub 19. Type of column 24. Card catalog abbr.

25. Trattoria order 28. Butts 29. Like an oxeye window 30. Huckabee 31. Kind of center 33. Annoying 37. Actor Wilson 38. Aforementioned 39. Muffs no field lander eneid fi re 43. Specify 48. Cargo boat type 50. Feline line 51. Resident of the 29th state 52. Cochlea canal 53. Word with kingdom or marker 55. Walking ___ ea ier 61. Low part of a hand 62. Suggestion 63. Solicits 65. Sonnet ending 66. Poetic adverb 67. Other side

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Argentina; 2. Mungo; 3. Toothpaste; 4. Mayfair and Park Lane (in the board game Monopoly); 5. 2.

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER

1975

500

February 8, 1904 Japan and Russia go to war after a surprise torpedo attack by the Japanese at Port Arthur, a Chinese enclave claimed by Russia.

Tonnes of water contained in an average cumulus cloud.

17

February 9, 1895 William .

Morgan unveils his creation, a game he calls Mintonette, which soon comes to be referred to as volleyball.

Percentage of people, according to The New York Times, who regretted getting a tattoo.

46

February 10, 1996 The IBM supercomputer Deep Blue defeats chess champion arry asparov for the first time.

Number of wooden toilet seats Kevin Shelley broke over his head in one session to claim the world record.

February 11, 1978 China lifts a ban on works by Aristotle, William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens.

2

Source: Uberfacts

February 5, 1840 The Treaty of Waitangi is signed, establishing New Zealand as a British colony.

February 7, 1964 The Beatles arrive in the U nited States for the first time. Their performance on T h e E d S u l l i v a n S h o w two days later would mark the beginning of the “British Invasion”.

The year singer Cher shocked ie ers y ein the first person to perform on TV with her belly button showing.

Percentage of humans who are in the ‘sleepless elite’ – they are both night owls and early risers. Margaret Thatcher was one; she slept about four hours a night.

This week in history

In Phuket, any day’s a good day for ice cream – and the brighter the colours, the better. Photo by JP Mestanza Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

February 12, 1994 Four men break into the National allery of Norway and steal Edvard Munch’s famous painting T h e S c re a m .

S o u r c e : W ik ip e d ia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

EDUCATION

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

ELECTRIC

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PACKAGING

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

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24 CLASSIFIEDS

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Jobs

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU! Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,���-��,���, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,��� – ��,��� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

Thai& Non Thai nationals Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770 J oin an International Team, Princess Y achts Phuket is hiring 1 P o s itio n : Y a c h t C h a r te r A s s is t a n t; e x c e lle n t w r it te n a n d s p o k e n e n g lis h , c o m p u te r a n d in te r n e t, s e c r e ta r ia l e x p e r ie n c e , T h a i n a tio n a l 1 P o s itio n : Marketing Assistant Video, Photo, Adobe, Internet and good English, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at: 0866900444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com

Swimming coach & assistant

S w im m in g c o a c h & a s s is ta n t w a n te d : 2 y r s e x p e r ience teaching Babies. (1 yr for asst.) Native English speaker. Sal 50K/20K with other benefits., K.Bee, mantakids.pkt@gmail.com

Native English Teachers

C h a lo n g In te r n a tio n a l S c h o o l is lo o k in g fo r t w o e x p e r ie n c e d te a c h e r s for our preschool and primary school to start an 6 Mon-Fri resume to phuketteacher@yahoo.com, 080 624 7060

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME

Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized h o lid a y r e n ta ls lis tin g is e x p a n d in g to n e w a r e a s o f in te r e s t. T h e id e a l c a n d id a is a r e s p o n s ib le a n d d ilig e n t p e r s o n w ith e x p e r ie n c e a s a te le m a r k e te r o r s a le s . G o o d E n g lis h a n d e x c e l s k ills a r e e s s e n tia l. T h a i o r fo r e ig n e r s c a n b o a p p ly . W e o f fe r : fu ll tr a in in g , te le p h o n e a n d e m a il s u p p o r t, h ig h c o m m is s io n Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

The Terminal Phuket

P h u k e t S ir in a th P r o p e r t y & T h e T e r m in a l P h u k e t Sales Staff 2 (2 years Experience) Marketing 1 (3 years Experience) Accounting 1 (5 years Experience) A & S Supervisor 1 (10 years Experience) M & E Engineer 1 (10 years Experience) HR, Naiyang Beach, k.taksakorn@gmail.com, 076 327 590

WE WANT Y O U

V acancies for property sales reps

1 . S a l e E n g l i sh , C h i n e s e , R u s si a ( G o o d c o m m is s io n ) H a v e e x p e r ie n c e in lin e o f S a le 2 .s t a f f a t b o o th fo r P ro p e r ty (1 7 ,0 0 0 + L u n c h + C o m m is s io n ) C a n c o m m u n ic a te G o o d E n g lis h , Kaew, kaew@agtropical.com, 094 807 3434

HANA-PHUKET’S NEW UNIQUE DINNING EXPERIENCE IS OPENING NOW. THE RESTAURANT OFFERS A FINE DINING EXPERIENCE. LOCATED ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE PLAZA, SURIN. IT FEATURES HIGH QUALITY MODERN JAPANESE CUISINE, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON FRESH AND LOCALLY SUSTAINBLE PRODUCE. THE KITCHEN IS HEADED BY ANTHONY SOUSA TAM, FORMALLY NOBU, HAKKASAN LONDON & MOMO AMSTERDAM, HIS SPECIALITY IS TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF JAPANESE

HEAD CHEF 100,000BAHT+ SO U S CHEF 55,000BAHT+ PASTRY CHEF 4 5,000BAHT+ CHEF DE PARTIE 3 5,000BAHT+ CO MMIS CHEF 28,000BAHT+

in te in th s ,

CUISINE.

RESTAURANT MANAGER 50,000 BAHT+ HEAD WAITER 25,000BAHT+ HEAD BARMAN 30,000BAHT+ BARMAN 20,000BAHT+ WAITER 20,000BAHT+

Are you looking for a Nanny?

J o b W a n te d !!! If y o u a r e lo o k in g fo r s o m e o n e w h o c a n lo o k a f te r y o u r c h ild , p e ts o r h o u s e w h e n y o u p la n to g e t a w a y a t n ig h t o r d u r in g th e weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570

Russian Property Broker 150k+

W e a r e o n e o f th e le a d in g r e a l e s ta te c o m p a n ie s in P h u k e t th a t is e x p a n d in g fa s t a n d lo o k in g fo r ta le n te d in d iv id u a ls to jo in o u r y o u n g , d y n a m ic te a m . W e h a v e a p o s itio n fo r a R u s s ia n s p e a k in g a g e n t w h o h a s a n u m b e r o f y e a r s e x p e r ie n c e in r e a l e s ta te & w ith in th e P h u k e t m a r k e t. T h is is a g r e a t o p p o r tu n it y fo r a n y h u n g r y a n d ta le n te d s a le s p e o p le to jo in a m a r k e t le a d e r. T o p L e v e l C o m m is s io n o f fe r e d ., T o p L e v e l C o m m is s io n , K a mala, Phuket, 092 474 6157, paul@livephuket.com

Excellent THAI CHEF

L o o k in g fo r a n e x c e lle n t T h a i C h e f to w o r k a b r o a d . I a m lo o k in g fo r a n e x c e lle n t T h a i C h e f to w o r k o v e r s e a s in S r i L a n k a a t a n e w T h a i R e s ta u r a n t. W o u ld r e q u ir e to s p e a k lit tle b it o f e n g lis h b u t w h a t I a m lo o k in g fo r is a r e a lly g o o d c h e f w h o c a n m a k e A u th e n tic T h a i fo o d . W ill p r o v id e great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@ g m a il.c o m to d is c u s s f u r t h e r.

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K W e a r e h i r i n g ! ! ! ! ! B o t h p o si t i o n s f o r o u r n e w b r a n c h in P h u k e t a n d to b e p a r t o f o u r e n e r g e tic te a m . E x c e lle n t commission & benefits. Email info@ th a ila n d p o o lt a b le s .c o m , 2 0 ,0 0 0 T H B p e r m o n th , Y in g .

Kotasovac A n o f f e r y o u c a n n o t r e f u s e ! A n y o n e w h o w a n ts to b e w ith in a fe w w e e k s o f e a r n in g m o n e y a n in te r e s tin g w a y , c o n ta c t u s . It in v o lv e s a s im p le p r o m o tio n a l a c tiv it y o n th e In te r n e t, w h ic h is v e r y fa ir ly a s s e s s e d a n d w h ic h c a n behandled easily, by even a schoolboy! For w o r k , yo u n e e d a c o m p u t e r , p a t i e n c e a n d a desire to change their financial situation for the better. If you want to h a v e a n in te r e s tin g m o n th ly in c o m e , c o n ta c t u s a s s o o n a s p o s s ib le .

We would like to help. Contact by E-mail only: kotasovac@gmail.com

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE YOU? THEN WE WANT TO HEAR FORM YOU! IF YOU POSSES ALL OF THE ABOVE, PLEASE EMAILS A RESUME AND COVER LETTER TO info@hanaphuket.com or call 0950877818

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS Luxury Motor Y acht for sale

BRAND NEW REFIT - IMMACULATE Condition This luxurious 85-foot motor yacht is a Raymond Hunt Design (Bertram boats) 2 x caterpillar C12 ACERT 705hp (Digital Controls) Licenced for 60 passengers or 12 berth A full specifications sheet is available upon request. 39,265,992 THB, Stuart Walker, elitechartershk@gmail.com, +85297600287

4 .1M/4 0HP RIB, 09 /2014 AS NEW!

BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SU UKI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SU UKI PHUKET).

BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB, )

Silver Princess Y acht PC530

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669 8810 5024, www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Investor/Partner Needed

C o m m e r c ia l b u s in e s s r e q u ir e s a d d e d fu n d in g . B 1 5 m - B 2 5 m ( m in /m a x ) s h a r e s .

C o m p a n y is s ta te o f th e a r t a n d w ill b r in g e x c e p tio n a l R O I. C a n b e a c tiv e o r s ile n t p a r tn e r. W ill r e s p o n d o n ly to s e r io u s in q u ir ie s . C o m p le te in fo r m a tio n available to qualified investors for full investment info. Call E +66884913857 / T +66822581153, mdrannan@gmail.com

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

INV ESTMENT IN RAWAI

German design, 5 units, 50sqm to 100sqm. Building 2014 + 1-shop 40sqm. Complete price: 28.5 million Baht.

Tel: 0801453533 Chistina.

COMPANY FOR SALE

RAWAI RESTAURANT

For Urgent Sale. Area 3.800 Sqm Reduce from 1.5 MB To 980,000 baht Yearly Rent 200,000 baht Includes 2 Houeses.,K.Asoke, big_redchili@yahoo.com, 089 646 7176

Restaurant & Bar For Rent

A lo n g e s t a b lis h e d fu lly e q u ip p e d R e s t a u r a n t w ith B a r for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong.

The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@ phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526

Office/Shop For Rent

Company for sale - Owner retiring

Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and e x p o r t. A c o n s e r v a tiv e v a lu e o f c o m p a n y a s s e ts e x c e e d 1 1 M B w h ic h is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, w w w .s a fe w a y a s ia .c o m .

Chalong Pier Road ground floor unit available for shop or office use. Excellent location on this popular and well-known road.

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

Sale Double Shophouse - Kathu

3 storey with six large rooms, large shop/office on ground floor. Rooms fully furnished with cable TV and internet access. Car park available. 14.5 MB, Paul, Email: info@ expathotel.com, 081-606-5772

Restaurant For Sale

Kitchen equipment, furniture, bar ect. All new. Seats 20 but more capacity available outside. Monthly rent THB 20,000 No key money for THB 700,000., K.Bernd, Email: bernd. schild@gmx.net, 081 891 9818

One of a kind retail space

One of a kind retail space for rent!! Road front building, 36-50 SQM price from 12 to 16,000 THB per month. Call now 085 797 0005

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED PREMIUM: PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD B2,799+VAT. PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD WILL RUN ONLINE AND IN EVERY PRINT EDITION UNTIL YOU HAVE SOLD. INCLUDES ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES ONLINE.

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Online upgrades:

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

CAR FOR SALE

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

COMMUNITY

2010 BMW 325i Sport

Immaculate low kms (47,000) White 325i Sport with a full compliment of accessories. The car is in new condition with good rubber, full insurance and still has 12 months warranty remaining., 1.67 MB, hsewaugh@yahoo.com, 0849138926

Ford Explorer Limited 2006

4.6-liter, V-8, 240 horsepower, 104,349 km. Urgent Sale!!! (can be negotiated), Email: info@theviewphuket.com, 081 666 6622

FOR SALE Mitsubishi Triton

Triton 2.5. Only 25,000km. With tinted windows, reverse sensor and camera. A1 condition. Full service history with Mitsubishi dealer, 650,000 THB, Sam Hannah, samhannahtci@gmail.com, 096 053 8117

DIVING EQUIPMENT Dive Gear for SALE

Axiom BCD ML), Aqua Lung Regs LX with SPG, Dive bag, Dive knife, SMB, 2 masks, fins (US 10), Only used 4 times. Email for further details., 35,0000 THB, Sam, Bang Tao, samhannahtci@gmail.com, 096 053 8117

FURNITURE Folding Event Chairs

100 funky, modern design chairs that fold for easy storage.

Made from high quality plastic that won’t change colour in the heat. Great for a restaurant or events. Bought in Bangkok from Pioneer Furniture. Paid approx 950 THB per chair. Willing to separate but would prefer to sell as a bulk lot. Some are still brand new in un-opened boxes and all are in excellent condition, 650 THB each, Andrea, andreachappell@gmail.com, 080 208 7454

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie

HONDA FORZA 2013

Honda Forza low 8,775 kms. White, still under warranty, Excellent condition. Note: Helmets inc.

Not top box, 120,000 THB, ross@microbase.com. au, 082 2781570

Motorbike and trailer for sale

Honda 200cc Motorbike + Trailer Perfect condition, will sell separately or both. Bike B60,000, trailer B20,000. Ideal 4 shopping, camping, dog carring., pino.ellul@yahoo.com, 0848581917

We are 15 weeks old. We are very sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too! We hope you are the one who can give us a home. We will protect your house and love to cuddle. We already got some basic training.

If you are interested in us you will get 2 dog training lessons for free.A dog is often happier when they have a friend around. These are best friends, so it would be best if they can stay together, Diana Koster, info@ phuket-dog-resort.com, 083 599 6017

Missing Quincy

Missing our dog Quincy, Airdale terrier, male, black and brown coat. He got lost on the 31st of december in Patong,3000 Baht reward, 0870912798

OTHER Beautiful land plot for sale very convenient

located in a secure estate with underground electricity less than 10 mins from Phuket International Academy, Airport, Tesco , Naiyang beach, Grand AoPor marina in a peaceful foreigner community, Chanote title,1100sqm, flat land with fences around, mountain view , ready to build, good investment. For quick sale direct from owner only B3.5 mln., Montha, 081 343 0777, montha_phuket@yahoo.com

FOR QUICK SALE

Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@ gmail.com Call:088 768 0942

Land for Sale Phang-nga

18 rai Land with Rubber Plantation for sale In Thayu, Phang Nga. 600,000 baht/rai Tel: 086 276 0041 Owner.

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property Inexpensive land plots on east coast of

Phuket for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: twostorey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport. Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/school/ commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com, 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET

Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@ soidog-foundation.org

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SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Prom eyes lightning PHUKET start at inaugural FOOTBALL Thailand Classic

FC 2015 SCHEDULE

Date Time

W

GOLF TH AILAND ’S PR O M MEEsawat is eager to get his season off to a flying start when he tees up for the inaugural Thailand Classic presented by Blac Mountain which starts on February .

Prom sensationally bro e his eight-year winless strea in Chinese Taipei last year and went on to finish the season in third place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

With the US$ 2 million Thailand Classic ta ing its place as one of the early events in the 20 season, Prom nows the importance of getting a uic result.

“A good performance at one of the early events will give you lots of confidence for the long season ahead.

“I’ll be focusing much of my attention on the Asian Tour this year, although I also have opportunities on the Challenge Tour in Europe. So it’ll be nice to get a good result early in the season,” said Prom.

The burly Thai will be relishing a homecoming of sorts as he hails from the seaside town of H ua H in where the Thai showpiece will ta e centre stage.

Thaworn Wiratchant, a twotime Asian Tour Order of Merit, is also optimistic of his chances at the Thailand Classic which is the first tournament in the K ingdom to be co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour in eight years. The

@thephuketnews

Thai evergreen nows that age is not a barrier to success and is hungry for more glory.

“I can still win and I want to lift more titles in 20 ,” said the -year-old.

H e has also set his sights on winning the prestigious O rder of Merit title again and nows a good performance on home soil will set him on his way to achieving his target.

“I now I’m still capable of winning and hope to do more of that in 20 ,” said Thaworn, who was Asia’s number one in 200 and 20 2.

Newly-crowned Order of Merit champion David Lips y of the United States will be part of the strong Asian Tour lineup that also includes India’s Anirban Lahiri, Singapore’s Mardan Mamat, Bangladeshi Siddi ur Rahman and Filipino Angelo ue.

Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts along with England’s Tommy Fleetwood and David Howell will also feature alongside Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez and Denmar ’s Thomas B orn at the Blac Mountain olf Club.

ith less than two wee s until the start of the 20 amaha League- season, Phu et FC are currently in full-blown training mode.

New coach Songyot “Daeng” linsrisu is preparing the team for their first match of the season, an away game at Trat FC on February ( pm ic -off).

Phu et fans will have a chance to chec out the team for the first time this season on February 22 at Sura ul Stadium as the Ronins ta e on BBCU ( pm ic -off).

T h e Ph u k e t N e w s has got you covered with this poc et-si ed 20 schedule.

Home

Away

Feb 14

6pm

Trat FC

V

Phuket FC

Feb 22

7pm

Phuket FC

V

BBCU

Mar 1

6pm

Sukhothai

V

Phuket FC

Mar 7

7pm

Phuket FC

V

PTT Rayong

6pm

Honda Thailand

V

Phuket FC

Mar 11

27

====================BREAK==================== April 4

7pm

Phuket FC

V

April 8

6pm

Air Force Central

V

Pattaya United Phuket FC

April 22

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Samut Songkhram FC

April 26

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Chiang Mai FC

Aug 19

6pm

Pattaya Utd

V

Phuket FC

April 29

6pm

Prachuap FC

V

Phuket FC

Aug 23

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Air Force Central FC

May 2

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Krabi FC

May 6

7pm

Bangkok FC

V

Phuket FC

May 10

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Tobacco FC

====================BREAK====================

Date Time

Home

Away

====================BREAK==================== Sep 12

6pm

Samut Songkhram FC

V

Sep 20

7pm

Chiang Mai

V

Phuket FC Phuket FC

Sept 27

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Prachuap FC

June 20

6pm

Ayutthaya

V

Phuket

Oct 1

6pm

Krabi FC

V

Phuket FC

June 28

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Police United

Oct 24

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Bangkok FC

July 5

6pm

Phichit FC

V

Phuket FC

Oct 28

6pm

TTM FC

V

Phuket FC

July 11

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Ang Thong

Nov 1

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Ayutthaya

July 15

6pm

Nakhom Pathom

V

Phuket FC

Nov 22

6pm

Police Utd

V

Phuket FC

July 19

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Songkhla Utd

Nov 25

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Phichit FC

July 26

6pm

BBCU

V

Phuket FC

Nov 29

6pm

Ang Thong

V

Phuket FC

Aug 1

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Sukhothai FC

Dec 5

6pm

Phuket FC

V

Nakhon Phatom

Aug 9

6pm

PTT Rayong

V

Phuket FC

Dec 9

6pm

Songkhla Utd

V

Phuket FC

Aug 15

7pm

Phuket FC

V

Honda Thailand

Dec 12

6pm

Phuket FC

V

Trat FC

Thailand SUP Invitational

I N W H AT H AS BECOM E one of the year’s most e citing and uni ue a uatic events, organisers of the rd SUP Invitational have announced that this year’s competition will ta e place at Bliss Beach Club on February 22.

The event will see Thailand SUP (stand-up paddle) superstars competing in an elite m race in addition to a m sprint race.

Competitors from all around the ingdom will ta e part in the event, which will crown Thailand’s SUP champion.

The rd SUP Invitational will also have several family races as well as “Island Team” relay challenges where businesses and hotels battle it out for bragging rights.

A special SUP clinic for be-

ginners will also be available for anyone who wants to try SUP – one of the K ingdom’s fastest growing activities Music, indie mar ets, games, food, and a drin s tent will also be part of the day’s festivities.

The event will finish off with an after party at Bliss Beach Club.

All proceeds will go towards building Phu et’s first community s ate par .

The event begins at noon on February 22 and costs B 00 per person, which includes race registration and e uipment hire. Enter as many race categories as you wish.

Fo r e in fo r m s ta n d + 6 6 .8

a r ly a tio u p p 2 .5 1

r e g is tr a tio n o r m o r e n p le a s e c o n ta c t, tim @ r o je c ts .c o m , o r c a ll 9 .3 2 8 2 .

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Paton set a ti ht field a ainst the illa e Photo: Michael Way.

illage take first ictory with win o er Patong CRICKET Martin Platts editor2@classactmedia.co.th

V

Tari han and ndy ad e s ritty 30 runs in 8 overs won the game for illa e Photo: Michael Way.

illage secured their first win of the season against 2nd place Patong at the Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang last Sunday (February 1). The win moved them off the bottom of the Phuket 40-O ver Cricket League table.

After winning the toss, Patong elected to bat, but the first 0 overs went the Village’s way. M R ehman took the valuable wicket of I Mushtaq (8) clean bowed, when Patong were on 37 runs.

In the second 10 overs, Patong steadied the ship with the partnership of J Swart(41) P Morton(25) which produced 78 runs to bring the total to 91 runs.

In the 3rd 10 overs, Village made the breakthrough they were looking for with M Platts taking P Morton, caught on the boundary by Wingate, then Wingate bowling Swart. With that valuable partnership over, Patong on 115 at the time could only add another 2 runs. Patong finished with a total of 127 all out.

R umblings of an upset could be felt by all in the clubhouse and the Village could sense it.

Pick of the Village bowlers

were M R ehman 3/ 12 and Martin Platts 3/ 32.

Village knew that Patong would throw everything at them and they didn’t disappoint with their fast bowler W Bhatt.

Having set a field consisting of 6 slips, M K han (18) and M Platts (12) came to the crease to see if they could see off the attack. The Village defended well, and after a change of bowling following 10 overs, the team were sitting nicely at 41 runs and 1 wicket after 11 overs.

Soon, the Village score had moved on to 83 but with 5 wickets down.

As we all know, the script

had not been written and Patong pushed hard to bowl Village out.

But due to the adjusted overs, Patong’s fast bowler could throw up to 11 overs and started to whittle away at the Village batsmen. With 9 wickets gone, and only 91 runs on the board, the Village tail needed to wag still having many overs in hand Andy Ghadge (5) and K han (28) slowly but surely stuck to the task at-hand scoring a last partnership of 33 with some extras thrown in searing the Village to their target and everybody in the ACG Clubhouse to take a breath.

Best of the bowlers: W Bhatt 4/ 14 and R D esmond 2/ 5.

Liverpool set to play in Australia FOOTBALL LIVER PO O L WILL R Eturn to Australia later this year as part of their preseason preparations for the 2015-16 campaign, the Premier League club an-

nounced on Tuesday (February 3).

Liverpool, who last visited Australia two years ago, will play Brisbane R oar at Queensland’s Suncorp Stadium on July 17 before tackling Adelaide United at the Adelaide O val three

days later.

“We visited Australia for the first time two years ago and the support we received from our Australian fans was incredible,” said Liverpool chief e ecutive officer Ian Ayre in a statement released by the club. AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

SPORT 29

Pakistan fired up by rock-steady Misbah, wild thing Afridi CRICKET

P

akistan one-day skipper Misbah-ul Haq and predecessor Shahid Afridi play for the same team, but come from different worlds.

If the unpredictable Pakistanis are to secure a second World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, they need the two heavyweight talents to forge a united front.

Misbah is conservative, careful; Afridi is brash, belligerent.

Misbah takes time to settle and plays with a straight bat, characteristics which are alien to most fans of the game in Pakistan who have still not forgiven him for failing to guide the country to victory over arch-rivals India in the World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg in 2007.

His ipaddle-sweep with just five runs needed for victory still rankles. Then, at the 2011 World Cup semi-finals, Misbah batted out crucial deliveries before scoring 56 off 76 balls as Pakistan again

lost to India. “If he ever sits in my cab I will ask him why he bats so slowly,” said bemused Abu Dhabi taxi driver Kamal Khan.

Afridi, on the otherhand, tends to throw his bat from the get-go, seemingly caring little for the pitch or the situation of the match.

Afridi’s strength is his lusty hitting – he hit two last-over sixes to help Pakistan pull off an incredible win over India in last year’s Asia Cup in Dhaka.

When it comes to captaining the side, Misbah and Afridi

are poles apart. Despite becoming Pakistan’s most successful Test captain last year, Misbah is criticised for being defensive.

When Misbah withdrew from the final one-dayer against Australia in Abu Dhabi last year over poor batting, Afridi grabbed his new opportunity with both hands.

But Misbah returned with a bang, equalling the fastest Test century off just 56 balls thus ending speculation that Afridi might replace him as captain for the World Cup. AFP

Misbah-ul-Haq in 2013.

Photo: Cricket fantastic.

Japan sacks coach Aguirre amid match-fixing scandal FOOTBALL

Former rivals, Sebastian Vettel (right) will join Fernando Alonso (left) on the Ferrari team this upcoming F1 season.

Vettel feels good vibrations in new surroundings FORMULA ONE SEBASTIAN VETTEL’S first two days in Ferrari colours could hardly have gone better as the German has wiped away the ghosts of last season in the first pre-season test in Jerez.

The four-time world champion has been fastest on both the opening days in southern Spain and will hand over the reins to teammate Kimi Raikkonen for the rest of the test.

Vettel’s start to the new campaign is in stark contrast to his disastrous first test ahead of a troubled final season with Red Bull last year.

The 27-year-old spent almost the entirety of his time in Jerez in the garage as he completed just 11 laps over two days in a sign of what was to come as he sank from world champion to fifth in the driver’s standings.

“It could be worse, especially compared to last year at this stage,” said Vettel after completing 88 laps despite a rain interrupted afternoon last @thephuketnews

Monday (February 2).

“I’m happy, especially at the end with the wet running that I kept the car on the track.

We already have a long night ahead, I didn’t want to make it any longer for the guys in the garage.

Vettel’s times have put reigning double world constructors champions Mercedes in the shade despite Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg racking up over 200 laps in their first days in the new W06 car.

However, Vettel insisted there is still a long way to go if Ferrari, who finished nearly 500 points adrift of the German giants in fourth place in the constructors’ champions last season, are to challenge this campaign.

“There are a lot of new things. There is a lot of stuff that we have learned and from that point of view the most important thing is to keep running, to learn about the car, the numbers and make sure we are ready for the next test,” added Vettel. AFP

JAPAN’S FOOTBALL AUthorities on Tuesday (February 3) sacked coach Javier Aguirre, amid claims he was involved in match-fixing during a previous tenure in Spain.

The move brings to an end the short and tumultuous stint in Japan for the 56-year-old Mexican, who was reportedly the country’s highest-ever paid national coach on an estimated US$2.45 million annually, but under whom the Blue Samurai fizzled on the field.

“We have come to the conclusion that we must avoid the risk that these things will affect the World Cup Asia qualifiers,” Japan Football

Association (JFA) president Kuniya Daini said.

Aguirre, who only signed on the dotted line last year, has been under a cloud since claims emerged that he had been involved in fixing results when he was manager of Spanish side Real Zaragoza.

He is due to appear in court this month in Valencia, Spain, to answer charges that he and

40 others rigged a 2011 league match which saw Zaragoza defeat Levante 2-1 to avoid relegation.

Spanish prosecutors claim that Zaragoza paid a total of US$1.2 million into the bank accounts of certain coaches, staff and players who then gave the money to Levante’s players as a “bribe”.

While Aguirre has denied wrongdoing, it left the JFA squirming in embarrassment as the controversy overshadowed Japan’s unsuccessful defence of their Asian Cup title.

Their shock exit last month, when they lost on penalties in the quarter-final to the United Arab Emirates, compounded calls for Aguirre to go.

In a brief Japanese-lan-

guage comment released by the JFA, Aguirre thanked Japanese fans and wished luck to the national side.

“I am happy that I had an opportunity to work in Japan. I appreciate the cheers of Japanese supporters and I wish the team the best of luck in the future,” he was quoted as saying.

The JFA’s chief Daini stressed that his organisation was not presuming Aguirre’s guilt in a case that is still a long way from finished, but said it wanted to avoid any impact on the team.

“The decision is by no means a judgement on whether (Aguirre) had anything to do with the alleged match fixing,” he said. AFP

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud (L) lifts the ball over Aston Villa’s US goalkeeper Brad Guzan (R) to score the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium. Photo: AFP/Adrian Dennis

Gunners crush Villa, boost top four bid FOOTBALL

O

livier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla sparkled as Arsenal closed on the Premier League’s top four by crushing goal-shy Aston Villa 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (Feb 1).

Ozil freed Giroud to open the scoring in the eighth minute and the France striker returned the favour in the second half before goals from Theo Walcott, Cazorla and Hector Bellerin completed a one-sided victory.

It was a fifth consecutive win in all competitions for Arsene Wenger’s men and took them level on points with fourth-place Southampton, who saw Ryan Bertrand sent off in a 1-0 loss at home to Swansea City.

“You cannot fault anyone’s performance,” Wenger said.

“Mesut did well. It takes a while to get that sharpness back.

The defeat saw Paul Lam-

bert’s Villa – three points above the relegation zone in 16th place – set an unwanted club record of six consecutive league games without scoring.

The Midlands club, who host leaders Chelsea next weekend, have gone 10 hours and 12 minutes since Christian Benteke found the net against Manchester United on December 20.

Meanwhile, Southampton’s Champions League aspirations suffered a blow as Jonjo Shelvey’s long-range goal earned Swansea City a smash-and-grab 1-0 win in the Premier League on Sunday (Feb 1).

In a weekend when their leading Premier League rivals proved they are slowly gathering momentum, the Saints lost precious ground.

Shelvey’s late strike was out of context with the rest of the match, but that was of no concern to Swansea, who climbed to ninth in the table.

Prior to the match, it had appeared to be a good time for Southampton to be playing

Swansea. Without a win since Boxing Day, the Welsh side have been struggling for form and with key man Gylfi Sigurdsson suspended, following on from the sale of Wilfried Bony to Manchester City.

But while Southampton dominated possession, whenever a player from the home side threatened to break free, he was quickly surrounded by white shirts.

Southampton have the league’s tightest defence and are the Premier League’s highest scorers at home, but the game seemed destined for a stalemate until Shelvey came to life.

Swansea went ahead in the 83rd minute when Shelvey neatly skirted an opponent and then rifled a right-foot shot past Fraser Forster to silence St Mary’s.

Premier League leaders Chelsea remained five points clear of second-placed Manchester City after drawing 1-1 with the defending champions on Saturday (Jan 31).

Loic Remy gave Chelsea a 41st-minute lead at Stamford Bridge only for David Silva to equalise four minutes later. “ We h a d t h re e go o d chances in the first half, they scored with their only chance in the 90 minutes – they did not even have a shot in the second half,” City manager Manuel Pellegrini Pellegrini said.

Dan iel St u r r idge put nearly five months of injury frustration behind him by coming off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-0 win at home

to West Ham. The 25-year-old striker had been sidelined with thigh and calf injuries since September.

Sturridge, a second-half replacement for Lazar Markovic, marked his fourth Liverpool appearance of the season by scoring in the 80th minute.

Manchester United climbed into third place with a 3-1 win over basement club Leicester at Old Trafford as they gained revenge for a shock 5-3 defeat by the Foxes in September Louis van Gaal’s men went 3-0 up before half-time through Robin van Persie, Radamel Falcao and an owngoal by Wes Morgan before Marcin Wasilewski pulled one back 10 minutes from time. AFP

PREVIOUS RESULTS: Sunday 1st February 2015

Arsenal 5-0 Southampton 0-1

Aston Villa Swansea

Saturday 31st January 2015

Hull Crystal Palace Liverpool Man Utd Stoke Sunderland West Brom Chelsea

0-3 0-1 2-0 3-1 3-1 2-0 0-3 1-1

Newcastle Everton West Ham Leicester QPR Burnley Tottenham Man City

Monday 19th January 2015

Everton

0-0

West Brom

Sunday 18th January 2015

West Ham Man City

3-0 0-2

Hull Arsenal

Saturday 17th January 2015

Aston Villa Burnley Leicester QPR Swansea Tottenham Newcastle

0-2 Liverpool 2-3 Crystal Palace 0-1 Stoke 0-2 Man Utd 0-5 Chelsea 2-1 Sunderland 1-2 Southampton

Sunday 11th January 2015

Arsenal Man Utd

3-0 Stoke 0-1 Southampton

Team

MP W

D

L

GD

Pts

1

Chelsea

23 16

5

2

52 20 32

F

A

53

2

Man City

23 14

6

3

46 23 23

48

3

Man Utd

23 12

7

4

39 22 17

43

4

Southampton

23 13

3

7

37 17 20

42

5

Arsenal

23 12

6

5

44 25 19

42

6

Tottenham

23 12

4

7

35 30

5

40

7

Liverpool

23 11

5

7

33 27

6

38

8

West Ham

23 10

6

7

35 27

8

36

9

Swansea

23

9

6

8

27 30

-3

33

10

Stoke

23

9

5

9

26 28

-2

32

11

Newcastle

23

8

6

9

29 35

-6

30

12

Everton

23

6

8

9

31 34

-3

26

13

Crystal Palace

23

5

8

10 25 34

-9

23

14

Sunderland

23

4

11

8

21 33 -12

23

15

West Brom

23

5

7

11 20 32 -12

22

16

Aston Villa

23

5

7

11 11 30 -19

22

17

Burnley

23

4

8

11 21 38 -17

20

18

Hull

23

4

7

12 20 33 -13

19

19

QPR

23

5

4

14 24 42 -18

19

20

Leicester

23

4

5

14 21 37 -16

17

EPL FIXTURES

Man Utd v Sunderland

15:00

Saturday 7th February 2015

Newcastle v Aston Villa

15:00 15:00

Aston Villa v Chelsea

15:00

QPR v Tottenham

Burnley v West Brom

15:00

Stoke v Hull

15:00

Everton v Liverpool

15:00

West Brom v Southampton

15:00

Leicester v Crystal Palace

15:00

West Ham v Crystal Palace

15:00

Man City v Hull

15:00

Newcastle v Stoke

15:00

Aston Villa v West Brom

19:45

QPR v Southampton

15:00

Hull v Sunderland

19:45

Swansea v Sunderland

15:00

QPR v Arsenal

19:45

Tottenham v Arsenal

15:00

Southampton v Crystal Palace

19:45

West Ham v Man Utd

15:00

West Ham v Chelsea

19:45

Liverpool v Burnley

20:00

Tuesday 10th February 2015

Tuesday 3rd March 2015

Arsenal v Leicester

19:45

Hull v Aston Villa

19:45

Man City v Leicester

19:45

Man Utd v Burnley

19:45

Newcastle v Man Utd

19:45

Southampton v West Ham

19:45

Stoke v Everton

19:45

Sunderland v QPR

19:45

Tottenham v Swansea

19:45

Crystal Palace v Newcastle

20:00

Liverpool v Tottenham

20:00

Arsenal v West Ham

15:00

West Brom v Swansea

20:00

Burnley v Man City

15:00

Chelsea v Southampton

15:00

Wednesday 11th February 2015

Wednesday 4th March 2015

Saturday 14th March 2015

Chelsea v Everton

19:45

Crystal Palace v QPR

15:00

Stoke v Man City

19:45

Everton v Newcastle

15:00

Leicester v Hull

15:00

Saturday 21st February 2015 Aston Villa v Stoke

15:00

Man Utd v Tottenham

15:00

Chelsea v Burnley

15:00

Sunderland v Aston Villa

15:00

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

15:00

Swansea v Liverpool

15:00

Everton v Leicester

15:00

West Brom v Stoke

15:00

Hull v QPR

15:00

Saturday 21st March 2015

Man City v Newcastle

15:00

Aston Villa v Swansea

15:00

Southampton v Liverpool

15:00

Hull v Chelsea

15:00

Sunderland v West Brom

15:00

Liverpool v Man Utd

15:00

Swansea v Man Utd

15:00

Man City v West Brom

15:00

Tottenham v West Ham

15:00

Newcastle v Arsenal

15:00

QPR v Everton

15:00

Saturday 28th February 2015 Arsenal v Everton

15:00

Southampton v Burnley

15:00

Burnley v Swansea

15:00

Stoke v Crystal Palace

15:00

Leicester v Chelsea

15:00

Tottenham v Leicester

15:00

Liverpool v Man City

15:00

West Ham v Sunderland

15:00

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

SPORT 31

(Left) Tom Brady of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Photo: AFP, Getty/ Elsa. (Right) Malcolm Butler makes the game winning interception in last week’s Super Bowl. Photo: Casp.

Patriots super duo Brady, Belichick far from done GRIDIRON

F

ifteen years into their remarkable partnership, with their fourth Super Bowl crown secured in dramatic style, Patriots coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have no plans to slow down.

“I’m still in the midst of my career,” the 37-year-old Brady said Monday (February 2), not ready to talk about his place in National Football League history.

“I just love the game. I love playing. I love represent-

ing our team.”

In a league whose salary cap discourages dynasty building, Brady and Belichick have endured to become arguably the most successful coachquarterback pairing ever.

With their 28-24 comefrom-behind triumph over Seattle in the NFL’s title showpiece, the Patriots reconfirmed their status as the league’s dominant team of the 21st century.

They also denied the Seahawks the second straight Super Bowl crown that would have established a young Seattle team as the NFL’s

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, February 6 834

03:00 05:00 Rugby Union

Six Nations

Wales v. England

Saturday, February 7 834

13:30 15:30 Rugby Union

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Wales v. England (Repeat)

817

21:30 23:30 Rugby Union

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Italy v. Ireland

00:00 02:00 Rugby Union

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France v. Scotland

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Soccer

EPL

Tottenham v. Arsenal

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. Hull

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EPL

Aston Villa v. Chelsea

833

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Swansea v. Sunderland

834

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Everton v. Liverpool

14:30 16:30 Rugby Union

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Italy v. Ireland (repeat)

16:30 18:30 Rugby Union

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Sunday, February 8 817

831

832 SS1

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21:00 23:00

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Newcastle v. Stoke

Cricket

WC Warm Up, Adelaide

Australia v. India

10:30 18:30

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newest dynasty.

It was an impressive end to a season in which Brady and the Pats looked to be showing their age, and accusations of cheating in the “Deflategate” controversy dredged up memories of the 2007 “Spygate” illegal videotaping affair for which Belichick and the Pats were punished.

Making a record sixth Super Bowl start, quarterback Brady earned Most Valuable Player honours for the third time, matching the record of boyhood idol Joe Montana.

H e also joined Montana and Terry Bradshaw as the

only quarterbacks to win four Super Bowls and broke Montana’s record for most career touchdown passes in the Super Bowl, his four on Sunday taking his total to 13.

Brady’s 37 completed passes against the Seahawks established a new Super Bowl mark – and included an impeccable nine of nine on what proved to be the game-winning drive.

Still, it was unknown, cornerback Malcolm Butler, who made the play that saved the Patriots. It was Butler who recognised the formation being used by Seahawks’ quarterback R ussell Wilson

and intercepted the short pass in the waning seconds that would have given Seattle the win.

The fact that Butler, unclaimed in the NFL draft after toiling in the lower ranks of college ball, was even there was a testament to Belichic ’s uncanny ability to find championship material in unexpected places.

That includes his most famous longshot – sixth-round draft pick Brady.

Meanwhile, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll may never live down what some have dubbed the worst

play call in Super Bowl history.

Carroll’s baffling decision to forsake star running back Marshawn Lynch and have quarterback R ussell Wilson throw the football at the goal line as the clock wound down in Super Bowl 49 left fans and NFL veterans alike stunned.

“I told those guys, that’s my fault totally,” said Carroll, adding he and Wilson could barely speak in the moment.

“We just looked at each other trying to realise the gravity of what we just witnessed,” Carroll said. “We didn’t say very much.” AFP

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1511: Saturday, February 7 at 4pm Hare: J.C. Location: Kamala Viewpoint Directions: From Kathu pass through Patong as if going to Kamala. Midway up the steep hill before Kalama turn RIGHT HHH and continue up to the crest and laager site. Park well to the side of the road. If you park within the gated area

please stay off the plants.

From Kamala head tward Patong. If you don’t know the back roads drive two hundred meters past the crest of the hill headed toward Patong and turn LEFT HHH and proceed as above. Hash Bus Bus pick-up: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong): 3pm; Patong (Expat Hotel): 3:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015

Super Bowl champs not done yet > page 31

WORLD CUP ADDS SPICE TO SIX NATIONS RUGBY UNION

T

hat the shadow cast by the Webb Ellis Trophy is inescapable can be seen from the fact that today’s Six Nations opener in Cardiff sees Wales against England, with the old rivals in the same 2015 World Cup pool.

For an injury-hit England, victory at the Millennium Stadium would help ease the pain of a crushing defeat in the Welsh capital two years ago.

It would also establish Stuart Lancaster’s side as serious title contenders, with England not having won the Six Nations since 2011 when Martin Johnson was in charge.

England have finished runners-up three times under Lancaster and the coach said: “We are frustrated that we haven’t nailed down that Championship win – it does

burn inside us.”

England’s much-vaunted playing depth is set to be put to the test with No 8 Ben Morgan, lock Joe Launchbury and fly-half Owen Farrell all ruled out of the entire Six Nations, with several other players currently sidelined.

Meanwhile, Ireland may like to portray themselves as perennial underdogs but the defending Six Nations champions will rightly start the 2015 tournament as favourites.

Under Joe Schmidt, one of three New Zealanders providing 50 percent of the competition’s coaches (Wales’s Warren Gatland and Scotland’s Vern Cotter are the other two), Ireland were the form European side during the November internationals.

Ireland, who have risen to three in the world rankings behind world champions New Zealand and South Africa,

defeated the Springboks and Australia in November.

Now they begin their quest for back-to-back titles – something they last achieved in 1949 – away to Italy on Saturday (February 7).

“The players will have an expectation of themselves now, and to be honest we want that expectation of ourselves,” said Schmidt.

Wales have a relatively settled side featuring several British and Irish Lions, with Gatland sufficiently confident of his squad’s quality to warn talented wing George North not to take his place for granted.

Gatland insisted the Six Nations was not just a warmup for the World Cup, saying: “This tournament is definitely about winning...The expectation in Wales is for us to win.”

France have not won the Six Nations since a 2010 Grand Slam but a November

win over Australia, in which wing Teddy Thomas demonstrated his potential, gave coach Philippe Saint-Andre some respite.

If not knowing what to expect from France is one of rugby’s enduring truisms, it is one Saint-Andre endorsed when asked about what to expect from his side in the Six Nations.

“You don’t know. To be honest, I don’t know,” he said.

Scotland too reckon they have grounds for optimism under Cotter after a November series which yielded wins over Argentina and Tonga allied to a narrow loss to New Zealand.

And Italy captain Sergio Parisse believes his side can bounce back from losing all five matches last year, having won twice in 2013.

“They’ve written us off, but that’s fine,” said Parisse.

“It will be great to surprise everybody.” AFP

No 2022 World cup, Olympics clash: IOC chief WORLD CUP CHIEFS HAVE PROMised the controversial 2022 tournament in Qatar will not clash with that year’s Winter Olympics, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach said Tuesday (February 3).

World governing body FIFA has said the 2022 tournament will take place during the cooler temperatures of the northern hemisphere’s winter months – potentially risking a calendar clash with the Winter Olympics.

FIFA has yet to agree on dates for the 2022 finals amid ongoing criticism from top leagues in Europe, who are furious that the season will be disrupted to accommodate a tournament traditionally held in the summer.

Football’s governing body is studying

the possibility of staging the tournament either in November–December or January–February.

However, Bach told reporters on the sidelines of the World Alpine Ski Championships in Beaver Creek, Colorado, that FIFA chief Sepp Blatter had assured the IOC there would be no clash with the Winter games.

“We have been talking to FIFA. We have a commitment from the FIFA president there will be no conflict,” Bach said.

“Neither the World Cup nor the Olympic Games would get the full attention they deserve. It would cause major problems with the broadcast and with the sponsors.”

The IOC is yet to decide on the hosts for the Winter Games, which are traditionally held in February. AFP

President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach takes a selfie at the opening ceremony of the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing China. Photo: YOG.

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