06-05-2016 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

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GRANNY KILLER CAUGHT IN KNIFE STANDOFF > PAGE 3

SLAMMED IN THE

UNDERPASS No moves to stem mad overtaking in underpass despite tunnel collision

he driver who lost control of his car while attempting to avoid a head-on collision in the Darasamut Underpass on Monday ( May 2) has been fined B400 for reckless driving and released. Meanwhile, police at this stage have no intention of installing safety measures to prevent further similar accidents from happening.

Phuket resident Adisak Thongsri, 40, lost control of his Toyota Vios after he pulled out to overtake a small box-on-back van heading southbound in front of him. Adisak swerved to avoid ploughing head on into a pickup truck coming straight at him, but spun out of control and slammed into the side of the same pickup truck, driven by Prascha Sujarittham, 50, also from Phuket. “Adisak’s three-year-old child was in the car at the time of the ac-

cident, but she was unharmed by the impact,” said Wichit Police Deputy Inspector Lt Jaras Laempan, who blamed the accident simply on driver recklessness. “He tried to overtake in the tunnel, which is a no-overtaking zone. It was a good thing that no one was injured, only vehicles damaged,” he said. “Adisak admitted to attempting to overtake a truck in front of him, but changed his mind when he saw a pickup truck coming, and lost control

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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of his vehicle,” Lt Jaras added. Though, with CCTV footage of the accident circulating on the Internet, The Phuket News notes that Adisak may have had difficulty in asserting any other version of events. Col Kittipong Klaikaew, Chief of the Wichit Police, whose Traffic Police division is responsible for road safety at the underpass, confirmed that his officers would not be taking any action to install safety measures to prevent similar accidents – for now…

PAGE 16

Kids learn to survive the surf

SPORT

First responders at the scene of the crash on Monday. Photo: Bob Mott

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LIFE

PAGE 36

Third time lucky for Vagabonds at Pattaya 10s

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Lifeguards ramp up campaign ahead of notorious ‘drowning season’ > page 6

Drug mule caught

Airport security seizes 1.8kg of cocaine

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Traffic cones were used to keep vehicles away from workers during the final stage of construction.

No changes to lanes despite heavy crash

Continued from page 1 ...“All accidents at the Darasamut Underpass, including the recent one on Monday, are caused by reckless driving. Drivers need to obey traffic laws and follow the safety precautions when approaching tunnels or curves on roads,” he told The Phuket News on Wednesday (May 4). “It is sad to see people getting involved in accidents that can easily be avoided or prevented. Reducing speed when going into a tunnel is a must, and overtaking there is a no-no,” he added. “If accidents keep happening at this tunnel, we will find a better solution to prevent them, such as putting up barriers to divide lanes – but for now I think the signal lights (dedicating lanes to traffic) are working just fine,” Col Kittipong said. “Right now, lanes through the underpass can be changed, depending on how heavy the traffic is in each direction, so this can help ease congestion, but any changes inside the tunnel is up to the Highways Department to decide. If

safety changes are made, having a barrier would be best,” he said. Samak Luedwonghad, Director of the Highways Department Phuket office, said, “I would love to have the same design as the Sam Kong Underpass, which has four lanes and a safety barrier in the middle separating them, but the space for the lanes at the Darasamut Underpass is limited. “Darasamut has only three lanes, and we only have signals to tell drivers which lanes they can use. Also, the underpass is still under the two-year contract insurance provided by the construction company, so we cannot make any structural changes to it. “We will wait for the Sam Kong Underpass to be completed, then we will adjust what is needed,” Mr Samak added. “We might install traffic cones to divide lanes, but for now drivers need to be extra careful when driving through the tunnel, and I am sure police already work hard to enforce the law in that area.”

ecurity at Phuket International Air port arrested a 21-year-old Thai woman found with 1.8 kilogrammes of cocaine hidden in two boxes of chocolates after her arrival from Dubai last week. Officials estimated the drugs to be worth about B5.4 million. Phuket Airport Customs House Chief Hattaya Thipyawat and Phuket Governor Chamroen Tipayapongtada announced the arrest at a press conference at 2pm on April 28. “Oathcara Wikho, from Prachinburi, was found in possession of the drugs when officers stopped and searched her during a routine security check,” Ms Hattaya said. Ms Oatchara arrived on Emirates Flight EK394, which left Dubai the previous night and arrived at Phuket Airport at 4:15am that day, Ms Hattaya added. Upon suspicion, custom officers search Oatchara’s

Oathcara Wikho was found with B1.8kg of cocaine mixed with chocolates in her dutyfree bag. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub bags and discovered 100 packages of cocaine wrapped with chocolate covers. “Some were mixed with actual chocolates in two boxes that were inside a duty-free bag that she was carrying,” Ms Hattaya explained. Oatchara said that she was hired by a man who she knew

only as “Mr Michael” and had never met. “She said he paid her B150,000 to bring the chocolates to Phuket, but denied any knowledge that she was carrying drugs,” Ms Hattaya said. “She said that Michael instructed her on the phone to contact him after she had

checked in to a hotel so he could arrange someone to collect the chocolates,” she added. Oatchara was taken to Tha Chatchai Police Station and charged with possession of a Category 2 drug with intent to sell and smuggling a Category 2 drug into the Kingdom.

Mayor calls for couples to join Baba fest PHUKET CITY MAYOR Somjai Suwansupana has called for all couples looking to take part in the eighth annual Baba Wedding Festival this year to register by month’s end. This year’s edition of the traditional Peranakan, or “Baba”, Straits Chinese wed-

ding festival will be held in Phuket Town in June under the theme “Under Andaman Sky”. “The traditions of the Baba Wedding are the most valuable and beautiful cultural heritage for us and it has been passed down from generation to generation,” said, Mayor Somjai, herself ethnic Phuket Chinese. “This festival reflects the way of life of Baba in Phuket, how we venerate holy beings and honour our parents. We hold this festival every year to bring people together and to introduce this beautiful tradition to younger generations. The event also attracts tourists to the area and generates income for local people,” she added. The two-day event, organised by the Phuket Baba Peranakan Association together with Phuket City Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office and others, will begin with

A couple perform a traditional Baba wedding ceremony as part of a public display held to announce the festival. Photos: Phuket City Municipality a welcome day for couples on June 18. The full gala weddings will be held on June 19. “Couples interested in this event can contact Ms Orasiri of the Peranakan Association at 081-6911955. Registrations are open until May 31, with special deals for couples and their guests, including discounted airfares on Bangkok Airways flights,” Mayor Somjai added. The Phuket News

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana. thephuketnews

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Grandma killer taken down in knife standoff Darawn Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

man has been charged with beating his own grandmother to death after a police manhunt of more than 20 officers tracked him down and took him into custody after the suspect tried to fend them off with a knife. Nopparit Sophapan, 26, was arrested last Thursday (Apr 28) for fatally beating his 74-year-old grandmother, Jintana Chairab, at her home in Kathu at about 3am that morning. She later died at Vachira Phuket Hospital. “When help arrived (at Ms Jintana’s home), the victim was still alive but she was badly injured. Kusoldharm rescue workers rushed her to hospital, where she died at 7:45am,” said Lt Sawanya Eidthrong of the Thung Thong Police. “Local residents told us that Nopparit was intoxicated when he attacked her and fled the scene on a motorbike,” he added. Lt Sawanya added that

Condo staff gather after discovering the man on the third-floor pool deck of the hotel.

Australian dies in condo balcony fall

Police and rescue workers in front of the home of Jintana Chairab, 74, in Kathu, where she suffered her fatal beating from her own grandson. Photo: Thung Thong Police Nopparit had a history of violence. “The suspect was arrested before when he assaulted his wife near a 7-Eleven at Thung Thong,” he said. Thung Thong Police Chief Col Chaowarit Petchsripia led the manhunt for Nopparit. “We requested an arrest warrant as soon as we were sure that Nopparit was the

person responsible for the death of his grandmother,” he explained. “At 3pm we received a tip-off that Nopparit was hiding at a friend’s house on Pracha Uthit Rd in Rassada. When officers arrived he was cornered in a room. He refused to cooperate and pulled out a knife, threatening

Phuket gets B2.4m roundabout OFFICIALS WILL UNVEIL a roundabout at the junction of Surin and Narisorn roads in Phuket Town Friday (May 6) that cost B2.4 million to build. “The skeleton dome shape of Surin-Narisorn Circle is made of aluminium composite material which is strong and long lasting. Moreover it is easy to maintain,” explained Phuket Vice Governor Khajornkiet Rakpanichmanee. “The circular shape symbolises an Andaman pearl and its architectural design reflects the shell of a turtle, which is a symbol for longevity.

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The B2.4 million to build the circle was provided by the Safer Roads Foundation. “The unique design is mainly based on safety issues, motorists able to see other vehicles in the circle through the skeleton dome shape.” he added.

The decision to install a circle at the intersection stemmed from motorists ignoring red traffic lights, V/Gov Khajornkiet explained. “Although traffic lights are installed there, motorists keep on ignoring them,” he said. The B2.4 million to build the roundabout was provided by the Safer Roads Foundation, based in England, he said. “Phuket City Municipality, Rotary Club of Tongkah and the Prince of Songkla University Phuket campus also collaborated on the project,” he added. The Phuket News

to stab officers if they came any closer,” he said. After a scuffle and a failed attempt to flee, police seized the 24cm-long knife from Nopparit and arrested him.. Nopparit has been charged with assault causing death, resisting arrest and carrying a weapon in a public place without a permit.

AN AUSTRALIAN MAN fell to his death from a Patong high-rise, an apparent accident that was witnessed by the man’s sister-in-law, police reported. Maj Patapi Srichai of the Kathu Police was alerted to the incident at 11.37pm last Saturday night (April 30), and reported to the scene, a high-rise residential property on Patong’s Rat-Uthit 200 Pi Rd. The man’s body was found near a swimming pool on the property’s third floor. Police named the deceased as Jamie William Brown, a 30-year-old Australian who stayed in a room on one of the property’s upper floors.

Mr Brown’s sister-inlaw said that Mr Brown went onto the balcony to photograph fireworks, said Maj Patapi. “She said that he was leaning over the railing dangerously… When she emerged from the bathroom 10 minutes later, she said she saw him hanging over the railing clinging on with his hands, and then rushed to try and help him back up, but that he was just too heavy and she didn’t have enough strength to pull him back up. “He slipped right before her eyes, she said,” Maj Patapi added. Darawan Naknakhon

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Countermob rules Protesters support clearing of beaches Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Somchai Kaennakam, 44, his wife and two children all escaped injury in the crash.

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round 50 protesters turned up at Provincial Hall last week to demand the resignation of Phuket Governor Chamroen Tippayapongtada and Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat. The protest, on April 28, was held following the dismantling of the illegal structures on Layan and Leypang Beaches the previous day. The protesters claimed that they have suffered loss of business since officials removed businesses on Surin and Leypang beaches. They said officials continued to clear beach businesses regardless of the affect on local people’s livelihoods. However, the 50 soon dispersed after 300 people turned up at 10am to show their support of Gov Chamroen and V/Gov Chokdee, with signs expressing their support for officials clearing the illegal structures. Some supporters even gave flowers to Gov Chamroen and V/Gov Chokdee, saying that they understand officials are only following NCPO orders.

Seat belts save family on holiday as car flips

Around 300 people turned out to show their support for the beach clearances. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Phuket Provincial Police Chief Col Teeraphol Thipjaroen, who arrived at Provincial Hall after learning of the situation, said, “I ordered more than 40 officers both in and out of uniform to come to the area and maintain peace and order in and around Provincial Hall. “We don’t want these two groups to get into a confrontation. Defense volunteers and Navy officers were also called in to help maintain order,”

he said. The protest followed the beach clearance on Leypang Beach on April 27 which saw V/G Chokdee hold a press conference at Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation office (OrBorTor) once the clearance had started. During the press conference, V/G Chokdee confirmed to media that officials followed the law every step of the way when they carried out the

removal of Tony Restaurant. He explained, “The area is public land and the restaurant was illegally built without permission from local officials. Officials cannot grant a building permit for the restaurant to be built on public land. “If we ignore this issue and let other owners have their way, then this whole idea of beach organisation will fail,” he said.

A FAMILY FROM KALAsin, in Northeastern Thailand, escaped injury as their car slid on a wet road and flipped in Mai Khao at 3:40am on Wednesday (May 4) as they began their long journey home after a holiday in Phuket. Somchai Kaennakam, 44, his wife and two children were all unharmed in the accident. “They were on their way off island and heading home,” said Capt Thanom Thongpan of the Tha Chatchai Police. “Luckily, everyone was wearing a seat belt, so they survived the crash without any injury,” he added. Regardless, Mr Somchai was taken to Tha Chaichai Police Station and charged with reckless driving causing damage to public property. Eakkapop Thongtub

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POLICE HAVE LAU Nched a murder investigation after the body of a Myanmar migrant worker was found wrapped in a mattress dumped among rubbish at a mangrove forest in Rassada on Tuesday morning (May 3). The body was wrapped in a light mattress secured tightly with three ropes, and dumped halfway into a canal. A Myanmar national named only as “Malee”, 43, soon identified the body as that of her neighbour, 51-year-old Pai Taicher. Ms Malee told police that Mr Pai returned from working on a fishing boat on April 27 and an agent who help finds work in the fishing industry brought him his wages, said said Maj Sakon Krainara of the Phuket City Police.

Mr Pai Taicher's body was found on Tuesday (May 3). “She said the agent subtracted his cut from Pai’s earnings before giving whatever was left to Pai, which upset Pai. Pai demanded an explanation from him and they got into an argument. “The agent assaulted Pai by smashing a glass bottle over his head, then both men went their separate ways, she said.

“Pai apparently went to a doctor that day, but he never returned,” Maj Sakorn said. “We have learned who Mr Pai’s agent was and will question him. “At the same time, officers are investigating to find any other suspects who might be involved in the death of Mr Pai,” he added. Darawan Naknakhon thephuketnews

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Arson suspected Tour boats torched, says company owner

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he owner of six speedboats damaged by fire near Chalong Pier last month has called for police to speed up their investigation because he believes the fire was intentionally started. The fire, which broke out before 3am on April 19, caused an estimated B25 million in damage to six speedboats belonging to Nikorn Marine Tours. “Right now my family and I do not feel at ease because we are still in the dark about what happened that morning and to this day police still have no answers,” said Pisit Paphakityosapat of Nikorn Marine Tours. Lt Col Kittisak Noopeung of the Phuket Provincial Forensic Police explained to The Phuket News, “We cannot conclude our investigation yet as we are waiting for the Forensic Science Division (in Bangkok) to conclude their findings. “After we sent the evidence we collected from the damaged boats, we were told to

Anucha Yeemuda (inset), 21, admitted that he threw the rock at the Mazda 2, causing it to crash.

Rock throwing thug hands self to police

Phuket Provincial Forensic Police examine one the charred remains of the boats. wait one month for the test “I do not believe the fire fore the fire started and the results,” he said. was an accident,” said Mr Pisit. spotlights in the area mysteMr Pisit, who also cur“There were so many sus- riously stopped working the rently serves as Deputy Mayor picious circumstances sur- same time. “I want police to wrap up of Rawai, explained that five rounding the incident from of his boats were rendered the information we got from their investigation as soon unsalvageable by the fire and our guard who was injured as possible. We were told by by the fire… one boat requires repairs. police that our guard is now “That night, we had only facing negligence causing “All boats are being kept at our company car park and one man watching the boats property damage,” he said. no one has been allowed near due to the low tide. Normally The guard, Donsafad Porthem because we want the we would have two men guard min, 55, is still at Vachira Phuket Hospital recovering police to get all the evidence the area. they need and find the cause “Also, the CCTV recorded from serious burns to his of the fire,” he said. a motorbike passing by be- body, Mr Pisit added.

Foreigner hit by bus in Muay Thai street A FOREIGN MAN IS IN hospital after reportedly crashing his motorbike into the back of a car, then falling onto the road into the path of an oncoming bus in Soi Ta-iad, the popular Muay Thai training hub, last Saturday (Apr 30). “The man is in critical condition,” said Chalong Police Lt Col Jam roon Phlaiduong. “We were told he is suffering from a head injury. We have no information on the victim, he was taken to Vachira Hospital by rescue

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The man, believed to be Russian, reportedly struck a car and then fell into the path of an oncoming bus. workers before we arrived.” The bus driver was told to drop off tourists at their destination in the street and present himself at Chalong

Police Station. “We are also questioning the driver of another vehicle involved in the accident,” Col Jamroon said. “We were told that the victim was not wearing a helmet and was not carrying passengers at the time of the accident. We are not sure what nationality the victim is but some people said he is Russian,” he added. “We will conclude our investigation after we speak with the victim and all others involved in the accident,” he said. Darawan Naknakhon

A M A N WA NTED FOR throwing a rock that caused a Mazda 2 to crash on Thepkrasattri Rd on Tuesday (May 3) handed himself in to police at 8pm that night. The man, 21-year-old Anucha Yeemuda, told police that the incident occurred because he became angry that the driver of the Mazda cut him off and then cursed him. Koh Kaew Moo 5 village headman Wattana Thinkohkaew accompanied Anucha to Phuket City Police Station, where Anucha surrendered to Lt Col Somsak Thongkleng and admitted that he threw a rock at a white Mazda 2, causing it to crash into a roadside pylon. The incident happened at

1:10pm on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound in Koh Kaew. In the vehicle were a family of three, including a one-year-old baby who escaped unhurt. The driver of the vehicle, Jatuporn Kanpai, 25, and his wife, Sunisa Kongkam, 22, who had both sustained injuries from the crash, were taken to Vachira Hospital. “Anucha admitted that he was angry at the time and said he did not realise there was a baby in the vehicle. He has said he is sorry for what happened and has asked the family to forgive him for his thoughtless action,” Col Somsak said. Anucha was charged with assault causing injury. Darawan Naknakhon

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Please don’t drown Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

ifeguards have ramped up their efforts to help prevent people from drowning at Phuket beaches in the coming months, as the southwest monsoon approaches, bringing with it strong surf and dangerous rip tides. “May until October is a dangerous period. The monsoon weather causes high, powerful waves – as well as deadly riptides – in which people can easily drown,” warned Prathaiyut Chuayuan, Director of Phuket Life Guard Service. At the peak of the “danger season” in August last year, four people drowned within four days, all at separate beaches: Nai Harn, Kata, Patong and Surin, he noted. “And lifeguards are only on duty from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Please do not swim at any time outside those hours, because if you get in to trouble there will be no one around to help you,” Mr Prathaiyut urged. Only two weeks ago did Rawai Mayor Arun Solos urge beach goers to heed the lifeguards’ warning flags. Red flags indicate no swimming, while red-and-yellow flags

Lifeguards have ramped up their efforts to prevent drownings this monsoon season. indicate swimming withlifeguard supervision only within the flagged area. Mr Arun’s warning came on April 17, when he was present at Nai Harn to witness lifeguards pull 20-yearold Bangkok tourist Maneewan Mutthong unconscious from the water. She was rushed to hospital, but died the next day. “Nai Harn can particularly be dangerous beach with rip currents, yet many continue to ignore the red flags posted there warning not to go swimming,” he said. “Everyone needs to heed

to these warnings, because every life is valuable,” Mayor Arun urged. Lifeguard chief Prathaiyut confirmed to The Phuket News that 98 lifeguards will be on duty at 38 surf-watch stations at 13 of Phuket’s most popular beaches from May through March next year, as mandated under the renewed contract with the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) to provide this essential service. Their efforts have been expanded to also include the handing out of multilingual brochures for tourists to ex-

plain the dangers of the surf. “The OrBorJor is responsible for making the brochure, but Phuket lifeguards distribute it and even hand it out to hotels,” explained Witanya Chuayuan, Deputy Director of the Phuket Life Guard Service. “We also have signs posted in English, Russian, Chinese and Thai, warning swimmers of the dangers,” she added. Phuket lifeguards have also launched a series of events to teach children surf survival skills, bringing together other key local organisations with extensive experience in teaching youngsters how to stay

safe in the water. “Local board-riding clubs and even jet-ski operators join us for these surf survival training and swimming sessions,” Ms Witanya said. (See page 16.) “These people are a great help, as they can help us teach people and provide the equipment needed – and they already keep an eye out for swimmers in trouble at the beaches,” she added. Hotels have been brought into the fold as well. Laguna Phuket Resorts & Hotels often send staff for surf training, as do the Pullman Phuket Arcadia at Naithon Beach, the Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket in Karon and the Amari Phuket Resort at the south end of Patong, said Mr Prathaiyut. “Even officers from Sirinath National Park and the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command help and support us. They assist us in emergencies and help us to conduct training sessions,” he said. Phuket’s reputation for having skilled lifeguards is starting to spread, with organisations outside Phuket looking to the island’s lifeguards to train people elsewhere along the Andaman coast, Mr Prathaiyut noted. “The Royal Thai Air Force Wing 5 base in Prachuap Khiri

Khan approached us to train children and teenagers in their province, and teenagers from Krabi, Trang and Satun provinces have also been sent to us for training,” he added. Back on the island, attention is being given to lifeguard towers in the hope of preventing more deaths in the dangerous surf. “Lifeguard towers are very important, because they make it much easier to see people in trouble. This means we can get to them quicker, and hopefully keep them alive,” Mr Prathaiyut said. Phuket has 12 lifeguard towers, with B200,000 allocated to repairing five of them, confirmed one official at the OrBorJor Tourism and Sport office, who specifically asked not to be named. The five towers undergoing repairs comprise three in Patong as well as one at Kamala and another at Nai Harn. “There is also a tower at Kata Noi, which has been provided by the Katathani Hotel, and two new towers soon will be built at Surin and Karon beaches, each costing about B1 million,” the official said. “And we are currently receiving bids to build four more towers: one at Kata, another at Naiyang and two more at Karon,” he added.

Fridge gas tank not a cool idea at airport

Airport officials presented the bag containing a 13.6kg canister of refrigerant gas and electrical appliances to Prakob Jaitieng at the boarding gate. Photo: NooNuchy PS

OF F ICI A LS AT D ON Mueang International Airport have defended bringing a gas cylinder to a passenger at a boarding gate last week in order for the man to identify it. The passenger was ready to board a Thai Lion flight to Phuket. The news broke after Facebook user NooNuchy PS posted photos of airport staff presenting a bag containing a 13.6 kilogramme canister of refrigerant gas and electrical appliances to Prakob Jaitieng at Gate 74 of Terminal 2 at 5pm on

Tuesday (Apr 26) – just 30 minutes before Mr Prakob was to board his flight to Phuket, reported Thai PBS. “I wonder how this luggage went through the initial security system,” she wrote, prompting a slew of comments questioning security procedures at the airport that sent NooNuchy PS’s photos viral. Nitinai Sirimahatakan, President of Airports of Thailand (AoT), the operator of Don Mueang Airport, on April 28 affirmed that the baggage was detected by

the airport’s inline x-ray screener, dismissing claims that it passed through the screener undetected. He said that after the cylinder was detected, security authorities called on the airport public-address system for the owner of the luggage to claim ownership as he was not waiting in the checking queue. A subsequent check showed that the belonged to Mr Prakob. Security officials were then required to follow standard security protocols and present the

bag to Mr Prakob to open at the boarding gate and claim ownership, AoT confirmed. AoT said the tank never made it on board, as it is a prohibited item and the passenger was asked to cancel his flight, reported the Bangkok Post. Lion Air in Bangkok declined to comment to The Phuket News regarding the incident. “The flight left Don Mueang at 5:45pm and safely landed in Phuket at 7:10pm,” was all one staffer would confirm. The Phuket News

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businesses Call to end graffiti Small targeted for tax in Officials, police target spraypaint ‘taggers’ Supatra Sutham translate@classactmedia.co.th

olice and local officials are urging residents and tourists to report any incidents of graffiti in their areas in the hope of stemming an outbreak of “tagging” across the south of the island. Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos told The Phuket News on Tuesday (May 3) that graffiti “tags” had been painted on rocks, road signs and walls from Nai Harn to Chalong. “I do not know who is responsible for these marks spray painted all over the area and I have already reported to Chalong Police when our own trucks were marked earlier this year,” he said. In March, police were riled by graffiti painted on landmarks near popular tourist beaches and local council trucks “tagged” with spray paint. Initially a search was launched for foreigners suspected of being the perpetrators, but no arrests were made. Chalong Police Chief Col Noppadon Thiraprawat told The Phuket News that his officers

Phuket officials and police are calling for help to stem an outbreak of graffiti across the south of the island. had boosted patrols, but were otherwise powerless to catch the culprits without help from the local community. “We have ordered more patrols to look for any leads, but most of the areas where the vandalism has taken place has no CCTV coverage, which makes it almost impossible to catch the perpetrators,” he said. Mayor Aroon branded the people behind the tagging as “immature”, but hoped to bring their “artistic skills into the fold by providing them a platform to present their skills. “I am sure these are the

works of the young and immature persons who like to show off their ‘artistic skills’, but they have exercised it in the wrong way and at the wrong places,” he said. Mayor Aroon urged residents and tourists to keep an eye out for any suspects who might be vandalising state property. “If you can, please take a picture of them in action and report it to us or to police so we can bring them in,” he said. “Vandalising government property is a crime and these guys need to know that. If these

Naiyang beach cleanup draws in crowds MORE THAN 90 PEOPLE, including professional divers from four Andaman provinces, joined Phuket International Airport (PIA) and Sirinath National Park officials for a two-day cleanup at Naiyang Beach last weekend (April 30-May 1). The “Phuket [Heart] Coral” campaign was held to collect rubbish from the sea and try to restore the marine ecosystem along the coral reef at Naiyang Beach. PIA Director Monrudee Gettuphan presided over the opening ceremony, with PIA Deputy Director Thani Chuongchoo, Khao Prataew Nature and Wildlife Education Centre Chief Chartpong Cheurhom, divers from Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong and Phuket all gathered at the beach for the event. “Currently, the condition of marine ecosystem in Thailand is critical,” Ms Monrudee said. “The sea is polluted by people dumping rubbish into the sea or littering the beach, which also ends up in the sea. “In previous cleanup activities, divers collected fishnets, fishing tools and other rubbish that accumulated on top of coral reefs. They also discovered that numbers of coral reefs were damaged by tourists who @thephuketnews

walked on them. She added, “Damaged reef results in a decreased numbers of marine lifeforms in this area. This year marine experts expect to see more coral bleaching, they say about 80 per cent of all coral reefs we have left will be affected, which is quite alarming, especially in the area of Sirinath National Park, which attracts a lot of exotic fish and sea turtles. A few days ago,

our employees from PIA diver club also spotted a large whale shark in this area. “To help us preserve and revive our marine ecosystems it is important to nurture and protect the newly-formed coral that are flourishing in this area. We hope this activity will promote an appreciation for the sea and that everyone will help take care of the environment and preserve it for the future .”

so called ‘street artists’ want to express themselves and bring their art to life, we will find a place for them to do so. “I have discussed with officials to arrange Laem Promthep as a place for these street artists to exhibit their artworks. In near future, we want to them to bring their art works here so residents and tourists can appreciate them.” Mayor Aroon added. To report any graffiti in your area, call Rawai Municipality at 076-613801 or call the Chalong Police at 076-381247.

hunt for nominees TOURISM AND SPORTS Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul has ordered officials to target small businesses for tax infringements in the hunt for companies that use illegal nominees as shareholders. Minister Kobkarn issued the directive at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Saturday (Apr 30). “We have to pay good attention to small businesses, she said. “Their business taxes and individual income taxes must be checked. Any change to companies’ shareholders after the registration of businesses also must be examined closely. “Some businesses changed hands or shareholders after they registered their business so I order local officials to be aware of this activity and get a recent update information of tourism businesses every month,” she added. Ms Kobkarn reminded officials at the meeting that

Ms Kobkarn headed a meeting at Provincial Hall last Saturday (Apr 30). the order to crack down on all illegal nominees shareholders came directly from Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha. “So far we have identified some businesses that may have illegal nominees and they are being watched. If we obtain enough evidence, they will face the law for breaking the Tourism Act,” Ms Kobkarn warned. This meeting was a follow up from last month, where Ms Kobkarn ordered that law and account firms to be targeted. Suthicha Sirirat

Opinion 8

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

A matter of Pride

ast Sunday saw Phuket Pride Week draw to a close with a flamboyant parade of stunning costumes and a clear message: “We’re out and proud!”. The annual festival has become a tradition for the vivacious LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) element of Phuket’s eclectic community, and has long been part of Phuket’s attraction for many tourists, especially in party-central Patong. The sheer fact that this segment of society can so publicly affirm its identity should be celebrated, and Phuket should be proud to host this event. Phuket Pride Week found its origins on these shores 16 years ago, at a time when other key tourist destinations in the region struggled to offer a destination of the calibre of Phuket, especially with an accepting

host community . Even advanced Singapore only that same year saw the first IndigNation party under the direction of Dr Stuart Koe, giving birth to the famed LGBT Pride season held every year. That event marked the first real headway into openness, and acceptance, in the citystate as officials for the first time gave the green light for a multi-sexual event. Yet LGBTs in Phuket did not suffer similarly under that shroud, struggling for acceptance. As the Phuket LGBT community grew, stories of how many of them who could not find acceptance among their families, friends and society in their home villages, found it here, where they created their own community, where violent hate crime against people solely for their sexual orientation is something beautifully missing

from the local police blotter. Of course there are still some neanderthals out there who object to LGBTs, most likely due to their own fear, but nothing to the extent that many Western countries seem to have trouble outgrowing. Of this, it is of sad irony that it has been no less than nigh 40 years since Randy Newman released his satirical classic “Short People”, in which he happily chimes “Short people have no reason, no reason to.. Live…” Yet, today still there is a need in the developed world for the LGBT community to claim their rights. May Phuket stand proud in its tolerance and acceptance of people of all walks of life, and we look forward to Phuket Pride Week returning next year. Let Phuket shine like the beacon it is. Short people can come too.

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HAVE YOUR SAY Red card won’t stop the flow of slave fish Re: EU slams govt’s fishing ‘propaganda campaign’ You will note that The Royal Ordinance on Fisheries B.E. 2558 (2015) came into force on 14 November 2015, replacing the recently amended Fisheries Act B.E. 2558 (2015). Staff have been recruited, trained and stationed accordingly … A red card means very little. The IUU regulation is only a flag state measure. How it will fare under a market sanction remains to be seen. Thus for the purposes of imported foreign caught fish, Thailand (as with other countries) would be deemed to be a market state not a flag state. If you check the regulation and in particular what needs to be done to address IUU fishing (other than completing EU Catch Certificates in processing) it is not clearly expressed what are the responsibilities of a market state. So, EU market sanctions should only apply to products processed from catches sourced from Thai fishing vessels, not products manufactured from imported foreign flagged vessels, provided the flag state of the fishing vessels has not received a red card under the IUU Regulation. Therefore, it

will not stop the flow of fish to the EU. For example, tuna is not caught in Thailand, which is the largest canner in the world, so a red card would be meaningless. My concerns would be the owners of these canneries making billions (and can afford to buy an English soccer club) at the expense of migrant workers who are overworked and underpaid slave labour living in squalid overcrowded conditions. Joe12

Too many business hurdles for farang Re: Phuket small businesses targeted for tax in illegal nominee hunt Shareholders can come and go. Foreign shareholders yearly have to go through the immigration mills in order to renew their business visa, there is not much room for tax evading. They check on nominees, shareholders, or if you have the obligated number of Thai staff, etc. The stack of papers a businessman has to produce at immigration office is enormous, including their Thai accountant’s declaration. The Thai law obligates a foreign business man to have Thai partners (nominees?) in a firm for 51% of shares. Much of the time these Thai nominees

have no knowledge of all of the business, due to lack of education or interest at all in the business. Mostly they are there because the Thai laws require it. Does that make them illegal? Perhaps time to modernize the business laws when it concerns foreigners. After all, AEC is here now. That is new. So, great moment to look into the antiquated business laws and modernise. After all, when is a Thai shareholder a illegal shareholder? Can the tourism & sports minister clarify that? Why she has this portfolio in here ministerial file? What is the link with Tourism & Sports? Kurt Many millions have been lost by farangs in starting businesses in Thailand. If you do not do your homework well and stay within the law, and offer a unique business or skill, it will be another doomsday. Then, if your business is doing too well, there is envy and that is another story. Not easy to start a successful business in Thailand at all and to maintain the success. Yvonne

Hardly a band-aid for the beach Re: Naiyang beach cleanup draws in crowds

While this is good, a two-day media-fest is far from a cure for Naiyang, and is barely a band aid. This beach is a complete mess, particularly between the park entrance on the south and the airport. It is a popular picnic area for Thai families that have no problem leaving every bit a trash they bring with them...I see it all the time. National Park officials also need to pull their heads out of their asses and learn how to maintain a coastal environment and National Park. I saw hoards of people sweeping leaves and pine needles near the sides of the roadway, while ignoring the plastic bags, food trays and styrofoam blanketing the beach and the foreshore. When they do accumulate trash, they place it in a pit (also in the National Park) and light it up, sending black clouds of toxic smoke into the National Park and surrounding communities. The article mentions the fishing nets and other plastic fishing-related trash from the ocean floor, all of which is carelessly thrown overboard by the ignorant local fishing fleet which does this as a standard practice. Just wait til the monsoons come, the park will be even more disgraceful. Richard Vickers

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THAILAND NEWS

Online privacy concerns after recent net arrests

BANGKOK

etails of lese majeste charges last week against two of the eight administrators who ran a Facebook page making fun of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has raised concern among netizens over the state of online privacy in Thailand. In addition to sedition and computer crime charges, Harit Mahaton and Natthika Worathaiyawich were accused of insulting the monarchy based on personal messages in Facebook’s chat function or standalone Messenger app. The same goes for Burin Intin, a member of the Resistant Citizen group, who was arrested on the same charges last Thursday (Apr 28). All three were denied bail. The initial explanation netizens came up with was that it was possible their phones were always online and already connected to Facebook. When they were seized, officials can readily access it. But later reports

In their raids on ‘influential figures’ at just 12 locations in Nakhon Pathom province alone, police seized these and three more tables of arms. Photo: Chanat Katanyu

Influencers target Finance Minister BANGKOK

It is no secret the Royal Thai Army bought products from Hacking Team Co, an Italian spyware vendor, in 2014. Photo: Bangkok Post file photo suggested this might not be the case. Mr Narit reportedly told a friend who visited him that authorities had shown him screenshots of the messages and used them as evidence. He said officials had not forced him to give his Facebook password nor seized his cell phone. Mr Narit warned it was no longer safe to send private messages to the inbox. “Officers showed me the

screenshots and asked me whom I was referring to,” Fahroong Srikhao quoted Mr Harit as saying on Facebook on Monday (May 2). “It doesn’t matter what the message is – even an invitation for a drink – they can access it. I’d like someone to ask Facebook Thailand about this and I repeat again inbox chat is no longer private,” Mr Harit said. Ms Natthika claimed she did not know Mr Harit well

Female suspect sought in beating NAKHON RATCHASIMA POLICE ARE SEEKING A woman said to be the girlfriend of one of the six suspects who allegedly beat a disabled man to death on Soi Chokchai 4 after relatives of the victim accused her of being involved in the incident. Col Chairop Junnawat, chief of Chokchai police, said on Tuesday (May 3) that investigators had questioned relatives of the victim who called on police to take legal

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action against the woman. The woman, whose name has yet to be released, was seen with the suspects while they assaulted and killed Somkiat Sichan, 36, who had difficulty walking, in Lat Phrao district last Sunday (May 1). According to Col Chairop, Somkiat’s relatives told investigators that witnesses saw the woman encourage the suspects to assault and kill Somkiat. He said the woman allegedly shouted that her boyfriend was the son of a police officer. “We are investigating the matter. If we find evidence

linking the woman with the brawl we will press criminal charges against her,” he said. On Monday (May 2), Chokchai police arrested six suspects: Akkaradet Tassana, 22, Monmanat Saengpho, 22, Mek Phonkraison, 19, and Arin and Thiraphon Yotphonganan, 20 and 21 respectively, and an 18-year-old whose name was withheld. Thiraphon, Arin, Mek and Monmanat are reported to be sons of non-commissioned police officers attached to Metropolitan Police Division. Bangkok Post

enough to chat with him, suggesting the evidence might have been fabricated. Another explanation on how authorities got hold of the message screenshots is their Facebook accounts might have been hacked. While there has been no evidence of hacking, it is no secret the Royal Thai Army bought products from Hacking Team Co, an Italian spyware vendor, in 2014. Bangkok Post

THE MILITA RY H AS sent guards to protect Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong after some phu yai, or influential figures, threatened him, government sources say. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon on Tuesday (May 3) confirmed hostile elements had threatened a Cabinet minister but declined to identify the minister’s name or give more details. However, sources identified the target as Mr Apisak. “Someone called a Cabinet minister, threatening and

telling him to resign. This is unacceptable and I will take legal action against the culprit,” Gen Prawit said. Gen Thawip Netniyom, National Security Council secretary-general, hinted the minister facing the threat was one of Cabinet’s economic ministers. The nature of the threat was unspecified. The minister had demonstrated an “impressive performance” in solving economic problems, which was apparently motive enough for the threat, said Gen Thawip. It was also unclear if the threat was related to the government’s crackdown on influential people. Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

‘Not coming back’

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Bashed Brit family vow never to return HUA HIN

he elderly British couple, who along with their son suffered a brutal attack by four Thai men, left for England on Tuesday (Apr 3), insisting they will never return to Thailand but maintain they still love its people. The family, who were the victims of a vicious, unprovoked attack that was captured on a video that went viral, finished testifying before the Hua Hin Provincial Court on Monday (Apr 2). Rosemary Owen, 68, said even though she still has nightmares about the incident, she still loves Thai people as they are not all bad. “I still have nightmares about the things that happened to me and my family. I stayed in the hospital for three days; my husband and son were in for two days. The doctor showed me the thing he took out of my swollen head – it's terrible. “The attack scared me and I do not want to come back to Thailand again. But I still love

Highway police find Rohingya migrants left by Highway 41 in Chumphon. Photo: Amnart Thongdee

New smuggling route revealed CHUMPON

Escorted into court to testify on Tuesday (Apr 2) were Lewis Owen, 68, left, and Rosemary Owen, still showing the black eye from being punched in the face. Photos: Chanat Katanyu Thai people. What I dislike is the bad guys,” she said. Mrs Owen and her husband Lewis Owen, 68, were accompanied to court on Tuesday by Hua Hin police, British embassy staff and Thai friends during their appearance at the Hua Hin Provincial Court in the province of Prachuap Khiri Khan. The couple spent more than two hours giving their accounts to the court before leaving Hua Hin for Bangkok Monday evening. They left

Bangkok for London around midday Tuesday. No journalists were allowed to sit in the courtroom to hear the couple’s accounts and no court statement describing what they said was issued. Police also stopped photographers getting too close to take their picture. The Owens and their son Lewis, 43, were treated for serious head and brain injuries. The three had been assaulted by four men after Lewis accidentally bumped into one of them on Soi Bintabaht, a Hua

Hin bar hub on April 13. Four men were caught and confessed to carrying out the assaults in the soi before footage of the attack was leaked and shared online. The defendants claimed they were drunk when they attacked the family, who were left on the road unconscious. Mrs Owen said she was happy she would be returning to see her family again as it has been four weeks since she last saw them. Bangkok Post

POLICE APPREHENDED 13 illegal Rohingya migrants left on a roadside in Chumphon province last Thursday (Apr 27), learning that the Malaysiabound Muslims were being smuggled on a previously unknown route. Highway police found 10 adults and three toddlers aged 1-2 years close to Highway 41 in tambon Khun Krathing of Muang district early Thursday. A Rohingya man said through a translator that they came from Mottama town in Myanmar. A man there brought them to Kanchanaburi province where a Thai driver picked them last Tuesday night to try smuggle them into Malaysia.

Tuesday night the driver told them to get out of the vehicle and hide in the woods. Fearing he would not return for them, some group members went looking for the vehicle near the highway after dawn broke. Sub Lt Wasant Trato, a deputy highway inspector, said highway patrol police first saw two Rohingya men beside the highway before they ran away. A chase led police to the group of exhausted migrants, who had no travel documents. The discovery came about a kilometre from a police checkpoint, so it was assumed the driver smuggling the aliens abandoned them to avoid arrest, the inspector said. Bangkok Post

Police deny ties to boneyard findings UDON THANI THE ROYAL THAI POLICE (RTP) last week insisted no police are responsible for the charred bones found in a forest in Udon Thani. Deputy police spokesman Kritsana Phatthanacharoen said that the investigation found no policemen were embroiled in the case, insisting legal action will be taken against the offenders once they are found. The RTP’s comments came after residents in Udon Thani claimed local police were linked to the bones found on April 22 in 20 locations at a site known as Koke Thao Khampa (The Old Khampa Mound), in tambon Nong Waeng, Ban Phue district of Udon Thani. The remains were discovered after bushes concealing them were burned by a wildfire. Police suspect the bones belonged to murder victims whose bodies were burned in an attempt to cover up the killings. Col Kritsana said national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda has told authorities to speed up the probe and Maj

Investigators and forensic experts including Porntip Rojanasunan believe Udon Thani police arrested, tortured, then burnt criminal suspects. Photo: Bangkok Post Gen Pornchai Sutheerakun, head of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the Royal Thai Police Office, has confirmed the bones belonged to humans. So far, more than 10 families have lodged missing person complaints following the discovery of the remains. Col Kritsana said the investigation had made progress and authorities expected to solve the case soon. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he had told officers overseeing the case to find out when the incidents occurred. Prasert Laosophaphan, former mayor of Maha Sarakham’s Muang district, petitioned national police chief assistant Piya Sorntrakul,

calling on the RTP to probe the disappearance eight years ago of his older brother Kamol Laosophaphan, a member of an anti-corruption network. Mr Prasert said he decided to petition the RTP after learning about the bones in tambon Nong Waeng, 200km from his house. He said Kamol went missing after uncovering corruption in the construction of a commercial building close to Ban Phai railway station. Mr Prasert said he also suspects the involvement of DSI authorities in his brother’s disappearance as documents related to the case at the department’s office were ransacked in 2009. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

ASIA NEWS 11

Pimping their rickshaws Indonesian karaoke cleans its image as it goes mobile INDONESIA

n Indonesian rickshaw fitted with a karaoke machine blasts out loud music next to a row of food stalls, as revellers sing and dance nearby. The musical pedicab is among a wave of new innovations helping Indonesians indulge their love of singing wherever they can, from specially equipped trains and buses to services that bring karaoke to your home. Once considered a morallyquestionable pastime that went hand in hand with drinking alcohol and prostitution in the Muslim-majority nation, karaoke has cleaned up its image in recent years and is now a firmly mainstream form of entertainment, as in much of Asia. While the most popular venues for karaoke remain bars, where groups of friends typically sing together in private rooms, the new options are helping crooners belt out tunes in more unlikely settings. Among the new karaoke entrepreneurs is Rudi Hantoro,

Rudi Hantoro arrives on his pedal-powered rickshaw, equipped with a powerful karaoke sound system and a small screen that displays videos and lyrics. Photo: Goh Chai Hin/AFP who has pimped his pedalpowered rickshaw, equipping it with a powerful sound system and a small screen that displays videos and lyrics. “T h is is ka raoke for everyone, bus drivers and housewives, students and taxi drivers,” the 65-year-old said, as a tattooed man sang a rock ballad and his friends danced alongside his vehicle. Hantoro operates his “Karaoke Bike” in the city of Depok, on the main island of Java, cycling to people’s houses when he receives an order, or

setting up on a street corner. One of his regular spots is by food stalls that sit next to a minibus depot and train station, where he has a loyal band of followers, made up of mainly bus drivers. The cost is reasonable – three songs for 5,000 rupiah (B12) or seven for 10,000 rupiah – and his offerings include Indonesian rock, English-language classics and “dangdut”, local pop music famed for its lewd lyrics and raunchy dance moves. “When I have had a fight

with my wife, I sing sad songs here,” said Abdul Haris Jamaludin, a 28-year-old minibus driver and regular customer. Not all the new karaoke innovations are so competitivelypriced, however, with some aimed at a growing army of consumers, whose wealth has increased in recent years on the back of strong economic growth. One such option is train carriages fitted out with karaoke systems, which can be rented by groups who want to hold a party on the move

for between 20 million and 40 million rupiah (B52,714 to B105,429). There is a choice of 20- to 28-seater carriages, which used to be part of a presidential train and are decorated with paraphernalia from the many different cultures found in the archipelago. Once rented, a carriage is fitted to a train making an already scheduled journey across Java, and there are several routes to choose from. In Jakarta, a party bus, “Royale VIP”, is available for hire and boasts a karaoke machine, two poles for dancing and laser lights, so revellers can party as they battle through the capital’s notorious traffic. For those wishing to enjoy a spot of crooning without leaving the comfort of their homes, there are several offerings in the capital, including “Splash Mobile Karaoke”. With the catchline “Karaoke whenever, wherever, you choose the place, we get everything ready”, the service was set up two years ago and business is now booming, according to company founder

Benny Navaro. He provides music for a range of events, including weddings, birthdays, farewell parties and family reunions. “Indonesians can be shy at live-music events, but when they are given a big screen with lyrics, they push aside their worries about sounding out of tune and get down to singing,” Navaro said. While most practice a moderate form of Islam in Indonesia and don’t find karaoke offensive, there are still some conservative Muslim elements who view karaoke bars as dens of sin. Some nightspots choose to close during Islam’s holiest month of Ramadan rather than risk attracting the ire of hard-liners. But a growing number of Indonesians just can’t get enough. “If only there was more entertainment like this for everyday people,” said Jamaludin, at the karaoke rickshaw in Depok. “If you have problems at home, this can really cheer you up.” AFP

Cambodian passenger train back on track CAMBODIA CAMBODIA’S SOLE PASsenger train resumed a regular weekend service this week after being suspended for years, with Prime Minister Hun Sen climbing aboard to inaugurate the first trip. “Today is a very important day for the railway,” John Guiry, the CEO of Royal Railway Cambodia, said

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before the train rolled out of the capital Phnom Penh for the south-western seaport and resort town of Sihanoukville. Cambodia has more than 600 kilometres of track extending from its northern border with Thailand down to the southern coast, but decades of war and neglect have left vast stretches of the network damaged. “The train and railway were almost totally destroyed

by war more than 40 years ago,” Hun Sen wrote on Facebook – a forum the strongman has embraced with gusto in recent months. “Because our country is now at peace, we have the opportunity to rebuild our transport infrastructure.” The premier, who has been in power for more than three decades, also published several dozen photos of himself greeting local passengers

and chatting with monks in the packed train cars. The nearly 270-kilometre route, which passes through farmland and follows part of the country’s scenic coast, was reopened to passenger cars for a trial period during the Khmer new year holiday earlier this month. Trains will now run once a day in either direction from Friday through Sunday. AFP

Cambodian passengers board a train at the Phnom Penh train station, as the railway service resumes after years of suspension. Photo: AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Protesting with raps Moldovan rappers chime against ruling elite’s graft MOLDOVA

ani is a TV producer by day, but in his “second life” the business management graduate dresses up as a mobster to rap about corruption among Moldova’s ruling elite. Ex-Soviet state Moldova is Europe’s poorest nation and has been hit by a string of political crises, with protesters taking to the streets to demand an end to rampant graft among those running the country. While most of the demonstrators have pitched tents and picketed parliament, Mani and other discontented youths have turned to the medium they know best to express their anger – rap music. “I would prefer not to do so many songs about social issues but I think an artist has to react in the face of what

is happening in his country,” 27-year-old Mani said. He has been active in the Moldovan rap scene for a decade, trying through his music to highlight the rotten core in his homeland that was startlingly revealed last year in a scandal over $1 billion – some 15 per cent of Moldova’s GDP – which vanished from the banking system. That scandal was the last straw for many Moldovans, convincing them that they had to take to the streets to battle a ruling class that had lost itself in corruption. Over the past year the country has seen three different governments but the protests still rumble on, demanding new elections to wipe the slate clean. For Mani, whose real name is Marian Lupu, the story of the missing billion dollars has proved a rich source for material. “My buddies were in-

volved with me, they listened to me, they helped me,” raps Mani. “It’s not easy to steal a billion...no, but it’s thrillin’,” he sings in one of his latest songs, “I got a billion.” Wedged between Ukraine and Romania, Moldova is often seen in terms of a tugof-war between Moscow and the West, especially after it inked an historic EU association agreement in 2014 despite bitter opposition from former master Russia. But the current protests have seen both nominally pro-Western and pro-Russian forces from the right and left temporarily put aside their differences to challenge a ruling elite they accuse of using pro-European rhetoric to cover up widespread graft. “I don’t think this was the first billion to be stolen. It just really hit home this time,” says fellow rapper Kapushon, an IT graduate, his hat tilted

While most of the demonstrators have pitched tents and picketed parliament, Mani, pictured, and other discontented youths have turned to the medium they know best to express their anger – rap music. Photo: Daniel Mihailescu/AFP in the hip hop style. “But they have always stolen. Do we know how many billions have been stolen since 1991? We deplore this latest case. That’s if it is still the latest and there are no new ones already.” While the rappers take

aim at the corruption and political scandals, other social problems are also in their sights. Mired in poverty, some 600,000 of Moldova’s 3.5 million inhabitants have moved abroad in search of work and this has also struck

a chord with the musicians. “My father left 12 years ago, my mother nine years back. They were teachers and my father was a headmaster,” Mani said. “It’s the tragedy of our family and that of our country.” AFP

Tripoli women use yoga to escape tensions LIBYA

Breathing easy: women escape the realities of conflicttorn Libya at a seaside yoga session on a beach in Tripoli. Photo: Mahmud Turkia/AFP

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MATS ROLLED TIGHTLY under their arms, a group of women walk to a secluded Tripoli beach for a seaside yoga session to escape tensions in conf lict-stricken Libya. Under the watch of a solitary police car, each Thursday the 25 aspiring yogis begin limbering up, their bright gym attire outlined against the crumbling concrete security compound that forms the backdrop to their open-air yoga studio. “Yoga releases the pressure we live under. Here I can escape reality,” one participant, Mawadda, said

before the afternoon class. “Here I feel free.” Tripoli residents have endured near-constant unrest since a NATO-backed uprising toppled long-time dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011. Libya has since been thrown into disarray, with warring armed groups and rival political factions vying for control and the Islamic State group establishing a bastion in the oil-rich North African country. Thousands of Libyans have fled the unrest but for those left behind, daily life has been significantly curtailed and frequent clashes in the capital mean it is often too dangerous to exercise outside. And with a conservative

Muslim society implicitly imposing restrictions on how one should dress and behave, Libyan women are especially short of viable pastimes. Abir Ben Yushah, who operates an exercise studio at her family-owned gym, struck upon the idea of holding yoga classes after talking to a number of other women. “We understood that women need hobbies and a change after the war,” she said. “After Zumba courses, Arabic and Indian dance classes, and fitness programmes, we decided to start doing yoga on the beach.” Eyes narrowed in concentration, the students – hair covered with headscarves, sun hats or baseball caps – closely

mimic the poses held by Abir. Four women sit on nearby rocks, observing and commenting on the class. A few metres away, the luxurious villas of the Ragata compound once used by Libya’s expatriate oil worker community sit abandoned, some vandalised, like those of Kadhafi’s sons. For many Libyan women who enjoy Italian fashion and like listening to music, practicing yoga was nothing new. The novelty, however, was to do it on a beach in broad daylight without upsetting conservative members of the society. “To be honest, I was a bit scared about the reputation of our club and that people would reproach us for being more free and open than necessary,” Abir says. “I do worry about the reactions of husbands and fathers but at the same time people need new things and new activities just like the rest of the world.” Libyan women, like many others in conservative Arab countries, have respect for religious and societal codes but this has not kept them from adopting the latest trends. They also enrol in universities, work alongside male colleagues, drive themselves and travel abroad if they can afford it. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Chinese buyers eye Phuket properties PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Chinese buyers making enquiries about Phuket property

AoT plans Hat Yai expansion

he CEO of China’s largest international property website has predicted huge growth in the interest in Phuket property from Chinese buyers. “The past 12 months have seen strong growth in Chinese interest in Phuket, which they have really only discovered in big numbers during the last couple of years,” said Charles Pittar, CEO of Juwai.com. Chinese overseas real estate investment has grown from US$5 billion (B174.32bn) in 2010 to US$52 billion (B1.81 trillion) in 2014. It is set to increase to US$220 billion by 2020, he added. “The real estate industry in Phuket should use this time to improve its ability to reach and to service buyers from China,” Mr Pittar noted. “A large number of buyers who haven’t yet purchased an overseas property will in the next couple of years begin to have that opportunity. Those agents and developers who are in a position to help these buyers will benefit most. “Phuket is a notoriously opaque market because of a lack of government or thirdparty reporting, but by following the buyers through our data we can get a sense of what’s happening there,” Mr Pittar explained.

AIRLINES

“Most Chinese enquiries come from investor-minded buyers. Their top three priorities are return on investment, ease of management and quality of facilities and neighbourhood. “Overall, our buyers prefer new property rather than existing homes. They are looking for as much in terms of luxury finishes and services as they can get for their money,” he added. Feedback indicates that Chinese property investors like Thailand due to its proximity to their homeland. “We believe Chinese interest will increase in 2016, and we will release more data tracking later in the year,” Mr Pittar said. “Thailand is almost purely a lifestyle and investment destination, where one of the top motivations is to buy a home for

Purpose for Buying in 2014

Share of Enquiries

Education Immigration

Avg property price (USD)

1% 91,023 34%

702,095

Investment

42%

150,517

Lifestyle/Holiday Home

22%

78,481

• May not = 100 due to rounding.

their children to live in while in the country for their education. Because of the appealing quality of life in Thailand, the second most-reported motivation is immigration. “Phuket is more like a lifestyle investment, with

less expectation of capital gain compared to Bangkok. They can own property by the beach and put that into a hotel-managed rental program. They can enjoy it for 60 days a year and don’t need to manage it the rest of the time.” he said.

Consumer prices edge up in April ECONOMICS CONSUMER PRICES ON average nationwide rose for the first time in 16 months in April, driven by more expensive food, fuel, farm products and cigarettes. The Commerce Ministry said Monday (Apr 2) consumer prices based on 450 products and services edged up 0.07 per cent year-on-year last month, with the monthly rate up 0.55% from March. Somkiat Triratpan, director of the Commerce Ministry’s Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, said prices of meat and fresh vegetables surged because of lower supplies caused by widespread drought, while prices in the transport and communication sectors increased @thephuketnews

Hat Yai is home to Thailand’s fifth-busiest airport. Photo: AoT

Prices of vegetables and fruit led a rise in consumer prices in April, the first month with inflation since 2014. Photo by Wichan Charoenkiartpakun after retail fuel prices were adjusted up by 1.79% last month. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, was 0.78% on an annual basis in April and 0.14% on a monthto-month basis. In the first four months of the year, consumer prices fell by 0.35% year-on-year. Core

inflation was 0.70% for the same period. “With steady core inflation rates in the first four months, we expect inflation from now on is unlikely to be lower than previous months in line with higher oil price prospects,” Mr Somkiat said. “We expect inflation to pick up further in

the third and fourth quarters of the year.” He said the Commerce Ministry is scheduled to revise its inflation policy next month after global oil prices started recovering and with farm prices likely to increase thanks to lower supply caused by the drought. The ministry has now forecast 2016 inflation in a range of zero to 1% based on expected economic growth of 2.8-3.8%, assuming Dubai crude oil prices of US$30-40 a barrel and foreign exchange of B36-38 to the US dollar. Exports have risen for two straight months. Shipments rose 1.3% year-on-year in March in dollar terms to $19.12 billion. In baht terms, shipments surged 10.77% to B676.52 billion. Bangkok Post

THE AIRPORTS OF THAIland Plc (AoT) plans to upgrade Hat Yai International Airport to address the issues of overcrowding and future traffic growth. A two-stage expansion is now in place to quadruple the airport’s designed annual passenger handling capacity to 10 million a year over the next 12 years, up from current capacity of 2.5 million. The multi-billion-baht expansion of the country’s fifthbusiest airport was revealed on Monday (May 2) in the wake of a continued surge in passenger throughput, which has already surpassed its present capacity. For the fiscal year to September 2015, the airport in Songkhla province processed 3.56 million passengers, 21.19 per cent more than the previous year, with aircraft movements soaring 15.71% to 24,258. Over the past five years, the airport has recorded an average annual increase of 18.1% in terms of passenger traffic and a 15.1% spike in aircraft movements. Passenger traffic through Hat Yai is projected to grow to 4.5 million in fiscal 2019, 5.9 million in 2024 and 9.1 million

in 2034. Aircraft movements, in terms of take-offs and landings, are expected to grow to 31,087 in 2019, 41,308 in 2024 and 64,029 in 2034. Rittirong Gornmanee, general manager of the airport, said that the first stage of the expansion recently got underway. It is slated to boost the airport’s passenger handling capacity to 4.5 million a year by 2018. There are seven components involved in the “urgent” phase, including improvement of the passenger terminal and expansion of the apron to raise the number of parking bays from seven to nine. From 2019 to 2028, he envisions the construction of a new passenger terminal, a cargo terminal and the removal of the existing passenger terminal to pave the way for an improved apron and taxiways. Hat Yai is served by seven airlines, including Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Smile, Bangkok Airways, AirAsia and Tiger Airways. It connects with 10 destinations, three of them international. The top five international arrivals to Hat Yai airport are from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, China and Japan, respectively. Bangkok Post

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Prestige in the making

Restoring to glory Phuket’s original resort Grande Dame HOSPITALITY

he greatest part of a magician’s act is The Prestige, when the focus of the audience’s attention – be it a bird in a box that has been squashed flat or a voluptuous assistant who has just been sawn in half – is restored in full, leaving onlookers filled with wonder. Such a work of magic is now at hand for Frank Grassman, General Manager of The Nai Harn, the renowned Phuket resort known for decades as the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. The credentials of the Royal Phuket Yacht Club are beyond question. The resort, in its heyday, hosted guests of the highest calibre: Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, Prince Albert of Monaco, Prince Henrik of Denmark, former French president Jacques Chirac, the late actor Sir Peter Ustinov, dance legend Rudolf Nureyev, Henry Kissinger, US actor Forest Whittaker and – as everyone seems to know – Roger Moore, who once fought Dr No on his famously eponymous James Bond Island off the coast of Phang Nga. After an 18-month refit, the resort reopened in January to international fanfare, but now simply called The Nai Harn. Yet resting on laurels is far from Mr Grassman’s mind.

The mainstay feature of the resort, that each room has unobstructed views of Nai Harn Bay, remains unchanged. He has launched a multiphasic strategy to lure back the calibre of the great guests of yesteryear, starting with his pre-opening work that began mid last year. Yet it is not what has changed at the resort, rather than what has not changed, that remained the first step in ensuring that previous guests returned, Mr Grassman explains. The illusion of change “The overall structure of the building has not changed since 1986. It was exactly like what it is now. We have 130 rooms, of which 20 are suites. The largest [format]

is a one-bedroom suite with a connecting room. There are no super large suites,” he says. “This is one of the major common threads going through the 30-year history, that the rooms are all facing the ocean. They have also these huge sizes - about 80 per cent of our guest rooms have a 40sqm terrace in front of the room. This has always been talked about – from then until now.” But inside the rooms, everything has changed. “It was necessary after all these years, they now have all the mod-cons you need, and our level of luxury, like each room has ‘super king-sized bed’ two metres long and 2.2m wide. They are wider than they are long, and our guests have queried this,” Mr Grassman notes. “But the pool is in the same place, the restaurant is in the same place, there is a great air of familiarity,” he adds. The balance of change,

while maintaining core characteristics has not gone unnoticed. “It’s great that this hotel has such a long history of so many loyal guests who used to come here year in and year out,” Mr Grassman says. “Many of those came back. In the few months [since reopening] we have had quite a number of guests who had stayed here before anything from five to 20 times. They were, when they first walked in, a little shell-shocked. It is very different from what it looked like before. Before, it had this very ’80s terracotta tile, teakwood flair, which was very common in those days. “Now it has a contemporary, a little bit minimalistic, approach, so it was a bit of a shock for most of those guests... but the next day they were settling to it.” Leading the World The staff are a crucial factor in the resort’s new international affiliation with the group Leading Hotels of the World.

“Word of mouth has always been a great factor for this type of property, and being a member of Leading Hotels of the World is one of our strategies,” Mr Grassman explains. “This is a marketing organisation that comprises 400 independent properties all around the world; only the best independent properties. This alone attracts a certain type of clientele that looks at attention to detail and wants to make sure that the experience is out of this world… “There’s this constant attention to detail which is common throughout those hotels in this organisation. In fact their slogan for this year is ‘Remarkably uncommon’, so we need to come up with ways to be ‘Remarkably uncommon.’” To this, every aspect of the guest experience deserves full attention, from poolside service, to truly unique spa treatments offered, right down to champagne room service

by pushing a button on the four-poster beds. Even the coffee is served with a sliver of handmade Belgian chocolate on a wooden board with a toffee hammer with which to “crack”. Fine Vintage And then there’s the wine. “We look to attract discerning travellers, such as those who appreciate the fact that every single wine on our wine list has been selected by the world’s most famous wine critic, James Suckling. We’re the only hotel in the world who has that feature,” Mr Grassman explains. Indeed, Mr Suckling will be in Phuket on May 13 to host an event at the resort’s Rock Salt Restaurant to announce the winners of Top 10 rosé wines in Thailand and unveil his specially curated list of wines to be served by the resort. Cocktails served at the resort are special creations, too. “Our cocktail list has been created by one of the most famous bartenders in the world, Salim Khoury, the Head Barman at the American Bar at The Savoy in London for 34 years. “He set up and organised the training and preparation of cocktail lists at all bars at The Nai Harn and was in residence for one month following the opening,” Mr Grassman notes. “These are all the little details we are putting in that will attract that certain type of client,” he says. Independence Key to orchestrating the symphony of subtle, and not so subtle, changes is the freedom to manage, Mr Grassman explains. “I find it liberating and energising at the same time. I report to the owners directly. The owners have a very defined vision for this property. They want to make this the best non-villa hotel in Phuket. “With this clear vision, they have given me the freedom to reach this goal. Of course it puts me under pressure – and this of course is not a hobby of the owners; it is a business, it needs to make profits, so that pressure is always there – but how we reach these goals is up to me, and I have a top team behind me. “The hotel was the first and the best [resort in Phuket] in 1986 and we want to bring it back to where it was,” he says. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

How Phuket got to where it is today

STREET SMART Using street art to conserve culinary customs > Page 18

Artist Pattcharapon ‘Alex Face’ Tangreun at downtown market. Photo: Dan Miles.

@thephuketnews

Hardcore holistic for the uberhealthy

16 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Surfing skills, survival success Sea safety pushed at Andaman Sea Surf School’s 15th Anniversary

echa “Day” Sithidej, founder of Andaman Sea Surf School (ASSS), grew up surfing, and has seen first-hand the disasters being in the sea can bring about without the necessary survival skills. “Most of these kids and adults drowning is because of the way their parents have raised them – to fear the water, and stay away from it. I understand they love their kids, and want to protect them, but in the end it only puts them more at risk. They shouldn’t be shielding their kids from the danger, but showing them how to survive it. So that’s what we’re doing here.” Celebrating its 15th anniversary on Saturday (Apr 30), ASSS brought together veterans of Phuket’s surf community to focus on passing on their love for the sport as well as survival skills. Day started out with what has now become the Surfing Thailand Association and has also started integrating Stand Up Paddling (SUP) into his curriculum. The surfing community, however, has recently taken a hit in support from mainstream international surf brands. Chanin “Joob” Aiyaiak, the president of Surfing Thailand Association (STA), and one of the surfing pioneers in Thailand explains, “The thing about surfing in Phuket, is that the swell only lasts for about five months of the year, so ac-

Andaman Sea Surf’s 15th Anniversary featured activities to promote surf fun and safety. tivities such as SUP and body boarding are great to have the rest of the year.” The Phuket Lifeguard Service ensures beaches are manned with able lifeguards year round, especially during high season. Meanwhile, Prathaiyut “Nat” Chaiyuan, head of Phuket Lifeguard Club, explains that his organisation’s main role was to promote water safety. “Throughout the years, we, the Phuket Lifeguard Club along with Phuket Lifeguard Service have set up surf life-saving competitions, but this

year is proving to be a great event. Thank you to Andaman Sea Surf who have organised a bigger and better event this year.” If you would like to arrange a visit from the Phuket Lifeguard Club at a school, or at a beach, Nat welcomes all enquiries via email (ThaiLifeGuard@gmail. com) and phone (081-892-5549). For events in Phuket and Thailand’s surf community be sure to visit AndamanSeaSurf.com, SurfingThailand.com, and their Facebook pages.

DRUMMING TO BEAT CANCER RHYTHM NATION Marco Monti

unique and free drum circle, DRUMSTRONG, will be held on Saturday May 21. Come out and bang on something or dance at Yoonique Stone Music Cafe in Nai Harn lake from 6pm to 8pm – we’re drumming to beat cancer! DRUMSTRONG raises awareness and funds in support of cancer survivorship, education, and research through rhythm. This event will represent Thailand in a worldwide concerted collaboration to beat cancer. I would like to invite all drummers in Phuket to come and bring your rhythmic spirit! A delicious barbecue will be served for only B100 per person. Drumming circles have been used around the world and throughout human history to rally people for different causes, while bringing the fun and benefits of rhythm into people’s lives. There are three types of drum circles: the facilitated drum circle – an event with a professional facilitator who guides the group into creating music for community, educational, or therapeutic purposes; the free-form drum circle – an event that is not “guided” by anyone and is a more random and somewhat cosmic occurrence; and

Drum circles bring communities together for various causes. the cultural drum circle – an event where musicians play culturally specific rhythms such as music from Ghana, Africa. Virtually every family is affected by cancer. In America, one in two men and one out of three women develop some form of cancer in their lives. If you would like to donate to DRUMSTRONG, bring as little as B20 to Yoonique Stone Cafe, where there will be a donation jar. You can also donate through Paypal: scott@drumstrong.org. We hope to see you there. Bring your beating heart and join this vibrant community energy! Marco Monti is a drum circle facilitator and founder of the drumming event company SYNERGY EVENTS Co., Ltd. He is also the founder of the free and open group “Phuket Drum Circle” (on Facebook). He is a professional member of the Drum Circle Facilitator’s Guild, holding an M.A. in Psychology from the California Institute for Human Science. www.synergydrum. com info@synergydrum.com Tel. (087) 8957284 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HISTORY 17

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

The rise of Phuket Town

From a ramshackle port town to a cultural epicentre Anton Makhrov news@novostiphuketa.com

s the heart and soul of Phuket’s authentic spirit, Phuket Town attracts crowds of tourists to explore its charming narrow streets, take photos of century-old Sino-Portuguese buildings and enjoy Malay-style coffee in one of the numerous cafés. The history of Phuket Town began at around 1800 when a ramshackle Chinese port town appeared at what is now known as Phoonpon Rd. The settlement rested on Klong Bang Yai, which in those days was the main canal supplying Kathu and other tin-mining areas with provisions. The place had all prospects for rapid development, but Burmese invasions slowed progress. It was not until the second half of the century when the island (and future Phuket Town) recovered from the desolation and it took another 50 years for the province to gain some wealth. The Penang Gazette referred to Phuket Town in the last years of the 19th century as “a most rotten and unhealthy place … a collection of Chinese huts and hovels.” The town began taking its current shape in the early 1900s, when shophouses replaced old shacks made from atap leaf and wood. These later gave way for more ornate architecture, following the prescripts of architecture from Penang and Singapore. If you want to credit this progress, without any doubt it should be given to Phraya Rassada, also known as Kaw Sim Bee, the legendary high commissioner of Phuket who transformed the province. In the 16 years of his governance fol-

One of the first cars to hit Thalang Rd.

@thephuketnews

Police station clock tower at the Phang Nga Rd and Phuket Rd junction around 1908, and in 2016. lowing his appointment in 1900, Phraya Rassada and wealthy Chinese families, supported by a healthy cash flow from a rapidly recovering tin price, turned Phuket into a flourishing provincial town. Paved roads with drains were built, running water and some sanitation were constructed along with the introduction of electricity. In 1906 Phraya Rassada raised the capital required to start the Vachira Hospital and brought in a British doctor. Four years later the first Chinese school was opened and later several more appeared. Phraya Rassada raised funds from all possible sources, including targeted taxes, donations from prominent mining families and even foreign capital, working towards development and improving infrastructure. Under Phraya Rassada, concessions granted to foreign companies often meant the applicant agreed to donating

towards social work or civil infrastructure. In 1907 he invited the Standard Chartered Bank from Penang to build a branch on Phuket Rd on the condition that they also build a police station opposite it, partly for the bank’s own protection, but also for that of the town. This police station, with its clock tower, still stands at the junction with Phang Nga Rd opposite the old Standard Chartered Bank building. Similarly, when an Italian consortium applied for a mining license in Kathu, Phraya Rassada agreed they could have it if they built a cinema – and so the Charlermto Movie House was built. Its ornate stucco exterior can still be seen on the corner of Dibuk Rd and Yaowarat Rd opposite the Lock Tien Restaurant today (see also, Dining, page 21). The beautiful Sala Klang, or provincial hall, designed by an Italian architect, was built between 1907 and 1913. Other notable buildings of those days include the governor’s mansion, the tin mines department building, the old provincial court building, the prison and the colonial villa that today houses the Baan Klung Jinda Restaurant, which was built as the residence for the provincial treasurer. Several elegant colonial mansions were also built by wealthy tin barons in this boom period. The huge mansion at 98 Krabi Rd was built by Tan Ma Siang, while Tan Peck Huat built the handsome villa that now houses the Thai Airways office on Ranong Rd. Phraya Rassada had telegraph lines installed throughout Monton Phuket (“Greater Phuket”), and used his own steamer service to improve the mail service – at a profit to himself, naturally. Within a few years of his appointment, even the anti-Siamese Penang Gazette had to admit that Phuket town had

Phraya Rassada, or Kaw Sim Bee, the High Commissioner of Phuket from 1900-1913. changed from a “rotten and unhealthy place … [to] … a place holding out attractions for capital and enterprise.” In 1909 Crown Prince Vajiravudh, the future Rama VI, visited Phuket. After seeing the new villas, the rows of new white and pastel coloured shop-houses, the new cinema, the new brewery, the new ice factory, the many rickshaws and horse-carriages and even the four motor cars on Phuket’s roads at the time, he commented that “apart from Bangkok, there were no other places more highly developed in Siam than Phuket.” Adapted with permission from A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region by Colin Mackay. Available from bookshops or from amazon.com. See also historyofphuket.com.

Pop art for heritage 18 ART

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Modernising gastronomical conservation in Old Town with street art

Shayan Amin editor1@classactmedia.co.th

rtist Zen and property developer Wirachai Pranveerapaibool are responsible for the street art storm that has been taking over Phuket Old Town, having conceived the project over two days in March. The food themes on the murals are not coincidental, inspired by Phuket’s inclusion in Unesco Creative Cities listing for its gastronomic delights. Wirachai believes there is a need to build up on the accolade – through a book focused on conserving Phuket’s gastronomical heritage, and the street murals are a first step to that. Each of the 12 street art images represents one of the 12 chapters in the yet-to-be published book on Phuket’s culinary heritage. Wirachai is the finance and direction behind the murals. In providing financial support for the project, which has received no budget from the Tourism Authority or the Phuket City Municipality, Wirachai paid for the materials and equipment used to create the works of art and for the flights and accommodation for the artists, who are

Zen’s collaborative piece at the Soi RommaneeThalang Rd intersection. Photo: Dan Miles

providing their skills for free. The carefully chosen locations of the murals are all blank walls in public areas that act as focal points. Wirachai has been very thoughtful, “Every single painting has to be walkable from each other. Within two to three hours you can see all the murals in Phuket Town, like a walking tour of sorts.” Formerly a professional architect and currently a hotelier, Wirachai makes for the consummate organiser for the “So Phuket” project, bringing together a community of people who love Phuket culture and want to preserve it. More than anything, he and his collaborators have created space for artists such as Zen to be able to create within, drawing in artists and admirers alike to benefit in a myriad of ways while he puts together symbolism, conformity and heritage for means to provide aesthetics and food for thought in Old Town. Zen, his given name of Danai Usama long forgotten, is a local artist and sculptor from Phuket and has spent the last decade exhibiting all over Europe. The street art project in Phuket has already stirred up undue attention with the bureaucratic kerfuffle behind the mural by Bangkok artist Pattcharapon ‘Alex Face’ Tangreun on the historic Standard Chartered Building, attention that Zen sees as a positive force in spreading exposure and awareness of art in Phuket, where the vast majority of people are either uninterested or do not go out of their way to visit galleries and attend exhibitions. “Phuket is special now. People do not go to galleries. Having street art is good for the culture, for the progress of the civilisation. It helps open eyes for the arts… it’s Phuket’s time for an art scene.” For Zen, the most important feature is the ability to get his art out, to affect as many people as possible, and to make art a part of their everyday awareness. He points out that even Krabi has contemporary art museums, something that is starkly missing in Phuket, despite the prolific number of artists who have turned out to take part in the massive project of 12 murals, of which he has painted four in conjunction with fellow artists.

The Ang Ku and Pigeon pieces at the Soi RommaneeThalang Rd intersection. Photo: Dan Miles Zen explains his goals very clearly, “Art for the public and the people of Phuket who do not know about about street art, and to impact people. There are hardly any museums in Phuket and no contemporary art museums.” Despite the social media popularity of the street murals created under the project, the outrage created by Alex Face’s “Mardi” mural being painted on a historical building indicates a reservation, and perhaps even outright disdain for street art, likely indicates that Zen is not incorrect when he alludes to a lack of artistic appreciation and interest in Phuket. “Street art has a negative perception – ‘bad boys’ who spray paint. People do not know about the artistry involved in making street art happen,” he says. Zen and his friends draw an interesting, and rather apt comparison. “Tattoos were seen negatively as well. Over time, as more people got tattoos and people saw them more, the reaction changed from outright disgust to an interest in the individual tattoos reacting to the imagery. It has become about reactions to the tattoo itself instead of dismissing tattoos because of social stigma,” Zen notes.

Wirachai (L) and Zen at Wua Art Gallery. Photo: Dan Miles Given the upsurge of street art in Bangkok over the past five years, Zen’s efforts are likely to come to fruition. Of the current 12 murals underway, Zen has worked on four with fellow artists. Street art has its own special magic for creators like Zen – it takes two to three hours, sometimes an entire night, to put a mural together and he enjoys the impact it has. “People in Phuket wake up to a mural and find it stunning,” he says. Zen and his fellow artists have an acute understanding of exposure and how daily contact with the murals, coupled with the sheer numbers and media exposure, are likely to create an indelible impression on Phuket residents, and not just the artist community. As for their detractors? Wirachai puts it well, “This kind of art cannot have a public hearing. It has to be between the project and the town… So many people ask me the meaning, ultimately, the meaning is you. Good or bad, it is beautiful.” Thanks to Watcharin “Khun Nui” Rodnit for acting as translator for this article. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 19

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Romeo and Juliet: the remix Accessible, enjoyable Shakespeare

Shayan Amin editor1@classactmedia.co.th

eadStart International School, in conjunction with Theatrix by Joel Adams, recently performed a vivid rendition of Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet, replete with cheery singing, choreographed dancing and an eclectic, energetic cast that aptly captured the petulance and melodrama of adolescent love. Abridged, with some adaptations for clarity, the original script still bore through, all while giving room for the cast to have their own spins on well-known characters. The production, far from trying to adhere to stodgy accuracies of Shakespearean theatre, captures the merri-

ment of Mercutio and Gregory, the dourness of Tybalt, all while gathering the cast to dance to Taylor Swift’s Trouble in a modern nod to what troublesome relationships translate to in today’s world. Denalyn Kwok makes for a charming Juliet, deftly channelling a melodramatic teenager willing to give up everything for her love, but the play takes on a singular energy with Juliet’s nurse, camped up to heights of hilarity and ridiculousness by Angela Sornhirn, who made for the epicentre of every scene she was in. The cast as a whole used their wardrobe to vibrant effect: silly hats, colourful shirts, and an apothecary decked out as a Gandhi-Marley hybrid created a fun, engaging performance that showed clearly how invested the entire cast of students and teachers were in the pro-

Gecko Farmers

Gecko kids exploring the Mandala Garden at Phuket Farmer’s Club. Celi Harper info@geckoschool.org

amien and his permaculture crew at Phuket Farmer’s Club welcomed Gecko Community with open arms when they visited during their weekly community day last Friday (Apr 29). Gecko’s co-founder Huw Roberts said, “The kids loved being there @thephuketnews

and so easily connected with nature. This type of stuff just can’t be learnt within the four walls of a classroom. The kids amused themselves for hours in the woods with sticks and making up their own games using materials from the environment. The imagination, creativity, collaboration and communication that took place really was quite impressive.”

From left: Lady Capulet, Juliet and The Nurse. Photos: Katie Baines. duction of the play. This production was the second of three theatrical productions in the

Outta the Box Classics series, with one more to go for those who missed out on this one. Stay tuned.

20 COMMUNITY

Photo: Wai Netiya JP Mestanza sales3@classactmedia.ac.th

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Pride Week ends with a parade

huket Pride Week and Phuket Loves You Club last Sunday (May 1) hosted the conclusion to the week-long LGBT awareness event on Soi Paradise in Patong. Ken Miller, the outreach manager for Phuket Pride Week explained to The Phuket News, “Whenever we have a march, whenever we have a parade, it’s just so enlightening that people come out and do it. There’s always that fear, that stigma of being gay and they don’t want to have their family seeing them, but we have to stand out and be proud – this is who we are. This is what Pride is about. One day out of the whole year when we can be who we are.” “Singaporeans used to come up to Phuket to celebrate being LGBTs,” Miller says. “Seeing this, Khun Dan from Gold Bar felt the need to come up with something similar, so he got some business owners together to make it happen. Since 2000, with

the exception of the tsunami or government interference, the event has been hosted every year. “It’s so exciting to see people out there watching, clapping, taking photos, saying hi, actually taking our garlands and being part of the experience we’re putting out. Whenever we do something like that we start to break down the barriers that keep us separate

from the other communities and the stigma slowly starts to deteriorate. And that’s what it’s all about, being treated equally, fairly, like everybody else.” The main purpose of Phuket Pride Week and the Phuket Pride Parade is to help out the Thai community, and they are happy to do what they can to make sure their Thai community has a healthy life, Ken adds.

Second OeP Create Space Open Day

t’s a festival, a creative feast of art and craft, a big community party that promises to be a memorable event. The Oasis ed. Phuket Create Space Open Day #2 welcomes everyone to come along and join free art and craft activities. Having recently relocated to an exciting new venue, Oasis ed. Phuket is looking forward to welcoming the Phuket community around for a visit on , May 14. Renowned for their creativity and community spirit, Oasis ed. Phuket will host a number of free art and craft activities for adults and kids, as well as a free fire show workshop, henna painting, live art displays, music, food, drinks, laughing, playing, probably some singing and dancing too. This Open Day is the perfect opportunity to come along and check out exactly what Oasis ed. Phuket does. With live displays of art being made, including woodwork, sculpture, jewellery making and more, and all the teachers will be on hand to chat with. Visitors are also encour-

aged to bring along musical instruments to join a drumming jam session later in the day. As part of the event, there will also be a mini photography exhibition by the Rawai Photography Club, alongside an art exhibition by the Oasis ed. Phuket students and teachers. If you visited their last Open Day in November, then be sure to come along again and maybe even discover some artwork you left behind. The OeP Create Space Open Day will begin at 2pm, in Soi Saiyuan 9, Rawai, and is sure to go until late. Visitors are advised to look for the signs and flags along the Saiyuan Rd to help find their way to the Create Space. This event is generously sponsored by The Phuket News, The Kids Club, Phuketstagram and Negart. com. For further details please visit www. oasisedphuket.com or contact Kez via kez@oasisedphuket.com or call 0849462171. thephuketnews

An energizing lunch HOLISTIC HAPPINESS Marque A. Rome

Holistic Chef Barry aka Barry Anderson learned the culinary arts of working with foods from nature and managed to drop more than 45 kilogrammes of excess weight. Over the next 20 years, Barry conducted intensive research of the weight loss industry, our current food supply system, the environment, social issues and natural health with fitness and longevity living. Barry has lived with his Thai Family at the Garden Villa Phuket Good Earth Health Residence in Chalong for the last 20 years. For more extras, over 365 weight loss and longevity recipes including more than 50 natural health articles, photographed and written by Holistic Chef Barry himself you can can visit Chef Barry’s page here at flic.kr/ ps/QgogH. All recipes are gluten-free and use natural whole food plant based recipes that our forefathers before us have enjoyed for thousands of years.

DINING 21

t a Land & Houses estate called Garden Villa Phuket Good Earth Health Residence in Chalong, The Phuket News’ Managing Editor Steven Layne and I were greeted by former Hanna-Barbera and Disney cartoon animator Barry Anderson, or “Chef Barry Gourmet and Raw” as he’s known to his followers. Anderson writes about the secrets of composting and similar subjects for this newspaper, among other publications. He is Phuket’s local guru of holistic food preparation – and consumption (because there’s a right way and a wrong way to do that too, as we’ll see). Anderson was our host that day for a luncheon prepared using his unique holistic recipes. The latter are based on ideas wholly foreign to the average human carnivore. Most folks walk into a supermarket and see shelves filled with tantalising comestibles and items that make life easier or are useful around the house. Not Anderson. He sees mostly poison, and he’s doubtful of their safety even in unopened containers. He says he is “forced to grow my own foods now” because of what he calls “this disaster food supply situation.” Anderson was not always so discriminating. Formerly obese, standing 1.63 metres and weighing 109 kilogrammes, he now weighs 59. He told us about his journey from roly-poly cartoonist to svelte connoisseur of organic gardening techniques and really cool compost heaps while we munched on our first course, chilled chocolate fruit cup consisting largely of goji berries, pineapple and lime. “You should eat raw food first, cooked food last,” Anderson explained, “otherwise it rots in the gut.” The aforesaid dish is “high-enzyme” and promotes digestion, while the pre-soaked goji berries are antioxidants. Our main course was a salad of various leafy greens, walnuts, tomato, apple cider vinegar, raw organic honey – and avocado.

Up to six times as much beta-carotene absorption is found to occur with avocado added to a dish; and not only does it improve carotenoid absorption, it also improves conversion of specific carotenoids into active Vitamin A. His recipes, he explained while spraying colloidal silver on our salad to give it a “wet look” (the silver particles of which also kill Ebola and other viruses), are based on observation of how things interact, and by “things”, he doesn’t mean just foods. He is dead against use of aluminum or plastic in saunas and spas because when heated they emit toxic chemicals, and notes that coffee beans are typically produced using chemicals banned by the FDA in America.

Anderson’s ultimate plan is to create menus that don’t weigh you down, and by the time we finish lunch I realise he’s on to something: I feel light, energetic and ready to swim. Moreover, it was all tasty, delightfully clean and wholesome. “But what about weight loss, Barry; what’s the secret?” Oh, that. “The secret is to realise your metabolism takes a couple months to catch up to your diet.” Meaning one should not expect one’s appetites to change in lock-step with the menu. It takes time – and a few meals at Chef Barry’s Garden Villa Phuket probably wouldn’t hurt either. To get a better idea of Chef Barry’s oeuvre, visit www.gardenvillaphuket.com

Taste of Phuket’s cultural heritage STREET EATS Anton Makhrov news@novostiphuketa.com

ne can spend several years on Phuket island without even trying real local food, which is a melting pot of cultures, with Thai, Chinese and Malay being the top contributors. If you are looking to broaden your culinary horizons, a good bowl of Phuket-style Mee Hokkien is a good starting point: Phuket Town’s 50-baht everyday lunch. Located on Yaowarat Rd, Lock Tien restaurant is one of the main strongholds of Thai-Chinese gastronomic heritage. The place specialises in noodle dishes and during lunch time is packed with locals and plus some foreigners exploring Phuket Town.

Lock Tien serves several types of Hokkien noodles, but my personal favourite is Mee Lueang Pad Hokkien, which means stir-fried yellow noodles Hokkien style. It comes in a deep bowl with some thick gravy, Chinese red pork, some veggies and squid. You can get your noodles with a soft-boiled egg, and I strongly recommend you go this way. The noodles themselves are thick,

soft and chewy, but it’s the gravy that makes this Mee Hokkien stand out. When you break the egg and mix its yolk into the noodles, the gravy develops an incredible thick, syrupy texture and buttery taste, with hints of smokiness, sweet tones and saltiness of the soy sauce. Besides noodles, Lock Tien serves several other local signature dishes, including Phuket’s renowned po-pia sod

which are big spring rolls with some Hoisin sauce on them. The rolls are fragrant and light, while the sauce is thick, sweetish and rich. Altogether it creates a salty-sweet and crunchy-soft combination. Many locals claim that po-pia sod is the most authentic dish of Phuket Town, so it is definitely worth trying. Lock Tien Local food Center is located at the intersection of Yaowarat Rd and Dibuk Rd in Phuket’s Old Town. The restaurant opens before noon and closes at about 5pm.

22 ISLAND SCENE

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Phuket City Mayor Somjai (centre) with organisers.

ALL THAT JAZZ Phuket's Geof Oakes

Phuket's 5th edition of the UNESCO International Jazz Day Festival, from April 27-30, was a huge success, and proved to be bigger and better than before with dozens of musicians from all over the world flying in to take part in the event.

This year's theme was 'Hand in Hand in Thailand'.

Sponsors and members of the LGBT community in Phuket turned out for the Parade.

Organisers said the theme is meant to express unity not only amongst the LBGT community, but the broader community in Thailand.

PHUKET PRIDE PARADE 2016

The parade was held along Thaweewong Rd.

Phuket Prideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to bring together the Phuket LGBTQ communities through its many events during Pride, moneys raised during Pride supports initiatives created in HIV prevention, education and treatment.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mandara Spa hosted the event.

Daily seminars and activities with practitioners.

QUINTESSENTIAL WELLNESS WORKSHOP AT JW MARRIOTT The Quintessential Wellness Workshop 2016 carefully selected the best nutritional specialists, celebrity performance coaches and yoga enthusiasts to ensure the best education and entertainment while discovering the benefits of stress management, conducted by the wellness practitioners, Kim White, Craig Burton and Hayden Rhodes. thephuketnews

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ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Although it was not a race, some just couldn’t hide their competitiveness.

4TH PHUKET INTERBIKE HASH

The bike route was marked by a paper-trail.

Phuket Mountain Bike Hash proudly hosted a three-day mountain bike event from last Friday (Apr 29) through to Sunday (May 1) in Phuket. The trail crossed forests, hills, coconut groves, jungle, rubber tree, and other sorts of plantations in the Bang Tao area. The route for the mountain bike hash, marked by bits of paper, usually takes riders off-road and varies in riding time from 1.5 to 2 hours.

Romeo breaks up a fight between Mercutio and Tylbalt.

SHAKESPEARE AT HEADSTART

Juliet’s father threatens to disown her.

Theatrix and Joel Adams, in partnership with HeadStart International School, brought the classic play, Romeo and Juliet, to life last Friday (Apr 29) at 6pm in the HeadStart Sports Hall Theatre. The show was an abridged version of the play with some adaptations for clarity, with a cast made up of teens and adults from different walks of life.

Head of Phuket Lifeguard Club, Nat (centre) and guards.

Khun Decha (far right) with Andaman Sea Surf School team

15TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANDAMAN SEA SURF SCHOOL Girls’ SUP competitors Winni, Teya, Sai and Karen. (With paddles) @thephuketnews

SUP races, CPR training, rescue board races, beach cleaning and live music were all part of the fun at the 15th Anniversary of Andaman Sea Surf held at Patong beach last Saturday (Apr 30).

24 EVENTS

FRI

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6 MAY

All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs & Chicken Every Friday

Weekly all you can eat BBQ pork ribs & chicken every Friday in all Two Chefs. Restaurants 12:00 - 00:00. Only 395 B. Come for the food stay for the fun. Reservations.

Live entertainment Friday and Saturday night at Ceramic Kitchen

Welcome to Ceramic Kitchen Bar and Restaurant, a charming Phuket restaurant serving Western and Thai food in the cozy atmosphere of a clay house. Open every day 12pm - 12am (except Tuesdays). Book your table for this weekend! Live entertainment Friday and Saturday evening. RSVP, 185/15 Moo 7, Srisoonthorn Rd., T. Srisoonthorn Thalang, Phuket, Thailand 83110, 099 410 0956, www.facebook.com/ceramickitchenphuket.

Pom Fundraiser @ Kangaroo Bar

BISP Art exhibition - The Mad Artists Tea Party

British artist Goldie MBE will open ‘The Mad Artists Tea Party’ on Monday 21 March at 3pm in the main lobby at BISP. The Grand Opening is open to the general public, and the exhibition runs until 27 May 2016. For more information about visual art at BISP, please visit bisphuket. ac.th/visual-arts.

Popular Aussie expat bar Kangaroo Bar in Patong’s Bangla Rd will be holding a fundraising night on Friday May 6 to raise funds to go towards a mobility scooter for one of Patong’s disabled street vendors, Mr Pom. The event kicks off at 7pm and everyone is welcome to attend and help raise funds for a very worthwhile cause.

SAT

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

SUN

8 MAY

7 MAY Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

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

‘A RAY OF HOPE 5’ CHAIRITY BOWLING COMPETITION

The Lions Club of Phuket Pearl is organizing a Charity Activity to raise funds for our continued actions in the various sectors in our community in need of our support. The event will take place on Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 09:30 a.m. to 14:00 p.m. at C.S. Bowl, BIG C Center Entertainment ( 3 rd floor), BIG C PHUKET. In view of insuring that our objective “TO SERVE” is reached with success, we invite you to joint us by sponsoring this Charity Bowling, “A RAY of HOPE 5” as follows:A. Support a team (3 players) by filling the enclosed “Intention Form” with Baht 3,000 per team B. Sponsor Baht 3,000 without sending a team (give us your Advertising Sign) C. Donation in the form of complementary Voucher or other itemsProudly supported by Live 89.5.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Come and enjoy authentic flavours of India by indulging in our special weekend lunch set for only B399++ per person between 11am-3pm. Menu includes 3 starters, 4 main course and dessert served with Gulab Jamun/Phirni Vanilla Custard/ Ice Cream (choose 1). All for just B399++ per person. For more info please call 076 304 034.

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

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast first and third Friday of the month, in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys/Achars, Pistachio Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun, Fruits. Extra dishes on the menu: ONION BHAJI, BOMBAY ALOO, DAL MAKHINI, VANILLA ICE-CREAM. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks.

Friday BBQ Buffet at SKYE Beach Club

Price at 799++, RSVP, SKYE Beach Club at Naiyang Beach, 093 582 7700.

POP UP AT BLISS - 7MAY 2016

11 award winning chefs, one location, one night only! Phuket’s 11 hottest restaurants will Pop Up at Bliss Beach Club on Saturday 7th May in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! Pop by to taste delicacies from the chefs of Anantara Phuket Layan Resort & Spa, Angsana, Aziamendi at Iniala, Bampot, Bliss Beach Club, Novotel Phuket Surin Beach, ENZO, Higher, Kata Rocks, Metzo’s Bistro & Bar at Outrigger and Paresa. Andaman Wine Club, BB&B, Two Tales & Chalong Bay will provide free flow! More info - info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or 076 278 146. Media sponsorship proudly provided by Live 89.5

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

Mussels night @ Shakers

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

Lighthouse Market 2016

Lighthouse Market Eat Chill Shop. Friday & Saturday 18.00 - 22.00. 6-7 May 2016. Best for the last flavors of the world. Live music - Live DJ From Radio trip - Outdoor Theater - Fireworks show. Bee, Phuket Boat Lagoon, 095 012 2442

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

A CASUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH BY THE POOLSIDE

Relaxing afternoon by the poolside featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies and fresh seafood from the Ocean. Special Promotions: (1) A group of over 10 people receive 20% discount. (2) Birthday celebrations – birthday person receives a complimentary Brunch. The rest of the party, if over 10 people receive 20% discount. All prices are subject to a 7% government tax and a 10% service charge. Children’s prices are applicable to those aged from six to twelve. Children under the age of six dine with our compliments. RSVP, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

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EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

SUN

8 MAY

Britpop Anthems at Two Chefs Karon Sunday May 08th. Classic British Sunday Roast at only 395B. Come and Rock with us! Reservations, Two Chefs Karon

WED

11 MAY

SAT

14 MAY

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservations recommended THB295 P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

OeP Create Space Open Day #2

Sunday Brunch at Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort Indulge yourself in a culinary experience like no other: a wide selection of Thai delicacies alongside sushi platter, pasta, pizza, meat carving station and a variety of desserts. Only THB 399++ per person. Toddlers below 4 years old eat for free. Children aged 4-12 receive 50% discount. Advance booking recommended. RSVP, info@novotelphuketsurin.com

MON

All you can eat Aussie BBQ only 495 Baht. Fresh off the BBQ Two Chefs famous ribs as well as great selection of mixed grill favorites. Enjoy also our selection of fresh salads, dips and canapes. Come for the food and stay for the fun.Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Beach.

SAT

9 MAY

All you can eat BBQ night

10 MAY

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info.

@thephuketnews

If you have time this month get down to Sea Breeze located in Royal Phuket Marina. Open 9am to 10pm everyday serving home-made mexican specialties, flame grilled burgers and Thai specials! All sport available shown live, Contact: Reservations, info@seabreezerpm.com, 076 360 806.

12 MAY

Phuket International Women’s Club Meet & Greet Toastmasters Phuket

Great Mexican, Thai and Flamegrilled Burgers in a beautiful setting!

Every Wednesday eat all you can - pizza and pasta only for 500 Baht. Drink all you can Peroni & Belleville only for 450 Baht or both EAT DRINK ALL YOU CAN ONLY FOR 890 Bath with DOUBLE EXPRESSIONS LIVE! Wednesdays 6pm to 11pm. info@pastabellini.com. Located at Chalong Circle, Chao-Fa East.

THU

Phuket International Women’s Club Meet & Greet @ 10:30AM | Starbucks Central Festival, every second Thursday of the month. May 12th, 2016 – The PIWC “Meet & Greet” . If you are there for shopping or having lunch, pop in and say hi. It is also a great opportunity for those who want to know more about the PIWC to pop in for an informal chat. We’d love to meet you! For enquiries, please contact Joan Watson, 087 282 0422.

EVERY DAY

4 JUN

Every Wednesday! All-you-caneat Pasta and Pizza

6pm – 11pm: beef, pork, chicken, burgers, sausages, prawns & squids, salad buffet, choice of potatoes & sauces, bread, buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

TUE

Weekly BBQ Every Wednesday

The Oasis ed. Phuket Create Space is back for round 2 with their next (bigger, better!) Open Day! Somewhere between a festival, an art exhibition, an open house and big community party. This Open Day is the perfect opportunity to come along and check out exactly what Oasis ed. Phuket does. With live displays of art being made, including woodwork, sculpture, jewelry making and more, all the teachers will be on hand for you to chat with. Visitors are also encouraged to bring along musical instruments to join a drumming jam session later in the day. For further details please visit www.oasisedphuket. com or contact Kez via kez@oasisedphuket. com or call 0849462171 This event is generously sponsored by The Phuket News, The Kids Club, Phuketstagram and Negarta.com Khun Kerrily Jennings, kez@oasisedphuket.com.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

11th LAGUNA PHUKET INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2016 Asia’s largest destination marathon, the Laguna Phuket Marathon, will be taking place on 4-5 June 2016. More than 8,000 runners from around the world are expected to enjoy 2 days of races and fun. The 10.5km run, 5km Walk & Run, and 2km Kids’ Run will take place the afternoon of 4 June while the half marathon and marathon will start early morning on 5 June. For more info and to sign-up, visit www.phuketmarathon.com or www.gotorace.com Proundly Supported by Live 89.5

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. The saliva of which bird is used in the making of bird’s nest soup? 2. Pulmonary refers to which part of the human body? 3. “Saturday night was for wives, but Friday night at the Copa was always for the girlfriends” – is from which film? 4. Where would you find the Sea of Tranquility? 5. At what age did Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain all die? Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

45. Gladys Night backup singer 1. Grouch 46. Like some 5. Alphabetic system pitches 10. Indian king 50. Guards against 14. Andes capital glare 15. Shrovetide dish 55. Atmosphere 16. Bibliographical 56. Be of use to abbr. 57. Ain’t correct? 17. Opposed, in 58. Jack-o’-lantern Dogpatch feature 18. Overhangs 59. Bob’s 19. End piece companion 20. Weekly delivery 60. Yorkshire river 23. Wound 61. Steep 24. Twaddle 62. More sound 25. Certain digital 63. Not e’en once watch face, for short Down 26. Distort 28. Hallucinogen 1. Elegance 31. Storage area 2. Put together 34. Boxer Spinks 3. Acid in proteins 35. Learning method 4. Ammo belt 36. Is an early bird 5. Minded 39. Duds 6. Renal, for one 40. Make well 7. Center of activity 41. Broken mirrors, 8. Fresh for example 9. Squandered 42. Eight-time Norris 10. Rundown Trophy winner 11. Mounted on 43. Mask 12. Green gem 44. Last Greek 13. Controversial consonant spray

21. Guinness and smart 22. Kit mitt 26. Stiff hairs 27. Eyelid pigment 28. Get checkmated 29. Overpower 30. Animal shelters 31. Cornstarch brand 32. Stadium section 33. Old autocrat 34. Wasn’t straight 35. Subsidence 37. Hewing tools 38. Plantain lily 43. ___ Master’s Voice 44. Hauling one 45. Antic 46. Pointed arch 47. Put out 48. Crowded 49. Fragrant compound 50. Tail motions 51. Continental cash 52. Part of a score, maybe 53. Iris’s place 54. Biriani side

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Swift or swiftlet; 2) Lungs; 3) Goodfellas; 4) The Moon; 5) 27

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ May 6, 1782

Construction begins on the Grand Palace, the royal residence of the King of Siam in Bangkok, at the command of King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke.

orgasms a week can reduce the likelihood of dying from heart disease by 50%.

■■ May 7, 2000

Vladimir Putin is inaugurated as president of Russia. ■■ May 8, 1970 The Beatles release their last album Let It Be, one month af ter they of f i c i a l l y broke up the band.

cans of beer is what Amsterdam pays alcoholics for a day’s work cleaning streets.

11.3

■■ May 9, 1671

days of work each year is what people who don’t get enough sleep cost their employers.

Thomas Blood, disguised as a clergyman, attempts to steal England’s Crown Jewels from the Tower of London.

■■ May 10, 1924

J. Edgar Hoover is appointed first Director of the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and remains so until his death in 1972.

seconds of hugging can release oxytocin and can increase your trust in the person you’re hugging.

2 million

people have been tased by police in the US in the past 10 years. Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

■■ May 11, 1949

Siam officially changes its name to Thailand for the second time. The name had been in use since 1939 but was reverted in 1945. ■■ May 12, 2008

Silhouette at sunset. Photo by Pete Bowen Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

An earthquake (measuring around 8.0 magnitude) occurs in Sichuan, China, killing over 69,000 people. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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 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

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Buy&Sell JOB OFFER Marketing & Sales Positions Seeking friendly Thais and Chinese who speak English and/or Mandarin. Full & part time needed. EXCELLENT salary+bonus. Work at office, or from home. Jim, Mai Khao Plaza, hello@ivacasia.com, 094 679 1182.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Dual banana boat for sale Dual banana boat for water activities. 4.2 m long, 1.6 m wide. Up to 14 riders. This banana boat is brand new, packaging still intact. Stored in a warehouse in Chalong. 40000, Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Dive boat for sale Dive boat Asian Adventure, Length–18m, Width– 4.6m, Depth–1.7m, 1 Eng–315 H.P. capasity 40 passengers +3 crew. Located in Chalong, sales@ joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

1 engine speedboat for sale Honda 250 H.P. 15 passengers+3 crew, Length–8.10m, Width–2.40, Depth-1.6. Excellent conditions, sound system Located in Chalong. Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 0841828685.

Boston Whaler conquest 255 Immaculate condition, Mercury 150hp x 2 very low hours, Thai registered. This boat comes with full inventory. Lying AoPo marina Phuket. mikehigh1@gmail. com Mike, mikehigh1@gmail.com, 088 768 4701.

Yacht Chartering and Resort Big A Swan 55 Yacht Chartering and Resort in Phuket Thailand Sailing : Big A Swan 55, Accommodation: Big A Resort 076-383080 Email: bigasail@samart.co.th.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Roof top Patong Mini Golf

The best sea view 18 Holes, roof top Mini Golf. Located on the 4th floor of Banana Walk Plaza in Patong, 091 762 2628, http:// patongminigolf.com

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Free Tiya’s Hammocks campaign Win Free hammock from Tiya’s Hammocks Phuket. Winner will get V Weave hammock, handmade from North of Thailand, weight capacity 250 kgs. Value 5,200 THB. More details visit Facebook: Tiya’s hammocks, Contact: Tiya, tiya@ tiyashammocks.com, 089 600 0041.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant for Take over Fully equipped restaurant in Rawai for Take over in a popular tourist spot. High density crowd. 10,000FT and air condition. June, Rawai, senajune@gmail.com, 081 978 5989.

Looking for a Partner Investor I am looking for a Partner/Investor to expand my Dive business Anyone interested please email me to discuss the proposal. rwhi690169@bigpond.com.

Bangla agogo club for sale

A newly refurbished bar/club with great returns is for sale. Fully fitted out over 2 floors. Very cheap and very low rent. Reliable landlord. Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819.

Business for Sale Non tourist/bar related business for sale, yearly turnover of 15MB. Call 087 276 0529 or 081 968 6051 for more details.

Newly renovated hotel for rent Newly renovated hotel/guest house in Patong’s heart for rent from owner. 12 rooms, 2 shops to busy street, many facilities. More details check thephuketnews.com, search Listing ID 55398 or call +66(0)81 538 1399.

Restaurant on Main Street

Large, tastefully decorated restaurant in Cherngtalay. Fully fitted and equipped kitchen, 100 seats, bar. Walk in and start business. Now only B790,000, 089 400 5907.

German bakery & deli & snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, take over + incl. training complete equipment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. Yearly volume 4 mio. hansibakery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark.

Best Deal Rawai business for sale. Area approx 2Rai, can do restaurant or other business.Five mins from beach. Long term lease, yearly rent B200,000. 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact Khun Asoke at 089 646 7176 / big_redchili@yahoo.com

CAR FOR SALE 2012 FORD RANGER Ford Ranger 2.2 Diesel Hi Rider 22 Inch wheels,tonne cover, sheep skin seat,cover, showroom condition, 24,000 Kms., by careful expat driver. 660,000, dougwatson@ hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

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PETS

CAR FOR SALE TOYOTA CORALLA ALTIS TRD Sept. 2011. 57000 km. 1 farang owner no accident. Toyota service. Top condition. Tel: 086 043 4315 (English and German). 440,000, Per Dompert, Phuket, perdompert@hotmail.com, 086 043 4315.

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital Open from 10am. – 8pm.*Service all types of animals. * Experienced professionals.Contact: 076 620 136 /084 210 6868 and contact@horsedogvet.com www.horsedogvet.com

TOYOTA ALTIS 1.6G AT

2008. 62K kms. White. Usual G refinements. Insurance, FSH, Lady driver 395K baht ono 395K, Clive Roberts, crob58@gmail.com, 081 087 9237 or 086 270 8727.

Pets Magic Planet

Chevy Captiva LT 2008 Chevrolet Captiva LT 2008, 499,000 Baht, 62.000 KM, 1 Owner, 2.0L Turbo Diesel, Full Chevy Service History, No Accidents, 1st Class Insurance. Tel. 082 804 1742.

Open from 9am. - 7pm. *The best international brands. * The ultimate choice. * Luxury accessries & jewels. Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and contact@petsmagicplanet.com

TOYOTA Fortuner 2009 7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car Diesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

t sa

Looking for Moving Company?

Model 2014 17,000km. New price 1.7Mln NOW 1,050,000Baht Eng: 081 788 8280 Thai: 090 163 2140, Contact Maurice, maurice.phuket@gmail. com , 090 163 2140.

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

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

MEMBERSHIPS

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

n r ge

MOVING SERVICES

57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly U serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com.

CARS WANTED Urgent need Toyota hilux vigo Want to sell your Toyota hilux vigo Champ ? vigo4u is the best palace to sell your Toyota. Vigo4u now in Phuket, Pataya and Bangkok also. 084 344 3444, 02 810 8117.

CAR WASH DELIVERY Tired Of Waiting? We clean your car at your place - at your time. No.1 car wash delivery in Phuket. Call 076-355-042 or go to CleanCar.me for more details.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE MAX SYM 400I Big comfortable 2012 scooter one expat owner. Only 2,600 Kms., has had 1st service a great bike, reason to sale leaving Thailand. 150,000, Doug Watson, Phuket, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012 Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine Bars & Rear-rack, Kawasaki Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@hotmail.com.

PERSONAL SERVICES De Laguna By Dr.JaQ International Clinic English Speaking Doctor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: DrJaq Warnnissorn Providing Anti-Aging (Botox, Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call). Integrative and Advancement in Medicine for individualized treatment programs for patients of all ages and with various disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com.

FURNITURE FOR SALE Swinging Sun Loungers For Sale Swinging, sun loungers, brand new, excellent quality- 6,000 baht only, Contact: Eddy, eddyelan@ yahoo.com, 0899710278.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Two cute Poodles We are 2 cute Poodles, both under 5kgs & the best of friends & wish to find a new loving home together, both of us are sterilized, vaccinated & healthy. Please contact Sherin.peace@gmail.com for adoption enquires.

Blue Canyon Membership Blue Canyon Membership for sale. 1 corporate nominee for sale THB 630,000 inc transfer fee. grahamhaslam@hotmail.com.

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice In June 2016, Bangkok Hospital Phuket will have to destroy patient records being inactive for over 10 years. For assistance & information, call 1719 or e-mail us at info@phukethospital.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Sea View Land 265 Met. Pub.Rd. Great investment. 3/5 Rai Plots. NS3G Titles. Price start 4 M/Rai. Full infra. 265 Met. Pub. Rd. Frontage. Located on Koh Yao Yai resort area, just 25 min. speed boat from Phuket. We can make easy half day trip 10am-2pm. Call Charlie /more info, charlesaraines@hotmail.com, 062 069 1965.

Laguna - Luxury 1 Bed & Golf Membership For Sale

Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, furnished, sound system. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 6.9M. Owner 084 247 1632 - E-Mail: phuket3203@gmail.com.

Patong Tower and Andaman Beach suite for sale Mountains and Sea Views, Call David 080 692 6114, email: patongrealestate@gmail.com.

Karon Beach New House For Sale/Rent

OTHER For Sale Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used. Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Horst Lakits Resort for sale/lease long term, in Chalong/Rawai Area own big well 22 rooms 2 Rai land large pool Restaurant parking No Agents. lets talk, Horst Lakits, 67/18 Soi Sermsuk, bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, 076 383 080.

2 New Resale Condos 3.9 MB. 7%net ROI 1 bed condos on the market 7%net ROI for 14 years! Rare Pool access modern hilltop unit. Panoramic views of Andaman Bay & city lights of Patong. Also 1 bed city & ocean views, fully furnished & professionally managed. You just collect 7% net/year hassle free. Contact phuketjon@gmail.com, 084 842 2262.

COMMUNITY

80 Sqm. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Terrace carport. Nice Sea view. Sale 5.8 MB. Rent long term 18,000 per month. Gunter Kraus, Phuket, naruchai@gmx.de, 091 040 2471.

Luxury Apartment hotel in Kata Luxury Apartment hotel for sale in Kata beach. 356sqm, 3 floors. 12 rooms, all have sea view, kitchen, Thai chanote or 90 years lease. 30 MB., Noi (Thai & EN), Kata Beach, t_senrum@live. com.au, 083 391 5525.

Villa For Sale / Rent Located at Naiharn beach Soi Naya 3, Mountain view, Swimming pool, Balcony, 2 floor, 4 bed room. Total 92 sq.m. Thai 081 958 0542 ENG 081 956 6813.

Owner Sales Appartment “ The Pearl of Naithon “ Leasehold Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm. 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms Price THB 13.5 million. MP: 089 814 1458.

Chalong Villa for sale

Living area 450 sq.m, Land 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Seaview terrace, Pool, Carpark. 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 19.5M, oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

SPACIOUS 4-BED RAWAI VILLA Sale/rent. Beautiful, spacious home in 1,038sqm gardens.Three en suite beds, guest house, 9x4m pool, maid’s room. Living space 320sqm. Reduced to 12,000,000, alangath@gmail.com, 08727 30141.

Two-story house in Phuket City Land 400 sq. m, living area 344 sq.m, 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms, maid’s room with bath. Fully furnished. Very good for living and business. 15,000,000.-, Pauline Haldemann, haldemwa@hotmail.com, 081 895 0038.

The Base Downtown - Sale/Rent 1 Bed (35sqm) & 2 Bed (60sqm), fully furnished, pool view. Near Central, BIS, Big C, Lotus, Siriroj hospital, Darasamut School, Thai Hua School (Close to new Central Embassy- good investment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,000-25,000 THB/month and 35,000-45,000 THB/month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

Alexander Kolesnikov

House for sale

Land & 4 storey Commercial building for sell.Patong. Just 60 m from the beach. Guesthouse 6 luxury rooms + restaurant 40 seats. 17 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quite and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course.Price 8 million baht, 225 000 euro, bergsstigen@ telia.com, 090 701 4204.

SMALL RESORT BY LAGUNA

4 Luxury villas, office, 2 pools, 1 Rai - Chanote. Secure investment, price below replacement cost, money maker. Owner 82 retiring. 30 Mil Baht. Lets talk. Owner, 089 594 4067.

Phuket Beach Front Land

House For Sale

14 RAI Beach front Phuket,Phungnga Close 5 -7*hote,Chanode title,90 meters of water frontage More than 100 m wide beach&small piece of land close to the beach 25MB/ RAI, Ms.Pam, phuketmyhouse@gmail.com, 089 868 8668.

Located in Rawai soi Samaki3 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1 Laundry room 1 storage room Living area 160 sq.m, Chanot title 280 sq.m. 3.2 MB., Rico9963@hotmail.com, 083 640 9041

Fire sale 7 shop houses for sale, 20 meters from Chalong round about. On the way to pier for Sale. 25 Million, kieranpmadden@hotmail.com, 096 924 4661.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Brand new 3 bed villa Onyx

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas developement is now for sale. Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meters from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand AoPor Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport,, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no pollution and no mass tourism..., Over than 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quarters, games room, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 24.9 mill Baht. For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha 081 343 0777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Living area 160 sq.m. Land 200 sq.m. Fully luxury furnished. Open plan living room with kitchen, Private & Peaceful area, Security gate estate, Gym. 8.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup. com, 087 877 2320.

Villa for sale Exclusive Villa with Pool and Garden In Phuket, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 400m2. Private sale, no agents please. 36 MB, JasminConsulting@gmx.net.

New Sea View Villa

Make money NOW - Kata Beach House for sale West coast Phuket Great Location, Spa, 7 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, all with kitchens. Rent or live with good income. 5 minutes walk to Kata beach. ขายของได้ 9 MB or Offer, Khun Arreerat, kataari@ yahoo.com, 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638.

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Land for sale - Mission Height NICE LAND FOR SALE AT MISSION HEIGHT, JUST OVER ONE RAI. Phone 093 629 4400 English, 082 421 4842 Thai.

Alexander Kolesnikov 3 Bedroom Villa for sale. Building 320 s.m. Land 900 s.m. Nice garden, 2 cars garage, study. Just 3 minutes from BIS. 15 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

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PROPERTY FOR RENT Apartment for rent

Luxury 1 bedroom ground floor apartment. 65.s.q.m. Central Patong. Short or long term rental. For details email ianscondo21@ gmail.com.

2 BDR Bungalow, Nai Harn Beach

For rent with “Free UBC Platinum cable TV”, Security, Air Con, Fridge, stove, quiet area, at end of cul-de-sac, 12,500 per month. Call 098 017 8818 or 087 884 8972.

Rawai Sea View Condominium For Rent

PROPERTY FOR SALE Beachfront House 4-Bedroom house on semiprivate beach available for sale and rent. Can easily be divided into two separate and identical properties. The rental/sale can also include a self-contained 1-bedroom bungalow, Price: 18.2 MB, Rent 110,000 THB, Alex Seago, home@thaivillaboutique.com, 087-8923876.

PROPERTY FOR SALE For Sale or Rent

Sale. Semi detached house

Living room 2 double bedrooms 1 fitted furniture and en-suite fitted kitchen office bathroom carport garden Land 188sqm, house 75sqm. 2,000,000, Khun Peter, Baan Pleunjan 2, Paklok, Talang, lowprofile@mail.com, 086 905 1406.

Office/Shop for Rent

4 bedroom 3 bath room excellent view Chalong bay 3 storage,Fully furnished all new swimming pool in quiet area Rawai beach. All inquires. Tidarat, 087 466 5635.

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road. For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

Ocean View Land Kamala

House For Rent at tennis club

Half rai 797sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694.

Waterfront Condominium The Cleat Condo, residence project in Krabi Boat Lagoon Marina. Price 3-9MB, size 37119 Sq.M., 1 or 2 bedroom, marina view. For rent/sale. marketing@phuketpropertytrip.com

Short/long-term rental. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Stunning sea view, Fully furnished, Large swimming pool, Lift. reservation@ almaliresidence.com, 0935742533

2 bedrooms,1 en suite bedroom,2 bathroom, living area and big veranda. Idea for tennis Coach. Prefer long term rent. Viewing by appointment only. Patra, patbittersweet@gmail.com , 081 607 2805.

Partner for resort wanted

5 Rai. hillside Maikhao beach. Main buiding finished. Nice sunset seaview, 087 267 1192, Julius_schuster2001@yahoo.de

Land For Sale 3 Mil Baht

Vassana Residence. Rawai Fully furnished 2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom. Swimming pool on ground. WiFi and cable TV included in price. 160M.S. in size. long term only. 35,000, Art, Rawai / NaiHarn, vassana.residence@gmail. com, Eng.087 882 9604.

In Thalang area 2.5 Rai beautiful, flat land with access road, Chanote title, only 5 minutes from Thanyapura (PIA International school). sk.thanya@ gmail.com, 081 737 8624.

For Sale/Rent (5 Days - 6 Months) 4 Floors, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Fully furnished. Kuku, Phuket Town. Contact Joy, 093 596 2757, joyfulphuket@gmail.com.

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale New 1 bedroom with great sea and sunset views! 44sqm. Leasehold with foriegn freehold available. Swimming pool, sauna and clubhouse. Flexible furniture options. Great management and rental program, 082 254 0760.

Townhouse for sale. Chalong. Townhouse 150sq.m, 2 storey, 2 bedroom, living room, kitchen, 2 balcony, 2 bathroom, office, parking. Fully furnitured. Chalong circle, Price: 3700000, Contact: Mariya, mvs97@yandex.ru, 0822751146, Fax: 0918053725.

LUXURY POOL VILLA BY LAGUNA Has everything, comfort, security, live in a small resort - lush tropical garden. 35,000 Baht per month. Long lease. Owner, 089 594 4067.

Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System and much more. Reduced 22MB to 18 MB for Quick Sale. mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +6681 970 8896 TH/ENG, Geoff+6681 854 0061 ENG.

House in Karon for Sale. Hard

to find 3 bed room , 3 bath room house for sale in the perfect location near Kata & Karon beach, well maintained with a salt water pool, Price : 16,000,000, Narrisara (Tic), 7/8 Patak Soi 10, Karon, g-a-coates@ hotmail.com, 0991642991.

Sea view land in Patong The Last Piece of Sea View Land on Prime Location in Patong, just 500 m. from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@ gmail.com, 089 967 5373.

Chalong Villa for rent Living area 450 sq.m, Land: 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Sea view terrace, Pool, 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 90,000/month/ year., oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

Outstanding Villa for sale

3 bed/3 bath, Living area 370 sq.m, Land 600 sq.m. Located at the 4 Star Residence. Spacious living quarters, open plan living, dining areas, gourmet kitchen, private pool. 14.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup.com, +66 (0)87 877 2320.

PROPERTY FOR RENT 2 bed house for rent,Kathu Furnished 2 bed house for rent in kathu, quiet area within easy reach of Tesco Lotus, Central, golf courses and fresh market. 15,000, Nok Roper, daveroper@live.com, 095 257 5382.

Phuket Office Share @ RPM Searching for a prime location address as your office on Phuket? We are offering small companies or individuals to join us in sharing our office space @ ‘Royal Phuket Marina’. Email us or call us on: 076390482 for full details. Phuket Luxury Living, info@phuket-luxuryliving.com, 076 390 482.

RAWAI: MORE FOR LESS

Rent/sale. Beautiful, spacious family home. 3 en suite beds, guest house or office, maid’s room. Gardens 1,038sqm. Cut-price longterm. alangath@gmail.com, 087 273 0141.

Retail space for rent

Retail space available in the Ocean Plaza Patong for massage, beauty, coffee, souvenir shops etc. Low rent contracts for up to 12 yrs. For info call Natty at 086 281 8883 or 076 343 506. 3632, Nattida Thaboondee, g.cummings@hotmail.com, 086 281 8883.

FOR RENT Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai. 360 p ํ anoramic breathtaking views of Chalong bay, mountain view and big Buddha. Two bedrooms, 310 sq.m of spacious living area and balconies. Please contact Izzy 086278 8300 or Danai 090 170 0429. propertysales@serenityphuket.com.

Surin Andaman Apt - 2 beds

100 sqm w 2 beds, close to Surin & Bangtao beaches. Common Pool. Fully furnished with AC, fans, internet, cable TV. Short term possible. 24,000 THB, 081 273 1740.

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

Long term, quality furnishings, near Heroines Monument, 3 bed, 2 baths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Ouiet Location & well maintained. Email : khunrei@gmail.com, 084 185 8536.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND Direct beach front land for rent. Long and short term. Area 2400 sq meter with beach front of 40 meter, Contact: Mr. Narin, narinpga@ gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

SPORT 35

Phuket FC go fourth in table FOOTBALL

AIS SOUTHERN REGION DIVISION 2

Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

Team

hu ket FC cl i mbe d two places from sixth to fourth in the AIS Southern Region Division Two following a win against Phatthalung FC last Sunday evening (May 1). It was goals from Sukree Etae (13) and Wasin Thongsong (11) that sealed the victory and gave Phuket their second three points of the season, leaving them just four points behind league leaders Pattani FC. It was Sukree who opened the scoring for Phuket midway through the first half scoring an outstanding individual goal. He picked up the ball on the left just wide of Phatthalung’s box, managing to dodge two Phatthalung defenders as he took the ball across to the right before smashing the ball home from about 15 yards out. Despite having the lead, the Andaman Dragon continued to push for more goals in the remainder of the first 45 and had virtually all possession. However, despite a

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Phuket’s Wasin Thongsong scored the second and winning goal against Phatthlung FC last Sunday (May 1), his first of the season. Photo: Hari Jib number of chances at goal the score remained at 1-0 at the first half whistle. Phatthalung came out a lot stronger at the start of the second half and were clearly looking to get an early equaliser. However, just seven minutes in, Wasin gave the hosts their second goal of the game. It was a tightly fought match, with play going from end-to-end. Phuket were unable to extend their lead, despite having some chances

at goal. Phatthalung continued to fight and were rewarded for their efforts in the 86th minute, when they managed to pull the score to 2-1. Phuket did well to hold on to their lead until the final whistle, and gain their second win of the season. Speaking to The Phuket News straight after the game, Coach Pittaya ‘Odd’ Phimarnman said, “It was vital to get the first three points following the Songkran Festival. We des-

perately needed these points and we have been working really hard to achieve them. “I don’t know why, but it is not normal for football in Phuket, there is always a lot of pressure from the fans and it is very hard for me,” he said. “Once again we showed that we had the bigger heart and we fought for the win. “The problem with our team is that we lack experience. When we are leading 2-0 like we were today we need to show confidence. We

MP W

GD Pts

Pattani FC

Hatyai FC

Ranong FC

-2

Phuket FC

Nara United

Satun United

Yala United

Suratthani FC

-1

Trang FC

-1

Phatthalung FC

-2

Phangnga FC

-6

Nakhorn Si Heritage

-4

need to keep possession and move the ball around more. But the players will learn this over time and they will grow in confidence as they learn,” he added. Coach Odd went on to say that despite the varying levels the players are at, they are now starting to gel as a team. “We have a good team spirit and we love to play here at Surakul. This is my job, sometimes it might be difficult for me, but I love it. We are getting better, but we have to

take things slowly,” he said. Phuket now face two games away from home. On Sunday (May 8) they travel to take on Trang FC who are currently at ninth place in the league with five points. On Saturday, May 14 they will visit Ranong FC, who are, at the time of writing, third place with nine points. The team return home on Saturday May 21 to take on Suratthani FC. The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of Phuket FC.

36 SPORT

Vagabonds take Pattaya 10s title RUGBY

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Team members from Natalie and Dirty Nellies.

Patong Pool League champs still undecided

Pat Cotter editor@thephuketnews.com

he Horse Shoe Point complex was again the venue for the 2016 Chris Keys Memorial Pattaya 10s Rugby Tournament, which was held throughout hot and sticky weather. The Phuket Vagabonds – sponsored by Hooters Phuket – featuring a mix of experience, youth and debutantes were using the opportunity for team bonding and identifying new talent. After winning the tournament in 2014 and being runners up in 2015, the Vagabonds weren’t expecting to vie for honours this year but were looking forward to enjoying the tournament and gaining experience. Day One saw them take on the Chiang Mai Tigers and fall behind early, but they got their game together in the second half. The Vagabonds ran out 19-5 winners after tries by Kim Goodburn, Willy Gramond and Tjaart Van Der Walt. In their second game, the Vagabonds ran through the gears and destroyed the Borrelli Walsh side from Hong Kong 48-0 with Kim Goodburn and Nicky Murphy grabbing a brace apiece along with tries for Tyronne Veltman, Justin

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POOL

Ahead of the upcoming Hooters Phuket International Rugby 10s, the Phuket Vagabonds returned home from Pattaya with the trophy in their hands. Swart and Willy Gramond. The last game of the day saw the Vagabonds take on the hosts and one of the tournament favourites, the Pattaya Panthers. The Vagabonds got off to a dream start as Willy Gramond took the ball from the kick off and sprinted in at the corner for a 5-0 lead. From there it was a game of attrition with both defences being outstanding, but eventually, late in the second half, the Panthers broke through to tie the game 5-5. The Vagabonds finished top of the table and earned themselves a cup quarter-final place against the French Asian Barbarians. As is usual with Vagabonds rugby, they were growing

into the tournament and the French Asian Barbarians were on the end of some brilliant interchanging play by the Vagabonds and went down 26-5 with Nicky Murphy, Mai, Justin Swart and Newman Muhammad getting on the score sheet. The Vagabonds were into the cup semi-final, a game to be played against Ubon Ratchathani, the best Thai team at the tournament. First-half tries by Newman Muhammad and Kim Goodburn put the Vagabonds in the driving seat, but a converted try by Ubon led to a nervy last few minutes before the Vagabonds prevailed 12-7 and booked a place in the final. The cup final was against the Southerners who had beaten the Vagabonds in the 2015 final. In a fast and furious first half, dominated by brutal defence and fast flowing counter attacks, neither side could break the other down and it was all square at half time 0-0. From the star t of the second half the Southerners were on the offense and encamped on the Vagabonds line where again solid defence stopped them short. A crunching tackle on

a Southerner saw the ball go loose and snapped up by Justin Swart who out sprinted the defense to go 95 metres and score under the posts. With Kim Goodburn adding the extras, the Vagabonds were in the driving seat. However, the Southerners didn’t lie down and came charging back and kept the Vagabonds under intense pressure close to the line, but again, resolute tackling saw the line hold. As the clock ticked down a series of penalties near the line saw the defense finally breached in the corner, and being the last play of the game the conversion needed to go over to force extra time, but the kick fell short and the Vagabonds had done the impossible, become champions. It was a brilliant effort by all concerned on and off the pitch, and congratulations go out to the Southerners Rugby Club for a hard, entertaining game of rugby. T he Vagab ond s w i l l now turn their attention to their home tournament the “Hooters Phuket International Rugby 10s” to be held over the May 27-29 weekend, and as defending champions hope to retain the trophy.

AS THE PATONG POOL League reaches the closing stages, last week saw some big scores, narrowing the gap between title contenders Natalie and Ting Tong bars with now just two games left to play. Natalie managed to romp home with a 9-2 victory over Dirty Nellies, a game which also saw a seven-ball played by Mr Goh. The Killer was won by Scott. Natalie thought the victory would be enough to keep them five or more points ahead of Ting Tong Bar, however, what they didn’t know was that just down the road, Ting Tong won by a massive 11-0 against Andaman Sea bringing them only three points behind Natalie. Who knows who will take the title this year? Genius had a good 8-3 win over Wet Dream Bar moving them above Dirty Nellies for the first time this season.

Martins Swiss lost 5-6 at home to Simon & Oils, while Champs Bar had a good 4-7 win away from home at Sports Bar moving them up to joint fourth with Dirty Nellies. Red Bar will be playing a friendly against Dirty Nellies on Monday (May 8) at Red bar which is in Nanai 8, feel free to join them and have fun. It is hoped that Red Bar will be joining the new pool league next season.

Any new bars that want to join the next league, which will start on May 26, please contact Scott on 0817289509. League Standings Natalie

117

Ting Tong

114

Genius

100

Dirty Nellies

Champs

Wet Dreams

Martin Swiss

Sports

Simon & Oils

Michele Hossack (5530) seen here in action in the sprint hurdles.

BISP teacher wins gold at Aus Masters ATHLETICS DURING THE RECENT Songkran holidays, British International School, Phuket teacher Michele Hossack travelled to Adelaide in South Australia, to compete in the Australian Masters Athletics Championships. She won gold in both the

sprint hurdles and the long (300 metres) hurdles, setting a new Australian record in the latter. Next week Michele will be in Singapore competing in the Asian Masters Athletics Championships, where she will come up against the best athletes in her age group from Japan and China and all across Asia.

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

SPORT 37

Phuket readies for Rugby 10s Ex pros from around the world already confirmed for international tourney RUGBY

he 2016 HOOTERS Phuket International Rugby 10s will be held over the weekend of May 27-29 with teams from around the world competing in the 18th year of this annual event. The excellent facilities at the Thanyapura Sports Club will showcase some superior rugby in both the Veterans and Open divisions as the Phuket Vagabonds attempt to retain the trophy they won for the first time last year. As is traditional, the tournament will kick off Friday (May 27) with the Athena Siam Coffin Dodgers vets tournament featuring 16 teams showing the silky skills of a bygone era and reliving past glory. Reig n i ng ch a mpion s Moorabbin Rams from Melbourne, Australia will look to make it three in a row but will face strong opposition from the Flying Elvises – an invitation side from Malaysia – who will have former internationals from Australia,

The Phuket Vagabonds will attempt to retain the trophy they won for the first time last year. New Zealand and Fiji in their ranks, who, along with the Wanderers Wrinklys and the Bucks Stags from Singapore will be contenders. The Avery Care Home Vets from the UK,

made up of former pro players will also be knocking on the door in what promises to be a keenly contested tournament. The Open tournament action will kick off on Saturday

Multihull Solutions Regatta set to make waves SAILING

ORGANISERS OF THE 2016 Multihull Solutions Phuket Regatta anticipate this year’s event to be the most successful in its nine-year history. Staged from July 14-17, the 2016 multihull-only regatta has already received enormous interest and more than 25 entries are expected to enjoy the four days of exhilarating racing and unforgettable social action set against the breathtaking backdrop of Phuket’s waterways. Multihull Solutions is again the major sponsor of the event, which is professionally organised by Phuket Yacht Club. The 2016 Multihull Solutions Phuket Regatta is open to all multihulls (catamarans and trimarans) with an overall length greater than six metres that are acceptable to the race committee. Private and charter multihulls are welcome to enter The regatta is also expected to comprise the following classes: Racing Multihulls with valid OMR ratings, Firefly 850 Sports One Design Class, Cruising Multihulls without @thephuketnews

OMR ratings, and Corsair Pulse 600s. Cruising multihulls will enjoy their own exclusive course throughout the event, while five world-renowned Corsair Pulse 600s have already entered promising a thrilling spectacle of racing over the three days. The regatta continues to be arguably the best value event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, with Early Bird entries costing only B4,500 per boat including skipper (approx. $120 AUD) or B2,000 per crew member (approx. $52 AUD). Multihull Solutions Asia general manager Andrew de Bruin said the 2016 regatta has received interest from all over the Asia Pacific region. “It’s clear that the Regatta is now a significant event for multihull enthusiasts throughout Asia as well as Australia and New Zealand, who realise it is a fantastic chance to escape the winter chill and enjoy some exhilarating racing and unforgettable social events,” Andrew said. “There is simply no other professional regatta that delivers such amazing racing, warm hospitality and breathtaking

scenery, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with Phuket Yacht Club to make it one of the most popular regattas in the entire Asia Pacific region,” he said. “We are hoping for a repeat of last year’s wonderful windy conditions to deliver exciting action on the water, and our 2016 social itinerary is the best yet with parties scheduled at the Phuket Yacht Club, including an evening with complimentary beverages courtesy of Corsair Trimarans.” Further information about the 2016 Multihull Solutions Phuket Regatta can be obtained by contacting +66 8 1894 1530, emailing info@ multihullsolutions.asia or visiting the website at http:// www.multihullsolutions.com. au/events/multihull-solutionsregatta-phuket-2016.

morning (May 28) with 24 teams going for glory. Teams from Australia, Dubai, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE and UK will battle it out in what will be one of

the closest tournaments in the event’s 18-year history. Local boys the Phuket Vagabonds, who won the title last year in a nail biting final against Australia’s Morrab-

bin Rams 14-12, buoyed by their recent Cup victory at the Pattaya 10s, will be going for back to back titles. The Emirates Flying Muppets, Nerang Bulls, Thai Legends, Medicare Barrelhouse Warriors and the AAC from the UK amongst others will all be there come Sunday’s finals (May 29). The overall standard this year promises to be some of the most competitive, and whoever wins Sundays final will be worthy winners of what is one of the premier tournaments in the region. As always, the tournament will be raising funds for under privileged children at the Asia Centre Foundation, and the scholarship children will be at the tournament during the weekend to meet their sponsoring teams and individuals. Entry to the tournament is free so come on down and support your local team, support the ACF & support rugby. Contact phuketrugby@ gmail.com for more information.

38 SPORT

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Bike Hash bemuses Phuket locals MOUNTAIN BIKING

he May Day holiday weekend saw over 120 mountain bike enthusiasts participate in the fourth InterBike Hash, with three challenging rides on Phuket’s pristine trails and fabulous single tracks. And, as is the nature of the Hash, an astronomical amount of beverages were consumed. It should be noted that all cans are going to be recycled into mountain bikes, which will then be sold on to raise money for local charities supporting liver damage. Bemused locals looked on in amazement, wondering why so many riders (not just the standard crazy farangs but also Singaporeans, Malays, visiting and local Thais) would

Kiwi rider ‘Great Dick’ together with Clover ‘The Bullet Proof Dog’. venture out in the sweltering midday sun for a fun threehour bike ride.

This is the realm of mad dogs and Englishmen, or in this case, Kiwi rider “Great

Dick” and Clover “The Bullet Proof Dog”, his wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier, who ran

much of Sunday’s (May 1) 22km ride. Many visiting riders had a novel experience with the water buffalo trying to cool off in the few ever-shrinking mud baths. Some failed to heed the advice of the ride’s hares – “Let sleeping kwais lie” – resulting in a few nearmisses of a fatal goring. Fortunately, everyone survived, with only a few scratches, cuts and bruises, unlike the previous IBH which saw people lost in the jungles of Kuching overnight. Saturday (Apr 30) saw the main ride of the weekend, a scenic route through Thalang’s rubber plantations, followed by a tough and dusty ride over the Thalang hills, down to Layan beach to cool down, have a swim and a few refreshments. Then back to

the host venue, the Arinara Bang Tao Beach Resort, for another cool down swim, some more drinks, and the infamous “Circle”. In the great tradition of “What goes on in the hash, stays in the hash”, The Phuket News is unable to disclose the lurid details of the debauchery, needless to say that it will become the stuff of urbanmyths… Fancy some similar fun, then the InterBike Hash 5 could fit the bill, it will be held in Penang next year. This event was organised by the Phuket Mountain Bike Hash House Harriers. Meeting for a monthly ride on the first Sunday of the month, the group welcomes all riders. For details, visit: www. phuketmountainbike.com.

Magnificent Seven in Games BADMINTON SEVEN THAI BADMINton players have earned berths for the 2016 Olympics after the qualifying battles ended last Sunday (May 1), the Badmin-

ton Association of Thailand said on Monday (May 2). The seven players, who will play in four events at the Rio Games in August, are Ratchanok Intanon and Porntip Buranapasertsuk (women’s singles), Boonsak Ponsana

Ratchanok Intanon and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul

(men’s singles), Savitree Amitrapai and Bodin Issara (mixed doubles), and Puttita Supajirakul and Sapsiree Taerattanachai (women’s doubles). Porntip became eligible for the Rio Games after her closest rival Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland lost to Spain’s Carolina Marin in the final of the European Championships last Sunday (May 1). With the victory, Marin regained the world’s No.1 spot at the expense of Ratchanok, who suffered an early exit in the defence of her Asian title last week. BAT president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul thanked all players and staff for their efforts and praised 35-year-old Boonsak, who will be making his fifth Olympic appearance in Rio. While a B1-million bonus awaits Ratchanok for winning three Superseries events in a row last month and making it

to the Olympics, the other six Rio qualifiers will each receive B100,000. “As for Ratchanok, my friends and I will give her a bonus of one million baht,” said Khunying Patama. According to BAT official and TV commentator Thanach Assawanapakas, Bodin and Nipitphon Puangpuapechmay may get a place in the men’s doubles as Russian duo of Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov were doubtful for the Games. “The Russians are reported to be suffering from a serious injury sustained last week and might withdraw from the Olympics,” Thanach said. “If the Russians pull out, Bodin and Nipitphon will replace them in Rio.” Thailand are looking for their first Olympic medal in badminton. Bangkok Post

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

AKA Fighter Amir Aliakbari (left) made his pro MMA debut at FMD7. Photo: AKA Thailand

FMD11: Sweep all the Legs MMA F U L L M ETA L D OJO (FMD), Thailand’s top MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) organisation, returns next month with FMD11: Sweep all the Legs. FMD11 will be held at Insanity Nightclub in Bangkok, with a stacked MMA Fightcard showcasing the best Thai and international fighters in the region. FMD11 will be headlined by two heavyweight

match-ups, in an epic battle between Iran and the UK. AKA Thailand’s Iranian duo are considered two of the hottest up-and-coming heavyweights on the planet, with one eye on the UFC. Amir Aliakbari is a former World Wrestling Champion, and Masoud Ranjbar a former boxer and wrestler. Will the British pair of BAMMA fighter Jamie Sloane and veteran Steve Murphy, have what it takes to stop the hype train in its tracks?

Run: #1579: Saturday May 7, 2016 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Gorgeous You Wally, Lucky Lek, What-A-Rat Location: Muang Chaofa Road Directions: From Chalong take Chao Fa West towards Central. Turn left onto 4010 at the Honda garage towards the Prince of Songkla University (PSU). HHH signs will be posted further down the road on your left. From Central Festival take Chao Fa West road towards Chalong. Turn right onto 4010 at the Honda garage towards Prince of Songkla University. HHH signs will be posted further down the road on your left. From Kathu at the PSU lights head toward Chao Fa 3.1km, turn right to laager. Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:30pm. Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm

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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Leicester’s party rolls on after miracle title win FOOTBALL

eicester City’s heroes celebrated with lunch at an Italian restaurant on Tuesday (May 3) after achieving one of the biggest upsets in sporting history by winning the English Barclays Premier League. Thousands danced in the city’s streets waving blue-andwhite flags, while millions around the world watched in wonder as the one-time 5,000-1 underdogs sealed the title on Monday night (May 2). The unthinkable happened thanks to second-placed Tottenham Hotspur being held to a 2-2 draw at outgoing champions Chelsea. After players and fans celebrated late into the night, the team, including Italian manager Claudio Ranieri and top scorer Jamie Vardy, dined out at the city’s San Carlo restaurant Tuesday night to celebrate becoming champions for the first time. As hundreds of fans crowded the street outside, they tucked into lobster, fish and meat – but the players skipped the champagne for now, according to the restaurant’s manager. “I don’t know the secret. The players, the heart, the soul and how they play,” said Ranieri in an interview with Sky Sports, explaining his extraordinary success. “ It wa s a n a m a z i n g achievement. We wanted to do something special, but no-one could have believed we would do this.” Last season, Thai-owned Leicester narrowly escaped relegation and were rated as no-hopers this time around. But in the event, the east Midlands club outshone some of world football’s most glamorous teams. Their record of 22 wins in 36 games with just three

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English Premier League 2015 - 2016

Leicester City’s manager Claudio Ranieri is mobbed by fans as he leaves an Italian restaurant after having lunch with team-mates in the centre of Leicester on Tuesday (May 3). Photo: Justin Tallis/AFP defeats was enough to make them champions ahead of Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea. The players can look forward to another party when they receive the Premier League trophy at their 32,000-seater King Power Stadium following tomorrow’s (May 7) home game with Everton. “I am going to try to hold back the tears,” said captain Wes Morgan on the prospect of lifting the trophy. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. It was a long night celebrating. After the initial euphoria, a lot of people couldn’t believe

what had happened. It’s an achievement that might not be achieved again.” Along with other players, Morgan was pictured at a euphoric celebration Monday night at Vardy’s home in the nearby town of Melton Mowbray where they had all gathered to watch the Tottenham-Chelsea game. The Foxes are England’s first first-time champions since Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest in 1978. They have won admirers across the globe through their surge to the summit of the world’s most-watched football league, which attracts billions of pounds in television rights.

“This is going to really elevate them, at least for one season, to the next level commercially,” Tim Bridge, from financial consultants Deloitte’s Sports Business Group, said in an interview. “The challenge for Leicester is, how do we keep hold of those players and how do we plan for the future in a sustainable manner?” Br it ai n’s newspapers turned blue in homage to the team’s win, while The Economist magazine asserted: “There has never been a more improbable victory in any sport”. Vardy, whose meteoric rise from the lowest ranks of

Team

MP W

A GD Pts

Leicester

Tottenham

Arsenal

Man City

Man Utd

West Ham

Southampton

Liverpool

Chelsea

Stoke

52 -14

Everton

Watford

-6

Swansea

50 -13

West Brom

46 -14

Bournemouth

63 -20

Crystal Palace

46 -10

Newcastle

64 -25

Sunderland

58 -18

Norwich

61 -26

Aston Villa

72 -45

English football to scoring 22 goals this season has made him an unlikely folk hero, announced on Tuesday that he will release an autobiography, ‘My Story’, in October. British Prime Minister David Cameron sent his congratulations to Leicester, calling it an “extraordinary, thoroughly deserved” title. Gianni Infantino, president of football’s world governing body FIFA, said: “It’s one of these beautiful football stories that only football can write. This is the magic of football.” However, Real Madrid coach and French football great Zinedine Zidane said Leicester’s title was all down

to talent and hard work. “Miracles don’t exist in football. They have had a phenomenal season. Ranieri has done a phenomenal job,” he said. After a night of car horns honking in celebration, the title was the sole topic of conversation in Leicester on Tuesday, with many people still wearing their scarves in the streets. In the Gourmet Cafe, waitress Stacie, 25, said takings were down, probably “because people didn’t go to work”. “They are not hungover yet,” she explained. “A lot of people are still drunk.” AFP

Sport

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016

Andaman Dragon seal second win of season > page 35

CHAMPIONS Laguna take T40 over holders Thalang Cricket Club

Ali Khan opens his account with a six. Photo: Michael Way

CRICKET Stuart Reading editor3@classactmedia.co.th

ast Sunday (May 1), the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) hosted the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) 40 Over Final between top of the table Thalang Cricket Team (TCT) and second-placed Laguna. With Thailand recording its hottest April in 65 years, a similarly heated match was anticipated with both sides boasting strong line ups. The outfield was expected to be very fast in the hot and dry conditions which augured well for a high-scoring match, barring any side succumbing to the nerves in the final. It lived up to expectations with Laguna securing victory by 38 runs after setting a match-winning total of 265 all out from 36.4 overs, while TCT responded with a valiant 227 all out from 36 overs. After winning the toss, Laguna took the opportunity to bat first, setting a solid total for TCT and provide them with the opportunity to wear down the TCT team in the field with the heat prior to the second innings. This proved an effective strategy with openers Moomin Sanga (62) and Damian Clowes (11) putting on a strong 74-run partnership until Clowes eventually fell, just 3 balls after the 10-over drinks break. Sanga eventually lost his wicket in the 15th over with the score at 93 runs. Manish Sadarangani (41) and Arif Mushtaq (27) then combined to push the innings along to 136 before Mushtaq was dismissed after the 20 over drinks break. If Laguna could maintain the run rate, they were looking at 250-plus

2016 T40 Champions Laguna. Photo: Michael Way runs from their 40-over allocation. In the second half of their innings, Sadarangani and Iqbal Malik (16) combined for a 31-run partnership until Sadarangani was bowled by Andrew Macmillan in the 27th over with the score on 167-4. However, just six balls later, experienced batsman Sameer Khan (1) was dismissed nicking a ball into the bottom of wicket-keeper Mudisir Rehman’s pads, the latter claiming an unusual catch by managing to keep his feet together to prevent the ball touching the ground. On the final ball before the 30over drinks break, Malik was dismissed popping a catch to Macmillan at mid-wicket with TCT taking the honours in the session, restricting

Laguna to just 50 runs. Just 2 balls after the drinks break, Rishi Sadarangani (0) was sent back to the clubhouse after being caught, leaving Laguna looking like their innings was about to fizzle out and capitulate for less than 200 runs with the score now at 188-7. However, Laguna still had plenty of experienced batting left with bighitting Ali Khan (40) and Stuart Reading (34) smashing 61 runs off just 26 balls to accelerate the innings to 249-8 before Khan was caught at deep mid-wicket in the 35th over. Roly Cooper (2) and Reading put on a further 15 runs before Cooper was clean bowled on the first ball of the 37th over, and Reading was eventually dismissed on the fourth

ball with a solid 265 runs, leaving Thalang with 266 runs to score to defend their title. After lunch break, TCT sent out openers Andrew Macmillan (64) and Mudisir Rehman (1). With both batsmen very fast between the wickets, they were looking to put pressure on the Laguna fieldsmen with quick singles. However, this backfired when Rehman was run out on just the fourth ball of their innings. Gary Lane (8) then joined the action in the middle, only to suffer the same fate in the sixth over with TCT languishing at 23-2. This brought PCG’s top run scorer Hico Macdonald (19) to the crease, and it was imperative that a

big partnership between TCT’s key batsmen Macmillan and Macdonald ensued, as they had done in their previous match against Laguna where Macdonald had scored an unbeaten century. It was not to be Macdonald’s day as he was bowled by Manish Sadarangani just 3 balls after the 10over drinks break with the score on 63-3, leaving another 203 runs still required for victory from 30 overs. Macmillan and D Mills (24) put on a 52-run partnership before Macmillan was dismissed in the 18th over. Mills and Mark Whetton (22) maintained the required run rate at the halfway mark of the innings. However, Mills holed out at deep mid-on just three balls after the 20-over drinks break at 133-5. With another 133 runs required for victory from 20 overs, victory was not impossible as TCT still had plenty of experienced batsmen to come, but it was vital that one of them scored big. W Pearce (15), Craig Murphy (14) both got good starts but were dismissed before the 30-over mark and at 188-8 at the end of the 29th over, it was left to the experienced Bill Stahmer (22) and Anthony Du Pont to bring victory home for TCT. In the 32nd over, Du Pont popped a ball up to Roly Cooper at mid-off, which he juggled but eventually caught on his second grab. Stahmer and Martin Hill (6 notout) put up some resistance over the next few overs, putting on a further 23 runs, but on the final ball of the 36th over, Sameer Khan eventually secured a well-deserved victory for Laguna trapping Stahmer LBW, bowling out TCT 38 runs short of their target with 227 runs. thephuketnews