The Phuket News June 07, 2019 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

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Spirit medium beaten to death with baseball bat

EXCISE TAX BITES HARD AS PATONG BUSINESSES SUFFER

LIFE

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Entertainment business owners in Patong are crying foul over the new excise tax, saying they are already under too much pressure. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

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alls by Preechawut “Prab” Keesin, the well-known head of the Pisona Group of companies, for a reprieve on an 11% excise tax levied on entertainment businesses in Patong are gaining support, with leading business figures ready to lobby the Phuket Governor for support. The new tax, and alleged heavyhanded approach by officials in its collection, is being branded as possibly the final straw killing off entertainment businesses in Phuket’s busiest tourism town.

Mr Prab, a son of long-time former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin, said that the tax is too much for local businesses, who are already suffering heavily from plunging tourism figures. Mr Prab branded the excise tax as “state sponsored extortion”, and blamed the tax for businesses having to hike prices in a town that already has some of the highest ground rents on the island. “Patong is already experiencing economic problems, and it is the low season, ” he told The Phuket News. “At the same time, through its new tax calculation, the Excise Department is trying to take 11% tax from the income of entertainment operators

each month,” he added. Mr Prab estimated that 35% of entertainment businesses in Patong’s usually-bustling entertainment district, centred around Bangla Rd, had already folded. He also warned that more closures were to follow. The “new” 11% tax is technically a 10% levy on incomes on all entertainment businesses, plus a 1% “general tax”, introduced under the revised Excise Tax Act which came into effect on Sept 16, 2017. Now, with a full Thai tax year concluded since the new levy was introduced, tax officials are calling for operators to pay up – something

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that Patong business operators say they simply are unable to do. The current state of tourism in Patong has left entertainment business operators high and dry, they say. Despite officials continuing to report record numbers of tourist arrivals, the island’s top nightlife drawcard, Bangla Rd in Patong, has been taking a battering in business in recent years as the tourists visiting Phuket – and especially Patong – have changed in terms of demographics and source markets. Weerawit Kreuasombat, President of the Patong Entertainment Business Association (PEBA), which represents some 500 entertainment businesses...

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Patong nightlife venues fight new tax for survival Continued from page 1 ...in Patong, only in December last year branded this most recent tourism high season in Phuket as “the worst high season in Patong in 10 years”. “Businesses have started to close down because of many reasons, such as the global trade war causing slower growth and less tourists, and the excise and revenue departments are pushing to collect more tax from entertainment businesses,” Mr Prab said. Mr Prab accused the move of being nothing more than a heavy-handed approach to fill state coffers. “It is part of the government plan to pressure officials to increase tax collection so the government has more funds for its budgets in the next fiscal year,” he said. Business owners were not prepared for the tax, Mr Prab added, and accused officials of not informing them properly of what the new tax required. “We and other businesses didn’t have a chance to prepare for this 11% tax. We have been

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Spirit medium beaten to death, body dumped Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A family sits at a bar along Bangla Rd, uninterested in the dancers behind them. adding only 7% to customers’ bills,” he said. “This is not the right time to strictly enforce higher tax collection. Flexibility is needed. We have fewer tourists, and businesses are making less money so they can’t pay what officials are asking. They would be paying out more in taxes than they are earning,” he added. “The current situation is affecting every entertainment industry related venue. Right now, 50-60% of operators are asking for rental discounts, 30% have closed shop and vacated the premises, hoping to open in November for the next high season,” he said.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

ll four suspects arrested for the murder of a spirit medium whose remains were found last Saturday will undergo further questioning by police following the revelation that the murder was carried out with a baseball bat. Suspect Su kol rapong “Beach” Kaewsuwan, 27, was arrested on Monday, Wichit Police Chief Col Nikorn Somsuk explained at a press conference on Tuesday (June 4). Fellow suspects Sukaray “Chuk” Jitnaree, 27, Peerawat “Sam” Saewong, 28, and Naruebeth “Low” Petchmak, 20, were all arrested yesterday, he added. The arrests followed the discover y of heavily decomposed remains in jungle undergrowth beside the Ao

Police recover the body of 24-year-old Sathaporn ‘Tek’ Yindee last Saturday. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Yon - Khao Khad coastal road, on Phuket’s east coast, last Saturday. The remains were soon identified by the victim’s parents to be those of 24-yearold Sathaporn “Tek” Yindee, well known among his friends as a spirit medium who took part in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. “All four of them revealed their plan to commit murder,” Phuket Provincial Police

Deputy Commander Col Witoon Kongsudjai told the press conference. Wichit Police Chief Col Nikorn added that the killing was the culmination of an ongoing dispute between Sathaporn and the four suspects. He also noted that the suspects had claimed that Sathaporn had threatened to kill one of them, and so they had reacted before that

threat could be carried out. “They admitted that a baseball bat was used to beat Sathaporn to death. They used a black Hyundai H-1 to carry the body to dump it beside the road on the night of March 16,” he said. One of the suspects who had befriended Sathaporn had picked Sathaporn up at his house on a motorbike and drove him to a house in Chalong, where he was attacked and beaten to death with a baseball bat, the officers explained. T hey then bou nd his hands and feet with red nylon rope and dumped his body along the Ao Yon road. Col Nikorn declined to reveal any further details about the case, and refused to answer questions from the press about where the murder was carried out or what had started the ongoing dispute in the first place.

Massage parlour operator charged with human trafficking of minors for sex A MAN WANTED FOR HUman trafficking in providing underage girls as prostitutes at a massage parlour near Phuket International Airport has been arrested in Krabi after more than a year on the run. Supachat Chirawattananukul, 47, originally from Lampang, was taken into custody in Tambon Pak Nam, in Krabi’s Mueang District, at 8pm Tuesday last week (May 28), Capt Prayut Sornsawat of the Royal Thai Police Anti Trafficking in Persons Divi-

sion (ATPD) confirmed to The Phuket News last Thursday (May 30). According to a copy of the arrest warrant provided to The Phuket News, Supachat was wanted for four specific charges of human trafficking of minors for sex. The arrest warrant was issued by Phuket Provincial Court on March 13, 2018. “ Su p a ch a t h a s b e e n brought back to Phuket to face the charges against him,” Capt Prayut explained.

Supachat Chirawattananukul, 47, was taken into custody in Krabi’s Mueang District on May 28. Photo: APTD “He was taken to Phuket Provincial Court yesterday (May 29), where he is being held in the detention cells,”

he said last Tuesday. “Supachat denied the charges against him,” Capt Prayut confirmed. The warrant was issued last year after Supachat failed to present himself in court following his arrest by officers from Sakoo Police Station, just south of the airport, on Mar 24, 2017. Supachat was arrested at “The Rich Massage” parlour, also located in Sakoo, in 2017 after officers staged a sting operation, noted the details

in the arrest warrant. The sting operation was launched after officers had discovered that the massage parlour had girls under 18 years of age working as prostitutes. Suppachat was arrested as the manager of the venue, noted the warrant. The warrant also noted that Supachat received B1,000 for each session a customer spent with one of the underage prostitutes, who received B1,500 per hour per session. Details of why Supachat

was released on bail while facing human trafficking charges has yet to be revealed by police. Sakoo Police Chief Col Kittipong Klaikaew and Phuket City Police Chief Col Sompong Thiparpakul both said they were not aware of any reason why Supachat would have been allowed to post police bail. Both chiefs were not in their current positions as topranking police officers at the time that Supachat fled while out on bail. Tanyaluk Sakoot

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PHUKET NEWS

Surf danger lurks amid lifeguard patrol woes

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aren Jenner, the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) Marine Safety Officer for Phuket, has issued an ominous warning for surf safety at Phuket’s beaches as the southwest monsoon starts to take hold along the island’s popular west coast beaches. “The beginning of June historically marks the start of southwest monsoon season on Phuket. This year, Mother Nature decided otherwise. So far, at least. Inter-monsoon conditions prevail over the Andaman coast, which can bring rain one week, and warm, fair conditions the next week. As surf danger season looms, Mother Nature will decide when it finally arrives,” Mr Jenner told The Phuket News on Tuesday (June 4). “Meanwhile, the PPAO (Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, or OrBorJor) and the Governor seem to have lost all control over Phuket’s lifeguard system. The promised doubling of funds for lifeguard services to over B40 million on Phuket seems to have evaporated, much like the water in the reservoirs at the end of high season. “As one former Phuket lifeguard captain put it, ‘It’s already too late’. The window to hire, train and deploy Phuket’s upgraded lifeguard force this year is closed and locked tight,” Mr Jenner pointed out.

The woman luckily escaped any head injuries and broken bones in the fall. Photo: Patong Surf Life Saving

Russian woman injured in selfie-taking fall on rocks

Tourists enjoy Nai Harn Beach on Sunday (June 2), as a tattered No Swimming flag stands posted in front of a lifeguard tower, ready for use. Photo: The Phuket News Phuket’s lifeguard patrols fell into disarray in 2017 after Norraphat Plodthong, the Phuket Governor at the time, ordered all local administrations to organise their own lifeguards. That order was hoped to resolve the issue of the PPAO failing to secure fulltime lifeguards to patrol Phuket’s beaches during the dangerous southwest monsoon season. The PPAO had failed to attract a single bid for the government contract offered, presumably for the same reason that the Phuket Lifeguard Service (PLS) refused to place its bid, despite the PLS providing lifeguards on Phuket’s beaches for more than a decade – the budget offered simply was not enough to pay for the lifeguard services provided.

“There will likely be very little warning when the persistent southwest monsoon starts in earnest. It can happen overnight. At present, only Patong and Nai Harn beaches have qualified lifeguards patrolling the sands,” Mr Jenner explained. “Coordination between lifeguards and other safety agencies is also not in place. Despite ever-rising tourist arrivals, the level of Phuket’s lifeguard coverage coming into danger season is the lowest in 10 years,” he added. “Unlike some public safety lapses that take their toll years or decades later, the effect of no lifeguard coverage on Phuket’s beaches is felt almost immediately,” Mr Jenner warned. (See Editorial, page 6.)

LIFEGUARDS AT PAtong Beach are warning tourists to exercise due care on the rocks at Kalim Beach, north of Patong, after a Russian woman suffered heavy abrasions in a fall from the rocks while taking a selfie. The Russian woman was with friend while taking selfies on the rocks near the Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa at about 1:45pm last Saturday afternoon (June 1) when she fell, Patong Surf Life Saving lifeguards reported. The woman suffered abrasions to her thighs and back, but luckily escaped any head injuries and broken bones in the fall, lifeguards noted. Lifeguards administered

first aid at the scene and checked for further injuries. An ambulance was called and the woman was taken to Patong Hospital for further treatment and examination to make sure no other injuries went undetected, lifeguards added. After receiving treat ment, the woman was cleared to leave the hospital and returned to her hotel for further rest, lifeguards noted in their report. T he rock s t hat t he Russian woman fell from have previously proved themselves to be dangerous, and even deadly. In 2017, 4 -yearold Chinese boy Wu Muyang was washed from the same rocks and drowned. The Phuket News

Patong taxi, tuk-tuk drivers asked to stop cheating, beating tourists T H E C H I E F O F PAT O N G Police held a meeting on Tuesday (June 4) to discuss the launch of a project aimed at improving the behaviour and attitude of Patong taxi and tuk-tuk drivers towards tourists. Col Anotai Jindamanee presided over the meeting for the project named ‘Being Good Host’, attended by officials and local business owners including Preechaw ut “Prab” Keesin, head of the Pisona Group of companies and son of long-time former Patong Mayor, Pian Keesin. Col Anotai told The Phuket News,

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“The main goal of the project is to address the issues that are impacting tourism in Patong and to promptly repair the area’s image. “The negative impact that Patong’s image is having on its livelihood is reflected in the decline in tourist numbers and revenue,” Col Anotai stressed. “Videos and stories of taxi and tuk-tuk drivers overcharging and attacking tourists have circulated social media numerous times and this is having a detrimental effect on people trying to make a living here,” he added.

One such video that emerged online in March drew much attention when six people comprising tuk-tuk drivers and at least one motorbike taxi driver were filmed viciously beating two tourists from the UAE in front of Malin Plaza in Patong. The incident prompted a Royal Thai Army Commander to call on the Chief of the Phuket Land Transport Office (PLTO) to set up an ‘attitude adjustment’ briefing for Patong tuktuk and taxi drivers. Aside from tourism-related offences, Phuket’s taxi drivers have been known even to turn on each

other. On March 7, one taxi driver shot another dead in broad daylight at a taxi rank in Patong following an argument. And more recently, a ‘joke’ that got out of hand between two taxi drivers in Thalang on the morning of May 26 ended with one stabbing the other in the chest. Col Anotai spoke of the importance of getting local business representatives on board to share their opinions on possible solutions to the problem. “I need i nput f rom local businesses. Patong Development

Tuk-tuks in Patong – Phuket’s bustling tourism hub. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot Foundation have confirmed their cooperation with the project. “I expect the project to commence very soon. Further plans will be made in due course,” he added. The Phuket News

PHUKET NEWS

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Primed for local elections Phuket Election Office ordered to prepare for polls Waranya Prompinpiras reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket office of the Election Commission of Thailand (PEC) has received an order to start preparations for local elections, The Phuket News confirmed last Thursday (May 30). The PEC received the order from the Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) in Bangkok on May 27, PEC Director Nutthawat Wongitsaraphap explained. “The Phuket office of the Election Commission must coordinate with local authorities to prepare election equipment such as ballot boxes, polling booths and other equipment that is required for holding elections, which must be

PEC Director Nutthawat Wongitsaraphap has confirmed that his office has received an order to start preparing to hold local elections. Photo: PEC / file ready for use from Sep 1, 2019 onwards,” he said. Mr Nutthawat explained that he would send a formal notice to all 19 local authorities in Phuket – nine municipalities, nine Tambon

Administration Organisations (OrBorTor) and the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) – instructing them to prepare and check the election equipment they have and

report back to him by June 7. “Then I will gather all the information and report to the ECT in Bangkok by June 15,” he added. “After that, we have to wait for the official announcement declaring when the local elections are to be held,” Mr Nutthawat said. The ECT in April made public the seven distinct acts incorporating changes to local election laws, paving the way for local elections to be held nationwide, including in Phuket. At that time, Mr Nutthawat explained to The Phuket News that the new laws included a raft of changes, including that successful candidates cannot hold the office of Mayor or OrBor-

Tor Chief for more than two consecutive terms. Previously, candidates could be re-elected to office indefinitely. Also each village now will have two representatives on the local OrBorTor council, instead of only one, and mayors and OrBorTor chiefs must be at least 35 years old. Previously they had to be at least 30 years old. The conditions for the PEC organising local elections has also changed, Mr Nutthawat explained. Previously, the PEC had to organise and coordinate local elections themselves, now they can hand over the operational aspects of holding local elections to a committee or third party.

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Rescue volunteers administer CPR at the roadside on Wiset Rd, Rawai (May 30). Photo: Supawatkun Amnuay Khunnalack

Chinese tourist dies in motorbike accident A CH I N ESE TOU R IST died and another was in critical condition after their motorbike crashed into a light pole in Rawai last Thursday night (May 30). Police were notified of the accident at 9:15pm and arrived at the scene on Wiset Rd to find two Chinese men lying on the road unconscious surrounded by blood. Capt Jaruwit Chunjareon of Chalong Police Station reported, “Mr Weerawut Chote, who witnessed the accident, notified emergency services. He explained that two Chinese men were on a motorbike driving down a hill on Wiset Rd and lost control, veering into the central reservation.” The impact threw the men off the bike and into a light pole. Two helmets were found

at the scene. Ruamjai Rescue Foundation volunteers arrived to find that one of the tourists, identified as Yi Shi, 30, had no pulse and proceeded to administer CPR while an ambulance rushed the other, Dongyang Wu, 25, who had suffered serious injuries, to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Mr Yi is believed to have died on impact and was pronounced dead on arrival at Vachira Phuket Hospital. Mr Dongyang remains in critical condition. The men had arrived in Phuket just four days earlier (Monday, May 27) on tourist visas. “Police have informed the Chinese consulate of the incident,” Capt Jaruwit added. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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PHUKET NEWS

Dengue infection delusions Phuket safe, dengue growth slows in May amidst soaring fears online Anton Makhrov news@novostiphuketa.com

itself was higher than fiveyear average.

hile some media reports this week claimed that the arrival of the monsoon season rains in the past few weeks has seen the number of dengue infections across the country double, the rate of infections in Phuket has in fact fallen. Further, the drop in the number of dengue infections in Phuket has seen the tourism island lose its top spot in the country for the number of infections per 100,000, falling to the seventh highest in the country. The news follows the Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) late last week issuing its dengue infection report for Week 20 of the year, calculated by the DDC as ending on May 28. The report, for April 30May 28, confirms that the seasonal hike in dengue this year was much smaller than the increase last year. The year-to-date number of infections for Week 20, 2019

PHUKET LOSING ITS BITE In Phuket, health officials recorded 169 cases of dengue infections during the first five months of the year with 25 registered in May and an average of 36 per four weeks between January and May (144 in total). No cases of death from dengue have been recorded so far. In comparison, last year Phuket had an average of about 71 cases per month between January and June, while the same period of 2013 saw an average of over 238 per month while during some weeks in June the number of recorded cases reached 120 a week. The DDC figures support the words of Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) Chief Thanit Sermkaew, who earlier asked people not to panic about dengue. “The situation is under control and nothing to worry about as the morbidity rate is not as high as it was last year and is decreasing,” Dr

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A graph included in the DDC report shows that the number of dengue infections nationwide during the first four months of the year was well above average, but the number of infections for May was not. Image: MoPH / DDC was given as 23,622, compared with 12,764 during the same period last year, spurring the excitable headlines. Howeve r, t he a c t u a l increase nationwide for the four-week period for May (Weeks 17-20) was an increase of 991 infections (about 22%) – from an average of 4,526 infections and six deaths per month during Weeks 1-16 to 5,517 infections and six deaths during Weeks 17-20, 2019. The average increase in

dengue infections during the same weeks of the year previously was about 100%. Compared with Weeks 1720, 2018, the actual increase was of 1,473 infections (about 36%) – from 4,044 infections and five deaths in May last year to 5,517 infections and six deaths this year. Regardless, the number of dengue infections nationwide January through April this year has been especially higher than the average during the

same period for the past five years, spurring much concern from officials, with a marked increase in infections in 2016. During each of these first four months of 2019, the number of infections t h roug hout t he cou nt r y has been nearly as high as normally experienced in May. The monthly average of 4,526 infections January through April 2019 more than doubled last year’s result of 2,180 infections, which

Thanit told The Phuket News on May 9. As of May 28, Phuket with 169 recorded infections for the month still ranked fourth among the seven upper provinces of Southern Thailand, following Nakhon Sri Thammarat (1,103 infections, 3 deaths), Krabi (220 infections, 1 death) and Chumphon (196 infections). In order of morbidity rate (“infection rate”) per 100,000, the top seven provinces are: Na k hon Sr i T ham marat (70.89), Phang Nga (50.27), Krabi (47.02), Phuket (42.45), Chumphon (38.54), Ranong (31.62) and Surat Thani (14.80). As always, the credibility of this parameter is under mined by the fact that morbidity rate is based on the registered population in a province, not the actual population. Hence, Phuket’s morbidity figures are much higher than the other provinces because of the number of Thais from other provinces living on the island, not to mention the number of expats and tourists on the island when the statistics are calculated.

Opinion 6

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

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th From risk analyst to music producer to news editor, Poria has worked in various contrasting fields following his graduation from university. Growing up in central London before moving to Phuket in 2016, he has but one ambition, freedom.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th Former freelance writer and editor for a music news and reviews website in the UK. Now turning her hobby into a career with The Phuket News and broadening her scope from music to, well, everything. Likes the weird and wonderful.

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aren Jenner, the International Surf Lifesaving Association (ISLA) Marine Safety Officer for Phuket, this week fired an early warning shot about the state of Phuket’s lifeguards and the impending dangerous surf about to be whipped up along Phuket’s west coast. The southwest monsoon has yet to truly kick in, and with blue skies overhead on intermittent days from now through October, unsuspecting tourists are lured into the sea not knowing about the flash rips and strong currents that have claimed the lives of swimmers before them. The tumbling of Phuket’s once-centralised system in late 2017 left lifeguard protection at our beaches in tatters. The previous system in place for decades hired one contractor to ensure that trained, experienced lifeguards were guarding our

EDITORIAL

In too deep shores. That meant just one organisation to hold responsible. We do not have that anymore. We do not even have one organisation to keep track of how many people have been rescued. A cynic might say that factor was intentional. Instead, we have each local administration scrapping to find what lifeguards it can for the beaches in its own area. Some areas have fared better than others, notably Patong and Nai Harn, where the local councils to their credit stepped in as quickly as they could to hire the same qualified, trained lifeguards that had already patrolled those beaches for years. The rest did not do so well. The first thing that many local administrations – especially those along central and northern west coast beaches – cried out for was funding to even provide suitable equipment for whoever they could find

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com to work as lifeguards. Many of the people hired were not just not qualified lifeguards. They lacked the basic skills to keep themselves safe in the surging surf. Some of them even refused to go into the water to provide assistance to swimmers in distress knowing full well they would be placing their own lives in danger. It was that bad. The hiring of one company is under investigation for alleged corruption in that the company hired personnel not qualified to work as surf life savers. We pray this year we do a little better, but still beg officials to return to having one agency to oversee, check qualifications for and coordinate lifeguard resources. We also call on everyone – especially hotels – to warn Thai and foreign visitors of the dangers that lurk in the surf during the coming months.

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Phuket massage parlour operator charged with human trafficking of minors for sex Phuket Opinion: One way, or the other Phuket readies for Queen’s Birthday long weekend Chalong underpass to open this Friday Teenager dies in close-riding collision Patong taxi, tuk-tuk drivers asked to stop cheating, beating tourists Chinese tourist dies in Rawai motorbike accident Phuket Poll: Lane changes needed at Chalong Underpass? Phuket police hunt down, arrest men for dangerous Chinese tourist bag snatch Russian woman injured in selfie-taking fall on rocks

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HAVE YOUR SAY Underwhelming underpass

Re: Phuket Poll: Lane changes needed at Chalong Underpass? Apparently motorbikes are not allowed. So still have to cross the now much prettier but no safer circle. The tunnel should have a steel crash barrier between the two lanes. It is also lacking, from what I can see, any emergency points which should include fire equipment and emergency phone, not to mention any evacuation points. This underpass would be illegal for about 100 reasons in the west. Nice plants and artwork though, and the new clock is right twice a day. Dave Blond Skelcey Re: Chalong underpass to open this Friday Only one lane in each direction? A site for many accidents I think. Shwe Re: Phuket Opinion: One way, or the other They built an underpass with lanes only 3.5 metres wide? Tour buses and large trucks are typically 2.4-2.55

metres wide and have mirrors sticking out each side. Even if they are travelling in the same direction, it will be a very tight fit. How will emergency vehicles/personnel access the inevitable carnage? A crash with fire. Cars packed in bumper to bumper. Deadly… Timothy

The next saga

Re: Call for extra B2bn for Phuket light rail project blurs budget figures Chalong Underpass took three years and 11 months. Just imagine how long this project will take from start to finish? Centuries?! Raffael Molina I don’t want to think about the traffic this will cause for the next 10 years. And then they’ll leave it with a stupid reason or excuse from both officers and contractors as we have seen in many sluggish projects that have dragged on. Stham Rat

Is the party over?

Re: Excise tax ‘final straw’ for Patong entertainment businesses, warns scion Yes, Khun Prab is correct.

Patong is finished. Pure greed has killed it off. Thai baht too strong, doubling rents. It never ends but it’s going to now unless they start to listen to what the entertainment businesses have been saying for years. Paul Montgomery Put a fork in it, the place is done. John Rothstein Impossible to keep the doors open unless landlords take the lead and lower rents. If not, most smaller friendly bars will be forced to close. Dick Housden

Facing up

Re: Four men charged with murder following discovery of decomposed body Condolences to the family. I think it’s good that you show faces and give people details. We don’t do this in Poland. Even if someone is a killer or rapist, you can’t write their full name. It’s wrong. Everyone should be responsible for their own actions. We should be able to look this person in the eye. Roxana Jadwiga Horyń

Bon appétit

Re: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s Cucina Italian Kitchen scoops up Thailand Tatler Best Restaurants 2019 award Well done JW MarriottPhuket. Recently stayed there with my family. Every bite was a delight, a well-deserved accolade. Brendan Lines

Changing stripes

Re: National Geographic posts video of tiger at Phuket Zoo, puts Thailand animal tourism industry in the spotlight What a damning and sad image of a drugged Tiger in Phuket, Thailand. Don’t visit this so-called attraction. Graeme Lahman Same for the dolphinarium. So bad. Please just boycott these places. Don’t go there. Sarah Gourlez The buck stops with the appropriate government department that can shut this place down. The question is: as it got a conscience or does the baht do the talking? David Holbourne

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THAILAND NEWS

Tour operators want clarity

Operators demand manageable marine protection system BANGKOK Dusida Worrachaddejchai

he temporary closure for rehabilitation of several famous marine national parks and coastal sites, including Maya Bay and the Similan and Surin islands in southern Thailand, and more recently Samae San island on the east coast, has drawn mixed reactions from stakeholders. W h i le m a ny p r a i s e d t h e ecological recovery plans, local tourism operators have complained that unclear information over the closing plans and the reopening dates put them at a disadvantage. Phu r iwa t Li mt h avo r n r a t , president of the Association of Domestic Travel, said that even though many operators agree with closing marine national parks, they would like authorities to notify them of the duration of the closure and how the places will be restored during the period. Discussions with representatives from the private sector and the Federation of Thai Industries suggest that whenever the authority wants to shut down national parks it should mitigate the impact on tour operators, Mr Phuriwat said.

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Divers explore the Gulf of Thailand near Koh Tao in Surat Thani province. Photo: Thiti Wannamontha The government should inform related tourism organisations in advance, instead of making abrupt announcements. Authorities should present environmental restoration plans du r ing the closu res, such as wastewater and garbage treatment, as well as marine port management and safety standards. “Once the area reopens, visitors can see the improvements and receive higher quality services,” Mr Phuriwat said. The National Parks, Wildlife

and Plant Conservation Department decided in early March to extend the closure of Maya Bay in Krabi province until mid-2021 after a trial closure for one year. The department also bars visitors from the Similan and Surin islands for five months until mid-October because of the monsoon season. The Royal Thai Navy recently closed Samae San island in Chon Buri without giving a date for reopening. Environmental conservation groups said the beach closures

seemed like the authorities were not really trying to solve the problem. Polpich Komson, an administrator at digitalay.com, said the government should build public awareness about the sea environment and people’s responsibility to protect this resource, rather than banning visitors from the area. “The most effective way to protect and preserve environmental resources is to educate the users,” Mr Polpich said. Limiting the number of visitors at each place and using time slots should be applied to avoid overcrowding and to encourage tourists to visit other sites, he said. “Most importantly, the state must enforce the law effectively on anyone who breaches the law and harms the environment,” Mr Polpich said. W hile the park and beach closings may affect tourism, diving operators say the measure has had little impact on the diving business, thanks to plenty of beaches elsewhere in the country. Nivach Rungruangkanokkul, owner of DiveDD, said the ban may not affect scuba diving, but snorkelling and skin diving groups normally go into the water near beaches and these activities can

damage the ecosystem because of participants’ lack of awareness or if they panic underwater. Scuba diving requires training, which includes environmental responsibility, Mr Nivach said. He said few dive sites have been closed and there are still plenty of other marine attractions in the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. “Some dive sites can be visited year-round, such as the Racha and Phi Phi islands,” Mr Nivach said. “There are plenty of destinations for dive tourism.” Saruta Luangjame, co-owner of Dive Me Crazy Diving Center, said dive schools should be able to continue their business as usual. The most important thing for dive schools is to provide more awareness to students to ensure that they won’t wreck the environment, she said. The Thai scuba diving industry is a profitable tourism sector, said Sakchai Pattarapreechakul, president of NCC Exhibition Organizer. Last year, the dive industry generated B16 billion in income, with key markets consisting of Chinese tourists contributing B5.2 billion, followed by tourists from Britain and India tallying B860 million and B857 million, respectively. Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Her Majesty the Queen honoured for military prowess BANGKOK HER M AJ ESTY QU EEN Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana on her 41st birthday on Monday (June 3) was honoured for her distinguished career in the military, having advanced through the upper echelons and being appointed to the highest rank of army general, which is a testament to the Queen’s calibre and ability, comparable to that of any male officer. Her Majesty completed physically demanding field training and military

programs alongside male personnel. These programs ranged from flight training to the navy’s marine program, as well as a nighttime parachuting course in Sattahip, Chon Buri. Her Majesty is the first female officer to have trained in the course. The air training program was organised by the Special Warfare School under the Special Warfare Command in Lop Buri. Her Majesty performed the parachuting tasks five times and shot firearms in various categories. She also participated in hostage rescue drills and close-

quarters combat training. The Queen’s participation in these physically and mentally demanding tasks was a prerequisite to Her Majesty assuming duty as a royal guard, where she executed her service as deputy commander of the Royal Security Command. In her capacity as female aide-decamp and a royal guard, the Queen has completed specialised royal guard training courses including a combat course on jungle warfare and airforce logistics training. Her Majesty also displayed skill in piloting, having gone through

training in handling different types of military aircraft. Her Majesty was bestowed the rank of army sub-lieutenant on May 14, 2010 and was royally appointed Gen Suthida Vajiralongkorn Na Ayudhya on Dec 1, 2016. Her Majesty has held several important positions in the military: Commander of the Ratcha Wallop royal guard school (holding the rank of army major general); Chief of staff of the Ratcha Wallop royal guard unit under the Royal Security Command (holding the rank of army major general); Deputy Commander

Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of the Royal Security Command (holding the rank of army general); Deputy Commander of the Royal Security Command (holding the rank of upper army general); Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Aide-deCamp Department. Bangkok Post

Drug price disclosure takes effect BANGKOK AS OF LAST THURSDAY (May 30), 353 private hospitals have to display the prices of 3,000 drugs, as well as the fees for medical supplies and services, so that consumers can make better-informed decisions prior to receiving treatments. There are 30,103 drugs on the Thai Medicine Terminology list. However, private hospitals are now required to display the prices of only 10% of them, mainly those widely used in emergency cases.

The stipulation is part of the Universal Coverage for Emergency Patients (Ucep) prog ram me, which also requires that hospitals give patients an opportunity to buy drugs from pharmacies outside the hospital system by giving them prescriptions. Whichai Phochanakij, d i re ct or-ge ne r a l of t he Internal Trade Department, said a private hospital must display the price lists of drugs either on its website or via QR codes within 45 days after the effective date. Those who do not comply will be subjected to a fine not more than B10,000

and/or imprisonment not more than one year. According to Mr Whichai, private hospitals must also inform the Internal Trade Department in advance before raising their prices. The Ucep programme also mandates compulsory emergency health care for up to 72 hours at any hospital in Thailand. The scheme, which came into effect on April 1, 2017, enables those who require emergency medical care to receive treatment at nearest hospitals for a period of 72 hours for free. Bangkok Post

FFP MPs (from left) Thongdaeng Benjapak of Samut Sakhon, Thitinan Sangnak of Khon Kaen and Taopiphop Limjittrakorn of Bangkok gesture after they join a briefing to disclose how they were approached to vote for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as PM on Tuesday (June 4). Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul

Future Forward MPs not for sale BANGKOK Bangkok Post

everal Future Forward Party (FFP) MPs claim they have been offered B30-120 million each to vote for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister. Pa r t y s p o ke s wo m a n Pan nika Wanich and 13 other Future Forward MPs – some of the many who reported approaches – held a briefing on Tuesday (June 4) to disclose attempts to turn FFP MPs, almost all of whom are first-timers, into “cobras”. In Thai political terms, a cobra is an MP of one party who defects to another for money or other incentives. She said the methods ranged from offers of cash and positions to direct and indirect threats. Ms Pannika claimed the

attempts had been financed by large business groups who supported the military coup. Pathum Thani MP Anawin Rattanastaporn said he was approached twice. The first time he was offered B30 million – B25mn upfront and B5mn after the PM vote. “I turned it down. They later doubled the bid, but again, I said no,” he said. Bangkok MP Taopiphob Limjittrakorn, who champions the liberalisation of beer production, said he was first offered B30mn through acquaintances. “They did not give up and upped the bid to B50mn, B70 m n a nd , la st we ek , B120mn. I turned them all down and told them no price can be put on democracy in this country. People’s trust definitely is worth more than B120mn,” he said. Khon Kaen MP Thitinan

Sangnak said he was invited to meet a puyai [senior figure] at the deputy party leader level but turned the offer down. The latest bid was B5mn upfront, B75mn after the vote and a B200,000 monthly salary, he said. Ms Pannika said by now it was clear Palang Pracharath was attempting to form a government from 150 votes. Since they could not survive going forward with these votes, they have to buy them from MPs of other parties. “The success of an MP, regardless of which party he’s with, comes from working to protect people’s interests and forming a government to solve people’s chronic problems, not by cobbling together 20 MPs for 400-500 million. FFW is confident our MPs are bound by ideology and there’s no ‘cobra’ in the party.” thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

Silence is Golden

Boating with no generator noise WIRED ON WATER Octopus Electrical Marine

t’s that time of year when owners pull their boats out of the water. For many, it’s often just an annual exercise to keep the boat safe from storms and heavy weather during the southwest monsoon, but as the number of calls our office has had in the past few weeks, it is also time to have work done on the boat – and time to take advantage of the haul-out to upgrade the equipment on board. The opportunity of making your boat the boat you want it to be should not be overlooked, and one great leap forward that most boat owners are only just becoming aware of is that they can have their boat’s AC systems still powered up, but run silent all-day. The worst thing when you are sitting on your boat reading that great book or paper, or sleeping at night, is that

background generator noise. But you can now go out in your boat and you can have peace and quiet, with no noise at all. That’s right, no noise – just the wind and the waves. There are many boats in Phuket and a lot have small to medium generators on board, but boating generators have a lot of issues. In addition to the noise pollution, mainly to owners/ customers, having gensets running all the time causes a vibration throughout the boat, and it is certainly not ecofriendly for the environment. Other factors to keep in mind are that generators are usually running 24 hours a day when out and about, extra fuel needs to be carried, they are expensive to maintain and reliability also becomes an issue, and the current lead acid house batteries don’t last very long, about three years. Even when moored in a marina, current genset-battery configurations can still be ex-

pensive, drawing from onshore power supply, but that cost can be reduced if solar panels and power inverter generators are fitted to the boat. What many people don’t know is that with the advancement of the latest inverter technologies, we can now run a boat’s internal AC power requirements ALL off inverters up to 100kw or more and our new lithium batteries can

Building regulations target billions DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED CHANGES TO building regulations is hoped to spur some B300 billion in investment, reports Thapana Boonyapravit, president of the Thai Association for Town Planning. Draft changes to the new town planning blueprint have been submitted to the Interior Ministry for approval, but still need to pass public feedback meetings, Mr Thapana told the Bangkok Post this week. The draft changes will bet-

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ter regulate land use and infrastructure development, he said. Under the proposed changes construction of high-rises will be limited to 15-storeys along the coast and 25-storeys in the inner parts of the island. The first major development will be carried out in Patong, where the government is planning to spend B1bn on constructing four convention centres with a maximum capacity of 3,000 people each. “In the next five years, a MICE district will be built near Patong Beach, where all roads will be designed to be

pedestrian-friendly,” he said. “The roads leading to Phuket airport will be upgraded, and the number of public buses will be increased.” Phuket’s “second airport” (in Phang Nga) will be built at a cost of B70bn, and a B40bn light-rail will be built to connect the existing airport to downtown Phuket. Another B280bn will be spent on building 70,000 residential units. “T h is will help spu r Phuket’s economy and drive up the price of land by two to three times,” Mr Thapana said. The Phuket News

run the whole boat for 75% of the time. We can run all your air conditioners and other AC equipment. All we need is a large inverter and a bank of lithium phosphate batteries. The larger the bank, the longer you can run everything. If you add solar panels to the boat, then you can reduce your marina power bill as well and also supplement the generator with free electricity,

basically 10 hours a day. By adding lithium phosphate batteries and an inverter, you can reduce your generator run time by 75%, reduce your generator fuel bill by up to 50-75% and reduce your generator maintenance by 75%. Other wonders to keep in mind is the 100% reduction in noise and vibration when the AC inverter is in operation, the system is far more environmentally friendly than current conventional diesel generator sets, and you can still take FULL advantage of solar energy systems. The batteries we provide – we carry the Lithium Phosphate range – last 20-plus years, knocking the old argument of battery life on the head. You can run everything including air conditioners and large pumps on the system. The air conditioning can be always live, and if you draw too much power then the generator can be automatically

started then stopped when power usage drops. And with constant electrical power supply, cooking can be done with electric stoves – which means you can remove the gas burners and bottles from the boat, which have always been a safety concern. Stay tuned for more about marine electrical systems – and especially how the latest breakthroughs in battery technology can literally change your boating life – in our upcoming articles. This article is part of the Wired on Water series provided by Octopus Electrical Marine, based at Phuket Boat Lagoon, with more than 40 years combined experience working in the marine industry on the latest in marine technology. For more information, contact Octopus Electrical Marine at Phuket Boat Lagoon. Tel/ Fax: +66 (0) 76 600143. Email: sales@ octopusasia.com Visit www. octopusasia.com

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Driving downward pressures A look at the factors that negatively affect Phuket’s property market THE PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE Thai Residential phuket@thairesidential.com

hile the outlook for Phuket property is generally positive, as we detailed last week, every market carries potential risks and pitfalls. The following examines a few things which could negatively impact the Phuket real estate sector. What If Global Interest Rates Rise? Foreign buyers of Thai property typically do not receive financing, so there is no risk of demand being affected by mortgages becoming unaffordable. If, however, global interest rates reach a level which encourages savings over investment, it could negatively impact foreign purchases of Thai property. Fear not – we’re not anywhere near that point today. US-China Trade War The knock-on effects of the trade war between the US and

Overdevelopment is one key concern, but at this stage it appears that supply is matching demand. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot China are already being felt throughout the world. China finances a lot of infrastructure projects in Thailand, and if that money is reallocated, it could impact Phuket’s property market. Global Economy Thailand is highly unlikely to be the source of any major financial crisis, but even a healthy market can be affected by “contagion” during a global

meltdown. Another financial crisis would see a drop off in global spending, meaning fewer people travelling to Thailand, and fewer Phuket properties being bought. Foreign Exchange Controls in China The Chinese government has begun implementing tighter control over capital outflows, including record fines to com-

panies and individuals caught transferring money in defiance of these regulations. Some of this money has been flowing into overseas real estate, including Phuket. Any further tightening could have negative repercussions for the Phuket property sector. Declining Tourism We already know that tourism is a key driver of the property market in Phuket.

Falling tourist numbers would mean fewer buyers for many of the developments on the island, which would affect prices. Over Supply In every real estate market in the world prices begin to stagnate and even fall when supply outweighs demand. New builds in Phuket are currently meeting demand, with no major lag or excess. The resale market potentially has an “overhang”, however, as a result of the number of new developments built in the last few years. Any buyers with a longterm outlook should expect to be rewarded. Negative Publicity Bad publicity is detrimental to any industry, and the real estate sector in Thailand has not been immune to this. Some of the bad press has been warranted, but by no means all of it. Unfortunately, reporters do not always take the time to uncover the truth behind the tale being spun by an aggrieved foreigner. The foreigner may have been legitimately hard done by, but the truth of it

could also be they just made avoidable mistakes. Sometimes a journalist with a sympathetic ear does not fully comprehend the true nature of the story they are covering, and the story only paints Phuket in a bad light. A Change in Visa Rules Thailand has been accommodating to foreigners for decades, although there have been periods of tightening (then relaxing) of immigration requirements over the years. Extended stay visitors or anyone using a proper visa issued by a Royal Thai Embassy will likely be just fine. Likewise, we are confident that anyone over the age of 50 who is retiring in Thailand will always be welcome. But people relying on sham student visas or 30-day visa runs will probably see the avenues restricted even further. This article is from the 2018/2019 ThaiResidential Phuket Property Guide. To download the 2019/2020 Guide visit: thairesidential.com/ phuket-property-guide or call +66 9484 11918.

THAI samples frozen food market CATERING TH A I A IRWAYS I NTER NATIONA L (THAI) plans to expand its ground-based catering business with the launch of frozen food products under the Royal Orchid Gourmet brand, adding new ready-made sauces, basil stir fries and pad Thai via the Eurng Luang brand to the market. Catering, ground services and cargo handling are profitable businesses for the carrier, earning B3.67 billion in revenue in the first quarter this year, a 6.2% increase year-on-year. Revenue for the core business over the same period dropped 7%, to B49bn. President Sumeth Damrongchaitham said he wants to improve the global standard of THAI’s catering service by promoting and expanding new products, especially in frozen food, which has been growing. THAI recently showcased its ground-based catering service and new products at ThaifexWorld of Food Asia at Impact Muang Thong Thani in Nonthaburi. This was the first time THAI has a pavilion to display catering products and services. The catering unit runs ground-based operations and in-flight catering, which is responsible for making meals to serve the airline and 50 customer airlines. Mr Sumeth said THAI is also interested in expanding facilities to produce a greater variety of meals in the future. The expansions will be made cautiously, possibly with partners, he said. For the time being, THAI wants to assure passengers they will have good, authentic Thai food rather than fusion food when on board,

THAI Catering showcases new prepared meals under the Royal Orchid Gourmet brand at Thaifex-World of Food Asia. Photo: Bangkok Post said Mr Sumeth. “Our premium culinary products are not only simple foods, but represent our national heritage that we would like to pass on to our customers. We plan to put QR codes on packages to provide information about the unique culture of Thai food, which I liken to khon dancing in terms of culture,” he said. This year, revenues from ground-based catering service will rise by 20%, to B400 million, said Mr Sumeth. The airline has a 70% market share for global in-flight catering service in Thailand and expects more customers, particularly from airlines with direct flights to Thailand from Europe and East Asia. Varangkana Luerojvong, Managing Director of the Catering Department at THAI, said it will promote its frozen food products for ground catering services in Germany and France, key markets for frozen food consumption in Europe. For ready-made sauces, the airline plans to penetrate premium markets in Britain and Japan, countries where Thai food is very popular, she said. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Panwa House lets you dine like an aristocrat

Reflections on plastic on World Oceans Day

SWAP, DON’T SHOP

Phuket’s clothing swaps are putting the brakes on fast fashion

Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

etition to change the definition of ‘wardrobe malfunction’. The term has been peddled by glossy magazines and tabloids since the early noughties to shame celebrities for accidentally flashing a bit “too much” skin. But the real fashion faux pas in the modern age is hidden and much more insidious: how half of the clothes in our closets are unworn and destined for a life in landfill. noun INFORMAL wardrobe malfunction; plural noun: wardrobe malfunctions a form of temporary amnesia causing a person to repeatedly purchase inordinate amounts of clothing they will never wear. No judgement here, though. My wardrobe has suffered the same fate. Online deliveries I swore to return now stuffed in a drawer. Gym clothes bought in a fit of optimism. Dresses that will look great at that party next week but only if I shift five pounds and bank on the host having the same soft lighting in their lounge that there was in the changing room. The truth is that our irrational purchasing habits and penchant for fast fashion come at a huge cost to society and the environment. Low-wage garment workers toil under exploitative conditions, production depletes non-renewable resources, and soil and groundwater are permeated with toxic chemicals from clothes discarded in landfill. In defiance of this, a movement of eco-conscious fashion lovers in Phuket are hosting clothing swaps across the island. The concept is simple: declutter your closet; take your unwanted items – clean and in good condition – to a clothing swap; relax, mingle and browse clothes from other swappers; and take home your favourites. The almost instantaneous success of Phuket Swap Shop and New to You, two of the island’s clothing swaps, is testament to the power of community in tackling fast fashion and the environmental and social issues tagged to it. Phuket Swap Shop British expat Kylie Millar set up Phuket Swap Shop at the end of 2018. Like many of us, she found herself swept up in the world of Marie Kondo – a hit Japanese organising consultant and author – and used her patented ‘KonMari Method’ to blitz through her fit-to-burst wardrobes. “I reached out to a local expat women’s group saying, ‘I have a pile of rubbish. Do you have a pile of rubbish? Let’s swap our piles of rubbish!’” says Kylie. Just weeks later, she’d set up her first public clothing swap event at Beach Edition Cafe, then in Rawai. She had experience under her belt already having held low-key clothing swaps at her house for friends and colleagues for many years. “I thought it would just be my friends turning @thephuketnews

Photo: maxpixel.net up out of pity but it was really busy. We were overwhelmed with people,” says Kylie. Aside from April, Phuket Swap Shop has run once a month every month since January and has been such a success that it’s outgrown Beach Edition Cafe and emigrated to the loft of Sino-Portuguese mansion and lifestyle house Endless Summer. “We have more than clothes: shoes, bags, hats, scarves, jewellery, books, DVDs, games, homeware. We’ve had Gucci items, gym equipment, a three-piece suit new with tags. We also have a mystery item. Eight golden, spiky balls that were put in the fitness tub. Come along and work those out!” laughs Kylie. Kylie keeps some unswapped clothes as rolling stock and donates the rest to The Good Shepherd’s Crafts & Thrift Shop as well as the drama department at Kajonkiet International School. The May event alone saw a staggering 45 kilos of clothing donated to charity. The fifth Phuket Swap Shop will be held on June 15 at Endless Summer from 2-5pm. The event is free. Simply go along with any number of pre-loved items. Men’s clothes are also welcome. Bring an old T-shirt or two if you want to take part in the new upcycling workshop. New to You by Small Steps Phuket Behind Small Steps Phuket are Tori Allen, Ai Jay and Baffelly Woo, all mothers of children at UWC Thailand International School, all with fears about the future of the planet their children will inherit. “It started with me feeling terrible about having a third child

and ushering him into a world that will be a trash heap when he gets to be my age,” explains Tori. “I spoke to Ai and she said, ‘Let’s do something.’ So we started an event at a Christmas fair and it’s gone from there.” From scouting out eco-conscious cafes on the island to exchanging recipes for homemade shampoos and soaps, the group share tips, resources and ideas for reducing waste pollution and combating climate change, believing that small steps yield big results. Most recently, Small Steps Phuket hosted their first New to You clothing swap at Project Artisan, a community space with a focus on local art and crafts set in a lush Cherng Talay tropical garden, with great success. Rails were full and drawers were spilling over with women’s and children’s clothes, shoes and accessories that swappers had dropped off at designated collection points ahead of the event and on the door. Supermarket produce bags made of repurposed fabric were on sale and a team of volunteer seamstresses were on hand to hem, mend and alter garments, encouraging mindful shoppers and swappers to repair instead of replace their clothes. “I did clothing swaps in Toronto, where I’m from. It’s a fun event. You see women really coming together,” says Tori. “I want to continue it, continue minimising my wardrobe and start shopping more sustainably and mindfully.” The date of the next clothing swap is yet to be announced. However, it’s never too early to ‘KonMari’ your wardrobe in preparation. For more information and to find out about upcoming clothing swaps, visit www.facebook.com/phuketswapshop and www.facebook.com/smallstepsphuket

12 HISTORY

Pirating paradise

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

The first English privateers to arrive in Phuket HISTORY OF PHUKET Colin Mackay

n 1591 the first English privateering fleet was funded to go to the East for, as its charter stated, “The anoyinge of the Spaniards and Portingalls, (nowe our enemys) as also for the vendinge of oure comodities.” The fleet of three warships left Plymouth with 198 men under the command of James Lancaster, a hero of the Armada victory. Off South Africa, one ship had to turn back, as over 50 sailors were sick from “the skurvie”. Another ship was wrecked off the Natal coast. Only the flagship, the Edward Bonaventure, with a crew of 33 mainly sick and weak men eventually managed to reach the Ma lay Peninsula in 1592. They moored off Penang island south of Phuket as, “Our men were very sicke and many fallen … we espied a canoe which came neere to us … having in it some sixteen naked Indians, with whom nevertheless, going afterward on land, we had friendly conference and promise of victuals.” They rested on Penang, eating vegetables, fruit, fish and oysters to recover, and refitted their dam aged vessel. They then headed off again “determined to runne into the straits of Malacca” to attack any Portuguese ships which “must needs come from Goa or St. Thome for the Moluccas, China and Japan.” They captured three Portuguese ships carrying rice and food to Malacca. Then they were fortunate enough to: “meet with the ship of the Captain (Gov ernor) of Malacca, of seven hundred tunnes, which came from Goa, we shot at her many shot and at last shooting her maineyard through, she came to anker and yielded.” She was a rich prize of “sixteene pieces of brass [brass cannons], [carrying] … all kinds of haberdasher ware, velvets, taffetas, Spanish wooles, silks, shoes, hats, playing cards, rice but little treas ure,” apart from “some False and counterfeit stones which an Italian had brought from Venice to decieve the rude Indians with.” They sailed to Aceh in Sumatra to sell and trade

their captured goods. Then setting back to sea, they decided to set up their eastern privateering base on Phuket Island. We are informed of their arrival off Phuket by the pen of Edmund Barker, the scribe on the Edward Bonaventure, who gives us what may be the first still existing European report of anyone going ashore on Phuket. He tells us that they moored in “a baie in the kingdom of Junsalaom [probably Patong Bay] which is between Malacca and Pegu … to seeke for pitch [damar] to trim our ship. Here we sent our soldier (a Portuguese) … because he had the Malayan lan guage, to deal with the people for the pitch, which he did faithfully and procured us some two or three quintals with promise of more and certain of the peo ple came unto us. “We sent commodities to their king to barter for Ambergris and for the horns of abath [rhinoceros], whereof the king only has the traffic thereof in his hands. Now this abath is a beast which has one horn only in her forehead and is thought to be the female unicorn and is highly esteemed of all the Moores in those parts as a most souraigne remedie against poi son. We had only two or three of these hornes, which are the colour of a brown grey and some reasonable quantity of ambergris. “At last the king went about to betray our Portin gal with our merchandise, but he, to get aboard us, told the king we had gilt armour, shirtes of maile and halberds, which things they greatly desire, for hope whereof, he let him returne aboard and so he escaped the danger.” After waiting around Phuket for some days, these English caught sight of some distant sails belonging to “three ships, being all of a burthen sixty or seventy tonnes, one of which we made strike with our very boat.” One was a Portuguese ship, which they at tacked, captured and plundered. The other two were (then) Burmese ships they allowed to go on their way. Then a few weeks later, “upon a Sunday, we espied a saile which was a Portugall ship … and that night we took her, being of 250 tunnes, she was laden with rice for Malacca … In this month also we tooke a great Portugall ship of some hundred tun, laden with victuals, chests of hats, pintados [fish] and other com

James Lancaster. modities … These ships were bound for Malacca with victuals because that victuals there were very scarce.” By 1594, after two years of pirating, mainly based off Phuket, several men had succumbed to tropical diseases. “Our captain being very sicke and more likely to die than to recover … oure men declared unanimously that they would stay no longer in this country and insisted upon directing our course for England; and as they would listen to no persuasions, the captain was under the necessity of giving way to their demand, leaving all hope of the great possibility we had of making some rich prizes.” Only 25 sick, scorbutic and starving survivors of the original 198 who set out so ambitiously, managed to get home and without any real profit. Such was the fate of the first Englishmen to attempt to make their fortune in Phuket. They fared, however, much better than the second English attempt. This time, in 1596, another English privateering fleet of three ships, using information gathered by Lancaster’s expedition, also sailed east to base themselves in Phuket. Benjamin Wood, a suc cessful Caribbean privateer, led this expedition. With the exception of one French crewman, who jumped ship in uninhabited Mauritius where he lived like Robinson Crusoe for 20 months, none of these ambi tious privateers was ever heard of again. First, one of the three ships was wrecked off Madagascar; then, after a period of raiding along the Indian coast, the remaining two ships came to Phuket to wait for passing Portuguese vessels. Our knowl edge from here on is gleaned only from Portuguese sources, which report two English ships in the area undertaking piracy. They may even have been doing fairly well, until they had the misfortune to encoun ter a full Portug uese war fleet just west of Phuket. A running battle was fought for eight days until, the Portuguese reported, the two out-gunned and badly damaged English ships went into hiding on the coast of “old Keddah” for repairs. Due to the damage to the ships and the greatly diminished number of crew men, many having been killed or severely wounded by Portuguese cannon and musket fire, “the Englishmen abandoned their smaller vessel.” They all headed out to sea again in their remaining badly damaged ship, which “shortly afterwards foundered in a storm off the island of Buting (most probably Koh Batang off Tarutao) and there ended the “miserable disastrous success” of the second attempt by the English to make their fortunes in Phuket. Adapted with kind permission from the book ‘A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region’ by Colin Mackay. Available from good bookshops and Amazon. com. Order the softcover 2nd edition directly at: www. historyofphuket.com thephuketnews

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DINING 13

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

A meal at the manor Panwa House is like Phuket Town but by the sea.

The Southern platter.

Bringing Thai cuisine home at Panwa House Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

he story of Panwa House is a remarkable one. The first proprietor of this century-old Sino-Portuguese mansion was a coconut plantation owner who shuffled up the branchless trunks of the surrounding palms to harvest the fruit for market until he was 80 years old. Just as he was about to sell up and ship out, he met the current owner, a visitor to Phuket who had missed his returning flight, and told him of the land’s future as a shrimp farm. Following this chance meeting, the current owner promptly bought the land and integrated it into what is considered to be one of the first luxury resorts on the island: Cape Panwa Hotel. The resort has its roots proudly in the conservation of tradition. Over 30 years since the completion of the hotel in 1987, the coconut groves remain lush, the powder-fine sand beach immaculate and Panwa House a grand spectacle, extended and lovingly restored using the very same Portuguese Azulejo floor tiles and Chinese teak furniture from decades ago. Access to the restaurant is by a vintage funicular that creaks down the hillside past suites and pool villas shrouded by dense vegetation. Panwa House has had an illustrious on-screen career, having played a British Embassy in HBO mini-series Tsunami: The Aftermath and an American colonial-style home in the Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor disaster drama film The Impossible, alongside featuring in numerous ad campaigns. In order to keep Panwa House open yearround as a restaurant, the resort has to bat away requests from film producers like hungry mosquitoes. The history of the house is suspended yet also alive in every hallway and room, and perhaps explains why this review leans towards anthropomorphising it. Rows of dusty books, faded magazines and empty medicine jars fill cabinets upstairs while homely floral rugs and @thephuketnews

decorative vases furnish the downstairs dining areas. Arriving early during low season, it’s possible to be the only guests in the house for a while, leaving you free to explore and imagine you’re an aristocratic tin mogul, foreign diplomat or indeed a wealthy octogenarian relaxing after a long day’s coconut farming. Once settled, and out of character, there’s a host of authentic Thai dishes to choose from on the à la carte menu. Alternatively, the ‘BKK’ and ‘Southern’ set menu platters do the work of navigating the menu for you. Comprised of five dishes served in delicate Chinese porcelain on a rattan tray, they’re a great way to sample the best Panwa House has to offer. The BKK platter celebrates central Thai cuisine, offering spicy Thai soup with seafood, mushrooms and lemongrass; roasted duck in red curry with grapes, tomato and pineapple; spicy crispy morning glory salad with prawn and minced chicken; deep-fried marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaf; and deep-fried shrimp cakes. Highlights are the soup, the well-loved tom yum talay, carefully spiced with juicy tiger prawns, and the chicken parcels, or kai hor bai toey, aroma of the pandan leaf infused into the meat, and accompanied by a rich soy and sesame sauce. The platter balances salty, sour, spicy and sweet flavours beautifully. The Southern platter is, of course, a nod to the south, featuring stir-fried crab meat with curry powder; fried tiger prawn with tamarind sauce; sour soup with Thai fish and young coconut shoots; smoked shrimps with spicy shrimp paste served with vegetables; and deep-fried fish with lemongrass. Dishes are seafood-focused and pack more of a punch. The shrimp paste, or nam prik koong seab, is a must-try, fiery, briny and accompanied by crunchy peppercorn, sugar snap peas, thinlysliced, battered courgette and other seasonal vegetables. The deep-fried seabass retains its moisture and flake and is complemented, but not overpowered, by the lemongrass. The tamarind sherbet dessert is in one mouthful sweet and in an-

other sharp, and is an excellent palate cleanser to round off a rich and flavourful meal. Before you leave, choose from the carefully crafted list of beverages and raise a toast to another century of Panwa House, a two-storey, lily-white slice of history.

Cape Panwa Hotel is located at 27, 27/2, Mu 8, Sakdidej Rd, Cape Panwa, 83000. Open from 6:30pm-11pm daily. Closed Mondays from May to October. Set menu platters available Tuesday to Sunday. capepanwa.com/panwahouse reservations@capepanwa.com 66 (0)76 391 123-5

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Beast of burden

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

New Godzilla delivers in action but falls down in characterisation David Griffiths

The battles easily overshadow everything else in the film and at least make the trip to the cinema feel worthwhile.

he modern day Hollywood Godzilla franchise has certainly been an up-and-down affair. The first film in the series hit screens in 2014 and was largely criticised due to the fact that it lacked something that you would have thought would be pretty important to the film being liked by fans – screen time for Godzilla himself. Then came Kong: Skull Island, a more rounded effort that saw a lot more of the monster at hand and the result seemed to be an unanimous thumbs up from monster film lovers right around the world. Now comes Godzilla: King of the Monsters and the question on everybody’s lips is whether or not the franchise producers have learnt anything from their past mistakes. Well, if the exact question you are asking is whether this film presents more monster time, then the answer is yes. Not only does Godzilla get more minutes on the big screen, and thankfully this time a lot more battles, but this time fans also get to see the inclusion of other creatures from the deep including Mothra, Rodan and King Ghidorah. With that in mind, though, fans of the franchise should not think that they are about to experience a cinematic masterpiece because Godzilla: King of the Monsters is far from that. While director Michael Dougherty, who is mainly known for directing horror films like Krampus, and screenwriter Zach Shields

have delivered on their promise of a monster smorgasbord, they seem to have forgotten a key element for a film like this – characters that the audience actually care about. The flimsy storyline that holds Godzilla: King of the Monsters together sees three of Hollywood’s most talented actors completely wasted in roles that almost seem out of place on their resumes. Kyle Chandler is one of the best character actors in modern day cinema but here he plays easily one of the most forgettable roles – an expert named Mark Russell who finds himself on the opposite side of the argument than his scientist ex-wife, Emma (Vera Farmiga), when it comes down to whether or not Godzilla should be kept alive or not. The extremely thin and sometimes confusing plot sees Mark and Emma’s thoughts on the debate flip from side to side and to the audience it simply feels like you’re watching a long tennis rally... except with a lot more confusion. The third underused actor is Sally Hawkins who seems badly miscast as a doctor again investigating Godzilla and the rise of the other Titans. As someone who has put in brilliant performances in films like The Shape Of Water and Happy-Go-Lucky, here she is wasted in a role that would normally go to an up-and-coming star instead of one of Hollywood’s elite. In fact the only star of this movie who can hold her head high is young actress Millie Bobby Brown who backs up her role in one of the world’s most watched television shows, Stranger Things, with another credible performance here as the rest of the cast around her sinks thanks to a shallow script. The one thing that does save this as a film, though, are the action sequences. If you enjoyed films like Battle: Los Angeles, then this is certainly the film for you. Instead of following the modern day tradition of Hollywood blockbusters, Godzilla: King of the Monsters does not simply hit a lull and then cap things off with an epic battle as a finale. Instead the film sees a number of full-on battles, including an amazing Arctic

Now showing in Phuket. sequence, before a finale that is guaranteed to keep fans of the franchise on the edge of their seats. After the success of Kong: Skull Island, it does feel like a bit of a shame that he could not have been worked into this film somehow, but on the flipside the film does more than deliver when it comes to the action stakes. The scale of the battles and action sequences needed for this film do not prove to be daunting for Dougherty as director. Instead he delivers well-thought-out and crystal clear battles that do not fall into the trap of being almost unwatchable as creature blends into creature. Instead the battles easily overshadow everything else in the film and at least make the trip to the cinema feel worthwhile. To sum up, Godzilla: King of the Monsters does overshadow its predecessor but its poor script means it simply doesn’t live up to some of the more intelligent Godzilla films, including 2016’s Shin Godzilla. This is really a film for those that like action to totally dominate the film they are watching. The film does deliver when it comes to monsters and epic battle sequences but just don’t expect it to come close the memorable characterisation that we saw in Kong: Skull Island. It’s for that reason we say that while you will probably struggle to remember any of the character’s names once the final credits have rolled, at least you will have a plethora of monster battles that you won’t be able to wait to tell your friends about. David Griffiths has been working as a film and music reviewer for over 20 years. That time has seen him work in radio, television and in print. You can follow him at www.facebook.com/subculture entertainmentaus

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PETS 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Should I get a dog? UNLEASHED

Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

I would always argue that the benefits of having a dog far outweigh any negatives. That said, it’s not something to rush into.

hen asked this question by a friend, any dog owner is doubtless going to answer, “Yes!” Dogs are affectionate animals that can have positive effects on all of us. A dog is a compassionate friend, an entertainer, a protector and a teacher. It’s no wonder that so many kids dream of having a dog as a pet. However, many people consider dogs as smelly, hair-shedding nuisances that poop everywhere and bring dirt inside the house. Others perceive them as a menace and a source of various diseases and allergies. So why should you get a dog?

They are an exuberant friend

Having a dog as a companion can have serious health benefits, including preventing depression and loneliness. Dogs are always ready and willing, regardless of the weather or day of the week. They become our best friends, a trusted confidant – who hasn’t had a heartto-heart with their dog? – and an all-round cool companion to hang out with. A cuddle or a playful interaction with a dog stimulates a hormone called oxytocin which soothes the anxiety system, and being free of anxiety is a plus for anyone. Dogs are also the master socialiser. Usually you can walk past people on a road or a beach and exchange nothing more than a nod. But if you have a dog, people often want to chat.

They help us to maintain good health

As well as having a positive impact on our mental health, there is no doubt that having a dog can have a positive impact on our physical health too. Dogs love, and need, exercise. They love to run, chase, play and sometimes even swim, which means you have to get up and out with them. You don’t need to start signing up for 10k runs every day, but a good walk, with a bit of play, does far more good than sitting on the sofa.

They protect us

We live in a very safe environment in Phuket, but having a dog provides just that little bit of extra protection. Dogs are likely to bark at strange noises in the middle of the night that we may otherwise not notice. The smell of an unfamiliar person approaching the house can also trigger a bark or two, sending would-be burglars scrambling away.

They help our kids

Walkies. Photo: Artem Bali / Pexels

@thephuketnews

Paw prints in the sand. Photo: Trinity Kubassek / Pexels

I’m not much of an advocate for ‘getting a dog for our kids’. Whilst in principal this has huge merit, the reality is that taking care of the dog is likely to become largely the parents’ responsibility, and if you’re not prepared for that, it can lead to problems. That said, having a dog is often awesome for kids, and by simply spending time with a dog, they can develop various skills and learn more about responsibility.

Kids can also improve their skills by reading aloud to their dog. A dog will be a kind listener who won’t interrupt and won’t criticise them for their mistakes. Thus, by reading to a dog, your kid can effectively improve the fluency of their speech and reduce fear of speaking aloud. This is why the Waggin’ Tail Tutor programme we run here in Phuket has become so successful. In short, I would always argue that the benefits of having a dog far outweigh any negatives that you might ponder over. That said, it’s not something to

rush into. If you have any questions about what you might be getting yourself into, you can call us for a chat about what owning a dog is really all about. If you would like some more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, then please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com, or check our website www.k9pointacademy.com. CPA is the only K9 organisation in Thailand accredited with the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), and as an American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluator.

16 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

World Oceans Day

A time to reflect on plastic in Phuket

Photo: Shifaaz Shamoon / Unsplash Dr Peter W Harris

merican explorer Victor Vescovo recently broke the world record for the deepest ever dive after descending to the bottom of the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean in a submersible. Some 11 kilometres down, in the deepest explored part of the ocean, Victor observed several marine creatures, one of which is a potentially new species. However, it’s his other more devastating discoveries that caught the world’s attention: a plastic bag and sweet wrappers. This suggests that the very deepest oceans are the repositories of

plastic waste. A serious matter indeed. The challenges facing our oceans have been a talking point for some time. World Oceans Day, observed on June 8 each year, was officially declared by the UN in 2008, but its origins can be traced back to a proposal by the Canadian government back in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, some 26 years ago. The theme for World Oceans Day 2019 in Thailand is “Gender and Thai Seas” with a goal to build greater ocean and gender literacy and discover possible ways to promote gender equality in ocean-related activities. Focus will be on marine scientific research, marine biodiversity conservation, fish-

eries, aquaculture, food security labour at sea, migration by sea, human trafficking, building resilience on climate change impacts, ecotourism, policy making and management. While each country marks the day differently according to how the ocean affects them and how they affect the ocean, there is a particular poignancy with Thailand. The country is one of five Asian countries which dumps more plastic in the ocean than the rest of the world combined. Thailand has poor waste processing infrastructure and the petroleum-based non-biodegradable plastics seriously impact health and marine life, releasing toxins into landfill, rivers and, indeed, oceans. In Phuket specifically, each person on the island generates 1.13 kilograms of waste per day (50% of which is biodegradable). That’s over 1,000 tonnes of waste sent to the Saphan Hin incinerator every day. The point of marking international days is not to scaremonger, but to educate about the issues of concern, mobilise change and celebrate achievements. World Oceans Day is a good time to focus on serious initiatives that can help reduce plastic and waste on the island and look back at how far we’ve come. I celebrated some of Phuket’s great community initiatives in a previous article – Trash Talk – such as Trash Hero Phuket who run regular beach cleans and Precious Plastic Phuket who repurpose plastic into a whole host of beautiful, practical objects. Also of note are the Happy Green World Foundation’s educational programmes about waste, water and energy which teach children between 6 and 12 years old sustainable behaviour through a colourfully-illustrated activity guide, student book and game. These are currently being translated into Thai by students at British International School, Phuket – BISP, sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and in partnership with the Phuket Hotels Association. Avid readers of The Phuket News will know about the environmental efforts at Koh Siray. The inhabitants of the island, which is joined by a bridge to Phuket Town, battle with a monumental amount of plastic waste. Help was at hand on Apr 29, though, when a huge collaborative effort, comprising staff from Rassada Municipality, 70 Australian military personnel and community groups, saw a tonne of waste collected and four sustainable

Koh Siray.

education centres established. However, if these efforts in Phuket, and particularly in Koh Siray, are to seriously reduce waste and plastic, they will need a coordinated, long-term approach by districts, municipalities, hotels, retail outlets, community groups and schools, including education programmes and a change in community attitudes. The aim should not be just to reduce waste, but to turn it into a sustainable business to improve income for local communities too. With this in mind, a strategic planning forum will be held in July – date to be confirmed – to discuss the serious action necessary to tackle the issues facing Koh Siray. All members of the community who have a strong interest in this project are invited to participate. The aim is to elevate Koh Siray’s position as a centre for tourism, take firm action on waste and water management, tackle the serious issues of the sea gypsy village and around the port, provide high quality education and health services and examine new sustainable economic businesses. Dr Peter W Harris is the Chair of the Asia Pacific Environmental Network (APEN) Thailand/Australia. APEN, originally established in Australia and now established in Thailand, aims to contribute to building sustainable communities, including water, waste, energy and biodiversity, with a strong commitment to social justice. If you would like to participate in the strategic planning forum, contact Dr Harris via email at apenseek@gmail.com thephuketnews

EVENTS 17

Get up, stand-up THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Canadian, Australian and British comedians to hit Marriott stage on June 10 The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

ach month, StandUp Asia brings some of the best international comedic talent on the circuit to vibrant, multicultural audiences at the Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach. This month, on Monday, June 10, will see Glenn Wool from Canada, Aidan Jones from Australia and Kyle Legacy from the UK take to the stage for a side-splitting evening of original comedy. Here’s what to expect. Glenn Wool “Effortlessly funny with an affability that other comics can only dream of.” – The Guardian Glenn Wool began his comedy career in 1995 in his hometown of Vancouver. Three years later, Wool moved to London and quickly became an established star on the London circuit before becoming a globally recognised name and dominating the international circuit, performing to huge crowds in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, USA, South Africa, and across Europe. Wool’s credits include John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show, The Green Room with Paul Provenza, 8 Out of 10 Cats, Never Mind the Buzzcocks, Russell Howard’s Good News and numerous others. In 2016, Wool was featured on The John Bishop Show (BBC One) and hosted a new NBC series Before the Morning After. In 2017 and 2018, you would have caught Wool touring with Reginald D Hunter, heard him on the Freestyle podcast with Frankie Boyle and seen him on Doug Stanhope’s The Comedians’ Comedian’s Comedian at Austin, TX’s South by Southwest. Wool has been nominated for Best International Stand Up at the New Zealand Comedy Awards and twice Best Headliner at the Chortle Awards. Described by The Scotsman as a “masterpiece of comedy”, Wool is bound to entertain with his brand of cleverly subversive comedy.

@thephuketnews

Wool in denim. Aidan Jones “An effortless and vulnerable charm seldom seen on the stand-up stage, even from the most famous comic minds.” – The Music Aidan Jones is known to his friends as Taco because the first girl he ever kissed thought he looked Mexican. Jones is actually half Australian and half Colombian as his Mum got pregnant when she backpacked around South American in her 20s – not a joke. Jones began his comedy career in 2012. Five years later, he performed his first full run at the 2017 Edinburgh Fringe with his solo show The Abersham Flat before touring the show in Dublin, Barcelona, Paris and Berlin. In 2018, Jones returned to Australia, performing sold-out runs at the Adelaide Fringe and Melbourne Comedy Festival. Jones has now brought his new special 52 Days to Australia after another sell-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2018. The hilariously honest stand-up and storytelling of Jones is unlike anything you will see. Kyle Legacy “The LeBron James of Comedy.”– The Australian Times Kyle Legacy made his TV debut on Russell Brand’s hit show Brand X in 2012, and he has been on stage ever since. Born and raised in Liverpool, Legacy now tours the globe with the popular comedy collective Laugh Mob.

Aidan ‘Taco’ Jones. Using his gift for crowd work, Legacy has been dominating the Australian comedy circuit and making appearances at every major festival around the world. His credits include opening for Erik Griffin, performing at the Comedy Store in Sydney, London and Los Angeles and having a sold-out show at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017. Legacy is moving up the comedy ladder and becoming one of Sydney’s favourite MCs. He operates in what seems to be an eccentric haze, lifting the audience to the same high spirits

The laughs have started already with Kyle Legacy. as himself. Once there, he reveals a skill for surreal interludes in the absurd, showing his genuine childlike sense of wonder at the world around him. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now from B350 (early bird), B600 (show only), B950 (burger, two Moosehead beverages and show), B1,200 (hotel buffet and show) or B1,450 (VIP, free-flow drinks from 7-10pm and meet-and-greet with the comedians). Get your tickets via the Phuket Ticketmaster website.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

ISLAND SCENE 19 Cycling superstars.

Donna and Kiki.

Sam, Suz, Gemma, Faye, Donna, Lauren, Michelle and Kiki.

RIDE 4 KIDS CHARITY CYCLISTS CELEBRATE RAISING OVER B1 MILLION On May 27, riders from around Phuket jumped in the saddle and cycled 700 kilometres through Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang over six days to raise money for The Good Shepherd, Phuket Has Been Good To Us and Outrigger’s Share 4 Change Program. They had much to celebrate at their welcome home party at Outrigger’s Metzo’s Bar and Bistro on June 1 as they broke their target of raising B1 million for these worthy causes. Well done all. The Phuket News was a proud media sponsor.

Thanyawat Charnpinij, Deputy Governor of Phuket, presided over the opening ceremony.

Hundreds of guests turned out for the event.

GRAND OPENING MARKS LAUNCH OF MONTAZURE LAKESIDE IN PHUKET Hundreds of guests, including investors, local officials and members of the media, gathered together to witness the grand opening of MGallery Residence MontAzure Lakeside’s show suite on May 24. Phuket Vice Governor Thanyawat Chanpinit presided over the opening ceremony, after which guests viewed studios and one-bedroom residences whilst savouring delicious food and beverages and enjoying the sea breeze and stunning sunset.

Class of 2019 in song.

Bright futures ahead.

UWC THAILAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019 GRADUATE On May 25, UWC Thailand International School celebrated the graduation of 58 students from more than 30 countries. Although many of them will study abroad on partial or full scholarships, Thailand will always be one of their favourite places to call home. They will be missed. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

7 JUN

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

toes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

8 JUN The Elton John tribute show by Tim Hedges

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Saturday Brunch & Bar From Grilled Seafood - Premium Meats - Sushi Corner - Salad Bar Appetizers and Delectable Desserts to all time favorite Free-Flow Beverages. Treat your Saturday to the fullest. Let’s Brunch! *THB 2.399++ per person (including free-flow beverages) *THB 1,699++ per person (including soft drinks). *50& off for children aged from 6-12 years old. Reservation, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, dtlpfb@dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7310

Experience the ultimate Elton John tribute act performed by Tom Hedges (colleague and approved tribute artist by Sir Elton John himself) accompanied by the famous Dream Beach Club fresh seafood buffet! Buffet and Show priced at THB 2,200 nett per person. Dinner starts from 7.00PM and show starts at 8.30PM. Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

Filipino Fiesta at Two Chefs Bar & Grill

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076344-914.

Light and Fresh Buffet The Watercourt is presenting a line of tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

In celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, Two Chefs Bar & Grill is having its annual Filipino Fiesta on June 8, 2019 at Two Chefs Karon. Feast on your favourite Filipino dishes and jam along with our awesome Filipino Two Chefs House Band all night long!! For more information, you may visit our website www. twochefs.com or follow us on Facebook www. facebook.com/twochefsthailand. Get festive! Book your tables NOW! Two Chefs Bar & Grill.

Laguna Phuket Marathon 2019 All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Grow Boating Networking Evening - June 2019

The Greatest Show presented by HeadStart Dance Academy

This month’s Grow Boating we are delighted to announce that Asteri, a sister company to Asia Yacht Agency, will be our drinks sponsors. Asteri is the official distributor for Thailand for Zodiac, Bombard and Avon RIB’s. www.asiayachtagency.com/ There will be a light buffet sponsored by the Speakeasy Yacht Club and special prices on your favourite local drinks. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, Royal Phuket Marina from 5pm. The Grow Boating Networking Evening is proud to support the Thai Yachting Business Association https://www.facebook.com/groups/491098897758155/

Ladies and gentlemen / Boys and girls ... Witness something you’ve never seen before, heard before, dreamt of before ... An amazing show in Phuket! “ The Greatest Show” presented by HeadStart Dance Academy on Saturday 8 June 2019 at 6.30pm with over 150 performers in the Sport Hall of Headstart International school Phuket. With a Circus theme including the magic of Hip Hop, Contemporary and Jazz Dancers, cheerleaders, aerial artists and singers. Come and enjoy a variety of famous musical scenes from Cats and the Greatest Showman. It’s going to be a bumpy ride to the other side!!! Tickets available at Headstart front office. HeadStart Dance Academy, Headstart International school Phuket.

Laguna Phuket Marathon has helped to put Phuket on the map as a running mecca, delivering an event to the highest international standards that is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, is professionally timed by Sportstats Asia, and is certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). Laguna Phuket Marathon 2019 offers six distances: 2 km Kids Run, 5 km and 10.5 km will take place on Saturday 8th June in the afternoon while the Half Marathon (21.0975 km), Marathon (42.195 km) and Marathon Relay (42.195 km) will take place on Sunday 9th June in the morning. For the full schedule, visit http://www.phuketmarathon.com/race-schedule

SUN

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

MON

10 JUN

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

9 JUN GLENN WOOL IN PHUKET

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled toma-

Do not miss GLENN WOOL (CAN) with special guest AIDAN TACO JONES (AUS) and host KYLE LEGACY (UK) at Phuket Marriott, Merlin Beach on Monday, 10th June. Tickets are on sale now for 350 THB (early bird), 650 THB (show only), 950 THB (burger, two Mooshead brews & show), 1,200THB (hotel buffet & show), or 1450 THB for VIP tickets, which include free-flow drinks from 7-10 PM and meet & greet with the comedians. Tickets are available for purchase at: www.phuketticketmaster. com Magic Rock, Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket

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EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

TUE

11 JUN

Singapore and Swedish Chamber of Commerce Thailand, cordially invites you to BCCT Multi-Chambers Phuket Briefing & Networking on Thursday 13th June at X2 Vibe Phuket Patong from 5 – 9 pm. The briefing by Grant Thornton Chairman, Chris Cracknell, will cover current global economy updates, followed by networking. For booking, please call 02-6515350 or e-mail Urosesri at urosesri@bccthai. com

Da Endorphine Live Charity Benefit

ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our fish of the day selection prepared in one of three ways, a special seafood appetiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier selections special offers, available Tuesday only. 950* Baht. 18.30 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax. Sala Phuket.

Thai Night Buffet Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies. Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand. THB 950++ per person. Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservationlagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

WED

(registration free is 12,000 baht) Free Oligoscan testing (8,000 baht value). Novotel Phokeethra Hotel Phuket, heatantiaging@ gmail.com, 061 401 0345

FRI

14 JUN

THU

20 JUN

PIWC June Lunch

TUE A small entry fee, THB 500 per person, that includes the first 3 drinks and a light buffet. Make sure to bring lots of business cards, as getting to know each other is what PBN is all about. Location - Grizzly’s Sports Bar Kathu. 086 479 747, facebook.com/phuketbusinesnetworking

SAT

15 JUN

British, together with American, Australian, European Association, German, Netherlands,

Charity Dinner - Lions Club Phuket Pearl Charity Dinner “Open Your Heart” at Maikhao Garden Grill & Restaurant (MBC Condotel), a yearly fund-raiser by Lions Club of Phuket Pearl for community projects aimed to help children in need. Live music, auction, dinner and much more. Come to support our project. If you can’t join us but want to support our projects, you can make a donation. Contact number: 084-745-4497 (Thai/Eng), 099-307-9933 (Rus), www.facebook.com/lionphuketpearl

2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events June 30th and July 6th. 2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events at the amazing Exotic Fishing Thailand. Huge prizes valued at 1 million Thai Baht. Free entry for spectators, great afternoon out for the family. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

For all those who like good Italian food, please join us on Thursday the 20th June. At L’ Opera Ristorante Italiano. Members - 700 baht. Non Members/Guests - 850 baht. Registration is at 11.30 with seating for lunch at 12 noon. Please RSVP on Facebook or email me at shelpmitchell@gmail.com

13 JUN

BCCT Multi-Chamber Phuket Networking & Briefing

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Phuket Wellness Connection 2019

FRI

9 AUG

25 JUN

Phuket Business Networking June 2019

Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@ salaphuket.com, 076-338-888

SUN

30 JUN

All ticket proceeds will be donate to benefit the destination kids foundation supporting orphanages across Thailand. Get your tickets at EVENTPOP. Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, 076 366 381.

12 JUN

Ribs, beats, brews Wednesday

THU

MON

17 JUN

ever! The brunch starts from 12:00 noon featuring culinary delights ranging. THB 2,600++ per person for food only. Reservation is essential: +66 (0) 76 316 40 The Surin Phuket, Pansea Beach, 118 Moo 3, Cherngtalay Phuket 83110, hotel@thesurinphuket.com, +66 (0) 76 316 400, +66 (0) 76 621 590.

PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2019

Licker Pastry Invasion June 25-28, 2019. Jason Licker, celebrity pastry chef, comes to Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach for a week of pop-up internationally-acclaimed desserts. Jason Licker’s win at Iron Chef Thailand makes him one of the most elite pastry chefs in the global desserts scene. Chef Licker reached the highest honor with a James Beard nomination with Asianaccented desserts in the category of “Cooking from a Professional Point of View,” a self-published book based on his culinary adventures. Reservation, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, narattiya.phochanahan@marriott.com, 076 335 300.

SAT

Celebrate Thailand’s finest developers by nominating them for the industry’s most prestigious awards. With a professionally run judging system supervised by the award-winning team of BDO, one of the world’s largest auditing and accountancy firms, the Asia Property Awards is the gold standard in real estate. Gala Dinner & Awards on 9 August 2019 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

EVERY DAY

29 JUN

On Saturday we Brunch! The island’s most anticipated brunch is back with culinary highlights as mouthwatering as

Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its customdesigned kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which American territory is unofficially known as “Where America’s day begins”? 2. How tall was Napoleon Bonaparte? 3. How many Academy Awards was the original Rocky movie nominated for? 4. Gilmore’s Garden in New York City was renamed in 1879 and is now known by which name? 5. Which is geographically larger, Singapore or Phuket? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

Across 53. Pitcher, of a sort 1. Accomplished 55. Someone in the 5. Sight related great somewhere 10. 60s protest singer _____, Tom Jones 14. Grand ___ lyric 15. Self-confidence 60. Skirt type 16. Author of “Leading 61. Gifted in With My Chin” gymnastics, e.g. 17. Breathe heavily 62. “Rise, Glory, Rise” 18. ‘’He’s ___ nowhere composer man ...’’ (Beatles) 63. Abbr. at the 19. Comic Johnson bottom of a 20. Somewhere _____, business letter Louis Armstrong 64. Fatty substance lyric 65. Pour 23. Navigational aid 66. Mellows 24. Bandleader, 67. Massachusetts Calloway has four 25. John Hancock, for 68. One way to fall short 27. Duch suffix Down 28. Laser pointer battery 1. Place side by side 32. Mobster 2. Cries at the MET 34. Often-dried fruit 3. Tablecloths and 36. Bread spread such 37. Somewhere ______, 4. Something added Barbara Streisand 5. Deep-sea fish lyric 6. Look at closely 40. Engine sound 7. Bleacher feature 42. Wine seminar 8. Esau’s father participant 9. Kind of issues 43. Gave it a shot aggravated by 46. Cookers gluten 47. Black bird 10. Yak 50. “___ was saying . . . “ 11. Sprays 51. Genetic info carrier 12. Twist together

13. Monster Muppet 21. Lag behind 22. Basketball association 26. Small GM car 29. ___ glance 30. Bus. record 31. Lots 33. “__ Some Sugar On Me” 1988 Leppard tune 34. Michelle Wie’s org. 35. In case it’s true 37. Spectators 38. Baseball Hall of Famer 39. Iterate 40. When doubled, a dance 41. Discussing, with ‘’out’’ 44. Warning sound 45. Reduced, in a way 47. Ethically neutral 48. Disney’s chronicles setting 49. Paragraph starter 52. Support 54. Overshadow 56. Feels ill 57. Big shots, for short 58. N.B.A.’er Mario ___ 59. Rose, crimson, garnet, etc. 60. Start of an apology

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Guam; 2) about 1.68m (recorded as 5’2” in French inches at the time); 3) 10; 4) Madison Square Garden; 5) Singapore, 721.5 km² (Phuket is 576 km²)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

bat can eat up to 1,200 mosquito-sized insects in an hour.

years is how long Julius Caesar ruled before being assassinated, despite being one of the most famous Roman leaders in history.

percent of American drinkers account for nearly 60% of all alcohol sales.

1916

is when the US Supreme Court ordered Coca-Cola to half the amount of caffeine the soft-drink contained.

50 billion

US dollars is how much Italy spent bailing out the Parmesan cheese industry in 2008. Source: Uberfacts

Karon Beach. Photo: Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

This week in history June 7, 1982 Priscilla Presley opens Graceland to the public; the bathroom where Elvis Presley died five years earlier is kept off-limits.

June 12, 1994 Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are murdered outside Simpson’s home in Los Angeles. Her estranged husband, O.J. Simpson is later charged with the murders, but is acquitted by a jury.

ing Homer’s Iliad, thus ending the Julio-Claudian dynasty and starting the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.

June 8, 1949 George Orwell’s Nineteen EightyFour is published. The book has since been translated into at least 65 languages.

June 10, 1782 King Buddha Yodfa Chulaloke (Rama I) is crowned King of Siam, establishing the Chakri Dynasty, which continues to rule Thailand to this day.

June 9, 68 AD Nero commits suicide, after quot-

June 11, 980 AD Vladimir the Great consolidates

Eric Arthur Blair, aka George Orwell. the Kievan realm from Ukraine to the Baltic Sea. He is proclaimed ruler (knyaz) of all Kievan Rus’.

June 13, 1994 A jury finds Exxon and CaptJoseph Hazelwood reckless in the Exxon Valdez disaster, allowing victims of the oil spill to seek US$15 billion in damages. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Jobs

Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354.

@thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ART HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Looking for Russian speaking marketing representative with good communication skills high motivated and confident training will be provided. info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

Thai Yoga Instructor

Position available now - Full Time Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach various Yoga Styles. Additional Health Skills i.e. Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, etc. - Assist with Yoga Class inquires and Retreat health consultations. English Speaking - Thai National only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/wellness.htm

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PROPERTY SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

Car for sale

Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 5777.

Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner. Regular maintenance in authorised centers. Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.

Car for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081894 -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/English).

Car For Sale

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

BUSINESSES FOR SALE U

Refurbished Restaurant & Bar

Subaru XV

Cross trek bought new 2013. Well maintained, glass coating, rust proofing, new tires, single owner. Must see! Nicha Residence, 0892873128.

Recently refurbished restaurant & bar for sale in Karon, Phuket, with accom located above. CCTV fitted throughout the building. The business is up for sale for 1.9MB or near offer and includes all fixtures, fittings and stock at point of sale. 062 210 1368. newconceptbars.thailand@gmail.com

S NT

Golden Business Opportunity

Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT UR

Car rental @fair prices

We offer car rentals at affordable prices. Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 Baht. Call us to find out what we offer. 10,000 Monthly. Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Paklok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

42ft Sport Yacht, Reduced Price

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The Phuket News

MEMBERSHIPS

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP

425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER

“Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239

PROPERTY WANTED The Chava Surin - Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a Freehold Condominium Unit at The Chava in Surin. Please email details to mick11468@@gmail.com . Many thanks! Michael

PROPERTY WANTED Mandala Condo Freehold Wanted

Foreign Freehold Wanted for Mandala Condominium in Kamala. Please email details to mick11468@gmail.com.

U RG

ENT

3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE GYM EQUIPMENT TREADMILL

LIFE FITNESS F1 TREADMILL - FOLDABLE Brand new: THB 35,000+(VAT) from retail price of 188,000 Compact foldable treadmill. 35000, carolinelaleta@gmail.com, +66869504961

PROPERTY FOR SALE Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad

Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, Tina, phuket@ thairesidential.com

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE OCEAN FRONT VILLA

3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, maid quarter, fully furnished and ready to move in, usable area of over 330 sqm, very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from the ocean, 150 meter from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina, 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers, for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888.

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185 meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two storey pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

PROPERTY FOR SALE 2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

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PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918.

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale

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RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and on- site restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury. Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

Mai Khao 1 bed condo for sale

Mai Khao beach condo. Great new condohotel. 470 meters from the sea. 36 sqm. Wonderful place in Phuket. B3.5mn, +66812958526, Victoria.

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

Royal Phuket Marina 2 Bed

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 948411918.

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool. Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DIDIER, aouichedidier@ hotmail.com, 093 717 9343 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai).

Located at Amari Phuket's lobby building. Size: 33 sqm. Partly furnished: shelves, counter, airconditioner and telephone line. 40,000 THB/ month (negotiation available). Khun Mallika, mallika.t@amari.com, 076 340106 #8006

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

Paul MOORHOUSE

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Frontlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands. UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Shop for rent at Amari Phuket, Patong Beach

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com

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2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

Private location in prestige area. Outstanding Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com

Stunning Ocean Views!

4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp

Villa in Patong prime location

One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quiet area, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

SPORT 29

Mercedes goes in for the kill Expectations of Ferrari remain flat despite power advantage BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

he long straights of the Ci rcuit Gilles Villeneuve are supposed to favour Ferrari’s class-leading engine, but the hapless Italian team’s first win of the season feels no closer to reality at this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix. It’s becoming increasingly difficult – some would say impossible – to envision a situation in which Ferrari mounts the top step of the podium purely on merit in 2019. Despite its strong showings during testing and f lashes of speed through the year to date, Mercedes has proved it has a car formidable on street circuits and permanent tracks, in slow corners and sweeping bends and during the daytime or in the night alike. The latest body blow came at the Monaco Grand Prix, which Mercedes would have completely controlled but for

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Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton leaves the pits during the qualifying session at the Monaco street circuit on May 25. Photo: Boris Horvat / AFP Valtteri Bottas being hit by Max Verstappen in the pit lane, dropping him to third. Ironically Sebastian Vettel claimed his and Ferrari’s best result of the year by picking up second behind Lewis Hamilton. But hope springs eternal, and this weekend Ferrari will attempt to convert its podium

sugar hit into a sustained performance in Canada, which it pencilled in as a near-certain victory earlier in the season. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one of the fastest tracks on the calendar. Upwards of 45% of a driver’s time is spent hard on the throttle, putting a premium on engine power, and given Ferrari has

led the power stakes since last season, it’d be reasonable to assume a repeat of Sebastian Vettel’s lights-to-flag Canadian victory in 2018 should be on the cards this time around. However, even this final refuge of Ferrari optimism comes with some serious caveats. For one, Ferrari has already blown its first of two

power unit upgrades this season, bringing it to last month’s Spanish Grand Prix only to find it had little impact on its package’s overall competitiveness. Mercedes, on the other hand, has kept its powder dry and is poised to bring its first update of the year to the circuit at which power is crucial. Worse, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is a notably smooth track at which only slow-speed corners break up the straights, making tyre warm-up more difficult than at circuits comprising faster turns that put higher energy loads through the car. Tyre warm-up has already been identified as a chief problem for Ferrari. The team has openly admitted it is yet to fully grasp Pirelli’s new thinner-tread tyres, which have been designed with a higher operating window to ameliorate the overheating problems suffered at some circuits last year. But if Ferrari managed to overcome both Mercedes’s engine upgrade and its tyre troubles sufficient to challenge

for pole and victory, it would still have to find a way around Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton has owned the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in the modern era, with his six victories placing him only one win behind all-time recordholder Michael Schumacher. Indeed Montreal is one of the Briton’s happiest hunting grounds, equalled only by his six wins in the United States, Hungarian and Chinese grands prix. He’s in fine form to equal Schumacher’s Canada record too, for despite Hamilton assessing his first six races as “quite an average performance from myself”, his four wins and two second-place finishes make for his strongest-ever start to a season. If there were ever a time for Ferrari to snap out of its 2019 funk – for both the sake of the championship as well as for the team’s own self-esteem – the Canadian Grand Prix would be it. It’s just a shame that the odds are steeply stacked against the Italians in an increasingly silver-coloured season.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Different generations of runners will take part in the marathon this weekend. Photo: Naratip Srisupab / SEALs Sports Images

FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Italy’s Sabrina Polito won the women’s race in 2018. Photo: Naratip Srisupab / SEALs Sports Images

Laguna takes centre stage Continued from page 32 ...The annual event also has been awarded Gold for “Best Sport Event Venue In Thailand” at the 2018 SPIA Asia – Asia’s Sports Industry Awards & Conference. “We have broken our own entry record every year and still with nearly three months to go we have already surpassed last year’s entry numbers,” commented Roman Floesser, General Manager of the event’s organiser, GAA Events. “Runners of all abilities and nationalities are set to compete and what is particularly encouraging for us and for the island is that more than 80% of the runners are from outside of Phuket; travelling from overseas and around Thailand to take part in the event and enjoy Phuket’s famed hospitality,” he added. The continuing success of the event has spread to not just athletes looking to conquer the course with

Personal Best times, but also to families. This year the 2km and 5km races sold out well in advance of the registration deadline. An independent study of the 2018 event found that its economic impact was B146,818,481 with international participants staying an average of 10 days over the period and their top three areas of spend were meals / food & beverage, accommodation and local transportation. “With the largest international fields of any running event in Thailand, and the attraction to ‘Run Paradise’, Laguna Phuket Marathon has become a leading destination marathon in Southeast Asia and a significant revenue generator for the local economy,” the event’s organisers said in a release issued earlier this year. “It’s delightful to have witnessed the steady growth of the running community in Thailand, especially in

the past few years. Sport promotes a healthy lifestyle and running events can help to raise awareness and funds for meaningful causes. Laguna Phuket Marathon leads the way in both endeavours, very much in sync with Laguna Phuket’s aspirations,” said Anthony Loh, Vice President of Laguna Phuket. “I believe Lag u na Phu ket Marathon’s success as a leading mass-participation sporting event in Asia Pacific and a fund raising platform that has a positive impact on the local community, together with Laguna Phuket’s outstanding hospitality capacity, has significantly contributed to the resort’s ultimate recognition as Best Sports Event Venue in Thailand last November. “This June, Laguna Phuket will once again welcome thousands of runners and spectators to our beautiful destination resort. We encourage all to join us in raising

awareness and funds towards Lag u na Phu ket Fou ndation’s Children First Fund (CFF) to support more than 400 underprivileged children in seven orphanages in Phuket. You can help them now by making a direct donation upon event registration or contact us at CSR@lagunaphuket.com.” Beyond a running event, Laguna Phuket Marathon has grown to support the local community. In addition to supporting Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund, this year the event is supporting the UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency) and their efforts to build a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. “Running has become very popular in recent years and it’s great to see more and more people enjoying a healthy activity. At the same time, we are seeing runners supporting charitable causes through

raising funds and profiles, and we are proud that Laguna Phuket Marathon continues to support Laguna Phuket Foundation’s Children First Fund, and for the first time this year the UNHCR,” added Floesser. Laguna Phuket Marathon 2019 offers six distances: 2km Kids Run, 5km and 10.5km will take place on Saturday, June 8 in the afternoon while the Half Marathon (21.0975km), Marathon (42.195km) and Marathon Relay (42.195km) will take place on Sunday, June 9 in the morning. For the full race schedule, visit http://www.phuketmarathon.com/ race-schedule. For more information, visit www. phuketmarathon.com or www. facebook.com/phuketmarathon. Live89.5 is a proud media partner of the Laguna Phuket Marathon

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

SPORT 31

All eyes on World Cup women Tournament kicks off Friday with interest at a new high FOOTBALL Peter Berlin

he women’s World Cup kicks off today (June 7) amid unprecedented attention as hosts France take on South Korea in Paris. “It’s going to be a remarkable World Cup. The level of competition four years on from the last one has exponentially increased,” said Jill Ellis, coach of the US team, the reigning champions. “Different teams are now rising and it’s going to be a very open World Cup and we’re excited to go out there and attack it.” Interest from the public is high with both semi-finals and the final, all to be played at the 69,000-capacity Groupama Stadium in Lyon, sold out as well as the opening game at the Parc des Princes. The cheapest group game tickets are just nine euros (B320). The United States are the queens of the game after winning the World Cup three times and the Olympics four times and that experience is clearly visible in their current lineup. At the end of May, FIFA calculated that the US had collected 1,893 caps between them and included eight players with at least 100 international appearances. Among them Carli Lloyd has 274 caps, Alex Morgan 163 and Becky Sauerbrunn 158. For France, the key members of the Lyon team that has won four straight Champions League titles, Sarah Bouhaddi, Wendie Renard, Amel Majri, Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer, are fast becoming French celebrities. Germany, who can boast another Lyon star in Dzsenifer Marozsan, have won two World Cups and eight Euro-

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Dzsenifer Marozsan (left) is set to star for Germany. Photo: Jamie Sabau pean Championships. Japan and Norway have both won the World Cup once. However the power of the Americans and Germans is set to be challenged now that some of the other traditional football powers, who for years did not take women’s football seriously, are catching up. Engla nd a nd Fra nce, ranked third and fourth in the world, arrive with genuine hopes of winning the title. Spain, the Netherlands and Italy are all in the top 15, with the Dutch reigning European champions. The 24-team format means the group phase will eliminate only eight teams. The top two nations in each of the six groups and the four best third-place finishers will qualify. That means the underdogs know that one victory could be enough to reach the second round. “Aside from USA, France and the Netherlands, teams like Australia, Canada, Sweden and Norway are also playing very well,” German coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg told broadcaster ARD. “It will be a very tight tournament, and I think there will be some upsets in the group stage.” “I think this World Cup

is a tipping point for the women’s game where I think it’s just going to go boom,” England manager Phil Neville said. Yet, as they prepared to try to emulate the men’s national team and win the World Cup, France’s women’s team received a reminder that they are still not quite equal. They had to move out of their rooms in the “chateau” on the grounds at Clairefontaine, the French football federation’s luxurious training base, when the men’s squad arrived last week to prepare for two Euro 2020 qualifiers. There are other subtle differences. When France hosted the men’s World Cup and Euros, the finals were held at the 80,000-capacity Stade de France. A large proportion of the matches at this summer are taking place in stadiums with a capacity of 25,000 or less. “We did not always choose big grounds because we didn’t want any empty stadiums,” Noel Le Graet, the president of the French Football Federation, told AFP. “We got the women’s World Cup in 2015 ... At the beginning, possible host cities were not exactly shoving each other out of the way to

come forward. “I was a bit scared about the Parc des Princes, but the opening match sold out in five minutes.” The enthusiastic demand for tickets has surprised the hosts. “We didn’t see it coming,” said Erwan Le Prevost, head of the local organising committee. Jean-Michel Aulas, the president of Lyon, told AFP that “it was a gamble at the time that we bid for the games.” Aulas believes the improvement of the French team and the rise of fan interest are linked. “We are in a virtuous circle with an audience that will come and watch,” he said. In many cou nt r ies, women’s football remains an afterthought, yet even in the nations where women’s football is strongest, players feel attitudes are not changing fast enough. The US team, whose popularity in their homeland has been the financial motor that has driven women’s football,

arrive embroiled in a legal dispute with their federation. They want to be paid the same as the US men’s team, who remain also-rans internationally. Women’s Ballon D'Or winner Ada Hegerberg, who scored a hat trick for Lyon in the Champions League final,

will be absent from the World Cup. She is boycotting the national team even though Norway pays women and men internationals the same, because she believes that more needs to be done to improve the way women footballers are treated. AFP

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SPORT START STOP Friday 7th June Rugby Union 14:30 16:30 16:40 18:30 Rugby League 15:00 17:00 17:00 19:00 Aussie Rules 16:30 19:30 Cricket 16:20 00:30 Tennis 17:30 00:00 Saturday 8th June Rugby Union 14:30 16:30 16:40 18:30 20:00 22:00 22:10 00:00 Rugby League 16:30 18:30 Aussie Rules 16:30 19:30 Motor Racing 00:45 02:15 Cricket 16:30 00:30 19:30 03:30 Tennis 19:30 22:00 22:00 00:00 Sunday 9th June Rugby Union 14:20 16:00 Motor Racing 00:00 00:45 00:45 03:00 Cricket 16:20 00:30 Tennis 16:20 19:30 19:30 23:00

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FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019

Mercedes goes in for the kill in Canada > p29

Runners take off at the 2018 Laguna Phuket Marathon. Photo: Laguna Phuket

RECORD BUSTER Laguna Phuket Marathon to welcome record number of runners RUNNING The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

he award-win ning Laguna Phuket Marathon returns for its 14th

year to the “Best Sport Event Venue In Thailand” and organisers are expecting a bumper field of over 13,000 participants from more than 50 countries. Welcoming runners from as young as three years old

(competing in the 2km Kids Run) up to more than 70 years old, Laguna Phuket Marathon is a key event on Phuket’s annual sporting calendar and the largest mass participation event in Phuket, and will again shine the light on the island’s

sports and tourism credentials at Laguna Phuket this Saturday and Sunday (June 8-9). With Phuket welcoming millions of arrivals through Phuket International Airport in 2018, and as the island’s appeal continues to grow,

sports tourism has become one of the fastest growing tourism sectors. Laguna Phuket Marathon has been at the front of that growth and has helped to put Phuket on the map as a must-visit running destination, delivering an event to the

highest international standards that is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, is professionally timed by Sportstats Asia, and is certified by AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races). Continues on page 30

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