07-12-2012 by The Phuket News

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Friends rally to save cancerstricken expat

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Ponting retires after scoring just 8 runs

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SUSPECTED KILLER OF HUNGARIAN ARRESTED IN BANGKOK> P3

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Kickboxer Lee “Pitbull” Aldhouse admitted to police he stabbed Dashawn Longfellow on August 14, 2010, but told them that he did not intend to kill the American Marine

Thai police and prosecutors assembled a case against Aldhouse strong enough to convince the authorities in Britain that he should be brought back for trial for murder in Phuket FULL STORY ON PAGE 3

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17-year-old Sattree Phuket student is into finals of Supermodel contest > 6

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Friends rally to save cancer-stricken expat FRIENDS OF WELL-KNOWN Phuket expat Kevin Ashby are getting together to help raise funds after he was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer this week. Originally from South Africa, Mr Ashby has been living in Phuket for eight years, is an avid sailor and “known and loved throughout the expat community”, says friend Ali Goebel. Mr Ashby now requires i m med iat e su rge r y a nd treatment that will cost from B400,000 to B500,000, but he has no medical insurance. “Our beautiful friend Kevin, much loved by [his wife] Frances, his family, friends and all his mates in the sailing community, is facing the fight of his life,” says Mrs Goebel. “It’s time for all who know and love Kevin to help him as much as we can. Kevin’s prognosis is great and he will survive this so long as he gets

‘Beautiful friend’ Kevin Ashby. the treatment now. “We need to pull together at this time and give generously in order to raise the money needed to get Kevin the treatment he requires. “Everyone who knows Kevin knows that one never has to ask him for help as he is always the first to step up and offer it before being asked. It’s now time to pay Kevin back in spades.”

Mr Ashby has sailed in many Phuket regattas on board boats such as Delphina 2, Eos, Miss Saigon, Millennium and Babe, and competed in the Phang Nga Bay Regatta, Phuket Race Week, The King’s Cup Regatta and many Ao Chalong Yacht Club races over the last eight years. For more information or to donate contact Mrs Goebel at ourfriendkevin@gmail.com

Kurrannee “Wan” Lattuada-Lancini: ‘A wonderful, fun-loving young girl.’

Tributes pour in for BIS student Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

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he nine year old British International student killed in a car crash last Thursday has been described as a “wonderful, fun-loving young girl” by her headmaster. A temple ceremony and funeral for Kurrannee “Wan” Lattuada-Lancini were held at the weekend at Chalong Temple. Wan, in Year 5 at BIS, was killed instantly on November 29 when the pick-up she was travelling to school in collided with a tour minibus near Wat Chalong. BIS headmaster Neil Rich-

ards said the whole school community was devastated by the crash. “Our deepest condolences go to the parents and family, and also to her classmates and their parents, friends and teachers. It is important to us all that we honour the memory of this wonderful, fun-loving young girl, and her friends have helped each other through discussions on how best the school is able to do this. “On behalf of the school community I would like to express my gratitude for the many messages of sympathy we have received from members of the wider community. It gives comfort to us all that

this tragic accident has touched so many people, and that we have been in their thoughts throughout this difficult time.” BIS acted as one of the hosts for Wan’s funeral service, and students planted a tree at the school in her memory, wearing orange ribbons at the school in her honour. On Monday and Tuesday, BIS dedicated its musical production The Pyramid to Wan, as many of her classmates from Year 5 are in the show. The driver of the minibus, currently in hospital, is expected to face charges. The driver of the pick-up truck and four other students were also injured in the smash.

Bad day for Nepal prince N E PA L’S E X- C ROW N prince Paras Shah, was ordered by the Phuket Court on Monday (December 3) to report for a month’s drug rehabilitation treatment at Bang Jo Prison after being found guilty of possession of marijuana, found in his hotel room on October 23 when police were called to a “domestic dispute”.

However, the prince never made it to Bang Jo because of chest pains the following day which necessitated a visit to Bangkok Hospital Phuket, after which he went to Thalang Police Station to explain why he had missed his appointment for his first day in rehab. At the police station, more bad news awaited him. Police told him that an arrest war-

rant had been issued against him in Bangkok on another charge, that he smashed up a hotel room in Sukhumvit, caused B2 million in damage. He was immediately put on an aeroplane to Bangkok where he was taken to Thonglor Police Station around midnight on Tuesday, for booking and to answer the charge.

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‘Pitbull’ denies intent to murder BRITON LEE ALDHOUSE, accused of the murder of American Dashawn Longfellow in August 2010, arrived back in Phuket under close guard on Saturday night (December 1) after being extradited from Britain, where he fled after the killing. That same evening, he admitted that he stabbed Mr Longfellow, but told police the killing was not intentional. Looking pale and tired on his arrival in Phuket, the shaven-headed Aldhouse clutched a plastic bag containing a small travel bag, a change of clothes and a few personal belongings. When reporters attempted to speak with him, he was told to keep quiet. He was marched smartly through the VIP exit of Phuket Airport by an escort of some 10 police officers and out to a waiting convoy of seven vehicles with around 30 more officers and three prosecutors who have worked on the case. On Monday (December 3) Pol Col Sirisak Warasiri, Superintendent of Chalong Police Station, said “he has the right to say [that he did not intend to kill Mr Longfellow].” But the police believe otherwise, and are pursuing a murder charge against the runaway kick-boxer. Police and prosecutors have assembled a case against Aldhouse strong enough to convince the authorities and the courts in Britain that he should be brought back for trial for murder in Phuket – the first Briton to be sent back to Thailand since the two countries signed an extradition treaty 101 years ago. Aldhouse had fought extradition on the grounds that being sent to a Thai jail would infringe on his human rights. After more than two years, however, the British High Court denied his petition.

PHUKET NEWS

Hungarian murder suspect arrested, accomplice sought Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

olice on Wednesday (December 5) arrested the prime suspect in the murder of Hungarian Peter Reisz on November 24. Moshe David, who is believed to carry both Hungarian and Israeli passports, was arrested in the Mahboonkrong area of Bangkok. After questioning by Immigration Police in Bangkok, he was expected to be sent under police escort to Surat Thani. Police also announced the name of another Hungarian they believe was involved in the murder. Phuket Police Commander Maj Gen Choti Chavaviwat told The Phuket News that an arrest warrant had been issued for Kvalka Lajos Gyoerey. Gen Choti said that Mr David already has a police record in Thailand. “He was charged earlier this year with illegal possession of a firearm. People working [honestly] in Thailand don’t need to carry guns. We believe he had the gun to threaten someone.

The house where Peter Reisz was murdered. Inset, alleged killer Moshe David was caught in Bangkok on Wednesday afternoon (Portrait photo Golf Thairat) . “We are confident that Mr David was the killer because he and Mr Reisz drove together to buy plastic bags and many other items in various parts of Phuket on November 24. Mr Reisz was the driver. “Then, Mr David drove the car back to Samui without Mr Reisz on November 25 and sold

it.” Five days later the body was found. Police yesterday identified a rented house in the Phanason project near Makro Phuket as the scene of the murder. Gen Choti said that a 12-inch knife, believed to be the murder weapon, was found in the house.

Police forensics officers found blood in eight places around the rented house, and more on clothing and towels, which were taken away for samples to compare with others taken from Mr Reisz’s body. Thai press have reported that a possible cause of the murder may have been that

Mr Reisz forged Mr David’s signature to illegally obtain possession of a piece of land valued at B15 million. Mr Reisz’s body, wearing only underwear, was found in Kathu last Friday (November 30) stabbed multiple times and bashed in the head.

American booked for Wiset Rd death crash A M ER ICA N SCOTT Franklin Dean Jr, 31, faces a charge of careless driving causing death after he was in collision with a motorbike on Wiset Rd just after midnight on Sunday morning (December 2) near the Saiyuan Rd intersection. The bike rider, 20-yearold Amnaj Reungtacheewit, was already dead by the time rescuers reached the scene. Chalong police led by Pol Lt Wuttiwat Liangboonjinda found Mr Amnaj dead on the middle of the road, with

severe head injuries. Scattered next to him were parts of his motorcycle. Lt Wuttiwat said that Mr Dean’s blood alcohol was 50 per cent over the legal limit for driving. After viewing CCTV footage, he said Mr Scott drove across the centre line. “It seems he was driving carelessly; he did not reduce speed when he reached the intersection.” Mr Scott has been released on bail while police gather more evidence to prosecute him.

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Two baby jumbos ‘are legal’

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

ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.

JODY HOUTON Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.

TOM METCALFE Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; 15 years as a print journalist and television news producer in the UK, NZ and Southeast Asia, including BBC World and Reuters in London, and Al Jazeera in Kuala Lumpur.

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hile baby elephants ‘Joey’ and ‘Popeye’ are now back where they belong, living with their mother in the government-owned Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC) in Lampang, two others have been found to be “legal”. Somchok from Phu Thai Review Souvenir Market in Chalong and Nampetch from Laguna Excursions in Cherng Talay, who were subjected to similar DNA tests as those that established Joey and Popeye were “illegal”, have been found to have been acquired legally and returned to their respective places of work on November 29. A committee led by Pol Col Watcharin Pusit, the Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division (NRECS) received a copy of a report from the Bureau of

A baby elephant with mother at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre, now home to ‘illegals’ Popeye and Joey and their mums. Protected Area 5 in Nakorn Sri Thammarat, where the DNA was sent, that stated that both baby elephants were “legal”. Somchok, who was seized in February this year, was found to be from Sai Yoke,

Patong Carnival a feast of fun PATONG MUNICIPALITY has announced the programme for the annual Patong Carnival, staged to mark the official opening of the tourist high season. This year’s festival, the 27th, will run from next Friday (December 15) to December 20. A variety of food stalls will open every day at 10 am, staying open until the end of each day’s entertainment. On the first day will be the

traditional riotously colourful parade, starting at 5 pm from Soi Ton off Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd (near the Leelawadee Boutique Hotel) and heading along the road to the beach, turning right and finishing at the Laemphet football field (opposite Loma Park). Stage shows starring Chaiya Mitchai and Kop Taxi will kick off at 7.50 pm on Dec 15 on different stages – one at the football field and the other on Bangla Rd.

Kanchanaburi Province, and to be is the offspring of legal elephants Thongdee and Lamduan. Kampan Nakdee, who rented the young elephant, will now be able once again to show Somchok at the Phu

Thai Review Souvenir Market. Mea nwh ile, P r a kong Laokom, the owner of Nampetch, has received similar good news: that Nampetch was acquired legally from the Tatoom district in Surin Province.

Calendar of events: December 16 8.00 am – Underwater cleanup in Patong Bay 9.00 pm – Fon Thanasoonthorn, Bird and Joff Teesip (Bangla stage) 9.00 pm – Ja Kanhuu (Laemphet stage) December 17 9.00 pm – Paowa Propimon (Bangla) 9.00 pm – Luang Kai (Laemphet) December 18 9.00 pm – Nu Miter R-Siam and Four-Mod (Bangla) 9.00 pm – Peter Corp Dyrendal (Laemphet) December 19 9.00 pm – Pong Lang Sa-on (Bangla) 9.00 pm – Bao Wee (Laemphet) December 20 9.00 pm – Jonas Anderson and Christy Gibson(Bangla) 9.00 pm – Labanoon (Laemphet)

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Phuket’s territorial taxis ‘are getting worse’ BLACK TAXIS MAY NOW have been turned into green ones by the government, but the problem of taxi drivers in general defending their territories either by extorting “taxes” from outsiders or simply threatening them with violence has not gone away. Independent taxis around the island have informal agreements on who is allowed to pick up passengers from which territory, but tour and transport companies are excluded, and so are viewed as invaders wherever they go. If anything, says one passenger transport company operator, the problem is getting worse, and has driven him to consider getting out of the people-carrying business. “I get threatening phone calls and threats in person,” he told The Phuket News this week, asking not to be identified. “Most of our drivers are blocked from picking up customers. This has become the norm in Phuket. “Many entrepreneurs receive similar threats. The taxi drivers are very abusive. My employees have reported that they have even been blocked in by taxi drivers, with their customers being told to get out of the car. “This happens all over the island, but the worst is in Mai Khao and Karon. They always park in front of the hotels. I have no idea how this problem can be tackled.” On one occasion, he reported, passengers he had sent a minibus to pick up were ordered out of the minibus by local taxi drivers, affronted by this invasion into their “territory”. “I know the Transport Department has had a drive to convert the illegal [black plate] taxis to be legal [green plate] taxis. But I think the Taxi Mafia is never going to be eradicated in Phuket. “I give up. I’m going to go into another business.” Teerayut Prasert, Director of the Phuket Transport Department, said, “We have known this problem for a while. It is a deeper, more difficult problem [than getting rid of black-plate taxis]. “We are trying to get them all in to the Transport Department [to convert them]. After that, we have a plan to meet up, soon [with taxi drivers to discuss the territorial problem].”

PHUKET NEWS

Disenchanted Damrong to launch political party Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

ormer Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) director Damrong “The Demolisher” Pidech will launch his own political party to continue fighting against encroachment into national parks, after the Government suspended his encroachment probe soon after he retired. Mr Damrong retired at the end of September, but made the point before leaving of ordering his subordinates to continue and to widen the probe, which has already named a variety of highprofile property developments and five-star resorts, many in Phuket, as being suspected of being built on land illegally annexed from Sirinart Marine National Park. No one has been appointed to replace Mr Damrong, and at the start of November the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment suspended the investigation and announced that the DNP and the Royal Forestry Department

are to be amalgamated. In a phone interview with The Phuket News last Friday (November 30), before making a speech at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Mr Damrong spoke of his initial anger, and now his disappointment, at the way the land probe investigation had been handled. He said he would register his own party, the Thai Forest Land Reclamation Party, or FRP, next Wednesday (December 12). “There is no new director of the DNP. As a Thai person, I am watching the Government and what they are doing is unusual. Every department already has its own director, except for the DNP,” Mr Damrong said. “People will realise that the government is neglecting the land problem. The more opportunities people have to encroach on public land, the more people will grab those opportunities. “This issue is in the public interest of all the Thai people. We cannot let someone, or a

Flames reach into the sky at the height of the blaze.

Dive shop burns down A DIVE SHOP IN KAMALA went up in flames in the early hours of Sunday morning (December 2). Pol Maj Wallop Pitakporn of Kamala Police Station said that the alarm call came at around 4am, to say that the Phuket Sunset Scuba & Snor-

keling Centre, at the Rim Haad Rd intersection, was on fire. No one was hurt in the fire. However, by the time firemen reached the site, there was not much left apart from ashes; the shop was made from highly flammable materials, such as palm thatching.

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Damrong Pidech (right): “We cannot let someone, or a group of people, decide this on behalf of all of us.” group of people, decide this on behalf of all of us,” he said. Two people, Rerngchai Prayoonvech and Manopat

Huamuangkaew, already had the backing of Mr Damrong for the position of director of the DNP. Mr Damrong had

already given their names to the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Preecha Rengsomboonsap, but nothing had happened yet. The party will be registered with the idea to carry on protecting Thailand’s forest and environment – something Mr Damrong is very passionate about. It will be a “small party with people who have the same ideals,” he said. He also planned to send a petition to complain about the delayed appointment of the director of the DNP, which he would send in a couple of weeks. “I feel discouraged. I worked on land encroachment for a year and now it all seems wasted,” Mr Damrong said. “Everyone wants the land investigation to continue, but it cannot. I want everyone to sign the petition, and I will be the first person to sign it. “If there is still no director, it will mean the officers won’t be able to enforce anything because they will have no one to support them.”

PHUKET NEWS

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Phuket student in Supermodel finals GENERAL MANAGER

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eventeen-year-old Phu ket student Chutimon “Chumpoo” Prasanwan has made it into the finals of the Thai Supermodel 2012 contest, which will air on Thai Channel 7 TV on December 17. During a courtesy visit on Tuesday (December 4) to Governor Maitree Intasut, the shy Satree Phuket School student, who is 168cm tall, said only, “I have to know and understand more about my duties now that I am in this competition.” Chumpoo has already received the ‘Good-Looking Model Award’ from cosmetics company Gifferine, which carries with it a cash prize of B30,000. Like most TV competitions these days, the public is invited to vote by SMS, by sending the message “T08” to the number 4777222. For more information see the competition website at tsm. ch7.com

Chutimon “Chumpoo” Prasanwan has already won the Giffarine ‘Good-Looking Model’ Award.

Gay community aims for Zero SALES REPRESENTATIVE Marine (Jiffy) Nuisin 088 765 5881

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THE PHUKET LOVES YOU (PLY) club joined with bars and gay businesses in Patong’s Paradise complex to mark World Aids day on Saturday (December 1). They adopted the World Health Organisation’s world theme of “Getting to Zero”, which has three main aims for the coming years: Zero new HIV infections; Zero deaths from HIV; and Zero discrimination against people infected with HIV. The day started with a screening of the Thai film Living with the tiger an intimate and moving story about a group of HIV-infected orphans in Thailand who have been abandoned by society. In the evening there was a street party in Soi Paradise,

Participants join in the silent candlelit ceremony to remember those dead of or suffering from HIV. which included a street parade by My Way bar carrying giant red Worlds Aids day ribbons through the street, and street shows by some of the bars. At 11.30 pm there was a candlelit vigil. More than

200 people held candles in the street, and all the bars turned off their music and main lights to allow everyone to remember those who have died from HIVrelated illnesses, and to think about those who live with HIV.

This was followed by 200 red helium balloons being released into the sky. All the businesses in Soi Paradise were decorated with red cloth and balloons and everyone was wearing World Aids Day ribbons. Donations for these, plus the other events on the evening, raised over B30,000 for HIV charities. Costs for the event were covered by donations from Boat Bar, Absolute Vodka and the Tangmo group. Ian Philips, chairman of PLY, said, “I am delighted that so many people took part during the day. “The coming-together of all the gay businesses in Patong clearly demonstrated the commitment we all have to getting Phuket to Zero.”

Bangkok-based lawyer Douglas Mancill of PriceSanond addresses an audience at the Royal Phuket Marina on Thursday (November 29), one of three speakers at a forum about doing business in Thailand organised by the Phuket chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce. Mr Mancill outlined some common pitfalls faced by foreign investors in Thailand, including the rules that distinguish genuine joint-venture businesses from illegal nominee shareholdings. Michael Ramirez, of Tilleke and Gibbins, described how international and Thai legal reforms were addressing the problem of corruption in business practices. Olaf Duensing, an arbitrator with Duensing Kippen, spoke about the importance of an arbitration agreement for foreign businesses entering into any contract in Thailand.

Six arrested on heroin sale charges SIX MEN WERE ARRESTED in Phuket last week for possession of herion with intent to sell. Pol Lt Col Suthirat Thorjampa and his team raided a home on Soi Sao Kem in the south of Phuket Town on November 27 after a tip-off that drug dealers were operating near the SuperCheap 24-hour supermarket on Sakdidet Rd. Having been given a description of the alleged dealer’s appearance, police swooped and arrested 42-year-old Jajing “A-Jo” Seyang. Inside his home, officers found three more men, Cheema Jaaii (30), Area Mayea, (34) and Athirat Thanthanachat (35). They also seized 819 grams of heroin from Mr Jajing’s and a nearby house. After questioning the three, police then raided a house in Chaofa Garden Home the following day and arrested 33-year-old Jungpong Sesin, seizing another 59 grams. In a separate case the same night, Narcotics Control Board officers arrested 26-year-old Kiriya Inmet in possession of 22 grams of heroin at Phuket International Airport.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

‘It’s no hoax’ – Phuket megaparty organisers Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

n December 30, Surin Beach will be transformed into a raving party site for up to 50,000 people pumping their fists to the latest techno tunes, all in a safe, happy, clean environment. Or so organisers hope. The Sydictive Element New Year’s Eve party planned for Surin Beach from December 30-January 1 has been a hot topic around Phuket ever since American socialite Paris Hilton was flown into Bangkok in late October to announce the event. Rumours are f lying – Where will the 50,000 partygoers come from? Where will they stay? Will they shut off the beach? Will Paris Hilton show up? Is the whole event just a hoax? Less than a week after the announcement, eight representatives from TP Surin Beach Hotel, The Chava Surin, Twinpalms, The Surin, CBRE Property Management, Ayara Hilltops, Amanpuri and Double Tree Surin by Hilton jointly sent a letter to Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut outlining their concerns about the event. In the letter, the group raised the ‘very unsuitable choice of date’, the ‘definitely inappropriate selection’ of Surin Beach and Park for the event, the ‘massive round-the-clock noise disturbance’ in the area, and the fear that techno music events are often associated with drugs and alcohol. One business owner on Surin Beach contacted The Phuket News to express his concern.

A computer generated image of what is dubbed as the world’s largest floating stage, top left, and the two VIP barges. “It’s all a mess, it really is. We were told the organisers would be charging us 30 per cent commission on food sales, and 40 per cent on our drink sales. This is not acceptable. We already have our customers, we are already booked, and we haven’t been told anything.” “We don’t need this kind of activity on this date. It could be acceptable in the low season, when we would welcome it. But on the 31st of December we are already booked up to full capacity. How can we handle 20,000 or 30,000 more people?” He said he had expressed his concerns already to the organisers. “It’s falling on deaf ears – they don’t care. They just want to sell the tickets and get the money. Then they want to close the whole [beach] area. What about our customers? We had a meeting with them [organisers] and we never heard back. There’s been nothing official.” But after several meetings with the organisers and local government officials, it

seems the event is going full steam ahead regardless of any concerns. Sydictive representatives met with local government officials in charge of Surin Beach recently to discuss the finer details of the concert, and signed a legally-binding contract stipulating that Sydictive would provide the following: adequate toilets; waste management from the private sector to make sure the beach and other areas are kept clean; adequate first aid and medical services; enough drinking water and water for sanitation; and security personnel to watch the area, including the sea. The company also agreed to work closely with Cherng Talay police on traffic control and crowd logistics; have an insurance policy for any damage caused to property during the event; and promised to make an agreement with existing vendors and provide booth spaces for local food. “It is not a hoax,” confirmed a company representative. “We

New Year’s Eve party factbox Organisers claim 20,000 tickets have already been sold to people in Phuket, Thailand, Asia, Europe, Russia, China, Malaysia, Singapore and elsewhere. December 30 will see Amadeus, Dash Berlin, Ken Ishii, Sky Blu of LMFAO, Tiga and Tydi perform, and on December 31 Alex Gaudino, Basement Ja x x , JFK MSTRKRF T, Marco V, Myon and Shane featuring Aruna, and Pendulum will play.

Akon is also confirmed to donate a minimum of play his first ever live DJ B200,000 to the local set in Asia at the festival. Surin kindergarten. Surin Beach will be entirely blocked off using temporary fencing about two metres high, from December 30 until January 1. Residents in the Surin Beach area will be able to register at the Cherng Talay OrBorTor to get a pass allowing them to use the beach free, without having to buy event tickets.

R airlines, a Thai charter flight company, will be putting on extra flights which will be on sale with the event ticket. They will be charter flights but customers will book them as if they are scheduled flights.

Organisers plan on setting up a campsite on private land near the concert venue, and are also As part of the agree- working with other local ment with local authori- hotels to house guests American hip-hop star ties, Sydictive will also during the party.

have already spent about B66 million in getting the event ready. I think we will spend about B120 million [in total],” he said. And as for Paris Hilton’s attendance, “It’s going to be a surprise. It’s possible for her to come, but we also have other celebrities... who want to come. “On December 15 we will be able to confirm yes or no [on

Paris’ attendance] – we have to keep some surprises. The definite thing we can confirm is all the artists and the DJ lineup shown in the posters. “We want everyone to cooperate with us. We need to get food and beverages from somewhere, and we want this event to benefit local companies. “A minority of people who

have a vested interest in Surin Beach have been against it. We are not here to disrupt their business, we are here to boost their business. The majority of people who live in the area, and Phuket generally, support the event,” they say. Despite many of the rumours, backing from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is effectively the “stamp of approval”. “But in terms of the support, we are not just here by ourselves. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is behind us and so is the Association of Thai Travel Agents. “We need permits and these have been taken care of already. The only requirement remaining is that the floating stage is signed off by a Thai structural engineer. “The TAT is promoting us through its 17 offices internationally, and we have been given permission to use the “Amazing Thailand” logo.” Ready or not, it looks like the party’s coming to Surin.

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Australian Samui crash case reopened

eg at ive p r e s s i n Australia over the way the motorbike crash which killed Australian woman Nicole Fitzsimons was handled has resulted in the case being reopened, and the chief of the relevant Samui police station being transferred elsewhere. The story of the death of 24-year-old Nicole, who was killed in a motorbike accident while holidaying with her boyfriend on Koh Samui in October, aired on ‘A Current Affair’ television show in Australia late last month and made headlines around the country. Nicole was riding as a passenger on the back of her boyfriend Jamie Keith’s bike. They were waiting to turn into their resort when they were hit from behind by a speeding motorbike driver. Neither of the Australians were wearing helmets and Nicole died several hours later. Mr Keith then alleges authorities took him to the police station and asked him to sign a statement, written in Thai, that said the crash was his fault, despite CCTV camera footage showing he was not at fault. Nicole’s family were then

Nicole Fitzsimon’s mother Julie and sister Kate. Photo: Jane Dyson/Fairfax Media told it would cost them between B480,000 to B960,000 to get Mr Keith out of the situation. Police have now confirmed the case has been reopened, and they have transferred the chief of the station in charge of the original investigation. However, the chief denied allegations of corruption, the Bangkok Post reported.

Pol Lt Gen Yongy uth Wanichchareon, chief of the regional police, signed the transfer order, which took effect immediately, and reopened an investigation into the case. He admitted flaws in the probe by the Bor Phut police, in whose jurisdiction the accident occurred. He has handed over the investiga-

tion to a senior officer at the Provincial Police Region 8. He criticised the Bor Phut police for failing to file a charge against Thai driver Kongla Satue, who allegedly hit the couple, and said Pol Col Samran Machareon, chief of the Bor Phut station, had to take responsibility. But the Bor Phut chief insisted that both Mr Kongla

and Mr Keith were charged with reckless driving and the case was investigated fairly. He defended his subordinates, saying they did not demand money from Mr Keith or force him to confess that he was the guilty party. “The document he signed was a police report which included the damages on which the two parties agreed,” he was quoted as saying. “The police had to keep his passport as part of the procedure and it was returned to him after he signed the report without any condition or money in exchange.” The Fitzsimons family objects to this. Nicole’s father Vince told A Current Affair that he was told that it would cost him between B480,000 and B960,000 to get Mr Keith out of the situation. “[As] the result of what appears to be an opening up of the situation and a chance to review it, [we hope that] that they will follow through and give some justice, not only to Nicole and Jamie, but also hold the police officers accountable for their actions,” Mr Fitzsimons told A Current Affair during another interview on Tuesday night. “They’ve all got to be accountable and responsible and

I expect the Thai authorities now to use the full force of the law.” “We just would really like justice for Nicole because we loved her so much,” said Nicole’s mother Julie. The development in the case was described as a “breakthrough” by A Current Affair, which also referred to Thai driver Mr Kongla as a “maniac” which left Jamie and Nicole’s family in a “living hell”. The presenter also describes the situation as “bad cops” trying to corner a “vulnerable, innocent man”. Thanongsak Somwong, chief of the Samui Tourism Association, urged the police to be transparent in the investigation to bring justice to the victim, the Bangkok Post reported. The case must be handled in a straightforward manner and the police should not rush to wrap it up, he was quoted as saying. Poor handling of the case could jeopardise the image of the island in the eyes of Australians as the high season is approaching, he added. The Australian Embassy is being kept informed of progress with the case.

An encroacher’s hut burns after the second raid by local villagers.

D-Day set in Krabi’s oil palm war THE KRABI GOVERNOR no longer believes that it is just ‘farmers’ who have invaded oil plantation land following the expiration of a land lease between the Royal Forestry Department (RFD) – which owns the 1,000 rai of land – and Krabi Ruampan Co nine months ago. On Wednesday December 5, Krabi Governor Prasit Osathanond said, “Some of the leaders and encroachers in the oil palm land are refusing to leave and have erected a huge sign of a Phua Thai politician on the land.” Gov Prasit added that he didn’t believe the 300-strong

‘illegal’ residents were just farmers as during a survey of the land drugs and weapons were found. One of the village’s members was shot in the leg by an unidentified gunman on Sunday (December 2). The man was shot when he left the illegal village to get some food from a boat at Laemhin pier, 10 kilometres away, because the way into the encroacher’s’ village was blocked by local people calling themselves “The Klongkanan Villagers”. It was not the first time shots had been fired and people injured or killed in a bitter

fight over the plantation. Antagonism had steadily grown until the first incident, on July 28, when 44-year-old Paruhat Kongbannueg, who despite being the elected head man (Phu Yai Baan) of Moo 6 – a local man – had supported the encroachers, was shot and killed in his truck. More attacks followed, with two encroachers being killed on October 31. A nervous peace has now fallen over the area as the authorities and local villagers wait to see whether the encroachers will actually move out on the agreed D-Day, which is Friday, December 14.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

ASIA NEWS

Myanmar author explores freedoms A s Myanmar’s censors loosen their grip, one of the country’s most acclaimed authors plans to republish her novel about two gay lovers, restoring sex-laced passages once deemed too risque for readers. Chunks of paragraphs from Nu Nu Yi’s 1994 novel Smile as they bow were purged by the all-powerful censorship office – seen as an Orwellianstyle arbiter of all that is fit for publication. For decades they vetted every article, book manuscript, photograph and illustration before publication, eliminating anything considered inflammatory or damaging to the nation’s military dictators. But the quasi-civilian government that took office last year has effectively abolished direct censorship, a totemic indicator of the reforms sweeping Myanmar as it emerges from the shadows of outright military rule. No one is cheering that more than Nu Nu Yi, who in 2007 became the first living Burmese to be nominated for the Man Asian Literary Prize. Her accomplishment was tempered by the fact that the celebrated novel was heavily censored at home, slammed

as culturally insensitive in a society where homosexuality is illegal, although the law is not strictly enforced. Smile as they bow is set against the backdrop of Taung Pyone – a phantasmagoric cultural festival that celebrates mythical “nat” spirits found in Myanmar folklore. Ceremonies at the annual festival, seen as a stomping ground for Myanmar’s marginalised sexual minorities, are guided by spirit mediums – usually transvestites decked up in glittering outfits and garish makeup. The novel describes the tumultuous romance between a transvestite spirit medium in his fifties and his 20-something apprentice, with love leading to heartbreak as the young man falls for a beggar girl. In an interview in her apartment in Yangon, Nu Nu Yi held out a copy of her original manuscript returned by the censors – with several passages blotted out by silver ink. Among those erased was a passage containing an intimate, invective-laced conversation which one of the protagonists uses to express reservations that he may never have sex with another woman. It was a classic sign of how

“I really didn’t know if I should get angry or laugh. It’s hard not to laugh at the excesses of propaganda and control.” Smile as they bow just about made it past the censors, but the heavy-handed cuts caused her much anguish. “I felt helpless,” she said. “Writers have a social contract with readers. We’re meant to shed light on reality... not offer a ‘sanitised’ version of reality.” But after the government earlier this year abolished pre-publication censorship for novels, Nu Nu Yi plans to self-publish the unabridged, uncensored version of her novel in 2013. The bold move is symptomatic of changes afoot in Chunks of paragraphs from Nu Nu Yi’s 1994 novel Smile Myanmar society, where ordias they bow were purged by the all-powerful censorship nary citizens are increasingly office in Myanmar. Photo: AFP pushing the boundaries of the former military rulers for ters adoringly referring to his newfound freedoms after the decades maintained one of partner as “husband”. They government stunned the world the world’s tightest censorship demanded that it be changed with a series of reforms. President Thein Sein has nets in Myanmar, suppressing to “son”. a generation of writers and “We finally settled for ‘ad- won widespread praise for movintellectuals. opted son’ – in a desperate ing to release political prisoners But censor officials – who attempt to lend legitimacy to and overseeing the election of democracy champion Aung San occupy the decrepit Press their romance,” she said. Even more ludicrous, she Suu Kyi to parliament. Scrutiny and Registration He has also shown tolerDepartment in Yangon – also said while trying to suppress invited parody. fits of laughter, censor officials ance for candle light vigils to In other objections raised, complained the main charac- protest power outages, farmer they had a problem with one ters were strikingly similar in agitations against alleged land of the effeminate gay charac- demeanour to two top generals. grabs, and lively parliament de-

Philippines typhoon leaves 238 dead, many missing THE DEATH TOLL FROM a typhoon that ravaged the Philippines jumped to 238 on Wednesday with hundreds missing, as rescuers battled to reach areas cut off by floods and mudslides, officials said. Typhoon Bopha slammed into the southern island of Mindanao on Tuesday, toppling trees and blowing away homes with 210-kilometre per hour gusts before easing overnight as it headed towards the South China Sea. A total of

142 people died and 241 others were missing in the mountainous Mindanao town of New Bataan, Lieutenant-Colonel Lyndon Paniza told AFP. Eighty-one other people were killed in the nearby province of Davao Oriental and 15 in other areas, Paniza and the civil defence office said. Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and other officials described scenes of utter devastation with houses and other structures in some

towns and villages ripped apart by the most powerful storm to hit the country this year. The military was scrambling helicopters and heavy equipment Wednesday to the mountain town, where rainwater had gushed down from nearby slopes, creating a deadly swirl of water, logs and rocks that crushed everything in its path. It was the 16th storm this year to ravage the Philippines, which is hit with about 20 cyclones annually. AFP

bates led by a newly resurgent opposition – all unthinkable under military rule. In a sign of liberalising social attitudes paralleling the political reforms, activists held Myanmar’s first ever gay pride celebrations in May. Myanmar is fast “becoming a normal democracy”, said Aung Naing Oo of the Bangkok-based Vahu Development Institute, who believes that the end of harsh media restrictions is among the “top achievements” of the government. But Nu Nu Yi cautions that self-censorship is a bigger threat than enforced censorship. “For a vast majority, censorship exists in the head,” she said. She also cautioned that Myanmar is still “a reforming state, not a reformed state” and though the steps towards democracy are a welcome change, the threat of backsliding exists. “The changes are not set in stone,” Nu Nu Yi said. “So before the censors change their mind... let’s change the ‘adopted son’ back to ‘husband’, she laughed.” AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Royal baby crowning moment for Britain’s William and Kate T

he news that Prince William and his wife Catherine are expecting a baby is the culmination of an 11-year relationship that began as friendship, blossomed into love and saw them marry as the world watched. The royal couple have never hidden their desire to start a family of their own, a new phase that will require them to juggle their high-profile public lives with nappy changing, sleepless nights and the other demands of parenthood. They will also have to handle the global interest in their newborn baby, which will be third in line to inherit the throne after its grandfather Prince Charles and William. Despite their glittering wedding in April last year, the couple have always been happy to keep their private life low-key. They live in a small cottage in remote northeast Wales, close to the airbase where William works as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. It is in keeping with how their relationship began, out

of the public glare in a small Scottish town. Catherine has admitted that at her first meeting with the second-in-line to the throne in September 2001, when they both arrived to study at the University of St Andrews, she “went bright red” and quickly excused herself. William, however, said in a joint television interview in November 2010 to mark their engagement that he always knew “there was something very special about her”. “We went through a few stumbling blocks as every relationship does, but we picked ourselves up and carried on,” he said, adding: “It’s just really easy being with each other, it’s really fun.” He ribbed her about reports that she had a poster of him on her bedroom wall as a teenager. “He wishes!”, she replied with a smile. The poster story sparked suggestions that the young Kate Middleton went to university with the aim of capturing the prince. Catherine made her mark

early on when William was unhappy with his university course – like hers, history of art – and almost quit. She persuaded him to stay but to switch to studying geography. In turn, William is very protective of her. He saw how his mother Diana, Princess of Wales struggled with royal life and said he waited to propose to give her a chance to “back out if she needed, before it all got too much”. In June 2003, William told reporters he did not have a “steady girlfriend”, while Catherine was dating someone else. By Christmas 2003, however, they were reported to be a couple and when they were photographed on a skiing holiday in March 2004, the palace did not deny they were together. The course of true love never runs smoothly, though, and in April 2007 palace officials confirmed they had broken up. Within months they were back together, later engaged, and their wedding on April 29 last year was a mix of glittering pageantry and spontaneity. AFP

William and Kate will soon be parents, with their first baby on the way. Photo: AFP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Major property website opens office in Phuket Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

Patong five years ago was jammed with Europeans. Today the mix of visitors is very different. Photo: Neitram

Tourism ‘must abandon race to the bottom’

Bangkok Post

hailand’s tourism sector must halt its “race to the bottom” and try harder to retain tourists willing to spend money, say experts – though not at the expense of society or the environment. Udom Sr imahachot a, vice-president of the Western Chapter of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), urged Thai hotels to invest more in environmentally-friendly services to retain European tourists concerned about their ecological footprint. He was speaking at a recent low-carbon tourism seminar hosted by the German Agency for International Cooperation. “Large numbers of European tourists no longer go to Pattaya, as it has become a place just for gratification and entertainment. Phuket and Samui, too, are seeing a disappearance of tourists,” he said, adding that Scandinavian tourists tend to be the most environmentally-conscious. He said Asian tourists, particularly from China, may

be increasing, but Europeans are still the biggest spenders. “The trend in Europe is tourists wanting to offset their carbon footprint after long hauls by staying in eco-friendly accommodation and travelling in the country of their destination for longer periods [which means they spend more but cause less damage to the environment],” said Mr Udom, who also owns Baan Talay Dao, a “green” resort in Hua Hin. He said some European tour operators nowadays will supply clients only to environmentally friendly hotels that meet certain green standards. “It’s very important for Thailand to maintain the European market. If we don’t go green now, then I can tell you these tourists will go elsewhere, as is already becoming evident,” said Mr Udom. Eike Otto, a German tourism and regional development consultant, said Thailand should also be aware that Europeans are travelling more in their home countries to avoid leaving large carbon footprints from long flights to Asia.

“A trend started a couple of years ago in Germany in which people have opted to rediscover their own country and intentionally stopped taking long flights,” he said, adding that tour operators are also urging people flying long distances to stay longer at their destinations. “If the natural beauty goes, the tourism sector will be confined to price competition in which people visit the country because of its [cheap] price, and in which talking about sustainability will become extremely difficult. “Tourism means different things to different people. It often means construction, but these days the trend is going against that,” he added. The THA’s Mr Udom said the Thai tourism industry should consider whether it wants to confine itself to “gratification tourism” in which low prices determine who visits the country. “Or does it want to be more responsible to its people and the environment while also making financial gains?” he said.

DDPROPERTY.COM, WHICH claims to be Thailand’s number one property website, last week launched its Phuket office, the first step outside Bangkok, with offices in Chiang Mai, Pattaya and Hua Hin to follow. The website claims 100,000 members, as many as 2 million visits a month (with 8.6 million page views) and more than 145,000 property listings. At the launch event at the Watermark restaurant in Boat Lagoon, DDproperty’s Country Manager Jedsadakorn Na Lamphun said that the launch of the office in the Phuket market is “a big and important move as the market on the island has become as vibrant and competitive as that in Bangkok”. “Phuket is not only a highly developed city, it is also considered one of the country’s important economic hubs. We can see this from the new developments and improvements to public facilities which have happened during the recent past. “In terms of the property market, new launches have reflected the current demands from local buyers and foreign investors who have seen increasing opportunities and potential in the market”, he said. “We have more than 140,000 properties listed on our website and have noticed a growing number of Phuket listings – numbers of which have doubled from last year. “We believe in the strength of this market. After our debut in Phuket we are hoping that our Phuket database will become second to none and answer

Andrew Batt: ‘The property market in Thailand faces significant challenges.’ all the needs for all property hunters.” DDProperty is part of a cluster of property websites called PropertyGuru, which includes sites covering residential and commercial property, and mortgages in Singapore, and property sites for Malaysia and Indonesia. The site is at ddproperty.com The group’s International Group Editor Andrew Batt warned, however, that the Phuket property market faces a number of threats and challenges. He enumerated these to give those at the event something to chew on: In a regular survey of the places people search on the web for property, Pattaya recently overtook Phuket.

Of Thais looking for property in Thailand, only 3 per cent looked at Phuket. Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, and even Haad Yai all outranked the island. Competition from overseas is attracting Thais, with CBRE noting that rich Thais are increasingly buying in London. Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia are all looking at changing ownership laws. Some markets are offering residence status to property investors spending over a certain amount. Thailand isn’t doing any of this. Smartphone users prefer apps to mobile websites. DDProperty claims 400,000 downloads for its smartphone apps, generating 17.5 million page views in October alone.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Qatar Airways alliance move will boost Phuket Alastair Carthew Up In The Air

Petra Playfair (left) in Phuket with Thanyaporn Thirawat and Susannah McNeill, who organised the seminar.

Australia migration experts get top-up PLAYFAIR VISA AND MIgration Services, Australia’s largest private migration firm, in conjunction with the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) last week held a twoday workshop at the Naka Island Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Twelve Australian migration practitioners attended the workshop, which covered refugee advocacy, partner visas and recent changes to Australian migration law – as part of their reregistration requirements, migration professionals are required to undertake continuing professional development every year. The workshop was organised by one of Playfair’s Phuket-based lawyers and registered migration agents, Susannah McNeill. Guest speakers included Counselor Immigration, Greg Wallis, the Chief Migration Officer from the Australian Embassy in Bangkok; Australian Federal Magistrate Rolf Driver who is also vice president of the International Association of Refugee Law Judges; and Greg Kelly, Comanager of the Regional Sup-

port Office of the Bali Process based in Bangkok. The Regional Support office of the Bali process has been established to combat the people smuggling, illegal trafficking of persons and transnational crime in the Asia Pacific Region. The MIA’s Chief Executive Officer Maurene Horder, also attended from Australia. Petra Playfair is the Managing Partner of Playfair Visa & Migration Services. Playfair specialises in both business and family migration and has also been selected by the Australian government to provide representation to the asylum seekers arriving by boat in Australia. To give immigration advice to people seeking to migrate to Australia, legal practitioners and registered migration agents must be registered with the Australian government. Registered migration professionals are bound by a code of conduct and are required to have an in-depth knowledge of Australian migration law and procedure, and to meet high professional and ethical standards.

he announcement in October that Qatar Airways, which services Phuket from its Doha hub, will join the 12-member oneworld global airline alliance continues a trend by Middle East airlines servicing Phuket to join alliances. This can only benefit the island as the number of connections worldwide available to airlines flying here will significantly increase as the Middle East airlines patch into the alliances’ worldwide networks. By how much? To give you an idea, 11-member oneworld, of which Qatar will be the 12th member, currently has 810 destinations in 149 countries carrying 324 million passengers a year. SkyTeam, with 18 members, carries 537 million passengers to 993 destinations in 186 countries and Star Alliance, with 27 members, carries 678 million passengers across 990 destinations in 193 countries. Taking Qatar Airways as an individual example it will substantially strengthen oneworld’s customer offering by providing flying between Asia and Southern Europe or between Asia and Africa, creating new convenient one-stop connections through its Doha hub, not previously available within the oneworld network. Qatar Airways has rapidly built a strong reputation in Thailand for quality. It has actively promoted Phuket as a tourist destination in the last couple of years. This reputation has come after only 15 years of existence (all of the Middle East carriers are relatively new in airline terms) twice winning the SkyTrax Airline of the Year award.

Qatar Airways has joined oneworld, whose 11 members currently serve 810 destinations in 149 countries. Photo: Dalibri All three alliances have a large presence in Thailand, particularly through carriers such as Thai Airways International, a Star Alliance founding member and anchor airline at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Giants such as Air France and Cathay Pacific are key members of the other alliances, SkyTeam and oneworld, respectively. The Middle East airlines either flying into Thailand, or about to come here, are Qatar Airways, which flies in three times daily via Bangkok; Saudia and Middle East Airlines in SkyTeam; Royal Jordanian Airlines (oneworld); Egyptair and Turkish Airlines (Star Alliance). This expansion of the Middle East airlines into places like Phuket may have come at an opportune time. Tourist Authority of Thailand tourist arrival figures for Thailand for January to May this year show that while visitor arrivals were up from key markets such as Saudi Arabia [27 per cent], Kuwait [21 per cent] and Egypt [22 per cent] the UAE declined [1.58 per

cent] and overall there was 2.1-per-cent drop. This contradicts a previous upward trend in Middle East tourism. For example, in the first nine months of 2010 the total number of Middle East visitors to Thailand was 392,294, more than 20 per cent up, and more than in the whole of 2009. So the impending arrival of a giant like Emirates and Qatar’s joining of oneworld are bonuses for Phuket. For example Emirates is based in Dubai, part of the UAE, so we should expect a reversal in those visitor numbers from the first half of the year. Emirates is the Middle East’s largest carrier and fourth largest in the world for scheduled passenger kilometers flown [153 million kilometers in 2011]. The share of Middle East and North Africa airlines in international traffic jumped from 4.8 per cent in 2002 to 11.5 per cent in 2012, making it the fastest growing aviation region. Despite this growth the Gulf airlines also realise that to secure new routes they need to have the routes and acqui-

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sitions of, or shares in, other airlines, approved by national governments. It is therefore advantageous for Gulf carriers to present themselves as allies of local airlines. Like all other airlines even deep-pocketed Middle East airlines are prey to the fluctuations in oil prices, currencies and demand so logging into the global reach of an alliance makes sense. The Middle East airlines’ continual search for new markets – and in the case of Etihad new partners like Air Berlin, which has been flying to Phuket for a number of years – underlines the precarious state of the airline industry itself. The International Air Transport Association, the industry body, predicts the world’s airline industry will make a combined net profit of US$4.1 billion (B123 billion) this year, less than half the US$8.4 billion achieved in 2011. Alastair Carthew is a Phuket-based journalist and public relations professional with extensive experience in the aviation industry. alastair@ phuketpublicrelations.com

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www.tile-asia.com info@tile-asia.com | Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 | Tel 076 620 168 | Fax 076 620 169

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PROPERTY NEWS 13

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Z-team launch new condos F

ollowing the sell-out success in July of Zcape Condominium, developer Tri Property Co has announced the launch of a second Z-Style condo project in Cherng Talay: Zcape X2 Condominium. Aimed at offering “affordable but upmarket accommodation with energy-saving eco design concepts in a cosmopolitan community” the new condo building will go up next to the new Boat Avenue shopping street, close to the Laguna complex. Sales of Zcape X2 Condominium’s 191 fully-furnished one- and two-bedroom units are set to launch on December 15 priced from just B1.49 million. Tri Property CEO Mr Adisorn Vivakanond said the Zcape condo concept had proven an ideal addition to the growing international community, “offering style, functionality and convenience in one of Phuket’s prime locations”. Rising seven storeys, including a parking level, Zcape X2 Condominium will have three unit designs: Lake View (from 26.55 to 31.09 sqm); One-Bedroom Pool View (31.86-36.87sqm); and TwoBedroom units measuring

CG image of Zcape X2 next to a former tin mine lagoon in Cherng Talay. 41.05-41.11sqm. Each unit has a variety of space-saving details in the design, including interchangeable living space, plus a fully-equipped kitchen with plenty of storage space. On-site facilities include a large swimming pool with children’s play pool and hydro jet area that has a view of nearby hills, a pool lounge for recreational functions, a glass-walled fitness centre with an all-round view, plus 24-hour manned security, a

reception area and CCTV. “Making Zcape condo units stylish, practical and affordable for the next generation of local residents in such a choice location were decisive factors in the rapid sell-out of all Zcape condo units in July,” said Adisorn. “The Cherngtalay location of Zcape X2 Condominium was carefully selected to give residents the best balance possible to meet today’s lifestyle needs. “The architecture and

north-south alignment of the project take full advantage of the spacious natural surroundings to provide energy-saving solutions in the form of natural shade and ventilation. “The condo is also located within walking distance of Boat Avenue’s new mall, which is destined to become one of the island’s trendiest new meeting places with shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and a Villa Market,” he said. The Tri Property CEO said Zcape X2 was a highly attrac-

tive investment in high-quality housing in a world-class tourist destination, where the residential and transient population is increasing significantly year by year. “[The creation of the] Asean Economic Community in 2015 will bring an influx of trade and investment that will further fuel the demand in Phuket for highquality condominiums. Local and international investors have already shown faith in the future of Phuket as a regional commercial and tourism hub,” said Mr Adisorn. The Zcape X2 Condominium eco-design concept extends to many aspects of daily life, such as bicycle parking to encourage pollution-free travel and dedicated storage for recycling rubbish. Tri Property Executive Chairman and Phuket native, Chaiwat Tantiwiwat, said Tri Property’s plans for Phuket include at least two or three more condominium and residential projects to be launched in 2013, located on other land plots with similarly high potential. The company is also looking at other sites in southern Thailand, including Haad Yai, Songkhla and Surat Thani. The project website is at z-phuket.com.

Sunny times for Shades structures PHUKET’S RITZY NEW beach club at Laguna, Angsana Resort’s Xana with Attica, now boasts a huge fabric shade structure over its 30-metre-long beach-pool bar. Designed and built by local firm Shades, the structure is a masterpiece of shaped and tensioned white fabric supported by an intricate array of steel columns and stainless steel cables. According to Shades’ managing director Gary Phillips, it will be there for some time, thanks to sophisticated structural engineering modeling for winds of up to 155 kmh. “We design all our product right here in Phuket” said Gary, “and for larger structures, as was the case with Xana, we have Australian engineers experienced in tensioned fabric work specify the major structural elements such as footings and steel and cable sizes. “Our design brief here was not only to deliver protection from rain and sun to the bar customers and staff, but to deliver also a modern, fun, visually exciting structure which complemented the whole Xana experience. “Constructing something this large on a beach, in an oper-

The long structure built by Shades for the Xana Beach Club at the Angsana resort. ating high-end resort, certainly had its challenges” continued Gary. “We had no access for vehicles here, no excavators, no cranes, and no concrete trucks. “To manage the large steel components without a crane was another major challenge for us. We pre-installed the entire structure piece by piece in our

factory in Chalong, ensuring that none of them was larger than we could manage without a crane, then everything was brought to site painted and ready to install.” Shades is a locally-grown business that started life eight years ago in a humble shophouse, making covers for boats.

The recent winner of a third major international award for excellence in design and manufacture of fabric structures, Shades has, thanks to Phuket’s

high-end property growth, flourished in a market that appreciates its product. “Structures like this one at Xana attract a lot of attention from international visitors to Phuket, and we now have a growing export facet to the business” says Gary. “Our success in the industrial fabric industry’s leading international forum naturally helps state our credentials to potential overseas clients, and we now have a growing network of agents throughout Asia and beyond helping sell our designs and product.”

Banyan, Anantara, Hilton score at awards THE BANYAN TREE RESIdences development, having won in October the award for Best Villa Development in the Thailand Property Awards, has now won the accolade for Southeast Asia as a whole. The wins were announced at the end of November at the awards dinner for the Southeast Asia Property Awards organised, like the Thailand event, by Ensign Media, publishers of Property Report Asia. Anantara Vacation Club, owned by Thai conglomerate the Minor Group scored two awards in the Best Shared Ownership category – the outright Southeast Asia win for the club in Mai Khao, with a highly commended for its sister operation in Samui. The Nchantra @ Sirey Beach took the award for best condo development in Thailand. Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels took the Best Property Consultancy (Thailand) award, with highly commended awards for CBRE, Colliers International and Savills. “Congratulations to all the winners,” said Terry Blackburn, CEO of Ensign Media, the organisers of the event. “We have seen some real world beating developments awarded here this evening that really represent the full gamut of what South East Asia real estate has to offer.” More than 1,400 nominations were received and from those, over 300 entries, with the most hotly contested categories the Best Condominium awards for both Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Phuket Hilton Arcadia Resort & Spa picked up an award in Marketing Events Awards 2012, held in Singapore on November 22. The resort received the award for Best Contribution to an Event by a Venue, for its support of the 2012 Asia regional marketing meeting of the MCI Group Pacific Pte Ltd..

14 OPINION

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Opinion

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editor@thephuketnews.com

Gerry’s View

Editorial

Road to nowhere

“It’s starting to look like the beginning of Christmas. The HomePro compound in Chalong has really pulled out the stops this year and put up a really beautiful light display that is eye-catching and well thought out. When I was there parents were taking pictures of their children in front of the display, and it was so pleasing to see and hear the excitement in the voices of the children who instinctively knew this was special.” Photo: Gerry Cummings

If you have a Phuket photo to share, email it with a caption to editor@thephuketnews.com

not he r week ha s passed and with it comes the t ragic news that even more lives on Phuket’s notoriously dangerous roads have passed along with it. It’s hard to admit, but living in Phuket for a long amount of time lessens the shock upon hearing of such tragedies, but it most certainly doesn’t reduce the level of sympathy, distress or anger that one feels upon hearing of them. Each year around 120 lives are claimed on Phuket’s roads, most from motorbike crashes – an average of one every three days. Much of the population of Phuket are forced to travel on motorbikes, largely due to the fact that in most of the island, local taxi, tuk tuk and motorbike taxis monopolise public transportation. People have to travel everywhere on their motorbikes because they have little choice. The vast majority of the island – Thais and foreigners included – cannot afford the extortionate fares charged

Have your say Rest in peace, Wan

[Re. Tributes flow in for BIS Phuket student] Rest in peace little one. I really hope that the society of Phuket and Thailand as a whole will take a stand against these awful, awful drivers on Thailand’s roads. Come on people of Thailand, join together and do the right thing, for the sake of all our children. Heartbroken

Give the elephants a good life [Re. Two baby Phuket elephants free to go back to work] So where are the baby elephants going to feel the happiest? Here in Phuket, chained for receiving some bananas from tourists, or living along

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

with their mother at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) in Lampang? Moreover they will be carried, again, on the back of a truck for more than 1,500km... Marc

Good on you Damrong [Re. Damrong to go alone] Corruption unbounded. My heart is lifted to know there are some Thai people with high morals and ideals – he is a rare breed and I hope he continues his quest. Good man! Ceasar27

Bad driving on our roads [Re. BIS student killed in Chalong smash, six hurt] So sorry for the loss of life especially if, as it would appear, they were not to blame. I too have witnessed the

exceptionally bad driving habits of Pegas tour buses. Seeing one in your rear view mirror, so close to the back of my vehicle, having to pull to the left because one is overtaking in the opposite direction when there is just no room. One word about Pegas – avoid. Al

A good deed [Re. Phuket helmet giveaway a great success] Good work Class Act Media, it is great to see a private company doing something positive on the roads of Phuket (as well us bringing us some good tunes in the drive time Jason). Justin Craig

Blowing the whistle [Re. Singapore cabbie returns B27.6m to Thai couple]

Whistle-Blower, do you ever post a positive comment? You deserve the ‘grumpiest, most miserable commenter’ award, – not just here but everywhere else you use this pseudonym.

There really are good people in the world as well, ya know. A local

Waste of time? [Re. Nepalese ex-prince held in Phuket on drugs charge] Really? Do Phuket Police not have real crime to deal with? Yes – they actually have – but corruption makes these silly procedures continue instead. Con Safos

Ashamed? [Re. Thai police tried to blame boyfriend for woman’s death: report]

by the taxis and tuk tuks and therefore have to resort to travelling to places of work, rest and play on their motorbikes, with only the more fortunate owning cars. Most people also drink while they drive. It’s expected and the announcement of a drunken departure is rarely met with the same level of distaste and disagreement as it truly deserves. Also: Speed limits. What are they? Where are the speed signs? If they even exist, when does anyone ever observe them? Do you? Have the police ever pulled you over for speeding? Pick up trucks, 4x4s. You don’t live on a farm, you’re not transporting logs. You’re picking up your kids from Central Festival. The argument that you’re driving it to feel safe is not a valid reason. You may very well feel safer, but the vast majority of the island don’t when they see you hurtling along the road. Downsize, slow down, don’t drink and take responsibility for your own actions.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com Blame the farang, forget doing your job properly and investigating the crime, how dare these people dare to call themselves police officers and take a salary form the Thai people – they are a disgrace. Stew

1 2 3

What’s their view? [Re. Damrong to go alone] Amazing to see that some seem to cheer up others without actually knowing who they are or what their mission or motivation behind their doing is. Do your research first! Mr 2000

Excuses, excuses [Re. Power pole truck set for takeoff in Phuket] Without sounding too pedantic, I tend to think an over loaded truck caused the truck to rear up in the air rather than the poles sliding backwards. MK1

Comment on the latest stories now at thephuketnews.com or email your thoughts to editor@thephuketnews.com

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Dead foreign male found stuffed in black plastic bag BIS student killed in Chalong smash, six hurt Phuket police issue arrest warrant for killer of suspected Hungarian Pitbull lands back in Phuket to face trial Mutilated body may be that of missing Hungarian Six Phuket heroin dealers arrested in 48 hours Power pole truck set for takeoff in Phuket Nepalese prince appears in Phuket court Pitbull denies Phuket murder Tributes flow in for BIS Phuket student

Visit thephuketnews.com today for all the latest news

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Traumatic tsunami film The Impossible hits a local nerve

Interview with guitarist and singer Dennis Villarin

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Finding solace in Spanish surf How unemployed Spaniards are finding a new way of life in the ocean > p10

Photo: AFP

2 ARTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECAMBER 7,7,2012

A taste of Tokyo in the old town Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

They spent hours painstakingly painting the designs, including many hours lying on their backs on a large scaffold

new bar and restaurant on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town is already making waves for its impressive comic book designs on the roof and walls of the venue. Comics bar is owned by Aekapon “Aek” Janchuvanichkul (pictured) who says he got the idea from a bar in New York when he visited the United States. The bar was decorated with many cartoon character images from popular Japanese cartoons, and he was inspired to create a venue in Phuket of his own. He began work to redesign the Num Sang Hi Fi audio shop premises into a new funky hangout. The black and white art which adorns

the walls was hand painted by three local Phuket artists – Tu, Ta and Tor. They spent hours painstakingly painting the designs, including many hours lying on their backs on a large scaffolding structure to paint the cartoons on the roof – a true labour of love indeed. The comic designs are mostly from Japan, and include Conan, Slam Dunk Dragon Ball Z, Rave and Captain Tsubasa – and even include references to Korean popstar PSY’s hit song, Gangnam Style. The lighting in the venue really draws the eye to the design, and the narrow building design gives a really intimate feel to the place. It is cozy, and you feel like you’re more

in New York or even Tokyo than in Phuket’s Old Town area. Aek has paid real attention to detail, and the bar’s funky design also extends to the menus – these are large and covered with more comic book cartoon characters. And if you’re after more than a drink, the venue offers a large food menu, including the signature dish – Comic’s Salad. This is a western salad with spicy Thai seafood, including fresh salmon. Drink-wise, the cherry-flavoured jelly is recommended. Live music kicks off at around 8.30pm. Comics Cafe and Bar, 44 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town. Tel 086 662 7766. Facebook: “Comics Cafe & Bar”.

EDUCATION 3

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

The teacher will see you now ASK THE AJARN Eric Haeg asktheajarn@gmail.com

Some teachers assume they have to go to one of Phuket’s fancy international hospitals, where all kinds of superfluous tests are run over the course of a halfday. Once finished, the pin-cushioned teacher is presented with the same white envelope and relieved of something like B3,500

If anybody has questions about the ‘PKTs’, or any other teachingrelated matters feel free to write in: ask theajarn@gmail.com

elcome to our third installment of Ask the Ajarn. Before we examine this month’s issue, allow us to provide Phuket’s teachers with a public service announcement: Phuket Immigration Office is now asking for additional copies of passport pages. For passports, they need a copy of pages that include the passport’s photo, the original visa, the last entry stamp into Thailand, the departure card and, if you’re on a renewed visa, the most recently updated visa stamp. That being said, most long-term expats simply bring 2 copies of each page of their passport and work permit—which is not a bad idea at all. And now for this month’s question:

What’s the deal with medical certificates? Where can I get one and what needs to be done? More often than not, a medical certificate can be obtained at most neighborhood clinics and the actual visit won’t take more than five minutes. The doctor will dutifully check both your heartbeat and your blood pressure. That’s it; I like to call it the Proof of Life test. Once vital signs have been established, the doctor whisks you out of the office and the all-important white envelope is exchanged for a minimal fee (B50-150). You then take it to the school and never see it again. That’s the most common scenario anyway. Some teachers assume they have to go to one of Phuket’s fancy international hospitals, where all kinds of superfluous tests are run over the course of a half-day. Once finished,

the pin-cushioned teacher is presented with the same white envelope and relieved of something like B3,500. But hey, the hospital usually offers unlimited free orange juice and water—which is nice, but that better be some pretty fresh OJ. That’s the second-most common scenario. However, recent word on Thailand’s teacher forums is that the days of the ‘Proof of Life’ tests are over. As recently as last month, many teachers were reporting a change in requirements. More accurately, they were

simply experiencing officials’ better efforts to observe and adhere to long-standing Ministry of Labour requirements. Officially, foreigners applying for a work permit must obtain a medical certificate that clears the applicant of the following afflictions: leprosy, elephantiasis, tuberculosis, drug addiction, alcoholism, tertiary syphilis and mental illness. While we all know anyone willing to teach a class of 50 M3 students is a bit off their rocker, checking for TB, STDs and other ailments requires blood work and more out-ofpocket expense (B350-500). A few even reported testing for illegal substances. “They did a urine drug test looking for amphetamine—cannabis was on the paper but unchecked,” reported one member of Thai Visa. To ensure your first trip to the doctor is the only visit you’ll need in order to obtain a valid medical certificate, we encourage teachers to ask the school what is needed. Although medical checks are technically a matter for the Ministry of Labour, school officials will often know exactly what officials are looking for. For those who want to be 100 per cent sure, teachers can visit the Ministry Of Labour’s office where they can find an official medical certificate form that can be presented to the doctor.

Painting for the planet

hairat Sukban, Deputy Mayor of Patong Municipality, presided over the opening ceremony of ‘The 3rd Arts for the Planet’ Thai Youth Painting Exhibition at Amari Coral Beach Phuket on November 26. The exhibition runs until December 10, and is

Headstart International School.

open to the public, with many pieces available to buy. The programme was part of the “Baht for a Better Life Project” by ONYX Hospitality Group to raise funds to support the education of underprivileged children in Thailand.

FOOD SAFETY TRAINING Educating all food handlers to understand the importance of food safety standards.

Kajonkiet International School Phuket.

LOY KRATONG LESSONS

Our training is highly interactive.

International schools around the island got involved in the Loy Kratong celebrations last week with students making their own kratongs, dressing in national costume and performing traditional Thai dance. Pictured above are students from BIS.

info@foodhygieneasia.com 076 617 692, 081 862 4439 www.foodhygieneasia.com

4 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The King’s Sufficiency Economy GOING GREEN Nick Anthony editor3@thephuketnews.com

The chief proponent of localism in Thailand or moso (moderation society) is King Bhumibol through ‘the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy. The foundations of King Bhumibol’s theory includes sustainability, moderation and broadbased development

Above right: A rural road in Isarn - one of Thailand’s poorest provinces.

ing Bhumibol Aduladej, who celebrated his 85th birthday on December 5, has dedicated a lifetime of support to the Thai people, the environment and has always promoted long term sustainability. The foundations of King Bhumibol’s theory includes sustainability, moderation and broad-based development. The concept is based on living a moderate, self-dependent life without greed or overexploitation of, for example, natural resources. The ‘Sufficiency Economy’ is not a theory about how the economy of a country works, but rather a guide to making decisions that will produce outcomes that are beneficial to development. The Sufficiency Economy is a philosophy that stresses the ‘middle path’ as an overriding principle for appropriate conduct by the populace at all levels. This applies to conduct starting from the level of local families, small and large communities, as well as the government’s administration. At the same time, it is essential to strengthen the moral fibre of the nation, so that everyone, particularly public officials, academics, and business people at all levels, adhere first and foremost to the principles of honesty and integrity. ‘Sufficiency’ means moderation, reasonableness, and the need of self-immunity for sufficient protection from impact arising from internal and external changes. It is essentially a way of life based on patience, perseverance, diligence, wisdom and prudence and is essential to create balance and be able to cope appropriately with critical challenges arising from extensive and rapid socio-economic, environmental, and cultural changes in the world which these days include climate change. Modern development has caused changes in all aspects of Thai society. The positive impacts of the

Pet

Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:

“Meow, meow, I’m Yuri, and I’m possibly Phuket’s largest cat, weighing in at 9.5kg! I am eight years old and Norwegian Forest breed.” Yuri is the son of a world champion Norwegian Forest cat, crowned in 2004. He loves hunting in the jungle at nighttime and taking his prey (still alive!) to the front door of his lovely owner Jana Sasikova. His favourite foods are raw shrimps and dry food.

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

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

Kajonkiet kids go eco

T development are economic growth, progress of material and public utilities, modern communication systems, and improvement and expansion of education. However, few of these results have yet to reach the rural areas or the underprivileged in the society. On the other hand, rapid economic growth and the rise of consumerism has led to a state of economic dependence and deterioration of natural resources as well as the dissolution of existing kinship and traditional groups to manage them. The traditional knowledge and wisdom that have been employed to solve problems and accumulated in the past are forgotten and have started to disappear. Significantly, what has dissipated is the people’s ability to rely on themselves and conduct their lives and pursue their destiny with dignity. For Thailand, the 1997 economic crisis served as a costly lesson of unbalanced and unstable growth, partly due to the improper economic and social development process, in which the economy relied heavily on foreign capital inflows and external markets. The chief proponent of localism in Thailand or moso (moderation society) is King Bhumibol through ‘the philosophy of Sufficiency Economy.’

eachers and students from Kajonkiet International School and a dive team from Chalong Seasport joined forces in an attempt to clear the trash from Yanui Beach on November 24. Approximately half a ton of debris was collected by the kids from Kajonkiet while Chalong Seasport searched the sea for marinebased rubbish. The Kajonkiet School is just one of the schools on the island that has taken recent strides to integrate environmental awareness into their curriculum. Head of Primary Mrs Chokkuea said, “The curriculum contains units on recycling and pollution. This gives us opportunities to make links with environmental events and our new school community garden.” The rubbish collected from Yanui Beach included plastic bags, pieces of foam, glass bottles, a bucket filled with concrete and rope, different boat parts and even a cracked surfboard. After the beach clean-up the Rawai OrBorTor took the debris away with one of their garbage trucks.

Adopt a dog

Sam is a seven year old Labrador, desperately seeking a loving home. This beautiful dog was abandoned in Phuket nine months ago. He’s a big, lumbering dog with a huge heart. He loves affection and would make a very faithful, loyal companion. Sam is sterilised and fully vaccinated. If you can offer Sam a new home please email cindy@soidog.org or phone the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222. You can also visit our website www.soidog.org or follow us on Facebook. If you are interested in adopting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.

HEALTH 5

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Asperger’s out as US reframes psychiatric disorders

he American Psychiatric Association has voted to review its classification of certain mental disorders, turning autism into a single, all-encompassing category and removing Asperger’s syndrome as a separate ailment. Last weekend’s vote by the group’s board of trustees marks the first revision of the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders since 1994 and the fifth since it first came about. The latest change comes after a lengthy and often animated debate among psychiatrists, patient groups and foundations, sparking concerns among some. The new criteria – the details of which will be known once the new manual is published in May 2013 – could deprive some patients of access to welfare services because the insurances and public assistance programmes are based on American Psychiatric Association (APA) definitions. The new classification groups all variants of autism into a single category called ‘autism spectrum disorder’ to “help more accurately and consistently diagnose children with autism,” according to an APA news release. It will include Asperger’s disorder. ‘Disruptive mood deregulation disorder’ will be included to “diagnose children who exhibit persistent irritability and frequent episodes of behaviour outbursts three or more times a week for more than a year,” according to the release. Post-traumatic stress disorder, meanwhile, will be included in a new chapter on trauma and stressrelated disorders. “Our work has been aimed at more accurately defining mental disorders that have a real impact on people’s lives, not expanding the scope of psychiatry,” said David Kupfer, chair of the taskforce overseeing the manual’s revision. AFP

Working on your six pack LOSE FAT WITH PAT Patrick du Preez editor3@thephuketnews.com

Patrick du Preez, MD Club Asia Fitness, Royal Phuket City Hotel, Phuket Town, clubasiaphuket.com

es, we would all like that perfect sixpack and I’m not talking about that sixpack of your favourite beer. The perfect abs will not be achieved by drinking beer at your local pub, over-indulging in fast foods and lazing around on the couch watching your favourite sports channel and nibbling on snacks. Yes we all like to treat ourselves once in a while and as long as this is done in moderation it is not a problem. As long as you develop healthy eating, drinking and training habits then it’s fine. Easier said than done of course. It requires dedication, willpower, time and plenty of motivation. It amazes me when I read advertisements that profess: ‘The perfect six-pack in six weeks’ or the amazing ‘Before and After’ photos of rapid weight loss. Constant training, hard work and ensuring healthy eating habits will help you achieve a slimmer waistline over a period of time, but how do we go about developing that ultimate sixpack? The aim is to strengthen your abdominal core muscles and lose body fat. Set yourself some realistic goals to achieve your ideal body weight.

This will vary depending on your age, height and gender. People with genetic tendencies may gain weight easier than others. Work on developing healthy eating habits and cut down on your alcohol intake, sugary drinks and pastries. Start with a suitable exercise and training programme. A training partner or a personal trainer will help to keep you motivated. You will need to lose the layer of fat that that covers your muscular abs to achieve that ultimate six pack. By losing a few extra kilos in fat and gaining lean muscle mass, this will certainly improve your health and lessen your chance of a possible heart attack. Ongoing exercise will ensure a healthy lifestyle. Here follows a few steps that will get you started to achieve your goals.

■ ■ ■ ■

Lose Fat Do cardio workouts Eat smaller dinners Don't skip breakfast Lift weights

■ Keep metabolism steady ■ Drink plenty of water ■ Eat whole grains ■ Do plenty of exercises

for developing your abs and do them regularly ■ Crunches – bent knees, arms on chest, raise upper torso and hold – don't lift entire back ■ Sit Ups – bent knees, arms on chest, lift lower back off floor – straight back ■ Train your core muscles by doing squats and deadlifts ■ Leg lifts ■ Jackknife sit ups – lifting legs and torso simultaneously ■ Static holds – push up position on your forearms – hold 60 sec + ■ Train oblique muscles ■ Bicycle crunches Gyms often have a variety of benches andmachines that will assist with getting your abs into shape and creating that perfect six pack. Persevere and never give up! You’ll get there. Now you just have to find a reason to show everybody.

6 PEOPLE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

The public face of Patong Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

Every project has its problems. But my approach is, ‘Just start it today. If I don’t, it will never happen.’ Whenever there is a difficult situation, it takes patience and time to solve (business people are not patient). I have to draw on my experience and apply it to the problems

Chairat Sukbal plants a banana, a welcome break from dealing with garbage and drainage problems. But he still believes that being in politics is more useful to society than being in business alone.

ian Keesin may be Mayor of Patong, but for many foreigners the face of the town, and the man to talk to, is his deputy Chairat Sukbal. Now in his ninth year of political life, Mr Chairat is comfortable with his role and says working for the Municipality is never boring. Mr Chairat was born 49 years ago in the ancient city of Nakorn Sri Thammarat, into a family of rice farmers. A bright student, he did well enough in school to get into Ramkamhaeng University in Bangkok where he received a degree in public administration. He followed this up with an MBA from the then-new Phuket campus of Prince of Songkla University, graduating in 1987. The following year he went into business, choosing Phuket as the place with most promise. Among the businesses he set up were the Pow Wow Restaurant and Pub, the Beach Resortel, Safari Discotheque and the Wyndham Resort & Spa Phuket. But while many people might find such a life satisfying and profitable, Mr Chairat says for him it was not enough. He thought politics might be the answer, so he enrolled in the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA), graduating with a master’s in public administration in 2001. “I went into politics because I believed I had the abilities and skills to help develop Patong. At least, I was someone who had had more experience and more opportunities than others. “Residents need moral people or officers to help them. Being public-spirited is important for a career in politics. “If I remained just a businessman, I would not be able to help anyone or do anything for people. Many businessmen don’t go into politics because they see it as difficult. They are happy just being rich. “But you can’t take your riches with you when you die, so I realised I should be working for the good of others.” In 2004 he ran successfully in elections for Patong Municipality. “Patong Municipality has ideas for around 100 projects but” – he giggles – “they have not been approved because we really don’t know where we will get the money [to carry them out]. “Our annual budget is based on the population registered as living in Patong. So the government gives us a limited budget. Yet people who move from elsewhere to work and live – that is more than 100,000 people [who are not registered in Patong].” It’s a problem, he says. For example, the garbage created by those 100,000 – added to that of the hundreds of thousands of tourists – has to be collected and sent to the incinerator in Phuket Town. “We have to spend a large part of our budget on this,” he explains. “We do get contributions from private businesses in Patong

to support some of our projects.” The municipality, he says, also keeps in close contact with government departments and state enterprises such as the Highways Department, the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Expressway Authority of Thailand, which is to build the road tunnel under Patong Hill. “Our goal for Patong is clear. We have many projects for improving Patong, such as the floodwater drains under Phang Meuang Sai Kor Rd, a new klong for jet skis and 40 free WiFi points in the town. “Patong Municipality has more projects to do, but right now drainage is the priority. Once construction is complete, flood problems will not annoy people any more. “Every project has its problems. But my approach is, ‘Just start it today. If I don’t, it will never happen.’ Whenever there is a difficult situation, it takes patience and time to solve (business people are not patient). I have to draw on my experience and apply it to the problems.” “Some people criticise Patong Municipality and me. Some newspapers present us in a negative light. But we are all members of the same community. We should present a good image to tourists and foreigners.” He admits reluctantly that Patong is not entirely without problems. One of these, for example, is police officers demanding kickbacks from local businesses. He stresses, “This is nothing to do with Patong Municipality and we do not receive any such money from local businesses.” Asked about

the Tiger fire, and suggestions that Municipality officials did not inspect the disco thoroughly enough when issuing licences, he said, “As for the entertainment place in Bangla Rd that will be reopened in the future, there are laws to control every step in construction. So I don’t think this will be a problem. “One thing I think everyone should remember was how fast Patong revived after the 2004 Asian Tsunami. Patong was back up in only six months. “This was because of the municipality’s good management. I have been invited many times to give speeches about how we achieved this. “Patong Municipality now has an announcement system, sirens and sign to prepare people for natural disasters.” CCTV cameras let the authorities know where people are, and how many, and loudspeakers mounted below them allow the municipality to broadcast advice and warnings. “We can warn people immediately.” Something else he has to deal with regularly is the complaints from honorary consuls on the island about taxi prices and services. “I would like them to compare local prices with the prices in their home countries,” he says. There have also been unfavourable comparisons between taxi prices in Bangkok and Phuket. Mr Chairat defends the difference: “Phuket and Bangkok have different topologies. So how can they have the same prices?” Patong is a tourist centre, but this does not mean that tourism should take priority over all else, Mr Chairat says. “Tourism is very important but education is the first priority,” he says. “If people are well educated, they will know the correct and wise way to solve problems. “Some children have talent but do not have the opportunity to study, so, Patong Municipality provides a development centre for children, with teachers and trainers dedicated to this purpose. We also have study grants for municipal officials.” He also wishes the media would be more restrained. “The media are part of the community; they need to be more careful about what they show when they publish news and photos, because this is our country, and foreigners may misunderstand.” But overall Mr Chairat is happy with the way things are going in Patong and confident it is moving in the right direction. “I want Patong to be great place for tourism. Patong is like a reception hall for Thailand. “I am here as Deputy Mayor of Patong and I will continue to do my best for Patong.”

WEIRD WORLD 7

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

THE BIG LIST GREAT IMPOSTERS

Pranksters, hoaxers, fakers, impersonators and imposters. Pretending to be someone – or something – that you’re not might be just a joke, or it might get more serious. Fake Flyer : Perhaps the most famous serial imposter, Frank Abagnale, masqueraded as an airline pilot for two years to get free flights around the world. His escapades inspired the 2002 movie Catch Me If You Can, starring Leo DiCaprio (pictured above). At the age of just 16, Abagnale got hold of a Pan-Am pilot’s uniform and forged a pilot licence. In the 1960s, that was enough to let him aboard Pan-Am flights as an unscheduled passenger, and by the time he was caught Abagnale had clocked up more than a million air miles on more than 250 flights to 26 countries. The airline even footed the bill for his hotels and restaurants overseas. Abagnale also impersonated a hospital doctor for 11 months, and got a legal job for the State Attorney General of Louisiana using a fake law diploma from Harvard. He was captured in France in 1969 when a flight attendant recognised his face from a wanted poster. Fake Terracotta Warrior: Pablo Wendel, a German art student in China, was so impressed with the 2200 year-old terracotta warriors in the western city of Xian that he decided to sign up with the ancient army, if only for a few minutes. Pablo carefully constructed a terracotta warrior costume, with dusty brown armour, a tunic and helmet, and jumped into an excavation pit during a guided tour of the archaeological site in 2006. He stood motionless among the ranks of statues – and his costume was so convincing that it took security guards several minutes to find him. Pablo was arrested, but because he hadn’t damaged anything he was let go after a stern lecture from the guards. Fake Footballer : British prankster Karl Powers from Manchester has built a small media career by impersonating players at sports events – most famously as an extra player in a Manchester United team photo in 2001. Powers walked onto the pitch in team colours before a game against Bayern Munich and stood beside Andy Cole while the photo was taken. Later that year Powers won further fame when he walked out to bat for England during a test against Australia, and in 2002 he beat Michael Schumacher to his place on the winner’s rostrum for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Fake FBI Consultant: William Hillar, of Maryland in the US, was sentenced to 21 months in prison this year for an elaborate deception that even fooled the FBI into hiring him to teach its trainees. Hillar had posed for years as a retired US Army colonel who’d served with the Green Berets in Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America. He also claimed his daughter had been kidnapped and murdered by human traffickers, and that her story inspired the 2008 movie Taken. In fact Hillar had spent only eight years with the US Coastguard, where he was a low-ranking radarman, and his daughter had never been kidnapped or murdered. But that didn’t stop Hillar fooling some of the top law enforcement officials in the country for years. Between 1998 and 2010 he earned more than US$150,000 from contracts to teach officials about counter-terrorism and how to carry out drug raids, including more than US$17,000 in fees from the FBI’s “Command College.”

The secret US plan to nuke the moon

secret US military plan to detonate an atomic bomb on the moon in the 1950s was designed as a warning to the Soviet Union, says a scientist who worked on the project. Physicist Leonard Reiffel, 85, who headed a secret project codenamed “Project A119” for the US Airforce, said that a large atomic blast on the lunar surface could have intimidated the Soviets and boosted US confidence soon after the launch of the first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, in 1957. “People were worried very much by Sputnik and the very great accomplishments of the Soviet Union in those days, and in comparison, the United States was feared to be looking puny” Reiffel told CNN. “So this was a concept to sort of reassure people that the United States could maintain a mutually-assured deterrence, and therefore avoid any huge conflagration on the Earth” The nuclear bomb would have been launched from a missile and detonated as it impacted the moon, causing an explosion that would have been visible from Earth. The most powerful hydrogen bombs of the time were too heavy to fly a quarter of a million miles to the moon, so the plan called for a smaller plutonium bomb to be used. Reiffel is a former deputy director of US space agency NASA, and was involved in nuclear research in the late 1950s. He told the Associated Press that the lunar detonation could have occurred as early as 1959, after the US Air Force first deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles powerful enough for a moon launch.

A decade before the Apollo missions to the moon, the US military devised a secret plan to nuke the lunar surface as a spectacular warning to Cold War rival the Soviet Union. But the plan was never put into action because US military chiefs were concerned about the effects that the nuclear blast might have on people on earth. There were fears that radioactive fallout from the blast could contaminate space near the moon, or that the missile might blow up accidentally before leaving the atmosphere. Project A119 was shelved in 1959, and the project documents were kept secret for nearly 45 years. Instead of nuking the moon in a display of strength, the United States responded in kind to the “Sputnik Gap” with the launch of its own artificial satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958.

Police lieutenant’s secret identity as a ‘Baller’

n the latest ‘Lucille Baller’ rap song, she talks about how she will shoot anyone who messes with her since she’s “been to hell and back”. Turns out, Baller is actually Dallas Police Lt. Regina Smith and she’s just been placed on administrative leave after her secret identity as a rapper was revealed last week. Smith posted the music videos “Broken Blues” and “Lucille Baller” on her website. As ‘Lucille

Baller’, she is signed to independent record label and music production company Big Rush in Global Media. The videos include a montage of photos that see her dressed in provocative clothes, firing guns, and hanging out with friends. In her real job, Smith oversees burglary and theft detectives. She informed her superiors of her website last week which led to her punishment.

Chinese model in hot water over cop photos

hinese authorities sentenced a 23-yearold model to nine months in jail, suspended for a year, after she posted pictures of herself in a police uniform on the internet. Wang Xiaomeng was working on an ad campaign that required her to wear a Chinese police uniform and posted the pictures on China’s version of Twitter, Sina Weibo. Over 300 comments were posted over the picture, which was also retweeted 500 times.

One of the three pictures saw the model sitting on a bed in a blue police shirt and hat with bare legs as she pulled on a set of black tights.

Left, Lt Regina Smith with her late husband, Cpl Norm Smith. Right, website of gangsta rapper “Lucille Baller”.

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

The best of friends Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

here’s something very civilised – very high-class Mediterranean – about sitting down to dine at a long table with a load of people, some of whom you know and some you don’t. Conversation flows more easily, and gets louder and more amusing as time goes by. No one feels selfconscious about the occasional burp. Get up, walk to another part of the table to drop in on another conversation. Dinner is no longer just dinner. It’s an extended family event. It’s even better, of course, if dinner is alfresco, right next to a tropical beach with balmy air and a light breezes. This is what Trisara has created with its new restaurant, named – perhaps not a lot of imagination here but certainly straightforward – Seafood. To celebrate the completion of the restaurant, Trisara last week held a special sevencourse dinner for some 20 diners. The food, as one would expect from Trisara’s all-Thai kitchen crew, was superb. To start, Tuna tartare spiced up with ginger, followed by anchovies with bell pepper, aubergines and shallots. On then to vitello tonnato – veal and tuna with capers, frisée, onion, quinoa and tomato; a classic bouillabaisse; and then red mullet with radish, tomato, onion, zucchini and cockles. Almost there. The main event: Wagyu

sirloin from Australia with bulgur, spring onion, cucumber and mushroom. And finally, for those who had just a little room left, wild mille-feuille – filo pastry, vanilla cream, strawberries, raspberries and redcurrants. By the end of the evening everyone was a couple of kilos heavier and, thanks to the magic worked by Spanish grape alchemists Telmo Rodriguez (all organic and biodynamic) and Jean Guillaume Prats of Château Cos d’Estournel, everyone was best friends with everyone else. This is a fine way to dine. And the good news is that if Phuket’s weather decides to turn nasty, the whole feast can swiftly become moveable – the restaurant also has a capacious indoor section. For more information, visit facebook.com/ trisaraseafood

Far left, top, Spanish grape alchemist Telmo Rodriguez, and below, tuna tartare. Top, the restaurant’s long table by the beach. Above the red snapper dish.

     

MODEL BEHAVIOUR AT THE KEE On November 29, The Kee Resort & Spa hosted a dinner for the finalists of the TV underwater modelling contest Sea Star Discovery 2012, along with the show’s camera crews, at the invitation of the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

           

                                 

k Meinds ù

Weekly SET MENU, 2 courses with soft drink @ 375 Baht

           



*AUTHENTIC ITALIAN, GREAT ATMOSPHERE*

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2012 List your 7,restaurant for FREE at thephuketnews.com/directory.php FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 EUROPEAN

Tre by DoublePool Villas

Bodega & Grill

Bodega & Grill is situated on a picturesque patio by the lagoon. The restaurant serves premium char-grilled steaks and seafood from a wood-fired oven, as well as authentic homemade pastas, risottos and paellas. Bodega’s generous steaks are available in portions of up to 1.2 kilogram. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101

An array of culinary experiences is offered to tempt and intrigue in Tre - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant set among the superb surroundings of the DoublePool Villas. Tre’s signatures dishes include scallops and green apples and tartar with pan-fried foie gras. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay

INTERNATIONAL

DINING GUIDE 9

ITALIAN

SEAFOOD

Acqua

Trisara Seafood

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine can revel in Acqua’s experiential concept. The Acqua restaurant experience promises to deliver only the freshest of ingredients, sourced from only the best producers both local and international. Taste explosions from the portfolio of Chef Alessandro Frau, of both traditional & contemporary are offered. Kalim Bay-Patong 076 618 127

The first truly world-class destination seafood dining experience on Phuket. A private entrance leads guests either to an outdoor, beachfront deck or to the cool, relaxed interior. The menu is a balance between local and imported seafood prepared and served in a Mediterranean way. Lunch 12.30pm-3pm, Dinner 7pm-10.30pm (Closed Sundays). Trisara, 076 310 305

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Weaves Restaurant

Art Caffè

RE KÁ TA Beach Club

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic sea views in sensually indulgent setting. Delicious Thai and European creations are served on the open-air terrace. Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is the winner of the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. Situated on the only road into to Kata Noi Beach. Reservations recommended. 076 333 568; momtriphuket.com

Watch the evening sunlit ocean in the lavish and contemporary ambient atmosphere that is the Weaves restaurant. With its intimate low lit private dining, Weaves serves a variety of delectable Asian and International fusion cuisine, rich enticing desserts and tropical blended refreshments. Manathai Resort Phuket, Surin Beach, 076 270 900.

The idea of Art Caffè comes from the need to have a place to stop and enjoy something different. Meet friends, exchange ideas, propose initiatives, organizing events or reflect only reading, watching and perhaps enjoying a good cup of coffee. The exhibition space is an affront to the repetitiveness of the artistic culture of the island. Naiharn, 076 388 546

The beachfront restaurant offers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach. Open daily 6.30am-11pm; 184, Koktanode Road, Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); 076 330 421; info@rekataphuket.com, rekataphuket.com

Boathouse Wine and Grill

DaVinci

Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood

The legendary Boathouse Wine and Grill is a celebration of great French and Thai cuisine right on Kata beach, simply the best oceanfront dining on Phuket. The wine cellar houses over 800 bottles and has been awarded Best of Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator since 2006. Open daily 11am-11pm; Kata Beach; 076 330 015; fb@boathousephuket.com; boathousephuket. com; facebook.com/boathousephuket

Great food and people you know! Authentic Italian cuisine in Nai Harn area. Three different dining areas, cocktail lounge, children’s play area, Delicatessen, live music....DaVinci is not just a meal, it is an experience of taste, atmosphere and more. Restaurant open daily 5pm-11.30pm; Deli open 11am-6pm; Sunday close; Naiharn 076 289 574. davinciphuket.com

Start your evening with delicious food and fine wine. Pick the perfect spot to take in stunning views of Patong bay, as the evening breeze surrounds you. Relax and enjoy live music to make your evening into that truly wonderful and unforgettable dining experience. Open daily 11am-Midnight. Patong; 076 618 125; baan kalim.com; baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com

Diavolo

THAI

Tablespoon Salad & Grill

Discover newest stylish restaurant in modern vintage setting. Creative and unique salad and grill menus are served while you experience a delectable dining in romantic and intimate atmosphere with a reasonable price tag. Open 11am-10pm. 2nd Floor, HomePro Village, Chalong; 076 383 244

The Caddy Shack Irish Times

Come in to experience our famous Sunday roasts, we also serve full English breakfasts from 9:30am, lunch & dinner til late & daily specials, with 3 big screens, come in & watch your favourite sports. You’ll find us next to the entrance of Loch Palm Golf Course in Kathu. Great food, great banter and great music. Don’t miss this hidden treasure. Kathu; 087 993 8737

FRENCH Breeze Restaurant

Phuket’s most exciting new restaurant is situated on the waterfront at Cape Yamu. Chef Cheryl Johnson is providing diners with her innovative modern French interpretations of local ingredients. Open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch. Our menus change frequently. Cape Yamu, Paklok; 081 271 2320

The only Irish owned and managed Irish Pub in Phuket. A real Irish Pub at the heart of Phuket’s world famous nightlife. In this traditionally styled Irish pub you will find a very warm welcome from the Management and their fantastic staff. All your favourite Irish food and beverages. Jungceylon, Patong Beach; irishtimespub-phuket.com

Baan Vijitt Restaurant

A menu of modern Mediterranean influences created by Chef Ryan to tantalize the senses in a modern ambience. Offering everything from fresh seafood pastas to simple good pizzas. An impressive selection of well priced beverages and stunning sea views complete the experience. Open daily for lunch or dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala Beach; 076 302 000

JAPANESE

Super Natural

Tamarind Restaurant

Super Food deserves a Super Location. SuperNatural and more. The only waterfront restaurant in Phuket serving exciting raw vegetarian cuisine in addition to our delicious seafood, Thai and International menu. Great selection of fresh to order juices & smoothies, as well as great wines and chilled beers. Open 365 days a year. Facebook SupernaturalPhuket, 2.5km south of Chalong Circle.

To complement an already distinctive cuisine, Tamarind is bringing to the island high quality authentic Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Master Chef Shiraishi. Gracing our Japanese menu will be fresh sushi, sashimi, healthy salads, yakitori and tempura and much more. Tamarind is your ultimate destination to savour the best Japanese cuisine in Phuket. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay

A half-century old Sino-Portuguese style house at The Vijitt Resort Phuket offers a unique authentic experience of Thai cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Thai Select Premium Award certifies the quality and standard of product and service here. The Vijitt Resort Phuket, Rawai; 076 363 600; fb@vijittresort.com

Talung Thai

The restaurant has a stunning sunset location, offering views of the Andaman Sea. The menu of southern Thai specialties and true local dishes, are not seen on many other restaurant menus in Phuket. Chill with a cocktail from our award wining mixologist at sunset and then relax with authentic Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala; 076 302 000

10 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

Riding out the crisis on Spanish surf

Sophie Kevany

THE RESTAURANT WHERE YOUR INDULGENCE WILL BE COMPLETED

ather than mope around at home, legions of unemployed Spaniards are riding out the economic crisis on some of the best waves in Europe, driving a surf boom on the country’s northern breaks. With one in four now out of a job in Spain, surf professionals say the number of surfers has jumped these past two to three years on the stretch of rugged coastline from western Galicia to the border with France. “I think people are taking their unemployment money and just deciding to surf as much as they can,” said Michael Dobos, who runs a surf school in the village of Mundaka, home to some of the continent’s most sought-after waves. “Since the crisis broke there are three times more people in the water,” said Federico Ibazetor, who runs the Cabo Billano surf school in nearby Plentzia.

Both Dobos and Agustin Ciriza, a surf instructor who runs the San Sebastian-based activity tour company, Gorilla Trip, agreed with the estimate. “They don’t have work, so they have more time to surf. “They are mainly young because it is easier to lay off young people than older ones,” Ibazetor added. Surfers in Plentzia point at beach parking lots which once stood almost empty on weekdays, now full. “At 10am on a Monday there are lots of people getting ready to surf or in the water,” said Nicolas Vazquez, stripping out of his wetsuit. Vazquez is finishing an economics degree, but the friends he surfs with in and around Plentzia are mainly unemployed construction workers or car mechanics. And it’s not only manual workers who have more time to surf. Marine biologist Mikel Serrano has been out of college for two years and hasn’t had a fixed work contract yet. “It’s a month here, four months

Bangkok Beer & Beverages, island's largest wholesaler of 500+ premium beverages from 12 countries. Ask for our extensive portfolio: bart@bbb.co.th and visit www.bbb.co.th for more info. Tel: 076-200751-3, Fax: 076-200754

Top: US surfing teacher Mike Dobos stands on the seashore before getting into the water on November 21 in the northern Spanish Basque village of Mundaka. Rather than mope around at home, legions of unemployed Spaniards are riding out the economic crisis on some of the best waves in Europe, driving a surf boom on the country’s northern breaks. Photo: AFP

TRAVEL 11

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 With one in four now out of a job in Spain, surf professionals say the number of surfers has jumped these past two to three years on the stretch of rugged coastline from western Galicia to the border with France. “I think people are taking their unemployment money and just deciding to surf as much as they can,” said Michael Dobos, who runs a surf school in the village of Mundaka, home to some of the continent’s most sought-after waves

there. We are all unemployed,” he said, pointing to a group of surfers eating sandwiches in Plentzia’s car park. “There is less work, fewer grants, less research and less scientific investigation. It’s tough.” Another man from Bilbao, who didn’t want to give his name, wished he had less time to surf. “I’ve been out of work for nine months now. It’s very hard,” he said as he locked up a spotless Jaguar, grabbed his board and headed for the water. While long-time surfers are slightly put out by the increased numbers, surf schools are delighted. Competition between schools has driven lesson costs down. In Mundaka a two-hour group lesson costs 30 euros (B1,200) including wetsuit and board rental. Prices in San Sebastian are similar or less. At the Prado Surf School in Galicia a set of four classes a month costs only 54 euros in winter. For the last two summers schools say classes were not only full, but business continued right up to and past, the mid-Autumn holidays, as cashstrapped families apparently decided to take domestic holidays rather than travel abroad. “You can see three generations in the water together these days, grandfather, father and son,” said one manager. School managers also say surfing in Europe – long associated with drug-taking, skipping school and generally lazing about – has ditched that negative image. Instead, surfing manages to combine the image of a healthy, nature-oriented sport, and one that still gives off “cool” vibes, said Gorilla Trip’s Ciriza. Or as a Mundaka surfer said, “There are pijos (posh people) in the water now”. Spanish surf shops, on the other hand, have failed to cash in on the boom. Ripped wetsuits and dinged-up boards are not a problem for surfers, generally indicating the owner is more than just a “grom”, or beginner. Groms are voted most likely to ruin an experienced surfer’s wave, simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. If they have to buy, many surfers these days choose either cheaper board brands, or root around for second hand equipment. A used board, plus wetsuit, can be had for about 300 euros. The lack of cash for expensive new gear means retail businesses are fragile, said Jaime Azpiroz who is distribution manager for Olatu, Europe’s biggest surfboard factory. The company, which is just outside San Sebastian, makes boards for up-market brands such as Lost, Channel Islands and one of Spain’s favourites, Pukas. That said, when it comes to basic surf equipment – fins, boards, leashes and wax – Azpiroz says between 2009 and 2012 he’s seen an annual increase of about 10 per cent in sales. Billabong, another major surf brand, has seen a similar 10 per cent increase in sales of basic surf gear over the period. By comparison, sales of Billabong’s clothing line – known as “non-technical” goods – have been down about 20 per cent a year since 2009, said the company’s Spanish representative, Dani Garcia. AFP

TRAVEL NEWS & DEALS

Countdown in luxury and style Marina Bay Sands, a g reat venue to enjoy unobstructed views of spectacular fireworks on display, will be ushering in 2013 with many exciting and fun-filled parties. From the iconic Sands SkyPark and Crystal Pavilions to the bustling hotel lobby, the entire integrated resort will be gloriously alive at midnight as the fireworks light up the sky. At Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, partygoers will be able to count down in style under the stars as it transforms into a private party ground. At the Ultimate Deck Party, all guests will get to enjoy a perfect combination of an exhilarating line-up of live entertainment, a full drinks bar, a complimentary midnight toast and a souvenir photo to remember the night. On the last day of

2012, the other nightclubs around the integrated resort are also extending their fun, enjoyment and themed parties until early morning. Tickets available at MarinaBaySands.com, Sistic.com or call the ticketing hotline at +65 6688 8826.

Boats, beach houses, even castles Wego, a leading travel metasearch site in the Asia Pacific and Middle East has launched a natural extension to its travel comparison site, with the addition of Holiday Rentals. Recognising a growing demand for alternatives to conventional hotel and resort accommodation, Wego has worked with travel industry leaders to bring together 400,000 diverse alternatives at 15,000 locations worldwide, from villas, holiday homes and apartments through to houseboats and castles, giving users the opportunity to browse and book them all at wego. com/holiday-rentals. The new tab appears alongside Wego f lights

and hotels search on all of the company’s 52 customised sites worldwide.

Spend Christmas at The Sukhothai Celebrate this wonderful holiday season at the Sukhothai Bangkok, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and stylish hotel experiences and a timeless place for your festive season in a joyful setting with added amenities included in the “Sukhothai Christmas Package”. A minimum of two consecutive nights includes a once per stay complimentary Afternoon Tea during weekdays or a session at their famed Chocolate Buffet during the weekend in their serene Lobby Salon festively decorated in style with a beautiful Christmas tree. Booking period is from now until 27 December 2012. For further details and reservations, visit sukhothai.com

12 GAMING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

IN BRIEF New console in the works The makers of Ouya, a new proposed console that runs on the Android operating system, say that the first version of the new gaming system will make its way to its funders on December 28. The project was started by Julie Uhrman and Yves Behar earlier this year with the launch of their fundraising effort on the website Kickstarter, with thousands of people providing funds. Only those who pleded US$699 (B21,000) will receive a unit. The Ouyua will offer free to play games and an expected delivery date of April 2013 has been set for worldwide release. It is expected to cost just over US$100 (B3,200).

Xbox 720 for late 2013 The release of Xbox 720 will happen sometime in late 2013, presumably for the holiday shopping season, according to sources who spoke with reporters last week. The Xbox 720 is expected to include a new set-top device that will play “low-cost” casual games as an alternative to the new console.

Steam Big Picture out of beta Steam Big Picture mode is not out of beta and is now live starting December, according to developer Valve. The system allows computer gamers to connect their PC or Mac to their high-definition television set via HDMI cable to play any of their favorite games, as well as chat and surf the web.

Cheat of the Week Dead Island- PS3 “Infinite Diamonds”

On Level 7, you can get a Diamond from the safe in the Mayor’s office. If you go back into the sewers, but then turn round and check the safe again, the Diamond should have spawned back in there again. Sell the diamonds for tons of money.

Blast from the past: WCW/NWO Revenge

Rest in Peace D Nintendo Power

nce Nintendo Power delivers its final issue this month, it will be the end of an era. The first gaming magazine, and the last one left standing, will have printed for the last time. First published in August 1988, Nintendo Power has become a beloved institution amongst gamers simply because of the nostalgia it conjures up. The magazine grew from a few thousand subscribers to about 475,000 circulation a month. Perhaps because it began before the internet and grew out of gamers’ fascination with the only console on the market at that time, Nintendo Power quickly became a staple in the gaming world. The success of popular magazines Electronic Gaming Monthly (discontinued then relaunched) and GamePro (now discontinued) were a testament to what Nintendo Power first delivered: gaming news, previews, cheats, codes, and more. In short, it solidified a gaming culture that brought people around the world something to bond over. Following fledgling sales in Japan in 1992, the

magazine gave every new subscriber a copy of the new Nintendo Entertainment System game Dragon Quest. The move paid off and won the magazine thousands of new subscribers as well started the trend of giving away games, or later portions of games, within a copy of the magazine. The most popular section of the magazine were by far the video game reviews, which came complete with screenshots, rating scale, and in-depth coverage of the latest titles for the current Nintendo console at the time. Not far off was the “Player’s Pulse” section which featured letters sent by readers and usually came with funny answers (a reader once mused poignantly on whether Sonic the Hedgehog was a fox, and not a mutant squirrel as the magazine were calling him). The final issue comes full-circle with a 20-page spread on the New Super Mario Bros game for the recently released Wii U console with a picture of the hero on the cover by 24-year-old artist Leslie Levings. The first issue featured Super Mario 2 in the same manner. Jean-Pierre Mestanza

Sony’s new controller patent

ony’s latest patent application could completely change the way gamers play in the same vein as the Wii controller. The company’s patent deals with a new controller that is part DualShock (Sony’s standard controller) and part Move (Sony’s answer to the Wii’s original controller). The controller is designed to snap-apart and back together again to allow for dual hand use in certain motion sensor games. The patent suggests that the

two halves of the controller can be tracked independently so dual player modes are also possible. The controller also includes a magnetometer and accelerometer while vibration and audio playback support has been designed for it as well. A PlayStation Eye camera is required for the new controller, which includes an embedded speaker. The company has yet to announce whether they will

use the controller in their current console or the proposed PlayStation 4 system, which does not have a release date as of yet. Jean-Pierre Mestanza

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Call Of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3,PC, Wii U

Just Dance 4

Far Cry 3 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

Lego The Lord Of The Rings

Fifa 13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, VITA

Halo 4 (16+)

Hitman Absolution (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Skylanders Giants

Assassin’s Creed III (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

Need For Speed Most Wanted

TOP MOBILE GAMES Wii, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS3

Vectrex Regeneration

Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, DS

Freeze!

Xbox 360

Nun AttackQatqi

Wii, Xbox 360, PS3

Walking Dead: The Game

Xbox 360, PS3, VITA, PC

Angry Birds: Star Wars

o you remember W C W/N W O R e venge? T hough there were several professional wrestling titles already on the market for several different consoles, WCW/ NWO Revenge marked a big change in wrestling games. It was one of the first to use real wrestler entrances, actual pay-perview events like Starrcade and Souled Out, as well as post-match replays and improved finishing moves with real taunts. Released in 1998 and made by THQ, this was released in the middle of the famous “Monday Night Wars” between the WCW and WWF promotions. Though WWF was starting to take momentum away in the ratings for the live events, this game went on to become the best-selling wrestling game for the Nintendo 64 console. Gaming could “steal” their opponents taunts and get more momentum and each wrestler was given more than 700 frames of animation, ensuring reversals happened more frequently. The beauty of the game was how close it fell to the real thing: Kevin Nash stepped over the top rope, the cruiserweights would slide and kick you through the bottom of the ring, Goldberg’s entrance was just as epic. Though the WWE did its best with their release of WWF War Zone earlier that year, Revenge is still considered tops. While THQ did eventually start making games for WWE and took over the wrestling gaming market, Revenge is the one that got it on the right path. Jean-Pierre Mestanza Have a blast from the past? Email editor@ thephuketnews.com

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

IN BRIEF Bin Laden thriller wins New York critics award The prestigious New York Film Critics Circle gave Zero Dark Thirty, Kathryn Bigelow’s thriller about the hunt for Osama bin Laden, a new shove in the direction of Oscar glory Monday. The director of the Oscar-winning The Hurt Locker is quickly gathering buzz for her latest war drama, which recounts the decade-long search for the Al-Qaeda founder and his killing in Pakistan in May 2011. The critics group named the film best of 2012 and Bigelow best director. Honours from the NYFCC, made up of newspaper, magazine and online critics, have no direct bearing on the Academy Awards, but the extra publicity won’t hurt a film that will not even open in limited release until December 19. AFP

The Impossible

An intense reminder FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@thephuketnews.com

Approx. 113 mins. Director: J.A. Bayona Starring: Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, Tom Holland, Samuel Joslin, and Oaklee Pendergast

hen the 2004 tsunami hit Southeast Asia, devastating the area and destroying everything in its path, the lives of millions changed forever. The Impossible tells the true story of one family who went away to Thailand on holiday and found themselves literally overwhelmed by a disaster of colossal proportions. The film stars Naomi Watts and Ewan McGregor as parents of three young boys who go to Khao Lak for Christmas in 2004. They land on Christmas Eve and enjoy the typical hotel luxuries on offer. However, when the tsunami hits on the morning of December 26, the family is separated as Maria Bennet (Watts) and her oldest son Lucas (Tom Holland) try to survive while her husband Henry (McGregor) is together with the other boys, Simon (Oaklee Pendergast) and Thomas (Samuel Joslin). Through that simple but powerful premise, The Impossible sets the stage for unimaginable tragedy and stellar performances by Watts, McGregor, and Holland. Watts’ emotionally charged portrayal of a mother desper-

ate to save her children, wounded emotionally and physically, is particularly notable. It’s a story that hits a little close to home, being in the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’, and is sure to bring tears to audience’s eyes with the simplest of gestures. From sharing a can of soda to shouts across a room. The movie does an impressive job of putting us into the moment when the tsunami hit without over-exaggerating its impact. There are no ridiculously massive walls of water or crazy kilometre-high waves – the ocean simply washes over the beachside resort where the family is staying. Characters come and go as both passing figures and points of joy. Our protagonists come in contact with others in the tragedy, pulling the audience further into the catastrophe and leaves us wondering just how easily we could have found – and could still find – ourselves and loved ones in that awful situation. Once can only imagine what those who were here then will make of the movie. In sum, The Impossible tells the simple, true story of what people like you and me do when disaster strikes.

Twilight clings to top N. America box office slot

Robert Pattinson.

he final Twilight vampire movie held on for a third week to the top spot at the North America box office, narrowly holding off the latest James Bond effort, figures released Monday showed. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2, the fifth and final installment of the wildly popular series, took in US$17.4 million, said industry tracker Exhibitor Relations, pushing the film’s three-week total past US$254 million. The previous four films, based on novels by Stephenie Meyer and starting in 2008, earned a colossal US$2.4 billion.

In second spot was the Bond movie Skyfall, which earned US$16.6 million on its fourth weekend – it has grossed more than US$245 million since its US opening. Almost tied in third were Rise of the Guardians, DreamWorks’s latest animated offering featuring Jack Frost, and Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, starring Daniel DayLewis, each just under US$13.4 million. Day-Lewis has been tipped as a likely Oscar nominee for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln in the critically-acclaimed biopic of the assassinated 16th president of the United States. AFP

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) The Impossible (E) [G] The Impossible (E/F) [G] Premium Rush (E) [13+] Red Dawn (E) [15+] Rise of the Guardians (E/3D) [G] Tee Sam (T/E sub) [15+] The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E) [15+] The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (T) [15+]

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

Marceau hopes to push French cinema in China Iconic film actress Sophie Marceau said Monday France needs to start pushing its films in China where there is a huge but restricted market for movies that is largely dominated by Hollywood. Marceau is in Beijing to promote her latest film Happiness Never Comes Alone, a romantic comedy that is one of 34 foreign films approved to be shown in China in 2012. “There is a market to exploit here, but it must be done quickly,” Marceau, who is hugely popular in China, said. “The American film industry is more accessible, much stronger and much more spectacular. We are not into spectacular, our films are ‘human’.” AFP

‘Hobbit’ star’s hopes for gay marriage in Middle Earth Hobbit star and gay-rights advocate Ian McKellen has expressed hopes of being able to get married in New Zealand.In a video message to a marriage equality conference in Wellington, where parliament is considering whether to legalise same-sex marriage, McKellen said he supported the “exciting prospect”. AFP

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Skyfall

$16.6M

$246M

Rise of the Guardians

$13.4M

$48.8M

Lincoln

$13.4M

$83.6M

Life of Pi

$12.2M

$48.5M

Wreck-It Ralph

$6.95M

$158M

Killing Them Softly

$6.81M

Red Dawn

$6.5M

$31.3M

Flight

$4.48M

$81.5M

$3.1M

10 The Collection

15:30 18:30 21:30

Red Dawn (E) [15+]

15:40 17:45 19:50 21:55

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (E) [15+]

$255M

14:45 17:10 19:35 22:00

Tee Sam (T/E sub) [15+]

$17.4M

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2

The Impossible (E) [G] Rise of the Guardians (E/3D) [G]

Gross

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Skyfall (E) [13+]

Weekend gross

15:50 20:10 18:00 16:45 19:10 21:35

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up -to - date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 - 600 -555.

14 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Chefs Pittipong Traisri and Stephane Dabazach.

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

Three turtles go back to where they once belonged.

DJ Tiki from Tahiti.

FOR A BLUE PLANET It was a great turn out at The Pure Blue Foundation charitable evening of ‘Chocolate Decadence’, held at the Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga Resort last Saturday evening, December 1.

Yann Gouriou, General Manager of Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket Make up artist Amy. Phang Nga and Able Wanamakok, the MC on the night.

From left, Justin Swart, Sales & Marketing, Edward Utyro, Co-owner and Gary Hauler, Co-owner of the relaunched CC’s Hideaway (formerly CC Bloom’s Hotel).

CC BLOOMS AGAIN A fun-filled and fabulous night was had by all guests at the reopening of the CC Bloom’s Hotel as CC’s Hideaway in Kata last Friday night, November 30.

ISLAND SCENE 15

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

BIENVENUE! The first Phuket French Fair was held at Homeworks from November 30 to December 2, showcasing the island’s strong and growing French community.

Zhu Naumann, Mr and Mrs Kenneth Karlsson, Vice Governor Sommai Preechasilpa, Seven Smulders and Dirk Naumann.

From left, Sangob Thamrongwittawat, Thammanoon Thamrongwittawat, Dr Sumet Tantivejjakul (president of HM the King’s Chaipattana project), Suchat Hirankanokkul, Thavorn Uchin, and Chanin Thamrongwittawatpong.

A NIGHT OF MIRACLES The Graceland Hotel and Spa in Patong held their ‘Miracle Graceland’ thankyou party on December 1 at the hotel.

Hormazd Sorabjee, editor of Autocar in India, Indian Ambassador Anil Wadhwa and Dutch Honorary Consul Seven Smulders.

INDIA ON SHOW Participants enjoy the food and entertainment at the Phuket event to mark the arrival of the Asean Rally, a 31-car convoy driving from Singapore to Guwahati.

Danish Honorary Consul Kenneth Karlsson (left) and his German counterpart Dirk Naumann enjoy a joke with ViceGovernor Dr Sommai Pree chasilpa.

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

From left to right, Michael Pritchard and friend; Adriano Trapani; Kelly Lewis, general manager of Indigo Pearl; and Vivienne Reis, Good Shepherd Foundation volunteer.

Some of the photos by Adriano Trapani available for sale.

Kaye Smith and Justin White.

CREATING HOPE From left, Adriano Trapani, “Gaze of Hope” photographer; Good Shepherd Foundation volunteers Vicky Coburn, Regina Tudor, Vivienne Reis and Ryanne Rothenberg; and Sister Sandar, Manager of the Migrant Worker Outreach Project.

The Indigo Pearl resort hosted the ‘Gaze of Hope’ exhibition event on December 1 – a collection of portraits of local Burmese people taken by photographer Adriano Trapani. All proceeds from the event went to The Good Shepherd charity project, working for the Migrant Worker Outreach Project in Phuket. For more information on the portraits call 084 842 8869 or email gsphuketinfo@gmail.com.

Jeanne, second left, with charity supporters. Salt partners, from left, Martin ‘Lucky’ Davis, Claire Cookson, Alex ‘Slong’ Longman and Michael ‘Sheriff’ Phelps.

PINCH OF SALT

It was a great night out at the opening of Salt on December 1.

Front left, Petra and Jeanne, with QSI students.

HELPING FROM ABROAD Phuket women Jeanne Siporin and Petra Teslerova held a charity fundraiser at the Shanti Lodge on November 30 to raise money for the Ubushobozi project, which helps women and children learn life skills in Rwanda, Africa.

Muzza and Chantal Nordstrand, Ian ‘Diver’ Dick, and Sue and Harry Usher.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Musician takes to island life Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

Arvie and I just click. She’s one of the best singers on the island, and we have the same interest in music. She loves to rock the crowd and I love that too

Top right, Dennis Villarin, pictured at Route 68 with his prized guitar.

uitarist and singer Dennis Villarin believes the Phuket Town music scene is probably the best on the island and he would know, he’s a regular fixture at many of the venues in the area. Originally from the Philippines, the talented musician has lived in Phuket on and off for the last 10 years. Dennis left the Philippines in the 80s and since then has spent time working as a musician in Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and even the Maldives. Ending up in Phuket was a coincidence, he says. “I was in a four piece band and we were supposed to go to China, when two of the guys decided to go home [to the Philippines] instead. So a friend of mine referred the other two of us to Le Méridien [in Karon], and myself and the singer moved here.” Dennis’s main instrument is the bass, but he also plays the acoustic guitar and sings. Unbelievably he is self taught – never having had lessons before – but says it came easy. He enjoys “easy listening” music, particularly classics, and also a bit of jazz. Dennis is one

of a large number of Filipino musicians who live and work in Phuket. So what does he think is the attraction? “Phuket is very much like the Philippines. The people are nice, and you get to meet a lot of new people coming in – the place is addictive.” There are also a lot of hotels which means there is good opportunities for regular gigs. Dennis mainly plays at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa with good friend and fellow musician and singer Arvie Bautista, as well as a regular Saturday night gig at Route 68 on Thalang Road. “Arvie and I just click. She’s one of the best singers on the island, and we have the same interest in music. She loves to rock the crowd and I love that too.” “My favourite genre of music is soul – old time soul – and jazz. Those two genres are really a piece of my heart.

Live 89.5’s Got Talent Name: Dana Lark Age: 13 Talent: Drums What instrument do you play and how long have you been studying? I’ve played the drums for around six years. What is your favourite thing about performing? My favourite thing about playing the drums is the rush of energy when you play the drums to a tune you truly love, and therefore do crazy things on the drums. Do you get stage fright? How do you deal with it? I get stage fright a lot when I’m not confident with what I’m playing, but to counter that I breathe deep breaths. But usually I get through the performance not sounding too bad. Tell us about one of your best performances. Probably one of my best performances was in the 2011 football tournament, back when I was with the ‘Plectronz’, I personally had a lot of fun playing with them.

Who inspires you musically? My musical inspirations right now are: my drum teacher of course (I dream to be as good as him one day), Cobus Potgieter and Fede Rabaquino, amazing drummers who post covers of songs on YouTube. Tune in to Live 89.5 on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am with your host Siobhan McGovern as she interviews Phuket’s up and coming talent. Hear them perform on the air and find out why they love the arts.

Dennis is also quite well known for carrying his guitar on the back of his motorbike, using two sets of raincoats (one for him, one for the bike) when the monsoon season hits. When he’s not officially working he loves jamming at the various music venues around Phuket Town, including his gig at Route 68, as well as Music Matter, Sanaeha, and Ranel’s @ Planet. “Jamming adds to your knowledge. Every musician has his strong and weak points, and jamming helps improve my weak points. “It’s very educational and it’s a good platform to learn and explore, and it’s fun too. “The Phuket Town music scene is improving tremendously. “It is very easy to go between places, and there aren’t any touts. “There are plenty of locals who you can meet who are more in tune with your interests, and there’s a strong local music crowd.”

18 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, 2012 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, DECEMBER DECEMBER 7,7,2012

pta@bisphuket.ac.th www.bisphuket.ac.th

BIS Christmas Fair

Friday 7 December 2012 2.30pm - 5.30pm Free entry, Santa‛s Grotto, kids‛ games, magic shows, BISP student music/dance entertainment, trapeze performances, eating & shopping, lucky draw, skills auction and much more………

Radio



FRI DEC 7 - THU JAN 3

Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

enjoy loads of activities, games and sweets to fill them with holiday cheer! Find local artists, crafts, jewelers, exquisite decorations and visit Santa’s Grotto. December 8 at Laguna latitude, Laguna 12pm to 5 pm. And December 15 DaVinci restaurant, Naiharn. 3pm to 8pm. Vendors can reserve a table (B500) for this event. Contact Mei 090 708 6351.

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath Kids eat free when adults buy main courses. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

Marilyn Band Opening Reception Well-known Phuket artist Marilyn Band presents her latest artwork, oil paintings and water colours, inspired by scenes from her recent travels in exotic locations. She has had numerous exhibitions in Thailand and internationally, most recently in France. Artwork on display until January 3, 2013. 076 333 568, http://momtriphuket.com/ artgallery/index.html.

Special Friday at Hogs Breath

FRIDAY DEC 7

Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th.

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

Sunday Brunch at Hilton Phuket

Special Saturday at Hogs Breath B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogsbreath.co.th.

SUNDAY DEC 9 Fish and Chips Friday Night

MONDAY DEC 10

Marco Westmaas “Guru of Flavour” B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Phuket: A sumptuous evening dedicated to the amazingly innovative cuisine of Dutch Celebrity Chef Marco Westmaas paired with fabulous drinks from the RE KÁ TA 800 plus label cellar. Cocktails at 7pm Dinner from 8pm onwards. Baht 3900++ per person inclusive of drinks. pr@boathousephuket.com.

Jungceylon Patong.

Constitution Day Sunday Chillout At Sunsets Bar

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

Sunday chillout every week. Live music, free BBQ or buffet, free karaoke, free pool table. Happy hour every day midday to 6pm, beverages from B60. Bar open every day midday until late. Farang hospitality, everybody welcome. Sunsets bar and guesthouse, 62 Hasip Pee Road, Patong. For more information call Kiwi on 083 640 1082.

SATURDAY DEC 8

Steak Night Buffet at Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong Char-grilled and delicious. Tender cuts of quality meats cooked to perfection. Tasty side dishes, selection of fine sauces and a deliciously fresh salad bar. Start from 6.30-10pm. Contact 076 349 800-7, email chp@chr.co.th.

Sunday Carvery Christmas Market It’s a Christmas fair full of fun and festivities for the whole family. Come get your Christmas shopping done while children

Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each Sunday at Sails – a Hilton experience. Our jazz band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kids’ activities. Every Sunday at 12pm3pm. B1,100++ per adult. B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). Make your reservations at phuket.sales@hilton.com.

B399 per person all you can eat. Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

The anniversary of the first permanent constitution in 1932. It is a public holiday.

Schnitzel Day Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

daily event updates on

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7,List 2012your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia. Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week. Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

TUESDAY DEC 11

soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings. ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.

newest wake park located in Kathu. Full morning just 550 and evening sessions from 500 baht! We have happy evening! All evening riding only for 650 baht. Wake in the day or wake up your night! See www. phuketwakepark.com.

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

WEDNESDAY DEC 12

Karaoke Night Fever Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

Double Happy Hours

MONDAY DEC 24 The Unique One Rare Selection of Art By Khun Manop & Mike

Phuket’s First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master Dj Doris, from 91.5FM. Bar Tabs: 1 Prize B1,500. 2 Prize B1,000. Every Wednesday Night From 8 pm. Free entry. Maximum 4 people per team. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

Wicked Wednesdays Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and wall relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round. The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybody-let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

A Chilled Out Christmas Eve Chill out with cool sounds on the beach over a welcome drink, before enjoying an amazing four course menu by Chef Bryan Burger in the stunning new RE KÁ TA Beach Club, overlooking Kata Beach. Our DJ line-up will heat up the pace with party music until late. Welcome drink at 6pm dinner from 8pm onwards. B3,800++ per person paired with beverages B2,500++ per person without beverages. Contact pr@boathousephuket.com.

EVERY DAY

Runs from December 1, 2012 until January. 31, 2013. Born in 1982, Nakonsitumarat, Thailand. Monap (Boy) Srisawang graduated with a Bachelor of fine arts degree in 2004 from Rajamangala University, Chaing Mai, Thailand. He worked in Chaing Mai for two years after graduation. He moved to Phuket island in 2006. During this time, Khun Boy has proven himself as a very fine relief sculpturist and created many relief sculptures that can be seen all over Phuket. His work will be on display at Home-Pro Shoping cetre, Chalong, from 9am - 9pm daily and at Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach all year round. Tel: 087 280 3282.

At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late. Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8- 9.30pm. Come on everybody Let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Monday Party, Tue. Party, Wed, Party, Thur. Party, Fri. Party What the Puck Saturday Party, Sunday Party Come on everybody, let’s party At Rawai Plaza, cool atmosphere, unique setting. happy people. WILL PERFORM JUST FOR ASKING!!! POLL DANCE BY EMMY

THURSDAY DEC 13

THAI DANCE BY NANCY & HIS FRIENDS

Pork Roast and Roast Chicken

Phuket Wake Park:

Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town

Every Thursday. Buffett include salads,

Come wake board at Asia’s BEST and

Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian

SO, DON’T BE SHY!! Shows sponsored by Emmy & Joey Bar Nancy Ni Nancy Bar Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach, Phuket 087 280 3282

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

This week in history

GOT YOUR NUMBER

■■ December 7, 1972 Apollo XVII, the last Apollo moon mission, is launched. The crew take the photo known as The Blue Marble as they leave Earth.

100,000

■■ December 8, 1980 John Lennon, ex-Beatle, is murdered by Mark David Chapman, a mentally unstable fan, in New York City.

The number of times your heart beats in an average day.

■■ December 9, 1979 The eradication of the smallpox virus is certified, making it the first, and to date only, human disease driven to extinction.

2,500

Number of left-handed people killed in an average year using products designed for righthanders.

■■ December 10, 1968 Japan’s biggest heist, the still-unsolved “300 million yen robbery”, is carried out in Tokyo.

■■ December 11, 2008 Berne Madoff is arrested in New York City and charged with securities fraud in a US$50 billion (B1.5 trillion) Ponzi scheme.

Percentage of people who spit out watermelon seeds rather than swallowing them.

■■ December 12, 1901 Guglielmo Marconi receives the first transatlantic radio signal in Newfoundland.

■■ December 13, 1960 While Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia visits Brazil, his Imperial Bodyguard seizes the capital and proclaims his son, Crown Prince Asfa Wossen, Emperor.

Percentage of people who admit to having peed in a swimming pool. The Blue Marble: the Earth as photographed by the astronauts of Apollo XVII.

1. 31, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31. What’s missing from this series? 2. Which poisonous substance is also known as ‘Woolly Rock’? 3. Which word can go before Down, Jumping and Off? 4. How many times is the name ‘Annie’ mentioned in the John Denver hit Annie’s Song? 5. Which drug is named after the Greek God of Dreams? Answers at the foot of the page.

SUDOKU

Across 1. Digger, cave rat and ox cavort. (9) 6. Dribbles, almost closes eyes. (5) 9. Free hated reverse. (7) 10. Achievement: her pinion. (7) 11. A 50 I add to boxer. (3) 12. Credit note particles took mat to funerals (10) 14. 8 x 2 down, perhaps. (5) 15. Admits he possesses. (4) 17. Lairs of the French cardinals. (4) 19. Spot eastern agent. (4) 21. Shoots at vessels. (4) 24. Fib about initially slick material. (5) 27. Funeral officer may leap barrel – that’s odd! (10) 28. Frozen bit of acidic element. (3) 30. Dodged a vacuum, Ed. (7) 31. Al leaves Australia for another country. (7) 32. Requested a desk be shifted. (5) 33. Discussion of Diana’s route. (9)

Down 1. Dear Don and Eve, confused but tried… (10) 2. Musician, note the Spanish itemization. (7) 3. Long Live Bangkok for liveliness! (8) 4. Underwater thug? (7) 5. Stop, ref! Precipitation! (7) 6. Eastern European Al’s gone back to Victor… (6) 7. …hence an odd way to improve. (7) 8. Dry prophet, they say. (4) 13. State firmly: “Smash Easter vase.” (10) 16. Point at temple. (3) 18. Al has wall painting outdoors. (8) 20. Bird peck and swallow a company. (7) 22. Went to excess for Latin poet taking road to east. (7) 23. Ship out the best and lets out piercing cry. (7) 25. From street I take three rights about east to get to soup-tender. (7) 26. Dueled badly, but escaped. (6) 29. A gas wheel (it’s a long story). (4)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1.28 (or 29 – February); 2. Asbestos; 3. Show; 4. None; 5. Morphine (from Morpheus)

WEEKDAYS Breakfast The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music

Sam & Natasha Live 89.5

SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm

Live 89.5 Got Talent Weekend Brunch

Siobhan McGovern Kirsty Meyer

9am - 10am

Best Of Breakfast

10am - 1pm

Live 89.5 Dance Anthems

SUNDAYS Sam & Natasha

5pm - 7pm

Weekend Brunch

Kirsty Meyer

10am – 1pm

Steve

7pm - 10pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Steve Johnston

12pm - 3pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

10pm – 12am

International Chart Show Top 40

Jason Wilder

3pm - 7pm

Box Of Neutrals

Live 89.5

2pm – 3pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

12am – 10am

Sunday Night Chill

Live 89.5

7pm - 10pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 7am

Going Green

Nick Anthony

3pm – 5pm

Tel: 076 612 895 SMS: 090 490 7895

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

10pm – 7am

16 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Chalong beachfront cottage One bedroom for rent > 19

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket)

Responsibilities : ● Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) ● Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting ● Developing and following up new sales leads ● Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses ● Friendly work environment ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

FULL TIME FINANCE & ADMIN. MANAGER Responsibilities : ● Perform day to day processing of financial, accounting & administrative transactions ● Coordinate with suppliers for purchasing ● Prepare company’s payroll including monthly social security ● Coordinate with revenue department/social security office as required ● Liaise with external audit firm for yearly ending and ensure that all tax reports are accurate and submitted in a timely manner ● Assist in the visa/work permit application process for expat staff members ● Maintain filing system for all financial, legal & admin. documents ● Communicate with the bank and manage all bank documents ● Supervise the team of minimum 5 staff ● Other financial, accounting & admin. duties as assigned and required

The applicant must have: ● Thai National ● Excellent interpersonal skills ● Very good command of English ● Experience in finance, accounting & admin is essential

We offer: ● Competitive salary & bonuses depending on company profits ● 5 day work week – (Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 6 pm) ● Friendly work environment & excellent progress opportunities

Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: adminmgr@thephuketnews.com Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 101

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

Content Management Preference given to those Thai Cook-Sous Chef team player and with good /Marketing: Qualifica- with driver’s license. Please Wanted: Thai/Western organisation skills. Working tions: - Thai Nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. -

email: kritsanaphat@lepep group.com.

restaurant is looking for a experienced Thai cook. Must work under pressure,

hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Please contact 086 940 4801.

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering 1 Position

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Body: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

189 CHARACTERS

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

Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment:

-Spa Therapist 4 Positions

-Waitress 5 Positions.

-Reservation Officer:

-Bartender 2 Positions.

1 Position

Salary B9,000. Service sharge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before it will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511. Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

Contact 076 338 888. Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

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

Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Urgent banner B199

UPGRADE TO PREMIUM

PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD FOR JUST B2,799 + VAT, WILL RUN ONLINE AND IN EVERY PRINT EDITION UNTIL YOU HAVE SOLD. INCLUDES ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES ONLINE. Print upgrades:

Extra lines B99

Box B199

Colour Background B199

Colour Headline B199

DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT FRIDAY’S ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

Admin O f f icer re quired: Club Asia Fitness

requires an Admin Officer urgently. Good salary and benefits. Candidates must have good English communication skills. Email cluba siaphuket@hotmail.com.

Air Con/Refrig Technician: Looking for a technician with experience in electrics, air or refrig (compressors), for servicing, repairing and maintaining equipment. Competitive salary and bonuses. Call 084 915 9507.

We are looking for key members: ResRestaurant Manager taurant manager, execuWa nt e d: Re st au r a nt tive chef, waiter / waitress, manager / accounting with experience managing restaurant, accounting, managing staf f and ser ving customers. Call 087 471 1351.

guest service agent (English speaking and writing, male preferred) room maid, room boy, cleaner, technical engineer. Care@ bydlofts.com.

Food & Beverage Manager: Experience Resor t F&B manager proactive and motivated with passion for high qualit y ser vice stan dards. This is a hands on operational role. Send CV to recruit@paresa resorts.com.

Webdeveloper: Knowledge: HTML, CSS, JQuery, Javascript, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. Develop and modify websites on detailed design specifications. Email: kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com

Animal Caregiver Wanted: Looking for an English-speaking, animal lover who can work full time in the Thalang area on an animal farm, tending mainly to sick dogs, who are recovering. Non smoker who can live on site. Basic vet skills and Thai language a plus. Contact: gone2thedog gies@gmail.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Office Assistant Needed: Small dynamic and friendly real estate agency company based in Chalong, Phuket working for national and international clients. We are seeking a full-time assistant with administrative skills and outgoing personality. Experienced in selling real estate is an advantage. Thai National, excellent English spoken and written is a must. Computer literate (Office, Excel, Word, Internet). Salary based on qualifications. Send resume, photo and expected salary to: sales@18excelsior-property.com, welcome walk-in candidates. www.18excelsior-property.com. speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. Create professional website design, flyers, banners, business cards. kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com.

Sales Staff Wanted: S a l e s / M a r ke t i n g People: 4 Full time and

2 Part time sales/marketing people required. English essential. Good commission and incentives. New Australian te r m i te m a n a g e m e nt product. Call Jody 087 266 2252.

English-speaking female. Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, f u e l, p h o n e a n d c o m mission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Mobile Car Rental is Graphic Designer: hiring !: Rapidly expandKnowledge: Illustrator, Photoshop, Thai nationality and

ing car rental company is hiring new staff members.

JOBS IN PHUKET URGENTLY ! Job vacancies in a 5 stars hotel in Phuket is looking for strong candidates in F&B Jobs Position:

Experienced Foodservice Salesperson Wanted: *Must live permanently in Thailand and

organise own residency status. * Must speak fluent Thai and English. * Must have experience selling food/ alcohol to executive chefs and purchasing managers. Experienced food service. * Must have own car. Only people meeting all above criteria please send resume to george_d@jagota.com. Required: good English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills. Call us: 081 970 5204.

Personal Assistant Required: PA required to help CEO of charter boat company. Duties would include marketing, hospitality and some book keeping. Suit attractive Thai lady with very good English. Contact Mike: blueworldsafaris@ gmail.com.

Reservations Assistant full time: Full time.

Western. Must have excellent written english, organisational & computer skills, self motivated/good communicator. Home Based. Send CV to phuketbook ings@gmail.com

Secretary Kindergarten: Must have good

1.Mixologist (Bar) 2. Restaurant Coordinator 3.Wine Guardian Service charge guarantee 8,000 baht. Experience: All candidates need to have at least 1 to 2 years food and beverage service experience in a restaurant within a luxury lifestyle brand. Benefits: Social security, Accommodation, All meals, Work 5 days, off 2 days, Public holidays as per resort standards, Free transportation, Health Insurance, Uniform, Provident Fund. Contact us: Email: jobs@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089-7856994 (English) Phone: 076-612-550 Ext.800 Visit our website: www.jobphuket.net.

English and computer skills Monday- Friday, 7.30-5pm, Chalong. Tel: 080 624 7060. Email: phuketpreschool@yahoo. com, www.buds-phuket. com.

Two Graphic Designers Wanted: SPIKEMEDIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients. We are seeking fulltime Graphic Designers, to work on a diverse range of print and web design projects. Salary depending on experience and talent level. Please send CV and some samples of work to: info@spikemediagroup. com.

Open House Day 22-23 December: We are looking for selfmotivated and enthusiastic professional candidates to join our inspiring team. Start time interview at 9.00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;17.30hrs at U Sunsuri Phuket. For more details contact 076 388 691, Email:hrm@ usunsuriphuket.com.

DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn: Thai nationality only. Waitresses 2 positions, Bartender 1 position. Experience and good English will be an advantage. Good salary and benefits. Contact Khun Jana 086 947 5197, jana@davinciphuket. com.

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Bangla Building

For sale, in Patong, 4 floors, chanote > 19

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food: Online health food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@soidog.org.

MOVING & STORAGE

BOATS & YACHTS

Ski Boat for Sale:

Speed boat for sale!: 6 metre body Bayliner, 200 HP (EFI) Mercury engine, Yamaha 5 HP back up engine. Blue book. Including: trailer, 2 anchors, and cover, Garmin deep sounder and fish finder brand new. Call 081 477 5637 THAI; 086 283 0082 ENG, RUS.

Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120ltr fuel tank, 200hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition. Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Investors Resort project: Resort project. SituSpeedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent condition, 12.18m Fiberglass Bowrider, 12mm thick hull, 600ltr fuel tank, 150ltr water tank, licensed for 25 passengers, storage area, manual head, 5 years old, B1.4 million o.n.o, please contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.

ated by Laguna, develop a 44 or 60 room resort on a 2 Rai plot. Sought after area, 25 year lease. Realistic ROI within 3 years. Lucrative & secure investment in ideal location. Offers may be considered for sale of lease. Contact 087 884 0644.

Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

28Ft, registered for 15 passengers. 200Hp/ V6 Mercury motor, only 240 hours, totally restored 40 hours ago, perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping, water taxi navigation system + fishfinder, 5hp spare motor. Boat and motor in very good condition. Located at Boat Lagoon. Priced for quick sale at B330,000. Contact at : 086 747 9292 or claudstrey@gmail.com.

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

CHILDCARE

PERSONAL SERVICES Buds Nursery:Phuket’s oldest international childcare facility. High-quality, time proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brandnew purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bus ser vice available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Tel: 076 384 638, 080 624 7060. Website: www.budsphuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

BUSINESS SERVICES

Moonsoon for sale:

COOKING CLASS

Are You Looking to get a New Dog or Cat?: Why not adopt a homeless dog? Many lovely pups - free to a good h o m e, a l s o f u l l g r ow n a d u l t d o g s t h at wo u l d make great guard dogs and a best friend. Contact:

Phuket Cooking Academy: Cooking and baking classes have never been more fun using our top-class professional facilities. With complimentary transport from around the island, head to the best Masterchef kitchen on the island. Learn the tricks of the trade from international award winning Chef, Lionel Raiffort. Learn how to cook, from Thai & European cuisines, to the art of baking. Get involved and make a day of it, groups are welcome. For more information, visit www.phuketcooking-academy.com or call 081 821 4064.

gone2thedoggies@gmail.com.

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE Kite Surf Equipment for Sale: 2 new boards, never used. 2 Kites, used 2-3 times. New price was more then 200.000 Baht. Sell altogether for 100.000 B a h t . Fo r s i n g l e i t e m s please call. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520.

FURNITURE FOR SALE

Tile It: Thalang. Wana

• Movement • Stillness • Balance

Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@ tile-asia.com.

Farang Food Paradise:

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Singa-

Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion

poreans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189.

VALCUCINE for Sale:

M obile:0 81-728 - 9 9 8 0

VA LCUCINE showroom kitchen for sale due to renovation / 3 years old / good condition / Walnut material with Stainless Steel worktop /hob / hood sink and tap / Please call English 081 484 2565.

Email: Serenethai@yahoo.com

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

Tr e k R o a d B i k e B75,000 ono: Trek Madone 4.5 road bike. Ashima wheels. Carbon aero-bars. Profile design water bottle. Great condition plus travel case worth B20,000. Call 087 887 1292, email drew joy27@yahoo.com.

Life Fitness Walking Machine: Brand new retail B150,000. Sell for B70,000. Call 0872760529.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Property

Ocean front land for sale 7 Rai with 185m of sea frontage > 21

PROPERTY FOR RENT “More than just office space”

Bar, Pi z zer ia , Ho t el, Rawai Beach: B800,000 yearly rent, longterm lease. Negotiable, 9 bedrooms, full guest. No key money, 60m to beach. Call 084 242 8914, email: rawai4@yahoo.com.

For your private or virtual office call Martin on 08 9874 9080 info@asiapacificoffices.com

www.asiapacificoffices.com

ศูนย์ธุรกิจปาล์มพลาซ่า

Laguna area, Cherngtalay From 8m2 to 120m2

Ocean Front Villa for rent: Luxury brand new

Retail Space Opportunity: Large international resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy. Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise. Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@ chr.co.th.

Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. Located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location

fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parking spots, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.

Office for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B34,500 per month. 106 sq.metre: B53,000 per month. 126 sq.metre: B63,000 per month. 076 341 369-71.

Chalong Beach Front Cottage for Rent: Chalong beachfront cottage. One bedroom.Call S ir ip o r n 0 8 9 6 49 9 93 9, email: siri_phuket@chang runner.com.

Phuket Condominium for Rent (KFA61): B13 , 2 0 0 - B18 ,15 0 per night. 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Unit Size: 412 sq.metre. Short term and Long term. Maximum is 6 people. Ms.Laddawan - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/085 661 0623.

villa, fully furnish and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 meter long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Grand AoPor marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month. Call 081 343 0777, email : montha_phuket@ yahoo.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Patong Bangla Building for Sale: B28 million,

Chanote, 4 floors 6mx 14m. 1st & 2nd tenanted. Flr 3-staff accom, bath, kitchen. Separate office with access to lower floor. 4th flr private Penthouse one bed. 087 881 7600.

Freehold Home / Mini Resor t: 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, swimming pool, 20 minutes north of Phuket Airport. Peaceful country setting, flood and tsunami free. Minutes from beach. B10.9 million. Email: info@ mythaihouseforsale.com.

Kathu-Pool Villa for sale: Hillside setting. Luxurious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent. Sale 20M Baht. Rent minimum 6 months. High season 9 0K per month. Twelve months or more 70K PM. 087 078 6379.

Phuket Villa for Sale (PKS0562): B29,000,000. 3 Bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Address: Laguna. Unit size: 604 sq.m. Land area: 1,140 sq.m. Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Townhouse Chalong Bargain!!: Town house on 3 levels with mezanine, 112 sqm, fully furnished, 3 BR, 3 Bth room, 2 kitchens, 3 air con. Tasteful western decoration, MUST see, HP English 0854415115. Thai 081 555 1230.

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

NEW Studio Apt in Kathu: 30 sqm, 1 bedroom, kitchen, washing machine, aircon, balcony, fully furnished. Condo with Gym, 24hr security, car park. 5 mins to Patong, Loch Palm golf. Good view. B1.25 million. Call 086 947 1273.

Resort for Sale: Resort 2 rai, with Chanote. 22 Double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden with own well. Restaurant and bar with sattelite TV and Adsl. Opemed for 15 years, with lots of repeat customers, parking, quiet. 086 940 1860.

Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full ownership forever-beyond the financing plan of 10 years. Rent 9.000B/Month. Studio Room Renovated With furniture. A/C, WiFi, kitchen, 200m to Beach.084 242 8914. Rawai4@yahoo.com.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5:

One + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai: Main home: two bed, extended bungalow with outside kitchen, shower and seating salas set in mature, walled, private gardens. Own well, tanks and pumps. Sold, furnished. Will sleep 8+ can be sold with a 30-year land lease for non Thai. Price B5.5 nego: Mobile: Eng 082 416 0150. 3BB WiFi internet also.

BanYan Villa: 2 year-old 3-storey townhouse 31.5 s.q wah or about 126 s.q.m at bann yan villa 3 bed rooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 aircon, fully furnished located near by land and houses park, Chalong. Price 3.2 m. Contact owner tel 081 535 1252 Mr. Krich.

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas: Phuket Apar tment for Sale (PKS0803): B6,500,000. Price on application. 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms. Unit size: 117 sq.m. Swimming pool, Clubhouse with guest reception area, fitness centre and CB Richard Ellis Property Management. Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Investment Property for sale!: New, modern waterfront townhome at the Boat Lagoon for sale. Rented out long term at 570.000 Baht/year. 3 bed/4bath, 2 balconies, terrace at canal, 6 m berth in front of house. 250 sqm living space. Top condition. Luxury finishings. Brokers welcome. B9.9 million. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/ English).

Laguna/Layan. Luxury private pool villas in secure development. Available now. All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million. Contact owner: 085 549 7110.

Villa with 5 bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 rai of land. Big Hall, office, maidsroom. Brand-new construction opposite ‘Wat Chalong’ on the way up to the hill. A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern European-designed kitchen. Big Sea-View-Pool-Terraces incl “Sala” and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@ gmx.de.

Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

in a very good location in the heart of Patong. The house has 3 floors, 3 sleeping rooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms and a roof terrace with jacuzzi, garage. Good rental return. Price on request. 084 188 4544.

Single House Special Price B9.5 million: Nice house fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, close to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palm, major stores, BIS and KIS. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.

Pool Villa nex t to PIA: Brand new, luxury villa with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 12 meter swimming pool, guest bungalow, ready to move in. Perfectly located in a developement with underground electricity and security, only 800 metres from Mission Hills golf course, less then 10 mins to airport, Phuket International Academy and Grand AoPor Marina. For sale B14.9 mil or long term rent 100,000 Baht/month. Tel 081 343 0777, Email : montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

Luxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect condition, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1.600 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: B25.5 million www.tamataphuket.com crishausb@ hotmail.com Tel. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.

bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School. To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

205/34 Soi Thamdee Nanai 6: House for sale

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa Sale/Rent:

Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream-Pool-

3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac, nice gardens, two bathrooms. B3,500,000 negotiable. Details 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), email:davidgem98@ hotmail.com.

Pool Villa in Marina: Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina. Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.

Mission Heights: Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work December 2012. B10 million. Call 088 838 3242.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet location and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument. 70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including furniture. Excl. furniture B2,995,000. Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

Opportunity Knocks: B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront. Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty.com. Ref ABV453, email: dmuir@exotiq. com.

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PROPERTY IN PHUKET

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with 3 large bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances. Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation. Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211 WANTED: Phuket Hotel - Resort: Pattaya Jom-

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

tien Property have a serious client looking to purchase a 40 - 100 room hotel - resort in Phuket. Confidentiality assured. kevin@pattaya-jomtien-property.com.

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than

Commercial Building For Sale: 5 metre x 18.30 metre, three floors, located close by condo at Saiyuan, t wo big halls, two bedrooms, four bathrooms, clean and new building. Negotiable price. For more details please call 087 881 7979, 0 81 47 2 07 70 , e m a i l: ss.kijrungruang@gmail. com.

1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned). B7.5M. Contact owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

at The Point near Lotus, Big C, Central. All furniture and inventory includ. Great views 6th floor. Cost over B2.5million. Call 087 889 3838 or 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@hot mail.com

rai with 185 metres of sea frontage. Water, electricity, road and boat access, located 800 metres from Yacht Haven marina, perfect site for small beach front development. For quick sale only B5 million per rai. Tel 081 3430777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Land For Sale: 3/4 of Rai in small community, very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco B2.5M. 087 276 0529 for info.

your own home with good location and gated community. All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power, telephone, ADSL internet etc. Contact 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproperty trip.com.

2 Rai Seaview Landplot for sale: Beautiful Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic

sea view, mountain view and Big Buddha. 310 sq metre, 2 beds, 2 baths with option to convert in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail. com.

Urgent Sale - Make an Offer: Studio condo

Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build

Ocean Front Land: 7

Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold,

2nd floor, corner unit, stunning sea view, pool, car park, security, best location, ca.110sqm, 2 bed room,bed room, German kitchen, all new, terrace, only a few metres to beach, B10.6 M 081 824 1385.

180 degree Oceanview plot for sale near Bang Pae Waterfall. Peaceful with a lot of privacy. One of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s last available Seaview Plots. Only B3.8 M per rai (total B7.6 M). Brokers welcome. Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.

hilltop land for sale. B4.2 million per rai. Full chanote, water, electrical, sea/ moutain views. Call 087 797 8503 (Eng).

Beachfront land for sale: 2 rai absolute amaz-

Sea View Land for Sale: Phuke Ao-Yon, 13.5 1 Rai Sea-View Land: Opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill, Chanote, ca. 36 m x 45 m, sophisticated hillside project, proratable, B8.5 mil direct to owner: 085 65 44 0 11 or 089 40 40 737.

rai, chanode title.10m/rai. Call Siri 089 649 9939, email:siri_phuket@changrunner.com.

Land for Sale: One Rai. Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 minutes to Patong and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 square wah or 564 Square metre with ready public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

6 Rai Hilltop Land for Sale: Mission hills 6 rai

Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic

Very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. B3.4M. 087 276 0529 for info.

views over the Lake and Loch Palm. Very quiet, secluded plot but with all facilities ready to go. 1551 sqm plot, freehold leasehold with full Chanote title. 081 273 6959.

ing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket. B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy. serenitygroup@gmail.com.

Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre. Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Email: rawai.steen@gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale: Apartment for sale in Patong: Apar tment for SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view / mountain view, furnished, Pool, 24hr security, price for SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66(0)83 103 3801.

Patong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready for immediate sale located at Lotus Residence, a small 3-storey boutique condo of only 12 apartments total. It is located on a southern hillside above Patong Bay. Call 084 436 2540.

Absolute beach front land: Songkla district near new deep sea port. 4.5 rai divided into 7 Chanote plots. Reluctant sale. B4.9M the lot. mail samos1941@gmail. com or call 087 276 0529.

G o l f Co u r s e L a n d For Sale: Near British Intl School, 17 rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B 4. 5 m p e r r ai. C o nt ac t owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.

6.1 rai (10,000sq metre). - 5 m i nute s to N ai t h o n Beach. 10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. 10 minutes to Airport. 7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus. - Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

Hill Land for Sale: Very nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 rai, 96,000 square metre. Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail.com.

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PHUKET SPORT 23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

Perfect weather for sailors as King’s Cup 2012 kicks off SAILING

huket’s King’s Cup Regatta is renowned for two things in particular: first, it is Southeast Asia’s largest and most glamorous sailing event, and second, the weather is never to be guessed at. In past years, conditions on the water have varied from flat calm for the entire five days of racing, to downright tempestous. This year’s event at Kata Beach in Phuket has been in between, well blessed with fair winds and clear sunny skies. Although the winds on the first day were a little light for some, with speeds varying between seven and 12 knots, they picked up to between 12 and 18 knots on the second and third days of racing. T he president of t he Phuket King’s Cup Regatta Organising Committee, Kevin Whitcraft, described the conditions as “absolutely perfect weather” contributing to the

tense competition between his own vessel, Wan Marang, and Frank Pong’s Jelik. As of mid-week, Jelik was placed first and Wan Marang second in the IRC Zero-class tables, with the next day of racing on Friday. Before the start of racing on Wednesday mor ning, the regatta f leet took part in a ceremonial sail past at Naiharn Bay to celebrate the 85th birthday of HM King Bhumiphol Adulyadej. T housa nds of people watched f rom the shore around Promthep Cape and hundreds from vessels on the water, as the Royal Thai Navy yachts led the procession of regatta boats past three Thai warships in position in the bay, which roared out a royal salute from their guns. This year’s Phuket King’s Cup Regatta fleet comprises a diverse assortment of vessels, including 78 large keelyachts and multihulls, 40 windsurfers and 49 dinghies. The boats are crewed by an international complement of sailors from 34 nationalities.

The 2012 Phuket King’s Cup Regatta fleet takes part in a sail-past at Naiharn Bay on Wednesday, to mark the 85th Birthday of His Majesty King Bhumiphol Adulyadej before the start of the third day of racing. Three Royal Thai Navy warships stationed in the bay delivered a royal salute from their guns after the sail-past.

Phuket International Sports-fishing Tournament: the secret of (El) Dorado CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart editor@thephuketnews.com

H I ONCE AGA I N M Y fellow ofishinadoes. The Phuket International Sports-fishing Tournament – PIST 2012 – got off with its usual bang from the starter’s firework, although many of the boats on the first day reported fishing was a bit of a damp squib. It was even said to me by a friend who knows I write for The Phuket News: “It will take a cunning linguist to make this sound exciting.” And initially I was a bit worried. For the past few weeks following the annual beach “clean-up” the waters around Phuket have had an inordinate amount of flotsam including trees, one of which I managed to hit, plastic galore and

flip-flips (flip-flops for the one legged), which most boats blamed for their poor performance. But as any experienced Big Game fisheroo will tell you, flotsam is good for catching Dorado as they like to assemble around what many would consider rubbish. The RBFC team, after a poor start, took advantage of this knowledge and landed 24 Dorado in two-and-a-half hours. Bull Dorado, being the most aggressive, normally are the first to strike but it’s always worth hanging around as Mahi-Mahi or Dolphin Fish, as this world traveler is often called, mostly travel in pairs and the females can be almost suicidal when the male has disappeared – unlike my Missus, who would be off to the insurance people, toot sweet. O n t he comp et it ion , Thai2On released three Sail Fish and the biggest thing

Hash House Harriers

landed was an impressive 15 kg Wahoo, a local prize winner if I ever saw one, not like the miniscule Rainbow Runner brought in by “The Rawai Pla Boyz” on the hope of no one else bringing one in. Once the boats had adapted to the conditions, catches improved quite dramatically and Peter Pauli and the Captain Hook Team won the biggest overall catch. Well done guys. The trophies this year were, by far, the most impressive yet and the fishing competition came to a very successful conclusion thanks to Uwe Schittek and his organizational team – and while on the subject of names the ladies from Texas, “The Deadliest Snatch”, also steamed in with a reasonable tally. Tight lines, Jimmy For more whoppers drop by the Drift Inn in Rawai or visit fishinginphuket.com.

Run: 1396 at 3:30pm on Saturday December 8 Hares: Tiger, Top Off, Porn Shop & Cobbler Directions: Pass the Loch Palm golf club, pass the mining museum to your right, down the hill and before reaching the British Int’l School, turn left up road leading to hills. Signboards will be posted. For more information, visit: phuket-hhh.com

24 PHUKET SPORT

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

The ancient ways of breathing underwater DIVING Simone Allène editor@thephuketnews.com

I Macca triumphs at Laguna

Pro podium finishers, from left to right: Ruedi Wild, Radka Vodickova, Chris McCormack, Melissa Hauschildt, Alberto Cassadei, and Belinda Granger.

Phuket Ironman 70.3 TRIATHLON Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com

TRIATHLON LEGEND Chris McCormack of Australia shrugged off the disappointment of his Laguna Phuket Triathlon debut last weekend with a gritty performance to win the final Ironman 70.3 Laguna Phuket. It was a transformed “Macca” who held off the challenge of last weekend’s winner Ruedi Wild of Switzerland – almost 10 years his junior – to complete the 1.9km swim, 90.1km bike ride and 21.1km run in 04:04:40. In a morning of topsyturvy weather in Phuket, the 39 year-old two-time Ironman World Champion stormed out

Results

Men 1. Chris McCormack (AUS) 04:4:40 2. Ruedi Wild (SUI) 04:07:17 3. Tim Meyer (GER) 4. Alberto Cassadei (ITA) 04:08:06 5. Frederik Croneborg (SWE) 04:14:16 6. Simon Agoston (AUT) 04:19:50 Women 1. Melissa Hauschildt (AUS) 04:23:30 2. Radka Vodickova (CZE) 04:31:46 3. Belinda Granger (AUS) 04:41:53 4. Tamsin Lewis (GBR) 04:42:53

of T1 onto the bike course and was then among a charging breakaway pack, with Wild, American Chris Lieto, Alberto Cassadei of Italy and impressive young German age grouper Tim Meyer out of T2 into the run. But the Australian stepped up a gear to stretch his lead and cross the finish line almost three minutes ahead of Wild, who followed in 04:07:17.

t seems that since evolving from life in the sea, humans have long been attempting to get back in the water one way or another. Our fascination with the sea spans millennia. Considering this planet is two thirds water, should it really be called earth? An Assyrian carving from around 885 BC shows what appears to be armed men using small breathing sacs underwater, allowing them to sneak up on their enemies. In 500 BC, the Greek sculptor Scyllis was said to have used a reed as a snorkel to hide underwater as he cut the enemy Persian ships from their moorings. The Greek philosopher Aristotle wrote about kettles being used to take air down to sponge divers so they could collect a bigger harvest, and in 325 BC Aristotle’s student Alexander the Great is said to have descended to an impressive depth of 25 metres in a large diving bell made from clear glass and reinforced with steel bands.

Aleenta Resort & Spa Phuket would like to thank the following sponsors for their generosity to

The Pure Blue Foundation charity event on 1 December 2012

1. 1. Swimming warriors breathing from inflated sacs, from a 9th Century BC Assyrian carving 2. A 16th Century Italian diving suit designed by Guglielmo de Lorena 3. An armoured diving suit by German firm Neufeldt and Kuhnke Around the turn of the 16th Century, the Italian inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci described the first fins, snorkel and breathing apparatus. He also came up with a design for a helmet made from leather, with spikes for protection against “sea monsters” and a breathing tube to the surface. Early studies of the basics of physics, hydrostatics and aerostatics during the Renaissance period led to important understandings about diving. What’s now considered the first true diving bell, made by Guglielmo de Lorena in 1535, featured a barrel-shaped chamber that rested on the diver’s shoulders, with the weight supported by slings and a chain to the surface. Their was no external supply of air – only what was held inside the diving bell, enough for a few minutes at the most. In 1865, two Frenchmen Rouquayrol and Denayrouse - invented the first autonomous open-circuit breathing apparatus, using a steel bottle and valve connected to a mouthpiece. This was vital as the supply of air to the diver

could now be equalised with the outside water pressure. This enabled divers to breathe at much greater depths, but introduced new dangers of injury from decompression sickness, or “the bends”. Many think rebreathers are a relatively new technology, but the British diving engineer Henry Fleuss designed one back in 1879 that was used to work underwater, and was also used several times to rescue miners from flooded tunnels. In 1923, Germans Hans Neufeldt and Karl Kuhnke created an armoured diving suit in which air could be supplied to the diver at near surface pressure, reducing some of the dangers of decompression illness. This suit could go up to 160m deep, but the design limited the diver’s movements. Closer to the moder n day, most divers know about Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Emile Gagnan’s “Aqua Lung” – a key design that helped spur the development of recreational diving. The Aqua Lung provided freedom of movement and a demand valve that did not waste air, with the

3. air pressure inside the diver’s lungs matching the pressure of the surrounding water. This proved to be a ground-breaking safety feature. So, the next time someone asks me why I gave up the corporate world for diving, I think I can be proud to be following in such footsteps – now, what can I invent? Simone Allène worked for financial institutions but left the sharks of ‘The City’ for the ‘real’ ones in 1998. She has been based in Egypt, Maldives, Fiji, French Polynesia and Thailand with 5,231 dives and counting. She’s now PR & Marketing for Sea Bees Diving but still regularly throws herself off the back of boats.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

WORLD SPORT 25

IN BRIEF Australia’s Folau switches to rugby union

Sporting venues like My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi are being readied for the 2019 Asian Games.

Host Vietnamese fear false start for 2019 Asian Games

ith its economy in crisis, a decaying sports infrastructure and an uninspiring athletics record, it is little wonder many Vietnamese fear Hanoi is ill-prepared to host the 2019 Asian Games. There was scant public jubilation when the communist country’s capital was chosen to host the region’s largest sporting event, making it the first Southeast Asian nation for 20 years to hold the showpiece competition. Instead, fears over whether Vietnam can pull off the event bounce around the city’s coffee shops and beer gardens. “A hope is born but concerns spread through society. You cannot imagine [a host] facing more difficulties,” said Do Minh Tuan, a 52-year-old Hanoi-based academic. The government has set an initial budget of US$150 million to pay for the Games, which will be held in November 2019. The money will come out of a US$30 billion pot to develop Hanoi over the next decade and bring much-needed transport including a new skytrain, roads and bridges to ease congestion in the city, which is known for its seething mass of motorcycles.

But hosting the 18th Asian Games within budget will take some doing, according to sports journalist Nguyen Nguyen, who said it will have to be one of the most “super economical” events ever held. Vietnam’s Olympic Committee had initially proposed a budget of around US$300 million, he said, but the government slashed the sum as a result of the country’s dire economic predicament. It is experiencing falling growth as the effects of corruption and inefficiencies in the state-run sector ripple out into the wider economy and a lingering banking crisis threatens some of the country’s key financial institutions. The real cost of the Games, scheduled to run for 16 days, is likely to be much higher, but sports authorities have declined to provide detailed projections. “It will be very regrettable if Vietnam does not rise to this occasion,” Hoang Vinh Giang, the secretary general of Vietnam’s Olympic Committee, said. Hanoi won the right to host the Games on November 8, beating Indonesia’s second city Surabaya after Dubai in the United Arab Emirates

pulled out just before the vote. Vietnam expects some 10,000 athletes and coaches from 45 nations and territories in Asia to flock to Vietnam for the Games, which are usually a major source of pride for the host nation. Chinese megacity Guangzhou confirmed its status as a major Asian hub by hosting the 2010 edition, while the South Korean city of Incheon will be the venue for the 2014 competition. But Vietnam does not have the same level of sporting infrastructure in place as its regional rivals nor the resources of China and South Korea. Compounding the gloom is the fact that Vietnam is a sporting minnow, despite its near to 90 million population, in a region scored by fierce local rivalries. Over the last 20 years, the authoritarian regime has invested in sport to the limit of its means, but experts say there is not a single discipline at which the country truly excels. “Training our athletes and coaches, as well as logistics planning, are the biggest problems,” said Giang, who added that the “political stability” of the country – a one-party

state – was a huge asset for planning the event. The poor quality of the host’s athletes and coaching network is heightened by the degraded state of the sporting infrastructure they must use – national stadiums are poorly maintained while public swimming pools are unhygienic and overcrowded. Vietnam has a number of stadiums left from its hosting of the 2003 Southeast Asian Games, which is a minnow compared to the Asiad regional event, but they have not been kept up to international standards. The government plans to use around 500 hectares on the outskirts of Hanoi to build a so-called “Centre for the Asian Games” and an athletes’ village. But across the city the same refrain is common among sports fans and experts – with the country in major economic difficulties, organising a regional sporting event amounts to over-reaching. Vietnam’s communist government is good at pomp and ceremony. But many citizens remain to be convinced of whether they can deliver a sporting event that is up to international standards. AFP

High-profile former Australian rugby league international Israel Folau is switching to union and will play for the NSW Waratahs next season. It will be the third code for Folau, who most recently played Australian rules at the top level in the Australian Football League (AFL). The announcement ends a month of intense speculation about the 23-year-old’s future since he cut short his multi-million dollar, fouryear deal with AFL club Greater Western Sydney Giants on November 1, citing a lack of passion. Newspapers last month suggested Folau, who had a successful career with Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos and played in the 2008 Rugby League World Cup, would head

overseas to play union in France. But he opted for the Waratahs in the Super Rugby series on a one-year contract. Folau will be playing alongside Wallabies such as Berrick Barnes, Adam Ashley-Cooper and Kane Douglas and the Australian Rugby Union suggested he could eventually join them in the national team, and even become an Olympian. “Depending on his development as a rugby player, there is an opportunity for Folau to achieve higher honours, in Sevens as well as the 15-a-side game,” said ARU acting chief executive Matt Carroll. “Sevens is now an Olympic sport and we are keen to build depth and profile for the game in the lead-up to Rio in 2016.” AFP

France aim for World Cup ‘revenge’ France captain Thier ry Dusautoir said the threetime losing finalists were seeking “revenge” for last year’s heartbreak after being drawn in a “little Six Nations” for the 2015 World Cup in England. The French reached the 2011 World Cup final but lost a ha rd-foug ht contest by t he na r row margin of 8-7 to hosts New Zealand in Auckland. But Dusautoir, who led his side superbly during last year’s tou r nament, said France hoped to go one better in England in three years’ time

after being drawn Monday in a Pool D also featuring Six Nations rivals Ireland and Italy. “Maybe we are going to have our revenge for t he f i nal agai n st New Zealand,” Dusautoir said after the draw in London. T he t wo remai n i ng teams in Pool D will come f rom either the United States or Canada, and one from Georgia, Russia, Romania, Spain and Portugal. The winners of this pool also will miss out out on a likely quarter-final clash against favourites New Zealand. AFP

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26 WORLD SPORT

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PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: ROUND 16

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

Chelsea blues continue for Benitez FOOTBALL

helsea and Arsenal both suffered damaging defeats in Round 15, while Manchester City stalked the top of the Premier League table after a 1-1 draw with Everton. Chelsea conceded a halftime lead to go down 3-1 at West Ham United on Saturday, as interim coach Rafael Benitez saw his new side’s run of league matches without a win extended to seven — their worst sequence since 1995. “At this level, you have to take your chances, and we had many clear chances to finish the game,” Benitez told Sky Sports television. “In the second half we were not winning the first ball or the second ball and we didn’t have the control we had in the first half.” Juan Mata scored the first goal of the Benitez era to put Chelsea ahead at Upton Park but a revitalised West Ham roared back to prevail through goals from Carlton Cole and substitutes Mohamed Diame and Modibo Maiga.

TOM’S TIPS ROUND 16 Arsenal v West Brom Aston Villa v Stoke Southampton v Reading Sunderland v Chelsea Swansea City v Norwich Wigan Athletic v QPR Man City v Man Utd Everton v Tottenham West Ham v Liverpool Fulham v Newcastle

Another bad week for beleagured Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez. Chelsea suffered a damaging 3-1 defeat to West Ham, its seventh Premier League match without a win. Arsenal plummeted to 10th place, five points below the Champions League places, after Spanish forward Michu’s late brace gave Swansea City a 2-0 victory over Arsene Wenger’s misfiring side. It was Arsenal’s fourth league defeat of the season and their third successive game without a win. Michu, whose full name is Miguel Pérez Cuesta, struck in

the 88th and 90th minutes to take his tally for the campaign to 10 league goals and silence the Emirates Stadium. City crawled above crosscity rivals United on goal difference at the top of the table after drawing 1-1 at home to David Moyes’ Everton. Marouane Fellaini put the visitors in front in the 33rd minute, following in after Joe

Hart saved his initial header, but the Belgian’s foul on Edin Dzeko allowed Carlos Tevez to level from the spot before half-time. Meanwhile, a 75th-minute goal by Dean Whitehead gave Stoke City a 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion, and Tottenham Hotspur capitalised on the Baggies’ setback to move into fourth place with

Win Lose Draw Lose Win Win Lose Win Win Lose

a 3-0 win at Fulham. Harry Redknapp’s home début as Queens Park Rangers manager ended in stalemate after the top flight’s bottom club were held 1-1 by Aston Villa at Loftus Road. Brett Holman put Villa ahead in the eighth minute but Jamie Mackie’s fine 18thminute header levelled the scores for QPR, who had Stephane Mbia taken to hospital following a collision with Gabriel Agbonlahor. Liverpool climbed one place to 11th after Daniel

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

Agger’s 43rd-minute header was enough to secure a 1-0 success at home to Southampton and earn Brendan Rodgers’ side only their third home win of the campaign. AFP The win ner of The Phuket News tipping competition for the month will win a B3,000 voucher to spend at Australian Bar & grill in Kata. The overall winner at the end of the year will win a brand new Honda Scoopy courtesy of AP Honda.

Mancini left disappointed by European flop FOOTBALL M A NCH EST ER CI T Y manager Roberto Mancini was disappointed the English champions failed to even qualify for the Europa League after their 1-0 loss against Borussia Dortmund in their final Champions League group match on Tuesday. City’s abject display against a second string Dortmund side – who topped the group while the English champions finished bottom – saw them become the first English side to finish a Champions League group stage with just three

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini. points and without a victory. “Getting into the Europa League was our target tonight,” said Mancini, who in his two previous seasons has guided City to first the FA Cup and then last term the Premier League title.

“We wanted to win but to win we needed to score. We are not in the Europa League and for this we should be disappointed. “We were in a tough group but if you make mistakes in early games as we did you will not qualify.” City keeper Joe Hart, who was probably the team’s best player on the night, said it was the same old story for his team, and he doesn’t know the answer to the problem. “We should be fighting to go through to the last 16 on the last day and we have only got ourselves to blame that we are not,” said Hart. AFP

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway. SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2012

WORLD SPORT 27

Greek tragedy for Arsenal as Gunners crash again FOOTBALL

rsenal’s dispiriting season took a turn for the worse on Tuesday as the Gunners crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Olympiakos that ended their hopes of finishing top of Champions League Group B. Arsene Wenger’s side desperately needed a victory in Athens to ease the sense of crisis enveloping the north London club after their worst start to a Premier League campaign in the Frenchman’s 16-year reign. But instead the Gunners squandered the lead secured by Tomas Rosicky as second half goals from Giannis Maniatis and then Kostas Mitroglou meant Arsenal had to settle for second place in the group behind Schalke. Although Arsenal had already qualified for the last 16, this was a missed opportunity for Wenger’s men as Schalke’s draw at Montpellier meant a victory would have given the Gunners top spot and potentially an easier draw in the knockout stages. It was the

Arsene Wenger’s Gunners crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Olympiakos on Tuesday. last thing Wenger needed after being subjected to a torrent of abuse from angry fans after Saturday’s 2-0 home defeat against Swansea. “For their first goal, it was a goal kick not a corner, simple as that,” Wenger said. “I don’t think it was the right decision, but we have to cope with it. After that they scored a good goal.” “We had a good first half

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day, sending out a weakened team including forgotten men Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci and a first start for 20-year-old left-back Jernade Meade. And, in the circumstances, it was hardly surprising that the makeshift Gunners made the kind of nervous, error-strewn start that has blighted their play in recent weeks. Moroccan striker Cha-

but dropped physically in the second. Many of the players are not used to that level. We had two or three chances to score a second but after that we know we can be in trouble. We have to wait for the draw but ideally you would want to finish first.” Wenger, feeling the heat from supporters after seven years without a trophy, made seven changes from Satur-

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hour with a powerful strike that Carroll pushed away at his near post, but Arsenal’s defensive frailties returned to haunt them as Olympiakos snatched an equaliser in the 65th minute. There was a hint of controversy about the goal as Arsenal claimed Szczesny didn’t get a touch on a Paulo Machado header which resulted in the corner that produced the goal. Arsenal failed to clear the set-piece and Djamel Abdoun hooked a cross back into the area, where Ramsey carelessly chested the ball towards Maniatis and the midfielder bundled his closerange shot past Szczesny. It got even worse for the Gunners eight minutes later when Arsenal’s defence backed off too far, allowing substitute Mitroglou to curl a superb strike past Szczesny from the edge of the area. Wenger was reduced to frustrated scowls on the touchline as Arsenal failed to mount any response and Olympiakos easily held out to inflict more misery on the Gunners. AFP

makh has largely been discarded by Wenger over the last year and it was easy to see why as his poor control caused a pair of Arsenal attacks to peter out. Aaron Ramsey should have opened the scoring when Chamakh nodded OxladeChamberlain’s cross into the Welsh midfielder’s path, but he completely miscued his shot and the ball bounced out of play off his shin. Leonardo Jardim’s side almost made Arsenal pay moments later when Pablo Contreras’s header was cleared off the line by Rosicky. But the Gunners took the lead in the 38th minute. Gervinho was the provider, jinking past several defenders before cutting a pass back to Czech midfielder Rosicky, who drove a first-time shot past former Manchester United keeper Roy Carroll for his first goal since March. Wenger was forced to send on Andrey Arshavin for the injured Rosicky at half-time and Russian was into the action early on as he headed over from Chamakh’s cross. Arshavin went close on the

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Big misfire for Gunners

Olympiakos end Arsenal hopes of topping Champs League group >27

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Time to go

Australian press blast test team’s ‘monumental failure’ Australia’s Ricky Ponting after his dismissal for 8 runs in his final test cricket innings, in the third test between South Africa and Australia in Perth. Photo: AFP

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ustralian media blasted the national team’s “monumental failure” in the third Test against South Africa while lamenting the end of former skipper Ricky Ponting’s illustrious career. South Africa thumped the Australians by 309 runs in Perth to hold on to their number one Test ranking and ruin an emotional farewell for Ponting, who bowed out after a 17-year Test career.

Set an improbable 632 runs to win, Australia were dismissed for 322 with a day to spare. Ponting, the second highest runscorer in Test history, was out for just eight after he was given an honour guard by the South Africans. “Champions contemptuously put the Australians in their place,” said The Australian newspaper. “Perth was a monumental failure at a critical moment and a timely reminder that Michael Clarke’s side is number three – better on a good day and worse

on a bad one like this,” said its cricket writer Peter Lalor. “Never was the gap between one and three writ more large than in this game.” The Sydney Morning Herald said: “Proteas use momentum to absolute advantage”, while bemoaning Australia’s “missed opportunity” to grab the number one world ranking. The first two matches in the three-Test series ended in draws. “It was disappointing enough that Ricky Ponting’s last hurrah was an unremark-

able scratching together for eight runs,” the newspaper added. “For the ambitious Clarke, though, the whole debacle will be viewed as a missed opportunity to crown his captaincy with a return to the top of the Test charts.” While the team’s failure to win the series came in for some stinging criticism, there was praise for Ponting in his 168th and final Test, finishing his career with 13,378 Test runs at 51.85, including 41 centuries. “In the blurring of an eye,

and 13,378 runs, it was over,” Lalor wrote in The Australian. “Ponting might have mistimed his final shot but not his departure,” the newspaper said. “Better sweet sorrow at parting than a welcome overstayed.” The Herald, likewise, dedicated column inches to Ponting’s farewell but also looked to the future, questioning what should now happen to the team’s batting order. “One of the most pressing issues for Australia after the South Africa series is an inconsistent top order that only

once in five innings reached 100 by the time the third wicket fell,” it said. Sydney’s Daily Telegraph also highlighted top order failures, saying: “Batting drought bad news for Ashes,” referring to the series with England next year. “Had the next generation been more productive, he [Ponting] may not have lasted so long, reinforcing the most pressing problem, a lack of batting depth heading into next year’s Ashes,” the paper’s Malcolm Conn wrote. AFP

Warne Ashes comeback talk sets media abuzz CRICKET

Shane Warne

AU S T R A L I A N L E G E N D Shane Warne has played down comments that he could make a dramatic return for next year’s Ashes series against England after telling newspapers he was ready to play if asked. The 43-year-old leg-spinner quit Test cricket in 2007 but captained the Indian Premier League side Rajasthan Royals for four years, winning the inaugural tournament in 2008. Now preparing for another season in Australia’s Big Bash League with the Melbourne Stars,

Warne told News Limited newspapers that he had “absolutely no doubt” he could bowl successfully at Test level again. Warne said that if close friend, Australian captain Michael Clarke, suggested his services were needed after the Test team’s recent bowling struggles against South Africa, he would give it some serious thought. “If your best friend says, ‘Mate, I want you to seriously consider making a commitment to Australian cricket and coming back out of retirement’, [to] make myself available for selection, that’s a different scenario,” Warne said. He added that he felt the urge

to play the five-day game again while watching the third and final Test against South Africa in Perth when the Australian attack struggled to make an impact in the Proteas’ second innings. “I felt like I wanted to jump off the couch and grab the ball,” he said. “I really felt for Michael Clarke from a captaincy point of view. When you’ve got international bowlers bowling one or two full-tosses an over and half-volleys, I felt for Pup, I really felt for him.” Australia lost the third Test on Monday by 309 runs and the series 1-0, missing out on the chance to return to the top of the

international rankings (see above). But with Australian media buzzing about a possible return, Warne, who remains Australia’s highest ever wicket-taker with 708 Test scalps, took to Twitter to hose down the speculation. “Clarification guys & thank you for the kind words, but.. I was asked ‘could’ I play not ‘would’ I play. Yes, I could. Didn’t say I would!” he tweeted. In a second tweet, he added: “It was a hypothetical question re if Michael Clarke asked me. Read my quotes ‘I’m not asking Michael to ask me’ Hope I didn’t disappoint!” AFP