The Phuket News 07 December 2018

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

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Friday, December 7 – Thursday, December 13, 2018

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TOURIST SLASHED BY SPEEDBOAT PROPELLER > PAGE 3

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EXPAT COMMUNITY REELS OVER DEATH OF MATTHEW POND

NEWS

PAGE 2

Beachfront boat refuelling deemed legal

LIFE

PAGE 11

Mom Tri’s new exhibition at WOK Gallery

Tributes for Matthew Pond have flowed online since his sudden passing last Thursday (Nov 29). Photo: The Phuket News

Chris Husted execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he expat community on Phuket this week was stunned by the sudden passing away of Matthew Pond, the News and Sports Editor at The Phuket News, after a brief battle against cancer.

After being diagnosed with latestage lung cancer only early last month, he suffered serious breathing difficulties at about 5am last Thursday morning (Nov 29) and was rushed to hospital, but pronounced dead on arrival.

He was 47, and is survived by his wife, Marisa, and eight-year-old

son, Joshua.

Funeral services were held at Wat Saensuk in Phuket Town for three nights, with mass prayers each night, culminating with his cremation on Monday (Dec 3).

After joining The Phuket News team as a News Editor three years ago, Matthew, an avid Crystal Palace supporter from Croydon, London, also took on the role of Sports Editor, in which his love and support for all forms of sport shone.

He soon became known widely for his passionate support for sports, especially football, leading to his involvement in supporting projects with the M-Den Football Academy

and Cruzeiro Soccer Schools, and especially in driving support for Phuket FC, the island’s only football club at national level – and which is now defunct.

While maintaining a strong commitment to his work, Matthew was also a shining example of a family man, a good father who spent valuable time with his son Joshua at football training sessions and tournaments on the island, and arranged family holidays at every opportunity.

Wherever he went, Matthew fostered a genuine sense of community among those he met, from all walks of life on the island. (See ‘A Testament to Life’ on page 6.)

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

Tributes have flowed online since news of his passing broke across social media.

“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure,” wrote one friend.

“We have lost a true gentleman and consummate professional. Go in peace, Matt,” wrote Alasdair Forbes, former Executive Editor at The Phuket News.

In his tribute to Matthew posted online this week, Steven Layne, former Managing Editor of The Phuket News wrote, “Usually squinting if not smiling and rarely showing emotion beyond that, Matt had an unbreakable focus on the pitch, and could offer...

SPORT

PAGE 29

Cruzeiro youths victors in local Futsal tourney

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Tourists issued ‘behaviour warning’ for visiting wild monkeys > page 4

Beachfront bombs

Expat community grieves in tributes Refuelling from steel drums deemed legal Continued from page 1 ...commentary and critique on every pass, play and player.

“He never missed a beat, and clearly loved his football. Rain or shine, win or lose, promotion or relegation, Matt was always there in the east stands toughing it out with the toughest of them.

“Matt’s passion and loyalty, for and to the home team, and his family and final home, Phuket, was contagious.”

Even off the pitch Matt’s approach to life was unshakable.

“Matt proved to be the most loyal and dependable colleague one could ask for.

Not only football, he had a knack for all sport on the island, and it wasn’t long before he was effectively running the news desk with deep insight into issues affecting island life. He certainly was a passionate and creative critic when it came to his round to write editorials; it was hard to find flaws in his reasoning because he truly did understand the nature and motives of the people here and those around him,”

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T Matthew Pond with his wife Marisa and 8-year-old son Joshua at their home earlier this year. Photo: Courtesy of Marisa Pond Steven Layne wrote.

“A family man, humble and down-to-earth gentleman with an eclectic taste in music, Matt will be sorely missed by friends, colleagues and family. Our hearts go out to his surviving wife, Marisa, and young son, Joshua, who himself is a talented footballer playing for a local academy club.”

Matthew’s sudden passing has taken an emotional toll on the staff at The Phuket News and everyone else who knew him well.

To Marisa, Joshua and Matthew’s parents, our heartfelt condolences from the The Phuket News team and everyone else here at Class Act Media.

Farewell, Matt. We miss you.

he Chief of the Phuket office of the Ministry of Energy, responsible for the safe transport and dispensing of fuels across the island, has told The Phuket News that the ongoing refuelling of tour speedboats directly from steel drums on the back of ‘songthaew’ buses on the Rawai beachfront, is legal.

Wirot Damkong confirmed the news this week after being presented with photos and even a video showing the practice is ongoing – despite his confirmation last week that the driver of a properly constructed fuel truck had been arrested for ignoring an order and continuing to refuel speedboats on the Rawai beachfront.

“Dispensing fuel directly from a fuel truck or from large plastic tanks or containers is illegal,” Mr Wirot said.

He explained that, in terms of the law, it was an issue of volume.

“The volume of each of the drums (seen in the photos and video) contains only 200 litres, but the truck can contain much more fuel, and hence it presents a much greater danger if it catches alight,” he said.

The refuelling of tour speedboats in a public area on the Rawai beachfront is legal as long as the fuel is dispensed from steel drums, say officials. Screengrabs: Supplied “But these steel drums are allowed. Now we are looking into how many of those drums can be carried in one vehicle at the same time.”

Asked how many drums of fuel is the limit, and especially in the back of a songthaew and restrained by a single rope, as seen in the video, Mr Wirot declined to answer. “We are looking into that,” he said.

Regarding Mr Wikrom’s assurance last week that the driver of the fuel truck photographed repeatedly carrying out the beachfront refuelling despite an order to stop had

been arrested, Mr Wikrom this week declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Pannee Raknai, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) and Chief of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation division at Rawai Municipality (DDPM-Rawai) has yet to respond to queries from The Phuket News about the ongoing practice.

Ms Pannee has consistently claimed that her office is powerless over the issue unless there is an environmental concern, despite the obvious public safety issue involved.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos did respond to questions from The Phuket News.

“The Phuket Energy office has informed Rawai Municipality of this,” he said.

“We will stress to the refuelling operators to not refuel speedboats when there are tourists around,” Mayor Aroon noted.

“I have informed them to use pickup trucks to make sure they are not carrying too many fuel drums at the same time until it is figured out how this can be done legally – and safely,” he added.

Airport ‘sea taxi’ service not viable, report experts

A CONSORTIUM OF FOUR expert consultancies hired to evaluate the proposal of launching a ‘sea taxi’ service from Phuket International Airport down Phuket’s west coast have deemed the project overall as ‘not viable’.

The news was delivered at a meeting held last Thursday (Nov 29) to review the results of the feasibility study, carried out by four companies: Southeast Asia Technology Co Ltd, New Asset Advisory Co Ltd, Aurora Technology and Engineering Consultant Co Ltd, and UPLUS Consultant Co Ltd. The feasibility study was commissioned by the Marine Department earlier this year after Marine Department Director-General Jirut Wisanjit voiced his support for the project.

The study included eco-

The plan was to have a sea taxi service along the west coast. Map: Marine Dept nomic and social impacts, as well as an Environmental Impact Assessment report.

The short result of the study was that the project over all was ‘not worth investment’.

Among the reasons given were that the project would require four piers to be built along the west coast, at Phuket

Airport, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach and Kata-Karon.

Construction of the piers themselves was deemed possible, despite the battering of strong waves through the southwest monsoon from May through October each year, the report noted.

However, the sea taxi service itself would operate only six months a year, during the high season from November through April.

“During the (southwest) monsoon season, it would not be safe to use this service,” the report said.

The feasibility research indicated that “not less than 370,000 passengers” were expected to use the service each year.

“It will affect some aspects of the beach area reconstruction during the construction but there are solutions to such

problems already,” they reported.

However, concern was expressed on several issues, but most importantly that the volume of passengers “would make it too long to recover the investment in this project.”

The overall consesus of the report was, “The project is not appropriate in many aspects in terms of investment and environmental impact.”

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kepsub, present at the meeting, said, “After listening to the impact studies from consulting companies, it has been shown that this project is not worth the investment required.

“The number of passengers is not very high, only 300,000 or so, and the service is only available six months a year.

“It is not worth the money,” she said. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Chinese tourist’s legs slashed by propeller The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Dolphin pukes plastic after beach rescue Chinese tourist Jang Sia Dan, 39, suffered severe injuries to both her legs after they were slashed by a speedboat propeller at Phi Phi Island earlier today (Dec 1). Photo: Phuket TAC The tour group was led by a 37-year-old Chinese tour guide. Thai skipper Chatchai Khacharoen, 26, drove the boat and Yingyong Khongkhamsuk, 26, was a boat staffer, reported the Bangkok Post.

Mr Chatchai told police that he did not see Ms Jang getting off the boat, so he continued to bring the boat to moor.

But after other tourists shouted, he immediately stopped and saw the injured

tourist shouting for help.

Capt Chatchai and his assistant pulled her back on the boat and promptly had her taken to the hospital, he said.

Mr Chatchai, his assistant and the tour guide were held in police custody at Phi Phi Police Station. They were initially charged with reckless collusion causing serious injuries to another person, noted the Bangkok Post report.

Tourist numbers from China have declined in recent

Tourists killed in motorbike crash after car makes ‘sudden’ U-turn

CHALONG POLICE LAST Saturday (Dec 1) said they could not reveal any major details of the investigation into the deadly motorbike accident that killed two tourists last Thursday night (Nov 29).

However, Lt Col Thada Sodarak of the Chalong Police, who is the investigating officer for the accident, did confirm that the two tourists killed in the deadly collision comprised one male and one female.

The two tourists were killed when the motorbike they were riding struck a car that made a sudden U-turn on Chao Fa West Rd, in Chalong.

In the initial report, police confirmed that that woman killed was identified as Zehre Yalcinkaya.

However, Col Thada last Saturday (Dec 1), some 36 hours after the accident, confirmed that no preliminary charges at all have been pressed against the driver of the car, Sudapon Nontawat, as is usually standard practice after road accidents.

“She is still in hospital from her injuries,” he said.

No mention was made of @thephuketnews

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The dolphin now needs 24-hour care. Photo: DMCR

A

Chinese tourist suffered severe injuries after her legs were slashed by a tour speedboat propeller last Saturday (Dec 1).

The woman, Jang Sia Dan, boarded the tour boat King Poseidon 23 in Phuket that morning with 19 other tourists to enjoy a day trip to the islands in Phang Nga Bay, the Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC) confirmed.

Ms Jang was injured while the boat was moving to moor at Pileh Bay at Phi Phi Island at about 9am, the TAC officer said.

She was getting off the back of the boat to snorkel while the captain was reversing the boat to moor. She suffered severe wounds to both legs.

Ms Jang was rushed to Koh Phi Phi Hospital for immediate treatment then sped back to Phuket to receive more specialised treatment at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, the officer confirmed.

PHUKET NEWS

Lt Col Thada Sodarak of the Chalong Police confirmed that no preliminary charges at all have been pressed against the driver of the car, Sudapon Nontawat, as she is still in hospital. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub which charges, if any, were being considered.

Of note, the car that Ms Sudapon was driving was still bearing red “dealership” licence plates. Under the Traffic Act, it is illegal to drive a vehicle bearing such licence plates on public roads out of the province or at night.

Col Thada confirmed that the man killed in the accident was Algerian, but said “his name is too hard to read”.

“I cannot give any information to you now. Please call me back on Tuesday or Wednesday (Dec 4-5),” Col Thada said.

He gave no explanation for the delay in confirming any details of the accident.

Meanwhile, French-language Alegrian news service ALG24 report confirmed that the male tourist killed was 26-year-old Algerian Muay Thai boxer Amine Halimi, from Algiers.

According to the ALG 24 report, Mr Halimi was enrolled in training in Muay Thai at Phuket Top Team Muay Thai & MMA, located on Soi Ta-iad, Chalong, and “Absolute Gym” (Absolute MMA Thailand in Rawai).

The Phuket News

months after the Phoenix tour boat disaster that killed 47 Chinese on July 5. Chinese arrivals fell 6.7% month-onmonth in August and were down a further 25.3% in September and 0.2% in October.

Authorities have been taking steps to improve the image of the country among Chinese tourists, including a waiver of visa-on-arrival fees (see page 10) and improved safety measures for land, air and water transport.

THE DOLPHIN RESCUED from Phuket’s Nai Yang Beach last week has vomited plastic while in care at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) at Cape Panwa, marine biologists have revealed.

Marine biologists at the PMBC’s Endangered Species Unit in turn have called for volunteers to help provide 24-hour care for the dolphin.

“The dolphin cannot swim by itself and it will drown if there is no one to hold it,” Dr Patcharaporn Kaewmong explained on Monday (Dec 3).

“This means that the dolphin must have volunteers beside it 24 hours a day just to keep it afloat. The volunteers must hold it straight so it can breathe (from its blowhole on the top of its head),” she said.

“Volunteers will also have to check its heart rate and its breathing every five minutes,

and pour water onto its skin to keep the skin wet at all times,” Dr Patcharaporn said.

Worse, today the dolphin vomited pieces of plastic, Yanapon Chaiwootti, a member of the ThaiWhales conservation group who is also a volunteer at the centre caring for the dolphin, confirmed.

“The dolphin vomited many small pieces of plastic from its mouth,” he said.

Although the marine experts have been unable to identify what form the plastic originated from, Mr Yanapon confirmed that it is “soft, biodegradable plastic”.

The wounds found on the dolphin’s dorsal fin and mouth when it was recovered last Wednesday (Nov 28) are improving. “They look like severe skin abrasion from rubbing on the sand,” he said.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

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PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

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Russian in custody at airport, at US request

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A RUSSIAN MAN WAS arrested while waiting to board a flight at Phuket International Airport last Thursday (Nov 29) purely following a request from the US Government.

The man arrested was 33-year-old Anton Bogdanov, Phuket Airport Immigration Chief Col Supachok Yongstar confirmed.

“I had received a notice from the Phuket Tourist Police to arrest Mr Bogdanov. He was in Phuket on holiday. He has been taken into custody and is now undergoing ‘legal processing’ (sic),” Col Supachok said.

“He (Bogdanov) is wanted by the US Government, and the Royal Thai Police are responding to their request,” Col Supachok explained.

“Phuket Tourist Police found him with his partner in front of the departures gate.

They were waiting to board

Anton Bogdanov, 33, was arrested at the airport purely at the request of the US Government. No reason for his arrest was given. a flight to his (home) country that afternoon,” he added.

However, no reason has been provided to explain why Mr Bogdanov was taken into custody or what crimes he has allegedly committed in the US. “I can’t inform anything about the arrest in detail, but his partner has been taken to the Crime Suppression Division headquarters in Bangkok.

That’s all I can say,” Col Supachok noted.

The Phuket News

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The fishermen brought ashore more than 4,000 of the fish in one outing on Nai Harn Beach on Sunday night (Dec 2).

Freak fish bonanza lands at Nai Harn Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

bumper haul of mackerel was brought on shore at Nai Harn Beach last Sunday night (Dec 2) after local fishermen took advantage of a monster-sized

school of the fish which was spotted just offshore.

Making sure the fish did not get away, local fishermen entered the water with their large nets and brought onto the sand an estimated 4,000 of the fish, identified as torpedo scad, also known as the hardtail scad, finny scad, finletted mackerel scad or cordyla scad, a species of the mackerel family.

The entrepreneurial fishermen started selling the fish at bargain prices right on the sand, and local residents with an eye for a bargain started snapping the prime fresh fish for as little as B100 for three.

Phuket Fisheries Chief Kowit Kao-ian explained that the huge school of fish was a

‘freak event’, but completely natural.

“This was not, as rumours on social media claimed, a sign of some impending natural disaster,” he said.

Local fisherman Ponchai Faingam told The Phuket News, “The hardtail fish is found around the shoreline every year from November to January, but this year there are more than usual at Nai Han, Kata, Karon and Freedom beaches. “ Nor mally each f ish weighs about 600-700 grams and usually sells at markets for B70-80 per kilogram.

But this time, it is cheaper.

Some fishermen are even giving some away for free,” he laughed.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Speed ride-along

PHUKET NEWS

5

Tourists heading home tangled in meth bust Tavee Adam reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

T

hree unsuspecting tourists heading home from Khao Lak after enjoying a holiday in Thailand found themselves in the middle of a drug raid after officers discovered 6,000 pills of ya bah (methamphetamine) hidden in an old fan that was in the back of the passenger van they were travelling in.

Jindanai Inthachage, the 30-year-old driver of the van, picked up the tourists in Khao Lak and was taking them to Phuket International Airport as they were heading home last Tuesday (Nov 27), Khok Kloi Police Chief Col Gerasak Siamsak told The Phuket News.

The Toyota van was registered in Phuket as a commercial vehicle under the name ‘Phuket Transport Partnership Limited’, he added.

On the way to Phuket, Jindanai stopped off in Tai Muang, where his friend Yongyuth Rakmit, 43, lived.

Police already had Yongyuth and his house under surveillance following a tip-off that Yongyuth was smuggling drugs into Phuket by concealing them in household items.

At the house, officers led by Lt Col Techo Na Nakorn of Khok Kloi Police watched as Yongyuth and his friend Sirichai Rakmit, 27, carried out an old electric fan and placed it in the back of

The team inspected the areas on Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket, yesterday (Nov 28). Photo: PR Dept

Isoc inspection over hotel closing paths The Phuket van driver and his two accomplices were caught smuggling meth pills while en route to Phuket International Airport with three tourists still in the van. Photo: Khok Kloi Police the van behind the passengers.

Then Jindanai drove off, with the tourists still on board.

The officers then stopped and searched the van at the Khok Kloi Intersection, just north of Phuket.

On searching the van, they disassembled the pedestal base of the fan and found three plastic packs each containing 2,000 ya bah pills. Each of the three packs contained 10 bags, each holding 200 pills.

Following the discovery of the drugs, a splinter group of the investigation team moved in and arrested Yongyuth and Sirichai at the house in Tai Muang, Col Gerasak explained.

All three – Jindanai, originally from

Satun province, as well as Yongyuth and Sirichai, both Phang Nga natives – were taken to Khok Kloi Police Station and charged with possession of ya bah with intent to sell, Col Gerasak confirmed.

The three tourists were given a firstclass ride to Phuket airport by police to make sure they did not miss their flights, Col Gerasak added.

Col Gerasak urged all tourists, “Please be aware of the vehicle that you are getting in, especially if there is anything in the van that does not belong there.

“And if you can keep your bags locked or sealed, please do it – because some bad guys might put something illegal, such as ya bah, in your bag,” he warned.

Monkey warning issued for tourists THE DEPARTMENT OF National Parks, Conservation and Wildlife (DNP) has issued a pamphlet for tourists warning of the dangers of interacting with local wild monkeys and advising on what rules to follow to protect the tourists, and the monkeys.

The brochure has been produced in four languages – Thai, English, Russian and Chinese – explained Pongchart Chouehorm, Director of the Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Theaw nature reserve in Thalang.

Mr Pongchart presented copies of the pamphlet to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Ministry of Tourism and Sports offices in Phuket last Tuesday (Nov 27).

“And that evening I gave copies to mayors and local municipalities,” Mr Pongchart said.

“The pamphlet has been created for tourists, and being handed out to officials so they can share them with tourists in their areas of responsibility,” he explained.

“Then tourists will understand exactly how to behave around monkeys. A full, correct understanding of this will reduce and solve the problems that monkeys cause @thephuketnews

The ‘monkey warning’ pamphlets are being distributed to key tourism agencies and local municipalities, and to local hotels, tour operators and taxi drivers on the island. for people, and people will be prevented from behaviour that causes harms to monkeys,” Mr Pongchart said.

The pamphlets, very similar to the warning signs posted earlier this year, warn tourists not to feed monkeys outside of dedicated areas, not to tease monkeys with food, and not to aggravate monkeys, with a specific warning to beware of aggressive monkeys that may bite them.

The pamphlets also explain that serious diseases that can be contracted through contact with wild monkeys include Herpes B, rabies, tuberculosis and Hepatitis A and B. The pamphlets plainly explain that the rules apply to

tour guides also, and copies of the pamphlet are already being handed out to tour operators, hotels and taxi drivers on the island.

Earlier this year hundreds of monkeys were removed from areas where residents complained that they had become a nuisance and were presenting a health threat, with entire troupes moved to Koh Thanan and Koh Payu, both small islands off Pa Khlok.

However, many of the monkeys were released back into areas where they were already living, as residents had approved of the wild troupes staying within the local environment.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

REAR ADMIRAL THERDkiat Onmuang, Director of the Phuket branch of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), led an inspection team to Koh Racha Yai last Wednesday (Nov 28), to investigate a complaint by local residents over a hotel closing off pathways used by the public to cross the hotel’s private land.

Isoc, of which there is a provincial office in every province in the country, serves as the political arm of the Thai military.

Joining the investigation were officers from the Phuket Damrongdhama Centre (Phuket Provincial Ombudsman’s Office) and other relevant officials.

The investigation was launched in response to lo-

cal residents filing a formal complaint with the Phuket Damrongdhama Centre.

Specifically, the complaint focussed on the Racha Island Resort closing off access to two pathways, which in effect closed off public access by land.

Under Thai law, if any existing pathway is already long established as being used by local people to access a beach area at the time the land title is registered, then that access must be continued.

After hearing the resident’s grievances, R/Adm Therdkiat assured, “We will solve this problem as soon as possible.”

However, he added, “The problem will be solved according to the legal process and in fairness.”

The Phuket News

Opinion 6

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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CHRIS HUSTED

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

DAVID JACKLIN

Lifestyle Editor

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Twenty years experience in the I n t e r n a t i o n a l m e d i a m a r ke t , creating content for Paramount Pictures, Mar vel and the BBC. Having previously lived on the island, David returned to cover regional lifestyle and cultural stories.

He originates from the UK.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

T

EDITORIAL

A testament to life

he death of Matthew Pond, the News and Sports Editor here at The Phuket News, early last Thursday took its toll on the island’s community of longstanding expats.

Even in this age of the internet when web stats show plainly what people care about, the death of Matthew Pond was easily the biggest news having the most effect on people across Phuket this week.

After news of Matt’s death broke across the internet and social forums, calls and emails of condolences came flooding in. We sincerely thank you, but more importantly, the reaction from the island’s widespread expats highlighted the significance of the event that had just passed.

Matt arrived on the island eight years ago, but in that time he had gained his standing as a person unto himself,

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care about those we live with.

The funeral service on Monday, as is customary, was an incredibly sad affair, but that is not what Matt wanted.

He wanted people to crank up the music and enjoy themselves – to of course remember him, but more importantly to remember what life was about, what it was to be valued for, and to make sure people remember to use their days wisely and make the most of what counts most – for them.

This is not postulation or speaking well of Matt’s best wishes. This is known plainly among those close to him. For this editor, this is exactly what Matt said in conversations on joining the great hereafter.

For those who never knew Matt, this is the shining example we just lost. If we could all take just one page out of Matt Pond’s playbook on life, we would all be better off for it.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Top Phuket frozen seafood factory shut down, managing director arrested Russian national arrested at Phuket Airport, at US Govt request Matthew Pond passes away Sky High: Phuket facing worst deluge of drugs ever, 23 arrests a day Unsuspecting tourists heading to Phuket airport find themselves in meth bust Chinese woman on Phi Phi tour slashed by speedboat propeller Phuket tourism dodges ‘Chinese hit’, Vice Governor told Phuket Opinion: Putting everyday people on ice The Massacre of the Cholas - Phuket under Indian Governorship 1676-1679 Two women tourists killed in motorbike collision with car in Chalong

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yet open and friendly to all.

Beyond doubt, Matt was steadfast and true. He did what he wanted to do, and he did it his way, always the positive step forward and never to encroach on others’ misgivings.

He just moved forward. This was whether he was working on news stories, being a loving father, playing a set at Vinyl Cafe – after all, he was also a DJ from London – or engaged in his love of sports.

Matt, as the tributes that have flowed since his death have plainly shown, easily and openly engaged with people from all walks of life. Even in his final act, he brought together so many different people across the island to show in plain evidence that this island does still have an expat community – we are not all the same, we all have different interests but that we all call Phuket home and we

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Tragic Plastic

Re: Dolphin rescued from Phuket beach vomits plastic Plastic is not biodegradable. Even plastic that is called biodegradable, simply breaks up into tiny particles that are still very dangerous to marine life. These particles are ingested by many types of sea creatures and eventually end up in the seafood we consume.

All the plastic (and f lying lanterns) look like jellyfish in the water. Huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Timothy

Greasy Palms

Re: Rawai beachfront refuelling from steel drums is legal, confirms Phuket energy chief Wirot Damkong automatically determines that this is now legal, probably following the clarifications between fuelers and tour boat hacks where necessary fees were exchanged. This is a farce, and right in line with the way everything else happens here.

Nothing to do with right and wrong… all about greasy palms… safety and the environment be damned.

BenPendejo

Cheap fair

Re: Which fair? Phuket officials stumble over New Year festival mix-up “...promote locally produced goods and services”.

Isn’t that what OTOP is supposed to be all about? The OTOP markets are supposed to provide a year-round outlet for traditional artisan goods and services. Instead they are just packed full of cheap bars and knock-off hand bags. Maybe the good general should look into that instead of temporary PR exercises like these.

CaptainJack69

Got a sniffer dog?

Re: Unsuspecting tourists heading to Phuket airport find themselves in meth bust “Please be aware of the vehicle that you are getting in, especially if there is anything in the van that does not belong there.” Just imagine what would happen if a tourist questioned the driver?

Rorri_2

Turning the taps

Re: Sky High: Phuket facing worst deluge of drugs ever, 23 arrests a day Wrote here many times

that Phuket is sinking under drugs and weapons. As long as Government keeps ‘mopping with the tap open’, just catching transports and young street dealers, then it will increase. Work up the ‘tree’, go after hi-so’s who finance all drug-producing factories, and became unexplainably rich.

Remember: No production, no supply. ‘Close the taps!’

Kurt

Temple troubles

Caught on camera

Re: National parks fees waived for New Year – for Thais Just another brick in the wall Thailand is building against tourists.

Foot

Re: Police scant on details on deadly motorbike crash that killed two tourists So many things are swept under the carpet. That accident had very clear CCTV showing the old man’s pickup turning into the path of the other vehicles. Then he just drove off and claimed he didn’t even know anything happened. The police were making all kinds of excuses for him. “He is old, blah blah blah.” Doesn’t change the facts… same same.

Timothy Does the kind of number plate have any effect to the death of two people killed as result of sudden -turn??

Wiesel

Re: OAG pushes for dissolution of scandal-hit temple They’ve got two properties on Koh Yao Noi that should be given back to the island, but not to whomever sold the land. Turn them into recreation centres for the children of the island.

Galong

Brick in the wall

Fast Lane

Re: Phuket Airport launches ‘E-Visa on Arrival’ It would be nice also if they could make a lane for foreigners working in Thailand with Non B visa and work permit.

Like other Asian countries do. albator

Our sentiments

Re: Matthew Pond passes away RIP Matt ;( Nasa12

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

8

THAILAND NEWS

PM Prayut Chan-o-cha jokes with residents of Chaiyaphum province on Monday, when he said that the royal coronation will take place ‘soon’. Photo: Government House

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

NACC assets probe sparks resignations BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

King’s coronation S soon, PM says BANGKOK PRIME MINISTER PRAyut Chan-o-cha has called on Thais to maintain unity and goodwill towards each other as His Majesty the King’s coronation will take place soon.

The prime minister also said he hoped a general election expected on Feb 24 and Thailand taking up the Asean chairmanship on Jan 1 next year would proceed peacefully.

Gen Prayut was speaking at a ceremony to unveil the Lam Saphung Dam construction project in Chaiyaphum’s Nong Bua Daeng district on Monday (Dec 3).

He said the King will make the decision about when the coronation takes place.

“When the King sets the

date of the coronation, we need to be sure peace and order prevail,” Gen Prayut said.

“His Majesty the King has continued what King Rama IX initiated. His Majesty always tells me and the government to try our best to take care of the people, fulfil their needs swiftly, solve their problems and explain to them to make sure they understand,” he added.

Gen Prayut previously said in June that the King’s coronation was expected to be held before the general election in February.

Addressing Thailand’s role as Asean chair next year, Gen Prayut said the country will host major meetings of the regional grouping and he wanted them to proceed without any trouble.

Bangkok Post

everal members of organisations in the public health sector have tendered their resignation ahead of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) rule obliging them to declare their assets and liabilities taking effect next month.

The National Health Security Board (NHSB) held a meeting on Monday (Dec 3) to appoint four new advisory members after those in the positions resigned.

Public Health Minster Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn, who chairs the NHSB, said in addition to the four resigned members, he had been made aware that Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang had also decided to step down as a board member.

Referring to reports that members of other organisations in the public health sector are resigning from their positions, Dr Piyasakol said, “I think they are keeping watch on how the NACC might adjust the rule, particularly whether these [assets and liabilities] must be made public.

“This is likely to be made clear by the end of the month,” he added.

The rule requires senior officials holding executive positions such as department deputy director-general, university rector and other equivalent positions

Ranking officials involved in public health are resigning rather than list their cash and property for the anti-corruption commission. to declare their assets and liabilities. It also obliges their spouses and children to submit declarations of their assets and debts to the NACC. It was earlier scheduled to come into force on Dec 2 but the NACC deferred it to Jan 31, following fierce criticism.

Dr Kittinan Anakamanee, CEO of the Healthcare Accreditation Institute, said three out of the organisation’s eight advisory board members had tendered their resignation.

They consisted of Dr Surachet Sathitniramai, former deputy permanent secretary for public health; Dr Boonruang Trairuangworawat, former chief of the

Department of Mental Health; as well as Dr Jirut Srirattanabun, a medial lecturer at Chulalongkorn University.

They submitted their resignation late last month, Dr Kittinan said, adding three new board members must be sought.

Dr Jirut said board members' assets and liabilities should not be made public as it could have an impact on third parties. He stressed his job is not politically related.

Health Systems Research Institute director Nopporn Cheanklin said two members of the agency’s board have expressed a desire to resign but will wait to see whether the NACC amends the rule.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Rise of the ‘Super Workers’ Labour minister orders Andaman skills, training development boost LABOUR The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

M

inister of of Labour Maj Gen Adul Saengsingkaew in Phuket on an inspection tour last Tuesday (Nov 27) ordered all relevant offices in the Andaman area under his ministry to co-ordinate to develop a superiorquality workforce he dubbed ‘Super Workers’.

The order was handed down during an inspection of the Phuket Institute for Skill Development located in Bang Jo, Srisoonthorn, in central Phuket.

At the centre, Gen Adul explained his 13-point ‘Super Worker’ policy to the heads of many government agencies of Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi and Ranong.

He ordered the provincial offices of the Department of Labour to play the central role in developing action plans to achieve the targets laid out in the policy, which aims to drive better skills and knowledge training for people to join the workforce as superior-skilled workers.

Gen Adul highlighted that the Phuket Institute for Skill Development itself played a key role, as it

Minister of of Labour Maj Gen Adul Saengsingkaew in Phuket last Tuesday (Nov 27). Photo: PR Dept provided training programs to create skilled workers for the Andaman tourism industry.

This year, 6,408 people have been enrolled in courses at the centre, with 1,065 people graduating in skills courses and a further 565 graduating in theory courses.

The graduates this year have been hired by 204 businesses, with those businesses having a combined workforce of 33,425 employees, Gen Adul pointed out.

The training provided by the centre targets 10 industries, and includes skills courses in bartend-

Top frozen seafood factory shut down, managing director arrested SEAFOOD THE PHUKET U NION Food frozen seafood factory was raided and shut down, and its managing director was arrested last Wednesday (Nov 28) after the facility was found to be operating without a licence.

Phuket Union Food is known to be one of Phuket’s leading suppliers of frozen foods to top Phuket restaurants, hotel and catering businesses.

Phuket Provincial Police accompanied by Paisarn Sukpunwan, head of the Administration Department at the Phuket Provincial Fisheries Office, raided the frozen-food facility, in Moo 1, Rassada, at 10am.

After arriving at the factory, Mr Paisarn requested from factory administrator Paprapun Woongtaveepitayakul, 27, permission inspect the facility and the appropriate registration documents.

The facility was found to @thephuketnews

The Phuket Union Food frozen seafood factory was raided and shut down, and its managing director was arrested, last Wednesday (Nov 28) after the facility was found to be operating without a licence. Photo: PR Dept have no license to operate.

Phuket Union Food now stands accused of failing to notify officials before operating a factory, Mr Paisarn explained.

The violation of Section 123/1 of the Fisheries Act 2015 incurs a fine of B1,000 to B100,000, he said.

Phuket Union Food Managing Director Anan Taebunyapaa, 47, was placed under arrest for the violation.

“He has been charged as

the factory operator failed to notify the competent officials in accordance with the rules and procedures proscribed by the DirectorGeneral (of the Fisheries Department), who had not granted the requisite factory operation permit under the factory law,” he said.

Anan was taken Phuket Provincial Police Station to have the charge read against him by police.

The Phuket News

ing, Thai and international cuisine, waiter skills, nutrition management on boats, techniques for serving wine, holistic health, Western spa and Thai massage for health, e-commerce development, online stores and even yacht painting and foreign languages, among others,

Gen Adul noted.

The Labour Minister also called for an update on the “visa service centre” and the issuing of work permits at the Phuket Provincial Employment Office to make sure the office, staff, equipment and operation systems were adequate.

Gen Adul related his report, nothing that in Phuket 321,440 people are of employment age, with 317,022 employed and 4,418 unemployed – giving a governmentcalculated unemployment rate of 1.37%.

Of note, according to government statistics, there are 84,478 foreign workers in Phuket, working at 10,925 establishments, Gen Adul added.

There are 19,257 skilled foreign workers registered at Phuket Employment Office, of which 17,661 are considered “temporary workers”, with 247 people issued work permits under the ‘Single Window for Work Permit’ government policy to attract skilled foreign workers**.

Of those who applied in Phuket for work permits under the ‘Single Window’ policy, the most popular industry categories were sales administration, hotel work, ecommerce, aquariums and software development, Gen Adul noted.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Phuket tourism dodges hit Plunge in Chinese arrivals offset by other markets, India shines TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket Vice Governor P r a k o b Wo n g m a neerung was told by representatives from the local hotel and tourism industry last week that the tourism situation on the island amid the “plunge” in the Chinese arrivals – in the wake of the Phoenix tour boat disaster that killed 47 Chinese tourists – was not as bad as previously predicted.

According to a report by the Phuket office of the Public Relations Department, local tourism business representatives told Vice Governor Prakob last Wednesday (Nov 28) that occupancy across the island for the month of October was 71.13%, a fall of only 2.3% compared with October last year.

The news was delivered at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall which was intended to cover the economic developments made to prepare the

island to become the ‘Phuket Mice Destination’.

According to the report, hotel occupancy in Phuket beach areas during October was 78.53%.

A total of 1,047,964 tourists visited the island during the month and each tourist on average spent B7,575.68 per person per day, said the report.

Total income generated by tourists during October was given as B37.158 billion.

Chinese tourists remained the largest group of tourists by number throughout October, despite some hotels reporting that about 5-10% of bookings

by Chinese tourists for the month were cancelled.

Russian tourists were the second largest market, followed by Australians, Koreans, Malaysians and Germans, respectively, the meeting was told.

FIT tourists (Free Independent Travellers) were becoming increasingly common on the island, the report added.

The news came as Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat reported that

Chinese tourists remained the largest group of of tourists by number in Phuket throughout October, despite some hotels reporting that about 5-10% of bookings by Chinese tourists for the month were cancelled. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot tourist arrivals to Thailand were reportedly up 20% in the latter half of November allegedly in response to the government’s visa-on-arrival (VOA) fee waivers, with India the star market.

Visitors from other major markets like China are also bouncing back, said Minister Weerasak, reported the Bangkok Post.

Arrivals from India and China were up about 20% compared with the first half

of the month, when VOA fees were still in effect for countries under the scheme.

The starting date of waiving VOA fees for arrivals of 21 nationalities was Nov 15.

The exemption runs through Jan 13.

The B2,000 VOA fee is waived for travellers from Andorra, Bulgaria, Bhutan, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea,

Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.

Before the implementation, a total of 2.7 million tourists visited the country in October, down 0.5% year-on-year, mainly due to slowing arrivals from China. Some 646,000 Chinese tourists visited the country last month, a 19.8% plunge from October of last year, with revenue from the China market falling 16.5% to B34.6 billion.

For the India market, Mr Weerasak said about 117,000 Indians travelled to Thailand last month, a 4.2% increase from October 2017, with revenue jumping 8.2% to B5.3bn.

Meanwhile, the government has been asked to extend the waiver of visa-on-arrival (VOA) fees past Jan 13 and to the end of April to lure international visitors during Songkran.

Wichit Prakobkosol, President of the Association of Thai Travel Agents (Atta), said the two-month fee exemption for 21 countries, which began on Nov 15, is too short for

tour businesses to arrange marketing plans. Normally travel operators need 30-60 days in advance for arranging trips and travel packages, especially for big tour groups.

He said waiving the VOA fee should help restore China and other markets, but the initiative will have better results if the exemption period is extended.

Mr Wichit said many Chinese tourists will come to Thailand in the first week of February to celebrate Chinese New Year, while tourists from other countries, especially in Southeast Asia, will come to enjoy Songkran in April.

“If the VOA scheme is extended, we believe that the number of Chinese tourists will increase to 3 million in the first quarter next year, the same as the first quarter this year,” he said. “But if it is not extended, arrivals from mainland China will total about 2.5 million.”

Growth in the China market in 2019 is unlikely to reach 10% as in recent years, he added.

VAT refund on up to B20,000 in store ECONOMICS T H E F I NA NC E M I N IST RY plans to offer a value-added tax (VAT) refund to shoppers who spend up to B20,000 from Feb 1-15 next year in a bid to boost domestic spending amid murky economic prospects.

With a B20,000 maximum and a 5% VAT refund, shoppers will be eligible for B1,000 back, said Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong.

Only spending on debit cards with savings accounts linked to PromptPay will qualify for the VAT refund.

The shopping tax break is expected to cost the government B6-7 billion in forgone revenue, Mr Apisak said.

The VAT refund period coincides with Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb 5, 2019. Thailand has a 7% VAT on domestic purchases of goods and services.

The Finance Ministry’s latest tax break idea comes amid criticism that the government’s recent B86.9bn splurge on low-income earners, the elderly and retirees represents pork-barrel policymaking as next year’s general election approaches.

Critics have said the cash handout packages will give the pro-

government camp an advantage over other political parties in the general election.

Mr Apisak said he hopes the VAT refund scheme prompts a spending spree and helps maintain the country’s economic growth at 4% or above next year.

In the event that the economy expands by less than 4%, an enormous effort would be required to raise the figure to 4%, he said.

Refund claimants are required to spend at shops that have electronic data capture connected to pointof-sale terminals to enable their spending information to be directed to the Revenue Department.

The VAT will be refunded through PromptPay, the government’s online money transfer system,

by March 15.

Financial institutions have requested a fee waiver to add debit features to ATM cards to facilitate the measure, Mr Apisak said.

Unlike the imminent tax break for purchases of tyres, books (both hard copies and e-books) and One Tambon One Product (Otop) items, purchases of all goods and services with VAT obligations can be claimed under the new scheme, which all consumers can enjoy.

Mr Apisak insisted that the new tax incentive is not a means for the

T he shopping ta x break i s scheduled to coincide with Chinese New Year in 2019. government to seek voter support, but rather is part of a series of measures the Finance Ministry has considered for a while.

Pinsai Suraswadi, Director of Tax Policy and Planning at the Revenue Department, said tax break, expected from Dec 15, 2018 to Jan 15, 2019, will cost the government B1.6bn in revenue.

Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Classic French cooking with a twist at DeDos

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

13

Hawking’s final book on the big questions

16

THE MAN OF STEEL

Mom Tri dissolves the human form in his latest artwork Bruce Stanley

M

om Tri Devakul has decided to devote much of his remaining years creating and building art. Expanding his design ideas by working with new mediums, he is presenting his new sculptural work, DISSOLUTION IN STEEL at WOK Gallery Kitchen opening Saturday, December 15 at 6:30pm.

The public is very welcome to attend.

For those relatively new to Phuket, ML Tri Devakul is not only one of Thailand’s most celebrated architects, he is responsible for developing many of this island’s most iconic resorts and upscale destinations which celebrate authentic Thai design elements.

“When I returned to live and work in Thailand after 20 years abroad it was at a time when many historical teak buildings and temples were being replaced by modern concrete structures. I was very fortunate to save many of these classic Thai heritage buildings, many I have integrated into resort and house designs.”

His early local work include Le Meridien Phuket, the Nai Harn at Rawai Beach, the Boathouse Phuket and his own estate, Villa Royale located at the top of the headline between Kata and Kata Noi beaches. All his buildings welcome open space and the beauty of nature.

“I studied architecture at Harvard University in the United States but spent much of my childhood in Washington DC where I attended the Washington National Cathedral, the second largest church in the United States. I was always impressed with the open grandeur of the interiors. I try to bring that sense of space to all of my buildings.”

In addition to designing more recent Phuket projects at Trisara and Mom Tri’s Villa Grand Cru on Kata Hill, he has supported local Phuket and visiting international artists by sponsoring gallery shows, literary and musical events including the annual Baan Kata Artsfest, when each year musicians from the Bangkok Symphony travel to Villa Royale to perform classical Western music and often the original compositions of his cousin, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Mom Tri also invites painters and sculptors to present their work around the lavish gardens at his estate.

Recently, he decided to focus WOK @thephuketnews

gallery kitchen, adjacent to his upscale Grand Cru property development on Kata hill overlooking Chalong Bay, as a venue for regular painting, sculpture and music events.

Mom Tri’s varied career has included the creation of the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok and an entire development devoted to learning north of Chiang Mai, the Traidhos Three Generation Community for Learning which includes the General Prem Tinsulanonda International School.

He was also the founder for Phuket’s world famous King’s Cup Regatta now celebrating 30 years of competitive racing events bringing yachters to the island from around the world.

During the more than four decades of creative construction of projects around the country, he has always found time to return to his retreat on Phuket at Villa Royale.

“My home at Villa Royale has always been a place to design and develop new ideas. Before the days of international tourism, I spent many wonderful hours watching young, sometimes naked hippies play on the

beaches below. I turned these figures into wood and resin sculptures which can still be seen around my Phuket properties. I have always planned to devote my time to art when I retired from property and community development.”

Mom Tri’s current show, DISSOLUTION IN STEEL, continues his interest in the human form which reflects his talents as an architect searching for angles and as an artist fascinated by the human body.

“My earlier work celebrates the energy of youth while DISSOLUTION IN STEEL literally shows the human form disintegrating into parts. The work is made from the same steel used to make cars and sprayed with the same paint. These sculptures are three dimensional. I work mostly with the male figure as I can more easily create the structural form with muscles, tendons all stretching and dissolving into space.”

Mom Tri’s art, like his public buildings stimulate the senses with their beauty and originality. He is currently expanding his studio so he can work in a larger scale for future projects. A

Mom Tri Devakul explores the human anatomy in his latest works using steel and car spray paint. visit to his opening, DISSOLUTION IN STEEL, will reveal the current stage of his many talents.

DISSOLUTION IN STEEL 15 Dec 2018 – 31 Jan 2019 Mom Tri’s Wok Gallery Kitchen 32/78 4 T. A. 83130, Soi Muang Phuket, Rawai Tel: 076 608 899 Facebook: wokpagoda

12 CULTURE

Guru Prep Academy

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Studying for ‘The Thamasooksa Test’ ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

I

n America, the Church and State have been staunchly separated for centuries. The United States was never a religious Kingdom and, these days, most traces of its Christian roots are being purged out of the government classroom entirely.

Thailand, however, is going in the opposite direction. As far as things are concerned in Thailand, Buddha is practically still teaching the class Himself.

The Thai government is trying very hard to preserve Thailand’s Buddhist roots.

Recently, I became familiar with the timeless ‘Thamasooksa’ Test. Pronounced ‘tom-mah-sook-suh,’ the test ultimately descends from a bygone era of Kings, Queens, and even the occasional Asian elephant dual.

Measuring Thai Buddhist Knowledge, the Thamasooksa is a theocratic exam. It measures a high-schooler’s command of the Thai Buddhist Canon.

Tanakorn Udarasak is a Mattha­yom 3 (high school) student at Thai­land’s prestigious Suankularb Wittayalai School, also known in English as the Rose Garden College. His family supported my interview request.

Buddhist Asia was once loaded with theocratic examinations. He explained that, in antiquity, they held the key to the best jobs and schools but that this is no longer the case. “In my opinion, they don’t do much. It doesn’t offer jobs,” he said.

Speaking in effortless English, Tanakorn explained that Thai Buddhist classes are still taught by veteran,

high-ranking Buddhist Monks; just as in ages past. “We call him Pra Ajarn, which kind of translates to Teacher Monk,” he said.

When asked if anything had been significantly modernised, he reached for his smartphone and it turned out that the first test was supposedly held in the Thai Buddhist year of 2472 (1929 AD).

Originally a test for religious students, it has since found popularity with Thai high schoolers at-large because today’s students enjoy bringing home good religious grades.

He explained that there are several sections to the test. The first section is 100 multiple-choice questions about important Thai Buddhist history and VIPs. The next 100 multiple-choice questions are about total Buddhist teachings throughout time and the last 100 are about Buddhist rules and edicts.

Finally, however, is a writing examination. Called ‘Gra-too-tom’ (which we loosely translate as ‘the Buddhist Essays’), the writing exam works by focusing the student participant on one of Buddha’s lessons as rendered in a small translation.

The student is asked to define the text, compare the original passage to the Thai passage and then extend it by eigh to 13 lines. His job is to summarise the text, conclude it and, at times, synthesise the meanings of old and new versions.

“There are three levels to the test,” Tanakorn says. “The first level is offered to the youngest Matthayom (high school) students at grade M1.” The M1 student can only pass by providing at least one supporting reference from memory in his writing sample.

On Level 2, the student has to cite two supporting texts from memory in the Thai Buddhist Canon in order to

The Thamasooksa measures a high-schooler’s command of the Thai Buddhist Canon. Photo: Pexels.

Student Monk studying the scriptures. Photo: Pexels pass. He can retake the test once per year until he passes.

Of course, the final exam is the most challenging. A student must be able to consistently quote three Canonical references per written response.

This year’s test was on Nov 29 and it was a five-hour exam. It consisted of three hours of multiple-choice testing before lunch hour, then two hours of written exams.

Thai Buddhist Knowledge exams are an invaluable asset in the contemporary world because they reinforce the transmission and preservation of Thai Buddhism or, more specifically, Theravada Buddhism – the most ancient form of Buddhism.

Ancient Buddhism has more superstition, God-worship, animism and folklore than does Western Buddhism; which is often secular in nature. They are practically two different religions at times.

Teaching Monks and Thamasooksa Tests vaccinate the Thai public against watered-down, ‘cookie-cutter’ Buddhism. The proactive preservation of Thai animism, God-worship and folklore etches tradition into stone and, perhaps more importantly, preserves its relevancy.

Little of this ‘sustained relevancy,’ by the way, is via accident. Thailand’s current constitution was passed, in notable part, because of a controversial provision that enshrined the protection of Thai Style Theravada Buddhism into State Law. As of the time of this writing, Buddhist Nationalists continue to press for total recognition as the preeminent religion of state.

Meanwhile, today’s Thai students find themselves caught in the middle of cultural tension. Thai law requires religious testing on Buddhism, Brahmin-Hinduism, Sikhism, Christianity and Islam, but often skews predominently towards Thai Buddhism.

From the outside, this has mislead certain academic organisations, NGOs, the US Department of State, and even many Thai parents to believe that Thailand’s current state rhetoric is being

School textbook for The Thamasooksa Test passively acquired by our youth in order to maintain today’s cultural requirements. But those who are close to the students know otherwise upon hearing certain famous songs that they play, or their counter-culture language.

Yet, despite all of that controversy, I explained to Tanakorn that Western Buddhism often lacks Thailand’s more colourful story-telling and that, in the West, tests like the Thamasooksa are becoming more infrequently used – an unfortunate march towards a bygone way of life.

Asked about his thoughts on that, the unusually-wise 14-year-old replied, “There is good and bad in every action.

Religion is one of the basic things in civilisation. You should learn why your actions are important.”

“Life and death are not enemies, they’re old friends,” the teenage prodigy sagely stated.

Hmm… now there is a pithy thought.

All About Buddhism is a monthly column in The Phuket News where I take readers on my exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism. If you have any specific queries, or ideas for articles, please let us know. Email editor1@classactmedia.co.th, and I will do my best to accommodate your interests. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 13

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Duo of salmon and tuna tartares.

Classic dishes with an Asian twist.

DeDos – Another decade of dining Laguna’s hotspot for Classic French cooking with an Asian twist THE CULINARY DETECTIVE Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

M

y daily routine begins with sinking into my favourite armchair, macchiato conveniently at my side, reconnecting to the world of online news, social media and print. Yes, to this day I still experience a sense of comforting familiarity when turning the pages of newsprint between my thumb and forefinger.

On browsing the features of the day, I increasingly notice that we are being bombarded with new restaurant concepts, chefs reinventing the classics, as they further convince themselves that these new ‘unique’ experiences are what we, their diners, are seeking.

They are striving to create a memorable experience which in the future we will recall, reflect on and perhaps persuade us to return, rather than post on social media and then forget. Perhaps their talents would be better employed by focusing on our past memories. Try to recreate the emotion we felt a few years ago.

Beyond the restaurant scene fond recollections come from music – a favourite song that was playing when we proposed or at our child’s graduation party. It can even be a particular perfume scent such as, Paco Rabanne – in my opinion, a timeless classic that will never fall out of fashion.

Dishes can also create this nostalgia; for me it would be a somewhat traditional prawn cocktail, with a freshly prepared tangy marie-rose sauce or perhaps a juicy roast chicken or my mother’s absolutely stellar lentil soup.

On entering DeDos on the periphery of the Laguna, I experience this exact same sense of returning home after a lengthy trip or catching up with an old friend from university after many, many years.

Pablo and his wife Bee warmly welcome me. They met each other in Phuket and decided to create this classic French up-market bistro; a true family venture. They celebrated 10 years open in September. @thephuketnews

Upon seating, I have time to take in the cosy atmosphere; the restaurant on two levels with an outside covered terrace for romantic occasions and red and white tablecloths echo the rather retro theme.

Pablo is half-Bolivian, half-Swiss, trained by Chef Paul Bocuse, the godfather of French classic cuisine and following this experience in starstudded restaurants across Europe. He shares with me his philosophy of cooking, emphasising fresh produce in a French style occasionally with an Asian twist, be it Thai or even Japanese.

Perusing the menus, I spot a particular value for money five-course set menu at B990 which has recently been introduced. This menu changes often and tonight offers Sea Bass and Duck breast, both of which I choose to try.

The a la carte menu has a wider selection with dishes such as Foie Gras Ravioli, Lobster Bisque and Tournedos Rossini. Depending on seasonal availability, also offered are daily specials of premium products such as Canadian Lobster in both a classic preparation of saffron and crab meat or an Asian influenced presentation of mango salsa and wasabi crème fraiche. No shortage of choices then!

Warm and fluffy home-made sesame seed bread arrives with butters including a very tasty sun-dried tomato. In the background, I am aware of 80s and 90s favourites such as Abba and even Cockney Rebel tempting me ever so slightly to mouth the lyrics quietly to myself. Fortunately, Sa, the service supervisor, arrives just in time to stifle my urge to break into song, bringing with her my amuse bouche of a perfectly balanced mini carrot and ginger soup.

In conversation I discover she has been here eight years; she is also a key part of the DeDos family!

My duo of tartares arrives; salmon and tuna, both fresh and zesty, the former with a simple marinate of lemon, capers and onions and the tuna with Japanese nori. To continue, I could not resist the Foie Gras Ravioli with porcini, melt in the mouth foie in a rich mushroom sauce with added texture from the pasta and the porcini. I am presented with my first dish from tonight’s set menu – sea bass tempura with tomato bisque sauce. A crunchy coating-covering fresh flaky sea bass;

Japanese fish and chips!

The following dish from the set menu also does not disappoint – a tender duck breast cooked sous vide to keep all the flavours in, accompanied with baby carrots, leek and herb mash and a rich jus.

To end, the dessert menu is irresistible with warm chocolate cake and crepes suzette on offer, however I choose a crème brulee with a hint of ginger – a decadent finale.

As I bid farewell to a smiling couple, I cannot help but also smile too.

DeDos is like sitting in the garden on a Sunday morning reading the colour supplements, all is well with the world!

It’s enjoyably familiar yet with delicate innovative touches, and I will be smiling throughout my journey home.

Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and will contribute a monthly restaurant column.

14 COMMUNITY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

The Global Aquatic Project

Local program trains teachers so that every child can learn to swim

O

Oz Swim Aquatics

z Swim Aquatics is an Australian-based company providing aquatic education for teachers since 2007. Director, Eve Fraser, driven by her passion for the water and an understanding that the drowning statistics in many countries are compounded by the lack of opportunity and access to quality swimming programs, had a vision to do something about it.

Eve first visited Thailand in 2012. Since that time, she has assisted Thai nationals to come to Australia and train in her swim school to gain the skills to teach swimming and run a successful business. Over the years we have watched the swimming industry develop, however she identified key gaps in the learning process that did not adequately support a program to reduce the drowning statistics.

Following the world headlines where 12 boys were stuck in a cave, Eve Fraser decided the time was right to address the problem head on. Kru Payu connected Eve to Dr John Schorr, Chair of the Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Program in Chiang Mai and member of Rotary International Chiang Mai. Dr Schorr already had the foundation of a program with funds to support lessons.

A team of experienced teachers and trainers from Australia, who were prepared to pay their own way and volunteer their time, were recruited.

The team included Eve Fraser (Bronze Coach, Learn to Swim Teacher, Specialist of Infant Aquatics, Learner with a Disability and Behaviour Management), Herbie Howard (Paralympic Coach, Silver

The Oz Swim Aquatics team train the swim teachers at BISP. Coach, and Trainer) and Liz Maloney (Learn to Swim teacher and trainer). The rest is history.

The team flew to Chiang Mai on Nov 10 and over the next week qualified 18 Learn to Swim Teachers, three Teachers of Babies & Toddlers, and 34 volunteers before moving on to Phuket.

With the initial success the team knew how they needed to roll out the training and the program.

The British International School Phuket (BISP) was their home for the next four days. Working with English and American qualified swim teachers who were eager to learn and adapt to the simplified program, the training had a strong focus on life saving, right from the first lesson.

By the end of the training BISP had agreed to become the venue for

Natthasak Thawudom (Krupayu Swimming), Eve Fraser (Director Oz Swim Aquatics) and Dr John Schorr Ph.D. (Chiang Mai International Rotary Club) the community program and the Ban Ya school has now confirmed for 80 students to participate in a learn-to-swim program every day for two weeks in January 2019.

The team also visited the Koh Siray School and met with the Director to discuss the program.

Oz Swim Aquatics and The Global Aquatic Project are sensitive to the barriers of learning.

They have key partners with Swim Australia who provided uniforms for staff and discount training packages to ensure more teachers could be trained and qualified. On their first mission they provided over 100 swim caps, goggles and

swim suits to ensure children had the appropriate gear.

With the support they have gained through their first mission the team expect to deliver at least three missions in 2019 providing equipment and resources, as well as essential training to ensure there are enough trainers available to deliver the program... so that every child learns to swim. www.ozswim.com.au Eve Fraser j.p. (qual), B.Bus Qualified Trainer & Assessor Swim Australia, Royal Life Saving Society evefraser@ozswim.com.au

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Forward Fold.

Hip Thrust.

Spinal Twist.

Lateral Side Stretch.

Getting back to basics The six healthy movements to strengthen your spine LET’S GET BENT Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

H

ello and welcome to the last month of the year. I have a gem for you this month, an amazing tool that you can add to your healthy life toolbox.

As a yoga teacher, the most common thing I hear is “my back, my back, oh my aching back!”

This month I want to share with you the six healthy movements of the spine. These movements are not yoga specific, they are more body movement science and when performed throughout the day help to keep the spine moving.

I have said this before, the spine is the highway of the body and when the spine is tight, congested and not moving the rest of the body will follow suit.

The spine has muscles and connective tissue that hold it together and join the spine to the rest of the body. These muscles spiral around the spine in vertical, diagonal and horizontal directions.

The six healthy movements of the spine address all of these directions and help to keep the spine moving freely. Think of these movements as the oil that keeps the spine lubricated.

My suggestion is to perform these movements every hour of the day. Use a reminder app on your phone or desktop to help keep you on track. I have had students contact me after returning home from their stay in Phuket to tell me how useful these six movements have become in their daily routine, and that the daily stiffness they felt from stagnant, repetitive movements of an average work day were alleviated.

Here are a few reasons on why the spine is so important: • Your spinal cord gives you the ability to bend and twist. An injured spine limits your mobility. If you accidentally injure it, wear it out over time, or have repeated bad posture, you could have difficulty with things like bending over, picking things up, sitting up straight, walking, twisting your spine, or moving your neck.

• The nervous system runs elec@thephuketnews

trical impulses up and down the spine to areas that feel sensation. A damaged spinal cord can disrupt neural responses, disabling sensations in parts of your body.

• When you swallow food and water, it travels down your throat into your esophagus, and then into your stomach. Your esophagus is parallel with your spine. If you accidentally injure your spine, it can press against your esophagus, obstruct it, or puncture it.

• Incorrect movement, intense exercises and bad posture can add unnecessary pressure to the spine, which over time can lead to degenerative diseases. Abnormal movement and improper posture can cause wear and tear to your spinal structure, leading to injuries and can permanently damage your spinal discs and joints.

• Without your spine working properly, your quality of life can greatly deteriorate. You won’t be able to enjoy many of the activities you love.

Let me guide you through the six healthy movements of the spine.

1. The fold forward – Standing upright with your legs straight, either together or apart. Lean forward and fold the top of your body over the bottom half of your body. You can touch your hands to your knees, to the floor, lean over a bench top, lean over the back of a chair or lean forward and place your hands on a wall.

2. The hip thrust – This is probably the most difficult of the six movements to get right as most people will bend and compress at the lower back instead of stretching at the front of the hips.

This is how I explain this movement - “Place your hands on your ribs and as you breath in pick up your ribs, lift them high off your hips, then as you breathe out imagine someone kicks your bum forward to the front. You will feel a stretch at the front of your hips.”

3 & 4. Simple twist – Still standing with your legs straight, bring your arms to your chest with elbows facing outwards and twist your shoulders and back to the left and the right looking over each shoulder as you do so.

5&6. Lateral side twists – Your feet are hip-width apart, in-breathe and bring your right hand above your head, left hand on your left hip, out-breathe and hips to the right torso to the left.

You will feel a stretch down the right

side of the body. Inhale to come back to centre and swap arms and exhale to lean right to stretch the left side.

You can hold each stretch for as long as you like, but a minimum of a five second count is a good place to start.

As you work with these movements you will notice they take less than 30 seconds total. Therefore they are a quick and simple way to keep moving all day.

Try it out for a week and let me know how much better your feel.

Have a great December, stay safe, be mindful and happy stretching.

Metta, Kim oxo.

Kim White Yoga One of the main motivations that drives Kim to teach Yoga is her desire to keep true, real Yoga alive; the propagation of Yoga for Yoga. She strives to achieve this through teaching and helping people fall in love with Yoga everyday. She gives you her yoga mind and yoga heart to guide anyone wishing to traverse the beautiful journey that is Yoga. Teaching group classes, private classes, yoga intensives & retreats across the Island. www.mindbodyyogasystem.com Call +66862769174

TURNING POINTS Expat Mental Wellness Advice

D

epression.

One of the most common but under-diagnosed disorders in society is depression, often called “Major Depressive Disorder”.

Research indicates that 7-21% of studied populations have experienced one or more episodes of diagnosed major depression, while another 10% of the population likely experience it but have never been treated or diagnosed.

The type and severity of depression can vary from person to person. Even if a person appears to be functioning normally they may experience extreme fatigue, pessimism, worry, lack of ambition and a general feeling of being “low”.

The origins of depression can be varied, for some it’s a genetic or a

bio-chemical condition, for others it may be a reaction to environmental stressors, such as financial or relationship stress, and still others suffer from “cognitive distortions” or pessimistic thinking that encourages them to see most things in a negative light.

No matter what the initial cause for the depression, the treatment options are basically the same; medications or psychotherapy. There are many anti-depressants on the market that have offered depression sufferers varying degrees of improvement. While medications are relatively fast acting (3-6 weeks) and not overly expensive, for some people they build a tolerance to the drug and they stop working eventually. For others, they find once the

medication stops working the original source of the depression remains and is often worse than originally.

Psychotherapy (a generic word for most “talk” therapies) may take more time to become effective, but the changes are usually permanent and the client does not have any issues with side effects that may exists with medications.

There are several choices of therapy for depression and other mood disorders, but CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) is currently the most effective, popular and solution-focused option.

If you feel you may suffer from depression or another mood disorder, a brief assessment with a qualified psychologist can identify if there is something that can help you.

Craig Gagnon, Clinical Director of Miracles Asia, an Addiction & Mental Wellness Centre in Phuket. www.miraclesasia.com or email info@miraclesasia.com or call 076 529 510.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Hawking was the first to set out a theory of cosmology. Photo: Pixabay

Last words on the Universe Hawking’s final book offers brief answers to big questions AFP

S

tephen Hawking’s final work, which tackles issues from the existence of God to the potential for time travel, was launched in October by his children, who helped complete the book after the British astrophysics giant’s death.

Stephen Hawking’s final book tackles issues from the existence of God to the potential to time travel.

Hawking was forever being asked the same things and started work on Brief Answers To The Big Questions last year - but did not finish it before he died in March, aged 76.

It has been completed by the theoretical physicist’s family and academic colleagues, with material drawn from his vast personal archive.

“He was regularly asked a set of questions,” his daughter Lucy Hawking said at the Science Museum in London.

The book was an attempt to bring together the most definitive, clearest, most authentic answers that he gave.

“We all just wish he was here to see it.”

Hawking, who was wheelchair bound due to motor neuron disease, dedicated his life’s work to unravelling the mysteries of the universe.

The cosmologist was propelled to stardom by his 1988 book A Brief History of Time, an unlikely worldwide bestseller.

It won over fans from far beyond the rarefied world of astrophysics and prompted people into asking the mastermind his thoughts on broader topics, answered in his final work.

The 10 questions Hawking tackles are: • Is there a God? • How did it all begin?

• What is inside a black hole?

• Can we predict the future?

• Is time travel possible?

• Will we survive on Earth?

• Is there other intelligent life in the universe?

• Should we colonise space?

• Will artificial intelligence outsmart us?

• How do we shape the future?

In his book, Hawking says humans have no option but to leave Earth, risking being “annihilated” if they do not.

He says computers will overtake humans in intelligence during the next 100 years, but “we will need to ensure that the computers have goals aligned with ours”.

Hawking says the human race had to improve its mental and physical

World-renowned physicist Stephen Hawking.

Photo: Jason Bye qualities, but a genetically-modified race of superhumans, say with greater memory and disease resistance, would imperil the others.

He says that by the time people realise what is happening with climate change, it may be too late.

Hawking says the simplest explanation is that God does not exist and there is no reliable evidence for an afterlife, though people could live on through their influence and genes.

He says that in the next 50 years, we will come to understand how life began and possibly discover whether life exists elsewhere in the universe.

“He was deeply worried that at a time when the challenges are global, we were becoming increasingly local in our thinking,” Lucy Hawking said.

“It’s a call to unity, to humanity, to bring ourselves back together and really face up to the challenges in front of us.”

In his final academic paper, Hawking shed new light on black holes and the information paradox, with new work calculating the entropy of black holes.

Turned into an animation narrated

by Hawking’s artificial voice, it was shown at the book launch.

“It was very emotional. I turned away because I had tears forming,” Lucy Hawking said on hearing her father’s voice again.

“It feels sometimes like he’s still here because we talk about him and hear his voice... and then we have the reminder that he’s left us.” thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 17

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

A secluded spot away from the hussle and bussle.

The reef at Ao Sane has good snorkelling when seas are calm.

AO SANE BEACH

The one you may have heard of, but never ventured to JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk

Y

ou might not have heard of Ao Sane beach. I know people who live here who don’t know it, or they have heard of it, but have never been, or don’t know how to get there! Ao Sane beach is still a small, quiet beach and when I visited recently I felt like I’d gone back in time.

First time I went to Ao Sane was 2006 and it’s really not changed since then. The southwest corner of Phuket makes for a nice drive in a car or on a moped, there’s plenty to see in this area such as the Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, Phromthep Cape and plenty more. The roads are quiet here and the scenery is great even if the area is a lot more developed than it used to be.

Ao Sane Beach is not well known and is a little bit hidden. You need to get to the larger Nai Harn Beach, and at the north end of the beach follow the road that passes around the entrance to The Nai Harn Resort. Then you have about another 600 meters of narrow, twisty cliff-side road before reaching a small parking area and a big sign saying ‘Ao-Sane Bungalow and Restaurant’. If you carry on straight you enter the Baan Krating Resort.

There’s space for lots of mopeds, but not so many cars. And I saw a couple of signs saying they will fine you and

You can rent a beach hut right on the seafront. @thephuketnews

remove your vehicle if you block the road, so I guess there has been an issue in the past! You could also just park at Nai Harn, where there is more parking space, and walk about 1 kilometre from there to Ao Sane.

Then you walk down a steep concrete path for about 50 metres to the beach. Ao Sane is not big – the beach stretches only about 130 metres from end-to-end with granite rocks at either end, and some pretty big granite boulders on the beach and in the sea too. The view looking east towards Phromthep Cape and Ya Nui Beach is great.

At the east end of the beach there are some beach chairs in the shade. Not too many, and I am guessing you’ll need to pay to rent one. With the restaurant only a few steps away, this is a place you could easily sit for some hours and have a few holiday drinks interspersed with a swim or snorkel in the sea. I believe the snorkeling here is okay when the sea is calm.

The restaurant has plenty of tables, mostly in the shade. Looks pretty much like it did back in 2006. Nothing fancy, prices reasonable… maybe a bit more than I’d want to normally pay for Thai food. It’s all very quiet and relaxing.

No loud music, no traffic noise, just the sound of the ocean. I had not planned more than a quick visit to take photos, but figured a beverage would be nice and why not have some lunch too.

Thai food prices were about B90-150.

I went for fish and chips (B200) and it was a very good portion. And went very well with a cold drink in hand. I sat for nearly an hour enjoying life. I think a trip with the whole family will be on the cards soon – and then I can have more than one chilled one and let my wife drive (grin).

To the west side of the restaurant are a few bungalows, some looking better than others. The low season rate is B500 per night. Basic, but right on the beach with a restaurant next door. Deal? I am not sure where else in Phuket you can get a beachfront bungalow for that.

I need to spend a bit more time in

this area. The nearby Nui Beach is on my list for a visit soon and Nai Harn Beach is very nice too. Rawai Beach has places to eat and you can hire boats out to nearby islands. One day I really should get to the restaurant at Bon Island.

Too much to see, too little free time.

Look out for the entrance for this secret hide away.

Jamie Monk works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers. For more information call: 084 626 4646 or visit: sunrise-divers.com.

You can read more about Phuket on Jamie’s Phuket Blog http://www.jamiesphuketblog.com/

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Loving the Mini-Me Vader. May the force be with you...

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Tobi, Urs and Holger.

Um receives the Best Sponsor Award for Class Act Media.

Spot the difference. Can you tell who is the real 007?

THE HOLLYWOOD STARS ARE ALIVE AT SKAL PHUKET CHARITY EVENT A host of world-renowned celebrities – well, their local lookalikes anyway – turned out for the Skal Phuket Charity Event at the Angsana Laguna Ballroom on Saturday (Dec 1).

The glitzy event saw ‘Academy Awards’ handed out as Skal Phuket honoured those businesses on the island that have made a difference, whether through service, charity, or just great times. The main purpose of the evening was to raise money for local charities. Every baht raised will go towards improving a child’s life. A great event, for a great cause. Well done, Skal Phuket and everyone who took part!

Rob Peters (Director of QSI International School of Phuket), Nok, Yvonne Symons (GM at Ice Arena Phuktet ) and Harry.

Santa’s little helpers take to the ice.

A VERY COOL GRAND OPENING OF THE ICE ARENA IN BOAT LAGOON

Boat Lagoon hosted the Grand Opening Celebrations last Friday lunchtime (Nov 30) with refreshments, a figure skating and ice hockey show. Attendees also enjoyed a special greeting from Santa’s helpers who donned their skates for the event.

The official opening of the exhibition included a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Jason, Brian, Asa and Robert.

OCEAN MARINA BOAT SHOW ATTRACTS REGIONAL VISITORS Another successful installment of the Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show was held over the weekend of Nov 29 to Dec 02. The event drew lots of visitors from all over the region.

18TH ARCHITECT & HOTELEX EXHIBITION HELD AT NOVOTEL The sold out and extremely well attend Construction Materials & Hotel Supplies Exhibition saw all types of construction materials from floors to roof tiles, hotel supplies and home decoration items presented at the event across Nov 28 to Dec 1 at the Novotel Phuket Phokeethra in Phuket Town. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Gadvadee Dumluck (right) and her team.

ISLAND SCENE 19

Panatchapon Saisukon, Yasmin Carlos Juan, Rossukon and Gadvadee Dumluck.

LIVING IN PHUKET EXPO CONNECTS EXPATS WITH LOCAL SERVICES The third annual ‘Living in Phuket’ exhibition was held at Bangkok Hospital Phuket. The annual event, set up to help Phuket’s many expats and their families connect with the services that will make their lives on the island easier, attracts many major organisations and groups from Phuket’s community to one location, making it that much easier to find the right support without having to run around town collecting information.

The ALFA team and friends enjoying the anniversary.

There’s nothing quite like a glitzy backdrop to put a shine on the evening.

ALFA CLUB AND RESTAURANT CELEBRATE THEIR 6TH ANNIVERSARY Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort Phuket invited guests to celebrate the 6th Anniversary of ALFA Club and Restaurant in luxurious style. The club has been a favorite spot for sunset and twilight evenings with fabulous view over the Patong Bay.

The ladies poised for a great night of laughs.

Trevor, Jermey, Brian and Dustin.

GREAT COMEDY NIGHT WITH TREVOR CROOK AND BRIAN AYLWARD A fantastic and fun evening last Sunday (Dec 2) when Trevor and Brian were joined by Jeremy Scipio with Dustin Moore as MC at the monthly Stand Up Asia comedy event at the Marriott Resort, Merlin Beach. A very vocal audience, which had the comedians interacting with the audience in hysterical fashion. Looking forward to the next one in January.

The Gentlemen, from left: Sari Arab, Sriram Kailasam, Chef Kreaton Cutajar and Narathip Vongpattamas with local media Jom, Fon, Um and Nuchie.

TRE RESTAURANT CELEBRATE NEW MENUS AT BANYAN TREE Tre Restaurant at Banyan Tree launched six new menus created by Chef Kreaton Cutajar (Executive Sous Chef). The select dishes on the new menus taste delicious at the waterfront restaurant with great atmosphere. The attendees enjoyed a selection of drinks to go with each menu surrounded by the stars. @thephuketnews

Sawitri Dawson, Kru Pornruthai Ritakorn, Praphan Kiawphan, Nirasa Evans, Piched Jueythongsri, Sukkay Junon, Wanida Kittidhrakul, Sasithorn Kittidhrakul and Colin Reed.

OPENING CEREMONY OF KRABI SCIENCE AND LABORATORY BLOCK On Thursday (Nov 29), Piched Jueythongsri and Praphan Kiawphan of the Krabi Provincial Education Office, Sukkay Junon of Nongtalay Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, Miss Noppornrat Jornjarun of the Krabi Provincial Employment Office and Miss Kanchana Kaenphet of the Office of Social Development and Human Security attended the official opening of the new secondary science block and Mary-Ann Kaarsgaren science laboratory at Krabi International School. They were welcomed by licensee Mrs Nirasa Evans and school liaison Mrs Sawitri Dawson.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

7 DEC

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

tion of Elf Jr. With a Santa’s grotto, craft stalls, traditional (and non-traditional) food and drinks and activities for the whole family. As a vendor, the fair will provide a prime opportunity for pre-Christmas gift sales and great general brand exposure for your products or services. Kindly email rsvp@uwcthailand. ac.th for more information.

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

An Italian Evening Enjoy a selection of Italian antipasti, cold cuts, premium cheese, marinated olives, grill vegetables, homemade pickles, caprese skewers, bruschetta and homemade breads - all complemented by free-flow Italian beverages. B1,999 net per person for antipasti buffet and free-flow Italian beverages.

Enjoy 25% OFF when you dine with four persons or more.

Reservations at Dusit Thani, Laguna, Phuket: dtlpfb@dusit. com or call 076 362 999 ext.7303.

SUN

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550.

Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

9 DEC

Christmas Market 7-8 December 2018

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers.

Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht.

Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

Music & Food & Fun. 7-8 December 2018 from 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Charcoal Friday Charcoal BBQ at Bodega, featuring premium beef cuts, cooked live in the dining room on our charcoal broiler with the unique sear and smokiness only charcoal could deliver. Starting from THB 1,200++. Reservations, Bodega & Grill, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana. com, 076 358 500.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Baba Beach Club Phuket presents Patrick Topping

Oliver Osborne takeover Friday 7 December “The Friday Mix” 17.00 – 19.00 hrs. - DJ K (HKT) 19.00 – 22.00 hrs. – Oliver Osborne (SIN) - House & Tech-house. Saturday 8 December “Sunset Sessions” 16.30 – 19.30 hrs. – Oliver Osborne (SIN) - House and Disco. Sunday 9 December “Brunch” 12.00 – 15.00 hrs. – Oliver Osborne (SIN) - House and Disco 15.00 – 18.00 Hrs. DJ K (HKT) – Tropical house. Drinks & food specials all weekend long.

Reservations, COAST Beach Club & Bistro at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, coastphuket@chr.co.th, 076 201 234.

7/12/2018, we welcome Patrick Topping who will bring his signature house sounds to Baba Beach Club Phuket. Escape to our Music Lovers’ oasis on Natai beach for an elevated weekend experience. Patrick Topping - One of the most in-demand names in dance music right now, he has carved a reputation for himself as a figurehead for a wave of exciting and diverse artists from the U.K. A prolific producer, who’s released on labels such as Hot Creations, Truesoul & Relief Records and remixed the likes of Booka Shade, Tiga and Matador, whilst securing 11 Beatport #1s, such as ‘Be Sharp Say Nowt’, ‘Forget’ and ‘Voicemail” a collaboration with the legendary Green Velvet. December 7th from 2 pm onwards - Daytime Party For more information & bookings, contact us: +66 76 429 388.

SAT

The UWCT 2018 Christmas Fair will have a hint of Elf magic this year following the UWCT Primary School Musical produc-

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

The Sunday Brunch Club Join us every Sunday from 12pm-4pm for the new season Sunday Brunch Club & Pool Party featuring over 120 items including... Alaskan King Crab, Live Boston Lobster, French Oysters, Seafood On Ice, new features include Live Stations, Imported Meats, Carvery Selection, Japanese Kitchen, Tapas, Brazilian BBQ, Sumptuous Salad Bar, Delicious Desserts, Exotic Fruits, International Cheeses and new weekly selections of featured cuisines from around the world... Dream Member Price THB 1590++ Adult Brunch THB 1890 ++ Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

MON

8 DEC

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night UWCT Christmas Fair

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong.

Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes.

Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-late performed by our famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE your table now online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservation, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

10 DEC

Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s

All you can eat BBQ night

Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

12 DEC

SAT

Phuket Resort between 15 December 2018 and 15 February 2019. For more information and bookings, please call + 66 (0) 7631 7200 or email zuma@anantara.com

12 JAN

Christmas Eve Dinner It’s a Season to be Jolly @ Two Chefs Bar & Grill.

Spread the holiday cheer and make your Christmas more merry with Two Chefs Traditional Christmas Buffet at Two Chefs Kata Beach branch on Monday the 24th of December 2018. Two seatings are available (6pm and 9pm). Adult Rate: 1,450 baht per person; Kids under 12 yrs: 750 baht per person. Book now until December 15, 2018 and avail of the 20% OFF Early Bird Reservation Discount from the buffet price!

For bookings and reservations kindly email jonas.virtanen@ twochefs.com

TUE Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish it off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket.com or call 076 338 888.

25 DEC

Opening Cocktail Reception ML. Tri Devakul Art Exhibition

We want you to come and join us for a dynamic action packed experience. An experience like no other that will leave you looking and feeling your best. Looking and feeling your best won’t happen by chance or by luck. It requires ACTION! 7am Running HIIT session - Healthy Breakfast - Master Class 1 - Bullet Proofing Your Body by Thomas Enbert - Morning Coffee Break - Master Class 2 - You are what you eat - by Craig Burton - Lunch - Master Class 3 - The Mind Game by Darren Scherbain - Afternoon Coffee Break - Master Class 4 - Strength Training by Rob Morgan - Beach Fitness Activity Beachfront Dinner with three hour beverage package. Contact Darren at darrenscherbain@gmail.com.

EVERY DAY

You are cordially invited to the opening Cocktail Reception of ML. Tri Devakul Art Exhibition DISSOLUTION IN STEEL. Saturday 15 December 2018 at 18.30 pm. Reservations, Mom Tri’s WOK gallery kitchen, info@villaroyalephuket.com, 063 079 0994.

MON

Raw Movement is the Key to Vitality @ Outrigger Laguna Phuket

24 DEC

Christmas Day Dinner It’s definitely a Jingle Bell Time @ Two Chefs Bar & Grill Come and celebrate Christmas Day with us at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Patong Branch on Tuesday the 25th of December 2018 from 12pm to 12am. Our Executive Head Chef Daniel from England have prepared a 4-course Traditional Christmas set menu dinner that will surely light up your holiday cheer! Price is 995 baht per person. For details and reservations visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand

The Lounge Rawai - Suckling Pig Our new restaurant with fantastic decor is open in Rawai. We open from 8am every morning, through to Midnight. Serving breakfast, lunch and evening meal. You can check out the website for the menu and pictures www.property-lounge.com Lunch from 99bht Pool tables, and live sports Lots of parking Wednesday this week (14th Nov), we have the suckling pig which is extremely popular (also 28th Nov and 12th Dec). One Baguette, lots of salads and all the trimmings 240B. Hope to see you there this week. 184/2 Moo 2 Soi Wat, Rawai, kay@ pare.com, 080 124 1245.

SAT

15 DEC

MON

31 DEC

Beach Chill Out Christmas Eve Dinner Celebration Chill out by the beach, breath the sea breeze and enjoy the sunset views, while celebrating your Christmas Eve on beach sand at Sala Bua restaurant in Patong. Meet & greet with Santa, enchanted with Christmas song for a truly magical evening.

Live trio band and special entertainment will make this night more extraordinary. At the variety of buffet dinner, you will enjoy authentic cuisine and Christmas dishes and drink, created for the occasion. Impiana Resort Patong is the perfect choice for Christmas celebrations with your family, friends and loved ones. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impiana Resort Patong, fb.patong@impiana.com

Thai Phenomenon New Year Eve Dinner Celebration

ZUMA returns to Anantara Layan Award-winning contemporary Japanese restaurant, ZUMA, returns for a third season to the beachfront at Anantara Layan

@thephuketnews

Make New Year’s Eve a night to remember; ring in 2019 in Phuket. Join families, friends and loved ones for an extravagant celebration at our “Thai Phenomenon Night New Year’s Eve Party and Gala Dinner” by vibrant Patong beach at Sala Bua restaurant. Enjoy an array of Thai delights, local Phuket foods and much more fabulous feast, created for this occasion. There will also be enchanting Thai dancers, a lion dance, lucky draw and live music to mark the auspicious night. The New Year’s Eve celebration will end with an unforgettable countdown with beautiful uncountable firework on Patong beach. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impiana Resort Patong, fb.patong@impiana.com

Daily seafood at Sala Bua beachfront restaurant Spoil yourself with seafood set from noon – 10 pm every day! Come and crack open some crab legs, grilled mussels, peel some prawns, rock lobsters, sip some spicy tom yam soup and toast to your perfect night at this beachfront restaurant in Patong overlooking the sea (sunset) views. Start from THB 450. Reservations, Sala Bua Restaurant at Impia Resort Patong, patong@impiana.com, 076 340 138.

Futsal League 2018 Come and join us for some fast-paced and enjoyable Brazilian Futsal at British International School Phuket. Boys and girls aged 7 - 14 can join our sixweek league taking place indoors to ensure play even on rainy days. The cost for the league is 3,500 Baht and includes a Brazilian kit, medals and “player of the match” trophies! There are still a few places available.

To register, contact cruzeirosoccerschools@gmail. com

22 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. Which American novel is J. D. Salinger famous for?

2. Thimphu is the capital and Phuntsholing is the financial centre of which small landlocked country?

3. Which battle is known as the largest tank battle in military history?

4. The original version of Monopoly was based on the streets of which American city?

5. What is the most well-known bridge to cross the Vltava river in Prague?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Door feature 5. Cheese nibblers 9. Paper-like cloth 14. Auto parts giant 15. One way to stand by 16. Egg shaped 17. Decorated, as a cake 18. ___-eyed 19. Bumps from a blow 20. Prepared rabbit food 23. Grinder 24. Tabloid topic 25. Garden bells 32. Center of a ball?

35. Mini-whirlpool 36. Wet-eyed 37. Cruise stopover 39. ___ Maid 41. Cheeky 42. Faucet 45. “That hurt!”

48. Mushroom 49. Preoccupation with one’s health 52. Greek letter 53. Necessitate 57. Salad greens 62. Mediterranean

herb 63. Farmers harvest 64. Blue-pencil 65. Crème de la crème 66. Cork’s country 67. Be a rat 68. Allots, with “out” 69. Nostradamus, for one 70. Like some orders

28. Nave bench 29. Grander than grand 30. Acclivity 31. Escape, in a way 32. Gossip, slangily 33. Glimpse 34. Radar image 38. It may be easily bruised 40. Milk ___ 43. Celestial measuring Down instruments 1. Jewish potato 44. Bangkok native puff 46. Baby walker 2. Cheesy snack 47. Clue 3. Daytime TV fare 50. 16 of these in a 4. Good-for-nothing pound 5. Immoral act 51. Bear witness 6. Inactive 54. Part of a TV 7. Blockhead transmission 8. Ocular washer 55. Cake topper 9. Haul line 56. “Take your 10. Proclaim hands off me!”

11. Water ___ 57. Be a monarch 12. Big East team 58. Bypass 13. Personals, e.g. 59. ___-en-scène 21. Acute 60. Great Lakes city 22. Not many 61. Elders’ 26. Shogun’s capital teachings 27. Parachute 62. Video maker, for material short

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) The Catcher in the Rye; 2) Bhutan; 3) Battle of Kursk (or ‘Battle of Prokhorovka’); 4) Atlantic City, New Jersey; 5) Charles Bridge (or Karlův most)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

4

seconds of awkward silence is all it takes to significantly increase your anxiety during a conversation.

40

copies of genes that code for the tumor suppressor protein p53 is why elephants rarely get cancer.

Humans have only two.

162

dollars is how much the average US household spends each year on lotteries. Households that make less than $10,000 spend about $597 a year.

20,000

Karon Beach sunset. Photo: Mick Owar Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

US dollars per episode was the clothes budget for 1970s TV show Charlie’s Angels.

150 million

work days and up to 189 million school days are missed each year in the US due to people having colds.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history Dec 7, 1703 The Great Storm of 1703, the greatest windstorm ever recorded in the southern part of Great Britain, makes landfall. Winds gust up to 120mph, and 9,000 people die.

Dec 9, 1937 Second Sino-Japanese War: Battle of Nanking: Japanese troops under the command of Lt Gen Asaka Yasuhiko launch an assault on the Chinese city of Nanjing (Nanking).

Dec 8, 1660 A woman (either Margaret Hughes or Anne Marshall) appears on an English public stage for the first time, in the role of Desdemona in a production of Shakespeare’s play Othello.

Dec 10, 1932 Thailand becomes a constitutional monarchy.

The original 1932 constitution of Siam at the Thai Parliament Museum.

Dec 11, 1998 Thai Airways Flight 261 crashes near Surat Thani Airport, killing

101. The pilot flying the Airbus A310-300 is thought to have suffered spatial disorientation.

Dec 12, 1098 First Crusade: Siege of Ma’arrat al-Numan: Crusaders breach the town’s walls and massacre about 20,000 inhabitants. After finding themselves with insufficient food, they reportedly resort to cannibalism.

Dec 13, 1577 Sir Francis Drake sets sail from Plymouth, England, on his roundthe-world voyage.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Jobs

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS Website operator

Female website operator capable of building a shopping site and driving traffic to the site via Google, Facebook, Twitter, Shopify, blogs and other systems. Will work a flexible 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Fixed salary B20,000 + 5% commission on sales generated by the site. 20,000 + commission. Contact Ron via: Siam.serenity.th@gmail.com, 0874178715. @thephuketnews

SALES EXECUTIVE WANTED

Art House Co., Ltd is looking for Sales Executive for our real estate company. Thai Nationality with good English and communication. Please contact. Email: natcha@arthouse.asia 086 414 4559.

Villas Manager

Looking for villas manager for oceanfront properties in Ao Por * female 25-40 years old * fluent English speaking * outgoing personality * self motivated * Salary 25,000 THB + commission. Email: montha_phuket@yahoo. com Tel: 095 014 7888

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PERSONAL SERVICES

POOL SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Buy & Sell JOBS Need a governess/nanny

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Boat Rinker 290

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Hyundai Veloster TURBO

A family needs a nanny for a special needs child. The ideal candidate will have a background in teaching and varied methods of promoting learning in a fun way. Working 6 days per week. English speaker essential. Celina teacherphuket@gmail.com

Rinker 290 with trailer Continental 2017, engine Volvo Penta, Under warranty includes all standard equipment, less then 100 hours used. More information in link: clc. la/07hDmA 3,990,000, +66-97-175-00-96.

Hyundai Veloster Turbo 39,000 km, Price from new 1,749,000THB, full service book, 4 original rims with tires, all options. Now just 850,000THB. m.arnskjold@gmail.com, 0836351440 ENG / 0843058363 TH

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

BUSINESS FOR SALE

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

Riviera sport fishing boat

Perfectly maintained and cared for, this boat is in excellent condition and will provide great enjoyment for the next owner. Powered by twin 660hp Caterpillar diesel engines and fitted with every conceivable optional extra including True Visions satellite connection through a 42” Smart TV, Raymarine navigation system, Dive Compressor, powerful stereo system and extensive fishing equipment. Selling to upgrade to a larger vessel. 9,000,000, Phuket Yacht Haven, sc@crone.net.au UR

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Boat For Sale

72’(22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom 3 years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arranged. Must sell within the next few months. Offers over THB 500,000. Contact Shayne on 0934 189 529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

RARE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

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2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission.

Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

Working Shareholder req. for a unique Phuket Business Opp. USD$75,000 (12.50% Co. Shares). ZERO Debts/ Leases/Loans etc. Low Overheads, HiMargins, Hi-Vol. Sales (7 Day Sales).

FURNITURE Long est. comp. industry. 4-Us: ZERO COMPETITION …

ROI: Monthly Mngmt Fee. (Job Pymt 20-30hpw) + MonthLE SA NEW, LUXURY 2-UNIT ly Royalty Pymt. + Twice-Yrly. Co. Profits Dist. Genuine GENT LEATHER SOFA + Rare business opp – serious enquiries only please. UR BOUGHT IN SB DESIGN SQUARE 2.5mTHB (USD$75,000), Phillip Frankston, PHUKET, PHUKET. LUXURY KELVIN GIORMANI MvJHKT@Gmail.com, +61 8001-6402 (Anytime).

SOFA. PERFECT, NEVER USED. PAID PRICE B67,500/ UNIT TOTAL B135,000 NOW B50,000/UNIT TOTAL CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE B100,000. W2.30m D1.65m H65-90cm. 0930914502.

Amazing Deal!

2016 Toyota Vios Model E with only 35,000 Km on it. Is an automatic, with fog lights, windows are tinted already, has the plastic insert for the trunk, rubber floor mats for all seats, rain shields on all windows. Only driven locally in Phuket. It is kept in great condition and is available to view in Chalong.

Only 465,000 THB. Adam 091 016 1167.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Andreas Ruthe, 22/5 Moo1 Kamala Kathu, office@tcm-asia.com, 0869439834,076-385081.

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 Bed Condo in Laguna

Exquisite Property meets Luxury Area in the Heart of Phuket. Welcome to the Ocean Sands, an upcoming hotel development located close to the Laguna Area, one of Phuket’s most luxury and trending areas. Comprising a total of 213 keys ranging from our signature 1 Bedroom Deluxe Suite up to our well-appointed Family Suite, this exquisite property equipped with large swimming pools around central simulated beach and five-star standard facilities will become a new enjoyment for lifestyle living.

Invest with us and elevate your lifestyle, be a part of the Ocean Sands. phuket@thairesidential.com, 0872699206.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Ducati Multistrada 2012

2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only 23,000 kms. Faithfully maintained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank bag. Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309

Property Phuket Law

Properties hot deal for sell & buy, legal Advisor & Litigation Nationwide, accounting, visa, work permit, 083 599 4514, 087 014 9736,095 325 5654.

PROPERTY FOR SALE GE UR

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Bkk urban living near BTS

NEW 2 bedrooms for sale: Noble Ploenchit Condominium Next to BTS Ploenchit Station, Walk to Central Embassy & Central Chidlom Dept Store. 2 bedrooms, 85 Sqm, corner unit, high fl, unblock View, fully fitted wardrobe & kitchen, aircon, bathrooms Facility: beautiful swimming pool & common area, gym, sauna 23,500,000-, Jitsarn, jitsarn@yahoo.com, 0859776301.

GE UR

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BKK condo

by Chaophya River

The Water Mark: Luxurious living by the majestic river “Chaophya”, the river of the King. Located on Charoen Nakhon Road. Beautiful, spacious condo 283.6 Sqm. / 4 bedrooms / high floor (52nd floor) /panoramic view of the city & river / fully fitted to highest standard Facility: swimming pool by the river, gym, sauna 40,500,000-, Jitsarn, jitsarn@yahoo. com, 0859776301.

Beach Front Land

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high-end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com Tel: 095 014 7888.

Lovely Pool Villa, Nai Harn

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

Stunning ocean & sunset views over Patong bay-2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms fully furnished with car park & pool 121sqm+.

Email for more details penthousedicw@gmail.com

Prime location, 4 bedrooms, large garden and pool, 764 sqm, Chanote title, double garage. Great family home or investment property.

Motivated seller. 12,500,000, Dean, dmuir@exotiq. com, 0857932667.

SERVICES

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

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

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/german picharly@gmail.com, 66870608400.

Villa Mission Heights big Pool

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

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House for sale

Detach single story home, 1 Rai of land, 4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 1 living room, 2 cars parking space with garden and swimming pool. Sunny, 25/11 Soi Salika, Moo 2, Viset Road.

082 377 5555.

GE UR

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0836450097

Hot sale! Pool villa Naiharn

A lovely fully furnished pool villa in a secured estate in Naiharn, 5 minutes drive to Naiharn beach and 10 minutes drive to Kata. Freehold.

455 sqm of land. Sold fully furnished and equipped (solid teak furniture and high quality equipment). phukethomecareservice@gmail.com, 0638394973.

HOT PRICE - SURIN BEACH

3 B/R, Duplex, 170 sq/m. Shared pool, three decks, fully furnished. 400 meters from Surin Beach. Great Condition. Must sell jgstryker@gmail.com 5,699,000,

PENTHOUSE

Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity not to be missed: 5 pool villas, big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates. More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www. thegardenkptphuket.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT GE UR

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3 B/R Surin Duplex

400m from Surin Beach, fully furnished. Shared pool, 3 bathroom, and two decks/ salas. 38k per/month jgstryker@gmail.com 0836450097.

Loch Palm Golf Villa

2 bedrooms - full furniture - hole no 17 - Includes 2 golf bags, 2 bicycles, an exercise machine and golf membership until 21/02/2040. 11.2 Million Baht, philippe andre, Loch Palm Golf Club, philippediavel@gmail.com, 098 682 9069 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

SPORT 29

Cruzeiro tops Futsal League

Fast five-a-side soccer tourney brings Brazil flair to youngsters FUTSAL Sponsored

A

round 80 Phuketbased players between the ages of 7 and 14 joined Cruzeiro Soccer Schools’ first Futsal League from Oct 27 through Dec 1 at British International School, Phuket - BISP. The idea of an indoor futsal league came about to offer something new to the Phuket football community.

But what is futsal anyway?

It’s a fast-paced format of football with small, fiveperson teams on a hard surface instead of on a grass or artificial grass pitch. The sizes of the pitch, ball and goals are smaller and the game length is 40 minutes instead of 90.

In Brazil, futsal is the most practised sport with the annual “Liga Nacional de Futsal”, a premier futsal league, lasting eight months every year!

Cruzeiro Soccer Schools, or CSS, with its roots and coaches from Brazil, decided

@thephuketnews

Young Oscar charges forward as Cruzeiro take on Flamengo in the Futsal League U9/11 age group final at British International School, Phuket. Photo: Cruzeiro Soccer Schools to challenge players to a new kind of football. CSS Coach Leonardo Medeiros, who is now based in Phuket said, “These leagues are competitive, but the most important part of it is for players to try something new and learn from it.”

The four Brazilian teams chosen for the recent fiveSaturday event were Cruzeiro,

Corinthians, Palmeiras and Flamengo. The overall results for each age group were as follows: In the U9/11 age group, Cruzeiro finished in 1st place, Flamengo 2nd, Corinthians 3rd and Palmeiras came 4th.

For the U13/15 teams, Palmeiras took 1st place, Corinthians 2nd, Flamengo 3rd and Cruzeiro 4th.

50 Fly Trampoline Park, our main sponsor, awarded the winners of both age groups with a gift certificate entitling them to one free hour at 50 Fly Trampoline Park.

CSS would like to thank them for their sponsorship and prize. We would also like to thank The Phuket News, our media sponsor, for their continued support

of our events.

A lt hou g h t he Fut s a l League is over for this term, we are currently planning the next league, scheduled for January next year. CSS has always aimed at bringing together football players of all levels from international schools on the island and placing them in teams of equal standing.

Registration is now open for the leagues, Christmas Camp and Term 2 training sessions. Email them at cruzeirosoccerschools@gmail. com for details.

For more information about this league and other events, visit their Facebook page: Cruzeiro Soccer Schools Phuket.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

Kamala bowlers get rolling

Title championships underway as season gets into full swing BOWLS The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

W

ith high season now upon us it is also the ‘season’ for the series of ‘Major’ Championships being held at the Kamala Lawn Bowls Club.

First up, was the Club Championship 2018 held late last month, when 12 bowlers competed for the trophy.

The initial rounds were in a league format, the winners of each league progressing to the semi-final knockout stages and ultimately the final.

After several tough games in the scorching heat the group winners were four of the pretournament favourites Dean Lambert, Ulf Egerstad, George Sasonow and Rob Knight, representing Australia, Sweden. Russia and England respectively.

Both semi-finals were tight games but Ulf and Rob prevailed to go through to the final.

Defending champion Ulf looked like he would go on to

Ronald Rietzscher (left) joins George Sasonow (centre) as he is presented with his Kamala Open trophy

by Club Manager Ohn Orephan. Photo: Supplied win again as perennial losing finalist Rob struggled to find his line in the early stages, and with four ends to go Ulf looked an odds-on winner as he led convincingly 9-1.

Some of the crowd left early as it seemed only a formality for Ulf to go on and claim yet another crown.

Rob had other ideas and once in control of the jack

pegged it back to be only 9-7 down at the final end. Still a big ask for Rob, but amazingly he scored the maximum 4 shots in the final end to break his duck in the majors and prevail 11-9.

The early leavers were amazed to discover Rob had won and Ulf commented that it seemed he also had left early too.

Rob Knight (left) is all smiles as he receives the Kamala Bowls Club Championship trophy from defending champion Ulf Egerstad. Photo: Supplied So Rob Knight finally claimed a ‘Major’ and Ulf was left to rue losing from such a seemingly dominant position.

Hot on the heels of the Club Championship was the prestigious Kamala Open, the second major of the year, competed last Sunday (Nov 27).

Once again, the format was four leagues, with the winner of each league moving forward to the semi-finals stage.

Progressing f rom the ‘group of death’ was defending champion George Sasanow, whilst springing a surprise in group two was relative newcomer to the sport Ronald Rietzscher, who had finally reformed his bowling delivery to a superb smooth action.

Also stunning was the form of ‘The silent assassin’ Kenta Lindbergh, who came through an equally challenging group, whilst Ulf Egerstad continued his fine form in majors to top Group 4.

The draw paired Ulf and George in one semi-final whilst Ronald faced Kenta.

Surprisingly, both George and Ronald won their semis with ease, the spectators ex-

Ronald Rietzscher (right) makes his play during the ‘sudden death’ for the Kamala Open title. Photo: Supplied pecting much closer games.

Clear favourite for the final was defending champion George, with most of the crowd rooting for significant underdog Roland, but the expectations were that Georges’ experience in majors would be a deciding factor.

Well as we know, in sport, nothing could be taken for granted and so it proved.

A nip and tuck affair developed which went to a sudden death extra end only after George had kept it to a score of 1 to Roland with his final bowl on end 10.

So to sudden death they went and after several bowls of high quality George bowled an absolute snorter to claim his 3rd Kamala Open title by one shot 7-6 in extra time.

Congratulations to George who lifted his third Kamala Open title in six years!

– Robert Knight Kamala Lawn bowling Club (‘The only one in Phuket’) is open six days a week. All equipment provided. For further details on lawn bowls in Phuket, contact the club at 099-1307255.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Thailand back on the F1 grid with Alex Albon BOX OF NEUTRALS

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for December 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the Islander Bar & Restaurant, Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

MONTHLY STANDINGS

T

hailand will have its f irst For mula One driver in more than 60 years when 22-year-old Alexander Albon takes up a full-time drive with Toro Rosso in 2019.

Albon, who was raised in the UK by his Thai mother and British father, will be the second Formula One driver to race under the flag of Thailand – Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, who scored points three times in a fiveyear career in the 1950s, was the first – and only the fourth to hail from Southeast Asia.

He will replace out-offavour Kiwi Brendon Hartley to partner F1 returnee Daniil Kvyat.

“It’s such an amazing feeling to know that I’m in Formula One next year,” he said.

“I’ve always been motorsport mad and since I first got in a car it’s been my dream to be in Formula One. To be given this opportunity is just incredible.”

Though Albon arrives at Toro Rosso after finishing third in the Formula Two championship behind fellow F1 draftees George Russell (Williams) and Lando Norris (McLaren), his route to the top-flight series has been a difficult six-year journey through a variety of junior motorsport categories.

An impressive karting career, including junior European and world titles in 2010, led to his induction into the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012, but he was dropped at the end of the year after failing to score a point in his debut Formula

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OVERALL STANDINGS

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Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

Thai national Alex Albon Ansusinha, 26, has been signed to race with the Scuderia Toro Rosso team next year.

Photo: Scuderia Toro Rosso Renault Eurocup campaign.

“It was a difficult year for me for numerous reasons, not least because of my results, but it made me work that much harder,” Albon said in a Red Bull interview. “I was on the brink of stopping racing all together.”

But Albon forged ahead with his junior career, remaining in Formula Renault Eurocup for two more seasons and finishing third in the championship in 2014.

A seventh-place finish in European Formula Three in 2015 was good enough for promotion to GP3 in 2016, where finishing runner-up to Charles Leclerc, this year’s F1 rising star, earnt him a place in Formula Two in 2017.

He took a year to find his feet, finishing 10th with two podiums, but increasingly competitive performances in 2018 left him as one of only two drivers still in championship contention by the end of the season, eventually losing out to winner George Russell at the final round.

But Formula One doors remained closed to Albon despite his junior title tilt, and

in September he agreed to a sideways move to Formula E for the Nissan works team.

It wasn’t until the following month, as relations broke down between the outbound Brendon Hartley, that Toro Rosso came knocking for the driver it dumped almost six years earlier.

“Throughout my single seater career I went through a few ups and downs,” Albon said. “I was dropped by Red Bull in 2012, so from then I knew my road to Formula One was going to be a lot harder.

“I worked really hard and tried to impress every time I got in the car, and I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull and Dr [Helmut] Marko [Red Bull motorsport advisor] for believing in me and giving me a second chance.”

Toro Rosso finished ninth in the 2018 championship standings with its unreliable Honda power unit, and though closer technical relations with frontrunning sister squad Red Bull Racing are expected to deliver the team a boost next season, Albon isn’t prepared to set himself any concrete goals.

“It’s more about trying to

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday 7th Dec Cricket

15:00

21:00

Test No. 3, Abu Dhabi

Pakistan v. New Zealand, Day 5

Cricket

11:00

15:00

Test No. 1, Adelaide

Australia v. India, Day 2

Rugby Union 20:00

21:45

Heineken Cup

Exeter v. Gloucester

21:45

23:40

Heineken Cup

Bath V. Leinster

00:15

02:15

Heineken Cup

Wasps v. Toulouse

19:30

21:30

EPL

Bournemouth v. Liverpool

22:00

00:00

EPL

Man United v. Fulham

Saturday 8th Dec

maximise each race weekend as it comes,” he told the Red Bull website. “I won’t have many days in the car before Melbourne, so it will be very important to be as prepared as possible and take each race as it comes.”

Don’t forget to listen to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

Soccer

00:30

02:30

EPL

Chelsea v. Man City

Soccer

22:00

00:00

EPL

Arsenal v. Huddersfield

Cricket

11:00

15:00

Test No. 1, Adelaide

Australia v. India, Day 3

Test No. 1, Adelaide

Australia v. India, Day 4

Sunday 9th Dec Cricket

11:00

15:00

Soccer

23:00

01:00

EPL

Newcastle v. Wolves

Rugby Union 20:00

21:45

Heineken Cup

Munster v. Castres

22:15

00:00

Heineken Cup

Racing 92 v. Leicester

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2018

First Thai in 60 years to join Formula One starting grid > p31

TITLE RACE WIDE OPEN White Hart rams Black Sheep in Epic Encounter POOL

Barry Craig & Richard Hearne

A

n incredible Monday night (Dec 3) in the Rawai Pool League saw the race for the title blown wide open. Reigning champions White Hart destroyed current league-leaders Black Sheep in a top class contest.

Rob got things going for White Hart, clearing up after Nanni’s dry break. Nanni, unbeaten this season with 17 wins in a row, had ball-in-hand in the second frame after a foul

by Rob. Normally Nanni’s opponent would sit down, have a drink and enjoy the show but upon opening the balls, Nanni fouled letting Rob in to clear up.

Dum faced Black Sheep’s Goh in a tense battle of the top Thai players. Dum came out on top in a thrilling deciding frame giving White Hart a 2-0 lead and leaving Black Sheep in disarray.

Kevin is finding his form again after his French hiatus and took an early lead in his match, but Phil E eased White Hart into a 3-1 lead to leave Black Sheep hanging on by a woollen thread.

Ricky and Kevin went one frame up in their doubles to give Black Sheep hope, but Ricky then potted the black out-of-turn in the second frame. Rob and Dum won the deciding frame giving White Hart an unassailable 4-1 lead. The blues continued for Black Sheep, with White Hart capping off a terrific 6-1 win.

Shot Bar took full advantage of Black Sheep’s defeat

Flob, Owner of Walkabout Bar in Karon, playing for Pita Bar in their 4-3 win over Mango Bar. Photo: Rainier Vigneau with a 6-1 home-win against Freedom Bar. Once again, Freedom salvaged the Beer Leg, which has become their specialist subject. Shot Bar now trail Black Sheep by leg difference only.

Future Bar went into a 3-0 lead against Tropical Sands but Jason, resembling Mr Bean in looks and style of play, produced a delightful comedy of errors to start the visitor’s revival. Still reeling from the previous night’s derby defeat, Jason’s rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone did enough to put off Everton fan Wayne. Jason further played to the crowd by potting the black with his cueing arm behind his back.

Tropical Sands’ narrowed the gap with Jason and fellow Aberdonian Craig outplaying Otis and Fod in the first doubles. Future Bar Superstar Barry teamed up with fellow Evertonian Wayne to put the

game to bed and undo some of the Derby-night injustice.

Fod scratched on his team’s last ball in the deciding Beer Leg frame to give Tropical Sands consolation in Future Bar’s 4-3 win. In the Rawai Arm-Wrestling League, Fuzz (who worships Over The Top) retained his unbeaten run against Barry.

It was a scrappy affair for Pita Bar, who hosted closerivals Mango Bar. Without some regular players, Mango managed to hold Pita at 2-2 in the singles. Stefan’s good form to win 2-0 against Gregg stood out. The doubles matches were also shared evenly with both teams winning without a response from the opposing side. Pita then moved into higher gear and produced a good team effort to score 2-0 in the Beer Leg and take the match points. Pita stays fourth from the top, while Mango drops one place to sixth.

Black Pearl visited Masaya Bar without dropping a single frame in the singles and doubles. Grega returned to produce a stunning performance against Masaya’s Marcus, but questions remain on whether he will ever regain his superstar status. The place erupted when Masaya finally won a frame in the Beer Leg. The 0-7 loss leaves Masaya Bar perilously close to the relegation zone.

Despite improvements in recent weeks with the arrival of Rainer, the all-French Orange bar remain winless with four games to go after a 4-3 defeat away to Spot Bar on the beer leg decider. Orange Bar is now guaranteed action in the B Division next season.

Division B Roses Bar is still undefeated on their march to the Division B title. They had an early scare though when Islander

A’s Andy M beat Noom, but order was restored with Roses taking the remaining singles legs. Islander A stayed in contention with a doubles win where Jon and Paul provided an electrifying performance, but it was lights out when Roses won the remaining legs to take the match 5-2.

Black Bull maintain their promotion charge with another good win over the all-girl Pink Sheep. The girls restrained Black Bull to 2-2 in the singles, but the girls were unable to hold on in the doubles, which both went to the guys. With the final score 5-2, it looks ever more likely that Black Bull will join Division A next season.

Islander B welcomed White Hart BBQ in a follow-up to their recent derby Friday night matches. Islander owner Mark can’t seem to rally his players, no matter how young and handsome his trio of team-

mates are. Only Terry’s close win against White Hart’s Friedhelm prevented a whitewash in the singles games. The match result was sealed when honours were shared in the doubles and White Hart BBQ went on to win the Beer Leg and close the night 2-5 victors.

Moonlight Bar travelled up from the beach to face rivals Baroque at Laguna. In what was the night’s most emphatic win, Moonlight whitewashed their opponents with a matchwinning 0-4 scoreline. Baroque managed consolation wins in both doubles, while the Beer Leg went to the victors. Final score Baroque 2, Moonlight 5.

It was also a good night for The Stoned Crab who managed to stem a recent run of loses with their visit to Kilt’n Haggis. The singles gave the visitors a commanding 1-3 lead, and the match result was confirmed when John O and Sam won against Kilt-owner Graham and Nut in their doubles game. The Beer Leg went to the Haggis, leaving a final score Kilt 3, Stoned Crab 4.

O’s Bar only managed to win the beer leg against second-placed Stor Bar. Stor are now ensured promotion to the top Division with their 6-1 win despite closely fought frames all night.

For up-to-date information including fixtures, rankings and match scores, visit Rawaipool-league.com. Even better, come and watch or join in the fun every Monday. For all your pool supplies please visit the league sponsor ThailandPoolTables.com.

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