08-01-2016

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

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FRENCH TOURIST KILLED BY SPEEDBOAT > PAGE 3

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Thai-Christian funeral rites

People arrive at the Provincial Employment fi e Phuket Tow Photo: T luk koot

Despite fanfare, still no legal avenue for free o labour among sean nations Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

T

he quiet introduction of the much-touted Asean E conomic Community ( AE C) passed on December 3 1, but there are still no new legal provisions in place to hire Asean workers to allow the free flow of skilled labour from neighbouring countries, T h e Ph u k e t N e w s has been told.

While the launch of the AE C was delayed by nearly a full calendar year as member countries were not prepared to enter the Southeast Asian economic bloc, under the Asean Mutual R ecognition Arrangements professionals in eight fields are allowed free movement throughout the region. The eight fields are accountancy, engineering, surveying, architecture, nursing, medical services, dental services and tourism.

And the key sector to be affected

in Phuket is tourism, said a concerned Pitool Dumsakorn, chief of Phuket Provincial Employment ffice, in an exclusive interview with T h e Ph u k e t N e w s this week.

“The AE is to provide free flow of skilled labour in eight sectors, of which tourism will have the greatest impact in Phuket,” he said.

“However, the siuation has not actually changed since six months ago,” he added.

“T hailand and other Asean mem-

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bers have already signed Mutual R ecognition Arrangements agreed to facilitate free labour movement among [ seven] career types, and T hailand is going to conclude the agreement on workers in the eigth trade, tourism, soon,” said Mr Pitool.

Lack of agreement on what would constitute as “fair” under the AE C arrangements has delayed any news of what will be required to hire staff from Asean nations, he explained.

“The official regulations for the

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Russian newlyweds rejoice in return of ring lost at Patong Beach > page 4

Seven dead in Seven Days Saroj Kueprasertkij reporter3 @classactmedia.co.th

S

even people were killed and 7 5 others received hospital treatment for injuries sustained in road accidents during the New Year Seven Days of Danger nationwide road-safety campaign that drew to a close at midnight on Monday ( J an 4) .

During the Seven Days of Danger campaign in Phuket during the New Year holidays a year ago, two people were killed and 45 received hospital treatment for injuries in 44 road accidents.

T his year’s carnage began with death of Phat Prayeunyong, 48 , who died after he swerved his motorbike to avoid an oncoming vehicle on Pracha U -thit R d in R assada on December 29.

Muslim Dakan, 23 , died the next day after his motorbike slammed into a power pole on T hepkrasattri R d in T halang.

J ielin Deng, 62, of China, died in Chalong that same day after he was struck by a R ussian tourist riding a Honda CB600 while trying to cross Chao Fa West R d, where his family were waiting for him.

Chalong Police said the R ussian tourist, named as “R obert Ness”, 25, denied the charge of reckless driving causing death and was out on B200,000 bail.

E ksarayuth Inthara, 28 , in a high-speed accident on Chao Fa West R d, near the entrance to the Phuket V illa 5, at about 1am on J anuary 2, while T han Z aw Htwe, 25, of Myanmar died in Koh Kaew on J anuary 3 after he swerved to avoid a pickup truck and hit a power pole, T he last victim of the campaign was Phuket resident Kwanjit Chawee-in, 47 , who was struck by a car while riding her motorbike without a helmet in front of the Mae Somjit

hecks inclu e at o n searches. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Patong road checkpoint snares driver for meth

Muslim Dakan, 23, died after the motorbike he was riding slammed into a power pole beside Thepkrasattri Rd on December 30.

Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub market in Karon at about 5am on Monday ( J an 4) .

“After speaking with witnesses and checking CCT V , we learned that Ms Kwanjit was travelling in the same direction as a car following behind her, which struck her as she cut across to make a right turn into the market,” said Lt Chamaiporn Supakom of the Karon Police.

“T he driver of the car sped off from the scene, but soon after presented himself at Karon Police Station,” she added.

“T he driver tested negative for alcohol, but was charged for reckless driving and for leaving the scene of an accident, pending further investigation” Lt Chamaipon confirmed.

Ms Kwanjit was the sole fatality of the final day of the campaign, with one man and six women also receiving hospital treatment for injuries sustained in road accidents

in the same 24-hour period.

The final report issued by the DDPM-Phuket office noted the death of tourist Yazeed Munieb Mustafa, 28 , from J ordan who died after a single-vehicle accident on Phra Baramee R d, in Patong, at 1: 45pm on December 29.

He was pronounced dead at V achira Phuket Hospital at 1: 3 0pm on December 3 1.

“Although Mr Yazeed died on December 3 1, the DDPM was not notified of his death until Monday, hence he was not added to the casualty list until the very end,” Pattareeya Kumban, DDPM-Phuket’s Planning and Policy Specialist, told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s .

“According to the police report, the motorbike Mr Yazeed was riding struck the kerb on Phra Baramee R d, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground,” said Ms Phatareeya.

“He suffered serious head injuries as he was not wearing a helmet at the time and was rushed to Patong Hospital, and later transferred to V achira hospital in Phuket T own.

“Police believe alcohol was involved in the accident,” she added.

Nationwide, the Seven Days campaign this year closed with higher tolls than a year ago in all three major categories: 3 8 0 deaths, compared to 3 41 deaths in 2015, 3,379 traffic accidents and 3,505 people injured.

T his year, Nakhon R atchasima suffered the worst casualty rate in the country, with 15 dead over the seven days.

Nakhon Sawan, Chonburi and U don T hani all ranked equal secondworst with 13 dead in each province during the week, while Chiang Mai, Buriram and Suphan Buri provinces each lost 12 lives to road accidents during the period.

o free o C o n t i n u e df r o m p a g e 1 … eight professions is now in process. T hey will come as it is under an agreement among all Asean nations, but it will take time to ensure that all Asean countries receive fair benefit [ under the terms] ,” he said.

U ntil any new rules are announced, prospective employers must abide by the current employment law, Mr Pitool added.

“As Phuket is one of the most popular tourism destinations in T hailand, there are

A PAT ONG T U K-T U K DR IV E R was arrested for methamphetamine use after he tested positive to an onthe-spot urine test at a road safety checkpoint early last Saturday morning ( J an 2) .

V asan Panyadee, 45, from Phattalung was taken into custody shortly after 1am at a checkpoint at the south end of Patong manned by seven Provincial ivil Defense officers, nine Patong Police and two medical staffers from Patong Hospital.

More than 3 5 commercial drivers were tested for drug use, including 16 van drivers, two truck drivers, 15 tuk-tuk drivers and several taxi drivers, of which V asan was the only one to test positive.

A total of 25 other drivers were tested for alcohol, with only one arrested for drunk driving, but 3 5 fined for not wearing a helmet while riding a motorbike.

T he checkpoint saw Phuket arrive into Day 5 of the New Year Seven Days of Danger national road-safety campaign, during which most accidents were caused by drunk driving, said Phuket Governor Chamroen T ipayapongtada on J anuary 1.

“We will try our best to reduce accidents during the New Year because we understand that every life is valuable and no one wants to lose it,” he said. E a k k a p o p T h o n g t u b

la our ust et

Pitool Dumsakorn many foreign workers on the island, but all foreign workers must have the correct visa and a work permit in order to work in Phuket.” he said.

“Also, even after the AE C

comes into effect, employers and companies in Phuket hiring foreign labourers from AE C countries outside of these eight professions must still make sure the worker obtains the correct visa and a work permit before starting work.”

On the frontline for processing work permit applications, Putaraach Maneerat, Acting Phuket Labor T echnical fficer, confirmed, “Everything right now is the same. e have not been notified of any official changes yet.” thephuketnews

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

av officers ren er assistance.

Finnish boy, 16, injured in jet-ski collision A 16-YE AR -OLD FINNISH T OU R ist on holiday in Phuket with his family was injured in a jet-ski collision at Kata Beach on Monday ( J an 4) .

E lias Akseli was riding a jet-ski when he collided with a jet-ski operated by a family member at about 4pm, T h e Ph u k e t N e w s was told.

Mr Akseli suffered an injury to his lower left leg and was quickly brought to shore by lifeguards and R oyal T hai Navy water safety officers stationed at the Tourist escue Centre at Kata.

After a emergency rescue team applied a splint to his leg, Mr Akseli was taken to Phuket International Hospital for further treatment.

T h e Ph u k e t N e w s has yet to learn what damages Mr Akseli and his family will be asked to pay as compensation to the jet-ski operator.

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Tourist killed by speedboat Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

French tourist was killed instantly during a snorkelling day trip off Poda Island, Krabi, on T uesday ( J an 5) when she was struck on the head by a speedboat propeller.

“Sylie T hietau, 52, died instantly when the propeller of the speedboat S o C o o l 1 , of the Amazing Canoeing Group Co Ltd, struck her head. She died at the scene,” said Col Sompong T iparpakul, Chief of the Krabi T own Police.

Ms T hietau’s husband was on the day trip with her at the time of the incident, he added.

“T he speedboat did not stop, but instead fled to Phuket,” said Col Sompong. “But Phuket Police and Marine Police tracked the boat to Ao Por ( on Phuket’s east coast) .”

At Ao Por, officers arrested Myanmar national Maling E l, 26, a crewman on the speedboat, Capt

he s ee oat ca tain othin ue sak seate right e to Phuket after his s ee oat ro eller (below, right) struck and killed French tourist Sylvie Thietau. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Suchart Luecha of the T halang Police confirmed to T h e Ph u k e t N e w s.

“We also arrested the speedboat captain, othin Suebsak 30, of Nakhon Sri T hammarat,” he said.

T he pair were taken to T halang Police Station.

Tourists cavorting topless e ucate , fine b police

T WO FOR E IGN WOME N have received a lesson in T hai culture and been fined B500 each after being arrested following a video showing them dancing topless while leaning out of the window of a Phuket registered vehicle going viral on social media.

T he video, recorded on at- -Thit 200 Pi d in Patong at 9pm last Saturday ( J an 2) , shows 20-year-old American Adrianna Martin, and 25-yearold Austrian Camille Charlotte Prymann sitting and dancing out of the vehicle’s rear windows while topless.

Police managed to track down the two women after finding the vehicle was registered to an address in R awai.

he t o omen receive a lesson in hai culture from a female olice officer.

T he owner of the vehicle told police he had loaned the car to a friend who went on to give police the names of the two women.

Martin and Prymann have now been educated in T hai culture and fined B500 each for indecent exposure.

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Japanese man, 61, dies during island day tour A 61-YE AR -OLD J APANE SE man drowned while swimming off Koh Khai in Phang Nga Bay on New Year’s Day ( J an 1) .

Marine Police received a distress call at about 3 pm, informing them that J apanese tourist J un Ich Kadoriku, 61, had separated from his tour group while swimming and disappeared during a day trip tour to the island. @thephuketnews

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“Marine Police and a rescue team were dispatched and located Mr Kadoriku,” said Lt onap hoom Phiamphoon of the Phuket City Police.

“He was unresponsive and rescue workers performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation ( CPR ) while rushing him back to Phuket, where Mr Kadoriku was brought ashore at R assada Pier.

“However, Mr Kadoriku

was pronounced dead on arrival at the Provincial Hospital in R assada,” Lt R onaphoom added.

“Although we believe Mr Kadoriku drowned, especially as no wounds or signs of assault were found on the body, we are continuing our investigation into the circumstances of his death,” Lt R onaphoom said.

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“We have to question them first before we can provide any details,” Chief Inspector Col Boonlert Onklang explained to T h e Ph u k e t N e w s .

“But they will be handed over to the Krabi Police to face further questioning,” he added.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

P huket Seven Day W eather F orecast The P huket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print.

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Newlyweds rejoice wedding ring found The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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LOCAL E X PAT and R oyal T hai Police R egion 8 volunteer Chris McLaren and his trusty metal detector have saved the day again – this time for a R ussian newlywed couple who were in for a dismal The Russian lovers were more than a little happy to Phuket New Year after the be reunited with the ring. husband lost his 14-karat [ gold] wedding ring in the sand on Patong Beach.

“He lost the ring near Loma Park on Wednesday morning ( Dec 3 0) ,” explained Chris. “But they spotted me and asked me to help. So we arranged to Chris McLaren stands with meet at 7 am the next day his metal etector anke and look then.” by the happy couple.

Not to waste an opportu- the two matching rings were nity, or time, Chris returned a gift before the new year,” at low tide on Wednesday said Chris. night – and found it.

“U nfortunately that is “T he couple were ecstatic. T hey come from R ussia all the details I have as they and were just married, and didn’t speak a word of E ng-

Australian Embassy to stage outreach visit next week T HE CONSU LAR SE R V ICE S section of the Australian E mbassy in Bangkok will conduct a Consular outreach visit to Phuket on Monday, J anuary 18 .

T he visit will be held from 9am to midday and 1pm to 3 pm at the Australian Consulate in Phuket, at: 7 7 / 7 7 U nit 6D Moo 5, Chalermprakiat R ama 9 ( the bypass road) in R assada. T el: 07 6-510111.

During this visit, the following services will be provided: Passport applications – please ensure you bring all original documents and a photocopy of each document with you.

Notarial services Statutory declarations for marriage, retirement visas and driving licence renewals Witnessing documents

The Consular section of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok will visit Phuket on Monday, January 18. Photo: Diana Parkhouse Certified true copies of documents ( please ensure you bring the original and a photocopy of each document with you) Fees are payable in cash only. Please contact the Consular section on 02-3 44 63 00 or email consular.bangkok@ dfat.gov.au before your visit to confirm fees payable.

T h e Ph u k e tN e w s

lish,” he added.

Often seen plying the sands at Patong with his metal detector, hris finds – and returns – wedding rings and other valuables quite often.

As recently as November, Chris made headlines after Dutchman Marco Meintsma and his wife Pleoamchit “Paow” Choaiarom paid him a special visit to say thank you for returning Marco’s lost wedding band – also lost and found on Patong Beach.

Chris also often finds lost anchors for the owners of the boats and jet-skis at the beach, as well as motorbike and hotel keys lost in the sand.

“I have given many back many keys to Honda in the hope the owners may come looking to buy new keys and find their lost one.

“But the joy of finding rings is seeing the look on their faces when I hand them back. It’s priceless,” he said.

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Expat with Alzheimer’s loses touch WE LL-KNOWN 8 2-YE AR old E nglish expat T ony Pope, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, has been found alive but in a week and dazed state after he was reported missing and feared in poor health 24 hours earlier.

Police officers reported that Mr Pope was found alive in his pickup truck last Sunday ( J an 3 ) .

He was reported feared lost and hungry in a message posted in a Facebook public forum last Saturday ( J an 2) .

T he message said that Mr Pope had left home and didn’t return home to his partner, who said that she had last spoken to T ony via telephone, when he told her that his Ford truck could not ascend a hill, and that he was hungry.

After that, the two lost contact, and Mr Pope was unreachable.

Mr Pope is a well known photographer among Phuket’s media. He has assisted many troubled young girls by taking them in and supporting a “halfway home”, which he founded more than a decade ago.

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Christmas in Phuket, just another day in paradise – says latest poll T H IS Y E A R , LI K E SO many years in the past, tens of thousands of tourists travelled to Phuket’s shores to spend the Christmas break in the sun. In Phuket, the festive season can seem so far removed from the celebrations and traditions held December 24-26 elsewhere around the world.

For many of them, especially Westerners from the northern hemisphere, the hot weather makes it even more surreal that the Christmas season was just upon us, compared with the ice, snow and cold in their home countries at this time of year.

Some people come to Phuket to mark the special occasion, while others holiday here to get away from it. T o this, T he Phuket News asked readers one simple question: “How important is Christmas to you in Phuket?”

A family enjoys time together at Patong Beach during the Christmas holidays. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot For most Phuket News readers who took part in the poll, “It’s just another ordinary day in paradise.” T hat was their top response to the poll, with 45 per cent of pollsters saying Christmas Day was only as important as any other day.

A further 7 % of respondents voted, “It’s only important for children.”

Yet a healthy portion ( 3 2% ) of respondents voted, “It’s a very important holiday to

celebrate no matter where you are in the world.”

A further 15% of pollsters voted, “It’s an important day to stay in touch, spend time with family.”

For the full poll results or to vote in our current poll, which asks, “Should fireworks be sold to the public?”, visit T hePhuetNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu.

T he poll will continue until J anuary 12.

T h e Ph u k e tN e w s thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

The seven were arrested when found working at Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi Lay. Photo: Jeffry Ng Darwis/Flickr

Dive team lands in hot water

SE E PH ET-BASED diving instructors, six Chinese and one Swede, were arrested for working illegally at Maya Bay, off oh Phi Phi ay, on ew ear’s Eve (Dec 31) because it did not stipulate in their work permits that they could work outside of Phuket.

Phi Phi Island and Phi Phi Lay are within the administrative boundaries of Krabi province.

Pol Maj Jaran apephet, an investigator from Krabi Police said, “ rabi Marine Police found the dive instructors working at Maya Bay at 1 45pm on December 31.

“All of them have admitted to the charge of ‘ working outside the area specified in the work permit’,” he said.

T a n y a l u k S a k o ot

Man arrested for attempted rape of Russian girl Darawan Naknakhon editor@classactmedia.co.th

Wutthichai has initially been charged with attempted rape of a minor under 13 years old and committing an indecent act with a minor. escaping through a window.

CCT V footage from the hotel shows a man coming to talk to the girl.

T he man, Wutthichai Srithai, 3 0, was previously employed by the hotel as a mechanic but has since left.

However, his wife is still employed there.

When questioned by police, Wutthichai denied the allegations made against him

Former air force officer nabbed for ‘sanitary napkin’ crystal meth Police said the R T AF had confirmed hutima had been dismissed a long time ago, while Chutima told police that the drugs were not hers, but

she had been paid B5,000 to deliver them. She was charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

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POLICE AT PHU KE T INternational Airport arrested a female former R oyal T hai Air orce officer on Monday ( J an 4) when she was found to have 40 grams of crystal meth ( y a i c e ) hidden inside sanitary towels in her luggage.

Chutima Somboonrit, 28 , was arrested after a tip-off that a woman on board a Nok Air flight from Bangkok would be carrying drugs. The flight was expected to land at 7 : 25pm. fficers found four bags each containing 10 grams of y a i c e hidden inside sanitary towels wrapped in underwear packed in her luggage.

“We also found drug-taking paraphernalia and digital scales in her bag,” said Lt Gen Pravit E ngchuan of the Phuket City Police.

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Proud to be the appointed supplier of windows and doors to:

Police discovered the drugs hidden inside sanitary towels in 28-year-old Chutima Somboonrit’s luggage. @thephuketnews

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Kristaps Kosogova, 29, admitted to stealing the two watches and handbag worth B2.4 million.

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olice have ar rested a 3 0-year-old T rang man for the alleged attempted rape of an eightyear-old R ussian tourist at a hotel in Karon last Saturday ( J an 2) .

Pol Lt Nipon T emsang of the Karon Police received a phone call from a member of staff of a hotel in Karon on Saturday stating that a R ussian guest had told them that a T hai man had attempted to rape his eight-year-old daughter after approaching her while she played on a computer on the ground floor of the hotel.

T he R ussian father said that while his daughter was using the computer a man came to talk to her and lured her to another room and attempted to rape her.

According to the father, other guests at the hotel heard screams coming from the room so they broke in and saw a man

PHUKET NEWS

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The German Honorary Consul, Phuket.

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Office : 076 311 379 Eng : 087 061 7631 Thai : 081 539 2031

and told police that he had only gone to the hotel to pick up his wife. He said that he had seen the girl playing on a computer but did not talk to her.

However, Chief of Karon Police ol Sompong Boonrat said on Monday (Jan 4) that after being shown the CCT V footage of him talking to the girl he admitted that he had taken the girl to another room and attempted to rape her.

Latvian confesses to theft of B2.4mn of valuables in heist P I E M DA ( J an 4) arrested a Latvian man who was found to be in possession of stolen items said to be worth B2.4 million.

T he arrest of 29-yearold Kristaps Kosogova came after a shop owner reported that a foreigner had stolen items from his store at around 4: 3 7 pm.

Police were told that the items, two Piaget watches

and an Aigner handbag were wor th a total of B2,496,980.

After checking CCT V footage from the store police managed to track down Kristaps to a property in R awai and when questioned he admitted to stealing the items.

Kristaps was taken to Wichit Police Station where he was charged with theft.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

UNESCO recognises gastronomic delights

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est known for its beautiful beach resorts, Phuket has now earned yet another distinction – inclusion on the U NE SCO Creative Cities listing for its gastronomic delights.

T hailand’s second most important destination after Bangkok, the Andaman Sea island was one of 47 cities from 3 3 countries included as new members of the U NE SCO Creative Cities Network. T hey were categorised in seven creative fields ( rafts and olk Art, Design, ilm, astronomy, Literature, Media Arts and Music) .

Yut ha sa k Supa sor n , overnor of the Tourism Authority of T hailand, said, “Phuket is no longer just a beach resort. It has become a complete holiday destination with a broad range of cultural attractions and convention facilities. Being recognised by the U nited Nations’ most important cultural organisation for its culinary creativity is an added asset.”

He added, “Phuket is already world famous for its seafood. And promotion of T hai cuisine is one of the T AT ’s topmost priorities because it is an indispensable part of the travel and tourism experience.”

The Myanmar crew were rescued by and brought back to Phuket.

Navy saves crew from storm seas off Phuket

Phuket has been added on the UNESCO Creative Cities listing for its gastronomic delights.

Launched in 2004 and now comprising 116 Member Cities, the U NE SCO Creative Cities Network aims to foster international cooperation with and between cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy.

ES Director- eneral, Irina Bokova stated, “T he U NE SCO Creative Cities Network represents an immense potential to assert the role of culture as an enabler of sustainable

development. I would like to recognise the many new cities and their countries that are enriching the Network with their diversity.”

I n 2 015 , U N E S C O marked the 10th anniversary of the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural E xpressions.

T he 203 0 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the international community in September 2015, highlights culture and creativity as key levers for sustainable urban develop-

ment. T he Network will continue to serve as an essential platform to contribute to the implementation and achievement of this international agenda.

Often dubbed as the “Pearl of the Andaman”, Phuket as T hailand’s largest island is famous the world over for its beaches, diving, water-sports and other marine-related activities. In recent years, the island resort has seen the emergence of a spectacular product range, especially spas, health and wellness resorts, attractions

and boutique hotels.

Strong airline connections now provide direct access from many parts of Asia.

One of the fastest growing market segments is weekend holiday breaks by visitors from neighbouring countries; such as, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and India.

In 2014, visitor arrivals to Phuket totalled 11,958,603, (Thai 3,499,187 foreigners 8,459,416), generating an estimated B259.290 billion in tourism income, reports the T ourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

SE E M A MA nationals stranded at sea were rescued by the oyal Thai Navy about 150 nautical miles off the west coast of Phuket on December 3 0.

All seven of the 27 -metrelong Au n g C h a t S a r – a timber cargo vessel originating in Myanmar and bound for Penang – were brought safely ashore at the Phuket Deep Sea Port at 10: 3 0am the next day.

T he rescue operation was led by the HT MS S a i b u r i , a T ype 053 frigate which was deployed from the Area 3 Naval Base in Phang Nga at around noon on December 3 0.

T he frigate reportedly arrived at the area of the stranded crew within an hour; however, strong winds and waves hindered rescue efforts for several more hours.

The operation was finally confirmed successful by 8pm and the rescued crew back in Phuket at 10: 3 0am the next day. D a r a w a nN a k n a k h o n

Police net bumper haul of Violent attack near Naka drugs in pre-holiday blitz night market HA P I EA E celebrating the new year after seizing more than 50 kilograms of the kratom plant from suspected dealers in awai, while officers in Wichit and Phuket T own have seized more than 5 grams of crystal meth (ya ice) and 11 kilos of marijuana in a pre-New Year’s E ve holiday drug blitz.

T hree men, an adult and a young-adult, were arrested on December 29 on Soi Sermsuk in awai in possession of more than 50 kilos of the kratom plant.

Somchai “Chai” Samutsaran, 3 6, was arrested at noon with 14 bags of kratom, weighing a total of 17 .5 kilos.

A 17 -year-old, whose name

Phuket police net 50+ kilos of kratom, 5 grammes of crystal meth and 11 kilos of ganja in pre-holiday drug blitz. is being withheld as he is a minor, was pinned with seven bags of kratom containing a total of 3 5 kilos of the plant.

J iradet Homhuan, 3 0, was arrested and charged with

about a kilo of the plant.

All three were charged with possession of a Category 5 addictive drug (kratom) with intent to sell without a permit.

In a raid on a room on Soi

T anit in Wichit, police arrested Nattawut Wongkat, 24, after he was found in possession of two small bags of crystal meth, weighing a total of 2.25 grams.

In a raid on a room on Padipat oad in Talad ai on December 3 0, police arrested attawut Sae-ieo, 28, in possession of two small bags of crystal meth, weighing a total of 3 .3 4 grams.

Both men were charged with possession of a Category 1 addictive drug (ya ice).

On the night of December 3 0, Muang Police also netted 11 kilos of marijuana during a raid of an accused 22-yearold pot dealer’s residence on Soi Payoon E a k k a p o p T h o n g tu b .

P I E A E I for four suspects wanted for the gang bashing of two men – one of them a T hai tour guide working for a Chinese tour company in Phuket – as they exited a restaurant near the Naka night market in Wichit early Tuesday morning (Jan 5).

T he search follows a video of the attack posted on acebook going viral. T he video was uploaded onto the “U nite Thai Tour uides – Thai Tour uides Against Illegal Tour uides” acebook page.

“We were informed of the video this morning and we have already assembled a team to track down the suspects,” wichit Police Chief ol itipong laikaew said

The vicious attack was caught on CCTV. on

ednesday (Jan 6). “ e have yet to confirm the reason for the attack. T he man who filed the complaint said that the four men accused him and his friend of of kicking one of their motorbikes. “ egardless, we believe we will be able to track down and have the suspects in custody within a couple of days,” he added. E a k k a p o p T h o n g t u b thephuketnews

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

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KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

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editor@classactmedia.co.th From the U S A; BA in C ommunication Arts from Bang k ok U niv ersity I nternational C olleg e; sev en years’ ex perience at Nation Junior Magazine, Bangkok Recorder, Phuket.net, Thailand-USA. com, Farangs.com and Phuket Gazette.

CHRIS HUSTED Executive Editor

084 3 07 74 08 ex eceditor@classactmedia.co.th Fifteen years w ork ing in new s and cov ering local issues and ev ents in Phuk et, w ith 18- month hiatus spent w ork ing for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Q ueensland, Australia; 10 years liv ing in the U K b efore mov ing to Phuk et in 2000. Deg ree in b usiness manag ement. S pare time spent sailing or w ith family.

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News & Sports Editor editor3 @classactmedia.co.th Orig inally from the U K ; H as four years ex perience as editor and reporter for Phuk etindex .com mag az ine and w eb site, and I nPhuk et mag az ine.

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EDITORIAL

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Keeping an in ustr a oat 1

C

ontinued support of the Phuket International Boat Show, better known as PIME X – with its tens of millions of dollars of boats on display at R oyal Phuket Marina this weekend – underlines the government’s stance to advance Phuket’s lucrative marine industry.

T his year, as in the expo’s previous 12 editions, a plethora of companies are offering a full range of marine products and services, and they will no doubt land a slew of new contacts that will lead to valuable business.

T hat is what they come to do – make money – and being seen at such a key regional expo is the way to do it. It is these key players who have advanced Phuket’s marine industry over the past decade, not the hordes of dithering bureaucrats who have yet to still figure how to make money from them.

With, but mostly without, government support, these companies have developed Phuket’s f ledgling marine industry to the major drawcard it is today. T hey have done so with business nouse, enthusiasm and sheer determination, being the first to recognise that yachties had chosen Phuket as their home port, or main port of call.

All credit to those in positions of power to wield change and who have publicly voiced their support to lure more major players to Phuket, but much more needs to be done. T he announcement late last year of the first so-called license to operate superyacht charters in T hai waters was but a hollow echo to brokers and superyacht operators, who have yet to apply for such a license.

Why such a poor reaction to the apparent breakthrough?

Because the people who own and operate these stunning, elite yachts are savvy businessfolk who know a worthwhile deal when they see one.

If you want to attract superyachts on which to build an entire sector of the marine industry, you’re going to have to do a little more than cut a chunk of red tape.

T ax breaks, reduced import duties and corporate incentives spring to mind – and there are other ways.

Failure to do so will open the door to other locales in the region. Bali is already on the superyacht itinerary, Myanmar is opening up, and the duty-free port of Langkawi remains just an overnight jaunt away.

T he Asean E conomic Community has begun, and the smart competitors might well now use this to their advantage – with government support.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

9 10

Topless Phuket tourists ed ated fined li e Seven diving instructors arrested for working ille all ff h et Man arrested in Phuket in connection with attempted rape of Russian girl, 8 Thai nurse, 39, helps ave e an li t h suffered roadside heart attack in Surat Thani One dead as Phuket e in Seven a f an e ad afet campaign Two arrested in Phuket after French tourist illed eed at propeller Japanese man, 61, dies d in i land da t off Phuket Phuket New Year roadl na e at n tuk-tuk driver for meth Latvian woman, 65, ed in illed strong surf at Mai Khao Beach inni h injured in Phuket jet-ski collision

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Phuket needs more blues!

R e : R ic h H a r p e r liv e a t H O M E in K a lim Last night’s ( J anuary 2) concert with R ich Harper on the roof top at HOME in Kalim was an experience you’d be sorry you missed if you enjoy quality music. Following a performance by a very good local band, R ich delivered beautiful renditions of classic covers such as Cross Cut Saw, Hoochie Coochie Man, T ake Me T o T he R iver and his brilliant version of Hendrix’s Hey J oe as well as a great variety of his own music, that according to the article in your paper “took him around the world”. Living in Bangkok but having attended every one of Phuket’s blues festivals, R ich Harper’s return was a great experience. What a wonderful, humble man with a great musical gift! Can we all please get behind the blues festival team and get this magnificent event back on its feet-?!

EB J a m e s

The Filipinos are coming R e : Fe a r o f p o o r E n g l i s h

amid AEC influx bites hard Sadly, T hailand believes the world should “wait” for T hailand, unfortunately it is T hailand that needs to catch up, I think they have left it too late. It seems typical of the T hai approach, talk about for years, do nothing, then react when it’s too late, along with the “necessary” coups every 2 to 3 years, how is any “plan,” if there was one, going to come to fruition. Soon T hais in Phuket and Pattaya, will be replaced, mainly by E nglish speaking Filipinos.

Ro r i i . . . Maybe a bit late folks. T his is like trying to teach the astronaut how to drive the Space Shuttle on his way out to the launching pad. T hailand’s lack of planning, foresight and forward thinking may finally come back to haunt them.

And don’t think that E nglish is the only big issue, but also include work ethic. Not only is T hailand known as one of the most dangerous places on the planet, but it is also known as having the crappiest customer service in the world. Not only are stores and commercial centers staffed

with people that don’t speak E nglish, but they are also full of employees that stand around in groups chatting and playing with their phones while customers walk around needing help ( R obinson’s is a great example) . T hrow in a crappy attitude and general lack of knowledge, and that is what the majority T hai customer service is like. J ust wait til the service industry associated with tourism gets flooded with English speaking Philippine nationals that love and appreciate their jobs. I predict that Filipinos will be the next group of foreigners that T hais look down on with envy as they ( T hais) will become 2nd-class citizens in their own country.

Ri c h a r d V i c k e r s

Get this man cared for

R e : 8 2 -y e a r -o ld B r itis h Phuket expat with Alzheimer loses touch So glad he was found alive. ow this is a definite indication that from now on T ony should no longer be permitted to drive and go out on his own. Alzheimer’s patients need full time supervision.

Next time he may not be so lucky to be found. So Avoid a tragedy that could happen.

Such a tragic situation ever happening. y v o n n e

Topless is original Thai culture

Re: Topless Phuket tourists educated, fined by police For centuries before the British arrived inf licting sexist mores onto the region, T hai culture accepted female breasts as mere body parts and not some form of above the waist sex organs to be criminalised. T his law discriminates against females, thus a blatant violation of equal protection.

Ch r i s t y Sw e e t Is thousands of T hai girls selling their body and fattening bar owners with bar fines part of T hai culture? Better to tackle that and educate these girls than doing the show for a pair of boobs. Sorry to say that T hai culture never focused on hiding boobs, this came from Western and Arabic influence.

Pe t e r m a c h

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016 Pakkhapol Sattabut, 29, of Bangkok’s Prawet district, (right) is interrogated after being arrested at Mae Sot airport on swindling charges involving the purchase of 78 truckload s of sugar.

Photo: A s sawin Pinitwong

Man arrested over B8m sugar swindle TAK A M A N ACC USED O F swindling a trader out of almost B8 million handed over as downpayment for a maj or sugar deal has been arrested at Mae Sot airport.

Pakkhapol Sattabut, 29 , of Bangkok’s Prawet district, was apprehended at the airport on Tuesday evening (Jan 5) as he was about to board a ight to Bangkok, Pol Col Chamraeng Sudj ai, Mae Sot police chief, said on W ednesday (Jan 6).

The suspect was wanted on an arrest warrant approved by the Mae Sot court on Sept 29 last year on swindling charges.

His alleged victim, Sriwan Chommanon, 66, complained to police that Mr Pakkhapol and two accomplices had con-

tacted him between April and May last year and said they had a large amount of sugar for sale. They also showed him the logo of a sugar shipping firm they claimed to wor for.

Mr Sriwan said he had later entered into a deal to buy the sugar, 7 8 trailer truck loads, from the trio. He had agreed to make a 1 0 per cent downpayment of B7 .8 million to Mr Pakkhapol, who promised to deliver the sugar within seven days.

However, no sugar had been delivered, even after he waited for more than four months, the 66-year-old trader said. He had contacted Mr Pakkhapol, but the man kept postponing the delivery.

Police said Mr Pakkhapol denied all charges.

B a n g k o k Po s t

THAILAND NEWS

PM puts end to double-deckers THAILAND

P

rime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered a ban on the registration of new double-decker tour buses and stricter road worthiness checks for all public transport vehicles.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Gen Prayut issued the instructions during Tuesday’s (Jan 5) cabinet meeting in the wake a record roadtoll over the N ew Y ear holiday.

The prime minister said the Transport Ministry must end the registration of double-decker buses, which were involved in too many accidents.

The 4,8 00 double-decker buses and 1 6,000 single-deck buses with a height of more than 3 .6 metres already in operation must all pass a strict tilt test on a 3 0 degree slope. Any that fail to pass the test must be taken out of service, Mr Arkhom said.

He said the prime minister wants all vehicles used as public transport to be equipped with

Heroic nurse honoured SURAT THANI

A N URSE W HO SAV ED A German cyclist who suffered near-fatal heart attack received recognition for her good deed on Monday (Jan 4).

Apikiat Eimworanirand, director of Surat Thani Hospital, presented Srikanya Chuerob with a plaque of honour for saving the life of Gunter Retsch, who collapsed after a coronary attack while bicycling in the province on Saturday (Jan 2).

The plaque was a reward for the dedication of Ms Srikanya and would give her moral support on her work, Dr Apikiat said.

The 3 9 -year-old nurse was on vacation with her family, taking them to N a San district for the N ew Y ear’s celebration, when she saw a biking partner of the German man waving for help on a roadside. The two were cycling from Koh Phangan to Krabi when Mr Retsch collapsed.

She stopped her car and came out to resuscitate the fallen man. She then decided to cancel her trip and accompany him in the ambulance to the hospital. B a n g k o k Po s t @thephuketnews

9

Srikanya Chuerob (standing, right) visits Gunter Retsch at Surat Thani Hospital with Surat Thani deputy governor Ouaychai Innak and Pol Lt Col Akkharapol Ponsa.

Photo: Supapong Chaolan

Rescue workers try to reach passengers trapped inside an overturned double-decker tour bus in Nakhon Ratchasima. Photo: Bangkok Post

a global positioning system ) for the effective monitoring of drivers’ habits, since some accidents were caused by reckless driving.

Mr Arkhom said the prime minister instructed that the Land Transport Department suspend or revoke the licences of reckless drivers and impose heavier penalties on bus operators, such as tour bus companies, that put substandard buses into service.

“The prime minister has ex-

pressed concern about this and wants the urgent imposition of more measures to reduce road accidents, especially during the coming Songkran Festival when more people travel than during the N ew Y ear,” the minister said.

Land Transport directorgeneral Sanit Promwong said there were about 20,000 doubledeckers and single-deckers taller than 3 .6 metres in operation at the moment. All were required to pass a tilt test on at

least a 3 0 degree slope, otherwise they would be taken out of service.

He said the department could not order all doubledec er buses off the road immediately. The law did not allow that.

W hat could be done for now was not allow new doubledecker buses to register. At the same time, the existing doubledecker buses would be gradually phased out. B a n g k o k Po s t

12 ASIA NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

At risk of disappearing ong ong s much love

ol hins

in le in num ers

HONG KONG

A

s Hong Kong seeks to expand its international airport and with a maj or new bridge proj ect under way, campaigners warn that the dwindling number of much-loved pink dolphins in surrounding waters may disappear altogether.

Conservationists say their repeated concerns have fallen on deaf ears, with what they describe as a “rapid” decline of the mammal in the past few decades.

The Chinese white dolphin – popularly known as the pink dolphin due to its pale pink colouring – draws scores of tourists daily to the waters north of Hong Kong’s Lantau island.

It also became Hong Kong’s official mascot for the handover ceremony in 1 9 9 7 , when Britain returned the territory to China. ut despite the affection felt towards the dolphin, campaigners say there may soon be none left.

The proposed construction of a third runway at Hong Kong’s busy Chek Lap Kok airport could be the nail in the co n, they say.

“W e think that if that proj ect goes ahead, then it will probably drive the dolphin away from Hong Kong waters,” said Samuel Hung, chairman of the Hong Kong

urges MYANMAR O PIUM PRO DUCTIO N IN Myanmar has “stabilised” at stubbornly high levels, the United N ations said recently, adding the government must address poverty and end the con icts which drive farmers to grow illicit poppies.

Myanmar, the world’s second largest opium producer after Afghanistan, has struggled to stem the tide of narcotics from its remote and violence-scarred border regions despite political reforms that saw Aung San Suu Kyi’s opposition party win historic elections in N ovember.

“The region’s demand for heroin remains at unacceptably high levels and transnational organised crime groups are making huge profits,” said

ink ol hin la ing in the aters off antau ong ong. Photo: AFP Dolphin Conservation Society, who has been going out to sea at least twice a week to monitor dolphin activity for almost 20 years.

“In some ways it seems like we are pushing them closer and closer to the edge of the cliff and if we re ma ing that final push, they will be gone forever. I think now is the time to get our act together,” he said.

Mr Hung says there are only around 60 dolphins left in Hong Kong waters – a drop from 1 58 in 2003 .

“The dolphin decline is caused by a number of factors, including overfishing and environmental pollution... but I think the maj or contribution is coming from the increase of high-speed ferry tra c,” r ung said.

The dolphins have either gone to neighbouring Chinese waters or may have died off, says Mr Hung.

Dolphin habitats have also been affected by the ongoing construction of a 50-kilometre bridge connecting Hong Kong to Macau.

The bridge looms on the horizon behind the village of Tai O , on the western tip of Lantau island, a place where dozens of dolphin tours go out from daily.

“Since construction of the bridge started in 201 2 the situation has worsened,” says Mr Hung, who blames land reclamation encroaching on dolphin habitats and continuing construction creating disturbance.

The W W F recently placed volunteers on the dolphin-

spotting boats to tell tourists about the problems the animals are facing.

“Pollution is quite serious in the air and water... W e worry about the marine life being affected,” said ong Kong bank worker Y eung Ka-yan, 3 0, after taking a short boat trip.

“W e were a little disappointed,” added her boyfriend, a 26-year-old chef from Taiwan, after failing to spot any dolphins – a scenario that could become all too common in the years ahead if the conservationists’ fears are finally realised.

Tourist boat operator W ong Y ung-kan, who was born in Tai O and has lived most of his life there, said residents used to dislike the dolphins because they ate

catch from fishermen s nets, when fishing was the village s most important trade. “ ow the fishing industry has reduced in size, we have had to change our line of wor from fishing to ta ing tourists out on boats to see dolphins,” said Mr W ong, 67 .

Dolphin-watching accounts for 1 0 per cent of Tai O ’s tourism business.

“O f course we want them to remain here... the tourists will be happier and we’ll be happier as well,” he added.

Unlike conservationists, he says he is optimistic for the dolphins’ future – but if the worst happens, villagers will adapt as they did before.

“These natural things won’t disappear... if you are not actively eliminating them, then they won’t go away,”

said Mr W ong. “[ But] if this species has to go extinct, there’s nothing we can do about it. W e can find another way to ma e a living. People know how to cope with change.”

The government refused to be interviewed but said in an email that potential impacts the proposed thirdrunway could have on the pi n k dolphi ns had been “properly assessed and addressed”.

“To compensate for the permanent loss of Chinese white dolphin habitats arising from the land formation works, the designation of a new marine park of approximately 24 square kilometres in the waters north of the third-runway proj ect has been proposed,” the statement from the agriculture, fisheries and conservation department said.

But campaigners criticised the plan, saying the marine park would not be established until at least 2023 , when reclamation work for the third runway is e pected to finish.

“W e don’t even know whether the dolphin can hang on and survive and wait,” Mr Hung said.

“W e have been following some of them for nearly 20 years so they are some of our oldest friends.

“They don’t realise that there is more disaster waiting for them,” he said. AFP

anmar to tackle causes of o ium scourge Jeremy Douglas, Southeast Asia representative for the UN ce on rugs and Crime (UN O DC).

Much of Myanmar’s opium feeds demand from China’s more than one million heroin addicts, but the country is also increasingly getting hooked on its own product.

In the 1 9 8 0s Myanmar was the world’s largest producer of opium. It was overtaken in the early 1 9 9 0s by Afghanistan, which now accounts for 8 0 per cent of global production.

But Myanmar’s poppy cultivation has doubled since 2006, while cartels now also churn out millions of methamphetamine tablets.

UN O DC in its annual report that Myanmar opium production levels were roughly stable from 201 4 at 647 tons, down from a peak of 8 7 0 in

anmar sol ier alks in et een t o o o ium fiel . Photo: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP 201 3 when yields spiked despite a Myanmar government pledge to eliminate illicit crops by 201 4.

Mr Douglas said that while the “stabilisation of poppy

o ers hile estro ing o

cultivation in the past year is encouraging” in Myanmar and Laos – which produced up to 1 7 6 tons – the governments of both nations must “face the underlying issues that allow

ies in an

opium cultivation and related tra c ing to continue”.

In isolated and mountainous ethnic minority states, particularly Shan and Kachin on the frontiers with Thailand

and China, farmers grow opium as a quick way to get money for basic household needs.

Shan state, which is home to a number of ethnic armed groups and government-backed militias, accounts for 9 1 % of all opium poppy production in the Golden Triangle region covering parts of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.

V illage leaders surveyed

by UN O DC said buying food was the main reason for locals to cultivate opium.

“The large maj ority of opium farmers are not rich and grow it for their survival,” the Myanmar O pium Farmers’ Forum said in September, when representatives from across the affected states called for eradication efforts to stop until people could find alternative incomes.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

AEC stirs fear of poor English TOURISM

T

Bangkok Post

he launch of the Asean E conomic Community ( AE C) on December 3 1, and the integration of regional economies through the free movement of skilled labour in an E nglish-mediated environment, has prompted fears among T hais, who worry their E nglish competency is not up to par to compete in the labour market.

T hais’ poor grasp of the E nglish language has generated concern among students, teachers and policy-makers, and comes despite the vast new employment opportunities promised by the AE C. According to the E F E nglish Proficiency Inde 2015 conducted by E ducation First anguage Institute, Thailand is a non-E nglish speaking country with “very low” E nglish proficiency.

T he E nglish abilities of T hai people are ranked at 14th out of 16 countries in Asia and 62nd out of 70 countries

Students who are enrolled in English programmes and speak English well stand to gain more opportunities under the AEC. Photo: The Phuket News / file worldwide.

Tothsaporn Thongdee, 20, a second-year higher vocational student at the E astern T echnological College in Chon Buri, said he worries about whether his E nglish is strong enough for his future career as an accountant, a profession that is granted free movement under the AE C. “I think I’m good at ac-

counting but I’m not sure I can find a job after graduation since my E nglish is not good,” he said.

U nder the Asean Mutual R ecognition Arrangements, professionals in eight fields are allowed free movement throughout the region.

The eight fields are accountancy, engineering, surveying, architecture, nursing, medi-

cal services, dental services and tourism. “Workers from other countries can come to work here. Competition will get fiercer for those who are not well-prepared,” said Kanjana Kiewpimai, 16, a student enrolled in the E nglish Programme of Chetupon Commercial College’s Hotel Management course.

Prime Minister Gen Pra-

yut Chan-o-cha on J anuary 1 urged T hais to pay more attention to improving their capacity to communicate in E nglish, which he also considers a weak point for T hais in the era of the AE C. He called on people to boost their skills to compete in the AE C labour market, as they will face tougher competition from people from neighbouring countries, according to government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

By contrast to the lack of confidence e pressed by political leaders, the minority of students who study under E nglish Programmes ( E P) or mini-E nglish Programmes introduced by the ffice of V ocational E ducation Commission ( vec) in 2012, and do speak E nglish well, are optimistic about the opportunities that will open up to them in the AE C. Pairtiwa R ampool, 16, a Hotel Management student at Chetupon Commercial College, anticipates much travel in her future.

“After graduation, I plan to

study further in Switzerland, then I will consider applying for jobs outside my country as the AE C will open doors for me,” she said.

“I would like to work in Singapore because the salary over there is better than here in T hailand.”

Yet, Amornrat Kreetatorn, 54, the head of the English programme at Chetupon Commercial College, noted “Following the launch of the AE C, the job market will become more competitive. People with higher skills in E nglish will be at an advantage, so we try to prepare them for the AE C.” While T hai students are relatively competitive in terms of vocational skills, the lack of E nglish proficiency is a major disadvantage, said Ms Amornrat.

“I am seeing an influ of skilled workers from countries like the Philippines doing jobs that require E nglish-speaking employees in T hailand. Our students need to be aware that workers with stronger E nglish skills will have the cutting edge,” she said.

TAT forecasts 2016 Russian rebound TOURISM THE MBE SSIA tourist arrivals is e pected to bounce back by mid-2016, as R ussia’s economy will bottom out soon, says the T ourism Authority of T hailand ( T AT ) .

T he R ussian economy has been in recession, worsened by trade sanctions by Western countries, with the rouble weakening by more than 50 against the baht since December 2014.

T he weak rouble has seen the number of R ussian tourists visiting T hailand sharply plunge, and this has hurt many destinations including Pattaya, which relies heavily on them.

R ussian tourist arrivals hit rock bottom in March with a

@thephuketnews

59

drop year-on-year.

After that, monthly arrivals have fallen by 35-38 yearon-year since May. The TAT e pects ussian tourist arrivals will bounce back by the middle of ne t year because the economy in ussia is e pected to recover very soon after passing the lowest point, said T anes Petsuwan, e ecutive director for E urope, Africa and the Middle E ast. ast year, the top five outbound destinations for R ussian travellers were T urkey, which welcomed 4.48 million visitors from R ussia, followed by Egypt (3 million), hina (2.46 million) , T hailand ( 1.6 million) and Finland ( 1.3 4 million) .

In the first nine months of

this year, arrivals from R ussia to Thailand declined by 40 year-on-year to 579,462.

The TAT e pects to welcome 410,000 in the fourth quarter, which is the high season, bringing full-year arrivals from ussia to 990,000.

It hopes the figure will increase to 1.02 million visitors ne t year.

Mr T anes said that while the T AT was optimistic about the R ussian market’s improvement ne t year, it was difficult to envision a repeat of the 1.7 million visitors in 2013.

Currently, the two preferred destinations for R ussian travellers, T urkey and E gypt, have many aggressive campaigns to lure back tourists after easing political conflicts.

Foreign tourists stroll along Beach Road in Pattaya. The weak rouble in recent years has seen fewer Russians visiting Thailand. Photo: Sarote Meksophawannakul “T he situation is getting tougher. T hailand must review its tourism marketing plan to capture middle- and high-end tourists instead of the mass market like in the past,” Mr T anes said.

Apart from medical and

wellness tourism, which are popular with R ussian women, the TAT’s Moscow office has promoted Thai bo ing as a major tourism product to attract R ussian travellers.

T he recession has caused a lot of R ussian travel agents

to get out of the business.

There are 15 travel agents in the market including the popular Natalie T ours and Pegas T ouristik. T he T AT is working closely with all of them.

B a n g k o k Po s t

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

The social payoff o a Phuket resort ou le

e traffic in lo season

E

MARKETING ntire websites and online business columns have based their success on espousing the best ways of boosting the number and quality of visitors to corporate websites and getting results from the clicks. Yet all these sell the same story with predictive advice, saying what a corporate marketing team “should” do to get the best results.

Here, T h e Ph u k e t N e w s presents a case study from our island, showing how, in six months, T hanyapura doubled its web traffic and engagement with their audience. Here is their story, in their own words: How did we do this? Is it possible for anyone to do? T hese are all questions we were asking several months ago when we turned a corner in our marketing efforts and began to look at different strategies to make sure we grew even in low season.

It was only after we introduced and applied these five key content marketing strategies that we really began to see the compound effect that can come from delivering quality content.

U nderstanding the needs of our customers, both online and offline, was essential to our level of growth in the past six months.

In the past, our focus was on purely on promoting what we were doing, which was good for keeping our audience but it didn’t help us build a sustainable growth or include that connective element with our audience.

So we applied a number of techniques to our content strategy, of which we will outline the top five most effective methods we used to increase awareness and engagement with our customers at T hanyapura.

We began making these changes at the beginning of May when we saw an average of 2,8 69 weekly sessions. T oday, we are averaging 7 ,8 02 weekly sessions.

he han a ura team set five ke target areas as their rimar strateg an set clear realisa le goals. e used these five methods to helps us double T hanyapura’s web traffic in si months 1: Building a better experience online 2: U nderstanding search verticals and submitting to them 3 : Creating quality content 4: Becoming more social 5: Geotargeting for local success

Table 2.

BUILDING A BETTER EXPERIENCE ONLINE Building a better experience for your audience is vital for gaining a loyal readership. But how is a better e perience online defined And how can we change our current strategies to build on the current online experience? T hese are all the questions that our team had to ask when we were building our content marketing strategy several months ago and this is where we started.

Firstly, when working on building a better experience online it is important that a potential customer can not only find you online but can also easily navigate through your website. T his is why one of T hanyapura’s main priorities was running a full audit on the website.

We addressed this in a number of ways. Some of which were:

• Improving site speed – By reducing image sizes and getting rid of unnecessary plugins we were able to significantly improve the uality of the website load speed from a midgrade on Google Developer Apps.

• R emoving 404 errors – Nothing can result in a more frustrating user experience than to navigate through a site only to arrive at a dead end – usually, it will send the user a message similar to ‘ page not found’. T his can happen for any number of reasons. As a site matures it is natural to restructure and move things around. Making sure all previous efforts in generating traffic are not wasted by redirecting that traffic to where the appropriate content has moved to is key.

Table 1.

• Interlinking – Saving the user time by connecting them to related content they might be interested in is important. It also aids as a useful SE O tool and can be rewarded in your overall score with search engines such as Google.

• Being Mobile Friendly – Google recently updated their search algorithm to favour sites that are mobile friendly. If you haven’t done this it’s a must, especially with over 50% of our audience now accessing us and most sites via mobile devices.

UNDERSTANDING SEARCH V ERTICALS AND SUBMITTING TO THEM Another way to ensure that T hanyapura was FINDABLE online was

to create a quality sitemap for the search engines to index, as well as submitting to many of the directories, aggregators and listing sites available on the internet.

T his can be a mixed bag in terms of results. But make no mistake, the long-term strategy for this is key for growth.

Many websites only tailor their efforts to Google. But Google recognises authority with these links as signals to improve results in its own rankings of your website.

Submitting to websites like Yandex may only yield 20-3 0 clicks a month but if you add up enough of these sites then factor in how these links can build and grow through aggregators it can become an impressive number over time.

One year ago, between Google and direct traffic, our numbers were as per T able 2. We should note that even though we have relied more on diversifying our traffic sources we have not let up on the growth of Google.

Over the year, we have increased Google monthly search from 6,000 monthly searches to over 10,000.

We are not just relying on Google anymore and our numbers show that we have managed to even out our oogle and direct search traffic.

T o visualise that growth we took an image of ONLY our direct traffic (see Table 1). otice that direct traffic growth built over time A worthwhile investment.

T his is not only the result of indexing and submitting. A lot of the result ties into understand that searches are evolving. People were finding T hanyapura through the web, image, news, video, social and many other verticals.

Having the right meta-description for our web pages ensured that they would also be enticed to click on that source to come to our website, which brings us to our next method – creating quality content, which will be covered in the next article in this three-part series.

illa rental eman targets igger units shorter sta s PROPERTY C9 HOT E LWOR KS HAS released its repor t titled “Phuket Luxury V illa R ental Market 2015”. One of the significant trends is the emergence of Hong Kong, Singapore and Mainland China. T he geographic shift is seeing the A S (average length of stay) compress, reports CE O and founder Bill Barnett.

“As one of Asia’s leading leisure destinations, Phuket

has been a strategic location for high-end property investors and developers since the late 198 0’s. T he island’s luxury inventory is the most demonstrated and prolific in the region. One fundamental offshoot of this real estate element is a rising tide of holiday villa rentals,” he says.

R esearching the sector, four-bedroom villas are the most popular unit type within the rental market; this is led on the back of an increasing number of guests coming in

larger groups. In the past, Asians favored smaller unit sizes more, while bigger unit

configurations were predominantly occupied by E uropean guests, Mr Barnett notes.

A surge in short haul multigenerational travel and combination of friends and family is seeing the regional rental market demand gradually shifting toward larger unit types ranging from five to eight- bedroom villas.

T he market trait for renting these villas is primarily through property management companies with on-line booking capabilities, rather than hotel groups. Over the next 3 6 months the island is expected to see an increased

influ of larger branded lu ury hotel-managed villas given the strong incoming supply pipeline.

For Phuket’s hotel industry the key underlying message is that non-traditional accommodation is rapidly growing in influence and appeal.

For the full report, including analysis of location, average rental price and unit configurations as well as rental management from an investment perspective, visit C9Hotelworks.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Unique rites of Thai Christian funerals

CHILLIN’ OUT IN HOKKAIDO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Countryside skinny dipping, waterfalls, farms, feasting and flower fields > Page 20

Outdoor onsen. Photo: Markmark28

@thephuketnews

16

A mouthwatering meal at the Pullman

19

16 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

All about Thai Christian funerals CULTURAL INSIGHTS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Let not your heart be troubled...In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.

Photo by Khonbaanrao

A

majority of Thais in Phuket are either Buddhist or Muslim, but there is also a large Christian community, who, like the former two faiths, have their own unique cultural customs and traditions.

The late politician Paiboon Upatising was a prominent member of the Christian community and following his death on August 10, 2015, a grand funeral was held for and attended by thousands of guests from near and far, who came to witness and participate in a unique ceremony which had elements of both Thai Buddhist and Christian rites.

Prior to his Christian burial, his body was kept preserved for seven days to allow for Thai-style farewell rites giving friends and family a chance to pay their final respects.

Though Thai Buddhists are very specific about setting the length for this final farewell period – which can vary from a single day, to three, seven or more days, depending on the status of the deceased – Thai Christians are not so particular about the length of time that they formally mourn, but will generally tend do so over several days.

As a reflection of the underlying Thai culture, both Buddhist and Christian funerals in Thailand are very relationship and food oriented.

For Thai Christian funerals, family and friends of the deceased tend to organise lunches and dinners at private homes and restaurants for people to gather together in warm company during the mourning period, while Thai Buddhists will usually sponsor communal meals at the temples, where most of the mourning is centered.

At both types of funerals in Thailand, there is bathing or water-blessing ceremony, in which relatives and friends pour water over one hand of the deceased. The body is then placed in a coffin and surrounded with wreaths.

If you are close to the family, it is customary to bring a wreath of flowers, or else give the family some money in an envelope to help supplement the cost of the funeral.

The wreath of flowers – in Thai, “Puang Reed” – represents a show of deep sorrow, and support for the suffering family. But sometimes, the family may prefer monetary support instead.

At the funeral of the late American expat Brad Kenny, for example, his Thai family requested that mourners donate money to the Rotary Club instead of buying flowers for the funeral.

Prior to the final burial or cremation, the deceased is placed in a coffin and sometimes the coffin is left open so that relatives can say their final goodbyes.

Cultural Insights is a monthly column written by various contributors and in which we attempt to crack open the intricate and sometimes confusing cultural code of Phuket and Thailand, covering everything from religion to superstition, beliefs, folklore and customs. If you have a suggestion or would like to contribute to this space, please email editor@classactmedia.co.th

Flower wreaths are customary for both Buddhist and Christian funerals in Thailand. Friends, family and guests of the deceased buy and display the wreaths near the coffin in a show of mourning and support.

Thai Christian funerals are similar to Buddhist ones, but instead of chanting and cremation, there is music, burial.

At a Thai Buddhist funeral, there will be chanting sessions performed by monks at least twice a day and you will also see candles, incense sticks and sometimes food offerings placed near the coffin.

However, a Thai Christian coffin is not surrounded with candles and joss sticks, nor is there food offerings made in the name of the deceased as is a common Brahman-Buddhist practice. As Christians commonly express their faith through music, it is common for a band or chorus to play and sing hymns at a Christian funeral.

Yossanun Kornkumpanart, Vice President of the Phuket Christian Committee explained that Thai Christian mourning beliefs are framed by the Bible’s New Testament.

“Most Protestants believe that Jesus Christ is both the human and divine incarnation of God. By having faith in Jesus Christ, believers are able to reject

the sin that was imposed upon humanity by the fall of man, and attain eternal life with God in Heaven.”

Indeed, like their Western counterparts, Thai Christians are faithful and hopeful that they’ll one day be reunited with their lost loved ones in heavan, a belief which is reinforced by a favourite bible passage, John 14:1-3, which says, “Let not your heart be troubled...In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

As believers in reincarnation, Thai Buddhists on the other hand don’t necessarily believe they will be reunited with the same person in the afterlife, but believe that souls may cross paths again in the next life, or incarnation, if not one later down the road.

High profile guests attended Paiboon’s funeral, including former Thai PM, Chuan Leekpai (in white) and Maitree Intusut (2nd right), Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

TEFL resolutions for 2016 ASK THE AJARN

Eric Haeg eric@teflcampus.com

Thai isn’t nearly as difficult as many think it is.

Just learning the basics of reading can significantly improve your tones and build vocabulary.

2

016 is upon us and if you haven’t made any resolutions for improvement and satisfaction in your TEFL job, here are some ideas for you.

Commit to classroom improvement – During the first few weeks of 2016, complete an honest self-evaluation of your teaching at least once a day so as to identify teaching skills that need improvement. If possible, ask a respected peer to observe your class and share their thoughts with you. Narrow weaknesses down to two or three teaching skills and commit to researching ways to improve.

Utilise social media – Improve techniques and build professional awareness by paying attention to the experts through blogs, YouTube and Twitter. Scott Thornbury’s blog, “An A-Z of ELT” is fantastic; sign up for Adrian Underhill’s newsletters for improving pronunciation; subscribe to EngVid’s YouTube channel for fun and interesting lesson plan ideas. Free sources are virtually endless and utilizing these usually results in a renewed interest in teaching. arn a certification – A wide variety of reasonably priced, advanced-level TESOL courses are readily available online (International House, for example). Choose a discipline you’re most interested in or one that addresses a weakness you want to improve.

Ensure the certification is recognised internationally as this might be especially good for those looking to work elsewhere in the near future.

Build bridges – If you work at a school with great Thai-Western relations, consider

Foreign teachers in Thailand should take up a Thai activity Social media and online certification courses may help you or hobby to enjoy the kingdom more. Photo: David Maiolo become a better, and more resourceful teacher this year. yourself lucky. Cross-cultural relations in most staffrooms isn’t great but how much of that can be eased by small gestures and proactive positivism? Smile more, bring in some fruit or snacks to share, exceed dress codes, volunteer for a task that only Thai teachers usually do. Such efforts don’t go unnoticed.

Kill colleagues with kindness for a while. If nothing changes, at least you tried.

Learn more Thai – The easiest way to build bridges is to learn more Thai. If you’re not an independent learner, find a few co-workers and sign up for 10 hours of class (I recommend Brainy House) or find a Thai friend and do some language exchange.

Thai isn’t nearly as difficult as many think it is. Just learning the basics of reading can significantly improve your tones and build vocabulary. Before you know it,

Thai students spend a lot of time at desks but lack practical skills. Photo: N supachai

Assembly considers reform proposals for improving lagging education system

T

he National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) is considering proposed reforms on the kingdom’s education system.

The NRSA met recently to discuss proposed reforms that were submitted by 11 committees responsible for various areas. In regard to education reform, the committee proposed four main issues that urgently need to be addressed. The 4 issues are: •Reforming the education system in a way that enables Thai students to have discipline yet enabling them to implement their skills.

•Reforming the education management in the elementary and higher education system.

@thephuketnews

•Reforming the entire education system, as well as reforming the standard education system and guaranteeing quality education at all levels.

•Reforming science and technology research systems for innovative purposes.

NRSA members agreed that education reforms are very important and that the level of Thai education should be raised by adding curricula that allow students to become creative thinkers. In addition, classes should also support students to express their opinions. Curricula should also be set up to teach students about democracy, the NRSA determined.

NNT

you’re sat at a red light trying to read a sign or you’re able to read items on a menu.

Embrace one Thai activity – In my experience, the foreigners who do more of this enjoy life in Thailand more and therefore appreciate the opportunities that teaching in Thailand presents. Try venturing out by signing up for a course in Thai cooking, batik art, meditation or something else that interests you. If you’re more of an introvert, try getting into Thai music or pick up a book on Thai history. Share these experiences with Thai co-workers, students, parents and friends, and rewards will present themselves.

Here’s to a happy, productive and meaningful 2016. Make the best of it.

If you’d like to offer additional ideas or comments, please visit www.teflcampus.com/blog/ TEFL-resolutions-for-2016.

18 HEALTH

Stretched truths

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Is stretching before exercise really good for you?

Toshi Toyoda editor@classactmedia.co.th

And then to my disbelief, I had no more lower back pain. I couldn’t believe it. And this is just one of many examples...

Toshi Toyoda is one of 200 Muscle Activation Technique “Master Specialists” in the world. Currently living in Phuket, Toshi became a Resistant Specialist Master and a Master Specialist eight years ago. The Phuket News featured a story on him back in September and will be featuring a series of important muscle and exercising facts over the next few months. Read on for the first part on stretching.

I

have practised boxing and Muay Thai since 1988 and always wondered why I had chronic lower back pain.

During this time I was practising acupuncture, Rolfer, and was a physical trainer in Hawaii and Japan, and I attended a seminar for Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT). So one day, after an MAT seminar, I decided to not do any long stretching before boxing.

And then to my disbelief, I had no more lower back pain. I couldn’t believe it. And this is just one of many examples that have proved that stretching before exercising can result in injury.

It all started many years ago. I had been in the healthcare field over 18 years at that time and during the seminar, the instructor asked me if I thought muscle tension was a good thing or a bad thing? To which I responded that I thought “too much tension was bad”.

“If muscle has no tension, then the muscle works properly?” he asked. Obviously not.

In a tug of war game, the loose rope cannot pull the opponent can it? So, if muscle has no tension, then the muscle does not work properly? The instructor then said a very interesting thing to me.

“If the muscle is stretched, does stretching loosen the muscle?”

Logically yes. But, he explained that muscles function, it can change in length, which means moving leverage, and also, one very important function is the co-contraction to protect joints.

I understood the first point, but I didn’t really understand the second one. He explained using the elbow joint makes the biceps and triceps co-contract, which makes the elbow joint stabilise. Without co-contraction, the elbow joint is not protected by muscle tension.

It’s not difficult in understanding that muscle tension is vital for joint protection, but what puzzled me was the concept regarding stretching. If stretching reduces muscle tension, then why is stretching so bad? What about yoga and pilates?

Throughout life I had heard that stretching did the following: 1. Reduces the chance for injury

2. Increases flexibility 3. Increases blood flow 4. Helps one to relax However, after carrying out research on the history of stretching, I found the first book about stretching, which was published

by American writer Bob Anderson back in 1975 informing the public of the benefits of stretching. Then I found some very interesting research the Australian army conducted in 1998.

The research included a study on 1,538 soldiers, including a group that did no stretching and a group that did. Three months later, the studies showed stretching does not reduce any risk of injury. Following this research, many reports against stretching finally started to surface.

In Kinesiology, there are muscle tests to prove this theory. After a long static stretch, the muscle test carried out by various techniques have shown a 100 per cent muscle test fail (we will discuss this more in a later article).

If one of the jobs of the muscles is to protect the joint and the muscle shuts down, then is it a good thing to stretch before?

Some research in fact shows that stretching causes more injury.

What about Range Of Motion (ROM)?

If the muscle protects joint, there is more ROM, but if your muscle shuts down, there is less ROM. If you stretch, does it inhibit the muscle? If you sit, hamstring stretching

increases ROM. Is muscle tension good? Too much tension decreases blood flow, and causes pain and stiffness. Having said that, the muscle needs to be tense to be contracted.

If stretching makes the bridge loosen, will the muscle work optimally? And can stretching ever be good for exercise?

Conclusion

All in all, it is vital not to do any static stretching before exercising, as it can cause: 1- More injury 2- Less performance There are different types of stretching that can enhance a person’s performance. It’s important to remember that each person has a different goal for exercise.

But, what I will say is, I do not recommend doing stretching just before exercising when the muscle is not warm, but instead in a still, cold condition. It’s not that a person shouldn’t do any form of stretching, it’s that they need to understand when they should.

If someone should stretch before exercising, they will more likely end up with an injury. For example, before doing Muay Thai, the person should go for a light jog before, but there is no need to do standard stretching positions, as one would have previously thought.

If you have any questions, visit biomc.com or call Toshi on +66-(0)99-362-1005. Be sure to tune in for my next article in a few weeks.

Pneumonia, dengue most deadly illnesses in 2015

P

The striped Aedes albopictus mosquito carries and transmits the dengue virus, which was the second most deadly disease in Thailand in 2015, killing 116.

neumonia topped the list of the five diseases posing the greatest risk to Thai people last year, claiming 406 lives and sending over 190,000 people to hospital.

A total of 192,189 people of all ages, from babies to the elderly, were hospitalised for treatment of pneumonia in 2015, according to Health Ministry statistics.

This was a considerable reduction on 2014, when a total of 207,710 patients were treated for pneumonia, and 893 died.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lung caused by the build up of excess fluids and pus caused by an immune response to a viral, bacterial or fungal infection. It is prevalent during the cool season, particularly in the North and Northeast and ar-

Hand, foot and mouth disease affected tens of thousands and killed three in Thailand last year.

Photo: KlatschmohnAcker eas with more rain.

The four other most prevalent serious illnesses were dengue hemorrhagic fever, food poisoning, influenza, and hand, foot and mouth disease.

Dengue hemorrhagic fever caused 123,169 people to seek treatment and killed 116 people. The largest number

of patients were aged 10-14 years, followed by the 5-9 years group and then 15-24 years of age.

The most cases of hemorrhagic fever were reported in the Central Plains, followed by the Northeast and the North.

Food poisoning came third on the list and sent 120,126 people to seek treatment at hospitals last year. No deaths were reported. Most cases occurred at schools.

Influenza sent 69,798 people seeking treatment and claimed 28 lives.

It mostly occurred in the Central Plains and the North.

Hand, foot and mouth disease infected 37,330 people and killed three people. The disease mostly occurred at nurseries, child care centres and kindergartens. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Pull yourself to the Pullman A glorious seafood buffet for the new year

Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The rest of the table indulged in the prawns, lobster, seabass, tuna, and all things sea friendly.

@thephuketnews

I

f you’re looking for a spectacular seafood buffet then I strongly recommend you head to the Pullman Arcadia Hotel in Naithon Beach. Not only does it present one of the largest platters of seafood on the island, but the hotel itself is beyond stunning.

Perched right on the headland, the hotel overlooks the Andaman Sea offering guests the most peaceful, relaxing environment to enjoy a meal or kick back with a sophisticated glass of wine or two.

I recently headed to the tranquil hotel to see what all the fuss was about, and let’s just say I was not left disappointed. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the warm, friendly staff who hopped me into one of their futuristic buggies that took me right to the top of the hill, dropping me off at the door of the reception. What a great way to start the evening.

We were greeted by the lovely Bella who then escorted us to the most beautiful outside terrace where we had a huge circular sofa all to ourselves. Here we enjoyed a few classic signature cocktails and watched the sun set. It really was breathtaking and it was easy to see why so many people stay here.

I was so impressed with the whole resort and how each corner was designed with such attention to detail. Sitting on the terrace looking up at the tall standing trees made me feel like I could be anywhere.

It was so tropical, and the trees made the place secluded, peaceful and private.

After we washed down the selection of creative nuts and snacks with our drinks, we headed to the restaurant. I couldn’t believe the size of the buffet, the options were endless and you could spot how fresh the seafood was from a mile away!

We were also offered dishes from the à la carte menu as some of us wanted to test out some of their other popular dishes.

But first, we headed to the salad buffet where we proceeded to fill our plates with the most fresh selection of salads including the ever-so-tender chicken tandoori, potato salad, pasta salad, mixed salad leaves, beetroot salad, mixed veggies, papaya salad,

just to name a few! There were also pots of prawn cocktails too.

Following these delightful appetisers, some of the table tried out the sushi and sashimi station. Whereas I waited for my main course to arrive, and boy oh boy was I glad I did.

Suddenly, a stunning wooden board with wagyu beef steak on top was presented to me. And next to the steak were some French fries and grilled vegetables including eggplant, red pepper and zucchini, as well as a cute little pot of gravy and peppercorn sauce. Believe me when I tell you how extraordinary the steak was, it was cooked to perfection and the taste of the beef alongside the creamy sauce just melted in my mouth! I hadn’t tasted something so divine in quite a long time.

The rest of the table indulged in the prawns, lobster, seabass, tuna, and all things sea friendly. No one really spoke for fifteen minutes, a true testament to how delicious the food was!

By this point, I was extremely full

and couldn’t have even imagined eating anything else! But, when I walked over to the dessert corner to at least get a glimpse into what I might miss out on, you can probably guess that I decided to in fact indulge in the large array of sweets and cakes.

From homemade macaroons, to tasty, creamy éclairs, to cupcakes, to chocolate cake, homemade ice creams including mango and coconut flavours, a live crêpe station, pumpkin cake and a few more delightful nibbles that I couldn’t fit in my tummy!

Overall I was more than impressed with my experience of the Pullman, from the service, to the friendly, warm atmosphere, to the quality of the ingredients, I would highly recommend this delightful hotel to anyone. Whether it’s for a sunset cocktail, or to indulge in the outstanding seafood, you won’t regret it.

For more infromation, visit pullmanphuketarcadia.com

20 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Autumnal bliss

Hokkaido reveals her true beauty

Hansruedi Frutiger editor@classactmedia.co.th

H

okkaido, the northernmost island of Japan of which Sapporo is the capital, is a holiday destination brimming with exquisite natural, cultural and historical wonders.

A sublime mix of East meets West, this island is dotted with rice and potato fields, innumerable national parks, charming Swiss-style chalets, skiing hubs, historic towns and rustic hot springs, something for which this formidable country is worldrenowned.

Due to its varied activities and attractions, Hokkaido is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. Most of Hokkaido enjoys a continental climate of snowy cold winters and moderately warm summers. The western half of the island tends to enjoy slightly warmer temperatures than the eastern side due to its vertiginous peaks and hills.

Although Hokkaido is not all that large, thanks to its mountain ranges and the fact it is located between three different seas on three shores, the climate between north, south, east and west (as well as inland), can change dramatically depending on where you go. Hokkaido is also largely unaffected by the mid-year rainy season which batters down the rest of the country, which makes it a much revered destination for local tourists as well as foreigners, especially in summer.

I left Kuala Lumpur and headed to Singapore in the evening and joined the ANA flight to Tokyo. The 787 Dreamliner was packed in economy. It was a night flight, but I recommend taking a day flight should anyone do this journey.

Prime Travel tour manager, Ms Caryn and the local guide Ms Tomoro-

Top: Tomita Farm; Above: Shirahige Falls by GiladRom; Right: Hans San, joined the dramatic autumn east coast tour. Both guides were very knowledgeable in their work, very informative and seemed to really care about the well-being of the 18 tourists joining the tour.

On arrival, we drove for about 30 minutes to a barbecue restaurant. With such a tight schedule, we then drove an hour later through a clouded mountain range, passing through scenery similar to that seen in Switzerland in October, including flower fields and potato and vegetable farms.

The fields in these parts usually light up with many colours of sage, cosmos and cleome during autumn.

We stopped at the Tomita flower farm, famous for its lavender flowers, but unfortunately they were all clipped when we visited.

Later that afternoon, almost nightfall, we visited a pond outside of Shirogane where the mineral-rich water is a stunning blue-grey. We than drove to Asahikawa Grand Hotel, a city hotel in town, where we finished our day’s travels with a gourmet nouvelle cuisine Japanese dinner at a local restaurant about 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel.

The next day we drove not far to the Otokoyama Saké Brewery to learn how the various grades of saké are produced, followed by a tasting. The weather was overcast with occasionally sunny spells. Lunch was a Japanese-Italian fusion affair at a restaurant on a green slope 50 minutes’ drive from Asahikawa

The scenery in Shirogane Daisetsuzan is quite stunning. Photo: Indrik Myneur

with views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. The restaurant, Mikuni, was a highlight on the culinary side; small portions with a touch from Italy and Japan. Excellent.

We later drove to the Kurodake Ropeway cable car, which brought us up to the higher part of the Daisetsuzan National Park, though it was misty and cloudy and the view could not be enjoyed.

East of Sounkyo, we visited two waterfalls, bursting out of the solid rock formation. Not much farther was our hotel for the night: Taisetsu, a threestar mountain resort. Unfortunately I had to spend the night in a typical Tatami Room, with a small mattress on the floor making it very awkward to get up and visit the bathroom at night.

Large people please note: the bathroom is 150cm long and only 50cm wide.

In the evening we enjoyed the “Once hot steam bath” in the hotel, where men and women bathe separately. The water in the large bath contains a lot of iron and its 34ºC temperature lures you to sleep. An experience not to be missed when in any Japanese resort.

The autumnal weather continued the next day, and in the poor sunshine we took a gentle drive down to the valley to Taiyo-no-Oka Flower Park. Unfortunately a powerful typhoon a month earlier had turned off the colours of the flowers on the 10 acres of land. The blossoms were gone; only a few flowers survived the storm.

Our next stop, however, was to raise our spirits. We drove to a local restaurant next to the Pacific Ocean and indulged in the freshest of seafood: steamed crab, prawns, squid in various colours, octopus and, of course, fish and salmon. I am sure our cholesterol went through the roof.

We later stopped at a roadside stall for scallop hamburgers. Though I am one of those who enjoy eating, I opted out. But we later stopped at a local store to buy some of the freshest raw,

cooked and frozen scallops and other seafood delicacies. We experienced the freshest seafood just the way local Hokkaido residents have come to appreciate and value over the years.

We later drove to Hokuten No Oka Lake Resort, with its excellent-view, good western-style rooms. We put back on our yukata gowns and went to the hot spring bath. Later, I enjoyed a local massage, which cannot be compared to the Thai variant, but overall was not too bad.

The dinner was again exclusive fare with many dishes from throughout the region.

At the end of a long day, a hot steam bath, or “onsen”, washed away our long drive.

Keep an eye out for the second half of Hans’ Hokkaido travels in our next Travel special.

Get ready for the Onsen!

By Markmark28 You’re going to get naked. Completely.

So the most essential item is a small towel to cover your privates. Everything else is optional. Don’t bring valuables.

If you’re heavily tattooed - many Japanese people still associate this with the yakuza, though it’s highly unlikely you’ll be mistaken for one.

To start, you sit on a small plastic stool, wash yourself with soap and then rinse, then bring the small towel to the common hot steam tub and soak yourself for about 15 minutes. Then jump into a cold tub, wash yourself again and go and relax.

Or you can go Japanese style: don’t wash off the minerals from your last dip, get changed into your pyjamas, try a milk from a vending machine, and stroll back to your bed, totally at ease with the world and ready for a deep sleep.

By the way, wearing the Kimonolooking outfit in the resort for inner or lunch is very common.

thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

COLOURING PHUKET!

On Sale

NOW! For commercial inquiries, call Ae on 088 765 5881 or email pr@classactmedia.co.th @thephuketnews

Every book sold helps disadvantaged kids.

With 22 Island Scenes to colour in, it makes the perfect gift for your children, friends and family.

POWERED BY

To order your copy today, call 076 612 550 or email info@classactmedia.co.th

Free colouring crayons with every copy!

w w w. p h u k e t c o l o u r i n g b o o k . c o m

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Phuket Governor Chamreon Tipayapongthada gives alms to the first in a line of 99 monks.

PAYING ALMS TO 99 MONKS A Buddhist merit-making ceremony for 99 monks was held on December 30 at Central Festival Phuket. Governor Chamreon Tipayapongthada along with Pol Maj Gen Teerapon Tipjalern, Mr Pattanapong Aikwanich of Central Festival Phuket's President Property Management & General Manager Ms Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree led the alms offerings.

From Right: Ms Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree, Mr Pattanapong Aikwanich and Pol Maj General Teerapon Tipjalern made offerings of food and beverages.

SINGAPORE SWING

RICH PLAYS HIS HEART OUT IN KALIM

Mr Goh Chok Tong, Singap or e’s s e c ond & former Prime Min ister visited and played a round at Laguna Golf Club Phuket last week while on vacation in Phuket with his friends.

Blues lovers were in for a real treat on January 2 as popular blues musician, Rich Harper headlined a one-night-only show at the Home Restaurant in Kalim. Backed up on stage by Phuket biker, musician and brain surgeon, Teddy Fagerstrom, Rich's set was truly moving. Rich is a true pro in every sense of the word, having headlined at most of the Phuket Blues Festival events over the years. Thanks to Stephan Audiger for the pic.

PHUKET BIDS BYE TO 2015 Officials from the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor), Phuket City Municipality, Tambon Rawai, TAT and Phuket Tourism Business Association on December 31 gathered at Laem Phromthep Cape to bid farewell to the old year.

SWISS CHEESING FOR XMAS PARTY HILTON'S SWEET Amari Phuket welcomed the Swiss Society Phuket Board for the annual Swiss Society Phuket Christmas Dinner at the resorts's Rim Talay Restaurant. The event was full of fun and happiCOFFEE QUEEN ness amongst the Swiss participants, who came and celebrated their annual party together.

WINS MASTER

From left: Andrea Kotas Tammathin (Vice President, Swiss Society Phuket), Paul Richle (Treasurer, Swiss Society Phuket), Brigitte Lehmann (Board Member, Swiss Society Phuket), Richard Margo (Hotel Manager, Amari Phuket), Peter Gisin (Secretary, Swiss Society Phuket) and Fredy Reutlinger (President, Swiss Society Phuket).

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the success of one of its talented associates, Khun Chalalai Saenkhan, who recently won the “Hilton Worldwide Thailand F&B Master 2015/2016” beverage prep competition at the Thailand and Myanmar country level.

Her impressive performance, skills, presentation, taste, technique, decoration and hygiene were outstandingly displayed when making her creative coffee ‘Kluay Kluay’ for judges.

Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa invites guests to sample it at the hotel's Caffe Cino.

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ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

PSU International

JW Marriott

Banyan Tree, Angsana and Xana Hilton Arcadia Resort & Spa

Infinity Communications

The Racha Anantara Resorts

Class Act Media would like to e tend warm wishes to all of our loyal customers, friends, family and partners. Many of you ha e been so kind in bestowing us with lots of goodies for our staff to en oy, and not to mention all the lo ely eye candy from your fantastic parties.

Beautiful people at the party scene at On Top in Patong.

Revellers of all ages had a blast at The KEE party in Patong

@thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM indulging in our week end ‘ s special lunch set for only B399++ per person between 11am-3pm.

Menu includes 3 staters, 4 main course and dessert served with Gulab Jamun/Phirni anilla Custard/Ice Cream (choose 1). All for just B399++ per person. For more info please call 076 304 034.

8 JAN Grill & Wine Romantic 3 Courses Set-Dinner

A Glass of Selected Beverage -Combo Starter: Tapas & Lobster Bisque Soup -Main course: a choice of Grilled Rib Eye, Grilled Salmon or BB Pork Ribs -Lovely Dessert: Warm Chocolate olcano at only THB 399.- per set From 6pm-10:30pm Res: 0954181161. (Showing this Add, get 10 O beverages)

Indian Curry Night on Fridays

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious Aloo Tikki , Samosas, Chicke n Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicke n, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Pistachio Ice Cream, Gulah Jamun, Fruits. For only 399/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Contact: : 076 286 464 Ext 4.

SAT

9 JAN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

other at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuke t - Surin Beach; a wide selection of Thai delicacies alongside sushi platter, pasta, pizza, meat carving station and a variety of desserts you can’t miss! It also includes free flow of soft drinks! Only THB 399++ per person. Children aged 4-12 receive 50 discount o . This includes free access to our swimming pools, water slides and Kids Club. RS P 076 303 300.

Grill & Wine Romantic 3 Courses Set-Dinner

A Glass of Selected Beverage -Combo Starter: Tapas & Lobster Bisque Soup -Main course: a choice of Grilled Rib Eye, Grilled Salmon or BB Pork Ribs -Lovely Dessert: Warm Chocolate olcano at only THB 399.- per set From 6pm-10:30pm Res: 0954181161 (Showing this Add, get 10 O beverages)

SUN

10 JAN

BBQ at Expat Hotel

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

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chick en, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, York shire pudding and gravy.

Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuk et.com.

PIMEX : Phuket International Boat Show 2016

The Phuket International Boat Show takes place from 7th to 10th January 2016. The region’ s longest running Boat Show since 2003 we bring together a spectacular display of state of the art yachts, marine equipment, luxury lifestyle products and property developments.

Open daily from 11.00 am to 7.00 pm and all welcome with free entry. Food and beverage outlets al fresco on the boardwalk and fun for all the family. An event Not to be missed. www. phuke tboatshow.com, Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuke t News, Novosti Phuke ta, Live 89.5 & The Phuke t News TV. Contact Andy Dowden, Andaman Marine Consultants, marserv@phuke temail.com, 081 892 7670, Fax : 076 379 604.

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi

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

Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. isit patongboxingstadium.com for more info. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance. Please call +66 87 383 3364 or +66 76 345 578 to arrange the transportation before 12pm of each Saturday after the payment is confirmed.

Japanese Sunday Brunch Every bite crafte ith air

Phuke t’ s most elaborate and well-kn own week ly Japanese Sunday Brunch rolls back at the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre launches the event from Sunday the 13th of December onwards. Enjoy artfully created Japanese Cuisine and take advantage of JW Marriott’s facilities including swimming pools and Kid’ s Pavilion. Priced at THB 2,000++ per person which includes food and free flow soft drinks, with 50 o for children aged 7-12.

Sunday roast at Gallery Cafe By Pinky @ new Chalong branch

Every Sunday from 12pm and all-day brunch and dinner every day from 7am-10pm.

0891037000 FB : Gallerycafe by Pinky, thegallerycafe@yahoo.com, 089 103 7000.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Mussels night @ Shakers

1.2k g mussels served with french fries your choice, your style: nature, mariniere, provencale, garlic & cream or Thai style reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shak ersphuk et@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Come and enjoy the authentic flavour of India by

Lazy Sunday Brunch

Indulge yourself in a culinary experience like no

Beef, Pork & Lamb Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Yorksh ire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravey, Mushroom sauce, Mint Sauce. Reservation Recommended 350 baht P.P., shake rsphuke t@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

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EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

MON

ther details please contact Warren Crowe +66 (0) 812704291 or Andy Bright +66 (0) 862739948, info@phuketgamefishingclub. com Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

11 JAN All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6pm 11pm: All you can eat BB ribs served with salad bu et, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

EVERY DAY

All you can eat BBQ night

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

TUE

12 JAN

Pasta Lovers’ Parade “All you can Eat”

Unlimited Pasta o ers @THB 195.- P.P. Including more than 12 options of sauces & Preparations From 6pm-10:30pm - Reservations: 0954181161 - www.facebook.com/skyzabviewpoint (Showing this Add, get free one selected beverage)

WED

13 JAN

BBQ Night “All you can Eat”

Don’t miss your time, unlimited BB Skewers Dinner at only THB 259.- P.P. Including soup, salad, spaghetti or fried rice and French fries. From 6pm-10:30pm - Reservations: 0954181161 - www.facebook.com/skyzabviewpoint (Showing this Add, get free one selected beverage)

SAT

PIWC fundraising event - A Mediterranean Night

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 3

@thephuketnews

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

The PIWC annual fundraising event, cost is 2,500 baht per person, includes 1 drink, buffet dinner and entertainment. More details to follow soon. Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

TUE

If you like playing pool, meeting new people and looking to sharpen your 8 ball skills. Then this is your opportunity to be a part of the biggest & most exciting pool league in the world. Winning team wins a trip to egas to play at the NEA Las egas. All expenses paid. If you have any questions contact us on www.facebook.com/ vnea phuket, Tel : 085 797 0202 (Thai), 085 797 0002 (English). Email: info@thailandpooltables. com. Proundly supported by Live 89.5.

23 JAN

THE DECK restaurant

THE DECK restaurant embraces expansive views across the water spanning from the southern point of Kamala Beach to the Northern point of Kamala Beach let’s not forget also the mountain views. THE DECK Restaurant menu Thai Fusion is designed by Kevin B Jamieson as a range of dishes for individuals or as a shared selection. Mention Phuket News and receive 10 o on Food only!, info@taoshagroup.com, 094 490 3269.

1 MAR

PGFC Thailand 2016 “Classic” Sport Fishing Tournament

57 hours of non-stop sport fisihing, held o shore around the Similan Islands. As always the prize monies o ered are the largest in Asia. Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more. Many boats already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, Germany, USA, Hong Kong, the UK and Singapore. For fur-

Order a somtam tray, get FREE 1 bottle of Coke

88 Tasty restaurant and bar is o ering promotion before the end of the year order a somtam tray, get FREE 1 bottle of Coke. More info Khun Lek, 097 047 7822. facebook.com/88tasty.

Festive Season Beverages Promotion at TEXTURE Café and Restaurant

Celebrate the festive season together with the promotion of imported South African bottle at only Baht 650 when spending a minimum of Baht 1,000 per bill. Or enjoy our promotion on selected beverages everyday from 11:00 am to 10:30 pm, closed every Wednesday, info@texturephuket.com or 081 916 1430.

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

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. Which colour would you associate with the Nok Air logo?

2. At what age did Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain all die?

3. On computer screens and in website colours fuchsia is exactly the same as what other colour?

4. Name the most famous battle of 1346?

5. Peter Mark Roget, a nineteenth century British physician, is best known for what type of book?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

63. Repute 64. Masked man with a stick 65. Hangout 66. Ring-around-therosy flower 67. Exclusive

27. Famous 28. Biochemistry 1. Sea cow abbr.

7. Alexander, e.g.

29. Always, in verse 11. French vineyard 30. “___ alive!”

14. Raise 34. Mary in the 15. Include White House 16. French flower 35. West African people Down 17. Autobiography 37. Ring 20. Dress (up) 38. ___ Polloi 1. ___ Bowl 21. Cautious 39. Lord of the 2. Engaged in 22. Kind of column Rings character 3. Hot drink 23. Panna ___ (dessert) 4. Across, in verse 40. Wind dir.

42. Medical 25. Buttonhole 5. Thumbs down procedure 27. Revive 6. Expansion 44. Looked 31. Like some gases 7. Some hymns lecherously 32. Proof word 8. Madcap 45.

Fine fur 33. Strangle 9. Hello or goodbye 46.

Come to light 36. Wraps 10. Legal matter 47. Dismal 41. Some London 11. Tie type teens, in the ‘60s 12. Most abundant 48. Gaucho’s weapon 43. Chills 13. Comfortable 49.

Fabrications 44. Have many with 53.

Area 51 secrets 18. Destiny conveyances?

50. Gofer’s job 19. Centers of 54. Actor O’Shea 51. Kind of pain activity 55. Fail to mention 52. Kuwaiti leader 23. Author John 56. Heed Dickson ___ 53. Wrinkly fruit 24. Place to put the 58. Cut (off) 54. Farm cry 59. Rite answer? feet up 57. Put everything on 60. Get into 25. Not many the line 61. Asian language 26.

Whale family 62. Needle point?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Yellow; 2) 27; 3) Magenta; 4) The Battle of Crecy (August 26, 1346); 5) Thesaurus

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

January 8, 1297

Franç ois Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.

2

words are enough for people to distinguish the voice of a close friend or relative amongst other voices.

January 9, 2007 Apple CEO Steve Jobs unveils the first i hone.

45

January 10, 49 BC

Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.

per cent of all Ferraris sold in the world are red.

77

January 11, 1935

A m e l i a E a rhart becomes the first person to y solo from Hawaii to California.

per cent of “Viagra”-type sexual-performance-enhancing products sold on the Internet are fake.

400

January 12, 1998 N ineteen European nations agree to forbid human cloning.

feet long is the length of the longest baguette in the world, taking 60 bakers and seven hours to make.

January 13, 2012

The passenger cruise ship C o s t a C o n c o r d i a sin s off the coast of Italy. here are 32 confirmed deaths among the 4,23 2 passengers and crew.

14,000

tons of sunscreen are discharged into sea water affecting coral reefs each year, and a drop of it contains enough oxybenzone to disrupt coral growth.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Happy New Year as seen from from The Pavilions, 360º Bar. Photo by Ulli Schonart Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

January 14, 1973 lvis resley s concert loha from Hawaii is broadcast live via satellite, and sets the record as the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in television history.

S o u r c e : W ik ip e d ia thephuketnews

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Jobs

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Chinese language newspaper 'Puji Doa Xin Wen', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

Chinese Editor Responsibilities:

Class Act Media seeks a Chinese Editor to head up our new publication The Phuket News (Chinese), a Chinese-language newspaper for Southern Thailand. The position is based in Phuket.

Qualifications:

● e a native Chinese speaker with strong English communication skills. ● This role would suit someone with a strong editing, writing, and manage ment background, preferably in newspapers though those with maga ine experience will also be considered. ● deally, candidates will have first-hand knowledge of Thailand and its current affairs, culture and politics, but applicants with a strong connection to Asia are also welcome to apply.

We offer:

A friendly work environment, 5-day work week 8.30am-6pm , competitive salary, local health insurance, work-related travel expenses, time in lieu for overtime, and the chance to live and experience a great part of the world, while also furthering your career. The position is open to both foreign and Thai nationals, but you must be a native Chinese speaker. For foreigners, a work permit and visa will be provided. nterested candidates are invited to send their applications, with full resume, in English indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Chinese language newspaper 'Puji Doa Xin Wen', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

PR & MARKETING ASSISTANT Responsibilities :

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Chinese language newspaper 'Puji Doa Xin Wen', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications:

● Assisting the PR manager with planning and implementing PR plans for the company ● Representing the company at events & exhibitions ● General Marketing and PR admin tasks

● Thai or Expat.

● Good communication skills both in Thai & English ● Degree qualified – recent graduate welcome to apply ● Have own transport (bike or car) ● Ability to work after normal work hours and/or weekends (time in lieu will be given)

● ighly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

Qualifications:

We offer:

● Competitive salary ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity ● Time in lieu for any overtime hours worked If you are professional & enthusiastic person, this is an excellent opportunity to advance in a growing & innovative media business in Phuket

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. ●

orks well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer:

● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● ocial security paid by the company. ● Excellent career progress opportunities.

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

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Trades & Services

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

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EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

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MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

STORAGE

TRAINING

TRAVEL GUIDE

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME DECORATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Building Renovation Engineering Maintenance

T: 094-546 0422 (Eng-Thai)

Huge Work Reference www.tularuxa.com thephuketnews

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Buy&Sell

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PETS

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Y acht Chartering and Resort

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital

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

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

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

Pets Magic Planet

Open from 9am. - 7pm. * The best international brands. * The ultimate choice. * Luxury accessries & jewels.

Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and contact@petsmagicplanet.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Business for sales

Fast food & Kebab shop for sale In the best location 50 meter from Bangla road. Patong Free rent until APR 2016. 1.8 MB, mak ryno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Looking for Partners/ Investors

Business requires added funding.5-7 million bht. Investment exchanged for company shares.

Company is state of the art with exceptional ROI. Investment repaid over 5 years and annual dividends. Active/ Silent partner.Serious inquiries only. Full information to qualified investors. Eng 088 491 3857/Thai 088 753 6897. 2,000,000 THB.

Newly renovated hotel for rent

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

Commercial laundry in Patong

Already serve more than 400 hotel rooms. Income up to 10,000 baht/ day during high season. 80 sqm.

Rent 25,000 baht inc. water supply plus a truck .

2 MB, Jeeppy, the_ promenade@hotmail.com, 093 160 6566

Restaurant on Main Street

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

German bakery &

deli &

snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, tak e over + incl. training complete equipment, sta room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. early volume 4 mio. hansibak ery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark , ansibak ery@gmail.com

Best Deal

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

CAR FOR SALE I NEED A NEW OWNER

Immaculate 1997 GTO 3000 Auto.Genuine 39,000k ms.18inch wheels,metallic black ,class 1 alarm.Genuine Main Dealer import,red/ black leather interior,8 speak er stereo,1 previous owner,factory sun roof. Stunning car and very hard to find in Thailand in such good condition. 1.25m/o ers close to., Paul, 0817473000.

TOY OTA Fortuner 2009

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

2012 Toyota Fortuner 24, 000km

2012 Pearl white Toyota Fortuna For Sale.

3.0 D4D VN Turbo Great condition- Baht Black leather interior. Tax / insurance till 2016, 900,000, Loch Palm, Kathu, Phuk et, glawre123@gmail.com, 0898668825.

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

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

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

nt rge

e sal

CAR FOR SALE Honda J azz 2009 1500cc Auto

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

U

Everest 4WD Q uick Sale

10+yrs but mechanically drives and look s great. Manual. Only B450,000 or offers above 400k considered for fast sale, B450,000 THB, peterh@asianwind.biz, 081- 8926710.

CAR FOR RENT Long term car rental have a good car rental, Toyota

ios, Mazda 2 or similar with true full professional insurance and 24/ 7 support Monthly rates B14000, Soi Suk ee 40/ 19 moo 9 Chao fa east rd 39 chalong muang, ninascars@gmail.com, 089 648 0499.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Sale Ducati Monster 79 6 ABS

2014 year 7500 k m Perfect condition! Several extras. Same new Price 320,000. +6685 068 1133, 0681133@gmail.com

Stallion Mini Momo for sale

ear 2012. Good condition, one owner, well maintained. Price 18,000 baht. Pls call 082 732 4531.

Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012

Showroom condition, new from Kawasak i Phuk et May 2012, 2,000k m, Hepco & Beck er Engine Bars & Rear-rack , Kawasak i Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@hotmail.com

Motorbike for sale

R1200RT BMW 200k ms 2 yrs warrant. From BMW Thailand as ( new). Extras inc BMW GPS B28,000, Tourteck engine protectors B15,215, BMW bik e cover B7,300, Gps B34,200. Valued at B1,334,465. Four months old with special color. Only B1,150,000. First to see will buy, k ieranpmadden@hotmail.com , 096 924 4661.

COMMUNITY

CAR WASH DELIVERY Tired Of Waiting?

We clean your car at your place - at your time. No.1 car wash delivery in Phuk et.

Call 076-355-042 or go to CleanCar.me for more details.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership

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

PERSONAL SERVICES Doctor on call

24 Hrs Medical Service,Home & Hotel Call Phuk et life/ Phuk et Health Health Care @ Home Medical Service Center Contact : Doctor Pisit 081 693 4816, 081 958 8891.

8/ 10 Moo 6, Kamala beach, Phuk et 83150, pisit.doc@hotmail.com.

De Laguna By Dr.J aQ

International Clinic English Speak ing Doctor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: DrJaq Warnnissorn Providing Anti-Aging ( Botox, Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call).

Integrative and Advancement in Medicine for individualized treatment programs for patients of all ages and with various disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com

FURNITURE FOR SALE Swinging Sun Loungers For Sale

Swinging, sun loungers, brand new, excellent quality6,000 baht only, Contact: Eddy, eddyelan@yahoo.com, 0899710278.

KITCHEN SERVICE The German Knife-grinder service

Mobile sharpening service for k nives and meat slicer blades, blunt k nives sharpened professionally with German k now-how and German equipment. Mr. Dirk , thek nifegrinder@hotmail.com, 087 276 5869.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuk et is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuk et Thailand.

We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuk et. www.bigmovephuk et.com, 081-797-5377.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Two cute Poodles

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

OTHER RESORT FOR SALE/ LEASE

Resort for sale lease any o er consider! I want go sailing again!!, Address : 67/ 18 Soi Sermsuk Rawai Phuk et, bigasail@samart. co.th, Contact +66 ( 0)86 9401860.

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CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Buy&Sell

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@thephuketnews

OTHER

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Office Sp ce L

for

n

For Sale

Industrial over lock er. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used.

Full tool k it. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

Roo

PROPERTY FOR SALE Fire sale

et

House For Sale

e ch Front L n

for

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Grand Boat Plaza – House for Sale/ Rent

e

New detached villa with modern style in Heart of Phuk et Town with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2 car park s. Spacious open living and dining areas with high ceilings. Q uiet location surrounding with nature, secure with CCTV and 24hrs security service, large communal swimming pool and clubhouse. Closed to major department stores such as Central Festival‚ Tesco Lotus, Big C, International schools and hospitals.

Contact 095 2577 998, allabouthk t@gmail.com

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

r n ne

e

On

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE L n For S e

House for sale

O t t n n

for

e

3 bed/ 3 bath, Living area 370 sq.m, Land 600 sq.m. Located at the 4 Star Residence.

Spacious living quarters, open plan living, dining areas, gourmet k itchen, private pool. 14.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup.com, +66 ( 0)87 877 2320.

S e Se

et che ho

e

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

one NO

t

e ch

o

e for

e

West coast Phuk et Great Location, Spa, 7 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, all with k itchens.

Rent or live with good income. 5 minutes walk to Kata beach. ขายของได้ 9 MB or O er, Khun Arreerat, nalumana2000@yahoo.com, k ataari@yahoo.com, 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638.

An ph

of

e

o

e

th

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

OCEAN IE

LAND

ALF RAI

S

This beautiful block is ready to build on.It has a sealed entry on a sealed road.

It has power connected. Water available and a safe title.Kamala 6.75 million Baht. Call our rep on 093 578 2281 or contact owner direct via email yoty30@ hotmail.com.

Oce n Front L n

3.5 Rai with 90 meter of water frontage, opposite of Yacht Haven marina, 800 meter away on Phangnga side. Public road, electricity, water and ready to build.

For sale direct from owner, only 19.5 mill Baht. Montha , 081 343 0777.

Oce n Front

Brand new, fully furnished, 3-4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 10-meter infinity swimming pool, beautiful view. For quick sale only 19.5 million baht. Guaranteed rental 8% per year. Person : Montha , Phone : 081 343 0777.

The

e Do nto n S e/Rent

1 Bed ( 35sqm) & 2 Bed ( 60sqm), fully furnished, pool view. Near Central, BIS, Big C, Lotus, Siriroj hospital, Darasamut School, Thai Hua School ( Close to new Central Embassy- good investment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,00025,000 THB/ month and 35,000-45,000 THB/ month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

@thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE ht

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

Good location in Chalong area 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 200 sqm House on 800 sqm plot Including furniture, 084 745 5546.

e

e

Located in Rawai soi Samak i3 2 bedroom 2 bathroom 1 Laundry room 1 storage room Living area 160 sq.m, Chanot title 280 sq.m. 3.2 MB., Rico9963@hotmail.com, 083 640 9041

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

Ch on

for

5 Rai Nice sunset sea view Perfect for resort Hill side at Mai Khao beach, Julius_ schuster2001@ yahoo.de, 087 267 1192.

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

h

e

Large Villa with Pool and Garden In Phuk et, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 400m2. Private sale, no agents please.

36 MB, JasminConsulting@gmx.net.

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

S ACIO S

ED RA AI ILLA

Beautiful home in 1,038sqm gardens.Three en suite beds, guest house, 9x4m pool, maid’s room.

Living space 320sqm. Private access. Email : alangath@gmail.com , Phone : 087 273 0141.

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

facebook.com thephuketnews

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classifieds thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Luxury 4 Bed Pool Villa Rawai

Beautiful 4 Bed Villa on large 800 SM land plot in Rawai/Nai Harn area. 260 SM of enclosed living space. Large sala with Pool Bar. Established tropical garden and 60 SM Pool. Private guest house.2 Car Park. Price : 11.8 Million Baht , Email : Keowee15@gmail.com.

House For Sale

Located in a quiet Soi near Kathu waterfall, is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with court yard and car port. With a Chanote Title & 48 Talang Wah (approx 200 m2), Price : 3500000.

Steven Joyce. Kathu 086 120 6934. go2spoon@yahoo.com

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale

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

Land For Sale

Located in Kathu over looking the Cable Ski is a nice block 54 Talang Wah on a Chanote Title.

Soi Namtok Kathu, Price : 2400000. Steven.

Joyce. 086 120 6934 .go2spoon@yahoo.com

Townhouse for sale. Chalong.

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

Beautifull Classy Villa

his very beautiful modern villa has it all – sparkling salt water pool, 3 huge bedrooms, 4 baths, maid quarters. Fully furnished, secure estate close to the beach. G4S alarm system. Relax and enjoy all the hard work that has been done.

A must see. Call 081 719 4688. Prima Villas.

House for sale heart of Patong

Two beautiful European style homes next to one another in private Soi Minutes from Jungceylon shopping center. First home 100 sq mt of living space with a double carport two bedrooms open living space Second home 80 sq mt one bedroom furnished Both homes will be sold together or separate First home 6,500,000 Bth Second home 5,500,000 Bth Both 11,500,000 Bth Grate value position investment, Price: 6,500,000, Contact: pino.ellul@ yahoo.com, +66 (0) 84 858 1917.

Land Cherngtalay Bangjo 530sqm

Close to Layan Hill Estate, great location, 4 km to Bangtao beach, laguna, Villa Market,Tesco Lotus, Ready to build 1 or 2 pool villas, Price: 3.3 ML, kwansucha@hotmail.com, 0944246142.

Relaxing place villa near PIA

Exceptional 4 Bed & 4 Bath (en suite) & 1 Rai land for sale only 10 MB. 1 Storey 300 sqm. pool 10X5, Sala, filters and automatic gates., Contact: Tanya, geta909@gmail.com, 083 506 8345.

1/2 RAI OCEANFRONT LAND

Fantastic 825 sqm. plot with 25 m. ocean frontage on Coconut Island in beach resort. Electricity/ Water available, ready to build. Super Views.

Just 200 meters from Phuket. 24/7 Free Boat Taxi Only 7.5 m. THB ! claudstrey@gmail.com, 0867479292.

PROPERTY FOR SALE 3 BR. GREAT SEAVIEW CONDO

BARGAIN HUNTERS ! 3 BR/3 BATH Condo,164 sqm.. New Renovated,Top Condition,Fully Furnished. Foreign Freehold Title. Best unit at Belair Panwa. ONLY 5.95 m. THB, claudstrey@gmail. com, 0867479292.

Villa for sale North Chalong area

Beautiful quiet location close to International schools and other amenities. Reduced from 7.9 m to 7.2 m. Price includes furniture. Call 089 868 5143.

Perfect Business in Karon

Shophouse 5 story with profitable, spa massage business and apartment. In perfect condition and very good location. Include Thai Company, Price: Reduced from 19 to 16 Mil., ghfsphuket@hotmail. com, 086 271 8254.

Beachfront House

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

House in Karon for Sale. Hard

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

Sea view land in Patong

gmail.com, 089 967 5373.

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

Waterfront Condominium

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

Laguna - Luxury 1 Bedroom - Go

Renovated: new kitchen, wood floor and air conditioning. Surround sound system, semi furnished. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card., Contact: Giulio Santoro, phuket3203@gmail.com, 084 247 1632.

Ocean View Land Kamala

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

Laguna townhouse for sale

On Laguna golf course with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths plus guest suite/maid’s quarters. 2 car garage, covered outdoor living area. Jacuzzi and pool. Golf memberships, walk to club house. Shuttle service to Laguna facilities. Fully or partially furnished – less than 20MB., phuketmusic@yahoo.com

Karon Hill - Super Deal

SEAVIEW CONDO at Karon Hill for sale at a real bargain price,only 6.95 m. THB. Foreign Freehold, 102 sqm.,great seaview,furnished,4th floor.Direct from owner, Price: 6950000, claudstrey@gmail.com, 086 747 9292.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Patong sea view land

Located in Patong with the size of 1200 sqm. Selling price at 10.5 Million THB, with a chanote certificate (allowed to construct any sort of project). Also, the land is devided in three parts of chanote, and can be sold separately with a negotiable price range from the selling price of 10.5 M THB, Mr. Fernando Parrella. Contact: parrella.fernando@ gmail.com or 092 949 9697.

Pool Villa Patong 7.6MB

Beautiful Freehold German built detached home. 3 bed, 3 bath, Euro Kitchen, open plan,+ garage. Full furn. Close beach & Shopping Ctre, Khun Oscar, Email: ozoskr@hotmail.com , Phone: 087-8931753.

LAND FOR SALE CLOSE TO THE SEA

Land for sale close to the sea Bang Tao Marina Hotel 108 rooms. Land 1.5 Rais 28 MB. Contact: Mr. Choochart Ubolsak, 061-2613486.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Chalong Villa for rent

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

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

FOR RENT Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai.

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

Spectacular sea view Penthouse

Located in Serenity Resort, Rawai. Fully furnished two bedrooms 318 sq.m of spacious living area & private roof top.Contact Danai, propertysales@serenityphuket. com, 090 170 0429.

Surin Andaman Apt - 2 beds

100 sqm w 2 beds, close to Surin & Bangtao beaches. Common Pool.

Fully furnished with AC, fans, internet, cable TV. Short term possible.

24,000 THB, 081 273 1740.

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

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

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Ouiet Location & well maintained.

Email : khunrei@gmail.com , Phone : 084 185 8536.

Patong Tower Condo

1 or 2 bedroom corner apartment 76 sqm. 270 degree beach & mountain views, 9th floor, kitchen, 2 balconies. Rent 39,000 baht per month, or buy for 9.5MB. Contact: John, Patong: jstuder@ loxinfo.co.th, 081 080 8831.

Office/Shop for Rent

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

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

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

thephuketnews

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

The 19th Bay Regatta O

world’s best yacht charter opportunities with a strong entry from N ew Z ealand, Russia, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Cruising Y achts are split into two divisions and sees return of last year’s winner Kevin Gillow to defend his title against an every expanding range of yachts.

The Multihull class is divided into racing and cruising divisions, all chasing 201 5 Champions, J a v a . N ew racing entries include Multihull Solutions Pu l s e 6 5 0 , H 3 0 and David Liddell’s W O W . W ith the Cruising Division being lead by Ar a b e l l a , a Fountaine Paj ot 67 .

SAILING

ver 40 sailing yachts and 250 competitors arrive in Phuket in February, to j oin this year’s 1 9 th Bay Regatta, being held from February 1 7 t o 21 .

N ow in its 1 9 th Y ear, The ay egatta is different from Phuket’s famous King’s Cup egatta, as it ta es the eet from Phuket, through the spectacular scenery of Phang N ga Bay to a new anchorage each evening, holding awards parties in a wide variety of different locations.

The event attracts a range of sailors, from first time racers j oining j ust for the experience of sailing through some of the world’s most amazing maritime scenery, to professional racers, who return year after year for the opportunity to race and stay overnight in some fantastic anchorages, which are carefully selected to allow the

Up the oche

THE N EW SEASO N O F the Patong Darts League started on Tuesday (Jan 5) with nine teams battling over 20 weeks to win the title of top Patong darts bar.

The results coming in from the first games of the season suggest it could be a wide open competition with the best players being spread out evenly between bars. Teams starting with a win on the first uesday of the season were tarfish (Soi Bel Air), CrossRoads (Sai N am Y en Road), the Mouse Hole and Ting Tong bars (both on N anai Rd).

If you like playing darts and would like to get involved, please get in contact with us either by leaving a message on our Facebook page; ‘ Patong Darts League’ or phoning Rod on 08 1 7 9 7 7 7 04.

The Bay Regatta takes in some of the most beautiful maritime scenery of any regatta in Asia. participants to have the choice to sleep on their boats or ashore at local resorts.

O ften billed “Asia’s fun regatta”, the hallmark of this event is the casual, fun filled atmosphere with a number of

families and faces familiar to the Phuket yachting scene returning to the race course, preferring the regatta’s more relaxed approach to racing for the four-day adventure.

Despite the relaxed atmo-

sphere, yachts are divided into seven classes based on their designs. The “Racing” class see a number of new entries this year with teams travelling from Australia, Russia and Malaysia to challenge

defending champions Roland Dane’s J e s s a n d r a I I and N iels Dengenkolw’s Ph o e n i x .

After a brief hiatus in 201 5, the Bareboat charter class returns in force emphasising that Phuket remains one of the

Fo r f u r t h e r i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t : K a e W a tta n a R e g a tta D ir e c to r, R e g a t t a s As i a E m a il: k a e @ r e g a tta s .a s ia T e l: 0 8 1 5 3 8 8 8 4 8 h ttp s ://w w w .fa c e b o o k .c o m / B a y R e g a tta w w w .b a y r e g a tta .c o m

Doha weather hits Thais hard on arrival

“Tristan, Tanaboon and Thanasit have already been hit by the weather. But we are lucky to have Dr Ditsaya Rattanakorn with us to look after the players. I am hoping they will recover soon.”

Kiatisak added, “The hosts

have told us that we are only allowed to wear shorts at the training and match venues and not in public places. W e have also been warned that the weather may become even colder so we will be taking whatever precautions we can.”

Meanwhile, Thailand were struggling to find an opponent for a warm-up match ahead of the competition.

The Thais had not arranged a warm-up match before leaving for Qatar and as of W ednesday (Jan 6), they were still looking for a team to play against.

Kiatisak said his team may have to play a warm-up match with a local club or a participant from another group.

“W e initially planned to play two warm-up games but now one match would be enough,” he said.

B a n g k o k Po s t

Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:00 Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar:

14:30 More info: phuket-hhh. com

FOOTBALL

THREE THAI U23 PLAY ers fell prey to prevailing cold weather in Doha and were taken ill soon after landing in the Qatar capital earlier this week.

Those who reported sick and missed the team s first training session were defender ristan o and midfielders Tanaboon Ketsarat and Thanasit Siriphala.

The Thais are in Doha for the 1 6-team AFC U23 Championship, which gets underway on Jan 1 2.

They play their opening Group B match against Saudi Arabia on Jan 1 3 . The other two teams in the group are Japan and N orth Korea.

The tournament also serves as a qualifying event for the 201 6 O lympic Games with

Kiatisak Senamuang speaks to the press after arriving in Doha. Photo: Bangkok Post three top teams earning tickets to Rio de Janeiro.

Kiatisak Senamuang led his men to the practice field in the evening with weather in Doha being around 1 5C. However, Tristan, Tanaboon and Thanasit stayed

back in the hotel.

Kiatisak said, “The weather here is quite cold but not as cold as we had thought. I think the players will need a couple of days to acclimatise themselves with the conditions here in Doha.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1562 Saturday 9 January, 2016 Run Start Time: 3:30PM Hares: Billy Boy, Dr F Jekyll & Murkury Location: Heroines Monument - East 2.7 km Directions: At the Heroines Monument circle turn East on 4027 toward Paklok. Drive approximately 2.7km and turn left. Mind the plants when parking.

Bus Pickup Schedule:

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

SPORT 37

Boy smashes 117year runs record CRICKET

Manny Pacquiao keeps an eye on Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico when they fought in 2011.

Photo: Jewel Samad/AFP

Pacquiao ‘to retire’ afte adle fi ht BOXING F I LI PI NO BOX I NG champion Manny Pacquiao said he would end his legendary career after fighting Timothy Bradley in April to concentrate on his political career, dousing hopes for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

The winner of an unprecedented eight world titles, who has f lirted with the idea of running for president, said he was confident of winning a senate seat in the counrty’s May elections.

Pacquiao is facing American welterweight Bradley for the third time on April 9, after losing to his biggest rival Floyd Mayweather in the sport’s richest fight ever in May last year.

“I am retiring from boxing to concentrate on my political career.

My fight with Timothy Bradley will be my last,” Pacquiao said in an interview in his mansion.

T h e 3 7 - y e a r- o l d member of parliament dismissed reports that he would not step away from the sport without a rematch with American Mayweather, who himself retired after beating Pacquiao.

“I did not say anything like that. Nobody interviewed me about that. I will retire after my April 9 fight,” he said.

Pa c q u i a o lo s t by u n a n i mou s de cision to his brash arch-rival Mayweather, whom he fought with a torn rotator cuff that later required surgery.

He has won 57 fights, i nclud i ng 38 k nockouts, lost six and had two draws in a professional career spanning more than 20 years after @thephuketnews

being raised in poverty.

Pacquiao is ranked seventh in the race for 12 seats in the nationally-elected senate. He currently represents the southern province of Sarangani in parliament.

The senate is a traditional springboard for future presential campaigns. Three of the last Philippines presidents, including the incumbent Benigno Aquino, were senators before they were elected to the country’s highest office.

“My survey rankings have been consistent and I expect it to improve once the campaign starts,” Pacquiao said.

The former fish vendor is adored by the Filipino masses who are inspired by his rags-toriches life story.

Aside from politics, Pacquiao has parlayed his ring legend status to a career in movies, television and product endorsements.

He is also a pastor in a born-again Christian group and credits his renewed faith for transforming him to a devoted family man from a hardpartying womaniser.

In a recent television interview, Pacquiao said he “prayed to God for guidance” before deciding to concentrate on politics.

Pacquiao, however, has been criticised for putting his boxing training before his duties in parliament. Last year, he attended just four of the 70 legislative sessions.

In one of the rare times he took the floor in parliament in 2011, he argued against a bill that would provide free condoms for the poor, citing his Christian beliefs.

The bill was eventually signed into law.

AFP

A

Mumbai schoolboy made history this week when he became the first batsman in any class of cricket to score 1,000 runs in a single innings, with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar leading the plaudits.

Fifteen-year-old Pranav Dhanawade smashed his way to 1,009 not out off 323 balls as he obliterated a 117-year-old record for the highest number of runs scored in one innings.

Dhanawade, the son of an auto-rickshaw driver, soared past Arthur Collins’ previous record total of 628 in England in 1899, during an inter-school tournament in the western Indian city.

“Congrats #PranavDhanawade on being the first ever to score 1,000 runs in an innings. Well done and work hard. You need to scale new peaks!” Indian batting great Tendulkar posted on Twitter.

Dhanawade’s epic knock included 129 fours and 59 sixes and came at a phenomenal strike rate of 312.38. It ended when his KC Gandhi High School team declared on 1,465 at the ground at Thane in northern Mumbai.

Their opponents, Arya Gurukul, had been bowled out earlier for just 31, according to the Press Trust of India.

Dhanawade’s in nings

Pranav Dhanawade, 15, poses next to the score board after smashing a 117-year-old record for the highest number of runs scored in one innings. Photo: AFP lasted 395 minutes and occurred during the Bhandari Cup school tournament, which is officially recognised by the Mumbai Cricket Association.

The teenager, who also plays as wicket-keeper, surpassed Collins’ score on Monday (Jan 4), finishing the day on 652, before crossing the 1,000 mark after lunch on Tuesday (Jan 5).

“I have always been a big-hitter. When I started I never thought about breaking the record,” Dhanawade told the Hindustan Times after his opening-day knock.

“The focus was never that.

I just played my natural game, which is to attack from the word go.

“After reaching 300, my coach Harish Sharma told me to play on. I did not know of

the world record, but we had the Indian record in mind,” he added, referring to the previous highest national individual total of 546.

Dhanawade’s monumental achievement sent Twitter into a frenzy. His name trended in India, with excited but also nervous cricket fans posting regular score updates as he neared the 1,000 mark.

Ayaz Memon, a cricket expert, said it would be a phenomenal feat for a cricketer to score four digits at any level of the game.

“It’s just incredible. Scoring 1,000 runs in less than two days at this speed is a great achievement,” Memon said.

But translating this accomplishment from club to international level will be a big challenge for the teenager,”

Memon added.

The omens are good, however – Tendulkar, Dhanawade’s batting hero, first burst onto the scene in 1988 aged 14 when he scored 326 not out in a Mumbai school match.

He went on to become the highest scorer in the history of Test cricket as well as the first player to score 100 international centuries. “...(The) numbers are just unbelievable. Another @ sachin_rt in the making?” tweeted Indian international spin bowler Harbhajan Singh on Tuesday .

Collins, who himself was born in India, was aged just 13 when he entered the record books for his score at Clifton College in Bristol, where a plaque honours his exploits.

AFP

38 SPORT

Baptism of fire Zidane takes charge of misfiring Madrid

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

FOOTBALL

I

n a time of crisis, Real Madrid have looked for inspiration rather than experience as club legend Z inedine Z idane was handed his first senior managerial role as the club’s coach.

Z idane replaces Rafael Benitez, who was sacked on Monday (Jan 4) after j ust seven months and 25 games in charge of the team.

The Frenchman is loved at the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to his five stellar years to end his playing career in the Spanish capital, most memorably scoring a stunning winning goal in the 2002 Champions League final.

Y et, his coaching experience is limited to a seasonand-a-half in charge of Madrid’s feeder team Castilla where he failed to secure promotion from Spanish football’s third tier last season.

However, Madrid hope to recreate the magic formula enj oyed by Pep Guardiola and Barcelona during his glorious 1 4-trophy haul with the Catalans between 2008 and 201 2.

Like Z idane, Guardiola was a club legend as a player who graduated from a season in charge of Barca’s B team to become the most successful coach in the club’s history.

Moreover, unlike Benitez, Z idane is at least sure to have

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has promised zero tolerance for drug cheats. Photo: Greg Baker/AFP

Coe sets out roadmap to ‘restore trust’ ATHLETICS Real Madrid’s new French coach Zinedine Zidane poses after a statement made by the club’s president, at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid. Photo: Gerard Julien/AFP the respect of Madrid’s starstudded dressing room, who constantly clashed with the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager.

Z idane doesn’t j ust have the kudos of being a former Ballon d’O r winner, but he was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant as Madrid won their long-awaited 1 0th Champions League crown back in 201 4.

“W e have the best club in the world, the best fans and what we have to do now, and what I will try my best to do, is ensure the team wins at the end of the season,” said the normally ice-cool Z idane, who admitted to feeling more emotional than the day he j oined Madrid for a then world-record fee from Juventus in 2001 .

“It is an important day

for me and like all coaches I am a bit emotional, more emotion than when I signed as a player, but that is normal and from tomorrow I will put my heart into doing all I can for this club.”

It will take more than heart for Z idane to arrest a year-long slump that has seen Madrid burn through two Champions League winning coaches, see eternal rivals Barcelona win the treble and become embarrassed in a number of off field scandals.

“The best man for the j ob,” said Z idane’s ex-Madrid teammate David Beckham on Instagram.

“A man that has been the best at a game we all love, taking over a club that myself and many more people love.

Someone with drive, passion

and also doesn’t accept failure on any level.”

Despite being thrown out of the Copa del ey for fielding an ineligible player last month, there is still plenty of time for Madrid to turn their season around.

They trail La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid by j ust four points with over half the season to play and are strong favourites to see off oma in the last 1 6 of the Champions League.

Blind faith that Z idane can recreate his playing success as a coach is all club president Florentino Perez has left with his credit running low as Barca have dominated in Spain over the past decade despite Perez’s lavish spending on transfer fees.

AFP

IAAF PRESIDEN T SEBAStian Coe on Tuesday (Jan 5) set out his roadmap to “restore trust” in scandalmired athletics, expressing his desire to transform trac and field into a clean sport attractive to a younger population.

At h let ics h a s b e e n shaken to its core since Coe took over from Lamine Diack after the Beij ing world championships in August.

Russia was provisionally suspended from track and field over accusations of “state-sponsored” doping as the IAAF scrambled to salvage the sport’s credibility j ust nine months out from the upcoming Rio de Janeiro O lympics.

Diack remains under French police investigation for corruption linked to doping cover-ups in world athletics.

W ith that in mind, Coe said his roadmap “recognises problems in two distinct areas, in the governing body and in the sport itself, the consequence of which has been a breakdown of trust in athletics.

“In addressing these problems, the roadmap importantly identifies the need for separate solutions. “ o rebuild confidence, the IAAF must become an accountable, responsible and responsive organisation, while the sport must adopt a values-based culture where future athletes learn from clean athletes, coaches and o cials.”

Coe commented: “Be under no illusion about how seriously I take these issues. I am president of an international federation which is under serious investigations and I represent a sport which is under intense scrutiny.

“My vision is to have

a sport that attracts more young people. The average age of those watching trac and field is years old. This is not sustainable.

“The key to making that vision a reality is creating a sport that people once more trust in. Athletics must be a sport that athletes, fans, sponsors, media and parents alike know is safe to compete in on a level playing field and one in which clean effort is rewarded and celebrated,” Coe said.

Steps to be taken, the Briton said, include establishing “lines of responsibility” within the IAAF and a forensic review of operations and finance.

There will be greater accountability and vetting of I o cials and more transparency and communication from the independent IAAF Ethics Board.

The IAAF constitution will also be rewritten “to ma e sure it is modern, fit for purpose and capable of delivering the guidance and protection that is required”.

Turning to competition, the roadmap envisages the establishment before Rio of a “separate integrity unit for athletics that ensures greater independence in reviewing key issues impacting upon the integrity of competition such as doping, corruption, betting and age manipulation”.

The anti-doping budget will be doubled to $8 million, as soon as the integrity unit is up and running, allowing the current international testing pool of athletes to be doubled to 1 ,000 and probes into doping schemes in athletics involving athlete support personnel.

W ith immediate effect, the roadmap said, federations had to show greater accountability or risk sanctions for serious non-compliance.

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Pep Guardiola has admitted that the lure of coaching in the English Premier League was the reason for his departure from Bayern Munich. Photo: Patrik Stollarz/AFP anything yet.

“If I were 60 or 65 I would’ve stayed, but I think I am too young. I need a new challenge.

“It was a dream, it is a dream. I am very grateful to Bayern for giving me this huge opportunity.”

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has reportedly tried to lure the Spaniard to Stamford Bridge in the past and is on the look-out for a permanent successor for

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ep Guardiola admitted this week that the lure of coaching in the English Premier League was the reason for his departure from giants Bayern Munich at the end of this season.

“I want to coach in England,” the Spaniard told a press conference, his first since the announcement on December 20 of his departure and replacement by Italian Carlo Ancelotti.

“I’m still young and I need new challenges,” said Guardiola, who will turn 45 later this month.

The former Barcelona coach has since been linked with Chelsea af ter Jose Mourinho was sacked, and also with Manchester City whose own manager Manuel Pellegrini whose contract finishes in 2017.

“I have this possibility to go to England. It’s the right time,” said Guardiola.

“The only reason I am not renewing my contract with Bayern is that I am looking for a new challenge.

“I have several offers from England but I haven’t signed

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Mourinho, with Guus Hiddink in interim charge until the end of the season.

But City are the bookmakers’ favourites, with Guardiola having previously worked with City’s chief executive Ferran Soriano and director of football Txiki Beguiristain during his time at Barca.

As for United, Louis van Gaal’s immediate future seems secure but they could possibly be tempted to replace one former Barca and Bayern boss with another.

Pellegrini has had to deal with recurring speculation linking Guardiola with his position throughout his tenure.

But he was unwilling to comment, stating: “I don’t have a reaction about that or feelings on other managers.

It is a question I answered two weeks ago when I said no more about that.”

Guardiola quit Barcelona in 2012 despite the fact he was the most successful coach in the club’s history during his four-year reign.

In January 2013 he signed a three-year deal, worth a

reported 22 million euros ($24m), to coach Bayern from July that year.

Bayern, already a dominant force having won the treble in 2013 of Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup under Jupp Heynckes, have now become almost unbeatable at home.

This season, Bayern have lost only two of 26 games and in the last two years swept five trophies, but the most desired, the European Cup, has so far eluded Guardiola during his time in Germany.

Bayern are currently eight points clear of Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga with their next game to come at Hamburg on January 22 while they will face Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Paying tribute to his successor, Guardiola said he hoped that Bayern would understand his decision.

“I hope that (Karl-Heinz) Rummenigge (Bayern chairman) and the staff understand my decision, I’d be sorry if they were disappointed by

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Arsenal

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Leicester

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11

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25

12

40

3

Man City

20

12

3

5

39

21

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39

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Tottenham

20

9

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34

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Man Utd

20

9

6

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24

17

7

33

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West Ham

20

8

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4

30

23

7

32

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Crystal Palace

20

9

4

7

23

19

4

31

8

Liverpool

20

8

6

6

22

24

-2

30

9

Watford

20

8

5

7

25

22

3

29

10

Stoke

20

8

5

7

21

21

0

29

11

Everton

20

6

9

5

36

29

7

27

12

West Brom

20

7

5

8

20

25

-5

26

13

Southampton

20

6

6

8

26

24

2

24

14

Chelsea

20

6

5

9

26

29

-3

23

15

Norwich

20

6

5

9

23

32

-9

23

16

Bournemouth

20

5

6

9

22

34 -12

21

17

Swansea

20

4

7

9

17

26

19

18

Newcastle

20

4

5

11

19

35 -16

17

19

Sunderland

20

4

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13

22

39 -17

15

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Aston Villa

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14

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37 -21

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WEEK 20 RESULTS Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 January 2016 West Ham Arsenal Leicester Man Utd Norwich Sunderland West Brom Watford Crystal Palace Everton

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my choice,” he continued, adding that he would discuss the subject “for the first time” with his players during their winter training camp in Qatar.

Liverpool Newcastle Bournemouth Swansea Southampton Aston Villa Stoke Man City Chelsea Tottenham

“Carlo is the perfect coach for this team,” he added. “I’m sure that all will go well for him and for Bayern.”

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Sport Taking over editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FOOTBALL

Saroj Kueprasertkij reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

I

t was announced last week that Cherng Talay O rBorTor Chief, MaAnn Samran has taken over presidency of the island’s Phuket C, and he has now confirmed the club will compete in the the Thai Division Two South regional league in 201 6, the season of which will commence in February, if not March. However, he has said that he still needs to raise about B1 0 million to fund the operation.

MaAnn told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s that prior to his appointment, the club’s right to compete in Division 2 had been initially confirmed by former president Pramookpisitt Acha-

riyachai, who stepped down as president on December 1 .

“W e’re now in the process of finding and recruiting Phuket youths from around the country, some of whom might be playing for clubs or academies in other provinces.

“W e will invite some of them to try out for our club in Division 2,” MaAnn told T h e Ph u k e t N e w s .

All Division Two teams in Thailand who plan to register and commit to funding a team in the league for the 201 6 season have until the end of January to confirm their intentions with the Football Association of Thailand and the Thai Premier League.

In addition to the league, registered Division 2 clubs also get a shot at national glory through the League Cup and FA Cup, with matches

scheduled throughout the year.

O nly the winner and runners-up of the D2 Southern league will have a shot at the national play offs for promotion to D1 at the end of the year.

“It was my childhood dream to get involved with a football club. It is my favourite sport and I played at school every day,” MaAnn said.

“And I always want to see Phuket FC become one of the best teams in the country,” he added.

He also said that his main purpose of becoming president of hu et C, firstly, is to support Phuket kids and youngsters who love football to pursue their dreams of going pro: “It is almost every kid’s dream to become a professional footballer. I would like to make this real for them, but, the kids have to

keep up their studies at school while playing football.”

Secondly, to combine sport and tourism together to be a tourist attraction for the island. He believes that Phuket has the potential to become one of the most popular teams in the country.

“Y ou can see that many provinces have less potential than us, but they are able to bring their football club to become one of the best in the country and maybe Asia.

W hy can’t we do that? ” Thirdly, he would like to see Phuket people cooperate and lend their hands to build the team to become Thailand’s leading teams and enj oy the beautiful game together.

“I want everyone to become a part of the team and turn our Surakul Stadium into a sports and entertainment

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Guardiola has sights set on premiership team > page 39

MaAnn Samran was appointed Phuket FC president last week. Photo by Gokhiew Whiraphong centre. W e can have a good time together every week,” he added.

Asked about his expected budget for Phuket FC this year, MaAnn says he will need to source no less than B1 0 million, a stark contrast to the club’s budget of B60

million in 201 5.

MaAnn said he is open to inquiries about sponsorship packages and partnerships, and can be contacted through his Facebook page (MaAnn Samran).

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