The Phuket News 08 February 2019

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

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WHAT CRISIS?

ROYAL RAINMAKERS TO BE CALLED, RATIONS LIFTED AS GOVERNOR ORDERS OFFCIALS TO RESOLVE ISLAND’S WATER CRISIS The Phuket News reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Governor this week agreed to call in the Royal Rainmaking Department and ordered water officials to “find another way” to resolve the island’s water supply crisis, including finding alternative sources to provide water supply to residents and businesses across the island.

As a last gasp measure to instill confidence, the Phuket Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) issued an emergency notice late Wednesday night (Feb 6) announcing that all water restrictions have been lifted.

The notice, issued by the PWA at 10:30pm, announced that the impending water restrictions to come into effect in Koh Kaew, Rassada and Rawai from today (Feb 8) until the end of the month would not be brought into force.

The impending water rationing in those areas was announced only on Tuesday (Feb 5).

The reason given in the notice by the PWA was that the Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office had confirmed that the water reserves in the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu, the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn and the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong were enough to last the

dry season – until the annual rains return in May. Somsawat Chaisinsod, Director of Phuket Provincial Irrigation Office, told The Phuket News yesterday (Feb 7) that “The PWA has issued a statement on a misunderstanding of the information that we have given them.”

However, Mr Somsawat confirmed that the statement was “technically accurate”.

“We can supply the water that the PWA has formally requested us to,” he noted.

Mr Somsawat only two weeks ago warned that the dwindling reserves at Phuket’s three main reservoirs were

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NEWS

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Brit barricades self in Phuket Town condo

LIFE

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Fighting plastic, drinking the air that we breathe

Every drop of water at the Bang Wad reservoir is precious.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

in dire need of expanding or some form of replenishing considering the rapid expansion of development across the island.

Phuket PWA Branch Manager Graisorn Mahamad told The Phuket News on Thursday morning that the move to cancel the water restrictions followed a meeting with Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana and Phuket Irrigation office chief Mr Somsawat late on Wednesday.

That meeting came just hours after The Phuket News interviewed Mr Graisorn about the current water supply crisis on Wednesday afternoon, when he said that he was already considering rolling out water rationing....

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

All safe as burst water pipe causes Tesco mall ceiling collpase > page 4

Royal Rainmakers to be called Continued from page 1 ...in the major tourist areas of Patong, Kata, Karon and Chalong.

“The Governor told the PWA to revise its water plan,” Mr Graisorn said on Thursday.

“The Governor also agreed to make a formal request to call in the Royal Rainmaking Department,” he added.

“The Governor does not want water rations to affect the people. He ordered the PWA to find another way, that we must find other sources (of water) in order to serve the people,” Mr Graisorn said.

Governor Phakaphong also ordered the PWA to check the water levels at the three main reservoirs and report to him every 10 days, he noted.

“The Royal Rainmaking Project will help our situation.

Our request is to make rain fall in specified areas. We want rain to fall in the Bang Neow Dum, Bang Wad and Khlong Kratha reservoirs,”

Mr Graisorn said.

“However, we especially prefer for rain to fall in Kathu because that is where the main Bang Wad reservoir is and the area has many canals, which makes it easier to manage the water supply we have,” he added.

Regarding the consideration of limiting water use in Patong, Kata, Karon, Chalong and Kathu, Mr Graisorn told The Phuket News before his meeting with the Governor, “I am thinking about additional water restrictions in Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong and Kathu, but I have not yet made any decision on that. I need time to think and plan about managing the water reserves we currently have.

“However, I suggest that people in those areas make plans to collect their own water from Feb 28,” he warned.

Mr Graisorn confirmed that water rationing brought into force in Cherng Talay

Governor Phakaphong has agreed to call in the Royal Rainmaking Department to replenish the reservoirs. last month was in response to information released from the PWA to the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

The actual order announcing the water restrictions, mainly in the tourist-popular Bang Tao area, was issued by Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn Samran.

Although the PWA did not request water rationing, Mr MaAnn was the first on

the island to take action and order the water supply restrictions in order to conserve the dwindling reserves at the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn, which supplies the Cherng Talay area.

Officials at Cherng Talay OrBorTor confirmed to The Phuket News on Thursday (Feb 7) that the water rationing measures in that area are still in force.

Mr Graisorn explained that

PWA officials were working on acquiring water supply from privately owned sources across the island, but noted that the bureaucratic process may delay the actual supply from those sources by as long as three months.

“PWA officials just went out to estimate the water that could be supplied from six private water sources in areas such as Chalong, Kathu, Patong and Mai Khao, among other areas, but this will take about 120 days to complete all the process and actually supply this water to people on time.

“We can’t use these water sources immediately,” he confirmed.

In the meantime, the PWA will do their best to make the best use of what water reserves they have, though they are already running low Mr Graisorn explained.

“Right now we have to manage our water reserves as

best we can,” he said.

Mr Graisorn estimated that the Bang Wad reservoir is currently half-full, containing some 4.5 million cubic meters of its 10mn-plus m3 capacity.

Bang Neow Dum contains about 2.4mn m3 of water, he noted. Only two weeks ago PWA officials confirmed to The Phuket News that the reservoir had no more than 2.3mn m3 of water – the least it has ever contained.

Worse, the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong currently contains about 1.42mn m3 of water of its 4.2mn m3 capacity, Mr Graisorn said.

“I will announce any further updates regarding water supply across Phuket,” Mr Graisorn said.

“People need to know that this is better for them. They have to conserve water these days in order to have enough water to last everyone across the whole island for the dry season,” he said.

New lifeforms discovered on Phuket EXPERTS FROM PHUKET Rajabhat University confirmed on Monday (Feb 4) that Phuket is home to two entirely new species of Zooplankton, named Limnias novemceras and Limnias lenis.

The discovery was certified and published in an international academic journal called ‘ZooKeys’ back in October 2018, and officially confirmed on Monday after a lengthy verification process to ensure that the newly discovered species were indeed the first of their kind.

The new species were originally discovered by Dr Phuripong Meksuwan, biology lecturer at Phuket Rajabhat University, along with Professor Supiyanit Maiphae of Kasetsart University, Bangkok, and PhD student Rapeepan Jaturapruek.

“Plankton is a small creature that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It f loats in natural water sources,” Dr Phuripong explained.

The two Limnias species were found in small ecosystems in streams located in Ao Luek District in Krabi and the Pik Jig Forest Area in Mai Khao, Phuket.

Limnias novemceras and Limnias lenis are rotifers

Dr Phuripong Meksuwan carries out research at Phuket Rajabhat University. Photos: Supplied found on the roots of aquatic plants such as the water hyacinth and water lettuce, and are measured in micrometres – µm (1/1000 th of a millimeter).

Rotifers are small zooplankton that occur in freshwater, brackish, and marine environments. They feed on microalgae and are consumed by a wide variety of fish, shellfish, corals and other organisms making them an important food source in aquatic ecosystems.

The findings highlight the diversity of the biological resources in the Andaman region.

Dr Phuripong also raised concerns about the rapid development across Phuket, which is threatening such important creatures as well as

yet undiscovered organisms.

“The issue of natural land allocation and management together with ecological preservation requires the participation of the public sector and cooperation of all sectors,” he said.

“Such information should not only be used as education in classrooms. We conduct research on issues that are beneficial to communities in our area of responsibility (Andaman) as it is a form of modern education management and should be used to aid sustainable development,” he added.

In 2016 a new species of lizard, the Acanthosaura phuketensis, was discovered in the jungles of central Phuket as well as new species of snake and gecko. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Brit barricades self in in Phuket Town condo Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he saga of a British man who has barricaded himself in a condo in Phuket Town amid a tenancy dispute continued this week as the fire brigade was called in last Saturday (Feb 2) amid fears he might jump from the ninth-floor unit, prompting emergency services to respond and a visit by the Phuket Governor.

The Australian-born Brit, David Maclean, 50, from Brisbane, has not left the condo since Jan 14 amid a dispute with the landlady over paying the rent.

The landlady, Utumporn Tantivit, has filed a formal complaint with police alleging that Mr Maclean has refused to pay B8,000 in outstanding rent after moving into the condo in October on a six-month lease agreement.

Mr Maclean, in an email sent to The Phuket News giving a detailed account of his version of events, says that he refused to hand over the money after he was refused receipts

David Maclean is seen from a window at the back of the ninth-storey condo in Phuket Town. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub confirming the payment had been received.

In the ensuing spat, attempts to enter the condo have failed, as have attempts

by Tourist Police to convince Mr Maclean to open the door.

Police became involved only after receiving the formal complaint last Friday (Feb 1).

Matters took a turn for the worse last Saturday after police feared Mr Maclean would

jump from the balcony at the back of the ninth-story unit, prompting police to call in the Phuket City fire department, which deployed an inflatable landing cushion down below.

“He didn’t open the door and talks with a representative from the British Embassy failed, so we left him in the room,” said Capt Eakkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police.

Candidates register for election A TOTAL OF 32 CANDIDATES TURNED out on the first day of registrations on Monday (Feb 4) to enter their candidacies for the two Phuket seats in the House of Representatives to be contested in the national election on March 24.

A further two candidates registered on the second day, Tuesday (Feb 5).

The registration period for candidates opened at 8:30am on Monday.

Candidates from the major parties were the first to arrive at Phuket Community Hall in Phuket Town to register their candidacy, along with their party sponsors and teams of supporters.

A total of 17 candidates registered to contest the House of Representatives seat for Phuket Constituency 1, which comprises Mueang District, including Rassada but excluding Koh Kaew and Rawai.

A further 15 candidates registered their candidacy for Phuket Constituency 2, which comprises Thalang and Kathu Districts, but also includes and Koh Kaew, Rawai and Karon.

Present to endorse the registration of the Democrat Party candidates of Raywat Areerob for Constituency 1 and former Senator Chaiyot Punyawai for Constituency 2 was Anchalee Tephabutra, a staunch Democrat and a former Phuket Member of Parliament.

Ms Anchalee currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Democrat Party.

Under the Government of Abhisit Vejjajiva, the 27th Prime Minister of Thailand from 2008 to 2011, she served as Advisor to the Prime Minister.

After their registrations had been formally accepted, candidates were given their randomly selected ballot numbers. @thephuketnews

As of Tuesday, a total of 34 people had succesfully registered as candidates to contest the two Phuket seats in the House of Representatives up for grabs in the national election on March 24. Photo: PEC Present to witness the proceedings were Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana, Provincial Election Commission officers and Col Witoon Kongsudjai, Deputy Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police.

The candidates who registered on Monday were all men. Among them were Sutha-pathip Na Thalang and Nattee Tinsakhu, each contesting Constituency 1 and Constiuency 2, respectively, for the pro-military Palang Pracharath Party.

On Tuesday Kronnalat Kananulak and Pakin Chantira entered the race.

Miss Kronnalat of the People Reform Party, at the time the only woman to register to contest either of the two Phuket seats, registered to contest the seat for Phuket Constituency 1.

Mr Pakin of the Thai Liberal Party registered to contest the seat for Phuket Constituency 2.

The registration period for candidates was to close at 4:30pm on Friday (Feb 8).

Puttimas Puttasuwan

Both police and the representative from the British Embassy have repeatedly stressed that their primary concern is for Mr Maclean's welfare and that the situation is resolved safely.

“Officials and police then left the scene. Nobody wants to break open the door. We are afraid that he might jump,” said Capt Eakkachai.

“At this stage we have no plans to take further action, but we are following the situation closely day by day,” he added.

However, Capt Eakkachai gave no explanation of why police believed that Mr Maclean might jump from the condo.

Emergency services were called to the scene at 3:10pm, after two hours of talks had failed.

Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana arrived at the scene along with high-ranking Phuket City Police officers to assess the situation.

At a meeting of the officials involved at the condo it was later agreed to wait for Mr Maclean’s permit to stay to expire on Feb 21, after which officers will get the legal authority to enter the condo by force.

PHUKET NEWS

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The fire ripped through the village, destroying 67 homes. Photo: DNP

Sea gypsy village devastated by fire THE PHUKET TOURIST Association is collecting donations to provide relief for the sea gypsy villagers in the Surin Islands whose homes were devastated by fire last Sunday night (Feb 3).

National parks officers confirmed that 67 homes were destroyed in the blaze, which tore through the village made of wooden shanties with thatch roofs.

No injuries were reported from the fire, which started shortly after 7pm.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined.

A total of 18 buildings in the village remain standing, including the health center and school.

The Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command dis-

patched HTMS Narathiwat from its base in Phang Nga at 10:20pm on Sunday to deliver relief supplies and medical personnel.

The Narathiwat arrived at the remote village at about 3am on Monday (Feb 4).

For details of the relief supplies campaign or to make a donation call Phuket Tourist Association Vice President Bhummikitti Ruktaengam at 076-211932.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

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PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

The Phuket News offers flexible advertising options both online and in print.

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If you can’t beat them The ceiling caved in due to a broken water pipe. Photo: Supplied

All safe after ceiling collapse GENERAL MANAGER

Jason Beavan 086 479 7471

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SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

NO INJURIES WERE REported following the collapse of a ceiling at Tesco Lotus in Samkong last Thursday night (Jan 31).

The shopping centre was open as usual last Friday (Feb 1) although the retail stall underneath the collapsed ceiling remained shut while repairs were completed to ensure the safety of staff and customers.

The branch manager confirmed that a team of technicians was sent in to inspect and repair the damage, which was caused by a broken water pipe above the foam ceiling tiles.

There were tiles, suspension struts and light fittings all over the floor after the ceiling caved in beside the checkout lanes.

“We inspected (the incident) and found there were no injuries as a result of the collapsed ceiling,” Phuket City Police Chief Col Sompong Thiparpakul confirmed.

Chutharat Plerin

American hit by cop volunteers for a day The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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n A mer ican man joined the Tourist Police as a volunteer for a day after an incident that was filmed in which he was assaulted by a Patong traffic police officer after demanding the reason why he was fined B1,000.

The video clip, which went viral, was recorded by the American, Luis Magdaleno Nava, 34, and shows him repeatedly asking the police officer, Capt Phirom Srisuwan, “Why you take B1,000 from me? Tell me, why?”

The video clip then shows Capt Phirom shouting “Bpai!” (go), pushing Mr Nava’s arm and then his phone that he was recording with as Mr Nava repeats the question.

Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee told The Phuket News that the incident happened on Sawatdirak Rd in Patong, near Sai Nam Yen School at about 3am last Sunday (Feb 3).

“Everything is fine, people make mistakes. We need to be kind and forgiving in society.

Everything has been figured

American Luis Magdaleno Nava, 34, as a volunteer with Patong Police. Photo: Patong Police out,” Col Anotai assured.

“The main issue was miscommunication between a Thai policeman and an American tourist. It is normal that we might not understand everything that we say to each other,” he explained.

It was initially thought that Mr Nava was stopped for ‘ghost driving’ (driving on the wrong side of the road). However, Col Anotai explained that the dispute was not about ghost driving as Mr Nava was ordered to stop before he drove into a forbidden road.

“Capt Phirom was trying to explain to Mr Nava that he had to go to Patong Police Station when the misunderstanding occurred,” Col Anotai said.

“Both Mr Luis (Nava) and Capt Phirom understand how the misunderstanding happened. Mr Luis is a tourist who visits Phuket often and today began to volunteer for Patong Police. We welcome Mr Luis’ decision as we need more English speaking volunteers to help communicate with tourists and explain our traffic laws to them,” Col Anotai explained.

Mr Nava told The Phuket News on Monday, “I admit that I turned on the wrong street by accident, however, I did not deserve to be hit. The police chief made an apology and offered me to be a volunteer to help and I accepted the offer.

“I appreciate Thai police efforts and everyone's un-

derstanding in this matter,” he added.

Mr Nava later clarified to The Phuket News that his volunteering lasted for just one day only.

“I feel like associating myself and being involved with the police publicly is not something I’m interested in.

I was perfectly happy with the way my life was before this happened, and this also doesn’t support the life I want to have. So for these and many other reasons, I have decided not to participate in the volunteer police program.

I was simply trying to honor my friend who helped me and the apology from the police.

I hope everyone understands.

Please update your article.”

Residents warned over New Year fireworks RESIDENTS THROUGHOUT PHUKET Town are being asked to pay extra attention to fire safety concerns amid the Chinese New Year celebrations, which began on Tuesday (Feb 5).

A notice issued by Phuket City Municipality called for residents to beware fires started by wayward firecrackers and fireworks, and reminded drivers to make way for fire trucks in traffic.

“During Chinese New Year 2019 on Feb 4-6, Thai people of Chinese descent will observe traditional worshiping of their ancestors and sacred objects by burning incense candles, making offerings by burning silver and gold paper, and lighting firecrackers at shrines, many of which are located in residential areas across Phuket,” the notice said.

“There will be celebrations with a lot of fireworks. If these are not kept under good control, they can result in fire accidents,” the notice warned.

Phuket City Municipality urged residents to be wary of fire and to observe the following safety recommendations: 1. Do not leave any cooker still alight unattended;

The warning notice was issued ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations which began on Tuesday (Feb 5). Photo: The Phuket News / file 2. After cooking is finished, ensure the flames are out and close the valve at the gas tank completely before leaving home; 3. Do not let children play with the cookers, matches, lamps, incense, candles and fireworks; 4. Do not smoke in places where smoking is prohibited; 5. Do not light any types of fireworks near houses, especially those with roofs made from flammable materials such as thatch; 6. Do not have prayer altars near the bed or close to a wall made from flammable materials.

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OPINION

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

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

T

EDITORIAL

That sinking feeling

he water crisis that spurred officials and the Phuket Governor into urgent action this week have shown the world the appalling state of the island’s basic infrastructure and just how unsustainable Phuket has been developed as a tourism destination.

A getaway holiday isle can worry about trash and plastic bags all it wants, but without water you can forget the whole idea of getting tourists to come at all.

Officials knew we were running out of water years ago, that’s why the Khlong Kratha reservoir was built over the past six years, and the proposed pipeline feeding Phuket from the Cheow Lan Lake, in Khao Sok National Park in Phang Nga, has been repeatedly proposed for nigh on two decades.

Even then, when less-than-

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

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forces in Bangkok.

The water crisis comes as half a million tourists are to land on the island for Chinese New Year, though we expect them to be well catered to if any water rationing does occur. The first people that were to be hit are in main residential areas.

But what do officials think will happen when residents run out of water? They’ll do what they’ve always done – call in the water trucks. And where will that water come from?

Our ever-diminishing natural water catchments across the island, which are becoming more scarce.

And all this in a week when Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office chief proudly announced that the Chinese New Year festival alone will generate up to B12 billion in revenues. Is there any chance of splashing some of that cash on our ever-growing water needs?

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Brit in Phuket Town condo saga continues amid fears of nine-story jump Lithuanian woman saved from jump at Phuket airport Phuket shocked by death of prominent businessman American tourist hit by cop joins police volunteers Polish, Canadian tourists die within hours while swimming in Krabi Phuket airport offers reward for catching wayward smokers British man barricades self in Phuket Town condo Phuket Airport warns beachgoers to ‘keep clear’ of runway area Phuket Opinion: Killer cop playbook New Year ignites Phuket tourism

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publicly-liked MaAnn Samran, Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation late last month had the guts to introduce water rations for residents and local businesses in Cherng Talay, all that Thamdongrak Kumphet, the PWA official responsible for water supply, could offer was a flat denial that the PWA had called for any rationing of water supply.

Initially, no one stepped forward to claim responsibility for announcing the planned water restrictions across large areas of Phuket, which were scrapped at the last minute.

Given the level of honesty among the island’s so-called leading officials, it comes as no surprise. It’s not as if they have any authority to allocate budgets to actually develop infrastructure. That blame – or “responsibility” – has long been in the hands of invisible

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Condo fiasco

Re: British man barricades self in Phuket Town condo This happens to be my mother's place. Yes it's ridiculous to argue over B8,000. We already told him he does not need to pay any overdue rent, just leave please but he is not leaving. I live in Australia with my sister. We have sent an email to the British Embassy to explain the truth. Of course we can give him the receipts.

The problem is that he doesn’t want to move out. All we want is for him to move out, then that’s the end of the story. We don’t really know what his intention is.

Grace Anantanawat I know we don’t like leaving Thailand when it’s time to go home but this is taking it to another level. All jokes aside, I hope the guy’s okay.

Phil Williams Whatever his issue is he needs compassion and assistance. Maybe somebody from the British Consulate could go and establish his mental state and reasons. Hope he is well soon.

Dee Moore

Re: Brit in Phuket Town condo saga continues amid fears of nine-story jump The police don’t have the right to enter the property by force? But will after his permit to stay expires? Nonsense! So what if it’s a Thai illegally occupying your property?

You’ll never have the right to expel them?

CaptainJack69 There was no valid reason for police to forcibly enter the property, no matter who it may be. If he has paid rent, he has a legal right to occupy the property, to the exclusion of all others including the police and landlord. If he doesn't pay and refuses to leave after being told to he then becomes a trespasser, after which time legal rights to enter forcibly then becomes effective.

Jor12

Magic numbers

Re: New Year ignites Phuket tourism They have killed the goose that lays the golden egg. I used to go to Phuket four times a year since 2000. Cheaper places to go now.

Chris Lewis

If so much income coming every year, where is it being spent?

Nigel Ward Re: As Chinese visitors bounce back, Thai tourism income crosses B2trn There is no way that they have 38 million tourists that came here this year I have been to 25 different cities and 20 different hotels in the last six weeks and there is not a soul in any of the places including Phuket and Samui.

Clint Macbeth Hard to believe these numbers based on what you see on the ground.

Kurt Heck But the people that are struggling don’t get anything, no benefits, for a country that’s booming.

Samson Del

No ifs or butts

Re: Phuket airport offers reward for catching wayward smokers In a country where the average wage is less than B500 this is a great job opportunity as a smokers snitch!

If there is no snitch does the person fining the smoker get the reward? Can the person taking the photos detain the smoker while they get the tobacco cops? This could get interesting!

Eft Mike Bailey Easy money to just sit there and catch four or five people a day. It’s enough to make the reward a full time job.

Jeff PS Should be the same on the beaches and for littering.

Simon Zivkov Better spending money to finish off the new terminal.

There’s bare floors in places.

Alan Stephen

Attention: Clean up on aisle five

Re: Ceiling collapse at Tesco Lotus Samkong And people are suggesting we go to Bangkok and walk on the new glass floor bar that is an attraction…

Thomas Tjäder Always wear your helmet in Thailand…

Ken Jilbert

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

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THAILAND NEWS

7

Satire gets a stern warning

Thammasat students cautioned over traditional football fest BANGKOK Aekarach Sattaburuth and Wassana Nanuam

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ecurity authorities have sought cooperation from those in charge of satirical displays at a traditional football match due to take place this week, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Tuesday (Feb 5).

The organisers have been asked to tone down their political messages, he said.

Gen Prayut insisted he never ordered a ban on political satire at the planned event, when asked about news reports in which a group of Thammasat University students claimed they were told not to create floats poking fun at the prime minister and cabinet ministers.

Poking fun at politics by using satirical banners and floats is the highlight of the annual parade, which is part of the annual ChulalongkornThammasat university football match on Feb 9.

Gen Prayut said he was informed by security officials

Politicians took Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the government to task for allowing ‘security officials’ to warn university students over political satire. Photo: Post Today that they had approached the students and asked them not to go too far with their political views.

The prime minister said the students could claim freedom of expression as they poked fun at politics, but he also called on them to know the limits.

“They [the authorities] have asked for cooperation, but if you don’t want to cooperate,

it’s up to you. I won’t force anyone and I’ve relaxed a lot of rules. And don’t cite Section 44 over this. I’m tired of hearing about this,” he said.

Future Forward Party (FFP) Secretary-General Piyabutr Saengkanokkul criticised security officials over their actions, suggesting any effort to rein in the event reflected the insecurity of those

Siamese fighting fish confirmed Thailand’s national aquatic animal BANGKOK TINY, TESTY AND EYEcatching with a colourful fin plumage, the Siamese fighting fish was on Tuesday confirmed as Thailand’s national aquatic animal.

Known in the West as a betta fish, the underwater brawler is popular in home aquariums for its iridescent body and many-hued tail.

The government said in a statement that the cabinet greenlighted a proposal for the “fighting fish to be the national fish”, citing its historical and cultural significance.

The fish’s evolutionary elevation was previously approved on Dec 20 by the National Identity Committee and on Jan 22 by the National Cultural Committee.

The Siamese fighting fish evokes feelings of nostalgia for older generations in Thailand – which changed its name from Siam in 1939.

They remember a time when the fish were traded and sparred in childhood games. @thephuketnews

This file photo taken on Dec 23, 2018 shows a Siamese fighting fish swimming in a tank at the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery in Bangkok. Photo: AFP “Most Thais when they were young, especially in rural areas, caught the fish from canals and ponds,” Sakda Sihapat, a caretaker at the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery in Samut Prakhan, told AFP. The gallery is a 15-minute trip from Bangkok by boat across the Chao Phraya river – said to be the betta’s native swimming grounds.

But Thailand’s waterways

have changed over the years with agricultural and commercial development driving out local species.

Children looking for the fish today will mostly see it in pet shops.

“You have to go to a really virgin swamp to find this fish, and there aren’t any anymore,” Sakda said.

Thailand’s official national animal is the elephant.

AFP

in power.

Mr Piyabutr, a former Thammasat University student and law lecturer, said political satire could not bring down any government overnight, and as the general election is approaching, people’s freedom of expression should not be curbed.

FFP leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit also took

the regime to task over the report, saying the government has repeatedly suppressed freedom of expression to keep Gen Prayut’s power intact.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet approved a set of guidelines for government officials to observe in the lead-up to the March 24 polls, Deputy Government Spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak said.

He said state officials at all levels should provide support to the Election Commission or election officials when asked to, and that they are required to maintain political impartiality throughout the election period.

Transfers of government officials since the enforcement of the royal decree announcing the general election until voting day should be made only if necessary to avoid affecting poll preparations.

Security officials, both civilian and military, should work together to ensure public safety and step up security for election officials and staff especially in the restive south, according to Lt Gen Werachon.

Several cabinet ministers have reportedly expressed

concern about what they are not allowed to say in media interviews during the election campaign.

In the run-up to the election, Bangkok City Hall is stringently regulating the use of election campaign posters that have been put up across the capital as a prelude to the March 24 general election, ordering its staff to inspect all posters and remove any that are in breach of election law.

At a meeting on Tuesday of executives from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, governor Aswin Kwanmuang assigned them to stress to all district office chiefs that they must have their municipal and public works officials regularly check on campaign posters in their areas.

They were ordered to pay special attention to any posters that could obstruct pedestrians.

Election candidates who put up posters to be in violation of the law will be given a set time to redress the issue or the posters will be removed and the owners charged to cover the removal expense.

Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Thailand blasted worldwide

Images of shackled footballer spark calls to boycott Thailand BANGKOK Bangkok Post

T

he government insisted Tuesday (Feb 5) that the justice system must be allowed to run its course in the case involving the extradition of Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi, as a social media campaign against his extradition using the hashtag #BoycottThailand gathers steam after images of the player in shackles emerged online.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said the case would be tried in court in compliance with Thai judicial procedures and the government is not in a position to interfere.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been seeking cooperation from Bahrain and Australia to engage in dialogue so a satisfactory solution can be found.

Talking about the campaign, Gen Prayut urged people not to get involved.

He said the government would do its best to ensure ties with both countries are not soured.

His appeal had no effect.

If anything, it inflamed the Twitterati even more.

On Tuesday evening, three hashtags dominated the social media site: #BoycottThailand, #SaveHakeem and a counterpunch by mostly Thai tweeters - #SaveThailand.

The latter hashtag consisted mostly of tweets that either defended the “fair” court system currently mulling the refugee footballer’s fate, or put the blame back on Australia.

Interpol Australia issued the Red Notice request to detain Mr Araibi, although that notice was later withdrawn as it turned out it never should have been issued.

On Monday, Mr Araibi was

taken from Bangkok Remand Prison to the Criminal Court, where public prosecutors sought an order to extradite him to Bahrain. The pictures of Mr Araibi hobbling into court in shackles sent ripples of shock around the world.

In Canberra, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was “disturbed” by the photos, and protested to Gen Prayut.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said Thailand was willing to act as a facilitator if Australia and Bahrain agree to sit down and talk.

Pol Col Naras Savestanan, director-general of the Corrections Department, said the use of ankle cuffs was a carefully weighed decision. Section 21 of the Corrections Act authorises warders to use shackles on detainees when they are brought out of a prison.

“Warders considered the detainee is of interest to society and could impact international relations. As a result they decided to put ankle cuffs on him,” Col Naras said.

The Corrections Department risked facing human rights criticism, Pol Col Naras said, but the public should understand that officials had to ensure the safe transportation of detainees and prevent any attempt at escape.

Chatchom Akapin, director-general of the International Affairs Department at the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG), said Mr Araibi’s alleged crime was not a political offence, which meets the criteria for extradition under Thai law, even though Thailand and Bahrain do not have an extradition treaty.

“Thailand is stuck in the middle,” he said. “We won’t show favouritism to either side. We’ll just consider the case based on the law and the need to maintain neutrality.

“The final decision is up

Twitter erupted for football refugee Hakeem al-Araibi after the photo circulated of him arriving at court in shackles. Photo: AFP the court,” he said.

A source at the Immigration Bureau said bureau chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate ‘Big Joke’ Hakparn will meet the Australian ambassador Wednesday to explain the extradition proceedings and discuss possible solutions.

The bureau has asked Australian authorities to send documents regarding Mr Araibi’s refugee status in Australia, and the reasons why it is against his extradition, so that Thai authorities will forward them to the court for consideration, the source said.

On Monday, Mr Araibi told the Criminal Court he refuses to be voluntarily extradited to Bahrain, which has asked for his return to serve a prison sentence for a crime he denies committing.

His rejection means a hearing will be held to determine his fate. He claims he would be tortured if sent back to the country of his birth.

His supporters say he is

protected by his refugee status with Australian residency.

A court filing last week by prosecutors noted that extradition is still possible if Bahrain makes an official request, which it did, and if the crime is punishable by over a year in prison, and is not politically motivated or a military violation, which also appears to be the case.

The Bahraini government insists Mr Araibi be treated as a convicted fugitive.

It said the footballer would have the chance to appeal in its own domestic courts.

The Bangkok court has set an April 22 date for its next hearing.

Thai officials previously said the process could be lengthy, depending on how many witnesses each side call.

Mr Araibi, 25, a former Bahraini national team player, says he fled his home country due to political repression.

Bahrain wants him returned to serve a 10-year prison sentence he received in absentia in 2014.

He was detained upon his arrival in Bangkok in November while on honeymoon, and subsequently was held pending the completion of the extradition request by Bahrain.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison sent a letter last month urging Thailand to stop the extradition, and football governing bodies and human rights activists have urged the country to let him return to Australia, where he lives and plays for a semi-professional team in Melbourne.

Shortly after the court set the April 22 date, the Australian ambassador to Thailand issued a statement saying the

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha stayed unmoved, insisting he won’t inter vene in the extradition case.

Photo: Bangkok Post Bahrain government knew very well that Mr Araibi had lived in Australia since 2014.

During those four years, it did not attempt to ask Australia about him. It waited until he ventured to Bangkok, the statement said.

“The actions of the Bahraini Government have put Thailand in a very difficult position. I reiterate once again that the Government of Australia would like Hakeem al-Araibi to be returned to Australia as soon as possible.

He is a refugee and permanent resident of Australia,” wrote the ambassador.

Thailand’s handling of the case has also been criticised by Football Federation Australia who has cancelled a scheduled training session in Thailand for the national under-23 team.

The U-23 team, known as the Olyroos, cancelled the Thailand trip, the FFA confirmed in a post on their official website early this morning.

“Australia’s national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release,”

said a statement by team coach Graham Arnold.

The Australians were scheduled to play a friendly match against China in Bangkok. The teams are competing for a place in the Asia Football Federation’s U-23 Championship.

Arnold’s full statement, issued by the FFA: “Last year, the National Team Department had put some preliminary plans in place to play against China in Bangkok as part of our important preparation for the 2020 AFC U23 Championship qualifiers to be held in Cambodia in March.

“On our return from the recent AFC Asian Cup we reassessed our plans due to the ongoing detainment of Australian footballer Hakeem al-Araibi in a Thai prison.

“We are in the process of rearranging our pre-tournament camp in another Asian nation.

“Australia’s national teams are united in their support for Hakeem al-Araibi and we call on the community to continue to campaign for his release.” thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Chinese New Year B4bn boon After blanking ‘Golden Week’, Chinese return as FIT travellers TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Chinese New Year festival this year is expected to generate up to B4 billion for the local economy, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Phuket office chief Kanokkittika Kritwutthikon announced this week.

The occupancy rate across the island on Monday (Feb 4) had risen to nearly 90%, out of about 100,000 hotel rooms, Ms Kanokkittika explained.

Hotel operators have reported higher numbers of room bookings between Feb 2-10, concurred Kongsak Khuphongsakon, chairman of the southern chapter of the Thai Hotels Association.

Compared with the number of tourists celebrating the festival in Phuket in 2018, this year’s arrivals are still down 30%, added Triwit Aphimuk, deputy chairman of the Phuket-based Thai-Chinese Tourism Association.

However, he told the Bangkok Post that Chinese New Year is playing a key role in reviving the bustling tourism atmosphere on the resort island.

@thephuketnews

Tourists on Karon Beach last weekend.

Photo: Jeffrey Ephreim Villanueva Villegas Though the number of Chinese tourists stood at 2.1 million and brought in revenues of B400bn throughout 2018, their numbers dropped sharply from August to November after the Phoenix boat disaster, TAT Phuket chief Ms Kanokkittika said.

“They started to return to Phuket last December, but most of them are FIT,” Ms Kanokkittika said, referring to what she calls free independent travellers (FIT), who prefer travelling without tour guides.

Those travelling with tour agencies have also come, but “their

numbers are still low”, she said.

At present, the FIT numbers made up more than 60% of all Chinese tourists in Phuket, with less than 30% for large tour groups, noted Mr Kongsak.

One reason is that FIT is a “popular new trend” among tourists from China, he said.

Prospective travellers just read online reviews from tourists and are equipped with all of the information that they want, he added.

The total number of booked seats on planes arriving in Phuket from last Saturday (Feb 2) through to Feb

10 stood at 637,558, said Thanee Chuangchoo, General Manager of Phuket International Airport.

“International passengers account for 387,799, or about about 60%, of the bookings so far, The remaining 249,759 are domestic passenger bookings,” he said.

However, Mr Thanee countered the claimed fall in number of arrivals on the island during the period, saying last Friday (Feb 1), “The number of passengers booked to arrive in Phuket during the Chinese New Year period this year is 4.18% higher than last year.

“Last-minute bookings were expected to drive the average number of passengers during the period to 70,840 people per day,” he added.

“Most of those will be Chinese and Russians.”

A sharp resurgence in Chinese visitor arrivals in December helped Thailand close 2018 with a total of 38.27 million arrivals, generating tourism expenditure of just over B2 trillion, the TAT announced last week.

The final arrivals count released by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports showed that Chinese visitors jumped from 675,129 in November to 838,634 in December, closing the year with a total of 10,535,955, up 7.44% over 2017.

Similarly, Chinese visitor expenditure also surged from B36.45 billion in November to B44.42bn in December, ending the year with B580.69bn.

In total, Thailand’s international visitors were up by 7.54% over 2017, and the estimated B2.007trn in tourism revenue was up by 9.63%.

For the first time, 10 countries and one SAR territory (China, Malaysia, South Korea, Lao PDR., Japan, India, Russia, USA, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong SAR) generated more than 1 million visitor arrivals.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Tackling the madding crowd

New global association launched to combat overtourism TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

new global consortium called the World Tourism Association for Culture and Heritage (WTACH) has been formed to protect local cultures, heritage and historical sites that are in peril from overtourism The new association will promote ethical practices and better management relating to culture and heritage destinations that are now buckling due to unrestricted visitor growth.

WTACH will also encourage the implementation of sustainable practices at locations that are still in a honeymoon phase of tourism development, said a release announcing the association’s formation.

The creation of WTACH comes at a time when the UNWTO reports that international tourism arrivals hit 1.4 billion in 2018, two years ahead of its previous forecast of 2020. The global economy grew 3.7% in 2018, says UNWTO, propelling international tourism arrivals growth to 6% for the year.

To advance its agenda, WTACH has been launched with 15 specialist advisors from diverse backgrounds relating to the culture and heritage tourism sector. They will work with destinations that need help now or want to put plans in place before running into trouble.

WTACH is the brainchild of its

The photo from May 2016 that made the world understand what was happening at Maya Bay beach at Phi Phi Island. Photo: Dr Thon Thamrongnawasawat / Facebook founder and CEO, Chris Flynn, a former director for the Pacific region at the Pacific Asia Travel Association, a role he held for 15 years.

He says emerging tourism destinations need more help. While there are overtourism abuses in economically developed, highly regulated destinations, Flynn argues that it is in lesser economically developed destinations where overtourism has disproportionately greater negative impact.

“WTACH works with destinations to provide development strategies and policy framework recommendations to avoid the kind

of tourism meltdown we are seeing at Angkor Wat, Phi Phi Island and Mt Everest,” says Mr Flynn.

WTACH’s position is that tourism needs to respect host communities and their cultural and heritage assets by adhering to a framework that has the host community at its heart.

“It’s time for the tourism industry to take a step back and look at the long term impact of its decision making,” says Flynn.

Social media and mobile devices aren’t helping. Carolyn Childs, CEO of MyTravelResearch.com, and a member of the WTACH advisory specialising in analysing data and

trends, says it is no coincidence that WTACH is being born at a time when ‘selfie’ culture and the promotion of ‘Instagramable’ travel is sweeping the world.

“A unique image can ‘create’ a destination in moments – often leaving it unprepared or wrong-footed,” says Ms Childs.

“This is particularly true if the image runs counter to cultural values.

It risks tourism losing its ‘social licence’ with host communities.

Ironically, these ‘instadestinations’ risk destroying the very thing travellers are seeking,” she warns.

The desire for ‘authenticity’ in

travel is also problematic. Childs cites an AirBnB survey which found that over 80% of millennial travellers (and 93% of Chinese millennials) seek a “unique” experience and want to “live like locals” while on holiday.

“The pressure on destinations and tour operators to find and monetise ‘unique’ and ‘authentic’ experiences will only increase as both millennial and mature travellers work through their ‘been there done that’ bucket lists,” she says.

“Having the right frameworks in place help communities and tourists. They build a more sustainable destination that delivers truly rewarding experiences,” she says.

On the supply side, WTACH believes that destinations should no longer make arrival numbers their holy grail. The new association is deeply concerned that Turkey, for example, wants to expand tourism arrivals from 40mn in 2018 to 70mn by 2023 – less than four years away.

“What interpretive and cultural safeguards have been put in place?” asks Flynn. “Have local communities been consulted? Is there an actual plan that involves a holistic government approach and key stakeholder and community engagement?”

“At WTACH we know there’s a better way. We are now seeking like-minded organisations and individuals to help us advance responsible tourism in culturally sensitive host communities,” he says.

Valentine’s Day launch set for new e-visa TOURISM STA RTI NG FROM FEB 14, visitors from 20 countries and one business district will be able to apply for a Thai visa via a new service called eVisa On Arrival (eVOA).

According to Immigration police chief Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, the system,

developed jointly by the Immigration Bureau of Thailand and VFS Global, will cut the processing time for visas on arrival at airports to as little as one minute.

“The new eVOA service will offer travellers a whole new experience when applying for a Thai visa as they can fill out the electronic form and make an e-payment any time

regardless of embassy working hours. Once the tourists arrive at airports, they can show their passports at specific counters to obtain a visa in just one minute, rather than a one-to-two-hour wait,” Gen Surachate said.

Under the new system, people can also receive their travel authorisation online prior to departure within 24 to 72 hours of their application

being submitted.

Gen Surachate said visitors will be able to use the eVOA service available at thailandevoa.vfsevisa.com from 30 days to at least 24 hours before arriving in Thailand.

Visitors can also pay their visa fees in advance using Mastercard, Visa and Union Pay credit or debit cards, or via WeChat Pay and Alipay, said Gen Surachate.

As of Monday (Feb 4) the site still had yet to go online.

Gen Surachate said the fastentry online visa system will initially be available to nationals from Andorra, Bhutan, Bulgaria, China, Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, India, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, Romania, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and business district of Taiwan.

They will be eligible if they arrive at any of the four main international airports: Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Phuket International Airport

Passengers scurry through the VIP-like Fast Track immigration lane at Suvarnabhumi airport. Coming on Valentine’s Day is the country’s first e-visa for Visa on Arrival tourists, primarily from China and India. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb / Bangkok Post (HKT) or Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX).

The service will be available at some more airports later this year, officials said.

The government recently waived a B2,000 visa-onarrival fee for visitors from the same 21 countries until April 30 in a bid to boost the number of tourists during the Chinese New Year holidays and Songkran in the second week of April.

Tourism and Sports Minister Weerasak Kowsurat said he expected that the eVOA service and the exemption of fees for visas-on-arrival would have a

significant impact on tourism visits to the country.

“Thailand is the first country to offer this eVOA service.

Together with the exemption of fees… it will help boost tourism, which represents around 20% of GDP,” he said.

Thailand last year welcomed a record 38.27 million tourists, up 7.5% from 2017.

Chinese tourist numbers dipped following the Phoenix tour boat disaster off Phuket in July that killed 47 Chinese tourists, but records showed that arrivals from China were up year-on-year in December.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Coincidence and causal connection

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

13

Introducing face yoga: nature’s facelift

15

900 Marriott associates have attended Generation Water Solutions Training.

WATER OUT OF THIN AIR

The Phuket start-up bottling humidity in the fight against plastic Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

W

e love the sun but we dislike the high humidity that often accompanies it. At least that seems to be the general consensus. While flora thrive in muggy, equatorial climates, most humans do quite the opposite. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself lethargic, sticky and frizzy-haired. There truly is little enjoyment to be had when the air is so thick you feel as if you’re wading through honey.

However, Generation Water sees humidity as more friend than foe. The Phuket-based start-up has developed an innovative technology which takes moisture from the air, filters it into fresh, mineral-rich drinking water and decants it into reusable glass bottles.

This sustainable alternative to single-use plastic bottles has already made some serious waves here. In the last five months alone, their solution has replaced more than 200,000 plastic bottles in JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels.

I spoke to Ryan Kohler, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Generation Water, to find out more about this wonderfully simple yet remarkable solution.

Humble beginnings The company’s conception can be traced back to June 2015. @thephuketnews

“My partner and I were living in Australia. We wanted to take a yearlong sabbatical and go travelling around Europe and the US. Just before that, we had a massive family gathering on Koh Samui. We were walking along Chaweng beach – myself, my partner Meghan and my brother Matt – and it was littered with plastic,” Ryan explains.

Regrettably, many of us will have a story like this one: a shoreline stroll spoilt by 7-Eleven bags, branded bottled water and sun cream half-submerged in the sand. Some of us will be moved to lobby local tambons; others will sign up for beach cleans; many will do nothing at all out of despondency at the situation. Ryan, Meghan and Matt felt compelled to find a comprehensive solution.

“Initially, we were looking at having bins on the beach and getting hotels to hire people to empty them. We even looked at solar-powered beach cleaning robots! They cost an absolute fortune, though,” adds Ryan, laughing.

However, it wasn’t until a trip to Koh Yao Yai the following week, in which Ryan and Meghan were confined to their hotel room by rainy season downpours, that they came face to face with one of the major contributors to plastic polluted beaches.

“We just kept getting given complimentary bottles of water. In no time at all the bin in our room was overflowing.

We thought ‘Hang on, this is a huge contributing factor to the plastic bottles and lids all over the place.’”

Realising that the root causes of the problem needed to be tackled in order to effect real, lasting change, Ryan and Meghan put their sabbatical on hold, returned to Australia and, alongside their day jobs, began in-depth market research.

They were already aware of the technology of producing water from air.

However, it became clear that, while the existing solutions were reducing single-use plastics, they were also using a great deal of energy and so the burden on the environment remained. It was time to find an economically viable and sustainable solution.

The organic, unexpected formation of Generation Water is humbling. Although certified eco-warriors now, Ryan, Meghan and Matt carried no sustainability or environmental experience with them on the beach that day.

They come from: IT, systems and business; sales; and hospitality backgrounds respectively. However, these individual perspectives combined with sheer determination and knowledgeable investors have made Generation Water the groundbreaking company it is today.

The nitty gritty Generation Water’s air-to-water machines take water vapour – or humidity – that naturally exists in the air and condense it into distilled water, pure H2O. The water then enters an advanced filtration process to ensure purity. Minerals are added, in a similar way to the process that occurs in nature when water flows through rocks. The

water is continually cycled through the filtration process to maintain freshness.

Humidity must be above 35% for this process; certainly no problem in Phuket which boasts an annual average humidity of between 77.09% and 77.25% over the past 27 years. Now for the really mind-blowing stuff: whether the machine is taking in crisp air from the unpolluted countryside or rush hour smog from Bangkok, you can expect fresh, healthy, alkaline water. Yes, really.

Sleek, compact and minimalist, their machines certainly put the office water cooler to shame both aesthetically and environmentally.

They offer large-scale solutions that produce thousands of litres of water a day – such as the solution for Marriott – as well as smaller scale solutions for use in homes, workplaces, schools, yachts and so on. Depending on the model, you can expect between 20 and 90 litres of water per day.

It took the company two long years to receive accreditation from the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) whose rigorous process is based on the American system. Navigating the process – a sea of archaic government documents and bureaucratic red tape – was the most challenging experience Ryan has ever faced. On reflection, though, he appreciates that it made their machines the very best they could be.

“Because it was new and something no one had ever done before, [the Thai FDA] were extremely cautious.

Continued on page 12

12 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019 JW Marriott Phuket’s GM with Co-founder Matt Kohler.

The AERO20, one of many models available.

“It forced us to go above and beyond what the requirements were to ensure there was no chance it wouldn’t make it through. All creases were ironed out.”

Generation Water became FDA approved at the end of August 2018 and were bottling water for JW Marriott hotels just days later on September 1.

The big break with Marriott Ryan and Meghan’s mentor in Australia introduced them to the General Manager of Marriott in the country who, in turn, introduced them to Carsten Siebert, Area Director of Operations for Marriott. The team, suited and booted in 40ºC Bangkok heat, were given half an hour to pitch to one of the busiest men in hospitality. Fortunately, Carsten was on board within 10 minutes.

Ryan admits that, in general, Generation Water is not a hard sell, largely due to the three criteria that the team insisted on from the beginning.

“Firstly, our solution has to be better for the environment than the alternative. It must reduce plastic waste and our carbon footprint. Secondly, it must be convenient and something that people want to do. The water must be healthy and packaged both beautifully and sustainably. Thirdly, it must be affordable because every conversation I’ve had comes down to “So how much is it going to cost me?”

As a result, their solutions are economically viable and align perfectly with hotel corporate social responsibility models.

JW Marriott Phuket became the backdrop for the pilot given their history of sustainability programmes. The Generation Water team, who were dispersed across the globe – in Germany, Australia and Ryan’s native South Africa – all made the move to Phuket and truly lived and breathed the pilot.

The statistics from the pilot are stag-

gering and a testament to Generation Water’s hard work and JW Marriott’s social conscience. As mentioned, since September 2018 their solution has replaced more than 200,000 plastic bottles in JW Marriott and Renaissance hotels, and in 2019 it will replace more than two million. In their place are elegant glass bottles with ceramic caps, chosen for their reusability, sanitation and aversion to dents and scratches.

However, Ryan gives himself little time to celebrate this success.

“JW Marriott and Renaissance represent 415 rooms out of 80,000+ rooms on the island. When you think of it like that, yes it has had a big impact but we have a hell of a long way to go.”

Onwards and upwards Although Generation Water’s air-towater systems use 78% less energy per litre compared to standard bottled water, they are always seeking to reduce

this further; for example, through solar and other renewable energies. The company are also looking to branch out into stainless steel bottles for use on tours, in gyms and in other settings where glass isn’t an ideal material.

Once their factory opens in mid2019, Generation Water will aim to supply all Marriott properties in southern Thailand and expand out to other hotels too.

“On a global scale, there’s five countries that make up 50% of the globe’s mismanaged plastic waste: China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand. If we can make even a small dent in those countries, it has a massive global impact. By 2021, we want to be at a billion bottles a year,” says Ryan.

The future certainly looks green.

But what to do about the plastic already here?

“Maybe Elon Musk will send it all to space!”

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 13

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Haven’t we met before? Psychologist Carl Jung.

Entanglement of subatomic particles. Image (right): Varsha Y S

Well I’ll be damned!

A short history of meaningful coincidence MUSING IN THE MIRE David Jacklin david@littleloud.com

It’s easy to see why synchronicity has mass appeal; it provides meaning and order in an otherwise random universe. And there’s comfort in that.

@thephuketnews

I

n the spring of 2018 I was feeling rather sorry for myself. I was in London, living out of a suitcase and working for a cause with which I had become particularly disillusioned. Cynical of the wily workings of the West and armed with a whimsical flight of fancy to head east I sent my resume to The Phuket News. Whilst polite about my unsolicited advances, there was of course no position available for this random chancer.

Three weeks later I received an email out of the blue that the Lifestyle Editor position had unexpectedly become available, and within two months I was living on this exhilarating island, interviewing the mad, bad and dangerous to know and revelling in the incredible turn of events.

It may all seem like a lucky coincidence and favourable timing. But is there more to this tale than good fortune? Could there be a universal law which connects events by more abstract ideas such as conscious intent? This concept has been developed into a principle known as synchronicity.

Synchronicity can be described as the simultaneous occurrence of events which appear significantly related but have no discernible causal connection. It proposes a higher intelligence in nature, which, one assumes, must work for some wider and unexplainable evolutionary benefit.

Synchronicity was first introduced by analytical psychologist Carl Jung. Jung’s belief was that just as events may be connected by causality, they may also be connected by meaning. He introduced the concept in the 1920s, but further researched and developed the idea into his book Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle, published in 1960. For those that are interested, I must warn you it’s a heavy going and rather scientific read.

The idea of synchronicity as a law that extends beyond mere coincidence is widely rejected in the academic community. But is that short-sighted in their understanding? The sceptics and scientific minds amongst you may be more intrigued to learn that Jung developed the theory after several discussions with Albert Einstein and the pioneering quantum physician Wolfgang Pauli.

Why the relation to these eminent scientists?

Because this exact phenomenon, known as ‘entanglement’, is observed in quantum physics. Two physical particles that have previously come in contact with each other have later been found to interact instantaneously, despite now being separated by vast distances.

So is the idea of an interconnected universe really so strange? If it can be observed in the behaviour of subatomic particles, surely it stands to reason that the same principle can become manifest higher up the sentient chain of life as more conscious and fantastical events. Perhaps such ideas are just science that has yet to be discovered?

After all, 400 years ago it was heresy to believe in heliocentrism (that’s a fancy way of saying that the Earth is round and revolves around the Sun).

There are, of course, great examples advocating the potential for synchronicity. Such stories entertain the human spirit, but just think about the scientific probability of the following events occurring.

In 1805, French writer Émile Deschamps was treated to some plum pudding by the stranger Monsieur de Fortgibu. Ten years later, he encountered plum pudding on the menu of a Paris restaurant and wanted to order the dessert, but the waiter told him the last dish had already been served to another customer who turned out to be de Fortgibu. Many years later in 1832, Émile Deschamps was at a dinner and was once again offered plum pudding.

He recalled the earlier incident and told his friends that only de Fortgibu was missing to make the setting complete – and in the same instant the now senile de Fortgibu entered the room, having gone to the wrong address.

In another incident, American novelist Anne Parrish was browsing bookstores in Paris in the 1920s and came upon a book that was one of her childhood favourites – Jack Frost and Other Stories. She picked up the old book and showed it to her husband, telling him of the book she fondly remembered as a child. Her husband took the book, opened it, and on the flyleaf found the inscription: “Anne Parrish, 209 N. Weber Street, Colorado Springs.” It was Anne’s very own childhood book.

Before you think such bizarre scenarios only occur to writers with inventive imaginations who just happen to find themselves in the French capital, consider this tale of a German woman from Strasbourg who in 1914 took her son to be photographed. She bought a film plate, and after the photo was taken said she would return in a few days when the portrait was ready.

Unfortunately, World War I broke out, and she was not able to collect the photo.

Two years later she was now living in Frankfurt and gave birth to a daughter. She was still disappointed that she didn’t possess any photos of her children. The mother again bought a film plate and another photo was taken, this time of her daughter.

When the new photo plate was developed it turned out to be a double exposure. Her daughter’s image was superimposed on the earlier picture of her son. Incredibly her original film plate was never developed and had somehow ended up in Frankfurt 100 miles away. She had bought the same plate with the original photo still on it.

It’s easy to see why synchronicity has mass appeal; it provides meaning and order in an otherwise random universe. And there’s comfort in that.

It’s the same principle of how organised religion manages to attract a mass and dedicated following despite being unable to provide a shred of indisputable evidence.

Sceptics and statisticians may point to the law of truly large numbers, or Littlewood’s law which states that a person can expect to experience events with odds of one in a million (defined as a “miracle”) at the rate of about one per month.

Either way, the only thing we can truly be sure of is that life, despite being particularly bizarre, is also surprisingly grand.

I think I’m about due another miracle. Hallelujah.

14 GARDENING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Virtuous Vines: An Introduction

The climbing plants that have more to offer than just grapes GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

Vines are key floral elements in your tropical garden, not least in festooning pergolas, climbing trellises or covering expanses of drab wall.

M

ention the word vine and Mr Average will picture bunches of luscious grapes.

If he’s had a few drinks, he may already be confusing the word with its celebrated product – the fermented fruit juice we all know and mostly love. But vines themselves are not confined to varieties of grape – cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, chardonnay and the rest of that ilk – they are key floral elements in your tropical garden, not least in festooning pergolas, climbing trellises or covering expanses of drab wall.

Of course, small trees or bushy shrubs can perform a similar role, but they do usually need a fair amount of soil in which to spread their root systems. A few columnar foliage shrubs might do the trick; for instance the plant Thais refer to as cristina with reddish, young foliage, or dense, evergreen sai. Cristina is almost always seen here as a neat hedge or geometrical form and is remarkably tolerant of heavy clipping and shaping.

But vines generally offer the best backdrop. They certainly have several advantages over trees: they tend to hug walls – indeed many are self-clinging and will climb ever higher in search of sunlight. And although grape vines have notoriously deep roots with a

Bougainvillea add an explosion of colour to walls and trellises. Photo ImagoArtis2018 / Pxhere maximum of six metres or more, most climbing plants do not require as much soil in which to thrive as shrubs or trees that possess a comparable density of leaf growth. After all, hanging on to existing supports does not expend nearly so much energy as their hosts are expending to create a rigid, woody framework.

Moreover, you can grow climbers in two ways: use them from the ground upward (the usual method); or, where the walls are effectively terraces with the gardens behind abutting the summits of these retaining structures, the vines can be planted on top and allowed to cascade gracefully down. Oddly bougainvillea – that maid of all work – has been employed in this capacity in one garden I know, with the result that the view along the road below is embellished with masses of pink, white and crimson blooms.

Other climbers that can trail and help soften the man-made outlines might include the shower orchid (congea tomentosa) which has a naturally dangling habit and blooms profusely on long, thin, pendant branches during the winter months. The strings of flowers are lavender in colour – hence its popular name of lavender wreath. It is native to Thailand, enjoys the full sun that the climate provides and can, like bougainvillea, be grown in almost any soil type provided it gets sufficient moisture.

Thunbergia grandiflora (blue trumpet vine) is anther sensible choice, a robust member of a large genus of flowering climbers with heart-shaped leaves and long, hanging clusters of mauve or white trumpet-shaped blooms. Easy to grow, it likes sun or filtered shade.

Other vines are climbers pure and simple. The real experts – known as lianas in the rainforests – are self-clinging with tendrils or modified leaves which can attach themselves to any structure, natural or man-made, that happens to be within reach. Indeed the wild varie-

Lianas are expert climbers. Photo: Rob Smith / Pxhere ties can be a handful, swarming all over canopy trees and in some cases strangling them.

Cultivated varieties are less invasive, but my garlic vine (mansoa alliacea), an ornamental evergreen, semi-woody vine, has wound itself around an adjacent tree in my garden and is now covering the upper branches with blossom. Extremely vigorous, this garlic vine has attractive lavender or deep pink blooms with a white throat which fade to a paler colour as they mature.

Naturally there are many other climber candidates: antigonon (coral vine), argyreia (elephant creeper) and pyrostegia (flame vine), all of which inch upwards by means of tendrils. But they will have to wait their turn to grab the limelight.

Patrick has been writing for thirteen years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbell@gmail.com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FACE TIME

The big O part 1.

LET’S GET BENT

Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

H

ello and welcome.

A few years ago, I was given an amazing gem of knowledge, and this month I would like to share it with you. Face yoga. Yep. Most of you are either laughing or rolling your eyes right now but bear with me for a second.

We go to the gym and we do exercise such as yoga to keep the muscles of our body fit, firm and healthy. The muscles in the face are the same as the muscles in the rest the body; they can also be exercised and toned.

Think of face yoga as a gym workout for your face, the natural botox and filler. The day after I teach an hour session of face yoga, my cheeks and my jawline hurt like I had been laughing all day and clenching my jaw like a madman.

The health benefits of face yoga: • improves tonus of muscles; • activates blood circulation in affected areas; • strengthens elastic fibres of the face; • helps to relieve swelling; • increases oxygen and blood flow to the face; • helps with clear speech; • increases lymphatic flow in the face and neck, reducing trapped toxins; and • gives skin elasticity and smoothness.

The cosmetic benefits of face yoga: • helps to remove wrinkles and creases; • uplifts corners of the mouth; • slimmer, more defined cheeks (for those who currently have a fuller face); • fuller cheeks (for those with a bony/ slimmer face); • wider, fuller lips/mouth; @thephuketnews

HEALTH 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

• decreases nasolabial fold lines; • wide, open eyes; • less droopy eyelids; • reduced forehead lines; • a more relaxed overall look; • a happier face creates a happier spirit; • reduced lines around and dark circles underneath the eyes; • more symmetrical facial expression; and • smoother, more youthful looking skin.

As we have limited space here, I will give you my three go-to face yoga moves for a quick, easy tone-up of the face muscles. It really is like a mini facelift.

I have focused on the main issues of the face that most women are concerned with: tighter skin, brighter eyes and plumper lips.

1. The big O To smoothen the nasolabial folds.

Say “wow” in a very slow and exaggerated manner, opening your mouth as wide as possible.

Repeat 10 times.

2. The under eye relaxer To relieve puffy, tired eyes.

Rub your hands together until warm. Take your warms hands and place them over your eyes. Bend your head and look down to the floor and completely support the weight of your head.

Hold for 10 seconds.

3. The lip plumper For natural, full, plump lips.

Fold your lips into your teeth, stick out your tongue between your teeth and gently bite down with a firm pressure.

Hold for five seconds. Repeat three times.

You can practise these face yoga moves at any time of the day but my suggestion would be to practise them in

The big O part 2.

The lip plumper.

The under eye relaxer part 1.

The under eye relaxer part 2.

the morning and at night and perhaps even while waiting in the delightful Phuket traffic.

Enjoy playing with your face this month and happy stretching.

Metta, Kim oxo

16 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

A delectable dish at the awardwinning Acqua restaurant.

From Italy with love Phuket’s slice of fine Sardinian dining Bruce Stanley ebstanley@rocketmail.com

T

wo bright stars in Phuket’s culinary scene both come from southern Sardinia and are celebrating restaurant anniversaries this year, a testament to surviving many challenges including tsunamis, bird flu, SARS and drastic changes in the visitor market.

Perhaps Thailand’s most celebrated chef is Alessandro Frau, owner/chef of Acqua at Kalim Beach, who has collected so many culinary awards there is no longer enough space on his walls to display them. From 2011 until last year he was named Chef of the Year by the prestigious Hospitality Asia Platinum Awards as well as Icon of the Year and King of Kitchens. He has also won Iron Chef Thailand. His restaurant has been recognised by the Miele guide as one the top five restaurants in Thailand and acknowledged by the Thailand Tatler best restaurants guide as the best upcountry restaurant.

All rather remarkable for a young man from Cagliari, Sardinia, who went to London to learn English and is now one of Southeast Asia’s leading chefs.

“I was fortunate to work at Grosvenor House in La Terrazza, their signature Italian restaurant, where I became obsessed with making fine cuisine. I was strongly influenced by

the culinary creations of Marco Pierre White, called the godfather of modern cooking, and used to stand outside his restaurant just hoping for inspiration.”

Alessandro came to Phuket with his partner Marcella in 2003 and, like so many before him, fell in love with the warmth and new culinary influences.

He was offered a position at what was the Sheraton Laguna Phuket and after a year was promoted to Executive Chef.

He was only 28 years old and put in charge of 140 cooks in 12 outlets.

“A great experience but too much management. I wanted my own restaurant where I could cook and interact with my guests. So 10 years ago I resigned. Then I designed and built every corner of what has become Acqua.”

This weekend he celebrates a decade of success with his many friends.

He’s invited guest chefs from Bangkok to provide haute cuisine from serving stations set up around Acqua. These chefs include Olivier Limousin from L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Bangkok (one Michelin star), David Tamburini from La Scala Restaurant at the Sukhothai Bangkok, Tammasak Chootong from Suay Restaurant Phuket and Nino Scognamillo from La Casa Nostra Bangkok.

“We will also have two pop-up surprises, a famous Italian mixologist who will present signature cocktails for all customers and a famous Italian sommelier from Hong Kong (three Michelin

Salvatore some 20 years ago. star) that will make signature lemon sorbet.”

The other Sardinian culinary star in Phuket’s hospitality universe is Salvatore Cossu who arrived 30 years ago to open his first Italian trattoria on Patong Beach. He could count on over 150 Italian guests each night due to his contract with international tour operator Francorosso. He served traditional Italian foods on the main floor of Casanova and operated a lucrative karaoke business upstairs which stayed open until 3am.

“I had just opened my restaurant in 1989 and within a year Casanova became the most popular place in Patong Beach for Mediterranean cuisine. But I had many challenges. When I arrived, there was no good bread on Phuket. I found a source for Canadian wheat and made the yeast using Singha so I could develop my own line of bread products including traditional bruschettas. But there was no coffee nor cheese and only small amounts of butter on the island back then. Every month, I would drive to Singapore and load up on what I needed to run my busy restaurant.”

Salvatore was no stranger to the restaurant business when he opened Casanova. Born near Cagliari, Sardinia, he migrated to Holland as a young man and opened his first restaurant, Costa Esmeralda, using the recipes he learned from his grandmother mixed with his own homemade pastas. After a dozen years, he came to Phuket on a winter holiday and it changed his life.

“I loved swimming in the warm sea.

I decided to close my operations in the Netherlands and move to Patong Beach

Alessandro. which was then only a small village with a couple of little restaurants.”

After building Casanova into a restaurant destination over the next 10 years, he decided to again move, this time to Phuket Town.

“Patong had grown and changed and I had a new family and wanted to live a more normal life. I opened Salvatore on Rasada Rd 20 years ago where I am still offering my classic Italian cuisine based on my grandmother’s Sardinian recipes.”

The restaurant is a temple to Italian country design complete with Corinthian columns, art and Salvatore’s very welcoming personality. His guests these days are mostly local Thais who thrive on his grilled Australian lamb and traditional Sardinian pasta with bottarga. thephuketnews

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EVENTS 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Phuket’s Best Burger 2019

Whose burger will reign supreme to become Phuket’s Best Burger 2019 ‘Dare to Dream’?

E

SPONSORED

veryone loves a great burger.

The perfect ratio of burger to bun, the selection of choice ingredients and the overall personality of the burger maestro are all major factors in determining whether any hamburger is worthy of the label “Phuket’s Best Burger.”

Now in its fifth year, Phuket’s Best Burger has become one of Phuket’s most loved events. This year Phuket’s Best Burger will be getting all burgerlicious at Boat Lagoon Marina on Saturday, March 30. Restaurateurs and chefs will all compete to see whose burger reigns supreme to become Phuket’s Best Burger 2019 “Dare to Dream.”

The event was conceptualised in 2013 by Jay Leshark while he was working with Phuket Live radio and saving the Phuket airwaves with his weekend brunch radio show. Jay was looking for an event idea that would be something

@thephuketnews

different for Phuket, something to do with food and something fun.

“I honestly never thought it would be as big as it has got,” says Jay. “It was just a crazy idea I had which has grown over the past five years.”

“It was the history of burgers that also really interested me,” Jay went on, “Burgers can be traced back to 1209 when Genghis Khan’s army needed food that could be carried on their mounts and eaten easily with one hand while they rode. Ground meat was the perfect choice, and if its good enough for Genghis Khan then who are we to argue?”

After a couple of years of planning, which really meant going around Phuket eating burgers, and studying burger competitions around the world, the inaugural event was held in March 2015 and the first ever winner was Xana Beach Club. In 2016 Kata Rocks were declared the winner and in 2017 it was the Thavorn Beach Village & Spa and then again in 2018. So far, The Thavorn Beach Village & Spa are the only ever two-time winner.

This year’s event is set to be the big-

2015 winners Xana Beach Club. gest and best ever. The venue at Phuket Boat Lagoon is fabulous and there are some awesome sponsors, such as Class Act Media who have been with the event since the start.

There will be live music on the stage with the likes of the Two Chef Band, famous from Jason Wilder’s drivetime show, as well as some great children’s activities, mixed drink shows, craft beverages and much much more.

But what does the winner get? Well, not only do they get bragging rights for one year and the Phuket’s Best Burger trophy, they also receive a host of other prizes from the amazing sponsors. The prize fund is already over B250,000, which includes a huge B180,000 worth of advertising from Class Act Media and B25,000 worth of BBQ equipment from The BBQ Shop. The other glorious sponsors are Real Life Phuket and Image Asia, including windows magazine and where to eat guide.

Saturday, March 30 at Phuket Boat Lagoon, an event for all the family.

And remember, as Jimmy Buffet once sang:

Would you like fries with that?

At night I’d have these wonderful dreams Some kind of sensuous treat Not zucchini, fettuccine or Bulgar wheat But a big warm bun and a huge hunk of meat Cheeseburger in paradise Heaven on earth with an onion slice.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Leis, Robin and Kay. Photo: Mia Gillow

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Guests got the picture. Photo: Mia Gillow

ROBIN GILLOW’S EXHIBITION ‘EXISTENCE’ GOES ON SHOW AT MOM TRI’S Guests enjoyed an evening of realist, impressionist and abstract art at the opening of Robin Gillow's latest exhibition ‘Existence’ at Mom Tri’s Wok gallery kitchen on Feb 1.

‘Existence’, which is on display until March 31, is Robin’s ninth exhibition in Phuket and is a tribute to her revived life as an artist as well as life in general.

Derrick, Gordon, Alasdair and Capt Richard Carr.

Laughs and smiles with Gordon et al.

ALL HANDS ON D’DECK AT GROW BOATING NETWORKING EVENING Another great turnout at the Grow Boating Networking Evening on Feb 1, held at The D’Deck Bar at The Ao Po Grand Marina. Asia Pacific Superyachts generously agreed to be the food and drinks sponsors, availing attendees to sumptuous hot dogs and burgers from the BBQ and beverages between 5pm and 7pm. Thanks to the drinks sponsor Asia Pacific Superyachts and media partners The Phuket News, Live 89.5 & Phuket News TV. Phil and Michel.

Ben, Craig, Phil and Ian.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Dressed in blue but going green.

LE MERIDIEN AND UWC THAILAND TEAM UP FOR SUSTAINABILITY Through a new student-led initiative the Grade 6 classes at UWC Thailand International School (UWCT) and Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort have teamed up to provide elegant and economical ways for Phuketians and visitors to make sustainable choices. The classes have sourced and designed a range of sustainable bamboo and stainless-steel products branded under the moniker ‘Plastic Free UWC’. Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort in Karon was the first external outlet to agree to carry the student’s sustainable products.

Beauty and the bouquet.

MISS UNIVERSE FRANCE 2018 HOLIDAYS AT AMARI PHUKET Amari Phuket’s representative, Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Regional Vice-President, Operations – Southern Thailand, Vietnam and the Maldives, gave a warm welcome to Eva Colas, Miss Universe France 2018, this month. Eva stayed at Amari Phuket with her family after she completed the 67th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok.

Anchors away!

Libor Secka, Matthias Y. Sutter, Chef Jack and Chef Dietmar.

IRON CHEF TANTALISES TASTE BUDS AT JW MARRIOTT JW Marriott was honoured to bring chef Prasertchai Trongvanichnam, also known as Chef Jack, to Phuket this week. Chef Jack recently won the prestigious title of ‘Iron Chef Thailand’ after appearing on the television competition. The awardwinning chef excited the palates of diners between Feb 4-7 with a mixture of Thai tapas and live cooking demonstrations.

Bright as buttons.

HEADSTART SWAP DESKS FOR DECKS WITH FUN-FILLED DAY AT SEA Teachers and staff from HeadStart International School enjoyed a day at sea on Feb 2, taking advantage of the beautiful weather and amazing scenery surrounding the island. Karaoke, drinks and buffet food were available on board. Off-board activities included snorkelling in a nearby bay.

A certified success.

BISP STUDENTS PASS EARLY ENTRY EXAMS WITH FLYING COLOURS

BRIGHT FUTURES AT RAJABHAT UNI SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY

Students from British International School, Phuket sat their IGCSE exams in Biology, Coordinated Science, Mathematics, International Mathematics or French (Early Entry) and achieved excellent scores. IGCSE Biology – 47 students (68% A* or A, 100% A*-C), IGCSE Mathematics – 14 students (100% A* or A) and IGCSE French Foreign language – 2 students (100% A*’s). Good luck everyone for your exams in June.

Together with Phuket International Women’s Club and Phuket International Women’s Foundation, scholarships were granted to seven successful candidates who are studying a Hotels and Tourism program at Phuket Rajabhat University.

The ceremony took place on Jan 30.

@thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

8 FEB All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

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

Futsal League 2019 Is your child interested in football? Would they enjoy enhancing their football skills whilst spending time with friends? At British International School Phuket, the Cruzeiro Saturday morning league will allow your child to play fun, competitive football at the incredible facilities.

Bring them along to either U9/U11 or U13/U15 fixtures at the advertised times! See you there!

SUN

SAT

9 FEB

JOJO SMITH IN PHUKET Do not miss JOJO SMITH (UK) with special guests DAVE THOMPSON (UK) and AIDAN KILLIAN (IRL). Early bird tickets are on sale now from 350 THB or 600 THB at the door. Get your tickets today on TicketFlap: www.ticketflap.com/ phuketcomedy-jojosmith Magic Rock, Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, Phuket. aidan@ magicrock.com.sg

10 FEB Traditional Sunday Roast at O’Tool’s

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

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

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

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

Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers. Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht. Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.

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

The Great Nai Harn Phuket Sunday Brunch Every Sunday from 12:30 - 15:00 hrs Guests can savor delectable creations prepared by culinary maestro, Executive Chef Mark Jones, While enjoying spectacular views over Nai Harn Bay and listening to the sounds of Resident DJ Sun. THB 5,500 net per adult (With free- flow premium beverage handpicked by James Suckling) THB 3,850 net per adult (food only) THB 2,200 net per child aged from 6 to 18 (with freeflow juices and soft drinks) For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night

Soul Heaven Saturdays with Lenny Fontana Get your groove on with us this Saturday! Also joining the weekly DJ & Artist line up will be our resident DJ Chris | DJ Grant Collins | DJ Viki Love Heavenly Dancers plus Dream Beach’s in house musicians on rotation, Live Sax, Live Piano & Live Percussion ** Pick Up Shuttle Transfer Available ** Reservations, Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.

MON

11 FEB

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/ TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

Simmer & Spice Curry buffet, Great variety, Vibrant flavours.

Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

WED

13 FEB

Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Family Fun Day Family Fun Day at Firefly Pool & Restaurant, The Pavilions Residences on 10th February 2019. Join the BBQ buffet, Live music, Live auction & prizes and Kids zone. Price: 1,500 baht for adult, 500 baht for children under 12 years. call 076 317 600.

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

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WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

13 FEB

ries and Fresh Strawberries) BOOK THROUGH OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND GET 15% DISCOUNT www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand

SAT

16 FEB

FRI

8 MAR

PIWC - Annual Fundraiser 2019 Happy Valentine’s Day The 22nd Bay Regatta 2019 The 22nd Bay Regatta is expected to be the biggest yet and will firmly stand out as one of South East Asia’s finest yachting events. Taking place in some of the most beautiful scenery the region has to offer, the four days racing and daily prizegiving dinners will bring a buzz of excitement to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi. More info at: facebook.com/bayregatta

THU

Celebrate Valentine’s day with your loved one this year at The Pavilion Phuket. Ignite romance with 360 Bar’s bubbles and Oysters (priced at THB 3,990 net per couple), or seduce your Valentine with The Pavilion Club’s Aphrodisiac 5-courses set menu (priced at THB 5,990++ per couple). Reservations, The Pavilion Phuket, restaurants.phuket@pavilionshotels.com, 076 317 600.

Phuket International Women’s Club Annual Fundraiser 2019. At Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort on February 16, 2019. Start from 18.30. Dresscode: Rock or Pop. Tickets 2,500 baht; Buffer, welcome drink and Live Band. All proceeds go to PIWC scholarship fund. Ticketing & info: info@ piwc-phuket.com

THU

21 FEB

14 FEB PIWC - February 2019 luncheon Wine & Dine your sweetheart

Do Something Different This Valentine’s Day Bring your partner or friend for 45 minutes of heart opening yoga with Laurence followed by 45 minutes of mindful meditation guided by Pierre. Take a moment to give thanks to all that is good in your relationship, your life and the world. Make your reservation today! Limited to 20 people only. Time: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm. Free of charge. Thanyapura Wellness Centre.

Celebrate love. Celebrate romance. Spend a romantic evening with your beloved and make them feel even more special with these unforgettable events. Soulful foo, sultry serenades, and shows complete this night of hearts. ‘Sea of love’ romantic dinner by the beach. THB 16,000++ per couple (Limited to 12 couples).

‘Love never felt so good’ buffet dinner at Pakarang with shows. THB 2,200++ per adult / THB 199++ per child. ‘Amore MIO’ set dinner at Portofino Terrace. THB 5,000++ per couple.

Reservations, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, restaurant.phuketbeach@lemeridien.com, 076 370 100 ext. 5307.

February’s venue promises to be a treat. Lunch will be held at Taste Yamu (Formerly Breeze Restaurant). 224, Moo 7, Tambon Paklok, Amphoe Thalang, Phuket. Members 700 baht. Non Members 850 baht. Registration will commence at 11.30am. For those North of the island, a minivan will be leaving from Villa Market in Laguna at 10.50am sharp.

FRI

1 MAR

Grow Boating Networking Evening Valentine’s Day Celebration @ Friendship Beach Resort Valentine’s Day Celebration @ Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort. Enjoy Live Blues, Rock, & Jazz Classics w/ Fiddlehead & Friends.

Special Four Course Romantic Dinner including a bottle of selected beverages. Ala - Carte Menu also Available. For bookings call (66) 89 728 5304 or email chef@friendshipbeach.com Chef Charlie, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket, chef@friendshipbeach.com, (66) 89 728 5304.

Valentine’s Dinner at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Spend heart’s day with your special someone at Two Chefs Bar & Grill. A lovely feast for 2 for just THB1995. Enjoy 2 Glasses of Sparkling drinks, 400g Grilled Australian Beef Tenderloin , 4 Large Prawns, Vegetable Medley, Bearnaise, Red Wine, Pepper, Chili Sauce, and Garlic Sauteed Potatoes. Top it up with a sweet treat of Eton Mess (Meringue, Whipped Cream, Raspber-

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Valentine’s Dinner at Infuse Restaurant Celebrate this St. Valentine’s Day with a romantic dinner at Infuse Restaurant. Enjoy a 4-course meal infused with our love and live piano music to add up to this special atmosphere. Complimentary shuttle available from Boat Avenue. For more info and reservations call +6676609548 or email info@infuserestaurant.com.

The Grow Boating Networking Evening for March 2019 will be held at The Speakeasy Yacht Club, at The Royal Phuket Marina from 5pm. Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks sponsors. There will be a light buffet sponsored by The Speakeasy Yacht Club and special prices on your favourite local drinks. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar. We hope to see you there and if you know anyone you think would be interested in coming please invite them along. To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com For more info www.facebook.com/events/306692660180317/

Romantic Dinner on St. Valentine’s Day Feel the love and enjoy an evening of pure luxury romance. Treat your sweetheart to an unforgettable 6-course meal with spectacular views over Nai Harn Bay. Listen to romantic sounds, indulge in scrumptious culinary delights and sip on carefully selected beverages. 14th February 2019 starts at 7:00 pm THB 4,750 net per person (food only). On Nai Harn beach. Advance reservation is essential. Reservations, The Nai Harn Phuket, rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

Phuket Sundowners - Mar 2019 AustCham Thailand is delighted to invite members and guests from AustCham and partner chambers to join our Phuket Sundowners to be held on Friday 8th March, 2019, at the Angsana Laguna Phuket. Cost: Baht 500 for AustCham members, partner Chambers’ members, and Australian Alumni Members. Baht 900 for nonmembers.

WED

3 APR

Hospitality Golf Challenge 2019 The 4th Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge charity golf tournament will take place on the 3rd April 2019, with an amazing day of gourmet golf at Laguna Golf Phuket Course all in aid of The Children First Fund. Why not come and join the event with some great local hole sponsors treating all the golfers to some fun challenges and exciting Food and Beverage service. We are proud to have 89.5FM and Phuket News TV as our Media Partner and Sponsor. Visit www.asean-events.com or email mark@aseanevents.com

SAT

27 APR

Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand 2019 Boat Lagoon Weekend 1-2 March 2019 Beat & Bite. Music & Food & Fun. From 6.00 pm till 10.00 pm. at Lagoon Quay. พบกับงานแสดงดนตรี ่ อาหาร และความสนุกหลากหลายรูปแบบ ทีงานโบ๊ ทลากูนวีคเอนด์ Phuket Boat Lagoon, Phuket Boat Lagoon

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge continues in 2019 with the top 10% of teams (2 people per team) from each qualifier gaining entry to the Thailand Final on the 27th of April 2019 at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. Prominent sponsors provide an all-expenses paid trip to the World Final at Oitavoss Dunes in Cascais, Portugal. For more details and to sign up contact events@foremanagement.com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

1. In which movie did Sylvester Stallone have his first starring role?

2. What was Queen Victoria’s real first name?

3. Who sang the 1975 classic “Love me, love my dog”?

4. What was Karl Marx’s favourite colour?

5. What are the nicknames of Phuket’s two famed Heroines?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Mashed dinner fare 5. Divisions 10. Ethnic cuisine 14. Ultimatum ender 15. Beauty pageant wear 16. Saxophone 17. Wild place?

18. Hindu principle 19. Stir up 20. Took a lot of air in!

23. Montana inhabitant 24. Nestling hawk 25. Social stratum 28. Lawyer’s thing 30. Rose feature 34. Shape 36. Prefix with night or day 38. Colorful fish 39. This is a really good amount of exercise!

43. A lot 44. Links goal 45. Electrical resistance 46. Secret language 49. Any doctrine 51. Calms

52. Reaction to bad news 54. Pro’s rival 56. Rests very nicely!

62. Rank above viscount 63. Skin problem 64. “Pumping ___” 66. High school breakout 67. Run up 68. Uncluttered 69. Face up to 70. Brings in 71. Roman Empire invader Down 1. Use a Singer 2. Roman commoner 3. Cold war inits.

4. Metal follower 5. Union member 6. Whichever 7. Arrived 8. Swaps out 9. Like some beaches 10. Separate seed 11. Band

12. Husk 13. Deeply 21. Don’t exist 22. Gnaw at 25. Surplice 26. Can’t take 27. Broken arm support 29. Saudi top dogs 31. Gumbo veggies 32. Baton follower 33. Dressed to kill: to the ____ 35. Swindle 37. Couple 40. Railroad route 41. Precedes iota 42. Communicating with 47. Brunch fare 48. Exceed 50. Invent 53. In motion 55. Moves toward 56. Junction 57. Shoestring 58. B____, Switzerland 59. S.A. Indian 60. Nabisco cookie 61. Kind of cheese 65. Degree in math?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 1) The Party at Kitty and Stud’s (also later called “Italian Stallion”); 2) Alexandrina; 3) Peter Shelley; 4) Red; 5) Mook (or Muk) and Jun (or Chan)

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

1

hour of exercise a week can prevent depression.

60

percent of people can’t go 10 minutes without telling at least one lie, according to a study published in the Journal of Basic and Applied Social Psychology.

73

percent of respondents to a recent survey said they were annoyed by people who shared pictures of their vacations on social media.

114,260

Patong at dusk. Photo: Paola Vignati Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

dollars is how much Joey owed Chandler by the end of the TV show “Friends”.

2.2 billion

grilled cheese sandwiches are eaten by Americans collectively each year.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history Feb 8, 1879 Sandford Fleming first proposes adoption of Universal Standard Time at a meeting of the Royal Canadian Institute.

Feb 9, 1895 William G. Morgan creates a game called Mintonette, which soon comes to be referred to as volleyball.

Feb 10, 1306 In front of the high altar of Greyfriars Church in Dumfries, Robert

the Bruce murders John Comyn sparking the revolution in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Feb 11, 1990 Buster Douglas, a 42:1 underdog, knocks out Mike Tyson in 10 rounds in Tokyo to win boxing’s world Heavyweight title.

Feb 12, 1947 The largest observed iron meteorite until that time creates an impact crater in Sikhote-Alin, in the Soviet

mosphere and reached the Earth.

Feb 13, 1981 A series of sewer explosions destroys more than two miles of streets in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Louisville sewer explosions.

Union. An estimated 70 tonnes (metric tons) of material survived the fiery passage through the at-

Feb 14, 2005 YouTube is launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world and a main source for viral videos.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Jobs

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

International Sales Support

APR is an international company dealing with customers in Asia and Australia, as well as decorative surface suppliers from Europe. Asia Pacific Representatives Ltd. are looking for: Support staff for our sales team Age: 20-35 years Thai National Excellent English language skills required Knowledge of Microsoft office Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Excel Office location: Phuket – Chalong Tasks will include: - Project tracking and follow up - Communication with international suppliers and customers - Understanding of our products and services Please submit your resume and recent photo jobs@apr-pfleiderer.com @thephuketnews

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Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort.

Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354.

Thai Yoga Instructor

Position available now - Full Time Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach various Yoga Styles. Additional Health Skills i.e.

Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, etc. - Assist with Yoga Class inquires and Retreat health consultations. English Speaking - Thai National only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/wellness.htm

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PERSONAL SERVICES

POOL SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Sunreef 60 Loft, year 2016, 185,000 baht day charter

All prices are for up to 6 people, include: - land transfers, lunch, soft drinks, water, tea/coffee and selected beverages, fruits and services of a captain and a stewardess. Charters start at 9 am, finish at 5 pm. Hours can be adjusted.

Pavel, fortuna-2009@bk.ru, +7 984 188-62-89. Pavel (WhatsApp) +7 914 79073-78 Pavel (WhatsApp) +66 83-475-7351 Pavel + +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

Toyota GT 2013 - FT86

Immaculate condition, QUICK SELL REDUCED PRICE includes over 1M baht in options; GT Brembo brakes, Adjustable suspension, performance exhaust. Pioneer AVH-X8850BT with Audison sound system. ADV7.1SL. 1 Piece forged rims. B1.5M OBO, Dan Miles, danmilesmedia@gmail.com, 065 621 5541, Thai 091 165 9332

Subaru XV

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

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081-894 -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/English).

FINANCIAL, LEGAL

BUSINESS FOR SALE UR

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Loan money for bail

Golden Business Opportunity

Business Services

Providing International Clients with Complete Debt Recovery Solutions in the Phuket. Pablo, Umbrellacorp144@gmail.com, +66952688880 and +35799989736 (WhatsApp)

Year 2000, under 200,000km, recently changed battery, checked engine - all works. Has dents and scratches but starts every time and goes from A to B. 0836012526.

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78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission. Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres.

B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

@thephuketnews

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

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

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

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

PERSONAL SERVICES

Toyota Soluna - cheap!

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Mai Khao 1 Bed Condo Sale

Mai Khao Beach Condo-Great condo. 5mins from Splash Jungle Water Park. Wonderful location and is a must see. B5,300,000, Christine, 0948411918.

Ducati Multistrada 2012

Excellent Condition. Modifications on the car - Dual stainless steel exhaust, Bonnet, front & rear bumper, side skirts are Evo X Upgrade, Tinted windows and Upgraded alloy wheels. THB 470,000. Call Lek 0991677378.

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme.

Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

2012 Model Multistrada. Perfect condition. Only 23,000 kms.

Faithfully maintained. Have panniers and 15 liter tank bag.

Steve, ducphuket@gmail.com, 081-734-8309.

Mitsubishi 2.0 GT Mivec Auto

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White sand beach

29 Rai with breathtaking views and 128 meter of white sand beach frontage on Koh Yao Yai, just 20 minutes from Phuket away, secure Chanote tittle, public concrete road, water, electricity and ready to build for sale direct from owner for only 5.5 mln per Rai. Montha, montha_phuket@yahoo. com, 095 0147888.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

SA

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Pablo, pablolawyer@gmail.com, Whats up +79841886289 Whats up +79147907378

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

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@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

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The Phuket News

PROPERTY WANTED

The Heights Phuket - Freehold

Interested Buyers looking for Foreign Freehold Units at the Height Phuket, if you are an owner or have any available units, please contact: +66872699206 or email mick11468@gmail.com

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

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

Sale - Koh Kaew, 2-Bed Condo

2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Must be seen to be believed. So much space! 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million Baht, Christine, 0948411918

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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Mueang Phuket 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!!

Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Christine, 094 841 1918.

Villa for sale

Important VILLA with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. Garden 1300 square meters, 16x4 pool. Fully furnished Mediterranean style. Private negotiation.

Owner, Loch Palm Golf Kathu, Phuket, 080 603 4079 English and Thai

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated.: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 engl/ german picharly@gmail.com , 4.9mill.

Single story home for sale

5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 1 living room, 2 cars parking space. Fully furnished, Jacuzzi, walk-in wardrobes, garden and swimming pool with Sala. Can do more build-in. Sunny, sunny@transinco. eu, 0823775555.

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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House for Sale or Rent, Rawai

Cape Lam Promthep, Rawai - Nature area, beside sea. Swimming. Very quiet, just live and enjoy your life. If you want to make money perfect for building Rental Homes or Healing or Mediation center - Chanote land is not the way to go. We can’t own anything here with Thai wife unless stay together a long time and can take everything so best to Rent Land and have contract with a Thai. - All houses this area some WORTH MILLIONS OF EUROS ARE ON, “ LAND RENTED FROM GOVERNMENT,” FOR APPROXIMATELY 1000 BAHT A YEAR FOR AS LONG AS YOU WANT. “You can Sell your Right to Occupy to others,” – this is LEGAL - Same as Crown Land in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and America, but still hasn’t stopped people from building expensive homes and title can be up graded with time - 12 million baht sale or 30,000 baht rent (one year rent in advance) - Almost 3 rai BESIDE THE SEA ( Zoned Yellow) CAN BUILD MULTIPLE HOMES, Healing or Meditation Center - TWO HOUSES, One large house 2 bedrooms and 2 bath, 2 decks, One Small House 1 bedroom and 1 bath 1 deck 12million or 30,000 month Andy, capt_canada42@yahoo. com, 091 823 2271.

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A Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREEHOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi.

All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand.

Available to agents. Priced at 16MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@ gmail.com

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House for sale

Detach single story home, 1 Rai of land, 4 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 kitchens 1 living room, 2 cars parking space with garden and swimming pool. Sunny, 25/11 Soi Salika, Moo 2, Viset Road. 082 377 5555.

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo for Sale

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 58sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy.

B3,600,000, Andy, phuket@thairesidential.com, 083 800 1888.

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

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1 Bed Condoin Kamala

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and onsite restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment.

B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

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

1 Bed Condo for Sale in Rawai

The Title Rawai, Phuket This beachfront 1 Bedroom condominium is located in one of the premier developments on Rawai Beach. Also, the beauty, luxury, and durability of this condo is immediately apparently from its genuine teak wooden flooring. Designed with absolute care and attention to detail! Also, only the highest quality materials have been selected throughout, and every square metre of useful space is utilised to the fullest.

Furthermore, the large common area has 3 swimming pools. Also, there are 2 saunas, and a fitness room. Moreover, it is surrounded by tropical jungle. Also, within walking distance of shops, bars, and international and Thai restaurants.

However, you are nevertheless ensured of complete peace and tranquility. This development was completed in April, 2014, and is available for sale on a leasehold basis. ADDITIONAL UNITS AVAILABLE. PLEASE CONTACT FOR DETAILS. Christine, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918

Unique Investment Opportunity

RPM by owner

Penthouse for sale

432.44 Sqm.Penthouse for sale: 320 Degree view of Patong bay and city. Private pool. 22nd floor (top floor) at Andaman Beach Condominium, Patong, Phuket, Thailand. Condo Facilities. see beachsuites.com/gallery.

No broker please. 60 Million Baht O.N.O., Songpan, songpanpirom@hotmail.com, 081 737 8662.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR SALE

5-Bed Pool Villa 1.2 Rai Rawai

Villa with 4 beds, open-plan living area, western kitchen. Separate 1-bed guest suite. Separate workshop and laundry. Pool 11mx5m, large private garden, residential area. www.thaivillaonline.com Price B15,750,000. 0844477247.

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Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities.

Great investment in great area of Phuket.

Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry, 082 030 7199.

Villa in Patong prime location

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

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course.

See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing. com, 0899733276

Villa Mission Heights Big Pool

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

SPORT 29

Stalemate on the lawn

Europe retain their title as the Pryder Cup ends in a tightly contested draw CRICKET Robert Knight

B

ragging rights, (or a beverage for some) as well as the prestigious Pryder Cup were all at stake as 16 bowlers from eight nations faced off in the annual Europe versus the Rest of the World team competition on Saturday (Feb 2) With two evenly matched sides, predictions were divided as to who would win this year’s challenge match.

Crucially, team and lane selections for the fours, pairs and eights singles games, and order of play (and when to play the strongest players) by the captains, would, as always, play a leading role.

As holders of the trophy, Europe, needed only a draw to retain the trophy whilst for the ROW 8.5 points was their magic number. One point would be awarded for a win, half a point for a draw and no points for a loss.

In the fours there was a surprise result as the usually strong European team were

@thephuketnews

Above: Both teams celebrated their welcomed draw together. Right: UK county player Dorothy Barker bowls for Europe. defeated whilst the other game ended in a draw, leaving the scores at Europe 0.5 and ROW 1.5 after the first round.

The shock result in the fours was not going to be the first on a day that the form book was overturned.

Europe then top-loaded their doubles team, which proved to be a wise decision as they prevailed 3-1 in the doubles to lead by 3.5 to 2.5 going into the singles. Newcomer Dirk Van den Bussche was holding form early on with

a perfect 2-0 record.

With two rounds of singles still to come and eight points still available, the Europeans thought they were playing it safe by having two of their supposed strongest players in each group. A decision that seemed to backfire as both Larry (Weechai) Fitzpatrick and Ron (Canuk) Blackwood scored notable victories against UK county player Dorothy Barker and Ulf Danielsson whilst for the ROW team George Sasanow was pushed

to the limit by ‘Silent Assassin’ Kenta Lindberg.

A great round for the ROW team who now led 6-4 with just four games left, and surely expected to take the trophy needing only 1.5 points from the remaining games.

However, as the old saying goes, “It’s not over until la chica gorda canta.”

In the second round of singles, Europe stormed through with three wins out of three, leaving the score at 7-6 to Europe with one game still to play.

This left Roger Goodwin for the ROW and Peter Kuschel for Europe to go head-to-head, standing at 5-5 prior to the last end. In all, there were 1,280 bowls delivered in the competition and with one ball remaining Peter was holding shot. Talk about pressure on Roger as he delivered the 1,280th bowl, with players from both teams and the band of spectators looking on.

Could he deliver? The answer was YES. Roger’s drive bowl knocked Peter out of shot,

scraping the win at 6-5 and closing the match at a 7-7 draw.

Technically the European team retained the Pryder Cup, but in a magnanimous (some might say downright stupid) sporting gesture, they agreed to share the trophy and to the relief of the ROW team declined the opportunity of claiming their free beverage.

Stand out players on the day were Jan Angel, Rob Knight and Dean Lambert for the Europeans with 2.5 points each whilst Dirk scored a credible two points for the ROW team.

The next ‘major’ is the Phuket Open on Saturday Feb 23. All are welcome to enter but precedence is given to Kamala Lawn Bowls Club members.

Kamala Pairs competition has been brought forward to March 9.

Kamala Lawn Bowls is open six days a week, all are welcome to this friendly, casual club with all equipment provided.

For further information contact the club on 099-1307255.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Phuket’s youth train with Chelsea Continued from page 32 ...Gogo is head coach of Success FC Academy – a youth football academy where he provides structured training for local youth after school at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket campus football grounds. Proud parents watch in the stands as their children, proudly sporting Success FC jerseys, strive to be the next Ronaldo.

Thanyapura Sports Resort in Thalang is aiming to do more for youth football in Phuket, seeking to work with all clubs to help support the game on the island with the help of a new appointment in Steve Wallace, the company’s Football Head Coach & Business Development Manager.

Wallace, who played for Premier League side Newcastle United as a school boy and then coached with the club’s youth programmes, moved to Phuket in 2018 after spending 15 years in the states working as a football coach and club consultant, including development work for MLS (Major League Soccer) – the country’s top professional football league.

He was part of a group of coaches tasked with promoting

Success FC players with Chelsea’s Laurie Griffin (back, 2nd from left) and Gogo (back, 2nd from right) after their training session last Tuesday. the league through community coaching to raise the profile of the sport and promote the new league, which struggled to gain popularity when it began in 1996 in a country dominated by baseball, American football and basketball. However, the league has grown significantly over the years with total attendance at games in 2018 reaching 8,552,503 compared with 2,215,019 in 2002.

Now one of Wallace’s primary goals is to promote and grow football in Phuket.

“When I first arrived in Phuket, I used to go for runs around the university grounds which is where I discovered

the Success FC Academy,” Wallace told The Phuket News.

“What impressed me was the structured format of the coaching. Gogo and his team have a very professional approach and are truly dedicated to the cause.”

Wallace volunteered as a coach to help the kids in the academy while starting to study Thai.

It wasn’t long before Wallace took up his new role at Thanyapura which came at a fitting time to bring together their shared vision of nurturing the island’s footballing youth.

“There has been no youth league on the island for some

time, which is something we want to help facilitate,” Wallace said.

“Football has always been a sport that brings communities together and we want to use football to try to benefit local communities. This is why with the help of Thanyapura we could call on Chelsea FC to offer their expertise in having this event with Success FC this evening,” he explained.

Wallace emphasised that of all the big clubs he has worked with, Chelsea have stood out as the most professional and community-focused.

Thanyapura enlisted the proficiency of Chelsea’s senior

international development officer, Laurie Griffin, to coach youth players in Phuket at an evening session last Tuesday (Feb 5) with Success FC Academy at the Prince of Songkla University, Phuket campus football grounds.

“It is a great privilege to have such an outstanding coach training our local players, passing on great knowledge and stirring up new excitement for the sport,” Wallace said.

Laurie Griffin, who has worked at Chelsea for the past four years, having worked for Manchester United before that, works specifically in developing youth players. He travels all over the world coaching young players and coaches, with the sole aim of helping to develop football in places where the youth can benefit the most from it.

“Our goal at Chelsea is to embed positive roots and make a positive impact on local communities,” Griffin told The Phuket News. “Our ‘Here to Play, Here to Stay’ initiative is dedicated to building education and football training platforms for children around the world. Everything we deliver is exactly the same as what we do in the UK. Our

system is based on a not-forprofit model and four years into the programme, we are coaching over 1,000 young players every week.”

Griffin went on to explain that the programme – which started with two members of staff and is now in its 45th country – shares the same vision as Thanyapura in giving back to local communities, with coaching education workshops given to help develop quality coaches who would be able to sustain and drive the vision forwards.

A Chelsea International Player Development Project (hosted by Thanyapura Sports Resort) will take place from April 15-18. Young boys and girls will have the opportunity to train with professional youth coaches from Chelsea FC on their first ever visit to Phuket.

Camp Registration opens at 8am on Monday Feb 11 at www.thanyapura.com Pre-registration is available now with minimum three nights hotel stay at Thanyapura.

To register, call and ask for the Thanyapura sports booking department on 076-336-000 Email sports@thanyapura.com for more information.

New England Patriots fans lined the streets of Boston on Tuesday for a parade to celebrate their NFL team’s Super Bowl 53 victory over the Los Angeles Rams. Photo: AFP

Boston hails patriots NFL

HU NDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF people lined the streets of downtown Boston on Tuesday (Feb 5) for a Super Bowl victory parade to celebrate the New England Patriots capturing their sixth NFL championship.

The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 on Sunday (Feb 3) in Super Bowl 53 at Atlanta to win their third NFL crown in five seasons and a record-equallnig sixth in 18 campaigns.

Six-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, six-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Belichick and Julian Edelman, the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player, held the championship trophy high into the air for all to see from the back of a truck.

Other teammates rode in the city’s

famous “duck boats” – vehicles that can handle streets or water – and waved at cheering spectators in unusually warm weather of 61ºF (16ºC) under partly cloudy skies.

Red, white and blue confetti fell along the parade route as screaming fans, many wearing jerseys of their beloved Patriots and some waiting six hours for a prime viewing spot, greeted players along the route from the Hynes Convention Center to City Hall.

Sports championship parades are getting to be common for Boston teams in the 21st Century, with six for the Patriots and Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox enjoying one last October 31 after capturing the World Series for the fourth time in 15 seasons.

The Boston Bruins won the 2011 National Hockey League crown and the Boston Celtics claimed the NBA title in 2008.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for February 2019 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any one of the island’s Two Chefs outlets.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

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5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

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giggs 149 fazza 147 Griffsbar 146 Smiley Bar 145 Fitz 142

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Christian Pulisic celebrated making his 100th competitive outing for Borussia Dortmund. Photo against Club Brugge in the Champions League: AFP

EPL January transfer spending plummets FOOTBALL AFP

P

remier League spending in the January transfer window fell for the first time since 2012, with clubs paying a total of £180 million (B7.28 billion) for new players, according to football finance experts at Deloitte.

Nearly a third of the total expenditure was accounted for by Chelsea’s outlay of around £55mn (B2.22bn) for Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund, according to the figures.

Last year’s winter transfer window saw top-flight clubs spend £430mn (B17.4bn), with big-money moves including defender Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool for £75mn (B3.03bn).

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However, most of the major transactions this January saw players leaving Premier League sides, with Brahim Diaz moving from Manchester City to Real Madrid, Mousa Dembele moving to Guangzhou R&F from Tottenham and Schalke buying Manchester City’s Rabbi Matondo.

Tim Bridge, director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, said: “As we approach a decisive phase of the season, Premier League clubs’ January transfer spending has been relatively muted in comparison to what we have seen in previous years.”

January spending was at £225mn (B9.1bn) in 2011 but fell to £60mn (B2.42bn) in the following year.

It doubled the following year, and remained steady at £130mn (B5.26bn) in 2014

and 2015, before jumping significantly.

The £180mn (B7.28bn) transfer bill means total gross spending by Premier League clubs in the 2018/19 season is an estimated £1.4bn (B56.65bn), the second-highest season ever following a record spend of £1.9bn (B76.86bn) in 2017/18.

Other findings from Deloitte included the so-called ‘Big Six’ clubs accounting for 43% of the January expenditure, lower than last year, when this figure stood at 62%.

Newcastle United’s signing of Paraguay midfielder Miguel Almiron was the biggest deal to go through on deadline day on Thursday (Jan 31) for a reported £20mn (B809mn).

Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, who spent the first half of the season on loan at

Valencia, returned to England on a temporary deal with Crystal Palace.

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2019

Phuket’s Europe team retains the Pryder Cup > p29

TRAINING WITH CHELSEA

Thanyapura flies in Chelsea FC coach to train the island’s local youth FOOTBALL

Poria Mermand editor3@classactmedia.co.th

F

ootball in Phuket has been plagued with turmoil with the island’s flagship club, Phuket FC, announcing its termination in November 2017 after a mere eightyear lifespan.

The club was unable to pay outstanding debts totalling B83 million after being sued by three former international players after their contracts were terminated by the club for alleged misbehaviour.

Following the termination of the club, Chonburi FC took over the island’s football representation by forming and managing Banbueng Phuket City Football Club, playing out of none other than Banbueng Municipality Stadium in Chonburi, which happens to be 900km away.

Chelsea’s Laurie Griffin sits with Success FC’s youth players at the training session on Tuesday.

Naturally this lost a fair few supporters who were already hanging on by a thread after years of uncertainty, leaving the island’s football scene in the shadow of its former status.

One man who remains optimistic

about Phuket’s footballing future is Jarupong Sangpong, or Gogo as he is known on the pitch. Gogo played professionally for Bangkok-based clubs Army United FC and Police Tero FC (formally known as BEC

Tero FC) who currently play in Thai League 2 having been relegated from the top flight last season.

After his retirement from professional football, Gogo became an assistant coach at Army United before

moving to Phuket where his vision for the island’s youth took form.

“When I came to Phuket I saw an opportunity to help build and nurture the young talent here,” Gogo told The Phuket News.

“There are many children who love to play football, love to compete and dream of playing alongside their idols and need good quality coaching and guidance to get there.”

The former pro spoke of how football can be a gateway to great career opportunities around the country – something he is passionate about helping to create.

“Football not only has the ability to open doors, it also improves physical and mental health – something I feel strongly about,” Gogo explained.

“Which is why I decided to set up an academy for local children to train regularly with good quality coaching.”

Continued on page 30

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