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The man behind some worthy local charities Tourists kayak through the iconic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, which officials hope will be included as part of a new Unesco World Heritage Site. Photo: Courtesy of Willy Thaun / Phuket101.net

OFFICIALS PREPARE PROPOSAL FOR ANDAMAN SEA ZONE TO BECOME UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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revived effort is underway to have Phang Nga Bay and parts of the Andaman Sea and its coastlines surrounding Phuket, and possibly as far south as the Malaysian border, listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Dr Chamniern Vorratnchaianan, a senior advisor for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Southeast Asia regional office in Bangkok, told the The

Phuket News on Wednesday (Dec 6) that he was in the early stages of gathering information and support for a renewed proposal.

“Thailand is starting to gather updated information, with the hope that Unesco will consider listing the Andaman coast region as a World Heritage Site.

“We have only just started updating our information on Phang Nga Bay and the surrounding areas, including Phuket’s western offshore region and nearby tourism areas,” Dr Chamniern said.

The current effort follows attempts in late 2014 and early 2015 that failed to gain support. A similar proposal was tabled as far back as 2004, where it sat on Thailand’s World Heritage Site Tentative List until December 2014. Then, despite the then National Reform Council (NRC) voting overwhelmingly in 2014 to push for the Unesco listing, the proposal disappeared from the nation’s political radar and sank without a trace.

“The proposal process takes a long time, sometimes years, but we are starting to prepare the required

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information again, as unfortunately, the information gathered in 2014 is now too old to be considered for the region’s placement on Thailand’s Tentative List,” Dr Chamniern explained to The Phuket News in an exclusive interview.

“We submitted our proposal for consideration in 2014, but sadly we did not satisfy the Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) criteria required

by Unesco,” he added.

To be considered for listing as a World Heritage Site, an area must be of “outstanding universal value” and…

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A view of Thailand’s Phang Nga Bay.

Protection sought for Andaman Continued from page 1 ...meet at least one out of 10 selection criteria.

“The National Legislative Assembly (NLA) [wh ich replaced t he now-defunct NRC in Sept 2015] has not yet been approached regarding this issue. Dr Pinsak Saraswadi, Deputy Director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is planing to hold a meeting with the NLA regarding this matter soon,” Dr Chamniern said.

“Dr Pinsak will be a key man in pushing this proposal forward, and he agrees that we should push for the Andaman coast to become a World Heritage Site,” he said.

“Once we have gathered the infor mation needed by Dr Pinsak, next we will set out to fulfill the OUV criteria required to become a World Heritage Site,” he added.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Phuket RendezVous set to attract elite boats to inaugural event > page 12

One year in service Australian Consul-General marks island anniversary Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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raig Ferguson was appointed ConsulGeneral for Phuket, Phang Nga and K rabi in August 2016 by Australia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop after Canberra announced the opening of a full consulate in Phuket on May 11, 2015.

During a lunch marking his first year in service – his second-time as a guest speaker at a Rotary Club of Patong lunch – Mr Ferguson shared some of his experiences from a year in the job, some of the common mishaps encountered by travellers and some of the misconceptions about the consulate’s responsibilities.

“We’ve had many developments in my year here.

We’ve had the construction of underpasses... change in governors a couple of times.

And of course we’ve had the Royal Cremation Ceremony at Saphan Hin, which I was very, very privileged to be invited to,” Mr Ferguson said as he opened his speech.

“Trying to advocate for Australia’s interests is my primary role. I have to look at everything I do through the prism of advancing Australia’s interests,” he said.

Australian Consul-General Craig Ferguson marked his first year on the island at a Rotary lunch in Patong.

Mr Ferguson refreshed the Rotarians’ memories with screengrabs of some of Phuket’s more high-profile news stories involving Australians this year, pointing out that although some are in the public eye, most are dealt with behind the scenes.

“With all of the public stuff that happens, there’s also another side of what we’re doing, which is providing assistance to Australians,” he said.

“This year, we have had 230 cases of consular assistance to Australians. We don’t report all cases to The Phuket News of course, due

to privacy rights…”

Mr Ferguson said that according to numbers from the Australian Government’s travel advice website, smarttraveller.gov.au, Thailand is the destination most visited

by Australians.

“According to this government website, Thailand is the most frequently visited destination. The website provides information on local laws, customs, immigration, and where to go if you need help. In the case that you’re an Australian overseas and there is a disaster or a big incident, my main advice would be to check smart-

traveller,” he said.

“I asked Jetstar if they were thinking of increasing flights to Phuket. However, they said that Bali is currently so popular, that every spare aircraft in Australia is being sent to Bali. From Perth to Bali alone there are 10 flights per day,” he added.

Yet Thailand still remains the place where Australians most commonly get in trouble or die, said Mr Ferguson.

“Knowing where to get help overseas if needed is important as more Australians get in trouble and die here [in Thailand] than anywhere else in the world… Although the majority of deaths are of natural causes or illness,” Mr Ferguson added.

He also noted the common misconceptions of his duties, including clients who expect physical protection, investigation, legal advice, helping to gain luxuries or privileges in jail and other similar requests.

“We can help in appointing you a lawyer, but not giving legal advice. We help to contact family and friends in case of emergency, help to contact police.

“We have had people ask to convince prisons to gain luxuries, such as pillows, or getting Western food in jail. I

want to say that we certainly do not help people gain any privileges that are not available to Thais,” he said.

“If someone is being treated worse than a Thai, then of course we will help.

“All of this applies to not only tourists but people living here as well,” he added.

Mr Ferguson went on to explain that issues with senior tourists getting in trouble here are currently on the rise.

“Issues where seniors who are under-funded, underinsured, and under-prepared are very common,” said Mr Ferguson.

“People often rent scooters without a licence and get into accidents. Then they say that they did not know it was a problem as the rental provider didn’t ask for a motorbike licence. They try to justify that it was ‘just a scooter’,” he said.

“If you do not have a motorbike licence, whether from home or a Thai one, you are breaking Thai law.

“We have had people get into issues not knowing their insurance company name or policy in case of emergency…

I advise that travellers keep a record, such as on Google drive, of all their travel insurances and documents,” concluded Mr Ferguson.

Patong’s flood drain system nearly complete WORK ON INSTALLING FLOOD drains on Patong’s Soi Nanai are to be complete in one week following nearly a month of delays, Chief engineer of the project Piya Pikulthong confirmed last Sunday (Dec 3).

“Now the construction of the drains has reached its final stage. We are using backhoes to do road resurfacing, then we will install three pipes and finish the road surface,” said Mr Piya.

“After that there will be smoothing of the road surface, which will be transferred to another company. It is expected that it will take about a week until the completion of the whole project,” he added.

“From observations made during the construction of the new drainage system, it appears that sand from water run-off from the hills at the back of Patong are not ending up there any more, which is a very good sign,” he said.

Patong’s mayor said the new drainage system along Soi Nanai will alleviate many of the past flooding problems.

The drains feature a sand-trapping system to alleviate sand from water run-offs clogging the drains as has been the case in the past.

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup added, “The project was delayed by more than a month, but it was understandable.

Now the project is about to be completed.

“This new system can trap both sand and water in the case of heavy rainfall.

Rain will be trapped in a rainwater retainer before it is gradually drained out through the normal drainage system.

There will be no flood problem,” said Mayor Chalermluck.

On Nov 8, Mayor Chalermluck explained, “Previously we had to use a truck to suck the sand out of the drains immediately after each time it rained, and every time we did this it caused huge traffic delays along the road.

“I am sure these new drains will solve the flood and sand run-off problems in the long term, making it much more convenient for people,” Mayor Chalermluck added.

The new drains are two metres deep and extend for 300 metres along the road in two sections, with a third “spot drain” to catch any floodwaters that run across the middle of the intersection of Nanai Rd and Soi Banzaan.

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No vendors on Surin Beach Resident’s demands to OrBorTor answered, but not by MaAnn Premkamon Ketsara thaiassist@classactmedia.co.th

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t was decided at a meeting held at 2pm last Friday (Dec 1) at the Thalang District Office that no vendors are to be allowed on Phuket’s Surin Beach with immediate effect.

The meeting, led by Cherng Thalang Police Chief Col Serm Kwannimit, Commander Jatupon SaNgaNgam of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command and Mr Sakorn Pudam from the Phuket Marine Office, was held after more than 100 disgruntled local residents and beach operators on Nov 27 massed at Surin Beach to present a list of demands in the hopes of clearing up “misunderstandings” about alleged duplicity in allowing beach operators to serve tourists on the sands and to raise the standard of the beach so that it becomes more attractive to tourists.

Also present at last Friday’s meeting were chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) MaAan Samran, Surin village headman Chaiyong Yenthip and more than 40 Surin residents.

However, it should be noted that when the time came for Mr

Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) MaAan Samran. Photo: Premkamon Ketsara MaAnn to answer the resident’s lists of demands, he choose not to answer the questions himself and allowed Cherng Talay Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Wachira Sakunchit to answer on his behalf.

The resident’s first request was that the Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief (Mr MaAnn) must create an official document that allows trade in public areas.

To this, Mr Wachira replied, “The OrBorTor has no power to allow trade in public areas.”

The next issue was that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) is cited as the reason for the beach manage-

ment, but then local shops are demolished. Is this right?

Mr Wachira response was, “The OrBorTor has no power to allow. The law must be followed.”

Third on the agenda was the issue of local massage operators being provided licences for providing services on the beach.

To this Mr Wachira said, “Before we did allow massage services on the beach, but now there are beach arrangements so local massage operators are not allowed on the beach.”

Another request made by the residents on Nov 27 was that the boundaries of a plot

of land covering 250 rai that has been recognised since 1931 be marked out clearly.

Mr Wachira explained, “Before this area was a 101 rai plot of land. After the beach arrangements, this area was measured as 106 rai and it has its boundary clearly marked.”

Issue five of the resident’s 12 demands was that lifeguards and equipment be provided for tourists.

Regarding this issue Mr Wachira said, “This is the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation’s (PPAO, or OrBorJor) responsibility.”

It was also requested that

the Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief provide at least two public toilets for tourists, and local residents who exercise at the beach, to use.

“Temporary toilets will be provided, which will be ready to use in two to three days,” said Mr Wachira.

Residents also requested that lights be provided on the beach for the safety of tourists and local residents (at night), and that the grass in the area must be cut for cleanliness and safety all year round, and to these points Mr Wachira said, “We are fixing them [the lights], but some spare parts have been stolen.

“With regards to the grass, we have already pushed the agriculture division to hurry on this. If they cannot handle the issue we will have to hire people to do this.”

Residents also requested that it be clarified whether the Surin football pitch belongs to a private entity or the public and how much budget is spent on this facility?

To this Mr Wachira responded, “This football pitch was constructed by the Phuket OrBorJor, so the OrBorJor is responsible.

With regards to the issue of whether double standards were being applied between beach

bed and umbrella vendors, Mr Wachira said, “No they are not. Surin Beach is a honour beach, no beds and umbrellas are allowed.”

A further demand raised by the locals was that all building permits, including for the wastewater-treatment system, Chaler mprak iet Building, Tourist Assistance Centre, seawall and Surin Beach, must be checked.

To this Mr Wachira explained, “These projects belong to the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning and all details can be checked.”

The resident’s final demand was that it was confirmed who is responsible for damaged roads in Surin village?

To this Mr Wachira said, “It is our responsibility, we will fix this.”

Surin village headman Mr Chaiyong added, “Officials should clarify about allowing beach vendors. I know that they cannot say anything because they are government officers, but they know local people are having trouble for places to work.”

The meeting concluded that no beach vendors, whether temporary or permanent, are allowed until officials find solutions with the other relevant government offices.

Sixteen fined during Kata, Karon and Patong beach inspections A R M Y OFFICERS, POLICE and municipality officials inspected beaches at Kata, Karon and Patong on Tuesday (Dec 5) fined a total of 16 beach management offenders under the orders of Col Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the highest-ranking army officer stationed in Phuket.

Col Sanya Thongsawat, Chief of Karon Police Station and the officers first inspected Kata Yai Beach and parking spaces at 10am, along

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with Karon Municipality officials and Karon Police.

A surfboard rental group of four were fined for operating their business on the beach without approval from the government, Col Santi told The Phuket News’ sister publication Khao Phuket.

At 11:30am the team of officers then inspected Karon Beach, at which Col Santi reported one person was fined for illegally operating a surfboard rental business.

At 2:30pm, the officials inspected the Patong Beach area for general organisation including illegal parking, beach vendors and operators on pavements, umbrellas, beds, Thai massage, and all beach operators working outside of the 10% zone.

Six tourists were fined for parking in areas not permitted for parking, two jet-ski operators were fined for parking on footpaths, and two vendors with sidecars operating from the sidewalk were also fined.

One umbrella rental operator was also fined for parking their car on the beach.

“All 11 on Patong Beach have been notified and fined according to the municipality’s policy,” said Col Santi.

“It’s a beach investigation according to the projects that we have while we’re taking care of this island. It’s just our normal routine, checking if everything is OK,” said Col Santi.

Premkamon Ketsara

Officials carry out their inspection along one of Phuket’s popular west coast beaches. Photo: Army 25th Infantry Regiment

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Aussanai Satoe was arrested while two men escaped.

Photo: Royal Thai Navy

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One arrested for logging ACTING SUB LT UTHAI Thongdee of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command and Chief of Bang Kanun Protected Forest Sorakrit Sangkam last Thursday (Nov 30) arrested one man for illegal logging of protected Agarwood wood.

Two further suspects managed to escape arrest.

The arrested man was named as Aussanai Satoe from Prachin Buri.

Aussanai then led officials to a house in Thalang where they found two ID cards belonging to the two escapees.

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Last ‘open season’ for visitors to Maya Bay The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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here will be no limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit Maya Bay near Phi Phi Island during the high season, the Chief of the Hat Nopparat-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park, Worapoj Lomlim, has confirmed.

In fact, no protective measures to prevent environmental damage by over-tourism will be enforced until June next year, Mr Worapoj told The Phuket News last Thursday (Nov 30).

“There will be no changes and no limit on the number of people allowed to enter and visit the bay until the ‘restoration period’ begins in June next year,” Mr Worapoj explained.

The “restoration period”

Visitors at Hat Nopparat–Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park in November 2017. Photo: Supplied will give the heavily visited area four months, from June through September, 2018, to recover from the hordes of tourists that plague the beach each year.

From June next year the national park will start to limit that number of boats allowed

to enter the bay, Mr Worapoj assured.

However, the exact number of boats and visitors allowed to visit the bay each day during the recovery period has yet to be set, he added.

“We know there are many problems brought on from the

number of tourists visiting the site, but it is difficult to regulate as the boats that bring the tourists arrive from many different areas from different provinces, namely Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket,” Mr Worapoj said.

“This issue is very important but right now I can’t give a number of how many [people and/or boats] will be allowed to visit the site each day,” he added.

“At our best estimate at this stage, we are looking to allow an average of 2,400 visitors per day, but this is not yet confirmed as we have yet to best balance the number of people visiting the area, the damage done to the environment and the livelihood of all the people who rely on bringing tourists to Maya Bay,” Mr Worapoj noted.

Despite there being valuables inside the property, the burglars only made of with an empty cash register.

Photo: Julia Baranova

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Burglars steal old, empty till THE OWNER OF THE Eat & Talk restobar in Chalong, Ms Julia Baranova, last Thursday (Nov 30) confirmed to The Phuket News that the restaurant and bar was broken into at an unknown time on the night of Nov 29, with the burglars oddly taking nothing but an empty cash register.

“It is very strange that they only took an old, and very heavy cash register. We have laptops, sound equipment, and other electronics,” said Ms Baranova.

“The windows have been broken, that is how they got in.

“We do not have CCTV so have no idea what time this happened or what they look like. We are usually closed on Wednesdays, so it could have been during

the day yesterday. However, I doubt it as we have neighbours and Chao Fah East is a very busy street,” she explained.

“Chalong police have been notified. They were here at 8:15am today (Nov 30) and said they will be back to take fingerprints and footprints later in the day.

“It is not a very huge loss, but the main thing is that the feeling of safety is gone,” said Ms Baranova.

“There is a security guard for Fisherman’s Way housing, but he might have been sleeping or something… It was probably very easy for the burglars,” she said.

“This area is usually known as being a very safe place,” she added.

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‘A model for road safety’ Experts say island’s death rate halved, despite vague statistics The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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eading road-safety experts have unveiled the extent of carnage on Thailand’s roads, but maintained that Phuket’s death and injury in traffic accidents is improving, warranting and hailing Phuket as a model province for road safety in the country.

The news follows a twoday World Health Organisation – Southeast Asia Ministerial Meeting held at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa in Karon last Thursday and Friday (Nov 29-Dec 1) titled “On Accelerating Actions for Implementation of Decade of Action for Road Safety”.

“Thailand is number two in the world for the number road accident fatalities,” admitted Dr Suppakij Siriluck, Inspector General of the Ministry of Public Health, reported Manager Online.

Thailand suffered 22,356 deaths from road accidents last year, Dr Suppakij noted.

Sixty per cent of road accident victims die at the

To help raise awareness of the deadly cost of road accidents plaguing the country, police set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Kwang Rd and Chao Fa West Rd, which is one of five intersections in Phuket where special safety traffic cameras have been installed. Photo: Screengrab from Thai PBS scene, he added.

“Three in four of road fatalities in Thailand were male.

Most road accident victims were 25 to 29 years old,” he said.

About 500 people were disabled in road accidents each year, while 42 families lose a family member each day to the carnage, Dr Suppakij added.

Also, about 25 new families each day have to care for a family member who became disabled from road accidents.

“The carnage costs the country an estimated more than B200 billion per year,” he said.

Dr Supreeda Adulyanon, Manager of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation Fund

Municipalities to hire own lifeguards T H E M AYOR S OF PAtong and Rawai municipalities are now in the process of finding budgets to hire their own lifeguards for beaches under their jurisdiction following last Friday’s announcement that lifeguards would no longer be working at a number of the island’s west coast beaches.

Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsub on Monday (Dec 4) told The Phuket News’ Thai-language sister paper Khao Phuket, “In the past few days we have discussed with Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong about the lifeguard situation and he now acknowledges that Patong Municipality will find a budget by ourselves to hire lifeguards for Patong Beach.

“We will start on the plan, find budgets, meet with associations and hand our proposal to the local committee to see whether they approve our plan,” she said.

“Being ready and prepared for marine safety is very important and cannot wait. This process will take time, but we will rush on this,” Mayor Chalermluck explained.

“However we want the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to stop the process @thephuketnews

The mayors of Rawai and Patong municipalities have taken the lifeguard issue into their own hands. Photo: The Phuket News / file of hiring lifeguards. This is in order to prevent any duplication of hiring efforts.

“Now we have volunteer lifeguards looking after tourists on Patong Beach,” Mayor Chalermluck added.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos said, “Now Phuket is in its high season. Marine safety is very important and cannot wait. We have already informed Gov Norraphat that Rawai Tambol Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor) is ready to find a budget to hire lifeguards who have skills to provide safety for tourists.

“However, we have to receive a power of attorney letter from the OrBorJor addressed to the local administrative offices so that they give us authority to deal with this matter.

“This is in order to prevent any duplicate hiring problem,” Mayor Aroon said.

“Now, we provide volunteer lifeguards who have skills in saving lives on every beach in Rawai, but we also need lifeguards who have passed lifesaving training,” Mayor Aroon added.

Several of Phuket’s popular beaches have been left unprotected as of last Friday (Dec 1) after lifeguards rejected the contract for this month offered by Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor).

The Phuket News’s sister Khao Phuket were unable to reach PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Patomwatthanapong for comment.

Premkamon Ketsara

(known by its Thai initials SorSorSor) pointed out that one in three accidents involved alcohol.

“Phuket used to be in the top five in the country for number of deaths in road accidents, with about 200-400 deaths per year,” Dr Supreeda told ThaiPBS in a video interview.

“In the past 10 years the

number of deaths in Phuket has halved. The number has decreased because of [efforts] targeting risk areas and by working with local rescue workers and medical staff.

Also, there has been stronger law enforcement and campaigns targeting helmet use,” Dr Supreeda said.

To help raise awareness

of the deadly cost of road accidents plaguing the country, police set up a checkpoint at the intersection of Kwang Rd and Chao Fa West Rd, which is one of five intersections in Phuket where special safety traffic cameras have been installed.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen told ThaiPBS, “As you can see, Phuket is using technology [to reduce the number of accidents]. We can see that it works, but it does not solve the problem 100%” The problem is that only 20-25% of the tickets issued automatically by the special cameras set up at the five intersections are being paid, Gen Teeraphol said, repeating what he reported to The Phuket News earlier this year.

“But more than 10,000 tickets have been issued,” he said.

“The law has to be changed.

Law enforcement is not enough to make people pay the tickets.

Now we are pushing to change some parts of the law,” he said.

However, Gen Teeraphol did not explain why police were powerless to enforce a simple traffic ticket.

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EDITORIAL

Beauty to behold

he project to have Phang Nga Bay and parts of the Andaman coast declared a Unesco World Heritage Site is of monumental importance. This sole declaration, if made, has the potential to supercharge every positive measure aimed at preserving this paradise ever suggested by the people who recognise its unique natural significance and have sought to protect it.

Environmentalists could more easily drive support for conservation projects, such as the excellent ongoing collaboration between Phuket’s dive tour industry and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) to restore and revive coral reefs that have suffered damage from poorly regulated tourism. Tour businesses can scale down the volume of tourists being lugged to sites such as Maya Bay at Phi Phi Island, and increase their rates

accordingly for the chance to see a renowned natural wonder.

Local residents born and raised along the coast and on the islands offshore can continue to take pride in the beautiful part of the world they have the privilege of calling home. Declaring this area a World Heritage Site would ramp up pride, encourages better tourism practices and places greater emphasis on everyone who lives or operates a business here to take care of the environment.

This includes the notorious fishing fleets, greedy individual developers and even international hotel chains that quietly take advantage of not having to comply with Western legal standards to operate hotels in Thailand Pride, and its other face, shame, are powerful motivators in today’s world. In an age where social media posts are

beamed instantly around the planet for all the world to see, it seems they are often more effective at motivating action to preserve the environment.

We can no longer depend on the high-minded laws and goodwill publicity stunts that continue to fail us miserably as they are eviscerated by corruption, cronyism and ignorance.

Any further destruction of this proposed World Heritage Area deserves public shaming and the prospect of public humiliation, or “losing face”, can move mountains.

Phang Nga Bay and Thailand’s Andaman coast became the unique environment that we see today over millions of years, but with mankind ruling the planet it will take much less time to destroy it, unless the better angels of our nature intervene.

So, a World Heritage Site?

Let it be so.

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Phuket disaster officials urge caution amid weather warning Opinion: Going all-out on ‘all inclusive’ tourism Last ‘open season’ for tourists visiting Phi Phi’s Maya Bay Phuket’s main offices to close for King Bhumibol Day Chalong underpass construction stalls – again Serious charges await bare-butts Americans US tourists held for baring bums at Wat Arun No vendors to be allowed on Phuket’s Surin Beach Sixteen people fined during Phuket beach inspections T hr ee arr ested in Phuket for providing illegal medical services

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HAVE YOUR SAY Natural solution

Re: Patong’s new flood drain system to be complete in one week A better solution would be to stop construction on the hills of Phuket of course, leaving trees intact which naturally hold the hills together. Sadly, that won’t happen and the eyesores along with landslides and sand runoff when it rains will continue.

Discover Thainess ....................................................

A complete idiot

Re: New contract tensions leave several Phuket beaches without lifeguards The PPAO were told by Bangkok to give the lifeguards whatever they needed to do their job a few months ago, but hell no, they screwed the whole thing up.

The head of the PPAO should be held responsible for any drownings and charged with murder. The guy is a complete idiot. A pure disgrace that we don’t have qualified lifeguards on the beaches.

Paddy ....................................................

Wrong metric

Re: Phuket Opinion: Going

all-out on “all inclusive” tourism To equate the Club Med model to budget Chinese tours displays a profound lack of understanding of tourism economics.

Thailand is correct in attempts to limit low cost tourism as the economic benefit to the country in minimal.

Rather than focusing solely on the number of tourist arrivals, Thailand (like any other tourist destination) is wise to also consider the metric of “average daily spend”.

Ematt ....................................................

Demand ignored

Re: No vendors to be allowed on Phuket’s Surin Beach Surin Beach is no longer the large tourist attraction it once was. It was decided a couple years ago that there would be no attractions for the huge majority of tourists to enjoy.

No shops, vendors, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, or chairs and umbrellas. Yes, there will be some tourists there who enjoy the solitude.

But, thousands got to other beaches or countries that offer what they want.

Foot

All sizzle, no steak Re: Phuket Surf Lifesaving carnival to begin next week

Yup, some hoopla and fanfare in typical Thai style will assure the tourists they are safe in the water. In reality in the Thai mind all that is required to fix the dilemma is pretence. All sizzle and no steak.

Chris 007 ....................................................

Just a thought…

Ah… the trusty Computer Crimes Act that can always be tacked that onto a misdemeanour to make a felony case out of a harmless prank that no one would have heard about had it just gone ignored.

Incidentally, while socially immature, these “boys” are extraordinarily attractive, I rather enjoyed the picture.

Christy Sweet ..................................................

Old farce or new?

Brainless butts

Re: Phuket lifeguard contract fails to draw any bids Not sure which is the biggest farce, this or the Chalong underpass. Perhaps this as it happens every year, or maybe the underpass, as it may not be resolved for another three or more years.

Marcher .................................................

It appears now that they did this on multiple locations outside Thailand and at different temples in Thailand.

Clearly two big butts with two shrunken brains. Guess the smile on their faces will disappear soon. Good!

Mika

Re: Patong nightlife operators file another request to extend closing times Just back from Patong. Venues stay open until 4am and dozens of touts in Bangla Road offering ping-pong and sex shows.

Werni

Re: ‘Phuket a model province for road safety,’ say experts Could the reduction in deaths on Phuket be due to the reduction of average speed because of all the traffic jams?

Sir Burr ....................................................

Re: Serious charges await bare-butts Americans

Bangla Rd still a go-go zone at 4am

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

7

Call centre scammers nabbed

Indonesian, Thais arrested, assets worth about B120mn seized BANGKOK Bangkok Post

A

uthorities have arrested an Indonesian national and t wo Thais allegedly complicit in a call centre scam network, according to National Police Chief Gen Chakthip Chaijinda.

Tommy Wu, an Indonesian man alleged to be the leader of the gang, was arrested in Bangkok’s Ram Intra area last weekend.

The two Thai suspects – Jirawat Klombang and Jirapat Kanarujinanon – were apprehended in Chiang Mai. Another four people allegedly associated with this syndicate are still on the run, Gen Chakthip told a media briefing on Tuesday (Dec 4).

The three will face charges of conspiring to commit public fraud, Gen Chakthip said, adding that the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo) has been called in to try and

Police display assets worth about B120mn, seized after they arrested an Indonesian and two Thais accused of running a telephone scam network. Photo: Tawatchai Kemgumnerd track the gang’s money trail.

More than 100 assets were seized from the gang, including 77 bank accounts containing more than B77 million.

Other seized assets included six vehicles and real estate believed to be connected

with the call centre syndicate.

The seized assets were valued at about B120mn in total.

“Regarding the seized assets, the money will be returned to the victims within two weeks,” said Pol Gen Chakthip.

According to the police chief, Wu was found to have persuaded seven or eight Thais to join the call centre scam to impersonate agency officials or open bank accounts.

The group, he said, used the Philippines and other

countries in the region as bases for committing the offence. The scammers phoned victims in Thailand, claiming to be post office staff, officers of the Department of Special Investigation or the Royal Thai Police, according to Gen Chakthip. Those callers claimed the victims had criminal records and their assets must be seized.

Then, they deceived these victims into wiring money to the gang’s bank accounts, he said.

The owners of the accounts are Jirawat and Jirapat, the police chief said. The money was used to buy the virtual currency bitcoin, which was later wired to Wu. Gen Chakthip appealed to people who opened bank accounts for the gang to stop doing so, as police are stepping up the investigation and will prosecute anyone involved.

He said people who have information about the scam could call 191 or 1599.

He also called on the public not to fall prey to scammers who make phone calls asking people about their personal information, claiming to be police, court officers or officials from other agencies.

He said police have no policy of telephoning members of the public and accusing them of wrongdoing.

So far, authorities have arrested 80 people believed to be linked to call centre scams.

The 80 including Wu, Jirawat and Jirapat are among 113 people who were wanted under arrest warrants in connection with several call centre scams.

Gen Chakthip said people who have information about these scams could call 191 or 1599.

Real government agencies do not allow their staff or agents to call members of the public in this manner, so someone who calls claiming to represent them is probably a fraud, he said.

PM stays mum on rumours Yingluck has UK passport BANGKOK PRIME MINISTER PRAyut Chan-o-cha has brushed aside a report that the United Kingdom has issued fugitive former prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra with a passport despite admitting he had not received any information about the matter.

He also refused to comment on a message posted on Instagram last Saturday (Dec 2) by Panthongtae Shinawatra, the son of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, that the Shinawatra family no longer wanted any involvement in politics, and longed to have the warmth of family life back.

Mr Panthongtae is facing legal troubles regarding money laundering accusations in connection with the Krungthai Bank loan scandal.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai said it is normal practice in certain countries to issue (sell) passports to foreign investors, but added that he did not think the UK, which has strict immigration regulations, has such a policy.

Mr Don said the Foreign Ministry has not looked into the issue as its job ended with the revocation of Yingluck’s passports and the investigation work has to be carried out by police.

Asked if Yingluck is resid@thephuketnews

ing in the UK, Mr Don said Thai authorities have still been unable to confirm her whereabouts.

When the report of the UK giving her a passport emerged, the Thai embassy in London checked the information with the British authorities and confirmed it to be false.

Mr Don said the government had not instructed the embassy to check the report and that the embassy had done so on its own initiative.

Asked if the Thai government will be informed immediately if Yingluck is granted a passport or asylum by any country, Mr Don said it is up to that country to decide whether to inform the applicant’s country.

While UK ambassador Brian Davidson declined to comment on Tuesday (Dec 4) on the report, an official at the British embassy in Bangkok said the standard response from the mission’s staff would be: “We do not comment on an individual’s visa or passport.”

Speculation about Yingluck’s whereabouts has been rife since the embattled former premier fled Thailand three months ago to escape a fiveyear prison sentence – handed down in absentia in September – over her administration’s role in the corruption-plagued rice-pledging scheme.

She was ultimately charged

with criminal negligence in relation to government-togovernment (G2G) rice sales and is believed to have fled two days ahead of the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Position’s scheduled reading of its judgement on Aug 25.

Rumours swirled that she has been living with her elder brother Thaksin, another selfexiled former Thai premier on the run to avoid a corruption conviction, in Dubai while also seeking asylum in the UK. Yingluck’s current whereabouts remain a mystery.

The Foreign Ministry in October cancelled all passports held by Yingluck after she failed to appeal the Supreme Court ruling against her within the stipulated 30 days. These included two diplomatic passports.

Bangkok Post

The latest completely unconfirmed report is that fugitive Yingluck Shinawatra is carrying a British passport. Photo: via Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

No NY toasting at Thai parks

Officials vow to prohibit drinking alcohol, threaten legal action NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

T

he National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department has vowed to strictly prohibit drinking alcohol at its national parks and threatened to take tough legal action against violators.

A surge in the number of visitors to the department’s parks across the country is expected during the coming New Year holiday with most parks around the country already fully booked, said Thanya Netithammakun, director-general of the department last Sunday (Dec 3).

Alcohol is seen as a factor that may lead to feuds and other disruptive behaviour among the festive revellers, he said.

“The department is concerned about problems associated with alcohol such as rowdy behaviour or accidents. Most visitors to the park expect a peaceful stay and only wish to indulge in the natural beauty,” he said.

If you think you’re going to a national park to celebrate New Year’s with beer and liquor, think again. Photo: via Bangkok Post The department has told officials at national parks nationwide that they must strictly enforce the ban on alcohol, which includes both bringing alcoholic beverages into the parks and drinking alcohol in the parks themselves, he said.

Those found flouting the ban will face up to one month in jail and/or a maximum fine of B1,000, he said, adding that anyone caught violating this ban will also be asked to leave the park immediately.

Mr Thanya also said the department has ordered its

national parks to offer an alternative way to celebrate – with Buddhist prayers.

Also last Sunday, antialcohol campaign groups gave the department 7,000 vinyl banners and plastic signs with which to promote the ban, he said.

Those who witness any violations of the ban are advised to report them to the department’s 24-hour 1362 hotline.

Songkran Phakchokdee, manager of the StopDrink Network, one of three organisations supporting the alcohol

ban at the parks, said alcohol is partly to blame for causing accidents and violence among park visitors during festive periods, which can lead to injuries or even deaths.

The department deserves to be praised for taking this brave step as a way of preventing violence associated with alcohol, said Mr Songkran.

The other organisations taking part in supporting this initiative are the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and the Accident Prevention Network.

Alliances of these or-

ganisations in all parts of the country will further cooperate with the department’s efforts to ban alcohol by forming a network to watch out for any people violating the ban and promptly report them to the authorities concerned, said Mr Songkran.

They will also take part in a campaign to raise the public’s awareness of the ban ahead of the New Year festivities, he said.

Neeracha Wongmasa, president of the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA), sup-

ported the measures, saying that to begin with there might be resistance, but that the end result would hopefully encourage quality tourists who visit only for the tranquillity of the natural surroundings.

A source in the tourism business, who asked not to be named, said the measures must be announced clearly to inform tourists in advance.

“Drunk people are hard to deal with. Preventing drunkenness will also prevent harm to nature, animals and disturbances to other visitors,” the source said.

330 Indian star tortoises seized BANGKOK

A TOTAL OF 330 INDIAN star tortoises hidden in three suitcases left at Suvarnabhumi airport were seized last week.

Customs officials found the three suitcases near a baggage conveyor-belt at Suvarnabhumi airport at around 1:30am last Thursday (Nov 30).

The suitcases were heavy and had no luggage tags. An X-ray scan showed there were living things inside.

Wildlife officials, police and airport officials then jointly

A customs official inspects the three suitcases containing endangered tortoises. Photo: Sutthiwit Chayutworakan checked the suitcases and found 330 live Indian star tortoises – a protected species. Nobody claimed ownership.

The tortoises, worth over B1 million, were later handed over to wildlife officials Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

ASIA NEWS

9

Century-old intellectual hub Watching 100 years of history pass by at Baghdad’s Shabandar cafe IRAQ Ali Choukeir

S

eated at tables with glasses of tea in the heart of Baghdad’s bookshop district, the customers of Shabandar cafe have watched 100 years of Iraq’s tumultuous history pass by.

Since opening its doors a century ago, the establishment has become a hub of Baghdad’s intellectual life, drawing poets and politicians to its wooden benches and photo-lined walls.

“I’ve been coming here for the past 60 years,” Abdel Fattah al-Noeimi, 77, says, dapper in his spotless brown suit and matching tie.

“At nine in the morning until two or three in the afternoon, when everyone is leaving.”

From British rule to modern-day Iraq, Shabandar has lived through the birth of a nation, the toppling of its monarchy, decades of domination

by Saddam Hussein, the drama of the US-led invasion and the bloody chaos that followed.

The twists and tragedies

Peddlers sell local fruits at their stalls at Al-Mutanabbi St outside Iraq’s century old Shabandar cafe, one of the capital Baghdad’s few remaining traditional cultural cafes.

Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaya / AFP have all left their mark on the cafe.

During the sectarian bloodletting, a car bomb in 2007 tore through the historic AlMutanabbi St on which the cafe stands – killing around 100 people.

Among the dead were

four sons and a grandson of Shabandar’s owner, Mohammed al-Khashali.

But Khashali does not want to dwell on that tragic event – and today the rhythm of clinking tea glasses, bubbling hookah pipes and conversation hums just as it al-

‘Dance away from cemeteries’ CHINA CHINA’S MOST UBIQUItous public performers – lively groups of primarily elderly women who show off their moves in outdoor squares – have been ordered to avoid dancing on graves and spreading superstitious beliefs.

The dancers are known to blare old-school music from portable speakers, often taking over entire blocks in vibrant matching outfits.

In a set of guidelines released last month, the country’s central sports authority outlined “strict regulations” for square dancers, so named for their chosen venues as opposed to their dance style.

Dancers must not congregate in “solemn places like martyrs’ cemeteries” or “use square dancing to illegally make money and spread feudal, superstitious beliefs”, according to the new rules.

Rather, the energetic performers should contribute to the establishment of a “harmonious society”, said China’s General Administration of Sport.

The notice, which updates regulations initially introduced in 2015, seeks to address persistent issues such as space con@thephuketnews

A group of women dance in front of a shopping mall near a residential compound in Beijing. Photo: Greg Baker / AFP straints and noise complaints.

For many of China’s 222 million elderly aged 60 and over, dancing in public has become key to staying fit and staving off the loneliness of ageing.

But these retired women known as “damas” do not always have eager audiences: residents in some neighbourhoods have accused them of disturbing the peace, and they have had to square off with basketball players and other athletes for outdoor space.

In Chinese, “dama” is a colloquial term used to describe rambunctious elderly women – also called “aunties” or “grannies” – who congregate in loud groups, dance in public squares and mind other people’s business.

The government has acknowledged the need for more public sports facilities in China, where the average recreational space per individual is less than one-tenth of that in the United States.

Meanwhile, Beijing is also looking to curb unsavoury behaviour that may spawn from the groups’ tight-knit nature.

This August, members of a debt-collecting “auntie gang” received jail sentences of up to 11 years for using gangsterlike tactics to collect money or force people from their homes.

They reportedly spat at their victims or tore off their clothes to coerce them into compliance. A portion of the women had met through square dancing.

AFP

ways has done.

“Taking a seat here is like taking a seat in a history book,” the proprietor says from his regular position by the glass and wood front doors.

When it first became a cafe in 1917, the brick and plaster building was already a local

institution as it housed the printing press of merchant Abdel Majid al-Shabandar – whose name comes from Turkish, meaning “the greatest of merchants”.

Khashali – who sports a traditional white robe and beard of the same colour – took over in 1963 and made a decision that would prove defining: he banned all games, including cards and dominoes, from the cafe.

While the move surprised some customers, it meant the new owner stayed true to a “promise” he had made to himself.

“That this would be a place where people of culture would meet,” Khashali said.

“That is truly what happened.”

Dozens of black and white photographs covering the walls of the cafe offer a glimpse into the history of Baghdad and Iraq, chronicling some of its leading lights and others who have since slipped into obscurity.

In a golden book, a number of foreign ambassadors have left their signatures.

The diversity of the faces of the men and women lining the walls is echoed nowadays by the varied crowd that still packs into Shabandar each morning.

The cafe is “not reserved for any religion, or culture or part of society – everyone is here”, says regular patron Noeimi.

It even encompasses a certain “school of thought” of its own, he insists, where despite the profound divisions that have torn apart Iraqi society, “everyone respects each others’ ideas”.

As the hubbub of chatter and shouted orders rumbles on around him, Rammah Abdelamir, 17, looks up from his book on modern political thought to take in this “monument of old Baghdad”.

Waiters weave between customers, filling their glasses with steaming hot tea, as they barely look up from deep in their conversations.

“This place is a bit of a mecca for intellectuals and a place of learning for each new generation,” Abdelamir says.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

DR Congo’s fight for sanitation A place where for millions going to the toilet is a daily act of misery DR CONGO Samir Tounsi

F

rom crouching over a small hole with a sheet for privacy to defecating in the open air, for millions of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo going to the toilet is a daily act of misery.

The UN has estimated more than 2.4 billion people worldwide are in a similar situation, with them hoping that World Toilet Day on November 18 has raised awareness.

The vast majority of DR Congo’s more than 70 million residents do not have access to “improved” toilets – latrines, sewerage or a cesspit that hygienically separates human waste from human contact, according to the United Nations children’s agency Unicef.

The problem has become even more pressing this year as the huge African country wrestles with a resurgence of cholera.

Known as a “dirty hands disease” for the way in which faecal germs are transmitted, there have been more than

The vast majority of DR Congo’s more than 70 million residents do not have access to ‘improved’ toilets. Photo: Samir Tounsi / AFP 44,000 suspected cases of cholera and nearly 900 deaths so far this year, compared with 29,000 cases in 2016, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) figures.

In the capital Kinshasa, the quality of toilets varies greatly depending on social status –

islands of wealth thrive in the city of 10mn amid an ocean of poverty.

Running water and clean toilets are the norm in Gombe, a wealthy district home to the presidential palace, embassies, ministries, business headquarters, expats and the

city’s wealthiest citizens.

But it is a very different story in the other 25 districts of “Kin-la-Belle” (Kin the Beautiful), as Kinshasa was once known – and which some locals now derisively call “Kin-la-Poubelle” (Kin the Rubbish Bin).

In the district of Matete, Junior, 25, does not complain much about the toilet block built in the yard, away from the family house.

There is no running water, but it does have a tap and a bucket to clean the toilet, as well as an adjoining shower with white tile walls and an only slightly blackened ceramic floor.

Wastewater and excrement are collected under a concrete slab in a pit, which is emptied by a service every two or three years.

“It’s not luxury, but it’s a bit clean,” said Junior.

Conditions are very different for neighbours living on the edge of a rubbish dump just a few streets away – and several rungs down DRC’s implacable social ladder.

Here, a clean, decent flushing toilet only exists in dreams.

“We suffer here. If it rains, it floods the slab. The toilets overflow. The waste floods into the house,” said an angry young father in front of his toilet block. The contents of the latrine can be seen through the concrete slab.

Another toilet, next to an outdoor place of worship, is a simple hole dug in the ground, protected from view by some corrugated iron and a sheet.

According to residents, the sewage runs into a river that flows between Matete and a military camp. On both sides of the water is a mountain of rubbish.

“Sooner or later, there will be people who get cholera.

For the moment we suffer from typhoid,” says theology student Nadine Bondo.

In rural areas of DR Congo, where 60% of the population lives, the situation is even worse.

Open-air defecation remains a cause of disease, according to Unicef, which started a program for sanitation in schools and villages, such as Kisthini, 80 kilometres from Kinshasa.

“Before, we were cleaning our toilets in an outdated way.

We dug small holes. Now, the notions of sanitation and hygiene are ingrained in the students,” says the deputy head of the school in Kisthini.

AFP

Thousands of carob trees planted to revive ‘black gold’ CYPRUS NEA R LY 6,000 CA ROB trees were recently planted in Cyprus as the Mediterranean island seeks to revive its tradition of producing “black gold”.

“We’re going to plant 40,000 carob trees before the end of March,” said Constantine Christophides, a professor at the University of Cyprus who heads the project.

In three or four years, these trees could produce 10,000 tons annually of carob, which is used to make syrup, a sweetening agent or in animal feed.

That represents around one fifth of the carob produced on the island at its peak in the early 20th century.

“In 1900-1910, we exported 50,000 tons a year,” Christophides said, adding that the substance was then considered the “black gold of Cyprus”.

Cypriot carobs, long pods filled with black seeds, were popular from Europe to Britain and Canada.

Income from the trees enabled many families living

A volunteer adds natural fertiliser to a carob tree she planted during the first stage of a project in Oreites, near Paphos, Cyprus. Photo: AFP in the countryside to put their children through school.

But carob trees were abandoned and production fell as new generations moved to towns and cities.

The university project, carried out in collaboration with Cyprus’ Agricultural Research Institute, aims to produce carob food, drinks and other items locally.

“The carob is an organic substitute for cocoa, for example,” said Christophides.

The professor said laboratory tests were being conducted to develop, among

other things, new carob-based drinks or drugs based on its beneficial properties for digestion.

“It’s a great opportunity to revive that tradition, to bring the carob tree back to Cyprus and to enrich the environment,” said Evdokia Constantinou, one of the volunteers who came to plant trees.

“Cyprus was covered with trees in antiquity and now we have lots of places where trees don’t grow because of lack of precipitation.”

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Historic Contest arrives Iconic Contest Yachts stage Asia launch in Phuket MARINE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

C

ontest Yachts, an iconic leader in custom-built sailing yachts, this week launched its brand in Asia in Phuket. The launch came yesterday (Dec 7), one day before the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous (KRSR).

The launch is part of the brand’s international expansion in Asia and timed to coincide with the KRSR and the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.

Owned and operated by Holland’s Conijn family for over three generations, Contest Yachts shines in the sailing world with its distinguished history of combining traditional craftsmanship with ultra-modern technologies and innovative solutions.

“We are delighted to launch our brand in Asia in close cooperation with our partner Northrop & Johnson Asia.

The Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous, combined with Phuket’s future yachting

The Contest 72CS is just one of the supreme yachts being brought to Asia following Contest Yachts’ Asia launch in Phuket this week. growth potential, provides an excellent opportunity to showcase Contest Yachts to the right audience,” said Contest Yachts CEO Arjen Conijn.

“We look forward to bringing our specialised brand of high-end European sailboats to the region, as the timing and event platform of the KRSR is a perfect fit,” he added.

Contest Yachts has always built and fitted yachts to the highest of standards in close cooperation with the exterior

design team of Judel / Vrolijk & co and interior designers of Wetzels Brown Partners. Every Contest yacht offers inspiring modern designs and detailing with an exacting attention to detail to appeal to Asia’s sailing elite. Supreme examples of the workmanship involved are found in the bluewater “game-changer” Contest 67CS, the press-acclaimed Contest 72CS and the new flagship, the Contest 85CS, which sits at the head of a range of eight yachts

Boathouse completes refit, re-opens HOSPITALITY T H E BOAT HOUSE Phuket at Kata Beach has re-opened its doors after a five-month refurbishment.

The makeover, completed to designs by Singapore-based interior design firm LAANK in time for the hotel to welcome back guests from Nov 1, saw all 39 guestrooms and suites refurbished and updated with a “modern, elegant puristic atmosphere”, noted a release issued last week.

“The new look has been

@thephuketnews

The Boathouse Phuket at Kata Beach has re-opened its doors after a five-month refurbishment. integrated with the beachfront location and maritime theme, which is consistent with the brand,” the release added.

The latest addition to The

Boutique Collection brand, The Boathouse Phuket is managed by hospitality management company HPL Hotels & Resorts based in Singapore.

HPL Hotels & Resorts currently manages the activities of 11 hotels and resorts in Asia-Pacific and the Indian Ocean, including Concorde hotels in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur; Hard Rock hotels in Bali, Pattaya and Penang; Casa del Mar, Langkawi; The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands; Casa del Rio, Melaka; and The Boathouse, Phuket.

The Phuket News

from 13m/42ft to 26m/85ft, including the 16m Contest 52MC motor cruiser.

Richard Pope, CEO of Infinite Luxury and Kata Rocks, notes that the launch comes as the yachting scene in Asia is growing year on year. “We are thrilled that such a wellestablished brand like Contest Yachts chose the ultra-modern Kata Rocks to pave their way in Asia,” he said.

Mr Conijn told The Phuket News, “We are delighted to

make our debut in the Asia Pacific yachting marketplace.

With many owners of Contest yachts enjoying their bluewater world sailing, for many years our hand-built luxury yachts have visited the exciting seas and countless, wonderful destinations of the region.

“In these years we have seen the Asia-Pacific market open its arms to European, luxury-brand yachting. As Contest Yachts represents the very best standards of Dutch yacht design and construction, and it is definitely time we were here… and we are now truly pleased to be here in Asia, and look forward to meeting and working with the region’s exciting and growing and exciting yachting community,” he said.

In making the expansion into Asia a reality, Mr Conijn noted, “To explore and grow opportunity in a new region it is important to arrive not just with excellent yachts but with the right marketing partner. A partner who knows the market intimately. And to achieve that across the huge

Asia Pacific market requires a very special partner, one with effective local presence across the entire region. So we are delighted to be working with Northrop & Johnson, headquartered in Hong Kong and with local national offices in Thailand, China, Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. We couldn’t be better placed.”

The launch in Phuket specifically to coincide with KRSR was a clear statement, “We have watched the growth in luxury yachting here in the region for a long while and have always been very impressed with the increasing significance of the KRSR,” Mr Conijn noted.

“It has quickly proven itself as an important event on the yachting calendar, attracting high-quality contributors and visitors – a terrific audience, highly representative of the high end of yachting potential in the region. We are pleased to be a part of this year’s KRSR, and we look forward to introducing visitors to Contest Yachts,” he said.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

The lure of the superyachts

Phuket RendezVous takes major step forward in attracting elite MARINE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Phuket RendezVous has taken a major step forward in attracting superyachts to the mainstay yachting and lifestyle event to be held at Royal Phuket Marina next month with three companies in talks of having their superyachts on show at the event.

Andy Dowden, one of the founders of the original Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX), now reborn as the Phuket RendezVous, revealed the news at the Grow Boating Networking Evening hosted at Royal Phuket Marina last Friday night (Dec 1).

“We have secured an area off Koh Rang Noi where superyachts can anchor as part of the Phuket RendezVous,” Mr Dowden said.

“We are in talks with three companies – Burgess, Fraser and Northrop & Johnson – about bringing superyachts to the show. I have to say that I

Olivier Burlot of Asia RendezVous.

Photo: Instagram am very, very pleased at the number of boats we have got confirmed so far, and we’re hoping to get several superacyachts out there in the bay.

“We have already arranged for a luxury tender to be on hand to take visitors out to the superyachts, which will be by invitation only. There will be an area at the show where people wanting to board

a superyacht can be vetted,” he added.

Phuket Rendezvous is also lined up to host Asia premiers of boats from four companies – Lee Marine, Princess Yachts, Simpson Marine and Aquila – attendees at the networking event learned last Friday night.

Olivier Burlot of Asia RendezVous, Manager of the Phuket RendezVous, noted

that with only five weeks to go interest from parties wanting to take part in the event was peaking.

“But we’re nearly already full, so we are very happy with that,” he said.

Mr Burlot also noted that the Phuket RendezVous was enjoying a special position in Phuket’s marine and yachting industry as an event that was

working together with Royal Phuket Marina and Boat Lagoon in making the event a success.

The show is expected to bring 10,000 visitors to the expo over the four-day event, from Jan 4-7.

“Of these, to us the Thai visitors are also very important. That is why this is not just a yachting show, it is a lifestyle event with many things to do for kids and families,” he added.

Earlier this year, Mr Burlot highlighted the range of activities and exhibitors, from kid’s fun activities to luxury cars on show to lifestyle events including live music and a huge variety of food available.

Mr Burlot last Friday night also revealed that the organisers had aligned themselves with just one charity organisation – the “Elephant Parade” – as a way of giving something back to the community.

“Of course, in line with the charity’s superb cause of caring for elephants worldwide, these will not be real elephants,” Mr Burlot pointed out.

“These are amazing models of elephants that have proved very popular around the world and people love to have their photos taken with them, and all donations go towards a very good cause,” he added.

In answering questions from the audience, Mr Burlot also pointed out that the Phuket RendezVous organisers will be meeting with leading tourism officials in Bangkok following the appointment last week of Weerasak Kowsurat as the new Tourism & Sports Minister.

Mr Weerasak, most recently served as the Chairman of The Board of the Thailand Conventions & Exhibitions Bureau (TCEB), which is an official sponsor of the Phuket RendezVous.

The Phuket News and Khao Phuket are proud media sponsors of the Phuket RendezVous. The Grow Boating networking event last Friday night was sponsored by Captain Hooks Smokehouse and the Phuket RendezVous.

Revenue Department says E-business tax to be levied next year FINANCE AN E-BUSINESS TAX, A LEVY on any online transaction that takes place in Thailand regardless of the e-commerce operator’s location, is expected to come into force next year, says the Revenue Department’s chief.

A draft bill on the e-business tax sets a ceiling rate of 15%, but the actual rate will vary depending on the nature of the business, said Prasong Poontaneat, director-general of the department.

The bill will levy a withholding tax on all online transactions occurring in Thailand, he said, though

the tax will not have to be tacked onto an operator’s taxable income calculation.

Given that online purchases are gaining momentum and the Finance Ministry is recording lower tax revenue contributions from traditional sellers, the government is seeking to increase revenue from foreign online vendors who do not sign up to conduct business operations in Thailand.

The department already held its first public hearing on the tax law, covering overseas operators who earn revenue from digital service transactions in Thailand, such as digital marketing, advertising, music

Internet sales and purchases will be targeted for a tax of up to 15% next year. Photo: Pawat Laopaisarntaksin / Bangkok Post and software application downloads.

The department recently said the draft bill will require financial institutions, which now act as inter-

mediaries for money transfers, to withhold tax for online purchases and advertising fees on social media networks, sending the tax to the Revenue Department.

The department hopes that the e-commerce tax will create a level playing field in the online world, as several online firms based abroad earn revenue from Thailand and are not subject to tax. Mr Prasong earlier estimated the value of online purchases in the trillions of baht, while online advertising is valued at B10 billion.

Mr Prasong said the draft bill will supersede the double-tax agreement, which stipulates that those who are

liable for tax payments in any country must have a permanent presence in those locations.

The draft bill on e-business tax will also annul the Revenue Department’s value-added tax (VAT) exemption for online shopping on goods worth less than B1,500 that were purchased from foreign vendors outside of Thailand. The move is intended to pave the way for the department to tax all online purchase transactions.

At present, purchases from foreign e-commerce vendors outside of Thailand are subject to a 7% VAT only if the value exceeds B1,500.

Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

A merry Buddhist Christmas to all

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

14

Meet the man behind a host of local charities

15

A FILMIC FEAST Drawing on their deep roots in Thailand and India, the Sethi family established Bollywood, a little peice of India in the heart of Phuket

A blockbuster Indian feast at Bollywood. Photo: Shela Riva.

Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

P

eople of Indian extraction have long played an integral role in the growth of Phuket. A prime example is the Sethi family, whose forebears came to Thailand more than a century ago to seek their fortune. Since then, the Sethi family has developed a business empire now headed by patriarch Sam Sethi, a prominent Phuket property developer. His wife Chin Sethi and her extended family also run tailor shops in Phuket and Khao Lak known for their fine craftsmanship.

From the family’s deep roots in Phuket, and strong ties to India, sprang the idea of a venture into the culinary world – Bollywood Phuket Restaurant and Bar. Bollywood recently reopened after a four-month break to expand the kitchen and redecorate. Sam and Chin’s eldest daughter Priya has been involved in Bollywood since its inception shortly after completing her degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Now, following the reo-

@thephuketnews

pening, Priya has taken over the reins of Bollywood completely and manages every aspect of the restaurant.

I recently sat down with Priya to share a meal and asked her why the Sethi family decided to get into the restaurant game and how they came to chose a location close to Phuket Town, away from the west coast tourist towns.

“Initially it wasn’t a business-orientated decision, it was more due to the fact that we are Indians by race and we have a lot of friends who appreciate home-cooked Indian food. So they asked my father ‘Why don’t you open an Indian restaurant in Phuket Town? There aren’t any in this area’… so that’s how it started,” explained Priya.

Despite being born in Thailand, Priya and her three siblings, just like their father, were educated at boarding schools in India, which Priya said helped her develop an intimacy with her family’s motherland; its culture, religion, and of course, its food.

“A lot of people think we are from India and moved here, but no, Thailand is home to us, our family moved here one

hundred years ago,” explained Priya.

This passion for food meant that finding the right chefs for the restaurant was a task taken very seriously.

“The chefs are all from India, so it was a big recruitment process. We worked with several chefs and tried their food to see if they could modify their cooking techniques to be more home-style food,” said Priya.

It was at this point in the interview that our dishes began arriving, piping hot from the kitchen. First came the appetisers; crispy, delicately flavoured Onion Bhajiya; Punjabi Samosas – pyramids of flaky pastry filled with spiced peas and potatoes; and bright red pieces of Chicken Tandoori slightly charred from the oven and smothered in the rich yoghurt-based spice blend that gives them their inviting colour.

All accompanied by the typical trio of Indian condiments – sweet and sour tamarind, refreshing minted yogurt and chilli sauce.

Then it was time for the main feature and out came bowls of Paalak Paneer, a light and healthy dish of cottage cheese

in a spinach-based gravy, and a creamy Butter Chicken curry, bursting with colour and flavour. To top it off was a bowl of Mutton Biryani – fluffy turmeric-yellow grains of basmati rice with chunks of tender mutton. Two hot and fluffy pieces of Naan bread followed – ideal for scooping up the richly spiced sauces.

While these dishes might be considered quite standard fare, Priya told us that many regular customers order their much-loved dishes that aren’t on the menu, but are nevertheless easy for the talented team in the kitchen to whip up on short notice.

“Since Indian food has so many different ingredients you can play around with it and make a whole new dish… and our chefs are amazing,” said Priya.

After polishing off our delicious meal, we certainly had to agree with Priya on this point, and vowed to return again soon to delve deeper into Bollywood’s delicious catalogue of blockbuster dishes.

For more information please visit: facebook.com/bollywoodphuket

14 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Christmas magic

The holiday season’s here – So what do Buddhists do for Christmas?

‘Tis the season to be jolly, and there is no reason not to enjoy it, even if you are a Buddhist.

ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

S

o, it seems that the holidays are once again upon us. For many families, that means snow, turkey, Christmas ham, stuffed stockings, Cornish hens, Christmas trees, kids waiting for Santa Claus, and gifts wrapped with loving care… just like the lyrics of the Christmas classic “White Christmas”.

Yet, here at my home in Bangkok, Christmas is something decidedly different. Perhaps we could amend the lyrics of “White Christmas” slightly to make them more appropriate for our tropical climes, maybe something like, “The sun is shining, the grass is green, the orange and palm trees sway.

There’s never been such a day…”

As millions of tourists flock here to escape Old Man Winter, Christmas is always something of an odd time for those of us who live here full-time.

Many of us long for snow. We long for our loved ones and families and, most of all, we long for our traditions. If only we could have that, then we would have

some true Christmas magic.

Well, if you’re feeling this way, or if you’re just a curious tourist who has never been to Thailand before, Buddha has a surprise for you. Did you know that you can be a Buddhist and keep your original religion, too?

Well, you can, and Thai Buddhism teaches that people of all faiths are welcome in Buddhism. Much like Jesus, Buddha was also a teacher. But, Buddha taught people not to blindly believe what they taught, but rather to try out his teachings for themselves to see what happened in their own lives.

This is quite different from most other religions.

Many major religions tend to demand that you sort of “believe or else”. Whereas, in Thai Buddhism, we invite you to try out our beliefs and practices for yourself. How deep you go is up to you.

Yet, that is not the only Christmas magic that Buddhism has in store for people of other religions.

Buddha also welcomed his followers to continue observing their original religious traditions. So, when I visit my family, it is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged that I celebrate Christmas with gusto.

Buddhism is often taught wrong. It is not about whether you see Buddha as simply a teacher or as The Lord. It is actually all about how you live your life.

And that, my friends, leads to this year’s Christmas magic. This year, I am going to teach you how to create your own Christmas miracle by tossing just a pinch of Thai Buddhism into your holiday eggnog.

To start off, we all know that this world is full of an awful lot of scrooges. Difficult people are all around us and Buddhism teaches that we will likely encounter far more naughty people than nice ones.

But, Buddha taught us how to transform someone we hate into someone we love… and my gift to you this Christmas is teaching you just how to do it.

Stuffed stockings, Christmas trees and gifts wrapped with loving care.

To create this Christmas miracle, you’ll need three things: a pen, a paper and one year of patient self-reflection.

Now, get out your pen and paper because we are going to create a miracle! On the top of a sheet of standard paper, I want you to write the name of someone who has been awful to you in your life. Very importantly, I want you to write that name on the upper right corner of the page.

Next, on the left of the page, I want you to write down absolutely everything that you hate about that person; every last detail. Now, on the right side, I want you to write just one thing, if only one thing, that you can respect about that person.

Finally, fold the page in half vertically, tear it along the fold, and throw away the left side of the page. You see, you just threw out all of the hate but all of the good remains; waiting to be tucked into your heart. Tape that goodness up somewhere where you’ll see it every day and, by next Christmas, you’ll find that not only is your enemy now your friend, but you’ll hopefully have filled out the rest of the page with more good things that you never even knew about that person.

From Buddha with love, now that’s what I call Christmas Magic.

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PEOPLE 15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

A community-minded man

Sam Fauma donates his expertise to several Phuket charities

S

Bruce Stanley

am Fauma is well known on Phuket as a principle partner in the respected International Law Office Phuket which has helped many foreign residents set up companies to protect their investments.

But many of his clients might not know that Sam also volunteers a lot of his time to advise a variety of nonprofit community groups on managing and regulating their foundations.

During my recent visit to Sam’s office in Phuket Town, I found him having a health drink while working away on his computer to help organise a fundraiser for one of the many charities he assists. He is also board member on numerous local foundations that support disadvantaged children in Phuket.

“Currently, we are focused on how to keep the Life Home Project (LHP) functioning. LHP was set up in 2002 when we were made aware that a great number of both women and children who were infected with HIV had been rejected by their families, who were afraid of the virus. We were able to rent a building in town where these women and children could find shelter,” Sam says.

“With community fundraising, we were able to feed and house these women and eventually build a residential community on Koh Siray. Much of that financial support came from big fundraising events on Phuket and some in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, but now we find this international funding is declining and more focused on HIV in Africa.”

As a board member for the Life Home Project, Sam works to ensure that the residents continue to receive their medications and a place to live.

“We have had a lot of community support over the past 15 years but the issue is always the ongoing operational support.

The women raise money by making craft items that they can sell around the island, but this mostly just provides them with funds to take care of their personal family needs.

“I arrived to Phuket in 1989 to establish a business that did not develop as I had hoped, so I opened a business centre at the Patong Language School. I soon developed a fluency in Thai and the Patong police would often ask for my help dealing with Western visitors’ problems. There were many social issues back then with street kids, many from other countries, begging or selling themselves to tourists for @thephuketnews

sex. That’s when Child Watch Phuket was created by Dr Supaluck Kanchanamethakul. I felt compelled to help stop the paedophilia that was common on the island.”

Starting in the 1990s, Sam worked with Child Watch Phuket to advise and set up an expanding group of programs which now include a safe house opened in 1995 with financial support from the Japanese Embassy. This facility helps the growing number of slum children, who lacking birth documents or house registrations, cannot enter school to get their education. This shelter is maintained at an undisclosed location as a refuge for these children 24 hours a day – many of whom need protection from abuse as well as emergency help and ongoing rehabilitation.

In 1996, Sam again threw his hat in the ring to help set up another childcare facility adjacent to the Phuket Provincial Prison in Phuket Town.

“Word of the work Child Watch Phuket was doing had reached the local authorities and they asked us to provide day care services for the children of inmates, who were normally jailed along with their mothers. Lions Club of Phuket Pearl donated B20,000 to create Uncle Pitak’s House in a building adjacent to the prison, where the young children could receive an education and have some healthy social interaction during the day before being returned to their mothers in prison for the night.”

By the early 2000s, the number of programs to help abandoned or abused children continued to grow and once again Sam offered his services to ensure that these projects were in compliance with government regulations.

“I became more focused on those affected by HIV, as by 2002 there were neither government programs nor anti-

retroviral drugs to help those infected.

Fortunately, today the government provides good medication for those affected.”

Sam was President of the Rotary Club of Patong Beach in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, and, with the substantial help of club members and international donations, they were able to rebuild a destroyed fishing village north of Phuket.

Sam also helped set up the organisational structure for Holland House with funds donated by the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. Holland House was opened to support children whose families were affected by the tsunami disaster and remains in operation until this day. Also in the aftermath of the tsunami, Sam helped set up Phuket Sunshine Village which currently provides shelter, food, medical care and education for 100 local children who can not live with their families due to abuse or poverty. With the support of Lions Club Of Phuket Andaman Sea and Child Watch Phuket, Frank Couture, a Phuket based businessman, was successful in convincing the French Red Cross to donate 1.5 million euros for the construction of the Phuket Sunshine Village residential child care centre.

Sam Fauma of the International Law Office Phuket.

“All of these projects are worthwhile and deserve community support. The demand for services for local children and families continues to grow with the increase in low paid workers and the ongoing construction boom,” says Sam. If you or your organization would like to contribute to any of these worthy and notable foundations, or for more information, please contact Sam by email at: sam@ilo-phuket.com

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Dozens of Rotarians and their families turned out to enjoy the premièr of the film ‘One Night In Phuket’.

From left: Colin, Jimmy, Richard, Connor and Andy – the team behind the event.

ROTARY CLUB OF PATONG BEACH PRESENT ‘ONE NIGHT IN PHUKET’ MOVIE Emmy-nominated filmmaker Jim Newport premièred his concert film One Night In Phuket last Saturday (Dec 2). The film features performances by many of the island’s best musicians as well as appearances by prominent members of the community, their families and Rotarians. Live music was provided by Colin Hill and Jimmy Fame.

The Boathouse Phuket GM Max Chin (second from left), welcomes special guests to the ‘Best Brunch’ series launch.

THE BOATHOUSE PHUKET LAUNCHES ‘BEST BRUNCH’ SERIES The Boathouse Phuket launched its “Best Brunch” series for the coming high season last Sunday (Dec 3). The unique series features fresh premium seafood, including flambe lobster bisque, a crustacean bar of oysters and shellfish, and much more.

The final 16 players with official referee Oh Rayong (centre in back row).

PUMPUI BAR HOSTS SOVEREIGNBALL INVITATIONAL 2017 IN PATONG Sovereign pool tables organised the “Sovereign-Ball Invitational 2017” over Friday, Nov 24 and Saturday, Nov 25 at Pumpui Bar in Bangla Rd, Patong.

From left: David from J&D Group with The Bridal Planner Thailand team and Daniel, the GM of Aleenta and Akyra.

Millennium Resort donated 10 scholarships to students under the 'Little Artist Project'.

MILLENNIUM RESORT PATONG DONATES CHARITY RUN PROCEEDS

ALEENTA AND AKYRA HOST A DELIGHTFUL AFTERNOON TEA

Millennium Resort Patong, Phuket, led by General Manager Esther Wai, on Nov 24 hosted lunch for children from the Phuket Panyanukul School. Proceeds collected from the 10th Anniversary Millennium Charity Run were presented to the school.

Hats and white clothes were the order of the day last Friday (Dec 1), at Akyra Beach Club Phuket as it hosted guests for a delightful afternoon tea thank you event.

THE PHA AND THE RAWAI-NAI HARN BUSINESS COMMUNITY JOIN FORCES

Scores of volunteers descended on Nai Harn Beach to collect rubbish and repair damaged staircases.

On Wednesday Nov 29, members of both the Phuket Hotel Association and the Rawai Nai Harn Business Community collected rubbish from Nai Harn Beach and repaired the five flights of stairs leading down into the sand. The cleaning event was also supported by the Rawai OrBorTor. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

The final five Southeast Asian ‘Barocker’ competitors. From left back row: Huu Ti Nguyen from Vietnam, Piseth Chhun from Cambodia and Adam Hafiz from Malaysia. From left front row: Chanchai “Tony” Prasit from Thailand, Vanantius Sosa from Indonesia, and a former champ.

From left: Arnie, Kane and Tom cut Hard Rock Cafe Phuket’s 8th birthday cake.

Hard Rock Cafe staff dressed in style for the birthday celebrations.

NON-STOP ACTION AT HARD ROCK CAFE’S REGIONAL ‘BAROCKER’ FINALS Last Wednesday night (Nov 29) five of the best Hard Rock Cafe bartenders from Southeast Asia fought it out for a ticket to the final “Barocker” round to be held in the USA. Each contestant performed a bartending flair show for the judges, there was also a racy fashion show, and of course, plenty of rockin’ live music. The night also marked Hard Rock Cafe Phuket’s eighth birthday with a huge cake shared out with the audience. Phuket’s own Chanchai “Tony” Prasit wowed the judges with his skills and flairs and won the chance to represent Thailand in the “Barocker” finals in America.

From left: Judges Phil, Danny and Trin.

From left: Fon, Gina, Amy and Whan all modelled some Hard Rock Cafe dresses for the fashion show.

MARRIOTT HEADS ‘INTO THE BLUE’ IN PHUKET TO THANK ITS CUSTOMERS Seven Marriott Hotels said “thank you” to the Thai travel trade and media with a special bluethemed party last Friday (Dec 1). As part of Marriott International’s annual Global Customer Appreciation Week, 200 travel agents and members of the media were invited to Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort for a fun and relaxing night.

Seven Marriott hotels on Phuket represented on the night were showcased at the event.

The management team of Infinite Luxury and Kata Rocks welcomed esteemed guests, patrons and villa owners at Kata Rocks’ third Anniversary party.

Seven Marriott hotels on Phuket were represented by their respective general managers, who where joined by staff, guests and local media at the ‘Into the Blue’ event.

The Kaanda Angels showcasing the limited edition Kata Rocks collection along with the exciting 2018 Kaanda Beach Life range.

KATA ROCKS CELEBRATES 3RD ANNIVERSARY WITH BRUNCH, FASHION SHOW Kata Rocks celebrated its third anniversary last Saturday (Dec 2) with a “Louis Roederer Brunch of the Year”. Highlights from the pool party included a fashion show from Kaanda, who launched an exclusive Kata Rocks bikini line, and guests enjoyed funk, disco and boogie entertainment from famed Bangkok DJ duo, Slum Disco Soundsystem. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

8 DEC

Thanyapura’s Colour Fun Run Phukethon 2017

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

Mark your calendar for the Phukethon 2017 weekend.

Asia’s major international marathon festival will be held in Phuket – the running paradise island and pearl of the Andaman – for the first time ever! Registration is now open. Go to phukethon.com. Get running with the Super Early Bird rate! Limited spaces. Experience the 3-day festival December 8-10, 2017. See you at Phukethon 2017! Register NOW! Phukethon, Saphan Hin, Phuket, 080 214 6950 or 080 287 6515.

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 395 baht! Our bbq is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouth-watering pork ribs, flavour-bursting chicken and more! Join us for live music from 8-late performed by our famous Two Chefs band! Come for the food. www.twochefs.com

Free two-day lifeguard training for tour operators & hotel staff Phuket Lifeguard Club is organising a free two-day Lifeguard Training Course for tour operators and hotel Staff who are interested. The course will be held over Dec 6-7 at the Life Saving Education Centre, Patong Beach. This will be followed by and Ocean Swim competition from Karon Beach to Le Meridien on Dec 8. These water safety initiatives are supported by Patong Municipality, Phuket Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, MontAzure, Le Meridien and the Australian ConsulateGeneral Phuket. Register at: thailifeguard@gmail.com

The Boat That Rocked is a live music extravaganza delivered by some of the best musicians and entertainers in Phuket. The show delivers almost 40 songs featured in over 70 movies. The show is on the 9th of December at the White House in Phuket Boat Lagoon.

Starts 7pm. Tickets B750pp including “movie food”.

Book now at www.phuketticketmaster.com or info@ legendmusic.net.

SUN

10 DEC

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday (starting Dec 1, 2017), in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

Phuket Lifesaving Championship 2017 The Phuket Lifesaving Championship 2017 will see teams from The Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Phuket. The teams will be competing for a place at the Lifesaving World Championships in Australia in 2018.This water safety initiative is supported by Patong Municipality, Phuket Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, MontAzure, Le Meridien and the Australian ConsulateGeneral Phuket. Register at: thailifeguard@gmail.com

MON

11 DEC

XANA’s Sunday Brunch Spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean of XANA Beach Club. Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. From 1,850++THB. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites

Curry Cravings In Karon

and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 395 Baht! Enjoy a large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites!

Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late performed by our famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents 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 076-344914.

The BOAT that ROCKED

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Thanyapura’s Colour Fun Run returns to Phuket!

Gather your friends or gear up solo for the race through the jungle. We’ll see you “Colour Runners” all coloured up at the finish line! The race is open to all age groups and limited to 1,000 participants. Medals and complimentary meals are awarded to all finishers.

For more details facebook.com/Thanyapura.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Music & Food & Fun. December 8-9, 2017 from 6pm till 10pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon. For more information contact Phuket Boat Lagoonon: 095 012 2442 or 076 239 888 ext. 618.

SAT

9 DEC

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com

Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail. com 081 891 4381.

Ebenezer Primary Production BISP’s Primary Students are pleased to present ‘Ebenezer’ based on the traditional Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Performed on Monday 11th, Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th December at 1pm and also Wednesday 13th December at 5pm in the BISP Auditorium. Tickets cost 50thb for children and 100thb for adults, and can be purchased on the door, or in advance from the community information office by emailing cis@bisphuket.ac.th

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

TUE

12 DEC

Sri panwa welcomes back 2 Michelin star Chef Sri panwa welcomes back the 2 Michelin star Chef Stefano Baiocco of Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli together with his team for a pop-up @ Sri panwa, 8th – 20th December, 2017. The award-winning chef will be serving simple Italian classics with their own creative twists such as L’astice and Il Tonno for starters, Ravioli, Le Linguine for pasta dishes, Il Branzino and L’agnello for main courses, finishing with Il Tiramisu and Il Limone for desserts and more. Reservations only, Baba Soul Food, Sri panwa, Phuket, fb@sripanwa.com, 076 371 000.

Afraid of public speaking?

Toastmasters can help.

Kids Water Safety A Junior Surf Lifesaving Training Session will be held on Dec 9 from 9-12 pm at Loma Park, Patong. About 150 kids from around the Patong area will take part in the day’s activities, aimed at increasing awareness of water safety. These water safety initiatives are supported by Patong Municipality Phuket Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports, Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation, MontAzure,Le Meridien and Australian Consulate-General.

Sunday Roast All Day All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today!

Meetings held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info. phuketprofessionals.toastmastersclubs.org

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

13 DEC

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS All you can eat! Grilled Australian rib-eye steak, teriyaki marinated chicken and grilled tiger prawns with BBQ sauce, red wine sauce and Bearnaise sauce Caesar salad and herb sautéed potatoes. Only 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065. Reservations, Two Chefs Karon – Patong – Kata Center

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. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

THU

ing Don’s BBQ and Big Southern Bikes, all coming together for a fundraiser for the continued upkeep of the electric vehicles previously donated to local disabled residents. Friday 22nd December from 7pm at the Kangaroo Bar. Free BBQ and Harley Davidson ridethrough from various bike clubs from on the island and abroad.

SUN

Two Chefs Traditional Christmas Buffet On Sunday evening, the 24th of December we are offering our traditional Christmas buffet at Two Chefs Bar & Grill in Kata Beach Branch (South of Kata). Hurry up and book your table NOW as it fills up quick.. We still have two seating’s to choose from, 6 pm and 9 pm.

Please make your reservation at email: reservation@ twochefs.com Read more at www.twochefs.com or www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Beach 076-333-370.

14 DEC

PIWC - Meet & Greet Monthly Coffee WHERE: Starbucks @ Central Festival WHEN: 2nd Thursday of each month from 10:30AM to NOON WHAT: New members are encouraged to join our monthly Meet & Greet Coffee Morning to find out more about our organization. For more information, please contact Joan Watson – imm@loxinfo.co.th or Renate Hirte – hirtefamily@hotmail.com piwc-phuket.com/ meet-greet/

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is THB 500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Days Inn in Patong. Please visit www. rotarypatong.org for additional information. The guest speaker will be Australian Consul-General, Craig Ferguson.

FRI

22 DEC

Fundraising night for upkeep of scooters & chairs All are welcome to attend and raise funds for a great cause at Kangaroo Bar - Bangla Rd, Patong. Featur-

@thephuketnews

Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve. Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebrations. The 2017 Festival Season at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

and much more. Open 7 days a week, all day dining.

Best ribs in town. At the front of Best Western Patong Beach. Promotion every day – 399B all you can eat A La Carte. Mondays, come 4 pay 3, Live music. Heart of Patong. Free parking. Reservation, 076-360-220.

White Shimmers New Year’s Eve Party 2018

Christmas Buffet at Tonsai. Celebrate Christmas Eve with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious international and BBQ buffet including a selection of Seafood on ice.

Or try the Christmas set dinner at My Grill, Celebrate Christmas with an extravagant tropical island feast and indulge in an exquisite five-course meal. All guests will recieve a visit from Santa Claus. Reservations: The Naka Island Resort & Spa Phuket, Bundarik.Ronra@ luxurycollection.com, 076-337-999.

15 DEC

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

SUN

31 DEC

24 DEC

Christmas Eve at The Naka Island Resort & Spa Phuket

FRI

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Begin your celebration with bubbles and canapes before wandering into a sublime culinary world of international delights. Live music and DJ. Reservations at: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, pattarawadee.sukolrat@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

THU

4 JAN

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s Best Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5-course tasting menu including Foie Gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska Scallop, slow cooked Duck breast & Baba au Rhum. “Grape juice” pairing available! THB 1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 - 8 Lagoon Rd, Laguna, Cherng Talay.

THE PHUKET RENDEZVOUS

JOIN US AT THAVORN FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER 2017!

Join us for our Christmas Eve Dinner! It is the most wonderful time of the year to be celebrated among loved ones, new friends and with great food! Enjoy exclusive appetizers, mains and desserts in our festive atmosphere! THB 2,000++ per person Limited seats available. Kindly RSVP: Tel: 063 064-0661 Email: rsvn@thavornbeachvillage.com EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY!

For four days, Royal Phuket Marina will be transformed into a bustling hub for all things luxury – highlighting Phuket as one of Asia’s premier destinations and guaranteeing maritime heaven for leisure boating enthusiasts. As well as showcasing premium yachts in the marina, the PHUKET RENDEZVOUS will also feature properties, exotic cars and luxury brands with live music, events and parties for everyone to enjoy!

For more infomation visit: thephuketrendezvous.com

EVERY DAY

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

St Joseph Catholic Church Christmas & New Year Mass

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay

Celebratory Christmas Masses will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cherng Talay near Laguna and Boat Avenue at 11.00 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11.00 a.m. Christmas Day. Each service will be preceded by a 30-minute carol service, led by St Joseph’s renowned choir and followed by an invitation to enjoy some light refreshments with the congregation after mass. Details can be found on the church website at: phuketcatholics.com

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. Phuket Night Market @690 THB++, Thai & International buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butcher’s Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++, Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++ The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, rimtalay@amari.com, 076 340106-14 #8027.

Mana Smokehouse Traditional American BBQ/smoked and slow roasted, along with TEX MEX tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas…

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Queen Maud Land, a region of Antarctica, is a dependent territory of which country?

2. Which world-renowned person died just five days after Princess Diana?

3. Who was the third President of the United States?

4. What can a polyglot do?

5. Who was Chancellor of Germany from 1998 to 2005?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across milieu 1. IRS negotiator 65. Artifact 4. Charmed snake 66. Pitchers 9. Slaves 67. How old it is...

14. Geometry line 68. Molars 15. Constellation 69. Hinder, in law 16. Tiny organism 70. Deep sleep cycle 17. What a film score is, essentially Down 20. Bog 1. Taxi driver 21. Coin across the 2. Pay homage Atlantic 3. Build up 22. In half 4. Part of a machine 26. Social duds 5. Yossarian’s friend, 31. Christened in “Catch-22” 32. Paint like an 6. Job-seeker’s amateur posting 34. Voter’s sheet 7. Dissolute man 35. Queens abode 8. Per ___ (yearly) 37. Open 9. Small turnover 38. Strum like 10. Late starters Feliciano 11. Notes after dos 42. Mind reader 12. Missing persons 43. Control investigators mechanisms, for 13. Pocket short 18. Mental 44. Call upon perception 47. Striking end 19. Small quantity 48. Father figures 23. Date of Allied 51. Early Christian forces invasion ascetic 24. Sunrise point 53. In a savory manner 25. Gordon and 55. Rolaids rival Ginsburg 57. Building additions 27. Shoes without 58. Margot Fonteyn’s heels

28. Ice skater Kulik 29. Mercury measure 30. Hog arena 33. Radio expletive deleter 35. Miss Channing 36. Protected bird 38. Shut in 39. Impose, as a tax 40. Eye layer 41. Groups of atoms 42. Your mother’s daughter 45. Pretentious bad taste 46. Case for sewing gear 48. Means of support 49. Claim 50. Modus operandi 52. Person with a mike 54. Address book no.

56. Wood cutters 58. P.C. part 59. Winner at the second battle of Bull Run 60. Honey Brown 61. Fido command 62. Court ruling?

63. Sis sibling 64. Cleopatra’s killer?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Norway; 2) Mother Theresa; 3) Thomas Jefferson; 4) Speak multiple languages; 5) Gerhard Schroder

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

11

This week in history Dec 8, 2013 Riots break out in Singapore after a fatal accident in Little India.

per cent of US adults had high cholesterol in 2014, down from 18% in 1999.

Dec 9, 1953 Red Scare: General Electric announces that all communist employees will be discharged from the company.

84

seconds into a conversation is how long it takes before questions arise asking for clarification, like “Who? What?”

90

per cent of all wine produced in the world is meant to be consumed within a year or two from when it’s made — an older wine is not always better.

Dec 10, 1932 Thailand becomes a constitutional monarchy. (Photo: The original copy of the 1932 constitution of Siam, the first constitution of Thailand, displayed at the Thai Parliament Museum, Bangkok. Photo by Iudexvivorum.)

97

per cent is how much DNA orangutans have in common with humans.

Dec 11, 1998 Thai Airways Flight 261 crashes near Surat Thani Airport, killing 101. The pilot flying the Airbus A310-300 is thought to have suffered spatial disorientation.

1,092

dollars is how much the average American spends on coffee each year.

220 million

is how many smell receptors Basset hounds have, and the portion of their brains tied to sense of smell is 40 times that of a human.

Source: Uberfacts

Dec 12, 1911 Delhi replaces Calcutta as the capital of India.

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

Kids on Kamala Beach. Photo by Kurt Heck Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Dec 14, 1903 The Wright brothers make their first attempt to fly with the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Profitable business for sale

Located on main road in Karon, motorbike rental business, with 30 bikes and helmets, office equipment all included for 2.5MB call 0837774766 or Line - namaqua.j.

New cat café for sale

Brand new 3 floor building in Samkong. Thai & foreigners are loving my café, been doing really good since the opening in September. Unfortunately I have to go back to my country cause of family problems. I invested 1.4MB in this café. We have 12 cats from Bengal (B36,000), Maine Coon (B25,000) Persian, Siamese and Thai cats. They all have the vaccine and they all 6 months. Upstairs, bedroom fully furnished, 4 new air con in the building. Kitchen and bar fully furnished with new equipment. Music speaker and phone. License, work permit company. Lease 3 years can extend when finish. Rent 30.000 per month. Sales - 600,000B negotiable. No deposit if take over. 600,000 negotiable, thephuketcatcafe@ hotmail.com, 0994321733.

sa nt e g r

Business for Sale

le

R ESTAU R A N T B U S I N ES S I N U CHALONG For rent/sale. Fully equipped & operational, 50 seats Chaofa East road, 400m from Haiyek Traffic Circle.

Contact: shchalong@gmail.com

New Salon for SALE

Stylish brand new salon with all equipment and stock for sale at Bang Tao Tinlay Market with all furniture and fixtures. Contact through email at: naveenmarapana@gmail.com or call 080 370 6131 – Kunal, 081 899 0919 –Chin.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. 080 143 5541 Pablo.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Diving boat for sale.

Asia Adventure: length (m) 18.00, width (m) 4.60, depth (m) 1.70, gross tonnage 35, maximum capacity is 40 passengers + 3 crew. 1 million bht, K. Vladimir, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive.

Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

2-engine speed boats for sale

Length 11.6 m, width 2.83 m, capacity 32 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. Very good condition. Start 600,000 thb, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive.Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters.

New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@ gmail.com 080 695 3933.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

"Ready to go" w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160L fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry: 081 273 1740. @thephuketnews

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Long Tail Boat For Sale

HOME IMPROVEMENT TechWorX Projects

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

TechWorX Projects now offer a full Electrical Contractor service. This complements our existing offerings of AV, IT, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Security systems. If you are planning a new build or renovation please contact us for a free consultation. Daragh, 393/8 moo 1 Srisoonthorn road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, daragh@techworx.asia, 084 443 9863.

Tenancy of Clubhouse for sale

MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Tenant required for already established bar and Clubhouse in the Thalang area of Phuket. The prospective tenant should have previous chef/catering experience and want to establish their own style of management and expertise in building up their business. The Owner of the venue is extending and refurbishing the current building to include a new kitchen space and secondary bar with an extra seating area. The tenancy is for sale for 1.5 million Thai Baht (terms to be agreed) to include new fitted commercial kitchen plus new and existing furniture.

Flexible lease terms based on a 3+3 year agreement are available. Existing catering needs of the venue will have to be considered when reviewing the business options. Expressions of interest along with current resume and contact details should be sent to info@jandgroup.com

CAR FOR SALE 2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

2014 Nissan Juke, one owner, full history, leather interior, rear sensors, climate control. Perfect Phuket runabout, only 82000km. 530,000, soiana56030@gmail.com, 0950 924 729

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20year warranty by installing quality three layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Email: office@tcm-asia.com. Call: 0869439834 or 076-385081.

Restaurant Tester (expat)

Review and rate restaurants in general and the taste of their dishes in the following locations Surin, Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon. Candidates must have excellent knowledge of different cuisines as well as communication skills. ​For more information please send email with the subject “Restaurants” to sh@vetliner.com

MEMBERSHIPS Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Phuket Country Club Family Golf Lifetime membership for Sale. 2 courses, 9 & 18 hole course, Seller will pay 60,000 baht transfer fee, the buyer pays 380,000 Thai baht. Contact Chris - 087-884-8972

28 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MEMBERSHIPS Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. 400,000 baht, the Loch Palm transfer fee of 72,000 baht will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. sales@joydive.asia

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015.

Colour: yellow & black. Price: 150,000 baht. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak: cherngtalay@gmail. com. Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket. com. Mr Joe: bigmovephuket@gmail.com 081-797-5377.

OTHER CONTAINER SHOP READY TO MOVE

AIRCON, SHELVES & OPEN DOOR SYSTEM INCLUDED. CAN BE MOVED TO ANY LOCATION. B225,000. koy@urbanoutfitters.co.th 095 274 2463,

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email : info@ipa. black , utopia@ipa.black Website : www.ipaphuket.com.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENT-MANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GAURANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076-636-244, 090-179-6635.

Chanapa, Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach,2 floor bungalow with 4 bedroom and living room.Very good/ nice view from bungalow. About 2 km from James Bond Island. Contact email: jospeder@live.no only 4,7 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND, jospeder@ live.no, 089 872 6895.

Large Pool Villa For Sale

Large house for sale with private swimming pool, 3 floors, walled garden with private parking and 656sqm of land. 5 bedroom 4 bathroom with maid's room. Home office and nice outdoor living space by the pool. Located in Soi Kokyang - Saiyuan (Rawai/Naiharn area). Just 5 mins from Naiharn Beach. Freehold by owner.

12M, Leena, ldewis77@gmail.com, 0950612868.

For sale by owner – income property super value.

For sale by owner – income property. 2 furnished villas, 4 and 3 bedrooms, 1/2 Rai, big pool, by Laguna, no more rent to pay, have a monthly income. Expat can buy. Only 9.0 Million. Contact Mr Tan: Tanrockresort@yahoo.com, 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Royal Place Condo For Sell

Royal Place Condo is located at the center of Phuket Town, opposite the Tesco Lotus, close to international school, 3 minutes to Big C and Phuket International Hospital, 4 Minutes to Central Festival. 45SQM, 5th floor, Corner Room, 2 balconies, 1 bedroom, 1 living room. Before price 2,800,000 Now Available for 2,250,000. Harry: h.jabary@gmail.com, 084 249 0526.

COMMUNITY

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000, Mrs Simpson, thaivillaonline@gmail.com, 0844477248. thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Property for Sale

Ocean View Kata.Fully furnished 1 bedroom condo 44.2.s.q.m."sea and sunset views over kata bay". For details e-mail ianscondo21@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4-bedrooms and 4-bathrooms, swimming pool. Close to BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long-term lease 130,000 baht/month including pool and garden service. Khun DIDIER: aouichedidier@hotmail.com or 093 717 9343.

Phuket Dream Home

“The Dream” 5 mins to Laguna Phuket Ocean. Very big house, 300 square meters, land 500 square meters. Rent or buy, or both. Available from November 3, 2017 to January 15, 2018. Paul, Cherng Talay, Phuket: 085 795 5159.

Great Business Opportunity

Canal Village is a newly-renovated, stylish shopping centre located in the heart of Laguna Phuket Resort. Shops for rent start at 50 sq/m. Preferable Tenants: Sport bar,miniature golf and F&B outlets.Nichchaa Tubkaeo, Laguna Resorts & Hotels Public Company Limited: Tubkaeo@banyantree.com 076 362 330. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

SPORT 29

‘One of the world’s best’ ‘Marlin Magazine’ names Phuket as a top-class destination FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

R

ight now fishing in Phuket has never been better, everything, with the exception of Wahoo being caught regularly. The island even got a mention in Marlin Magazine, “Phuket, one of the world’s best Sailfishing destinations”.

As the month progressed I had the opportunity of going out, luckily rain-free – surprising as it is now “high” season – someone tell the weather Gods. The fishing was poor, although fish were to be seen everywhere as it’s now the spawning season for Tuna, and what predator in its right mind wants chase a lure while they are surrounded by dinner?

You can’t miss them, but only the bigger ones were biting. So the score on the day was 4-3, with a 4-kilogram

@thephuketnews

Participants enjoy the last day of fishing in the recently held Phuket Sportfishing Tournament. Photo: Eagle Sportfishing Phuket Tuna and a big Queenie, that’s not forgetting breaking a hook on a rather large Sail.

As I regularly remind folks, usually for conservation reasons, the Andaman Sea is the nursery of the Indian Ocean and this is seeing that nursery in action, moving into full steam ahead. With bait-fish everywhere it’s a bit like trying to catch smoke, you know it’s there, but…

At the time of submitting this article I have no information on the PST competition, but from what I can gather Marlin, Cobia and Sailfish were about but fishing in general was slow, as climate change continues to disrupt what we have come to expect at this time of year.

Last month I wrote about fishing myths and folklore, so this month I thought I would

recount a couple of other obscure things I have been asked about or told: “Fishing? I can’t be bothered learning lots of different knots.”

In reality, only one (the “Uni Knot”) or possibly two knots are all you need to know for: line-reel, line-swivel and line-hook connections, and even then that’s what your “decky” is for, this plus

leader knots, boat knots and so on. I remember someone once told me, I couldn’t tie a “Bimini Twist”, as if that knowledge made you a better fisherman.

I believe your love of fishing and your catch reports speak for themselves, so don’t be put off big game fishing because some “wannabe” made it sound complicated.

On charter boats you just

look and learn, remembering more often than not novices run off with the prizes.

Another thing which has come up, more than once: People stop reeling in, stating, “I’ve lost the fish, the line’s gone slack.” This reminds me of a very grateful client who once was told, in no uncertain terms, to reel-in like hell, only to find a big King Mac just about in his lap.

I seem to get this fairly regularly as newbies tend to forget, these fish are faster than the boat, which is often stopped, and it never seems to occur to them that the fish might be heading right up their stern.

This month’s fishing humour comes from Jasper Forde – Shades of Gray.

“You see? I know where every single book used to be in the library,” she pointed to the shelf opposite.

“Over there was Catch-22, which was a hugely popular fishing book and one of a series, I believe.”

Tight lines.

Jimmy@fishinginphuket.com

30 SPORT

Zane Castro to lead Triathlon Academy TRIATHLON THIS SEASON, BRITISH International School, Phuket set out to expand their Triathlon program offerings by hiring full time High Performance Head Coach Zane Castro for the Triathlon Academy.

Coach Castro was born and educated in Texas, USA and made his transition to BISP from Marymount University, Arlington VA. He was hired and founded the initial varsity triathlon program established within the NCAA. He led his team to a National Championship Runner up spot in the 3rd season and earned multiple regional podium spots, qualification for FISU World University Games and a top 10 finish, in 2016.

Coach Castro has coached junior, national level athletes and elites successfully into international level competitions. He brings a wealth of understanding of youth, junior, and collegiate level develop-

Bang Jo

Submission tourney finds home in Phuket BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

Zane Castro. ment experience and processes along with extensive movement based injury resistance knowledge, which is critical to the environment among youth, junior and senior level developmental athletes.

He laid the foundation for a comprehensive varsity collegiate triathlon programme and also worked towards official triathlon’s approval as an NCAA Emerging Sport for Women. BISP has set a goal by bringing Coach Castro in to do the same BISP. As of Term 1, the BISP Triathlon academy has added 21 Triathlon-related activity opportunities beyond the previously established High Performance Programme.

Zohaib Sikander

Under 7 Final

JP Mestanza editor3@thephuketnews.com

W

ith Phuket being one of the big martial arts centres in Asia, it seems hard to believe that the island has had just a handful of grappling competitions over the years.

But last weekend’s inaugural Siam Sub-Series Brazilian Jiu Jitsu event on Soi Tad-Ied proved that the island’s thriving martial arts culture is for real, and organiser Alex Schild believes it’s just the beginning.

“The tournament was a huge success and went exactly how I envisioned it would go when I first started this. It’s really amazing to have the support from the community, not just Phuket, but all over Thailand and Southeast Asia,” he said.

11-2

Chelsea

Final

Chelsea

7-1

Liverpool

3rd / 4th place

Arsenal

4-2

Man Utd

Under 13-16

Final

Liverpool

5-4

Chelsea

Final

Liverpool

3-5

Arsenal

3 / 4 place

Man Utd

6-0

Arsenal

3 / 4 place

Chelsea

3-5

Man Utd

th

rd

th

TOURNAMENT’S MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS

U9: Oscar Fashina.

U11: Garri Citrons.

The competition saw 59 competitors from 22 different countries take part in a series of grappling matches.

Photo: Jeff Sainlar The competition saw 59 competitors from 22 different countries take part in a series of grappling matches, with a rule-set that encouraged nonstop action.

The first five minutes of each match was submissiononly. Points were allowed after the initial five minutes, ensuring that all grapplers were continuously looking to win, not just coast-along if ahead on the scorecards.

Grapplers who were victorious would walk away with prizes from local shops and sponsors from along Chalong’s famed Muay Thai street Soi Tad-Ied. “We held the Siam SubSeries on one of the most famous streets in all of martial arts. The street is home to two of the biggest gyms in the world – Tiger Muay Thai and Phuket Top Team. Living as a coach and professional

MMA fighter in Southeast Asia since 2011, I put together this tournament because of the lack of professionally-run tournaments in Phuket and Thailand in general. This is not a revolutionary idea, in every place in the world where there is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) training, there are competitions in which to compete.

Competitors were separated by skill-level and weight categories, with some professionals showing their skills.

Professional MMA fighter and featherweight champion of Polish promotion KSW, Kleber Koike Erbst, submitted all of his opponents to win the 75-kg advanced category.

Meanwhile, other pro fighters like Mallory Martin (Invicta Fighting Championship) and undefeated title-contender Tiffany Teo (ONE Championship) showcased their skills, along with other pro fighters from other promotions.

BISP Golf Academy hires new coach

Under 9

Under 11

rd

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

U13/16: Tony Simpson.

GOLF T H EER ACH AT KU RUdechochai, a Phuket local known as Coach Nick or Pro Nick, has recently been hired at British International School, Phuket to work alongside Golf Academy Head Coach Oliver Bates as Assistant Coach.

“Working with the school’s athletes is a very good experience for me. Not only do I give them hands-on training on a daily basis, I also give them step by step advice on how to become pro golfers in the future,” said Pro Nick.

“I feel that the school’s players can have very successful careers in this sport.

Theerachat Kurudechochai.

They’re all very dedicated, and with proper training and dedication they will go a long way,” he added.

Pro Nick became interested in golf after watching Tiger

Woods play and win the 1998 Johnnie Walker Classic. From then onwards, he took concentrated steps to earn his pro golf certification from PGA Thailand and achieved this by 2011. He was also an official PGA Thailand player for about three years, and worked with their Rules Committee.

He has about seven years of coaching experience and has a great reputation for coaching players of all levels and nationalities.

Before his appointment at BISP, Pro Nick was the Vice Captain of the Phuket Ryder Cup team and the Tournament Director at the Amateur Ryder Cup, both in 2017.

Zohaib Sikander

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Fri Dec 8

4pm

PCG Members Nets

Fri Dec 8

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat Dec 9

All day

Family Touch Rugby

Sun Dec 10

2pm

Cricket Local Friendly

Sat Dec 16

All day

Natures Playground

Sat Dec 17

TBA

Cricket Local Friendly

Sat Jan 13

3pm till late

Private Party

Family Touch Rugby

Children’s Cricket Coaching thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Can F1 make good on its promises in 2018?

BOX OF NEUTRALS

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for December 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the Islander Bar & Restaurant in Rawai.

MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

I

OVERALL STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

adamrosindale 8 Ajax Amsterdam 8 jaysinky 8 Red Dragon 8 thailand express 8

adamrosindale 89 scottkip 86 TC 86 chook 85 LateStart 85

English Premier League 2017 - 2018

Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton (front) celebrates with his teammate Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas at the end of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit on Nov 26. Photo: Karim Sahib / AFP raceable; the latter was capricious, peaky and, as Mercedes boss Toto Wolff described it, “a bit of a diva”.

Vettel built momentum early, claiming a 25-point lead after Monaco in May, but Mercedes, after instituting 10 days of round-the-clock engineering work, hit back. After 13 rounds just three points separated the contenders.

But claiming motorsport’s greatest prize is as much about psychological strength as it is mechanical nous. Vettel was the first to blink.

Starting from pole in Singapore after Hamilton qualified fifth, Vettel’s overzealous defence of position at turn one became a devastating retirement from the race. Hamilton cruised through the carnage to win, twisting the knife.

It was the season’s defining error, but the body blow became a technical knock-out when in Malaysia Vettel started from last with turbocharger troubles and in Japan his car was retired on lap four with spark plug problems.

Hamilton’s advantage ballooned to 59 points, and by Mexico in October he was

crowned champion.

“In the end you can break it down to a lot of details … but overall the package wasn’t good enough,” Vettel summed candidly. “This year Lewis probably made less mistakes, and in the end he was just the better man and he deserved to win.”

Hamilton, exuding a calmness that had so often deserted him in previous championship fights, credited Vettel as a formidable opponent.

“To be fighting a four-time world champion who you respect, you expect nothing but the best from them,” he said. “It’s really down to one of you making the smallest mistake, and none of us did.

“I’m looking forward to many more of those races in the future.”

And to the future Formula One turns its attention, with the 2018 sequel promising to be better than the 2017 original.

Red Bull Racing, the erstwhile four-time constructors' champion, developed strongly by 2017’s end to claim victory in Japan and Mexico on merit.

Stable regulations next season

Run #1662: Saturday Dec 9 Run Start Time: 3:30pm Hares: Singha, No Hope Location: Pa Khlok Directions: If coming from Heroines’ Monument, turn right (East) and head towards Pa Khlok. After approx 12.5 kilometres turn left at HHH sign 400 metres after the gasoline station. Follow the road straight for approx 1km and laager site will be on the left, along the road. HHH truck will be marked.

Note: Please park to the left-hand side of the road to allow through traffic.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 1:45pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

must enter Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen into the title equation at long last.

The fortunes of McLaren might finally bear weight on the title outcome too, with divorce from its fruitless Honda relationship opening the door to a Renault-powered 2018.

The Woking team has long insisted its chassis ranks amongst the best on the grid.

Next year will be the acid test.

Few hope for anything less, because a competitive McLaren would unleash Fernando Alonso, shackled by flawed machinery for much of the last decade, into the ring.

The Spaniard, regarded by many as the best in Formula One and perhaps world motorsport, has gone four seasons without victory and an astounding 12 years without a championship.

A four-team, eight-driver championship fight is the stuff of Formula One dreams, but in 2018 dreams might yet become reality.

Don’t forget to tune in to Live89.5 each and every Saturday from 9am for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

Live Sports TV Schedule

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

@thephuketnews

MONTHLY SPONSOR

EPL PREDICTIONS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

f the test for Formula One’s all-new 2017 regulations was to end Mercedes’s dominance, then surely the season was a failure.

After 20 races the 2017 season looked much like the three before it: Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton were crowned champions with considerable margins.

But the points tallies tell only half the story.

An alternative reading is of 2017 as a year of renewed optimism – a year of the fastest cars for generations, of a psychological battle between the sport’s top two drivers and of hope that new golden era could be dawning.

This year will be remembered for Formula One’s return to its roots, reviving the pre1998 wider cars evocative of an age of rawer racing.

Loaded up with cornereating downforce, these machines, amongst the fastest ever built, dared their drivers to dance on the edge of grip.

All of them tried. Some of them ended in the barriers.

These rule changes may not have slowed Mercedes, but Ferrari seized its opportunity to mount an unlikely title bid and deliver the sport its long-awaited blockbuster showdown.

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, the best of their generation, would go toe to toe for the title.

The Ferrari SF70H and the Mercedes W08 were closely matched machines. The former was stable, predictable and

MAIN SPONSOR

*Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP EVENT Saturday December 9 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 Europe Champions Cup 22:10 00:10 Europe Champions Cup 00:30 02:30 Europe Champions Cup Rugby Union 15:30 Soccer

01:00

19:30 21:30 22:00 00:00 22:00 00:00 Soccer 22:00 00:00 00:30 02:30 Sunday December 10 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 22:10 00:10 Rugby Union 15:30 01:00 Soccer 19:00 21:00 21:15 23:15 23:30 01:30 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 22:10 00:10 00:30 02:30

TEAMS / INFO Scarlets v. Benetton Toulon v. Bath Northampton v. Ospreys

HSBC Sevens

Cape Town, Day 1

EPL EPL EPL EPL EPL

West Ham v. Chelsea Tottenham v. Stoke Crystal Palace v. Bournemouth Burnley v. Watford Newcastle v. Leicester

Europe Champions Cup Europe Champions Cup HSBC Sevens EPL EPL EPL Europe Champions Cup Europe Champions Cup Europe Champions Cup

Harlequins v. Ulster Saracens v. Clermont Cape Town, Day 2 Southampton v. Arsenal Liverpool v. Everton Man United v. Man City La Rochelle v. Wasps Saracens v. Clermont Exeter v. Leinster

Team

MP

W

D

1

Manchester City

15

14

1

2

Manchester United

15

11

2

3

Chelsea

15

10

2

4

Liverpool

15

8

5

5

Arsenal

15

9

6

Tottenham Hotspur

15

7

7

Burnley

15

8

Watford

15

L

F

A

GD

Pts

0

46

10

+36

43

2

35

9

+26

35

3

28

12

+16

32

2

33

19

+14

29

1

5

29

19

+10

28

4

4

23

13

+10

25

7

4

4

14

12

+2

25

6

4

5

25

26

-1

22

9

Leicester City

15

5

5

5

20

20

0

20

10

Everton

15

5

3

7

19

28

-9

18

11

Southampton

15

4

5

6

15

18

-3

17

12

Brighton and Hove

15

4

5

6

14

19

-5

17

13

Stoke City

15

4

4

7

18

30

-12

16

14

Bournemouth

15

4

3

8

13

17

-4

15

15

Newcastle United

15

4

3

8

14

22

-8

15

16

Huddersfield Town

15

4

3

8

9

26

-17

15

17

West Brom

15

2

7

6

12

21

-9

13

18

Crystal Palace

15

2

4

9

8

25

-17

10

19

West Ham United

15

2

4

9

13

32

-19

10

20

Swansea City

15

2

3

10

8

18

-10

9

Premier League fixtures Saturday December 9 Match

Time in Thailand

West Ham

vs

Chelsea

7:30pm

Burnley

vs

Watford

10pm

Crystal Palace

vs

Bournemouth

10pm

Huddersfield

vs

Brighton

10pm

Swansea

vs

West Brom

10pm

Spurs

vs

Stoke

10pm

Sunday December 10 Match

Time in Thailand

Newcastle

vs

Leicester

Southampton

vs

Arsenal

7pm

Liverpool

vs

Everton

9:15pm

Man Utd

vs

Man City

11:30pm

12:30am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2017

‘Grappling’ contest hits Phuket, more to follow > p30

WILL THEY RETURN?

New Phuket City Football Association aims to bring the fans back to Surakul The management team behind the newly-formed Phuket City Football Association want the stands to be filled as in the early days of Phuket FC. Photo: The Phuket News / File

FOOTBALL Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

L

ess than a week after the management of the island’s former league football club Phuket FC announced that it was being disbanded due to debts of B83 million owed to former players, The Phuket News can reveal that a new locally-based team has already been formed which will compete in the Euro Cake Thai League 3 Lower Region in the 2018 season.

Speaking to The Phuket News on Monday (Dec 4), Kanissanan “Ole” Srisamer, Vice President and General Manager of the recently formed Phuket City Football Association (PCFA) said that the club aims to bring a team to Phuket that people want to cheer.

Mr Kanissanan also

wanted it to be made clear that PCFA is in no way affiliated with the former club Phuket FC. The President of former Thai League 4 side Phuket FC, Pitipol Nukulpanichwipat, announced the termination of the eight-year-old club last Tuesday (Nov 28) due to an outstanding debt totalling B83mn from lawsuits filed by ex-players against the club’s previous owner Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, Founder and President of Kata Group Resorts.

“We can not continue to play in the Thai league.

We cannot enter next year’s league because we have been stopped by football’s governing body Fifa. If we do not clear the B83mn debt, we cannot get the club licence to be able to continue to play,” Mr Pitipol told The Phuket News at last Tuesd ay’s press con ference.

“The debt comes from three of Phuket FC’s former players suing Phuket FC for having their contracts terminated in 2014. Those players are Alonso Jose Carvalho da Silva, Marcio Gleydson da Silva Santos and Roland Gunter Vargas Aguilera,” he said.

Speaking to The Phuket News on Monday, Mr Kanissanan said, “The people behind Phuket City Football Association want to bring the fun back to Phuket football, to bring a team to Phuket that people want to cheer.

“With an initial budget of B9 million from various sources, including sponsors, we will be able to start off this new football club by the start of 2018,” he explained.

“We are completely open to sponsors, to anyone who wants to support us. This team will be a Phuket team, for Phuket people. Any local businesses who want to

support us, we will welcome them, we will put their logos on our kits.

“This team will be a Thai League 3 club, which means we are looking for 25 to 27 players.

“We are currently in the process of choosing our players, 60-70% of whom will be local Phuketians. However, foreigners are also welcome to apply as well,” he said.

“We will have strict regulations which all of our players will be fully aware of.

Our player contracts will be in both Thai and English and will be very clear, so as not to lead to any misunderstandings.

“We are also going to have a junior club to train up younger players to join the league,” he added.

Mr Kanissanan explained that he has experience as a former manager of Thailand Tobacco Monopoly (TTM)

Football Club of Pichit province, as a former manager for TTM Chiang Mai’s substitute team, and a former secretary for TTM FC. “We will hold our first trials on December 16. However, the location is not yet confirmed. I will give you this information when we have decided,” he said.

“There will also be three players from the Thai national team coming to play for Phuket City,” said Mr Kanissanan.

“The team is already licensed with the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), as we have bought the club and position from another team, whose name we will not disclose at this stage.

“So the licence is already obtained, we just require documents of proof to be sent to us. Everything is basically ready,” he said.

“Right now I will not

disclose who PCFA’s owners are, nor the identity of the coaches. At this stage I am only prepared to let the public know that I am the general manager.

“Mr Jeerasak Chomthong, who is currently a marketing and communication manager for Chonburi FC is helping us with communication and media,” he said.

“We also have Mr Kittipop Jantatree, who is the former public relations manager of TTM Pichit, working with us as our public relations manager,” he said.

“More details will come in the next month or so. All details should be settled and available by January 2018,” he added.

“I am not affiliated in any way with the former club Phuket FC. We know each other through sporting events, however, we have never worked together.” thephuketnews