09-01-2015

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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ZONING OF PHUKET’S BEACHES BEGINS, ALLOWING UMBRELLAS ON ONLY 10 PER CENT OF THE SANDY AREA Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

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ork on zoning Phuket’s beaches to allow illegal operators to once again occupy part of the beach to make a living began this week.

It was decided last week that 10 per cent of the area of each beach will be assigned to masseurs and beach umbrella rental outfits, under the strict supervision of local authorities.

What makes the new system potentially very interesting is that officials have decided that tourists and other beachgoers who bring their own umbrellas to the beach must also use the 10-per-cent area.

They may not erect their umbrellas in the remaining 90 per cent of the sand.

A Karon Municipality team led by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak visited Kata and Karon beaches on Wednesday (January 7) to measure

a 10 per cent space along the beach assigned as a zone for masseurs and beach umbrella operators.

The 10 per cent space, which will stretch the entire length of the beach, will begin 10 metres from the tree line.

The remaining 90 per cent of the beach, between the umbrella zone and the sea will be free of umbrellas, with only towels or mats allowed, none on a commercial basis.

“We have drawn up a zoning plan

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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A bemused tourist watches as officials measure the beach to establish the zone.

for effective beach management. After we introduce this rule it will be the responsibility of each municipality to inform tourists about it,” said the Vice-Governor.

Asked whether there is likely to be conflict between umbrella operators and tourists erecting umbrellas on the operators’ 10 per cent of the beach, he said, “I do not think umbrella operators will have a problem with tourists bringing their own umbrellas as they will be using the same space.

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Pencak Silat world champs in Phuket

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Big changes made to driving test system Tanyaluck Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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The Chotima Driving School, where learners can take their driving tests the Polytechnic College, the Technical College, Thalang Technical College, and the Skills Development Centre.

But they will not get the full certificate entitling them to a license.

Instead, after four hours of training they will get a “proof of completion” document which they can take to the PLTO and take the driving test there.

By farming out the tests, the PLTO staff are now able to spend more time working on the backlog of renewals.

Jaturong Kaewkasi, the PLTO’s Chief Adviser, told The Phuket News, “We want to increase the number of renewals we

handle each day from 50 to 100.”

He added, “This is a national initiative of the Transportation Department because it wants people to be trained, to learn and to practice before getting licences.”

Now, anyone wanting to take the driving test at the PLTO must be there for registration between 8 and 9am on Monday, Thursday or Friday. Only 70 people will be processed per day.

For more information contact the PLTO at 076-214 930. For the Chotima School call 076 612 661 or visit facebook.com/ chotimadrivingschool

Police, army, quell New Year work camp battle THA CHAT CHAI POLICE are investigating the story behind a battle involving hundreds of people that broke out on New Year’s Day (January 1) in the huge camp for labourers working on the Phuket International Airport expansion.

The battle between Burmese and Cambodian labourers working for main contractor Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Co Ltd, led to a fire in worker accommodation that destroyed seven rooms.

Troops are now patrolling

Support for Light Rail but many details to decide Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

ith a huge backlog of people wanting their driver licences renewed, and with an eye on improving road skills, the Phuket Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO) is farming out driving tests to a private driving school, the Chotima Driving School on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd. The new system is part of a national initiative to reorganise and improve driving skills and driving tests while at the same time reducing the burden on PLTO staff.

As of Monday (January 5) all applicants for driving tests must be able to show that they have taken some form of classroom and practical training. Failing this, they will not be able to take the test.

Learner drivers are now able to take lessons and also take the test at the Chotima School. The test will be identical to the PLTO one. If they pass, they can then take the certificate issued by Chotima to the PLTO and receive their shiny new license.

Learner drivers can also do classroom and practical training in driving at four of the island’s colleges: Rajabhat University,

Calm again: Workers at the airport construction camp. the area and the company has been ordered to organise new accommodation with the 400-500 Cambodian and 370

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Burmese workers housed well away from one another.

A person living nearby told The Phuket News that there are

around 2,000 workers in the camp, including 1,000 Thais, who were not involved.

There had already been a fight on Tuesday (December 30), with some minor injuries, but not on the scale of the New Year’s Day battle, an alcoholfueled riot that lasted for two hours before police and troops were able to stop it.

The cause of the fighting is not clear, but each side has apparently harboured a simmering resentment of the other for a long time.

A PU BLIC M EETI NG about the proposed Phuket Light Rail System (LRS) held on Tuesday (January 6) revealed that although most people support the project, there are still issues that need to be taken into consideration before the project, slated to be completed by 2024, can go ahead.

Expected to cost B24 billion, construction of the 60-kilometre LRS will take about 36 months to complete.

Before that, however, there is a great deal of preparatory work and planning to be done.

The initial design of the project, based on a low-floor tram system, comprises 21 stations running from ThaNoon in Phang Nga to the terminal at Chalong Circle.

The 30-metre long tram will have a maximum speed of 100 kmh with a limit of 20 to 40 kmh in downtown areas. Double tracks will be used in certain areas, yet to be specified, whilst others will be served by a single track.

The main depot is expected to be located behind the Nissan Thalang Showroom near Tesco Lotus Thalang.

Some areas of Phuket Town, such as the Chartered Bank Junction in Phuket Town, may be turned into pedestrianised zones. However, further studies will be required on this topic.

Although she said she felt positive about the project,

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana also raised some concerns, especially regarding the Chartered Bank intersection where Phang Nga Rd meets Thepkrassattri Rd. She said she was worried about how traffic would be handled if the intersection were pedestrianised and vehicles had to be re-routed via Montri Rd or Yaowaraj Rd, where traffic congestion is already a problem.

Moreover, she said, she doesn’t want to see overhead power cables in the town.

Logistics expert Dr Keerati Kijmanawat said, “For some areas, such as Heroines Monument and Phuket Town, we will use a battery system so there will be no need for overhead cables; two systems will be used to power the tramway: mains power and batteries.”

Sirigate Apirat, Secretary of the LRS Project told The Phuket News, “We are now in the process of checking all the details of the project and seeing what points need correcting or adding.

“The information we have gathered today will be taken into account and we will adjust our plans accordingly.

“We are also still studying the environmental impact assessment on the project but this will take years to finish.

“However, the Minister of Transport, ACM Prajin Juntong has agreed to the project and has stated it should start as soon as possible.”

Beach umbrella zones set up Continued from Page 1 “We will hold a meeting with all operators to make sure they understand.

“Tourists are important for our economy, and we will need to ensure this scheme proceeds with care,” he added.

Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong, who is also head of the beach management committee, told The Phuket News that he believes this new rule will not affect tourism, and tourists will understand the importance of this beach management scheme.

“We cannot leave the beaches unorganised any more. Whether you are a masseur, umbrella operator or a tourist with an umbrella, you have to stay in the 10 per cent

special zone.

“I do not believe there will be a problem between people using the special zone; it is a free space set aside for everyone. Nobody can put their things there permanently.

“There are some people who will try to take advantage if we allow umbrellas everywhere on the beach, and we will have exactly the same problem again as we had before.”

He said that after the new scheme is introduced, each local municipality must erect signs in Thai and English, and possibly Russian and Chinese as well, explaining the zoning area and the regulations for all visitors Phuket’s other beaches will also have to introduce 10-per-cent zones. thephuketnews

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29 injured, 1 dies in

car-bus accident A TOUR BUS CRASHED SPECtacularly near the Thavorn Beach Village on the Kamala-Patong road on December 30, injuring 28 of the 42 people aboard the bus, mostly Russian tourists, along with a car driver, who later died.

The bus, owned by Nichanon Co and chartered to Anex Tour, was being driven by Aroon Yemgeua, 46. It was heading from Kamala towards Patong when it was hit by an overtaking car coming in the opposite direction.

The bus careered off the road to the

Fewer road deaths but more accidents T

he report card for the island during the annual “Seven Days of Danger” period is mixed.

Although there were fewer deaths this year – just two compared with five in the same period a year ago, there were more accidents and more people injured.

The final figures were issued on Tuesday morning (January 6). Between December 30 and January 5 there were 44 accidents involving people being injured badly enough to be hospitalised, with 45 people hurt.

In the same period last year there were 28 crashes with 33 people hospitalised.

The two people who died this year were both women.

Tantima Thaworn died on New Year’s Day of injuries she received in a crash on the first of the Seven Days, and Anoma Muang Panit died on New Year’s Eve when the bike she was on was in collision with a Mercedes Benz car.

The type of vehicle most commonly involved in accidents was, not surprisingly,

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the motorbike. Motorbikes were involved in 38 crashes, compared with two cars, one truck and one bus.

A total of 14,952 vehicles were stopped by police over the seven days, with 1,984 found to be breaking traffic laws.

A total of 820 were not wearing helmets, 815 had no driver’s license, four were stopped for driving dangerously, 119 were not wearing seat belts, and 44 were speeding.

Eighteen people out of 860 tested were positive for drunk driving, 88 were stopped for running red lights, 66 for driving or riding the wrong way, eight for overtaking dangerously and six for using mobile phones while driving.

Meanwhile, the national figures for the Seven Days have been declared “satisfactory” by the government, according to a Bangkok Post report.

Road fatalities across the country during the New Year’s holiday fell 7 per cent from a year ago, with 341 killed in the “seven dangerous days,” Interior permanent secretary Wiboon Sanguanpong said on

Tuesday.

From December 30 to January 5, 3,117 people were injured in 2,997 accidents – a fall of 5.5pc in the number of accidents and 6.7pc in the number of people hospitalised.

Mr Wiboon said that although the government set no specific targets for this year’s New Year’s safety campaign, the across-the-board declines were satisfactory.

Drunk driving remained a major cause of accidents, causing 37.3pc of the crashes.

Motorcycles were plainly more dangerous than any other vehicle, being involved in 82.3pc of wrecks in which people were sent to the hospital or morgue.

Chatchai Promlert, director-general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said continuing cooperation from road users and effective law enforcement are necessary in order to reduce accidents.

Chiang Mai proved the most deadly province, with 133 accidents, 18 deaths and 129 injured. Two provinces reported no deaths from road

accidents: Singh Buri and Nakhon Phanom. Bangkok proved relatively safe: 44 of the capital’s 50 districts had no accidents at all. Nationwide, 656 districts, or 74.71pc, also survived accident-free.

This year’s numbers showed a downward trend in accident numbers, according to government figures.

right, then rolled down a five-metre slope, landing upside down in an entranceway below.

The driver of the overtaking Ford Fiesta, 37-year-old Tantima Thaworn, suffered severe abdominal injuries from which she died two days later.

Of the 28 injured on the bus, 27 were Russian tourists. Amazingly, all were discharged from hospital after treatment. Also injured was a Thai woman guide aboard the bus. She, too, has since recovered and been discharged.

Do as I say, not as I do SUPERSTAR BEYONCÉ Knowles, on holiday in Phuket with husband Jay Z and daughter Blue Ivy, posted on her Facebook on January 1, “Have a safe and Happy New Year.”

It was more a case of “Do as I say, not do as I do,” apparently – on Saturday (January

3) photos of the star surfaced online, showing her and hubby riding on a rented motorbike with no helmets.

Beyoncé had already come under fire among animal lovers in Phuket after being pictured riding on the back of a baby elephant..

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proposal to boost the number of elderly Thai and foreign tourists visiting Phuket and other parts of Southern Thailand was aired on Wednesday (January 7), with local people asked to make recommendations about places where the elderly might like to stay, or sites they might like to visit.

Leading a seminar at the Katina Hotel, Assoc Prof Dr Saranya Bunnag of the Social Sciences Faculty at Prince of Songkhla University (PSU), Pattani campus, explained the proposal and what is being done.

“We have already researched the behaviour of the elderly,” she said. “They like comfortable accommodation and food that is easy to digest. They like visiting natural places such as the hot springs in Ranong, and places of history.”

Attending the meeting were tour agents, local officials and local people from various parts of the island.

Dr Saranya told them, “The main idea of this meeting today is to get your ideas.

You know more than other people about the places that might attract elderly tourists.

Some elderly tourists are happy to be on the beach but PSU research indicates that Phuket and the South can do more to attract them with nature and history.

Our research [when complete] may help tour agencies that decide they want to target the elderly as a market.

“I believe we should attract more elderly tourists to come in Phuket. In Penang in Malaysia they get lots of these people. It would be good if we in Phuket can do the same.

“I believe the results of our

research will be capable of attracting more such tourists to the island.”

She said that the PSU research team has already begun collecting information, and expects to complete it in about three weeks. After that, the research will be presented to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Dr Saranya told The Phuket News, “Phuket is an interesting province that international tourists have been aware of for a long time.

“We aim to help create a new target market [the elderly] and create new tour routes [for them] in Phuket, which will also help the nation’s economy.”

Once the results have been handed over to the FTI, she said, FTI representatives can survey all the destinations for the elderly that have been identified by the research. “If [they find] that a tourism place is not good, it can be improved or changed.”

The research will also be presented at the ITB travel show in Berlin, Germany, from March 4 to 8. ITB is one of the world’s largest tourism shows.

She also saw significant possibilities in expanding to a national level a project that PSU has already carried out in the Deep South.

“My research team have successfully created new tourism routes in Songkla, Pattani, Satun, Yala and Narathiwat, where there are many interesting historic sites to visit.

“We found 897 potential tourism points in these provinces. These have been posted on our website. People can go to the site and create their own itineraries to suit their particular interests. After we collect similar information on Phuket, this, too, will be posted on the website (www. me-fi.com/saranya/).”

Asked why the website was in Thai only, she said that translating it would be expensive.

Andaman coast backed as World Heritage site

Pramote Maiklad: “We’ve never been able to stop the destruction of marine natural resources.”

THE NATIONAL REFORM Council (NRC) on December 29 voted to seriously push Thailand’s Andaman coast to become a World Heritage site for conservation and tourism.

The members voted yesterday 196-2 in favour, with seven abstentions.

Before the vote, Pramote Maiklad, head of the NRC’s committee on natural resources and the environment, told the council that the upgrade of the coast would be a “quickwin” reform as it had a unique shoreline and ecosystem, which bring the country tourism revenue of B300-400 billion annually.

“In the past 10 years, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation planned to propose it as a World Heritage site to Unesco and it has been on the Tentative List since 2004. But it’s a pity the proposal has not been seriously supported,” Mr Pramote said.

He also said that all concerned agencies were now ready to support the idea and it was time the NRC pushed it.

“Benefits will go to all six southern provinces on the Andaman Sea. This covers 17 marine national parks and one wildlife sanctuary, a combined marine area of more than 10,000 square kilometres.

“It will be the first marine World Heritage site of Thailand,” Mr Pramote said, referring to Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Ranong and Satun provinces.

As a world heritage site, the Andaman coast would benefit from natural resource research and efficient management, he said.

“Thailand will receive considerable support, and ecotourism will expand substantially,” Mr Pramote said.

If the project is delayed, marine resources including coral reefs will deteriorate through both natural and human actions, he warned.

Thon Thamrongnawasawat, a marine biologist and member of the NRC’s natural resources and environmental committee, said it could take about three years for the proposal to go through the consideration process.

“Whether it will be a World Heritage site or not has not yet been important to me.

The problem is that we’ve never been able to stop the destruction of marine natural resources and to seriously integrate tourism promotion and environmental conservation.

“This is proposed in order to stop the ongoing destruction,” Mr Thon said. thephuketnews

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Two dead in burst of gang shootings over New Year hree teenagers were shot in separate gang attacks over the New Year holidays, with two of them dying and a third critically injured.

Police are looking for one more person after three teenagers surrendered on Sunday (January 4) to answer murder charges following the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old on New Year’s Eve. Sakorn Nitipoj was found shot dead at the side of Narisorn Rd near the Phuket office of the Finance Department.

The three who surrendered on Sunday were 17-year-old “Bank” (a pseudonym as he is under 18 years of age), Supachai Atwicha, 19, and Adisorn Leamka, 18. They were charged with premeditated murder and being accessories to murder.

The trio said that they and the fourth suspect, still at large, got into an altercation with Sakorn, who was with a group of friends, at Saphan Hin. The fight turned into a high-speed bike chase. When they reached Narisorn Rd, the four – who were all armed – opened fire at Sakorn before riding away.

During questioning the trio indicated that the fatal shot was fired by the fourth youth.

Police are also looking for two gunmen who shot an 18-year-old boy on Phoonpol Rd in Phuket Town on the

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Police detain Sakonrat Seaseu, a Phuket youth who was caught in Kok Kloi after allegedly shooting another youth.

Usaman Maidingao of Pattani was busted with a .45 pistol at Tha Chat Chai checkpoint.

night of December 29. The boy later died.

Phuket Town Police Superintendent Lt Col Sermpan Sirikong said the shooting took place just before midnight.

Pachara Tipnate, 18, was driving his motorbike along the road with a friend on the back when another bike with no license plate and two people on board drew level with them.

One of the riders shot Pachara once before they sped away.

Pachara was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital where he later died from the gunshot wound.

Col Sermpan said investigators believe the shooters may have been from a local gang.

A friend of Pachara said he could not understand why

man, Sakonrat Saeseu, 20, of Phuket Town, had mistaken Mr Boonphrom for someone else. They seized a gun from him.

He was charged with attempted murder.

Two more potential murder weapons were seized on New Year’s Eve at police

Pachara had been shot. “He had no enemies and rarely went out. He just moved to Phuket a year ago,” he said.

Meanwhile, Boonphrom Chupeng, 18, of Kathu, is in critical condition at Vachira Phuket Hospital after he was shot in the face at around 5am on New Year’s Day in front of a 7-11 convenience store on Soi Nanai 8 in Patong.

After studying CCTV footage of the shooting, in which Mr Boonphrom was shot in the left jaw, and after speaking to witnesses, police identified and arrested the suspected shooter at Phang Nga’s Kok Kloi bus station just three hours later.

From initial interrogations, police believe that the arrested

Abu Dhabi sandstorm leaves 500 passengers stuck in Phuket Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

SOME 500 AIRLINE PASSENGERS scheduled to fly out on two Etihad Airways flights were stuck in Phuket this week because of a massive sandstorm that also caused fog in Abu Dhabi, their destination.

The storm had prevented flights taking off or landing in the UAE capital for two days, with the result that flights that were due to arrive in Phuket on Saturday and Sunday (January 4 and 5) to take passengers back to Abu Dhabi were unable to fly.

Etihad cancelled a total of 20 flights out of Abu Dhani because of the sandstorm and fog, the local news site, The National, reported on Sunday.

Santi Pawai, Director of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Phuket office (Phuket TAT) told The Phuket News that Etihad Airways flight EY430, both yesterday and @thephuketnews

today, (January 5) was grounded, leaving two plane-loads of people stuck in Phuket.

Passengers were put up in local hotels until the airline was able to fly them out.

On Tuesday the airline announced that some of the stranded passengers, who were due to transit Abu Dhabi for other destinations, had been fouund seats on other airlines.

Etihad, in a statement on Monday said it was organising aircraft to pick up the remainder. A local staffer told The Phuket News that one of these aircraft arrived just after midnight on Tuesday morning, and that another was expected on Wednesday night to carry the remaining passengers home to to Abu Dhabi.

The statement added, “Etihad Airways apologises to its passengers for the inconvenience that this major disruption has caused and thanks them for their patience during these extremely challenging few days.”

Suwannayang Manabutr had a .38 handgun on his person while on his way to town.

checkpoints.

Suwannayang Manabutr, 18, of Sisunthon was stopped and searched at the Tung Ka checkpoint in Rassada.

The young man, who was on his way into town, was found to have a Walter .38 in a holster, along with seven bullets. He was charged with

possession of a gun without a permit, and being armed without reasonable cause in a public place.

At Tha Chat Chai checkpoint, police booked Usaman Maidingao, 40, of Pattani, on similar charges after a Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol was found on his person.

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Lucky Frenchman flees burning car A

Mr Hazebrouco, stands at the side of the road watching his car burn.

French resident of Phuket escaped without a scratch on Monday (January 5) after the car he was driving burst into flames on Patong Hill.

Called to the scene, 100 metres from the Sea Pearl Villas, police encountered Bernard Louis Joseph Hazebrouco, 68, standing by the road surveying the blazing car.

He told them he was driving from Kathu to Patong on a Toyota Vios when he saw sparks pour-

ing out from under the bonnet, quickly followed by flames.

Thinking quickly, Mr Hazebrouco slammed on the brakes, jammed the car into park and turned off the engine. Then, he said, “I opened the door and jumped out.”

It took 20 minutes to put out the f lames and allow the engine to cool down to the point where the car could be towed away to Kathu Police Station, and traffic could once again flow freely.

Woman in death leap after no-fun New Year RATIYAKORN SUNARAK, 23, OF Sakhon Nakhon jumped from her second-floor apartment on Sai Nam Yen Rd, Patong, early on New Year’s Day, apparently after her boyfriend told her that he was working and could not take

her out for the New Year celebrations.

Witnesses told police that Ms Ratiyakorn, who had long bleached-blonde hair, had been in a fight with her boyfriend on New Year’s Eve. Police believe that, leading up to the incident, she was

drinking beer in her room alone and was angry because her boyfriend, who has not been named, could not take her out for the New Year’s celebrations.

Police are looking for her boyfriend to get more details.

Crewman missing after cargo boat sinks ONE CREW MEMBER OF a cargo boat that turned turtle and sank in heavy weather off Phi Phi island on December 29 is missing, presumed dead.

Rescue boats were sent out at 4:30pm from Krabi after an SOS from the Sor Jatuporn, which carries goods regularly from Krabi to Phi Phi.

The boat sank near Runtee Bay, two kilometres from Phi Phi pier. The rescuers were able to pick up 14 people but one Burmese crew member could not be found.

Tosak Praditjareon, 59, the owner of the vessel, told police that the boat left Saithai in Krabi at 1:30pm, heading for

Phi Phi under the command of Seksan Changreur, 50.

As it approached Runtee Bay, it was hit by a four-metre wave that flipped it over. It then sank.

Crew were left floating in the sea among pieces of cargo for more than 30 minutes before help arrived.

Phi Phi Police Inspector Lt Col Danai Niyomdacha led a team of Marine Police and divers to the search around the wreck 20 metres below the surface, to try to locate the missing crewman, a 29-yearold known only as Uo. The search, however, was unsuccessful.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Suicidal postal worker rescued from high ledge A POSTAL WORKER WAS pulled to safety on Wednesday morning (January 7) after spending around three hours teetering at the edge of the roof of the Kaeha Rassada Credit Union building, some 40 metres above ground.

Police were called at around 9am by local people who said that an apparently distressed man was walking along a ledge, seemingly trying to get up the courage to jump.

Around the railing as an attempt to commit suicide.

The 35-year-old man was upset, police were told, about an argument he had had with his wife, and had been drinking solidly for the past three days.

“He’s been up there since 9 this morning,” said a Credit Union security guard. “We don’t know how he got up there.”

A variety of people tried to persuade the man to come into the building but this seemed only to make him more dis-

GOING POSTAL: The man was said to have been drinking for three days after a fight with his wife. tressed. Finally, at around midday, Vachira Phuket Hospital psychiatrist Dr Tappana Sampatanarak managed to calm him down enough so that rescuers were able to stun him with a taser and pull him to safety.

Once inside, he was brought food and drink and talked with Dr Tappana until he could be persuaded to climb in an ambulance to go to hospital.

Eakkapop Thongtub

SOS call point for tourists in trouble opens in Patong THE ISLAND’S FIRST AUtomatic information machine, known as an “SOS Call Point”, has been installed in Patong in front of the Banthai Beach Resort & Spa. Kathu police hope the SOS Call Point will make tourists feel safer in the high season because it allows them to inform police about incidents without first having to go to the police station or find a patrol officer.

Pol Lt Col Pongpichan Chayanonpirai of Kathu Police Station told The Phuket News, “If it works for tourists [in Patong], we will recommend that other machines be installed at other beaches in Phuket.”

“The system is similar to calling the emergency 191 hotline, but it is a video call.

Whenever a tourist has a problem with a criminal situation, they can inform a policeman

by SOS. The system, which is funded by the private sector, will then alert the 191 call centre in Phuket Town.

The new box is hoped to help tourists feel more safe.

Once a policeman in the area receives information from the call centre, he will go directly to the SOS Call Point.

“The SOS Call Point is equipped with CCTV which can record activities in the area.

A camera will also record the faces of people who use the Call Point.”

He added that even in a blackout it will work; it has a backup battery.

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Disappearing lake case caught between two laws Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

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months-long battle over the filling of a tin lake close to the bypass road is now before the provincial court – but the outcome is far from certain, The Phuket News has learned.

The 1.4-million-cubic-metre lake is in the centre of land owned by local businessman, Boonkeng Srisansuchart, who has been busy filling it in, thereby turning it into land that can be developed or simply sold on to others.

Rassada Municipality has filed a case with the Phuket Court, alleging violation of Thailand’s Environment Law, but a police officer close to the case says that according to a different law, the filling-in of the lake may not only be legal but may in fact be mandatory.

Pol Col Sien Kaewthong, Inquiry Official of Phuket Police Station told The Phuket News that it has been established that the land is clearly owned by Mr Boonkeng, and he is filling in his own land – not public land.

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This tin lake, close to the bypass road, is caught between two laws.

“The land initially was a rubber plantation with a title deed, before it became a tin mine. The law on tin mines stipulates that once mining ends, a tin mine must be filled up to the same level as the surrounding ground.”

Section 72 of the 1967 Mineral Act states, For any cavity, hole or funnel that is no longer in use for tin mining, the Mineral Mine Concession Certificate holder has to fulfill it to bring back the same

condition as the land was before unless the Mineral Mine Concession Certificate mentioned differently or there is other command from local Mining authorities approved by Director of Department of Primary Industries and Mines.

Col Sien said, “The land is completely privately owned. There is no public land or water source involved.

“If the municipality believe that it is illegal to fill up the lake, and the

owner keeps filling it now, they are the only people who are authorised to issue an order to stop it.

“If the owner does not stop, there is a penalty,” Col Sien said.

The Phuket News was informed by the municipality’s lawyer that last year, the municipality twice ordered a halt to the filling of the lake on the grounds that Mr Boonkeng had broken the Land Excavation and Land Filling Act, which requires a permit to be issued if more than

2,000 cubic metres is to be filled.

Mr Boonkeng was first warned to stop, and then fined B15,000 for ignoring the second order.

The Damrongtham Centre is also involved, having received a complaint against Mr Boonkeng from Rassada Municipality, which was also representing people living nearby.

That is the case that has been under consideration by the court since September last year. Meanwhile, the filling continues.

The lake, now about 60 per cent filled, orginally covered around 25 rai. Land in the area around the lake is valued by the Land Office at B4.4 million per rai, but the market price is probably closer to B10 million, or more – the vacant land across from Tesco bypass was offered for sale last year at an asking price of B18 million a rai.

Mr Boonkeng told The Phuket News that he knows about Rassada Municipality’s accusations against him and about the case filed with the court. He would not comment about what he would do to fight the case.

PHUKET NEWS

8

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Russian arrested for leading illegal tours Saran Mitrarat editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

Russian woman was arrested on Tuesday (January 6) at the Karon Viewpoint for acting as an illegal tour guide and running an unregistered tour company.

Yuliya Tsybiktarova, 29, was arrested while escorting Russian tourists at the viewpoint. Tourist Police officers also seized tour package brochures from her.

The arrest came as part of regular drives conducted by police and Tourism Registry officers at the beginning of each month to catch people breaking the rules on tours.

When the officers arrived at the viewpoint, which has views over Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon Bay, they spotted Ms Tsybiktarova leading seven Russian tourists out of a van and then telling them about the delights of the area.

After watching for a while the officers approached her and asked her for her tour guide ID which – being a foreigner – she did not have.

She told them she had worked as manager of BJ Holiday on Siriraj Rd in Patong for a month, and admitted she had taken Russian tourists on tours. The company paid her B50,000 a month, she added.

The Tourism Registry officials found that BJ’s application to provide tours had yet to be approved, yet the company was already selling tour packages to Russian tourists.

Ms Tsybiktarova was taken to Karon Police Station for further questioning.

The incident follows the arrests of three Burmese men

who were found working at an illegal dive shop on Koh Racha on New Year’s Eve. Those arrests came on the orders of Santi Pawai, Director of the Phuket Office of Tourism and Sport.

The raid on Hou Hai Diver Co – which aimed its dubious services at the mainland Chinese market – came after a furore over internet marketing by the company, which appeared to offer dive trips that included catching marine turtles and damaging coral.

One poster on Facebook commented, “Dear all my

Chinese friends! Pls share and pass our word to them; Tourist company that provided this advertisements and their customers. It was happened when they were traveling in Phuket, Thailand.

“Please do concern about the rules of places and respect ours while traveling, especially diving. By these photo pls pls pls forward and pls let them know what should not do. On behalf of [the] host country, we always welcome the lovely tourists [with] good minds but ... If you are not ... We will not [welcome you] too.”

Mr Santi said it was discovered that Hou Hai Diving had no diving credentials such as PADI certification or registration (though it did have PADI stickers), and no tourism business registration.

“Moreover, their Burmese staff have the wrong work papers – they have only labourers’ papers, and no dive instructor qualifications,” he added.

The company was ordered closed and the case has been handed over to police for further investigation. Another two Burmese are being sought for their involvement.

Also on Tuesday (January 6) Mr Santi closed a travel shop, the Patong branch of Pink Angel Travel.

He cancelled the branch’s tourism business registration after multiple complaints were made to the Damrongtham Centre that Pink Angel had hired Nepalese to sell tour packages illegally to tourists.

Pink Angel Travel (owner Thitaree Wattanathanyanon) was registered as a tourism business in 2008 and has 10 branches.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Six arrested with large amount of ice SIX PEOPLE WERE ARrested Tuesday afternoon (January 6) with a third of a kilo of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice).

Police seized over 47 grams of ya ice during the arrest, which took place in Patong.

Kojchawan Charnchalard 31, Siriwat Chuwong 24, Napatsorn Seipkaew 29, Kritsada Sukkong 25, Weerasak Jakkaew 25 and Jaruwat Sriperg 26 were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

Further questioning prompted officers to later search Jaruwat’s room, where they uncovered another 286 grams ya ice, already separated into small plastic bags and ready for distribution.

Movie director arrested for trespass in derelict hotel FA M ED T H A I MOV I E director Anon “Poj Anon” Mingkhwan was arrested at Suvarnabhumi airport on December 29 on a warrant issued in Phuket.

The warrant charged that he had trespassed in the Crown Nai Yang hotel at Nai Yang Beach, which has been abandoned since the 2004 Asian Tsunami.

After his arrest Anon, 48, was sent back to Phuket where he was freed on bail of

B100,000 at Tha Chat Chai police station.

The arrest came after a complaint was filed on September 12 by Niphon Rungsimunwong, 30, spokesperson of Mahalap Co, accusing Anon’s company, Filmguru, of using the hotel as a set between June 17 and 25 to shoot a new teen flick, Tsunami Ghost, without permission.

The complaint said that Anon, the director of the movie,

arrived with his film crew and told security guards that he had received permission to shoot the film in the abandoned hotel.

The complaint said that, in fact, Mahalap had already rejected a request by Filmguru to shoot in the hotel.

Anon and his assistant Jakkapan Janbeng – who had completed filming at the hotel – were both charged with trespassing on private property.

Tsunami Ghost (in Thai, M.6/5 [Ta Phi Nee Tsunami]) is scheduled for release by the end of this year.

Poj Anon has come under considerable criticism for his perceived insensitivity to the familes of tsunami victims.

Thai website RYT9.com re-

ported that “many movie fans” were upset that the director insisted on releasing the new film in a year that marks the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

But the director shrugged off the criticism, writing on his Facebook page, “The more people talk about or criticise my movie the better the rating it will get, so thank you for helping me promote my movie.”

Additional reporting by Supatra Sutham.

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 17

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Reform Council criticises mobile phone firms’ fees T

he National Reform Council (NRC) has slammed the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) for failing to take action against mobile phone companies taking advantage of consumers by charging unfair mobile phone fees on a per-minute basis.

The NRC on Tuesday (Jan 6) endorsed a report by an NRC committee on consumer protection reform, which has proposed that mobile phone fees be charged on a per-second basis instead of per minute.

The committee also called on the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) to exercise its powers to resolve the issue quickly. The NRC voted 211-3 to endorse the recommendation.

Committee chair Saree Ongsomwang told the NRC that Thais use more than 94 million mobile phones while the population is only about 65 million.

She said if a user calls five times a day, statistically, the total average calling time is

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estimated to be nine minutes and 20 seconds, but the mobile phone service providers instead end up charging for a total of 12 minutes.

Currently, although a mobile user’s calls may only last seconds, the operators will charge one minute worth of call fees.

Ms Saree said that consumer protection bodies have received complaints from mobile phone users that calls are charged for more than the actual calling time used if calculated on a per-second basis — or by more than B300 per month.

She also cited an NBTC survey which showed a prepaid mobile phone user spent an average of B341 per month, while a post-paid user spent an average of B716 per month. The average of the two systems is B414 per month.

If a user saves only one minute of calling per day or about B1.33 in fees, almost B40 will be saved per person per month, Ms Saree said.

With all 94 million mobile

phone numbers, if call fees are not rounded up on a perminute basis, the money saved will come to B3.6 billion per month, or B43 billion per year, she said.

Mr Saree said it is the NRC’s duty to “reclaim” the more than B43 billion, which will set a precedent for further action on other matters, such as users paying high fees for slow internet services.

She said the committee agreed that this issue is urgent and cannot wait for the NBTC action’s, which may take at least six months.

Therefore, the committee also proposed the NCPO ensure that mobile phone fees on a per-minute basis are reviewed more quickly.

However, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is also the NCPO leader, said the NCPO cannot use its absolute power under Section 44 of the interim constitution to do anything it wishes.

Mobile phone fees are an economic issue and should be left to the NBTC to handle, Gen Prayut said.

NBTC secretary-general Takorn Tantasith said a com-

mittee will be set up to study the matter to push for implementation of the proposal.

NRC members agreed that mobile phone operators are taking advantage of consumers, and the NBTC is partly to blame for failing to do more to tackle the issue.

NRC member Sayant Chanwipaswong said users are treated unfairly. For example, there are no warnings about roaming services when phones are used overseas, resulting in exorbitant international roaming fees.

NRC member Lertrat Rattanawanich said the practice of taking advantage of customers by charging calls per-minute has existed for years, but the NBTC failed to notice.

“Even when we reject a call or there is a missed call that appears in an SMS, they will charge a rate of one minute.”

NRC member Chermsak Pinthong said the fees show the industry lacks free competition, and the practice existed despite the NBTC’s supervision.

Bangkok Post

9

Kiwi caught with drugs in Phuket also wanted in NZ A N E W Z E A L A N DE R caught in Phuket on meth and cocaine possession charges on Christmas Eve is also wanted in his home country on credit card fraud charges, the New Zealand Herald has reported.

The man, named by Patong police as Taylor Grainge, was arrested last week after police caught him with 1.2g of methamphetamine and 0.95g of cocaine, enough to merit a charge of possession with intent to sell.

The Herald reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade identified him as Grainge Taylor. He began using the Taylor surname after he had allegedly committed credit card fraud in 2010. He left the country that year under his new name, before a warrant was issued for his arrest in August 2012.

Opinion 10 OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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KODCHANAT THINSEPON Editor

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

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DALIA HILMI News Editor

Settling for top’s bottom

A

s a renewed cloud of uncertainty looms over Thailand’s tourism industry, Phuket marketeers are once again prompted to seek out more lucrative markets – old and new – so as to fill certain voids anticipated in the year ahead, and beyond.

And just as the results of a survey – which pitted Thailand as the 10th best country in the world to retire (out of 25 rated) – were published (see News page 11), public and private stakeholders are now rallying to cash in on the elderly (See News page 4).

In theory, the marketing side of things shouldn’t require too much effort.

Thailand – with its iconic tropical ocean vistas (think Phuket, Krabi), culture-rich hillsides (Chiang Mai), supreme-value services (Pattaya), sleepy seaside resorts (Hua Hin), cosmopolitan condos (Bangkok) and even its dirt-

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cheap countryside estates (Isan) – has long ranked high on retirees’ lists the world over.

The kingdom’s health sector has comfortably retained a competitive edge over its Western counterparts, thanks to a value offering of relatively higher standards of service, but at much lower expense.

Indeed, the lower cost of living in Thailand has been the cornerstone to the “Settle down in Sabai Sabai Thailand” pitch over the past few decades, which has been effective in luring tens of thousands of “quality visitors” from Australia, North America and Europe.

But as times have changed, so have the general sentiments of many of those pioneering pensioners, who will almost unanimously agree that Thailand (especially Phuket) “is not what it used to be”.

Change is inevitable, and the rising cost of living is certainly not limited to Thailand.

However, when “quality visitors”, such as retirees, contemplate their settling grounds, the cost of living is only one factor; just as important, if not more so, is the quality of life.

Thailand’s current predicament has echoes in the classic Aesop fable, about the dog with meat in its mouth that mistakes its own reflection for another dog with more meat.

So it seems that while stakeholders are busy trying to tap new markets abroad, they have neglected the existing bread and butter, and the quality of life has not risen in sync with the cost of living.

The implications of such neglect don’t just impact retirees or other “long term” residents, but extend to the local population as a whole.

Before getting too carried away with new income sources outside of the country, perhaps stakeholders should concentrate their efforts inwards first.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Beyoncé’s second Phuket boo-boo Details of Patong New Year’s shooting, suicide incidents emerge Lucky escape for French driver in burning Phuket car: VIDEO Two more shootings, a suicide attempt mark year’s turning in Phuket Abu Dhabi sandstorm leaves 500 passengers stuck in Phuket: VIDEO New Year mayhem as hundreds do battle in Phuket Airport work camp Phuket airport slaps New Year ban on private jets Tax-paying foreigners not entitled to local price at National Parks Phuket: Giant cargo ship beached off major UK port High expectations for Phuket, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai as top destinations in 2015

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

EDITORIAL

Protest with our pockets Re: Tax-paying foreigners not entitled to local price at National Parks So Ms Wanlapha says you foreigners will pay more because tourist rates are down so we must keep charging you more to help our country with income? … If a country in Europe or the US did this, all hell would break loose and riots would occur. Maybe the riot should be the quiet removal of our money to another country that practices equality for all.

HotPepper I will never visit any park in Thailand that use a higher price for me than my Thai wife and daughter. I was told early on, one of the benefits of having a WP, is I would be eligible for Thai prices at, for instance, public parks. My wife and daughter are the ones hurt the most by these insulting rules and fees as I will never visit any park with them if I’m not considered to be a tax paying member of the Thai society.

They will probably never visit one of the parks if I’m not going with them. And I

actually pay more taxes to Thailand than the whole village of maybe 1,000 people, where my wife is from.

KamalaRider The Day China came to be a WTO member, it immediately applied non discriminatory rates equal for locals and for foreigners at its museums which were before that day 4 to 8 times higher for foreigners.

The actual situation in Thailand is a blatant discriminatory measure non compliant with the National treatment WTO principle.

Ye Mengfu I have only been refused the Thai rate once in 14 years – that was in Phuket at the Bang Pae waterfall in Phaklok.

It seems most local officers have more sense than the head office. If the numbers of foreign visitors to Thai national parks are declining then surely you should think about reducing the price. Or perhaps I don’t understand the laws of economics.

Rich

Flying out in a fury!

Re: Aircraft noise.

I moved to Phuket six years ago and settled in Chalong, quiet near the beach. Recently, I’ve been disturbed by the aircraft noise. Rich people don’t give a darn about the noise pollution they spew, especially the helicopters. They could easily go a mile off shore, but prefer to announce their presence right up the middle of the island, right over our house, low leveling, and as a Vietnam vet I know what low leveling is. It sucks! The various comments I read and hear, are true – the flavour, character, lifestyle of Phuket is going into the toilet.We are moving off the island.

Jon A holiday tale without a happy ending My husband and I come to Phuket every Xmas for the last eight years We were shocked that our lady on the beach has gone I know I am tourist and my money supports locals But I am not sure we will return back to Phuket. We love walking on beach having fruit and

drink, but now we can’t do this.

Are we expected to do drink in bars all day? I am teetotaller so we can only have so much coffee. A lot of tourists are unhappy about this situation.

The army wants to clean, then why not clean the drainage system and roads first? Hope my views are noted Kiran and Vic Brown

Climate issue is deeper than surface Re: OPINION: Coming to terms with ‘climate change’ in Phuket Do not forget that we are starting to get El Nino’s effects for the the beginning of 2015. I just got back from a liveaboard dive trip to Similan.

At Richelieu Rock we could see the soft-corals impacts from bleaching and all corals between surface and 20 meters are not improving, or are even degrading. All good dives are between 20 and 30 meter depth, and divers will have to improve their scuba diving skills to dive at those depths.

Charlie

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Expert ‘doubts’ Koh Tao ‘Land of smiles’ Frenchman killed himself still comes up top

A CRIMINOLOGIST HAS voiced his support for calls by media and relatives of a victim of suspected suicide by the police and forensic experts to look for more evidences to determine the exact cause of the death the victim.

The victim who was a tourist was found dead in his hotel room on New Year’s Day with his hands and neck tied to ropes. Police suspected he committed suicide by hanging himself.

But Associate Professor Charnkanit Krittiya Suriyamanee, a criminologist and lecturer at the faculty of social science and humanities of Mahidol University, said he doubted the suicide theory

citing flaws in the evidence.

He said that the victim had been drunk to the extent that he was unable to control himself, he would not have been able to tie himself up so tightly that he died of

suffocation.

Had he hanged himself, the professor pointed out that the bruises should have appeared on the neck than on his wrists. Also, he noted that the several pieces of rope which were used in the suspected suicide appeared to be different which might suggest that the death was not caused by suicide.

The wound on the victim’s elbow could have been inflicted by someone else, he said.

He also suggested that it was not too late to check the level of alcohol in the body of the dead victim to find out if he was drunk or not.

Thai PBS

PM not pleased with road accident stats over holidays PRIME MINISTER PRA -yut Chan-Ocha is not happy with the road accident statistics during the New Year’s festival even though reported accidents dropped by 40 per cent when compared to last year.

He said on Tuesday (January 6) that he wanted officials concerned to find out the causes of the accidents

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instead of just focusing on the statistics of road accidents and accident victims.

Admitting that most accidents stemmed from drunk driving, the prime minister pointed out the need to work out necessary measures to prevent accidents from happening.

He, however, thanked all officials concerned for

their efforts to provide conveniences to New Year’s revellers so that they could travel safely during the festival.

He also offered his condolences to the families of the road accident victims.

He said that the accidents this year should serve a lesson for motorists to be more cautious when driving.

T

hailand was ranked as the 10th best country to retire in a report compiled by popular magazine for retirees.

International Living, a North American magazine whose prime readership includes retired citizens, has continued to put Thailand on its World’s Best Places To Retire list on its website, based on opinions from expat editors living in European, Asian, and American countries in the previous year.

Thailand was ranked 10th from a list of 25 countries, with an 84.6 Global Retirement Index score accumulated from various factors including buying and renting; benefits and discounts; cost of living; fitting in; entertainment and amenities; healthcare; infrastructure and climate.

Key factors that put Thailand high on the list were its low healthcare costs and low cost of living in general.

Thailand was ranked 9th on the 2014 list.

On its Thailand summary, the report reads, “Living in Thailand is unbelievably cheap.

There are many places where you can dine well and still leave the table with change from $5.

In fact, go north, and you’ll also find that 20-baht noodle stalls still exist—that’s just 60 cents!”

It continues. “You can rent a really nice place just about anywhere in the country for just $500 a month. We know of one expat who pays $222 a month for his beach-side bungalow with air conditioning, hot water, and Wi-Fi. A full

check-up in a modern hospital by an American-trained doctor will cost you less than $40.”

The complete top 10 list, sorted by the rank, are Ecuador, Panama, Mexico, Malaysia, Costa Rica, Spain, Malta, Colombia, Portugal, and Thailand.

Thailand and Malaysia were the only two Asian countries to be featured on the top-10 list, but Cambodia and the Phillipines were also rated, scoring 73.2 and 80.8 on the GRI, respectively.

12 ASIA NEWS

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Family haunted by victim’s last wish W

hen fashion store owner The Meiji Thejakusuma bid goodbye to relatives before boarding AirAsia’s Flight 8501, she light-heartedly quipped she would “spend time alone at sea” on her birthday, which she planned to mark with a New Year’s cruise.

Soon after the plane crashed into waters off the island of Borneo and her body was recovered from the Java Sea. On January 3, when Thejakusuma would have turned 45 on the celebratory cruise visiting Malaysia and Thailand, instead her body was returned to her extended family in Surabaya.

Her nephew Eric Edi Santo, a cafe owner, relayed his aunt’s haunting last words to him as he spoke to reporters at the funeral parlour where a vigil was being held, attended by abound 100 friends and relatives.

“We asked her how are you going to celebrate your birthday.

She said jokingly: ‘I’ll spend time alone at sea’,” Santo said.

The plane involved in the crash is pictured in Singapore in 2011. Photo: Aero Icarus “Maybe God was trying to be good to her, and didn’t want her to spend her birthday alone at sea, so he brought her back.”

Thejakusuma got on the plane in her home city of Surabaya on December 28 with her husband, mother, three children and prospective son-in-law.

They were headed for Singapore where they would start their cruise, but 40 minutes later disaster struck and the aircraft crashed into the water.

The bodies of Thejakusuma and her 10-year-old daughter Stevie are among the 37 that have so far been recovered, with teams still searching for

the remains of the other 125 passengers, most of them Indonesian.

They included Thejakusuma’s 48-year-old husband Jie Charly Gunawan, her mother Jo Indri, 82, and her two other children, 19-year-old Steven and Stephanie, 28.

Stephanie’s fiance Christanto Leoma Hutama was also with them.

“We hope for a survivor... at least just one of them. I hope that one of them can come back alive,” Santo said.

“If not, we hope that all of their bodies at least will be here, we don’t want any missing

bodies. They died so tragically, at least I want them to have a proper burial.”

Thejakusuma was the owner of clothes store “Planet One” in Surabaya, and was known for being hard-working and humble despite her own affluence, said another of her nephews, Agus Panjaya.

A devout Buddhist, she regularly made financial contributions to her local temple as well as to orphanages, and she was always quick to help her relatives.

Panjaya recalled when he was still at high school and living in a dormitory in the East Java city of Malang, when his aunt and uncle would take turns to drive two hours at weekends to visit him and take him sightseeing around the city.

“They did not want me to feel lonely,” he said.

“It was in my aunt’s character to just help people whenever she could, poor people, her own family, anyone. That’s why everyone feels a deep sense of loss.”

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Vietnam devalues dong to boost growth VIETNAM’S CENTRAL bank said Wednesday (January 7) it would devalue the dong currency for the second time in seven months in a bid to boost exports and drive economy forward.

The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) will devalue the reference rate by one percent to 21,458 Vietnamese dong per dollar to “control inflation” and “push up economic growth”, it said in a statement.

The latest move is “in accordance with the developments of the domestic and international financial markets, creating a solid stability for the forex market”, the SBV said.

The dong was last devalued by one percent in June 2014.

SBV governor Nguyen Van Binh said in December that the regulator will not weaken the dong by more than two percent in 2015.

At the new reference rate, the currency is allowed to fluctuate from 21,243 dong against the dollar to 21,673 dong.

Economist Vu Dinh Anh from the state-run Economic Finance Institute told reporters the dong had come under mounting pressure on foreign

exchange markets late last year.

“The SBV had to proceed with the adjustment to avoid disadvantages against other currencies,” he said.

Asian currencies have more generally weakened against the dollar over the past six months due to assumptions that the US Federal Reserve will start raising interest rates this year.

“The move was in line with market expectations of weaker currency against general strength of the greenback,” ANZ said in a statement on the dong devaluation Wednesday.

The bank added that it expects further devaluations in 2015.

The dong devaluation will help keep Vietnam’s thriving exports -- including smartphones and other electronics manufactured by Korean giant Samsung in its Vietnamese factories -- competitive with regional rivals.

Rising exports helped Vietnam to achieve its highest GDP growth in three years in 2014 with the economy growing an estimated 5.98 percent. AFP

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Unexploded munitions a lingering peril as NATO ends Afghanistan war T H E EN D OF NATO’S combat mission in Afghanistan could be a watershed moment in tackling unexploded ordnance littering the country, but experts complain US-led forces need to hand over more information on where it all is.

Decades of conflict since the Soviet invasion in 1979 have left landmines, shells, bombs and rockets scattered across towns, villages and fields, even after extensive clearance efforts that have safely removed millions of items.

All sides involved in the prolonged fighting have been responsible for UXO (unexploded ordnance), with children most at risk because of their curiosity and the fact they often play in unmarked minefields.

At the start of this year, NATO’s International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) was replaced by the US-led “Resolute Support” -- a training and support mission that signals a key stage of the withdrawal of foreign troops who arrived in 2001.

“They used weapons and they know that unexploded

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WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Roma dead baby stirs up controversy T

A GBU-38 bomb detonates in Bala Murghab Valley, Badghis province, Afghanistan. ordinance will be left behind. This information is life-saving,” Mohammad Sediq Rashid, director of the Mine Action Coordination Centre for Afghanistan (MACCA), said.

“If they gave us the location of where it happened, with the coordinates, it really helps.

But we don’t get it. They have given some (information), but that’s not enough. They should give more.

“We have raised this issue with ISAF... So far, no action has been taken and they are leaving. If they don’t give it to us, it will be very hard. It will take time, more money, and casualties. AFP

he tragic case of a dead Roma baby refused burial in a Paris suburb has underscored the plight of the community in France, where supporters say they are a scapegoat for the country’s ills.

The affair made headlines around the world, and was all the more poignant because the baby of just two and a half months died the day after Christmas from sudden infant death syndrome.

The local town of Champlan, just south of Paris, refused the family a burial plot, with the mayor reportedly saying that priority should be given to those who pay their taxes -- although he later denied this.

After nearly a whole day of conspicuous silence, top politicians then fell over themselves to condemn the case, with Prime Minister Manuel Valls saying it was an “insult” to France.

Even far-right leader Marine Le Pen criticised the decision, saying it showed a “lack of humanity”.

But the president of the Na-

The mother of late Maria Francesca (C) cries in front of the coffin of her baby during her funeral on January 5, 2015 at the Wissous cemetery. Christian Leclerc, the conservative mayor of Champlan,refused to let the family of the two-month-old bury their child at the municipal cemetery on grounds that it has “few available plots”. Photo: AFP tional Commission on Human Rights (CNCDH), Christine Lazerges, said the case was “the terrible proof that the Roma are the new scapegoat in France,” which is suffering from high unemployment and a sluggish economy.

In its most recent report on racism in France, the CNCDH already voiced fears over the “trivialisation of racist comments about the Roma.”

The European Union believes there are currently 10 to 12 million Roma throughout

Europe, making them the largest minority on the continent.

A nomadic people whose ancestors left India centuries ago, the Roma have long suffered from discrimination and are frequently accused of carrying out petty crime. AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

DEATH, TAXES … OR BOTH? Governments have got you coming and going

I

n 1789, when the US Constitution was in its infancy as the supreme law of that land, Benjamin Franklin wrote to a friend that he hoped it would survive the test of time, “but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

(He was not quite right; it must also be said that another certainty, as many a disillusioned gambler can attest, is that the house always wins.)

Death is inevitable, my dear readers: we must all accept that at some stage the world will move on without us, and we have very little say as to when we must bid this world adieu.

Taxes are similarly outside of our control, but they usually inflict their pain while we are still alive (some argue they force us into an early grave).

The malicious combination of death and taxes, however, is usually too much for people to accept … and often too much to afford.

It was the creative administrative mind of Augustus Caesar, just over 2,000 years ago, who first contrived and imposed an inheritance tax on the citizens of Rome. From that point on it became a common and lucrative source of funding for governments and rulers the world over.

In medieval Europe, the feudal system worked on the premise that everything in the country belonged to the king (or queen). Even if you owned

You will make me very rich… Roman emperor Augustus Caesar is credited with inventing death or inheritance taxes around 2,000 years ago. land or an estate, you were deemed to be only a temporary resident with a lifetime interest in the property.

This meant, essentially, that upon your death, your claim to that land became null and void, and the new inheritor of the estate would pay a fee to the Lord directly above him in the pecking order … a hierarchical system of payments which went all the way up to the Monarch.

In this way, the landed gentry established themselves as the power base (especially in countries like England), and eventually wrested the real political power away from the crown.

Some today may wish their ancestors had not been so successful at “land grabbing” because they are among the most likely to pay high inheritance taxes.

In the US, there have been five different periods when “death duties” have been imposed on estates, and most of these have been in times of war.

The first, in 1797, was levied to help fund a war against France, but this was repealed just five years later.

The second tax of this nature helped to fund the Civil War, and it was in force from 1862 to 1870. The SpanishAmerican War was the impetus for the third inheritance tax levy in 1898, but this was subsequently repealed in 1902.

The United States’ involvement in World War I brought about an inheritance tax which – although frequently changed – would not be phased out for another 94 years. But anyone hoping to avoid this tax only had 12 months in which to die, because death taxes re-

turned in 2011 at a rate of 35 per cent (with a US$5 million allowance).

The tax rate is now 40 per cent, but the exemption, inflation adjusted, now stands at US$5.25 million.

The debate in the US, my dear readers, is a contentious one. Bear in mind that there are nearly 400 billionaires in the United States (one third of the world’s billionaires), more than 1 million households worth in excess of US$5 million, and according to some studies, there are nearly 10 million households with a net worth above US$1 million.

So there are quite literally millions of Americans trying to protect trillions in wealth.

But with federal deficits reaching record levels, there is also a powerful government in need of every dollar it can find.

In the UK, the name given to this form of taxation may have changed multiple times but it has always been lurking in the fiscal shadows.

Initially conceived of to help fund the war against Napoleon, estate duties – or legacies – were paid on each estate of a certain value, beginning in 1796.

These were often negligible and resembled a form of stamp duty required when submitting wills for probate, but they

remained ever-present in one form or another in the years that followed.

In 1975, Capital Transfer Tax replaced the General Estate Duty, which was in turn replaced in 1986 with Inheritance Tax (IHT) – the name it still has today. Just as the label placed on these duties has periodically changed, so have the rates inflicted upon the deceased and their heirs.

As in America, not all assets transferred upon death in the UK are subject to taxes, and the “Nil-Rate Band” currently stands at £325,000. The Nil-Rate Band (NRB) can be described as the allowance before the full tax of 40 per cent is levied on the estate.

Looking back to the early part of the 20th century, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the department responsible for setting taxation rates, has been fairly generous when increasing the Nil-Rate Band, mainly because of the rise in UK housing prices over the past 100 years.

In 1914 the Nil-Rate Band was only £100, meaning all assets above this value would have been taxed. If the NRB had simply been adjusted for inflation, today it would only be £9,400. Imagine paying inheritance tax on everything you own over and above ten

thousand quid.

So if you, my fair friend, are a Briton and have ever felt inclined to moan about the severity of UK inheritance taxes, perhaps you should think yourself (or your children) lucky – IHT would be 35 times more punitive today if the NRB had simply been indexed to official inflation rates for the last century.

Even the 1972 allowance of £15,000 is only £180,000 in today’s terms, nearly half the allowance currently given to UK nationals. The £325,000 NRB is set to rise further in 2015, and with some careful tax planning there are even more ways that Brits, or those with UK assets, can mitigate their IHT exposure.

While we may argue about taxes, life today is far more agreeable for the average man, woman and child than it was during the reign of Caesar Augustus.

Some governments, such as Australia, have a very benign inheritance tax regime, whilst others, like France, only tax French-domiciled (not globally held) assets for non-resident individuals.

Whatever regime you fall under, the likelihood is that you wouldn’t want to revert to the tax systems of a bygone era, such as Ancient Roman or medieval Britain.

Our taxes today are not for the enrichment of an emperor or a system of monarchy; rather, they are raised to pay for those necessary services enjoyed by every individual in that country (even those citizens who have chosen to live in a far-flung part of the world).

Whether levied in life or in death, taxes are the price we pay for the civilised world in which we live. But if you truly wish to avoid paying taxes upon death, then plan carefully, spend more, f ly business class and give generously to charity.

And if you are so unlucky that you still have too much money to spend … then maybe you should think about changing your domicile. And by the way, it looks as though, under the current political regime, some form of inheritance tax may soon be introduced in Thailand.

The Brazen Bonobo offers penetrating insights into current affairs and the world of finance, enabling high-net-worth expatriates throughout Asia to stay two steps ahead of the curve. If you are an expatriate living in Asia and are searching for advice on tax mitigation, estate planning, UK pension transfers (QROPS), or simply a strategy for prospering in the current economic environment, then contact the Bonobo at: advice@brazenbonobo.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

2014 a ‘mixed Class Act Media bag’ for hotels in the region and LivePhuket CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD has published HotelViews 2015 – its annual report covering hotel market performance in 18 cities across Asia, describing performance in Southeast Asia as “a mixed bag”, due in part to political uncertainty in Thailand.

In the first eight months of 2014, the report states, the Asia Pacific region welcomed 5 per cent more international tourists (overnight visitors) compared with the same period in 2013, with more than 1.1 billion tourists expected by the year-end.

According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the two international stars were South Asia and North America, which both showed growth of 8pc.

Arrival growth in Southeast Asia was however, hit by regional geopolitics and negative reactions to aviation incidents.

Southeast Asian posted arrival growth of 2pc despite previous robust growth in 2012 and 2013. This, in turn, pulled down wider Asia Pacific growth to 5pc from January to August 2014 compared with 7pc in over the same period in 2013.

Hotel performance across the region was a ‘mixed bag’.

Geopolitical instability in Vietnam, political uncertainty in Thailand and Hong Kong, and negative reactions to aviation incidents dented demand.

Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore experienced softer arrival figures due to these events and the inclination for multi-city itineraries.

As a result, Bangkok hotels took a battering, with occupancies expected to close 2014 down by 15.1pc. KL is likely to be down by 2pc and Singapore by 1.5pc.

The report forecasts that Average Occupancy Rate in Bangkok will end 2014 at 63pc, down 11 points from 2013, when AOR was 74pc.

It predicts, “As the Bangkok hotel market has been particularly impacted by prolonged political tensions from 2013 to 2014, major declines in occupancy (then ADR) have been seen since the strong performance witnessed in the preceding year.

The market has since responded by collaborating to promote the city and reassure travellers that all is ‘businessas-usual’, and relative stability has led to quiet improvements in sentiment.

“In a positive move to boost @thephuketnews

the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Immigration Bureau has allowed citizens of 48 countries and one territory to get a 30-day extension of their stay in Thailand after the expiry of their normal period of stay.

“While international arrivals have yet to fully recover, Bangkok has a history as a resilient market, hotel performance is expected to rebound strongly as concerns … dissipate, with a healthy revival of ADR and occupancy in the medium term.”

The report predicts a revival in 2015 in Bangkok AOR to 67pc, with average daily rates (ADR) climbing to B3,450 and revenue per available room (RevPAR) to B2,309.

In contrast with Bangkok, Indonesia is the star, with demand in both Jakarta and Bali continuing to push up ADR and drive growth in RevPAR. Singapore at US$207, Hong Kong at US$193 and Sydney at US$185 are expected to top the region with the highest ADRs in 2014.

In local currencies however, the markets with the fastestgrowing rates year-on-year in 2014 are expected to be Jakarta at ID Rupiah 1.2 million, at 15.0pc growth, Tokyo at JP Yen 16,465 at 7.1pc growth and Ho Chi Minh at VN Dong 1.9 million with growth at 6.5pc.

Strong Occupancy growth to 64pc in Shanghai is also expected to boost RevPAR to CN Yuan 417, a 12pc growth over RevPAR in 2013.

Continuing economic growth and enhanced flight connectivity remain strong fundamentals for future growth.

Asia Pacific’s growing and increasingly affluent middleclass is the key driver for this growth.

The report can be downloaded by going to tinyurl. com/Hotels2015.

sign partnership eading Phuket property website, LivePhuket. com, and Southern Thailand’s leading media company, Class Act Media, have announced the signing of a long-term strategic partnership.

This partnership signals a strong endorsement of LivePhuket.com by Class Act Media, whose businesses include The Phuket News, which is Phuket’s most widely distributed weekly English newspaper, and Live 89.5, Phuket’s most listened-to radio station.

Since its launch only six months ago, LivePhuket.com has grown at an unrivalled pace in the online property sector to become Phuket’s most visited property website.

The company uses revolutionary technology and is set to become the go-to resource for everyone interested in the Phuket property market by offering all the information and tools necessary to help consumers make smarter property decisions on the island of Phuket here in Southern Thailand.

Each of Class Act Media’s business lines, which include TV, radio, newspapers and

L

Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan (2nd from right) with the LivePhuket team, from left, Brennan Campbell, Alon Tishler, Michael Kenner and Paul Trayman. events, will work closely with LivePhuket on a variety of initiatives to maximise the opportunities for all LivePhuket. com’s consumers searching for property online.

The partnership is a testament to the growing strength of online property portals in Thailand which continue to play an ever-increasing role for home-owners and agents in terms of both exposure and enquiries.

Michael Kenner, CoFounder of LivePhuket, said: “The decision of Phuket’s leading media group to endorse LivePhuket as a long-term

strategic partner for each of its businesses is a great testament to what we have achieved over the past six months and the innovation that we bring to the market.

“These partnerships will help us to better serve the needs of our website users, and all stakeholders within the industry as a whole.

“We are looking forward to continuing to innovate and develop products that make us the best place for consumers to search for property and the most efficient marketing partner for homeowners and our real-estate partners.

Jason Beavan, General Manager of Class Act Media, said, “LivePhuket has become an important player and leading innovator in the Phuket online property sector over the past year.

“With the vast majority of consumers searching for properties and related information online, this partnership further enhances our online and offline strategy and will serve to maximize the benefits for each of our brands.”

Following the signing of the partnership, see The Phuket News’ new-look Property section beginning on page 17.

Nok boosts Chiang Rai flights NOK AIR WILL BOOST services from Bangkok to Chiang Rai from six to seven flights a day from next Thursday (January 15), while JetStar is to launch a new service between Bangkok and Hanoi in March.

The additional Nok Air flight will be slotted into the timetable at 2:40pm. Last week, Bangkok Airways added an early afternoon flight to its

schedule, giving it three daily flights to the far north destination. To boost bookings, Nok is selling an all-in one-way fare of B900 for the new service.

Thai AirAsia and Thai Airways have five daily flights each to Chiang Rai with inclu-

sive fares starting at B1,489 and B1,800 respectively. Bangkok Airways sells a one-way fare at B1,645, including taxes.

Meanwhile, Jetstar Pacific, the Ho Chi Ming City-based arm of the Jetstar Group, has announced that it will start a

new Bangkok-Hanoi service in March, following the recent launch of daily BangkokHCMC flights.

The new service will boost Jetstar Group’s services to Thailand to 90 return flights a week. TTR Weekly

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16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Trapped Just because we humans have opposable-thumbs and have gone to the moon doesn’t mean we can’t get stuck in a bathroom every now and then. Here are just a few of people who have had some unwanted alone time...

Elevator: Nicholas White worked on the 43rd floor of the McGraw-Hill Building in New York City back in October 1999.

One Friday night after a cigarette break, he made his way up the express elevator. But when it became stuck on the 13th floor, White figured he would wait it out (there was no emergency phone). It took security guards 40 hours before they noticed a disheveled White on the elevator’s security camera. Eventually, White was freed and sued the building’s management. Four years later and unemployed, White finally won a small settlement for his ordeal. A timelapse video is online at: youtube.com/watch?v=p_bMhNI_TY8.

Bathroom: A 69 -ye a r- old Fre nch grandmother became entrapped in her bathroom for 20 days in November 2010 at her suburban Paris home.

The bathroom door was jammed shut and she began tapping on pipes at night to alert her neighbours, although they confused the noise with building repairs around the area. But neighbours eventually took notice after the woman’s mail starting to pile up near her front door. Reports said the woman survived off of tap water and old candle wax.

H i g h - wi r e : Get ting st uck is one thing, but what if you cou ld n’t move around? That’s what happened when Moroccan high-wire specialist Mustafa Danger’s world record attempt at the Spanish beach resort city of Benidorm in March 2010. He was crossing a 499.8 m high-wire between the 43rd floors of the Tossal de La Cala and the Gran Hotel Bali on a motorbike with no safety net when the motor gave out. Danger was eventually towed to safety and succeeded on his second attempt.

Washing machine: What started out as a harmless joke became a viral sensation in January 2014 when Laurence (no last name given) became stuck on the inside of a top-loader washing machine. Laurence, who had a cell phone at the time, was inside the machine for 20 minutes before emergency services greased him up with olive oil and he slipt out of the machine. Also, he was naked the entire time.

Roller Coaster: The Demon roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois was where 12 passengers were stranded for nearly two hours.

That wouldn’t have been so bad, if the entire roller coaster car wasn’t hanging upside down the entire time. Four people were hospitalised and riders were later awarded US$442,000 settlement for their ordeal. Later, park officials found that the safety system kicked in because of a mechanical failure.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Car part removed from arm after 51 years I t took 51 years but Arthur Lampitt finally had that turn signal lever removed from his left arm.

You read that right.

In 1963, Lampitt smashed his late model Thunderbird into a truck and a 17 cm-long turn lever went up and into his arm. From the initial shock of the accident, Lampitt hadn’t noticed his injury and went on with his life for half a century.

But it wasn’t until early December 2014, while moving concrete block at his home, that Lampitt’s arm began to hurt for the first time ever.

“Everything was fine until it started to get bigger. The arm started bulging,” his wife Betty told local reporters.

(Left) Screenshot of a TV news report and the 7 cm-long object. (Right) Arthuer Lampitt.

Initially, Lampitt thought that doctors had left a medical instrument inside his arm during a visit to the emergency room sometime during his life. Then, he began looking

through old photos of the accident and noticed that turn signal from the 1963 Thunderbird was gone.

In a 45-minute surgery, doctors removed the lever.

“Something this large often gets infected,” said Dr Timothy Lang, who removed the object out of Lampitt’s arm at City Place Surgery Center in Creve Coeur, Missouri.

Two French National Front members expelled for laxative prank TWO YOUNG MEMBERS of France’s far right National Front have been expelled from the party for spiking the drink of its second-in-command with a laxative.

The incident took place while FN vice-president Louis Aliot, who is also the boyfriend of party leader Marine Le Pen, was visiting the party’s Bordeaux offices several months ago.

Confirming a report in Sud-Ouest daily FN deputy secretary general Nicolas Bay told AFP that three party members sought to disrupt the meeting by slipping a laxative into Aliot’s wine glass.

According to Sud-Ouest they also unscrewed the light bulbs in a room where Aliot planned to hold a press con-

Pair get trapped in closet that was far from locked FN vice-president Louis Aliot was the victim of a lax prank. ference.

Bay accused the trio, who were hauled before the party’s dispute resolution commission, of “destabilisation manoeuvres”.

The third prankster received a lesser punishment of a one-year suspension. AFP

A COUPLE BECAME “trapped” inside a janitor’s closet at a public building in Florida last week and were let out two days later only to find out that the door was unlocked the entire time.

Both 25-year-old Amber Campbell and 31-yearold John Arwood had broken into the Marine and Environmental Science Centre in Daytona, Florida and allegedly smoked crys-

tal meth and crack cocaine inside one of the closet’s.

For two days, the couple believed the door of the closet had locked them inside. When police officers finally entered the building, they followed the strong smell of excrement to the “trapped” pair. Officers also found drug smoking paraphernalia at the scene.

Campbell and Arwood were both arrested for trespassing.

Man unaware of knife in his skull THIS BRAZILIAN TAXI driver is either the luckiest man to be alive – or the unluckiest.

During a fight at a party last Sunday in Agua Brancha, Brazil, 39-year-old Juacelo Nunes de Oliveira was stabbed three times in the torso. But it was the fourth stab wound that caught the attention of just about everyone except Oliveira since he didn’t even realise that a knife was sticking out of his head.

The blade went through the left side of his skull and ended on his lower right jaw

Juacelo Nunes de Oliveira was stabbed a total of four times. bone. According to CNN, friends drove Oliveira to the nearest hospital – about 99.7

km away in Teresina.

“We believe the shock and a bit of the drinking may have

helped him not to understand the knife was still in his head,” said Dr Gilberto Albuquerque.

Oliveira managed to walk out of the hospital five days after a two and a half hour surgery.

“The knife crossed his head just behind the optical nerve, got very close to the olfactory nerve and (was) just a fraction from the gustatory nerve,” Albuquerque told 9News. “He could have been blinded and could have lost his senses of smell and taste, but none of that happened and he is alive and healthy.” thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Find out what kind of tourist you are: Quiz

4

A Sunday spread that’s for everyone

8

NIKKI’S NEVERLAND A weekend family escapade to Samui> Page 6

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 @thephuketnews

2 BOATS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Ahoy from the Honky Cat A sampling of sustainability with a seasoned seafarer Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

We must have been on the boat for a good three hours, as the sun was starting to set. Surely, I’d died and gone to heaven.

S

he was anchored off Ya Nui Beach, just below Phuket’s iconic alternative energy station on the southwest coast of the island.

From the superior vantage point, at the windmills near Nai Harn Beach, the 36-foot power catamaran – with its high fly-bridge and distinctive solar array atop its biminy – was easy to spot in the sparkling waters below.

We drove down and parked at the beach to await the vessel’s Captain, Peter Lee, who arrived to shore in his dinghy moments later to pick up me and my son.

When you visit a marine engineer’s boat, a good starting point for good conversation is in the specs and numbers.

The Honky Cat (inspired from the famous song by Elton John) is equipped with two Mercury Optimax outboard motors, which enable the five-tonne vessel to reach up to 25-knots, Peter notes.

With such power, you’d think it would need to guzzle up an awful lot of fuel to get anywhere at a reasonable speed – not, necessarily.

Peter explains the advantage of the uberefficient engines that he imported from America.

“A traditional two-stroke [engine] draws fuel through the crank case; via either injection or carburators. So the fuel goes past the crank shaft, into the ports on the side of the cylinders. At the same time that the port is open to take fuel charge, the exhaust port opens, so you end up losing a lot of fuel.”

Peter says that as much as 30 per cent of the fuel is wasted when a two-stroke is running optimally at 3,000 revs, but even a tick over that could result in as much as 70pc losses.

“With a Mercury Optimax, the engine draws air through the crank case, but it doesn’t inject the fuel until the piston has gone past the ports, and it injects it right on top of the stroke – five times,” Peter’s eyes light up. He’s in his zone.

Bottom line, “No fuel is lost in the process, whatsoever!”

So, with a fuel capacity of two times 90 gallons, and cruising at 20 knots, the Honky Cat has a range of about 120 nautical miles, and triple that if trawling at only 8 knots.

But the real beauty of such a boat is you don’t always need to be on the move to

enjoy its benefits.

Stationary, it facilitates its own private paradise when simply anchored off Ya Nui Beach, or any other picturesque beach that offers breath taking vistas of – not from – our rustic gem.

“I could never consider living on shore full time,” confesses Peter, who made his foray into the marine world through the Royal Navy of Great Britain, initially as a weapons specialist before going on to study and specialize in marine engineering.

If he’s not working onshore, directing the building of Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs) through his main business – Andaman Boat Company – then you can bet he’s out to sea, living the ideal, minimalistic life on his boat, catching dinner, if not out on a leisurely dive or water skiing trip.

Surely the Honky Cat would have cost him upwards of B10 million, but I’m shocked to learn that he’s put into it what the average 30 square metre shoebox condo in Phuket goes for these days – less than B2 million.

“Stepper built the hull for a customer, who backed out. So they had the hull stored for about six months, and wanted to move it.

They initially asked B3 million for the hull.

I bid B800,000 but ended up getting it for B900,000.”

The hull came ready with some stainless steel framework on the deck, but Peter did all the rest of the custom work, using mostly local labour and materials – the wooden deck flooring, the simple yet practical cabin layout, helm and navigations systems and even the fibreglass bimini which is lined with Divinycell, a special foam insulator material.

But the main thing I came aboard to check out was the fully-operational photovoltaic solar system.

The Honky Cat is equipped with both inverted AC mains and DC auxiliary supply, and Peter rarely needs to run a petrol generator, though can easily plug one in to power everything if he needs to.

On top of the bimini he’s got 4 x 100 Watt ultra-thin flexi PV panels. These charge a 24V, 100Ah battery pack (two 12V 100Ah batteries wired in series), or the equivalent of about two and half kilowatt-hours of energy on demand when at full charge.

“It’s a mistake to go for very big battery packs. For one, they weigh a lot and you need to be carrying them around. And, if a cell

goes out, can be very costly to fix, 120Ah is the most you want to go,” he advises.

Peter’s humble power capacity is sufficient to energize most of his life-support systems – lighting, pumping, navigation, anchoring, antifouling and even a fridge.

“According to its rating, the fridge consumes about 30 watts average [Thai fridges are rated on annual estimated energy consumption], but it has a much higher start-up current. So you need a good inverter – at least 500W,” he notes.

But he still plans for more upgrades.

“I might add another 200W to the PV array, and expand the battery pack … Bear in mind, I’ve got massive charge capacity when the engines are running … On a planing boat, weight is crucial.”

We must have been on the boat – talking and drinking in between some swimming – for a good three hours, as the sun was starting to set. But it seemed as if we’d just boarded. Surely, I’d died and gone to heaven.

It wasn’t just me – Peter confirms that he often loses track of time when he’s out here – absorbing the sight of the fiery sun melt into the sparkling Andaman.

But as satisfying as it all is, this is far from the final “legacy project” for Peter, whose got grand plans in store.

A fully solar-powered boat is the next big project, he reveals. And he’s confident it could be built pretty easily, right here in Phuket.

A good chat for another sunset in heaven, perhaps. Watch this space.

LESS IS MORE: In Capt’ Peter Lee’s world, all you need is a little sunshine, sparkling sea and a custom-built and well-equipped vessel to enjoy it all. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

QUESTION & ANSWER 3

RETIRED COUPLE: Help crossing the street!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

It used to be okay for us to cross at the traffic lights, but ever since they started digging that trench, it’s been a life gamble, escaping death just to get across the street.

QUESTION: My husband and I are a retired couple

who frequent Phuket, and usually have no complaints, but have just about had it with the Sam Kong neighbourhood, and are ready to move from our current base here, as it seems we can no longer safely get to the Tesco Lotus anymore due to the underpass construction.

We stay in Phuket for months at a time, and had been staying on Soi Tida, near the Esso Service Station off the Bypass Rd, as it used to be quite convenient.

Everyday we used to walk to Sam Kong, visiting restaurants there and of course, go shopping at the Tesco Lotus. It used to be okay for us to cross at the traffic lights, but ever since they started digging that trench, it's been a life gamble, escaping death just to get across the street. We've found one area to cross near the cabaret show, as we followed large groups of Korean and Chinese tourists who were brave to make the run for it, and go through the construction barriers. One time, my husband almost slipped off one of the planks into the mud. It was startling for us. Sometimes, we wait for 20 to 30 minutes for an opening to safely run across the street.

Can you find out if they ever plan to build a pedestrian bridge or standard crossing in the future, or if we should just pack up and find a new neighbourhood to stay in, for good?

Paula and Bob from Perth

ANSWER: Dear Paula and Bob, thank you for

your inquiry. We were wondering the same thing, as our office is located right at the junction, in Billion Plaza. Some of our staff used to walk through the cars stopped at the traffic light to get across and have lunch at the shopping centre, but even that proved to be nerve racking at times, as we often got stuck in the middle of the road amidst ongoing construction.

Do you have any Phuketspecific questions that need addressed? Email editor@classactmedia. co.th @thephuketnews

Now, as you pointed out, it can be death defying to make the cross at the opening near the cabaret show, and as you pointed out, a long wait when the traffic is flowing.

It’s such a shame that they have not thought of pedestrians for this project.

When they were promoting the project at the initial public hearings, a pedestrian bridge was mentioned, but it seems those plans were thrown out the window to cut costs.

In any case, we contacted the Sam Kong Intersection Underpass’ Project Engineer, Mr Chalermpol Wongkiattikun of the Department of Highways, who confirmed this and told us that the trench digging phase of the project is expected to be completed by March 1,

after which pedestrians should be able to cross at the lights as before. He said that a pedestrian bridge “was out of the question” because provisions were not included in the approved plans, but that a standard cross-walk would be implemented eventually.

If you plan to visit/shop around Phuket, commuting by foot, we advise you to move to a more pedestrianfriendly neighbourhood which are becoming fewer every year.

We can only hope that the government include pedestrians in any future development or infrastructure plans, especially if they want Phuket to maintain a reputation as an idylic destination for tourists, retirees and residents alike.

4 HUMOUR

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

What kind of tourist are you?

HOW TO COMPLETE THE QUIZ:

Put a circle round the letter for the answer that most closely resembles the one you would give. When you’ve finished, score 1 point for each ‘a’, 2 for each ‘b’, three for each ‘c’ and 4 for each ‘d’, then compare your score with the panels.

1. What do you think is appropriate clothing for shopping in Phuket Town? a. A nice clean shirt and slacks, I think. I don’t want to offend the Thai people by wearing inappropriate clothes. b. A T-shirt and shorts should be all right, shouldn’t it? c. Shirts? You’re both going to end up with Guinness tans – part dark, part white. d. Phuket Town? Where’s that? What’s that?

2. How many large bottles of Chang beer can you drink in one session? a. I stay away from that stuff. In fact, I don’t drink beer at all. I drink tea. b. One or two. c. Three or four. d. Who’s counting? And is that with or without the Mekong whisky bombs?

3. At what time do you usually go to the beach? a. Usually at about 6:30 in the morning.

It’s cool and quiet then, and perfect for jogging. And the colours are wonderful. b. About 9:30, after a good breakfast. c. Usually in the afternoon. Depends how bad the hangover is. d. Never. Now geddarayear. Carn ya see minpain? Uurgh.

b. I agree, though the Volvo’s perhaps going a bit far. Suzuki jeep for me. c. Suzuki Smash. It’s quite quick for a cheap motorbike, and I love the wind in my hair. By the way, I don’t think you need a license to ride a motorbike in Thailand. d. You wuss. You poofter. A dinky little Suzuki when you can rent a Ducati Monster or a big Harley? You fairy! Eat my dust!

Eeehah!

4. What’s your hotel like? a. It’s very nice. Three restaurants, a games room – I’m quite good at ping pong, actually – and a freeform pool. And the room’s very comfortable. b. It’s okay for a three-star. The breakfast’s okay, but after all, a hotel’s just a place to sleep, isn’t it? c. I’m staying at the Pocket Rocket Inn. It’s a bit scruffy, but it’s close to the action, if you know what I mean. d. Dunno. I’ve forgotten where it is.

See 5d.

5. How often have you been to Soi Bangla in the past week? a. I was warned about that place, so I’ve never been. I don’t like that kind of thing. b. I went once. It was fun, but there are lots of other things to see and do in Phuket. c. Three or four times. It’s all a bit of a blur, to be honest, though I think I had fun. d. Once. I’ve stayed here ever since. They let me sleep on one of the velvet benches at Wiggly Bottoms A-Go-Go. 6. How much Thai have you learned during your holiday? a. A bit. It’s quite difficult, isn’t it? But I can order fried rice and I can tell the taxi driver ‘left’ and ‘right’. b. I’m impressed. I get left and right mixed up in English, never mind Thai. c. Pom rak khun. Towrai? That means ‘I love you. How much?’ Useful, eh? d. Useful when you’re chatting up a ladyboy, I spose. But you don’t really need to speak any Thai. Yo! Darling! Beer! See? She understands just fine.

7. How do you think Phuket should improve things for tourists? a. Oh, I don’t think it’s my place to criticize. After all, every country has its drawbacks. b. Wow, where do I start? Garbage on the beach? All those unnecessary plastic bags they give you in shops? The smell of drains? Scary traffic? The noise? c. Well, they could start by getting rid of the trash – like the people who tick every ‘d’ in this survey. d. You snotty git! Come on! Outside!

Now! I’ll improve yer face!

8. What kind of motorbike have you rented? a. I haven’t. Have you seen the traffic?

Motorbikes are much too dangerous. Besides, I don’t have a motorbike license. I’ve rented a big solid Volvo.

9. What do you think of the bargirls in Patong? a. I’m sure they’re all very nice, but I’ve never spoken with one. In fact, I’ve never actually met one. b. Well, their conversation seems a bit limited. “You hansome man you buy me dink.” They all say that. But they’re cute, most of them. c. You call me a poofter again and I’ll punch your lights out. Uh, the girls? They’re great. Fantastic! See – I’m not a fairy.

Wouldn’t go near those ladyboys. d. I’ll bet your favourite colour’s pink.

You probably rented a pink Suzuki Smash.

C’mon pretty boy, gimme a beer. No. Gimme two, ya fairy! The girls? Awesome. And they LOVE me! Don’t you, my darlings?

10. Which Thai food do you like best? a. Well, I like Tom Yam, of course, and Khao Pad. I quite often go to Thai restaurants at home. Thai food is absolutely sublime!

And the seafood in Phuket is fantastic – those prawns! b. It all looks great and most of it smells great, but crikey, you’ve got to watch out for those chilies. I quite like the fish in ginger.

And yeah, the prawns are really good. c. The fish and chips are good, and the pizza’s okay. d. The Chang beer’s great, and the Singha’s not bad either. The Red Bull’s a bit funny, though. It’s sort of sweet, not like the real thing. c. You stupid tosser! Red Bull started in Thailand. The Thai Red Bull’s the real thing. Don’t you know anything? d. You’re calling me stupid? At least I didn’t rent a pretty pink Suzy Smash. c. Right! That does it! d. Ow! You poked me in the eye! c. Yeah, and I’ll poke you somewhere more painful in a minute if you don’t shut up. d. Obsessed with male genitals, aren’t ya? See? What did I tell you all? He’s a raving woofter! c. I told you not to call me that! I’m gonna kill you! d. Yeah? You and whose army? Come on – just try it!

Sounds of bottles being smashed, and police sirens in the distance.

1-10: You are very sensible and very responsible. But are you having fun? Are you making the most of your holiday in Phuket? Have a Chang beer. Go on. You might actually like it…

Of course it won’t do you any harm.

11-20: You are normally sensible, but you get silly occasionally. Remember the trouble you got into last time? You don’t? See what I mean? But is going off the rails only occasionally really worth all that restraint? Why not go the whole hog?

21-30: You have a glimmering of common sense. But not a lot. You’re probably one of those people who leave their brains at the airport when they arrive. Make a note to yourself now: “Don’t forget: Condoms. Paracetamol. Wallet.” By the way, is it true you’re a fairy?

31-40: You’re full-on with no brakes, aren’t you? Got a good lawyer? Health insurance? You’re going to need one or the other, or both, in the next few days. By the way, all that harshly expressed homophobia may indicate you’re actually a closet … Ow! Stop! thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

And now, the ladies 1. What do you think is appropriate clothing for shopping in Phuket Town? a. I love shopping, but with the state of my tummy, I can’t go anywhere outside this hotel, so why ask me? b. Okay, I hear they’ve got some good restaurants in the town, but unless they’ve got beaches and spas, I’m not going. c. Well, obviously, you can’t go shopping topless, can you? Or can you? Tell me you can! You mean it? Are there lots of gorgeous blokes in the shopping malls? d. Same as my drinking clothes, I expect. I mean, what are a few beer stains between friends?

2. How many kamikazes can you drink in one session? a. I’ve never had one, and it sounds nasty. b. One or two. c. Enough to get tiddly and giggly. The boys love that. d. Depends on whether we’re talking about depth-charging beers with them.

never spoken with one. In fact, I’ve never actually met one. b. Well, their conversation seems a bit limited. “You hansome man you buy me dink.” And they’re so skinny. They need some flesh on them, like me. c. Like I said, there are too many of them. d. So long as they keep the drinks coming I got no complaints.

5. At what time do you usually get to the beach? a. I told you! I’m stuck in this horrid hotel with my horrid tummy. And in any case, I have an extremely delicate skin, and I burn in two seconds. So ‘Never!’ is the answer. b. As soon as I’ve finished breakfast, then as soon as I’ve finished lunch, and then again as soon as I come out of the spa.

Do you like my tan? c. You tell me when the boys are there and I’ll be there in a flash. d. I went to a beach party last night. But the beer ran out, so we went back to Bangla.

3. How do you think Thailand could improve things for tourists? a. I just wonder if there’s any way that they could reduce the strength of the sunlight. It really is so strong. And they could put less spice in the food. Actually, no spice would perfect. b. Oh, the place is already fabulous.

Do you think they’d let me take a couple of masseurs home with me? c. They should ban most of these Thai girls from coming to tourist areas like Phuket. I mean, don’t you think there are too many of them? You even see fat old foreign men riding around on motorbikes with two or young girls. It’s disgusting. d. They could change the rules so I could stay here all year.

6. What’s your hotel like? a. Well, what would you say about your hotel if you pretty much had to stay in your room the whole time? I hear they have three restaurants, a games room with ping pong and a freeform pool. That’s what I hear, but I haven’t seen any of them. b. I just use it for sleeping. It’s okay, I suppose. c. I use mine for sleeping, too and it’s NOT okay. I mean, I’m young and I’m sexy – well, that’s what my boyfriend used to say before he left – and here I am sleeping alone. That’s sad, isn’t it? d. Ping pong, eh? I went to a ping pong show. I even tried ‘playing’ it. Not easy.

Darts was easier, if you know what I mean…

4. What do you think of the bargirls in Patong? a. I’m sure they’re all very nice, but I’ve

7. How much Thai have you learned during your holiday? a. I can say ‘loom serwit’. Is that Thai?

1-10: You probably should have stayed at home in London, Stockholm, New York or wherever.

You have a delicate skin, the heat gives you a rash and you really don’t like the food. Did your boyfriend/husband drag you here? By the way, where is he while you’re lying down in the hotel room with a migraine?

11-20: There’s the gorgeous beach, the fab food and the super spas. The problem is that you’re spending so much time eating or lying around that – how do we put this delicately?

– you seem to occupy rather more beach than you did before.

21-30: You like the freewheeling atmosphere of Phuket. But where are all the guys? What’s a holiday without a holiday romance? All the blokes – even the really ancient ones – seem to be glued to these skinny little things who speak really bad English and can’t be older than 16. You need a better plan, girl.

31-40: You fit in fine just about anywhere. You have the constitution of an ox – you can eat or drink anything. And you’re not afraid of exploring the underbelly of Phuket’s various watering holes. In fact, you could give lessons in disgusting and obnoxious behaviour to any of the blokes on the previous pages. They’d probably like it, too.

@thephuketnews

b. None, really. I mean, how much do you need for lying on the beach or in a spa? c. Listen to this: ‘Chan rak ter.’ It means ‘I love you.’ But the trouble is that whenever I say it, I can’t understand what they say back. d. I haven’t learned much of the language, but I’ve picked up a fair bit of culture, like how to hit the nail right in that game they play outside the bars, and how to mix that 11 Tigers drink. Oh wait – I know how to say ‘Chork dee’. That means ‘Bottoms up!’

8. What tours have you done so far? a. I went on a tour to see how they make rubber and we toured a coconut farm and palm oil place. It was awfully hot. And then I got this horrid tummy thing. b. Simon Cabaret was good. I mean, I know it’s not really a tour, but it was a good show. Mind you, I’d rather be at a spa. c. I went out on a boat trip to James Bond Island. It was beautiful, especially since there was this gorgeous Israeli guy I couldn’t keep my eyes off. But he was completely surrounded by Thai women. d. I went on a pub crawl along Soi Bangla with a bunch of Aussies. Only one of them managed to drink more than me.

It was brilliant.

9. What’s your favourite Thai dish? a. I quite like some of the fruit. But not the weird-looking stuff – the hairy and spiky things. And it has to be thoroughly washed or it gives me a bad tummy. b. I love the food here. I mean, back home it’s just a watered-down version of

HUMOUR 5 HOW TO COMPLETE THE QUIZ: Put a circle round the letter for the answer that most closely resembles the one you would give. When you’ve finished, score 1 point for each ‘a’, 2 for each ‘b’, three for each ‘c’ and 4 for each ‘d’, then compare your score with the panels. Ready? Here we go.

Thai food. Know what I mean? I could eat it all day. Actually, I do eat it all day. Half the night, too. c. I’ve been to some really nice restaurants here, and not all Thai food, either.

But my favourite Thai food? Long beans, long cucumbers, those really big, loooong papayas. d. Like that bloke on the previous pages says, the fish and chips are good. The pizza’s okay, too. So’s the ice cream. But the drink’s the best thing. Sang Som Coke and all that.

10. Where have you been on Phuket Island? a. Well, I haven’t really been anywhere apart from the rubber tour. Well, I did go to the International Hospital the day after that because of my iffy tummy. b. I’ve been to Patong Beach, Kata Beach and Karon Beach and tomorrow I’m going to Nai Harn Beach. And each time, when the sun’s hottest, I go to a spa for a lovely rub down. Had a great massage the other day – chocolate. c. Oh girl! You went to the spa alone? I would have taken a bloke with me, and he could have had my chocolate and I would have had his, if you get my drift. d. Like I said, Soi Bangla. I mean, where else do you need to go? It represents everything that’s fun about Thailand.

6 EXPLORE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

A magical weekend Jason Beavan editor@classactmedia.co.th

We spent the first part of the day enjoying breakfast in the restaurant, then lazing around the pool, followed by a wonderful evening of wine and wellcooked steaks. The New York steak sandwich from the daytime menu is also a must.

O

ne recent, glorious weekend, my family and I headed to Koh Samui to stay in the luxurious and glamorous, five-star Nikki Beach Resort. Set on the island’s stunning west coast, Lipa Noi, Nikki Beach is the ultimate tranquil and serene luxury beach resort destination and offers the brand’s global cuisine, exciting beats, signature mojitos, and poolside events, all the while offering the comforts of a luxury resort designed by conceptual designer Eric Kuster, based on the visions of Jack Penrod.

The Koh Samui branch is currently one of the few locations in the world to offer accommodation, so we were pretty excited to check it out. The adventure began on a Sunny Saturday morning, when we drove our car from Phuket to Donsak pier in Surat Thani. From there, we got on the ferry to Koh Samui.

Upon arrival at the resort, we were greeted by some of the staff who then took us to our lovely appointed rooms. All I can say is, wow. We had two luxury bungalows, which were interconnected (perfect for the kids), shaded under Thailand’s frangipangi blossoms in the tropical garden. The rooms had beautiful views of the 75 metre swimming pool and if you looked past that, you could see the ocean.

The rooms were fully equipped with king size beds, a walk-in rain shower and an attractive MyBar (Nikki’s unique version of the mini bar) as well as comfy bathrobes and slippers.

We spent the first part of the day enjoying breakfast in the restaurant, then lazing around the pool, followed by a wonderful

evening of wine and well-cooked steaks. The New York steak sandwich from the daytime menu is also a must.

The award-winning Amazing Sunday Brunch was the highlight of the weekend.

The global spread included an array of cuisines and delicacies, including: omelettes, crepes, waffles, pasta, Thai stations, a wagyu grill, a raw bar as well as the Customise Your Own Champagne station. The quality of ingredients was consistently fresh and the staff could not do enough for us. In fact, we were surprised to learn that none of the staff had even trained in the hotel industry before, which is an honest reflection of how hard they work and how exceptional the service is.

The staff were very attentive and went out of their way to ensure we, and everyone

else, felt comfortable and relaxed. For example, after my family and I had returned from breakfast, they had supplied extra towels for my parents, who weren’t even staying at the resort. That’s what you call attention to detail.

After another delightful breakfast on the Monday morning, we headed home. Overall, the weekend was exceptional, from the service, to the food, to the entertainment, to the rooms. Nikki Beach continues to make its mark in the most attractive addresses and trendsetting locales worldwide.

For more information visit www.nikkibeachthailand.com

T��������������������������� he Koh Samui branch is cur� rently one of the chain’s few lo� cations in the world to offer ac� commodation, and it facilitates a unique, private experience for the whole family. thephuketnews

EAT. DRINK. CELEBRATE. Karon Beach Square is Phuket’s newest dining and entertainment hub, offering international fare and nightly music in a sexy al fresco setting.

Join us for our grand opening party with free flow of selected beverages, gourmet international bites, music, dance performances, fire shows and exotic percussion from 6 pm to 10 pm.

Saturday 17 January 2015 Tickets: Adults 1,000 Baht, Children (4-11) 500 Baht For more information or to RSVP, contact: sham.rahman@moevenpick.com T: +66 76 396 139 ext 442

KARON BEACH SQUARE

509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand T +66 76 396139 www.karonbeachsquare.com www.facebook.com/karonbeachsquare2014

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

A delectably DiVine Sunday Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

All the food is thoughtfully laid out and prepared by gleeful and dedicated kitchen staff right before your eyes.

I

had the pleasure to bring my family to the recently relaunched Sunday Brunch at Thanyapura’s DiVine restaurant, located in the lush countryside just east of the Thalang district centre.

No real surprises to report – DiVine delivers fully on satisfaction and value in terms of the wide variety on offer – from the meats and seafood to the veggies, cheeses and desserts. Noone should leave this brunch disappointed.

The casual affair is marketed as “an afternoon of fun”, with additional activities on offer including “Walk On Water” and other fun water games in the pool. But, I can’t comment on these aspects, as our afternoon was spent inside, delving in delectable delights, one after another, and soaking in the standard of dining that one has come to expect from a place like DiVine, which facilitates the ideal atmosphere for socializing with the family, if not catching up with old friends.

We started off with the drinks menu. To really appreciate what I was about to get into, I needed to

ULTIMATE AL FRESCO DINING Share a memorable dining experience at the open-air, beach-side My Grill restaurant, where refined natural wood décor reflects the native island scenes, and iconic views of the infinite seascape provide an unforgettably romantic background. Open daily from 6 to 10:30pm, My Grill's main offering includes fresh seafood and premier steaks — all prepared with a Southern Thai twist, and served as the perfect accompaniment to Ketel One Vodka and an amazing sunset. For more information, contact My Grill Restaurant, located at The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa. Tel +6676 371 400

kickstart my senses. An expresso would satisfy the calling. Make that a double.

My wife and son each went for one of the uber-healthy and scrumptious, real-fruit smoothies – yes they use real fruit, and yes, the smoothies are blended to the perfect consistency with no unnecessary additives or sweeteners joining the mix.

All the food is thoughtfully laid out and prepared by gleeful and dedicated kitchen staff right before your eyes – not hidden away in the back like some places, and thus leaving no mystery to the eyes, and none to the stomach for that matter.

Active athletes needing to replenish their proteins, and lethargic lounge lizards alike, will find a whole lot of everything from the international buffet, which offers a wide selection of meats for the BBQ, heated carving stations ready to cut into, and not to mention, a generous sushi station too.

The smoked salmon and salmon tar tar were to die for, while the beef tar tar and Prosciutto with Rocket also appeared to be guest favourites.

But it’s not just a carnivore’s feast for there were plenty of veggie, fish and seafood dishes available – from the mouthwatering grilled vegetable salad to the irresistibly-titled salad creations – think rainforest fern leaf salad with Andaman prawn or deep fried soft shell

crab with pomelo salad. Everything tasted as good as it sounded.

But is it so good, it’s got to be bad?

I’ve been told that each menu item is scrutinized by a nutrition specialist. An interview for another day, perhaps.

Meanwhile, my 8-year-old had no trouble entertaining his own palate and imagination at the dedicated kids corner, where he got to design and bake his own mini pizzas, chomping down on rice and chicken wings before trying his hand on at least one home-made cupcake, which was obviously more of a popular treat among the little girls.

At one point, I’d lost sight of my son, but he was finally spotted in another gem in the offering; adjacent to the main dining hall is a chilled room where all the wines, cheeses and sweets are kept.

Sure enough, he was there helping himself to his filling of ice cream and cake. Though completely stuffed, I couldn’t help but follow his lead.

All in all, the brunch has a diverse and unique offering at a really good value. The price for 4-11 year olds is B645++ per child, while adults, from 12 years and up, are charged B1,290++ per person for food, and an additional B890++ per person if you want the wine buffet too.

For reservations, call 076 336 000 or dining@thanyapura.com

From top left, going clockwise: The uber healthy real-fruit smoothies are a good primer if not an accompaniment to the meal; The meat carving stations are ready to dig into; DiVIne’s dedicated kitchen staff work diligenetly to prepare the food right before your eyes; The deep-fried soft shell crab with pomelo salad was as good as it sounds; the sushi bar is one of many bonuses of the brunch offering.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Setting your intentions – gazing ahead in 2015 Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

Drishti is practised through exercises called tratakas – these exercises also aid in memory retention, improve eye sight, aid in curing mental tensions and psychosomatic problems.

@thephuketnews

H

ello & happy new year!

For most people, this time of year is all about resolutions, goal setting and life changes. This results in a lot of new gym memberships, healthier looking fridges and life coaches. In our search for a better “me” we search externally for help. Which is great but external help is only half the equation. The other half is all you and your internal search for help.

This has inspired me to start 2015 with a practise that will help you throughout this year as well as the next and the next and the next...you can see where I am going with that.

This practise is called Drishti. A way to focus your gaze and practise concentrated intention, something that could benefit everyone as you enter into a new year.

By fixing the gaze on a still point, your mind can also assume the characteristics of that still point – stable and balanced. When you practise drishti regularly, the mind will soften and relax, unwind and clear. This creates a sense of calm abiding and the mind is able to think clearer and process more intelligently. Which means better, wiser decisions are made – perhaps better, wiser NEW YEAR decisions?

When you restrict your visual focus to one still point, your attention isn’t dragged from object to object. Without these distractions, it’s much easier to notice the internal wanderings of your mind and be calm enough to maintain balance of the body and mind.

Drishti is practised through exercises called tratakas – these exercises also aid in memory retention, improve eye sight, aid in curing mental tensions and psychosomatic problems: 1. Sit in a comfortable posture on the floor or a chair.

2.Place an object at eye level, something that you can comfortably gaze at.

3. Focus on the object, no blinking for a few seconds or till tears appear in either or both eyes. Blink eyes.

4. Rest your eyes by closing the eyelids and then repeat the exercise again again.

5. The length of time you can hold your gaze will increase when you practise regularly.

6. When you are comfortable with an eye open gaze, then you are ready for Drishti, which is practised by softening your gaze on the object, allowing the eyes to blink naturally, guide the mind, and the

senses soften towards their attachment on the external environment around them and focus on bringing the mind and body to a state of clarity and focused intent.

This is one way to unclutter the mind and regain some order. Think of it as your January 2015 mind spring clean!

See you next month Happy stretching!

Metta Kim oxo

Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www.mindbodyyogasystem.com or 086 276 9174.

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

10 ENVIRONMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Thai Union inherits ‘eco baggage’

N

orth American tuna brand leader, Bumble Bee Seafoods, has been sold to Thai Union Frozen Products Public Company Limited (BKK:TUF) for $1.5 billion (about B50 billion).

With its acquisition of Bumble Bee, Thai Union has also allegedly acquired a host of supply chain issues, which were outlined in an investor alert released by environmental watchdog organisation Greenpeace, last October.

The acquisition will make Thai Union, which also owns Chicken of the Sea, the largest supplier of canned tuna in the United States with an estimated 38 per cent of the US market share.

In response, Tara Buakamsri, Thailand Country Director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia said: “Thai Union would like to project itself as a company with a strong commitment to conserve and protect the greater marine ecology, natural resources and environment. This purchase of Bumble Bee – which has links to illegal and destructive fishing, shark finning, and the human rights abuses associated with longline fishing – puts the onus on Thai Union to change things for the better on a global scale. We challenge them to do that.”

Bumble Bee, which was initially owned by Lions Capital, had helped to establish the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) in 2009.

The ISSF’s mission is “to undertake

Big Fish: Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) ensnared at a depth of about 25 metres near Sicily, Italy. This tuna weighed 270 kilogrammes .

A Thai firm is now one of the largest suppliers of canned tuna in the US. Photo: Daniel Case

science-based initiatives for the longterm conservation and sustainable use of tuna stocks, reducing bycatch and promoting ecosystem health,” and has the objective, according to its website, to “Improve the sustainability of global tuna stocks by developing and implementing verifiable, science-based practices, commitments and international management measures … ” The ISSF website includes comprehensive graphs, reports and data related to stock health of tuna and various other sealife, in the Pacific Ocean, as well as the Indian Ocean.

But such initiatives by the foundation may all just be part of an image campaign for the company, suggests Greenpeace, whose Oceans Campaign

Director, John Hocevar commented in a statement: “By concentrating on misleading marketing, rather than real change to protect the health and sustainability of our oceans, Bumble Bee has been leading the North American tuna industry in the wrong direction.”

He continues, “Thai Union can reverse that course by transforming Bumble Bee into a company that demonstrates full product traceability, while providing sustainable and socially responsible fish. Greenpeace will be watching closely to see how Thai Union resolves the sustainability problems it is inheriting with the purchase of Bumble Bee.” Greenpeace has also focused on Bumble Bee’s alleged use of sonar-equipped

fish aggregating devices, or FADs, to attract fish, which the environmental watch group claims is an irresponsible and unsustainable practice.

The company has retorted that it has been around for more than a century, and thus has no incentive or gain to “fish out the oceans”, but that it supports open research for establishing the best fishing practices, with the least amount of impact on global stocks.

Commenting on the acquisition in a statement, Chris Lischewski, President and CEO of Bumble Bee Seafoods said.

“I have always believed that Bumble Bee and Thai Union share a strong vision for innovation, operational excellence, sustainability and value for our consumers, making this combination good news for customers, consumers and the industry as a whole.

“Importantly, we commit to uphold the indispensable role as one of the world’s leaders in providing responsibly harvested and processed seafood.”

With a workforce of more than 1,300 people, Bumble Bee produces and sells canned, pouched and frozen seafood products across the United States and Canada.

TUF is regarded as the world’s largest producer of shelf-stable tuna products with annual sales exceeding B100 billion (US$ 3.66 billion) and a global workforce of over 35,000 people Global tuna production is estimated to be at around 4.2 million tonnes annually.

Addressing the ‘blood wood’ crisis

T

h a i l a nd r e c ent ly hosted government agencies from Cambodia, China, Laos and Vietnam for the first regional dialogue on the increasingly violent black market trade in rosewood, a rare species of trees found in forests in Thailand and other countries.

Thailand’s Ministry of Environment hosted the event which was organised by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).

At the request of the Royal Thai Government, wildlife counter-trafficking organisation Freeland, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and other concerned international organisations joined government officers to closely examine the causes and possible solutions to the rosewood crisis.

Thailand was motivated to hold the conference because it is feeling the serious effects of the crisis. More than 30 Thai rangers have lost their lives protecting the Kingdom’s forests in recent

Freeland and Thai forest officials inspect an illegal Rosewood logging site in Thailand. years with many more being seriously injured or shot at by logging gangs toting AK-47s.

Rosewood is a coveted species of trees because of its red hue and hardness, ideal for carving into beautiful and very expensive furniture in China and Vietnam, as well as guitars in the United States and Europe.

“The dialogue meeting was a good start to cross border cooperation to bring this illegal trade under control, but we must convert talk into action fast,” said Steven Galster, Director of Freeland, which provides training and material support to Thai

forest officers. “Despite the increased awareness and rhetoric, we still see rangers being outgunned by drug-induced, trigger happy, armed gangs.”

Thai rangers recently reported the prevalent use of amphetamines by illegal loggers who work without sleeping to quickly cut down and transport the heavy logs out through underground channels.

Despite many species of Rosewood having protection from international conventions and national laws, criminal syndicates behind the illegal logging continue to decimate forests and endanger the lives of those protecting them. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

COLOURING PHUKET!

On Sale

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

Every book sold helps disadvantaged kids.

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

POWERED BY

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

Free colouring crayons with every copy!

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

KIDS 11

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12 TECHNOLOGY IN BRIEF Indonesian Facebooker not guilty

In June of last year, Yogyakarta’s Ervani Handayani posted a Facebook status that berated managers of a local jewelry store after her husband was fired for refusing to transfer to another store.

Since then, the 29-year-old had found herself in the middle of an online defamation lawsuit – related to the nation’s ITE law covering libel – as store managers took her to court days later.

She spent several days in jail and faced a five month prison sentence and a Rp1 million fine with three months house arrest upon release.

On Monday (January 5), Bantul district court decided the following statement was not defamation: “Mr. Har was good, but Ayas and the other SPV [supervisor] were not. We do not think he [Ayas] deserves to be a leader at Jolie Jogja Jewellery. Many times they exaggerated and were unstable like children!”

Streaming on PlayStation

PS3 and PS4 owners will be able to start streaming their favourite television shows and movies beginning next month.

The service – PlayStation Vue – is provided

by Sony and was previously only available to users who signed up for the invite-only beta version. The cloud-based streaming service will be available for the iPad and other non-Sony devices starting later this year.

Costs are unclear but Sony will offer the new service on a month-tomonth pay cycle.

Toyota frees fuel-cell patents

Toyota announced last week that they will open 5,680 of its patents related to fuel-cell technology for anybody to use royalty-free.

During a presentation at Consumer Electronics Show 2015 in Las Vegas, Toyota presenters said the move is to spur faster innovation for cars using fuel-cell technology.

T he compa ny unveiled the Toyota Mirai last year – the first hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle to be sold commercially.

Toyota will begin selling the vehicle worldwide later his year.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Take over the world through Civilization 5 CHADDER

BOX

Chad Nolan Meyers chadnolanmeyers@gmail.com

Your enemies are the neighbouring civilizations, and you’ll spend your existence competing against each other for resources, cultural influence...

Chad Nolan Meyers is a product of the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.

After falling in love with Princess Zelda at age 4, Chad has been running, jumping and fighting his way through the video game world ever since.

I

t is 2022, but a quick look at your Mayan Calendar reminds you that Mayan New Years is next week, and 2023 is almost upon us. You could stay and party in the capital city of Tikal, or head north to New York City in America, or just stay home in your Mayan-style condo watching Mayan reality shows.

The Mayan empire collapsed in real life, yet new possibilities remain in the expansion pack Sid Meier’s Civilization 5: Brave New World. Rewrite history to one where the Mayans DID survive and flourish as a mighty empire with nuclear capabilities.

Civilization 5 is a turn-based, Risk-style virtual board game. With several ways to win, endless strategy, incredible depth and plenty variations of style, Civilization 5 succeeds in being the rare game where US$60 Dollars (US$30 for the original Civilization 5, $30 for the Brave New World expansion) is a bargain.

Choose between an astounding 43 different ancient empires – from well-known Greece and Rome, to the short-lived Celts and Incas – and lead them through all of history to eventually take over the world. The journey begins in the ancient era (4,000 BCE), with one group of settlers, and one military unit. Your enemies are the neighbouring civilizations, and you’ll spend your existence competing against each other for resources, cultural influence, technological prowess, and military might.

Brave New World is actually the second expansion on the original Civilization 5 title, and several complaints from this game are addressed. Long boring sessions? Gone. Invisible trades? Out of here. Interna-

tional trade and diplomacy have been added and adjusted to create a more realistic experience and world in which to interact.

Me personally? As an American I choose the Shoshone, a tribe native to what is now the North Western United States. Because everyone loves an underdog baby!

Solar plane heads for round-the-world trip

A

sun-powered plane was loaded onto a cargo carrier in Switzerland late Monday (January 5) heading for the Middle East from where it will attempt a revolutionary roundthe-world trip.

The air carrier transporting Solar Impulse 2 left early Tuesday (January 6) for Abu Dhabi, from where the long-winged plane will begin its record-making bid in March with the aim of completing the trip by July.

It is the successor of Solar Impulse, a pioneering craft which notched up a 26-hour flight in 2010, proving its ability to store enough power in lithium batteries during the day to keep flying at night.

T he forer u n ner was put through its paces in Europe, crossed the Mediterranean to reach Morocco and traversed the United States in 2013 without using a drop of fossil fuel.

The masterminds of the project

Bertrand Piccard, one of the makers of the plane. are Bertrand Piccard, the scion of a dynasty of Swiss scientistscum-adventurers, and Andre Borschberg, a former Swiss air force pilot.

“I am moved, because this is really a magical moment, an important moment,” said Borschberg.

“We’ve been working on this for 12 years.”

Piccard, who made history in 1999 by becoming the first person to fly around the world in a hot-air balloon, said the main objective was to prove that clean energy

could “achieve incredible things”.

“What we need to do now is convince the political and the industrial world that this is the direction we need to go in,” Piccard said.

Solar Impulse 2 will fly nonstop for more than 120 hours – five days and five nights.

Bu i lt f rom ca rbon f ibre, the 2.3-tonne plane has four 17.5-horsepower electrical motors powered by 17,248 solar cells studding its fuselage and a 72-metre wingspan – as long as that of an

Airbus A380.

The journey will start in the Gulf, to benefit from the Middle East’s low-cloud conditions, then head to India, Myanmar and China, across the Pacific Ocean, fly over the United States, the Atlantic Ocean, southern Europe and finally North Africa before returning to its point of departure in Abu Dhabi.

Speed at night will be limited to 46 kilometres per hour to prevent the batteries from being run down too quickly. AFP

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (Bundle)

PS4, Xbox One, PC

6

Pokemon Omega Ruby/ Alpha Sapphire

3DS

1

Expensify (Finance)

iOS, Android

2

Just Dance 2015

Wii U

7

Sims 4

PC

2

Sound Seeder 1.0 (Music)

iOS, Android

3

Grand Theft Auto V

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

8

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Xbox One

3

Fooducate (Nutrition)

iOS, Android

4

Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

3DS

9

Dragon Age: Inqusition

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

4

Coach.me (Manage Goals)

iOS, Android

5

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

10

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Wii U

5

Secret 11 (Ideas exchange)

iOS, Android

thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL JANUARY 9, 2015

IN BRIEF Razzies shortlist leaked

Left wanting more FILM REVIEW J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

THE INTERVIEW It’s hard to believe that, of all the films that would cause a diplomatic crisis, The Interview was it

Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park, Lizzy Caplan and Diana Bang.

Director: Seth Rogen and Even Goldberg

Running time: 112 minutes

P

erhaps no film in 2014 is more of an example of free speech than The Interview. The hacking of Sony Entertainment’s computer network and subsequent diplomatic fallout, including threats from North Korea’s government, prompted studio heads to cancel the release – then change their minds. By default, The Interview is going to go down in history as an example of repressive governments trying to stifle free speech.

But The Interview is not a good movie. It’s very average and lucky to be so.

Are there hilarious moments? Of course.

Would anyone remember this film in 20 or so years had it not almost caused an international crisis? Not in the slightest.

By now we all know that The Interview tells the story of television host Dave Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) who, after being granted an interview with reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un (Randall Park), are contracted by the CIA to assassinate him.

Rogen is his usual funny self but dials back a bit when the scene calls for something a bit more substantive or to deliver a plot detail to keep the narrative chiming along. His character strives for more than silly news and the Kim Jong-Un interview is his ticket to credibility – Rogen’s take is spot on.

Park’s portrayal of the reclusive dear leader is well done, as we both sympathise with him, laugh with him and despise him all at the same time. The same goes for newcomer Diana Bang, who plays North Korea’s communication offer Sook.

Franco, on the other hand, is a big detriment to the film and plays Skylark as some over-the-top circus ring-leader who won’t shut up. He fills space with silly noises, giving off a sense of comedic hubris that can easily turn audiences off.

The tone of the film suffers from the same fate, with repetitive jokes – sometimes word for word – sprinkled throughout The Interview.

While some lines were legitimately hilarious,

A Gambit movie already

Although Channing Tatum has yet to appear as Gambit in the X-Men series, Twentieth Century Fox has already scheduled a spinoff film for October 2016.

Gambit, a standalone movie featuring the rogue X-Men character who is an expert card-thrower and has the power to manipulate kinetic energy, will be written by Joshua Zetumer (RoboCop). The film will open just three months after X-Men: Apocalypse in May 2016.

The character made a brief appearance in the 2009 film X-Men Origins: Wolverine, portrayed by Taylor Kitsch.

Rambo 5 shoots soon

they are left swimming around a pool of gimmicks and slapstick that ends up draining the entire humour into something dry and formless, with little inventiveness.

Still, there was something to be said about the third act of the film where our protagonists are finally in the actual interview. There was substance in the narrative and perhaps a moment of reflection on what is best for the North Korean people and the country’s future.

Just as the audience was inching towards something a bit beyond the silliness of a comedy film, we are zapped back into reality. The Interview muddles any potential message with toilet humour and another overused montage (seriously, there are about 10 montages in the film – way too many).

It’s hard to believe that, of all the films that would cause a diplomatic crisis, The Interview was it. Still, it’s worth a watch or two and that’s about all.

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival)

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong)

The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (E) 16:00, 22:00 The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (T) 13:00, 19:00 I Fine Thank You Love You (T) 10:50, 12:20, 14:50, 17:20, 19:55, 22:30 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (T) 11:40, 13:50, 18:10, 20:20 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (E) 16:00, 22:25 Satree Lek Tob Loke Taek (T/E sub) 12:30, 15:05, 17:40, 20:15, 22:40 Seventh Son (E) 16:40, 18:55, 21:10 Sevent Son (F) 15:05, 17:20, 19:35, 21:50 Seventh Son (T) 11:00, 13:15, 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15

Exodus: Gods and Kings (E) 15:10, 20:40 The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (3D/E) 15:50, 21:50 The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (E) 12:50, 18:50 I Fine Thank You Love You (T) 12:40, 18:10 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (E) 12:30, 14:50, 17:10, 19:30, 21:50 Satree Lek Tob Loke Taek (T/E sub) 11:50, 14:25, 17:00, 19:35, 22:10 Seventh Son (3D/E) 12:20, 14:40, 17:00, 19:20, 21:40

@thephuketnews

T he prenominations list of the worst films of 2014, awarded at the annual Golden Raspberry Awards every March, have been leaked and includes films like The Interview, Left Behind, and Sex Tape.

The list of 12 is expected to be whittled down to six in the coming weeks. Other films include Saving Christmas, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (really?), and Transformers: Age of Extinction. Also leaked were shortlists for both Worst Actor and Worst Actress.

Worst Actor list include James Franco (The Interview), Adam Sandler (Blended) and Johnny Depp (Transcendence) while Worst Actresses has Jennifer Aniston (Horrible Bosses 2), Drew Barrymore (Blended) and Nicole Kidman (Before I Go To Sleep) on the list.

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 - 600 - 555.

Because we can never have enough Sylvester Stallone films, Rambo 5: Last Blood is expected to go into production in the coming months.

Stallone recently revealed that this installment of the Rambo saga will be the final one. Though it is unclear whether the film will stick to the plot that involves Rambo going up against a Mexican cartel, Stallone compared the film’s tone to that of No Country For Old Men. Stallone is also returning to the role of Rocky Balboa in Creed where the “Italian Stallion” trains and manages Apollo Creed’s grandson (to be played

by Michael B. Jordan) – expected to be released in 2016.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend

Gross

1

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

$21.73M

$220.60M

2

Into the Woods

$18.73M

$90.87M

3

Unbroken

$18.17M

$87.65M

4

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death

$15.03M

$15.03M

5

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

$14.52M

$89.85M $72.46M

6

Annie

$11.25M

7

The Imitation Game

$7.77M

$30.47M

8

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

$7.56M

$323.73M

9

The Gambler

$6.33M

$27.60M

10

Big Hero 6

$4.75M

$211.21M

14 ART

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Pushing the art envelope

T

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

he latest pieces from The Liu Dao collection were showcased at the “Blood Money and Bitches” exhibition at the Royal Phuket Marina from December 27 to January 7.

The exhibition featured a fiendish array of the collective’s signature multimedia work on display in the glamorous marina-side locale.

Provocative art and devilish intentions mixed in all the right ways at the exhibition’s vernissage.

For more information about the collection and gallery, visit island6.org

Multimedia works to show in Rawai

O

n Saturday January 10, a group of talented artists will showcase their latest pieces at the “Ideal & Mineral” exhibition in Rawai.

The exhibition will include works from the architect Jet Sirilim; two artists from Art Village, Pui and Prasosuk; Suriyan, the action painter; solo artist Wood Dust; Finger Print with his original printmaking technique; photographers Montri and Olga, sculptures from Kamon and Amnat; as well as Eden Rays, the composer.

For more information about the exhibition, send an email to Jet: jettheweaponofgod@hotmail.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR: CHIC BEACH MIDNIGHT MAGIC AT MAIKHAO DREAM VILLA RESORT New Year celebrations at Maikhao Dream Villa Resort & Spa was an extravaganza of enthralling east-meets-west classic entertainment accompanied by a 10-course buffet dinner of French fusion cuisine on the beach under a canopy of giant pine trees. The luxury resort on Maikhao Beach spared no expense putting on the stylish New Year’s Eve night, and “Le Chic de Siam” was all it promised to be, with a multi-talented cast shipped in by Apollo Entertainment putting on a spectacular “Beach Masquerade Ball” featuring classical stage performances from Broadway musicals Phantom of The Opera and Chicago (around forty actors!) followed by a live jazz band and raw rhythms of the orient with big drum performances for a fiery finale and countdown to welcome the New Year.

A VERY HARD ROCK NEW YEAR’S EVE COUNTDOWN The Hard Rock Cafe in Patong featured a lot of music for their Rockin’ New Years Eve party, with Y2K recording artists Point 22 headlining the evening as revellers gathered to say welcome 2015.

(right) Dusit Thani General Manager Denis Thouvard.

DUSIT THANI LAGUNA PHUKET RINGS IN THE NEW YEAR 2015 IN THAI STYLE Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket celebrated the new year with a Thai Temple Festival themed night. Guests were delighted with lavish buffets including traditional live cooking stations, games, performances and lucky draws with a stunning fireworks display from the beachfront at midnight. @thephuketnews

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS 80s AT INIALA Iniala Resort hosted their Absolutely Fabulous 80s charity event on January 3, to raise funds for the Inspirasia Foundation which helps disadvantaged people in Thailand, Indonesia and India. Squeeze’s lead singer and guitarist, Glenn Tilbrook, performed a special concert which was followed by Live 89.5’s Jason Wilder spinning hits from the 80s.

Aness Ben Hamane, Aziz Lamwuadmi, Axel Lae, Idriss Aliani, Shakir Fadil, Bourdho Balde, Margaux Villar, Moha Mostefa.

RINGING IN 2015 AT TWIN PALMS All venues at Twinpalms Resort celebrated the New Year in style. World-renowned musician Mario Reyes and the Gypsy King Family brought another highlight to this year’s Gala Dinner.

Catch Beach Club hosted the count-down party as fireworks filled the night sky.

Hala, Rasha, Wesam, and Rana.

NIKKI BEACH SAYS “HELLO” TO 2015 Aileen and Yuila.

Fire dancers, first-class buffet and spectacular fireworks was on tap for the New Year’s Eve celebrations at Nikki Beach Phuket as hundreds dressed in “nighttime chic” attire for the occasion. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

AUSTRALIA CONSUL SAYS FAREWELL

(Left) Former German Honorary Consul Dirk Naumann with his daughter and successor (center) Jimenez Hoechstetter.

(Far left) Incoming Australian Honorary Consul Michelle Hawryluk and (center) Trudy McGowan.

The Australian Embassy’s first secretary and consul, Trudi McGowan, was farewelled at Home restaurant in Kalim on January 3, by Phuket’s Australian community and local honorary consuls. She is returning to a posting in Canberra and, after that, will be moving on to Dubai.

PROVOCATIVE ART AND DEVILISH INTENTIONS RPM’s Island 6 art gallery featured an exhibition, titled “Blood Money & B*****s” from Liu Dao from December 27 to January 7. Here are photos from the opening night of the exhibition. See also story on Life page 14.

(left to right) Sathita, Pongsapak Upatising and Alisa Tulsi.

CHALONG BOXING STADIUM OPENS Phuket’s newest boxing stadium in Chalong, near the circle, opened on December 23 with several exciting Muay Thai bouts featuring fighters from gyms all across the island. For more, see Sports page 29.

LOVE NIGHTLIFE PHUKET STOPS BY CLASS ACT MEDIA Khun Wandee from Love Nightlife Phuket stopped by Class Act Media’s offices on December 30 to wish the company well in the coming year.

Tukta and Kiki.

DUSIT THANI SAYS HELLO TO CLASS ACT MEDIA Khun Bhatara, Marketing Communications and Public Relations Manager of Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, stopped by the CAM headquarters on December 30. @thephuketnews

(left to right) JP Mestanza, Alasdair Forbes, Jason Bevan and Dusit’s Bhatara Amornrattanakij.

PULLMAN ARCADIA VISITS CLASS ACT MEDIA HQ Bella Thirapan from Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach visits Class Act Media headquarter in Kathu on December 30.

18 EVENTS

FRI

9 - 11 JAN

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM ter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

10 JAN

activities indoors. For the adventurous, enjoy the “Walk On Water” and other water fun games at the pool. Price for 4-11 yrs at THB645++ per child. Food only THB1,290++ per person. Beverages Buffet at THB 890++ per person. For reservations, call 076 336 000 or dining@thanyapura.com

PIMEX: 12th Phuket International Boat Show Marine and More: Phuket’s Ultimate Luxury Lifestyle Show. Held at Royal Phuket Marina, the home of Asia’s favourite Boat Show since 2007. PIMEX is an established and successful event in the marine and leisure calendar. As the 2014 edition showed, the show is well attended by luxury brands and individuals keen to buy. Over 3,800 individuals were involved and USD$25 million of product was sold with many more leads followed up after the show. Like its location, PIMEX is a relaxed event where participants celebrate the boating, leisure and luxury lifestyle in an ideal tropical destination. The show is more than boats on display but also an opportunity to see the latest luxury cars, properties and engage in some Phuket hospitality. www.phuketboatshow.com Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance.

Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delicious banquet of grilled meats, fresh seafood and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

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

The competition at 9pm Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong.

See map at www.expathotel.com.

SUN

11 JAN

Sunday Poolside Chill Out Brunch at Kata Rocks Chill out poolside every Sunday for brunch, with our shared table family style dining along with live chill out music. Chef serves modern Mediterranean inspired plates and platters with an Australasian accent. Relax the afternoon away enjoy the brunch then cool off in our stunning 35 meter oceanfront infinity pool Chilled live beats will set the tone and backdrop to the perfect Sunday session 12 noon till 4 pm every Sunday 1500++ per person for brunch and 2500++ including free flow of selected beverages Reservations required, Person: Reservation, Email: reservations@katarocks.com, Phone: +66(0)76 370 777

MON

12 JAN

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic flavours from our Thai kitchen. Just THB 650++ per guest Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach BBQ at Expat Hotel

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fbphuket@banyantree.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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

Free Sauna TRX – Santosa Signature training Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class.

Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly!

To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class

Phuket Walking Street For THB 499/-nett.

All you can eat

Fun Family Brunch Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach.

Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, but-

Every Sunday at DiVine 11.30am-2.30pm Thanyapura’s DiVine is offering families with an afternoon of FUN at its newly themed Sunday Brunch! DiVine serves international buffet featuring seafood and meat BBQ with heated carving stations.

There’s a dedicated buffet for children with free cooking classes and other fun

Phuket Walking Street, “Laad Yai” is a Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the “Old Phuket Town Community” in Laad Yai, Phuket Town.

The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 16.00 - 22.00 Hrs. For more info visit facebook. com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

EVENTS 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

13 JAN

WED

14 JAN

PASTA MANIA at Dewa Phuket

Toastmasters Phuket Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only. Contact info@ joannebaylis.com for more info.

Wednesdays from 7pm Savour the flavours of Italy with fresh pasta, homemade sauces, tasty appetizers and desserts.

Just THB 650++ per guest Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

lieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapeze-like movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600.

Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket. com

TUE

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10AM to NOON and every Saturday from 9AM to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ reginatudor@ gmail.com, 083 104 0788

SWINGER NIGHT THURSDAY Soccer Bar Bangla RD. Soi Crocodile, Person: Richard, Email: dcondoms@ gmail.com, Phone: 086 943 3056 (Afer 2 PM)

WED

SWINGER NIGHT TUESDAYS

18 MAR

Soccer Bar Bangla RD. Soi Crocodile, Person: Richard, Emai : dcondoms@ gmail.com, Phone: 086 943 3056 (Afer 2 PM)

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 Join Thailand’s Largest Pool League !

Have Fun - Meet People - Play Pool For more details LIKE us on www.facebook. com/vneaphuket or call: 085 797 0005 For Schedules, Standings & Statistics check out: www.compusport.us Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

Free Sauna Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

@thephuketnews

THU

15 JAN

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst re-

27 MAR

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!! At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@ rawaibeachfishingclub.com

CONSTECH 2015 Thailand International Construction Machinery, Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2015 is an international business platform gathering more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands from around the world spanning a vast range of construction and mining machinery and equipment, and machinery for building material production. More than 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEAN construction and mining industries are expected to visit the event.

CONSTECH 2015 is organized by Thai Contractors Association under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed

by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. CONSTECH 2015 is a must visit exhibition!, Address: IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand., Email: pasinc@impact.co.th, Phone: 02 833 5208 Proudly supported

by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

daily event updates on

20 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. If you are ventripotent, which part of you is large?

2. When was the first Harley-Davidson motorbike built?

3. Which element comprises almost all of the matter in the Universe?

4. Which country has the highest rate of bicycle ownership?

5. What are the odds against flipping a coin heads-up 10 times in a row?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

59. Warmth givers 62. Modeled 63. “Tobermory” writer 64. Midsection 65. Copycat 66. Duff 67. Emulate Demosthenes

27. Small boat 28. DeLuise 1. Marine tunicate 29. Lixivium 6. Ruler until 1917 31. Baby carrier?

10. Sorcerer 32. Dug into 14. Cover 33. “___ Cried” (1962 hit) 15. Intoxicating 34. Form of ether 16. Bonanza finds 35. Unpopular spots 17. Indifference 36. Accordingly 20. Goes down Down 38. “Hardly!”

21. Embarkation location 39. Jezebel’s idol 1. Thecae 22. Pronouncement 40. Wright wing 2. ___ ferox 23. Middle Eastern tree 3. Bounce 44. Defense against 24. Large fruit charges 4. ___ the bill 25. Villain 45.

Greek cheese 5. Volcano output 29. Ballad 46. Pastry dough, var.

6. Literary alias 30. Remote 47. Pronunciation 7. Traffic stopper symbol 31. Over ___ 8. Bone cavities 48.

March 34. Fill the bill?

9. Kind of flour 49. Gonzo 37. Sitting out the game 10. 60’s dance 41. Grazing land, var.

50. Apply butter 11. Of a 42. S-curve 51. Anorak neighborhood 43. Unrivaled 52. Round trip?

12. Bas-relief 44. Back 55. Military award medium 46. Like some angels 13. Krupp Works city 56. Hipbones 47. Feminist Lucy 18. Old weapon 57. Energy 50. Sour 19. Russian assembly 58. Punta del ___, Uruguay 53. Geosphere 23. LP player 60. Medicinal amt.

54. Ruhr Valley city 25. Yawp 61. Wee hour 55. ___ up 26. Wings

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

1. Your belly; 2. 1903; 3. Hydrogen; 4. The Netherlands – roughly one bike for per of population; 5. 1,023:1.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ January 9, 1150

70,000

Number of new computer viruses found by antivirus companies every day.

13 billion

Hamburgers eaten in the US in a year – enough to circle the earth 32 times.

200 million Number of people unemployed worldwide in 2013.

$6.8bn

Amount of money the US retail industry makes each year from gift vouchers that are not redeemed.

100,000

Number of mobile phones that are dropped down toilets in the UK every year.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Picture of a picture: an artist sketches a subject on Thalang Rd. Photo by Alasdair Forbes Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Prince Hailing of Jin and other court officials murder Emperor Xizong of Jin. Hailing succeeds him as emperor.

■■ January 10, 49BC Ju l iu s Ca e sa r crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war against Roma n leader Pompey, which Ju l iu s Ca e sa r wins.

■■ January 11, 1927 Louis B. Mayer, head of film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), announces the creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

■■ January 12, 1554 Bayinnaung, who would go on to assemble the largest empire in the history of Southeast Asia, is crowned King of Burma.

■■ January 13, 1842 Dr. William Brydon of the British East India Company Army during the First Anglo-Afghan War, reaches Jalalabad, the sole survivor from an army of 4,500 men and 12,000 camp followers massacred by Afghanis.

■■ January 14, 1973 Elv is P re sley’s concer t Aloha f rom Hawaii is broa dca st l ive, becoming the most watched broadcast by an individual entertainer in television history.

■■ January 15, 1889 The Coca-Cola Company, then known as the Pemberton Medicine Co, is incorporated in Atlanta, Georgia.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Property

CLASSIFIEDS 17 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/livephuket www.livephuket.com

What to expect in 2015 from the Phuket Property Section

Who is LivePhuket and what do we do?

The Phuket News Property Section

It’s an exciting year for the property consumer market in 2015. LivePhuket has signaled its intentions early by signing an exclusive long term partnership with Class Act Media. Each of Class Act Media’s business lines, which include TV, Radio, Newspaper and events, plan to work closely with LivePhuket on a variety of initiatives to maximize the opportunities for all property consumers searching for property both online and offline.

LivePhuket (also LivePhuket.com) is a realtor covering the Phuket residential property market in Thailand. Founded on the principles of transparency and efficiency, LivePhuket aims to make the market more effective for both property consumers and professionals alike. There has been a real drive with investment in technology and the online portal is set to become the must-use resource for anyone interested in transacting in the Phuket property market.

The Phuket News has totally revamped the property section with the help of LivePhuket. Every week there will be a fresh selection of sales and rental properties that are exclusively discounted for Phuket News readers. Every other week LivePhuket will be publishing interesting content such as ‘How to turn your Phuket home into a profitable vacation rental’. This will be complemented by the large amount of deals available on the livephuket. com website, which caters for vacation rentals, long term rentals and properties for sale.

Stats Don’t Lie – Agents Do! A

nyone currently involved in the Phuket property market will be happy to note that Thailand’s global ranking for transparency within its real estate market (Jones Lang LaSalle, 2014) has improved from 39th in 2012 to 36th in 2014. What does this actually mean for the majority of us? Unfortunately, the answer is very little indeed!

With almost no freely available, open market data on the Phuket property market, sellers and buyers are heavily reliant on real estate agents to provide honesty and guidance in assisting their real estate decisions. Which prompts this question: Do the readers believe that Phuket real estate agents are honest, patient, assertive, passionate, creative and tenacious? We think belief outweighs truth and fantasy doesn’t equate to reality.

We all know someone who has been burnt by bad property advice or been promised rental returns or capital growth that was never achieved. Do real estate agents use complex pricing models to value your property accurately and fairly? Or do they take some pie in the sky figure dreamt up to buy your confidence? Brennan Campbell, Sales Director of LivePhuket explains that market inefficacies have been more than amplified within the property sales business. “Property owners, agents and prospective buyers alike are creating price evaluations based on subjective materials and not market facts. This leads to large discrepancies in pricing across different areas of the island, and even within the same development”.

What is really the most expensive area to buy?

@thephuketnews

What premium do we have to pay for beach side properties? What is the average off-plan-to-completion ratio for specific condominiums? What really is your property worth? Is it better to rent your property as a long-term rental or as a vacation rental? What type of in-demand units is the market lacking supply of for vacation rentals?

There are thousands of questions that the market cannot easily answer at the moment, because the infrastructure, data and technology is not readily available.

Imagine if we could empower consumers in the Phuket property market with the resources they need to make better informed property decisions.

Envisage helping consumers both search for their next property and research the market by utilizing market data, local information and community tools. Imagine providing buyers, sellers, developers and realtors alike the ability to back up wild claims with undisputed market statistics.

Will these developments be positive news for everyone? We think the majority of people would agree

that transparency is the only way to move this market forward and increase consumer confidence. We think the opposition would predominately come from property owners who will be surprised to find their true market value might be significantly less than they have been led to believe.

LivePhuket has invested over two hundred thousand dollars with the belief that this is all achievable. By using real time dynamic proprietary pricing algorithms, LivePhuket uses a series of public and private data coupled with expert location and property based weighting to interpolate accurate valuation models. In layman’s terms, we use loads of information from everywhere to give our customers an accurate market value. This is just a small part of the analytics tool suite offering, and LivePhuket has loads of great functionality that we will be making available within this upcoming release. By disrupting the Phuket property market through transparency and efficiency, we hope to set a new standard for transacting on property within Thailand. We hope to bring this exciting functionality to the market by the 3rd quarter of 2015.

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SALES SALES

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

0895 866 734 │ brennan@livephuket.com

Brining extensive knowledge of the Phuket real estate market, Brennan offers his clients an outstanding level of service. Known by clients and colleagues alike for his honesty and professionalism, Brennan needs and concerns. His telephone and email are always at hand.

Contact him today to arrange a scheduled viewing.

LE AB EV

E LI BE LU VA

LO GR CA EA TI T ON

UN

THE RESIDENCE, Bang Tao

2 Bedrooms, +1 Study/3rd Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, 250 sqm.

BAAN THAI BEACH GARDENS, Bang Tao 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 124 sqm.

3,500,000 THB

6,000,000 THB

TO O OF PEN FE RS

Wonderful two-bedroom, double en-suite, open-plan apartment. Walking distance to the beach and restaurants

Fully serviced development with spa and gym in

12,800,000 THB

KAMALA HILLS, Kamala

3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 110 sqm.

3rd floor leasehold unit overlooking resort-style pool.

Sold fully furnished within secure gated community.

BAAN SAIRUNG @ THE COOLWATER, Kamala 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Private Pool.

Stunning elevated villa with half-moon infinity pool and spacious outdoor entertainment area.

13,900,000 THB

US CL EX E

IV

E Y LU UR VA UX L &

21,500,000 THB

BAAN THAI SURIN GARDENS, Surin

NAKATANI VILLAGE, Kamala

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 450 sqm.

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 275 sqm.

Picturesque, fully renovated, sea view-garden villa with five-star finishings. Must be seen to believe.

brennan@livephuket.com

│

5 minute walk to both Surin and Bang Tao beaches.

18,000,000 THB

www.livephuket.com

│

+66 (0) 89 586 6734 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

SALES SALES

Call us today to arrange a scheduled viewing or visit LivePhuket.com to search the best

D

IL GH E HI AL Y NT

RE

BEL AIR, Cape Panwa

3,700,000 THB

BAAN SII @ THE COOLWATER, Kamala

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 139 sqm.

• 15,500,000 THB

Massive 2 floor villa with swimming pool offering

SE A

VI

EW S

Foreign freehold, spacious, middle-floor unit with private terrace overlooking the Andaman Sea.

5 Bedrooms, 5 Bathrooms, Private Pool.

AP GRAND RESIDENCES, Kamala 3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 170 sqm.

6,500,000 THB

ANDAMAN HILLS, Patong 3 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 265 sqm.

Spacious layout across 3 private levels.

Amazing value three-floor sea view town house in Patong. Perfect home, quick sale and must be seen.

8,500,000 THB M D TE VA ER

LL SE

I OT

KAMALA PARADISE II, Kamala

2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 196 sqm.

entertainment area with Thai Sala and just a short walk to the beach.

5,800,000 THB brennan@livephuket.com @thephuketnews

│

BALI-STYLE POOL VILLA, Nai Harn

11,500,000 THB

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 250 sqm.

Elegant, private pool-villa with tropical garden. Reduced to sell,

www.livephuket.com

│

+66 (0) 89 586 6734

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

SALES SALES

Call us today to arrange a scheduled viewing or visit LivePhuket.com to search the best

THE TREES RESIDENCES, Kamala 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 160 sqm.

7,500,000 THB

LUNA PHUKET, Laguna

15,000,000 THB

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 295 sqm.

Modern pool villa in a popular development just

IN

VE ST M

EN

T

Huge apartment, in the secure Trees serviced development.

3,300,000 THB

KAMALA RESORT & SPA, Kamala Studio, 1 Bathroom, 46 sqm.

Great priced leasehold condo in a serviced development. 500 m walk to the beach.

This Investment property is priced to sell!

SAI TAAN, Laguna

4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 311 sqm.

24,000,000 THB

Contemporary pool-villa in an exclusive, gated development.

A SE S EW

VI

28,500,000 THB

THE VILLAS, Nai Harn

6 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms, 550 sqm.

│

1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 190 sqm.

7,500,000 THB

Expansive luxury pool villa with stunning valley views on a spacious land plot of 800 sqm. As established rental property or holiday home.

brennan@livephuket.com

ZEN SPACE PENTHOUSE, Kamala

www.livephuket.com

a private 126 sqm outdoor entertaining area. One of a kind property with character in serviced development.

│

+66 (0) 89 586 6734 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

RENTALS RENTALS market, having found 100’s of locals and tourist villa and condos ranging from a 1 week stays up to 2 year. She has vast knowledge

UL S IF UT IEW EA V

B A SE

Zen Space, Kamala

AP GRAND, Kamala

39,900 THB a month

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 120 sqm.

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 128 sqm.

3 floored stylish townhouse including outdoor

Fully Furnished, quiet seaview unit, with all

0M

35

39,000 THB a month

TO H AC BE

CASUARINA SHORES, Bang Tao

2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, 140 sqm.

25,000 THB a month

SAI TAAN, Laguna

4 bed, 4 bathroom, 311 sqm.

Art Patong, Patong

Nicely furnished 2 bed short walk to Bang Taos famous beach.

1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, 28 sqm.

Private Villa, Chalong 169,500 THB a month

kristina@livephuket.com

3 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, 170 sqm. fully furnished with spacious living area.

Spacious courtyard style villa, located on the entrance to

@thephuketnews

38,500 THB a month

│

www.livephuket.com

│

79,000 THB a month

+66 (0) 86 951 9969

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

IT

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PACKAGING

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

@thephuketnews

24 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Native English Teachers

Join an International Team, Princess Yachts Phuket is hiring

Chalong International School is looking for two experienced teachers for our preschool and primary school to start Jan 6 Mon-Fri resume to phuketteacher@ yahoo.com, 080 624 7060

1 Position: Yacht Charter Assistant; excellent written and spoken english, computer and internet, secretarial experience, Thai national 1 Position: Marketing Assistant; Video, Photo, Adobe, Internet and good English, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at 0866900444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com,

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized in holiday rentals listing is expanding to new areas of interest. The ideal candidate is a responsible and diligent person with experience as a telemarketer or in sales. Good English and excel skills are essential. Thai or foreigners can both apply. We offer: full training, telephone and email support, high commissions, Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

Vacancies for property sales reps 1.Sale English,Chinese,Russia (Good commission)Have experience in line of Sale 2.staff at booth for Property(17,000 + Lunch + Commission) Can communicate Good English, Kaew, kaew@agtropical. com, 094-8073434

POPMUSIC BAND AVAILABLE FOR NY

Luxury Hospitality Management is Thailand’s leading luxury management consulting company, offering services to organisations primarily within the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industries.

We are growing and hiring:

5 piece band available for NEW YEARS EVE. Can do audition first. Bring own instruments. Good quality band for a good party with popular old and new songs! email: paulsmollan@yahoo.com phone: 091-0426739

Thai nationality only, fluent in English, with background & experience in OTA and connections with wholesale agents, Minimum two years experience in Sales. Able to work independently in headquarters office. Good benefit and bonus by KPI targets.

TOUR DESK SALES CO-ORDINATOR Thai nationality only, Sales coordinators for our LHM Adventure tour counter To be based in the properties we manage, fluent English with strong sales mind, full time and part time, good salary, attractive commissions with KPI target bonus structure.

Interested candidates are invited to send an application with complete resume, in English, with qualifications, experience, a recent picture and expected salary to: md@luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com Phone: 0897256994 http://luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com/

Phuket Shopping Tours Job Are you an outgoing, fun loving person? Highly motivated, with excellent customer service skills? If so we want to hear from you. Phuket Shopping Tours is seeking expressions of interest from LICENSED TOUR GUIDES for freelance and full-time work. In addition to hosting Shopping Tours and Island Tours, successful candidates will assist with other aspects of the business including sales, marketing and promotional duties and will be an integral part of our growing team. Requirements ·Good English ·Outgoing personality ·Excellent customer service skills ·Own transport - driver’s license and own car highly desirable ·Excellent knowledge of Phuket ·Prior experience in 4/5 star resorts To learn more about Phuket Shopping Tours and what we do please read our website www.PhuketShoppingTours, Facebook and Tripadvisor. To apply send resume including copy of Tour Guide License to info@PhuketShoppingTours. com or call 0898 66 88 33 EXECUTIVE CHEF

Are you looking for a Nanny?

Job Wanted!!! If you are looking for someone who can look after your child, pets or house when you plan to get away at night or during the weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570

Russian Property Broker 150k+

SALES CO-ORDINATOR

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

We are one of the leading real estate companies in Phuket that is expanding fast and looking for talented individuals to join our young, dynamic team. We have a position for a Russian speaking agent who has a number of years experience in real estate & within the Phuket market. This is a great opportunity for any hungry and talented sales people to join a market leader. Top Level Commission offered., Top Level Commission, Kamala, Phuket, 092 474 6157, paul@livephuket.com

Position HR Manager Thai Nationality. Proven experience with managing a team. 3-5 years experience. Knowledge of labour laws, visa and work permit regulations. Good command of written and spoken English. 40,000 baht salary. Send your resume in English to jazon@ headstartphuket.com

Kotasovac

An offer you can not refuse!

Anyone who wants to be within a few weeks of earning money an interesting way, contact us. It involves a simple promotional activity on the Internet, which is very fairly assessed and which can behandled easily, by even a schoolboy! For work, you need a computer, patience and a desire to change their financial situation for the better. If you want to have an interesting monthly income, contact us as soon as possible. We would like to help. Contact by e-mail only: kotasovac@gmail.com

Popular hotel in Central Patong is looking for an Executive Chef. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar position.

The applicant must be able to assume full Management of a busy Kitchen and be able to co-ordinate Staff. Other duties include: Purchasing, Costing Innovative ideas and external catering events. Salary is negotiable and dependent on experience and ability. Languages Required: Thai / English

Excellent THAI CHEF Looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work abroad. I am looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work overseas in Sri Lanka at a new Thai Restaurant. Would require to speak little bit of english but what I am looking for is a really good chef who can make Authentic Thai food. Will provide great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@ gmail.com to discuss further.

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K We are hiring!!!!! Both positions for our new branch in Phuket and to be part of our energetic team.

Excellent commission & benefits.

Email info@thailandpooltables.com, 20,000 THB per month, Ying.

AKA THAILAND AKA THAILAND looking for candidates to fill position: Operation Manager, Chief Accountant, Website & Graphic Designer, Customer Service (English language is a must, Competitive salary for the right candidate) please send CV to info@akathailand.com, Angie, Chalong, 076 604004

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU! Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,���-��,���, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,��� – ��,��� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

Thai& Non Thai nationals Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

COMPANY FOR SALE

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW!

2010 BMW 325i Sport Immaculate low kms (47,000)

BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SUZUKI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SUZUKI PHUKET).

BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB, )

Silver Princess Yacht PC530 A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior.

Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669-8810-5024, Website: www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

RAWAI RESTAURANT

2013 SUZUKI CARRY

Restaurant & Bar For Rent

2 cars, 8100 km and 16500 km. Top condition.

Price: 300,000 THB/car o.b.o. Tel 080-5889390 Eng or 092-5628762 Thai

A long established fully equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong.

The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@ phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526

Subaru WRX STI A Line 2012 Arctic silver with satin gray wrap, Advance racing wheel, STI front and side spoiler, Cold air intake, HKS exhaust, Fuel bank system, STI rear diffuser, Engine remapping, Turbo boost control, Front anti roll bar, Front and back strap bar, Racing STI steel wheel, Mint 2,000 km., 3,500,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), fang@sripanwa.com, 076-371000

Band available for events

Office/Shop For Rent

New on Phuket island; 5-piece good quality music band available for all sorts of events Corporate events, weddings, gala dinners, parties, festivals etc. Genre: pop/top 40, motown and a bit of rock. Please contact: Brigitta, 0822577102, rigittalouisa@yahoo.com

Chalong Pier Road ground floor unit available for shop or office use. Excellent location on this popular and well-known road.

Business For Rent

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

For sale Navy Bar Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla, Patong.

Key money paid until October 2015. Asking price for 1.6 MB., playschoolphil@ yahoo.com, 081 083 3231

CAR FOR SALE

Bangla rd bar for sale Bangla rd Patong bar for sale 10 meters from the band everything included alcohol stock computer fridge chairs 8 year lease 3.9 million baht eng.

086 2752264 or thai 0806195985, 3.9 THB, ed bayford, edbay54@yahoo.ca

TOYOTA VIOS for Sale Toyota Vios 1.5 J, ABS, Auto, 2010 model, Silver.

64,XXX KM. First class insurance till 25 January 2015. Only THB 339,000. Call 086 479 7471 to view.

S I N G A P O R E | P H U K E T | B A N G K O K | P A T TAY A | K O H S A M U I | P E N A N G | J A K A R TA

Charter: Rico Stapel rico@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 8 6690 0444 Го в о р и м п о - р у с с к и : А л ё н а В и х а р е в а alyona@princessyachtsthailand.com call: +66 898 74 9944 Sales: Alister Brunskill alister@princessyachtssea.com mobile: +66 8 0886 4945

/PrincessYachtsSEA

@princess_s_e_a

@thephuketnews

/PrincessYachtsSEA

|

W W W. P R I N C E S S YA C H T S S E A . C O M

/+PrincessYachtsSEA

NEW MAZDA BT50PRO PICKUP TRUCK Perfect condition. Only 7800 km. Only 720 000 bht.

See more pics http://goo.gl/zZW0Xi, Price: 720000, Kathu, 08 33 91 65 54

TOYOTA FORTUNER 2008

For Urgent Sale. Area 3.800 Sqm Reduce from 1.5 MB To 980,000 baht Yearly Rent 200,000 baht Includes 2 Houeses.,K.Asoke, big_redchili@yahoo.com, 089 646 7176

Massage Spa and Travel Agent with Room for Motorbike Rental good location close to Laree Hotel in Patong Beach. Low key money and Rent, Darren, billycross666@outlook.com, 098 040 8356

White 325i Sport with a full compliment of accessories.

The car is in new condition with good rubber, full insurance and still has 12 months warranty remaining., 1.67 MB, hsewaugh@yahoo.com, 0849138926

SILVER,TAN LEATHER INTERIOR, 2.7 PETROL, 69,000 KM,ORIGINALOWNER,NO ACCIDENTS, EXCELLENT CONDITION, CLEAN CAR,FULL TOYOTA SERVICE RECORD, INS AND TA X TO AUGUST 2015. CALL 0883863556 TO VIEW, 700,000 THB, 0883863556

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

I N F O @ P R I N C E S S YA C H T S S E A . C O M

CAR FOR SALE

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2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 8,000 km., The General Lee orange, Wrap in black satin color, Standard 6200 cc with 425 hp, Aftermarket parts, Mopar intake, Mega flow exhaust, H&R lowering spring, Front & back strut bars, Front anti roll bar, Hennessy engine remapping, Now delivering 488 hp, 4,200,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), fang@sripanwa.com, 076-371000

2014 Fortuner TRD 1300 Km 1.27 MB 1 month old brand new fortuner 3.0 D4D absolutely fully loaded TRD SPORTIVO full time 4WD price new 1.549.000 selling for 1.270.000 1 MONTH OLD real chance to buy a top model fortuner reason for sale DONT LIKE DIESEL. not negosiable no more discount no bargaining no trades please respect this and kindly NO EMAILS calls only, 1,270,000 THB, Christopher, 08-43772526

2006 Toyota Yaris Good Cond’n 2006 Lt. Blue Toyota Yaris for immediate sale. 135K kms, well maintained and serviced, no accidents, reliable car. Call/ email Matt, THB 260,000 Firm, 0900720566

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

FURNITURE

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

OTHER

Folding Event Chairs 100 funky, modern design chairs that fold for easy storage. Made from high quality plastic that won’t change colour in the heat. Great for a restaurant or events. Bought in Bangkok from Pioneer Furniture. Paid approx 950 THB per chair.

Willing to separate but would prefer to sell as a bulk lot. Some are still brand new in un-opened boxes and all are in excellent condition, 650 THB each, Andrea, andreachappell@gmail.com, 0802087454

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property Inexpensive land plots on east coast of

Phuket for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: two-storey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport. Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/school/commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com , 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773

CAMERA baby car seats for sale BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000.

Call 086 479 7471.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

OTHER FOR QUICK SALE

Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942

COMMUNITY

2 room Apartment in Patong

Special price! Excellent apart. in HavenLagoon 57sq.m. 300m. to the beach. Euro repair, furniture, appliances,2air-conditioner. Living room+kitchen, bedroom,bathroom,balcony,parking,WiFi,gym,2po ols,24Hour Secur. Andrey, abel555@yandex.ru, +79166976770

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

2008 Pershing 72 – EUR 1,200,000

2013 Lagoon 52 - EUR 979,000

2013 Monte Carlo 5 – EUR 670,000

2013 Lagoon 400S2 – EUR 330,000

2011 Azimut 53 – EUR 850,000

2013 Beneteau Oceanis 54 – EUR 399,000

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

27

Hernik death mars Dakar Rally RACING

T

he Dakar Rally was in mourning on Tuesday (January 6) as Polish motorcyclist Michal Hernik died during the third stage from San Juan to Chilecito.

Hernik, 39, was found dead a few hundred metres from the track after a helicopter had been sent out to look for him when he failed to turn up at the finish and his tracker stopped sending a signal.

His was the fifth death since the rally was moved to South America over security concerns in the Sahara desert and the 24th overall since the

race was created in 1979.

Before that, Orlando Terranova had maintained the Mini team’s winning streak by claiming his second stage win to move third overall in the auto standings led by teammate Nasser Al-Attiyah.

In the motorbike section, Austria’s Matthias Walkner, was a surprise winner of his first Dakar stage, ahead of reigning champion Marc Coma and overall race leader Joan Barreda Bort of Spain.

Before learning about Hernik’s death, Walkner revealed that he had found the course challenging.

“I made some little mistakes because it was a little bit

dangerous today with many stones and it forced you over the limit, but overall it was quite good,” said Walkner.

Overall Honda’s Barreda Bort leads ahead of Portuguese teammate Paulo Goncalves and Walkner. Coma sits fourth at 10min 50sec.

“It was really dangerous because we were on river beds with a lot of stones and broken up tracks all day,” said Barreda Bort.

As yet, organisers have been unable to determine Hernik’s cause of death but he was found without his helmet, while his KTM bike showed no signs of having been in a crash. AFP

Nadal suffers shock defeat in first match of season TENNIS RAFAEL NADAL’S ABILITY to make a quick recovery from multiple ailments was thrown into doubt last Tuesday (January 6) as he lost 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to Michael Berrer in Qatar.

This first round match was Nadal’s first of the 2015 ATP World Tour and he appeared

Money issues force Korea GP organisers to axe 2015 race FORMULA ONE THE KOREAN GRAND PRIX, DOGGED by years of financial problems, has been dropped from the 2015 Formula One calendar, organisers confirmed Wednesday (January 7).

The sports governing body, the FIA, dropped the Yeongam race from the final version of this year’s schedule published on its website late on Tuesday (January 6), reducing the season to 20 races.

“We have repeatedly conveyed our position to F1 organisers that we are unable to return to the race this year,” a Korean @thephuketnews

Grand Prix official told AFP. The Korean event in the southern county of Yeongam made its debut in 2010 under a deal intended to last until 2016 with a five-year renewal option.

But it haemorrhaged money heavily from the outset and having accumulated losses of 190 billion won (UA$170 million) over four years, it was dropped from the 2014 schedule.

“Due to lack of financial support from either the central government or the provincial government, we have no option but to abandon this year’s event as well,” said the official, who insisted on anonymity. AFP

to have had insufficient time to recover from an appendectomy, and far too little match practice over the last two months.

Nevertheless, it was a humiliating outcome for one of the most successful players of all time, who had won the first set at a canter before his game crumbled.

Berrer is a 34-year-old qualifier ranked outside the

top 100 who is playing the last season of his career.

Nadal appeared to cast doubt on his ability to take part, let alone be a contender at the Australian Open, which begins in less than two weeks.

“In my mind I have to practise well and try to be ready for Australia, but I know it can happen that I will go there and lose,” he said Berrer had only taken

four games in four sets off Nadal in their previous two meetings, but recognised a career-greatest opportunity and in patches responded by raising his standards to new heights.

“Let’s be honest it was the first match for Rafa after injury,” he said, “It’s also my last season and I had nothing to lose, and I’m enjoying it here – so why not?” AFP

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Thai fighters well-placed to acquire world boxing titles BOXING

P

romoters are looking forward to a brighter year with a couple of Thai boxers expected to win world titles.

Once a powerhouse in the sport, Thailand currently has only two world champions: Wanheng Meenayothin and Amnat Ruenroeng.

Undefeated Wan heng Meenayothin won the WBC minimumweight title by stopping champion Oswaldo Novoa of Mexico in the 10th round in Chon Buri late last year, while Amnat is the IBF flyweight title-holder.

Many boxing promoters, including Surachart Pisitwutthinan, are confident they will have more world champions this year.

“I am sure that my camp will have at least one world champion this year because I have three boxers who will challenge for world titles,” Surachart said.

The three are Srisaket

(Left) Thailand’s Amnat Ruenroeng is set to face-off against Chinese Olympian Zou Shiming in March for the IBF flyweight crown. (Right) Amnat Ruenroeng during a bout in 2014. Photos: Bangkok Post Sor Rungvisai (115 pounds), Nawaphon Sor Rungvisai (112), and Suriyan Sor Rungvisai (118).

The WBC approved two eliminator fights involving Thais at its recent meeting.

Nawaphon, the top contender in the 112-pound division, will face second-ranked Edgars Sosa of Mexico within

the next 90 days.

The winner will challenge champion Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua.

However, Surachart said it is likely that Gonzalez will move up to a heavier division and if he decides to do so, Nawaphon will fight Sosa for the title.

Former champion Srisaket,

the top-ranked contender in the 115-pound division, will face Jose Salgado, who is ranked fourth, within 90 days, and the winner will meet Carlos Cuadras of Mexico.

Suriyan, who is ranked second in the bantamweight division, is expected to face top-ranked Zhanat Zhakiyanov of Kazakhstan.

While Surachart’s boxers are closer to winning world titles, Amnat will defend his IBF flyweight crown against long-time rival Zou Shiming of China in Macau in March.

Former convict Amnat was impressive last year in three championship fights.

The former Olympian won the title after beating Rocky

Fuentes of the Philippines in January.

In his first defence, he stunned Kazuto Ioka in Japan and then secured a splitdecision win against Puerto Rico’s McWilliams Arroyo in Nakhon Ratchasima.

The victory against Arroyo led to the lucrative fight against two-time Olympic champion Zou. Their rivalry during their amateur careers makes the upcoming bout more interesting. They fought three times as amateurs with Zou winning on the last two occasions. That included a 5-2 points decision in the 2010 Asian Games light-flyweight semi-final as the Chinese fighter went on to win gold.

“When we were fighting as amateur boxers, I think we were at the same level, in terms of strength,” Zou said.

Many Thai fans still remember Zou’s controversial win against Thailand’s Kaew Pongprayoon in the flyweight final at the 2012 Olympics.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

SPORT 29

Revamped Laguna golf course set to re-open GOLF

I

t’s taken nearly two years but renovations on the Laguna Phuket Golf Club are finally complete and golfers will be able to hit the links this Sunday (January 10).

Some of the new unique features include wood ties on steep fairway edges and traditional Thai fishing boats placed in watercourses. Course designer Paul Jansen says these visual elements have enhanced memorability and character.

“If nothing else, they will certainly be talking points,” Jansen says.

Laguna Phuket management have scheduled a press conference for this Sunday (January 11) with a golf clinic to follow at 11am.

The ceremonial “opening tee shot” is expected to take place shortly before noon with a full day of golfing slated to begin

exactly at 12pm.

Jansen, who created Laguna Phuket’s award-winning sister course in Vitenam, says the layout retains much of its former

character and appeal but has been dramatically improved aesthetically and strategically.

“The opening hole has been designed to take advantage of

the multitude of features on this parcel of land,” he explains.

“We moved the tee to sit hard up against the water body, bonding the right side of the hole and

bringing the water more into play.”

Jansen says the new 10 th hole (formerly the first) has been repositioned to the right, with new undulations adding considerable interest.

“Although only 321 yards from the back tee, an accurate tee shot is required to attack a difficult green complex bounded by humps and bumps with water behind.

Whether from the tee, on the fairway or near the green, golfers should use the ground as much as possible to “positively” propel the ball towards the target.”

Back in July, the front nine holes (formerly the back nine) were opened for golfers to try out a few of the new features ahead of the full opening this month.

In addition to the course renovations, the club also includes refurbished locker rooms, an expanded pro shop and extensive new practice facilities staffed by PGA-accredited professionals.

Smith joins greats as Australia pressure India CRICKET STEVE SMITH JOINED THE greats Wednesday (January 7) with his fourth century of the series as India hung in after the shock loss of an early wicket on the second day of the final Test in Sydney.

The Aussie skipper became only the third batsman along with Don Bradman and Jacques Kallis to score tons in four consecutive Tests in the same series as his team posted a total beyond 500 for the fourth Test running.

Smith contributed 117 in Australia’s first innings declaration of 572 for seven before the tourists were rocked by the third-ball dismissal of opener Murali Vijay for a duck.

At the close, India had stabilised at 71 for one to trail Australia by 501 with Lokesh Rahul on 31 and Rohit Sharma hitting two sixes on his way to 40 not out.

“The whole top six got above fifty which I don’t think has happened before. That’s outstanding for us. @thephuketnews

Hilton

Sunday Brunch Sunday at Sails! Our live band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks, and good company.

“It’s not the kind of wicket I think where you can blast sides out. It’s about staying patient and hopefully the patience pays off.”

The day belonged to Smith, who added another century to his unbeaten 162 in Adelaide, 133 in Brisbane and 192 in Melbourne in this series.

“It’s been a pretty special summer for me personally, obviously with some of the results that I’ve got,” Smith said.

“But look, I always put the

team first, I think the success the team has had over the last little bit has been outstanding and we’re in another good position in this Test match.”

Australia passed 500 for the fourth Test of the series, a feat last registered against the Garry Sobers-led West Indies at home in 1968-69.

Smith has 698 runs in the series at an average of 139.6, placing him third behind Bradman (715) and Ricky Ponting (706) for most runs in a series against India. AFP

Sunday Brunch at Sails – a Hilton Experience Every Sunday 12:00 – 15:00 Prices from THB 1,100++per adult (includes free flow soft drinks) THB 1,400++ per adult (includes free flow of selected beverages) THB 700++ per child/ages 5-12 (includes free flow soft drinks) *All prices are in Thai baht and are subject to 10% service charge and 7 VAT

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30 SPORT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

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PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Late Lukaku goal keeps Everton FA Cup hopes alive FOOTBALL

R

omelu Lukaku’s late equaliser earned Everton an FA Cup replay against West Ham United and took the heat off manager Roberto Martinez following a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Sunday (January 4).

Martinez had been under growing pressure following a disappointing run of form which had seen Everton lose their last four matches heading into this third-round tie.

And Hammers defender James Collins looked like he had secured safe passage to the fourth round for his side, and a meeting against either Doncaster or Bristol City, with a second-half header.

But Belgium striker Lukaku popped up in injury time to finish from close range, ensuring the Toffees players and Martinez left the pitch to cheers rather than jeers.

“I am pleased with the character and our never-giveup attitude. It could easily be a turning point in our season,” said Martinez.

“That could really get us out of the moment we have.

When you get into that wrong dynamic when everything that can goes wrong and you can feel sorry for yourself, I don’t think the players accepted that.

Meanwhile, departing captain Steven Gerrard illustrated his importance to Liverpool with two goals as his side avoided FA Cup third-round embarrassment by winning 2-1 at fourth-tier AFC Wimbledon on Monday (January 5).

Playing in his first game since announcing that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, Gerrard put the visitors ahead with a 12thminute header at the 4,850-capacity Kingsmeadow stadium in south-west London.

Wimbledon’s man-mountain centre-forward Adebayo

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OVERALL STANDINGS 23 20 20 20 17 17 17 14 14 14

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

MP W

D

L

1

Chelsea

20 14

4

2

2

Man City

20 14

4

3

Man Utd

20 10

7

GD

Pts

44 19 25

46

2

44 19 25

46

3

34 20 14

37

4

Southampton

20 11

3

6

34 15 19

36

5

Tottenham

20 10

6

Arsenal

20

9

4

6

29 27

2

34

6

5

34 25

9

33

PREVIOUS RESULTS:

7

West Ham

20

9

5

6

31 24

7

32

Tuesday 6th January 2015

8

Liverpool

9

Swansea

20

8

5

7

28 27

1

29

20

8

5

7

25 24

1

29

10

Newcastle

20

7

6

7

25 31

-6

27

11

Stoke

20

7

5

8

22 24

-2

26

12

Aston Villa

20

5

7

8

11 22 -11

22

Sunday 4th January 2015

13

Everton

20

5

6

9

29 33

-4

21

Dover 0-4 Crystal Palace QPR 0-3 Sheff Utd Sunderland 1-0 Leeds Aston Villa 1-0 Blackpool Man City 2-1 Sheff Wed Southampton 1-1 Ipswich Stoke 3-1 Wrexham Yeovil 0-2 Man Utd Chelsea 3-0 Watford Arsenal 2-0 Hull

14

Sunderland

20

3

11

6

18 30 -12

20

15

Hull

20

4

7

9

20 26

-6

19

16

QPR

20

5

4

11 22 35 -13

19

17

West Brom

20

4

6

10 19 29 -10

18

18

Crystal Palace

20

3

8

9

20 30 -10

17

19

Burnley

20

3

8

9

17 32 -15

17

20

Leicester

20

3

5

12 19 33 -14

14

Everton’s Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku (L) shoots towards the goal during the English FA Cup Third Round match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park.

Photo: AFP/Paul Ellis Akinfenwa, a Liverpool fan, stabbed home a 36th-minute equaliser, but Gerrard netted a fine free-kick in the second half to earn Brendan Rodgers’s side a home tie with Bolton Wanderers in round four.

“It is going to be my last time, so I want to go all the way,” said Gerrard, a two-time FA Cup-winner, whose 35th birthday falls on the day of this season’s final.

Manchester United will have to subdue another potential giant-killer after the 11-time FA Cup winners were handed a fourth round trip to League Two minnows Cambridge United in Monday’s (January 5) draw.

Louis van Gaal’s team were paired with the lowest ranked team left in the Cup and will head to the tiny Abbey Stadium on the weekend of January 24-25.

A total of 79 league places separate Richard Money’s side with van Gaal’s star-studded line-up, who were able to avoid an embarrassing third round defeat at League One outfit Yeovil on Sunday (January 4) as they cruised to a 2-0 win.

In other news, despite playing three times in seven days over the festive period, Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez looked remarkably fresh as he helped the holders kick off their defence of the Cup with a 2-0 third round home win over Hull last Sunday (January 4).

The gunners will also be hoping to avoid an upset when they travel to Championship team Brighton later this month.

Manchester City host Championship promotion contenders Middlesbrough after coming from behind to win 2-1 against Sheffield Wednesday, another second tier team, on Sunday (January 4).

Premier League leaders Chelsea could face a feisty London derby against Millwall at Stamford Bridge if the Lions come through their replay with Bradford City.

Jose Mourinho’s men will be heavy favourites to advance whether they face Championship strugglers Millwall or League One promotion chasers Bradford, although the Lions knocked Chelsea out of the Cup in 1995 and 1985. AFP

Everton Scunthorpe

1-1 2-2

West Ham Chesterfield

Monday 5th January 2015 Burnley 1-1 Tottenham Wimbledon 1-2 Liverpool

Saturday 3rd January 2015 Barnsley 0-2 Middlesbrough Blyth Spartans 2-3 Birmingham Bolton 1-0 Wigan Brentford 0-2 Brighton Cambridge 2-1 Luton Charlton 1-2 Blackburn Derby 1-0 Southport Doncaster 1-1 Bristol City Fulham 0-0 Wolves Huddersfield 0-1 Reading Leicester 1-0 Newcastle Millwall 3-3 Bradford Preston 2-0 Norwich Rochdale 1-0 Nottm Forest Rotherham 1-5 Bournemouth Tranmere 2-6 Swansea West Brom 7-0 Gateshead

Friday 2nd January 2015 MK Dons Cardiff

0-1 Chesterfield 3-1 Colchester

Wednesday 17th December 2014 Worcester City 1-1

Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe United win 14-13 on penalties

F

A

EPL FIXTURES Saturday 10th January 2015

Swansea v Chelsea

15:00

Sunderland v Liverpool

12:45

Tottenham v Sunderland

15:00

Burnley v QPR

15:00

Newcastle v Southampton

17:30

Chelsea v Newcastle

15:00

Everton v Man City

15:00

West Ham v Hull

13:30

Leicester v Aston Villa

15:00

Man City v Arsenal

16:00

Swansea v West Ham

15:00

West Brom v Hull

15:00

Crystal Palace v Tottenham

17:30

Sunday 11th January 2015

Sunday 18th January 2015

Monday 19th January 2015 Everton v West Brom

20:00

Saturday 31st January 2015 Hull v Newcastle

12:45

Arsenal v Stoke

13:30

Crystal Palace v Everton

15:00

Man Utd v Southampton

16:00

Liverpool v West Ham

15:00

Man Utd v Leicester

15:00

Saturday 17th January 2015 Aston Villa v Liverpool

15:00

Stoke v QPR

15:00

Burnley v Crystal Palace

15:00

Sunderland v Burnley

15:00

Leicester v Stoke

15:00

West Brom v Tottenham

15:00

QPR v Man Utd

15:00

Chelsea v Man City

17:30

Gerrard close to LA Galaxy deal FOOTBALL LIVER POOL CAPTAI N Steven Gerrard is close to agreeing an 18-month contract with Major League Soccer team the Los Angeles Galaxy, according to a BBC report last week.

Gerrard, 34, announced

last Friday (January 2) that he is to leave Liverpool at the end of the season after a 25-year association with the club and subsequently revealed that he will move to the United States.

The BBC report, which did not cite any sources, said that the former England captain would sign a contract worth around £6 million with the

LA Galaxy.

A move to the Galaxy would reunite Gerrard with his old Liverpool team-mate Robbie Keane and see him follow in the footsteps of former England colleague David Beckham, who spent five years at the California club.

Gerrard has scored nine goals this season. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

SPORT 31

16-year-old Martin Oedagaard. Photo: hesti

An architectural rendering of the proposed NFL-ready stadium and complex at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, California.

NFL in Hollywood: Rams owner set to build stadium in LA GRIDIRON

T

he prospect of an NFL franchise returning to Los Angeles has edged closer after St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke announced plans to build an 80,000-seat stadium in the city, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday (January 5).

Kroenke, who is also the majority shareholder of English Premier League side Arsenal, had fueled speculation of an NFL project in Los Angeles after purchasing a 60-acre site in Inglewood last year.

The Times reported he has now joined forces with real

St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke sets sights on LA. estate developers Stockbridge Capital Group with a view to transforming the venue into a state-of-the-art sports arena.

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, January 9 SS1

06:50 14:00

Cricket

Ten

23:00 02:00

Cricket

Test Match 4 Australia v. India, Day 4 Sydney T20 No. 1 – Cape South Africa v. West Town Indies

Saturday, January 10 834, 669 22:15 00:00 Rugby Union Aviva Premiership 814

20:45 22:30 Rugby Union

831

19:45 21:30

Harlequins v. Leicester

French Top 14

Toulon v. Racing Metro

Soccer

EPL

Sunderland v. Liverpool

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Everton v. Man City

00:30 02:30

Soccer

EPL

Crystal Palace v. Tottenham

833

19:10 21:05

Soccer

Championship

Ipswich v. Derby

832

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Chelsea v. Newcastle

SS1

06:50 15:30

Cricket

Test Match 4 Sydney

Australia v. India, Day 5

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Newcastle v. London Welsh

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Arsenal v. Stoke

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T20 No. 2 - Johannesburg

Man United v. Southampton South Africa v. West Indies

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While there have been repeated attempts to develop new stadiums in Los Angeles in the two decades, Kroenke’s

move marks the first time an existing team owner has taken control of a site in the city.

Kroenke, a billionaire whose family also owns the Denver Nuggets NBA team and the Colorado Avalanche NHL team, has long been mulling his options over a possible new home for the Rams, who left Southern California in 1994 after more than a four-decade stay.

Under the terms of the team’s lease at St. Louis’s 70,000-seat Edward Jones Dome, the Rams can end their 30-year lease a decade early because no agreement has been reached with St Louis to improve the stadium. AFP

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1507: Saturday, January 10 at 4pm Hares: J.C. & Fungus Location: Kathu, in front of JC’s house Directions: Coming from Patong, turn RIGHT onto the soi beside the Family Mart at the bottom of hill on the Kathu side just before the divided roadway begins.

When you reach the T-junction, turn RIGHT HHH. Continue to

the elephant camp and turn LEFT HHH. Coming from Chalong head toward Patong. Beyond the Kathu Go-Kart track make a left at the end of the divided roadway onto the soi beside the Family Mart. Continue as above.

Bus Pick-up: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong) 2:30pm; Patong (Expat Hotel) 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Norway’s prodigy makes European giants salivate FOOTBALL NORWEGIAN PRODIGY Martin Oedagaard, one of the most hunted players in Europe’s winter transfer market, is keeping potential suitors hanging on his every word.

The 16-year-old has been linked to nearly every major club between Manchester and Madrid in recent weeks. But the midfielder’s dazzling dribbling is being matched by his discretion about where he will go and when.

Oedegaard fuelled speculation about a move from his club, Stroemsgodset, by going on a grand tour of Europe on December 16.

More than 30 clubs have expressed an interest: Manchester United and City, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are also on the list.

“He has a future wherever he goes,” said Barcelona coach Luis Enrique.

The Catalan club would

like Oedegaard but they are banned from signing players until January 2016 after breaching rules on signing under 18s.

Oedegaard made his debut for hometown club Stroemsgodset last April where he became the youngest player and scorer in the Norwegian Premier League.

In 23 games he has five goals and seven assists.

In August, Oedegaard wore Norway’s shirt for the first time in a friendly against United Arab Emirates, aged just 15 years and 253 days, a national record.

In October, he became the youngest player ever to appear in a European Championship qualifier, coming on as a substitute against Bulgaria.

“He has developed enormously in a short time.

He brought down barriers that I think neither he nor anyone else imagined would fall,” Norway manager PerMathias Hoegmo told the Aftenposten daily. AFP

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2015

Fore! Laguna Phuket Golf Club officially re-opens > page 29

PHUKET READY FOR WORLD PENCAK SILAT CHAMPIONSHIP MARTIAL ARTS

M

r Panu Uthairat, as president of the Pencak Silat Association of Thailand, has confirmed Thailand’s readiness to host the “16th World Pencak Silat Championship 2015” in Phuket from January 7–17.

Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong presided over a meeting last week to follow up on the event’s readiness.

He was informed that all related sectors and departments were nearly fully prepared for the championship.

They are ready to welcome athletes, officials, supporters and tourists from all over the world to join the championship. Meanwhile, the 4,000 seats of the Gymnasium at the Saphan Hin Sports Center are believed to be enough for all spectators.

This is the third time Thailand has hosted the competition, which previously took place in Hat Yai (1994) and Chiang Rai (2012).

Pencak Silat is an Asian fighting and performance art developed hundreds of years ago in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It includes the use of a long knife called a “keris” as well as a long

stick that is mostly used for the performance category.

The first three days of the event saw several international courses for coaches and instructors as well as the official ballot draw.

The competition portion begins tomorrow (January 10) at 10am. The official opening ceremony takes place at 5pm. The closing ceremony and awards presentation will be on January 16 at 6:30pm.

Over 1,200 participants are expected, including athletes, coaches and support staff from the thirty eight member countries. Many of which have already been in Phuket to practice. NNT

The opening ceremony, which takes place tomorrow (January 10) will be broadcast on NBT channel live from the Saphan Hin Sports Center starting at 5pm.

Thai group in talks to buy Sheffield Wednesday club FOOTBALL THAI INVESTORS ARE IN advanced talks to buy the Sheffield Wednesday football club for about B1.5 billion, media reports said.

Sky Sports News reported that owner Milan Mandaric said the club was losing £6m. Talks have taken place throughout the past week with the deal estimated to cost £30

million. If closed, the deal would make Sheffield the second club in the Championship, after Reading, to be owned by a Thai-based group.

Sheffield plays in the Sky Bet Football League Championship, the second tier of the English leagues.

It is the third-oldest club in the English league.The club has won four League titles, three FA Cups and one League Cup in 1991, its only major trophy since 1935. It

placed 16th in the 2013-14 season.

The Owls were relegated in 2000.

Serbia born Mr Mandaric, 76, took over the South Yorkshire club in 2010, buying 99.7 per cent of it for £1 after settling the club’s debts.

He previously had been chairman of Leicester City.

He had tried last year to sell Sheffield to Azerbaijan businessman Hafiz Mammadov, but that deal collapsed in September. Bangkok Post

The group of Thai investors have not been named. Sheffield Wednesday currently plays in the Sky Bet Football League Championship.

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