The Phuket News 09 Feb 2018

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

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Since 2011 / Volume VIII / No. 6

RUSSIAN ARRESTED FOR CORAL POSSESSION > PAGE 2

RIGHT ON QUEUE

AIRPORT PLAGUED BY HOURS-LONG QUEUES, CHIEF BLAMES FLIGHT SCHEDULES, SHORTAGE OF IMMIGRATION STAFF

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NEWS

PAGE 3

Tourists help battle fire on Phi Phi Island

LIFE

PAGES 16-17

How much do you know about love and romance?

A man waits amid the long queues at Phuket airport this week. Photo: The Phuket News

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

assengers waiting hours in long departure queues at Phuket International Airport was brought to a head on Tuesday (Jan 6), with the airport’s general manager announcing that steps are to be taken, including calling in hundreds of extra officers as reinforcements, to clear the queues more quickly.

During the preceding days travellers had voiced their anger online over the exhaustive delays, with some

passengers reporting that they had waited over three hours in queues.

Others report tempers rising and even a scuffle or two as people jostled at the front of the lines in fear of missing their outbound flights.

Airport General Manager Petch Chancharoen told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Feb 6) that Airports of Thailand (AoT) are in the process of resolving the problem.

“The first solution to the long queues is that we are going to extend the shifts of our current immigration officials. For example, someone who

usually finishes their shift at 9pm may have to extend their shift until 10pm so that there are always officials working.

“We are preparing to welcome many tourists during the Chinese New Year. For this period, we will hopefully transfer over 200 staff temporarily from Suvarnabhumi Airport. That is about 200 in total, for every department,” said Mr Petch.

“I am going to have a meeting with the head of airport immigration soon to organise recruiting more officers to help us,” he added.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Mr Petch explained that in addition to a shortage of immigration workforce, much of the problem was also that some flights were inconveniently timed at the same periods in the day.

“Yes, we admit that the queues can be very long, but we also ask that people look at why they are long. Often there are up to two or three flights taking off within similar time frames. So the queues become long all at once, and then it all calms down again very quickly,” explained Mr Petch...

SPORT

PAGE 32

Russians rule as Megazip retains Bay Regatta title

News 2

PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Kra Canal project gets serious push amid surge of support > page 4

Man arrested with Russian over B1mn of drugs A T H A I M A N WA S arrested last week when he was found in possession of drugs worth over B1 million.

Detail of the arrest were revealed at a press conference held at 1pm last Friday (Feb 2) at the Phuket Provincial Police Station.

A team of Phuket Provincial Police led by Lt Col Sutthichai Teanpo acting on a tip-off arrested Nakarin “Mos” Chaweewongprateep, 26, from Phuket, at 2:30pm on January 31, when he took out an orange rubber bag containing drugs from the boot of his Honda City car at the Irawadee housing estate in Wichit.

In the bag were 14 bags of crystal meth (ya ice) weighing 1.3 kilograms and 307 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) said to be worth B1.4mn, said police.

Nakarin was also found in possession of a firearm

woman on B40k bail over souvenir corals Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

The drugs and other seized items were put on display at the press conference. and ammunition. In making the arrest, police also seized from him two mobile phones, a Yamaha motorbike and a Honda City car.

Nakarin was taken to Wichit Police Station and charged with possession of Category 1 drug with intent to sell and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Police later revealed that Nakarin has been arrested and charged with illegal possession of firearm previously and had been temporarily released from custody.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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20-year-old Russian woma n who wa s found to be in illegal possession of dead corals at her bungalow in Karon last week is out on bail while awaiting her court sentence, Nares Choopueng from the Department Marine Coastal Resources (DMCR) Phuket office confirmed on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Mr Nares also confirmed that not only Liliya Karmanova, 20, from Novosibirsk in Siberia, was charged for the illegal possession of coral, but also her friend who was sharing their Karon bungalow, Polina Lihtmen.

“Bot h women we re charged for the illegal possession of coral and are on bail of probably the standard amount

Some of the dead coral and shells found at the rented Karon bungalow of Russian nationals Liliya Karmanova (inset) and Polina Lihtmen. Photo: DMCR Phuket for this charge, B40,000,” said Mr Nares.

The two women are still waiting to be put on trial, according to Capt Channarong Prakongkue of the Karon Police.

“The case is still in the hands of the court. To my knowledge they have yet to be sentenced,” Capt Channarong

told The Phuket News.

“Ms Liliya told police that she had bought the corals in another country,” he said.

“I won’t give any more information right now. If you want more information please come to Karon Police Station and contact the station Chief.”

Karmanova was reported to the DMCR by a neighbour

last Wednesday (Jan 31) after they spotted her bleaching pieces of coral using the popular pink toilet bleach Vixol.

“The DMCR Phuket office received a tip-off from a neighbour at about midday on Wednesday, reporting that a Russian woman was using pink Vixol (toilet bleach) to bleach pieces of coral at a bungalow in Karon,” explained Mr Nares on Feb 2.

DMCR officers arrived at the rented bungalow to find that Karmanova was not at home.

However, they did find pieces of corals still soaking in bleach, Mr Nares added.

“We took the corals to the Karon Police as it is illegal to be in possession of any corals, and Capt Channarong filed a request for the Phuket Provincial Court to issue a warrant for her arrest.”

Airport queues plague travellers

Continued from page 1 ...“For this, I request a bit of time to resolve this issue. But I would like to note that passengers spend an average of only 45 seconds at the counter each,” he said.

“The speed of the immigration process is not the problem. It is actually very fast for each person.

“The arrivals queues are not so much of a problem,” he continued, despite sources revealing to The Phuket News on Tuesday morning that they had waited an hour and a half at the international arrivals hall.

“For the convenience of people, we will also install more waiting areas and seats.

We will create more space on the third floor of the International Terminal where people can relax, with restaurants to eat at. It’s just a matter of making the space. By June we will have more spaces and more seats,” he added.

Airport Deputy General Manager Sumpan Kutranoon clarified that in situations where the queues are busy, airline staff will create shortcut queues for those nearing take-off to ensure they don’t miss their flights.

“Although we ask passen-

Phuket International Airport General Manager Petch Chancharoen. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot gers to take responsibility to check in at least 45 minutes before their f lights, in the case where there is a very long queue, airline staff will create a shortcut for urgent passengers.

“If for other reasons passengers do not board the plane, staff will simply remove the bags for safety reasons, such as the potential of bombs,” he added.

Meanwhile, AoT management at Phuket International Airport on Tuesday also announced in a press release that they had requested the budget for a new electrical transformer after an electrical problem caused an eight-hour power outage at the International Terminal from 5:30pm on Monday through 1:30am Tuesday.

“The Phuket airport staff immediately checked after being notified that the electricity was shut off. Staff found that an electrical short circuit occurred on a 1,500kVA transformer where oil was found leaking on top of the transformer,” the statement said.

“So this affected a powerdistribution system to lighting devices at the airport apron, departure terminal and arrival conveyor belt,” it said.

“Phuket AoT staff fixed the problem by providing 250kVA and 6kVA mobile lighting units for the airport apron.

“Suppor t i ng lig ht i ng equipment was also provided

by AoT development project constructor (Sino-Thai Public Co Ltd) at the conveyor belt and departure terminal. The electrical-distribution system was back to normal at 1:30am today (Feb 6),” the statement explained.

“The incident did not affect the security systems or runways. We found that the transformer has been used since 1989.

“Phuket airport will urgently request a budget to buy a new transformer to replace the old one. We apologise for any inconvenience,” the statement assured. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Fire rages on Phi Phi Nine injured as tourists help battle flames Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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fire believed to have been started by a leaking gas cylinder set alight by a spark on Phi Phi Island on Tuesday night (Feb 6) destroyed or heavily damaged 25 buildings and left nine people, including six tourists injured.

The fire broke out at the October Hostel and Restaurant in Soi Slinky at 8:40pm.

Of the nine injured were three Argentinians, two Brazilians and an Israeli. The three Argentinians and the Israeli were treated at a clinic and released, the Krabi office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Krabi) reported the next morning (Feb 7).

The remaining three injured were Thai, though the extent of their injuries had yet to be revealed. However, one Thai man remains at Phi Phi Island Hospital with his arms heavily bandaged.

The condition of the two Brazilians had also yet to be made clear as of Wednesday.

One summary report from

@thephuketnews

The fire rages out of control on Tuesday night (Feb 6). Photo: Phi Phi Island News Group officials noted that injuries ranged from burns to the face and body to cuts on legs to breathing difficulty from smoke inhalation.

As the fire raged, more than 200 tourists and local residents joined the effort to douse the flames, passing water in buckets, ice coolers and any other object that could hold water to put out the fire.

Af ter ar riving in the d e n s el y b u i l t- u p a r e a , firefighters took more than an hour to extinguish the blaze.

As the fire continued, the

tourists and local residents not battling the flames themselves were evacuated to safe areas, including the beach.

However, they could not prevent the fire from quickly spreading to the adjacent buildings, many of which were tourist accommodations.

On Wednesday morning, of f icials a nd dozens of volunteers from local tourism operators helped to clear the area that had been reduced to ash and debris. Tents were set up for victims left without a place to sleep because of

the fire.

The scene where the fire originated was sealed while Forensic Police inspected the site to confirm the cause of the fire.

A local official pointed out, “If there was enough water available (to fight the fire) and the area was not as crowded (with buildings), there would not be this much damage.

“These buildings were not strong enough and easily caught fire. We have to find the way to prevent similar incidents in the future,” he added.

PHUKET NEWS

3

NLA to pass Phuket issues to Prime Minister THE NATIONAL LEGIS­ lative Assembly (NLA) held an open feedback meeting in Phuket last Sunday (Feb 4) to discuss beach management, urban planning, transportation, flooding, sustainable tourism, public health and land issues.

“In Phuket, there are many problems. Problems like traffic jams, urban expansion, floods, and water shortages. These are the result of fast expansion of the tourism industry,” Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong said at the session, held at Phuket Rajabhat University.

“So, Phuket has solutions and plans to develop with the following projects: the Phuket Gateway project in Tha Chatchai to become a landmark, Phuket City Development (PKCD) Smart City project, the Sport Complex, the development of legal and skilled guides, as well as the development of the city as a Medical Hub, and the development of deep sea ports to promote the yacht industry.

However, problem solving in Phuket is complex due to legal constraints that are not appropriate for the context of the area,” he explained.

“Phuket wants the government to improve laws and

Former Phuket Senator Thanyarat Achariyachai speaks at the meeting last Sunday. Photo: PR Dept regulations related to various issues to be appropriate to the area of Phuket to lead to a concrete solution to the problem and meet the needs of the people,” he added.

Former Phuket Senator Thanyarat Achariyachai and former member of the Phuket House of Representatives Rewat Areerob pointed out that many of Phuket’s problems arose from budget constraints.

“The government should not allocate a budget for Phuket based on the population, because Phuket has made a lot of money for the country.

However, the budget is a very small amount and is insufficient for the rate of development of the area, so the government should amend tax rules to be clear,” said Ms Thanyarat.

The Phuket News

4

PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

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Opening the trade gates

Formal request made for Kra Canal feasibility study GENERAL MANAGER

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T

he Thai Canal Association for Study and Development has filed a formal request to the current government to undertake a full feasibility study to make the Kra Canal a reality.

The news was broken at the British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (BCCT) Phuket Business Dinner event at the Amari Phuket resort south of Patong last Thursday night (Feb 1), where two key proponents behind the project – Royal Thai Navy Adm (Rtd) Soopakorn Boonranadiloak and Pakdee Tanapura – were guest speakers.

The canal once complete is projected to generate US$300 billion (B9.426 trillion) in revenue in its first 30 years, but carving the canal is projected to cost a relatively mere US$55bn (B1.724trn).

Hopes are high that this time the request, proposed on Dec 25, will be heard, despite such a canal being proposed no less than 28 times in the past 300 years, since the reign of

Once completed, construction of the Kra Canal is projected to generate US$300 billion in its first 10 years of use. Image: Courtesy of Pakdee Tanapura King Narai, explained Adm Soopakorn.

The timing is exquisite, as global development is already making the choice for Thailand with the Strait of Malacca facing overload within the next decade, he noted.

Currently 122,000 ships pass through the strait each year and with 3.1% sustained annual growth the vital sea lane will reach capacity within 10 years, added Mr Pakdee, who serves as Board Member and International Director of

the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors and acting spokesperson of the Study of the Kra Canal Project.

The Strait of Malacca is already the transit route for half the world’s cargo transported by sea, Mr Pakdee noted.

About US$1 trillion in goods pass through the strait each year – about US$2.7 billion per day, including more than 16 million barrels of crude oil each 24 hours.

Delivering the cargo are 83,740 vessel transits (of ves-

sels 300 gross tonnes or more) each year – that’s one every 6.3 minutes, he added.

The strait is already congested to the point that maritime accidents and collisions, such as that of USS John McCain with Liberian-flagged Alni MC in August last year, which resulted in the deaths of 10 US sailors and left another five injured, are a serious concern As a result, large container ships already avoid the Strait of Malacca, preferring to either pass through the Sunda Strait

directly south of Singapore or re-route through the Lombok Strait and pass to the east of Borneo, avoiding shipping traffic around the passage entirely, Mr Pakdee noted.

If approved, the feasibility study is expected to take two years to complete, and no less than five years but no more than 10 years to actually build the canal, all approvals included. On that front the group has already made huge headway, setting out a new planned route for the canal which has already gained 74% approval from residents across Southern Thailand in a poll conducted by the Prince of Songkhla University.

Key to the surge in approval is likely the new planned route polled. The new route, dubbed “9A”. Only 135 kilometres long, route 9A will see ships enter the canal at Sikao in Trang, little over 100km southeast of Phuket.

The previous route, “5A”, would have seen ships enter the canal at Pak Bara in Satun, where locals for years have seriously contested the damage to mangroves in the area that the project would cause.

Report ‘wrongful requests for fees’ TH E CHIEF OF TH E PH U K ET Immigration Office has urged foreigners to read up on immigration fees for services, and report any unlawful document fee requests to an immigration supervisor, after a reader reported being asked by a clerk to pay B300 to obtain a certificate of residence.

“I had the ‘pleasure’ today to visit immigration for a certificate of residence which I needed to transfer a car into my name,” said the reader who preferred not to be named.

“Can anybody explain why the young female clerk of 20 asked me for B300 when the service is FREE? I really think this needs to be investigated,” he said.

However, Phuket Immigration Office Chief Col Kathathorn Kumthieng told The Phuket News last Friday (Feb 2), “There is no fee for a certificate of residence (sic). Our officers should only ask for fees from aliens (sic) as declared in the law.

“Also, clerks are not immigration officers, they operate separately. If there are other people who are not officers asking for a fee, please check first who they are, why they are asking for a fee that is outside of the law,” he added.

“If you are being wrongly told to pay a fee,

The Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office has called for expats to report officers who wrongly ask for fees. Photo: Shela Riva please contact the immigration supervisor or overseer with the information directly. These officers are always on duty,” Col Kathathorn said.

“They would have to investigate the real facts,” he added.

Col Kathathorn also confirmed that there is also no fee for foreigners re-registering their address, as made clear in the page one story in The Phuket News last week.

“There is no fee for re-registering your address,” he said.

Shela Riva thephuketnews

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

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

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EDITORIAL

In support of sane solutions

T

he Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) will this month be rolling out its Airport to Rawai bus service which will transport tourists and residents between Phuket’s popular west coast tourist towns and the Phuket International Airport.

The Phuket News wholeheartedly supports this gamechanging endeavour and congratulates the PKCD for their willingness to push ahead with the project despite the risk of backlash from the island’s notoriously monopolistic and protectionist taxi industry.

This could be the watershed moment which will forever change the island’s woefully inadequate public transport infrastructure for the better and help break the tuk-tuk and taxi mafia’s stranglehold on the island’s public transport sector – particularly in the tourist hotspots on Phuket’s

west coast.

PKCD Executive Director Watchara Jaru-ariyanon told The Phuket News in an interview that Governor Norraphat Plodthong, along with other key government officials will be in attendance when the service is launched on Feb 28.

The Phuket News calls on those officials to not merely spout platitudes about improving public transport and grab self-promotional photo opportunities, but to publicly commit to ensuring that this new bus service can be conducted free from threats or interference from those with vested interests in seeing it fail. And if it is necessary for the police or army to escort the buses, should threats or actual violence emerge.

We also call on all of our readers, tourists and locals alike, to use the service and spread the word on social

media to show the tuk-tuk and taxi mafia that times are changing and they will have to begin pricing their services competitively if they wish to keep customers.

If this bus service is a success, it might also support the case for expanding a modern, reliable and affordable bus network across the whole island, rather than spending countless billions on a light rail project which so far lacks any evidence or research indicating that it will be an effective solution to the island’s transport woes.

No one expects this one initiative to instantly solve the entrenched problems with Phuket’s public transport, but we can do our best to support it in the hope that it will eventually serve as an example of what is possible when simple and logical solutions to problems are implemented and supported.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket-bound flight makes emergency landing in India Russian woman, 20, charged in Phuket for bleaching dead corals Phuket event unveils Kra Canal push Phuket Law: Real Estate Rights in Thailand Busting out: New Phuket Smart Bus service to serve entire west coast German man of noble name found dead in Phuket hotel Phuket Immigration Chief calls on expats to report ‘wrongful requests for fees’ Policing a rogue’s island paradise An alternative to Patong tunnel presented to NLA in Phuket meeting Phuket-bound tourists injured as van crashes

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Start of a new era

Re: Busting out: New Phuket Smart Bus service to serve entire west coast The taxi/tuk-tuk mafia will sabotage or burn your buses and beat your drivers and threaten your passengers.

They will not allow your bus service to grow and continue.

And no doubt the tuk-tuk/ taxi mafia will be “helped” by “others on the island” to ensure that this sorely needed service is not successful.

Fred Furious fux Call me sceptical, but even motorbike taxis are not allowed along little Rawai seafront now unless they belong to the cartel, and I fear this will go the way of former attempts to introduce a decent public transport system into the current embarrassment that are the “chicken busses” having been the only option here for decades.

Tamsyn This could be the biggest step forward for Phuket in the past 20 years. I hope he gets all the support he needs to be successful. Finally someone

brave enough to provide this much needed service.

Timothy Then best news for Phuket in years, I wish them every success and will absolutely use the service – well done!

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

Poorly prepared

Re: Phuket airport GM addresses hours-long queues How are they going to cope with the “huge influx of Chinese tourists” promised by the TAT over the coming Chinese New Year. Chaos springs to mind.

They have had ages to sort this issue out but we hear the same lame excuses. Guess what will happen in Bangkok if they temporarily transfer IOs down here!

Fascinated ...................................................

Beach menace

Re: Assistance sought in tranquillising pack of wild Phuket dogs My daughter was attacked on Jan 18 by a pack of dogs on Nai Yang Beach while going for her morning run. She was bitten in three places by a brown dog

and had to dive into the water to escape them.

We then spent the rest of our Thailand holiday visiting clinics each day for wound dressings. It’s clearly an issue that needs to be resolved.

Dogs behaving like this in NZ would be euthanised.

Mtcp These dogs attacked me and my wife also! Most of them are “followers” but the leader of them is a brown dog, white legs white spot on neck and it bit me two times on my leg.

I am a tourist from Germany and was jogging close to Mama Nang Restaurant on Nai Yang Beach on, Jan 30.

Scuba .................................................

Death knell for dive industry

Re: NLA to pass Phuket issues to Prime Minister after discussions Over fishing will eventually kill local scuba diving. No big fish left here – sharks, mantas, dolphins – all gone.

There is no real limitations or bans on any method of fishing.

We see fishing boats directly on top of dive sites and they

take everything they are able to catch. Definitely isn’t the best way to attract divers and bring money to the country.

Sharks are worth 1,000 times more money when alive.

Rankl124 So, with all the chronic issues killing this place, the top of the list is the Phuket Gateway project in Tha Chatchai – another grade-school design project that will fall into disrepair as soon as it’s done.

Nothing about wastewater treatment, controlling illegal wa st ewat e r d isch a rge s , Thailand’s ranking as a top plastic trash polluter in the world… on and on and on.

This place is hopeless Ben Pendejo ...................................................

Calling their bluff

Re: Phuket Immigration Chief calls on expats to report ‘wrongful requests for fees’ If you resist, and politely but firmly refuse to leave and ask for the passport back, and then make noise about calling Bangkok Imm Hqtrs, they will give in if you have everything in order.

Christy Sweet

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

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

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Pipe down Somyot, says DSI Ex-police chief’s explanation of ‘borrowed’ B300mn to be of no help BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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n ex-police chief’s claim that he “borrowed” B300 million from the owner of a massage parlour, which is now being probed for human trafficking and other criminal ties, is unlikely to get him off the hook, officials said on Tuesday (Feb 6).

Somyot Poompunmuang’s public account of his ties to Kampol Wirathepsuporn, t h e f u g i t i v e o w n e r of Victoria’s Secret Massage, is not an official statement, according to Songsak Raksaksakul, deputy chief of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI).

Col Songsak was referring to a media interview Gen Somyot gave on Monday (Feb 5) during which he attempted to explain how all of his financial transactions with Kampol were transparent and above board.

The disclosure followed a report that a retired police chief and five others were to

@thephuketnews

Gen Somyot Poompunmuang ‘borrowed’ some B300mn from a fugitive charged with human trafficking and forcing under-aged girls into prostitution. Photo: Bangkok Post / file be summoned for questioning by the DSI following last month’s raid on the brothel.

Several illegal migrants were found on its premises.

Kampol and his wife Nipa, who are now on the run, face trafficking charges as the findings of the probe suggest

the parlour may be linked to this activity.

Col Songsak said that while Gen Somyot, who now serves as president of the Football Association of Thailand, could try to build some kind of defence using the media, it would not help

him in court.

T h e fo r m e r t o p c o p decided to go public with h is “expla n at ion” af t e r investigators following the money trail from the parlour found hundreds of millions of baht had changed hands between the two men.

Gen Somyot said the borrowing and the repayment were carried out via banks, adding that the transactions were reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission three years ago.

He insisted he is ready to clarify the matter.

“There is no reason for me to conceal [those transactions] because I don’t think this is unlawful. But if the public have doubts if the money was from illegal activities, I can’t answer that. They have to ask Khun Kampol,” he said.

The former national police chief also said he and Kampol had known each other for over 20 years and shared an enthusiasm for amulets.

Col Songsak said other figures were also found to have engaged in suspicious financial transactions with Kampol. He declined to say if or when they would be summoned.

DSI chief Paisit Wongmuang said Gen Somyot would not be called in for questioning until more details come to light.

T he Of f ice of t he

Securities and Exchange Commission and the AntiMoney Laundering Office (Amlo) are also looking into the matter, he added.

A sou rce at t he DSI said the investigation into Victoria’s Secret Massage showed that large amounts of cash were invested in legal businesses, at least some of which are listed on Thai bourses.

T he s ou r c e s a id t he B300m n is par t of this, adding that in other instances officers found shares had been transferred worth around B700mn.

Also on Tuesday, deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said it is the Amlo’s job to investigate the case and decide what action should be taken against Gen Somyot.

He said t he DSI is focu si ng on t he hu ma n trafficking aspect of the case.

However the Amlo has yet to coordinate with the police on the issue, he added.

The parlour was also being probed for its use of underground water.

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

ITD tycoon in crosshairs Ital-Thai chief faces 28 years in jail if found guilty of poaching BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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onstruction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta could face a maximum of 28 years in jail if he is found guilty of illegally poaching wildlife in the World Heritage Thungyai Naresuan sanctuary in Kanchanaburi province.

Park rangers ar rested Premchai, the 63-year-old president of the huge SETlisted construction company Italian-Thai Development Plc (ITD), in a no-camping area of Huai Pachee forest in the western part of the sanctuary in tambon Chalae of Thong Pha Phum district late last Sunday night (Feb 4).

Officials found skinned c a r c a s s e s of p r o t e c t e d wild animals, including a 1.48-metre-long Indochinese leopard, a Kalij pheasant and a common muntjac, also known as a barking deer, as well as three long-barrelled guns and ammunition in his possession.

Arrested with him were ITD employee Yong Dodkhruea, 65, of Ratchaburi province, Nathee Riamsaen, 43, from Nakhon Ratchasima province, and Thanee Thummat, 56, from Kanchanaburi.

They were brought to police

Wealthy hunter and t yc oon Premchai Karnasuta was apparently caught red-handed in a hunting party that killed protected species in a wildlife sanctuary. Photo: Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary officers and charged on Tuesday (Feb 6). They were charged with unauthorised hunting in a wildlife sanctuary, unauthorised hunting of protected wildlife, unauthorised possession of protected wildlife carcasses, illegally bringing hunting tools into a wildlife sanctuary, unauthorised collection of forest products and illegal possession of firearms. The four have denied the charges.

Lt Gen Kittipong Ngaomuk, commander of the Provincial Police Region 7, said the four were taken to the Thong Pha Phum court where they were granted bail after they posted a bond of

B150,000 each. Upon their release, the four were taken to Thong Pha Phum Police Station for further questioning.

Asked by reporters if he visited Thungyai Naresuan frequently, Premchai said this was only his second time. He denied poaching, and said he went there for leisure.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Surasak Karnjanarat said on Tuesday that he had ordered officials to carefully investigate. Gen Surasak also said Premchai was not a VIP guest of park authorities and anyone who breaks the law must be dealt with by authorities.

Premchai and the three other people entered the wildlife sanctuary last Saturday (Feb 3). They informed park rangers they were going on a two-day, one-night trekking and camping trip and would use the 30-kilometre TinuayTikong-Maharaja trail.

Last Sunday a Maharat forest ranger unit informed the sanctuary management that Premchai’s group were staying in a no-camping area.

Rangers were sent to their camp and brought them back to the sanctuary office about 2:40am on Monday (Feb 5).

Kanchana Nittaya, director of the Wildlife Con-

servation Office, admitted Premchai’s people sought her permission to enter the wildlife sanctuary but she told them to contact the local authorities instead.

She also said Premchai’s group told officials at the gate they wanted to camp in the sanctuary because they loved nature. Because it was a small group and they planned to camp out, rangers looked for them out of concern for their safety.

Me a nwh i le, C h aiwat Limlikit-aksorn, head of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation’s special taskforce centre on forest protection, known as the Phraya Suea unit, insisted that Premchai did not in the end get permission when he entered the wildlife sanctuary. He was not a VIP (of the department) as some critics claimed.

Sources say that even if he was, he would still not be entitled to hunt.

Withoon Yimprai, Premchai’s lawyer, said he was not worried about the case as Premchai had nothing to do with the alleged hunting.

He insisted his client’s group secured permission from authorities to enter the sanctuary and the group

did not want to enter any prohibited area but as it was at night and they were not familiar with the area they set up camp near a water source.

Sasin Chalermlarp, chairman of the Seub Nakhasathien Foundation, said the wildlife sanctuary became a World Heritage site in 1991 and anyone with high social status who hunted in the area showed disrespect for the law and for conservation efforts.

He praised local park rangers for their work, and encouraged the government to set a good example by strictly enforcing the laws pertaining to the case.

Freeland, Green World Foundation, LoveWildlife, Traffic, WildAid and World Wildlife Foundation said in a joint statement: “This is Thailand’s natural heritage, and no one, whoever they are, has the right to plunder it and consider themselves above the law.”

The Indochinese leopard is thought to number just 2,500 across Southeast Asia and is listed as vulnerable on the list of endangered species.

ITD shares closed at B3.72 on Tuesday, down 3.63% in trade worth B329.9 million as the market digested news of the arrests.

CSD takes over Kanchanaburi lottery case BANGKOK THE CR IME SUPPR ESSION Division (CSD) has taken over the lottery case in Kanchanaburi in a fresh bid to shed lights on the winner.

National police chief Gen Chakthip Chaijinda on Monday (Feb 5) ordered the Provincial Police Region 7 to hand over the investigation to

the CSD to end public doubt over the probe by local police, Col Krissana Pattanacharoen, the deputy spokesman for the Royal Thai Police Office, said.

The B30-million lottery tickets in Kanchanaburi are locked in a dispute between retired policeman Lt Charoon Wimool, 62, and teacher Preecha Khraikhruan, 50. Both claims to be the owner of the first prize for the Nov 1 draw.

Investigators of the Provincial Police Region 7 concluded their probe on Jan 31 that Mr Preecha was the winner. He bought them and they were dropped before the former policeman picked them up and cashed the tickets.

Police subsequently pressed charges against Lt Charoon for picking up and wrongfully claiming the winning tickets.

The case, however, is not easily

over as the retired policeman continued his fight for ownership. He argued that the investigation was biased against him and investigators had colluded with his rival.

Col Krissana defended the investigation, saying it was fairly conducted. The transfer of the case to the CSD was to give confidence to both sides and their supporters about the transparency of the case.

Bangkok Post

Retired policeman Lt Charoon Wimool makes a vow before Kanchanaburi City Pillar on Sunday (Feb 4) that he was the real owner of the first-prize lottery tickets.

Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Peace in the ‘widows’ camp’ A sanctuary for traumatised Rohingya women and children BANGLADESH

Women walk inside the ‘widows’ camp’ at the Balukhali refugee camp in Bangladesh’s Ukhia district. Photo: Munir Uz Zaman / AFP

Annie Banerji & Redwan Ahmed

I

t is known as “widows’ camp” – a sanct uar y off limits to men inside Bangladesh’s congested refugee settlements, where Rohingya women and children traumatised by violence find rare moments of peace.

The cluster of orange tar paulins str ung across bamboo offers a safe haven for dozens of widows and young children left fending for themselves after fleeing into Bangladesh in an exodus of nearly 690,000 Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar.

They escaped atrocities likened by the UN to “ethnic cleansing” but their husbands did not, leaving them to compete for food, shelter and survival in a border zone teeming with close to one million refugees.

Among them is Swaleha Begum, who crossed alone after her husband of just three months was killed in an armyled crackdown on their village.

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At just 18 she oversees the women-only encampment separated from other refugee tents in a crowded and dusty valley.

The sense of ownership and pr ide in their basic refuge is strong among the 60-odd widows, who maintain their own bathrooms, run prayer sessions and share responsibility for scores of children and orphans.

“Those who have husbands can make their own accommodation using bamboo and tarpaulins,” Swaleha said.

“We got this by the grace of god,” she added, gesturing at the simple tents lined with thin sleeping mats and cooking utensils.

One of her primary tasks is ensuring men – even teenage boys – venture nowhere near their shelters, where the inhabitants are comfortable enough to eschew the veil worn by most Rohingya Muslim women in public areas.

Aid workers say women and girls are most at threat from predators and human traffickers lurking in the poorly

supervised camps.

This risk is compounded when Rohingya women – uncomfortable at sharing toilets with men – venture far away for privacy in the forest after dark.

The Inter national Organisation for Migration has documented cases of refugee women being lured away from the camps with promises of marriage or jobs that end instead in forced labour or sex work.

More than half the Rohing ya ref ugees who

escaped the bloodshed in Myanmar’s wester nmost Rakhine state are women and children, the UN Women agency said.

They made it out alive but not without scars.

The UN Women agency says almost every woman and girl in the sprawling Balukhali camp is a victim of unimaginable violence – a survivor of rape, or witness to the sexual assault, murder or burning alive of their family and friends.

Mabiya Khatun, who said her husband and two sons were butchered as their village was razed by soldiers, cherished the solidarity among her “sisters” in the widows’ camp.

“I like it here. I find it very peaceful. We get to live a life of respect here, a dignified life,” she said.

The mood shifts at talk of returning to their homeland.

Bangladesh and Myanmar have agreed to a two-year timetable for repatriating some 750,000 refugees to Rakhine on a voluntary basis, but the process has stalled.

Despite the safet y in

Bangladesh, and the horrors inflicted against their people in Myanmar, some Rohingya living in the widows’ camp yearn for the lives they left behind.

Kushida Begum, a 30-yearold refugee whose husband and children were killed in Rakhine, said no amount of relative comfort in Bangladesh could ever replace her ancestral lands.

“I was born there. So was my mother, father and grandparents. We only came here because of the torture and killing and arson,” Kushida said.

“If we get justice for what happened, we want to go back.”

But others are looking forward to rebuilding a new life in Bangladesh surrounded by the only people who can understand their pain.

“I won’t go back. I don’t have anything to go back to – no home, no husband, no children, nothing,” said Mabiya, who gave her age as 50.

“At least I have something like a family here.”

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Octopizzo: Nairobi’s rap king

Former slum dweller turned rapper who’s inspiring Kenyan kids KENYA Fran Blandy

L

ike most youngsters in Nairobi’s largest slum, Henry Ohanga grew up believing he would never amount to anything.

Making it big, even leaving Kibera: these weren’t things that happened to an orphan who once robbed people to buy food.

Now 29, he is Octopizzo, one of East Africa’s most recognised hip-hop stars, and is using his success to break down stigma around the slum and inspire kids in a world devoid of successful role models.

Clad in a black Adidas tracksuit, with bling in his ears, a gold-coloured watch on his arm and a large dazzling pendant of Jesus around his neck, Ohanga gestures over the undulating hodge-podge of corrugated iron roofs where he grew up.

“It’s everything, everything I rap about... I feel like if I wasn’t born here I probably wouldn’t be a rapper,” he said

Kenyan hip hop artist Henry Ohanga (aka Octopizzo), who hails from Kenya’s largest slum Kibera in Nairobi, looks out from a bridge over a now sewer-polluted stream in which he used to play before it was polluted. Like most youngsters in Nairobi’s largest slum, Henry Ohanga grew up believing he would never amount to anything. Photo: Tony Karumba / AFP from Kibera, where most of his friends and family still live.

Kibera stretches over an area of about 2.5 square kilometres, a poor ethnic melting pot wedged among

richer areas of the Kenyan capital where its residents work , mostly a s ca su al labourers.

The slum’s population is subject to heated debate,

with the old NGO slogan of “the biggest slum in Africa” challenged in recent years by a government census and other independent studies which say between 170,000 and 250,000 people live there.

While for some a byword for misery and poverty, to Octopizzo, Kibera is the place he loves “more than anything else in the world” and it features in every one of his hits, with some of his slick, foreign-produced videos racking up more than a million views on YouTube.

In Kibera it is not the

rubbish packed into dirt or debris-choked streams that strike Ohanga.

Rather he is inspired by the “uniquely beautiful vibe”, children in brightly coloured uniforms making their way to school, music blaring from speakers around every corner, the whirr of sewing machines set-up in open air, the rhythm and beat of the hustle.

“I don’t blame the people.

If you look at Kibera this is the definition of a failed system,” he said.

While he describes himself as more “socially conscious” than political, it has been hard to avoid tough topics in the slum, which is often the first place sparks fly when political tensions rise.

During Kenya’s 2007 postelection crisis, when he recalls having to walk everywhere with a machete for protection as the slum was torn apart by ethnic violence he blames on politicians, his anger spilled into his first recorded song: “Voices of Kibera”.

However, his big commercial break only came in 2012, through an arts program at the British Council, which launched other successful artists such as afro-pop band Sauti Sol. Ohanga has moved on to rapping about things like food and fashion from Kibera, to change the negative image of the slum that has long led those who do make it out to hide their roots.

“I feel since I started rap-

ping we have changed the narrative, it is cool now to be from Kibera.”

But politics and Kibera remain deeply intertwined, and when post-election protests broke out last year, Ohanga came to the slum to speak to both protesters and police, and criticised police violence that left scores dead in Kenya, including residents of the slum.

“I have a voice and I have to use it, whether people like it or not,” he said.

Ohanga had never planned to become a rapper – growing up he wanted to be a horticulturist. “I like f lowers,” he said.

But the opportunity never came his way. His father died when he was 14, his mother a year later, and he ended up living with a friend and joining a gang, robbing shops and people.

“I never regret being part of that, I never killed anybody,” said Ohanga, who has an entire song dedicated to gangsters and drug dealers – the only ones to help him when he was down and out.

Through his own foundation, and work with the UN refugee agency, he wants to help youths realise their potential through the arts.

In 2016, artists from the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps who were trained and mentored by Ohanga released an album called “Refugeenius”.

“I want to be the face of possibility. When we grew up we didn’t know anyone who was successful. Kids are told by their teachers, their parents that they will never be anything, it is not our destiny,” said Ohanga.

One young man he has inspired is 22-year-old Daniel Owino, who Ohanga described as a “bad kid” in trouble with everyone in the neighbourhood.

“I told him: ‘Even me I used to be there, we’ve robbed guys it’s not a big deal but we change’,” said Ohanga.

O w i n o , n ow k n ow n as Futwax, turned his life around, and is working as a motorbike taxi driver as he pursues his passion for music, with 13 songs recorded so far.

He was also recently crowned Mr Kibera.

“He is a role model to me.

I used to go to his house here in the slum, Octopizzo was so hard-working. I felt that even I would make it one day,” Owino said.

AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Essence of experience Thailand Yacht Show’s experiential format takes shape ADVERTORIAL

T

he Thailand Yacht Show (T YS) 2018 is less than a month away. With strong promotional support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Thai Airways, and new main sponsors BMW Asia and Torqeedo, as well as a whole host of international hospitality and tourism groups, TYS will welcome visitors from all over Asia on February 22-25.

Conceived as an “experi­ ential” on-water festival, visitors will be able to trial yachts, boats, tenders and toys and enjoy the spectacular scenery at Phang Nga Bay. Adrenalin activities are yours for the trying on the popular demonstration platform, while the floating VIP lounge by HYPE Boat Club beckons for those of a more sedate disposition, or those just looking to relax and enjoy the music.

Held at the Ao Po Grand Marina with its iconic backdrop of limestone islands in turquoise waters and water-

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The ‘experiential’ on-water festival will allow visitors to trial yachts, boats, tenders and toys – and a host of other activities. front properties with immediate access to the sea, TYS is a unique opportunity for experienced yachties and newcomers alike to take to the water and try something different in the boating lifestyle.

Joining the show again this year are founding exhibitors and leading regional dealerships Lee Marine, Boat Lagoon Yachting, Sunseeker Thailand and Asia Marine, as well as top international superyacht brokers Northrop

& Johnson, Burgess, Y.Co and Fraser Yachts, amongst many more. There will be over 50 pleasure craft on display, with yachts ranging from 15m to 80m sprawled out along the newly-installed superyacht docks of Ao Po Grand Marina.

New sponsors BMW Thailand and Torqeedo have joined the Thailand Yacht Show in a long-term partnership to promote sustainable innovation and mobility. They will be showcasing their lat-

est technology – the BMW i8, BMW i3 and the BMW iPerformance range (740Le, 530e, X5 xDrive40e and 330e) and the Full Torqeedo electric drive system – emissions-free mobility on the road, and on the water too.

“BM W T hailand and Torqeedo Asia-Pacific collaborates to showcase its latest technology, which ties in with the Thailand Yacht Show’s focus on Sustainable Innovation. We are delighted

with our progress and projects, with partners such as TAT, in assisting to create clean sustainable transport on the water,” said David Hunter, Managing Director, Torqeedo Asia Pacific Ltd. Lars Nielsen, Director – Sales & Marketing, BMW Thailand, adds, “BMW i continues to drive sustainable innovation and the high-voltage battery developed for the i3 is powering emissions-free mobility on both land and water.

The BMW Group is supplying lithium-ion batteries to Torqeedo for energy storage in its high-performance Deep Blue electric drive systems.”

The show will be open from 5pm to 9pm on the opening day Thursday (Feb 22), and open from 3pm to 9pm on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Feb 23-25).

Beyond the boats are a host of activities for all walks of life to enjoy, including a Kid’s Club, Pop-up Wellness Spa, a Chef Demo, an Asian Inspired Mixology session, a “Supercar Parade”, a demo platform for activities and even a Full Moon Yoga session as well as street food, a night Market and a Sunset Sessions DJ at the d’deck Bar. With limited yacht berths and booths still available, don’t hesitate to contact the organising team today to take part. For more information, visit the website ThailandYachtShow.com or register at https://ticketing. igo.events/e/95/embed for complimentary tickets.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Real estate rights in Thailand A look at the lesser-known forms of property possessory rights with death of the original grantee.

LAW

HABITATION A habitation is a right to occupy a building for either the life of the grantee or up to 30 years with a possible renewal term of up to 30 years.

Unless otherwise prohibited, the grantee’s family may occupy the building with the grantee. However, a habitation is not transferable in any way.

Jerrold Kippen

I

Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

n our previous column, we explained the different types of property ownership, including the Chanote full title, which does confer actual ownership of property, as well as three basic types of possessory – in other words, not true ownership – right documents for land still in use in Thailand.

This week we take a look at other forms of property possessory rights available under the law in Thailand.

Thailand recognises a host of forms of property possessory rights. Knowing which ones affect you is vital before signing any legal document. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

LEASE Land, structures and any part of either may be leased. The maximum lease term under Thai law is 30 years and the Civil and Commercial Code provides for an additional renewal lease term of up to 30 years.

Leases for industrial or commercial purposes have a term of up to 50 years.

This again is renewable for a period of 50 years. However, the availability of industrial or commercial leases is significantly limited.

The Civil and Commercial Code provides that any extant lease is enforceable against a new owner of the property who becomes the new lessor under the original lease terms.

However, because any additional lease term is a “renewal” (and not an “extension”) a clause providing for a renewal term is enforceable as against the original lessor but not against a new lessor.

Any lease of more than three years must be registered or it will not be enforceable for any term beyond three years.

USUFRUCT A usufruct gives the grantee the right to possess, manage and exploit a property. It can be either for the life of the grantee or a period of time up to 30 years with the possibility to renew it for up to another 30 years.

The rights of a usufruct may be transferred. However, in any case a usufruct ends

SUPERFICIES A superficies is the right to own freehold title deed to a building on someone else’s land.

A superf icies may be granted for the life of the grantee or up to 30 years with the possibility of a renewal term of up to 30 years. Unless prohibited by the act creating it, a superficies is fully transferable by the grantee.

SERVITUDE A servitude binds the owner of a “servient” property to suffer certain acts or refrain from certain rights inherent

in his ownership for the benefit of another “dominant” property. This right commonly granted for purposes of physical or utilities, access or for both. The rights and obligations of the dominant and servient property owners travel with the two property deeds in perpetuity.

CHARGE A charge is similar to a servitude, however, it is a personal right which gives the grantee a specified use or enjoyment of the property (such as access across the land).

A charge may be granted for the life of the grantee or up to 30 years with the possibility of a renewal term of up to 30 years. A charge is only transferable if so specified by the act creating it.

DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in over 50 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies gain ground on acceptance TECHNOLOGY PHUKET POLL MOR E THAN 40% OF people who responded to an online poll by The Phuket News say that Bitcoin and other cr y pto­c ur rencies should be fully recognised as forms of currency, or should at least be in common use for those who accept payment in them.

The presence of cryptocurrencies continue to expand around the globe, and Phuket is no exception with a range of “cryptocoins”, including Bitcoin, now making their way to our shores.

To this, The Phuket News asked readers in an online poll the simple question, “Do you believe in Bitcoin?”

A full 29% of respondents to the poll voted, “Yes, crypto­c urrencies are the future and should be treated

More than 40% of people in the poll voted in support of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Photo: Ladislav Mecir just like other “genuine” currencies.”

A further 13% of respondents voted, “Yes, cryptocurrencies have their use as long as people are happy being paid in them, but they are not as useful or safe as traditional currencies.”

However, although support for crypto­currencies was strong, it still failed to garner the majority of votes cast in the poll, with 31% of respondents voting, “No, cryptocurrencies are nothing like genuine cur-

rencies and should not be used – or trusted – at all.”

A further 28% of respondents voted, “No, the idea of Blockchain and crypto­currencies is good, but the existing coins are far from being suitable for use as currencies.”

The poll ran for two weeks, closing at midnight last Sunday night (Feb 4).

To see the full poll results, visit ThePhuketNews.com and select “Poll” from the “News” menu.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Maths is an essential fuel for creative minds

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

14

Test your knowledge on our Valentine’s Day quiz

16

A HEALTHY MOVE

Delish Café has re-opened in Saiyuan offering their delicious food creations and quality house-roasted coffee

Manager Meen Apinya says the burgers, which can be customised with any extra toppings you like, are one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Photo: Mark Knowles The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

O

ne of Rawai’s favourite gathering places, Delish Café, has re-located from Fisherman’s Way to Saiyuan Rd, Nai Harn.

The move was triggered by the chaotic traffic congestion at Chalong Circle.

“We had been looking for the right venue in Nai Harn village for about two years and finally found the perfect spot with loads of parking. It was sad for us to leave our former premises where many expats and longerterm visitors regarded Delish as their local café for almost seven years,” said Manager Meen Apinya.

The new premises has a raised terrace with retractable awnings. The terrace seats up to 30 people and leads

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into the main café service area. Customers can also opt for the air-conditioned room, which seats at least 30 people in a more tranquil environment, ideal for co-working or social meetings.

Popular for its relaxed ambience friendly atmosphere Delish is renowned for serving house-roasted Arabica coffee, under their White Elephant label. This single-origin coffee is also for sale as freshly-roasted beans or ground to suit your home coffee-making machine. Fresh beans are roasted several times a week.

Also extracted from the same beans, White Elephant Cold Brew is a smoother, less acidic option than espresso. It’s ideal served in an iced Americano-style, but it also makes a fine iced milk coffee or you can even try it mixed with soda for a refreshing lift.

Delish values the repeat customer with offers such as their Coffee Loyalty

Card that is good for a 10% discount.

Less obvious features are their use of rice bran oil for high-temperature cooking and olive oil in salads and, more recently, introduction of a delicious pure butter produced from Thai cow’s milk.

Their efforts to produce consistent quality have been rewarded with Trip Advisor Certificates of Excellence for the past three years. The food at Delish begins with fresh, quality ingredients to create dishes with a healthy, homemade feel “We source as many ingredients as possible from local growers and producers, the main exceptions being Australian beef and lamb used in our sausages, burgers and pies,” said Meen.

The menu has extensive choices for breakfast, brunch, lunch or snacks, with most items available for take-home, including some ready-to-eat frozen meals.

Delish rapidly earned a reputation

for making some of the best home-made cakes on the island, the most popular being carrot and walnut, chocolate-almond (gluten-free) and baked cheesecake.

Cakes can be ordered for special events.

If you are thirsting for a fresh cold juice or smoothie boost, the friendly cafe staff can customize one to your taste from a range of fruits and vegetables, topped with chia seeds, cacao, bee pollen, whey protein or sacha inchi protein. Or, just grab a wheatgrass or Super Turmeric shot from the fridge.

Delish also makes their own version of the popular breakfast smoothie bowl – complete with a superfoods granola – in several delicious flavours. At Delish, their mission is to make eating healthier really enjoyable.

For more information see: facebook.com/ DelishCafePhuket or call 076 388 149.

14 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Mathematics is: ‘The poetry of logical ideas’ STEM Clubs provide cross-curricular activities where students work across various disciplines

EDUCATION CORNER

M

Andrew Chambers

athematics has remained an integral part of education for more than 2,000 years. In Asia it has particular prominence due to academic prestige, parental expectations of success and high stakes university entrance tests. Therefore, a good quality mathematical education is usually a priority for parents when choosing the best schools for their children.

Mathematics, however, is much more than rote memorisation of rules and formulae. As Einstein put it, “Pure Mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas”. As such, creativity should always be at the

heart of good mathematics teaching.

One of the great strengths of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Mathematics program is that it recognises this fundamental connection between mathematics and creativity. All IB students have to produce a personalised and sophisticated mathematical investigation on an area of personal interest.

Over the past few years at the British International School Phuket we have seen explorations on such diverse topics as predicting future stock market growth, designing the optimum packaging dimensions for a family business, using mathematical models to understand the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, and solving differential equations to predict the spread of Bird Flu in Asia.

Many of our students choose an area of investigation closely aligned with their chosen university courses; giving them both a taste of the applicability of mathematics to their

area of study and also providing an excellent way of enhancing their CV for university applications.

With a goal for mathematical creativity in mind at BISP we have recently launched our Global Maths Classroom initiative – bringing together our online resources to share with students and teachers across the world. Central to this is our IB Maths Resources website which contains hundreds of articles and posts with ideas for mathematical investigations. As well as video tutorials and teacher resource downloads our IB Maths Resources also includes a dedicated code breaking website.

By cracking codes, children compete from around the world in order to join the 15,000 students currently on our leaderboard. There is a close relationship between mathematics, code breaking and computer cryptography, with many talented mathematicians going into careers in this field, so this is an excellent opportu-

Creativity should always be at the heart of good mathematics teaching. nity for students to see a creative real world application of the subject they study in school.

As well as the growing use of Mathematics in computing, the subject has long enjoyed close links with Physics and Engineering. STEM clubs (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) aim to provide cross-curricular activities which draw on students’ skills in the various disciplines. At BISP students have worked together to undertake such varied projects as hovercraft construction, and plane and hydroponic plant designs. Ultimately, by following “the poetry of logical ideas” of mathematical study, students are able to express their creativity at every opportunity.

The BISP IB Maths Resources for teachers and students can be found at: ibmathsresources.com. Andrew Chambers, BA. MSc. PGCE. is a Maths Teacher at BISP.

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EDUCATION 15

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Early entry IGCSE success for BISP

Students continue to set the pace with outstanding exam results BISP

The International Maths IGCSE is a very demanding course so to do so well in an early entry is very impressive.

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W

ell done to the British International School, Phuket students who have just received their early entry IGCSE Mathematics and Biology results! With early entry exams sat in November, rather than the traditional following May/June period, we are delighted with the results of the International Mathematics and Biology students.

Maths Teacher Mr Chambers commented that, “the International Maths IGCSE is a very demanding course – to do so well in an early entry is very impressive. In the class there were 92% A to A* (100% A* to B), including 8 As and 4 A*s. Congratulations to all students for their hard work – an excellent start to your IGCSE exams”.

Biology Teacher Ms Young and Mr Richardson, Head of Science, added, “of the 22 students who sat their early entry Biology exam, 18 gained A to A* (82%) and 100% A* to B. There were 9 A*s and 9 As. Of the three sciences, Biology has by far the most content to learn and to do this six months early and gain such excellent results is really pleasing. Well done to all concerned. These results should fill you with confidence looking ahead to the final exams in June”.

Last year’s student cohort for the exam period of May/June 2017 achieved the highest results in the school’s history, with an impressive 91.3% grades A* to C, 72% grades A* to B, 49% grades A* to A and with 44% of students achieving at least 2 A*s.

These results included the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards for Top in Thailand for IGCSE World Literature, Top in Thailand for IGCSE Global Perspectives, Top in Thailand for IGCSE Ad-

The most recent batch of early entry International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) students at BISP have continued the school’s tradition of achieving excellent grades across many subjects. ditional Mathematics and the High Achievement award for IGCSE International Mathematics for the Highest

Scoring candidate in Thailand. We look forward to more great results in our May/June IGCSE examinations.

Questions of Love and Romance This Valentine’s Day The Phuket News is putting your knowledge of love and romance to the test with our bumper quiz. Try your luck answering some of these tricky questions and find out if your Valentine’s Day game is up to scratch. Good luck!

2. What green vegetable is said to contain androsterone, the hormone produced in men that stimulates sexual arousal in women?

A. Green pepper B. Asparagus C. Celery D. Artichoke 3. Spanish fly, a ground-up beetle, has long been thought to swell passions. What, in fact, does it actually swell?

A. Your fingers B. Blood vessels C. The urethra D. The sphincter 4. Oysters have long been considered an aphrodisiac. Why? A. They are high in zinc, which is necessary for sperm production B. Shakespeare made a metaphor about them in The Merry Wives of Windsor C. Due to their texture D. All of the above 5. Which of the following is not considered an aphrodisiac?

A. Asparagus B. Honey C. Nettles D. Truffles

Sweet Nothings

Who said the following phrases: 1. “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.”

A. Brigitte Bardot B. Zsa Zsa Gabor C. Irina Dunn D. Germaine Greer 2. “When you marry your mistress, you create a vacancy.”

A. Oscar Wilde B. George Bernard Shaw C. G K Chesterton D. Sir James Goldsmith 3. “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses.”

A. Jan Moir B. Hugh Hefner C. Edward Lear D. Dorothy Parker 4. “‘Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all.”

A. Lord Byron B. Alfred, Lord Tennyson C. Bosie, Lord Alfred Douglas D. The Marquess of Bath 5. “Sexual intercourse began in 1963.”

A. Mary Whitehouse B. Mary Warnock C. Dylan Thomas D. Philip Larkin 6. On their deathbed: “I wish I had had more sex.”

A. Barbara Cartland B. E M Forster C. Andrea Dworkin D. John Betjeman

Songs and Lovers

1. The 1983 hit “Every Breath You Take”

by The Police is about: A. Bigamy B. Trudie Styler C. A stalker D. Tantric sex

2. The most popular “first dance” at weddings in 2010 was: A. “The Only Way Is Up” by Yazz B. “Moondance” by Van Morrison C. “Everything” by Michael Bublé D. “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls 3. “The Power of Love” was a top 20 hit for which of the following?

A. Jennifer Rush B. Meat Loaf C. T-Rex D. Jon Bon Jovi 4. The Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan classic “Especially for You” was also recorded by Kylie with which other male sex symbol?

A. Nick Cave B. Michael Hutchence C. David Hasselhoff D. Kermit the Frog 5. Carly Simon’s 1972 hit “You’re So Vain” was reportedly about: A. Warren Beatty B. Mick Jagger C. Nick Nolte D. All of the above

Rhymes of Passion

1. Which of the following poems, often included in anthologies of “romantic verse”, is in fact a threat that failure to sleep with the poet will only result in being eaten by worms?

A. Shakespeare’s Sonnet 69 B. Marvell’s “To His Coy Mistress” C. “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet...”

D. Byron’s “Don Juan” 2. Which of the following is not the subject of a poem in Carol Ann Duffy’s 1999 collection, The World’s Wife?

A. Mrs Aesop B. Queen Herod C. Frau Freud D. Posh Spice 3. Andrew Motion’s poem “In the Attic” is about: A. His wife B. His mother C. His pupil D. His dog 4. The garment that the “woman much missed” is wearing in Thomas Hardy’s poem “The Voice” is: A. A snow-white shroud B. An air-blue gown C. A crimson armband D. A yellow scarf 5. Which of the following pieces of advice are suggested in Wendy Cope’s “Two Cures for Love”?

A. Don’t see him. Don’t phone or write a letter B. Join a dating service C. Star in a reality television show D. Get a new husband who likes selfpublicity too 6. Who is the first poet known to have

written “Roses are red, violets are blue”?

A. William Shakespeare B. Edmund Spenser C. Gerard Manley Hopkins D. W H Auden

Say it with…

1. Which one of these hasn’t been advertised as a novelty Valentine’s gift?

A. Heart-shaped hole punch B. Heart-shaped cucumber C. Heart-shaped Le Creuset dish D. Heart-shaped toilet paper 2. What planetary body was named after the Roman goddess of love?

A. Mercury B. Uranus C. Venus D. Mars 3. Blind Date once attracted audiences of 18 million, but finished in 2003. Which one of these celebrities appeared on the show before they were famous?

A. Jude Law B. Amanda Holden C. Amanda Lamb D. George Lamb 4. Which is not traditionally worn by the

bride at her wedding for good luck?

A. Something blue B. Something borrowed C. Penny D. A garter 5. Which one of these can you not hire as a wedding venue?

A. The Empire State building B. Juliet’s balcony in Verona C. Windsor Castle D. Edinburgh Castle 6. What is the name of the anniversary celebrated at four years of marriage?

A. Aluminum B. Gold C. Fruit D. Cotton

Answers Food of love: 1 – A. 2 – C. 3 – C. 4 – A. 5 – C. Sweet nothings: 1 – C. 2 – D. 3 – D. 4 – B. 5 – D. 6 – D. Songs and lovers: 1 – C. 2 – C. 3 – A. 4 – D. 5 – D. Rhymes of passion: 1 – B. 2 – D. 3 – B. 4 – B. 5– A. 6 – B. Say it with: 1 – D. 2 – C. 3 – B. 4 – D. 5 – C. 6 – C.

The Food of Love

1. What arouses men more than any other scent in the world (according to the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago)?

A. Lavender B. Lilies C. Woodsmoke D. Beer

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Matteo (centre) and his friends are welcomed at Phuket FantaSea.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Matteo and his entourage in Thai traditional outfits at Phuket FantaSea.

REGGAETON ARTIST MATTEO OF ‘PANAMA’ DANCE HIT VISITS PHUKET Matteo, reggaeton dancehall artist and producer from Romania, famous for his popular “Panama” dance hit visited Phuket FantaSea for the first time on Jan 22. The artist enjoyed shopping in Festival Village and ended the evening with the spell-binding “Fantasy of a Kingdom” performance in 3,000-seat, state-of-the-art theatre known as the “Palace of the Elephants”.

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (2nd from right).

Governor Norraphat and other dignitaries congratulate the eight lucky children chosen to compete.

PHUKET GOVERNOR AWARDS EIGHT ‘TO BE NUMBER ONE IDOL’ HOPEFULS On Friday (Jan 30) at the Phuket Provincial Hall eight local students were named as Phuket’s entry into the “ To Be Number One Idol” competition to be held at Jungceylon on Feb 17. The ceremony was presided over by Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong, Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok, Thawornwat Kongkaew and Prakob Wongmaneerung. The eight students were: Mary Canfield, Sirinda Kiettawee, Worakit Limsakun, Suprawat Yadee, Nassareen Ploykaw, Pratchaya Suebsaard, SorayaWongsa and Nichanan Teerapappong.

NOOK DEE 360 SKYBAR GRAND OPENING BY ANDACURA The Nook Dee 360 Skybar hosted its Grand Opening party last Saturday, Feb 3. The event, set on the new rooftop bar, drew an eclectic, fun-loving crowd to enjoy the oysters, snacks and mouth-watering drinks and the spectacular sunset view on offer.

Guests donned some day-glo colours to get into the party vibe.

The rooftop provided some spectacular sunset views.

Live 89.5 DJ Chris Howson hosts his show live from Boat Lagoon.

LIVE 89.5 HOSTS LIVE BROADCAST FROM BOAT LAGOON WEEKEND Phuket Boat Lagoon's Beats & Bites & Music & Food & Fun Weekend last Friday, Feb 2, saw the team from Live 89.5 set up their booth to broadcast live with the best mix of music and talk on the island’s airwaves.

Several of ‘The Phuket News’ interns bid farewell last Friday, Feb 2.

‘THE PHUKET NEWS’ UNIVERSITY INTERNS HEAD BACK TO CLASS After several weeks of hands on learning several of hardworking interns for The Phuket News had to return to their regular classes at universities across Southern Thailand.

Thank you all for your hard work and good luck in your future endeavours. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

PHA and PIWC representatives pose for a photo during the ceremony.

One of the lucky students receives his scholarship certificate.

The recipients pose with representatives from the PHA and PIWC after the ceremony.

The six exceptional students who received their scholarships during the ceremony.

PHA AND PIWC PRESENT SCHOLARSHIPS AT PHUKET VOCATIONAL COLLEGE At the Phuket Vocational College on Wednesday, Jan 31, representatives from the Phuket Hotels Association (PHA) and the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) presented six exceptional students with scholarships. The scholarships were made possible with money from the Phuket Hotels Association Benefit (PHAB) fundraising event, which was held last year and raised approximately B4 million for the scholarship fund.

From left: Peerapong Padoongsinsath, Pattanadesh Asasappakij, Kwanchai Paphatphong, Santi Viriyarungsarit, Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, Dr Sunhavut Thamchuanviriya, Jaturont Komolmis, Jerdnapang Thamchuanviriya, Arun Samutsara, and Sompraj Bosuwan.

Just some of the models on hand to help showcase the luxury vehicles on display at the new MGC-Asia Autoplex in Hat Yai.

VIPs from the luxury car industry attended the event.

Representatives from the various luxury vehicle brands took to the stage during the grand opening.

MGC-ASIA LAUNCHES B400MN MEGA ‘AUTOPLEX’ IN SOUTHERN THAILAND After expanding its luxury lifestyle market presence with the launch of the “MGC-Asia Autoplex Phuket” on the bypass road in February last year, Master Group Corporation (Asia) Co Ltd (MGC-Asia) on Jan 26 officially launched its new showroom and mega-sized service centre “MGC-Asia Autoplex Hat Yai”. The “Autoplex” is located on an 11rai plot with a total of 20,000sqm of showroom space for BMW and Mini, Honda, BMW Motorrad and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

9 FEB Everything’s Groovy PIWC Annual Fundraiser Dinner

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

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix, Bell Bottom Jeans, Billowing Caftans, “Hair,” psychedelic Colours Galore and Flower Power. Wrap yourself in the “Swinging 60s” for a night. “A Hard Day’s Night” & “Good Vibrations” are guaranteed. Dress: Optional but crazy 1960s gear preferred to look groovy. From 6.30pm at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Come along and buy a “Ticket to Ride.” B2500 for buffet and one drink. All proceeds go directly toward helping Thai children’s education. Silent auction, raffles, MC Garry Holden of The Thaiger radio. Contact: Lyn Carthew, President, Event Organiser. Email: lyncarthew@hotmail.com

Crown Plaza Seafood Brunch

Sala Steak & Seafood Sunday Grill Premium main courses including imported steaks and whole lobster, accompanied by a buffet of delicious appetizers. Every Sunday from 6:30pm with live music performed by the ‘Colin Illy Hill Band’. Pricing B1,700++/person and B3,200++/couple. For more information visit www.salaphuket.com or contact SALA Phuket Resort and Spa by email at fbphuket@salaphuket.com or call 076 338 888.

Curry Cravings in Karon Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only B499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

Grab your tommy guns, flappers and molls and head to the Green Man in Chalong from 6:30pm for The Codfather – the latest Murder Mystery from Theatrix Production’s Dying to Act team. We’re given’em an offer dey can’t refuse… just B550 to enjoy a welcome drink, four courses of pub finger food, plus a dastardly tale of murder and mayhem among the speakeasies, gangsters and dames of prohibition era Chicago.

Solve the murder(s) and win great prizes!

11 FEB

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD www.twochefs.com

10 FEB

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand 1st Qualifier The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tees off on Feb 10 at Laguna Golf Phuket.

The WCGC Thailand Series will have six qualifiers around Thailand culminating in the National Final in Phuket on April 28. The winner will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the World Final. Email: events@ foremanagment.com

Indulge yourself in a Sunday Seafood Brunch, with fresh seafood on ice including oysters, prawns and New Zealand Mussels. Followed by sumptuous grilled meats, other seafood and much more. Complete the delightful meal at the dessert stations serving both Thai and international favourites. For food not inclusive of beverage packages. SPECIAL PROMOTION: BUY 1 GET 1 FREE! until 25th February. To reserve your seat, please contact us: fb@crowneplazaphuket. com. Located at 8/88 Moo 7, Sakdidech Road, Vichit Sub-District, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand. Email: fb@crowneplazaphuket.com or call 076 302 900.

MON

12 FEB

The Codfather Murder Mystery at the Green Man

SUN

SAT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

Sunday Roast All Day All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites!

Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

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

Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344914

Traditional Sunday Roast 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. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otoolsphuket.com

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

TUE

13 FEB

Afraid of public speaking?

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

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

WED

14 FEB

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

Join us the experience a fun culinary adventure: “The Pool Linner” with six full hours of free flow drinks, buffet and live cooking station, fun live charity auction, DJ and live music, complimentary shoulder and neck massage and access to pool and sun loungers. At the pool bar. Pricing B1,950/person includes free flow fruit juices and soft drinks, B2,850/person includes full beverage package. For reservations contact: fnb.phuhr@ hyatt.com or call 076 231 234.

Moment of Love Enjoy a romantic dinner set menu with your loved one with a Patong oceanfront view. Tables are limited, advance reservation is recommended. Set menu B1,350++ per pax, B2,500++ per couple. Full a la cart available. Sea Salt Lounge & Grill, info@seasaltpatong.com, +66 76 623 555.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

WED

14 FEB

book your table and more information, please call +66 76 330-015 or email ratiporn.t@boathouse-phuket. com The Boathouse Restaurant, Kata Beach.

Year or the spring festival with ‘Lion Dance’ and live band performances, give envelopes wishing guests health, growth and good studies in the coming year.

For more information contact the Diamond Cliff Phuket at 076-380-050. Email: rsvn@diamondcliff.com

THU

8 MAR

Romance By Design SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS ALL YOU CAN EAT! GRILLED AUSTRALIAN RIB EYE STEAK, TERIYAKI MARINATED CHICKEN AND GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS WITH BBQ SAUCE, RED WINE SAUCE AND BEARNAISE SAUCE CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!! Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER.

Spread the love to the other half, express your love with an exclusive dinner, set in a private cabana for two by the Andaman Sea. The fascinating 5-course set menu specially created by our expert chef for this Valentine’s night. Book ahead for the best table Tel 076 338 000, Email: fbdiningexperience@marriotthotels.com JW Marriott Phuket.

THU

15 FEB

Chinese New Year Celebration at Sala Phuket Come to celebrate Chinese New Year’s Day with us!

At SALA Phuket Resort and Spa, to enjoy complimentary cocktail party, Sino-Phuket night market, dance performance and starlight cinema on the lawn. All this just 1,750++ Baht/person. For reservations and more information, please contact events@salaphuket.com or +66 (0) 76 338 888.

Romance by the Water’s edge Celebrate Valentine’s day, Private deck (Only 6 Couples) THB 16,000 set menu per couple including a bottle of premium selected beverage and Terrace deck (Only 10 Couples) THB 12,000 set menu per couple including a bottle of premium selected beverage. Starting at 6:30pm. Book your table: 076 372 400 Email: fbphuket@banyantree.com Banyan Tree Phuket.

Wine & Dine your sweetheart at Le Meridien Wednesday, February 14th - Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Celebrate love. Celebrate Romance.

Spend a romantic evening with your beloved and make them feel even more special with these unforgettable events. Soulful food, sultry serenades, and shows complete this night of hearts. For more information and to book : http://bit.ly/LMPhuketFeb18Events.

Love romantic violin serenade by the pool Exquisite experience for Valentine’s celebrations at Avista Grande Karon, MGallery by Sofitel. 5-course set dinner, inclusive of drink, starting at THB 1,750++ per person only! Call us at ++66 76 302 661 or email us at HA224-FB@accor.com

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. Please visit: rotarypatong. org for additional information.

THU

22 FEB

Taste the traditional Experience Thai tastes, the way intended, with our choice of traditional tasting menus. Share in a selection of seven of our favorite dishes, encompassing the many flavours of one of the world’s most popular cuisines. Visit www.salaphuket.com for more information, or contact event@salaphuket or 073 33 8888 for reservations. SALA Phuket Resort and Spa.

Inspired Phuketian – Philipp Graf von Hardenberg Speech title: “The Need for Paradigm Shifts in Education Systems”. Held monthly and open to the public, this event gives an opportunity for well-lived people the chance to share their life experiences. Inspired by the famous TED Talks, this is a great way for people to really connect to authentic ideas that will benefit their well-being and happiness in general. Limited to 55 seats only and priced at B350/pax/net including one drink and pass around canapé. Register now by email to sales@skyelakeclub.com Skye Lake Club Laguna, Cherng Talay.

FRI

16 FEB

Thailand Yacht Show 2018 Phang Nga Bay plays host to the third edition of the region’s premier experiential yachting event, the Thailand Yacht Show. Returning to Phuket’s Ao Po Grand Marina from 22-25 February 2018, visitors have the opportunity to climb aboard and trial some of our on-water displays. info@thailandyachtshow.com Opening Hours: 22 February (Thursday) - 5 to 9 pm 23 February (Friday) - 3 to 9 pm 24 February (Saturday) - 3 to 9 pm 25 February (Sunday) - 3 to 9 pm Get your free tickets at: https://ticketing.igo.events/e/95

PIWC Coffee morning in Kamala Love At First Sight Valentine’s Day

Chinese New Year Gala Buffet Dinner

The Boathouse Restaurant is one of Phuket’s most exclusive venues to surprise your significant other. To

Amazing Gala Dinner seafood, international buffet dinner 888++ THB per person, celebrate the Lunar New

@thephuketnews

Eleanor Conway’s WALK of SHAME - Sex, sobriety and the modern addict. Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm. Tickets THB 500 in advance (includes 1 drink) THB 700 on the night (includes 1 drink). Drinks & Co - Lagoon Plaza, Boat Lagoon, Cherntalay (opposite Skye Lake Club)). Tickets - 083 720 5586 and phuketticketmaster.com

EVERY DAY

PIWC Luncheon - February Our next Lunch will be on 15 February at the brand new French restaurant THYM CITRON in Boat avenue in Cherngtalay. It is situated behind Paul Ropp, Seven Eleven, next to My Physio in front of the lake.

Please book your seats with Maggy Wigman by emailing robmaggy@yahoo.com as we are limited to 42 people.

Drinks & Co presents Live Comedy - Walk of Shame

The morning tea at Sienna Rocks, Cape Sienna Hotel in Kamala in January was deemed such a success by the people in attendance that another one is being planned for 10am, Thursday 22 February at the same fabulous cliff top location. All welcome. info@ piwc-phuket.com

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s BEST Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5 course tasting menu including foie gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska scallop, slow cooked duck breast and Baba au Rhum.

“Grape juice” pairing available! B1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 8 Lagoon Rd, Laguna, Cherng Talay.

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What percentage of an iceberg remains unseen underwater?

2. What does JPEG stand for, as in a JPEG file?

3. What do Edward Koch, David Dinkins and Bill de Blasio all have in common?

4. Which French resistance fighter was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Literature?

5. What number can be dialled to reach all three emergency services anywhere in Europe?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 65. Sign up 1. Japanese fish 66. Still 4. Caroled 67. It’s found in 8. Excavating machine banks 14. Laundry room 68. Col. Sanders brand feature 15. Stead 69. Garnet and ruby 16. Stranger 70. Cabernet, for one 17. Cell phone, smart card Down 18. Roman time period 1. Electric cars 19. Habitual 2. Songlike complainer 3. Like most sonnets 20. Seafood dish 4. Kind of skirt 23. Himalayas’ home 5. Glorified gofer 24. President’s office 6. At no point in time 25. It’s stranded 7. Enthusiasm 28. Screen from view 8. ‘’No’’ answer 32. Blissful 9. “For sure?”

34. Fabric 10. There are 10 36. Berry in drinks million in a joule 37. Seafood dish 11. Like 42. Jacket 12. “Is that so!”

43. Skeptical 13. Blow it 44. Public face 21. ‘’Do the Right 47. Like some candles Thing’’ character 52. “We __ Family” 22. Plants of the 53. Take a break rose family 55. Metered vehicle 25. Pobre opposite 56. Seafood dish 26. Pita like bread 60. As well 27. Cuckoo 63. Send to the canvas 29. Website 64. Flower on a French abbreviation shield 30. Lentil dish at an

Indian restaurant 31. Mascara’s destination 33. “I Want You” uncle 35. Shelley work 37. Suffix with theater 38. Out of the ordinary 39. Possessive form 40. Sweep 41. Heavy-duty cleanser 42. Money records inspector 45. Brooks Robinson, e.g.

46. Lie snugly 48. Greatest possible 49. Make fit 50. Run out 51. Put down, slangily 54. Buyer 56. Contractor’s measure 57. Pews’ place 58. Went platinum, perhaps 59. Points against 60. Not shawn sheep 61. Beatle wife 62. It’s under a top

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) 90%; 2) Joint Photographic Experts Group; 3) They are all former New York City Mayors; 4) Irishman Samuel Beckett; 5) 112

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

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

1

Feb 10, 1258 Baghdad falls to the Mongols, and the Abbasid Caliphate is destroyed.

out of 10 married adults in the US say that they typically sleep alone.

85

per cent of those who have attempted to break the water speed record since 1940 have died while trying.

Feb 11, 1990 Nelson Mandela is released from Victor Verster Prison outside Cape Town, South Africa after 27 years as a political prisoner. (Photo: Frederik de Klerk and Nelson Mandela shake hands at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Jan 1992. Photo: Courtesy of the World Economic Forum)

7,000

US dollars a day is how much an email spambot can earn.

300,000

Feb 12, 1954 British tea maker Lyons’s “LEO” (Lyons Electronic Office I) produces a payroll report. It is the first time in history a computer is used in business.

US dollars in research and three months is what it took for scientists to create a lab-grown burger patty.

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

92,233 trillion US dollars is how much PayPal once accidentally credited a man with.

Source: Uberfacts

Feb 14, 1779 Capt James Cook is killed by Native Hawaiians near Kealakekua on the Island of Hawaii.

Beauty overhead at Bang Tao Beach. Photo by Ulli Schonart Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Feb 15, 2013 A meteor explodes over Chelyabinsk, Russia, injuring 1,500 people as a shock wave blows out windows and rocks buildings. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt rge

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong U requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided.

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834, 076-385081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: B150,000. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

Lifetime family membership for sale, Annual fee 2018 paid. B300,000. Contact Mr Mons Billgren: monsbillgrenl@gmail.com or call 086 275 3493.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENTMANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GUARANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076 636 244 or 090 179 6635. Contact Chanapa at Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., Email: info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE Building for Sale

One unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a halfstorey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherngtalay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase.

Chanote 0.5rai. B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@ cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542 @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required. Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com

sa nt e g r

U

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Babylon Sky Garden Condominium

New Rawai Sea View Freehold Condominium with roof-top garden and 2 swimming pools. Rental Guarantee Program available 7% x 3yrs or 5% x 5yrs Starting price 3.5 mil THB. Email: sales@babylonskygarden.com or call 099 406 7068.

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PROPERTY FOR SALE New Kamala house for sale

A-C , One bedroom, One living room, WCshower, WIFI, TV cable, 58sqm, terrace, Very quiet and secure place, Chanote title. 2.5MB, call: 098 053 2042.

Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million, Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Property for Sale

Ocean View Kata.Fully furnished 1-bedroom condo 44.2.sqm."Sea and sunset views over Kata Bay". For details email: ianscondo21@gmail.com

KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach, 2 floor bungalow with 4-bedroom and living room. Very good/nice view from bungalow. About 2km from James Bond Island» only 4.4 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND. Email: jospeder@live.no or call 089 872 6895

t sa n e rg

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Large Pool Villa For Sale

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

B12mn. Leena: ldewis77@gmail.com or 095 061 2868.

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT OFFERED ON LEASE - BUY CONTRACT A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated in KOH LANTA at the end of Long Beach just a two-minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full-length verandas. Ideally located in Phra Ae Village, with many amenities in the immediate area.

The resort offers and benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant and bar adjacent to the pool with state-ofthe-art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply and storage For further information, please email: gardenisland.pp@gmail.com. For the attention of Ms Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1 - Full name of potential Lessee/Buyer. 2 - Full contact details, inc. mobile phone number 3 - Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine and the terms very appealing to a LESSEE – BUYER. Genuine inquiries only please.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

Very big house 750 sqm, Land 4,000 sqm, available 15 June, 5 bed rooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool/garden/service/wifi-tv/sat. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@ yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

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PROPERTY FOR RENT New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/ services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo.3 Soi Ban Bang Pae,T. Paklok, T. Talang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

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SPORT 29

Rain stops play in PPL

Ponchos needed as downpours hit Wombat’s open-air playing area POOL

League Standings

Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

I

t was wet playi ng conditions in the 7th round of the Patong Pool League (PPL), sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables, last Thursday (Feb 1).

Wet playing conditions?

In pool? You may be asking yourselves… as we all know pool is usually an indoor sport.

Well there’s an exception to the rule in the PPL, and that is that Wombat Bar plays their matches in the open-air.

With torrential downpours hitting the island last Thursday night, the game between

Paul Montgomery, owner of and player for Ting Tong Bar on Nana Rd. Wombat Bar and Simon & Oils was interrupted several times. Some players even decided to continue playing in their rain ponchos and

were forced to pot “floating balls”. However, after a long, drawn-out game Wombat finally overcame Simon & Oil to seal a good 7-4 win.

Natalie

55

Ting Tong

51

Hole in One

43

Caddy Shack

39

Happy End

39

Wet Dreams

38

Martin Swiss

35

Wombat

35

Red Light

29

Simon Oil

21

Meanwhile, the top two teams of last year’s edition of the league, Natalie Bar and Wet Dreams met each other again. As has been pretty

much the case in all their games this season, Natalie Bar got off to a blazing start and had taken a good 5-1 lead after the singles.

Wet Dreams did manage to claw back a point in the remaining games with the final scoring being 8-3 in Natalie Bar’s favour.

Elsewhere, Martin Swiss hosted Ting Tong Bar in their 7th round game, with the visitors walking away with a big 2-9 win meaning they are still in serious contention, along with Natalie Bar, to take this year’s PPL title.

Happy End took on Caddy Shack in last Thursday’s action and it was a close game to begin with, with the score

being at 3-3 after the singles matches.

However, Happy End, who were missing “teacher Tak” as he was on a short break in Japan, still had their exceptional Thai players Peter and Fern and they played very well to give the hosts a comfortable 7-4 win.

Finally, Red Light Bar were at home to Hole in One with the later leading 1-5 after the singles matches. However, Red Light didn’t give up and managed to get the final score back to 4-7.

Red Light bar’s Belgian player Andy was involved in all the home teams winning points taking victories in each of his games.

Laguna Phuket Marathon 2018 to welcome 8,000+ runners MARATHON SOUTH EAST ASIA’S LEADing Destination Marathon, the award-winning Laguna Phuket Marathon, will take place at the Laguna Phuket resort complex on Bang Tao Beach on June 9-10.

Organised by leading event organiser Go Adventure Asia, Laguna Phuket Marathon has been certified by AIMS (Association of I nter nat ional Ma rat hons

@thephuketnews

and Distance Races) for a 13th consecutive year and remains a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.

Now in its 13th year, the event was voted a “Top 10 Best Marathon” in Thailand by Wingnaidee for the second year running, and as the event continues to grow organisers expect to break 8,000 runners from more than 50 countries to “Run Paradise” this year.

Improvements have been made

Organisers of the Laguna Phuket Marathon are expecting another record turnout in 2018. to the half marathon and marathon courses, and for the first time a new Marathon Team Relay has been introduced, whereby each team has to have four runners.

The Kids Run (2km), 5km and 10.5km start the running festival on June 9 in the late afternoon, while runners in the 21.097km (half marathon), 42.195km (marathon)

and Marathon Team Relay compete on June 10 in the early morning.

All races categories are timed.

Prices start from B550 for the 5km distance. Registrations can be made online at www. phuketmarathon.com/registration For more information, visit www. phuketmarathon.com or www. facebook.com/phuketmarathon The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of this event.

30 SPORT

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BISP golfer victorious at HSBC Junior Open GOLF

Cricket to the fore

Eight teams to compete in Last Man Stands CRICKET

REPRESENTING THE Thai national team, Vanchai “Mark” Luangnitikul produced a stunning individual victory at the recent HSBC Junior Open held in China on the very difficult Fusion Golf Club course and in extremely testing conditions.

Mark’s three rounds of +2, -1 and +4 (+5 total) enabled him to win the event by a stunning 11 shots against a very strong field.

His exceptional performance contributed to the Thai team also winning the team event, with a margin of three strokes over the Philippines.

“With the course set up so difficult and very testing weather conditions, it makes Mark’s victory even more impressive. His strong mental strength along with his immaculate short game really pulled him through the tournament.

“We are very proud of Mark representing Thailand and producing such amaz-

Neil Quail

G

‘Mark’ Luangnitikul seen here in action at the HSBC Junior Open. ing results. He has worked so hard the last few years and it is really paying off under high pressure situations,” said Oliver Bates, Golf Academy Head Coach at BISP. Mark is currently ranked 3rd in the Thai National team with some big events coming up. He will report for national team training next week to prepare for the upcoming 2018 Asian games.

The Phuket News

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Sat Feb 10

All day

Available for field sports

Sun Feb 11

11am

Friendly Cricket Match

Wed Feb 14

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri Feb 16

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat Feb 17

All day

Available for field sports

Fri Feb 23-Mon 26

All Day

Last Man Stands Tournament

Sat Mar 3

2 pm

Family Touch Rugby League

Children’s Cricket Training

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

one are the days when one can bemoan the lengthy duration of a cricket match as playing formats have whittled away from five-day tests down to a single day, to the very popular T20 series now adopted by most leagues during their playing season, with 6s, 7s and 8s tournaments also a draw for the weekend wicket warrior.

Injecting a dash more freneticism into the sport, a group of friends in 2005 devised a game structure with a number of cunning rule variations that allows for maximum player participation, and named it…

Last Man Stands (LMS).

From February 23-26, Phuket’s Alan Cooke Ground will welcome eight teams from around the globe who will compete for the 2018 LMS Thailand Open, offering spectators an exciting opportunity to witness highcaliber willow-wielders send leather balls regularly sailing into the fields and lakes sur-

There will be wickets and runs aplenty at the Last Man Stands Thailand Open 2018 to be held at the ACG from Feb 23-26. Photo: Alex Runhaar rounding Phuket’s bucolic cricket ground.

Fear not bowlers, for LMS is not simply designed to encourage big batting totals, but does offer a few intriguing opportunities not found in other formats. For example, a double play is allowed whereby a batsman can be caught and his batting partner run out on the same ball, while three power plays present captains a chance to set more attacking field placings.

The duration is based on T20 (20 six-ball overs), but

only five balls are bowled per over with a maximum of six allowed, while any of the eight batsmen must retire at 50.

However, retired batsmen are allowed to return to the crease to see out the 20 overs, with the last man [standing] allowed to continue batting until his wicket falls.

In a statement from the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG), the tournament is being highly anticipated as an electrifying opener to the 2018 ACG event calendar.

“We are really excited to

be welcoming LMS to Phuket for the first time, and to be able to offer the opportunity for Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) members to be involved. We are expecting a strong level of cricket and we will hope to put forward a strong team capable of winning! The PCG will be covering the entry fee for a local team to enter so it will be free of charge to those members selected to represent the group.”

This tournament, together with the upcoming ACST 6s and 7s international tournament in April, offers an ideal platform to raise awareness and support for cricket on Phuket, and with the excellent facilities afforded by the ACG and Boundary Bar, the LMS Thailand Open is sure to become an annual fixture For more information on LMS, ACST and other ACG event opportunities, please contact phuketcricketgroup@gmail. com The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are proud sponsors of the Phuket Cricket League.

Touch Rugby set to make its return to the ACG TOUCH RUGBY T H E T H I R D T O U C H RUG BY Tournament to be held in Phuket will commence on March 3. As with the previous two tournaments it will be held at the idyllic Alan Cooke Ground in Thalang.

Sponsored by Outrigger Resorts, there will be three rounds to be played on Mar 3, 10 and 17, with the Grand Final to be held on March 31. Games are played in the afternoon from 3:30pm onwards.

The last edition of the tournament attracted six teams and sponsors are confident that this year’s tournament will attract at least that many teams again.

The last edition of the tournament attracted six teams and sponsors are confident that this year’s tournament will attract at least that many teams again. Photo: Creative Commons Touch rugby is a family affair and the seven-a-side teams must have two female or junior players on the field at all times. Players of all ages and standards are welcome.

Form your own team or put your

name down to play for one of the teams already nominated. Interested players or teams should contact Damian Clowes at Outrigger on 081 270 7998 or damian. clowes@outrigger.com The Phuket News

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1671: Saturday, Feb 10 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Who the F is Alice, Kiss My Ring, Gerry (VH) Location: Rawai - Soi Suksan 2 Directions: From Chalong Circle, travel south and make a U-turn at the traffic lights at Soi Saiyuan (2.3 kilometres from Chalong Circle). Continue back north past the Green Lemon fuel station (600 metres). Between the Family Market and 7-Eleven turn left into Soi Suksan 2. Follow along for approximately 1.5km and laager site will be past Christiane Blue.

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

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Conte won’t be sacked for now, say reports FOOTBALL

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for February 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any one of the island's Two Chefs outlets.

EPL PREDICTIONS

AFP

A

ntonio Conte won’t be sacked as Chelsea manager in the short term at least after being granted a stay of execution by Roman Abramovich, according to reports on Tuesday (Feb 6).

Conte’s future with the troubled Premier League champions was cast into doubt on Monday (Feb 5) after a dismal 4-1 defeat against Watford.

Fourth-placed Chelsea are languishing 19 points behind leaders Manchester City after a turbulent campaign marred

by Conte’s squabble with his club’s hierarchy over their transfer policy.

Blues owner Abramovich has never been shy about wielding the axe when his managers under-perform and it was suggested the debacle at Vicarage Rd, coming hot on the heels of a wretched home loss to Bournemouth, could prompt Conte’s dismissal.

But widespread reports in the British media on Tuesday claimed former Juventus and Italy manager Conte is now expected to remain in charge for Monday’s (Feb 12) game against West Bromwich Albion.

While there were meetings between various Chelsea board members on Tuesday, it is understood they were nonfootball related, over other corporate and commercial issues, with the future of the manager not on the agenda.

Former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is among the big names who have been linked with the Chelsea job, but Conte is said to be refusing to contemplate resigning after

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MONTHLY SPONSOR

MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

AOR 6 The Machine 6 diggersd 5 Fitz 5 giggs 5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

thailand express 141 TC 139 diggersd 138 malcmanning 138 adamrosindale 137

English Premier League 2017 - 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6

Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte Photo: AFP

7 8 9

less than two years in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian is believed to have irritated his squad with his demanding training schedule and intense personality.

And Conte has now given Chelsea’s players three days off to recover after the Watford defeat.

Having publicly complained about Chelsea’s failure to land his top transfer targets this season, Conte risked angering Abramovich last week when he questioned why the club hadn’t given him a vote of confidence amid speculation over his future.

Chelsea backed their manager, who still has 18 months of his contract to run, during the January transfer w i ndow by br i ng i ng i n defender Emerson Palmieri from Roma and France forward Olivier Giroud from Arsenal.

Me a nwh i le, C hel s e a defender Gar y Cahill admits the squad needs to be held accountable for the performance against Watford.

“Whatever is decided, the

players have to take responsibility. The manager has done an absolutely unbelievable job,” Cahill told the London Evening Standard.

“This is the worst I’ve felt for quite a while. Performance-wise, I didn’t recognise

us or myself.

“It was abysmal. It hurts a lot when you come off after a performance like that.

“We just need to keep strong. I’ve been here before at this club, it’s about staying calm.”

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT

START STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Olympics

Opening Ceremony

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

Manchester City Manchester United Liverpool Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Arsenal Burnley Leicester City Bournemouth Everton Watford West Ham United Brighton Crystal Palace Southampton Newcastle United Swansea City Stoke City Huddersfield Town West Brom

26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26 26

22 17 14 15 14 13 9 9 8 8 8 6 6 6 5 6 6 6 6 3

3 5 9 5 7 6 9 8 7 7 6 9 9 9 11 7 6 6 6 11

1 4 3 6 5 7 8 9 11 11 12 11 11 11 10 13 14 14 14 12

74 51 59 46 51 51 21 38 30 29 37 32 21 24 28 24 19 26 19 21

19 18 31 23 24 35 23 35 37 45 45 46 35 39 38 36 37 52 46 37

+55 +33 +28 +23 +27 +16 -2 +3 -7 -16 -8 -14 -14 -15 -10 -12 -18 -26 -27 -16

69 56 51 50 49 45 36 35 31 31 30 27 27 27 26 25 24 24 24 20

Premier League fixtures Saturday February 10 Match

Friday February 9 Winter Sports 18:00

20:00

Saturday February 10

Time in Thailand

Spurs

vs

Arsenal

Everton

vs

Crystal Palace

10pm

Stoke

vs

Brighton

10pm

Swansea

vs

Burnley

10pm

West Ham

vs

Watford

10pm

Winter Sports 13:00

23:00

Olympics

Various

Rugby Union

21:25

23:15

Aviva Premiership

Gloucester v. Leicester

Rugby Union

21:15

23:15

6 Nations

Ireland v. Italy

23:45

01:30

6 Nations

England v. Wales

19:30

21:30

EPL

Tottenham v. Arsenal

22:00

00:00

EPL

Everton v. Crystal Palace

00:30

02:30

EPL

Man City v. Leicester

Sunday February 11

22:00

00:00

EPL

West Ham v. Watford

22:00

00:00

EPL

Swansea v. Burnley

Match

22:00

00:00

EPL

Stoke v. Brighton

15:15

19:00

T202 - MCG

Australia v. England

19:00

23:00

ODI4 - Jo’burg

South Africa v. India

Soccer

Soccer

Cricket

Sunday February 11 Rugby Union 22:00

23:55

6 Nations

Scotland v. France

Rugby Union

21:25

23:15

Aviva Premiership

Harlequins v. Wasps

Soccer

19:00

21:00

EPL

Huddersfield v. Bournemouth

Soccer

21:15

23:15

EPL

Newcastle v. Man United

23:30

01:30

EPL

Southampton v. Liverpool

Winter Sports 13:00

19:00

Olympics

Various

7:30pm

Time in Thailand

Man City

vs

Leicester

Huddersfield

vs

Bournemouth

Newcastle

vs

Man Utd

9:15pm

Southampton

vs

Liverpool

11:30pm

12:30am 7pm

Tuesday February 13 Match Chelsea

vs

Time in Thailand West Brom

3am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2018

Plenty of action to be found at the ACG in Feb > 30

STRIKING TWICE Russian-crewed ‘Megazip’ defends The Bay Regatta top honours title Sergey Khamstov’s Cookson 12 monohull ‘Megazip’ took The Bay Regatta title for the second consecutive year. Photo: Scott Murray / SEA Yachting

SAILING Scott Murray

S

ergey Khamstov’s Cookson 12 monohull Megazip last Sunday retained the title of champion in the Racing Class of The Bay Regatta.

On the fourth and final day of The Bay Regatta last Sunday (Feb 4), sponsored as the Chang Race Day, PRO and race organiser Simon James continued the regatta’s twostart format as all the monohulls crossed the start line together followed by all the multihulls.

Another great sailing day greeted the participants as they sailed a short loop around some of the islands off the coast off of Krabi’s Railay Beach, before heading out for a straight shot back to the southern end of Koh Yao Yai with the racing boats doing a slightly longer course than the cruisers.

After all the boats crossed the finish, they headed back to Phuket, where they celebrated the final prize giving and dinner at Kan Eang 2 restaurant, overlooking Chalong Bay. The four-boat Racing Class was already decided before the final race as Sergey Khamstov’s Megazip won the title for the second-straight year with three firsts and a second-place for a five-point score over the fourday event. Megazip won the title last year, with skipper Aleksandr Trofimenko on board.

The crew from ‘Megazip’ collect the final day’s race winning trophy. Photo: Scott Murray / SEA Yachting Steve Manning’s Red Rum took second spot, with 11 points. Vitalii Plaksin’s Uminoko and Gary Baguley’s Fujin followed, tied at 12 points apiece, but Uminoko took third as a result of winning the class on day one.

In the Cruising A class, Niels Degenkolw from Denmark and his all women’s’ team on Phoenix took first in every race except when they finished second on day three, thereby keeping’s Niels invincibility streak alive, as he won his class in The Bay Regatta for the umpteenth time.

Adding to the achievement is that the Dane is coming off recent

reconstructive knee surgery on both knees at Vachira Phuket Hospital and sitting in Phoenix for a four-day regatta couldn’t have been easy.

Max Palleschi’s Prime Factor took send overall and with Stanislav Pechenkin’s Russian crew Southern Breeze 3 came in third.

Cruising B was won by all the Thai-crew of Marigold, skippered by Ket Mangklaseranee. They turned three first-place finishes into a convincing overall lead. Mig Wehrle’s Aqua came in second overall but had the regatta’s cutest entrant – Mig’s three-month-old son Lucas on board. Paul Baker’s Isabella, Greg Brennan’s Toot Yai (Big Butt),

and Woodrow Christensen’s Linda finished third, fourth and fifth, respectively.

The Bareboat Class ended up going to George Brown’s Kinnon as Denis Aksenov’s Venture was forced to “retire” on the final race due to use of an improper sail. Venture were very good sports about it all though, and congratulated Kinnon with a standing ovation during the final ceremony. Russell Waddy’s Allsail Kingsman and Andrew McDermott’s Fei Jian were third and fourth overall in this division.

Fugazi was the star of the show in racing multis, winning line honours in all four races – they even

set a course record on the final leg from Krabi-Phuket of two hours six minutes – but when their handicap was applied their results were only good enough to place fourth overall.

John Newnham’s Twin Sharks tight-knit team of Alfie Rowson, Jason Corall (flew in from New York), Tam Keawwantha (flew in from Ireland), took first overall in the 10-boat class, Alan Cawardine’s Asia Catamarans Hurricane came second and George Eddings on Blue Nose was third.

Multihull cruising was a twoboat affair and Robert Hossack’s Raptor 2001 whooped Rick Fielding’s Mojo in all four races.

Simon James did a tremendous job as PRO setting the courses, manning the starts and keeping things in order. Kae Wattana and her Regattas Asia team made everyone happy on shore, providing plenty of good food and drink and good entertainment. Sean Getchell’s Epic Charters stepped up and provided a superb committee boat, Hakuna Matata, and Captain Brent McInnis did great work steering the photographer’s rib. A big shot out to Simon’s team on the water – Susie, Cathy, Chandran and Eddie – as always made sure all the starts and finishes were correctly posted and recorded.

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