The Phuket News 09 Mar 2018

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

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Dog whisperer breaks silence on man’s best friend

MaAnn Samran, Chief of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor, says he is doing his job – but says ‘it takes time’. Photo: The Phuket News

OFFICIALS FAIL TO ENFORCE SUPREME COURT EVICTION OF BUSINESSES FROM B10BN STATE LAND The Phuket News reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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he authority of the esteemed Courts of Justice took an embarrassing hit this week as local officials and law enforcement agencies failed to enforce a Supreme Court order to evict businesses illegally operating on 178 rai of beachfront land stretching from Layan to Leypang Beach, on Phuket’s tourist-popular west coast.

The businesses are mostly restaurants and other operations that cater

to tourists. However, in addition to the lucrative profits that trade involves, the land in question alone is valued at more than B10 billion (roughly US$319 million).

The businesses had until 4:30pm on Monday (Mar 5) to vacate the land under a “final warning” order signed by Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong and read out at a public meeting last month.

That “final warning” followed Lt Col Montree Boonyayotin, Director of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Natural Resources

and Environment Crime Litigation division, arriving in Phuket in person on Nov 2 last year to warn, “If these people refuse to vacate the land, arrest warrants will be requested to take action.

“They will be taken to Bangkok.

If there are any arrests, we will petition the court for bail to be denied.

Officers can take action against any person who encroaches on this land after this,” Col Montree noted.

To make it plain to all involved, the DSI on Nov 16 last year posted signs announcing that the 178-rai area

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was state land in accordance with the Supreme Court verdict handed down two weeks earlier, on Nov 1.

Those warnings were simply ignored – by everyone – leading to the final warning issued last month, on Feb 13, when Col Montree said that the businesses had until Monday to vacate the area – or face having their buildings demolished.

Central to the controversial, flagrant disregard for a Supreme Court order is the local official responsible for the area, Phuket’s incomparable MaAnn Samran, Chief of the Cherng...

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French gang charged over €5k death threat SEVEN FRENCH TOURists have been arrested for kidnapping a 21-year-old Frenchwoman from Patong last Sunday night (Mar 4) and holding her for a ransom of 5,000 euros (about B194,000), which the victim’s family promptly paid from France after receiving a video threatening the woman’s life.

Col Prachum explained that police became aware of the case only on Tuesday (Mar 6), after French embassy officials brought the victim to Chalong Police Station to file a formal complaint.

The seven were named as: Idriss Sulliman, 25; Yann Kimulina, 25; Brahim Saifdine, 21; Mouhcin Wizkrane, 23; Yacine Maatoug, 32; Lydia Kouang Nlend, 21; and Sahra Zerari, 19.

“All seven are in custody while police conduct criminal background checks on them,” Col Prachum said.

“French Police have informed us that some of the

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Smart Bus official launch delayed after tech issues surface > page 5

Chalong jetty sinks in suspected boat collision Pakin Intajak editor@classactmedia.co.th

Police hear the complaint on Tuesday (Mar 6). Photo: Chalong Police suspects have criminal records involving drugs in their home country,” he added.

“We are still investigating their motive for this latest incident,” Col Prachum said.

“They forced the victim to go with them from an entertainment venue in Bangla Rd, Patong, and took her by motorcycle to Soi Yod Sanae in Chalong on March 4 at 5am.

“They accused her of stealing 5,000 euros from them.

They made a video in which they threatened [the victim] which they sent to her family in France.”

Tanyaluk Sakoot

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he Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) on Wednesday (Mar 7) confirmed that they are responsible for restoring a damaged jetty at Chalong Pier, which officials suspect may have been hit by a fishing boat last Sunday.

“The jetty collapsed on Sunday (Mar 4), possibly due to a boat, which used its stern to approach the jetty on its right side, hitting the jetty,” PPAO Transport Division Director Prasit Yotarak rather specifically told The Phuket News on Wednesday.

“We are hurriedly fixing it. We are recovering the jetty right now,” he said, three days after the incident was brought to light through Facebook.

“We are also trying to check CCTV to see if it was caused by a fishing boat hitting the pier, and if so, which boat,” he said.

“I cannot tell exactly when the repairs will be finished. I will update you on the process soon.

It is suspected that a fishing boat hit the jetty causing it to break and sink. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub “We have to wait until tonight before I can give further details,” said Mr Prasit.

“This does not have much of an effect on any boats or tourists (using Chalong Pier), because we still have another pier available.

“However, it might cause the tourists to take more time to board the boats.”

Phuket Marine Office Chief Surat Sirisaiyat, whose office literally stands

on Chalong Pier with a clear view of the damaged section of the floating jetty, on Sunday warned boat operators and sailors that the jetty at Chalong Pier collapsed and could not be used for mooring.

“The right side of the pier has collapsed and can now pose dangerous to people. All boats are banned from using the pier until repairs are completed,” said an official notice signed by Mr Surat.

Bureaucratic bungling stifles Supreme Court beachfront evictions Continued from page 1 ...Talay Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

On Monday, he told The Phuket News, “I’m ready. I am waiting on the Phuket Legal Execution Department (PLED) to inform me of what action is to be taken.”

However, PLED Director Kattakamon Tunwun was instead waiting for local officials to formally inform her office that the encroachers had refused to budge.

“Phuket officials must go

to check that people have vacated the land. If they have not, the officials must come to report it at the Phuket Legal Execution Office,” Ms Kattakamon told The Phuket News.

“Our role is just to support officials in enforcing the law.

That’s all,” she added.

Challenged with this fact, Mr MaAnn on Tuesday (Mar 6) told The Phuket News, “We have to do this with the PLED only. That is the process. Everything has its

own process and each stage takes time.

“All documents will be delivered to the prosecutor and the Phuket Legal Execution Office, as it is my job to do. I can’t promise when this document will be ready to be filed with the PLED. We can’t rush official processes. We are working on this, but this process cannot be rushed.”

Mr MaAnn, however, did verbally confirm, “I went to inspect the area on March 5 (Monday). I took some photos

that confirm that the restaurants are still there. The legal official of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor went to record and document the inspection.”

Also contacted on Tuesday for news of any possible action taken, PLED Director Ms Kattakamon said that she had been informed that same day by the Phuket Provincial Office that two persons had filed appeals against the eviction order issued by Governor Norraphat on Feb 13.

Ms Kattakamon refused to

identify who at Provincial Hall had reportedly informed her of the appeals, as the Phuket Provincial Office is headed by Phuket Governor Norraphat.

She also refused to present any evidence of the formal notification, instead turning hostile and saying, “Go get it from the court yourself.”

Ms Kattakamon even refused to identify which court had allegedly received the appeals, in light of the fact the decisions by the Phuket Provincial Court and the Re-

gional Administrative Court had been supported by the Supreme Court, which defines itself as “the court of final appeal in all civil and criminal cases in the whole Kingdom.”

“We can’t answer when we can start our working on this land during the court process.

I am not able to force the court’s work,” Ms Kattakamon said, adding that she did not even know the names of the two persons who had filed the appeals.

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When destiny calls

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Phone robber dead after victim fights back Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

28-year-old Thai man died early Tuesday morning (Mar 6) after a man he tried to rob of his mobile phone fought back and wounded him with a knife several times.

It is suspected that the deceased was also responsible for another phone robbery carried out on Mar 1 when a man attempted to kick a woman off her motorbike and then proceeded to steal her bag while threatening her with a knife.

Lt Suporn Muangkhai of the Thalang Police was notified of an incident in front of the “3pm Khanom Jeen” noodle shop on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound at 3:10am.

Lt Suporn together with Thalang Deputy Chief Lt Col Amnouy Kraiwuttianan, Capt Suchart Luecha also of the Thalang Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find the body of a man with eight knife wounds to his body.

A Thai ID card belonging

Police at the scene where the instigator of the attack , Wirat Sakkaew (inset), was found dead. Photo: Thalang Police to a Wirat Sakkaew, 28, from Nakhon Sri Thammarat, was found on the body. A Honda motorbike was also found lying on the ground nearby along with a handmade handgun and two knives.

Col Amnouy said, “We were told that a 33-year-old man from Phuket, Attapong Treesup, had also been stabbed on his stomach, chest and face and had already been taken to

Thalang Hospital.

“We visited Attapong at the hospital and he told us that he was waiting for his girlfriend on a motorbike about 200 metres from the “3pm Khanom Jeen” noodle shop when a man on a motorbike stopped in front of him. He pulled out a gun and knife to threaten Attapong,” Col Amnouy explained.

“He wanted to take my

mobile phone but I refused to give him,” Attapong said to police.

“We were fighting and I got stabbed so I took the knife from the suspect. We continued to fight using the knives and we were both injured.

However, the man managed to take my phone and then sped away on a motorbike. I followed him on my motorbike to get my mobile phone back,” he said.

“The man fell off the motorbike in front of the noodle shop so I approached him and attempted to get my phone but he tried to stab me again.

“Local residents saw the incident and took me to the hospital,” Attapong added.

Col Amnouy added “We found an iPhone 6 on the suspect’s body, so at this stage we believe the he is the same person who we are hunting for attempting to kick a woman off her motorbike and then robbing her while threatening her with a knife last Thursday.”

Thalang police are continuing their investigation to see if any charges will be pressed against Attapong.

Four illegal tour-boat piers encroaching on protected mangroves were found in Phang Nga last Friday (Mar 2).

Photo: Cheewapap Cheewatham

Tour boat piers found amid protected forest ROYAL FOREST DEPARTment (RFD) officials together with Phang Nga Tourist Police, local government officials and soldiers from the Royal Thai Army last Friday (Mar 2) inspected four piers in Lam Kaen, Thai Muang District, Phang Nga, after receiving a tip-off of illegal piers in the Khlong Thung Maprao national forest reserve.

The operators were serving mainly Chinese and Russian tourists, taking them on tours in Phang Nga Bay to view attractions in the nearby islands, said Cheewapap Cheewatham, Director of the RFD’s Strategic and Forest Protection Division.

“Blue Da Marine” and “Han Sea Port” were serving tourists from China, while

“Russian Port” and an unnamed port adjacent to “Russian Port” were serving Russian tourists.

The inspection revealed that the piers were big enough to accommodate dozens of large speedboats, while the adjacent area on shore was converted into a parking space for over 10 large vans and buses. Officials estimate that no less than 1,000 tourists came to each pier every day.

“We found a dining room and a large office building as well,” Mr Cheewapap said.

The team will survey the area thoroughly before filing a complaint against the pier operators with Phang Nga Provincial Police, Mr Cheewapap confirmed.

Shela Riva

Local residents rally against rising airport aircraft noise PHUK ET VICE GOVERNOR Thawornwat Kongkaew this week agreed to send a formal letter to Airports of Thailand (AoT) representatives who operate Phuket International Airport to ask them to resolve the issue of aircraft noise disturbing local residents.

Vice Governor Thawornwat announced news of the impending formal request at meeting at Provincial Hall on Tuesday (Mar 6) which was actually attended by AoT representatives from Phuket airport.

The meeting was called to resolve the issue after complaints from local residents, who were also at

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the meeting, accompanied by local community leaders.

V/Gov Thawornwat noted that the issue was first raised during a visit by Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong to Mak Prok Mosque in Mai Khao on Feb 16 as part of his “governor visits religious places” project.

“Three female representatives of local residents – Maream Laowlang, Jariya Umasa and Nusara Rottapak – complained to Gov Norraphat that they had been experiencing diffculty coping with the noise of aircraft at the airport for a long time,” he explained.

“There are some people that

registered for compensation. Some of them have not received compensation yet,” he added.

“Gov Norraphat ordered relevant offices to discuss the issue in order to find the solution,” V/Gov Thawornwat noted.

“The meeting concludes that a letter will be sent to Phuket International Airport to come up with a solution together,” V/Gov Thawornwat said.

Flights continue to land and depart from Phuket airport throughout the night, including the hours from 2am to 7am, as evidenced late last month by the recent crush of passengers waiting to clear im-

migration due to flights rescheduled while repairs were carried out to the runway.

Meanwhile, the number of aircraft and passenger traffic at Phuket airport continues to grow.

In his own press release issued on Feb 12, Airport General Manager Phet Chancharoen noted that according to airport statistics 65,469 passengers passed through the airport on Jan 29 alone, an increase of 21.43% on Jan 29, 2017.

That same 24 hours saw 363 flights land or take off from the airport, an an increase in air traffic of 14.95% on the same day last year.

According to AoT’s Annual

The noise of aircraft taking off and landing at Phuket International Airport is becoming to much for local residents to bear.

Report 2017, Phuket airport served 104,849 flights last year – an average of 11.9 flights per hour, boiling down to an aircraft taking off or landing every five minutes on average – and an increase of 10.38% on the 94,989 flights served in 2016.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

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Legal limbo holiday The caught king cobra was four metres long and weighed 7.2 kilos. Photo: Kamala OrBorTor Rescue Team

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A K I NG COBR A FOUR metres long and weighing around seven kilograms was captured at a house in Kamala on Tuesday afternoon (Mar 6) while a second seen nearby took off before rescue workers had a chance to catch it.

Rescue workers were notified by Kamala resident Anake Srisit, 40, that he had found a big king cobra in his house at Soi Namtok Bangwan at 2:30pm. Another second king cobra had also been found outside the house.

Rescue workers arrived to find a king cobra inside the house. It took more than three hours to catch the snake and put it into a bag.

Rescue workers then moved to an area 80m from the house where another king cobra had been found behind a workers’ camp. The rescue workers waited, but somehow the snake managed to get away.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Russian women yet to face coral charges The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he two Russian women charged with illegal possession of corals that they say they bought from a man selling by the pack at a beach in Phuket have yet to have their case heard in court more than a month after their arrest.

The women – Russian university student Liliya Karmanova, 20, and her friend Polina Likman, 21 – were arrested by the Karon Police and then taken to be detained at the holding cells at Phuket Provincial Court on Feb 1 following a complaint filed by the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Phuket office.

The complaint was filed after a tip-off – from a person who the DMCR and the Karon Police at the time identified as a “neighbour” who saw Ms Karmanova pouring toilet bleach onto the corals at their rented bungalow in Karon.

However, the “neighbour” ended up being the landlady of the units where the Russian women where staying.

Some of the dead coral and shells found at the bungalow of Liliya Karmanova and Polina Likman. Photo: DMCR Phuket office

The landlady objected to the smell of the corals and shells, hence the dousing of bleach on them.

Both women were later released on what the DMCR said was B40,000 bail – but later clarified by the women themselves as B150,000 – and had their passports held pending their case being heard at Phuket Provincial Court.

If found guilty, the women each face a fine of up to B20,000 or up to a year in

jail, or both.

Yet more than a month after their arrest, the women have yet to have their case heard in court for no other reason than the police have yet to hand the case file to the Public Prosecutor.

Capt Channarong Prakongkue of the Karon Police admitted to The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 5), “Police have yet to hand the case details to the court. I am checking the criminal records

of the two Russian women.”

With any luck Ms Karmanova and Ms Likman will soon have their forced extended stay in Phuket draw to a close.

“It (having the women’s criminal records checked) will take about two more days.

Then the case will be good enough to send to prosecutor,” Capt Channarong said.

However, Capt Channarong did not elaborate on what prompted the criminal history check, or if the check uncovered and criminal history at all.

Meanwhile, in addition to fear of going to prison, Ms Karmonova has expressed her concern about her university studies, as she will need to prove why she has been unable to attend classes.

Further, Ms Polina’s father claims that both families have had to take out bank loans in order to cover all legal expenses and rising costs of the two students’ forced extended stay in Thailand.

“Polina and I are so grateful to our parents for their help and support. We miss them greatly,” Ms Karmonova said.

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B100k reward offered for tourist’s body A B100,000 REWARD IS being offered for information that leads to the recovery of the body of missing 27-year-old Chinese tourist Yang Juan, who disappeared while swimming with friends in dangerous surf at Na Toei Beach in Thai Muang, Phang Nga, on Feb 24.

Phang Nga Governor Sitthichai Sakda announced the reward at Phang Nga Provincial Hall on Monday (Mar 5).

“The private sector of Phang Nga has gathered B100,000 to reward anyone who gives a clue that leads to the return of the body of the Chinese tourist back to her relatives,” Gov Sittichai said.

A search effort by Cherng Talay rescue workers and officials, and a Royal Thai Navy air-sea rescue search, was launched late Saturday afternoon after a body believed to be that of Ms Yang was

Local rescue workers before setting off to try to find the body on Sunday (Mar 3). spotted by local fishermen an estimated 10 kilometres offshore from Patong.

To what search efforts have been carried out, a press conference was held at the Phuket Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket Town on Monday (Mar 5). Leading the press conference was Col Tongchai Wilaiprom, Superintendent of Tourist Police Division 3, which is responsible for Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong, Surat Thani (including Koh Samui).

Joining Col Tongchai were Maj Eakkachai Siri of the Phuket Tourist Police, Cdr Sombat Sangchaiyapoom of the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Kamala Police Chief Col Sukkasem Nakhonwilai, Lt Col Tossapon Monsit of the Phuket Marine Police, and others.

Col Tongchai explained that coordinated search efforts were launched last Sunday after local fisherman Samrit Pimon, 59, reported finding the body. Specifically, the Royal Thai Navy launched their own search by boat and helicopter.

The search was called off as darkness fell on Sunday evening, with the search resuming on Sunday morning.

The search still continued on Wednesday, Col Tongchai confirmed.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Dredging set to clear toxic canal in Rawai

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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awai council workers will dredge a putrid canal that du mps black water into Chalong Bay in an attempt to end the pollution that is seeing fish die within metres of the baywater. The canal empties in Chalong Bay little more than 700 metres south of Chalong Pier.

Surachet Jitmet, Acting Director of Rawai Municipality’s Public Health and Environment Division, confirmed the news on Tuesday (Mar 6).

Mr Surachet said that after he learned about the blackwater canal from The Phuket News last Friday (Mar 2), he went to investigate the area and the industries nearby.

“After I was contacted by The Phuket News I went to inspect the area, including the Tesco Lotus store and Makro.

“As we (Rawai Municipality) have never dredged this waterway before, the waterway is full of leaves,

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The putrid black water flows from the canal into Chalong Bay. Photos: (Left) Kittipong Taktam; (Above) Supplied. soil and garbage that has piled up for a long time.

“When the water from households and the treated water from Tesco flows into the canal it causes sediments and becomes black,” he explained.

“Sediments in the waterway cause sulfur dioxide which kills fish and other marine life in the area.

“To solve this problem, we have to dredge the canal and the public works division will be responsible for the work. For me, I have to make sure that the industries nearby treat their wastewater

before releasing it into the waterway,“ he said.

Rawai Public Works Division officials together with Rawai Municipality councillor Somchai Tanarak, Moo 5 village headman Danan Sriman and his assistant also went to assess the canal at 9:30am on Monday (Mar 5).

“After returning to the area I talked with Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos and he promised to urge the Public Works Division to lay out a plan for the dredging of the canal,” said Mr Danan.

Kittipong Taktam of the Rawai Municipality Division

of Public Works told The Phuket News, “We went to the canal to check where a backhoe can gain entry, what can be removed from the area.

“That visit was just a preliminary survey. We have to go to the area again to measure the width and length of the canal to be dredged.

After that, we will draw the canal plan and determine the cost,” said Mr Kittipong.

Asked when he would return to the area, Mr Kittipong said, “I’m not sure about the date yet because we are now just in the process of planning the project.”

PHUKET NEWS

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Official roll-out of Phuket Smart Bus now delayed THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH of Phuket City Development Co Ltd’s (PKCD) Smart Bus project has been delayed until the end of March due to the need for conducting further checks for all 10 of the buses.

PKCD Executive Director Watchara Jaru-ariyanon explained on Monday (Mar 6), “It is better if we conduct further checks on the buses’ GPS systems and smart card payment system on all 10 buses before we offer the service.

“At first we thought we would begin the service after the launch [on Feb 28] but the team has decided it would be better to test the systems for a month to make sure that the card charges the right amount of money, and ensure that the GPS and mobile application, which is upcoming, are accurate.

“There have been initial issues with the system in Bangkok, so we want to make sure we have no problems here.

We want to be sure,” he said.

“Everything is ready, so the trial period will be finished no later than this month, possibly within March.

“For more information you can visit https://phuketsmart-

The launch has been delayed to ensure each of the buses’ GPS system is fully functional.

Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot bus.com where there is a Q&A section that responds to all queries,” added Mr Watchara.

Word of the delay surfaced after interested users of the service noticed that the geolocation of most of the smart buses have been in Phuket Town since the Feb 28 launch, which is outside of the West Coast route that the buses are supposed to serve.

“The buses are mainly being tested in Phuket Town.

Although some will take turns going along the West Coast route for testing throughout the day as well,” said Mr Watchara.

However, Mr Watchara confirmed that the buses are now not currently offering any services to passengers during the trial period.

Shela Riva

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, MARCH 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

Seeing through the facade

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ast Friday (Mar 3) our illustrious police held a grandstand press conference to announce the jail sentences handed down to the two key figures behind Tranlee Travel Co Ltd – “Kritchakorn Rungmongkolnam”, real name Isam Sainglee, and Weerachai Kampaipraphankul, accused of being a foreigner but his real name and nationality was never revealed – for using fake IDs to run companies with nominee shareholders.

All serious no-nos in Thailand and the only charges to stick so far, despite the initial accusations of the Tranlee group of companies, 17 in total, operating illegal “zerobaht” tours, which prompted the investigation into Tranlee in the first place.

However, not mentioned at the press conference is that Tranlee’s assets both here in Phuket and their offices

in Bangkok were seized by court order – then auctioned off before any court had ruled.

That’s not good. If Tranlee was holding tourists hostage at extortionate prices in specific venues, that is what the company should have been held accountable for. What’s at stake in this is the perception of juristic transparency.

What’s more, this news was handed down at a press conference led by no other than the top-ranking police officer for Phuket Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen – who has yet to reveal any details about any of the dozens of officers under his command who last year were under investigation for corruption, including for allegations of systemic extortion of cash payments from employers over illegal migrants. You couldn’t come up with a better example of mafia-style profiteering from human trafficking if you tried.

If PM Prayut wants to know why Thailand’s ranking in Transparency International’s annual index of perceived most corrupt countries in the world has improved very little since his rise to power, this might shed some light on it.

This so-called crackdown on corruption has targeted specific people and operations while institutions such as the Royal Thai Police are left to run roughshod over justice. At their own discretion they choose whether to acknowledge any claims of corruption against them, or others, and reserve the right to withhold the results of any graft investigations.

Transparency International, the global civic organisation leading the fight against corruption, says that level of government transparency is the one key indicator of corruption and in Thailand, this is what transparency looks like.

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Phuket rental companies to be fined for renting to unlicensed drivers P h uket S mar t B us launches in style Russian ‘sex trainer’ amid political scandal asks US for asylum Russians sex-skills trainers to be deported Phuket ‘zero baht’ tour company bosses sentenced to over 7 years in jail, face fresh charges Bournemouth beats Phuket in TripAdvisor ‘Top 25 Beaches’ PM calls for end to ‘sex tourism image’ Illegal piers for tourists found in protected mangroves north of Phuket Phuket officials investigate putrid black canal Singha Estate enters B11bn deal to buy Outrigger hotels

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HAVE YOUR SAY Wild wishes

Re: Bungled Phuket boatman drug arrest snares woman with firearms, drugs and wild animal remains I bet she wishes she was the chairman of a construction company right now!

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That’s it, the simple, humble, real hamburger.

Island Man ..................................................

Travesty of justice Re: Russian women yet to face Phuket coral charges in court

Re: Phuket officials investigate putrid black canal emptying into Chalong Bay One would be hard pressed to find a beach – certainly a tourist beach – without at least one wastewater canal flowing directly into it. Surin?

Check. Kamala? Check. Patong? Check.

Reubenm ..................................................

And yet the officials responsible for dumping raw sewage into the sea and destroying tons of live coral go about their daily business. Wrong people in jail.

Vegasbaby

Burger paradise

This stupid case will cost Thailand many millions in lost revenue from tourism over the coming years.

Xonax

Re: ‘Phuket’s Best Burger’ competition 2018: ‘Showcase of the Immortals’ Key West Cheeseburger in Paradise ala Jimmy Buffett: 1 – Shoulder cut beef, stew beef, with 75% to 25% lean to fat. 2 – beef patty should be about 1 to 1.5cm thick and entirely cover the bun after cooking! You want more do a double. 3 – Processed cheddar

..................................................

Shot in the foot

Re: Russian women yet to face Phuket coral charges in court

..................................................

Officials blind

Re: Phuket Marine Office warns of collapsed jetty in Chalong Well they can’t see the speeding boats coming in everyday

or the illegal beach structures, so what do you expect?

Malczx7r ..................................................

Good karma

Re: Patong motorbike taxi driver returns B10k left on seat My compliments to Mr Sompong. A great guy with spirit.

Also a volunteer rescue worker, and has a future aim, his own ambulance!

Kurt ..................................................

Running rampant

Re: Illegal piers for Chinese, Russian tourists found in protected mangroves north of Phuket Triple the amount of buses and tourists and you find the situation at Yamu Pier. Villagers can’t go fishing anymore, water surface diesel-spoiled.

Refuelling from pick-ups at pave way. Parked buses with running engines and crossing all day along the narrow streets. Keep your children in the house! An accident will happen for sure, it is a racetrack to get to the chosen restaurants or gem-shops on time.

Goingeasy

Without honour

Re: Italian expat, 78, known for local Phuket charity work passes way Re: contributing so much to Phuket as many of us foreigners do. Yes, he did, and many foreigners do. Commenting all the time about every article regarding Thailand or Thais in a negative way doesn’t contribute anything to the community and won’t bring you an honourable recognition anytime soon!

DeKaaskopp ..................................................

Time to rethink

Re: Illegal piers for Chinese, Russian tourists found in protected mangroves north of Phuket Again, the result of the ever increasing push for large numbers of cheap tourists. For goodness sake TAT, have a rethink! This is killing Phuket and the surrounding areas.

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

Speechless

Re: Three injured in threevehicle crash in Koh Kaew What is there to say? Just hope the lady is ok and both drivers are jailed.

Simon 01

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

7

Leopard soup confirmed Meat and bones found at Premchai site was from killed animal BANGKOK Bangkok Post

E

xpert analysis has confirmed that meat and bones from a black leopard were found in a pot of soup at the illegal campsite of Premchai Karnasuta and his companions in a wildlife sanctuary in Kanchanaburi.

The confirmation emerged as the public outcry builds over the delay in the police investigation into the poaching charges against the construction magnate, with more leopard graffiti appearing on walls and public screens and leading celebrities appearing with symbolic black crosses on their palms.

With the eyes of society now firmly on the police promise to act against the suspects in a straightforward way, Premchai’s wife also faces a charge of illegal possession of the four African elephant tusks found at their Bangkok mansion.

The Italian-Thai Development Plc president and three associates were arrested on

@thephuketnews

Meat from the carcasses of protected wild animals is weighed before further inspection following the arrest of construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta on Feb 4. Photo: Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation the night of Feb 4 on suspicion of hunting in Thungyai Naresuan wildlife sanctuary, a world heritage forest in Kanchanaburi.

Wildlife officials found the carcasses of protected species, including the pelt of a rare black leopard, near their

camp, and beside their tent a cooking pot containing soup.

Pieces of meat, two leg bones, intestine and hair found in the soup have now been confirmed by experts to be from a black leopard, deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul

said. The tests were made by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

He said it was a female leopard.

Examination of a chopping block and knives found in the suspects’ camp had also found

DNA from a female leopard.

“It’s the same leopard in the soup,” Gen Srivara said.

Other carcasses were confirmed to include a silver pheasant and a wild boar, not a barking deer as earlier thought.

Gen Srivara said this evidence backed up the charges against the suspects.

A claim that the black leopard carcass had been bought from a villager was not logical, he said. The nearest village was about 50 kilometres away and it was difficult to get to it.

Premchai and the other three suspects still deny the charges against them, which include illegal hunting and possessing firearms in a sanctuary.

The case has sparked a fierce outcry from environmental groups, celebrities and the public in general.

The removal of black leopard graffiti from a wall on Sukhumvit Soi 58 by an unidentified man last Saturday (Mar 3) only led to a new leopard painting appearing later on the same wall. It also prompted Call for Animal

Rights Thailand to encourage artists and householders to join hands in a new graffiti campaign.

House owners can allow graffiti artists to paint on their walls, and share photos of the artwork on Facebook, the group said.

“Please, privileged people, don’t underestimate social pressure,” the group posted.

“We’ll not let this removal [of the graffiti] simply come and go.”

In Songkhla’s Hat Yai district, pictures of a black leopard have been also seen on a giant LED screen used for advertising at an intersection near the downtown area, Prachachat Turaki newspaper reported.

Actresses, actors and singers have also appeared with black crosses painted on their palms, joining the chorus of protest against poaching. The symbol had been shown earlier by animal welfare advocate Chonlada “Ke” Mekrati who joined the Nakhasathien Foundation in calling on police to speed up their investigation in the Premchai case and take it to court.

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Held for procuring boys Dutchman arrested for supplying youngsters for foreigners PATTAYA Bangkok Post

P

olice have denied claims by a 69-year-old Dutchman blacklisted for overstay in 2016 that he re-entered Thailand eight months later by bribing an immigration officer at a Surin border checkpoint, before being subsequently arrested in Pattaya at the weekend for allegedly procuring Thai boys for foreigners.

Marie Joseph Hendrikus Hyacinthus was apprehended at 1:30am last Sunday (Mar 4) in Pattaya by a police team, led by Police Region 2 deputy commander Chetha Kamolwathana, who is also head of the Children and Women Family Protection and Anti Human Trafficking Centre of

Marie Joseph Hendrikus Hyacinthus (left) of the Netherlands, is questioned after being arrested for allegedly procuring Thai boys for foreigners for sex in Pattaya. Photo: Screengrab Spring News TV Provincial Police Region 2.

The arrest was made during a sting operation launched on suspi-

cion the Dutchman was supplying young boys for sex with foreigners in Pattaya.

Two foreigners serving as police agents contacted Hyacinthus, asking him for four Thai boys. He was arrested when he showed up at a hotel where the young boys were to be handed over.

Hyacinthus was found to have been blacklisted by Thai immigration for one year and deported on Sept 10, 2016. He claimed to have slipped back into Thailand in May last year.

He allegedly told investigators after last Sunday's arrest that he paid an immigration officer at Chong Jom checkpoint in Surin’s Kab Choeng district B3,000 to let him cross the border from Cambodia.

Hyacinthus denied all charges in connection with the sex trade.

Police deputy spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said on Monday

(Mar 5) that the Immigration Bureau found no record of Hyacinthus entering Thailand through any legal entry point.

The suspect had tried to enter the country, but had been rejected by Immigration officers, Col Krissana said. It was not possible the suspect entered Thailand through a legal crossing point.

Regarding the alleged bribe, the deputy police spokesman said no irregularities had been uncovered.

Immigration Bureau chief Sutthipong Wongpin said no officers were found to have demanded or received a bribe from Hyacinthus as he claimed.

An investigation will be carried out to ascertain how the suspect entered Thailand, he said.

Arrested for financing drug rings Welfare ‘ghost accounts’ BANGKOK

used for embezzlement NATIONWIDE A N I N V ESTIGATION into the embezzlement of funds to help the underprivileged at welfare centres across the country has found that many of those registered for benefits were not entitled to state subsidies of any kind.

Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) assistant secretary-general Wannop Somjintanakul said on Monday (Mar 5) that investigators are collecting further evidence before requesting the setting up of a probe committee.

The PACC’s preliminary probe found there were sufficient grounds for an investigation into irregularities at 24 out of the first batch of 37 welfare centres under suspicion.

Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission investigators have interviewed possible victims of the embezzlement scheme.

Photo: Jakkrapan Natanri While these investigations are expected to be completed this month, the preliminary probes into the remaining 39 centres are not expected to be completed until May. Committees have been set up to investigate similar findings of irregularities in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai. The PACC was to act

on Tuesday (Mar 6) to appoint such committees to look into irregularities in six other provinces: Bung Kan, Nong Khai, Trat, Nan, Sa Kaeo and Surat Thani, Lt Col Wannop said.

The scandal came to the attention of the public last month after Panida Yotpanya, 22, a social science student at Maha Sarakham University, and her three friends who were working as interns at the Khon Kaen Protection for the Destitute, lodged a complaint with the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) claiming they had been ordered by the centre director Phuangphayom Chitkhom and other senior officials to fill in forms and sign receipts for 2,000 villagers, worth nearly B7 million.

Bangkok Post

A T H A I-I N DI A N BUSI N E SSM A N was arrested on Tuesday morning (Mar 6) on suspicion of financing major local and transnational drug-trafficking networks, as associated raids were carried out on 30 premises nationwide, police said.

Harpreet Singh, wanted in connection with the seizure of 400 kilograms of crystal meth (ya ice) and arrest of several suspects on July 28 last year, was apprehended at his home on Soi Sukhumvit 39 in Watthana district of Bangkok.

Police teams raided 30 locations nationwide Tuesday morning, three of them directly linked to Harpreet, according to deputy police chief Chalermkiat Srivorakhan.

He said police had evidence that Harpreet was financing at least 12 drug suspects arrested previously.

Harpreet’s financial transactions showed he had transferred at least B3 million to businesses linked to these suspects.

The investigation was being expanded to include drug networks in Thailand and some neighbouring countries believed to have also been financed by Harpreet, Gen Chalermkiat said.

An eight-month investigation into Harpreet’s suspected connections with drug

Harpreet Singh, 53, (second from left) speaks to the police during the raid on his home in Soi Sukhumvit 39 on Tuesday (Mar 6). Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya trafficking had produced evidence that he hid his alleged illegal activities behind businesses offering tailor-made suits, buildings for rent and money lending in the Sukhumvit area, Gen Chalermkiat said.

The suspect had not directly dealt in drugs, which explained why no drugs were found at his home during Tuesday’s raid, he said.

Harpreet had denied the allegation of financing criminal activities, but police had solid evidence that he had transferred money to cover the cost of buying cars used in drug trafficking, Gen Chalermkiat said.

The evidence was presented to the court when police requested and obtained a warrant for his arrest, the deputy police chief said.

About B160mn worth of Harpreet’s assets were also seized for further investigation.

Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Buddhas and lamb carcasses Tibetan worshippers wrap up ‘Losar’ with an unusual religious festival TIBET Becky Davis

D

espite a few elbows to the face, Tsering pushed through the broil of Tibetan worshippers and lifted her bawling two-year-old over the mad crush, briefly pressing the girl’s forehead to a passing sacred scroll.

Scores of monks and men while in transit heaved the enormous thangka – an image of Buddha painted on silk, rolled up in a tight cylinder – through the packed streets around Rongwo Monastery in China’s northwestern province of Qinghai for a religious ritual wrapping up Losar, the Tibetan New Year.

“It’s good luck, especially for children,” said Tsering, breathless and flushed with success, before whirling away to search rather fruitlessly for her daughter’s missing right shoe.

China has long been accused of trying to eradicate Tibetan culture through political and religious repression.

Tibetan Buddhist monks carrying a giant ‘thangka’ for the unveiling ceremony during Monlam, otherwise known as the Great Prayer Festival of Losar, the Tibetan New Year, at the Rongwo Monastery, in Tongren County, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. Photo: Johannes Eisele / AFP Beijing insists that Tibetans enjoy extensive freedoms.

Rebkong county is a major centre of traditional Tibetan culture and the Gelug – or “Yellow Hat” – sect of the exiled Dalai Lama. It has witnessed numerous selfimmolation protests against

Chinese rule since 2009.

Police were a constant presence throughout the New Year celebrations, watching over the various ceremonies, stopping all cars entering the county seat and checking the few hotels allowed to receive foreigners.

Saddam-era assets to be seized IRAQ I R AQ H A S OR DER ED the seizure of assets that belonged to executed dictator Saddam Hussein and more than 4,200 officials from his former regime, an official statement said on Monday (Mar 5).

The list of ex-regime bosses was drawn up by the Iraqi agency charged with tracking down former officials from Saddam’s Baath Party, and includes their relatives.

Saddam’s name appeared at the top of the list and it also said it included “his children, grandchildren, relatives”.

A f ter t he fall of t he Saddam regime following the 2003 US invasion, property belonging to the former ruler and his cronies was snaffled up by Iraq’s new leaders, armed forces and multiple militias.

This new order now seeks to put an official stamp on the confiscation of the assets.

The list of names includes Saddam-era gover nment ministers, security bosses and officials from the Baath Party, including some who are in prison, who have been executed or have died. @thephuketnews

Saddam Hussein gestures during his trial, held in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone. Photo: AFP Among those named is Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam better known as “Chemical Ali”, who was hanged in 2010 for ordering the 1988 gassing of thousands of Kurds.

Tareq Aziz, a veteran foreign minister who held the post of deputy prime minister before Saddam was ousted in the US-led invasion, is also on the list.

Sentenced to death in 2013, Aziz, the only Christian in Saddam’s inner circle, died two years later in prison.

His son Ziad, who lives in

Jordan, has condemned the list as nothing more than “a stunt to win votes” in Iraq’s May 12 legislative election.

“We’ve been subjected to pressure and injustice for 15 years, it’s enough,” he said ahead of the official announcement last Sunday (Mar 4).

“When will the spite of this so-called government end?”

Ziad Aziz denied his family had any assets, saying his father’s house in Baghdad had already been seized by prominent Shiite politician Ammar al-Hakim.

AFP

But Losar passed without incident in a riot of colour and celebration.

Like the Chinese Lunar New Year, the first few days are dominated by family and feasting.

The climax for the Gelug sect is the annual “sunning of

the Buddha”, as it is known in Chinese, where a colossal thangka painting multiple stories tall is paraded through the streets and briefly displayed.

Under crisp blue skies men flailed ceremonial scarves as a procession left the Rongwo Monastery, beating away an endless stream of frantic hopefuls aggressively pushing to touch the painting.

On a steep hillside outside the monastery, the thangka was unrolled in a splendour of rich pinks, greens, and blues to the sound of firecrackers and the wail of conch shells.

“The thangka is an offering to Buddha, but it must be big so all living creatures can see it – people, but also birds and insects. That way, all beings will have a chance at a better existence in their next life,” a monk said.

The thangka’s size flaunts its monastery’s wealth and power, said Anna Sehnalova, a Tibetologist at Oxford University.

“It’s a way to show sponsors that something is happening with their money. Tibetans love to see rituals performed

for them.”

At a much smaller monastery in Gartse town families gathered in their finest clothes – off-the-shoulder robes of jewel-toned brocades and sheepskin – to watch the cham dances, ritual performances by masked monks thought to purge the New Year of negativity from the previous.

“It’s an exorcism, to get rid of bad things and dishonest practices. If we don’t do this today, there will be bad consequences for everyone,” said a dancer.

Two young monks in skull masks, reminders of life’s impermanence, waggled their heads in a slow pas-de-deux as children licked purple-topped ice creams.

Another pair of dancers raised their swords and flung the skinned, shrivelled carcasses of two tiny baby lambs over the heads of the crowd.

“To be honest, I don’t know what it means,” said a student named Tenzin, echoing the sentiments of many baffled but delighted spectators in the crowd.

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Big, bold and bright

Muralist uses rising profile to showcase ‘community champions’ UNITED KINGDOM Joe Jackson

S

p r ay c a n i n h a n d perched halfway up a ladder, Neequaye Dreph Dsane applied the final touches of colour to his latest mural enlivening an otherwise drab side street in east London.

The once-dingy area is now a hipster hangout and home to the second in a series of new portraits by the British-Ghanaian artist, known as Dreph.

His mission: to paint a positive picture – literally – of immigrants in Britain, in an era when he feels they are increasingly maligned by gentrification, Brexit and the rise of nationalism.

The muralist, who rose to prominence last year with a striking street portrait series celebrating black female empowerment, wants to use his rising profile to showcase these “community champions”.

“With Brexit and seeing

Street muralist, British-Ghanaian artist Neequaye Dreph Dsane stands beside his artwork, a portrait of British-Moroccan artist Hassan Hajjaj in a street in east London. Photo: Adrian Dennis / AFP the effects of gentrification that’s happening across the city, I’ve been inspired to tell the human stories of the people who are the soul of some of the communities that make London such a culturally rich, cosmopolitan city,” he said between bursts of spray paint.

“I don’t think we hear

enough about the people who have come from different parts of the world, and just done some absolutely amazing stuff for their communities, which is essential for this country.”

Dreph’s latest mural depicts Hassan Hajjaj, a BritishMoroccan artist who divides his time between the two

countries and has had an office-showroom-shop in Shoreditch since 2005.

Hajjaj mines various contemporary cultures in his works – which include photos, video, sculpture and design – earning him the moniker the “Andy Warhol of Marrakech”.

He exhibited at London’s Somerset House galleries late last year.

Dreph, 43, was inspired to paint his friend Hajjaj because “he has managed to fuse his native Marrakech with things that are popular to the West.

“That’s what his work is about and... exactly what I’m trying to do with this series.”

In the mural – nearly three metres high and over six metres

wide – Hajjaj poses intensely, his greying beard intricately captured with speckles of white spray paint, framed by an eyecatching purple background.

“I still feel a bit strange seeing myself that big,” he said, staring up at the wall.

“I feel very proud to be a part of Dreph’s body of work...

He’s trying to present people of colour, people from a different background coming here.

“We don’t have that many people present, people like us in London in music, fashion, art, food,” Hajjaj added.

Dreph, a father of one and former graffiti artist and school art teacher, has produced his work on streets around the world.

In London, he gets informal agreements to convert walls into canvases, often just knocking on people’s doors to ask permission.

His “You Are Enough” portraits project, completed last year, went viral across platforms like Instagram and Twitter and was covered by British media.

Dreph said he conceived the 10-mural series to champion oft-overlooked everyday black women, from lawyers to writers to campaigners.

He did not stage any formal publicity and was surprised by the widespread attention.

“It was all organic,” he added. “And that’s something that I hold dear... The integrity is absolutely paramount to what I do.”

In his follow-up series, the artist plans to produce another 10 portraits around the British capital on the theme of immigration.

He aims to paint his subjects where they live or work, in an effort to celebrate the local and confront issues around gentrification stoked by “You Are Enough”.

“People are actually seeing the artwork as another sign of gentrification,” he said, admitting initial surprise at the reaction.

“This series is a response to that... My work is about presenting alternative narratives.”

Dreph completed the first piece in the new project last year: a 6.7-metre-high mural towering over central Brixton, a fast-gentrifying south London neighbourhood long home to British-Caribbean and British-African communities.

It features local legend Michael Johns, a facilities manager who emigrated from Grenada in the 1970s and was awarded the keys to Brixton Market in 2017 in honour of his years of service.

The mural showcases Dreph’s signature style: largerthan-life subjects emblazoned in bright, bold colours, exuding pride and optimism.

He paints from his own photographs and credits his vibrant and joyful style to something in his subconscious – and background.

“My portraiture is born out of years and years of doing graffiti... I’ve translated it into what I’m doing now,” Dreph said.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Tranlee bosses sentenced

‘Zero-baht’ tour moguls face new money-laundering charges TOURISM Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he CEO of the nowdefunct Phuket-based “zero-baht” Chinese tour operator Tranlee Travel Co Ltd and his partner, who remains at large, have been sentenced to seven years and six months of imprisonment with more cases pending in Phuket Provincial Court, local police confirmed.

Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen led a press conference at 1:30pm last Friday (Mar 2) to announce the latest proceedings in the case of illegal Chinese “zero-baht” tour company Tranlee Travel Co Ltd, the alleged bosses of which are now facing fresh charges of money laundering by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO).

Tourist Police Division Deputy Commander Col Archayon Kraitong and Director of Legal Affairs Division of AMLO Suntara Pontri were also present at the press con-

More than 100 officers including police, military and anti-money-laundering officials seized 29 boats and 53 buses in raids on the Tranlee Travel Co Ltd network of businesses in July 2016. Photos: The Phuket News / file ference at the Phuket Tourist Police headquarters in Phuket Town.

Tranlee Travel grabbed headlines in 2016 when more than 100 officers including police, military and AMLO officials raided over a dozen of companies operating under the Tranlee Travel network of businesses in Phuket after months of investigation that revealed that the businesses were illegally owned and run by foreigners who have fake

Thai ID cards.

“These companies had Chinese or other foreigners using fake identification cards to register the businesses and had nominees using fake IDs to register as shareholders.

The ID cards were obtained from a province in Northern Thailand,” Phuket Provincial Police Deputy Superintendent Col Saman Chainarong explained at that time.

Tranlee’s assets, including over 100 buses and more than

Maliwan takes on mantle as Phuket’s sole Honda auto dealer AUTO HONDA AUTOMOBILE (Thailand) has confirmed that the new authorised dealer and service centre in Phuket is the Honda Maliwan showroom on Thepkrasattri Rd in Rassada, just south of Mission Hospital Phuket.

The news follows the closure on Mar 1 of three Phuket showrooms operated by Anuphas Vividhkarn Co Ltd – on Chao Fa West Rd in Wichit, on Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town and on Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang – as well as the Anuphas Vividhkarn Co Ltd Honda showroom in Phang Nga. The move by Anuphas Vividhkarn Co Ltd brought to an end 32 years of the company serving as the sole Honda car dealer in Phuket.

However, also on Mar 1, Honda Maliwan Co Ltd opened its doors as the new – and currently only – Honda showroom and service centre in Phuket.

Kanokwan Koodcharo of Honda Maliwan confirmed to The Phuket News on Monday @thephuketnews

Honda Maliwan began trading as Phuket’s sole Honda auto dealer on Mar 1. Photo: Honda Maliwan / Facebook (Mar 5), “Honda Maliwan Co Ltd is now operating, open daily from 7am to 8pm.

“We provide sales and all kinds of services except paint and repair centre, as that section is not ready yet,” she added.

Honda Customer Relations Officer Jarudech Kittichokwattana in Bangkok told The Phuket News on Monday that other Honda dealers and service agents may be introduced in Phuket in the future, but cautioned that the process is involved and takes quite some time.

“There are many procedures for opening a centre, such as the qualifications of the dealer. So it’s better for us to work with one who has worked for Honda before, and so Honda Maliwan will now serve and help customers,” Mr Jarudech explained.

“We plan to expand the number of branches in Phuket in the future, which may or may not involve Maliwan.

However, if we do take on a new dealer (that is not Maliwan), it will involve a long process,” he added.

Jirarat Rakjamroon

30 boats, were confiscated by the order of the Civil Court and later sold in a series of auctions.

The Tranlee CEO Kritchakorn Rungmongkolnam, also named as Chinese national Isam Sainglee, turned himself in after officials had a warrant out for him and raided his company. His partner, known by the Thai name Weerachai Kampaipraphankul, fled and is still at large.

Updating the media on

Tranlee’s case on Mar 2, Gen Teeraphol announced that Phuket Provincial Court had ruled Kritchakorn and Weerachai guilty of criminal association at a court sentencing on Feb 15 this year.

“They were sentenced to seven years and six months of imprisonment,” Gen Teeraphol said.

Previously, Kritchakorn was found guilty of using false ID cards and sentenced

by Phuket Provincial Court

under the corresponding article of the Criminal Code and 18 more cases are pending in the court. Gen Teeraphol also announced that in Feb 2017 AMLO filed a fresh moneylaundering complaint against Kritchakorn and Veerachai.

Gen Teeraphol assured that authorities will continue their crackdown on foreigners using Thai nominees to run businesses in Phuket in violation of the Foreign Business Act and other relevant laws.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Rules tighten for online direct sales, marketing SALES & MARKETING

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T New tourism directory The directory will help operators create their own space online, said Tourism & Sports Permanent Secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra.

offers real-time data TOURISM THE TOU R ISM A N D Sports Ministry has launched an official online “Thailand Tourism Directory” (ThailandTourismDirectory.go.th) to help visitors surf real-time travel data for all 77 provinces.

The move is aimed at providing tourists greater convenience, particularly those who are younger and often use social media or QR code scans to seek travel information.

Tourism Permanent Secretary Pongpanu Svetarundra said it took two months – November and December last year – to collect information on tourist attractions and services across the country, now documented in the new platform.

“The new application features a lot more tourism information, especially from local communities, so Thais and foreign tourists can get real-time information and plan their trips more easily,” Mr Pongpanu said.

He said all of the information has been stored in the National Tourism Centralised Database for Services, which consists of more than 3,000 tourism products and is expected to increase gradually every day.

Both the directory and database were created to serve tourism operators and investors with verified information and data. Apart from aiding travellers, the data can also aid business planning. All of the information is available in Thai, English and Mandarin.

Mr Pongpanu said that in many instances tourists and business owners use partially incorrect or outdated information, causing them to make inaccurate decisions.

“With multiple languages and reliable data, this information will help both tourists and investors access and use [the directory] as needed,” he said.

“We will allow the public to produce information and share their experiences on the application,” he said.

Bangkok Post

he Thai Cabinet has approved a move by the Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) to enforce mandatory deposits on all persons and companies trading online in direct sales and marketing.

Government Spokesperson Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd confirmed that the approval came on Feb 20, when the Cabinet approved a draft proposal of a ministerial regulation to amend the Direct Sales and Direct Marketing Act 2017.

The Act itself, which mandates that direct sales and direct marketing operators be registered as such with the OCPB, was subject to a raft of amendments late last year, of which law firm Tilleke & Gibbins noted, “While the new provisions will enhance consumer protection, they will also impose more stringent regulations and obligations on business operators.”

The amendments significantly changed the definition of “direct marketing,” which now refers to the marketing of goods and services by means of communicating information, in order to directly offer goods and services for sale to remote consumers, with the expectation that consumers will accept the purchase of such goods and services from the direct marketing operators.

However, Tilleke & Gibbins pointed out, “It should be noted that, under a new ministerial regulation that is in the consideration and legislation process, the sale and purchase of goods and services in some circumstances may not fall under the definition of “direct marketing,” and thus no direct marketing registration will be required.”

While direct sales and direct marketing is spiralling online, the OCPB is pushing to protect consumers. Photo: PhotoMIX-Company Exactly which circumstances constituted no need to register has yet to be made clear, though in the Feb 20 approval is was made plain that regular sales of goods and services under traditional e-commerce models was not to be included under the new requirements.

However, Tilleke & Gibbins did note, “Individuals are only allowed to apply for direct marketing registration, not direct sales registration.”

Meanwhile, juristic persons that qualify for direct sales registration are required to fulfil statutory requirements, including the need to have paid-up capital of B500,000 or more for partnerships, and B1 million or more for companies.

Under the Feb 20 approval, applicants are required to provide a guarantee to the registrar, as follows: Direct sales - Operators with income before expenses of not more than B25 million per year, B25,000 guarantee; - income before expenses of B25mn up to B50mn per year, B50,000 guarantee; - income before expenses B50mn up

B100mn per year, B100,000 guarantee; - income before expenses of more than B100mn per year, B200,000 guarantee.

Direct marketing - Ordinary person, B5,000 guarantee; - Partnerships or company, B25,000 guarantee; - Ordinary person with income before expenses of not more than B25mn per year, B5,000 guarantee; - Partnerships or company with income before expenses of not more than B25mn per year, B25,000 guarantee; - income before expenses of B25mn up to B50mn per year, B50,000 guarantee; - income before expenses of B50mn up to B100mn per year, B100,000 guarantee; - income before expenses of more than B100mn per year, B200,000 guarantee.

“The guarantee is needed for direct sales and direct marketing business registration to prevent any problems and obstacles to electronic commerce,” the OCPB noted in its draft proposal.

“Consumers can quickly be compensated (for wrongdoing) with no need to wait for the court,” it added.

Outrigger Laguna Phuket in B11bn buyout deal HOSPITALITY T H A I-LIST ED GROU P Singha Estate has entered into an agreement to purchase the 255-room Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort through affiliated entities, reports Bill Barnett of consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

The deal includes five other Outrigger f lagged properties in Koh Samui Thailand, Maldives, Mauritius and Fiji.

“The portfolio outside of Phuket is Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort 53-keys, Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort 52-keys, Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort 181keys, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort 253-keys and Castaway island 65-keys,” noted Mr Barnett.

Subject to closing the asset purchase for the six hotels will

The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is one of the six Outrigger-flagged resorts to be bought under the deal.

Photo: Outrigger be through Singha subsidiary S Hotels and Resorts (SC) Co Ltd. Consideration under the purchase in documents filed with the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) note that the total value of the deal not exceed US$350 million (more than B11 billion), which covers debt and equity, he added.

The Phuket News thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

#MeToo casts long shadow over Oscars

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

14

The Nai Harn receives Green Hotel Award

15

HOW TO ‘THINK DOG’ In his new column, Phuket’s dog whisperer Russell D Russell will give you the low-down on caring for your furry friends Russell will provide invaluable insight into what your dogs are thinking and why they act the way they do. Photo: Russell D Russell

UNLEASHED Russell D Russell info@k9pointacademy.com

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elcome to the Canine Point Academy (CPA) column “Unleashed” Each month we’ll be looking at various aspects of canine behaviour and training, as well as offering some tips and advice on how you can overcome some of the problems you may be having with your furry house mate!

For lots of us, our dogs represent something very special. They are not just pets, but family members. Lavished with love and affection, the very best foods and shampoos and yet for some reason, they repay us with chewing our favourite shoes. We try our best, but just can’t figure out the why.

And let’s be honest, for some strange reason, not everyone loves dogs (I don’t know why either). Maybe it’s because they chase your motorbike, or charge at you when you walk along the beach.

@thephuketnews

This column is for everyone (dog lovers or otherwise) and provides an invaluable insight into what dogs are thinking, and why they act the way they do. So let’s take a look at a sample of some of the things we’ll be looking at over the coming months: Canine Behaviours In the world of a dog, they simply do what is best for themselves at any given moment. Whether that is sleeping, rolling in the grass, or chewing your furniture. No doubt your own dog has given you some grief, whether it’s constantly barking, jumping up or something else that annoys you. Such problems are really common with dog owners and the good news is that, largely speaking, they can be quite easy to rectify.

Training Simply put – training your dog is about communicating what is expected from him and a great way to build a strong and lasting relationship with your Fido.

Whilst most of us seem happy with having our dig sitting nicely whilst we hold the dinner bowl – the real benefit

is having a dog that will respond to you in more precarious circumstances, such as outside on a road with traffic, or on a beach with lots of distractions around.

Therapy Dogs We often take our dogs for granted – they’re always there for us, to greet us at the door, or cheer us up when we’re feeling down. But dogs are being trained for more and more complex tasks to help us in society. Guide dogs for the deaf and blind, assistance dogs for those who are immobile and even service dogs who are trained to detect the onset of “fits” in relation to epilepsy or diabetes are just a few of the areas in which dogs are playing a vital role in our lives. Indeed here on the island, we’re currently looking to expand the Waggin’ Tail Tutor program, which has been running at the British International School, Phuket with great success.

Changes Our lives, as much as we may wish otherwise, are never stress-free. From

running out of coffee in the morning, to having a baby, moving house or switching job – there is always something that can affect us at anytime. But we often don’t realise the impact this is also having on our dogs. And of course if you have any suggestions for topics you would like us to discuss in our column, then please feel free to get in touch.

If you would like more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com, or check our website k9pointacademy.com

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

From left: Allison Janney, Guillermo del Toro and Jordan Peele with their Oscar statuettes. Photos: AFP

‘The Shape of Water’ triumphs Issues of sexual and racial diversity centre-stage at Hollywood’s night of nights

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Frankie Taggart / AFP

he Shape of Water won top honors at the Oscars last Sunday (Mar 4) including the coveted best picture statuette, bringing the curtain down on a Hollywood awards season overshadowed by scandal over sexual misconduct in showbiz.

Guillermo del Toro’s fairy tale romance led the charge going into the show with 13 nominations, and took home best picture – the top prize of the night – as well as best director and statuettes for production design and best original score.

In an night of honours being shared fairly evenly among several candidates, Martin McDonagh’s dark crime comedy Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri had to settle for best actress for Frances McDormand and best supporting actor for Sam Rockwell.

Christopher Nolan’s World War II thriller Dunkirk also picked up three awards, but in the less glitzy technical categories, while several movies ended the evening with two trophies.

“I am an immigrant,” an emotional Del Toro said in collecting his first prize of the night, praising the power of filmmaking to “erase the line in the sand” between people of different countries and cultures.

“I want to dedicate this to every young filmmaker – the youth that is showing us how things are done.

Really, they are, in every country in the world.

“I thought this could never happen. It happens.

And I want to tell you, everyone that is dreaming of using fantasy to tell the stories about the things that are real in the world today – you can do it,” he said.

Hosted for the second straight year by late night funnyman Jimmy Kimmel, the 90th Academy Awards capped a difficult few months during which the industry has declared war on the pervasive culture of sexual impropriety unearthed by the downfall of movie mogul and alleged serial sex attacker Harvey Weinstein.

Kimmel set the tone by targeting Weinstein in his opening monologue, describing the disgraced producer’s downfall following dozens of allegations of sexual harassment and assault as “long overdue.”

“We can’t let bad behaviour slide anymore. The world is watching us. We need to set an example,” he said.

McDormand, a winner throughout the awards season for her scintillating turn as a grieving, rage-filled mother in Three Billboards, took home her second Oscar, 21 years after winning for Fargo.

In a statement about the need for inclusion in the industry, she got all of the female nominees in the room to stand to highlight their work.

“We all have stories to tell and projects we need financed,” she said to enthusiastic applause.

Her Three Billboards co-star Rockwell kicked off the night by claiming best supporting actor for his acclaimed turn as a racist, violent police officer.

Best actor went to runaway favourite Gary Oldman, who sat in make-up for three hours a day to disappear entirely into the role of British wartime prime minister Winston Churchill for Darkest Hour.

Allison Janney won best supporting actress for her turn as the cold, sardonic mother of disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya – capping a sparkling awards season which saw her sweep the major prizes.

“My fellow nominees, you represent everything that is good and right and human about this profession. You are all extraordinary,” the statuesque 58-year-old Janney, the overwhelming favourite, enthused at the podium.

With the #MeToo and Time’s Up campaigns against sexual misconduct and gender inequality dominating the 2018 awards circuit, this year’s Oscars gala was seen as an opportunity for Tinseltown to support female filmmaking.

Greta Gerwig, only the fifth woman in Oscars history to be nominated for best director – for comedy/ drama Lady Bird – however went home empty-handed, despite other nominations for best picture and best screenplay.

There was also the first nod in history for a female cinematographer – Rachel Morrison, who shot Dee Rees’s racial drama Mudbound – although the award ended up going to Roger Deakins on his 14th attempt, for Blade Runner 2049.

The Time’s Up initiative was not as visible as at the Golden Globes in January, with no coordinated protest – like the striking Globes red carpet “blackout.”

In another nod to the women’s movements, the

Francis McDormand took home best actress. Photo: AFP Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tapped past winners Jennifer Lawrence and Jodie Foster – on crutches – to present McDormand’s best actress Oscar.

Traditionally, the previous year’s best actor winner would present that statuette, but Casey Affleck, who triumphed in 2017 for Manchester by the Sea, withdrew under a cloud of sexual harassment accusations he denies.

Other winners included Pixar’s Coco for best animated feature and A Fantastic Woman – a love story from Chilean director Sebastian Lelio with a muchpraised star turn from transgender actress Daniela Vega – in the foreign film category.

And Jordan Peele won the award for best original screenplay for his highly acclaimed debut film, horror satire Get Out.

Oscar winners in main categories:

• Best picture: ‘The Shape of Water’ • Best director: Guillermo del Toro • Best actor: Gary Oldman • Best actress: Frances McDormand • Best supporting actor: Sam Rockwell • Best supporting actress: Allison Janney • Best foreign language film: ‘A Fantastic Wom an’ (Chile) • Best animated feature: ‘Coco’ • Best documentary feature: ‘Icarus’ • Best original screenplay: ‘Get Out’ – Jordan Peele • Best adapted screenplay: ‘Call Me By Your Name’ – James Ivory • Best production design: ‘The Shape of Water’ • Best original score: ‘The Shape of Water’ – Alexandre Desplat • Best original song: ‘Remember Me’ from ‘Coco’ • Best film editing: ‘Dunkirk’ • Best sound editing: ‘Dunkirk’ • Best sound mixing: ‘Dunkirk’ • Best cinematography: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ – Roger Deakins • Best visual effects: ‘Blade Runner 2049’ • Best make-up and hairstyling: ‘Darkest Hour’ thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ENVIRONMENT 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

The Nai Harn strikes green gold

Phuket luxury resort scores over 80% to win ‘Gold Level’ recognition The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

I

n recognition of its commitment to sustainability, The Nai Harn Phuket resort was recently awarded the “Gold Level” Green Hotel Award by Thailand’s Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, which is part of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Ongoing green initiatives at The Nai Harn include the use of natural fertilisers in the garden, which is made from a mix of compost and effective microorganisms and produced on-site using fruit peels and wet waste.

Eco-friendly cleaning products are also utilised and all the guest rooms, suites and public areas are fitted with energy-saving bulbs or LED lighting.

For water conservation, the bathrooms feature low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators. All the toilets have dual flush functions.

Plastic bottles are recycled, and grey water is used for the plants in the resort’s gardens. Flora such as bougainvillea trees are not only chosen for their colourful hues, but also for their low water consumption.

“As one of only three hotels on the island certified to the highest “Gold Level” by the Thai Ministry of Environ-

General Manager Frank Grassmann (centre) and staff at The Nai Harn pose with their Green Hotel Award. Photo: Supplied ment’s Green Hotel initiative, we are proud and honoured to set a benchmark for sustainability in the hospitality industry on the Phuket,” said Frank Grassmann, General Manager of The Nai Harn.

Beyond the rooms, The Nai Harn has replaced all plastic straws with paper straws and also switched all the plastic stirrers used in the hotel bars to glass ones. To minimize the distance between farm and table, the resort team plants and maintains its own onsite vegetable and herb garden. Plants

Health savings outweigh costs of limiting global warming

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he estimated cost of measures to limit Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions can be more than offset by reductions in deaths and disease from air pollution, researchers said last Saturday (Mar 3).

It would cost $22.1 trillion (B691trn) to $41.6trn (B1.3 quintillion) between 2020 and 2050 for the world to hold average global warming under 2°C, a team projected in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.

For the lower, aspirational limit of 1.5°C, the cost would be between $39.7trn (B1.2qtn) and $56.1trn (B1.2qtn), they estimated.

But air pollution deaths could be reduced by 21-27% to about 100 million between 2020 and 2050 under the 2°C scenario, the team estimated, and by 28-32% to about 90mn at 1.5°C. “Depending on the strategy used to mitigate climate change, estimates suggest that the health savings from reduced air pollution could be between 1.4-2.5 times greater than the costs, globally,” they wrote.

Health costs from air pollution include medical treatment, patient care, and lost productivity.

Countries likely to see the biggest health savings were air pollution-ridden India and China, said the researchers, who used computer models to project future emissions, the costs of different scenarios for curbing them, and the tally in pollution-related deaths.

“The health savings are exclusively @thephuketnews

Clean air makes financial sense say scientists. Photo: Bruce Mars / Pexels those related to curbing air pollution,” study co-author Anil Markandya of the Basque Centre for Climate Change in Spain told AFP. “Other health benefits are not included, which of course makes our figures underestimates of the total benefits.”

The costs of limiting warming, Markandya explained, included higher taxes on fossil fuels like oil and coal, which in turn raise the costs of production. The world’s nations agreed on the 2°C limit in Paris in 2015, and undertook voluntary greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

These pledges, even if they are met, place the world on a 3°C trajectory, scientists say. To date, the average global temperature is thought to have increased by 1°C since the Industrial Revolution.

“We hope that the large health cobenefits we have estimated... might help policymakers move towards adopting more ambitious climate policies and measures to reduce air pollution,” said Markandya.

AFP

such as Pandanus amaryllifolius are grown for decorative purposes, as well as used as ingredients for desserts.

Executive Chef, Mark Jones is also committed to serving sustainable food and focuses on fresh, healthy ingredients that support the livelihoods of local people while helping create and maintain socially and environmentally responsible food production.

Outside the hotel itself, the staff team at The Nai Harn regularly organises and participates in environmentally and socially conscious activities and

events, including mangrove planting days, and beach clean-ups.

“We already have numerous green initiatives in place, but we are looking to implement a range of new CSR activities over the course of 2018 and beyond as we continually strive for ways to lessen our impact on our surroundings,” adds Mr Grassmann.

One of the new ideas is the introduction of The Giving Bag, a concept created by two students from Cornell University School of Hotel Administration and implemented in a number of hotels worldwide.

Rather than leaving behind items, hotel guests are invited to place unwanted items into The Giving Bag, which will be donated to a charity of choice. The charity The Nai Harn has chosen to support is The Phuket Sunshine Village, a local foster home for children in need.

The cloth bags are specially made from discarded bedroom linen, stitched together by local Phuket ladies who were commissioned by The Nai Harn for their handiwork.

For more information about The Nai Harn or to make a reservation, call +66 7638 0200-10 or visit www.thenaiharn. com. Guests can also contact reception in real time during office hours using the Live Chat function online.

16 GARDENING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Monsieur de Bougainville’s brilliant bounty

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

This multi-coloured hybridized bougainvillea contrasts nicely with this ancient temple wall in Ayutthaya. Photo: Mark Knowles

A burst of colour from this hardy shrub is a must for tropical gardens GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

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or flower power alone, the bougainvillea would come high up any list of plants to include in your tropical garden. Of all the ornamental shrubs available to gardeners in Phuket, the bougainvillea is deservedly one of the most popular. There is scarcely a soi on this island where you will not find the plant decorating the roadside; indeed in many places, it has adapted itself to highly unpromising conditions. The road chiseled through the hills between Karon and Kamala, for example, has self-sown bougainvilleas everywhere, and though they are frequently cut back, they continue to add a splash of colour to the rocky hillsides.

They seem to do extremely well on this island, even better here than in their much-vaunted Mediterranean setting, where the cold winters can seriously hamper growth. In Andalucia, I tried to grow them many times before one finally took off and prospered, Once established though, it grew into a huge bush whose spiny tentacles embraced the entire balcony.

And that is typical of bougainvilleas: they are very tenacious once the roots get a grip.

The bougainvillea is not native to either Europe or Asia. It hails from Brazil, where it was discovered by a French explorer by the name of – you guessed it – Louis de Bougainville. It quickly became a feature in European formal gardens, and as happens with popular plants, was soon being hybridized. Nowadays, there are no fewer than 300 varieties around the world, mostly bred from three South American species.

The true flowers are small, white and insignificant; the real display is provided by the clustered bracts, three to six in number, that encircle the flowers. These richly-coloured bracts are paper-thin, a trait which has given rise to the popular name of “paper flower”. While the commonest colour is pink, many striking cultivars have been produced in a range of hues ranging from pure white through scarlet to deep crimson. Now there is even a chrome yellow cultivar. Orange-scarlet hybrids are especially attractive. Double varieties include a deep magenta one.

The attractive foliage has paired leaves which are often reddish green in colour when young. But be warned.

As with so many tropical shrubs, the stems are armed with lethal spines. Bougainvillea is in essence a vigorous, woody vine with a naturally scandent habit (that is to say, it sprawls) and it will scramble without ceremony over any plants that get in its way. Since the stems can reach several meters in length, the plant will need to be regularly pruned, unless you plan rapid cover

The bougainvillea’s true flowers are small, white and insignificant; the real display is provided by the clustered bracts. Photo: Andrei for a large area of wall or trellis. However, it is well to remember that unlike a “true” vine, the bougainvillea produces no tendrils, so it may well need support.

Certainly, it does not object to clipping. Hard pruning after blooming will promote a bushier habit and more flowers. It is also good practice to pinch out the last half inch of new growth to encourage lateral sprouting below the tip. Because it tolerates pruning so well, the bougainvillea is often used as a hedge.

The spikes will certainly help to repel would-be intruders. It can also be pruned into a standard.

The bougainvillea is quintessentially a sun-lover.

For this reason, it flowers best in the dry season when the hours of sunlight are at their peak. Five hours a day are a minimum requirement. Give it too much water and too little sunlight and it will grow and grow without producing much in the way of colour. So just remember that it is less likely to bloom effectively in the monsoon when its root system is moist. And it will not need much watering in the dry season. A low maintenance plant? Most definitely.

So how does the bougainvillea rate? Highly for visual appeal, length of flowering period and general adaptability. It is accepting of dry conditions, has a high tolerance to salt-laden winds and is remarkably resistant to disease. Bougainvilleas should take from cuttings and will tolerate life in a pot, especially dwarf varieties such as La Jolla. Some of the most spectacular specimens can be seen growing in containers in local nurseries. Often they have had different hybrids grafted on to the root stock and look spectacular in their multi-hued livery. Many are venerable – at least 10 years old – and may set you back several thousand baht.

The downside? Despite having a compact root system, the bougainvillea is a gross feeders and will take both nutrients and space from any plants in its vicinity. Its growth habit is unwieldy and invasive. It has vicious spines, and because it possesses no perfume, it will not attract butterflies.

But a tropical garden without a bougainvillea? Unthinkable… It does not deserve its botanical name of Bougainvillea spectabilis for nothing.

Patrick has been writing for ten years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have any horticultural concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbelll@gmail. com or visit his blog at Wordpress: Green Galoshes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

East meets West at Laguna Dates announced for Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival 2018 The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

A picnic area accompanied by exciting culinary shows and vibrant musical performances that showcase the best of both worlds

Try some local delicacies.

@thephuketnews

W

ith the success of its inaugural edition in 2017, Asia’s premier destination resort Laguna Phuket recently announced that the second annual “Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival” will take place this year from Friday April 27 to Sunday April 29.

Back by popular demand with the theme “East Meets West”, the three-day food and music extravaganza will once again heighten Phuket’s status as a Unesco “City of Gastronomy” and attract food and music lovers from around the world to the resort complex, beautifully located alongside the pristine Bang Tao Beach. Entry to the festival is free.

Ringing in the mood of festivities on April 27, gates will open from 4pm to the free-entry “East-Meets-West Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival (LPFMF)” at the resort’s outdoor event venue “Laguna Grove”.

Guests and visitors will enjoy a wide range of popup concept food booths selling tantalising international and Peranakan cuisine from Phuket’s top restaurants, local vendors and Laguna Phuket resorts, authentic Phuket fare by local communities, a food truck, dining garden and picnic area accompanied by exciting culinary shows and vibrant musical performances that showcase the best of both worlds.

LPFMF’s first day will coincide with the return of “Laguna Phuket Charity Concert (LPCC)” that features Thailand’s leading rock bands Bodyslam and Sweet Mullets. To be organised in support of Phuket Panyanukul School, a special school for children with special needs, the concert will take place at 8pm (gate opens 6:30pm) and expects 6,000 concert goers.

The festival will continue on April 28 and April 29

The festival will feature countless opportunities to tempt your taste buds. Photos: Supplied at Laguna Grove from 4pm until late, with different main musical acts on stage from 8pm to offer an experience like no other for all guests and visitors.

Saturday, April 28 will feature famous Russian pianist and opera singer Ivan Sharapov, followed by Phuketbased Black ’n’ Blue band. 2018 LPFMF will conclude on Sunday, April 29 with a highlight performance at 8pm by popular Thai duo Joe & Kong and Black ’n’ Blue closing the night.

While the 4pm-until-late Laguna Phuket Food & Festival is open to all without entry fee, highlight performances on main stage each night will be a platform to raise funds for the “Children

First Fund (CFF)” in support of children in Phuket.

Tickets for Laguna Phuket Charity Concert (April 27) is priced at B400 (standing) and on April 28 and 29, limited VIP-zone tickets are available at B500 apiece for stage-front seating and complimentary refreshment.

Tickets are available at Phuket Indy Market, all Laguna Phuket hotels and Laguna Tours Office in Canal Village.

For more information visit: www.lagunaphuket.com/foodandmusicfestival This event is proudly sponsored by Khao Phuket and Live 89.5.

18 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Australian officials, Lions Club members and the Baan Koh Siray School management team at the ceremony.

Australian Ambassador to Thailand Paul Robilliard presents a symbolic cheque during the ceremony last week.

Debra Mierczak poses with the school's honorary kangaroo.

Baan Koh Siray teachers await the arrival of the ambassador.

AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS PHUKET TO PRESENT B740,000 GRANT Australian Ambassador to Thailand Paul Robilliard visited Phuket last Friday (Mar 2) to present a grant of B740,000 to Baan Koh Siray School to help improve sanitation and provide potable water for its students. Ambassador Robilliard, accompanied by his wife Hannan and Australian Consul-General in Phuket Craig Ferguson and his wife, were given a warm greeting by hundreds of students waving Thai and Australian flags as he arrived at the school.

From left: Debra Mierczak, Piyanoot Hongsyok and Krisana Rungrojwanich.

From left: Josh, Anthony, Ai and Meghan.

From left: Judy Underwood, Tania Ferguson, Hannan Robilliard, John Underwood and Dr Peter Harris.

Susan Kahwati and Thanusak Phungdet.

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY HOSTS AUSTRALIAN ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENT The Australian Embassy Bangkok hosted the Australian Alumni networking event at the Westin Siray Bay Resort Phuket last Friday (Mar 2). Opening remarks were given

by H.E. Mr Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to Thailand. The event was a chance for alumni of Australian universities living in Phuket to meet and build social and business connections on the island. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

From left: Matt’s mum, Matt, Craig and Peter.

From left: Graham, Tim and Harry.

From left: Matt, Golfie and Mark.

Sharon (left) with Tina and her mum.

SQUIRES LOFT PATONG AUSTRALIAN STEAKHOUSE GRAND OPENING PARTY Squires Loft Patong Australian Steakhouse hosted its Grand Opening Party on Feb 28. Squires Loft was first established in Melbourne, Australia in 1993 and now boasts 14 restaurants across the country and established its first Thailand outlet in Koh Samui. Squires loft serves premium Australian meat cuts, seafood and their famous pork ribs, all served with a range of imported sauces.

Local food vendors will be taking part in the festival.

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong (centre), TAT officials, young local singers and Laguna management team members took to the stage for a group photo at the press conference.

The team from Laguna tuck into some delicious Phuket pineapple.

Phuket food vendors were on hand to prepare some local delicacies.

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR LAGUNA PHUKET FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL 2018 Following the success of its inaugural edition in 2017, Laguna Phuket announced at a press conference last Friday (Mar 2) that the second annual “Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival” will take place this year from Friday, April 27 to Sunday, April 29. Guests and visitors will enjoy a wide range of pop-up concept food booths selling international and Peranakan cuisine from Phuket’s top restaurants, local vendors, Laguna resorts, community tourism operators and food trucks, all accompanied by exciting culinary shows and vibrant musical performances. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

9 MAR

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

MON

10 MAR

12 MAR

Mussels night @ Shakers

All you can eat BBQ night

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.

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.

2ND SHOW - Drinks & Co presents Live Comedy - Walk of Shame 2ND SHOW - Eleanor Conway’s WALK of SHAME Sex, sobriety and the modern addict. Doors open 7pm, show starts 8:15pm. Tickets THB 500 in advance (includes 1 drink) THB 700 on the night (includes 1 drink). Drinks & Co - Lagoon Plaza, Boat Lagoon, Chern Talay (opposite Skye Lake Club). Tickets 083 720 5586 and phuketticketmaster.com

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.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. March 9-10, 2018 from 6pm till 10pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon. For more information call 095 012 2442 / 076 239 888 ext. 618.

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.

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

SUN

11 MAR

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

Go Live Sunday 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 2 - 5.30 pm with live music performed by the ‘Colin Illy Hill Band’. Pricing: 1,700++ Baht/person and 3,200++ Baht/couple.

For more information : www.salaphuket.com SALA Phuket Resort and Spa, fbphuket@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

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

WED

14 MAR

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.

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

THU

15 MAR

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand - Qualifier 3rd - 5th

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Traditional Sunday Roast

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.

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

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tee’d off on February 10th at Laguna Golf Phuket. The WCGC Thailand Series had six qualifiers around Thailand which will culminate the in Phuket on the 28th April for the national Final. For this time, Qualifier 3 - Mar 15th @ Phoenix Gold Golf Club, Qualifier 4 - Mar 17th @ Banyan Golf Club and Qualifier 5 - Mar 25th @ Lotus Valley Golf Club. The winner of WCGC Thailand will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the WCGC World Final in June. For more information please email events@foremanagment.com Laguna Golf Phuket.

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FRI

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

16 MAR

FRI

meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org.

23 MAR

Phuket AFL Masters Tournament 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.

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

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. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org.

SAT

24 MAR

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. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org.

SAT

The Thailand Tigers are hosting an AFL Masters tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground featuring teams from across the region. There will be Auskick run for the children, and food and drink available at the ground. We welcome all spectators. If you would like to be involved as a player or with Auskick, please visit www.thailandtigers.com or email thailandtigers@gmail.com

WED

28 MAR International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair

Quiz Night - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites everybody to consume (responsibly) for a cause at the Aussie Pub Kamala’s trivia night. Raffles + trivia + drinks + food + raising money for charity = A) fun B) very fun C) boring ? If your answer is A or B, show up by 7:30pm. See: www.rotarypatong.org for more information.

17 MAR 10 Mile International Run Phuket 2018 The Phuket race takes runners through Phuket’s beautiful lush settings, stunning sunrises, and backroads on the island’s northern side. The race spans over four distances: 10-mile (16 km), 5-mile (8 km), 3-mile (4.8 km), and 500-metre (for children aged 4-12 years). The top three finishers in the 10 and 5 mile categories receive a trophy. All finishers receive a medal and T-shirt.

For more information and register on the website (Entry Deadline: 17 Mar) : https://www.thanyapura.com/ event/supersports-10-mile-international-run-phuket2018-presented-thanyapura Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort Phuket, events@thanyapura.com, 076 336 000.

Pop Up 4 at The White House at Boat Lagoon For one night only, sample 15 of the best restaurants in Phuket ‘popping up’ at Boat Lagoon’s White House in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! For a B2,500 donation try culinary creations from the many amazing chefs and enjoy free flow from our beverage sponsors. The evening will also feature fantastic silent auction prizes, great music, dancing, and more!

Don’t miss Phuket’s best foodie event of the year!

Book now at: phuketticketmaster.com, by email at info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 076 278 146

THU

FRI

6 APR

QSI Phuket is proud to announce their 2nd Annual Cooking Competition and Food Fare. On April 6th student teams from across the island will compete to impress celebrity chefs at our Kathu Campus. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the island’s epicurean delights sold by local vendors and restaurateurs. Join us for food and family fun from 11 am to 3pm.

SAT

7 APR

29 MAR

Thailand SUP Festival 2018 Inspired Phuketian with Kiranee Narabal Speech title - Following The King’s Footsteps. 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 it’s 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 providing name and email to sales@skyelakeclub.com Skye Lake Club Laguna, Cherng Talay.

FRI

The Thailand SUP Festival is the biggest Stand Up Paddleboard event in Thailand. This year will be the 5th annual event. It will be a fantastic event with technical races, sprints and relays, fun races for kids & families, SUP Yoga and lots of great prizes. Come down to LUX Beach Club on 7 April 2018. www.thailandsupfestival.com info@thailandsupfestival.com

SAT

28 APR

30 MAR PHAB 2 - Glam, Glitz and Glitter

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

@thephuketnews

Phuket’s Best Burger 4 Showcase of the Immortals Phuket’s Best Burger 4, “Showcase of the Immortals” Saturday March 24 at Boat Lagoon Marina.

4pm – 10pm. Burgers, drinks, live music, cooking shows, dancers and activities for the kids. Who will become Phuket’s Best Burger 2018?

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular

The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while also supporting communitybased projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday 28 April 2018 to raise funds for 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The Glam, Glitz and Glitter event will take place the Latitude Marque, Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight.

Tickets available at phuketticketmaster.com

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. How many zeros are in one Googol?

2. Who was the first person to be crucified upside down?

3. Who made the famous “Ich bin ein berliner” speech in 1963?

4. Which explorer was the first European to reach India by sea?

5. What is vitamin riboflavin also known as?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

Across 1. Small bit used in dentistry or surgery 4. Column crossers 8. Poker?

14. Pronoun 15. Entry to a mine 16. Take a breath 17. Fourposter, e.g.

18. Feline lives 19. Bible songs 20. Acting like a witch 23. Offshore 24. Oven 25. Brewers’ needs 29. Go on vacation 34. Pertaining to people 36. S.A country 37. Emulates David Copperfield 43. Neutral color 44. European capital 45. Hostile or belligerent mood 48. Nautical support 53. Verb preceder, usually 55. S-curve 56. Try to get access with a code 61. Part of a service 63. Small glass container 64. Verbal jewel

65. Feeling calm 66. Some wings 67. Dander 68. Rated (oneself) highly 69. Network of blood vessels 70. Automobile Down 1. Rancher’s threat 2. Discomfort 3. African/Arabian water body 4. Princess 5. Whom Wednesday was named for 6. Chicken order 7. There is a knife for it 8. Baby bottle topper 9. Not mailed 10. East Indian lentil sauce 11. Cheekiness 12. “Dutch” tree 13. Object or thing 21. Computer key 22. Mean 26. Exclamation of mockery 27. It comes in sticks 28. Major wreck 30. Month, for short 31. A Chinese

dynasty 32. ___ welder 33. “How gross!”

35. Long ___ 37. Dawn’s moisture 38. Plant served like potato 39. Have a lapse 40. Have dinner 41. Subj. of the 2006 film “The Good Shepherd” 42. Mariner 46. Tom, Dick or Harry 47. Sounded a horn 49. Old programming language 50. Reproducing without fertilization 51. Suckerfish 52. Hand shaker 54. “Well, I ___!”

56. Indian woman’s attire 57. Mimicked 58. Ibis habitat 59. Poivre’s partner 60. “Anything ___?”

61. Volume measurement (abbr.)

62. “Lo, How a Rose ___ Blooming”

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) One hundred zeroes (1 Googol = 10100); 2) St Peter; 3) US President John F. Kennedy; 4) Vasco da Gama; 5) B2

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Mar 9, 141 BC Liu Che, posthumously known as Emperor Wu of Han, assumes the throne over the Han dynasty of China.

2

Mar 10, 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909: Thailand relinquishes its sovereignty over the Malay states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu, which become British protectorates.

commercial airline flights have been brought down by wasps, killing over 200 people.

80

Mar 11, 2011 A 9.0 magnitude earthquake strikes 130km east of Sendai, Japan, triggering a tsunami killing thousands of people, and triggering the second largest nuclear accident in history.

per cent of genetic information found in humans is identical to that found in cows.

741

consecutive weeks is how long Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon album was on the Billboard charts from 1973 to 1988.

11,000

Mar 12, 1881 Andrew Watson makes his Scotland debut as the world’s first black international football player and captain.

amendments to the US Constitution have been proposed during its 229-year history, only 27 have been ratified.

Mar 13, 1921 Mongolia is proclaimed an independent monarchy, ruled by Russian military officer Roman von UngernSternberg as a dictator.

20 million

years is how long it has been since tapirs, the most primitive large mammals in the world, evolved substantially.

Source: Uberfacts

Bang Tao sunset. Photo by Dorle Manzoni Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Mar 14, 44 BC Casca and Cassius decide, on the night before the Assassination of Julius Caesar, that Mark Antony should live.

Mar 15, 1985 The first Internet domain name is registered (symbolics.com).

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Jobs

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CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Jobs

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The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt

e Urg

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

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE FOR SALE SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW 35 HOURS ONLY STILL UNDER WARRANTY EXTRAS GRAB RAILS COVERS AVAILABLE NOW THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK new price inc reg & extras 4,863,000 offers over 4.8 Million 4.8 Million, William, wfphelps@me.com, 0869430333.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

“Ready to go” w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160l fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry on 081 273 1740.

sa nt e g r

le

Boat For Sale

72' (22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted U as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom three years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Open to all reasonable cash offers. Contact Shayne on 093 418 9529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Seafood restaurant at Karon beach for sale. 1,500,000 Million Baht, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 082 283 3154 May.

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.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE 2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission.

Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

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 Douglas Rosival

BMW G650 GS, 2010. Only 19,000 kilometres. Comes with Touratec Zaga Pro panniers. Well maintained and clean example. B300,000 or best offer. Contact Douglas at: douglasrosival449@hotmail.com, 087 278 5842. @thephuketnews

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE t sa n e g

le

Douglas Rosival

Husqvarna FE 350, 2014. ONLY Ur 800 kilometers!!! This is virtually a new bike. Comes with D.I.D Dirt Dtar wheels with Pirelli tyres, expedition pack and many extras. This is an exceptional piece of equipment that retailed for B490,000 when new. Price: B300,000 or best offer. For further information, please contact Doug on 087 278 5842. Only serious offers. B300,000, Douglas: douglasrosival449@hotmail.com, 087 278 5842.

Douglas Rosival

Kawasaki KLX 250 2014, with Givi top box. 9,000 kilometers. Very clean, well maintained bike. B90,000 or best offer.

B90,000. Contact Douglas at: douglasrosival449@hotmail. com or call 087 278 5842.

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 OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2 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 benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & 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 Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

2-Story Villa -Gated Community @ Pruksa The Plant Kathu Cornered Land Plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms indoors 140 sqm With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15, nicklas. klodner@gmail.com, +6680 519 7719

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.

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

Brand new 1 bedroom house

Newly built 1 bedroom house sits in the heart of Rawai. Fully furnished house with car parking and ready to move in. Best location in Rawai. B3,400,000, Benni, Rawai, Phuket. Email: b_gholami@hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032.

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.

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.

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Pakrok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@ gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

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 IslandÂť only 4.4 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND. Email: jospeder@live.no or call 089 872 6895

PROPERTY FOR SALE 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.

COMMUNITY

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.

JOBS

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

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

SPORT 29

BISP 2018 GOLF ROUNDUP C

ongratulations to Year 9 student Sebastian Sawtell from the British International School, Phuket who recently won the Annual Men’s Club Championship at Laguna Golf Club. His two rounds of 79,76 were enough to win by two shots over the two-day event. This was a great achievement and added to his success at the Blue Canyon Club Championship earlier in the year.

At only 14 years old, he is the first player in history to be the Men’s Club Champion of both famous courses.

Head Coach of BISP’s Golf Acad-

@thephuketnews

emy, Oliver Bates, commented, “We have seen Sebastian really mature as a person and a player over the last year, he has worked so hard on his game and is starting to see the results. He is popular with everyone and it’s great to see him in the winner’s circle again. Over the next year, once through his growth spurt, we will work very hard on his bio mechanics and strength and conditioning and I’m sure he will push on to higher levels of the game.”

Congratulations also to Year 6 BISP student, Damon Dongwook

who took 2nd place in the junior division and to Dominic and Olive Judge who both gained valuable tournament experience.

At the TJGGA Optimist Junior Golf Club Qualifying Tournament at the Grand Prix Golf Club, Bangkok, BISP golfer Filip Arnesten produced a great 2nd round of 76 to finish 2nd at the Grand Prix Golf Club. Noted Coach Oliver, “With no caddy, this was a great experience for the 11 year old who has now qualified for the next stage of the event. Filip is a naturally talented player for his age,

is very mature and hits the ball a long way. He’s definitely one to watch for the future. We are very pleased with his progress this year and it’s only a matter of time before we see Filip in the winners circle.”

Finally, Toy (Napat) Paramacharoenroj was off to the Faldo Asian Final in Vietnam this week to defend his title at Lang.co, Laguna Golf Club.

BISP wishes Toy the best of luck.

For more information about the BISP golf programme please go to www. bisphuket.ac.th/golf

30 SPORT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 9, 2018

Classic’s 10 year Anniversary

Since inaugural event, Oilfield Classic raises B10mn for charity GOLF The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

T

he first Phuket Oilfield Classic was held in April 2009 and was founded by 18 friends of Mark Cameron who attended his wedding in November 2008. The plan was to have a reunion every year because everyone enjoyed the golf in Phuket so much, then it mushroomed into a full blown organised event for the oil and gas industry professionals in the region.

As word spread around the Asian Pacific and beyond about the very successful inaugural event, the Phuket Oilfield Classic grew over the years and has supported many children’s charities locally, with nearly B10 million being raised by Cameron from all the events he has organised through his company Asean Events.

Of course none of this would have been achieved without money being donated by all the participants and sponsors over the years.

This year is the 10th Anniversary

The event brings together people from the oil and gas industries, along with others, to raise funds for various local charities. Photo: Phuket Oilfield Classic / Facebook of the event (2009-2018) and it has been a roller coaster of a ride to get to this milestone for any event, let alone an event aimed specifically at the oil and gas industry, which as we know has been very badly hit by one of the worst oil slumps in history.

Cameron admits, “To get so many people to keep coming back year after year and dig deep into their own pockets, to not only pay to participate, but also donate money to

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Fri. 9 March

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Activity

Wed March 14

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat. March 16

3pm

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Touch Rugby - Mixed Family Teams

Sun March 17

All Day

Natures Playground

Wed March 21

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri March 23

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat March 24

All Day

Aussie Footy Regional Tournament Teams to include Phuket Cricketers

Last week’s Touch Rugby heroes.

the charities, is remarkable.”

In 2015 prior to the arrival at the Phuket Oilfield Classic that year, Cameron and his friend Graham Haslam broke a Guinness World Record by driving a golf buggy from the Hard Rock Café in Pattaya to the Hard Rock Café in Phuket. It took 32 long gruelling days in the intense Thailand heat and driving on the (now ranked) most dangerous roads in the world to set the Guinness

World Record. Culminating in the total funds raised along the way to over B2mn for the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation (PHBGTU) which Graham represents, after the Phuket Oilfield Classic 2015.

Haslam said, “Mark and I met in early 2009 when I attended a separate charity event he sponsored, we have been friends and associated through various fundraising activities – largely through his Asean Events ever since. I cannot speak highly enough of Mark’s fund raising efforts for underprivileged Thai children for the past 10 years. He is larger than life and the sole reason for the success of this particular event – it is his relationship, personality and professional manner, why many of these golfers return year after year.”

FORE Management has this year joined forces with Asean Events to assist in the operational aspects of event on the ground; Chris Watson MD of FORE Management says, “Mark and I discussed expanding our collaboration after successfully holding the first Bangkok Hospitality Challenge in November last

year and it made perfect sense to continue our relationship by assisting Asean Events, from an operational perspective, at the Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018 due to Mark’s other work commitments in Oman.”

The Phuket Oilfield Classic 10 year celebrations will bring, as always, a boost to the local economy from all the overseas visitors to the island and once again improve the lives of many Thai children with the funds raised during the event. The event will once again support the great efforts at PHBGTU. Anyone wishing to participate or support the event in any way should contact Cameron at the details below or Haslam from PHBGTU who can be contacted directly through the charity.

Tel: +66 614 866 736 (Thailand) or +968 91 373 768 (Oman) Email: mark@asean-events.com Website: www.asean-events.com The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018.

Aussie Rules set to make its return to Phuket AUSSIE RULES BACK IN 2015 THE THAIland Tigers hosted the Malaysian Warriors in the first ever game of Aussie Rules Football played in Phuket, a match that saw the Warriors too strong for the Tigers. It was a great day for football, with an entertaining match that was well supported and attended, and a fantastic Auskick session run for children living in Phuket.

In 2018, the Thailand Tigers are returning to Phuket to host the inaugural Phuket Masters AFL tournament, with the intention of establishing an annual tournament showcasing the best teams from across Asia.

This year’s tournament

Aussie Rules Football will return to Phuket on Mar 24 with the Phuket Masters AFL tournament. Photo: Thailand Tigers / Facebook will feature masters teams from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. To qualify, players must be turning 35 years or older in 2018, with the rules of play slightly modified to accommodate for the wily veterans who will take to the field.

At the conclusion of the

tournament, there will be an open match with full AFL rules between the Thailand Tigers and Indonesian Volcanoes. The recently formed Volcanoes are a result of the unification of the Bali Geckos and Jakarta Bintangs, and they will provide very strong opposition for the Tigers.

In their match back in 2017 in Bangkok, the Indonesian side proved too strong for the Tigers, who will be out for redemption in Phuket.

The day will also feature Auskick sessions for children who would like to experience AFL, and be led by experienced coaches, and the organisers would love to have any local or expat children involved.

For those that would like to

go along and spectate, entry is free and there will be food and drinks available.

AFL is a fast paced game full of excitement, and the tournament will feature some of the best Australian Rules footballers from the region in what promises to be an exciting and entertaining day.

The event will be held at the Alan Cooke Ground on Saturday Mar 24.

For more information visit www.thailand-tigers.com, and anyone interested in playing should register at thailandtigers@gmail.com

The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Phuket Masters AFL tournament.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1675: Saturday Mar 10 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Fungus, Saint BJ, Tequila Slapper Location: Pa Khlok Directions: Follow route 4027 for 6.8 kilometres east of Heroines’ Monument, turn left (HHH) at the end of the open-air market (just beyond a 7-Eleven on the right). Continue up the track 350 metres to laager site. Please park in the field on your right, laager on the left in the rubber plantation. The laager elevation is 103’ above sea level. ***This run will NOT accommodate early walkers.*** Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:30pm Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

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Honda steps forward in preseason testing BOX OF NEUTRALS

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any Walkabout Sports Bar in Karon.

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hey say that Formula One preseason testing is notoriously difficult to read, but perhaps that’s never been as true as during last week’s (Feb 26 to Mar 1) snowed-out opening test.

So powerful was the socalled “beast from the east” as it swept through Europe that even the usually temperate climes of Barcelona were reduced to below freezing, covering the circuit with snow on the third day and minimising the usefulness of running on the other three.

Though measuring performance in the wintry conditions was out of the question, the tentative signs of progress in one of the least likely of places began to emerge from the foggy whiteness of the Circuit de BarcelonaCatalunya.

Honda, newly partnered with Toro Rosso, has taken a big step forward.

Japanese engine manufacturer Honda has been out of favour in F1 for all three seasons it has been competing, but never more so than in 2017, when its fractious relationship with McLaren finally crumbled.

Though its underwhelming 2015 debut engine was much improved upon in 2016, a wholesale redesign for last season was a major step backwards in both performance and reliability, pushing partner McLaren far beyond breaking point and leading to an ugly and public divorce.

McLaren’s pathway out of

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Toro Rosso’s New Zealand driver Brendon Hartley drives at the Circuit de Catalunya during the first day of the first week of tests for the Formula One Grand Prix season.

Photo: Jose Jordan / AFP the increasingly toxic relationship was via Toro Rosso, which agreed to trade its supply of Renault engines for the Honda motors. It was a win for McLaren, but even though perennial midfielder Toro Rosso became a de facto manufacturer-backed team in the process, few thought its side of the deal was anything more than a dud.

Fast forward to winter testing, however, and a very different picture is beginning to form.

Whereas this time last year Honda’s engine wasn’t good enough to get close to even half of the mileage banked by then lap leader Mercedes, this year Toro Rosso-Honda completed more laps than any other team.

Whereas this time last year McLaren spent as much time diagnosing Honda’s technical problems as it did with its car on the circuit, this year

Toro Rosso experienced only uneventful, smooth running.

“I don’t see any problems,” Toro Rosso principal Franz Tost said. “The power unit is working quite well.

“Honda have made a lot of progress in the last months on the reliability side as well as the performance side, so we are looking forward to this season.”

But there’s more on the line for the fledgling Toro Rosso-Honda partnership than mere dignity. The Italian team was saddled with the unpopular engines by its senior sister team, Red Bull Racing, which is now in the final year of an unhappy marriage to its own engine partner, Renault.

If Honda can prove it has what it takes to make a racewinning engine with Toro Rosso, its path will be clear to pair with Red Bull Racing, a team with the resources to

make a race-winning chassis, in 2019.

The clock is ticking, however, with Renault mandating that it be given notice either way by May 15, shortly after the fifth round of the season.

But Honda undoubtedly remains the least potent of the four Formula One engines despite its offseason improvements, with Toro Rosso technical director James Key confirming the Japanese motor will still be the slowest on the track by round one.

However, Key also has faith that progress will be swift this season.

“Obviously they’ve made steps for this year, and that’s encouraging,” he told Sky Sports. “As long as that trend continues, there’s no reason why they can’t genuinely be challenging Renault by midseason or the end of season.”

Now’s the time for Honda to finally repay that faith.

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Oilfield Classic and Aussie Rules make a return > p30

GETTING IT OFF HIS CHEST

Chalong Pier collapse, and global warming and its effect on the animal kingdom

The jetty at Chalong Pier collapsed last weekend, meaning that for the time being it cannot be used for mooring. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

FISHING

CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart info@fishinginphuket.com

N

ot for the first time in its short history, Chalong Pier has once again proven that there is something seriously wrong with the administration running this comedy of errors.

Even at the best of times chaos rules as the Chinese hoards fight to get on buses around 8am and 5pm, So does this mean these lemming-like carpets of humanity will now be clambering over boats in order to reach their overcrowded excursions or is the marine department going to build an overpass while the underpass continues to sink under the waves?

Who built, designed and maintains this million-baht a month earner and where did they get their qualifications, Lego?

Would it be the same plonker who is running the now legendary “Chalong Circle Project” and who has decided, in their wisdom, to rub salt in the wounds of all those who

regularly use Chalong’s premier tourist facility?

Obviously, once more, someone never heard the expression “Don’t spoil the ship for a ha’pworth of tar”.

Moving on, as the regular consumers of Jimmy’s literary contributions to The Phuket News will appreciate, I believe water is the most essential element of life on earth, for without it we couldn’t go fishing.

Why do I mention this very obvious fact? Well, I’m completely cheesed off explaining to those city people who haven’t woken up to the reality of global warming yet and continue to ask me what kind of fish they can expect on a specific “holiday” date.

Folks, be advised, the world has changed, with all the wildlife including fish, trying to adapt to this man-made cock-up, (which daily moves closer to a complete F.U.B.A.R. situation) as their and “our” environment continues to be sabotaged by insanity.

Animals are already avoiding the effects of warming by moving to higher altitudes and migratory species like birds and fish are now altering their traditional patterns of behaviour to accommodate these changes that we, in our stupidity, have inflicted upon them.

Himalayan Griffins in Thailand and seagoing crocks and killer whales in Phuket waters are just a few of our local examples. Our ignorance is so profound few of us comprehend the scale of this impending disaster as we continue to pollute the atmosphere, which in turn heats the oceans by melting the ice which would normally reflect the sun’s rays back into space, but now heats the melt-water by absorbing the sun’s rays along with the carbon in the Co2 emissions.

This in turn kills plankton, the base of the ocean’s biggest food chain, which affects everything up to and including whales, which are also targeted by our plastic waste not forgetting the nuclear radiation still spreading across the planet from the Japanese tsunami and previous nuclear disasters, all this while we continue to decimate our planet’s lungs, the Amazon jungle.

What kind of fishing can we expect on our holidays?

From now on – don’t ask me, or someone who is meant to know – Tweet Trump, the man who sees global warming as mankind’s revenge on the iceberg that sunk the Titanic and believes that you can reduce your carbon footprint by taking bigger steps.

Ask your elected representatives about the environment, as they pass insignificant laws to improve the nation’s health, with a great example coming from here in Phuket, as now you cannot smoke cigarettes on the beach as it’s environmentally unfriendly – yet untreated sewage still flows into Patong Bay killing coral, and now to further display the hypocrisy, they propose building two new coal-fired power stations of 800 and 2,000 megawatts.

How many packets of these filthy cigarettes does that equate to, as they continue to give lip service to being environmentally friendly?

Well at least their coal burning furnaces, in years to come, will make great fall-out shelters for the tornadoes to come and here’s a few other “positive” points to be made for global warming: “No more weeding the garden / no more plants”, “Our Golfing pals will only need a putter and a sand wedge”, “Steaks will be medium rare, on the hoof”, “Why pay for tattoos when melanoma’s free?” and last but not least, “Nile Encephalitis: will not just be for Egyptians any more”.

This month’s photo shows Neill, “another Jock”, with a

Neill ‘The Jock’ seen here with his mighty catch of a King Mac caught from ‘M.V. Fish Eagle’. good size King Mac caught from the “M.V. Fish Eagle”.

“Mena 1” also reported a Barracuda of 25 kilograms, so although the fishing could only be described as “slow” there are a few big boys about.

The Chalong Fishing Park also advised me that their first Mekong Cat of over 40kg had just been landed and to

celebrate Jez added another 40 to his already well-stocked venue.

Well, that’s everything off my chest for at least a month so please ponder the thought; “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

Tight lines!

Jimmy – fishinginphuket.com thephuketnews