10-01-2014 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

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LOST BAG CONTAINING B500,000 RETURNED TO TOURIST > PAGE 8

‘I WAS NEAR DEATH’

NEWS

PAGE 4

Singer Sek Loso cancels concert amid protests

LIFE

LIFE PAGE 2

German Hon Con Naumann steps down

AMERICAN IN FREAK PARASAIL ACCIDENT

SPORT A smiling Marium Saleem is strapped into a parasailing harness moments before her terrifying experience in the skies over Kata. arium Saleem’s first time parasailing on Kata Beach turned to horror last week when she says she almost died after being strangled by the harness midair and blacking out twice, causing serious bruising to her neck. However, the parasail operator denies any accident occurred in the

air and says perhaps she was just afraid of heights. Ms Saleem, born and raised in America but now living in Pakistan, arrived in Phuket on December 28 to visit a friend who lives in Kata. On New Year’s Eve, Ms Saleem, 23, decided to go parasailing, along with her friend’s brother.

After being strapped into the harness, she ran, and was lifted high up into the air. “I knew something was wrong,” she told The Phuket News. “Within seconds, I felt my life jacket and harness pull up above my chest and wrap around my neck. ‘Is this normal?’, I thought to myself.

“I tried to keep calm, thinking maybe the ropes would relax the higher we got, but I was wrong. As each second passed by, I felt the ropes of the harness strangling my neck, and the metal clips sat tightly on my windpipe. “That’s when I started to scream for help, but it was no use.”

The athlete who struck SEA Games gold

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Heaps of great events planned to celebrate Children’s Day > page 9

Tourist ‘near strangled’ in mid-air

Continued from page 1. Unable to attract attention, she tried to pull her body up to separate the rope from her neck, so she could breathe. “I felt my arms starting to go limp, my eyes widening from the lack of air and I was sure that this was it.” Then she blacked out. “Once I woke up after blacking out in the air, I was sure I wasn’t going to make it because I felt my eyes widening, and my breaths getting shorter. “With every ounce of strength I had left, I screamed my last scream. Finally, I saw someone [in the boat] look up. He quickly pulled the parachute down into the middle of the ocean, and once my body touched the water, I passed out again. “When my eyes re-opened, I was being pulled back to shore [by a rope]. I started to cry. I’m not really sure if it was relief, fear, panic – or all

of the above.” Back on shore, Ms Saleem’s friends had not realised what was happening until they saw the last photo they snapped – her reaching the shore crying and holding her neck. She had been in the air around seven minutes. Ms Saleem was shaking, and felt like she was going to faint again. “Since they [the operators] were speaking in Thai, they spoke to my friend trying to ask what happened. She explained to them that I was choking on the ropes and metal clips. “They just asked me once ‘okay?’ and walked away. Only one man said sorry, and the other said there are no metal clips. Later when I went home I looked at the pictures of the harness and there were clearly more metal objects on it.” Since the accident she has suffered flashbacks of the incident and is still in pain. “I had internal and external bruises all around my neck

Ms Saleem pictured with severe bruising on her neck. from the metal clips and the rope. My legs were bleeding [from hitting something in the water], and there was some internal swelling and bruising in my abdomen. “Up until two nights ago, I would wake up every night shaking. But I’m better now, I realise it’s better to be grateful that I walked away with my

life, rather than be scared about what could have happened.” Ms Saleem believes the lifejacket or harness was not tight enough, so when she was lifted into the air, it slid up around her neck. “There should be more safety regulations put in place, some sort of signal or gesture that indicates a person [up in

the air] is in danger or needs help. The only instruction I was given was to run when he counted to three – that’s it.” She said she did not pursue a complaint or contact police while in Phuket because she did not want to cause trouble. “When you think that you could have almost died if they heard you a second too late, at that time [making a complaint] is the last thing going through your mind. “The only outcome I actually want from this is for others to be more aware. “These companies need to realise that there are no short cuts for safety precautions and it only takes a second for something to go wrong.” Parasail Head of Operations Kraidetch Boonnak said he could remember Ms Saleem and her two friends, but denied there was any sort of accident. “They came here many days ago. I do not know what happened when she was up in

the air because she didn’t say anything. Her friends told us that she was okay. “I’ve worked in the parasailing business for 40 years. No one has ever died using my service. “I don’t know what was going on with her that day, she might have been afraid of heights.” When Mr Kraidetch was asked if customers were given a safety briefing prior to launch, about what to do in an emergency, he said, “We educate our customers first before they go up in the air. The customers don’t have to do anything.” He said the lifejacket and harness could not have been fitted incorrectly because the parasail staff fit the customer with it – they do not do it themselves. He said that in all his years in the industry he had never heard of anyone wanting to get down while they were up in the air.

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‘Pitbull’ fails to appeal sentence Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

he deadline for Lee “Pitbull” Aldhouse to file an appeal against his 25-year sentence for the murder of American Marine Dashawn Longfellow passed at 4:30 pm on January 2 without him doing so. An official of Phuket Provincial Court, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Phuket News, “The court has no record of an appeal. His deadline for appeal should have been December 28, but that was a Saturday, and after that there were [New Year] public holidays, so yesterday (January 2) was the first working day.” The Phuket News has also learned that Aldhouse, sentenced on November 28, was moved two weeks ago to the “Big House” in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. It is normal practice for convicts sentenced to long periods of incarceration for serious crimes to be moved out of Phuket to larger, more

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Lee Aldhouse is now locked up in Nakhon Sri Thammarat. secure prisons. Aldhouse had by all accounts been keeping his nose clean in the Phuket Provincial Prison. But that prison, though badly overcrowded, has gained a reputation for being “white” – in recent searches neither drugs nor mobile phones have

been found. Not so Nakhon Sri Thammarat, where searches regularly turn up large amounts of drugs and dozens of phones, and where guards have often been found to have become unusually rich – one was discovered recently to have bought 200

rai of rubber plantation, and another to have bought a new Toyota Fortuner. There is also violence. In May this year, the Bangkok Post reported, there was a riot when five inmates tried to break out. Drugs are big. Arrests of small drug dealers in Phuket have sometimes pointed to a shadowy figure at the top of the drug dealing network in Southern Thailand who runs things from inside Nakhon Sri Thammarat Prison. Manoon Chanachai, a registrar of the Nakhon Si Thammarat prison told The Phuket News today that Aldhouse was likely to remain there unless a court orders his transfer or the Department of Corrections decides to move him to another prison. In the past, many foreigners convicted of murder in Phuket have ended up in the notorious “Bangkok Hilton” – Bang Kwang Prison in Nonthaburi on the outskirts of Bangkok – designed in the 1930s to hold 3,500 inmates, but now holding more than 8,000 prisoners.

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Gov backtracks on tour bus ban for Patong Hill OFFICIALS APPEAR TO have backed away from two tentative proposals to ban buses from Patong Hill either entirely or during peak hours, following a meeting on Friday (January 3). Governor Maitree Intusut on Friday inspected the site of the fatal bus crash on the edge of Patong on Sunday (December 29), and appeared to have backtracked on his idea of straightening the curve next to Wat Suwankiriwong to make it less dangerous. It had been pointed out that straightening the road would mean that people would be able to drive faster, possibly adding to the danger rather than reducing it. However, Samak Leardwonghut, Director the Phuket Highways Department, said that in discussions in the morning it was agreed that a strip of land about two metres wide, currently part of the temple lands, would be used to widen the road and reduce congestion. The Governor, along with senior police and officials, also

inspected the bus crash site nearby and discussed options. A proposal that trucks and buses going into Patong be barred from going over the hill but must instead use the Cherng Talay-Kamala-Patong route, was dismissed because it would cause increased congestion along that dangerously winding road. Mr Samak told The Phuket New, “Between 7am and 7pm on a typical day, 25,000 vehicles go past the shrine [at the top of Patong Hill]. That is too much traffic. “We have received B11 million from the government to widen the road [up the hill] from the place of the [fatal bus crash on Sunday – December 29]. “This will allow us to widen the road by 3.5 metres, expanding it from three lanes to four.” The discussions over, the Governor, police and officials joined in a merit-making ceremony at Wat Suwankiriwong to make merit, and a monk performed a blessing at the place of the smash.

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Licensed guides march to protest illegal competition Prapaporn Jitmaneeyaphan reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

hinese-speaking tour guides gave vent to their frustration this week at the lack of action by the police and other authorities to clamp down on the increasing number of mainland Chinese being hired as illegal guides, and depriving them of work. More than 50 registered tour guides assembled at Wichit Police Station late on Monday afternoon (January 6) to try to learn the status of a police investigation into a fight between their colleagues and an illegal Chinese guide. The rally was sparked by a complaint lodged with Wichit police at around 1:30 pm by Tao Langlang, who alleged that he had been assaulted at a restaurant called Jong Hua, near the Naka Night Market. He told police he had been hit over the head with a bottle and a chair, and had to have seven stitches in his scalp. Somchai Saetung and five friends, all Chinese-speakers holding guide licenses, are accused of the attack. Police refused to give any details at all to the press. Pol Lt Thapanee Warinsa’ad, officer on duty, told The Phuket News briefly, “We can’t give any details because it is still under investigation.”

Left: Rally leader Chaifu Saelee. Right, the protest outside Tranlee Travel. The banner reads, ‘Thai people will have not work if illegal guides take our jobs. Thai children will starve.’ Mr Tao also declined to comment. But Pathompong Saeho, a friend of Mr Somchai’s said, “We came here to hear what the result will be. They [the alleged attackers] are our friends. [Mr Tao] asked [Mr Somchai] how long he had gone without work. He [Mr Tao] was contemptuous towards him. That’s why [the fight started].” Another friend, Kreangkamon Wongwan, alleged, “He [Tao] is working illegally as a guide, and came here to take our jobs. Why did he have to say things like that?” Several other guides took turns explaining to The Phuket News that the main reason they

were at the police station was because they wanted to complain to the Thai government and the authorities about the lack of action against “all these illegal Chinese guides”. Mr Kreangkamon said, “These illegal guides come here as tourists. They don’t know what the colours on the Thai flag mean. They don’t even know their way around a map of Phuket. They don’t know Thai history, and they give tourists wrong information. They twist history.” Pairoj Wutthiwarawong told The Phuket News, “There are about 800 Chinese-speaking guides holding licenses in Phuket. Now, some can get

no work because [the illegal guides] are competing for jobs. “Being a guide in Thailand is reserved only for Thais. These illegal Chinese guides explain to tourists that the blue colour of the Thai flag means sapphires, red is for rubies and white is for zircon. “They don’t know the real meaning – that red is for the nation, white is for faith and blue is for HM the King.” The following morning (January 7), their ranks swelled to 200, the Thai guides protested at the offices of Tarnlee Travel, Mr Tao’s employers, demanding that the company stop using illegal Chinese guides.

Krichakorn Roungmongkolnarm, managing director of Tranlee assured the protesters that from now on he will hire only registered Thai guides to look after Chinese tourists. But he insisted that Mr Tao was not acting as a tour guide when he was assaulted on Sunday (January 5). Mr Krichakorn insisted that Mr Tao was legally employed as an interpreter, and that he had gone into the restaurant only to order food, not to act as a tour guide. He also said that all his employees are legal, though he said he could not say whether they have work permits or what kind of visa they hold to stay

in Thailand. Mr Tao’s attackers and their supporters insisted that the fight broke out because he had spoken to them with contempt, asking sarcastically when they had last worked – a very sore point. Tranlee Travel is one of several companies specialising in Chinese tour groups that were visited by the protesters. They said they also planned to assemble later this week at the Clock Tower circle in Phuket Town and march to Provincial Hall to demand that Governor Maitree Intusut take action to curb the number of Chinese tourists working as illegal tour guides. They added that they will hand in their licenses to the Governor in protest at the lack of action. There have been many complaints over the years about Koreans and Russians illegally taking jobs as guides – a profession restricted to Thai nationals – but this was because there were not enough Thais with the language skills to meet demand. This is not the case with registered Chinese-language guides. It has frequently been alleged that the authorities accept bribes from tour companies in return for turning a blind eye to illegal guides.

Phuket prisoner NOW OPEN ALSO DINNER!! tries to escape A PHUKET PROVINCIAL Prison inmate ‘took his chance’ to escape while there were only 10 officers in charge of 2,595 prisoners, the prison director has said. Worawut Rodbun tried to escape from the prison around 12.30pm on Saturday (January 4) but was seriously injured when he came into contact with an electric fence. Rapin Nichanon, Director of Phuket Provincial Prison said, “As it was a holiday, there were only 10 officers taking care of 2,595 prisoners, so he took this chance to escape. It is believed he planned his escape in the morning.” Mr Rapin said a committee has been set up to investigate the incident. “He suffered burns on his neck and cuts on his back. @thephuketnews

Now he’s conscious in Vachira Hospital,” Mr Rapin said. Police said that after lunch the prisoners were released onto the grounds for free time. Worawut, 45, walked to an area behind the workshop and grabbed a piece of wood which was blocking access to the restricted area, and used it as a ladder to climb up the wall. At the top, he got an electric shock and fell down. He tried to climb up again, but suffered another shock. His leg got caught on the barbed wire, so officers used a ladder to climb up the wall and cut the wire, and bring him down to the ground. He was taken to Vachira Hospital. Worawut has been in prison since March 29, on theft charges. Eakkapop Thongtub

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Dionysius gets key post at Thanyapura

H A N YA PU R A PH U K ET H AS appointed well known Australian Debbie Dionysius as Director of Sports Marketing. She is a high-profile face on the island and in hotel circles worldwide for her highly effective work over the past two decades heading Destination Marketing at Laguna Phuket. Ms Dionysius was the key figure in transforming the Phuket Triathlon into Southeast Asia’s premier multi-sport event and starting and building the Phuket International Marathon. Thanyapura Phuket Executive Chairman Chris McCormack, a four-time triathlon world champion, also recently appointed, said Ms Dionysius’ destination marketing pedigree made her appointment “a no-brainer”. “When you get an opportunity to hire someone like Debbie, you grab it with both hands,” he said. “She is a hugely respected professional who has proven time and time again that she gets the job done – and gets it done exceedingly well.

“We have a boundless vision for Thanyapura Phuket, and taking the Thanyapura brand to the world, and we know Debbie will help us achieve it.” Ms Dionysius said the chance to work for Thanyapura, with its cutting-edge, progressive nature and team of champions, was very exciting. “I feel everything I’ve done professionally has been leading to this point,” she said. “This is a hugely impressive concept which – as someone who has steered major sporting events and is health conscious – I believe in whole-heartedly.” Ms Dionysius has lived in Phuket since 1995, when she was appointed Destination Marketing Manager at Laguna Resorts & Hotels. Mr McCormack, Thanyapura Chief Executive Michael Gilliam and Ms Dionysius form a triumvirate of high-calibre Australians charged with advancing the facility’s Active Healthy Lifestyle concept across all facets of sport, mind, health and education.

Debbie Dionysius says she is excited about the new job.

Seven Days of Danger Protesters force cancellation of ‘a sort of success’ THE NATIONWIDE SEVEN Days of Danger concluded at midnight on January 2, with Governor Maitree Intusut declaring it a qualified success in Phuket because of the reduced number of deaths compared with a year ago. In total there were 28 accidents, with 33 people injured and five killed on Phuket’s roads over the past seven days. In the same period a year ago there were fewer accidents (27) and fewer people hospitalised (24), but nine people died. Gov Maitree said, “We had 20 per cent more checkpoints, and there was special emphasis on safety at the Kathu checkpoint before Patong Hill.” Sadly, the Kathu checkpoint failed to detect anything wrong with the bus – or its driver – who crashed on the other side of the hill last Sunday (December 29) adding two deaths and 10 injured to the statistics. The number of cars and motorcycles involved in accidents was almost the same this year, the Governor noted. Alcohol was cited as a cause in 26 per cent of accidents, while almost half – 48 per cent – were caused by people changing direction abruptly.

Sek Loso concert

The toll for the Seven Days, compared with last year. The Phuket News graphic “Most of the fatal accidents involved speed and not wearing helmets,” he said, adding, “There are four dangers: driving drunk, motorcyclists’ bad habits, not wearing helmets and talking on mobile phones while driving.” At sea, Phuket had a clean record. “During the Seven Days of Danger, there were 251 boat trips with 11,805 passengers but no incidents on the water,” the Governor noted. “Out of 633 buses checked, we found drugs in seven, and alcohol in none. That’s only 1.1 per cent but we are going to be

more serious about checkpoints. We need to have an ongoing, serious, sustainable and stable campaign.” Lt Col Rungrit Ratanapakdee, Inspector of Traffic Police, said “We have installed four speed cameras on the island to catch and fine speeding drivers. We will mail them the penalty demand with a picture of their vehicle showing the license plate.” He stressed that the photographs would not show the faces of the drivers or front-seat passengers “because this might cause problems”.

ABOUT 500 PROTESTERS on Saturday night (January 4) forced the cancellation of a performance by Thai rock star Sek Loso at the Phuket Red Cross Fair at Saphan Hin. The blockade came after angry exchanges on Sek’s official Facebook page, in which he declared that he would vote in national elections planned for February 2. Supporters of politician Suthep Thaugsuban, who oppose the holding of an election until Thai politics are “cleaned up”, piled in with comments condemning him. He responded bitterly, “Before you used to ask stars and singers to campaign for votes. Today I posted that I will vote. You condemned me. Are you all bad guys?!? Do you have any sense? Is no one allowed to think differently from you? You guys are crazy, do you know that? Are you guys Thai? I wanna kick you in the neck. Damn f**k!” Predictably his comments were widely shared and the debate went from the internet to Saphan Hin, with protestors, some carrying posters saying they were not at all pleased

Sek Loso, from Facebook. with the rock star, gathering at the entrance of the fair to block the concert. The Gover nor’s wife, Pawinee Intusut, President of Phuket Red Cross, accompanied by other officials came out to negotiate with the protesters at around 8.30 pm, but were confronted with boos and the blowing of whistles. They retreated and, at 9.30 pm, the official announcement came from the stage that Sek Loso would not be performing. Other performances went ahead as scheduled. Sek later posted on Facebook, “The Governor asked me to postpone my concert in Phuket. I don’t want to offend anyone. I just want to make people happy. OK kids, I’ll be back next time.” thephuketnews

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Special car numbers to go up for auction

Aus Govt mulls shortlisted Hon Con candidates T H E AU S T R A L I A N government is performing background checks into shortlisted candidates for the post of Honorary Consul in Phuket. A spokesperson from the Embassy told The Phuket News on Thursday (January 3), “There are steps in the process. We have identified suitable candidates and they have to have various checks and then we will take our chosen candidate to the Thai government to be approved.” Even if a decision is made tomorrow on a candidate, she said, Thailand’s current political turmoil could leave the appointment hanging. “We expect the process now to take even longer as the Thai Government needs

to approve the decision, and that will have to wait for at least until after the election.” Australians on Phuket have now been without a Honorary Consul for three months, since Larry Cunningham retired at the end of September. He had been in the role around eight years. The Embassy said that Australians in Phuket who require notarial or passport services can visit the Australian Embassy in Bangkok. Opening hours are 8.30am – 4pm weekdays and no appointments are necessary. Australians with a consular emergency can contact the Australian Embassy in Bangkok on 02 344 6300 for assistance.

2 Burmese die in gang fight TWO YOUNG BURMESE were stabbed to death and two more seriously hurt in a battle between two opposing gangs of youths in Saphan Hin on Sunday night (January 5). By the time police and Kusoldham Foundation volun-

teers arrived at around 10:30 pm, the two gangs had fled, leaving four behind. Min, 23, was already dead and Min Min, 26, died later in hospital from multiple stab wounds. Another two were seriously injured. Eakkapop Thongtub

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Wiparatana Na Thalang reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

pecial license plates for private cars will be up for sale again on January 25 and 26 when an auction of numbers will be held at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town, starting on both days at 9 am. Theerayuth Prasertphol, Director of the Phuket Land Transport Department said on Monday (January 6), “We will offer 301 license plate numbers, all beginning with the letters ‘Kor Mor’ (กม).” The auction will take place in the Jamjuree room at the Phuket Merlin Hotel in Phuket Town. Those wanting to take part must pre-register at the Phuket Land Transport Office on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Rd, near Saphan Hin, before the auction. A pdf file with the full list of numbers may be downloaded from http://phuket.dlt.go.th/ index/images/pic/5.pdf. Some numbers have reserve prices. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Road Safety

Theerayath Prasertphol, Director of the Phuket Land Transportation Department explains the auction, flanked by some of the numbers that will be on offer. Fund. “The winning bidder in each case will have the satisfaction of knowing the money they pay will go to support victims of road accidents and promote road safety,” Mr Theerayuth said. This will be the ninth

time an auction of special license number has been held in Phuket. The auction last year drew 584 bidders, with fiercest competition being for the number 9999, which eventually sold for B1.45 million.

The previous eight auctions have raised a total of more than B150 million, Mr Theerayuth said. Successful bidders will get license plates with a background image of Phuket’s iconic Phromthep Cape.

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B240m for airport pier approved Wiparatana Na Thalang reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

he central government has given approval for a budget of B240 million for building a passenger jetty at the Phuket International Airport, allowing people to arrive on Phuket by air and then travel on by boat to where they are staying.

Phuripat Theerakulpisut, Director of the Phuket Marine Office, said the project is now undergoing its environmental impact assessment (EIA), after which planning permission will be sought. Asked how long it would be before the pier can be up and running, he said, “It depends on how long the EIA takes.” But he is still full of enthusiasm

for his idea. “It will help to reduce traffic [on Phuket’s roads] and solve the problems of airport taxis. It will run to an exact schedule and will cut journey times, and tourists can enjoy the sea view while travelling to their hotels.” Initially, he said, the service would link the airport with Patong, where many of Phuket’s hotels are. But he foresees a time when there

will be services from the airport to Krabi, Phang Nga, Koh Racha, the Phi-Phi Islands and other places that have piers. “It will be used by passenger ferries, speed boats, private boats, motor yachts and hydrofoils – each targeting different groups of tourists.” Asked whether there had been opposition from taxi drivers in Mai

Khao who might see the pier as a threat to their livelihood, he said there had been very little. “Ninety per cent of the local taxi drivers are not opposed to the project because it will reduce traffic, which will allow them to make more trips. “It will also save tourists time. It will take only 25 minutes from the airport pier to Patong Beach instead of 45 minutes by road.”

Governor helps boost image of Tourist Police Volunteers

Volunteer Sameer Khan said he was sorry about Garry Halpin’s dishonesty.

GOVERNOR MAITREE Intusut on Monday (January 6) took time in his monthly briefing of the press to rehabilitate the image of the Tourist Police and the foreign volunteers who work with them, after one of their number, Garry Halpin, was arrested on December 14 for possession of crystal methamphetamine, allegedly for sale. Tourist Police Volunteer Per Butler from Denmark explained, “I have been working as a volunteer since 2005. We help the Tourist Police with

Vietnamese ‘monk’ in 2 kilo crystal meth bust at Airport CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT Phuket International Airport on January 1 arrested a 64-year-old Vietnamese man dressed as a monk, on charges of smuggling more than two kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine, or ya ice, with an estimated street value of B8 million. Paisarn Chuanjit, deputy director-general of the Customs Department, said officials at the airport spotted a suspiciouslooking man wearing what looked like a monk’s robe.

@thephuketnews

They asked the man, identified later as Nguyen Van Thiet, to inspect his luggage using an X-ray machine. They found a total of 2,300 grammes of ya ice in plastic bags wrapped in carbon paper hidden inside the luggage. Mr Nguyen claimed he was a monk travelling from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen to Thailand for a pilgrimage. Before he boarded China Southern Airlines flight CZ6093, a Vietnamese woman asked him if he would

take some luggage to another Vietnamese person in Phuket. He said the woman told him an unidentified person would meet him at Phuket airport and take him to the luggage’s recipient. Mr Nguyen did not have a monk identification card and had arrived in Thailand on a tourist visa, Mr Paisarn said. Mr Nguyen was charged with possessing a category one drug and carrying it through Thailand for sale without permission. Bangkok Post

basic knowledge, not for the small cases like lost belongings, but for the more serious cases.” Sameer Khan, another volunteer, said he was “Sorry about the dishonest tourist police volunteer, but I am sincerely and honestly working for the Thai people.” Pol Maj Urumporn Koondysumrit, Inspector of Phuket Tourist Police, explained, “The duties of the volunteer are to help officers to communicate and solve problems with translation at the Tourist Police HQ in Phuket Town; to act

as mediator in all complaints [involving foreigners] reported to the Patong Tourist Police sub-station; to provide information to tourists at Phuket International Airport; to ensure the convenience and safety of tourists on Bangla Walking Street; to be a translator for the Provincial Court and at Chalong Police Station; to assist police in clearing areas when ordered to by Tourist Police Command; and attending regular monthly meetings with police. “No volunteer gets paid,

and they must be of good behaviour and have a clean record.” “They also have to pass the Volunteer Tourist Police training course or be approved by the committee.” “There are 18 Thai volunteers and 36 foreigners from 16 nationalities.” He noted that misbehaving volunteers do not last long. “There was an Australian tourist police volunteer who used pepper spray and frightened tourists. “He was terminated.”

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Lucky Security top concern tourists get cash for national election returned Zazithorn Ruengchinda

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TWO TOURISTS WERE fortunate to get their belongings back after they left large amounts of cash behind in taxis over the weekend. First on Sunday (January 5) Italian tourist Alfredo De Santi, 37, left his bag containing B500,000 cash, a mobile phone, passport and iPad in a taxi. At 10am, police officers received a report that 51-year-old taxi driver Phanom Baanbai had found the bag and it was returned to Mr De Santi, who was very happy. Earlier on Saturday, Prasert Tubkaew, a tuk tuk driver from Karon, reported to Karon police that a tourist had left a wallet in his tuk-tuk at around 11pm last night (January 4). Using the contact details inside the wallet, police were successfully able to return the wallet to the Australian visitor. She was thankful to have it returned, especially as it had around B40,000 inside. Eakkapop Thongtub

he board of the Phuket Election Commission on Monday (January 6) met again to discuss security for the planned February 2 general election, and for the casting of early ballots on January 26. “The counting of ballots will start after the election,” said Vice Governor Somkiat Sangkhaosuttirak, chairing the meeting. “We have to make sure that all ballot boxes are secured and well guarded. I suggest keeping the boxes in a room equipped with CCTV and guarded by two police officers” Kittipong Tiangkunakrit, director of the Commission, suggested that this should be either at a police station or at the Election Commission’s office. The meeting also tried to identify two people who might step up to act as directors of the elections in each of Phuket two “khet”, or electoral districts. The two people originally named to take on this role

Kittipong Tiangkunakrit, director of the Phuket Election Commission, has the unenviable task of making the election happen peacefully on the island. resigned on December 28, the first day that protesters gathered at the registration site to oppose regsitration of candidates. They were Tawatchai Thongmung, administration director (palad) of Phuket City Municipality and his counterpart from Srisoonthorn Municipality, Somjit Limpatwong. V/Gov Somkiat called a number of candidates, and two replacements were found. They are Sanya Siriphongrungroj, palad of Thalang District Mu-

nicipality) and his counterpart from Vichit Municipality, Viset Sabaijit. V/Gov Somkiat also voiced concern that Provincial Hall and the Election Commission office might be shut down by protesters on January 13 as part of the “Operation Bangkok Shutdown” planned by government opponents led by former Democrat MP Suthep Thaugsuban. “We must think of a backup plan and location in case we get shut down,” he said. “I

am pretty sure we’re a prime target”. Although others at the meeting felt that most Phuket protesters would be heading for Bangkok to join the “shutdown”, and that the effect on Phuket would be minimal, V/ Gov Somkiat insisted that everyone should think of backup locations. “There are so many ways they could shut us down,” he said. “They could block the gates or sabotage the electricity or the water supply.” The board were due to meet again today (January 10) to discuss the selection of a Director of Campaign Publicity to ensure that candidates all get a fair chance to broadcast their agendas before election day. So far only one candidate in Phuket has been able to register to stand for election. Jirayus Songyot braved the ranks of protesters outside the Community Hall in Phuket Town to register on December 29 as a Pheu Thai Party candidate. The following day his fellow Pheu Thai Party member, Wisit Jai’art, was turned back by protesters. He filed a complaint with police.

Firemen battle 2 fires in town PHUKET FIREFIGHTERS spent 30 minutes tackling a blaze at the Andalab Clinic on Yaowarat Road in Phuket Town around 7.30am on Sunday (January 5), with initial investigations showing a short circuit might be to blame. Firefighters arrived at the scene to find smoke coming out of Andalab Clinic’s mezzanine floor. Fortunately no one was inside the building when the fire happened, but patient documents, medical equipment and electric appliances including the refrigerator and television were badly damaged. Employee Witoon Sriwichai, 29, told police he left the building at around 10.40pm on January 4. At that time there was only the fridge and some medical equipment plugged in around the area. When he came back this morning at around 7.20am, he found the building on fire. He tried to extinguish the fire himself but wasn’t able to, so called emergency services. Early investigations show a short circuit may be to blame.

On Friday night (January 3), a family of three had a lucky escape when they escaped their burning home on Mae Luan Road in Phuket Town, around 11.40pm. Firefighters arrived at the house, which was above the Modern PVC store, and found thick smoke coming from a bedroom on the third floor. Inside were Anucha Thanpraphatsorn, 50, and his wife and child, who were able to be rescued. Firefighters tried to control the flames to stop them spreading to other materials stored inside the building. It was 20 minutes before they were able to put out the fire. Mr Anucha told police the family went to bed and left a fan on the dresser. He woke up to the smell of burning, and found the fan and the dresser were on fire. He tried to put out the fire, but was unsuccessful. Fortunately officers arrived in time and were able to help the family get out. An electrical short-circuit is believed to have started the fire. Eakkapop Thongtub

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

IN BRIEF PATONG

Businesses closed during blackout Many businesses were forced to shut shop on Friday night (January 3), after parts of Patong, including the eastern side of Rat-UThit-200-Pee Road, were plunged into darkness. T he p owe r c ut h it around 10pm, but was restored around 1am.

PATONG

Aussie injured after bike is crushed Australian tourist, 27-yearold Christopher Collinge, was taken to hospital on Sunday (January 5) after a car drove into his motorbike on the Patong Hill, crushing him between the car and the safety barrier. Police said from their initial investigation, the five tourists were riding their motorbikes down the hill when one motorist drove too close and crashed into Mr Collinge, driving his bike into the safety barrier. The car driver did not stop.

KOH KAEW

Toppled crane causes power cut A mobile crane that toppled over on Friday (January 3) onto power lines along the Bypass Road cut off power locally for about 60 minutes. Sont aya Taba nplu k of the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority said that it took about an hour to extract the crane from the cables and to repair them. No one was injured.

PATONG

Unidentified body washes up The body of a man, believed to be Nepali, was found washed up on the beach at Loma Park in Patong around 5.30am on Wednesday morning (January 1). The body was reported by a local, and police say the man is dark-skinned, and between 160-170 cm tall.

KOH KAEW

Mystery man dies in bike smash Police are trying to identify a man who overshot a curve on his motorbike around 4am on Saturday (January 4), crashed into a three-metre-deep ditch and drowned on Thepkrasattri Rd. Police say the dead man was around 30 years old and 150-160 cm tall. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Lots of fun for Children’s Day Maythida Nathompon editor@classactmedia.co.th

slanders will be able to celebrate Thailand Children’s Day tomorrow (January 11) in style by attending the many events planned for the island. In Phuket Town, the biggest event will be at the Phuket Provincial Hall, running from 8am to 3.30pm. Many activities are planned for the day, including free food and drink, a bike giveaway, games, prizes, an outdoor playground, two bouncy castles, a merry-go-round, and booths and activities from 13 government offices and schools. From 10.10am there will be f ive performances by schoolchildren, followed by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation giving away 63 bicycles. At midday two of the presenters from the At 10 TV show, Looksorn and Benze will take to the stage and at 2pm it will be the turn of actress Nun Woranut. Finally, at 3pm, gifts will be handed out before the activities close at 3.30pm. The Governor’s Mansion on Narisorn Rd will be also open for Children’s Day activities from 8am to 1pm.

Children enjoy a juggler’s performance at Laguna Phuket’s Children’s Day celebration last year. The Governor will tell children the story of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s visit to Phuket in 1959. There will also be nine activity stations in the grounds, including an exhibition about disasters, their causes and methods of prevention and mitigation and one on im-

portant plants, along with performances by children, and quiz games with bicycles and dolls as prizes. Laguna Phuket will also hold a Children’s Day celebration on Saturday from 4pm to 7pm at Laguna Grove. The theme is “Afternoon in the Park”, and will feature stage

Timetable for Heroines statue arrival announced

Homeless man drowns while fishing in pond

A LARGE STATUE DEPICTing Phuket’s two Heroines, the sisters Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisunthorn, and seven of their closest supporters in the victory over Burmese forces in 1785, will be at the centre of a celebratory procession from the very north of Phuket to Saphan Hin on January 29. At a meeting on Monday (January 6) at Provincial Hall, it was announced that the great bronze statue will arrive from Ang Thong, where it is being cast, on January 27. It will stay at the Tha Chat

A homeless man drowned while fishing in a pond in Thalang on Sunday afternoon (January 5) despite desperate attempts by a friend to save him. Local man Charagorn Leemungkhoon, 32, said he saw the man, identified only as Tawan, walking near the pond, and suggested they go fishing together. While they were doing so, Mr Tawan started screaming for help and disappeared under the water. Mr Charagorn managed to reach Mr Tawan but he was unconscious already. Eakkapop Thongtub

@thephuketnews

Chai checkpoint until the auspicious time, 9:09am on January 29, when the procession will begin. At Saphan Hin the statue will be displayed at the stage area and in the evening a “salute” ceremony at which local people can welcome the statue with offerings of flowers. The following day, also starting at 9:09am, the statue will be taken back up the island to Thalang, where it will be installed in the Phuket Historical Park in Baan Riang, just west of Thalang Town.

performances, free ice cream and souvenirs. Entry is free. Meanwhile, over at Kamala Beach, Phuket FantaSea will also be holding an event from 3pm to 5pm. There will be gifts, prizes, games and entertainment with a special focus on educating children about important places in Thailand.

There will also be performances by the groups Traffic Jam and Bangkok City Beat. Patong Municipality has organised Children’s Day activities that will take place at Loma Park from 7am to to 3pm. In addition to free food and drinks all day, bicycles

will be available for kids from 1pm to 4 pm, and 150 “large gifts” will be given to students of six local schools, there will be 17 stations with activities or performances for children, along with games. There will be no activities at the Cape Panwa Royal Thai Navy base this year. Instead, anyone family wanting to see an aerial show by the Royal Thai Air Force Blue Phoenixes team and a seaborne landing exercise by the Army will need to go to the Navy base in Thap Lamu in Phang Nga. Central Festival will be holding no celebration for Children’s Day, says general manager Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree, but at Jungceylon in Patong celebrations will be on the theme “My Dog’s [a] Superhero”. There will be a Superhero Dog show in which the “hero dog” will take on the “fatty monster”, followed by games and activities with dogs, including tug o’ war and musical chairs. Entry, along with food and drinks, is free but families should register first in the Port Arena section of the complex before joining in. The fun starts at 11am and runs until 5pm.

Opinion 10 OPINION

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Foreigners caught on camera posing as deaf people for Phuket ‘donations’ [VIDEO] Australian tourist injured after car crushes his bike into safety barrier Police stings net five Phuket taxi drivers on threat charges Man drowns af ter landing big c atch while spearfishing off Bang Tao Pitbull fails to appeal sentence for Phuket murder B240m budget for Phuket airport pier approved [VIDEO] Two Burmese stabbed to death in Phuket gang fight Bus ban for Phuket’s Hill of Death? Phuket prisoner electrocuted after trying to escape over electric fence Businesses forced to close in Phuket’s Patong after three-hour blackout last night

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

EDITORIAL

Good with the bad

here have been positive news stories that deserve special mention and praise this week. Over the weekend, there were two separate cases of tourists leaving belongings and large amounts of cash in taxis, after they had arrived in Phuket. The first instance was Italian tourist Alfredo De Santi, 37, who left a bag containing B500,000 cash, a mobile phone, passport and iPad in a taxi. The second was an Australian tourist who left her wallet containing B40,000 inside a tuk-tuk. In both cases, the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers reported the missing items to police, who were successfully able to reunite the left items with their owners.

They were incredibly lucky really – surely many of you are wondering why on earth these two tourists were carrying around such large amounts of cash and then being careless with it? B500,000 is a small fortune for most living in Phuket. The island’s drivers often cop a lot of flack – sometimes justified and sometimes not. Transport on the island is topical and everyone has an opinion on what the solution is, and what they think of the drivers currently. Taxi driver Phanom Baanbai and tuk-tuk driver Prasert Tubkaew deserve praise – not only from the tourists and police, but also from the local Thai and expat community. How easy would it have been for both these drivers just to take a few hundred baht?

After all, that’s not much out of B500,000, and the tourists would probably not have even noticed it was gone. They could have even taken B1,000 without too much trouble, let alone the whole bag. Full credit to them for their honesty. With all the stories out there about tourism on Phuket being “ruined” by the actions of many, these two tourists will go home with positive memories of their time on Phuket. Stories like this do wonders to combat stereotypes that all the island’s taxi and tuk-tuk drivers are money grabbing members of the mafia, who can’t wait to rip off tourists. Many are just regular guys trying to make a living, and are decent individuals – as shown by the actions of these two drivers this week.

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Caught in the act [Re: Foreigners caught on camera posing as deaf people for Phuket ‘donations’] Your article regarding the above subject caught my attention on New Year’s Day. As someone who was born deaf, I find this article quite amusing, but also very disturbing. I applaud your effort to publish it, but at the same time I am little concerned about provoking misunderstanding over deaf people, including Thais. It is not surprising that some deaf Thai people roam in the restaurants as long as the owners allow them to. Occasionally they have approached me and I ask them, ‘Why does this one cost B100?’ in international sign language. They laugh and reply politely, “That will be up to you whether to buy it or not!” in their signing hands. I have met a few deaf Thai at the markets in Patong and Kata and we share experiences over employment and business. They agree it can be very hard due to com-

munication barriers. I can’t help wondering how these expats can pose as deaf persons – they must be very good actors? Tony

Fleeing the scene [Re. Australian tourist injured after car crushes his bike into safety barrier] Fleeing the scene of a crime you committed is usually a serious penalty. Here, it’s a chance to sober up and come up with a defence. On the other hand, tourists should think twice about renting a motorbike. Unless you’re savvy enough to be on the defence 100 per cent of the time, you’re at risk. Expect the most moronic driving possible, and you’ll do fine. Dave Williams Yes true, but I also believe that more people would avoid these dangerous motorbikes if the rip off by taxi and tuk-tuk driver stopped and a working public transport system was available. Cassiopaia

Not necessarily true, many like the freedom of the bikes, and in this case, young guys would not take a taxi unless they absolutely had to. Tourists usually do not like ‘public’ transport, possibly because they have no idea where it will take them. Laurie Howells Quoting a friend of mine, “Here, you can be both “right” and dead.” Most cars are all over the place on the hill. I usually sit behind other traffic, before trying to overtake, trying to gage the control they have of their vehicle before making my move. Allow who wants to be in front go... the difference would only be a few minutes, at the most. Like Dave Williams says, you have to be on the defence [and patient] all the time. Tyson Horsewell

On the buses [Re. Phuket Opinion: Is banning buses from Patong Hill the solution?] Modern buses do not suffer brake failure. If there is a

failure in the air compressor, a spring releases and engages the brakes. Driver error, i.e. speed, is to blame. Put speed humps on the roads going in and out of every town. I am sick of having to pull off the road in Rawai as a tour bus comes down the hill on the wrong side flashing their light for everyone else to get out of the way. Every week someone is killed. When is it going to cease? Johnny Murray A mass-transit bus system is the best option to put many motorists off roads at peak hours, as all students and workers need to buy motorcycles to go to schools, universities and workplaces on a daily basis. All the Phuketians, Thais and foreigners alike, want a modern air-conditioned bus transport system and all taxis and tuk-tuks equipped with meters which record the route and indicate the rate charged and the amount payable. Whistle-Blower

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Police to get inside the mind of nation’s killers T

he death of six-year-old Nong Cartoon at the hands of a serial rapist and killer is giving police the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of criminal investigations, said Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) commissioner Pol Lt Gen Pongpat Chayaphan. The abduction and subsequent murder of Nong Cartoon, while tragic, has helped police realise that a killing can be motivated by mental derangement and that officers may not know enough about the complexity of the problem. The commissioner said he had asked the national police chief for a review of the Nong Cartoon case. Nong Cartoon was abducted after her father left her alone in his pickup truck during a concert on December 6 in Bangkok. The suspect, Nui, was arrested on December 15 and confessed to the killing, along with a string of other child rapes and murders. Pol Lt Gen Pongpat said

The suspect ‘Nui’. Photo: Bangkok Post/Apichart Jinakul the subject of criminal behaviour is under-studied in Asia. He said some murder cases were anything but typical. The culprits did not always kill for money or in a fit of jealousy. “The investigation work can be complex. Criminals come in many types, including those whose motives cannot be explained straightforwardly,” he said. Mentally-troubled crimi-

nals such as serial killers often strike their victims for personal pleasure. Those who embark on killing sprees, on the other hand, tend to murder randomly in different places over a space of time. They kill one person before quickly moving on to the next victim. There are also mass murderers who go berserk and kill many people at the same time. Pol Lt Gen Pongpat said

solving complicated criminal cases requires specialist knowledge. The CIB plans to teach its officers more about specialised subjects such as victimology and the science of the criminal mind. Investigators should understand the nature of criminals and their “hunting instinct”. In the Nong Cartoon case, for example, the girl was the “perfect victim”, as a child is both impressionable and vulnerable. Pol Lt Gen Pongpat said police need to acquire new knowledge so they do not catch the wrong suspects. Fact-finding methods may also need reviewing. If they were not effective enough, the major suspects or masterminds would be let off the hook. New studies in crime investigation, such as human behavioural analysis and human rights protection and ethics, should be incorporated into training for police, he said. In many countries, the studies provide guidelines

for law enforcement procedures. However, they have not been as widely adopted in Thailand, partly because the know-how is compiled in textbooks written in English which have not been translated into Thai. This year, the CIB plans to open a course for police on integrated knowledge for criminal investigations. The course will be held at the CIB learning centre on Chaeng Watthana Road in Bangkok. The bureau commissioner said the police will persevere with community policing efforts, now implemented in the northeast, as they are pleased with their success. The programme was formulated with the intention to bring down the crime rate by sending police into residential communities. The officers work with residents to combat crimes in the neighbourhood. The emphasis is not on making arrests but on winning residents’ trust and cooperation to tackle the spread of illicit drugs. Bangkok Post

IN BRIEF PATTAYA

Swedish woman alleges assault by musician ‘friend’ A 20-year-old Swedish woman claimed she was sexually assaulted by a “long time” Thai friend on January 4. On Friday night, the woman went to the Walking Street and at approximately 4am on Saturday called Mr Chin aged 44, a Thai musician from a Beer Bar in central Pattaya, to request a lift home. After awaking with no knowledge of what happened and making her way home, she received a text message from Mr Chin, stating he was sorry for having sex with her and that he loved her very much. Pattaya One

BANGKOK

Minister: ‘Don’t join shutdown protest’ Justice Minister Chaikasem Nitisiri on Monday warned people against taking part in ‘Operation Bangkok Shutdown’, planned by People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) leader Suthep Thaugsuban, saying they risk violating several laws with statutes of limitation of up to 20 years. Bangkok Post

le a S 14

r n2 a e 5 Ja Y f -1

d o 013

En D e c 2 15

Home Fitness Refined Life Fitness, Octane, Vectra, Concept II, fitness accessories and flooring on display at the Phuket showroom.

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12 ASIA NEWS

IN BRIEF HONG KONG

Film pioneer Run Run Shaw dies aged 106

The film pioneer hailed as the father of Hong Kong cinema, Run Run Shaw, died Tuesday at the age of 106. Shaw, one of the coproducers of Ridley Scott’s 1982 cult hit Blade Runner and a score of martial arts films, passed away at home, according to Television Broadcast Ltd (TVB), which he helped found.

MYANMAR

US sometimes uses ‘Myanmar’ name as ‘courtesy’

The United States sometimes uses the official name Myanmar instead of Burma as a “diplomatic courtesy” to the Asian country, the State Department said Monday, in a sign of rapprochement. Military leaders changed the official name to ‘Myanmar’ in 1989, saying that the old term ‘Burma’ was a sorry legacy of British colonialism and implied that the ethnically torn land belonged only to the Burman majority.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

‘Village of Widows’ determined to rebuild after flood disaster Annie Banerji

radling her newborn daughter at her home in a remote valley in the Indian Himalayas, Dhanita Devi tells of her determination to fight for her family’s survival. Devi’s husband was killed, along with thousands of others, when flash floods tore through the mountains of northern Uttarakhand state in June. Devi, 22, was left alone, with no income and few savings, to provide for her three children and elderly mother-in-law. But Devi says she will do “whatever it takes” to stop her family sliding into desperation. “I have never worked before. That was my husband’s job, but if he is not here to take care of us, then I need to be the man of the family,” Devi, whose husband owned a roadside eatery, told AFP. Entire villages were destroyed when surging rivers and landslides triggered by early monsoon rains crashed through the popular pilgrimage region, killing some 6,000 people during a peak tourist season. Although focus centred at the time on the thousands of Hindu pilgrims caught in the disaster, many locals who worked in the temple tourism

Indian widows, who lost their husbands during the massive floods in the northern Indian states that killed thousands last June, gather for vocational training in Uttarakhand state. Photo: AFP/Sajjad Hussain trade were also swept away or crushed under buildings and rocks. Devi is among 34 women from one hamlet alone whose husbands and sons never returned from Kedarnath, the nearby temple town where they worked and the epicentre of the disaster. These women lost not only their loved ones but their sole source of income, while her home, a cluster of hamlets officially known as DeoliBhanigram, was sadly dubbed the

“Village of Widows”. Devi’s determination to push ahead has been helped by a local charity, which in December started teaching women sewing, candlemaking, basic computer and other skills as well as literacy lessons to help them find a livelihood. “I will learn to sew, learn whatever it takes to run my house. My children’s future is in my hands now,” Devi said. Charity founder Bindeshwar Pathak said he was moved to act

after reading of the village’s plight. Pathak’s Sulabh International, which has a history of helping Indian widows, “adopted” the village in August, providing a 2,000 rupee (US$32) monthly allowance for women and US$16 for children. Although the money was welcomed, it was a far cry from the between US$650 and US$2,400 monthly wages that their husbands earned running roadside eateries or as guides to the remote temples in and around Kedarnath. Pathak says the allowance is a first step, and has launched the training programme for the women in the hope that they can eventually become “self-dependent, resourceful.” While the main temple in Kedarnath, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, has reopened, rebuilding of the region, which has four main temple towns, is slow going. Many worry about the future of the region and wonder whether tourists will return next summer given the scale of the disaster. “We do nothing anymore. The government ignored old people like me, charities ignored me,” said Sharla Purohit, 65, who lost her sons and tiny grocery shop. “Do they want me to sit and count my days?” AFP

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WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Ukrainian novelist Kurkov backs ‘school for revolution’ protests Olga Nedbaeva

he long-running opposition protests on Kiev’s central Independence Square are becoming a “school for revolution” as the country’s leaders lose touch with society, top Ukrainian novelist Andrey Kurkov told AFP. The 52-year-old is one of the most-read authors of the former Soviet Union, with his satirical Russian-language novels, notably Death and the Penguin, translated into many languages. He said he regularly goes to Independence Square, known as the Maidan, which protesters have occupied since Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych in November scrapped a rap prochement with the European Union under pressure from Russia. “The Maidan is a school for revolution. There are a lot of crazy people and colourful characters here, but there are

People attend a rally at Kiev’s Independence Square. Photo: AFP/Sergei Supinsky also plenty of people who are consolidating their activism,” he said. Kurkov was also a firm supporter of the 2004 Orange

Revolution, which took place on the Maidan. The protest led to a rerun of rigged polls claimed by Yanukovych, bringing pro-Western opposi-

US prepares for Arctic blast MILLIONS OF PEOPLE hunkered down Sunday in America in anticipation of brutal weather from a dangerous Arctic blast that could send US temperatures plummeting to their coldest in 20 years. The northeast of the country and parts of Canada have been in the grip of crippling heavy snow and deadly subzero conditions since the turn of the year and the deep freeze is now ripping through the US Midwest and threatening usually balmy areas further

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south. The wind chill from the rare “polar vortex” could make it feel as cold as -60 Fahrenheit (-51 Celsius) in places, weather forecasters say, prompting authorities in several towns and cities to issue warnings that people should stay indoors and even stock up on food. In such extreme cold, exposed skin would suffer frostbite in as little as five minutes, experts have cautioned. The National Weather

Service described the weather as “life-threatening.” “The coldest temperatures in almost two decades will spread into the northern and central US today behind an Arctic cold front,” it said. “Combined with gusty winds, these temperatures will result in life-threatening wind-chill values as low as 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) below zero. Also, heavy snow will develop from the eastern Plains to the Great Lakes today, with up to a foot of accumulation possible.” AFP

tion leaders to power. The writer’s involvement in the Orange Revolution prompted a dramatic fall in the print runs of his books

in Russia. Kurkov, who has a British wife and three children, is known for his darkly comic style. The hero of his novel, Death and the Penguin, writes obituaries in advance for a local newspaper, only to find his subjects rapidly meeting premature ends. Kurkov was on the jury of the 2009 Man Booker International Prize which picked Canadian short story author Alice Munro. In 2010, when President Viktor Yanukovych came to power amid disillusionment with the squabbling Orange Revolution leaders, Kurkov said that in his view, one “can only know one Maidan in a lifetime.” But he said he has now completely changed his mind, and believes there could be a “third Maidan, then a fourth and so on.” This form of protest “is now rooted in the consciousness of the people,” he said. AFP

IN BRIEF FRANCE

Pressure mounts on French comic The mayor of Paris on Sunday joined France’s interior minister in calling for comedian Dieudonne, whose vitriolic brand of humour targeting Jews has caused outrage, to be banned from the stage. Dieudonne has been part of France’s comedy scene for years, but while he started out with a Jewish comedian in sketches that mocked racism, he gradually veered to the far-right.

MEXICO

Mexican vigilante leader injured A small plane crash-landed in western Mexico, killing one person and injuring four others, including the leader of a vigilante group fighting drug cartels, officials said Sunday. Jose Manuel Mireles, a high-profile leader of selfdefense forces in Michoacan state, was transferred in a police Black Hawk helicopter to a hospital in Mexico City for security reasons, a federal official said.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

IATA marks 100 years of commercial flight T

Denis Thouvard.

Thouvard new GM of Dusit Laguna Phuket DUSIT THANI LAGUNA Phuket has announced the appointment of Frenchman Denis Thouvard as General Manager. Previously Area General Manager of the Centara Grand Beach Resort in Karon, Mr Thouvard succeeds the popular and personable Peter Komposch, who retired recently. Mr Thouvard has more than 20 years’ experience in 5-star hotels and resorts throughout Thailand, Hong Kong, France and the UK. Apart from running the Centara Grand, he has also worked in Phuket at what is now The Surin, and at Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club.

he International Air Transport Association (IATA) has dedicated 2014 as a year of celebration, commemorating 100 years since the birth of commercial aviation. The first scheduled commercial airline flight happened 100 years ago on Wednesday – on 1 January 1914 – with one passenger travelling the 20 km from St Petersburg, Florida, to nearby Tampa, aboard the Airboat Line. Abram Pheil, then mayor of St Petersburg, paid US$400 at auction for the 23-minute flight. The global aviation industry now carries, on average, more than 8 million people every day and transports approximately 50 million tonnes of cargo by air annually. In 2013, total passenger numbers were 3.1 billion – surpassing the 3 billion mark for the first time. Aviation supports over 57 million jobs worldwide and generates US$2.2 trillion in economic activity. Global airline industry

The Airboat Line biplane could carry just one passenger. Photo: Florida State Archives turnover is expected to be US$743 billion in 2014, with an average industry net profit margin of 2.6 per cent and passenger numbers are expected to grow to 3.3 billion in 2014. IATA director general and chief executive Tony Tyler. “A hundred years is something worth celebrating and we look forward to creating an equally remarkable legacy for commercial aviation’s second century,” said Tyler.

Although Mayor Phiel paid US$400 to be the first passenger, scheduled flights in the aircraft – which could carry just one passenger at a time – were more modest. A one-way ticket for the 30-minute flight cost US$5; twice that for a round trip. Passengers were allowed an all-up weight, including themselves and their luggage, of 200 pounds (90 kilos). The concept of excess baggage payments

was born right then – anything over 200 pound was charged at 5 cents a pound. It was still by no means cheap. US$5 in 1914 would buy roughly the same as US$115 ( B3,450) tod ay. Mayor Phiel’s trip would cost US$9,416 – or close to B280,000. IATA has launched a new website to host the centennial celebration at www.f lying 100years.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Novel way planned to tackle loan sharking T H E F ISCA L POLIC Y Office (FPO) is to ask the Election Commission (EC) for permsion to use a novel way to tackle the problem of private debts arising from lending by loan sharks. The plan is an innovative way of tackling loan sharking, which has always been robustly resistant to enforcement. Instead, the idea is to turn loan sharks – or some of them, at least – into registered microlending companies. FPO Director General Somchai Satjapong revealed that his office had already raised the issue with caretaker Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong, who supported the scheme. But, Mr Somchai explained, the plan needs prior approval from the EC. If the response is positive, the FPO can start the project without waiting for a new government. Under the scheme, “unlicensed creditors” – the polite name for loan sharks – would be allowed to register as a juristic person and set up a small-time credit company providing loans to the general public. No mention was made of interest rates. NNT

Buy tickets for this match at the information desk in Central Festival Phuket or from the office of Expert Media Asia

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BUSINESS NEWS 15

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Political tension seeping through entire economy

I Singapore Airlines will reportedly cut back flights to Bangkok later this month. Photo: Simon Sees

Silver lining for Phuket as visitors avoid capital PH U K ET H AS BEE N unaffected and may actually be benefiting from the political turmoil in Bangkok as greater numbers of holidaymakers, deterred by the increasing political turmoil in the capital, seek somewhere calmer to take a holiday. Thitima Keankeaw, Flight Data Officer at Phuket International Airport, told The Phuket News on Monday, “There’s been no change in flight schedules yet. There’s concern about the protest in Bangkok but everything remains the same.” She added that although the number of flights had not changed, flights are increasingly full. The fall in demand for flights to Bangkok – driven partly by travel advisories

from some 50 coutries, urging citizens not to go to the Thai capital – has reportedly resulted in Singapore Airlines planning to cut 19 flights from its Bangkok schedule from mid-January to late March. It has also been reported that two Hong Kong airlines – Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines – plan to do the same for the same reason – falling demand for flights to Bangkok. The Bangkok Post quoted Suvarnabhumi Airport general manager Rawewan Netrakavesna as saying she could not confirm the report But she is plainly taking the reports seriously, holding meetings to “to assess the situation and prepare necessary measures to deal with unexpected incidents and impacts from the demonstrations”.

CORRECTION: In our January 3 story ‘Royal Phuket Yacht Club is sold again’, it was stated that the building permit for the Puravarna project was never issued. This was not the case. It was also stated that Steven Granville was freed from jail after charges against him were dropped. He was, in fact, acquitted, and his accuser, Anand Kumar Sen, is now free on bail pending appeal against conviction for making false accusations. We regret the errors.

ncreasing political tension, especially in the run-up to the threatened “Close Bangkok” protests scheduled for Monday (January 13), is taking a heavy toll on business and, by extension, the economy in general. Apart from reported cancellations of flights into the capital (see story this page), the stock market has fallen, and at the weekend the baht had dropped, too, to below B33 to the USD. In addition, the latest round of political turmoil is putting the fiscal 2015 budget allocation at risk of long delays, says the Comptroller-General’s Department. The ripples from the protests are spreading far and wide, into the retail industry and even into the property industry, with a major retail group predicting a shortfall of B2 billion in its festive season income, and a listed operator of industrial estates saying that it is looking to Vietnam and away from Thailand. The Bangkok Post quoted the Comptroller-General’s Department Director-general Manas Jamveha as voicing concern that if the latest goal of the anti-government protesters to postpone the election from Feb 2 is successful, a delay in considering budget expenditures for the next fiscal year starting September 2014 will occur. “Look at the 17 days these protesters seized control of the

More Pressure: Puea Thai supporters in Bangkok on Sunday (January 4), 2014. Photo: AFP/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul Finance Ministry and other state agencies recently. Just this alone caused disbursement to miss the target by B100 billion,” said Mr Manas. Normally the fiscal expenditure plan for the following fiscal year is reviewed every January, but since the constitution prohibits a caretaker government from committing any budget to the following fiscal year’s plan, Mr Manas expects a delay of four months in planning the 2015 budget, with government projects nationwide being put on hold meanwhile. Meanwhile, offshore players are ditching the baht for the dollar on concerns over a potential confrontation, a dealer at a local bank said. The baht’s slide is expected to continue in the weeks ahead, he added. Kasikorn bank recently estimated that the baht could hit 34 to the dollar in the first

quarter. Meanwhile, the SET index also continued to slide, though bargain hunters slowed the fall at the end of last week. “However, the index remains at risk of falling below the 1,200-point level, given the risks from the Bangkok shutdown lying ahead,” said Apichat Poobunjirdkul, a senior vice-president of Tisco Securities. “January is expected to be a turbulent period for Thai politics, so it is very difficult for the stock market to stage a sustainable rebound,” said Asia Plus Securities analyst Prakit Siriwattanaket. Tisco Securities advised a wait-and-see approach for long-term investors, and Asia Plus recommended holding cash this month, the Bangkok Post reported. Meanwhile, Thailand’s second-largest retailer, The Mall Group, whose brands

include Siam Paragon and Emporium, expects political problems could wipe B2 billion off its sales for the festive season, and would limit sales growth for the whole of 2013 to only 5 or 6 per cent, said chief executive Paiboon Kanokwattanawan. Siam Paragon, where about 40 per cent of sales are to foreign tourists, lost about B50 million when it closed on the day of a big rally. The SET-listed Amata Corporation, an industrial estate operator has cut its 2013 land sales target in Thailand by twothirds, blaming the growing political conflict, resulting in foreign firms delaying decisions on investing in Thailand. Viboon Kromadit, the director and chief marketing officer, said four major customers have delayed signing land purchase contracts. But Wichuda Plangmanee, an analyst at KK Trade Securities, estimates Amata’s land sales in 2014 will reach 1,500 rai, with customers signing contracts in the first half. “Politics has had only shortterm effects on land sales in the past. The political crisis in 2009, for instance, lowered Amata’s sales to only 253 rai, but they increased to 1,200 rai and 1,500 rai in 2010 and 2011,” she said. But Mr Viboon said Amata will increase its focus on land sales in Vietnam this year in line with rising investment in the industrial sector.

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16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST What’s in a name? You know you’ve really made it when they name an animal after you, just like these following five lucky celebrities.

John Cleese: The Avahi Cleesei was named in 2005 after scientists wanted to honour the Monty Python comedian and British actor for his conservation work. The Avahi Cleesei is actually a Bemaraha woolly lemur species and was named after Cleese promoted lemurs in the film Fierce Creatures and documentary Operation Lemur with John Cleese. The animal was first discovered in 1990 by a team of researchers from the University of Zurich, who made no mention of its silly walk in their scientific report. Kate Winslet: The British actress has a ground-beetle species named after her called Agra Katewinsletae because of her role in the film Titanic. “Her character did not go down with the ship, but we will not be able to say the same for this elegant canopy species, if all the rainforest is converted to pastures,” said the scientific paper describing the beetle, in an obvious grab at receiving celebrity endorsement. The species is known to live in the Amazon rainforest, and has a long neck with a green, stocky bottom. Bob Marley: Another small creature to find itself attached to a superstar is the Gnathia Marleyi, named after late reggae singer Bob Marley. The creature is a species of crustacean that infests and feeds on the blood of fish and is only found in the Caribbean Sea. It was discovered in the US Virgin Islands in 2002 by marine biologist Paul Sikkel, who named it after Marley because they are both from the Caribbean. Sikkel is also quoted as saying he had great “respect and admiration” for Marley’s music, though not why he felt the need to call him a bloodsucker. Nelson Mandela: The late former South African president and human rights activist has a sea slug named after him – Mandelia Mirocornata. But that’s not all, Mandela also has a whole family of sea slugs named after him under the Mandeliidae name. These creatures have only been found around the southern coast of South Africa, in 10 to 400 m of water. Most of the species under this branch have black spots and are cream coloured with oblong-shaped bodies. They reach a total length of 70 mm. Angelina Jolie: This superstar is tall, beautiful, and married to Brad Pitt. The Aptostichus Angelinajolieae is small, terrifying, and has (we assume) no idea who Brad is. This wafer trapdoor spider, found in northern California seizes on its prey and injects it with venom, which is probably exactly how Jennifer Aniston described Angelina after Brad broke things off with her. First described in 2008 by university professor James Bond (yes, you read correctly), the creature was named after the actress in recognition of her work on the United Nations High Commission for Refugees.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Dolphins get high eating puffer fish A

BBC documentary on dolphins has observed the lovable mammals deliberately getting high on puffer fish by chewing them a little and passing them around. The dolphins found a way to chew the fish so they release small doses of a powerful toxin that makes the mammal go into a narcotic state. In large doses, however, the toxin can be deadly. Dolphins: Spy in the Pod, which won a

wildlife documentary award, was produced by John Downer and captured the scene as the dolphins passed their prey around while high. “After chewing the puffer gently and passing it round, they began acting most peculiarly, hanging around with their noses at the surface as if fascinated by their own reflection,” said Rob Pilley, a zoologist who helped produce the documentary.

Duck gives last quack of 2013

Rubber ducky, you’re the one...

THE PEOPLE OF KEELUNG, in northern Taiwan, were suppose to ring in the New Year with a view of the giant yellow duck that was on display in the city’s harbour. Instead, the duck ended up exploding just hours before, as residents started to gather in the area. The 18 m tall duck had been on display for only 11 days before it met its demise. Created by Dutch artist Flo-

rentijn Hofman, the display was meant to be a centrepiece of celebrations. Investigators are checking to see if an eagle had been pecking at the display causing it to pop. “We want to apologise to the fans of the yellow rubber duck.... the weather is fine today and we haven’t found the cause of the problem. We will carefully examine the duck to determine the cause,” said organiser Huang Jing-tai.

New creature given ‘Game of Thrones’ name DAENERYS TARGARYEN is a character on the popular television series Game of Thrones and is known for her long blonde hair as well as the moniker “khaleesi” denoting her status as a queen. This is the main reason why researchers have named a recently-

discovered creature after her. Titonia khaleesi is the newest addition to the Tritoniidae family. The new creature, which looks like a slug, has a pale white body with small fins and was discovered off the coast of northeastern Brazil earlier this year.

Reporter faints but finishes interview AMERICAN NEWS REP orter Brooke Graham’s phone won’t stop ringing, and her latest news interview may be the reason why. Reporting for KUTV in Utah, Graham was just beginning her interview about cross-country skiing when she suddenly fell backwards into the snow and passed out briefly. Within moments, Graham awoke and continued her interview, asking questions and

even joking about the incident. “I am known to faint any time I am in high altitudes and get too cold (so does my twin sister Britt). So this week I plan to go get checked out by a doctor and get to the bottom of this,” she wrote on her blog. “In the meantime, we can all laugh at the craziness of the situation!” A clip of the interview on Youtube has already garnered close to 5 million views. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

German Hon Con Dirk Naumann

Harry Usher bikes through Laos

LOOKING BACK New exhibition displays never before shown photos of the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past > page 14

Photo by forgotten photography master Saengjun Limlohakul, who immortalised his hometown of Phuket in its last tin-mining days.

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FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

Man on a mission Jody Houton editor3@classactmedia.co.th

Clockwise from top: Dirk at his desk; framed memories; helping a visitor; antique furniture; busy working; map of the Andaman.

he recent news that German Hononary Consul Dirk Naumann would be leaving his post so soon after the Australian Hononary Consul, Larry Cunningham, departed his, was met with worried whispers that the ‘other’ most outspoken honorary consul had given up amid an avalanche of antipathy for the work that they were doing, or at least attempting to do. The decision to leave, however, is not one that was taken lightly. Sitting down with Dirk in his little office on the Bypass Road – the same place where I first interviewed him several years ago – he is a little slower on his feet and a little softer spoken. “I’m in my ninth year of cancer,” Dirk says abruptly, as way of explaining why he must leave, “before they could control it, but now they can’t.”

The German Embassy has already made a decision on his replacement, a 45-year-old woman, but the official announcement is pending approval by Thai authorities. Once she is given the green light, she will take over the duties of the office. There’s a tinge of sadness when Dirk speaks, but it is more melancholy than morbidity. “I’ve had a very good life and have no regrets. Some people fear death, but I don’t. I fear the pain associated with death, but now that Thai authorities allow the potent medicine [morphine] into the country, I do not have any pain. “Then, death becomes a very simple matter.” Dirk is almost 72-years-old, and has lived more than 40 of his years in Thailand and away from his native city of Hamburg, Germany. It meant that the decision to stay or go was an easy one to make. “My home is here now – I’ve been away from Germany for a long time. My friends are all over the world. I think I have one 93-year-old uncle in Hamburg – what am I going to do with a 93-yearold uncle?” Besides the uncle, who Dirk quips may outlive him, he has children in Germany, one of whom, along with his granddaughter, is coming back to Thailand to take care of him. Dirk first arrived in Thailand around 46 years ago, when he was sent by a German pharmaceutical company to expand operations in the country. “I eventually became the youngest ever managing director of the company at 23-years-old. I still am to this day.” Dirk then continued to work for dif-

ferent pharmaceutical companies until retiring at the age of 59. His work didn’t stop there though, and a couple of years later he was approached by the German Embassy. In 2003, he moved to Phuket and started work as the island’s German Honorary Consul. “The role hasn’t changed significantly,” says Dirk after a moment or two of contemplation, “but I have become more outspoken and aggressive [during the ten year tenure] and less patient.” “Why have I become more aggressive?” asks Dirk, anticipating my next question. “Well, it’s because I’ve watched this beautiful island in the Andaman Sea suffer a slow and certain death.” Dirk tells me that throughout his appointment, he has remained consistent with two main issues: tuk-tuks and taxis; and water pollution. “Unfortunately with regards to water pollution, nothing has changed, nothing has been done and very little has been done regarding the taxi and tuk-tuk situation,” he says with an air of disappointment. The pollution of Phuket’s waters are especially a sore point with Dirk, as the ocean was one of the main reasons why he moved to Phuket in the first place. “When I came 11 years ago, my primary objective was to sail, because I loved the sea, beaches and the sun.” Unfortunately, Dirk’s main pastime was to come to an abrupt end in 2007 when he received a visit from a fellow German. “He came to me to tell me that he’d come to Phuket with his own water testing kit and showed me the results, he said that almost all of the beaches in

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Phuket were unsafe to swim off.” From that day onwards Dirk never went into the waters off Phuket again. He was also instrumental in setting up and assisting two separate German TV programme makers to visit to investigate water pollution levels, one of which was Wir Retten Ihren Urlaub (We Save Your Holiday). Their own investigation verified that water pollution levels were completely unsafe for swimming in. The situation has not improved, believes Dirk – if anything it’s probably become much worse. “The Phuket government just does not have enough funds to fix the problems,” says Dirk. “The central government, in fact, has never allocated sufficient funds, regardless of whether Abhisit or Shinawatara [is in charge], they only take, take, take. Now the scars on the Phuket environment are very evident and horrendous.” Dirk adds that it’s wrong to equate visitor numbers with success, and believes the statistics quoted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand are not only probably inaccurate, as they make no distinction between whether arrivals stay in Phuket or go elsewhere, but also do not factor in the type of tourist who is visiting. “We need to stop being so self congratulatory about things. There needs to be proper studies done, proper statistics [gathered], it’s not just about visitor numbers. “We need to look at how much the Russians and Chinese are actually spending, and how many Phuket restaurants, owned by Phuket people, they are going to!” “Chinese buy food at 7/11 and go back to their Chinese-owned hotel and play mahjong. They don’t spend money or stay for the same kind of nights in ho-

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tels like the Europeans did. “People will one day wake up: the Europeans are leaving and finding other places like Bali, the Australians are leaving, and the Russians and Chinese will eventually leave. The congestion and pollution will eventually take its toll.” Dirk references Italy in the 1970s, “It was incredibly popular until 1972, when there were numerous reports of the beaches being polluted, the food being terrible, and the waiters being rude.” For the next few years, explains Dirk, visitor numbers plummeted until Italy realised it needed to wake up. “I guests that’s what will happen in Phuket,” he says. It is for this reason that Dirk believes it is the duty of media in Phuket to never shy away from pointing out the negative aspects of life here, the elements that he says are destroying Phuket – without destroying Phuket as a tourist destination. This he says is, of course, a delicate balance. Although he believes that Phuket is not yet at the point of no return, he says the island is still headed down the same unsustainable road it has been ever since being discovered as a tourist destination. “I’ve not seen a substantial difference between the first governor I worked with and the one I’m working with now,” says Dirk, adding that he is at least happy that the tri-monthly honorary consul meetings with the Governor are now back on. “Perhaps he [Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut] realised that speaking to the hon cons is not an all bad thing, but I’ve always wished the meetings were a little smaller and a little more intimate really. “That way people could speak more openly and every word doesn’t carry

such weight. There are too many people involved.” Although the time for Dirk to be worrying about such things is drawing to an end, this doesn’t mean that he will stop caring about Phuket or Thailand – his home. “Why do I still love Thailand?” he says, “It’s very easy for me. It’s very warm and I like the food and the people – especially the ladies. And I love the mai pen rai attitude – I like this attitude a lot.” So how will this hard-working honorary consul be spending his long overdue retirement? “I’m going to be spending my time with my daughter and grandson now, and I have a feeling that they’re going to be taking up a lot of my time,” he says with a smile.

4 HEALTH IN BRIEF Chinese officials told no smoking

The Chinese government has instructed officials not to smoke in public places in a rare, high-profile anti-smoking signal from authorities in the world’s biggest tobacco market. Government officials and cadres at all levels must not smoke in public venues including schools, hospitals, sports and cultural centres and public transportation vehicles and vessels.

Brain biomarker cue to long sleep

Swedish scientists last Tuesday (December 31) said they had found further evidence that sleep helps to promote the health of brain cells. The clues come in two so-called biomarkers – tell-tales of biological activity – found in the blood of sleep-deprived young men. A team at Uppsala University recruited 15 healthy volunteers, and deprived them of sleep for a night or let them sleep for eight hours.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

High times for Colorado

arijuana users celebrated last week as Colorado became the first US state to allow retail cannabis sales, putting it in the vanguard of efforts across the country to legalise the drug. The western state famous for its ski resorts and breathtaking mountain vistas has issued 348 retail licenses – including for small pot shops – that can sell up to 28 grams of pot to people aged 21 or older. Washington state on the Pacific Coast will follow Colorado several months from now, when it also allows stores to begin selling cannabis. Iraq war veteran Sean Azzariti was the first person to legally purchase cannabis for recreational use in the United States. “It’s an absolute honour, I couldn’t be happier. It’s a huge stepping stone for other states as well, so it’s a huge honour, to say the least,” Azzariti told reporters. Azzariti, who has campaigned to legalise weed, said marijuana helps alleviate his post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. As America’s attitudes on marijuana use evolve, Colorado and Washington legalised recreational consumption of the drug in November 2012 referendums, but the new rules coming into force allow cannabis shops. “It just makes it an item of commerce, like going into a liquor store,” a gray-haired Charles Pierce, 61, told AFP at the Denver Kush Club, where pot fans lined up in the wind and sleet for the 8 am opening. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said he was proud of the city. “I want to thank the businesses and consumers alike for acting responsibly and with great account-

A discount medical marijuana cannabis shop in Denver, Colorado. Photo: O’Dea ability today,” he said in a statement. “Denver is a progressive city, a vibrant city, and it’s incumbent on all of us to continue getting this right,” Hancock added. State officials here anticipate that marijuana sales will generate some US$67 million (B2.2 billion) in annual tax revenue. Opponents of legalised cannabis warn that it can lead to higher rates of marijuana use and addiction, even among young people who technically are not sanctioned to use the drug. They also say that marijuana users face a raft of health and psychiatric problems, noting that pot is often a gateway drug that can lead to abuse of more serious substances. Supporters hailed its legalisation – and legal sale – in Colorado as historic, and a possible sign of things to come elsewhere. “The state is demonstrating to the rest of the nation and the entire world that regulating marijuana works,” said Rob Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, one of the leading backers of the ballot initiative to legalise marijuana. “It’s only a matter of time before lawmakers and voters in more states adopt similar laws regulating marijuana like alcohol.” Colorado’s branch of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws told AFP that everyone will benefit. “It will mean jobs, tax revenue

for the state and local jurisdictions, increased tourism and a developing progressive new industry in Colorado,” NORML attorney Rachel Gillette said. Michael Elliott, head of the Medical Marijuana Industry Group, noted that Colorado has licensed medical marijuana businesses since 2010, but said the influx of tourists for recreational use of pot could lead to shortages. “It’s tough to know whether supply will meet demand, mainly because it’s tough to know the impact of tourism on this new market,” he said. Tax collectors are eyeing the revenue the newly legalised trade will generate, while cannabis growers and others are also rubbing their hands in anticipation. Enterprising companies are even offering marijuana tours to cash in on tourists expected to be attracted to a Netherlands-style pot culture – including in Colorado’s famous ski resorts. “Just the novelty alone is bringing people from everywhere,” said Adam Raleigh of cannabis supplier Telluride Bud Co. Medical marijuana is already legal and regulated in 19 US states, and has been allowed in some cases for the past 20 years. And in most of them, private consumption of cannabis is not classified as a crime. Colorado and Washington are creating a recreational market in which local authorities will oversee growing, distribution and marketing – all of it legal – for people to get high just for the fun of it. AFP

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DINING GUIDE 7

EUROPEAN

INTERNATIONAL

INDIAN

SEAFOOD

Bodega & Grill

Irish Times

Navrang Mahal

Trisara Seafood

A rustic, homely atmosphere serving North and South Indian dishes, freshly prepared by hereditary chefs and served in brass Katoris in the Royal Mughal style of bygone Emperors of India. Many mouth-watering dishes prepared exactly to your liking. Open from 12.30pm - 3pm and 6.30pm 11pm daily. Karon Sea Sand Resorts & Spa, Karon Beach. Also in Patong Soi Bangla. 076 286 464

The first truly world-class destination seafood dining experience on Phuket. A private entrance leads guests either to an outdoor, beachfront deck or to the cool, relaxed interior. The menu is a balance between local and imported seafood prepared and served in a Mediterranean way. Dinner 7pm-10.30pm. Trisara, 076 310 100.

Bodega & Grill is situated on a picturesque patio by the lagoon. The restaurant serves premium char-grilled steaks and seafood from a wood-fired oven, as well as authentic homemade pastas, risottos and paellas. Bodega’s generous steaks are available in portions of up to 1.2 kilogram. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101

The only Irish owned and managed Irish Pub in Phuket. A real Irish Pub at the heart of Phuket’s world famous nightlife. In this traditionally styled Irish pub you will find a very warm welcome from the Management and their fantastic staff. All your favourite Irish food and beverages. Jungceylon, Patong Beach; irishtimespub-phuket.com

Ceramic Kitchen Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

ITALIAN

RE KÁ TA Beach Club

Acqua

Enjoy fine dining with panoramic sea views in sensually indulgent setting. Delicious Thai and European creations are served on the open-air terrace. Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is the winner of the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. Situated on the only road into to Kata Noi Beach. Reservations recommended. momtriphuket .com; 076 333 568

Enjoy a unique dining and shopping experience at Ceramic Kitchen. We offer a wide range of beverages as well as the chance to shop for ceramic after your lunch or dinner, while every Sunday we do a traditional roast all day. We’re also experts for special events, wedding ceremonies, staff parties, birthday parties and more. 185/5 Moo 7, Srisoonthorn Rd., T. Srisoonthorn, Thalang district. 076 272151-2, 082 153 3163

FRENCH

Connoisseurs of fine cuisine can revel in Acqua’s experiential concept. The Acqua restaurant experience promises to deliver only the freshest of ingredients, sourced from only the best producers both local and international. Taste explosions from the portfolio of Chef Alessandro Frau, of both traditional & contemporary are offered. Kalim Bay-Patong, 076 618 127

The beachfront restaurant offers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach. Open daily 6.30am-11pm; Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); info@rekataphuket.com, rekata phuket.com, 076 330 421

Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood KEE Sky Lounge

DaVinci

La Boucherie

La Boucherie is a French steakhouse located on Soi Sansabai in Patong, next to Jungceylon and just a short walk from Bangla road. You’ll find a varied menu of wonderful and reasonably priced food that includes perfectly cooked steaks and dishes from France, all with friendly and efficient service that guarantees you a very pleasant and satisfying experience. Open daily 11am-5am. 076 344 581. laboucherie-asia.com

Serving up an eclectic mix of tasty East-meetsWest tapas, and a colourful new vibe on the rooftop. Enjoy trendy fusion finger food influenced by cooking styles from around the world alongside your main course, or simply relax with Eurasian tapas and sip sundowners from a selection of creative cocktails. Open 5.30pmmidnight, KEE Resort & Spa, 076 335 888

Great food and people you know! Authentic Italian cuisine in Nai Harn area. Three different dining areas, cocktail lounge, children’s play area, Delicatessen, live music....DaVinci is not just a meal, it is an experience of taste, atmosphere and more. Restaurant open daily 5pm-11.30pm; Deli open 11am-6pm; Sunday close; Naiharn 076 289 574. davinciphuket.com

Panache Restaurant

Diavolo

Start your evening with delicious food and fine wine. Pick the perfect spot to take in stunning views of Patong bay, as the evening breeze surrounds you. Relax and enjoy live music to make your evening into that truly wonderful and unforgettable dining experience. Open daily 11am-Midnight. Patong; baankalim.com; baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com, 076 618 125

THAI Baan Aroi Restaurant

Breeze Restaurant

Phuket’s most exciting new restaurant is situated on the waterfront at Cape Yamu. Chef Cheryl Johnson is providing diners with her innovative modern French interpretations of local ingredients. Open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch. Our menus change frequently. Cape Yamu, Paklok, 081 271 2320

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Try our creative and innovative cuisine. Open daily from 7.00 am till 11.00 pm. Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, outriggerthailand.com.

The Bistro Restaurant

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Offers authentic Thai cuisine, showcasing traditional local flavours with the freshest, finest and healthiest ingredients. This restaurant is surrounded by a lush tropical garden and provides a warm and friendly atmosphere. Open daily from 11.00 am till 9.00 pm. Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, outriggerthailand.com.

JAPANESE Talung Thai

Tre by Double Pool Villas

An array of culinary experiences is offered to tempt and intrigue in Tre - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant set among the superb surroundings of the DoublePool Villas. Tre’s signatures dishes include scallops and green apples and tartar with pan-fried foie gras. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay; banyantree.com

A menu of modern Mediterranean influences created by Chef Luca to tantalize the senses in a modern ambience. Offering everything from fresh seafood pastas to simple good pizzas. An impressive selection of well priced beverages and stunning sea views complete the experience. Open daily for lunch or dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala Beach; 076 302 000

Tamarind Restaurant

Find all the Italian traditions in one location, and savor and experience the real Mama style dishes serving only the traditional taste of Italia. The Bistro is at Impiana Resort Patong Phuket. Happy Hours 50 per cent off for selected beverages, soft drinks, juices from 3pm-5pm & 10pm11pm daily. Open 3pm-12am. Impiana Resort Patong Phuket, Patong Beach, 076 340 138.

To complement an already distinctive cuisine, Tamarind is bringing to the island high quality authentic Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Master Chef Shiraishi. Gracing our Japanese menu will be fresh sushi, sashimi, healthy salads, yakitori and tempura and much more. Tamarind is your ultimate destination to savour the best Japanese cuisine in Phuket. Cherngtalay; banyantree.com

The restaurant has a stunning sunset location, offering views of the Andaman Sea. The menu of southern Thai specialties and true local dishes, are not seen on many other restaurant menus in Phuket. Chill with a cocktail from our award wining mixologist at sunset and then relax with authentic Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala; 076 302 000

8 DINING

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FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

It’s not all Charles De Gaulle... Sam Wilko editor@classactmedia.co.th

If you’re looking for a raunchy atmosphere or noisy wall-mounted TV game you’ve definitely come to the wrong place Clockwise from top: the interior of Chanya; the food is healthy, and ‘bursting with flavours’. Photos: Stephan Audiger

harles de Gaulle may not rate high in the North American/British popularity stakes but you have to hand it to him when it comes to surviving assassination attempts. All in all, the intransigent old Frog escaped no less than 31 cracks on his life; the most spectacular on October 22 1962 when a disaffected French air force man let loose with a machine gun on De Gaulle’s passing Citroen DS. The nearby shops were sprayed with bullet holes and the car itself took 14 bullets before miraculously escaping – due to its unique hydraulic suspension system – so it comes as no surprise to learn that it was the French gangsters’ fave-rave car of the sixties. On the face of it, de Gaulle mustn’t have exactly been the flavour of the month with the French, either. “Yes”, you say, “but what’s that got to do with a restaurant review?” Beaucoup, as it turns out, as you can view one of these unusual-looking vehicles (no one could call it ‘beautiful’ but the Citroen DS certainly is

unique and Roland Barthes wrote a fascinating deconstruction of its revolutionary design) behind Chanya restaurant, diagonally opposite Phromphan supermarket on Chao Fa West near Central Festival. Accompanying it are same-era Mercs and other well-preserved relics of yesteryear. Still, to be honest, not many people here are interested in a plug-ugly car that can handle 14 slugs and still get home in time for Jeopardy on the TV (although present-day downtown Bangkok residents may want to take note). No, the food at Chanya is most definitely its biggest draw. Natural, full of goodness, bursting with flavours, it’s all so healthy that it’s a once-bitten-forever-smitten deal at this unusual, one-of-a-kind place. Chanya is run by Khun Toey, the great-granddaughter of one of Phuket’s past governors after whom she named the restaurant. Apart from the curious backyard ensemble, there are quite a few curios lining the walls of this compact cottage-like setup, an arctic-like air conditioner (you have been warned…), and space for around eight tables. On arrival, Toey will run you through the menu and the first thing that stands out is that pretty much all dishes are reasonably priced. A generous massaman curry (highly recommended) is just B90, mushroom spring rolls B70, and a fresh sea bass in lemon sauce only B100-150. Healthy red rice is B20 a portion. Toey’s an absolute magician when it comes to serving up delicately flavoured and complementary dishes such as rock lobster meat fried with garlic and pepper, sautéed Japanese mushrooms with black pepper and salt, fish soup with tofu and ginger, and the portions are

generous as well. So is there anything amiss with Chanya? Well, if you’re looking for a raunchy atmosphere or maybe a noisy wall-mounted TV game you’ve definitely come to the wrong place: Chanya is more about a quiet lunch or an intimate dinner; more about food than happy juice, although some is available, along with a bracing health-drink selection; more about appreciating delicate and vigorous dishes in a calm, rustic atmosphere, just metres away from the semi-ambulant mayhem of Chao Fa West. It’s a great place to book out for private functions and has ample enough parking both inside and outside its grounds. By the way, don’t forget to try the chocolate lava cake with homemade ice cream and phone ahead if you have special needs; Khun Toey is more than accommodating. Chanya is on Chao Fa West Road diagonally opposite Phromphan supermarket. Tel: 076-209-177. Open 11am to 2pm, and 4pm to 9.30pm. Closed Sundays.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

DINING 9

The perfect treat for the heat STREET EATS Maythida Nathompon reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Top left, clockwise, fried ice cream; ice cream toppings; and view of the shop in Samkong.

f you’re strolling around Phuket Town in the scorching heat and feel like a break, consider stopping at Phuket Samkong Ice Cream for the ultimate refreshing snack. Known in Thai as ‘Ice Cream Song Khuang’, this delightful shop has been around for more than 20 years, but it wasn’t always a shop. After speaking to owner Piyamart Khongyodsathaporn, we discovered that this ice cream store has a long history in Phuket. Miss Piyamart explained that her father, Suchart, 56, set up a stall years ago where he sold one scoop for just B5. He eventually upgraded to the current premises, which now has small red tables for customers to sit at. The shop, located on a small soi just off Yaowarat Road near Bangkok Phuket Hospital, is very well known with Phuket locals. The staff are friendly and serve up many delicious flavours of ice cream. On the menu are vanilla, coconut cream, chocolate, coffee,

Say ‘Cheese’ – Harrods opens in Siam Paragon

arrods Tea Room, the longawaited British luxury tea room and restaurant, has finally opened its doors in Bangkok – in Siam Paragon. LME Co, a distributor of lifestyle fashion brands including Espada, F Fashion, Von Dutch, ESP and Rock Express, bought the sublicensing rights from Mitsubishi Corporation, the franchisee of Harrods Tea Room in Japan, to operate the chain in Thailand. The first tea room opened last month in Siam Paragon. “We’re branching out into food because we realise it is part of a lifestyle, and Thais like dining out,” said LME chief executive Boonchai Kongpukpaisarn. He ran a restaurant in Bangkok with the Chirathivat and Bhirombhakdi families almost 20 years ago, but it went out of business during the financial crisis in 1997. “I’m interested in the food business, and I love dining out. I dine out 300 days a year. Research shows the lifestyle business is a global trend. Food is all about lifestyle, and it can augment our lifestyle fashions perfectly,” said Mr Boonchai. The company plans to open two more outlets – one in The Groove at

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CentralWorld and the other at The Embassy project at the Phloenchit intersection. The first tea room opened in a classic British style, decorated in hues of green and cream and with seating for 80. Inspired by Harrods beginning as a small tea merchant in 1849, the food and tea on offer will make customers feel like they are sipping tea at Harrods in London. The menu offers traditional yet inventive dishes as well as classic afternoon tea sets such as The Chelsea and The Mayfair, which can be complemented with Harrods raisin scones, butter and assorted fruit jams. Gift items will also be available including the famous Harrods teddy bear. Bangkok Post

taro, orange, strawberry and many others. You can also select from a variety of ice cream toppings, including pumpkin, red bean, green bean, sago (a sticky starch), taro, palm seed (luuk chit), and crushed biscuits. If you’re still not full, try their signature dish – fried ice cream, also known as ‘I tim tod’ in Thai. This special dish comes in vanilla and chocolate, and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat. The price of the ice cream ranges from B20 to B45 per scoop. The small shop is open every day from 11am to 9pm and is closed one day per month. To find Ice Cream Song Khuang, coming from Tesco Lotus, go past Bangkok Phuket Hospital. Take the second right after the hospital, at the modern four-storey white building with that has a sign that reads ‘Phuketplasticsurgery.com’ on the wall. The shop is 200 metres down on the left, down a small soi on the left. Tel: 076-223-820.

10 TRAVEL

Claire Connell editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Top clockwise: The men tackle a large hill; and Mike, Daniel and Harry enjoy a deserved break. Opposite page, top left clockwise; the route the three men took; Harry interacts with local kids; receiving balloons in exchange for human hair; and the power plant in Hongsa.

huket man Harry Usher has just returned from an epic 11-day, 820-kilometre cycling adventure in northern Laos, and he can’t wait to do another one. For Harry, a director of Lady Pie, the trip was his second time cycling through the rural, Southeast Asian country – he last went in 2005. He’s also cycled in Vietnam and Cambodia. This time he was joined by fellow Phuketian Mike Stark, and met up with friend Daniel Bellamy, who lives in Chiang Mai. Together the three took off from the small town of Nan in northern Thailand, about a six hour bus trip east of Chiang Mai. From here they took a mini bus to the small border town of Muang Ngeun, in Laos, and began cycling from there. They headed north to Pak Beng on the Mekong River; northeast to Muang Beng,

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FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

Hitting the trail in Laos

then north to Udomxay. Then it was east to Pak Mong before heading south to the Unesco heritage town of Luang Prabang. Xayaburi was next on the list, before they

headed north to Hongsa and back to Nan – with two days cycling in Thailand, plus a night in Tung Chang at the end. The trio cycled around 90 kilometres on average; the biggest day being between Xayaburi and Hongsa where they reached an altitude of 2,408 metres, and in total cycled 820 kilometres. The group would start their day by eating a local breakfast, usually soup from a place around their guesthouse, and buy chicken and sticky rice that they would save until lunchtime. Energy bars were the perfect snack while cycling, and they would order a hearty meal once they reached their guesthouse in the evening, plus, of course, the favourite local beverage. “It did get hot, but it would be cold in the mornings until about 11am. As you cycle, you warmed up, and then it would be hot

3rd Phuket Old Town Bike Rally 2014 Sunday 19th January 2014

Phuket City and TAT Phuket invite you to join a cycling rally to discover and learn about the historic places in Phuket. Enjoy a great morning of cycling and collect special souvenirs along the way. Start point : 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park, Phuket Town From 06.00 am. Register now - 15th January 2014 99 THB / couple at Phuket City Contact : 076 – 214306 or 089 – 6528188

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TRAVEL 11

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from about 11m until 3pm. It got cool – around 20 degrees or a bit less – around 4 or 5pm,” says Harry. One of the highlights was time spent at Hongsa near the end of the trip, which Harry said was a “really interesting experience”. They arrived in the town to find the delightful Jumbo Guesthouse, run by a German woman called Monica. “There was fantastic hospitality here. When we arrived there was one room left, so one of us was on the bed and two on the floor. The guesthouse is named after her elephant. In the garden was a platform with stairs to get on the elephant. It was a working one, complete with towing chain.” Hongsa is also home to a large, controversial 1,878-MW coal-fired power plant, due for completion in 2015. It is 80 per cent Thai owned, and around 1,500 megawatts of electricity will be exported back to Thailand. “When we arrived, you could see in the distance these large cooling towers. It was like going from Third to First World,” Harry says. Other strange sights included chil-

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dren selling dead rats on the side of the road, and also people buying hair of local villagers – most likely for wigs. They also witnessed two funerals. Harry’s a pretty fit guy – he does the mountain bike “hash” every week and also does a lot of road biking around Phuket – but says the trip was still a challenge for him and the boys. “There were a lot of hills and long sweeping mountain passes, it was very alpine in some ways. The roads were pretty good, but there were a lot of pot holes and dust from roadworks. There were also a lot of big trucks carrying maize, but usually they gave us a wide berth. “There were plenty of long, long hills, some that took between three quarters of an hour and one hour to get up. Some hills were short and sharp and some were long and twisty – and heartbreaking,” he said with a laugh. “The last day, between Xayaburi and Hongsa, that was when we cycled 2,408 metres in height. That day was hard. “Biking along the countryside, there were beautiful mountain scenes, and the Hmong villagers up in the north

were beautiful people. We were cycling through during the Hmong New Year too, and we saw them making a huge amount of sticky rice. It was like chewing gum, and very sweet. “Our accommodation on the trip was unplanned. Most nights was a hot water shower. The worst night was the second night when a truck crashed into a power line, cutting all the power. “We got to the village at around 6pm after cycling all day and the power was still out – that meant no hot water and we were very muddy, wet and cold.” But Harry says that even that wasn’t a downside really; the whole trip was full of positive experiences. “Wherever you are going on a bike, the kids run out saying “Sabai, sabai” (hello in Laotian), and giving smiles and high fives. It’s fantastic. Even the adults come running out to see you. “There were very few foreigners on the trip. We saw a group of motorcyclists, and two Chinese guys on bikes as well.” Daniel speaks fluent Laotian which

was a huge help, Harry said. “In some of the places we were, it was pretty unusual for a farang guy to start talking in Lao.” Harry explains that because of Daniel’s language ability, it meant the trio got a better education experience because Daniel spoke to the locals, and was able to find out information about what was going on: “It enhanced the experience 100 per cent.” Harry said he was amazed by the Chinese influence in Laos, and how many Chinese were now living and working in the country on hydro schemes and banana and watermelon plantations – all driving new SUVs, Harry says. As as for what’s next, Harry says he’s contemplating a trip to Bolivia this year with a group of friends to do a similar thing. Some might think he’s mad, but he loves doing the trips. “It’s about freedom. My ultimate experience of freedom and adventure is a combination of fresh air, exercise, Third World cultures and nature.”

12 TECHNOLOGY

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FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

IN BRIEF China bans Battlefield 4

Electronic Arts’ military first-person shooter Battlefield 4 has been banned by the Chinese government citing it as a national security threat. The move stems from EA’s release of the ‘China Rising’ downloadable expansion pack, which includes maps of mainland China. The news comes a week after a Chinese newspaper accused EA of “discrediting China’s image” and “distorting the truth in an effort to mislead young people.” The country lifted its ban on consoles in September after they created a free-trade zone in Shanghai.

NASA combines robots, games

A recently-released video shows NASA engineers using Xbox One’s Kinect sensor and an Oculus Rift rotational track to manipulate a robotic arm in real time and provide first-person view for the device. Eng i neers at the agency’s Jet Propulsion Lab in California hope to integrate the system to “increase the efficiency of such robotic endeavors, which in turn will allow NASA to explore the solar system faster and more extensively.”

Skype’s Twitter account hacked

The Syrian Electronic Army have confirmed they hacked Skype’s Twitter and Faceboook accounts last week. The Skype Twitter account sent a fake tweet to its three million followers, saying, “Don’t use Microsoft’s emails (hotmail, outlook), they are monitoring your accounts and selling the data to the governments. More details soon #SEA.” The tweet has since been re-tweeted 8,000 times. A similar message was posted on the company’s official Facebook account. The issues have since been rectified.

Call of Duty: Ghosts GSAT-14 launches from SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota on January 5. Photo: ISRO

GAME REVIEW

India fires into future F after launch of rocket

J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

Gulab Chand

ndia on Sunday successfully launched its first rocket using domestically produced booster technology after several previous missions had failed, taking another step forward in its ambitious space programme. The Indian-made cryogenically-powered rocket blasted off from the southern spaceport of Sriharikota as scheduled, as Delhi tries to join an elite club of countries which have mastered the complex technology. The 415-tonne rocket deployed a two-tonne advanced communications satellite some 17 minutes after blast-off, said Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan. “I am extremely proud and happy to say that Team ISRO has done it,” Radhakrishnan announced at mission control in Andhra Pradesh state, sparking a roar of applause from colleagues. “Team ISRO and the project directors all have put their heart and soul in making this proud moment for the country,” he said. India has for years been trying to develop its own cryogenic rocket engines that are designed to put heavier satellites into high orbits, about 36,000 kilometres from Earth. The powerful booster technology, using supercooled liquid fuel, is a much needed tool to help India capture a larger share of the lucrative global market for launching commercial satellites. But the technology has only been successfully developed by a handful of countries including the United States, Russia, France, Japan and China as well as the European Space Agency. India’s project has had to overcome a string of hurdles and mishaps, including an aborted launch in August last year several hours before lift-off after fuel was found to be leaking from one of the rocket’s engines. The first India-built rocket crashed into the Bay of Bengal just minutes after take-off in April 2010 after the cryogenic engines failed to ignite. “If we succeed this time, India will join a select

club of space-faring nations with indigenous cryogenic engine capability to launch above two-tonne class satellites,” ISRO director Deviprasad Karnik told AFP before the launch. “The twin purpose of this launch mission is to flight-test once again our own cryogenic engine and put into the geostationary orbit a heavy communication satellite,” Karnik added. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh congratulated the team on Sunday’s mission, which cost 3.65 billion rupees (US$58 million) – 2.2 billion rupees for the rocket and 1.45 billion rupees for the satellite. “It is yet another important step that the country has taken in the area of science and technology,” Singh said in a tweet. In November India successfully lifted into orbit a spacecraft bound for Mars as it tries to become the first Asian nation to reach the Red Planet. It has taken ISRO scientists years to develop cryogenic motors after India’s attempt to import the technology from Russia in 1992 failed because of opposition from the United States. Since 2001 India has bought cryogenic engines from Russia and seven of them have been used on missions. An Indian space rocket using a Russian-built booster exploded shortly after launch in December 2010, also during a mission to put an advanced communications satellite into space. ISRO pushed ahead with developing its own engine, including the third and final part, fuelled with a mix of oxygen and hydrogen in liquid form and kept at a very low temperature. “A cryogenic rocket stage is more efficient and provides more thrust for every kilogram of propellant it burns compared to other solid and liquid fuel stages,” Karnik said. India’s first satellite launch, of an Italian satellite, was in 2007. The country sees its space programme as an achievement that highlights its emergence as a major world economy, and many citizens take great pride in it. But the cost of the programme has attracted criticism as the government struggles to tackle poverty and child malnutrition. AFP

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK: 1

Call of Duty: Ghosts

Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, PS4

Battlefield 4 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

Duolingo (Language)

iOS, Android

Fifa 14

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, Vita

Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

Temple Run 2 (Game)

iOS, Android

Grand Theft Auto V (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3

Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition

Xbox 360

Double Twist (Media Player)

iOS, Android

Lego Marvel Super Heroes

Xbox 360, PS3, 3DS, Wii

WWE 2K14

Xbox 360, PS3

Feedly (Reader)

Anroid

Gran Turismo 6

PS3

10 Professor Layton and the Azran Legacy

Over (Humour)

iOS

rom the kings of first-person shooters, Call of Duty: Ghosts carries on the tradition of over-the-top action with wrinkles of evocative story telling and new features that compliment the franchise’s penchant for violence. Developed by Infinity Ward, with assistance from Raven Software and Neversoft, it is the tenth primary installment in the Call of Duty series. T he ga me has been released for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii U. Unlike several of the new iterations of FPS games, this version of Call of Duty strikes a great balance between interesting, cinematic cut scenes and actual gameplay – the player still has room to take things at their own pace while taking part in an incredible story. The Ghosts are a group of five US Special Operations personnel led by a retired Army Captain. Missions take place in a dystopian nearfuture in locations all over the world and even in space. In Multiplayer Mode, gamers can finally customise their character and even create their own squads, but out of all the new modes, Extinction Co-op Mode is one of the best and puts the user in a mission to fight against aliens that jump too high for bullets. Call of Duty: Ghosts preserves the fast and fluid gameplay of previous editions while putting new, creative spins on the usual action sequences, setting a new gold standard for first person shooters.

Which game would you like us to review? Let us know at editor2@classactmedia.co.th. thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

IN BRIEF Release date for The Raid 2 announced

The Railway Man starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman was filmed at a locomotive storage centre in Bangkok.

Picture perfect paradise Pichaya Svasti

he camera zooms in, revealing a bald Chinese man in a suit lying unconscious by a stream. Eventually he opens his eyes and asks: “Where are we?” Another man walking towards him replies: “Thailand.” That is the moment their journey in the Land of Smiles begins. On the way, they experience culture shock related to ladyboys, illegal dealing of Buddha statues, Thai spas and more. In the end, one of them fulfils every one of his dreams, including enjoying a Thai spa and fighting a muay Thai master. Lost In Thailand, a 2012 Chinese comedy , was made with a budget of around US$2.2 million (B72 million), but grossed more than US$203 million at the Chinese box office. Interestingly, it inspired about 2.5 million Chinese people to visit Thailand just over the first five months after its opening in December last year. So many tourists have followed the characters’ journey to many places in Bangkok and Chiang Mai where the film was shot. Locations on the list include Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports and Hua Lamphong railway station, a homestay village, a hotel, a school, Wat Buppharam, Wat Sanphang, Wat Phra Phutthabat Si Roi, Tha Phae Road, Warorot and Mae Malai markets, a fish spa, two elephant centres and a Thai boxing camp in Chiang Mai. “Lost In Thailand was filmed in our country and the production team spent about 50 million baht here, but the movie was very successful and helped attract tourists to Thailand, bringing more than 1 billion baht in revenue,” said Ubolwan Sucharitakul, director of

the Thailand Film Office under the the Department of Tourism. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, about 2.8 million Chinese tourists visited Thailand last year, up 60 per cent from the previous year. By the end of this year, the number is expected to reach 3.3 million. From November 1 to December 20 last year, Hollywood movie The Coup starring Pierce Brosnan and Owen Wilson was filmed in Chiang Mai and Lampang, where a lot of action and warfare scenes were created. It is expected to attract more tourists and foreign filmmakers to the north of Thailand in the future like Lost In Thailand did. The director of the Thailand Film Office said: “Foreign film productions in Thailand have continued for 40-50 years. “In the early years, a very famous one was James Bond – The Man With The Golden Gun. In recent years, foreign moviemakers have come to Thailand regularly.” According to Ubolwan, the number of foreign film shoots, including things like adverts and music videos, has increased every year since 2005, from more than 400 to over 600. Each year, Thailand earns over B1 billion in revenue from foreign productions. Japan is the country with the most productions shot in Thailand during 2005-2013, followed by Europe, India, Korea, Hong Kong, the US, China, Australia, Taiwan and other countries combined. Ubolwan said movie locations vary. About 80 per cent consists of natural attractions overseen by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation. Some other locations include temples and historical sites overseen by the Fine Arts Department. Bangkok is the most popular loca-

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) 47 Ronin (3D/E) 47 Ronin (E) 47 Ronin (E/G) American Hustle (E) Frozen (T/E-SUB) Homefront (E) Police Story 2013 (T) Walking with Dinosaurs (3D/E)

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12:10, 14:40, 17:10, 19:40, 22:10 11:20, 16:20, 21:40 13:00, 15:30, 18:30, 20:30 18:50 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 15:20, 17:40, 20:00, 22:20 13:50 11:00, 13:10, 15:30, 17:50, 20:10, 22:30 10:50, 12:50, 14:50, 19:10, 21:10

tion for the shooting of foreign documentary films and TV shows with no outdoor scenes and movies with created settings, followed by Phuket, Krabi and Pattaya. Pattaya is very popular among production teams from India, especially for the shooting of music videos. ‘’Sometimes, foreign films are shot in Thailand with sets created to resemble other cities. It is not necessary for them to present Thainess in their movies, but they choose Thailand probably because of the lower cost of living and good production teams,’’ Ubolwan said. For example, Shanghai, starring John Cusack, was filmed here, and recreated scenes in Shanghai. The Lady was filmed in Pathum Thani for the scenes of Aung San Suu Kyi’s house. Acting Second Lieutenant Arnupap Gaesornsuwan, director-general of the Department of Tourism, said overseeing, monitoring and facilitating the production of foreign movies in Thailand is one of the department’s four major duties. To attract more foreign filmmakers to Thailand, the department’s Thailand Film Office operates a one-stopservice centre for considering filmshoot requests. Extra requests must be submitted to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation or the Fine Arts Department if some of the locations involve forests, national parks or historical sites. According to him, the department plans to use movies as PR for the country by publishing beautiful shots on websites and providing routes for tourists to visit film locations in Thailand. ‘’We will create scenes from these movies, such as the landing of aircraft in The Man With The Golden Gun, and build a storytelling centre near a model of the James Bond Island by the sea in Phang-Nga.” Bangkok Post

The sequel to one of the most popular action films of the last decade will finally be released on March 28. The Raid 2 is said to pick up where the first film left off, as Iko Uwais’ character goes undercover to infiltrate a Jakarta crime syndicate while uncovering police corruption. The Indonesian film, again headed by Welsh director Gareth Evans, will also feature Japanese actor Ryuhei Matsuda. The 2011 film The Raid: Redemption won several international awards and has grossed over US$15 million (B490 million) worldwide.

Cruise drops out of Magnificent Seven remake

The remake of the classic Western The Magnificent Seven is undergoing rewrites as Tom Cruise confirmed he will no longer play the lead role. Screenw r iter John Lee Hancock is rewriting the script, although MGM Studios has yet to offer him the director’s chair. Currently, the studio has no names attached to portray the lead role though Brad Pitt’s name has been thrown around according to reports.

Action star Vin Diesel joins Marvel galaxy

Action star Vin Diesel has officially signed on to the highly-anticipated film adaptation of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Diesel will portray the anthropomorphic tree, Groot, and join the ensemble cast that already features Benicio del Toro, Zoe Saldana, Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, and Glen Close, with James Gunn in the director’s chair. The film tells the story of a diverse team of aliens who come together to defeat cosmic threats. Guardians of the Galaxy is set to be released in August 2014.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend

Gross

Frozen

$20.7M

$298M

Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

$18.2M

The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

$16.2M

$230M

The Wolf of Wall Street

$13.4M

$63.3M

American Hustle

$13.2M

$88.7M

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

$11.1M

$109M

Saving Mr. Banks

$9.06M

$59.3M

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

$8.2M

$45.7M

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

$7.4M

$407M

$5.41M

$24.9M

10 Grudge Match

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) 47 Ronin (3D/E) American Hustle (E) Frozen (E) Fud Chang To (T/E-SUB) The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (3D/E) Homefront (E) Police Story 2013 (T)

12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 17:00, 22:00 12:20, 15:10, 19:20 12:50, 16:50, 19:40, 22:00 12:10, 15:25, 18:40, 21:50 14:40, 17:30, 21:40 12:30, 14:45, 19:45

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

Immortalising Phuket on film

Iconic shots from Phuket’s past are now on display at Kathmandu Photo Gallery in Bangkok.

WEEKDAYS ‘Wake Up’ with Dave and Kirsty

7 - 11am

‘The Power Hour’

11am - Noon

‘Afternoons’ with Callie

Noon - 3pm

‘Drive on Live’ with Jason Wilder

3 - 7pm

‘Club Classics’ with Sean Bell (Mon to Thur)

7 - 8pm

‘Asia Pop 40’ with Dom Lau (Fridays) Non Stop Music

7 - 10pm 8pm - 7am

SATURDAYS ‘Breakfast Classifieds’ with Tim

8 - 10am

‘Lounge @ Live’ with Donna

10am - Noon

‘Box of Neutrals’ (back in February)

Noon - 1pm

‘Saturday Sounds’

1 - 6pm

‘Saturday Night Fever’

6pm - Midnight

SUNDAYS ‘Breakfast Classifieds’ with Tim ‘Sunday Brunch’ with Jason Wilder

9 - 11am 11am - 2pm

‘Asia Pop 40’ with Dom Lau

2 - 5pm

‘Mellow Moments’ with Andy Saunders

5 - 7pm

‘The Chill Factor’ with Colin Hanslip

7 - 9pm

‘The Sunday Chill’

9pm - Midnight

athmandu Photo Gallery in Bangkok will showcase a collection of photographs that portray the yesteryear life of Phuket’s islanders, from January 11 to February 23. This is a mini-retrospective of Thailand’s forgotten photography master Saengjun Limlohakul, who immortalised his hometown of Phuket in its last tin-mining days. “To photograph is to immortalise,” the Phuket native once said during an interview in 1994. He was 70 years old at the time. “You press the shutter and record on film what is already past.”

am Clarke returns to the airwaves in a new weekend breakfast programme called ‘Last Man Standing’. In a commitment to have a quality breakfast presence on the island’s airwaves, seven days a week, Live 89.5 is delighted to drag Sam back on Saturdays and Sundays. “I loved doing the weekday Breakfast programme with Kirsty and Natasha for the 18 months we were on air. Weekend breakfast radio is a whole different ball game and I look forward to shaking things up on Saturdays and Sundays.” Sam has been with Live 89.5 for two years and knows what people want to hear and the stuff they need to know. The new breakfast programme will be on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 to 10am. “If I have to get up on the weekends, then the least everyone else can do is wake up and listen. It’s just courtesy”, say Sam. The new Weekend Breakfast programme starts tomorrow (January 11). Meanwhile, Garry Holden has been

On display will be the late master’s previously unexhibited black-and-white photographs printed from the original negatives in the care of Somchai Bamrungwong, his apprentice. They portray “everything”, from the islanders’ peaceful life to the Americanstyle strip clubs of the Vietnam War era, before the tourist boom arrived to change their whole world. “I photograph everything, both for clients and for myself, in every style. “The sky, the ground, the stars, the Moon, clouds backlit by the sun, floods, fires, car crashes, houses, buildings – I’ve shot from planes many times; even experimented in the cinema, photo-

graphing the pictures on the screen,” he once said. “The one thing I won’t shoot is dead people, especially messy corpses. I won’t even look at those. I’m not superstitious – I just don’t find it appealing in any way.” The exhibition is part of the gallery’s Seeking Forgotten Thai Photographers project on neglected artists hitherto unrecorded by Thai photographic history. The opening party is tomorrow (January 11) at 6.30pm. The gallery is on Pan Road (near the Hindu temple), Silom, and is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm. 02-234-6700. kathmandu-bkk.com. Bangkok Post

a staple on Phuket’s radio for the past few years and now moves to Live 89.5 with a great new programme, ‘Saturday Lunchbox’. Garry brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for football and has a lot to say about the Premier and other leagues on the show. He will also be discussing our local football club, Phuket FC. “But it’s not just about the sport, it’s about the people and the stories behind the scenes. There are plenty of people on the island that aren’t into sport so we’ll make sure we have plenty of local information and entertainment so they’re not left out. It’s all about relaxing and having fun,” says Garry. One of Live 89.5’s signature programmes, ‘Box of Neutrals’, will become a part of Garry’s new show. “We have three hours to fill each week and these guys are hilarious. ‘Box of Neutrals’ will be a weekly feature of the programme”. Garry’s new ‘Saturday Lunchbox’ kicks off on Saturday, January 11.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

ISLAND SCENE 15

FAREWELL 2013, HELLO TO 2014 The Phuket Electronic Music and Dance Festival 2014 and New Year’s Countdown 2014 was held on December 30 and 31 on Karon Beach.

WELCOMING IN THE NEW YEAR

Phuket Town held its annual “Colourful Countdown Phuket 2014” three day festival on December 29, 30 and 31 to celebrate the end of 2013 and the start of the New Year.

XANA CELEBRATES Xana Beach Club held a New Year’s Eve bash on December 31 with DJ Jeremy Healy performing to a large crowd. Photos: Max Tiverne @thephuketnews

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY10 10,, 2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY

DREAM CATCHERS Life Home Project children boarded the Sea Dream yacht at Ao Makam on December 28, where the auction of a chef’s jacket raised USD1,100 for the Project.

Left, Irish Honorary Consul Hélène Fallon-Wood; back right, Richard Jones, Business and Development Director, SeaDream Yacht Club Ltd, Asia; with children from the Life Home Project onboard the yacht.

FASHION FUN IN PATONG Fashion TV, along with Destination Resort & Spa, hosted a pre countdown party on December 28 for the Phuket Countdown 2014 at Karon Beach event.

Paiboon Upatising, president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, gets into the Christmas spirit at the Surakul festival.

CHRISTMAS CHEER The Phuket Christmas Festival 2013, hosted by the Phuket Christian Committee and the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation, was held on December 28 at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town. Photos: Zion of God media

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

ISLAND SCENE 17

SPECIAL TIMES Guests at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket enjoyed a special New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner on December 31 at the resort.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2014 Centra Ashlee Hotel Patong held its New Year’s Eve gala dinner to celebrate the start of 2014.

CHRISTMAS GIVING Millennium Resort Patong celebrated Christmas Eve with orphans from the Sussex House Children’s Foundation. Everyone enjoyed the Yuletide spirit with a gala dinner and Christmas carols from both hotel staff and the children.

HORMONES AUDITIONS Southern region casting for the hit Thai TV series Hormones – The Next Gen took place at Central Festival East (Homeworks) on Saturday, attracting hundreds of local teenagers hoping to land a role in the upcoming 2014 series.

REMEMBERING 2004 Amari Phuket joined in the “Light up Patong” event on December 26 at Patong Beach in memory of the 2004 Asian Tsunami victims. @thephuketnews

18 EVENTS

List your event at thephuketnews.com

TUESDAY JANUARY 14

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat 4 Regions of Thailand Market Stroll through a lively Thai Market with art & craft stalls and enjoy fresh seafood and local delights, accompanied by authentic Thai Khim performances. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday starting 18:00, for THB 1,250 NET only. Baan Talay is the Thai signature restaurant of Angsana Laguna Phuket and situated on Bang Tao Beach behind XANA Beach Club. Angsana Laguna Phuket - Bang Tao Bay , Email : fbcoordinator-lagunaphuket@angsana. com , 076 324 101.

Wednesdays and Fridays. BBQ ribs all you can eat with salad buffet and potato salad for B295 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 10,2014 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 10,

MINISTRY OF SOUND in December, XANA is excited to announce a second event, by public demand... MINISTRY OF SOUND: THE BEACH PARTY RETURNS. THE BEACH PARTY RETURNS will feature MINISTRY OF SOUND’S very own resident from London, DJ Tim Cullen.XANA Beach Club, Bangtao Bay, Angsana Laguna Phuket, Moo 10, 4 Srisoonthorn Rd. info@ xanabeachclub.com, 076 324 101.

to present “Masquerade Party”. Enjoy a carnival evening with delicious Venetian inspired 5 course banquet, free flow, entertainment and dancing, at Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Naithon Beach from 7 pm. till late. Dress with “Magnificent Masks”. Donation 3,000THB to enjoy the moment. For booking or more info contact Phuket Has Been Good To Us on 076 278 146 or info@ phukethasbeengoodtous.org.

FRIDAY JANUARY 31

SATURDAY MARCH 8

SATURDAY JANUARY 18

Thanyapura Superkidz

Half Chicken Spit Roast Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with french fries, salad buffet, potato salad & gravy sauce for B225 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 15

BBQ Steak night

Enjoy flame-grilled steak, cooked to perfection and served with fresh selections from our buffet BBQ night THB 1,190++ per person. Free children under 7 and half price for 7 to 12 yrs old every Wednesday at Panache from 6.30 to 10.00 pm. For bookings, please call Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas on 076 336 900 # 781.

Phuket FC VS Vladivostok

Welcome the Year of the Horse

First friendship football match between How t� ge� th� auditor� of th� �a�, Foreigner�, Russian�? Russia and Thailand will be held at Phuket To attract people who prefer active lifestyle, sports, family relations, high-quality? Surakul Stadium on 18th January 2014, Phuket FC and football club “FORWARD” from the Vladivostok. The main significance of this game is to develop Thai-Russian relations. That’s why this match will be held with approval of the Thailand Consulate in Vladivostok, Russian Consulate in Thailand, Thai-Russian chamber of commerce and of course Phuket’s football club – Phuket FC. We will prepare unique program for the guests of the match. It will be a happy holiday for everyone in Phuket. There are special recreational zones will be organized that the guests can touch the culture, food and tradition each other. The tickets are now selling at Surakul stadium, Central Festival, any travel companies and real estate agencies. For more info visit www.facebook.com/footballphuket.

On the 31st of January, following the second new moon after the winter solstice, we celebrate the New Year of the Horse. To Chinese people, the horse stands for happiness, endowed with the vivacity, magnetic attraction and elegance of a thorough bred animal. Its dynamic spirit is forever active and promises a year full of surprises and twists. Join us at Eastland on Friday the 31st of January from 6.30 pm to welcome the Year of the Horse. Lucky cocktail followed by Asian Street Food Buffet, Dragon dance & traditional entertainment at 1,888 THB net per person. Contact: Simona T: 076 317 600 E: rm.phuket@thepavilionsresorts.com.

The Thanyapura SUPERKIDZ is coming back for Triathlon (swim + bike + run) on 8th March 2014. We are dedicated to providing more excitement and competition for those athletes who are based in Asia, love the sport of triathlon, and have the heart to race and pursue achievement. Age group from 6-18 years old and adult. The race will be started at 8.00 am. Entry fee 1,500THB for individual and Team. For Thanyapura members is 1,200THB for individual and Team. To register call 076-336000 or sportcamp@thanyapura.com . Visit thanyapura. com for more information.

EVERY DAY

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 8 Phuket Wake Park

Ministry of Sound Returns!

Masquerade Party

Following the huge success its party with

Phuket Has Been Good To Us is proud

The place for outdoor activities for the whole family. Ring winch for water skiing and wake-boarding. Reversible winch and coaching services for beginners. Restaurant, swimming pool, massage, fitness equipment and mini-hotel with 28 rooms. All this in a Phuket Wake Park! Welcome from 7:30 to 22:00 every day.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

List your event at thephuketnews.com

Test Your Wits At

EVENTS 19 RBFC Thailand 2014 Classic

Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation’s

Sport Fishing Tournament

Monthly Pub Quiz

Offshore The Similan Islands

25 th

27 th February 2014

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

Huge cash and other prizes to be won!!

7pm, last Monday of every month Aussie Pub Kamala Entry fee 100 Baht per person (teams of up to 4)

57 hours of non -stop fishing!

Entry fee goes directly towards making a difference to underprivileged local children.

Huge media coverage!

A special round every month!

Amazing raffle prizes!

10thb from every drink goes to charity! Winners get a 1000thb bar tab!

For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.co m Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com

Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more!

Rawai Beach Fishing Club is an official Sponsor Club of the International Game Fishing Association. RBFC supports recreational fishing

UNTIL FRI JAN 10

turing “Moody Blues” Live on SUN, WED AND FRI From 9pm till Late at “Phuket’s House of the Blues - ROADHOUSE!”.

Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen). Visit the official website at www.patong boxingstadium.com.

SUNDAY JANUARY 12 Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree Pool Competition at Expat Hotel INTERNATIONAL SEAFOOD BUFFET

Let your soul fly to the grooving & soothing ballads of our professional musician. At the Quarterdeck Restaurant, the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Tables are limited. RESERVE NOW! For more information, please contact: 076 380 200, prm@theroyalphuketyachtclub.com.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10

Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Soi Taipan, Patong. expatsportsbar.com.

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks.

SATURDAY JANUARY 11 IBAP - A Hole In One Evening With P.G.A. Golf Guru Martin Platts. Martin has played exhibition matches with David Guilford and Andrew Murray (both European Open winners) and he also had the honor of partnering HRH The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, on a number of occasions. Martin now wants to spread the word even further afield into new countries to include in his golf Academy teaching students of the game of golf and new and excising teachers. A2 Resort, Bypass Road ,081 970 7910.

The Good Shepherd Merchandise Shop Open Every Wednesdays and Saturdays. Plaza Del Mar, Laguna (Behind Bake). Time: 10am to 1pm every Wednesday and 9am to noon every Saturday. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as toys, greeting cards, ornaments, lanterns, bags, purses and many more. You can also find exquisite arts and craft created by local residents. Pre-loved items include books, clothes and toys. Handicraft items are made by the disadvantaged members of society that The Good Shepherd strives to empower. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. See thegoodshepherd.info.

KARON’S ONLY LIVE BLUES VENUE Live Music and BBQ in an “Outback Aussie Bar” setting. Phuket’s best Home Made Flame Grilled Aussie Burgers, Aussie Steak special’s, sizzling BBQ Ribs, Spit Roast Kebabs, Red Snapper Fish n Chips, Live Sports shown on 2 Big Screen LED TV’S, Free Pool Table, and More! Relax in an open air family friendly atmosphere with friendly staff, Great Food and frosty cold ones on ice from Australia & Thailand. Fea@thephuketnews

Sunday Brunch at Sails, Hilton Enjoy our lavish international buffet with friends and family each sunday at Sails! Our live band sets the mood for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food, live cooking stations, refreshing drinks and good company. Balloon artists entertain the little ones with face painting and kid activities. 12pm - 3 pm. B1,400++ per adult, B700++ per child (Ages 5-12). 076 396 433.

MONDAY JANUARY 13

BBQ All You Can Eat at Shakers Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com.

Mondays and Thursdays. BBQ all you can eat: pork, chicken, beef, prawns, fish and squid with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, garlic bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for B325 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

Thai market night Sunday Poolside BBQ at Westin Indulge in a lavish BBQ buffet with a variety of meats and seafood, live cooking stations, your favourite Italian dishes, and scrumptious desserts. Every Sunday through November, 12 – 3pm at Prego by the Beach, The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. THB990++ per adult plus free access to Prego pool. THB495++ per child (7-12 years old). 076 335 600 or westinsiraybay.com.

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi It will be happened every Saturday night through the year. Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Gym in Patong Beach, will be launching an elite fight series in

Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,500++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended. Contact 076 372 400. fb-phuket@banyantree.com.

BBQ at Expat Hotel 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. expatsportsbar.com.

Experience an authentic taste of Thailand and simple a wide variety of dishes prepared fresh for you. Market night price is weight of chosen items every Monday at Ban Aroi from 6.30 - 9.00 pm. For bookings, please call Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas on 076 336 900 # 781.

daily event updates on

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

This week in history

GOT YOUR ISLAND VIEW NUMBER

1917

The year of the first recorded use of ‘OMG’, in a letter to Winston Churchill.

1,700

Annual deaths attributed to sloppy handwriting by doctors.

30-64

Average number of times women cry in a year (Men: 6).

79 trillion Roughly, the amount of cash (converted to US dollars) in circulation worldwide today.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

■■ January 10, 49 BC

Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon River, starting a four-year civil war. He wins and becomes “Perpetual Dictator” – until he is assassinated the following year. ■■ January 11, 1942 Japanese troops occupy the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. ■■ January 12, 1554 Bayinnaung is crowned king of Burma. In the next 30 years he expands the Burmese empire across Siam and Laos to the borders of modern Vietnam. ■■ January 13, 1910 The first public radio broadcast takes place – a live performance from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York. ■■ January 14, 1967 The Human Be-In takes place in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, launching the Summer of Love. ■■ January 15, 1889 The Pemberton Medicine Co is incorporated in Georgia. It is later renamed Coca-Cola Co. ■■ January 16, 1909 Celebrating New Year in Phuket Old Town. Photo: Benjamin Rahardjo, Jakarta Ernest Shackleton’s expedition finds the magnetic South Pole. Have a Phuket photo to share? Email it with caption to editor@classactmedia.co.th Source: Wikipedia

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

SUDOKU

54. Handles 56. Garden worker? 59. Decays 62. Steep 63. Stock 64. Cut short 65. Positive 66. Chances upon 67. Countercurrent Down 1. Hephaestus and Demeter 2. Part of a score, maybe 3. Lie 4. Stole 5. Jocko Conlan, for one 6. Rear half of a griffin 7. Prosecuted 8. Flush 9. Antenna holder 10. Split 11. Punjabi royal 12. Digging, so to speak 13. Feeler 18. Paranoiac’s worry 19. Above ground level 23. Sarge, e.g. 25. Old Mogul capital

26. Computer programmer 27. Unoriginal 28. Marinara alternative 30. Old World plant 31. Bleated 32. City in Scotland 33. Short pants 35. ___ maison: Fr. 36. Time div. 37. Starfleet Academy grad. 39. Natural 40. Home to the Palazzo Gambacorti 44. Some organs 45. While lead-in 47. In ___ parts 48. It’s located on Lake George 50. Annexes 51. In ___ of 52. Bygone despot 53. De Valera’s land 55. Social group 56. Fearless 57. Children’s author Blyton 58. Glimpse 60. Tease wool 61. Bump off

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. The Moon River; 2. Four; 3. Altocumulus clouds; 4. Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Kalb (Black); 5. In a Welsh cake shop.

1. Which river flows through Ubon Ratchathani? 2. How many pecks are there in a bushel? 3. Lenticularis, castellanus and floccus are all types of what? 4. In printing, what do the letters CMYK stand for? 5. Where would you buy Bara Brith? Answers at the foot of the page.

Across 1. Habit 5. Ne plus ___ 10. Vitreous substance 14. After-lunch sandwich 15. Sweet rice wine 16. Narrow street 17. Let-downs 20. Didn’t straphang 21. Come-ons 22. Dostoyevsky novel, with “The” 23. Fish-fowl connection 24. ___ weight 26. 2005 Best Picture nominee 29. Blowhard 34. Available 35. Homegrown artifact 38. Martinets 41. Finnic people 42. ___ frog 43. Geometric figures: var. 44. African grazing areas 46. Many an office has one 49. Grp. involved in “the Troubles” 50. Adjust

thephuketnews

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Property Office/Shop for Rent

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Beach Condo, Beach 3 Min. Walk: Spacious 2-bed-

Excellent position on Chal o n g Pi e r Road. Ground Floor - 48m. sq. Fo r m o re information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

PROPERTY FOR RENT

room apartment for rent, long or short term, fully furnished, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. Pool, large gardens, parking, a mere 3 minute stroll to scenic Nai Harn beach. resortgm@gmail.com.

Rawai Pool Villa For Sale:

NOW OPEN!! Seaview Pool Villa for Rent: G O LF V I LL A @ L o c h Palm: 3 bed 3 Bath fully furnished villa. Large living room, kitchen & laundry. Overlooking 8th hole tee. Plunge Pool, gym & leisure centre (lochpalm.com). AVAILABLE: 20 Dec 2013 - 20 jan 2014 for holiday rental, THB 80,000. Call 08 58942268 or timshaw@ bigpond.com.

2 Bed villa with lovely garden, koi pond, pool with sala/ 3rd bed and seaview. Fully furnished, True visions on 42" screen, WiFi, new ACs. Private, quiet area but near all amenities. Call 086 279 6283.

Kata Beach Villa for Rent: Stunning Kata Ocean View Villa. 3bd 3bth Furnished. Quiet private jungle valley. Undercover parking for 3 cars, Internet, WIFI, Cable TV, Pure Water well, Long Term Rental 70,000/Mth, B70,000, C Stevenson, Kata Beach, contact@purist.biz, 081 003 6902.

Bathroom Villa Large Gym, Pool, Spa & More Best views, Close to schools, Fully furnished Min. 12 mths, 250K THB / mth Negotiable www.baanparagone.com mark@ bloxwich.me.

The Cour tyard: 5 Rai raw land behind ACG clubhouse on long lease for compatible sporting facility. alan@acgphuket.com.

Upper f loor 10 m showroom frontage floor area 10 0 s m w i t h a i r/c o n s . C o nt a c t Khun Siriporn 081 691 0213, siriporn@islandfurni ture-phuket.com, www.thecourtyard-phuket.com.

Patong 2Shophouse low rent.Can make business,also very good location for restaurant and massage.2nd floor fully furnished as 2 bedroom apartment w 2baths.Includes furniture.Big kitchen and living area. Sidd , Email : janum0012@hotmail.com , 084 189 7696.

Long Term Rental: Three bedroom modern home available for long Term Rental. This pool villa is close to B.I.S. Central private location. Please check out website for more details. Contact Dianne 089 469 8100. https://smore.com/r5ts.

I N T H E N AT U R E RO M A N TI C THAI - ST YLE RESORT Daily 2 0 0 0 T h b, We e k l y 12 0 0 0 T h b, Monthly 44000Thb Included: Daily room cleaning, Linen changing once/week, Internet Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Smart TV, Electricity, Free bicycle, BBQ grill, Exes to Cinema room. www.coco-palace.com, Email : namphung@andamanhorizon.asia , Phone : 087 877 2320.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Patong shophouse for Rent:

OCEAN VIEW VILLA FOR RENT: Large 5/6 Bedroom, 6

ACG Cricket Ground:

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Beautiful Villa 550sqm. Land 2,400 sqm. with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, maid's room, laundry room, home of f ice, Western kitchen. Large mature garden, garage for 2 cars Price B32 million. Call 081 978 5181. www.myrawaivilla.com

Bougainvillea Pool Villa Phuket: Discover the happiness of living the way a local Phuketian does in a highly pleasurable, private atmosphere close to Bang-Tao beach. Create wonderful memories in these modern Sino-Portuguese villas. More details at bougainvilleaphuket.com, facebook.com/BougainvilleaPhuket.

CAFÉ & DELI FOR RENT: Modern retail unit next door to the new Villa Market in Cherngtaley, Inc full equipment & furniture. 50 sqm + out door. Available for rent with 2 year lease. 082 275 7737 & 089 898 0231.

G R E AT VA L U E K AT H U POOL VILL A: Bargain home or investment close to international schools golf courses & all the Islands main facilities. Safe area with 8% rental yield easily achievable.Clean,modern & easy to maintain. Price : 7.9 MB. , Email : kez_turn@hotmail.com , Phone : 081 077 1765 .

Bungalow in Khaolak for Sale: 5 rai land ,14 Bungalows with garden and staff house.Price:24.5 Million Baht, Contact:085-4756003 Email:riversidebungalow@ googlemail.com, w w w.khaolakriverside-bungalow.de.

Luxury 3 Bedroom Pool Villa: Located 4 km from Layan Beach, just outside Laguna, this new villa is available for long term rent. www.baanboosakorn.com

Kalim Sea View, Freehold Condo for Sale/Rent: B11.9 M 2 min walk to beach, big balcony & sunset view, 180 Sqm, 2 Ensuite Bed rooms, big living space. 089 617 2312, PhuketAREA.com - Search V146.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED

NEW House For Sale:

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom with off-street parking in small quiet boutique estate behind Red Mountain Golf Course. Full Chanote Title. Contact Gim (English/Thai) Ph 081-6065772 for an Inspection. Price:3.2 Million, Sabai Village Kathu

For Sale 2 villas with this view: Situated at Ao Por, 2 modern contemporary villas. Infinity pool, 3 bedrooms, 4 bahtrooms, study, large living area, terrace and covered parking for 2 cars. Priced from 24 MB. info@thecurvephuket. com, www.thecurvephuket.com.

PREMIUM: PAY ONCE PER MONTH B2,799+VAT. PAY ONCE PER MONTH WILL RUN ONLINE FOR 30 DAYS AND IN 4 ISSUES OF THE PRINT EDITION PER MONTH. *INCLUDES 1 PICTURE IN THE PAPER AND 10 PICTURES ONLINE.

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Body:

Kata Beach Apartment Sea Views: Western 1,2&3 bedroom

units fully furnished, parking fully fitted teak kitchens. Granite tops Western baths, sat.TV&internet included. Masterbed with ensuite bath starting 20,000/m longterm. No party people. 084 840 1262, north8east98@yahoo. com.

Penthouse With Amazing Views: Elegant fully furnished penthouse, 4 bedrooms split in 2 floors, 3 bathrooms, spacious and light living room with the most beautiful ocean view Jacuzzi on the terrace. Freehold 0874663486. 24MB.

Plots for sale in Rawai:

FOR SALE. 3 plots of 250-300 sq.m each in Rawai suitable for building villas. In a quiet street and good location. Can be sold all together or separately. Contact Izzy 086 278 8300 or Danai 090 170 0429.

189 CHARACTERS

Shop for Rent in Bangla Road: Shop for rent in middle of Soi Bangla, Patong Beach. Suitable for restaurant / coffee shop / bar / boutique / retail outlet. Arporn , r_arpon@ hotmail.com , 083 280 9433.

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Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Print upgrades:

Extra lines B99

Amazing sea view pool villa: 4 bed,4 bath,beautifully furnished villa, great ocean views. Cape Yamu area, only 10 mins from BIS/PIA . Large pool,garden, very private estate. 80000/mth. 0862796283; kdesmond59@yahoo.co.uk.

FOR SALE Penthouse in Rawai: 360 panoramic breathtaking views of Chalong Bay, mountain views and Big Buddha. Two bedrooms, 310 sq.m of spacious living area and balconies. Contact Izzy 0862788300 or Danai 090 170 0429.

Urgent banner B199 Box B199

Colour Background B199

Colour Headlines B199

INCLUDE NOVOSTI PHUKETA PHUKET’S ONLY RUSSIAN NEWSPAPER (FREE TRANSLATION TO RUSSIAN) B1,699+VAT.

DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT WEEKS ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553 @thephuketnews

House for rent in Karon: Fully furnished 2 bedroom house with ever ything in the hear t of Karon. Long term rental only Minimum 6 months. Walking distance to shops, beach & restaurants. 300 m from Hilton hotel. Call on 0806905248 or email on lil@ladolcevitare.com.au, Price : 25000 per month , Person : Lillian Dinic , Address : 363/6 Patak Road Karon , Email : lil@ladolcevitare.com.au , 080 690 5248.

Freehold 2 bed villa in Laguna: Laguna Residences, Sale Patong Guesthouse 出售巴东宾馆: First spacious&clean guesthouse downhill in Patong. 36MB. Close to the main road to Patong beach. 由业主提供公寓巴东由业主，宾馆在巴东。全装修的二十五间客房，36 意泰珠。靠近巴东海滩。Ramon0856-44-9344 ramonbencharitiwong@gmail.com.

Outrigger, 2 bedroom END unit villa. FREEHOLD title!With lifetime golf membership in Laguna Golf Club and privilage card with 50% discount in Laguna restaurants and spa. Fully Furnished! Selling price : 12.950.000,- Baht Please call 080 041 4464 or email : Rental1386@ gmail.com.

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

FOR SALE 2 VILLAS WITH THIS VIEW Situated at Ao Por, 2 modern contemporary villas. Infinity pool, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, study, large living area, terrace and covered parking for 2 cars. Priced from 24 MB. info@thecurvephuket.com, www.thecurvephuket.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Urg e n t 2 N ew A p a r tments For Sale: Because

of divorce URGENT RE-SALE 2 brand new apartments. Welcome real buyers No agents. Call on +66 (0) 87 269 2274, Chrismar.

Sea View Off Plan Condominiums: 65m2 Condominium. 1

Bedroom, 1 En Suite Bathroom, Living Room, Kitchen, Pool, Large Balcony and Terrace Space, Parking. Excellent investment opportunity. www.propertyforsalephuket.co.uk.

Patong Condo for sale: A nice foreign freehold condominium for sale in Patong is located in a recently complete development of one & two bedrooms condominiums. Located on the fourth floor of a total of five. 080 052 8082.

Freehold House for sale:

Freehold house for sale in estate in Cherng Talay. Land 735m2, floor area 230m2, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Many upgrades incl new carport included. Price B11 million. Call 083 509 8797 for info or viewing.

Lease or sale, commercial building, intersection corner location, highly visible, developing area. call Dan 081 892 0960.

In Karon:

Beautiful Karon Villa:

Modern open living villa has it all, fully furnished, private secure estate close to beach. Enjoy the private salt water pool and undercover parking, 3 large bedrooms freehold investment. 081 719 4688.

3 Bed Pool Villa Pa Khlok:

3 Beds, 2 Bath 6x3m pool. Full aircon and funishings. Ready for occupation and rental. Secure estate, private parking. 6km from Heroines monument. Close to PIA, BCS and shops. 081 737 0722.

Beachfront Condo in Cape Panwa: Two floors 282 sq. m of

Building 3 storey for sale:

THB 26,000,000. Only 300 m. from Kata Beach. 236.25 sqm. 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. For more information call K.Chavarin 089 911 8833/081 866 9253 or email: wkongkeaw@hotmail.com.

Luxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect condition, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1,600 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: B25.5 million www.tamata-phuket.com crishausb@hotmail.com. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149. Nai Harn Baan Bua: When only

living space with stunning views. 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms + Study + large kitchen. Fully furnished. Communal 40m pool 5 steps away. Beach 15 steps! 091 876 2330.

the best will do!!!!4 bed/pool villa in Phukets best kept gated community.410 sq.mtr villa.812 sq.mtr land.Overlooking lagoon.Beautiful.Ph: 0812704291. or thailandmls@gmail.com. Price 22.5 MB.

cent 4 bedroom pool villa on the west coast of Phuket, above prestigious Kata Beach. Exceptional opulence throughout. Long & short term rental. Enquiries on 087 283 8884 or 080 690 5248.

Patong Free Hold Condo:

Studio condo on 4th floor 50s/m. Huge swimming pool, beautiful gardens, completly renovated new tiles, light, painting, new furniture, kitchen, shower and toilet. B2.5 million, Eng 085 471 9246, Thai 087 621 3405.

Rawai Soi Saliga Land for Sale: Land for sale, Soi Saliga

Rawai - 1 rai plus 81 T/W. Telephone 089 645 5049.

Sales Down Payment Dcondo Mine: 7th floor. with

pool & lake view. Fully furnished, near Kajonkiet International School, Tesco Lotus, Big C. 10 mins to Patong. Move in Mar 2014. Only B99k. Contact: 081 694 4144, 081 307 7247, email: suthipow@yahoo.com

office near Academy for sale, 280 sq metres, Chanote title, 2 beds 3 baths, nature mountain view. Main street, multiple entrances and exits. 10 minutes to Airport. Only B4.95 million. Call: 086 948 2294.

fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, close to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palms, major stores, BIS and KIS. B45,000 per month. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.

2 Pool Villas next to PIA:

Furnish Condo Patong by Owner: By owner, condo in Patong.

Fully furnished 1bed/1bath 29sqm 2.9 MB. & 2bed/2.5bath 72sqm 6.9 MB. Close to Jungceylon, Bangla road & Patong hospital. Ramon 085 644 9344, ramonbencharitiwong@gmail.com.

Ready to move in, villa 1 on 1,100 sqm. land, for sale B15.9 mil and villa 2 on 2,20 0 sqm. land, for sale B19.9 mil. Brand new, each with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 12 metre swimming pool, guest bungalow with 1 bedroom 1 bathroom. Perfectly located in a development with underground e l e c t r i c i t y a n d s e c u r i t y, o n l y 80 0 metres from Mission Hills golf course, less than 10 mins to airpor t, Phuket International Ac ademy and Ao Por Grand Marina. Call 081 343 0777. Email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

title at Cherng Talay / Pasak7 (Phuket - Surin Beach area) Phone 090 487 8084. Email: utaipan@ yahoo.com.

Condo @ Golf Course Sale/ rent: Urgent:Condo @ Golf Course

Land & House Park, Chalong: Villa for sale, 4 Bedrooms,

sale/rent, 3 Bedrms in Maikhao. Ready to move in. Fully furnished 250 sq.m. European kitchen, air-cons.14 MB. or long term rent 081-895-4318 (Speak Th) 18excelsior@gmail.com (Eng)

3 Bathrooms, 1 Kitchen, 1 Living room, Fully furnished and equipped, Garden 240 SQM. B6.8 M Tel. 083 394 4536(Eng) /084 443 5389(Thai/Eng) flaviofurlanis@yahoo.it.

250m road frontage near Bypass: 16 rai next to Phumundra,

Land Close to Thanyapura/PIA: Half Rai 1.3MB, 1

behind Premium Outlet. 250m road frontage, 300m deep. Sloping upwards, starting at 15m and ending at 65m above sea level. 6M/rai. Contact owner direct at 081 893 6630.

Rai is 2.5 MB, total 3 Rai of Land, Mountain View, Chanote, 3 Mins drive to Thanyapura/PIA School, 15 Mins to Airport. Contact Marisa 084 305 6667 or marisar1978@ hotmail.com.

Guesthouse for Lease in Patong: 12 rooms, good location Nanai

Two parcels of superior land 11 rai. Inc seaview. Main road frontage. Ideal for resor t or condominiums. B150 M . N e g o t i a b l e . ( T h a i ) 0 81 3 7 0 8114 or (Ger) 081 892 1108. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com.

Seaview Land Patong:

Land Plot for Sale: Chanote

2 lots on island-beachfront (bungalow-/housing-estate) and 1 big mainland-mountain property all in very quiet, safe, well maintained locations near Krabi. 089 291 4671.

Home Office Near Thanyapura: New 2-storey home

Sin g l e H o u se Sp e c i a l Price Rent/Sale: Nice house Luxury Villa for Rent: Magnifi-

3 Gorgeous Lots, Clean Titles: For sale or long lease.

Af fordable 3 Bedroom House: Single floor, 3 bedroom,

Road.9 year lease: very low rent,strong starting, easy to manage and good return on investment. Price 1MLN. Take this opportunity. Thamad17@yahoo. com. 089 728 4005.

kitchen/dining area, living room, 2 toilets/showers. Aircon in each b e d r o o m . W a t e r t a n k+ p u m p . External covered area. Chanote title: 256 sqm Quiet developed village near Heroines Monument B3.2 million. Call 087 276 0529 .

Villa with Pool for Sale: Free-

hold 3/4 Bedroom Villa. 3 Air Con. 4k. to Ao Makarm Beach. 10x5m pool with 4th bedroom / office on other side. Plot size 104Sq Wah. 416Sqm. Reasonable offers. Call 089 831 4703/084 304 6723.

Villa on 1 rai reduced now 20MB: Private big 3 bedroom

For Sale-Beachfront land@ Naka: 2 rai of absolutely amazing beachfron. A few minutes by boat to Phuket. Facing west to the sunset and views of Phuket. Contact: 086 278 8300 or Danai 090 1700 429.

2.5 rai (N.S.-3 K document) near Kathu waterfall. 2 houses, 1 small house & 2 pools, big garage. 3 way Entrance. B28 million. Call 081 893 0540, 076 385 775 email: anong540@hotmail.com.

Land & House for sale:

Modern Villa in Marina: A spacious family home in Boat Lagoon. Modern contemporary style with 4+1 beds, 4 bathrooms. Large dining area, private swimming pool and fully furnished. 29.5 MB. Size 616 Sq.M. Call 076 238 948.

villa near Mission Hills golf with guest house and maids room all ensuite bathroom, big swimming pool 8x12M, big garage for 2 cars, koi ponds, European kitchen, 2x home cinema etc. Price 25MB, infomissionhill@gmail.com , 083 643 8384.

Rawai Seaview Condo for sale: Seaview condo, freehold, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 120sqm. B7.8 million, fully furnished. For more pictures and information please contact: adrian_troy@yahoo.com

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT. Cheapest Seaview land for Sale: Panorama view of sea view

golf course view mountain view land for sale. Near Mission Hills Golf course. 6 rai chanote title. B3 million per rai. 087 675 9555, email: pee_bang56@ hotmail.com.

House for Sale - Chalong:

Quiet stand alone villa, 3 bed, 2 - 5 star baths, 5 aircon, full furn, garden dining lush green, 50 Wah, quality new paint, excellent condition, B3.5 million, firm. Contact: peterb@inter globalau.com, 084 843 3492.

Property for Sale

For Sale with yield 5%-7% per year, land for Investment: Near Jungceylon 49 sq.wa: 25 MB. Boutique Hotel:17 rooms: 25 MB. Guest House: 8 rooms: 12 MB. Call: 093-620-1369, cooper-747@hotmail.com

Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work December 2012. B8.5 million. Call 088 838 3242.

Hou se on Th e Co r n er for Sale: Quiet location and

- 4 bedrooms, granite top kitchen, outdoor seating, 100” home cinema, LED Lighting system, T Vs, L AN & Audio ever y room, alarm,3 phase electric. Call: Ben 086 266 2786.

D E TA C H E D O R S E M I DETACHED: Large detached 4

Bed.4 Bath 2 en suite, 4 air con. OR 2 adjoining semi-detached. Live in one, Rent one ? Water storage with pumps. Secure Parking. Quite Soi. All in Excellent condition. B3.5M. kimera5@yahoo.com 082 738 3007.

Laguna / Layan. Luxur y pr ivate pool villas in secure development. Available now. All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million. Contact owner: 085 549 7110.

3 Rai Chanote Mangosteen Land: Beautiful square land plot next to Mangosteen Resort, 3-0-38 Rai, Chanote title, light slope, great access to Soi Saiyuan, show villa can be completed, ideal for villa or condo development. 081 536 5846.

bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 rai of land. Big hall, office, maid’s room. Brand-new construction opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill. A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern Europeandesigned kitchen. Big sea view pool terraces incl sala and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@gmx.de.

Price Reduced, 4beds Villa: Comfor table 4 bedrooms villa, plus maid room. Approx. 450Sq.M building, corner plot, energy saving, management ser vice available for investor.Located in secured gate community, near British International school. info@mindproperties.net.

FOR SALE-KATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,700,000. LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhitehousekata@ gmail.com.

next to the new tourist attraction in Mai Khao. Perfect for investment in future like shops, guesthouse. Please email for mobile number and more details. ohmidzi@gmail.com.

PAT O N G c o n d o s f o r sale: Beautiful, modern Condos/

Apartments, furnished, best/quiet locations, garden, s-pool, from 36-67sq metre, sea-city-mountain views, from B2,375. Call 087 819 2162 or caltirol@hotmail.com.

New House for Sales low price than Project, Phanason Villages at Bang Joe for 50 Sqm, 3bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, Free contract. Contact: 089 729 9503.

A big beautiful house with 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, fully furnished. Located in stunning panoramic hilltop scenery in Takuapa, Phang Nga, covering an area of 127 rai. Surrounded by fertile farmland with fruit trees. Price 96MB. Contact K. Peerawat: 08 4 308 8484. Email: peerawat002@hot mail.co.th

Patong Apartment Reduced Price: Condo 4 years old. Swimming

Luxury 3 Bed Villa For Sale:

pool, security 24/7, cafeteria. Studio 46sqm fully furnished. Freehold for foreigners. Price: 2.6MLN. Urgent sale, no agent. Tel: 089 728 4005. Email: thamad17@yahoo.com.

3 Bdrm House for sale Thalang: House for sale. 3 bed and

New house for sale: At Siri Village, Pa Khlok, 2 flrs, 3 beds, 2 shower rms, kitchen, living & dining area, garden, car park, 2 aircons, unstair curtains, 1 furnished bedroom. 3.8MB Contact Kirana 088 760 6083.

This luxury three bedroom home is located in a secure estate with security and office. It is only five minutes from Bangtao Beach and Laguna Phuket including the Laguna Phuket Golf Club and 20 minutes from Blue Canyon Country Club and Phuket International Airport. The villa comes fully furnished with luxury leather lounge suites and quality furniture, all bedding, kitchen utensils and cooking facilities. For details and inspection, see www. phuketselect.com or contact graham@ phuketselect.com or call 081 897 0225.

2 baths, large living and dining room, 4 X aircons, 2 X car ports and garage. House 7 yrs 1 owner , well maintained with 135sqm living area. Land Chanote 92tw. 3.5MB 081 737 3116.

12 Rai Chanote to sell: One of the last pieces of beautiful sea view land between Ao Makham and Ao Yon Road. Infrastructure done B210 million. Call 081 917 0377, 10am-5pm.

Three floor villa for sale: Brand new three floor villa on Phuket, near Villa Market. Glass elevator, swimming pool, ocean view. 700 sq. m. Freehold contract available. Current price: 13m THB. Please call Alexander 080 521 0736.

Two shophouse for lease in Patong: Low Rent! 2 Shophouse - 2

House and Business for sale: 3 storey, 5 bedrooms, good

location, off road parking, busy road. Contact Thai 084 630 6920, English 082 534 7410, jeedyvcd@hotmail.com, davidweath@yahoo.com.

@thephuketnews

Mai Khao Prime Location Land: I will sell my piece of land

New House for Sales:

Villa and farmland for sale:

5km East from Heroines Monument. Photos available. THB 4,5 mill. Contact Lin (+66) (0)81 8922419, linphuket@ gmail.com.

Sok, Klong Sok district. B400,000 per rai. Close to Khao Sok National Park entrance. PNSS3 title, to be upgraded to Chanote soon. Phone 081 693 2759.

6.26 rai direct beachfront, power, water, road, unobstructed views, chanote title, white sand, peaceful. Only 5.8 mil baht per rai. Doesn't get much better than this! Beautiful beach land. 081 649 3557.

FOR SALE-KATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B3,400,000. LEASEHOLD. INCLUDE FURNISHINGS. INFO: 081 788 8280. EMAIL; thewhite housekata@ gmail.com.

Beach Land on Koh Yao Yai:

Sea-View Chalong-Residence: Dream pool villa with 5

Charming 4 Bed. House for Sale: Full privacy. Great for families.

Khao Sok, 25+ rai, B400,000 per rai: 25 rai, 3 ngan in Khao

Land for Sale: 400m from Naiyang Beach. 3 Rai 1 Tarangwah. 6.5MB per Rai. Call 087 091 8331 or email chiangmaibeltrade@hotmail. com for more information.

3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas:

Beachfront Building - Lanta: Urgent Sales! Beach front 2 Commercial buildings (3 storeys), 14 bedrooms, 16 bathrooms Klong Dow beach, Koh Lanta - Krabi. Contact owner directly - negotiable price: 081 270 8622, 084 841 5635.

25 year lease for sale. Well situated in fast developing and sought after area close to Laguna. Some fixed rent applies. Contact 087 884 0644 for more info.

Beautiful home in Phuket 4.99MB: Spacious open plan home

Resort for Sale: Resort 2 rai, with

chanote. 22 double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden with own well. Restaurant and bar with satellite TV and Adsl. Opened for 15 years, with lots of repeat customers, parking, quiet. 086 940 1860.

(Manthana Zone) Land area = 440 sqm. Home area = 300 sqm. 3 bedrooms 4 bathrooms 1 living room and kitchen 1 swimming pool (3m*10m) out door jacuzzi and pavilion Sales: from 1112.8MB. Rent: from 85,000 - 120,000 B/Month. 088 751 2389.

2 Rai, Cherngtalay:

Mission Heights:

only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument. 70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 b at h r o o m s, b i g li v i n g r o o m with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B2,995,000 including furniture. Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail.com. Call 081 607 8000.

The Aqua pool villa-sales/ rent: In Land & House Park Phuket

4 Bedroom/ 4 Bathroom European style single storey house with self contained guest house and pool in Rawai on 736m2 plot. Large master bedroom with en-suite, walk in wardrobe. Modern western style kitchen with granite tops, built-ins throughout. Established 7 years. Plenty of outdoor living area with several verandahs and under cover car park, air-conditioning in all bedrooms and lounge. Situated about 2km from Chalong circle in a quiet lane 1km from Viset Road. House & Guest house 180 sqm Land area 736sqm (184TW). 3 bedrooms Master ensuite, 4 Bathrooms 7x3.5m salt water pool. Electric gate. Well water. Concrete road access. Call 087 891 9349.

Pool Villa Rawai:

Seaview Land For Sale: Land located right in the heart of Chalong with panorama view of Chalong pier. Close to a number of sandy beaches; Naihan Rawai Kata and Karon. Easy access to major depar tment stores. Surrounded by public facilities including education institutes and hospitals. You will benefit from a perfect location that's rapidly increasing in value. 3 rai and 1 Ngan with Chanote title. Call 087 278 7206, 089 215 5041 e -mail: kubesjoy@ hotmail.com.

flrs.Can make business ground floor. Huge 2nd floor fully furnished as 2 bed apartment with private bathrooms. Includes furniture. Big kitchen and living area. 084 189 7696.

Seaview Townhouse Patong: Bet ween the c it y and

the jungle at the northern edge of Patong. 70m alt. 10mn walk to the beach. 4 storey + 290 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 toilet. 4 aircon, partly furnished. Email: andamanhills@gmail.com.

Budget Bungalows:

Two Bungalows in Chalong.2-3 bedrooms.Close to all amenities. One has room for a pool,the other is like a rain forest. From only 2,300,000 Baht.Ph:0812704291. Email: thailandmls@gmail.com.

Patong Tower for Sale:

And for rent. Sea view and mountain views. Freehold from 64 to 448 sq metres. Phone no: 080 692 6114. Email: orsoreal estate@hotmail.com.

Luxury Condo Rent / Sale:

2 B e d r o o m , L- r o o m a n d f u l l y equipped kitchen, 160 -212sqm. Very high standard with a nice view. Big balcony, swimming pool, gym. Location: Kathu, 10 min. Patong Beach, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and international hospitals. Rent Long term: B45,000 – B63,50 0 Buy: B8,50 0,0 0 0 – B11,500,000. Contact 086 268 7901 or send e-mail to: condophuket@ yahoo.com.

20 CLASSIFIEDS

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms

New Luxury Villa For Sale:

Lu xu r i o u s G o l f V i l l a @ Laguna Village: MUST BE SOLD ! Surplus to family invest needs. 3-bed, plus maid's qtrs. This home has been lovingly cared for. Leasehold/freehold. BVI status. POA. Ph 082 810 4184, phuketres@gmail.com

3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, private swimming pool (12 metre). House area of 600 sq.m., land 1.5 rai (2400 sq metre). Located on the shore of the ocean on the Koh Kho Khao. Email: larion2555@gmail.com.

2 Bed/3 Bath, Built-In & Partial fur. Private pool & jacuzzi, sala, 50 0 m.to beach Price 7.9 mil.Baht with Chanote title Tel.081 691 3029, E: kris. silanachai@yahoo.com.

Donsak Beachfront Land 3 Rai: 67 metres absolute beach

Modern Family House for sale: Beautiful 3 bedrooms villa in Rawai. 160sqm indoor. 400sqm outdoor. Shared swimming pool. Modern villa renovated in 2011-2012. Fully furnished. For more info: phuketvilla jasmine@gmail.com

Beautiful Naiharn Pool Villa:

Secure private hillside by Naiharn Beach. Quality furnished throughout. 3 big bedrooms, office, 4 baths, 230 sm plus carport etc. 1050 sm land. New condition. 15x4.6 m pool. Freehold. Nice. Only 17.5MB. Contact 089 727 5407, villa-sale-phuket.com.

Conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation. Priced to sell at 4.3 M THB including 4 air cons and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502

Nai Harn / Rawai, Balinese Pool Villa, 2 years old, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, price reduced for quick sale. Please call our agent 082 420 70 52 or send email to stayonphuket@yahoo.com.

Balinese Pool Villa:

Hot Price Sale- PuriAnda Villas: New Pool Villa in Rawai

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FOR SALE-KATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,900,000. LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhitehousekata@gmail.com.

Seaview 1 BDRM New Condo Patong: Stunning seaview,

city view 1 bdrm condo on hill 500m from Patong beach. Fitness centre, roof top pool, security, car park, freehold. Only B4,400,000. Keith 084 628 3430, keithb025@gmail.com.

Apartment on Golf Course:

Golf View, Kathu. Tastefully renovated large (83m2) apartment in Phuket Country Club. Golf view. 1 bed but easily converted to 2. Store, large Western kitchen and all furniture included. Ideal (holiday) home. Contact 081 273 7326, Email: keith marshall747@gmail.com.

Investment Proper t y for sale!: New, modern waterfront townhome at the Boat Lagoon for sale. Rented out long term at B570,000 per year. 3 bed/4 bath, 2 balconies, terrace at canal, 6 m berth in front of house. 250 sqm living space. Top condition. Luxury finishings. Brokers welcome. B9.9 million. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English).

frontage, fully infrastructured, ready to build. Close to ferry going to Koh Samui. Chanote title. 4.5 MB for all. Email: nhoj0512@hotmail.com.

Amazing 3 Bedroom Villa With Swimming Pool: Guarded Serenity near the Beach,Chumpon: 210 sq.M

contemporary 2 story house,pool.400 M. to ThungWualen.Situated in a green belt of jungle,palm plantations,10 mins walk to the beach No traf fic jams.Chanote title.Total 2648 sq.M., Email : chitsamon@hotmail.com , Phone : 083- 391 4405.

compound Kokyang Estate Phase II, 3 min to Nai Harn beach, modern interior design, garage, developed infrastructure. For more information: phuketbuyhouse.com/1644. Call Elena 084 305 0634.

4 plots (3 connecting, 1 separate) 1km north of Airport, along the road to MaiKhao Beach. Sea view towards south east. NorSor3Gor. 4.5 Rai in total. B4 million per Rai. Contact owner: 081 893 6630.

SeaView near Airport:

Ao-Yon, 13.5 rai, chanode title.10m/ rai.Call Siri 089 649 9939, email: siri_phuket@changrunner.com.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom

Free Hold Condo For Sale:

43 Sq. Free hold. 1 balcony (Great view). 1 bed room. 1 living room. 2 air conditioners. Full furniture. Internet.Swimming pool. Gym. Automated door lock and key card. Call 080 040 9077.

floors 6m x 14m. 1st & 2nd tenanted. Flr 3-staff accom, bath, kitchen. Separate office with access to lower floor. 4th flr private penthouse one bed. 087 881 7600.

Home For Sale By Owner:

One level 3 Bdr,2 Bath,fully equipped kitchen, set in private, secure surroundings and conveniently located as it’s just a 5 minutes drive to the BIS international school.Community Pool. Email : robert.anthony.krause@gmail. com , Phone : 084 851 9795.

Sea View Land for Sale: Ao Makham. 5.5 rai, B10 million per rai. Contact Siriporn 089 649 9939, email: siri_phuket@changrunner.com.

furnished house near Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac. Nic e gardens, t wo bathrooms. B3.5M negotiable. Call 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), email:davidgem98@hotmail.com.

Yamu. 2 x 0.75 Rai adjoining plots. OrBorTor road access to quiet end of soi location. Sale direct from the owner. B3.75 Million per rai negotiable. Call 081 087 9237.

Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket

town. L and: 8 5 5 sq.m. H ouse: 650sq.m. Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room. 2 Parkings. Price B38 mill.Tel: 081 895 3628 E-mail: jin_koy@yahoo.com.

Beaut iful L and L aguna Cherngtalay: Chanote title, yellow zoned, safe area. Nearly 4 rai, direct from owner. Subdivided in 6 plots each ca. 1,000sqm. ready to build. Only 6.75 MB per rai.

15 min to Patong and only 10 min to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 sqw or 564 sqm with ready public utility. Call 081 892 0610, 081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

Land for Sale Cherngtalay:

Beautiful 2,400sqm (1.5RAI) Chanote titled land plot in Pasak 8, located on the highest point of a gentle slope. Quiet and safe area. Only 8.5MB. Agents welcome. Phuketlandvilla@ hotmail.com, 089 875 9609.

Laguna/Layan Beach Luxury 13M Salt-Water Pool Villa For Sale (Or Rent): Three large

bedrooms with bathrooms in tastefully re-decorated bungalow set in mature garden plot of 550m2 within secure development for ownership and/or investment. B15.5 million. Email: irynain@gmail.com.

Pool villa for sale or rent:

Hillside setting. Luxurious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent. Sale 20M Baht. Rent Low season Daily 6k, Weekly 36k, Monthly 80k. High season Daily 7k, Weekly 42k, Monthly 100k. One complete year 85k per month. Call 087 078 6379.

freehold unit in award-winning project. 195 sqm, sea view, near gym & pool. Quality furnishing throughout. Designer kitchen with utility-store. phuket.pn@gmail.com.

Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 1.5 Rai Private Land Cape Yamu: 1.5 Rai flat land at Cape

Patong Bangla Building for Sale: B28 million, Chanote, 4

Studio condo at The Point near Lotus, Big C, Central. Fully furnished. Great views 6th floor. Cost B2.8M. Reduced to B2.25M. Call 087 889 3838 or 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com

Condo At The Heights, Kata: Immaculate 2-bed foreign-

Sea View Land for Sale:

FOR SALE-KATA BEACH CENTRE 2 BEDROOMS LUXE APARTMENT 135 SQM. PRICE B7,900,000. LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhitehouse kata@gmail.com.

Reduced for Quick Sale:

Happy Home Apartment for sale: Nice apartment, fully furnished at Rawai. The apar tment is set in a private compound with pool. It is located only 5 minutes from beach and convenient to Phuket Town. Only B15 million. Tel: 081 893 2165 www.happyho meapartmentphuket.webiz.co.th.

Royal Kamala Condo-Sale & Rent: In Kamala. Freehold 1, 2, 3 Bedroom apartment with kitchen, living room, balcony, swimming pool, fitness, security guard, parking. Ready to move. 085-368-3009, salesdirector@ royalkamala.com

Ocean Front Villa for Sale: 206.4 sqm, Chanote title in Phanason residence(next to Makro). 1 min to Central festival, 5 min to town. Call 084 061 4314, 076 393 965.

Land for sale:

Happy Home Apartment for sale: Nice apartment, fully

furnished at Rawai. The apar tment is set in a private compound with pool. It is located only 5 minutes from beach and convenient to Phuket Town. Only B15 million. Tel: 081 893 2165 www.happyho meapartmentphuket.webiz.co.th.

Luxury brand new villa, fully furnished and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month. Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_phuket@ yahoo.com.

Spac ious one bed room apar tment with ocean view, nor th of Patong. Floor area 96m2 internal and 72m2 terrace including water feature with sala and jacuz zi. Per fect bachelor pad with rental income. Email for info: bart duykers@mac.com.

For sale:

Beaut iful Land Laguna Cherngtalay: Chanote title, yellow zoned, safe area. Nearly 4 rai, direct from owner. Subdivided in 6 plots each ca. 1,000sqm. ready to build. Only B6.75 million per rai. Call 081 367 7683, chanchira.panpaen@googlemail.com.

Absolute Beachfront:Set on the beachfront, the ff villa offers uninterrupted sea and island views of the south east coast of Phuket. Situated between two 5 star resorts: Vijitt and EVASON near Laem Kanoi. 081 480 3834, http://www. facebook.com/Phuket.Beachfront.

Italian modern home for sale: Sea view and mountain view,

indoor swimming pool 14.50Meters X4.20Meters, near Rawai beach. 3 Bedrooms, land 216 m². Indoor 334 m². Ready to move in. The_ promenade@hotmail.com . 093 160 6566. Price 13 MB.

Rawai Beachfront Pool Villa for Rent/Sale: Rawai

Beach front pool villa for sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Beautiful Karon Villa: Stunning ,safe , secure estate villa , close to beach , crystal clear salt water pool 3 large bedrooms , modern open living , fully furnished ,freehold everything done enjoy the lifestyle. Phone 081 719 4688 Email : elbej@hotmail.com

Absolute Beach Front Land: Songkla district near new

deep sea port. 4.5 Rai divided into 7 Chanote plots. Reluctant sale. B4.9M the lot. Email: jmic chia@ yahoo.com or call 087 276 0529.

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CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com le sa t en g r U

RPM Owner Direct Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Recent architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to very high standard. Motivated owner leaving.

Reduced by 600,000B. ONLY 16.9MB. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, +632 906 435 7146, Alan 087 999 6174, bggvirgo@gmail.com. See RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com for complete details.

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Our customers are wanting to BUY your condo, house, villa or business. Please contact Tina - 082 423 0043 or gm@arcadaproperty.com East Coast Sea View Land

Condominium for SALE in Patong: Freehold title, Studio type, 32 sqm. of the living area, Furnished, 1 Bathroom, Fitted kitchen with dining area, Swimming pool, Restaurant. Call 083 103 3801 (English and Thai).

Rawai Great Buying: Lovely

house with 2 bedrooms or separate SC flat downstairs.Well ventilated with natural light in pristine condition.Distant sea views.4,995,000 Baht. Warren Crowe 081 270 4291 or thailandmls@gmail.com.

Ocean Front Land: 7 rai with 185 metres of sea frontage. Water, electricity, road and boat access, located 800 metres from Yacht Haven marina, perfect site for small beach front development. For quick sale only B5 million per rai. Tel 081 343 0777 Email: montha_phuket@ yahoo.com.

Paklok, Chanote, Mountain View, 200m from main road, 11 km from monument and 4 km to Mission Hill. Interested or want a larger size? CALL 084 305 6667, email: mari sar1978@hotmail.com

288 sqm of heaven. Plunge pool, 3 bed, 4 bath overlooking perfect panoramic ocean views. Beach shops, fabulous restaurants, nightlife all a 3 minute walk. B42,624,000. Contact: 088 761 4030 or imgphuket@gmail.com.

2 separate Chanote titles each about 1,200 sq metres (4.5 and 5.5M), or will sell as one lot.

4 Rai & Home & Thai Co. 18 M B 4 R ai w 2 b,1b a h o m e NS3G title. Next to Natâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l Park Layan, N Bang Tao Scenic Quiet 5 min to Cherng-Telay Walk to beach Prior permit for 6 villa develop Road, runoff culvert & tank built. 084 842 4581, PhuketHorseRescue@GMail.com

investment condo N/East aspect Rawai 5th floor corner sweeping ocean rural views. 126sqm, 2 bed, 2 bath, free hold, furnished, pool, B8.75million perment tenant at B40,000 p/m. Call 089 050 5664

www.phuket-land-sale.com 081 8937027

3 Bedroom Pool Villa, Rawai: 160m2 Private Pool Villa. 3 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom (3 En Suite), Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room, Large Balconies & Terrace, Carport. Freehold, Chanote title. 2 minutes from beach! See proper tyforsalephuket.co.uk.

Underground services. 081 273 7326, email: kmar74@hotmail.com.

Patong Loft Condo:

Makes a good condo deal now. 1-bedroom, fully furnished, 67 sqm living area. Only B2.99 mil. Big swimming pool. Normal price B3.7 mil. Call 089 872 6895. Email: jospeder@live.no.

World Class Sea Views: 4 Bedroom British Colonial style house, Cape Yamu, Phuket. Amazing views spanning over 100km, as far as Krabi. Price reduced from B35 to B28 million. 086 279 6283, email: kdesmond59@yahoo.co.uk.

and infrastructure seven further plots for development. 1.5km from Mission Hills Golf Club. Please call 087 888 1761 (Aom) for details.

Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view /mountain view, furnished, Pool, 24hr security, for SALE B2.8M B3.3M. Contact +66 (0) 83 103 3801, 081 415 7774.

Chalong Beach Front Pool Villa: Chalong Beach Front Pool Villa For Sale/Rent,3 bed rooms,area 1 rai call Siriporn 089 649 9939,email: siri_phuket @changrunner.com.

Phuket Country Club Condos: 3 Only Luxury Contemporary

tion hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 rai, 96,000 square metre. Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@ hotmail.com.

Great Investment Opportunity: Completed show house

Apartment for sale in Patong: Apartment for SALE in

Last 1 Studio of The Cleat condo (Phase 1) in Krabi Boat Lagoon, low-rise waterfront Condo built around the lagoon with Mangrove, Sea and Marina view and full facilities. Call +66(0)76 238 948.

Hill Land for Sale: Very nice loca-

Superb Ocean View Lux Penthouse: B148,000 per sqm,

Wonderful 5 bed house over looking the lake & Golf course in Laguna. Sale: Reduced to: 31.5 M / Rent: 190,000 P/M. Call Mick: 084 818 6045 Email: mr.mickb@yahoo.com or www.silkwind.net/laguna

URGENT!! SEAVIEW LAND 12 Million Baht

Properties for sale: Luxury

Condo in Marina: Paklok Land Only B7,999/ Sqwah: Only B7,999/Sq wah at

Total 1.5 rai (2,450sq metre) on gently sloping land with sea view of Phang Nga Bay.

BEST SEAVIEW LAND-EVER!

Freehold Condo For Sale: 45 Sq.m Freehold. 2 balconies (great view). 1 bedroom. 1 livingroom. 2 air conditioners. Full furniture. Internet. Cable TV. Laundry. Fresh market. Swimming pool. Gym. Restaurant. Call 080 040 9077.

LUXURY 5 BED HOUSE IN LAGUNA

Waterfront Villa in Boatlagoon: Modern style spacious townhouse. 3 large beds/4 baths. 250 Sqm. one office area and 2 balconies. One private birth for a boat up to 6 meters behind the house. freehold/leasehold. B9.9 million. Call 082 493 8526. Email: flakes010@hotmail.com.

Condos, 1 per floor C/W lift. Located on the 15th fairway 275 M3 per floor total.Common Pool and Sundeck. Underground parking 1/unit, Floor 3 show unit complete Floors 1&2 are unfinished, waiting for owners choice of flooring and kitchens. Could still develop into one very large private home. Floors 1&2 could be offices star ting from B10 million. Or B32 million for project Partial financing available. Info contact 084 840 1262, north8east98@yahoo.com

Must see! Great 4bd villa: Truly exceptional 4 bd villa on the 1900 sqm land, surrounded by jungle. 10x5 m pool must see! 10 min drive to Tanyapura and to Naithon Beach. Great lovely home for large families! 12.5MB. 0840607050. info@molokophuket.com.

Beautiful Beachfront Land: Absolute beach front land only 4 to 5 hours from Phuket. Why pay 30-50 million baht per Rai when you can have the best from B1.1 to B2.9 Million Baht per Rai!!! Email: thailandmls@ gmail.com.

Very Spacious European From Owner: Villa in peace-

ful place in Rawai. Large living area and terrace. 3 bedrooms, 4 aircon, 3 bathrooms, 1 guest toilet. Western kitchen, garage, laundry, beautiful garden, swimming pool. 612 sqm plot, chanote title. Price B9.5 million. Contact Tanya 083 506 8345, geta909@gmail.com.

ge Ur

al e

Urgent Sale: 6 rai Hilltop Land for sale, near Mission Hills golf club, was B4.2 million per rai now only B2.99 million per rai, full chanote, water/ elec. sea/mountain views. 087 978 5804 (Eng).

PROPERTY WANTED

Buy / Sale / Rent: Property and Business. Our clients are interested to buy/rent property and business in Nai Harn, Rawai, Kata, Karon, Patong, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao. Free Listing. Please visit www.skyproperty.ru, sales@skyproperty.ru ,088 450 5095.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Zion Proper ty CO., Ltd.: Land for Sale:

Mission Hills. One rai. Very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. B3.4M. 087 276 0529 for info.

2,200 Land, Nai Harn -B10.9 million for Sale: Located in Sai Yaun 9, at the back of Mangosteen hotel. Very good access , road, electric, water. Size approximately 30 by 70 metres. Chanote. Contact 087 897 0501. aleksa@thai-evagroup.com

Sales - D Condo Mine:

Sales - down payment 250,000 B D Condo Mine Phuket Town by Sansiri. Finished in March 2014.Corner room on the 7th floor with nice view. 2 Bedrooms Call:089 159 3239.

7th Floor Suites (Hotel) Building For Sale

Land For Sale: Mission Hills. 3/4 of rai in small community, very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. Was B2.5M. 087 276 0529 for info.

Thai House@Phuket Fantasea : Traditional Thai house design 4bed, 4bath, kitchen. Mountain views.8,8 MB.Large living room, 3 aircon. 1.5km from Phuket Fantasea. Well maintained with 47sqm. 085 644 9344.

Kata Beach Center 9 apar tments and a 300 sqm Penthouse on the roof plus fully equipped restaurant and pool with terrace are free of rent and now available. Price total 38 million Baht (9.50.000.euro) include chanote and Thai company. For serious interest email: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com for RUSSIAN; Ms. Oxana Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com

@thephuketnews

Modern Villa in Marina:

A spacious family home in Boat Lagoon. Modern contemporary style with 4+1 beds, 4 bathrooms. Large dining area, private swimming pool and fully furnished. Size 616 Sq.M. Call 076 238 948.

Land for Sale - Khao Lak: A beautiful 402 rai land with 860 meters of beach front in Khao Lak,Phang Nga,Chanote Title,sale all land. Ru/ En translator Call:088-7652203,0813707289, wittawat_ks@hotmail.com

Whether you are selling, buying or renting we offer a wide selection of high quality properties, land and businesses located in the south of Thailand. Please contact us for further information. Call 080 087 1772. See zionproperty.com.

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HEALTH SERVICES

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Specialized in large commercial and small residential cooling & heating systems.

076 319406-8 086 4702026-7 www.choochuay.com

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Jobs

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New Club Opening in Phuket We are now seeking to fill in the following positions: F&B Manager. VJ / Light technician. Promotions Manager. IT Technician. Head Chef. Graphic Designer. Assistant Head Chef. Assistant / Secretary / Accountant. Flair Bartender Head of Security. Singer / Dancer / Performer (female).

Marketing Executive wanted Art House is hiring - Marketing Executive, working at the booth in Central. Thai female, good command of English. We pay basic salary + commission + bonus. Call Alexandr 089 594 6888, info@arthouse.asia.

Fluent command of English (speaking / writing). Experience in the field required. Must be hard working, flexible, professional, fun & talented. Thai applicants only.

WE OFFER SOME OF THE BEST SALARIES IN PHUKET…HOWEVER WE ONLY HIRE THE BEST PEOPLE…SO HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? Please send updated resume with photo to: clubrecruitmentpatongbeach@gmail.com

DMG Thailand is hiring Development Management Group is a Project Management Company with a long and successful history in Phuket. We are expanding our team and looking for candidates with a track record of success.The positions will be located in Phuket and Thai Nationals are desired. The positions require good command of spoken and written English. M&E Engin e er M ec hanic al & Elec tr ic al Engineer to handle inspection, testing, and design review on a new construction project.Will coordinate with designers and contractors for the successful completion of the project. Contracts Manager The suc c essf ul c andidate will have a proven track record of successful contracts work in a construction environment. Administrative Assistant Solid skills with MS Office and previous construction experience is a plus. Tel: 076-617763. Email: hr@ dmg-thailand.com.

Native English Teacher Need exper ienc ed preschool teacher, 10 -14 children. Star t i m m e d i a t e l y, C h a l o n g , 4 0 hour a week. Send resume to phuketteacher@yahoo.com.

A s si st ant Sal e s M an ager: • Thai- Male/Female, 25-

35 years • Bachelor's Degree • 2 Years related sales experience • Good command of English • Good computer & communication skills • Own a car & driver license Salary + Commission + Benefits Send CV to : cj@searasports.com

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

TV PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Qualifications: Phuket News TV is looking for a fantastic video editor and camera-person. You will need to be a Thai national or have your own work permit. The applicant will be familiar with digital video editing on Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro 6. You will also need to be familiar with the latest HD compact cameras and DSLRs. Previous work experience in the industry is essential. Phuket News TV works on the Apple computing platform.

Responsibilities: You will be working with a small, dynamic team and will visit events, news stories and record in the Phuket News TV studios. There will be occasions when it is necessary to work out of hours or weekends, as the needs arise. Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to hr@classactmedia.co.th or fax your resume to 076-612-553

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553

@thephuketnews

G enkan Creative is looking to expand its international team. We are looking for a self-motivated, highly creative individual to work with our international team creating world class web applications. Candidates are expected to have the following experience; Thai Nationality Minimum 3 years’ experience working in Web Development Knowledge of HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP Minimum 2 years’ experience working with Wordpress Knowledge of SEO a plus Knowledge of graphic design tools. E.g Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop a plus Knowledge of Facebook Apps a plus Expected Salary between 25,000 – 30,000 THB depending on experience. Candidates should send their CV to tpb@genkan.com.au.

We b D eve l o p e r

S w i s s S e r vic e / Phon e Operator: Swiss Ser vice /

Telephone Operator .Good level of English. Ability to work under pressure. Good in communication and organisation. Responsible and reliable. Minimum one year experience. Contact: HR Department, email: Humanresources.phuket@ swissotel.com or call 076 303 000.

Couple Wanted: Thai couple, house & pet care, work and stay at foreigner villa, speak English, no smoking, husband as driver, wife as housekeeper. Contact: aoaphuket@ gmail.com 076 203 010.

Female Cook/ Homemaker Wanted: Exceptional conditions for live-in cook /homemaker for semi-re tired UK/Canadian businessman. Separate high quality room with shower & T V in high- end resort style surroundings. Must speak English. Send resume to bggvirgo@gmail.com.

LI VE THE LIFEST YLE OF YOUR DREAMS: International financial advisors required for south east asia finance and sales experience a huge advantage please send your CV and contact details to: info@pp-intl. com www.pp-intl.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER/RECEPTION Responsibilities: ● Answering/forwarding incoming calls to relevant staff. ● Welcoming guests/visitors to Phuket News & Live 89.5. ● Providing customer services via emails & face-to-face. ● Managing inventory/stock of stationery including purchasing. ● Providing administrative support to Admin Dept. including faxing, filing, copying etc. ● Assisting with translation from Thai to English & English to Thai.

Qualifications: ● Thai nationality. ● Bachelor Degree in related field. ● Excellent communication skills in English. ● Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task. ● Proactive, detail-oriented & works well in a fast-paced environment. ● Newly graduated students with excellent English are welcome to apply.

We offer: ● Work 5 days a week/Monday-Friday (08.30 – 18.00 hrs.) ● Friendly work environment. ● Social security (100%) paid by the company. Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to hr@classactmedia.co.th or fax your resume to 076-612-553

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553

JV Opportunity: JV Partner

with a commercial focus sought for Phuket based company. New startup delivering a well-established world know building related system licensed exclusively for design, production and installation in Thailand. This is an exciting opportunity for the right partner: Chris on 081 956 2966 or Chrisinphuket@gmail.com.

Receptionist /Admin Assistant: Thai Nationality and Graphic Designer wanted Genkan Creative is looking to

expand its international team. We are looking for a self-motivated, highly creative individual to work with our international team creating world class web applications. Candidates are expected to have the following experience; Thai Nationality 3 years’ experience in Web graphic design Knowledge of HTML & CSS Knowledge of graphic design tools. E.g Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop Knowledge of Wordpress a plus Expected Salary between 20,000 – 30,000 THB depending on experience. Candidates should send their CV & Portfolio to tpb@genkan.com.au.

must speak & write English. Good salary + benefits. Please send CV to info@amitywellness.com or Call Jan at 084 773 9086.

FREELANCE WEB / SEO / EDITING: Do you require up-dates/ SEO to your site, blog or Open Cart? Also: s-engine/RSS/Blog submissions - PDF/Photo flip shows - Web Photo Video’s etc. Email: mr.m.hopkins@ gmail.com.

PR & Marketing Assistant Responsibilities :

� Assisting the PR manager with planning and implementing PR plans for the company � Representing the company at events & exhibitions � General Marketing and PR admin tasks

Qualifications: � Good communication skills both in Thai & English � Degree qualified – recent graduate welcome to apply � Have own transport (bike or car) � Ability to work after normal work hours and/or weekends (time in lieu will be given)

We offer: � Competitive salary � Social security (10%) paid by the company � Excellent career progress opportunity � Time in lieu for any overtime hours worked If you are professional & enthusiastic person, this is an excellent opportunity to advance in a growing & innovative media business in Phuket

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to hr@classactmedia.co.th or fax your resume to 076-612-553

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553

24 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

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2 2 m . I n d o n e s i a n Pi n i s i Ketch: Licensed and registered in Thailand. She is in good condition and currently working as a snorkel and sunset tour boat. For sale or long-term rental. Price negotiable for quick sale. dragonheartthailand@gmail.com.

Need to sell my SAILBOAT 2 mast 17 metre (50 c.v. Yanmar engine) excellent condition Fully equipped located in Chalong/Phuket valuated price B12 million

Now for quick sale B5.5 million include dinghy Yacht sale 36-ft Searay:

A very good condition with bedding for 5, air-con, generator, kitchenette, BBQ grill, twin propulsion, Mercruiser 5.0L bravo III DTS, raymarine chartplotter, GPS and depth sounder. B4.5 million. Call 089 647 5204.

Call French: 080 035 1626 English: 081 788 8280 Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com

Boat Sales and Charters:

BOATS & YACHTS

Sale New Boat SR-21 Finished: SR.Marine. We are proLuxury Yacht for Sale: For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. Reduced to only USD675,000. Contact Marcus on marcus@leema rine.net.

fessional boat builders. Our showroom in Phuket. This model is SR-21, finished. Price B375,000. “This price exclude only engine”. Email: samranmarine@live.com/ 081 782 0921.

Want to build or charter your own boat to get out among Phuket’s many islands for fishing or pleasure? Then please contact the experts on 081 270 4291 or go to www. fishingboatingthailand.com.

End of 2013 - New Yacht Sale: Dehler 29 - 2 Cabin - THB New Varianta 37:

Max Value – Min Price 37’ yacht built by Hanse and designed by Judel/Vrolijk at a 32’ price. Performance 2/3 Cabin Layout. Base Price €74,900 ex Fact 0813701995 inq@sea-yss.com.

3,5000,000; Hanse 325 Max - 2 Cabin - THB 4,000,000; Varianta 37 - 3 Cabin - THB 4,950,000. Prices include many options and Delivery to Phuket. Contact: inq@sea-yss.com - www.sea-yss.com, 081 370 1995. Inq, inq@sea-yss.com.

Glass bottom Looker 320 Glass bottom cruise boat for sale. Length 9.5m, beam 3.7, passenger capacity 22, speed up to 40 knots, dural/composite hull. Engine Mercruiser 320 hp. Fuel tank for 150 l, consumption 50 l, consumption 50 l / 100 km. Front transparent windshield, bottom glass 3x2 m, hydrofoil, toilet + shower, navigation. Built in 2011, excellent condition. Sell for 9MB or barter for villa/apartment. pervadim@yandex.ru

J e t s k i s & Tr a i l e r 600,000THB: Two 3 person jet LIV Aboard For Sale: Compressors and tanks also available. Please contact Joe : 087 891 8912 joe@ similan-diving-safaris.com.

S a l e N e w B o a t S R-18 Finished: SR.Marine, We are professional boat builders. Our showroom is in Phuket. This model is SR-18, finished. Price B295,000. “This price excludes only engine”. Email: samranmarine@live.com / 081 782 0921.

skis, fully maintained & just fully repainted and serviced. Refurbished stainless frame trailer included with trailer jack and hand winches.082 282 6947 Dan (Thai/English).

Boat for sale: Boat for sale at Ao Yon Bay (Cape Panwa, Phuket). Boat has two engines 140 cc yamaha. 13+ 2 per persons. Price:550. 000B. Phone number : 083 637 9704 Thai/Eng 081 894 9967.

Crownline 320 LS 50 kts B o w r i d : Ve r y f a s t - n i c e s p o r t SR MARINE NEW SR-21 SR-21 Center console,only 375,000 baht. Excluded only engine. Come with all accessories. We also produce 18-36ft Power boat. For more picture or info, please contact Showroom office at Chalong, 0817820921

Jeanneau Sailing Yacht for Sale: Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 37, year 2004-5. Full Option/ Thai Flag register/ Solar S. Electric 240W/ Autopilot/ GPS/ 2 Engine Fridge Only Euro 66 500. 084 843 2551, tomasotti. mario@gmail.com.

2009 POWER CATAMARAN: 45ft. 4 cabins. Volvo D- 4 IPS 300. Genset. Aircon. “Bose” surround. Raymarine. Low hours. Fully loaded. Fast and economical. As new. Bargain. Only 339,000 euros. Email: eddyelan@ yahoo.com +66 89 971 0278, Eddie.

SELLING YOUR BOAT?: With high season just around the corner, now is the right time to get her listed, Boatshedphuket.com are always looking for new listings,big or small, power or sail, contact Alan Giles. 084 842 6146.

boat,2x350 MPI engines, year 2009, like new, lifetime hull warantty, only 100 working engine hours, Thai flag, tax payed. Only 3M THB, Airberth 0,5 M THB seperately. Contact: yach@ elas.si.

13 Metre Wooden Hull Cruiser: Cap. 17 PAX. Wooden

40FT Steel Cutter Sloop:

hull, 3.5 metres W, draws 1.5 meters, diesel engine generates 123 KW. Perfect for fishing or day tours. Fitted w Fish Finder and GPS. Was B1,500,000 now only B500,000. Call 082 414 6931, email: phil@ krabikon nect.com.

Ready to c r uise. C ent rec o c k pit . Safe, strong German design. New S ai l s, 4 4H P Ya nm a r En g i n e, 6 Berths, solar, wind generator, BBQ, dinghy&outboard. AUD$110K. 085 378 0498, yacht.antaia@gmail.com.

Krabi Boat Lagoon: New marina

A steal for a quick sale: 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro 335,000. Tel: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@yahoo.com.

Private Luxury Yacht Charters: Luxury day & overnight yacht charters with crew & chef on board. Rates from 6 4,0 0 0 baht per day. Tel.0899710278, www.yacht-charterthailand.com.

sister of Phuket Boat Lagoon, ready for berthing now with marina charge 50% off and long term berth available. Well protected by sea conditions and full facilities provided. Contact Khun Choo 086 281 0330.

Kawasaki 750Sxi Jet Ski Pro: Stand up. Trick conversion kit, R&D ride plate, Race bars with finger throttle, Hydro-turf floor mat with foot-holds, Very reliable, fast, and great fun. Very good condition. B150,000. Contact: garysmith436@btinternet.com.

Hanse 325 Max 2014:

A new premium Hanse with Sail Away options included - less than THB 4,500,000 in Phuket 0813701995 inq@sea-yss. com www.sea-yss.com, Person : Inq , Email : inq@sea-yss.com , Phone : 081 370 1995 .

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26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

COMMUNITY LEXUS-4 door sedan 1.2million: Lexus 250, 2006, 2.5 V6 gaso-

Hotel & Restaurant for sale:

Chanote title in Patong,Central position, new building, started four years ago.20 rooms, reception&restaurant fully furnished, lift. B32M negotiable 086 279 8175(Eng/Italian)Stefano/084 840 1566(Thai)Ning.

line. Paddle shifter, Spor ts Drive. Brand new rims and tires. Travelled 93K. Recently Fully Serviced from dealership. Needs new owner ASAP. 082 282 6947 Dan.

LOVELY HONDA CITY TOP MODEL: 5 yrs young, 1 lady driver,

HOTEL / R ESTAUR A NT FOR LEASE: In Patong, High

Occupancy rate, per fect location, Easy to start business! High ranking on online travel agents, such as: booking.com, agoda. com, tripadvisor.com Legal, current and up to date contracts with overseas tour operators that have high sales volume and many loyal customers with repeat business. Current sales channels and property management software- you can run your business online from anywhere in the world. 30 rooms. Restaurant and terrace with 40 seats, huge roof terrace,kitchen fully equipped.7 years lease left, rent paid until 31.12.2013.Turnover 7,5 million baht/year, profit 2 million baht/year. Price: 7 million baht includes business, Thai company limited (CO.,LTD) with 3 work permits, and many legal things you don’t need to waste your time on if you started from scratch –Everything is included! Contact scandinavian owner directly (speaks English): e-mail shincorp1@yahoo. com.sg.

BUSINESS SERVICES

excellent condition, fully serviced, leather interior, 82k kilometers, offers around tb410,000. Top of the range model. Any reasonable offered considered. Price : B410,000 ono , 081 747 3000

Per fect condition, 20 0 6, manual, 17,500 km, 218 hp supercharged, high end hifi, Recaro seats, Book Service, Ultimate Mini. Collectors item. B1.6m, 089 866 3756 (Eng/Th) frankdreist@ hotmail.com.

tong Beach hotel offer for long term lease. Location: Patong beach front ocean panoramic view. 18 rooms, aircon. internet, cable TV, telephone, safe, full furnished. Contact: 076 342 197-8, K.Thanin,K.Tum.

Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900 or visit: www.phuketfood.com.

Farang Food Paradise:

cargo box CBL 1970. Power windows, film, alarm GPS tracker, 17,100 KM. Load volume 7.3m3, load dimension 2.37m x 1.68m x 1.85m, max load 1.5 ton. New 700 000 THB. For sale at B500,000. Call 085 060 0033.

Toyota D4D Commuter Minibus: 2009, White Toyota D4D Com-

muter Minibus for sale. Genuine 15,000 km. One owner (red plate), Always garaged underground, curtains / TV & Video (ceiling mount) 16 seat. Excellent condition. 087 999 6174.

friendly car, carefully used for last 3 years. Good condition with some wears. Clean interior, good car audio, fresh tires. Best choice for young family. Honda serviced only. Igor, Chalong, B280,000, 083 102 0070.

Isuzu Dmax 2006, 105,000km, one owner, 4x2, silver automatic, double cab, good condition. Contact 087 079 0650 or 080 073 5371.

Want to play? 086 951 5511, 082 281 5976

GENNEWA GOLD MEMBERS: Attention Gennewa Gold members. Please contact urgently. randyalltime@gmail.com

POOL TABLES

the best table in the world is now loaded with new enhancements that keep it at the forefront of the entertainment industry. International Table Soccer Foundation (ITSF) certified for training and tournament play. Thailand Pool Tables. www.thailandpooltables.com call 085 797 0202, 085 797 0303.

Ford Escape 4WD V6 2005/6:

One owner, excellent condition. Only driven in Phuket. No off road driving. No accidents. Gold colour. Tires almost new. Recently ser viced by Ford. 130,000 km. Call 0817501064. Price : 350,000 O.N.O. , Address : Rawai, Email: tomultmann1@gmail. com, Phone: 081 750 1064.

liards. 6FT start at only 64,500THB plus BIG discount or FREE Football table for Phuket Customers only!! Call NOW 081 171 2121 www.patana.co.th.

PUBLIC NOTICES

World’s Best Foosball Table: Tornado Foosball Table,

Isuzu D-max super platinum3.0L: Bought on 04/2010.

CHILDREN’S CLUB Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/ gaming arcade. Contact 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstartphuket.com.

FunStart:

CHILDCARE 2010 Mazda 2 Hatchback: New in 2010. I am an expat who is moving on and can’t take my Mazda with me. One owner, 32,000 accident free kilometers, auto trans, air bags, auto braking, etc. stephpkt@gmail.com.

CARS FOR SALE Isuzu Dmax:

Welcome to Sunday services: Thai: 10.00-12.30 AM and 7.30-9.30 PM. English: 2-4 PM. Free lunch and Sunday school for kids. Contact: K.Gung Tel: 076 -274975 - 6, 08 4 - 0567027 Email: yai_k@hotmail.com.

Hi there! My name is Lucy, would you like to be my friend and take care of me? I am only 1 year old and very sweet! If you want more information please call: Sherin 084 877 3566

Home Needed:

SOVEREIGN Dining/Pool Tables : From Patanakarn Bil-

When money is not an object: We proudly present to

you “The Blacklight Pool Table” The One of a kind billiard table manufacture by French and American. Today, as Design is the keyword. More details at www.thailand pooltables.com call 085 797 0202, 085 797 0303.

Thailand Pool Tables: Thai-

land Pool Tables is the Leading Billiard, Snooker and largest selection of game tables and accessories in Thailand. Price start from 40k – 100k. You can shop online at www. thailandpooltables.com, Call 085 797 0202, 085 797 0303.

Toyota Vigo B Cab 3,0 D 2011: White large Carry Boy fiber

Patong Massage Shop For Sale: Cosy renovated shop. Shop

is located inside a hotel on a busy street directly leading to Patong Beach. Business from hotel customers as well as from many tourists going to/from Patong Beach. Email: chumpo26@hotmail.com.

The Seed Church Talang Phuket

BACKGAMMON HONDA CITY '03 1.5AT, 118X X Xkm: Ver y reliably &

Check up every 5,000 km, only 65,000 km on clock. Double Surround sound with USB, navigator, many extras. Price : B620,000. Norbert 080 878 3542 GER/ENG. Email: norberts923@ gmail.com.

URGENT Boutique Hotel for Lease: A small boutique Pa-

PET ADOPTION

Mini Cooper S JCW GP for sale: Only 2000 made worldwide.

Commuter Van For Sale:

2012 Toyota Commuter Van – Low mileage 13,500 kilometers. Loaded, leather seats, back up camera, video system. Only B900,000. Contact via email: mar tin@phuketfish boat.com.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

2012 TOYOTA VIGO PRERUNNER: 2012 Toyota Vigo Prerunner 3.0 turbo diesel Manual 15,000kms Black with leather interior excellent condition. 084 625 8225. B720,000

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS / VISAS Online health food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, w w w.good karmathailand.com.

Health Food:

Pure Honda rotary mower, nearly new B20,000. Call English 082 516 8717, Thai 086 079 0890.

est international childcare facility. High-quality, time proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand-new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-10. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Tel:076 384 638, 080 624 7060(Eng)/087 278 5511(Thai) www.buds-phuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

Best invest - Coin Pool Table: When you have to invest

in Coin Pool Table, go for the best! Valley® Coin Operated Pool Table. Voted best coin tables in the world for 18 straight years! Our pool tables are the only real American Tables in Thailand. Sale, Rent or for Profit Sharing. Thailand Pool Tables Call 085 797 0202, 085 797 0303.

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE

Cruise Phuket in style. As new. 3 speed gears, disk/ drum brakes, comfortable riding position and plush saddle. Wide tyres and “chopper” forks. A must have for this season., Price : 32,000 , Person : Allan Mossop , Address : 393/2 Boi Ao Bang Tao 1, Cherng Talay, Phu , Email : allan@pipsphuket.com , Phone : 081 737 0722.

Cool Cruiser Bicycle:

Looking for a VISA Service? Visa to China, India or Shenzen & no need to fly to Bangkok. Check all procedures by email to jryjariya@ gmail.com or contact 080 887 4431.

MEMBERSHIPS Buds International School & Kindergarten: Phuket’s old-

6FT Non-Coin and Coin-Operated Slate Pool Tables SPECIAL price at 49,700THB from Patanakarn Billiards PHUKET. All Accessories + Delivery incl. Call Now 081 171 2121, 076 521 211.

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP: Lifetime family membership to Phuket’s most prestigious golf course. THB 840,000 Includes transfer fee of THB 140,000. Email jerdek56-asia@yahoo.com or call/ sms 0818913051. Serious offers only.

MOVING & STORAGE

Phuket Country Club Membership: Lifetime full family mem-

bership (man, wife and limitless kids) at Phuket Country Club. Seller leaving Phuket hence only B570,000 ono. Transfer fees and this years subscription included. Call 081 273 7326.

Best buy / Best Price!: Phuket

Pool Tables offer you the best deals on 2 m o dels of our p o ol t ables, 4’x8’, slate bed, full accessories included, free installation and advise. Come, try, and play before you buy it. Call 081 823 4627.

Let’s Have Fun Outside: Breakout the norm! And let’s explore outside with all weather pool table. Guaranteed Fun: Anytime…Anywhere! Thailand Pool Tables, www.thailandpooltables.com, Call 085 797 0202, 085 797 0303, email: ying@thailandpooltables.com

Kite Surf Equipment for Sale: 2 new boards, never used.

2 Kites, used 2-3 times. New price was more then 200,000 Baht. Sell altogether for 100,000 Baht. For single items. Please call: 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520.

Custom Trek MTB HardTail: Trek 8 Series Alu Frame, 20.5 inch (180 cm+) pimped in white. Fuji/ XT/ Deore drive train. XT SIS disk Brakes, Custom Alex/ Veulta wheels, Sock Shox SID Team front shox. SuperFly bike. Call 081 737 0722.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR A NEW HOME

G o l f M e m b e r ship fo r Sale: Loch Palm 500,000 Baht.

Buyer pays for transfer. 083 388 5566. Email borst.jg@gmail.com

Blue Canyon Golf Membership: Blue Canyon Golf Lifetime

membership for sale! Excellent saving! B89,500 Call 084 052 2277.

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.

Several rescued dogs, cute, cuddly and groomed ready to be loved. For more photos visit www.doggieheaven.net Or contact: Sherin.peace@gmail.com ***Vaccinated & sterilised

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Russia launches Sochi security crackdown OLYMPICS

The Spark Renault SRT-01 E Formula E car unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2013. Photo: Smokeonthewater

ussia launches the largest security operation in Olympic history on Tuesday with one month to go before Vladimir Putin kicks off the Winter Games in Sochi amid renewed fears of suicide bombings. Army soldiers manning armoured vehicles and navy officers patrolling the Black Sea will join a 37,000-strong contingent overseeing the February 7-23 sports extravaganza that will spotlight Putin’s 14year reign. The prestige project – often referred to as the “Putin Games” and costing some US$50 billion (37 billion euros) – has already been blighted by snubs from Western leaders upset with what they see as Kremlin-backed discrimination against gays and the infringement of many other rights. Railway station and trolleybus blasts that killed 34 in Volgograd last month meanwhile revived fears that Islamists from the nearby Caucasus will seek to wreak havoc on the globally watched event. Putin responded to mounting diplomatic pressure over the weekend by easing the terms of a tough decree banning all forms of political protest in Sochi. And Russia’s answer to the threat of terror will be unveiled Tuesday when the feared Federal Security Service (FSB) takes charge of a security clampdown even fiercer than that seen at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. “Starting January 7, all divisions responsible for ensuring the guests’ security at the Games are being put on combat alert,” Emergencies Situation Minister Vladimir Puchkov said. “Every facility will be put under protection and a spacebased monitoring system will be launched.”

@thephuketnews

First Formula E car dazzles Las Vegas MOTORSPORT

Bunny, Leopard and White Polar Bear, the mascots of Sochi’s 2014 Winter Olympics, seen on the city’s streets during the ‘1,000 Days To Go’ festival. Photo: RIA Novosti Additional measures deployed down the line will let the FSB monitor mobile phone and e-mail traffic while obliging all foreign visitors to register online. Putin brought Russia’s first post-Soviet Games to the palm tree-lined port against long odds in 2007 by personally telling Olympic chiefs in Guatemala that he would stage the best festivities they had yet seen. That promise was soon followed by orders for Russia’s titans of industry to transform Sochi’s crumbling Communist-era skyline into that of a futuristic city worthy of the Gulf emirates. The mission has been largely accomplished despite protests about the Games’ environmental impact and reports of migrant workers being employed at illegally low wages and housed in inhumane conditions. But Putin has been unable to duck the indignity of leaders from most big European nations and the United States snubbing the Games’ opening ceremony because of Russia’s new “homosexual

propaganda” ban. Washington will instead send a delegation featuring such openly gay and lesbian stars as Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano and tennis legend Billie Jean King. “The US delegation to the Olympic Games represents the diversity that is the United States,” US National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden pointedly remarked. Russian Olympic Committee chief Alexander Zhukov brushed off the absences as trivialities that “in no way affect the Olympic Games”. Putin did however bow

to the International Olympic Committee on Saturday by partially reversing a blanket ban on protests in Sochi. “We welcome this announcement,” the IOC said. “It is in line with the assurances that President Putin gave us... to ensure free expression whilst delivering safe and secure Games.” Security became an even bigger priority over the summer when a feared Russian Islamist vowed to unleash a campaign of terror against civilians that undermined Putin and kept all Sochi visitors at bay. AFP

THE FIRST FORMULA E car – part of an upcoming motor racing competition to put electric vehicles on the map – made its dazzling debut on Monday in Las Vegas. The sleek Spark-Renault SRT-01E, capable of speeds above 225 kilometres per hour, will compete in the first Formula E Championship that begins in Beijing in September, part of 10 races sponsored by the FIA, the global governing body for motor racing. “The Formula E is the future of the automobile, I think this will change the perception of electric vehicles,” said Paul Jacobs, chief executive of Qualcomm, one of the corporate sponsors. Formula E will have 10 teams, each with two drivers. Brazilian driver Lucas di Grassi showed off the vehicle at a parking lot, demonstrating to spectators and media the capabilities of the fully electric machine. “It’s a different feeling

from anything else,” di Grassi told reporters, saying that “you have to be more precise... but it is more efficient.” Formula E chief Alejandro Agag said he hopes the championship will stimulate investment in electric vehicles and change their image. “Formula E is a championship with a mission,” he said. “Electric cars have been perceived as slow... we want more consumers to get an electric car.” Jacobs said the investment from Qualcomm is part of the company’s mission in getting more “connected devices” and improving technology in many sectors. Qualcomm is working with automakers to get more connectivity for vehicle navigation, convenience and other functions, and has a long-term project seeking ways to wirelessly charge electric vehicles, possible through embedded devices in highways. The Formula E car was on show as the Consumer Electronics Show got under way in Las Vegas. AFP

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Anatomy of an Ashes annihilation CRICKET Robert Smith

he body language told the story but the statistics make the starkest reading after Australia handed old enemy England their heaviest ever Ashes series defeat. As Australia partied long and loud at the Sydney Cricket Ground and England sloped off to face a barrage of criticism, the numbers revealed the sheer scale of the hosts’ superiority. Their dominance was not only underlined but increased on Sunday, when they swept to a humiliating 281-run victory with two days left to complete only England’s third 5-0 Ashes whitewash in more than 130 years. England, accused of throwing in the towel and slammed in all quarters by the media, succumbed meekly to the task of chasing an improbable 448 runs to be routed for 166 in just 31.4 overs. It was statistically England’s worst 5-0 series thrashing by Australia. The tourists lost 100 wickets for 2,030 runs at an average of 20.30, compared to 1920/21 (2,779

Australia’s Brad Haddin gives teammate David Warner a ride on his back following their teams Ashes cricket clean sweep after defeating England on the third day of the fifth Ashes cricket Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 5. Photo: AFP/Greg Wood runs/98 wickets) and the previous whitewash in 2006/07 (2,530/96). The series marked a stunning turnaround for Australia just months after losing 3-0 in England, and was a crowning achievement for the meticulous preparation of coach Darren Lehmann along with Michael skipper Clarke. Clarke gave an insight into the detailed planning for the

series, which was executed with clinical effect. “We spoke at the start of the series and we had set plans for individual batters,” the captain said. “The moment numbers eight, nine 10, 11 walked in, we knew we were going to hit them as hard as we could with short stuff. We planned that before a ball was bowled in this series.

Sport Fishing Tournament Offshore The Similan Islands

27 th February 2014

BASKETBALL

Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.

Huge cash and other prizes to be won!!

57 hours of non -stop fishing!

Huge media coverage!

For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com

series with 493 runs, second only to David Warner’s 523. In doing so, the 36-year-old became the highest-scoring Australian wicketkeeper in a Test series, eclipsing the previous best of 473 by Adam Gilchrist against South Africa in 2001-02. While some may demur over the historical strength of this Australian team of rejects and recycled players, little can be taken away by the sheer impact and discipline of the pace attack of Johnson, Harris and Peter Siddle. Collectively they cornered three-quarters (75) of the wickets and neutralised England’s star batsmen. Australia climbed to number three on the ICC Test rankings, supplanting England, and now have their sights set on the number one rated team South Africa in a three-Test series in the republic later this month. “Playing away from home seems to be the hardest to get results,” Clarke said. “We’re not going to win in South Africa and suddenly think we’re the best team in the world. It’s about consistency home and away over a long period of time.” AFP

Rodman says he loves N. Korea’s Kim Jong-Un, his ‘friend for life’

RBFC Thailand 2014 Classic 25 th

“But it’s easy to have plans but it takes skill and courage to execute it. I said to the boys at the start of the series that I thought they were the best attack in the world and I think they’ve shown that in five Test matches.” Alastair Cook’s men were ambushed by man-of-the-series Mitchell Johnson in the first Brisbane Test to roll over by 381 runs, and it was downhill

from there: Adelaide (218 runs), Perth (150 runs), Melbourne (eight wickets) and finally Sydney, probably the worst defeat of all. Lethal left-armer Johnson edged veteran wicketkeeperbatsman Brad Haddin for man-of-the-series honours with 37 wickets, the best by an Australian bowler in a five-Test series in Australia. Only three Australian bowlers have taken 40 wickets or more in an Ashes series – Terry Alderman (twice), Rodney Hogg and Shane Warne. Australia smashed 10 centuries to England’s one, scored by Ben Stokes 120 in Perth, and home batsmen were the top six scorers ahead of England’s Kevin Pietersen with just 294 at 29.40. Johnson, and Sydney manof-the-match Ryan Harris (22), were the top two series wicket-takers ahead of England’s Stuart Broad (21). England had six innings totals below 200 and only twice scored above 300, while Australia scored 350 or more four times. Haddin proved England’s lower-order batting nemesis, often rescuing his side after top-order collapses to finish the

Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more!

Rawai Beach Fishing Club is an official Sponsor Club of the International Game Fishing Association. RBFC supports recreational fishing

FORMER BASKETBALL star Dennis Rodman headed to Pyongyang Monday with a group of former NBA players, saying he will not raise concerns about repression in North Korea because leader Kim Jong-Un is his friend and he loves him. The eccentric ex-Chicago Bulls player is leading a team including retired NBA AllStars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker for an exhibition game against North Korea, which is being held Wednesday to mark Kim’s birthday. Rodman told reporters at Beijing airport that he hoped the match could “open the doors” to “talk about certain things”. “But I am not going to sit there and go ‘Hey guy, you are doing the wrong thing. That is not the right way to do it. He is my friend first... and I love him,” Rodman said, sprinkling his comments with expletives. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, as it is officially known, is a one-party

Dennis Rodman. Photo: huangweiqing/Walter Huang Communist state which has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since its founding. The country has in the past been hit by famine, sometimes threatens war against South Korea and the US, and is regularly accused of human rights abuses. The heavily tattooed Rodman has developed an unlikely relationship with the North Korean leader since making his first trip there in February, when he declared Kim a “friend for life”. Former NBA players Doug Christie, Craig Hodges and Charles D Smith are also in

Rodman’s side for the exhibition game. Five players were travelling with Rodman on his flight to Pyongyang Monday, while another will arrive on Tuesday, one of the trip’s organisers told AFP, without giving details. The young Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is reported to be a keen basketball fan and especially of the Chicago Bulls, for whom Rodman played a key role in winning three NBA titles alongside Michael Jordan in the 1990s. Rodman, who is making his fourth visit to Pyongyang, made his last trip shortly before Christmas, when he trained the North Korean players. Last month Kim had his uncle and former mentor Jang Song-Thaek executed. “I am not worried about his uncle,” Rodman said in Beijing in response to questions about the move. Rodman routinely distances himself from political events in the country. The player known as “The Worm” is one of the few Westerners to have met Kim, who took over following the death of his father Kim Jong-Il. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

SPORT 29

England’s Walcott out of World Cup FOOTBALL

ngland forward Theo Walcott will miss this year’s World Cup in Brazil after being ruled out for at least six months with a knee injury, his club, Arsenal, said Monday. Walcott suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 FA Cup win at home to arch north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. An Arsenal statement said Walcott is “expected to be out for at least six months, therefore missing the remainder of the [English] season and the World Cup in Brazil in the summer”. The 24-year-old Walcott jarred his knee towards the end of the match making a tackle and was carried from the field.

Photo: Ronnie Macdonald Whilst on a stretcher, Walcott was pelted by coins and plastic bottles, among other objects, from the away end. Earlier on Monday and before the extent of his injury

was made public, the Football Association (FA), the English game’s governing body, said Walcott would not face disciplinary action for making a ‘2-0’ gesture from his stretcher

that appeared to be aimed at Spurs fans. “The FA has contacted both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to seek their observations in relation to objects being thrown from both a home and away section of the crowd at different times during Saturday’s FA Cup third round tie. “The FA condemns any such acts and will liaise with both clubs and the Metropolitan Police to identify those responsible and support the strongest sanctions available, including life bans. “Meanwhile, in relation to the same fixture, The FA has contacted Arsenal’s Theo Walcott and reminded him of his responsibilities regarding a ‘score-line’ gesture he made in front of away supporters during the game. The FA will not be taking any further disciplinary action.” AFP

BIRTHDAY WISHE S

Thanyapura Phuket’s Executive C hairman and four times triathlon world champion Chris McCormack (fourth from left) presented a birthday cake to tennis star Bojana Jovanovski (third from left), ranked 36th female in the world. Bojana had a five week intensive training camp on Thanyapura Phuket’s plexicushioned courts before she headed off to compete in the Australian Open in January 2014. Bojana plans to return later next year.

Running group heralds 2013 race success ATHLETICS

THE BORN FREE TO RUN running club presented their end of 2013 report on Saturday, January 4 at Tala beach, Paklok, where they displayed all the trophies the team has won in the last six months. The members of the running club took part in around eight mini-marathons and fun runs in Phuket and won many trophies on each occasion. The Phuket Community Foundation has now been joined by Thanyapura in @thephuketnews

sponsoring the club and the members are increasing their skills with training at Thanyapura’s spectacular sports facilities, where they are now able to train in swimming and bicycling as well as running. Ajarn Pranee, president of the Phuket Community Foundation, received the thanks of the Born Free To Run club for all the support and sponsorship. She is seen in the photo above (centre) with coach Ricky Phanthip (left), and Punla Hongpromyard, team member and PR.

Photo: paddynapper

NRL player Packer jailed for assault RUGBY LEAGUE NEW ZEALAND rugby league prop Russell Packer was Monday jailed for two years in Australia after pleading guilty to a drunken assault in Sydney last year. Packer, who recently signed to play with the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League after more than 100 appearances for the New Zealand Warriors, was charged after a fight in the

city centre in November. Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court heard that he punched a man in the face multiple times and stamped on his head as he lay on the ground. The assault left the victim unconscious and with a f ract u red eye socket. Packer, 24, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and failing to leave a venue. His lawyers indicted that they would appeal, reports said. AFP

30 SPORT

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

United stumble into new year

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ottenham Hotspur hammered another nail into Manchester United’s creaking Premier League title defence with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford on New Year’s Day. Having won their previous six games in all competitions, United were hoping to match wins by their fellow title rivals, but instead they slumped to a sixth defeat of the season that left them 11 points off the pace. Tottenham, unbeaten in the league under new manager Tim Sherwood, took a 34th-minute lead when Emmanuel Adebayor outjumped Chris Smalling to head home Christian Eriksen’s right-wing centre. Eriksen added a second in the 66th minute, smuggling a header past David de Gea from Aaron Lennon’s cross. Victory took Spurs above United into sixth place, two points outside the top four, with the defending champions three points further back in

The overall competition winner receives 2 nights accommodation at the Sheraton Krabi Beach Resort in a Premium Suite with Private Pool, buffet breakfast for 2, Sheraton Club Lounge benefit, and 1 dinner at Malati or Gecko’s restaurant for 2, overall value B61,400. The monthly competition winner for January 2013 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Walkabout Sports Bar Karon Beach. JANUARY STANDINGS

Manchester United’s English midfielder Tom Cleverley vies with Tottenham Hotspur’s Moussa Dembele and Etienne Capoue during the Premier League football match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. Photo: AFP/Andrew Yates

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. alanphuket 29 2. celticpride 26 3. jigdellasoul 26 4. sami 26 5. AAY 23 6. diggersd 23 7. Gracie 23 8. jwiegand 23 9. Poom 23 10. Russell 23

1. Kathu Bandit 2. MRB 3. celticpride 4. jwiegand 5. NEIL 6. sami 7. scottkip 8. simonostheimer 9. zestrealestate 10. Gracie

435 432 426 420 414 414 414 402 402 399

English Premier League seventh. Earlier in the day, three impressive goals gave Manchester City a 3-2 win at Swansea City. Fernandinho struck the opening blow – the first goal of 2014 – in the 14th minute, and although Wilfried Bony equalised on the stroke of half-time and bagged a late

consolation, second-half goals from Yaya Toure and Aleksandar Kolarov won the day. City finished the day a point behind Arsenal in second place, with Chelsea a point further back in third after a 3-0 success at Southampton. At St Mary’s, Fernando Torres gave the Blues the lead

on the hour with a close-range header after a deflected cross from Oscar came back off the post, with Willian making it 2-0 minutes later from Oscar’s pass. Oscar, a second-half substitute, crowned an impressive individual performance by adding a third goal eight minutes from time. Meanwhile at the Etihad Stadium, Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott scored last-gasp goals as Arsenal edged Cardiff City 2-0 on New Year’s Day to preserve their place at the Premier League summit. With former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in attendance, who has signed on as Cardiff manager, Arsenal dominated the game but looked destined to drop points until Bendtner’s dramatic intervention. Luis Suarez fired Liverpool back into the Premier League’s top four as the Reds returned to form with a 2-0 victory against Hull. Brendan Rodgers’ team had lost their previous two

Team

MP W

Pts

Arsenal

Man City

Chelsea

Liverpool

Everton

Tottenham

-1

Man Utd

Newcastle

Southampton

Hull

-3

Aston Villa

-6

Stoke

30 -11

Swansea

-2

West Brom

-4

Norwich

-16

Fulham

-21

Cardiff

-17

Crystal Palace

-16

West Ham

30 -11

Sunderland

33 -18

matches against title rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, but they were able to put those disappointing results behind them thanks to the continued excellence of Uruguay forward Suarez. Reds defender Daniel Ag-

ger headed his side into the lead in the first half before Suarez sealed the victory in the 50th minute with another superb free-kick to add to his ever-growing collection of stunning goals this season. AFP

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway. SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

SPORT 31

Britain’s Deng traded from Bulls to Cavaliers BASKETBALL Kids have to learn the basics of riding before racing.

How to ride safely on island’s roads SUPERKIDZ Jürgen Zäck triathlon@thanyapura.com

BEING ON PUBLIC ROADS with kids can be very challenging in Phuket. The traffic, speed bumps, dogs and potholes keep the supervising coach on their toes every second. Kids also see the ride and the surroundings with different eyes. Safety is not the top of their list while having fun on two wheels. That’s why parents and coaches have to make sure the kids learn the basic skills first. These include: riding in a straight line by focusing on what is ahead and keeping a good balance; knowing the basic traffic rules; maintaining awareness of the situation all around; learning how to use the brakes properly; shifting into the right gear; basic knowledge about their bike equipment; recognising, reacting and pointing out to others obstacles on the road; learning

how to grab the water bottle while riding; turning smooth with signalling; riding in safe formations like single file; developing responsibility for other kids in the group; being considerate and calm without anxiety in any situation; learning an efficient pedal stroke; using the right equipment – helmet is a must! You’ll be amazed at how quick kids learn with the right guidance. At Thanyapura’s Superkidz training we take them through this step by step. Last weekend we had four kids aged between 11 and 15 years-old riding together with a group of adults for two hours safe and smooth – they had a blast! Learn to ride first and ride fast later. That’s what we teach at Thanyapura. The next Superkidz event takes place at Thanyapura on March 8. For more information, visit facebook. com/thanyapurasuperkidz or thanyapura.com. Class Act Media is a sponsor of this event.

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START

END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Cricket

KFC Big Bash

Sydney Sixers v. Perth Scorchers

Friday, January 10 SS1

15:45

18:30

Saturday, January 11 814

20:35

22:30

Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Harlequins v. Clermont

22:40

00:30

Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Toulon v. Cardiff

01:00

02:50

Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Gloucester v. Munster

19:45

21:45

Soccer

EPL

Hull v. Chelsea

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v. West Bromwich

00:30

02:30

Soccer

EPL

Man United v. Swansea

811

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Cardiff v. West Ham

812

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Tottenham v. Crystal Palace

816

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Everton v. Norwich

SS1

15:15

18:30

Cricket

KFC Big Bash

Brisbane Heat v. Melbourne Stars

810

Sunday, January 12 19:45

21:35

Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Harlequins v. Racing Metro

22:00

23:50

Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Stade Toulousain v. Saracens

812

21:00

23:00

Soccer

EPL

Newcastle v. Man City

810

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Stoke v. Liverpool

SS1

10:20

18:30

Cricket

ODI 1 - Melbourne

Australia v. England

814

@thephuketnews

ritain’s Luol Deng, an NBA AllStar forward, was traded by the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday in a deal for Andrew Bynum and draft picks, the teams announced. Deng, a 28-year-old playmaker born in what is now South Sudan, has averaged a career-best 19.0 points in 23 starts for the Bulls this season, also grabbing 6.9 rebounds and making 3.7 assists a game and connecting on 45.2 percent of his shots from the court. Deng would have become a free agent at the end of the season. The Chicago Tribune reported he had rejected an extension with the Bulls worth US$10 million (7.35m euros) a year for three or four seasons. The Cavaliers sent Chicago three future NBA Draft picks and the right to swap 2015 first-round draft picks with Cleveland as well as centre Bynum, who was released before Tuesday’s deadline

Luol Deng. Photo: Zach Primozic to have the second half of his US$12.3 million deal become guaranteed, setting the stage for him to become a free agent. The move saved the Bulls, who have already lost star Derrick Rose for the season to a knee injury, more than US$10 million in luxury tax payouts and gives them more chances at top young talent in the draft for long-term

rebuilding. “The moves made today will put us in a better position to make the entire roster stronger for the future and to compete for a championship,” said Bulls general manager Gar Forman. For the Cavaliers, it will combine Deng with 21-year-old Australian-born star guard Kyrie Irving to make Cleveland more formidable in a weak Eastern Conference. “We are very excited for Luol to join the Cavaliers organisation,” said Chris Grant, the team’s general manager. “Luol reflects all that we are striving for in building our team. He’s a tremendous defensive player that can impact the game on both ends of the court with a ‘team first’ mentality and is a high character leader.” The Bulls obtained the first-round pick in this year’s NBA Draft of Sacramento, which the Cavaliers had owned from a 2011 trade, as well as Portland’s second round picks in the 2015 and 2016 NBA Draft, obtained by Cleveland from the Trail Blazers last year. AFP

THANKS TO THE PRESS

Phuket FC said thank you to the press at its Christmas party on December 24, held at Kata Beach Resort and Spa. Attendees were asked to wear the club’s colours of green and white, while Chairman Pamuke Achariyachai outlined his vision for the coming 2014 season. On Saturday, January 18, Phuket FC have arranged to play Russian side Forward from Vladivostok. See p32.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1455: 4pm, Saturday, January 11 Hares: Once Weekly, Twice Nightly & Flubba Directions: Mosquito Lake. Going north towards the airport, approx. 4 km past the Bypass road Toyota intersection turn left and follow the HHH signs to the laager. Bus pick-up: Patong: 14:30; Kamala: 15:00 More info: phuket-hhh.com

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor2@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014

Ashes to ashes: how Australia destroyed England in the recent test series > page 28

Hammer time for Phuket as thrower wins double ATHLETICS Maythida Nathompon reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

n Tuesday, Phuket man Tantipong Phetchaiya, 31, won the first gold medal for Phuket at the 42nd National Games, currently being held in Suphan Buri. Last month, he also won a gold medal in the men’s hammer throw at the 27th Southeast Asian Games, held in Myanmar December 11 to 22. The winning distance in Naypyidaw of 62.23m was not only a Thai national record, but also a Southeast Asian Games one too. Born in Phuket, Mr Tantipong went to Wittayalai high school, and then graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai. When he is not representing Phuket or Thailand in athletics, Mr Tantipong works as a lecturer in Aquaculture Science in the Faculty of Agricultural Technology at Phuket Rajabhat University.

Phuket-born Tantipong Phetchaiya tastes victory in Myanmar. Inspired to take up the sport by a former professor, Mr Tantipong won a silver medal at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Nakhon Ratchasima,

a silver medal in the 25th Southeast Asian Games in Laos, and a gold medal in the last Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia, held in 2011.

“As I teach students during the daytime, I practice for at least three hours from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm at the football field every day,” says Mr Tantipong. To prepare for the 2013 Games, he went to train in Ibaraki, Japan for 50 days in August and September, then came back to practice with the Sports Authority of Thailand in November. He has always received great support from friends and family. His mother in particular keeps an eye on his diet, as it has to be focused on a variety of healthy protein foods. Prior to heading to Naypyidaw in December, Mr Tantipong told The Phuket News that he had never been to Myanmar before. Once there though, he discovered that the Burmese seemed very interested in sports, with large crowds gathering to watch the events. “I was stressed at first because many people put their hopes in me,” he said. “However, I’m very proud of this achievement – I was able to break the record.”

Phuket FC to play Vladivostok team FOOTBALL A GA M E BET W EEN Phuket FC and Russian side ‘Forward’ from Vladivostok will be held at Surakul Stadium on Saturday, January 18. As well as providing competitive entertainment, the aim of the game is to develop Thai-Russian relations. That’s why the match will be held with the approval of the Thai Consulate in Vladivostok, the Russian Embassy in Thailand, the Thai-Russian Chamber of Commerce, and Phuket FC. Phu ket FC P resident Pamuke Achariyachai, says: “Everyone can see that Phuket is attracting more and more Russians every year, so we would like to extend cooperation with them to sport and culture too.” Nikolay Shulatiev, a midfielder with Forward, says, “We love Thailand, and we often visit during winter, when we have a break from playing. “We welcome Russian-

The boys from Vladivostok side Forward anticipate a competitive match against Phuket FC on January 18. Thai cooperation in sport, especially in Phuket as there a lot of Russians here. However, we have never played football with a Thai team in a professional stadium. For us it will be a serious test. We know that Phuket-FC is a very professional side, and will be a strong opponent.”

Managing director of Expert Media Asia Anna Korosteleva, the organiser of the match, says that, “We would like to see all of Phuket’s international community meet in one place and watch this great sporting occasion. It will be a new way of boosting communication

between people here through football. “There a many companies in Russia and Phuket that are supporting us. And I want to say thank you to our partners, including Class Act Media [parent of The Phuket News] and Central Festival Phuket.” Tickets for this match are

available from Surakul Stadium, the information booth at Central Festival Phuket, and from the office of the organisers, Expert Media Asia. Organisers will prepare unique souvenir programmes for attendees. Class Act Media is a sponsor of this event.

Top fishing tournament next month THE 5 T H R BFC 2014 Fishing Tournament will be held between February 25 and 27 off the beautiful Similan Islands. Renowned as Thailand’s premium sport fishing area, the islands are located some 70 miles northwest of Chalong Bay. As with every year, the prize money on offer will be some the biggest in Asia, with already 20 boats now confirmed. This includes teams from Australia, Canada, Germany, Australia, Oman, the US, Hong Kong, the UK and Singapore. The boats normally cruise up to the islands the day before, making for a very enjoyable four days in one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations. A number of sponsors are also confirmed, including Wahoo Charters, The Phuket News, and PPI. Further major sponsors are now being sought. There is a shortage of game fishing boats available, so any team enquiries should be made as soon as possible to Warren Crowe at info@ rawaibeachfishingclub. com For more information on the 5th RBFC 2014 Fishing Tournament, visit rawaibeachfishingclub. com Class Act Media is a sponsor of this event.

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