10-08-2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

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■ The two Thai men who killed Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on June 20 were sentenced to death on Wednesday

■ The two judges commuted the sentence for both men to life imprisonment because they had admitted their guilt

■ Michelle Smith’s husband Geoff has

expressed disappointment that her two killers were not sentenced to death

Surasak Suwannachot is driven away from court on August 8 after being sentenced to life imprisonment for Michelle’s murder.

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

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NEWS

Chinese police bust organ traffiicking ring

Total of 137 people caught in operation > 11

Alasdair Forbes, Jody Houton & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com

LIFE IN JAIL Death sentences commuted for Michelle’s killers Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

T

he two Thai men who killed Australian travel agent Michelle Smith on June 20 were on Wednesday (August 8) sentenced to death.

But the two judges commuted the sentence for both men to life imprisonment because they had cooperated with the court and had admitted their guilt.

Surasak Suwan nachot and Surin Tadtong were both charged with killing for personal gain, killing in association with one another, carrying weapons in public and conspiracy to commit robbery.

Both smiled at the sentences, plainly relieved not to have been sentenced to death.

After the judgement both were taken straight from the court to begin their sentences

Michelle: Justice is done. in the Phuket Provincial Prison.

Australian Honorary Consul Larry Cunningham, who was in court to observe the sentencing, said, “I think it’s clear it was finished very quickly. The work of the police was excellent in capturing the two criminals so quickly. I’m thinking about Mi-

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

chelle’s family right now – the children who do not have their mother any more, the husband who does not have his wife any more. So it’s very sad to think about that.

“This is the first time since I have been consul in Phuket that an Australian has been murdered. I hope this is the last time. But there are still a lot of problems in Phuket.”

“There is in courtroom 7 now an Australian who had his face bashed by tuk-tuk drivers.

[See facing page.]

“We still have terrible problems with the extortion of money by the jetskis [operators] and we have the problems of drownings at the beaches.

“In many ways, while Michelle’s death was not common – there are more deaths on the streets of Australia, we know this, and Phuket is generally safe for tourists – this has been

a wake-up call that we need to look after the tourists much more than we are doing now.

“On the first night of the Patong Safety Zone an Australian tourist had his face kicked in by tuk-tuk drivers, so there is still a long way to go.

“I would like to thank the police for acting so quickly in apprehending the criminals and for the justice done today.”

How long the two men will spend in jail will depend on their behaviour. In Thailand a life sentence means “until death” but well-behaved criminals may have years taken off their sentences in the annual Royal Amnesty. One informed source said that if the two behave impeccably, they may be out of jail in 20 to 25 years.

Surasak, in the back of the prison wagon, told reporters enigmatically, “I’m going to be out.”

Life is not enough – Michelle’s husband T H E H USBA N D OF murdered Perth travel agent Michelle Smith has expressed his disappointment that her two killers were not sentenced to death, WAtoday.com.au reported.

Mrs Smith’s husband Geoff said he would have preferred the death sentence.

“I thought they might have got the death sentence but life in jail over there is different to life in jail here, I guess,” he told the WAtoday website.

Mr Smith said the sentence did little to help him deal with the devastation of losing his wife.

The rapid conclusion to the case – it took just six weeks from Mrs Smith’s death – would help with the healing process, the website reported.

“It doesn’t make it any

easier but it’s a step towards closure,” Mr Smith was quoted as saying.

Before the sentences were announced, Mrs Smith’s brother Alan Gordon told the West Australian he hoped the knifeman, Surasak Suwannachot, would be sentenced to death.

“It might sound callous but I hope he gets the death penalty,” Mr Gordon said.

He added that he and some of his siblings had this week watched a video of his sister’s funeral service and had relived the heartbreak of her death.

“We said it would be nice to show that in court, to show what a great person she was and the people her death affected,” he said.

“Michelle had a lot to live for. If that’s their law, I hope [both men] get the death penalty.”

Bungling Burmese gold thief leaves loot behind ALMOST TWO KILOS OF gold worth more than B3 million was snatched from the A Tong Thai gold shop on Patak Rd in Karon during a dramatic robbery about 7.30pm on Wednesday night (August 8).

Police are hunting a bungling Burmese worker who is believed to have carried out the robbery, but dumped the gold.

The owner of the gold shop, Papan Amratsiri, told police that the man came to the shop and pretended to be looking for some gold to buy.

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He suddenly snatched two trays of gold, totalling 1,970 grams in weight and worth more than B3 million, and turned to flee.

Mr Papan, however, locked the shop’s automatic door before the suspect could escape.

The suspect then pulled out a hammer, apparently aiming to throw it at Mr Papan. Mr Papan, however, in shooting worthy of the best Western movies, pulled out his gun and fired two shots. The first hit the robber’s right wrist,

sending the hammer spinning.

The second, unfortunately, blew out the window of the shop, allowing the robber to escape.

Police found that the robber had dropped 910 grams of gold and his backpack in front of the shop. The rest of the gold was found abandoned next to the robber’s motorbike.

In addition, police found a fake gun, a knife and an immigrant worker ID, in the name of Lach Eman, 39. They expect to catch him soon.

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Locals back B1bn prison plan Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

The current location of the 115 year-old Phuket Provincial Prison makes it difficult for a much-needed expansion.

THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECtions (DoC) is now pushing forward a one billion-baht project to build a hightech prison in Sri Soonthorn District, on the same site as the Bangjo prison, an annex of the Phuket Provincial Prison.

The Director of Phuket Prison, Rapin Nichanon, said the project will cover 108 rai of land and be able to hold up to 7,000 criminals.

Water treatment plants, sports facilities, a skills training school and comfortable dormitories will all be part of an effort to improve quality of life for prisoners.

“We will certainly need the new prison because the Phuket Provincial Prison [in Phuket City] is 115 years old, and is very overcrowded,” said Mr Rapin.

“There is no way that it can be expanded in its current location.”

Phuket is in the top five of the list of provinces that need urgent improvements to prisons in preparation for the start of the Asean Economic Community in 2015, which authorities are worried will bring a rise in criminal activity because of the free access to Thailand available to citizens of Asean member-states.

The new high-tech prison would be built to accommodate both Thai and foreign inmates, with enough space to house foreign inmates transferred from other parts of Thailand.

On August 3, the Director of the DoC, Pol Col Suchart Wongananchai, visited Phuket to meet with officials from Sri Soonthorn Municipality and locals at the Mission Hills Golf Club in Pa Khlok to hear their opinions about the project.

BASHED!

“People [living nearby] often have a bad perception of prisons,” said Col Suchart.

“So we would like to build the new prison based on the approval of local residents.”

He said the meeting was successful, with support from locals who believe that the new prison will help develop the area.

However, no date for work to start can be set because the government first

needs to agree to put up the money, Col Suchart said.

The master plan has already been prepared and permits to build on the site have been obtained, he said. The request for budget will be submitted to the government in the next fiscal year, starting October 1.

If the government gives approval and at least some of the budget, work on the project could start immediately, Col Suchart said. Three years will be needed to complete the project.

Aussie beaten up by tuk-tuk drivers

A

s The Phuket News went to press this week, Aust ralian tourist Peter Hulands, 45, was due in court for the trial of three tuk-tuk drivers he alleges beat him up in Patong on the morning of July 31.

Mr Hulands and his partner Karyn Connors, 51, were walking past a tuk-tuk stand on Rat U-Thit 200 Pi Rd around 2.30am last Tuesday, when several tuk-tuk drivers called out some words, apparently sexual, in relation to the cat-like hat Ms Connors was wearing.

Ms Connors said Mr Hulands then walked back to the drivers and confronted them about what they had said, and asked them to clarify it.

She says the tuk-tuk drivers then pulled her partner to the ground and kicked him. He was taken to Patong Hospital and later transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket to receive treatment for his severely broken nose and eye socket. He is expected to need plastic surgery.

The tuk-tuk and taxi drivers involved in the brawl denied making any remarks

about Ms Connors’ trademark headgear, which (as can be seen on her Facebook page, kittyartwork) she apparently wears whenever and wherever she can.

They insisted to police that the Australian started the fight, twice.

Taxi driver Chaiyan Rakwong told reporters he saw Mr Hulands’ partner, Ms Connors, leaving Rock City, on the corner of Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd and Soi Sansabai, followed shortly afterwards

by Mr Hulands, who – the taxi drivers said – appeared irritated and drunk.

When one of the taxi drivers asked him if he wanted a taxi, Mr Hulands abused him, and the driver responded with similarly robust language.

Then, Mr Chaiyan alleged, the Australian grabbed the driver’s neck, and the driver punched him in the face.

After other people intervened and stopped the fight, Mr Chaiyan alleged, Mr Hulands walked back to Rock City and brought two friends with him back to the taxi rank and started another round of fighting, though the friends

did not get involved.

At that point, Mr Chaiyan said, more drivers piled in and beat up the Australian.

But, he added, “I insist no driver made jokes about his girlfriend.”

Ms Connors, in her Kitty Cardaway Facebook persona, has been posting the couple’s side of the argument.

“I was wearing the hat because it is my FB art page persona, and whilst here on holidays I have been taking photos and writing posts about my time in Thailand.

“17,500 people have been following my story of the

things we have done here, the galleries we have visited and the art we have bought.

“I have worn my hat much of the time, have photos wearing it on an elephant, at the beach, parasailing and with artists we have bought [without] any problems and only laughter and good will.

My 17,500 followers have enjoyed our travels and experiences.

“They now also know of the ugly side of Phuket. It’s a free world. I wear my hat at home in public all the time and have never ever had such a problem!”

Peter Hulands the day after the attack. Inset, Ms Connors in the cat hat, from her Facebook page.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.

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

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JODY HOUTON Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.

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The tanker used to bring smuggled oil to shore, which would then be offloaded into a tanker truck.

Influential people are ‘behind oil smuggling’ Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

nfluential people have been obstructing attempts by law enforcers to stamp out oil smuggling, The Phuket News was told on Monday (August 6).

The allegation was made on Monday following the arrests last Friday (August 3) of two Thai men by officials of the Marine Customs Investigation

I

(MCI) and Suppression Bureau and the Thailand Marine Enforcement Coordinating Center, after they were found transferring 30,000 litres of smuggled fuel from an oil vessel to an oil truck in Baan Bor Muang Pier in Krabi.

The two, a steersman Boonpeng Promjuea and a truck driver Authachai Homsab, admitted to officers that they were hired by a Thai “investor”

to move the untaxed fuel oil, valued at B8 million.

The oil tanker and the truck were shown to the press on Monday (August 6) at Phuket Deep Sea Port.

The Chief of MCI region 4, Jirapun Junpetch, said it was not clear at this stage if the owner of the tender was involved in fuel oil smuggling.

Officers are now investigating the origin of the oil tanker and

where the oil came from.

A detective who asked not to be named told The Phuket News that politicians and influential people were believed to be involved in the smuggling.

He added that officers’ attempts to eradicate oil smuggling have been obstructed by these influential people, which had resulted in tankers full of smuggled oil sailing unhindered about the Andaman Sea.

Indian caught with drugs Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

A 31-YEAR-OLD INDIAN, Katchi Mohamed Buhari Ahmed, was arrested on Sunday evening (August 5) at Phuket International Airport (PIA) after customs officers found his two travel bags stuffed with 10 kilograms of ephedrine sealed inside 20 briefcases.

Ephedrine is a “precursor” chemical issued to produce the drug methamphetamine, sold in Thailand in pill form (known as ya ba) and crystalline form (known as ya ice).

Ten kilograms of ephedrine is enough to produce more than 500,000 ya ba pills with a street value of up to B100 million.

Katchi is reported to have flown from Delhi in India to Suvarnabhumi Airport with Thai Airways and then on to Phuket on the same aircraft.

He admitted that he had been paid US$5,000 (B150,000) by a man whose name he did

Katchi Mohamed Buhari Ahmed (seated) with seized briefcases and contents. not know to carry the bags to Thailand. After landing in Phuket he was to have boarded a bus to Haad Yai to deliver the bags to another man.

Officers suspected that the bags would be taken across the Thai border to a “neighbouring country” where the drugs would be manufactured.

At PIA, Katchi was caught after he went to customs to pay

import tax for the 20 made-inIndia briefcases. Officers were suspicious, believing that this was a ploy to avoid having his luggage X-rayed.

Finding that the briefcases were unexpectedly heavy, officers cut them open and found plastic bags containing the ephedrine attached to the insides of the briefcases, covered with a layer of fabric.

Katchi tried at that time to make a run for it, bursting out of the customs office, but was caught by another officer.

He has denied knowing anything about the ephedrine.

However, officers suspect that he may actually be quite familiar with drug smuggling; records show that he had passed through Suvarnabhumi Airport four times before being caught.

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Runaway prisoner recaught DRUG P OSSESSION suspect Nontachai Boon­ yarak, 23, who managed to escape last Friday (August 3) while receiving treatment at Vachira Hospital, was rearrested on Monday morning (August 6).

Nontachai was on remand, awaiting trial on a charge of drug possession after police found him in possession of 0.5 gram of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) three months ago.

He was sent to Vachira Hospital on July 24 for treatment of a severe cataract problem.

On Friday, his girlfriend came to visit him and the two simply walked out of the hospital while a warder was taking a meal break.

Police twice cordoned off places to try to catch the runaway, but came up empty-handed. Finally, on Monday they caught him in a house at Soi Honesinetong in Rassada.

He is now back in Phuket Prison, with an extra charge of escaping from prison hanging over him.

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PLACE YOUR BETS Legalise casinos, says Thailand’s richest man D

hanin Chearavanont, chairman and chief executive of giant conglomerate Charoen Pokphand Group (CP) and rated

by Forbes magazine as Thailand’s richest man, has urged legalisation of casinos in Phuket, along with Pattaya and Chiang Mai. His remarks came during a wide-ranging speech on the topic of Thailand’s Strategy for the New World Economy, delivered during an event commemorating Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission’s 20th anniversary.

In the speech, reported by Matichon newspaper, Dhanin noted, “As Europe is suffering financial crises, and everyone is turning to Asia, our government should be able to find money from many sources.”

One strategy for Thailand’s economic expansion, Dhanin said, lies with tourism.

“Take a look at some of the big tourist sector countries.

The United States receives yearly B3.6 trillion in income from tourism; Spain, B1.85 trillion; France – which has the largest number of tourists

Dhanin Chearavanont: Don’t look at gambling as something evil.

Photo: Charoen Pokphand Group. at 79.5 million annually, about B1.6 trillion.

“Bangkok is one of the top 10 cities for tourism in the world. I’d like to propose the government reduce value added taxes (VAT) and tax on luxury products so that these may be imported and sold especially to tourists.”

“I further propose that the

government open casinos in tourism destinations such as Phuket, Pattaya and Chiang Mai, which will lure tourists into spending money. Had I the power, I’d open casinos such as those in Las Vegas.

“Don’t look at gambling as something evil: underground gambling in Thailand is everywhere; we have to accept

it. Personally, I don’t care for gambling – yet when I go Las Vegas I play a bit.

“If there’s a casino, people who want to play can; people who don’t won’t. People who play include Thais and foreign tourists. When Thailand has no casinos, the players disappear to Las Vegas, Macao and countries on our borders.

“Think of Macao, a tiny island – yet it has income from casinos totalling B880 billion a year; Las Vegas has B320.

“We must not imagine, by the way, that casinos in Thailand will bring in money only from gambling: for example, I believe Las Vegas has the most hotels of any city in the world.

“When tourists come to play in the casinos, they spend money on every type of entertainment. Every business sector receives regular income from it.

“Singapore just opened a casino not long ago. Its income from gambling now ranks third in the world at about B170 billion a year. If Thailand opens casinos, I expect we’ll soon be number one in the world.

“People are offering us money to do it – why not accept? We have to face the facts, they’re there for all to see.”

Dhanin said that, as for himself, “I’ve already experienced every kind of truth,” and that controls should be put in place, as in Singapore.

–Source: Matichon

Killing linked to illegal mine THE DEPARTMENT OF Special Investigations is looking into allegations that a murder six years ago was connected with the vast illegal sand mine in Phang Nga that supplies sand to most of Phuket’s building sites.

Talking to reporters during a helicopter survey of the huge operation, Regional Special Case Operations chief Pol Lt Col Karawach Panprapakorn cited statements that Prasit Chutong was killed in a gangland-style shooting in August 2006 as revenge for having opposed operation of the mine.

Prasit’s son alleged that an unidentified influential figure associated with the mine ordered the killing.

Officials backed by navy commandos raided the mine on July 30.

The mine, in Tambon Lam Kaen Moo 4, sprawls across some 5,000 rai (eight square kilometres) of Klong Toong Maprao forest land.

Using a helicopter loaned to the DSI by the the Royal Thai Navy, DSI chief Pol Col Paisit Wongmuang and Regional Special Case Operations chief Pol Lt Col Karawach Panprapakorn clattered over the site for

about an hour.

Col Paisit said the mine had been operating for about 10 years without interference from authorities.

“They used a pump to suck up the sand to a depth of about 10 metres. When they reached bedrock, they moved to another spot,” Col Karawach explained.

By this means, devastation caused by the mining expanded over a vast area.

Col Karawach said police “will try to prosecute … influential figures, civil servants, and investors – prosecution of little people involved will not be a priority.”

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Phuket Seven Day Weather Forecast FRI AUGUST 10

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Tesco braces for protests Marque Rome editor@thephuketnews.com

SENIOR MANAGEMENT of Te sco -L ot u s w i l l be bracing for opposition next Thursday (August 16) when the company holds an open meeting to discuss results of a draft environmental impact assessment on construction of a new Tesco-Lotus big-box on Bangkok Rd in Phuket Town.

Local citizens are up in arms about the effect another hypermarket will have on the livelihoods of the owners of local mom ’n’ pop stores and the effect on traffic in Phuket

Town’s already congested streets.

The complaints are not new; they echo those heard 14 years ago when Phuket’s first Tesco broke ground on the bypass road and was embroiled in a national battle that saw politicians trying to get big box retailers from abroad barred from most of Thailand to protect small traders.

It’s a topic that has ever since divided bargain-minded consumers from small businessmen frightened that competition from multi-nationals will overwhelm them.

An informal agreement was reached after opening

of the first big-box stores on the bypass road that effectively forbade their construction within the boundaries of Phuket Town.

Since then, the city has been replaced as the provincial – indeed, the regional – retailing centre by what might be described as Phuket’s Golden Corridor, stretching along the bypass from Central Festival to Tesco-Lotus, and now spreading onwards to the intersection with Thepkrassattri Rd. Phuket town’s historic business district on Rassada Rd, meanwhile, has been abandoned by large retailers and is increasingly home to

tenuously established boutiques, art galleries, budgetpriced inns and backpacker hostels.

The effect of the planned new store is by no means clear but local people seem convinced it will be bad.

The chain’s management are trying to be as transparent as possible. They have pointedly invited citizens and “interested parties” to attend, “exchange views” and hear “detailed information about the project”.

The meeting is scheduled for 1.30pm to 4.30pm, at the Katina Hotel on Sakdidet Rd. All are invited.

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Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com

T

wo alleged drug dealers, one a police officer, were arrested

by Phuket City Police on Saturday (August 4) at the Sunwest Apartment building in Poonpol Rd in Phuket Town.

Twenty methamphetamine (ya-ba) pills, 6.19 grams of crystal methamphetamine (ya-ice), two 9mm pistols with 32 bullets and a .45-caliber pistol with seven bullets were seized from them.

One of the suspects, Mana Jindamanee, 37, was presented at the press conference on Monday (August 6) at Phuket City Police Station, while the other suspect, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Kamthorn Laorsuwan, 40, from Surat Thani, refused to

One of the two suspects, Mana Jindamanee, with the array of guns and drugs found in the apartment. take part in the press conference, denying any involvement with the seized items.

Mana admitted that he and Sgt Maj Kamthorn rented a room at Sunwest Apartments

as their base for selling drugs.

Their clients were mainly labourers and night-shift workers.

Both were charged with possession of drugs for sale

and illegal possession of guns.

Sgt Maj Kamthorn denied all charges.

He has yet to tell police which police station he is assigned to.

Swiss man ‘stabbed himself to death’ A SWISS EXPAT, FRANCOIS Richard Leppert, 54, was found dead in his house in Soi Naya in Rawai on Monday morning (August 6), after apparently committing suicide by knifing himself in the chest. The knife was still in his hand.

Although suicide is suspected, an autopsy to confirm cause of death will be held, and forensics experts will examine the knife for prints.

His girlfriend, Karnjana Sonkeaw, 35, who found Mr Leppert’s body, told police that she had received about 80 calls and many text messages in

the past few days from Mr Leppert, expressing his depression at the worsening state of their relationship.

The two had lived together for about a year, Ms Karnjana explained, when she began a relationship with another man. She had been staying at a friend’s home since Sunday. On Monday morning, she received a final text message saying, “Hope you will be happy. Good luck.”

Worried, she called Mr Leppert who told her that he planned to kill himself. She went to his house and One of the many messages Mr Leppert sent to Ms Karnjana. found his body.w

Phuket ‘3rd in Thailand for HFMD infections’ PHUKET HAS THE THIRDgreatest number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Thailand, with 200 reported cases on the island this year, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr Sak Taenchaikul.

The revelation came during a meeting to discuss monitoring the situation, and methods of prevention, at the Provincial Administration Organisation Hospital last week.

HFMD is a contagious viral disease mostly affecting children under the age of five. It is characterised by an uncomfortable eruption of rashes on the hands, feet and mouth.

Dr Sak said the disease is currently epidemic in Thailand, with 17,656 cases reported this year as of a week ago.

The greatest number is reported in Payao province, the next greatest in Chiang Mai, with Phuket third.

“More than 200 cases have been reported in Phuket,” said Dr Sak, “but as manifested here the disease here is not especially virulent.”

The provincial Health Office nonetheless has set up a “war room” to monitor its progress, with special attention paid to schools, children’s nurseries, and public places.

Dr Sak said the infection rate in Phuket is slowing: “The infection rate was averaging 40 a month,” he said, “but in July the average was 20.”

Two people in Thailand have died of the disease.

HFMD, which is moderately contagious, is spread through direct contact with infected mucus, saliva, or feces. Typically the disease causes small epidemics in nursery schools or kindergartens, usually during summer and autumn. The incubation period is three to seven days.

Early symptoms are fever followed by sore throat, loss of appetite and general malaise.

Painful sores may appear in mouth or throat, and the hands, feet, mouth, tongue, inside of the cheeks, and sometimes the buttocks erupt in rash.

There is no specific treatment; fever and pain from the sores are alleviated by analgesics. –Source: Manager Online

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

PHUKET NEWS

Chinese acrobats to help pay for airport volunteers ACROBATS AND MAGIcians from Fujian Province in China are scheduled to perform a charity event at Siam Niramit Theatre on Tuesday (August 14).

Proceeds from the performance by the 31-member troupe will go to a fund created to hire interpreters to assist officials at Phuket International Airport in processing arrival forms for tourists.

“The great number of tourists arriving at Phuket airport sometimes results in long waits because the number of officials available to process entry is insufficient,” explained Southern Thai Hotels Association chief Suchat Hirankanokkul.

“So private sector associations have banded together to find funding for volunteer interpreters to be stationed at the airport to help tourists fill out forms, especially the TM 6 form (departure/arrival card).”

He said he is confident that if these forms were all filled out before visitors reached the Immigration desks, “it would speed up processing considerably and impress tourists, so that Phuket may continue as a popular tourism destination forever.”

Phuket International Airport Immigration head Pol Col Asawin Naksawat noted that his officers process 10,000 tourists daily.

“We have installed 10 or more monitors with information assistance on filling out TM 6 forms, increased the number of administrative officers assigned to help tourists during peak periods, and put in tables for their convenience,” he said.

“By these means we expect to mitigate the problem of long waits, but if interpreters are on standby to explain how forms should be filled out, and ensure that they are filled out

7

correctly before [being handed to] officials, it must have a positive effect on reducing problems arising from miscommunication, and thereby make officials’ work go faster.”

Tickets for the Fujian Visits Phuket show at Siam Niramit are priced at B500 to B1,500.

They are available from the theatre, from the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter, the Phuket Industrial Council, and the Hokkien Association.

The doors open at 5.30pm, with the 90-minute show beginning at 7pm.

The event is sponsored jointly by the Southern Thai Hotels Association, the Phuket Industrial Council, the People’s Republic of China Chinese Language Study Foundation, the Hokkien Association of Phuket, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Fujian Cultural Centre, and Hua Chiao University.

Christians meet ‘to transform Phuket’ Incumbent Mayor Pian Keesin (left) and rival Kittisan Kuru of the Advance Patong Party.

Two parties sign up for Patong elections wo local political parties signed up on Monday (August 6) on the first day of registration for elections to the post of Mayor of Patong Municipality and for seats in the town council.

One of the mayoral candidates was incumbent Mayor Pian Keesin, leader of the Rak Patong (Love Patong) Party, who led 18 members to sign up for election in all three wards.

Mr Pian’s rival, Kittisan Kuru, the leader of Patong Kao Na (Advance Patong) Party received candidate number 2.

Mr Pian, who received candidate number 1, said that, if reelected, he would continue with projects and policies that he had set up including education enhancement, a skills training program to support Patong when the Asean Economic Community comes

T

into being in 2015, and care programmes for underage pregnant girls and the elderly.

“We will also give priority to a good security system in Patong,” Mr Pian added.

“As part of the Patong Safety Zone project, I will set aside a budget of B25 million to install more CCTV cameras in the area, as well as to buy bomb detectors.”

Mr Pian vowed his administration would be transparent.

“Our administration has never been penetrated [by influential people],” he added, “and we have managed to keep the municipality debt-free.”

Mr Kittisan Kuru, a member of the council from 2003, also led a full crew of 18 party members to sign up to contest all seats.

Mr Kittisan said that if elected he would focus on fixing flooding, water pollution,

and fix traffic problems, and stop the spread of drug use.

“We would like to set up good policies to expand waterways, while controlling the expansion of construction that could obstruct water run-off,” Mr Kittisan said.

“Sixty per cent of polluted water treated at the plants is discharged into the sea, plus almost 100 per cent of waste water from residences drains into waterways. We should think about this problem seriously if we still want to use natural assets to be an attraction of Patong,” he said.

Patong is divided into three wards, with six council seats for each ward.

The election date is set for September 2, with about 12,000 Patong residents qualified to vote.

Registration will continue until today (August 10).

Marque Rome editor@thephuketnews.com

CHRISTIAN NETWORK Harvest Evangelism held its fifth annual series of Transforming the World seminars at the Royal Phuket City hotel in Phuket Town last weekend.

The three-day series, which started on Friday (August 3), was presided over by Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) president Paiboon Upatising.

Those attending included OrBorJor permanent secretary Manop Lilasutanont, Phuket vice governor Dr Sommai Preechasilapa, representatives of various Phuket Christian groups, Phuket civil service chiefs and “honoured guests”.

Mr Manop told reporters that both the OrBorJor and the Harvest Evangelism organisation realise how serious the various social, economic, governmental and educational problems of today are.

“The Transform Our World seminars have been organised to address these issues,” he explained. “The object is to share ideas about transforming Thailand that can

Phuket-based Pastor Brian Burton (left) with fellow Christian and local politician Paiboon Upatising. be implemented by business, government and educational institutions.”

The latter he described as “the heart and soul of our nation’s progress and development.” He added that the seminars are also a spur to “tourism in Phuket.”

Speakers, he said, included people with “experience in transforming the world,” from the United States, the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand’s Harvest Evangelism directors.

They included Barbara Chan, a former Hong Kong judge “who invited Christ

into her courtroom with accompanying signs and wonders”, King Flores, director of Harvest Evangelism Philippines, which “transformed” Paranaque City, and “which has now grown into a national movement… where businesses are being dedicated to God” and Brian Burton, senior pastor of the Phuket Christian Centre and director of Harvest Evangelism Thailand, who affirms that “Transformation principles” have resulted in “tangible ways of eradicating poverty and corruption” accompanied by “testimonies of miracles”.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Tears of a clown 8

PHUKET FOCUS

THE PHUKET NEWS

Jody Houton meets talented Phuket performance artist Romadom

S

inging sensation Gig, featured recently on the front page of The Phuket News, may very soon have some competition for the hearts of Phuket fans of Thailand’s Got Talent.

Although equally talented, albeit in a rather different art form, 37-year-old street performer ‘Romadom’ will feature on the semi final of the hit TV talent show on August 26. To say he’s new on the scene is in fact, unfair, as he’s been there all along, standing perfectly still, sometimes as a statue and sometimes as a pile of mud.

Romadom, named after the Thai pronunciation of the Muslim fast Ramadan, was born in Phang Nga to a mother and father who worked in the tin mine industry.

He chose a different and more creative path however, and went to study art in Haad Yai, Songkhla and then at Sillapakorn University in Bangkok, which is where he stayed for many years working and creating art in the infamous backpacker district

Clockwise from top: Romadom just hanging around, as a gold-painted tin mine worker, and returning from whence he came. of Khao San road. It was there that he made the decision to travel to Phuket via a rather odd method, “One day I just

decided to come to Phuket so I cycled down with my friend.

It took 11 days.”

Romadom’s interest in art

also burgeoned in a rather unusual method, “When I was about 16-years-old, I saw this street performer who was dressed as a clown standing outside Haad Yai train station.”

Clearly transported back to that pivotal night, Romadom has a far-away look in his eyes as he continues, “He wasn’t moving and he had no expression. I just kept on looking at him and stayed there for hours until about midnight when everyone had left.

“Then I saw him cry, and so I walked home and cried too.”

From that rather emotional moment, and what he refers to as his defining inspiration, Romadom’s artistic fate was cemented. The next night he went and bought the exact same outfit, and went to stand right next to him. For that night only, they performed

side-by-side but exchanged no words.

They shared an emotional bond though and according to Romadom this is exactly what art should do. “It should inspire feelings in others,” he said pointing to his chest.

“It should make people feel something here.”

It was also Romadom’s first exposure to slightly less conventionally-Thai art forms like puppet shadow shows and the like, and although he also creates paintings and sculptures, it is street performance and live art that he immediately knew he had an affinity with.

“It’s a fresh type of performance. It’s immediate. With painting or sketching, you take a photo and then take it home to do some work on it and it takes a long time, but with performance art and street art, it’s right here and it’s right now.

After many years of performing around the island and earning ‘just about enough’ to provide for his wife of two years Idaya and his 3-month-old baby boy Moobarok, he heard about Thailand’s Got Talent, applied, flew to Bangkok and then delivered perhaps one of the scariest and disturbing yet sweet performances the judges said they’d ever seen.

“I brought out a black canvas and drew a skull on it.

Then I threw red paint on my face – so I looked like a dead man – and dashed myself on it. All the while [thrash metal group] System of a Down was playing in the background.”

He said that his performance drew a few stares, especially from the female members of the crowd, “But then the music changed and I whipped a sheet off the canvas to reveal an image of a dove.”

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THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

It was enough to see him through the heats and Romadom is performing in the allcrucial semi finals on August 26. Although Romadom is keeping tight-lipped about the content and execution of his semi final performance, he becomes rather vocal when explaining why people should vote.

“My performance will show love for the people, and encourage people to love one another. There are lots of problems right now in Thailand, in the south we have fighting between the Muslims and Buddhists and throughout Thailand there are problems with Red and Yellow shirts.”

Romadom added, “If we could just love each other and stop the problems, Thailand would be beautiful and we all could drink coffee together.”

Although Romadom and his act is slightly different to the norm on the hit TV show, it is this ‘difference’ that motivates him to win.

“I noticed that in Season One and Two everyone was just singing. There were no other types of performance, no art or anything like that. I wanted to change that.”

Romadom has changed his act rather a lot since those early days of copy-cat clown, and its evolution has seen many stages, both literally and metaphorically.

“I’ve worked with different materials, mud, cement and all kinds of stuff. I perform at shopping centres, on streets

PHUKET FOCUS

Clockwise from top: Romadom at home in his Phuket studio, as the silver statue, and performing in Phuket Town. or in public parks. Sometimes I perform just hanging out in front of universities or sculpt myself into trees and become one with nature.”

In fact, one of Romadom’s favourite pieces was when he covered himself head-to-toe in mud and secreted himself in the ground for six hours.

“This was special to me because in the Islamic faith we believe that man came from the ground,” he explained.

This feat attracted much adoration from the local Muslim communities, however over the years, Romadom’s unique brand of entertainment hasn’t always been universally accepted.

“Sometimes I have problems when I try to perform on the street. I have been ‘moved on’ and on one occasion I was even stabbed by a passing kid on a motorbike.”

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To Romadom, this kind of reaction is perplexing, “I don’t know why some people don’t like it. Maybe it’s just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Maybe they don’t like the feeling they get when they see me perform,” he said.

Nowadays Romadom splits his time between teaching Art and Design twice a week at the Vocational College in Phuket, working in his Nai Harn studio, and performing in the Jungceylon Courtyard in the evenings.

There he performs dressed and painted in all-silver – a look that is very much his trademark now, and what separates him from perhaps other street performers.

This also helps him avoid comparison with highly controversial Thailand’s Got Talent contestant Duangjai

Jansauoni, who appeared in the same show as Romadom.

Duangjai also had a blank canvas and paints, but instead

chose to paint with her bare breasts.

“That girl,” he said. “That wasn’t really performance art.

New Stoc k

9

The crowd didn’t really like it and the judges didn’t really like it but I think she got paid for the performance so her family probably liked it. She was poor and she needed the money. Her family liked her performance.”

Quietly spoken Romadom also has good things to say about fellow Phuket resident and Thailand’s Got Talent finalist Gig, who may stand between him and victory.

“In the preliminaries I met her and got the opportunity to speak to her a little and we both discovered we lived in Phuket. She’s good, when I first heard her I got goosebumps.”

If Romadom does get through to the final and win the competition, he is still not sure what he will do with the prize money, but he is sure of what he won’t do.

“At first I thought I was going to buy a condo in Bangkok, drive a Mazda 3 and have lots of money. I thought great.

That’s what I want.”

“But then I thought why exactly am I doing this? For the money? So I changed my mind, I know that perhaps my life will change, how I don’t know, but I will probably stay in Phuket.”

To view Romadom’s performance on Thailand’s Got Talent, visit thephuketnews. com/news-features.php

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10 THAILAND NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Thai-Dutch battle Thai villagers to make legal erupts over rising challenge against Laos dam Tiger Beer shares Agence France-Presse

Agence France-Presse

A THAI COMPANY TUESday (August 8) raised the stakes in a battle for control of a Singapore brewer about to be taken over by Dutch giant Heineken by offering a higher price for the makers of Tiger Beer.

Kindest Place, a firm owned by son-in-law of Thai drinks tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, offered S$55 (B1.4 billion) for the 7.3 per cent stake in Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) held by Singapore conglomerate Fraser and Neave (F&N).

This was 10 per cent higher than the S$50 (B1,260) per share offered by Heineken for the 40 per cent stake held directly and indirectly by F&N, a deal valued at S$5.1 billion (B129 billion).

If successful, Kindest Place’s S$1.03 billion (B25 billion) offer would raise its APB stake to nearly 16 per cent versus Heineken’s current 42 per cent equity.

APB reported revenues of S$773.42 million (B19.5 billion) in its second quarter ending March 31, up 15 per cent from a year ago, with most

thephuketnews.com

sales generated in Southeast Asia. Analysts said the Thai offer, valid until August 16, has put pressure on Heineken to sweeten its proposal.

The Asia-Pacific region accounts for more than a third of global beer consumption and industry analysts expect demand to grow further as sales taper off in mature markets like North America and Europe.

Whoever buys APB would control 30 breweries in 14 countries: Singapore, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.

F&N, which also has interests in non-alcoholic drinks, property and publishing, said the Thai offer lapses at the close of business on August 16.

“It will start a bidding war where the board of F&N will now have to go to the shareholders with the fact that they’ve had a higher offer,” Justin Harper, a market strategist with IG Markets Singapore, said of the Thai move.

T

hai opponents of a planned multi-billion dollar dam in Laos submitted a lawsuit to a court in Bangkok on Tuesday seeking to prevent their country buying power from the hydropower project.

Fifty Thai villagers representing communities along the Mekong river filed the suit against the state-run Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the energy ministry and the Thai cabinet at the Administrative Court.

“The river is our life. A dam will definitely affect our lives,” said 52-year-old Niwat Roykaew, who lives alongside

The area of the proposed dam on the Thai-Laos border. the Mekong in the northern Thai province of Chiang Rai with his family and relies on it for water and fish.

Communist Laos, one of the world’s most underdeveloped nations, hopes the Xayaburi dam will help

it become “the battery of Southeast Asia”.

Thailand has agreed to buy most of the electricity generated by the project, but Cambodia and Vietnam fear the dam could decimate their farming and fishing industries.

Laos has promised not to start construction of the actual dam structure until the concerns of its neighbours have been answered, although it says preparatory work has begun.

Environmentalists fear the proposed 1,260 megawatt dam will have disastrous environmental effects and harm the livelihoods of millions of people.Opponents hope that a court ruling in their favour will cause Laos to rethink its plan.

“We are confident if there is no demand, there will be no supply,” said Pianporn Deetes with International Rivers, a campaign group involved in the legal challenge.

Hungry man killled while fishing: police P O L IC E I N H A D YA I W E R E notified at 9am on Wednesday (August 1) of a body found floating dead in a klong behind a mechanic’s garage within the city limits, and hurried to investigate.

At the scene they saw a man floating, face down, dressed in shorts and T-shirt, an electric wire in his right hand. Officers identified him as 34-year-old Udorn Thani native Somkuan Chotimonlitin, who resided in a shanty beside the klong.

Inspection of his right hand revealed severe burn marks. The wire it held was traced to his hut’s electrical circuit.

Police were told the deceased was employed at Poon Sin Tai Rubber Co. on Petch Kasem Rd, quite close to where the incident occurred.

“Tuesday night a neighbour saw him drinking beer at a nearby food shop on Petch Kasem Rd. He left for home just after 11pm. No one saw him again till

he was found floating in the klong,” police said.

Investigators speculated Somkuan was hungry, and grabbed a live electrical wire from his house to use in electrocuting fish in the klong: “But because he was drunk, he stumbled into the klong and electrocuted himself.”

His body was taken to Had Yai Medical Centre’s morgue to await relatives and final rites. -Source: Manager Online

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

China arrests 137 over organ-trafficking ring Agence France-Presse

C

hinese police arrested 137 people, among them doctors, suspected of trafficking human organs in a nationwide crime ring that profited from the huge demand for transplants, authorities said.

In a sting operation beginning in late July, police pounced across 18 provinces and regions and “rescued” 127 people who had agreed to donate organs to illicit traders, the Ministry of Public Security said.

Eighteen doctors were among those detained, suspected of performing illegal transplant operations, the ministry said in a report posted on its website late Saturday.

“The suspects usually used forged identities to recruit healthy candidates from the internet and put them under secret confinement separated from the outside world,” it said.

“The suspects sought patients in need of organ transplants from hospitals or the internet and matched them with healthy donors.”

The crackdown on traffickers comes after state media

Executed prisoners remain the main source of organs used in transplant operations due to the lack of voluntary donations, Vice Health Minister Huang Jiefu said. Photo: AFP reported in April that a teenage high school student sold a kidney for an illicit transplant operation and used the proceeds to buy an iPhone and iPad. T he 17-year- old boy, who was paid 22,000 yuan (B109,000), was recruited from an online chatroom. The Xinhua news agency said at the time the boy was suffering from kidney failure and in deteriorating health.

More than 1.5 million Chinese need organ transplants, but only about 10,000 such

operations are performed in the nation annually, Xinhua said, citing statistics from the health ministry. The huge demand has led to a thriving illegal market for organs, the ministry said.

Executed prisoners remain the main source of organs used in transplant operations due to the lack of voluntary donations, Vice Health Minister Huang Jiefu was quoted by state media as saying early this year.

Following repeated criticism from overseas rights groups, Huang pledged to wean the

nation off of its dependency on organs from prisoners.

International human rights groups have long accused China of harvesting organs from executed prisoners without the consent of the prisoner or their family – charges the government has denied.

The lack of available organs for transplants largely stems from an absence of a “transplant culture” in China compared to the West and the traditional idea that the body must be left as it is at death.

ASIA NEWS 11

Vietnam holds first gay pride parade Agence France-Presse

THE FIRST GAY PRIDE parade in communist Vietnam took place in the capital Hanoi on Sunday (August 5) with dozens of cyclists displaying balloons and rainbow flags streaming through the city’s streets.

Organised by the city’s small but growing Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, the event went ahead peacefully with no attempt by police to stop the colourful convoy of about 100 activists despite their lack of official permission.

“There was no intervention which is a good thing for Vietnam,” said one of the organisers, Tam Nguyen.

She said the parade had helped unite the LGBT community and raise awareness among “curious” onlookers, although many had no idea what the rainbow flag – an international symbol for LGBT groups – symbolised.

The parade follows recent gay pride celebrations in Myanmar and Laos, reflecting tentative signs of liberalising social attitudes

in parts of Southeast Asia.

Homosexuality remains largely taboo in Vietnam, where Confucian social mores – with their emphasis on tradition and family – still dominate.

But in a surprise move late last month, Justice Minister Ha Hung Cuong said that it might be time to consider a change in the law to recognise same-sex marriage.

Vietnam currently forbids same-sex unions. Any move to legalise gay marriage would make Vietnam the first nation in Asia to do so.

The cyclists voiced strong support for the possible legal changes, shouting “we support same-sex marriage” and calling for equal rights for gays and lesbians.

“There is a lot of attention on gay rights issues now,” Le Minh, 21, said as she attached a rainbow flag to her bicycle.

“There were (many) questions about gay marriage at the recent National Assembly session. It is really good for the community.”

Khmer Rouge mass grave uncovered in Cambodia Agence France-Presse

A MASS GRAVE THOUGHT to contain the remains of hundreds of Khmer Rouge victims has been uncovered in northwestern Cambodia, authorities said on Monday.

Workers found the skeletal remains of at least 17 people last week when they used an excavator to dig up soil for commercial use in Kralanh district, said Siem Reap province deputy military police chief Nhim Seila.

“Some of the skulls were found blindfolded and the hands and feet were tied up with shoelaces,” Nhim said, adding that many of the skulls appeared to have suffered heavy blows.

“According to locals, this was a place where the Khmer Rouge killed people every day during the regime.

I think there are hundreds of skeletons in the grave,” Nhim said.

Military police have closed off the site for inspection.

The Cambodian countryside is littered with thousands of mass graves from the Khmer Rouge regime’s reign of terror in the late 1970s when up to two million people died from starvation, overwork, torture or execution.

The Documentation Centre of Cambodia, which researches the atrocities, identified the area in Kralanh as a “Killing Field” in 1998 and estimated some 35,000 bodies are buried there.

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12 WORLD NEWS

IN BRIEF ‘Disabled’ man executed in US Authorities in Texas executed an African American man despite protests from human rights groups that said he was mentally disabled.

Marvin Wilson, 54, who was condemned to death for a killing a police informant in 1992, was declared dead by lethal injection on Tuesday.

In 2004, Wilson was diagnosed with mild mental retardation, with an IQ of 61 – well below the average for his age, according to the American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

But according to the Texas definition, Wilson did not suffer from mental disability.

Tucson shooter pleads guilty Gunman Jared Lee Loughner pleaded guilty Tuesday to carrying out a deadly Arizona mass shooting, an attack where he failed to assassinate US Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords Six people were killed in the shooting and 13 were injured, including the congresswoman.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Some peace better than none in Somalia: locals

Agence France-Presse

S

tanding in front of the rag-covered tent that has been her family’s home for 18 months, grandmother Halbo Maow says that while the men with the guns might have changed, life still remains tough.

“Shebab or government, it is all the same,” said Moaw, who lives in the southern Somali town of Baidoa, a former bastion of the Al-Qaeda linked Shebab insurgents, that was captured by Ethiopian forces in February.

“We got nothing then, and we get nothing now,” the 70-year old added, as young girls in coloured shawls milled around.

Forced to leave her village by famine last year, Maow now ekes out an existence collecting firewood to sell in Baidoa, a dusty, impoverished but strategic town some 200 kilometres from the Ethiopian border.

Little if any influence of the weak and corruption riddled government in the capital Mogadishu – due to end its

In a photograph released by the African Union-United Nations Information Support Team, Ugandan police officers serving with the African Union Mission in Somalia’s first Formed Police Unit march during their formal introduction to the Somali Police Force at a police station in the capital Mogadishu.

Photo: AFP mandate on August 20, with new permanent institutions to be ushered in by a UN-backed process – is felt here.

Five months on, the Ethiopians are still the dominant force in the area, and the sight of their tanks and troops greets new arrivals at the airstrip on the edge of Baidoa.

But while some Ethiopian

soldiers are seen driving around in pickups, most of them appear to have withdrawn to fight remaining Shebab forces in the surrounding areas.

That has left the weak administration they installed struggling to step in.

“The Ethiopians have bought security, but now we are waiting for the government

and international community to bring us food and health services and schools,” said Maow, who has five children and ten grandchildren.

In Baidoa’s bustling central market, there seems to at least be some sense of that security.

Donkeys pulling carts laden with vegetables amble along the crowded roads, as

women sell dates in front of pharmacies and hardware stores that are almost all open for business.

Standing next to a pile of brightly coloured mattresses on the steps of his shop, Mahad Elmi Yerow says that income has increased since the Shebab were pushed out.

“It is better now than when Shebab were here, because business is more open than before,” Yerow said, adding however that gunmen still prowl the 250 kilometre route to Mogadishu.

“There are some militias between the government lines and Shebab and if you do not stop they shoot at you – I even have some mattresses with bullet holes in them,” he added.

As he talked, gun-wielding men from the local authorities, dressed in civilian clothes and ill-matching uniforms, roughly push away a crowd that has gathered in the street.

Yerow says that he, like other businesses, has already started paying taxes to the local government. For now at least, it is only these men with guns that his money pays for.

Second lawsuit over deadly 2009 Australian wildfires Agence France-Presse

A CLASS ACTION OVER Australia’s deadly 2009 wildfires was launched Tuesday against a Singapore power company, with victims of the blaze that killed 40 people blaming the firm for its ignition.

Law firm Maurice Blackburn said the case against SP AusNet, which is majority owned by Singapore Power, was filed Tuesday in the Victorian Supreme Court alleging it was responsible for a

thephuketnews.com

devastating fire at Marysville.

The blaze was among the most severe of the February 7, 2009 wildfires which tore through southern Victoria state, killing 173 people in Australia’s most deadly disaster of modern times.

A total of 40 people died in and around Marysville and 538 homes were razed along with the town’s primary school and police station, and compensation lawyers Maurice Blackburn said there was evidence SP AusNet was at fault.

“The action will allege the fire started as a result of a poorly constructed electricity line which is now believed to have started the blaze,” the firm said.

SP AusNet described the lawsuit as “premature and based on incomplete information” and said it would “vigorously defend any claim made against it in relation to the inspection and maintenance of its assets”. It said the police were yet to make public the findings of their investigation.

THE PHUKET NEWS

LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 13

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

OPINION

Editor’s Viewpoint

Norachai’s World

Betting on a nongambling Phuket hanin Chearavanont is not the first person to advocate the legalisation of casinos in Thailand, but as Thailand’s richest man, he is certainly the most prominent so far. He has a valid point.

In Thailand there are few legal avenues for gambling.

Illegal gambling, on the other hand, is massive, with the numbers racket a feature of every village in the land, along with gambling on soccer and other sports.

And there are casinos, ranging from temporar y affairs staged in the forest to large, full-on operations behind closed doors and protected from legal interference by corrupt politicians and police.

All of this underground gambling is, of course, uncontrollable. It’s run or supported by some of the nastiest people in the country – “influential” figures, gangsters and corrupt politicians.

It is attended by the whole panoply of grief brought by loan sharks who are quite ready, as we saw last week, to beat up

D

Should we be gambling with a change in tack for Phuket’s future?

Letters to the editor Is Patong a safety zone?

[Re: Tourists ‘beaten by tuktuk drivers’] A nd agai n, the mob against an individual...

Patong safety zone is now already a joke.

More cameras to record crime but no action taken (in the location described I believe there is actually a CCTV camera already in place).

Only empty words to silence the critics. Lawlessness by tuk-tuk drivers is rampant but only rarely action is taken by officials and/or police.

I think that it is only ever the top of the iceberg that the general public ever hears/reads.

When will this ever change!?

Lucien

New start for gambling Thais

[Re: Thais offered 338 jobs in Macau] What a considerable opportunity to show our skills and apply for jobs in this amazing city.

If I can get a job in this city, then that will be a great chance for me, it’s looking like a dream already for me.

There is still much time remaining to take this opportunity but I am really excited about this.

Macau hotel deals

No thanks to more big malls [Re: Locals to protest against new Tesco] The other week I had a walk along Phuket Rd, from the Metropole Hotel towards the immigration office, and I have to say I was shocked to see so many empty shops.

Many of the businesses along this stretch were thriving before the arrival of the ‘out-of-town’ malls.

Seriously, some initiative needs to be started to bring this once busy area back to life before it’s too late.

We really don’t need any more super stores on this small island, adding to the problem.

Agogohome

Betting on who wants what [Re: Legalise casinos says Thailand’s richest man] Why aren’t the masses of poor and poverty stricken rural Thai families asking for casinos?

Justin Craig

Good prison, bad idea [Re: Locals back B1billion prison plan]

What a great idea: build more prisons, but leave the roads dirty with potholes and uneven pavement so it’s dangerous to drive.

Build more prisons but don’t make projects to help the poor or homeless. Sounds like a good plan to take care of the social environment in Phuket.

Mej313

Can one stab oneself?

[Re: Swiss expat ‘stabbed himself to death’] Absolutely agree with you Dennis.

This unfortunate man was in my humble estimation murdered.

Recently there was a press photo of a dead insurgent in the south who, according to the police, had opened fire on a Thai army patrol and there he was dead as a dodo with his finger still on the trigger

non-payers, or their guarantors, or rape their relatives in order to enforce payment of their outrageous interest rate.

Government in other countries have realised that while illegal gambling is impossible to control, legalising it makes it more controllable and – better yet – creates a river of tax revenue.

The big question in Thailand is whether the country has the enforcement infrastructure to prevent any legal casino system being perverted by powerful and corrupt people.

One expert, Allan Zeman, major investor in Phuket and a director of Wynn Resorts, which has one of the biggest casinos in Macau, doesn’t think so.

He said recently, “[Gambling] attracts a lot of undesirable elements. It’s something that needs controlling; I’m not sure that you can control it at this stage in Thailand. They need to clean up their act first.

At this time it’s better if they don’t have gambling.”

The Phuket News agrees.

This week in history of his M16.

Now I have fired such a weapon on a firing range in Cambodia and the friggin gun had a mind all of its own and there is no possible way as with the knife that they would remain in the grip of a dead man.

Nip

Congrats to new Rotary president [Re: Patong Rotary gets new president] Larry, congratulations. You are the right choice for the president 2012-2013 of Patong Rotary Club.

You have worked very hard for the Patong RotaryClub since the very first day it was founded at the Aloha Hotel with the President of the OrBorJor Paiboon Upatising.

I am very happy and proud to be your friend.

Dominick Mangiameli

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

■■ August 10, 2003 – Yuri Malenchenko becomes the first person to marry in space while aboard the International Space Station. His wife, Ekaterina Dmitrieva, was in Texas.

■■ August 11, 1934 – The first civilian prisoners arrive at the Federal prison on Alcatraz Island. It had been used as a military prison since 1868.

■■ Aug ust 12 , 196 4 – South Africa is banned from the Olympics due to the country’s racist policies.

■■ August 13, 1969 – The Apollo 11 astronauts are released from a three-week quarantine to enjoy a NY ticker-tape parade.

■■ August 14, 1901 – The f irst claimed powered flight, by Gustave Whitehead in his Number 21.

■■ August 15, 1969 – The Woodstock Music and Art Festival opens.

■■ August 16, 1954 – The first ever piña colada cocktail is created at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

thephuketnews.com

14 AVIATION/LEGAL

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUSINESS

Project up in the air

The Phuket Airpark on the east coast of the island is up for sale at B434 million > 16

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

TAT backs medical tourism fair TTR Weekly

THE TOURISM AUTHORITY of Thailand (TAT) has confirmed its support for the first medical and wellness trade fair in Thailand, with over 100 companies due to take part in the event held from September 11 to 14 at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld Bangkok.

TAT deputy governor for Tourism Products and Business, Vilaiwan Twichasri, said the Thailand Medical & Wellness Tourism Trade Fair will have a B2B component on the first day, followed by post tours for the remaining three days for trade visitors. The event will also be open to the public from September 12 to 14.

The show is expected to attract 80 sellers and 150 buyers from more than 20 countries.

Russian and Chinese markets are a top priority to expand Thai medical tourism.

Buyers are expected to come to the event from Australia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Germany, France, Scandinavian countries, the United States, Canada, India and Bangladesh.

Emirates launches direct Phuket flights

E

mirates is to launch daily flights from Dubai to Phuket from December 10, making the island Emirates’ second destination in Thailand.

Operated by a three-class Airbus aircraft, EK378 will

depart Dubai at 12:45 and arrive at Phuket International Airport at 21:55.

The return flight, EK379 will depart at 00:35 the following day and arrive at Dubai International Airport at 04:35.

“Thailand is an important

market for Emirates,” said Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline. “We are confident that Phuket will prove a popular destination for our passengers, especially those from the UAE, the Middle East and Europe.”

On its way: Emirates begins flying to Phuket from Dubai on December 10.

Does a building permit confer ownership?

Olaf Duensing Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

WHAT DOES THE BUILDING permit have to do with legal ownership of a building?

An all too common assertion that pops up in conversation is, “The person named in a building permit is considered to be the owner of the building.”

Hearing this must be particularly disturbing to many foreigners – who are legally allowed to own buildings in Thailand. Some of you may have wondered, “So is the contractor who applied for the permit to build, and who then built my house, legally considered to be its owner?”

Is this assertion accurate?

In order for the statement to be correct, there must be some legal basis for a building permit

to create ownership rights in a building. So we will begin by investigating the legal nature of a building permit.

The issue of a building permit is legally an “administrative order” (AO). An AO is defined as “an exercising of powers under the law by the competent officers with an effect of creating legal relations between persons in such a way [as] to create, change, transfer, reserve, suspend, or which renders an effect to the status of rights or duties of a person, whether it be permanent or temporary, such as, ordering, permission, approval, decision of appeal, certification, and acceptance of registration, but excluding an issuance of rules.”

The relevant law for the issue of a building permit AO is the Building Control Act (BCA). What power does the competent officer exercise in

We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management

issuing a building permit and to what effect?

The procedure is as follows. The applicant submits the application documents to the local administrative office.

Officials visit the site and verify the application documents (for example, construction drawings and specifications).

After reviewing whether or not the contemplated structure is legally permissible, the local administrative office must, within 45 days of the date of the application, either issue the building permit, or deny the application and inform the applicant in writing of the reasons for the non-issuance.

Thus, the legal effect of this administrative order is merely the legal permission for a person to build a certain structure on a defined plot of land. That is all it is.

What, then, is the relevant

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

law that actually creates ownership rights? And more particularly, how does one actually legally own a building?

Ownership rights are created through the Civil and Commercial Code (“CCC”).

Sections 137ff and 1308ff of the CCC describe what ownership rights exist and how ownership rights can be acquired by law.

The CCC provides that the land owner, by law, becomes the owner of any structure permanently affixed to his land.

However, it is also legally possible to own a structure on land owend by someone else.

Preferably, this is accomplished by registration of a “superficies” which is the legal right of ownership of a structure on land owned by someone else, and is the legal instrument intended by the CCC to create such a right of ownership.

Note, however, that even though property ownership is generally established and detailed in the CCC, the building permit is not mentioned.

It is understood that, on a practical level, it is recommended to receive the building permit in one’s name.

The Land Department currently refuses to register certain rights if the applicant does not have the building permit in his or her name. This is, in our opinion, an historical accident that has, unfortunately, developed into an administra-

tive practice and which is a practical reality for the time being though it has no legal foundation.

So no building owner who has established legal ownership rights of a building through the construction of a structure on land under a superficies arrangement should be concerned if another person’s name is on the relevant building permit.

That person will not be able to establish any ownership rights to the structure through the building permit.

Even if current Land Department practice may be an obstacle to a future sale or lease registration, the courts will follow the CCC and decide the ownership independently of the building permit.

So, what does the building permit have to do with legal ownership of a building? Answer: Nothing.

Duensing Kippen is a multi-service boutique law firm specializing in property and corporate/commercial matters, as well as arbitration proceedings arising therefrom.

Duensing Kippen is also the only such firm in Thailand that compliments its property and corporate/commercial legal expertise with a core tax law practice. Duensing Kippen can be reached by email to contact@duensingkippen. com. For more information visit duensingkippen.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

ECONOMY/TOURISM 15

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

GDP not a true measure of success – BoT governor NNT

Puangthip Chotipantawanon.

Another new move at Pata THE STAFFING MERRYgo-round near the top of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (Pata) continues to spin, with yet another senior appointment: the promotion of Puangthip “Mam” Chotipantawanon to Director of Operations.

Reporting to Chief Operating Officer Ms Sheila Leong (herself appointed only a month ago), Ms Puangthip is responsible for “operations across all departments to provide an association-wide support structure to actively and regularly engage with members; deliver all Pata products, services and events in a timely and profitable manner, and to convey the highest standards to satisfy the needs and relevance of Pata membership.”

She joined Pata in 2003 and has since been responsible for supporting Pata Events.

Before that she was senior manager of events management and developments at the Bangkok-based Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, and senior manager at MICE Marketing for Siam Express.

New GM for Swissotel K EV I N F U R R ER H AS been appointed General Manager of the Swissôtel Resort Phuket. He has been with the company since 2004 and was most recently acting GM at the Swissôtel Nai Lert Park, Bangkok.

Trained at the Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, Mr Furrer has also worked in hotels in Japan, Switzerland and Germany.

BANK OF THAILAND (BOT) GOVERNOR Prasarn Trairatvorakul has remarked that the gross domestic product (GDP) is not the sole indicator of economic strength.

Other indices, such as the GDP per capita or the competitiveness of an economy, are equally important, he said.

Mr Prasarn was speaking last week at a seminar on how well Thailand’s GDP reflects the country’s

economic progress.

He emphasised that GDP was indicative of growth but not necessarily of economic robustness. The central bank governor added that there were other factors, such as economic balance or stability, progressive growth rate suitable for higher competitiveness and the quality of life, to be taken into account when determining the strength of an economy.

The governor stated further that other indicators of real economic progress included the GDP per capita and the country’s competitiveness. At present,

Thailand ranks 90th and 30th in terms of per capita GDP and competitiveness, according to the Global Competitiveness Report.

Mr Prasarn said that a final factor that could indicate Thailand’s economic strength was the people’s well being; people should benefit from economic growth and the cost of living should not be too high.

In addition, they should have equal access to basic infrastructure, otherwise the disparity between rich and poor could result in social and political problems.

THE WRONG PEOPLE

Tourism industry calls for changes at ministry

T

hailand’s three main private tourism organisations have called into doubt the competence of top politicians and officials charged with managing the country’s tourism industry.

The Bangkok Post reported recently that the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), the Association of Domestic Travel (ADT) and the Association of Thai Travel Agents had called for the government “to put the right man in the right job” and to listen to advice from the private sector.

They say this is essential to prepare the tourism industry for Asean economic integration in 2015, and an acknowledgment that the main weakness of Thailand’s tourism industry is a shortage of officials with sufficient knowledge and a devotion to the field.

“Ever since the Tourism and Sports Ministry was set up, only a few people in authority have ever had real knowledge about tourism, service provision and marketing,” said TTAA president Suthipong Phuenphiphop.

The Post reported that it was well known among tourism professionals that the current Minister of Tourism, 72-year-old Chumpol SilpaArcha, speaks barely a word of English and therefore avoids going to important meetings involving high-ranking officials from other countries.

Thailand tourism organisations also urged the government to consult the private sector before making decisions

Current Minister of Tourism, 72-year-old Chumpol Silpa-Archa. and to allow the sector to participate in monitoring the transparency of megaprojects.

Recently, when Mr SilpaArcha raised the possibility of building a Formula 1 track in Chiang Mai, Thai media immediately questioned the real

purpose of such a high-cost project.

Government corruption is another serious problem that may see Thailand lose out to other Asean countries once the Asean Economic Community (AEC) comes

into being in 2015, the three organisations said.

“Take Suvarnabhumi airport,” said ATD president Yutthachai Soonthronrattanavate.

“It should be a world-class facility, but its problems include structural cracks and

poor performance.

“We have to admit that Thailand is no longer an Asean tourism hub. The industry has declined over the past five years, and now other countries are catching up. That means Thailand could ultimately miss out under the AEC.” Meanwhile, at a seminar entitled “The AEC and the Tourism Industry”, Asean Secretary-General Surin Pitsuwan urged the government and the private sector to join hands to create a new tourism growth model.

He said that, in order to benefit from the AEC, Thailand must increase spending on research and development, create more intellectual property and come up with new exotic travel destinations that can be linked to other Asean countries.

The government has drawn up plans to prepare for the AEC, but the execution of the plans remains weak, Dr Surin said.

thephuketnews.com

16 PROPERTY/TOURISM

THE PHUKET NEWS

Airpark put up for sale Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

P

huket Airpark, the island’s private airstrip on the east coast, in Pa Khlok, is now on the market for B434 million.

The airpark covers 124 rai, and has an air strip with a road running round it, a small aircraft hangar and a club house.

The original vision was for plots on either side of the runway to be sold for buyers to build homes with “garages” for their aircraft.

Prime mover Suchard Raksangob told The Phuket News on Tuesday (August 6) that he is willing to sell all or part of the project. He said that sales have not been up to expecta-

tions; so far, deposits have been received on just five plots.

“So we are looking for investors, for all of the Airpark, or possibly for part of it, as codevelopers. Our real intention is to clear the bank loan.

“It would be a very good investment. It’s a huge land bank; we have more than 50 land titles.”

Meanwhile, Mr Suchard’s dispute with Swedish investor Adrian Held rumbles on – there is another court hearing scheduled for August 16. Mr Held originally put about B41 million into the Airpark.

“It’s a difference of opinion,” Mr Suchard said. “He wants more shares for his investment than we agreed to. The court has to decide.”

THAILAND REMAINED the most popular target in Asia for overseas property buyers and investors, with a sharp increase in interest levels being seen during July.

In the monthly ‘Top of the Props’ league table for the most searched countries on TheMoveChannel.com, a leading overseas property website, Thailand ranked as the 13th most popular county in the world – a rise of six places from the previous month, and underlining the recent spike in interest in property within the Kingdom from overseas buyers.

Dan Johnson, director of

TheMoveChannel.com, said, “When the credit crunch hit, property investors started to retrench towards more familiar markets.

“The political crisis that hit Thailand between 2008 and 2010 worsened this effect, meaning that drumming up interest in Thai property during that period was difficult.”

Thailand has returned to the radar of many overseas property buyers and investors on the back of a more stable political situation and strong economic fundamentals.

Johnson added: “Since 2010 a period of relative stability has ensued, which has helped build investor appetite for the

Phuket Airpark in Pa Khlok covers 124 rai.

great value property, amazing countryside, spectacular coastline and delicious cuisine.”

Spain retained the global property gold, accounting for almost one-fifth of buyer enquiries on the overseas portal. America stayed strong in second place, leaving France to take the bronze.

But it was Bulgaria’s 10-place jump to eighth place that grabbed most attention, increasing the country’s share by 1.35 per cent last month to take 2.57 per cent of all enquiries on the site.

Johnson said: “Bulgaria’s improved monthly ranking seems to come directly from the appeal of its prices.”

COLLECTIVE INTERNAtional arrivals into Asia Pacific destinations grew by 4 per cent year-on-year during April 2012, according to preliminary data released by the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA).

In percentage growth terms, this result was relatively constrained across the region compared with the robust expansion achieved during the first quarter of the year.

For the first four months of 2012, Asia Pacific recorded a collective gain of 7 per cent year-on-year.

Southeast Asia retained its position as the fastest growing sub-region in Asia Pacific with a 9 per cent increase in international arrivals during the month.

The smaller volume destinations, Cambodia (+24 per cent), Myanmar (+35 per cent) and the Philippines (+10 per cent) maintained strong growth rates in April, while Singapore (+9 per cent) and Thailand (+7 per cent) grew at a moderate pace.

Despite the slower growth levels for these latter two destinations, collectively they represent around 200,000 additional international visitor arrivals to the sub-region for the month, about half of the total gain for Southeast Asia.

Pata CEO Martin Craigs said, “Global economic conditions continue to be trying, but travel demand for Asia Pacific destinations continues generally positive.”

IBAP speaker to explain crisis management THE SPEAKER AT TOnight’s meeting (August 10) of the International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP) will be Singapore-based crisis management specialist Richard Hancock.

Mr Hancock will discuss the parameters of this subject in relation to Phuket and take questions, focusing on answering the questions he is most often asked, which include, “How do we reduce our risk exposure?” “Who should manage/ oversee the crisis management programme?” “Who is going to develop/write the plans?”

“Who should be in on the crisis management team?” “How do we keep people informed?”

“How do we communicate our decisions in a crisis or emergency?” and, naturally,

thephuketnews.com

Security is the fifth ‘S’, Thailand tourism survey finds TTR Weekly

Thailand ‘most popular in SE Asia leads growth in arrivals of tourists Asia’ for property buyers propertyguru.com.sg

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Richard Hancock.

“How much is it going to cost to develop the appropriate crisis mitigation infrastructure?

He will also be looking at questions organisations should be asking themselves: “Do we understand and fully appreciate the range of threats to our organization/department?” “Have we looked at how vulnerable we are to any identified threats? Specifically, what event (natural disaster), omission (lack of compliance) or act (terrorism, crime) would

bring our organization or department to its knees?” “Have we identified all our critical assets – property, people, information and reputation?”

“How do we deal with risk?”

“Do we have a crisis management team identified?” “Do we have emergency response, crisis management and business resumption plans?” “Do we have a crisis communication plan?” “Do we test our plans?”

“Do we review and revise our plans annually?”

The session will begin at 6:15pm and finish around 9:30 at the A2 Access Resort & Villas on the bypass road.

Tickets, on the door, are B200 for members and B400 for non-members.

For more information, visit ibap-phuket.org

DESPITE THE RECENT bad press, tourists in general still believe Thailand is a vibrant destination with friendly people, according to “Is Thailand Still Amazing?” a study released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

However, the su r vey showed that, after sun, sea, sand and sex, a fifth S, security, is becoming a matter for concern. The study showed tourists viewed Thailand’s nightlife as the most dangerous, followed by transport.

News of security failures, crime and natural disasters reaches potential visitors much faster and sways travel decisions in the short term.

The survey reflects feedback from 14 major markets: Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the United States, the UAE, Australia, China, Korea, India, Russia, Germany, Sweden and Italy.

The core finding showed that Thailand was still perceived primarily as a “3S” destination – sea, sand and sun – with positive, good hospitality attributes.

The TAT believes this is due mainly to social media that provides information so that even non-visitors believe they have a valid perception.

Markets displayed different shades of meaning. In Asia it is perceived as a place for relaxation and a sense of pampering at beach destinations, while the European market seeks untouched beaches and a beautiful environment.

Medical tourism and spa products and services were top of the list representing attractiveness, especially in Asia Pacific markets, while “soft” adventure tourism was top in European markets.

The study found that Thailand was weak in family tourism products, such as theme parks and recreational options designed for children. The same applied to the romantic segment such as honeymoons.

There was the perception that Thailand cannot deliver a sense of privacy and the national taboo against overt affection in public places was viewed as a drawback.

The study suggested the travel industry should be wary of raising prices, too. Tourists ranked low accommodation prices and cost of living in Thailand as the most valuable asset that drew them to the country.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

ARTS 17

LIFE&STYLE

Road trip

Anis Ramli takes a drive down one of Malaysia’s oldest highways > 28

Jody Houton & Claire Connell editor@thephuketnews.com

Making a village for all Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

T

he Phuket Art Village, a sort of Nai Harn-based artistic commune inhabited by five Thai artists, has welcomed its first ever foreign artist, Tony Andrews.

And although the Australian sound engineer and sculptor has been resident at the ‘village’ for months already, he is yet to begin his first real art piece - he’s been too busy, building his room in Pui’s fabulous house.

Tony also created the beautiful mosaic flooring to the entrance of the house in order to welcome people with the same level of warmth and beauty that he said he had been treated to.

“I’m honoured to be here.

They have made me feel so very welcome,” he said.

Tony added that although he had originally attempted to leave his 20 years of work as a sound engineer behind him when he arrived in Thailand earlier this year, he had found himself drawn back to production, because as well as being artists, the majority of the residents of The Phuket Art Village are also great musicians.

Clockwise from above: ‘Pui’ and Tony Andrews; Yen with Tony; a guitarist entertains the crowd.

“I just want to help them.

They’re very talented. They want to maintain something that is gradually being lost in Phuket. They want to make sure that Thai culture and Thai arts don’t disappear,” he said.

One way they are hoping to achieve that is by launching

GERRY’S

editor@thephuketnews.com

a regular Friday night Phuket Art Village social night.

Speaking on July 27 – the first of many shindigs – artist ‘Yen’ said, “We’re going to be having a party every Friday night from now on, with shadow puppets, music, art, food and drink.”

The atmosphere was very laid back, very amiable, unpretentious and cool. Because of this and so much more, it’s actually quite unlike anything that currently exists in Phuket.

For Tony and many of the resident artists, this is the main point, “It’s good to be doing

something different. Somewhere the parents and kids can come and enjoy, feel safe and have a good time.”

Yen added that he and the other members of the artistic group had big plans for the future of the village, but wanted to finish the building of the rest

of the village first. “Perhaps we will have art classes and music classes and even maybe homestays.”

Before anybody can come and stay at the village though, Pui and Tony need to make room for them. Literally.

The ever-smiling Pui who owns the incredible art house, points out a space where he would like to build upon and said that regarding design, it would very much resemble the rest of the unique-looking property.

“I will only charge people about B200 a night though. I started building this a year ago, I built most of it using reclaimed beach wood. Art is everywhere, not just in paintings.”

“We are not just doing it to make money,” he says, and speaking with the other relaxed down-to-earth young artists, it’s quite easy to believe them.

“We want to promote Phuket art,” said Yen. “This village is great for tourists as they have lots of choice. If a visitor doesn’t like a particular form of art then there are lots of other artists to choose from.”

Phuket Art Village is located on Soi Naya 2, just past Da Vinci. For more information, visit facebook.com/Artjerm

KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!

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THIS WEEK’S HINT: “This white four storey Sino-Portuguese designed building has at the top a unique clock tower with the traditional police cap shaped roof.

“Empty and abandoned for quite some years now, it once was the bustling headquarters for the police and is still owned by the Royal Thai Police.

“Quite distinctive in itself, and very photogenic, it is often overshadowed by its’ often photographed and written about neighbouring building across the street in Phuket Town.”

–Gerry Cummings

EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE

www.photohutgroup.com

editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php

GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT

Congratulations go to Charlene Fang, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the museum in the Thavorn Hotel at 74 Rassada Road in Phuket Town. This museum contains everything from old film reels to pictures, old toys, very old refrigerators, old safes and many, many other objects from the past. The lobby of the hotel is a museum in itself and all done in wood; built in 1963 the hotel houses the oldest elevator on the island and has some pretty impressive wall paintings.

thephuketnews.com

18 PEOPLE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

From Mexico City to the paradise island Good ambiance, and more importantly the two universal constants in hospitality; good service and good food.

10 Questions Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

8 What do you think of

the current Phuket night life scene?

I think that for an island it’s pretty well balanced, and there is a little bit of everything.

There are new beach clubs on the way and I think this is great, as it will raise Phuket to a new level, most surely attracting new market segments while spicing up the already eclectic nightlife.

J

ody Houton sits down with Beach Complex Operations Manager at Angsana Laguna Phuket, and long-time clubbing fan Christian W. Roth, to discuss his plans for Xana Beach Club.

1 Where are you from originally? Was there a vibrant night life there?

I was born in San Luis Potosi, northern Mexico. It is quite beautiful, but there is nothing much going on there. It is still a very conservative place.

Luckily, I had the chance to grow up in Mexico City, which as any other major city in the world, has everything to offer in terms of night life.

2 Can you remember

when you first became interested in clubbing?

When I was 14-years-old I started going out with my friends in Mexico City.

A friend’s father co-owned a couple of nightclubs, one of them being the most popular nightclub in the harbour of Acapulco at the time. We used to go to Acapulco very often, where the nightclub scene has always been (and still is) very vibrant.

Because of my friends, I had access to the nightclub scene from a very early age, an age when other kids would only dream of going to clubs.

At the same time I also got a chance to know the workings of a nightclub, as well as the opportunity of being invited to many other clubs and parties, therefore gaining interest in the

thephuketnews.com

9 Okay, so we know what

Angsana Beach Complex Operations Manager Christian Roth believes the future of Phuket’s club scene is bright. world of DJs and club music.

During my time in Mexico, the club scene with international DJs, the rave scene, and the electronic music festivals were gaining momentum and I can say I was there when it reached its peak.

Out of my group of friends, a couple of huge DJs were spawned (I want to bring them soon), and two of my childhood friends now own the biggest nightclub operating company in Mexico, with more than 17 nightclubs and bars throughout Mexico, and continue to develop new concepts for night clubbers.

3 When did you become involved with nightclubs professionally?

Part of my family is of Swiss origin, and it has been a longstanding tradition to study at the Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne. I grew up surrounded by

the hospitality industry, and I have worked in restaurants since I was 15-years-old.

I am also somewhat of a beach bum and love the beach and all kinds of watersport. I now have all the things I love to do in one place!

4 Where did you work before Xana?

After graduating, I started to work for Banyan Tree. I was part of the opening teams for both Banyan Tree hotel operations in Mexico, Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, and Cabo Marques in Acapulco.

I then opened a third hotel for Rosewood hotels and resorts in San Miguel de Allende before heading to New York, where I opened a restaurant with a couple of friends. They were all great experiences.

5 The opening night at

Xana was really quite something. There are still parts

of it that are a blank... How did it go from a managerial perspective? Were you happy with the turnout and logistics of the event? Is there anything you will be doing differently in the future?

Like any other opening, it was a major challenge to get everything into place. We still have many growing pains to go through before we reach maturity, but we have a great team and the base work has been laid.

We did get a lot of feedback from the opening party, and one of the major issues that was raised and solved right away is our pricing. Just so everybody knows, our house beers are 140 baht net, and the glass of house wine (both red and white) are 260 baht.

We have very competitive prices, and I invite everyone to see for themselves. We are also working very hard on staffing

and training, as it was also one of the comments going around about the opening party.

I am now hand-picking our staff and have also started a trainee programme with international hotel schools, so we are keeping an interesting mix of local and international staff in our team.

As for the turnout, we are definitely very happy as we received around 1,500 people, which means that 1,500 people got to see XANA as a whole and what it has to offer. The rest is what we will make of it.

6 DJ Paul Harris was huge.

Do you have any plans to bring other superstar DJs to the island?

We surely do have. But I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise for you.

7 Besides a great DJ and

great music, what else makes a good night?

you think makes a good night out, but what’s your idea of a perfect night in?

A good movie, a good bottle of wine and pizza.

10 The Phuket nightclub

scene is notoriously competitive. How do you plan on ensuring Xana becomes synonymous with partying in Phuket?

It’s simpler said than done, but we already have a great venue.

Now what we have to do is to raise all other aspects that encompass the XANA experience to that same level, so obviously our food and beverage offering, our service, our music, our entertainment and our DJs need to happen seamlessly and consistently.

We need to be perceived as an unique offering with unique features that represent our originality and concept through experiences that keep our guests coming back for more.

For more information, visit xanabeachclub.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

IN BRIEF India’s ‘English’ past doesn’t help subcontinent’s future Despite the English language advantage and the government’s enhanced focus on higher education, India’s top educational and research institutes are lagging behind Chinese universities according to The Times Higher

Education World University Rankings.

The rankings have nine universities from China in the Top 400 compared with just one from India. Thailand’s Mahidol University placed 372.

Call for free online university education Lectures and seminars delivered by the most acclaimed professors from the world’s top universities should be available through online methods, according to Standford professor, Dr Daphne Koller.

Dr Koller said that educa-

tion should not be a privilege and the resources should be available to all with a desire to learn. This could theoretically lead to huge breakthroughs and problem-solving on a global scale, the likes of which should not be underestimated, she said.

British exam success comes at a cost British students who perform well at GCSE and A Level examinations may not get the grade they deserve as part of a nationwide initiative by exam boards to ‘match’

exam results from last year.

This measure has been taken in order to halt the year-on-year increase of exam results in schools and colleges up and down the U.K.

Use of tablets in class brings Thai students to life Many Thai teachers have said that the use of tablets in the classroom environment is bringing the class to ‘life’.

Although the tablets are still being used in conjunc-

tion with standard textbooks, many teachers have said that when they do use them (for on average one hour a day), the children are more receptive, excited and involved than usual.

EDUCATION 19

Kids speak up for green future Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

A

s part of their Social Studies course, P4 st udents from Darasamuth School are currently looking at environmental issues, geography and issues of citizenship.

The environmentally aware 9-10-year-olds have made their own petitions for other students in the school to sign and have even written letters to the school director asking for an increase in recycling facilities at the school.

Stephen Brady, Head of the English Programme at Darasamuth, said, “It’s great to see the children getting involved in campaigns and realising that they are able to make a difference.”

The topics of petitions ranged from requests for more recycling bins to pledging not to throw rubbish into the sea.

Children also made posters that were put up around the school.

Mr Brady said, “The main thing the students were concerned about was the amount of rubbish in Phuket, as they have been shocked by some of the stories that have appeared in The Phuket News over the last few weeks.”

It was therefore time for

Children at the Darasamuth school point out ways to make better Phuket greener. the students and the school to make a difference and for everyone to learn about dealing with rubbish more responsibly, he added.

Student comments included one from ‘Raj’, who said “If we keep making loads of rubbish, Phuket will be known as Rubbish Island.”

Another one from Jaran, said, “People should use less plastic and then there will be less rubbish. If they use plastic, they should reuse it,

like filling their water bottle up again instead of buying a new one.”

10 year-old Tristan even wrote a letter to the school director, Sister Srivieng, to ask for more recycling bins and also for her to pray for a better world.

“They really enjoy working together and recognising that, as citizens, they have a voice that their leaders need to listen to,” said Mr Brady.

Darasamuth Phuket School

English Programme (EP) was established in 2002 and offers EP classes for students from Kindergarten Grade 2 to Prathom Grade 6.

The Darasamuth school’s curriculum combines elements of both the Thai Ministry of Education and British national curriculum.

Students also celebrate both international and Thai public holidays, including Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas and Wai Khru.

thephuketnews.com

20 COMMUNITY

United in their love of Phuket PHUKET COMMUNITY

Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

P

huket is home to quite a sizeable Korean community, with an estimated 1,500 expats on the island. Like the majority of other national communities in Phuket, most work in the tourism industry or in industries providing a service to their particular group.

There are around 40 Korean tour guide companies, numerous Korean restaurants where diners can experience the wonder of Korean barbecue and even a rather delapidated Korea Town.

For many of them, August 15 will be more than just the date that falls on a Wednesday of this year. August 15 is Korea’s national day and the day that South Koreans celebrate their national liberation from Imperial Japan in 1945.

As a result of the liberation from Japan, American administrators divided the peninsula with US military forces occupying the southern half and Soviet military forces occupying the northern half.

The divide still exists today.

On August 15, 1948, the government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established.

The Phuket News spoke with three members of the Korean community to see how they would be celebrating Korean National Day.

Sunny

Sanhi ‘Sunny’ Jang, has been in Thailand for six years and living in Phuket for five. She is originally from Daejeon, South Korea. She is the Korean Customer Service Manager at HotelTravel.com.

thephuketnews.com

South Korea Fact Box Population: 48,860,500 Currency: South Korean Won Religions: Christian 26.3%, Buddhist 23.2%, other 1.3%, none 49.3% GDP: US$1.574 trillion (2011 est.) 13th highest Head of Government: Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik South Korean Consul, Phuket: 076 234 452 South Korean Embassy, Bangkok: 02 247 7537, tha.mofat.go.kr It is Korean National Day soon. What does it mean to you? How do you celebrate it in Korea? Do you celebrate it here? How? It is quite big to me. One of my aunts (my father’s sister) passed away just a few days after returning home after the evacuation of the war because of hunger and exhaustion (even though they were very rich, it didn’t help at all at that time).

I am very happy that we got our country back, but at the same time I feel very bad about Russia and USA letting Korea become split into two.

They did help us in their way but at the end we have had to witness the deaths of many North Koreans due to hunger in the 20th Century! But it’s still better than being a part of Japan and we can still say Korea even though it’s now South Korea and North Korea.

Korean athletes attended the Olympics twice wearing the Japanese flag on their chest during Japanese occupation, but now we all sport our seperate Koreas’ flags proudly.

Independence Day is the day we got our country and our rights back.

We have government-organised celebrations in Korea.

And we also have national flag-hoisting ceremonies at every individual’s house. I don’t celebrate it myself but I always remember that day and am proud of it.

What does being South Korean mean to you today in 2012? What are the best things about South Korea?

I can feel the differences. Our country is getting more powerful than ever in many ways.

Almost everybody knows something about Korea, much more than a few years ago.

Foreigners used to call Korea the country of courteous people in the East. Things have rapidly changed since then, but we still have manners,

still living here, ‘Why don’t you go back to your country?’ I just want to remind every foreigner who lives in Thailand, “Do not complain! You are in Thailand, not in your country.”

Hwang

What is the most difficult thing about being Korean in Phuket? How difficult is it to feel connected with Korean culture in Phuket?

I don’t have any problem. I just want to speak Thai more fluently so that I do not have any misunderstandings.

Koreans are very conservative and well-mannered and living here I can see many differences. In fact I still experience culture shock and don’t fully understand Thainess from the heart yet, I can only try to understand. I want to integrate into Thai culture someday.

As I am living in Thailand and will continue to do so, I think I should try my best to understand Thailand and Thai people.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you while living in Phuket?

When I meet foreigners who complain about Thailand and Thai people every second.

It’s not only one or two, but hundreds.

I have no idea why they are

feel connected with Korean culture in Phuket?

As I cannot read or understand Thai well, Thai legal documents regarding Thai law is the most difficult thing when conducting business. Koreans are very particular about punctuality. But Thais seem like it’s not a big deal.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you while living in Phuket?

The tsunami was the biggest thing in my life here in Phuket.

Nothing really special happened after that.

respect and love. We also have cooperation and patriotism.

Koreans never sleep when Koreans are competing in the the Olympics or World Cup. We love to be one.

What do the younger generation of South Koreans think about the possibility of reunification with the North? Would you like to see it happen?

I have no idea about the young generations in Korea as I’ve been in Phuket for many years and have had no chance to meet Korean youngsters here. But I think they don’t really care about it.

I would love to see reunification but it may take time and it might be hard but as we can see from Germany, it can be done and we can do it too. Although it should happen asap before it gets any harder to do.

THE PHUKET NEWS

David

Seongcheol Hwang, from Cheongju, South Korea, is the owner and chef of Korean BBQ Buffet Restaurant, Mr Gung.

It is Korean National Day soon. What does it mean to you? How do you celebrate it in Korea? Do you celebrate it here? How? For my age (those who were born decades after the Japanese occupation and the Independence Day), there’s not such a huge meaning for National Day. But especially on this day every year, I am proud of being Korean. It is a public holiday in South Korea, so some families visit the National Cemetery, but I don’t celebrate it here.

What does being South Korean mean to you today in 2012? What are the best things about South Korea?

I feel secure as we have influenced many countries.

The best thing about South Korea is the seasons. Korea has four seasons, which I appreciate much more after living in tropical Thailand for such a long time.

Another great thing is family love: we do love and respect our family members.

What do the younger generation of South Koreans think about the possibility of reunification with the North? Would you like to see it happen?

They think we should re-unify but not that seriously I guess. I think we must re-unify as we are from one country.

What is the most difficult thing about being Korean in Phuket? How difficult is it to

Daeyong ‘David’ Jee is the Senior Sales Manager at The Village Coconut Island and has been in Phuket for about six years.

It is Korean National Day soon. What does it mean to you? How do you celebrate it in Korea? Do you celebrate it here? How? I don’t think there’s a huge meaning for many in my generation. However, all Koreans regardless of their generation are sensitive to the political and societal problems related with Japan, for example ‘Comfort Women’ and the victims or the territorial disputes of Dokdo (which is called as Dakeshima in Japan).

Or when there’s a sports competition between Korea and Japan, we all think that we must and we will beat Japan.

Even though the current overall relationship between Japan and Korea is quite amicable.

With all that, Independence Day should be meaningful to all Koreans in some way.

The government and affiliated organisations do put on Independence Day celebrations but the public doesn’t seem to do much. Some people visit the War Memorial Museum or Independence Hall on that day.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

What does being South Korean mean to you today in 2012? What are the best things about South Korea?

Getting older, and living overseas I do realise that I am Korean... 15 years ago when I had my first backpack trip, most foreigners thought that Korea was just a small country in Asia. But now in 2012, many things have changed.

A little Thai girl next to my house knows Korean movies and songs (K-Pop) more than I do. Also almost all hotels and resorts in Phuket show Korean TV and as you know, we are very strong at I.T. The best thing is, that I can proudly say that I am from Korea and others are interested when I say it. Of course that interest is for Korea itself and not for me.

What do the younger generation of South Koreans think about the possibility of reunification with the North? Would you like to see it happen?

It has to be done. Especially for me, my father’s hometown was in North Korea but he couldn’t visit his home before he passed away. Of course all his family are in North Korea and I would like to meet them someday.

What is the most difficult thing about being Korean in Phuket? How difficult is it to feel connected with Korean culture in Phuket?

I think it’s difficult sometimes because of certain fundamental differences between Thais and Koreans. As I am Korean I want a clear division of responsibility and rapid work flow, but Thai people appear more carefree and relaxed than Koreans.

What’s the craziest thing that has happened to you while living in Phuket?

The tsunami. When I was living in Bangkok, my wife I and were enjoying Christmas vacation. When we watched news on the morning of that day (December 26, 2004), we really thought it was a scene from a movie and not real.

We used to have a great time on New Year’s Eve at Central World every year, but that year we had tears in our eyes watching the scenes of the tsunami victims on the large screen.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

ENVIRONMENT 21

Trade of Shame: border wars P huket’s Soi Dog Foundation (SDF) has successfully completed a sterilisation operation at the Khemmarat livestock centre, in Ubon Ratchathani province on Thailand’s far eastern border with Laos, where several hundred dogs rescued from the dog meat trade are being housed.

Most of the dogs recovered appeared to be stolen pets as they were wearing collars.

John Dalley, SDF Vice President said, “Pet owners should be aware that gangs are now travelling across Thailand snatching dogs in addition to carrying out the old fashioned method of purchasing unwanted animals in exchange for plastic buckets from poorer areas of the country.”

The dogs at the Khemmarat centre were not segregated, with many females coming into season were starting to breed, which would have resulted in potentially more than 3,000 puppies being born at the centre.

A team hired by SDF sterilised 570 dogs over 10 days.

SDF has also contributed to the cost of building new fencing to enable segregation of the dogs.

On the 24th and 28th of

Rescuers come to the aid of hundreds of dogs bound for the meat market.

July a further 1300 dogs were intercepted in remote Nakhon Phanomand and Bueng Kan provinces, in Thailand’s far east, in two separate raids carried out by the Thai Border Patrol and Royal Thai Navy, assisted by members of the Thai Animal Activists Alliance.

The dogs are now recovering at the livestock shelter in Nakhon Phanom. Initially

Pets

the Governor of the province refused to allow some of the dogs to come to the shelter until SDF guaranteed to cover the costs of caring for them.

Three weeks ago more than 200 dogs died from dehydration at a police centre when, according to sources, the authorities refused to take them.

Mr Dalley said, “The dog meat trade and eating of dog

meat is abhorred by the vast majority of Thais and the multi-million dollar industry based on incredible cruelty is run by in effect a criminal mafia.

“Despite this being open knowledge the Thai authorities appear unable or unwilling to halt the dog meat trade at its source and thereby prevent this suffering from continuing.

SDF has already purchased seven tonnes of dry food, which will be shipped to Nakhon Phanom shortly, in addition to vital medical supplies.

Volu nt e e r s f rom t he Animal Activists Alliance Thailand and the Elephant Nature Park Foundation are assisting local staff to care for the dogs, many of whom had been hidden in the jungle for several days and were very weak as a result.

The SDF and the Elephant Nature Park Foundation are jointly financing the cost of hiring a lawyer to fight a recent decision to allow convicted traders to claim back the victims of their crimes.

The law being broken relates to the illegal export of animals and car ries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment and/or a B40,000 fine.

However no such penalty has ever been imposed on the traders who are making millions of dollars per year from what is an unimaginably inhumane trade.

For more information on the Soi Dog Foundation, the Trade of Shame, and how you can help, visit soidog.org

IN BRIEF UK territories’ species at risk Species from 14 overseas British territories are under threat of extinction according to a newly unveiled ‘white paper’ in the UK. There is a distinct lack of targets and commitments, along with no budget to enforce them according to the study.

For instance, 33 different bird species from British territories including the British Virgin Islands, the archipelago of Tristan da Cunha, the Cayman Islands and Bermuda are under threat.

Landslides on the rise across region Extreme rainfall and uncontrolled human activities have led to many Southeast Asian countries experiencing a recent rise in the number of landslides.

The main affected areas are in the Hindu-Kush-Himalaya (HKH) region, where the geological conditions are the most extreme.

Environmental experts have suggested that one way of combatting the rise in damage caused by landslides is climate control.

Every month, the best pet wins a B500 voucher from:

“Woof, woof, I’m Jaknaka and I’m a seven month old Pomeranian. I belong to Kathy Ritchie and I’m blind in one eye, but that doesn’t stop me tearing up and down Patong Beach along with my brother Luka. I hate the waves at the beach, but I love paddling in my paddling pool at home. I’m spoilt rotten and there’s nothing I love more than lots of cuddles and posing for photos. My favourite foods are fish, vegetables, watermelon and mango.”

“Hello, are Valenti we no and Valentina a n d belong to Sonya Wil on Valentin son. We were born only thing e’s Day in 2009. Th e Valentina h that separates us a is s w hite “s feet, and Va lentino is a ocks” on her lot bigger. W love watch in e lizards in thg birds and catching e garden.

We also love lots o fc our favouri uddles, and te tre fresh fish!” at is

Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to editor1@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com

22 WEIRD NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

DANE’S WORLD

Possum possibilities Agence France Presse

H

Rotting animal corpses; Barbie dolls for Kiwi kids.

The indignity of politics Agence France Presse

BEING A POLITICIAN anywhere can be a rough business. But in Bangladesh, apparently, it can be a lot rougher than most.

Abdul Jabbar, an MP from the government-aligned Jatiya Party, opened the door of his office in the capital, Dhaka, to some people who said they needed some papers signed.

They didn’t. Instead, they produced a gun and forced him to take off his clothes.

Assistant police commissioner Abdul Ahad said, “They ordered him to strip.

One female blackmailer became nude and the others forced the MP to make a video with her.”The gang then demanded five million taka (B1.8 million) from Abdul Jabbar.

“The lawmaker gave them 1.8 million taka immediately,” Ahad said, adding that he had seen the video where “it is evident” that the lawmaker was forced to strip at gunpoint.

ere’s a fun game for kiddies, invented by teachers at a school in New Zealand: Find a bunch of dead possums (easy – they’re branded a pest in New Zealand, there are so many of them) and get the little cuties to dress up the roadkill in colourful costumes and arrange them in little dioramas.

Imagine: The Sleeping Possum, or Snow Possum & the Seven Pests. Or maybe Little Red Riding Possum.

As part of an annual fundraiser for the Uruti School in the North Island, children at the school fitted dead possums in a variety of costumes including wedding dresses and bikinis, then arranged them in

comedy poses, such as riding a tricycle and posing in a boxing ring (the dead possum had to be shaved for that one).

Naturally there were people who did not like this caeling little game, but we know they’re a bunch of greenie cry-babies.

New Zealanders are famed for their games with possums.

Another one that hit the headlines was a drinking game called Possum, whereby a bunch of students climb into a tree and drink until they fall out.

And then there was another North Island school that got into hot water a couple of years ago for staging a possumthrowing contest, in which students swung dead possums around their heads and hurled them across the playground.

Sounds like a lotta fun.

Kiss kiss Agence France Presse

SO YOU’RE A LONG WAY away from the one you love?

Stuck in some dreary hotel and thinking of going out and getting into trouble?

Stop! What you need is Kissenger. No, it’s nothing to do with Richard Nixon’s Secretary of State. Kissenger is the invention of a robotics professor in Singapore that allows lovers to exchange long-distance smooches via the Internet.

Shaped like a small head with oversize silicone lips, the Kissenger – short for Kiss Messenger – was unveiled at a scientific conference in Britain and is still being refined for commercial launch.

“It can be used between humans to improve their communication,” said creator Hooman Samani, whose device is one of several being developed as part of the science of “lovotics”.

You and your paramour

Exactly the same as the real thing, apparently. just have to connect the devices to your computers via USB cables, link up online and mash your mouth to the silicone “lips” to trigger sensors that move the matching gadget on the other end.

And, of course, you can look deep into each other’s eyes, via Internet, as you do so.

The Kissenger is not yet ready for the market, said Mr Samani – despite “a lot of offers” from interested parties – because there are “ethical issues” that need to be resolved on top of the technical aspects.

Eyes off the road I M AG I N E D R I V I N G along and spotting a young lady tied to a tree, wearing only very skimpy red underwear.

Would you: a) Slow down for a closer look? b) Stop to rescue her? Or c) Crash.

A n elderly woman in Shandong Province, China, is hoping the answer will be “a”. She’s the one who tied the young girl, actually a re-

thephuketnews.com

alistic sex doll, to the tree, in the hope of getting traffic to slow down at the pedestrian crossing near her home.

According to the local newspaper Tiexue, local police were not helpful in getting the local racers to cool it, so grandma went home and did a bit of thinking outside of the box before coming up with her unusual solution.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

THE BIG LIST

Vegan Vengeance

Us humans find a lot of different uses for animals, whether it be for work, companionship, or slaughtering them, cutting them up and roasting their flesh over an open flame. But here are a few uses you might not have known about...

■ Tucked in: We all like to have a comfortable night’s sleep, and what could possibly make your sheets feel more soft an cuddly than a nice schmear of rendered animal fat, forcibly removed from a slaughtered animal carcass?

Dihydrogenatedtallow dimethyl ammonium chloride – a roundabout way of saying fat from animals like horses and sheep – is used by many commercial fabric softeners to coat your clothes with a soft, fluffy layer of lipids. So basically if you’re ever trapped in a laundromat starving to death, you can be confident there’s a good stash of meat lying around – though we don’t advise you try eating it.

Think at that when you’re warm and cozy in bed tonight.

■ Something fishy: Some people drink like fish. Others just drink fish – or at least, the dried, ground-up swim bladders of fish. Isinglass, derived mostly from sturgeon and cod bladders, is used to clarify and remove impurities from many varieties of wine and beer.

Small amounts of isinglass remain in the products when finished, no doubt taking the “happy” out of your happy hour this afternoon - at least until you drink enough to forget you ever read this.

■ Smoke and mirrors: Okay, so we all know smoking isn’t exactly part of a balanced diet. But you probably didn’t know your also getting part of your daily meat intake every time you light up. A Dutch researcher in 2010 found traces of porcine hemogoblin – a.k.a pig’s blood – in the filters of some brands of cigarettes. In blood, hemoglobin bonds to oxygen to transport it throughout the body; in filters, it bonds to passing toxins and removes them from the smoke before it enters the lungs. And after all, who doesn’t like a bit of smoked pork with their morning coffee?

■ Pink mist: Most people would label it politically incorrect to gather round, shoot dead animals into the sky and watch them explode across the sky in an array of dazzling colours.

Most people would be hypocrites. After all, we’ve all apparently done it – every New Year’s Eve in fact. That’s because those innocent little rockets of colourful happiness known as fireworks aren’t exactly as vegan as you might think. Stearic acid is used inside the fireworks to coat metal powders such as aluminium and iron, preventing oxidation. And how is Stearic Acid produced? Using animal fat, naturally.

■ Straight from the horses... Premarin, the popular estrogenreplacement drug for menopausal women, is some straight up freaky stuff. Let’s take a look at the name again, and see if you notice anything unusual; PREgnant MARes’ urINe. And in case you were wondering, yes, it’s named after its principal ingredient. Since 1942, female horses have been impregnated and fitted with the equine equivalent of colostomy bags (see above). These gather their urine, which is then processed to produce estrone, equilin, and equilenin. Historically, the foals were eventually sent to slaughterhouses, probably to have their fat processed into fireworks or fabric softener.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

BOOK

TIME OUT 23

MUSIC

FILM Total Recall

121 minutes Rating: 13+ Director: Len Wiseman Starring: Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston

The Dog Stars

Broken Brights

HIG SURVIVED THE VIRUS that killed everyone he knows.

His wife is gone, his friends are dead, he lives in the hangar of a small abandoned airport with his dog, his only neighbour a gun-toting misanthrope.

In his 1956 Cessna, Hig flies the perimeter of the airfield or sneaks off to the mountains to fish and to pretend that things are the way they used to be.

But when a random transmission somehow beams through his radio, the voice ignites a hope deep inside him that a better life exists beyond the airport.

But what he encounters and what he must face – in the people he meets, and in himself – is both better and worse than anything he could have hoped for.

BETTER KNOWN FOR HIS work as half of the folk-rock duo with his sister Julia, Angus Stone releases his first solo album under his real name (he also had a 2009 solo album under the name Lady of the Sunshine).

Delivering intimate vocals over pleasant melodies of mandolin, fiddle and cymbals in tracks like ‘River Love’ and title track ‘Broken Brights’, Stone builds hypnotic momentum as each song progresses, puncturing the atmosphere with an occasional waspish guitar solo.

Superf icially, Broken Brights could be filed as ‘easy listening’; and in many ways, it is. But it is also an album that requires careful listening: There’s always something unexpected around the corner.

Peter Heller

Angus Stone

f there was ever a film that didn’t need a remake (putting aside the completely unnecessary Spider-Man reboot), it would probably have to be 1990’s Schwarzenegger classic Total Recall.

Yet with Hollywood rarely listening to the voice of reason, here we have it – minus Arnie, and minus all the campy goodness that made the original such a cult favourite.

The story of the latest Total Recall differs in a number of ways from both the original

I

film and sci-fi writer Philip K Dick’s short story source material – unlike the 1990 version, director Len Wiseman’s story remains grounded entirely on Earth (that’s right – no Mars).

This time around, our protagonist Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) lives in a post-World War III society where tensions flare between the last two habitable places on the planet: The wealthy United Federation of Britain (UFB) and the impoverished Colony

(Australia).

Quaid (Farrell) is happy with his wife (Kate Beckinsale), but miserable with the mundanity of his factory job, bitter about the political fortunes of the planet, and confused about a recurring dream where he needs to save a mysterious woman (Jessica Biel).

He learns of a programme called Recall that implants memories in people’s brains – needless to say, this doesn’t go down so well and he’s suddenly thrust into a much larger conspiracy.

While some fans will most likely miss the campy (and, at times, visually arresting) aesthetic of Verhoeven’s Total Recall, Wiseman’s interpretation plays all of the sci-fi plot material with a very straight face. The film takes itself extremely seriously, and with the

exception of select references to the first film, works hard to ground events in a believable vision of 2084.

For the most part, Farrell delivers a strong leading man performance that allows Quaid to be likable – even though the character is mostly a blank slate. Still, he’s no Arnie, and to be honest, it’s impossible to get too excited about any film where the Irish actor is the leading man.

This is not a bad movie.

The action sequences are good and the visuals are great. A younger audience that doesn’t know the original might even enjoy it. But for fans of the Schwarzenegger original, this movie just doesn’t measure up, and quite frankly, wasn’t necessary.

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 phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) The Dark Knight Rises (E) [G]: 15:10, 18:20, 21:30 The Dark Knight Rises, THE (T) [G]: 12:00, 17:20, 20:30 Echo Planet (T/D3D) [G]: 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30 Rak 7 Pee Dee 7 Hon (T/E.SUB) [G]: 11:20, 12:50, 14:20, 15:50, 18:50, 21:50 Step Up Revolution (E/3D) [15+]: 11:30, 13:40, 15:50, 18:00, 20:10, 22:15 Total Recall (E) [13+]: 11:15, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00 Total Recall (E/F) [13+]: 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) The Amazing Spider-Man (E) [G]: The Dark Knight Rises (E) [G]: Rak 7 Pee Dee 7 Hon (T/E.SUB) [G]: Step Up Revolution (E) [15+]:

16:00 11:15, 14:30, 17:45, 21:00, 21:30 12:30, 15:30, 18:30, 21:30 11:30, 13:40, 15:50, 18:00, 20:10, 22:15

Total Recall (E) [13+]: 11:15, 12:30, 13:30, 15:00, 17:30, 18:50, 20:00, 22:25

BRAIN TEASERS Down

1. In commedia dell’arte,

1. Overtake mountain gateway. (4) 2. She’s more than nice.

(5) 3. Broadcasts joints and balloons. (8) 4. O moon virus! Oddly, it eats all. (10) 5. Exploding Chevrolet?

(4) 6. Stake, or back in word.

(6) 7. Super garment. (9) 8. Clothesmaker has joint stress. (10) 14. Glasses for extravaganzas. (10) 15. Smoking gun, if omit a turn. (10) 17. They’re against the other side. (9) 19. Imitate alum back in site. (8) 22. Satan has the Spanish coin. (6) 25. Elsewhere, Al and I swing both ways. (5) 26. Conflict over shirt blemish. (4) 27. On one occasion in the past. (4)

breathe heavily with a crazy person. (9) 6. Leaves young attendants.

(5) 9. Swerve almost perpendicularly. (5) 10. Number for all time? No! (5) 11. Baseball statistic period. (3) 12. Honey’s hairdo. (7) 13. Instruments for wineglasses.

(6) 16. Tempest character and us?

That’s rich! (10) 18. Tie up on high open ground.

(4) 20. Manage ecclesiastical vestment. (4) 21. Degrades Samuel; I hit badly. (10) 23. Note: Untie relative. (6) 24. Tao gets in a rut on island.

(7) 28. Printer’s measure after 50, lad. (3) 29. Car key, we hear, is greenbrown. (5) 30. Foreigners takes a property right. (5) 31. Sal is in rope material. (5) 32. fruit. (9)

1. Which movie star was born with the name Charles Dennis Buchinski?

2. In cockney rhyming slang, what is a ‘tea leaf’?

3. Who fronted the band Culture Club?

4. How many Von Trapp children were there in The Sound of Music?

5. What do Popeye and Eggs Florentine have in common?

Answers at the bottom of the page.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Charles Bronson; 2. A thief; 3. Boy George; 4. Seven; 5. Spinach.

SUDOKU

Across

thephuketnews.com

24 KIDS PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

On Sale

NOW!

Every book sold helps disadvantaged kids.

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

Free colouring crayons with every copy!

For commercial inquiries, call Boo on 088 766 1615 or email pr@thephuketnews.com

POWERED BY

To order your copy today, call 076 612 550 or email info@thephuketnews.com

Also on sale at all the following outlets: www.thephuketnews.com/distribution-points.php

U

n for tun ately t his is the last week of the Colouring Contest.

However, for the full set of 22 drawings pick up your copy of The Phuket Colouring Book today, priced only 149 baht, and available at all good bookshops around Phuket.

Thalang Road is one of the oldest streets in Phuket, with many houses more than 100 years old.

DID YOU KNOW? Every January, the whole street is closed for the Old Town Festival.

All entries from the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation

mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

thephuketnews.com

26 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Sealed with a kiss kiss A

AROY MAAK A huge variety of delicious street food was available at the Kathu Street Culture carnival held earlier this week, including dim sum, noodles, chicken satay, som tam, curries, fried icecream, and numerous other local specialities.

designer cupcake shop has opened up in Central Festival Phuket, run by Six Senses Koh Yao Noi executive chef Anthony Reynolds and his wife Kea. Joob Joob, meaning ‘kiss kiss’ in Thai, offers 21 flavours of cupcakes, all made fresh daily and including apple crumble, carrot and ginger, chocolate peanut butter, and chocolate cookies and cream.

The couple opened the shop in early June, and Anthony, originally from Australia, spends around four days at the shop, and the remainder of his time at the resort.

He says the store gives him the freedom to be creative, and they are constantly coming up with new designs and experimenting – and having a lot of fun in the process.

“Before Phuket when I was in Washington DC, I got addicted to them. The thing I love about cupcakes is that you can train people to do it quite easily. It’s a simple set up, low maintenance and just basic elements of a fridge,

Joob Joob owners Anthony Reynolds and his wife Kea love cupcakes. oven, and mixture.”

The shop also does cupcakes for special occasions, such as cupcake towers and offers cupcake making and decorating classes. The cupcakes are B35 for one small,

and B80 for a large one. Boxes of four small are B120, and six large are B460.

Jo o b Jo o b, L e ve l 1, Central Festival Phuket, 087 934 7089; facebook.com/ joobjoobcupcakes

FEEDING THE HUNGRY GHOSTS Thailand’s Por Tor Festival (also called the

Hungry Ghost Festival) kicked off last week and will run until the last week of September.

The global Chinese festival is an important merit-making event where people offer special food, such as the red turtle cake pictured here, flowers and candles to ancestors.

The offerings are also extended to the “hungry ghosts” who are without relatives. The most common offering is a red turtle cake, known locally as “aung-gu”. The red colour symbolises good luck for the Chinese, and the turtle symbolises long life. The sweet cakes are commonly made from wheat and sugar and are sometimes fried with egg.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

DINING 27

TOFU OR NOT TOFU Are soy products hazardous to your health?

KARMIC EATS Sylvie Yaffe editor@thephuketnews.com

W

hen someone mentions the word vegetarian or health food, people often associate it with eating lots of soy products such as tofu. And why shouldn’t they?

For years, soy has been marketed as a healthy alternative to meat, full of protein and low fat. In fact when I started eating a more vegetarian diet I also ate lots of it: soy milk, tofu burgers, tofu steaks, tofu bacon and soy cheese just to name a few.

However, in the last few years I have become more informed about the potential hazards and have added it to my list of what I deem unhealthy food.

This does not mean I never indulge in a piece of cheesecake nor eat tofu, I simply want to know the facts and make educated decisions about what I choose to eat. It should be noted that Asians use it as a condiment and not as a staple, as it has frequently been touted in the western vegetarian diet.

The majority of soy beans used in packaged soy products Is tofu really all that healthy? from overseas are GMO, genetically modified organisms nourish by providing nutritional withstand pesticides.

Soy contains phytoestroor bioengineered food. For benefits and not be modified me, food is simple, it should and reconstructed in a lab to gens, which is an oestrogen

mimicking element and also a hormone disrupter. It is also high in phytic acid which inhibits the assimilations of many essential minerals. The Harvard School of Public Health found a direct correlation between the intake of soy products and male infertility.

The dangers further extend when one considers the implications of feeding babies soya milk and the vulnerability of their systems to the equivalent of excess oestrogen.

In soy products processed to look like meat there are many additives, sodium and often MSG. And most soy milks contain plenty of sugar and preservatives, both the ones easily found at the local conve-

nience store (which normally offer two choices – regular and low sugar), and those that are imported and found at the higher end markets in Phuket.

For getting the best benefits of soy it is recommended to eat fermented soy products such as tempeh and miso, which create good bacteria (probiotics) in the fermentation stage and are not unnaturally treated with additives, heat and other toxic processing methods.

Sylvie Yaffe is the founder of Good Karma Online Health Food Store and consults about vegan raw cuisine and health food. She will be writing a regular column for The Phuket News. For more information, visit healthfoodthailand.com

Exclusive Japanese Kobe beef debuts in Hong Kong Agence France-Presse

R A R E LY E X P O RT E D Japanese Kobe beef has made its way to Hong Kong dining tables as supermarkets and high-end restaurants started selling the previously

exclusive Japanese culinary delicacy.

Hong Kong is only the second foreign market after the nearby Chinese territory of Macau to receive exports of officially certified Kobe beef, the industry’s marketing

association said.

“The response has been overwhelming – most of our stock has been sold out in a few hours,” Taste supermarkets spokeswoman Athena Lee told AFP. Kobe beef comes from

Tajima-gyu cows that have been pure-bred since the 17th century in the hilly Hyogo prefecture of Japan.

The meat is renowned for its buttery taste and its marble-like texture, made up of an even mix of meat and

fat. It is often said the cows receive massages and listen to soothing music to increase their appetites.

Though there is heavy worldwide demand for the delicacy, it was not officially exported until February 2 this

year when the first shipments arrived in Macau. Almost 1,500 kilograms of Kobe beef arrived in Hong Kong from Osaka, and went on sale at a 30 per cent discount at around HK$88-HK$327 (B350 to B1,300) per 100 grams.

CHAMPION BARISTA Rossukon Ninpayak, a bartender at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, was crowned the winner of Centara’s National Barista Competition 2012, held recently in Bangkok. The event was organised by Sara Lee Coffee & Tea (Thailand) Ltd. to improve skills for all F&B team members working for Centara Hotels & Resorts in Thailand. Ms Rossukon (centre) has worked at the resort for around one year, and this year was the first time she has entered the competition.

thephuketnews.com

28 TRAVEL

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Left, the beach at Setiu; Above, Kuala Terengganu Pasar Payang.

The road to Old Terengganu Anis Ramli takes a road trip on one of Malaysia’s very first highways

T

he deep seas off Terengganu may be rich in oil and gas reserves, making the east coast Malaysian state among the region’s leaders in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, but some argue that its real treasures are found on the mainland.

With a documented history reaching as far back as the 2nd century, Terengganu has accumulated a wealth of heritage influenced by the Langkasuka and Srivijaya kingdoms it was part of, and the Majapahit, Khmer and Chinese empires it traded with.

Despite modern developments, the old Terengganu still remains, and the best way to explore it is via Federal Route 3. Approaching a remarkable hundred years old, it is one of Malaysia’s most scenic highways.

At 739km long, Route 3 runs along the coastline of four Malaysian states – from Johor Bahru, Johor, in the south of the Malaysian peninsula, through Pahang and Terengganu, before ending in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. From here, it goes on as part of the Asian Highway Network through Thailand that connects Asia to the upper reaches of Europe.

It’s ironic that 20 years after it was built by the British for economic reasons, Route 3 would bring the ultimate fall of the Allied Forces when, in 1941, Japanese troops used it to swiftly advance south on bicycles during the Battle of Malaya.

Having served for economic and political purposes in the past, Route 3 today is best suited for more leisurely pursuits. The relatively flat and straight two-lane single carriageway road provides an easy, scenic drive – but not for those in a hurry.

Travelling northwards, the South China Sea with its glittering blue waves in the midday sun is a constant companion and distraction on your right side. Some sections of the highway run alongside lush pockets of mangrove forests along the coastal estuaries.

There’s no escaping the countryside charm of Terengganu, even as the bigger towns try to shed its pastoral image with concrete buildings and foreign franchise retailers.

Fishing villages just on the outskirts of towns speak of the population’s time-honoured source of income; fishermen bring their boats ashore on

public beaches; chickens and cows roam about freely along main thoroughfares; while many of the wooden homes here are still built on stilts in a compound of coconut trees.

Even the stretch of road from Kerteh to Paka, where Malaysia’s oil and gas refinery activities are based, makes for excellent night driving.

As the sun sets, the huge complex of pipes, steel tanks, smoke stacks and gas flutes lights up spectacularly like a space station about to launch a rocket ship.

Chukai A great way to get to know Terengganu is through its food, and what better place to start than in Chukai (in the district of Kemaman), among the first towns you encounter along the Terengganu section of Route 3 northwards.

Kim Wah (also known as Kin To Wah) Restaurant is a Spartan corner establishment on Jalan Masjid with an even simpler menu, selling nothing else but chicken rice. It opens daily from 11am to 2.30pm, but its plates of roast chicken over rice with a side of soy sauce and chilli dip often run out by 1pm.

One of the enduring legacies of the Chinese community in Malaysia is the kopitiam.

Usually established in smaller towns, but increasingly franchised in urban centres, these old-style cafés are famous for their Asian coffee (usually thicker and more bitter than its European version) and charcoal-toasted bread generously slathered with butter and kaya, a coconut cream-based jam.

Kemaman’s very own – Hai Peng Kopitiam on Jalan Sulaimani – has been serving the masses since the 1930s. Besides the toast, their other speciality is the typical Terengganu dish nasi dagang; steamed rice with a serving of rich tuna curry wrapped in banana leaf parcels.

In the evenings, join the locals at Pantai Geliga beach for traditional east coast teatime treats of satar (fish cakes wrapped in banana leaves, skewered in threes, and grilled over red-hot charcoal), keropok lekor (fish crackers) and sotong celup tepung (deep fried squid). Wash it all down with fresh coconut juice, served straight from the husk.

Kuala Terengganu After the tranquil panoramas of Kemaman, Dungun and Marang, the bustle of capital city Kuala Terengganu takes a while to get used to.

Pasar Payang is the central market where all manner of trade is conducted. It’s the place to get your fish and chicken, fruits and veggies, dried fish crackers, some fashionable wear, souvenirs, even your gold jewellery.

It would almost be a sin to leave town without at least purchasing the signature east coast fabric, the batik, here.

Or indulge in the Terengganu brocade; a textile of royal origins made using fine gold and silk threads.

Spend a quick afternoon on the Terengganu River Cruise, from the Islamic Civilisation Park jetty, to learn about the history and development of the area. Then, hop over to Pulau Duyong to walk within the walls of an old fortress.

Built in the 1920s, Kota Lama Duyong is a traditional Terengganu house with Greek Corinthian elements in its columns and Islamic influences in the decorative woodcarvings.

Penarik Continue northwards from Kuala Terengganu and you will soon reach Penarik in the district of Setiu.

This serene fishing village has a unique geographical landscape – a narrow isthmus of casuarinas and coconut groves flanked by the Setiu River on the west and the South China Sea on the east.

It is the setting of Terrapuri Heritage Village, part conservation project, part boutique guest house, and ongoing 20-year labour of love by local entrepreneur, Alex Lee, to preserve the authentic traditions of the Malay Terengganu house.

Here, guests are accommodated in hundred-year old dwellings, each one personally sourced by Lee from various parts of Terengganu, dismantled, carefully restored and assembled again on this piece of beach-front land in Kampung Mangkuk.

Rich in history and displaying the refined carpentry and design skills of highlyrespected master craftsmen, each of these 29 houses may be the last legacies of a fastdiminishing Terengganu culture and heritage.

When to go: The state of Terengganu observes Sunday to Thursday as working days while Friday and Saturday are public holidays. Banks, government offices and most businesses in Terengganu operate from Sunday to Thursday.

Also, it’s worth checking out the weather before going. Terengganu experiences heavier rainfall and flooding in certain areas during the monsoon season when the north-east winds blow between November and January.

On the bright side, the monsoon season is considered low season, and travellers get better deals on hotels.

Flights: Fly to Kuala Terengganu Airport from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via Malaysia Airlines or AirAsia; or from Subang Airport (Kuala Lumpur) via Firefly.

For more information, visit tourismmalaysia.gov.my

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

THE TICKET

Fine folk with Claire Connell

Marque Rome editor@thephuketnews.com

M

ichael Quinn and the Bourbon Kings’ lively folk-inflected pop number Emily will one day be a huge hit, and those of us who had the opportunity to attend their shows in Phuket can then say, “We knew them when...”

The band’s career is clearly on the upswing: the Bourbon Kings were selected as ‘the US cultural envoy’ by the Seychelles Tourism Board to open the Carnaval International de Victoria, where they played in front of 25,000 people last March.

Their most recent gig in Phuket was last month’s closing party for Cape Panwa Raceweek, when they played as a trio with Country Music song-of-the-year award winning songwriter Gene Nelson.

Michael Quinn, the band’s founder and songwriter, calls Minneapolis, Minnesota home

ENTERTAINMENT 29

but notes he was “an Air Force brat, I grew up all over.” Interested in music from “the time I was in diapers,” Quinn went with his grandmother to see Johnny Cash at the Grand Ole Opry – and was hooked.

The core band comprises Quinn; his wife, cellist JoAnne Peterson, also from the US; and fiddler Timothy Booth, from England – but Bourbon King members are found in the US, Egypt, China and now Thailand. The group plays ‘roots rock’ and ‘Americana’.

Tim, 30, is from Lincoln, where he studied classical violin from age eight. At 17 he was introduced to improvisation and never looked back. His interests centre on English, Irish and Scottish folk.

Four years ago he left England. In Cairo, Egypt, he met Michael and JoAnne. Quinn was playing then with an eight-piece, and Booth was invited to join.

After a year, Quinn and

Peterson departed to Shanghai. Booth, whose wife was expecting, decided to remain in Egypt – and was swept up in the ‘Arab Spring’ revolution.

“Local guys started knocking on doors – said every man was expected to join in protecting the neighbourhood. So I put on the white arm-band, became a revolutionary, and manned checkpoints. It was fun till they brought in the machine guns,” Booth said.

More interested in making music than war, he joined Quinn and Peterson in China, and the band remain based in Shanghai.

Visiting Phuket, the Bourbon Kings ran into Gene Nelson at Chalong Bay’s Sandbar, a seaside bistro frequented by Phuket’s yachting community.

There, all unrehearsed, they played a couple sets, had a lot of fun (the point of the group’s music is fun), so Gene became an adjunct member.

Nelson grew up on Hark-

editor1@thephuketnews.com

Musicians Tim Booth, Michael Quinn and Gene Nelson. er’s Island, off North Carolina, a place so rural “I didn’t use a telephone till I was 10”. Both his father and grandfather were guitarists, and began, like so many Southerners, performing in church. He dropped out of college to join a rock ‘n’ roll band, then set off on his own across the US. “I stopped in Nashville, played my songs for some people: they told me to keep going.”

Eventually he came back to Nashville, determined to make it as a songwriter – which he quickly did by writing Kathy Mattea’s 1988 signature hit Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen

Roses. Since then, George Jones, Trisha Yearwood, Rascal Flatts, Keith Whitley, Reba McEntire, Doug Stone, Don Williams, Diamond Rio, Patti Page, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Glen Campbell have performed his music.

He’s had three number one country music hits, and won the SESAC country song of the year award for This Everyday Love, which he wrote with Danny Wells. SESAC is one of the three principal performing rights organisations.

All the while he was in Nashville, Nelson felt the pull of the sea. With song royal-

ties obviating the necessity of scrambling to place songs, he bought a yacht, and six years ago sailed away, finally arriving in Phuket last year, where he sits on his deck and plays guitar, occasionally sitting in with friends.

Michael Quinn and the Bourbon Kings will be back around year end, with Peterson on ‘cello, and Nelson filling in with his usual mastery on classical guitar.

Pay attention when they play Emily – it’s gonna be a big hit some day.

Marilyn Monroe honoured on 50th anniversary of her death Agence France-Presse

An evening of mystery BRIAN WOULFE (DESIGNED BY Woulfe) and Chawalit Ratanachinakorn (Sanaeha) invite you to a tantalising evening of magical drinks and ‘poison’ canapés at the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs event on Sunday (August 12).

The journey begins at 7pm with no admission after 8pm. Tickets are B3,000 available only in advance (strictly limited number of tickets). Price includes all drinks, food, entertainment and plenty of surprises.

The dress code is smart casual or fairytale costumes, with a prize for the most creative outfit on the night.

SOME 300 MARILYN MONROE fans gathered on Sunday (August 5) at the Los Angeles cemetery where she is buried, commemorating the iconic sex symbol on the 50th anniversary of her death.

Culminating a week of celebrations organised by various fan clubs, the ceremony was held at her final resting place in Westwood Village Memorial Park, a small patch of greenery between a parking lot and a residential part of the city.

Fans as well as friends and relatives paid homage to the actress, who died on August 5, 1962, from a barbiturate overdose at her home in the upscale Brentwood neighbourhood. The hall where the tribute was held was too small to accommodate everyone, and so a white tent was erected among the trees where others could watch the ceremony via video transmission.

Most of the attendees listened attentively, standing and shielding their eyes from the blazing sun with programs that had been distributed.

Debbie Elder, a Monroe fan for 25 years, travelled to Los Angeles from her home in the faraway midwestern city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the week of tributes.

“She was such an icon. I don’t think people took her seriously at all.

She really was a very serious actress,”

WEEKDAYS Breakfast

Elder told AFP. “One of the things I love most about her were her clothes. Nobody could wear clothes like her. She was so sexy,” Elder added.

Monroe’s grave was covered with flowers, photos of the icon, as well as with messages and letters.

Several Monroe impersonators – both men and women – were also present. While not among them, Christina Patchett from Nova Scotia, Canada, sported the icon’s signature platinum blonde hair.

Like Elder, Patchett had traced the star’s footsteps in old Hollywood during the week’s festivities. Patchett divulged that she watches Monroe’s films “over and over and over,” never taking her eyes off the star.

“Has there been anyone since?

Not really,” Patchett said. “There are beautiful women and actresses today, but no one like her.”

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www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

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30 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Spinning a new life Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

A

f ter spendi ng 12 years in Bangkok, American DJ Emanuel Skinner has now made Phuket his home.

It’s a move that has obviously worked out – in the last six months alone the 41 year-old has played at Blow, Opus One, Bliss Beach Club and Sri Panwa, along with many private functions.

He’s built up a reputation for his style of house music and deejaying skills, particularly in Bangkok where he worked at Bed Supperclub for nine years.

He’s also spent time in Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea, China, Cambodia, and, probably the most unlikely place, Myanmar.

He travels to the country roughly once every six months, usually playing in a nightclub in Yangon for around 2,000 clubbers.

“It’s massive and it was all locals, there were about five farang in the place. I like to go to untouched, unspoiled places – people there are up for anything.”

thephuketnews.com

American DJ Emanuel Skinner is now based in Phuket but still regularly travels around wider Asia to perform.

Growing up in San Francisco, Skinner was exposed to big named bands, and regularly went to concerts with his father, Franz, to see the likes of Pink Floyd, The Who, The Police and Prince.

Emanuel says his DJ style is mostly house music, ranging from deep house to soulful house. He also enjoys underground dance, world, reggae and electronica.

“It depends on the setting

and the atmosphere. I like smaller places with an intimate vibe. But once a month I love a big club.”

Emanuel also has a small production studio in Phuket, where he produces his own

music as well as remixing tracks for other artists.

“Vinyl is my favourite medium,” he says. “The warmth and feel of records. It’s more of an art form, it’s not just pressing buttons.”

Like many other DJs he has an extensive vinyl record collection of around 10,000, of which one third are in Phuket with him.

“The rest are in my Dad’s storage. He’s always saying when are you going to come back and get your music?”

Emanuel says with a laugh.

But technology has been part of music’s “natural progression”, he says.

“It’s much easier, and with MP3s and downloading, a lot of the artists don’t mind because it’s getting their name and brand out there.”

Emanuel is also becoming increasingly known for bringing in live music to his sets, often using a percussionist and saxophonist.

And the best part of it all?

“Seeing people at the end of the night covered in sweat.

Watching people get really involved in the music, and giving me a handshake at the end of the night.

“It took a lot of sacrifice and free parties to get to where I am now – I never thought I could make a living out of deejaying.”

For more information, visit djemanuel.webs.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

ISLAND SCENE 31

Festival Fun The fourth Kathu Street Culture carnival from August 4 to 6 on Vichit Songkram Rd in Kathu kicked off with an impressive parade, followed by performances over the three days. The aim was to showcase the area’s cultural and culinary heritage.

thephuketnews.com

32 ISLAND SCENE

BELLA OF THE BALL To celebrate her birthday, Phuket resident Bella Thirapan Narongkool held a charity event at the Life Home Project and enjoyed a special day with the children. Bella and her friends donated lunch for the children and other items. Photos: Dan Miles

Birthday girl Bella Thirapan Narongkool spends time with the kids.

CELEBRATING SWISS NATIONAL DAY Phuket’s Swiss Society celebrated Swiss National Day on August 1 at the Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket. The guest of honour was Bernhard Bienz, Head of Chancery from the Embassy of Switzerland in Thailand, who joined the celebration along with Urs Aebi, President of the Swiss Society Phuket, and Hansruedi Frutiger, General Manager of Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

ISLAND SCENE 33

Vorawat Bank Liangsakul, Arvie Bautista and Nitaa Tantisathaporn.

GHETTO KIDS CHILL OUT Partygoers were guaranteed a great night out at the Ghetto Childs “Tue-Yen: Fridge Party” on Saturday night (August 4). DJs Q, DJ Nutrip and DJ K-hua door provided the sounds.

Photos: Apiwat Tongyoun

Kaew Kancharos and Kaew Tongsan.

Mint Sukieam, Ghetto Childs owner Kai Sasithorn and Shatchawan Bunwasnalikhit.

Q Narongwate and DJ Nutrip Singhasene.

Tk Rider, Cameron Cam and Mong Jichet.

RADIANT SKIN In July skincare brand La Mer visited Sri

Panwa to launch their new skincare product, a moisturising cream. Thai musician and actor Jetrin Wattanasin (below, in hat) is the new ambassador for the product.

thephuketnews.com

34 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

UPCOMING EVENTS

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php Get your wine list into shape and win a trip to Italy...

Wine List of the Year Thailand 2012 Awards is a first-of-its-kind competition in the Kingdom of Thailand, aiming to recognize the efforts and expertise amongst the hotels, resorts, restaurants cafes and wine bars in the development of wine lists and wine culture in Thailand.

Registrations open July 1st, 2012 and can be done online at

www.winelistoftheyearthailand.com

Get list isinto shape andby:win a trip to Italy...

The Wine List of the Year your Thailandwine 2012 Awards generously sponsored Wine List of the Year Thailand 2012 Awards is a first-of-its-kind competition in the Kingdom of Thailand, aiming to recognize the efforts and expertise amongst the hotels, resorts, restaurants cafes and wine bars in the development of wine lists and wine culture in Thailand.

Registrations open July 1st, 2012 and can be done online at

www.winelistoftheyearthailand.com

The Wine List of the Year Thailand 2012 Awards is generously sponsored by:

AUGUST 24-26 Phuket Seafood Fiesta 2012

One of the main symbols of Phuket will play an important role as the main selling point to encourage more tourists to visit Phuket during the green season. It is a good chance for all diners to join many activities in a relaxed environment in the exquisite Phuket environment, at the Port Arena Jungceylon Phuket. Activities include bartender competition, cooking competition, towel folding competition, special promotion seafood and seafood selling. For more information contact Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Office 076 211 036, 076 212 213. E-mail: tatphuket@tat.or.th.

UNTIL AUGUST 25

AUGUST 10 Summer Family Festival

AUGUST 10-17 Robin Gillow @ VR Gallery Divided by an ocean, yet linked through art and friendship, Phuket based artist Robin Gillow and South African artist, Libby Harrison will be showing their newest work in this joint exhibit. The exhibition’s ocean related theme perfectly suits the art duo’s subject matter.

thephuketnews.com

Richard Hancock, a professional crisis management specialist based in Singapore, who will discuss the parameters of this subject in relation to Phuket and take your questions. Richard has 24-years professional experience working across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He has been at the forefront of the increase in Risk Management Planning needed in today’s global market. Richard has worked with countries, governments, companies, and individuals at all levels on a wide spectrum of topics that come under the umbrella of Crisis Management.

Location A2 Resort, By Pass Road.

All welcome. Doors open 6:15pm. http:// ibap-phuket.org.

AUGUST 12 HM the Queen’s Birthday Commemorates the birthday of Queen Sirikit, also observed as National Mother’s Day (Wan Mae Haeng Chart). It is a public holiday.

Offshore The Similan Islands

19th - 21st February 2013

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

OCTOBER 13 Wine List of The Year 2012

57 hours of non - Stop fishing!

Huge media coverage!

Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

Get your wine list into shape and win a trip to Italy. Wine List of the Year Thailand 2012 Awards is a first of its kind competition in the Kingdom of Thailand, aiming to recognize the efforts and expertise amongst the hotels, resorts, restaurants cafes and wine bars in the dovelopment of wine lists and wine culture in Thailand. Registrations open July 1, 2012 and can be done online at www.winelistoftheyearthailand. com. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Visit www.eventsthailand.net/en/ events/winelistoftheyear2012.php or contact us by email at jorge@eventsthailand. net or by phone at 089 725 6994.

Visit www.eventsthailand.net/en/events/winelistoftheyear2012.php or contact us by email at jorge@eventsthailand.net or by phone at +66 (0)89 725 6994.

The event is a joint cooperation between the AMCHAM Greater Phuket Chapter and SEEK. Find out how green sustainable programs ranging from recycling, energy and water savings and more can help the island. Whether you work in a hotel, tourism industry, and property development or run a business here, this practical seminar by leading experts from the hospitality sector is set to help you take the first step towards contributing something back to Phuket. On Friday August 24 at Holiday Inn Patong.

Registration starts at 4pm with the session running from 4.30-6pm. Networking drinks will follow. AMCHAM attendance is open to the public for B100 and includes drinks.

To register for the event, please visit the website www.amchamthailand.com or contact Sheree Tanpensuk by email sheree@amchamthailand.com or call 02 254 1041ext 212.

AUG 31 - SEP 6 IBAP programme: Crisis Management

SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT

Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

AUGUST 24

Please contact Mom Tri’s VR Gallery, 076 333 568. See www.momtriphuket.com.

WAHOO THAILAND 2013

Visit www.eventsthailand.net/en/events/winelistoftheyear2012.php or contact us by email at jorge@eventsthailand.net or by phone at +66 (0)89 725 6994.

SEEK Inaugural Conference and AMCHAM Forum

Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival runs until August 25. Canal Shopping Village is transformed into a carnival playground, with a Beer Tent for parents to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge.

Festival attractions during the two months include art classes with an Artistin-Residence, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week in Canal Village, entertainment by a strolling troupe of international performers from the famous Palazzo dinner theatre, and theme parties.

The Beer Tent offers a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events with coverage London Olympic Games, F1 grand prix races and AFL games, as well as a variety of entertainment, weekly quiz night and happy hour drinks.

And a popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s festival will be the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks, for just B200 per session.

For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, please visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/events/ family-festival.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Por Tor Festival Ethnic Chinese in Phuket believe that Por Tor Kong is a God of Devil. The seventh lunar month in the Chinese calendar is believed to be the period when spirits are released. The gates are opened and spirits released to wander or revisit homes. During the festival, people bring food and nicelydecorated fruits to make offerings to Por Tor Kong to pass onto those spirits.

An essential offering for the festival is red turtle- shaped cake, large or small.

They believe that turtles symbolise longevity. The fresh market on Ranong Road under the Office of Phuket City is where residents here hold the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival to make merits and offerings to their ancestors. As it is organised in many communities in Phuket city, each location begins at a different date but within the seventh lunar month or around August each year.

OCTOBER 15-23 Phuket Vegetarian Festival The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event held during the ninth lunar month

CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) 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 RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING

of the Chinese calendar. It is believed that the vegetarian festival and its accompanying sacred rituals bestow good fortune upon those who religiously observe this rite. During this time, local residents of Chinese ancestry strictly observe a 10-day vegetarian or vegan diet for the purposes of spiritual cleansing and merit-making.

Sacred rituals are performed at various Chinese shrines and temples and aesthetic displays such as walking barefooted over hot coals and ascending ladders with bladed rungs are performed by entranced devotees known as “Ma Song”.

OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day A public holiday in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) in 1910. Thai people lay flower wreaths at his statue in Bangkok and in the provinces. Piya Maharat is the nickname for the King, meaning the beloved great king.

NOVEMBER 28

Loi Krathong Festival Loi Krathong is one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand. The event occurs on the full-moon night of the 12th lunar month. The festival originates from Sukhothai Province.

Loy means to float and Krathong is a lotusshaped boat made from banana leaves.

The festival is of Brahmin origin to honour Mae Khongkha, the Mother Goddess of the Waters. Before people float their krathong, they make a wish. It is believed that the krathongs carry away sins and bad luck.

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 35

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Buy and sell tickets to your event at phuketticketmaster.com

ONGOING EVENTS

Summer Promotions!

Best mini golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – fun for everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www.phuketadventuremi nigolf.com.

FRIDAYS

SUNDAYS

.

MONDAYS

THURSDAYS AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

EVERY DAY

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

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Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every first and third Friday a month, allyou-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50.

7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

SATURDAYS

Two Chefs Surf Night Come Hear the Loving Words of Jesus At The Seed Church in Cherngtalay. Enjoy a great fellowship, practical preaching, contemporary music and free snacks in one of the fastest growing churches in Thailand! English services every Sunday at 2pm in Cherngtalay. Visit our website for directions or call for more information. See www.seedchurchthailand.com. Call 098 764 5353, 084 056 7027, 081 891 2503.

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At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.

TUESDAYS

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more.

B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@ twochefs.com.

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Pool Competition Every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

L a z y Sund ay Ja z z M or ning at Paresa

Sunday Roast Pork

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

Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger Bar and Beach Club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers.

To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults.

Look for the voucher inside this paper.

Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeach club.com.

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

WEDNESDAYS

Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club.

B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.

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Surin Beach Just Got Better

Traditional Home Cooked Food

Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.

Traditional home cooked food, also special club membership for expats entitling members to discounts on food and drink. Ask Jamie for details. All NRL and AFL games shown live on big screen. Sugar Reef opposite Tescos Cherngtalay.

daily event updates on

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

JOBS

Land for sale near golf course 18 rai with public road > 41

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Sales Agent: Male/female 25- 45 years, good communication and negotiation skills in English. Main task to take care of hotel and tour agency agreements. Basic salary, comission and travel expenses.

Email salesex@phuket adventureminigolf.com

Pizza Maker / Cook: Pizza Maker/Cook - Full time. Only Thai applicants! w w w. p h u ke t a d v e n t u r e minigolf.com

Construction consultant: Looking for construction consultant overlooking renovation of a large proper ty, weekly visits and reports.

Please send resume and expected salary to info@ phuketlp.com.

Office Staff Wanted:

Kindergarten Teach- Sales And Marketing: er: Female c auc asian Executive: Thai, self motinative English speaking teacher with experience to teach class of 10 -12 children ages 2-6, MonFri, 8am - 4pm, Chalong.

Please contact 080 624 7060. www.buds-phuket. com, email buds.span@ yahoo.com.

vated, fluent in speaking and writing English, driving license, preferably experience in ad sales or property field, competitive salary plus commission. See Exotiq Property. Please call 076 527 568.

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Manager Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.***

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com

Nice atmosphere. Contact 087 273 6427.

accommodation available.

Call 089 054 4354.

Sales Staff Wanted: Semi-retired UK/CaEnglish-speaking female. nadian businessman Thai with previous selling seeks Companion: experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

English speaking female only. Free high end separate accommodation. All expenses paid. Call 089 054 4354.

Car-rental Company is hiring - Drivers: Thai nationality, deliver, collect and clean our cars, be chauffeur if necessary. Requirements: basic English knowledge, driving licence, flexible in working hours, multitasking and reliable.

Email info@mobilecarrent. com.

Car-rental Company Sales Staff Wanted: is hiring - Reception- English-speaking female. ists: to handle bookings Thai with previous selling

Chef de Partie Need- and walk-in clients’ requireed: Phuket Adventure Mini ments: basic English knowl- experience with own car,

Golf is currently looking for a Chef de partie. Salary B12,000-B17,000. Minimum two years’ experience required. Email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.

edge, driving license, good computer skills, flexible in working hours, motivated, ability to multitask. info@ mobilecarrent.com.

outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Operations Manager / Sales: Club Asia Fitness Office/Admin ManagCatering and Events - Phuket’s leading fitness er: Boat service company Intern: Intern is required centre requires an Opera- in Yacht Haven Marina for

Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

to work closely with our team with tasks including: develop/budget catering and event packages, market research, and working with the F&B service staff.

Call: 081 893 4122.

Woman Wanted: For

Thai Freelance Phot Female Driver Want- o g r a p h e r : Phuket ed: Semi-retired UK/Ca- Photo Tours is looking for Office Staff Wanted:

cooking European food, or to be trained. “Weissbier & Wine” Restaurant, Patong.

Evening working hours.

nadian businessman seeks English speaking female driver. High end separate

Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News, Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.

Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position

Sales Representatives Qualifications: - Thai or Expat.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English.

- Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

- Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer:  Competitive

salary, bonuses and travel expenses. friendly work environment.  Social security paid by the company.  Excellent career progress opportunities. A

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info.

thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

tions Manager and a Sales Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. Email info@ cluba siaphuket.com.

a Thai Freelance Photographer to perk up tourist activities in Phuket. Excellent knowledge of English is required. CV and photo at info@phuketphototours. com.

secretarial, accounting and administration. Accurate and organised team member with the ability to manage multiple tasks. English essential rogerg@sea marineservices.com.

Female, English-speaking staff to work in nice environment with outgoing personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K. Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 37

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

JOBS IN PHUKET

Chef de Partie Need- Pharmacist: position ed: Phuket Adventure Mini as licensed pharmacist in Golf is currently looking for a Chef de partie. Salary B12,000-B17,000. Minimum two years experience required. Email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.

Rawai, Phuket available valid license required; English language skills a plus competitive salary++; accommodation available, contact us now: 076 344 531.

Receptionist wanted N a n n y / M a i d L i v Rawai Area: English e in Wanted: Only Thai speaking helpful, outgoing personality. Well groomed, height /weight in proportion. Thai or Indo/Filipina/ Burma. Join our dynamic team, send your CV with recent photo and references. info@katagardens.net.

nationality, basic English essential. Take care of the house and family. One new born baby and 1.5 year old boy to help with. Private room, insurance, long term contract - one month trial.

Please contact 087 980 7570.

Senior Teacher of English: Phuket Has

Restaurant Staff Vacancies: Hog’s Breath Cafe requires experienced waitresses, bartenders, kitchen staff. Spoken English needed. Good salary and work place. Internal book keeper also needed.

Call Khun Yong 084 625 8259. available for shared duties. Please contact 086 272 3320.

Wanted Admin Assistant Par t Time: One or two days plus one

O p erator Wanted: Looking for a Thai national with good English communication skills. Experience in operator or reception work is preferred. Send CV to jobs@hoteltravel.com or call 076 282 808.

Been G ood To Us re quires a Senior Teacher for the English Education programme. Leading a small, dynamic team of ESL teachers in two Thai schools in Phuket.

You will be an experienced educator with strong leadership and ESL skills. Experience in the Thai educational system and the ability to communicate in Thai is advantageous. Salary B65,000-B70,000 per month. Please submit a one page letter of application, CV and a recent photograph by August 31 to: info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org.

English skills are required.

Fixed salary B15,000 plus social security. Send resume with recent photo to info@phuketdrive.com.

Restaurant Manager evening per week to start.

Wa n t e d: Re st au r a nt Sales & Marketing Must be fluent in English manager wanted for new Manager: Condominium and Thai. For details call Staff for Housekeep- Customer Ser vice Patong bakery, must have Project Sales & Marketing Larry on 081 487 4812 or ing: H ousekeeper for Wanted: Customer sercomputer knowledge, stock Good command of English. ordering and hiring plus training of staff. Excellent conditions plus pay forward. Send CV to: bazens ir@gmail.com.

At least one year’s experience required. Must be an enthusiastic and self-motivated professional. Email: sales.admin2@ap.jll.com.

Sales Person Want- Office Administrator ed: Salesperson work at Wanted: For general ofAopo Grand Marina must have computer skills. Call 088 765 1832 HR. Urgently.

fice duties, book keeping and some visa application processing. Two positions

e-mail lamsden@phuket. ksc.co.th.

Wanted Seller: Wanted seller. Women, Thai nationality, good English, good looking, friendly, tidy. Six days a week, 3pm to 7pm, B300 per day plus comissons. Contact 083 6 49 6169.

hotel. Looking for Thai nationality, self-motivated and organised, familiar with housekeeping is advantage, please contact Khun Manuela 083 392 8462.

vice for frozen yoghur t shops/Patong, good English, shop experience, good salary, bonus and carreer prospects, CV’s gkonstan tinidismail@facebook.com, call 088 225 4742.

a must. Email: lek@head startphuket.com.

Free Security Training Course: Free security training course open to all Thai nationals over the age of 24. You must have a basic command of English, be physically fit. Please email info@securitysafe stop.com for details. Contact 076 620 010.

Nanny/ Helper Wanted: Full time Nanny/helper

Assistant to Car Hire wanted for Thai/ English Company: Thai male Administration Of- family in Kathu. 0 8 6 2 7414 to help with daily routine fice Wanted: Speak- 9 3 ( E n g l i s h) 084 193 work. Driving license and

ing and writing English is

5124 (Thai).

thephuketnews.com

38 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY&SELL

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Bouncy castle for sale

Made in Europe > 39

design and construction and management. 076 381 895.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s

Toyota Pick Up for Sale:

Cement Production Plant: Ready mixed concrete company’s factor y.

446.92 horse power. Output of workers in the production of 22 people per day at an average yield of about 100 Q/ Day (B1,800 per Q). Average revenue per day for about B180,000.

BOATS & YACHTS

Custom build Speedboat: 49 foot fiberglass Speedboat. build 2011,3 Honda Engines a 225 Hp, custom build for diving and day trips, international survey, excellent condition, side entry and exit, seats for 35 people, sundeck, bathroom, big cooler, two outside showers, places for 50 scuba tanks, VHF Radio, storeroom, lighting for night diving, good for business best design on the island.

Call 084 188 4544, email: michahildner@hotmail.com.

L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuketfishboat. com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE G u e st hou se Bac kpacker Hostel: Strong bookings and online ratings, 41 beds in 18 guest rooms (Five with jacuzzis) three retail shops paying 50 percent building rent, two staff rooms, office, in-house laundry, tour counter, #19 tripadvisor. 087 173 1773.

Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing

Fi shin g Yac ht fo r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 9 1 Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Email martin@phuketfishboat.com.

busin e s s di sc ip line s an d wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www.phuketfishboat.com, email martin@phuketfishboat. com.

Manufacture of readymixed concrete. Can continue immediately. Just bought a cement truck delivery only.

Ready water source to be used for production. Address: Moo. 4, T. Maikhao, Thalang Dist. Phuket 83110.

Land Size: 20 rai 2 Ngan and 56 talang wah. Price: B130 Million. Contact: Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.

Restaurant Thai and Noodles: Located on Kata’s

Natural Mountain Stone: Original from ancient time. Shaped by expert craftsman. Unique with its texture and colors. Harmony with traditional and contemporary. Commit to best and always available to our valued customers. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@maxxnova.com.

Date of register : 28 October 2008 Plate No: Korkor869 Phuket Year: 2008 Color: black Engine: 3,000 CC Diesel Mileage : 124,455km Price: B690,000 (negotiable) Contact Mr. Lee 081 803 7189.

leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade.

Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstar tphuket. com.

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. www.phuketfood.com.

main road, busy restaurant, fully furnished kitchen, 10 tables, 38 seats, Thai food and Champ noodle soup restaurant, low rental, already with farang and Thai customers.

Call 086 940 4801.

CHILDREN’S CLUB Funstart: Family sports and

Farang Food Paradise:

CARS FOR SALE

oldest bilingual 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 1/28. Mon-Fri 8am -5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www. buds-phuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS Suzuki/Carr y PickUp 1.6M/T: Suzuki/Carry

Pick-up 1.6 M/T 2009, FOR SALE. B300,000. 1.5 metre cover, roof carrier, side ladder and comprehensive Insurance. Contact Daragh 084 443 9863.

Blue Canyon Golf Membership for Sale: Family lifetime membership, including golf privileges B800,000.

Buyer pays transfer fee. 081 487 4812, e-mail lamsden@ phuket.ksc.co.th.

BUSINESS SERVICES Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park

on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.

ONLY 170,000 BAHT CASH!: October 2011,

Ventury Van for Sale: Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture

Year: July 2008 (4 years) Color: White/brown. Mileage: 218,039 km. Price: B1.2 million. Contact 081 803 7189.

8,000km. Proton Exora 7/8seat family car. Many options, including GPS, DVD. Price new: B940,000. Now B740,000, or on finance: B570,000 + B170,000 cash.

Call 081 788 8280. Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com.

Club Asia Fitness:

Royal Phuket City Hotel.

Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/ weight training/ s a u n a /s te a m /s w i m m i n g pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 35 4 027, 087 275 3614. www.clubasiaphuket.com.

SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www.skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all Sin-

gaporeans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 39

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

COOKING CLASS

Phuket Cooking Academy: Offers many cooking and baking classes in our top-class professional facilities. Come to learn how to cook with our professional chefs and discover the art of bakery, and Thai and European cuisines.

Open to all from the age of 12 years old and without any prior cooking experience. For more info visit us at: www.phuket-cookingacademy.com or call 081 821 40 64.

MOBILE PHONES FOR SALE Bouncy Castle for sale: Great and healthy fun for the kids. Made in Europe. Contact 081 891 8689 or email villathani@ hotmail.com.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

3 models B46,000-B69,000 Safeway-main Highway, Thalang (Next to Shell gas station)

Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products.

Contact 082 276 1675, www. goodkarmathailand.com.

Summer Sale French Collection: French Collection 50% discount. Summer Sale. Stock Clearance 2012.

Meet Mam and Ling at Zee Zee Interior Building. Call 076 620 201.

Baby and Maternity Items for Sale: Gen-

PERSONAL SERVICES

Jacuzzi Shower Half Price Sale Include: • Blue/black temp. glass • Touch screen panel • FM radio • Telephone receiver • Back massage jets • Foot massage machine • Rain shower • Soap dispensers • Mirror

081 125 1873 - 081 892 4804

tly used Maternity clothes and baby items including a Graco Playard, bottle sterilizers, Avent bottles, pop-up tent, Met Tai carrier. Located in Chalong. Email for photos and prices at kiriheald@ gmail.com.

Backgammon Players Wanted: Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnec tion@yahoo.com

Samsung SII / Galaxy Note: Samsung SII, four normal batteries, two double batteries with special back covers, two charging docks, plug in wall charger B15,000. And Samsung Galaxy Note, white B15,000.

Call 084 443 9863.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. 085 785 4440.

Clearance Sale: Techworx clearance sale: amplifiers, speakers, network kit, printers, media players and servers. Please email daragh@techworx.asia for detail list.

MOVING & STORAGE

bles and More. Contact 081 978 2725 for details. Prices are negotiable.

We’re specialising in custom design and installation of the highest quality home automation, audio visual, home cinema, and lighting systems that complement your home and lifestyle.

Professional service certified by CEDIA. Call +66 (08) 1719 6930. Email: info@ maxxnova.com.

Bon Café Phuket: A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands.

Contact: 076 355 600-1.

A r e Yo u L o o k i n g For A New Puppy or Adult Dog?: Many dogs and puppies all sadly locked in dirty cages without much to eat, would love to find a new home and have someone take care of them. If you’d like to see these dogs located in Thalang, Contact: gone2thedoggies@gmail.com

PET FOR SALE

Buon Appetito: Deli market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket.

Call 076 384 273, info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buon appetito group.com.

We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY

Second Hand Goods for Sale: Executive Ta-

office A/C B6,000/M. Mobile toilets B2,800/M month. Chalong, opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang, main highway. 076 313 235 or 081 125 1873.

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.

Safeway Storage: Self storage from B800/M. Container rental B3,000/M. Sales/Site

Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Please call 076 510 111, email info@hhlegaladvisors.com, www.hhlegaladvi sors.com.

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised.

Please contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.

Persian Kit ten for Sale: Purebred female Persian kitten looking for a good home. Born May 28 - available to take home in August. Call 084 676 6663 (Thai + English) or email miko_blackbird@hotmail. co.th (Thai + English) for more info.

POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www. phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.

thephuketnews.com

40 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

PROPERTY PROPERTY FOR RENT S u r i n B e a c h Apartments[LOFTS]: One and two bedroom apartments now available for long term rentals,[minimum period 6 months]. Shor t term will be considered depending on availablity. FREE Hi-Speed WIFI Cable TV The LOFTS apartments are situated on the beach road in Surin which is fast developing into one of the trendiest areas of Phuket.

0 8 6 120 029 8, info@rent alpropertyphuket.com. See rentalpropertyphuket.com.

Big Luxury Villa: Pool, Laguna, designed for comfort.

Has everything+spa, B32,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

Detached house up for sale

Three bedroom, all ensuite > 41

Discount Rentals Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Luxury Pool Villa: La-

Stylish House Rental / Rawai: Separate located

nice 2-floor-house (furnished) close to Rawai and Nai-Harn.

2-bedrooms (air-cond.). TV and phone/internet provided.

With kitchen, dinning area, terrace and garden. Call 076 388 639, 083 106 2680.

Loft Style Flat: Secure, quiet, spacious, new decoration. Great location for exercise. Long-term rental. 086 664 5575.

House for Rent-Kathu:

Three Bedroom Furnished for Rent: B11,000 per month, one bathroom, lock up garage and carport on 800 sq metre lot. Close to PIA school, golf, beach and airport. For more info email gordon_asia@hotmail.com.

Friday 21st (Room For Rent) Good cond i t i o n: H i g h S e as o n House Villa for rent: Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 Bed 4 Bath Jacuzzi Bath, Private pool, The striking two-storey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD Player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.

Mission Heights Residence

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

Info: 089 594 4067

guna, quality furnishings spa, bar, security, BBQ. B22,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.

Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: Fully furnished Two b e dr o o ms / t wo bat h rooms. Calm and clean area.

Built in early 2012, first occupant. Aircon in all rooms.

Floor area 120m2 + back and front yard, furnished. Contact 091 034 0035.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

B800.- per day, B18,000.per month. Low Season B500.- per day, B13,000.per month.

Please contact 076 344 133, TUM 081 171 7993, BAS 080 523 5371, e-mail: friday_21st@hotmail.com.

Facebook: Friday Twenty one.

1-3 air-con bedroom rental homes.Quiet area near Ao Yon beach,Cape Panwa.1bdr start from 9,000/m,2-3 bdr from 20,000 free wifi, Tel. 081 892 4311, http://panwagreen. weebly.com.

Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 sqm houses, all with 12 metre long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.

House Villa for Rent: Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 bed 4 bath Jacuzzi bath, private pool. The striking twostorey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two

Located only 10 minutes from airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang Beach, Thanyapura Sport & Leisure Center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.

bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area.

Price: B5.5 million or minimum three-month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).

The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach.

Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here.

For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali style three and four bed villas, one km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9 million (include full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com, call +66 (0)87 897 4421.

Land for sale: 6 rai beauThai Style House for Sale: Teak wood f loors, stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms.

Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.

thephuketnews.com

tiful hilltop land near Mission Hills golf club, was 4.2million baht per rai now drastically reduced to *B3.2 million per rai* for very quick sale. Full chanote, water/electric, office, sea/mountain views.

Call 087 978 5804(Eng), stanjsmith25@yahoo.com

Villa for Sale at Kathu: Overlooking golf course.

Fully furnished. Land size 800sq metre. Living area 487sq metre. Large pool. four beds, four baths. Fully-fitted Western kitchen.

Lifetime membership. B20 million. Call 087 222 4770.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS 41

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, luxury pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000. www.phuket-cottages.com

Call: 089-724-7211

cated in peaceful area South of Phuket, Rawai. This villa has been designed and furnished to the highest standards. Email mintra99@gmail.com.

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

400sq metre Beatuiful Land for Sale: In Soi Suk-

Detached House For Sale: Three bedroom all

Land for Sale at Loch Palm Kathu: 20 Rai

ensuite plus fitted wardrobes and aircon. big balcony, l shaped lounge, sliding glass doors, leading to kitchen/dinner/shower, Western style, small pool, nice garden, covered car park. Contact 089 469 2897.

overlooking golf course with concrete access road and electric. Ready for building project. Call 087 888 4770.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,000sq metre).

B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon Beach. -10 minutes to Naiyang Beach.

-10 minutes to Airport. -7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus.

- Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Chan -

one bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.

S e avi ew L a n d Fo r Sale: Near Chalong pier, 150 metres from the sea.

Three rai and one ngan plot.

Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206

Modern, New Two-Storey Villa for Sale: Living space 200 m2, balcony. terraces, three beds, two baths, furnished, ADSL, tropical garden, calmly gated village, clubhouse pool/tennis court, near Phuket Town, shopping, Rawai-Naiharn beach. Call 089 593 8690.

Rawa i B e a c h f ro n t Pool Villa: Rawai Beach front pool villa for rent/sale.3 bed rooms,furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

Villa Resort Style: Villa resort style six bedroom, Lo-

ote title at Manik-township.

20x25 metre in natural surrounding, B2.6 million. Free design+construction permit.

Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@yahoo.com.

Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo,

san, the land has views of the Nai Harn and Rawai mountains, and would be ideal for a family home. Ready to build.

Quality western villas on the

same soi. Call 089 973 1180.

Land for sale near Golf Course: Near British International School, 18 Rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price B80,000,000.

Contact owner at 089 724 7211.

Nice One Rai in Chalong: Reduced, just B6 million now. 200m off main road near Chalong temple. Full chanote title.

Call 087 053 6181/089 651 3479. Email philcroker69@ hotmail.com.

Beach Front Plots: Located opposite of Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural environment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan�. Three easy payments over seven months.

Situated in a well established housing complex in Rawai over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Email for plans. Call 081 270 4291.

thephuketnews.com

42 CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

THE PHUKET NEWS HOME IMPROVEMENT

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

PERSONAL SERVICES

Pro Waxing Care

by Nattaya

The best waxing in Phuket Eyelash-Eyebrow Tinting Facial & Body Skin Treatment

Tel : 081 859 3061 www.phuketdir.com/prowaxingcare (Please call for an appointment)

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

REMOVALS

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SPORTS EQUIPMENT

MARINE SERVICES

STORAGE

Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 Tel 076 620168 info@tile-asia.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

SWIMMING POOLS

w w w. e m

p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m

1,800 baht pool service

for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)

19/43, 19/45 Moo 7, Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

PHUKET SPORT 43

Phuket fans held hostage as tensions flare in Krabi FOOTBALL

Thai Division 1

Team

Kazira Hans/ noksanarm.com

A

scoreless draw between Krabi FC and Phuket FC last weekend was marred by violence in the stands, as Phuket supporters were held hostage for more than two hours.

The incident began in the second half when Phuket FC’s centre back Nene Bi was sent off after being shown his second yellow card. Krabi pressed their man advantage, determined to win at home in this often-fiery local derby.

But their attacking efforts were thwarted by the safe gloves of Alonso Da Silva, whose persistent time-wasting efforts also created frustration among the Krabi fans.

As the game continued and the score remained goalless, some of the more vocal Krabi fans began to boo and hurl abuse at the Phuket side, and water bottles started flying onto the pitch.

It’s still not clear where the bottles came from – all visitors entering Krabi Stadium were

A Krabi supporter invades the pitch with a wooden plank. scanned by military police to ensure no bottles or alcoholic beverages were brought into the game.

One fan even ran onto the pitch towards Alonso carrying a large plank of wood, though was dragged off the pitch before he could do any damage.

When the final whistle blew with the scores still at 0-0, the incident escalated.

A large group of Krabi fans blocked the exits to the stand where Phuket supporters were seated. Some claimed to be friends of Krabi midfielder Ekkachai Khaonui, who was fined B5,000 after mocking

Phuket’s logo, the Sea Turtle, in the last encounter between the two teams.

Ekkachai’s “friends” demanded an apology for causing him embarrassment. Then bottles started flying into the Phuket stand.

One witness said military police present at the scene made no attempt to stop the hooligans from throwing projectiles – including wooden pieces, rocks and bottles.

Phuket fans – men, women, children and elderly – were forced to climb over the metal fence in front of their stand and onto the pitch for safety.

FOR SALE 2002 BERTRAM 510 FLYBRIDGE LUXURY YACHT USD 825,000.00

Twin 1050 MAN Diesel Engines Rupp Out Riggers Two Live Bait Tanks 2 - GPS Radar Auto Pilot Sounder Life Raft EPERB VFH Radio - 2 TUNA Tower Electric Anchor Winch SAT Phone

3 State Rooms Galley Salon DVD - 3 Big Screen 3 Freezers Ice Maker 2 Heads with Shower Dingy - Divot 29 Knots Top Speed Fly Bridge Dinette ( 6 People ) Water Maker 54 FT Over All Length

D

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MP W 20

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4

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33

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34

23

32

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Nakhon Ratchasima

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3

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22

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30

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26

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10

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9

26

28

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29

22

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Phuket

20

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32

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Bangkok

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9

37

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39

17

17

Raj Pracha

20

3

6

11

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31

15

18

Chanthaburi

20

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18

13

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2

They remained captive in that manner for nearly two hours, rescued only by the intervention of two groups of Krabi supporters who call themselves ‘The Energy’ and ‘The Yellow Blue’, who helped shield the Phuket fans and negotiated with those claiming to be Ekkachai’s friends.

Phuket fans finally made it out of the stadium at nearly 10pm with a police escort, though many were angry that the situation had been allowed to develop in the first place.

In a post-match television interview on Football Siam TV, Krabi FC President Somkiat ‘Ko Chuan’ Kittithornkul blamed Phuket FC, the referee, and Phuket fans for the incident, saying they angered the Krabi supporters to such an extent that they became violent.

A Phuket fan said Krabi FC’s fans were not the ones responsible. Instead, he blamed the small element of hooligans.

Phuket FC Management has yet to respond publicly to the incident.

Family cycling ride promotes healthy living A FUN 30-KILOMETRE bike ride will be held in Phuket on September 16 to encourage families to be more active and get outdoors.

The Phuket International MTB Jamboree 2012 is open to everyone, and organisers Songkhla Track Zone Club expect to fill all 500 entry spots. Registration can be completed online, and all must be present at 7am on September 16 at Sriphuwanat Park in Wichit.

Entrants should visit the Merlin Phuket Hotel and Resort to pick up their start pack the day before.

Entrants will be divided into three categories: male aged 16-50 years; male aged over 51 years; and open female. As the event is not a competition there are no prizes. However, everyone who enters gets a special Phuket souvenir.

For more information and to register visit thaitrackzone.com (Thai and English). Registration before August 15 is B800, and after that is B1,000.

FOR SALE 1991 TIARA SPORT FISHING YACHT USD 275,000.00

Twin 550 HP Detroit Diesel Engines 1 Bunk Room RUPP Outriggers Saloon 2 GPS HF 3 Freezers Radio LCD TV VHF Radio DVD Auto Pilot 2 Heads with ShowersIce Maker Sounder 18 Knts EPREP Fly Bridge Bench 4 People VHF Radio Water Maker Electric Anchor Winch 45 FT Over All Length SAT Phone 1 State Room

OWNER IS CHANGING BUSINESS DISCIPLINES AND WANTS TO EXIT THE CHARTER FISHING BUSINESS. The purchase of both boats entitles the buyer to www.phuketfishboat.com and its database of customers.

WWW.PHUKETFISHBOAT.COM martin@phuketfishboat.com

thephuketnews.com

44 WORLD SPORT

IN BRIEF Red Bull hit back at critics Red Bull on Monday hit back at their critics after being dragged into another controversy over the legality of their cars following the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Team chief Christian Horner said the champion team should be praised for taking an adventurous and

creative approach to car design rather than slammed after accusations about the engine mapping and suspension setting devices on the Red Bull cars.

Horner said the fact that his outfit has faced no penalties this season shows that it is playing things straight.

Australia omit Cahill, Kewell Tim Cahill and Harry Kewell, were Wednesday left out of Australia’s squad to play Scotland next week.

Cahill, 32, who last month departed Everton after eight seasons to play for the New York Red Bulls, had indi-

cated he did not want to be considered for Socceroos friendlies until he settled into his new life.

Kewell’s omission was also expected after cutting ties to Melbourne Victory and moving back to England.

Suarez agrees new Liverpool deal Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has signed a new longterm contract at Anfield, the Merseyside club announced on Tuesday.

The Uruguayan had been

linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, after an often difficult last season, but he told the club’s official website that he was delighted to extend his stay.

Thieves mar win for Chiefs coach Burglars ransacked the home of Waikato Chiefs coach Dave Rennie while his side were winning a maiden Super 15 title in Hamilton, he has revealed. Rennie said his Huntington home was badly

thephuketnews.com

damaged when thieves stole a safe holding his wife’s jewellery as the Chiefs cruised to a 36-7 victory over South Africa’s Coastal Sharks at Waikato Stadium, a few kilometres away.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

KP says Lord’s Test ‘might be my last’ CRICKET Agence France-Presse

E

ngland star Kevin Pietersen on Monday dropped a bombshell by suggesting that the third and final Test against South Africa might be his last.

“I can’t rule out that my next Test may be my last,” he said after winning the man of the match award in the drawn second Test at Headingley after a superb innings of 149, which he followed up by taking three wickets.

Pietersen’s future was a major issue before the series against the Proteas began.

He has already announced his retirement from from oneday international cricket, amid speculation he wanted to be available for a full Indian Premier League programme while still playing for England and play in the upcoming World Twenty20 in September.

“That is two of many points,” he said. “But they’re not the main two points. Let’s make that very clear, there are

Kevin Pietersen’s future with England is in major doubt. other points I am trying to sort out in the dressing room.

“There are a lot of other issues. It’s absolutely 100 per cent not a money issue. You’ll find out soon enough, not tonight.

It will be a lot clearer after the next Test match.”

Pietersen said it would be a “huge shame” if his Test career came to an end.

“I love playing Test cricket

for England,” he told reporters. “The saddest part for me is that the spectators just love watching me play and I love playing for England, but the politics is what I have to deal with personally.

“It’s tough for me playing for England.”

Pietersen also hit out at what he suggested were media leaks about his negotiations

with the England and Wales Cricket Board leading into the series.

“It was blamed on me, it was me grabbing the headlines. Did I leak anything to the media about my meetings with the ECB?” he added.

“I never spoke a single word to a single journalist about anything that was spoken about behind closed doors, that I thought were closed doors.”

England captain Andrew Strauss and Pietersen attended separate press conferences.

Strauss said: “I don’t want to comment on what Kevin may or may not have said.

I’m happy to talk about how amazingly well he played in this Test match. It was one of the best innings I have seen him play.

“What he may or may not have said is not for me to comment on at this stage.”

South Africa, gunning for England’s world number one Test side position, are currently 1-0 up in the series after Monday’s second Test draw.

The third Test starts at Lord’s on August 16.ww

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

WORLD SPORT

45

July 27 - August 12

At 13, youngest Olympics competitor keeps it simple SWIMMING Agence France-Presse

T

ogo’s 13-year-old swimmer Adzo Kpossi, the youngest competitor at the London 2012 Olympics, trains in a hotel pool and wears costumes bought on sale at the market.

Her goal at the Games was simple: to beat her personal best of 44.60sec in the 50m freestyle – a time nearly twice as long as the 23.73sec world record.

The teenager “has nothing to train with: no starting blocks, no flippers, no goggle straps”, her father and coach Kwami Kpossi told AFP. Due to a dearth of public swimming baths in the west African country’s capital Lome, she trains five times a week at two hotel pools.

“The managers let us swim

there for free” after school, said Kwami, a former sports teacher.

Even without these hurdles, Adzo’s training represents a big sacrifice for her modest family.

“The pool is 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from our house,” her devoted father said.

“It costs us a lot of money.

Every three days, I have to fill up the car. But the Togolese Olympic Committee gives us a fixed amount towards the petrol.”

“I like the hard work,” said Adzo in her soft voice, her hands buried in the pockets of a Togo top and her long feet overshooting the ends of her flip-flops.

Despite her dedication, the youngster failed to even reach the minimum standard required to secure a place at the Olympics.

However, she was given a wildcard thanks to the Olympic tenet of representation coming

Hockey team slammed as India hit a new low HOCKEY Agence France-Presse

INDIA DID NOT DESERVE to be part of Olympic field hockey, former players said on Wednesday, after the eight-time gold medallists were condemned to their poorest finish ever.

India, who lost all their five group matches, will play South Africa for the last two places in the 12-nation competition in London – lower than their previous worst of eighth position at the 1996 Atlanta Games.

“This team did not deserve to be in the Olympics,” said former international Mohammad Shahid. “They

have let the whole nation down.”

India, who won their last Olympic hockey gold in 1980, failed to qualify for the Beijing Games four years ago and needed to win a qualifying event at home in New Delhi to make the trip to London.

“We didn’t play as a team in the whole tournament,” skipper and goalkeeper Bharat Chetri told the Hindustan Times in London.

“Every match we went down and down.”

Chetri, asked what went wrong with the team, said: “We are not defending, neither are we scoring. We have to learn more hockey. We have to improve a lot.”

Adzo Kpossi acheived her goal of a new personal best at the London Games. Photo: AFP from every corner of the globe.

Every national Olympic committee is allowed a spot in the athletics and swimming, regardless of whether their athletes meet the qualifying

times. Since Kpossi’s arrival in London in mid-July, fortune has not been on her side.

The teenager was struck down with malaria – “I spent three days in hospital. But now

I’m OK again,” she said.

Her father adds: “If she doesn’t fulfill her duties here, don’t blame me!

“As she is the youngest athlete, I want her to show that

it’s not age but determination, the love of the sport which prevails.”

A Rwandan competitor in the Athletes’ Village wishes her “good luck, kid!”, while a swimmer she has befriended from the Central African Republic tells her: “The most important thing is taking part.”

“My goal is to beat my personal best,” Kpossi said.

“I think I can do it, with the support of my friends. They have told me not to worry about the others, but uphold the honour of Togo.

“I put all that in the hands of the Lord”.

At the Aquatics Centre on Friday, in front of thousands of spectators, she clocked the second-slowest time in the 50m freestyle heats.

And in doing so, fulfilled her dream.

37.55 seconds – a new personal best.

China bid for image makeover OLYMPICS Agence France-Presse

WHEN CHINA’S DEPUTY chef de mission Xiao Tian stressed the importance of sportsmanship and showing “Olympic spirit” before the London Games, it sounded like the usual platitudes.

But China’s surprising reaction to the expulsion of two gold-medal contenders shows how the country, already preeminent in the Olympic arenas, is at pains to show a benevolent face.

After top seeds Yu Yang and Wang Xiaoli were among a group of Asian badminton players disqualified for playing to lose, not only did China not object – it applauded the decision.

Yu Yang in action prior to her disqualification. Photo: AFP And in an astonishing move, China’s usually taciturn head badminton coach Li Yongbo gave a series of interviews apologising for the scandal and admitting he ordered the tactics.

“As head coach, I owe the supporters of Chinese badminton and the Chinese TV audiences an apology,” he told China’s state-run Xinhua news agency.

“Chinese players failed to demonstrate the fine tradition and fighting spirit of the national team. It’s me to blame.”

For a coach whose team is notorious for its suspicious walkovers and retirements – 20 per cent of all-Chinese matches last year were not completed, according to one study – it was an extraordinary about-turn.

News agency Xinhua, often

a conduit for official views, denounced the players before they had been disqualified, commenting such behaviour “violates the Olympic spirit”.

According to Chinese journalist Norman Li, China’s accommodating reactions show how they are keen to project a positive image, especially after doping suspicions clouded the displays of teenage swimmer Ye Shiwen.

He said he had noticed a shift in Chinese attitudes compared to Beijing 2008, when fans were most concerned about the hosts’ gold medal tally.

Now, he said, discussion on social media sites is focusing on sportsmanship and also China’s Soviet-style sports schools, which select and groom athletes from a young age, often with punishing schedules.

thephuketnews.com

46 WORLD SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

July 27 - August 12

IN BRIEF 7 Cameroon athletes ‘defect’ Seven athletes from Cameroon have “defected” in London where some were participating in the 2012 Olympics, Cameroon media reported Tuesday, citing an official.

According to the head of Cameroon’s Olympics delegation, David Ojong, “28 (delegation members) returned to Cameroon, 24 are still in the (Olympic) village and seven have defected,” the newspaper reported him telling the country’s sports minister at a meeting.

N. Korea rages at Aussie rag for ‘naughty’ tag A Rupert Murdoch-controlled Australian tabloid Wednesday laughed off a stinging rebuke from North Korea after it described the nuclear-armed state as “Naughty Korea” in its Olympic medal tallies.

In an outburst from its official KCNA news agency, Pyongyang scolded the mX paper it wrongly named as “Brisbane Metro” for the “sordid” behaviour which it said had “caught the world interest for degrading itself”.

Usain Bolt to sign for Man U? Rio Ferdinand has offered to help sprint king Usain Bolt fulfil his dream of playing for Manchester United.

On Monday the Olympic 100m champion begged manager Sir Alex Ferguson for the chance to join his squad, but warned he would have to be quick.

Bolt, 25, said: “People think I am joking. But if Alex Ferguson called me up and said, ‘OK let’s do this, come and have a trial’, it would be impossible for me to say no.”

Fun and Games (and work) in London for ex-Phuketian Dan Ogunshakin editor@thephuketnews.com

Former Phuket News sports editor and well known Phuketian Dan Ogunshakin is in London covering the 2012 Olympics for ESPN Star Sports. These are his words about the experience:

F

or as long as I can remember, it’s always been a dream of mine to be part of an Olympic Games.

When I was younger, I yearned to be a spectator at “The Greatest Show on Earth”, but as I got older the desire to witness the spectacle from the stands diminished (albeit minutely – we’re talking Higgs Boson size if you wish to quantify it) and was replaced by a desire to play an active role in the Games as a reporter, runner, dog’s body, slave… basically anything I could to get my hands on a press pass.

As far as I’m concerned the Olympics is the the event to be at. I’m a huge football fan and would love to go to a World Cup, but the Olympics is a 16-day sporting smorgasbord that allows me to gorge away

Working at the Games was a dream come true for Dan. to my heart’s content.

Yes, I’m that sad.

Born in 1981, my first real Olympic memories came from Seoul in 1988. I remember being transfixed by Ben Johnson’s staggering 100m run that seemed to defy belief; sadly as we all now know, there was a good reason why that was the case.

Barcelona ‘92, Atlanta ’96, Sydney 2000, Athens ’04 and Beijing ’08 – the five subsequent Olympics – I watched nearly every minute of coverage

the good old BBC provided, enjoying the stunning performances served up by the likes of Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, Sir Steve Redgrave, Cathy Freeman, Michael Phelps to name but a few.

Without wishing to sound arrogant, I knew I’d make it one day as I’m incredibly passionate about what I do and work hard to try and achieve my goals.

What I didn’t know is that I’d make it so soon.

I was fortunate to get my hands on some tickets for the

Games, so when I began my new job with ESPN STAR Sports in Singapore this year, I managed to negotiate some time off so I could get to use them.

A month or so before I left I offered to volunteer my services to the team on the ground in London while I was here, figuring it would be an incredible experience, and to my amazement, I was told to get my details together as they were being shipped off to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for accreditation.

There I was, heading to London in an official capacity, wielding a pass that would get me access to every venue; excited wasn’t the word.

I did check my enthusiasm slightly as I was aware that I would be working, not just there to enjoy myself, but I figured I’d be free to catch the odd event here and there and with any luck would be able to sneak into the men’s 100m final and see the fastest men in the world.

So I made it to London 2012, but what am I doing here? My role here has basically been to provide the reporters, cameraman and our team leader with

logistical support. In base terms, I’m a runner doing the little bits that need doing behind the scenes to enable us to produce the segments we have sent back to Singapore to be included with our live broadcasts.

So far this job has taken me to the Aquatic Centre to cover diving, the ExCel Arena for boxing and table tennis, Wembley Arena for badminton and the velodrome for track cycling – and yes I’ve been able to watch events at every single venue.

In my spare time I’ve also been able to see some hockey, basketball, archery, and athletics including a historic night for Team GB in the Olympic Stadium and Usain Bolt defend his Olympic title in record breaking time.

It’s been a dazzling experience and one I hope I’ll be able to repeat again and again throughout the course of my broadcast career.

Being able to experience an Olympic Games in the city I was born in has been the standout moment in my life to date and one that is going to take some topping.

Rio 2016, it’s over to you.

Gold rush makes it GB’s best ever OLYMPICS

Agence France-Presse

GREAT BRITAIN SURPASSED 20 Olympic gold medals on Tuesday to make London 2012 their most successful Games in history.

The gold for the dressage team at Greenwich pushed Britain’s gold medal haul in their home Olympics beyond the 19 that they won at the 2008 Beijing Games.

As The Phuket News went to print on Wednesday, Britain was comfortably third in the medals table, behind China and the United States.

The Beijing total had been equalled when Alistair Brownlee won the men’s triathlon earlier on Tuesday.

After the dressage team struck gold, Chris Hoy then won the men’s keirin and Laura Trott won the women’s omnium in the track cycling to take the gold medal haul to 22.

The wins meant Britain equalled

their 2008 gold tally of seven from 10 finals in the velodrome as Hoy took a British record sixth career gold in his final Games campaign.

Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins also took the road cycling men’s individual time trial.

Four golds have come from rowing, while a remarkable night in the Olympics Stadium on Saturday produced three golds, for heptathlete Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah in the 10,000m and Greg Rutherford in the

long jump.

Sailor Ben Ainslie won the fourth gold of his Olympic career, while Andy Murray beat Roger Federer to take the men’s singles title.

Britain’s other gold medals came in canoe slalom and shooting and from the team show jumping event.

British competitors have been supported by funding underpinned by the national lottery in preparation for the first Olympics held in Britain since London 1948.

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

WORLD SPORT 47 July 27 - August 12

‘Queen Victoria’ abdicates CYCLING Agence France-Presse

B

ritish cycling’s ‘Queen Victoria’ Pendleton abdicated her throne Tuesday – and she was so happy to quit the sport, she cried tears of happiness.

Pendleton had indicated the Olympics would be her final competition and, after losing her sprint title to Australian rival Anna Meares, she was in no mood to change her mind.

“These tears, everyone says ‘are you really, really sad you lost?’ I’m like no, I’m just so happy it’s over,” Pendleton said.

The 31-year-old insisted: “Yes, it is over, without a doubt. It would be my worst nightmare right now to have to relive the last week of my life, it seriously would.

“Just hanging around, waiting, waiting for the next track session, the expectation of the team, it’s just too much.”

Pendleton won keirin gold but was disqualified from the team sprint, failing in her bid to become the first British woman to win three Olympic titles. But at the end of her career, there

Victoria Pendleton: ‘I’m just so happy it’s over’. was only relief.

“I’m so relieved you can’t even imagine. It’s been the hardest four years of my entire life, coming in as Olympic champion and then realising you’ve got a home Games to live up to,” she said.

“I’m disappointed obviously I didn’t win two golds, that would have been perfect but I’m just overwhelmed with relief right now that I don’t have to ever go through that ever again.

“Just being here and just being part of this atmosphere is

Live Sports TV Schedule

CHANNEL GUIDE

1XX - True Visions; 8XX – Astro; 8 – Setanta

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START END

SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, August 10 816, 107

16:30

18:30

Rugby League

NRL

Rabbitohs v. Sea Eagles

521

17:30

20:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

West Coast Eagles v.

Geelong

812, 108

14:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

813, 109

15:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

29

22:30

04:00

Cricket Soccer

G1

19:05

22:00

Day 14

something I will never forget, you wouldn’t be able to forget it – it’s such a landmark in my life, it’s probably the most significant thing that’s ever happened to me,” the Englishwoman insisted.

Before speaking to reporters, Pendleton hugged her father at trackside and she said: “I just hadn’t seen my dad in quite a few months... I just wanted to make sure they (her family) could understand how much I appreciate what they’ve done,” she added.

Pendleton and Meares have been fierce rivals but the beaten rider had nothing but praise for her conqueror.

“We had a good hug down there afterwards,” said Pendleton.

“She did a fantastic job, she’s a fantastic competitor, a very worthy winner and an amazing rival over the years.”

Meanwhile Meares said she was glad she’d defeated Pendleton, above all her competitors, in the final.

“She’s a champion, arguably one of the best sprinters of all time and definitely one of the best in the modern sprinting era,” Meares said.

“I wanted the chance to race Vicky in the final, because I know that she’s the best and I wanted to be the best.”

Meares, who won 2-0 in the best of three race final, went 1-0 up after Pendleton was relegated for straying off line.

Watching video images of her second relegation of the Games, following the same decision for an irregular changeover in the team sprint, was not Pendleton’s priority.

“I won’t bother. I’m starting a new life now,” she said.

Olympic Medal Tally Country

Gold

Silver Bronze Total 73

1

Bulldogs

20

15

0

5

2

475

289

34

21

70

2

Rabbitohs

20

14

0

6

2

490

383

32

3

Great Britain

22

13

13

48

3

Storm

20

13

0

7

2

490

303

30

Sea Eagles

20

12

0

8

2

392

355

28

4

South Korea

12

5

6

23

4

5

Russia

10

18

20

48

5

Sharks

20

11

1

8

2

381

352

27

Cowboys

20

11

0

9

2

455

375

26

6

France

8

9

11

28

6

7

Germany

7

15

9

31

7

Broncos

20

11

0

9

2

424

378

26

8

Titans

20

9

0

11

2

371

377

22

Hungary

6

2

3

11

Pre-Season Friendly

Barcelona v. Man United

Rugby League

NRL

Wests Tigers v. Dragons

521

11:00

14:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Adelaide Crows v.

Roosters

521

16:30

19:30

Aussie Rules

AFL

Sydney Swans v.

Collingwood

521

21:00

00:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Carlton v. Brisbane Lions

812, 108

14:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

Day 15

813, 109

15:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

Day 15

Pts

18

9

18:50

A

21

Glamorgan v.

Hampshire

16:30

F

19

Clydesdale Bank 40

816, 107

B

30

17

Eels v. Roosters

L

34

4

NRL

D

United States

6

Rugby League

W

China

7

14:15

P

2

Italy

12:30

Team

1

8

816, 107

From back page The opening goal came for Brazil on 38 minutes from Vasco Da Gama defender Romulo after South Korea’s Ki Sung-Yueng was dispossessed in midfield.

Oscar surged forward deep into South Korean territory before feeding Romulo whose shot at the near post slipped under goalkeeper Lee Bum-Young.

Brazil all but made the game safe 12 minutes into the second half with a cleverly worked goal.

Marcelo suddenly quickened Brazil’s tempo and found Neymar inside the area, cutting the ball back to Leandro who drilled his low shot beyond Lee. Leandro then bagged his second of the night seven minutes later, deftly toepoking his effort into the bottom corner to make it 3-0.

Regardless of tomorrow’s result, Mexico have already made history – it will be their first Olympic final in history after coming from behind to defeat Asian giants Japan 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Japan, who had helped eliminate highly-rated Spain in the first round, appeared set to emulate their female counterparts by reaching the final after Yuki Otsu fired them into a 12th-minute lead.

But Mexico hauled themselves back into the contest after 28 minutes when Marco Fabian equalised. Goals to Oribe Peralta and Javier Cortes then sealed the result for the Mexicans.

NRL

Day 14

Saturday, August 11

Brazil, Mexico out to make history

10

Kazakhstan

6

0

1

7

11

Netherlands

5

3

6

14

12

Australia

4

12

9

25

13

Iran

4

3

1

8

14

North Korea

4

0

1

5

15

Cuba

3

3

1

7

16

Belarus

3

2

4

9

17

New Zealand

3

1

5

9

55

Thailand

0

1

0

1

9

Knights

20

9

0

11

2

382

402

22

10

Tigers

19

9

0

10

2

355

420

22

11

Raiders

20

9

0

11

2

425

478

22

12

Dragons

20

9

0

11

2

304

370

22

13

Warriors

20

8

0

12

2

441

459

20

14

Roosters

20

7

1

12

2

366

504

19

15

Panthers

20

6

0

14

2

333

498

16

16

Eels

19

5

0

14

2

339

510

14

RESULTS Raiders Titans Knights Cowboys

28 – 12 18 – 22 10 – 26 6 – 8

Broncos Rabbitohs Bulldogs Sea Eagles

Warriors Roosters Storm

4 – 45 26 – 10 45 – 6

Sharks Dragons Panthers

Sunday, August 12 812, 108

14:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

Day 16

813, 109

15:00

01:00

Various

Olympics

Day 16

813, 109

03:00

05:00

-

Olympics

Closing Ceremony

521

10:00

13:00

Aussie Rules

AFL

Hawthorn v.

Port Adelaide

816,107

12:00

13:50

Rugby League

NRL

Bulldogs v. Broncos

thephuketnews.com

48 WORLD SPORT

SPORT Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com

¡GOLD!

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10, 2012

Bowing out?

Kevin Pietersen hints at Test exit as his row with the ECB escalates > 44

Can Brazil win gold medal?

OLYMPICS Agence France-Presse

B

razil will have a chance to create history tomorrow (August 11) when they take on Mexico in the final of the men’s football competition.

The Brazilians, bronze medallists in Beijing four years ago, booked their place in tomorrow’s showpiece match at Wembley after two goals from Leandro and Romulo ended South Korean involvement in the tournament.

thephuketnews.com

World Cup-winners on five occasions they may be, but Brazil have never won an Olympic gold medal, an anomaly that they are now strongly favoured to consign to the history books this weekend.

They reached the final after Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over South Korea, who, having won through to the last four with a nailbiting penalty shoot-out win over Great Britain last Saturday, never threatened the South Americans in an open game at Old Trafford.

Continued on page 47

Brazil’s Oscar (L) Neymar (C) and Romulo (R) celebrate their win over S. Korea. Photo: AFP