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Iranian tourist held after Patong bottle fight

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LIFE

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RUSSIAN GANG BATTER PHUKET COUPLE AT SURIN BEACH CLUB > 2

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GOV & ENVOYS TALK TUK-TUKS, TAXIS, JET-SKIS Governor Maitree Intusut (third from left) with the ambassadors (from left) Joan Boer of the Netherlands, Philip Calvert of Canada and Mark Kent of Britain.

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RUSSIANS IN BEACH CLUB BRAWL Police name two men involved in battering Phuket couple Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

P

huket resident Tom Tra­v­e rs says he and his Thai girlfriend Jen Khamsorn were subjected to an “unprovoked attack” by a group of Russians at Catch Beach Club, Surin, in the early hours of Tuesday morning (January 8).

Mr Travers – a partner in Indigo Real Estate and a DJ at Bliss Beach Club – told The Phuket News that this was the first time in his nine years of living on the island that anything like this had happened.

Mr Travers was left with a cheekbone fractured in three places following the attack, which required surgery and insertion of a metal plate. Ms Jen suffered a broken nose.

Police have named two Russian men arrested for their involvement – Ilya Ko-

nonenko, aged 28, and Evgenyi Sopatenko, aged 25. Both are from Primorskyi province in the Russian Far East, the capital of which is Vladivostok.

The two were also injured, but received outpatient treatment and were expected to tell their side of the story to police on Thursday, as The Phuket News went to press.

Their names have been given to immigration so that they cannot leave the country easily before the case is resolved.

Mr Travers, from Canada, was still clearly shaken up as he recounted from his hospital bed what happened.

“Jen and I had popped in to Catch Beach Club for a late night drink because we had friends from out of town visiting us.

“We had a feeling there was going to be trouble because there was a guy walking

around without a shirt on and that’s never a good sign.”

As they were getting ready to leave at around 2 am, they saw one man – from the group who would later assault them – arguing with a man in English.

“I wanted to get Jen out of that area, so I went to get her. I said hello to the man who was being spoken to by the group and the next thing I knew [one of them] had grabbed Jen by the neck and punched her in the nose (breaking it). I tried pushing them away and then it all became a blur, I was set on by three of them.”

It has been alleged in another news site on the island that the cause of the incident was because one of the members of the group had taken a liking to Ms Jen, to which Mr Travers had reacted aggressively.

Ms Jen vehemently denies this. “I had never spoken to

Canadian Tom Travers, main photo, prior to surgery to insert a metal plate in his cheek.

Inset, his girlfriend Jen Khamsorn, who had surgery for a broken nose. any of them. They could barely speak English – when we were in the Cherng Talay police station later with them, one tried talking to me and I said I had nothing to say to him.”

Also, when they were in the station, through the aid of a translator, Mr Travers was told why the men said they had attacked him and Ms Jen. “The translator told me that Jen had hit him with a plastic bottle on the back of the head.

This was absolute nonsense.

Jen was behind me.”

He said that he could not believe that police appeared to have let the attackers go.

“After the incident, we were told to go to hospital to get treatment while two of the Russians (others who were apparently involved managed to escape) who were caught were taken to Cherng Talay Police Station.

“When Jen called the sta-

tion this morning, they told her that the two men had already been released.”

A Cherng Talay police officer told The Phuket News that the Russians had not been let go. “Their details have been recorded by Phuket Immigration, so they cannot leave Phuket until the investigation is complete.”

Ms Jen hopes that what happened will have positive repercussions for the rest of the island from now on.

“We hope that this becomes a case study for everybody who comes here.

We are local people, we can’t let people come here and get away with this kind of thing.”

Catch Beach Club management issued a statement on Wednesday saying, “It is unfortunate that Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach, like many other public venues in Phuket, witnessed disrespect-

ful and violent behaviour.”

“We are thankful to the authorities for the prompt reaction and are hopeful and committed to be part of a common effort to promote a safer island life for the long term benefit of Phuket’s reputation.

“We wish to extend to both Khun Jen and Tom a fast and full recovery and look forward to welcoming them back soon on Surin Beach.”

On Wednesday, Ms Jen told The Phuket News that both she and Tom had had surgery, but were still in a lot of pain.

“We’ve taken a room out in Bangkok Hospital and are going to be here at least another three or four days.

“We’ve just spoken to the police who have said their investigations are still ongoing and they are still looking for the two other Russians involved in the attack.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

PHUKET NEWS

DOUBLE WHAMMY

UK warns tourists about Bank branch robbed for second time in 3 months violence Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

BRITAIN UPDATED ITS online travel advisory on January 2 with a strong warning over the possibility of criminal violence against tourists in Thailand, particularly on Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan.

“Western tourists have been victims of vicious, unprovoked attacks by gangs on Koh Pha Ngan. These attacks are particularly common around the time of the Full Moon parties [on] Haad Rin.” Referring to the death of British tourist Stephen Ashton on January 1, the advisory says, “A British national was killed in a shooting incident while at a beach party in Haad Rin. Exercise caution when in this area at any time, especially after dark.”

“Violent assaults and robberies have been reported in Chaweng, Koh Samui. Attacks have also occurred in other tourist districts in Thailand frequented by Western tourists.”

It also warns about the possibility of sexual offences against both men and women, “especially in the Koh Samui archipelago”.

A

reward of B100,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the man who robbed the Kasikornbank branch in the Tesco-Lotus mini-mall on Chao Fa East Rd on Monday (January 7), making off with B260,000.

It was the second time the branch had been hit. The first time was in October when the robber made off with B2.7 million.

The reward was announced at a press conference called by police on Monday evening, at which police described the robber as being between 165 and 170 cm tall, and aged 25 to 35 years old. The helmet he was wearing for the robbery has a distinctive design on the side of it.

A teller at the bank said she saw the man come in wearing his helmet. She asked him to take it off but instead he walked to one of the counters and pulled out a gun, demanding whatever money was available, before walking out with his loot.

Phuket Police Commander

3

IN BRIEF Eight hurt in pickup smash A pickup truck overshot a curve and overturned at Baan Tung Maphrao in Thalang District on Saturday (January 8), resulting in eight people being injured, four of them children. Sommai Kaewjua, 48, at the wheel, was driving from Krabi to Phuket when the crash happened.

He and seven family members ranging from 46 years old down to five months old were all injured and were taken to Thalang hospital.

Tourists in lucky escape

A still from the one of the bank’s CCTV cameras shows the robbery in progress. The design on the side of the robber’s helmet may help to track him down.

Maj Gen Choti Chavalviwat said, “Many police officers are tracking the robber. We found that he dropped the brown jacket he was wearing for the robbery in a bin about 250 metres from the bank. From that we believe we know his getaway route – along Soi Jai Rak Utit 2 and then along Soi Thepanusorn 5.

“The last CCTV image we have is of him about 300

metres from the camera. But there are no cameras on Soi Thepanusorn 5. The whole of Phuket has only 242 cameras [controlled by the police] which is not enough.

“We have presented to Governor Maitree Intusut a project to install 2,400 cameras, as the first of five security projects for Phuket. We hope we will know the answer to that very soon.”

The October robbery was

committed by Anudit Kaewmookda, who was arrested just five days later.

He confessed to another robbery at a Kasikornbank branch in January last year, saying he favoured the bank as a target because it did not have security guards at its branches.

The Phuket News called Kasikornbank management, who confirmed they still have no security guards.

Tourists in a minibus escaped injury in a three-vehicle pileup near Thai Muang School in Phang Nga, at about 5 pm on Monday (January 7).

A pick-up truck loaded with firewood was travelling north when a tyre burst.

The driver lost control and swerved into the opposite lane, colliding with a pick-up coming the other way. The tour bus, following close behind, smashed into the back of the second pick-up.

The driver of the firewood truck suffered minor injuries and was treated at a nearby government clinic.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 076 612 550 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, CNN Travel, 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).

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.

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.

TOM METCALFE Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; 15 years as a print journalist and television news producer in the UK, NZ and Southeast Asia, including BBC World and Reuters in London, and Al Jazeera in Kuala Lumpur.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

No deal in Patong bottle-slash talks Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

A

negotiation session between an Iranian man and his Peruvian fiancée, and a Thai man who had his face badly slashed in an nasty altercation in Phuket on Monday night (January 7) failed to reach a conclusion on Wednesday (January 9).

The negotiations were called at Kathu police station between Iranian Sina Khalilifard, 30, and his fiancée Liselotte Diehl, 34, on one side, and on the other Mohamat Manot, 21, who ended up with 36 stitches in his face after a fight in the car park next to the Tai Pan bar in Patong.

Ms Diehl was at the police station on Wednesday with her translator and a representative from the Iran embassy, Suppawat Watchara, while Mr Mohamat went with a colleague from the Patong Parking Lot, Wichai Saisamut, and his lawyer, Sarawut Sukban. Mr Khalilifard was still in the cells – he was released on bail after the negotiations took place.

Mr Wichai said he had been involved in the incident since it started with Mr Khalilifard parking his rented jeep in their parking area and blocking the way. Mr Khalilifard said he left the car with Ms Diehl sitting alone in it.

He said one of his colleagues tried to tell Ms Diehl to move the car but she refused to, so the colleague climbed in with the intention of mov-

091 034 2291 reporter4@thephuketnews.com

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ing it a couple of metres so that it was no longer blocking the way.

“When my friend tried to move the car, she started to hit him with a full large beer bottle,” Mr Wichai said.

He said that when Mr Khalilifard returned to the car and heard what had happened, he became angry.

“He pushed my friend,” he said. “Then, Mohamat went to separate them but the man attacked him.

“When my friend and I saw that we ran to them. When the man saw us, he maybe thought we were about to attack him so he started to run away.

“Then he came back with a broken beer bottle he had found in the road. People from around the area helped us to restrain him. Also, he punched a policeman who intervened.

Mobile calls capped at 99 satang a minute THE NATIONAL BROADcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) has capped domestic mobile phone call charges at 99 satang a minute from January 1.

NBTC member Prawit Leesatapornwongsa explained that mobile phone service providers are now not allowed to charge more than 99 satang a minute for any domestic call.

He said the fee cap was originally due to take effect on April 4 last year, but mobile service operators were allowed to charge existing fees until contracts with clients expired.

The new rule takes promotional packages into account, meaning mobile operators will be in violation of the law if fees for packages average higher than B0.99 a minute.

NNT

Power bills to go up T H E E N ERGY R EGUlatory Commission (ERC) has increased the fuel tariff rate (FT) on electricity, which will result in higher power bills from this month on.

ERC Chairman Direk Lavansiri said from January to April, consumers will have to pay B3.76 per unit of electricity used, an increase of 4 satang, or 1.1 per cent.

The FT, which is added to the standard rate for electricity, rises (or, theoretically, falls) depending on international oil prices. NNT

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A heavily bandaged Mohamat Manot attends the negotiation sessions.

Ms Diehl told The Phuket News a different story. She said that she and her fiancé do not drink alcohol because they are Muslim – which proved there could have been no bottle of beer in their jeep.

“He parked the car and told them that he would come back very soon, then he went to buy a kebab nearby,” Ms Diehl said.

“I was scared when 10 men asked me to move the car. One of them started to get into the car and the others tried to push it. I begged them not to move the car because I was afraid it might be damaged and I told them my boyfriend was coming back very soon. But they shouted and threatened me.”

When her boyfriend came back and was angry, “they knocked him to the ground and I saw him bleeding. “I think he tried to protect himself and he managed to reach the bottle.

He lashed out in the chaos and hit the man in the cheek.”

By this time police had arrived, breaking up the fight and putting Mr Khalilifard in handcuffs.

Mr Mohamat was rushed to hospital. His lawyer has demanded B1 million compensation for his client but after an hour’s negotiations no agreement could be reached.

“If the negotiations over the damages do not result in agreement, the case will have to go to court,” said Mr Suppawat.

He added that the embassy would provide a lawyer for Mr Khalilifard.

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OUT OF HIS DEPTH

Dane prosecuted for false attack report Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

A The mischevious foal is lowered gently to the ground.

Foal in a hole

A FOU R-MON T H- OLD foal was rescued after hours of being stuck in a well in the Thalang district last Friday (January 4).

The female foal, ‘Thangtong’, had fallen into a 10 metre-deep abandoned well in its owner’s back garden in Tambon Thepkrasattri.

The rescue team from the Kusoltham Foundation finally managed to rescue Thangtong by tying ropes around her body and pulling her up.

The whole two-hour long escapade was watched by her mother ‘Nan’ who whinnied the whole time.

Apart from a cut on her left ankle, Thangtong appeared largely unscathed in the incident.

The 39-year-old owner of the house Natnapat Sumanrote was understandably pleased to see Thangtong reunited with her mother and back on solid ground.

“Before the accident I left the horse to roam around the house.

“There is an abandoned well at the back of the house which I always keep closed with a wooden lid. Thangtong must have accidentally opened the lid and fell in,” she said.

First Car project sees traffic soar THE GOVER N MENT’S first vehicle project, which gave Thais the chance to buy a car for the first time and get a full refund of the excise tax – equivalent to about 10 per cent of the car’s price – put 14,327 new vehicles on the roads of Phuket between September 16 and December 31 last year.

Of the 14,327 new vehicles, 10,605 were saloon cars, while the rest were pick-up trucks.

Phuket, despite being one of the smallest of Thailand’s 77 provinces, ranked 22nd in the nation for its take-up of the government’s offer.

Buyers must keep their cars for at least five years. If they do not they will be obliged to repay the rebate.

Teerayut Prasertpol, Director of the Phuket Transportation Department told The Phuket News, “Our records

show that 386,792 vehicles are registered in the province – 81,649 cars, 3,380 minibuses, 40,038 pickups, 257,426 motorbikes and 4,299 others.”

In a normal year, he said, the number of vehicles registered in Phuket increases by about 8,000.

Last year, however, with the First Car project number added in, the number of fourwheel vehicles coming on the road for the first time jumped by more than 22,000, a leap of 17 per cent.

Mr Teerayut said this would definitely have an effect on traffic, and may result in more projects such as the Central Festival underpass having to be built to keep traffic flowing.

He added, “The project is a government one, so I have to accept it.”

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19-year-old Dane, Morten Budtz Berthelsen, was last Thursday (January 3) sentenced to six months in jail, suspended for two years, and fined B500 after admitting to making a false report to Kamala police, in which he said he was robbed by a Thai gang at Kamala Beach.

Around 5pm last Wednesday (January 2), the Dane went to Kamala police station and reported that at about 1.45 am on New Year’s Day, after going to the New Year countdown he went for a walk along the sand, and was attacked in the darkness at the north end of the beach.

He said there were five Thai men, one of whom grabbed him from behind while the rest hit him.

He said the gang stole his B95,000 Omega watch, a couple of golden bracelets valued at B20,600, an iPhone5 costing B29,150 plus a credit card in his wallet. After robbing him, he said, the gang threw him into the sea then escaped into the darkness.

Af ter Kamala police checked beachfront CCTV footage and questioned beach vendors, the Dane was called for a second interview at Kamala police station.

Pol Lt Col Nanon Pitakkuntorn of Kamala police said that there were several points that made Berthelsen’s account suspect.

Police found that at the time Morten Berthelsen claimed he was attacked on Kamala Beach (above) the tide was in and he would have been fighting in neck-deep water.

Photo: Google Street View First, the “victim” is “a big guy” about 180-190 cm tall, and police felt it would be difficult for a Thai to grab him and hold him while others hit him.

There were also many people on the beach at the time, making it unlikely that he could have been attacked without anyone noticing.

A much more telling point was that police found that the tide was in at 1 am, and if Berthelsen had been walking at the north end of the beach at that time, he would have been neck-deep in water.

Officers therefore checked CCTV footage at the Swissotel Phuket, Berthelsen was staying with his family.

At the time he was sup-

posedly being robbed, he was filmed talking with staff at the front desk, after which he went to his room with a foreign girl.

They also noted that they could see from the footage that he was wearing his Omega watch.

Presented with these facts and with the CCTV fooage, Berthelsen confessed he had made up the story in order to get a police report to make a false claim on his insurance in Denmark.

“This may not seem like a big story,” said Pol Lt Col Suppawit Suwanpirom. “But if we had not been able to prove that what he said was a lie, it could have badly damaged the island’s tourism image.”

Police in Phuket take a dim view of such reports. In July last year Australian Stevie Bamford served two weeks in jail after police were able to show that her claim she had been raped by three men in a tuk-tuk was false.

It turned out that she made the report in order to avoid the wrath of her boyfriend when she stayed out later than him in Patong.

In November 2011 an Australian couple, Abdul Karim Al-Rajab and Zeidan Nouha, were arrested for making a phony robbery report. Like Berthelsen, they were planning to defraud their insurance company. They were kicked out of Thailand.

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Mr Songsak hands over the wallet to Col Krittpas.

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salessouth@thephuketnews.com

fficials led by ViceGovernor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthiraklast Thursday (January 3) went to inspect land on the banks of Klong Mudong, Chalong, after complaints of encroachment in the mangrove forest.

Local people said the encroachment on about 20 rai involved government officials.

The land has already been cleared of mangroves in what appeared to be a plan to build housing. The “owner” of the land was not present, nor were any workmen or machinery.

“This area initially had 160 rai of mangrove, but already about 50 rai has been encroached on,” said Jareon Thewabutra, Chief of the Chalong Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

V/Gov Somkiet held an ad hoc meeting in the area at which he ordered all departments concerned to work together on this land issue.

Leading the investigation will be the Office of Mangrove Forest Development, part of

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Chalong mangroves are ‘encroached on’

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Honest man returns wallet PHUKET MAN SONGSAK Mungmat was walking along the road in Chalong on Sunday (January 7) afternoon when he noticed a wallet lying on the ground, containing B10,000.

Conveniently, the wallet had been dropped right outside Chalong police station, so Mr Songsak, 43, delivered it to Pol Col Krittpas Dazintharasorn,

Superintendent of the station.

Col Krittpas checked the wallet and found B10,000, the equivalent of B600 in Indonesian Rupiah, several ATM cards and a Bangkok Hospital card in the name of Scotsman Stewart Davidson Crown.

The wallet was returned to Mr Crown the same day.

‘Vandals’ burn beach chairs B E AC H B E D S A N D umbrellas were destroyed by fire early on Tuesday morning (January 8) on Patong Beach.

Police labelled the blaze arson, making this the third deliberate burning of beach furniture in four months.

The fire, at around 3.40 am near the Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa completely destroyed 32 beach beds and

32 umbrellas worth some B100,000.

The owners, Akom Borimat, 50, and Sumalee Borimat, 42, wept as they watched their livelihood turned into charcoal.

They said they had no enemies. They just carried on their business and had no clue why this had happened to them.

V/Gov Somkiet inspects the cleared and levelled land. the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources.

Other agencies involved include the Phuket Marine Office, the Phuket Office of Nature & Environment, and local government departments.

V/Gov Somkiet also expressed his concern about garbage being dumped in the mangroves, after seeing a large pile of garbage near the klong.

The Phuket Natural & Environment Office will be responsible for removing the garbage.

T he Vice - Gover nor

stressed that he and the team had come only to conduct a survey. The next step would be for the land to be measured.

In two months, if the case proves to be one of encroachment, the Vice Governor’s office will report it to the police, who will be urged to prosecute the “owner”.

V/Gov Somkiet added that he was able to deal only with new cases of land encroachment: in the case of houses which had stood for decades in the area, it would be up to the central government to decide what to do.

‘No more megaparties’ COMPLAI NTS A BOUT the Sydictive Element New Year Party continue to rumble on after the event, with representatives of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA) and the Thai Hotels Association Southern Chapter (THA) airing their grumbles at a meeting with Governor Maitree Intusut last Friday (January 4).

President Ponganun Su-

wannakarn and Vice-President Sarayuth Mallam represented the PTA, while Southern Chapter President Suchart Hirankanokkul represented the THA. Mr Ponganan said he told the Governor that neither association wants Sydictive or any other organisation to stage a party on the beach ever again. The two nights of Sydictive Element damaged

the tourism image of Patong, he said.

“If this kind of concert, which blocks off the beach and plays very noisy music can be set up whenever they want, bookings by tourists in Patong next year will fall, and many other bad effects will follow.”

He added that the party had left a mess after it was over.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

‘WE DON’T NEED YOU’ Karon locals slam competition from ‘Russian’ businesses Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

A

rowdy meeting on Friday (January 4) at the Karon Municipality offices condemned the business activities of Russians in the area which, local people say, are depriving them of their livelihoods.

At the meeting, chaired

by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sang­khaosutthirak, about 200300 Karon people came to the Karon municipality meeting room. Some shouted in the meeting room. Others carried placards condemning Russian business methods.

“We don’t need you! Get out! Get out!” read one placard.

“We don’t need Russian businessmen,” read another. A third read, “Brothers and sisters, we must block Russians from the tour, restaurant, massage and other businesses.”

A variety of local interests are apparently at risk: Transport: Taxi drivers in Karon are being bypassed by Russian tour businesses, which have their own transport for customers.

A taxi driver told The

Placard-waving locals make their point at the meeting in Karon Municipality.

Phuket News, “Most of us do not like Russian tour companies because they cut out Thai taxis and tuk-tuks, so we cannot make a living.”

Tour businesses: The meeting was told, “Russians rent space on the sidewalk and then sell tours without a permit to do so. Some of the people working in these outlets have work permits so that we really do not know what we can do.

“So, it is so difficult for us when the customer chooses to talk with and buy tour tickets

from a Russian tour centre.”

Massage businesses: Massage shops, too, have been hit. One owner said, “Normally, the price Thai massage shops charge is B300 an hour. But the Russian-owned shops charge B250.”

Pernjai Chaiyaka, who has a massage shop in on Kokthanode Rd, told The Phuket News, “In the past, I used to get groups of customers about 10 times a day, with five to seven customers in a group. Now I get only three groups a day.

Ambassadors discuss issues with Governor THREE NEW AMBASSAdors – Mark Kent from Britain, Philip Calvert of Canada and Joan Boer of the Netherlands – on Tuesday (January 8) visited Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut, to introduce themselves after their recent appointments to their posts.

In a relaxed meeting the Governor and the three envoys talked mainly about security and fairness for tourists and residents from their countries.

Ambassador Boer said that the price of taxis in Phuket is higher than in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. The price, he said, does not depend on the meter but on bargaining, which he said he believes is not fair for tourists.

However, Gov Maitree said that he and the Department of Transportation had tried to introduce meter taxis in Phuket but no investor was willing to try to establish such a service.

But he said he would talk with the Department again to see if a solution could be found.

The jet-ski issue was also raised, but the Governor said, “[Jet-ski operators on] six of our beaches have already been organised by the local govern-

ment.” He explained that 286 jet-ski operators around the island had been registered and each machine is now identified with a registration number “so any of them can be investigated and their guilt established”.

Ambassador Calvert said he was concerned about violence and crime. Gov Maitree expressed his concern that Phuket still lacks police manpower.

“Almost half of the police in Phuket have been transferred to other places [reducing their numbers] from 1,800 to about 1,000.

“However, yesterday I went to Bangkok to order more CCTV cameras for installa-

“Now the Russian businessmen are all around Karon, running taxi centres and restaurants.”

Faced with all these angry voices, V/Gov Somkiet urged the crowd to select a committee of about nine people to represent them. He also inspected the area on Wednesday.

No Russian business peo­ple could be reached immediately for comment, and calls to the Russian Honorary Consul’s office on Monday morning went unanswered.

However, Russian Aleksan­ der Kolesnikov, who has lived in Phuket for five years and is a Tourist Police Volunteer, said there may be some basic mis ­understandings by the pro­testors in Karon.

For example, he said, of the major “Russian” tour organisers on Phuket only one, Island of Treasure, has significant amounts of Russian ownership. Two others, Matroshka Tour and Marussia – although they employ Russian staff – are 100-per-cent Thai-owned.

Similarly, the four restau­ rants in Karon offering Russian food may appear to be Russian-owned, but only one is. Two of the others are owned

by Turkish nationals and the fourth is Thai-owned.

As for the taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, he said, their main complaint seemed to be about the large mass-tourist company Pegas, which has cars, minibuses and full tour buses carrying mostly Russian package tourists around the island.

The company is conducting business legally, he said, and is providing competition that the taxis and tuk-tuks cannot counter.

New Stoc k

tion in Phuket, which will be useful,” he added.

The three ambassadors praised the Phuket efforts to bring order to the “black plate” taxis by converting them to green plate, and were also impressed by the increasing numbers of people wearing motorbike helmet.

At the end of the meeting, Gov Maitree had rivate talks with Mr Calvert about investment in big projects in Phuket.

Gov Maitree said afterwards, “He talked to me about supporting investment from Canada for big projects, because Canada still does not have much business in Phuket.”

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Paul Wheildon.

Developer dies at 51 WELL KNOWN BRITISH property developer Paul Wheil­ don, died on Sunday (Janu­ary 6) after a lengthy fight with liver disease. He was 51.

Originally from West Yorkshire, Mr Wheildon moved to Phuket about 12 years ago, originally working with Sunsail, before setting up Reeframmer Co (Thailand) Ltd in 2003, through which he developed Soawaree Villas, a small property development of two- and three-bedroom villas in Baan Don. His cremation will take place at Wat Cherng Talay tomorrow (January 12), beg­ inning at 10:30 am. A memori­al service will also be held in his home town, Bradford, but the date for this has yet to be set.

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THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Two injured in Pattaya explosion

Adulterers attacked with slingshot A JEALOUS HUSBAND used a slingshot to pelt his cheating wife and lover with rocks after he caught them drinking together in a Sattahip park.

The incident occurred in Kromluang Choomporn park in Sattahip. At the scene, officers discovered the two victims, who were both drunk.

The female was identified as Sophee Cholsiri, age 34. She was severely injured and lying down unconscious on the ground. There were many wounds on her face and head from being shot with rocks from a slingshot.

The other victim was identified as Viroj Phufai, age 45.

Mrs Sophee’s husband, ‘Tuey’ came from his house and discovered his wife drinking with another man.

The husband beat and kicked his wife unconscious, and also beat her lover before stoning them for adultery. The avenging husband then escaped.

Rescue officers assisted the victims, who were taken to the emergency room of Queen Sirikit hospital.

Pattaya Daily News

Airport officials with the seized rhino horn at Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 7. Photo: Freeland Foundation

B43m of rhino horn seized in Thailand and Vietnam

M

ore than 27 kilos of rhino horn worth an estimated B43 million has been seized by airport officials in Thailand and Vietnam, official sources said on January 7.

A 56-year-old Vietnamese man was arrested the day

earlier at Bangkok’s main airport after six pieces of horn, weighing about 10.6 kilos, were found in his luggage, authorities said.

The same day in Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam, airport customs officers confiscated six pieces of rhino

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horn weighing some 16.5 kilos, the state-run Thanh Nien newspaper said.

In that case, a 33-year-old Vietnamese man admitted to smuggling the horn from Mozambique via Doha and Bangkok, it said.

Illegal hunting of rhinos has risen in recent years to meet surging demand for their horns in parts of Asia, in particular Vietnam where they are highly prized for their supposed medicinal qualities.

One hu nd red g rams of Rhino horn costs up to B150,000 on the black market in Vietnam.

It was unclear if there was a link between the two cases.

The suspect detained in Bangkok flew into the country from Ethiopia and was due to board a connecting flight to Hanoi but left his luggage unclaimed on a baggage carousel, said Narongrit Sookprakarn, a wildlife official at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.

He admitted to carrying the horn from Mozambique, he said.

The man is accused of bringing protected wild animal parts and prohibited goods into the country without permission. If convicted he could face four years in prison and a fine of at least B40,000. AFP

TWO DR I V ERS W ER E injured and two pick-ups were damaged after a hydrogen cylinder being carried on the back of a pick-up exploded and caught fire on Tuesday (January 8).

Just after 2.30pm Fire Rescue Units were called to Sukhumvit Road in Central Pattaya to deal with the fire which had engulfed a black Isuzu D-Max. Its driver, Somporn, aged 41, was able to escape just in time but did sustain burn injuries to his right leg.

A second vehicle, which was passing at the time of the explosion, a Toyota Hi-Lux Sport-rider, driven by Kumron aged 59, sustained minor burn damage to its right side. The driver was also slightly injured as he attempted to put out the small fire which took hold of his vehicle.

Somporn is a welder and was on his way to a job in Central Pattaya and had travelled just a short distance from his shop in North Pattaya when the valve on the hydrogen cylinder came off releasing the gas which quickly caught on fire.

Police are now questioning Somporn about the method of transporting the hydrogen cylinder which is thought to be a contributing factor towards this potentially deadly incident. Pattaya One

Thailand set to extradite hacker wanted by FBI AN ALGERIAN COMPUTER hacker wanted by the FBI for allegedly stealing millions of dollars from American banks to fund a lavish lifestyle has been arrested in Bangkok, Thai police said Monday.

Hamza Bendelladj, 24, appeared unruff led by his looming extradition to the United States as he was paraded before the media in handcuffs with a beaming smile.

“When asked what he did with the money, he said he spent it on travelling and a luxurious life like flying first class and staying in luxury places,” Immigration Police chief Phanu Kerdlabphol told reporters.

The FBI has been tracing the computer science graduate for three years, Phanu said.

“One transaction was for 10 million dollars,” he added.

Bendelladj was detained at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport on Sunday after arriving from Malaysia for a connecting flight to Cairo. AFP

10 WORLD FOCUS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Japanese trucker Toshifumi Fujimoto (right) takes pictures of rebel fighters in Aleppo’s flashpoint Saif al-Dawlah district on December 30, 2012. The stocky bearded 45-year-old, bored with his daily run from Osaka to Tokyo or Nagasaki, has become a war tourist, with his passion taking him from the dull routine of the highway to Syria. Photo: AFP/STR

Shooting the breeze

Bored Japanese trucker gets kicks from Syria war tourism

J

apanese trucker Toshifumi Fujimoto is bored with his humdrum job, a daily run from Osaka to Tokyo or Nagasaki hauling tanker loads of gasoline, water or even chocolate.

Yet while the stocky, bearded 45-year-old could spend his free time getting a jolt of adrenaline by bungeejumping or shark hunting, he puts his life on the line in a most unusual way.

He’s become a war tourist.

Fujimoto’s passion has taken him from the dull routine of the highway to Syria, where as part of his latest adventure in the Middle East’s hot spots he shoots photos and video while dodging bullets with zest.

He was in Yemen last year during demonstrations at the US embassy and in Cairo a year earlier, during the heady days that followed the ouster of longtime president Hosni Mubarak. Later this year, he

plans to hook up with the Taliban in Afghanistan.

But for the moment, he is wrapping up a week’s tour of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, which for going on six months has been one of the hottest spots in a conflict that has cost more than 60,000 lives, according to UN figures.

He already spent two weeks in the war-torn country at the end of 2011, taking advantage of a tourist visa, but this time he has entered the country clandestinely from Turkey.

Dressed in a Japanese army fatigues and armed with two cameras and a video camera – Japanese, of course – Fujimoto heads for whatever frontline he can every morning to document the ongoing destruction of Syria’s second city and one-time commercial capital.

Fujimoto, who doesn’t speak English, much less Arabic, has picked up a few

words, such as “dangerous” and “front line.”

The only way to interview him was to make use of Google Translate.

“I always go by myself, because no tour guide wants to go to the front. It’s very exciting, and the adrenaline rush is like no other.

“It’s more dangerous in Syria to be a journalist than a tourist,” he said, describing how “each morning I walk 200 metres to reach the ‘front’, and I’m right there on the firing line with soldiers of the (rebel) Free Syria Army.”

“It fascinates me, and I enjoy it,” he says, as some FSA fighters stop him in one of the Old City’s streets to have their picture taken with him.

“Most people think I’m Chinese, and they greet me in Chinese,” he smiled.

He takes his time getting his shots right, as the rebels he hangs out with shout from both sides of the street: “Run!

Run! There are snipers. Run!” But he ignores them, finishes shooting and casually walks away with photos that he will later post on his Facebook page to share with his friends.

“I’m not a target for snipers because I’m a tourist, not like you journalists,” he told a reporter. “Besides, I’m not afraid if they shoot at me or that they might kill me. I’m a combination of samurai and kamikaze.”

Fujimoto won’t even wear a helmet or a flack jacket.

“They are very heavy when it comes to running and it’s more fun to go to the front without anything. Besides, when they shoot it’s fun and exciting.”

Fujimoto said his employers don’t know he’s in Syria.

“I just told them I was going to Turkey on holiday; if I’d told them the truth, they’d tell me I’m completely crazy.”

But though some might

doubt his sanity, no one can question his financial foresight, which is rooted in the sadness of his personal life.

Fujimoto is divorced, and says “I have no family, no friends, no girlfriend. I am alone in life.”

But he does have three daughters, whom he hasn’t seen for five years, “not even on Facebook or the internet, nothing. And that saddens me deeply,” he said as he wiped away a tear.

So he’s bought a life insurance policy, and “I pray every day that, if something happens to me, my girls might collect the insurance money and be able to live comfortably.”

Fujimoto doesn’t make any money off his photography, and spent US$2,500 (B76,000) out of his own pocket for the flight to Turkey. Then there’s another US$25 (B760) a day that he pays a local resident, who puts him up in his house and gives him internet access.

45x90 |

In his week in Aleppo, he has covered all the battle fronts – in the districts of Amariya, Salaheddin, Saif al-Dawla, Izaa – and though he’s shared many of the images he’s captured, one of them has stuck in his mind.

He opened a file on his laptop to show the partly decomposed body of a sevenyear-old girl in Saif al-Dawla, gunned down by a sniper, which has lain unclaimed for months.

One wonders if any of his daughters could be the same age, but there was no way to pry more out of him, as he wept every time they were brought up.

“I love children, but Syria is no place for them. A bomb can snuff out their lives at any moment,” he said, as some FSA fighters asked him to join them in Saleheddin and he ambled off down the street toward the sound of fighting.

AFP

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Bkk Airways and Emirates boost flights BANGKOK AIRWAYS IS to double its Bangkok-Krabi service to twice a day from March 31 and increase its Bangkok-Mandalay service from three flights a week to four, starting September 16.

Flights will also be added to the Bangkok-Trat (three a day) and Bangkok-Malé (five a week) also from March 31.

Additional frequencies will be added to flights between Samui and Phuket during the summer, the airline said, without giving details.

T he a i rl i ne r e ce nt ly launched a direct service from Bangkok to Vientiane and an additional service between Hong Kong and Samui.

Emirates, meanwhile, is preparing to launch a fifth daily non-stop service between Dubai and Bangkok.

From March 31 the Dubaibased airline Emirates will operate 35 flights a week between Dubai and Bangkok, plus a daily Airbus A380 service between Bangkok and Hong Kong, and a daily flight between Bangkok and Sydney.

These services, along with the Phuket flights, will take the number of weekly Emirates departures from Thailand to 56.

BUSINESS NEWS 11

from Mixed news for Thailand B2tn tourism year, in international surveys next says TAT Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

I

t’s the time of year for surveys, and Thailand, as usual, scores well in some and really badly in others.

In a list published by Forbes magazine in combination with Master Card, Bangkok was rated the third most popular city in the world to visit, beaten only by London and Paris.

According to the magazine, Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) on the Chao Phraya River is among the world’s most famous sights and, for visitors, is the symbol of the city. It said the temple attracted around 12.2 million travellers last year.

Master Card has also named London as the city that received the highest tourist income.

The city is estimated to have welcomed 16.9 million tourists last year, pouring around US$21 billion (B630 billion) into London’s economy.

The magazine ranks Istanbul as the fastest growing destination. It jumped to

Wat Arun is Bangkok’s most famous tourist site, according to a list recently published by Forbes magazine. number five on the list, just behind Singapore, which ranked fourth.

Meanwhile, InternationalLiving.com has placed

Thailand ninth in its list of the Best Places for North Americans to retire.

It was, however, beaten

by Malaysia, which came in

third place, behind Ecuador and Panama.

In Thailand’s favor were such important facets as a warm climate, hospitable culture and low cost of living.

Thailand did not, however, feature in the World’s Best Ethical Destinations 2013, a list compiled by Ethical Traveler magazine.

The magazine ranks countries according to their record on environmental protection, social welfare and human rights. The list names the top 10, but puts them in alphabetical order only. Some of this year’s winners are rather surprising: Argentina, The Bahamas, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Latvia, Mauritius, Palau, Serbia and Uruguay.

A clue as to why Thailand did not make this list may be gleaned from Illicit Financial Flows from Developing Countries: 2001-2010, a report by Global Financial Integrity released in December, which placed Thailand 13th in terms of financial crime, corruption and tax evasion. China came top for its larger than life achievements in these spheres.

THE TOURISM AUTHORITY of Thailand (TAT) is expecting to see at least B2 trillion revenue from tourism industry in 2013 – roughly equivalent to 18 per cent of gross domestic product.

The TAT has launched a mobile campaign to further boost the domestic tourism industry. The campaign focuses on visiting famous temples in 19 central and upper south provinces.

After launching a templevisiting caravan tour, TAT Governor Surapol Svetasreni said he expected to see tourism revenue of B2 trillion this year, believing the campaign would help the country reach the goal.

The caravan comprised 37 buses, with over 1,200 people joining the tour programme.

The programme offers 10 different routes into central and upper southern Thailand, including the provinces of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan or Nonthaburi and Ang Thong.

Travelers can either overnight or just take a day trip.

NNT

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

RIVALRY IN THE AIR Russians, Japanese and Chinese take on Boeing and Airbus Alastair Carthew Up In The Air

T

he Russians, Japanese and now Chinese are set to take on aviation giants Boeing and Airbus with new home-grown commercial regional jet airliners capable of landing loads of tourists at Phuket airport.

The dominance of USbased Boeing and Europe’s Airbus in the single-aisle, mid-range aircraft market is about to be severely challenged, particularly by the new Chinese and Japanese airliners due to be launched in the next two years.

These new aircraft are designed to compete against Boeing’s B737 – one of the great workhorses in aviation – and the Airbus A320.

First is the Japanese-made 92-passenger MRJ70, which is scheduled to make its first flight this year. Then next year the 168-seat, all-economy-class configuration Chinese-built COMAC C919 will make its maiden flight, with deliveries scheduled for 2016.

Russia, which has a long history of building aircraft, already has its Sukhoi Superjet 100 in service, touted as the cornerstone of the country’s commercial aviation future.

Its reputation was tarnished this year, however, when a prototype crashed while performing a demonstration over Indonesia, killing 45 people.

All of these aircraft are socalled narrow-bodied [single aisle] jets with takeoff and landing requirements that Phuket International Airport’s 3,000-metre runway can easily accommodate.

They are tailormade for the package tourism out of Russia, China and Japan that Phuket is seeing in increasing numbers.

While the COMAC C919 will have CFM International engines, made by a US-French joint venture, much of the rest of the aircraft will be built at various locations in China.

The MRJ is built by Japanese industrial giant Mitsubishi but it, too, is expected to use engines built elsewhere, in this case by Pratt and Whitney.

China and Japan are determined that the majority of their

The MRJ70, made in Japan by Mitsubishi, is scheduled to make its first flight this year. airlines’ new aircraft should be locally made, and the two countries’ airline seem to be falling in line.

At the recent China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition in Xuhai, 50 orders for the COMAC C919 were placed, with local airlines Joy Air and Hebei Aviation Group the main buyers. Western airlines such as Ireland’s Ryanair and British Airways also expressed interest.

In Japan, All Nippon Airways is the first MRJ90 customer, with an order of 15.

This is not a big order; five years ago ANA was the lead customer for the Boeing 787 “Dreamliner” with a massive order of 50. These are now entering service with the airline.

However, at this year’s Farnborough Airshow SkyWest Airlines, a North American regional carrier, agreed to buy 100 MRJ90s.

Some aircraft of the future are unlikely to be seen at Phuket airport anytime soon.

One of these is the Scramjet, a hypersonic long-haul aircraft capable of speeds up to 7,200

kmh, allowing it to fly from New York to London in an hour (the Concorde took 3.5 hours).

Scramjets are “airbreathing” aircraft; rather than using aviation fuel they carry hydrogen and “pull” oxygen needed to burn it from the atmosphere.

Air is forced into the front of the engine and as hydrogen is injected into the airstream, the gases are compressed, causing the temperature to rise and ignition to occur.

Other way-out-there aviation ideas include glider airliners, which would be slower than

conventional aircraft, but use an eighth of the fuel, making them more environmentally friendly. High speed blimps already exist in the form of the Ohio Airships Dynalifter, a hybrid balloon-aircraft with wings that contribute to lift and control as speed is achieved.

Flying boats went out of fashion as commercial airliners long ago, but with congestion at airports increasing are gaining renewed interest. New technology may allow better entry and exit, more controlled approach and landing – and rust proof materials.

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, are already with us in the form of deadly drones used by the military. Larger versions could feasibly be used for cargo; safety concerns would probably rule them out in the near term for use as passenger aircraft.

Alastair Carthew is a Phuket-based journalist and public relations professional with extensive experience in the aviation industry. Email: carthewa@gmail.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY/BUSINESS NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

GOING NORTH

Thailand no longer top rice exporter Sansiri heading for Mai Khao for next development

THAILAND LOST ITS STAtus as the world’s top rice exporter last year as a result of the controversial rice pledging scheme, being overtaken

by India and Vietnam, an industry group said last Friday (January 4).

Thailand exported 6.9 million tonnes of rice last year, falling well behind India which shipped 9.5 million tonnes and Vietnam which sold 7.8 million tonnes overseas, according to the Thai Rice Exporters Association.

Thai exports slumped 35 per cent from the 2011 level of about 10.6 million tonnes, based on the group’s figures.

“We had been the champion since 1980, for 31 years, but we lost the top spot in 2012,” said the group’s honorary president, Chookiat Ophaswongse.

He said the figures from the rival exporters were based on data from Vietnam’s rice industry and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s policy, applied more than a year ago, to allow rice farmers to mortgage future crops for 50 per cent more than the market price – while popular with the rural poor – has hit the competitiveness of Thai exports.

“Now Thai rice is US$130150 a ton (B3,900 to B4,500) more expensive than our competitors. That’s why our exports have fallen, because no customer can buy from us,” said Chookiat.

“Exporters should change their jobs because they can’t survive,” he said. “Rice has become a political issue now.”

The kingdom produces an average of about 20 million tonnes of the grain a year, about half of which was sold overseas in the past.

Chookiat estimated that Thailand now has about 12-13 million tonnes of rice in storage and predicted that by the third quarter of 2013 this rice mountain will have grown to about 20 million tonnes.

While the scheme is putting strains on Thailand’s government finances, it has been welcomed by many farmers, whose support helped sweep Ms Yingluck to a landslide election victory last year.

The government has said it is confident that it can find buyers for its rice on world markets at a price that will raise the living standards of its farmers. It says it has signed deals to sell rice direct to other countries in government-togovernment deals. AFP

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

T

he SET-listed Thai property developer Sansiri Plc confirmed on Tuesday (January 8) that it has bought more land in Phuket for condo development, this time at Mai Khao, in the north of the island – the last frontier for west-facing beachfront development.

This time the company is going up-market from its firsthome buyer market with units that should attract wealthier Thais and foreigners.

The 13.5 rai of beachfront land will be the site of the Baan Mai Khao condominium project project, which will be launched early in March.

A spokesperson for Sansiri told The Phuket News, “The project value is B2.7 billion. It is a beachfront low-rise condominium with units starting at B7.8 million.”

The Bangkok Post commented that the company is on a roll, and has set its sights on revenue growth of 30 per cent in 2013, to reach B36

Sansiri CEO Srettha Thavisin: Provincial markets responsible for the company’s success. billion this year, boosted by a strong backlog.

Sansiri ended 2012 with its sales of B42.1 billion, its highest yet, more than double its 2011 sales, and outstripping its B40-billion target.

The company last year

Expiry of licence grounds Kingfisher KINGFISHER, THE INDIan low-cost airline that managed somehow to keep flying despite multiple problems, most to do with its finances being badly overstretched, has finally crash-landed.

The airline has advised passengers that all future bookings have been suspended until further notice after the carrier’s flying licence was revoked for failing to renew it before its expiration.

India’s Civil Aviation Directorate-General chief Arun Mishra said Kingfisher was advised by aviation regulators that its permit had “lapsed” for failing to provide “additional details” to a revival plan for its suffering financial situation,

The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Despite being warned to renew its licence before expiry on December 31 last year, the airline has continued to assure passengers in an online statement that it is “confident” it will be granted approval of its restart plan and receive license approval.

Kingfisher was at one time India’s second-largest airline but now reportedly owes millions of dollars to banks, airports, fuel companies and staff.

Late last year the carrier’s dwindling financial situation reportedly led to its eviction from Mumbai International Airport for failing to pay its rent. E-Travel Blackboard

launched 52 projects worth B57 billion across the country and in all segments of the market, including condos, single homes, home offices and shophouses.

“The outstanding sales performance was mainly thanks to

the company’s strategic plans to penetrate provincial markets such as Hua Hin, where the company is the condominium leader,” said managing director Srettha Thavisin.

In 2012, the company launched 24 provincial proj-

ects worth B21 billion, nine of which were in Hua Hin, eight in Phuket, two in Chiang Mai, three in Khao Yai, one in Pattaya and another in Khon Kaen.

Sales from provincial markets rose to 40 per cent overall, besting a 15 per cent target set in early 2012.

“Our developments in the provincial market were overwhelmed by the response last year, allowing the company to close sales rapidly and continuously,” said Mr Srettha. “We expect sales from provincial markets to continue growing.”

He attributed the historic sales growth to a sophisticated precast factory that opened last March. The B600-million plant in Pathum Thani province has a monthly capacity of 150 houses, helping speed delivery.

“We expect to achieve revenue as projected, as Sansiri has a presale backlog worth up to B53 billion over the next three years, 50 per cent of which is likely to be realised this year,” said Mr Srettha.

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14 OPINION

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Gerry’s View

Editorial

Comrades in arms

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DANCING ON THE BEACH Some people like lying on the beach, others like to take in a book while lying on a rented sunbed, while others prefer to swim when they go to Patong Beach. This lovely young lady had found a good way of not only attracting attention from onlookers walking by, but getting a full upper body workout as she swirled her batons around in a most dizzying fashion. Whatever your entertainment on the beach, it sure beats walking along snow and ice covered sidewalks in the climes most of the beach goers seem to come from. Gerry Cummings

If you have a Phuket photo to share, email it with a caption to editor@thephuketnews.com

he stories this week about the conflict between Russians and other members of the community has raised many interesting points about living in Phuket.

A rowdy meeting last Friday afternoon at the Karon Municipality offices condemned the business activities of Russian businessmen, while the late night incident at Catch Beach Club shocked many.

But whether the Phuket – Thai and expatriate alike – community likes it or not, the Russians are here to stay, adding another ingredient to the melting pot of cultures that make up our island.

Russians travelling abroad in large numbers is a relatively new phenomenon, and they have only starting arriving in Phuket in force over recent years.

Like everyone else, they have their own culture and quirks, though, unlike many Westerners, they often have limited English ability and as such aren’t integrating as quickly into the community.

There’s also the fact that many people don’t like change, and sometimes new and unfa-

Comments, Facebook & Twitter Supporting Thai people first [Re: People slam Russian businesses] We’ve been regular visitors to Phuket from Australia for a quite a few years, and will continue to support local Thai people and their businesses.

It’s sad to see that people from other countries are trying to take away the Thai people’s source of income. We’ll always buy, eat or get our services from the local Thai people when we are there!

Aussie85

Delighting in the past [Re. Back in time: A visit to Phuket in 1976] What a delightful story, and how wonderful these people sound.

I wonder what the temples were like in Phuket back then – anything but like Wat Chalong I would imagine: crawling with tourists clicking away and posing, and sporting inappropri-

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

ate gear.

Once again I have to say, the times they are a changing.

Janzi Zen

Be safe on Phangan [Re: Koh Phangan: ‘Don’t go if you value your life’]

Thailand now holds the current record for the percentage of homicides with firearms, doubling the deaths in the US. That’s quite a feat!

Dave Williams

My advice is always be on your guard, do not get wasted and get on a speedboat back to Samui at 3am.

It’s always been like this, violence ramps up the earlier the party goes.

Under no circumstances go to the backyard after party. Someone I know got a large bottle over his head just for stepping in and breaking up a fight.

He was a big guy and thought he was doing the right thing. The brain nearly spilled as he was rushed to hospital in Samui.

He nearly died.

Khun Karl II

Not pi in the sky

Drive for the truth

[Re: Film Review: Life of Pi]

[Re: Nine die during Seven Days of Danger]

You gotta have faith [Re: Honest man returns wallet] Well done. Restores my faith in the world.

Well, Chalong anyway.

Warren

Unwanted record [Re: Man shot dead at NYE party]

An amazing review, beautifully written.

Reid

No speeding? No reckless driving?

No following too closely?

Really no moving violations are what kill people.

I’ve been here three years and don’t recall a driver ever being pulled over for any reason.

Jim

miliar things can be seen as a threat, such as in the case of many people’s attitudes towards the new arrivals.

Chances are you’ve heard of Thais and foreigners bagging Russians and their way of going about things, or perhaps you’ve even criticised them yourself.

This is unfair and unjustified.

While some of them might be up to no good, the large majority are just like all the other expats here – they’ve spotted something special in Phuket and have come to make it their home.

It’s quite likely that Phuket’s Thai people had the same attitude when large numbers of Westerners began arriving in the mid 1990s, hoping to establish a good life here.

There might have been initial protest at the different culture, and way of life of these new arrivals, but over time they have largely been recognised as having made a valuable – both financial and cultural – contribution to the life of Phuket.

Eventually the Russians will find themselves welcomed with open arms too.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1

Akon ‘definitely not appearing’ at megaparty Dane prosecuted for false attack report

[Re: British man killed in countdown party]

2 3 4

Pretty tragic.

Unless he was shot in the heart, he probably could of been saved had anyone who was qualified showed up on the scene.

Benjamin Reed

5 6

Man shot dead at Phuket NYE party

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Speedboat driver murdered in Phuket Town

8 9 10

Phuket people slam Russian businesses

Unnecessary tragedy

Monkeying around

[Re: No feeding the fish, please] Add a ban of feeding the morbidly obese monkeys on Koh Siray, please.

Their bellies are dragging the ground!

In reality however, I don’t think anyone cares enough to enforce this.

I’d like to be wrong.

Dave Williams

Have a question about Phuket you want answered? Email editor@thephuketnews.com

Australian dies after 9th-floor leap Phuket megaparty final night a big loud hit

Bus driver flees crash that kills two motorcyclists

Film Review: Life of Pi Back in time: A visit to Phuket in 1976

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Taking a trip down ‘Amulet Alley’

A young guitarist with a bad case of the blues

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Like father, like son Jody Houton meets Vorasit and Songkran Issara, the visionary family behind Sri Panwa > 3

Photo: Aleksandr Kotin

2 ARTS

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PHUKET GALLERIES

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Creating beauty and shape Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

I like lines and form and am inspired by women’s bodies. They have beautiful lines – unique lines. I prefer doing sculptures.

Sculpture is great because it shows things in 3D and can represent my ideas and feelings in many ways

Clockwise from above: The expertly decorated VR Gallery with both beauty and shape; Mr Kriangkiat (l) and Mr Watcharin (r); Khun Poo; PR Manager of VR Gallery Sylvie Yaffe.

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huket-based abstract artist Watcharin Rodnit and sculptor Kriangkiat Thephabutra have combined forces and created the fantastic ‘Beauty & Shape’ exhibition, which runs at the VR Gallery at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale until February 1.

The theme left the definition wide open for interpretation, with Mr Watcharin deciding to display a variety of pieces that dealt with nature and animals – both in this world and out of it.

“I painted things that are pretty,” Mr Watcharin explains, “animals and trees and things.

“I used black and white to depict the animals from the outside world, and colour for the animals in this one.”

Meanwhile easy-going sculptor Mr Kriangkiat’s vision of beauty is somewhat more literal.

“I like lines and form and am inspired by women’s bodies. They have beautiful lines – unique lines.”

Despite the majority of Mr Kriangkiat works being with wood and various metals, he manages to manipulate the materials into some unmistakeably feminine shapes.

This is largely unsurprising as Mr Kriangkiat has an extensive background in interior design. He still receives regular commissions for paintings and sculptures on a whole range of subjects.

“I prefer doing sculptures. Sculpture is great because it shows things in 3D and can represent my ideas and feelings in many ways and sides.”

PR Manager of the VR Gallery Sylvie Yaffe told The Phuket News that she had been following Mr Watcharin’s work for a long time, and was pleased to display his artwork along with his colleague from the Chino Art Group, Mr Kriangkiat.

“I first went to [Mr Watcharin’s] studio in 2005 and as soon as Mom Tri opened the gallery I wanted to have him exhibit. Owning an original has always been a goal and I did buy one at the gallery.

Red Gallery

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Watcharin Art Studio “It was great to have some sculptures this time too and they completely transformed the gallery like magic. I would suggest for everyone to come see this show.”

For more information, visit villaroyalephuket.com

27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town 088 386 1449 watcharintinorodnit @hotmail.com rindamagicalart.com

Louvre cements spot as world’s most-visited museum

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he Louvre has said its new Islamic art wing has helped cement its position as the world’s most-visited museum with nearly 10 million visitors in 2012, over a million more than the previous year.

The exact figures will be released in the next few month, but in the meantime the Paris museum said there was a ‘re-

markable progression in Chinese visitors, who now figure in the top three groups (of non-French visitors) alongside Americans and Brazilians’. Next came Italians and Germans, it said in a statement that noted that its website had seen more than 11 million visitors and that its Facebook page had 800,000 followers.

The museum’s new wing of Islamic art,

with about 3,000 precious works from the seventh to the 19th centuries, opened to the public in September and since then has attracted 650,000 visitors.

Costing nearly 100 million euros (B4 billion), it is funded by the French government and supported by endowments from Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Kuwait, Oman and Azerbaijan. AFP

Wua Gallery and Studio 1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town 076 258 208 wua.artgallery@gmail.com wua-artgallery.blogspot.com

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PEOPLE 3

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Keeping it in the family THE TWO OF US Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

It’s in my blood man... some get it, some don’t. I’ve learned everything from my father. I have been travelling with him to sites since I was two years old, so have learned almost everything – behind the scenes things, engaging with people... but he’s still the boss

Above: The panoramic view from the Baba Nest.

Right: Father and son team Songkran (right) and Vorasit ‘Pla Wan’ (left) Issara who head up the Charn Issara Group, responsible, among many other properties in Thailand, for Phuket’s magnificent Sri Panwa resort.

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or Charn Issara Group CEO Songkran Issara, the achievements of his 31-year-old son Vorasit can be compared to a round of golf.

“I am happy with his performance so far,” says Mr Songkran of his son, who is Managing Director of the company’s Sri Panwa resort, “but life is 18 holes, he’s only played five so far.”

As both father and son relax in the Baba Nest, the top floor of Sri Panwa’s Baba Pool Club overlooking the Andaman Sea, they look relaxed and at ease in one another’s company.

This picturesque setting is, in effect, where Mr Vorasit spends the majority of his working life. Not a bad office, all considered.

Sri Panwa has been operating for five years, and is a regular entrant on lists of the world’s finest beach resorts. With its stunning views and stylish decoration it is easy to see why.

“It was the right time and there was a right gap in the market,” says Mr Vorasit.

“It was a good location, good building, and good staff – it was just perfect timing.

“There were around 15 other projects being worked on in Phuket around that time, [so] if it had been eight months before or after, it wouldn’t have been the same.”

Sri Panwa marked the first time Mr Vorasit was fully given the reins for one of the family’s projects, the success of which he attributes to his youth, hunger and joie de vivre.

“This was our first project in Phuket and the most exciting one for me too. I was at that right age – only 23 – and had just finished studying abroad and wanted to come home.

Upon his arrival back in Thailand, it was Mr Vorasit’s original intention to be based in Bangkok and travel back and forth to

Phuket to oversee the construction and management of Sri Panwa.

However, like many before him who have visited the island intending to stay just a short time, residency sneaked up on him.

Mr Vorasit has now lived here for eight years, a period during which he has overseen the development of Sri Panwa – though he’s never stopped looking for ways to improve it.

“You know, we never really officially opened, we’re constantly expanding,” he says.

Meanwhile, his father spends most of his time in the Bangkok headquarters, which is perhaps a good thing: “I can’t be in the same office as him,” jokes Mr Vorasit.

Jesting aside, Mr Vorasit says he would not be the man he is now without his father, to whom he owes a great deal of debt for teaching him about the family trade of property, resorts, land and design.

“It’s in my blood man... some get it, some don’t. I’ve learned everything from my father.

“I have been travelling with him to sites since I was two years old, so have learned almost everything – behind the scenes things, engaging with people... but he’s still the boss.”

Then there’s that smile again.

But again he’s being deadly serious.

“I used to work at a tennis school,” begins Mr Songkran, “and I realised success is not all genetic. The competitive element is very important.”

“In Thailand there’s not the same level or expectation of competition like there is in America.”

Sitting with the father and son team however, it is quite clear that they are not in competition. They are team mates, allies, and more importantly family.

For the Issaras, it has been this way for generations.

Although Mr Songkran’s father was in construction, oil and gas, and not property development, each successive generation has learned from the previous, even if they were unaware of it at the time.

“My father was in a very different type of business, with a vastly different background. But because of his hard work, he gave me a better chance and I went to study in America,” explains Mr Songkran.

“When I came back from the United States, I thought I’d learned it all, but I realised when I started working with him that I hadn’t. From him I learned the fighting spirit.”

It is the same spirit that has been passed on to Mr Vorasit, the family connection that binds in spite of their differences.

“With decision making I am very slow and take my time, but he is impulsive,” says Mr Songkran of his son. “We have a different style of doing business, sure – but the results are the same.”

4 EDUCATION

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FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

Teaching the teachers Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com

I don’t really get strange questions. Most people want answers to the same questions: Will I find work in Thailand?

Will I find work without a degree?

A

jarn.com is a Thailand-based TEFL site, best-known for its popular jobs page, but also containing a wealth of articles, blogs, features and help and advice on teaching. We speak with ‘Bangkok Phil’ Williams, the man responsible for overseeing the site for the past eight years.

Q: The site has changed significantly since it was opened as a ‘hobby site’

by Ian Mcmanara in 1999. You have run the site since 2003, what changes have you introduced?

A: Almost 100 per cent of the site content that you see today is down to changes I’ve made over the years. It’s probably not the answer you want but the simple answer would be – everything.

Q: What are the most popular sections of the site?

A: The vast majority of traffic goes to the jobs page of course, but apart from that the most popular sections are the blogs and the cost of living section. People love to know what other people spend and have a glimpse at their respective lifestyles, as it were.

Q: Have you found that your readership has changed?

A: Difficult to say unless you can actively gather data on visitor’s ages and so on (which we don’t do). I would hazard a guess thought that the demographic hasn’t changed a great deal, but there are probably a higher percentage of guys in their 20s.

Mostly people just want some sort of reassurance. I don’t answer questions where the answer can already be found on the site because I just don’t have the time I’m afraid. I encourage readers to take their time and look around the site.

Ajarn.com has an awful lot of information but one needs to spend the time looking for it.

Q: Where are your readers typically from?

A: Roughly 85-90 per cent of the traffic comes from Thailand and the remaining 10 per cent are from all over the world, with readers from The Philippines, US and UK making up the bulk.

Q: What is the strangest question you have been asked?

A: I don’t really get strange questions.

Most people want answers to the same old questions: Will I find work in Thailand? Will I find work without a degree? And so on.

Q: What are your future plans for Ajarn.com?

A: To continue doing what it does now I guess. People recognise it as the number one TEFL site in Thailand and I don’t think there’s any need to tinker with a winning formula.

TOP OF HIS CLASS A proud Phattara Jaruariyanon, who achieved Top in Thailand for International Mathematics. He is pictured here at the IGCSE class 2011-12 Awards Ceremony held at British International School, Phuket.

HEALTH 5

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Revealed: secrets of ancient Chinese medicinal herb

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Find your inner warrior Kim White editor@thephuketnews.com

The warrior pose battles inner weakness and wins focus. You see that there is no war within you. You’re on your own side, and you are your own strength –Terri Guillemets

Kim White is the owner of Sala Suddhavasa, an internal arts centre in Rawai offering private and group sessions in taiji, yoga and meditation: 086 276 9174, info@suddhavasa.com; suddhavasa.com The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

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ello again and welcome to balance number four in our leg balance series and what a great one to focus on as we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013.

Virabhadrasana III is also known as the warrior three asana.

There are three variations of the warrior pose, and each is as strong and powerful as their namesake, Virabhadra, who had a thousand heads, a thousand eyes, a thousand feet and wore tiger skin (I would imagine he was a also quite a handsome chap… not).

Hindu mythology states that he was born from a lock of Shiva’s hair and was commanded to lead Lord Shiva’s army. Shiva sent Virabhadra to appease the death of Lord Shiva’s consort Sati (who had died fighting for Shiva’s honor), destroy disrespectful worshippers and instill harmony once again.

I find that students usually get the gist of the powerful virabhadrasana pose once I have relayed the tale of the powerful Virabhadra.

The physical strength that you gain from this posture is predominately focused on the legs and ankles but I also think that the transference of body weight in this posture is important.

It allows you to feel more comfortable in your body and teaches you how to move your body mass skillfully, which is one of the factors that can save you from taking serious falls.

I have mentioned the centre axis in the body a few times over the last few months and again it is one of the key focal points when practicing warrior three.

So I will repeat my explanation again: Keep your middle axis point or vertical axis point, in mind. This is the point that runs from the top of the head through the centre of the body and between the legs. You will find that your balance wobbles will reduce, if you can keep strong awareness of your centre line.

The benefits of virabhadrasana include strengthening the ankles and legs; strengthening the shoulders and the muscles on the back; toning the abs; and improving balance and posture.

Here are the steps to becoming your own wrathful one leg balancing warrior: Start with your right foot pointing straight ahead inhale and rise your hands above your head. Exhale and lean your torso forward and put a bend in your right knee, being sure to keep the knee from going over

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the ankle.

Keep your eyes on a fixed position and transfer your weight onto your right foot, leaning your body and outstretched arms over your right leg, allowing the left foot to lift off of the floor (see photo one).

As you feel more comfortable with the posture and your balance start to straighten the right leg and lean further forward. If you are feeling a little unstable you can use a chair to stabilise your balance (see photo two).

Your aim is to have your torso parallel with the floor, your leg straight and a steady hold maintained with steady breath for about 30 seconds to 1 minute (see photo three).

Keep a steady breath cycle whilst holding the balance. Repeat on the left.

Happy stretching in 2013!

Metta, Kim

cientist in the United States have offered a molecular-level explanation for how a Chinese herbal medicine used for more than 2,000 years tackles fever and eases malaria.

The herb is an extract of the root of a flowering plant called blue evergreen hydrangea, known in Chinese as chang shan.

Chang shan’s use dates back to the Han dynasty of 206 BC to 220 AD, according to ancient documents recording Chinese oral traditions.

In 2009, researchers made insights into its active ingredient, febrifuginone, which can be pharmaceutically made as a molecule called halofuginone.

They found that halofuginone prevented production of rogue Th17 immune cells which attack healthy cells, causing inf lammation that leads to fever.

As for malaria, halofuginone appears to interfere with the same protein-assembly process that enables malaria parasites to live in the blood.

“Our new results solved a mystery that has puzzled people about the mechanism that has been used to treat fever from a malaria infection going back probably 2,000 years or more,” said Paul Schimmel, who headed the scientific team at the Scripps Research Institute in California. AFP

6 ENVIRONMENT

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FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

This photo taken on December 23, 2012 shows former Thai “scavenger” Peerathorn Seniwong selecting used water bottles at his shop in Bangkok. By selling to the recycling plants in bulk, a cooperative created by Peerathorn gets a better rate than individual scavengers would manage on their own. Profits are then paid back in dividends and other benefits to its members such as life insurance, interest rates from its “rubbish bank” and help paying medical fees. Photo: AFP/Pornchai Kittiwongsakul

Thai ‘scavengers club’ turns trash to treasure

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hai grandmother Nom Promon rummages through rubbish bins looking for bottles, cans and paper to trade for food and other goods at a recycling cooperative providing a lifeline for Bangkok’s poor.

Riding an old motorcycle with a rubbish cart attached, the 61-year-old and her husband Rai rise early to beat rival scavengers to claim the best of the city’s recyclable trash, which they take to a cash-free ‘zero baht shop’.

The couple have combed bins for decades, but their earnings of less than B300 per day are not always enough to live on, so they turned to the cooperative.

“When we’re starving, we can find rubbish to exchange for rice to eat, detergent, soap and everything,” said Nom, who also has grandchildren to raise and feed.

By selling to the recycling plants in bulk, the cooperative gets a better rate than individual scavengers would manage on their own.

Profits are then paid back in dividends and other benefits to its members such as life insurance, interest rates from its ‘rubbish bank’ and help paying medical fees.

It is the brainchild of former scavenger Peerathorn Seniwong and his wife Buarin.

“We thought of how we could help the poor – then we thought of rubbish – at least every house must have rubbish,” said Peerathorn, 45.

The scheme’s 800 members include 35 households of scavengers along with other local people who heard about the shop in an area of eastern Bangkok and now bring their recyclables to trade.

A former security guard and motorcycle taxi driver, Peerathorn came up with the idea after six years of living homeless under an elevated road in Bangkok.

“Sometimes we would have to buy things like fish sauce or rice on credit at shops,” said Buarin.

“But people looked down on us as we’re poor and they’d wonder whether

they would get their money back – that’s why we started our own shop.”

Fish sauce, rice, eggs, instant noodles, toothpastes and detergent are among the goods most sought by members, about 20-30 of whom visit the shop each day, Buarin added.

There are several hundred thousand scavengers in Thailand earning about B200-300 a day, according to Thailand’s Institute of Packaging and Recycling Management for Sustainable Environment, which has provided education schemes for members on issues such as hygiene and sorting rubbish.

An estimated quarter of Thailand’s 15 million tonnes of garbage of a year is recycled – largely thanks to scavengers rather than efforts by consumers to separate their waste.

The cooperative’s success is inspiring others too, with several similar cash-free shops opening up in the capital and elsewhere.

The institute hopes that 80 cash-free recycling shops will be set up across Thailand by the end of 2013.

The project is also generating interest overseas with visitors from as far afield as Singapore, Japan and Mexico coming to see how it works.

Its success reflects changing attitudes towards rubbish, said Gloyta Nathalang, communications and environment director at Tetra Pak (Thailand) Ltd, which runs the country’s only plant for recycling used beverage cartons.

“Recycling is not an alien word any more – people are aware and want to take more action. But I think what we are lacking now is the system in place,” she said.

Peerathorn is proud of what he has achieved since his years living homeless under what people used to sarcastically call his hundred million baht roof.

Rubbish collecting has provided a good way to supplement his income, he says, and allows him flexible working hours.

“It’s better to work as a scavenger because I don’t have to be anyone’s employee. Nobody tells me what to do,” he said. AFP

WEIRD WORLD 7

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THE BIG LIST Weird birthdays

Welcome to the world: it can get a little weird sometimes, and for a few newborns the weirdness starts on the first day – and maybe even before that, as with these unusual births.

Born at the wheel: Reports of women giving birth on airplanes, trains, buses and cars are not uncommon. But US woman Amanda McBride may be the only woman to have given birth while she was still driving her car. One day in 2010, Ms McBride left work early to drive to the the hospital when she suspected she was about to give birth, and picked up her husband at home on the way. But just before they got to the hospital her water broke and her husband, Joseph Phillips, took the wheel. “And then, all of a sudden, I heard this little waa-a-a-a (cry),” he said. He steered the car into the hospital parking lot as his wife gave birth to their son in the driver’s seat.

Marathon mums: Amber Miller was 39 weeks pregnant with her second child when she competed in the Chicago Marathon in 2011. Ms Miller had approval from her doctor to run half the race and walk the other half, and her contractions started a few minutes after she finished the race with a time of a little over six hours, although she beat the time of her husband, who stayed near her side throughout.

Ms Miller’s daughter June was born that night.

Another American mum-to-be, Susie Weber, 41, rode a bicycle for more than a mile to the hospital before giving birth a few hours later.

Strange ceremonies: An old Irish tradition stipulates that spitting on a newborn baby will ensure its happiness, while in parts of Africa and the West Indies, a newborn’s umbilical cord is buried and a tree planted over it. A common tradition on the Indonesian island of Bali that a newborn baby’s feet must not touch the ground for the first 105 days – instead the are held aloft continuously by their mothers and other family. At a shrine in India’s Maharashtra state, newborn babies are thrown from top of a high wall to temple followers waiting to catch them in a spread blanket. The ritual is supposed to bless the child with good luck, on the reasoning that it is unlikely to ever have worse luck than being thrown off a building.

Biggest babies: The world record for delivering the heaviest human baby is held by Carmelina Fedele of Aversa in Italy, who gave birth to a bouncing 22lb 8 oz (10.2 kg) boy in September 1955. More recently, an unnamed baby boy born in Indonesia in September 2009 weighed in at 19lb 3 oz (8.7 kg) and was more than 60 cm “tall” at birth. News reports said his mother was diabetic, and diabetics tend to give birth to larger babies. The largest babies in the animal kingdom are those of the blue whale, which typically weigh more than two tonnes and are about seven metres long.

Competitive childbirth: In 1926, eccentric Canadian lawyer Charles Vance Miller died and left part of his fortune to the Toronto women who would give birth to the highest number of legitimate children within ten years of his death. The competition became known in the city as the “Great Stork Derby” – after the tale that newborn babies are delivered by storks – and in 1936, four women won C$125,000 each for giving birth to nine children apiece. Two competitors who’d each had 10 babies were disqualified in a court case, including one who had five sets of twins, but with a man who was not her husband.

Hello, baby! Need a hand?

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his picture of a not-yet-born baby reaching out from her mother’s womb to grasp a doctor’s hand has gone viral on the internet – after the proud family posted it to Facebook.

The infant, Neaveh Atkins, was born by cesarean section in the US city of Phoenix in October. Her first name is “heaven” spelled backwards.

Neaveh’s father Randy, a professional photographer, was in the delivery room beside his wife Alicia and the medical team performing the surgery.

“The doctor called me over and said, ‘Hey, she’s grabbing my finger.’ So I ran over there and just grabbed the shot and I was just in awe looking at it.

It was such an amazing picture,” Mr Atkins told reporters.

He added that he was nervous about missing the fleeting moment as he hurried to snap a picture.

“It was such an amazing photo. [Hospital staff] had possibly heard of it happening but they had never seen a photo of it,” said Neveah’s mother Alicia.

The picture is only emerging now because the Atkins kept it under wraps for weeks.

At first the couple had planned only to share the photo with family and friends, but since they posted it publicly on Facebook a week ago it has had tens of thousands of views and likes.

Not-yet-born Neaveh Atkins reaches out from the womb during her mother’s c-section to grasp the doctor’s finger.

“We didn’t think we were going to get such positive feedback. We thought we would get more negative ‘that’s disgusting...’” Alicia said. “[Instead] everybody just thought it was the best thing in the world.”

Facial hair transplants offer a ‘tache of class

M

oustache transplants are gaining popularity in parts of the Middle East where a well-furred upper lip is seen as a symbol of authority and dignity.

“For some men who look young and junior, they think (a moustache) is a must to look senior ... more professional and wise,” Turkish plastic surgeon Selahattin Tulunay told CNN. “They think it is prestigious.”

Dr Tulunay performs 50 to 60 moustache implants per month on his patients, who are mostly Middle Eastern men aged between 30 and 50 who travelled to Turkey as medical tourists.

The outpatient procedure, formally known as follicular unit extraction, costs about US$7,000

You, too, could look as good as this man. Photo: Keith Haubrich (B210,000).

It involves removing hair follicles from areas of the body with dense hair growth and implanting them where they are wanted, to fill in the patient’s moustache or beard.

Dr Tulunay said that patients often requested moustache

styles worn by celebrities or historical figures: the Turkish singer and actor Ibrahim Tatlises is a current favourite.

The popularity of moustaches in the Middle East is said to date from the time of the Ottoman Empire, when the prestigious Janissary soldiers were ordered to grow moustaches and not beards, to set them apart from civilians who followed the Muslim tradition of shaving the moustache but not the beard.

And there have been recent examples of the moustache playing a role in power politics: a few years ago the Jerusalem Post reported that militants in Gaza had abducted a Fatah rival and shaved his moustache

UFO sighting startles Thai school students

T

he Thai online community is buzzing about an alleged photo of a UFO that was taken by a high-school student on Christmas Day. On December 25, Sawang Dindaeng School in Sakon Nakhon organised a variety of outdoor activities to celebrate its Sports Day. One of the participants, Thidarat Boonlee, decided to take a photo to commemorate the occasion.

At 2pm, she used her cellphone to take a snapshot of her friends, who were seated on the grandstand opposite.

In addition to her friends, the high-schooler found that she had snapped a photo of a flying saucer.

Incredulous about her find, Thidarat attempted to take a second photo of the coconut tree behind which the UFO had appeared, but the saucer failed to make a second appearance.

This unidentified object was sighted in Sakon Nakhon on Christmas Day. Weerayos Yuttarin, an English teacher at the school, said that Thidarat was a well-behaved student who was unlikely to fabricate the story.

“I heard many teachers talking about their UFO experience on the same day, but I did not believe since there was no concrete evidence,” said Weerayos.

Weerayos added that behind

the row of coconut trees were townhouses that should not have a height of more than three stories.

Curiously, today’s alien visitors to earth appear to have reverted to vintage spacecraft: the UFO looks uncannily like the flying saucer in the famous Adamski photograph taken in California in the 1950s – later revealed to be a truck hubcap.

Coconuts Bangkok

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

Cosy cafe serves up tasty treats The upstairs of the cafe is particularly impressive – a large open plan area, with sun streaming in through the windows and vintage second-hand furniture – it could make for a perfect place for families to while away the afternoon

Left to right, owner Tanyalak “Eyu” Pirrera; one of her delicious desserts.

P

huket mother Tanyalak “Eyu” Pirrera established her self-titled cafe “Pirrera” two years ago in the Old Town, after developing a passion for baking.

Located on the corner of Dibuk Rd and Yaowarat Rd, opposite the Lock Tien food court, the two-storey cafe is an impressive sight, built in the Sino-Portuguese style synonymous with the area.

“I have always loved to bake cakes ever since I was young, so I enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School in Bangkok,” says Mrs Tanyalak.

“I studied for a diploma in patisserie and baking, and I came to really like the cafes and bars in Bangkok – they were my inspiration for my first cafe,” Mrs Tanyalak said.

She simultaneously raised her children and operated a cafe out of her house, somehow finding time to also deliver her baked goods to friends and customers around the island.

When her children grew up, she realised this was the time to finally open her own standalone cafe – a lifelong dream.

“I have lived in Phuket for more than 18 years. I often walked past this building and saw no-one here. Finally, I met

the person who owned it, and he let me rent it from him.”

Realising the potential of the unique building, Mrs Tanyalak entirely refurbished the inside of the shophouse, which used to be a jewellery store during Phuket’s heady tin mining days.

Since then, however, it had been empty. Mrs Tanyalak was the first person to rent it. “It was very broken inside and there was no electricity. I rebuilt it from my heart.”

The upstairs of the cafe is particularly impressive – a

large open plan area, with sun streaming in through the windows and vintage second-hand furniture.

It could make for a perfect place for families to while away the afternoon – children content playing with their toys in the corner, while mum and dad relax with an iced latte.

The menu is a mixture of Thai and Western food. Massaman (B130) and green curries (B150) are recommended, while there is also a breakfast menu starting from just B70.

Salads range from B150 to

B180, and there are also toasted sandwiches (a rare find in the Old Town) starting at B115.

Because of Mrs Tanyalak’s passion for baking, desserts feature strongly on the menu.

Try her signature lava cake with icecream for B160 – it’s simply amazing. Or instead perhaps order the scone with cream (B115) or a splendid sticky date pudding for B139.

Pirrera Cafe/Bar, 39/1 Dibuk Rd, Phuket Town. Open Tue-Sun 10am to 10pm. Free WiFi. 085 782 4406. facebook. com/PirreraCafeBar

Hot chocolate tastes better in orange cup

E

uropean scientists say they have found further evidence that how you serve food and drink matters hugely in the perception of taste.

Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Valencia and the University of Oxford recruited 57 volunteers and asked them to taste hot chocolate served in plastic cups with four different colours – white, cream, red and orange with white on the inside. The chocolate was the same in all the samples, but the volunteers found that the flavour was better when the drink was served in the orange or cream-coloured cups.

“The colour of the container where food and drink are served can enhance some attributes like taste and aroma,” Betina PiquerasFiszman of the Polytechnic University of Valencia said in a press release. The findings could be beneficial to chefs and food manufacturers, Piqueras-Fiszman added.

Previous research has found that yellow containers boost the perception of flavour of lemons in soft drinks; beverages with cold colours, like blue, seem more thirst-quenching than warm colours like red; and if drinks are pink, they are perceived as being more sugary. AFP

Photo: André Karwath

Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 List your restaurant here: call 076 612 550 or email sales@thephuketnews.com

DINING GUIDE 9

EUROPEAN

INTERNATIONAL

ITALIAN

SEAFOOD

Bodega & Grill

Weaves Restaurant

Acqua

Trisara Seafood

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

Watch the evening sunlit ocean in the lavish and contemporary ambient atmosphere that is the Weaves restaurant. With its intimate low lit private dining, Weaves serves a variety of delectable Asian and International fusion cuisine, rich enticing desserts and tropical blended refreshments. Manathai Resort Phuket, Surin Beach, 076 270 900

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

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

Lunch 12.30pm-3pm, Dinner 7pm-10.30pm (Closed Sundays). Trisara, 076 310 100

Mom Tri’s Villa Royale

Irish Times

Art Caffè

RE KÁ TA Beach Club

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

Reservations recommended. momtriphuket .com; 076 333 568

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

The idea of Art Caffè comes from the need to have a place to stop and enjoy something different. Meet friends, exchange ideas, propose initiatives, organizing events or reflect only reading, watching and perhaps enjoying a good cup of coffee. The exhibition space is an affront to the repetitiveness of the artistic culture of the island. Naiharn-Saiyuan Road, 076 388 546

The beachfront restaurant off­ers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood.

In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach.

Open daily 6.30am-11pm; Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); info@rekataphuket.com, rekata phuket.com, 076 330 421

Tablespoon Salad & Grill

Super Natural

DaVinci

Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood

Discover newest stylish restaurant in modern vintage setting. Creative and unique salad and grill menus are served while you experience a delectable dining in romantic and intimate atmosphere with a reasonable price tag.

Open 11am-10pm. 2nd Floor, HomePro Village, Chalong; 076 383 244

Super Food deserves a Super Location. SuperNatural and more. The only waterfront restaurant in Phuket serving exciting raw vegetarian cuisine in addition to our delicious seafood, Thai and International menu. Great selection of fresh to order juices & smoothies, as well as great wines and chilled beers.

Open 365 days a year. Facebook Supernatural -Phuket, 2.5km south of Chalong Circle.

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

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

FRENCH

Gallery Cafe by Pinky

Diavolo

THAI Baan Vijitt Restaurant

Breeze Restaurant

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

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

Gallery Cafe by Pinky proudly present to you cafe food at its best. Whether you’re looking for an excellent breakfast or a quick light lunch or dinner plus an outstanding range of fine wines or cocktails. A homemade cake or freshly roasted premium coffee.

Open everyday from 8am - 10pm. Rassada Road, Phuket Town. Facebook page ‘Gallery cafe by Pinky‘. www.gallerycafe-phuket.com, 089 103 7000

Tre by DoublePool Villas

Sala Bua Restaurant

Tamarind Restaurant

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

Sit alfresco to embrace the view of Andaman Sea and enjoy an elegant dining experience, where the art of cooking is personally steered by the newly arrived Executive Chef, Hans Engerer. There are many great dishes to whet your appetite, ranging from the East to the West.

Open daily 6am to 12 midnight. Patong Beach, www.impiana.com; 076 340 138

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

JAPANESE

A half-century old Sino-Portuguese style house at The Vijitt Resort Phuket offers a unique authentic experience of Thai cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Thai Select Premium Award certifies the quality and standard of product and service here. The Vijitt Resort Phuket, Rawai; fb@vijittresort.com, 076 363 600

Talung Thai

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

10 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

A bit of a gamble

A trip to a casino with some shopping on the side

Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

There are tables between the rows, on which staff serve atombomb-strength Cambodian coffee.

Good stuff.

These places should probably carry government health warnings

A

nyone who has been in Thailand for a while knows that gambling is a) generally illegal and b) a big industry.

But for those who love to throw their money away and not get fined or locked up for it, the country is now ringed by casinos just over the border in Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, most owned by Thai investors.

One such casino is 500 metres or so from the Thai-Cambodia border crossing at Chong Chom in Surin province.

Contained in the O Smach Resort on the Cambodian side, the ca-

sino is jammed at the weekends and does a solid trade on weekdays, with 10-minute queues to get through immigration.

On the Cambodian side, motorbike taxis and pickups wait to take gamblers to the casino.

Guards at the door of the O Smach casino take away cameras and there’s a metal detector to spot those carrying arms, and then it’s through rows of slot machines all pinging and jingling away and into the main hall full of tables. Baccarat, Roulette, Big Six (for real simpletons who want to lose money).

The tables are like those you’ll see in any James Bond movie, and the croupiers and dealers have all the Monte Carlo mannerisms, but the players are rather less glamorous. It’s all a bit of a let-down really.

For those with no interest in losing money, a better place to head for is the market, another 500 metres from the casino.

It’s well organised, solidly built, and has one truly unique feature: movie cafés.

In these cafés all the seats face in one direction. Up front are big-screen TVs showing mostly Hollywood movies, dubbed into Khmer. There are tables between the rows, on which staff serve

atom-bomb-strength Cambodian coffee. Good stuff.

These places should probably carry government health warnings (maybe they do, in Khmer) something along the lines of “Caution: Watching a movie in this establishment may severely disrupt sleep patterns for several weeks.”

The market is quiet during the week, and even at weekends it’s not as busy as it used to be, says a young man in a shop specialis-

ing in wedding gowns covered in sequins and other shiny stuff.

The problem is that whereas Thais used to go shopping on the Cambodian side, there is now a sprawling Khmer market on the Thai side, so shoppers no longer bother to cross over.

Here you can buy everything from vegetables and flowers to toys, knives, dried deer meat and aromatic fire-starters. There’s something for everyone.

Except for a casino.

Top left: Atombomb-strength coffee and Hollywood movies dubbed into Khmer in the O Smach market.

Top right, the quiet and well-ordered O Smach market, which is dying as buyers instead explore the delights of the boisterous Khmer market across the border in Chong Chom, where you can even get a new head of hair (above).

EXPLORE 11

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

A trip down ‘Amulet Alley’ JAMIE’S PHUKET Jamie Monk editor@thephuketnews.com

I’ve used Amulet Alley (it suitably sounds like something out of a Harry Potter novel) as a short cut from Phang Nga Road to Rassada Road often enough, but you might never have noticed it

Read the full version at Jamie’s Phuket Blog (jamie-monk.blogspot. com). Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon, 084 626 4646, sunrise-divers.com

N

ow here’s an interesting local place that I have meant to write about for ages.

Phuket Town is the place to look for local life, history and culture, though much of Phuket Town was only built after 1900 and then thrived on the tin and rubber booms.

Before that, Phuket was much more rural, and the main town was Thalang in the centre of the island. Famously, way back in 1785 the people of Thalang battled against a Burmese invasion.

These days, Phuket Town (officially called Phuket City) is the centre of government and business. The old centre of town still features a lot of old buildings and businesses that have been in the same family for generations. There’s a lot of content on my blog about Phuket Town.

There always seems to be something new to find here. I was amazed a few years ago to discover the Shrine of the Serene Light hidden up a tiny alleyway and connected via a passage to the back of the Wilai restaurant on Thalang Road. The entrance to that shrine on Phang Nga Road is currently being widened and tarted up. Opposite there is where you’ll find the north end of ‘Amulet Alley’.

I’ve used Amulet Alley (it suitably sounds like something out of a Harry Potter novel) as a short cut from Phang Nga Road to Rassada Road often enough, but you might never have noticed it.

So what’s to be found in Amulet Alley? Yes, people selling Buddhist amulets, which are like lucky charms. I’m not an expert, though I wear one myself that we got from a temple near

“Amulet Alley”, as it is commonly called by locals in Phuket Town, is a great place to buy all different types of Buddhist amulets.

Chumphon (my wife’s home town). I also have one in the car too that’s meant to be for safe journeys.

You can buy simple amulets in temples for B100 or less. In fact, the one around my neck was given to me free by a Buddhist nun. She gave us each one (myself, my wife, daughter and son). But these are not the ones for sale in the market at Amulet Alley, a street for amulet collectors and devotees.

In Thailand, rare amulets can sell for B1 million. There are shops and markets selling amulets all over the country,

including a huge market in Bangkok.

There’s even an amulet collectors magazine.

You’d have to be a real collector to know a rare amulet from a reproduction, but trade I think must be good. Just take a look around and you’ll see many people in Phuket wearing amulets.

The reasons for wearing one are varied. Not just for general “good luck”, but an amulet can be for love, for help with school or work, for protection from illness, and of course it helps if you believe.

12 GAMING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

IN BRIEF No more PS2 sales in Japan Sony stopped shipments of the PlayStation 2 in Japan last week, ending a more than decade-long run.

The console, which was launched in March 2000, was one of the reasons that the Sega Dreamcast failed and is still considered the best-selling system in Sony’s history.

It is unclear whether the company will stop selling the console in other regions around the world.

Reports indicate that the discontinuation of the PS2 is a hint that Sony plan to release their highly anticipated PlayStation 4 system next year.

Warner Bros. and THQ deal?

Warner Brothers is reportedly interested in buying three of THQ’s franchises, after the gaming company filed for bankruptcy in December.

Executive at THQ said they wanted to sell their four studios and several gaming franchises as a whole, but Warner Brothers is reportedly interested in just buying some of the gaming franchises.

Warner Brothers previously bought out Midway’s stable of arcade franchises including Mortal Kombat.

Hackers attack War Z servers Several attempts have been made to hack into The War Z servers, a zombie survival game that is popular online.

According to reports, the hackers attacked the server’s DNS IP, which affected the ability of gamers to connect to the online network. That was resolved within days, but a second DDOS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack on the game’s login server has made it difficult for users to sign in and play.

“Unfortunately with these types of attacks it is very difficult to give a good time frame of when it will be resolved,” said the game’s online community manager Kewk.

BLAST FROM THE PAST Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com

D Violent video games collected in Connecticut bounty hunt

W

ith video games back in the spotlight after the elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, a neighbouring town is offering a US$25 (B730) voucher to parents who turn in games they deem too violent for their children.

Southington officials hope to destroy all of the video games in their “Violent Video Games Return Program” on January 12. The programme also includes any music and movies that parents deem inappropriate as members of the town’s Chamber of Commerce are accepting vouchers in ex-

Father hires online hitmen to kill son's game character

A

Chinese father who was fed up with his 23-year-old son’s online gaming addiction beat him at his own game and hired online hitmen to kill the character of his son.

X iao Feng began playing video games in high school and considered himself a master of online role playing games.

According to reports, his father said his son had horrible grades in school and could not hold down a job. The last straw came when he could not finish a three month stint at a software development company.

change for tickets to a local water park.

“We’re asking parents to better understand what their child is doing. Have a conversation about next steps. If parents are comfortable (with their child’s games), we’re comfortable,” said Southington School Superintendent Mr Joe Erardi.

Mr Erardi went on to say that the games will be placed in a dumpster and incinerated.

SouthingtonSOS, the local organisation running the programme, said they did not want to link games to the massacre – in which 28 people died, many of them children – but instead encourage parents to get more involved in what their kid’s are doing.

Sony files for patent that blocks use of second hand games

A Disappointed, the father blamed this on his son’s addiction to video games and took matters into his own hand by hiring online assassins to hunt and kill his son’s character.

The in-game assassins, all of whom were at higher levels than Xiao Feng and therefore stronger, kept killing his character each time he started playing the game.

ccording to published reports, Sony has filed a patent application that would allow them to block the use of second-hand games on their consoles.

The patent, which was filed on December 9, is said to work by linking the game discs to a user’s account and does not require a network connection.

A game will have a built in contactless tag that works the same way as a bank card. Upon first use, the disc will store the player’s ID and not allow any other console to use that game.

TOP VIDEO GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Far Cry (18+)

2

Fifa 13

3

Call of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)

4

Hitman Absolution (18+)

5

Need For Speed: Most Wanted

Xbox 360, PS3

6

Just Dance 4

Xbox 360, PS3, Vita

7

Halo 4

Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

8

Assassin’s Creed (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

9

Lego The Lord of the Rings

Xbox 360, PS3, VITA, PC

10

Forza Horizon

According to the filing, Sony wants to deter secondhand game sales since they believe it is unfair to the programmers and developers who do not see any profit for the second sale of an individual game.

If the application is passed, the device would be catastrophic for gaming stores whose business model relies on the sale of second-hand games.

Experts believe that the company will fully divulge the technology at the annual E3 Gaming Expo in June, where the company is also expected to announce their next-generation console, the PlayStation 4.

TOP MOBILE GAMES Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, Wii U

1

Bastion

Xbox 360

2

Letterpress

Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

3

Rayman Jungle Run

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, DS

4

The Walking Dead

Xbox 360

5

Angry Birds: Star Wars

o you remember Sid Meier’s Civilization?

It was a turnbased strategy game that allowed gamers to rule over an empire, encouraging them to keep up with the times and technology that were invented as the game went on.

Released in 1991, it was developed for the PC and eventually adapted for the Atari ST, PlayStation, and Super Nintendo.

The game started in the year 4,000 BC and gave the user a choice of which civilisation to lead – such as the Aztecs, Mongols, Americans, Egyptians, and Indians, with a famous historical figure placed in charge of each one.

With each age that passed (including Bronze Age, Dark Age, and Space Age) the user had to adapt to the technology that was produced at the time the game was played in, as well as maintain the empire from threats both foreign and domestic.

Civilization was notably big on using history and allowed gamers to build ‘Wonders of the World’, although only if the prerequisite knowledge had been attained by that civilisation.

It won the Origins Award for Best Military or Strategy Computer Game of 1991, and was chosen as the best game of all-time in 1996 by Computer Gaming World.

In 2007, IGN named Civilization one of the 16 most influential games in history while Time magazine has called it one of the 100 greatest video games of all time.

Though there have been several sequels and spin-offs made since the original, the legacy of this first edition has never been matched.

Do you have a Blast from the Past? Let us know at editor@ thephuketnews.com

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

IN BRIEF Mordovian dacha for Depardieu?

Wreck-It Ralph

Bad guy gets game FILM REVIEW Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com

Director: Rich Moore Starring: John C Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Jack McBrayer, Jane Lynch

W

reck-It Ralph is a video-game bad guy – the Donkey Kongesque level boss of Fix-It Felix Junior, an ageing “retro” arcade game.

But after 30 years in the job – and the social exclusion that goes with it – Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) longs to be a video game hero instead. As he explains to a game-villain’s support group, the game demands he is a “bad guy” but that doesn’t make him a bad guy.

In a conceit borrowed from Pixar’s Toy Story series, the video-game characters of Wreck-It Ralph have a life outside the games they occupy during the day: When the game arcade is closed, they can travel between the different arcade machines and their gaming landscapes.

Ralph’s opportunity for heroism comes when he takes the place of another character in the arcade’s newest space-shooter: Hero’s Duty.

Here he meets the hard-bitten, impossibly-contoured female space marine Sergeant Calhoun (voiced by Jane Lynch) and snags the game’s Hero medal – a prize he hopes will win him the respect he craves back in his own game.

Ralph subsequently flees in a spaceship escape pod, but with an alien bug on board that threatens to lay waste to all the games in the arcade.

He and the bug crash-land in a kart-racing game, Sugar Rush, where Ralph teams up with adorable poppet Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced

by Sarah Silverman) to find his medal and to restore Vanellope to her rightful place in the cart races, against the designs of the nefarious

game boss, King Candy.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Calhoun sets out to track the enemy bug, aided by Fix-It Felix (a deliberate analogue of Nintendo’s Mario character, voiced by Jack McBrayer) who wants to take Ralph back where he belongs.

While firmly aimed at younger kids, Disney newest animated movie has been crafted to hit as many demographic targets as possible, including those who clearly remember early video games like Pong, Frogger, and Asteroids.

In his off-work hours, Ralph hangs out at the bar room from Tapper, a game produced by Bally in the mid-1980s, while the orange ghost from Pacman presides at Ralph’s bad guy support group.

The storyline is a great pretext for some very impressive visuals. Notably in an animated movie that relies heavily on slap-stick humour, the 3D effect is used in a restrained fashion to give a “life like” depth to the game characters, and, thankfully, there are relatively few 3D gimmicks.

Where the movie falters is in its low-resolution storyline: Vanellope and Ralph are both outsiders, and their character fate is to learn to feel good about themselves. This worthy but slightly preachy theme is shoe-horned into the plot without the subtlety of the Toy Story series, to which it obviously aspires.

The end result is an overly complex plot that often undermines the film’s spectacular look, and so, despite its retro gaming homages, Wreck-It Ralph ends up feeling a little like a more modern video-game title – big on the graphics, but lacking in soul.

Fan crosses Final Frontier after Star Trek film

A

dying Star Trek fan got to see an early cut of the upcoming Paramount film Into Darkness nearly five months before its scheduled release, thanks to internet users and the new movie’s director, J.J. Abrams.

Daniel Craft, a film buff and the director of the New York Asian Film Festival, learned he had terminal cancer only six weeks ago, and died this week.

But he was able to see the film before he died, thanks to a friend who posted a plea from Mr Craft’s wife, Paige, on the Reddit website.

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Chinese Zodiac (T) [15+] Countdown (T/E sub) [18+] The Guillotines (T) [18+] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (E/F) [G] Jack Reacher (E) [15+] Khun Nai Ho (T) [15+] Life of Pi (E) [G] Wreck-It Ralph (E/3D) [G]

11:20, 13:50, 16:20, 18:50, 21:20 12:00, 17:15, 22:25 17:10, 21:55 11:45, 15:00, 18:15, 21:30 11:30, 14:10, 16:50, 19:30, 22:10 10:50, 12:55, 15:15, 17:35, 19:55, 22:15 12:45, 15:30, 18:20, 21:00 10:40, 12:40, 14:55, 19:35

“One of the film’s producers showed up at the door of their apartment with a DVD containing a very rough cut of Star Trek: Into Darkness in his hands,” Mr Craft’s friend wrote in a follow-up post to the website.

“Paige had made popcorn, Dan had spent the previous day resting so he could sit through the movie, and after signing about 200 non-disclosure agreements they watched the film and had a blast,” “Of course, he loved the film. It was the last thing he got to do before he passed away,” the friend wrote.

French actor Gerard Depardieu, who received a Russian passport in a move to avoid a “millionaire’s tax” back home, travelled to Mordovia in Russia where local officials offered to set him up with a new home, local media reported.

Depardieu was seen on television showing off his new red passport to his hosts in the regional capital Saransk, a city about 600 kilometres to the southeast of Moscow.

The Interfax news agency reported from Saransk that local governor Vladimir Volkov had invited Depardieu to pick out an apartment or a place to build a house in Mordovia.

Wong Kar-wai returns with ‘The Grandmaster’ Hong Kong director Wong Kar-wai’s long-awaited martial arts film The Grandmaster was shown in public for the first time in Beijing on Sunday, after more than six years in production.

The film tella the story of legendary martial artist Yip Man, who trained Bruce Lee, and features lengthy battles between rival kung fu masters. Director Wong is best known for his 2000 slowburning drama In the Mood for Love.

The new movie stars Hong Kong actor Tony Leung and Beijing-born starlet Zhang Ziyi, and follows its lead character through some of China’s most tumultuous recent history including the Japanese invasion in the 1930s.

Steve Jobs bio film set for April release The first film based on the life of legendary Apple co-founder Steve Jobs will be released in April. The biopic jOBS stars Ashton Kutcher as as the Apple boss and will premier later this month at the Sundance Film Festival.

Meanwhile, Sony Pictures is backing a its own Steve Jobs film, based on the biography by Walter Isaacson.

The screenplay is being written by Oscar-winner Aaron Sorkin, who wrote The Social Network, a satire about the founder of the Facebook website.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 1

Texas Chainsaw 3D

$23M

$23M

2

Django Unchained

$20.1M

$106M

3

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

$17.5M

$264M

4

Les Misérables

$16.1M

$104M

5

Parental Guidance

$10.1M

$52.8M

6

Jack Reacher

$9.3M

$64.8M

7

This Is 40

$8.56M

$54.5M

8

Lincoln

$5.26M

$144M

9

The Guilt Trip

$4.53M

$31.2M

$4.31M

$4.66M

10 Promised Land

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Chinese Zodiac (T) [15+] Countdown (T/E sub) [18+] The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (E) [G] Jack Reacher (E) [15+] Khun Nai Ho (T) [15+] Life of Pi (E) [G]

Weekend Gross gross

Film

11:40, 16:35, 19:30 11:20, 14:15, 19:10, 22:00 13:20, 16:15, 21:10 11:30, 14:10, 16:50, 19:30, 22:10 12:00, 14:20, 16:40, 19:00, 21:20 11:50, 14:20, 16:50, 19:20, 21:50

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed.

For up -to - date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.

14 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

THE GODFATHER OF HOUSE IN PHUKET The ‘Godfather of House Music’, DJ Frankie Knuckles, made his debut at Xana Beach Club on January 5, attracting an enthusiastic crowd to the northeast of the island. With a place in the Dance Music Hall of Fame, the American DJ earned his Godfather title due to his instrumental role in developing the house music genre and his outstanding achievements as a DJ. Photos: Jessi Cotterill

A PEARL OF A PARTY

Indigo Pearl Resort welcomed more than 450 guests to its New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner. Pictured below are Kelly Lewis, General Manager, and David Ippersiel, Resort Manager with their executive team who welcomed the evening’s guests.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

ISLAND SCENE 15

BRITISH GET-TOGETHER Members of the British community in Phuket attended a meet-and-greet with British Ambassador to Thailand Mark Kent (above, right) and Consul Michael Hancock (not pictured) at the Yorkshire Hotel in Patong on January 7.

BACK TO THE 1970S The Millennium Resort Patong held a retro-themed dinner party on December 31, attracting plenty of dressed up guests.

PARTY ON A BOAT Guests who attended the Fistpump Sunset Boat Party on January 4 enjoyed a great afternoon out on the water off Chalong.

16 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

Singing the blues at Route 68 Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

When I was 17 years old, I realised that I really loved to play music and I started to do it more seriously.

Then I got a parttime job playing music in some bars in Phuket, and one year later I became a full time musician

I

f you drop by Route 68, a small but fun bar on Thalang Rd in the Old Town, you’ll probably find yourself listening to the talented strumming of 21-year-old guitarist and singer “Bobby”.

Bobby, also known as ‘Bobby Blues’ because of his love of the American musical style, has been playing guitar since he was six years old, when his father began teaching him.

“When I was 17 years old, I realised that I really loved to play music and I started to do it more seriously. Then I got a part-time job playing music in some bars in Phuket, and one year later I became a full time musician. I started off at Glasnost bar on Soi Romanee.”

Initially, he played mostly blues and rock covers, but – after discovering his own style – began writing original compositions.

“I love music and initially I just wanted to play it.

But after being a musician for a while, I had my own ideas. I learned about some old music from the 1970s, and I like many artists from that era.

“Jimi Hendrix is one of my inspirations. His songs make me feel free when I play them. I can communicate with the listeners, and make them enjoy my music. Sometimes I mix it with other styles, such as

Bob Marley.”

As well as Glasnost, and now also performs at numerous bars around Phuket, including Route 68. He still plays blues rock covers, but usually puts his own spin on the songs.

As well as being a professional musician, he goes to school in his free time.

“I’m studying product design at Phuket Rajabhat University, but I’m not involved in any music activities on the campus. My life at university is very separate.”

In the near future, Bobby is planning a small concert in Phuket, and is also thinking about releasing an album of original songs.

“Going to Bangkok and doing an album with a big recording company is on my mind, but not just yet.”

His future plans are a big change from someone who was not sure at first if he even wanted to be professional musician.

“But once I met people in the same field, so many had a lot of experience to share, and I changed my mind,” Bobby said.

“Phuket has a lot of excellent musicians and they taught me not only music skills but also life skills. I have learned so much from them.

“I’m proud of what I am doing today and how far I have come, but I must keep on creating,” he says, before leaving the table to perform for his many fans at the bustling Route 68.

See Bobby Blues perform at Oasis Bar, Karon, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8pm to midnight; on Tuesdays at Senegal Bar in Patong from 8pm to midnight; and at Route 68 every Friday and Saturday from 9pm to midnight.

Bobby, a Phuket Town local, performs regularly around the area and is well known for his blues and rock cover songs.

Now 21, he first began learning the guitar from his father at the age of six years old. He is hoping to release an album of his original songs.

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11,2013FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Snoop Dogg in Bangkok

A

stage debut for all these artists in Thailand.

Representing Thailand at the festival are Thaitanium, who have raged across the Asian hip-hop landscape with their unique style of East meets West; the Bangkok Invaders; a group of deejays from Superzaaap and many more local artists. So what you waiting for? Come together – right now.

Together Festival is being held January 19 at Bitec International Trade and Exhibition Centre, Bangna. Pre-event tickets can be bought from thaiticket major.com. For festival updates, contact info@togetherfestival.net, or visit facebook.com/togetherfestival, together festival.net, facebook.com/retoxsessions, retoxsessions.com

SPONSORED

fter a big success and even bigger beats in 2012, the Together Festival is coming back to Bangkok this January 19, with pop culture icon Snoop Dogg to headline, with additional performances by Justice, as well as DJs Max Vangeli, AN2 and Quintino.

First launched in April by A.G. Productions and Bangkok’s leading house music promoter, Retox Sessions, Together Festival is the ultimate dance party experience.

As an emerging name in worldwide music fairs and festivals, Together aims to put Bangkok on the map regionally, with the last event attracting more than 8,000 in attendance and big-name acts like LMFAO, Lil’ Jon and Afrojack.

This year boasts another jaw-dropping line-up, with a headliner that needs no introduction. This hip hop legend has gone by many aliases, but these days he’s known best as Snoop Dogg. The rapper and record-producer has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, topping the charts with hits like Gin and Juice and Drop It Like It’s Hot. Snoop’s career spans the last two decades, but he’s hotter than ever right now with a forthcoming studio album and film called Reincarnated in the works under his new moniker Snoop Lion. They are both set for a 2013 re-

lease.

Also hitting the stage are French electro-pop duo Justice. Bursting onto the scene in 2006, these guys caught fire fast with club hits like We Are Your Friends and D.A.N.C.E. Justice quickly became known for blending vitamin-enriched electro beats and pop on the dance floor. They have since done remixes for the likes of N.E.R.D., U2, Daft Punk and Lenny Kravitz, also winning a Grammy Award for their take on the MGMT song, Electric Feel in 2009. Justice have announced a new EP set to drop in January.

Heating up the list of performers are

house DJs Max Vangeli and AN21. While they’ve just released an album together, both are known globally by their own rights. Vangeli was named by DJ Mag as one of the “Top 5 DJs to watch in 2011” and has collaborated with Example, Calvin Harris and Tiesto. Swded AN21 has a reputation as a club connoisseur.

Also joining is DJ Quintino from Holland. Discovered at just 18, Quintino has travelled the world playing landmark gigs and high-profile festivals. In 2009, his remix of Cidinho & Doca’s Rap Das Armas garnered over 10 million YouTube views.

Together Festival will be the live

REGULAR TICKETS Early Bird: B1,900 Pre-event: B2,300 VIP TICKETS Early Bird: B2,500 Pre-event: B2,700 Limited VIP tickets are for access to a higher platform on both sides of the stage with its own bars and standing tables, with admission to the event via the VIP entrance.

Tickets will also be available at the entrance on the day of the event. (All attendees must be over the age of 20.

Valid ID card is required)

Enjoy an evening with Burns

T

o celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns, a Burns Supper will be held on January 25, his birthday, at the yet-to-be-opened Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Naithon Beach.

Burns (January 25, 1759 – July 21, 1796), also known as Rabbie Burns, Scotland’s favourite son, the Ploughman Poet, and in Scotland as The Bard, was a Scottish poet and lyricist.

He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland and is celebrated worldwide.

This will be a sophisticated evening of Scottish fun, with selected free-f low beverages, as a well as a Scottish-themed five course dinner that includes Angus steak and Haggis.

In keeping with Burns Supper tradition, guests are encouraged to bring a bottle of their favourite drop for the table.

Tickets are B4,500, or B40,000 for a table of 10

booked before January 11.

Dress code is formal, highland dress or black tie.

Silent auctions and raff les will also be held throughout the evening, with prizes including accommodation at a luxury villa on a golf course in South Africa.

Proceeds from the evening will go to the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, a Thairegistered charity which aims to foster vocational opportunities for local children through Englishlanguage education.

To reserve your tickets, please contact the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation by emailing info@ phukethasbeengoodtous.org For more information about the Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation, visit phukethasbeengood tous.org or search for them on Facebook.

The Burns Supper event will be held on January 25, celebrating the poet Robert Burns, pictured, and will raise money for the Phuket has Been Good To Us Foundation.

18 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, 11,2013 2013 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, JANUARY JANUARY 11,

Revival. All performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. For booking call 091 034 3381.

FRIDAY JAN 11

IBAP Meeting - Waste Management What is commercial-scale composting?

How can it fit into a scalable, sustainable waste-management strategy? How is Phuket managing its waste? Ideas to improve Phuket sustainability. Why is waste splitting is essential. Martin Hauke will discuss these questions and how they can be applied to great effect here in Phuket.

Doors open 6.30pm, all welcome. A2 Resort on Bypass Rd. http://ibap-phuket.org

MONDAY JAN 14

SUNDAY JAN 13 Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

BBQ Night Buffet at Karon Phunaka Restaurant Sunday Carvery

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person.

7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

B399 per person all you can eat. Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

SATURDAY JAN 12

Of fers diverse and exquisite menus, served indoors open fresh air, or in the crisp open air on the terrace with an invigorating view of waterfall, Karon bay sunset and Andaman Sea. Every Monday enjoy BBQ Night Buffet by Swimming Pool at only B590 nett per person. Every Thursday, Pasta Night [Buffet] at B390 nett per person. Contact 076 337 800; secretary@ karonphunaka.com.

Sunday Chillout at Sunsets Bar

Live Music at Underwood Art Factory The home of Phuket’s finest performers coming together to bring a night of entertainment, delicious food, and great fun.

The lost Legends: Colin (ILLY) Hill and Pjae Stanley. Every Friday. All performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. For booking call 091 034 3381.

Special Saturday at Hogs Breath B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade: www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Sunday chillout every week. Live music, free BBQ or buffet, free karaoke, free pool table. Happy hour every day midday to 6pm, beverages from B60. Bar open every day midday until late. Farang hospitality, everybody welcome. Sunsets bar and guesthouse, 62 Hasip Pee Road, Patong.

For more information call Kiwi on 083 640 1082.

BBQ All You Can Eat Mondays and Thursdays. BBQ all you can eat: Pork, Chicken, Beef, Prawns, Fish and Squid with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, Garlic Bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for B325 per person. pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

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

Kids eat free when adults buy main courses.

B99 beverages during live sports coverage.

Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogs breath.co.th.

Special Friday at Hogs Breath Live acoustic band. B99 beverages during live sports coverage. Located at Patong Promenade, www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Fish and Chips Friday Night B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

Special Sunday at Hogs Breath

Schnitzel Day Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

TUESDAY JAN 15

Half Chicken Spit Roast

Live Music at Underwood Art Factory

Sunday Roast Pork

The home of Phuket’s finest performers coming together to bring a night of entertainment, delicious food, and great fun.

Every Saturday live music from The Blues

Sunday roast pork or beef dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.

Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with French Fries, Salad buffet, Potato Salad & Gravy sauce for B225 per person.

7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

EVENTS 19

Ao Chalong Yacht Club Everyone welcome

“Award winning chef from Airlie Beach, Australia.

Fabulous breakfast, and authentic western Sunday roast from 12 - 4pm - just like home! Home made desserts eg. cheesecake, bread & butter pudding, apple pie made fresh every day.”

There is parking on site, cool breezes and a beautiful view.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner from 8.00am 7 days per week.

Tel: 090 890 8993 email: amandaleehay@bigbond.com

THURSDAY JAN 17

EVERY DAY

beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late.

Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8-9.30pm. Come on everybody - Let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

WEDNESDAY JAN 16

Pork Roast and Roast Chicken Every Thursday. Buffet includes salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings.

ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.

Phuket Wake Park Come wake board at Asia’s BEST and newest wake park located in Kathu. Full morning just B550 and evening sessions from B500! We have happy evening! All evening riding only for B650. Wake in the day or wake up your night! See www. phuketwakepark.com.

Wicked Wednesdays Ladies day. Buy one beverage get one free. Located at Patong Promenade. www.hogsbreath.co.th.

Karaoke Night Fever Enjoy Karaoke night every Thursday at Ao Chalong Yacht club. Starting at 7pm. Call 090 809 8993.

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat

SAT FEB 3 - SUN FEB 4

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

Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and walled relief garden and entertainment centre. Artist’s pictures can be seen at the plaza walls all year round.

The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybodylet’s party. Call 087 280 3282.

Mom Tri's Baan Kata Arts Fest

Phuket’s First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master Dj Doris, from 91.5FM. Bar Tabs: 1 Prize B1,500. 2 Prize B1,000. Every Wednesday Night From 8 pm.

Free entry. Maximum 4 people per team. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

You are invited you to join the Baan Kata Arts Fest 2013 at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale.

Sunday February 3 and Monday February 4. On February 3 there will be an opening exhibition for paintings by Mom Tri Devakul at the VR Gallery and on February 4 ML Usni and his ensemble will perform a classical music concert at Villa Royale. Tickets for the concert are B500 each. Contact 076 333 568. See: http://momtriphuket.com/ baankata-artsfest.html.

Double Happy Hours At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected

The Unique One Rare Selection of Art by Khun Manop & Mike Runs until January. 31, 2013. Born in 1982, Nakonsitumarat, Thailand. Monap (Boy) Srisawang graduated with a Bachelor of fine arts degree in 2004 from Rajamangala University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. He worked in Chiang Mai for two years after graduation. He moved to Phuket island in 2006. During this time, Khun Boy has proven himself as a very fine relief sculpturist and created many relief sculptures that can be seen all over Phuket. His work will be on display at Home-Pro Shopping cetre, Chalong, from 9am - 9pm daily and at Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach all year round.

Tel: 087 280 3282.

Monday Party, Tue. Party, Wed, Party, Thur. Party, Fri. Party What the Puck Saturday Party, Sunday Party Come on everybody, let’s party At Rawai Plaza, cool atmosphere, unique setting. happy people.

WILL PERFORM JUST FOR ASKING!!!

POLE DANCE BY EMMY THAI DANCE BY NANCY & HIS FRIENDS SO, DON’T BE SHY!!

Shows sponsored by Emmy & Joey Bar Nancy Ni Nancy Bar Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach, Phuket 087 280 3282

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

GOT YOUR NUMBER

19,000,000 The number of people, roughly speaking, who have the same birthday as you do.

100

The number of people who choke to death on ballpoint pens each year.

24

Percentage of the total ground area of Los Angeles that is committed to use by vehicles.

17

Number of children England’s Queen Ann (1665-1714) gave birth to. Six were miscarriages and six were stillborn. She outlived all of the remaining five.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013 FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

This week in history ■■ January 11, 1946 Communist party boss Enver Hoxha declares himself the head of state of the new Peoples Republic of Albania. He will stay in power until his death in 1985.

■■ January 12, 1948 The London Co-operative Society opens the UK’s first self-service supermarket, at Manor Park in London. Marks & Spencers follow suit later in the month.

■■ January 13, 1842 Doctor William Brydon, a surgeon in the British Army during the First Anglo-Afghan War, arrives in Jalalabad – the sole survivor from more than 16,000 soldiers and civilians who fled Kabul a week earlier.

■■ January 14, 1914 American industrialist Henry Ford announces new assembly line techniques that cut the assembly time of a car from more than 12 hours to just 93 minutes.

■■ January 15, 1919 More than two million gallons of boiling molasses burst from a distillery tank in the US city of Boston and flood nearby streets. Twenty-one people and dozens of horses are killed.

■■ January 16, 1979 The Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, flees the country in the face of an army mutiny and violent public demonstrations against his rule.

■■ January 17, 1893 A group of American sugar planters led by Sanford Dole – and backed by US marines – overthrow The last British survivor of the Retreat from Kabul, William Brydon, a surgeon in the Hawaii’s Queen Liliuokalani and establish a proBritish army, arrives in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, on January 13, 1842. vincial government.

1. What would you measure using a sphygmomanometer?

2. What does a spremologer collect?

3. Alfred Hitchcock directed his first movie in 1931. What was it called?

4. Which famed American aviator disappeared in 1937?

5. How would the Romans have written the number 159?

Answers at the foot of the page.

SUDOKU

Across 1. On the beach, star flyer belonging to girl? (10) 6. Ache, seemingly, for piece of glass. (4) 9. Clubs prisoner’s restraints. (5) 10. Blood vessel sounds self-important. (4) 12. Relaxing places in mountainous passes.

(4) 13. Look at center of storm. (3) 15. Are as acres, perhaps.

(5) 16. In net, Tony confused insignificant person. (9) 17. Jug is for lamb’s dam.

Right? (4) 19. Mystify, stupid!

Located. (9) 22. Part-time workers dead in patterns. (9) 24. Exemplary little protest. (4) 27. Relax, Dane replaced great chap. (9) 29. Beach in Nebraska? (5) 31. Appendage that can be lent. (3) 32. Almost smote tiny speck. (4) 33. God! O what a noise!

(4) 34. Moved carefully – approval in two directions. (5)

35. Crooked line of river. (4) 36. Evangelist’s position? (10) Down 1. Bad risks to eat in province. (8) 2. Executioner’s equipment back soon to the east. (5) 3. Put a value on donkeys at the bend. (6) 4. Have indefinite number in harbor. (5) 5. Wickedness, in part. (3) 7. A very quiet fastener returned to middle of icer machine. (9) 8. Attempts scholarly exercises.

(6) 11. To make lion beg is meanspirited. (7) 14. In part of foreign data… (4) 18. …find direction for the French type of patient – it’s natural.

(9) 20. Without backup, United Nations helped. (7) 21. Faint-hearted, yet firm with sick-room student? Yes. (8) 23. Sounds like two-of-a-kind fruit.

(4) 25. Little Sarah gets my French fish. (6) 26. Carried nothing to the country.

(6) 28. Leases damaged, to a point.

(5) 30. A drink keeps cardinal on board. (2, 3) 33. Resistance? Oh my! Almost.

(3)

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Blood pressure; 2. Trivial facts; 3. Blackmail; 4. Amelia Earhart; 5. CLIX.

WEEKDAYS Breakfast The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music

Sam & Natasha Live 89.5

SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm

Live 89.5 Got Talent Weekend Brunch

Siobhan McGovern Kirsty Meyer

9am - 10am

Best Of Breakfast

10am - 1pm

Live 89.5 Dance Anthems

SUNDAYS Sam & Natasha

5pm - 7pm

Weekend Brunch

Kirsty Meyer

10am – 1pm

Steve

7pm - 10pm

The Spin

Tim Newton

1pm - 4pm

Jason Wilder

4pm - 7pm

Steve Johnston

12pm - 3pm

Phuket News Radio

Live 89.5

1pm - 2pm

Saturday Night Fever

Live 89.5

10pm – 12am

International Chart Show Top 40

Jason Wilder

3pm - 7pm

Box Of Neutrals

Live 89.5

2pm – 3pm

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

12am – 10am

Sunday Night Chill

Live 89.5

7pm - 10pm

Live 89.5

7pm - 7am

Going Green

Nick Anthony

3pm – 5pm

Tel: 076 612 895 SMS: 090 490 7895

Non Stop Music

Live 89.5

10pm – 7am

16 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Luxury ocean view property

1 or 2 bedroom apartments for rent > 19

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

C & C M a r in e Urg ent Posi t ions: Store Supervisor: Good command in English/Are responsible/Leadership/Problem solving skills. Please contact : 076 273247, 076 272049 or send resume by: info-phuket@candc-marine.com

Waiter / Waitress (4) Restaurant Captain (1) Bartender / Bartendy (1) Boomerang Village Resort Receptionist (2) Manager, Receptionist (1) Guest Relation (1).

Contact: Email boomerangvillageresort@gmail. com, 085 692 3474.

Graphic Designers team player and with good basic English and good in- pany is hiring new staff 2 Positions Wanted: organisation skills. Working terpersonal skills. Develop members. Required: good SPIKEMEDIA is a creative media agency based in Phuket working for a variety of national and international clients. We are seeking fulltime Graphic Designers, to work on a diverse range of print and web design projects. Salary depending on experience and talent level. Please send CV and some samples of work to: info@spikemediagroup. com.

hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Please contact 086 940 4801.

Kindergarten Teacher: Female cau-

Admin O f f icer re quired: Club Asia Fitness

requires an Admin Officer urgently. Good salary and benefits. Candidates must have good English communication skills. Email cluba siaphuket@hotmail.com.

Thai Cook-Sous Chef Wanted: Thai/Western Webdeveloper: Knowlrestaurant is looking for a experienced Thai cook.

Must work under pressure,

edge: HTML, CSS, JQuery, Javascript, Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak

Looking for a young Thai chef for new restaurant in a villa complex in Phangnga. Successful candidate will be trained in Spain with three Michelin stars chef.

Good command of English required. Email: hr@iniala. com.

DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn: Thai nationality only. Waitresses 2 positions, Bartender 1 position. Experience and good English will be an advantage. Good salary and benefits. Contact Khun Jana 086 947 5197, jana@davinciphuket. com.

panding car rental com-

● Designing advertisements for clients ● Layout of our The Phuket News and other publications ● All artwork and graphic design work related to production

Applicants must have: ● Excellent skills with InDesign, Photoshop, In Copy and other graphic design software

f reelanc e w r iter s f ro m around the globe to contribute 400 – 1,200 word articles. Submission guidelines: See http://sam bawalker.com/about/writers-wanted. Email: contrib utor@sambawalker.com.

K nowledge: Illustrator,

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS The job: We require Full Time Graphic Designers to handle:

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

● Min. 1 year experience in designing and layout of newspapers

We offer:

or magazines ● Good English (written and spoken)

● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses ● Friendly work environment ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity

We offer: ● Competitive salary ● Friendly work environment ● Excellent progress opportunity and job security Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: Simon Ostheimer: managingeditor@thephuketnews.com or K.Nisakorn: graphic2@thephuketnews.com

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

And would like to do some volunteer work looking after sick, injured and homeless dogs in Thalang area. Contact: Sherin. peace@gmail.com.

is looking for talented programmers to join our team in PHUKET! Qualifications: Min. 2 years experience in related field. - Excellent working knowledge of PHP, MySQL and JavaScript.

Email: hr@netzilla-phuket. com.

Thai Admin Wanted: Organizing paper wor k, documents and computerbased information. Taking care of inventory and stock levels. Providing secretarial support to the Director. Basic accounting.

Dealing with customers.

Email: m.hill@phuketsoc cerschools.com.

***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@thephuketnews.com or post to below address.

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

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

Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancy: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering: 1 Position -Spa Therapist: 4 Positions

Travel Writers Wanted: SambaWalker seeks

Mobile Car Rental is hiring!: Rapidly ex- Graphic Designer:

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’, ‘The Southern Sun Samui’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’. WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

We are currently recruiting for a graphic designer to join our team to handle the layout of our publications, including online.

English knowledge, driving license, independent thinking, positive attitude, computer skills. Call us: 081 970 5204.

Looking for people who love animals:

mission. Call Khun Nam: 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Net z illa Co., Ltd.: A p p r e n t i c e C h e f : Programmer: Netzilla

casian native English speaking teacher with ex p e r i e nc e to te ac h class of 10-12 children ages 2-6, Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm, Chalong.

Contact 080 624 7060, www.buds-phuket.com.

Email: buds.span@ yahoo.com.

Content Management /Marketing: Qualifications: Thai Nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills.

Preference given to those with driver’s license. Please email: kritsanaphat@lepep group.com.

and modify websites on detailed design specifications. Email: kritsanaphat@ lepepgroup.com.

Photoshop, Thai nationality and speak basic English and good interpersonal skills. Create professional website design, f lyers, banners, business cards.

Email: kritsanaphat@lep epgroup.com.

-Reservation Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888.

Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.

Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress 5 Positions.

-Bartender 2 Positions.

Salary B9,000. Service charge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before it will be an advantage. Contact 076 210 511. Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

Restaurant Manager Wa n t e d: Re st au r a nt manager / accounting with experience managing restaurant, accounting, managing staf f and ser ving customers. Call 087 471 1351.

We are looking for key members: ResSales Staff Wanted: taurant manager, execuEnglish-speaking female.

Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and com-

tive chef, waiter / waitress, guest service agent (English speaking and writing, male preferred) room maid, room boy, cleaner, technical engineer. Care@ bydlofts.com.

Experienced Foodservice Salesperson Wanted: *Must live permanently in Thailand and organise own residency status. *Must speak fluent Thai and English. *Must have experience selling food/ alcohol to executive chefs and purchasing managers.

Experienced food service. *Must have own car. Only people meeting all above criteria please send resume to george_d@jagota.com.

T

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

JOBS IN PHUKET

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php URGENT! Job vacancies in a 5-star hotel in Phuket, looking for strong candidates in F&B Job Positions: 1. Mixologist (Bar) 2. Restaurant Coordinator 3. Wine Guardian Service charge guarantee 8,000 baht. Experience: All candidates need to have at least 1 to 2 years food and beverage service experience in a restaurant within a luxury lifestyle brand. Benefits: Social security, accommodation, all meals, work 5 days, off 2 days, public holidays as per resort standards, free transportation, health insurance, uniform, provident fund.

Contact us: Email: jobs@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089-785-6994 (English) Phone: 076-612-550 Ext.800 Visit our website: www.jobphuket.net.

Sea Bees Diving is looking for a reliable and responsible person, Western or Thai, for our Head Office in Chalong. Applicants should be fluent in English and other languages (German preferred) with good communication, sales skills and willing to work in a highly professional & diverse team. Flexible, able to work under pressure and be service orientated is a must. This position is long-term & with a full-time contract. Please send your CV & recent photo to: office@sea-bees.com

Secretary Kindergar- to help CEO of charter boat Apprentice Chef: 6 als. Call Todd for more deten: Must have good Eng- company. Duties would in- Star resort on Natai Beach tails 089 005 0700. lish and computer skills Monday-Friday, 7.30am5pm, Chalong. Call 080 624 7060. Email: phuketpreschool@yahoo.com, www.buds-phuket.com.

clude marketing, hospitality and some book keeping.

Suit attractive Thai lady with ver y good English.

Contact Mike: blueworld safaris@gmail.com.

is looking for young Thai chef with positive attitude, motivation and creativeness to work with 3 Michelin star chef. Good English speaking is required.

Email: hr@iniala.com.

Join Your Team: The O f f i c e M a n a g e r S i t u a t i o n Va c a n t: C h a r o l a i s S t e a k h o u s e Wanted : Female /Thai , CLEANER part time Patong area. 3 - 4 hours 2 times

S w e d i s h / F i n n i s h Staff for Dive Cen- Looking for staff Waiter and fluent in speaking and writweekly. Call 089 972 3861.

S p e a k i n g G u i d e : ter Office: Immediate waitress. Room, Social Seing English, good computer Swedish/Finnish speaking tour guide wanted for cruise boat, for tours around Phuket and Krabi. Great customer service skills & knowledge of Phuket & Thailand. Email Lotta - lotta@lamoet.com

start. 6 days/week. Good salary, adjusted to ability/ experience. Thai female with good English/computer/book-keeping skills required. In-house training possible. Chalong area. 088 380 9712.

curity, Bonus. Come join our team. Please email: altimthai@yahoo.fr.

Personal Assistant Required: PA required

skills, Accounting and administration skills required.

Preferably experience of at least two years. Please send your CV and photo to: monsoonpatong@gmail. com.

Housekeeper Surin Beach: Good base pay, conditions and tips. Working with high end clients. Live in or live out. Will consider couples as well as individu-

Sales/Marketing People: 4 Full time and 2 Part time sales/marketing people required.

English essential. Good commission and incentives. New Australian te r m i te m a n a g e m e nt product. Call Jody 087 266 2252.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED PREMIUM: PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD B2,799+VAT. PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD WILL RUN ONLINE AND IN EVERY PRINT EDITION UNTIL YOU HAVE SOLD. INCLUDES ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES ONLINE.

Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

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189 CHARACTERS

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Online upgrades:

Website link B199

Print upgrades:

Extra lines B99

Urgent banner B199 Box B199

Colour Background B199

Colour Headlines B199

INCLUDE NOVOSTI PHUKETA (FREE TRANSLATION TO RUSSIAN) B1,699+VAT.

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

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Property

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Phuket villa for sale

4 bedrooms, located in Rawai > 21

“More than just office space”

Phuket Cottages

Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.

For your private or virtual office

www.phuket-cottages.com

call Martin on 08 9874 9080 info@asiapacificoffices.com

Call: 089-724-7211

PROPERTY FOR RENT

www.asiapacificoffices.com lease: very low rent, strong starting, easy to manage and good return on investment.

Price 1.2MLN. Take this opportunity. Thamad17@yahoo. com. 089 728 4005.

ศูนย์ธุรกิจปาล์มพลาซ่า

Laguna area, Cherngtalay From 8m2 to 120m2

naiharnbeachresort@hotmail. com.

Luxury Ocean View Apartments for Rent in Kata and Karon: 1 or 2 Bdrm, 2 Bathrm, Kitchen, large Balcony, Parking, 24 hrs Security, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool. Ph: 076 486 624 and 086 281 9311.

Email: bao200@gmail.com.

Ocean Front Villa for rent: Luxury brand new vilOffice for rent Patong Tower: 3 Offices for rent

on 5th floor of Patong Tower, close to beach, post office, Jungceylon. 69 sq.metre: B34,500 per month. 106 sq.metre: B53,000 per month.

126 sq.metre: B63,000 per month. 076 341 369-71.

Guesthouse for Lease in Patong: 12 rooms, good location Nanai Road. 9 years

la, fully furnished and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view.

Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month.

Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

Investment Property for sale!: New, modern

Retail Space Opportunity: Large international Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location

fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parking spots, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.

resort in Karon seeks retail tenant. Excellent year round occupancy. Flexible rental terms. Must sell quality merchandise. Khun Boonchu call 076 396 200–5, fcckr@ chr.co.th.

waterfront townhome at the Boat Lagoon for sale. Rented out long term at 570.000 Baht/year. 3 bed/4bath, 2 balconies, terrace at canal, 6 m berth in front of house.

250 sqm living space. Top condition. Luxury finishings. Brokers welcome.

B9.9 million. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English).

PROPERTY FOR SALE House For Sale In Chalong By Owner:

Bar, Pi z zer ia , Ho t el, Rawai Beach: B800,000 yearly rent, longterm lease. Negotiable, 9 bedrooms, full guest. No key money, 60m to beach.

Call 084 242 8914, email: rawai4@yahoo.com.

Phuket Villa for Sale (PKS0259):

Patong Bangla Building for Sale: B28 million, Chanote, 4 floors 6m x 14m. 1st & 2nd tenanted.

Flr 3-staff accom, bath, kitchen. Separate office with access to lower floor.

4th flr private Penthouse one bed. 087 881 7600.

B39,000,000. 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Address: Kalim, Typical Unit Size: 636 sq.m. Land Area: 644 sq.m.

Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

Mission Heights: Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work December 2012. B10 million. Call 088 838 3242.

Restaurant / Guesthouse: Established restaurant covering two shop houses with private terrace and owners apartment or 8 room guesthouse. Freehold (no lease/rent). Includes all equipment and newly renovated kitchen. Contact for details. Projected ROI 4 years. Call 081 956 3166.

NaiHarn Beach Lagoon Resort: on South end of Naiharn Beach, Phuket, just 10 minutes to Kata. Nice and quiet nature for your relaxation.

Massage, Tours, and Services.

Start from only B599. Contact 083 173 9636. B.Jack, email:

Chanote title. 412 sq.metre.

2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms.

Extra penthouse with open k itc he n an d sto re r o o m.

Lovely garden, very quiet and cosy place. Access to pool nearby. Price B3.9 mill. negotiable. Telephone 087 881 3062 (After 5/4-13 +47 47390581) email: kjellsyvertsen@hotmail.com.

Commercial Building For Sale: 5 metre x Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. Located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.

18.30 metre, three floors, located close by condo at Saiyuan, two big halls, two bedrooms, four bathrooms, clean and new building.

Negotiable price. For more details please call 087 881 7979, 081 472 0770, email: ss.kijrungruang@gmail.com.

Resort Land for Sale (L752): Price On Application. Address: Naka Yai Island. Land Area: 6-1-20 rai.

Frontage: Approximately 115 meters of beach frontage. Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

for living + dining, 1 laundry, big kitchen + long island 1 front off + aircon. Nice view of club house: big garden, pool, tennis. 300 sqm, B5.9 Million.

Call 089 925 5486.

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

with own well. Restaurant and bar with satellite TV and Adsl.

Opened for 15 years, with lots of repeat customers, parking, quiet. 086 940 1860.

Beautiful Karon Villa: 3 Bed Pool Villa Pa Khlok: 3 Beds, 2 Bath Pool Villa nex t to PIA: Brand new, luxury villa with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 12 metre swimming pool, guest bungalow, ready to move in. Perfectly located in a development with underground electricity and security, only 800 metres from Mission Hills golf course, less then 10 mins to airport, Phuket International Academy and Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B14.9 mil or long term rent 100,000 Baht/month.

Tel 081 343 0777, Email : montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

House for sale near Loch Palm: Three bedroom pool villa in Kathu close to international schools. Views over Loch Palm. All bedrooms with aircon and en suite bathrooms. Two car garage and secluded garden. Chanote title. Call 084 844 0991

for sale in Permsap Villa, Cherng Talay. Land 735 m2, original 4 bedroom house w it h 2 3 0 m 2 f l o o r are a modified to 3 bedroom, all windows and doors from SUNPARADISE, separate carport from Shades. Very quiet estate. First owner since 2009. Price B10.9 mln o.n.o. Call 083 509 8797 for information.

205/34 Soi Thamdee Nanai 6: House for sale in a very good location in the heart of Patong. The house has 3 floors, 3 sleeping rooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms and a roof terrace with jacuzzi, garage. Good rental return. Price on request. 084 188 4544.

B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront.

Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty. com. Ref AB-V453, email: dmuir@exotiq.com.

room, kitchen, washing machine, aircon, balcony, fully furnished. Condo with gym, 24hr security, car park. 5 mins to Patong, Loch Palm golf. Good view. B1.25 million. Call 086 947 1273.

Phuket Villa for Sale (PKS0812): B57,000,000.

4 Bedrooms, 5 + 2/half Bathrooms. Address: Rawai.

Typical Unit Size: 816 sq.m.

Land Area: 1,250 sq.m. Ms Prakaipeth - CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) 076 239 967/081 538 6879.

aircon, warm water, 2 aircon

Pool Villa For Sale Nai Harn: Modern, open

Laguna/Layan. Luxury private pool villas in secure development. Available now.

All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million.

Contact owner: 085 549 7110.

design villa with a large 9x3 metre pool, 2 floors, nice garden, car park and mountain views, 6 years young, 120 sqm floor, 2 bedrooms, chanote, located close to center & beach. Call 085 473 7812.

Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket town. Land: 855sq.m. House: 650sq.m.

Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room.

2 Parkings. Price B54.9 mill.

Tel: 081-8953628 E-mail: jin_ koy@yahoo.com

Patong Tower for Sale: Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream pool

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa for Sale: Rawai Beach front pool villa for sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

villa with 5 bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 rai of land. Big hall, office, maid’s room. Brand-new construction opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill.

A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern European- designed kitchen. Big sea view pool terraces incl sala and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@gmx.de.

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

Best Functional House for Sale: 3 bed + 4 bath,

villa, fully furnish and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view.

Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month.

Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.

3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas:

NEW Studio Apt in Kathu: 30 sqm, 1 bed-

Freehold House for sale: Freehold house

Opportunity Knocks:

6x3m pool. Full aircon and funishings. Ready for occupation and rental. Secure estate, private parking. 6km from Heroines monument.

Close to PIA , BCS and shops. 081 737 0722.

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

Ocean Front Villa for Sale: Luxury brand new

Resort for Sale: Resort 2 rai, with Chanote. 22 Double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden

bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School.

To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.

Luxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect condi-

BanYan Villa: 2 year-

tion, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1,600 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: B25.5 million www.tamataphuket.com crishausb@ hotmail.com Tel. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.

old 3 -storey townhouse 31.5 s.q wah or about 126 s.q.m at BanYan Villa, 3 bed rooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 kitchen, 1 aircon, fully furnished located nearby Land and House par k, Chalong. Pr ic e 3. 2 m.

Contact owner tel 081 535 1252 Mr Krich.

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

Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan” in Rawai. Three easy payments over eight months build time. Overlooking a peaceful, fish-filled lake. Valued at B12 million on completion. Save millions. Contact 081 270 4291, email: thailandmls@gmail.com.

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

House in Phuket Town / Samkong 3 bedroom, 3 bathrooms: Semi detached house with 3 large bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large open living/dining area and entertainment deck outside. Large western kitchen with all appliances. Great area very conveniently located 5 minutes from all amenities including both international hospitals, Central Festival, international schools and the centre of town. Selling due to relocation.

Priced to sell at B4.3M including 4 air cons and all modern style furniture. Nothing more to spend. Contact (English): 084 768 0536 or (Thai): 085 888 0502.

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

20M Baht. Rent minimum 6 months. High season 90K per month.Twelve months or more 70K PM. 087 078 6379.

Busy Bar for sale: Very busy Mushroom bar for sale in Soi Bel Air. Wally Bar. All stock, TV sound system, beer boxes and fridges included in sale, rent B10,000 monthly.

Key money paid until 2013.

Call 086 725 0771.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet locaOne + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai:

Main home: two bed, extended bungalow with outside kitchen, shower and seating salas set in mature, walled, private gardens. Own well, tanks and pumps. Sold, furnished.

Will sleep 8+ can be sold with a 30-year land lease for non-Thai. Price B5.5 nego: Mobile: Eng 082 416 0150. 3BB WiFi internet also.

Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.

tion and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument.

70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open-plan kitchen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including furniture.

Excl. furniture B2,995,000.

Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

Near Beach 3 Bed Pool Villa: Fully equiped holiday home with private garden and pool. Within easy reach of Rawai and Nai Harn beach. For full details and pictures please contact me. 084 850 1340.

Seaview Townhouse Patong: Bet ween the city and the jungle at the northern edge of Patong.

70m alt., 10mn walk to the beach. 4 storey +/- 290 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 toilet visit. 4 aircon, partly furnished. andamanhills@ gmail.com.

Single House Special Price B9.5 million: Nice house fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, close to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palm, major stores, BIS and KIS. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.

Furnished House for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom house with furniture, close to Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac. Nice gardens, two b at h r o o m s. 3 . 5 M B a ht .

Negotiable. 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), e m a i l:d av i d g e m 9 8 @ h ot mail.com.

Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket town. Land: 855sq.m. House: 650sq.m.

Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room.

2 Parkings. Price B54.9 mill.

Tel: 081 895 3628 E-mail: jin_koy@yahoo.com.

good condo deal now. 1-bedroom corner condo 56sqm, fully furnished. Only 1.99 mil.

Normal price 2.6 mil. 10mins walk to beach and Bangla Road. Tel: 089 872 6895 or jos peder@live.no.

Seaview 1 BDRM New Condo Patong: Stunning seaview, city view 1 bdrm condo on hill 500m from Patong beach. Fitness centre, roof top pool, security,car park, freehold.

Only B4,40 0,0 0 0. Keith 084 628 3430, keithb025@ gmail.com.

Patong Lof t Condo: Pool Villa in Marina: Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina.

Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.

Townhouse Chalong Bargain!!: Town house on 3 levels with mezanine, 112 sqm, fully furnished, 3 BR, 3 Bth room, 2 kitchens, 3 air con. Tasteful western decoration, MUST see, HP English 0854415115. Thai 081 555 1230.

Patong Condo: Makes a

Kathu- Pool Villa for sale: Hillside setting. Luxurious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent. Sale

Makes a good condo deal now.

1-bedroom, fully furnished, 67 sqm living area. Only B2.99 million. Big swimming pool.

Normal price B3.7 mil. Tel: 089 872 6895. Email: jospeder@ live.no.

Karon Hill Condo for sale ! Foreign Freehold: Seaview over Karon B eac h. 10 0 sqm. Liv ing area. 1 bedroom, walk in closets, luxury bathroom, terrace, etc. Fully furnished.

Many upgrades. Luxury furnishings. Only 6.9 million baht. Brokers welcome. Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520 4 (English/ Thai). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

rai. Full chanote, water, electrical, sea/mountain views. Call 087 797 8503 (Eng).

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full ownNew Condo ‘Phuket Villa Patong’: Prime location, deluxe 43sqm, 1 bed 1 bath apartment, freehold, modern full furnished, pool, gym, sauna, CCTV + security 24hrs, private park. 3.5MB. Jeab: 087 978 1947 (Eng/Th) Email: nhoj0512hotmail.com.

ership forever-beyond the financing plan of 10 years.

Rent 9,000B/Month. Studio Room Renovated With furniture. A/C, WiFi, kitchen, 200m to beach.084 242 8914. Rawai4@yahoo.com.

Donsak Beachfront Land 3 rai: 67 metres

Paklok L and O nly B7,999/Sqwah: Only

absolute beach frontage, fully infrastructured, ready to build. Close to ferry going to Koh Samui. Chanote title.

6.6MB for all. Tel 087 978 1947 (Eng/Thai) Jeab Email: nhoj0512@hotmail.com.

B7,999/Sq wah at Paklok, Chanote, Mountain View, 200m from main road, 11 km from monument and 4 km to Mission Hill. Interested/ Wanted larger size, CALL 084 305 6667, email: mari sar1978@hotmail.com

1 Rai Sea-View Land:

Patong Apartment Reduced Price: Condo 4 years old. Swimmingpool, security 24/7, cafeteria. Studio 46sqm fully furished. Freehold for foreigners. Price:2.6MLN. Urgent sale, no agent. tel.089 728 4005. Mail:thamad17@ yahoo.com.

Apartment for sale in Patong: Apar tment for SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view / mountain view, furnished, Po o l, 24 h r s e c u r i t y, f o r SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66 (0) 83 103 3801, 081 415 7774.

3 gorgeous lots, clean Titles: For sale or long lease. 2 Lots on IslandBeachfront (Bungalow-/ Housing-Estate) and 1 big Mainland-Mountain property all in very quiet, safe, well maintained locations near Krabi. 089 291 4671.

Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold, 2nd floor, corner unit, stunning sea view, pool, car park, security, best location, ca. 110sqm, 2 bedroom, German kitchen, all new, terrace, only a few metres to beach, B10.6 M 081 824 1385.

Urgent Sale - Make an Offer: Studio condo at The Point near Lotus, Big C, Central. All furniture and inventory include. Great views 6th floor. Cost over 2.8M Baht.

Call 087 889 3838 or 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@ hot mail.com

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned). B7.5M. Call owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.

Opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill, Chanote, ca. 36 m x 45 m, sophisticated hillside project, proratable, B8.5 mil direct to owner: 085 65 44 0 11 or 089 40 40 737.

meters (0.927 Rai). Chanote Title. New Survey. Public road, electric and good well water. 450m walk to Chalong Pier and all boat tours. Build your dive resort. 085 784 0209.

Ama zing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic Ocean Front Land: 7 rai with 185 metres of sea frontage. Water, electricity, road and boat access, located 800 metres from Yacht Haven marina, perfect site for small beach front development. For quick sale only B5 million per rai. Tel 081 3430777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 minutes to

for immediate sale located at Lotus Residence, a small 3-storey boutique condo of only 12 apartments total.

It is located on a southern hillside above Patong Bay. Call 084 436 2540.

Beachfront land for sale: 2 rai absolute amazing beachfront, few min. boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket.

B13 million per rai +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail.com.

180 degree Oceanview plot for sale near Bang Pae Waterfall. Peaceful with a lot of privacy. One of Phuket’s last available Seaview Plots.

Only B3.8 M per rai (total B7.6 M). Brokers welcome.

Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 5204 (Thai/English). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.

G o l f Co u r s e L a n d For Sale: Near British Intl School, 17 rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B 4. 5 m p e r r ai. C o nt ac t owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.

nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 rai, 96,000 square metre.

Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail.com.

Seaview Land Patong: Two parcels of superior land 11 rai. Inc seaview. Main road frontage. Ideal for resort and condominiums. 150 mil baht. (Thai) 087 889 3838 or (Ger) 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com

Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land for Sale: One rai.

6 Rai Hilltop Land for Sale: Mission hills 6 rai hilltop land for sale. B4.2 million per

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

Patong and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 square wah or 564 square metre with ready public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

2 Rai Seaview Landplot for sale: Beautiful Patong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready

near new deep sea por t.

4.5 Rai divided into 7 Chanote plots. Reluctant sale.

B4.9M the lot. Email: jmic chia@yahoo.c om or c all 087 276 0529.

1 Rai Chalong Pier Land Sale: 1483 square

Hill Land for Sale: Very

sea view, mountain view and Big Buddha. 310 sq metre, 2 beds, 2 baths with option to convert in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail. com.

Absolute Beach Front Land: S o ngk la dist r ic t

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

Land plot 100 metres to Rawai Beach, about 850 sq.metre.

Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Email: rawai.steen@ gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.

Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build your own home with good location and gated community. All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power, telephone, ADSL internet etc. Contact 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproperty trip. com.

Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic views over the Lake and Loch Palm. Very quiet, secluded plot but with all facilities ready to go. 1551 sqm plot, freehold leasehold with full Chanote title. 081 273 6959.

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Exceptional yacht for sale

Beautifully maintained Wauquiez yacht

BUSINESS SERVICES

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

ised. Contact 085 574 4258 or email: cindy@soidog.org.

Health Food: Online health

Tile It: Thalang. Wana

6.5M RIB: New Hypalon tubing and blue cover. On a fiber glass V shaped hull.

240HP Mercury Giving comfortable cruise at 25-30Kts and 40 Kts Max Ideal for family day trips to beach skiing etc. 081 273 6959.

BOATS & YACHTS

food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

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.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS

Motorbike Trailer with Tow bar: Professionally built motor bike trailer, with tow bar and coupling. Cost B45,000 to built, will sell for B25,000. Ideal for dog caring or shopping. Very stable.

Please ring 084 858 1917.

Speed boat for sale!: Exceptional Yacht For Sale: Beautifully maintained Wauquiez Yacht 41FT. Specs and photos : w w w.wauquiezforsale. blogspot.com. Robert: 087 632 8259 or email: camina ta40@hotmail.com. Priced to sell: $199K US. Can be seen in Phuket.

6 metre body Bayliner, 200 HP (EFI) Mercury engine, Yamaha 5 HP back up engine. Blue book. Including: trailer, 2 anchors, and cover, Garmin deep sounder and fish finder brand new.

Call 081 477 5637 THAI; 086 283 0082 ENG, RUS.

PERSONAL SERVICES

yacht Cranchi 47f t Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro385,000. Call: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@ yahoo.com.

teras Style yacht, 35 + 4 crew, large upper deck includes website: www.char terboatsphuket.com, price B5,370,000 or best offer. email eastcoastefi@aol.com or 087 889 8044.

Singapore Club Phuket: Calling all SingaFoot ball Table for Sale: Brand new “Heavy

Speedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent condition, 12.18m Fiberglass Bowrider, 12mm thick hull, 600ltr fuel tank, 150ltr water tank, licensed for 25 passengers, storage area, manual head, 5 years old, B1.4 million o.n.o, please contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.

Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120ltr fuel tank, 200hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition.

Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.

duty” Soccer/Football Table for rent and sell. Suitable for bars and hotels. Call us now at 081 823 4627, 085 782 1200.

COOKING CLASS

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE Lodestart RIB: 3.8m,

Kite Surf Equipment for Sale: 2 new boards,

Tohatsu 40hp, Trailer, skis, tube, lifejackets. B 140,000.

Contact 080 073 5371.

Baan Cananga Spa Products: We use tra-

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Phuket Cooking A c a d e my: C o o k i n g

Ski Boat for Sale:

gone2thedoggies@gmail.com.

Charter Boat: 62ft Hat-

Moonsoon for sale: 28Ft, registered for 15 passengers. 200Hp/ V6 Mercury motor, only 240 hours, totally restored 40 hours ago, perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping, water taxi navigation system + fishfinder, 5hp spare motor. Boat and motor in very good condition. Located at Boat Lagoon. Priced for quick sale at B330,000.

Contact at : 086 747 9292 or claudstrey@gmail.com.

homeless dog? Many lovely pups - free to a good home, also fully grown adult dogs that would make great guard dogs and a best friend. Contact:

POOL TABLES

poreans in Phuket to join Singapore Club Phuket. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189.

A Steal For A Quick Sale: 2007 Italian demo

Are You Looking to get a New Dog or Cat?: Why not adopt a

Investors Resort project: Resort project. Situated by Laguna, develop a 44 or 60 room resort on a 2 rai plot. Sought after area, 25 year lease. Realistic ROI within 3 years. Lucrative & secure investment in ideal location. Offers may be considered for sale of lease.

Contact 087 884 0644.

and baking classes have never been more fun using our top-class professional facilities. With complimentary transport from around the island, head to the best Masterchef kitchen on the island. Learn the tricks of the trade from international award winning Chef, Lionel Raiffort. Learn how to cook, from Thai & European cuisines, to the art of baking. Get involved and make a day of it, groups are welcome. For more information, visit w w w. phuket-cooking-academy. com or call 081 821 4064.

ditional organic Thai herbs and make quality homemade spa products, cosmetic and OTOP health and beauty products. Shop: Kata Night Plaza and Raya Beauty Rawai Sai Yuan. Call 081 979 3504 Khun Wan.

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com

PET ADOPTION

never used. 2 Kites, used 2-3 times. New price was more then 200,000 Baht.

Sell altogether for 100.000 B a h t . Fo r s i n g l e i t e m s please call. 086 747 9292 (English) or 081 970 520.

Tr e k R o a d B i k e B75,000 ono: Trek Madone 4.5 road bike. Ashima wheels. Carbon aero-bars.

Profile design water bottle.

Great condition plus travel case worth B20,000. Call 087 887 1292, email drew joy27@yahoo.com.

Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption.

Fully vaccinated and steril-

Life Fitness Walking Machine: Brand new retail B150,000. Sell for B70,000.

Call 0872760529.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

EQUIPMENT SALES & RENTAL

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management liberto@construction-thailand.com

liberto@construction-thailand.com 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand.

Main Contractor:

Study Project Architecture Design Construction & Management

Office 3.L.H & I.C.P. Manufactory 3.L.H & I.C.P.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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MARINE SERVICES

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

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

MARINE SERVICES

REMOVALS

STORAGE

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

24 PHUKET SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Phuket United futsalers sink Navy, skin CAT FC FUTSAL

Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

P

huket United Futsal Club continued their winning streak when they crushed the Navy Futsal Club at Saphan Hin Gymnasium on Saturday (January 5) – and just as The Phuket News was going to press, the team increased their run with an away win against CAT FC in Bangkok.

Although Wednesday ‘s morning game against CAT started poorly, Phuket came back from two goals down to set the final score at 5-2.

Before the game on Saturday, Phuket United’s “Coach Hum” Suphol Senapheng had warned that the Navy futsalers – placed fourth in the Thailand Futsal League – would be a tough team to beat.

But Coach Hum successfully devised a strategy to exploit his newest, highest-paid player: the Brazilian Marcos Vinicius De Medonco, who

Phuket United futsaler Jardel strikes the opening goal against Navy Futsal Club at Saphan Hin Gymnasium on Saturday. arrived in Phuket just one day earlier.

“They are in the military, they are strong. They have a very good power play – and fast. Those are the advantages they have on us. But we also have our own advantages.

“We play at home, they travelled from Sattahip [in

Chonburi province] to here, while we are all fresh. We also have our own power play and we also have our new guy [Marcos] that they have never played against. That will be our game.”

And, indeed, the game against Navy on Saturday all went according to plan.

Brazilian futsaler Jardel de Andrade Apolonio scored Phuket United’s opener in the game against Navy, and his fellow Brazilian Jackson Santos soon followed suit, giving Phuket United a 2-0 lead. Navy scored their first goal only a minute before half time.

In the second half, Navy changed their tactics and their highly-regarded power play (when an opposing player is sent off until the next goal) earned them an equaliser.

This was when Coach Hum ordered Marcos onto the pitch to change the tide: the new player ran rampant through the Navy defenders before he scoring his first goal for Phuket United from the left field, causing fans to roar with joy.

Navy still hoped for another equaliser: their power play attempts were strong but the defiant Phuket United defence would not let it happen.

The score remained 3-2 until the last minute, when Phuket United’s Bencharong Panpob cut off Navy’s powerplay ball in the midfield and fired off a shot towards the goal, scoring to make it 4-2 just before the final whistle.

Coach Hum was practically jumping with joy after the game.

“It was great, everybody played very well, just like we

planned. Our teamwork won this game,” he said.

“If we can play as a team like we did against Navy, we will do okay. We will keep winning for our fans.”

And they did – with a 5-2 win against 10th placed CAT FC in Bangkok on Wednesday.

The fans at the game against Navy on Saturday were delighted with the win.

“It was very fast, the tension in the game was high,” one fan told The Phuket News.

“The pitch is so small, futsalers must keep playing, and shots fired from anywhere can lead to a goal. I believe if Phuket United keep winning like this, soon we will see this stadium full of fans cheering for them.”

Phuket United play next at home on Saturday, January 12, against top side Chonburi RBAC. It’s expected to be an especially tough match – Chonburi recently appointed former Thai national futsal head coach Jose Maria Pazos “Pulpis” Mendez as their head coach.

Phuket FC stocks players for push to Premier League FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

PHUKET FC HAVE CONtinued their buying spree of players as they prepare for a new season they hope will carry them into the Thai Premier League.

On Wednesday the team signed a 25 year-old Brazilian striker to their roster, Luiz Eduardo Porcino – known as “Dudu” – from Saraburi’s Osotspa FC. Other new additions to the Islanders camp are former Phattalung FC and Thai Port FC attacking midfielder/ forward Kritsada Sakaew, and Prachinburi’s midfielder Worawit Kewjanngam.

They join right wingbacker, Thanathep “Jeng” Jiaradab, who signed with the Islanders last week from PTT Rayong FC, and two new players who have joined the team from Pattani FC: goalie Ninuruddin “Spider Ming” Nideha, and right wingbacker Sakareeya Kolae.

On Monday, the players joined their new team at Phuket FC’s training ground in

Phuket FC chairman Pamuke Atchariyachay with the team’s newest foreign signing, Luiz Eduardo “Dudu” Porcino.

Baan Ao Nam Bo, near Cape Panwa, where they were welcomed by team manager Jakkapob Su-ngan and chairman’s secretary Paitool Silapawisut.

Mr Jakkapob said he is now finalising signings with a further three foreign footballers currently with three big Thai Premier League teams – but he can’t reveal their names yet.

Esan United’s striker Chana Sonwiset is also on his way to Phuket, and Mr Jakkapob is looking to add another goalkeeper to the squad, after local goalie Kampol Phathomakkukul was called to the

Thai national team camp to prepare for the SEA Games.

Phuket FC are also holding a competition to design the team’s new mascot.

The designs must be original work based on the team’s official logo, and be for practical use as a team mascot on match days.

Fans are invited to send their proposed mascot designs to phuketfc2013@hotmail. com before January 31, 2013.

The competition winner will be announced in early February on Phuket FC’s official team website: phuketfootballclub.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

PHUKET SPORT 25

Patong knock down Village CRICKET

P A saltwater crocodile was recently caught near the Similan Islands, the first sighting in the area. Photo: Holger Krisp

Crocodile catch startles Similan sport fishermen CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart editor@thephuketnews.com

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO all my Ofishianado friends – “and may yer tackle rarely fanckle.”

When newbies come to Phuket Island and get over their culture shock, they regularly ask: “what’s big game fishing like?” I often answer, “It’s 90 per cent relaxation, eight per cent adrenalin and two per cent sheer terror.”

To prove my point, there is a great video on YouTube with a 600lb Black Marlin jumping on to the boat and creating havoc which is well worth a watch, but our local Beer-a-cudas from the Phuket Game Fishing Club recently had their own scary few minutes of fame, on a trip to the Similan Island FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices.)

In a previous article I recall mentioning the drawing power of red and white Rapalas, and these boys proved I was not kidding when theirs snagged a three-metre long Saltwater Crocodile, which they fought until their Thai crew ran for cover as the monster came up from the depths.

Captain Zow wisely cut the leader as his boat, although superbly equipped, was not set up for unwanted pets or the production of crocodile shoes and handbags. Yeah, strange thing happen at sea!

Colin, sorry to hear about your injury, but it could have been worse – Tick-Tock in the Croc.

Neill Campbell, who seems to be getting more than his

fair share of mentions lately, after getting over the shock of the croc, landed a 4.8kg Rainbow Runner which must be a record for our waters.

Congratulations on your half century, “old man”.

Personally, on the last few days of “day” fishing out of Chalong the catches have been mediocre, as we have been trolling in high water, low tides being the best. That said, we had a young lady out on her first Sports Fishing adventure who caught a 5/6kg King (Spanish) Mackerel.

Not bad at all for your first fish, Trisha, it put your Dad to shame.

The Rawai Beach Fishing Club last Sunday of the month’s fishing trip is proving so popular that January’s boat has now become up to six boats, and they are having a “warm up” mini competition to get ready for the big event of the year, Wahoo 2013.

This year’s Wahoo will feature 30-plus boats with international contestants competing for around three million baht worth of prizes.

I know of at least one team who are already working on their secret weapons.

This contest always proves to be great fun and if you are all waiting with baited breath for my next article then be advised, it may be a little late, as the Phuket News’ deadline comes a poor second to fishing.

Read all about it next month’s Phuket fishing revelations.

Once again, a Happy New Year to all, tight lines and keep the stories and tall tales coming in.

Jimmy fishinginphuket.com

atong Cricket Club squared off against the Village Cricket Team in the fourth match of the Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels League on Sunday – the first game in the league after a short break for the festive season.

Both teams hoped for a festive gift in the form of a win, but it was PCC who walked away with the victory on the day.

Patong’s opener Mike Khan (41), well supported by his opening partner Raju Seemant (45), continued his impressive form in the league.

The duo got Patong off to a solid start, with the Village finally breaking through for the first wicket in the 15th over, with the score on an impressive 109.

After the departure of Seemant, leading league run scorer Manish Sadarangani

The Village were in the Christmas giving spirit on Sunday. continued the Patong onslaught. With a strike rate of 150, Sadarangani took the game by the scruff of the neck, eventually losing his wicket for 63 after being dropped off the previous ball.

Village Captain Kevin Quilty spread some seasonal cheer with some inspiring fielding, taking two excellent catches in the mid-off position.

But this did little to hinder the flow of runs.

One could debate whether the Village was still in a Christmas giving spirit or just undisciplined in their bowling, as they conceded a total of 56 extras in the Patong batting innings. The PCC innings came to a close on a total of 265 for the loss of 8 wickets.

The Village batsmen knew that they had a huge turkey to chew if they wanted to win this game. Not only did a big run chase loom, but there was

also the prospect of contending with the prowess of the Patong bowlers. It did not take long for Richard Desmond to claim the first scalp, as Quilty fell with the score on 6 in the second over.

Patrick Morton continued his good form with the ball, with figures of 4 for 13 placing him firmly at the top of the league bowling stats. Aided by Captain Anthony van Blerk’s keeping skills, three stumpings and one catch, the Patong team carved up the rest of the Village batting line up.

The Village lost their 10th and final wicket with the score on 130.

Reigning league champions Laguna are the next target in the sights of Patong Cricket Club. The teams face each other on Sunday, January 8, at the Alan Cooke Ground, in a match that promises to be another epic encounter between the old foes.

Fair Play soccer league seeks youth players PHUKET SOCCER Schools (PSS) is once again organising this year’s Fair Play League (FPL) for children in Phuket, and is now looking for youth players and volunteer coaches to take part.

The 2013 FPL games start on Sunday, February 17, and will be held every Sunday for five weeks. The league is open to boys and girls of all abilities, and organised into two age divisions – Under 11s and Under 14s, with girls invited to play one year down.

PSS head coach Martin Hill says the league is now

FPL players at Headstart International School last year. looking for 100 players from around the island, as well as volunteers to assist in coaching the teams.

Head coach and assistant coach positions are available, with training and help given to volunteers.

The season price for players is just B500 each, which includes a free FPL playing kit.

The Fair Play League is the brainchild of Hannu Tuukkanen, the Director of the Youth Football Home (YFH) – an orphanage for boys from

all over Thailand who show outstanding football ability.

Originally he wanted to give boys at YFH the opportunity to mix with children from other schools and to practice their English.

The first FPL games were held in 2008, when the teams were made up of boys from YFH and the British International School, Phuket.

The league now include boys and girls from QSI International School, Phuket International Academy Day School, Kajonkiet, Darasamut and Headstart.

26 THAILAND SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Thai boxers look to rebound in the ring after poor 2012 BOXING

T

his should be a better year for Thai boxing, in and out of the ring, according to several promoters, following the disappointments of 2012, when a number of world champions lost their titles.

The country began 2012 with four world champions: Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (WBC flyweight), Suriyan Sor Rungvisai (WBC bantamweight), Kompayak Por Pramuk (WBC light-flyweight) and Tepparith Kokietgym (WBA bantamweight).

By the end of the year, all of them had lost their crowns.

Worse still, Pongsaklek, Kompayak and Tepparith were dethroned after knockout losses.

W BO Pungluang Sor Singyu now stands alone as Thailand’s only champion after stopping AJ Banal in the ninth round in the Philippines.

Pongsaklek lost his flyweight title after a shock loss to Filipino Sonny Boy Jaro in Chon Buri in March, and Suriyan was defeated by Yota Sato in Japan in the same month.

Kompayak was stopped in the sixth round and lost his title to Adrian Hernandez in Mexico before Tepparith was knocked out in the fourth round

by Kohei Kono in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve. On the same day, Pornsawan Por Pramuk failed to win the vacant WBA minimumweight title, a split-decision loss to Ryo Miyazaki in Osaka prompting the Thai fighter’s camp to complain he was robbed.

Petchyindee’s Piyarat Wachirarattanawongse admitted his camp had a bad year, with two of his boxers, Pongsaklek and Kompayak, losing their titles.

“Our performance in 2012

WBO Pungluang Sor Singyu (yellow shorts) now stands alone as Thailand’s only champion. Photo: James Goyder was much less impressive than in 2011,” he said.

“Pongsaklek lost because he is old, although he did his best. For Kompayak, to fight a Mexican boxer is Mexico is never easy and we had to accept that.”

While Pongsaklek, 34, announced his retirement after the defeat, Kompayak, who is ranked third in the 112-pound division, may get a shot at regaining the title.

Apart from Kompayak, Piyarat has three other boxers who are likely to earn title shots this year: Wanheng Menayothin, ranked second in the WBC 105-pound division; Noknoi Sitthiprasert, the top

contender at 112 pounds; and Oledong CP Freshmart, ranked third in the 115-pound class.

“I am quite confident that we will have two world champions this year,” said Piyarat, who nominated Wanheng and Oledong as his favourites.

In domestic boxing, Piyarat predicted continuous growth, thanks to a more stable political situation, with more sponsorship expected.

The Galaxy camp, who saw Pornsawan suffer a controversial loss to Miyazaki, also experienced the frustration of Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym failing a blood test ahead of a championship fight.

He was scheduled to chal-

lenge WBA super-bantamweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux in Texas but the fight never took place after the Thai failed a blood test.

However, camp boss Niwat Laosuwanwat was satisfied with his domestic business.

“I organised 16 boxing events in 2012 and all were successful,” Niwat insisted.

Niwat said his camp would become much stronger this year because he does not see boxing purely as a business – but also as a sport.

“It is not necessary for my boxers to win every fight. I love to see entertaining fights which will help attract sponsors,” Niwat said.

Asked about his boxers’ chances of challenging for world titles, Niwat identified former champion Denkaosan Kaovichit as the best bet, while

Teerachai Kratingdaenggym, ranked 11th in the WBA welterweight division, may have to wait another year.

“At 21, Teerachai is still young but has a bright future,” Niwat said.

“For Poonsawat, if the doctors give him the green light to continue fighting, we will keep supporting him.”

Srisaket Sor Rungvisai, meanwhile, is assured of a title shot this year. He has been chosen ahead of former champion Suriyan to challenge super-flyweight champion Sato, who dethroned Suriyan.

“The fight is likely to take place in Thailand in April,” Srisaket’s manager, Surachart Pisitwutthinan, said.

Although Srisaket is less experienced and less skilful than Suriyan, his hands are more powerful: “I need such

a powerful boxer to avoid an unfair decision, particularly when you fight overseas,” Surachart explained.

Srisaket holds a 16-1-1 record, with only one of the 16 winning bouts lasting the distance. Sato successfully defended his title on Dec 31, with a unanimous win over compatriot Ryo Akaho.

Should Srisaket beat Sato, as his handlers expect, Suriyan will have to move up to the 118-pound division.

Pariyakorn Rattanasuban, the country’s only female boxing promoter, saw her highly-rated boxer Chonlatarn Piriyapinyo lose to WBA superfeatherweight champ Chris John in Singapore.

Pariyakorn believes Chonlatarn needs more experience to get another chance, although he has received several offers since.

His fight came three weeks after Pungluang, also managed

by Pariyakorn, stopped Banal to win the WBO bantamweight title.

This year, Pariyakorn said, her main stars will be Pungluang and Kwanpichit Onesongchaigym.

Pungluang has agreed to a mandatory fight against Paulus Ambunda in Namibia on Feb 3.

“After carefully discussing with all concerned parties, we agreed for Pungluang to fight in Namibia,” Pariyakorn said.

“This is because we are confident that Pungluang will retain the title. We believe that Paulus is not as tough as Banal.”

Pungluang, 24, holds a record of 43-1-0 with 28 KOs while Paulus is at 19-0-0 with 10 KOs. Meanwhile, Kwanpichit is now ranked third in the WBO flyweight division and is expected to earn a title shot later this year.

“I am thrilled that I have more experience in this business,” said Pariyakorn, daughter of renowned promoter Songchai. “We have more sponsors and some of them are new ones.

This is a good sign.”

Pariyakorn, though, has every right to be nervous ahead of Pungluang’s first defence of the WBO bantamweight title in Namibia.

If he wins, Pariyakorn will be busy for the rest of the year.

But if Pungluang loses, it will be a major loss – not only for Pariyakorn and her fighter, but for the country, as he is Thailand’s only champion.

Bangkok Post

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

WORLD SPORT 27

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: WEEK 23

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

QPR stun Chelsea with 1–0 win FOOTBALL

C

helsea old boy Shaun Wr ig ht-Ph i l l ip s stunned his former club with a 78th-minute winning goal for Queens Park Rangers, as the Premier League’s lowest ranked team shocked the European champions 1-0.

Wright-Phillips drove home from the edge of the box at Stamford Bridge to move Harry Redknapp’s side to within five points of safety and prevent Chelsea from reclaiming third Liverpool’s Luiz Suarez scored two goals against Sunderland at Anfield. Photo: AFP place from Tottenham Hotspur. league. Papiss Cisse headed derland aside 3-0 at Anfield while Liverpool are now only Interim coach Rafael Newcastle into a second- to climb two places to eighth seven points beneath the ChamBenitez made five changes minute lead after goalkeeper on the league table. pions League places, although to his starting line-up, with Tim Krul’s long kick was Teenage winger Raheem fourth-place Chelsea retain a Ashley Cole, Ramires, Juan allowed to bounce on the Sterling opened the scoring game in hand.

Mata, Eden Hazard and the edge of the visitors’ box. in the 19th minute, gallopAhead of the weekend’s injured Petr Cech dropping Leighton Baines pro- ing onto a pass from Luis FA Cup fixtures, Manchester out, and the changes were to duced a goal-of-the-season Suarez and calmly lobbing the United led the table by seven prove costly. contender to equalise, with advancing Simon Mignolet. points after winning 4-0 at Punishment arrived with a magnificent 30-yard freeSuarez added a second in Wigan Athletic on New Year’s 12 minutes to play, when Adel kick that left Krul grasping the 26th minute, shrugging Day, while Manchester City reTaarabt teed up Wright-Phillips at thin air. off Carlos Cuellar before mained second following their to find the bottom-left corner Substitute Victor An- beating Mignolet at his near 3-0 win at home to Stoke City. from 20 yards and bring Chel- ichebe then completed the post, and the Uruguayan made In The Phuket News tipping sea’s four-game winning run comeback on the hour, tap- it 3-0 from Steven Gerrard’s competition: players Damian, to a juddering halt. ping in Nikica Jelavic’s low pass seven minutes into the flob, Keefers Kathu and topEverton came from behind cross barely 90 seconds after second half. tipster are tied at the top of Suarez’s brace took his the monthly table with 26 to win 2-1 at Newcastle, put- coming on. ting them in fifth place in the Liverpool swept Sun- tally of league goals to 15, points, 8 points ahead of the

Live Sports TV Schedule

CHANNEL GUIDE

*Times may be subject to change

CHANNEL START

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SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, January 11

Team

Lose Win Win Lose Lose Lose Lose Win Lose Lose Win

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

MONTHLY STANDINGS

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. Damian 26 2. flob 26 3. Keefers Kathu 26 4. toptipster 26 5. Campanil 18 6. choochoo 18 7. fazza 18 8. gafferworld 18 9. jigdellasoul 18 10. Jwilderbeast 18

1. suncat100 416 2. scottkip 405 3. mickyleeds 402 4. Blackrosebar 388 5. diggersd 382 6. apollo131 381 7. bazerb 81 8. toptipster 381 9. alanphuket 379 10. fazza 370

following pack. In the overall standings, suncat100 clings to the top of the table, with a score of 416 extending his lead to 11 points over nearest challenger scottkip, on 405, while mickyleeds is running a close third, on 402.

This month (January 2013)

the competition is sponsored

by Australia Bar and Grill in Kata; the monthly winner will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the venue.

The overall winner at the end of the season will win a brand new Honda Scoopy, courtesy of AP Honda.

Spanish Primera Liga

English Premier League

1XX- True Vision, 8XX - Astra; 8 - Setanta

TOM’S TIPS WEEK 24 Aston Villa v Southampton Everton v Swansea Fulham v Wigan Norwich v Newcastle Reading v West Brom Stoke v Chelsea Sunderland v West Ham Manchester United v Liverpool Arsenal v Manchester City QPR v Tottenham Chelsea v Southampton

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

1

Manchester United

21

17

1

3

54

28

52

1

Barcelona

18

17

1

0

61

19

52

2

Manchester City

21

13

6

2

41

19

45

2

Atlético Madrid

18

13

2

3

38

18

41

3

Tottenham Hotspur

21

12

3

6

39

27

39

3

Real Madrid

18

11

3

4

45

20

3

4

Chelsea

20

11

5

4

39

19

38

4

Málaga

18

9

4

5

28

13

31

5

Everton

21

9

9

3

35

26

36

5

Real Betis

18

10

1

7

28

29

31

6

Arsenal

20

9

7

4

40

22

34

6

Levante

18

9

3

6

24

25

30 28

Team

815, 111

18:00

22:00

Golf

EPGS Volvo Champions

Durban

29

13:30

21:30

Cricket

ODI No. 1

India v England

7

West Bromwich Albion

21

10

3

8

29

27

33

7

Rayo Vallecano

18

9

1

8

25

33

Test Match Day 1

South Africa v New Zealand

8

Liverpool

21

8

7

6

34

26

31

8

Valencia

18

8

3

7

25

27

27

9

Swansea City

21

7

8

6

31

26

29

9

Real Sociedad

18

7

4

7

27

24

25

10

Stoke City

21

6

11

4

21

20

29

10

Getafe

18

7

3

8

22

28

24

11

West Ham United

20

7

5

8

24

24

26

11

Sevilla

18

6

4

8

23

26

22

12

Norwich City

21

6

7

8

24

34

25

12

Real Valladolid

18

6

4

8

24

24

22

13

Fulham

21

6

6

9

32

37

24

13

Real Zaragoza

18

7

1

10

21

26

22

32

17:30

00:30

Cricket

Saturday, January 12 EPGA Volvo Champions

Durban

22:30 Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Harlequins v Connaught

14

Sunderland

21

5

7

9

21

29

22

14

Athletic Club

18

6

3

9

22

37

21

22:40

00:30 Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Racing

15

Newcastle United

21

5

5

11

27

39

20

15

Celta de Vigo

18

5

3

10

19

23

18

01:00

03:00 Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Leinster v Llanelli

16

Aston Villa

21

4

7

10

17

41

19

16

Mallorca

18

4

5

9

17

30

17

17

Southampton

20

4

6

10

27

38

18

17

Granada

18

4

4

10

14

27

16

18

Wigan Athletic

21

5

3

13

22

39

18

18

Espanyol

18

3

6

9

19

30

15

19

Reading

21

2

7

12

23

40

13

19

Deportivo La Coruña

18

3

6

9

22

39

15

20

Queens Park Rangers

21

2

7

12

17

36

13

20

Osasuna

18

3

5

10

14

20

14

815, 111

19:00

22:00

814

20:35

814 814

Golf

101

19:45

21:45

Soccer

EPL

QPR v Tottenham

161

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Fulham v Wigan

813

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Everton v Swansea

106

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Aston Villa v Southampton

812, 101

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Stoke v Chelsea

817, 102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Norwich v Newcastle

811

22:00

00:00

Soccer

NPower

Cardiff v Ipswich

32

17:30

00:30

Cricket

Test Match, Day 2

South Africa v New Zealand

Golf

EPGA Volvo Champions

Durban

Sunday, January 13 815, 111

18:00

22:00

814

19:45

21:20 Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Edinburgh v Munster

814

22:00

00:00 Rugby Union

Heineken Cup

Stade Toulouse v Treviso

812

20:25

22:30

Soccer

EPL

Man United v Liverpool

813

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Arsenal v Man City

29

10:30

18:00

Cricket

ODI No. 2

Australia v Sri Lanka

32

17:30

00:30

Cricket

Test Match, Day 3

South Africa v New Zealand

RESULTS West Brom Wigan West Ham Tottenham Swansea

1 – 2 0–4 2–1 3 – 1 2 – 2

Fulham Man United Norwich Reading Aston Villa

Man City Tottenham Hotspur West Ham United Wigan Athletic Southampton

3 – 0 3 – 1 2–1 0 – 4 1 – 1

Stoke Reading Norwich City Manchester United Arsenal

RESULTS Levante Granada Deportivo Sevilla Celta de Vigo

3–1 1–2 1–0 1–0 3–1

Athletic Club Valencia Málaga Osasuna Real Valladolid

Celta de Vigo Real Madrid Barcelona Mallorca Rayo Vallecano

3–1 4–3 4–0 1–1 3–1

Real Valladolid Real Sociedad Espanyol Atlético Madrid Getafe

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Sport

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2013

Thai boxers aim for world glory Fighters hope that 2013 will be their year > 26

editor2@thephuketnews.com

LANCE TO FACE OPRAH Lance Armstrong in Rotterdam during the 2010 Tour de France cycling race. Photo: AFP/Pascal Pavani

CYCLING

T

he disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong will discuss the doping scandal that dramatically brought down his cycling career during an interview with Oprah Winfrey next week, it was announced Tuesday.

The famed talk show host said that a 90-minute special show would address "years of accusations of cheating, and charges of lying about the use of performance-enhancing drugs" throughout Armstrong's "storied cycling career."

The interview will be Armstrong's first since being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles last year and will air on the Oprah Winfrey Network. It will also be streamed live on her website,

a publicity statement said.

Last week The New York Times reported that Armstrong, 41, was considering publicly admitting that he used banned performanceenhancing drugs, in an apparent bid to return to competitive sport in marathons and triathlons.

"Looking forward to this conversation with @lancearmstrong," Winfrey posted on her Twitter site Tuesday.

Armstrong re-tweeted the comment 15 minutes later.

In the interview, to be shown in a primetime slot next Thursday, January 17, Winfrey will speak with Armstrong at his home in Austin, Texas.

Armstrong has vehemently denied doping. It is not known if he will admit to doping on Winfrey's show. The show used words like "no-holds-

barred interview" but also "alleged doping scandal," "accusations of cheating" and "charges of lying" in its publicity statement.

The announcement came on the same day that "60 Minutes" said US Anti-Doping Agency chief executive Travis Tygart told them in an interview to be aired Wednesday that Armstrong attempted to donate around US$250,000 to the agency.

Tygart said he was bowled over by the "totally inappropriate" donation offer from one of Armstrong's representatives in 2004, which he immediately refused.

"I was stunned," Tygart said in the interview. "It was a clear conflict of interest for USADA. We had no hesitation in rejecting that offer."

Asked if the offer was in the range of US$250,000,

Tygart said: "It was in that ballpark."

Tygart declined to comment Tuesday on Armstrong's decision to go on Winfrey's show.

Tygart, who described Armstrong's heavy-handed tactics as being similar to the "Mafia", denounced a US$100,000 donation Armstrong made previously to the International Cycling Union (UCI).

But Armstrong's lawyer, Tim Herman, told USA Today on Tuesday that there was never a donation attempt from the cyclist.

"No truth to that story," Herman told the newspaper.

"First Lance heard of it was today. He never made any such contribution or suggestion."

USADA stripped Armstrong of his Tour de France

titles and slapped him with a lifetime ban in October, after releasing a damning report that said he helped orchestrate the most sophisticated doping program in the history of the sport.

The UCI effectively erased Armstrong from the cycling history books when it decided not to appeal sanctions imposed on Armstrong by USADA. The massive report by USADA included hundreds of pages of eyewitness testimony, emails, financial records and laboratory analysis of blood samples.

"We have an obligation to clean athletes and the future of the sport. This was a fight for the soul of the sport," Tygart said.

US federal officials investigated Armstrong and his cycling team for two years

but failed to charge him.

The decision not to charge Armstrong stunned Tygart. He was also upset when the US Justice Department refused to share the results of their probe with him.

Asked why he thought the Justice Department refused to bring charges, Tygart said: "It's a good question, and one that if you finally answer, let me know."

Tygart said Armstrong and his secretive inner circle of doctors, coaches and cyclists acted like "mafia" the way they intimidated cyclists into using performance-enhancing drugs.

"It is our job... to protect clean athletes. There are victims of doping," Tygart said.

Late last year, cancer survivor Armstrong resigned as chairman of the Livestrong foundation he created. AFP