12-02-2016

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

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NEWS

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PM orders action on notorious taxi, van drivers

LIFE

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Get a taste for Valentine’s Day

Police have launched an investigation into how Nong DJ became lost – and managed to survive so long alone. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Toddler ‘Nong DJ’, 3, survives six days in hillside jungle Suthicha Sirirat and Tanyaluk Sakoot rep orter2 @classactmedia.co.th

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obbing with relief, 23-year-old mother Saowaluck Chaiyo was reunited with her son, Jessadakorn, after he was found amid jungle about three kilometres from the family home on Tuesday (Feb 9) after surviving six days in the wild.

“Nong DJ”, just 3 years old, was last seen at his family’s home

on February 3. Search teams found the toddler alive, but immobile and weak, with his feet dangling in a stream in the hillside undergrowth near Anusorn 200 Pi Rd, behind the Wang Talang G ems International store on Chao Fa West Rd. Kusoldharm rescue worker Phattarawut Akanitthakorn, who was among the 30-strong search effort that included Wichit Police, Kusoldharm rescue workers and personnel from The Mirror Foundation, explained

that Nong DJ’s family had requested that rescue teams expand their search into the forest.

“They said that a dog Nong DJ had been playing with had turned up at the house twice and barked as if to tell them something,” Mr Phattarawut said.

“Also, Nong DJ’s grandfather, Sujit Chaiyo, told us that about three days ago residents in the area told him that they had heard a sound of a boy crying and saw one boy walk-

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ing toward an abandoned shelter in the forest, but a dog barked at him so he ran off deeper into the forest,” he added.

“The residents did not think that the boy was a missing child. Instead they thought the boy belonged to Myanmar workers in the area. Mr Sujit reported this to police anyway and told them to search near the area.”

The search teams found Nong DJ by an abandoned shelter by a canal...

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Sea gypsies plea to end land claim Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket Vice G overnor Pra iad Aksornthamkuland on Tuesday (Feb 9) told a delegation of about 50 Phuket sea gypsies that he will conclude his investigation into the legitimacy of the Chanote land titles used by developer Baron World Trade Co Ltd to claim beachfront land disputed

by Rawai sea gypsies as their own by today (Feb 12).

Phuket G overnor Chamroen Tipayapongtada tasked o Pra iad with heading an investigative committee to resolve the dispute at a meeting on February 2.

The meeting was called after the dispute escalated into violent clashes between members of the sea gypsy community and employees of developer Baron World Trade Co Ltd, which is aiming to develop the land into a villa resort.

G ov Chamroen gave V/ o Pra iad se en days to conclude his investigation.

That seven days expired on Tuesday.

“The committee will conclude their findings within the

V/Gov Prajiad (centre) receives the formal letter from Rawai sea gypsy Niran Yongpan. next few days. We will know the outcome by Friday,” V/ o Pra iad said.

The delegation of Rawai sea gypsies, led by Niran Y ongpan, handed V/ G ov Pra iad a formal letter explaining their description of events leading up to the violent clashes, and their ancestral claim to the land.

“The investigation is taking too long,” Mr Niran said, adding that o cials allegedly “wanted” the land in dispute to be handed over to Baron World Trade.

“But the villagers have

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

been fighting to not let that happen and to keep the land as a public area for everyone,” Mr Niran said.

Mr Niran’s remarks follow r Pra iad and a slew of officials mobilising last Friday (Feb 5) to mark out a three-metre wide path along the beachfront so that sea gypsies can access their longtail boats, with which they eke out a meagre living.

H owever, the B alai shrine that the sea gypsies use for prayers and religious ceremonies is not included within the pathway marked out, and

o cials ha e to rule whether the shrine can stay where it is currently located and that sea gypsies can have free access to it, or whether they will order that the shrine be moved.

Another delegation from the Rawai sea gypsy community on Tuesday handed another copy of the letter to the Phuket Land ce.

Meanwhile in Bangkok, also on Tuesday, a group of about 30 sea gypsies arrived at G overnment H ouse to seek help from Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan to settle the land dispute.

Miracle survival of Nong DJ unsolved C o n t in u ed f ro m page 1 ...“Inside the shelter we found leftover food and some milk,” said Mr Phattarawut.

“Nong DJ had his body and feet in the river and his head was resting on the ground. H e had several scrapes on his body and was extremely weak, but was conscious and able to communicate.”

Dr Jiradech Panyasuthikit at Vachira Phuket H ospital, where Nong DJ is recovering, told The Phu k et N ew s on Tuesday, “O verall Nong DJ is healthy.

H e has ulcerations on his feet because they were in the water too long, and he had several scrapes all over his body.

“H e has been given vitamins and nutrition via intravenous drip,” Dr Jiradech said. “We have also arranged for a child psychiatrist and paediatric doctor and nurses to monitor him closely.”

Meanwhile, Wichit Police are not yet satisfied with the few answers they have as to how Nong DJ came to be lost in the ungle behind his home, or

how the toddler survived for six days in the wild.

Wichit Police Chief Col Kittipong Klaikaew told The Phu k et N ew s , “For now, there are many theories as to what happened. The main theory right now is that the boy ust wandered off and got lost in the ungle behind his house.”

H owever, Col Kittipong said he was “very interested” in questioning a man, who he did not name, who maintains a garden in the area where Nong DJ was found.

“The man told me that he had no idea that Nong DJ was anywhere near his garden until the rescue teams arrived and found the child,” Col Kittipong said.

“H owever, I will question the man more today,” he added.

Col Kittipong suggested that simply asking Nong DJ what happened might provide some clear answers.

“I have not yet had the opportunity to simply ask Nong DJ as he has yet to recover well enough from his ordeal,” Col Kittipong said.

Six injured as Phuket-bound bus slams tree SIX PEO PLE WERE H O Spitalised Tuesday morning (Feb 9) when the Phuket-bound Phuket-H atyai bus they were travelling on missed a bend and crashed on Petchkasem Rd in Phang Nga. Takhua Thung Police’s Lt Col Kittiphumi Na Thalang was alerted of the accident by the local Narenthorn rescue centre at 1:50am.

Police arrived at the scene with rescue workers to find the damaged bus smashed into a tree.

The bus driver, Sarawuth Sooksawan, 38, from Wichit suffered two broken legs and was taken to Phang Nga ospital along with fi e passengers who suffer in uries caused by the impact of the crash. wo of the fi e passengers were se erely in ured suffer-

Passengers on the bus say they believe the driver fell asleep and this caused him to lose control of the bus before slamming into the tree. Photo: Narenthorn rescue centre ing broken collarbones and hip in uries. he other three suffered only minor in uries police said.

Lt Col Kittiphumi said, “The bus was carrying 15

Thai people from H atyai to Phuket. Passengers believe the driver fell asleep and this caused him to lose control of the vehicle and slam head on into the tree.

“We are waiting to question the dri er and the in ured passengers about the incident before concluding the investigation,” he said.

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PM orders action on taxi, van drivers Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

C Nui Beach Club Nui Beach Member Club is now promoting itself on Facebook as ‘Nui beach’, still open for business. Photo: Facebook / About Rawai

remains open THE NUI BAY ME MBE R Club, raided three times by the Royal Thai Navy and with one building demolished because it stood on the sand at Nui Beach, remains open to trade while the Phuket Provincial ffice reviews its appeal.

The club posted promotional material complete with photos on Facebook on February 1, saying, “The restaurant, massage, diving, snorkeling, kayakin , y boardin , donut boating; all this awaits you on this bay. The entry fee is 350 baht and children under enter free.

The club remains open despite orders issued last year, giving the owner seven days to demolish the club’s

buildin s by uly , .

Lt Sompop Kamkhana of the Royal Thai Navy, who led the raids last year, said this week that he was aware that the club was still open.

“The owner of the business filed an appeal, claimin that due legal process was not observed [ in issuing the demolition notices , he said.

“The case is under review by the Phuket Provincial Office, he added. As requested, I filed the evidence supportin the decision to demolish the buildin on anuary .

“We are still waiting to hear the results [ of the appeal] , which we should receive by early arch.

The Phuket News

omplaints by tourists about Phuket taxi and van drivers being rude, deceiving, threatening and rip-offs being sent directly to the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has prompted a campaign by local police to clean up the industry by targeting ‘ bad behaviour’ in Phuket’s privately-run “public transport industry.

The mandate was levelled at ichit unicipality office on Tuesday (Feb 9) at a meeting presided by Phuket G overnor Chamroen Tipayapon tada.

Present at the meeting were representatives from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command, Region 8 Police, Provincial Police, the Phuket Tourism and Sports office, Tourist Police, the Phuket and Transport ffice, public transport operators and drivers themselves.

“Today we rely more and more on public transportation and in the past we have heard of so many problems involving

Beach rule ‘enforcers’ on their way, warns Vice Governor PHUKE T VICE G OVE RNOR Chokdee Armornwat hopes to soon have new teams of personnel patrolling the sands at the island’s key tourist beaches to ensure vendors are following the rules following the discovery of beach chairs chained and padlocked to trees under cover at ata each last week.

“I believe these new teams will be set up very soon, G ov Chokdee told The Phuket News this week.

“They will help a lot, as they will be specifically tasked with ensuring the beach management rules are followed, he said.

The move to set up teams of ‘ beach-rule enforcers’ comes as Wanchai Saetan, Chief Administrator of Kata-Karon Municipality, this week called for manpower support from the police or even the Royal Thai Navy in order to enforce the beach rules in his area.

Mr Wanchai said he had no idea about the beach chairs chained to trees at Kata, photos of which were sent to The Phuket News.

“But I have now ordered my officers to look into this, he said.

“I do not want to aggravate any tourists over this as it is @thephuketnews

The beach rule enforcers are on their way, after beach chairs were found chained to trees at Kata. Photo: Supplied such a sensitive issue, he said. ov Chokdee said that But if the chairs do belong to the beach rules were being vendors, action will be taken, well adhered to at “about 80 per r anchai warned. cent of the key tourist beaches They must be warned, fined in Phuket.

“The other 20 per cent still and reported for doing this in a public area. It is like privately have a few little issues to sort reserving an area of the beach out, he said.

“But local administrations – and no one is allowed to do have been claiming a ‘ lack of that, he added.

On the Kata Beach incident, manpower’ for a lon time. If ov Chokdee stressed, There they cannot do their job – then should not be any chairs on the the Provincial ffice will arbeach. It is the local municipal- ran e the manpower for them, ity’s responsibility to make sure he added.

Tany aluk S akoot this rule is followed.

Scores of taxi and van operators and drivers were at the meeting. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat drivers’ behaviour, such as char in in ated fares, not using the meter, dropping off tourists at the wrong place, being rude, disrespectful, fi htin over passen ers and even threatenin passen ers, said Phuket City Police Deputy Commander Col Sakchai Limaroen.

“All these behaviours are unacceptable and not professional, which often leads to assault and abuse of tourists – and many tourists have sent complaints to the CP .

The order to clean up the industry has come from the very top, Col akchai e plained.

“As a result of all this, Prime Minister G en Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Commander of the Royal Thai Police to solve this issue, he said.

“Hence, Royal Thai Police Deputy Commander G en Wuthi Liptapallop has ordered all police officers to strictly enforce traffic laws, especially those regulating transport drivers, he added.

The purpose of the meeting on Tuesday was to deliver a warnin shot, he added.

“We were ordered to give this warnin first, before we start to crack down on trans-

port drivers, Col akchai e plained.

At the meetin , officials took turns to explain to transport operators and drivers present the public transport laws and how to provide good customer service, in order to avoid any more complaints from passengers and to promote a ood tourism ima e .

“I want everyone to cooperate and be willing to follow the laws to help us promote a good tourism image for the island and for the country. y doin so only brings more tourists and boosts our economy, ov Chamroen noted.

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Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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ocal off icials will splurge more than B42 million on beautification projects to improve the aesthetics of Phuket’s Victory Park near Baan Riang in Thepkrasattri, which commemorates the island’s victory over Burmese marauders back in 1785.

The site currently remains a bare field e cept for an e pansive plinth and nine bronz e statues of the Phuket Heroines, sisters Thao Thepkrasattri and Thao Srisoonthorn, and seven fellow defenders costing B26 million.

The landscaping will begin in ay, confirmed atcharin Patomwatthanapong, Chief

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Phuket to splurge B42mn on Heroines’ Victory Park

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ficials will spend million on impro ing the memorial site. Photo: Thao Thepkrasattri Thao Srisoonthorn Foundation Administrative fficer of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO).

“We have a budget of B42 million to improve the landscaping at the entrance and elsewhere at the 10 rai park,” he said.

“The plans have already been drawn up and include new gardens, a healthy z one for e ercise, new toilet blocks

and a water-pump station to help clear any oodwaters, he added.

Koraticha Wattanapan, of the Thao Thepkrasattri Thao Srisoonthorn Foundation, confirmed that a further B300,000 will be spent on installing two new altars on which to place offerings when making merit to honour the two Heroines and their fel-

low defenders represented on the tableau: Phraya Thongpoon Na Thalang, Prang, J ui, Phraya Tian Prateep Na Thalang, Thongpeang, Neam and Thong.

“We will raise the funds needed to install two new altars, which each will be 80cm tall, 140cm wide and 300cm long,” Ms Koraticha added.

The main structure of the

new altars will be cement, topped with granite.

“If we cannot raise the full B300,000 needed, then the altars will not be topped with granite,” Ms Koraticha said.

“Although we have yet to secure any donors, I am confident we can raise the money,” she added.

The original plans for the park, initially dubbed Khok Chana Pama (Victory over the Burmese Hill), accounted for a 96-rai park around the mound with displays allowing visitors to learn more about the famous battle and Phuket’s past.

Work on the park, budgeted at B350 million, was scheduled for completion on J anuary 23, 2014, apart from the centrepiece.

Thalang olice raid illegal card game arrest fi e and sei e SALES SUP P ORT Siriporn ( Nok) Seangmas 0 8 6 4 7 9 7 4 7 0 sales@classactmedia.co.th

SALES REP RESENTATIVE Somsong ( Chompu) Radab ut 0 8 8 7 6 5 5 8 8 3 sales1@classactmedia.co.th

F I V E PE O PL E W E R E arrested and B1,100 seiz ed when police raided an illegal game of Pok D aeng at a home in Thalang district last Saturday (Feb 6).

More than half-a-doz en officers from Thalan Police Thalang olice raid illegal card game arrest fi e and raided a house in Pa Khlok’s Moo 4, owned by Ms Noopit sei e

German couple slam into tour bus Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A G E RMAN MAN AND woman were taken to hospital last Friday morning (Feb 5) after the motorbike they were riding crashed into the back of a tour bus in Rawai.

The accident occurred near the Family Mart convenience store on the Rawai beach road at about 10:20am, said Maj Patiwat Y odkhawn of the Chalong Police.

“By the time we arrived, rescue workers had already taken both victims to Phuket International Hospital,” he said.

“We were told that the motorbike driver suffered injuries to his right leg while his female passenger suffered minor injuries.”

Saengjun, 42, who was named as the host of the card game.

The other four suspects were named as Mr J aroon Theprat, 59, of Srisoonthorn; Ms Amara Saengsuk, 30, of Cherng Talay; Ms Orana Reuangdet, 22 of Takua Thung in Phang Nga and Mr Nikorn J undee, 27 of Mae Chan in Chiang Rai.

Russian embroiled in fatal collision north of Kamala Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

The German man driving the motorbike and his female passenger escaped serious injury. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub Somporn Tonbanchod, 42, driver of the ARS Tour Co bus involved in the accident, told police that he was heading to Chalong Circle when the accident happened.

“He said that a motorbike suddenly cut in front of his bus, so he braked heavily to avoid a collision,” said Maj Patiwat.

“That caused the Honda PCX motorbike behind him to crash into the back of the bus,” he said.

At 5pm, Maj Patiwat. told The Phuket News that both victims – who the police declined to name – had been discharged from hospital and had arrived at Chalong Police Station to discuss the damages.

The raid, led by Col Chanuchan Chonsuwat, also included Lt Col Weerayut Sittirutakul, Lt Col Kritsana Channit; Capt Surisak Lewijit; Lt Wuttichai Anupetho and Sub Lt Ukkrit haomak, and other officers who were not named.

All suspects were charged with gambling without a permit.

POLICE HAVE Y E T TO appoint blame in an accident that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old Thai man near Surin Beach last Sunday morning (Feb 7).

Police and first responder personnel were alerted at 8am to the accident, which occurred at a bend in the road, about 300 metres from Laem Singh, north of Kamala.

Upon arriving to the scene, volunteers helped collect the body of 20-year-old Sa-gone Kun-nui, who was lying lifeless in a pool of his own blood on the pavement.

Nearby was the white Honda MSX motorbike that the victim had reportedly

been riding.

Police questioned the Russian driver of a black Maz da 3 car, named as 36-year-old Mikhail Cherkasov of Moskovskaya, who was waiting at the scene with some acquaintances.

Mr Cherkasov was invited to Cherng Talay Police Station for further questioning, where he gave report that he had been driving from Kamala when he came to the bend in the road, where the victim, who had been coming from the other direction, lost control of his own bike before smashing into the front of his car, causin him to y off onto the road, where his unprotected head met the pavement.

The investigation is continuing. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

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‘Safe water zones’ set out at Phi Phi The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Mr Ju’s female partner told police that Mr Ju went swimming alone, and was later found unconscious face down in the water. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Chinese tourist dies on day trip to Racha Island Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A 24-Y E AR-OLD CHINE SE tourist died while swimming during a day trip to Racha Island, about 25km south of Phuket, on Monday (Feb 8).

Pol Lt Wutthiwat Liangboonjida of the Chalong Police said that he first became aware of the incident when staffers at the Tourist Rescue Centre reported at about midday that a tour company speedboat had arrived at Chalong Pier with the body of a Chinese man.

The man, later identified

as J u Z ekal, 24, was taken to the Accident and E mergency Department of the yet-tobe-built Chalong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

Police believe M r J u drowned.

“His female partner told police that Mr J u entered the water to swim alone,” said Lt Wutthiwat.

“Later, when she went to check on him, he was found face down unconscious in the water,” he said.

“People nearby tried to revive Mr J u, but to no avail,” he added.

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fficials at Nopparat Thara National Park have marked out three areas that are to be designated “safe snorkelling and diving areas” following the incident which saw two Russian divers severely injured when hit by a speed boats engine propeller.

Park officials last Friday (Feb 5) placed buoys in two areas near Koh Poda and a third at Koh Pai. The areas were marked to ensure tour boats do not enter them.

Further areas are to be marked at Ao Maya, an area that has seen several incidents in the past few months.

Nopparat Thara park chief Sarayuth Tansathien said, “The reason for putting out the additional buoys today is because we have had so many boat collisions these areas. Last month alone we had two collisions, one tourist died and two were injured.

“We hope that by placing

The marked out areas are now designated snorkelling and diving areas. Photo: Lisa Pinehill these buoys it will improve the safety of tourists and keep tour boats out,” he said.

He added that boat operators will be fined if they fail to comply.

Park officials also advise d that diving boats carrying tourists for deep sea diving around Phi Phi Leh must be issued a permit by Nopparat Thara officials before venturin into the area to avoid accidents and to prevent them from entering areas where tour boats regularly use.

Sergei Dmitriev, 30, and Dmitry Kuryanov, 48, were struck by the propeller of the speedboat S unsan 2 when they resurfaced from their dive at Maya Bay on February 3.

The captain of the S unsan 2 , Adisorn Benmamud, 27, has since been charged with reckless driving causing injury, confirmed uan rabi Police Col Sompong Tiparpakul However, additional charges could be added if it is found that he and the boat do not have proper licences.

Mr Dimitriev had his right leg cut off from the knee down, and all toes on his left foot were also severed in the accident.

The Russian embassy on February 4 sent a chartered i ht with medical personnel on board to transport Mr Dmitriev from Bangkok Phuket Hospital to Vejthani Hospital in Bangkok for further treatment. He was reported to remain in a critical condition.

Mr Kuryanov suffered three major lacerations and a fractured bone in his right calf. He remained in Krabi Hospital.

Benmamud told police he had more than 30 passengers on board the S unsan 2 and when he came to the entrance to Nang Bay he felt he had hit something so reversed the boat. He noticed the o y en tank oatin to the surface then saw blood and the two injured divers so contacted local officials for help.

He insisted the area is the route boats use to travel in and out of Maya Bay and it is not an area where people swim, police have said.

Invest in Property the Right Way Former National Park Director Demands Return of Sirinart National Park Lands and Opposes “One Map” Policy of Committee One Map for Thailand National Parks Department ADVERTORIAL

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and owners, hotel owners and real estate developers are awaiting the aftershocks since news hit that a former Thailand National Parks Department director is warning against use of a “one map” policy for park lands.

The issue is now before the government, and former Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation chief Damrong Pidech is warning that some 1,200 rai of land are in danger of being alienated from Sirinart Marine National Park on the northwest of Phuket owing to incorrect mapping of the area.

The Park covers 56,250 rai – 42,500 rai in the sea, and 13,750 rai on shore. According to Damrong, problems arose when the national park was created in 1964, with boundaries including 7,175 rai of Khao Ruak - Khao Meuang Forest Preserve, 700-800 rai of Laem Pis Pak Bang Animal G raz ing Preserve and 400-500 rai belonging to the Treasury Department.

Now, news is that the One-Map Committee is proposing new bound@thephuketnews

Igor Protasov (centre), CEO of Thai Business Development, receives a document from Sirinath Park Chief Kittipat Tarapibal (left). aries be drawn, with the result that Khao Ruak - Khao Meuang will no longer overlap the national park.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the E nvironment has formed a committee to check the One-Map committee’s boundaries, which will be proposed to the government – but already a petition awaits consideration by the committee complaining that the proposed new boundaries will result in giving away 1,200 rai, the title documents of which previously have been checked.

Building contractor and real estate developer Igor Protasov, CE O of

Thai Business Development Co. Ltd., offered as his opinion that uncertainty with regard to the outcome in this matter is causing jitters among investors. Phuket is now a place, he said, where hotel, villa and other investors are displaying anxiety, and perhaps re-thinking their investments. As owner of Thai Business Development Co. Ltd., the Nai Harn Beach Condominium project, and other real estate projects, and as one with long experience investing in Phuket, he feels that if investors have a proper understanding of how government agencies operate they will not face

reat difficulties or problems it is only necessary to comply with the law in all its forms. So, for example, if one wishes to engage in Phuket’s property business, it is important to carry out the followin steps 1. Check at the sub-district (tambon office whether it is le al to build on land covered by the title deed in question. This step, he says, is quite easy to perform.

2. Check any environmental restrictions with the Phuket ffice of Natural Resources and the E nvironment, located in Phuket Town at 478 Phuket Rd, Muang, Phuket.

3. Check land title documents at the Provincial and ffice in Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket.

4. Check at the National Park Office whether the title is on property that may be inside the National Park.

If that property is in the vicinity of irinart ational Park, the office is located in Tambon Sakoo of Thalang District (by Nai Y ang Beach).

The four steps above, according to Igor, cannot be avoided. He added that, though one must not force matters to suit one’s self, one can become a proper legal owner simply by carrying out what he suggested, “and

don’t forget to study business laws applicable to foreigners,” Igor said.

Igor feels the “one-map” proposal will be in the interests of Thailand and Phuket. As one who lives and works on the island, he favors moves that promote sustainable growth and benefit Phuket.

At Sirinart National Park Chief Kittipat Tarapibal said that if orders came for new borders to be drawn, he thinks it must have sufficient reason and principle behind it, and be of benefit to the people, and in that case he will not oppose it. “For all that, though,” he said, “we must await the committee’s deliberations.”

As for financial institutions and individuals losing confidence in whether the title documents they hold are legal or not, he noted that these are now continually being brought for inspection and advised financial institutions officers to brin any doubtful documents submitted for mort a e loans to officials If a property is near national park boundaries, for clarity’s sake they should brin the title to officials to check,” Kittipat said.

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Tourism Minister promises to target illegal nominees The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he inistry of Tourism is asking for those from the private sector to join the tourism registrar committee to help them crack down on illegal nominees on the island.

Minister of Tourism and Sports Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul arrived in Phuket last Thursday Feb and met with the island’s tourism registrar committee to follow up on the registrar process on tourism businesses.

During the meeting, Ms Wattanavrangkul suggested the committee add the private sector to help crack down on the use of illegal nominees as shareholders in a company. he also wanted to hear complaints, obstacles or ideas on assisting help prevent the issue.

Vice G overnor Prajiad Aksornthammakul and the tourism registrar committee, in charge of monitoring the register process for tourism businesses, were in attendance at the meeting held at at Point Y amu y Como in Pa hlok alon with officials from the Andaman Tourism Association, Phuket Tourism Business Association, Thai Hotels Association and Phuket Commerce.

inister o Tourism and Sports ob arn Wattana rang ul spea s at Thursday’s (Feb ) meeting on the issue o businesses with illegal nominees. Photo: PR Dept The Phuket Department of Business evelopment reported durin the meetin that a survey carried out this year revealed that less than 50 per cent of tourism businesses

have foreign shareholders.

These they divided into five categories: real estate, vehicle rental, spa business, retail handicrafts and souvenirs and tour businesses which

also includes restaurants. ithin this five cate ories, the DBD investigated 44 businesses and found no evidence of them using illegal nominees. However, we did find other businesses that we suspect have used ille al nominees, and they are now under investigation,” Ms Wattanavrangkul said.

“Two of those companies – vehicle rental and retail companies – have been advised to present documents regarding their business,” she added.

Ms Wattanavrangkul also expressed her concerns overs the procedure for inspecting the process of business registration and suggested that adding those from the private sector to the committee would help get deeper information about tourism businesses and eliminate loopholes.

I recently attended an Asean meeting in China and learned that more than 6 million Chinese tourists left the country to travel. Around one in three of those tourists will end up in Thailand, so I want everyone to take ood care of the tourists especially during this festival season,” she said.

“I will come back to Phuket again ne t Friday Feb to a ain check up on the issue of illegal nominee companies because this problem will take time to solve,” she concluded.

hinese woman dies as storm sin s hi hi longtail boat Ekkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A 64-Y E AR-OLD CHINE SE woman died and her -yearold husband is in critical condition after the long-tail boat they were travelin on sunk after it was struck by waves up to three metres high near Koh Phi Phi Leh last unday afternoon Feb .

The couple were part of Long tail boat ull o hinese tourists sun by large wa es a group of six Chinese tour- near hi hi casualty ists, including two children, iyom eubhed. about 3pm the boat was who were brought out on the r iyom said that at struck and capsi ed by the Nong S un boat by -year-old

waves, when the group was in the area between Koh 4 and Koh 5 islands in the Noparat Thara - Moo Koh Phi Phi Islands National Park. uckily for the roup, a speedboat named as W ind G ust 5 was nearby and came to their rescue after they were in the water for about minutes, said r iyom.

The -year-old woman was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital while the -year-old man was monitored closely by doctors. The other four passengers were reported to be in a weak condition but safe.

The same storm conditions saw a group of six French and Argentinian tour-

ists, comprising two minors and four adults, stranded on Mai Phai Island off Krabi as the lon tail boat they were travelling on was unable to safely return them to shore. fficials at oparat Thara - Moo Koh Phi Phi Islands National Park ordered all small boats to avoid any unnecessar y travel, with st rong winds and waves forecast to carry on in the Phan a ay. ational Park officials brought food and provisions to the group of tourists, who were provided with temporary accommodations on the island until they could be safely returned to the mainland.

V/Gov Chokdee insisted on votes being cast after some residents continued to disapprove of the projects stating the yo ers would encroach their community.

Photo: PR Dept

Residents give nod for t o yo ers

A LARG E NUMBE R OF Thalang residents last week voted in favour of two yovers being built on Thepkrasattri Rd despite previous objections to the projects. More than 400 people showed up at a meeting held last Thursday Feb to discuss plans to construct the two yovers. fficials in attendance included Vice G overnor Chokdee Amornwat, i hway Department’s Samak Lerdwonghad, project engineers, and local overnment officials.

V/G ov Chokdee insisted on votes being cast after some residents continued to disapprove of the projects, stating the yovers would encroach their community and that they wanted officials to find other solutions to solve traffic problems on Thepkrasattri Rd. V/G ov Chokdee said, “Out of 339 residents in attendance, 259 people voted in favour of the pro ects, only people voted against.

Today we only wanted to see where we were with the projects. However, the long discussions we have had will help engineers adjust their plans before any construction takes place. E ven though the ma ority have voted in favour, we will have another meeting soon where community leaders will vote and express their opinions on the project.”

Mr Samak of the Phuket i hways ffice added, ue to increasin traffic con estion on the island, we need to have yovers on Thepkrasattri d to help solve the problem. e believe the yovers will enhance the image of our infrastructure to be competitive with international standards. e plan to build two yovers, the first, to be about 3.3 kilometres in length, will be constructed just before the Thalang intersection. The second will be about . km from Thao Thepkrasattri School. oth of these yovers are aimed at easin traffic headin into Phuket Town. Construction in these two areas will only have a minimal impact on locals, and they are suitable areas for traffic en ineerin , he said. thephuketnews

Opinion 8

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As Phuket learns to walk

E

ver witness a horse, cow or elephant give birth? Y ou will have noticed how quickly the calves learn to stand, walk on their own. It’s mere moments before these and many other mammals are forced to brave the world with minimal oversight from parents – unlike us humans, who in contrast, need a whole lot of nurturing before we’re ready to stand on our own two feet.

Indeed, it typically takes nine months to a year before most can take their first steps, independent of a loving caregiver’s guidance. And it’s not been without restless repetition and retention of our special abilities and skills that we’ve come to cement our position at the top of the food chain, something we often take for granted.

The news of 3-year-old toddler Nong DJ , who went

missing from in front of his south Phuket home this past week, is a firm reminder of just how delicate the human condition is. When Nong was finally found, we all sighed with relief and couldn’t help but to think of what could have been. Nong Dear – the 7-year-old who went missing from her south Phuket home in December 2013, and whose remains were found in undergrowth months later – comes to mind.

The difference between life and death in the crucial developmental stages of human growth can be minutes if not seconds. The caregivers of Nong Dear and Nong DJ had to learn the hard way, and hopefully fewer will have to repeat the lesson. Y et, there are still tens of thousands of youths in Phuket who have lacked, and continue to lack, sufficient oversight and guidance from

trained and responsible adults, a deficiency which carries on well into the teen years and eventually adulthood.

We see it daily in Phuket: 14-year-olds z ooming down the street, illegally and recklessly, on a motorbike their parents or g randparents bought; 10-year-olds who’ve never learned to swim properly, splashing around in risky waters, unsupervised; kids as youn as si li htin firecrackers on the roadside, not a single responsible adult in sight; seat belts, crash helmets – the list goes on.

As we experience our own growth and development, Phuket itself is like an unsupervised toddler, in serious need of guidance before it becomes a reckless teen… adult. If future disasters and tragedies are to be prevented, serious oversight is needed at all levels.

1

Passport Control: Phuket police confirm will hold passports as they see fit

3

Canadian man, 28, found dead at Patong hotel

2

Russian diver’s leg slashed off by speedboat propeller on Phi Phi diving trip

4

Helmetless Thai moped driver dead after collision with car driven by Russian man

5

Soi Cowboy bar owner dies in 39-storey fall

6

Chinese tourist dies on day trip south of Phuket

8

BREAKING: Social media photos show 3 year old ‘Nong DJ’ found alive in weak state

9

7

BREAKING: Long-tail boat full of Chinese tourists sunk by large waves near Phi Phi, casualty

10

Phuket police: “help us identify this man” Pattaya cops bust 32 elderly foreigners for playing bridge

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Did media hype save Nong DJ?

R e: Missing P huket child recov ering ‘ well’ , f ound aliv e six day s later, 3 km from home Where did the leftover food and milk come from? More to this story. I think somebody enticed the child away from home and then got cold feet when it was all over the Media and posters everywhere.So relieved the little boy is alive.

Alone in a forest with snakes and whatever? THAT is a BIG blessing! ! PARE NTS another Wake Up Call, watch your children especially Minors, but even your older gullible children. The World around us is not the SAFE place it used to be.

Yv o n n e

Lured by the beach chairs

R e: Caug ht b etween K aron or B ang tao Today, Saturday 6th February, we have arrived in Karon Beach, we have booked in to the G olden Sand for three weeks, it has the beach just over the road, we are returning here after our last visit three years ago, now there is no

sunbeds on the beach at all.

We think we will try it for 2 to 3 days, then move back to Bang Tao beach were there are some sunbeds. We have a made lots of friends here in Karon, so we just visit them first. Traders are all sayin how much business they have lost over the last 2 years, its down 50% , and with no signs of getting any better. We cannot believe how so many of the restaurants have gone out of business. Holiday in Thailand for 16yrs, never seen it so quiet in the high season.

Pe t e Th o m a s f r o m t h e UK

Seeking a legal bridge into Bridge Following the upset in Pattaya, I have been on to various Thai Bridge G roups. From the Secretary of the CBLT in Bangkok, Ann Malakul, she has advised me that the committee is looking for a method to prevent the for-mentioned situation happening again. Or, I hope, what we should do, or expect! They will let me and all the associated members know asap. Also, Dr Chote Thiensuon, Chairperson of the Thai Association in Phuket (I am their Foreign Secretary! )

has called a meeting of all associates for Monday 8th February at 18:30 in the Merlin Hotel coffee shop, where they used to hold their weekly meetings. The talk is the LAW is the LAW! and perhaps we may be able to get round it by paying a tax on each pack of cards used. Or getting each card stamped! ! ! More money to their kitty. Apparently, the problem at Pattaya was the score sheets, the police thought they were a system of showing bets ? ? ? Hopefully, Bangkok bridge headquarters will come up with a definitive answer, which will be accepted by the police? Don’t hold your breath. Ho-Hum.The Master of the Hub. De r e k Pr i e s t

Helmet debate rages on

R e: H elmetless Thai moped driv er dead after collision with car driv en b y R ussian man Regardless of who was in the right or wrong. The guy may still be alive if he had been wearing a helmet. When will they learn ? A few weeks ago police warned they would confiscate bikes of helmet less

riders. This might be the only way ... nothing else works, sad to say!

Ma r k l o u i s w marklouisw, the guy may have died even if he had a helmet on, your comment makes no sense unless you can prove he died because he didn’t wear a helmet, here is a fact, many bike riders have died, because they wore a helmet, which can act a a pivot point, on the back of the neck, snapping the riders neck. So please, without proof, STOP the bloody guess work.

Ro r i i

Natural selection at work

R e: Chinese tourist drowns during s wimming t rip off Phuket This is the problem in our society: we are being overprotected.

Y ou still have to use common sense. If you do not it’s called natural selection. It’s horrible for me to say that on the page of the lady who drowned but it’s the truth. Same thing with the elephant accident: I am not a hippie but I think that what they are doing to those poor animals is horrible.

Mr Li o n

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

THAILAND NEWS

9

The resurrection temple Devotees cleansed of bad luck at Wat Ta Kien NONTHABURI

Mr Davenport’s bar, The Dollhouse, in darkness for the fi th straight night on Sunday. Photo: Bangkok Post photo.

Inset: Darel Davenport (From his Facebook page)

Soi Cowboy bar owner dies in 39-storey fall BANGKOK THE TROUBLE D US OWNE R of a Soi Cowboy go-go bar died on Monday (Feb 8) after apparently falling from the 39th storey of his Bangkok condominium.

Darel Davenport, 54, fell onto the second oor of a house located next to his Sukhumvit Soi 19 condo tower around 2:30pm while climbing over from the balcony of an adjacent room after he forgot his keys.

Pol Capt Pongsak Nonthachote, an investigator at Lumpini police station, confirmed that r avenport had locked himself out and asked the owner of an adjacent condo to climb over. Forensic police found his fin erprints on the wall at the scene, Pol Capt Pongsak said, adding it was an accident.

Mr Davenport’s death marked the end of a fiveweek spiral that began on New Y ear’s E ve when the majority partner in The Dollhouse, one of the oldest in Bangkok’s adult nightlife industry, was attacked by staff members of the Soi Cowboy bar following an after-midnight tirade, an assault he documented in public posts on his Facebook page.

In the following weeks he would fire a do en of the dancers working for him, spend several days in a Pattaya jail, fire his lon -time mana er and, a week ago, part ways with the rest of the bar’s entertainment and service employees, forcing the go-go bar into darkness.

He was seen by an acquaintance sleeping on a Soi

@thephuketnews

Cowboy bench last Saturday night (Feb 6) and, since then, furtively ducking in and out of the bar, which reportedly was left uncleaned with no running water.

Friends, family members and co-workers acknowledged that Mr Davenport had struggled with addiction to cocaine and other drugs for some time, but his personal crisis intensified in recent months.

His descent into depression, paranoia and, ultimately, death was chronicled on his Facebook page, where weeks of posts – all marked “public” – consisted of rambling pleas for his staff to return and rants against people supposedly out to get him, all interspersed with photos of injuries he sustained along with way.

Mr Davenport through his years in Bangkok was extremely well liked and he was an experienced skydiver and base jumper with no fear of heights, so his decision to climb between balconies didn’t surprise some who knew him and posted their farewell wishes on Facebook. But he also had suffered a serious ankle injury that had become infected, which could have limited his mobility.

Posts from concerned loved ones pleaded with Mr Davenport to seek help and those who knew him yesterday expressed their grief over his death. But, at the same time, they conceded that they long had feared the colourful staple in Bangkok’s nightlife scene might end up in a tragic end.

B ang kok Post

E

yes closed and gripping a bouquet of flowers between his palms, Kriangsak Puangsarn quietly prays before lowering himself into a coffin.

Devotees offer prayers as they sit in coffins during a group resurrection ceremony at the Wat Ta Kien Buddhist temple in Nonthaburi, on the outskirts of Bangkok As Buddhist monks draw a sheet over the top of the casket, shrouding him in darkness, he undergoes a symbolic death, before the sheet is removed – and he is reborn.

“While I was lying down, I felt as if I had been resurrected once I felt the movement of the cloth,” he said. ver since monks first began performing this ritual in , do ens of people have been coming each day to Wat Ta Kien temple, around an hour from Bangkok, looking for the chance to start again.

The ceremony aims to rid participants of bad karma and help reconcile them to the

uddhist mon s drape a pin sheet o er members o a amily lying in a large co fin during a group resurrection ceremony at the Wat Ta ien uddhist temple in Nonthaburi. Photo: AFP inevitability of death.

“People cannot escape from being born, getting old, getting ill and dying, so this is like practising dying before you die for real – as when you die, your body has to be put in a coffin anyway, says the temple’s chief abbot, Phrakru Samusangob Kittiyano.

Monks hold around twelve sessions per day, with the weekends by far the most popular.

Around twenty people can take part in each ceremony at a time and there is even an extra

lar e coffin reserved for entire families.

After reciting prayers, participants line up in front of their casket.

Once the order is given by a microphone-wielding monk, each person lies down in his or her coffin.

Bright pink sheets are draped over the coffin and then removed to symbolise death and rebirth in a ritual that lasts barely a minute.

The coffins are paid for with donations by the faithful, who

hope to improve their karma by donating to the temple.

After a year, they are replaced, with the old coffins given to poor bereaved families.

“My friend told me about it after she saw that I had been having bad luck lately”, 25-year-old Voravan Satienlerk, who was visitin for the first time, joined by a gaggle of friends, said.

“I believe that laying down in this coffin will make my life improve,” she added.

B ang kok Post

Three teen schoolgirls hurt in student attac RANONG THRE E G IRL STUDE NTS exiting Ranong Technical College were hurt by an exploding ping pong bomb and shotgun pellets fired by si teena ers on

three motorcycles late Tuesday afternoon (Feb 9), police said.

The attack occurred about 5:20pm as the six young men passed by the front gate of the college on three motorcycles.

They threw a ping pong bomb and fired three shot un rounds

into the campus as a large number of students were leaving the college through the front gate.

Three girl students – Daraporn Phetklad, Thanyarat Chuawichian and Manaschanok Kochasing, all 19 – were each hit in their legs. They were

admitted to Ranong Hospital for emergency treatment.

E yewitnesses said the attackers were from tambon Hat Som Paen in Muang district.

They ed into anon town after the attack.

B ang kok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Cops bust fake passport Mr Big BANGKOK

T

hai police have broken up a major fake passport ring led by an Iranian known as “The Doctor” which sent thousands of passports to Middle Eastern customers trying to enter Europe, o cers said on Wednesday (Feb 10).

The kingdom has long been a hub for a forged document industry serving human traffickers and other criminals.

Five years of investigation culminated in Monday’s (Feb 8) arrest of the alleged Iranian mastermind H amid Reza Jafary, police said.

The 48-year-old had for many years been crafting sophisticated forgeries from his home in Chachoengsao province east of Bangkok, they said.

“H e [ Jafary] produced passports for people from

An immigration officer who asked not to be named said the passports were the “best quality in the market”. Photo: AFP

countries including Iran, Syria and Afghanistan who were escaping wars and wanted to enter Europe,” said immigration police commander Lt G en Nathathorn Prousoontorn.

Clients emailed “The Doctor” their photos and specified the country for which they wanted a passport, the commander said, adding he guaranteed customers they

would not be detected by border o cials.

The forged documents were then sent via private courier companies.

It was not immediately clear if “The Doctor” provided passports to people fleeing to Europe during the current migrant crisis.

“H e himself used six different passports three

from Brazil, and one of each from Peru, Portugal and New Z ealand. H e was wanted by security agencies in many countries, especially the EU and Japan,” Lt G en Nathathorn added.

Jafary’s fake passports were the “best quality in the market”, an immigration o cer who asked not to be named said.

But he could not fake the latest microchipped travel documents, police added.

Five Pakistani middlemen were also arrested in raids in and around Bangkok for assisting the forgery ring, which allegedly shipped passports to overseas clients for up to B80,000.

Some of the nearly 200 travel documents found in a Monday raid on Jafary’s

home were completely forged, while others had been stolen from tourists and doctored, police said.

The raid also uncovered a laser engraving machine, rolls of thin leather for passport covers and metal stamps from various countries.

Thousands of passports are reported missing annually in Thailand, where forged documents of every variety can be purchased on the streets. he flourishing market has helped establish Thailand as a hub for human tra ckers and smugglers.

Two Uighur men awaiting trial for planting a deadly bomb in Bangkok last August have also been accused by police of running a crime group that helped illegal migrants obtain counterfeit documents.

The pair are currently being held in a military prison.

In 2014 the spotlight also swung onto the Thaibased trade when two mystery passengers boarded the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight M 3 0 using European passports stolen in Thailand.

In 2010 Thai authorities took part in an international police sting that saw two Pakistanis and a Thai woman arrested in Thailand for providing fake passports to groups behind global terror attacks.

Car burglary suspect Somnuek Riabhuad, 37, covers up with a pink blanket as he is taken from a pick up truck where he was found sleeping on Wednesday morning (Feb 10). Photo: Pongpat Wongyala

Car burglary suspect found snoozing in vehicle PATHUM THANI A BU RG LA RY SUSpect wanted for breaking into a pick up truck in Muang district of Pathum Thani wasn’t hard for police to find e was sleeping in the cab.

Somnuek Riabhuad, 3 of amphaeng Phet, was discovered around 30am ednesday eb 10) snoozing with a thin blanket over him behind the driver’s seat of a Mitsubhishi Triton parked in front of a building on Thetsamphan Road in tambon Bang Prok, said Pol Lt Col Banchong Noowa, a duty o cer at Muang police station.

O w ner Nat t haw ut ultrakarn, 1 , a firstyear-student at Bangkok Rangsit University, and his neighbours met police when they arrived. The left window of the pick up was shattered and there were traces the cab had been ransacked, but nothing was missing, the owner said.

Mr Somnuek man gave conflicting explanations when being questioned.

H e told police he worked at a construction site in this central province. H e got cold and decided to break into the parked truck to sleep, police said.

H e was held in police custody for further interrogation and legal action on charges of damaging the property of the vehicle owner. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

ASIA NEWS 11

With a little bit of relish

Kabul’s middle class embraces the food truck trend AFGHANISTAN

W

hen the first La ee food truck arrived in Kabul many mistook it for a rickshaw and wanted to hail a ride – the yellow chassis and three wheels so reminiscent of taxis popular in South Asia.

But it took little time for the city’s emerging middle class to embrace the novelty of canteens-on-wheels serving Western fast foods around town.

Parked on one of the capital’s busiest roads, O baidullah’s truck – emblazoned with a giant hot dog, and the La ee logo – is unmissable. H e serves a handful of customers, who are seemingly undeterred by the roadside pollution, and bullish about the sourcing and sanitation of the meat.

“Us Afghans are immune to all sorts of illnesses,” jokes Mohammed – an oral hygiene student buying a quick burger.

According to the French NG O Acted, food hygiene is terrible in Afghanistan and they say that 60 children out

of 1,000 die from diarrhoea before the age of fi e.

So for Naveed Noori, who founded La ee with his cousin Abdullah arim, finding meat without breaking the cold chain – the series of transportation and storage options that maintain a given temperature – is a challenge.

Naveed buys his hot dogs – made of chicken, with pork a hard sell in mostly-Muslim Afghanistan – frozen from Karachi, the Pakistani port megacity located 1,400 kilometres away.

“We have to pay attention to the conditions of the journey to be sure everything is going well, otherwise our cargo rots,” says the 26-year old entrepreneur.

For now, Naveed has found a successful route: Mohammed says his burger tastes ust fine, as does the hot dog he also purchased, even if the fare is a long way from the tempting morsels available from food trucks in Paris or New Y ork.

It has been a year and a half since the six food trucks embla oned with the La ee

Parked on one of Kabul’s busiest roads, Obaidullah’s truck – emblazoned with a giant hot dog, and the Lazeez logo – is unmissable. Photo: Shah Marai/AFP logo – meaning “delicious” in Dari, one of Afghanistan’s two national languages – began crisscrossing the streets of Kabul.

Today, Naveed has 15 employees and business is going well – for example, O baidullah says the truck he manages serves between 30 and 60 customers a day.

After expenses and paying his employees, Naveed pockets

Please get a room! Tokyo zoo’s bashful pandas try for a baby JAPAN TWO G IANT PANDAS AT Tokyo’s Ueno Z oo have been given some private time in a bid to create a romantic environment in which the bashful creatures can mate.

Public viewing was halted last week in the hope that male Ri Ri – who zookeepers confirmed has looked friskier in recent days – will take adantage of the fleeting window that female Shin Shin is in heat.

“There’s really only a couple of days a year when a panda can get pregnant,” a spokesman from Ueno Z oo’s education department said.

“Pandas are solitary animals and the only time you will see them together is the mating season.

“Usually they just sit apart from each other chewing their food, but Ri Ri has been looking more amorous of late.”

The cuddly creatures, both 10 years old, have a choice of two rooms in which to snuggle up to one another, although o cials insist they will not interfere with the courting process. @thephuketnews

Male giant panda Ri Ri (right) and female giant panda Shin Shin (left) walk in their enclosure at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo Tuesday. Photo: Jiji/AFP “There is a spare recreational room for them out the back,” said the spokesman.

“But we won’t be giving them any special food or dimming the lights for them.

“Nobody knows what kind of mood to create for animals

to feel romantic,” he added.

“They don’t just get into the mood with soft lighting like humans.”

According to estimates, less than 2,000 giant pandas remain in the wild, in three provinces in south-central China. AFP

$ 150 (B5,343) a day, a fortune in Afghanistan where 72 per cent of households earn less than $ 150 a month and social inequalities are enormous.

H is success is even more impressive given that spiced dishes of lamb, mutton and rice still enjoy pride of place in Afghan cuisine, rather than the American fast food which has become so entrenched elsewhere in the world.

“Unfortunately no food truck offers Afghan dishes,” laments Nassir, a student who is getting ready to chow down on a chicken sandwich from Manoto, a food truck also doing the rounds in Kabul like La ee .

“Sure I’d prefer rice and Afghan dishes but they don’t have them,” says Saifuddin, a cleaner.

“I work for the council so

I get a special price – I pay 50 afghanis (less than a dollar) for my hotdog instead of 100,” he explains.

“Even so, that’s expensive because I earn 6,000 afghanis (B3,099) a month and I’ve got 12 mouths to feed,” he says wearily.

The popularity of food trucks in Kabul owes less to their culinary offerings than the slow lifestyle changes of an emerging middle class.

The country’s middle classes speak English and work in foreign NG O s, government ministries or Western companies based in Afghanistan.

They stand apart from the vast majority of the population, in which just 32% of adults can read and write, according to a 2011 nesco figure.

Congregating in Kabul, this worldlier group has a need for speed.

Take Idriss Atef, a telecommunications engineer who is paying a flying isit to a La ee food truck. t’s the first time ’ e eaten from a food truck,” he admits.

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

‘Juarez is Love’ ty host n pope sheds an land m rder ma e

B

MEXICO

illboards with pictures of Pope Francis welcome the pontiff to Mexico’s former murder capital with the inviting phrase uare is Lo e,” as the northern border works to shed its violent image.

Ciudad uare , ust across from El Paso, exas, is stri ing to show that it is no longer a gangland battleground or the dark place where hundreds of women have been senselessly murdered.

Life has returned on the streets while inmates at the state prison put a coat of fresh paint on the penitentiary’s church as they prepare for the pope’s visit on Wednesday (Feb 17).

The prison is a symbol of the city’s iolent past, but also of its recovery.

About 30 inmates arranged plants and painted the church this week in biting-cold temperature as they spruced up a place where some 100 prisoners died in riots and brawls in 2010.

“There used to be groups in here that would cause problems between them. As an inmate, you would ha e to run to your cell,” said oel orres, a former soldier who has served 15 years at the Number Three state prison for murder.

“This doesn’t happen any more. hey take away e en the smallest nail. t’s ery secure,” orres said as his face lightened up at the thought of the pope’s visit to the prison.

ot es w th ma es of m ss n rls p t red ne t to a poster of ope ran s n dad are , e o. Photo: Yuri Cortez/AFP utside the prison grounds, the city was once engulfed in a turf war between the Sinaloa drug cartel of captured kingpin oa uin El Chapo” u man and the notorious uare gang. he murder spree peaked at more than 3,000 homicides in 2010, but it fell in the following years, dropping to around 300 last year, according to o cial figures.

The local government has attributed the improvements to the arrival of a hard-nosed police chief and a crime prevention program.

But security experts and law enforcement sources say violence dropped because the Sinaloa drug cartel won the war and focused again on getting drugs across the border.

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tion because she did not believe that the authorities were doing their ob.

After se eral months, she learned that a criminal group kidnapped her daughter, held her in a hotel and forced her into prostitution along with other girls.

Maria uadalupe’s dismembered body was found later in a creek, near a military facility, along with 11 other girls who are among more than 00 women who ha e been ictims of feminicides” since 1993.

Violence is not the only problem that has lacerated Ciudad uare . n the 19 0s, the city’s proximity to the United States attracted many foreign companies that built factories, known here as ma uiladoras,” which prompted thousands

Dutch police to counter drones with winged warriors

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But the city’s violent past has left scars that have not healed despite the message of lo e for the pope, which contrasts with the pictures of missing girls and women pasted on walls.

“This city is recovering because that’s what od wants, and the pope is coming to give us words of encouragement because many families are suffering,” said Susana Montes, a -year-old woman who could not hold back tears as she remembered the tragic afternoon of anuary 31, 2009. hat fateful day, her 1 -year-old daughter, Maria uadalupe, disappeared when she went down-town to buy tennis shoes.

Montes did her own in estiga-

of Mexicans to tra el here to work for low salaries.

But competition from China caused some manufacturers to move out, and those that ha e stayed face workers seeking better conditions.

Around 100 workers of S printer maker Lexmark ha e set up camp outside the factory, accusing the firm of firing them for forming a union and demanding a wage increase from their 3 B1,3 ) weekly salaries.

While the pope will hear from some factory workers, one of his central messages at a cross-border mass will be directed at migrants whose uest for the American ream” has turned into a nightmare of deportation and separation from their families.

“Presidents and politics apparently don’t agree with us, but we can’t stay in the shadows. We also want rights,” said ose Alberto Sanche , who li ed for 1 years in Las Vegas until his deportation more than a year ago.

Sanche left behind his wife and two children. H e was detained three times while trying to recross the border. ather a ier Cal illo, a priest who runs a migrant shelter in Ciudad uare , said he knows hundreds of similar stories.

But, he added, don’t ask anything from the pope because the mere fact that he will step foot in uare and hold a microphone is the best gift.”

AFP

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Proud to be the appointed supplier of windows and doors to: The British Ambassador to Thailand Bangkok.

The German Honorary Consul, Phuket.

The Australian Honorary Consul, Koh Samui

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DUTCH PO LICE ARE TURNING to a phalanx of winged predators to solve the problem of unauthorised drone flights in restricted areas such as airports and over crowds: eagles.

Police o cers, who are looking for the best way to intercept unauthorised drones, are conducting tests with the birds of prey together with a specialised Dutch company called uard from Abo e, a police spokesman said last week.

“It’s a low-tech solution to a high-tech problem,” ennis anus said.

“We use the birds’ age-old hunting instinct to intercept and neutralise drones,” he said.

Police released video footage of the tests, which shows an eagle in flight firmly grasping the drone with its talons before landing a few metres away.

The eagles are trained by G uard from Abo e, which describes itself as the first company in the world that uses birds of prey to intercept drones.”

ol e released deo foota e of the tests, wh h shows an ea le n firmly rasp n the drone w th ts talons. Photo: Dutch Police/AFP Like elsewhere around the globe the use of drones in the Netherlands is booming. or ob ious security reasons, you can’t fly a drone ust anywhere,” said anus, adding that it is forbidden to fly drones in airports or over large crowds.

“If a drone falls on somebody it could

ht

kill,” anus added.

Police are also testing a method to hack” a drone’s controls or to catch it in a net carried by another drone.

The test using birds of prey is expected to be finalised by the end of the year, and will examine the raptors’ reaction to crowds.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

hina has wea ened the alue o its yuan. Photo: AFP

Surve s re e t island’s tourism

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

hailand’s image as a leading tourism destination on a global and a re ional Asia-Pacific level was bolstered this past week with Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya ranking highly in the asterCard Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2015 and E uromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Ranking.

The international surveys recognised Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya as the world’s and Asia Pacific’s most popular destinations for international travellers.

The first asterCard’s Asia Pacific Destinations Index 2015, which is an offshoot of the annual G lobal Destination Cities Index, ranked Bangkok as the most popular city, with 21.9 million international overnight visitors, representing a 28.6% growth over the previous year.

The Thai capital also topped the total nights stayed by international tourists with a cumulative 107 million nights and also topped the total amount spent at US$ 15.2 billion.

Compared with destination cities in the Asia-Pacific,

Bangkok retained its position at number one. This ranking has remained unchanged since 2013, when the Thai capital became the first Asian city to top the global list.

Phuket recorded 9.3 million international overnight visitors in 2015, marking 15.5% growth year-on-year, while Pattaya which saw growth of 10% , at 8.1 million.

In terms of total nights stayed and total expenditure,

however, Phuket dropped in the rankings, earning a total of 40.8 million nights and an expenditure of US$ 8 billion (B283.224 billion), marked the MasterCard survey.

Pattaya chalked up a total of 27.2 million nights and total expenditure of US$ 3.1 billion (B109.749 billion).

Despite much hype within Thailand of Chiang Mai as a one of the nation’s leading tourism destinations, the

T suspends sian ir ights THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF Thailand (CAAT) has suspended the operations of Asian Air, a small Thai-owned, full-service airline, slightly over a week after it banned a company plane from leaving Thailand.

The airline said the order took effect on Sunday (Feb 7) as the company is seeking all possibilities “to resume its operations as soon as possible”.

On J an 27, the CAAT banned an Asian Air aircraft from leaving the navy-owned UTapao airport in Rayong province to pick up passengers in Macau after it received an order from the Central Bankruptcy Court to freez e the debt-laden airline’s assets.

CAAT acting director Chula Sukmanop @thephuketnews

The small Thai airline Asian Air has been grounded or an indefinite period while it deals with a lawsuit o er debts to its own maintenance firm. Photo: Asian Air website said last month the agency found the airline had unpaid debts and was being sued by its maintenance service provider, Cargo Aircraft Management Inc, for bankruptcy. B ang kok Post

northern capital failed to be marked in the top 20 of any of the surveys’ lists.

Meanwhile, E uromonitor International has released its fifth annual survey on Top City Destinations’ in terms of international tourist arrivals in . Its Top City estinations Ranking’ named three Thai destinations among the world’s top 25: Bangkok 4th, Phuket 17th and Pattaya 19th.

Dr Y uthasak Supasorn, G overnor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, “We are honoured to be recognised by two of the world’s most prestigious organisations.

Despite the challenges we had to go through in 2015, global travellers remain confident in our country and made a decision to make Thailand their travel destination.”

In 2015, the Thai tourism industry hit the highest record in its history, receiving tourism revenue of B1.4 trillion, a 23% increase year-on-year, and attracting 29.8 million international tourist arrivals, an increase of 20% over 2014.

For 2016, with the plan to focus less on the number of visitor arrivals and more on attracting quality tourists, the TAT is targeting B1.5 trillion in tourism revenue from international tourists.

China sells dollars to shore up yuan CHINA’S FORE IG N E X change reserves have fallen to their lowest level in more than three years, the central bank has revealed, as Beijing sells US dollars to stop the yuan from depreciating further.

The world’s largest currency hoard shrank by US$ 99.5 billion in J anuary to some US$ 3.2 trillion, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) reported on its website, the lowest since May 2012.

Worries about China’s economy have pushed the yuan to a five-year low. The country saw its first-ever annual decline in foreign exchange reserves last year as Beijing tried to prevent a more drastic devaluation.

The PBoC is selling US dollars to buy yuan amid a capital i ht spurred by the slowing growth in the world’s second-largest economy.

But some analysts predict a more drastic weakening of the yuan this year and question China’s ability to continue rapidly shedding the reserves.

“While the remaining reserves represent a substantial war chest, the rapid pace of depletion in recent months is simply unsustainable,” IHS G lobal Insight economist Rajiv Biswas told Bloomberg News. ut ows increased as expectations mount that the PBoC will eventually be

forced to capitulate once its reserves are sufficiently depleted”, he added.

G eorge Magnus, economic commentator and associate at Oxford University’s China Centre, wrote on Twitter: “China’s foreign exchange reserves fell another US$ 100 billion… clearly this can’t go on for long.”

The pace of decline in the reserves in J anuary was slower than December, which at some US$ 108 billion was the largest monthly drop on record.

China has also tightened some capital controls to try to curb out ows.

“The smaller decline in the reserves suggests that some capital out ow restrictions imposed in J anuary worked,” Shen J ianguang, chief Asia economist at Miz uho Securities, wrote in a note.

The drop in February will be much smaller, he added.

China has set its growth target for this year at between 6.5% to 7% , the top economic planner said last Wednesday (Feb 3), an acknowledgement that expansion – already at its slowest pace in 25 years – will continue to weaken.

G lobal investors are closely watching the slowdown in the world’s second largest economy, which has created turbulence in world markets.

AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Draft tax bill seeks to curb real estate speculation Wichit Chantanusornsiri B an g k ok P ost

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new version of the draft bill on the land and buildings tax, this one with an eye towards curbing speculation, will be proposed soon to Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong.

The draft is expected to push real estate speculators to use their land at a faster pace and fill up the coffers of local administrators’ organisations.

It is further aimed at lowering the government’s burden in subsidisin them, finance permanent secretary Somchai Sujjapongse said without providing further details.

The draft has been modified to win over the public following opposition to the previous version, he said, adding that exemption to the tax would be applied on a nec-

Somchai: Restructure almost completed essary and acceptable basis.

The Fiscal Policy ffice (FPO) has set the tax ceiling rates at 0.2% of appraisal value for land used for agriculture, 0.3% for residences and 1% for land for commercial use.

Undeveloped land would be ta ed at for the first three years before doubling to 2% for the next three years, hitting the 3% ceiling only in the seventh year. The draft is

expected to be implemented in 2017.

The actual tax rate would be levied progressively. Agricultural land would be charged at 0.01% if the appraised price is no more than B2 million or up to B200 baht a year, while land worth more than 100 million would be taxed at 0.1% .

Residences appraised at no more than B2 million would be

taxed at 0.03% or up to B600 a year, while homes priced at more than 100 million would be charged at 0.2% .

Commercial land would be taxed at 0.1% or up to B2,000 a year if the appraisal value is less than B2 million and at 0.6% or up to 4.35 million for land valued at more than 1 billion.

The Finance Ministry is pinning its hopes on levying

the land and buildings tax to raise the government’s revenue ratio on assets from its low current rate of 1% , with taxes on consumption and income dominating the rest.

In another development, Mr Somchai said the adjustment of the personal income tax structure was almost completed and would be proposed to Mr Apisak in the first quarter.

The adjustment will cover tax brackets, allowances and deductions.

The tax burden on lowincome earners in particular will be reduced and the overall tax base expanded.

The adjusted tax will encourage more people to pay personal income tax, but the expectation that higher earners will share a larger part of the tax burden than those earning less will remain unchanged, Mr Somchai added.

Phuket’s Point Yamu By Como wins TripAdvisor ‘World’s Best’ award THE PAOLA NAVONE -DE SIG NE D Point Y amu has placed in the top one per cent, while just in Phuket it has been ranked number four of 689 properties on the island. For the 14th year, TripAdvisor announced its awards based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected over the past 12 months.

Andy Kunz , G eneral Manager of Point Y amu, said, “We take great pride in being recognised by TripAdvisor as one of the top resorts

in Phuket. We strive to go beyond expectations and offer sophisticated experiences to all our guests.

“Point Y amu by COMO is a contemporary getaway offering amaz ing views of Phang Nga Bay

and the Andaman Sea. ur resort creates unique vacation getaways and tailored island trips.”

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site, operating in 47 countries. It features over 290 million reviews and opinions covering over five million hotels, restaurants and attractions.

The Travellers’ Choice Awards reward hotels that have shown remarkable service, quality and value.

Revenue, Excise and Customs to link tax databases THE FINANCE MINISTRY has stepped up efforts to battle tax evasion by announcing a plan that will link the tax data systems of the three taxcollection agencies.

During a meeting chaired

by Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong on Monday (Feb 8), the Revenue, E xcise and Customs departments were instructed jointly to install a system that will connect their tax databases, finance permanent secretary Somchai Sujjapongse said.

Installation must be completed within the next six months.

The joint tax database is one part of the Finance Ministry’s plan to prevent individuals and legal entities from understating or avoiding tax payments.

The ministry will also introduce a sin le financial accounting system and a national e-payment system, the latter of which will be linked with the Revenue Department’s tax database to make tax collection more efficient and boost overnment revenue.

The department said small and medium-siz ed enterprises (SME s) with annual sales of no more than B500 million had until March 15 to register in order to show their intention of using a single financial account.

Those SME s that have registered by the deadline will be shielded from retroactive scrutiny.

B ang kok Post

MontAzure CSR banks on future with scholarships to Kamala students MONTAZ URE , A B15 BILlion exclusive mixed-use community project on Kamala Beach in Phuket, is giving back to locals by supporting students with school and university scholarships while also encouraging them to be environmentally conscious.

Setthaphol Boottho, MontAz ure Associate Director Project Management, said the program was initiated because MontAz ure was part of the Kamala community and wanted to support its development in a positive manner and improve the standard of living there.

Mr Boottho said it was the start of MontAz ure’s engagement commitment to local students. The first rants total B21,000 and cover 17 students

Cool for School: Montazure launches initiative to reward students for academic prowess with scholarships, while encouraging Kamala students to love and care for their beautiful but fragile home. at Rajaprajanugroh School.

“We understand children are the bedrock and the future of any society,” he said.

“They’re the leaders of tomorrow who will eventually be entrusted with nurturing their communities.

“We feel privileged to be

in a position where we can support the children of Kamala through an education leg-up and increased environmental awareness, and hopefully these scholarships will eventually benefit all the children there and the entire community, for that matter.”

Mr Boottho said MontAz ure was supporting a beachcleaning program that involved students, highlighting the importance of caring for the environment - “how it effects their lives and the importance of devoting their spare time to generate a positive outcome”. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Interesting trivia of Thailand’s Ramakien

18

How to score this Valentine’s Day

THE FULL MONTY

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Simpson Marine redefines marine luxury living with Thailand debut of Monte Carlo Yacht 86 > Page 16

View of paradise from the MCY 86’s Portuguese foredeck.

@thephuketnews

16 BOATING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

A Monte Carlo debutant Tanyaluk Sakoot rep orter2 @classactmedia.co.th

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HUKET has a habit of luring the best of the best to its shores, and so it was at the Phuket International Boat Show (PIMEX) last month when the brand-new Monte Carlo 86 (MCY 86) made its Thailand debut.

Each MCY model perfectly exemplifies the brand’s distinctive values – the ability to blend naval design, style and technology. The new MCY 86 takes the yard’s product range to a new level: a larger, more spacious and more exquisite yacht which meets the needs of boat lovers who want to enjoy every instant on board to the maximum.

The yacht brings together sensitive Italian tailoring with the productive capacity of Groupe Bénéteau, worldrenowned for their technological and industrial efficiency. The technical and aesthetic elements blend together, efficient production brings out both the care with which it is made and also the search for exclusive details.

The dual approach is affirmed by the contributions made by some big names in the fashion and style world: the living areas of the boat are actually embellished by fabrics and material from Hermès, Armani, Frau and Pierre Frey.

Starting from the strong family resemblance of its external lines, the design of the whole Monte Carlo range is by Nuvolari and Lenard. The two designers, who have some amazing mega yacht designs in their portfolio, have reached a new high with this project, creating classically-styled boat, without compromising with retro tastes or irritating aerodynamic excesses.

The new MCY 86 increases the range of customization and offers made-tomeasure luxury. Radically different configurations which mean that each owner can personalize the yacht to fit their own lifestyle. The layout variants include all three decks, with three, four or five below-deck cabins and different distributions of the rooms on the main deck and the flybridge.

There is an immediate – and extraordinary – feeling of space and comfort from the very first step on the main deck. The stern area, which is completely separate from the extended flybridge, offers guests a large area normally asso-

ciated with larger vessels. The signature steel-and-glass fashion plates further increase the feeling of privacy on board.

The Portuguese foredeck design leads to an exquisitely private living room. A real lounge that adapts to different uses during the whole day on board. The extensive area is ideal for using large sun loungers, comfortable sofas and a table where meals can also be eaten in the shade, enjoying the sea view with one’s family and guests in a space which is both open and private.

The flybridge can be fitted with a large Jacuzzi. The bar area, the open-air kitchen and the numerous sunbathing and living areas can be protected with a carbon fibre T-top with soft-top and electrical opening, another characteristic element of the Monte Carlo collection.

In the interior, the living room fulfils all the promise of the external spaces: the area and space increase in a succession of luxurious and comfortable living areas, which are ideal for conversation, entertainment, relaxation or dinners with guests.

Another new aspect on the 86-foot boat are the opening side platforms.

Available on both sides, they can be transformed into exclusive terraces overlooking the sea, giving unequalled, unobstructed views of the horizon even from inside the yacht.

Monte Carlo’s style exudes from every area of the boat, and is reinforced by the choice of highly prized materials, such as white Volterra alabaster, cedarstone marble and mocha cream limestone.

Precious materials that create a feeling of elegance, which is further refined by the input of some of the most important names in international fashion and design, and the use of Venetian mosaics hand-made in Murano glass.

The PIMEX 2016 boat show was a huge success for Simpson Marine, presenting an impressive line-up of yachts from leading European brands, including another Thailand premiere: the Lagoon 630 MY. Simpson Marine is Asia’s leading new sales and brokerage company with 30-plus years of experience in yachting, representing a comprehensive portfolio of the world’s best yacht brands from French, Italian and US shipyards with Beneteau Sail, Beneteau Power, Lagoon, CNB, Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo Yachts (MCY) introduced in Thailand in 2014 with three units sold to date.

New additions to this range are Italian premium superyacht brand, Sanlorenzo and US’ leading sport fishing brand, Viking. As a multi-brand, awardwinning company, Simpson Marine is ready to cater for different tastes and preferences. Present in 7 countries with

16 offices, Simpson Marine Thailand includes offices in Phuket and Pattaya, managed by the Country Sales Manager Sergio Loiacono.

“Being a multi-brand dealer with offices throughout Asia means we can take care of both international and local clients, and Phuket is increasingly becoming the hottest yachting destination in Asia. Thailand is a key sales and charter market and we have seen a quality and diverse group of visitors at this year’s edition of the Phuket International Boat Show,” said Simpson Marine Country Manager Sergio Loiacono.

Apart from a yacht sales division, Simpson Marine Thailand runs chartering department with Simpson Yacht Charter that offers Lagoon catamarans and power boats for charter and a Yacht Care division that manages boats of owners residing outside of Thailand.

“Thailand is number one yacht charter destination in Asia, and Phuket is the preferred location with its great cruising grounds and protected waters,” explains Sergio, Thailand Country Sales Manager at Simpson Marine.

“We are almost fully booked for the peak season and that is why we are constantly expanding our charter fleet, namely by offering yacht management program to our overseas buyers who allow us to charter their yacht and keep in the top shape for when they come back to Phuket. This works quite well and allow to cover some daily operational costs of these boats,” he added.

ABOUT SIMPSON MARINE

SIMPSON MARINE was founded in 1984 in Hong Kong by Mike Simpson as a yacht sales and charter company focused on meeting the needs of the developing marine industry in Asia. By the end of the 1980’s the company had been appointed regional distributor for several leading European yacht brands, and had recruited an expanding team of sales and after sales service professionals around the region.

Today the company employs over 100 professional staff and has a well-established sales and service network across Asia with seventeen offi es in ainland hina, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

Simpson Marine represents some of Europe’s and the United States’ most prestigious yacht brands and with 30 years of experience in Asia has a reputation for delivering exceptional service and taking care of customers in all aspects of yacht purchase and ownership.

SIMPSON MARINE is Asia’s leading international yacht dealership, brokerage and service company and is considered to have played a pioneering role in the development of the yachting industry in Asia.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Through the heart of South Asia Caravan completes two-week road-trip from India to Thailand via Myanmar

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any will have noticed viral posts on the internet about the so-called India-Myanmar-Thailand overland highway opening up to road commuters this year. Few have already made the trip from Thailand to India, but only this year – this past few weeks to be precise – has the trip been completed by a caravan from India and concluding in Thailand.

Indeed, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hailed the completion of the first privately organised motor caravan travelling from India to Myanmar and Thailand, which formally concluded on February 8.

The historic 2,500-kilometre journey, undertaken by a group of 20 Indian citizens, including one female driver, was organised by the New Delhi-based specialist road travel operator Adventure World, led by Sanjay Madan and Tushar Agarwal, who had done their pilot India to Thailand road trip in 2013.

And now, the successful completion of their 20-group caravan roadtrip sends a strong positive signal to the global travel and tourism industry that one of the last remaining sections of the Asian Highway linking South Asia and the Asean countries is now ready for road travel.

Sanjay and Tushar

The group travel through the ancient city of Bagan in the Mandalay region of Myanmar.

Travelling in a fleet of four sturdy Toyota and Mitsubishi cars and one Harley-Davidson motorcycle, the group started in Imphal, capital of the Indian state of Manipur, on January 23, crossing into Myanmar via the Moreh-Tamu border crossing, and drove through Myanmar before entering Thailand at the Mae Sot border checkpoint.

They arrived in Bangkok on January 31 and were hosted to a welcome reception by TAT headed by Dr Walailak Noypayak, TAT’s Executive Director for Asean, South Asia and South Pacific Region.

After three days of rest and recreation in the Thai capital, some of the group members returned to Imphal also via road, but using a different itinerary in Myanmar. Others chose to fly back to India.

TAT’s Executive Director for Asean, South Asia and South Pacific Region Dr. Walailak Noypayak said, “This historic trip marks the start of a new era for the travel and tourism industry in Asia and Asean. The long-awaited road linking India to Thailand will open up many unseen parts of Asia, put new destina-

tions on the map, attract investment, create jobs and alleviate poverty.

“It also proves the success of our long-standing strategy to position Thailand as a hub of travel, tourism and transport throughout the region.”

Mr Sanjay Agarwal, Co-Founder of Adventure World, said he was proud that Indians had been at the forefront of this historic journey. He said that although some small parts of the road still need further improvement and the paperwork requirements both before the journey and at the border checkpoints can be fine-tuned, the journey proved that both the hardware and software were mostly in place for other road travel adventurers to follow suit.

The ground handling agents in Myanmar and Thailand were Bright View Travels and Exo Travel, respectively.

The caravan is the second one between Thailand and its Asean neighbours to be held in the first two months of 2016 alone. Between 7-16 January, 2016, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. in collaboration with TAT organised the second Asean Friendship Caravan

TRIP TIPS & CHALLENGES Suggested Route: Delhi Imphal - Moreh - Kale - Bagan - Inle Lake - Yangon - Maesot Tak - Bangkok 1. 200% Carnet Fees: To exit and re-enter in India one needs a Carnet. Carnet is a document which is like a passport for your car . You need to cough up 200% of your vehicle’s value (refundable security deposit) to obtain this piece of paper from the Automobile Association of India. Carnet is also accepted

by Thailand customs as a valid document to enter their country if you are driving a foreign registered vehicle. It is advised not to approach Delhi AAUI for this as the group struggled for more than 6 months to retrieve the security refund). Adventures Overland took care of all the paperwork during India to Thailand trip from Jan 23 to Feb 8, 2016. @thephuketnews

2. Local Guides: A local Burmese guide is mandatory to travel with the group who needs to be hired from the travel company approved by Ministry of Myanmar Tourism.

3. Lead Car: A lead car for the convoy is mandatory too as per the directions by Ministry of Myanmar Tourism. This is must even if you drive a single car.

Poor sign boards and language problems make it a tough nut.

4. Paperwork & Permits: Apply for special overland permits and permissions through a local agent one month in advance to drive into Myanmar. Apply for a Temporary Import permit for the vehicles in Myanmar through a local agent as this country does not accept Carnet. You will also need to apply for a temporary driver’s licence to drive in Myan-

mar, while an International Driver’s Licence is required to drive in Thailand.

5. Visas: For Myanmar and Thailand, it’s advisable to obtain the necessary visas in advance if entering through a land border crossing.

6: Cash: Carry US$ while travelling inside Myanmar as you may not find many ATMs. In Thailand there are many ATMs and currency exchange services to obtain Thai baht.

7. Food: Carry emergency food supplies and your favourite snacks you don’t want to miss during this trip. Bring many more useful things you would need for a long road trip, including your original vehicle papers, air pump, puncture kit and a first aid kit.

The cars reach the Myanmar - Thailand border. through Cambodia, Lao PDR, Vietnam and Thailand.

The 3,400-kilometre journey was designed to publicise the many cultural and heritage destinations of the four countries that are now becoming increasingly accessible by road.

Leading the trip and co-founder of Adventures Overland, Sanjay Madan remarked, “The journey is not as easy as it sounds! It’s challenging and expensive yet worth doing in one’s lifetime!”

“After driving through more than 50 countries and six continents in the last three years, despite all these challenges I would still rate Myanmar as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I like to call it as ‘Land of Happy Faces’ as opposed to the Land of Gold,” he wrote on a trip report posted on the Global Travel Community website tripoto.com.

He went on to explain the procedures for returning to India from Bangkok.

“You have two options. One, put your car on sea and ship back to any Indian port, or two, drive back via the same route.”

TAT & Adventures Overland

18 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

ALL ABOUT RAMA

Seven interesting trivia points about the Thai Ramakien SIRINYA’S WORLD Dr Sirinya Pakditawan p ak ditaw an @g oog lemail.com

The Reamker, which is the Cambodian version of the Ramayana, takes about 50 hours to recite

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sian and Thai ancient literature lovers certainly know about the Thai Ramakien, which is a famous National Epic of Thailand, based on the Indian epic Ramayana.

In short, the Ramakien is about Rama who spends 14 years in exile after being banished by his stepmother. There he lives with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshman.

When Sita is abducted by the Demon King Ravana (Tosakanth) and taken to Lanka, Rama and his brother rescue her with the help of monkey warriors.

There are also some entertaining facts about the ‘Story of Rama’ which I would like share with you here: 1. The Ramayana was written by the Hindu sage Valmiki and it implies that the epic possesses magic properties? Merely reading one verse of the Ramayana is supposed to guarantee a son to everyone pre-

viously lacking a male heir and it also implies that poor readers of the epic will become rich and that errant readers are purified.

2. In the Rama Jataka, the Buddha is quoted as claiming he had been Rama in a previous life. The Rama Jataka is popular in Laos and some northeastern parts of Thailand where it is recited during ceremonies for the dead and cremations.

3. In the oldest version of Rama’s story, which is probably the Dasaratha Jataka, Sita is featured as Rama’s sister.

4. According to an ancient Thai belief, the Ramakien has magic properties. Thus, anyone who is able to read the Story of Rama over seven days and seven nights could command from the heavens three days and three nights of rainfall.

5. The 16th century Chinese classic Hsi-yu-chi (Monkey) incorporated together with other material, Hanuman’s travels in pursuit of Sita. What is more, as early as 251 AD, a Jataka form of the Ramayana was rendered into Chinese.

6. The Reamker, which is the Cambodian version of the Ramayana, takes about 50 hours to recite.

7. The Ramakien can be called an esoteric allegory of man’s spiritual quest (Rama) for Nirvana (Sita). In this way, it is also a purification of physical

Scene from the Ramakien depicted on a mural at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). Photo: Jpatokal, wikimedia.org

Sita in captivity in Lanka being tempted by Ravana.

Chromoli Wellcome Library London, wikimedia.org

A scene from the Ramakien, illustration at Wat Phra Kaew. Photo: Sirinya Pakditawan and intellectual faculties in which Tosakanth (Ravana) and his brothers are coarse passions and imperfections while the monkey warriors stand for virtues.

Personally, I find points one and four intriguing and entertaining. Perhaps we should try to recite the Story of Rama and see what kind of magic we can work. Until next time.

Yours, Sirinya

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana at the Hermitage of Bharadvaja. Page from a dispersed Ramayana (Story of King Rama),ca. 1780, wikimedia.org

An episode from the Cambodian Reamker, Phnom Phen. Photo: Jean-Pierre Dalbéra, wikimedia.org

Sirinya Pakditawan is a ‘luk kreung’, or half-Thai, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She enjoys writing about Thailand, with a focus on culture, art, history, tradition and on the people, as well as a mix of topics concerning Thai popular culture, travelogues and articles about Thai food.

Sirinya’s aim is not only to entertain you but to provide you with information and facts about Thailand, its culture and history that may not be generally known, in particular to the Western world. She has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Hamburg.

To read the original story, and many more, be sure to check out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas-thailand.de thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Roy Valentine Fordham, Thailand’s original adman, passes at 88

R

oy Fordham, a pioneer for advertising and public relations in Thailand, died peacefully at home in Bangkok on Wednesday 27th January 2016. He was 88 years old.

Father of well-known Phuket resident, Kit Fordham of Phuket.net, Roy arrived in Bangkok in 1953 from London on a one-year public relations assignment for the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat Province, 200km north of Bangkok.

He fell in love with Thailand and stayed on, moving to Bangkok to help set up Thailand’s first advertising and PR firm, Groake & Company Ltd. As general manager, he created the public relations division, an outdoor site contracting division, and a market research division. All three divisions later grew to become separate companies.

He went on to work for Marklin Advertising in 1962, leading to a short stint in Hong Kong as Account Group Director, before returning to Bangkok in 1965 to head up Marklin’s Bangkok

Office. In 1968, he struck out on his own to set up Adplan Ltd, which rapidly became one of Thailand’s leading independent advertising agencies.

Adplan (later renamed Mayford) had many prominent clients over the years including Air France, Philippine Airlines, Foodland Supermarkets, Max

T

@thephuketnews

Roy Valentine Fordham

16th February 1927 – 27th January 2016

‘One in 25 million’ stem cell donor match found for mixed Thai girl with leukemia he 24-year-old Chinese-Italian ThaiUK girl suffering from Leukemia, and whose family last month appealed on social media for a rare stem cell donor match to save her, has announced that a “one in 25 million” match has been found.

The announcement was made on a Youtube video by Lara on February 9, following a viral media campaign “Match 4 Lara” that was carried out on Thai and international media channels around the world.

After being diagnosed with the disease last month, Lara, a 24-yearold Chinese-Thai and Italian woman was told by doctors that her only hope of survival is if she receives a transplant of stem cells, which can be extracted from the bone marrow of a matching donor.

“If all goes to plan, then I will go to transplant soon [sic],” she announced, before thanking all of the potential donors who registered, pointing

PEOPLE 19

out that there are still many people in need of a donor match,” she said.

Donors in Thailand can donate through the Thai Red Cross National Blood Center in Bangkok, who though reports having 182,064 donors in its registry, has only found a mere 194 matches for a total of 1,522 terminally ill patients in need of a transplant in the kingdom.

The Red Cross Nat ion a l Blo o d C ent r e (RCNBC) in Bangkok

told the Phuket News that the f irst step to becoming a donor is to register and determine your Human Leukocyte Antigen or HLA typing.

Unfortunately, this process is not yet possible in Phuket and requires any/ all potential donors to make an appointment at the RCNBC (see details below).

Furthermore, the RCNBC notes that it can take two months to process potential donors, so don’t hesitate to register.

Factor, Watsons, A&W, Diethelm and Siemens. Many clients stayed with the agency for years appreciating the personal attention and Fordham’s creative and dynamic approach. You can still hear one of his ‘jingles’ today on Bangkok’s airwaves – “Think of food, think of Foodland”. Bangkok commuters can

also thank Fordham for convincing the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to set up the numerous bus shelters across the city. The rationale was to create high visibility advertising space for his clients as well as shelter for commuters. After thriving for 31 years, the agency finally closed in 1999 after the financial crisis in Asia.

Fordham was also a keen sportsman, playing rugby and tennis at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club (RBSC) and the British Club from the 1950s to the 1980s. He is also credited with bringing lawn bowls to Thailand, setting up the first bowling green at the RBSC in 1980.

Fordham put in a great deal of effort to attract players to the game and in 2001 members from the RBSC represented Thailand at South East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Fordham is survived by his wife, his two children and his granddaughter.

20 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Chef Eddy impresses with lobster & lamb Bodhi/E-Table Asia D an iel@E - T ab le.A sia

The beef was so tender that it almost melted in my mouth – I didn’t even need a knife to cut into it.

A

rriving at the JW Marriott, Mai Khao Beach Phuket, just at the right time, to witness the beautiful oranges and reds of the stunning sunset. Taking in all the great surroundings and landscape as I walk through the resort on the way to Andaman Grill Restaurant.

I sat down with Executive Chef Dietmar Spitzer, whose strong ties with chefs from other locations led to JW Marriott inviting different chefs from around the world to come share their home styles with the Phuket community. Their idea is to create dishes and recipes that are always innovative and fresh, so clients won’t get bored of eating the same dishes.

On this evening, Andaman Grill invited

Rack of Lamb.

Chef Eddy Leung from Hong Kong for a one week event. Chef Lueng put together a wonderful four-course meal paired with four different vintages.

The first course was Lobster Tartare, served with Canadian Lobster, marinated yellow fin tuna, Tsar caviar and Yamagata pear followed by the Salmon Confit second course, slow cooked at 48 celsius with salmon roe and champagne crème. The main entrée was a choice of either Beef Cheek and Tenderloin or Slow Roasted Rack of Lamb, both cooked over 12 hours. The fourth course was the dessert, a homemade Coconut Ice Cream with glazed pineapple and fresh vanilla.

The excitement began to grow as they brought out the Lobster Tartare. It was a wonderful presentation of lobster and yellow fin tuna topped off with Tsar caviar. I took my first bite and it was heaven! Of all the outstanding dishes, this was one of my personal favorites of the night.

Next came the Salmon Confit which was cooked to perfection. The slow-cooking method allows the salmon to finish perfectly even and delivers a wonderful taste which is to die for.

I had the privilege of trying both the Beef Cheek and Tenderloin, as well as the Lamb Shoulder. The beef was so tender that it almost melted in my mouth – I didn’t even need a knife to cut into it. The lamb was amazing as well! The way they marinate

Coconut ice cream. and prepare the lamb before the slow cook definitely comes out in the final piece.

The final piece to end an unbelievable dinner, the dessert! The Coconut Ice Cream presentation was a very creative depiction of Chef Lueng’s interpretation of Phuket. Inset on top of the scoop of ice cream, was a dried caramelized slice of pineapple, intended to mimic the sunset at dawn along the Phuket horizon. A blend of wonderful flavours to end a fantastic meal.

Chef Leung was wonderful and he took the time in between courses to check on all guests and get their feedback. He spoke to every table and gave the background about each creation as well as his experiences.

Overall, it was a wonderful evening! A night of fantastic food and great hosting!

This review originally appeared on E-Table.

Asia. For full version, visit E-Table.Asia

Private dining at its best Jason Beavan g m@classactmedia.co.th

K

ata Rocks knows how to throw a shindig.

Flown from Austria, Australia and New Zealand, several specially-selected vintages arrived at the luxurious beach side resort for an exclusive,

one-night private dining experience last Saturday (February 6).

Kata Rocks’ Executive Chef Laia, originally from Spain, created six courses of wonderment that went handin-hand with the selection of Rose, whites and reds from the cellars of Salomon Wines.

To showcase how private dining was

(From left) Kata Rocks GM Scot Toon, Khun Benjawan of FIN, Jessica and Bert Salomon meant to be, Kata Rocks General Manager Scot Toon and his team had one of the outstanding Penthouse Villas set to accommodate 12 for the special culinary event.

We arrived a little late (you got to love rain in the Phuket dry season) but just in time for dinner to begin.

Imported Fine de Claire Oysters with black pepper and olive oil were so good I wanted to ask for more. Luckily I resisted the temptation as the next course, Crab Tartare, avocado, green apple and celery arrived without hesitation and was simply mouth-watering and my pick of the night. The next three courses – steamed Foie Gras wrapped in cabbage and ginger, grilled Australian Wagyu Rib Eye and the selection of imported cheese – brought our tongues to the point of exploding in anticipation of the final course.

The end (or a new beginning) brought desert to a whole new level: the

(Above) Crab Tartare (Right) vanilla ice cream. vanilla ice cream sitting on warm brioche with passion fruit blew every diners taste bud’s clear out the room and left us wanting more! Truly a desert to have again and again.

Kata Rocks, you sure know how to do private dining. thephuketnews

ENTERTAINMENT 21

Views, viewings of love THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Romantic viewpoints and movies to scope this Feb 14 JP Mestanza editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

nother year, another Valentine’s Day with venues all over the island catering to the spark of love with romantic dinners and exciting events.

While long-term couples have a plethora of options (courtesy of a few thousand baht or friendly-connections), couples still in the beginning stages of their relationships may feel reticent to celebrate the holiday for several reasons.

If you’re in the first few months into a new relationship and want to keep it low-key this Valentine’s Day, The Phuket News has the right formula for you!

We’re giving you the perfect pairing of a Phuket viewpoint with a romantic film that we’re sure you’ll both enjoy.

it’s a sure thing for a stunning sunset view, easy to get to, and – with Nai Harn beach just below – you can make a beach day of it! Don’t forget your camera, as you won’t stop taking selfies once you’re there.

viewpoint treasure hunt! Once you get to Khao Khad, you’ll be amazed at the breathtaking seascape of Chalong Bay and wonder why you’ve never been here before. A remarkable sight that will make you want to come back again and again. that opened within the last year, then this is the time to finally check it out.

You’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and won’t believe just how quaint the city looks from that high.

50 First Dates – You can’t go wrong with a genuinely funny comedy starring Adam Sandler and a forgetful Drew Barrymore. Given that the movie takes place on a tropical island, it’s the perfect movie to watch after a great day at Promthep Cape and the beach.

Silver Linings Playbook – Once you get home after Panwa Viewpoint, press play on Silver Linings Playbook starring a depressed Bradley Cooper and insane Jennifer Lawrence. As a couple, you’ll bond over the crazy shenanigans that it took to get these two together, similar to how both of you were probably at each other’s throats trying to find the viewpoint earlier in the day.

Rang Hill

Promthep Cape

The go-to spot for many on this island,

Panwa Viewpoint (Khao Khad tower)

It’s not the most well-known place, which means you can make it into a fun

Pre Valentine Cupid’s Night at XANA

W

hether you’re single this Valentine’s Day or just want to get away from the social pressure it brings every year, XANA Beach Club with Attica has the perfect lively alternative to the old holiday routine.

XANA is throwing preValentine party on February 13 for singles, groups and anyone else keen on getting wild with great competitions (with prizes) carrying on long into the night!

With the rest of the island (and probably the world) getting all serious with another year of f lowers and love songs, XANA is bringing nightlife back to its roots, with its own DJ and emcee to keep the night rocking and your head spinning.

Plenty of activities, physical challenges and trivia games are lined up to bring people together and get everybody up and involved.

Throw in some killer specials on drinks and XANA’s usual great vibe, and nobody will feel left out at this preValentine’s Day party.

So if you’re single or attached, quit moping about on Valentine’s Day weekend.

Come out to where the real fun is – and get ready for all kinds of fun at XANA’s @thephuketnews

Cupid’s Night which kicks off at 9pm and entry is B300, which includes a drink.

XANA’s own DJ Wii will get the evening started with the cool, rhythmic soundscapes that have carved out his place in Phuket’s superb nightlife. The unbeatable atmosphere, just

steps away from the smooth waters of Bang Tao Bay, has turned XANA Beach Club into Phuket’s premier party venue.

For more information, contact 076-324101 ext. XANA Beach Club or visit XANA Beach Club Facebook

What distinguishes Rang Hill from other viewpoints is that it has a bit of everything: rolling hills to the right of you, Phuket City in the foreground, and the Andaman Sea in the distance! If you haven’t been to the renovated viewpoint

Love and Basketball – This is an underrated classic as Omar Epps and Sanna Lathan play childhood rivals who both dream of playing pro basketball.

Life gives them a few twist and turns resulting in a series of events where.... well, we’ll let you figure out for yourself!

This is a film that entertains while making you all mushy inside without realizing.

22 ISLAND SCENE

Angsana Laguna Phuket and Tree House Kids Club celebrated the Lunar New Year 2016 in fun style. Little guests and Angsana Laguna Phuket’s associates joined the fun and colourful Chinese New Year at Tree House Kids Club in Angsana Laguna Phuket. The day was packed full of activities and shows to keep families entertained.

It included a spectacular Chinese T-shirt making and Children’s Hong Pao Parade.

Children also wore their own crafted Chinese T-shirts and stopped at a variety of outlets around the resort for traditional Hong Pao gifts given by the adults.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

In Cherng Talay, celebrations included a beauty pageant and red all over!

PHUKET WELCOMES 2 0 1 6 ' S FIERY MONKEY There were events all over the island from February 7 in celebration for the Chinese New Year! Many in Phuket are hoping that the Year of the Monkey will bring nothing but good fortune, great health and a bounty of cheer. From Mai Khao to Rawai to Panwa to Kalim and Phuket Town, Chinese New Year celebrations were ringing in Phuket!

Phuket Town is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in Southern Thailand. The celebrations could be heard all over the island on February 8!

Pullman Phuket team and the owners celebrating their 3rd year anniversary with a giant cake (Feb 8th) and Chinese New Year at the resort.

The Westin welcomed the Year of the Monkey in style with three evenings of celebrations from February 7-9.

(Far left) Khun Amornrat Kruaepat.

GRAND OPENING OF BLUE HOUSE BISTRO

February 6 saw the opening of Blue House Bistro in the Chalong area in front of the Krung Sri Bank where dozens came out for the festivities and good, healthy food. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

SEA BEES DIVING WINS AGAIN!

From left: Eric Ricaurte, Grace Kang, Natasha Eldred, and Bill Barnett.

AMCHAM PHUKET MEETING HOSTS SUSTAINABILITY TALK @ KEEMALA

Sea Bees Diving won their 10th Golden Dolphin award last week for being the Best Dive Centre in the IndoPacifc region at the Tauchen Awards held at “Boot Düsseldorf 2015” in Germany, the largest yacht and watersports exhibition in the world.

The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Greater Phuket Chapter hosted a very enlightening event on Feb 5, led by Grace Kang of Greenview Hospitality on Trends of Sustainable Hospitality at the Keemala Resort. The seminar addressed how sustainability helps hotels cut costs, increases overall satisfaction and loyalty for associates and guests.

From left: Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan and Phuket FC President MaAnn Samran.

ANDAMAN DRAGON SIGN WITH CLASS ACT MEDIA!

Class Act Media is pleased to announce that GM Jason Beavan and Phuket FC President MaAnn Samran on Monday (Feb 8) signed contracts for the company to once again be media sponsors for the coming season.

From left: Allard Voute and TPN Sports and News Editor Matt Pond.

PHUKET NEWS EPL TIPPING WINNER FOR JANUARY!

Congratulations to Mr Allard Voute, who with 22 points won The Phuket News monthly EPL predictions competition for January. Mr Voute came to collect his prize, a B5,000 voucher to spend at Two Chefs, from the Class Act Media HQ. Don't forget you can still enter the competition, and all you need to do is register at: http://www.thephuketnews.com/login-game-premier-league-competition-ex.php

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RADIO THAILAND Radio Thailand Phuket and Rajabhat University Phuket celebrated their 45th birthday anniversary. A blessing ceremony and party was held at Radio Thailand hu et o fice on Feb 5, and on Feb 7 students and teachers of Rajabhat University were joined by Phuket Sports o ficials or a cycling event around Phuket. @thephuketnews

Representati es o Thailand ublic Relations fice rea led by Sudlertai Lertkasem (Centre, left) present a birthday gift to reps of Radio Thailand’s Phuket fice led by director r Tanin Thong hacho (centre right).

Virat Patee, Director of the Sport Authority of Thailand hu et fice (le t) oined riends and o ficials to celebrate.

24 EVENTS

FRI

12 FEB

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM in du lg in g in ou r w eek en d ‘ s sp ecial lu n ch set f or on ly B 3 9 9 + + p er p erson b etw een 1 1 am- 3 p m.

M en u in clu des 3 staters, 4 main cou rse an d dessert served with Gulab Jamun/Phirni Vanilla Custard/Ice Cream (choose 1). All for ust B399++ per person. For more info please call 076 304 034.

SUN

meat carvi n g station an d a va riety of desserts you can’t miss It also includes free flow of soft drin ks! O n ly T H B 3 9 9 + + p er p erson . C hildren aged 4-12 receive 50 discount off. This inclu des f ree access to ou r sw immin g p ools, w ater slides an d K ids C lu b .” R S V P 0 7 6 3 0 3 3 0 0 .

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

WED

17 FEB

14 FEB

Indian Curry Night on Fridays

C ome to N avr an g M ahal in K aron S ea S an ds Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our deliciou s A loo T ikki , S amosas, C hicke n T an doori, A loo G ob i, N av ran g K orma, B u tter C hicke n , L amb V in daloo, N aan , R ice, S alads, C hu tn eys / Achars, Pistachio Ice Cream, Gulah Jamun, Fruits. For only 499/- nett and special reduced p rices on drin ks. C on tact: : 0 7 6 2 8 6 4 6 4 E xt 4 .

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar T he comp etition at 9 p m E xp at S p orts B ar at the E xp at H otel S oi T aip an P aton g . S ee map at w w w .exp athotel.com.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Valentine’s Day Date night dinner

9 9 9 n ett/ p erson in clu din g 1 g lass of S p arkl in g .

Free Souvenir.SK E Beach Club at Naiyang B each, ab le@skye b eachclu b .com, 0 9 3 5 8 2 7 7 0 0 .

O u r dedicated team w ill b e on han d to an sw er an y of yo u r q u estion s an d show yo u w hy A leen ta R esort & S p a P hu ke t- P han g N g a is the p erf ect ve n u e f or yo u r ve ry sp ecial day . A n in timate selection of top su p p liers E xh ib itin g for you on the day. Free Admission. Aida, weddin g s@aleen ta.com, 0 9 4 0 2 6 8 1 8 6 .

Mussels night @ Shakers

SAT

VALENTINE’S DAY SET DINNER @ PLUM RESTAURANT

T reat yo u r sw eetheart at a sp ecial p lace f or yo u r day of Love Join our Valentine’s day romantic set din n er : 5 - C O U R S E S E T M E N U R eg u lar Table 2,390.- Baht nett /pax E CL SIVE 5 - C O U R S E S E T M E N U S ala T ab le, in clu din g sp ecial decoration s 3 , 5 9 0 .- B aht n et/ p ax R S V N : p lu m@cap esien n a.com or call 0 7 6 - 3 3 7 3 0 0 CAPE SIENNA HOTEL : 18/40 Moo6, LayiN aka lay R d., K amala, K athu , P hu ke t.

BBQ at Expat Hotel

T ime 8 p m, E x p at S p orts B ar, E x p at H otel, S oi T aip an , P aton g . w w w .ex p atsp ortsb ar.com

Lazy Sunday Brunch

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Come and en oy the authentic flavour of India by

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 3

If you like playing pool, meeting new people and look in g to sharp en y ou r 8 b all sk ills. T hen this is y ou r op p ortu n ity to b e a p art of the b ig g est & most ex citin g p ool leag u e in the w orld. W in n in g team w in s a trip to V eg as to p lay at the V N E A Las Vegas. All expenses paid. If you have any q u estion s con tact u s on w w w .f aceb ook .com/ v n ea p hu k et, T el : 0 8 5 7 9 7 0 2 0 2 ( T hai) , 0 8 5 7 9 7 0 0 0 2 ( E n g lish) . E mail: in f o@thailan dp ooltab les. com. P rou n dly su p p orted b y L iv e 8 9 .5 .

You’re invited to the 1st Wedding Show

1 .2 k g mu ssels serv ed w ith f ren ch f ries y ou r choice, y ou r sty le: n atu re, marin iere, p rov en cale, g arlic & cream or T hai sty le reserv ation s recommen ded B 2 9 5 b aht P .P ., shak ersp hu k et@g mail.com, 0 8 1 8 9 1 4 3 8 1 .

13 FEB

L u n ch or din n er serv ed f rom 2 p m. Y ou r choice of either roast b eef , chick en , loin of p ork or leg of lamb serv ed w ith roast an d b oiled p otatoes, three f resh v eg etab les, Y ork shire p u ddin g an d g rav y .

O n ly B 3 2 0 p er p erson w hich in clu des a f ree g lass of hou se red or w hite. O p p osite C en tara K aron R esort. S ee otools- p hu k et.com.

Indulge yourself in a culinary experience like no other at D ou b leT ree R esort b y H ilton P hu ke t - S u rin B each; a w ide selection of T hai delicacies alon g side su shi p latter, p asta, p izza ,

Sunday roast at Gallery Cafe By Pinky @ new Chalong branch

E e v ry S u n day f rom 1 2 p m an d all- day b ru n ch an d din n er eve ry day f rom 7 am- 1 0 p m.

0891037000 FB : Gallerycafe by Pinky, thegalleryca f e@ya hoo.com, 0 8 9 1 0 3 7 0 0 0 .

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

6 p m – 1 1 p m: A ll yo u can eat B B Q rib s serve d with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. R eserva tion s recommen ded T H B 2 9 5 P .P ., shake rsp hu ke t@g mail.com, 0 8 1 8 9 1 4 3 8 1 .

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Beef, Pork & Lamb Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Y orksh ire p u ddin g – R oasted P otatoes, M ashed P otatoes – G rave y , M u shroom sau ce, M in t S au ce. R eserva tion R ecommen ded 3 5 0 b aht P .P ., shake rsp hu ke t@g mail.com, 0 8 1 8 9 1 4 3 8 1 .

MON

15 FEB

All you can eat BBQ night

6 p m – 1 1 p m: b eef , p ork, chicke n , b u rg ers, sau sages, prawns & squids, salad buffet, choice of p otatoes & sau ces, b read, b u n s & g arlic b read R eserva tion recommen ded 3 5 0 b aht P .P ., shake rsp hu ke t@g mail.com, 0 8 1 8 9 1 4 3 8 1 .

The Bay Regatta 2016

T he 1 9 th ye ar of T he B ay R eg atta is exp ected to be the biggest yet and will firmly stand out as one of South East Asia’s finest yachting events.

T aki n g p lace in some of the most b eau tif u l scenery the region has to offer, the four days racin g an d late n ig ht p artyi n g w ill b rin g a b u z of exci temen t to P hu ke t, P han g N g a an d K rab i.

For further details please go to https://www. f aceb ook. com/ B ayR eg atta w w w .b ayr eg atta. com. P rou dly su p p orted b y C lass A ct M edia T he P hu ke t N ew s, N ovo sti P hu ke ta, L ive 8 9 .5 & T he P hu ke t N ew s T V . K hu n K ae W attan a, R eg attas A sia, ka e@reg attas.asia, 0 8 1 5 3 8 8 8 4 8 .

daily event updates on

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

23 FEB

Toastmasters Phuket

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills Ignite your career Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today Invitation only. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info.

TUE

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016 shirt. 600thb/ person which ust includes entry into any & all race categories. Race Categories: Elite 6km / Sprint 200m / Family 200m / nder 16’s / Team Relay (3 people including 1 female).

Festival will also include: J’s, Board Testing, Clinic, Giveaways, Markets, BBQ & More To register simply please visit : https://paddleguru.com/races/4thThailandS PFestival Or email tim@standuppro ects.com - ou can follow all the action on our: Facebook Thailand S P Festival & instagram thailandsupfestival.

Proudly supported by The Phuket News. Tim Campbell, Bangtao beach, tim@standupproects.com, 082 519 3282.

TUE

8 MAR

1 MAR

THU

7 APR

th Phuket ilfield lassi ity Golf Tournament

har-

This is an ideal opportunity for local companies to tap into a market segment (Oil and Gas Executives) not really catered for in Phuket. Now that this is a yearly fixture it is intended that a Phuket based Charity will be supported on an annual basis, for 2016 the children’s charity chosen is Barnhem. If you want to participate in this year’s event, please visit asiangolfevents. com. Proudly supported by The Phuket News, Live 89.5 and Phuket News TV.

FRI

29 APR Great Mexican, Thai and Flamegrilled Burgers in a beautiful setting!

Kids Dance Contest

PGFC Thailand 2016 “Classic” Sport Fishing Tournament

57 hours of non-stop sport fishing, held offshore around the Similan Islands. As always the prize monies offered are the largest in Asia. Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more. Many boats already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, Germany, SA, Hong Kong, the K and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe +66 (0) 812704291 or Andy Bright +66 (0) 862739948, info@phuketgamefishingclub. com Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

SAT

Let’s ance Creative Lab invites all children aged 6 to 17 years to participate in the Kids ance Contest . ou will get: free dance lessons in our professional studio, unforgettable time here, a lot of new friends and awesome prizes The contest will be held on March 8, 2016 in Boat Lagoon. Sign in today in our group on Facebook: 8contest or call: 0836372414 (Tatiana), yadvesta@gmail.com. Proudly supported by Live 89.5.

SUN

13 MAR

5 MAR

InterBike Hash #4

Phuket Mountain Bike Hash will be hosting the InterBike Hash 4 between 29 April & 1 May, drawing Hashers from all over SEA and beyond. En oy the lush tropics of the Andaman Sea, with 3 days of guided off-road rides for strong-willed and meeker hearts. Indulge in Phuket’s history, folklore, and hash festivities.

We promise COL drinks, wet water, and hot weather .along with your favorite forget-menot’ souvenirs. Registration required and limited to 200. Special lodging arrangements, find all details on our website - http://phuketinterbikehash.com.

EVERY DAY Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2016

4th Thailand SUP Festival

Thailand’s Biggest Stand p Paddle Board Event is back with our 4th Festival, happening on Saturday 5th March 2016 at Bliss Beach Club on Bangtao beach. 1,500thb/ Adult or 900thb/ child, which includes entry into any & all race categories, Gourmet BBQ, 1 free drink, T-

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This is the second year that this unique race will start and finish in Thanyapura Phuket. Supersports 10 Mile International Run 2016 presented by Thanyapura, will be held on Sunday -March 13, 2016 from 6.00am-9.00am. The running route is specially designed around beautiful sceneries of the Khao Phra Taew National Park and the rubber plantations. istances/entry fee : 10 mile / 550 THB, 5 mile / 500 THB, 2 mile/ 450 THB, Kids distance 500M / 450 THB. Register now by 6 March at www.thanyapura.com/events, www.supersports.co.th or call 076-336 000. Proudly supported by Live 89.5 radio. Contact Nathaphat Asavathanachart, Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club Phuket, nathaphat.a@thanyapura.com, +66 (0) 76 336 000 Ext. 5063.

If you have time this month get down to Sea Breeze located in Royal Phuket Marina. Open 9am to 10pm everyday serving home-made mexican specialties, flame grilled burgers and Thai specials All sport available shown live, Contact: Reservations, info@seabreezerpm.com, 076 360 806.

Filipino faith healing and psychic surgery

A unique opportunity to get medical treatment from one of the leading Filipino faith healers and psychic surgeons visiting Phuket from 8 to 15 of March. Limited spaces available. To get more detail and book and appointment, please call 094 587 1639.

Weekends Special Lunch Menu at TEXTURE Café & Restaurant

We are a Western & fusion caf & restaurant in the heart of Old Phuket Town, offering fine dining experiences in the relaxing contemporary Peranakan caf atmosphere. The restaurant opens daily from 4:00 11:00 pm, closed every Wednesday. From November 2015 onwards, we are open for lunch during weekends from 11:00 am 11:00 pm with variety of new mouthwatering lunch menu. info@texturephuket. com, 081 916 1430.

26 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

61. Fluish feeling 62. Algebra, e.g.

66. Map feature 67. Title holder 68. Collected 69. Autocrats of old 70. Malaysian meat dish 71. Dummkopf

27. Piques 29. Grp. concerned with defense 1. Beat 30. Arrow part 4. Little in Paris 1. Which former rugby player once called the English RFU 31. “Paradise Lost” 9. ___ goose committee “Old Farts”? figure 14.

Clinch 2. Who wrote the original tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears?

33. Category of 15. Union demand 3. Which football player is famous for his 1986 “Hand of God”? arachnids 16. Intestinal pouch 34. Holiday music 4. “Tsantsas” is a process of doing what by the Jivaroan tribes of the 17. Ordinary folk 35. “The Faerie Amazon rain forest?

20. Dolly ___ of Queene” division “Hello, Dolly!”

5. Whose funeral resulted in the postponement of the 1968 Oscar Down 37. Dwelling: var.

21. Snuggled presentations?

40. Seamstress, at 1. Deed Answers below, centre. 22. Not slouching times 24. Pain-inflictors 2. Reddish yellow 41.

Pick 28. Mongol rulers 3. Irk 42. Old ointment 32. Bony part of a 4. All-___ 47. Subjects to tooth 5. Merit ridicule 33. Early Jackson 5 6. Young boy 48. Big story single 7. Egyptian fertility 50. Kind of 36. Destroyer goddess testimony destroyer 8.

Cabanas 52. Character of a 38. Home to some culture Mongolian nomads 9. Bow 54. Insect-eating 10. Some male 39. Litigation type lizard horses 43. Bee or Em 11. Mozart’s “L’___ 55. Blends 44. Certain sorority del Cairo” 56. Strains woman 12. Fraternity letters 58. Part of the Corn 45. Father figures Belt 13. River to the 46. Stop working North Sea 59. Source 49. Rocket fuel 18. Candle part 60. Dog biter ingredient, for 19. Hefty short 62. Billboard listing competitor 51. Heavy hydrogen, 63. Helpful e.g.

23. As a result connections 53. Text version 25. Basin for holy 64. Govt. property water overseer 57. Despicable coward, old word 26. Leg bone 65. Have a bawl

SUDOKU

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Will Carling; 2) Robert Southey; 3) Diego Maradona; 4) Shrinking human heads; 5) Martin Luther King’s

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

February 12, 1593 Japanese invasion of Korea: Approximately 3,000 Joseon defenders led by general Kwon Y ul successfully repel more than 30,000 Japanese forces in the Siege of H aengju.

1

Every second, around 8,800 photos are shared on Snapchat.

February 13, 2008 Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd makes a historic apology to the Indigenous Australians and the Stolen G enerations.

59

per cent of Millennials describe the members of their own generation as self-absorbed.

February 14, 2005 Y ouTube is launched by a group of college students, eventually becoming the largest video sharing website in the world and a main source for viral videos.

1,000

yuan a day is how much anxious singles in China rent dates for in order to avoid nosy questions from relatives during Chinese New Year.

February 15, 1942 World War II: Fall of Singapore. Following an assault by Japanese forces, the British G eneral Arthur Percival surrenders. About 80,000 Indian, United Kingdom and Australian soldiers become prisoners of war, the largest surrender of British-led military personnel in history.

9,046

dollars is how much Hillary Clinton’s campaign team has spent on pizza so far, the most of any US presidential candidate in the 2016 race.

February 16, 1959 Fidel Castro becomes Premier of Cuba after dictator Fulgencio Batista was overthrown on January 1.

57,060

km an hour is how fast New Horizons, the fastest spacecraft ever launched, travels (roughly 16100 m/s, or London-Sydney in about 20 mins.

Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

February 17, 1904 a a a utte fly receives its premiè re at La Scala in Milan.

Selfie among the grass, Rawai. Photo by Rick Nuffer Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

February 18, 2013 Armed robbers steal a haul of diamonds worth $ 50 million during a raid at Brussels Airport in Belgium.

S o u rc e: W ik iped ia thephuketnews

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Trades & Services

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

CATERING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SEVICES

EDUCATION

IMMIGRATION SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES

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MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

STORAGE

TRAVEL GUIDE

VILLA RENTALS

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

HOME DECORATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ADVERTISE HERE

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES Building Renovation Engineering Maintenance

T: 094-546 0422 (Eng-Thai)

Huge Work Reference www.tularuxa.com thephuketnews

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Buy&Sell

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PETS

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE 40 ft long tail

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital

1 8 mon th old, licen ce to carry 1 5 p assen gers. Nissan motor. 170,000 Baht. Call 0 9 9 1 1 8 8 5 4 0 .

Open from 10am.

8pm. Service all types of animals.

Experienced professionals.Contact: 076 620 136 /0 8 4 2 1 0 6 8 6 8 an d con tact@horsedog v et.com w w w .horsedog v et.com

Yacht Chartering and Resort

Big A Swan 55 acht Chartering and Resort in Phuket Thailand Sailing : Big A Swan 55, Accommodation: Big A Resort 076-383080 Email: bigasail@samart.co.th.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS

Pets Magic Planet

O p en f rom 9 am. - 7 p m. * T he b est in tern ation al b ran ds. * T he u ltimate choice. * L u x u ry accessries & j ew els.

Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and con tact@p etsmag icp lan et.com

Roof top Patong Mini Golf T he b est sea view 18 Holes, roof top Mini Golf. Located on the 4th floor of Banana Walk Plaza in Patong, 091 762 2 6 2 8 , http : / / p aton g min ig olf .com

CAR FOR SALE

Free Tiya’ s Hammocks campaign

W in F ree hammock f rom T iy a’ s H ammock s Phuket. Winner will get V Weave hammock, han dmade f rom N orth of T hailan d, w eig ht capacity 250 kgs. Value 5,200 THB. More details visit Facebook: Tiya’s hammocks, Contact: Tiya, tiya@ tiy ashammock s.com, 0 8 9 6 0 0 0 0 4 1 .

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

I NEED A NEW OWNER

Immaculate 1997 GTO 3000 Auto. Genuine 3 6 , 0 0 0 k ms. 1 8 in ch w heels, metallic b lack , class 1 alarm. Genuine Main ealer import, red/ b lack leather in terior, 8 sp eak er stereo, 1 previous owner, factory sun roof. Stunning car and very hard to find in Thailand in such good condition. 1.1M/offers close to. Contact Paul, 081 747 3000.

Unique Stretch Limo Business

TOYOTA Fortuner 20 0 9

Only available Stretch Limo in Thailand. 9 meters lon g 8 p ax , in g ood con dition w ith all docu men ts an d g reen p lates. T u rn k ey b u sin ess in cl. w eb site j u st to tak e ov er an d start to mak e mon ey !

2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 .- , P atitta A p ichotj aru s, P aton g , p hu k etstretchlimo@g mail. com, 0 8 0 1 4 5 0 0 8 2 .

7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car iesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms. A TOMATIC transmission, g olf g u ru 2 0 0 5 @y ahoo.co.u k , 0 7 6 6 1 5 8 2 7 .

20 12 Toyota Fortuner 24, 0 0 0 km

Business for Sale

2012 Pearl white Toyota Fortuna For Sale.

3.0 4 VN Turbo Great condition- Baht B lack leather in terior. T ax / in su ran ce till 2 0 1 6 , 9 0 0 , 0 0 0 , L och P alm, K athu , P hu k et, g law re1 2 3 @g mail.com, 0 8 9 8 6 6 8 8 2 5 .

Non tourist/bar related business for sale, yearly turnover of 15MB. Call 0 8 7 2 7 6 0 5 2 9 or 0 8 1 9 6 8 6 0 5 1 f or more details.

Looking for Partners/Investors

B u sin ess req u ires added f u n din g .5 - 7 million b ht. I n v estmen t ex chan g ed f or comp an y shares.

Company is state of the art with exceptional ROI. I n v estmen t rep aid ov er 5 y ears an d an n u al div idends. Active/Silent partner.Serious inquiries only. Full information to qualified investors. Eng 088 491 3857/Thai 088 753 6897. 2,000,000 THB.

Nissan Teana 2.5 Lt

M odel 2 0 1 4 1 7 , 0 0 0 k m. N ew p rice 1 .7 M ln N O W 1,050,000Baht Eng: 081 788 8280 Thai: 090 163 2140, Contact Maurice, maurice.phuket@ g mail.com , 0 9 0 1 6 3 2 1 4 0 .

Commercial laundry in Patong

A lready serv e more than 4 0 0 hotel rooms. I n come u p to 1 0 , 0 0 0 b aht/ day du rin g hig h season . 8 0 sq m. R en t 2 5 , 0 0 0 b aht in c. w ater su p p ly p lu s a tru ck . 2 M B , J eep p y , the_ p romen ade@hotmail. com, 0 9 3 1 6 0 6 5 6 6

Newly renovated hotel for rent

N ew ly ren ov ated hotel/ g u est hou se in P aton g ’ s heart f or ren t f rom ow n er. 1 2 rooms, 2 shop s to b u sy street, man y f acilities. M ore details check thephuketnews.com, search Listing I 55398 or call +66(0)81 538 1399.

Business for sales

F ast f ood & location 5 0 F ree ren t u mak ry n o@g

K eb ab shop meter f rom B n til A P R 2 0 mail.com, 0 8

f or sale I n the b est an g la road. P aton g 1 6 . 8 0 0 , 0 0 0 b aht, 1 0 8 8 1 4 5 1 .

Restaurant on Main Street

Large, tastefully decorated restaurant in Cherngtalay. Fully fitted and equipped kitchen, 100 seats, b ar. W alk in an d start b u sin ess. N ow on ly B 7 9 0 , 0 0 0 , 0 8 9 4 0 0 5 9 0 7 .

German bakery &

deli &

snack

M ain road, 8 y ears clien tele, tak e ov er + in cl. train in g comp lete eq u ip ment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. early volume 4 mio. hansibakery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark.

Best Deal

R aw ai b u sin ess f or sale. A rea ap p rox 2 R ai, can do restau ran t or other b u sin ess.F iv e min s f rom b each. L on g term lease, y early ren t B 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 . 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact K hu n A sok e at 0 8 9 6 4 6 7 1 7 6 / b ig _ redchili@y ahoo.com

CAR FOR SALE Chevy Captiva LT 20 0 8

Chevrolet Captiva LT 2008, 550,000 Baht, 62.000 KM, 1 Owner, 2.0L Turbo iesel, Full Chevy Service History, No Accidents, 1st Class Insurance. Tel. 082 804 1742.

le

t sa n e rg

Honda J azz 20 0 9 15 0 0 cc Auto

U

an dy smalster@g mail.com.

5 7 , 0 0 0 k ms. O n e ow n er sin ce n ew . R eg u larly serv iced b y H on da. T ax an d I n su ran ce u n til the en d of J u n e an d av ailab le n ow at rig ht offer. Reduced by 40,000bht, RE CE to 3 3 0 , 0 0 0 b ht o.n .o, A n dy + 6 6 8 4 6 9 0 9 1 4 4 ,

CARS WANTED Urgent need Toyota hilux vigo

Want to sell your Toyota hilux vigo Champ v ig o4 u is the b est p alace to sell yo u r T oyo ta.

Vigo4u now in Phuket, Pataya and Bangkok also. 0 8 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 4 , 0 2 8 1 0 8 1 1 7 .

COMMUNITY

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Versys 65 0 ABS 20 12

Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine B ars & R ear- rack , K aw asak i H an dg u ards an d P y ramid H u g g er., 2 2 0 , 0 0 0 T H B , P au l, 0 8 4 1 3 0 3 2 3 4 , P lon g more@hotmail.com

Sale Ducati Monster 796 ABS

2014 year 7500 km Perfect condition Several extras. Same new Price 320,000. +6685 068 1 1 3 3 , 0 6 8 1 1 3 3 @g mail.com

Stallion Mini Momo for sale

ear 2012. Good condition, one owner, well main tain ed. P rice 1 8 , 0 0 0 b aht. P ls call 0 8 2 7 3 2 4 5 3 1 .

CAR WASH DELIVERY Tired Of Waiting?

W e clean yo u r car at yo u r p lace - at yo u r time. N o.1 car w ash deliv ery in P hu k et.

Call 076-355-042 or go to CleanCar.me f or more details.

PERSONAL SERVICES De Laguna By Dr.J aQ

International Clinic English Speaking octor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: rJaq W arn n issorn P rov idin g A n ti- A g in g ( B otox , Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call).

I n teg rativ e an d A dv an cemen t in M edicin e f or in div idu aliz ed treatmen t p rog rams f or p atien ts of all ag es an d w ith v arious disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com

FURNITURE FOR SALE Swinging Sun Loungers For Sale

Swinging, sun loungers, brand new, excellent quality- 6,000 baht only, Contact: Eddy, eddyelan@ y ahoo.com, 0 8 9 9 7 1 0 2 7 8 .

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

W ith ov er 1 5 y ears of ex p erien ce B ig mov e P hu k et is the n u mb er 1 p rov ider of mov in g an d ship p in g in an d ou t of P hu k et T hailan d. W e p rov ide storag e in a state of the art clean , secu re, storag e f acility located cen trally in P hu k et. w w w .b ig mov ep hu k et.com, 0 8 1 - 7 9 7 - 5 3 7 7 .

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership

Blue Canyon Membership for sale. 1 corporate nominee for sale THB 6 3 0 , 0 0 0 in c tran sf er f ee. g rahamhaslam@hotmail.com

PETS FOR ADOPTION Two cute Poodles

W e are 2 cu te P oodles, b oth u n der 5 k g s & the best of friends & wish to find a new loving home tog ether, b oth of u s are steriliz ed, v accin ated & healthy. Please contact Sherin.peace@gmail. com f or adop tion en q u ires.

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OTHER For Sale

I n du strial ov er lock er. W hitehou se B ran d. 3 T hread. B ran d n ew n ev er u sed.

F u ll tool k it. B arg ain at 1 2 , 0 0 0 B aht. C all S an di 0 8 7 2 6 4 0 7 7 8 .

RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider I want go sailing again , Address : 67/18 Soi Sermsuk Rawai Phuket, bigasail@samart.co.th, C on tact + 6 6 ( 0 ) 8 6 9 4 0 1 8 6 0 .

Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Villa For Sale / Rent

PROPERTY FOR SALE

L ocated at N aiharn b each S oi N ay a 3 , M ou n tain v iew , S w imming pool, Balcony, 2 floor, 4 bed room. T otal 9 2 sq .m. T hai 0 8 1 9 5 8 0 5 4 2 E N G 0 8 1 9 5 6 6 8 1 3 .

Grand Boat Plaza – House for Sale/Rent

Land for sale - Mission Height

N ew detached v illa w ith modern sty le in H eart of P hu k et T ow n w ith 3 b edrooms, 3 b athrooms an d 2 car p ark s. S p aciou s op en liv in g an d din in g areas w ith hig h ceilin g s. Q u iet location su rrou n din g w ith n atu re, secu re w ith C C T V an d 2 4 hrs secu rity serv ice, larg e commu n al sw immin g p ool an d clu b hou se. C losed to maj or dep artmen t stores su ch as C en tral F estiv al‚ T esco L otu s, B ig C , I n tern ation al schools an d hosp itals.

C on tact 0 9 5 2 5 7 7 9 9 8 , allab ou thk t@g mail.com

N IC E L A N D F O R S A L E A T M IS S IO N H E IG H T , J U S T O V E R O N E R A I . P hon e 0 9 3 6 2 9 4 4 0 0 E n g lish, 0 8 2 4 2 1 4 8 4 2 T hai.

Two-story house in Phuket City

L an d 4 0 0 sq . m, liv in g area 3 4 4 3 b athrooms, maid’ s room w f u rn ished. V ery g ood f or liv in g 1 5 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 .- , P au lin e H aldeman hotmail.com, 0 8 1 8 9 5 0 0 3 8 .

sq .m, 6 rooms, ith b ath. F u lly an d b u sin ess. n , haldemw a@

For Sale or Rent

4 b edroom 3 b ath room ex cellen t v iew C halon g b ay 3 storag e, F u lly f u rn ished all n ew sw immin g p ool in q u iet area R aw ai b each. A ll in q u ires.

T idarat, 0 8 7 4 6 6 5 6 3 5 .

P riv ate p ool v illa w ith lov ely b athroom op en k itchen . 1 6 0 A irp ort, N ay Y an g b each, an cou rse.P rice 8 million b aht,

PROPERTY FOR SALE Phuket Beach Front Land

1 4 R A I B each f ron t P hu k et, P hu n g n g a 5 - 7 * hote, C han ode title, 9 0 meters of f ron tag e M ore than 1 0 0 m w ide b each& p iece of lan d close to the b each 2 5 M B M s.P am, p hu k etmy hou se@g mail.com, 0 8 9 8 6 8 8 6 6 8 .

House for sale

g arden m2 S itu d B lu e C 2 2 5 0 0 0

half a rai. Q u ite an d saf e area. 3 b edroom 2 ated in B an P ahra. 1 2 min u tes to P I A , P hu k et an y on G olf cou rse. 2 min to M ission H ill G olf eu ro, b erg sstig en @telia.com, 0 9 0 7 0 1 4 2 0 4 .

SMALL RESORT BY LAGUNA

4 Luxury villas, office, 2 pools, 1 Rai - Chanote. Secure investment, price below replacement cost, money mak er. O w n er 8 2 retirin g . 3 0 M il B aht. L ets talk . O w n er, 0 8 9 5 9 4 4 0 6 7 .

Alexander Kolesnikov

L an d & 4 storey C ommercial b u ildin g f or sell.P aton g . J u st 6 0 m f rom the b each. G u esthou se 6 lu x u ry rooms + restau ran t 4 0 seats. 1 7 M B , C on tact A lex an der, alex k olin z @g mail.com, 0 8 9 6 5 1 3 2 5 0 .

Alexander Kolesnikov

3 B edroom V illa f or sale. B u ildin g 3 2 0 s.m. L an d 9 0 0 s.m. N ice g arden , 2 cars g arag e, stu dy . J u st 3 min u tes f rom B I S . 1 5 M B , C on tact A lex an der, alex k olin z @ g mail.com, 0 8 9 6 5 1 3 2 5 0 .

@thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE C lose w ater small /R A I,

Chalong Villa for sale

Living area 450 sq.m, Land 800 sq.m. 1st floor: L iv in g room, M aster b dr w ith en - su ite b th, K itchen, Seaview terrace, Pool, Carpark. 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 19.5M, oliv er@thu rman n g rou p .com, 0 8 7 8 7 7 2 3 2 0 .

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Fire sale

7 shop hou ses f or sale, 2 0 meters f rom C halon g rou n d ab ou t. O n the w ay to p ier f or S ale. 2 5 M illion , k ieran p madden @hotmail.com, 0 9 6 9 2 4 4 6 6 1 .

House for sale

Good location in Chalong area 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 2 0 0 sq m H ou se on 8 0 0 sq m p lot I n clu din g f u rn itu re, 0 8 4 7 4 5 5 5 4 6 .

The Base Downtown - Sale/Rent

1 B ed ( 3 5 sq m) & 2 B ed ( 6 0 sq m) , f u lly f u rn ished, p ool v iew . N ear C en tral, B I S , B ig C , L otu s, S iriroj hosp ital, D arasamu t S chool, T hai H u a S chool ( C lose to n ew C en tral E mb assy - g ood in v estment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,000-25,000 THB/month and 35,000-45,000 THB/month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

Ocean Front Villa

an teed ren tal 8 %

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

B ran d n ew , f u lly f u rn ished, 3 - 4 b edrooms, 5 b athrooms, 10-meter infinity swimming pool, beautiful view. For quick sale only 19.5 million baht. Guarp er y ear. M on tha, 0 8 1 3 4 3 0 7 7 7 .

Land For Sale 3 Mil Baht

In Thalang area 2.5 Rai beautiful, flat land with access road, C han ote title, on ly 5 min u tes f rom T han y ap u ra ( P I A I n tern ation al school) . sk .than y a@ g mail.com, 0 8 1 7 3 7 8 6 2 4 .

Brand new 3 bed villa Onyx

L iv in g area 1 6 0 sq .m. L an d 2 0 0 sq .m. F u lly lu x u ry f u rn ished. O p en p lan liv in g room w ith k itchen , P riv ate & P eacef u l area, S ecu rity g ate estate, Gym. 8.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup. com, 0 8 7 8 7 7 2 3 2 0 .

Villa for sale

Large Villa with Pool and Garden In Phuket, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 4 0 0 m2 . P riv ate sale, n o ag en ts p lease.

3 6 M B , J asmin C on su ltin g @g mx .n et.

Partner for resort wanted

5 R ai. hillside M aik hao b each. M ain b u idin g finished. Nice sunset seaview, 087 267 1192, J u liu s_ schu ster2 0 0 1 @y ahoo.de

House For Sale

L ocated in R aw ai soi S amak i3 2 b edroom 2 b athroom 1 L au n dry room 1 storag e room L iv in g area 1 6 0 sq .m, C han ot title 2 8 0 sq .m. 3 .2 M B ., R ico9 9 6 3 @hotmail.com, 0 8 3 6 4 0 9 0 4 1

Outstanding Villa for sale

PROPERTY FOR SALE Make money NOW - Kata Beach House for sale

West coast Phuket Great Location, Spa, 7 Bedroom, 7 B athroom, all w ith k itchen s. R en t or liv e w ith g ood in come. 5 min u tes w alk to K ata b each. ขายของได้ 9 MB or Offer, Khun Arreerat, kataari@ y ahoo.com, 0 8 6 5 9 5 8 5 1 2 , 0 8 1 9 7 0 4 6 3 8 .

OCEAN VIEW LAND HALF RAI 797 Sqm.

T his b eau tif u l b lock is ready to b u ild on .I t has a sealed en try on a sealed road. I t has power connected. Water available and a saf e title.K amala 6 .7 5 million B aht. C all ou r rep on 0 9 3 5 7 8 2 2 8 1 or con tact ow n er direct v ia email y oty 3 0 @hotmail.com.

Ocean Front Land

3 .5 R ai w ith 9 0 meter of w ater f ron tag e, op p osite of Y acht H av en marin a, 8 0 0 meter aw ay on P han g n g a side. P u b lic road, electricity , w ater an d ready to b u ild.

F or sale direct f rom ow n er, on ly 1 9 .5 mill B aht. M on tha , 0 8 1 3 4 3 0 7 7 7 .

SPACIOUS 4-BED RAWAI VILLA

B eau tif u l home in 1 , 0 3 8 su ite b eds, g u est hou se, L iv in g sp ace 3 2 0 sq m.

P riv ate access. E mail : P hon e : 0 8 7 2 7 3 0 1 4 1 .

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale

N ew 1 b edroom w ith g reat sea an d su n set v iew s! 4 4 sq m. L easehold w ith f orieg n f reehold av ailab le. S w immin g p ool, sau n a an d clu b house. Flexible furniture options. Great manag emen t an d ren tal p rog ram, 0 8 2 2 5 4 0 7 6 0 .

Townhouse for sale. Chalong.

T ow n hou se 1 5 0 sq .m, 2 storey , 2 b edroom, liv in g room, kitchen, 2 balcony, 2 bathroom, office, p ark in g . F u lly f u rn itu red. C halon g circle, P rice: 3 7 0 0 0 0 0 , C on tact: M ariy a, mv s9 7 @y an dex .ru , 0 8 2 2 7 5 1 1 4 6 , F ax : 0 9 1 8 0 5 3 7 2 5 .

Villa for sale North Chalong area

B eau tif u l q u iet location close to I n tern ation al schools an d other amen ities. R edu ced f rom 7 .9 m to 7 .2 m. P rice in clu des f u rn itu re. C all 0 8 9 8 6 8 5 1 4 3 .

House in Karon for Sale. Hard

to find 3 bed room , 3 bath room house for sale in the p erf ect location n ear K ata & K aron b each, w ell main tain ed w ith a salt w ater p ool, P rice : 1 6 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , Narrisara (Tic), 7/8 Patak Soi 10, Karon, g-a-coates@ hotmail.com, 0 9 9 1 6 4 2 9 9 1 .

3 bed/3 bath, Living area 370 sq.m, Land 600 sq .m. L ocated at the 4 S tar R esiden ce. S p aciou s liv in g q u arters, op en p lan liv in g , din in g areas, g ou rmet k itchen , p riv ate p ool. 1 4 .9 M , oliv er@thu rman n g rou p .com, + 6 6 ( 0 ) 8 7 8 7 7 2 3 2 0 .

Sale. Semi detached house

Living room 2 double bedrooms 1 fitted furniture and en-suite fitted kitchen office bathroom carp ort g arden L an d 1 8 8 sq m, hou se 7 5 sq m.

2 , 0 0 0 , 0 0 0 , K hu n P eter, B aan P leu n j an 2 , P ak lok , Talang, lowprofile@mail.com, 086 905 1406.

Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System an d mu ch more. R edu ced 2 2 M B to 1 8 M B f or Quick Sale. mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +6681 970 8896 TH/ENG, Geoff+6681 854 0061 ENG.

sq m g arden s.T hree en 9 x 4 m p ool, maid’ s room.

P rice 1 2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0 0 T H B . alan g ath@g mail.com ,

Sea view land in Patong

g mail.com, 0 8 9 9 6 7 5 3 7 3 .

T he L ast P iece of S ea V iew L an d on P rime L ocation in P aton g , j u st 5 0 0 m. f rom P aton g b each, 1 .3 K M . to J u n g cey lon S hop p in g M all, C on tact: K aru n a, k p attaraw alee@

Waterfront Condominium

T he C leat C on do, residen ce p roj ect in K rab i B oat L ag oon M arin a. P rice 3 - 9 M B , siz e 3 7 1 1 9 S q .M ., 1 or 2 b edroom, marin a v iew . F or rent/sale. marketing@phuketpropertytrip.com

Ocean View Land Kamala

H alf rai 7 9 7 sq .m. cleared an d lev eled, p ow er con n ected, sealed road, M U S T S E L L 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 0 9 3 7 6 8 6 6 9 4 .

PROPERTY FOR SALE Beachfront House

4 - B edroom hou se on semip riv ate b each av ailab le f or sale an d ren t. C an easily b e div ided in to tw o sep arate an d iden tical p rop erties. The rental/sale can also include a self - con tain ed 1 - b edroom b u n g alow , P rice: 1 8 .2 M B , R en t 1 1 0 , 0 0 0 T H B , A lex S eag o, home@thaiv illab ou tiq u e.com, 0 8 7 - 8 9 2 3 8 7 6 .

Pool Villa Patong 7.6MB

Beautiful Freehold German built detached home. 3 b ed, 3 b ath, E u ro K itchen , op en p lan , + g arag e. F u ll f u rn . C lose b each & S hop p in g C tre, K hu n O scar, E mail: oz osk r@hotmail.com , P hon e: 0 8 7 - 8 9 3 1 7 5 3 .

PROPERTY FOR RENT LUXURY POOL VILLA BY LAGUNA

H as ev ery thin g , comf ort, secu rity , liv e in a small resort - lu sh trop ical g arden . 3 5 , 0 0 0 B aht p er mon th.

L on g lease. O w n er, 0 8 9 5 9 4 4 0 6 7 .

Retail space for rent

R etail sp ace av ailab le in the O cean P laz a P aton g f or massag e, b eau ty , coffee, souvenir shops etc. Low rent contracts for up to 12 yrs. For info call N atty at 0 8 6 2 8 1 8 8 8 3 or 0 7 6 3 4 3 5 0 6 . 3 6 3 2 , N attida T hab oon dee, g .cu mmin g s@hotmail.com, 0 8 6 2 8 1 8 8 8 3 .

Chalong Villa for rent

Living area 450 sq.m, Land: 800 sq.m. 1st floor: L iv in g room, M aster b dr w ith en - su ite b th, K itchen , Sea view terrace, Pool, 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 90,000/month/year., oliv er@thu rman n g rou p .com, 0 8 7 8 7 7 2 3 2 0 .

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

F O R R E N T A maz in g S ea v iew P en thou se in R aw ai. 3 6 0 pํ an oramic b reathtak in g v iew s of C halon g b ay , mou n tain v iew an d b ig B u ddha.

T w o b edrooms, 3 1 0 sq .m of sp aciou s liv in g area an d b alcon ies. P lease con tact I z z y 0 8 6 - 2 7 8 8 3 0 0 or D an ai 0 9 0 1 7 0 0 4 2 9 . p rop erty sales@seren ity p hu k et.com.

Spectacular sea view Penthouse

L ocated in S eren ity R esort, tw o b edrooms 3 1 8 sq .m of p riv ate roof top .C on tact D seren ity p hu k et.com, 0 9 0 1 7

R sp an 0

aw ai. F u lly f u rn ished aciou s liv in g area & ai, p rop erty sales@ 0 4 2 9 .

Surin Andaman Apt - 2 beds

1 0 0 sq m w 2 b eds, close to S u rin & B an g tao b eaches. C ommon P ool.

F u lly f u rn ished w ith A C , f an s, in tern et, cab le T V . S hort term p ossib le.

2 4 ,0 0 0 T H B , 0 8 1 2 7 3 1 7 4 0 .

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

L on g term, q u ality f u rn ishin g s, n ear H eroin es M on u men t, 3 b ed, 2 b aths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Ouiet Location & well maintained.

E mail : k hu n rei@g mail.com, 0 8 4 1 8 5 8 5 3 6 .

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

D irect b each f ron t lan d f or ren t. L on g an d short term. A rea 2 4 0 0 sq meter w ith b each f ron t of 4 0 meter, C on tact: M r. N arin , n arin p g a@ g mail.com, 0 8 1 8 2 6 9 3 9 0 .

thephuketnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT 35

Super Seven Round 12 RESULT Division 1 Phuket Condos and Homes – Daohang FC

3–4

Blue Horizon – Black Pearl FC

5–2

Naraya United – Kanchana Flying

8–4

Dolphins Bay FC – Pita Bar

2 – 10

Division 2

Daohang (black) remain in 3rd spot in division 01 after a narrow 4-3 win against previous season champions Phuket Condos & Homes (orange).

Super # 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

TEAM Kanchana Flying Pita Bar Daohang FC Naraya United Black Pearl FC Blue Horizon Phuket Condos and Homes Dolphins Bay FC

# 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

TEAM Jumbo United TEFL Campus Phuket Condos and Homes B Thailand Weightloss The Hulks by Power En The Sky FC Shambala United PWK. 108 KB FC Samkong FC The Routes FC Almali FC Charoenchai Foods FC KTEC FC RT Chalong Tower Condo Friends FC

The Routes FC – Phuket Condos and Homes B Shambala United – Thailand Weightloss

3–3

PWK. 108 – Samkong FC

5–4

Charoenchai Foods FC – The Sky FC

1–2

Friends FC – KTEC FC

0–3

Almali FC – KB FC

PP

TEFL Campus – The Hulks by Power En Jumbo United – RT Chalong Tower Condo

DIVISION 1

5–5

3–2 9–0

Se7en

PLD 10 8 10 11 10 10 8 9

W 7 6 6 5 3 3 2 2

T 0 1 0 3 2 0 1 1

L 3 1 4 3 5 7 5 6

GOALS 33 48 38 30 26 21 20 19

DIFF 6 34 4 2 -10 -18 -4 -14

PTS 21 19 18 18 11 9 7 7

PLD 10 9 11 10 11 11 9 11 10 9 9 9 10 11 11 9

W 10 8 7 6 6 4 4 4 4 3 2 2 2 2 1 0

T 0 0 2 2 2 5 2 2 0 2 3 3 1 1 3 2

L 0 1 2 2 3 2 3 5 6 4 4 4 7 8 7 7

GOALS 60 50 42 36 50 20 27 29 28 25 24 25 21 29 30 9

DIFF 48 38 20 16 20 6 -2 -11 -20 2 -5 -14 -20 -19 -26 -33

PTS 30 24 23 20 20 17 14 14 12 11 9 9 7 7 6 2

DIVISION 2

Coach Zico looks on at Phuket Wittayalai School during the Leicester City Football Club football clinic. Photo: Zico Foundation Facebook

Leicester City bring footie clinic to Phuket FOOTBALL ENG LISH PR EMIER League side Leicester City Football Club recently held a football clinic around southern Thailand, including here in Phuket, to give Thai footballers aged from 12-15 an opportunity to compete for places at the club’s London academy.

The clinic, which ran from Jan 15 until Feb 11, and was backed by Thailand’s national team coach Kiatisak ‘Z ico’ Senamuang, who is also an ambassador for Leicester City International Academy Thailand and founder of the Z ico @thephuketnews

Foundation, was aimed at developing the football skills of Thai youths.

In Phuket, the clinic was held at Phuket Wittayalai School last Tuesday (Feb 2) and saw over 200 youths participate.

Speaking about the clinic, Coach Z ico said, “The Leicester City Football Clinic is a project that the Z ico Foundation and coaches from Leicester City launched to teach youths about football. It aims to promote the love of sport and hopes to train local youths to become professional athletes in the future.

“We will take this project to youths in schools all around the country,” he said.

BISP host best at annual meet SWIMMING

Simon N. Ostheime editor@classactmedia.co.th

B

ritish International School, Phuket (BISP) hosted the FO BISIA Swimming Invitational meet from January 29-31, 2016.

The second edition of this annual three-day event saw more than 500 student swimmers – aged from 8 to 17 yearsold – compete for honours in BISP’s O lympic-size pool.

The swimmers arrived from 1 schools in fi e different countries, including British International School Shanghai, Dulwich College Seoul, Bangkok Patana, British School Manilla, Uplands in Penang, and the team from British International School,

right here in Phuket. eflecting on the e ent, BISP H eadmaster Neil Richards said, “The competition was a fantastic advert for the quality of swim programmes in international schools throughout the region, and to see so many swimmers from BISP competing so well and with such sportsmanship was a particular pleasure.”

Tou r nament Di rector Jeff LaMantia added that, “I’m proud of our swimmers, coaches, volunteers, parents and everyone from our BISP community that made this such a great event. O ur BISP swimmers did very well in the pool, setting many personal bests and as a team improving on last year’s achievements in Bangkok.

“With more than 100 com-

petitors alone, out of a total of 530 swimmers taking part – the success of BISP just goes to show the strength in depth of our swim programme.”

Richard Thor p, H ead Coach of the visiting Tiger Sharks from Bangkok Patana school, said “This is the second year of the competition, and it’s been very, very well run

by BISP. The weather’s been awesome, the competition’s been fantastic, with a great pool and great facilities. G ood luck to [ the BISP swimmers] competing at the O lympics in Rio.” Fo r m o re in f o rm at io n ab o u t t he B I S P Flyin g Fis h d ev elo pm en t al s w im pro gram m e, v is it bisphuket.ac.th/bisp-flying-fish o r c o n t ac t H elen S w een ey: hs w een ey@ b is phu k et . ac . t h

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1567: Saturday 13 February 2016 Run Start Time: 4PM Hares: What-A-Rat, Laphatrada (VH) Location: Bypass - Near Gems Gallery Directions: From Patong & Kathu turn left onto Bypass road [402] at the main Tesco intersection. Drive 1.6km and 150 metres past the Gem galley showroom turn left into Soi Srisuchart View.

Drive up the hill 120m turn right. Continue 200m turn left and follow to laager on left.

From the north turn onto the Bypass road [402] headed toward the main Tesco intersection. Make a U-turn 1.6km past Siam Niramit and follow as above.

Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:30pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

Patong cruise to victory over ICC CRICKET

O Fifty up for Patong Cricket Club’s Imtiyaz Mushtaq. Photo: Michael Way

n a blustery Sunday (Feb 7) at the Alan Cooke G round both the Patong and Island (ICC) cricket club teams were looking for a vital victory to boost their league standings.

G oing into the game, Patong were in 3rd while ICC were holding last position.

The toss was won by ICC who elected to bat first, howe er, they were soon in trouble as Pir Sami tore through their top order to leave them reeling at 17/ 3.

As CC took to the field they already had a look of resignation which was to prove to be well founded as Imtiyaz and Raju set about their attack and cruised to 59 in the 9th over before Raju was caught from the bowling of Darshan.

Izhar followed two balls later as he missed a straight one from Darshan and was bowled.

This, however, proved to be only a blip as Neil Q uail joined Imtiyaz who bought up his half century as the pair calmly guided Patong to their target inside 14 overs.

S t u art H am ilt o n

They were soon in further trouble as Mehra was stumped by an Blerk off the bowling of Morton. a i aik 2 ) put up some spirited resistance before he was well caught by Wetherell from his own bowling.

At 0 the CC lower order had a lot of work to do in order to set a competitive score.

H owever, the last 5 wickets fell in a procession with Wetherell, Sami and Raju sharing the wickets. ICC had been bowled out for inside 23 o ers with Sami 4/ 6 and Wetherell 4/ 15 being the pick of the overs.

Patong Darts League wide open DARTS W E’R E I NTO W EEK SI X of the current darts season, but there’s still a long way to go and at this stage it’s anyone’s guess who’ll win the title.

The games this Tuesday eb 9) went as follows Starfish drew with Black Prince Bar 8-8 in a thrilling battle. he final result wasn’t decided until the last game of the evening had been played (the beer leg). Both teams will get one point for their

efforts win 3, draw 1, lose 0).

H arrys Steak H ouse had a good home win when they took on Simon and O ils Bar. he final score was 11- . hat moves H arrys up to 7th position in the team table.

The Mouse H ole team were away at the G enius Bar but still managed to pull off a shock win 11-5. Artur, the captain of the Mouse H ole team added that it should act as a warning to other teams not to underestimate the current Mouse H ole team line up.

The fourth match on Tuesday was between the current leaders of the league – Ting Tong Bar – and Crossroads Bar and Restaurant. Crossroads did their utmost to snatch 3 points, but it wasn’t going to be their night, they went down 14-3 to last seasons champions.

The Patong darts league is always looking for new players, so if you want to get involved; either leave a message on the ‘Patong Darts League’ Facebook page (public group) or phone od on 0 22 1 0 0.

Two of the PDL’s better players, Tiger (right) captain of the Black Prince Bar team, and Ulf who plays for the Starfish Bar.

BISP tennis player scoops title at Thai National Tennis tournament TENNIS

The victory means James is now the youngest member of the Thailand National Youth Team Boys 14 and under squad.

LAST SUNDAY (FEB 7), at the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand, BISP RPT Tennis Academy player James Van H erzeele won the Thai National Tennis tournament for Boys 14 and under, and was

selected to represent Thailand.

H eld from Feb 3-7, the tournament involved the top 16 tennis players (boys 14 and under) in Thailand in a round robin competition of 4 groups.

Br it ish I nter nat ional School, Phuket (BISP) Y ear 8 student James came through the round robin to face the

number one ranked player in hailand in the uarter finals, winning a tough match to go through to the semi-finals, and then winning two more matches to take the title.

H e is now the youngest member of the Thailand National Y outh Team Boys 14 and under squad.

BISP RPT Tennis Academy H ead Coach Lee Austrin said, “James got stronger and stronger as each match went on. We are currently changing many aspects of his game and it was a pleasure to see him using the tools we are trying to give him.

“H e is by no means the finished article, but it makes me extremely proud to see him playing and fighting the way he does against older and physically more developed boys. I’m very excited for his future.”

Fo r m o re in f o rm at io n o n t en n is at B I S P, v is it w w w . b is phu k et . ac . t h/ t en n is

Phuket VNEA Pool League Standings

WEEK ELEVEN

Name

Round Score + Wins Games Losses Score - Differential played wins

TEAM STATS NORTH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Orange Corner Judge & Jury Hangover Tan Khun Master Bankers Off Course Tor Khao LHM Asia

49 42 35 28 27 27 21 11

1652 1594 1550 1383 1451 1443 1450 1150

140 123 101 87 96 78 97 46

192 192 192 192 192 192 192 192

52 69 91 105 96 114 95 146

1296 1261 1317 1519 1501 1534 1536 1709

356 333 233 -136 -50 -91 -86 -559

44 33 31 20 19 17 16 0

1515 1277 1362 1067 1189 1285 836 0

123 103 87 72 66 66 59 0

176 160 176 144 160 176 160 0

53 57 89 72 94 110 101 0

1072 1155 1333 1034 1173 1455 1309 0

443 122 29 33 16 -170 -473 0

49 49 35 30 21 21 16 16 3 0

1581 1533 1441 1271 1332 883 1178 1139 418 0

139 127 111 91 90 65 75 55 15 0

176 176 176 176 176 160 160 160 176 0

37 49 65 85 86 95 85 105 161 0

887 694 903 630 1066 375 1238 33 1264 68 1202 -319 1277 -99 1258 -119 1681 -1263 0 0

TEAM STATS SOUTH 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Reality The Genius Team The Dragons White Sheep Millionaire Bar Fly Ocean Team Spicy Girls

TEAM STATS TOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

The Target Masters Hollywood Naimeung Team Black Sheep The Kata Dragons Team 198 Pen In WTF!!

Class Act Hustlers Genius B

Class Act Media is proud to be a sponsor of the Phuket VNEA Pool League thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

SPORT 37

Failure in group stage Chonburi and Muang Thong knocked out of ACL

T

FOOTBALL

hai Premier League sides SCG Muang Thong United and Chonburi failed to reach the AFC Champions League (ACL) group stage after humiliating away defeats on Tuesday night (Feb 9).

Chonburi were hammered 9-0

by FC Tokyo while Muang Thong lost 3-0 at Shanghai SIPG in their final play-off matches.

These losses leave TPL champions Buriram United as the only Thai team in this year’s ACL. The Thunder Castle are in G roup F along with Sanfrecce H iroshima of Japan, FC Seoul from South Korea and Sandong Luneng of China.

FC Tokyo will play against South Korea’s Jeonbuk H yundai Motors, Jiengsu of China and Becamex Binh Duong of Vietnam in G roup E. Big spenders Shanghai SIPG , coached by former England manager Sven-G oran Eriksson, are up against Melbourne Victory of Australia, South Korea’s Suwon Samsung and G amba O saka of Japan in G roup G .

In Tokyo, new signing Takuma Abe led the way for H iroshi Jofuku’s side at Ajinomoto Stadium, where

Chonburi’s Pokklaw Anan, right, in action against FC Tokyo. Photo: Bangkok Post Keigo H igashi, Ryoichi Maeda, Takuji Y onemoto, Kota Mizunuma and H iroki Kawano (two) were also on target.

Tokyo, who are back in the ACL for the first time since 2012, were helped by a pair of Chonburi own goals.

Chonburi couldn’t ha e got off

to a worse start as the visitors fell behind after just six minutes with an own goal. Rodrigo Vergilio was the culprit, redirecting a Mizunuma corner into his own net to gift the hosts, who quickly doubled their lead three minutes later through Abe’s first strike in a okyo shirt.

Jofuku’s men all but decided the

Stamp retains WBA interim title BOXING TH AILAND’S WBA INterim f lyweight champion Stamp Kiatniwat retained the title with a majority decision over G regorio Lebron of the Dominican Republic on Tuesday (Feb 9).

In a rematch at Bangkok’s Thonburi University, Stamp, 1 , scored a 11 -11 , 11 -113, 11 -11 win o er the challenger. he fight was postponed from last Friday (Feb 5) after the main backer failed to pay the sponsorship fee.

The Thai teenager claimed the title in July last year after beating Lebron in Loei, also with a majority win.

The much debated decision forced the WBA to order a rematch.

Stamp, who entered the contest 1 years younger than his opponent, started impressively and drew blood from Lebron’s left eyebrow in the first round.

The Thai was more aggressi e and was the better fighter o er the first six rounds.

H owever, the challenger regrouped as Stamp began to tire during the closing stages.

After 12 rounds, both fight@thephuketnews

Stamp Kiatniwat, right, in action against Gregorio Lebron. ers raised their hands aloft, confident of ha ing done enough to claim the decision.

Stamp’s promoter Niwat Laosuwanwat said he was relieved to see Stamp retain the belt. But he admitted that his boxer needs improvement before a championship fight.

“H e has improved a lot from the last fight but there is still room for further improvement,’’ he said. “H e needs more experience. H e is powerful but his footwork is poor. H owever, we have to give credit to Lebron whose defence was very good.”

The Ubon Ratchathani fighter registered his 1 th win in his unbeaten career while Lebron, 33, suffered his fourth loss against 13 wins 11 s).

In another development, Pungluang Sor Singyu vowed to stop challenger Jetro Pabustan of the Philippines when they meet in Nakhon Ratchasima today eb 12).

The WBO bantamweight champion said that Pabustan, ranked fifth in the di ision, cannot be underestimated because he is good and has powerful hands. H owever, he believes he can counter the Filipino’s style and will try to score a knockout win in the first six rounds. he fight will be the first title defence for Pungluang, who took the vacant belt with a victory over Ryo Akaho of Japan in Ratchaburi in August last year.

B an gk o k Po s t

game with their third in the 34th minute, when H igashi hit the back of the net from a low cross by Y uhei Tokunaga.

Chonburi had one single opportunity at the 2 th-minute mark after referee Kim Jong-H yeok awarded them a questionable free-kick on the edge of the box, but Leandro

Assumpcao hit straight into the wall.

Tokyo continued to pour it on in the second half, Maeda handing them a 4-0 lead in the 54th minute before onemoto nodded in the fifth goal for the home side a minute later.

Mizunuma netted to make it 6-0 one minute past the hour and Kawano joined the long list of scorers after 73 minutes to push Tokyo up by seven.

Another own goal six minutes from time made it 8-0, and Kawano con erted a penalty in the 92nd minute to complete the rout.

Meanwhile, in Shanghai, the hosts went on the attack from the start forcing Muang Thong goalkeeper Kawin Thamsatchanan to make a couple of fine sa es.

G hana international Asamoah G yan came close to scoring for the home team before Wu Lei gave Shanghai the lead just before halftime with a fierce long-range dri e.

Muang Thong played better in the opening stages of the second half but failed to break Shanghai’s defence.

As the Kirins were trying to get an equaliser, Dario Conca dashed their hopes with his team’s second goal in the 2nd minute. u then put the result beyond any doubt three minutes from time. B an gk o k Po s t

38 SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DRAW FRUSTRATES WALES SIX NATIONS TABLE

RUGBY UNION

I

PLD

W

D

L

For

AG

PTS

1 England

1

1

0

0

15

9

2

2 France

1

1

0

0

23

21

2

3 Ireland

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4 Wales

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

5 Italy

1

0

0

1

21

23

0

6 Scotland

1

0

0

1

9

15

0

#

reland captain Rory Best was more satisfied than his ales counterpart am arburton after the sides played out a thrillin i Nations 16-16 at Lansdowne oad in last unday Feb .

The home side raced into a - first half lead, but were trailin - with ei ht minutes remainin before the drama was topped off with ohnny e ton’s nerveless -metre penalty on minutes to ive oe chmidt’s men a deserved draw. chmidt will be thrilled by the display of his in ury rava ed squad, with unster anker C tander rewardin his boss’s faith by winnin the man of the match award on his Test debut. oth sides face in ury worries ahead of ne t week thou h, with e ton, eith arls, Tommy ’ onnell and an i ar all leavin the field in ured in what was a hu ely physical encounter.

Truth be told, the physicality was the only part of the script that went as e pected, and at half time the home fans must have been wonderin where the pre-match pessimism had come from. ith the likes of Paul ’Connell, Cian ealy, ean

Wales’ Taulupe Faletau scores his team’s first try during the Six Nations match against Ireland at Lansdowne Road last Sunday (Feb 7). Photo: Paul Faith/AFP ’ rien, ob earney and Peter ’ ahony missin it was thou ht the hosts would stru le badly, but they defied e pectations, stormin into a double di it lead inside the half hour. ales mi ht point to the enforced chan e ust before kick off when iam illiams came in for the in ured areth Anscombe at full back, and they lost i ar on minutes after he failed to run off an early in ury, but other than that it was a full stren th side.

The ansdowne oad crowd were treated to an enthrallin openin half of

ru by, with rei nin champions Ireland oin throu h phases in the first four minutes before e ton kicked the first penalty of the ame. ales then had their own period on the front foot, but could not find a way past the Irish defence, with arls and Andrew Trimble makin hu e defensive efforts. e ton made it - after a ebo sur e brou ht Ireland deep into elsh territory, and ust minutes later the T was called into action when outh African-born tander looked to have crossed the line, but Ireland had to make

do with a five yard scrum instead.

The Irish scr um, that would later wobble, stood stron , and scrum-half urray dummied his way past ustin Tipuric, nippin over for the openin try. e ton’s conversion put points between the sides, but Priestland’s first kick of the day put ales on the scoreboard, as the visitors be an to rumble.

Trimble uffed by carryin the ball across his own try line to ive ales a scrum platform with the break approachin , and after dominatin three

TEAM

set pieces, Taulupe Faletau rolled off the back, spotted a ap and powered home to ive the elsh a crucial try ust before the turnaround.

A Priestland penalty drew the sides level si minutes after the restart, but the scoreboard operator was iven a break for the ne t minutes, as the lun burstin pace be an to slow. oth sides created chances but cott aldwin knocked on near Ireland’s with men outside, and when e ton made a stunnin break throu h the elsh midfield, Tom ames covered well to dra the yin Trimble into touch. ales drip fed their more e perienced bench as the clock ticked by, and the pressure looked to eventually pay off when, after almost phases, Ireland cou hed up a penalty on minutes.

Priestland nailed it to ive ales the lead for the first

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16 - 16

Wales

FIXTURES ROUND2 Saturday February 13

France V Ireland Wales V Scotland Sunday February 14

Italy V England time, but havin worked so hard to et ahead, illiams ave away a soft penalty ust two minutes later. espite bein withdrawn ust one minute after that, e ton took the kick and slotted it home to level the ame once more.

Priestland was iven the chance to become a elsh hero with a late drop oal attempt, but the ath star pulled his attempt wide and it was hard to ar ue either side deserved to lose.

Rio 2016 cutbacks give cause for concern OLYMPICS

I A T P T e pressed concern this week at the consequences of bud et cuts at the io lympics.

An economic downturn in ra il has forced ames or anisers to ditch plans for a , capacity oatin stand at the lympic rowin site on the odri o de Freitas la oon.

As a result there will only be space for , spectators as opposed to the , ori inally planned at the site in the heart of the city with a spectacular backdrop of mountains and io’s commandin Christ the edeemer statue.

That’s a far cry from the , rowin afficionados who filled ton orney at the ondon ames. e perfectly understand the complicated situation in ra il and the economic difficulties that the country is e periencin , Christophe olland, president of the International owin Federation, said. ut we re ret that the decision to cancel the oatin stand was taken without consultation. e have a know-how and a competence which could have found a solution, added the man who was

France’s rowin champion at the lympics in ydney. olland oined the heads of the international federations at talks with the International lympic Committee last week to assess the state of play half a year out from the ames.

Carlos u man, president of the io lympic r anisin Committee, was also in attendance. ach federation laid out its problems and its areas of concern, said Cornel arculescu, head of the International wimmin Federation. ike rowin , swimmin , one of the lympic’s a ship sports, has suffered the repercussions of ra il’s belt ti htenin . e too have been hit from the start by the consequences of these bud et reductions.

Instead of havin three pools like we had in ondon, we’ve only ot two.

That means that in the same pool we’ll have divin , synchronised swimmin and water-polo.

It’s a problem not for the sta in of the events themselves but for trainin which risks becomin complicated. ut in line with the sportin federation’s eneral attitude he

Aerial view of the rowing facilities for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon. Photo: Vanderlei Almeida/AFP insisted that they would ust have to put up and make do.

It’s not the time to complain but to et ourselves or anised and we’re not worried, added the omanian former water-polo player who competed at the Tokyo ames. arculescu e pressed confidence about conditions at Copacabana beach, the iconic sta e for lon distance swimmin and triathlon, where the water he said is tested each month and conforms to the standards .

Aside from rowin and swim-

min , equestrian’s overnin body F I voiced disquiet at last week’s summit meetin in ausanne over problems at their eodoro venue. e did not hide our unease when construction work was halted and we raised this question durin the I C meetin , F I president In mar de os said. ut we have ust received confirmation from the io mayor that a contract has been si ned with a new constructor.

Therefore we are optimistic but we are followin the case day

by day, added the el ian. io last week rescinded contracts for construction of the equestrian and tennis facilities, sayin the work under way was slow and incomplete.

The mayor’s office said it was imposin a . million fine on the constructor Ibe . io’s urbanisation authority has insisted that both sites will be ready for the ames and are in an advanced sta e of completion , with no e tra costs e pected due to the chan e in contracts.

The equestrian federation is workin under a ti ht schedule, with the first horses due to arrive in io on uly , and the competition startin on Au ust .

The I C meanwhile described the meetin with the federations as positive .

The International Federations particularly appreciated the update from the io or anisers on ames preparations and the openness with re ard to individual situations, an I C statement declared. e os is confident that despite ra il’s political and economic crisis, the ika virus and the delays, everythin should be in place for the Au ust openin ceremony.

AFP

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

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27 19 22 26 22 29 24 34 36 27 31 30 35 32 41 33 44 48 49 40

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The image of a lion with a paw on a soccer ball will be replaced by a crowned lion’s head and the text “Premier League” or “PL”.

Premier League’s new look unveiled FOOTBALL

T

he English Premier League unveiled its new, sponsor-free “visual identity” on Tuesday (Feb 9), which will take effect from the 2016-17 season onwards.

The money-spinning English top flight is ending its 12year association with Barclays Bank in favour of becoming a ‘clean brand’ and will from now on be known simply as ‘the Premier League’.

The new logo – a crowned lion’s head gazing to the right, accompanied by either the words ‘Premier League’ or ‘PL’ – will replace the current logo of a lion with its left paw on a football.

“From next season we will move away from title sponsorship and the competition will be known as the Premier League, a decision which provided the opportunity to consider how we wanted to present ourselves as an organisation and competition,” said Premier League managing director Richard Masters in a press release.

“We are very pleased with the outcome: a visual identity which is relevant, modern and flexible that will help us

celebrate everyone that makes the Premier League.

“We look forward to sharing more details of our new positioning in the coming months.”

Canadian brewery Carling was the Premier League’s first title sponsor between 1993 and 2001.

Barclaycard, an offshoot of British bank Barclays, took over in 2001 before Barclays itself took up the reins three years later.

Barclays paid £120 million in 2012 for its most recent three-year contract.

By dropping its title sponsor, the Premier League is bringing itself in line with major American sporting competitions such as the NFL and NBA. The Premier League is the most lucrative football championship in the world, with 17 of its clubs featuring in the top 30 of financial consultants Deloitte’s most recent football rich list.

The coming year will see its wealth swell yet further, with a new domestic television rights deal worth £5.14 billion due to kick in at the start of the 2016-17 season.

The forthcoming sale of overseas TV rights for the

period 2016-2019 is expected to add around a further £3 billion to the pot.

English top-flight clubs broke new ground by shelling out £870 million on new talent in the 2015 close-season transfer window – a rise of four per cent on the previous record, established the previous summer.

Meanwhile, English football fans are considering a mass walkout in protest at rising Premier League ticket prices, the Daily Telegraph reported on Tuesday.

An estimated 10,000 Liverpool supporters left Anfield in the 77th minute of Saturday’s (Feb 6) 2-2 draw with Sunderland in protest over plans to introduce a most expensive match ticket of £77 (B3,938).

The Football Supporters Federation (FSF), which represents fans in England and Wales, said it would convene a meeting to discuss coordinated action, including a simultaneous fan walkout at top-flight fixtures.

“The FSF will be convening a meeting of representatives of supporters’ organisations across the Premier League to discuss the next steps in the campaign,” FSF

chief executive Kevin Miles told the Telegraph.

“There are a number of options. The Liverpool walkout very successfully highlighted the whole issue of the affordability of football and the clubs need to be made to listen.”

Supporters in England are angry that ticket prices are rising at a time when Premier League clubs stand to receive a windfall of around £8 billion from new television rights deals.

Liverpool cancelled plans to hold a question-and-answer session for fans with chief executive Ian Ayre on Monday (Feb 8), but the club said they would revisit the matter.

The club’s manager, Jurgen Klopp, said that “everyone in the club has a big interest in finding a solution for this”.

Liverpool great Jamie Carragher joined in with the walkout at Anfield on Saturday and was pictured on social media posing with a fan outside the ground.

Meanwhile, former Newcastle United striker Alan Shearer used his role on the BBC’s flagship ‘Match of the Day’ highlights programme to condemn clubs for raising prices.

AFP

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2016

All change in the Barclays Premier League > page 39 Photo: Dustin Gaffke_flickr

PHUKET FC

ROCK IT FOR FUNDS Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

I

n a bid to raise funds for the club, Phuket FC have decided to host regular concerts featuring some of the biggest names in Thailand’s music industry.

The first of such concerts is to be held this Sunday (Feb 14) at the 4,000-seat indoor complex at Saphan Hin Park. And as it’s the first of what Club President MaAnn Samran says is going to be a regular feature for not only the club, but the whole island, it’s going to see performances from not one, but two, of the country’s biggest rock bands, Labanoon and Big Ass. All money raised from the concert will go towards running the club for the 2016 season in Thailand’s Division 2 Southern region league, their place which was only decided on Tuesday (Feb 9) after total confusion as to what league they would actually play in.

The confusion came following an announcement that there were two vacancies to fill in the second-tier Yamaha League 1 after it was established that two clubs who qualified to compete in the elite, Thai Premier League (TPL) this season – Police United and Saraburi FC – would not be able to finance

their respective teams.

Last Friday (Feb 5) the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) sent out letters to Police United and Phuket FC inviting both clubs to submit paperwork as part of the procedures for Club Licensing Administration System (CLAS), a prerequisite for competing in either of the kingdom’s two national-tier leagues, stating that either “has a chance” to qualify for the final vacancy.

It was earlier confirmed that Chiangmai FC was offered, and accepted the first vacancy in League 1, since it was the best ranked of the six clubs relegated last season.

The second spot would have been offered to Phichit FC, next in line as per rankings; however, Phichit FC reportedly declined the offer to remain in Division 1, citing the need to “rest for a year”.

Because Phuket FC was listed as the next team after Phichit on the ranking table on the TPL’s website, the club was issued the prospect through the aformentioned FAT letter.

As soon as the letter was posted on social media and went viral, fans became ecstatic, knowing that Police United would not likely qualify due to the recent news.

However, it turns out that

one more club was also in contention for restoring its Division 1 status: Ayutthaya FC, who finished last season with the exact same amount of points as Phuket FC, only with a superior goal difference, and thus should have been listed in a higher ranking than Phuket FC. After points, the head-tohead record is considered, but since Phuket and Ayutthaya had an even head-to-head record last season (each winning their respective home

match), then goal difference is the next deciding factor.

Taking that as the deciding factor, the place in League 1 was given to Ayutthaya on Tuesday, and it was confirmed by Phuket FC Coach Pittaya “Odd” Phimarnman on Wednesday (Feb 10) that the Andaman Dragon would be competing in Southern Region Division 2.

The Phuket News, along with club President MaAnn Samran believe that this is the better option for the newly set

out team, as having seen the club go through turbulent past seasons, the coming 2016 season is seen as a much needed fresh start for the outfit.

In addition, to compete in Division 2 will require a budget of between B10-15 million, whereas if the team were to compete in League 1 the costs would be double, if not more.

Details of the concert were announced at a press conference held at Central Festival Phuket on Monday evening (Feb 8) by MaAnn and attended by a number of club sponsors including Class Act Media, Chang and Frank Knight, and which to the surprise of those who came, also included a small acoustic set by the rock trio Labanoon.

Labanoon released their first album “Fresh Milk” back in 1999, an album which reportedly sold over one million copies in its first year of release, and since then have grown in popularity all over the country, especially in the South where the three members hail from.

Speaking exclusively The Phuket News at the press conference, Labanoon said that despite none of the group members having any direct connection to Phuket they have known President MaAnn

for over 10 years and this was their reason for getting involved with the fundraiser.

The group’s lead singer/ guitarist Methee Arunthee said, “We got involved with this concert because we want to help President MaAnn. He is like a member of my family.

Whatever we as a group can do to help out MaAnn and the club raise the money so they compete in Division 2, we are happy to do.”

In addition, Methee said that he hopes that all residents of Phuket, be they Thai or foreign, join the concert and help Phuket FC. Labanoon and Big Ass are two of the top bands in Thailand and this is a fantastic opportunity for people to see them perform.

Tickets for the Rock It Phuket FC fundraiser are on sale now from all local municipality offices. They will also be available when Phuket FC host Navy FC at Surakul Stadium in a friendly tomorrow at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at B300 or B1,000 and VIP tickets are also available at B3,000. The concert starts at 6pm.

The Phuket News hopes to see a large number of you at both the game tomorrow and at the concert on Sunday.

The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of Phuket FC. thephuketnews