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Phuket Zoo faces allegations of elephant abuse
LIFE
People celebrating Songkran are being urged to conserve water. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub
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How to become the calm in a Songkran storm
SONGKRAN FESTIVITIES FACE WATER RESTRICTIONS AS ISLAND RESERVOIRS HIT RECORD LOWS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
O
fficial Songkran Thai New Year celebrations at three of the island’s main areas for festivities this weekend will have little or no water provided by local councils in their bids to conserve water as the long dry spell this year continues and the island’s three main reservoirs hit record lows. Patong Municipality will be providing water only at Bangla Rd, while in Phuket Town no water will be provided for the huge water fights held at Saphan Hin. Revellers will have to bring their own water, Phuket
Town Mayor Somjai Suwansupana said plainly this week. Rawai Municipality, which also includes the Nai Harn area, has yet to figure out if they have enough water to provide for water play, Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos told The Phuket News. “If we do, it will be limited,” Mayor Aroon said. Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup explained, “We know that there is not much water right now, but everyone wants to enjoy water splashing together this one time of the year. I can’t ban them from water playing, but we will provide free water at Bangla Rd only.” She also urged people to be wary
of how much water they use during the festivities. “Please save water. Use small water pistols and please do not use kan containers for splashing people, that wastes too much water,” she said. Mayor Chalermluck said that she had faith that people will try to use water more sparingly than in previous years. “The water pressure has been reduced so much there is a lot less water supplied to the Patong area that people in Patong know well what they have to do. They will use their common sense and converse water, and if they want to play outside the Bangla water-play zone, they must provide
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the water themselves,” she said. In Phuket Town, lack of rain has seen water supply reserves fall to 20% capacity, noted Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana. “This year we will not be providing water outside of Saphan Hin, like we have done in years past,” she said. Even at Saphan Hin, the traditional focal point for water play for a huge number of Phuket Town residents, the municipality will have just one water truck available on Saturday (Apr 13), and that one water truck will deliver only two loads of water for people to play with, Mayor Somjai explained. “We limited the space for water playing at Sapan Hin, and the water...
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Seven Days of Danger for Songkran begins > p4
Reservoirs hit record lows
Phuket water chief urges, ‘Save what water you can’
People are being urged to honour Songkran with the traditional water blessing. Photo: Zion of God church
BYO water for Songkran fest Continued from page 1 ...festival event will be from 7am to 1pm only,” she added. “We strongly encourage that water be sprinkled on people, not splashed,” she said. Mayor Somjai was simple in her advice for people wanting to revel in water fights. “Please bring your own water, especially if you want to play outside Saphan Hin this year,” she said. Mayor Somjai repeated her call for all people to conserve as much water as they can until the annual rains return to replenish the reservoirs.
Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
T
he chief of the Phuket office of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) is urging people to save whatever water they can as the island’s three main reservoirs hit dangerously low levels – the lowest levels ever recorded by water officials. “Please save water as much as you can,” PWA Branch Manager Graisorn Mahamad told The Phuket News last Thursday (Apr 4). “I am very concerned about the situation right now. The water levels at all three main water reservoirs continues to fall while we still have not had enough rain.” Mr Graisorn reported that the Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu – the island’s main water reserve – now contains
Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu this week. Photo: Supplied just 1.26 million cubic meters of its 10mn-plus m3 capacity. “The Bang Neow Dum reservoir contains about 1.1mn m3 of water, and the Khlong Kratha reservoir in Chalong currently contains about 1.04mn m3 of water,” he added. “These levels are the lowest ever recorded,” Mr Graisorn confirmed. Mr Graisorn noted that the levels recorded were estimates of the amount of usable water
still left in the reservoirs, and does not included the estimated volume of murky water near the bottom of the lakes. PWA officers on Mar 30 were forced to install new pipes to access the last of the remaining water left in the Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn, Mr Graisorn explained. “We had to do this because the areas where we have installed the permanent pipes
have run dry,” he said. “We have to keep doing this – and moving the pipes – to make sure we can continue to supply water for the next day,” he added. The PWA has secured an agreement from the owners of two privately owned freshwater sources to use to supplement mains water supply, Mr Graisorn added. “The owners of two water sources in Kathu have agreed for the PWA to use their lakes to supply water to residents,” he said. “However, we cannot use these yet as we are still laying pipes to connect them to the mains system. There are difficulties as the pipes cross private land, but we will finish this as fast as possible,” he added. Mr Graisorn also noted that he was not authorised to declare
Phuket officially suffering a drought, a technical definition that empowers disaster officials to provide whatever assistance they can. The declaration of a disaster such as a drought also empowers the Governor to use the provincial disaster relief budget to render assistance. “I do not have the authority to declare Phuket as facing a drought crisis. Only the Phuket Governor has the power to do that,” he said. “All I can do is urge people to save as much water as they can, and please remember that water may not flow freely as there might be less pressure in the pipes because there is not much water,” he said. “Also, any people in Rassada needing urgent water supply can call the PWA on 076-319173 or 082-7901634,” Mr Graisorn added.
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Phuket Zoo probed over alleged elephant abuse Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
Firefighters contained a wildfire at Phromthep Cape last week. Photo: DDPM-Rawai
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huket livestock officials began their investigation on Tuesday (Apr 9) into allegations of abuse of a baby elephant at Phuket Zoo. The allegations posted online are part of the #SaveDumbo campaign by the animal welfare group, Moving Animals. “Whilst documenting the animals confined to Phuket Zoo in Thailand, we met a skeletal baby elephant who is forced to ‘rave’ to music, ‘play’ musical instruments, and perform tricks, all for tourists’ entertainment. “We were so moved by her plight, that we nicknamed her ‘Dumbo’ and started a petition asking for her to be retired to a nearby sanctuary,” the group posted on its website. The post by Moving Animals in creating the online petition also noted, “Eyewitness footage and images by photojournalist group, Moving Animals, have also revealed her skeletal body, raising concerns of possible malnourishment and exhaustion. “When she is not performing, she stands on display for tourists, all while silently sucking on her trunk for comfort – a sign of distress seen when infant elephants are without their mother. “We must stop this from being her fate for the rest of her life,” it added.
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Rawai firefighters warn of wildfires A livestock official inspects the baby elephant Dodo on Tuesday (Apr 9). Photo: Phuket Livestock Office Wanvisa Sangthong, a public relations staffer at Phuket Zoo, denied the allegations that the baby elephant – which zoo staff call ‘Dodo’ – is suffering any form of abuse. “This baby elephant is well taken care of. The baby elephant’s name is ‘Dodo’, and he is a male – and he is not forced to work hard,” she said. Asked why the baby elephant looks thin, Miss Wanvisa replied, “We take care of ‘Dodo’ very well. The elephant is just baby.” Manas Thepparuk, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Office of the Department of Livestock Development
(DLD), the government regulatory office responsible for all animals used for any form of work, agreed. After viewing the video clip, Mr Manas told The Phuket News that he saw nothing abnormal or unusual that may indicate that Dodo is being abused. “This baby elephant is fine, but it is thin. My officials will go check the baby elephant’s health today to make sure it is not suffering any infection or digestive problems,” he added. “By what I can see in the video clip, the baby elephant is working, but I am sure that the animal is not being harmed,” Mr Manas said.
R AWAI MU NICIPALity firefighters are calling for people to be careful about wildfires amid the dry conditions in the southern part of the island after a small fire was contained at Phromthep Cape. Preecha Jennarong, Rawai Municipality Chief Administrative Officer (Palad), told The Phuket News that firefighters were called to the scene of the fire, near the windmill, at 2:38pm last Wednesday (Apr 3). Many firefighters were dispatched as a precaution, but were able to put out the fire in about 10 minutes, he said. “We believe the fire was started by someone dropping a cigarette by the side of the road,” he added.
“Even though it was a small fire, we must be concerned about it. Many tourists drive through this area, and the conditions are very dry. Grass will easily catch fire, especially grass near the road,” Mr Preecha explained. “We have also issued a ban on burning trash in the area,” he added. “I want to tell both local people and tourists to be careful. People must not throw their cigarette butts on the grass,” Mr Preecha said. “Rawai Municipality Fire Department is ready 24 hours. If you see a fire in Rawai, report it by calling us directly at 076-613800," Mr Preecha said. Waranya Prompinpiras
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PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST
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Gov: ‘Make Songkran safe’ The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
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huket Governor Phakkaphong Tavipatana has called on the heads of the main government offices and major businesses on the island to make safety the top priority during the Songkran festivities to be celebrated nationwide April 11-17. The week of festivities has also been designated as the Seven Days of Danger period for this year’s Songkran. The week-long period is among the most dangerous times of the year for Thailand, with hundreds of people dying in road accidents alone during the seven days of holidays. Governor Phakaphong delivered his Songkran safety message at a meeting last Thursday (Apr 4), attended by all three Phuket Vice Gover-
While the Governor spoke on safety, a taxi caused a ninevehicle accident on Patong Hill. Photo: Patong Municipality nors – Thanyawat Chanpinit, Supoj Rotreuang Na Nongkhai and Prakob Wongmaneerung – as well as the heads of the main government offices in Phuket and representatives from the local businesses. Road and marine transport safety are to be specifically targetted, Governor Phakaphong said.
Drunk drivers are to get special attention and police must ramp up their efforts at key police checkpoints across the island in order to reduce the likelihood of road accidents, the Governor added. “Police must stop drunk drivers. This will reduce the risk of road accidents,” he said. (Also see page 8.)
“For drivers who do not allow police to check them for alcohol, police must force them by the law,” the Governor said. Last year Phuket suffered 47 accidents reported during the Songkran Seven Days campaign with one person killed and 49 people injured, as follows – Phuket City: 27 accidents, 29 people injured; Kathu: 14 accidents, 1 death, 14 people injured; Thalang: 6 accidents, 6 people injured. In 2017, Phuket suffered 67 accidents during the Songkran holidays with four people killed and 70 people injured. However, literally as Governor Phakapong was delivering his safety message, a taxi carrying tourists from the UAE was involved in a ninevehicle crash on Patong Hill. The accident happened at about 10am in front of Wyndham Sea Pearl Resort and
caused major traffic on the hill. The accident was caused by a white Toyota Alphard Vellfire taxi which was carrying a family of tourists from Dubai, said Patong Police Chief Col Anotai Jindamanee. “The taxi driver was unable to stop and hit a car in front. The taxi then swerved to the right and hit another car, causing collisions with several other vehicles,” he said. “In total, five cars were were damaged as well as four motorbikes which were parked at the side of the road. “A young girl from Dubai who was in the taxi had a minor injury on her nose and was taken to Patong Hospital. She left hospital later that night and the family were scheduled to return to Dubai the following night,” Col Anotai told The Phuket News last Friday (Apr 5).
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The Russian tourist was revived, and survived. Photo: Patong Surf Life Saving
Lifeguards revive Russian tourist, 63 A 63-Y EA R- OLD RUSsian tourist was revived on Patong Beach last Friday morning (Apr 5) after losing consciousness while swimming in the sea. A Patong lifeguard noticed Sergey Popylovskckh struggling in the sea as he was hit by strong waves. The lifeguard swam to the man’s rescue, taking him out of the sea and laying him on the beach. The tourist’s pulse was very weak at first and then it stopped so the lifeguard began performing CPR whilst awaiting Kusoldharm Rescue volunteers to arrive. Five minutes into the CPR, the rescue team arrived and used an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to revive the man. After three minutes,
his pulse came back and he was taken to Patong Hospital to be examined and treated. Somprasong Sangchart, head of Patong Surf Life Saving group, wrote on Facebook, “Mr Popylovskckh was shocked and weakened by strong waves when swimming in the sea and lost consciousness. His breathing was weak and then his heart stopped beating.” Relatives of the Russian man told lifeguards that he had been suffering from heart problems. Mr Somprasong expressed his gratitude to all those who helped. “We would like to thank you all for helping. We saved a life this morning. Thanks again.” The Phuket News thephuketnews
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OPINION
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EDITORIAL
It’s no Joke
T
he sudden transfer this week of Royal Thai Police Immigration Bureau Chief Maj Gen Surachate Hakparn has set the cat amongst the pigeons. The transfer was swift, sudden and silent. No reasons for his transfer have been given. Gossip on Thai social media channels has alluded to corruption as the reason for the transfer. However, the effects of his campaigns on corrupt officials may be the answer to the enigmatic move, not his involvement in it. Gen Surachate’s immediate posting comes amid his drive to streamline immigration processes, such as wanting to remove the 90-day reporting requirement altogether, while he continues his ongoing blitz on illegal foreigners in the country under the “Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out” campaign. His immediate transfer
echoes that of former Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan out of Phuket to the exact same position at the Prime Minister’s Office just two years ago. And both transfers share some concerning parallels. Mr Chockchai’s transfer came amid a push by Patong bar and nightclub owners to have the legal closing times for entertainment venues extended. They were open about their reason for wanting the change. They were tired of paying police and other officials to stay open later. Mr Chockchai supported that push and passed on the bar and club owners’ formal request to top-flight officials in the capital. No public response to that request was ever given by the Ministry of Interior, which also includes in its fold the Royal Thai Police. Instead, Mr Chockchai was quickly moved out of Phuket.
Now we see the same happening to Gen Surachate. There is no doubt that streamlining immigration processes and shifting applications and reporting online will remove the opportunity for corrupt officials to extort – sorry, “take bribes” – from powerless foreigners. Gen Surachate’s move to shut down “VIP” lanes at major airports would already have had a dramatic impact on shadowy officials’ incomes. And that one move would be a drop in the bucket of the sheer volume of income that's now jeopardised by Gen Surachate’s systematic rounding up of foreigners and pressing of charges against corrupt officials. Right now it seems if any official wants a fast ticket to a post at the Prime Minister’s Office, all they have to do is target something that directly affects the unofficial income of other certain officials.
TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com
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Phuket Opinion: Growing pains National Ombudsman rails on Phuket Airport security over thefts from luggage Phuket police ready for Songkran Being Polite: Army to teach Patong tuk-tuk, taxi drivers manners after vicious beating of tourists Taxi causes nine-vehicle carnage on Patong Hill Motorcyclist dead after swerving to avoid turning minivan ‘Save what water you can,’ Phuket water chief urges as reservoirs hit record lows US, Thailand conduct antisubmarine exercises off Phuket AoT forecast s 16. 2% year-on-year increase in Phuket tourist arrivals over Songkran ‘Big Joke’ transferred to police HQ
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HAVE YOUR SAY Getting Songkran ready
Re: Drunk drivers in fatal accidents over Songkran to face murder charges For murder to be proven you must show intent to kill. Ah, now I understand. Charge them with murder and they will never be convicted, police collect big tea money and offender goes free. Mark Ridley How can you tell if someone is drunk if they don't administer breathalysers, especially to the police officers who are in accidents?! Meandering Mikeo The crime isn’t murder, it’s manslaughter. Charges of murder won’t stand. A deputy prime minister should know that. Sean M Ulvihill Re: AoT forecasts 16.2% year-on-year increase in Phuket tourist arrivals over Songkran Do they have to bring their own water for their stay in Phuket? Seafarer Divers Charlie Phuket
Re: Phuket Governor: ‘Make Songkran safe’ Loud and clear but fell on deaf ears. Troy Cornick
It's no laughing matter...
Re: ‘Big Joke’ transferred to police HQ Perhaps police chief Chakthip Chaijinda thought he needed a well earned break from treading on corruption. Geoffrey Morris Cutting off all visa agents their source of income was a bad idea... David Hallgren Seems Mr Big Joke did put Thailand a bit too much in the global spotlight. Too many jokes not appreciated abroad. Too much negative publicity due to Mr Big Joke's performance. Kurt
Travelling light
Re: National Ombudsman rails on Phuket Airport security over thefts from luggage Thefts have been ongoing for years at Phuket airport. And no better. We have had
items and cash stolen on more than one occasion. Better staff recruitment vetting, better training, better supervision needed. It’s no good having cameras if people don’t monitor! Penalties for theft should be far more severe. Robert John Windsor Have your luggage wrapped in plastic. Take a photo. Have a nice trip. Colin W Goodfellow Not just Phuket. Every single airport in the world. Why not wrap your bags? Jacques Slabbert
Ps and Qs
Re: Being Polite: Army to teach Patong tuk-tuk, taxi drivers manners after vicious beating of tourists Well viciously beating people certainly isn't polite, so I guess they're starting in the right direction. Long way to go though. CaptainJack69 Their thought process is only for the day not for the future. I dare say there needs to be some very serious penalties in place and enforced to
be able to stop this behaviour otherwise social media will start to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. Gary Morris How about everyone just walk and let them sit there without customers. They will learn then I’m sure. Patong is not that big that you can’t walk everywhere. If you want to go to Karon or the other beaches catch the smart bus. Cheaper and has WiFi. Matt Cooper
Credit where credit is due
Re: Good Shepherd calls for supplies for families at risk in Phuket Respect to all those involved, especially those expats who truly contribute something to the community. DeKaaskopp Re: Over 30k meth pills, gun and ammunition seized I don't say this often about the law enforcement here but this is a very positive thing, as long as the seized goods are actually destroyed, but good catch. Steini Pé
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
THAILAND NEWS
PM transfers ‘Big Joke’ out from police force
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BANGKOK
Wassana Nanuam
P
rime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has transferred Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn, aka Big Joke, from the police force to the civil service, where he will serve as a special adviser to the Prime Minister’s Office. The order was signed by Gen Payut on Tuesday (Apr 9) in his capacity as chief of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) and published in The Royal Gazette the same day, effective immediately. The order stated that Gen Surachate was another official assuming a temporary position pending an investigation. It effectively added his name to a list of 45 state officials sidelined pending investigations under another NCPO order. The original document was issued on May 15, 2015 by Gen Prayut using his authority under Section 44 of the interim constitution. As a result of the order, Gen Surachate is completely detached from his former position of immigration police commissioner under the Royal Thai Police Office. Assistant government spokesperson Taksada Sangkhajan said the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday acknowledged Gen Prayut’s order. She did not know when
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Ms Katanyachalee, or nun Bua Seenuan, 26, smiles while pointing at drugs and other items seized from her living quarters at Wat Yothong in Trang. Photo: Bangkok Post
Pol Lt Gen Surachate Hakparn implementing his anti-corruption message at immigration in October, 2018. Photo: Immigration Bureau. Gen Surachate would report to the Prime Minister’s Office, or which area of work he would be assigned to. Prime Minister Prayut did not explain the issue on Tuesday. Following his appointment as immigration chief in October 2018 Gen Surachate rapidly became the kingdom’s most high-profile police officer, featuring almost daily in headline stories aggressively pursuing foreigners in the country illegally, visa overstayers and criminals alike, under the slogan “Good Guys In, Bad Guys Out”. He was also deputy director of Thailand’s Action Taskforce for Information Technology Crime Suppression (Tactics), which targets cybercrime such as romance scams and online fraud and is also under
the Royal Thai Police Office. He was abruptly removed from the job of immigration chief last week. National police chief Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda transferred him to the Royal Thai Police Operations Centre last Friday night (Apr 5). Gen Surachate was reported to retain close ties with Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, deputy prime minister, defence minister and deputy NCPO chief. The son of a policeman, Surachate was born in 1970 in Songkhla. After joining the force, he quickly rose through the ranks to command a local station and later moved to Bangkok to head the 191 task force. From there he moved to the Tourist Police before landing the top job at the Immigration Bureau in 2018.
Nuns on the run TRANG A MON K A N D A N U N have been arrested and about 8,000 methamphetamine pills, an assault rile and 50 rounds of ammunition seized during police operations in three districts. Than “Phra Bomb” Jongthong, 38, was arrested at his living quarters at Wat Yothong in tambon Nayong, Na Yong district, after a drug suppression team, led by Pol Lt Col Apichet Jitaksorm of Trang Provincial Police, searched the room and found 6,524 meth pills in two plastic bags. A pack of small plastic bags and an iPhone were also impounded as evidence, police said.
The monk’s confession led police to arrest Ms Katanyachalee or, nun Bua Seenuan, 26, at her living quarters in the same temple on the same day. Seized from the nun’s room were 630 meth pills, two packs of small plastic bags, a Samsung mobile phone and an iPhone. Her confession led to the seizure of another 1,242 speed pills along Chonprathan Khok Khilek Rd in tambon Na Yong Tai of Muang district, and an M16 rifle, 50 rounds of ammunition and two magazines under Huay Hin bridge in Si Kao district. The monk and the nun were expelled from the temple by the abbot and then held in police custody for legal action. Bangkok Post
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THAILAND NEWS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Thailand among worst for TB
Kingdom is one of the 14 worst countries hit by deadly disease BANGKOK
Children hold up campaign material for the country's fight against TB. Photo: file
Bangkok Post
T
he government and health advocates are struggling to deal with tuberculosis as Thailand still has a high global ranking among TB-plagued countries. “We are one of the 14 worst countries hit by this severely infectious disease which has spread across 200 countries,” Arth Nana, executive committee chairman of the Anti-TB Association of Thailand, said on Tuesday (Apr 9). “We must improve the situation in order to do away with TB by 2021,” he insisted, referring to a goal put in place by the Disease Control Department. In 2017, the department set its five-year plan to control the disease and reduce the number of patients. But two years in, its goals remain far from complete. In Bangkok alone, new TB cases are on the rise, attributed to the influx of migrant workers, the most vulnerable group. The number of foreign workers who were registered for treatment increased from 853 in 2017 to 1,123 last year. It is expected there will be up to 13,000 new patients, including those
seeking repeat treatment. Dr Wongwat Lewlak, deputy chief of City Hall’s Health Department, blamed hectic and stressful lifestyles in the crowded city for making people neglect their health. “The need to earn a living means many patients are too busy to remember those [appointments with doctors] or they decide to stop taking the drugs as soon as they start to feel better,” said Dr Wongwat. The hospitals say they cannot
provide sufficient treatment. “State-run hospitals are overloaded with so much work that they cannot adopt a mentoring system, under which medical staff work as mentors to ensure patients strictly follow their instructions,” Dr Wongwat said. TB treatment demands patients comply with such medical guidance and meet doctors regularly. Patients need to take their medicine for six consecutive months.
Failure to follow the practice will cause the disease to re-emerge and the patients will develop a resistance to the drugs. The high number of drug-resistant cases was among the factors that put Thailand in the pool of 14 worst-hit countries for TB ranked by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO aims to reduce the number of TB patients to fewer than 10 in 100,000 by 2035. In Thailand, according to the
WHO’s estimate, the ratio was 156:100,000 last year. The number of new patients and those who are drug resistant is expected to be over 100,000 a year. Tuberculosis is spread when a person with active TB disease in their lungs coughs or sneezes and someone else inhales the expelled droplets, which contain TB bacteria. Although TB is spread in a similar way to a cold or the flu, it isn’t as contagious. One would have to spend prolonged periods (several hours) in close contact with an infected person to catch the infection. In most healthy people, the immune system is able to destroy the bacteria that cause TB. But in some cases, the bacteria infect the body but don’t cause any symptoms (latent TB), or the infection begins to cause symptoms within weeks, months or even years (active TB). A quarter of the world’s population is infected with latent TB. Common symptoms of the active infection include a lack of appetite and weight loss, a high temperature (fever), night sweats, extreme tiredness and a persistent cough that lasts more than three weeks and usually brings up phlegm. In 2017, there were 1.3 million TB-related deaths worldwide.
Murder charges for drunk drivers BANGKOK DEPUTY PRIME MINISter Prawit Wongsuwon says he has ordered police to charge speeding and drunk motorists who cause fatal accidents during the Songkran holiday with murder. “I am worried that speeding and drink driving can kill others. We must try to reduce deaths from these causes. So, anyone who violates speed limits or drives under the influence and causes death will be held responsible for
Drivers arrested during Songkran 2018 drink holy water and swear not to drink-drive again. Photo: Bangkok Post murder,” Gen Prawit said on Monday (Apr 5). The new measure would add to other measures earlier introduced to boost road safety during Songkran, he said. Other measures include impounding the vehicles of
drunk drivers. He did confirm that Songkran revellers will be allowed to travel around on the back of pickup trucks as usual. “Let it go for now,” said Gen Prawit, who is also the Defence Minister. Despite the intense road safety campaign for the Songkran festival in April last year, there were still 3,724 traffic accidents, which killed 418 people and injured 3,897 others. Speeding and drink driving were cited as the most common causes. Bangkok Post
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Safety at Sea
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
BUSINESS NEWS
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Galileo launches new initiative for Phuket’s marine industry MARINE The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th
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alileo Maritime Academy and the Thai Yachting Business Association (TYBA), in conjunction with The Phuket News and Live 89.5 radio, has launched a marine safety training campaign for all crew of vessels engaged in the Thai marine tourism industry. Galileo has based the training program on the widely accepted international standards developed over the last 10 years by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) known as MGN 280, explained Anthony Gould, Chairman and Director of Galileo. “T he I MO a nd MCA standards were designed for captains and crew of vessels under 24 meters in length engaged in commercial tourism, work boats and pilot boats, and is currently used in many countries,” he said. Starting this month will be regular radio broadcasts on Live 89.5 of daily tips and advice for all crew and yacht operators covering fire prevention and fire-fighting, personal safety and care of the marine environment, survival skills in an emergency, first aid and being a first responder, crowd management and crisis handling skills, collision regulations and basic navigation, voyage and weather planning, seamanship and heavy weather handling, safety equipment and VHF radio communication. There will also be regular
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The Safety at Sea intensive series begins this month: Photos: Galileo Maritime Academy articles and coverage of the training program as it progresses in The Phuket News’ special column on Safety at Sea. The campaign will initially continue for three months. “The objective of this campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of professional standards of training to improve the safety record of Phuket’s marine industry and to promote quality training that will give guests and crew greater confidence that they can be safer in their work and leisure,” Mr Gould said. “As a result we believe that charter companies, hotels and tour operators will be able to promote their marine operations as compliant with the best international standards and are a safer experience for their tourist guests.” The Galileo Maritime Academy training program for captains and crew of these vessels will be delivered in
both Thai and English language at economical group rates. The program will be broken down into segments of knowledge and practical skills to fit in with the requirements of working crew so that marine operations are not disrupted, Mr Gould noted. Galileo will provide the instructors, facilities and equipment at their training centre at Yacht Haven Marina and in some cases the theory classes can be held in client hotels and company facilities, he added. “Phuket is fast becoming an international maritime training destination. In the first quarter of 2019 Galileo has seen a truly international spread of students from the superyacht and commercial shipping industry visiting Phuket to obtain MCA certification at the maritime training centre at Yacht Haven Marina. “In all, 51% of these students have been entry-level
crew looking to start their careers on superyachts and 49% have been experienced captains and crew carrying out STCW refresher courses and advanced proficiency training in Medical Care,
Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Advanced Fire Fighting, Approved Marine Engine Courses, Efficient Deckhand and Fast Rescue Boat courses – all under MCA certification,” Mr Gould explained.
The UK has consistently been the largest source of students by nationality as is Europe generally, next is Asia and then Australia and USA, Canada and South Africa, he noted.
10 BUSINESS NEWS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Taking on the taxman
Are you paying tax on your property rental income? You should be! THE PHUKET PROPERTY GUIDE Thai Residential phuket@thairesidential.com
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his is the first in a series of articles on the Phuket property market, including its bear traps and pitfalls. For example: Did you know you should be paying tax on your rental income? Why is it that so many property buyers in Phuket are either wilfully or unwittingly ignorant of the need to pay tax on their rental income? Albert Einstein once said, “The hardest thing in the world to understand is the income tax,” but calculating the tax on your Thai rental income doesn’t require a theoretical physicist. All Thailand-sourced income is taxable, including Phuket rental income, regardless of where you live, and is based on your marginal income tax rate. After allowable deductions it’s really quite reasonable. Withholding tax does depend on your residency, and comes due as the rental income is collected. Tax residents of Thailand must withhold 5% if the income is paid from a “juristic person”. Rent received
The PorNgorDor 90 tax form, complete with a section on income from rentals. from an individual has no withholding tax. If you are not a Thai tax resident, the withholding tax is a flat 15%. (Note: landlord and tenant are jointly liable for paying the withholding tax!) Owners may take a 30% deduction for upkeep and expenses, but if you’ve spent more than this, you may itemise your deductions – so keep receipts for everything! “Owner” in this case should be taken literally. If you’re renting out a leasehold villa, you’re not the owner of the property,
but are technically sub-letting it. As such, you are not entitled to the deduction. Speaking of villas, a surprising number of people aren’t aware that buying a villa through a Thai company creates an income tax liability if you live there. If you are a director of that company, or the villa is a benefit in kind (i.e. a perk of your job), then the fair market rent of your home is taxable as income. This also applies to bungalows and condos, not only villas.
Finally, what are the penalties for failing to pay your tax? The penalty can be as much as the unpaid tax itself, effectively doubling your tax bill. There is also an additional surcharge of 1.5% per month as long as the tax remains unpaid. OK! That’s the scary part. So what about the nuts and bolts? When are taxes due? Taxes must be filed before the end of March each year (e.g. March 31, 2020 for income earned in 2019). How do I pay my taxes? Most
people don’t want the hassle of doing their own taxes, so they find an experienced local accountant. If you want to do it yourself, however, the Revenue Department has an English-language website with guidelines and downloadable forms (http://www.rd.go.th/ publish/6045.0.html). There are also four offices in Phuket. Two are in Phuket Town (including the main Revenue Department for Phuket Province), and one each in Kathu and Thalang. You can find the contact numbers for each office here: http://www.rd.go. th/publish/38172.0.html . How much do I have to pay? Assuming you have a rental income on your Phuket condo of US$1,500 per month (about B47,000 per month, totalling about US$18,000 per year), your tax payable would work out to 3%. On rental income of $144,000 per year (US$12,000pm), it would still be less than 16%. For only 3% to 16% tax, is it really worth trying to bilk the taxman? This article is from the 2018/2019 Thai Residential Phuket Property Guide. To download the 2019/2020 Guide visit thairesidential.com/phuket-propertyguide. +66 9484 11918.
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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Baltimore bouffants at BISP musical
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Wet.
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Wetter.
Ace of spades: essential garden tools
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Wettest.
NEW YEAR, NEW ZEN Taking the calm off of the mat and into our lives LET’S GET BENT Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com
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ello and welcome to April’s edition of Let’s Get Bent. Songkran is the inspiration for this month’s article. I cannot believe that the festival is already here. Things can get a bit crazy around Thailand at this time of year, and our patience can be tested. You may have to wait in traffic a little longer, you may get water thrown in your face when you least expect it and you may encounter some very loud, very happy Songkran revellers. This year I think we should be the calm in the midst of the crazy Songkran storm. Let us not sweat the small stuff, let us delight in this unique celebration of Thailand’s New Year. How can we do this, you ask? The answer is yoga. Yoga is not all about being flexible; the increased flexibility you gain is just one of the benefits of practising. The other benefit you gain is a deeper @thephuketnews
understanding of using your breath as a tool for release, learning that the breath is not just an involuntary action that keeps us alive. The way you breathe and how you focus on your breath allows you to bring relaxation and shamata (calm abiding) into your everyday life. The techniques you learn in yoga class help to build a habit of calm that can be taken with you off of the mat after class and integrated into your day-to-day life. We all know that yoga and meditation are great ways to bring a little zen into our lives, but how long does that zen stay after you have finished your class? Do you get up off of your yoga mat straight after class and jump directly onto your phone or start gossiping about something amongst yourselves? Do you lose your temper as you leave the car park or get angry when they don’t serve you fast enough at your local café? Why fall into this habit when you can be a little more mindful and calm? Use the habits you learn on the yoga mat to become the example not the exception in this crazy modern world. Even your most unspiritual friend will say to you when you are upset,
“Just breathe, babe”. Although they don’t really know what they’re saying, they are on the right lines. Under the layers of busyness we carry around with us, we all have the tools and the ability to calm ourselves down. The breath is your natural tool for relaxation, and the great thing about the breath is that it is with you at every moment of your life. The breath is not something you can accidentally leave behind at home – without the breath, you are in a bit of trouble – it is right there when you need it. If you feel like the cogs in your mind are winding too fast and you are going to snap, take a moment, however long or short that moment is, and be 100% present with just feeling the breath moving in and out of the body. Feel the movement of the breath come, not just from the nostrils, but from the entire surface of the skin. Be receptive to the pores on the surface of your skin; the skin is the human body’s largest organ after all. You will find that as you simplify the mind’s affairs to concentrate just on the breath and the body, the part of the mind that you are observing the world from will change too.
We have a ‘business’ part of the brain that is located in our frontal lobes, and it’s great to have it. We need it for list-making, decision-making and quick thought, but we do not want to be sitting in a busy brain 24/7 – that would be terribly tiring. When we are calm and relaxed we use a different area of our brain, located more in the centre, known as the monad. We can relax our mind back to this area by simplifying the mind’s affairs to focus on feeling the body breathe. When we observe the world from the monad, brain activity slows down from busy beta brainwaves to alpha, the muscles of the body relax, the stress receptors in the body calm down and the general cue that the body reads from is softer and more relaxed, resulting in a calmer and happier you. So get yourself to a yoga class, learn how to cultivate your own zen with your breath and take that lesson off of your yoga mat and into every aspect of your busy lives. And enjoy Songkran. Water dries, laughter is free and nobody likes a Bah Humbug. Happy stretching. Metta, Kim oxo
12 EVENTS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
QSI to hold 11 Trash Fashion Show th
See students go eco-chic at the school’s annual event on May 3 The Phuket News gets upcycled.
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QSI International School, Phuket
n May 3, QSI International School of Phuket (QSIP) will host the 11th annual Trash Fashion Show at its school campus. This year, the show will be hosted by the new art teacher Ms Thali, who has plans to make it slightly different from previous years. “This year I’ve decided to make a few changes and come up with a theme for the show. I’ve brainstormed some ideas with students and the theme we decided on is ‘Universe’. Students can create any designs that are inspired by any elements related to the universe,” explained Ms Thali. The Trash Fashion Show aims to raise awareness about waste, bringing students together to create something beautiful out of what could be considered by many as useless. Students have been putting a lot of effort and time into coming up with outfits that are made entirely of recycled materials. QSIP wants to avoid further waste, and once the show takes place, all the clothes made will be turned into an art display in the school so that students, parents and visitors can take a closer look at the designs. “The whole point of the Trash Fashion Show is to raise awareness about waste. We want to avoid using materials that are new and we want to make sure that once the event is over the clothes won’t end up in the trash anyway. By creating an exhibit, visitors will be able to check out what we have done as if they were visiting an art gallery,” explained Mr Warren, the media teacher who came up with the idea of turning the outfits into an exhibit. Students of all age groups will be participating and have already started coming up with the de-
Ready for the runway. signs and creating their fashion sketches. On top of that the whole school staff, parents and students are working towards saving recycled materials to use in the making of the outfits. Those outside QSIP are welcome to do the same by donating paper, plastic, bottles, bottle caps, can pull-tabs, cardboard, packages, toilet rolls, corks etc. The only requirement is that the recycled materials are delivered clean. “We have been working hard to bring awareness to the amount of waste we generate and what we can actually create with it all. Students have been making musical instruments, art decorations, organisers
and more with resources that would have been wasted otherwise. The leftover material from the Trash Fashion Show will be used to create furniture and objects for use around the school,” said Mr Peters, QSIP’s Director. The Trash Fashion Show starts at 1pm on May 3. Entry is free. If you would like to support the event by donating recycled materials, please contact Ms Thali at Thalita-simon@pkt.qsi.org or drop the materials at the school. QSIP is located at 81/4 Moo1, Chalermprakiat R.9 Rd, Kathu, Phuket, 83120.
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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
TRAVEL 13
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Around the world in 80 pets
Pet-sitting: travel for animal lovers with a sense of adventure Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th
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here are plenty of established ways to travel the world. Backpacking, couchsurfing, volunteering, sailing, roadtripping, taking a cruise… But pet-sitting? That’s a new one on me. (And one I wish I was familiar with before I, fresh off the boat, was met with a bill for five rabies injections after attempting to befriend a street cat.) The Phuket News spoke to pet-sitting globetrotters Rosy and Geoff King on the Phuket leg of their travels. The couple, from Queensland, Australia, aren’t just signed up to care for cats and dogs, but reptiles, horses, fish, poultry, farm animals, birds and small pets too. Their experience is proof that caring for pets, and holding the fort while their owners are away, is a legitimate and surprisingly rewarding way to travel the world. What did you do back in Australia? Rosy: “I run a corporate training business. I’m a digital nomad and run everything online. We try to attend networking events in each country we go to.” Geoff: “I’m retired, so chief cook and bottle washer at the moment! I was in construction before, working up and down the east coast of Australia.” How did you find out that it was possible to travel the world in this way? Rosy: “I said to Geoff that when the last of our five children goes to university, I want to take a gap year. I started researching ways to travel the world and I stumbled upon the Trusted Housesitters website. “We rented two properties on Airbnb in Australia for three or four years so we had good reviews from all over the world to put on our profile. “On Sep 26 last year, I sold my office and got on a plane the same day. We had three trips booked before we left home and now we just book as we go.” Geoff: “People don’t want to put their cats into catteries or their dogs into kennels. They’re much happier knowing they’re in their home and not stressed, and there’s the security that
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Kitty city with Rosy. there’s someone staying in their home while they’re away. “It’s becoming a popular way to travel, although I think most people use it for shorter holidays as opposed to more long-term travel.” Where have you travelled so far? Rosy: “The UK, Malta, Egypt, Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia then back to Thailand. Next we’re off to Singapore for 16 days then Canada for three months.” Geoff: “We try to spend at least a month in each country so we can get to know the customs, the money and a bit of the language. Otherwise, three days here, five days there turns into a big blur.” Tell us about Malta. Rosy: “We house-sat for a lady in Ghaxaq while she competed in the World Scrabble Championship. She’s rehomed over 500 dogs from Sicily and has eight of her own that she tried to rehome but they were too timid or untrainable.” Geoff: “There was one dog we didn’t touch the whole time because he just wouldn’t let us get near. And I’ve managed, trained and looked after working dogs and livestock in outback Australia for 20 years!” Rosy: “It was a challenge looking after them all but they were lovely. When we were in Penang at a networking event, we got talking to some other house-sitters who clocked and said, “Oh you took that job!” It was on the site for a while.” Hold on a second, World Scrabble Championship? Rosy: “Yes! I said to her, ‘We have to have a game with you’. She beat the
Who’s walking who here? Geoff in Bur Safajah, Egypt. pants off us but it was cool to learn some tricks. We found out you can use a word from any language in the competition. Often the players won’t know the meaning of the word they put down, they just know it’s a word.” Geoff: “We played on a Scrabble board that said ‘World Champion 2015’ on it. And we learnt that the man that won the competition last year and this year also won the French competition but doesn’t speak a word of French.” Rosy: “You meet so many interesting people. World champion Scrabble players, British Airways captains, country managers for NGOs, chemists with a brewery at the end of their garden…”
Swiffer, which translates as ‘mop’. What’s the best part of pet-sitting? Rosy: “When you’re in a hotel, you feel like a visitor to the country. When you house-sit, you feel like you’re part of the community. When we house-sat in Bur Safajah in Egypt, for example, the host picked us up from the airport and took us back to her place where she’d invited the locals over for a barbecue.” Geoff: “She showed us the best places to eat and introduced us to the dive shop who let us borrow equipment to go snorkelling on the reef instead of us paying to go out on a trip. “What you save on accommodation is a big bonus too. Some of the house-sits have even given us their car to use.”
14 CULTURE
Sacred Geometry THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Does mathematics hold a case for intelligent design? MUSING IN THE MIRE David Jacklin david@littleloud.com
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rather factual and equally amusing retort by atheists on the argument of their lack of faith goes, “There have been 10,000 gods throughout history. You reject 9,999 of them. I just go one further.” As a damned non-believer of our world’s major religions, I personally find it bizarre that a grown-up can seriously consider that there’s an all-powerful creator just waiting to evaluate your end-of-terminal report to see if you made the grade. It’s certainly a risky line of thinking, and I’ll accept I’ll look pretty darn stupid if I’m wrong. If I’m right, I don’t even get the chance to see the opposition lose face. It’s a bum deal all round. But to doubt is to be human, and we all have our moments. For my grandfather it was the taste of an onion. He was a strange chap. But then again, over the past 40 years I’ve come to consider that if there is a creator, she’s pretty odd too. Surprisingly for me, numbers can raise a rather profound spiritual dilemma. Our universe is determined by certain mathematical constants which express themselves in the form of patterns and cycles in nature. So precise and extraordinary are the formulae that it certainly presents itself as an argument for intelligent design in our creation. The blueprint of these mathematical designs can be found in religious doctrine, signage and imagery since the earliest of times. From the spiralling galaxies, the symmetry within flora to the humble snail shell, mathematical constants are woven into our fabric and presented all around us. Scientifically, we believe that geometry was the art of the Greeks. But long before this complex geometric design was present in the construction of sacred spaces from races as diverse as
the Minoans, Sumerians, Egyptians, Indus Valley, Chinese, Phoenicians and the curators of Megalith rock formations across the Western European countryside. Thai sacred geometry is inherent in the Sak Yant tattoo, where geometric design is incorporated with Buddhists psalms and magical formulas to invoke elements and powers of protection and blessings. But just how were ancient civilisations able to mimic the natural observations around them into complex symbolic design? It all starts with the humble circle. All other geometric shapes can be determined from a circle with the use of only a compass (or string) and a ruler (straight edge). By starting with the vesica piscis (a shape formed by the intersection of two circles with the same radius, intersecting so that the centre of each circle lies on the perimeter of the other) one can produce an equilateral triangle, hexagon, pentagon and square. The exterior angle of the Great Pyramid of Giza, built over 4,500 years ago, can be calculated with the vesica piscis. The figure of Pi is equally to be found in the dimensions of the Great Pyramid several times, including the height/perimeter ratio of the pyramid itself. Egyptian mathematicians recorded The Sacred Mean (Phi), presenting a figure of 3.16 in the Rhind Papyrus, which was written 600 to 800 years later and was far cruder than the precise ratio the Great Pyramid architecturally presents. More sophisticated use of the vesica piscis led to the ad-triangulum, a system of Masonic Geometry in use throughout the Middle Ages into Renaissance times, and used to design many of Europe’s greatest cathedrals. The Sacred Mean (also known as the Golden Ratio or The Divine Proportion) is a mathematical constant which is visible across the spectrum of the natural world. It defines that there is a constant ratio between measurable quantities of any kind. Leonardo Da Vinci used these principles to produce
Leonardo Da Vinci’s The Vitruvian Man. Image: Eric S / Flickr his famous image of the Vitruvian Man, sectioning the human form into a measurement of ‘cubits’ which are related. For example, while the body is four cubits high, it can be seen on the same body that one cubit is both the length from shoulder to shoulder and from elbow to fingertips. The same rules apply throughout the dimensions of the human body. One of the mathematical products of this mean is the spiral, again found throughout nature. The Sacred Mean is also observed in the geometry of the pentagram and its associated pentagon, where the ratio between the sides of the pentagon and its extension into the pentagram also demonstrate a ratio of Pi. The design has been used in ancient times as a Christian symbol for the five senses, or of the five wounds of Christ, and also in witchcraft as a symbol of spiritual shielding. Further sophisticated play with the humble circle produces ‘The Flower of Life’ symbol, a geometrical figure composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles. They are arranged to form a flower-like pattern with a sixfold symmetry, similar to a hexagon. The centre of each circle is on the circumference of six surrounding circles of the same diameter. The Flower of Life is considered to be sacred among many cultures around the world. It can be found in architecture through the ages, in the Kabbalah’s ‘Tree of Life’, through to the dimensions of the Stonehenge prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, dated to 3000 BC. And from the Flower of Life symbol 3D form or ‘solids’ can be generated. Extending from the exact same shape and angle, one can create the star tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron,
dodecahedron and icosahedron, collectively known as the Platonic solids. The Greeks taught that these five solids were the core patterns of physical creation, and are now realised to be intimately related to the arrangements of protons and neutrons in the elements of the periodic table. From the micro to the macro, geometry is inherent. The mathematical harmony of the universe is visible in the proportions of the planets of our own solar system. The diameter of the sun is the same as the perimeter of the square of the moon. The ratio of the Sacred Mean can also be seen in the rotations of Venus and the Earth around the Sun so that for each five years that Earth rotates around the Sun, Venus manages to orbit it eight times. The result of this motion is that Venus ‘draws’ a pentagram around the sun with its orbiting meeting points with the Earth. Spooky, huh? Well, yes and no. In the debate of whether or not an all-powerful creator exists, it could easily play into both camp’s debate. It would seem reasonable to an atheist that our life is due to no more than a strict set of mathematical rules, and yet the sheer beauty and complexity borne out of such simple founding ratios cannot help but make us wonder on the possibility of conscious intelligent design. For many this is the observation of the god that is nature, and it’s the only one in my canon. One thing’s for sure. Any secret, villainous plans I had to become the powerful ruler of my very own universe has been well and truly scuppered. I was always shockingly abysmal at maths. thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Welcome to the ’60s Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th
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t’s not every school that would dare to take on Hairspray as the British International School, Phuket – BISP did earlier this month. Posters in pop-art colours and sixties, sing-song trailers will have you believe it’s nothing more than a twee musical, when in fact it wrestles with the social issues of racial injustice, segregation and body image. Set in Baltimore, USA in 1962, the story sees Tracy Turnblad, a plus-sized teenager, live out her dream of dancing on popular TV variety programme The Corny Collins Show and, against the odds, become an overnight star. Using her new-found fame, Tracy campaigns for racial integration on the show. BISP brought the musical to audiences with two casts: the younger years, who performed on Tuesday (Apr 2) evening, and the older years, who took the lead on Monday and Wednesday. A glance at the school’s philosophy and
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perhaps it’s not such a surprise that they fixed on Hairspray, even for their younger students. ‘We should be mindful of the needs and rights of others’ takes first place in their list of four key values. Ahead of Wednesday night’s sell-out performance – the last of the run, famously the best – I head to the dressing rooms in search of Emily Norman, the Head of Drama. Crew attend to last-minute costume malfunctions, the final hair grips secure wigs in place and there’s a nervous energy in the air. “I’ve done Hairspray before and loved it. It’s fun, entertaining, full of crazy dancing and the kids really enjoy it,” she says, amid the pre-show chaos. “We’ve been rehearsing since January and, as we’ve got closer to the show, Saturdays and Sundays as well.” Emily hails from the UK where she taught at a performing arts school that has seen students go on to win reality talent shows The Voice and X-Factor, perform with dance troupe Diversity and appear in TV soap opera EastEnders. That’s some impressive alumni. It’s safe to say my expectations are
high. And I’m not disappointed. Hairspray has been from screen to stage and back again, and while each incarnation has its own style – from John Waters’ 1988 film to the 2007 remake to the West End and Broadway stage adaptations – they all share that same tremendous energy. BISP’s offering is no different. The students are all-singing, all-dancing and all-American from the opening chords of act one until the final bows at curtain call. It’s hard not to get swept up in it all: the pop, soul and rhythm and blues soundtrack provided by the orchestra, the floral swing dresses spinning across the stage, the beehive hairdos grazing the auditorium ceiling. The students don’t miss a beat in their delivery of the musical’s gags and witticisms – which is particularly impressive given the range of nationalities involved – and there are countless laugh-out-loud moments. Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy’s parents, form a fantastic double act and quickly become audience favourites. Carrying on tradition, Edna is played by a male
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The multitalented cast. Photo: BISP student who makes a re-entrance in act two from a giant can of hairspray to raucous laughter and applause. There are some goosebump moments courtesy of the cast’s stand-out voices, too. As Motormouth Maybelle, the host of Negro Day on the The Corny Collins Show, and Seaweed, her son, deliver their respective solos, eyes dart around the room as if to say, “Are you hearing this?” Their voices are rich and soulful and ring out into the auditorium. A special mention must go to the show’s choreographer, a mother of a student at the school, who worked break times, lunch times, after school and at weekends to get the cast twistin’, tap dancing and doing the mash potato in perfect time. Be sure to get a ticket for BISP’s next performance. Plans are already in place for an inventive outdoor show that you won’t want to miss… Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s performances were live-streamed and are available to watch at www.youtube. com/bistekphuket
16 GARDENING
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Photo: bestpicko.com
Photo: Lukas / Pexels
Tools of the Gardening Trade GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell
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ardening has always been a time-honoured craft, and the tools of the craft reflect that patience in practice. Nowadays, we may have motorised lawn mowers, shredders, trimmers, cultivators and blowers, even chainsaws, but the basic implements are much as they have always
been, dependent less on petrol than on perseverance. That some hand tools are more, or indeed less, suited to tropical horticulture is something every gardener comes to acknowledge. Where to begin? Ace of spades? Certainly a spade is key for general digging, for loosening soil, for digging planting holes and for transferring soil to a separate pile or wheelbarrow, if you have one. A round-point shovel is probably best for digging, a squarenosed one for picking up material. A fork is also essential: useful for break-
ing up clods of soil and better in clay or rocky soils. Ledges or “steps” at the top of the blade or tines are useful for placing your foot when you dig. It may sound heinous to say so, but in Thailand I have found shovels and forks less serviceable than hoes and mattocks. It reflects the fact that, in my neck of the woods at least, there is little friable top-soil. Here, the mixture of clay and grit compacts in the heavy downpours of the monsoon and then hardens beneath the fierce tropic sun. Hard pan… A hoe with a six-inch blade set perpendicular to the handle is better at both turning over soil and excavating holes for new plants. It is also extremely useful for uprooting weeds, many of which have tough, fibrous roots. It is certainly the favoured weapon of Thai gardeners. I will even confess to using a pickaxe where the earth is especially unyielding, though a narrow-bladed hoe may achieve a comparable effect. Of the two main types of rake, consider a soil rake for levelling, covering rows of seed or creating a good tilth, and a leaf rake with closely spaced tines that curve downwards for dealing with grass clippings or leaves. Some rakes are nowadays made of flexible plastic. Make sure you wear sturdy gardening gloves when picking up leaves. All manner of beasties may be lurking underneath including millipedes, centipedes and even scorpions. In your armoury of hand tools you should have a sharp, dished trowel, made, like your bigger implements, from forged steel. Avoid plastic ones. Use your trowel for planting, for weeding in small areas and for scooping soil or fertiliser. A knife is good for many tasks, including taking cuttings, dividing the roots of plants and opening bags of compost. A metal spike or dibble, another Thai favourite, is good for making holes in the iron-clad soil. For woody shrubs and trees you will need tools for cutting and pruning. Plants grow at such a rate of knots in the tropics that a measure of human intervention is inevitable. For shrubs, the answer is a pair of secateurs. Choose sturdy ones – the cheap ones rust and fall apart – and preferably the anvil rather than the overlapping type in which the straight blade cuts through the branch until it hits the anvil. For thicker branches
Photo: maxpixel.net you may need the extra leverage afforded by loppers which possess long handles up to a metre or so in length. They will cope with branches up to 3-4 centimetres thick, and are especially valuable for dealing with thorny shrubs such as bougainvilleas. Even heavier duty branches will require a pruning saw. The modern fashion is for bow saws which have replaceable blades, necessary because the wood of tropical trees is often exceedingly hard, and saws will get blunt quickly. Always incise at a downward angle to allow moisture to drain away, and make a clean cut so as to avoid open wounds: a tree’s damaged tissue can easily become infected. Hedge shears are needed if you have a substantial hedge that needs clipping – say, bamboo, hibiscus, cristina or duranta. Look after your tools. Clean after use and try to keep them sharp with a carborundum stone. In this climate, a smidgen of oil rubbed in with wire wool is a useful annual treatment.It is of course a matter of personal preference, but you may find other items indispensable; everything from a wheelbarrow down to plastic garden twine. Patrick has been writing for thirteen years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbell@gmail.com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes. thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CULTURE 17
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
The more thing’s change... AirAsia’s failed ad campaign is a reminder of the perils of word play Andrew Biggs
M
y Thai experience is bookended with two memorable explanations of impolite English phrases. The first was 30 years ago; the second last week. I teach English on Twitter and use headlines as source material. Before signing off I ask if there are any questions and last week I was hit with an enquiry about “get off” and why the term could be deemed offensive. In a classroom, there is nothing like an explanation of rude English slang to snap bored students out of their daydreams or Tinder. And in fact, if you care to peruse my Twitter account you will find my cool and collected explanations of “Are you hitting on me?” two weeks ago, and more recently, “WTF”. (The sentence construction for WTF in English is intriguing. We use the “TF” bit only to express shock or surprise. Thailand has similar slang mechanisms, only they use “monitor lizard” instead. Ask your Thai friends for an explanation.) And so when a follower posted a pic of a bus with the words “Get off in Thailand”, I had some explaining to do. Last month AirAsia began promoting a new service from Bangkok to Brisbane with the catchphrase: “Get off in Thailand.” Fox News reported that the ad “drew outrage for appearing to promote sex tourism”. This outrage primarily came from a representative of a women’s rights group. Interestingly, it didn’t measure a major blip in the Thai media, and I would guess that was because not many people understood the double
@thephuketnews
The notorious AirAsia advertisement. Photo: Collective Shout entendre. In English textbooks, one is more prone to get off a bus or bicycle than Thailand. I’m going to humbly request I pass on the outrage aspect of this news story. Getting outraged is the new chic but I’m not participating. Like other current trends – Korean boy bands, Cardi B, dress shoes with no socks – I’m gonna sit this one out. It’s exhausting to be outraged over everything. But how on earth did AirAsia think they could get away with such a campaign? Being an Australian, I understand my home country’s tendency to enjoy irreverent humour that would not be tolerated overseas. My home country also remains a nanny state and goes out of its way not to offend minority groups in its attempts at cultural and social homogenisation. Was Thailand bumped off that list? Did they really think Thailand would not be offended by such a catchphrase? To me, it is the kind of sentence you would throw out in a marketing brainstorming meeting, after which everybody would have a good laugh, make comments like “I wish we really could use that” and then move on to
something a little more acceptable. Are we still flogging the “Bangkok is the sex capital of the world” horse? In this era of outrage over the merest hint of scandal, how is it we still think it’s OK to label Bangkok in that manner? But my explanation of “get off” this week did remind me of another explanation I was forced to make back in my first year in Thailand, hence the bookend analogy. I used to teach English to two women every Monday morning. They were accountants and their names were Wanphen and Wanphen. Both were Chinese Thais with round faces and glasses and were a joy to teach. They also were on the road to being fluent. Pronunciation and sentence construction was still a little off kilter but nothing too serious. One Monday morning the first Wanphen asked me,“Do you have a good weekend?” “OK, Wanphen, try it again,” I said. She didn’t miss a beat. “Did you have a good weekend?” she asked. “Yes, I did, thank you. I went away.” “Where do you go? No … where did you go?” the other Wanphen asked. “Can you guess where I went?”
“Did you go to Chiang Mai for the cool weather?” Wanphen asked. I shook my head. “Did you go to Chanthaburi to eat fruit?” asked the other Wanphen. I said no. “I know!” the first one shouted. “Did you go to Pattaya to get laid?” Surely I didn’t hear that correctly. “Sorry? What did you say?” The Wanphens were unfazed. “Did you go to Pattaya to get laid?” She did say it! Now the other Wanphen could see there was something wrong. She touched her friend’s right arm as she said: “I think it should be “Did you went”, not “Did you go…” “It’s not the grammar!” I finally blurted out and the Wanphens went silent. Now I had really dug myself deep. Now I had to explain. “You asked me if I got laid in Pattaya? G-o-t … l-a-i-d?” Wanphen shakes her head. “No, no, no. G-e-t … r-e-d. You know, for your skin. The way farangs like to lie in the sun on the beach.” That’s when the tidal wave of relief engulfs me. “Get red!!” I shout, loud enough for the two classrooms beside us to hear. “You mean get a suntan! Oh thank the lord!” We quickly go through the rules of pronouncing “R” without the tongue trill and I’m eager to change the subject before the two Wanphens ask the inevitable question that I fear but oh no here it comes too late. “Khun Andrew, what does ‘get laid’ mean?” So this week I came full circle. From that first year, explaining “get laid”, to this week explaining “get off”. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Bangkok Post
18 ISLAND SCENE
Vincent, Gren and Paul.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Craig, Anthony and Gordon. Ian and Andrew.
Alistair, K. Boon, Andrew, K. Thana and Ben.
MAKING WAVES AT MONTHLY GROW BOATING NETWORKING EVENING A great turnout saw members of Phuket’s boating community from the southern, central and northern parts of the island arrive in numbers to take part in the Grow Boating Networking Evening at The Lagoon Saloon, Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina on Apr 5. Multihull Solutions Asia were drinks sponsors, for which a rousing cheer went to Andrew de Bruin and his team. The Lagoon Saloon BBQ served their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees. The event was supported by media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV.
The event is in its fourth year.
The event raised money for the Children First Fund.
Golfers played on the stunning Laguna Golf Phuket course.
Much fun was had by all.
PHUKET HOSPITALITY CHALLENGE A DAY OF FUN FOR CHARI-TEE The fourth Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge charity golf tournament took place on Apr 3. A fantastic day of gourmet golf, food and beverages on Laguna Golf Phuket course, all in aid of the Children First Fund. The Phuket News was a proud media partner and sponsor. thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
ISLAND SCENE 19
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
The birthday boy.
A family portrait. Over 50 friends and family members turned out.
Joel and the Outta the Box troupe.
JOEL ADAMS CELEBRATES 70TH WITH SHANTI LODGE BIRTHDAY BASH Joel, beloved thespian and regular contributor to The Phuket News, held his 70th birthday celebrations at Shanti Lodge on Mar 29. Over 50 friends and family members turned out to wish him their best. The Shanti team laid out a delicious barbecue buffet, Midnight Sun provided the music and the Outta the Box theatre group performed some surprise comic sketches about Joel’s life.
Shayne and Ro.
K. Fen, Philip and Steve.
Jennifer, Sinead, Aureliane, Dineke, Jenny and Kelia.
Lili and Dano, The Killian Circus.
COMEDY GOLD AT JW MARRIOTT MONTHLY STANDUP ASIA NIGHT On Apr 7, Dana Alexander, Ro Campbell and Shayne Hunter took to the stage for another night of side-splitting comedy at the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, brought to Phuket by StandUp Asia, which brings some of the best international comedic talent on the circuit to the island. @thephuketnews
20 EVENTS
FRI
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
12 APR
SAT
13 APR
Mussels night @ Shakers
All you can eat BBQ Ribs night
1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.
6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.
The Great Nai Harn Phuket Sunday Brunch Saturday Brunch & Bar From Grilled Seafood - Premium Meats - Sushi Corner Salad Bar Appetizers and Delectable Desserts to all time favorite Free-Flow Beverages. Treat your Saturday to the fullest. Let’s Brunch! *THB 2.399++ per person (including free-flow beverages) *THB 1,699++ per person (including soft drinks). *50& off for children aged from 6-12 years old. Reservation, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, dtlpfb@dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7310
Happy Songkran Fest ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www. twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.
Songkarn Festival 2019 3 days of dream experiences. Friday brunch THB 990++ per person, Saturday brunch only THB 990++per person and Sunday brunch THB 18,90++ per person. Brunch: 12-4pm and pool party all day long. Dream Beach Club, reservations@dreambeachclub.com, 098 048 3500.
Experience the pleasant water festival. Tuck into an extraordinary offer to celebrate Songkran festival at Poolside garden, featuring vibrant food and beverage stalls comprised of local vendors and hotel catered stall, six local and international brews. Enjoy a unique blend of Thai street food, BBQ and classic dishes from the resort’s restaurants and souvenirs. Your little ones can also enjoy kid’s entertainment zone with bouncing castle, games, face painting and movies. Starting from THB 100 nett. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500
Phuket Bike Week 2019 Phuket Bike Week 2019 “World Ride Together”, the Asian biggest motorcycle event, will celebrate the 25th anniversary on 12-20 April 2019. This event will be the large gathering of motorcyclists, expecting to draw over 5,000 motorcycles, 50,000 visitors from more than 30 countries to Phuket. The excitement will take place in Patong beach on 12 - 14 April 2019 and in Phuket Town (Phuket Boat Lagoon) on 19 - 20 April 2019.
SUN
Mr. Eric Canham
All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet
CELEBRATE THAI NEW YEAR “SONGKRAN BUFFET” To celebrate the Thai New Year festivities, Saffron is inviting you and your family to embrace the Thai touches and discover the delicate flavors of a handcrafted magnificent Thai buffet. Experience the special entertainment from ‘Banyan Tree Got Talent’ artists during dinner. THB 3,300 net per guest. For Bookings email fb-phuket@banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
Songkran Festival Dinner under the stars with traditional Thai musical entertainment. Starting at 6.30 pm. THB 1,200* per person. Reservation, Lagoon Law at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, hkthi.fb@hilton.com, 076 396 433-41.
Room Service & Sound Addiction at Baba Beach Club Phuket Songkran Festival is just around the corner, escape to our Music Lover’s Hotel Baba Beach Club Phuket for an elevated festival experience filled with live DJ performances and #BabaVibes. For more information & bookings, contact us: 076 429 388, phuket@bababeachclub.com, Baba Beach Club Phuket
Every Sunday from 12:30 - 15:00 hrs Guests can savor delectable creations prepared by culinary maestro, Executive Chef Mark Jones, While enjoying spectacular views over Nai Harn Bay and listening to the sounds of Resident DJ Sun. THB 4,600 net per adult (With free- flow premium beverage handpicked by James Suckling) THB 2,950 net per adult (food only) THB 1,300 net per child aged from 6 to 18 years. For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com
14 APR
Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.
ACST Phuket Cricket Week 2019 ACST Phuket Cricket Week 2019 at the Alan Cooke Ground, Thalang, Phuket. Featuring the 16th Phuket International Cricket Sixes from Wednesday 10th to Sunday 14th and the 8th Thailand International Cricket 7’s from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st April. Admission is free and refreshments are available. Come and enjoy Fun in the Sun and make Friendships Through Cricket.
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
South African singer and songwriter Eric Canham will be entertaining you 23rd March until 21st April at Rock Salt and Cosmo. Sunday Brunch @ Cosmo - 12.30 pm to 3.00 pm. Happy Time @ Rock Salt - Monday, Tuesday, Saturday 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm. For further information and reservation, please contact “Reservations”at Tel: +66 76 380 200. www.thenaiharn.com, 23/3 Moo 1, Vises Road, Rawai, Muang District, Phuket, 83130.
MON
15 APR
All you can eat BBQ night
Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.
6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.
Simmer & Spice Curry buffet, Great variety, Vibrant flavours. Every Monday from 18.30 - 21.30. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.
WED
17 APR
Sala Wednesday nights: Ribs, beats, brews Sala Sunday Night Steak & Seafood Premium barbecue main course, including imported Australian Rib Eye, full rack of Lamb or whole Phuket Lobster accompanied by buffet of delicious appetizers. Live music from 6.30pm. Premium BBQ. 1,700*Baht. Reservations, Sala Phuket, events@salaphuket.com 076 338 888.
Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finish it off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket.com or call 076 338 888.
thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
EVENTS 21
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
THU
18 APR
SAT
20 APR
MON
22 APR
Reggae Night at Two Chefs Bar & Grill HIGH TEA WORKSHOP THURSDAY 18TH APRIL 2019 | Wine Rack | 3 - 5pm One & Only high tea workshop on the island! Meet Chef Nick from Royalebrat with his innovative ideas and inspired high tea. THB 1,200 net per guest. For Bookings email fb-phuket@ banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
Elegant White Charity Gala Elegant White Charity Gala 10,000 Baht per person. With a limit of 50 charitable souls. Any questions call 081 892 9207.
SUN
21 APR
THE PROGRESSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE BY CHEF DAN BARK MONDAY 22ND APRIL 2019 | Tre | 6:30 – 10:30pm. The Progressive Dining Experience by Chef Dan Bark, features a 7-course tasting menu where each course focuses on delicate surprising flavours that will challenge the diner’s pallate in a unique way. Food only: THB 3,500 net per guest. Food with Beverages pairing: THB 4,500 net per guest. For Bookings email fb-phuket@banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
THU
Have a night of no worries on April 27, 2019 at Two Chefs Karon! Let’s jam all night long at Two Chefs Reggae Night!Hear the Two Chefs house band play your favorite reggae hits and transport you to the Caribbean! Who doesn’t like that?! We also have our All You Can Eat Jamaican Inspired Mixed Grill for just THB495! Message us NOW to book your table! Live music starts from 8:30pm and goes late Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW. FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND You may also call us directly at Two Chefs Karon 076-286-479. COME FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN!
25 APR
PIWC APRIL LUNCH PIWC APRIL LUNCH on Thursday, April 18 at Vero Italian Trattoria & Wine Bar - Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach Members 700 Baht Nonmembers 850 Baht Registration opens 11:30 a.m. Lunch commences 12 noon For those in the Northern part of the island who would like to go in the minivan, please email Carole Dux at mummydux@gmail. com to book your seat. The minivan will leave from Villa Market, Laguna. Please note we are limited to the first 40 reservations so please click on the registration button at the top of the page as it is filling up.
FRI
TEA-INSPIRED HIGH TEA THE LAUNCHING OF 2019 EDITION SUNDAY 21ST APRIL 2019 ~ Lobby Bar | 2 – 5pm Discover amazing flavours of a newly created “tea inspired high tea”. Be the first to try! THB 1,900 net per set per couple. For Bookings email fb-phuket@banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
ANZAC Day
19 APR
Members of The Public are welcome to lay a wreath A light breakfast will be served afterwards. Please register your attendance by email: RSVP.Phuket@dfat.gov.au Australian Consulate-General Phuket, Thailand, Phuket Yacht Club
Easter Brunch 3rd Anniversary Celebration South-African singer/songwriter Eric Canham will perform that evening for you. Free entry, free flow selected beverages and complimentary canapes from 5.30 pm to 6.30 pm. The Nai Harn, Rock Salt, fbreservation@thenaiharn.com, 076 380 200.
A TEA-INSPIRED GOURMET DINNER FRIDAY 19TH & SATURDAY 20TH APRIL 2019 | Tre | 6.30 – 10.30pm. The ultimate break for every gourmands, Dilmah Tea Chef Ambassador presents a 5 course innovative teainfused in-one-of a kind dinner, reveals his audacious and evocative talents to diners at Banyan Tree Phuket. Food and Tea Pairing 3,000 THB net per guest. For Bookings email fbphuket@banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
@thephuketnews
Blue Horizon WCGC Thailand 2019
From 12.00 - 16.00. THB 1,850++ per person. Join egg-citing on the beach, egg hunting and games by tree house kids club, Easter bunny visit with goody bag for kids, kid’s buffet, live entertainment and massage corner. kids below 12 dine free (one child per paying adult). Reservation, XANA Beach Club, fbreservation-lagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500
THE PROGRESSIVE SUNDAY EASTER BRUNCH SUNDAY 21ST APRIL 2019 | The Watercourt | Noon – 3.30 pm. “Michelin-Star Easter Brunch” Chef Dan Bark from “Upstairs” Bangkok will share his unique intriguing culinary skills in our Banyan Tree Phuket’s signature and famous Brunch Chef Dan Bark, formerly Sous Chef of the Three Star-Michelin restaurant Grace in Chicago. Food only | THB 3,500 net per guest. Food with Free Flow beverages THB 4,500 net per guest. Food with ½ bottle of beverage THB 5,500 net per person. For Bookings email fb-phuket@banyantree.com or Call 076-372400.
The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge continues in 2019 with the top 10% of teams (2 people per team) from each qualifier gaining entry to the Thailand Final on the 27th of April 2019 at Laguna Golf Club Phuket. Prominent sponsors provide an all-expenses paid trip to the World Final at Oitavoss Dunes in Cascais, Portugal. For more details and to sign up contact events@foremanagement.com
FRI
3 MAY
ANZAC post Dawn Service Drinks Legends Sports Bar & Grill invites you to join them for post Dawn Service drinks from 10:30am. Free BBQ buffet and discounted prices all day. Legends Sports Bar & Grill - Soi Eden, Patong, across from IBIS Hotel.
SAT
27 APR
Stargazer - 5th Annual Phuket Talent Contest This year, first place will receive 35,000 baht and a Stargazer trophy, second place will get 20,000 baht, and third place gets 10,000 baht. This is a great opportunity to express yourself and maybe find an application for your talent, as well as get to know other participant s and share their experiences. CC’s Hideaway, CC’s Hideaway, Kata Beach, Phuket, stargazer@ cchideaway.com, 076 333 222.
Trash Fashion Show 2019 QSIP will host the 11th edition of the Annual Trash Fashion Show where students will present their fashion designs all made from recycled materials. There will also be objects and decoration made by students for sale. Come joins us on May, 3rd at 13:00h at QSIP.
EVERY DAY
Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its custom-designed kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@ thenaiharn.com
22 TIME OUT
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York
1. What is the correct name for the helmet worn by London “bobby” police? 2. In all his years on TV, did Top Cat ever wear pants? 3. Which part of the body do butterflies use to taste? 4. How many Olympic gold medals has Usain Bolt won? 5. Where is it illegal to sell ice cream after 6pm, unless the customer has a note from his doctor? Answers below, centre
SUDOKU
Medium
Across 1. Big furniture retailer 5. Wide divergence 10. Lather 14. Oven glove 15. Can’t help but 16. Lord of the Rings singer 17. British princess 18. Not silently 19. Where the apple problem came up 20. Movie 23. Wide shoe width 24. “O Sole ___” 25. Org. 29. Like some Law and Order morgue vics, abbr. 32. House style 36. Part of portfolios 38. Plaintive cry 40. Mount ___, Colo. 41. Movie 45. Hudson Bay prov. 46. Semi 47. Triples 48. Sports groups 51. Video maker, for short 53. Reputation 54. Wanted-poster letters 56. Bitter ___
26. Pit 27. Somewhat, slangily 28. Halloween’s mo. 30. “The end” 31. Car club 33. Wooden pin 34. ‘’Once a Hero’’ actor Milo ___ 35. Perch 37. Elder 39. MOMA part 42. Inebriated Down utterance 1. Personal statement intro 43. Brightness 44. Rainbow’s shape 2. Double-decker 49. Sweet dessert checker wine 3. Pennsylvania city 50. Slalom 4. Egyptian solar 52. Austrian deity composer, 5. Take after Gustav 6. Circled 55. Invalidate 7. Since 57. Hungers (for) 8. Render 58. Kelly of talk TV speechless 9. Transmitter, in a 59. Thor’s father 60. Give temporarily way 61. Unit of heredity 10. Parting words 62. It has zones 11. Remove 63. On the ground 12. Batik worker 64. Dutch cheese 13. Capsized 21. Geico promoter 65. Not stay put 69. Dinosaur’s last 22. Intelligence name 25. “___ in the Dark” 58. Movie 66. Brainchild 67. Simon and Diamond 68. Fragrance 70. Engine knock 71. Not fulfilled 72. 3rd base gesture 73. Time ___ half 74. Bad looks 75. Ariz. neighbor
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Custodian helmet; 2) No; 3) Their feet; 4) Nine; 5) Newark, New Jersey.
GOT YOUR NUMBER
ISLAND VIEW
26
This week in history April 12, 1981 The first launch of a Space Shuttle (Columbia) takes place: The STS-1 mission.
years old was how old George Harrison was when The Beatles broke up.
April 13, 1997 Tiger Woods becomes the youngest golfer to win the Masters Tournament.
43
April 14, 1865 U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is shot in Ford’s Theatre by John Wilkes Booth; Lincoln dies the next day.
buildings in New York City are so large they have their own zip codes.
100
billionaires sit as members of China’s parliament.
2011
April 15, 1912 The British passenger liner RMS Titanic sinks in the North Atlantic at 2:20am, two hours and 40 minutes after hitting an iceberg. Only 710 of 2,227 passengers and crew on board survive.
was the year Russia finally considered beer an alcoholic drink. Anything containing less than 10% alcohol was previously considered a “soft drink”.
April 16, 73 AD Masada, a Jewish fortress, falls to the Romans after several months of siege, ending the Great Jewish Revolt.
144 billion steps in just 30 days was how much Pokémon Go increased US activity levels when it was first released. Source: Uberfacts
April 17, 1975 The Cambodian Civil War ends. The Khmer Rouge captures the capital Phnom Penh and Cambodian government forces surrender.
Paradise Road. Photo by Coco Gale, 16 years old @ QSI Phuket Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th
April 18, 1930 The British Broadcasting Corporation announced that “there is no news” in their evening report. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews
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CLASSIFIEDS 23
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Jobs
The Phuket News @thephuketnews
International Sales Support
APR is an international company dealing with customers in Asia and Australia, as well as decorative surface suppliers from Europe. Asia Pacific Representatives Ltd. are looking for: Support staff for our sales team Age: 20-35 years Thai National Excellent English language skills required Knowledge of Microsoft office Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft Excel Office location: Phuket – Chalong Tasks will include: - Project tracking and follow up - Communication with international suppliers and customers - Understanding of our products and services Please submit your resume and recent photo jobs@apr-pfleiderer.com
URG
ENT
Personal Assistant
For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354.
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Art House Real Estate company
Looking for Thai Marketing manager at the property booth, Patong Area, for more detail please contact: info@arthouse.asia
Thai Yoga Instructor
Position available now - Full Time Position - 24 Yoga Classes per month. Wellness Skills - Certificated to teach various Yoga Styles. Additional Health Skills i.e. Aerial Yoga, Acro Yoga, etc. - Assist with Yoga Class inquires and Retreat health consultations. English Speaking - Thai National only 25,000 to 30,000. Kenneth Miller 0866041333. www.ccshideaway.com/wellness.htm
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE
Car for sale
Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419
250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYacht Agency. com, 081-894 -3234 (French/ English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/ English).
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Golden Business Opportunity
Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_ lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979
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Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! 4300000, Dmitry.
Subaru XV
Refurbished Restaurant & Bar
Recently refurbished restaurant & bar for sale in Karon, Phuket, with accom located above. CCTV fitted throughout the building. The business is up for sale for 1.9MB or near offer and includes all fixtures, fittings and stock at point of sale. 062 210 1368. newconceptbars.thailand@ gmail.com
Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale
Cross trek bought new 2013. Well maintained, glass coating, rust proofing, new tires, single owner. Must see! Nicha Residence, 0892873128.
BUSINESSES FOR SALE S
Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad
Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. 61500000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com
Car For Sale
FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000
Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner. Regular maintenance in authorized centers. Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.
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42ft Sport Yacht,Reduced Price
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MEMBERSHIPS
BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP
425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER
"Classic" Baby Grand Piano with "Disc Player". In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239
PROPERTY WANTED Mandala Condo Freehold Wanted
Foreign Freehold Wanted for Mandala Condominium in Kamala. Please email details to mick11468@gmail.com.
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Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo
Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located. Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities. B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918.
Royal Phuket Marina 2 Bed
2-Bedroom Royal Phuket Marina Condo. Seen to be believed. 195m2 Stylish, Tastefully-Decorated Condominium Fully Furnished Overlooking Yacht Marina an absolute bargain @ 13.5 Million BahtTina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 948411918.
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Buy & Sell
Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale
Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. 4297277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com
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Paul MOORHOUSE
‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands. Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, european design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.
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1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale
Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000
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PROPERTY FOR SALE
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Dream Village Phuket house
2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.
2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276
PROPERTY FOR RENT Shop for rent at Amari Phuket, Patong Beach
1 Bed Condo in Kamala
Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and onsite restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888
1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai
Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199
Located at Amari Phuket's lobby building. Size: 33 sqm. Partly furnished: shelves, counter, airconditioner and telephone line. 40,000 THB/ month (negotiation available). Khun Mallika, mallika.t@amari.com, 076 340106 #8006
PROPERTY FOR RENT
COMMUNITY
1 Bed Condo in Kamala
MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury. Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantatsic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.
Mai Khao Beach Condo-Great condo. 5mins from Splash Jungle Water Park. Wonderful location and is a must see. B5,300,000, Christine, 0948411918.
Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888
2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent
RPM by owner
Mai Khao 1 Bed Condo Sale
2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket
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Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com
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PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote
PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote
Private location in prestige area. Outstanding Value. Call owner (Alan): 084 0657590.
Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon
AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY: Beautifully renovated & decorated 3bed+mezzanine, 250 sqm contemporary house featuring: boat berth, rooftop jacuzzi, open kitchen, wine cooler, 2 parkings, storage & laundry area. B 75,000 per month, Henry Cumberlege, hcumberlege@gmail.com
Villa in Patong prime location
One of the last Villas available in Patong. in top condition. 24 hour security. 3 bed, 3 bath, 160sqm living. Fully furnished, garden. Ms. Manatchanok, 0800409411.
Villa Mission Heights Big Pool
3bed, 3 1/2 bath, 330sqm living, 900 sqm land, very quite aera, 2 km mission hill golf, 6km UWC, 8 km airport. owner finance. 0870608400 engl/ german 12.9MB, picharly@gmail. com
Stunning Ocean Views!
4 bed/bath large pool villa. Privately located in Cape Heights Cape Yamu. Furnished. Gardens. Fiber WiFi. 80,000/rent long term or 30 million to sell. Richard, Cape Yamu, Phuket, richarddesmondcapeheights@yahoo. co.uk, +66824203270, WhatsApp
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
SPORT 29
International teams keen to play football in Phuket FOOTBALL The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com
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r Romeo Jozak has been involved in the development of football at the highest levels, educating coaches at international coaching seminars worldwide, serving on various UEFA committees, teaching a generation of exceptional players as the technical director for last year’s World Cup finalists Croatia, and now leading the hopes of a nation in his role as the manager of the Kuwait national team. Dr Jozak visited Phuket this week as the guest of Thanyap ura football head coach, Steve Wallace, to discuss training camps and friendly matches on the island for youth and full national teams. Even though the 2018 World Cup in Russia is still fresh in the memory, the road to Qatar 2022 takes shape next week, with the draw for the AFC second qualifying round in Kuala Lumpur on April 17.
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Thanyapura football head coach, Steve Wallace (left), and Kuwait national team manager, Romeo Jozak (right). Photo: Thanyapura With the first round of knockout qualifying games already set for June, the six winners over two legs will then join the top 34 ranked nations in the region for group play in September, where Kuwait could potentially be up against the likes of Australia, South Korea, Japan and Thailand. As part of their preparations, Jozak is leaving nothing
to chance. There is a strong possibility that one or more of Kuwait’s group stage opponents will be from the SEA region, and he sees Thanyapura and Phuket as the right place to acclimatise to the conditions and prepare his team for such important games. New Zealand national team head coach, Fritz Schmid, will also visit later this month, and
it is meetings such as these that give Wallace hope that Phuket can become a place where football can gain higher visibility over time. “One of my objectives is to try to bring some teams here so that that young players on the island can be inspired to play and improve. For all of the football that can be seen on TV, there’s no substitute for watching international players train in person or seeing them in a live game, both of which I’ll look to facilitate for local kids.” Chelsea FC coaches will be in Phuket next week as part of the sold out Player Development Project. During their stay, Thanyapura will host almost 200 Phuket children from local clubs and schools for free football clinics. David Monk, Chelsea’s Senior International Development Officer, is looking forward to the week. “I’m very happy that we have the opportunity to collaborate with Thanyapura on a free CSR event to give something back to local players, which is a key part of our club ethos”.
Phuket’s Sanfan FC under-12s were crowned champions at the tournament in Trang (Apr 6-7). Photo: Supplied
Local boys dominate southern tournament FOOTBALL SEVER AL PH U K ET youth football teams travelled south to Trang last weekend to take part in the annual sevena-side Woodwork & PSU Mini Football Tournament. The tournament welcomed 32 teams, all from various parts of Southern Thailand, and was contested at the Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Trang Campus from April 6-7. Teams were split into three categories: under-10s, under11s and under-12s. Phuket teams stood out at the tournament as the under12s final pitted two Phuket teams against each other, with Sanfan FC beating Phuket
United on penalties to be crowned 2019 champions. In the under-10s, Phuket’s Success FC took the thirdplace trophy after being beaten by winners, Hat Yai in the semi-final. In all categories, first place teams were awarded with B30,000 in prize money, whilst second place won B20,000 and B10,000 for third. Vithi Supitak, Chairman of Woodwork Ltd, presided over the opening ceremony last Saturday (Apr 6) and highlighted the tournament’s aims to encourage children who have a love for football to develop their skills at local and regional level, as well as keeping them away from drugs. Poria Mermand
30 SPORT
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
From behind the eight ball Rawai Pool League: Little separating the week’s winners and losers POOL Gregg Bremner & Richard Hearne
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he first match of the night pitted Stor Bar against Black Bull. The visitors started very well, taking three of the singles games to give them a good ramp towards winning this match. But the underdogs were not about to lie down. Stor Bar won both doubles games to level the scores for what could be a very strong comeback indeed. They then rode their luck in the Beer Leg, handily winning 2-0 to take an unlikely match victory from Black Bull. Final score was Stor Bar 4-3 Black Bull. Black Pearl have had a great start to Season 15, and this week they played host to Mango Bar. This match was highly contested and went right down to the wire. Mango Bar started out well taking the first three singles games, but Black Pearl’s Eddy got them back into the match when he beat Fod 2-0. The hosts continued their winning run, taking both doubles games to leave the score 3-3 with the Beer Leg still to play. Beer Leg table-leaders Black Pearl were favourites, but second-from-bottom Mango knuckled down for a 2-0 Beer Leg win on a roller-coaster night. Final score: Black Pearl 3-4 Mango Bar. Down on Rawai beachfront, White Hart paid a visit to Freedom bar for another game that went down to the last games. After a great upset win last week, Freedom were looking again to upend their opponents, but White Hart weren’t going down easy. The visitors took the two opening singles games by similar 0-2 score
Buster plays in his singles game for Shot Bar, beating Stefan of Pita Bar. Photo: Richard Hearne lines through captain Neil and Dum. Popeye then got the home side back on track, with Christian levelling the scores 2-2. The dynamic Dum secured the first doubles game and a closely-fought second and match victory went to White Hart. Freedom did pull back the Beer Leg leaving it Freedom 3-4 White Hart. Masaya Bar have started off this season with some great victories, but this week hosted their biggest challenge to date – league-leaders Black Sheep. Serge took the first game for Masaya, but Black Sheep answered with three wins from the
remaining singles. Black Sheep then sealed the match with victory in the opening doubles game. Down but not out, Masaya came back to win the other doubles game and the Beer Leg leaving the match Masaya Bar 3-4 Black Sheep. White Hart BBQ played at home with the visiting Pink Sheep. The ladies were looking to build on last week’s win, their first this season. The singles games started off well for the girls, but the BBQ boys fought back to tie the match 2-2 after singles were complete. White Hart BBQ owner Gero partnered with
fellow German Beppo in the first doubles game, but Noi and Pikky were too strong. Jay and Aey then sealed victory with their doubles win over Eric and Friedhelm. The BBQ boys pulled back the Beer Leg to leave final score White Hart BBQ 3-4 Pink Sheep. The final game this week saw Shot Bar accommodate Pita Bar. This was the closest game on the night by far, going right down to the final black. In the singles, Shot took off winning three of the four games. But solid doubles performances by Pita Bar brought the match level
at 3-3. The first two frames of the beer leg were shared to set up a final frame decider. After many missed opportunities for both sides, it was a final error by Stefan missing a relatively easy pot that gave the Shot Bar team the win on the night that they surely felt they had thrown away. Final score: Shot Bar 4-3 Pita Bar. For more information about the Rawai Pool League visit http://www. rawai-pool-league.com. We also have a vibrant Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/RawaiPoolLeague/.
Golfers give back to the community
Continued from page 32 ...professionals could mingle and network together, and most importantly, to raise funds towards the Children First Fund housing over 400 orphans and underprivileged children in Phuket,” said Paul Wilson, Laguna Golf Assistant Vice President. Mark Cameron, Managing Director of ASEAN Events said, “We will endeavour to continue this yearly event and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves and giving back is what all the Island’s hospitality related professionals are keen to do, with their time, efforts and digging deep in their pockets on the day.” The Children First Fund
Jason Wilder lines up a driver. Photo: Laguna Golf Phuket was launched in 2017 in celebration of Asia’s premier destination resort’s 30th anniversary with a mission of “Nourishing Hearts, Inspiring Dreams” and with children of Phuket as beneficiary. Throughout 2017, the Children First Fund has delivered food and necessities to the seven orphanages in Phuket. thephuketnews
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FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
SPORT 31
PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM MAIN SPONSOR
MONTHLY SPONSOR
The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a two-bedroom private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 90-minute spa treatment for two persons at Baba Beach Club Phuket. Total prize value: B130,000 The monthly competition winner for April 2019 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Bar & Restaurant, Rawai.
EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS
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Eden Hazard’s wonder goal helped Chelsea beat West Ham on Monday (Apr 8). Photo: Olly Greenwood
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helsea manager Maurizio Sarri admitted it will be hard to deny Eden Hazard a move to Real Madrid this summer, even if a reported £100 million (B4.16 billion) move is “too cheap” for the Belgian captain. Hazard was in stunning form as the Blues moved up to third in the Premier League, scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over West Ham last Monday. He admitted his first goal was “something special” as after collecting the ball just inside the West Ham half, Hazard jinked past three defenders before coolly slotting home. However, Chelsea may be forced to cash in on their prized asset as their number 10 has just over one year left on his contract and has so far refused to extend his deal. Should they refuse to sell this summer, Chelsea run the risk of losing their top scorer on a free transfer in 2020.
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English Premier League 2018 - 2019
Sarri: £100m too cheap but hard to keep Hazard FOOTBALL
OVERALL STANDINGS
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“It (£100m) is too cheap in this market. We have seen in the last few windows every price I think,” Sarri said. “I’m sure the club doesn’t want to sell him, but of course we all have to respect his decision, I think. He is in the last season of contract, if he wants to have another experience we have to respect it. We will try in any way to convince him, but it is not easy.” The prospect of losing Hazard is even more daunting for Chelsea as they are currently banned from signing any new players due to a one-year transfer ban imposed by FIFA. “From the technical point of view, no, not at the moment,” added Sarri when asked if Chelsea can cope without Hazard. “Also because it is impossible to find another Hazard. At the moment there is not another Hazard, because the level is too high.” Victory ensured Chelsea moved into third in the Premier League, two points clear of Tottenham and three ahead
of fifth-placed Arsenal in the race for a top-four finish. Both their London rivals and Manchester United – five points back in sixth – now have a game in hand on Sarri’s men. But Hazard insisted he is focused solely on delivering Champions League football for Chelsea next season either via a top-four finish or winning the Europa League. “For now I am just focusing on Chelsea until the end of the season,” he said. “I want to finish in the top four and do well in the Europa League. We still have a lot to do and then we will see.” With trips to Liverpool and Manchester United to come in Chelsea’s last five league games, much will depend on Hazard with Gonzalo Higuain showing little sign of hitting form. The Argentine striker stated his desire before kick-off to make his move permanent should Chelsea successfully appeal their transfer ban, but he had another night to forget in front of goal.
“When Hazard is able to play like in the last two matches, of course for the team it is easier,” Sarri said. “We can win against every team.” Having failed to muster a single attack of note before the break, West Ham sparked into life in the second half and could have made Chelsea pay for their failure to kill the game off. Marko Arnautovic’s clever cut-back picked out the unmarked Manuel Lanzini at the edge of the box, but his shot was too close to Kepa Arrizabalaga before Aaron Cresswell then arrowed a shot inches wide of the far post. Sarri was growing increasingly frustrated on the sidelines as Chelsea continued to miss chances to make the game safe. But the Italian was finally able to relax in stoppage time when Hazard was given acres of space to control a pass from Ross Barkley and produced the finish to match his performance. AFP
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Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change
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Rugby Union 14:30 16:40 Aussie Rules 15:30 Cricket 21:30
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Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV Singapore Sevens AFL AFL EPL EPL EPL EPL Formula 1 Superbikes, Race 1 IPL - Mumbai IPL - Mohali
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Aussie Rules 11:00 Rugby Union 10:00 Soccer 20:00 22:30 Motor Bikes 18:30 Motor Racing 12:00 13:00 Cricket 17:30 21:30
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St Kilda v. Hawthorn Day 2 Crystal Palace v. Man City Liverpool v. Chelsea Assen, Netherlands Raceday, Shanghai China Grand Prix Knight Riders v. Super Kings Sun Risers v. Capitals
Friday 12th Apr
Saturday 13th Apr
Sunday 14th Apr
Sport
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
editor3@classactmedia.co.th
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Hazard lights are on
for Chelsea as Sarri ponders future > p30
MONEY TALKS
Fights on and off the track at Formula one’s 1,000th race BOX OF NEUTRALS
Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com
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hanghai will host the 1,000 th Formula One World Championship Grand Prix on April 14, but the milestone won’t distract from the behind-the-scenes battle to shape the sport’s immediate future. The lead-up to F1’s landmark event has been dominated by the fight over how the sport will work after the expiry of regulations and commercial contracts at the end of 2020, and with governing body the FIA mandating a June 30 deadline, negotiations are ramping up. There is virtually no aspect of Formula One that won’t be touched by this new framework, the five key areas of which are the technical regulations, sporting regulations, cost control, governance and engine architecture, and with all 10 teams involved in the consultation process, opinions are understandably varied. The matter of the engine formula appears near resolution, with the sport’s desire to simplify the current V6 turbo hybrid power plant to attract new manufacturers ditched when no new companies were willing to commit. The engine
F1 drivers pose for a photo prior to the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 17, 2019. Photo: Glenn Nicholls is expected to remain largely unchanged. The governance of the sport appears similarly close to a conclusion to end the much-derided model of having only the wealthiest five teams permanently represented in the internal rules-formulating body, with a streamlined and more representative model set for implementation in 2021. But other matters continue to exercise minds, and it’s the intersection of the technical
and sporting regulations and cost control that is likely to take negotiations right through to their deadline. Cost control has been a prickly issue for the sport for more than a decade, with the cost of racing estimated to have already spiralled past US$400 million (B12.7 billion) per annum for Mercedes and Ferrari, growing the performance chasm between those with cash and those without to the detriment of
the sporting spectacle. The largest teams have historically been unwilling to part with the advantages that come with a bigger bank balance, but even as they grow amenable to financial sustainability, they fairly protest that a sudden cap on costs would result in massive job cuts. The cost cap is therefore expected to start at US$200mn (B6.36bn) minimum before decreasing over subsequent seasons.
But the sport is hopeful of finding savings for teams through technical and sporting regulations – for example, by mandating a greater list of third-party standard parts. A control gearbox cassette has already been put out to tender and other components are expected to follow. Finally, the form of the cars remains undef ined, though several models, some of which were presented to the public late last year by
F1 Motorsport director Ross Brawn, are being refined to meet the aims of improving racing while maintaining an aggressive look. All this is slated to be concluded by June 30 – but, true to F1 style, talk is already turning to a six-month delay, ostensibly to prevent a costly 18-month development war to build the 2021 car. While talks continue offtrack, on the track Ferrari will be determined to bounce back from a scrappy opening two rounds with what is tipped to be the fastest car-engine package in Shanghai. Pressure will be on Sebastian Vettel to make amends for his late-race spin duelling with Lewis Hamilton in Bahrain, which transpired to be a battle for victory after teammate Charles Leclerc dropped to third with an engine malfunction shortly afterwards. The season is still young, but Mercedes has already bounced to a 39-point lead in the constructors standings thanks to two consecutive onetwo finishes, while Leclerc, the Scuderia’s highest-placed driver, is 18 points behind championship leader Valtteri Bottas. The 1,000th championship Formula One Grand Prix is up for grabs, but there’s so much more at stake than this historical curiosity alone.
Phuket Hospitality Challenge raises B200k for orphans GOLF THE FOURTH PHUKET HOSpitality Challenge, held at the fabulous Laguna Golf Phuket course on Wednesday, April 3 was a thrilling end-to-end tournament played out by 88 golfers from around the Island’s many amazing hospitality venues. The searing heat of the day did not deter the hole sponsors
who waited at each hole to greet the players with some top-flight food and beverage service. Tile-It gave out some truly Scottish fare, Banyan Tree Spa was on hand to give a relaxing massage half-way round and Two Chefs put on a wonderful live Tex-Mex section at hole number one that got the golfers off to a great start. Many more sponsors including The Floating Donut, Angsana Villas Resort, Outrigger Laguna
Beach Resort, Dusit Thani, Captain Smokehouse, Whisgars, Legends Sports Bar, Kenny Rodgers Roasters were there to support. The highlight of the event was to bring the best hospitality individuals together to network, have fun, enjoy the banter and raise vital funds for the children’s charity, Children First Fund, which once again was the charity of choice for the event fundraising activities. From 88 golfers, B206,500 was
raised, which is always the target for this event, and it could not have been achieved without the support of the event hosts, Laguna Golf Phuket, who auctioned off two nine-month memberships which alone raised B90,000. “Hosting this tournament with ASEAN Events and FORE Management, we managed to create a golf day complementing a hospitality theme whereby the industry... Continued on page 30
Action on the green. Photo: Laguna Golf Phuket & FORE Management thephuketnews