12-05-2017 by The Phuket News

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RIDE FOR LOVE

LIFE

PAGE 17

Soi Dog’s John Dalley tells why dog pounds fail

A tuk-tuk driver in Patong holds up a ‘No Sex’ sign to be fitted to his vehicle.

LOCALS CALL FOR DECENCY AFTER RUSSIAN COUPLE CAUGHT IN THE ACT IN THE BACK OF A TUK-TUK The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

eading Phuket figures have gone soft on any blowback on the issue of tourists having sex in the back of tuk-tuks, but still warned over-amourous couples: Don’t do it. The issue came to a head after two young Russians were caught on camera in very a compromising position while riding in the back of a tuk-tuk along the Karon beach road in a video posted online late

last Friday night (May 5). In the video the woman can be seen straddling her male companion and leaning back across the tuk-tuk cab, and moving rhythmically while supported by her arms. “I have never seen this type of thing happening in a public place in my entire life in Patong,” said Preechawut “Prab” Keesin, director of the Pisona (tuk-tuk) Group. Mr Preechawut, a native of Patong, has deep links to hospitality, nightlife and tuk-tuks operating in the party town. “But this kind of indecent act does

not deserve attention. There are many places to do this, but not in public, or even in tuk-tuks,” he said. “I think they were drunk and did this to be naughty,” he joked. On a more serious note, Mr Preechawut added, “From a business side, this image affects the tourism industry – and this is the from the point of view of somebody travelling behind the vehicle. The person who recorded this video must also think before posting this kind of thing on social media.” Phuket Provincial Police Chief

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen was uninspired by the incident. “This kind of thing happens anywhere in the world. I do not have much to comment about it,” he said. “People know that it is not right. Thailand is a Buddhist country. This behaviour must not appear in public. Everyone knows that both of these foreigners were charged with public indecency and fined B500 each.” After Karon Police were informed of the video online, officers moved to track down the Russian couple. “We tracked down the tuk-tuk...

SPORT

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Emagine takes it to the top at Pattaya regatta

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A harrowing loss

Tributes flow British mum Sophie Anderson The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

Troops of monkeys in Phuket might soon be relocated to islands offshore. Photo: Mark Knowles

Monkeys face relocation to new homes offshore OFFICIALS ARE TAKing serious consideration in moving troops of monkeys from Phuket to small islands offshore to reduce the number of “problems between people and monkeys”, according to an official report. In moving the idea forward, top-ranking wildlife officials last Thursday (May 4) inspected three islands that may become home to troops of troublesome monkeys. Leading the inspection was Piyawat Sukhon, who as Director of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Office in Thalang is the officer responsible for the protection and conservation of all natural wildlife on the island. Joining him was Pongchart Chouehorm, Director of the Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at Khao Phra Theaw, and Greangsak Sribuarod, head

of the Wildlife Research Station in Surat Thani. Pa Khlok Mayor Panya Sampaorat also joined the team, which inspected the small islands of Koh Pae and Koh Thanan, both off Pa Khlok, and Koh Malee, offshore from Rassada, on Phuket’s east coast. “All three islands were found to be suitable new homes for any relocated monkeys and we need to talk with other relevant offices to make this project a reality,” Mr Pongchart reported immediately after his tour. However, the next day Mr Pongchart remained tight-lipped about the project. “It is only an inspection,” he told The Phuket News on Friday (May 5). “I can’t say when this will go ahead. I will let the media know,” he added. The Phuket News

ributes and expressions of condolences and grief have poured online for British mum Sophie Emma Rose Anderson, who died in a horrific traffic accident in central Phuket on Monday (May 8). Ms Anderson, who was six months pregnant, was riding pillion on a motorbike when she spilled onto Thepkrasattri Rd in Thalang and was crushed by an 18-wheeled truck. Her long-term partner, Danny Glass from Margate in Kent, England, posted a video on YouTube as part of his initial steps in overcoming his devastating grief. “She was the world to me,” he said. “I miss her so much… It’s like, is this a dream? Somebody wake me up from this nightmare.” Mr Glass described Ms Anderson, from Blackpool, England, as his “twin flame”. “(She) understood me the most… I never had someone that understood me so much,” he said. Adding to the heartbreak was the responsibility of breaking the news to Ms Anderson’s five-year-old son, Shaye, who lived with them in Phuket.

Tributes flowed online following the tragic death of Sophie Anderson (pictured) on Monday. Image: Sophie’s Joy / YouTube “The person I feel sorry for the most is her little boy, Shaye, who’s five years old and I had to explain to him that his mum was dead and that she isn’t coming back,” Mr Glass said. “He doesn’t understand that she’s dead, but it’s also a lot for a five-year-old to understand, so it’s going to be a process for him. I feel very sorry for him. “I contacted his dad who now lives in Bangkok and he did come last night and he’s now looking after Shaye. He will go back with his dad to Bangkok and live there with him, so at least he’s got his dad,” he cried. In clarifying how the ac-

cident happened, Mr Glass explained, “We were on a scooter and on quite a big road with multiple lanes, and we driving straight forward – and I want to clarify this because I’ve read like this loads of newspaper reports and people saying that literally I went to overtake a parked car, which is complete misinformation. “I was driving straight forward – I didn’t go around a parked car – and literally I went to brake because a car all of a sudden braked in front of me. “The bike slid, like wobbled. I tried to stabilise it, but I wasn’t been able to. It’s two people on a scooter, it’s a very difficult thing to do – and the

bike slid to the right side.” After quickly picking himself up off the road, Mr Glass turned around to witness the horrific image of the truck running over Ms Anderson. “All I keep seeing is that image keep going through my head over and over and over and over and over – it just won’t stop,” he weeped. The driver of the truck, who initially fled the scene, soon surrendered himself to police. Police identified him as Nattawoot Kimchue, 30, from Thai Muang in Phang Nga Province, north of Phuket. Lt Col Sanit Nookong of the Thalang Police on May 10 reconfirmed to The Phuket News that his officers still had yet to determine whether any charges would be pressed over the accident. In his video, Mr Glass thanked people for their support – and called for continuing support in helping him come to terms with the loss. He added that he was receiving counselling from two professionals on the island. Mr Glass, himself, is a psychology graduate and a detox and wellness professional. As part of his work, he runs the Sun Fruit Dan channel on YouTube. Messages of condolences and support can be posted there.

Stranded woman rescued from tide No sex in public places, please A TH A I WOM A N WAS recovered from an abandoned, sunken boat 100 metres from the shore at Saphan Hin last Thursday morning (May 4) as rescue workers feared she might be overcome by the rising tide. Kusoldharm rescue workers were called to the area, on the outskirts of Phuket Town, at 7:10am by local residents who reported concerns for a woman last seen walking out onto the mud flats and not seen returning to shore. Rescue workers arrived and searched for the woman, later identified as Saranya Chamnanraksa, 22, but failed to find her. “We searched for her two times. The first time we did not find her because she was on an abandoned boat,” one

Kusoldharm rescue workers led Ms Saranya to the ambulance before taking her to Vachira Phuket Hospital. rescue worker said. “We searched again and found her and brought her safely back to shore. She was very lucky that the tide was not too high and there was the boat for her to climb on to. “She (Ms Saranya) said she tried to shout to us but she was too tired and her voice was not loud enough for us to hear,” the rescue worker added. The water had reached 1.5 metres in depth by the time

rescue workers found her, he added. “She was very tired and very sad,” the rescue worker said. Ms Saranya was in state of emotional distress, reportedly from heartbreak over her female lover. She was reportedly drunk when she wandered out onto the mud flats in her grief when the tide was out. “The sea rose to about 1.5 metres and she became too tired to walk through the sticky mud, so she climbed onto the broken boat,” the rescue worker explained. Ms Saranya’s mother was at the scene to console her daughter as rescue workers took her to Vachira Phuket Hospital to confirm she had not suffered any further injuries. Eakkapop Thongtub

Continued from page 1 ...driver through the license plate, and he led police to where the couple were staying in Phuket Town,” Lt Col Naruewat Puttawiro of the Phuket Tourist Police told The Phuket News on Monday (May 8). “We found them early yesterday evening (Sunday, May 7). They are Russian tourists,” Col Naruewat confirmed, but was polite enough not to name couple. “We brought them to Karon Police Station, where a volunteer (acting as translator) explained to them for an hour why they had been brought in for questioning. “Both denied that they were having sex, but they

The couple were caught on camera in a very compromising position while on the move. both admitted they had removed items of clothing. They said that they did not know that this broke the law,” Col Naruewat added. However, their actions were deemed illegal. “We explained to them that in Thai culture even just taking off a shirt in public is inappropriate, so

they were both charged with public indecency and fined B500 each,” Col Naruewat confirmed. “We would like to thank the public for their help in bringing this to our attention,” he added. Incident reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

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prepares for Man charged with rape Phuket King’s state funeral after victim’s plunge The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

olice have charged a man with rape after a woman gained confidence to speak with officers in hospital after she survived a four-storey fall from a building in Phuket Town. The woman suffered head injuries after she plunged to the ground from the top of Sarita Mansion in the Phoon Phon area after she climbed over the building’s rooftop edge in a confused state of emotional distress last Friday (May 5). At the time the woman was reportedly heartbroken over a failed romantic relationship. Phuket City Police Chief Col Komol Osiri previously reported that his officers were made aware of the rape allegation, but preliminary queries lead the officers to dismiss the claim. “Later, in hospital, this woman gained encouragement and became conscious enough to tell police her reason for the climbing over the edge of the building,” Col Kamol

MAIN: The woman clung to the side of the building for two minutes before her grip failed. INSET: Narong Pinta, 25. Photos: Eakkapop Thongtub / Phuket City Police told The Phuket News today (May 10). “The victim found herself in a situation with the man as she was emotionally vulnerable. She said she tried to shout to neighbours for help, but nobody came to her aid,” he said. The woman told police she was raped last Friday, before the incident on her apartment building roof. “Then she tried to commit

suicide,” Col Kamol said. Officers tracked down the suspect. “He is Narong Pinta, 25 years old. He was arrested last Saturday (May 6) and charged with rape. He admitted that he had sex with the woman, but claims he didn’t rape her,” Col Kamol said. Col Komol confirmed that Narong was acquainted with the woman before the reported rape, but declined to define

the relationship. “This man knew her,” was all he said. The woman remains under observation at Vachira Phuket Hospital, Col Kamol confirmed. As of Wednesday, Narong remained in detention at Phuket Provincial Court. “He was detained by the court on Monday (May 8). Police are now gathering their evidence to present to the court,” Col Kamol said.

GOVERNOR NORRAPHAT Plodthong and his team have begun making arrangements for the state funeral of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, which is scheduled to be held in Bangkok on Oct 25-29, with the cremation to be held on Thursday Oct 26. Phuket Vice Governors Teera Anantaseriwidhaya and Siwaporn Chuasawat together joined a video conference with Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Kritsada Boonrat at Phuket Provincial Office on Monday (May 8) to discuss arrangements. V/Gov Siwaporn Chuasawat confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday (May 9) that specific locations will be set up for people to offer Dokmai Jan. Dokmai Jan are flowers created from wood shavings traditionally used in Thai funerals. The “flowers” are set alight during the cremation process. There will be 101 points in Bangkok and 898 points elsewhere throughout the country for offering Dokmai Jan, V/Gov Siwaporn said. Some of the Dokmai Jan collected will be sent to Bang-

Vice Governor Siwaporn Chuasawat. Photo: PR Dept kok to be used as part of the funeral services, V/Gov Siwaporn confirmed. “We also invite people to plant marigold flowers in honour of the funeral to be held,” she added. “We have yet to specify details of where the Dokmai Jan collection centres will be set up as we are waiting for confirmation from the Ministry of Interior,” V/Gov Siwaporn said. “There will be a public holiday on October 26. However, I can’t confirm whether any other days during the funeral services from October 25-29 will be declared public holidays. That is Bangkok’s decision,” said V/Gov Siwaporn. “We are waiting for an official schedule for the funeral, it is expected soon.” The Phuket News

Local officials stunned as black wastewater returns to Surin Beach OFFICIALS IN CHERNG TALAY are stunned by the return of black wastewater at Phuket’s Surin Beach last week, with one key official reacting in plain disbelief. Krichanut Suphantakij, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) at the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor), told The Phuket News on Monday (May 8) that the long-awaited wastewater treatment “system” was completed two months ago. “The project was completed after (former) Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan ordered workers to hurry to get it done,” Mr Krichanut said.

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“Our wastewater-treatment facilities for Bang Tao and Surin beaches now receive about 5,000 cubic meters of wastewater (a day) from different areas at each beach,” he said. “That’s why there has been less black water on Surin Beach over the past two months,” he added. Mr Krichanut blankly disbelieved that the wastewater had returned to Surin, and offered a disturbing understanding of what wastewater was. “I don’t think black wastewater has appeared on Surin Beach again. I believe it is just from some hotels releasing waste into the public drains,” he said. However, he added, “I will order

Local officials said they were stunned by the news that black wastewater had returned to Surin Beach. Photo: Supplied my colleagues to check, today.” The black pool of water flowing from waste pipes last spilled onto Surin Beach in January, with local residents and business owners

angry over a lack of response by Cherng Talay OrBorTor to fix the problems – which has plagued the beach for years. This has been happening for years and the problem just keeps getting worse,” said one of many local residents on the beach. “We’re fed up with it, and we’re considering fixing the problem ourselves,” the woman, who asked not to be named, told The Phuket News. That incident followed another wastewater surge onto the sand last November, to which Cherng Talay OrBorTor Chief MaAnn Samran said he would dispatch a backhoe to fix the problem.

However, Mr MaAnn did explain that the B320-million project initiated in 2012 to expand the sewage system in the area and install a wastewater-treatment plant had yet to come onstream. “The project is about 80% complete, we are now only waiting for the Phuket Governor to sign approval for Phase II of the project,” he said at the time. As promised in January last year, Mr MaAnn confirmed that Cherng Talay OrBorTor trucks were pumping wastewater from Surin and Bang Tao beaches every day at 10am, 1pm and 2pm as “only a temporary measure”. The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Kotchakorn ‘Nes’ Sornthawee has returned home safely. Photo: Phanwilai Peanthong

Teen girl home safe POLICE CONFIRMED ON Monday (May 8) that 14-year old Kotchakorn ‘Nes’ Sornthawee, who was reported as missing from her family home south of Phuket Town on May 4, has been found unharmed and has returned to her family. The girl went missing at about 1pm on Thursday, May 4. “She had left the home by choice. It is likely to have been due to internal family issues,” said Capt Jarat Lempan of the Wichit Police. “She had gone away with one of her friends, of the same age. The friend had picked her up and she stayed at her friend’s house. “She stayed with the friend for a night, then contacted her grandmother, who notified the family that Kotchakorn was safe,” he added. Shela Riva

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Traffic fines fail as deterrent, says poll PHUKET POLL

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huge major it y of respondents to an online poll by The Phuket News have voted that the traffic fines currently levied against willfully reckless and often lethal drivers are not enough to prevent further carnage on Phuket’s roads. The poll, which closed at midnight on Sunday (May 7), asked, “Do the current penalties deter people from breaking the traffic laws?” Only 6% voted, “Yes, the current penalties are enough; there is no need to change anything.” A further 24% voted, “Yes, the current penalties are enough, but enforcement is lacking.” However, the remaining 70% of respondents called out the current system of is-

The current traffic fines levied against drivers are not enough to deter dangerous drivers, said The Phuket News' poll. Photo: TPN file suing for failing to invoke any change in driver’s behaviour. The lion’s share of votes called for heavier penalties, with 43% of respondents voting, “No, the current penalties do not deter traffic offenders and must be made harsher, for example fines should be increased.” A further 27% of respondents voted, “No, the current penalties, which are mostly fines, do not work and officials must also use alternative pun-

ishments such as community service.” Those votes came in recognition that even officials in Bangkok have realised that the current penalties are not enough to correct people’s behaviour. On Songkran last year they started forcing some offenders to perform community service by helping out at morgues and came back to this practice in 2017. The poll was launched after Phuket Governor Nor-

raphat Plodthong recounted Phuket’s death and injury toll during the Songkran “Seven Days of Danger” road-safety campaign, held April 11-17 this year. The toll for the one week stood at four dead and 70 people injured in 67 accidents. Gov Norraphat, who began his term as Governor of Phuket only on April 10, vowed to “bring all the road accident statistics and other relevant information to discuss with the Phuket Provincial Committee to come up with ways to solve this problem and create a campaign that will make driving safer in Phuket.” That promise came on the back of police announcing how many people were fined for traffic violations during the seven days. Notably, the greatest offenders were 5,628 people fined for not wearing helmets; and 3,075 fined for driving without a licence. For the full poll results, visit: ThePhuketNews.com

a bust! One arrest, Drug dealers bail before court It’s leads to two more PR MANAGER Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

P O L I C E A R E ST I L L searching for two men who escaped from the back of a caged pickup truck last Wednesday (May 3) while being taken to Phuket Provincial Court to be sentenced for possession of Category 1 drugs with intent to sell. At 1pm, Wichit Police were informed that two men who had been arrested on Tuesday (May 2) for drug possession had escaped from the vehicle which was transferring them to Phuket Provincial Court. The two men were said to have made their getaway via Soi Paisan on Chao Fa East Rd close to Dowroong Wittaya School. Officers from Wichit, Chalong and Phuket City Police Stations set up a blockade on Soi Paisan and nearby areas in the hope of recapturing the men. However, after one hour police gave up their search.

Police amid their hunt for the suspects. Photo: Chalong Police Soon after officers were informed that a rubbish truck driver had seen the two men steal a bicycle from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Wichit office and ride away from the area. Police found the bicycle, which had been left outside the toilets in Wichit public park on Pattanathongthin Rd, but were unable to find the escaped men. At 2:30pm, officers received further information stating that the two men had returned to their home on Pattanathongthin Rd, taken a

red Honda Wave motorbike and made their way towards Ao Makham. “Two of our officers were taking 12 suspects from Chalong Police Station to Phuket Provincial Court in the caged pickup which had been locked from the outside,” said one officer. “When the vehicle arrived at the Dowroong Intersection it had to stop because the lights were red. The two men managed to take off their handcuffs and kicked their way out of the cage. “None of the other people in the pickup attempted to escape,” he said. Police identified the suspects as Wasurat Mulikabut and Suriya Lakpet, both 21. They were arrested in Rawai after being found in possession of seven grams of crystal meth (ya ice) and 10 methamphetamine pills (ya bah). Eakkapop Thongtub

POLICE A R R ESTED three Thai women last week after they were found to be in possession of a various amounts of methamphetamine pills (ya bah). Maj Ritthichai Chumchuay together with a team of officers from Phuket Provincial Police Station first apprehended 24-year-old Paramee “Pa” Songsan from Trang, at 9pm last Thursday (May 4) at the Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkrasattri Rd in Rassada. Paramee arrived on the island on a bus travelling from Satun when she was found to be in possession of 1,000 ya bah pills. Paramee confessed that all the pills belonged to her and she told police that she bought them from a man named only as Mr Den in Trang. She travelled to Phuket in the hope of selling the pills here. The arrest of Pareemee then led police to arrest two other women. At 11pm that night police

Aungkana Supphakeeratirot, 24, from Trang obviously thought she had a good way of hiding her stash. Photo: Phuket Provincial Police arrested 24-year-old Chutharat “Am” Raksuwan from Trang at a rented room in Chalong for the possession of 612 of ya bah pills that she claimed she was selling on behalf of Paramee. Then at 11pm on May 5 police arrested Aungkana ‘Kan’ Supphakeeratirot at the same bus terminal with 1000 ya bah pills after Paramee helped police order more drugs from Mr Den. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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Clean campaign targets soi dogs AS PART OF GOVERNment officials’ ongoing “Keep Phuket Clean by our Hand and Heart” campaign, it has been suggested that the Phuket Stray Dog Shelter undergo renovations in a bid to tackle the island’s street dog problem. T he an nou ncement came last Thursday (May 4) when Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok together with Surajit Witchuwan of the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office joined a meeting to discuss the island’s homeless dogs and pet control at Phuket Provincial Office in Phuket Town. V/G ov Sn it h s a id , “Phuket must keep going with its Keep Phuket Clean by our Hands and Hearts campaign, the aim of which is to make people show more concern for the island’s cleanliness, and it is important that everyone on the island pays attention to it. “In order to tackle more issues within this campaign we have to make plans to tackle the issue of street dogs

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Court orders DNP to pay damages over land probe Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Vice Governor Snith (R) and Surajit Witchuwan of the Provincial Livestock Office. Photo: PR Dept and other animal control,” he said. “Every local office must conduct a survey to find the true number of street dogs in their area and make a plan to tackle the issue together with the Phuket Provincial Livestock. “Officials will be sent out to catch these street dogs, and once captured they will be taken to the Phuket Stray Dog Shelter. “We understand that the situation at the dog shelter is not good and therefore we will seek a budget from the government and private sector to develop the shelter and improve its facilities,” V/Gov Snith added. The Phuket News See Soi Dog response on p17.

he Phuket Court has ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) and two of its officials to pay a total of B1.9 million in damages for the highly publicised land probe that accused several property owners of encroaching on Sirinath National Park, on Phuket’s west coast. The court ruled last Thursday (May 4) that plaintiffs Noon Co Ltd, Frenchman Bernard Gaulthier and Pornsak Panmat had legal right to the land on which the multi-million-baht luxury villa “Baan Farang” had been built on. The villa is located on seven rai next to the Trisara resort and has 360-degree views of the national park, which as a marine national park, extends nearly a kilometre offshore. The three plaintiffs sued for damages of B45 million and filed their claim against former DNP Director-General Damrong Pidech, who led the initial probe in 2012, as well

Former Sirinath Park Chief Cheewapap Cheewatha (right) leads the investigation into the alleged encroachment in 2012. Photo: The Phuket News / file as six other officials. However, the court found that the DNP is to pay only B1.5mn in damages, but also 7.5% interest per year since the day of the DNP’s initial claims against the plaintiffs, which the court said was Aug 26, 2012. The court cleared Mr Damrong and four other officials of any wrongdoing, but ruled that former Sirinath Park Chief Cheewapap Cheewatha and former Advisor the DNP Director-General Sunthorn

Watcharakul Dilok each pay B200,000 in damages, bringing the total to B1.9mn. As Sirinath Park Chief at the time, Mr Cheewapap led much of the initial investigations into the alleged encroachment in 2012. Witoon Detpramuanphon, who currently serves as Chief of Sirinath National Park, told The Phuket News, “I only became chief of the park at the end of last year, but I know some details about this case.

“This case is not over yet. The DNP has the right to appeal the ruling and can even take this case to the Supreme Court,” he said. DSI investigations into corrupt officials illegally issuing land papers in Phuket took a hit after former Phuket Land Office Chief Thawatchai Anukul was found hanged dead in his cell at the DSI’s headquarters in Bangkok in August last year within hours of his arrest.

Illegal Chinese guide, arrested over dumped tourists, out on bail THE CHINESE TOUR OPERAtor in Phuket whose illegal tour guide left 22 tourists stranded by the side of the road in Phang Nga last week may face up to six months suspension from operating tours, officials have told The Phuket News. Phattara Lamontri, a legal official from the Tourism Business and Guide Registration Phuket Office, confirmed to The Phuket News that he has concluded his investigation after inspecting the offices of Xin Xing Travel Co in Kathu last Thursday (May 4). “I have sent the information collected to Tourism Department headquarters in Bangkok,” he said.

“I don’t have authority to charge Xin Xing Travel Co, but the Tourism Department in Bangkok will investigate further and charge them,” Mr Phattara assured. “I believe the company will be suspended from operating tour services for up to six months,” he added. Mr Phattara pointed out that his realm of responsibility was to charge the Thai tour guide who was with the tour when the tourists were abandoned. “The Thai tour guide is Teerakeat Seahuang, 30, from Mae Hong Son province, who was present when the Chinese tourists

Police and tourism officials inspect and question staff at the Xin Xing Travel Co offices in Kathu. Photo: Guide Registration Phuket office. were abandoned on May 2,” Mr Phattara said. “He has been charged for allowing other person work to as a guide without a license. He was

fined B10,000 and he has been suspended from working as a guide for three months. Legal action against Huang Ling, the 34-year-old illegal guide from China’s Guizhou Province, will be left to the police, he added. Ms Huang was arrested at her condo in Kathu at 7pm on May 3 after the 22 Chinese tourists, travelling on a tour provided by Xin Xing Travel & Trading Co Ltd, were abandoned by the roadside in Takua Thung District some 24 hours earlier. After leaving the “Tong 777” restaurant in Khok Kloi after a day trip to Similan Islands, the bus

stopped by the side of the road and Ms Hung told the tourists that the bus had broken down. She then asked each tourist to pay an extra 1,100 yuan (B5,500) for the trip. The total amount Ms Hung asked for was B121,000. “After police and the court have completed their action, she will be handed over to Immigration and deported,” Mr Phattara said. Khok Kloi Police Chief Col Satit Promutai confirmed to The Phuket News on Tuesday that Ms Huang faces two charges – working illegally as a tour guide and working without a work permit. The Phuket News

Fire guts Phuket Town townhouse POLICE HAVE YET TO reveal the cause of a fire that gutted a two-story townhouse in a densely populated part of Phuket Town last Wednesday night (May 3). Firefighters from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket City branch were called to The Harbor village housing development in Soi Sansuk 2 at 6:30pm. When they arrived, a Kusoldharm rescue team was already at the scene and had

The fire gutted the two-storey townhouse in a densely populated part of Phuket Town. managed to stop the fire from spreading by using fire extinguishers. After dousing the blaze,

the firefighters entered the building to confirm no one was trapped inside and to ensure the fire would not spread to adjoining buildings. The occupants were not at home when the fire broke out, leaving the neighbours to call the fire service when they saw smoke billowing from the building. Rescue teams at the scene confirmed that no people were injured in the blaze and fire teams determined it began on the first floor. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Cultural makeover

PHUKET NEWS

Phuket Town, Nai Harn to be renovated The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

ey areas in Phuket Town as well as the roads around Nai Harn Lake are undergoing projects to highlight local history and foster community involvement. Phuket City Municipality this week urged motorists to avoid key intersections in the Phuket Old Town area as workers carry out the town’s latest tourism-promoting project – the asphalt stamping of images onto the road surfaces to depict each area’s historical influences. The intersections affected by the project are at the intersection of Thepkrasattri Rd and Thalang Rd; Soi Rommanee and Thalang Rd; and at the intersection of Thalang Rd and Yaowarat Rd, Phuket Town Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansukatanon told The Phuket News on Tuesday (May 9). “Three different images are being stamped, using a method called asphalt concrete stamping,” he explained. “The intersection on Thepkrasattri Rd and Thalang Rd will have the image of a Chinese junk, marking the beginning of Chinese traders who came to Phuket and travelled along the Klong Bang Yai canal and traded on Thalang Rd. “On Soi Rommanee will be images of flowers to symbolise the fun and lively nightlife

HRH Princess Sirindhorn, will return to Phuket next week to attend a formal ceremony at Phuket’s Peranakan Musuem in Phuket Town. Photo: PR Dept / file

Princess Sirindhorn to open museum The asphalt stamping project in Phuket Old Town is scheduled to be completed this month. entertainment of residents and visitors who came to Phuket for trading.” Of note, Soi Rommanee more than a century ago was renowned as Phuket Town’s red-light district. “At the intersection of Thalang Rd and Yaowarat Rd will be images of SinoPortuguese shophouses to memorialise the flourishing city that was built in this style,” Deputy Mayor Kawee said. This style of architecture also marks the Chinese cultural influence of those who lived and traded in Phuket. “The aim of modifying these roads is to support tourism in Phuket Old Town and to preserve the architecture and the history of the Old Town through interesting visual

Traffic Police praised for broken-down tour bus push THREE PHUKET TOWN Traffic Police officers have been praised for lending a hand by helping to push a broken-down tour bus 100 metres to safety on Monday (May 8). Wiphongsak Mongkhonbut, Deputy Director of the Andaman Tourism Association posted his public praise on his personal Facebook page, along with a video of the officers helping to push the heavy vehicle. “The incident happened at 10:30am at the traffic lights in front of the Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkrasattri Rd (north of Phuket Town),” Mr Wiphongsak told The Phuket News. “The three officers were from Phuket City Police Station. They were passing by and stopped to help,” he said. In total, six people pushed the bus 100 metres to the side of the road. Most local buses @thephuketnews

Phuket Traffic Police were praised for helping to push the broken-down tour bus. Photo: W Mongkhonbut can weigh anywhere upward of nine tons. “When I saw the video I felt very glad that officers and people help to do good things for public,” Mr Wiphongsak. “There are nice Traffic Police in Phuket who asked not to be named or identified by rank who helped to push a broken bus at traffic lights to avoid a traffic jam on the road – (these officers) not just give tickets to road users,” Mr Wiphongsak noted in his post. The Phuket News

images,” Mr Kawee said. The works, which have been ongoing for about a week, and are set to be completed this month, have caused the partial closing off of Thalang Rd to vehicles. Meanwhile, Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos this week revealed that Nai Harn Lake and its surroundings are to undergo a renovations to improve the area. “Nai Harn Lake has not been renovated for over 10 years so we believe it is time to renovate the area to make it more attractive for residents and tourists,” said Mayor Aroon. “The renovation project will see bicycle, walking and running lanes installed which will be separated from

traffic lanes. “We are considering using a budget from the central government or the municipality for this project but we will decide upon this once the designs have been drawn up,” he added. “It is highly possible that we will use the municipality budget because if we ask the central government for a budget it will take too long and we do not know whether they will provide the budget or not. “However, either way, if the project is accepted then contraction will be began within this year,” Mayor Aroon said. Additional reporting by Chutharat Plerin

HRH PRINCESS MAHA Chakri Sirindhorn will arrive in Phuket next week to attend a formal ceremony at the Peranakan Museum in Phuket Town. Officially called the “Chalermraj Center” (Baba Phuket), the museum is located at the former Standard Chartered Bank building in the heart of Old Phuket Town and opened its doors in 2012. Joining HRH Princess Sirindhorn for the event, on May 17, will be Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong. “More details of HRH Princess Sirindhorn’s visit will be available in the coming week once government officials have held another meeting,” Chief of Phuket Public Relations Office Busaya Jiapiam told The Phuket News. The next day, May 18, HRH will also Yaowawit academy, a welfare homestay school in Kapong Dis-

trict, Phang Nga Province. HRH Princess Sirindhorn has been involved in the Yaowawit academy since its early stages, visiting the site before its opening and even gifting the school its name. She will be present at the ceremony in Phang Nga from 8:50am to 10am along with government officials and other notable guests such as Kapong District Chief as well as Philipp Graf von Hardenberg, who is the CEO and President of the Thanyapura health and fitness academy and resort in Phuket. Mr Graf von Hardenberg is a board member and founder of the Yaowawit academy, and will deliver an introduction at the event. The school comprises 140 children aged 4-18 and was founded after the tsunami in 2004 by the “Children’s World Academy”. The Phuket News

Opinion 8

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Think before you clean

o date this year The Phuket News has reported on dozens of “clean up” days organised variously by the provincial government, national government departments, local universities, hotels and resorts, community groups, expat groups... oh and that man I saw pick up an icecream wrapper of the street the other day. Suffice it to say that cleaning up Phuket, at least superficially, seems to be a cause everyone can get behind – there are few opportunities for corruption, the results are quantifiable and it’s a great photo opportunity for everyone involved. The only drawback is that these “clean up” days are necessarily undertaken after the fact. The much harder task is tackling the island’s waste problems with proactive infrastructure and policy measures that address the underlying issues.

While we rightly congratulate the people involved in these “clean up” day efforts, what we really need to do is reduce the amount of rubbish that gets discarded in the first place. More public rubbish bins would be a good start, in all towns and at all beaches, with frequent rounds to empty and maintain them. Naturally, this measure would be underwritten by a large and sustained public education program. A one-baht levy on plastic bags would be nice, and even if we can’t expect every little stall or shop to abide, wouldn’t it be good green PR for retail giants like 7-Eleven, Tesco, Super Cheap to lead the way on this particular issue? Next on the list might be investing in recycling facilities to increase the range of materials that can be reused to generate a profit. If even a small percentage of material

currently going to landfill or incineration was recycled it would be a good start. And by placing a value on previously worthless waste products, people would soon swoop in to collect and sell it. A 30-year, island-wide plan for wastewater treatment infrastructure could be a worthwhile idea too. Given the growth rate of Phuket, perhaps we could plan and build the infrastructure now, knowing that we will soon grow into it, rather than the other way around. Governor Norraphat Plodthong is confident and keen to assert his green credentials and it would be great to see him champion any one of the measures mentioned above. Surely it would be easier to rally support from the higherups for a cleaner Phuket, than, say... closing down late-night trading on Bangla Rd? It’s certainly worth a try.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Phuket tuk-tuk sex video goes viral Russians arrested over Phuket tuk-tuk sex video Police nab UK ‘drug lord’ Bombs at Pattani Big C injure 37 Marriage, sex, and being LGBT in Pakistan Pregnant British woman crushed under 18-wheel Phuket truck Phuket Opinion: A lethal combination Major Buddhist holiday brings alcohol ban to Phuket Arrest of one drug dealing female leads Phuket police to two more dealers Four rescue workers killed in horror pickup smash

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HAVE YOUR SAY Not an accident

Re: Four rescue workers killed in horror pickup smash What a terrible incident, I won’t call it an accident because it wasn’t. Drink driving should be treated differently, as you are willingly being unfit to take control of a vehicle which is capable of killing people. What we need is the police out at night, stopping and breathalysing every motorcycle or car driver after 10pm at night. This is the only way to stop these people, and don’t just fine them and let them on their way, put them in jail or the police cells until they sober up! Malczx7r ...................................................

Needless tragedy Re: Pregnant British woman crushed under 18-wheeled Phuket truck

Oh lord, how absolutely tragic. Even worse, the precedent has recently been set for the driver of the motorbike to be charged with causing wrongful death or even manslaughter. Now answer me this, would this most tragic of deaths have happened if the people

involved had been travelling on a bus? Does anyone imagine that a 6-month-pregnant (Western raised) woman would choose to travel on the back of a motorbike in Thailand if there was a sensible public transport alternative? And not some ridiculous light-rail system either. My sincere condolences to all involved. Captain Jack 69 ...................................................

Time for a change

Re: Arrest of one drug dealing female leads Phuket police to two more dealers Way past time to change the laws. I am very worried about what will happen to these young ladies and the young men from the other day. How much longer will these be sacrificed on an altar to placate prohibitionists? Being from Colorado in the US, I see every day how the prohibition laws have ruined life after life. But at least for pot, here in Colorado it has finally stopped. Not one more life, or family destroyed by prison. I hope Thailand sees the horror of prohibition and allows compassion to triumph.

Folks who get caught up in drugs should be treated the same as alcoholics, Treated, not jailed. The young faces in your paper should not grow old in a cage. For that would certainly be a horrible crime. Shame on prohibitionists in the USA for spreading their ill conceived laws around the world. Rich 44 Ok, interesting. A few street sellers of the road. And now what is next? How about the suppliers, and the people who made all this stuff? Is it not going any further up than this Mr Den? Is it again like I have written before? The RTP gets their weekly piece of meat, and than everybody is happy? No further investigation. All these investigations/arrests just remain at bottom/street level. Kurt ...................................................

Monkey business

Re: Phuket monkeys face relocation to islands offshore Koh Lone would be better, also consider neutering the Monkeys before releasing them there, otherwise there will just

be another, bigger problem in the future. Solve a problem once and for all, do not just seek temporary solutions and have the same, or even bigger problem later on. Yvonne ...................................................

We’re from the government and we’re here to help

Re: Phuket’s Nai Harn Lake to undergo renovations Last time they “renovated” the area, they cut down all the shade trees. Sir Burr ...................................................

Disgusting system

Re: Court rejects six sex ring warrant bids Another episode of the Thai criminal justice system stinking to high heaven. Get ready for a display of corruption on the world stage. Thai officials associated with this disgusting case don’t care what anyone thinks. Sexual predators and child rapists at the highest levels of law enforcement and they will be protected... not arrested. Disgusting. Ben Pendejo

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THAILAND NEWS

59 injured in Pattani attack

Deputy Defence Minister denies bombings linked to Islamic State PATTANI AFP

t least 59 people, several of whom were children, were injured when two powerful bombs went off at a Big C Supercentre in Pattani’s Muang District, in the Deep South, on Tuesday afternoon (May 9). The shopping centre was also the target of a bomb blast in 2005 and an arson attack in 2012. The first explosion, which sounded like a giant firecracker, occurred near the entrance to the Big C building around 2:50pm, security officials said. About 10 minutes after the first blast, a second bomb blast occurred outside the building, damaging the structure and causing a fire. It took firefighters about one hour to bring the blaze under control. The second bomb was inside a bag placed in a pickup truck parked near the entrance of the building, they said. According to eyewitnesses, the driver of the pickup was seen parking the vehicle in

Thai soldiers stand guard as a forensics unit inspects the aftermath of the car bomb in front of the Big C shopping centre in Pattani. Photo: AFP the car park near the building and then abandoning it and running away. After the first blast, security guards sealed off the building preventing people from entering or leaving. The impact of the second bomb injured people inside the building. Most of the injured were parents and their children, who were shopping for the new school term. All the injured

were sent to Pattani Hospital, according to Wichianchok Phetphakdee, the director of the remedial centre of the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC). Two of those injured were in critical condition, while 21 were later discharged. The rest of the injured were still in hospital late Wednesday. Col Pramote Prom-in, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command’s

Lawyer slams order on illegal content NATIONWIDE TH E GOV ER N M ENT’S order to shut down Facebook and other websites in Thailand if they break local laws will not solve the root causes of the problem and will create a domino effect among other internet providers, says an international law firm. The removal of content delivery network (CDN) servers from internet service providers (ISPs) to block illegal content would also result in higher international internet access costs, as well as slow down internet users’ connection speed, said Dhiraphol Suwanprateep, a partner in the information and communication technology group of Baker & McKenzie. “Tackling illegal content has long been troublesome,” he said. “It sounds easy but in practice current technology used for delivering content and storing data are very complicated and interconnected.” If you change any one part on a network, it will impact other parts (much like the domino effect) and result in considerable time being spent on re-routing traffic so the content can continue to be @thephuketnews

Government’s order to shut down some Facebook pages is unworkable says tech attorney. Photo: Bangkok Post delivered and/or stored, said Mr Dhiraphol. “Removing CDN from Thai ISPs is not practical as users can access offshore websites via other means, with or without CDN,” he said. ISPs could still face claims of illegality with the change, said Mr Dhiraphol. Typically a CDN is located at a local ISP’s premises. But the ISP does not have control over data management. ISPs are responsible for traffic flow, but they do not know what content is contained in such traffic and do not own the content. As such, they are not responsible for uploading content, legal or not. A CDN is used for content delivery, especially from off-

shore websites, to reach local end users faster and with greater stability. A CDN is also cost-effective for telecom companies to handle their traffic, meaning users see cheaper service fees. “Forcing local ISPs to handle illegal content is not practical, as they do not have the full capability to monitor and remove content,” he said. “Under internationally recognised principles, ISPs are merely intermediaries and are exempted from charges in regard to illegal content under safe harbour principles.” Mr Dhiraphol admitted it is clear illegal content must be tackled; the question is how to do it. Bangkok Post

(Isoc) Region 4 forward command, said the pickup truck was parked near the entrance to the building, suggesting the bomb attack was meant to lead to multiple deaths. Fortunately, store security guards had sealed off the area to prevent people from entering and leaving the building after the suspicious vehicle was detected. Col Pramote said that the first bomb might only have been a giant firecracker

used to divert the attention of authorities. Security officers found out the pickup that contained the bomb outside the department store belonged to Nuson Khachornkham, who lives in Yala’s Muang District. His wife said her husband had driven to sell canvas in Pattani and she had been unable to contact him. Another suspicious object was found at the Diana department store in Muang District, though nothing dangerous was detected, police said. After the blasts, security checkpoints were set up along all the routes around Pattani to look for suspects involved in the bomb attack. Fourth Army chief Piyawat Nakwanich rushed to the scene of the blast and called an urgent meeting of security agencies to plan an investigation and assess the security situation in the area. Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr denied that bombs were linked with the Islamic State (IS) terror group. There were earlier reports of a Malaysian national, suspected by Malaysian authorities to

have links with the IS, who had fled to Thailand and repeatedly entered and left the country. Gen Udomdej said that authorities in the Deep South have been instructed to step up security and intelligence operations to prevent any future attacks. Defence spokesma n Kongcheep Tantravanich said that Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon had ordered agencies to do their best to ensure the injured people are well looked after and to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice quickly. The Big C Supercentre in Pattani was targeted for a bomb attack for the first time on Aug 1, 2005 when a home-made bomb hidden in a potted plant was detonated by a mobile phone in the shopping centre’s car park. The second attack on March 11, 2012 involved a fire later found to be caused by an incendiary device. Unicef Thailand issued a statement condemning the indiscriminate attack.

10 THAILAND NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Thai folk rocks crowd

Isan music is making inroads with Thailand’s urban hipsters BANGKOK Sally Mairs

ipsters in f lowing skirts and crop tops sway to the Thai band’s hypnotic groove at an exclusive music festival in Thailand, while a clutch of cleaning staff quietly look on from the fringes. “I had no idea foreigners like mor lam,” says 55-year-old Saengyan Promduang, referring to the folk tunes unique to her rural home region that are captivating the well-heeled crowd outside Bangkok. Alternately sunny and haunting, the mor lam sound was once sneered at by wealthy Thais as “poor people music” from the rice-farming northeast, a region with closer cultural links to Laos. But fresh takes on the centuries-old musical tradition have started winning over Bangkok’s hipster elite and are making waves in the world music scene. It is a stark turnaround from decades of cultural con-

Members of the All-Thidsa mor lam band prepare to perform at the Wonderfruit music festival in Chonburi. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha descension towards the region known as Isan – home to rice farmers and the millions of migrants who fill Bangkok’s working class. Like many from their re-

gion, the cleaners left their fields for better pay working for affluent Thais and expats in the capital. In February their work took them to “Wonderfruit”,

an upscale art and music festival held in a field several hours south of Bangkok. “I’m not surprised they like mor lam, but I am proud,” said Komkang Thaptham, 43, letting her garbage bag rest on the ground as she watched homegrown rockers from AllThidsa band put on a show for a mix of urban Thais, tourists and expats. In its simplest form mor lam features witty – and often bawdy – lyrics about rural life warbled over the rhythmic swells of the kaen, a bamboo reed organ played by mouth. But the genre has changed its tune with the times, going electric in the 1960s and filtering in the sounds of psychedelic rock and funk played by American soldiers deployed in the region. Mor lam’s rising global profile today has much to do with two vinyl-obsessed DJs who started digging up ’60sera Thai folk records a decade ago and spinning the vintage beats in Bangkok. “Most of the people I met in Bangkok during that time would ask me, ‘Why do you play and collect molam records? It’s poor people music, it’s music for taxi drivers’,” recalled Nattapon Siangsukon, a Thai DJ better known by his stage name Maft Sai. But the Isan club nights started pulling crowds, inspiring Maft Sai and fellow DJ Chris Menist to invite a colourful collection of mor lam veterans – some on the brink of retirement – to the capital for live shows. In 2012 they minted the

Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, a sixpiece ensemble that has five European tours under its belt, including stops at the UK’s hallowed Glastonbury festival. The group has dropped mor lam’s trademark vocals but captures its mesmeric feel with two Isan legends driving foot-tapping grooves on the kaen and phin, a pear-shaped lute native to the northeast. The band still draws bigger crowds abroad than on home soil. But Thais are increasingly catching on, with Bangkok hipsters giving the two molam masters Kammao Perdtanon and Sawai Kaewsombat – who are twice the age of the youngest band member – a rock star welcome when they strode onto the stage at a recent show. “At the end of the day when music is good it speaks for itself,” Maft Sai said as the band members trickled into their Bangkok studio space for a rehearsal.

“It is quite honest music, and people can feel that.” The group’s new record, ‘Planet Lam’, has woven more modern layers into the traditional sounds, playing with dub and electronica elements. Experimentation has also held the key to success for Rasmee Wayrana, an Isan native who has melded sultry mor lam vocals with a jazzy back-up band and is building a growing fanbase at home and abroad. For Khun Narin’s Electric Phin Band, another mor lam group on the European festival circuit, fame came through a very 21st century stroke of fortune. The motley crew of musicians were used to playing rural wedding gigs in northern Thailand. But they were propelled to international fame after an American producer stumbled across clips of their raucous village parties on YouTube. Entranced by the electric phin riffs booming out of their homemade PA system, he flew out to Thailand to track the group down and record their first album in 2014. The band has been busy since releasing a second record with the US label, touring Europe twice and keeping day jobs as rice farmers, students, janitors and factory workers when back home. While some traditionalists lament modern mor lam’s departure from its acoustic roots, others see its evolution as the next chapter in an art form that has always been about change. “It refreshes itself all the time,” said Arthit Mulsarn, the curator of a roving exhibit, known as the “Molam Bus Project” that chronicles the history of the genre. “I don’t think mor lam is better or worse now, I think it just changes as time changes.” AFP

Festivalgoers check out the ‘Molam Bus Project’ at the Wonderfruit music festival. Photo: Lillian Suwanrumpha thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

ASIA NEWS 11

A sanctuary for city women

Afghan beauty parlours a stark contrast to the risky streets AFGHANISTAN

Afghan beautician Rubina who has worked at the beauty parlour for six months applies make-up for a client. Photo: Rebecca Conway/AFP

AFP

he photos in the window promise much: la ng uorous, koh lrimmed eyes and bright, bold nails – but once you enter the beauty parlours of Kabul, it becomes clear the images outside are a pale reflection of the vibrant reality inside. After the Taliban regime was toppled in 2001, small oases of glamour began to flourish in the Afghan capital – glittering feminine spaces in stark contrast to the dusty, dangerous, male-dominated streets outside. In Kabul’s city centre they line entire streets, their interiors protected from the male gaze by windows papered over with images of outrageous make-up and sophisticated hairstyles, their entrances barred by a screen or a simple curtain. Once the thresholds to these sheltered boudoirs are crossed, veils and scarves are shed: girls emerge from the burqas to reveal leggings

and necklines, scooped backs and even – in the summer – tank tops. Scraps of conversation between women of all generations mingle with the sound of hair-dryers and the smell of varnishes and lotions. “The families who bring their girls here, they are happy that it’s just for girls, so... they know it’s very safe,” says Athena Hashemi, owner of the upmarket salon “Henna”.

The 32-year-old beauty, her long hair loose and her face barely made up, opened her salon two years ago after training in Dubai. She now employs 17 aestheticians. “They are the best in town,” customer Muzhda asserts, a hairdresser intent on the complex architecture of her curly chignon. Frequented by the wealthy and local celebrities, Henna is also the most expensive:

A busy bamboo harvest in China CHINA IT’S SPRINGTIME IN THE bamboo-forested hills surrounding eastern China’s Lin’an city, and that means busy mornings of harvesting, packing and selling tonnes of the edible bamboo shoots that the region is famous for. Lin’an is in an area of eastern Zhejiang province whose rich forests are estimated to supply up to two-thirds of China’s bamboo shoots, plus a range of other products derived from the fast-growing plant that are produced both for domestic and overseas markets. Harvesting takes several hours starting at dawn, and has been a cornerstone of the region’s economy for countless centuries. The shoots are a regular item on Chinese dinner tables, typically made into a soup, braised with meat or vegetables, or eaten as snacks, said Wang Guoying, a vendor at a bamboo market in Lin’an. “The even larger ones, the hairy shoots, can be made into canned ones and sold overseas,” she said. She was referring to “mao sun”, or “hairy shoots”, which @thephuketnews

A woman cleaning bamboo shoots at a market in Taihuyuan village near the city of Lin’an, Zhejiang province. Photo: AFP get their name from their hair-like surfaces. Another vendor, Lang Erhua, said, “everyone knows how to cook bamboo shoots here.” “You cut the fresh shoots into thin pieces and braise it with pork and bones. Or you can just braise it with plain water. Add a dash of ginger, garlic and, in the end, some salt and MSG. It’s delicious,” she said. Bamboo, which despite its woody appearance is a type of grass, is among nature’s most versatile plants. Its lightness and strength lend it to a range of uses

including as building materials, chopsticks, furniture, window blinds, hats, musical instruments, baskets and ornamental arrangements. It is even utilised in paper and textile products. Bamboo’s fast rate of growth is also legendary, with certain species reputed to grow a few centimetres per hour. Bamboo is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world but nowhere is it perhaps as important as in China where it has been admired for thousands of years. AFP

the “special bride pack” is 9,000 afghanis (B4,713) and includes full body waxing (6,000 afghanis). Muzhda’s sister will marry tonight, and the women of her family are gilding themselves in make-up, manicures, blowouts and henna. Most have already donned their richly embroidered evening gowns – but wait until the last moment before donning their high heels.

“Afghan women are now very fashionable,” explains one customer. Make-up that challenges traditional Afghan notions of decency is favoured: foundation caked on, eyes framed in false eyelashes and iridescent, bold powders. “They tell me, ‘Add more! Add more!’” sighs Athena. A woman enters with her face blanked by white powder, like a sort of Afghan Pierrot, seeking help from the masters at Henna with her make-up disaster. “Look what they are doing in other salons!” Athena laments. Hama, a doctor in a large maternity hospital in the city, arrives with her daughter who is paying her first trip to the salon ahead of a cousin’s wedding. After the ministrations, now adorned in false eyelashes, golden eye shadow, and with lips the colour of petunias, little Mariam – aged 16 – looks 30. Weddings are a rare opportunity to go out, says her mother, the pins in her hair

scaffolding for her heavy locks. With kidnappings and militant attacks on the rise in Kabul Hama and her family, like many others, no longer frequent restaurants, avoid large gatherings, and do not travel outside the city on roads infested with Taliban. So for weddings, she says, the sky is the limit. Some years ago a young researcher, Rima Kohli, looked at the effects of make-up on Afghan women after nearly four decades of war, including years of suffering under the Taliban’s misogynistic rule. “Women suffered the worst psychological, emotional and mental effects of this war,” she said. “So starting with small achievable steps, like making them feel pretty, at least creates some positive energy and sets the stage to work on deeper issues.” Yet, for the most conservative, beauty salons remain abominations. Athena has no illusions. “Even today, years later ... they can threaten us. We must remain prudent,” she says.

12 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Rio’s ride to nowhere Seen as a symbol of hope, cable car above Rio favelas now stands idle BRAZIL AFP

cable car built over one of Rio’s most violent favelas as a symbol of hope stands idle today, a ride to nowhere in a city whose recent Olympic glory has never seemed more distant. The ski resort-style, multimillion-dollar gondolas were hailed worldwide when they first glided over Rio de Janeiro’s gang-infested Complexo do Alemao favela in 2011. In the build-up to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Rio Olympics, the network of cables and six hilltop terminals was meant to show that Alemao was about more than battles between drug gangs and police. But today the shiny facilities are closed – and the guns are getting louder. At one abandoned terminal, named Alemao, a stray dog wanders lazily past the vacant hall. Bullet holes mark the walls of the adjacent police station. A bullet casing lies on the street. Similar scenes are repeated around the rest of the system, which was taken offline last September, just weeks after the Olympics ended. Officials cited unexpected damage requiring major maintenance. But they have yet to say when this will happen, beyond

An overhead view of the Complexo do Alemao group of favelas in the north zone of Rio de Janeiro. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP “in the second half” of this year. With Rio state nearly bankrupt, crime soaring and public servants not being paid on time, local residents are sceptical. “I don’t believe it (will restart), not with the crisis,” said Sonia Paulo, 34, who works as a maid. Pretty much the only remaining attraction is the extraordinary view from the six terminals. The cables link one vertiginous hilltop to another across the huge, working class neighbourhood of jumbled

alleys and crudely built brick houses. From that height, the favela resembles a bright collage of tiny squares. But don’t climb the terminal for an even better look, warned Lt Leonardo Violante, manning the bullet-scarred police station. “The bandits will see you and start shooting.” When the favela cable car opened, some criticised the 210 million reais (B2.21 trillion) price tag, saying the money should instead fund sewage systems, schools and other basic services for the

impoverished people below. But the rides, spanning 3.5 kilometres, became one of Rio’s top tourist destinations. The system was also hugely popular with favela residents who could now get around without negotiating Alemao’s tortuously steep, narrow streets. Some 9,000 people were reported to ride daily. “It changed a lot for us,” said Bruna Teodoro, 26, who used to work in a market and now, like more than 13% of Brazilians, is unemployed. Her commute changed

from at least half an hour to five minutes. “We really miss it.” What Brazilians call the “teleferico” was not only transport. Each terminal building became a buzzing community hub, housing medical, postal and social services, and in one case a library. “They had social services and community projects,” said arts producer Nathalia Menezes, 29, who lives right next to the Alemao terminal. “Theatre, fashion – there were a lot of great things.” The cable car network was

also closely integrated with a system of local policing called Pacification Police Units or UPP in Portuguese. The UPP idea was just as revolutionary as the cable cars. Instead of police fighting drug gangs on sporadic, largescale raids, officers would live and patrol inside the community, winning locals’ trust and displacing the traffickers. Put that with the cable cars and the favela would change forever. So went the plan. “The goal of the project was to take over the traffickers’ space,” Violante, 28, said outside his UPP. “Up here is right where the drug traffickers used to execute people.” But now it’s the heavily armed officers inside the UPPs, not the gangsters outside, who are marginalised. Officers don’t go outside without their pistols or automatic rifles and they wouldn’t dare go even a short distance alone. Even if they do go in force, the likelihood is they’ll get into a firefight. Spraying high velocity bullets around the tightly packed neighbourhood is hardly a way to win friends. “We’ve had to cut back on the patrols a lot because of the problem of stray bullets,” the lieutenant said. “The idea was to work with the community but for us to talk with residents means getting into shoot-outs. It’s a bit harder than we thought.”

The aerial cableway over the Alemao favela is now shut down. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace/AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Court urged to launch trial over Ace 1 condos PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

ine months after filing their complaint, a Belgian husband and wife are still fighting for Phuket Provincial Court to bring to trial the developers of the failed Ace 1 Condo Project in Patong. The court last Friday (May 5) held its fifth hearing in the plea to bring the developers to trial. Defendants listed on the public court docket are named as The Nine Property (Patong) Co Ltd, Miss Piyanuch Hansanan and Alisa Likitittiruks. All three stand accused of public fraud under Section 343 of Criminal Code. The court received the complaint on August 1, 2016. and the hearings started on October 10 last year, with subsequent hearings on November 28, January 23, April 24 and again last Friday. During today’s session the judge received testimony from “Nadine Rene Stephanie Lamyns”, named as the second plaintiff. She is the wife of Belgian national Didier Giesen, named as the first plaintiff. The couple filed a complaint alleging they were defrauded out of B1,144,000 paid as deposit for two units

Grey skies over Phuket Provincial Court last Friday (May 5). Photo: The Phuket News in the project that were never delivered, as the project was never completed Mr Giesen pointed out that this was just one of many claims pending against the developers. “My friends are in the same situation as me, and it takes time. “Today is not the first time for us at court. We’ve already been here five times. Our lawyer is trying his best to present our case. They should pay us back or go to jail,” he said.

Mr Giesen’s lawyer Tanot Channim told The Phuket News, “I do expect that the judge will decide to prosecute The Nine Property (Patong) Co Ltd. Today, we had the opportunity to present our case further.” Meanwhile, the fight to even bring the developers to trial continues. “The next hearing is set for July 13. Then, I will know and make a decision on what I have to do,” Mr Tanot said. Meanwhile, it has yet to

be made clear why the Phuket Public Prosecutor is not leading the prosecution for a criminal charge. At last report, the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office refused to provide any explanation about the lack of progress in the charges against developer The Nine Property (Patong). Instead, Public Prosecutor Jessada Banditmongkolkul passed the buck to Region 8 Police, who he said had taken over the investigation.

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Banyan Tree project wins property award HOSPITALITY BANYAN TREE’S GRAND Residences at Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach has won the coveted International Property Award 2017-2018 for the “Best Residential Property in Thailand”. Appreciating the significance of this global recognition, Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping said, “Everyone in The Banyan Tree Group involved with this extraordinary project can be immensely proud of what they have contributed. “Our Grand Residences epitomise our dedication to designing hotels and residences of style, sophistication and integrity that truly enhance their naturally beautiful surroundings.” One of the latest additions to Banyan Tree’s global property portfolio, the Grand Residences comprise 19 fivebedroom luxury villas set in a gated estate within metres of the water’s edge. Located next to the flagship Banyan Tree Phuket Resort at Phuket’s renowned Laguna Phuket resort complex, the Banyan Tree Grand Residences villas offer land areas between 1,310 and 2,170sqm with 788sqm built-up area. Construction is underway with installation of the infrastructure in progress. The five bedrooms in each villa all come with en-suite bathrooms and each villa features a grand living room plus additional multi-purpose

The Banyan Tree’s stunning Grand Residences at Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach. room, separate dining area, Western and Asian kitchens, maid quarters, private internal garden courtyard and extensive outdoor entertainment deck and a large private infinity pool with integrated Jacuzzi. In keeping with the group’s award-winning accomplishments, the Banyan Tree Residences in Brisbane also won two outstanding accolades for Best Marketing Development and Best Apartment/Condominium in Australia. The Banyan Tree Group is the vision of its three founders Ho Kwon Ping, Claire Chiang, and Ho Kwon Cjan, in purchasing and developing the parcel of land which would eventually lead to Laguna Phuket and the birth of the Banyan Tree brand. From a single boutique resort in Phuket that launched in 1994, the Group now has more than 30 hotels and resorts, 70plus spas, more than 80 retail galleries and three golf courses in 28 countries. Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts have received over 1,100 accolades and awards since the group’s inception in 1994. The Phuket News

Phuket overlooked in micro-SME support plan ECONOMY PH U K ET H AS BEEN overlooked in a new national policy to lend support to “micro-SMEs” – businesses that are smaller than small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – to help strengthen the Thai economy. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak was to chair a meeting to brainstorm with other senior officials from the Office of Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion and the Industry Ministry to seek new measures to support micro-SMEs, Industry Minister Uttama Savanayana told The Bangkok Post last week. “Micro-SMEs constitute a group that has been overlooked for such a long time,” he said. “That’s why we are trying to lend a helping hand to them, as we recognise those small businesses as a foundation of the Thai economy that @thephuketnews

should be supported.” Micro-SMEs were initially defined as small businesses, or family businesses, that have fewer than five employees and do not register as companies. Mr Uttama said that by supporting such enterprises, the government would eventually help bolster the overall economy. He said that since microSMEs are very small, it is hard for them to secure financial support from local banks or other financial institutions, which normally require assets to be put down as collateral before lending capital. Mr Uttama said the government would start lending support to micro-SMEs in eight provinces, mostly major cities with busier economic activity, before expanding aid to other ones. However, Phuket as the burgeoning hub of economic growth for Southern Thailand, is not among the eight areas to

benefit from the project. The eight provinces are Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Pathom, Chon Buri, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Krabi and Songkhla. Mr Uttama explained that at first, the government plans to draw money from existing SME-supporting funds, expecting to get B3.8 billion that would be made available to help micro-SMEs. The exact measures for allocating those funds remain to be figured out, Mr Uttama said. In addition to financial aid, Mr Uttama said the government also plans to lend marketing strategy support to help micro-SMEs penetrate new markets and cut costs. “Assistance in marketing will help strengthen microSMEs’ competitiveness in the long-term,” he said. “Ultimately, they will be able to develop themselves further to match the concept of Thailand

4.0, which needs more small but powerful companies that rely on new innovation.” According to the Industry Ministry, the state aims to lend support to 3,000 companies this year after helping 10,000 last year. The Phuket News

Phuket-based businesses won’t benefit from the recently announced government support funding for ‘micro-SMEs’. Photo: Phuket Buns

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Long-term leases void Court ruling implications grave for foreign real estate investment LAW Jerrold Kippen

Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

n investment in real estate in Thailand on a leasehold basis is commonly used by foreigners due to the stringent rules that are in place to restrict foreign ownership of land and apartment units in Thailand. Under Thai law the maximum lease term is 30 years, which may be renewed upon expiration of that term. Because 30 years is a relatively short duration, leases marketed to foreigners typically provide for an initial 30‐year term plus two additional successive 30‐year renewal terms – or “30+30+30 leases” as they are often referred to. The problem for investors in such a lease is that the renewal terms are generally not secured. Should the owner of the leased property change during the lease the remaining renewal term(s) is not enforceable against the new owner. Thus, to address this issue developers have marketed “secured leases” to foreigners. However, five Phuket trial and appellate judges found such leases to be legally void in 2015, as we wrote about at that time. It was these judges’ opinion that such a lease is the legal equivalent of a purchase and that such a lease agreement is entered into by the parties

If you have a void lease agreement, you have nothing. Photo: Creative Commons in order to conceal another contract: a sale and purchase agreement for the same immovable property. Now, in yet another surprising decision, the Phuket trial court has ruled that leases of immovable property with a term of 30 years with two successive 30-year renewal options are themselves invalid for the same reason. In this court’s opinion, any 30-year lease with two 30-year renewals is void because it is not a lease but rather a sale. What is also interesting – or perhaps, disturbing – is that in both the secured lease case and the recent case involving simple 30+30+30 leases, neither the plaintiff nor the defendant ever argued that they intended to conceal a sale

and purchase agreement. The courts found and concluded this on their own. In the recent 30+30+30 case, the relevant law that the court was relying on is Section 155 of the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (“CCC”) which states: A declaration of intention made with the connivance (wrongdoing) of the other party which is fictitious is void; but its invalidity cannot be set up against third persons injured by the fictitious declaration of intention and acting in good faith. If a declaration of fictitious intention under paragraph one is made to conceal another juristic act, the provisions of law relating to the concealed act shall apply.

In lay terms what this means is that if two parties are “faking” in front of other people a contract (for example, a lease agreement) but they really mean to and are entering into a different contract (for example, a sale-and-purchase agreement), then the fake contract (in this example, the lease agreement) is void, that is, legally it never existed. A “lessee” that entered into such a void “lease agreement” would then have no right to the relevant immovable property itself and could be forced to vacate the premises at any time as provided by Section 172 of the CCC: A void act cannot be ratified, and its nullity may be alleged at any time by any interested person.

The return of a property arising from a void act shall be governed by the provisions on Undue Enrichment of the Code. As we discussed in our article regarding the court decisions on “secured leases”, it makes no difference if the lease itself was already registered at the land department or not. The finding that a lease is void means that it never legally existed and, therefore, as far as the law is concerned, a void lease cannot be, nor ever could have been registered. Even if the legally void lease went through the land office formalities of registration, with registration fees paid, papers signed and stamped by the land officials, it simply does not change the legal non‐existence of the void lease. If you

have a void lease agreement, you have nothing. What about the “actual” agreement the parties entered according to the Phuket court, the sale and purchase agreement? Doesn’t the “lessee” at least have rights under that finding by the court? Not according to the court because, as Section 456 of the CCC provides that: A sale of immovable property is void unless it is made in writing and registered by the competent official. And in the courts on both the secured lease case and the recent simple 30+30+30 lease cases concluded that since the “sale” was not made in writing nor registered with the competent official it too was void, never happened as legal matter. This is now the second case that we are aware of in which Phuket courts have declared long-term leases void. This must be very disturbing to many foreign investors investing or intending to invest in real estate in Thailand. Even though the present government is discussing an extension of the current 30-year lease to a maximum of 50 years, the problem of void leases remains. DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in 45 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

Marriott Nai Yang: ‘Most Excellent Family Hotel’ HOSPITALITY T H E PH U K E T M A Rriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, has been named as the “Most Excellent Family Hotel in Asia”. The award was presented to the resort at the inaugural Asia Awards of Excellence held in Macau on March 31. The Asia Awards of Excellence has gained prominence as Asia’s most anticipated new awards platform, created to recognise and celebrate the best in travel, hospitality, design and more. The glittering awards ceremony showcased the finest hotels and resorts in the region, recognising those that are committed to raising standards, exceeding expecta-

The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, has been named the ‘Most Excellent Family Hotel in Asia’. tions and offering the ultimate guest experiences. The grand gala dinner and award ceremony took place at the Macau Tower and rolled out the red carpet for over 150 VIP guests from Asia’s finest hotels and resorts. David Ippersiel, General

Manager of the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, said he was delighted to have received the “Most Excellent Family Hotel in Asia” award. “It is an exceptional honour for the resort to receive this very first award,” Mr

Ippersiel said. “With our rich combination of Thai hospitality, international amenities, innovation and an unsurpassed location, we believe that our resort is ideal for families visiting Phuket. “This award will now allow us to showcase Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, as the perfect family destination,” he added. The awards could keep f lowing for Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach as the hotel has also been nominated for the “Best Interior Design” award, which will be decided at the Asia Property Awards 2017, taking place at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park May 25-26. The Phuket News

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Soi Dog founder calls foul on local stray dog policy

Cecê Nobre is proud to be a cultural cannibal

CADAVERS AND CANAPÉS

Phuket’s Theatrix theatre group presents a nerve-jangling evening of mystery and murder > P16

@thephuketnews

The players of the Theatrix theatre group.

16 EVENTS

The Green Man in Chalong will be transformed into Greenmane Towers for one mysterious evening.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Local acting and improv group Theatrix will transport you to a world of mystery and murder.

Whodunnit? You decide...

Indulge your amateur sleuthing abilities at this interactive theatre show The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

An evening of dastardly deeds, dreadful deaths, ominous occultism and mystifying mystery.

ocal acting and improv group Theatrix has struck again! This time with an evening of dastardly deeds, dreadful deaths, ominous occultism and mystifying mystery. Now it’s up to you to help solve the crime, catch the culprit(s) and win some great prizes. Over the last two years Theatrix has brought to Phuket several fantastic shows, including “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Outta the Box” comedy night, “Mixed-Up!” and “Theatrix for Life”, and is now back with an evening of murder mystery theatre at the Green Man Pub and Restaurant in Chalong/Rawai. You don’t want to miss this! “Murder at the Greenmane Towers” is adapted by

the elusive Basil lunatic, who was not available for comment, from a play by Ian Hornby. Upon entry, the audience will immediately feel, from the staff of the fictional Greenmane Towers, an uneasy tension in the air – a feeling that all is not well and could even get worse. Greenmane Towers is, in fact, in the middle of a power struggle over who will ultimately control its famous restaurant and garner the revenues. Animosity among the characters is palpable, there is no love lost, and then, just when it looks like it couldn’t get any worse… a murder! Whodunnit? The audience will witness one scene after another from our talented cast of actors, playing the staff at Greenmane Towers, scenes that enlighten the events of the evening in order to help solve the mystery. Every table will have copies of all the clues. In addition, during the pauses between scenes, the audience will have the opportunity to interrogate the characters themselves as the actors mix and mingle. Our guests, along with the crack detective DCI Flag Semafor, attempt to discover the perpetrator(s) who, horror of horrors, is hiding in plain view among the guests and might strike again! Can Semafor and the audience move fast enough to make sure there is only one untimely death this night? Come and find out! Tickets may be purchased in advance at The Green Man or reservations can be made by phone: Joel Adams, 093-6490066 and through the Green Man itself at 076-390360. The tickets are B400 from now through to

May 18; the price includes a welcome drink, pub finger food throughout the evening and the play, with a chance to win a prize! After May 18, or at the door, tickets will be B500. Seats are limited so book now. Come and practice your sleuthing skills with us and have a fun, unforgettably theatrical evening. This event is proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

The Tudor-style surrounds of The Green Man will heighten the evening’s atmosphere of suspense. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 17

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Madness in their methods Soi Dog decries government’s outmoded methods of stray dog control

John Dalley

he news reported this week about the government-run dog shelter in Thalang, and especially the statement made by Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok, shows a clear misunderstanding of the current situation with regards to stray animals in Phuket and the Phuket Dog Pound in particular. As anybody who has lived here for 10 years or more can see; the number of stray dogs on the island has drastically reduced, and in addition, benefited from being rabies-free. This is due entirely to a large-scale program which has seen over 80% of the island’s dogs sterilised and vaccinated. All leading world authorities including the World Health Organisation, the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organisation and Thailand’s Department of Disease Control, all agree that this is the most effective way to successfully eliminate rabies and reduce stray dog populations, particularly in countries such as Thailand with large uncontrolled populations of strays. The reality is that removing sterilised and vaccinated dogs from the environment, and taking them to dog pounds, actually has a negative effect as it reduces herd immunity to rabies and opens up territories inhabited by sterilised dogs to ones that are unsterilised. It is also economically unviable, but nevertheless, this is what currently happens on Phuket. At the same time, despite frequent pleas, the authorities on Phuket have done nothing to stop the import of hundreds of puppies every year from puppy farms – often these farms are situated in rabies-infected zones and the dogs sold mainly at unregulated markets. Phuket also has puppy farms which are unlicensed. Many of these puppies go unsold or end up unwanted and are discarded. They, and the unwanted puppies of unsterilised owned dogs, provide the majority of cases that Soi Dog Foundation still sterilises in Phuket. The biggest issue though is the extensive amounts of waste and garbage freely available for animals to feed on. Ten years ago I wrote in the local press that Soi Dog Foundation could, given time, control the stray dog population here. However, reducing the number of stray dogs would see an increase in stray cats which are far harder to control. If, and it is a big if, Soi Dog were able to control the number of cats, (we currently sterilise far more cats than

Food waste allows stray dog numbers to increase. @thephuketnews

Sterilisation is a proven way to control stray dogs.

A well-functioning adoption program is critical to easing the burden on government pounds like this one. dogs on Phuket), then we would see a big increase in the number of rats and mice, and potentially snakes as their food source increases. The reality is that whilst ever we have poor waste control something will feed on it. Dogs are top of the pecking order, get rid of the dogs and cats and monkeys are next, get rid of them then rats will take over. History has shown this time and again. In parts of Rassada monkeys are now coming into villages and people’s houses stealing food where previously they kept away – because there are now not as many dogs there. One lady told me that her small village has over 300 cats now. Until Phuket and the rest of Thailand develops a strong household waste management system then it will have a problem. Walk a few metres back from almost any beach here and you will find discarded food waste in abundance. The national park in Nai Yang has a large open garbage site hidden behind the trees and then authorities wonder why they have a stray dog problem. Improvements are badly needed at the dog pound but unless more land is acquired capacity cannot be increased. In 2006 Soi Dog took over management of the pound and invested a large amount of money in improving it – including separating runs, building a clinic and isolation areas, installing proper drainage and making it secure. No sooner had the improvements been completed we were given notice to quit, as was deemed unacceptable for an NGO to be managing a government facility. Since that time Soi Dog Foundation has been banned from entering and the pound has fallen into disrepair. The several hundred dogs are cared for by two elderly ladies who have no training. Quarantine is non-existent, leading to an extremely high death rate – not helped by too many dogs fighting over too little food. It relies on a few caring volunteers to try and help the dogs. Soi Dog, for the past two years, has been allowed in to vaccinate all the dogs there at a given time. The government has no budget to even do that. After being refused entry to the pound we have just recently been granted permission to send vets in to treat animals, often with serious injuries, that would

otherwise have been left to die a slow and painful death. In most countries of the world such a facility would not be allowed and its owners prosecuted for animal cruelty. The current thinking in Thailand, of removing all stray dogs and incarcerating them in such pounds is doomed to failure. Who will provide the funding? It is one thing to spend a few million baht on building a basic facility, but who then pays for the ongoing care? Soi Dog spends over a million baht every month just on food alone for its own and other government and private shelters. The Department of Livestock, who are charged with caring for the dogs, are given little or no budget to do so. The fact is that there will always be some dogs left, and whilst ever there is a food source, they will rapidly reproduce and you will be back to square one. More and more shelters will be needed just to keep up. Most of the dogs going to the dog pound should not be there as they are vaccinated and sterilised. Of course, there is a need for shelters for dogs that have been abandoned, abused or are truly dangerous but such shelters must have the ability to properly care for the animals in their charge. They must also have an active adoption program or they will rapidly become full and be unable to take more in. The number of stray dogs in Phuket is falling rapidly, but it takes time for the effects to be fully seen. Leave vac-

Staff at Soi Dog catch strays at a garbage dump. cinated sterilised dogs where they are or pay the price. Soi Dog Foundation is now focusing on neighbouring provinces and Bangkok and supporting other groups sterilising dogs in other parts of the country. It will continue to carry out a maintenance program in Phuket, but does not want to go back to seeing unsterilised dogs taking over. The government should focus on preventing more dogs coming on to the island, encouraging owners to have their pets sterilised, and shutting down unlicensed puppy farms and sellers, and of course, improving waste management. In the meantime, expect to see many more cats! John Dalley is the Co-founder and President of internationally recognised Soi Dog Foundation, based in Phuket.

Feeding time at the Phuket Stray Dog Centre.

18 ART

Cultural cannibal THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Cecê Nobre’s mural at UWCT channels his eclectic cultural influences Mark Knowles editor1@classactmedia.co.th

I knew that I was different, but I wasn’t entirely sure how... so culture and cultural identity has always been important to me.

he immense and inscrutable faces of three indigenous children staring down at me from the side of the building command my instant attention as I walk into the grounds of United World College Thailand in northern Phuket. Approaching the giant mural, which covers the wall to the top of the second floor, I make out a paint-streaked man atop a scaffold shouting down to a group of children hovering excitedly around its base. “Can you please bring me up a can of brown paint?” he shouts. The kids quickly run over to a box filled with spray cans and begin reading paint labels up to him. “Is it Adobe Clay? Fox Tail… Or is it Madorras Brown?” they yell in turn. “That’s the one, bring it up,” he said. A child quickly scrambles up to the first level of the scaffolding and strains up to hand over the can in question. Opening and shaking the fresh can, the man continues to paint the fine details of a child’s nose with quick strokes of his arm, all the while answering questions from his young devotees below. The avuncular man on the scaffold is Cecê Nobre, a Bangkok-based Brazilian-American street artist and muralist. His easy manner with the children is owing to his day job as an art teacher at an international school in Bangkok. He was invited by local art enthusiast Sandy Porter, whose children attend UWCT, to bring some more colour and life to the school grounds. During a quick break from his painting, I took the opportunity to have a chat with Cecê about his compli-

The completed mural at UWCT, note that the children wear ‘Kilombu’ style jewellery of Cecê’s own design. cated cultural background and how it has inspired his art. I started off by asking him where he was from. “I was born in Brazil, my mum is from the USA and my Dad is from Paraguay. I was raised in the United States but my parents raised me with a Brazilian identity. So, I claim Brazil, even though most of my life was in the USA,” says Cecê. Growing up in “cowboy country” in Missouri, Cecê says his childhood was “pretty rough”, being raised mostly by his American mother and knowing little about his father’s Paraguayan heritage, he became obsessed with learning more about his South American roots. “I knew that I was different, but I wasn’t entirely sure how. As a kid, I was obsessed with maps, geography and National Geographic. I was always studying these different cultures. When I went to university and then became a painter, I kept doing that. So culture and cultural identity has always been important to me,” he says. Like his recent mural at UWCT, much of Cecê’s art features indigenous people, often close-up portraits of distinctive individual faces, resplendent in their face-paint, tribal clothing and jewellery. Cecê says this fascination with other cultures and peoples has run throughout his life and led him to study Cultural Anthropology at university. “I was always attracted to the exotic – not just indigenous peoples or tribal people – but places like China and Persia where they have really strong cultures. When I went to university I studied Anthropology and Linguistics. I had no background in art, I never really wanted to become an artist, it just came about after I graduated from college, as a personal challenge to try to paint,” he says. After graduating university, Cecê moved to Paraguay to get in touch with his roots and experience life outside of the US. It was during this time he began painting using cheap paint and materials he’d scavenged from the street. “I got an apartment in Paraguay after I graduated. I was 22, it had an ex-

Cecê Nobre. posed concrete wall and I thought, ‘Ah, I want to cover this up’. It felt really therapeutic, putting down layers of paint and afterwards I was really pleased with it. I started drawing pictures and then I started to paint. In Paraguay, canvas is very expensive. I used to go on the street where people would throw away pieces of wood, or old frames, and I would take them, clean them up and paint on those. After years of painting on wood and scraps, I wanted to paint walls. I was like, I want to paint something big!” After Paraguay Cecê returned to Washington DC where he got his first paid gig as a mural artist. A local community art project selected him out of 30 applicants to paint a mural on a large wall in his neighbourhood. “I had no experience painting walls. I was using acrylic paint and I was just stabbing it with a brush. It took me forever... like two weeks to do it. Being naïve at the time, I’d thought my prize was painting the wall. I didn’t know it was a paid gig. The guy gave me a cheque at the end of it. It was for $1,475. I was like, what’s this? We get paid for this?” he exclaims. With this boost in confidence and cash flow, Cecê turned his attention to his personal cultural touchstone – Brazil – picking up stakes again to move to the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro. “I’d just got paid from my job as well, so I thought, what am I going to do? I’m going to move to Rio, I’m going to go to a slum, and I’m going to learn how to do graffiti. I’d been talking with a friend thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ART 19

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Cecê has painted murals in his unique style in several countries including Cambodia, Brazil and the US. online, who’d been working for an NGO in a slum in Rio, a Brazilian guy. He was a painter, and he said, ‘Come, you can just live with me’ and I was like, ‘Done’,” he explains. Brazil is a haven for street artists and graffiti culture and the six months Cecê spent there helped inspired his colourful Tropicalist style as well the philosophy underlying his art. “In Brazil, even though there is the graffiti style, like painting your name and things like that, it was more artistic, there is much more illustration and portraiture and things like I do now. “I was always keeping in mind certain tribes that I liked . Their style, the way they look, the look in their eyes... I liked their stoicism. And I started to find connections between them. Also with my own heritage – my father was from the Guarani tribe in Paraguay. “In Brazil we have a philosophy of cultural cannibalism. Before colonialism, there was cannibalism... the belief was that if you went to battle and you killed their strongest warrior or chief everybody in the village would eat a piece of him out of respect for him,” explains Cecê. Brazilian modernist poet Oswald de Andrade first put forward this idea of “cultural cannibalism”, arguing that Brazil’s history of “cannibalising” other cultures is its greatest strength, a way for Brazil to assert itself against European post-colonial cultural domination. Cecê also sees this “cannibalism” at work within Thai culture and religion, with Buddhism overlaying even older religions and belief systems such as Hinduism, Taoism and Animism – absorbing and incorporating them into the cultural fabric of modern Thai life. He says this was part of the reason he wanted to live here and learn more about Eastern ways of living. “I saw in my heart that Thailand is like the Brazil of Asia – there is a lot of overlap. As with Malaysia and Indonesia, they are syncretic. They were mixing little pieces together,” he says. This concept of “cultural cannibal-

ism” struck a deep chord with Cecê, besides inspiring his painting, it has sown the seeds of his new artistic vision – to create new, hybrid culture, inspired by ideas taken from many cultures and manifested in functional objects such as jewellery, clothing and even buildings. “The concept behind my art is a culture called Kilombu and my plan is to disseminate this culture through functional art. I wanted a new way to approach art, to expand from trying to communicate only through paintings and by making art that can be used in everyday life; it keeps my creativity fresh,” says Cecê. “I felt if I make a culture, then I need to produce everything in the culture so it can be seen. As I go to new countries, as I meet new people, I ask them questions about what they like most about their culture. I ask them to contribute and it continues to grow,” he says. “It’s a bigger project than painting... it’s functional art. I didn’t actually want to create a culture but I wanted to create all the things that are in a culture. So that’s everything from clothing, to architecture, to musical instruments, to vehicles, even designs of cutlery, the inside of their house, the layouts of their cities, their interactions with animals around them and their interactions with the Earth – like how do they use the flowers and crops to produce certain things. I’m really interested now in architecture, I want to start to build structures where I incorporate all these things. With any luck Phuket might be able to observe this next step in Cecê’s artistic evolution close up.

A piece of Cecê’s handmade ‘Kilombu’ jewellery.

UWCT students watched in fascination, and lent a helping hand, while Cecê painted his mural at the school. @thephuketnews

Perched on a mobile scaffold, Cecê adds fine detail to his mural at UWCT. “It seems like Phuket is a place where I’ll be coming to work every few months. I would like to move to Phuket. I have a family now, so the stuff that used to interest me about Bangkok, like the nightlife, doesn’t really interest me anymore.” This writer certainly looks forward to seeing more of Cecê’s distinctive murals

contributing to Phuket’s rapidly emerging street art scene. To see more of his art follow Cecê on social media at: facebook.com/ islandofkilombu or instagram.com/ island_of_kilombu and to enquire about commissioning a mural email him at: cecenobre@gmail.com

20 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Battle of the AI assistants AI personal assistant apps are multiplying and they’re getting smarter APPLICATION ABCS Amy Bensema bensema.amy@gmail.com

or iPhone users, it is no secret that Siri really does fulfill everything when it comes to an Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven personal assistant. However, there are other personal assistant apps available for both iPhone and Android that, depending on your taste and requirements, could be a lot smarter and more useful than Siri. The market is huge for personal assistant apps and many companies are using cutting-edge artificial intelligence to give you practical help in your everyday life. To that end, this month Application ABCs is highlighting some of the best personal assistant apps for iPhone and iOS devices. Cortana Cortana is Microsoft’s entrant into the competitive intelligent personal assistant. Ultra-advanced and extremely witty, Cortana can carry out a number of

tasks but particularly excels in letting users know when it is time to go home. It even warns users what time to leave for a meeting depending on both traffic and weather conditions. Cortana answers queries instantly and is quite clever. A unique feature of this app is that once Cortana knows your preferences, it becomes smarter and better at predicting what information or assistance you need. Fascinating and a little bit freaky! Available free for iOS and Android 24me 24me offers a clear cutway to manage your day. Well-known as one of the top 10 productivity apps in the App Store, the app works great for reminders, sending messages, data and also reminding the user of birthdays and anniversaries. Simply link in your social networks, service providers and financials to receive automatic notifications about what you need to know or do. 24me is a free download in the App Store and Google Play Store. Google Now Google Now pools data from various

Google services that you use, including the Gmail platform as well as Calendars, Maps and YouTube. Once the data is pooled, Google Now provides information that it thinks you need, you guessed it, right now. Although there is a bit of a big brother feeling with Google Now, this app was created specifically to compete with Siri and does a fine job of keeping up. For now, it’s full functionality is available only to Android users, but Apple owners can still use some of its search functions through the iOS Google app. HOUND Voice Search and Assistant HOUND is trained to provide fast answers to questions. Whether you are looking for the latest news, trying to make a phone call or wanting to hear the latest song, HOUND allows users to do those things more perfectly. A good thing about HOUND is that the user can speak naturally as the app is smart enough to understand your particular accent and just what it is you are after. With HOUND, it is also possible to sort

and filter information as well. Available on Android and iOS. My Virtual Assistant Meet Nika... she is the virtual assistant of this app and she is highly skilled in getting tasks done in real time. In addition to keeping you updated on all of your favorite topics, Nika can also read the events stored in your calendar or let you know your horoscope. My Virtual Assistant features a very easy to use interface with simple features, but don’t let that fool you. The app is extremely impressive in its functionality and you don’t need to put much effort into making Nika understand exactly what it is that you want her to do. Available on Android and iOS. If you are super disorganized, apps like these are highly recommended as they make getting much easier to get organised. Have you used any of these apps, which one is your favorite? Amy Bensema is a long-term Phuket expat with a keen interest in social media and technology.

An artist’s concept of Cassini at Saturn. Photo: NASA

Cassini finds void in Saturn’s rings

he unmanned Cassini spacecraft, after completing two passes in the vast, unexplored area between Saturn’s rings has discovered not much else there, researchers at NASA said. Scientists have been surprised to find that not all that much – not even space dust – lies between Saturn’s iconic rings. “The region between the rings and Saturn is ‘the big empty,’ apparently,” said Cassini Project Manager Earl Maize of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, after the probe’s first pass. “No spacecraft has ever been this close to Saturn before. We could only rely on predictions, based on our experience with Saturn’s other rings, of what we thought this gap between the rings and Saturn would be like,” he added. The rings themselves are made of fast-moving particles of ice and space debris. The 22-foot-tall (6.7 metre) Cas-

sini spacecraft launched in 1997 and began orbiting Saturn in 2004. Cassini made a first pass to explore what lies between the rings in late April and a second one on May 2, at a speed of about 77,000 miles per hour relative to the planet. The gap between the rings and the top of Saturn’s atmosphere is about 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres). Cassini is expected to make a total of 22 dives between the rings and the planet before making a death plunge into the gas giant in September. Cassini is a 20-year-old joint mission of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency. Cassini is now running low on fuel and scientists have decided to end its mission rather than risk damaging one of Saturn’s moons, whose subsurface oceans may be explored for signs of life in the future. AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 21

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Raw food for glowing skin Pim Yunyongkasamsuk

ost of us strive for clear, blemish-free, glowing skin. The beauty industry rakes in billions of dollars a year from creams and potions promising to deliver top results. In the case of nutrition, beauty really does come from within. Eating fresh and raw food may be less expensive and more effective. You can spend money on beauty products that might work or you can consider adopting a healthy diet. Good nutrition is key to proper skin care. There are plenty of super foods to add glow to your skin. The key to maintaining a natural skin glow is living a healthy lifestyle, this includes drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, avoiding fatty and sugary foods and avoiding cigarettes and alcohol. Smoothie bowls are gaining popularity for people with busy lifestyles, drinking morning nutrients saves time and is convenient, but remember, chewing is important for the digestive system and nutrient absorption. Colourful smoothie bowls strike the right balance for those looking for fast skin glow boosts. Let’s look at some of the ingredients you can use to make a simple and delicious breakfast smoothie to help you maintain clear and bright complexion. These ingredients can be mixed and matched to give you a range of different tastes and nutritional benefits. Chia Seeds There are many health benefits to this tiny wonder bomb – chia oil is for restoring vital moisture, fading redness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Chia seeds can be soaked in coconut juice the night before to make them ready to be combined with mixed fruit in the morning.

Coconut Water Due to the dynamic blend of essential electrolytes, adding coconut water to your diet each day may have more benefits other than just hydration. Of course, keeping skin hydrated is vital to glow. Dragon Fruit Although 80% water, dragon fruit also contains vitamin C, vitamin B3, fibre, calcium, iron, phosphorus and is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant important for reducing the concentration of free radicals. Vitamin B3 is also great for moisturising and keeping skin super smooth. Cantaloupe Also known as rock melon, cantaloupe is packed with high levels of vitamin A, which converts to beta-carotene. This promotes clear skin by thinning @thephuketnews

the outer layer of dead skin cells. It also contains high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, which support the formation of collagen, a protein that provides elasticity and fullness to the skin. Mango Ripe mangoes are also rich in betacarotene and vitamin A. Beta-carotene is a photo protective agent and it quenches the photochemical reactions in the epidermis, thereby protecting the skin from the ultraviolet rays. Vitamin A has also been found to reduce oil production on the skin. So, if your breakouts have been bothering you, include mangoes in your diet! Vitamin A can also aid skin growth and repair, and reduce fine lines as well. Kiwi Fruit Also a good source of vitamin E, another antioxidant that can help you achieve beautiful skin by fighting against the formation of free radicals. Orange Orange juice is not just a delicious addition to your smoothie, it is packed with vitamin C that prevents free radicals and provides freshness to your skin. Dried Cranberries Even dried, cranberries contain almost the same nutrients as fresh ones, such as dietary fibre and antioxidants. But note that dried cranberries do have a reduced amount of vitamin A and vitamin C compared to fresh ones. Goji Berries Are loaded with beta-carotene (a pigment found in plants and fruits), which helps promote healthy skin. Pomegranate Seeds Possess anti-ageing properties. The oil from pomegranate seeds helps strengthen the epidermis thus reducing or delaying wrinkles. Buckwheat Seeds Rich in B complex vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine and folate – all essential for healthy skin. In addition, the rutin content in buckwheat has antioxidant properties to reduce the signs of premature ageing. Pumpkin Seeds These small seeds contain many essential minerals like zinc, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. They are also rich in antioxidants and provide generous quantities of vitamins E and A, and contain essential vitamins including vitamin K and B. They also contain adequate doses of sodium and potassium – a great snack! Sunflower Seeds A rich source of selenium, another

A delicious and healthy smoothie bowl is a great way to start your day. powerful antioxidant nutrient, which assists vitamin E in repairing your DNA. They also contain copper, which helps to produce the melanin that gives your skin its unique pigment. Enjoy your healthy start to the day, and don’t forget, smoothies can be a

great afternoon pick up too! Pim Yunyongkasamsuk is the Senior Communications Manager for Thanyapura. She publishes content, writes the occasional blog post, and optimises her life through Muay Thai and swimming.

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

From left: The Laguna Phuket team enjoy some fun activities with the children during the food delivery.

From left: Prapa Hemmin, Anthony Loh, Chirawat Siribamrungsuk and Prae Sunantaraks.

LAGUNA’S CFF CHARITY BEGINS FOOD DONATIONS TO PHUKET ORPHANAGES The Laguna Phuket’s Children First Fund (CFF) launched its first sustenance and nutritional necessity delivery to support seven Phuket-based orphanages, which house more than 400 children, on April 27. The activity was made possible by funds raised at Laguna Phuket’s inaugural Charity Food & Music Festival event, which was held at the luxury resort in March this year to kick-start its 30th anniversary celebrations.

From left: Crowne Plaza Phuket management team members Gabriele Noe, Christopher Wichlan and Chatchaya Glaiprayong

Crowne Plaza Phuket GM Christopher Wichlan presents Class Act Media’s Jittiya Rakdej with a lucky draw prize.

CROWNE PLAZA PHUKET PANWA BEACH LAUNCHES SUNDAY BRUNCH Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach recently launched their Sunday Brunch at Mosaic Restaurant. The buffet brunch features international food, a live cooking BBQ station in the garden and decadant signature desserts. Running from 12-4pm every Sunday, the Sunday Brunch offers guests access to all resort activities, including the swimming pool, fitness centre, private lockers and activities for kids, such as face painting and fancy balloons.

Caitlin Scott (Centre) with her friends from the UK, sisters Lexi (L) and Scarlet Edwards (R).

HEADSTART STUDENT WINS TRASH HERO PHUKET FOR APRIL Caitlin Scott from HeadStart International School won this month's Trash Hero Phuket Student Challenge. Caitlin won herself two tickets to Surf House Kata Beach, a Trash Hero T-shirt and a Trash Hero reusable bottle. Well done for making a difference, Caitlin! Want to enter? Visit facebook.com/trashherophuket for more information.

The entertainment at Boat Lagoon featured traditional Thai xylophone (ranat ek) music.

Some local bands also took to the stage to entertain the crowd.

LIVE 89.5 BROADCASTS LIVE FROM FROM PHUKET BOAT LAGOON’S ‘BEAT’S AND BITES’ WEEKEND Boat Lagoon Phuket hosted two evenings of fine food and funky live music for its monthly “Beats & Bites” Weekend (April 28-29). The team from Live 89.5 Radio were also in attendance, broadcasting live across Phuket from the Boat Lagoon Quay. Restaurants and shops along the quay hosted outdoor stalls featuring delicious food as well as clothing and accessories. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Guests enjoyed spectacular sunset views of Nai Harn Beach.

Guests sampled delights from the chef’s specially curated taster menu.

Cocktail-hour canapés were served to tempt guests’ taste buds.

The party started at 4pm with a toast to the restaurant’s successful debut year.

ROCK SALT RESTAURANT AT THE NAI HARN CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Rock Salt, the signature beachside restaurant at luxury resort The Nai Harn, celebrated its first birthday on May 6 with an evening of culinary delights right next Nai Harn Beach. DJs mixed mellow beats as the sun went down and cocktail-hour canapés were served to tempt guests’ taste buds. A spectacular fire show on the beach started the party proper with the music and celebratory atmosphere continuing well into the night.

Volunteers prepare to clean up the waters around Coral Island.

The team of volunteers gather at Bang Tao Beach to begin the clean-up effort.

VOLUNTEERS UNITE TO CLEAN-UP BANG TAO BEACH AND CORAL ISLAND

450 WEDDING PLANNERS CONVENE IN PHUKET

Dozens of volunteers from the Phuket Airport, government offices, local businesses and Pince of Songkla University gathered at Bang Tao Beach and Coral Island recently to take part in a massive clean-up effort. The volunteers scoured the beaches and even took to the water in scuba gear to clean up submerged garbage.

Phuket welcomed more than 450 global wedding planners from 65 countries who took part in the 4th Annual Destination Wedding Planners Congress 2017 (DWP Congress 2017), held on the island from Tuesday through Thursday last week (May 2-4). The DWP Congress 2017 was hosted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). This was the first time that the DWP Congress, organised by Dubai-based QnA International, was held in Asia. Divers pose with some of the waste they collected at Coral Island. @thephuketnews

Members of the Phuket Has Been Good To Us team at their booth at the conference.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

12 MAY All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Phuket FC VS Pattani FC

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

Phuket FC VS Pattani FC on Saturday May 13 at Surakul Stadium, Phuket Town. Kick off 6pm. Entrance fee is B50 and students are free with student ID. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

XANA Full Moon Party with Bermudos

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

XANA Beach Club is once again bringing Thailand’s world-famous FULL MOON PARTY to Phuket. Back by popular demand Thailand’s world-famous Full Moon Party at XANA Beach Club. The phenomenal night features DERMUDOS, thrilling entertainment, astonishing fire performance and much more! FREE ENTRANCE !!! Reservation, XANA Beach Club, 076 358 500.

SUN

14 MAY

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See: otools-phuket.com

Chill Out Fridays in Surin 5 Gourmet Tapas plus 2 drinks for just B690 net!!! And French Oysters for just B50 net/piece. Never worry about where to spend Friday evenings again! Join DeDos LeLounge for our Chill Out Fridays featuring cool beats from DJ Not from 7:30pm until late! So grab your friends and start your weekend off right! www.dedos-lelounge.com 076 621 692.

SAT

Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

Sunday Roast All Day All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Center, Karon and Patong! Indulge ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for 395 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 Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy 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 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

17 MAY

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

18 MAY

Brunch To The Beat Spend a Sunday with us at The Pool House and The Pool Bar. Try our new style brunch. Price: THB 1,600++ buffet with free flow of soft drinks, THB 2,200++ buffet including premium beverages package. Reservations, fnb.phuhr@ hyatt.com 076 231 234 #5106.

Sexy Thursdays in Surin

Bodega Italian Brunch Experience our exquisite ‘Italian Sunday Brunch’, which began on May 7 and runs weekly throughout the season. Choose from a wonderful variety of dishes, including lobster spaghetti, foie gras on saffron risotto, grilled suckling pig, live pizza and pasta stations and much more. Email for reservations at Bodega & Grill: Paneenart.Pengraksa@angsana.com

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

13 MAY

WED THU

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 395 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 at Two Chefs!!! www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286479 Patong 076-344-914.

The competition at 9pm - Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong. See map at www.expathotel.com

Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

DeDos LeLounge is bringing sexy back on Thursday nights! Ladies grab your girlfriends because: Selected beverages are only 150++ all night (Sorry fellas!), DJ Not will be bringing down the house from 7:30pm onward! Make sure to bring your A-game because the sexiest dressed will win a bottle on the house! Who needs the weekend when there’s Sexy Thursdays? www.dedos-lelounge.com 076 621 692.

PIWC May Luncheon Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Seafood Brunch experience returns with a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exception Lobster dished, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asia wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, Live Jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12.00-15.30, price start from 2,800net per person.Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, fb-phuket@banyantree.com 076 372 400.

MON

The May Luncheon will be held at Moevenpick Resort in Karon, name of restaurant is Pacifica. Registration starts at 11.30 am followed by Lunch at 12.15 pm Please send your booking to info@phuketiwc.com, attention Carole Dux Price for members is 600 baht and for guests 750 baht.

SAT

20 MAY

15 MAY

All you can eat BBQ night 6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

AsaiLIFE Radio Music Festival 3 at the ACG An all-day/night open air carnival of music and familyfriendly entertainment – will be staged in the majestic setting of the grounds at the ACG (Alan Cooke Cricket Ground) on Saturday 20 May. For the 3rd year on the trot; AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival allures our ear-soul with an eclectic mix of music. With 7 bands and 3 DJ’s on one stage, the AsiaLIFE Radio Music Festival will alight the green with a festival spirit. AsiaLIFE Radio.com, The ACG, prim@asialiferadio. com, 085 691 7250.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

20 MAY

FRI

26 MAY

tact 097 267 5969 or for tickets go to phuketticketmaster.com. This event is proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

BISP Run the Hour Australians in Phuket Adventure Mini Golf event Tee off at 4.30pm for 18 holes. We will organise the teams, register at 4pm sharp. Then into dinner for a fantastic meal at 6pm. Starters, pizza, pasta and salads – woohoo! Prizes for performances on the day, so don’t run away. All included in the price B400 for members and B500 for non-members. Please let us know you are coming, either through Facebook or email at: geoff@getsolutions.net.au

Phuket International Rugby 10s May 26-28, 2017, will once again see teams from around the world coming together at the superb sports facility at Thanyapura Sports Club to compete at this year’s 19th Annual Phuket International Rugby 10s. With teams from Australia, The Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, it promises to be a fun action-packed weekend. Entry to the tournament is free so come on down and enjoy some spectacular rugby and support your local Phuket Vagabonds team. More info visit: phuketrugby10s.com. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

BISP is hosting a charity run called BISP Run the Hour and is open to all ages. There will be two races held on campus over a closed 1km loop. All profits will go to the BISP Project Restart charity which is a student-driven initiative to help children in devastated or impoverished areas, and their first campaign has been to help restart a school in Nepal following the Gorkha earthquake. More info contact running@bisphuket.ac.th. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5

SAT

3 JUN

Murder Mystery Evening at The Green Man Solve the murder and win a prize! Ticket includes welcome drink, pub-style finger food and murder mystery theatre play. Presented by THEATRIX, written by Ian Hornby with adaptation by Basil Lunatic. Ticket cost is THB 400/person before 18 May and THB 500 later and at door. Ticket reservation: 093 649 0066 (Joel) and 076 390 360 (Green Man). Attire: Phuket beach and party clothes. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5 and The Green Man Pub and Restaurant in Chalong.

SUN

21 MAY

Boat Lagoon Weekend

พบกันงานแสดง ดนตรี อาหาร และความสนุกหลายรูปแบบ ทีง่ านโบ๊ทลากูนวีคเอนด์

Beats & Bites & Music & Food & Fun.

From 6.00pm till 10.00pm at Lagoon Quay, Phuket Boat Lagoon.

SAT

27 MAY

Phuket International Rugby 10s 2nd Anniversary at The Drunken Leprechaun Join us for our 2nd Anniversary with Live Bands, All Day Spit Roast BBQ + Brews for B300. Games: Catch The Leprechaun and get a FREE BREW, Hot Dogs eating competition WIN BIG PRIZES! Bull’s eye darts competition, Ping pong toss, Spin the wheel of brew, and more! Tel: 076 337 000.

May 26-28, 2017, will once again see teams from around the world coming together at the superb sports facility at Thanyapura Sports Club to compete at this year’s 19th Annual Phuket International Rugby 10s. With teams from Australia, The Arabian Gulf, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand, it promises to be a fun action-packed weekend. Entry to the tournament is free so come on down and enjoy some spectacular rugby and support your local Phuket Vagabonds team. More info visit: phuketrugby10s.com. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Khao Phuket.

SUN

28 MAY

Lions Club of Phuket Pearl CHARITY BOWLING COMPETITION Lions Club of Phuket Pearl invites you to join our CHARITY BOWLING COMPETITION at Big C Supercenter. If you can’t join us but want help our activities then you can make a donation. All funds collected are for projects that help children in need. Join us, register your team or donation: Lion Igor Protasov: 082 444 0555 or igor@thai-bd.com, Lion Vilaiwan Dienel: 081 397 1567 Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News, Khao Phuket and Live 89.5.

@thephuketnews

healthy snacks & salads. Find us at the Entrance of The Royal Paradise Complex, Patong. Mon - Sat 8.30am 4.00pm. Facebook: CafeSiamGuesthousePhuket 081 676 9411.

Laguna Phuket Marathon 2017 More than 6,000 athletes from around the world head to Phuket this June to “Run Paradise” at the 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon. Having put Phuket on the map as a world-class sports tourism destination, the Laguna Phuket Marathon has grown to become the leading destination marathon in Southeast Asia and will take place on June 3 and 4, 2017. More info visit phuketmarathon.com. Proudly sponsored by Live 89.5.

FRI

23 JUN

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. World of Curries @790 THB++, Thai & International Buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butchers Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++,Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. For reservations, rimtalay@amari.com or 076 340106-14 #8027.

La Gritta’s Discovery Menu

Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge 2017 The second annual Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge – Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Laguna Golf Phuket. The event sees hospitality professionals from Phuket and surrounding areas come together at the award winning golf course. To register your team, please visit www.lagunagolf.com/phuket or email golf@lagunaphuket.com for more information. Proudly sponsored by The Phuket News, Live 89.5 and Khao Phuket.

Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef

Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

MISCELLANEOUS

EVERY DAY Rotary Club of Patong Beach

Rotary Club of Phuket South Mini Marathon 2017 The second running of this annual family friendly event is expected to attract over 2,000 runners for its 10.5KM mini-marathon and 3.5KM fun-run. Entry fees are B350 per person for the mini-marathon and B300 per person for the fun-run. Entries are now open, so to register con-

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay

All Day Breakfast at Cafe Siam Aussie bacon & egg rolls NOW at Cafe Siam. All day breakfast, just like mum makes. Lavazza Coffee,

Lunch meeting at Days Inn, Patong - every Friday except first week of every month. Starts at 12pm. Dinner out at selected restaurant - every first Tuesday of every month. Start at 7pm. Fun Raiser Quiz Night at Aussie Pub, Kamala - every last Wednesday of every month starts at 7.30pm. For more info please visit rotarypatong.org

26 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which company coined the phrase “Often a bridesmaid, but never a bride”? 2. Carcharodon carcharias is the scientific name for which large creature? 3. How many people did English serial killer Harold Shipman, a registered doctor, kill? 4. In which year was he caught? 5. “Kho” is a cooking technique in which country’s cuisine? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Across 1. Wilts 5. Clarinet range 9. Detective comedy drama starring James Roday 14. “___ Blood” (TV drama) 15. Old money in Milano 16. Transmitting 17. Big plot 18. Debatable 19. Adds seasoning 20. “America’s Native Spirit” 23. Paragon of stubbornness 24. Strong-scented herb 25. Highest degree 29. Schoolmarmish 31. Note on a musical scale 34. Rap sheet listing 35. Fledgling hawk 36. “Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello” composer 37. Italian dish 40. Olympic event 41. Tin, gold... 42. Shankar lilts 43. TV room 44. Bad luck 45. Spice blend of India

46. Prickly seed case 47. Old pistol 48. Eastern dish 56. Russian pancake 57. Aroma 58. Bring along 59. Jargon 60. Tractor trailer 61. Vegetable also called lady’sfinger 62. Shoulder bag carrier 63. Washington bills 64. “For __ the bell tolls”

22. ___ coffee 25. Increased 26. Balderdash 27. Fore-and-aft sail 28. Exude 29. Heat-resistant glass 30. Old clothes 31. Goatlike antelope 32. Pertaining to 8 33. Capital of Tibet 35. Bring in 36. Bikini parts 38. Silk variety 39. Muse of poetry 44. Younger 45. Members of Down Polynesian New 1. Brief effort Zealand 2. Pump stop 46. Pig out 3. Guide 47. Travelocity’s roving 4. Prophesier man 5. Approximately 48. Madison Avenue 6. Motor City team award 7. To believe, for 49. Clue Shakespeare 8. Swearing-in words 50. Unexciting 9. Play --- (feign death) 51. Paradise lost 10. Chinese calendar 52. Sailing vessel in the Middle East animal 53. 100,000 in India 11. Connecticut 54. Madrid and Paris university cash 12. Metropolis 55. Criticize severely 13. 24 in a day 21. Big city in Iraq 56. Diner order

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Listerine - to sell oral antiseptic to women; 2) The great white shark; 3) At least 250; 4) 1998; 5) Vietnamese

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

May 12, 1593 London playwright Thomas Kyd is arrested and tortured by the English Privy Council for libel.

month of paid maternity leave offered in low- and middleincome countries can reduce infant mortality by 13%.

May 13, 1787 Captain Arthur Phillip leaves Portsmouth, England, with eleven ships full of convicts (the “First Fleet”) to establish a penal colony in Australia.

May 14, 1939 Lina Medina of Peru becomes the youngest confirmed mother in medical history at the age of five.

per cent of relocated witnesses in the US Witness Protection Program are innocent; the majority are career criminals.

May 15, 1848 Serfdom is abolished in the Habsburg Galicia, as a result of the 1848 revolutions. The rest of monarchy followed later in the year.

per cent of NBA players are broke within five years of retiring.

May 16, 1770 A 14-year-old Marie Antoinette marries 15-year-old Louis-Auguste who later becomes king of France.

53,000

US dollars a year is the average salary of an NFL waterboy.

May 17, 1992 Three days of popular protests against the government of Prime Minister of Thailand Suchinda Kraprayoon begin in Bangkok, leading to a military crackdown that results in 52 officially confirmed deaths, hundreds of injuries, many disappearances, and more than 3,500 arrests.

1 million US dollars was the minimum income reported by 21,764 households in New York City in 2013 – a rise of 47% compared with 2009. Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Free to fly at Bang Wad Dam. Photo by Michael Way Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

May 18, 1980 Mount St. Helens erupts in Washington, United States, killing 57 people and causing US$3 billion in damage. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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MOVING SERVICES

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STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

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ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Sign up today for a discount code

The new website for Tiya’s hammocks is ready! Visit now at: native-habitat. com and subscribe for a discount code to use for online shopping. Tiya: hammockphuket@yahoo.com 076 631 841.

AUTOPARTS, TIRES Used 4 Wheel & Tire for sale

For 4 pcs. (Wheel & Tire) Size 235/40 ZR 18” Used only 6,000 KM. 18,000 Baht, Near Panwa Beach, Phuket, marnskjold@gmail.com 083 635 1440.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Motorboat for sale

Superb “Bayliner 215” motorboat with trailer built in 2010 and fully maintained throughout. Full service record. 650,000 baht O.N.O 650000, Barry Daniel, Fisherman Way, Chalong, Phuket 83100, baz_gunner2000@ yahoo.com.au +66843053974.

CAPELLI TEMPEST TE 800

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Year 2016. Engine Yamaha 300 HP, Special hypalon tubes, Refigerator, Shower, Electric Toilet, Sink, Teak floor, Navigation, Water thank 60 L. 2,900,000, Owner, 093 575 2304.

Restaurant set up for sale

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna. Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, service area. Ready to go in days. Email: jukeboxphuket@gmail.com 081 090 1608.

Long Tail Boat For Sale

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@gmail. com 080 695 3933.

Steel boat for sale

32 metre steel boat for sale. Built 2012, 2 x Cummings engines, 10hrs work only. International REG. Excellent for live-aboard or ferry. Price 6MB. Contact: call Joe 087 8918912 or email joe@similan-divers.com

Looking for investor / partner

Looking for investor / partnership for Patong beach front location to start with Japanese and Indian restaurant. Narin, narinpga@gmail.com 081 826 9390.

CABLE TV PULSE TV. ASIA’S No.1 EXPAT TV

140 channels (HD & SD) in English, French, German & Thai. All Premiership & Euro Leagues live plus all your favorite Soaps & Series from back home. ON-Demand Movie/TV Series library with over 700 of the latest titles, more added daily & with our CATCH-UP Facility (Records all Channels for instant Playback) you’ll never miss a show. This is not kodi – Our high quality set-top boxes come pre-loaded with our own in-house developed App backed up by our own high-speed Asia based Servers & Online Support Network. PULSE TV, sales@ pulse-tv.net +66(0) 99 316 6212.

CAR FOR SALE 2009 Ford Focus Ghia

Excellent condition, 63k miles, silver grey, beige leather interior. Automatic, Ford serviced, 310,000 baht. Call 096-809-9350 (Eng).

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Beauty Salon with Equipment

al e

Honda Jazz 2009

For Sale, Nai Harn Beauty Salon with Urg 1500cc Auto Equipment & lease, B290,000. Salon 57,000km. One owner since new. Equipment replacement cost is more than B300,000. All Regularly serviced by Honda. Tax and equipment shown as new. Must view to see excellent Insurance until the end of June and available now at right opportunity to purchase Salon for extremely good price offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht in prime location. Call Nok for details 098 017 8818. o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com @thephuketnews

CAR FOR SALE 2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

2014 Nissan Juke, one owner, full history, leather interior, rear sensors, climate control. Perfect Phuket runabout, only 82000km. 530,000, soiana56030@gmail. com, 0950 924 729

Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 525,000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@hotmail.com 083 093 9724.

Convertible

Mercedes CLK 200 Cabriolet W-209 Brabus Package - seat 4. Excellent condition and fun to drive. 37,400km. 1,199,000 Bht. Eng - Thai 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL Bangkok law firm in Phuket

The Bangkok law firm PUGNATORIUS Ltd. provides its foreigner-focussed legal support and assistance through a trusted partner law firm in Phuket. For a protected corporate structure in full compliance with the law. For a comprehensive due diligence which truly lives up to its name. For a most efficient hotel business licensing process. For a more competitive design of the property development. The PUGNATORIUS advantage is badly needed at a place where foreign investments are typically built on sand. Protect your investment in paradise. phuket@pugnatorius.com, (00) +66 22 072 647

MEMBERSHIPS Blue canyon Golf membership

For sale at 250,000 baht, buyer pays transfer cost. 2017 dues not paid. Contact Ian Lancaster on 083 263 4590 or ilancast@me.com

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Golf membership for sale, includes transfer fee of 60,000 THB. 450,000, David, dsgrabham@yahoo.co.uk 087 881 7545.

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FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MEMBERSHIPS Life Time Family Membership

Blue Canyon: 750,000 THB includes 140,000 transfer fee. Loch Palms: 425,000 THB includes 72,000 transfer fee. Tanita, 094 695 3536 / 063 992 3226.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com 081 797 5377.

OTHER SEARCHING FOR PAUL VAN DIJK

Searching for Paul Adraan van Dijk. The executors of the estate of Adraan Geurt van Dijk are searching for Paul Adraan Van Dijk, formerly of New Zealand (aged about 57 – born 15 June 1960 or 15 June 1961). Paul is believed to be residing in Thailand. Please contact the executors’ solicitor by email: nick@hjc.co.nz

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Need condo issues resolved?

We can help with condominium and estate-related, developer, management, non-compliance, Juristic Person issues. Structure (by-laws) register at land dept, provide CJP services, in-depth advice and organize, AGM/EGMs.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Phuket real estate tour

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. md@tourasian.com 080 826 4665.

WEBSITES, IT For Sale: hoteldealsphuket.com

PHD has 125,000 pages indexed in Google and an average of 22,000 page views per month! See stats image. Also see the selling points on the link below. Quick sale: 33.000B!, Mark, mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Foreign freehold corner unit

76 sqm, sea and mountain view in Patong Tower, Patong. Reduced to 8.8mn. Special deal with car, info@sunny-property. com 083 105 2707.

New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas development is now for sale. Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meter from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand Ao Po Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no polution and no mass tourism. Over 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quater, games room, 10 metre infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 27.9 mill baht. For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha on: 081 343 0777 or email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com

Beautiful Land in Rawai For Sale

LAND FOR SALE IN RAWAI

4 Rai, 2ngn, 64tlw, total 7.456sq.meter. chanotte title. Near Shell Museum, 3 minute to Rawai Beach. Great for project. already have electric and road. Email: harrij@ loxinfo.co.th 36 MB, Harrij@loxinfo.co.th 089 731 0283.

COMMUNITY

085 790 2021.

Beautiful mountain view with option of sea view land of 742m2 for sale in Rawai with chanote title. For more information contact

NO1 LAND FOR SALE, LAYAN BEACH

PRIME LOCATION LAND FOR SALE: 26 Rai + 2 Rai of picturesque land 5 minutes walk to Layan beach, Phuket. Reduced to THB13m per Rai! A MUST SEE land plot perfect for a large Villa or a Hotel / Resort type development, and is a TRULY valued investment for anyone looking to invest in Phuket’s most exclusive property market. Call Porida (Por)(Owners representative) NOW on +66 (0) 954296655 for viewing, or visit: www. hoteldealsphuket.com

5 BED LUX SURIN VILLA FOR SALE

URGENT SALE BY OWNER: Reduced from THB28.9m to JUST THB16.750.000! MUST SEE! My luxury lake-side 5 bedroom pool villa is within a secure gated community and is only 5 minutes walk to Surin & Bang Tao beaches. A MUST SEE Villa, requiring a little upgrade, but is a TRUE bargain for anyone looking to enter Phuket’s most exclusive property market. Call owner(Cass) NOW on 0925 710 770 for viewing, or visit my web ad for full details: www.hoteldealsphuket.com 16.750.000, Cass, 0925 710 770 thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Buy&Sell

PROPERTY FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE/RENT IN RAWAI

Land 620 sqm. 2 story with 4 bed & 2 Bathroom, fully equipped kitchen, 4 Air-con, big tropical garden with swimming pool, car park, Wi-Fi. In a very quiet area. For long lease 70,000 Baht/month. Email: harrij@loxinfo.co.th 11.9 MB Negotiable, Harrij@loxinfo.co.th 089 731 0283.

LUXURY GERMAN POOL VILLA

URGENT SALE BY OWNER: Luxury Villa, Floor Area 420m2 – Land Area 800m2 (Approx.), High perimeter wall with sliding gates, 6 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, Maid- & Guest-App, Saltwater Pool with Jet-Stream, Spa with Sauna, Roof Top Jacuzzi & Massage Room, Chanote Freehold - Can be sold with holding company, Price: 18.9 mio Bath. Tel.: 062-9851024 Sandra Grunewald, 68/124 Kwang Road., 062-9851024.

LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Prime Kathu land with panoramic views and quiet location. Starts from 400sqm. Perfect for private Villa. Close waterfall with more land plots and different beach!!! Start from 2.5 MB, K. Pam, Phuketmyhouse@gmail.com +66 (0) 94 829 3619.

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quite and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen. 160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. 7.5 million baht, bergsstigen@telia. com 090 701 4204.

House for sale

Good location in Chalong area. 3 Bedroom 2 Bathroom, 200 sqm. House on 800 sqm plot. Including furniture, 084 745 5546.

Apartment

1.65mill. 60qm 2bed 2bath + 30qm balcony, liv-kitchen, 3 a/c, quality doors/wind., Dream Village near mission hill golf, tel: 087 383 8709.

HERE IS THE FUTURE. 17 RAI FOR SALE

Between Kok Loi and Thai Muang, 38 km from the airport, we are selling a beautiful peice of land with 2 new houses. A perfect place for artists or a sport resort. The land is more than 17 Rai, full of old trees, with a big private lake and located directly behind the river. Chanote title. With a canoe it takes 20 min to paddle to the sea. A great opportunity for a fair price. Price 9.5M, Yupin, residler@gmail.com 081 817 4805 Thai, Eng, Deutsch. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Beautiful, gently sloping land for sale near Bang Pae waterfall. Good road, 3-phase power. NS3 paper (upgrade applied for). 7 rai, B4m/rai. 087 884 9964 (En) or 087 272 5594 (Th). alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

Ten Room Villa for sale

With 5 Rai land. 5 sleeping rooms, 5 bathrooms, 5 balconies, 2 kitchens, big living room, play room, lobby, car port. Hillside Maikhao Beach sunset seaview. Asking price 24 MB. julius_schuster2001@ yahoo.de 087 267 1192.

House for Sale

House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near kids’ playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to build a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Land For Sale

Land for sale. Anuphas Golf Ville, Kathu. 81 sq wah. Golf course view of Phuket CC. Quiet village, convenient location. E-mail for details Contact David, d1jarvis@hotmail.com

House for Sale

3 bed, 2 bath, living/dining, Farang & Thai kitchens. Back/both sides under cover. Water fall/relax area. BBQ area under cover/car port. 4 aircons/7 fans. Very private, close to all services, 500 meters from Heroines Monument. B4.9 mil. o.n.o. Contact Randy. randyalltime@gmail.com

Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island. A “snip” at 22m THB. Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com 081 979 1945.

Land For Sale at Kamala Beach

PRIME LOCATION LAND FOR SALE 3.3 RAI total 6,200 sq.m. Chanote title. 5 minutes walk to Kamala Beach. Call: 081-4766431 Bow, 100/206-207 kamala, kathu, phuket, asakura_yo_26@hotmail.com, 081-4766431.

Property for sale

Large building near airport and sea view land near Bang Pae Waterfall for sale or lease. Any reasonable offers accepted. Lana, Lana.phuket@gmail.com 080 271 6484.

Apartment Country Golf Club House

One room with kitchen in main house Country Club. 6th floor with balcony 75sqm. Membership in Country Club included. Price 3.3 Million THB. Contact pzw@gmx.at Per Dompert, 086 043 4315 (English and German)

PROPERTY FOR SALE Land for sale in Saku - Phuket

1 to 5 Rai. Chanote. 10 mins south to the airport. Nice quiet location near Naiyang - Naithon Beach. Fixed price only 2.6Mil Baht per Rai. Kanchana, kanchanajit09@gmail.com 087 076 6016.

PROPERTY FOR RENT For Rent Per Month

KATA BEACH CENTER LUXERY APARTMENTS studio/one bedroom 60 sqm AND 2 bedrooms 140 SQM. FROM 18.000.B. PER MONTH. FOR INFO TEL/SMS 064 532 3637 e.mail:katainnphuket@yahoo.com

Amazing 5 Bed/Bath Villa Rawai

Stunning 5 Bed Pool Villa quiet and private location. Quality furn and fully equipped. Beautiful lounge/kitchen, very spacious with great pool. 90000 Baht per month, bricothailand@hotmail.com 081 271 7092.

House For sale or rent Baan Manik (Cherngtalay)

Attractive 3 bed, 2 bathroom detached house for sale or rent. Set in quiet surroundings but with easy access to Laguna, Boat avenue, PIA, airport, Surin, Bangtao and Layan beaches. The property boasts many additional features including, Auto-gate, Western-styled kitchen, security system, natural stone floors, imported ceiling fans, 12volt LED Garden Lighting and air-con throughout. Asking B4.5 Million Negotiable Rent 25K Per Month Fully furnished or 20K per month unfurnished. 081 9686 051.

Kata Western Apartment

1 and 2 115sqm furnished apartments, full kitchen, huge covered terraces, mountain and seaview. 1 month minimum, 1 year lease starting B20,000/month. gordy240@hotmail.com 084 840 1262.

Seaview apartment near Ao Po

Luxury 2-bedroom 137m2 furnished apar tment near Ao Po Marina. Seaview, pool, Wi-Fi, TV, balcony, carport. B36,000/month lori@artandcultureasia.com +66(0)817207834.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54.5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available: 48 sqm – THB 10,000-15,000 per month; 54.5 sqm – THB 15,000-20,000 per month + electricity & water. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

SPORT 35

All set for Laguna Marathon

Phuket prepares, less than a month to 12th annual running race MARATHON The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

he 12th edition of the Laguna Phuket Marathon, considered to be Asia’s largest destination marathon, presents runners with the chance to test their endurance on a beautifulyet-challenging race course in one of the most famous destinations in the world. This year’s marathon will take place over two days, June 3-4. The 2km, 5km and 10.5km races will take place on the afternoon of June 3 whereas the half marathon and marathon will start in the early morning of June 4. The event is expected to attract more than 8,000 athletes from across the Asia Pacific region, Europe and the Americas. The first Laguna Phuket Marathon was held in 2005 in response to the 2004 tsunami to celebrate and support the island’s fast recovery. The event showcased the resilience of local businesses and communities, and to this day, continues to support the

Phuket’s economy during a period of the year when the island is typically quiet. The event has never been about breaking records – rather, participants return to the annual event to support the local community and enjoy one of the most popular lifestyle sporting events in Asia. The three-day event offers a range of sporting and

social events. In addition to the marathon, participants can sign up for a half marathon, a 10.5km run, a 5.km run and a 2km kids’ run. There will also be parties, trophy presentations and an expo where local businesses and sponsors showcase their products and services. Runners commence the course at Laguna and head north

Local team tackles Ironman comps TRIATHALON T H E T H A N YA PU R A Pro Triathlon Team continue to make waves in the triathlon world at Ironman Vietnam 70.3 in Danang – a Unesco world heritage site and home to spectacular travel destinations. Over 1,000 triathletes competed in the 1.9km ocean swim, a two-loop 90km bike course along Danang’s coastline and the 21km out-and-back run course. “I loved the race, it was so well organised and the Vietnamese people were so supportive. They really made the event. The Sunrise Sprint Race was a very flat and fast course. I loved every minute,” said Elle Brookes, the overall champion for the women’s sunrise individual sprint category with a time of 01:15:54.0. “The race was set in a great atmosphere... It started with a nice swim in the clear ocean. The bike ride was fast and flat as we rode over some of the beautiful bridges in Danang. The run @thephuketnews

Competitors take their places at the starting line in 2016.

Competitors take to the marathon course in last year’s Laguna Phuket Marathon – the event support Phuket’s economy during the island’s ‘green’ season. through local villages and picturesque pineapple and rubber plantations. It is a fun and family oriented affair in conjunction with the Laguna Phuket Foundation, which supports educational and social development of local communities and the conservation of marine and terrestrial environments. Organised by Go Adven-

ture Asia, the Laguna Phuket Marathon continues to support a number of local charities; runners are encouraged to raise money for charity through the Laguna Phuket Foundation. For more information visit: phuketmarathon.com or www. facebook.com/phuketmarathon. Live 89.5 is a proud media sponsor of this event.

Run: #1632: Saturday May 13 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Manneken Pis, Murkury Location: Chao Fa West Rd - TOT Directions: From the north, make your way to the Honda showroom on Chao Fa West Rd. Drive south for 2.4km and turn RIGHT (westbound) opposite the TOT offices. From the south, pass Wat Chalong, after 1.2km turn LEFT (westbound). HHH at the Family Mart toward Villa Zolitude. Once on the side road, carry on straight for 900m. Turn right (HHH) onto a steep uphill dirt track. Laager will be on top of the track. Virgin Laager site. Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Patong @ Expat hotel 2:45pm Kamala @ Black Cat : 2:15pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

was incredibly hot and very tough for the last few kilometres,” said Tom Topham, sports scientist and triathlon coach, who won first place in the M25-29 age category with a finishing time of 04:50:43.0. In North America, Antony “Le Tigre” Costes came in at 10th place at Ironman 70.3 St George North American Championship in Utah with the time of 03:57:49. The race is known for its world-class field and is considered the biggest 70.3 in the world after the

World Championship event. Antony has been a member of the Thanyapura Pro Triathlon Team since its creation over a year ago. The Frenchman trained in Thailand until March 2017 before traveling to the United States to start his season. Antony said, “At the end of a long half marathon, I managed to keep a top 10 spot. Three years ago, I finished in 26th place in the same race. There are positive results from a lot work done during my run at Thanyapura.”

A jubilant runner holds up the finish line ribbon at the 2016 event.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

36 SPORT

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Rugby champs visit Phuket

Maiden title in hand, Canadian team members enjoy island RnR RUGBY Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

omething unusual happened in the r ugby world on April 23 – the World Series Sevens culminated into the first ever allAmerican final – with Canada beating the United States 2619. This was Canada’s maiden title and their win capped off a day of extraordinary upsets in the tournament. Following their victory, four members of the Canada squad – Harry Jones, Patrick Kay, Justin Douglas and Lucas Hammond – hit Phuket for some much needed rest and relaxation after playing several exhausting top-level sevens games over a two-day period. Speaking to The Phuket News, Bunny Gray a Phuket resident and avid sevens fan who has regularly visited the Hong Kong Sevens noted the Canadian’s amazing job of winning the final and their delight at being able to enjoy the company of other Canadian residents on the island after their victory. “It has to be said that the players have an incredibly high standard of fitness which is required to play several exhausting top level sevens

The four team members of Canada’s champion rugby team toured Phang Nga Bay during their rest and relaxation visit to Phuket. games over two days. The players loved Phuket and are likely to return next year, which maybe of interest to the Rugby enthusiasts and players here on the island,” he said. But when the US and Canada upset the sport’s traditional giants by advancing to the first all-American final on the World Series circuit, the sporting world got a sneak preview of what could well develop into a new powerbase for Sevens Rugby The likes of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, England and Fiji were all reduced to playing for minor places

as the two North American neighbours blew away their more established opponents to meet in the championship decider. Canada won a thrilling final 26-19 on a steamy night at Singapore’s National Stadium but the result was a win for all of North America, which has been investing heavily in Sevens after the sport was included in the Olympics. “This is a huge achievement that will resonate across all… North America,” Canada coach Damian McGrath said. “The more exposure we get the more people are interested, and the more people

are interested, the bigger the game grows.” Canada, better known for producing ice hockey players than rugby stars, had never won a World Series title before while the US had played in just one, when they won the 2015 London title. The Eagles coach Mike Friday, who worked with McGrath in England, said it was only a matter of time before North America became a powerhouse in the sport. “We’re not as fortunate as some of the top tier countries that have the big budgets and the rugby IQ but we’ve got the athletic ability in North

America, that’s not in doubt,” Friday said. “But there’s a big difference between athletic ability and rugby intelligence and that’s something that our boys are desperately having to play catch up on and that’s the long term, bigger challenge for North America.” After struggling for years on the global circuit, the US and Canada are now among the most consistent teams in the world, both ranked inside the top 10. The US have made the semi-finals in each of the past four World Series events while Canada has made the quarter-finals in five of the last six tournaments. If any one player epitomises the rise of North American rugby, it would be Perry Baker, the lightning-fast US winger who has developed a cult following on the circuit and is the leading tryscorer this season. The 30-year-old was a late-comer to rugby after playing American Football in his youth. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles but a knee injury prevented him from making it to the NFL. He took up rugby as an afterthought but has become one of the biggest stars in the game, using his electric speed

to score tries at will. “I’m enjoying every minute of it,” Baker said. “I’m just trying to entertain people and hopefully inspire others to take up the sport because it’s a great game. “Hopefully having two North American teams in a final will give the sport a boost.” For the players and coaches from the established nations in the Sevens series, the success of the North American teams was no surprise. “As far as I’m concerned, these teams are already powerhouses,” New Zealand captain DJ Forbes said. “I guess it’s credit to being an Olympic sport now because it’s definitely far more competitive than it ever was.” The Australian coach Andy Friend said the rise of North America in Rugby Sevens might only be the start of a much bigger global shift. “I think it’s great for world rugby but wait until you get China playing too, that’s another one that’s going to come on in leaps and bounds,” he said. “And countries like Germany and Chile are also growing fast so for me, this is just the real growth game at the moment so you can’t underestimate anyone.”

Phuket FC loses in Yala, slides down league table FOOTBALL PHUKET FC FAILED TO get the three vitally needed points last Saturday (May 6) losing to 7th placed Yala Utd at Jaru Stadium. The Andaman Dragon is yet to get back the spirit and form it had during the first leg of the 2017 Euro Cake Thai League 4 campaign as last Saturday’s game against Yala Utd revealed. The team earned two points out of nine in the last three games, and with only six matches to be played, Phuket FC now has limited time to get back on course. The Dragon still aims at finishing the season among Southern division’s top two and fight for promotion to a higher tier Thai League 3. Going into last Sunday’s game, Phuket sat in 3rd place in the table on 15 points, while Yala sat at 3rd from bottom with 6 points and

only one victory. Phuket FC opened the game by testing Yala’s goalkeeper with a long shot, and shortly had two even better chances to score, when first Sutipong Yaifai nearly managed to send the ball into the net and then Nattapoom Maya hit the crossbar with a one-touch kick after a skillfully performed corner. Yala replied with two dangerous high crosses into the six-yard box that made Phuket’s keeper nervous and a nice shot by Jakkrawut Tirachamrong that went left of the post. The teams went in half time with the score at 0-0. In the beginning of the second half Yala’s Isaac Oduro nearly made it one-onone with Phuket’s keeper but the linesman was vigilant and flagged for offside. Another mistake in the Andaman Dragon’s defense followed shortly, but this time the home team could only blame

Team

After ten games, Phuket sits in 4th place in the table, while only two top teams will get a chance to win promotion to a higher tier league. Photo: Phuket FC Facebook themselves for poor passing and slowing down what could be an extremely dangerous attack. Several minutes later Phuket had to praise their luck when the ball hit the post, and once again, after Jakkrawut’s shot narrowly missed its target. Yala’s push finally materialised into a goal in the 72nd minute. Phuket’s keeper failed to secure the ball after a kick from inside the penalty area

and Charles Mweesigye Tibingana from Uganda pushed the ball into the back of the net – scoring his first goal of the season. In the following 20 minutes Phuket made several attempts to even the score but none of them were successful, leaving Yala with their second win since April 2, when they defeated Surathanee City. “Right now, the team is fighting together. Even

Satun United

Pattani FC

Chumphon FC

Phuket FC

Phatthalung FC

Hat Yai FC

-3

Yala United

10 11

-1

Sungaipadee FC

-6

Surathanee City 10

21 -14

in loss, I still love them,” Phuket FC’s Head Coach Niwat “Jiew” Nuisanga said after the game. Having lost in Yala, the Andaman Dragon slid back to the 4th place in the table. The next game for Phuket FC comes this Sunday (Apr 30) when they will host 2nd placed Pattani FC sitting at 18 points right between Satun United and Chumphon FC (21 and 17 points respectively).

A GD Pts

Full Weekend Results Saturday May 6 Yala United

1-0

Phuket FC

Pattani FC

0-0

Hat Yai FC

Sunday May 7 Cadenza Satun 3 - 0 Surathanee City United Chumphon FC 2 - 0 Phatthalung FC

Kick-off set for 6pm. The Phuket News and Khao Phuket are proud media partners of Phuket FC. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

SPORT 37

Hoteliers set to hit the links

Hospitality heavyweights gear up for charity golf competition GOLF The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

he second annual Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge – Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Laguna Golf Phuket on Friday, June 23, with hospitality professionals from Phuket and surrounding areas coming together at the awardwinning golf course. The atmosphere, as with the inaugural event last year, will be fun yet competitive, with teams battling for bragging rights as the best hospitality golfers in the region. Being the only event of its kind, it is touted as the ideal networking opportunity for local hoteliers, restaurateurs, landlords, club owners and others involved in the hospitality industry to come together in a relaxed environment. Organiser Mark Cameron of Asean Events explained, “Last year’s event was a huge success and we attracted a field of 60 very competitive

@thephuketnews

The second annual Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge will see local hospitality professionals meet and compete on the fairways and greens of Laguna Golf Phuket. hospitality leaders. The rivalry between hoteliers was incredible to watch, with endless amounts of friendly on-course banter. “These professionals are

always competing for business, so why not a fun game of golf, networking with like-minded professionals? As an end product of the event experience, we also

raise funds for local children’s charities,” he said. Host sponsor Laguna Golf Phuket will once again provide the venue. The unique “Gourmet Golf ” concept

event will see Laguna Phuket hotel establishments such as Banyan Tree, Angsana, Cassia, Dusit Thani and Outrigger provide on-course food and drinks for golfers.

In addition, other leading entertainment venues from around Phuket will be involved, including an exciting “Tai Pan” experience on hole 1 tee box, thanks to our old friends Bob and Darren! Registered teams this year include Accor Group of Hotels and Outrigger Resorts as well as teams from Rotowash, Tai Pan, Irish Times and a team all the way from Oman – and The Phuket News Team. Of the 18 holes, 12 holes have been already sponsored with some refreshments and food and a very special hole where the Banyan Tree Spa will give golfers a refreshing neck massage. On the par-3 holes there will be a “Beat-The-Pro” event, where a PGA Professional from Laguna Golf Academy will challenge each golfer, and Rotowash will sponsor a prize worth B500,000 for a hole-in-one. To register your team, and/ or interest in becoming a sponsor, visit: lagunagolf. com/phuket or email: golf@ lagunaphuket.com

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Testing Ferrari’s mettle BOX OF NEUTRALS

Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

he 2017 Spanish Grand Prix on May 14 is the starter’s gun for one of Formula One’s fiercest-ever development wars as Ferrari and Mercedes continue their titanic battle for on-track supremacy. Few had tipped Ferrari to be in race-winning contention this season, but the four-round extra-European prologue to the 2017 F1 season was a finely balanced fight between the Scuderia and three-time constructors champion Mercedes. The ledger shows each team with two wins – Ferrari in Australia and Bahrain, Mercedes in China and Russia – and the championship tables show Sebastian Vettel ahead by 13 points and Mercedes in front by just one. That the two cars are almost perfectly matched in pace validates the teams’ gruelling offseason efforts, which in turn have changed

A Ferrari engineer works on the car of Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen. Photo: Andrej Isakovic / AFP the sport’s preseason pessimism into cautious optimism. But F1 fans would be wise not to jump the gun, because at the Spanish Grand Prix Ferrari faces the sternest test of its title mettle to date. Formula One’s return to Europe represents the first opportunities teams have to bring significant upgrades

to their cars. All the data gleaned during preseason testing and all the experience gained during the first four races culminates in a raft of updates installed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Playing this upgrade game has been a key weakness of Ferrari’s in recent seasons. This much was evident

in 2016. The Scuderia would have won in Australia were it not for a strategic howler, and in Bahrain Kimi Räikkönen split the Mercedes pair in a tight Bahrain Grand Prix. In Spain, however, Ferrari’s promising start to the year dramatically unravelled. In Russia last year Ferrari was 0.7 seconds off pole, but

it fell to 1.1 seconds behind in Barcelona. By comparison Red Bull Racing was 1.7 seconds behind in Russia but improved to be just 0.6 seconds off qualifying’s top spot, leapfrogging the Italians in the process. The trend perpetuated for the rest of the season: Red Bull Racing moved forwards while Ferrari struggled to evolve the car, and the Scuderia ended the season in despair. So while Ferrari’s form has been cause for celebration, it is the ensuing development war that will prove the team to be a championship contender or a title pretender. The pressure will be on Red Bull Racing, too, to make a big step forward after a disappointing opening four rounds. The Bulls suffered a similarly slow start to 2016 – it had the same 57 points this time last year – but quickly jumped Ferrari to win the only two races not won by Mercedes. That Red Bull Racing is struggling surprised many given the team’s possession of Adrian Newey, the sport’s foremast designer, in a regula-

tory era that emphasis aerodynamics. It has been a bitter pill to swallow for drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, who started the year expecting to race for victories rather than minor places. “I hope the upgrade will give us a chance to really fight with Mercedes and Ferrari or at least get us closer,” Ricciardo said. “It means that the people who do the work behind the scenes get their reward as well.” Ricciardo and Verstappen, the latter a sensational maiden winner in Barcelona last year, might have to wait a little longer to make a lunge at the race lead, however, with engine supplier Renault delaying its latest power unit specification until July due to reliability concerns. Every step in the development race counts, which makes the Spanish Grand Prix all the more exciting as the 2017 season continues to unfold. Don’t forget to tune in to Live 89.5 each and every Saturday from 9am for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Wenger unwavering on full control of Arsenal FOOTBALL

AFP

rsene Wenger has ruled out working alongside a director of football if he stays at Arsenal, saying he must have full control of the Premier League club. The Frenchman’s hardline stance puts him on a potential collision course with members of the Arsenal hierarchy who reportedly want to bring in a director of football this summer to work with Wenger. Wenger has called the shots at the north London club since he joined in 1996 and said he had no interest in having his authority diminished, even as his future remains mired in uncertainty and with the fans restless. “I’m the manager of Arsenal Football Club and as long as I’m manager of Arsenal Football Club, I will decide what happens on the technical front, that’s it,” Wenger, 67, said on the eve of Wednesday’s league match at Southampton. “I don’t know what director of football means. Is it somebody who stands in the road and directs play right and left? I don't understand and I

After 20 years as manager of Arsenal Football Club, Arsene Wenger is adamant that if he stays, he will keep that position. Photo: AFP never did understand what it means.” Wenger previously said that he had made up his mind about his future and would announce it in March or April, but no announcement was forthcoming. His Arsenal contract expires at the end of this season and while a fresh deal is reportedly on the table, some Arsenal fans have called for his head after a disappointing run that saw them humiliated in the Champions League to Bayern Munich and fall out of the Premier League top four. Asked Tuesday if he would

now reveal his decision over whether to sign the contract, he replied simply: “No.” Wenger surprised Arsenal are in danger of failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in Wenger’s long reign, even though last Sunday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United moved them to within six points of fourth-placed Manchester City with a game in hand. While the Premier League and Europe has been a source of frustration, Arsenal will contest their third FA Cup final in four seasons later this month, while Sunday’s suc-

cess saw Wenger at last get the better of Jose Mourinho at the 13th attempt. “It gives us still a chance to go into the top four,” said Wenger. Former United defender Phil Neville criticised the cordial way players from both sides were seen joking and hugging each other before kickoff, a far cry from the frosty atmosphere that pervaded his own encounters with the Gunners. “I think I understand that the pundits are a bit surprised by that because 10 or 15 years ago that did not exist,” Wenger said. “But it is an overall, international thing now. “You can watch Real Madrid against Barcelona – it’s the same because people play together, come from the same country. “I was surprised as well I must say, but I must confess as well that it doesn’t stop the players to focus and concentrate after on the game.” Arsenal, beaten 4-0 by Southampton in last season’s corresponding fixture at St Mary’s, travel to the south coast with a fitness doubt over Laurent Koscielny after the defender suffered a calf injury against United.

Gibson misery as Middlesbrough relegated MIDDLESBROUGH CAPtain Ben Gibson labelled his team’s relegation from the Premier League as the worst moment of his life after a 3-0 defeat against Chelsea sent them back to the Championship on Monday. Just one year after winning promotion, Middlesbrough will return to the second-tier having paid the price for a lacklustre campaign which has so far featured only five wins from 36 league games. Their fate was sealed at Stamford Bridge by goals from Chelsea trio Diego Costa, Marcos Alonso and Nemanja Matic. Steve Agnew’s side, the Premier League’s lowest scorers this season with 26 goals, join Sunderland as the second top-flight team to be relegated this term. They have been relegated from the Premier League for a record-equalling fourth time and it was more than Gibson could take. The 24-year-old, nephew @thephuketnews

Ben Gibson looks on as Chelsea's Antonio Conte (R) speaks with Middlesbrough's Steve Agnew. Photo: AFP of the club's long-time owner Steve Gibson, was a picture of dejection as the reality of Middlesbrough’s plight hit home and he admitted he had never felt worse. “It was the lowest point of my career. In fact it’s the lowest point of my life, not just my career. It means that much,” Gibson said. Havi ng sacked Aitor Karanka earlier in the year, Middlesbrough hoped interim boss Agnew could spark a great escape. But that ambition quickly fell flat and Gibson conceded there was plenty of blame to pass around.

“It’s not just tonight, it’s a full season. From top to bottom we haven’t been good enough. Players, staff, myself. We’ve got to put that right,” he said. The only people associated with Middlesbrough to emerge with any credit from their trouncing in west London were the loyal fans who made the long trip down from the north-east and never stopped singing throughout the match. Even Chelsea manager Antonio Conte was impressed and he made a point of going

to applaud them at full-time. Aware of how much they have let down those die-hards, Gibson promised to make amends next season. “It could have been 6-0, but the fans didn’t stop singing, wherever we’ve been this season they’ve been the same,” he said. “The fans deserve Premier League football and we have to find a team to do that. We have to reflect on what's gone wrong.” AFP

MONTHLY SPONSOR

MAIN SPONSOR

The overall competition winner receives a two day/one night private fishing charter to Racha Island on board Wahoo Yacht Charters Phuket’s Reel Blue. Total prize value: B180,000 The monthly competition winner for May 2017 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O'Toole's Irish Pub in Karon.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

Allard 8 chris goodhand 7 Aays 6 carst 6 giggs 6

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The Red Card Gang 205 phils64 202 carst 201 Sidwell Guduka 201 scottkip 200

English Premier League 2016 - 2017 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

MP W

Pts

Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool Manchester City Manchester United Arsenal Everton West Brom Leicester City Southampton Bournemouth West Ham United Stoke City Burnley Watford Crystal Palace Swansea City Hull City Middlesbrough Sunderland

35 35 36 35 35 34 36 35 35 34 36 36 36 36 35 36 36 36 36 35

3 8 10 9 14 6 10 9 7 9 9 9 11 7 7 5 5 7 13 6

5 4 6 6 4 9 10 14 16 14 16 16 15 18 17 20 21 20 18 23

75 71 71 70 51 66 60 41 45 39 52 45 39 37 37 46 41 36 26 28

29 23 42 37 27 42 41 45 54 44 65 59 52 51 58 61 69 69 48 60

46 48 29 33 24 24 19 -4 -9 -5 -13 -14 -13 -14 -21 -15 -28 -33 -22 -32

84 77 70 69 65 63 58 45 43 42 42 42 41 40 40 38 35 34 28 24

27 23 20 20 17 19 16 12 12 11 11 11 10 11 11 11 10 9 5 6

Premier League prediction competition scores and league table correct at time of going to press.

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday May 12

Rugby Union 14:30 16:40 Rugby League 18:40 20:30 Aussie Rules 17:00 Cricket 21:20 Saturday May 13 Rugby Union 14:30 16:40 20:00 Rugby Union 22:30 Rugby Union 14:00 21:30 Soccer 18:30 21:00 23:30 21:00 Cricket 17:20 19:20 Aussie Rules 10:30 13:30 16:30 Sunday May 14 Aussie Rules 12:00 15:00 Rugby League 11:00 13:00 Rugby Union 14:00 20:30 Cricket 17:20 22:20 Motor Racing 18:00 18:45 Soccer 18:00 20:15 22:30

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

16:35 18:40 20:30 22:20 20:00 00:20

Super Rugby Super Rugby NRL NRL AFL IPL

Blues v. Cheetahs Brumbies v. Lions Dragons v. Sharks (D) Tigers v. Rabbitohs (D) West Coast Eagles v. Westn Bulldogs Delhi Daredevils v. Pune Supergiants

16:30 18:30 22:00 00:45 19:30 01:00 20:30 23:00 01:30 23:00 21:00 00:30 13:30 16:30 19:30

Super Rugby Super Rugby Super Rugby Champions Cup Final Rugby Sevens Rugby Sevens EPL EPL EPL EPL IPL IPL AFL AFL AFL

Crusaders v. Hurricanes Rebels v. Reds Bulls v. Highlanders Clermont v. Saracens HSBC Series, Paris HSBC Series, Paris Man City v. Leicester Middlesbrough v. Southampton Stoke v. Arsenal Sunderland v. Swansea Gujarat Lions v. Sunrisers Kolkata KR v. Mumbai Indians Hawthorn v. Brisbane Lions GWS Giants v. Collingwood Adelaide Crows v. Melbourne

15:00 18:00 13:00 15:00 18:20 23:00 21:20 00:20 18:45 21:30 20:00 22:15 00:30

AFL AFL NRL NRL Rugby Sevens Rugby Sevens IPL IPL Formula 1 Formula 1 EPL EPL EPL

Gold Coast SUNS v. Port Adelaide Richmond v. Fremantle Knights v. Raiders Roosters v. Eels HSBC Series, Paris HSBC Series, Paris Pune Supergiants v. Kings XI Punjab Delhi Daredevils v. RC Bangalore Raceday – Catalunya Spanish Grand Prix Crystal Palace v. Hull West Ham v. Liverpool Tottenham v. Man United

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2017

Canada’s Rugby Sevens champs take RnR in Phuket > p36

The crew of East Marine Emagine emerged as winners of the Top of the Gulf Regatta.

EMAGINE THAT!

Phuket-crewed East Marine Emagine wins TOTG Regatta SAILING Bob Mott

he Phuket crew on board Scott Bradley’s East Marine Emagine, a refurbished Sydney 40-T, knocked last year’s winners of the Top of the Gulf Regatta off their perch this week. East Marine Emagine went one better than her result in the Langkawi International Regatta earlier this year against the defending champions on board Kevin Whitcraft’s THA72, earning Emagine a well-deserved first overall at in the IRC 1 class.

The regional TP52 fleet have been reluctant to come out and play against THA72, as it’s a newer model TP, and weighs in some 1,500kg lighter than the other TPs. However, at the 13th edition of the Top of the Gulf Regatta, held at Ocean Marina Yacht Club off Pattaya from May 4-8, even the pair of smaller 40- and 42-foot racers gave THA72 a tough time. David Dimmock’s Swan 42 Loco, another Phuketbased yacht formerly known as Katsu, gave THA72 a run as well, finishing ahead on handicap on four occasions.

Phuketians made up much of the crew of Loco, notably Scott Duncanson and Greg Reynolds out of the Phuket Yacht Club. Meanwhile, Phuket also retained bragging rights to the Coronation Cup, contested as part of the regatta. The fiercely competitive Platu class of 11 yachts was won by Rolf Heemskerk’s Team Viewpoint crewed by a Phuket team that included the wellknown sailor Mia Gillow. Scott Duncanson, currently serving as Commodore of the Phuket Yacht Club, this year decided not to compete for the Cup. Last year he won

his sixth Platu Coronation Cup title, and the first ever three-peat in the competition’s 21-year history, having won it previously in 2014 and 2015. The irony for those who are not aware is that the TP52 was originally designed to compete in the Transpac Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii and later developed into an international class. East Marine Emagine happens to be a past overall winner of the Transpac back in 2001, when she was called Bull. Precision Shipwrights refurbishing of the 16-yearold Sydney 40-T has put her

back in competitive form. Certainly the go-fast paintwork must play a part as well. Congratulations to the hard working and dedicated team aboard: Scott Bradley, owner and helm; Peter Gregg, tactician; Ian “Shorty” Short, sailmaker and mainsail control; Alfie Rawson, headsail control and spinnaker; Ciaran Corrigan, foredeck and mast; Thomas Cracknell, foredeck and mast; Thomas Pickering, foredeck cockpit; Simon Boyd, cockpit; Pongsakorn Chuchip, headsail control and cockpit; Baifearn Patterra “Blondie” Meeyousamsen, r unning

backstays and looking good! The regatta closed with classic Gulf of Thailand sailing conditions, with sunny skies and a steady breeze for the final day, a fitting tribute from the weather gods for the event which has been superbly run for more than a decade. The next test will be the Samui Regatta on May 20-27, when East Marine Emagine faces a class of six yachts in IRC 1, including Loco. The crew on board THA72 might well be relieved to be in IRC 0 class of five yachts, as currently listed as entered to race at Samui.

World Cup air racing high-flyers return to Thailand AIR RACING THE SPORTS AUTHORITY OF Thailand, part of the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, will host the Air Race 1 World Cup at the U-Tapao Naval Air Base on November 1719, 2017. This year’s World Cup is anticipated to be the biggest one yet with more teams competing than in any other international event in the sport. Thailand, one of the most

attractive tourist destinations in the world, is embarking on a major strategy of using sport as a boost for tourism, so hosting the Air Race 1 World Cup has become integral to Thailand’s plans. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said: “Sport is in our hearts in Thailand and our passion for top-level motorsport is exemplified by our commitment to host the Air Race 1 World Cup. As a leading global tourist destination, we are always

striving for new ways to attract new visitors and this event helps us distinguish Thailand as an everchanging innovator. We are eager to welcome the international fans of this sport to Thailand.” Rear Admiral Luechai Sri-Eam Gool, Commander of U-Tapao Naval Airbase, said: “U-Tapao Airport is broadening its operations as an important aviation hub in South East Asia, so holding the Air Race 1 World Cup is an excellent demonstration of the high-quality robust

services we offer at our facility. And the Royal Thai Navy is delighted to be able to share our airport with our community.” Jeff Zaltman, CEO of Air Race 1, stated: “Last year’s race in Thailand was such a fantastic success, proving that Thailand is a highly reliable sports event host. The race teams and the Air Race 1 organisation are all eager to return to the world-class U-Tapao Airport to showcase our thrilling sport to the people of Thailand and TV audi-

Action from the 2016 Air Race 1 World Cup. Photo: airrace1.com ences around the world. The Thai sports audience is a very enthusiastic and sophisticated fanbase and we look forward to developing our sport with them.” The Phuket News

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