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DRIVE TO ELIMINATE ‘BLACK’ TUK-TUKS GOES INTO TOP GEAR > PAGE 4 Photo by Ashley Lourey
ORDER ON THE WATERS TWOTOLD SONS AND FIVE FACE CHARGES OFTOLD YACHTS ‘GET OUT OFOTHERS AO YON’;ALSO FOREIGN-FLAG BOATS ‘BEHAVING LIKE TRIAD GANGSTERS’ TO GET TRACKING DEVICES FITTED WHEN COMING INTO PHUKET Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
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he owners of all boats anchored in Ao Yon have been ordered to move them immediately to Chalong Bay or to one of Phuket’s established marinas. The new order comes soon after another that requires foreign-flagged boats to be fitted with expensive
Automatic Identification Systems. Although the move-out order came from the Phuket Marine Office (PMO) and was signed by PMO director Phuripat Theerakulpisut, it also relates to the security of the Royal Thai Navy base on Cape Panwa. The notice was signed by Mr Phuripat on August 18 but was distributed only during the past week, and The Phuket News was
told on Monday (September 8) by some people in the area that they have yet to receive it. The letter states, “Because Phuket has a lot of foreign-flagged boats coming into its waters, [this order is for] the safety of marine traffic, for reorganisation of boat mooring, for boat safety and for the stability of the Kingdom.” Owners or representatives of
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yachts, ferries and all kinds of boats in the Ao Yon area, whether Thaior foreign-f lagged, were ordered not to anchor in the bay, to move to Chalong Bay and moor there, and to have crew on board around the clock. Navy Cdr Pornprom Sakultem told The Phuket News on Monday afternoon, “It’s not a new regulation, but officers may have been flexible about applying it for a long time.
LIFE
LIFE PAGE 4
Krabi’s fragile coast ecology under threat
SPORT
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Ronins break dry streak in high style
News 2
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Seven corrupt officials targeted in Freedom Beach and Sirinart investigations > page 5
All foreign-flagged boats ‘must get AIS’ installed Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th
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rom October 1, all foreign-flagged boats coming into or staying in Thai waters will be required to have Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment installed. The regulation is being introduced after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) commanded the Third Naval Area Command to organise boats and ships along the Andaman Coast and around islands offshore, from Ranong down to Satun. The new regulation was announced in a Provincial Announcement signed by Governor Maitri Inthusut and released on Thursday last week (September 4) to the media. “Phuket province is the center of maritime tourism on the Andaman coast,” the announcement stated. “There are numerous boats from foreign countries travelling for tourism around Phuket and neighbouring islands, which causes heavy water traffic congestion. Therefore
the organisation of boats in the area needs to be enforced. “[The systems must be installed] to follow the order of the NCPO and to accord with the installed Vessel Traffic and Management System (VTMS) of Phuket [on Chalong Pier] to control the security of water transportation, to prevent maritime accidents and to secure the waters’ stability to the utmost effectiveness and benefit.” The announcement specified that cruise boats, motor yachts and sailing yachts must install AIS Class B systems or higher, and the system must be turned on at all times. Phuripat Teerakulpisit, director of the Phuket Marine Office, said, “The cost of an AIS is about B20,000 to B80,000 depending on the specifications. On Wednesday (September 10) he clarified the new rules. First he said, “Any foreignflag cruise boat, motor yacht or sailing yacht coming into Phuket by sea must install an AIS system.” Asked for a definition of “yacht”, he said it was any
leisure craft. Pressed on the point – how small does a boat have to be not to qualify as a yacht? – he repeated that any non-Thai-registered boat coming into Phuket waters by sea would have to comply. This appears to mean that if one were to sail a Laser or Sunfish from Malaysia, for example, it would be required, on arrival in Phuket, to have an AIS installed. “I believe that most foreign-flag boats probably already have AIS,” he said. “If they don’t, we can be flexible. “Once they have checked in at the Chalong One-Stop Centre, we will give them 10 days to get the AIS installed and recorded in our system.” As for Thai-flagged boats, the rule is less stringent. Only boats big enough to carry 25 or more passengers must have AIS installed, and not immediately. “They will have one year to install AIS once the details have been announced. That said, boats of this size registering for a Thai flag for the first time must have AIS already installed in order to
be registered, Mr Phuripat stressed. The original announcement to foreign-flag boats stated that the AIS must be turned on at all times. Mr Phuripat said that this meant it must be turned on at all times when the boat is underway, not when it is at rest. He warned that the penalty for not installing an AIS system could be a jail sentence of up to six months. “Once we have succeeded [in having the leisure industry install AIS in their boats] we will begin considering AIS installation for fishing boats,” he added. AIS systems are used worldwide not only to control boats but also for collision avoidance, fishing fleet monitoring, traffic management, security, search and rescue, and accident investigation. The technology has been compulsory worldwide since 2002 for all ferries and vessels over 300 tons, and the European Union is currently looking at making it compulsory for other vessels over a certain size.
Marine Office director Phuripat Teerakulpisit shows two examples of AISs that would be acceptable.
Getting Phuket’s boats in order Continued from page 1 “From the Navy’s point of view, we have to focus on our security and safety. The Military Safety Area Act of 2478 (1935) sets the distance from navy bases inside which other vessels may not venture,” he explained. The distance is one nautical mile. But this is not the only reason for the order, he said. “There is another reason. We have found from inspections in the past that there were a lot of illegal boats coming in without registering or coming through Immigration or Customs. “So now when you enter Phuket’s waters you must go to Chalong Pier and you may moor [long-term] only at Chalong or a marina,” he said. “All boats coming into Phuket must follow this rule.
It’s similar to arriving by air [because you must go through Immigration and Customs]. But the sea covers a very large area and it is hard to monitor all of it around Phuket, which is why all boats must register at Chalong Pier. “When you register your boat and inform officers where are you going and for how long, it will be easy for us to identify your location in case of accident or emergency,” he added. On Wednesday (September 10) Mr Phuripat enlarged on the reasons behind the Ao Yon evacuation and the must-goto-Chalong decree. “There are two reasons why we focused on Ao Yon. One is that it is near the navy base and the other is that we found there were a lot of yachts moored there with no owner
who could be located. “This is our main problem – that we couldn’t find the owners. Sometimes they leave boats there and go back to their home country, and we don’t even know who they are. This motivated us to ban all yachts [Thai and foreign-flag] from Ao Yon. Any yachts left, whose owners we cannot identify, will be seized,” he explained. Temporary mooring or anchoring is still allowed – but not for long periods, he said, “I can’t say exactly how long but, for me, temporary means no more than 10 days or so.” This rule, too, affects both Thai-flag yachts or foreign-flag yachts, he added. “Please note that, once you have registered [your foreignflag boat] at the Chalong one stop service, you have to tell Immigration officers about all
your destinations in Phuket. The job of my department is just to check boats in and out,” Mr Phuripat said. He stressed that boats staying long term may stay in only two places: Chalong Bay or a registered private marina. Asked about criticisms of safety at Chalong, he said, “This is the problem we are also concerned about. “I am waiting for budget approval [to get more moorings] but it is so hard to get.” Asked about anchoring in Patong Bay, Kata, Karon or Nai Harn, Mr Phuripat answered, “Actually, no one anchors there for long. “Our real concern is people who leave yachts [long-term] without no one to look after them. “Everything we have done is for safety for all boats users.” thephuketnews
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AMLO expert’s scary lesson Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
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e o pl e wo r k i n g i n Phuket’s property industry, particularly real estate brokers, were briefed today by experts from the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) on how to avoid falling foul of the moneylaundering laws. Sunpet Sangnetswang, Director of AMLO’s Supervision and Examination Division, opened up a frightening vista for brokers and warned them that they must be much more aware of the possibility of money laundering. He explained that AMLO has access to sophisticated computer systems that can track people laundering money, along with their relatives and associates. It has the power to seize assets not only from the money launderers themselves but also from their families and associates. He warned his audience, “The Money Laundering Suppression Act has great implications for you [in property industry]. Please be careful.” He gave an example of how assets can be seized.
AMLO officers went to seize assets from a man convicted of making money from narcotics. They discovered he had spent some of his illgotten gains on buying four crocodiles for breeding. “When we got to his farm in central Thailand we found hundreds of crocodiles. We could not tell which were the four bought with his drug money.” But this did not matter, he said; all the animals were offspring of the four crocs and were therefore the proceeds of laundering. AMLO seized the entire farm. He noted, too, that since the May 22 coup “our policy has become much more serious”. “Brokers may not actually be laundering money themselves but they may be used [by criminals] as tools to launder money.” If brokers fail to provide information about buyers, they can be fined up to B500,000. If they provide false information, they can go to jail for up to two years. “Laundering has been an international financial problem for a long time. Plus, Thailand is perceived to be one of the the top five
Sunpet Sangnetswang: Be suspicious, be careful, tell us everything. places in the world for money laundering.” AMLO, he said, had started to make a dent in this perception last year. He said that typical criminal businesses that required money laundering services include prostitution and human trafficking, weapons,
Murderer Moshe David, accomplice get life in jail HU NGARIAN-ISR AELI Moshe David was on Monday (September 8) sentenced to life in jail for the November 2012 murder of fellow Hungarian Peter Reisz. Also sentenced to life in prison was Lajos Gyorgy Kvalka, who denied a hand in the murder but admitted to helping David dispose of the body. Both men are to lodge appeals. David – who also goes by the Hungarian name of Gabor Nemeth – was arrested in Bangkok on December 4, a week after Mr Reisz’s body was found. Mr Reisz – supposedly a friend and business partner of David – had been stabbed multiple times and bashed in the head, then dumped, wrapped in plastic, in some woods not far from the house in Kathu where he was murdered. After his arrest in Bangkok David was brought back to Phuket, where he admitted killing Mr Reisz. On December 8, 2012, Kvalka was arrested. He denied taking part in the murder @thephuketnews
Moshe David pictured in a police cell after his arrest itself but agreed that he had helped David to wrap the body in plastic and dump it in the woods. David and Kvalka will remain in custody until their appeal. David also faces another trial, in Surat Thani, for the
murder of Hungarian multimillionaire Laszlo Csapai, 42, who had been missing since February 2011. Csapai’s skeleton was discovered buried under the floor of a villa on Koh Samui owned by David. His head, too, had been bashed in.
supporting terrorism, intellectual property piracy, counterfeiting currency, passports or other documents, receiving stolen goods, and Ang Yi (Triad gang) activities. All such activities are watched by AMLO. After thoroughly alarming
his audience he offered some advice. “Let’s say someone wants to buy expensive land using your services. Let’s say he runs a junk shop. “How does a junk shop owner make that kind of money? “Please be more careful
about the clients who come to buy property through you. “You should talk and ask your client for some information. Even if it’s a matter of one baht, if you think something is suspicious, contact me. You can do this through our website or privately by letter. We are obliged by law not to reveal any details of their sources to anyone. “However, if you are suspicious and you do not inform us, then you could be in trouble.” He warned the brokers that there were limits on how much commission they could receive without reporting to AMLO. For example, any cash payment of more than B2 million must be reported. “You are also obliged to obtain basic information about buyers, such as name, address, ID card or passport number. You must keep this information for five years. “If you have any information which you think is suspicious please inform AMLO and we will take it from there. You will not have any problem.” The AMLO website address is amlo.go.th
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Legal ‘yellow plate’ tuk-tuks in Patong. The market in yellow plates has been banned. has declared the yellow plates to be its property, bringing all trading to a halt, but leaving hundreds of black-plate tuktuks still plying their trade illegally. They have annoyed the
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legit drivers by undercutting prices – one of the reasons behind the mob blockade of Patong streets on March 3, which led to many tuk-tuk drivers being arrested in the massive series of raids in
Patong on August 28. Mr Jaturong said the blackplate drivers, of which there are five small groups, should get form a cooperative and then apply for yellow plates. If they do not, they risk arrest.
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Two men murdered by gang at fishing port TWO MEN THOUGHT TO have been fishing boat crew members, possibly Burmese, were found murdered on the night of September 3 near the fishing boat pier on Srisutat Rd, Koh Sireh. Called to the scene at 10:30pm, police led by Lt Col Somchai Nooboon were shown the bodies of the two men, one lying in a pool of blood, and another, about 15 metres away, seemingly stabbed right through the body from behind. Both were around 25-30 years of age, and both were dead. Witnesses said they saw the two men being chased by four or five men armed with knives. The gang caught up with them, beat them until they were on the ground and then stabbed them. Police believe both victims were crew of a fishing boat. They are now trying to identify the gang. The area around the fishing port has a nasty reputation for violence and gang warfare that flares up from time to time.
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Smoke pours from the tuna fishing boat (left).
Tuna boat catches fire POLICE WERE FORCED to sink a tuna fishing boat after fire broke out on board early on Tuesday morning (September 9) at the fishing pier at Koh Sireh. Tha alarm was raised by the crew of the boat at around midnight after fire started in the engine room. Five fire trucks struggled to put out the fire as they could spray water only from outside the boat. Fire fighters spent over two hours trying to stop the
fire and some attempted to go inside the engine room, but it was locked. They were forced to make a hole through the hull so they could spray water inside and sink the boat, in order to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby boats. Nob o dy wa s i nju re d though some crew members suffered from smoke inhalation. The fire caused an estimated B3 million in damage.
A KUSOLDHARM REScuer was badly injured while carrying out an emergency rescue drill on the afternoon of September 4 in Talad Yai. Nisit Mahasin, who is in his twenties, was given the job of testing a rescue cushion – a large, square inflatable bag used to allow people trapped in a building to jump to safety – by jumping onto it from the second storey of a building. However, after landing on the orange cushion, he bounced off the orange cushion, and fell “very hard” onto concrete next to it, sustaining apparent head injuries. He was given first aid
The rescue cushion (right) below the balcony from which Mr Nisit made his disastrous jump. and then sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital. Hospital staff said later
that Mr Nisit is recovering but will remain in hospital for further treatment. thephuketnews
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‘Great job’ says top general Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th
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hailand’s No 2 policeman, Pol Gen Aek Angsananont, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, was in Phuket on Saturday (September 6) to check on the efforts of his officers in cleaning up crime on the island. “I am delighted with their work,” he said. “They have almost completed amassing all evidence in these cases.” Rebut t i ng c r it icism s made by the lawyer for one of the main targets of the investigation, Preechawut “Prap” Keesin, that using a 1927 law forbidding Ang Yi (Chinese Triad gangs) was inappropriate in the case of the eight people from Pisona Co arrested recently, Gen Aek pointed put that the law had never been repealed. “It’s still in force. We would not charge people with this if the courts would not accept it.” In any case, he said, further charges will be brought against the Pisona eight, who include former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin.
Gen Aek Angsnanont (left, with Maj Gen Krajang Suwannarat and ‘mafia’ crackdown leader Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin. Asked how long it will be before the arrests result in court hearings, he said, “We have set deadlines by which all cases must be sent to prosecutor. Yes, there is an overload of cases right now so police from Region 8 [in Surat Thani] must support this.” Asked how many cases will make it through to the prosecutor’s office, he said all of them would. “All cases [which are in warrant of arrested] must be prosecuted.”
Gen Paween gave details: “All 13 cases [involving the 83 people arrested] will be prosecuted. There are four types: The tuk-tuk mob blockage of the roads [in Patong on March 3], intimidation by rental car owners, intimidation by members of the Baansuan Resort Taxi Group, and the Ang Yi activities of the Pisona Group. “I can confirm that all our evidence is very strong. Other charges [for the Pisona eight] will be revealed soon.”
Gen Aek added, “We are not doing this to smear the suspects. We have evidence. We are using facts. “Because some of the suspects are political people, they are using social media [and a recent press conference] to spread their side of the case. But we are confident that we are doing the best we can for the country. If we do not, [these activities] may affect Phuket province like a cancer.”
Asked if he had given any advice to the anti-crime task force, he said, “In my experience planning is crucial. A simple example is getting arrest warrants and executing them, which takes planning so that other officials are all involved.” Would the anti-mafia drive be expanded to other parts of Phuket? “Lt Gen Panya [Mamen, Commissioner of Region 8] has already laid out his policy to Maj Gen Krajang [Suwannarat, currently in charge of Phuket Police] and Maj Gen Paween Pongsirin [head of the task force]. Every part of Phuket must be free of crime.” Asked how police can ensure that mafia activity does not return, Gen Aek replied, “It is very clear that the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) wants the people of Phuket to be proud of the reorganisation of Kata and Karon Beaches. “This has been highly appreciated. But if people do not care, how can the police do their work? Ordinary people should come forward voluntarily as witnesses [against criminal activity].”
Seven corrupt officials targeted in land probes THE CRIME SUPPRESSION Unit (CSU) of the Royal Forestry Department is to report seven government officials to the police on suspicion that they were involved in the illegal granting of Chanote land ownership papers for land next to Freedom Beach. Cheewapap Cheewatham, former chief of Sirinart Marine National Park and now head of the CSU, confirmed on Tuesday (September 9) that his unit and the Royal Thai Police had been gathering evidence of encroachment in the Freedom Beach case and also in parts of the former Khao Ruak Khao Muang park, a precursor of Sirinart Park. The unit was expected to present the cases to the authorities this week. The Freedom Beach case has been under investigation for years and in 2012 the CSU reported its suspicions to the Land Department in a bid to stop the land title upgrade to Chanote on the grounds that the land was part of national forest in the Nakkerd Hills. The CSU unit said two Royal Forestry Department @thephuketnews
to Chanote (full ownership). Investigators believe that corruption is involved because all three plots are over 100 rai, and this size for a SorKor 1 plot is unheard of. They believe that the same seven corrupt officials are involved in this case. Darawan Naknakho
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Forestry Crime Suppression boss Cheewapap Cheewatham officials and five Land Office officials involved in this case “will be punished according to the law”. As for the forest area in the former Khao Ruak Khao Muang Park, a special unit is investigating requests to upgrade three SorKor 1 papers
He added, “On many occasions police themselves have been accused of being involved [in mafia crime]. All officers have been told by the commander that they must not be involved [with criminal groups]. “The community must be stronger against crime. That includes the media. You know the truth. You must help us. You must make people proud. Phuket people have to help each other. We are ready to use the law to protect Phuket to maintain tourism.” Asked about action against government officials who have been supporting influential people, he replied, “I have insisted that the commander [Gen Krajang] ensure that all officials work within the law. Tell me what you know and we will punish [such officials] severely.” Asked about foreigners who use Thai nominees to carry on business illegally, he said, “As I have already said, if we find someone culpable we will follow the law.” He repeated, “I am impressed with the results of this suppression drive. We will do our best.”
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Man killed by speeding bread truck A PEDESTRIAN DIED IN the early afternoon of September 3 after a Farm House Bread delivery truck hit him as he crossed Thepkrasattri Rd in front of Baan Sapam School. When police and an ambulance from Mission Hospital reached the scene just after 1pm they found the Isuzu truck with its driver, Sompop Saiklin, 35, waiting for them, and the pedestrian, a large man aged 40 to 50, lying in the road with severe head injuries. He was given first aid and then rushed to hospital. Mr Sompop admitted he had been driving fast down the hill in Sapam when the pedestrian ran out in front of him, and he could not brake in time. He hit the pedestrian hard. Police took Sompop to the station for further questioning.
Police nab teen with 9mm pistol A TEENAGER WAS ARRE sted for carrying an unlicensed 9mm pistol and ammunition at a police checkpoint on September 4 in Baan Bang Jo. Officers at the checkpoint spotted Suriyon Pongshychom 18, from Nakhon Pathom, approaching. When he realised he was coming up to a checkpoint he tried to turn around and drive away. Police chased and stopped him. They found the pistol, loaded with five bullets, tucked into the front of his trousers. “It belongs to my friend Aow. I don’t know if it is registered or not,” Suriyon told police. He was arrested on charges of illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in a public place without a permit.
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TAT aims to generate B3bn from vegetarian festival T
he Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office has set itself a target of attracting 600,000 visitors to Phuket for this year’s Vegetarian Festival, in the expectation that they will, among them, spend B3 billion during the nine days of the festival. The TAT has a budget of B500,000 to promote the festival, which runs from September 23 to October 2, and has put together a special promotional three-day-twonight tourist package selling for B3,500. Wanapa Suksomboon, TAT Phuket Assistant Director, explained, “We have prepared 10,000 copies of a guide to the festival, which will be given away free at the TAT office [on Thalang Rd] and at the many shrines in Phuket, starting from [September 4]. “The main targets for our
The Tourism Authority of Thailand are hoping for over 600,000 visitors to this year’s Vegetarian Festival, which runs from September 23 to October 2, 2014. campaign are tourists from Malaysia, Singapore and China as they have the same culture and beliefs and eat the same vegetarian [vegan] food as we
do in Phuket. That said, we still expect tourists from Western countries to join us. “TAT offices in other countries are also bringing media
teams from India, Malaysia and Singapore to promote the festival,” she added. She noted that hotel rates in Phuket soar during the festival,
Man shoots friend dead after drunken row THALANG POLICE ON Wednesday arrested a man who killed his friend with a homemade shotgun pistol on Tuesday after a liquor-fuelled argument at a shack near Wat Tha Reua. Lt Col Viwat Chamnangit told The Phuket News that the victim, identified as Samingdum Polwong, 32, from Mukdahan was hit in the left shoulder by the blast from the home-made gun. Police learned what happened from a woman who said she was the girlfriend of the shooter. She told officers that Mr Samingdum and the shooter, whom she named as Ongart Meetab, had argued fiercely after drinking rice spirits. “Mr Samingdum spat at Ongart so Ongart shot him.
The victim, Samingdum Polwong, 32, was killed after being shot in the left shoulder. After Ongart saw what he had done, he tried to carry Mr Samingdum to hospital but it was too late,” Col Viwat explained. Realising that he had killed his friend, Ongart ran away.
“It won’t be hard to arrest him,” Col Viwat said. “He has been arrested by Phuket City Police before, so we have all his details.” On Wednesday police tracked Ongart down to a
house in Wichit. He admitted shooting Mr Samingdum and was arrested on charges of premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearm, and carrying a firearm in public without a permit.
with the lowest prices being around B3,000 per room night, and the most expensive being around B100,000. “This is especially the case for hotels near the beach because of the belief that those who wash their face in the sea at sunrise on the first day of the festival will be lucky all year,” Ms Wanapa said. The special three-day, B3,500 package, she said, will include accommodation in Phuket Town, airport transfers, and a tour of Phuket old town, Wat Chalong, Promthep Cape and many Chinese shrines. It does not include air fares. For information about the package contact: Upper Southern Thailand Tour Operators Club Tel: 076 342 522, 076 319 741, 076 237 300 ext.41-44, 081 892 4583 or 086 947 5550.
Hong Kong yacht rescued from the sea A HONG KONG flagged yacht had to be rescued on Tuesday morning (September 9) after its engine failed in Chalong Bay. At 11am, marine police went to the waters off Koh Lone to rescue the yacht, Belta, which was drifting with seven Chinese aboard it. At 1.40pm, a Marine Police patrol boat towed the Belta, with crew and passengers, to a safe mooring at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre at Cape Panwa.
Police catch couple with 500 pills A MAN AND HIS GIRLfriend were arrested for selling illegal drugs to tourists in Patong, after undercover police caught them with more than 400 pills in a hotel near the beach. At 1am on September 1, officers arrested a drug user, Sonti Makhuntote, 19, with one methamphetamine pill and charged him with possession. During questioning Sonti told police he bought the pill from a woman who worked in the bar of a hotel
near the beach. Undercover narcotics police seized 20 pills from the woman, 24-year-old Yoljira Sonlaon, who confessed to police she was helping her boyfriend sell drugs for some extra cash. Armed with information she gave them, police then arrested the boyfriend, Somchai Ngamchalew, 29, and seized 474 meth pills from him. Both were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.
The suspects who were arrested in Patong. thephuketnews
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Encroached land ‘worth billions of baht’ seized irinart Marine National Park is ready to take back a total of 445 rai of encroached land – potentially worth billions of baht – after the Land Department halted upgrades from SorKor 1 to Chanote on the land involved. On September 2 park chief Kitiphat Tharaphiban explained that the land sits inside the boundaries of the park, and of the Khao Ruak Khao Muang Park, the precursor of Sirinart. He explained that five parcels of land were at issue,
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claimed by four individuals. The would-be owners had gone to the Land Department to get the papers upgraded to full ownership. However the applications had been opposed by park officials who argued that all the land was inside the park, and that apart from a five-rai parcel with rubber trees on it, none of the land had ever been farmed. He said that if the chanotes had been approved, the land would have a sale value in
the billions of baht because it bordered on the beach, effectively giving the owners private beach frontage. The Land Department stopped the processing of the chanote request for the five rai after discovering that the claim to ownership had been based on a “flying SorKor 1” – a land paper for a different piece of land. Sirinart officers will visit the five pieces of land and if they find any structures, these will be demolished.
Qatar-Phuket direct flights start next month QATAR AIRWAYS IS TO INTRODUCE non-stop flights to Phuket from October 26. The airline currently serves the Doha-Phuket route daily via Kuala Lumpur, a service that began in 2010. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said, “The start of non-stop services from Doha to Phuket offers travellers from around the world access to the popular tourist
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destination in a reduced time, from across our expanding global network. “Visitor numbers to Phuket are on the rise and Qatar Airways will look to take advantage of the non-stop connections to the city [destination] in the days to come,” he said. The direct flights to Phuket will use an Airbus A330 in a two class-configuration of 24 seats in business class and 236 seats in economy.
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PHUKET NEWS
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Give us jobs, 200 beach operators tell Governor Saran Mitrarat reporter4@classactmedia.co.th
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ver 200 former beach operators in Phuket, some in tears, some angry, braced Phuket Governor Maitri Inthusut near Provincial Hall in Phuket Town on Tuesday morning (September 9), pleading for his help in getting jobs after three months of unemployment. With them they brought a list of all the beach umbrella, massage and bucket sales people from every beach in Phuket – a list of more than 1,000 businesses. “We’ve had no jobs for more than three months. We want to know what should we do to make a living,” the President of the Karon Beach Umbrella Group, Sunan Boonwat, told The Phuket News. “We also do not understand why it is only in Phuket that officials have cleared the beaches. I still see Pattaya beach umbrella people operating as normal,” he added. “In Karon, we have been on the beach for more than 30 years – before any hotels were built there. We began procedures to register an official umbrella club in 1980, and received official approval in 1986,” he said. “But when it became popular, they ordered us to move and stop doing what we had
KARON
Woman killed in crash with truck A motorcyclist was killed after she cut in front of a truck on Patak Rd in Karon around 3.20am on Wednesday morning (September 10). Police named the victim as Kochaporn Kongreong, 32, from Trang, and said she apparently cut in front of the truck to try to make a turn, but crashed into the vehicle, bounced off her bike and then hit the ground, dying instantly. Called to the scene, Karon police and rescue workers found Ms Kochaporn lying on the ground with her face covered in blood. The truck driver, Artith Khosagnwan, 33, was still on the scene. He was taken to Karon police station for questioning. Police took her body to Vachira Hospital morgue
PA KHLOK ‘Everything is changing ... this may be uncomfortable’: Surrounded by beach operators Gov Maitri appeals for patience. always done for a living,” he complained. “I don’t know how can I find another job to replace this one.” Gov Maitri affirmed that he would try to find solutions to their plight before the coming high season. “Everything is changing fast during the current reorganisation,” he said. “This may be uncomfortable for some people but they should prepare themselves to accept it. “It is not the first time I
Murdered man washes up at Naiharn Beach THE BODY OF A MURdered man, so far unidentified, was found washed up on Nai Harn beach on Monday morning (September 8) at about 10am. Rawai police and rescue officers inspected the body of the man, estimated to be 30-35 years old. They found signs that the
IN BRIEF
victim might have been hit on the head with a blunt object, and a nylon rope was tied tightly around his neck. The victuim had been dead at least 24 hours. Police believe that the victim may have been a Burmese worker who had been murdered and then dumped into the sea.
have received this kind of complaint from beach operators. They hand me letters like this every time I inspect beaches,” he added. “We will try our best to help them by providing similar jobs but in hotels, or by looking for another job for them, or by setting up a [legal] area for them,” he explained. Asked why only Phuket had had its beaches wiped clean of illegal businesses, he replied, “We are the role model for all beaches in Thailand.
Different place have different management. The start that has been made in Phuket may be followed in other provinces.” Asked about the possibility of managing things in a way that would allow beach operators back onto the beach, he said, “Logically, we can’t do that.” With the whole country under martial law and gatherings of more than five people in public places banned, The Phuket News asked Col Somchai Ponatong of the Army’s
41st Military Circle how this gathering of 200 people could have taken place, He replied, “We will not arrest people [who gather] unless they make trouble or annoy other people. “They are just gathering to hand over a letter to the governor; they didn’t bother anyone at this stage. However, everything that was done today was recorded on video. If they had made any trouble, we would have had the evidence to arrest them,” he explained.
Illegal wall demolished AN ILLEGAL WALL NEXT to Bang Tao Beach is being demolished after an inspection visit on September 4 by Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak and Col Somchai Ponathong of the 41st Military Circle. The visit followed a complaint by the owner of a plot of land close to the southern end of the beach, not far from the klong that was the subject of complaints about pollution earlier this year. Kawin Varanusupakul, representative of the land owner, told The Phuket News, “We live in Bangkok and we come to Phuket once a year to check our land. “The land was upgraded from NorSor3Gor to Chanote in 1994, and in the Chanote paper it states that the north end of the land abuts the sea,” he added. “In 2012, we discovered
‘Sleepy’ Chinese tourist rides off road A Chinese tourist who apparently fell asleep on his rented motorbike in the early morning of September 4 rode into a roadside ditch and was badly injured. Zhong Li Fong, 38, crashed at 1am in front of Ujareon Village in Pa Khlok. A friend of Mr Zhong, who was riding another bike as they made their way back from Patong to Cape Yamu, where they were staying, told police, “He went straight on at a curve and into the ditch, and hit a pipe on his way down. “I think he must have fallen asleep because it was quite late.”
SRISOONTHORN
Teens rob Burmese at knifepoint
Move it! Vice-Gov Somkiet makes his ruling on the wall. that a wall had been built, blocking off our land from the sea. We did not understand how someone could be allowed to build it,” he explained. A Land Office official explained that wave action had actually created a quarter-rai of new land between Mr Kawin’s land and the beach. “The Land Office gave a villager the right to use the new land for fishing. But he was not allowed to build anything
on the land,” the official said. OrBorTor Cherng Talay Chief Executive Ma-Ann Samran confirmed that no building permit had been issued for the wall. V/Gov Somkiet ordered the wall to be removed. On Monday an OrBorTor engineer confirmed that demolition of the wall was in progress and Mr Kawin and his family will soon have their view again.
Three teenagers threatened two Burmese workers with a knife in a broad daylight on Sunday (September 7) and snatched B2,000 cash and a cellphone from them. Thalang police were called to Srisoonthorn by village head Pisut Kaotan who reported the robbery, which took place behind Wat Srisoonthon School. The victims, Annee, 27, and Yaw, 20 told officers, “We were coming back from shopping at the main Super Cheap when three teenagers on a blue Honda Wave motorcycle with no license plate stopped us. One of them threatened us with a knife and stole B2,000 cash, a B3,500 cell phone and our work permits and IDs.” thephuketnews
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PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
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1,000 join anti-graft march
Computer-generated image of how the new Provincial Hall will look.
New provincial hall project signed GOVERNOR MAITRI INthusut signed a contract on Tuesday morning (September 9) to build Phuket’s new provincial hall on 50 rai of land near King Rama IX Park, south of Phuket Town.
Choonieow Team Ruampa Ltd Part has been hired as the main contractor on the B449-million project, with work to begin immediately for a completion target of about three years.
Besides the new hall, the provincial government is working on a request to central government for a budget of B265 million to build a meeting hall with around 1,000 seats and a parking lot.
OV ER 1,0 0 0 PEOPLE on Saturday (September 6) joined an anti-corruption march from the Thessaban School in Saphan Hin to the offices of the Chamber of Commerce and signed a document opposing corruption. The Anti-Corruption Day march was organised by the Chamber of Commerce and the Phuket branch of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission. Before the marchers set off, they were regaled by a speech from Gov Maitri Inthusut, who spoke on the theme for this year’s anticorruption drive: “Hand in Hand”. The march was preceded by three weeks of anti-corruption education during which PACC officials visited middle and high schools to explain to students why they should oppose corruption.
Prof launches his Drivers sold drugs from taxi stand rain forecast app A nyone with an Android smartphone can now get up-to-date weather forecasts for Phuket – or anywhere in Southeast Asia – thanks to a new phone application developed by a professor at Prince of Songkhla University Phuket Campus (PSU). The application provides: Local weather forecasts 24-28 hours in advance for Southeast Asia; Near real-time rainfall maps from satellites; Near real-time rainfall maps from infrared satellites; Runoff forecasts for important river basins in Southern Thailand, and;
Near real-time global earthquake reports. The app was developed by Prof Dr Chinnawat Surussavadee, director of the PSU Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Earth System Science and Andaman Natural Disaster Management (ESSAND). “People may be bored of the traditional Thai weather forecast that says there is, for example, a 60 per cent chance of rain in a particular area, which was why I developed this app and the weather forecast website,” Prof Chinnawat said. “Weather forecasting in Thailand is harder than in
Europe, for example, because of the convective instability of our wet, hot weather,” he noted. “This application will show weather in deep detail for the specific times, and how heavily it will rain at any point. That way people can be prepared before they leave home or when natural disasters occur,” he explained. The app is currently available only for Android phones, from Google Play Store (search for WMApp). The official website is worldmeteorology. com. The service is available in Thai, English and Chinese. Prof Chinnawat said that he is working on a version for iPhones.
Tree smashes 5 homes FIVE HOUSES WERE BADly damaged and a man was injured when a huge tree over 100 years old fell on them on Wednesday morning (September 10) in Talad Yai. At 11am, Phuket City Municipal officials and Mayor Somjai Suwansuppana, were called to the scene in Soi Pho Ta, behind the Provincial Hall. One man slashed his leg on a broken tile as he tried to flee from the falling tree. The victim, Wanchok Sairton, 57, was given first aid and then sent to Vachira Hospital for further treatment. Officials helped to cut up and remove the tree, which caused damage that will cost an estimated B250,000 to repair, officials said. @thephuketnews
The fridge survived in this house, but not the roof or stairs.
FOUR MEMBERS OF A “black-plate” taxi group were arrested on September 3 for selling drugs at their “queue” on Patong Beach to both Thais and foreigners. Undercover police bought
The anti-graft campaigners walked through the centre of Phuket Town accompanied by marching bands.
drugs from the men – who were using their taxi work as a cover for selling drugs – and then arrested them. Umawadee Wijitsopa, 34, Jaknarin Sanyakit, 25, Nateethon Kitjarad, 27, and
Somsak Onoothon, 36, were all found with small amounts of crystal methamphetamine in their possession. All four were charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.
Opinion 10 OPINION
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From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).
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Looking forward
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ome visitors might wonder about the Pearl of The Andaman while stuck in one of our increasingly common traffic-jams or passing by some construction site of another condominium development. What is happening to this island paradise of ours? It’s getting urbanised is what, and we’d better get used to it; this trend is not going to stop. But we can adapt. And, moreover, we can adapt the local economy’s main driver – tourism – to meet the needs and expectations of future generations of visitors. Many lament the fading away of the “Old Phuket”. But that is true of everywhere and anywhere. Rapid change is a constant of our fast-paced century, and nowhere more so than in the Asia-Pacific Region. With Phuket’s natural beauty being gradually degraded, the palm-fringed paradise
STEVEN LAYNE
DALIA HILMI News Editor editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.
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island will become a harder sell. But there are areas of considerable promise. Medical tourism is developing apace here in tandem with the capital, and with the fast-aging demographics of key markets – China, South Korea, and Japan especially – the future is rosy for this sector of Phuket tourism. With moves ahead to enhance the grand old dame of the Island, Phuket Town’s historic core, such as the coming opening of a museum on the island’s Peranakan heritage, Phuket’s centre of gravity is likely to move inland. Nevertheless, more must be done in order to maintain the irreplaceable. Protected lands must remain protected, so kudos to the military for making the right – and long overdue – moves in that direction. And the island could do much more to enhance its pull-
ing power as a MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) hub, enjoying convenient proximity to vibrant financial centres such as Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Singapore. What is the common denominator of both Phuketians and foreign residents? Resilience. And this is the virtue that will both see us through short-term coming challenges (the projected fall of Russian tourist arrivals could be the harbinger of more bad news for the local economy), and the long-term transition of the island into an exciting and societally diverse destination like Hawaii’s Waikiki or Australia’s Gold Coast. Phuket’s changing for sure. But not necessarily for the worse. Challenges are opportunities, as the Chinese are apt to say. And, as the Thai saying has it, after the rain comes the rainbow.
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How do you feel about Russians here? Russian tourist numbers falling, Kbank warns Is Thailand really losing Russian arrivals? Hungarian killer gets life from Phuket court? Murdered man found washed up on Phuket beach Patong taxi drivers use place of work to sell drugs Thai Lion Air to launch Phuket-Bangkok with B515 fare Phuket police nab teen with 9mm pistol All foreign yachts in Phuket ‘will have to have AIS system’ Police subdue crazed axeman
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HAVE YOUR SAY
Life Editor editor3@classactmedia.co.th From the USA; BA in Communication Arts from Bangkok University International College; six years’ experience at Nation Junior Magazine, Bangkok Recorder, Phuket.net, Farangs.com and Phuket Gazette.
EDITORIAL
Russophobia or something else altogether? [Re. How do you feel about Russians here?] Obviously, Phuket is a popular, globally-recognized destination and serves many nationalities while they are on holiday here. What is sometimes difficult to observe and or interact with is the friction of Russian’s rough demeanour and general behavior that is considered normal in their country. When we receive a chartered jet full of low-quality tourists and inexperienced travellers that assimilate to this foreign culture, they also rub elbows with other diverse, more travelled nationalities that are also on holiday or reside here. It appears that their “rude” behavior is what gives the Russians a bad name, but it is no different than other obnoxious and rude foreigners that visit here. In my opinion, it is not a matter of one nationality, it is the overexposure of one large ethnic group that can tip the environment out of balance. We would be slamming the Chinese if there
were more of them interested in relocating here to live and run businesses. If Phuket authorities would continue with the clearing of illegal businesses and maintain a more regulated visa control, there would be fewer undesirables on the island. Additionally, by respecting other cultures, there eventually would be a more civilized and harmonious surrounding for us all. If someone is rude, let ‘em know, or just ignore them. Besides, we have bigger issues to deal with on our island! Riceater I stayed at the Hyton Leelavadee in Patong and I have never been so offended in my life. I am Australian and I understand that some cultures have different ways but its common sense knowing that shoving people off walk ways, food buffets, pointing and laughing, imitating behaviour, telling your children to steal other peoples towels is just plain rude! This was my experience of the Russianrun resort - I felt sorry for the poor staff, always had Russians complaining about
something on the front desk. Furthermore, there was a Russian man with a dark tan (proof he is long time resident) that would have office style meetings at the internet area whenever a new lot would come in. Rude people! If you are Russian and can see this – Thank you for ruining my holiday. Stewartdownunder I do not wish to insult Russian people. I want to make that clear. I find that most are unwilling to communicate with me despite many efforts. I would love to share a drink and learn about Russia and their life but I just get blanked as if I do not exist. So be it. They don’t market themselves and Russia in a positive fashion. Sad. Such a shame really for the Russian people and country. 230sej The influx of Russians have made me reconsider my regular trips to Phuket. If those numbers are going to drop, that’s definitely a huge plus in my book. I don’t care what the reason is, but they’re ex-
tremely rude, obnoxious, often violent, and they’re incredibly disrespectful of the locals and their culture. Good riddance. FlyingHigh I’m Thai. This is my homeland and I welcome Russian tourists. Welcome to Thailand. Tolya Teh
Decent fellow [Re. Bruno goes home after ten years at Soi Dog] Lyn Sawkins you are a bloody legend with a massive heart. The world needs more people like Lyn. Bec Bayss
Upbeat feedback [Re. Thailand’s No 2 policeman ‘impressed’ with Phuket anti-crime drive] Thank you for this article. These kind of news is exactly what Phuket needs. We need positive news which allows us to think that there will be a brighter future for Phuket. We also need to hear that the really bad guys will be prosecuted, put to jail and be forgotten. Pekka Oilinki
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THAILAND NEWS 11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Thailand to explain the rationale for coup at UN F
oreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn has vowed to use the annual United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) later this month as an opportunity to foster understanding from the international community following recent criticism of the coup. The New York meeting will be the first trip to a western country for a high-ranking official since Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha staged the May 22 coup and toppled the Yingluck Shinawatra administration following months of political turmoil. Although he will be in the United States, he has not been invited to make an official visit to the country, or to make the traditional visit to Washington to confer with the US Secretary of State. Gen Tanasak, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said Tuesday (September 9) the main objective of the trip was to promote understanding of the coup.
The coup has elicited negative feedback from the USA and a number of countries in the European Union; this the foreign minister intends to counter at the UN. Photo: AFP “For my Foreign Ministry work, we have to wait for the policy statement to be delivered by the prime minister, but soon after the policy is announced, I will attend the UNGA,” he said. The coup has prompted negative feedback from sev-
eral countries, especially the United States and a number of countries in the European Union, which have imposed measures to pressure the coupmakers, the National Council for Peace and Order. Gen Tanasak is scheduled to deliver a speech at
the UNGA, which runs officially from September 16October 7. Heads of state and government, or their foreign ministers, generally speak at the session on whatever matters they feel are important. Gen Tanasak also plans to visit Asean countries early
next month. According to a source, Gen Tanasak will join the premier’s overseas trip to Asean member states. Malaysia, Indonesia and Myanmar are the first three scheduled destinations. Panitan Wattanayagorn, an academic from Chulalongkorn University’s political sciences faculty, said the trip would be a challenge for Gen Tanasak who would be faced with tough questions from foreign media and criticism from anti-coup factions. It would be an opportunity for the interim government to obtain better understanding from the international community, he said. Mr Panitan was previously acting government spokesman for the Abhisit Vejjajiva government and deputy spokesman for the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES). CRES ordered the 2010 crackdown on red-shirts that left at least 90 dead and hundreds injured. Bangkok Post
Suicide stats paint unevenly depressing picture THE SUICIDE RATE IS highest in the northern provinces, with Lamphun ranked at the top while Pattani is the lowest, according to an official survey. The Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) 2013 survey shows that over 3,900 Thais commit suicide yearly, accounting for 6.08 suicides per 100,000 people per year. The rate increased from 5.97 in 2009 and dropped from 6.87 in 2004. Panpimol Wipulakorn, the DMH’s deputy directorgeneral, said the DMH aims to keep the suicide rate under 6.5 per 100,000 people per year. The survey results were
released to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on September 10. The North has the highest rate at 9.99 suicides per 100,000 people on average. Lamphun province has the highest rate at 14.81, followed by Phayao at 13.15, Chanthaburi at 12.97, Chiang Mai at 12.24, Mae Hong Son at 12.17, Lampang at 11.79, Phrae at 11.62, Tak at 10.90, Chiang Rai at 10.79 and Nan 10.67. The coastal province of Chanthaburi is the only one among the top 10 provinces with the highest suicide rates which is not in the North. Pat tani’s suicide rate ranked lowest at 1.18 despite
Depression is a malady found nationwide. Photo: Sue Schleff being the province being wracked by sectarian violence. It is likely that its predominantly Muslim culture deters people from committing sui-
cide, according to the DMH. Men tend to commit suicide more than women, with an average rate of 9.7 for men and 2.58 for women, the sur-
vey found. More than 66 per cent of suicide victims hang themselves. Others ingest insecticides or shoot themselves. The DMH’s survey also found most suicides are motivated by unresolved issues after people failed to communicate with others, family or financial problems, and chronic diseases. Prapas Ukranan, director of Khon Kaen’s Rajanagarindra Psychiatric Hospital, said one background cause of suicide is the rapid societal change resulting from people moving from rural to urbanized areas, increasing competition, pressure and financial problems. Bangkok Post
Lightning anti-drug raids net scores of users and dealers
‘Ya ice’, a drug commonly abused in Thailand. Photo: WKW @thephuketnews
BA NGKOK POLICE launched anti-drug raids across Bangkok Tuesday (September 9), sending scores of “addicts” to rehabilitation centres after conducting door-to-door urine tests in the latest military crackdown on law and order. The pre-dawn operation by police and army officers saw the arrest of some 22 small-time dealers while 83 suspected drug users were dispatched for treatment, Metropolitan Police Bureau deputy
chief Itthipol Piriyapinyo told reporters. “We went to targeted locations where there are teenagers gathering, people suspected of consuming drugs or small-time drug-sellers,” said Maj Gen Ittipol. The suspects were rounded-up in neighbourhoods across the Thai capital after admitting to drug use or taking a urine test, he added. “If they don’t go to rehab, they might be sent to court but
if they go voluntarily, they will be considered as patients.” The lightening operation was a “test mission” for a longer campaign of anti-drug raids, initiated by authorities including the National Council for Peace and Order, aimed at sending 900 drug users to rehab, he said. Thailand has among the world’s most severe penalties for drug offences, including the death penalty in some cases. Bangkok Post
Democrats urge scrutiny of government DEMOCR AT PA RT Y leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has stressed the need for more vigorous monitoring mechanisms to scrutinise the interim government and keep corruption in check. Mr Abhisit’s comments came as National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief Prayuth Chan-ocha began his job as prime minister at Government House on Tuesday (September 9). Mr Abhisit said the Prayuth government wields total power in running the country, allowing it to take action more swiftly than past elected governments, particularly in pushing legislation. Even though some independent organisations and the National Legislative Assembly (NLA), which acts as a parliament, exist, the system to monitor and prevent corruption and policy mismanagement may not be as vigorous as when democracy ruled, Mr Abhisit said. The government leader must find ways to ensure monitoring mechanisms continue to function, he added. Unlike democratically elected governments, which are usually judged by their pledged policy moves, the current government must explain to the people whether their measures respond to public needs, Mr Abhisit said. However, he admitted such a comparison may not be applicable in all cases because the current government is only temporary and aims to solve nationwide problems. Mr Abhisit also wanted the government to focus on solving bread-and-butter issues and high living costs. He added that he supports Gen Prayuth’s anticorruption drive, saying corruption will be widespread without mechanisms to monitor and prevent it. Mr Abhisit also denied saying the Prayuth government could stay in power for up to three years to complete national reform. He added that many analysts believe the government cannot afford to remain in power for only 18 months or two years. He said the government’s job will become difficult, particularly regarding reforms which will probably face differing responses. Bangkok Post
12 ASIA NEWS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
IN BRIEF SINGAPORE
Mother jailed over stealthy bordercrossing entry A Singapore court has sentenced a London-based woman to 10 weeks in prison for illegally entering the city-state by sea in an attempt to take custody of her two-year-old son. The 30-year-old woman, who is in the middle of divorcing her Singaporean husband, was sentenced Monday (September 8) after pleading guilty to an immigration offence. She reportedly sneaked into Singapore with two male accomplices in the early hours of August 19 aboard a catamaran hired from neighbouring Malaysia to try to take her son back from his paternal grandparents. Her name and nationality cannot be revealed due to a court gag order but court officials said she is London-based. She was arrested with one of the two accomplices, Briton Adam Christopher Whittington, the managing director of Sweden-based Child Abduction Recovery International, at a downtown hotel.
CHINA
Same-sex nuptials for British consul Britain’s consul-general in Shanghai married his same-sex partner at the ambassador’s residence in Beijing at the weekend, sparking debate over gay unions in the country. Brian Davidson wed his American partner on Saturday (September 6), under new rules allowing UK nationals in same-sex relationships to marry in British consulates in 24 countries around the world. Ambassador Sebastian Wood posted a picture of
himself standing between the newly-wed couple, who were dressed in suits and bow ties. Wood smiled as he held a red card reading “Keep calm and marry on”. The ceremony provoked mixed reactions in China, where gay relationships are not illegal, but homosexual partners face widespread stigma and same-sex unions are not officially recognised.
JAPAN
More nuanced portrait of Japan’s war-time Emperor The late Emperor Hirohito, the demi-god at the apex of the Japanese state when it waged bloody war across Asia, cautioned against conflict but celebrated military success, according to the long-awaited official history of his reign, released Tuesday (September 9). The mammoth 61-volume set, which has taken 24 years to compile, reveals little new hard evidence about one of the most controversial figures of the 20th Century. But it offers a largely sympathetic view of the man considered by some to have played a pivotal role in Japan’s disastrous march into World War II, and by others as the helpless puppet of an out-of-control military state. The annals, produced by the Imperial Household Agency, show how, in the lead-up to Japan’s surprise attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor in December 1941, the enigmatic Hirohito warned some of the miltary’s top brass against a “reckless war” that would make him feel “deeply sorry for my imperial ancestors”. But they also show a leader satisfied with triumphs on faraway battlefields. AFP
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Philippines seek Europe’s help over islands dispute
P
resident Benigno Aquino will seek European support for Philippine efforts to resolve maritime territorial disputes with China during a week-long visit to EU nations including France and Germany, a foreign ministry official said Monday (September 8). Aquino will also raise his proposal to stop China from escalating tensions in the strategically vital South China Sea, assistant foreign secretary Zeneida Collinson said. “In all the meetings starting with Spain, we will seek their continued support on the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea,” she told reporters, using the local term for the South China Sea. “It’s important for our president to have the opportunity to apprise these world leaders directly on what is happening in the [South China Sea],” when he visits Spain, Belgium, France and Germany from September 13 to 20, she said. Such support can be “tacit” and did not need to be contained in a formal document, she added. China claims almost all of the South China Sea, a vital shipping lane and fishing
China claims almost all the islands, despite territorial claims by the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. Graphic: Baltic Media ground that is believed to hold vast mineral resources. This conf licts with the territorial claims of the Philippines as well as Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam. In recent years, tensions between the Philippines and China have risen as Beijing has aggressively pressed its claim, citing “historical facts” and occupying and fortifying outcrops and islets. Last month, the Philippines protested at China’s increasing
patrols in the Reed Bank, the site of a confrontation between vessels from the two countries in 2012. Be cau se t he p o orlyequipped Philippine military cannot match China’s, Aquino has resorted to diplomatic and legal means including an arbitration case before a UN tribunal. However China has refused to participate in the proceedings. Collinson said the European countries have previously
supported the Philippines in seeking a “peaceful resolution of conflict”. During his meetings with European leaders, Aquino will also bring up his “triple action plan” calling on China and other claimants to halt all provocative actions, she added. While in France, Aquino will meet with French President Francois Hollande and Prime Minister Manuel Valls and discuss improving defence relations, Collinson said. AFP
China’s Xi prepares for first visit to India CHINA’S PRESIDENT XI Jinping will make his first state visit to rival Asian giant India next week, officials said Tuesday (September 9), as Beijing sought to allay fears it is encircling its neighbour. The announcement came just a week after India’s recently elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged to take ties to a “new level” with Japan, a move seen as an attempt to shore up regional alliances to counter China’s increasing might.
Located at Boat Avenue, in front of Villa Market in Cherngtalay. Open daily from 11am to 11pm serving International Tapas, Mains and Thai Food. Kao Soi every Friday anytime. Live music in the evening. Draft beverages, a variety of coffees and healthy juices available.
Tel 076-324 500 for reservations.
Xi’s four-nation trip begins this Thursday (September 11) in the central Asian state of Tajikistan, before going on to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, culminating in India, the Chinese foreign ministry said. It did not give specific dates but said the tour would finish on September 19. Ties between India and China have long been clouded by suspicion over disputed territory in the Himalayas, which saw a brief but bloody border war in 1962. Beijing has also moved to establish port facilities elsewhere in South Asia, in Pakistan and Sri Lanka, raising fears of encirclement among some Indians. Chinese assistant foreign minister Liu Jianchao dismissed such fears at a press briefing on Tuesday, saying: “China has not and will not encircle India.” Chinese troops last month advanced into disputed territory claimed by India, official sources said, raising tensions after a similar incident the previous year. But Liu added that “both sides hope they will find ac-
China’s President Xi Jinping. Photo: Erin A Kirk-Cuomo ceptable solutions as soon as possible” to the border issue, without giving details. Also on Tuesday, Indian national security adviser Ajit Doval met Xi in Beijing, saying that he carried a letter from Modi, and extended an invitation to the prime minister’s home town. “When it was decided you will be visiting India, Prime Minister Modi was extremely keen that you come to his home town of Vadnagar,” Doval added. China is India’s biggest trading partner, with two-way commerce totalling close to
US$70 billion (B2.2 trillion). But India’s trade deficit with China has soared to more than $40 billion from just $1 billion in 2001-02, figures released by the Indian government show. Beijing sent Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Delhi in June soon after right-wing Modi’s landslide election victory, delivering a message that India and China were “natural partners”. After meeting Xi at a summit of the BRICS emerging economic powers in Brazil in July, Modi called for increased Chinese investment in India, where economic growth has slowed in recent years. AFP thephuketnews
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WORLD NEWS 13
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Outcome in the balance for ‘Disunited Kingdom’ S
upporters of a “united” United Kingdom fought back to stop Scotland voting for independence in next week’s referendum after polls showed a surge in support for the split on Tuesday (September 8). The pound slumped to a 10-month low on fears of a break-up of the 300-yearold union following a shock weekend poll that put the “Yes” campaign two points ahead. The collapse of the prounion side’s long-held lead was confirmed on Tuesday when a second poll put the two camps neck-and-neck. Senior politicians from the opposition Labour party hit the campaign trail amid signs that growing support among their voters for independence is driving the narrowing of the polls. Urging Scots to vote to stay in the union, former Labour prime minister Gordon Brown set out a timetable for granting the Scottish parliament more powers if independence is rejected.
“A ‘No’ vote on September 18 will not be an end point, but the starting gun for action on September 19, when straight away we will kick-off a plan to deliver the enhanced devolution that we want,” Brown said. Brown said draft laws to grant Scots further powers over taxation and spending, which are broadly backed by the three main parties in Westminster, would be ready by January. But the pro-independence campaign said the promises and assurances could not be guaranteed by the opposition party and, in any case, contained nothing new. First Minister Alex Salmond, the leader of the proindependence Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), warned of “panic” in the unionist camp. His deputy, Nicola Sturgeon, said on Monday that the pro-independence campaign was still “the underdog in the referendum, but there’s no doubt the momentum is towards ‘Yes’.” The Tuesday poll by TNS Scotland showed the “Yes” side on 38 per cent
A Scottish flag fluttering in the Highlands. Soon it may be the flag of an indepedent state. Photo: Cayetano and the “No” side on 39 percent – a stark change from the research agency’s August poll
New UN Human Rights chief lambasts savage IS jihadists THE JIHADIST MILITANTS who have seized large swaths of Iraq and Syria are intent upon creating “a house of blood”, the UN’s new human rights chief said Monday (September 7). In his maiden address to the UN Human Rights Council, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein lashed out at the militant group calling itself the Islamic State, which has carved out a stronghold and declared a “caliphate” in an area straddling the border of the two conflict-torn nations. “The takfiris (extremists) who recently murdered (US journalist) James Foley and hundreds of other defenceless victims in Iraq and Syria, do they believe they are acting courageously, barbarically slaughtering captives?” the Jordanian prince told the opening of the council’s 27th session in Geneva. The massacres, beheadings, rape and torture attributed to IS militants “reveal only what a takfiri state would look like, should this movement actually try to govern in the future,” said Prince Zeid, the @thephuketnews
Jordanian Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein: ‘House of blood’. Photo: AFP first Muslim and Arab to serve as UN High Commissioner of Human Rights. “It would be a harsh, meanspirited house of blood, where no shade would be offered, nor shelter given to any non-takfiri in their midst,” warned the career diplomat. He urged the world to make halting the “increasingly conjoined conflicts in Iraq and Syria” an “immediate and urgent priority.”
IS “has demonstrated absolute and deliberate disregard for human rights,” Zeid said, adding, “The scale of its use of brute violence against ethnic and religious groups is unprecedented in recent times.” He warned that attacks by the IS motivated by ethnic background or religious beliefs may constitute “a crime against humanity, for which those responsible must be held accountable.” AFP
that gave the pro-union side a 13-point lead. “This poll reveals a remark-
able shift in voting intentions,” said TNS Scotland head Tom Costley. “It is too close to call and both sides will now be energised to make the most of the last few days of the campaign and try and persuade the undecided voters of the merits of their respective campaigns.” The polls have shaken up a campaign that until just a few weeks ago looked almost certain to end in defeat for the doggedly fought independence campaign. The weekend poll by YouGov in The Sunday Times newspaper gave the “Yes” camp 51 per cent support compared to the “No” camp’s 49 per cent, excluding undecided voters. The two-point gap is still within the margin of error but Peter Kellner, the president of the YouGov pollsters which carried out the survey, said it was a major development. “The ‘Yes’ campaign has not just invaded ‘No’ territory; it has launched a blitzkrieg,” he wrote in a blog posting. Bangkok Post
Estonian cop’s arrest seen as poke in the eye for Nato bloc RUSSIA’S ARREST OF an Estonian policeman has sparked fears that Moscow is using the incident to test NATO’s resolve to defend its small Baltic allies as the crisis in Ukraine rumbles on. Moscow detained officer Eston Kohver on Saturday (September 6) in what Russia claims is a spying probe. Prosecutors say he was arrested in possession of a pistol, ammunition, cash, and “special equipment to carry out covert recordings”. But Tallinn says Russia kidnapped Kohver at gunpoint as he was looking into a cross-border crime. A source close to the probe in Moscow quoted by Russia’s Interfax news agency said Kohver had denied being a spy or smuggling a firearm into the country. Many in Estonia believe the timing of Kohver’s arrest is deliberate, coming just two days after US President Barack Obama visited Tallinn to trumpet Baltic security in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. AFP
14 BUSINESS NEWS
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
LABOUR LAW SECRETS PART IV
Working to the rules in Thailand Jerrold Kippen Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen
O
nce a n e mploye r employs 10 or more people, the employer must provide “Work Rules”. These Work Rules must be provided in the Thai language and must be announced and in force within 15 days of the employer’s labour force reaching 10 or more employees. The employer must also submit the Work Rules – as well as any later amendments to them – to the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare within seven days of the Work Rules coming into force. The employer’s Work Rules may contain any legally permissible conditions of employ-
ment. However, at a minimum, the Work Rules must include he following particulars: Regular working hours and breaks; Work holidays and the
Triple building industry expo ready to take off SPONSORED IMPACT EXHIBITION ORganizer is all set to hold three massive events: PULIRE Asia Pacific, an exhibition for cleaning business, BMAM Expo Asia, a platform for building maintenance and facilities management industry; and GBR Expo Asia 2014, a space for the green building and retrofits industries. Products and services will be showcased by more than 300 exhibitors from around the world September 18 to 20 in Hall 5 of the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangkok. Pornphan Bulner, Director of Impact Exhibition Organizer, explained at a press conference this week, “The construction industry has grown extensively,. “The growth is likely to continue as the economy of the country shows signs of
recovery. Technology development and modern machinery to increase the efficiency of businesses related to construction is very important to the construction industry.” The triple event will include seminars, business meetings, business talks, over the three days of the event, she said. “We expect to attract more than 10,000 visitors. “Visitors will find the latest technology, innovative products and services from leading firms from Thailand and other countries. “They will be able to meet and negotiate with manufacturers and distributors from top firms from many countries. “They will learn about trends in the construction industry and building management from a series of seminars. They will meet government agencies and associations to form relationships and network throughout the three days.”
rules for taking holidays; Rules concerning overtime work and work on holidays; The date and place of payment of wages, overtime
pay, holiday pay and holiday overtime pay; Leave and rules for taking leave; Terms and procedure sfor employee discipline and punishment for work-related misconduct by the employee; The procedure for the submission and consideration and settlement of complaints regarding employment conditions or issues by an employee to the employer; Protections afforded to any such complaining employee; and The procedure and terms for termination of employment, severance pay, and special severance pay, if any. The employer must distribute the Work Rules to all employees and post them in a conspicuous position at the
work place. In the event that the work force falls to fewer than 10 employees at some later time, the Work Rules must remain in effect. Note: The Labor Protection Act – WORK RULES The major legislation governing labor protection law in Thailand is the Labor Protection Act (the “LPA”). The LPA prescribes labor protection standards applicable to both employers and employees working in Thailand. However, the LPA does not apply to Government and State Enterprise employees. Any employer who violates or fails to comply with the LPA may be punished according to the level of his or her offence with a fine of B5,000 to B200,000, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. Duensing Kippen is a multi-
service boutique domestic and cross-border law firm specializing in real estate, construction, hospitality and corporate/commercial transactional matters as well as dispute resolution through negotiated settlement, arbitration and litigation proceedings. It is also the only firm in Thailand whose attorneys include three internationally licensed arbitrators/Members of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (MCIArb). Duensing Kippen is also the only firm in Thailand that compliments real estate, construction, hospitality, and corporate/commercial legal expertise with a core tax law practice. Duensing Kippen can be reached at: phuket@duensingkippen.com or for more information visit duensingkippen.com
HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH RUSSIANS Is Thailand losing Russian tourists? Anton Makrov Understanding the Russians
THE NEWS ABOUT THE decrease in Russian arrivals to Thailand prompted ferocious debate in social media last week, with Thais and foreign residents alike sharing their views of Russians as tourists. The war of words turned out to be fierce enough for all sides to forget about the main topic: the decrease in Russian arrivals and thus in the revenue of the Thai tourism industry. According to the Kasikorn Research Centre, in 2014 Thailand will see 1.65 million visitors from Russia – 5.5 per cent down from 1.75 million last year. Is this a scary figure for the industry? The answer is yes and no.
The beaches of Crimea will not compete with Thailand in the winter – it’s too cold there. Photo Vyacheslav Argenberg The drop alone is not dramatic. But things are not looking bright if what we see is just a beginning of a long-term negative trend. So let us have a closer look at the figures and the factors behind them. Both Russian and Thai state agencies have already admitted that 2014 is proving a tough year for Thai tourism. Political disturbances followed by martial law, the coup and curfew have hit arrivals heavily. Most significantly, those events took place during the high season from November to May. And the 5.5 per cent drop in Russian arrivals can be explained by the consequences of these negative factors. Russian tour companies were strongly advised by the Russian authorities to cancel or limit trips to Bangkok and that affected the figures. Phuket benefited from all the disturbance simply because companies and their clients switched to this destination.
So 5.5 per cent is a reasonable drop nationwide. In Phuket the drop was less than the national one so now it is time to regain the losses with the new high season coming and the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) guaranteeing safety. There remains, however, a list of Russian “domestic” factors that Thai authorities have no way of influencing. This year Russian authorities started promoting domestic tourism, notably at Sochi (with its Olympic facilities) and Crimea (desperately needing to replace lost Ukrainian tourist arrivals). Neither resorts can exactly be listed among Thailand’s competitors in the Novemberto-May season (most of it winter in these places). Russia’s economy has been badly hit by the consequences of the Ukrainian conflict and the sanctions imposed by the USA and EU. The
Russian currency has dropped significantly against both the USD and the Euro – and the Thai baht. The wave of bankruptcies among Russian tour companies has made people less confident about their safety while travelling abroad (let alone the negative effect for the industry proper). A new tax on international flights is being currently discussed in Russia. If accepted it will significantly increase the cost of a vacation in Thailand, thus making domestic destinations more attractive. Another proposal being discussed presupposes compensation of up to 50 per cent of travel expenses for those choosing domestic resorts. And if these two drafts are accepted as law it will definitely effect international tourism. None of these five factors alone can threaten Thailand. Separately they are harmless and could not even result in another 5.5 per cent drop. But if combined, they could cause real problems for Thailand. Just a simple example: Now it is cheaper for a person from Siberia to fly to Thailand than to Sochi. But if overall incomes go down, international flight costs climb and government compensation become real, the possibility of taking advantage of government support and spending Christmas in Russia becomes a definite threat to Thailand. Though not this season, one hopes. thephuketnews
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BUSINESS NEWS 15
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Phuket to get two new brand hotels huket will soon get two new luxury branded hotels – a second Hyatt and i ts first W Hotel. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts has announced that a hotel being built by the Boutique Group of Companies will open as the Hyatt Palace Hotel in Phuket in 2016, the first Hyatt Place in Southeast Asia. W Hotels Worldwide, part of Starwood Hotels announced that its W Hotels brand will debut its third hotel in Thailand with W Retreat Phuket – Phang Nga Bay, scheduled to open in January 2018. The Boutique Group, is headed by Prab Thrakal, who recently sold the Oakwood Trilliant in Bangkok. Hyatt senior vice president, real estate and development, Asia Pacific, Ratnesh Verna said that the Hyatt Palace will have 161 guestrooms with balconies, a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant and bar, a business centre, and more than 2,400 square feet (225 square meters) of flexible meeting or function space. “Thailand continues to be an important market for
P
Bernard Columba.
Absolute hires new HR boss THE ABSOLUTE WORLD Group has appointed Singapore national Bernard Columba as Head of Human Resources, Asia-Pacific, based at the Group’s offices in Phuket. Mr Columba has a 20-year management career that has included postings in Singapore, Miami, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Afghanistan and the Maldives. During his six years in the Maldives, he worked with Jumeirah International, Six Senses and Anantara. Mr Columba joins Absolute World Group from LVMH (Louis Vuitton – Moët Hennessy) where he was involved in the pre-opening of Cheval Blanc Maison, an exclusive high-end luxury resort in the Maldives, where he was Director of Human Capital Development. He is also an accomplished public speaker, having given addresses regularly at universities in Singapore, Malaysia, the Maldives and recently at the INSEAD Singapore campus.
CG rendering of the W Retreat Phang Nga-Phuket, which is due to open in 2018. Hyatt, both from a leisure and business travel perspective,” Mr Ratnesh said. “Phuket in particular is one of Southeast Asia’s premier leisure destinations, and Hyatt’s expanding resort portfolio is key to creating preference among our guests.” The W Retreat is owned by Dr Wutthisak Limphanit, a successful medical doctor
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villas will have private outdoor areas and plunge pools as well as views of Phang Nga Bay. It will also have a lobby lounge, two restaurants, a bar, 120 square metres of event space, a gym, a swimming pool and a spa with six treatment rooms. Singapore-based Ministry of Design is the architect and interior designer for the hotel.
Thailand ‘one of 7 top places to retire’ THAILAND HAS BEEN identified as a good value destination for retired people, according to a report published by popular US-based online blog The Huffington Post. In a post labeled “The World’s 7 Most Retiree-Friendly Nations” the blog looked at countries that have legislation making it easy for non-native pensioners to apply for a longstay visa and have user-friendly rules on monthly remittances, age limits and the import of cars and personal goods.
The recommended destinations – Belize, Ecuador, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia, Malaysia and Thailand were identified for their friendly retiree visa policies and low monthly financial requirements. At the other end of the scale the blog singled out New Zealand and Australia for criticism due to strict visa requirements, although feedback from readers noted that both have easier visa rules for retirees from Commonwealth nations. Thailand gained points for
Dusit ‘Top Rated’ by AsiaRooms THE DUSIT THANI LAguna Phuket has been named one of the “Top Rated 2014” hotels and resorts by online accommodation website AsiaRooms.com. In order to qualify, a hotel must receive an average review score of 80 per cent based on five criteria – customer service, cleanliness, quality of rooms, quality of food, family friendliness and value for money. The resort averaged a score
and skincare entrepreneur. “We are very excited to bring the W brand to Phang Nga Bay as we continue to grow our resorts portfolio in the country,” said Stephen Ho, President of Starwood Asia Pacific. W Retreat Phuket will be on Koh Yao Noi, and will have 79 standalone villas of 155 square meters upwards. All
of 93 per cent across 233 guest reviews over the past 12 months. The resort also achieved a rating of 5 out of 6 points based on the combined average of the “overall review” and “would stay again” scores. “It’s a matter of great pride to be recognised by the guests of AsiaRooms,” said Denis Thouvard, General Manager of the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. “Every guest review is
valuable to us and we will continue to focus on delivering excellent service to our guests so they make the most of their stay with us.” Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket can also be nominated for the 2nd annual AsiaRooms.com Hotel Awards 2014 which kicked off this month. Winners will be announced on October 13. To nominate, visit http:// www.asiarooms.com/en/community/hotel-awards-2014
its low living costs and a oneyear retiree visa that requires a B800,000 bank guarantee. Malaysia, which promotes its programme under the tag “Malaysia My Second Home” offers a renewable 10-year visa and allows retirees to buy freehold properties or lease for up to 99 years. It sets a minimum monthly retainer of 10,000 Ringgit (about B100,000). The retiree plans is open to people 50 years or older. They can import a car and personal used items such as furniture.
Commenting on the Huffington Post article, TAT governor Thawatchai Arunyik said, “Retirees discover that Thailand offers other advantages than just the cost of living savings. They recognise that Thai people respect senior citizens and the country has round-the-year warm weather, easy access to international luxuries and a range of easily accessible accommodation.” To see the full Huffington Post article visit tinyurl.com/ retirable. TTR Weekly
AmCham discussion to look at future of Phuket PHUKET HAS EVOLVED into a mainstream, massmarket destination; the island’s beaches have undergone extreme makeovers; and more dramatic changes are on the horizon. Taking this as its premise, the Phuket chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) will this evening (September 12) host a discussion on the island’s future. Panellists will be David Keen, CEO of QUO, as he leads a discussion on visionary destination branding and the latest developments on Phuket with Wichit Na-Ranong (Owner and Managing Director of Indigo Pearl), Anthony Lark (VP Business Development of Montara Hospitality Group) and Daniel Meury (General Manager of Andara Resort and Villas). Scott Gorsuch (Leisure Design Group) will be presenting a short Phuket before-and-after segment. The panel will discuss the crossroads at which Brand Phuket now finds itself. Come high season, how will visitors perceive a new beach experience? How are locals reacting to the “New Phuket”? Is the Pearl of the Andaman Sea losing its adventurous lustre, or is it on the brink of an illustrious new chapter? To joi n t he event, which starts at 4pm at the Angsana Laguna Phuket ballroom, visit www.amchamthailand.com, or contact Sheree Tanpensuk at sheree@amchamthailand. com or 02-254-1041 ext. 212. Entry costs B100.
16 WEIRD NEWS
THE BIG LIST Amazing Elderly While the younger generation complain about the speed of their iPhones, these people are too busy being awesome.
Winifred Pristell: At 75 years old, Winifred Pristell doesn’t complain about anything. Especially since she holds world records in her age group in the single bench press (79.9 kg) and deadlift (122 kg). Admittedly, Pristell was obese and a heavy drinker in her 40s and began to lift weights at the age of 48. She started to take part in competitive powerlifting meets at age 60 and then set the world record at the age of 68. Despite her arthritis, this great-grandmother continues to train three times a week. Fauja Singh: The “Turbaned Torando” - as he was called – was 101 years old when he crossed the finish line at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in eight hours and 25 minutes. The feat was also the first time any runner over 100 finished a marathon. The Indian’s best time, however, was in 2003 at the same event where he finished in five hours and 40 minutes – he was 93 years old at the time. Singh, who has since retired from marathons, continues to run in short distance events for health and charity. Ramon Blanco: In 1993, 60-year-old Spaniard Ramon Blanco reached the summit of Mount Everest – the highest peak in the world – and was the oldest man to do so at the time. But that wasn’t enough for Blanco and he has since gone on to become the oldest person to climb all of the seven summits, finishing at age 70. Just in case there were any doubts, Blanco also climbed the summit of Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, which many believe should be the eight summit of the world. Minoru Saito: It is no small feat for someone to circumnavigate the world. Minoru Saito did that at the age of 65, by himself. The story doesn’t end there, however, as he did it again seven more times. In 2011, after 1,080 days at sea, Saito completed his eight and final circumnavigation around the globe. He was 77 years old and eight months old. Not only did this make him far and away the oldest person to sail around the world, he also did it going “the wrong way” – westardly direction. This feat is especially difficult because of the prevailing winds that can keep a solo yachtsmen up for days because of the intense currents. Dr Leila Denmark: Considered one of the oldest people to ever live, the American was also the world’s oldest practicing pediatrician until her retirement at the age of 103 in 2001. Denmark graduated from medical school in 1928 (one of the only females at the time to do so) and gained fame after co-developing the pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine in the 1930s. In 2012, Denmark died at the age of 114 and 60 days. Still, she credited the secrets of her agelessness to this: drink only water, don’t eat food with added sugar (including cake) and eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Monkey showers Indian town with stolen cash A monkey sparked a dash for cash in a northern Indian town when he showered banknotes from a rooftop, witnesses told reporters last week. Passersby in the hill town of Shimla spotted the monkey with a bundle of notes on Sunday (August 31) after it broke into a construction site in search of food. Finding nothing to munch on, it stole 10,000 rupees (B5,300) that a contractor had planned to pay his labourers, according to the Amar Ujala newspaper. “I was returning from the nearby temple when I suddenly saw some people looking up at currency notes flying. I noticed
The monkey stole 10,000 rupees and threw them from the roof of a building in a the north Indian town of Shimla. a monkey was dropping them from a tree,” resident Ashok Kumar told reporters.
“I also joined the crowd and picked up two notes of 100 rupees ($1.65) each.”
Workers at the construction site tried in vain to catch the thieving primate, who playfully tossed down money from a rooftop before continuing the handouts from a tree, with an eager crowd gathering to catch the cash for nearly an hour. Shimla, capital of the mountainous state of Himachal Pradesh, has a ballooning monkey population and wildlife officials say the animals often harass residents and tourists. This is not the first time a monkey has played Robin Hood in Shimla. In February, a monkey stole a bag of cash and showered it over a crowded street in the town, to the delight of passersby. AFP
‘Chess’ man the main star at tatoo convention TATTOOED FROM SHAVED head to pinkie toe in checkers and other designs, the man who calls himself “Chess” was a star attraction at the first ever International Tattoo Convention in Peru. The man, whose real name is Matt Gone, has, with the help of 80 different US tattoo artists, turned his entire body into a canvas – including his eyes which he injects with red dye. The dye wouldn’t take on his palms or the soles of his feet, but he did manage to tattoo his genitals, said the 40-year-old, who was born with Poland Syndrome, which affects muscle development. Gone was one of around 100 heavily tattooed participants – 80 from Peru, 20 from elsewhere – at the three-day convention in Peru’s capital, Lima. The convention aimed to bring together tattoo artists and encourage proper safeguards and professional practices in the industry. Participants had also modified their bodies in other ways, like Uruguayans Victor Peralta
Tao Porchon-Lynch still conducts classes in New York.
Matt Gone has tattoo’s all over, including genitals. and his wife Gaby, tattooed over 99 percent of their skin, who also have inlaid metal on their chests and arms, forked tongues, and one yellow and one green eye. The two hold the Guinness World Record for the couple with the most body modifications. They own two tattoo parlors in Uruguay and give talks throughout Latin America. “At 11 years old, I got my first image, a flower,” Peralta said, adding he is proud of the silicone implants in his forehead and arms. “I like to be unique,” he said. AFP
At 96, yoga instructor still getting things done AGE IS NOTHING BUT A number.The best example of this is Tao Porchon-Lynch, a 96-year-old dancer who is the oldest known living yoga teacher on the globe, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. For over 45 years, the France-native has travelled the world preacing about the health benefits of yoga and teaching practitioners. At the Westchester Institute of Yoga in upstate New York, Lynch continues to throw classes on the techniques that she says is one of the keys to stem the aging process. “There’s so much to do, and if we spend out time just
sitting there like this, it’s not going to help us at all,” Lynch said in a recent video on YouTube (titled “96-yearold Hold The World Record for Oldest Yoga Teacher”). In addition, Lynch still practices ballroom dancing, something she picked up during her time in the entertainment industry in the 1940s and 1950s as an actress. “Nothing’s impossible. What ever you want to do in life just tune in to know within you is the answer to everything. And just don’t let anybody tell you, ‘You know that you’re getting old,’” she said.
French man jailed for phoning and texting his ex 21,807 times A 33-YEAR-OLD FRENCH man was sent to prison on Thursday (September 4) after phoning and texting his exgirlfriend 21,807 times in a 10-month span, admitting that, with hindsight, “it was stupid”. The unnamed defendant, who had made the calls to demand the woman thank him for fixing up their flat, was given a 10-month sentence – six months of which was suspended – and
a €1,000 (B41,400) fine. He will also have to undergo psychiatric treatment and is barred from all contact with the woman. The defendant struggled to cope when his girlfriend broke off their relationship in 2011. He demanded compensation for work he had carried out in their apartment. He made, on average, more than 73 phone calls per day.
“She tried to block her line, but he phoned her parents instead and her workplace,” said Manuella Spee, lawyer for the victim, a 32-year-old teacher who was also not named. It was only when she finally said thank you, during a meeting organised by a mediator, that the harassment stopped. “I tell myself, with hindsight, that it was stupid,” he told the court. AFP
The 33-year-old man said all he wanted was a ‘thank you’. thephuketnews
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Exquisite colours tend to flutter by
04
Spanish culinary hotspot in Rawai
FIRST BRITONS IN PHUKET
08
Bawdy pirates landfall and sorry aftermath > page 11
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EDUCATION 3
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
QSI announces new director of school
Q
uality Schools International (QSI) are pleased to announce the appointment of a new School Director, Russel Page, who hails from USA, via Kazakhstan and China. The Phuket News recently had a quick sit down with him. Can you tell us about yourself and your background? I was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado, USA, obtained my B.S. In Education from the University of Colorado and M.A. In Educational Administration from the University of Northern Colorado. Having obtained a Principle and Superintendents License in the US, I taught for 14 years, students aged 7-13, and was a School Administrator for 21 years (7 of which as a QSI as administrator). I’m married with two children, three grandchildren. How did you end up in Thailand, Phuket, and at QSI? I transferred from QSI in China, where I was the Regional Director. Prior to that, I worked at QSI in Almaty, Kazahkstan, as the Director of Instruction (Principal) and as Director for three years. Actually, I already had retired from Oregon, in the USA, where I still have a home, but decided to come out of retirement and return to education. What is your philosophy on education? I believe all students can succeed given the proper environment and conditions to be successful. It is the responsibility of the school and its personnel to create the optimum learning environment for every student. Educating a child requires equal effort and involvement between the child, the school and the home. What opportunities/potential do
IN BRIEF Student loans to be scrutinized The board of the Student Loans Fund (SLF) plans to toughen up loan lending criteria to address liquidity problems caused by students who failed to repay the student loan fund. Permanent-secretary for Education Ms Suthasri Wongsamarn reiterated that the stricter measures will apply to those who want to take out student loans from the 2015 academic year, and address the problems of overdue debt payments. High school and university students who wish to borrow must achieve a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 and volunteer in the community at least 18 hours each semester.
Buffalo school opens in Isaan
Russel Page was a school administrator in the USA, Kazahkstan and China before coming to Phuket. you see at QSI Phuket – any upcoming plans, activities, events, mandates you looking forward to? As we grow, I see the possibility of adding additional classrooms to the school and additional common areas for recreation, both indoors and outdoors. We will be involved, to a greater extent, in community projects that enhance our ability to be more environmentally sensitive – recycling and beach clean-ups, for starters. What challenges do you see at QSI / Phuket education in general, and how will you address these? QSI has always been known for its ability to educate the whole child, academical-
ly and socially. We will strive to continue this philosophy while serving a wide range of families from around the world and locally. As the cost of living in Phuket rises, we will work to adjust our resource base to help maintain the high standards we are known for, at the same time continuing to serve the community of families, most of whom are in the tourist industry. Is there any other thing you want to say to our readers? We are looking forward to a great school year and would like to encourage families and interested community members to come and see our school and get involved with QSI.
People Mahasarakham University (MSU) has opened a Thai Buffalo School to promote the traditional way of plowing. The school spans a 3-rai experimental plot inside the university. The school will emphasize H.M. the King’s Sufficiency Economy philosphy and be used for related education and research. Thai buffaloes have various benefits, especially for towing heavy loads and plowing. Its meat can also be consumed, while its waste output also can be used as a high quality fertilizer. NNT
Local students rock out in English Camp
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ast Friday and Saturday (September 5-6), a group of over 200 P4-P6 students (aged 8-12) from Darasamuth Phuket School’s Thai, Intensive English and English programmes joined together for this year’s English Camp at Phuket Orchid Resort in Karon. The students and teachers had fun learning English while taking part in various activities such as sandsculpting, designing masks from recycled materials,
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creating flags to represent imaginary countries and song writing. The students were in-
volved in a show on Friday evening, in which they presented their masks, showing not only their creative skills, but also their ability in speaking English. As they wrote their own lyrics to a song, they were also able to come together to sing it, with the ending refrain, “Fluent or not, English Camp rocks!” It was a very successful weekend and the staff at the resort really looked after us, providing delicious food and exceptional hospitality. It
The camp was joined by students studying in the school’s Thai, English and mixed programmes. was also a great opportunity for teachers and students to work together on a less formal basis, with the students getting the opportunity to practice their English skills in a range of settings.
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4 ENVIRONMENT
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Coal works threaten Krabi’s eco record
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n the wake of surging energy demand by both the public and private sectors of Phuket and the rest of Southern Thailand, Greenpeace Southeast Asia is urging the Thai government to halt plans to erect a controversial and destructive coal-fired power plant and coal-port project on the fragile wetlands of Krabi. The Thailand office of the active environment conservation group recently released a report “Krabi at the crossroads: Dirty Coal vs. Clean Renewable Energy”, emphasizing that coal is not the answer to Thailand’s energy security. The group has called on authorities to scrap any/all coal projects in Krabi and embrace a decentralized hybrid renewable energy system that can bring electricity and development, without jeopardizing Krabi’s economy and environment. “Thailand is at energy crossroads. People are keeping a close eye on the country’s decision makers – will they steer Thailand towards becoming a renewable energy leader or stay on the dirty old path of fossil fuels?” asked Tara Buakamsri, Thailand Country Director for Greenpeace Southeast Asia. “The proposed plan to build a new coal fired power plant and coal seaport in Krabi is clearly a step in the wrong
THE STAKES: Krabi is famed the world over for its pristine beaches, and rich coastal marine ecosystems. But the eco reputation of the ‘Andaman Emerald’ is under threat by plans to build a coal powerplant and seaport to import the coal. Photos: Kallerna direction.” Under Thailand’s Power Development Plan (PDP 2010 Revision 3), an 870 mega-watt coal plant will be built at the location of an existing fuel oil power plant owned by the Electricity Authority of Thailand (EGAT) in Nuea Klong district of Krabi province. Currently, the coal power plant and coal seaport projects are being reviewed in an Environmental Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) process. The projects are slated for construction in 2015, and would be operational in 2019. “The meager benefits from the pro-
Dear conscious consumers, the fact is, you, and I, as electricity wasters in Phuket, are part of the problem. After all, guess where all of our power is coming from? Off-island fossil fuels! However, it is possible and ever-necessary for you to make a statement against the development of coal infrastructure, simply by reducing your own grid-power dependency today – now! One simple way you can do this is by installing a basic solar power (or wind) system at your home/villa at once. Tired of constant black-outs? With home renewable energy systems in Phuket already available between B30-70 per watt, this means for as little as B20,000 (about a 200-watt system with a battery and controller), you can have a basic “fossil fuel free” supplementary power system that will charge all your latest IT devices, lighting and even some fans or water pumps for the garden, for at least the next 20 years – that works out to less than B100 a month! Considering the dire situation in Krabi (which is happening because of 8 million plus consumers straining the grid for more power), it doesn’t make sense not to make the investment in renewable energy. So while Greenpeace does their part to campaign, don’t wait for the government to act/react, do something for yourself, for Southern Thailand, now and today. To consult about solar/wind home system installations, consider phoning up MonoSun Technology on 076 263 717. – Steven Layne
Tourists on island, snorkel and dive trips in the Phang Nga Bay may soon be snapping photos of huge coal freighters like this one in the near future. Photo: Levi Gates
posed coal power plant would in no way compensate for the losses for Krabi’s economy, local livelihoods and tourism,” Tara added. “Krabi is not only a centre of marine biodiversity in the region, but it also provides vital livelihoods and revenue. The estimated annual use value of the Ramsar site in Krabi River Estuary is $9.7 million [B311 million] for recreation and tourism alone. This does not even include the factor of the economic value of fishing, aquaculture and agricultural related activities for the economy.” The report launched today details how, after an inadequate Environment Health Impact Assessment (EHIA) process, the government and EGAT plan to expand coal in Krabi in spite of the area being renowned as a global marine biodiversity hotspot and a Ramsar site. In addition, the report also identifies impacts on Krabi’s local tourism as well as the local economy, the past hidden cost of coal for Krabi residents, and the failure in Environment Health Impact Assessment. More importantly, the report proposes a decentralized hybrid Renewable Energy system as a solution for Thailand’s energy future. “Krabi is in the position to be a leader in developing a decentralized hybrid renewable energy system from its own power potential such as biomass, biogas,
solar and wind,” said Asst. Prof. Dr. Jompob Waewsak, Director of Research Center in Energy and Environment, Thaksin University (Phatthalung Campus). “Thailand was among the first countries in Asia to introduce incentive policies for the generation of electricity from renewable energy (RE) sources. Programmes for small and very small power producers created predictable conditions for RE investors to sell electricity to the grid. This is a good start to expand investments in renewable energy, and should be pursued by the government.” Greenpeace believes that, instead of constructing a coal plant, a decentralized hybrid renewable energy system is the solution for Krabi, supplemented by a rural and community-based development approach. The group says this is a win-win solution for the climate, local job creation, empowerment of communities, and people facing energy poverty, and gives Thai businesses a chance to grow. Greenpeace has urged EGAT and the government to stop pursuing the illadvised and destructive coal project, to preserve Thailand’s fragile wetlands and the rich marine environment, and to fully implement its energy efficiency development plan (2011-2030) and alternative energy development plan (2012-2021).
By John Armstrong
Island View: Lampi’s Bulbul, Panwa’s flatterer
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et season is in full force now, which means so are waterfalls. The ones in Phuket are a bit disappointing, but Lampi Waterfall on the highway north, between Ta Muang and Khao Lak has potential to make for a pleasant day-trip off the island. The 40-metre high falls is located in Khao Lampi-Thai Mueang National Park, and farang may still get to take advantage of the B100 admission fee for low-season. This
area used to contain many species of birds, including the spectacular Hornbills, though nowadays it is more likely you will see come across smaller native species such as the BulBul in the pic. September is still a good time to encounter butterflies fluttering about, when it’s not raining of course. Looking at the above two pics taken at Khao Khad lookout. You would be forgiven for thinking they are of two different species or even different wing patterns be-
tween the male and female within a species. In fact, this is just the one individual, which luckily for me had decided to rest virtually right in front the lens. I doubt you could find a more pronounced difference between the upper and lower wing patterns in all of Lepidoptera. Inspection of the upper tip of the lower wing reveals a goulish-type face, not unlike that in Edvard Munch’s The Scream masterpiece. A case of nature imitating art perhaps. thephuketnews
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MEET
the natives Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th
Unlike its mosquito cousin, the crane fly doesn’t suck blood and it is therefore not suspect to spreading disease, at least among warm-blooded mammals.
O
Dancing daddy’s garden groove
ut and about in the garden, you may have been distracted by a peculiar, visual phenomenon from out of the corner of your eye. A closer look reveals a sparkling fairy... no an insect, blinking about the mild morning sun – flying, bouncing, dancing. “What is that dad? It looks like a mosquito spider.” My eight-year-old is as curious as I am. “Not sure. I reckon it’s not a spider, nor a ‘skeeter’, but more closer to the latter.” Ensuing research confirms: this peculiarly animated, spider-mosquito hybrid is unmistakeably a type of crane fly, of the Tipuloidea Super Family, which falls under the Diptera order and Nematocera suborder, just like mosquitos (which are of the Culicoidea superfamily). In Thai, it’s called malang wun mang moom literally the “Spider Fly”. Google’s intuitive search intelligence indicates that this insect has stricken a chord of curiosity among many others in the globallyaccessible treasure trove of information; Simply typing the word “Why” and “crane flies” in the same sentence instantly conjured up questions such as: Why do crane flies exist? Why are crane flies so stupid? Why are crane flies called mosquito eaters? Why are crane flies called daddy long legs? Ah, there’s a question and answer worth a click. Some 20 tabs and multiple queries later, it starts to become clearer. British English speakers commonly refer to crane flies as daddy longlegs, which may confuse an American (like this writer). Stateside, daddy longlegs typically refer to Pholcidae, an abundant Arachnida Araneae, also commonly known as the cellar spider. Still, it’s easy to see how this crane fly might be confused as a relative of the cellar spider, especially since they both have long stilt-like legs. However, recall elementary science, and the leg count tells all – six for insects, eight for spiders. So it’s definitely no spider, but a cousin of
Right: The Tipula larvae or leatherjacket. Photo: Emelt Below: the Tipulidae resembles a threatening pest like its mosquito and fly couzins, but it’s really harmless. Photo: Luc Viatour
Insects of the Tipuloidea Super Family are sometimes mistaken as spiders or mosquitos, but are neither, though more closely related to the latter. @thephuketnews
ENVIRONMENT 5
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Birds can be a garden’s best friend, keeping the ecosystem in balance. Photo: Mdk572 the mosquito, and distant relative of the common housefly. The next natural question that arises then – does it live up to the diptera order’s reputation of being a disease-spreading or blood-sucking pest? The simple answer is no. Unlike its mosquito cousin, the crane fly doesn’t suck blood (the bouncing adult version doesn’t even feed, it’s only purpose apparently being to mate!) and it is therefore not suspect to spreading disease, at least among warm-blooded mammals. But is it a pest? In bouncing-fairy form (adult), it’s pretty much harmless, and in fact is a favourite snack if not meal of various birds, bats and even fish. Try picking one up and you’ll find its long legs to fall off quite easily, presumably as a defense mechanism to help it escape predators. In its earlier stages of metamorphosis, the crane fly might pose threats to your garden though. In larvae form, it is a white-coloured worm known as a leatherjacket, which feeds off of dead leaves – and yes you read it here – the roots of your prized produce-bearing plants, jeopardizing their health and productivity. But don’t grab those terrible pesticides yet. On the other hand, the larvae and adult crane flies provide an essential food source to many birds, and thus play a vital role in the ecosystem. That said, if you lack a hungry bird population around your garden, but are worried about a pest problem with crane flies, here are two points to consider: Aquaculture. Chances are if crane flies are breeding en masse (to the point of worry), then you have some water source – a canal, lake or pond nearbye, but which lacks or has a shortage of larvae-eating fish. Among the aquatic species that love to feed on (both mosquito and crane fly) larvae include bass, perch, catfish, and even snapping turtles. If you have a lake, pond, canal or other open aquaculture micro-ecosystem (such as an aquaponics garden) – populate it with some hungry fish, and perhaps a turtle or two (but only if you can ensure all aquaculture food sources are sustainable!) The other point addresses any potential pest problems in your soil or other bio-media garden, where terrestrial crane flies breed and its larvae emerge to feed. Aside from birds, some beetles (and even moles and skunks) will happily help rid your garden of the larvae. And while certain slugs (such as the hammerhead slug) may also move in to
feed on the crane fly larvae, they may provide their own threat on the garden, since they also like to feed on plant roots, and beneficial detritivores such as earth worms. For those really interested in permaculture and natural pesticides, one potential solution that merits more reading is Entomopathogenic nematodes, a type of thread worm that infects various pests with disease, but which apparently doesn’t affect your plants. Perhaps, a google marathon for another day. Meanwhile, in all this research-relay so far, I’ve yet to address the most interesting, lingering question about crane flies: Why do they bounce? Many sources “suggest” (guess) that it’s probably a defense mechanism to ward off potential predators. But I reckon that’s a counterproductive channeling of energy, considering all those push-ups might actually attract some predators. Aha, attraction. Mating. After all, that’s the only purpose of an adult crane fly right? And the Fairfax County (in Virginia, USA) School System confirms this on their page about crane flies. “Large amounts of Crane Flies hatch at the same time, and swarms of males “dance” above treetops looking for females.” So there you have it – it’s a mating dance. The dancing daddy long leg just getting his groove on for the ladies.
Today’s Garden Jargon Here are some definitions of a few new and familiar vocabulary words to help you digest this story better. •Aquaculture: The farming/culturing of fish and/or other water animals •Aquaponics: Combining aquaculture and hydroponics principles for the ultimate, sustainable food production and self-sufficient gardening system •Arachnida Araneae: spiders •Diptera: the Scientific classification order which includes flies, mosquitos and crane flies •Detritivores: Organisms that feed on and break down dead plant or animal matter, recycling essential nutrients into the ecosystem. •Metamorphosis: The abrupt biological process of change that animals (especially insects) go through after hatching, as opposed to metamorphism which is a geological process of change. •Permaculture: Sustainable and self-sufficient, nature-mimicking agricultural ecosystems •Pesticide: A horrible/destructive chemical that can be avoided through the application of permaculture principles.
6 HEALTH
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014 4
Standing on your own two feet Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com
Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www.mindbodyyogasystem.com or 086 276 9174. The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.
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hey say that the soles of the feet are the maps of our body and just a little bit further up are your ankles. In my opinion, the ankles are the guides of your mobility. The ankles are the main hinges on one of the bodies biggest extremities, the legs. However the ankles are mostly overlooked and this results in a lack of movement and flexion but the bend has to go somewhere right? So it travels to the next joint, the knees and they overcompensate. If the knees are tight, it will travel to the hips and tight hips result in lower back pain. So what you are left with, is a battlefield of stress and pain from ankles all the way to the back. That doesn’t sound comfortable at all! Luckily, there are two simple stretches that will help to alleviate your ankle and foot flexibility. The key to improving ankle flexibility and all flexibility for that matter, is regular repetition. I am not sure these two stretches have a yogic name but that doesn’t mean they are not doing you some good.
Let’s look at the benefits: Improves ankle and leg mobility Helps to prevent and is a great relief for shin splints Increases knee flexibility Reduces swelling in the feet Improves plantar fascia (tissue on the arch of the foot) flexibility Improves thigh, lower back and butt flexibility Improves ankle flexion, which will improve a bad posture. So let’s look at how to practise these two postures. One: 1 Come on to your hands and knees, keeping your ankles and knees pressed together. 2 Push your bottom back and sit on your heels. 3 For some of you, this position will already result in a strong stretch. My advice here is to place a towel or blanket under your knees (see photo one) and hold the stretch here. 4 If you are comfortable and would like to progress, place your left hand beside your knee for support and your right hand on your right knee.
5 On an exhalation lean back deeper onto your heels and lift the right knee off the floor. (see photo two and three). 6 Hold this posture for 30 seconds to a minute and then repeat on the other side. Two: 1 Coming from the last posture, lean forward and take the bottom off of the heels, hands on the floor in front of your knees 2 Curl your toes towards your shins so you are resting on the balls of your feet. (It is okay to reach around and use your hands to get a better bend in the toes.) 3 Press your bottom back and sit back onto your heels, aiming to have your head and shoulder upright, on top of your heels. (See photo 4.) 4 Hold this posture for 30 sec to 1 minute. You’re are one step away from enhanced mobility! Enjoy and see you next month Happy stretching! Metta Kim oxo
Cavities caused by sugary soft drinks are especially a problem in Southern Thailand. Photo: Mattes
Dental cavity rate surges in South
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recent surveyed carried out by the Public Health Ministry revealed that the dental cavity rate among Southern Thai primary school students was as high as 70 per cent. The Southern Thai region includes 14 provinces, home to some eight million inhabitants. This is compared to the national rate of 53 per cent. According to the Permanent Secretary of the Public Health Ministry, Dr Narong Sahamethapat, said that about half of the
cases of cavities can be contributed to the bad habbit of youngsters drinking sweetened drinks and not brushing their teeth before going to bed. He added that only 30 per cent of the children have access to sufficient dental services, which he noted was due to a shortage of personnel, and as part of the “Public Health Manpower Management Plan for 2015-2007, the goal to increase this number by 20 per cent, by appointing 4,000 dental specialists to work in primary schools. NNT thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
COMMUNITY 7
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
This Latin thing of ours
A look into the Latino-Hispanic community of Phuket JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th
I used to meet Latinos at parties or other events, some of them were here just on holidays. These past few years this situation has changed, especially with the growth in the tourism industry in Phuket.
Phuket’s Latin community may be small when compared to other expat communities, but they’re tight-knit and love coming together to eat well – and talk Spanish, of course!
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eptember is an important month in the Latin American calendar, with many Latin nations – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua – celebrating their independence days. And while festivities take place for Central American nations, all in Latin America continue to identify with one another – connected by a common language and culture. Phuket is no exception. The island’s small but proud population of Latinos, from several countries in the western hemisphere, have been growing for several years. They are artists, chefs, instructors, business owners, and friends who often come together to celebrate a common culture (and a lot of food on their plates). “When I moved to Phuket eight years ago, there were not many Latin American people living on the island,” said Ana Milena, a Colombian expat. “I used to meet Latinos at parties or other events, some of them were here just on holidays. These past few years this situation has changed, especially with the growth in the tourism industry in Phuket.” Four years ago, Milena connected with a group of South American women online who met every week. After many of them moved away, the group dissolved. But earlier this year, Diego Gu, an Argentinian expat, founded a Facebook group (Latinos in Phuket) that has quickly become a closeknit community. “After more than a decade abroad, I don’t often feel homesick. However, I have the need to connect to my roots and to meet other Latin friends in Phuket. For me, this is so magical that I want other people to feel the magic as well,” Gu said, explaining why he began the group. “Even though there are many countries in Latin America, we share the same culture and traditions but more importantly we speak the same language and for all of us just getting together to speak Spanish is priceless,” Milena added. Other than language, food is high on the list of Latin-centricism. And just like Asia, every country has a distinct cuisine. Though Phuket’s Latino population consists largely of South Americans from all over the continent, Latin restaurants on the island mostly offer Mexican cuisine (with the exception of two Argentinian steakhouses). “One of the similarities between Thai
and Mexican culture is the spicy food. Not too many people can handle the heat here, but most Central Americans can,” said Roger Huerta, an American with Mexican and Salvadoran roots. Due to his occupation as an MMA fighter and coach at Tiger Muay Thai in Chalong, Huerta’s connection to his culture on the island is limited to a few dinners at local Mexican restaurants. But when a Spanish speaker rocks up to one of his classes, a smile goes over his face. “It’s interesting and pretty cool. I am able to practice Spanish with them,” he said, adding that he also misses good Latin dancing. Other similarities between the Latino and Thai cultures can be viewed through the scope of lifestyle. While tourists flock to Phuket for a taste of “sabai sabai”, La-
tinos know this all too well and don’t hesitate to let you know. “There are a lot of similarities, especially the love for the food, the passion for their culture, the very laid back way of living and the way [both cultures] stick together,” said Mexican expat Pablo Uribe. Despite living in Phuket for the past eight years, Uribe says he wants to pass on his roots to his children. “I try to teach my daughter the most I can about Mexican culture, so by doing that I’m always remembering and reliving my Mexican roots,” he said. A bit of culture can go a long way, as Ecuadorian expat Alvaro Villota explains. “As we are so far from South America, the few things that can keep us close to the culture are the food and the gatherings with the latin group,” he says.
Hispanic or Latino? Terms like “Hispanic” and “Latino” are often said but misunderstood. What do they mean? In a nutshell, Hispanics are people whose ancestry comes from a country where they speak the Spanish language and comes from the Latin word for Spain (Hispania, which later became España). Depending on who you talk to, however, the definition gets a bit muddy since it largely refers to people from Latin America but can also refer to people from Spain, though it is not common. This group does not include Brazilians, since they speak Portuguese. In contrast, Latino refers to people who are from the specific geographic location of Latin America, which includes countries in the Carribbean (Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic), Central America, and South America. Therefore, this excludes the people of Spain while Brazilians can be @thephuketnews
considered Latinos (though it is not common). Examples:
Julio Cesar Chavez (legendary boxer) From: Mexico Hispanic or Latino? Both Lula da Silva (former President of Brazil) From: Brazil Hispanic or Latino? Latino Shakira From: Colombia Hispanic or Latina? Both
Language exchange: Spanish Thank you = Gracias What’s up = Que tal? How are you? = Como estas? How much? = Cuanto cuesta? Where is he/she? = Donde esta? I like that = Me gusta I miss you = Te extraño Yes = Si No = No Delicious = Delicioso I want more = Quiero mas!
8 DINING
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
A little Spanish corner of Rawai J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th
Another hit are the Albondigas, meatballs served with a chili tomato sauce that packs tons of flavour and gives a bit of a kick. It’s one of those dishes that is part of an ensemble (Top, left to right), Jamon Iberico, Shrimp Gambas, and Pasta Bolognese. (Centre) Interior of Sangria’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant. (Below) Table spread with all the fixings, including glass of Sangria and Albondigas.
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he inventive kitchen that Aimee Grainge has set up at Sangria’s is something new to Rawai. While the area is known as a haven for fresh seafood, Sangria’s is an oasis of Spanish-style dining that takes advantage of its location. Take, for instance, the chili and garlic shrimp in white wine sauce (Shrimp Gambas). Big pieces of shrimp that come out sizzling in a silky, buttery sauce that begs for a side dish of bread if only to soak up the rest of the tasty liquid. It’s a dish that Sangria’s does well, but what encapsulates the place is Grainge’s welcoming nature – the smile and “hello” that both warms you up and surprises you since this longtime Phuketian is English. The food could’ve fooled anyone. “I’ve spent years in Murcia (southeastern Spain) after my parents moved there when I was younger,” she says. “Everyone loves tapas, it’s just small dishes where you can share and not have these big plates in front of you.” Of course, a restaurant could not be named Sangria’s without serving the signature Spanish drink, and the place has them in boatloads (by the glass or jug). In traditional fashion, the fruit is soaked in liquor overnight before it is served. Once it reaches the customer’s glass, a stick of cinnamon is added for a bit of taste and decoration, a small twist that Grainge’s customers, many of them recurring, seem
to come back for. “I’m actually shocked since we’ve had customers back four or five times already, including big groups. For a restaurant that opened less than two months ago, it’s not bad,” she says. Perhaps it has something to do with Grainge’s “try anything” attitude. In the weeks leading up to the grand opening of the restaurant, Grainge decided to try out her pasta bolognese – it’s not what you think. More akin to a ravioli, the dishhas bolognese sauce inside paccheri pasta and is served with melted cheese on top. Four pieces come scorching hot on a plate and it’s a big hit with children. Another hit are the Albondigas, meatballs served with a chili tomato sauce that packs tons of flavour and gives a bit of a kick. It’s one of those dishes that is part of an ensemble – you’d be foolish not to get the Jamon Iberico with the Albondigas.
Jamon Iberico is cured ham and comes with slices of bread. Simple, small and flavourful – that’s exactly what Grainge was going for in the restaurant. “The whole point is to be able to just share and have a fun friendly environment with these small dishes. Nobody is stuck with their one dish. It’s all to have a special vibe with one another,” she says. While the menu currently consists of classics like paella and calamari, Grainge says she will double the amount of dishes on offer. The amount of returning guests have. “This is something I knew Rawai didn’t have so I just went for it. There’s something for everyone,” she says. Sangria’s Tapas Bar and Restaurant is located in Fisherman’s Way Shopping Plaza, 5/31 Fisherman’s Way, Wiset Rd. To book, call 088 768 6046. Check them out online at Facebook.com/sangriastapas
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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
TRAVEL 9
Giants of Glacier Bay
Phuket expat concludes his North American journey
Hansruedi Frutiger editor@classactmedia.co.th
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or the past month, we’ve tracked the recent adventures of Phuket expat from Switzerland, Hansruedi Frutiger, GM of the Moevenpick Resort & Spa Phuket, sharing the logs of his first 12 days in North America. After exploring some heavenly sites on the Canadian west coast, Hans finally boarded the 300-metre-long Vista Class Holland American line Ms Zuiderdam bound for the capital of the US’s largest state. And now the conclusion:
Day 13 We had to adjust our watches back by one hour on arrival to rainy Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, USA ... Prior to landfall, I had a short kitchen tour. To see the full operation of the vessel, it would cost US$150 (about B4,500), which did not fit in my budget. Finally, it stopped raining. Juneau is a unified municipality located on the Gastineau Channel in the Alaskan panhandle and is one of the largest cities in the United States by area (spanning some 8,400 sq km). I booked a Mendenhall Glacier rafting trip. It was a safe but exhilarating experience, gliding across the iceberg-studded lake and marveling at the 1.5-mile-wide glacier. We all had rain gear on, and I captured it all with my GoPro, soaking in the views of the riverbank, lush forest and staggering mountains. We were on the lookout for bears, bald eagles, otters, seals and salmon, but were out of luck. Day 14 It’s July 1, Canada Day, and I’m living it up in America. Since the sun comes up at 4.30am in Skagway (Alaska) and doesn’t go back down until 10:30pm, I decided to take the scenic rail pass summit excursion at 8am. This 3-hour and 30 minute, 40mile (about 60km) round trip excursion climbs from tidewater level at Skagway to the summit of the white pass, a 2,800-foot climb. The tour is very scenic, over high bridges and passing cascading waterfalls and historic sites. The railroad was built in 1898. With its old but renovated carriages it was operated by steam until 1954 when the transition to diesel-electric power took place. The train runs only from May to September when all the cruise liners dock in the small town of Skagway. Skagway, the garden city of Alaska, is located at the northern tip of Alaska, via the Inside Passage about 90 miles(about 144km) northeast of Juneau and 110 miles from White Horse. The sun came out and it was a pleasant, windy day.
Above, the giant ice walls of Glacier Bay (though the glaciers have retreated a long way). Below, the cruise ship Ms Zuiderdam
an inlet … Today you must travel 65 miles (104km) up to view tidewater glaciers – a far cry from 250 years ago. The ice is melting fast and the low country will soon be submerged.
Day 16 Traversing the Inside Passage, we stopped in Ketchikan, a town of about 14,000 in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. The townspeople only work when the cruise ships arrive. I booked a fisherman tour on the Bering boat. It was cold, raining, windy and everything for a miserable day.Wildlife is everywhere in Alaska ! Crabs, eagles, whales, octopus, sea lions, wolf eels, sea shells. We fished for some young crabs , hairy crabs, octopus. We did not eat them as it was a educational tour and an experience. Years ago, the boat was hit by a 60-foot rogue wave and surprisingly survived ... I bought 900 grams of smoked salmon for the team back home in Phuket.
Day 17 and 18 It’s July 4th, America’s IndepenDay 15 On to Glacier Bay. The sun rose at 4am. dence Day, and it’s back to Vancouver, where we It was cloudy and rained some. We got a debrief from docked on July 5 morning. The disembarkation was one of the Park Rangers, heard some local natives speaking. Remote, dynamic and awesome, Glacier Bay again flawless. Four large vessels docked within an interval of 30 minutes, the amount of luggage and is a homeland, a natural lab, a wilderness, and a UN National Park. 250 years ago, the glacier was all glacier and End of an amazing trip: The cruise ship arrives at its final port: The Canadian city of Vancouver. no bay, a massive river of ice, 100 miles long. Today, the glacier is gone, having retreated north. A few glaciers remain, moving slowly from high mountains, down and out to the sea, great shards of ice that bejewel cold waters with diamond-like bergs. The glaciers invited us to slow down and breathe deeply the cool icy air. One can only imagine how it was years ago. A journey through Glacier Bay is more than a journey through geography. A bear crosses a glacier, a moose swims through @thephuketnews
passengers that came ashore was incredible. All worked out perfectly, no yelling or screaming in the large arrival hall. I checked into a hotel for a couple of hours in downtown Vancouver, secured my luggage and went for a walk in Stanley Park, which is designated a national historical heritage site of Canada, a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the dense urban landscape of Vancouver. Here you can discover kilometers of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks ... The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests. Wow this was a nice walk, and trip overall. But soon, I must say goodbye and board my 2am flight to Hong Kong, en route to home sweet home. Phuket, here I come. Do you have any recent adventures that you’d like to share with us, and the world? Email editor3@classactmedia.co.th
10 Q & A
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
How do I get street legal?
Q
uestion: I read that there are new, strict procedures for obtaining a driver’s license including a harder test and more scrutiny on applicants. I currently have a US license but it has been expired for three months. What are the current procedures to obtain a license for car? Also, I want to get a motorbike license too (but don’t have one from the US). Please advise. – Jimmy in Soi Nainai
Phuket Land Transportation Office, driving license division officers answers: Even if you have a valid US or UK license, we recommend you to use a valid International Driver’s License or a Thai driver’s license because it will be easy for police to read and understand it without hassle. Besides you may run into insurance
liability problems should you be involved in an accident and don’t have an IDL or TDL. But being as your license is expired, we don’t recommend you drive until you get a valid license. For foreigners, we are open for registration from 9am, Monday through Friday, and start training at 10am.
Training takes four hours as usual. New drivers will also have to get to grips with a more comprehensive driving curriculum that will include four hours of lectures, as well as a more comprehensive written examination on driving theory. Since June 1, we have increased the
Advice for getting a driver’s license Driver’s License – why bother? Aside from avoiding having to pay fines to police, the big reason to get a valid TDL or IDL is for insurance liability, for you will likely not be covered should you have an accident while driving illegally, even if it’s not your fault. By driving without a valid TDL/IDL, you are risking being liable for millions of baht and/ or even jail (vehicular homicide). And if you don’t think insurance companies will check to try to get out of paying, think again. On D-Day (Make sure you reserve a full day for it)
1. First thing in the morning, go to clinic to get B100 medical certificate. Any licensed clinic / hospital will do, but keep in mind many clinics aren’t open in morning. One that is open by 8am is on Yaowarat Rd, between Dibuk and Krabi road, on west side of street, two shops north of
convenient store (7.885759, 98.387527). If not sure, get medical certificate from any clinic /hospital the night before. Tell them it’s for driver’s license test. 2. Make sure you have cash on you, go to ATM before. Bring B500 just to be safe.There is rice eatery there for lunch though. 3. Go to Phuket Land Transport Office (7.870940, 98.389265). Make sure you bring your medical certificate, passport, visa, work permit, etc. and if have, valid drivers license from home country too. Photos aren’t necessary anymore (unless you’re applying for international license, which you can only do once you have 5-year license) 4. Get in line with everyone else, first come first serve, be patient. When it’s your turn, tell the official you will apply for motorbike and/or car license / or convert your existing valid license. 5. Jump through the loops (do physical coordination tests, watch mandatory video, and you should
take computer test (English is available) by noon (if you got there by 8.30am). 6. After passing, you will get queue for demonstration test in afternoon. Be patient and be on time. Note: Mondays and Friday are busiest days. 7. Do demonstration test using the car/motorbike you brought with you, but if you don’t have you can rent from LTO, but notify them when you first come to ensure you will have a car when it’s your turn. 8. If you should fail, you will have to return on another day to do only what you failed. It happens, accept it and be patient. Schedule a new day (I failed on my 1st test because my car stalled!) 9. When you finally pass, you will be issued a 1-year provisional license. After the first year, you will have to renew for 5-year, which can take 1 hour to half day depending on crowd. 10. Pay, and rest easy.
questions on the written exam from 30 to 50, and require a minimum of 45 correct answers (which is 90 per cent) to pass. In addition, any driver who wishes to renew a five-year Thai driving license will also need to attend a onehour “refresher” lecture in order to bring them up to speed with the new curriculum. Drivers who are applying for a fiveyear license for the first time will not need to take this class. After you have passed the test, in the afternoon, there will be a practical section. The examination is separate for motorbikes and cars. However, holders of valid driver’s licenses from countries governed by the Geneva Conventions do not need to do the practical section. The following documents are required by the Phuket Land Transport Office at application: passport (plus copy), visa (plus copy), work permit and a receipt of notification of address (from the Immigration Office), as well as a medical certificate from any licensed clinic or hospital. Just tell them you need a certificate for driver’s license. Our office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Fitness behind wheel
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tricter driving license approvals will soon be enforced against people with 10 medical conditions. The Department of Land Transport (DLT) has added a new list of ten serious medical conditions that may seriously affect one’s driving ability. DLT Director-General Atchatike Rattanadilok Na Phuket revealed that he has attended a meeting with relevant agencies on finding ways to enforce stricter regulations against people suffering from ten medical conditions before granting them a driving license. Initially, the department has only listed five diseases that were considered dangerous to
obtain a driving license. However, the rules have changed recently in order to ensure road safety. Patients suffering from ten serious medical conditions would be required to bring a medical certificate before getting their driving licenses approved. The ten diseases include epilepsy, diabetes, loss of consciousness, heart and blood-related diseases, visual impairment, deafness, Parkinson’s, mental disorders, sleep disorders, and drug addictions. An officer at the PLTO told The Phuket News on Tuesday (September 9) that the Phuket Land Transport Off ice has not received orders from Bangkok to enforce the above announcement.
thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
HISTORY 11
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
The Brits sail east IT HAPPENED HERE... Nick Walker editor@classactmedia.co.th
One ship was wrecked off Madagascar on the outward journey. Then, after a successful period of raiding along the Indian coast, the remaining two ships came to Phuket to wait for passing Portuguese vessels. .
Below: 16th Century naval command James Lancaster, a hero of England’s victory over the Spanish Armada. But his soray to Phuket with his band of thieves came badly unstuck.
@thephuketnews
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lose to 40,000 British tourists visit Phuket annually, with thousands also having made the island their home. What is the most conspicuous sign of Britain’s enduring presence here? The traditional boozer of course; more commonly known as the “pub”. And notable among them are Michael’s Bar in central Phuket Town and Chalong’s The Green Man, housed in an elegant Tudor-style building. And it was during Tudor times that the Brits first make recorded landfall on Phuket. In 1591, the first English fleet ever to head east for trade left Plymouth in four ships, and around 200 men under the command of James Lancaster, a hero of the victory over the Spanish Armada. By the time they reached South Africa one ship had to turn back due to 50 sailors suffering terribly from scurvy. Another ship was wrecked off the southern African coast, and eventually only two of these vessels, with a combined crew of of 55 weary and weak surviving mariners, reached the Malay Peninsula in June 1592. We are informed of events by the pen of Edmund Barker, a lieutenant and scribe on the “Bonadventure”, Lancaster’s flagship. “Our men were very sicke and many fallen … we espied a canoe which came neere to us … having in it some sixteen naked ‘Indians’, with whom nevertheless, going afterward on land, we had friendly conference and promise of victuals”. The English fleet decided to set up a privateering base “in the kingdom of Junsalaom [Phuket] … as the Portingals must needs come from Goa or San Thome, for the Molucos, China and Japan … so we lay to for such shipping as should come that way”. Barker then gives us what is probably the first European report of going ashore on Phuket. He tells that they pulled into “the kingdom of Junsalaom [Phuket] … to seeke for pitch [damar] to trim our ship. Here we sent our soldier (a Portuguese) … because he had the Malayian language, to deal with the people for the pitch, which he did faithfully, and procured us some two or three quintals with promise of more. We sent commodities to their king to barter for Ambergris, and for the horns of “Abath” [rhinoceros], whereof the king only has the traffic thereof in his hands. Now this abath is a beast which has one horn only in her forehead, and is thought to be the female unicorn, and is highly esteemed in those parts as a remedie against poison. At last the king went about to betray our Portingal with our merchandise, but he, to get aboard us, told the king we had gilt armour, shirtes of maile and halberds, which things they greatly desire, for hope whereof, he let him returne aboard, and so he escaped the danger.” Waiting listlessly on the island for passing ships to plunder, the Englishmen gradually succumbed to assorted tropical diseases until there were only 33 of them left. But these determined though not terribly scrupulous souls still managed to capture some serious booty. “Three ships, being all of a burthen sixty or seventy tonnes, one of which we made strike with our very boat”. One was a Portuguese ship, which they plundered. The other two
were Burmese, which they allowed to go on their way. Later, “Upon Sunday, we espied a saile which was a Portugal ship … and that night we took her, being of 250 tonnes, she was laden with rice for Malacca.” Barker wrote. “In this month also we tooke a great Portugal ship of some hundred tons, laden with victuals, pintados [fish], and other commodities.” From Phuket the English freebooters ventured south towards Melaka and captured, plundered and then torched two more Portuguese ships. They then crossed to Muslim Aceh to sell their plunder before returning to Phuket. In 1594, after two years of pirating off Phuket, the two English ships headed for home. However, on the way back, the flagship, the “Bonadventure”, got wrecked and all her loot was lost. Therefore only one ship limped home, and with 25 sick, starving crewmen remaining of the original 200 or so. Such was the fate of the first Englishmen who attempted to make their fortune in Phuket. They fared, however, better than the second attempt, by a fleet of three ships. Using information gathered by Lancaster’s expedition, they, too, sailed out to base themselves in Phuket. This expedition was led by Captain Benjamin Wood, a successful pirate, much feared in the Caribbean. With the exception of a single French crewman, who jumped ship in Mauritius, not one of these sailors returned home. One ship was wrecked off Madagascar on the outward journey. Then, after a successful period of raiding along the Indian coast, the remaining two ships came to Phuket to wait for passing Portuguese vessels. Our knowledge here is gleaned from Portuguese sources, which report these two English ships in the area, under-
taking piracy. They may even have been doing fairly well until they had the misfortune to encounter a full Portuguese war fleet in the Andaman Sea. A week-long battle was fought until the two out-gunned and badly damaged English ships sought refuge on the coast of Malaysia’s present-day Kedah State. Due to the damage to the English ships, and the greatly diminished number of crewmen, they abandoned their smaller vessel. Then headed out to sea again in their last ship, which shortly afterwards foundered in a storm, west of the Tarutao islands. There ended the second attempt by Englishmen to make their fortunes in Phuket, as recounted from historic Portuguese accounts. Today’s British visitors are rather less mercenary and can arrive on this balmy tropical island from their homeland in the North Atlantic, in around 15 hours, give or take a stop in Dubai or Bangkok. Thailand has had an impact on Britain too, thanks to these visitors. Many a British pub’s food menu includes an unambitious selection of Thai dishes. Which reminds me of catching up with a Scouser pal of mine in an English-style pub in Bangkok a few months ago. On scanning the “pub grub” menu, his eyes alighted on the limited Thai fare choice: green curry or red curry. “Green curry, red curry – the fish’n’chips of Thailand,” he muttered sardonically. Made me wonder how the first Brits to arrive in these parts found the local fare. Probably the least of their culture shocks. Adapted from “A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region” by Colin Mackay.
12 TECHNOLOGY IN BRIEF Destiny out in Australia
Australian gamers can rejoice at the fact that the highly-anticipated firstperson shooter Destiny has finally launched in the “land down under” this week. The game is available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Xbox One, and Xbox 360 with gamers able to choose one of three classes: warlock, hunter or titan. Each class offers unique combat abilities. In addition, Bungie – the developer of the game, which has also produced the Halo game series – says players may never truly “finish” the game since it is so difficult. Other games released in Australia this past week include Infamous: First Light and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Revolution.
Slender Man makes console debut
Last year’s breakout hit for the PC, Slender: The Eight Pages, will see a sequel that will finally be released for consoles. Slender: The Arrival will be released for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on September 24 for just US$10 (B600) online. The game will feature new story elements and extended levels to explore further the Slender Man mythos. The horror hit will also include a PC version filled with additional content. The character of Slender Man originated as an internet meme and depicts a tall, thin and faceless man wearing a suit who commonly abducts and stalks children.
Surveillance reforms urged by tech firms
Major US technology companies joined Monday (September 7) to urge Congress to quickly pass legislation to reform government surveillance. This move comes in the wake of revelations of massive NSA-led data sweep programs that have alarned the American public. A letter to Senate leaders signed by some of the largest US tech firms said reforms “are necessary to help restore public trust in both the US government and the nation’s technology sector, as well as to continue the innovative and competitive success of the American tech sector in global markets.”
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
First ‘telepathic’ message successfully sent in test
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or the first time, scientists have been able to send a simple mental message from one person to another without any contact between the two, thousands of miles apart in India and France. Research led by experts at Harvard University in the USA has showed that technology can be used to transmit information from one person’s brain to another’s even, as in this case, if they are thousands of kilometres away. “It is kind of technological realization of the dream of telepathy, but it is definitely not magical,” Giulio Ruffini, a theoretical physicist and co-author of the research, told reporters by phone from Barcelona. “We are using technology to interact electromagnetically with the brain.” For the experiment, one person wearing a wireless, Internet-linked electroencephalogram (EEG) would think a simple greeting, like “hola,” or “ciao.” A computer translated the words into digital binary code, presented by a series of 1s or 0s. Then, this message was emailed from India to France, and delivered via robot to the receiver, who through non-invasive brain stimulation could see flashes of light in their peripheral vision. The subjects receiving the message did not hear or see the words themselves, but were correctly able to report the flashes of light that corresponded to the message. “We wanted to find out if one could com-
Researchers at Harvard University used technology to transmit info from two people thousands of miles away. municate directly between two people by reading out the brain activity from one person and injecting brain activity into the second person, and do so across great physical distances by leveraging existing communication pathways,” said co-author Alvaro Pascual-Leone, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. “One such pathway is, of course, the Internet, so our question became, ‘Could we develop an experiment that would bypass the talking or typing part of Internet and establish direct brain-to-brain communication between subjects located far away from
each other in India and France?’” Ruffini added that extra care was taken to make sure no sensory information got in the way that could have influenced the interpretation of the message. Researchers have been attempting to send a message from person to person this way for about a decade, and the proof of principle that was reported in the journal PLOS ONE is still rudimentary, he told reporters. “We hope that in the longer term this could radically change the way we communicate with each other,” said Ruffini. AFP
Chinese firm serves up ‘smart chopsticks’ for food-wary diners
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rom recycled cooking oil to fox meat and chemicals, a litany of food scandals have turned Chinese diners’ stomachs, but a new “smart chopsticks” concept by Internet search giant Baidu could put the answer in their hands. The device, which the firm says can tell consumers whether the food in front of them is safe to eat, was born of an April Fool’s video, a spokesman said last Thursday (September 4). Baidu at the time had “no serious intention of actually pursuing this”, the spokesman told reporters of the stunt it released earlier this year. “But it generated a lot of excitement both internally and externally.” The latest stage of development was revealed this week, with a new video released by the company showing a user placing
From April Fool’s Day joke to protoype, these chopsticks tell you what is safe to eat. the electronic chopsticks in three different cups of cooking oil. Sensors in the implements detect the oil’s temperature and its fitness for consumption, with the findings displayed on a smartphone app.
The chopsticks flash a red light when cooking oil has a higher than 25 per cent level of TPMs, or total polar materials, an indicator of freshness, the spokesman said. Poor food-safety is a major concern in China, with one of
the country’s worst food scandals seeing the industrial chemical melamine illegally added to dairy products in 2008, killing six children and making 300,000 people ill. “Gutter oil” is a particular concern – cooking oil illegally made by reprocessing waste oil or by dredging up leftovers from restaurants and marketing it as new. Health authorities last year launched a crackdown on the use and manufacture of such oil, with more than 100 people arrested and 20 imprisoned – two of them for life – as part of the campaign. It was not clear whether the “smart chopsticks” would go into commercial production. The company has only made a limited run of prototypes, the spokesman said, and no release date or price has been set. AFP
TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK
TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition
Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
6
Mario Kart 8
Wii U
1
2
The Tales of Xillia 2
PS3
7
Tomodachi Life
3DS
2
3
The Sims 4
PC
8
FIFA 14
Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
3
Hyperlapse (Video)
iOS, Android
4
The Last of Us Remastered
PS4
9
Yoshi’s New Island
3DS
4
Blinkist (Books)
Android
5
Minecraft
Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
10 Plants vs Zombies: Garden Warefare
Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC
5
Rover (Journal)
Android
Album of the Day (Music) Sporty (Social Network)
iOS iOS
thephuketnews
FILM 13
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 201412, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL SEPTEMBER
IN BRIEF Freeman flies himself to festival
Holleywood star Morgan Freeman was flying his own jet en route to the world premiere of his latest film Ruth & Alex in Canada when the aircraft had trouble. Freeman, a licensed pilot who was flying from his home in Mississippi, landed the plane and took off several times, only to realise that the problem persisted. Undaunted, Freeman went back home and took out his second plane, making it 90 minutes late to the premier. The 77-year-old actor was a radar repairman in the US Air Force and obtained his pilot’s license 12 years ago.
De Niro is Dirty Grandpa
The November Man
Drizzly November rain FILM REVIEW Tim Newton broadcast@classactmedia.co.th
It’s a muddled story with lots of violence, lots of swearing and lots of slow-motion because it looks like the cameraman told the director that the camera had a slomo feature.
T
he November Man is, at best, an outing of one of the 20th century’s most charismatic TV and movie stars (remember Remington Steele on TV?). An ex-Bond star with the credentials and star power to pack in an audience. But Pierce Brosnan, who features in most of this new action flick, left most of his charisma back in the last century. He certainly didn’t bring a lot of it to this project, one he partly funded himself. There seems plenty to like about this film but it disappoints at most levels. The plot is confusing, I won’t even try to explain. So confusing that you really feel you must watch until the end so it all comes together with an “aha” moment. It doesn’t. Some movies are confusing because they pack so much information into the 100 minute running time. The November Man is confusing because they simply don’t explain things, at all. It’s ostensibly a spy thriller’ but leaves us to do most of the detective work. I felt like I was on the trapeze without a trampoline. Written back in the 1970s (the original novel was called There Are No Spies), The November Man was a series of novels that I never heard of. Maybe it should have remained that way. Pierce Brosnan held the rights for
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Luke Bracey, Olga Kurylenko, and Bill Smitrovich. Director: Roger Donaldson Running time: 108 minutes
SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Deliver us from Evil (E) Juon 3: The Beginning of the End (T) Lucy (E) Lucy (T) The November Man (E) The November Man (T) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (E) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (T) Took Kae Rak Paeng Mak (T/E sub) Wer (E)
@thephuketnews
12:10, 14:40, 17:10, 19:40, 22:10 15:20 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00 11:00, 12:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:10, 20:10, 22:10 17:50, 22:35 10:50, 13:10, 15:30, 20:15 15:50, 22:35 11:20, 13:35, 18:05, 20:20 11:00, 13:00, 19:25 17:20, 21:45
the novel and decided to exercise his options after a few false starts with funding. And other problems with… funding. Yes, The November Man stars Pierce Brosnan. That’s about it in the star stakes. Luke Bracey plays the main protagonist and Olga Kurylenko (Quantum of Solace and Oblivion) is in the cast because she’s very beautiful – I couldn’t detect any other reason. The screenplay written by Michael Finch and Karl Gajdusek with the slick and over-directed direction from Roger Donaldson, known for Species, The Recruit and The Bank Job. He previously worked with Brosnan in Dante’s Peak (remember that turkey?!). Beau St. Clair once again teams up with Brosnan to co-produce the film. Okay, enough negativity. It does look expensive – most of the filming taken place around Belgrade and in Montenegro (because Prosnan acting as co-producer said shooting in Berlin would be too expensive). Oh, I’m being negative again. Wrapped up in post Cold-War politics, it’s a muddled story with lots of violence, lots of swearing and lots of slow-motion because it looks like the cameraman told the director that the camera had a slo-mo feature. So they used a lot of slow motion. But don’t listen to me, listen to the critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a roasting at 35 per cent (of good reviews). The saddest part of the whole film is that my favourite Bond has found himself tearing around eastern Europe in this cinematic mess. Oh, how the best 007 has discounted himself to a 001. By the time it gets around to November, we won’t be talking about The November Man.
SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong)
Deliver us from Evil (E) Guardians of the Galaxy (3D/E) Hercules (3D/E) Lucy (E) The November Man (E) Sin City: A Dame to Killl For (E) Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (E) Wer (E)
A raunchy new comedy, already starring Zac Efron, will also include legendary Academy-Award winning actor Robert De Niro as the title character. De Niro will portray an foul-mouthed military veteran grandfather whom Efron has to drive to Florida for Spring Break. The film will be drected by Dan Mazer, who has worked with Sacha Baron Cohen’s projects in the past. A production date for the project has not yet been announced.
Clooney takes on phone hacking
George Clooney has signed-on to direct journalist Nick Davies’ book, Hack Attack, which centres around the phone-hacking scandal of News International, which led to the closure of The News of the World. The scandal led to several high-profile arrests and, while Clooney is not scheduled to appear in front of the camera, there is no word yet on the cast. Production is scheduled to begin in early 2015.
Anti-war film set to rock
Prog-rock group Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters says a new movie about his monumental, three-year remounting of the band’s famous The Wall album should be seen as a protest against the growing spread of armed conflict, rather than just a concert documentary. Roger Waters: The Wall had its world premiere on Saturday (September 6) at the Toronto International Film Festival. Waters’ father perished in WWII.
US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film
Weekend
Gross
1 Guardians of the Galaxy
$10.2M
$294.6M
2 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
$6.5M
$174.6M
3 If I Stay
$5.8M
$39.7M
4 Let’s Be Cops
$5.4M
$66.6M
5 The November Man
$4.2M
$17.9M
6 As Above, So Below
$3.7M
$15.6M
7 When the Game Stands Tall
$3.7M
$23.5M
8 The Giver
$3.6M
$37.8M
9 The Hundred-Foot Journey
$3.2M
$45.7M
$2M
$121.2M
10 Lucy
12:10, 14:40, 17:10, 19:40, 22:10 12:35, 19:35 15:10, 22:10 12:20, 14:20, 16:20, 18:20, 20:20, 22:20 12:30, 14:50, 17:10, 19:30, 21:50 17:20 12:40, 17:15, 21:40 15:00, 19:30
As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.
14 ENTERTAINMENT
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
A Happy night in Patong
T
his Saturday (September 13), get ready for the ultimate beach party in Patong. In a push to promote tourism to Patong, Elite Management Company is hosting the Phuket Music Happiness concert as part of the Phuket Beach Carnival celebration. Starting 5pm on Saturday, many “famous” Thai artists (see posters) are set to put on unforgettable, enthralling perfomances on not one, but two stages – one on the beach and the other on at the soccer field – which will carry on through to midnight. The Tourism Authority of Thailand and Phuket City invite all to this annual festival, which will include a number of exciting elements including: Miss Phuket Carnival contest, Amazing float, Vendor, a “Dance marathon”, DJ performances and much more. Be there, or be square!
Bangkok losing its after-dark sheen to Singapore Jason Gagliardi
M
y first night out in Bangkok saw me sucked into the maw of the original Thermae, the all-night low-life last-ditch speakeasy of Sukhumvit Road. It was the second night of three without sleep (the last spent careening into ditches and trees as my mate dozed and nodded at the wheel of our jeep on the way to the most remote beaches of Koh Phangan and our first Full Moon Party. I popped my Singapore nightlife cherry around the same time, perhaps even in the same year, back in the misty mid-1990s. While I have no idea where the evening began or which hotels, bars, clubs and other establishments were traversed, I distinctly remember ending up at Top Ten, atop the Four Floors of Whores, as Orchard Towers is famously known. Two maniacal grinning brothers, bald Thai twins, were the DJs at Top Ten and they played the ubiquitous commercial pan-Asian grating disco-house of the day very loud, and very fast. Super Maniac Bros. had heavy smoke machine trigger fingers, and near white outs were common. Through this swirling laser maelstrom, a great whirring and grinding of gears would periodically announce the descent of the Top Ten mascot, a Kafkaesque red-eyed nightmare insect which would drop from its ceiling lair to twitch for a spell above the teeming dance floor. Both places were packed with mostly young (mostly) women; office girls making rent, maids making whoopee, hardened hookers with thousand-baht stares, rogue ladyboys, and the occasional throwback to the Vietnam War
Bangkok at night, the city that is a little sleepier in the view of some. Photo: Mathias Krumbholz era, when both establishments were born and began swinging. Each is an enduring emblem of its city’s nocturnal extremes; the infrared of the nightlife spectrum, occasionally ultra-violent. Hong Kong can sit this debate out. Any well-informed person knows Hong Kong’s nightlife is on another level entirely from its bitchy sisters, from the underground vibe to the 24-hour-city decadence to the depth of DJ talent to the hologram harbourscapes and fantasy skyline to the shapeshifting hot spots of Soho, all flickering zeitgeists, flavours of the minute and elusive caravans of cool, to Ozone, the club in the clouds on the 118th floor to Wan Chai’s subterranean basements. Bangkok, conventional wisdom and barstool bores agree, enjoys the upper hand in the struggle with Singapore for nightlife supremacy. “Singapore has all
the ingredients and none of the spice,” one friend sniggered. I say stow that “Singabore” patter and wipe that “nanny state” sneer from your lips. It’s time to confront the unthinkable: Singapore’s nightlife is better than Bangkok’s. Yes, let that sink in. It may be uncomfortable, but the evidence is overwhelming. Bangkok’s two clubland institutions, Bed Supperclub and Q Bar, which were the twin compass points keeping any Bangkok night out aligned, are gone, and gone to the dogs, respectively. Two AM closing hours are back in force. And Bangkok’s version of an afterparty is a warm, overpriced beverage at one of the ubiquitous, illegal and unlovely street bars which creep out like roaches after midnight. It tells you all you need to know about the dismal state
of Bangkok nightlife that the best underground music parties are held during the day – Kolour Sundays. The Lion City, on the other hand, is roaring. That’s not water coursing from the Merlion’s mouth; it’s one continuous projectile of purest mother’s milk, a show of solidarity and a rallying cry for the city-state’s hungover and hardpartying hordes. Bangkok has zip. Singapore has world-class club Zouk and ZoukOut, the annual dance music festival that attracts thousands of crazed revelers to the island every year. The Lion City also has a new profusion of New York-style bars (with New York attitudes and passwords required to gain entry), VVIP velvet-roped playpens, rave parties on helipads and in tree-houses, foam parties, “rubbish” parties, and the Berlin-style St. James Power Station and its collection of clubs, with cocktails like the S$32,000 Jewel of Pangaea: gold-flecked Hennessy cognac, cherry bitters, smokeinfused raw sugar, and 1985 vintage Krug champagne, crowned with a 1-carat diamond. Singapore sure looks to be having a good time, although beyond the new sex shops and government sanctioned “get jiggy” nights, you wonder if there is a forced jocularity to the proceedings, a sense of trying too hard to transcend what writer William Gibson termed Singapore’s “relentlessly G-rated experience.” And the Lion City party animal had better be prepared to run on booze and Red Bull exclusively, lest the new hedonism makes anyone forget this is Nu-Disco with the Death Penalty. But it’s still better than Bangkok, which has become the City of Falling Asleep Angels. thephuketnews
RBFC Thailand 2014 Classic Sport Fishing Tournament Offshore The Similan Islands
25 th
27 th February 2014
Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.
Huge cash and other prizes to be won!!
57 hours of non -stop fishing!
Huge media coverage!
For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com
Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more!
Rawai Beach Fishing Club is an official Sponsor Club of the International Game Fishing Association. RBFC supports recreational fishing
16 ISLAND SCENE
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Only 100% safety helmets pictured on motorbike drivers here!
SAFETY COMES FIRST Rawai Municipal joined together with NaiHarn Beach Condominium, Big C Patong Phuket, driving school and many other businesses in Rawai, to give away 100% safety helmets on September 7, 2014.
Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos (right) is awarded a certificate .
Rawai Mayor, Aroon Solos.
Winner Prinyaporn Chawaldit (centre) , Thai, Natalie Hunter (left), Scottish, Olivia Riedl (right), Australian, and award presenter Debbie Dionysius (far right), Director of Club Marketing.
THE 2014 SUPERKIDZ AQUATHLON Ben MaMillan, champion of Male intermediate 11-12 years.
Local students gather on the podium for first prize.
Many gathered together on Thepkasattri Rd in Thalang, for the 2014 Superkidz Aquathlon on September 6. Both children and adults took part and this year saw the first team relay categories for both beginners and seasoned athletes.
Press conference attendees discuss the upcoming exhibition in Bangkok.
PULIRE PRESS CONFERENCE On Setember 4, a press conference was held to discuss the IMPACT exhibition during 18-20 September, which will showcase three massive-scale events: PULIRE Asia Pacific, BMAM Expo Asia and GBR Expo Asia 2014.
FINALLY A WIN FOR PHUKET FC Fans celebrated as Phuket FC won their first game in two months, beating Trat FC and giving Phuket their first win under Brazilian coach, Reuther Moreira. See the full report in the sports pages.
Fourth from left, Mr Ajinveat Vhongthong, Exhibition Project Manager.
BIG SALE AT VILLA MARKET, CHALONG Many headed to Villa Market in Chalong, as the sole authorized dealer for Jaguar and Land Rover in Phuket, held a Big Sale from September 5 - 11, 2014. thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
ISLAND SCENE 17
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Cecila Pitre (left), founder of “Phuket Professional & Fun Ladies” club, and Lynn Patterson.
NEW LADIES CLUB OPENS IN PHUKET A new ladies club “Phuket Professional & Fun Ladies” hosted by Cecila Pitre was recently set up, encouraging ladies to get together, socialise and meet others around Phuket. Dozens attended a pool party, held at a private villa at The Residence Resort and Spa Retreat in Bangtao on September 6. The day also featured a mermaid workshop, which involved a scuba diving instructor teaching everyone how to swim with fins! Cecilia plans many events and welcomes ladies from all nationalities. For further information, contact Cecilia on 08 95 92 03 66 or cecilia@cecibcbg.com.
Boathouse by Montara General Manager, Marie-Laure Fleury and Class Act Media General Manager, Jason Beavan.
BOATHOUSE ART GALLERY
FUN ON TWO WHEELS Dozens of cyclists joined the Phuket Cycling Fest 2014 event in Phuket Old Town on September 6. Bicycle shops also set up stalls at the event.
A solo art exhibition titled, “Nature-Culture” by Ms Chompu Saetai, took place at Boathouse by Montara in Kata and was hosted by General Manager, Marie-Laure Fleury on September 5.
The artist, Chompu Saetae (left) and Art and Culture Asia magazine Marketing Director, Lori Ashton.
(Left to right) Mr Ploen Vises (Berm), Sales Manager, Mr Jim Cromzigt, CEO of Coffee Group Asia, Ms Patcharin C Amornmetakij, Business Development Director, Ms Sunee Sundisamrit, CEO of FG Interthai Marketing, Mr Jaime Borras, CEO of Catunambu Spain.
SPANISH PREMIUM COFFEE! FG Interthai Marketing Co., Ltd. organised the grand opening of their showroom on September 6, by introducing Catunambu, a coffee with more than 117 years history. @thephuketnews
SEA BREEZE RESORT 2014 STAFF PARTY Kata Sea Breeze Resort held the annual staff party in an adventurous Cowboy & Cowgirl theme on September 6.
18 EVENTS
FRI
12 SEP
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
SAT
13 SEP
SUN
14 SEP
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
& Squids) with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, Garlic Bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for 390 Thb per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure, patongshakers.com, 076 349 912.
TUE
16 SEP
Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach CATCH OF THE DAY @ THE WESTIN Indulge in a variety of fresh seafood from our extensive buffet. Choose the day’s freshest catch on the live grill. Enjoy a fantastic selection of gourmet dishes, Andaman seafood on ice and delicious desserts. Every Friday 6pm-11pm at Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket. THB1,400++ per person. Kids 4-12 years old get 50% discount. For reservations, please call 076 335 600. BRING OUR AD TO GET 20% DISCOUNT! 076 335 600. fb.phuket@westin.com
Phuket Electronic Music Happiness 2014 Phuket Electronic Music Happiness 2014, a free concert aiming to return Happiness to Thai People! Saturday 13 September from 5 pm onwards at Patong, Phuket. 2 stages and various music styles, featuring top Thai artists and DJs. The event jointly hosted by Tourism Authority of Thailand, Elite Entertainment and Patong Manipalcity to promote the Phuket tourism and improvie the image of Patong city. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.
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 B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com
Toastmasters Phuket First Meeting! Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Contact info@joannebaylis. com for more info.
Free Sauna Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree
Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076 286 464 Ext 4.
Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday Night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Gym in Patong Beach, has been launching an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday Night Fight” in Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen), where top international fighters will compete, patongboxingstadium.com
“New Phuket” Focus Of Special AMCHAM Tourism Forum As the island’s beaches undergo an extreme makeover, how are tourist’s and locals reacting to the “New Phuket”? AMCHAM Thailand has organized a special tourism forum, lead by hospitality branding leader David Keen, Founder and CEO of Quo Global along with a panel of industry leaders. Registration begins at 4 pm. Everyone is welcome admission for nonAMCHAM members THB 100. Networking drinks will follow. Angsana Laguna Phuket - Bang Tao Bay, sheree@amchamthailand. com, 02-254-1041 ext. 212
Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar Pool Competition at 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Soi Taipan,Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com, Person : Expat Sports Bar, Email: pauljames@ expathotel.com
BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsports bar. com. pauljames@expathotel.com
OPERA AT TRISARA Trisara is the perfect setting for A Night at the Opera on Saturday 13th September, 7pm. Enjoy a concert under the stars to the music of FIVERA, Thailand’s first and only pop-opera band, while enjoying superb food and beverages prepared by the talented chefs of Trisara. Entry is by donation of THB 4,000 with proceeds going to the local charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us. For reservations, please contact 076-310-100 or reservations@trisara.com. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.
Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,500++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fb-phuket@banyantree.com
MON
15 SEP
TRX – Santosa Signature training Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class. Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly! To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.
Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.
Half Chicken Spit Roast Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with french fries, salad buffet, potato salad & gravy sauce for B225 per person. 7pm11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure 076 349 912.
WED
17 SEP
BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat FONDUE All You Can Eat Mondays & Thursdays. FONDUE all you can eat (Pork, Chicken, Beef, Prawns, Fish
Wednesdays and Fridays. BBQ Ribs all you can eat with salad buffet and potato salad for B295 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure, patongshakers.com, 076 349 912.
thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
THU
EVENTS 19
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
FRI
18 SEP
26 SEP
Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa
GBR Expo Asia 2014 GBR Expo Asia 2014 for the 4th edition in Thailand will act as the leading platform for green building and retrofits industry showcasing leading and quality new products, services and solutions to the expected presences of 10,000 industry professionals from Building & Construction and Facilities industry. For more information contact : ajinveatv@impact.co.th or call 02 8335210.
The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com
PULIRE Asia Pacific 2014 PULIRE Asia Pacific 2014 is a dedicated international exhibition industry platform showcasing the latest professional cleaning and hygiene technology, solutions and trends for the institutional and industrial cleaning sectors in the Asia Pacific region. For more information contact ajinveatv@ impact.co.th or call 02 8335210.
BMAM Expo Asia 2014 for the 7th edition in Thailand will act as the leading platform for building maintenance and facilities management industry show casing leading and quality new products, services and solutions to the expected presences of 10,000 industry professionals from Building & Construction and Facilities industry. For more information contact ajinveatv@impact.co.th or call 02-833 5210.
@thephuketnews
27 SEP
Echelon Thailand 2014 Echelon, Asia’s Biggest Tech Conference, is coming to Thailand! Industry leaders from Zalora, Yahoo!, Samsung, Ardent Capital and 30 more companies will share their insights about the future of business and technology in Southeast Asia. Up and coming startups from Asia will also be exhibiting and pitching at Echelon Thailand. Join us as we deep dive this September 1819: e27.co/echelon/Thailand, Mr. Brian Koh , Email: brian@e27.com
FRI
19 SEP
A Pig’s Tale
BMAM Expo Asia 2014
For the first time ever in Thailand,Samsung G A L A X Y p r e s e n t s R o a d To U l t r a Thailand,the global brand of the World’s Premier Electronic Music event ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL. Friday September 26th, 2014, from 5pm onwards at Hall 106, BITEC Bangna Bangkok. Pre-event tickets are available at Amiando.com/ultra2014 and Thaiticketmajor.com or call 022623456 :GA - 2,500THB and VIP - 3,300THB.Limited Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event. Age restriction: 20 years and over. Valid IDs or passports are required for entry. For more information, visit roadtoultra.com/Thailand
SAT
Beyond Beauty ASEAN-Bangkok 2014 Beyond Beauty ASEAN-Bangkok 2014 is the newly created event aimed at the ASEAN market. This first edition will benefit from all the expertise, know-how and connections of its European & Asian counterparts. This one stop trade show brings you the full spectrum of the beauty industry in one prime key growing business hub. This event which will be held from 18-20 Sep 2014 at IMPACT Exhibition, Bangkok Thailand.
ROAD TO ULTRA THAILAND 2014
The Pavilions, Phuket in collaboration with Wine & Taste, invites you on a culinary journey, sure to satiate your appetite for real food. This September, we celebrate the humble hog with the best of all things pork. In true “nose to tail” fashion, Chef Belinda will showcase some her best kept secret recipes, sure to excite your taste buds and leave you longing for just one more bite of piggy delight! Join us at our Kitchen Table on the 19th of September at 7.00 pm, 1 800 THB net per person including ½ a bottle of fine vintage. Contact restaurants.phuket@ thepavilionsresorts.com to make your booking, Address : The Pavilions, Phuket, restaurants.phuket@thepavilionsresorts. com, 076317600.
WED
18 MAR 2015
RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament Aussies in Phuket - AFL Grand Final Join AIP for a true Australia event, the AFL Grand Final. Arrive from 11am, game kick off approx 11.40am Members price: 300 Baht, Non Members: 400 Baht Includes: First drink & Snacks: Lady pies & sausage rolls, chips & mini burgers. Seating area will be directly in font of the screen (near the bar). 10% discount on all additional food/ drink purchased on the day. Bondi welcomes children. However, for those of you who wish to watch the game child free, you can avail yourself of the special AIP member rate of 250 baht per child (all day) at The Kids Club in Patong. Free parking available in Jungceylon (only for those not drinking of course!) More info - 086 479 7471.
SAT
To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!! At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com
EVERY DAY
20 OCT
Phuket Youth Week 2014
Phuket Youth Week 2014 Phuket Youth Sailing Club(PYSC) presents ‘Phuket Youth Week 2014’. Sailing Fun Camp and Regatta on 20-26 October. Open to all and beginners welcome. To book a place or for further info please contact Katy:085-2159185 or email: phuketyouthsailingclub@gmail.com
ALL INCLUSIVE AT CLUB MED PHUKET Come to enjoy our day or evening pass at Club Med Phuket, with our all inclusive package (international buffet, free flow bar, events & sports (tennis, squash, badminton, basketball, ping-pong, archery, football, beach volley, golf, gym & fitness classes)) for only THB 2’600 for the day pass and THB 3’350 for the evening pass (special rates for residents and children). For information: 076 330 456 or phuccrec01@clubmed.com
20 TIME OUT
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 48. Express 50. Bidding 1. Felt dizzy 52. Early way to 5. Catchall abbr. hear hits 9. Seaweed substance 57. Experience 13. Wear down 58. Winged 14. Concealed, 59. Comportment casually 60. ___ acid 16. Closing act? 17. View from Catania 61. Certain print 62. Growing room 18. Milan’s La ___ 63. Work station 19. Bound 64. Adorn 20. Early Ma Bell 65. Sacrifice services Down 23. Equivocate 24. “My Name Is ___” 1. Treeless tract 2. Besides 25. Antiquity 26. Branson or Crenna 3. Historian Toynbee 4. Denoted 30. Accelerator bit 5. Erratum 33. More like 6. Victim of Pizarro evergreens 7. Lasting effect 34. Fellow 8. Stallion, once 35. Early viewing choices 9. Buzzing 40. Multitude 10. More graceful 41. The Muses, e.g. 11. On the quiet side? 42. Slip 12. Roulette bets 43. Knock 45. Extinct flightless 15. More cheerful bird 21. Chill-inducing Across
1. Who wrote the blues classic Call It Stormy Monday? 2. In whih country would you be most likely to eat Gamalost? 3. What do James Dean, Jayne Mansfield and Princess Diana have in common? 4. How many seconds of arc are there in a right angle? 5. What would you measure with the Beaufort Scale?
Answers below right.
SUDOKU
22. Sprout 27. Catlike critter 28. Middle Eastern tree 29. Don’t exist 31. Pin ___ 32. Fraternity letters 33. Zip 34. Physique, informally 35. Nice hot drink? 36. “___ Town Too” (1981 hit) 37. Curiosity 38. London snack time 39. No-cal drink 43. Scale notes 44. Met expectations? 45. Doc 46. Willows 47. Conciliates 49. Sweater style 51. Arab porter 52. Fall follower 53. Exceptional 54. Coaster 55. Bind 56. Auditory
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. T-Bone Walker; 2. Norway; 3. They all died in car smashes; 4. 324,000; 5. Wind speed.
GOT YOUR NUMBER
■■Adopt a cat
■■ September 12, 1959
2 billion
First airing of the cowboy series Bonanza, the first regularly scheduled TV programme presented in colour.
Likely number of Earth-like planets in our galaxy, the Milky Way.
■■ September 13, 1899
Henry Bliss steps off a streetcar in New York and is hit by an electric taxi, making him the first fatal traffic casualty in the US.
310
■■ September 14, 1959
The Soviet probe Luna 2 crashes onto the Moon, becoming the first man-made object to reach it.
Pairs of shoes the average person will use in a lifetime (they will also use 175 pairs of jeans)
■■ September 15, 1440
24
French nobleman and army general Gilles de Rais, one of the earliest known serial killers, is taken into custody for murdering at least 40 children.
Length in kilometres of extra blood vessels your body must create for every kilo you gain in weight.
4.5:1
■■ September 16, 1963
Malaysia is formed from the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak. However, Singapore soon leaves this new country.
Ratio of people killed by Mao Zedong’s régime compared with people killed by Adolf Hitler’s.
23
Age at which Rifca Stanescu of Romania became the world’s youngest grandmother. (She gave birth to her daughter Maria at age 12, who had a child at 11.) Source: Uberfacts
This week in history
■■ September 17, 1908
My name is Smokey. Please adopt me. I am 3½ years old and I was dumped at the gates of Soi Dog Shelter with my five kittens. They were so tiny, and no one wanted us. All of my kittens have now been adopted and I’m here on my own. I’m a very affectionate lady and I will happy sit on your lap or shoulder all day. I’ve also been sterilised which I’m so happy about. My life is better than it was wandering the streets, but the shelter is no replacement for a family of my own. Email deb@soidog.org to adopt me. If you would like any more information on adopting Smokey please call Christy at 093 685 1332 or email her at cristy@soidog.org, or contact the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222, Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm.
The Wright Flyer, flown by Or ville Wright, crashes, killing passenger Lt Thomas Selfridge and making him the world’s first airplane fatality.
■■ September 18, 1947
The Central Intelligence Agency is established in the United States under the National Security Act. Source Wikipedia thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS 17
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Property PROPERTY FOR RENT NORTH Amazing Beachfront Villa 4 bedroom pool villa on the beach for holiday rental. Stunning views. Fully furnished & fully equipped. Daily maid, villa manager, electricity, water and all maintenance included, Alex Seago, alexanderseago@gmail.com, 087-8923876
Brand New Modern Pool Villa Brand New Modern Tropical Pool Villas (2&3 beds). Fully furnished. Free Wifi, International Sat. TV inc. Russian TV, Pool & Garden Maintenance. Between Cape Yamu & Ao Po Marina. Call 0818935270, srdupouy@gmail. com, 0930145072.
Supalai Hills house for rent The Villa is 244 sqm.Which has 4 comfy bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, set in private, secure surroundings and conveniently located as it’s just a 20 minutes drive to the BIS and PIA international schools. Only 15 minutes drive away from Phuket’s top beaches Bangtao and Surin.0848519795 Email : robert.anthony.krause@gmail.com
Villa in Cheng Talay
Close to Laguna / Surin Beach this one bedroom Villa is up for long term rent. Comes with full cable TV, maid service and Gardener. ( Has Telephone / ADSL internet line paid by tenant ), Asking 25,000 Baht per month ( excl : elec / water / Telephone ) Please contact : accounting@electrical-marine.com Tel : 076 272 177 or 085976911.
WEST
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SOUTH
WEST Townhouse for Rent 10 Min from Kamala Beach, 3 storey building, fully-equipped kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 24/7 security, access to communal pool 20x10m. Contact natalia_tyr@yandex.ru, 093 586 5617, Price : from 40,000-80,000 Baht per rmonth.
House for Rent and Sale Baan Manik area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, ceiling fans all through out, 2 air con units, furnished. 2.7MB, no offers. For more info - Farang - 080 323 1918, Thai 081 607 9874.
5 mins to PIA and Nayang Beach 3 beds, 2 Bath, western kitchen, Indoor utility/storage room, lounge, dining area, covered terrace, covered car port, small front garden. Quality furniture throughout. Internet TV. 120 sqm interior space. 4 Air Cons. 25,000 Baht per month for 1 year long term rental. Available Mid May 2014. Contact: kanaloa55@yahoo.co.uk, Call: 084 189 5149.
Retail space for rent Unique retail space for rent with excellent positioning on Surin beach Road. For more information, please call 081 8941820 , 076 271 241 or wirote@ paradisephuket.com - See more at www. theplazasurin.com, Wirote, The Plaza Surin, wirote@paradisephuket.com
SOUTH Land for Rent Kata beach
KATA BEACH Apts FOR RENT 1BR Aircon, WIFI, Spa, Fully Furnished. Start at 500 BHT Tel: 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638, nalumana2000@yahoo.com
Luxury appartment, Patong Luxur y appar tment for rent in Pato n g, 1b e dr o o m 5 0 m 2, f ul ly furnish,balcony,kitchen, big swimmingpool. 15,000.- baht per month (1year contact) Min. 6 month, jstuder@loxinfo. co.th, 0810808831.
Luxury 1 Bedroom F/F Apartment
65 Sqm. cable T.Vs(2)& wifi cleaning and laundry service available. Great location central Patong (Soi Sansabai) short or long term welcome. Tel Ian 087-8879070 e-mail Ianscondo@yahoo.com
Apartment for long term rent Patong Tower ( M 704 ) fully furnished 68 sq. mtrs for long term rent. Included: Cable TV ; Satellite TV ; Wifi internet access ; parking ; security ; Price 18,000/M, Contact: Jaspal Singh, jaspalt@loxinfo.co.th
Villa for Rent and Sale at Patong A luxurious villa with absolutely stunning sea view. The villa features 5 bedrooms, all with sea view and private swimming pool. Excellent holiday villa rentals. Start only 60,000 baht/month, 6,000 baht/day, Contact: Linda Ketkaew, Starwalker.ds@ gmail.com, 0818932165.
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Classifieds / Proper ty / Proper ty for rent 5 mins from Kata beach 2 rai land for rent at Kata 3 MB. rai/year Tel:087507-0325, 3,000,000, Khun Araya, Kata, araya_ea@hotmail.com Tum dena, num facie ca nos senirit. Ximod simodit, etiem iurat ina, se esimumul conlocchili porum
NOW AVAILABLE!! 1,2,3,4 bedroom different private pool villas for RENT in NaiharnRawai., start from 15000 baht/ month. (Holiday rental, Short-Long term) Please contact: 087-8772320 En / 084-854-9889
Rent- 2 Bed Bungalow Nai Harn Air Condition – Color TV, Free UBC cable Platinum Package. Free Internet. Master bed, excellent mattress, Sealy Posturepdic. Couch + chairs w/ end tables. Counter bar w/ stools. Cooking Equip / Fridge. Short term – 16,000 per month, Long Term – 13,500 per month Plus Damage Deposit. Available now 1-April-2013. Call Nok 087-244-1322.
OFFICE/SHOP FOR RENT Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road. For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341, Chalong. Oximerumurid C. Cavenat urobsena L. Decepse natere ius? Perid ina,
NOW OPEN!!
IN THE NATURE ROMANTIC THAISTYLE RESORT Daily 1500Thb, Weekly 7500Thb, Monthly 30000Thb Included: Daily room cleaning, Linen changing once/week, Internet Wi-Fi, Cable TV, Smart TV, Electricity, Free bicycle, BBQ grill, Exes to Cinema room. www.cocopalace.com
House for Rent at Kata 1 bed room with separate pantry Fully furnish and big balcony 5 mins to Kata beach 18,000.- per month 1 year contract (minimum 6 month contract) Tel: 087507-0325, 18,000, Khun Araya, Kata, araya_ea@hotmail.com
DELUXE PENTHOUSE/ LOFT 120SQM Rent from 29,000THB/month, Long/ Short term, Inc. weekly cleaning, towel & linen change. Fibernet 65MB,Cable TV, King bed, big bathrooms,terrace 20 SQM. Quiet, 500 M to Chalong pier. Only extra cost electricity. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.
NEW DE LUXE BIG STUDIO 70SQM Rent from 24,0 0 0 TH B/ M O NTH. Inc. weekly cleaning, towel & linen change. Extra cost electricity. Queen bed,terrace 20 SQM. Big bathroom, Wifi Fibernet 65MB. CABLE TV, complete kitchen set. Email: 4711en@ gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.
DELUXE STUDIO 34 SQM Rent from 13,000 THB/month, long/ short term. Extra cost electricity. Furnished, Wifi Fibernet 65 MB, Cable TV, microwave, blender, water boiler, plates, weekly cleaning, towel & linen change.Quiet area, Lot of parking space. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560.
5 BDR LUX SEAVIEW POOL VILLA A stunning Luxury Pool Villa with amazing panoramic views of Chalong bay located on the lush foothills of Big Buddha Phuket Fully furnished, Fully equipped, 5 BDR ensuite + guest toilet, 2 Livingrooms, Laundry/Maid room, Study/Office Service inc; water, pool&garden maintenance, internet WiFi, cable TV, 24hour security&engineer. Price : 85,000, Oliver, namphung@andamanhorizon.asia, 087877-2320, Fax : 076-388-311.
2 BR. PRIVATE POOL 180SQM APT Rent from 65,000THB. Incl. cleaning,linen,towels change weekly. Fast fibernet. Cable TV.2 big bathrooms.Wash/dry machine. Big complete kitchen.Quiet location. Only extra cost electricity. Contact: 086 940 6560, E-mail: 4711en@gmail.com
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PROPERTY IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE NORTH Yamu beach Land for Sale Land for sales breakdown 91-339 wha and land 170 wha near Yamu beach, Condo Grove Garden. Free plan pool villa, Price : 2.5-8 MB
PANORAMIC SEA VIEW LAND: Spectacular view of Phang Nga Bay, James Bond and Phi Phi Islands. Road access, underground utilities. 4.5 km from Heroine Monument. 1.99 Rai at 5.9MB per rai. Chanote title. 089 473 8338, PhuketOne@gmail.com.
1.5 Rai Private Land Cape Yamu 1.5 Rai flat land at Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 Rai adjoining plots. OrBorTor road access to quiet end of soi location. Sale direct from the owner. B3.75 Million per rai negotiable. Call 081 087 9237.
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SEA-VIEW LAND FOR SALE KAMALA 2.75 Rai 4500sqm. Nor Sor 3 Kor Title Ready to built with building permit already, electricity & road access OK, only THB 10 Mio/Rai T 088 7680942 or pascal.elephantboutiquehotel@gmail.com
Unique land for sale (Airport) 15 rai, wide 65 meters, Chanote title. 1.2 km from the Phuket International airport and 1.8 km from Nai Yang beach. Only 12 million baht per rai. Contact directly to owner please call: 0935789333
1.5 Rai cleared, tiered land with constructed, drained access road from “Beach Road”. Chanote. 400m from Ao Por Grand Marina. Building will have 270 degree view of islands and Krabi. B10,000,000, 082 277 5971.
Chanote title, yellow zoned, save area. Nearly 4 rai, direct from owner. Subdivided in 6 plots each ca. 1,000sqm. ready to build. Only 7.5 MB per rai. K h u n C h a n c h i r a , 0 81 3 6 7 76 8 3 . chanchira.panpaen@googlemail.com.
Only 400m from Naiyang Beach. 3 Rai 1 Tarangwah. 10MB per Rai. Contact via email chiangmaibeltrade@hotmail.com for more information.
Patong Free Hold Condo MAI KHAO LAND DIRECT OWNER 5.1 RAI VERY QUIET 1 KLM TON SEA, CAN BUILDING OR INVESTMENT. 2.750000BTHS. THAI; 0828123486
GRAND VIEW CHALONG BAY VILLA & LAND: 3 bed room, 4 bath room, 2 livingroom, 1 dinningroom, 1 kitchen (american style), 1 garage (2 cars), 1 swimming pool (10x4), 1 bed room for a maid, 1 bath room for a maid, Internet, Security 24/24, S e a v i e w a n d j u n g l e v i e w, To tal sqm 556.92, Total land sqm 581, a.pellegrino2810@gmail.com, 084 241 3387. Price 4.24MB.
LAND TO SALE Nice location land to sale 50 M. from Bangtao beach area 1.5 rai and land 2 rai to sale at Pasak 4 have facility and road no need to fill the land. Good for hotel or condominium. Tel: 0819378152
Beautiful Land Laguna-Cherngtalay
Land for Sale AO POR SEAVIEW LAND
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Great investment opportunity in Patong. I have 2 NEWLY RENOVATED condos in same complex near Simon Cabaret. Both condos fully funished + free hold. Condo no.1 4th floor studio unit 50sqm already rented out. Condo no.2 just funished renovation 3rd floor 1 bedroom 50sqm every thing brand new. This one never use and could be your residence plus earn income from other condo.Complex has huge pool + garden and 24 hrs. security. I want 5 MB for both. Eng 085 471 9246 Thai 087 621 3405.
LUXURY 5 BED HOUSE IN LAGUNA Wonderful 5 bed house over looking the lake & Golf course in Laguna. Sale: Reduced to: 26.7 MB Rent: 180,000 P/M. Call Mick: 0848186045 Email: mr.mickb@yahoo.com or www.hoteldealsphuket.com/realestatephuket
Kamala Boutique Resort This boutique resort business which consists of 5 individual villas. The resort is fully occupied presently with long-term rentals offering excellent rental income with very little maintenance. The resort land plot totals 2,080 sqm with a built up area of 750 sqm. There are 3 villas, 200 sqm each with 4 bedrooms,3 bathrooms, 1 villa with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom and 1 villa with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom. Each villa is open plan living & dining area and an open plan western style kitchen. Storage room, office room, air-cons, satellite TV, telephone line and Internet. This is an ideal investment for the nearly retired or retired couple whom wish to enjoy life with a monthly income. There is also a beautiful 20-meter common pool for all residents to enjoy and relax in the beautiful landscaped gardens. Remote controlled gated security and car parking. 076 279 280.
Highfield Mission Hills Phuket
10-terraced hilltop Building Plots. Fantastic sea & mountain view. New road - water - electricity. Only 10 minutes to Airport & Tesco Lotus. 2.5m-4.5 Baht. 087 978 5803-4 / stanjsmith25@yahoo.com
Land for Sale Cherngtalay Beautiful 2,400sqm (1.5RAI) Chanote titled land plot in Pasak 8, located on the highest point of a gentle slope. Quiet and safe area. Only 8.5MB. Agents welcome. Phuketlandvilla@ hotmail.com, 089 875 9609.
Seaview Thai house for sale Nice and peacefully area surrounding with Seaview of Andaman. The back yard is the Mountian of Koa Pra Teaw National Park View.with great sunrise and next to the Aor Por Marina, The Air Park, The pier to Koh Yao. Contact: thureewan@gmail.com, Tel: 088 752 4532
RAWAI VILLA: BARGAIN PRICE Spacious property in 1,000sqm garden. Private 9x4m pool. Three large beds, all a/c and en suite. Big Western kitchen. Plus guest house. Furnished. Private access. Price cut for quick sale. MB12.9. Call 087 273 0141, alangath@gmail.com
DELUXE STUDIO 34 SQM 6.8 MB.THB/rent from 60.000THB. At Twinsands ABSOLUTE 5 Star Hotel and Spa! Just outside Patong, Sea view. Pool view. Excellent restaurant. Modern style. Parking space. Good rental return 10 pct. Email: 4711en@ gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560
Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, semi furnished, sound system. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 7.4M. Owner 084 247 1632, phuket3203@ gmail.com
LARGE SURIN BEACH CONDO B 9.8 MILLION Three bedroom, sea view 148 m2 condo apartment on prestigious Surin Beach, Phuket. Must sell, now only B9.8 million (original price over 15 mil). Tel. 081 676 8717, email: teera@email.biz, teera@ email.biz Phone : 081 676 8717
Freehold - Lagoon View!!! F. MODERNIZED 1 BEDR. CON DO, ALLAMANDA 1 FOR SALE BY OWNER. EUROPE AN KITCHEN, GRANITE/MARBLE BATH, DOUBLE SINKS, FURNISHED, INCL.2 GOLF MEMBERSHIPS. INFO & PRICE : E-MAIL : ORNILS@SBG.AT
For sale
3 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, living room, kitchen, private swimming pool (12 metre). House area of 600 sq.m., land 1.5 rai (2400 sq metre). Located on the shore of the ocean on the Koh Kho Khao, Phang-nga. larion2555@gmail.com. 084 226 4574.
Spacious one bedroom apartment with ocean view, nor th of Patong. Floor area 96m2 internal and 72m2 terrace including water feature with sala and jacuz zi. Per fec t bac helor pad with rent al inc ome. Email for info: bar t duykers@mac.com.
Kata beach Great Location 49/1 Soi Koktanod Kata Beach 4 Story, 7 BR, 7 Bath, Spa, Rd front House or Guest House by Owner Tel: 086 595 8512, 081 970 4638 nalumana2000@yahoo.com
Kalim Sea View, Freehold Condo for Sale: 11.9 MB 2 min walk to beach, big balcony & sunset view, 180 Sqm, 2 Ensuite Bed rooms, big living space. 089 617 2312, PhuketAREA.com Search C146.
New Kata Condo for sale 1 bedroom, kitchen, bathroom & balcony with sea & mountain views @ 4.7.MB. Includes WiFi, pool, sauna, gym, manager & rental program, a valuable investment and is ready to move in. Call 0878879070 or e.mail ianscondo@yahoo.com
3 bedroom 4 bathroom, Land area 580 m2., Spacious living quarter’s feature open plan living & dining areas, a fully equipped, open-concept gourmet kitchen. The Villa comes fully furnished, Contemporary and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces are offered, private pool. Services as Restaurant, Gym, Spa, Maintenance ,Security and Maid. Massivly Reduced price 18.9 MB! Contact:oliver@thurmanngroup.com Call: 087-877-2320
Laguna Luxury 1 Bed Golf
New Luxury Villa For Sale
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Land for Sale Mission Hills 800m2/1300m2/1600m2. Very quiet and private locations, very close to airport, Tesco, Golf courses and Phuket International Academy. All Chanote tiltle. Price on application. 087 276 0529
WALK TO BEACH LUXURY VILLA. California style Luxury living 300 meters from Bang Tao Beach – In small luxury villa compound built to European standards by Swedish developer. Gated 24 hr security. Management & maintenance on site; Maid, Concierge Services. 3 spacious King bedrooms with en-suites and rainfall showers. Fully equipped kitchen and laundry. 260 sqm open plan living area; 50 sqm private pool, Jacuzzi. Sold fully furnished and decorated directly by owner. Secure legal ownership: Freehold via BVI company; land lease via off-shore structure. 21.9MB Contact: PEDER BERGGREN, Email: peder.berggren@hotmail.com, Tel: 0923578710, Fax: 076202641
SEA FRONT LAND FOR SALE KAMALA Sea front land for sale Kamala. 6 Rai. Chanote. 089 874 2141, Thongchai, 089 874 2141, thongchaiwong8@hotmail.com
CENTRAL Must Sell Exclusive Villa in Marina, Phuket 4 bedrooms En-suited, Fully furnished, all included, flat screen TV in all room, in Boat Lagoon Marina, 10mins to BISP school. We want to sell at 29.5MB but we will consider all offer. Contact Owner Representative, K.Pen at +66 0874658883, Thai & English , E-mail : pen@mindproperties.net
Land for sale near Loch Palm At the back of the Loch Palm Golf Course, approx 510m2, partial view on the golf course. Part of a small gated community of 2 villas (+ 2 to be built soon). Next to small lake and it is guaranteed that no building can block the view, ever! It comes with a Chanote title and if buyer are interesting, we would provide complete house plans for free. Asking price is THB 6M, negotiable. 087-2664583 (English/French) or 0824406884 (Thai).
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House for sale in Kathu Urgent!!! House for sale, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom, 2 living area , Large laundry, Large Balcony, Western kitchen, Fully Furnished 5 LCD TVs, Pool Table. At Kathu. Tel: 086-0826078.Email:astroboy1959 @ hotmail.com
2 BEDR. KATA GARDENS 6B 180SQM P r i c e 14 . 9 M B .T H B / R e n t f r o m 100,000THB/month, 200m. from the beach. Gated.24 hours security. Resort 33 units. Good rental return,8pct. Thaicompany. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560
Kamala Pool Villa
CENTRAL
Large 3 Bedroom house in mature estate offering high security. (Option to build 4th bedroom)Located in a peacefull no thru road, min’s from beach. Recently renovate, available for immed move in. Chanote title, Price 12.5 MB Call 087 078 9707 Email: kiwigolfpro@outlook.com.
NEW PRIVATE POOL VILLA CHALONG 5.9 MB. 165 SQM. Rent 45,000 THB. 2 STOREY .3 Bathrooms, 2 Bedrooms. 4 AIRCON. Modern Western style. Thai company. Good Parking. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560
Land for sale 2 rai of land in the South of Phuket. Unique location on the hills between Naiharn and Rawai, 5 mins from the beach. Panoramic view on Chalong bay and Naiharn. Easy access via private road, reputable neighborhood (German village), tropical forest. Ready project for a 3 storey villa. 3200 sq. m. Call Svetlana 086 743 4657 or Alexander +7 926 914 5555, oxum@mail. ru; samat2011@yandex.ru, Price: B18.5 million for 1 rai .
House for Sale in Sam Kong House for sale Samkong, Phuket Town. 4.2 million and Town House for sale in Patong 6 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms with 4 levels 8.8 million Tel:083 521 2277,090 161 6669 (English&Thai) Email: veenutthasa@gmail.com Price : 4,200,000
le sa t en g r U
RPM Owner Direct Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Recent architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to very high standard. Motivated owner leaving.
Reduced by 600,000B. ONLY 16.9MB. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, +632 906 435 7146, Alan 087 999 6174, bggvirgo@gmail.com. See RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com for complete details.
RAWAI PRIME LAND PLOTS Adjacent to Mangosteen Resort, quiet residential area. 3 different sizes: 1-186.5 rai - 11.80 MB 2-0-87.5 rai - 16.64 MB 3-0-35.5 rai - 22.50 MB Best land and best price in the area. Quick sale, price negotiable.081 536 5846.hajo_ von_keller@hotmail.com
Special Sale Luxury Apartment 2 really big beds rooms, big kitchen and living 135 sqm include furnishing in the center of Kata - sea level close to shops and sea in a charming property: with-pool-sauna-parking etc; market price (10.5 mill bth) NOW 7.5 mill bth Tel: 0817888280 or mail maurice. phuket@gmail.com
House for sale in Chalong Freehold House for sale Freehold house for sale in estate in Cherng Talay. Land 735m2, floor area 230m2, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom. Many upgrades incl new carport included. Price B11 million. Call 083 509 8797 for info or viewing.
Beautiful Villa For Sale 4 Bedroom/4Bathroom detached villa on 164Sq.Wah with swimming pool. Superb location between Chalong-Phuket Town. Now 8 Million Baht. Call for appointment to view. 089 868 5143
NEW House For Sale 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom with Off street parking in small QUIET Boutique Estate behind Red Mountain Golf Course. Full Chanote Title Contact Gim English/Thai Ph 0816065772 for an Inspection !!
Beachfront Condo in Cape Panwa
Two floors 282 sq. m of living space with stunning views. 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms + Study + large kitchen. Fully furnished. Communal 40m pool 5 steps away. Beach 15 steps! 091 876 2330.
House for sale with Pool Kathu district, cottage settlement, Turnpike, Golden Villas 3, 9/111, one floor, no stairs, 3 bedrooms, new kitchen, all air con, total living area of 150sq.m, total lot size 300sq.m, pool 7 x 3.5mtr, a small landscaped garden, a large container of water. Price 9,500,000Baht, 093 687 4385, e-mail: msn4@bk.ru
KATHU 3 BED HOUSE FOR SALE Large 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom, 2 storey detached house on quiet cul-de-sac in Kathu. Western kitchen. Mountain views. Priced for quick sale. Full details at www.kathu-property.com 5,300,000, Pete Harris, 98/19 Moo 6, Soi Phuket Hope Land, Kathu, Phuket 83120, info@ kathu-property.com
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House for sale two-storey villas 2 and 3 bedrooms large terrace secure and restful area, only 1.4 km.from yachting port.Ready to move to live price MB 13.9 or USD 438,0 0 0. 087117- 4551. tawanan90000@gmail.com. Price : 13.9M or USD 438,000, Person : Prajerd Naknoi, Address : THAPON, Email: tawanan90000@gmail.com, Phone : 0871174551
Business Oportunity 2 Rai Chanot, 8 Bungalows, 22 Rooms, Restaurant, Well, large Pool, Reg. Comp. since 96, incl.Parking, Shopping, Bars, Diving, walking distance. Price: 26Mio., Contact: bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, Fax: 076 381 934
2 BEDR. KATA GARDENS 6B 180SQM 17 M B.T H B / R ENT 15 0,0 0 0T H B / MONTH. New Deluxe Patak villa 300. Quiet area. 5 bedrooms,4 kitchens,6 bathrooms.10 air cons. Good Parking. Many possibilities. Holiday rental 4 units. Email: 4711en@gmail.com, Call: 086 940 6560
3-storey apartment on the beach 3-storey apartment with a penthouse and sala for sale. Only 100 m from Phuket’s top-rated Nai-Harn Beach. 220 sqm. Freehold possible. Priced at 9 MB. Please call Alexander 080 521 0736.
Rawai Beach View Residence Beachfront Luxury Apartments. Built to a high specifications by an English developer. Perfect holiday destination close to all amenities. 6 x 2 Bedroom 160m2 Apartment 2 x 2 Bedroom 320m2 Penthouses Phone; +66 (0) 91 179 4392 Email; rose@mac-estate.com Web; www. rawairesidence-phuket.com
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PROPERTY IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE SOUTH Townhouse for sale, Chalong House for sale. B5 MLN. Residential complex Ananda Garden Hill, Chalong. Closet to HomePro. 150 sq.m., 2-stor ey, 2 b e ds, li v i n g r o o m, k i tc h e n, 2 balconies, 2 baths, office, carport. Fully furnished. Price : B 5,000,000, mvs97@yandex.ru, 091 805 3725
Special Sale Luxury Apartment 1-bedroom 60 sqm include furnishing in the center of Kata - sea level close to shops and sea in a charming property: with-poolsauna-parking etc; market price (4.1 mill bth) NOW 2.6 mill bth Tel: 0817888280 or mail: maurice.phuket@gmail.com
One Sale 3 Luxury Apartments 1. 2 really big beds rooms big kitchen and living: 135 sqm 2. 1 bedroom 60 sqm 3. 1 bedroom 58 sqm a total of 253 sqm in the center of Kata - sea level close to the shops and sea in a charming property: with-pool-sauna-parking etc; Total market price (18.4 mill bth) NOW 13.4 mill bth Tel:0817888280 or mail: maurice.phuket@gmail.com
Building for Sale at Chalong Building near Soi Ta Ied at Chalong for Apartment, Office or Hostel. Area 350 square wah, Living area 800 square wah. Tel: 081 569 0092 K.OH, varindahostel@gmail.com Price: B25,000,000
New House For Sale Kathu Sabai Village Kathu behind Red Mountain Golf Course , 2 Bedroom , 2 Bathroom with off street parking. 42.9 Sq Wah in a small QUIET boutique estate. Full Chanote Title. CALL GIM 081 606 5772
2 bdr house for sale at Saiyan 2 bdr house for sale at Saiyan Rd, 5 minutes drive to Nai Harn beach. 2 bathrooms, a spacious living room, kitchen, small garden and car park area. Price is 4.7 million THB, Contact: Maria, 0940981977, phuketsalerent@ gmail.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
List your classified now at thephuketnews.com 3 BR LUX POOL VILLA IN NAIHARN 3 bedroom 3 bathroom, Chanote (Freehold), Land area 402.80M2 Living area 208 M2. Luxurious one-storey villa offers privacy and features your own garden and pool to enjoy the ambiance of outdoor tropical living. Fully furnished, large kitchen with built-in basin, stove, and cabinets. Private and Peaceful area. Only 9.6 MB. Contact: oliver@thurmanngroup.com, Call: 087-877-2320
Townhome Seaview Rawai 4.2M 3 Story Home/Office featuring a fully automatic Garage roller door,2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Air conditioned, Sea views, extended terraces front and back, peaceful location situated just off Viset Road Rawai making this a very unique home or office. Regretful urgent sale. Any offer will be consider. Price 4.2Million (Less than cost price one million) until end of June 2014, B4,200,000, Ranuka, mrsmum mygift@gmail.com, 0937877212
3-storey villa for sale New 3-storey villa in Phuket for sale. Glass elevator, pool, ocean view. 700 sqm. Close to Villa Market mall. Freehold possible. Priced at 13 MB. Contact: Mattias, Call : 090 067 3444 Email: info@progressivephuket.com
Rawai Great Buying Lovely house with 2 bedrooms or separate SC flat downstairs. Well ventilated with natural light in pristine condition.Distant sea views.4,995,000 Baht. Warren Crowe 081 270 4291 or thailandmls@gmail.com.
EXCLUSIVE UNIQUE RESORT W LAND 4 separate buildings with 11 different custom maid rooms, restaurant /cafeteria in a sweet and idyllic sanctuary for the sense. Surrounded by lush green mountains and tropical forest. The Resort is an oasis of natural beauty and only a couple of minutes walking to beautiful Naiharn beach! Location Soi Naya PRICE 33.3 MB. Cotact: oliver@ thurmanngroup.com, Call: 087-8772320
Nai Harn Baan Bua When only the best will do!!!!4 bed/pool villa in Phukets best kept gated community.410 sq.mtr villa.812 sq.mtr land.Overlooking lagoon.Beautiful.Ph: 0812704291. or thailandmls@gmail.com. Price 22.5 MB.
7th Floor Suites (Hotel) Building For Sale Kata Beach Center 9 apar tments and a 300 sqm Penthouse on the roof plus fully equipped restaurant and pool with terrace are free of rent and now available. Price total 38 million Baht (9.50.000.euro) include chanote and Thai company. For serious interest email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com, Tel: 081 788 8280
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Luxury Hospitality Management is a Thailand’s leading Luxury Management Consulting company offering services to organisations primarily within the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industry.
We are hiring for our prestigious clients, front Beach Resorts with unique iconic locations.
NEW 40 RAI WATERPARK IN PHUKET
GROUP F&B DIRECTOR Thai or Expat, to cover the entire departments for two properties, experience for at least 5 years in the Thai Hospitality F&B Management, knowledge to manage Thai staff is mandatory, Good salary with benefits, work permit.
PR MANAGER Thai Nationality only, fluent in English, with background in PR and Marketing, social person, outgoing, with knowledge of the local Media, magazines, and local market.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER Thai Nationality only, fluent in English, with exceptional design skills and creative flair, ambitious designer ready to apply the graphic design skills with a re-branding Hotel chain team, If you’ve got great skills using Adobe DPS, Experience with Microsoft Office, specificallyPowerPoint combined with strong project management skills, you are the right person.
GROUP EVENTS MANAGER Group marketing, events, wedding to bring in the properties with % of budget managment .
EXECUTIVE CHEF
OPEN SOON
Seeking for qualified candidates for management positions; Park Operation Manager with international working experience Marketing Director HR Manager F&B Manager Chief Accountant
JOB REQUIREMENTS A bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field. At least five years of management experience in a related field.Strong problem -solving and communication /english language/ skills. An equivalent combination of related experience and education may be considered.
Be part of a Phuket first real international standard Waterpark!
Thai or Expat experience working with Thai Kitchen team.
EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF
Thai with experience of western cuisine.
Interested candidates are invited to send application with complete resume, in English, with qualifications, experiences, a recent picture and expected salary to: md@luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com
Send your CV to the following hr@phuketaquapark.com
EVENT/PR MANAGER Event/Pr Manager required for a well established event taking place in Phuket every December. Thai or foreign candidates considered but must have exceptional English language skills, reading, writing and speaking. Must be able to meet deadlines, work on own initiative and be a team player. gordon@asia-pacificsuperyachts.com
FREELANCE WEB / SEO / EDITING Do you require up-dates/SEO to your site, blog or Open Cart? Also: s-engine/ RSS/Blog submissions - PDF/Photo flip shows - Web Photo Video’s etc. Email: mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com.
Business Development Executive We are searching for Thai nationals to fill our position as Area Business Development Executive to manage our list of customers in Phuket, Krabi and Khao Lak. Applicants should be fluent in English and have previous sales experience in Horeca. Must own a vehicle for business travel within the region. Email:hr@pin naclegastro.com
Russian staff needed Phuket-based company is looking for a Russian national with good command of English (and preferably Thai) language. Full time employment in line with Thai laws (non-b visa, WP). Salary starts from 30,000 THB. Please send CV and photo to opaopa543@mail.ru
RECEPTIONIST & FLOOR SUPERVISOR Sanctuar y is a cool,funky & unique beach resort on Koh Pha Ngan island.Great jobs for experienced receptionist & restaurant floor supervisor & cocktail bar person ( Thai National only) Contct Email: relax@thesanctuarythailand.com, Tel: 082 171 3614
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HOST & SALES PERSON Lotus Medical International seeks to hire people both to host our clients coming to Thailand for surgery and for sales. Fluent English speaking and IT skills are totally essential as well as a friendly personality and a high level of empathy, customer service and motivation. Good salary available, please send your CV to info@lotusmedicalinternational.com
Hooters Phuket is getting ready for high season & needs beautiful, outgoing & customer service minded girls to join the team! We are a busy bar/restaurant & need girls to be chatty, confident, hard working & always smiling!
Requirements: Female Only / หญิง Age 21-35 / อายุระหว่าง 21-35 ปี Good English / สือ่ สารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี Outgoing personality / บุคลิกภาพดี Hard working / ขยัน Fit / รูปร่างดี Have pride in appearance / มีใจรักด้านงานบริการ Aesthetically pleasing / ชืน่ ชอบความสุนทรีย์ Great Customer Service skills / มีพน้ื ฐานด้านงานบริการ Food & Beverage knowledge / มีความรูเ้ รือ่ งอาหารและเครือ่ งดืม่ Experience in F&B field / มีประการณ์ดา้ นอาหารและเครือ่ งดืม่
Incentives:
Salary 30,000++ (basic & service charge) Daily Tips Staff Food Staff van If you want to be a Hooters Girl then come in store & fill out an application form or contact Peer Phone 076-349850, 076-349939 / email : Admin@hootersphuket.com
Welcome to both Thai & Non thai nationale
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Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS TechWorX Marine. Service and install of Smart phone or pad controlled Marine AV and IT, Media servers systems. External antenna 3G/4G internet systems. Reliable onboard Wi-Fi. Phuket and Bangkok. Please email for info package. info@techworx.asia
Speed boat for Sale Steppa Fiberglass 36 feet ,Centre Console two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines . Ideal for diving and tours. B950,000 info@h2osportzphuket.com Call 081 8942124, B950,000, Klaus, klaus@h2osportzphuket.com
A steal for a quick sale 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, 2007 Italian demo yacht Cranchi 47ft Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro 335,000. Tel: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@yahoo.com.
22m. Indonesian Pinisi Ketch Licensed and registered in Thailand. She is in good condition and currently working as a snorkel and sunset tour boat. For sale or long-term rental. Price negotiable for quick sale. dragonheartthailand@gmail.com.
SPEEDBOAT FOR SALE: SEATBOAT 369 sale. Year 2009, engines 2x225 hp, capacity 22 passengers, great condition, ready to run, 2 stern exits, bathroom, shower, set of new options (coach, tent antostaining), all documents. Priced at 1.9 MB, negotiable. Call Andrey 085 368 5908.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
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Williams 325 Turbojet for Sale GREAT DEAL! Year 2010, excellent condition, 40 knots in 4 sec! Sunbrella covers. Price for the new is 991, 620 THB, Resale price is 550, 000 THB! CALL NOW!, Contact Irina, sales@fivestarseacruises.com, 0895588811
40FT Steel Cutter Sloop Ready to cruise.Centrecockpit. Safe, strong German design.New Sails, 44HP Yanmar Engine, 6 Berths, solar, wind generator, BBQ, dinghy&outboard. AUD$90K. 085 3780 498, yacht.an taia@gmail.com.
Luxury Yacht for Sale For sale 2002 Bertram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. Reduced to only USD675,000. Contact Marcus on marcus@leema rine.net.
Crownline 320 LS 5 0 k t s B o w r i d : Ve r y f a s t - n i c e s p o r t boat,2x350 MPI engines, year 2009, like new, lifetime hull warantty, only 100 working engine hours, Thai flag, tax payed. Only 3M THB, Airberth 0,5 M THB seperately. yacht@elas.si.
13 Metre Wooden Hull Cruiser Cap. 17 PAX. Wooden hull, 3.5 metres W, draws 1.5 meters, diesel engine generates 123 KW. Perfect for fishing or day tours. Fitted w Fish Finder and GPS. Was B1,500,000 now only B5 0 0,0 0 0. Call 082 414 6931, email: phil@ krabikon nect.com.
Bertram 505 Conver for sale Launched in 1989 this long range sport fishing vessel is powered by 2 Hino Marine 360hp V8 Turbo . The inte rior is fully air-conditioned and features a saloon, three cabins and a galley. Price : 7,000,000 THB , Stefano, info@ thebigblues.com, 087 834 5293 .
LIV Aboard For Sale Compressors and tanks also available. Please contact Joe : 087 891 8912 joe@ similan-diving-safaris.com.
NEW SEALINES AVAILABLE: Orders are now open for the new range of Sealine Sports and Flybridge, both 380 and 450. For details of this exciting new range Contact: inq@sea-yss. com - www.sea-yss.com - 081 370 1995.
Yacht sale 36-ft Searay A very good condition with bedding for 5, air-con, generator, kitchenette, BBQ grill, twin propulsion, Mercruiser 5.0L bravo III DTS, raymarine chartplotter, GPS and depth sounder. B4.5 million. Call 089 647 5204.
2009 POWER CATAMARAN 45f t. 4 cabins. Volvo D - 4 IPS 30 0. Genset. Aircon. “Bose” surround. Raymarine. Low hours. Fully loaded. Fast and economical. As new. Bargain. Only 339,000 euros. Email: eddyelan@yahoo. com 089 971 0278, Eddie.
Speed Boat For Sale Steppa Fiberglass 32 feet Flybridge two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines. Ideal for diving and tours. B850,000. Call 081 894 2124.
NEW ZODIAC 420 YACHTLINE SPECIAL OFFER FROM MAX MARINE ASIA – A great sporty RIB, designed as a tender/people carrier for a larger vessel of approximately 70 feet. A smooth, fast ride guaranteed from the world’s most famous inflatable boat brand. -Hypalon tubes -Honda 50hp EFI 4 Stroke outboard -Boat cover FOR SALE AT 750,000 THB Contact Craig Murphy on 081-970-0583 Or, Paul Stamp on 08-40 60 70 20 www.maxmarine.asia.
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CLASSIFIEDS 25
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
BUY & SELL IN PHUKET
List your classified now at thephuketnews.com BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business Partner Wanted Unique business opportunity, in the high end motorcycle industry, now available. Partner wanted to expand existing profitable business. Contact 081 691 9346.
Reduced
Disco-Night Club for Rent
2008 Azimut 47 - EUR 499,000
Brand new Disco-night club in Patong for rent in the center of Bangla. Fully equipped disco 700sqm/500seats ready to start now.Best quality of interiors. Contact(English): info@phuketbesthomes.com Tel.081-892 8526
Business for sale
Pershing s.p.a 50 - EUR 499,000
Business only or business and property. Est 2003. Repeat business from big data base, non-tourist related soft furnising manufacturing and retail business. Genuine enquires only, no tyre kickers.
For further info email samos1941@gmail.com
CAR FOR RENT PRICED TO SELL NISSAN UTE
2014 MCY 76 – Price on Application
2012 Fusion 40 - EUR 345,000
Nissan Navara Frontier LE 20 07 2.5.Auto with Carry boy.104,000km. Good condition.Diesel.4WD.4door. beige leather interior.Green Book. TH B370,0 0 0.Call 0 8249 5 46 9 6, 370,00.00THB.
CAR FOR RENT Toyota Fortuner Model 2012, Limited Edition. Full option, long term: 28,000 THB/month. Call Tik 081 737 3729 (after 6pm only). 080 718 5096 (all day), tikwill@ gmail.com
CAR FOR SALE
CATERING EQUIPMENT GAS B.B.Q clearance sale The B.B.Q Center. GAS B.B.Q clearance sale cheapest in Thailand. All models only 19,000 Baht. Call Khun Thip: 076 366 860, 081 597 5568
FURNITURE FINAL INVENTORY SALE DON’T MISS FURNITURE ORIENTRUGS PAINTINGS PRINTS CDs ANTIQUES DININGSET4x8 IVORY STEREO LAMPS++ CALL HEINO 076289894 AT 19/2 RAWAI VILLAS SHOWTIME9AM>EVENINGS
Mercedes GL 320
Nissan Teana
Four Poster bed
Mercedes GL 320 4 Matic, 2008, 100.000 km, very good condition, no blue book, THB 2,2 mIn. 090-143-2020, frohlich@gmx.net
Finance available. 11 months old. 2.5l. Full Options. Contact: Bernard, Call: 086 945 2626.
6’6X3’6 Four poster bed. Thai hardwood. Inc. mattress and mosquito net. 35,000 ONO, adrian@bdasia.com, 0870892084.
1.8 Honda Civic - 2011
Chevi Colorado + Honda PCX FOR SALE Pick-up truck Chevrolet Colorado LTZ 2013 4x4 for sale. In use since November 2013, perfect condition. Diesel 2,8L, Full 4x4, AT, climate control, leather interior, white body. One owner, 10000km, warranty, insurance. Price 25000 USD. Black Honda PCX-150 2013 for sale. Tuned-up bike with warranty and insurance. Price 2000 USD. Call Artem 0937285960, tema_lan@mail.ru
Purchased new, original owner. Extra bass sound system. No accidents. All original manuals, 60,000KM, English/ Thai GPS/DVD player. Leather interior, Regular service, Hondacivicphuket@ gmail.com, 650,0000THB.
CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS New in Phuket BACKGAMMON 086 951 5511, tonivanLaak@hotmail.com
HOME APPLIANCES Juicer Philips juicer. large size. Hardly used, Price 2,000 ONO, adrian@bd-asia. com, 087 089 2084.
JEWELLERY /WATCHES Breitling Crosswind 18K Gold Breitling Crosswind Chronograph - 40 Diamonds - 43mm 18k Yellow Gold - Reference: K13355 nr: 1677. Pre-Owned - Purchased October 2004 from authorized Breitling dealer. Call 090 901 3601 etc.
MOVING & STORAGE We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.
PROPERTY FOR RENT Retail Space Available DusitD2 Patong proudly offer retail space for monthly or yearly rental at 21 sqm. Please contact Khun Rinwara T: +66 (0) 76 337 000
COMPANY FOR SALE Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.
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BUY & SELL IN PHUKET PERSONAL SERVICES Lebanese Restaurant Like most Mediterranean countries, much of what the Lebanese eat is dictated by the seasons. In Lebanon, very rarely are drinks served without being accompanied by food. Soi Sansabai, Patong, Phuket 83150, Phone : Mr. Hassan - 080 086 3163 or Mr Nadu (Nader) - 083 214 8742
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
List your classified now at thephuketnews.com SERVICES
TRADE SERVICES
COMMUNITY
Need a professional SEO website customised for your business needs? A website that you can manage, control & update. To make a difference with your website contact Blueswell.net. websolutions@ blueswell.net, 081 091 9282.
Total Web Solutions :
GENNEWA GOLD MEMBERS Attention Gennewa Gold members. Please contact urgently. randyalltime@gmail.com
The English Lab Online Courses
TechWorX Residential. Smar t home automation systems. Smart phone or pad control, Multi-room audio-visual, Home Theater, Lighting control and Electrical systems for new and renovation projects. Please email for info package. info@techworx.asia
Have fun learning English over the Internet--with a qualified teacher! Courses are 10 weeks long, for 4 hours each week. Courses include Independent Studies with interactive exercises and games, and Live Webinars for up to 5 students and the teacher. Only 699 baht/week! You can pay by the week! Children’s classes Start June 2; Adult classes Start June 16. In person registration on May 24 and 31, June 7 and 14, at 73/62 Chale Khiri, Kathu. Our Grand Opening is on May 31, from 9am to 5pm. For more information, in Thai or in English, contact Maria at 098 069 2901,Only 699 baht/week.
POOL TABLES Thailand # 1 Billiard & Games We are Thailand’s leading full service Billiard & Games Room Retailer. Visit our Online Store www.thailandpooltables.com or call 081 823 4627, Price : 3500, Fax : 076264461
SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE Treadmill & Elliptical Trainer Moving, must sell - Nordic Track X4000 Treadmill (70,000 thb) & Vision Fitness X1500 Delux Console Elliptical Trainer (45,000 thb), 088 760 9544, mdrannan@gmail.com
CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org
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SPORT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
27
Thai womens squads to be split for two major tournaments VOLLEYBALL
Laguna hopes are Bashed in final over
for the right to play Patong in the Outrigger T20 final on September 21. The next fixture is on Sunday (September 14) with The Village playing Laguna in the morning and Thalang playing ICC in the afternoon. Start times are 10am and 2pm respectively.
CRICKET
onfirming their domination of the Outrigger T20 cricket league, Tri Bs claimed a seventh victory in eight games with a win against Laguna on Sunday (September 7) at the ACG. Tri Bs must now wait for the result of the Thalang-ICC clash, which will decide their opponents for September 22. Seemant Raju (21) and Mike Khan were first to the rain-soaked crease, but Khan was caught by Manish Sadarangani off the bowling of Iqbal Malik after just three deliveries. A sluggish outfield made for a lot of running, but Raju and Paddy Morton (19) were beginning to find their ranges when first Morton was bowled and then Raju was caught off the bowling of Nawez. Dave Thomas, who topscored with 37 not out and Neil Quail worked hard for their partnership of 34 and brought the score to 93 before Quail was bowled by Ali Khan. Anthony Van Blerk (16) joined Thomas to battle their way to a 41-run partnership and boost the score to 138, but Tri Bs could add only an extra three runs in their final over, leaving Laguna 142 to secure a vital win. Laguna got off to a solid start with Sadarangani (35) and Khan hiking the score to 60 before Khan’s wicket fell to Morton and Sadarangani’s to Swart. Laguna’s run chase stalled, but resurgence came in the form of Malik, who smashed 32 to bring his side to within reach of a win. With Laguna needing 18 from the last six balls, it dell to Tri B’s captain, Raju, to put the pressure on, which he did with efficiency his first ball upended Malik’s stumps and ending Laguna’s hopes.
C
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THALANG INTO PLAYOFFS
Strong winds, dark clouds, and a couple of rain delays failed to damp the spirits of the Thalang players as they floated into the Outrigger Twenty20 finals with an eight-wicket win over The Village. The Village won yet another toss and with such good weather for ducks, they elected to bat first. A wicket in the 4th over and a sharp leg-side stumping off the last ball of the sixth over brought Divan Mydeen to the crease. Mydeen (29 runs off 31 balls) accelerated the scoring and with the help of three late boundaries and 19 runs from Soton Alamin, Village reached the total of 96/7 at the end of their innings. A couple of run-outs and the Thai youth cricketers being denied the chance to bat didn’t help the Village cause. Donovan Cowell was the pick of the Thalang bowlers with 2/17 from his four overs. Not taking any risks with the run chase, Thalang opened the batting with former Dutch cricketing team mates Jan Willem Bruins and Andrew McMillan. Bruins (7 runs) was trapped in front of his stumps early but an attacking 15-ball innings from Simon Wetherell put the result to bed and ended a disappointing season for the Village cricket team who haven’t won a T20 match for a year now. McMillan (35 runs off 20
balls) top-scored and Donovan Cowell (16 runs) hit the winning runs in the 10th over. Thalang’s win and Laguna’s loss to Patong have tied the two teams on points after the preliminary rounds. Thalang have the better net run rate and will play off against second-placed ICC next Sunday (September 14)
If anyone is interested in getting involved with cricket in Phuket, email the Phuket Cricket Group Chairman at chairman@phuketcricketgroup.com , or visit www. phuketcricketgroup.com and www.acgphuket.com for more information. Kids Junior cricket is also taking place at the ACG on Saturday mornings. If your children, whether girls or boys, would like to get involved, contact chairman@ phuketcricketgroup.com.
FACING THE DILEMMA OF having to prepare players for both the World Championship and the Asian Games, due to take place later this month, the Volleyball Association of Thailand has opted to name its strongest team for the Incheon tournament. Two months ago, the association planned to send a team mixed with experienced and young players to both touraments. However, in an attempt to win the country’s first ever volleyball medal in the Asian Games and the young players’ unimpressive performance during training, the selection committee has decided to name its best 12 players to vie for glory in South Korea while the young team will play at the World Championship in Italy. The 12 players for the Sept 19-Oct 4 Incheon Games are Onuma Sittirak, Piyanut Pannoy, Wilavan Apinyapong, Tapaphaipun Chaisri, Nootsara Tomkom, Malika Kanthong, Parinya Pankaew, Em-Orn Phanusit, Kaewkalaya Kamulthala, Katliya Pinsuwan, Thatdao Nuekjang and Pleumjit Thinkaow. The Thai women have finished fourth three times in 1986, 1998 and 2006, and were fifth in the 2010 tournament. Thailand will start their
Outside hitter Onuma Sittirak campaign against Japan on Sept 21, followed by South Korea on Sept 23 and India on Sept 24. According to VAT president Somporn Chaybangyang, it will the country's best chance to win an Asian Games medal because defending champions China and Japan will send their strongest teams to the World Championship. “Both will have their second-string sides for the Incheon Games," he said, adding that only hosts South Korea would field their best players because they did not qualify for the World Championship. “For us, the priority is to win a medal at the Asian Games.” Bangkok Post
28 SPORT
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
High hopes for War Elephants in Incheon FOOTBALL Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th
THAILAND’S UNDER-23 national football squad are working against high expectations for the upcoming Asian Games in South Korea, following a strong showing in three warmup matches in Phuket this past week. Under the disciplined command of legendary Thai international, Kiatisak “Zeico” Senamuang, the War Elephants had little trouble winning all three of their island warmup friendlies, smothering an U-19 Myanmar squad 8-1 (August 31), before teaching local, Brazilian-backed side Phuket FC a 3-1 lesson (September 3) and concluding their island training camp with a convincing 2-0 win over a strong Qatari olympic squad (September 7). And granted they can maintain the same form fans in Phuket witnessed, Thailand should not have much trouble advancing from the first round of the Incheon Games, pitted against the likes of Maldives, Timor Leste and Indonesia (see table for fixture details) in Group E. The best finish Thailand has ever had in the prestigious continental football tournament was 4th place, which they managed three times, in 1990, 1998 and 2002. If all goes to plan, and Thailand win their group, if not be forced to settle for second, then they will most likely face either North Korea or China in the second round (The other unlikely advancing team from Group F would be Pakistan). The most successful football teams in Asian Games football, from 18 tournaments since 1951, have been Iran (four titles) and South Korea
TOOTH AND NAIL: The Futsal Thailand Premier League reached new heights in its 7th season this year. Above: Phuket (blue) vs Ayutthaya.
NATIONAL HERO: Kritsada Wongkaeo, the Captain of Chonburi and Thailand squads. Thai fans have high expectations for Kiatisak “Zeico” Senamuang and his squad.
The rise of Thai futsal FUTSAL
Steven Layne editor3@classactmedia.co.th
F Thai Swiss Charyl Chappuis celebrates after his second goal against Myanmar. The 22-year-old currently plays for TPL’s Suphanburi FC. (three titles). The age limit for the continental tournament is 23 years old, just like the Summer Olympics. In an exclusive interview with The Phuket News last week, Coach Zeico said his aim for the tournament is to match, if not improve on their previous record. “Of course we’d like to win it [the Asian Games title], but that’s going to depend on many factors. Training in Phuket has been very beneficial for us. The facilities here, at British [International School Phuket], and Surakul Stadium, are fantastic, and so are the fans … We know our strengths and weaknesses better now, so I’m looking forward to a good competition,” he said. Other than South Korea and Iran, other likely contenders for Gold include Iraq and reigning champions, Japan.
THAILAND MNT GROUP STAGE FIXTURES September 15 vs Maldives September 18 vs Timor-Leste September 22 vs Indonesia
6pm, Thai TV Ch9 6pm Thai TV Ch3 6pm, TBA
resh from an enriching European training camp, Thailand’s national futsal squad – including three players from Phuket United – are heavily favoured to sweep the Southeast Asian futsal championship next week for their 10th title in as many appearances. Meanwhile, six-time Thailand futsal league champions, and 2013 Asia Champions, Chonburi Blue Wave prepare to represent the continent in a “final four” showdown with the world’s top five-a-side at the end of the month. With the Futsal Thailand Premier League having successfully concluded a benchmarking 7th season last month, key Thai futsal players have remained busy on the world stage. In Europe in recent weeks, Thailand – commandeered by Dutch futsal legend, Coach Vic Hermans – played four top
international clubs, garnering two wins and as many draws. The War Elephants drew 3-3 with the reigning champions of the Dutch elite futsal league (Topdivisie) Club Futsal Eindhoven, and bested another Dutch side Green Star 2-1. With reps from the Belgium elite league (BFD1), Thailand impressed with a 3-2 win over Belgian powerhouse Hasselt, and stood their ground in a 4-4 draw with Malle. “There were two objectives with the Europe training camp. Firstly, to warm up for the AFF tournament in Malaysia, and secondly, to give new players valuable international experience with top European clubs with international players … I’m thinking ahead to the [FIFA World Cup 2016] championship in Colombia, so I need to prepare as many players as possible,” the Dutch legend told The Phuket News. Interestingly, Coach Hermans’ latest squad doesn’t include any key “backbone” players from six-time Thailand champions Chonburi Blue Wave, due to the club’s
own international competition obligations. Chonburi have also just returned from abroad, having failed to defend their AFC Club Championship title in Chengdu, China, settling for 2nd place this year in the ultimate continental tournament, in which Japanese side Nagoya Oceans snatched the title with a last second goal to down the Thai side 5-4 in the final. “I’m not too disappointed,” remarked Chonburi’s seasoned Spanish chief, Jose Mendez or “Coach Pulpis”. “No team has ever won the [AFC Club] title two years in a row. We came close, which would have been historic, but it wouldn’t be correct to say that they [Nagoya] weren’t deserved.” The top Thai club have an even taller order now. At the end of the month they travel to Kazakhstan to represent Asia against the best in Europe, South America... the world. Taking place September 30 to October 5 will be the World Futsal Supercup, the equivalent of football’s intercontinental club cup.
This year, Chonburi will play two matches, first in a semifinal, and then depending on the result of that match, in the final or third place match. The other contenders include Kairat from Kazakhstan (UEFA Futsal Champions), Intelli (Brazilian and CONMEBOL champions) and Dinamo of Russia (winners of the previous edition). Who Chonburi will end up with in their semifinal has not been determined at the time of going to press. “I don’t expect any shocks, all the clubs are really, really good. We’ll probably end up playing the hosts, who are the UEFA champions and include some of the best Brazilian national players … It will be valuable experience for us,” the former chief of Thailand (2008-2011) told the reporters. Meanwhile, the Thai squad, even without Chonburi stars, are training hard for the AFF (Asean Football Federation) Futsal Championship 2014, which will take place in Shah Alam, Malaysia from September 19 to 27.
Phuket Super Six League: Season 8, Round 3 DIVISION 1
SUPER SIX SOCCER
Phuket Condos & Homes 3-2 Two Chefs
Division 1
Team
P
W
D
L
F
GD
Pts
1
Phuket Condos & Homes 3
3
0
0
13
8
9
2
Daohang FC
4
3
0
1
24
13
9
3
Shakers FC
4
3
0
1
12
2
9
4
Pita Bar Phuketeers
3
2
0
1
12
4
6
5
Irish Times
2
1
0
1
7
0
3
6
The King FC
3
1
0
2
3
-10
3
7
Two Chefs
3
0
0
3
4
-3
0
8
TT Boys
4
0
0
4
7
-14
0 7
Division 2 1
Blue Horizon
3
2
1
0
8
7
2
Talon FC
2
2
0
0
9
5
6
3
Phuket Condos & Homes B 3
2
0
1
7
2
6
4
Pheun See Club
3
2
0
1
9
0
6
5
Republic
2
1
0
1
4
0
3
6
Gang Junior
3
1
0
2
7
-4
3
7
IFC
3
0
1
2
4
-4
1
8
WRS Alumni FC
3
0
0
3
6
-6
0
Shakers FC 1-6 Daohang FC Pita Bar Phuketeers 4-1 TT Boys Irish Times 6-0 The King FC
DIVISION 2
WRS Alumni FC 3-4 Talon FC IFC 0-0 Blue Horizon
Phuket Condos & Homes B 2-1 Republic Pheun See Club 4-2 Gang Junior
DIVISION 3
Andaman FC 0-1 Thailand Weightloss Black Drag FC 4-2 Graceland Phuket Serenity Villas 2-6 Coral United TEFL Campus 1-4 Shambala
Division 3 1
Black Dragon FC
3
2
1
0
8
4
7
2
Coral United
3
2
0
1
10
4
6
3
Phuket Serenity Villas
3
2
0
1
14
3
6
4
TEFL Campus
3
2
0
1
8
-1
6
5
Shambala FC
3
1
1
1
10
1
4
6
Thailand Weightloss
3
1
1
1
3
0
4
7
Graceland
3
0
1
2
9
-3
1
8
Andaman FC
3
0
0
3
3
-8
0
Season 07 champions Phuket Condos & Homes (black) are looking to defend the title after a narrow 3-2 victory against newly promoted Two Chefs (red). thephuketnews
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
SPORT 29
Ronins down Trat FC to end nine-match winless streak FOOTBALL
Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th
E
Phuket FC relish their first victory in over two months.
RESULT: The match was the first win under legendary Brazilian chief Reuther Moreira.
@thephuketnews
akkartit Somjit’s second half strike brought fans to their feet on Saturday night (September 6) and was enough to put away Trat FC to give Phuket their first win under Brazilian coach Reuther Moreira. Somjit’s low-lying shot to the left side of the net was a sigh of relief to a fanbase that had winced at Phuket FC’s results the past nine weeks. Saturday’s (September 6) victory is significant in that it not only gives coach Reuther his first win after taking over the team on August 4, but ends a nine-game winless streak. “This is important win for us. The team play very well before but problem was to score. I’m happy for today’s win,” coach Reuther said after the match. Fans would have to go back two full months to remember what it felt like to cheer for a
STRESS TEST: Saturday’s face-off was tense, as both Phuket FC and Trat FC are under pressure to escape relegation in the final bend of the season. Photos: JP Mestanza winning Phuket side (A 1-0 home win against Ang Thong on July 6). In that span, Phuket lost four games and tied five times. This is also the third win in 15 games for Phuket FC, which explains the team’s aboutface from potential Yamaha League-1 contenders to a squad fighting to stay in division 1 altogether. “I never go division 2, I want to stay division 1 next year,” said Ronins defender Yusuke Sato after last night’s victory. “Today we get good
result. It is a success for me to understand about coach and tactical side.” The win gives Phuket three desperately-needed points heading into the month-long League-1 holiday break. Coach Reuther believes the time away from the intensity of a Yamaha League-1 match will help the team get familiar with his tactics and style of play. “Now we go 25 days for work on the system. The system is very good. I try to make system very dangerous against
opponents. I have the time now to help the team with the physical, tactical and technical. The next games, Phuket will show vast improvement,” Reuther said. Phuket FC will resume their Yamaha League-1 play on the road against Khonkaen FC on October 4 (6pm kick off), and are scheduled for friendly match against Thailand Premier League team Singh Tharua on September 27, to be played at Surakul Stadium with a 6.30pm kickoff.
30 SPORT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
Man U poised for greater glories, as Charlton sees it FOOTBALL
M
anchester United veteran and one of the greatest midfielders of all times Bobby Charlton believes new MU manager Louis van Gaal has “the world at his feet”, insisting the club have got “nothing to worry about” despite a shaky start to the new Premier League season. United are still waiting for their first league win since van Gaal, fresh from leading his native Netherlands to third place at the World Cup, took over from the sacked David Moyes, the faltering English giants having lost to Swansea on the opening day and been held to draws by both Sunderland and Burnley. Meanwhile the Dutchm a n a l s o s u f fe r e d t h e e mb a r r a s s me nt of s e e ing United knocked out of the English League Cup following a 4-0 defeat by thirdtier Milton Keynes Dons. But Charlton, a record goal-scorer for both United and England, was confident the Old Trafford club would return to form under van Gaal’s guidance. “We’ve got nothing to worry about. He’s got the world at his feet, the new manager,” Charlton, speaking at Soccerex in Manchester as an ambassador for landmine charity Find a Better Way, was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News. “What we need to do now is put the players in the right places and the ball in the right place. But that’s harder than it sounds. “I’ve got to say, I do like the Dutch. They’re one of the few countries that I think like us.” Charlton, a key member of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966, was also a central figure when,
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AUGUST STANDINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
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OVERALL STANDINGS 63 61 60 58 58 58 58 55 55 55
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
celticpride diggersd Toon Army Gracie mickyleeds Slasher thailand express aquamarine giggs JF
63 61 60 58 58 58 58 55 55 55
FOOTBALL FIXTURES Saturday 13th September 2014
Swansea V Southampton
15:00
Arsenal v Man City
12:45
Tottenham V West Brom
15:00
Chelsea v Swansea
15:00
West Ham V Liverpool
17:30
Crystal Palace v Burnley
15:00
Southampton v Newcastle
15:00
Leicester V Man Utd
13:30
Stoke v Leicester
15:00
Everton V Crystal Palace
16:00
Sunderland v Tottenham
15:00
Man City V Chelsea
16:00
West Brom v Everton
15:00
Liverpool v Aston Villa
17:30
Sunday 21st September 2014
Saturday 27th September 2014
Sunday 14th September 2014 Man Utd V QPR
16:00
Monday 15th September 2014 Hull V West Ham
20:00
Saturday 20th September 2014
Manchester United has spent millions of pounds during its recent transfer frenzy, buying the former Real Madrid winger Angel di Maria and several other world class players. Photo: Action Images / Jason CairnduffLivepic two years later, United became the firstEnglish club to win the European Cup under the guidance of celebrated manager Matt Busby. And Charlton, in his role as a board member, also worked closely with Alex Ferguson when he too was winning numerous trophies as manager of United. Asked to compare van Gaal, known for not suffering fools gladly, with Busby, Charlton replied: “Matt Busby never threatened you. He asked you nicely. Our new manager is not quite like that.” Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss van Gaal will go in search of his first league win as United manager when Queens Park Rangers come to Old Trafford on Sunday. United defender Phil Jones could miss that match after suffering what appeared to be a hamstring injury while
on England duty on Monday. Jone s l i mp e d of f 13 m i nutes f rom f u ll-t i me in England’s 2-0 Euro 2016 qualifying victory away to Switzerland in Basel on Monday. United are due to assess the 22-year-old’s fitness when he arrives back in Manchester on Tuesday. Several players could make their United debuts against QPR, including England left-back Luke Shaw who hasn’t played competitively for the club because of a hamstring injury since his pre-season move from Southampton. Recent United signings Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao are also in line to play against west London club QPR. Ander Herrera, another pre-season recruit, is also hopeful of returning to action having been restricted to just
one United appearance since joining from Athletic Bilbao because of an ankle problem “Training hard and looking forward to this next game at Old Trafford!”, midfielder Herrera told his Twitter followers on Monday. There could also be a home debut at Old Trafford for Angel di Maria, the former Real Madrid winger who United signed for a British record £59.7 million ($98 million, 75 million euros) last month. AFP
Liverpool v Everton
12:45
Chelsea v Aston Villa
15:00
Crystal Palace v Leicester
15:00
Hull v Man City
15:00
Man Utd v West Ham
15:00
Southampton v QPR
15:00
QPR V Stoke
12:45
Sunderland v Swansea
15:00
Aston Villa V Arsenal
15:00
Arsenal v Tottenham
17:30
Burnley V Sunderland
15:00
Newcastle V Hull
15:00
Sunday 28st September 2014 West Brom v Burnley
16:00
English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team
MP W
D
L
F
A
GD
Pts
1
Chelsea
3
3
0
0
11
4
7
9
2
Swansea
3
3
0
0
6
1
5
9
3
Aston Villa
3
2
1
0
3
1
2
7
4
Man City
3
2
0
1
5
2
3
6
5
Liverpool
3
2
0
1
6
4
2
6
6
Tottenham
3
2
0
1
5
3
2
6
7
Arsenal
3
1
2
0
5
4
1
5
8
Southampton
3
1
1
1
4
3
1
4
9
Hull
3
1
1
1
3
3
0
4
10
Stoke
3
1
1
1
2
2
0
4
PREVIOUS RESULTS:
11
West Ham
3
1
0
2
4
5
-1
3
Sunday 31th August 2014 Aston Villa 2-1 Hull Tottenham 0-3 Liverpoo Leicester 1-1 Arsenal
12
QPR
3
1
0
2
1
5
-4
3
13
Sunderland
3
0
2
1
3
4
-1
2
14
Man Utd
3
0
2
1
2
3
-1
2
15
Leicester
3
0
2
1
3
5
-2
2
16
Newcastle
3
0
2
1
3
5
-2
2
17
Everton
3
0
2
1
7
10
-3
2
18
West Brom
3
0
2
1
2
5
-3
2
19
Crystal Palace
3
0
1
2
5
8
-3
1
20
Burnley
3
0
1
2
1
4
-3
1
Saturday 30th August 2014 Burnley 0-0 Man Utd Man City 0-1 Stoke Newcastle 3-3 Crystal Palace QPR 1-0 Sunderland Swansea 3-0 West Brom West Ham 1-3 Southampton Everton 3-6 Chelsea Monday 25th August 2014 Man City 3-1 Liverpool
Kamala Enduro 2014 Motocross: An unprecedented
motocross competition was held in Kamala on September 7. Attracting some 400 spectators, the event featured 70 competitors, from France, the Philippines, Austria, Italy, as well as Thailand, which was represented by Kamala star Jessada Potchana. thephuketnews
Sport THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
SPORT 31
editor2@classactmedia.co.th
Phuket Cricket T-20 finals confirmed, thrilling action anticipated > page 27
‘Electric F1’ racing debuts in Beijing FORMULA ONE Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com
omorrow (September 13) will see the first race in the FIA’s new Formula E circus for electric race cars take place on the streets of Beijing. The new format will see 10 teams field two cars apiece, with 10 races, most on citycentre streets, taking place over the coming 10 months. The cars specially developed for the circus are identical. The Spark-Renault SRT 01E was developed with a chassis by Dallara, electric motor, transmission and electronics from McLaren (the same motor as used in the P1 supercar), a battery system by Williams F1 and a Hewland five-speed gearbox. Tyres are by Michelin. This rig will give the cars a 0-100 kmh time of three seconds and a top speed of 220 kmh. The one-design specs are only for this season. From season two, the FIA will set formula regulations, with the aim of allowing teams and
T
As part of promotion, a Formula E car does doughnuts on Westminster Bridge in London, where the final race of the season will take place in June next year. Photo FIA manufacturers “the opportunity to showcase their own electrical energy innovations”. Formula E has already drawn serious sponsorship, with Andretti, Audi, Renault and Virgin fielding teams. Drivers with F1 experience in their Cvs include Nick Heidfeld, Jaime Algesuari, Jarno Trulli, Bruno Senna, Jerome d’Ambrosio, Nelson Piquet and Lucas do Grassi.
Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change
CHANNEL START END
SPORT
EVENT
TEAMS / INFO
816, 669
16:30
18:30
Rugby League
NRL
Manly v. Rabbitohs
669
00:40
02:45
Rugby Union
Aviva Premiership
Harlequins v. Saracens
AFL – SF2
Geelong Cats v. North Melbourne
16:30
19:30
Aussie Rules
Saturday, September 13 816, 669
14:25
16:30
Rugby Union
Rugby Championship
New Zealand v. South Africa
16:55
19:00
Rugby Union
Rugby Championship
Australia v. Argentina
18:45
20:45
Soccer
EPL
Arsenal v. Man City
21:00
23:00
Soccer
EPL
Sunderland v. Tottenham
23:30
01:30
Soccer
EPL
Liverpool v. Aston Villa
18:10
20:05
Soccer
League Championship
Birmingham City v. Leeds
21:00
23:00
Soccer
EPL
Southampton v. Newcastle
812
21:00
23:00
Soccer
EPL
Chelsea v. Swansea
521
16:30
19:30
Aussie Rules
AFL – SF 1
Fremantle v. Port Adelaide
Storm v. Bulldogs
810
811
Sunday, September 14 669
12:30
15:00
Rugby League
NRL
669
19:55
22:00
Rugby Union
Aviva Premiership
Wasps v. Northampton
SS4
16:00
20:00
Motor Bikes
MotoGP
San Marino Grand Prix Main Races
810
22:00
00:00
Soccer
EPL
Man United v. QPR
@thephuketnews
second power boost from the standard 202.5bhp to 243bhp. How loud will the formula be? It’ll be very quiet, with maximum decibels around 80 decibels, slightly more than your average street car, and a lot less than the ear-smashing 130dB of Formula 1. Plenty of detail can be seen at the formula’s website, www. fiaformulae.com
RUGBY SOUTH AFRICA WILL field fledgling international fly-half Handre Pollard against New Zealand in the only change to their line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash. Pollard, with only three Tests under his belt, has been thrust into the crucial gamemaker role ahead of the veteran Morne Steyn who was omitted from the squad. Coach Heyneke Meyer admitted the move would surprise some Springbok fans but said he wanted to blood Pollard in a high-pressure game ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, predicting the 20-year-old could be “a big force” at the tournament. He also said Pollard’s selection was unconventional and might wrong-foot the All Blacks, a team he described as the pace-setters of world rugby. “It is a big call but if we don’t do it now we’re never going to know what he can do and I think this is the right game to do it,” Meyer told reporters. “He’s a different type of player and you need something different if you’re going to beat New Zealand. I don’t think you’re going to beat the All Blacks if you just do the conventional.” Meyer praised Steyn, 30,
who has scored more points (31) than any other South African against the All Blacks, as “a great kicking fly-half” but said Pollard’s inclusion was about adding depth to the squad. Steyn’s omission was the only change in the side that was beaten narrowly 24-23 by Australia last week. “It’s also good for continuity to have an almost unchanged side. We know where we made mistakes last weekend and the players now have an opportunity to rectify those against the toughest opponent in world rugby,” Meyer said. The coach sidestepped questions about a South African Rugby Union plan to increase the number of nonwhite players in the Springboks so that they comprise 50 per cent of the team by the 2019 season. AFP
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
Run #1490: Saturday, September 13 at 4pm
Hares: No Hope, Singha & Sa
Friday, September 12
521
There are also two women drivers, Briton Katherine Legge, who has been racing Indy cars since 2012, and Michela Cerruti from Italy, who is a works driver with Team BMW Italia (driving Z4 GT3s). Fans can also get directly involved in the racing by voting for their favourite driver. The three drivers with the most votes will each get a five-
South Africa pit novice fly-half against All Blacks
Location: Thanyapura Directions: Continue north from the traffic lights in the center of Thalang for approx 2.4 km. Approx 300 m before the Old Airport Road Traffic lights take the U turn and come back to-
wards thalang for 400 m. Turn left HHH and head east for 2.8 km. Turn right just before the pylons HHH and the laager is in the date palms. Park to one side of the track or in the date palms. Beer Truck will be marked. View Google Placemark Bus pick up: Patong: 2:30pm; Kamala: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com