The Phuket News 13 April 2018

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

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Patong hotel takes on Army defamation

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People’s Choice up for grabs at Stargazer quest A woman approaches a police checkpoint during the Songkran festival. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

POLICE RAMP UP SONGKRAN SAFETY CAMPAIGN AFTER 30% JUMP IN ROAD-ACCIDENT DEATHS

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runk drivers will be high on the list of offenders targeted by police during the Songkran holidays following the news that road-accidents deaths in Phuket jumped by more than 30% last year, with alcohol playing a crucial, deadly factor.

“According to statistics, Phuket road deaths are most often caused by drunk driving, speeding and ignoring traffic lights,” Phuket Provincial Po-

lice Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen told The Phuket News this week.

Extra vigilance has been ordered during the annual Seven Days of Danger road-safety campaign for the Songkran holidays, which this year began at midnight Wednesday (00:01 hours, April 11) and will conclude at midnight next Tuesday (24:00 hours, April 17).

“I have ordered police officers on the island to make sure traffic laws are fully enforced, especially regarding drunk driving,” Gen Teeraphol said.

“We have been specifically targeting drunk drivers since March and will be even more stringent during Songkran, when having fun is likely to paired with alcohol,” he added.

According to the Phuket Provincial Police statistics released only last week that Gen Teeraphol was referring to, Phuket last year suffered a more-than-30% increase in the number of people killed in road accidents, rising from 102 deaths in 2016 to 134 in 2017.

That number includes those who died as the results of their injuries

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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within 30 days of the accident, not just those dead at the scene, The Phuket News was told.

However, it has yet to be explained why the police statistics give 102 deaths for 2016, when the “RTDDI: Road Traffic Death Data Integration” hosted on the Ministry of Public Health website – and carrying the Royal Thai Police logo, presumably to assert that statistics created by the Royal Thai Police in Phuket were used in compiling that data – gives the number of deaths in road accidents in Phuket for 2016 as 143...

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Russian woman slashes throat in Patong 7-Eleven A RUSSIAN WOMAN WAS saved from bleeding to death after she used a knife to repeatedly slash her own throat while inside a Patong 7-Eleven last Friday morning (Apr 6).

The woman, a 41-year old Russian national, was wearing black pants and a yellow vest as she entered the 7-Eleven store at Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd at 8:33am, reported police.

She was standing in front of the drinks refrigerator when she began to use a knife to cut her throat. Staff at the store spoke to her in a failed attempt to prevent her from hurting herself.

The incident was caught on the store’s CCTV and by 7-Eleven staff on their mobile phones. Despite the staff’s pleas for her to stop she continued to slash at her neck causing considerable blood loss.

She didn’t stop cutting herself until Patong Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived on the scene and were able to prevent her from causing further injury to herself.

The woman was initially taken to Patong Hospital

Local fishing fleet protests ‘burden’ of complying with new EU rules > page 5

All change as lifeguards presented to Governor The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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Patong Police and Kusoldharm rescue workers were able to prevent the woman from causing further injury to herself. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub for treatment, before being transported to Vachira Phuket Hospital.

Maj Ekkachai Siri from the Phuket Tourist Police said, “Now the Russian tourist is recovering at Vachira Phuket Hospital. She is in a stable condition but she has declined to communicate with police yet.

“Police will delay any further questions to find out the motives behind this incident until she gets better, then we will talk to her.”

Eakkapop Thongtub

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

he state of having lifeguards patrol Phuket’s beaches took several dumbfounding twists last week, with 27 lifeguards presented to the Phuket Governor as “already” working – but dedicated to patrolling only the beaches at Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Thon and Mai Khao.

The lifeguards presented themselves to Governor Norraphat Plodthong at the car park at Surin Beach at 9am on April 5, accompanied by Dr Nutpol Sirisawang, Managing Director of the lifeguards’ employer, LP Laikhum Co Ltd. Bangkok-based consultancy LP Laikhum Co Ltd in February was quietly awarded a government contract offered by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to provide 98 lifeguards to patrol Phuket beaches from Mar 1.

Under that contract, LP Laikhum Co Ltd was to be

The new lifeguards at Surin Beach (April 5). Photo: Supplied granted: • B4.68 million in funding to provide lifeguards and lifesaving equipment at beaches in Muang District (including Kata-Karon and Nai Harn); • B4.745mn for providing lifeguards at beaches in Thalang District (from Surin Beach northwards, including Layan, Leypang,Nai Thon and Nai Yang beaches); • and a further B3.807mn to provide essential lifeguard services in Kathu District (including Patong and Kamala).

The exact total amount of that contract was B13.232mn.

However, without even

recognising that LP Laikhum had failed to uphold the terms of the contract by not having lifeguards on the beaches by Mar 1, Dr Nutpol at the event spoke as if the previous contract was no longer relevant – a fact that might be true, though both Dr Nutpol and Governor Norraphat failed to mention it.

“Today is the first full showing as ‘encouraged’ by the Phuket Governor. We started patrols on April 1 at Surin, Nai Thon, Mai Khao and Bang Tao beaches,” Dr Nutpol said proudly.

Incredibly, he added,

“Other beach areas such as Patong, Nai Harn, Kata and Karon beaches, are not in our duty to work.”

G ove r nor Nor r a ph at blankly supported that understanding.

“The Phuket OrBorJor (PPAO) just made an official contract with LP Laikhum Co Ltd today (April 5),” Gov Norraphat said.

“Internal management by the Phuket OrBorJor is complicated, which resulted in a gap (in providing lifeguards on Phuket’s beaches) in March this year,” he added.

“Some beaches, including those in Patong and Karon municipal areas, will find their own lifeguard teams by themselves because they demand to manage themselves,” Governor Norraphat said.

However, Gov Norraphat’s own statements flew in the face of his own order in late last year, when on Dec 12 he ordered the PPAO to no longer be involved in organising lifeguards for Phuket.

Huge spike in road deaths spurs Songkran safety drive Continued from page 1 ...– literally 40% higher than what police are reporting now.

Regardless, the same Provincial Police statistics shows that the number of people seriously injured in road accidents in Phuket last year also jumped, by 102, from 163 in 2016 to to 265 in 2017 – a staggering increase of more than 62%.

The good news, if it could be called that, is that the number of people suffering minor injuries in

road accidents in Phuket remained relatively static, rising from 5,754 in 2016 to 5,882 in 2017 (+2.2%).

More pertinent from the recently released statistics is the identification of 13 road-accident “black spots” on the island, for which police will coordinate with other agencies in order to reduce the sheer number of accidents at those locations.

“We will coordinate with other departments involved in road safety, such as the Phuket Highways Office,

to make sure that these ‘high-risk areas’ are taken care of,” Gen Teeraphol explained.

We will also work with the Phuket Land Transportation Office to check on public transportation vehicles,” he added.

Further, the scope of the campaign will be broadened. “In addition to traffic laws, we will also enforce alcohol-control laws to make sure road accident statistics are reduced.

Sometimes people do not follow the

laws, what we do is we show them how it works and what cost to pay when they break it,” Gen Teeraphol said.

Orachon Attaweelap, technical expert of the Phuket Provincial Health Office (PPHO) and also head of road accident prevention project supporting plans, which is part of Phuket network for decreasing road accidents, confirmed that in the past three years young people aged 15-20 and “people of working age” aged 21-30 comprised most of the victims

Police checks are the norm during Songkran. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot being killed on Phuket’s roads.

Some 80% of those who died were riding motorbikes when they were involved in fatal collisions, and 90% of those who died while riding motorbikes were not wearing helmets.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Hotel strikes back

B100mn defamation claim against Army Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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he Patong resort embroiled in a spat with Phuket-based soldiers over extortion claims and now facing criminal defamation charges is now threatening to file a counter-claim of defamation against the Royal Thai Army seeking their own damages to the tune of B100 million.

The counter-complaint was announced at Patong Police Station last Saturday morning (April 7) by the hotel’s legal representative Anand Chaiyadej accompanied by Patong Paragon Co Ltd Executive Board member Wisit Eamwirojrit.

Receiving the complaint was Patong Police Chief Col Anothai Jindamanee, who was present when Lt Col Surasak Peungyeam, who as Deputy Commander of the 25th Military Circle is the leading Army officer in Phuket, accompanied by Sub Lt Wattanachai Klongpradit, also of the Royal Thai Army 25th Military Circle, filed a complaint in person at Patong Police Station on April 2.

That complaint was against two Patong Police officers who were allegedly providing “private protection services” for the hotel executive involved in the dispute, which all stems from an employee filing a complaint with the Army about being unfairly dismissed from his job.

The two officers accused of providing private bodyguard services were transferred to a training centre in Surat Thani that same day with immediate effect.

The complaint filed on April 2 followed Army Region 4 Commander Lt

The hotel’s defamation counter-claim was announced at Patong Police Station last Saturday (April 7).

Gen Piyawat Narkvanich announcing on April 1 that he had instructed Army legal officers to file defamation charges against the hotel.

The Army’s defamation claim was in response to a video being posted online showing soldiers at the hotel investigating the allegedly unfair dismissal amid claims that the soldiers had attempted to extort money from the hotel’s management.

At Patong Police Station last Saturday (April 7), Mr Anand said the aim of the hotel moving ahead with its own defamation charges was not an act against the Royal Thai Army as an institution.

“This is just against some soldiers.

We must move to prosecute to protect the people,” he said.

“The two police officers who have been transferred had no idea about this situation. They just volunteered to help,” he added.

Mr Anand also said that in light of some reports posted online, which

named individuals, the hotel was also considering filing a complaint under the Computer Crimes Act. Alluding to what might have instigated the current spat, Mr Anand explained that a dispute between company management two years ago resulted in a court case heard in Samut Prakan through which a B500 million settlement was reached.

“I will not speak much about it, but there was such conflict, internal management had its problems. There was a court case and the problem seems to have arisen again, involving employees including the complainant and the source of the problem who is the partner of a former management partner,” he said.

Regarding the dismissed employee and the “source of the problem”, who Mr Anand referred to only as “Mr A”, Mr Anand said that Mr A had not presented himself for work for six consecutive days without informing his employers.

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Man shoots family over barking dog T H R EE M EM BERS OF a family were shot at their house by a lone gunman south of Phuket Town on Monday night (April 9) over what police have confirmed was a dispute over their dog incessantly barking at night.

Police are hunting for the suspect, who they believe has fled to Phang Nga. Wichit Police were notified of the shooting at 11:30pm.

Wichit Police Chief Col Nikorn Somsuk along with other officers and Wichit Municipality rescue workers soon arrived at the scene, the quiet residential housing estate Moo Baan Tinnawut, off Chao Fa West Rd. Somchai Kieingchan, 42, who is traditional Thai dance teacher and a member of a dance troupe, was bleeding profusely and had been shot in the left side of his neck.

His wife, Mrs Urarat, 43, had been shot twice in her lower back, once in an arm and once in a leg, and had a broken finger on her right hand.

Their son, Thanawat, 20, had been shot in his right leg and in his lower back.

All three were rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

Police recovered 11mm bullet casings at the scene.

One officer told The Phuket News that a neighbour reported seeing Mr Somchai come home from work as usual, and the

Police at the scene of the shooting south of Phuket Town on Monday night (April 9). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub lights went off as if the family had gone to bed for the night.

At about 11:30pm the neighbour heard seven shots ring out and ran out of the house to find Mr Thanawat with gunshot wounds on the ground in the street calling out for help.

Another neighbour called police and rescue workers for help, the officer said.

Police said that through “initial investigations” they believe the gunman was a neighbour, who they named only as “Aon”.

An alert was broadcast for all police to be on the lookout for Aon, which led to officers stopping Aon’s father while he was driving north, heading off-island.

Officers took Aon’s father into custody for questioning.

Meanwhile, the hunt for Aon continues.

Police believe Aon was fleeing to Phang Nga and are coordinating with police there in the hopes of tracking him down.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Tourists safe as tour speedboat to Similan Islands catches fire

Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze but not before two speedboats were gutted. Photo: Phang Nga DDPM

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TWO SPEEDBOATS WERE destroyed by fire at a pier in Thai Muang, north of Phuket, on Wednesday (April 11) with three boat attendants injured.

Police received reports of a boat incident at the “Por Duang Thaweeporn 1” pier in Tab Lamu at about 11am, said Capt Jaran Srirak of the Thai Muang Police, reported

the Phang Nga Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (Phang Nga DDPM).

Officers arrived at the scene to see the two boats on fire.

Firefighters successfully put out the flames.

Earlier, the tour speedboat Da Marine had left the Tab Lamu Pier with tourists for the Similan Islands but made

a U-turn due to an engine problem, reported the Phang Nga PR Dept office.

Tourists were safely moved to another boat.

The defective boat was then brought the Por Duang Thaweeporn 1 pier for inspection.

The fire later spread to another tour speedboat, the

Da Marine 1, docked next to it.

The three injured people are two Thais and a Myanmar worker.

The injured were sent to Thai Muang Hospital and the naval hospital at the Royal Thai Navy base at Tab Lamu.

Police were investigating the cause of the fire.

The Phuket News

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

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Inmate’s fast action helps save man from drowning GENERAL MANAGER

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The original contractor, Chun Eaw Co Ltd, already had two stays of execution. Photo: PR Dept

Wanted: Builder to finish Provincial Hall SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

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he Phuket Public Relations Department have confirmed that new contractors are being sought to complete construction of the new Provincial Hall following the cancellation of the contract with the original contractor.

The Phuket PR Office on April 5 announced that Phuket Vice Governor Thawornwat Kongkaew recently revealed more details about the halted construction of the new Provincial Hall where he said, “The original contract was cancelled because construction did not follow the plan.

“We have closely followed up on this issue and meetings have been held continuously

to discuss the situation. We are now in the process of evaluating how much it will cost to complete the work in order to set up a medium price for the procurement process,” V/Gov Thawornwat said.

“After that we can hire a new contractor to continue construction of the new Provincial Hall. We expect to have a constructor by May,” V/Gov Thawornwat added.

Construction of Phuket’s long-awaited and much-touted B450 million Provincial Hall has fallen flat, with the main contractor running out of funds to complete its part of the project.

The shell of the building looms large on the south side of Phuket Town, casting a large shadow near Suan Luang, also known as Rama IX Park.

QUICK ACTION BY AN inmate at the Baan Bangjo correctional facility in Srisoonthor n, in cent ral Phuket, may have saved a man from drowning in a lagoon last Friday morning (April 6).

Police were called to the scene, near the Regional Medical Sciences Centre Phuket building, at 8:30am after being notified of the incident by local village chief (Phu Yai Baan) Thawatchai Pinchaisiri.

The man, Yothin Krongkeha, 26, from Loei province, had already been rushed to Thalang Hospital, then transferred to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town, reported Thalang Police.

Mr Yothin was in serious condition after he was pulled from the lagoon unconscious and unresponsive, said Capt Nattathee Phichitchainittimaet of the Thalang Police.

At the scene officers found a motorbike parked nearby and a pair of grey rubber sandals, both believed to be those of Mr Yothin.

They also found clumps of “squirrel’s tail seaweed” water reeds, which officers believe Mr Yothin was removing from the lagoon.

An inmate washing a car at a nearby car care saw Mr

Rescue workers render assistance at the scene.

Yothin in distress and called for help, then rushed to assist him, explained Capt Nattathee.

However, by the time the inmate made it into the water he was unable to find Mr Yothin, he said.

Rescue workers from the Kusoldharm Foundation soon arrived and after a brief search found Mr Yothin and brought him to shore. The rescue workers administered CPR until they could detect that Mr Yothin had at least a weak pulse, then sped him to hospital, he added.

The inmate who saw and responded to Mr Yothin’s situation was praised for his actions.

“He is known to be a good member of the community,” Capt Nattathee said.

The Baan Bangjo facility is an outplacement extension of Phuket Prison where prisoners soon to be released undergo resocialisation before rejoining society.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Navy officer found dead at home A ROYAL THAI NAVY OFFICIAL WAS found dead in his house near Promthep Cape last Friday afternoon (Apr 6) after his colleague was unable to contact him for two days.

Chalong Police were notified at 3pm that the body of 48-year-old Royal Thai Navy officer Col Suchin Rakchart, who was stationed at Tapao Noi Island off Phuket’s east coast, was found in his house near Promthep Cape

by Chief Petty Officer First Class (CPO1) Pramote Peng-O, a Royal Thai Navy officer and colleague of the dead man.

“He had not returned calls or messages for two days, so I went to his house at 12:30pm yesterday,” CPO1 Pramote said last Saturday (Apr 7).

I smelled a rotten odour coming from inside. I couldn’t break open the door, so I then climbed up to the window to see inside the house. I saw him dead in there.”

Chalong Police Chief Col Paksayot Thanongsak, who attended the scene, said, “A light and fan were still turned on in the room.

The deceased man was found wearing a white T-shirt with blue short pants and covered in a blanket beside the bed in the bedroom.

“Police did not find any bruising or signs

Police conduct a search at the house of the deceased Royal Thai Navy officer on April 6. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub of a struggle on his body and estimated that he had died within the past 48 hours judging by the condition of the body,” added Col Paksayot.

Police searched the house and found Thai and US currency, a handgun, a gold necklace and more than a dozen Buddhist amulets, but did not clarify the amount of money that was found.

The cause of death has yet to be determined.

Police said that Col Suchin’s body would be sent for autopsy to the determine the cause of death.

Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Fishing fleet operators protest EU regulations

PHUKET NEWS

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Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ome 30 operators from Phuket’s commercial fishing fleet on Monday (April 9) staged a protest against what they called overburdening laws introduced to ensure Thai fishing operators comply with EU regulations.

The protesters, carrying placards that read, “We don’t want EU” and “Stop EU threatening Thailand and Thai fishing industry”, peacefully gathered at the Rassada Fishing Port at about 3pm.

Speaking to the press, Duangjan Eakthana and Wanee Sripaowadee said fishing operators were tired of trying to comply with the new laws, which they said were impeding their ability to fish and costing the industry too much.

“The tightening of the regulations is killing us,” Ms Duangjan said.

“The new laws are not fair. You say ‘return happiness to the people’, but NGOs are quietly wiping us out. We are tired of the new laws... Let’s see some reality. Fishermen do not want to be in the EU,” she added.

Ms Duangjan pointed out that although her fellow fishing operators disagreed with the new regulations, they were being forced to comply, or be forced out of business.

“If we don’t abide by the law, there will be arrests and heavy penalties, in-

Rescue workers enjoyed their farewell with a King Cobra before setting the snakes free in the hills of Chalong.

Snakes let loose in ‘kiss and release’ The protesters at Rassada Fishing Port on Phuket’s east coast on Monday (April 9). cluding large fines and even equipment seized,” she noted.

“We ask for justice from the government and related agencies because operators are not able to bear this burden,” Ms Duangjan said.

The protesters listed 17 regulations that they say need reviewing, including the requirement of VMS tracking devices and restricting fishing of each vessel to 255 days per year.

Also contested was the need to report two hours before and after every time a fishing boat enters and leaves port.

“If a boat is to leave port at 7am, you have to register your departure by

5am or it will be too late,” Ms Duangjan explained.

“But if the boat or the crew are not ready by that time, the boat cannot leave.

You have cancel the departure report and wait two hours until you can start again, which costs us time fishing,” she said.

“Also, VMS tracking devices currently in use cost B20,000-B30,000 per unit and the fee for using the system costs B1,500 to B2,000 per month. But next year it will be compulsory to upgrade to ‘Gen 2’, which costs from B50,000 to B70,000 for the equipment and the monthly fee will increase to B4,000 to B5,000 per month,” Ms Duangjan added.

Red Cross calls for Songkran blood THE PHUKET REGIONAL Blood Centre (PRBC) is calling for blood donations to boost blood stocks for victims of accidents that could occur during this year’s Songkran celebrations.

The donations are being sought as part of a blood-donation campaign from April 9-16 that will see donors receive a complimentary limited edition T-shirt.

“There will be a lot of tourists coming to the island over the festival period and it is likely that a lot more accidents will occur due to the increased num-

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The PRBC is inviting both Thais and foreigners to donate blood at the PRBC from April 9 -16. Photo: MamaYe Afica / Flickr ber of people on the island. We will be delighted if foreigners in Phuket join us for this blooddonation campaign,” PRBC Chief Pornthip Ratchak said.

“Over the Songkran festival many foreign tourists come to

Phuket to celebrate, so these peoples’ blood can also help people who are in need,” she said.

“Songkran is a fun activity, which people enjoy a lot, but during this time there can be a large number of accidents, injuries and deaths. That’s why we need more extra blood during Songkran. We need to get ready and be prepared for this by holding this campaign,” she added.

For more information call 076251178 ext 2, 081-9588854 or line://ti/p/@rdi1296r

R E SC U E WOR K E R S from the Ruamjai Kupai Foundation let loose six snakes in an isolated area in the hills of Chalong last Thursday afternoon (April 5), including a five-metre long King Cobra.

The snakes were those caught by rescue workers in Chalong, Rawai and Karon in recent weeks after being called by concerned residents to come and remove the venomous vipers, explained lead rescue worker Sayan Thoomphan.

Specifically, the five-metre King Cobra was the very same snake that was safely removed from the wheel arch of a parked taxi in Karon on Mar 29.

As is standard practice for the rescue workers, the snakes were cared for to ensure they were healthy before being released into the wild, always

away into habitats where they can survive and away from humans – for the safety of the snakes and for people, Mr Sayan explained.

During their time together, the rescue workers also became well acquainted with the snakes, so much so that before setting the snakes free the rescue workers took the opportunity to practice same snake-catching skills. Luring them and catching them by hand, with one rescue worker even patting the King Cobra on the head before kissing it on the head and setting it free.

“Snakes are wild animals, but when they are released into the wild you can see their eyes shine. They became easy to catch and not fierce at all,” Mr Sayan said.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Opinion 6

OPINION

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

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EDITORIAL

Not waving, drowning

he ongoing saga of Phuket’s lifeguards, or widespread lack thereof, further descended into farce last Thursday (Apr 5) with a comically inept performance by the key players aimed at reassuring the public.

With the ongoing disaster zone that is Surin Beach as their backdrop with 27 lifeguards were presented to Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong by the Bangkok-based company that recently took on the contract to provide lifeguard services at the island’s beaches.

It was a lovely performance by all and presented a great opportunity to photograph some of Phuket’s increasingly elusive lifeguards. Unfortunately, when it came to explaining whether the number of lifeguards currently deployed in Phuket fulfilled the requirement of the recently awarded contract both Governor Norraphat and

Dr Nutpol Sirisawang, Managing Director of the lifeguards’ employer, LP Laikhum Co Ltd, seemed to suffer from a bout of acute onset amnesia.

With the hope of jogging the Governor’s memory The Phuket News recently ran a story outlying the key elements of the contract.

Perhaps the most important part of the document in question was the clearly stated requirement that there be 98 lifeguards to patrol all of Phuket’s major west coast beaches from March 1, 2018.

On this key point Dr Nutpol admitted that the 27 lifeguards on show were in fact the only ones on patrol as of April 5, a month after the deadline.

Furthermore, it turns out that they are only patrolling Surin, Bang Tao, Nai Thon and Mai Khao Beaches. Leaving large swathes of Phuket’s popular tourist beached devoid of

lifeguards, with the Governor saying that the local authorities in those districts would now have to fend for themselves.

This blatant breach of contract and wilful ignorance on behalf of the Governor has made a mockery of the authority of the island’s topranking, Bangkok-appointed official and begs the handover of responsibility for Phuket’s lifeguard service to the military or some other national organisation that has demonstrated at least minimal competence in carrying out its duties.

The whole situation is a farce and surely has other countries chuckling at the sheer idiocy of it, but we here in Phuket cannot afford to laugh, as we realise how many lives are now at risk on Phuket’s beaches – which are, let’s not forget, what draws so many tourists to Phuket in the first place.

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Russian woman slashes her throat in suicide attempt at 7-Eleven Thailand ranked world’s ‘least miserable’ country Foreign MMA fighter forces thief to tap out Phuket among most expensive in base wage rate increase P at ong h ot el f ile s B100mn defamation c o unt er - c omplaint against Thai Army With no Phuket lifeguards on patrol, Chinese tourist drowns at Patong AirAsia to launch direct Phuket-Penang flights Phuket’s ‘Smart Bus’ service rolls into action Snakes let loose in Phuket ‘kiss and release’ All change as Phuket lifeguards presented to Governor

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HAVE YOUR SAY A simple thank you Thanks Chris [Howson of Live 89.5], for the great job the last three years. We all appreciate it as well! I am sure, as is human nature, people just forget to take two minutes to say, “thank you”, which can make anyone’s day special, when so much effort and work is put into a project, as you have done since coming here. A very small thing to do as you make our day… every day, so special.

Have an outstanding day ahead and an even better year yet to come! We want to make sure you stay here, as the first thing I do in the morning is tune into 89.5 radio, as it kickstarts my day, every day!

Deb ...................................................

Lift your game

Re: Phuket fishing operators protest EU regulations Typical… Thais complaining about having to follow rules. They just want to go do whatever they want, even including over-fishing, pilfering fish stocks and using slave labour from Myanmar.

This from a group of people that make their living from the sea, yet treat it worse than any-

one, cutting nets free, polluting waterways, and throwing trash overboard as a routine practice.

Ben Pendejo ...................................................

wisely ignored, just like it is every year.

J Sombra ...................................................

sibility and contract-breaking.

Sue Yu2 ...................................................

Fare competition

Blowing bubbles

Re: Warning issued over household debt I wonder if SCB’s figures for “Household Debt” include the thousands of repossessed homes that are the direct result of every Thai banks’ irresponsible lending practices and “special” rates for newbuild homes.

Don’t give mortgages to people who can’t afford the payments, even if a property company is paying you to do so. The rest of the world already learnt this lesson.

Philip Mason 69 ...................................................

Re: Park chief calls for backup to enforce Maya Bay closure “The four-month closure is to allow the marine environment to recover from damage by heavy tourism caused by some 4,000 tourists a day visiting the site”. What is there that can “recover”? The entire reef system in the bay has been destroyed and it takes a hell of a lot longer then four months for coral to restore. One would think that 4,000 tourists a day is at least 3,000 too many.

Rorri_2 ...................................................

Re: Royal Thai Consulate General in Penang to reopen on Monday Thanks to another reader I did learn about Firefly airlines for flying Phuket to Penang.

Fares are quite expensive, as it was a monopoly. Now with Air Asia joining, the airfares will become competitive. Nice for visa runners. A much safer and more comfortable trip than by minivan.

Kurt ...................................................

Wisely ignored

Re: Phuket gets eight booze-free, safe water-play zones for Songkran, Seven Days of Danger looms Why do they bother with pronouncements like this?

Zero chance of it being followed on Bangla Rd, where 95% of the business are bars and Bangla is the number one place to enjoy Songkran for tourists. Kill that and you kill Phuket as a destination for the event. This order will be

Playing with lives

Re: All change as Phuket lifeguards presented to Governor A contract to provide 98 lifeguards now comes up with just 27 while the Governor whines that Patong and Karon areas are somehow now out in the cold. Many things wrong with this, from the contractgranting by an unauthorised PPAO to not accepting respon-

A drop in the ocean

Saving paradise

Re: Paradise Boracay a ‘cesspool’ of sewage, closed to tourists for six months A tough decision but clearly the right one to ensure the island’s success and beauty for generations to come. Phuket should follow suit and do the same. Give the island a chance to repair. It worked for Bali and I am sure it will work for Boracay.

Discover Thainess

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

7

‘20 million pills a day’ Combined daily production capacity of 11 drug manufacturing facilities BANGKOK Bangkok Post

T

he Narcotics Suppression Bureau admitted last Sunday (Apr 8) that at least 11 drug manufacturing facilities were located “near Thailand’s northern border” with a combined daily production capacity of more than 20 million pills.

The authority is wary of a possible influx of illicit drugs into the country during the Songkran festival this week.

Lt Gen Sommai Kongwisaisuk, the bureau commissioner, said the agency was keeping a close watch on the situation. He did not name the country where the drugs are made and smuggled, which is Myanmar.

Details of the drug plants first emerged on the CSI LA Facebook page.

The drug plants were going full throttle ahead of Songkran amid plans to flood the country with illicit drugs, it said.

CSI LA, which kept tabs on the luxury watch collection

@thephuketnews

Anti-drug agents made a haul of more than 1,500kg of amphetamine-type stimulants and heroin in late March and early April but it’s only a minor dent in the relentless supply lines of drugs coming from Myanmar. Photo: Apichit Jinakul of deputy prime minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon, went on to say the government was withholding the information on the drug situation.

The Facebook page also claimed that during the past three months, over two billion speed pills (ya bah) and more than 10 tons of crystal meth (ya ice) was smuggled in, but only one-third of that amount was seized.

Lt Gen Sommai said authorities were working with the neighbouring country to combat illicit drugs and they focused on financial measures.

The Tourist Police Bureau said it was stepping up a campaign to stem trafficking in narcotics during Songkran when 900,000 foreign visitors are expected.

Maj Gen Surachet Hakpal, deputy commissioner, said

the bureau was coordinating closely with other agencies in monitoring tourist groups suspected of being hired to smuggle in drugs.

Meanwhile, three men were arrested and a total of 28 kilograms of heroin with a street value of B100 million seized last Saturday (Apr 7) from a shipment of para rubber pillows destined for Hong Kong at Bangkok’s Khlong Toey port.

Kulit Sombatsiri, the department’s director-general, said that 80 bars of heroin were found in 40 para rubber-made pillows declared by Y&S Solutions Trading Co and bound for Hong Kong.

He said authorities became suspicious when images from an X-ray scanner at the port showed rectangular objects inside the para rubber pillows.

When they cut the pillows

open, they found the drug – two bars hidden in each pillow and each bar weighing about 350 grams.

Three men, one Thai and two from Hong Kong, were detained and handed over to the police Narcotics Suppression Division for questioning.

The company would also face a charge of attempt to smuggle heroin out of the country.

Mr Kulit said the company, which was registered in January this year, would be blacklisted by the Customs Department after the drug haul. Since January this year, the department seized large amounts of illicit drugs worth about B144mn.

Meanwhile, a Thai woman and seven French nationals were rounded up in an antidrug operation in Sydney last week.

The arrest followed a fivemonth probe by authorities to investigate the supply of MDMA, cocaine, LSD, ketamine and cannabis. Seized were 1kg of various illegal d r ugs and $Aus235,000 (B5.65mn) in cash.

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Police bid to revive two Premchai charges BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

Police collect evidence collected at the home of Frenchman Rachid Abdel Kader, 64, in South Pattaya, Chonburi province obn April 5. Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong

Frenchman arrested with porn featuring young Thai girls CHONBURI

THAI AUTHORITIES ACcompanied by American FBI agents arrested Frenchman Rachid Abdel Kader, 64, in Pattaya last Thursday (Apr 5) for alleged possession of pornographic photos and videos of young Thai girls.

Officers from the Department of Special Investigation and local immigration police searched his house on Soi Rung Land in South Pattaya in Bang Lamung district.

They found a large number

of pornographic photographs and videos of Thai girls aged under 18 years on compact disks and in computer files.

Col Songprote Sirisukha, immigration chief in Chonburi, said Kader had spent his retirement in Pattaya for for the last decade.

FBI informed Thai authorities that he had gathered pornographic pictures and videos for members of his group to download.

He was charged with possessing child pornographic media for sexual interest.

Bangkok Post

P

olice submitted a letter of objection to public prosecutors on Tuesday (Apr 10) regarding the indictment against construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta, who has been charged in a suspected poaching incident at a protected wildlife sanctuary.

Deputy police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul led a team of investigators to submit the letter to the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG).

Police proposed earlier that Premchai should be indicted on 11 counts. The Office of Public Prosecution Region 7 last Wednesday (Apr 4) dropped five of them, leaving six in place including the charge of colluding to enter a wildlife sanctuary without permission.

In the letter of objection, police insisted the indictment against Premchai and three others should include the charges of colluding to enter a wildlife sanctuary without permission, colluding

Gen Srivara Ransibrahmanakul and a team of investigators requested the Office of the Attorney-General to reinstate dropped poaching charges against accused construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta (inset). Photo: Pornprom Satrabhaya to smuggle wildlife-poaching equipment into a wildlife sanctuary without permission, and colluding in attempting to hunt wildlife in a wildlife sanctuary without permission.

The officers said they have accepted the prosecutor’s decision to drop the charge of colluding to commit cruelty to wild animals, and the charge of colluding to possess weapons and ammunition.

Gen Srivara said police wanted the prosecutors to

reconsider the charges that had been dropped, particularly that of colluding to enter a wildlife sanctuary without permission, after they studied the regulations regarding entry to national parks by the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department (NPWPCD).

Gen Srivara said previously that although no penalty is stated in the NPWPCD’s regulation, the Ministry of Natural Resources and En-

vironment has already filed a civil suit against Premchai and three other suspects for this offence.

Tharam Chaleechan, deputy spokesman of the OAG, said the attorney-general would make a decision before the final detention period of the suspects in April.

The president of ItalianThai Development Plc and his accomplices were arrested on Feb 4 after reportedly shooting and eating a rare black leopard.

Bangkok school director expelled for taking bribe BANGKOK THE BANGKOK PROvincial education committee on Tuesday (Apr 10) expelled Viroj Samruan from the civil service, effective immediately, for taking a bribe while director of Samsenwittayalai School.

He loses all pension and welfare benefits.

Education permanent secretary Karun Sakulpradit, chairman of the committee, said Viroj was hit with the most severe disciplinary penalty for having received B400,000 in exchange for admitting a student to Mathayom 1 (grade 7) at the school in the 2017 academic year.

The committee’s resolution was unanimous with all six votes in favour. Consequently, Viroj would not receive any benefits from the state, including a pension, Mr Karun said.

He also said two more school officials were also

Viroj Samruan holds a rose as students and former students of Samsenwittayalai School give him moral support in the wake of the bribery scandal at the school in June last year. Photo: Chanat Katanyu under investigation for alleged bribery. The findings would be reported to the Bangkok provincial education committee in the near future.

This incident came to light last June after a parent circulated a video clip showing Viroj receiving the money, allegedly to accept a child into Mathayom 1.

The Office of the Basic

Education Commission set up a committee to look into disciplinary action against him in July.

The committee then transferred Viroj to a temporary position at Secondary Education Service Area Office 1 to ensure the probe was transparent and without interference.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Tarantulas off the menu

A nightmare for some, but spiders a coveted treat in Cambodia CAMBODIA Suy Se

W

hile a plate piled high with hairy tarantulas is the stuff of nightmares for some, these garlic fried spiders are a coveted treat in Cambodia, where the only fear is that they may soon vanish due to deforestation and unchecked hunting.

Taking a bite out of the plump arachnids has become a popular photo-op for tourists who pass through Skun, the central Cambodian town nicknamed “Spiderville” for its massive market of creepy crawlers.

But the bulk of the clientele are locals there to load up on a traditional snack known as “aping” that vendors say is becoming scarce – and more expensive – as rapid development wipes out jungle habitats.

“Aping are famous in Cambodia but now they are not abundant, they have become rare,” Chea Voeun, a tarantula vendor, said from her stall

@thephuketnews

A Cambodian man tucks into a salt and garlic fried tarantula – a c oveted delicacy in the country. Photo: Tang Chhin Sothy / AFP where she sells other fried insects including crickets and scorpions.

Voeun, who has been selling the delicacy for 20 years, used to source the spiders from nearby forests, where hunters dug them out of burrows dotting the jungle floor.

But those trees have since been razed for cashew nut plantations, forcing Voeun and other vendors to rely on middlemen to procure the spiders, which are harvested from faraway

forested provinces.

That has jacked up the price of the tarantulas to $1 (B31.25) a piece, a nearly tenfold spike over the past decade.

For now the price surge is helping line the pockets of vendors who can unload several hundred spiders a day, but they fear that stocks are running low and will kill their businesses in the long-term.

“When the big forests disappear, these spiders will no longer exist,” said seller Lou

Srey Sros.

Locals say the spiders, whose taste has been compared to crab, are best prepared simply: dipped in salt and garlic and then tossed into a pan of sizzling oil.

Tarantulas have been part of the Cambodian diet for generations, prized for their purported medicinal qualities.

But they are believed to have cemented their place on the Cambodian palate during the brutal years under the

Khmer Rouge in the late 1970s.

The Maoist regime forced millions of Cambodians out of the cities and was ultimately responsible for murdering, overworking and starving to death nearly a quarter of the population in its drive to create an agrarian utopia.

Famine pushed many to forage for any sustenance they could find, eating everything from rats to lizards and tarantulas.

While the Khmer Rouge’s devastating rule came to an end in 1979, spiders stayed on the menu.

But the jungles which are home to them are now rapidly disappearing.

Cambodia has one of the fastest deforestation rates in the world, with huge swaths of forest cleared for rubber plantations and timber.

The Southeast Asian country has lost 20% of its forest cover since 1990, according to the conservation NGO Fauna and Flora International (FFI).

It is not just habitat loss but over-harvesting to meet a high demand that is driving the

spiders out of existence, said Tom Gray, director of Science and Global Development for Wildlife Alliance.

“Across Southeast Asia it is unsustainable hunting in our forests rather than direct habitat loss which is causing the biggest impacts on biodiversity,” he said.

The tourist frenzy has helped fuel the tarantula trade, with bus loads of travellers stopping in Skun to taste the unusual snack.

“It just makes me a little bit swimmy because that was not what I would eat at home but I am here so it’s time to try them,” Australian tourist Elisabeth Dark said after taking a bite of a spider leg.

But for many Cambodians, the only fear factor is that the treat will soon run out.

“The next generations may not know about them because these beasts have become so rare, not like before,” lamented vendor Lou Srey Sros.

“As more people clear (forests) to plant cashew nut trees, they will be gone.”

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

A walk on the wild side

New York, where millions of wild animals and 8.5mn humans coexist UNITED STATES Laura Bonilla

F

rom coyotes in the Bronx to red foxes in Queens, raccoons in Manhattan, owls in Brooklyn and deer in Staten Island, wildlife roams the urban jungle of New York.

But coexistence is not always easy between millions of wild animals and 8.5 million humans in a city better known for record-breaking skyscrapers, neon signs and a 24-seven pace of life than for its more than 600 species of wild animals.

And if New Yorkers are animal friendly, their love of wildlife can be challenged when a coyote gobbles up a house pet, a deer chows through tomato plants or a raccoon strews garbage across the street.

Wildlife has been increasing for about 30 years in New York, with its 11,735 hectares of park, where hunting is prohibited and there are few natural predators, says Jason Munshi-South, assistant biology professor at Fordham University.

N e w Yo r k C i t y Park Rangers A. Duran (right) helps wildlife enthusiasts view seals near Orchard Beach in New York. Photo: Laura Bonilla / AFP He studied primates in Borneo and elephants in Gabon, but is now an expert on animal life in the US financial capital, North America’s most populous city.

He estimates that thousands of raccoons live in New York – at least 100 of them in Central Park, together with several thousand deer and 50 nomadic coyotes, mostly in the Bronx, though they sometimes roam elsewhere.

When it comes to marine

life, seals have basked on the rocks of Pelham Bay in the Bronx, and the occasional whale has come up for air in the waters around Queens.

Each spring, the piping plover – considered in New York and several other US states to be an endangered species – begins arriving to nest in Rockaway Beach.

“Even if you haven’t seen a coyote, the coyote has seen you!” park ranger Kayla Mackey, 25, tells a group

of residents at the workshop “living with urban coyotes” in a Bronx park on a recent, cold sunny Sunday.

Mackey explains there is no reason to fear coyotes, which are difficult to spot because they move quietly at night. It is best to keep your distance and not feed them.

If one approaches, she advises people to “act big”.

After the briefing, the group embarks on a long walk in search of coyotes, or at least

their tracks and droppings.

“Coyotes don’t eat humans.

People are not part of their daily diet,” Mackey, binoculars around her neck, tells the accompanying group of children and adults.

“We have to give people tools to better coexist with wildlife. If you don’t know there are 2,000 deer in Staten Island and you drive fairly quickly you’re very likely to hit one of those deer,” explains Richard Simon, director of the city’s wildlife unit.

New York set up the unit in late 2016 and has since implemented a program to sterilise about 95% of the male Staten Island deer population – about 1,100 animals according to Simon’s estimate.

“When there’s trouble, it’s usually people’s fault, not the animals,” says Munshi-South.

“They should be mostly left alone.”

Simon insists that “the city is large enough for both, animals and people”. Sometimes, he says, people call and ask for the animals to be taken “back to nature”.

“But there’s no place to take them to. They live here now,” he insists. If someone gets scared when they see a coyote and call 911, the police are obliged to respond.

They will try to capture it. Some have been killed. A recent city campaign on mass transit featured photos of wild animals next to the strapline “New Yorker” and also urged people not to hand out food.

“There’s no reason to feed a squirrel a hot dog or a pretzel,” says Simon.

Feeding can mean that animals lose their fear of humans. It can also lead to biting. Some raccoons in Central Park can even become aggressive and try to steal food from passers-by.

“Some people are surprised, they tell me ‘oh, I thought we only had rats here’,” says Munshi-South.

“When we’re doing work in the parks in the summer and it’s very hot and there are a lot of mosquitoes it’s actually not that different from the way you feel” in Borneo, he joked.

AFP

A handout photo released by CA Global Partners (CAGP) shows the top of escalators and elevators inside the closed Terminal 1 building at Heathrow Airport. Photo: CAGP / AFP

Heathrow terminal baggage carousel up for auction UNITED KINGDOM FROM BAGGAGE CARousels to airline signs and security scanners, the contents of a Heathrow airport terminal undergoing an upgrade will be auctioned off this month, the sale organisers said last week.

The sale of the contents of Terminal 1, once Europe’s busiest terminal, also includes 110 check-in desks, 1,200 airport seats and nine travelators, CA Global Partners (CAGP) said in a statement.

“A sale such as this, comprising the entire contents

and infrastructure of an entire major airport terminal is unprecedented,” Daniel Gray, managing partner of CAGP Europe.

Gray said some items were “iconic” and had “significant historic value”, while others could be repurposed for different industries.

“There may even be elements of the furnishing that would appeal to nightclubs or other entertainment venues,” he said.

Terminal 1 opened in 1968 and was gradually expanded before closing in 2015 to allow for a major upgrade at Heathrow, which

is Europe’s busiest airport by passenger numbers.

The sale includes 10 giant murals by Polish artist Stefan Knapp, a former pilot in Britain’s Royal Air Force during World War II, that were specially commissioned for the terminal.

The auction is taking place on April 21 in a Heathrow hotel suite.

Heathrow opened as London’s new airport in 1946.

Over 67 million passengers travel through annually on services offered by 90 airlines travelling to over 180 destinations.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Proptech brings cyber risk

Security key challenge for ‘Smart Cities’, IoT homes, developments PROPERTY The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

W

hile Thailand rolls forward with its “Phu ket Sma r t City” project, such “smart cities” in Asia-Pacific must be ready for the cyber security risks that accompany the growing adoption of tech-enabled real estate and infrastructure, notes a new report, “Clicks and Mortar: The Growing Influence of Proptech”.

Commissioned by JLL and authored by start-up community Tech In Asia, the report analyses the convergence of real estate and technology in 13 markets across the region and the ways that emerging technologies are being applied to connect urban real estate, infrastructure and services.

Smart city initiatives are being implemented worldwide with many high profile examples in Asia-Pacific: • India has announced its intention to transform 100 municipalities with its Smart Cities Mission.

• More than 500 cities in China have started their smart transformation.

• Japan and Korea already boast smart city projects.

• Singapore is progressing its Smart Nation vision, which was launched in 2014.

• In late 2017, Thailand unveiled a plan to include four more cities in its smart city pilot project – Bangkok and three cities in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC); Chonburi, Rayong and Chaochengsao – in addition to Phuket, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen. The country also aims to develop 100 smart cities countrywide in two decades.

• On 18 March 2018, a US$23 million (B718.38mn) Asean-Australian investment fund was announced to support smart cities in Southeast Asia.

Albert Ovidi, JLL Asia Pacific COO, notes, “Proptech is a key tool in the future development of cities and we in the real estate business have a vital role to play, particularly in smart property development and management. Digital infrastructure investment is increasingly important for cities to create more liveable environments and attract and retain the best talent.

“But considering the region’s acceleration in the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and high reliance on data @thephuketnews

‘Proptech is a key tool in the future development of cities and we in the real estate business have a vital role to play, particularly in smart property development and management,’ says JLL Asia Pacific COO Albert Ovidi. collection and analysis, it’s imperative for smart cities to develop effective safeguards against cyber risk,” he adds.

Potential pitfalls According to the report, as the real estate industry becomes more technologically advanced, it has increased exposure to such risks. Though many proptech start-ups service the residential market, the commercial sector is not immune. In fact, property owners and tenants face pressures due to the rise of smart buildings where they have building management systems on their smart phones.

“Many of the exciting innovations being developed in the proptech sector, such as smart home controls or drones for property management, have the potential to improve user experience, and save time, money and energy,” says George Thomas, JLL Asia Pacific CIO. “As a firm, we are committed to harnessing the latest technology to provide new products and services for our clients. But we also have to consider the implications of data security and privacy as the sector evolves,” he adds.

“Across Asia Pacific, China and India are the two most dynamic markets for proptech, surpassing other markets in the region. Looking at Southeast Asia, the proptech sector is much younger and smaller compared with two giants like China and India,” a source at JLL’s Asia Pacific office told The Phuket News this week.

“Echoing the regional trend, brokerage and leasing is the most pioneering vertical.

These proptech start-ups serve as the channel or marketplace

between brokers, property owners and purchasers. These marketplaces are primarily focused on residential property and one of the most common list and search portals include PropertyGuru of Singapore,” the source added.

“Within the SEA region, Singapore is the obvious leader of proptech with its supportive start-up eco-system. However, it is limited by the size of its market and population.

“Other countries like Thailand also have local property search portals but their scalability remains largely unproven given limited product sophistication and relatively underdeveloped markets,” the source cautioned.

“The primary challenge seems to be changing consumers’ habits. Even in a more developed market like Singapore, getting people to make decisions on highvalue assets like property with minimal human interaction remains difficult.

“Notably, we’ve observed that some start-ups have begun using Blockchain to allow homebuyers to complete transactions directly with homeowners. To combat the cyber security risks, we believe that governments in the region will start to work towards reinforcing domestic information systems security, collaborating with international partners for intelligence sharing, improving threat identification, and protecting critical infrastructure.

“As mentioned in our press release, the convergence of Blockchain and IoT (BIoT) may be one solution. BIoT is expected to unleash a new range of services and businesses, among which smart

The ‘Clicks and Mortar: The Growing Influence of Proptech’ report analyses the convergence of real estate and technology in 13 markets across the region. buildings and homes would benefit. BIoT would allow real-time access to data from sensors, with Blockchain offering protection.

“Most impor tantly, it would build trust, reduce time and accelerate transactions,” the source concluded.

BIoT – a new technology to combat risks?

Along with the continued development of advanced proptech tools, cyber policy initiatives are underway across the region, as governments work towards reinforcing domestic information systems

security, collaborating with international partners for intelligence sharing, improving threat identification, and protecting critical infrastructure, noted the report.

In what could be one of the most impressive tech trends in 2018, the convergence of Blockchain and IoT (BIoT) may be one solution to combating cyber risks. BIoT is expected to unleash a new range of services and businesses, among which smart buildings and homes would benefit. BIoT would allow real-time access to data from sensors, with Blockchain offering protection.

Most importantly, it would build trust, reduce time and accelerate transactions, it adds.

“As the proptech space evolves there are huge opportunities for real estate owners and occupiers,” notes Mr Ovidi.

“Smarter cities and workplaces bring incredible prospective value. But in order to reap their full benefits, we have to prioritise systemic resiliency to ensure we manage the potential risks.”

12 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Too old for healthcare?

Expats push for health insurance for retirees INSURANCE Chris Husted execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

A

handful of retired Swedish expats living in Phuket, Hua Hin, Bangkok and Udon Thani, and elsewhere in the country, are on the forefront of a project to push for health insurance coverage for retirees living or staying long-term in Thailand.

The initial aim was for the Swedish government to provide at least state-subsidised healthcare insurance for expat retirees in Thailand to the same level of coverage that the retirees are entitled to in Sweden and while living anywhere in Europe, explains long-term Phuket expat Bo Jonsson, who serves as Chair of the Thailand Federation of Swedish Associations, known simply “SAMS”, the acronym for its name in Swedish.

“The push was also aimed at providing healthcare coverage for Swedish nationals who spend long-term stays in Thailand, flitting between Thailand and Sweden on a regular or annual basis, but who are still registered residents in Sweden, since travel insurances do neither usually cover contagious deceases nor illnesses already under treatment in the home country,” he notes.

The move further hopes to provide some relief to the Thai government hospitals spending millions of baht each year providing medical care to foreigners staying in Thailand. Last year Vachira Phuket Hospital alone revealed that it is spending about B10 million a year on treating foreigners with no medical insurance, Mr Jonsson adds.

However, the movement

In terms of healthcare insurance coverage, just getting older can leave in you the cold.

Retiree expats in Thailand are leading a charge to change that. Photo: qimono has since gained widespread traction and now through Bangkok Insurance Brokers Co Ltd (BIB) CFO Eric Dohlon is aiming to gain enough support to launch healthcare policy coverage for all retirees in Thailand.

BIB cooperates with 18 Thai-registered insurance companies, Mr Dohlon noted.

“We will initially choose one insurance company to issue the group policy. When there is sufficient volume of members, more companies will be asked to join,” he said.

“Regardless of how many insurance companies are involved, the premiums and benefits will be the same between all companies,” he adds.

Mr Dohlon pointed out that reaching 1,000 names in support of the policy was a critical factor – now easily surpassed with the policy garnering more than 2,000

names in support as of Tuesday this week (April 10).

“This allows the insurance company actuary (the risk calculator) to spread the claims risk over a relatively large number and drop the premiums to a very affordable level. If we have less than 1,000 names, the actuary is obligated to offer the same health benefits at a much higher premium rate,” Mr Dohlon explained.

The policy to be proposed at this stage is aimed at costing no more than B25,000 a year, or about B2,000 a month.

IN THE COLD “Retirees either cannot get any healthcare insurance, or they cannot afford it,” Mr Jonsson states plainly.

Fellow SAMS member Bjorn Bergsten from Ayutthaya adds he cannot buy any health insurance because he has had cancer.

“I have contacted several insurance companies, both Thai and international ones,” he says.

“Also many Swedes have been working abroad for decades, and now have retired here to Thailand,” Mr Jonsson says, adding that Swedes while working abroad had healthcare insurance provided through their employer or through private or public insurance, but as soon as they retired they risked having no coverage at all.

“If they were able to, they continued the insurance coverage they had, but many had to take out new more expensive policies,” he says.

“Once you are over 70, health insurance becomes very expensive,” Mr Jonsson notes.

“One company recently offered to provide me a policy for 700 euros (about B26,900) a month. That’s ridiculous!” he laughs.

LONG FIGHT SAMS has long been fighting to highlight the issue.

The group has already been formally recognised by the Swedish government as a legitimate group representing Swedish nationals living in Thailand, and has been in direct correspondence with the Minister of Social Affairs in Sweden about the issue.

But the dialog ue has stalled.

“It is a technocratic issue within Sweden as no bureaucrat there knows how to handle the problem,” Mr Jonsson explains.

“This is because healthcare in Sweden is mainly provided – and funded – by each province which each pay for their own government hospitals by levying taxes.

“However, this is done only through the help of the national government, which subsidises the provincial hospitals – and this is where we are focussing on.”

The issue is not new to Sweden. Through international agreements, Swedish statefunded healthcare has long been supported throughout the European Union (EU).

The Swedish Government has already conducted a study about the issue. The study was called “The Security Systems & International Mobility”, but that study was limited to only within the EU. “We are calling for the government to rightly extend the scope of this understanding to beyond the EU,” Mr Jonsson explains.

“For example, with the Brexit situation, the Swedish Government is looking into the effects of using an earlier convention with the UK to ensure that the reciprocal healthcare arrangements be-

tween Sweden and the UK are maintained just as they were when the UK was still a full EU member,” Olof Fagerström in Hua Hin adds.

“Thousands of Swedish nationals are still working and paying for their public health insurance, but are not entitled to anything while they are out here. Retirees pay the same taxes as when in Europe and we want at least something, namely subsidised healthcare for the taxes we pay even when living outside the EU,” Mr Fagerström points out.

“We also want the coverage to be available to people regardless of the their medical history, and this is why it should be the government supporting this – not only private companies – just like (former US President) Obama called for,” he adds.

BEYOND THEMSELVES Meanwhile, SAMS members understand their position, their longevity and that fact that governments do not implement new policies overnight.

“We’re working on just the possibility that a convention might be finally introduced, and we understand that at the least this could take two to three years.” Mr Jonsson notes.

“But eventually we don’t want this just for Swedes. This is for everyone,” he adds.

SA MS member Kjell Nyström points out that as of 2014 more than 227,000 foreigners in Thailand applied for long-term permits to stay (“visa extensions”) each year.

“We are calling for retirees of all nationalities, likely to number more than 60,000 (as of 2014), to join our cause.

They will know what it’s like, too. Many of them are in exactly the same situation.”

Mr Nyström concludes.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Stargazer is seeking brightest local talent

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

14

Part two of our look at the history of Songkran

15

TAKE A BOW MAI KHAO! This quiet corner of northwest Phuket has a natural charm that provides some serene cycling scenery Guests at Anantara Mai Khao Phuket take a rickshaw tour of the resort’s beautifully designed grounds. Photo: Anantara

BLAZING SADDLES

T

Baz Daniel

he Mai Khao region in Phuket’s northwest has long been home to breeding Andaman sea turtles, plus an abundance of other species of flora and fauna, although “Homo Touristicus” remained noticeable by its absence until just a few years ago. Nowadays that’s all changed as a gathering influx of tourists and residents discover this formerly quiet corner of Phuket. However, the opportunities for unhurried, trafficfree cycling in beguiling surroundings is certainly still a major draw-card for Phuket’s lycra louts.

Peace and quiet are becoming rare in Phuket and are now found only in a few quieter corners, of which Mai Khao is definitely one. Here there’s still a reminder of our tropical island as it used to be. The sand stretches for kilometres, palms sway in the breeze and the sea is begging for you to swim.

Mai Khao remained undeveloped and largely ignored by tourists as late as the turn of the millennium and only two vi@thephuketnews

sionaries seemed to see any potential in “White Tree Beach”… one reptilian and the other human.

Leatherback and green sea turtles have laid their eggs on Mai Khao since time immemorial… literally so, since leatherbacks, which can weigh up to 700 kilograms, have been around for at least 150 million years.

The second Mai Khao visionary was one William Ellwood Heinecke, Chairman of Minor Group, who in partnership with the Marriott Group opened the JW Marriott on Mai Khao in 2002.

While seeing the great potential of Mai Khao, Bill Heinecke was also alive to the need to conserve the unspoiled environment, as this was a major attraction to visitors and one that would become increasingly compromised in Phuket as unregulated development proceeded.

Minor Group’s own developments by contrast were built with utmost care for the natural environment and Bill Heinecke instigated educational programs and the famous Mai Khao Turtle Foundation which became part of the ethos of his Mai Khao resorts and which continues to this day.

We had the pleasure of staying at another Bill Heinecke development, the gorgeous Anantara Resort, meaning lit-

erally “without end” in Sanskrit, which is dedicated to introducing its guests to the delights of Thai culture which Heinecke clearly reveres. Heinecke’s favourite architect/designer Bill Bensley worked his creative magic in landscaping and designing the gorgeous pool-villas spread around the verdant grounds and lagoons, complemented by wooden walkways, fountains and even splashing ducks who inhabit their very own “Duck Pool Villa”.

Complementing the luxury resort’s inviting accommodation is a host of services and facilities of the highest standard and for visitors who enjoy pedalling there’s even a cycling program that takes guests around the local area with guides and bikes provided.

We opted to cycle around the lakes of Mai Khao in the evening, spotting mudbathing water buffalo and fat monitor lizards waddling about the banks. Then we cycled out onto the highway and turned left up towards Sarasin Bridge, keeping well into the side of the road shoulder to stay clear of the hurtling traffic. The old Sarasin Bridge stands below the new busy traffic lanes and provides a pleasant picnic and promenading spot for locals – the views across the expansive estuary to the west and

into Phang Nga Bay to the east are glorious.

Back in the Anantara’s fabulous west-facing beach bar overlooking Mai Khao and their beautiful casuarinafringed grounds we sipped our cooling drinks. We then enjoyed the most fabulous seafood supper sitting on the outdoor terrace of Anantara’s Sea.Fire.Salt restaurant – replete with a Salt Library, a Salt Sommelier and incredibly succulent seafood prepared and served on blocks of Himalayan salt. The outdoor fire-juggling show added a pyrotechnical touch of brilliance to the already magical conclusion to our ride and reiterated how very special this corner of Phuket is.

So, take a bow Mai Khao.

“Bicycling” Baz Daniel fell off his first bicycle aged three... a case of love at first slight. Since then he has spent a further 65 years falling on and off bicycles all over the world, but his passion endures.

When not in traction, he found time to become Senior VP of the world’s largest advertising and communications group, finally retiring to Phuket in 2006. He has been penning his Blazing Saddles column, chronicling his cycling adventures in Phuket and beyond, since 2013.

14 EVENTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Local acts will shine at Stargazer

Phuket talent contest’s 4th annual edition open to aspiring performers The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

T

he 4th annual “Stargazer” Phuket Talent Contest proudly presented by CC’s Hideaway is fast approaching and organisers are putting out the call for Phuket to expats and Thai community who want to put their talents to the test.

This unique contest brings together a wide range of singers, bands, dancers, acrobats and actors who will compete to be crowned the winner by spectators and the official judges.

This year, the first place winner/s will receive a whopping B35,000 in prize money as well as a Stargazer trophy, second place will receive B20,000 and third place will receive B10,000.

There is also the “People’s Choice” award that is chosen by the audience, with the winner receiving special prizes from Stargazer’s community partners and sponsors.

Past Stargazer winners include the “Same Size Crew” BBOYS in 2015; “Khun Maatam Rapter”, a singer with a delightful female voice from Chiang Mai who took first place in 2016; and the “Spectrum” dance team who triumphed in 2017. This year promises to bring together the most talented performers that Phuket has to offer for

Singers, bands, dancers, acrobats and any other performers are encouraged to register for Stargazer 2018. a fantastic night of music, dance and more.

The goal of Stargazer is to create an opportunity for individuals and groups to perform and promote their unique talents in front of a live audience. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun and cheer on their favourite contestant at this year’s Stargazer competition, which will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at 7pm at CC’s Hideaway Hotel in Kata.

A four person judging panel will officially rate each performance, but of

course, the fifth and perhaps the most important judge is you, the audience members! Each guest can purchase a Star sticker and throughout the course of the night they can award it to their favourite contestant. The People Choice award is determined by the total number of Star Stickers each performer receives. The points of the judges and spectators will be combined to determine the overall winners on the night.

In the final round, the top five participants will compete for the coveted title of “Stargazer 2018”. Each of the top

five contestants will have the opportunity for a second performance, with the judges then tasked to determine the “Stargazer 2018” winner. Similarly, the ratings are displayed and the audience can again chooses their favourite.

Besides promoting the best entertainers that Phuket has to offer, CC’s Hideaway is committed to assisting and supporting the local Thai community live a healthier life. A portion of the revenue generated from Stargazer will be donated to the Life Home Project Foundation whose mission is to offer children and women who are affected or infected with HIV/AIDS live a more dignified life, prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in Phuket and Thailand and fight against the stigmatization of people living with HIV/AIDS. This event is open to all of those who are looking for a unique and entertaining experience as well as assisting those who are in need of help.

To request an entry form please contact the email address listed below and please remember to submit a short biography, a photo and a link to a video of one of your previous performances.

Participants aged 13 and over can participate and applications are accepted until April 14. For more information and to request a entry from please contact: stargazer@ccshideaway.com or call 076 333 222.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CULTURE 15

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Wearing colourful clothes and ritually pouring water over the hands of senior family members are the hallmarks of modern Songkran celebrations. Photos: Zion Gallery

Songkran then and now: Part Two A look back at the history of Thailand’s New Year celebrations ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

I

n All About Buddhism last week, we discussed the Prince of Charity as well as a man who antagonised him named Chuchok. The Buddha lived as the Prince of Charity in a past life just prior to the life in which he would reign as Buddha. The Prince of Charity is celebrated for giving away all of his possessions to the poor. Mr Chuchok bought the prince’s children but mistreated them, which makes him a bad person.

Yet, some Thai people pay reverence to Chuchok’s image because they have forgotten the finer details of the story. Historically, Thai people reenacted this story once a year in an annual festival that was dedicated to Prince Vessantara. Perhaps nowhere in Thailand was this festival more vibrant than in Isarn. Here, this story was preserved on long scrolls that would be donated once a year and guests were sent for by special dispatch. The scrolls usually were crafted anonymously.

Prior to the festival, the village would receive an immaculate cleaning.

Rows of Thai Buddhist flags bearing the symbol of the “Wheel of Law” lined the main thorough-fair and ornamental dress was commissioned for all the villagers. Old men weaved bamboo baskets and old women rolled handmade cigarettes, betel nut chews and rice balls: each numbering 1,000.

As the scrolls are donated once a year, the basic story has largely stayed intact. The scrolls are not read to simply recite the story, but rather to invite the prince and his family back into the world of the living. The sacred act of posting the scroll beckoned the prince’s spirit. The temple would become his palace for the two-day festival. Special boundaries would be laid-out in the temple where Mara, the Buddhist devil, could not enter.

In antiquity, the scrolls were rather black and white. Long candles were donated by households, bamboo stages were brought in that would be lavishly decorated and special floats were made by hand. Each house commissioned a handmade plate and elephants were @thephuketnews

sometimes used for re-enactments.

Special food was also baked, particularly khao tom mat, a sweet treat.

Women carried flowers. Men beat the village drum. Boys played music on mouth organs. Onlookers wailed in unselfconscious displays of pure emotion. Ribbons of good luck were tied on the villagers’ wrists. Junior monks facing each other simultaneously read in rapid verse. Holy water in a sacred tub called ang nammon was on hand, as well as another tub containing turtles and fish.

Back then, the festival could be during the week, so the date was planned far-ahead and the long reading of The Prince of Charity could take up to 24 hours (services sometimes started at four in the morning).

As the story goes, Prince Vessentara had accrued the merit of 500 good previous lifetimes and the Thai Buddhist view of perfect generosity leading to karmic success comes from this 13-chapter story. This is because he endured the ruin of his entire family in a selfless act of pure charity.

The story is still crafted on handmade scrolls, but Thai people probably won’t tell you who the craftsman was.

However, sometimes you can figure it out from particular spelling features.

Moreover, Laotian scrolls can be spotted by a layperson based on alphabetic differences.

Alas, a lot is changing. Many ancient Buddhist texts were not saved and many other service items became the trinkets of private collectors; so this part of Thai culture has largely been hidden from the West. Moreover, many of Isarn’s traditional wooden buildings are being obliterated in favour of concrete. Nowadays, Buddhist stories are often abbreviated. Additionally, the Western work-week has arrived; so what was once a great spectacle now is only a shorter weekend affair.

Loud-speakers and microphones have replaced hand-crafted platforms and ornaments. Black and white has given way to full colour. The artwork is often no longer gender specific, as it once was and the new texts are far more graphic. However, the biggest change is a pronounced drop in temple attendance. So, the great Buddhist stories are fading and that’s why some people pay homage to the wrong image, even though their intentions are good.

As F Scott Fitzgerald might say, changing times bring changing traditions. So, we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

All About Buddhism is a monthly column in The Phuket News where I take readers on my exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism. If you have any specific queries, or ideas for articles, please let us know. Email editor1@ classactmedia.co.th and we will do our best to accommodate your interests.

Water play is central to modern Songkran celebrations.

16 PETS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

It’s ok, my dog is friendly!

Just because he’s friendly, doesn’t mean he can’t start a fight by mistake UNLEASHED Russell D Russell russelldrussell@gmail.com

P

icture the scene: You’re out enjoying a walk with your dog, when up ahead, is an outof-control dog that’s heading towards you at pace. Some way further back is an owner shouting “It’s ok, he’s friendly, he just wants to play!” Seriously, it drives me crazy. When I hear that statement, it immediately tells me that the likelihood of this owner being able to recall their dog is slim. The old “It’s ok, he’s friendly” line, is often code for “I have no control over my dog!”

It is also worth mentioning that in some such incidences, owners are often misinterpreting signals and their dogs are actually not being friendly. However, for the sake of argument, I’ll give the owner the benefit of the doubt and agree that their dog is indeed just super friendly. But why should that matter?

Because it fails to address the obvious problem: What if my dog doesn’t want to play? And what if my dog isn’t friendly?

People very often mistake “friendly” for “social” and think it’s the same

Friendly play can quickly turn nasty if one or both dogs haven’t been properly socialised. Photo: R Russell thing, but they are actually two very different things. A social dog, may or may not be friendly. And equally, a friendly dog may, or may not, be social.

In simple terms, look at this way. You’re out for an evening with some friends, having a few drinks, enjoying yourselves and each other’s company. Then out of nowhere, that one super drunk person piles on in and spoils the party – being loud, obnoxious, overly flirtatious and maybe even getting a bit “handsy”.

Now, they may just be being “friendly”, but they are clearly not being “social”.

This is the human equivalent of your dog running up to another one and jumping all over them. That’s right, your dog, is that drunk idiot in the bar!

Of course, you don’t need me to explain how these human situations can unfold, and as such, you can extrapolate from that just how it may unfold in canine situations. Simply stating that your dog is “friendly and just wants to play

and would never bite another dog” is incredibly naive. You may be right – but if your dog isn’t picking up on social cues from the other dogs, he could very well start a fight quite by accident. And make no mistake, even if the other dog appears to be the aggressor, this may still be your dog’s fault.

Social dogs can deal with their environment and its distractions in a calm manner and disengage from it when required. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely want our dogs to be free and enjoy themselves and I certainly do want them to engage and play with other dogs. But it’s more important for our dogs to learn some social cues (the same social cues you would teach your kids) so they can operate safely and sensibly, and understand when dog A wants to play, and dog B does not. If you find yourself on the receiving end of another owner shouting, “It’s ok, he’s friendly” – then prepare yourself, and your dog, for anything. And if you’re the one doing the shouting, and don’t have the ability to recall your dog, then put him on a leash.

If you would like more information on canine training, or behavioural issues, please to contact us on 091 654 1960, email info@k9pointacademy.com, or check our website k9pointacademy.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EDUCATION 17

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Gateway to

success BISP attracts admissions officers from leading global universities BISP

I

t’s not just tourists coming to Phuket in record numbers each year, so are university admission officers. In this academic year British International School, Phuket has welcomed admission officers from over 150 institutions from 18 different countries. This is the highest number of admission officers to come to BISP in the history of the school. In addition to BISP, many of these representatives also hosted sessions at United World College Thailand (UWCT) and other international schools on the island. Phuket has been discovered by universities. Students living in Phuket are fortunate to have so many opportunities to meet with admission representatives.

@thephuketnews

On April 5, admission officers from Harvard University, Stanford University, Dartmouth College and Wellesley College were at BISP, and spoke to students in Years 10, 11 and 12. This is the first time that representatives from Harvard and Stanford, which are both top-ranked universities, have come to the island. Not only did students hear about these world-class US universities, but younger students were also able to learn what they needed to do now in order to increase their chances of being admitted to a highly selective university later.

Why do universities, some of which are already rejecting up to 95% of applications, travel around the world to meet with students? They do it to educate students and counsellors about their institution, selective admissions process and college admissions

Admissions officers from leading US universities Harvard, Stanford, Wellesley and Dartmouth speaking BISP senior students during a university admission information session at the school on April 5. procedures in general. The university admissions process can be overwhelming and confusing, especially for students applying to the US and these visits help to demystify it.

Universities also travel so they can encourage a diverse and talented group of students to apply. Less well-known colleges and universities come to Phuket partly to increase their name recognition. Selective universities travel to encourage a future Nobel prize winner to consider their institution.

While international schools like BISP have a robust university counselling program with experienced counsellors, students at other schools may not have access to a knowledgeable counsellor. Visits by admission officers can help bridge this gap. When meeting a university representative, students should use them – pick their

brains, ask the tough questions. Admission officers are sincere when they say they want to help students navigate the admissions process. While they will happily tell you about their institution, they will also answer questions about admissions in general.

Phuket students are fortunate to have opportunities to meet with admission officers. The 2017 September Phuket University Fair, which was hosted by BISP, welcomed over 100 colleges and universities and was open to the wider Phuket community. The 2018 Phuket University Fair, which will once again be hosted by BISP, has been confirmed for Monday, September 24 and will again be open to the Phuket community. It promises to provide more opportunities for students in Phuket to learn about higher education options.

18 ISLAND SCENE

Sumi and Christine

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

David and O.B.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF PATONG BEACH HOSTS ‘CARIBBEAN SUN SPLASH’ The Rotary Club of Patong Beach held its “Caribbean Sun Splash” gala dinner and fundraising event last Saturday (Apr 7) to benefit the children of Phuket. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous Caribbean buffet dinner, welcome drinks, an entertainment extravaganza featuring EKA Soundz, plus Latin DJs with salsa and fire dancers. This event was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Wicky Sundram (left), Executive Director of Phuket Boat Lagoon with Live 89.5’s Jason Wilder.

From left: Nadine Oliver and Linda Overman.

LIVE 89.5 LIVE BROADCAST AT BOAT LAGOON WEEKEND BEATS & BITES DJ Jason Wilder and the Live 89.5 crew held a live broadcast from Phuket Boat Lagoon’s Weekend Beats & Bites event last Friday (Apr 6) . The monthly Weekend Beats & Bites features a host of delicious dining options, a DJ spinning tunes and fun activities for the whole family.

Founding members of the Phuket Oilfield Classic took to the stage to mark the 10th anniversary of the event.

Players enjoy a meal at the post-competition dinner and awards ceremony.

GOLFING FOR A GREAT CAUSE AT THE PHUKET OILFIELD CLASSIC 2018 The 2018 Phuket Oilfield Classic, the 10th edition of the popular event, was held at from Thursday to Sunday last week (Apr 5-8) with rounds played at Laguna Golf Phuket and Blue Canyon Country Club. The event gathers members of the oil and gas industry from all over the world and raises money to support local charities. This year the event raised B254,000 for the charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us. This event was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Junior students pose with Silvain Gilbert (centre, rear).

KIS students and teachers pose for a group photo after Mr Gilbert’s talk.

HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR VISITS KIS SCHOOL TO TELL STUDENTS HIS STORY Kajonkiet International School (KIS) welcomed Silvain Gilbert, a Holocaust survivor, last Tuesday (Apr 3). Mr Gilbert shared his story with students, parents and staff of KIS. The audience was deeply moved by his words and his message of tolerance and acceptance of others. It was an honour and a humbling experience for all who attended. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

These lucky comedy fans won tickets to the show from our Live 89.5 radio promotion.

The event drew Bill Bailey fans from all over the island.

COMEDY FANS OUT IN FORCE FOR BILL BAILEY AT MARRIOTT MERLIN BEACH Hundreds of people filled the ballroom at the Marriott Merlin Beach in Patong last Monday (April 9) to see English comedian Bill Bailey perform with his signature mix of musical virtuosity, surreal tangents and intelligent observations. The show was organised as part of the Magners International Comedy Festival and proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Teams from seven schools went head to head in the cooking competition.

The winning team from HeadStart pose with the celebrity chefs.

QSI HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL CULINARY COMPETITION AND FOOD FARE Eight teams from seven schools competed to recreate a dish prepared by a celebrity chef as well as cooking their own signature dish. This year’s judges and celebrity chefs were Iron Chef Noi from Suay Restaurant, Chef Martin from Taste, Chef Becky from The Pavilions and Chef Patrick from Thong Dee. This year’s winner were: Headstart 1st place, KIS 2nd Place and QSI Phuket 3rd Place. This event was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News, Live 89.5 and Novosti Phuketa.

The event featured a host of different race categories.

Managing Director Barrie Buck (left) with some valued clients of SGS.

THAILAND SUP FESTIVAL DRAWS COMPETITORS TO BANG TAO BEACH The Thailand SUP Festival, the biggest Stand Up Paddleboard event in Thailand, was held last Saturday (Apr 7) at Lux Beach Club on Bang Tao Beach. The fantastic event featured technical races, sprints and relays, fun races for kids and families, SUP Yoga and lots of great prizes. This event was proudly sponsored by The Phuket News and Live 89.5.

The SGS Security Guard team.

SGS SECURITY GUARD LTD HOSTS 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY There was perfect weather for the competition at Bang Tao Beach. @thephuketnews

SGS Security Guard Ltd celebrated its 10 year anniversary with a party in The Lounge at Thanyapura last Thursday (Apr 5). SGS Managing Director Barrie Buck and his team welcomed guests for fun night of drinks and food. Well done to Barrie and the team at SGS, here’s to another 10 years and beyond.

20 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

13 APR

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Songkran Pool Party @ Crowne Plaza Phuket Panwa Beach April 13 is Songkran’s day, so get wet ‘n’ wild at our fantastic pool party. Experience fresh seafood on the ice including oysters, prawns, and New Zealand mussels.

Followed by sumptuous grilled meats and much more.

Complete the delightful meal at the dessert stations serving both Thai and international favorites. The party atmosphere is enhanced with a Live Band and Live DJ. Price: B1,500++ per person from 12pm to 4pm. Special promotion: Come 3 Pay 2! For reservations email: fb@crowneplazaphuket.com or call 076 302 900.

14 APR

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

BBQ Buffet on Saturday Night Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com

GET WET - XANA Songkran Festival The biggest Songkran Water Festival in Bang Tao Beach, Phuket with a foam party! Celebrate Songkran Festival, the funnest party ever, from noon to midnight at XANA Beach Club with a great line-up of DJ’s. Lots of fun activities, foam party, rain shower on the beach, special shows and our signature food and beverage available from 12pm onwards. For more information: xanabeachclub.com/event/get-wet-at-xana-songkranfestival-on-friday-13-april-2018/

SUN

15 APR

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Healthy Vegan Buffet at DiLite Restaurant Come to Thanyapura’s DiLite Restaurant to enjoy a healthy vegan buffet every Monday to Saturday. Lunch: 12pm to 3pm Dinner: 6pm to 8:30pm. Price: Lunch B350 and Dinner B550. Information and bookings call 076 336 000 or visit: thanyapura.com/hotel/dining/

Songkran Thai Dinner Buffet Celebrate the magic of Songkran, Thailand’s New Year, with our tempting Thai dinner buffet at The Andaman Kitchen. This fantastic festive feast includes well-known dishes from all four corners of Thailand!

The evening will be accompanied by traditional Thai performances and Serng Pong-Lang dance. Reservations, Marriott Resort Phuket, Naiyang Beach. Email: hktnb.restaurant@marriott.com or call 076 625 555.

Phuket Bike Week 2018

Happy Songkran Fest @ Anantara

PHUKET BIKE WEEK 2018 “World Ride Together”.

This legendary event in Asia will celebrate its 24th anniversary over April 11-21, 2018. The excitement will take place in Patong Beach from April 11-14 and in Phuket Boat Lagoon from April 20-21. The event highlights include Motorcycle Exhibition and Grand Dinner, Miss Phuket Bike Week Competition, Custom Bike and Tattoo Contest, Bike Parades “Ride for Peace”, “Green Road” Prevent Global Warming, Music Festival and Party and bike accessories and apparel for sale. Patong Beach and Phuket Boat Lagoon. Contact info@phuketbikeweek.com or call 081 691 9346.

Festive Thai New Year celebrations by the beach.

Celebrate Songkran in style with an evening full of entertainment and epicurean experiences. From predinner drinks to a Thai inspired seafood barbecue buffet. Revel in the fire and flair of live cooking stations, featuring an unrivaled bounty, brimming with the Andaman’s freshest fish and seafood and even a whole sucking pig. With myriad mouthwatering food options as well as a live DJ, traditional Thai performances and fire dance, this new year will surely be one to remember. Reservations at Beach Lawn at Anantara Maikhao, Phuket call: 076 336 100.

throw our Executive Chef into the pool! Price: B1,950 net per person includes free flow fruit juices and soft drinks, B2,850 net per person includes free flow of selected beverages. For reservations contact Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com or call 076 231 234 ext. 5106.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

Come and join us along the shores of the Andaman Sea for an unforgettable experience of freshest seafood, generous selections of BBQ items, tempting desserts and delicious drinks At Cosmo Restaurant from 06.30 pm – 10.00 pm Price 1,950 THB for adults and 975 THB for children under 12 For further information and reservation, please contact +66 76 380 200 or fbreservation@thenaiharn.com.

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/ TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

MON

16 APR

Traditional Sunday Roast Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

The Pool Linner at Hyatt Regency Revolutionizing Phuket’s Brunch scene, here is how you brunch Hyatt Regency Phuket style! Wake up late or get active early, then spend your entire Sunday afternoon relaxing, dining and indulging by the pool, in great company or solo! Features: Six hours of freeflow beverages and buffet by the pool; Tunes by our resident DJ & live music; Complimentary shoulder & neck massages; Exciting kids’ entertainment; And a lucky draw. Take part in our Charity Auction to support Phuket’s unprivileged children, with the chance to

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WED

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

18 APR

FOR THE FOOD STAY FOR THE FUN! Reservations: Call us directly at Two Chefs Kata Center 076 330 065, Kata Beach 076 333 370, Karon 076 286 479 or Patong 076 344 914.

be served afterwards. Please register your attendance

by April 20. Australian Consulate-General Phuket and Phuket Yacht Club. Email: phuket@daft.gov.au

THU

26 APR Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand 2018 – The National Final

PIWC Luncheon - April 2018 At Les Diables, Boat Lagoon. Peter is going to serve us his famous High Tea. If you missed it last year this is your chance to join and taste. Registration starts at 11:30am. RSVP to: info@phuketiwc.com

Sala Wednesday nights ribs, beats, brews.

Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished it off with a bread and butter pudding.

DJQ will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews. Full Rack set B1,600, Half Rack set B1,200, bucket of craft brews B800. Reservations, SALA Phuket Resort and Spa. Email: events@sala phuket.com or call 076 338 888.

FRI

20 APR

Coffee get-together @ Kamala After two successful coffee get-togethers at Cape Sienna Hotel’s Sienna Rocks we have decided to make it a permanent feature every 4th Thursday! Come along on Thursday, April 26 to Sienna Rocks at Cape Sienna Hotel in Kamala. Starts at 10am – meet downstairs.

Contact Janet: 097 171 4309 or info@phuketiwc.com

FRI

Asian Night Market Buffet on Wednesday Night Come and enjoy a culinary journey through South East Asia. Sample from our bustling night market stands with an array of sumptuous dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Cambodia and much more. At Cosmo Restaurant from 7pm to 10pm. Price: B1,450 for adults and B725 for children under 12. For further information and reservations please call 076 380 200 or email: fbreservation@thenaiharn.com

THU

19 APR

SAT

21 APR

World Cup League @ BISP Term 3

Don’t miss out on our newest, exciting weekly event at Two Chefs. Come and join us for our special Flambé 300g Australian grass-fed rib eye steak served with a creamy peppercorn sauce, roasted vegetable medley and potato gratin for ONLY B495. Have a sweet tooth?

Treat yourself to the Two Chefs banana flambé served with vanilla ice cream for ONLY B95. Sit back and enjoy one of our drink specials as you listen to the famous Two Chefs band performing all your favorite retro hits and more! Live music starts from 8pm and goes late at all of our Two Chefs locations. Reservations are highly recommended. You can book on our website at WWW.TWOCHEFS.COM or find us on Facebook at WWW.FACEBOOK/TWOCHEFSTHAILAND/ COME

@thephuketnews

Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival 2018 Get your grub and groove on at Laguna Phuket Food & Music Festival 2018, April 27-29 at Laguna Grove.

Gate opens from 4pm. Entry is free to a wide range of food booths selling international and Peranakan cuisine from top restaurants, authentic Phuket fare by tourism community groups, dining garden and picnic area with culinary shows and musical performances that showcase the best of both worlds. Tickets available for Charity Concert on the Night. More info at: lagunaphuket.com/foodandmusicfestival or by calling 076 362 300. Tickets at: ticket@lagunaphuket.com

Dates: April 28, May 12, May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9 and June 16, 2018. Age/Time U9: 9:30-10:30 U11: 10:30-11:30 U15: 11:30-12:30 *Girls may play down one age group. Package Includes – World Cup Team Kit, Participation Medal and Seven Saturdays of Matches. Price: B3000 if you register and pay before April 8, B3500 if you register any time after April 8, 2018. To register for the World Cup League please contact: infobisp@cruzeirothailand.com

SUN

29 APR

Youth Talent Contest 2018 Stargazer 4th Annual Phuket Talent Contest Grand prize B35,000, second prize B20,000 and third prize B10,000. Show your talent and send your profile to stargazer@ccshideaway.com before April 14. Free entry before 7pm afterward B200 includes a drink.

Food and drink for special prices. Reservations at CC’s Hideaway, Kata Beach, Phuket: 076 333 222.

RETRO NIGHT – BACK TO THE 70S & 80S

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tee’s off on February 10 at Laguna Golf Phuket. The WCGC Thailand Series has six qualifiers around Thailand culminating in Phuket on April 28 for the National Final. The winner of WCGC Thailand will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the WCGC World Final in June. For more information please email Laguna Golf Phuket at: events@foremanagement.com or call 095 075 0368.

27 APR

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org

and Glitter” event will take place the Latitude Marquee at Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight. Tickets available at: phuketticketmaster.com

WED

25 APR

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org

SAT

28 APR

The 7th edition of the Youth Talent Contest for the island’s young singers and musicians is running again on April 29 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Patong. Awesome cash, recording and skating prizes for the winners! For full details visit the Phuket Academy of Performing Arts’ Facebook page or email: papa@legendmusic.net

MON

30 APR

The 7th Phuket UNESCO International Jazz Day PHAB 2 – Glam, Glitz and Glitter ANZAC Day at Phuket Yacht Club Members of the public are welcome to lay a wreath (please notify us beforehand) and a light breakfast will

The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while also supporting community-based projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday April 28 to raise funds for 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The “Glam, Glitz

Visit Phuket Old Town and enjoy Modern Jazz on International Jazz Day, April 30. The cream of Phuket’s jazz players and exciting artists from the Americas, Europe, East Asia and beyond play from 7pm. Sponsored by Phuket Municipality, The Phuket News and Live 89.5, Southeast Asia’s largest Jazz Day event is great fun.

Free admission and seating. On Chana Chareon Road, opposite Music Matter Jazz Club. For more information contact Jeffrey Sevilla at: tiklado2005@yahoo.com

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Which is bigger: Thailand or the US State of Texas?

2. Which World War I flying ace has a Grand Slam tennis stadium named after him?

3. What name was given to the Mongol kingdom that ruled much of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, in the 13th and 14th centuries?

4. Where were the first Commonwealth Games held?

5. What did Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis together co-found in 2003?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Bit of turbulence, at sea 5. Performed 9. Inaccurate 14. Deep-red blood pigment 15. Island feast 16. Construction girder 17. Olympian warrior 18. It controls a pupil’s size 19. Geeky types 20. “My Generation” singer 23. Computer food 24. Kind of bean 25. Face card value 28. Battlestar Galactica character 31. Library feature 33. Make a play!

36. Fermenting 39. S-shaped curve 40. “Stoney End” singer 44. Spirit 45. Violently shake 46. Sloppy digs 47. Hook up 50. False god from the Bible 52. Bishop’s jurisdiction 53. Confidential help 56. Approximate 59. “Suspicious Minds”

singer 63. Best 66. Govenor’s’s postponement 67. Math ratio 68. Trunks 69. Letters after sin 70. Baker 71. Radiance 72. Meal scraps 73. Tidings

27. Strapped 29. Middle East title 30. PC processor 32. Trigonometry abbr.

33. Swedish group’s 34. Menu 35. Having no originality 37. Significant degree 38. Eats 41. Fluffy accessory Down 42. Age 1. Blacken on the 43. Vacuous barbecue 48. Report by 2. Biblical king telephone 3. Healthy, with 3 49. Subject of 4. Spanish currency “Philadelphia” 5. Tried to get home, 51. Period of maybe instruction 6. Heavenly glow 54. “Rock the Boat” 7. Pedicure care music focus 55. Poly- follower 8. Enthusiasm 57. Breathing 9. Like royal descent, 58. Take up again usually 59. Make smooth 10. Observe 60. Role 11. Over, poetically 61. Pumpernickels 12. Pathetic 62. Hungers 13. German resort 63. Possessive 21. Kind of screen pronoun 22. Scandinavian rug 64. Homer Simpson’s 25. Caesar’s grunt wardrobe pieces 65. Before, to a 26. Major happening sonneteer

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Texas (432,264km2, Thailand is 318,838km2); 2) Roland Garros; 3) Golden Horde; 4) Hamilton, Canada (1930); 5) Skype

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history April 13, 1997 Tiger Woods becomes the youngest golfer to win the Masters Tournament.

1

mile per hour is the average top speed of a mosquito.

17

years is how long the average woman in the UK spends of her life dieting, says one new study.

April 14, 1912 The British passenger liner RMS Titanic hits an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 23:40, sinks morning of April 15. (Painting by Willy Stower.)

40

when spelled out is the only number whose letters appear in alphabetical order.

April 15, 2013 Two bombs explode near the finish line at the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts, killing three people and injuring 264 others.

steps per day and sitting for less than 300 minutes is the norm for people who are fit.

April 16, 1457 BC Likely date of the Battle of Megiddo between Thutmose III and a large Canaanite coalition under the King of Kadesh, the first battle to have been recorded in what is accepted as relatively reliable detail.

5,000

265 million

US dollars is what it cost to create the video game “Grand Theft Auto V”, the largest budget of any video game at the time (in 2013). It made US$1 billion in the first 72 hours of its release.

Source: Uberfacts

April 17, 1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion: A group of Cuban exiles financed and trained by the CIA lands at the Bay of Pigs in Cuba with the aim of ousting Fidel Castro.

April 18, 1930 The BBC announces “there is no news” in their evening report.

Loma Circle statue in Patong at night. Photo by Michael Rafael Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

April 19, 1984 Advance Australia Fair is proclaimed as Australia’s national anthem, and green and gold as the national colours.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Jobs

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CLASSIFIEDS 23 The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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Jobs

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FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

JOBS nt

Live in housekeeper wanted rge ULive in housekeep wanted for house in Kata. Must understand English and love dogs. Excellent conditions. 31/3 Soi Plukjae Kata Phuket. Contact: Lillian Dinic: lil@ladolcevitare. com.au or call 080 690 5248.

Bar staff wanted

nt

e Urg

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided.

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

le

FOR SALE SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW 35 HOURS ONLY, STILL U UNDER WARRANTY EXTRAS GRAB RAILS COVERS. AVAILABLE NOW THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK. Offers over 4.6 million Baht, new price 4.863,000 inc extras and reg etc contact etc. offers over 4.6 Million, William, wfphelps@ me.com, 0869430333.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

“Ready to go” w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160l fuel, & full set of gear. Top condition.Harry, 0812731740.

t sa n e rg

le

Boat For Sale

72' (22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted U as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom three years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Open to all reasonable cash offers. Contact Shayne on 093 418 9529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE MINI RESORT - Near Laguna

Luxury Villas, 4 and 3 bedroom, pool, office/Apt, 1/2 Rai, well furnished - tropical garden setting. Now on vacation rentals, a money maker. Only THB 13.5M - 089 594 4067.

Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Seafood restaurant at Karon beach for sale. 1,500,000 Million Baht, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 082 283 3154 May.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. Pablo: 080 143 5541.

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

U

le

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission.

Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168. @thephuketnews

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! Andreas Ruthe, 22/5 Moo1 Kamala Kathu, office@ tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834,076-385081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: B150,000. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

Lifetime family membership for sale, Annual fee 2018 paid. B300,000. Contact Mr Mons Billgren: monsbillgrenl@gmail.com or call 086 275 3493.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email: info@ipa. black, utopia@ipa.black Website: www.ipaphuket.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENTMANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GUARANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076 636 244 or 090 179 6635. Contact Chanapa at Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., Email: info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE 80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million. Contact Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2 minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full – length verandas.

Ideally located in Phra Ae village, with many amenities in the immediate area. The resort benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & storage For further information, please Email gardenisland.pp@ gmail.com For the attention of Ms. Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1. Full name of potential Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity Not to be missed 5 pool villas big land, large entertaiment areas, parking garages and private gates.

More info www.thegardenkptphuket.com www.thegardenkptphuket.com

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

2-story Villa in a Gated Community @ Pruksa The Plant Kathu. Cornered Land Plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Indoors 140 sqm. With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15. Email: nicklas.klodner@gmail.com or call +6680 519 7719.

RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREEHOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool, etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required.

Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarina Condos.com

Amazing 1-bedroom house in great area

Brand-new one bedroom house with full kitchen and car parking and ready to move in, right in the heart of Rawai. Perfectly priced home on the most desirable street of Rawai, so don’t miss out! B2.9M for quick sale. Contact Benni by email at: b_gholami@ hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032.

Building for Sale

One-unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a halfstorey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherng Talay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@ gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Pa Khlok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT New Rawai Villa Rent & Sale

PuriAnda Villa: 2 Bed, Furnished, Kitchen, Private Pool, Sala, Land 350m2, House 165m2, 2 kms. to Nai Harn. Short or Long Term Rent Only B60,000, Sale: 8.9m. info@purimasproperty.com, 0815384588

3-Bedroom Western Villa

Near Laguna, has all, full kitchen, quality furniture.

Live in tropical garden, good security, secluded.

6/M lease: B20,000/M. Call 089 594 4067.

PROPERTY FOR RENT For Rent Kata Beach

Nice one-bedroom apartment, modern furnished, 68sqm first floor close to indoor pool-sauna-elevator. B25,000 per month. Exclusive electric, minimum rental period 6 months. Tel: English 064 532 3637, Thai 094 803 5944. Email English: villaonroof@ gmail.com or Thai: maliwan_kaewmeesri@yahoo.com

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai.

B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

New Modern Villa – 5 Mins to Ao Po Grand Marina

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo 3 Soi Ban Bang Pae, T. Pa Khlok, T. Thalang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

Property 5 Mins to Ao Po Grand Marina

Very big house 750sqm, Land 4,000sqm, available 15 June, 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool, garden, service, wifi-tv/sat.

Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

SPORT 29

A fast surfing workout

How to improve your conditioning and fitness in just 18 minutes situation – you must get that left fin corrected first, so the board can line up on take-off.

So… always check your alignment with a professional coach or therapist and then get into the following surfing workout that will also greatly improve your conditioning and fitness.

The following is one of my GO TO surfing and snowboarding body weight training routines.

Hayden Rhodes

H

i and thanks for dropping in again.

If you love surfing and snowboarding I have great news – in this article you will receive a surfing workout that will also greatly improve your conditioning and fitness.

I recently returned from surfing on snow in Japan and luckily scored incredible powder. Even better, my body held up strong – all day long.

The crew I was boarding with were riding pretty hard and fast (including off-piste guides) and they wanted to know how to improve their conditioning for better performance, especially leg strength and endurance. So how did I prepare?

First things first If you want to gently snowboard down reasonable slopes and perform basic turns while

@thephuketnews

Hayden has recently returned from surfing on snow in Japan where he said that luckily he managed to score some incredible powder. Photo: Suplied gravity pulls you down the mountain, then snowboard strength and conditioning may not improve your performance by a large percentage. However, if you want to push your limits, tear the mountain up and defy gravity (i.e. falling and impacting the ground at speed with a mindset to repeat and improve) then sport specific fitness train-

ing prior to being on the mountain, will have a huge impact on performance and recovery. And lets face it, faster recovery means more energy, less physical pain and the more fun on the mountain regardless of your ability or athletic dreams.

Second things second Your physical body (how if

functions) is very dependent on skeletal alignment. If you perform any surfing or snowboarding conditioning exercises with a misaligned body – any training may exacerbate the misalignment and thus be counter productive. It’s like trying to surf a twin fin at a right-hand point break yet the left fin is missing. No amount of surfing will improve the

The Work Out • Yoga Toe Squat - 30 seconds hold - 15 seconds rest x two • Burpees - 45 seconds • Lateral Floor Squat Left and Right - 1 minute • Press Up into Side T Plank eight - 10 per side • Three Pulse Squats into 180 Degree Turn Jump - 1 minute • Pilates Floor Swim - 1 minute • Ball Roll into Stand Up Tall x six – eight Aim for one circuit to take 8-9 minutes. Rest as little as possible – keep flowing – keep moving. Repeat the entire circuit two times. I believe

surfing workouts want to be performed correctly with excellent technique and alignment at all times. Please keep that in mind. I also believe in the principle that short and sharp training sessions can deliver just as much results when performed correctly.

However please note that repetitions and set-times for exercises can vary greatly according to athletic abilities and fitness levels. This is a starting point. Oh...please get medical clearance prior to performing this or any exercise regime.

But you know this already.

I reiterate because it is important – I believe surfing workouts elicit the best results when performed with excellent technique and alignment at all times. Please keep that in mind, now go rip it up.

Hayden Rhodes (Club Manager of Phukets Finest Health Club) is the creator of Surf Training Secrets. If you love surfing or snowboarding and want to get surf fit fast and build a body to last, go visit SurfTrainingSecrets.com

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

Vettel wins Bahrain thriller

German’s win demonstrated his nous behind the wheel BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

I

f Ferrari won the Australian Grand Prix thanks to good fortune, then Sebastian Vettel’s nail-biting victory in Bahrain was thoroughly earnt.

Ecstatic and exhausted as he crossed the line just 0.699 second ahead of a fastfinishing Mercedes’s Valtteri Bottas, the German’s win was befitting of this 200th grand prix start and demonstrated the depth of the four-time world champion’s nous behind the wheel.

Starting from pole ahead of teammate Kimi Raikkonen on a weekend Ferrari had a small but decisive advantage over Mercedes, victory for Vettel was supposed to be straightforward, but his strategic advantages were gradually whittled away throughout the race until he remained at the mercy of Mercedes.

First Raikkonen lost second place to Bottas on the

Ferrari’s German driver Sebastian Vettel celebrates after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Sakhir circuit in Manama. Photo: Giuseppe Cacace / AFP first lap, allowing the younger Finn to keep Vettel honest in the pit stops.

Those stops would prove crucial, with the grand prix delicately balanced between a one and two-stop strategy.

Ferrari backed its inherent pace and put both Vettel and Raikkonen on two-stop strategies, whereas Mercedes committed both Bottas and Lewis Hamilton to making just one stop.

At half distance Mercedes

held a tactical advantage.

Hamilton in fourth kept himself within 20 seconds of Vettel, meaning the Ferrari would emerge from the pits behind both Mercedes cars when he made his second stop and be forced to pass them both to win the race.

The Scuderia attempted to spook Mercedes by stopping Raikkonen early, but a botched stop – Kimi was released before his rear-left tyre was changed, breaking

one of his mechanic’s legs in the process – eliminated him from the race, leaving Vettel to manage both Mercedes cars on his own.

The Silver Arrows sensed vulnerability and sped up, applying pressure to Vettel, who was now on badly worn tyres. It was obvious passing either Mercedes, even with fresh tyres, would be difficult, so Ferrari had little choice but to stay out on the old rubber and hope for the best.

With two laps to go Bottas closed to within one second of Vettel. The pair spared briefly, but Sebastian masterfully outfoxed the faster Mercedes for a hard-fought victory.

“I thought that was checkmate,” Vettel said. “I nursed [the tyres] as much as I can and it worked, but just. Fortunately he ran out of laps.”

Bottas, who scored his first pole in Bahrain in 2017, lamented that his push came too late.

“I was trying to get every corner, every lap perfect trying to catch him, but it just was not quite enough,” he said.

“Being second with such a close margin is in the end extremely disappointing.”

Vettel stretched his advantage atop the drivers standings to 17 points over Hamilton and 28 points over Bottas.

But while the championship narrative unfolded at the front, the Bahrain Grand Prix was important for both Toro Rosso and Sauber, who scored their first 2018 points.

Pier re Gasly took his Honda-powered Toro Rosso to a sensational fourth place,

cheekily shouting over team radio, “Now we can fight!” as he crossed the line, mimicking the same comments made by McLaren’s Fernando Alonso at the previous round in Australia.

Alonso’s McLaren team had split up with Honda over the off-season, blaming it for its lack of results, but Toro Rosso out-qualified McLaren in Bahrain and Gasly was easily faster than Alonso in the race.

Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson put in a similarly gutsy performance to finish ninth for Sauber’s first points in almost a year and the Swede’s first score since 2015.

Importantly, Ericsson outperformed his highly rated Ferrari junior teammate, Charles Leclerc, for the second successive weekend.

The 2018 Formula One season continues this weekend with the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday (Apr 15).

Don’t forget to tune in to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of neutrals radio show.

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

REST DAY

ACST International Sixes

Sat April 14

All Day

ACST International Sixes

Sun April 15

All Day

ACST Sixes Finals Day

Fri April 20 – 22

All Day

ACST International Sevens

Fri

April 13

Phuket’s ACG is host to The ACST International Cricket 6s and 7s this week. Photo by Neil Quail

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1680: Saturday Apr 14 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Fungus, J.C. Location: Kathu - In front of J.C. house Directions: If coming from Patong, turn right into the soi beside the Family Mart at the bottom of Patong Hill on the Kathu side, just before the divided roadway begins. Wind in about 500 metres and when reaching the T-junction, turn right.

Continue for 300m and turn left at the abandoned elephant camp on your right. Coming from Chalong head towards Patong, go beyond the Kathu GoKart track and make a left turn at the end of the divided roadway onto the soi beside the Family Mart. Continue as above.

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

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Messi really makes the Earth tremble FOOTBALL

Marlowe Hood

I

t’s a scientific fact: when living football legends Neymar or Lionel Messi scores a goal, the Earth moves and the ground shakes.

Don't believe it?

Ask Jordi Diaz, a researcher at the Institute of Earth Sciences Jaume Almera in Barcelona.

He’s got the hard proof.

“We put a seismometer inside a building in Barcelona,” he explained at a geosciences conference in Vienna, where he presented his findings.

“This allowed us to identify signature vibrations produced by different activities, including traffic or subway trains.”

Or football matches.

By design or not, the instrument – which measures everything from tremors to full-on quakes – was about half a kilometre from Nou Camp stadium, home to the city’s fabled

Lionel Messi literally makes the Earth move when he scores for Barcelona, scientists say. Photo: Josep Lago / AFP football team.

“We get information every time there is a goal,” he told journalists at a press conference.

“Well,” he corrected himself, “every time Barcelona makes a goal. People jump, and the stadium shakes.”

Exhibit A: a graphic display of the Champions League knockout tie last month versus English team Chelsea that saw Messi score twice in a 3-0 Barca victory.

The inky spike provoked by his first goal, after three minutes of play, looked like the lie detector answer when the murderer

All to play for in PPL

Continued from page 32 ...Wombat have played very well over the last couple of weeks but were in for a surprise last Thursday.

Craig from Simon & Oils won his singles and doubles games but the players from Wombat were also collecting their points which led to an unexpected 4-7 win for Wombat.

Lets just say never underestimate an Aussie.

Both teams are a bunch of very pleasant personalities and the result was probably long forgotten about after a few drinks at the PPL after party.

@thephuketnews

Visitors are always welcome to spectate games at the participating bars and any bars or pool players who are interested joining the Patong Friendly Pool League please contact the organisers via the Facebook page.

League Standings

Natalie Hole in One Ting Tong Caddy Shack Wombat Happy End Martin Swiss Red Light Wet Dreams Simon Oil

112 107 97 93 91 86 85 76 76 57

swears he didn’t do it.

The second goal – an hour later when the game was largely won – didn’t provoke the same level of vertical enthusiasm.

The historic, come-frombehind, 6-1 victory against Paris Saint Germain last year, which put Barcelona into the Champions League quarter finals, looked like a crescendo of earthquakes ending in the Big One. But a football game is not – seismically speaking – the same as a concert.

“Sometimes we have beautiful seismic recordings from rock concerts, particularly Bruce

Springsteen or U2,” he said.

“You see what we call ‘harmonic structures’, energy localised in a precise amplitudes,” he explained.

“This is because people are not jumping, they are dancing.”

He recalled a Springsteen concert from last year in which “every single song had a particular pattern.”

Marathon races, wind bursts, ocean waves – each has its own seismic signature, he said.

Why bother?

“At first, it was mainly for outreach, to show people how a seismometer works,” Diaz conceded.

But then other applications came into focus.

The technique, for example, could be an easy, inexpensive way to do long-term survey of traffic or subway activity.

And it could be handy as evidence that transport workers have gone on strike, he added.

AFP

MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for April 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Islander Bar & Restaurant in Rawai.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

Marisa S 6 poonchai 6 adamrosindale 5 AOR 5 CAFC 5

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TC 178 adamrosindale 176 thailand express 176 diggersd 175 MRB 173

English Premier League 2017 - 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

Manchester City Manchester United Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea Arsenal Burnley Leicester City Everton Newcastle United Bournemouth Watford Brighton West Ham United Swansea City Huddersfield Town Crystal Palace Southampton Stoke City West Brom

32 32 33 32 32 32 32 32 33 32 33 33 32 32 32 33 33 32 33 33

27 22 19 20 17 16 13 11 11 10 9 10 8 8 8 8 7 5 6 3

3 5 10 7 6 6 10 10 8 8 11 7 11 10 8 8 10 13 9 12

2 5 4 5 9 10 9 11 14 14 13 16 13 14 16 17 16 14 18 18

90 63 75 64 54 61 31 48 38 33 41 42 29 40 26 26 33 31 30 26

24 25 35 27 31 43 28 45 53 41 53 59 43 58 45 54 52 50 63 52

+66 +38 +40 +37 +23 +18 +3 +3 -15 -8 -12 -17 -14 -18 -19 -28 -19 -19 -33 -26

84 71 67 67 57 54 49 43 41 38 38 37 35 34 32 32 31 28 27 21

Premier League fixtures Saturday April 14

Live Sports TV Schedule

Match

*Times may be subject to change SPORT START Friday 13th April Rugby Union 14:30 Aussie Rules 10:30 Saturday 14th April Rugby Union 10:00 12:10 14:30 16:40 22:10 Rugby Union 19:40 Rugby Union 21:00 Rugby League 14:30 16:30 Soccer 18:30 21:00 23:30 Soccer 21:00 Soccer 21:00 Motor Racing 12:30 Sunday 15th April Rugby Union 21:45 Rugby Union 20:15 Soccer 19:30 22:00 Motor Racing 12:00 12:45

STOP

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

16:30 13:30

Super XV AFL

Hurricanes v. Chiefs Adelaide v. Collingwood

12:00 14:10 16:30 18:40 00:00 21:40 23:00 16:30 18:15 20:30 23:00 01:30 23:00 23:00 14:30

Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV Super XV France Top 14 Aviva Premiership NRL NRL EPL EPL EPL EPL EPL Formula 1

Sunwolves v. Blues Rebels v. Jaguares Highlanders v. Brumbies Waratahs v. Reds Sharks v. Bulls Toulon v. Monpelier Leicester v. Northampton Cowboys v. Bulldogs Raiders v. Eels Southampton v. Chelsea Swansea v. Everton Liverpool v. Bournemouth Burnley v. Leicester Crystal Palace v. Brighton Qualifying, Shanghai

23:35 France Top 14 22:30 Scottish Cup Semi Final 21:30 EPL 00:00 EPL 12:45 Formula 1 15:30

Toulouse v. Racing 92 Celtic v. Rangers Newcastle v. Arsenal Man United v. West Bromwich Raceday, Shanghai China Grand Prix

Time in Thailand

Southampton

vs

Chelsea

6:30pm

Burnley

vs

Leicester

9pm

Crystal Palace

vs

Brighton

9pm

Huddersfield

vs

Watford

9pm

Swansea

vs

Everton

9pm

Liverpool

vs

Bournemouth

11:30pm

Sunday April 15 Match

Time in Thailand

Spurs

vs

Man City

1:45am

Newcastle

vs

Arsenal

7:30pm

Man Utd

vs

West Brom

10pm

Tuesday April 17 Match West Ham

vs

Time in Thailand Stoke

2am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, APRIL 13, 2018

When he scores, Messi makes the Earth move > p31

HOLE-IN-ONE A first-ever for WCGC Thailand event series GOLF Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

ll places for the Thailand Final of the Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge 2018 are now booked following the completion of the qualifying series with Qualifier 6 taking place last week in Phuket, with the highlight being the firstever hole-in-one in a WCGC Thailand event series.

A solid field of 24 teams arrived at Laguna Golf Phuket with hopes of taking one of the final three spots in the final at the end of April. However, the highlight of the day was no doubt Andrew De Bruin sinking a hole-in-one on the 12th hole, the first-ever holein-one in a WCGC Thailand event series.

De Bruin will be hoping lightning can strike twice as in the WCGC Thailand Final title sponsor Blue Horizon will be offering a one-bedroom studio condo at their outstanding new development Grand Himalai as a hole-in-one prize.

Grand Himalai will be operated as a five-star hotelresort under Ramada Plaza and in the ideal location in Kamala along Millionaires Mile. Grand Himalai is a large development offering unique facilities such as cable car,

ACST International Cricket Sixes tournament – players taking on the Phuket heat at the ACG. Photo: Neil Quail

ACST Sixes Underway CRICKET Andrew De Bruin will be hoping to repeat his hole-in-one at the Thailand Finals. Photo: Fore Management iceberg pool and lobby, bird’s nest style spa, meditation garden and natural waterfall.

De Bruin’s hole-in-one helped him and his teammate Kevin Quilty from Mutihull Solutions Asia qualify in 3rd place, they were joined

by Rich Beams and Henry Chiew from Shadow Golf in 2nd place and in 1st place was Higher-Edge with a brilliant score of 45 points.

“It was an awesome day and experience,” De Bruin told The Phuket News this week from the Singapore Boat Show.

“It was certainly the best shot of my life,” he added.

This completes the field for the final, where there will be 18 teams fighting it out to get on the plane to Portugal and represent Thailand at the

World Final.

The other teams joining Mutihull Solutions Asia, Shadow Golf and Higher-Edge in the Thailand Final will be: • The Naiharn Beach Boys and Prime Real Estate who reached the final via Qualifier One held at Laguna Golf Phuket on Feb 10; • Pace Developments, Ood Ood, S & T and Kaitep Farm via Qualifier Two held at the Thai Country Club on Feb 19; • Akvavit Grill & Bar and TFL via Qualifier 3 held at the Phoenix Gold Golf Club in Pattaya on Mar 15, both of whom also reached the Thailand final last year; • Evason Hua Hin via Qualifier Four held at Banyan The Resort in Hua Hin on Mar 17; and • Lotus Valley and Austro

Pro via Qualifier 5 held at the Lotus Valley Golf Club (Bangkok) on Mar 25.

The winner of the Blue Horizon World Corporate Challenge Thailand 2018 Grand Final, to be played at Laguna Golf Phuket on April 28, will represent Thailand at the World Final in Cascais, Portugal, in June 2018.

Last year it was Team TFL (Dietmar Bandat and John Siena) who came out victorious at the Thailand Final finishing with a very respectable score of 68 points, booking their ticket to Portugal for the WCGC World Final, where they finished 4th overall.

The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of the Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge 2018.

W ITH THE FIRST round of matches already complete at this year’s ACST International Cricket Sixes tournament, by the time this edition of The Phuket News goes to print, organisers and players will be looking forward to a rest day today (Apr 13) in order to enjoy Songkran festivities around Phuket.

Last year’s sixes Cup champions, The Tripathi Group of India, will be looking forward to reclaiming their title in 2018, but will likely have to best the Southern Stars from Australia – their semi-final opponents from 2017 – if they are again to depart Phuket as cup victors.

Beaten Cup finalists from 2016, the Yarraleen Lions also return and will hope to improve on their

Bowl final victory from last year, while local side, Patong CC are vying to better their Plate runners-up placing from 2017.

With two additional teams from India, Tayyarah and Ghauti Town cricket clubs, plus the Heritage Cricketers from Bangladesh, Surfer’s Paradise Demons of Australia and CBB Postels from Chiang Mai, this year’s international sixes tournament is primed with pedigree and promise for an exciting four days of explosive cricket at the ACG. The ACST International Sevens tournament will run from April 20-22, with places still available should teams or individuals wish to enter.

For more information, please contact Jason Robertson E: patongcricket club@gmail.com

Natalie Bar and Hole in One go head-to-head in PPL POOL FOLLOWING WEEK 15 OF THE Patong Pool League (PPL), sponsored

by Thailand Pool Tables, being played last Thursday (Apr 5) just five points separated league leaders Natalie Bar and second-placed Hole in One. The teams were set to go headto-head in week 16 action in a game which was played when The Phuket News went to print (Wednesday, Apr 11) – dates changed due to Songkran festivities.

The game between the first and second placed teams was likely to be the highlight of the PPL season with the winner, depending on points, pretty much securing this

year’s league title.

Although Natalie Bar would have been hoping their home advantage would work in their favour, it is the PPL, and we all know that in this league anything can happen.

Back to last week’s action, Natalie Bar played away to Wet Dreams, and now feeling the pressure of Hole in One breathing down their neck, the Natalie team could not afford to drop points as they have done in recent weeks.

Willem, a new pool talent from Holland, and Tony, both playing for Wet Dreams won their singles and doubles matches, however, all other points were taken by Natalie who won the evening with a comfortable score of 4-7.

Hole in One played at home

against Red Light Bar and with half of their team absent Hole in One were forced to introduce some new and less experienced players.

Nong Moo from Red Light was up against Hole in One’s top player Goh in the singles. Nong Moo was close to pulling off a spectacular victory but nerves got the better of her in the end and she finally lost that game.

Hole in One, eager to win this PPL season, won 8-3 and are still very much in the race for winning the PPL championship.

Elsewhere, Happy End played away to Caddy Shack in Kathu with the visitors getting a good start over their opponents. However, Caddy Shack soon regained control of the game. Trevor, Dave and Ben from Caddy Shack all won their singles

and doubles games and Caddy Shack also took an easy win in the beerleg leaving the Happy End team to go back over the hill to Patong with their tails between their legs following a 8-3 loss.

However, reports coming back say that the Chicken Madras served

by Caddy Shack was so delicious the Happy End team were not really that disappointed after all.

Martin Swiss played away to Ting Tong and although both teams know each other very well and have played in PPL for many years, their games in the past have often been somewhat tense affairs.

Nick from Ting Tong started really well by winning both his singles and doubles games, however, Kid, Robby and Noi from Martin Swiss

Jerry alias Jeroen Wismeijer is team captain of the Happy End. He is probably the most determined player in PPL. However, luckily for his opponents his cue does not always follow his tactics. all put in good performances winning their singles and doubles as well. The beerleg was won by Martin Swiss who went back quite satisfied with their 7-4 victory over Ting Tong.

Finally, Simon & Oils hosted their friends from Wombat in what could be described as an all-Aussie battle....

Continued on page 31 thephuketnews