The Phuket News June 14, 2019

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

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Hospitals will have to reveal how much they bought medicines for, and how much they are selling them for.

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NEW LAW FORCES HOSPITALS TO REVEAL HOW MUCH THEY CHARGE PATIENTS FOR MEDICINES The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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ll hospitals across Phuket have until June 30 to submit full lists of which medicines they provide to patients – and the prices they charge for them – under the government’s drive to stem rampant overcharging by private hospitals throughout the country.

Under the new law, brought into effect on May 29, all hospitals must publicly disclose the drugs provided, the manufacturer, the drugs’ brand names, how much the hospital purchased the drugs for and how much they are selling them for, confirmed

Sasiphimon Mongkon, Chief of the Phuket Provincial office of the Ministry of Commerce, which has been tasked with implementing the new regulation.

The new law is being implemented through the Department of Internal Trade (DIT), under the Ministry of Commerce following the order by Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chano-cha last week.

That order came after the government recognised surveys that reported that some private hospitals in Thailand were found to be charging their patients from 300% up to 16,000% higher than the recommended prices, Deputy Government Spokesman Lt

Gen Werachon Sukondhapatipak revealed last Sunday (June 9).

Notices informing private hospitals in Phuket of the new legal requirement were dispatched this week, Ms Sasiphimon explained to The Phuket News.

“The initial order was issued by the Department of Internal Trade on May 29,” Ms Sasiphimon said.

“Every hospital must comply, even government hospitals,” she added.

“Each hospital must inform us which drugs on the list of 30,103 drugs on the Thai Medicine Terminology list that the hospital provides. Previously, private hospitals were required to display the prices

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of only 10% of them, mainly those widely used in emergency cases,” Ms Sasiphimon noted.

“We received the order from the Department of Internal Trade in Bangkok on June 5. Drug prices must be disclosed by every hospital in Phuket so that consumers can make betterinformed decisions before deciding to receive treatment,” she explained.

Under the order issued by DIT Director-General Whichai Phochanakij and Acting Minister of Commerce Chutima Bunyapraphasara on June 5, hospitals have 45 days from the date of the order – that is, until July 20 – to display the price lists of drugs either on its website or via QR codes...

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Hospitals forced to disclose drug prices

Continued from page 1 ...Those who do not comply will be subjected to a fine of up to B10,000 and/or up to one year in prison.

For prescriptions, private hospitals are required to first provide the pricing and brand name details to all emergency patients immediately, and to all types of patients at a later stage.

The prescriptions must give both trade and scientific names of the medicines.

Failure to comply with the rule results in a five-year jail term and/or a fine of up to B100,000.

“All private and government hospitals including Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Siriroj International Hospital, Dibuk Hospital, Phuket Provincial Hospital and Vachira Phuket Hospital must display the price lists of the drugs they provide,” Ms Sasiphimon said.

“People have the right to check the prices and details of the drugs and services provided before hospital staff provide treatment,” she added.

“Currently our goal is to collect the information (about the drugs provided), which must be sent to the Department of Internal Trade in Bangkok,” Ms Sasiphimon explained.

“The Department of Internal Trade will show standard information [about drugs provided] on its website, so it is available to the public,” she said.

“After June 30, we will go to inspect every hospital in Phuket to make sure that every hospital is publicly showing the cost of the drugs and services. It can be on a

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Lifeguards warn of ‘fair weather’ surf danger at beaches > p4

Australian dies after fall from Patong hotel The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P The notice issued by the Department of Internal Trade on June 5 made plain the new legal requirements.

Image: DIT website, a QR code made available for the public to scan in a public area of the hospital or a poster or listed on paper or a brochure – but it must be there for the public to see,” she said.

“It is the hospital’s responsibility to display this information. Every hospital must disclose its prices by law. If any hospital does not, it will be fined,” Ms Sasiphimon warned.

The problem of high prices being charged is present in Phuket, Ms Sasiphimon confirmed.

“We have received complaints that some private hospital charge very high prices for standard medicines,” she said.

“This has been a problem in Phuket, and there is nothing that sick people can do about it. They have to pay the prices,” she added.

The Phuket News has yet to receive a reply from any of the hospitals contacted about what steps were being taken to comply with the new law, and whether the prices of any drugs or services provided by the hospital will be affected.

olice are investigating the death of a 33-year-old Australian man who was found dead at a Patong hotel early last Sunday morning (June 9) after a suspected fall while trying to scale the hotel from the outside trying to get into his room.

Officers were called to the C&N Hotel on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd at about 2:15am, reported Lt Col Patiwat Yodkwan of the Patong Police.

By the time police had arrived, rescue workers had already rushed the man to Patong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Col Patiwat noted in his report.

The man, identified as Australian tourist Daniel Partridge, was staying in a room on the fourth floor. He checked into the hotel alone on June 6 and was to check out on June 10, hotel staff confirmed, reported Col Patiwat.

One witness reported seeing the Australian climbing over a balcony at the back of the building. The man slipped and fell, landing on a Nissan sedan parked behind the hotel.

Mr Partidge’s mother, Linda Partidge, in an email to The Phuket News, raised serious concerns about the circumstances of her son’s death, especially the fact that he was taking prescribed Tramadol when the incident happened.

Mrs Partridge also pointed out that her son was not travelling alone. “His friend and travelling companion was in the adjacent room,” she wrote.

“His friend advised me that they had not been drinking all day but had just had a few in the evening,” Mrs Partidge added, disputing witness reports detailed in the initial report by police.

Mr Partridge had been involved in an accident three nights before his fall, and had been prescribed the painkiller Tramadol, she explained.

The heavy drug incurred side effects,

Australian tourist Daniel Partridge, 33, was on the prescribed heavy painkiller Tramadol (inset) at the time of his fall from a Patong hotel last Sunday (June 9).

Photos: Patong Police / Frankieleon, Flickr “including hallucinations and other things which had apparently impacted on Daniel on the previous night and the night of his death,” she wrote.

Mrs Partidge also pointed out other omissions from the initial police report.

“For example, Dan’s room was latched from the inside, so he wasn’t locked out,” she explained.

“Also, we have photos of the hives and allergic reaction on his skin from the Tramadol medication which the hospital incorrectly diagnosed as insect bites.

“After first taking the Tramadol, Dan returned to hospital to complain of dizziness and disorientation etc, but they gave him a brain scan and said he was okay rather than realising that it was the medication side effects,” Mrs Partridge noted.

“We have only pieced some of this together based on his ongoing messages and phone calls and his travelling companion’s advice.

“We sincerely believe that he had been hallucinating on the night he died and the previous night that he had been unconscious and all we believe because of the Tramadol,” Mrs Partridge noted.

“We are very concerned that he has been described as a heavy drinking careless tourist. Daniel would never

climb out on a balcony as described. It’s completely out of character for him.”

Mrs Partidge also confirmed that she had asked her investigating insurance agent for private blood tests and toxicology reports.

Tramadol is a strong painkiller. It is used to treat moderate to severe pain, for example after an operation or a serious injury. It is also used to treat long-standing pain when weaker painkillers no longer work, the British National Health Service (NHS) notes on its online extensive list of medicinal drugs.

Tramadol is sold under the brand name Ultram and a host of other brand names, including Invodol, Larapam, Mabron, Maneo, Marol, Maxitram, Oldaram, Tilodol, Tradorec, Tramquel, Tramulief, Zamadol, Zeridame and Zydol.

Very common side effects of Tramadol happen in more than one in 10 people and include feeling sick and feeling dizzy.

Common side effects of Tramadol that happen in more than 1 in 100 people include headaches; feeling sleepy, tired, dizzy or “spaced out”; feeling or being sick (vomiting), the NHS notes.

Serious side effects include breathing difficulty, dizziness, fatigue; confusion; becoming very sleepy as well as seizures and hallucinations.

Officials clear footpaths in Phuket Town PHUKET CITY COUNCIL has started taking serious steps to keep the footpaths throughout the town clear of vendors’ stalls and illegally parked motorbikes.

Officers from the law enforcement division of Phuket City Municipality started their campaign at 9am last Thursday (June 6), clearing all obstructions from the footpaths along Yaowarat Rd. Ordered to be removed from the sidewalks were vendors encroaching onto the

Officials clear motorbikes parked on the footpath on Yaowarat Rd. Photo: Phuket City Municipality public walkways, and illegally parked vehicles.

The officers warned those caught that further infringements would see them fined up

to B2,000. Any obstructions that officers could not immediately find people responsible for were simply moved.

“We ask for co-operation from everyone to make sure the footpaths and the sides of the roads are kept clear of any obstructions, such as from vendors or by people parking on the footpaths or illegally beside the road (in red-white no standing zones),” said an announcement issued

by Phuket City Municipality.

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Facebook romance ends with gunfire, hostages Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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fter a relationship that started on Facebook broke down, a man was arrested in Rawai on Monday (June 10) for shooting his new lover’s brother twice in the leg and her nephew once in the arm. The man’s arrest came after his attempt to flee with the two as hostages failed.

Chalong Police were called to the scene, at Patak Villa on Patak Rd in Rawai, at 5:50am.

Pennapa Eiemsamran, 27, called the police after she had taken refuge in her sister’s bedroom at the house to avoid being found by her now exboyfriend, Pimonsak Jantarat, 27, from Trang.

Pimonsak had invaded her house and shot her 40-year-old brother Saksit Eiemsamran and Mr Saksit’s 22-year-old son, Pongsakorn, Ms Pennapa told police.

Both had been injured – Mr Saksit had been shot twice in the leg, and Mr Pongsakorn had been shot in the arm – and needed assistance, she explained.

Pimonsak Jantarat, from Trang, after he wast taken into custody on Monday morning (June 10).

Photo: Amnuay Kunnarak Police arrived and attempted to talk Pimonsak into surrendering himself.

However, he ignored their pleas and tried to flee on a motorbike with Mr Saksit and Mr Pongsakorn as hostages.

After seeing that he was surrounded by police, he returned to the house and tried to flee using his girlfriend’s family’s black Isuzu pickup truck. That attempt also failed, as the street was partly blocked by a neighbour’s car.

Angry, Pimonsak unloaded three shots into the car. While Pimonsak’s attention was focussed on the car, Mr Saksit

and his son Mr Pongsakorn grabbed the gun off him.

Police then seized the opportunity to rush to the car and place Pimonsak under arrest.

Police seized the 11mm semi-automatic Colt handgun that Pimonsak was carrying and the six bullets still loaded in the magazine, as well as four .22-calibre bullets and 22 11mm bullets.

In Pimonsak’s bag, police reported finding 104 methamphetamine pills (ya bah), 15.58 grams of marijuana, 1.31g of crystal meth (ya ice) and digital scales.

Mr Saksit and Mr Pong-

Airport taxi driver finally charged

MORE THAN SEVEN MONTHS AFTER a Phuket airport taxi driver wiped out six vehicles and killed a motorbike rider whilst driving a tourist from the airport during morning rush hour traffic, the lead police investigator has now handed the case over to the Phuket Public Prosecutor’s Office to proceed with legal action.

The police investigation, led by Capt Suporn Mueangkai of the Thalang Police, took 217 days to complete.

Capt Suporn confirmed to The Phuket News last Thursday (June 6), “The case of a taxi driver, Marut Puangsombat, who hit six vehicles in October 2018, killing one, was sent to Phuket Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday last week (June 4).

“I requested that the prosecutor present a charge of reckless driving causing death against Mr Marut,” he said.

The accident happened while Marut, 23 years old, was driving his airport taxi southbound along Thepkrasattri Rd near HomePro Thalang at about 8am on Oct 30 last year.

Marut lost control of the vehicle and wiped out six cars and a motorbike. One of the cars struck by the taxi was rammed through a roadside sign. The resulting collisions left the taxi upside down in the middle of the road and killed the motorbike driver, 40-year-old Phuket resident Anuson Rattanadilok Na Phuket, who worked at Thalang Hospital.

A tourist was in Marut’s taxi when the accident happened, but escaped unharmed, and immediately returned to the airport to leave.

“The reason for the accident was that Marut was driving very fast like other taxi drivers.

He was not drunk at the time. He has been charged with reckless driving causing death @thephuketnews

The scene of the wipeout accident on Oct 30 last year. Photo: Seang Prachachon Kon Phuket / Facebook and charged with reckless driving causing damage to property,” Capt Suporn confirmed at the time.

Despite the major accident, Marut has been free to continue working as a taxi driver picking up and dropping off tourists at Phuket International Airport during the tourism high season while the investigation into the accident has continued.

Praprai Sounkul, Chief Policy Specialist at the Phuket Land Transportation office (PLTO), the government department responsible for issuing general and commercial driver’s licences, has already confirmed to The Phuket News that at this stage his office is powerless to take any action over the incident.

“In a criminal case like this, the PLTO will revoke the taxi driver’s licence, but only after we conduct our own review of the incident – and that will not happen unless the court finds him guilty,” Mr Praprai said.

“Both the taxi driver and the family of the motorcyclist who died have spoken twice about compensation, but they have not been able to reach a conclusion. I think they must settle the compensation in court,” Capt Supon said earlier this year.

Terence Chulavachana

sakorn, whose injuries police reported were not critical, were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town.

Following the residential commotion on Monday, police reported that Ms Pennapa came to know Pimonsak through Facebook.

They had been seeing each for about five months, but Pimonsak became very short tempered and had struck Ms Pennapa several times, police said in their report.

He was also involved in drugs, the report added.

Ms Pennapa wanted to end the relationship and started refusing to answer his calls, leading to Pimonsak arriving at her house unannounced in the early hours of the morning.

After he arrived, Ms Pennapa hid in her sister’s bedroom so he would not find her, leaving Pimonsak to start drinking beer with her brother Mr Saksit.

An argument ensued, with Pimonsak shooting Mr Saksit twice in the leg. One of the bullets exited Mr Saksit’s leg and hit his son Mr Pongsakorn in the arm, police explained.

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Phoenix tour boat fails to sell as storage costs spiral T H E PH O E N I X T OU R boat, which sank off Phuket in July last year killing 47 Chinese tourists, remains unsold after an auction in May drew no bids as the Anti-Money Laundering Office spends more than B100,000 a month to store it.

Following the disaster on July 5, 2018, raids led to the discovery that the operators of the boat had laundered more than B1 billion. This, in turn, led to the seizure of assets which are being auctioned off by the Anti-Money Laundering Office (Amlo).

An official at the Amlo’s trade department said, “The Phoenix tour boat is still at the Rattanachai Shipyard. On May 22 it went up for auction with a starting price of B900,000 but failed to attract any interest.

“The boat will be put up for auction again but I can’t confirm when. Details will be announced on the Amlo website: www.amlo.go.th,” the official said.

Since January of this year alone, the Amlo has spent more than B700,000 renting the space to hold the boat as they struggle to sell it at auction for B900,000.

The boat is being kept

The Phoenix tour boat wreck remains on the hardstand at Rattanachai Shipyard, with no interested buyers.

Photo: Supplied at the Rattanachai Shipyard costing the Amlo more than B218,000 every two months to rent the space, Amlo secretary Peeraphat Ingpongpan explained.

Wiwat Chitchertwong, Chief of the Phuket Marine Office, explained, “The boat can be renovated or rebuilt for re-registration; it is similar to the registration of a car.

“However, I don’t think this boat will be used for business again after what happened,” he added, referring to the disaster that caused 47 deaths.

“In addition, the cost of rebuilding the boat is high.

Most shipyards will break up a boat like this and use the parts for other boats,” Mr Wiwat said.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM PHUKET SEVEN DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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FRI JUN 14

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Blue sky, dangerous surf

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he head of the Phuket Lifeguard Club is reminding tourists that the change in weather since the heavy rains last weekend, with blue skies over Phuket earlier this week, does not mean that the surf is safe to enter. All beach-goers are to exercise caution as the southwest monsoon has begun to churn the surf along the west coast, creating strong waves and moving flash rips.

“Now we are in the monsoon season, and the waves can be dangerous. There are strong waves at every beach. Please play in the water in safety zones marked with yellow– red flags, and stay close to lifeguards for safety,” Phuket Lifeguard Club Chief Prathaiyut Chuayuan told The Phuket News.

Preparing for the onslaught of strong surf and the need to rescue tourists during the southwest monsoon months from May through October, lifeguards at Patong Beach conducted comprehensive surf life-saving rescue training and resuscitation techniques last Thursday (June 6).

“We have 22 full-time Patong surf lifeguards and 26 volunteer lifeguards

Patong lifeguards conducted extensive training last Thursday in preparation for the rescues that will need to be carried out during the southwest monsoon months of May through October. Photo: Patong Surf Life Saving ready to help tourists during the monsoon season, and all of them joined the training,” Somprasong Sangchart, Head of Patong Surf Life Saving, told The Phuket News.

The 22 full-time lifeguards are hired by KEE Lighting & Engineering Co Ltd, which has the contract with Patong Municipality to provide lifeguard services at Phuket’s most popular beach, he explained.

“The 26 volunteer lifeguards have been provided by the Patong Development Foundation,” Mr Somprasong added.

The Patong Development Foundation (PDF) created and funds the Patong Baywatch team, a group of local volunteers, including former lifeguards, who patrol Patong Beach for safety. The PDF was founded by local businessman Preechavude ‘Prab’ Keesin, a son of long-time former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin.

“We are ready to help tourists at Patong Beach during the monsoon season, and we also have support from emergency rescue services by Patong Municipality,” Mr Somprasong assured.

“Everybody, please enjoy your holiday with your families and special ones at Patong Beach throughout the season. However, please do not ignore the red no-swimming flags, which mark where people are not to enter the water for their own safety,” Mr Somprasong added.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos told The Phuket News that trained, qualified lifeguards were ready to patrol the beaches in his municipality.

“We have six lifeguards on Racha Island, two lifeguards on Yanui Beach and six lifeguards on Nai Harn Beach,” Mayor Aroon said.

The lifeguards are also provided

by KEE Lighting & Engineering Co Ltd, which Mayor Aroon explained were hired by Rawai Municipality in September last year.

However, tourists have been warned that there are no fully qualified, trained lifeguards patrolling the popular Surin Beach, on Phuket’s central west coast.

“We don’t have real lifeguards yet.

Instead, we have volunteers on Surin Beach,” MaAnn Samran, Chief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) told The Phuket News.

“We are still in the process of hiring real lifeguards,” he said.

Rawai Mayor puts road safety in sights Install solid lane dividers in Chalong Underpass RAWAI MUNICIPALITY ran a training event on Monday (June 10) to educate people about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike as statistics show that only 18% of Phuket motorcyclists wear a helmet at all times, compared with the national average of 56%.

Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos presided over the event, held at Muang Phuket School just south of Chalong Circle in Rawai, which was the result of a joint effort by Rawai Municipality and three Rotary Clubs in Phuket: the Rotary Club of Andaman, the Rotary Club of Phuket and the Rotary Club of Patong Beach.

The project saw 350 helmets given away to students from nine schools, including students at Muang Phuket School.

The funds were raised by the three Rotary Clubs, with the donation from the Rotary Club of Patong Beach raised through a memorial fundraiser

A total of 350 motorbike helmets were given away to students at the event on Monday. Photo: PR Dept in honour of Gary Moody, the club’s Vice President & President Elect who passed away in January. The Rotary Club of Patong Beach raised some B95,000 for the project, RCoPB President Karen Eidsvik told The Phuket News.

Rawai Municipality Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) Preecha Jennarong said at the event, “The government previously set the years 2002-2020 as a period of focus for road safety, having local authorities conduct measures and campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of safety helmets.

“The government wants to increase the use of helmets by 20% in order to reduce the death rate from road accidents.

To that end, we organised this event with support from Chalong police, Big C Patong and AP Honda,” he added.

Mayor Aroon provided statistics on road safety, comparing Phuket with the national average for the use of helmets.

“Statistics show that the national average for motorbike riders – driver or passenger – wearing a helmet, is 43.7% against 56.3% that don’t wear one.

“In Phuket, only 18% of motorbike riders always wear a helmet while 50% don’t wear one at all and 32% occasionally do.

“As an example, in Rawai between January and April of this year, seven people died from road accidents, three of whom were on a motorbike without a helmet,” the mayor said.

The Phuket News

A M A JOR I T Y OF R E spondents in an online poll by The Phuket News has called for officials to install solid lane dividers in the Chalong Underpass to make it safer.

Even before its opening on May 31, comments by local residents spiralled online over the width of the lanes and the fact the traffic will flow through the tunnel in both directions without dividers to help prevent head-on accidents.

To this, The Phuket News asked readers, “What should be done with the current dedication of traffic flow through the Chalong Underpass in order to make it safer?”

Only 3% of respondents voted “Make the traffic flow in one direction from north to south”, and a further 3% voted “Make the traffic flow in one direction from south to north.”

A further 6% voted “Make the traffic flow in one direction

A local tour bus enters the Chalong Underpass on the day it first opened. Photo: Phuket Highways Office – in either direction, but one direction only – but change the direction to suit when it is needed the most”, which was one suggestion floated by officials.

However, a clear majority of 59% voted “Keep the tunnel two-way, but install solid dividers to help prevent head-on collisions.”

19% of respondents voted “Ban all heavy vehicles from using the tunnel”, and 10% voted “Do nothing. It is already as safe as it should be.”

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firefighters Corruption probe delay Patong skills put to test spurs complaint to DSI The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

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uspicious of lack of action by Phuket authorities and even alleged tampering of evidence, local environmentalists have filed formal complaints with regional counter-corruption offices against Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Chief MaAnn Samran over the recently launched B355-million wastewater treatment plants spilling untreated wastewater onto the beaches.

The complaints also called for an investigation into the B12mn project to build a sea wall at Surin Beach to prevent coastal erosion.

The complaints were filed last Friday (June 7) by Danai Yardee and Chamroon Kerndum, acting as representatives of several local community groups, reported government watchdog IsraNews.org.

The report noted that the main complaint was filed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) office in Surat Thani. Other complaints

Officials inspect wastewater pouring onto Bang Tao Beach early last month. Photo: PR Dept were then filed with the regional office for the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) and the regional Ombudsman’s Office, also in Surat Thani.

The complaints alleged malfeasance and possible corruption in the B355 million project to build wastewater treatment plants at Surin and Bang Tao beaches, which recently were confirmed to still be releasing untreated wastewater onto the beaches.

Mr Danai and Mr Chamroon explained that a formal

complaint had been lodged with the NACC office in Phuket on May 21, but said that progress on the complaint had been slow and that they were concerned that evidence “would be destroyed”.

They also told reporters that they were concerned that officials were not performing their duties according to the law and that officials’ negligence had caused damage to Phuket’s environment, which they pointed out is a global issue.

Mr MaAnn last year open-

Beware snakes on the move in rainy season, warns official FOLLOW I NG H EAV Y rain last weekend, the Chief of the Natural and Wildlife Education Centre at the Khao Phra Thaew NonHunting Area in Thalang has warned residents to beware snakes on the move to reach dry areas – namely in and around houses.

Pongchart Chouehorm explained that on Monday (June 10) four hefty pythons were delivered to his centre at the wildlife reserve. The pythons weighed 13.8kg, 15kg, 17.2kg and 19.6kg.

All four had been caught in recent days, he added.

“All four have been handed over to the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Center,” Mr Pongchart said.

Mr Pongchart warned people to be aware of reptiles and poisonous animals during rainy season, and urged residents to keep their homes clean and tidy.

“Due to the continuing rain lately, pythons might come out to find food in areas around people’s homes, such as rats, which also come out @thephuketnews

Four hefty pythons were caught in just a handful of days. Photo: Natural and Wildlife Education Centre, Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area to eat discarded food scattered here and there,” he said.

“The reason that the number of pythons is increasing is because the number of natural predators that prey on them has decreased,” Mr Pongchart explained.

“So the important thing is for residents to keep areas around their homes clean and cut the grass in order to not attract wild animals.

Residents should make sure their garbage is kept properly in order to keep away rats, which are python’s food,” he said.

“One more thing is to

watch out for your pets, such as chickens and ducks.

Residents should make good areas for them to be safe from predators such as pythons,” added Mr Pongchart.

People who see a dangerous reptile or poisonous animal inside or around their home are urged to call the Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation at 076-355301 (24 hours).

Alternatively, people living in the Chalong area can call the Phuket Ruamjai Rescue Foundation, which is based on Soi Ta-iad, at: 098-7045345.

The Phuket News

ly admitted to the blight of untreated wastewater pouring onto Bang Tao and Surin beaches for decades as the area did not have any wastewater treatment plants.

After years of delays, the two wastewater treatment plants came online at Surin and Bang Tao in March this year – marking the first wastewater treatment plants on Phuket’s west coast outside of Patong and Karon.

Mr MaAnn admitted that the wastewater plants would not likely be able to treat all the untreated wastewater dumped into canals in the area – an admission that proved true just weeks later when untreated wastewater started pouring onto the beaches again last month, spurring formal complaints and assurances of an investigation by officials.

T he B12m n sea wall project also included in the complaints filed last Friday stalled in November 2017 after outraged local residents staged a protest, saying they were not informed of any public hearings held to approve the project.

AFTER MORE THAN 100 firefighters, rescue workers and emergency medical personnel took part in an annual all-day emergency response drill last Friday (June 7), some of the participants got to put their skills to the test early the next morning when a transformer caught fire behind a hotel in Patong.

Emergency responders were called to behind the Araya Beach Hotel Patong on Thaweewong Rd (the beach road) after 4am after receiving a report of a fire there.

Firefighters were soon on scene and had the fire under control within about 10 minutes, Patong Municipality Fire Dept told The Phuket News.

The fire appeared to start from a transformer malfunction behind the hotel, and thankfully no people were reported as injured from the fire, firefighters confirmed.

A representative of the hotel later confirmed that the fire was behind the hotel. A corridor to a kitchen area was affected, but the hotel itself was not directly affected.

The fire followed the annual all-day drill conducted just a day earlier at the Patong

Emergency responders in Patong train in putting out a fire from a leaking cooking gas bottle. Photo: Patong Municipality Municipality offices, starting at 9am.

About 30 participants joined the practical first-aid exercises in the morning led by staff from Patong Hospital, explained Somjit Limphattanawong Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) at Patong Municipality.

“They also underwent basic training in using firefighting equipment and fire extinguishers,” she added.

In the second part of the exercises, held in the afternoon, about 70 more participants joined the drill, which simulated a building fire started by a cooking gas leak.

The exercise required mass evacuation of a building and extinguishing such a fire.

Tanyaluk Sakoot

Opinion 6

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

editor@classactmedia.co.th

CONTACT US

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PURIYA BEAVAN Editor

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

084 307 7408 execeditor@classactmedia.co.th Fifteen years working in news and covering local issues and events in Phuket, with 18-month hiatus spent working for the Brunei Times on Borneo. From Queensland, Australia; 10 years living in the UK before moving to Phuket in 2000. Degree in business management. Spare time spent sailing or with family.

PORIA MERMAND

News & Sport Editor

editor3@classactmedia.co.th From risk analyst to music producer to news editor, Poria has worked in various contrasting fields following his graduation from university. Growing up in central London before moving to Phuket in 2016, he has but one ambition, freedom.

AMY BRYANT

T

EDITORIAL

The cost of caring

he move to have all private hospitals by law publicly list what medications they provide – and what prices they charge for them – in many areas of the country, and especially Bangkok, could be a game changer. But in Phuket, that change does not seem likely.

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha wasted no time in pledging his support for the resolution by the World Health Organisation (WHO) Assembly on May 28.

The very next day the necessary changes to the law were drafted, and within 48 hours of the resolution, on May 30, 353 private hospitals throughout the country were informed that they were now required to display the prices of 3,000 drugs, as well as the fees for medical supplies and services, so that consumers can make better-informed

Lifestyle Editor

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the freedom to make their decisions about where to obtain their medicine, but in Phuket where are people to go? The hospital options remain the same: either one of the three government hospitals (Vachira, Patong and Thalang), the Phuket Provincial Hospital (government owned, privately run), Mission Hospital or one of three remaining hospitals that are all owned by the same company.

The prices between the three main private hospital entities already differentiate the market to the point that patient load and services provided are the more determining factors in which hospital a Phuket resident is likely to prefer. The prices are just those that you’re stuck with in your choice of which hospital to use. There is no indication that will change, with or without the pricing public disclosure law.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

US Navy ports in Patong after Andaman exercises with French carrier group Australian dies after fall from Patong hotel Taxing times: Excise tax bites hard as Patong businesses suffer Phuket Town officials start clearing footpaths, warn of B2k fines Phuket tramway design to be finalised next week Teen seriously injured in Kathu motorbike crash Phoenix tour boat fails to sell as authorities run up huge storage costs Man taken down after shooting girlfriend’s brother, nephew, attempts to flee with them as hostages Disaster officials warn of flood, landslide dangers in Thalang Heavy rains fell tree, disaster officials repeat warning

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY

editor1@classactmedia.co.th Former freelance writer and editor for a music news and reviews website in the UK. Now turning her hobby into a career with The Phuket News and broadening her scope from music to, well, everything. Likes the weird and wonderful.

decisions prior to treatment.

Last Sunday (June 9) the national propaganda machine made it clear via all modern media channels that this was now required, while pointing out that the government recognised studies that had shown that hospitals had charged anywhere from 300% up to a stupendous 16,000% in marked up prices.

The complaints received

by The Phuket News over the years about people being overcharged for basic medical services have often included the outrageous prices of basic medicines, including the seemingly mandatory bag of paracetamol on discharge from hospital. Yet the big bills are hidden in the more complex treatments, requiring more specialised medications.

The new law aims to make it more competitive between hospitals by allowing patients

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Community spirit

Re: Appeal for urgent donations of A- and O- blood Dear all, thank you so much for your help and support. I’m in tears, speechless and deeply humbled by the amount of attention and effort so many people have put into helping me the last couple of days. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to every single one of you!

A special thanks to all the people who were able and willing to donate the needed blood for my surgery; had it not been for you, the outcome would have been very different!

I had successful surgery where the five doctors did an amazing job and managed to patch my bladder back together and fix my pelvic bone which was in three pieces and dislocated from my spine.

Amazingly, no nerve damage occurred by the fractures and pinning it back together again hence I have full movement and feeling in all my limbs.

Now some very tough months of rehab lie ahead, but I’m positive and sure I will fully recover all thanks to your help.

Christian and family

I love it when our community comes together!

Nicola Lowry Nice work people! Great to see some good news stories Sean Oliver Moonwalker

Walk free

Re: Phuket Town officials start clearing footpaths, warn of B2k fines They did the same on Phuket Rd some years ago.

It made it possible to walk on the sidewalk without having to step out into the street every 10-20 metres. Keep up the good work.

Khun Johan They made a big deal of doing this about three years ago. A lot of press coverage of police officers moving plants, motorbikes, etc. Then it fizzled away. My neighbourhood is now even worse. I suspect this campaign will be all flash for a few days before it reverts back to “normal”.

Mark Joseph Jochim Waiting for Karon Municipality to follow the example.

But since these clever guys even put electric poles with

dangerous pins sticking out on the yellow guide line for blind pedestrians, I have not much hope. A blind friend had a very dangerous near miss in Taina Rd. Also wonder when they are going to clear bins/cones/laundry racks that ‘reserve’ parking spots on the public roads.

Tinkerbell Seems like someone is looking for easy money during low season.

Claudio Faraoni

No hands on deck

Re: Phoenix tour boat fails to sell as authorities run up huge storage costs Junk is always junk, no matter what price you put on it. This boat belongs in the same category as the Boeing 737 Max. Even if it had a new name and owner, I wouldn’t want to be a passenger on it.

Eric Dohlon What about a “wrecks to reefs” program?

BosysurfNaiHarn Looks like AMLO is going to pay more for wreck storage than it will ever earn from sell-

ing. Was there not a cheaper location to store this wreck?

Use it as a scuba dive reef site.

Kurt It would be far better to sell off the boat for parts and write it off, instead of incurring the ridiculous monthly storage fees.

Due to the 47 people who died and some clearly confusing and disturbing circumstances about what actually occurred and why, I personally think any “normal” potential buyers are overlooking this boat for any future business use due to the bad stigma it expels.

Peter Sando

More, more, more

Re: TAT targets Eastern European market in bid to boost yacht tourism The islands are destroyed by millions of tourists and their footprints. Thousands of trip boats destroying the once beautiful bays and famous white sandy beaches.

Thousands upon thousands of tourists trampling on the corals. And it’s deemed that more tourists is the answer to all these problems.

Richard Souter

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Gen Prayut appointed PM by Royal command BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

G

en Prayut Chan-o-cha has vowed to serve the country, people and His Majesty the King after being royally appointed the prime minister of Thailand for a second term.

The royal appointment ceremony took place at about 1.30pm in the presence of members of the 18 coalition parties at the Pakdibodin building in Government House’s compound.

Sorasak Pienvej, secretary-general of the House, delivered the royal command. Gen Prayut remained the 29th prime minister of Thailand as his second four-year term started.

After receiving the royal command, Gen Prayut said he was grateful to His Majesty and would work for the King and people.

“I affirm that I will dedicate myself to public service with honesty and integrity in pursuit of the greater good of the country and the people of Thailand. I will listen to the voices of the people while fulfilling my duty to move forward and develop the country in all economic and social aspects,” Gen Prayut said.

He promised to help the poor, develop human resources, promote national unity and let people of the new generation take

@thephuketnews

Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha leaves the Pakdibodin Building after receiving a royal command appointing him the prime minister in Government House in Bangkok on Tuesday (June 11). Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul part in national development.

He also thanked coalition parties for their support.

Before the ceremony, Gen Prayut told reporters that the new cabinet would be formed soon.

“There will be discussions. Suitability will be considered and compromises must be made. The benefits of the country and people will be the priority,” he said.

After the new cabinet is sworn in, his power under Section 44 of the interim constitution in his capacity as the chief of the National Council for Peace and Order would end, Gen Prayut said.

While his government is set to serve a four-year term, Gen Prayut will likely continue to be prime minister for the

next eight years – until 2027 – thanks to the full support he has from 250 NCPOappointed senators. The senators serve a five-year term to June 2024, so they will be able to join the vote for prime minister at least one more time.

If the results of the next election are similar to those of the March 24 poll and the senators’ support for him remain unwavering, Gen Prayut will likely serve another four-year term, bringing his term to 13-14 years in total – more than five under the NCPO’s powers and eight more through elections under the 2017 Constitution. Even if he loses a series of no-confidence debates, the senators are likely to join with a minority in the House to vote him back in.

THAILAND NEWS

7

Another year in prison for poacher Premchai SAMUT SONGKHRAM THE CRIMINAL COURT for Corruption and Misconduct Case Region VII in Samut Songkhram province sentenced construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta to one year in jail today (June 11) for trying to bribe park rangers when he was arrested in a wildlife sanctuary in February 2018.

The court based the ruling on witness testimony that Premchai, 64, told arresting park rangers he would give them whatever they wanted if they set him free.

The court stated that the one-year sentence would be added onto a 16-month jail term handed down by a Kanchanaburi court in connection with a wildlife poaching case in the Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary in Kanchanaburi’s Thong Pha Phum district where he was arrested.

Yong Dodkruea, 66, the other defendant in the bribery case, was acquitted. Although his voice appeared in a 20-minute-long audio recording, the conversation took place on a separate occasion, concerned general

Wildlife sanctuary chief Wichian Chinnawong stands guard over construction tycoon Premchai Karnasuta.

Photo: Bangkok Post matters and was not connected to Premchai’s attempted bribe, the court ruled.

Premchai was released on bail of B200,000. He said he would appeal.

Wichian Chinnawong, the chief of the western Thungyai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary who arrested Premchai and three followers in February last year, was also at the court but did not speak to reporters.

Premchai, president of Italian-Thai Development Plc, and the three co-defendants were arrested at their unauthorised camp in the wildlife sanctuary on Feb 4 last year in possession of firearms and the carcasses of protected animals, including a rare black leopard.

Bangkok Post

8

THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

FFP to be probed over bribery claims BANGKOK

Bangkok Post

A boy works at a seafood factory in Phuket. Photo: AFP

133,000 kids do dangerous jobs BANGKOK ABOUT 133,000 CHILdren work in jobs that are dangerous, the Labour Ministry says, citing a 2018 survey on child labour in the country.

They accounted for 32% of around 409,000 child workers in the country, indicated the survey, which was jointly conducted by the Labour Ministry, the International Labour Organisation and the National Statistical Office.

The information was revealed by Wiwat Tanghong, director-general of the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare, who spoke to the media after presiding over an event to mark World Day Against Child Labour yesterday.

Mr Wiwat said dangerous jobs done by the children include carrying

heavy items (21.9%), being exposed to chemicals, radioactivity and firecrackers (7.4%), and working at night or in hot, very cold and loud places (3.8%). “ Mo r e t h a n 65.1% of working children, or around 266,000, work for their families without being paid as in the Thai social context, children are grateful to assist their family’s businesses,” said Mr Wiwat.

Of the child labourers, 128,000 were employed by private firms. They received an average monthly salary of B5,351, he said.

Last year, 83 legal cases were uncovered involving the illegal use of child labour. Most of these cases involved children aged 15 or below. Almost all the child labourers were Thais and about 1.4% were from other countries.

Bangkok Post

T

he Election Commission has accepted a petition against the Future Forward Party (FFP) over claims by some of its MPs that they were offered money to vote for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha as prime minister, the EC chairman Ittiporn Boonpracong said on Monday (June 10).

Mr Ittiporn said the EC had acknowledged the complaint from activist Srisuwan Janya and would now determine if there are sufficient grounds to proceed with an investigation.

“No facts in the case have been established yet,” he said.

The EC’s fact-finding team will decide whether the case should be pursued further, according to Mr Ittiporn.

When asked if the case would eventually lead to the dissolution of the FFP if the claims are proved false, the EC chairman insisted it was too early to say what would happen.

Mr Srisuwan submitted the petition with the EC last week, urging it to probe claims made by 13 FFP MPs that they had been offered up to B120 million each to switch sides and vote for Gen Prayut to become prime minister instead of their party leader, Thanathorn

A group of Future Forward Party MPs claimed to have been offered B30-120 million each to vote for Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha to be prime minister, at their party headquarters on June 4. Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul Juangroongruangkit.

During the prime ministerial vote, none of the FFP’s MPs voted for Gen Prayut.

Gen Prayut garnered 500 votes while Mr Thanathorn gained 244 votes. There were three abstentions.

Gen Prayut needed at least 376 votes, or more than half the total number of 750 MPs and senators to remain as prime minister.

Mr Srisuwan said earlier that the act of buying MPs’

Senator says it’s too early to fix charter BANGKOK IT IS TOO EARLY TO TRY and fix two controversial sections of the charter, Senator Wanchai Sornsiri said on Monday (June 10).

The amendments were suggested by the Future Forward Party (FFP) whose MPs said they will propose a motion to rectify two key sections in the new charter which justify the military regime’s orders and permit senators to vote for a

prime minister.

The two sections are Section 279 and Section 272.

Section 279 legally endorses the orders and actions of the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO). Section 272 permits senators to join

the House of Representatives in voting for a prime minister.

Mr Wanchai said the charter should be left uncorrected because the two sections have nothing to do with helping the NCPO prolong its grip on power, as claimed by the FFP. He explained that allowing senators to take part in selecting a prime minister exists in an interim clause of the charter with a time limit of five years.

After that, the senators will not have the role of choosing a premier and so the charter should not be deemed as an instrument for extending the regime’s power.

“If [the NCPO] stays on and does what is right and beneficial for the people, I don’t see any problem with that,” the senator said.

By proposing to table a charter amendment motion, the FFP is simply trying to cause political disruption, Mr

votes was akin to attempting to topple the rulers of the country by means other than those prescribed in the constitution and is grounds for the dissolution of a party.

The activist urged the FFP to take legal action against those who allegedly made the offers without delay.

He insisted this would help clear the FFP’s name amid criticism that it had held the briefing for political gain ahead of the prime ministerial vote, he said.

Failure to do that could lead to the removal of its executives.

They could be fined B50,000 each and banned from politics for five years, Mr Srisuwan added.

Earlier, Taopiphop Limjittrakorn, one of the MPs who made the claim, insisted he was being truthful.

He maintained he had been offered B120mn and several of his fellow MPs who were also approached have evidence to substantiate their claims.

The Democracy Monument, Bangkok. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Wanchai said.

Earlier critics warned that the FFP’s goal of amending the charter would be an uphill task because it needs substantial support from senators. All 250 senators were appointed by the NCPO. During the parliamentary session last Wednesday, all senators, except Senate speaker Pornpetch Wichitcholchai who abstained, voted in

favour of Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is also the NCPO chief, to remain as prime minister.

FFP secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul has said that these amendments are “the party’s mission that must be done urgently”.

Mr Piyabutr said the party will ask the people to join the campaign to amend the charter.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

BUSINESS NEWS

9

Hotels vs Airbnb: the report Tourists still want hotel quality, but Airbnb influence is growing TOURISM The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

O

ffering new alternatives to travellers, there is no doubt that Airbnb has taken some market share from traditional hotels. However, findings from commercial property broker and consultancy JLL shows that hotels in Thailand have been less affected by online home-sharing platforms than expected.

The findings were based on data collected from more than 11,200 accommodations offered by Airbnb and hotels in Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. JLL analysed demand sources based on key price determinants from a range of utility-based attributes including locations, room characteristics, amenities and reputational signals.

“It is evident that for Thailand most travellers still prefer traditional hotel accommodations, particularly those operated by brands that they are familiar with and give them more confidence in security and levels of services,” said Chakkrit Chakrabandhu Na Ayudhya, Senior Vice President of Hotels and

Airbnb is posing a less significant threat to hotels in Thailand than expected, but its influence in the longer term should not be underestimated, says JLL. Screengrab: Airbnb Hospitality Group at JLL. The preference of traditional hotels to the home-sharing accommodations can be reflected by the higher number of hotel guest reviews. In Bangkok, for example, traditional hotels and Airbnb accommodations receive an average of 664.2 and 31.3 reviews respectively, according to JLL. More affordability is another factor that has helped traditional hotels maintain their competitiveness.

“Most people would expect that staying at an Airbnb is cheaper than booking a hotel room. However,

unlike most countries, hotels in Thailand are surprisingly more economical than Airbnb and thus have remained more competitive,” explained Mr Chakkrit.

While not an apple-to-apple comparison, JLL’s findings indicate that the average prices per night for hotel accommodations is lower than Airbnb across all the three markets studied, especially in Phuket, where the average price per night of hotels is less than half of the average price of Airbnb.

In Bangkok, the two types of accommodation are closely priced,

King Power staff await customers to pick up their purchased items at the International Passenger Terminal on the 3rd floor at Phuket International Airport. Photo: King Power

King Power wins duty-free rights at Phuket Airport RETAIL K I N G P OW E R D U T Y free Co has won the bid to run duty-free shops at Phuket, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai airports, Airports of Thailand Plc (AoT) announced on Monday (June 10).

AoT said in a statement that the winning bidder for the operation of the three regional airports was King Power as it offered highest returns than its two rivals and also received the highest scores.

A consortium led by Bangkok Airways Plc and a venture @thephuketnews

led by Royal Orchid Hotel (Thailand) Plc also entered bids for the rights to operate duty-free franchise outlets at the three international airports.

AoT Senior Executive Vice-President Wichai Bunyu said the decision will be submitted to the committee in charge of revenue on Wednesday and then to the board for approval on June 19.

He said King Power offered higher returns than the airport agency had expected and the process was transparent.

King Power on May 31 won the bid to operate a dutyfree shop at Suvarnabhumi

Airport for another 10 years.

On the same day, it won another 10-year contract to operate the commercial zone at the airport.

Vitavas Vibhagool, Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotel (Thailand) Plc, said after the bidding King Power received a score of 96 points, 10 more than his group did.

The Bangkok Airways alliance scored 84, he added.

The next duty-free bid will be for Don Mueang International Airport after the contract expires in September 2022.

Bangkok Post

with Airbnb being slightly more expensive.

“The price comparison between Airbnb accommodations and traditional hotels is a challenge,” said Pichayut Vacharavikrom, an analyst at JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality Group.

“Since hotels often have many rates for the same type of rooms, our research looked at the lowest rate available. In addition, Airbnb offers much larger spaces through offerings that include entire villas, houses, apartments and bungalows, which can accommodate a larger

number of guests than hotel rooms.

“In fact, it may be accurate to say that Airbnb in Thailand is creating an additional hospitality market by offering new alternatives to travellers and attracting a new generation of guests, particularly millennials, who represent an increasing portion of travellers that are constantly seeking new experiences,” he explained.

While reputational signals are less influential to Airbnb accommodations, an increase in rating (increments of 1 out of 10), a key indicator of quality, is highly significant and associated with price increases for hotels in all three locations in Thailand.

By applying the hedonic pricing model, the study found that a one-point increase could on average translate to price increases of 13.81% in Chiang Mai, 16.35% in Bangkok and 23% in Phuket.

Also, the average distances of the two types of accommodation offerings in Chiang Mai to attraction points, public transport and airports were significantly different. This implied that the two are capturing different markets, with accommodations being better distributed or more scattered across the city, compared to Bangkok and Chiang Mai, JLL noted in its report.

10 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Cashing in on cannabis Asian Cannabis Report spotlights economic opportunities MEDICAL The Phuket News

A

sia is on track to have the oldest population in the world in the next few decades. Japan currently has the largest population of elderly people at 33.1% and this is set to bring about an unprecedented rise in healthcare costs in the long term.

A high incidence of smoking and obesity throughout Asia will further compound demand for effective healthcare. The region’s spending on healthcare is estimated to reach US$2.7 trillion by 2020, notes a comprehensive report on the financial opportunities waiting to be capitalised on as Thailand leads the region in legalising medical and medicinal cannabis.

Medicinal cannabis is legal in approximately only one in five of the region’s countries, but within the last year significant developments have included legalisation, the launch of medicinal cannabis plantations, and investment

into research to investigate the therapeutic benefits of cannabis. In this respect, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Korea are at the vanguard of change in the region, explains the The Asian Cannabis Report, published in May by leading market analysts and advisors Prohibition Partners.

Entire countries are already lining themselves up to be early to market with their products.

South Korea has taken steps to allow imports of cannabisderived medicines that have already been approved for use overseas. In July, statesanctioned clinical trials to test cannabis oil in sublingual drop format on selected patients suffering from chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are planned to begin in Thailand. These developments all suggest that the availability of medicinal cannabis could experience a significant leap forward in 2019 and beyond.

Prohibition Partners estimates that the Asian medicinal cannabis market could be worth an estimated US$5.8

billion by 2024, assuming that it is legalised in the countries profiled in this report within this timeframe.

“China and Japan would be the biggest value markets accounting for an estimated 75% share in 2024. However, according to our analysis, this estimate could quadruple by

2027,” the report notes.

In Thailand, the legalisation of medical cannabis was officialised by royal decree in The Royal Gazette on 18 February 2019. Recreational cannabis, however, remains illegal.

Yet strong competition is already afoot.

Even in Malaysia, in February 2019, the health ministry stated that it would consider allowing the use of medical cannabis. Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said, “If there is enough information to show it [medical cannabis] is safe and effective for use for certain conditions, then the ministry will be able to consider based on the particular indication.”

In January 2018, Singapore’s National Research Foundation (NRF) announced a new five-year US$18.2mn (S$25mn) synthetic biology research initiative, which also includes a Synthetic Cannabinoid Biology Programme that aims to identify cannabinoid genes for the sustainable production of medicinal cannabinoids, without needing to cultivate the plant.

China makes up a large segment of the global CBD market and the country is exploring the potential of hemp strains with high CBD. The country’s Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences has been promoting the cultivation of hemp for pharmaceutical use and has developed a host of new cultivars with the goal of maximising CBD yields.

More Chinese farmers are producing hemp in order to extract CBD, and the number of new specially developed high-CBD cultivars is on the rise in the country.

In 2016, Japan legalised CBD oil, but it was only in 2018 that the company – Elixinol –was first allowed to advertise its product. While CBD oil is legal in Japan, products made in the country or legitimately imported for the Japanese market must contain less than 0.3% THC. In February, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) took the landmark decision to approve the use of cannabis for research and medical purposes. The decision cemented Thailand’s position as the vanguard of medicinal progress in Southeast Asia, being the first country in the region to use cannabis to treat a range of conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, drug-resistant epilepsy and pain and nausea in cancer patients.

“In addition to medical progress, the NLA decision should provide opportunities for Thai businesses and entrepreneurs, the report cautioned.

The report highlights the US$237.2 million opportunity available to Thailand by 2024 should it choose to loosen restrictions on the medical cannabis market,” says Daragh Anglim, Managing Director of Prohibition Partners.

“Currently, there are only two officially sanctioned plantations in Thailand permitted to grow a strain of cannabis that is low in psychoactive compounds – less than 1% THC – to supply hospitals or government research institutes.

All medical cannabis must be grown indoors to prevent illegal trade and ensure quality,” he explains.

In order for Thai businesses to benefit fully from the economic opportunity on the

horizon, the legislation needs to be clarified. It’s worth noting that, while the Thai government is still tightly controlling the production and supply, foreign companies such as the British GW Pharmaceuticals and the Japanese Otsuka Pharmaceutical are alert to developments and have begun to file patent requests.

“The Thai Department of Intellectual Property has so far denied these requests, but whether this will always be the case is up for debate. Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong recently recognised that cannabis ‘is Thailand’s future cash crop’ and promised that ‘the state is doing its best to protect intellectual rights linked to research’.

“But hardworking domestic businesses will remain concerned that if future patents are granted, transnational parties will dominate the potentially lucrative market,” he adds.

“In order for Thai businesses to reap the economic rewards of a domestic market, legislation needs to be clarified.

Right now, attention is fixed on regulations due to be published imminently. It is believed that these will establish licensing and prescribing criteria for medical practitioners, but it is yet to be seen whether Thai farmers and businesses can expect the same clarity around domestic cultivation,” Mr Anglim explains.

“The world is bearing witness to a chain reaction of legal change. Citizens and governments across the globe are rapidly waking up to the potential of developing medical cannabis markets, provided legislation keeps apace, Thailand is well placed to lead the pack in Asia,” he said. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Luxury destination dining at Kata Rocks

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

13

How first-time yogis can find the right class

15

RISING STARS

Thai start-up mu Space Corp to launch space tourism in Asian first The New Shepard rocket successfully lands in West Texas. Photo: Blue Origin Ross Armstrong

J

uly 20, 2019 marks 50 years since man first touched the Moon, one of the greatest achievements in human history, an unmatched feat of technology, engineering and politics. But what giant leaps has mankind taken since?

Well, we’ve landed spacecraft on Mars, reached the outer parts of our solar system and just about captured a galaxy 13.26 billion light years away with the Hubble Space Telescope.

Yet, there is something missing from these achievements, a common criticism of space exploration: we haven’t transported man to anywhere new.

Could it be a Thai start-up that creates a paradigm shift, space travel that is no longer for highly skilled astronauts from the US, China or Russia but in fact a plethora of ‘normal’ people? Varayuth “James” Yenbamroong and his team at muSpace Corp believe so.

“In the past, launching things into space was really expensive because the rockets that were used could be flown only once,” James told The Phuket News, “But now, space companies are experimenting with reusable rockets. This capability could save aerospace companies tens of millions of dollars in production costs, and thus lead to space travel being possible and cheaper in the future.

“Once reusable rockets are the norm, I’m sure space travel will not only be reserved to astronauts, but it can also be offered to other individuals. Once that happens, we’ll see the birth of an entirely new industry,” he explains.

James’ interest in space launched when he was just a boy growing up in Bangkok, sketching planes, robots and futuristic ideas of outer space across his bedroom walls. Luckily, he switched walls and Crayolas for pen and paper, and now, with a degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering and a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California under his belt, he’s prepared to make his futuristic ideas reality.

Although mu Space is a young venture, founded only two years ago this month, James has confidently set a goal of sending 100 people to the Moon in the @thephuketnews

next 10 years. This figure eclipses the 12 that have made the 384,400 kilometre trip so far. Exciting?

Optimistic? Why not both? It’s important to be optimistic, especially in astronomy. It drives us to achieve what others thought previously impossible.

As recently as January 2017, scientists detected two black holes colliding 1.3 billion light years away, creating a gravitational energy more powerful than all the light radiated in the observable universe.

Breakthroughs such as this do not start with conservative and restrained ideologies.

The mu Space brand of space tourism is set to commence in 2021 with shorter trips to the Karman line, the internationally accepted boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. Flight test programmes are underway and positive progress points towards a launch in two years, but safety is naturally their top priority and humans will only be flown when mu Space is fully prepared.

“What makes mu Space unique is our target customers. We want to be the first to offer space tourism in the Asia-Pacific region,” says James, “We’ll send space tourists 100 kilometres above the Earth, let them experience zero gravity and they’ll return back to Earth after several minutes. To ensure their safety in space, we’ll provide them with advanced space suits similar to those worn by astronauts.”

Their “OO mission” space suit, currently in the design stages, is a sleek Iron Man-inspired ensemble that will protect against freezing cold temperatures, micrometeorites and radiation whilst offering maximum mobility to, eventually, manoeuvre a lunar rover, collect samples and walk on the Moon’s rocky surface.

Textile materials for use on the space suit were sent above the Karman line and into space as part of a six-kilogram payload which flew onboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket in July 2018. Jeff Bezos, Amazon CEO and founder, established Blue Origin with the same bold vision as James: to seed an enduring human presence in space. The New Shepard rocket, which returned two months after launch, landed vertically, demonstrating the feasibility of reuse, as James advocates.

Also on board the mu Space payload was a bleeding preventive device, a carbon nanotube and

James (right) at the first payload launch. Photo: Blue Origin vacuum-sealed food – their functionality tested after exposure to microgravity – and a jersey of the Thai national football team to symbolise the World Cup and the successful rescue of the 13-member football team from Tham Luang cave. The latter has a particular personal value; mu Space collaborated with Google and Weather Decision Technologies to provide the cave rescuers with weather forecast models.

Just last month, mu Space sent its second payload, this time with the intention of raising public awareness. The payload contained signature boards with a thousand names and signatures on, including Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s, collected at the Digital Thailand Big Bang and TechSauce Global Summit.

“This initiative is the first in Asia and this is something Thais should be proud of. It shows Thailand’s capability to participate in the space race and create history,” says James…

Continued on page 12

12 EXPLORE With mu Space breaking so many boundaries and achieving so many ‘firsts’, it’s worth asking, why has Thailand been so far behind the curve when it comes to space travel?

“It might be because space-related activities require intensive funding.

Therefore, a space agency must execute their plan according to their funding and the technology they have available,” explains James.

“I’m optimistic that as more and more private space launch companies come to market, the cost of launching spacecraft will continue to decrease.

This improvement should free up funding for space agencies to launch their own space missions in the future.”

Thailand’s leading aerospace company want to help those on the ground too with a satellite-based broadband service starting in Thailand and eventually covering most of the Asia-Pacific region. To do this, they must fire a geosynchronous satellite into Earth’s orbit. This means the satellite roughly follows the same latitude – with a small amount of wiggle room north to south – enabling good coverage over the Asia-Pacific region at almost all times, potentially spelling the end of the tangled webs of cables on Thai streets. mu Space’s very own satellite could be live in our skies as soon as 2021 and at a cost of US$150 million, a small price to pay for universal, reliable communication networks. mu Space also plans to enable cities to improve connectivity and infrastructure in order to create a smarter and more sustainable future for Earth’s messy inhabitants through: 360° casual wearable camera; smart clothing that monitors changes in the body; aviation internet; maritime connectivity; and a

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

mu Space is Thailand’s first space technology start-up to operate a satellite service. huge, futuristic ‘everyOne Park’ that displays innovations in satellite and space technology.

If these goals feel alien to you, unfathomable, or you simply think “Why should I care if it doesn’t affect me?”, you are the exact person mu Space is targeting. James feels that the general public’s understanding is that space research is only profitable for academia and doesn’t have real life, real people applications. Yet, if it wasn’t for space technology, we wouldn’t have: memory foam; durable radial tyres (thanks to the Mars rover); prosthetic limbs (thanks to NASA’s robots using artificial muscle and actuation technology); and even baby food (astronauts needed nutrient rich food formulas too).

If mu Space can make space travel, or space tourism, a closer reality for the average citizen, the push for space funding and further real world applications become more attainable. mu Space’s journey to the next frontier is as much about the small inventions,

Prayut Chan-o-cha signs the board sent on the second payload. Photo: DEPA innovations and applications of these successes en route as it is about humanity’s desire to live beyond. What may seem impossible today, such as travelling to that colliding black hole, may one day, with optimism and funding, become a reality.

At the very least, mu Space has the power to inspire Thailand into thinking bigger, beyond their small slice of paradise, up into the stars and, for all we know, beyond.

mu Space’s sleek and futuristic space suit.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 13

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Guests dine by the waves which ebb and flow dramatically over the rugged coastline.

Kata Rocks is an architectural and design triumph.

Romance on the rocks Kata Rocks offers the ultimate destination dining experience THE CULINARY DETECTIVE

Foie gras terrine.

Chris Watson chriswatsonth@gmail.com

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s I prepare to leave my Phuket residence, dressing appropriately for dinner at Kata Rocks, my thoughts drift to how fortunate I am to be invited for yet another dinner at a luxury property.

But when one writes about so many restaurants and hotels across Thailand, it is quite rare to be truly surprised – with a few exalted culinary exceptions. Of course, I have previously visited Kata Rocks on a couple of occasions, and whilst it is no doubt an architectural and design triumph, perched on a somewhat unforgiving promontory, a credit to Richard Pope’s vision, and I am confident I will have a great evening, I am somewhat unconvinced that I will be experiencing anything magical.

The pool bar and main restaurant on my past visits have always been lively and luxe, reflecting the mission and company nomenclature of “infinite luxury”. The weekend brunches offer a vast array of fresh seafood and quality roast meats combined with the option of dipping one’s toes in the tempting infinity pool whilst cutting-edge chill-out lounge beats play in the background. Patrons clearly enjoy their time at Kata Rocks, with happy staff and happy guests casually mixing in a carefree environment. It is indeed an incredibly fun ambience evoking a summer’s day extending into early evening on the celebrityinhabited Côte d’Azur.

But tonight I have been invited to experience ‘dining on the rocks’, yet another unique sunset dining experience which I am assured will also offer my partner and I an injection of the romance which long-married couples regularly require.

As we undertake the relatively short journey, my demeanour remains somber and unconvinced. Upon arriving at the front pavilion, we are efficiently swept into a buggy and make the short trip to the lounge area. Following a short wait to enable us to enjoy the view, we are led along a discreet pathway, with each step ever nearer the sea, and this is when the adventure truly begins. Following a short walk, our waiter guides us tentatively onto the rocks themselves. We move with trepidation and are ultimately rewarded with our table for dinner, immaculately set, quite literally just a few steps away from the waves which ebb and flow dramatically over the rugged coastline.

Those of you who after reading this article immediately reserve a table, I suggest you arrive in time for sunset; I can think of few more breathtaking locations from which to enjoy such a stunning vista. Our table has been dressed with many thoughtful details, but I will not spoil the surprise for those of you inclined.

Suffice to say, the scene is beautifully staged. @thephuketnews

Grilled wagyu beef tenderloin.

Both Thai- and Western-themed set menus are offered and, to aid the kitchen, should be ordered in advance. We have chosen Western, and with Executive Chef Laia Pons, a Spanish culinary talent with a star-studded resume, at the helm, expectations are high. Remember for a moment the logistical challenges our location presents and one would certainly expect that delivering top-class cuisine and pictureperfect plates at the required temperature may not be particularly easy to achieve. But I am delighted to inform you that remarkably they do.

We begin with a signature crab salad; carefully crafted quenelles of juicy, tender crab meat, light, refreshing and very moreish. We follow with an unctuous slice of foie gras au torchon, the liver quite literally wrapped in a cloth before a delicate poaching to ensure the decadent fat remains to maximise flavour, accompanied with crunchy hazelnuts and fresh figs – a memorable dish. Our main courses follow: a slow-cooked salmon, just cuit, the flesh still pink, and an equally perfectly prepared and presented wagyu tenderloin that melts in the mouth.

We choose to end with a traditional chocolate lava cake made with France’s finest and a uniquely presented banoffee dessert, both which exceed expectations.

Dining outdoors is not always the preferred choice, especially with the evidently unpredictable current climate; however, with a gentle breeze wafting in from the ocean, it was really quite pleasant.

As we depart from the ocean edge, hands held, perhaps more for stability rather than romance, I can confidently say that dining on the rocks is, for me, a wonderfully unique experience, distinctive, special and exclusive. My earlier prediction could not be further from the reality.

We are continually informed that the world’s travellers are seeking ever more unusual and memorable experiences and I cannot help but feel that this recipe of slightly Mediterranean and stylish plates served up on this intimate, quite edgy headland venue is a strong contender for a must-do, up there with the best. For me, it was definitely a well-kept secret.

Well, following this article, I hazard a guess, probably no more! Book a dinner on the rocks and head to KR at your earliest.

The ‘dining on the rocks’ experience operates on a seasonal basis and is subject to weather conditions. For more information or reservations, email dining@katarocks.com or call (66) 076 370777. www.katarocks.com Chris is a former Michelin Guide Inspector who, following an international career in hospitality spanning 30 years in both the Middle East and Asia, has now settled in Thailand and contributes a monthly restaurant column.

14 CULTURE

Rogue writers

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

The unnecessary burden of fact

Photo: Patrick Fore / Unsplash

MUSING IN THE MIRE David Jacklin david@littleloud.com

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raditionally, the mainstay reporter is beholden to the golden rules of factual journalism.

The writer remains ‘invisible’ behind a screen of reported facts presented as objectively as possible.

It would seem the cardinal sin of a credible journalist not to fully cross-check the facts and present a non-biased and absolutely accurate account within their work.

These principles are very understood for the reporting of the daily news, but are they essential prerequisites for editorial review and broader investigative articles? Should the value of a published report rely on the reader’s belief that it’s brimming

with bullet-proof facts, rather than expressing an emotive evaluation that explores truths and meaning?

Arguably there have been a number of journalistic cases where unconventional literary techniques have been employed to focus on the ‘experience’ of the investigation, rather than the need to ‘inform’ on all the detail. But none more so than the New Journalism movement of the 1960s and 1970s.

New Journalism was coined after a series of subjective writers in this period such as Tom Wolfe, Norman Mailer, Truman Capote, Terry Southern, Joan Didion, Hunter S. Thompson and Gay Talese. Wolfe codified the movement with his 1973 collection of articles including works from all of the above and more, definitively titled The New Journalism.

It was a trend at this time for articles in this style to appear as editorials in magazines rather than newspapers, including Harper’s, Esquire, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone and Scanlan’s Monthly.

Wolfe experimented with a variety of literary techniques, mixing them with the traditional ideal of dispassionate, even-handed reporting. Instead of investigative reporting, Wolfe advocated what he called “saturation reporting”, an experiential approach in which the journalist “shadows” and observes the subject over an extended period of time. “To pull it off,” said Wolfe, “you casually have to stay with the people you are writing about for long stretches… long enough so that you are actually there when revealing scenes take place in their lives.”

The result was that the journalist was no longer distanced and detached from the people and events that they reported on. The work embraced both fictional and non-fictional styles of writing.

Most notably of Wolfe’s work, and one of the period-defining pieces of the 1960s, is his The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test, a first-hand account of Ken Kesey’s famous sixties counter-culture group The Merry Pranksters. Wolfe employed eccentric punctuation and free association within the text to convey the manic ideas and personalities within the scene.

Saturation reporting became a major hallmark of the new journalist. In 1965 Truman Capote released In Cold Blood. Often cited as the original nonfiction novel, Capote learned of a quad-

ruple murder in a small farming community in Kansas and travelled there with Harper Lee to conduct a series of interviews and observational writings before the killers were captured.

Perhaps the most extreme example, and certainly the most compelling in my eyes, is Hunter S. Thompson.

Thompson was the originator of Gonzo Journalism, where the protagonist’s subjective reporting is combined with social critique and self-satire, often with the use of sarcasm, humour, exaggeration and profanity to emphasise a point. Or, more likely in Thompson’s case, its pointlessness.

Thompson first came to light with his publication of Hell’s Angels (1967) in which he spent over a year living and riding with the notorious motorcycle gang to scribe his brutal, shocking but ultimately compelling first-hand account of the gang members and their activities. His other famous works include The Kentucky Derby Is Decadent and Depraved, a seminal sports article written on the 1970 Kentucky Derby, and the counterculture classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which explicitly depicts the failings of the 1960s counterculture movement.

Thompson’s extreme antics and unconstrained journalistic liberties to get an alternative angle on events have often been cited for the wane and death of New Journalism in the 1970s.

In true fashion, he cared little. In a 1973 article for Rolling Stone magazine, Thompson stated, “If I’d written the truth I knew for the past ten years, about 600 people – including me – would be rotting in prison cells from Rio to Seattle today. Absolute truth is a very rare and dangerous commodity in the context of professional journalism.”

For me, the best editorial journalism is subjective reportage and sociology combined. The writer’s viewpoint and experience surrounding the events make the subject matter compelling and worth exploring, even at the expense of objective fact. Most essentially, it makes it both a pleasure to read and a memorable account.

As the author David Wallace wrote in his novel and subsequent Tim Burton film Big Fish, which beautifully covers the onus on ‘fact’ in telling an honest and lasting tale: “You’re not necessarily supposed to believe it…

You’re just supposed to believe in it.” thephuketnews

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HEALTH 15

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Finding your yoga A beginner yogi’s guide to choosing the right class, studio and teacher LET’S GET BENT Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

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ello. This month I am not talking yoga postures; instead, I want to help you find a yoga class that suits you and your lifestyle best. It can be quite daunting when going to a yoga class “cold”.

Cold meaning not having any yoga friends dragging you there or having never set foot in a yoga studio, let alone a cheesy gym yoga class.

Before first-time yogis step into a yoga studio, many have crazy, preconceived ideas of what goes on behind those mysterious doors. Most of the time, the people that are behind those doors are just like you. When you take a step into the right yoga class, you may also find a whole new group of likeminded people to hang with. My first piece of advice for finding your yoga is to ask yourself: What is the reason you are going?

Are you going to stretch out after your vigorous training? Do you want to build some strength? Are you rehabbing an injury? Do you need to find some release and relaxation? If you want to get your sweat on and instead turn up to a soft, meditative class, your first experience may leave a bad taste in your mouth. If you are unsure, read the class description or contact the studio beforehand.

Talk with the teacher Introduce yourself to the teacher that will be guiding you through your class.

Ask them questions and share any concerns you may have. If they love what they do and are present when teaching, they will be willing to take the time to talk with you. If they do not, well, that could be your answer. What sort of message is the teacher portraying to the class? Does it match your ethos? What is the lifestyle and behaviour of your teach@thephuketnews

er off the mat? Are they an admirable person, someone that will lift you up and support you positively on your journey?

Use online resources There are some great yoga search engines online that allow you to find classes in your area, such as Yoga Finder. Most studios also have their own websites that advertise their mission and experience.

Go with your instinct Once you have attended the class, you will know if it clicks with you. Go with your gut instincts; they are usually right. However, let me point out here that going with your gut before the class and not even trying is a whole different story and leads me to my next piece of advice.

Have an open mind Don’t let expectations get in they way of you finding something amazing. I will also throw in this well-known saying: “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.

Let me tell you a story. A few years ago, I was just about to teach a class in my Australian studio when a young surfer boy was sheepishly being dragged up my stairs by his excited girlfriend. This young man was being forced to his first yoga class. He obviously liked this girl because he really did not want to be there. He was petrified that he was going to have to chant weird stuff in front of people, get wrapped up in crystals and glitter, get his body ripped apart and never be able to look at his male friends again.

Long story short, after a free trial week of yoga, he came to me and said, “If I knew that this is what yoga was, I would have come to classes ages ago”.

To this day, this is still a very proud moment in my life. I love introducing people to yoga. He and his girlfriend became my regular students.

Set some goals and benchmark your progress This way, you have a guideline to gauge your progress. If there is no

progress and you have given 100% effort, perhaps you need to change the teacher or the class.

It may take some time to find your yoga. You may have to try out a few classes and teachers until you find what works for you. Please persevere.

I promise you it will be worth it! Yoga is such an amazing practice to have in your life and I wish you all the best in finding your yoga.

Happy stretching.

Metta, Kim oxo

16 GARDENING

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

An all-year display

Leafing through the most adaptable ornamental foliage plants GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

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s I have observed before, most shrubs and herbaceous plants in Thailand are more or less evergreen. And since they have to stand up to extreme conditions, their leaves need to be tough and adaptable.

At the risk of boring you, dear reader, let me briefly explain more fully. Plants give off water through their pores (or stomata) in an evaporative procedure known as transpiration.

This process is necessary for a range of very different reasons: to draw up nutrients from the soil in solution; to promote photosynthesis, a process absolutely vital to our continued existence on the planet, whereby the leaves convert carbon dioxide in the air to organic compounds; and finally and simply to cool the leaf in hot conditions.

It is estimated that at a temperature of 30 degrees – normal in Thailand – leaves lose water three times faster than at 20 degrees. So all plants, except those that naturally enjoy dim light and constant humidity under the rainforest canopy, need to have adaptable leaves that can reduce water loss by closing or contracting their pores. But extreme conditions in the tropics do not just mean high temperatures. As we all know, Phuket experiences torrential rain in the monsoon – up to 300 centimetres of the stuff. So plants have to be adaptable in other ways, namely to have the capacity to shed water rapidly from their leaves, so that the branches don’t hang heavy and break. Thus it is that some leaves are deeply grooved and veined to allow runoff, others have oily, leathery or shiny surfaces and a few have small pointed leaves that droop. As a result, there is huge diversity in leaf shape, size and colour. Little wonder, then, that many of these plants are cultivated for their foliage alone.

And why not?

Note that I am not talking about foliage that actually mimics flowers – the multi-coloured bracts of the bou-

gainvillea for instance, or the yellow or red of the poinsettia (kistmas in Thai for obvious reasons). Nor is this the occasion to consider the many varieties of palm that are grown for their attractive fronds, though I will mention in passing the golden cane palm, the sealing wax palm, the traveller tree and the ruffled fan palm as species that are all well worth cultivating – if you have the room in your garden. No, the following recommendations are about plants possessed of foliage that looks like foliage, leaves that look like leaves, albeit in fascinating colours.

Acalypha wilkesiana (huu krataai) One of my favourites is acalypha wilkesiana. It has a string of common names – Jacob’s coat, Fijian fire plant or painted copperleaf – all of which accurately describe its handsome appearance. It grows naturally in Vanuatu. I like it because it is a strong, erect evergreen with a closely arranged crown, will put up with shade or sunshine provided its roots have water and, most important of all, produces a dense show of large, variegated leaves that range in hue from coppery red to shades of green and yellow.

That it is often used here in sheared hedges speaks volumes for its durability. The only concern is its proneness to attacks from mealybugs. Propagate from stem cuttings.

Graptophyllum pictum (bai ngoen) Another useful shrub is the absurdly named caricature plant (graptophyllum pictum), for which camouflage plant might be a better name on account of its colourfully blotched leaves in yellow and vivid green, sometimes suffused with reddish pink. Its livery reminds me of the combat gear one sees so many young people wearing around the place.

This erect shrub, which hails from New Guinea, grows to two metres or so, and will tolerate sun or partial shade. Both of these shrubs, mostly propagated from cuttings, are residents in my garden where they provide variety and colour when other plants are not in bloom. That is always one of the chief merits of a good foliage plant.

The camouflage graptophyllum pictum. Photo: Mokkie Codiaeum variegatum (croton) My other top choice is the croton (codiaeum variegatum), a plant that grows everywhere in the tropics. I have seen mature specimens in Thai forecourts that are 10 feet tall, but usually they are much smaller and appear in rows, in formal arrangements or in pots.

The croton will be familiar to most Europeans as the most ubiquitous of all house plants, its showy, leathery and deeply veined leaves arranged around a central stalk. There are many cultivars and many colours; the foliage on one specimen can be anything from deep green through yellow to orange and red – hence its Latin tag of variegatum.

It is, in its natural jungle habitat, one of the understory plants, preferring moist conditions, and capable of existing beneath the forest canopy.

Thus it should not be planted in unremitting sunshine. If it gets overheated or dry, it will let you know by shedding its lower leaves. But it does well in the spaces between larger shrubs.

Cordyline terminalis (mak phuu mak mia) So too the cordylines, a large genus of single-stemmed, perennial herbs which dislike full sun even more, and which, for this reason, were once fashionable as container plants in English drawing rooms. Most commonly cultivated is the marginata variety with glossy, sword-like leaves of a distinctive deep purple or greenish violet colour. Some recent hybrids such as terminalis are a brilliant crimson; the light shining through their translucent foliage gives the leaves a luminous glow.

It grows quickly in ideal conditions – I have one in a shady border which is already two metres tall. Moreover, the vivid colouration makes it a popular contrast plant in any garden, provided you keep its roots moist and avoid getting the leaves scorched by the midday sun.

Duranta repens (tian yod) Not remotely similar is the golden dewdrop or pigeon berry (duranta repens).

This woody shrub has smallish, purple, bright yellow or green leaves that, at a

The croton is a plant of many vivid colours.

distance, can be mistaken for a mass of bloom. In fact, its pale violet flowers are, as with all these plants, upstaged by the foliage, but it does produce brilliant clusters of orange-yellow berries.

It is a real toughie, fast off the mark and with the twin advantages of thriving in full sun and of withstanding clipping. Indeed, it is usually grown as a hedge, often in conjunction with orange ixoras. A very useful coverer of bare spaces, it will, if allowed to express itself, attain a height of three metres.

Schefflera actinophylla (nuai phaamuk) Sometimes available with dark green foliage, schefflera is normally now sold with attractive variegated leaves which combine yellow and green. Nothing unusual about that except that the umbrella plant is a must for any massed plantings which require banks of greenery. Extremely resilient and with neat, shiny leaflets arranged in whorls at the end of stems that resemble the ribs of an umbrella.

Schefflera will also survive life in a container, even when conditions are on the dry side. My specimen is large – a multi-stemmed bush about two metres tall and almost as wide. Propagate from cuttings, layering or seed. Available almost everywhere.

Patrick has been writing for thirteen years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbell@gmail. com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

ENTERTAINMENT 17

Theatrix group at peak performance Amy Bryant editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ention ‘am-dram’ – or ‘amateur dramatics’ – and it’s not unusual to see people recoil, haunted by memories of second-rate pantomimes by inflated directors in need of a gentle reminder that they’re in a cold village hall in rural England, not the wings of a West End theatre. However, Theatrix, Phuket’s vibrant thea­tre group, prove that it’s time this stereotype died a slow, dramatic, on-stage death with their recent production of The 39 Steps.

The collective CV of the cast attests to how the line dividing professional and amateur theatre is becoming increasingly blurred. Their appearances on stage and on screen, in prestigious theatres and in well-loved films and TV series, span decades and continents.

All this came together for two sold-out nights at creative arts hub Underwood Art Factory on June 1 and 2.

The 39 Steps is actor and playwright Patrick Barlow’s 2005 parody adaptation of John Buchan’s 1915 spy thriller

novel and Alfred Hitchcock’s 1935 film of the same name. The plot follows protagonist Richard Hannay as he traverses Scotland to avoid being framed for a murder he didn’t commit while also attempting to take down the 39 Steps, an organisation of spies plotting to reveal British state secrets.

Audiences are transported to the Scottish Highlands by an inventive shadow puppetry display. The accents don’t quite make it so far north but that quickly becomes part of the fun. The Underwood family do a fantastic job in recreating a Flying Scotsman-style train carriage that nearly fills the length of the stage and even gently rocks as it chugs along imaginary tracks.

With just four actors playing a total of 30 characters, even playing multiple roles in the same scene, this is Theatrix’s most ambitious and challenging performance to date for actors and technical crew alike. Remarkably, they pull off lightning-quick character, costume, prop, light and sound changes without a hitch. What was that about amateur theatre…?

The plot moves at the same pace, swinging pendulously between moments

EINSHOCH6 will perform at Beyond Patong hotel at 6:30pm on June 18.

Hip hop group EINSHOCH6 to perform at language competition The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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oining this year’s National German Language Olympiad is the Munichbased music group EINSHOCH6.

With more than 20 tours around the world under their belt, they are key ambassadors of the German language, providing easy and exciting access to interact with the language.

Their Thailand tour is set up to go along with the preliminary rounds of the National Olympiad taking place across the country. The Olympiad is a project coordinated by the Goethe-Institut Thailand to foster the relationship among educational institutions with an interest in German culture through collaborative events.

EINSHOCH6 will present an engaging programme for the students to sing along to after an exhausting day of competition, offering young Thais a unique opportunity to engage with @thephuketnews

a school subject in entertaining ways.

Through beatboxing, singing and dancing they will discover that learning can happen outside the classroom too. Participating students come from schools in Thailand who offer German as a second or third language, of which there are more than 50.

Having played their opening concert at the Goethe-Institut in Bangkok followed by shows in Khon Kaen and Chiang Mai on June 10, 12 and 14 respectively, EINSHOCH6 will perform at Beyond Patong hotel at 6:30pm on June 18. The event is open to the public and free but ticket reservation via the Ticketmelon website is required.

After the Phuket show, EINSHOCH6 will head back to Bangkok for the award show at Triam Udom School on June 20 during which lucky students will be nominated to travel to Bogor, Indonesia to join the international community of German speakers during the Asia Pacific German Language Olympiad 2019.

of edge-of-your-seat suspense and laughout-loud madcap hilarity. The venue is in one moment frozen in deathly silence and in another erupting in raucous laughter. Such juxtaposition has earned the play the tagline ‘Alfred Hitchcock meets Monty Python’. The Theatrix offering leans closer to the latter, especially during the train scene which sees actors Joel Adams and Jesse Todd – Clown 1 and 2 – play a conductor, a policeman and countless passengers, effortlessly switching hats and spinning across the stage as they do so. They capture the contained chaos of Python perfectly and are rightly rewarded with a huge round of applause.

Tony Edwards, who plays Richard Hannay, is the only actor to take on one singular role and in that way offers the audience some consistency. He is the rock of the performance – and indeed portrays the character’s sometimes stony allure – as pandemonium unfolds around him. His monologues are welldelivered and become the most poignant moments of the show.

Simona Grumezea is a similarly powerful on-stage presence, not only as the seductive spy Annabella Smith – the

Clown 1, Richard and Clown 2.

Richard and Annabella. catalyst for Richard’s plight – but as the more timid, sheltered Scottish farmer’s wife Margaret too. Her portrayal of Annabella is convincing; a thick, enigmatic accent delivered from behind dark glasses sets the scene for espionage.

Plans are underway to bring The 39 Steps back later this year. Be sure to get a ticket. Comedy, drama, suspense and intrigue are only a step away.

For more information, visit www. facebook.com/TheatrixGroup and the39stepsphuket.com or email Joel at theatrixphuket@gmail.com

18 ISLAND SCENE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Guests enjoyed a seafood buffet and fine beverages.

The Rocket Man in action.

Elton fans were treated to a catalogue of his greatest hits.

Chris Adams, General Manager of Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa and Dream Beach Club, and family.

DREAM BEACH CLUB PRESENTS ‘THE ROCKET MAN’ ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE On June 8, Tiny Dancers flocked to Dream Beach Club to see the ultimate Elton John tribute act Tim Hedges, colleague of and approved by the Rocket Man himself. Guests enjoyed a seafood buffet and were Still Standing late into the night, dancing and singing along to a catalogue of greatest hits.

The event was supported by the Mayor of Rawai, Chalong Police and A.P. Honda.

Riding safe.

Visors down, thumbs up.

Ready to go.

Safety first.

ROTARY CLUBS OF ANDAMAN, RAWAI AND PATONG DONATE HELMETS Rotary clubs across Phuket joined forces as part of a ‘Road Safety & Helmet for Kids Project’ and gathered at the OrBorJor School in Chalong on June 11 to donate helmets and promote safety on the roads. The event was held in conjunction with the Mayor of Rawai, Chalong Police and A.P. Honda. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

ISLAND SCENE 19

Staff and parents at the BTEC launch. HeadStart is the first school in Phuket to offer the qualification.

150 students brought audiences the weird and wonderful world of the circus in The Greatest Show.

Jazon, Collette, Parimon and Anisa, the founders of HeadStart.

CELEBRATIONS APLENTY AT HEADSTART INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL It’s been an exciting week for HeadStart staff, students and parents. On June 6, the school announced the August launch of BTECs, an internationally-recognised alternative to A Levels; days later on June 8, the Dance Academy transformed the sports hall into a Big Top and performed their circus-themed extravaganza The Greatest Show; and on June 10 they celebrated 10 years of ‘Inspiring a Love of Learning’ with entertainers, food and beverages in the atrium. Here’s to 10 more!

Robert and Richard.

Olivier, Ian, Ben and Chris.

Rico and Irina.

Zara, Peerawich and Charlie.

GROW BOATING NETWORKING EVENT A MARINE INDUSTRY FAVOURITE Another great gathering at the Grow Boating Networking Evening at The Speakeasy, Royal Phuket Marina, on June 7. The event brought together a healthy representation from all types of businesses involved in Phuket’s boating and marine tourism industries. Asteri, a sister company to Asia Yacht Agency, was drinks sponsors for the event, and a light buffet was sponsored by the Speakeasy Yacht Club. Grow Boating is supported by media partner The Phuket News, Live 89.5 radio and Phuket News TV. @thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

14 JUN

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

MON

sure to bring lots of business cards, as getting to know each other is what PBN is all about.

Location - Grizzly’s Sports Bar Kathu. 086 479 747, facebook.com/phuketbusinesnetworking

SAT

15 JUN

Charity Dinner - Lions Club Phuket Pearl Charity Dinner “Open Your Heart” at Maikhao Garden Grill & Restaurant (MBC Condotel), a yearly fund-raiser by Lions Club of Phuket Pearl for community projects aimed to help children in need. Live music, auction, dinner and much more. Come to support our project.

If you can’t join us but want to support our projects, you can make a donation. Contact number: 084-745-4497 (Thai/Eng), 099-307-9933 (Rus), www.facebook.com/lionphuketpearl

16 JUN Da Endorphine Live Charity Benefit

Light and Fresh Buffet The Watercourt is presenting a line of tasty Italian Cold Cut, Gourmet Salads, Hearty Soup, Flavourful Desserts and Seasonal Fruit. From THB 1,200 net per guest (Choice of Meat & Seafood grilled - Additional). Banyan Tree, The Watercourt, fb-phuket@banyantree.com, 076 372 400.

Phuket Wellness Connection 2019 (registration free is 12,000 baht) Free Oligoscan testing (8,000 baht value). Novotel Phokeethra Hotel Phuket, heatantiaging@ gmail.com, 061 401 0345

Saturday Brunch & Bar

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.

From Grilled Seafood - Premium Meats - Sushi Corner - Salad Bar Appetizers and Delectable Desserts to all time favorite Free-Flow Beverages. Treat your Saturday to the fullest. Let’s Brunch! *THB 2.399++ per person (including free-flow beverages) *THB 1,699++ per person (including soft drinks). *50& off for children aged from 6-12 years old. Reservation, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, dtlpfb@dusit.com, 076 362 999 ext.7310

SUN

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 495 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076344-914.

17 JUN

All you can eat BBQ night

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.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

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

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914.

All ticket proceeds will be donate to benefit the destination kids foundation supporting orphanages across Thailand. Get your tickets at EVENTPOP. Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, Hard Rock Cafe Phuket, 076 366 381.

TUE

18 JUN

ANDAMAN CATCH TUESDAY

Phuket Business Networking June 2019 A small entry fee, THB 500 per person, that includes the first 3 drinks and a light buffet. Make

Irish Times - 12th Anniversary

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Wow Time Flies, We would Like You To Join Us For Our Anniversary, Live Music From Veronica Barboza, Live Dj, Special Promotion On Selected Beverages, From 19:30 till late. Info on 089 972 5122 or facebook.com/IrishTimesPhuket

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservations recommended. B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Every Tuesday our culinary team prepare a special Andaman Catch menu featuring our fish of the day selection prepared in one of three ways, a special seafood appetiser and a sweet finish dessert. Pair your catch with one of our sommelier selections special offers, available Tuesday only. 950* Baht. 18.30 22.00 www.salaphuket.com Advance bookings are recommended - 076 33 8888. *Subject to 10% service charge and 7% value added tax.

Sala Phuket.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

TUE

18 JUN

Ristorante Italiano. Members - 700 baht. Non Members/Guests - 850 baht. Registration is at 11.30 with seating for lunch at 12 noon. Please RSVP on Facebook or email me at shelpmitchell@gmail.com

FRI

SAT

29 JUN

21 JUN

Thai Night Buffet Experience Authentic Thai Food. Let’s take a tasteful journey through Thai cuisine, Baan Talay is feature a tempting selections of traditional Thai food and local Phuket delicacies.

Enjoy with a variety of live station; Thai papaya salad, spicy soup and much more to give a true taste of Thailand. THB 950++ per person.

Every Tuesday from 6 pm to 10 pm. Reservation, Angsana Laguna Phuket, fbreservationlagunaphuket@angsana.com, 076 358 500.

WED

19 JUN

On Saturday we Brunch!

Two Chefs Midsummer Party 2019 It’s the time of the year again! Come & join the fun on our Two Chefs Midsummer Party 2019!

On Friday, 21st of June 2019 at Two Chefs Bar & Grill Kata Beach. Midsummer Plate: Pickled Herring, Dill Boiled Prawns, Boiled Egg with Mayonnaise, Cured Cheddar Cheese, Grilled “Gravad” Salmon, Swedish Meatballs, Grilled Ribeye Steak, Mashed Potatoes or Dill Boiled Potatoes and more.. FOR JUST THB595. Live Music, games and prizes awaits! Hurry! Book your table NOW! For inquiries and bookings you may visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand or contact us at 076 333 370.

TUE

The island’s most anticipated brunch is back with culinary highlights as mouthwatering as ever! The brunch starts from 12:00 noon featuring culinary delights ranging. THB 2,600++ per person for food only. Reservation is essential: +66 (0) 76 316 40 The Surin Phuket, Pansea Beach, 118 Moo 3, Cherngtalay Phuket 83110, hotel@thesurinphuket.com, +66 (0) 76 316 400, +66 (0) 76 621 590.

SUN

30 JUN

Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina from 5pm onward.

Please contact us if you would like to be our drinks sponsors. Sponsorship is available from 10,000 baht and includes a generous advertising package from The Phuket News. Lagoon Saloon will fire up the BBQ serving their famous Friday night burger free to all attendees and there will be special prices on your favourite beverages. Come and join in the fun, everyone is welcome. There is no entry fee, just drop your business card or register at the bar.

To join our mailing list please send an email to growboatingphuket@gmail.com The Grow Boating Networking Evening is organised by the Thai Yachting Business Association. Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ groups/491098897758155/ or our Website https://www.thaiyachtingbusinessassociation. com/

FRI

9 AUG

PropertyGuru Thailand Property Awards 2019 Celebrate Thailand’s finest developers by nominating them for the industry’s most prestigious awards. With a professionally run judging system supervised by the award-winning team of BDO, one of the world’s largest auditing and accountancy firms, the Asia Property Awards is the gold standard in real estate. Gala Dinner & Awards on 9 August 2019 at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

25 JUN

EVERY DAY

Ribs, beats, brews Wednesday Devour our succulent pork rib set complete with sweet corn chowder, blue cheese salad, moist cornbread and finished off with a bread and butter pudding. DJ Q will keep the soul flowing and your toes tapping as you wash down those tender ribs with a bucket of craft brews.

Full Rack set 1,400 Baht, half Rack set 1,100 Baht. Reservations, SALA Phuket, events@ salaphuket.com, 076-338-888

THU

2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events June 30th and July 6th. 2 Major Freshwater Fishing Events at the amazing Exotic Fishing Thailand. Huge prizes valued at 1 million Thai Baht. Free entry for spectators, great afternoon out for the family. Exotic Fishing Thailand, Exotic Fishing Thailand, Phang Nga, exoticfishingthailand@gmail.com, English 088 379 9377 and Thai 081 199 5922.

20 JUN Licker Pastry Invasion

PIWC June Lunch For all those who like good Italian food, please join us on Thursday the 20th June. At L’ Opera

@thephuketnews

June 25-28, 2019. Jason Licker, celebrity pastry chef, comes to Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach for a week of pop-up internationally-acclaimed desserts. Jason Licker’s win at Iron Chef Thailand makes him one of the most elite pastry chefs in the global desserts scene. Chef Licker reached the highest honor with a James Beard nomination with Asianaccented desserts in the category of “Cooking from a Professional Point of View,” a self-published book based on his culinary adventures.

Reservation, Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, narattiya.phochanahan@marriott.com, 076 335 300.

FRI

5 JUL

Grow Boating Networking Evening - Jul 2019 The Grow Boating Networking Evening for July 2019 will be held at The Lagoon Saloon, at The

Prime at Rock Salt Prime at Rock Salt is the home of smoke and fire at Naiharn Beach. An exclusive eatery, Prime offers a collection of roasted, smoked and chargrilled creations from its customdesigned kitchen. The al fresco dining experience is completed with panoramic ocean views across Naiharn Beach. Open Daily 6.00 – 10.00 pm at Naiharn Beach For more information and bookings, please call +66 76 380 200 or rocksalt@thenaiharn.com

22 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. Moon Unit, Dweezil and Diva are the children of which late musician?

2. Which is longer: the coastline of Africa or the coastline of Europe?

3. How long after the initial explosion at Chernobyl were the people of nearby Pripyat evacuated?

4. What are the first three words of the Bible?

5. Which animal nearly killed Johnny Cash in 1981?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. FedEx, say 5. Willing 9. House of a minister 14. Inadvisable action 15. First American in space, first name 16. Good relations 17. “Othello” villain 18. Crooner, first name 19. Without face value (stock) 20. London landmark 23. A perfect ___ 24. Lord’s Prayer starter 25. Sacred scrolls 29. Construction site sight 31. Gotcha!

34. Budget alternative 35. He’s “Smarter than the average bear!”

36. Dull 37. Returns to the beginning 40. Inflexible 41. Commedia dell’___ 42. Indy 500 sound 43. N.F.L. scores 44. Monotonous routines 45. Pester 46. “Forest Gump” character 47. Steeler’s Big QB 48. Problematic romantic relationship

57. Fix, in a way 58. Greek love god 59. “Put a lid ___!”

60. Feel blindly 61. Sound a horn 62. Fabric dyed for hunting purposes 63. Sea birds 64. 24-hr. conveniences 65. Skater Michelle

21. A Musketeer 22. Part of SST 25. Unspoken 26. Hymn start 27. 1990s Philippine president 28. Last word in church 29. Team with a horseshoe logo 30. Gawk at 31. Major can maker Down 32. Headbands of light 1. Irritated state 33. Cries for attention 2. ___frost 35. Mongol tent 3. Swenson of 36. ‘’It’s cold out here!’’

“Benson” 38. Wildlife 4. “It just 39. Former Mar-a-Lago disappeared!” resident 5. Triangular 44.

Spheres architectural 45. Hold-ups sections 46. Peach or cherry 6. Set straight 47. Sweep 7. “Every __ Tiger”: Clancy book about 48. Halftime lead, e.g.

Operation Desert 49. Puerto Rico or Storm Guam (Abbr.)

8. Motorman (abbr) 50. Deep black 9. Failed, in terms of 51. “___ smile be your ambition umbrella” 10. Parisian love 52.

Slow gait 11. Basket and thatch 53. Arrow groove palm 54. Vex 12. Shining light 55. Beans type 13. Mrs. Rochester, 56. Posh British school eventually

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Frank Zappa; 2) Europe; 3) 36 hours; 4) In the beginning; 5) An ostrich in the woods.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history

3

weeks is how long it would take for Americans to run out of avocados if the government shut down the US-Mexico border.

Naturalist and biologist Charles Darwin.

June 14, 1949 Albert II, a rhesus monkey, rides a V-2 rocket to an altitude of 134 km (83 mi), thereby becoming the first monkey in space.

10

June 15, 2012 Nik Wallenda becomes the first person to successfully tightrope walk directly over Niagara Falls.

trees must be planted by each high school and college student in the Philippines before they can graduate, according to the country’s new Graduation Legacy for the Environment Act.

June 16, 2010 Bhutan becomes the first country to institute a total ban on tobacco.

90

June 17, 1991 The South African Parliament repeals the Population Registration Act, the legal foundation of apartheid, which required racial classification of all South Africans at birth.

percent of all the scientists that have ever existed are alive today.

18,879

June 18, 1858 Charles Darwin receives a paper from Alfred Russel Wallace that includes nearly identical conclusions about evolution as his own, prompting Darwin to publish his theory.

US dollars is how much a businessman in Cangzhou, China paid for a car... in coins.

400 million years is how long sharks have been around.

Source: Uberfacts

Ghosts of the Past. Photo by Chris Yoon, QSI Phuket’s Student Photo of the Year winner Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

June 19, 2012 WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange requested asylum in London’s Ecuadorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the US after publication of previously classified documents including footage of civilian killings by the US army.

June 20, 1837 Queen Victoria succeeds to the British throne.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Jobs

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Personal Assistant

For retired UK/CAD businessman in high end resort. Good English, some driving, shopping etc. Part Time OK. Brian 089 054 4354. @thephuketnews

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ART HOUSE DEVELOPMENT

Looking for Russian speaking marketing representative with good communication skills high motivated and confident training will be provided. info@arthouse.asia, 089 594 6888

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SECRETARY

Wanted part or full time Secretary for foreign couple residence of Boat Lagoon. christine, boat lagoon park residence 2, koh kaew, a.muang,Phuket

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CORPORATE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

@thephuketnews

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

OTHER

PROPERTY SERVICES

TRAINING

ADVERTISE HERE

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 27

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Buy & Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE

250,000THB incl VAT. For boat up to 32 feet / 9.5 metres. Contact: Asia Yacht Agency Co., Ltd. Contact@AsiaYachtAgency.com, 081894 -3234 (French/English), 086-269-0808 (Thai/English).

Car For Sale

Ford Fiesta 2012 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 Janthisa Jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอถลาง จังหวัดภ เู กต็ , B 250,000 info@lifestyleinthailand.com, 0826291419

BUSINESSES FOR SALE EN

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Refurbished Restaurant & Bar

Subaru XV

Cross trek bought new 2013. Well maintained, glass coating, rust proofing, new tires, single owner. Must see! Nicha Residence, 0892873128.

Recently refurbished restaurant & bar for sale in Karon, Phuket, with accom located above. CCTV fitted throughout the building. The business is up for sale for 1.9MB or near offer and includes all fixtures, fittings and stock at point of sale. 062 210 1368. newconceptbars.thailand@gmail.com

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Golden Business Opportunity

Brand new two story massage shop for sale with high end furniture. 10 Beds, 6 chairs and nail Salon. Great opportunity for high season. B900,000 ono, Lek, Soi Post Office, Patong Beach Road, sweet_lek55@hotmail.com, 099 362 7979

CARS, TRUCKS FOR RENT UR

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Car rental @fair prices

We offer car rentals at affordable prices. Monthly from 10,000 Baht. Daily from 400 Baht. Call us to find out what we offer.

10,000 Monthly. Stig Johansson, 110/78 Moo 2 T Paklok A Thalang 83110 Phuket, stigisaan@gmail.com, 0848474377.

@thephuketnews

House Wanted in Chalong

4 Bedroom House Wanted in Chalong for under 10 million baht. Please email me at mick11468@gmail.com

Car for sale

Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 2.8 CC. 4X4 For sale English 095 420 9662 Thai 082 629 1419 janthisa jaikwang, 199/14 หม ู ่ 5 ตำ�บลศร สี นุ ทร อำ�เภอ ถลาง จังหวัดภ เู ก ็ต, info@lifestyleinthailand.com, B 725,000

FOR SALE AIR BERTH M320

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PROPERTY WANTED

Car for sale

Bought 30th Dec 2015 we paid baht 1,500,000 sell for 890,000 or nearest offer. 062 956 5777.

Monterey 415SY. Perfect condition. 1 owner.

Regular maintenance in authorised centers.

Twin Volvo IPS600 435hp, joystick control, Engine Hours: 670. Furuno radar. GPS. B6,900,000. 0878970501.

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@thephuketnews

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE

42ft Sport Yacht, Reduced Price

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The Phuket News

MEMBERSHIPS

BLUE CANYON GOLF MEMBERSHIP

425,000 THB and Seller pays the transfer fee. For more information call 098 946 0709. Rob George.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

BABY GRAND w/ DISC PLAYER

“Classic” Baby Grand Piano with “Disc Player”. In perfect condition. 7 years old. Original price 428,000 THB. 170,000, Phuket Town, daryldavies9@gmail. com, 080 159 5239

PROPERTY WANTED The Chava Surin - Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a Freehold Condominium Unit at The Chava in Surin. Please email details to mick11468@@gmail.com . Many thanks! Michael

Allamanda 2 Bed Freehold

Hi, Am looking for a 2 Bedroom Freehold Unit at the Allamanda in Laguna.

Budget is 8million baht. Can contact me on wandererthomas1@gmail.com Thanks in advance!

Mandala Condo Freehold Wanted

Foreign Freehold Wanted for Mandala Condominium in Kamala. Please email details to mick11468@gmail.com.

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3 Bedroom Condo Wanted

Looking for 3 Bed Condo/Apartment any area of Phuket for 3million Thai Baht or thereabouts. Please email mick11468@gmail.com. Thanks! B3,000,000, Mike

SPORTING GOODS, EXERCISE GYM EQUIPMENT TREADMILL

LIFE FITNESS F1 TREADMILL - FOLDABLE Brand new: THB 35,000+(VAT) from retail price of 188,000 Compact foldable treadmill. 35000, carolinelaleta@gmail.com, +66869504961

PROPERTY FOR SALE 1 story building for rent

150m2 Located in Allamanda 1 Laguna Phuket is available for rent. The building has its own drive in, at this time only short term rental available. 096 646 6287

28 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Buy & Sell PROPERTY FOR SALE Beach Front Land

* 128 meter of white sand beach frontage * amazing views * 9 Rai , Secure Nor Sor 3 Kor tittle * located on Koh Yao Yai * 20 minutes boat drive from Phuket * public road with water and electricity * ideal for high end development * ready to build * sale direct by owner *ONLY 11.9 Mill. Baht / Rai montha_phuket@yahoo.com, 095 014 7888

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE UR

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RPM by owner

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel in tropical white. Jacuzzi. All round beautiful views. Completely furnished to a high standard. Very motivated owner leaving Thailand. Available to agents. Priced just REDUCED to 15MB or offers. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com

Apartment Block in Soi Ta-Eiad

Amazing residential block for sale comprising of 5 x 190sqm fully furnished 3 Bedroom Units. Highest quality fixtures and finishing’s with exceptional build quality. All units have internal surround sound systems and wireless internet routed in the walls. Full Western kitchen in all units. Rooftop Salt Water Swimming Pool with 8 person Jacuzzi and bar. Spectacular panoramic views. Units currently being rented out with almost 100% occupancy, so fantastic investment opportunity. Potential returns of 9% per annum. B61,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com

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1 Bed Condo in Kamala

Great 1 Bed Condo just 200m fromKamala Beach. Comes with pool and on- site restaurant. Fantastic location and not to be missed. Fully furnished with appliances. Homestay or investment. B5,417,000. Call Andy. 083 800 1888

OCEAN FRONT VILLA

3 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, maid quarter, fully furnished and ready to move in, usable area of over 330 sqm, very convenient located in a gated community at the south end of Aopor, 50 meter from the ocean, 150 meter from the new Sheraton Grand Bay Resort , 3 minutes from Grand Aopor Marina, 20 minutes from Airport and shopping centers, for sale directly by owner 22.9 mln. + 66 95 0147888.

OCEAN FRONT LAND

7 Rai with 185 meter of ocean frontage, 800 meter from Yacht Haven Marina on Phangnga side, water, electricity, concrete road on the back of property, building permission for 12 two storey pool villas. For sale direct by owner for only 6 mln Baht per Rai. + 66 95 0147888.

Karon 1 Bed Condo for Sale

Karon Butterfly hillside condo for sale just 800m from beach. Amenities close by. Fully furnished and condo facilities. Great investment in great area of Phuket. Shuttle Bus to Beach and Rental Program. A must see!!!! B4,300,000, Dmitry , phuket@thairesidential.com

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Paul MOORHOUSE

‘Frontline’ sea view villa overlooking G Ao Yon Bay and the southern islands.

UR Magnificent property with private elevator, 4 bedroom suites/6 bathrooms as well as 2 living areas, European design kitchen, games room, bar, sauna, steam room and wonderful pool deck with in-ground jacuzzi, infinity pool and waterfall. Fabulous property reduced to 65 million Baht for quick sale. 0898737075.

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Phuket Town 1 Bed Condo

Wonderful 1 Bedroom Condo near Central Festival area. Just 10 minutes to Panwa Beach. A must see!!! Fully furnished and conveniently located.

Amenities close by as well as tourist attractions. Full condo facilities.

B2,500,000, Tina, phuket@thairesidential.com, 0948411918.

2 Bed Condo Bangtao Phuket

Mandala Condominium - Wonderful spacious condo. Great location near Bangtao beach and Laguna. 184sqm with private pool and tropical gardens. B15,900,000, Andy, 083 800 1888

Dream Village Phuket house

2bed 2bath 295sqm land 100sqm living + veranda, compl. renovated: new water, electric., tiles, paint in/out, windows, 3A/C, built in kitchen. 0870608400 English/German. Email: picharly@gmail.com, B4.9mill.

2-Bed Furnished Kathu House for Rent

2bd/2bth furnished house for rent in Kathu near Loch Palm Golf Course. See link for more photos and details. www.kathuhouseforrent.com B13,500, May or Wes, wes@pillarmarketing.com, 0899733276

PROPERTY FOR RENT

1 Bed Condo Sale Rawai

Saturdays Residence beautiful condo in Rawai. Tastefully decorated with class. Short drive to beach. All condo amenities. Looks so good that you do need to see to believe. You will fall in love at first sight. B6,300,000, Dimitry, phuket@thairesidential.com, 082 030 7199

1 Bed Condo in Kamala

MontAzure Twinpalms Residence-Great condo located in Kamala. The ultimate in luxury.

Has got to be seen to be believed. Fantastic facilities in this resort condo. B15,800,000, Tina, 0872699206.

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m. Chanote

PASAK LAND 3.9MB 510 sq.m.

Chanote

Property for rent YAMU

Very big house. 400sqm, Land 4400sqm. Available 1st May. 4 bedrooms- 4 bathrooms , swimming pool. Close BIS, UWCT. Must see. Long term lease 110,000 baht/month including pool+ garden service. Khun DIDIER, aouichedidier@ hotmail.com, 093 717 9343 (English+French)/ 089 552 9303 (Thai).

Shop for rent at Amari Phuket, Patong Beach

Fantastic seaviews. Fully furnished. Condo facilities including pool and gym. Close to amenities. This 53sqm condo at Babylon Sky Garden is a great buy. B4,297,277, Andy, phuket@ thairesidential.com

Lovely condo at Utopia Kata for Sale. Completed in 2017 and close to Kata Beach. Fully furnished. Close to restaurants and amenities. Great views. Rental programme. Full facilities. Dimtry, 082 030 7199. B7,100,000

Mai Khao beach condo. Great new condohotel. 470 meters from the sea. 36 sqm.

Wonderful place in Phuket. B3.5mn, +66812958526, Victoria.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Rawai 1 Bed Seaview Condo Sale

1 Bedroom Condo Kata Sale

Mai Khao 1 bed condo for sale

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Located at Amari Phuket's lobby building. Size: 33 sqm. Partly furnished: shelves, counter, airconditioner and telephone line. 40,000 THB/ month (negotiation available). Khun Mallika, mallika.t@amari.com, 076 340106 #8006

PROPERTY FOR RENT

COMMUNITY

Renovated 3bed Home Boat Lagoon

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FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

SPORT 29

Costly controversy in Canada Vettel error costs him vital victory at the Canadian Grand Prix BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

“N

o, no, no. Not like this,” Vettel groaned as he crossed the finish line at the Canadian Grand Prix. He was the first to take the flag, but his name graced the top of the timing board for only as long as it took Lewis Hamilton to cross the line behind him.

Vettel’s name, much like the feeling in his stomach, sunk with the application of a post-race five-second time penalty, and it was Hamilton who was declared the winner just 1.6 seconds later as a result.

He was inconsolable out of the car. Parking outside the FIA garage rather than alongside Hamilton and third place-getter Charles Leclerc, Vettel stormed off to the Ferrari rooms, emerging only after an FIA official had counselled him against risking further penalty by skipping the podium ceremony.

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Race winner Lewis Hamilton pulls second placed Sebastian Vettel onto the top step of the podium during the Canadian Grand Prix on June 9. Photo: Charles Coates / AFP It was a display of emotion and calculation in equal measure: the German was distraught to have lost his team’s first shot at victory in more than two months – and perhaps its last until the Italian Grand Prix in September – but he was also ensuring the flames of controversy were kept well ventilated.

And the penalty meted down for his transgression on lap 49 was certainly controversial, to say the least.

He’d spent the last 10 laps rebuffing increasing pressure from Hamilton as they approached the leftright chicane at turns three and four when the rear of his SF90 snapped with oversteer

as he tried to carry too much speed on entry.

Vettel bailed onto the grass, cutting turn four and careering back onto the track just as Hamilton was sweeping around his outside. For a moment the Ferrari seemed destined to sandwich the Mercedes against the wall, but the Briton, alive to the danger,

hit the brakes, allowing both to escape unscathed.

“He just came straight on the track,” Hamilton radioed his team. “So dangerous.”

The stewards picked up the investigation and after several laps of deliberation slapped Vettel with a fivesecond penalty for unsafely rejoining the track.

“You need to be an absolute blind man to think you can go through the grass and then control the car,” the livid German fumed to his engineer from the car. “I was lucky I didn’t hit the wall. Where the hell am I supposed to go?

“This is not fair.”

The penalty set the paddock alight.

Some decried the nannystatism of modern Formula One and its interference in a victimless battle between world champions, others praised the stewards for upholding the regulations regardless of the profile of drivers involved.

But the noise of the passionate debate and increasingly toxic online discourse masks – as was perhaps Vet-

tel’s aim post-race – the emotionless truth of the matter.

There would have been no investigation had Vettel been able to keep his car on the road.

This is far from the first time Sebastian Vettel has buckled under the pressure of generational rival Lewis Hamilton – indeed it’s only the latest example in a growing series of errors of the sort responsible for his championship loss in 2018.

The penalty may be understandably lamented for taking the heat out of a bubbling on-track battle but really the matter of the winner had already been resolved by turn three of lap 49.

“I was quicker at that point and I was really just trying to apply pressure to Seb… to push him into an error,” Hamilton reflected. “It’s not too often you’re able to push a four-time world champion into making an error, but it came.”

No er ror, no penalt y.

That’s the inescapable truth of the controversial Canadian Grand Prix.

30 SPORT

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Moto Inzi capzizes at the 2018 Regatta.

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

FireFly 850 One design class favourites Twin Sharks.

Hungry for low season sailing Preparations for Multihull Solutions Regatta 2019 underway SAILING The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

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reparations for the 2019 Multihull Solutions Regatta are already well underway. Organised and operated by Phuket Yacht Club in the environs of Chalong Bay the MHSR has become the largest Multihull only event in Asia.

Early Bird registration can now be completed and Notice of Race found at the club’s new website www.phuketyachtclub.com.

The racing schedule changes a little in 2019 with registration and weigh-in starting on Friday, July 12 and racing conducted from the Saturday through Monday (July 1315). Crews will then have 48 hours or so to prepare for the Cape Panwa Phuket Race Week.

Phuket Yacht Club Commodore, Scott Duncanson said, “With many competitors travelling from abroad to compete we thought it would be beneficial to compact the racing to maximize sailing time whilst still leaving a day or so to recover or conduct boat repairs if needed.

The early bird offer is particularly attractive this year with entry fee just B6,000 and crew B2,000 per person making the Multi Solutions Regatta one of the best value for

money regattas in the region.”

Participant numbers have been increasing, 18 yachts competed in 2018 and it is hoped 2019 will be another successful year.

While the Multihull Solutions Regatta is a very competitive event for most sailors, Cruising Multihulls are of course welcome to participate in a much more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. P.Y.C. Race Director Tom Cracknell explained, “Chalong Bay and surrounding islands really do offer some spectacular cruising opportunities and what better way to conduct a preliminary survey of the area than to sail the Cruising Class courses which are specifically designed, pending weather conditions, to view some of the most beautiful island scenery around. The Chalong Bay anchorage is extremely safe during the South Westerly monsoon with easy access to the Phuket Yacht Club and on-shore amenities via the floating dock.”

Andrew de Bruin, General Manager of Multihull Solutions Asia, said, “We are very proud and happy to return as the primary regatta sponsors in 2019. This will be the 6th consecutive year we have partnered with the Phuket Yacht Club in the promotion of multihull sailing, cruising and racing, in Thailand and beyond. We are really looking forward to July and the beautiful

18 yachts competed in 2018 and it is hoped 2019 will be another successful year. Photos: Scott Murray sailing conditions the South Westerly monsoon has to offer. The Southern Phuket islands are stunning and ideally suited for swimming, sailing, diving, and fishing. A multihull is, of course, the perfect platform for these activities.”

It’s difficult to pick winners at this early stage but going on current form John Newnham’s Twin Sharks would have to start as favourites again in the FireFly 850 One design class although Niel Ayre and Michael Coleman aboard Mamba might have something to say about

that and will surely be challenging for a podium position.

Peter Taylor’s Ballerina has shown very good form recently finishing 2nd at the PYC Sailor’s Regatta earlier in the year but has been very tight-lipped so far in regards to his challenge in 2019. Hans Rahmann’s very consistent Voodoo are the class Mr Nice Guys but a light weather regatta could shake things up a bit.

The premier OMR class is wide open with last year’s winner, a trimaran named Fugazi being sold to world-class Etchells 22 sailor Mark

Thornborrow from Hong Kong and well known local legend Henry Kaye.

Renamed BONZA in memory of the late Hong Kong, Olympic and National sailing coach Colin Smith will surely be a serious contender for overall OMR honours.

Somewhat of a wild-card at the time of writing is Dan Fidock’s Bakewell-White 10 metre catamaran.

New to Phuket, no doubt this quite extreme design will be exceptionally fast but performance under the Ocean Multihull Rule handicap is still completely unknown.

Phuket to host Youth Champions League FOOTBALL PHUKET WILL HOST THE National Youth Football League Champions League under-15 tournament from Wednesday this week (June 19) through to nextSunday (June 30).

The tournament will host the 16 best under-15 youth teams in the country from five regions. Matches will be played at Surakul Football Stadium and Phuket Rajabhat University Football Stadium.

Players and officials attend the Champions League draw.

The 16 teams will be divided into four groups of four teams with the first- and second-placed teams in each group qualifying for the knockout stages.

The winning team will be awarded B1 million in prize

money while second place receives B500,000, third place B200,000 and fourth B100,000.

A welcome party for the teams will be held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel on Tuesday, June 18, and the opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 19, at Surakul Stadium.

The same competition will be held for under-19s, under17s and under-13s in different parts of Thailand in July and August.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

SPORT 31

USA thrash Thailand 13-0 Defending champions record biggest win in World Cup history FOOTBALL

USA forward Alex Morgan (centre) celebrates after scoring her first of five goals during the France 2019 Women’s World Cup Group F match. Photo: Lionel Bonaventure / AFP

AFP

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olders United States began their trophy defence by recording the biggest win in Women’s World Cup history as Alex Morgan scored five goals in a 13-0 demolition of hapless Thailand on Tuesday (June 11).

The USA, who won the World Cup for a third time in Canada four years ago, scored 10 in the second half in Reims as they bettered Germany’s 11-0 win over Argentina in 2007 and shattered their own previous tournament best of 7-0.

Rose Lavelle and Samantha Mewis netted twice each while Lindsey Horan, skipper Megan Rapinoe and substitutes Mallory Pugh and Carli Lloyd also got on the scoresheet in an embarrassingly one-sided Group F encounter watched by more than 18,000 at the Stade Auguste-Delaune.

The Americans were relentless against opponents ranked 34th in the world and hit back at suggestions they could have taken their foot off the pedal and saved Thailand from complete humiliation, rather than scoring six times in the last 16 minutes.

“This is a world championship so every team that is here has been fantastic to get to this point. To be respectful to opponents is to play hard against opponents,” said USA coach Jill Ellis.

Morgan, who now has 106 goals for her country, matched a record set by her compatriot Michelle Akers by scoring five times in a World Cup game.

“With the scoreline tonight, we have to look at the group stage as every goal counts and it was important for us to continue to go,” insisted

the striker.

Morgan is one of the biggest stars in a squad who have made waves with their much publicised fight for pay equality that saw them file a lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation in March, accusing the organisation of gender discrimination.

The reigning champions – with four survivors in their line-up from the team that started the final against Japan four years ago – scored as many goals as there had been in the previous seven matches at the tournament.

“Our players were waiting for this moment and they were really disappointed,” said the Thailand coach, Nuengruethai Sathongwien. “We don’t have any excuse and we accept that they are better.”

A large American presence in Reims ensured that the match was one of 13 confirmed

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1741: Saturday Jun 15 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Singha, No Hope Location: Ban Lipon Under the Pylons Directions: Head North of Heroines for approx 3.7 km and turn right at the first set of traffic lights (no sign). Head East for approx 1.9 km, Laager is on the left, under the power lines (HHH sign). Ample parking for ALL vehicles in the Laager- if you are scared of a bit of dust and park on the road be aware heavy trucks are using it. Beer truck will be marked.

For those travelling from the North of the island head south from Thalang and turn left at the first traffic lights after Homebase (no sign) then as above.

Bus pick-up: Patong @ Expat Hotel: 14:30 | Kamala @ Aussie Pub: 15:00 | Chalong More info: phuket-hhh.com

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sell-outs, FIFA revealed on Tuesday, adding that more than a million tickets had now been sold for the tournament.

Group rivals Sweden, who ousted the USA in the quarterfinals of the Rio Olympics three years ago, started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Chile in Rennes earlier in the day, but only after a hold-up because of torrential rain.

Rain had been falling for around a quarter of an hour when, with conditions deteriorating and a threat of thunderstorms, Mexican referee Lucila Venegas decided to take the players off in the 72nd minute with the score 0-0.

Play eventually resumed following a break of around 40 minutes, and late goals from Kosovare Asllani and substitute Madelen Janogy gave Sweden, the 2003 runners-up, the points.

“The interruption defi-

nitely upset us. We didn’t want it to end 0-0, so we wanted to come back out and decide the game and I think we deserved the three points,” said Asllani.

Sweden face Thailand next at the Allianz Riviera stadium in Nice on Sunday at 8pm Thailand time.

European champions the Netherlands also got off to a winning start, but left it very late to beat New Zealand in Le Havre.

Jill Roord came off the bench and headed home from close range in added time to give the Dutch a 1-0 victory, putting them level with Canada atop Group E. Elsewhere, Germany coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg revealed that star player Dzsenifer Marozsan may miss the rest of the tournament after being ruled out of Wednesday’s Group B clash with Spain because of a broken toe.

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editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019

Vettel error costs him vital victory > p29

Japan’s Takashi Mino wins the men’s marathon in 02:35:02. Photo: Laguna Phuket

MADE IN JAPAN Japanese duo crowned Laguna Phuket Marathon champions RUNNING The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

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huket’s largest mass participation sports event, the award-winning Laguna Phuket Marathon, welcomed a record 12,000-plus runners from 73 countries for its 14th edition.

Held last weekend (June 8-9) at Laguna Phuket, the two-day festival of sport and fun was presided over

by Advisor to the Minister and Vice Minister For Tourism and Sports, Royal Thai Navy Lieutenant Commander Worawit Techasupakura and Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung.

A boon for Phuket’s low season tourism, Laguna Phuket Marathon 2019 saw celebrities and singers – Nont Aulaphas Na Pom Petch, Somchai Khemkla and Supoj Chancharoe – actors and actresses – Jirayut Tantakul, Rachawin Wongwiriya, Aroonnapa Panichjaroon and Mathew Dean – rockstar Athiwara “ Toon” Kongmalai, and many of Thailand’s top athletes line-up together with runners from around the world.

The largest nationalities represented at this year’s Laguna Phuket Marathon were Thai, Japanese, Chinese and British. There was also a large

More than 12,000 people from 73 countries took part. Photo: Laguna Phuket

Japan’s Tomomi Nakajima wins the women’s marathon. Photo: Laguna Phuket contingent of runners from the Philippines and who made their presence known with Richard Salano and Prince Joey Lee finishing first and second in the Men’s Half Marathon, and Christine Hallasgo (PHI) and Christabel Martes (PHI) placing first and third in the Women’s Half Marathon.

Other notable Filipino performances were from Bryan Quiamco and Azlan Pagay (PHI) who placed second and third respectively in the Men’s Marathon field, and April Rose Diaz who placed third.

Japanese r u n ners dominated the 10.5km distance with Hiroki Nakajima and Hisashi Kitamura claiming first and second in the Men’s division ahead of Supit Chantharat (THA) in third. In the Women’s race, Phuket-based Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS)

won in a time of 00:41:30, 23 seconds ahead of Tomomi Nakajima (JPN), who outraced compatriot Sawa Aoki.

The Japanese super couple of Hiroki Nakajima and Tomomi Nakajima won their respective Marathon distances at the 2017 Laguna Phuket Marathon and returning this year ran 10.5km on the first day, and Marathon the day after. While Hiroki was out sprinted to finish fourth overall in the Men’s division, Tomomi went on to win the Women’s distance for the second time ahead of Amy Mumford (GBR) and April Rose Diaz (PHI).

The Men’s Marathon was won by another Japanese r u n n e r, Ta k a sh i M i no.

Top athletes from Thailand included Thai national team runner Supit Chantharat who finished third in the 10.5km

and sixth in the Men’s Marathon; former national team runner Natthaya Thanaronnawat, who finished second in both the Women’s Half Marathon and 5km; and Thai triathlete Jaray Jearani who finished seventh in the 10.5km Men’s race. Meanwhile Thai youngsters dominated the 2km Kids Run claiming all three top spots in the girls division and second and third places in the boys division.

A not able pe r for ma nce f rom Aust ralian Hayley Newman saw her win the 5km Women’s race for the t h i rd consecut ive t i me.

Famed for it’s beautiful course around Laguna Phuket and the island’s northern beaches, organisers strived to reduce single-use plastics on the course this year.

The 15th anniversary edition will be held June 13-14, 2020 at Laguna Phuket. For more information, visit www.phuket marathon.com or www.face book.com/phuketmarathon

Top three winners in each distance Marathon Male Takashi Mino (JPN), 02:35:02 Bryan Quiamco (PHI), 02:40:15 Azlan Pagay (PHI), 02:41:20 Female Tomomi Nakajima (JPN), 03:03:55 Amy Mumford (GBR), 03:10:10 April Rose Diaz (PHI), 03:24:57 Marathon Relay Team 2 (THA), 03:25:27 Team Krating Peaw Relay Run (THA), 03:49:01 Team Cookie Run (THA), 03:54:08 Half Marathon Male Richard Salano (PHI), 01:13:25 Prince Joey Lee (PHI), 01:14:00 Daisuke Yamauchi (JPN), 01:16:59 Female Christine Hallasgo (PHI), 01:25:28 Natthaya Thanaronnawat (THA), 01:29:00 Christabel Martes (PHI), 01:29:51 10.5km Male Hiroki Nakajima (JPN), 00:34:48 Hisashi Kitamura (JPN), 00:36:41 Supit Chantharat (THA), 00:37:06

10.5km Female Dimity-Lee Duke (AUS), 00:41:30 Tomomi Nakajima (JPN), 00:41:54 Sawa Aoki (JPN), 00:45:12 5km Male Mohamed Rasheed (MDV), 00:16:43 Oliver Trott (GBR), 00:16:49 Jay Lilley (GBR), 00:17:00 Female Hayley Newman (AUS), 00:19:23 Natthaya Thanaronnawat (THA), 00:19:40 Florence Williams (GBR), 00:20:55 2km Kids Run Male Conor Walby (GBR), 00:08:16 Korawin Chaichamroonphan (THA), 00:08:22 Natawan Chantarachota (THA), 00:08:53 Female Puttikan Kanchanakamnoed (THA), 00:08:25 Chalinda Thongphueak (THA), 00:08:40 Ramonya Panrittidam (THA), 00:09:14

Full results are available at www.SportStats.asia.

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