14-08-2015 by The Phuket News

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BEACH DEMOLITIONS CONTINUE AT MAI KHAO > PAGE 3

FLOODS STRIKE

Royal Thai Marines deployed to render assistance to residents as island subjected to torrential downpours

LIFE

PAGE 16

Ducati shows street muscle with style

A man calls for help as floodwaters inundate homes south of Phuket Airport. Photo: Suthicha Sirirat

GOVERNOR ORDERS ASSISTANCE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS

OFFICIALS

PLACED ON 24-HOUR ALERT FOR FURTHER DOWNPOURS

Suthicha Sirirat & Tanyaluk Sakoot editor@classactmedia.co.th

huket Governor Nisit Jansomwong this week ordered officials to provide relief to flood victims in the Nai Yang Beach area after heavy rains there this past week left many houses under a metre of water. The order came as Phuket suffered a week of heavy downpours

that flooded homes, felled trees and caused two-hour-long traffic tailbacks on the island’s major roads. At Nai Yang last Sunday (August 9), Gov Nisit also ordered officials to ramp up their measures to mitigate the floodwaters and to maintain a 24-hour watch on the area in order to respond effectively to any further flooding, while Royal Thai Navy Marines were deployed to provide emergency assistance. “More than 100 homes were af-

fected by the flooding,” Gov Nisit explained. Many residents in the area, which is immediately south of Phuket International Airport, were forced to use small boats to access their homes. The Phuket Provincial office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM-Phuket) and the Sakoo Tambon Administration Organization (OrBorTor) had drained some of the floodwaters, Gov Nisit pointed out.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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“But the floodwaters have risen by at least 10 centimetres because it rained again overnight (last Friday),” he said. “Officials are trying to locate the problem and to unclog the drains, and we are providing all assistance that residents might need at this moment,” Gov Nisit added. The affected area is below the sea level and often floods when Phuket is hit with heavy rainfalls, he said. Gov Nisit also ordered Thalang…

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Tour guides strike back, forcing action by leading tourism official > page 7

Island gripped by downpours Continued from page 1 …Distict Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol to monitor the situation every hour. “But for the long-term solution, the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation [PPAO, or OrBorJor] will investigate and survey the area to install larger permanent drainage for the area,” he said. Phuket Red Cross also donated life vests to residents and DDPM-Phuket officials reviewed the the total cost of damage floodwaters caused to residents’ homes in order to determine how much assistance is to be provided. More than 120 homes and 400 villagers in Thalang have been affected by flooding, one official from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket (DDPM-Phuket) office told The Phuket News.

“We are still estimating the damage to homes and businesses in the Thalang area,” the officer said, adding that Mai Khao Moo 6, Thepkrasattri Moo 4 and Sakoo Moo 1 were the worst affected villages. “Also, five roads in Thalang suffered flood damage, as did 12 rai of vegetable farms and five fish ponds that villagers depend on to make a living.” The officer also explained that Governor Nisit has a budget of B20 million at his disposal to alleviate the impact of any kind of disaster, but that special budget could be used only for incidents handled by the DDPM-Phuket office. “All local administration offices and district offices have their own budgets to deal with disasters in their own areas. However, if these offices are

Phuket City council workers keep an eye on Bang Klong Yai in Phuket Town as it nears bursting its banks. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub unable to cope with disasters in their areas, then the DDPMPhuket will take care of it,” the officer said. The official played down flooding in other areas on the island. “Phuket City and Kathu also suffered flooding this week, but there was not much

damage, mainly because the floods lasted about an hour then subsided,” he said. Severe weather warnings, and alerts for flash floods and landslides, remained in force throughout this past week. The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and the National Disaster Warning

Centre (NDWC) issued a severe weather warning for the South of Thailand, including Phuket and the Andaman region, at 11am last Friday (August 7). The forecast prompted the TMD to issue additional weather warnings extended to southern residents of Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Satun and Phuket provinces. The NDWC warned residents of heavy rainfall that could potentially trigger flash floods in these provinces through to last Sunday (August 9). That warning came hours before downpours drenched Phuket, flooding homes in Nai Yang and bringing traffic at the Sam Kong Underpass, in front of Tesco Lotus on the bypass road, to a two-hour standstill.

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwannasupapana urged residents in risk areas to move their belongings to higher ground. Anyone needing sandbags were urged to collect them from the municipality’s Disaster Prevention and Relief Office, or call 076-354363 / 199. The warnings on Tuesday were extended through to August 12, just 24 hours after the weather monitoring station at Phuket International Airport recorded 54mm of rainfall in a three-hour period. That deluge followed a potential record downpour of 183mm of rainfall in 24 hours, with winds gusting up to 63kmh, recorded last Friday (August 7). See Editorial ‘Don’t blame it on the rain’ on page 8.

Englishman, 52, found dead in Patong hotel room Man injured as falling tree POLICE DO NOT SUSPECT FOUL- Joseph Humphrey, was reportedly time his hotel room door had been play in the death of a 52-year-old English found by his older brother, Mr Jeremy opened was at 1:46am that morning, crushes motorbike, fence tourist whose body was discovered by his older brother in the room of a popular Patong beachside resort on August 8. According to Lt Col Wirapong Rakkito, special-case investigator from Kathu Police Station, police were notified by staff at the international-chain hotel at 7:30pm that an English tourist had been found dead in his hotel bed. The deceased, named as Mr Paul

Humphrey, who did not wish to press the case as he was convinced Paul had suffered a heart attack, Lt Col Wirapong said. Mr Humphrey’s body was found naked, wrapped in blankets and lying on his side, on the hotel room bed. Police estimated that he died no more than six hours earlier. A hotel check found that the last

and CCTV footage verified that no one else had entered or left the hotel room since – until his brother finally entered the room to discover the body. From their initial investigation, police believe Mr Humphrey had suffered from a heart attack, but nonetheless his body has been sent to Patong Hospital for further examination. Darawan Naknakhon

ONE MAN IS IN HOSPITAL recovering from injuries sustained when his motorbike struck a tree that had fallen across the road in front of him moments earlier in Tambon Thepkrasattri, in central Phuket, last Friday last night (August 7). Rescue workers arrived at the scene, on Baan Pa Krong Cheep Rd, at 11pm and transported local resident Phumarin Chiewwit, 18, who had suffered scrapes all over his body, a shoulder injury and a broken left leg, to Thalang Hospital. The tree also crushed a fence and struck a parked sixwheeled truck belonging to the Civil Defense Volunteers office for Thepkassattri subdistrict. Officials took two hours to clear the tree from the road. Lt Suporn Muangkhai of the Thalang Police noted that the area has no street lights.

Rescue workers took two hours to clear the fallen tree from the road. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub “And after so much rain, the ground around the tree could no longer support the weight of the tree,” he said. Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong and many other provincial departments issued a severe weather warning to residents on August 7. In issuing the weather warning, effective for August 7-9, Gov Nisit urged motorists to be careful and for residents to be aware of flash floods and landslides that might occur. Eakkapop Thongtub

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Paiboon laid to rest

PHUKET NEWS

NACC falls silent on corruption probe

ublic news on the ongoing corruption investigation into nowdeceased Paiboon Upatising has fallen silent. Mr Paiboon, former president of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO or OrBorJor), died of cancer on August 2. At the time of his death Mr Paiboon was Phuket’s highest elected official, but had been suspended from office pending an investigation by the National AntiCor r uption Com mission (NACC) into the Provincial Hospital in Rassada, at the request of the Office of the Auditor General. However, NACC officials in Phuket and Bangkok have declined to provide any comment to The Phuket News on the ongoing corruption probe. “We cannot provide any details [about the investigation] to any persons other than the complainants,” said one NACC Phuket official, who declined to be named. “All we can say is that everything is continuing according to procedure.”

Lantaporn, 12, was crushed by an 18-wheeled truck.

Truck driver charged for road death of girl

Pallbearers carry the casket of Paiboon Upatising at his funeral on Monday. Photo: PPAO Another officer at the NACC headquarters in Bangkok, who also declined to be named, concurred. “The only details [of investigations] that we publish on our website are of investigations that have concluded,” the officer said. “Any NACC investigations not listed on our website are still ongoing.” Consequently, both NACC officials declined to reveal whether Mr Paiboon alone was under investigation, or

whether other Phuket officials had yet to be named as implicated in the corruption scandal. More than 1,000 people turned out for the funeral of Mr Paiboon on Monday (August 10). The funeral procession, which began at 12.09pm, paraded through the streets of Phuket Town, from Mr Paiboon’s family home opposite Surakul Stadium to the graveyard at Khao Rang

Beach business demolition continues, more to follow THREE BUILDINGS ON Naiyang Beach were demolished last week after the owners’ deadline to show land ownership documents expired. Speaking as the demolition was taking place on August 5, Lt Sompop Kamkana of the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Area Command said, “We are here to work with and look after officials from the Saku Tambon Administration Organisation [OrBorTor] as they demolish illegal structures, including Octopus and No. 4 Seafood Restaurant & Bar. “The owners of these businesses had previously refused to remove from the beach. However, today they have finally agreed to cooperate with Saku officials. “Saku OrBorTor have been ordered to demolish all the buildings on Naiyang Beach, and if they do not do so by tomorrow (August 6) we will do it for them. “However, everything must be removed from Naiyang Beach in two days.” The owner of one of the venues demolished – the Ocotpus restaurant, which displayed a signed stating “Since @thephuketnews

The buildings were demolished on August 5 after Sakoo OrBorTor officials issued warnings to the owners to move out. Photo Royal Thai Navy 1986” – told a presenter from Phuket Extra TV News that he had an officially stamped document that proved he was the owner, and so officials had no right to demolish the building just yet. He said the owners of the businesses had to appeal the order. “And we did… we have done that within 30 days,” the owner said. “Normally, when they do this they have to stop because we have already taken the matter to court… “They cannot do this, but

they don’t listen to us. They only say they want to destroy [the buildings].” Meanwhile, Lt Sompop also said that his team would next move on to Le Pang Beach, which is the responsibility of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor. “There are five restaurants on Le Pang Beach that have already been reported to the Royal Thai Navy’s Third Area Commander, and a letter advising them to move will be issued in the next few days,” he said. Tanyaluk Sakoot

to the sound of gospel hymns sung in accordance with Mr Paiboon’s Christian faith. Siwa Seangmanee, Adviser of the Ministry of Interior, attended as a guest of honour, among others. Mr Paiboon was interred at 2pm, with Teera Jiasakun, president of the PPAO council, handing onto the casket the first handful of soil, which was blessed by the Royal Household of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej on August 6.

THE DR I V ER OF THE 18-wheeled truck-and-trailer that crushed a 12-year-old girl and dragged her body 150 metres to her death in Thalang on July 31 has been charged. Sittipong Sinphae, 22, was arrested that same day, just two hours after the horrific incident, Maj Santi Prakobpran of the Tah Chatchai Police confirmed. Sittipong was arrested in Chalong after police tracked down the vehicle through CCTV footage. “We identified the truck by the description given and its license plates,” Maj Santi said. “We also found marks on the truck matching the description of the accident.” Sittipong told police that he had no idea that he had collided with the motorbike. “He said that if he had known [about the accident],

he would have stopped,” Maj Santi said. “He said that he heard a noise, but thought it was just the sound of the truck going over a pothole in the road.” Sittipong has been charged with reckless driving causing death and fleeing the scene of an accident, Maj Santi confirmed. In the tragic accident last Friday, Wassana Kaewkampa, 40, told police that she was driving her motorbike southbound and had just passed the Tha Chat Chai police checkpoint onto the island just after 6am when the truck forced her off the road at the first bend. Ms Wassana was sent scuttling along the ground, and escaped with scrapes and bruises, but her daughter, Lantaporn Duongkhare, was flung under the truck. Eakkapop Thongtub

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A buyers’ market?

Poll ponders impact of the ‘retail boom’ in Phuket

he island is getting ready to welcome several new major shopping outlets, and The Phuket News’ latest poll asks readers what they think about the coming ‘retail boom’. As reported in the The Phuket News’ Business section last week, construction is on track for the B400 million Bukis Phuket Mall, being developed on the plot of land in between Central Festival and Big C Supercenter on the bypass road. And it’s only the beginning of the retail boom, with a handful of up-and-coming projects breaking ground on prime central real estate, which together make up a publicprivate sector drive to position Phuket as an international “shopping paradise”, and thus add one more “S” to the island’s destination appeal list, which also includes Sand, Sea, Sun and Surf, among others. Indeed, the island’s shopping options are set to double up in the coming years, with a handful of big name, big money projects to look forward to. Among them include: The

Construction on Central Festival West is underway opposite Central Festival Phuket. Photo: Andreas Hentschell Mall Group’s BluPearl shopping mall, a B20 billion project to be built on Phra Phuket Kaew road, about a kilometre west from Tesco Lotus Extra Kathu; Central Group’s Central West, a B13bn project, which also will include a hotel and aquarium, and which has already broke ground on the plot opposite and to the south of Central Festival on Wichit Songkhram Rd, (previously occupied by the Thai Naan restaurant); the King Power Phuket Complex, a B2bn project in Wichit, on the short-cut route

Where can we go to watch planes take off and land? PR & MARKETING ASSISTANT

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News

Question

Where can I take my five-yearold daughter to watch planes take off and land at Phuket International Airport? She has recently taken up a fascination with large airplanes, as we often see them in the sky passing over our house. I certainly understand this, as I too was fascinated by large aircraft when I was her age. Is there any way I can legally and safely provide the same exhiliaratng experience for my own child? Or is this forbidden by officials, despite the constant loud-mouthing by national-level politicians that Phuket will “welcome” millions more visitors this year? – Tilde Chimbote Chalong

A Transaero Airlines B747300 crosses Naiyang Beach as it comes in to land at Phuket International Airport. Photo: Andy Mitchell / Flickr

Answer

Right now, we do not have any specific space or area set aside inside the airport where people who are not passengers can watch planes take off or land. However, people can watch planes arriving and departing from the safety of Naiyang Beach. It’s a beautiful view, especially when planes come in to land. – A staffer of the customer service section at Phuket International Airport

between Honda Chao Fa West and Makro; and GMS Duty Free Department Store, with construction of the B500mn outlet nearly finished on Phra Phuket Kaew Rd, just opposite dCondo Mine, near Kajonkiet International School. On one hand, more shopping malls could provide numerous benefits for the local and national economy. For one, thousands of new jobs will be created for locals; increased tax revenue could mean increased budgets for local municipalities; and tourists and residents will

have more places to escape the blistering tropical heat while spending their hard-earned dough, and thus putting more capital into circulation. With more places to go, there will be more things to do, and this goes without saying that the quality of life could improve for locals. But on the other hand, an influx of shopping malls may also put additional stresses on the local environment and infrastructure. How are we going to adequately power them all – never mind the rest of Phuket whose power demand is already insatiable? Interesting enough, according to one report, some shopping malls in the Thai capital, for example, require more electricity than some upcountry provinces. As for impacts on the local economy, it can also be argued, as we have seen in the past, that a predominate mall culture will negatively impact smaller retail businesses in the community, which will struggle to compete with larger chain brands, and many may even

go out of business. Indeed, the “shopping paradise” strategy could go either way for Phuket – boon or bust – depending who you ask. We want to know what you think, and so our latest poll asks: How much positive effects do you think shopping mega malls have on the island?

Responses available:

1. A lot, mega-malls are a boon to the island’s economy and provide arenas for social interaction. 2. Some, but they must be well maintained and populated to create the best long-term positive effect. 3. Not much, they add to the economy and bring some benefits to the community, but not as much as some people claim they do. 4. Very little, their financial, social and environmental costs to the community outweigh their benefits. 5. No opinion. Vote now by visiting The Phuket News website and selecting “Poll’ from the News menu. (Poll runs until August 21.)

School tablet thief arrested

A MYANMAR MIGRANT worker was arrested on August 4 when he was found to be in possession of 70 items, all believed to have stolen, including seven tablets which were stolen from Satree Phuket School last month. Police estimate his total haul was in the region of B800,000. Phuket City Police presented the suspect named only as Lek, 29, at a press conference held the next day. Lek was wanted for stealing 10 iMedia computer tablets and KWorld audio equipment from a classroom at Satree Phuket School in the early hours of July 20. Lek was arrested at an unaddressed work camp near the Khao Lan junction on Thepkassattri Rd with seven iMedia tablets (model EC101S2) and a KWorld audio converter. Police also seized 70 items including documents, tools and stolen Kawasaki KSR

Lek admitted to stealing the tablets from Satree Phuket School of July 20. motorbike with no registration plate. The arrest of Lek came after Thung Thong Police and Phuket City Police arrested 33-year-old Wanchai, also a Myanmar national, on August 3 when he was found to be in possession of an iMedia tablet similar to those stolen from Satree Phuket School. After being questioned by police, Wanchai told police that he had bought the tablet from a Myanmar man named Lek for B2,300. He gave police Lek’s address. Police soon raided Lek’s

room at the workers camp and seized 70 items including a Kawasaki motorbike which had been reported stolen to Chalong Police. Lek told police that he used to work as a construction worker at Satree Phuket School, so he knew the area well. At 2:30am on July 20, he went to the school on a motorbike. He parked the bike behind the school before breaking into the premises and stealing the tablets and audio equipment. Satree Phuket School Director Kosol Saikhaw told the press that he was relieved and glad that police had caught the suspect. “Teachers are on duty and security patrol [the school] every hour and are on the lookout for any suspicious activity to prevent such incidents happening in the future,” he said. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

PHUKET NEWS

Taxi driver arrested with drug-mule bear Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

fficials staging a dr ug raid in the nor ther n Phuket area of Tambon Thepkrasattri last week arrested a taxi driver and his drug buddy teddy bear, stuffed with 171 meth pills. Officials from Thalang Municipality, including District Chief Veera Kerdsirimongkol, arrested 22-yearold Sakchai Niyomdacha at his home in Moo Baan Phrusompharn at 3pm on August 4. Chief Veera explained that officials staged the raid after receiving a tip-off from undercover police who said drug-selling activities were conducted inside the suspect’s home. “We learned that Sakchai works as a taxi driver and sells drugs on the side to coworkers and local teenagers,”

Fishermen bring ashore the body of Sriwan Saraphu, a 49-year-old staffer at a spa in Wichit.

Spa staffer found dead after leap from pier

Taxi driver Sakchai Niyomdacha was arrested and his drug buddy teddy bear, which has yet to be named by police, was seized as evidence. Chief Veera said. “When we raided his home, we discovered packages containing meth pills hidden inside the teddy bear’s legs and several bundles of

kratom leaves inside the stereo sound system.” The kratom stash seized weighed in at half a kilo, and officers also seized B3,240 in cash at the scene.

B5mn of drugs seized from dealer’s home POLICE ARE CURRENTLY hunting for another big-time Phuket drug dealer who fled when police raided a home he stayed at on August 5. At the home, police found an estimated B3 million of methamphetamine pills (ya bah), 2.15 kilos of crystal meth (ya ice), guns and ammunition. At 11:30pm a team from the Phuket City Narcotics Suppression Unit raided a house at Moo Baan Srisuchart Grand View 5 in Soi Lakkongsi in Rassada which they said is where the big-time drug dealer stayed. Police learned that the dealer stayed there after arresting a number of local small-time dealers and drug addicts. During the raid, police seized 2.15kg of ya ice, 1,469 pills of ya bah, four pistols and 400 bullets along with two safes, three mobile phones, digital scales, a wallet containing ATM cards and an ID card, a bankbook, drug-taking paraphernalia, a Toyota pickup truck and a motorbike. Lt Col Prawit Eagchuwn, @thephuketnews

Among the items seized by police during the raid was an arsenal of handgun firearms and ammunition. chief of the Phuket Narcotic Suppression Unit, said after the raid, “The suspect, Anuwat Thongton, 31, a resident from Koh Kaew, must have fled the scene just before the raid because the air conditioning was still turned on and there were plastic bags containing hot food in the kitchen.” “When officers searched the home they discovered three big bags of ya ice weighing about 2.15 kilos, eight bags containing 1,469 ya bah pills, four guns, 400 bullets, one gun ‘silencer’, two safes, a pickup truck and a motorbike. “All the drugs are worth an estimated B5 million,” he said.

“While officers were conducting the search, one man showed up and said that he was a taxi driver and had come to see Anuwat to find out the name of a mechanic who could fix his taxi. “We were suspicious about why he really went to the house, so he was taken to the station for questioning,” Col Prawit added. Police would not reveal the taxi driver’s name. Police are now looking for the home owner and Anuwat and will get an arrest warrant for him from Phuket Provincial Court. Darawan Naknakhon

Sakchai was taken to Thalang Police Station and charged with illegal possession of Category 1 drug with intent to sell and illegal possession of Category 5 drug.

POLICE HAVE YET TO DIScover why Sriwan Saraphu, a 49-year-old staffer at a Phuket spa, jumped off Rawai Pier into storm seas with waves surging up to two metres tall on August 5. Her body was found two hours later. Local residents raised the alarm after watching as Ms Sriwan took a motorbike taxi to the pier, walked to the end and jumped off at about 8:30am. Fishermen in a longtail boat and a speedboat were dispatched to search for her, and found her body two hours later around the small cape to

the east of the pier, at Laem Ka Yai. Off icers f rom Rawai Municipality, along with Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos, were soon at the scene, as were first-responders from Khaimook Rescue, who transported her body to Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town. Ms Sriwan apparently worked at a spa in Wichit. She was found with B180 and one motorbike key in her pockets. Chalong Police are continuing their investigation into her death. Darawan Naknakhon

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New expo to boost luxury island status

huket is being targeted as their next great lifestyle destination in the region with Southeast Asia’s first APCWL Luxury Lifestyle Expo to be held at Royal Phuket Marina from October 23-25. The inaugural event received a high-level push on Monday (August 10) with a media conference at Royal Phuket Marina (RPM) attended by Zoran Lalvani, scion to RPM chairman and founder Gulu Lalvani. Mr Gulu Lalvani earlier this year announced a fiveyear plan to inject B5 billion in investment to transform the marina into a premier lifestyle destination. Also present at the media launch today was Hillman Lentz, President & CEO of Hathor Investment Group Ltd, the organiser of the event, which aims to bring together the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of cigars, whisky and other luxury lifestyle consumables. The APCWL Lifestyle Expo will also feature a programme of special seiminars, including workshops covering: The Luxury Lifestyle Market in Asia-Pacific; Advantages of Hospitality Venues stocking

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Officials place a garland on the hand of the statue of HRH Prince Rapee Pattanasak in front of Phuket Provincial Court to honour Rapee Day. Photo: PR Dept

Island’s legal fraternity celebrate Rapee Day The Luxury Lifestyle Expo, to be held in Phuket in October, received a boost with a media launch on Monday. Photo: Angkana Nuram Cigars; Growth of Whisky in Asia-Pacific; Growth of Cigars in Asia-Pacific; Laws and Legislation for Cigars and Whisky in Asia-Pacific; and the Value of Single-Cask Whisky. “We want people to be aware of all the good lifestyle products available in Southeast Asia,” explained Mr Lentz. “Luxury goods are growing rapidly and many people don’t know it, and here’s an opportunity for people to get involved in the business, either buying, selling, representing… “This is a meeting point where all the people in the industry can get together and make relationships that help further their business, and to also educate consumers,” he

told The Phuket News. Asked why stage the expo in Phuket, Mr Lentz simply replied: “Phuket’s wonderful. This is a fantastic venue.” Mr Lentz noted that the event was originally slated to be held in Bangkok last October, but recent military and political events remained a deterrent from interested parties from visiting the capital. Looking to the future, Mr Lentz noted, “We expect this event to grow, and as the industry gets busier and busier, so will the expo.” Ghislaine Bovy, Online Marketing Content Creation & Social Media specialist, agreed. “Phuket really needs a show like this,” she said. “We’ve seen a growth in the

number of people with very high standards of living coming here in the last few years. People with a lot of money, Thai people interested in whiskies and cigars. “I was very stunned when I visited Bangkok recently and met a lot of people there enjoying Western-style luxury products… including whiskies, cigars and so on… “I think Phuket is a good location, because it is an island that is becoming synonymous with luxury and high standards, and I think a lot of people will be interested in coming to this event here.” Angkana Nuram The APCWL Luxury Lifestyle Expo is proudly sponsored by Class Act Media.

THE PHUKET PROVINCIAL Court held a ceremony to honour HRH Prince Rapee Pattanasak, the founding father of Thai Law on August 7. The day is also known by those in legal circles in Thailand as Rapee Day. On August 7 each year, Thailand observes Rapee Day, commemorating the passing away of Prince Rapee Pattanasak, the father of Thailand’s modern legal system. Last Thursday morning, lawmakers, court officials and city officials led by Deputy Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal Region 8, Chowalit Leelahawong, gathered at the courtyard of Phuket Provincial Court to pay homage and place garlands at the statue of HRH Prince Rapee Pattanasak. Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwannasupapana and Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent Col Saman Chainarong were among the

many who attended the event. HRH Prince Rapee, a son of HM King Chulalongkorn, also known simply as Rama V, was born on October 21, 1874. After he obtained his secondary education in Suan Kularb Palace School in Bangkok, he went on to study law at Christchurch College, Oxford University. He came back and became minister of justice at the age of 22 in 1896. He held the position for 14 years. The Prince took initiatives on establishment of the first law school in the country in 1897, Prince Rapee drew up a syllabus and taught the students himself. In his 14 years in office, he laid a firm foundation for the Thai legal system. Every year on August 7, Thais lawmakers and government officials cerebrate the day to honour the founding father of Thai law and call the day that the prince passed away as “Rapee Day”. The Phuket News

Brakes put on Krabi plant impacts study

A girl holds a banner outside Government House during a demonstration opposing a proposed coal power plant in Krabi. Photo: Thanarak Khunton / Bangkok Post

THE TRIPARTITE PANEL CONSIDering the fate of the coal-fired power plant proposed for Krabi must reach a conclusion before the project’s environment and health impact assessment is considered, says the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (Onep). Raweewan Bhuridej, Onep’s acting secretary-general, on Tuesday (August 11) confirmed the office will suspend considering the EHIA until the panel has done its work.

The committee brings together the Energy Ministry, Krabi business sector, and civic groups, and comes after locals staged a huge protest outside Government House in protest at the plant. “We want to ensure we have done our job transparently and without undue influence,” she said, allaying fears that work on the assessment report was still ongoing, even though the panel has yet to sort out the dispute. Earlier, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s permanent

secretary Kasemsun Chinavaso said the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat), the project owner, should withdraw the EHIA from the Onep. Opponents say the plant project will destroy fishing communities, tourism and the environment near the plant. They also suggested Egat turn to renewable energy development instead since the province has many palm plantations which could serve as the feedstock. Bangkok Post

Six arrested in drug sting SIX PEOPLE WERE ARrested in the Patong area within 24 hours when they were found to be in possession of various amounts of crystal meth (ya ice) during a sting operation carried out by crime suppression police from Kathu. At 6am on August 5, Kathu police announced the arrests of three women and three men who had in their possession a total of 4.65 grams of ya ice. The suspects were named

The three women and three men were arrested by police. as Nanthicha Sanklar, 36; Suwincha Srinil, 31; Supinya Sangtong, 31; Anuchit Noynil,

33, Nonpawith Sansa-ard, 38, and Pathipan Worawalai, 23. Eakkapop Thongtub thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Chinese guides strike Tourism boss finally vows to deport illegal guides

Eakachart Pitakkarn, a 35-year-old resident of Koh Kaew, was caught with the gun and bullets.

Locked, loaded ready to loiter

A MAN FROM KOH KAEW WAS arrested last week with bullets and another person’s gun outside a hotel in Patong. Kathu police arrested Eakachart Pitakkarn, 35, in front of the Silver Resortel on Sawatdirak Rd at 3:45pm on August 5 for illegal possession of a gun and ammunition. Police seized from him a .22 pistol that was registered in another person’s name and six rounds of .22 calibre bullets. The arrest of Eakachart came after police received a call from the hotel about a man who was suspiciously walking around the area with a gun. Police arrived and found Eakachart in front of the hotel with the gun in a holster on his belt. Following a police check on the weapon, it was found it was legally registered, but not to Eakachart. Eakachart was taken to Kathu Police Station where he was charged for illegal possession of another person’s firearm, illegal possession of ammunition and carrying a firearm in public without a permit. Eakkapop Thongtub

Suthicha Sirirat editor@classactmedia.co.th

anti Pawai, the director of the Ministry of Tourism (MoTS) Phuket office, has finally vowed to deport any foreigners caught working illegally as Chinese tour guides and to revoke the business licenses of any companies found hiring them. Mr Santi announced the news in response to 200 Chinese-speaking Thai tour guides in Phuket staging a general strike to protest illegal guides still working in the industry. About 30 of the guides, all from the Chinese-Thai Guide Association and led by Nonphuree Phattarakunakorn, 49, marched on the Phuket MoTS office on August 6. Their mission: to file a formal complaint to Phuket MoTS office director Santi Pawai and demand that officials resolve the issue once and for all. “For the past six months, Chinese tour companies have been sneaking in their own tour guides and allowing illegal tour guides to work in Phuket without any concern for tourism laws and regulations. “Even worse, these illegal tour guides have no knowledge of

About 200 Chinese-speaking Thai tour guides went on strike to protest illegal guides still working in Phuket’s tourism industry. Thai culture. They are destroying Thailand’s tourism image as they conduct tours,” Mr Nonphuree said. “These illegal guides are costing Thais more and more jobs in Phuket and in other provinces. Many Chinese-speaking Thai tour guides are suffering and we want the authorities to hear our voice and help preserve the legal right for Thai tour guides in accordance with the Tourism Act 2008.” Mr Nonphuree stated that general strike by about 200 Chinese-

speaking Thai tour guides, which began on August 4 and was to continue until August 12. Mr Nonphuree said that the tour companies involved repeatedly claim that Phuket does not have enough Chinese-speaking guides to serve the burgeoning market. “This is not true,” he said. “We have more than 2,500 guides in our Chinese-Thai Guide Association today, which is more than enough to cover the tour guides’ duty on the island.”

Defending the efforts by the Phuket MoTS office to eradicate illegal guides from Phuket’s tourism industry, Mr Santi assured, “Our department has been working closely with many other departments to rid Phuket of foreigners working illegally as tour guides, as it is an occupation reserved for Thais by law. “We have been inspecting tour companies, guides and tourism businesses to check for any illegal activities and constantly inform them of rules and regulations.” Mr Santi said his office will now move to deport any persons working illegally as tour guides and to any companies found hiring them. “And their names added to the [Immigration Bureau’s] blacklist so to ensure they can never return to Thailand ever again,” he said. “Tour companies that provide or employ illegal guides are destroying the tourism industry. If any are found guilty for breaking tourism laws, they will have their businesses suspended, or worse, revoked. “If you want to be in the tourism business, you must follow the rules and regulations of the Tourism Act,” Mr Santi warned.

, A s i a s m os t a wa r d e d reg ional airline

Siripop Jaitrong was arrested after collecting delivery of kratom from the post office.

Man busted in kratom postal bust THALANG POLICE ARrested and charged a Thai man last week after he was caught with an unregistered pistol and 5.5 kilogrammes of fresh kratom leaves that he had attempted to smuggle onto Phuket via post. Acting on orders from Thalang district chief Wira Kerdsirmongkol, Thalang civil defence volunteers Siripong Leeprasit and Danai Jai Kaeng took official credit for the suspect’s arrest, and seizure of the firearm last Sunday (August 9). According to a report addressed to Phuket Governor Nisit Junsomwong, officers @thephuketnews

had received a tip-off that the suspect – named as Mr Siripop Jaitrong, a 35-yearold resident of Trang but living in Phuket’s Pa Khlok subdistrict – was suspected of dealing drugs, which he was thought to be smuggling onto the island via the Pa Khlok Post Office. Police staked out the suspect as he arrived to the post office in a blue Isuzu pickup truck, and after seeing him exit the facility with four white packages, intercepted him, presenting themselves as officers. According to the report, the suspect immediately

admitted that the four packages contained the illegal k ratom plant, a deliver y which police said weighed 5.5kg. Handcuffed, the suspect then led police to his residence in Pa Khlok’s Moo 2 community, where a subsequent search by police yielded a black Smith & Wesson .38-calibre revolver loaded with five rounds with a matching holster, but not with the required permit. Mr Siripong was charged with possession of a firearm without a permit and for possession of a Category 5 drug. Eakkapop Thongtub

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Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

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editor@classactmedia.co.th From the USA; BA in Communication Arts from Bangkok University International College; seven years’ experience at Nation Junior Magazine, Bangkok Recorder, Phuket. net, Farangs.com and Phuket Gazette.

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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.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

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EDITORIAL

Don’t blame it on the rain

ature has made a grave statement across the Asian region this past week, in which nasty weather and subsequent widespread flooding have left thousands dead and tens of millions inundated or displaced, from India, Pakistan and Myanmar to the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan and China. Thailand, which geographically lies in the middle of all the havoc, has not been exempt from the deluge. As the Pacificborne super-typhoon-turned tropical rainstorm “Soudelor” made landfall in China this past week, weather warnings were issued for several provinces in the kingdom’s Northeast, while this season’s particularly strong southwesterly monsoons have continued to batter Andaman Sea coastal provinces. Here in Phuket, we’ve been subjected to a relatively small taste of the August fury, so

far. Last Friday (August 7) commuters were caught in two-hour-long traffic tailbacks amidst flooded roadways while distressed villagers in Nai Yang were displaced as metre-high floodwaters breached their low-lying homes (See page 1). Meanwhile, the monsoon has left much of the west coast cluttered with debris – plastic and organic – as beachgoers screamed bloody murder at the sight of discarded fishing nets, polystyrene and other rubbish mixed in with all the seaweed-laden driftwood that had washed ashore. While some officials have suggested that the traffic, flooding and rubbish accumulation on Phuket beaches were all a result of the run of nasty weather, The Phuket News would like to humbly highlight the actual underlying cause and source: Us – you, me, them! Indeed, humans are to

blame for most of our own misfortunes, and more specifically our shortcomings and incompetencies when it comes to planning and prevention. The weather didn’t discard the fishing nets and polystyrene into the sea – people did. And while the rain did come down hard on Nai Yang, as it does this time every year, the flooding was a result of inadequate and clogged drainage systems. As for the notion that rain causes traffic, is it not a result of chaotic roadworks and the addition of tens of thousands of new vehicles to the island’s roads every year, coupled with inadequate public transport? No one will argue that the rain does not make a bad situation worse, but Phuket, like much of the region, needs more accountability. Blame it on a lack of budget, infrastructure or plan, but please, don’t blame it on the rain.

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Severe weather, flash flood warning extended to Phuket Severe weather, flash flood warning issued in Phuket Englishman, 52, found dead in Patong hotel room thought to have suffered heart attack: Police Multiple visa a trade boon, say operators Facebook poster jailed record 30 years for lese majeste Small Phuket vessels barred from sea travel ahead of strong monsoon weather, wave alert New B300mn Phuket mall to open in January Phuket man arrested ouside Patong hotel with gun and bullets Governor orders assistance for Phuket flood victims Truck driver charged for Phuket road death of girl, 12

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Where are we all supposed to park?

system? Time: three months, cost: minimal, disruption: very little... Andy

QUOTED: Parking spaces provided on site will accommodate more than 400 vehicles and 500 motorcycles. With 400 shops, it will not have enough parking for the staff working in the complex and my question is: where customers will park their cars and motorcycles? And they said it is well planned! Asterix Title

1.15 Billion? There is only one solution since nobody gives a hoot what we (taxpayers) think, let’s stop paying tax all together and see what happens – the prison is not big enough and the court will be booked for at least 5 years in advance. Perhaps the illegal not-tax-paying fishing fleet can take over the bill. Now this is not really a joke, think of it! Horst BigA

Re: New B300mn Phuket mall to open in January

Money talks and bologne walks

Re: Phuket Opinion: Bracing for a decade of traffic woes Exactly. The most expensive solution has been chosen and the same company that was late completing the Central underpass will get the contract. An underpass at Bang Khu is madness, there is all the room one could possibly need for an overpass which would be about one third the cost and take less than half the time to construct. Overpasses don’t flood either. No doubt the same solution will be suggested for the Heroines circle. How about they just install a sophisticated traffic light

Getting to the root of the problem

Re: Small Phuket vessels barred from sea travel ahead of strong monsoon weather, wave alert “The accumulation of waste... is the result of recent strong monsoon winds and waves that brought the rubbish from the sea, officials said”? The driftwood, ok, but the rest is the result of the public’s total disrespect of their environment and just dumping their trash wherever they want so it ends up in the ocean then being regurgitated during bad weather. Yet another serious issue Thailand needs to start

addressing.

Tamvong

Be careful what you wish for

Re: Poll: What do you think about the current ‘retail boom’ in Phuket? When I arrived 16 years ago the first Tesco Lotus was under construction and the island had the charm of a ‘Tropical Dream Destination’. Looking at it now, it seems Phuket is turning into a mega city with problems like overpopulation, traffic jams, littering, deforestation, overbuilding, concrete jungle, over commercialized etc. Watch it, or the paradise might be lost in the name of commerce. Concerned

Riding is my life!

Re: Just ride Things are much different in Thailand and for many being in a MC is just some holiday fun riding together … but in real MCs it has a lot to do with Trust and Respect ... it should be family, who you trust, you can’t take any stranger into your family before you know him if he/she doesn’t behave properly, did some trips together with you or spend some time with

you. Family members always have the same rights but also the same duties, being there for each other and helping each other whenever possible. It’s a bit different in Thailand but has nothing to do with being a criminal, having guns or a fight every weekend. I am a proud member of Born To Be Wild Thailand, and I ride, that’s what I do, it’s my life. Moskito

We need more reasons to come back

Re: TAT targets B2tn in 2016 tourism revenue If Thailand wants to attract more tourists, after two poor years, they should try a few things tourist like. Allow them to get married and take scenic wedding photos on the beaches. Allow a myriad of small shops and food stalls along beach paths. Allow beach chairs and umbrellas on the beach so tourist can relax. Eliminate the tuk-tuk and taxi rate rip-offs. Do all these, and, publicize them heavily along with the “Discover Thainess” campaign NOW when tourists are planning their holidays. Give them more reasons to visit. Foot

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

THAILAND NEWS

More audits required

Senior cops transferred over bars Thai Airways faces more inspections by regulators CHIANG MAI

BANGKOK

NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF GEN Somyot Poompanmuang has signed an order to immediately transfer five senior police officers in the northern province of Chiang Mai to temporary duty at the Royal Thai Police operational centre in Bangkok until further notice. The order stated that the five officers – all of the Chang Phuak Police – had been negligent in allowing entertainment venues to open near Chiang Mai University and operate beyond the limited hours in violation of an order, dated July 22, of the National Council for Peace and Order. The five officers transferred were: Deputy Superintendent Col Mongkol Sampawapol, Col Vajira Kanchanawipada, chief of the Chang Phuak Police Station; Lt Col Sitthporn Buasuk, deputy chief of the Chang Phuak Police Station; Lt Col Jirathipong Lertviriyanant, suppression chief of the Chang Phuak Police Station; and Maj Narongchai Ekachan, investigation chief of the Chang Phuak Police Station. The transfers followed recent raids on entertainment venues near Chiang Mai University. Bangkok Post

everal foreign aviation regulators have contacted Thai Airways International (THAI) requesting an audit, says the airline’s president Charamporn Jotikasthira. They include the Indonesian aviation regulator, which has notified the airline that it will come for an inspection this month, he said. Others have also made contact, but THAI has yet to disclose their names. “THAI is fully prepared [for the audits],” said Mr Charamporn, adding the airline’s overseas flights have already been subject to stringent checks. The increased scrutiny of THAI flights came after the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) gave Thailand a red flag on June 18. This was in response to the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA)’s failure to meet a 90-day deadline to correct shortcomings earlier identified by the ICAO, in particular its failure to meet aviation safety standards as it regulates aviation businesses and in the granting of air-perator certificates. “The level of scrutiny intensity has increased by four times from the

Thai Airways International revealed that aviation experts from several countries have asked to come aboard and check the air-safety standards for themselves. Photo: Bangkok Post period before ICAO red-flagged Thailand,” said Mr Charamporn. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), meanwhile, gave Thailand 65 days to fix aviation shortcomings following its audit of the DCA in mid-July. Among the flaws identified by the FAA was a shortage of qualified DCA staff to conduct air safety inspections of airlines – a concern that was also raised by the ICAO. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will also inspect Thai aviation standards in November, Mr Charamporn said. He said THAI must be ready for intense scrutiny, and any overseas flights of the airline would face more stringent

Still a policeman

Plan to strip rank hits hurdle BANGKOK PRIME MINISTER PRAyut Chan-o-cha has asked the Justice Ministry to reexamine the legal framework for the government’s effort to strip Thaksin Shinawatra of his police rank of lieutenant colonel after questions were raised by the Royal Thai Police. “I’m not t a k i ng h is [Thaksin’s] side. I have to speak about this matter again because we have to review what the obstacles to the rank-stripping procedure could be. Some believe such a step can only apply to current police officials,” Gen Prayut said on Monday (August 10). Asked if the government was concerned that stripping Thaksin of his rank might trigger a new wave of political tension, the prime minister said he was not worried about that. He said the process began after Thaksin verbally dam@thephuketnews

Thaksin arrives in full police uniform for the Royal Ploughing Ceremony in 2006. Photo: Bangkok Post aged the country’s reputation, which prompted calls for the government to take action. Gen Prayut was referring to an interview by the former prime minister in Seoul in late May when Thaksin claimed pr iv y councillors supported the coup last year that ousted the government of his sister Yingluck Shinawatra. Gen Prayut called for some sympathy for officials

handling the rank-stripping proposal, saying they were working under pressure as the whole issue was a polarising one. Police chief Somyot Poompanmuang said Gen Prayut asked him Monday about progress on the matter, which is being processed by the Royal Thai Police. He told him it was a sensitive issue which needs careful handling. Bangkok Post

checks at their destinations. The THAI president said that regardless of the results of the EASA’s audit, he believes the airline will still be able to continue operating its flights to Europe as usual. A THAI source said the Indonesian aviation regulator requested an audit from the chief of the airline’s Indonesian office, and the airline had responded saying it welcomed the inspection. The airline is waiting for further contact from the Indonesian authorities, the source said. The source also said the Indonesian regulator would need to inform the DCA of the inspection. Another source in the aviation industry said Indonesia wants to

demonstrate the veracity of its own aviation standards. Indonesia banned Thai-registered airlines from increasing their flight frequency or changing the types of aircraft that fly into the country, following the ICAO’s red flag. DCA director-general Parichart Khotcharat said the Indonesian aviation regulator has yet to submit its request for the inspection. As for the DCA’s efforts to address the ICAO’s concerns, Ms Parichart said the agency held a training course on safety supervision last month. “The training allowed officials to understand safety issues in line with the ICAO’s standards,” she said. Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

master Chosen ‘on merit’ Tattoo gunned down

Next top cop to be announced BANGKOK

he next national police chief will be selected based on his performance record, conduct and seniority, Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Monday (August 10). The key potential candidates include Pol Gen Aek Angsananont, Pol Gen Pongsapat Pongcha roen, Pol Gen Jakthip Chaijinda and Pol Gen Chalermkiat Srivorakan. All currently serve as deputy national police chiefs. “We have a clear procedure to follow for granting the promotion,” the premier said, adding that the top police commissioner has the critical task of maintaining peace and order in the country. The relationship between the candidates and their subordinates, the respect they enjoy in the force, and their contributions to the country will also be key as the country needs stability and unity now, Gen Prayut said.

Who will replace Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung (above) as a new national police chief? Photo: Bangkok Post However, the premier said the length of tenure which the candidates have spent in their current posts was “irrelevant” in choosing who will replace the incumbent chief, Pol Gen Somyot Poompanmoung. Gen Prayut cited the example of the Royal Thai Army, where several for-

mer army commanders have served just one year in their posts and still produced outstanding achievements. “Where former commanders have left off, their successors will have to continue the work. I had to finish the tasks passed to me by Gen Prawit and Gen Anupong,”

he said, referring to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda, both of whom preceded Gen Prayut as former army chiefs. Gen Prayut also rejected a rumour he had held talks with Gen Prawit and Gen Somyot and that together they had shortlisted police chief candidates. He denied that cronyism played a role in the selection of the police commissioner. The prime minister added he did not understand why the media paid so much attention to the police reshuffle issue, as it was a passing matter. The more important issue was how to make the police system more effective, he said. Gen Somyot said on Monday that the names of his potential successors would be proposed to Gen Prayut ahead of the Royal Thai Police board meeting on August 14, when the complete list of candidates will be announced. Bangkok Post

PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN POLICE ON MONDAY (August 10) arrested three men in connection with the murder of a guru who purported to turn people invincible with his magical tattoos. Khachon Cherdchoo, 40, was walking home at around 4am Monday morning when an assailant shot him four times and fled the scene, police in Prachuap Khiri Khan province told reporters. Khachon was a professional tattoo artist who claimed to have mastered the mystical power of sak yant, tattoos believed to make wearers invincible or lucky. “He is a famous yant master. He has many disciples and followers,” Pol Col Chalaermwuth Wongwiangchan of the Huay Yang Police Station said. “He has traveled to apply the yant to many celebrities around the country and has also trav-

A sak yant tattoo after being inked by a master in Bangkok. Photo: Sorasak elled [to meet his customers] abroad.” Four arrest warrants were subsequently issued and three men arrested. Police are seeking the fourth. Police said they will be charged with murder and related weapons charges. Those arrested have denied the charges. Khachon was said to be returning home from where he practiced his trade near Wat Samuttharam at night when he was ambushed and shot dead, Chalermwuth said. The officer said that police are searching for the perpetrator, adding that Khachon was known to have had “disputes” with some people in the community.

Bikers lose motorcycles Stray dog population ‘out of control’ BANGKOK

BANGKOK

SEVENTY-ONE MOTORCYclists arrested in Bangkok for a weekend “charity trip” were sentenced to two months in prison, suspended, and their bikes confiscated by the Phra Nakhon Nua District Court on Monday (August 10). The bikers were convicted of operating a vehicle causing danger to others and property, operating a vehicle without regard for safety and to the distress of others, and riding in a large group without seeking permission from authorities.

THAILAND URGENTLY needs a new approach to control the stray dog population, because the current programme is not working and public health is being placed at risk, the Department of Livestock Development has warned. Prapas Pinyocheep, director of the Bureau of Disease Control and Veterinary Services, said on Monday (August 10) that the latest nationwide survey of the dog population, in 2014, concluded there were around 8.5 million dogs in Thailand. He said about 700,000 of them were considered to be strays, and about half of this group, 340,000, were females. As a single female could produce as many as 10 pups a year there was the potential for the stray canine population to be bolstered by up to 3.4 million animals every 12 months. St r ay dogs were u nclean, caused noise pollution and road accidents, and spread pestilence – particularly rabies. Mr Prapas said the survey found that 90 per cent of animals that were found with

Police arrested about 160 motorcyclists and passengers for riding in express lanes on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road on Sunday (August 9). Photo: Pattarapong Chatpattarasill They were among 158 motorcyclists and pillion riders arrested on Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd for riding in express lanes, speeding and not driving in the left lane while travelling in

the Chatuchak area to nearby Nakhon Nayok province for an event to raise money for Wat Phrabat Nampu, a shelter for Aids patients in Lop Buri. Bangkok Post

Around 5,500 stray and rescued dogs are being held in shelter in Uthai Thanit. Photo: Bangkok Post / file rabies were dogs, and 60pc of rabid dogs were strays. It was difficult to vaccinate stray dogs against rabies, he pointed out, which added to the risk of people catching the disease from a bite. Cu r rent prog ra m mes for dealing with stray dogs did not tackle the root of the problem, because authorities were allowed to control the population only through sterilisation, catching and putting them in shelters and encouraging people to adopt them. Sorawit Thaneto, the department’s deputy directorgeneral, said all related agencies had to come together

and agreed on the systematic management of stray dogs, to ensure that the population was kept to an acceptable level. He said Thailand needs to develop a dog population database, with proper registration and monitoring, to prevent the spread of canine-borne diseases to other animals or people. Dog owners should be held responsible for their pets, to prevent the animals being abandoned and to reduce the number of unwanted dogs. The country also needs a strict law against the illegal trade in dogs, to prevent their being slaughtered. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

ASIA NEWS 11

‘Beggars’ in their own land PHILIPPINES

hilippine bush man Edward Serrano struck two rocks together and wrapped the faint spark in wood shavings, building a fire in much the same way Stone Age man must have done two million years ago. The short, Afro-ed jungle survival instructor is an Aeta, from one of the most unique ethnolinguistic peoples of the Philippines, who are also the archipelago’s first known inhabitants. But after hunting and gathering for most of the past 40,000 years, their bushcraft is nearly forgotten, many of their languages are all but extinct, and their way of life is swiftly dying out. Rapid urbanisation has turned tiny Aeta forest settlements into virtual islands, their nomadic lifestyle shut down as the deer, warthog and jungle fowl they hunt for food are extirpated. “We can no longer do many of the things that our ancestors took for granted,” said Serrano, a high-school dropout who teaches soldiers and police how to make a fire without matches or lighters. He teaches them where look for water, should they get lost in the jungle, and which leaves, fruits and

seeds are safe to eat – skills learnt from his father. Sapang Uwak, which means Crow Creek, his sun-baked village in the foothills of the Pinatubo volcano about two hours’ drive from Manila, showcases both the old way of life – and the disruption of the new. Languid water buffaloes pull carts filled with bananas and taro along dirt roads, parched river beds and forests that the community of 1,700 people claim as their ancestral domain. But to leave their village to take their produce to market or find work as farmhands or construction workers, they have to pass through a giant private entertainment park. A 1997 law recognised the rights of some 15 million ethnic minorities to their ancestral lands, and Sapang Uwak and nearby Aeta settlements have filed claims on a combined 42,000 acres. However, the government has yet to define the boundaries of many areas, fuelling fears of encroachment by private developers, said Roman King, leader of an association of Aeta communities. “We were the first peoples of the Philippines, but now we are aliens in our own country,” said King, a retired policeman from the nearby settlement of Inararo. “If we lose our lands we have

An Aeta family digs into a meal of traditional “binurong kanin”, or bamboo rice. Photo: Oz Mendoza/flickr.com nowhere else to go… You’ll see more of us begging in the streets,” he said. Most of the Philippines’ estimated seven million Aetas live in tiny, isolated communities, engaged in slash-and-burn farming – clearing forests for fields – moving with the seasons and with limited contact with the outside world. Aside from Sapang Uwak, three other Pinatubo Aeta communities have won titles to 39,000 hectares, giving the families steady cash from land leased to quarries, golf courses and tourist resorts.

Mob kills five Indian ‘witches’ INDIA VILLAGERS IN EASTERN India killed f ive women whom they accused of practising witchcraft, police said this week. Police i n the easter n Jharkhand state said a group of assailants dragged the women out of their huts and beat them to death in Kanjia village, 40 kilometres from the state capital Ranchi. “A group dragged the women out and beat them to death with sticks, accusing them of practising witchcraft,” Ranchi deputy police chief Arun Kumar Singh told AFP by telephone. Singh said 24 villagers had been arrested over the killings of the women, who were aged between 45 and 50. Jharkhand police spokesman SN Pradhan said the villagers also used stones and knives after blaming the five women for bringing illness, poor crops and bad luck on the village through witchcraft. “It looks like the village held a grudge against these women for a very long time, holding them responsible @thephuketnews

Police talk to villagers after five women were killed for allegedly practising witchcraft. Photo: AFP for… various misfortunes,” Pradhan told AFP. “The whole village is ganging up against the police now, saying they all killed the women.” Exper ts say belief in witchcraft and the occult remains widespread in some impoverished and remote areas in India, where women are sometimes accused of being witches to settle disputes or grievances. In some cases women are stripped naked as punishment, burned alive or driven from their homes and killed. In July, machete-wielding villagers in the northeastern state of Assam dismembered and beheaded a 63-year-old woman after accusing her of

being a witch and casting evil spells on her village. According to India’s National Crime Records Bureau, around 2,000 people, mostly women, were killed between 2000 and 2012 on suspicions of practising witchcraft. Jharkhand accounted for 54 of 160 “witch hunt” murders in 2013, the data showed. Some Indian states including Jharkhand have introduced special laws to try to curb crimes against people accused of witchcraft. Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das condemned the latest killings, urging society to “ponder over it”. “In the age of knowledge, this incident is sorrowful,” he said. AFP

But it is a cumbersome process and typically takes years to complete, said Jonathan Adaci, director of the ancestral domains office at the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples. A mere 180 titles have been handed out nationwide, with some five million other claims still being processed, Adaci said. By law ancestral domains cannot be bought nor sold, but this has not stopped outsiders from mysteriously obtaining titles. “At times there are some powerful

people in government involved,” he told AFP, declining to give names. Unscrupulous people talk uneducated Aetas into parting with their land inheritance for a pittance, said Cynthia Zayas, a University of the Philippines anthropologist. “Private developers are eating up their land. The way it’s turning out, they could become squatters in their own land,” Zayas added. The Aetas of Sapang Uwak are dismayed at the delays, but feel helpless, said survival instructor Serrano, a father of seven in his late 30s. “We’ve been pushed out in the past. We do not want that to happen to us again,” he told AFP. Philippine minorities have been progressively elbowed out since the late 16th century as first Spain and later the United States colonised the islands, introducing the concept of property titles, Zayas said. “They never fight back… The Aeta will just run to the mountains. They’re a passive people and they don’t like violence,” she added. Getting formal titles to their ancestral lands is not enough and Aetas must learn new skills by going to school, said Adaci of the ancestral domains office. “If they embrace the mainstream they should have more stability, but that means they will no longer be able to roam,” he added. AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

risk of extinction in the wild. Polar bears have been hunted to excess, and are at further risk from melting sea ice, their principal hunting ground, due to global warming. Shooting a bear, said Mr Barrault, must always be “the last resort” – used only to protect human life. Adult male polar bears males can weigh anything from 350 to over 600 kilogrammes and run at speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour over short distances. “Never run,” when confronted by a bear, advises Mr Barrault. Rather, one should “make lots of noise” using something like a starter gun to try and scare the animal away. “Often, they will turn away, but a hungry bear or a mother with her cub are more dangerous,” he said. Polar bears are a “nightmare” for Dutch ornithologist Maarten Loonen, who has been working at Ny-Alesund for more than two decades, studying migratory geese and Arctic sterns. “As far as possible, we travel in pairs,” he said, freely admitting his fear of the animals. “I tell my students:

‘the polar bear views you as potential prey’.” According to Mr Loonen, there were far fewer bears in this western part of Spitsbergen when he first started visiting. “In 1988, there weren’t even any [polar bear] guidelines and I would camp alone and without a gun,” he recounted. Bears mainly occupy the eastern, colder part of Spitsbergen, where there is more ice. “In recent years, the bears have been exploring new territory,” said Mr Barrault, and are “coming closer to Ny-Alesund”. On the last Sunday of July, a female bear and her cub passed right through the village at dawn, but without incident. There has never been an attack on a resident of NyAlesund, and only five fatal confrontations in Svalbard in the past 40 years. Polar bears mainly feed on seals, but also scavenge on the carcasses of whales, walruses, and other animals. When food is scarce, they may seek out prey like reindeer, rodents or fish, and forage for eggs or even human garbage – which may bring them in conflict with people. AFP

Uneasy Arctic neighbours NORWAY

esidents of the remote Arctic settlement of Ny-Alesund never lock their homes – happy to sacrifice privacy for the option of barging through the nearest door if a polar bear attacks. The research centre, formerly a coal mining town, is perched on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen, which is also home to a sizeable polar bear community in one of the most extreme landscapes on Earth. The northernmost permanent human settlement, Ny-Alesund hosts about 150 scientists, researchers and technicians during the Arctic summer, dwindling to a handful of caretakers in the colder months. New arrivals are swiftly initiated into the dos and don’ts of life in close quarters with a formidable predator. “If you see a bear, just enter any building and call the caretaker. His number is marked on every telephone,” Katherin Lang, head of the Franco-German Awipev institute – one of several research

The 150 scientists, researchers and technicians who reside in Ny-Alesund during the Arctic summer never lock their homes. Photo: Gary Bembridge bases – tells newcomers. Two days earlier, two female bears and their two cubs were spotted just four kilometres from the base, feeding on a stranded walrus. “It is forbidden to go in that direction, even if you have a gun,” said Ms Lang – a warning that is echoed in notices put up in the cafeteria. Encounters between humans and polar bears on Norway’s stunning Svalbard archipelago, of which Spitsbergen

is the largest island, are rare. In March this year, one attacked a sleeping Czech tourist, causing injuries to his face and arm before fellow campers shot the animal dead. Every new arrival at NyAlesund must learn to shoot if they wish to leave the base. The most important message: “always be vigilant; bears could be anywhere and they are unpredictable,” Sebastien Barrault, the scientific advisor of a Norwegian company

running logistics at the site. “A gun is your passport for leaving the town,” he said. Svalbard is roughly oneand-a-half times the size of Switzerland, and home to some 3,000 polar bears – outnumbering the 2,500-odd human inhabitants. There are some 20-25,000 polar bears left on Earth, and the species is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as “vulnerable” – meaning it faces a high

Terrorising British holidaymakers UK

Seagulls in the UK are becoming more audacious and target food when and wherever possible. Photo: Jeffrey Yao

A FAMILIAR PRESENCE at Britain’s seaside resorts, seagulls have this summer spread fear after ambushing holidaymakers as they tuck into their fish and chips, and even attacking pets. The countr y’s tabloid newspapers have had a field day, with headlines including: “Seagull stole my iPhone” (The Sun), “Moment killer seagull turns cannibal” (The Daily Mail) and “Psycho seagulls keep out illegals” (Daily Express). Even the broadsheets have joined in, with The Sunday Times warning that “Gull gangs learn new tricks to steal your seafront snacks”. The squawking menaces have always had a bad reputation as scavengers. But the gulls are now apparently growing in audacity and rather than feeding on leftovers, are deliberately targeting people’s fish and chips, the battered haddock or cod combination traditionally eaten by holidaymakers, as they tuck in. “They’ve been trained by terrorists, I’m sure,” said Cliff Faires, owner of a seafood kiosk in the historic south

coast resort of Brighton. A sign outside his Brighton Shellfish and Oyster Bar warns: “Seagulls will snatch your food. Please be aware. We don’t take any responsibility for this action”. Local witnesses described a common plan of attack used by the birds, whereby a lone assailant pounces on an unsuspecting diner, forcing them to drop their food. At this point, hordes of reinforcements arrive to feast on the spilt remains. “They’ll eat everything except lemon and tabasco,” one added. “I see gulls grabbing food from people three or four times a day, more when it’s sunny,” said Chris, who works at a fish-and-chip kiosk on Brighton pier. “The worst thing I’ve seen is one landing on the head of an old lady who had a hot dog. She obviously dropped it and the same gull took it away really fast, the woman was terrified,” he said. “It’s never been as bad. This is the worst year,” said Jack Messenger, from the Sea Haze Bar, another beachfront restaurant. “It’s probably best for us, because when the seagulls eat their food, they [the custom-

ers] come and get more,” he joked. It is not only seaside towns that are suffering, with inland cities such as Bath and Bristol reporting problems. Experts blame a combination of factors for this summer’s Hitchcockian events. They include gulls becoming more accustomed to living close to humans and the birds being particularly aggressive in July when they have young in their nests. Three pets have been pecked to death by seagulls in southwest England in recent months: a turtle, a chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier. “Blood was coming out of his head. It was like a murder scene,” the Yorkshire Terrier’s owner Emma Vincent told reporters. Even Prime Minister David Cameron has swooped into the debate. “I think a big conversation needs to happen,” he said. “Reading the papers this morning about how aggressive the seagulls are now in St Ives, for instance, we do have a problem.” It is forbidden to kill seagulls, so the only way to fight them is to destroy their eggs or release birds of prey

to hunt them. Tony Whitehead, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said he “didn’t think the hysteria is justified”. “There is an issue... but to demonise the whole species off the back of a few incidents, I don’t agree with that,” he said. Pete Rock, an expert on urban gulls, called for further study using advanced technologies instead of destroying their eggs. “They know everything there is to know about their home range, where all the food is, and where to go and mate,” he said. “What we don’t know, is what they know, and the only way to find that out is to use satellite telemetry.” Laura Mayes, a councillor in southwest England, highlighted another problem encountered with nesting gulls. “What has really affected us is noise. They fly over the houses of the neighbours crying 24 hours,” she said. “No way we would allow neighbours to have parties all night, but that’s exactly what it means to have gulls living near people.”AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Virgin Australia dumps Phuket V

irgin Australia will no longer operate direct flights from Perth to Phuket from February 1, 2016, with the last flight operating on January 31 next year. The news was announced by the carrier on August 7, citing that the market was “just not big enough” to make the service viable. In “optimising” its services, from March 23, 2016, Virgin Australia will withdraw from the following routes: Adelaide-Denpasar, five return services per week; Melbourne-Denpasar, daily return services; and PerthDenpasar, eight return services per week. The last flights on these routes will operate on March 22, 2016.

Virgin Australia flights from Perth to Phuket will cease from February 1, 2016, while the airline streamlines its operations for greater profitibility. Photo: Virgin Australia However, from March 23, 2016, Virgin Australia’s fully-owned subsidiary budget carrier Tigerair Australia will use three all-economy configured Boeing 737-800 aircraft to offer the following services to Denpasar (Bali), subject to relevant regulatory

and operational approvals being secured: Adelaide-Denpasar, five return services per week; Melbourne-Denpasar, daily return services; and Perth-Denpasar, daily return services. “These changes will be effective in Virgin Australia’s

booking system from 10am AEST today, Friday 7 August 2015,” said a release issued by the company. “Customers who have already booked on these services for travel after the last flights will be contacted by their travel provider with

alternative options.” The changes reflect Virgin Australia’s move towards increasing capacity into New Zealand, in conjunction with alliance partner Air New Zealand. From October 25, 2015, “Virgin Australia will also increase capacity to Fiji and the Solomon Islands to meet customer demand,” announced the airline. “These increases represent more than 52,000 additional seats on trans-Tasman and Pacific routes during the 2016 financial year.” From October 25, the airline will operate two additional return services per week between Sydney and Christchurch, and one ad-

ditional return service per week between Melbourne and Christchurch from November 6, 2015. The raft of changes follows the airline’s international operations reporting an underlying pre-tax loss of AUS$69 million for the fiscal year to June 30, compared with a AUS$49mn loss a year earlier, reported the Bangkok Post. Virgin said it expected the international business to be profitable by the end of the 2016-17 financial year, the report added. “Overall, Australia’s second-largest airline lost A$94 million, an improvement from a loss of $356 million the year before,” the report said. The Phuket News

TAT targets B2tn in 2016 tourism revenue Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, declared tourism revenue during the first half of 2015 a success. Photo: TAT

THE TOURISM AUTHORity of Thailand (TAT) has set its target at generating B2 trillion in revenue from tourism in 2016. Juthaporn Rerngronasa, TAT’s Deputy Governor for International Marketing, declared tourism revenue during the first half of 2015 a success. She thanked government

efforts to focus on tourism this year and the promotion of the “Discover Thainess” campaign. The year-long campaign invites local and foreign tourists to travel to Thailand to discover the country’s national identity. The campaign was launched last year, with the introduction of more tourism activities and marketing operations held in

Multiple visa a trade boon, say operators THE TOU R ISM A N D Sports Ministry and tourism operators have hailed the approval of multiple-entry visas effective for six months as a measure that will help to attract more tourists to the country. The ministerial regulation under the Immigration Act of 1979, approved by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on August 4, will allow tourists to get a visa enabling them to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period. The multiple-entry visa costs B5,000, while a visa for a single entry is B1,000. Multiple entry will become available 60 days after the regulation is published in the Royal Gazette. Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the multiple visa was a new measure to boost tourism, as more tourists will visit the country. Charoen Wangananont, president of the Association of Thai Travel Agents, agreed with Ms Kobkarn, saying it would benefit those who often visit Thailand. “It’s a good star t, although even the six-month period may still be short for @thephuketnews

Tourists will be able to make multiple entries into Thailand during a six-month period. Photo: Bangkok Post some visitors,” he said. The Tourism and Sports Ministry earlier proposed the cabinet approve the multiple visa for a 12-month period. “We hope this multiple visa measure will promote Thailand as a destination for weekend vacations and that business people will visit Thailand more often,” Ms Kobkarn said. Meanwhile, Tourism Minister Kobkar n this week said the Cabinet last week approved the draft of the Thailand Tourism Development Strategy Plan (2015 to 2017), while the plan to develop five priority tourism clusters was to be presented to the National Tourism Policy Committee this week. The five tourism clusters are: Lanna Culture; South

I-San Civilisation; Active Beach; Royal Coast; and Andaman. The strategy covers both short and long-term goals and shifts the emphasis away from mass tourism to quality tourism measured by revenue earned and length of stay. According to the plan, next year’s tourism revenue should reach B2.3 trillion and B2.5 trillion in 2017. Under the three-year plan, the country will focus on generating tourism revenue, particularly for local communities to attract quality tourists. The plan comprises of three strategies — tourism product and service development, tourism management and marketing, reported TTR Weekly. Bangkok Post

foreign countries. The campaign drew 12.48 million tourists in the first five months, a growth of 25 per cent from the same period last year, and generated B592 billion in revenue. Mrs Juthaporn revealed that of the total number of tourists, 65pc were from Asia and 25pc were from Europe. She noted that the depreciation of the

ruble had caused the number of Russian tourists to fall. The TAT is now aiming to generate about B2.33 trillion in tourism revenue in 2016 by attracting middle-income tourists through activities that encourage consumer spending. To achieve target revenue, the TAT is planning to hold roadshow events in new foreign

cities in Malaysia, Singapore, England, France and China. Mrs Juthaporn also invited the general public to travel in the country with their mother in August, in a Mother’s Day celebration this month that features activities on holidays, weekends and weekdays. National News Bureau of Thailand

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Tax-free wizards of Oz Australians now offered tax-free offshore savings PHUKET EXPAT FINANCE

or many years, expatriate Australians who invested internationally enjoyed limited benefits, mainly because their money would only grow tax-free during those years they actually resided abroad. All foreign investments or savings vehicles were once regarded as Foreign Investment Products (FIPs) or Foreign Investment Funds (FIFs), and anyone who held such investments upon repatriating to Australia was required, from that point onward, to declare them and pay tax on the gains. Although the taxation of FIFs and FIPs was reasonable, no one likes to pay tax. The lure of international investment was therefore less appealing because Australians tend to have a strong bond to “Oz”, and – compared with expats from other countries – Australians are more likely to return home at some stage in the future. In 2010, the ATO repealed FIF and FIP regulations and introduced the new Foreign Accumulation Fund (FAF) legislation. This new set of rules has had a profound ef-

Photo: David Iliff. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0 fect on the way Australians can manage their finances when living overseas. Being treated the same way as other domestic investment schemes, international life insurance vehicles used for investment purposes offer Australian non-residents significant tax advantages, even when returning home. The most obvious benefit of the new FAF rules is that these investments now benefit from “Gross Roll Up”, which essentially means that the tax man no longer insists on capital gains being declared and paid each year when you return to live in Australia, with gains only being taxed on sale. But easily the biggest windfall for Australians of the new tax rules is that in-

ternational insurance wrapped investment vehicles, if held for a period of 10 full years, can be encashed completely free of any income or capital gains tax. Even if you return to Australia for the last eight or nine of those tax years, after the end of year 10, you will be able take all of your principle and gains entirely tax-free. As is always the case with major changes to tax legislation, it takes a while before the new rules are tested and then finally accepted. Now that this law has been “battle tested”, it has proven to be wildly popular for Australians currently living overseas because it opens up a whole new window of investment opportunity. Australians may now

utilise the many international financial planning vehicles at their disposal with a view to creating tax-free income later in life, irrespective of whether they return to Oz at any time in the future. It is also worth noting that the advantages of many life-insurance structures, especially the open architecture platforms available in the Isle of Man or Guernsey, are potentially far superior to the opportunities that may exist in the Australian domestic market. Most “Personal Portfolio Bond” (PPB) structures offer access to all of the world’s major stock markets, as well as almost every mutual fund or unit trust in existence. In addition, you can choose to diversify your holdings

into a myriad of hedge fund strategies and alternative investment products, structured and guaranteed products as well as exchange traded funds, direct bonds and fixed income instruments. In other words, these PPB structures allow access to virtually every paper asset available in the world… and all of these may be held in the one structure, while still maintaining the Aussie dollar as the valuation currency for the entire portfolio. And for those investors who wish to purchase US stocks, or who currently hold US stocks, the changes in US tax law over the past few years have led to several disadvantages for foreigners holding US assets in their name.

Consequently, the threshold for estate tax on the assets of non-US nationals now stands at only US$60,000, with any investments above $60,000 taxed at 40 per cent before being passed on to beneficiaries. Not only does a Personal Portfolio Bond help you to avoid such punitive taxes, it also allows owners to name their beneficiaries and avoid costly and lengthy probate procedures, no matter in which jurisdiction those assets originate. If you’d like to chat to us at Phuket Expat Finance about how we can help you grow or protect your wealth, please drop us a line at: chatwithus@ phuketexpatfinance.com

SuperRich set to open UK outlet, warns of AEC opening up market

SuperRich currently has 19 domestic branches, including Phuket. The company aims to have 40 outlets within the next decade. Photo courtesy of SuperRich Co / Bangkok Post

SUPERRICH INTERNAtional Exchange (1965) Co, a leading money exchange provider, is expanding internationally, starting with a branch in Britain in November. The move is part of its plan to make SuperRich a global brand after 50 years of operating in Thailand. President Piya Tantivachyanon said the company will join hands with Thais in Britain to open the first SuperRich branch over there, targeting Thai students. It expects to have 1,000 Thai students studying in Britain per year and each of them will use about £20,000 annually. “We chose to open our first international branch in Britain because it’s an important destination for Thai students,” he said. SuperRich is in talks with commercial banks in Thailand to get information about

regulations on the money exchange business in Britain. If all goes well, the company expects to star t its money exchange business in Britain by the end of the year. “Having a presence in Britain is the first step in building our brand as an international one. SuperRich is famous enough to gain customers’ trust and confidence because we have been in the money exchange business in Thailand for a half century,” Mr Piya said. Apart from expanding into Britain, SuperRich also plans to double the number of domestic branches to 40 within the next decade. Each requires an investment of B2 million. The company now has 19 branches in Thailand including Bangkok, Phuket and Khon Kaen. The source of funds to support the expansion will

come from the company’s partnership with Aira Capital Securities. Mr Piya said the expansion aimed to increase competitiveness in the market, which will be more intense. Moreover, the Thai tourism industry has fully recovered and the number of foreign tourists is on the rise. With the advent of the Asean Economic Community by the year-end, the tourism business will get a boon and demand for money-exchange services will eventually increase, he said. Mr Piya expressed concern that after Asean becomes a single market, many new money exchange players will enter the Thai market with a lot of capital. He said he wanted the government to relax currency exchange regulations to increase the competitiveness of Thai companies who provide this service. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

On his way to a World Record for travelling

An exhilarating stay in one of Phuketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gems

Local artist showcases her unique Bridal Cat collection > Page 17

CROWNED CATS @thephuketnews

16 MOTORING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Twist the throttle

Test driving the new Ducati Hypermotard TEST DRIVE John Lindgren john@carsanook.com

ention Ducati to your wife and she will say, “Oh, that’s the new dark gourmet chocolate isn’t it? Or is it a new premium Italian spaghetti?”

But for bikers, Ducati is the high-performance cum racing motorbike marques, par excellence. In 1926 Antonio Cavalieri Ducati and his three sons, Adriano, Marcello, and Bruno Cavalieri Ducati; founded Società Scientifica Radio Brevetti Ducati. The company produced radio components. In the 1940s the Ducati brothers started manufacturing a bicycle-like moped, the Cucciolo (Italian for “puppy”), powered by a dinky 48 cc engine. Through the decades Ducati ownership changed hands many times. Today the brand is part of the premium automotive Volkswagen Group that builds and sells coveted passenger and sports car brands such as Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Skoda, and Volkswagen. In Thailand, Ducatisti Co., Ltd., is the authorised distributor of Ducati motorcycles, founded in 2002 by Apichat Leenutaphong. Ducatisti offers a full range of services for Ducati aficionados across the Kingdom, including

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

sales, service, accessories and apparel, spare parts, plus Ducati-certified pre-owned motorcycles, as well as comprehensive rider training through the “Ducati Riding Experience”. Currently, Ducati boasts three showrooms in Bangkok: Thong Lor, Rama III, and the flagship showroom, Ducati Vibhavadi, the biggest Ducati outlet in Asia. To cope with recent demand in high-performance motorbikes, Ducati showroom and service centres are now in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Phuket and Pattaya. The Ducati Phuket showroom is at 51/23 Moo 2 Chaofa West Road in Vichit. Tel. 076 524-633. The current Ducati model line-up consists of Diavel, Superbike, Streetfighter, Monster, Multistrada, and Hypermotard. We recently took the Ducati Hypermotard for a city and weekend-leisure test ride. First the look. The Ducati Hypermotard styling is aggressive, the attitude, the stance. Just look at the tough tubular steel trellis frame, the eye-piercing Ducati metallic red tank, and the oversized exhaust pipes. The original dirt bike-inspired styling has become even more daring thanks to the visibly higher ground clearance, the high and tapered tail, and the narrow sides. Although maintaining the typical hand protectors of off-road models, the new Hypermotard offers redesigned rear-view mirrors in order to blend in perfectly with the model’s new clean design and the need to use it in the city. The Ducati Hypermotard is powered by an 821-cc, liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike comes with high-performance Brembo brakes. There are three riding modes (Race, Sport,

and Wet) and ride-by-wire throttle control. Safety comes with ABS brakes and Ducati Traction Control. The bike is mounted on 10-spoke wheels and Italian cool 17-inch Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres. Our test rider, Yaser Farook, is an experienced biker and owner of several big motorcycles including a Kawasaki Z 1000. He was impressed as we entered the showroom at the Thailand Ducati HQ on Vibhavadi Rangsit, between Suthisan intersection and the Thai Airways skyscraper. “This is trendy, concept driven. Totally superbike ambience. Lots of branding. I have never seen a bike showroom like this in Thailand,” says Farook. Here all the cool Ducatis are displayed, from the evil-looking Diavel Dark to the superbike 1199 Panigale R (Racing). But, first we need a coffee, a cappuccino and a double espresso, served in the bespoke Ducati cafeteria. Outside the Ducati Hypermotard, the bike is tanked up and ready. First an in-depth briefing by one of the showroom technicians and ignition on. “Listen. Isn’t that awesome?” says Farook. The unmistakable sound of Ducati is a symphony of internal combustion. Our test rider puts on his gloves and helmet. Visor down. He throttles, up shifts to 1st and 2nd gear, and disappears into the dense Bangkok traffic. Circa 45 minutes later at the Ducati showroom in Thong Lor, Sukhumvit 55, the new Hypermotard arrives. “All the way from Vibhavadi Rangsit. A lot of zig-zagging in the chock-a-bloc Friday traffic. This is not for novice riders. But for the experienced biker the Ducati is easy to handle in spite of the massive torque, and the stopping power is awesome, brembo power,” says

Photos courtesy of Ducati Thailand Farook with a big smile. Me the ghost writer, I am off in my Japanese city car as the ghost rider Farook exits the service centre out to Phetchaburi road. The next day, Farook at the handlebars and his wife riding pillion, went for a road trip down to Samut Sakhon and Phetchaburi. Weekend touring, perfect Ducati riding environment.

Conclusion:

“My expectations were sky high for the Hypermotard. The 821-cc engine is amazing. It’s a bike close to my heart in concept, and Ducati did such a great job on the design and the engineering. So even though it’s demanding at slow speed city handling, it is still manageable, provided you have some big bike experience. But the real thrill is out on the high-speed stretches outside Bangkok. More throttle, less brake plus that spinetingling exhaust,” explains Farook. “Furthermore, Ducati Hypermotard has got tons of street credibility. It oozes of Italian superbike DNA. I love it and yes, I would buy one tomorrow! Trust me.” “Yes, Ducati’s new Hypermotard passed the test on the provincial highways and even the crowded Bangkok streets with flying colours,” says Yaser Farook big bike test rider, who is now back riding his green, mean Kawasaki Z 1000 killer machine – but he seriously considers buying a Ducati Hypermotard and his wife, she knows, Ducati is Italian. Chocolate No! Superbike Yes!

Ducati Hypermotard

Engine: Liquid-cooled 821cc L-twin Testastretta Output: 110 horsepower Transmission: 6-speed manual Brakes: ABS equipped, 4-piston Brembo monobloc calipers Kerb weight: 175 kg Price: B499,900

John Lindgren is Editorin-chief of carsanook.com and a regular contributor for Pattaya Today and pattayatoday.net

thephuketnews

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ART 17

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Getting creative with cats

A local artist showcases her unique Bridal Cat collection at Boathouse

Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

uying a wedding dress is every woman’s dream, and in most cases, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Juffy Joob is a local artist who feels that certain characteristics that cats possess can be related to women. It is with this thought, that she has dedicated many art pieces towards cats, and weddings. Juffy Joob recently showcased her latest collection “Bridal Cat” with fellow artist Soon Papan on August 1 at Boathouse Bar & Grill. The Phuket News headed down there to chat to the artist and find out more. Juffy Joob worked several jobs before becoming an artist. And it wasn’t until she met fellow artist Soon Papan, who opened up his art world to her, that she became one, and from then they started to share their love for art together. Juffy Joob said, “I learned all about painting and drawing from him. I finished my first painting last August (2014). So for the last year I’ve been exploring my art side, and now I have completed 13 of my own art pieces.” Some of her artworks were sold to a well-known businessman, who took them back to Germany. Others have been sold to businessmen in Phuket. Juffy Joob said, “Cats are like a symbol of women. I like cats so much, that I feel like women have a connection with them. “We have many types of cats here in Thailand, and they are well-known to foreigners. “Thai cats are more special than other cats. Some of them are referred to as ‘Wichianmat’ meaning ‘moon diamond’”. “Siamese cats also became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America in the 20th century.

‘Khao Manee’ (left) ‘Woonwai’ (above) and ‘Suphalak’ will be on display at Boathouse until September 30. There are plenty of lovely cats around, some more special than others.” Another interesting signature of Juffy Joob’s works is the little crown on her cats’ heads, more commonly recognised on the head of a traditional BabaYaya (Peranekan) Phuket bride on her

Local artist Juffy Joob with the Bridal Cat collection at her recent exhibition at Boathouse Bar & Grill. @thephuketnews

wedding day. The crown and wedding dress together make up the pieces to a woman’s dream wedding. In Phuket, you will find traditional wedding dresses, usually a mix of local Thai and Chinese styles. The symbol of the crown is pretty unique. The flower and butterfly components symbolise love and relationships, while the swan represents strength and elegance. Khao Manee, a painting of a white cat in a traditional wedding costume can

be seen beautifully presented in acrylic form on canvas. It was created to represent the mix between the special species of the Thai cat and Baba-Yaya bride. This in fact was the star of the show. Anyone that walked in couldn’t take their eyes off this painting. Juffy Joob’s exhibition showcased quite a unique collection of art and it will be on display until September 30. For more information on the artist, visit www.facebook.com/nongjoob

18 FASHION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Made in Thailand

Talented Thai fashionista makes name for herself SIRINYA’S WORLD Dr Sirinya Pakditawan pakditawan@googlemail.com

The Milin brand can be described as providing modern wear for the spontaneous lifestyle.

enowned fashion brand Milin was established in 2009 by the talented designer Milin ‘Mimi’ Yuvacharuskul. She studied fashion print design at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in the UK. After finishing her studies, she did an internship with the New York based designer Jill Stuart whom Mimi admires greatly. Initially, Mimi also worked as a fashion writer for Sudsupda magazine before starting her own fashion label. At the beginning, Mimi did not know how to run a fashion house. However, she acquired all knowledge needed and had many friends from the fashion industry to help and assist her. In her view, the most important feature for a fashion designer is that they must be unique and innovative. Hence, Mimi always tries to balance the business and the artistic, creative side of her work. Thus, the Milin brand can be described as providing modern wear for the spontaneous lifestyle. Milin fashion is elegant but also edgy, extravagant and bold. The clothing is minimalistic but at the same time very feminine. Mimi always feels proud when she sees women inspired by her fashion because she also wants to give them the opportunity to express themselves through her extravagant designs.

Apart from clothing, Milin also offers a stunning selection of accessories like bags, belts and amazing leather shoes. Thus, Milin invites the fashionista to mix and match her outfits and styles. For this reason, this Thai designer brand is a one-stop shop offering amazing collections full of playfulness and elegance. Hence, the brand should appeal to the modern, future orientated woman, living in the fast lane of life. In fact, Mimi, the designer, is a passionate shopper herself because she feel that she also needs inspiration from other brands and styles. Hence, it does

not come as a surprise that she enjoys dressing up since it makes herself feel good. Thus, of course she also longs to inspire other women to express their sense of fashion, individuality and creativity. Finally, we may say that Milin is an extraordinary Thai fashion brand. Hence, it is also among my Top 5 Thai Designer Brands on Zalora.com. The womenswear is playful and elegant at the same time, encouraging the wearers to mix and matchcombine their outfits. Yours, Sirinya

Milin ‘Mimi’ Yuvacharuskul Sirinya Pakditawan is a ‘luk kreung’, or half-Thai, born and raised in Hamburg, Germany. She enjoys writing about Thailand, with a focus on culture, art, history, tradition and on the people, as well as a mix of topics concerning Thai popular culture, travelogues and articles about Thai food. Sirinya’s aim is not only to entertain

you but to provide you with information and facts about Thailand, its culture and history that may not be generally known, in particular to the Western world. She has a PhD in American Studies from the University of Hamburg. To read the original story, and many more, be sure to check out Sirinya’s blog: www.sirinyas-thailand.de

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Travelling the world

PEOPLE 19

Young Danish man living the ultimate dream Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

f you need any more of an excuse to escape your world and embark on an exciting journey, look no further than Henrik Jeppesen, whose mission is to be the World Record’s Youngest Traveller. Henrik, originally from Denmark, has been travelling for the past 10 years. He is attempting to visit all 324 countries and territories in the world as recognised by the Traveler’s Century Club and set a new world record for being the youngest person to accomplish this. The current title holder was 37, and Henrik is only 27, so with less than 20 countries to go, he is well on his way to accomplishing his mission. Henrik recently returned to Thailand to stay at the luxurious Angsana Laguna Phuket resort in Cherng Talay, where The Phuket News was fortunate enough to catch up with him for a chat. Henrik explains how ever since he was young, he didn’t show an interest in routine and how the locals in his hometown lived. “I decided that I needed to do something else with my life. I started travelling when I was just 17 years old and absolutely loved it. So it was then I decided that I needed to travel everywhere… The last five years, I’ve been travelling daily, so in that sense you get to see a lot. Every day is an adventure. Now I get to be excited every single day of my life,” he says. Indeed it would seem that Henrik has lived an adventurous life, but how does he afford it one would ask? It all started off with a simple travellers’ budget, but after a few years and an organised routine, Henrik soon gained sponsorships from various hotels and airlines where he was then able to pursue his dream of travelling the world. Henrik’s agreement with the hotels and airlines is that he completes all countries in the world. And because he receives so much media attention and social media followers, it’s been a fairly easy deal giving these companies a little PR. So with 250 sponsorships and an independent website with a collection of some of the world’s best hotels he’s stayed in, his project became possible. That’s not to say that Henrik has been given a free ride, he has still had to pay his way for visas, for example.

Positano, Italy, 2011 “I meet a lot of people who are afraid to travel. It’s sometimes about the cost, and sometimes it’s the fear of the unknown. But as soon as you overcome that fear of travelling, it just gets easier and easier. Then you start travelling usually in places with a good infrastructure to travel, then over time you slowly start travelling to the less developed areas. “It’s all about travelling somewhere with great deals. For example, Air Asia have some really cheap flights and in Europe you can travel on EasyJet. The main factor is flights and accommodation, so if you can stay with locals then you can travel anywhere. You just need to have that mindset. “It’s all about doing research. Find out if it’s safe to travel. When I was in Haiti for example, I was in a bulletproof car because we went into one of the most dangerous areas in the world. And when I was in Afghanistan I had an armed guard at all times.” Indeed, it really was mind blowing to meet someone with so much courage and integrity, to be able to explore these dangerous areas and still have the confidence to continue. Of course, that does not mean one should travel freely with no care or awareness. However, what I find so captivating about Henrik’s story is that he is only 27 and he took the initiative to do this all himself. No one forced him, no one told him to go to those countries. He decided to make the most of what is out there and really get a feel of other cultures and lifestyles, even if that may be within the deepest, darkest, and most dangerous streets in the world. “Now that I’ve travelled so much, for me personally there isn’t anywhere that I wouldn’t travel. “The best thing someone can do is to travel, and gain a better perspective on life. You get to know about countries and their cultures. You learn about their values and how they may dif-

Henrik’s only car accident happened near Cité Soleil in Haiti, one of the most dangerous places in the world. @thephuketnews

fer. Some go to church every Sunday, some live a very minimalistic life, they don’t spend much time on their phones. They’re much more social, they talk to each other face to face, not through a screen for example. It’s an eye-opener. You just see that people can be equally happier anywhere.” Henrik has travelled alone, but at time his family have visited along the way just for a few days or so. When asked if he ever feels alone or fed up of travelling, considering he’s constantly on the move, Henrik replied: “Sometimes I get stressed out say for example if I haven’t got my hotels organised. I’ve stayed in everywhere you can think of, from airports, to bus stations, to streets, but now I am just so used to it.”

Some of these locations would not be so popular with the female ratio of the world, as Henrik tells me about how when he was once in Philadelphia Airport, where extremely loud music is played at night, he took himself to the car park and crashed out there. “It’s not the safest place but by that point you don’t care.” “One bus station in Africa, at 45 degrees celius was definitely not my favourite. With malaria, and a lot of people around sleeping, it wasn’t the most comfortable of places. When I walked in, I thought people were dead! I thought: “Wow, I have to sleep here tonight.’” You can read the rest of Henrik’s story in next week’s issue.

20 EXPLORE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Awed by Angsana, Laguna life

DOUBLE BLESSING: Our room’s view overlooking the seaside lagoon and the majestic Andaman Sea in the background. Most of Angsana’s rooms have some kind of water view, be it of the pool, lagoon or ocean.

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

Majestically hovering over waterways, many of the suites have some kind of water view, be it the lagoon, sea or pool. Isn’t that why we all came to Phuket – the water?

Laguna is a household name in Phuket. Tourists and residents are all familiar with the brand, and its lifestyle offerings, events and activities; whether speaking of one of its iconic luxury hotels or restaurants, bar-setting MICE events, the world famous Laguna Marathon, or its world class golf courses.

nd to think that it all came from a tinmining waste site that the government once deemed worthless. I have to confess though, as an expat who’s called Phuket home for many years, it dawned on me that I hadn’t actually seen the forest for the trees, in that I’d never fully experienced Laguna –at least not like tens of thousands of visitors from far-away lands do every year... until recently that is. When I learned that Angsana was running a campaign targeting families with kids, I jumped at the opportunity. Now, I know there’s a plethora of properties on Phuket who market themselves as “Kids Friendly” or “Family Friendly”, but so often as I’ve seen, it simply entails a basic kids’ club, and perhaps a basic water slide at their pool. So what makes Angsana stand out as a family friendly resort? First of all, kids under 12 stay for free. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve gotten annoyed on a

Angsana boasts the longest swimming pool in Phuket, with many leisure zones that stretch throughout.

hotel booking app, when clicking the terms and conditions, only to read that my kid will be charged “extra” as per hotel policy – regardless if you need an extra cot or not. Operations managers, if you’re going to position yourself as a kids or family friendly property, offer an allinclusive package, in which the kid is part of the package. Angsana gets it, and it’s no surprise then, upon arrival that most of the guests in the lobby are happy families with their kids. And the kids were certainly in good spirits – a good sign – with two happy and, energetic Chinese kid girl guests greeting me as I entered the open air lobby. “How are you? This is my friend Sandy. We come from China.” Personally, I don’t know what all the hype is about Chinese tourists, the ones here all seemed happy and friendly anyway. The lobby is always a great starting point to gauge where a hotel stands, as initial impressions are everything. A week prior, I stayed in another popular hotel on Phuket’s west coast, but was turned off from the start. The front desk there was just too “busy”, the staff ineffectively multitasking and over-occupied, trying to juggle this with that – answering the phone, checking that document, hurrying in and out of the back office all the while trying to check in a guest. Meanwhile I’m standing in what I think is the queue, trying to be patient as I wait for someone to simply look up and acknowledge my presence. None of that anxiety at Angsana though. Sure the lobby was busy and full of guests, but the staff were clearly more attentive, better trained and fo-

On the merry-go-round at the Tree House kids club. cused on their task at hand. I wasn’t there for more than 20 seconds, before I was acknowledged by a smiling check-in staff who told me she’d be with me in a few short moments, her sincere and paced manner all but extinguished any budding apprehension I might have developed standing around idly. The next positive impression was the journey to our room. Majestically hovering over waterways, many of the suites have some kind of water view, be it the lagoon, sea or pool. Isn’t that why we all came to Phuket, water? All 4 and 5 star resorts on the island tend to have well-maintained gardens and greenery lining the footpaths, but few can offer much on the water front, beyond their swimming pool. Speaking of swimming pools, Angsana boasts the longest in Phuket; it’s not just one big pool in the middle of everything, but rather a network of pools – private and open – spread out throughout the resort, connected by a canal-like channel, with foot bridges intersecting throughout. Indeed, the atmosphere is truly unique and just being there, taking in the peaceful surroundings and fresh oxygen puts one at ease. I was further awed by the view from our room – a double blessing, the lagoon and the sea! Nothing to complain about in thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EXPLORE 21

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

A PERFECT EVENING: Above: the beach fire show is a great climax to the night; Right: A waiter at Xana Beach Club presents a full plate of items hot off the grill from the BBQ dinner buffet at sunset. these spacious quarters. Fresh apples welcomed us, prompting me to throw my legs up on the comfy sofa as my wife and son each took turns freshening up in the royal-worthy bathroom. On to dinner at the nearby Xana Beach Club for the seaside BBQ seafood buffet. If the sunset sea-view doesn’t set you right, then the generous offerings of fresh crab, prawns, mantis shrimps, steak, beef and chicken hot off the grill should do the trick. There’s also salad, sushi and select Thai favourites like Yum and Laab for those like me who need a little spice to stir up the taste buds. And boy, did it all wash down fantastically with an ice cream milk shake with that cliché cherry on top! As the sun set and the sky darkened, the fun had only just begun. A fire show! All the guests – young and elder ones alike – formed a half circle crowd around the performer, who does not fail to impress with his acrobatic, pyrotechnic talents. A spectacular end to the evening for early birds like us, who are looking forward to the 7am

breakfast at the Market Place. And it was everything you could want to get the day going on a good start. Fantastic latte, a minimal wait at the busy omelette station, and whipped cream and chocolate sauce on waffles were among the morning’s highlights for me. But I had to be sure not to overdue it, for my son and I were scheduled for some Stand Up Paddling that morning at the water recreation area, where you can also choose to kayak, wind surf or sail on a hobbie cat – all in the relative safety of the lagoon. And most of the activities are free for guests too! Thumbs up Angsana and Laguna for that integrated approach. The best things always come to an end. The worst part about any decent hotel stay is, without question, is checking out. And soon it came to that dreaded time for us to pack our belongings. In conclusion, my family stay and experience at Angsuna was wonderful, but not perfect – for that would have required at least two days to really lay back and soak it all in. Though, no complaints, for I shall return soon.

FUN FOR EVERYONE: The Water Recreation area offers many easy and safe activities for all ages.

@thephuketnews

Spa for the family

ominated as one of the Top 3 Family Hotels in Thailand in the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards, Angsana Laguna Phuket celebrates the summer with fun activities and discounts, welcoming families to enjoy its unrivalled kid’s facilities. The resort is also the perfect place to introduce children to the wonders of wellbeing and spa treatments, with tailor-made spa experiences for mothers and daughters or fathers and sons, ensuring the kids are well entertained while learning early the benefits of spas, especially one of the best spas in Phuket. The kids spa menu at Angsana Laguna Phuket includes different treatments for the family including Bundle Of Joy available on the special price B4,900 nett only till September 30 2015. The treatment is designed either for mum & daughter or dad & son. The Girls Only treatment is specially designed for the ladies (mums will be offered 60-minute body massage and 60-minute facial, while young princesses enjoy a 30-minute body polish, 45-minute body conditioning massage, 15-minute face mask and 30-minute nail painting inclusive of 30-minutes relaxation session). Boys won’t get bored with the special Boy’s Hangout session, a 90-minute body massage for dad and 30-minute body polish, 45-minute body conditioning massage and 15-minute nail cut for the

son inclusive of 30-minutes relaxation session. The Spa is designed for the whole family, with temporary fun tattoos for boys and colourful nail art for girls. Both boys and girls can discover the world of yoga with special fun and easy exercises available for the kids from 7 and above. Younger kids can join mum at yoga at the joint mum and child sessions. Kid’s spa treatments at Angsana Laguna Phuket are available for kids aged between 7 – 14. Mother and kid’s yoga is available for kids aged 5 and above. For spa, accommodation and booking information, please visit www.angsana. com/en or call Angsana Laguna Phuket at 1-800-591-0439.

22 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

BOAT PLAZA PRESS EVENT The new Boat Arcade, located next to Villa Market at the entrance to Boat Lagoon, held a press conference on August 4, where tenants and developers met.

LAGUNA PHUKET FOUNDATION AWARDS STUDENTS Recently, Laguna Phuket Foundation awarded 34 students at its annual scholarship presentation. The annual scholarship initiative began in 1994 and to date has funded over B5 million to help more than 600 students in Phuket through their education.

Mr Ravi Chandran, Managing Director of Laguna Phuket, addresses the students and gives view on Educational Empowerment.

Second row from top, left to right; Mr Ilias Vamvakas, Mr David Seet, Mr Ravi Chandran, Mr Anurak Rungruang, Ms Prae Sunantaraks, and Mr Paul Wilson, with this year scholarshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recipients.

O.T GENASIS @ ILLUZION

It was an exciting night at Illuzion nightclub in Patong on August 4, as American rapper O.T Genasis took over the stage. Many fans and members of the media attended to see the star perform. Photo credit: Illuzion nightclub

The star himself, O.T Genasis.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

MALAYSIAN SULTAN VISITS MÖEVENPICK On July 30, Mr Hansruedi Frutiger, general manager of the Möevenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket welcomed HRH Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin who visited the resort for lunch. HRH Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin is the 17th and current Sultan of Mr Hansruedi Frutiger with HRH Terengganu. He served as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the constitutional head of state of Malaysia, from 2006 to 2011. Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin.

CELEBRATING SWISS NATIONAL DAY

Möevenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket was selected for the 7th time to host the Swiss National Day for Phuket’s Swiss Society on August 1. Mr Hansruedi Frutiger, General Manager of the resort, welcomed more than 60 guests including Mr Reutlinger, the Swiss Society President Phuket, and Mr Alessandro Achini, Attaché of the Swiss Embassy in Bangkok.

UNITED WE STAND FOR FIVE-A-SIDE FUN About 1,000 fans last Sunday (August 9) sported their most crisp black, gold and sky blue to get behind Phuket United in their league clash with CAT FC at Saphan Hin Sports Centre. See sports pages for more pics, match report and standings.

@thephuketnews

24 EVENTS

FRI

14 AUG

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

New Road House Karon

the payment is confirmed. Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Rd), nearby World Bungy Jump Patong, 0876282719 www. patongboxingstadium.com, singpatong@ gmail.com

He’s not played in Karon since 2012 Well known Artist Performing Live. Free entry to event Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2 Kg mussels served with french fries your choice, your style: nature, mariniere, provencale, garlic & cream or Thai style Reservation recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Prepare yourself for 15th of August at the New Road House Karon a highly acclaimed guitarist/vocalist and his band will be performing all night. He has performed with international stars as well as original bands and other well known artists. He also produced and arranged music for well known artists in the past. His style ranges from Rock, Blues to Soul. Kickback relax and enjoy some good old fashioned music at the Roadhouse 479 / 10 Patak rd Karon, Call 097 359 2102.

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only B499 and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

International Elvis tribute Artists Live in Phuket At Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa (Grand Ballroom Theater) Door open at 5.30pm. and the show starts at 8.30pm. Ticket: 2,500B, 2,000B and 1,500B. Special room rate for Elvis fans, For reservations, Tel 089 666 6894 (Vich), 087 628 2680 (Ann) Proudly supported by Live 89.5.

FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS Imagine yourself sitting 50 metres above sea level and gazing out over an amazing sunset while sipping on a ginger & lemongrass martini and enjoying the unique sophisticated city lifestyle ambiance of Phuket. Every Friday ‘All you can Eat’ Tapas, with free flow of selected beverages at B1,390 net from 7 – 10pm. Get 30 per cent discount on selected beverages from 5.30-6.30pm everyday. Located at Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel, Kamala 076-337300.

With locations around the world in Spain; France; West Indies; Thailand; Indonesia; United States; Greece; Morocco and Mexico, Nikki Beach caters to the jet-setters of the world. Indulge in the jet set lifestyle every Saturday at Nikki Beach Phuket. For reservations please contact: reservations. phuket@nikkibeach.com or call 076-681161.

16 AUG

Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Fried mushrooms, Grilled Tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes – Gravey, Mushroom sauce, Mint Sauce. Reservation Recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Come and enjoy the authentic flavours of India by indulging in our weekend’s special lunch set for only B399+ per person between 11am-3pm. Menu includes 3 starters, 1 Roti/Naan, 1 Rice dish, 1 portion Lentils, 2 Curries, and a Dessert served with Indian tea (of your choice)! All for just B399+ per person For more info please call 076 304 034.

Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Phuket

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

SAT

15 AUG

BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. Visit patongboxingstadium.com for more info. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance. Please call +66 87 383 3364 or +66 76 345 578 to arrange the transportation before 12pm of each Saturday after

CASUAL BBQ SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE POOL BAR AT HYATT REGENCY Enjoy our sumptuous brunch featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies with a variety of live stations, roasts, a casual seafood BBQ, freshly shucked Fin de Claire oysters, a pasta station, wood-fired pizzas and a children’s food corner plus our free flow selected beverage stations. With pool access and a Camp Hyatt kids club, starting at b1,500++ per person. For more details and reservations, call 076 231 516 fnb.phuhp@hyatt.com

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

showcasing the talents of the culinary team by offering guests more than 50 favorites from around the world. Come for a day of non-stop entertainment with international Dj, acrobats, energy dancers and Nikki Beach signature Sunset Sessions Fire Show at 7pm. Brunch buffet is available from noon till 4pm with celebration until sunset. The price is 1,700 THB for adults and 850 THB net for children, reservations.phuket@nikkibeach.com, 076-681-161.

JET SET SATURDAYS

SUN

For THB 499/- nett. All you can eat

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Every Sunday enjoy a wide selection of Thai delicacies during the Thai Sunday Brunch at DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Phuket - Surin Beach. Various action stations, extensive salad bar, tropical fresh fruits, plenty of desserts and unlimited soft drinks, coffee and tea for only B350 net per person. Children aged 7-12 at THB 175 net. This includes free access to our swimming facilities! 076 303 300.

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Sunday roast at Gallery Cafe By Pinky @ new Chalong branch

Every Sunday from 12 pm and all day brunch and dinner everyday from 7am -10pm. 0891037000 FB : Gallerycafe by pinky, thegallerycafe@yahoo.com, 089 103 7000.

MON

17 AUG

All you can eat BBQ night Amazing Sunday Brunch Nikki Beach Phuket’s world famous Amazing Sunday Brunch is simply a must,

6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes & Sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TUE

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

18 AUG

online at: www.thanyapura.com/aquathon. For more information, please send your email to events@thanyapura.com Proudly supported by Live 89.5.

FRI

11 SEP

EVERYDAY

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.

SUN

23 AUG

Phuket FC vs Airforce FC

At Surakul Stadium., Starts at 7 pm., Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

SAT

29 AUG

‘SENSO- santional’ Healing Package A Night at the Opera “A Night at the Opera” It will be a night of elegance as guests gather for a concert under the stars to the music of FIVERA, Thailand’s first and only pop-opera band. Performing a blend of popular operatic arias and classical pieces.Tickets THB4,500 net per guest, includes four course dinner & beverages. Book your tickets now, send an email to events@ trisara.com. Proceeds go towards supporting the work of Phuket Has Been Good To Us in making a difference to the lives of underprivileged Thai children in Phuket. Proudly support by The Phuket News

WED

16 SEP

Thailand Property Awards 2015 XANA Full Moon Party – Volume I XANA Beach Club with Attica is bringing Thailand’s world-famous Full Moon Party to Phuket, with some very special highlights. On Saturday, August 29, join a select crowd of party people and enjoy Phuket’s finest house music while dancing to the beats of DJ Iain Thomson, DJ Kraiz and DJ Wii. The party kicks off at 9pm with an entry price of THB 500 including 2 glasses of selected beverages. Visit xanabeachclub.com or email info@xanabeachclub.com for more information! This event is proudly supported by Live 89.5FM.

SAT

5 SEP

SUPERKIDZ Aquathon and Anyman Aquathon SUPERKIDZ Aquathon and Anyman Aquathon, a great chance for children and adults to have a crack at the fun distances within swimming & running.The race is designed for all ages and levels to provide you with a little challenge, and tons of fun. This year, we also open team relay categories for beginners and seasoned athletes. So team up and come along. Register now until August 28 at Thanyapura’s club services or register

@thephuketnews

Celebrating a 10th historic year, the Thailand Property Awards 2015 gala dinner and awards ceremony promises to be the most prestigious and competitive to date. Only the country’s top developers will be rewarded at Thailand’s biggest, most recognised and respected real estate event, at the Plaza Athenee Bangkok.With an anticipated attendance of more than 600, don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate one the region’s most dynamic property markets and meet the industry leaders who are redefining it. Booking at www.asiapropertyawards.com/thailandpropertyawards. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

TUE

1 MAR

PGFC Thailand 2016 “Classic” Sport Fishing Tournament 57 hours of non-stop sport fisihing, held “offshore” around the Similan Islands. As always the prize monies offered are the largest in Asia. Prizes include fishing trips, tackle, limited edition prints, and much more. Many boats already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, Germany, USA, Hong Kong, the UK and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe +66 (0) 812704291 or Andy Bright +66 (0) 862739948, info@phuketgamefishingclub. com Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

Pamper yourself with Infinite Luxury Spa’s SENSO Bed Chromo-therapy Package (120 minutes treatment for 3,600++ baht) available daily between 10am to 4pm now until 30 September, 2015. This cutting edge treatment features Thailand’s only SENSO Bed in a Chromo-therapy technology, natural marine mud wrap, body scrub and massage to release tension and balance the mind and body. Terms and Conditions: 1. Available from August 1 till September 30, 2015. 2. This promotions is not valid for other discounts, promotion and privileges. 3. Kata Rocks reserves the right to change or amend this offer without any notification. Contact : Reservations, reservations@katarocks.com, 076 370 777.

KATA HOT YOGA

Kata Rocks is offering an exclusive selection of grilled Maine Lobster (THB880++) menu that will dazzle your taste buds at lunch or dinner. Contact dining@katarocks.com or 076 370 777 for complete details.

Now 3 classes daily. 9am then 5:15pm and 7:15pm classes are 90 minutes. Kata Yoga the most popular yoga in Phuket for men and women. It is the best work out ever, getting strong and flexible, full of vitality, It will make you very happy and it shows, you will walk with a big smile on your face, feeling good. Open everyday, right at the beach, Kata Beach, You got to try, warning: very addictive, once you start you keep coming, you never want to stop, 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950, www.katahotyoga.com

5th Anniversary Special at The Westin

KATA HOT YOGA FOR EVERYBODY

GRILLED MAINE LOBSTER @KATA ROCKS

1st-31st August. Feast on special 3 course set menu, wells selected by our Executive Chef. Available throughout the month of August, in celebration of the hotel’s anniversary. THB 555++ Daily at EEST and Prego. Reservations, fb.phuket@westin.com, 076 335 600.

Celebrate the Mother’s day month with Peking duck at Pearl Hotel Phuket Dine with mom at the Rooftop Chinese restaurant for at least 200 Baht, get the delicious Peking Duck set at 50% off! OR stay at our newly renovated Pearl Room for 2 nights and receive Peking Duck set for FREE! The Rooftop Chinese restaurant is located on the 12th floor of Pearl Hotel Phuket with sea view and fabulous city view. The promotion runs from 1 – 31 August 2015 .For more informations and booking call 084 6907784 or 076 211044, siripattra@gmail.com

Open every day, 3 classes daily: 9 a.m in the morning, then 5.15 p.m afternoon and 7.15 p.m evening. Men and women all ages, just come, you will love it. work out and stretch. Tone your muscles, lose fat, get in shape, and feel good. See you in yoga class soon. Address : 217 khoktanod road kata beach phuket 83100, 076 605 950, www.katahotyoga.com

Thai Cooking Class at Bubbles Restaurant Refresh your culinary skills and discover an authentic Thai local experience by learning how to cook the local dishes, exploring a unique Fisherman’s market and enjoying lots of delightful recipes and cooking tips along the way. There are 2 packages to choose from, half-day & full-day, start from THB 2,000/person. Please call or 076 231 999 or h8109@accor.com

26 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York

Across

1. Which unit of the Roman army consisted of 480 men? 2. Who made headlines in 2001 after cheating in the general knowledge quiz show ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?’ 3. What letter is represented by a single dot in Morse code? 4. The song ‘Send in the Clowns’ was written for what musical? 5. Genuphobia is the fear of what part of the body? Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

1. Strong woody fibers 6. Basilica part 10. Inclines 14. Open, as a toothpaste tube 15. Candle part 16. Son of 11-Down 17. Dangerous one 20. Dweller on the Red Sea 21. Dragonflies 22. “Rock the Boat” music 25. Italic language 26. God with a hammer 30. Medicinal balsam 32. Liberator 35. Gather stalks 41. Women’s accessories 43. Power tool 44. Abundance 45. Like some hands 47. Fill to excess 48. Tropical soapberry tree, var. 53. Stand 56. Expand 58. Native American

63. 1985 Rourke film 66. Auction off 67. Detective, at times 68. Like the flu 69. Do in 70. Go downhill 71. Resembling wings Down

1. In use 2. Frank or Francis 3. Shell game 4. Appropriate 5. Drop 6. Barley bristle 7. Depression 8. Teach 9. Squeezed (out) 10. Graceful fliers 11. Father of 16-Across 12. Ziti, e.g. 13. Early role for Madonna 18. “Rocky ___” 19. Gunk 23. Galley notation 24. Civic competitor 26. Mouth, slangily

27. Hot spot 28. Earthen pot 29. Bit attachment 31. Fed. agency 33. Bio bit 34. Delhi wrap 36. “Say what?” 37. Sea eagles 38. Away from port 39. Clothe 40. Latin 101 verb 42. Regrets 46. ___ hygienist 48. Bottomless pit 49. Angler’s basket 50. Eucalyptus eater 51. Premature 52. Old Tokyo 54. Destroy 55. Caterpillar, for one 57. New newts 59. Colorado resort 60. Site of the Taj Mahal 61. Rime 62. Just 64. Get going 65. Antiquity, in antiquity

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Cohort; 2. Charles Ingham; 3. E; 4. A Little Night Music; 5. Knees

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ August 14, 2003

A widescale power blackout affects the northeast United States and Canada. ■■ August 15, 1939

different parts of your brain are needed for you to understand and laugh at a joke.

The Wizard of Oz premieres at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles, California.

people only were pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center alive after 9/11.

■■ August 16, 1989

A solar flare from the Sun creates a geomagnetic storm that affects microchips, leading to a halt of all trading on Toronto’s stock market.

521

years is the half-life of DNA, which means that genetic material can’t be recovered from dinosaurs and “Jurassic Park” is impossible.

■■ August 17, 1896

Bridget Driscoll is run over by a Benz car in the grounds of The Crystal Palace, London, the UK’s first pedestrian motoring fatality.

1,000

■■ August 18, 1903

German engineer Karl Jatho allegedly flies his self-made, motored gliding airplane four months before the first flight of the Wright brothers.

tonnes of classified documents are burned by the CIA each year.

86 billion

neurons that can form trillions of synapses are contained in the average human brain. Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

■■ August 19, 295 BC

The first temple to Venus, the Roman goddess of love, beauty and fertility, is dedicated by Quintus Fabius Maximus Gurges. ■■ August 20, 1858

‘Welcome to Los Phuketas’, a view of Phuket Town. Photo by Dasha Suleyman Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Charles Darwin first publishes his theory of evolution through natural selection. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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DESIGN AND MARKETING

MARINE SERVICES

CHILDREN ACTIVITIES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

TRAINING

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SECURITY

STORAGE

3D CGI & ANIMATION +66 76 226 464

www.LIME.asia

Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

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DENTAL

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CATERING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

SECURITY

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

30 CLASSIFIEDS

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Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a host of publications & services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications: ● Thai or Expat. ● Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English. ● Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude. ● Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer:

● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● Social security paid by the company. ● Excellent career progress opportunities. Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

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Buy&Sell

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BOATS & YACHTS Marine Surveyors

Andaman Maritime Services (AMS) conduct Pre-purchase, Insurance & Flag State Surveys. Buying a boat? Boat owner? AMS has the services you need. Anthony , 81/18 Moo. 6, T.Kathu, A.Kathu, Phuket, Thailand 83120 , anthony@ams-sea.com, 081 893 9985, www.ams-sea.com

3.1 RIB Yacht tender dinghy

3.1m Stingray RIB with 9.9hp 4 stroke Suzuki outboard, storage cover, fuel tank etc. Great size yacht tender dinghy, as new 140,000b, Price : 140,000, sc@ acronautic.com, 0898734044.

33/F Gulf Craft W/A

Two suzuki 225 HP outboards - only 300 hours, custom made RIB-dinghy with small outboard, engine electronics and hydraulics, ray marine GPS/radar/ depth sounder, many extras. 3,850,000. THB, 089 873 3713.

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW!

Bought in sept. 2014,14hrs only! suzuki engine+boat under warranty (suzuki phuket). bimini+trailer+tube covers. 0935840565 (rus/eng) 0987086632 (fr/eng, 350,000 thb,)

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669 8810 5024, www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

CATERING EQUIPMENT Tommy’s 2 Tuk Tuk’s for sale!

Excellent condition, well maintained. Standard 200,000 / food truck 250,000. Call 081 908 9724 or Tom.somsanuk@ gmail.com

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Versys 650 ABS 2012

Showroom condition, new from Kawasaki Phuket May 2012, 2,000km, Hepco & Becker Engine Bars & Rear-rack, Kawasaki Handguards and Pyramid Hugger., 220,000 THB, Paul, 084 1 303 234, Plongmore@hotmail.com

CAR FOR SALE Company Cars For Sale - AS NEW

ALL Cars Automat All low mileage(20-30 Tkm). All 2013 Models 1.Honda City 395.000 2.Honda Brio 349.000 3.Suzuki Swift 349.000 4.Nissan Almera 349.000 5.Honda Freed 639.000 6.Chevrolet Trailblazer LTZ 949.000 7.Nissan XTrail 779.000 All cars in top condition, with leather interior. Contact 0867479292 or 0819705204.

Toyota Fortuner Turbo Diesel

FO RT U N ER AU TO Tu r b o D i e s e l 105000Km. Metal. Grey One Farang Owner Toyota Service History. Bar Front and Back, Excellent condition Blue Book Rego and insurance to May 2016 Going Oversea, Price : 695,000 THB, Andre Acca, andre.acca@hotmail.fr, 0819794547.

le Honda t sa n e 57,000kms. Ur g

Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

One owner since new. Regularly s e r viced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer.Reduced by 40,000bht, Price : RED U C ED to 3 3 0,0 0 0 b ht o.n.o, A n dy + 6 6 8 4 6 9 0 914 4, andysmalster@gmail.com

Everest 4WD Quick Sale

10+yrs but mechanically drives and looks great. Manual. Only B450,000 or offers above 400k considered for fast sale, B450,000 THB, peterh@ asianwind.biz, 081- 8926710.

Subaru Forester XT Turbo for sale

For sale Subaru Forester 2.0 XT AWD CVT. 240 hp, auto light control and wiper control (rainy). crossover. Push start, xenon, rain sensor, ABS, air bags, electro seats, reversing camera, TV / CD / MP3 / USB / AUХ/ HDD/ DVD- VIDEO, ESP, separate climate control, cruise control, regulation steering, EBD, hatch, X-mode, acceleration to 100 km\h until 7 seconds, electric trunk, number plate for present)), kamila.sema@icloud.com, 0824133707.

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List your classified now at thephuketnews.com CAR FOR SALE 2012 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid

Powerful 380HP, Full Option: Bose Sound, Pano roof, Navigator Map. etc. Immaculate condition, no accident, low mileage, one owner, Price : 4,500,000 THB, Phone 086-2806526.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sports

Mitsubishi Pajero Spor ts 2012, A1 condition, 14,000 KM, Silver Colour. 950,000THB Eng: Ph. 0993614582 Thai: Ph. 080 383 3060.

Car For Sale

1996 Toyota Corolla Sedan, Silver Gray. Automatic power steering, good aircon, goo tyres. 173,00kms. New Stereo, tinted windows. Bargain at 145,000 Baht. Kamala. Call Norm 083 182 2797.

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

Model 2014 17,000km. New price 1.7Mln NOW 1,050,000Baht Eng: 081 788 8280 Thai: 090 163 2140, Contact Maurice, maurice.phuket@gmail.com , 090 163 2140.

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl November 2013 17000 Km New price 1.700.000.THB Price NOW 1,100,000.THB, Maurice, Maurice. phuket@gmail.com, 099 302 7071, Thai: 090 163 2140.

2012 Toyota Fortuna 24,000km

2012 Pearl white Toyota Fortuna For Sale. 3.0 D4D VN Turbo Great condition- Baht Black leather interior. Tax / insurance till 2016, 900,000, Loch Palm, Kathu, Phuket, glawre123@gmail.com, 0898668825.

TOYOTA Fortune 2006

7 seats, Black, Family car, Petrol 2,982cc Blue book, Service history Toyota Pearl, 160,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

CAR FOR SALE TOYOTA Fortune 2009

7 seats, Silver, GPS video, Family car Diesel 2,694cc, Blue book Service history Toyota Pearl 78,000kms. AUTOMATIC transmission, golfguru2005@ yahoo.co.uk, 076 615 827.

CAR FOR RENT Long term car rental

have a good car rental, Toyota Vios, Mazda 2 or similar with true full professional insurance and 24/7 support Monthly rates B14000, Soi Sukee 40/19 moo 9 Chao fa east rd 39 chalong muang, ninascars@gmail.com, 089 648 0499.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAMERA baby car seats for sale

BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000. Call 086 479 7471.

MEMBERSHIPS

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES German bakery & deli & snack

Main road, 8 years clientele, take over + incl. training complete equipment, staff room, 3 or 5 years leasing contract. Yearly volume 4 mio. hansibakery@gmail.com, Price: 3.5 million, Contact Mr. Stark, ansibakery@gmail.com

Bar For Sale O Top Markets

Bar For Sale with full trading history showing increasing growth. Includes 4Mil Bht Thai company & 1 Work Permit. Great Location, good customer base, Price : 2,000,000, Person : charlie kenyon, charlie@paddymalones.com.au, 0841858719.

Best Deal

Rawai business for sale. Area approx 2Rai, can do restaurant or other business.Five mins from beach. Long term lease, yearly rent B200,000. 4 bedrooms house included. Reduce from B980,000 to B520,000. Contact Khun Asoke at 089 646 7176 / big_redchili@yahoo.com

COMMUNITY

Blue Canyon Membership

Blue Canyon Membership for sale. 1 corporate nominee for sale THB 630,000 inc transfer fee. grahamhaslam@hotmail.com

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie We are 15 weeks old. We are very sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too! We hope you are the one who can give us a home. We will protect your house and love to cuddle. We already got some basic training. If you are interested in us you will get 2 dog training lessons for free.A dog is often happier when they have a friend around. These are best friends, so it would be best if they can stay together, Diana Koster, info@ phuket-dog-resort.com, 083 599 6017.

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CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant on Main Street

Large, tastefully decorated restaurant in Cherngtalay. Fully fitted and equipped kitchen, 100 seats, bar. Walk in and start business. Asking B 1.4 mill. 089 400 5907.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/ Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System and much more. Reduced 22MB to 18MB for Quick Sale, Contact: mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +66819708896 TH/ENG Geoff +66818540061 ENG.

3 Bedroom Detached, Big Garden

29/60 Chuan Cheun Lagoon, near British School & Boat Lagoon Marina (shops, gym,swim pool). 2 Chanode land titles 584 sq.m. Good water supply. Private culde-sac location, Price: 5,840,000 Baht, Koh Kaew, Contact: AJ, adrian.j.simpson@gmail.com, 0860406866.

Panoramic Sea View Land

Mountain view and Golf course View. The only land near Mission Hills Golf and Resort. Cleared leveled and electricity. Chanote 6 Rai. Sale 89 MB, Contact: pee_bang123@icloud.com, 083 389 7799.

Awesome ocean view

Cleared block with sealed road and power at Kamala Heights. 1.6kms to beach and post office. 797sqm with safe title. 6.75 mill Ono phone owner, Contact: Yok, yoty30@hotmail.com, 093 768 6694, 081 077 1600.

PROPERTY FOR SALE Beach Front Land

Absolute Beach Front Land for Sale From only 1,700,000 Baht per Rai. Let your dreams come true!! Please go to www.thailandliving. life, Price: 1,700,000, Patchanee Klongdee, info@thailandliving.life

Make money NOW Kata Beach House

Are you tired of driving to work? Buy this now! Great Location, Spa, 7 Bedroom, 7 Bathroom, all with kitchens. Rent or live with good income. Onwer old and retireing. 5 minutes walk to the beach, Price: 9.5 MB or offer, Khun Arreerat, nalumana2000@yahoo. com, 081 970 4638, 086 595 8512

House in Karon for Sale.

Hard to find 3 bed room , 3 bath room house for sale in the perfect location near Kata & Karon beach, well maintained with a salt water pool, Price : 16,000,000, Narrisara (Tic), 7/8 Patak Soi 10, Karon, g-acoates@hotmail.com, 0991642991.

Sea view land in Patong

The Last Piece of Sea View Land on Prime Location in Patong, just 500 m. from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@ gmail.com,089-967-5373.

Ocean View Land Kamala

Patong sea view land

Located in Patong with the size of 1200 sqm. Selling price at 10.5 Million THB, with a chanote certificate (allowed to construct any sort of project). Also, the land is devided in three parts of chanote, and can be sold separately with a negotiable price range from the selling price of 10.5 M THB, Mr. Fernando Parrella. Contact: parrella.fernando@gmail.com or 092 949 9697.

Waterfront Condominium

The Cleat Condo, residence project in Krabi Boat Lagoon Marina. Price 3-9MB, size 37-119 Sq.M., 1 or 2 bedroom, marina view. For rent/sale. marketing@ phuketpropertytrip.com

4 BED HOUSE WITH POOL IN RAWAI

Beautiful 4 bed & 4 bath 260sqm house on 800sm land plot. Interior living area plus 2 car garage, 74sqm Sala & pool. IN RAWAI/ NAIHARN. Price: 12.75M. David Rosamond. david_rosamond@ yahoo.com, Tel: 087 267 1282.

Pool Villa Patong 7.9MB

Beautiful Freehold German built detached home. 3 bed, 3 bath, Euro Kitchen, open plan,+ garage. Full furn. Close beach & Shopping Ctre, Khun Oscar, Email : ozoskr@hotmail.com , Phone : 0878931753.

@thephuketnews

Half rai 797sq.m. cleared and leveled, power connected, sealed road, MUST SELL 6.75million. For ENG 090 492 3101 THA 093 768 6694.

Beachfront House

4-Bedroom house on semiprivate beach available for sale and rent. Can easily be divided into two separate and identical properties. The rental/sale can also include a self-contained 1-bedroom bungalow, Price: 18.2 MB, Rent 110,000 THB, Alex Seago, home@ thaivillaboutique.com, 087-8923876.

New Twin House Only 1.77Mil.

One storey twin house, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with kitchen, all living space is 81 Sq.M. and land is 46-49 Sq.wa. Located at Paklock, just only 10 minute from Monument. Near the airport, Surin Beach and Mission Hill Golf Club. Khun Suwit , Tel 081 895 6969.

FOR QUICK SALE

Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Patong Tower Condo

1 or 2 bedroom corner apartment 76 sqm. 270 degree beach & mountain views, 9th floor, kitchen, 2 balconies. Rent 39,000 baht per month, or buy for 9.5MB. Contact: John, Patong: jstuder@loxinfo. co.th, 0810808831.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

Beach front 40m for long a n d s h o r t t e r m l e a s e .1 a n d h a l f r a i ( 6 0 0 s q . m .) contact Narin, Email: narinpga@gmail.com, Tel: 085 790 1000.

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

Long term, quality furnishings, near Heroines Monument, 3 bed, 2 baths plus office. Good garden. THB35,000 per month. Call 087 878 5804.

2 Luxury Condo, Fully-Furnished

“The Base Downtown” 35 sqm. near Central Festival 16,000 THB/Month, “Patong Loft” 56 sqm. 5 Min. to Patong beach 25,000 THB/ Month, Price : 16,000- 25,000 THB, Mr. Aoody, aood16@ hotmail.com, 099-5169959, 095-9799356 ( English & Thai)

OTHER For Sale

Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used. Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

Office Space Laguna

Office Space Laguna - Plaza del Mar Fully Furnished offices 4 Office Suite plus boardroom Rent entire unit or individual office 080 045 4474.

RESORT FOR SALE/LEASE

Resort for sale lease any offer consider! I want go sailing again!!, Address : 67/18 Soi Sermsuk Rawai Phuket, bigasail@samart.co.th, Contact +66 (0)86 9401860.

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

SPORT 35

Phuket United in epic comeback against CAT FC FUTSAL Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

PTT Rayong’s French striker Yves Hadley Desmarets scores the opening goal. Photo: PTT Rayong

Phuket FC burnt by PTT Rayong’s Fire Power, bumped into ‘red zone’ FOOTBALL FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS season, Phuket FC have fallen into the six-team relegation zone of the 20-team Yamaha League One, following their 2-1 loss away to PTT Rayong last Sunday (August 9) Played in front of nearly 2,000 fans at the PTT Stadium in the industrial-rich coastal province 183km southwest of the capital, the match was both side’s 22nd of the 38-fixture season. The home team’s Thai striker Kirati Kieosombut had the match’s first shot on goal, heading a cross ball straight to Phuket’s keeper, but it would be PTT’s French striker Yves Hadley Desmarets to score the opening goal on 39 minutes. PTT’s veteran Ivorian midfielder Amadou Ouattara sent a nice weighted corner kick into a busy box, where a Phuket defender tried to clear the ball, which only was deflected to Desmarets at the top of the box, who with his left, drilled the ball towards the left post and into the back of the net, his sixth of the season. The Fire Power’s second and final goal of the match was scored late in the match, by Amadou, whose speedy footwork deep in Phuket territory was too much for three Phuket’s defenders, before culminating with a fantastic finish beating the keeper with his right foot on a low shot to the left post. It was also Amadou’s sixth of the season. The official gave three minutes of injury time and in the final minute, Phuket striker Ndebi Berlin was taken down on a drive into the box, and subsequently awarded a spot kick, which he did not miss with a shot that pierced the net from just under the crossbar. The final whistle sealed the scoreline at 2-1. @thephuketnews

YL1 Week 22/38 Team

Pts

Police Utd

NPTUTD

ATFC

BBCU

PUTD

Thai Honda 13

Bangkok

Prachuap

Air Force

Songkhla

PTT Rayong

STFC

Krabi

-2

Phichit

-5

Phuket FC -15

SSK BTU

-4

Ayutthaya

-21

Chiangmai -13

TTM FC

-14

Trat

-47

15 16

The loss, coupled with a win on the same evening by Krabi, 2-1 away to Trat FC, bumped the Ronins down into 15th place still with 27 points, and now in relegation zone, as the Andaman Eagles jumped up to 13th place with 29 points. Phuket will tomorrow (August 15) try to fight their way up table, in a tough away match up against 6th placed Thai Honda, whom the Ronins beat earlier this year at Surakul Stadium. After that, Phuket have another away match, against 5th placed Pattaya United on Wednesday (August 19), before returning home to host the current 9th placed team Airforce. The battle for league survival ensues.. Steven Layne Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket FC.

huket United came from behind 1-4 against CAT FC scoring three late goals to settle for a point in league play last Sunday (August 9) at Saphan Hin Sports Centre. Going into the match, Phuket, in 5th place of the 14-team league, were heavily favoured against their last placed opponents who only had six points this season. But the club reprepresting the kingdom’s Communication Authority came to Phuket reinforced, with two new “Braziliant” talents in the form of Jorge Alex and Ramon. From the opening whistle the home team went on the attack hoping to gain an early advantage but CAT’s zone defense was solid, and it was clear that their strategy would be set on the rapid counter attack. Alex and Ramon proved to be a deadly combination employing rapid 1-2 style play to constantly put Phuket defenders on their back foot. And it was in only the 2nd minute of play that the visitor’s strategy paid off, when Alex beat Phuket’s keeper on the far post from the left flank. From nearly the same spot, CAT’s Apiwat Changyao doubled his side’s lead with a piercing left-foot shot that went right under the cross bar Three minutes later it was

Phuket’s Suttiporn Kluncharoen takes one of many attempts. Photo: Steven Layne 3-0 from a counter attack that saw Jorge chip the ball into goal from within the area, inches from Phuket’s keeper. But the home team got the final “hoorah” of the half when in the 16th minute, Jackson Santos skilfully lured three CAT defenders creating space for an advancing Chonlathan Niebmaphai, who hammered the laid off ball for goal. Despite front after front by Phuket in the second half, CAT remained focused. Sticking to their strategy of counter attack, 1-2 play, which yielded a fourth goal, halfway through the second half on the counter attack, which featured swift flank-to-flank passing and a playbook finish by Apiwat for his second of the night. With 8 minutes to play, Phuket Coach Chalermpong Saengdee executed a power

play, swapping Anuwat Panoppha as the attacking keeper with each Phuket possession. But CAT’s defensive zone proved difficult to breach. But finally, in the 36th minute, an unmarked Jackson Santos infiltrated CAT’s back door waiting patiently at the goal post to tap home a low cross pass from Thanakorn Penpakul (9) to bring the score to 2-4. Minutes later, Suttiporn Kluncharoen added to the come-back effort with a fantastic strike from the right flank. With the clock ticking down into the final minute, Thanakorn Piyaprichayut scored the equaliser with his right foot, just left of the area, igniting the crowd. Final score, 4-4. Phuket next host Nakhon Ratchasima on Sunday (August 16), a team they lost to earlier this season. The rematch in

Phuket will kick off at 7pm. Class Act Media are proud media partners with Phuket United.

FTPL after Week 20 of 26 Team

Pts GD

Chonburi

Bangkok

Siam Navy

Samut Sakhon

Phuket Utd

Thai Port

N Ratchasima

-1

Ayutthaya

-6

Sisaket

-2

S Prakarn

-20

Nonthaburi

-37

Surathani

-16

Khon Kaen

-30

CAT FC

-43

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

The Olympic dream

Nepalese swimmer smashes national record at World Championships SWIMMING

Nepalese swimmer has smashed a National Record at the FINA World Championships just three months after she spent a month sleeping in a car, without any training, following the devastating Nepal Earthquake. Sofia Gadegaard Shah, 17, a future Olympian, showed that she is the symbol of resilience on August 4, after she fought against all odds to storm to success in the swimming world championships, despite only training for just over two months. Sofia, who is one of 25 swimmers on a year-long FINA scholarship at Thanyapura, arrived in Asia just one month after the earthquake – eager but noticeably shaken and suffering from the effects of the natural disaster after braving constant aftershocks. When she arrived at Thanyapura, Sofia was admittedly unfit after not being able to train in Nepal following the earthquake because of the lack of training and coaching facilities. Now, two months later, with the help of world class coach Miguel Lopez, Sofia has beaten the

Sofia Gadegaard Shah, 17, stormed to success in the swimming world championships. Nepalese Women’s 200m Freestyle record with a time of 2:18.93 by under a second. Speaking from Kazan, Russia – where the FINA World Championships were held – she said, “Building up to race day, I felt that I was ready. Training with Miguel at Thanyapura since May has prepared me for that exact moment of stepping on to the blocks at the FINA World Championships here in Kazan. Sofia continued, “Getting onto

the blocks, I knew exactly how I had to swim this race. During my race I knew I had to focus on long and fast strokes – making sure to bring out my kick. “After finishing my race, I felt as though I had just swum the best race I possibly could have at this time. I’m so happy to have swum a new national record but most importantly a new personal best time even after the earthquake. I feel that I have represented my country well!”

Proud Thanyapura Coach Miguel added, “After enduring the terrible earthquakes and its consequences in Nepal, sleeping in a car, and stopping her training regime for almost a month, and after the grueling workouts at Thanyapura, Sofia has demonstrated the type of resilience only the most pure and noble of materials have. “Sofia has dropped over eight seconds from her best time this year, and this new National Record

Run: #1536: #1538: Saturday August 15, 2015 at 4pm Hares: Barbara Woodhouse & What-A-Rat Location: Kata - Lam Sai Headland Directions: From Patong enter Karon [4233] and stay along the water to Kata Center and turn right onto Soi Pakbang at the north end of Club Med, then another right up the hill on Soi Laem Sai - 250m to the laager past the Avista resort. From Chalong or Rawai enter Kata on [4028] and turn left to head over to the coast road [4233] and drive north. At the north end of Club Med turn left and continue as above. NOTE: Mind the limited car park area with more parking available on the street. Bus pickup: Kamala @ Baan Rim Klong: 2:30pm; Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

is only the reflection of the Olympic spirit and the values that represent FINA and the sporting world community. I could not be prouder of her and the FINA team as a whole, fighting united to bring honour to this programme.” Sofia was chosen by the Nepalese Swimming Federation to get the chance to spend a year at Thanyapura preparing for the Rio Olympics 2016. She has received a wildcard entry into the 2015 FINA World Championships and the 2016 Rio Olympics. “It is a really great honour to be chosen. We don’t have the facilities in Nepal to train and we can’t train year round and the coaching is not the greatest, so it was really exciting for me and my team mate Sirish to have this opportunity to train for a full year at Thanyapura,” she added. Her motivation to succeed at Thanyapura is created from their opportunity to travel to Rio next year to swim in the Olympics. “It’s the Olympics and that’s pretty amazing to have the opportunity itself to represent our country. “It’s a dream for every sportsman to live the Olympic dream,” Sofia said.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Thailand 2014 GameRBFC fishing tourney returns FISHING

Germany, USA, Hong Kong, Classic the UK and Singapore.

Sport Fishing Tournament

The boats normally cruise THE PGFC THAILAND up the day before, making for Offshore Thea very Similan Islands 2016 “Classic” Sport Fishenjoyable four days in th be held thone of Asia’s most-sought after ing Tournament will between the March 1-3, 2016 destinations. so any team enquiries should “offshore” from the beautiful A number of sponsors are be forwarded ASAP to: Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand. Similan Islands. Renowned also confirmed, including WaWarren Crowe at…phukeas Thailand’s premium sport hoo Charters, Palladin Phuket, tgamefishingclub@gmail.com fishing area some 70 miles Marine Life, PMA, Walkabout before they all go. Companies interested in northwest of Chalong Bay. Bar, Mad Mohally’s, Pier 42, As always, the prize mon- OZ Lures and Kan Eang@Pier. sponsorship opportunities Further major sponsors are should also please contact ies offered will be the largest Warren. now being sought. in Asia. There is always a shortage There are already many boats confirmed, including of game-fishing boats available Class Act Media is proud to be teams from Australia, Canada, due to the number of entrants, a sponsor of this event.

27 February 2014

Huge cash and other prizes to be won!!

57 hours of non -stop thephuketnews fishing!

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Thailand win U16 tourney in Cambodia

Fun in fundamentals PSS prepares for football academy, national tourney FOOTBALL Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

rom August 6-8, dozens of international kids, aged 5-12, from across the island joined FOOTBALL Phuket Soccer Schools (PSS) for a fun-filled three-day football camp. Thailand’s “Little Elephants” seized Led by Coach Martin Hill and their third title of the Asean Football Coach Joe – who really know how Federation (AFF) U-16 Youth Cham- to put the ‘fun’ back into footy ‘funpionship, beating Myanmar’s “Little damentals’ – the camp facilitated Angels” 3-0 last Sunday (August 9) a variety of indoor and outdoor at Phnom Phen’s Olympic Stadium. games, challenges, matches, teamThe regional tournament’s 10th building activities and footwork edition was contested in Phnom exercises to help develop football Phen from July 27 to August 9, techniques and team strategies. with teams representing the ten Speaking to The Phuket News, member nations of Asean, as well as Coach Martin said, “These past a contingent from Australia, which few days have been fun ... Our staff is also part of the AFF. utilize small-group and team settings Thailand won six of their seven so that each player improves his/her matches in the tourney, their only ball skills. We had about 20 campers, loss being their opening group who were grouped according to their match against Laos, who went on age and ability. Everyone left with a to finish 4th in the tournament, greater love for football and friends.” losing to Australia 10-2 in the Martin went on to talk about the bronze-medal match. upcoming PSS National Football Thailand advanced to the final tournament, to be held at Thanyapura after downing Australia 3-2 in the on the weekend of October 3-4. semifinal, while Myanmar’s ticket “This year we’ll be welcomcame after a single-goal victory ing teams from Bangkok, Pattaya, over Laos. Steven layne Chiang Mai and of course Phuket.

@thephuketnews

SPORT 37

SKILLS AND THRILLS: Martin (c) explaining how to do a proper header. We’re also talking to a few teams in Samui and Hua Hin,” he said. The annual tournament, which includes up to eight teams in four age groups (U8, U10, U12 and U15) will be the third edition. “We use age appropriate goals, balls and fields and every team will leave with a medal,” he said, noting that a showcase final will be played between the best teams in each group. “We’re about 90 per cent booked already, but can still take a few more teams,” he said [see end info].” Martin went on to talk about the PSS Academy, which is also

based at Thanyapura. “Our academy program is geared towards putting advanced players into a highly competitive environment, it’s for the serious players who want to head down a pathway towards being able to play at collegiate and professional levels, and who are dedicated athletes that are committed to training in a professional environment, with professional coaching.” Players generally train yearround on the weekend. In addition to weekly training sessions, players also take part in trial matches with local clubs, and compete in at least

three tournaments per year: one local, one national, and one international. “PSS coaches want to maximise potential in each player, as well as increase their exposure in the soccer world, and these tournaments do just that – putting the players in a competitive environment, letting them test their abilities against their peers. “Our training sessions contain drills that are specifically designed towards helping players with a certain attitude and ability; and, as such, only certain types of players will be able to handle the culture that is inherently created. It is for this reason that the PSS Academy is by trials and invitation only.” As of August 15, PSS Academy will resume the 2nd season of 2015 with U8/U10 and U12 squads. Training is every Saturday at Thanyapura from 3.30pm - 6pm. PSS has one scholarship opening for its U12 Academy squad. Any high standard football players (Thai national) who were born in 2003 or 2004 (2546 /2547) are urged to apply by contacting PSS Office Manager Khun Christine at c.wolferstaedter@phuketsoccerschools.com or telephone 082 347 5086. For other inquiries, email Martin at info@phuketsoccerschools.com

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

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Sydney Swans v. Collingwood

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Bledisloe Cup

New Zealand v. Australia

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Western Province v. Cheetahs

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International Friendly International Friendly International Friendly

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Sharks v. Kings

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Southampton v. Everton

Ireland v, Scotland England v. France

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Swansea v. Newcastle

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Tottenham v. Stoke

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West Ham v. Leicester

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Sunderland v. Norwich

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Qualifying, Brno

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Essendon v. Adelaide Crows

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Bulldogs v. Titans

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Richmond v. Gold Coast Suns

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FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

Inaugural Laguna Golf Classic 2015 GOLF

ext month, Lag u na Phuket Golf Club will play host to the first stage of the inaugural Laguna Golf Classic, an event held between Laguna Golf resorts here in Phuket and at Laguna Lang Co, Vietnam. This unique joint golf tournament will take place at two of Asia’s most scenic destination resorts starting with Laguna Phuket Golf Club on September 18-19, followed by Laguna Lăng Cô Golf Club on November 12-14. Six-time major winner Sir Nick Faldo will host the final two

tournament rounds and grand finale prize presentation. With the recent appointment of Sir Nick Faldo as Laguna Lang Co brand ambassador, this first edition of the Laguna Golf Classic is aimed at engaging golfers from around the Asia Pacific region to both Laguna Golf destinations. The tournament offers golf enthusiasts an excellent opportunity to pit the skills at two world-class golf facilities, whilst providing an opportunity to catch up with friends and make new contacts through the game of golf. For enquiries and registration, please contact 66 (0) 7632 4350 or golf@lagunaphuket.com

Fast Fun Fest

The Laguna Golf Classic will take place at two of Asia’s most scenic destination resorts.

The Toyota Motor Sports Fun Fast Fest returned to Saphan Hin last weekend (August 8-9) and it was a great chance for both male and female Thai and international drivers to showcase their street car racing skills. The main event saw a total of 44 drivers competing in three categories: Vios Series Lady Cup 2015, Vios Series 2015 and the

Corolla Altis Series 2015, and due to the heavy rain which fell over the weekend no race went without a crash, be it big or small. Along with the racing, other attractions at the event included a Hilux Drift Battle Show, VIOS, We are friend show, You & Me 360 Sporty Elegant Show and a Meet and Greet Toyota the Presenters.

The eight boys trained at the home of Brazilian champions Cruzeiro EC and got to meet the players.

BISP Cruzeiro boys join adventure camp at home of Brazil champs FOOTBALL THIS SUMMER, EIGHT boys from the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy trained at the home of Brazilian champions Cruzeiro EC to learn about the facilities, watch the professional team train, and meet the players. Cruzeiro International Development Coordinator Adriano Queiroz explained that the Phuket-based studentathletes were invited to spend

a month in Brazil, where they participated in various activities in the city of Belo Horizonte, where Cruzeiro are based. “These athletes are part of the Cruizeiro Academy programme in Thailand, where they train with our methodology,” explained Queiroz. “This summer these boys came to Belo Horizonte to experience everything that is currently happening in our club. “In Thailand, they train in our famous blue shirt and hear many things about Cruzeiro,

but when they came here they were amazed. It has been a great opportunity for them to meet with and learn from our professional players, the president, and everyone at the Brazilian champions,” he added. For more information on the BISP Cruzeiro Football Academy, visit www.bisphuket.ac.th/ bisp-cruzeiro-football-academy or contact Head Coach Jonathas Candido: jcandido@ bisphuket.ac.th thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2015

SPORT 39

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Cech fluffs line in Arsenal’s opener FOOTBALL

etr Cech made a Premier League debut to forget for Arsenal as his errors helped West Ham United to a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday (August 9). Cech’s arrival from Chelsea has been acclaimed as a signing that could turn Arsenal into title contenders, but he was found wanting as Arsene Wenger’s side opened their Premier League campaign with a home defeat for the second time in three years. A rash charge by Cech allowed Cheikhou Kouyate to head West Ham in front from debutant Dimitri Payet’s 43rd-minute free-kick and the Czech international’s slowness to get down saw him beaten at his near post from 25 yards by Mauro Zarate shortly before the hour. “We were not convincing offensively or defensively,” said Wenger. “The players were maybe too nervous and put too much pressure on themselves. Today we have been hurt mentally and it is a good opportunity to respond,” added Wenger. Also on Sunday, Philippe Coutinho scored a stunning 30-yard winner in the 86th minute as Liverpool partially atoned for their 6-1 drubbing at Stoke City on the final day of last season with a 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gave starts to new signings Nathaniel Clyne, Joe Gomez, James Milner and striker Christian Benteke, while Roberto Firmino came off the bench in the second half. But the game was drifting to a goalless draw until Brazilian playmaker Coutinho picked the ball up in the inside-left

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The overall competition winner receives 1 voucher staying 2 nights in a Prestige Suite including breakfast for 2 persons and a 30-minute spa treatement at Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort, overall value THB 90,000.

The monthly competion winner for August will receive a THB3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tools Irish Pub and Restaurant, Karon.

TOTAL STANDINGS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. Allard 5 7. AoryMUFC 5 8. celticpride 5 9. Chalong 5 10. chook 5

dylanhills 6 fazza 6 itsupport 6 Seahorse 6 Aays 5

English Premier League 2015 - 2016 Team 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

West Ham’ Cheikhou Kouyate scores the opening goal of the match between Arsenal and West Ham United on Saturday (August 9). Photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP

channel, turned, and arrowed a glorious, bending strike into the top-right corner. Rodgers admitted afterwards that he had been contemplating taking Coutinho off before the Brazil international struck. Meanwhile, Dutch midfielder Giorginio Wijnaldum scored on his competitive Newcastle United debut as former England head coach Steve McClaren began his St James’ Park tenure with a 2-2 draw at home to Southampton. Af ter G raziano Pelle had given the visitors the lead, goals from Papiss Cisse and new recruit Wijnaldum put Newcastle in front, but Southampton substitute Shane Long headed in a 79th-minute equaliser. Whilst on Saturday (August 9), Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sent off as Chelsea began their Premier League title defence with an engrossing 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City. Jose Mourinho’s men were leading 2-1 at Stamford Bridge when Courtois was dismissed for fouling Bafetimbi Gomis right on the edge of his area in

the 52nd minute and the French striker scored the equaliser from the spot. It was another impressive opening-day display by Garry Monk’s Swansea and added weight to Mourinho’s prediction that Chelsea will face a fight to retain their title. “The team was playing very, very well in the first half,” said Mourinho. “In the second, in one minute, it was a penalty, red card and the goal – 2-2. “I would say we were the best team with 11 players and with 10 we fought hard, some fighting at the limit of their condition.” Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling’s Manchester City debut was overshadowed by the old guard as Yaya Toure and Vincent Kompany made the decisive contributions in an impressive 3-0 win at West Bromwich Albion on Monday (August 10). Having seen rivals Chelsea and Arsenal both slip up over the weekend, Manuel Pellegrin’s team took full advantage as they provided an early glimpse of their Premier League title credentials with

a dominant display at the Hawthorns. Toure and David Silva combined to hand City the initiative just nine minutes in, with the Spain international flicking home his team-mate’s shot with the aid of a deflection, although the Ivory Coast midfielder was credited with the goal. Toure doubled City’s advantage 15 minutes later and Belgium defender Kompany added the third after half-time to cap a confident opener for last year’s runners-up, who sit top of the table after the first round of fixtures. Elsewhere over the weekend, a Kyle Walker own goal gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford, but Louis van Gaal’s reconfigured team showed plenty of ring rust. Walker scored an own goal in the 22nd minute, rushing back in an attempt to prevent England team-mate Wayne Rooney taking aim from Ashley Young’s cross and succeeding only in scuffing the ball into his own net. United handed competitive debuts to Sergio Romero,

14 16 17 18 19 20

Man City Leicester Crystal Palace West Ham Aston Villa Liverpool Man Utd Chelsea Everton Newcastle Southampton Swansea Watford Bournemouth Stoke Tottenham Sunderland Norwich Arsenal West Brom

MP W 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay, while Bastian Schweinsteiger came on in the second half to become the club’s first German player. Leicester City’s Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez inspired them to a 4-2 home win over Sunderland at the King Power Stadium in Claudio Ranieri’s first game at the Foxes helm. After Marc Albrighton teed up Jamie Vardy for an 11th-minute header, Mahrez scored with a header from another Albrighton cross and then added a penalty to put Leicester 3-0 up with only 25 minutes gone. Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher found the net for Sunderland in the second half, but a smart strike by Albrighton kept Leicester in control. Watford fared the best of the three promoted clubs, drawing 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park.

A GD Pts

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

3 4 3 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 0

0 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 4 3 2 3

3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 -1 -1 -1 -2 -2 -2 -3

3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

But they twice squandered the lead, with goals from Miguel Layun and substitute Odion Ighalo cancelled out in turn by Ross Barkley and Arouna Kone. The first top-flight game in Bournemouth’s 116-year history ended in a 1-0 home defeat against Aston Villa, who prevailed courtesy of a 72nd-minute header from their new striker Rudy Gestede. “I can’t be too critical,” said Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe, whose side won the Championship last season. “I’m disappointed with the defeat, but looking forward to the rest of the season.” Norwich City, promoted via the play-offs in May, lost 3-1 at home to Crystal Palace. Wilfried Zaha and Damien Delaney put the visitors in charge before substitute Nathan Redmond hit back for Norwich, but Palace’s star recruit Yohan Cabaye sealed victory in stoppage time. AFP