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DSI descends on ‘Russian’ firms Investigators from Bangkok check into legitimacy of Bang Tao companies > 5
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Gasohol takes over in Phuket Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com
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An interpreter helps with the questioning of Stein Dokset, right, after his arrest last year.
‘Body in bin’ trial begins THE TRIAL OF NORWEgian Stein Havard Dokset, arrested almost a year ago after police found the rotting body of his ex-girlfriend in a garbage bin in his house, began on Tuesday (February 12) in the Provincial Court. Dokset appeared in court looking considerably slimmer than at the time of his arrest, as evidence from the family of his ex-girlfriend, Rungnapa
“June” Suktong, 33 at the time of her death, was heard. The trial will continue next Friday (February 22) with more evidence from Ms Rungnapa’s family. Dokset has denied charges of murder, illegal possession of a gun and obstructing an investigation by hiding a body and denying any knowledge of it, even though subsequent DNA tests proved that the rot-
ting contents of the bin were the remains of Ms Rungnapa. Dokset was arrested on February 28 last year after a tip-off that Ms Rungnapa’s body was stashed in his house. She had not been seen for the best part of three years. Dokset denies killing her, saying that she died during an argument with him, when he pushed her and her head hit a wall.
tocks of 91-octane gasoline on Phuket are rapidly disappearing as filling stations around the island comply with government policy to phase out pure gasoline 91 and replace it with gasohol – a mixture of gasoline with ethanol produced from vegetable matter. An official from the Phuket Energy Office told The Phuket News, “Phuket has already stopped receiving supplies of gasoline 91.” Some places may still be able to supply gasoline 91, she explained, but only until their existing stocks run out. Three types of gasohol are already available. These are E10 (a 90 per cent-10 per cent gasoline-ethanol mix), sold as gasohol 95 or gasohol 91; E20, an 80-20 gasoline-ethanol mix; and E85, which contains just 15 per cent gasoline and 85 per cent ethanol. The Phuket Energy Office has lined up students to adjust or convert both cars and motorbikes that are not able to handle the gasohol fuel. Vehicle owners must pay for any conversion equipment installed, but tuning and fitting will be done free at Phuket College of Technology up until April 24. Owners of such vehicles must bring along ID card/passport and driver’s licence and a copy of the vehicle registration document. The students will carry out four adjustments: tuning the engine to handle E10, cleaning the carburetor, changing the engine oil and
91-octane gasoline will soon be unavailable on the island, replaced by gasohol – part gasoline and part ethanol. changing the oil filter. Any parts such as new jets must be paid for by the owner. The service is provided weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. In general, cars manufactured after 1995 should be able to handle gasohol 91 and 95; cars made after 2008, and ecocars, should be able to run on E20 gasohol, while Flex Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) should be able to run on E85 gasohol. Motorbikes with four-stroke engines manufactured in 2000 or after should run on gasohol 91 and 95; and four-stroke motorbikes made in 2009 or after should run well on E20 gasohol.
Agricultural vehicles with four-stroke engines should run fine on gasohol 91 or 95. Gasohol is B8 to B10 a litre cheaper than gasoline, however gives 3 per cent less range. The Phuket Energy Office produced research by PTT Research and Technology Institute and the Rajamangala University of Technology in Thanyaburi that disproved rumours that gasohol corrodes engines and damages plastic, resin and metal components any more than conventional gasoline. The researchers advised, however, that vehicle owners should always use high quality engine oil to prolong engine life.
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PHUKET NEWS
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Blaze hits troubled resort at Nai Yang Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com
F Happy to be alive: Patong construction worker Ngad Timthong recovers in hospital.
‘I thought I was going to die’: Landslide man Naraporn Tuarob reporter1@thephuketnews.com
SEVENTY-THREE-YEARold landslide survivor, Ngad Timthong, has described the moment he found himself trapped underneath tonnes of rubble, unable to move and hearing muff led calls from would-be rescuers on the ground above. Mr Ngad, a Patong construction worker, was working in a deep trench beside a retaining wall on a house construction site above Soi Nanai when the landslide occurred around
3pm on February 6. Mr Ngad’s colleague and friend Sanit Liponkade, 49, died in the landslide, but miraculously, Mr Ngad was pulled alive from beneath the landslide with only a broken ankle. “I didn’t hear anything until I heard the sound of other workers nearby, telling me to look out,” Mr Ngad said. “But it was too late – there was nowhere to escape. I was still conscious but I couldn’t move because of the weight of the dirt and rock on me. I was calling out for help but my voice wasn’t loud enough
Diesel smugglers caught off Racha FOUR MEN WERE ARrested last Friday (February 8) after being caught on a boat carrying 50,000 litres of smuggled diesel off Racha Yai island. A team of more than 10 custom officers led by Paisarn Cheunjit, Director of the Investigation and Suppression Bureau (ISB), The Royal Thai Custom Department and Nimit Sangampai, Deputy Director of ISB, seized the modified fishing boat around 6am this morning. The boat, Chokthaworn 8, contained 50,000 litres of diesel worth around B1.5million. The boat was skippered
by Worapan Supawinit, 30, of Phuket. He had a crew of three, all Thais. “They transferred the fuel from Malaysia,” Mr Nimit said. “There is a large ship in Malaysian waters which many boats go to and collect the petrol, then bring it to sell in Thailand.” Worapan admitted that the crew were hired by “a businessman”. The four are now being held in custody. They will likely be fined and released. In the past 10 months, seven oil smuggling boats have been seized in Southern Thailand, along with some B30 million worth of diesel.
to be heard and I was buried down there.” On the surface, onlookers and Mr Ngad’s colleagues were frantically digging to rescue him. He could hear them speaking on the surface but they couldn’t hear his desperate cries. “At that moment, I thought I was going to die,” he told The Phuket News. Mr Ngad believed his body strength, after more than 20 years of working in construction, combined with his knowledge of how to cope in such emergency, and a lot of good luck saved him from death. Initially taken to Patong Hospital, Mr Ngad was transferred to Vachira Hospital soon after. Despite his ankle now in a plaster cast and his arm aching, he has no other injuries and should make a full recovery.
ire severely damaged the part-completed Phuket Peninsula Spa & Resort at Nai Yang beach overnight on Sunday (February 10). No deaths or injuries were reported but the flames demolished much of the resort’s roof. “We were told about the fire at around 3am [on Monday, February 11],” said Prasert Kruasombat, a firefighter from Thepkrasattri OrBorTor Rescue Center said. He said that 60 to 70 per cent of the hotel’s roof was destroyed but the walls were basically undamaged. Dozens of firefighters were finally able to put out the blaze around 9am. “We left the place after the fire stopped but returned there when it reignited around 11 am. However, we were able to stop it definitively soon after that,” he said. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Thachatchai Police forensics officer but Pol Lt Col Tanate Poungmanee of Thachatchai Police noted that it could not have been caused by an electrical short as power supplies to the site had been cut years ago. He added that there appeared to be no signs so far that the fire was deliberately set. He theorised that the blaze might have been started accidentally by people “sneaking into the place” to steal metal or cabling or perhaps accidentally by local fishermen.
Fire-blackened and roofless: the Peninsula after the fire. “There are three main buildings. The fire most likely started in the middle one, in front of the beach,” Col Tanate said. “The middle building has no walls – only cement pillars.” He said that it was hard for the firefighters to put out the blaze because of strong winds. However, not much of value was damaged because the uncompleted resort had been left abandoned for years. “Construction of the resort stopped around four to five years ago after the DNP reported that it encroached on Sirinart Park,” Col Tanate said. “After that there was no further construction and the [encroachment] case is still under investigation by Thachatchai police station.” The Peninsula was one of the targets of the probe last year led by Damrong Pidech, the then-Director of the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP).
Thai hire purchase and leasing company Mida bought 30 per cent of the owning company in 2007 for B210 million after it had been announced that Hyatt would run the resort. Hyatt later pulled out. Mida has since been embroiled in years of legal battles with the other owners of Phuket Peninsula Co over falsification of documents, complicated by libel suits hurled by both sides, and compounded by legal action from banks over unpaid debts. Bill Barnett, in his blog, thephuketinsider.com, reports, “A few weeks ago we contacted the company office of Mida who said that court action between the parties had been settled and plans were set to be announced shortly about the future of the Phuket … project. “Based on information obtained from Mida, the future of the project looks to be with them going forward.”
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083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.
ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor
087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).
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editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.
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editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.
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editor2@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; 15 years as a print journalist and television news producer in the UK, NZ and Southeast Asia, including BBC World and Reuters in London, and Al Jazeera in Kuala Lumpur.
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Mystery over B100m will Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com
M
ystery surrounds news reports that a Norwegian expat left millions of baht to Phuket charities supporting women and children, after Phuket police said they had not received any details about it. On Sunday (February 10) the Bangkok Post reported that 52-year-old Norwegian Frank Robert had died in Phuket, and left a note confirming that his assets, worth more than B100 million, would be donated to Phuket charities. The national Thai-language newspaper The Daily News reported that B20 million would be donated, of the B100 million his assets were worth. The Bangkok Post wrote that Mr Robert’s housekeeper, Sansanee Montree, had said Mr Robert told her that if he died he wanted her to tell the police that he had written a will kept in a safe in the house. Mr Robert’s body was found by Ms Sansanee at his Baan Benjamas home in Soi Sansabai, Patong, on Sunday.
THE DEPARTMENT OF Marine and Coastal Resources has launched a campaign to warn tourists in Phuket to beware of venomous jellyfish when swimming in the Andaman Sea, after a number of foreigners were stung and required treatment. Authorities said they have erected 12 warning signs on 10
087 353 9382 reporter2@thephuketnews.com
The Post said Ms Sansanee said the will stated that he wanted to donate his assets to foundations for the elderly and children in Phuket. However calls to Phuket police today to verify this revealed that police had no knowledge of such a will. “We have had no reports about the money or the donation,” said Pol Lt Col Akanit Danpitaksart, Deputy Superintendent, Suppression, of Kathu
Police Station. He said police interviewed the housekeeper on Sunday and she did not mention anything about a will or money. “I do not know where this information came from. The maid did not say anything about the money,” he said. His superior, Superintendent Pol Col Jirapat Pochanapant, also said there was no evidence of any note or will, or anything else suggesting a
large donation had been made. The Bangkok Post said Mr Robert had lived in Phuket for more than 10 years, and owned 21 houses in Baan Benjamas, which he rented to foreign tourists. He was believed to have died of asthma-related problems. As far as police are concerned, this is the end of the investigation and they are not pursuing details of the will.
beaches in the past six weeks, with first aid information for jellyfish stings, Thai Rath newspaper reported on Tuesday (February 12). The 10 beaches are Patong, Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Bang Tao, Surin, Kamala, Kata, Karon and Nai Harn. Posters carrying similar information including the use
and of vinegar to treat jellyfish stings were also posted and distributed in those neighbourhoods. Medical authorities generally agree that dabbing the skin around the jellyfish stings with vinegar will help neutralise the toxin and relieve the pain. However, this is not always effective. Vinegar is not recom-
mended for Portuguese man-o’war stings and may have little effect on stings by Irukandji and box jellyfish stings. The department also had vinegar stations set up near the beaches with identifying signs and instructions so that people could provide quick first aid to those injured by the stings. Bangkok Post
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The entrance to Baan Benjamas in Patong, where Norwegian businessman Frank Robert lived and where he owned 21 houses that he rented out. Photo: Google Street View
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Bangkok officials arrive to check ‘Russian’ businesses A
team from the Department of Special Investigations (DSI) in Bangkok arrived in Phuket on Wednesday (February 13) to gather information about Russian-operated businesses suspected of operating illegally in Bang Tao. The DSI team was led by Pol Lt Col Somboon Sarasit, the commander of the Bureau of Special Crime Section 3, who was joined by Ma-an Samran, President of Cherngtalay OrBorTor, and Kasem Samran, a representative from the Bang Tao Taxi Association. The DSI officials spent time visiting the area where the “anti-Russian” protest happened on January 28. During the protest, which was conducted by Thai businessmen who also admitted they didn’t like the competition, many Russian-run businesses were accused of operating illegally. On Wednesday, the plan was to visit the businesses accused of operating illegally and to speak to the staff inside, but when officials arrived
DSI leader Pol Lt Col Somboon Sarasit, right, and Ma-an Samran, President of Cherngtalay OrBorTor, centre, outside a Russian-operated business in Bang Tao on Wednesday. all the businesses were closed. “We chose to start in this area because this is the place that has a lot of issues with Russian businesses,” Col Somboon said. Officials spent time listening to Mr Ma-an and hearing
Mr Kasem’s concerns. They will now contact the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (PPEO) and the Business Development Office (BDO) to collect information about the Russian businesses suspected of operating illegally
Aussie tourist found dead A 32-YEAR-OLD AUSTRALian man was found dead by the side of the road early on Monday morning (February 11) following what police believe was a motorbike crash. Pol Lt Col Chana Suthidet of Karon police said the body of Simon Ashley, a tourist from Australia, was found dead by his motorbike on Patak Rd, near Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort . Police believe he was driving his motorbike, lost control, and fell – hitting his head and breaking his neck. Deaths of Australians in Thailand, particularly Phuket,
have become a talking point in Australia. Australia’s Herald Sun reported that Thailand is the deadliest destination for Aussies. The 100 Australians who died there last year accounted for one in eight of all the country’s 791 deaths on foreign soil – and around two thirds of the deaths were in Phuket. “Most died from natural causes, such as illness and age but, sadly, many – the result of accident or misadventure – were avoidable,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Simon Merrifield said. On average, an Australian
dies in Thailand every four days, and hundreds more require consular help. Almost a third of the 875 incidents reported to consular officials in Thailand in 2011 happened in Phuket. “At any single time, the Bangkok embassy can be managing 200 active consular cases – including providing assistance to the families of the more than 100 Australians who sadly pass away in Thailand each year,” Mr Merrifield said. “Phuket … can account for as much as 60 per cent of the consular caseload during peak tourism season.”
in Bang Tao. They will collect information relating to work permits for Russian staff, business licences and Thai shareholders, and return to Bangkok where they will analyse the information. If the businesses
are found to be operating illegally, the DSI has the power to close them and/or prosecute the owners. “Foreign businesses must be approved by the BDO. If they are not, they will be fined up to B1 million, and the owners could face three years in prison,” Col Somboon said. Mr Kasem said many tourists were using the Russian businesses for everything related to their stay in Phuket. “They have complete tourism companies, which include all the elements of tourism such as restaurants, transport, and tickets. Customers do not have to use any other Thai companies for services. The way Pattaya is now, with many Russian businesses – Phuket is going to end up like that,” he said. “We must nip this kind of business in the bud before it is too late for us,” Mr Ma-an said. But Russian-operated businesses are not the only ones that will be checked. Following the protest last month, Phuket and Bangkok officials are now creating
a plan to check all foreignoperated businesses on the island and will launch the crackdown soon. PPEO chief Yaowapa Pibulpol told The Phuket News that a team of officials, including Phuket Governor Maitree Intusut, Phuket’s vice governors, police, employment and labour office officials, started making plans this week to inspect the businesses. They would be checking foreigners’ work permits and details of any Thai shareholders. “We will start to plan and organise teams to inspect all three districts – Muang, Thalang and Kathu,” she said. Ms Yaowapa said the officials would visit businesses only in groups – and warned that anyone who arrived alone claiming to be from any of the departments involved in the checks might be an imposter. “We encourage people to take photos of these people and inform the police immediately by calling 191, because they might be cheating people.”
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Phuket resident ‘lucky to be alive’ after bag snatch Claire Connell & Tanyaluk Sakoot editor@thephuketnews.com
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h e n lo ng- t i m e Phuket resident Mari Okawa was robbed on Sunday evening (February 10), the first thing she thought was how lucky she was to be alive. Ms Okawa, originally from Japan, was standing on Thalang Rd in Phuket Town saying goodbye to a friend after a night out, when a motorbike rider drove past and swiped her handbag from off her shoulder. Inside the bag was her iPhone, car and house keys, wallet containing B1,000, ATM cards, driving licence, med ici ne a nd ma ke -up. Thankfully, her passport was at home. But despite the inconve-
Long time resident Mari Okawa was robbed on Sunday. nience of losing her belongings, Ms Okawa is counting her lucky stars she was unhurt, unlike Australian travel agent Michelle Smith who was stabbed to death last year in a botched bag snatch in Kata Noi. “This [stabbing] happened just near my place,”
Ms Okawa said. “This shook the community in Kata and Karon – we were all extremely shocked and we still are. “The first thing I thought about when [the snatching on Sunday] happened to me was it was only materials. I’m not hurt, and I’m not injured. Losing your life for something
like this is unthinkable. “I’m being positive about this. Of course if I can get my belongings back it would be delightful, but this is a lesson for me. I will be much more careful than before.” Ms Okawa hopes speaking out about the robbery will help others, and perhaps prevent other bag snatchings taking place if people are more cautious about their behaviour and belongings. She had never been the victim of any crime during her 18 years on the island – something which she believes has perhaps triggered a complacency about living here. Ms Okawa praised the police for their fast work – they arrived quickly after the crime happened and she has remained in contact with them as they continue to investigate.
Police are also advising people to be careful with their belongings following other bag-snatchings and robberies in Phuket Town. At least eight robberies have been reported in Phuket Town this year. Phuket Town Police superintendent Pol Col Siempan Sirikong and investigator Pol Col Sien Keawthong both agreed there had been no more robbery crimes than usual this year. They did not believe a gang was involved, and said all were individual cases. “I want to advise people, please, don’t hang your bag from your shoulder or in a way that would attract attention,” Col Sien said. Bags hanging over shoulders were easy targets, as were bags placed in motorbike baskets, he said.
Rubber ducks in training for big race THE PHUKET COMMUNIty Foundation is holding its 4th annual charity Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race at Laguna’s Latitude marquee on March 3, from noon till 6:30 pm. The day will have many activities for the whole family, including stand up paddle board races, mini golf putting, BIS face painting, nail painting, bouncy castle, races for the little ones and many more activities. There will be a variety of food and drink outlets as well as a Rubber Duckie Cocktail Competition. The winner of the Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race Quiz will be announced at the event and his/her 10 ducks will race with the “Quackers”.
The Quiz is currently running every week in the Time Out page of The Phuket News. Points will be accumulated over the four weeks leading up to the event to determine who gets the free racing ducks. A new addition to the event this year will be a Youth Talent Competition, organised by Legend Music and Siobhan’s Music Studios. The winner will receive B5,000 and a recording session by Legend Music Studio. There will be second and third prizes for the runners-up. Entertainment will also be provided by the winners of last year’s Battle of the Youth Bands, Legends of Siam, who are rapidly becoming legendary around Phuket.
Ready, set, go! The annual duck race will be held on March 3. The highlight of the day will be the Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race, when about 2,000 bright yellow rubber ducks will be released into the Dusit Canal. After the prize giving, cocktails and mocktails can be enjoyed while budding
entertainers can take home a karaoke video of their own performance. Proceeds from the event will go towards the Phuket Community Foundation’s many projects and small grant programme to improve the quality of life for everyone on Phuket.
The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event. Major projects include: Road Safety – Motorcycle Back Light Replacement. One in four motorbikes are without a working rear light. In this continuing campaign, the PCF replaces back light bulbs for free and educates people about checking their rear lights. Small Grants: Most grants are to local community initiatives to provide work and incomes for village people. For more information visit phuketcharity.org. To buy a duck on the Great Phuket Rubber Duck Race visit any of the outlets listed on the home page, or to buy on line go to tinyurl.com/duckrace2013
Island's beach clubs join forces to co-promote BEACH CLUB OPERATORS around the island have come together to form the Phuket Beach Club Society (PBCS). PBCS a i m s t o b o ost Phuket’s appeal among its visitors and the local community alike by creating and promoting a range of beachside experiences and
making a united effort to ensure Phuket’s beaches remain safe, clean and beautiful. The founding members of PBCS are Xana Beach Club and Bliss Beach Club on Bangtao Beach, Catch Beach Club, Diamond Beachclub and Zazada on Surin Beach, and Re Ka Ta Beach Club on
Kata Beach. While each Phuket beach club has its own unique services and attractions, “quality” will be the core guiding force of all PBCS activities. The guiding principles of the Phuket Beach Club Society are:
Providing unique seaside dining and entertainment Providing safe beachside experiences Practicing ethical environment management Fostering community living PBCS me mb e r s w i l l practice responsible en-
vironmental management through water preservation, wastewater treatment and professional removal, garbage separation, professional garbage collection and disposal, energy-saving practices and conservation. For more information visit phuketbeachclubsociety.com
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THE MOST DANGEROUS JOB? Phuket murder illuminates violence done to hotel management staff Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com
D
ozens of people have been questioned, but so far the investigation into the murder of Jintana Mahattanapak, director of Human Resources at the Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, has not been able to answer the who or why of the killing. Police have already interviewed colleagues from the Hilton and Anantara, the hotel where Mrs Jintana previously worked, and are waiting to see whether CCTV footage can be enhanced enough to give clues as to the identity of the gunman. However, they seem fairly sure that the professional hit on the much-loved 43-year-old wife and mother of two children was related to her work. The mu rder not only shocked the hospitality communities; it also shone light on one of the darker corners of the hotel industry: violence against managers. Some who have experienced this firsthand have learned to keep their heads down. Others have quit hotels in fear. One reader of The Phuket News, asking not to be named, said, “I am from Phuket and I’ve live here long enough to hear about violence in the hotel industry.” She cited four previous cases she knew of: The head of housekeeping in one hotel found a employee asleep in one of the guest rooms. She issued a warning. Later, she was attacked by an assailant who gave her a severe beating with a piece of wood. The case was never reported to the police. The HR manager of a well-known Krabi hotel was on her way home on the hotel’s boat when she was beaten to death with a piece of wood. All the managers and staff were sworn to silence, with the result that police could not investigate the murder. The case dropped out of sight. The housekeeping manager of another hotel issued a warning to an errant subordinate, who was so furious that he arrived at work the next day with a gun. He fired at the manager, but missed, hitting and killing the manager’s assistant. The terrified manager resigned. At one of Phuket’s top resorts, a dispute between the head gardener and one of his subordinates ended with the subordinate shooting and killing the head gardener. Sanit Chuchot, 51, has worked at the Banyan Tree
Phuket HR Association chairman Nares Srinark (left) and psychologist Dr Napath Petwerachuwong agree that kindness and caring go a long way in helping management and staff avoid problems of violence in the workplace. Resort for 19 years. He knew Mrs Jintana, whom he describes as “a nice person”. He stresses that Human Resources (HR) is not just about discipline. He explained, “We have to comply with the Labour Laws. If employees act incorrectly there are standard ways of handling this.” “But I have to take care of employees with kindness and understanding, not just by using my authority. “For example, if employees come to me about family problems, I am very pleased to advise and encourage them.” The Chairman of the Human Resources Association of Phuket, Nares Srinark, has worked in the field for more than 30 years. The 61-year-old
is now an HR consultant with the five-star Trisara resort. He believes Mrs Jintana’s death was not work-related because, he says, HR is a normal hotel function. “Our job is taking care of people so that they all work together well, and solving problems that arise between different departments. “When someone is fired from a hotel, they usually get a job at another hotel. They may even get a better job. “Some hotels do not have psychological tests [for job candidates], but we have other ways to determine [candidates’] characters. “Warning and firing employees is not the main function of HR [unless it is for a criminal
act]. Kindness and caring is. We have to ensure everyone works together in harmony.” Dr Napath Petwerachuwong, consultant psychologist at Phuket International Hospital told The Phuket News about the importance of psychological testing. “Mrs Jintana’s murder and
the others you mention might have been carried out by psychologically dangerous people. Or they might not.” He offered advice to employers to avoid employee problems. “If an HR officer senses the possibility of violence by an employee they should ap-
proach the problem correctly and smoothly. “First, the HR officer has to understand about the person in question, to find out about their life, their upbringing and their family environment. This knowledge will suggest ways to tackle problems. “It will also help the HR officer to read the employee’s attitude and understand whether they have temporary or longterm problems. “Second, if the employee has to be warned, it has to be done many times. “Third, do not punish or blame the employee in a way that makes it seem that this is a personal matter. “Fourth, do not do this alone. Hold a meeting [with the department]. If the employee has done something wrong, the warning should be delivered at the meeting as a joint matter. “Money is important. If an employee is fired, he or she may not have enough money for their children, for their home, to pay off debts and so on. He or she may feel trapped and may unthinkingly do violence. “Finally, my suggestion is that HR managers should be kind and thoughtful.”
THE RESTAURANT WHERE YOUR INDULGENCE WILL BE COMPLETED
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THAILAND NEWS
IN BRIEF Bangkok schoolgirls bullied by ladyboy pimps Bangkok police broke up a prostitution ring that advertised on a website on February 8. An undercover investigation of a 14-yearold prostitute led to the arrests of ladyboy pimps. The girls told police they would be beaten at school by the ladyboys if they did not show up for work as prostitutes.
British businessman drives into a McDonald’s A 60-year-old British owner of a real estate magazine in Pattaya was apparently drunk when his car rammed into the side of a McDonald’s restaurant on Sukhumvit Road on February 9. His vehicle also hit another car waiting for a takeout order.
Motorbike driver punched in road rage incident A middle-age man driving a luxury car with his girlfriend in Pattaya was scraped by the motorbike of a man driving his sister to the temple on Chinese New Year’s day. The incensed driver refused to negotiate, and said he would settle for punching the biker in the face, which he did repeatedly before driving away.
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Police want conscripts to boost force’s ranks T
he Royal Thai Police Office will propose amending the police law to allow for police conscription as part of national service, a senior officer in the force says. Deputy national police Pol Gen Watcharapol Prasanratchakij said an amendment to the Police Act is being prepared to provide for the annual drafting of 10,000 police conscripts. National police chief Adul Saengsingkaew has given the green light to the proposal. Budget details are being worked out, he said. Pol Gen Watcharapol said police conscription is being touted as a measure to address the force’s staff shortage. However, conscripts will be deployed in tasks involving public service rather than law enforcement. Even though the government has approved a five-year plan for the police force to recruit 5,000 officers, the force remains understaffed, he said. A strategic plan for developing the police, formulated a decade ago, envisages a
A Royal Thai Police officer. Photo: Vladimir V. Samoilov 300,000-strong force. But it is still short by 90,000 men. Pol Gen Watcharapol said the Border Patrol Police Division is becoming an ageing unit, with the average age of its personnel at 45. The unit will be less productive without a lot of new recruits. “We are also losing staff due to retirement. There aren’t enough replacements,” Pol Gen Watcharapol told a
seminar of immigration police attended by 100 officers Tuesday. He said creating the police conscription will not be too much trouble. Thai men are already required to report for annual military conscription. “We are asking for 10,000 men [among those who report for the military draft]. They will get paid B9,000 a month,” he said.
He explained the mandatory recruitment would help save national budget. Under the current system of hiring people with higher education degrees, the salary on offer is higher than B9,000 a month. Police conscription is being discussed with the Defence Ministry and the Interior Ministry. Pol Gen Watcharaphol said he does not believe the military will object to the police taking some of the conscripts for its work. “I think the armed forces will understand our needs. There are more than 100,000 men reporting for the draft [each year],” he said. Pol Gen Watcharapol said police conscripts will undergo military-style training like other conscripts. “They will be deployed at borders or at key government establishments to provide protection, or used in crowd control operations,” he said. According to the deputy national police chief, more police will be needed in the next few years when the Asean
Economic Community (AEC) is launched in 2015. By that time troops will be required to be withdrawn from the border and replaced by police. Currently, about 500 border patrol police have been deployed in the area surrounding the Preah Vihear temple, which has been the subject of a border dispute with Cambodia, he said. Deployment of more border patrol police at the border will also ease the burden of immigration police, whose responsibilities will increase when the AEC comes into force. The draft amendment to allow police conscription is expected to be ready soon for review by the prime minister and parliamentary scrutiny, Pol Gen Watcharapol added. Pol Lt Gen Phanu Kerdlarppol, chief of the Immigration Police Bureau, said he has 4,000 staff and needs more. He said the bureau plans to revamp all immigration checkpoints across the country in terms of manpower and equipment to prepare for the AEC. Bangkok Post
Thai artists win Japanese snow sculpture contest
Nude shoots may violate law A website offering amateur photographers the chance to shoot nude models masturbating may be violating obscenity laws, a police commander said on February 12. The website owners said they want to attract photographers interested in the art aspect of nude photography. Pattaya Daily News
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
KINGS OF THE SNOW From left to right, Mr Sugree Sithivanich, Executive Director, Advertising and Public Relations Department, the sculptor team from Thailand, and Mr Kitsana Kaewtumrong, Director, International Advertising Publicity Division.
THE TITLE OF GRAND Champion has again been bestowed on Thailand’s master ice craftsmen as they produced the winning entry in the 40th International Snow Sculpture competition at the 64th Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan, held February 5-11. There were 11 international teams participating. The Tourism Authority of Thailand sponsored the nation’s ice sculpting team,
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which entered the snow statue The Artist from the Wild, which represented the figures of four elephants painting. The sculptor team included Kusol Bunkobsongserm, Kritsana Wongtes and Amnoaysak Srisuk. Thailand has won the Grand Champion title a total of four times: in 2000, and 2008-2010. This is the first time that a country has won for three consecutive years.
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www.tile-asia.com info@tile-asia.com | Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 | Tel 076 620 168 | Fax 076 620 169
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Cash crunch threatens war crimes court CA M BODI A’S K H MER Rouge war crimes court has been dogged by controversy since its creation but now the UN-backed tribunal faces a potential threat to its very existence – it has run out of money. The court’s 2013 budget still has not been approved by international donors, who have appealed in vain for Cambodia to provide extra funding before they inject more money themselves. While the contracts of the tribunal’s international staff have been extended until June, about 270 Cambodian employees – including drivers, prosecutors and judges – have received no pay since November. The court urgently needs US$9.5 million (B283 million) for 2013. Cambodia’s neighbours have shown no sign of reaching into their pockets and Prime Minister Hun Sen has not asked them to do so. Government spokesman Ek Tha said it “has no budget” available to pay the court staff and has “contributed its maximum effort”, doling out US$1.8 million (B53 million) for 2013, more than three times the figure for 2006. AFP
ASIA NEWS
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Break-out time for SlumGods T he youngsters from India’s best-known slum spin, twist and flip their bodies to the hip hop beat – but don’t call them breakdancers. And definitely not slumdogs. These are the SlumGods, who want to show there is more to life in a Mumbai shantytown than poverty, squalor and trying to escape – even if the hit film Slumdog Millionaire suggested otherwise. “When we heard the name we didn’t like it. Why slumdogs?” asked 20-year-old Akash Dhangar, known as B-boy Akku, who co-founded the crew of “breakers”, graffiti artists, DJs and rappers. “I felt very bad about it because after the movie, people started thinking this was just a dirty, unhygienic slum area,” he said of his neighbourhood Dharavi, a sprawling backdrop to the Oscar-winning movie. When the film came out in India in 2009, Akku was newly hooked on b-boying or breaking, the hip hop street dance that was born in the ghettos of the Bronx in the 1970s and has since spread across the globe – better known to laymen as breakdancing. Akku’s mentor was B-boy HeRa, now 30 and living in New Delhi, who honed his moves growing up in New
Indian dancers from the SlumGods, a group of breaking or ‘b-boying’ dancers, take part in a practice session at the Sion fort in Mumbai in November. Photo: Punit Paranjpe/AFP York’s Queens before his Indian family moved back to the subcontinent in the early 2000s. Visiting Dharavi with a friend, HeRa found a spiritual home for b-boying – “it kind of clicked”, he said, and he found the youngsters there were eager to learn. “It’s a community thing that people learn off each other. You’ve been given something and you pass it on,” he said. That philosophy led him and Akku to set up SlumGods, which now has 40 to 50 core members across the cities of Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore.
The crew works handin-hand with Tiny Drops, a non-profit group founded by HeRa in Dharavi and his Delhi neighbourhood, offering “a space for kids in the hood” to explore hip hop dance and culture. They have inspired hundreds of urban Indian youngsters to try their hands at graffiti, rapping or especially b-boying, a cheap and funky combination of exercise and self-expression. “Dancing is in us. It’s part of our culture,” HeRa said, although it seems breaking has struck a particular chord
with the children of Dharavi. “Indian middle-class kids are fat and in malls. These kids are lean and mean and don't have inhibitions.” Their love of the culture can be seen atop the crumbling Sion Fort, a 17th-century, British-built structure that has become – as a graffitied sign indicates – a very different kind of “Battlefort Mumbai”. Offering more space than the nearby cramped confines of Dharavi, the fort ruins have hosted dance-off contests and regular practices for b-boys and the odd b-girl, who show off their routines to tinny music
from a mobile phone. As Akku leads the dancing crew, young children who crowd around to watch are shooed away by fort guards with sticks. “It’s a cool space but it’s informal. We want to ask the city of Mumbai if they can give it to the kids, to give them ownership,” said HeRa. The options are otherwise limited. Tall and gangly Bboy Sin, as Pankaj Shivpur is known, almost fills the small room in Dharavi that he shares with several relatives as he backflips to Bollywood tunes on the television. The tiny passageway outside, where a goat, cats and children mingle beneath clothes hanging on tangled cables, offers little alternative space for the 18-year-old college student. He snatches a practice whenever he is home alone, but he goes to the fort several times a week. “It’s spacious and my friends practise here too,” he said. As their quest for open spaces continues, HeRa hopes Tiny Drops will grow to become a self-sustaining business; he remains suspicious of the idea of outside help and wants the communities to support themselves. AFP
10 WORLD NEWS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
From bank teller to Carnival king T
he undisputed heavyweight champion of the Rio Carnival for the past five years, Milton Rodrigues da Silva wants to keep his crown until 2016, when the city hosts the Olympics. Da Silva – better known as “King Momo” – weighs in at 150 kilos and plans to use every ounce of his talent to remain the symbol of Carnival’s excess through the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Games. Last Friday he received the keys to the Brazilian beach city from Mayor Eduardo Paes, at the official launch of the annual five-day celebration of samba, drink, dance and skimpy, figure-hugging costumes. And when the party descended on the official Sambodrome on Sunday and Monday nights, he presided over the mayhem like a medieval Lord of Misrule. Without his colourful costume, jewels, sash and white-lacquered shoes, Da Silva looks no different from the thousands of Cariocas, or Rio residents, who throng suburban trains daily. On the ride from the Madureira suburb where he lives, he gingerly picked his way
King Momo, centre, holds the key of Rio de Janeiro after receiving it from Rio’s Mayor Eduardo Paes (out of frame) and therefore officially opening the city’s world famous carnival on February 8. Photo: Christophe Simon/AFP through the crowd. which produce the floats and picked for the fifth time in a Da Silva is certainly on the “Sometimes people have dance numbers that grace the row, pocketing a US$9,800 heavy end of the scale despite (B292,000) prize. doubts but generally they rec- Sambodrome. the rigours of his gruelling ognise me as we get closer to “As a child, I did not like “So far no one has defeated party schedule. As King of Carnival he Carnival, because I get more Carnival. Samba, well, a me,” he crowed. “Being King exposure in the press and on little, but when I discovered means being at ease express- must hold forth at private television,” the former bank this world, I fell in love with ing oneself, having a Carnival events, street parties and more teller said. it,” he added. spirit and samba dancing importantly at the sumptuous He got caught up in the But his rise to the top skills. Unlike before, being night parades he will open at spirit of Carnival in 1995 was an uphill struggle. He heavy is not a must.” the Sambodrome, the Samba when he began working with first competed for the title Despite his claim that girth parade ground designed by the the Portela Samba School, one in 2003 but won only five is no longer a prerequisite for late Oscar Niemeyer. of the many Rio associations years later. Last year, he was his master of ceremonies job, The climax of the Carnival
will feature Brazil’s top 12 samba schools competing on floats packed with dancers wearing huge headgear, feathers, sequins, body paint and little else. “I just love Carnival. To be on the avenue opening this festival, bringing this joy, give me goosebumps,” he said with emotion. But he added, chuckling: “I am so tired that in the train I don’t read nor do I listen to music, I just sleep on my feet.” When invited to an event after work, he carries his costume and crown in a suitcase. And when he arrives back home in Madureira, he is greeted with a kiss and a hug by his four-year-old daughter Sophia. In addition to his wife and Sophia, King Momo lives with his parents who run a little store selling beer and ice cream. In his pink-walled living room filled with Sophia’s toys, he showed off his latest crown and sceptre. “I have a whole collection,” he said with pride. As to his plans when his Carnival reign ends, the king said his dream is to be a contestant in the Big Brother Brazil reality show. AFP
Couple on trial over death of children
A BRITISH COUPLE ACcused of killing their six children in a house fire started the blaze themselves as part of a “plan that went horribly wrong”, a court heard on Tuesday. Prosecutors claim that Mick Philpott, 56, and his 31-year-old wife Mairead set fire to their house in Derby, central England, last May in a bid to frame his ex-girlfriend and claim custody of the four children they had together. The Philpotts, along with a third defendant Paul Mosley, 46, each deny six counts of manslaughter at Nottingham Crown Court.
As their trial opened, Philpott sobbed and tried to leave the dock as the jury listened to the frantic telephone call the couple made to emergency services when the fire took hold in the early hours of May 11, 2012. The jury heard that neighbours tried to rescue the children, aged five to 13, but were overwhelmed by the smoke and flames. When police carried the children’s bodies from the house, their father had to be restrained. “It must have been quite clear the plan had gone horribly wrong,” prosecutor Rich-
ard Latham told the court. Philpott was overheard at the hospital saying: “It wasn’t meant to end like this.” Police later made secret recordings of conversations between the couple. In one extract, Philpott told his wife: “Make sure you stick to your story.” The jury heard that the fire broke out early on the morning Philpott was due to attend court with his ex-mistress, Lisa Willis, to discuss where their children should live. He had made numerous reports to the police that Willis had threatened him and his family, Latham said. AFP
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
THA urges crackdown on hotel licensing THE THAI HOTEL ASSOciation (THA) says Thailand’s hotel business in 2012 gained valuable points in occupancy and room rate, but the overall industry performance was stymied by the continuing existence of illegal hotels. Speaking at a press conference of the 12th ATTA/THA Annual General Meeting last week, THA president Surapong Techaruvichit said occupancy in 2012 improved 6.49 per cent to 64.91 per cent, compared to 58.42 per cent in 2011 across the country. “Hotels in the southwest (Samui to the Andaman coast) gained the highest occupancy rate at 76.07 per cent, while hotel bookings along the eastern seaboard declined 3.51 per cent due to an imbalance of room capacity that exceeded tourism demand.” The THA president added that in terms of occupancy, Bangkok hotels improved by 9 per cent to 70 per cent from 64 per cent in 2011, while average daily rate improved 3 per cent to US$93 from US$90. Occupancy in hotels in Phuket grew 3 per cent to 72 per cent up from 70 per cent, while the ADR improved 5 per cent to US$120 from US$114 in the region. But to raise room revenue to a profitable level, the THA president said it was essential that government initiate a crackdown on illegal hotels. “A licensing crackdown and the introduction of tighter hotel regulations are under consideration by Ministry of Interior and should go to the Cabinet soon for approval,” the association president said. The THA has been campaigning for a change in regulations to allow more hotels to be legally recognised and for the government to crack down on property owners who continue to ignore legal requirements. It argues that illegal hotel operations avoid taxes and other fees and this gives them an unfair advantage over hotels that comply with the law. TTR Weekly
BUSINESS NEWS 11
Bright outlook predicted for Thai hotel investment L
ast year was a strong year for hotel investment in Phuket and elsewhere in Thailand, the Hotels & Hospitality Group of Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) states in a report just released. JLL also predicts that investment in hotels will continue to be buoyant this year. Mike Batchelor, managing director of Investment Sales Asia, at JLL’s Hotel and Hospitality Group, commented, “2012 was an exceedingly strong year for hotel investment in Thailand’s key hotels markets, including Phuket and Bangkok. Phuket, in particular, saw four major hotel transactions of more than B1 billion each.” These were the Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach, the Evason Phuket Resort & Bon Island, and Laguna Beach
Resort – with combined value of more than B8 billion – and the sale of Bundarika Villas & Suites on Layan Beach for around B1.1 billion including redevelopment costs. Mr Batchelor said, “Robust investment activity has been driven by strong investor interest in Thai hotels due to reasonable selling prices that allow for attractive investment yields ranging between 7 and and 9 per cent. “In addition, investors anticipate greater income potential and capital gain. While Thailand’s hotel sector across all key markets reported strong performance in 2012, the momentum is likely to continue as the country’s tourism market has recovered from the Global Financial Crisis and unstable political situation,” he added. The section of the report
One of four major hotel sales last year, the Laguna Beach Resort will be relaunched as an Outrigger later this year. dealing with Phuket notes that last year, the island’s hotel market enjoyed an average daily rate (ADR) of B3,902 and an average occupancy rate of 72.4 per cent, propelling the revenue per available room
(RevPAR) to B2,824, a 10.1 per cent increase from 2011. “Despite the significant growth in hotel supply, with 2,756 additional rooms anticipated by 2015, the increase in visitor arrivals has provided
demand and the outlook remains positive. “Given current growth and an increase in the number of affluent Asian travellers with greater spending power, Phuket is poised to retain its position as one of Asia’s most popular tourist and investment destinations,” the report predicts “We expect 2013 to be another strong year for hotel investment in Thailand, based on several major deals that are now under negotiation in the country’s major hotel markets of Phuket, Bangkok, Pattaya, Samui and Chiang Mai,” said Mr Batchelor. He added, “The anticipated formalisation of the new real estate investment trusts (REITs) legislation in Thailand in 2013 is expected to provide another source of investor interest across Thailand.”
Get it together, minister tells tourism bodies DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER and Finance Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong has urged private tourism associations to work together to present an accurate, factual plan to the government for the development and support of tourism. The Minister was speaking at the 12th ATTA/THA Annual General Meeting late last week. “You need to pressure the government for support and budget approval for tourism, but it must be a joint effort,” he told members of the country’s
top tourism associations. “You have to tighten cooperation at association level so you can discuss together what you need and then present an accurate plan to the government,” he explained. “The private sector should brainstorm ideas, identify what it wants and seriously urge the government to support it, with an investment budget based on facts.” To reach the government’s tourism revenue target of B2 trillion by 2015, Mr Kittirat said the country needed more
new destinations to reduce overcrowding at popular destinations. “Tourists pack into Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Samui, Hua Hin and Chiang Mai. Therefore we need to find new destinations, tourism products and programmes.” The country’s tourism industry is woefully short on human resources, language skills and security measures, which would all need to be improved to meet the increase in tourism, the deputy PM warned. TTR Weekly
MORE MAKRO Makro opened its second store in Phuket, on Nanai Rd, Patong, on February 7. Pictured, from left, are Jean Michel De Geyer, Chief Commercial Officer; Louis Lin, Chief Executive Officer – Food Service Business; Saksit Panurach, Associate Director of Sales & Operations – Food Services; Suchada Itijarukul, Chief Executive Officer; Alisa Wongsawat, Patong Branch General Manager; and Tom Hammer, Chief Operation Officer .
Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na Ranong: ‘You need to pressure the government but it must be a joint effort.’
12 BUSINESS NEWS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Japanese carmakers expand production H
Uthai Uthaisangsuk says Sansiri is confident The Base Height Phuket will be popular with people of working age.
Sansiri launches ‘The Base Height Phuket’ condo SANSIRI TODAY (FEBRUary 15) launches sales for its latest condominium project, The Base Height Phuket, on Hongsyok Uthit Rd in Sam Kong. At a presentation last Friday (February 8), the company explained that the B900 million project will consist of a single 14-floor building with 358 units, on a two-and-ahalf-rai plot. Three condo designs are available: one-bedroom 29-to34-square-metre studios; twobedroom duplexes from 52.5 to 53.5 square metres; and two bedroom, 56-57.5-squaremetre apartments. Uthai Uthaisangsuk, senior executive vice president for condominium business and
project development, said, “Sansiri is confident [The Base Height Phuket] will be popular with people of working age. “This project will have a ‘Modern-Sino’ style, with a roomy lobby with a 6.5-metre ceiling. There will be a swimming pool, a gym and a sala among the common facilities.” Buyer registration will run from today until Sunday at Sansiri Louge at Central Festival Phuket. Prices start at B1.9 million. On the first day, those who pay a deposit to book a condo will receive an iPad mini and a 32-inch LED TV. For more information visit sansiri.com or phone the call centre at 1685.
onda and Mitsubishi have announced plans for big expansions of carmaking capacity in Thailand. Honda, the world’s thirdlargest carmaker, is to spend about US$644 million (B19.2 billion) on building a new car plant in Thailand and expanding an existing factory as part of its bid to boost production in the country. Japan’s third largest automaker said that its Thai subsidiary would build the new factory in Prachinburi province, about 120 kilometres (74 miles) east of Bangkok, at a cost of B17.15 billion. With production capacity of 120,000 vehicles annually, the plant is scheduled to begin operations in 2015 with initial plans to hire some 1,200 employees, Honda said. The automaker said it would mainly produce small and sub-compact-sized vehicles at the Prachinburi plant in response to growing global demand. Honda separately said its Thai unit had finished expanding production at its Ayutthaya plant from 240,000 vehicles a year to 280,000. It now planned to boost that figure to 300,000 units in 2014, at a cost of about B2.03 billion. That would bring the automaker’s combined annual output capacity in Thailand to 420,000 vehicles in 2015, including output from the
The Honda factory in Ayutthaya was badly hit by the central Thailand floods. The Prachinburi plant will face no such dangers. Photo: Pornchai Kittiwonsakul/AFP new plant. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) is ramping up production capacity of Mirage eco-cars this year to meet rising demand for eco-cars at home and abroad. Nobuyuki Murahashi, the company’s president, said Mitsubishi plans this year to increase the capacity of Mirage eco-cars at its third plant production in Laem Chabang to 200,000 units. It started commercial production early last year with an annual capacity of 150,000 units. Mitsubishi will spend around B1 billion in the capacity expansion. He said eco-cars or city cars are expected to remain
popular both locally and abroad. “Though the government’s first-time car buyer scheme has expired, eco-cars are still cheap and eco-friendly,” said Mr Murahashi. “Mitsubishi aims to sell an average of 10,000 units a month, with the Mirage expected to make up 45 per cent of sales.” Late last year Mitsubishi announced plans to spend B4-5 billion in 2013 to upgrade three car assembly plants, increasing output and preparing for new models. Some B3-4 billion will be used for maintenance of the first and second plants, also in Laem Chabang, and for equipment replacement
to prepare for new models. The first and second plants presently have a combined annual capacity of 310,000 vehicles. Once capacity is added at the third plant, the combined production of Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) will rise to 510,000 units by year-end. Mr Murahashi expects exports to make up 70 per cent of sales this year, as the industry normalises from last year’s 60 per cent. Domestic sales are estimated at 120,000 units this year, down from 129,460 units last year. In January this year, the company sold 13,000 units, a surge of about 80 per cent from the same month last year AFP/Bangkok Post
Chinese New Year sees hotels filled
AIS EXPANDS COVERAGE Mobile phone giant AIS opened its new shop at Central Festival on January 29. Paiboon Rinsahul, the company’s Direct Channel Management manager (centre) is pictured with Jason Beavan (second from left) and Suchada ‘Fon’ Dechprom (second from right) of The Phuket News.
HO T E L O C C U PA NC Y across the country during this year’s Chinese New Year celebrations has been impressive and led business operators to predict a healthy growth rate. Thai Hotel Association (THA) President Surapong Techaruvichit said that the latest survey among members of the association about bookings over the Chinese New Year holiday found that occupancy rates rose to as high as 90 per cent. Mr Surapong said that high occupancy rates were reported in major cities and popular tourist towns such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Phuket and Cha-Am. The THA predicts that the growth in room occupancy throughout 2013 will be no less than 10 per cent. NNT
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
PROPERTY NEWS 13
IN HIBERNATION Silence in Phuket ‘bad land’ probes Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com
This year’s awards acknowledge the growth of property business in the Khao Yai area, northeast of Bangkok.
Nominations open for 2013 Thailand Property Awards NOMINATIONS OFFICIAL ly opened on February 4 for the eighth annual Thailand Awards, and property firms from across the kingdom are already being put forward for consideration in 35 categories. Over 1,400 nominations were received for the 2012 Thailand Property Awards, and from those over 300 entries were submitted for assessment by the central judging panel and regional teams. Award categories this year include Best Developer (which last year went to Charn Issara Development), Best Boutique Developer (won last year by Kalara Developments), along with a wide range of awards for real estate services, architecture and interior design, as well as development awards in all of Thailand’s main provinces. There will also be a publisher’s choice award for Real Estate Personality of the Year. In 2012 this went to Tipaporn Chearavanont of Magnolia Quality Development Corp. The 2013 Thailand Property Awards also welcomes Sunchai Nuengsit as the new chairman of the Central Judging Panel. Mr Sunchai has more than 15 years’ experience in the supply of products and solutions for the interior construction and residential building sector. To enter the 2013 Thailand Property Awards companies and projects must be nominated by a third party. No nominations are sought for Best Condo Development Thailand or Best Villa Development Thailand, which are awarded based on winners in other categories, or for Best Agency Deal, which is awarded based on all Real Estate Service entries. Also, no nominations are sought for Real Estate Personality of the Year award – this award is decided by and presented by the publishers of Property Report South East Asia magazine. A new category has been
added this year: Best Residential Development Khao Yai, in recognition of that region’s fast growing real estate offerings. Nominations can be submitted free to the organisers online at: thailandpropertyawards.com The Thailand Property Awards Gala Dinner and awards presentation ceremony will be held at Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at CentralWorld on September 19. The Phuket News is a media partner for the awards. Categories in this year’s awards are: Developer: Best Developer Best Boutique Developer Development: Best Commercial Development Thailand Best Housing Development (Bangkok) Best Luxury Condo Development (Bangkok) Best Affordable Condo Development (Bangkok) Best Boutique Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard) Best Boutique Condo Development (Phuket) Best Villa Development (Phuket) Best Villa Development (Eastern Seaboard) Best Residential Development (Samui) Best Residential Development (Hua Hin) Best Residential Development (Chiang Mai) Best Residential Development (Khao Yai) Best Condo Development (Phuket) Best Condo Development (Eastern Seaboard) Best Shared Ownership Development Agency and management: Best Residential Agent (Bangkok) Best Residential Agent (Phuket) Best Residential Agent (Eastern Seaboard) Best Residential Agent (Hua Hin) Best Residential Agent (Samui) Best Independent Agent Best Commercial Agent Best Property Management Company (Bangkok) Best Property Management Company (Resort) Best Property Consultancy Best Overseas Property Agent Best Villa Rental Agent Best Agency Deal Architecture and design: Best Residential Architectural Design Best Villa Architectural Design Best Villa Interior Design Best Commercial Architectural Design Best Landscape Architectural Design Best Hotel Architectural Design Best Residential Interior Design Real Estate Personality of the Year
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hose – and there are many – who have been holding their breath while a variety of government agencies investigated land titles on Phuket can breathe normally for the time being, with the two main probes now apparently in hibernation. Although there is no guarantee that the probes will be dormant forever, the retirement of Damrong “the Demolisher” Pidech from his post as director of Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Conservation (DNP) and the transfer at the same time of Pol Col Dutsadee Arayawut, former Secretary-General of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) have been followed by a hollow silence. Mr Damrong retired at the end of September, while Col Dutsadee was appointed as one of the Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Justice, his brief being to concentrate on drug suppression. While Mr Damrong concentrated on alleged encroachment into the Sirinart Marine National Park, Col Dutsadee was looking at illegal land grabs by government officials themselves or cases in which officials took bribes to issue illegitimate land papers. Mr Damrong was replaced, after some three months, by Manopat Huamuangkaew, who immediately set about reshuffling senior staff. Mr Manopat stressed that the
‘Tired and discouraged’: Col Dutsadee Arayawut, former Sec-Gen of Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission. Sirinart investigation was not dead, but it currently shows no public signs of life. The new Secretary-General of the PACC, Pokpibul Potranun, also appears to be doing nothing – in public at least – to further Col Dutsadee’s probe. Col Dutsadee told The Phuket News on Monday (February 11) that he did not want to talk about the land story as it is “no longer my responsibility”. He also declined to comment on the direction of the PACC land probe now. However, in an earlier interview in Bangkok, he said that politics had had an effect on his work and had played a part in his transfer. “Many people have called
Phanason moves up LOCAL PHUKET DEVELopment firm Phanason has shifted into a higher property bracket with its latest offering on the east coast, reports Bill Barnett in his blog, thephuketinsider.com. Phanason Laem Hin Resort is located near to the popular Laem Hin Seafood restaurant and pier, north of Phuket Town. A key selling point of the
project are its ocean view units. With 142 units, prices start from B5.9 million. Development on nearby Koh Maphrao island, which is served by the Laem Hin pier, is held back by the lack of mains power, promised for years but yet to be delivered. Being on the mainland, Phanason Laem Hin Resort has no such problems.
to urge me to stay as the main person in [this job]. [But] I feel tired and discouraged. Everyone [who is] affected by politics gets scared and finally stops.” He said he believed the Phuket land probe was not the sole factor in his reassignment. “Phu Lanka, Phu Luang [land encroachment issues in Chaiyapoom province] were one of the catalysts,” he said. “They really attracted the attention of the press. “Basically, they intended to remove me [from the land investigations]. On September 1, the Minister of the Ministry [of Justice] talked to me about moving to a new job. I asked him why. He said he wanted me to help the police.”
Prompong Nopparit, Pheu Thai Party spokesman and a member of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), who last year made several high-visibility visits to Phuket related to “bad land”, stoutly denied that politics had anything to do with Col Dutsadee’s reassignment or the choice of Mr Damrong’s successor. “I can assure you that political influence was not involved in moving people or choosing replacements,” he told The Phuket News on Monday. “Different people have different ways of working. Mr Damrong and Col Dutsadee have very active approaches to their work, but their replacements may more fastidious when it comes to investigating the documentation. “In some investigations checking all the documentation takes a long time. In the case of the Freedom Beach land, for example, we [the NACC] spent four months checking the paperwork.” He added that both the PACC or DNP are ruled by the law; it is their responsibility to investigate and suppress land cheating, and no powerful person can stop them. “It does not matter how high their position or how powerful people are, if they break the law they must be suppressed,” he said. Phuket will now have to wait to see whether the various investigations will come back out of hibernation or will die quietly from being frozen out.
14 OPINION
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Gerry’s View
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CELEBRATING HISTORY
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It is only once a year that classical music lovers can enjoy an outdoor pre-concert snack and drinks before being held spell-bound by five Bangkok Symphony Orchestra string musicians and one flautist for a mere B500. Here I have captured the leader of this extraordinary collection of musicians, H.E. Admiral M.L. Usni Pakmoj studying his music sheets before the performance at Mom Tri’s Villa Royale in Kata Noi. As usual, seating was limited with many seats being taken by those who have attended for the past three years. – Gerry Cummings
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f there’s one thing that Phuket Town does well, it’s festivals. Last week’s Chinese New Year festival in Phuket Town culminated on the Sanam Chai football field with a wonderful assortment of celebrations on Sunday night. There were Chinese acrobats, Chinese musicians, Chinese dancing and a magnificent fireworks display. Considering the large numbers of Chinese residents or those with Chinese ancestry on the island, it was in the town’s best interest to put on a show that would make everyone and their ancestors happy. They succeeded. It was wonderfully well organised, and although it all ran a bit behind schedule, it delivered on what it promised. But then Paris Hilton wasn’t promised, nor was her Chinese equivalent. Tonight sees the start of another Phuket Town festival, the Phuket Old Town Festival, which will run until Sunday. There will be plenty of street acts, traditional perfor-
Comments, Facebook & Twitter Help the elderly [Re. Rich Norwegian leaves inheritance to Phuket people] I hope part of the B100 million can be used to build an old people’s home starting with 20 single rooms. The money could be used to partly cover the costs of running the place, with state subventions to pay for staff, food and so on. The place would be a model for the rest of Thailand. Phuket would thus be the first place to really take care of old people (those with money can already get different kinds of services when they get old). There could also be a foundation (with donations) to give all kinds of entertainment to the pensioners. Why not Wii to keep them fit? I hope the decision-makers will make it a reality. I think the Norwegian man would have been delighted by this idea! Margita
Just take it slow [Re. Phuket: Accident or carelessness?] The reason for such injuries is that vertical accelerations and shock exceeded safe limits. This happens due to a) unsafe speed related to sea state; b) people being seated at the bow where accelerations are double compared to the middle or stern of the boat. Nothing to do with life jackets. AN
Down the drain [Re. Crackdown begins on illegal foreigners in Phuket] Instead of 12 illegal foreign workers, police should instead focus on checking angry mobs, which destroy the island’s tourism. As usual, Phuket chooses the worst, and instead of addressing the problem, they create more.
It will be unavoidable that despite the great good luck which comes from the quality of the place, Phuket will go down the drain along with the angry mobsters.
Supachai
Equal opportunities [Re. Plan to inspect foreign businesses in Phuket] Thais can go to my homeland and buy land, wholly own a company and do basically anything that a regular citizen can do. I don’t mind them being treated nicely in my homeland, of course. It would only be fair if I were to be given the same opportunities here. Dave Williams I am writing to my local member of parliament to see if they can do the same to Thai companies in Australia, and to introduce a bill to treat Thai companies in
Australia the same as Thais treat foreign-owned companies in Thailand. Seems fair to me.
Laurie Howells
Wheels on the bus [Re. Russian hit by Phuket truck wheel] Too many wheels falling off too many trucks lately. Not good at all. Get well soon, Mr Babenko. The Observer
Looking for sugar mum [Re. Phuket: Learning oldschool lessons could end in a cold old age] I wish I understood this stuff. Looks like I will be another broke expat trying to survive on a basic pension. Any wealthy phu ying out there? Cazna
Have a question about Phuket you want answered? Email managingeditor@thephuketnews.com
mances and lots to see and do. There will of course also be plenty of food. Each of the four main streets of the Old Town will have specific themes; for example Thalang Rd will be about ‘stories of the past’. It’s sure to be well attended by locals and foreigners alike. Roads will be shut down to make walking streets this weekend, much as they do in the fantastic Chiang Mai Walking Street. This begs the question as to why the excellent Phuket Old Town is ony promoted during the Phuket Old Town Festival? Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese architecture is exquisite and unique to the country, so why not promote it more than just once a year? There is no saying that with the right private investment, government funding and assistance from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket Town couldn’t become a mini version of the fantastic Georgetown in Malaysia. Make sure you pop along this weekend to give your support.
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Ajarn Pranee asks if school uniforms are a bad thing
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Jamie Monk discovers the joy of Abdul’s roti
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Simon Ostheimer pays respects at Khao Lak’s tsunami memorials > 11
On December 26, 2004, the 20 metre long Thai Police Boat 813 sat at anchor about 1 nautical mile off the coast of Khao Lak, put in place to protect Her Royal Highness Ubonrat Rajakanya Siriwaddhana Phannawaddee, who was staying at a local resort with her family. The power of the tsunami was such that the vessel was swept almost two kilometres inland. Photo: Kiri Heald
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Appearance does matter POLITE PHUKET Ajarn Pranee editor@thephuketnews.com
I am quite surprised to now hear that our students need ‘liberty’ and we should respect their right to preserve their identity
Professor Pranee Sakulpipatana, or Ajarn Pranee as she is known, is the founder of the Thai Peranakan Association of Phuket an d an ac t ive an d prominent member of the Baba community.
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like to see Thai students in their uniform. My friend, who is a teacher from the US, always tells me how much she also likes to see it. She often tells me how much she wished American children wore them. I also know that most school children in Japan wear uniforms. I can remember my first experience in Japan back in 1978, I was shocked to see all the very young boys wearing very short shorts all year round – even on a very cold day in winter. But uniforms are good. Blue and white are popular colours among schools both in Japan and Thailand. I can remember how glad I was to wear a blue skirt with a white blouse to elementary school (Plukpanya school). I was even happier to wear my secondary school uniform with a sailor-like collar and short blue tie. I never saw wearing a school uniform as an infringement of my freedom. I am quite surprised to now hear that our students need ‘liberty’ and we should respect their personal right to preserve their identity. I have discussed this issue with Ajarn Sodsri Tansuthanyaluk, the former director of Phuket Wittayalai School. She looks after thousands of students each year and says that student uniforms help differentiate students from regular citizens. Uniforms make people pay more attention to students which can in a way make them safer in society. She added that uniforms can help keep unity in schools as everybody wears the same style of attire. If students are free to wear anything they like, then there will be lots of problems with young children competing with one another. Then they will start to need more money to buy their clothing. For the first time ever in Thailand, starting from the coming academic year in May, all students can
wear their hair in any way they choose, meaning they no longer have to wear short hair. In the first case, we have changed the look of our students by changing the rules of how they should wear their hair and later I am sure that the uniform will be the next to change. I do believe that the next step will be freedom to dress as you like. So, teachers are you ready to provide your students with the latest fashion magazines in the classroom? If you ask me about college and university students, I am sure that they are, by and large, proud of their uniform except that they want to change a little bit here and there to stand out from their friends. For example, male students will wear their ties loose to imitate the K-Pop style. They means that wearing it in a neat way is now only really for the elderly. However, I feel so breathless upon seeing young ladies’ shirts nowadays. Speaking of which, I feel that if they did breathe in a normal way, it would make their buttons burst away. I pray for it when I see these ladies wear the very tight shirts and I actually prefer to call it ‘the body suit’ as it is so small and clings to the body. I remember in my day, people had to use their imagination to figure out the shape of the ladies. This is no longer the case. This is why in the classroom, I always force myself to only look at students’ faces. I feel like crying to see these young ladies wear micro skirts to the classroom. It is painful to tell you that the only thing I can do is merely regard myself as an out of date elderly woman and not mention this hot issue. Sometimes I question as to whether I am a bad teacher to ignore it or whether I should be an ‘annoying’ teacher to them.
Bob Dylan on show in Milan
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little known side of famous US singer Bob Dylan has gone on show in Milan this week – a series of paintings of New Orleans that the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist produced between 2008 and 2011. The film noir-like ‘New Orleans’ series harks back to the city as it was in the 1940s and 1950s, with one painting showing a woman trying to break up a fight between two raincoat-clad hoodlums. Dylan began painting at the height of his music career in the 1960s but has only relatively recently returned to the visual arts, publishing three collections of drawings since 1994.
The 71-year-old star, (an artist’s impression of Dylan) whose works already hang in various European art galleries, came to inaugurate the exhibition himself earlier this week. “Each work is a fragment of a bigger story and each image is halfway between dream and memory,” said a spokesperson for Milan City Hall, which is organising the show. The 23 paintings will be on show until March 10. The exhibition, which is free entry, is hosted in Milan’s former city hall, the Palazzo Reale. AFP
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Foundations laid for migrant school D
EDUCATION 3
Should teachers be augmenting reality?
espite around 70 per cent of 16-24 year-olds owning smartphones, teachers, lecturers and professors are rarely utilising them in the classroom. While some argue that these ‘gadgets’ have no place in the learning environment, proponents argue that they should be used in such techniques as augmented reality (AR) to engage students. AR allows people to add digital content to printed material, geographic locations and objects. Then smartphones or tablets allow
Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
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he foundations for a new school in the impoverished Rassada fishing village, built by the Good Shepherd Foundation, was blessed by local Catholic priest Father Kittapas on January 30. Local children, many of whom will attend the school, were present during the ceremony to place coins within the foundations, and to make wishes about what they want to be when they grow up. Since the land was purchased in November 2012, the Good Shepherd Foundation has managed to source construction managers, engineers and architects who are all working on a voluntary basis. In addition, through donations made by Phuket-based charities, the Indigo Pearl Resort, and from overseas, more than B5.2 million has been raised to help build the school in the community. Much of it has been done
viewers to view the digital content. The digital information can include any supported digital information. South Staffordshire College in the UK has been one education facility to have embraced the technology and put it to use across their curriculum. The bricklaying department at the college produced their own videos and have improved the number of trainees cutting bricks right first time from around 40 per cent to 90 per cent.
Students line up to plant their coins, along with their wishes, in the foundations for the Good Shepherd Foundation School. by former London Stock Exchange employee Quintin Clover, who is in charge of fundraising and progression of the project. Mr Clover said, “This building will be a safe learning environment for 150 underprivileged Burmese immigrant children, who have been at significant risk of human trafficking and sexual abuse.” In March 2012, Clover and six friends organised a chari-
table stand up paddle around Phuket, from which they raised B1.8 million in funds. He has gone on to raise a further B3.4 million since. With donations still needed to ensure the school is built, the fundraising continues – updates on funds required and progress made can be viewed at: theschoolphuket.weebly.com If you would like to help in any way, contact quintin@ standupprojects.com
DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS Jazon Edouard, School Director of HeadStart International School, receiving the results of the school’s recent teachers and student drug tests from staff of Phuket Provincial Hospital. All 158 teachers, staff and students tested were negative.
4 PEOPLE
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FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
The future of Thai cinema Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com
The Thai film industry has stepped back if we talk about profits and diversity, as people go to the cinema less often than before. Movies nowadays have a narrower target audience, but the technique of production, including the equipment, graphics and music has improved
Bangkok-born Nonzee “Oui” Nimibutr is widely considered the leader of the new wave of Thai cinema. His ideas, methods of cinematogrophy and bold attempts at producing a new type of Thai film have earned him the title of a true visionary of Thai cinema.
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huket recently hosted one of Thailand cinema’s foremost directors, a man who believes that the future of Thai film lies outside of Bangkok and the big production studios. Widely regarded as the leader of the ‘new wave’, Nonzee “Oui” Nimibutr, visited the island to deliver a talk to aspiring movie directors and cinema buffs at Prince of Songkhla University (PSU). Though Phuket will – due to its size and population – always have a smaller talent pool than Bangkok, the island and the surrounding region has remained consistently popular as a set for shooting. Blockbusters with scenes filmed here include The Man with the Golden Gun in 1974, the Leo DiCaprio vehicle The Beach, and Star Wars III (though there was no filming, principal photography was shot here). However, apart from martial arts masterpiece Ong Bak, and The Pang Brother’s original Bangkok Dangerous (not to be confused with the dire 2008 Nicholas Cage remake), which Oui produced, Thailand’s movies and directors have not yet been able to break into the wider international market. Mr Oui’s passion for directing began when he was studying Fine Arts in Silpakorn University, when he helped a friend at another university to make a documentary film. Although he loved art, while completing his degree, Bangkok-born Oui had a change of heart and approached the Fine Arts Faculty to start a film studies course. They did, and the next year he changed courses and he and a classmate became the first to enroll. In Phuket, Mr Oui told the packed-out lecture room at PSU that after finishing his studies he got valuable work experience in the advertisement industry, “enhancing his creativity skill”. It was during this time that he had his first big success with a remake of classic Thai horror movie Nang Nak in 1999. “That was a very successful movie for me. It has been 15 years since it was released, but the film still keeps traveling around the world,” Mr Oui said. Later on came critically-acclaimed erotic drama Jan Dara, which reflected on the sexual problems endured by a young man with mental illness. With its complicated issues, this became the talk of the town when it was released in 2001. The sequel, which Mr Oui was not involved with, was just released. His two other hugely successfully movies to date have been Bang Rajan, a historical drama, and the original Thai version of Bangkok Dangerous. Mr Oui was quick to dispense advice to those assembled, and said that the key to creating good movies was reading plenty of books and watching a lot of movies.
“Pen-Ek Ratanaruang is one of my icons as a director. He is also my friend. Once I asked him how many books he reads per week and how many movies he watched per day, and then I went and read and watched twice as many.” In reference to Thailand’s place in the Asian film industry, he says he is confident that it is well-respected, but admits that it could still be bigger and better. “In the eyes of neighbouring countries, Thailand has a good film industry. However, we still have to widen our market, and increase our audience. “Nowadays, most movies we have are aimed at teenagers. We should have movies that appeal to every age range, and have titles in every genre including action, comedy, drama or even erotic,” he said. Comparing the state of the Thai film industry today with that of a decade ago, Mr Oui said that production quality had improved, but the variety of movies had shrunk, along with profits. “The Thai film industry has stepped back if we talk about profits and diversity, as people go to the cinema less often than before. “Movies nowadays have a narrower target audience, but the technique of production, including the equipment, graphics and music has improved,” he said. However, he believes the future of Thai cinema lies with independent filmmakers – not only in Bangkok, but in the provinces, such as Phuket. “There are a lot of them already and their numbers keep increasing.” Mr Oui is currently working on romantic comedy ‘Jod Mai Rak II’ (The Love Letter 2)’.
Above: sceneS from the controversial 2001 movie, the erotic drama Jan Dara.
HEALTH 5
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
IN BRIEF No health risk with horse meat meals
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The eagle has landed Kim White editor@thephuketnews.com
Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www. mindbodyyogasystem. com or 086 276 9174. The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.
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i there, this month is the final posture in our leg balance series and what a way to finish! This asana is the vehicle of Vishnu – and is known as the devourer. In Vedic philosophy they believe Vishnu to be the all-pervading essence of all beings, the master of — and beyond —the past, present and future, one who supports, sustains and governs the universe and originates and develops all elements within. The sanskrit name for this posture is garudasana. In the west this asana is known as the eagle pose. However the actual translation is Garuda – the king of the birds, associated with the all-consuming fire of the sun’s rays. This is something that us Phuketians are quite familiar with at this time of year, when the sun is gloriously shining down on our amazing landscape. Another wonder of the world is free and open hips and this twisted posture will assist in doing just that. The eagle pose has great therapeutic benefits for the lower back and the sciatica, other benefits include: Strengthening and stretching the ankles and calves Stretching the thighs, hips, shoulders, and upper back Improving concentration Improving sense of balance Some can find this posture a little challenging but if you break the postures down step by step as seen in the photos, you will find success. Follow these steps and we will have you devouring any restrictions in the hips. Standing upright, bend your knees slightly, lift your left foot up and, balancing on your right foot, cross your left thigh over the right. Point your left toes toward the floor, press the foot back, and then hook the top of the foot behind the lower right calf (if you are unable to perform the second hook of the foot, make the first cross of the legs nice and strong – as seen in photo two). Balance on the right foot. (If you are feeling limited in your balance place the small of your back against a wall as seen in photo one). Stretch your arms straight forward, parallel to the floor, and spread your shoulder blades wide across the back of your torso. Cross the arms in front of your torso so that the right arm is above the left, then bend your elbows. Snug the right elbow into the crook of the
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left, and raise the forearms perpendicular to the floor. The backs of your hands should be facing each other. (if you are finding that the leg balance along with the arm twist overwhelming, take your palm to the wall (photo one) or out to the side (photo two) Press the right hand to the right and the left hand to the left, so that the palms are now facing each other. The thumb of the right hand should pass in front of the little finger of the left. Now, as best you can, press the palms together, lift your elbows up, and stretch the fingers toward the ceiling. (see photo three) Hold the pose and breathe steadily for about 30 seconds, then repeat on the opposite leg. “We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing.” Swami Satchidananda Happy stretching! See you next month. Metta
The British government has declared that there are no health risks concerning the recent horse meat scandal in the UK. After traces of horsemeat were found in ready meals packaged as beef, many European countries have pulled products from its supermarket shelves. Legal action is set to begin on Monday.
IVF blamed for birth defects
New research has suggested that a recent rise in birth defects in the UK may be the result of fertility treatments. Findings are based on the increase of more than double the birth defects between 1984 to 2007 (the period over which IVF use was studied). Latest figures in the UK show there are 47,000 women having IVF annually and more than 14,000 babies born from the procedure Thailand is currently promoting opportunities for IVF tourism.
6 ENVIRONMENT
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FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
Environmental problems plague Phuket’s Racha Yai
Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com
The main issues discussed were problems stemming from inadequate waste water systems, beach encroachment and a concrete bridge that is blocking canal flow
Centre pic: Sarid Jandee, president of the Racha Yai Conservation Club (brown shirt) and Phuket Vice Governor, Dr Sommai Preechasilpa (baseball cap).
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here are plans to install a new garbage incinerator and island-wide waste water management system on Racha Yai, in the hope of finally curbing the island’s pollution and other environmental problems. Phuket Vice Governor Dr Sommai Preechasilpa visited the island on February 7 along with the director of the Phuket Marine Office, representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Phuket office (Phuket MNRE), and other officials. Last week, the main issues discussed were problems stemming from inadequate waste water systems, beach encroachment and a concrete bridge that is blocking canal flow. Officials were met on the island by Sarid Jandee, president of the Racha Yai Conservation Club, who gave them a tour of the island and explained his long-standing concerns about the pollution and alleged beach encroachment taking place, largely relating to resorts and hotels on the island. General Manager of The Racha resort, Gerard Tan, said the property would install an incinerator, available to everyone on the island. Mr Sarid first took the team to look at the waste water from two resorts, Ban Raya Resort and Raya Father, who he said did not have proper waste water systems in place,
meaning waste was being piped into the nearby canal, then flowing directly into the sea. Nutthakrit Pobpetch, environment technician from the Phuket MNRE, recommended that Ban Raya Resort upgrade their waste water system to one that filtered not only fat, but also other chemicals from the water before it is pumped into the canal. The organisation would take charge of this issue, it said. “Raya Father does not have any waste water system yet. I told them to get the same system that Ban Raya will upgrade to. But the idea is that eventually the whole is-
land will use a common waste water system, with every hotel or other development having their own unit,” Mr Nutthakrit said. Plans would be made to develop this system, he added. Representatives of both resorts were on the island tour and agreed that they would install and upgrade their systems. The next problem was the public canal, which was currently being blocked by a concrete road allegedly built by Rayaburi Resort, which meant water was unable to flow to the sea. This caused waste water to remain stagnant in the canal. During V/Gov Somkiet Sangkhaosuthirak’s visit in December, he ordered the departments involved to investigate and prosecute Rayaburi because of this bridge. But when the officials arrived this time, the bridge was still there. The Chief of Phuket Marine Office Region 5, Puripat Teerakulpisut therefore ordered Rayaburi Resort to remove the bridge. There were also issues relating to alleged beach encroachment and public access. The General Manager from Rayaburi said he had just started working at the resort, and would report the complaint to the owner. Attempts to contact both people this week were unsuccessful. Another problem reported was that Chinese and Korean diving companies were destroying the nearby coral reef.
Adopt a dog
Release-a-turtle tickets raise cash for conservation
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ore than B200,000 was raised at the Sunset Turtle Release held at the Xana Beach Club on February 9. The funds were donated to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) and the Royal Thai Navy. Thareeya Khamkar, Corporate Social Responsibly Manager of Laguna Resorts and Hotels, said Laguna had been helping the PMBC for 19 years. This year, the PMBC gave Laguna 80 turtles to release, she said. “The majority of the money raised from the B2,000 ticket sales (to release
a turtle), the raffle tickets and money from fairground games will go to the PMBC. The remainder will go to the Thai Royal Navy. “Last year the money raised went to to build a roof at the PMBC. This year it will go into the conservation of the sea turtles, their medicine and helping disabled turtles. Most take six to 12 months to be rehabilitated, but some have to stay there for ever and they need all the help they can get.” There are currently 60 turtles at the facilities of the PMBC, 20 more than its official capacity of 40.
LOVE DOGS?
Would you like to help our newly adopted dogs travel to their new homes? Soi Dog Foundation is looking for Flight Volunteers to help take dogs to Europe and USA/Canada. ALL pre flight arrangements are handled by Soi Dog, you may be required to phone your airline and book the animal onto your flight. A Soi Dog representative will bring the animal to the airport and meet you there before your flight. Upon arriving at the destination you will be met by the adopter. In other words no work or expense involved on your part. Imagine the satisfaction when you see the animal first meet his or her new family! For more details on how you can help please email chris@soidog-foundation.org for more details. If you are interested in getting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.
WEIRD WORLD 7
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
THE BIG LIST Dumbest criminals There’s no entry test to be a criminal, so the ‘work’ understandably attracts a category of people who wouldn’t exactly qualify as “criminal masterminds”, and some are more like Mr Magoo than Moriarty. Here are stories of the dumbest criminals on record in recent years. Do you want fries with that? Two Australian burglars trying to tunnel into a jewellery store on New Year’s Eve went the wrong way and instead tunneled into a KFC restaurant. Peter Welsh, 32, and Dwayne Doolan, 31, first tried to smash the window of the jewellers in the Australian town of Beaudesert. When that plan failed, they broke into the next store and knocked their way through the basement wall. But they chose the wrong wall, and ended up in the fast-food store – which they proceeded to rob of the night’s takings. Facebook felon ‘likes’ theft: Nineteen-year-old Rodney Knight Jr broke into a Washington DC home in 2011 and stole a coat, some petty cash and a laptop. But before leaving the house, Knight logged into the victim’s Facebook account with the laptop, where he posted a photograph of himself with the soon-to-be-stolen goods. Police used the Facebook photograph to track the perp down a few days later. One officer described him as the “most stupid criminal” he had ever encountered. Disg uise, or doodles? In 2009, Matthew McNelly, 23, and Joey Lee Miller, 20, were seen trying to break into an apartment in a city in Iowa in the US. A witness told police that after failing to break in, the pair had sped off from the scene in a large white car. When the police stopped the vehicle, it wasn’t hard to identify the perps – they’d tried to draw masks on their faces with marker pen. Drive-by surprise: The same year, an ungentlemanly American named Andrew Burwitz decided to fire a shotgun at the house of an exgirlfriend – but forgot to roll down the driver’s side window before opening fire. Police found Burwitz at an auto glass repair shop nearby, after visiting his insurance company to make a claim to get the broken window replaced. It also turned out that his ex-girlfriend wasn’t home at the time. Wrong-way getaway: In 1989, two teenage criminals in California were seen by police trying to break into a parked car. The police gave chase, and the teenagers ran off. After a few minutes of pursuit, they decided to climb over a fence to escape – but the fence they scaled was the outside wall of California’s San Quentin state prison. “Nothing like this has ever happened here before,” said a police spokesman. “People just don’t break in to prison every day.”
Facebook is making you miserable, say scientists
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hotographs and details on Facebook about friend’s vacations, love lives and work successes have triggered new levels of envy and bitterness around the world, say researchers. The study by two German universities found visits the Facebook website triggered feelings of misery and loneliness in many users. As many as one in three Facebook users reported feeling worse and more dissatisfied with their lives after viewing the website. “We were surprised by how many people have a negative experience from Facebook with envy leaving them feeling lonely, frustrated or angry,” said researcher Hanna Krasnova from the Institute of Information Systems at Berlin’s Humboldt University. Facebook, the world’s largest online social network, now has over one billion users – and so Facebook Envy may now be a problem for hundreds of millions of people. “From our observations some of these people will then leave Facebook or at least reduce their use of the site,” said Dr Krasnova, The researchers Humboldt University and from Darmstadt’s Technical University found that holiday photographs were the biggest cause of resentment,
Have you seen this man? Photo: Lennon Archives
Details of friends’ holidays, parties, romances, work successes and new cars can all spark “Facebook envy.” causing more than half the recorded “envy incidents.” Facebook users were also likely to compare how many birthday greetings they received to those of their Facebook friends, and the number of “likes” or comments on photographs and postings. People in their mid-30s were more likely to envy family happiness, and women were more likely to envy physical attractiveness.
From left: John Lennon Camargos Gomes, John Lennon Fosceca Ferreira, and John Lennon Ribeiro Siqueira.
Imagine: crime spree in Brazil by John Lennons
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wave of crimes committed by different people named John Lennon has hit a Brazilian city. Police in Belo Horizonte, about 400 kilometres northeast of Rio, have arrested three criminals in the last two months who bear the Beatles star’s name: John Lenon Camargos Gomes, 22, a convicted drug trafficker, was arrested and charged with five murders in December, and is suspected of two attempted murders. John Lennon Fonseca Ferreira, 22, was arrested during the attempted armed robbery of a house in early January. John Lennon Ribeiro Siqueira, 19, was arrested as he prepared to rob a lottery outlet this month. He
Dumb crooks snort dad and dog ashes
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hree burglars in the US stole urns holding cremated ashes and snorted the contents up their noses, thinking they were drugs, police say. The three men stole the urns from a house near Orlando in Florida, under the bizarre misaprehension that they contained crushed medical pills. In fact the urns held the cremated ashes of the house-owner’s fa-
ther, and the ashes of her two Great Da ne dogs. The burglars told police that they only found out what they’d snorted were human a nd ca nine rema ins when they read a report about their crime in the local newspaper. T hey admitted a string of robberies in the area to police, and the ringleader of the gang was sentenced this week to nine years in prison.
was “armed and dangerous”, say the police. A fourth man, John Lennon Sebastiao da Silva, 18, was found dead in the back seat of a car in midJanuary, after a suspected revenge killing. Belo Horizonte police say the outbreak is due to the musician’s enduring popularity in music-mad Brazil.
8 DINING
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
Roti is right on the money JAMIE’S PHUKET
Jamie Monk editor@thephuketnews.com
The roti are cooked at the front of the shop right by the street, where a lump of dough is bashed, flattened, folded, flattened again, shown no mercy and put on a hotplate
Read the full version at jamie-monk.blogspot. com. Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon, 084 626 4646, sunrise-divers.com
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bdul’s roti shop is a bit of a Phuket legend, located on Thalang Road in the Old Town. It’s been there, I don’t know, forever I suppose. The eastern end of Thalang Road just to the west of the junction with Phuket Road has lots of Muslim shops, mostly selling fabrics and clothes – there are at least half a
dozen. There are also two restaurants only a couple of doors from each other which sell roti with curry, and if you ask me this is a “must eat” if you are in town. So with the Phuket blog in mind, I was in Phuket Town on a recent Saturday aiming for some roti for breakfast. The idea was to try both of the roti shops, but the other (Arun’s) was closed, and only Abdul’s was open – though there was no sign of Abdul himself. A sign on the wall says “Roti made by Abdul 74 Years Old 7th Generation”. You can get roti with chicken, beef or fish. Don’t ask for pork – this is a Muslim shop. I asked for roti with massaman chicken curry. The roti are cooked at the front of the shop right by the street, where a lump of dough is bashed, flattened, folded, flattened again, shown no mercy and put on an oiled hotplate. And then when it’s slightly crispy, it’s slapped about to break it up, and is ready to eat. My bowl of massaman curry with a leg of chicken came first, and a wait of a few minutes for a freshly cooked roti. I am not sure how one is “supposed” to eat this. Is there a traditional technique? I spooned up curry and pieces of tender chicken onto the roti. Very tasty, fairly spicy. I could have eaten another one, this is good eating!
I feel an addiction coming on. Going to be back here on my next day off. As with many little shops and restaurants in Thailand, at Abdul’s you get the feeling you’re in someone’s house – that’s because you are! Family come and go, grandma comes out to say hello, I often see into shops after closing time, and the restaurant has become the living room. The roti with curry was good, but I also wanted some dessert – a nice plain roti with condensed milk. Same kind of roti you get with the curry but this one is sweet. Roti with curry, plus the sweet roti and two iced coffees, all for B105. Did I hear someone say “Phuket is expensive”? Phuket can be expensive if you want. You can spend as much as you want, please don’t complain that Phuket is expensive. Not the real Phuket. Thalang Road is a gem, I hope it remains that way. Abdul’s on Thalang Road is open daily for breakfast and usually closes early afternoon.
Far top, the roti is prepared for hungry customers. Above, roti and massaman curry – the perfect breakfast treat.
Bangkok Beer & Beverages, island's largest wholesaler of 500+ premium beverages from 12 countries. Ask for our extensive portfolio: bart@bbb.co.th and visit www.bbb.co.th for more info. Tel: 076-200751-3, Fax: 076-200754
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 List your restaurant here: call 076 612 550 or email sales@thephuketnews.com
DINING GUIDE 9
EUROPEAN
INTERNATIONAL
ITALIAN
SEAFOOD
Bodega & Grill
Weaves Restaurant
Acqua
Trisara Seafood
Bodega & Grill is situated on a picturesque patio by the lagoon. The restaurant serves premium char-grilled steaks and seafood from a wood-fired oven, as well as authentic homemade pastas, risottos and paellas. Bodega’s generous steaks are available in portions of up to 1.2 kilogram. Angsana Laguna Phuket, Cherngtalay; 076 324 101
Watch the evening sunlit ocean in the lavish and contemporary ambient atmosphere that is the Weaves restaurant. With its intimate low lit private dining, Weaves serves a variety of delectable Asian and International fusion cuisine, rich enticing desserts and tropical blended refreshments. Manathai Resort Phuket, Surin Beach, 076 270 900
Connoisseurs of fine cuisine can revel in Acqua’s experiential concept. The Acqua restaurant experience promises to deliver only the freshest of ingredients, sourced from only the best producers both local and international. Taste explosions from the portfolio of Chef Alessandro Frau, of both traditional & contemporary are offered. Kalim Bay-Patong, 076 618 127
The first truly world-class destination seafood dining experience on Phuket. A private entrance leads guests either to an outdoor, beachfront deck or to the cool, relaxed interior. The menu is a balance between local and imported seafood prepared and served in a Mediterranean way. Lunch 12.30pm-3pm, Dinner 7pm-10.30pm (Closed Sundays). Trisara, 076 310 100
Mom Tri’s Villa Royale
Irish Times
Art Caffè
RE KÁ TA Beach Club
Enjoy fine dining with panoramic sea views in sensually indulgent setting. Delicious Thai and European creations are served on the open-air terrace. Mom Tri’s Villa Royale is the winner of the Wine Spectators Award of Excellence. Situated on the only road into to Kata Noi Beach. Reservations recommended. momtriphuket .com; 076 333 568
The only Irish owned and managed Irish Pub in Phuket. A real Irish Pub at the heart of Phuket’s world famous nightlife. In this traditionally styled Irish pub you will find a very warm welcome from the Management and their fantastic staff. All your favourite Irish food and beverages. Jungceylon, Patong Beach; irishtimespub-phuket.com
The idea of Art Caffè comes from the need to have a place to stop and enjoy something different. Meet friends, exchange ideas, propose initiatives, organizing events or reflect only reading, watching and perhaps enjoying a good cup of coffee. The exhibition space is an affront to the repetitiveness of the artistic culture of the island. Naiharn-Saiyuan Road, 076 388 546
The beachfront restaurant offers modern innovative cuisine with a strong focus on seafood. In the evening RE KÁ TA transforms with Kata’s magical sunsets and cool sounds along with the delicious drinks and tapas, right on the beach. Open daily 6.30am-11pm; Kata Beach (next to Boathouse); info@rekataphuket.com, rekata phuket.com, 076 330 421
Tablespoon Salad & Grill
Super Natural
DaVinci
Baan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood
Discover newest stylish restaurant in modern vintage setting. Creative and unique salad and grill menus are served while you experience a delectable dining in romantic and intimate atmosphere with a reasonable price tag. Open 11am-10pm. 2nd Floor, HomePro Village, Chalong; 076 383 244
Super Food deserves a Super Location. SuperNatural and more. The only waterfront restaurant in Phuket serving exciting raw vegetarian cuisine in addition to our delicious seafood, Thai and International menu. Great selection of fresh to order juices & smoothies, as well as great wines and chilled beers. Open 365 days a year. Facebook Supernatural -Phuket, 2.5km south of Chalong Circle.
Great food and people you know! Authentic Italian cuisine in Nai Harn area. Three different dining areas, cocktail lounge, children’s play area, Delicatessen, live music....DaVinci is not just a meal, it is an experience of taste, atmosphere and more. Restaurant open daily 5pm-11.30pm; Deli open 11am-6pm; Sunday close; Naiharn 076 289 574. davinciphuket.com
Start your evening with delicious food and fine wine. Pick the perfect spot to take in stunning views of Patong bay, as the evening breeze surrounds you. Relax and enjoy live music to make your evening into that truly wonderful and unforgettable dining experience. Open daily 11am-Midnight. Patong; baankalim.com; baankalimrestaurant@hotmail.com, 076 618 125
FRENCH
Gallery Cafe by Pinky
Diavolo
THAI
Breeze Restaurant
Baan Vijitt Restaurant
Phuket’s most exciting new restaurant is situated on the waterfront at Cape Yamu. Chef Cheryl Johnson is providing diners with her innovative modern French interpretations of local ingredients. Open from Tuesday to Saturday for dinner, and from Wednesday to Saturday for lunch. Our menus change frequently. Cape Yamu, Paklok, 081 271 2320
Gallery Cafe by Pinky proudly present to you cafe food at its best. Whether you’re looking for an excellent breakfast or a quick light lunch or dinner plus an outstanding range of fine wines or cocktails. A homemade cake or freshly roasted premium coffee. Open everyday from 8am - 10pm. Rassada Road, Phuket Town. Facebook page ‘Gallery cafe by Pinky‘. www.gallerycafe-phuket.com, 089 103 7000
Tre by DoublePool Villas
Sala Bua Restaurant
An array of culinary experiences is offered to tempt and intrigue in Tre - the exclusive contemporary French Vietnamese restaurant set among the superb surroundings of the DoublePool Villas. Tre’s signatures dishes include scallops and green apples and tartar with pan-fried foie gras. Banyan Tree Phuket, Cherngtalay; banyantree.com
Sit alfresco to embrace the view of Andaman Sea and enjoy an elegant dining experience, where the art of cooking is personally steered by the newly arrived Executive Chef, Hans Engerer. There are many great dishes to whet your appetite, ranging from the East to the West. Open daily 6am to 12 midnight. Patong Beach, www.impiana.com; 076 340 138
A menu of modern Mediterranean influences created by Chef Ryan to tantalize the senses in a modern ambience. Offering everything from fresh seafood pastas to simple good pizzas. An impressive selection of well priced beverages and stunning sea views complete the experience. Open daily for lunch or dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala Beach; 076 302 000
JAPANESE Tamarind Restaurant
To complement an already distinctive cuisine, Tamarind is bringing to the island high quality authentic Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Master Chef Shiraishi. Gracing our Japanese menu will be fresh sushi, sashimi, healthy salads, yakitori and tempura and much more. Tamarind is your ultimate destination to savour the best Japanese cuisine in Phuket. Cherngtalay; banyantree.com
A half-century old Sino-Portuguese style house at The Vijitt Resort Phuket offers a unique authentic experience of Thai cuisine with a focus on regional specialties. Thai Select Premium Award certifies the quality and standard of product and service here. The Vijitt Resort Phuket, Rawai; fb@vijittresort.com, 076 363 600
Talung Thai
The restaurant has a stunning sunset location, offering views of the Andaman Sea. The menu of southern Thai specialties and true local dishes, are not seen on many other restaurant menus in Phuket. Chill with a cocktail from our award wining mixologist at sunset and then relax with authentic Thai cuisine. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Paresa Resort, Kamala; 076 302 000
10 ENTERTAINMENT
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
Tales of brave Ulysses
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o stranger to international travel, DJ Jonathan Ulysses has been circumnavigating the globe for the best part of the last decade. His infectious style always entertains the crowd, whether he is at home in a club in Ibiza or on the beach in Thailand. Saturday February 16 sees him make his Phuket debut, at Xana Beach Club With Attica and we caught up with him at home in London as he prepares to head our way...
You’ve never played at Xana before, how do you prepare for the unknown? I would prepare by going online and seeing what I could find out about the club and the music policy. I would speak to the owners and I would speak to other DJs that have played in the club before to try to get an idea of the club. I have played in Asia before and I have played Attica in Singapore many times and I have known Peter, one of the owners, for some time so I think I have an idea of how I will play it. You’ve played in stunning places, how important is the location to a party? I think the location is very important to any club, wherever you are. But I also think that it’s the people that are also
Live 89.5’s Got Talent
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une in on Live 89.5 on Saturday mornings from 9am to 10am with your host Siobhan McGovern as she interviews Phuket’s up and coming talent. Hear them perform and find out why they love the arts. Name: Blaze KC Age: 12 years What instrument do you play and how long have you been studying? I play electric guitar and I sing. I’ve been playing electric guitar for two years and taking singing lessons for six months. What is your favourite thing about playing guitar?
sic that you like to an adoring crowd. I think that I am very lucky to be in this position and I pinch myself every time I get behind the decks.
What’s the hardest thing about being away on tour for long periods? The hard thing for me is that I am away from my family. I have two young children and I am also getting married this year, and I know that it is hard for them when I am away from home. But I am very lucky to be doing something that I love, and after the gig the best thing for me is when I walk into my front door in London or Ibiza.
DJ Jonathan Ulysses will perform in Phuket tomorrow. very important for the event to be a success Of course the DJ should also play a big part of that, but if you have the correct location and all the other elements I think you can only be on to a winner. Phuket is not the first time you’ve played in Asia, how does it compare to the rest of the world as far as crowd reaction and musical education goes? Asia is a great place for the emergence of dance music. I have played in Singapore, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand in the past, and I have never had a bad time. The people are really friendly and
they are always very appreciative of the music and looking out for something new. Now you have many DJs from Asia coming over to our shores in Europe with their own established music and different DJ styles. I think this is very healthy for the scene at the moment. What is the best part of being a successful DJ? The best part of being a successful DJ is that you get to travel to interesting places and that you get to meet some really interesting people, people that you would properly never meet in normal circumstances. It is also always great that you can play your own productions, and play mu-
Creative café to host art event
I enjoy learning new riffs, solos and songs that I like. I also love playing live on stage.
Naraporn Tuarob reporter1@thephuketnews.com
Do you get stage fright? How do you deal with it?
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Yes, I do get stage fright. After a while the adrenaline takes over and I forget about it! Tell us about one of your best performances. The performance I remember the most is when my band Legends of Siam opened for Hugo at the Hard Rock Café in Patong. The crowd was huge and responded well to us. It was awesome! Who inspires you musically? Angus Young from AC/DC is my favourite guitar player. I also love Zakk Wylde from Ozzy Osbourne/Black Label Society,
When you are traveling on a tour, what do you do with your down time? When I’m on tour and I have some down time I like to spend that time with any friends that are in the area or just chill out. When you are touring it really takes your energy by making you feel a bit jetlagged so I like to prepare myself for the gig by sleeping and re-energising myself so when I get on the decks I am 100 per cent back to my best for entertaining the crowd and bringing the madness to the dancefloor. Jonathan Ulysses plays at Xana Beach Club With Attica on Saturday February 16. For more information, visit xanabeachclub.com
and Billie Joe Armstrong from Green Day.
o(ok)hemian Arthouse, at 61 Thalang Road in Phuket Town, will hold a special “Lost in Utopia” art event, starting tomorrow (February 16) and running until February 28. Paintings, artwork, and short films from various directors will be showcased. Inspired by Thai-language short story book Broken Utopia, organisers say the idea is to combine different ideas and art from people in various professions. Artists and directors will interpret the “Lost in Utopia” phrase and convey their message and ideas through their art, with the main idea being “everything is changeable”. This idea of “everything is
changeable” has been extended to the programme of the event, which is not set in stone. At the time of printing, film showings were scheduled for tomorrow (February 16). Bo(ok)hemian Arthouse was established eight years ago. Many partners are involved, but Phuket doctor “Nokpaksanawin”, also known as “Doctor Nil”, is the main organiser of events. Partner Wiwat “Chai” Lertwiwatwongsa, who works in Phang Nga but is a Phuket local, told The Phuket News the venue had been established to create a unique place for art to be showcased. The event is free of charge and will be happening daily from 10am to 7pm. Bo(ok)hemian, Thalang Rd. Tel 076 258 254, room2521.com
TRAVEL 11
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Changing tides
Simon Ostheimer looks into the haunted past of Khao Lak, and finds a bright future. Photos by Kiri Heald
Local children play close to the Baan Nam Khen seaside village.
I
n November 2012, Hollywood released The Impossible, a heartbreaking movie that relived the tragic events of the 2004 tsunami. Based on the true story of a Spanish family that survived, in one memorable scene a wall of water comes straight at the viewer, as a father frantically tries to get his two young boys to safety. The on-screen wave was of course a CGI creation by a special effects team, but the one that hit the shores of Phuket and Phang Nga on that Boxing Day was not. One of the worst affected areas was Khao Lak, a resort area a few hours north of Phuket, where at least 4,000 people died – a number that included locals, tourists and Burmese migrants. Today, most of the damage has been repaired, with new resorts being built on land where beach huts had been savagely washed away, and replanting programmes helping to re-green a devastated coastline that in many places simply disappeared. While people have moved on, and the tourism industry is once again booming – sat at any resort breakfast, you’ll likely find yourself surrounded by the sounds of Swedish and German conversation – there are still markers of what happened that day. There are blue street signposts that point the way for evacuation routes,
Swept 2km inland, former Thai Police Boat 813 is now part of a new memorial park. warning you to get to higher ground, and distinctive tsunami shelters – simple concrete buildings raised up on stilts – stand all along the coastal roads, ready in case the impossible should happen again. There is also another poignant reminder. On December 26, 2004, the 20 metre
long Thai Police Boat 813 was sat at anchor about 1 nautical mile off the coast of Khao Lak, put in place to protect Her Royal Highness Ubonrat Rajakanya Siriwaddhana Phannawaddee, who was staying at a local resort with her family. The power of the tsunami was such that the vessel was swept almost two
kilometres inland, eventually coming to rest close to the tree line of the jungle. It was then left there, rusting, in a quiet empty field to act as a reminder of what had happened. Now, however, the boat is the epicentre of a construction site, as a memorial park is built around it. A work in progress when we recently visited, it is due for completion later this year, and will incorporate a visitor’s centre, children’s area, amphitheatre and museum. One can only hope that it also still offers a place for quiet reflection. It’s little known that Khao Lak actually has two tsunami memorials. The other is in a small seaside village called Baan Nam Khen, where a wave-shaped tunnel is lined with plaques dedicated to the dead. However, the more moving scene is to be found down by the shore, where local children run and play on the beach and families picnic under the shady trees. It’s a sign that life has once again reclaimed this land from the past, that laughter and happiness have replaced cries and sorrow. The tragic events that happened here nine years ago may never be forgotten – and they should not be – but by placing December 26, 2004 within the context of history, we are all able to embrace the future.
Where to stay Ramada Khao Lak
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Walking though the wave-shaped Baan Nam Khen tsunami memorial.
ronted by pristine white sand beaches, close to stunning outlying islands, with lush tropical foliage, comfortable contemporary rooms and villas, sumptuous dining choices, rejuvenating spa treatments and more, the Ramada Resort Khao Lak features a stylish collection of spacious rooms as well as stunning beachfront and private pool villas, and has complimentary wi-fi throughout the resort. The property also features two restaurants serving cuisine from around the world, a spa and an array of leisure and recreational facilities. For reservations contact 076 427 777 or email rsvn@ramadakhaolak.com. www.ramadakhaolak.com
12 GAMING
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
IN BRIEF ‘Assassin’s Creed 4’ confirmed UbiSoft, the makers of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, have confirmed that they are working on the newest version of the game, with an eye for release in spring 2014. The game will have both a new protagonist and new location, most likely settling closer to the nearpresent. Assassin’s Creed 4 will be released for Xbox 720 and PlayStation 4. UbiSoft CEO Yves Guillemo says gamers will learn more about the new game at this year’s E3 gaming convention.
New ‘Call of Duty’ by end of 2013 A new Call of Duty game is in the works and expected to launch sometime in 2013, developers Activision announced last week. The company said it had five studios working on the Call of Duty franchise, with Raven Software and Infinity Ward up next to develop. The new game is expected to be released for the next generation consoles out later this year. Activision CEO Eric Hirshberg says he does not expect the new game to sell more than the last title, COD: Black Ops II, which broke single-day release sales records.
New Xbox may get voice support Sources report that Microsoft’s next-gen gaming console, the so-called Xbox 720, will have voice recognition features.
Tomb Raider
New kid on the block Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com
T
he Ouya gaming console is already making waves. The Los Angelesbased startup, which raised cash through fundraising website Kick Starter, announced the console will sell for just US$99 (B2,950) when it is released in June. Not bad for a brand-new gaming system that some believe will revolutionise the gaming industry. Along with the price details, the company announced they would release a new version of the Ouya every year, instead of every four to six years for the big three consoles. “Our strategy is very much similar to the mobile strategy,” said Ouya CEO Jilue Urhman who added that the console will “take advantage of faster, better processors, and falling prices.”
Since the console runs on Android, the Ouya will allow developers to make games on the cheap in an open-source network. Gamers will be able to test out any video game title (whether a demo or specific levels) and then download the game onto the system – saving developers money on production. With its low price, the Ouya’s graphics will be more on par with tablets and portable gaming devices than the PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
The Ouya will be released with several game titles, including: Steam Bandits: Outpost The game will be the first in a “Steam Bandits” series and allows gamers to build cities and even weapons, similar to Civilization. Kitaru This is an RPG game with loads of mini-games emphasising stealth and third-person exploration. Human Element Prequel A game with a massive universe where gamers can grow a character. Full version to be released on all platforms next year. Kaiju Combat Monsters like Godzilla and Cthulhu battle it out in this fighting game. Auro Simple gameplay with turn-based action and loads of destruction. It’s a Rogue-like game, with potential to become one of the most addictive titles for the Ouya. Shadowrun Online Set in a sci-fi universe, this RPG is described as a cross between Lord of the Rings and Blade Runner.
30-year gaming trove goes on sale
A
n Italian gaming collector is selling off a treasure trove of games, consoles and controllers – for half a million dollars (B15m). The unnamed seller from Milan posted an eBay auction to sell more than 6,850 games, 330 consoles, 220 controllers, and 185 gaming accessories. The seller wrote that he had collected the items over 30 years, but now has not enough room to store the collection. “After a life spent collecting video games I decide to sell off my entire collection. I just have too much things and the space to store them is finished long ago… also I realised that
The voice recognition system will reportedly let gamers choose games, find friends online, and even change speech to text for messages and codes. It is also rumoured to work with the Kinect sensor to detect users in a room and suggest games with multiplayer modes. Microsoft is expected to unveil its new console at a presentation in March.
if I want to play at least half of my games, I should live two or three entire human lives,” he wrote in the description on the auction. The items for sale feature several handheld devices and classic games, including Atari consoles and every Super Mario game ever made, as well as rare games such as Dracula X Rondo of Blood and Radiant Silvergun. Other highlights include several Sega Saturn and Dreamcast consoles, as well as original Nintendos, and PlayStations 1 and 2. No bids were placed for the auction, which ended on February 8, and it is not known if the collector will put the items up for sale again.
TOP VIDEO GAMES THIS WEEK
TOP MOBILE GAMES
1
Dead Space 3 (18+)
Xbox 360, PS3, PC
6
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch
PS3
1
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective
2
Fifa 13
Xbox 360, PS3, Wii
7
Need For Speed Most Wanted
PS3, Xbox 360, VITA, PC
2
Reckless Racing 2
3
Call Of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)
Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U
8
Just Dance 4
Wii, Xbox 360, Wii U, PS3
3
Anomaly Warzone Earth HD
4
Far Cry 3 (18+)
Xbox 360, PS3, PC
9
Hitman Absolution (18+)
Xbox 360, PS3, PC
4
The Lost City
5
Hitman: HD Trilogy (18+)
Xbox 360, PS3
10 Sonic & All Stars Racing Transformed
3DS, Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U
5
Gem Spinner
BLAST FROM THE PAST Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com
D
o you r ememb er Tomb Raider? Spawning a multi-million dollar movie franchise, not to mention hot-selling toys and merchandise, Tomb Raider is one of the video game industry’s biggest success stories. T he plot r evolves around one of gaming’s first female leading characters, Lara Croft, a creation in the same class as Super Mario, Link, and Sonic in eclipsing the popularity of her own games. Released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, and PC, Tomb Raider sent Lara around the world in search of ancient treasures, while completing tricks and taking on animals to move on to the next level. The 3D graphics were ahead of their time, and allowed for small details to dictate where puzzles and tricks had to be completed. The game put developers Eidos Interactive on the map, although they have fallen off in recent years. Tomb R ai d er wa s named Game of the Year by numerous publications in 1996, including PS Extreme, Game Fan, Computer Playa, and PC Gamer. Though the game had a few glitches (including an infamous one that saw gamers stuck in one level if they did not see a specific door), it is still one of the best-known games for the original PlayStation. There have been several sequels made, but the original version of Tomb Raider can take credit for helping put the PlayStation console – Sony’s first foray into gaming – in homes around the world.
Do you have a Blast from the Past? Let us know at editor@ thephuketnews.com
FILM 13
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Fright blight Mama FILM REVIEW Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com
DIRECTOR Andres Muschietti STARRING Jessica Chastain Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Megan Charpentier RUNNING TIME 100 minutes
T
wo young children are found alive in a cabin in the woods, five years after they went missing on the day their parents were killed. Feral, filthy and walking on all fours, they are taken by their dudeish uncle (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his rock-and-roll girlfriend Annabel (Jessica Chastain) to live in an old house that belongs to a local university, where psychiatrist Dr Dreyfuss (Daniel Kash) can study the children and their strange attachment to what he thinks is a figment of their imagination – an invisible guardian named “Mama.” After the traditional ghost-story routine of strange things barely seen, spooky noises, and outright creepy behaviour from the kids, Annabel realises that Mama is not just their imagination – something, real and malevolent, has moved into the old house along with them. Mama, the debut feature from Spanish director Andres Muschietti, mixes modern cinema style and traditional horror movie techniques with a strong cast and an original back-story to establish the suitably mysterious setting. Lilly (Isabelle Nelisse), who was only an infant when the two young girls were lost, is now feral and uncommunicative. However, older sister Victoria (Megan Charpentier, above)
can faintly remember her family, and life before the influence of Mama – and she carries the dramatic focus of much of the 100 minute running time, as Mama and Annabel vie for control of the children. While gripping in parts, unfortunately the movie can’t sustain its creepy strengths to the end. Perhaps because the director needed to justify the production and ticket expense of a 3D movie with a spectacular finale, there comes a point when he drops the cloak of mystery and swaps in a full-blown high-definition sevenfoot-tall demonic apparition, which spends most of the last scenes flying about, leering and grasping evilly at the camera. Here Mama breaks a cardinal rule of the horror genre – there’s nothing more terrifying than the unknown. The change of style is noticeable and disappointing: the extended views of the ghoul dispel its mystery, and takes the whole movie down: fatally, it stops being scary. It’s around the same time that the characters start doing stupid things typical of bad horror scripts, like investigating a haunted house in an isolated forest after dark. At its end, Mama seems to give up on being a horror movie, and becomes just a monster movie: one with some good scary moments, but not a whole lot more.
BAFTA win for Affleck’s ‘Argo’ could herald Oscar glory
H
ostage crisis drama Argo won the best film prize at Britain’s BAFTA awards on Sunday, in a further boost for Ben Affleck’s movie ahead of the Oscars later this month. At a rainy but celebrity-packed ceremony at the Royal Opera House in London, Affleck also won the best director award, highlighting the fact that he has been snubbed in the same category at the Academy Awards. Daniel Day-Lewis boosted his status as Oscar favourite as he was named best actor for his role in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, while 85-year-old French actress Emmanuelle Riva won best actress for Amour. Anne Hathaway won best supporting actress for her performance in the musical Les Miserables, and Christoph Waltz won best supporting actor for his role in Quentin Tarantino’s blood-
soaked western Django Unchained. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts awards, or BAFTAs, have picked the same best film as the Oscars for the last four years in a row, and for five of the last 10 years in total. Les Miserables won the most awards with four including Hathaway’s gong, plus prizes for production design, sound and hair and make-up, followed by Argo with three awards, including the award for best editing.
SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) Bullet To The Head (E) [15+] Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (E/3D) [15+] Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (E/F) [15+] Jan Dara 2 (T/E Sub) [18+] Killing Them Softly (E) [18+] Killing Them Softly (E/F) [18+] Parker (E) [15+] Thong Sook 13 (T) [15+]
11:45, 13:50, 16:00, 18:05, 20:10, 22:10 17:15, 21:10 12:00, 14:00, 18:10, 22:15 11:00, 12:00, 14:30, 15:20, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 13:15, 17:50, 22:25 16:00, 20:10 11:30, 17:00, 20:00, 22:35 12:15, 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:15
The best picture BAFTA win for Argo will put wind in its sails for the Oscars. The movie, about a CIA mission to rescue diplomats in Tehran in 1979, also won the top Golden Globe awards last month against all the odds, beating Lincoln. Glossing over his own Oscar snub, Affleck said the BAFTA best director award was a second chance for him after a career that took off when he starred in the 1997 movie Good Will Hunting with Matt Damon. “This is a second act for me and you’ve given me that, this industry has given me that and I want to thank you and I’m so grateful,” he said. Britain’s Day-Lewis meanwhile added to a trophy cabinet that already contains the Golden Globe and a Screen Actor’s Guild award for his role as US president Abraham Lincoln, but it was the only BAFTA for the movie.
IN BRIEF ‘Lincoln’ writer apologises for historical error
The screenwriter of Lincoln which has 12 Oscar nominations, conceded on Friday that the taut political drama changed the historical record for “15 seconds,” after a lawmaker complained. “We changed two of the delegation’s votes, and we made up new names for the men casting those votes, so as not to ascribe any actions to actual persons who didn’t perform them” screenwriter Tony Kushner wrote, adding that the changes were a simple case of dramatic licence. The complaint by US representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut has been seen by some as a proxy attack on Lincoln by supporters of its rival for Oscar glory, Ben Affleck’s Argo: Affleck helped Courtney get elected in 2006.
Egypt court orders YouTube block over Islam film
A court in Egypt ordered that videosharing website YouTube be blocked for a month for hosting an anti-Islam film. The court ruled the authorities must take measures to block access to the site for a month, after accusations that YouTube posed a “threat to social peace” by putting the crude US-made film on line. Innocence of Muslims depicted the Prophet Mohammed as a buffoon and paedophile, and sparked a wave of angry protests in the Middle East in which more than 30 people were killed. YouTube, a subsidiary of US Internet giant Google, has been blocked in Pakistan since December for refusing to heed Islamabad’s call to remove t he c ont roversia l v ideo.
‘Identity Thief’ tops North American box office
The comedy Identity Thief defied mediocre reviews to top topped the box office in the United States and Canada in its opening weekend. The comedy, starring Jason Bateman from the TV series Arrested Development and Bridesmaids breakaway star Melissa McCarthy, pulled in US$36.6 million. Salon.com said the movie “reaches impressive heights of laziness and idiocy;” the Toronto Star slammed it as a “sloppily made exercise of rip-offs and redemption.”
US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film
Gross
1
Identity Thief
$34.6M
$34.6M
2
Warm Bodies
$11.4M
$36.5M
3
Side Effects
$9.3M
$9.3M
4
Silver Linings Playbook
$6.43M
$89.5M
5
Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters
$5.75M
$43.8M
6
Mama
$4.23M
$64M
7
Zero Dark Thirty
$4.01M
$83.6M
8
Argo
$2.38M
$124M
9
Django Unchained
$2.3M
$155M
10 Bullet to the Head
$2.08M
$8.27M
SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) Bullet To The Head (E) [15+] Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters (E) [15+] Jan Dara 2 (T/E Sub) [18+] The Last Stand (E) [18+] Parker (E) [15+] Zero Dark Thirty (E) [15+]
Weekend gross
11:40, 13:50, 16:00, 18:05, 20:05, 22:05 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00 12:15, 14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:10 18:50 11:50, 14:20, 16:50, 19:20, 21:50 12:30, 15:40, 21:10
As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up -to - date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or call the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.
14 ISLAND SCENE
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
OrBorJor president Paiboon Upatising, left, and Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak.
CHINESE FESTIVITIES Chinese New Year celebrations kicked off in style on Sunday (February 10) with a large festival at the Sanam Chai football field in Phuket Town. Organised by the OrBorJor Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation, the event featured famous Thai singer/ actor J Jetrin, Thai actress Joy Rinlanee Sripen as the MC, and a spectacular gymnastic performance by a group from Henan, in central China.
FUN BEGINS IN THE OLD TOWN Professor Pranee Sakulpipatana, vice-president of the Thai Peranakan Association of Phuket, left.
A press conference was held on Thursday (February 7) to launch Phuket’s much-loved Old Town Festival, aimed to celebrate and promote the history of the Old Town. The festival begins tonight (February 15) and runs until Sunday evening. During the festival, roads around the Old Town will be turned into walking streets. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.
Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket Office Chanchai Doungjit.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
ISLAND SCENE 15
MILESTONE BIRTHDAY The Boathouse in Kata celebrated its 24th anniversary on Saturday evening with cocktails and canapes.
CONDO LAUNCH The Emerald Terrace Condominium Official Launch was held on Wednesday (February 6) at Jungceylon shopping mall in Patong.
16 ISLAND SCENE
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
TEMPLE FUN The annual Chalong Temple Fair began on Saturday (February 9). It will run until tomorrow (February 16).
IN THE NAME OF LOVE Central Festival Phuket held a special “Chinese in Love” event last Sunday (February 10) to mark Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Above, Marine Lucchini and Thibault Spithakis take part in the “Love Key Ceremony”.
STAFF CELEBRATIONS Kata Rocks owner and developer Richard Pope with employees during the Kata Rocks staff party, held at the new Rendez Vous restaurant in Phuket Town.
FUN AT THE KEE Toshiba Group Thailand held a three-day fun-filled corporate gathering for 85 regional employees from February 3-6 at the Kee Resort & Spa in Patong.
ISLAND SCENE 17
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
N
FUN RUNNING IN THE NORTH
n on to-
Phuket Hash Harriers held their 1,405th run on February 9, at Baan Yid, in northern Phuket. Pictured are the keen participants in the regular event. Photos: Katie Wellington
SIN JEA YU EE! Chinese New Year was celebrated in style at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket with a special dinner on February 9.
NEW BEGINNINGS
There was a great turnout when Lakbaanthara Property held the soft opening of its ReLife2 show unit in Naiharn on February 8.
Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket GM Thomas Mueller.
FIRE DANCING ON SHOW Two staff members appropriately dressed.
Spectacular fire dancing was captured on the beach of Koh Maphrao as The Village Coconut Island played host to the French pharmaceutical giant, Fresenius Kabi, and the Belgian brewer AB InBev.
18 EVENTS
15,2013 2013 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.comTHEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 15,
beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.
FRIDAY FEB 15 Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.
Fish and Chips Friday Night B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.
SATURDAY FEB 16 Sunday Chillout at Sunsets Bar Live Music at Underwood Art Factory
Saturday Shopping at The Good Shepherd Charity Shop
Live Music at Underwood Art Factory The home of Phuket’s finest performers, coming together to bring a night of entertainment, delicious food, and great fun. The Lost Legends: Colin (ILLY) Hill and Pjae Stanley. Every Friday. All performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. For booking call 091 034 3381.
We have a wide and creative range of handicrafts such as toys, greeting cards, ornaments, lanterns, bags, purses and many more. You can also find exquisite arts and craft made by local residents. Pre-loved items include books, clothes and toys. Handicraft items are handmade by the women from The Good Shepherd centres. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd’s mission of helping those in need as well as empowering them. Place: Plaza Del Mar, Laguna (Behind Bake). Time: 9am to noon. See thegood shepherd.info.
The home of Phuket’s finest performers, coming together to bring a night of entertainment, delicious food, and great fun. Every Saturday live music from The Blues Revival. All performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. For booking call 091 034 3381.
SUNDAY FEB 17
Sunday chillout every week. Live music, free BBQ or buffet, free karaoke, free pool table. Happy hour every day midday to 6pm, beverages from B60. Bar open every day midday until late. Farang hospitality, everybody welcome. Sunsets bar and guesthouse, 62 Hasip Pee Road, Patong. For more information call Kiwi on 083 640 1082.
MONDAY FEB 18
Schnitzel Day
Sunday Roast Pork Sunday roast pork or beef dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards at Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www.expathotel.com.
Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.
BBQ All You Can Eat
Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.
BBQ at Expat Hotel 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.
Sunday Carvery B399 per person all you can eat. Roast
Mondays and Thursdays. BBQ all you can eat: Pork, Chicken, Beef, Prawns, Fish and Squid with salad buffet, cold and hot sauces, Garlic Bread, baked potatoes, potato salad and more for B325 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
TUESDAY FEB 19
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com
91.5FM. Bar Tabs: 1 Prize B1,500. 2 Prize B1,000. Every Wednesday Night From 8 pm. Free entry. Maximum 4 people per team. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.
SATURDAY APR 6 Chakri Day A public holiday to honor the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I.
SAT - MON APR 13-15 Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.
Quiz Night at Grizzly’s
Pork Roast and Roast Chicken
Every Tuesday night. Snacks available. Registration 7.45pm. 1,000 Baht voucher to winners. Grizzly’s Sports Bar and Restaurant, located between Loch Palm Golf Course and Kathu Waterfall. Contact 086 951 4962.
Every Thursday. Buffet includes salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings. ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.
FRIDAY FEB 22
Half Chicken Spit Roast
WEDNESDAY FEB 20
“Our Father Band” Back by popular demand LIVE music from the “Our Father Band” Fri 22nd Feb from 9pm. Opposite Tescos Cherngtalay. Contact Jamie: 087 898 9160.
WEDNESDAY MAR 13 Thao Thepkrassattri Thao Sri Suntorn Festival
Phuket’s First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master DJ Doris, from
those who seek a bit more fun after a good meal. Listen to good music, enjoy sport on large TV. Play pool or dart games or just enjoy the unique surroundings. Selected beverages. At 4-8pm and midnight till late. Plus free pool sponsored by Komodo Bar. From 8-9.30pm. Come on everybody - Let’s party. Call 087 280 3282.
BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Wednesdays and Fridays. BBQ ribs all you can eat with salad buffet and potato salad for B295 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.
Pool Competition: Meet The Best Players in Town
THURSDAY FEB 21
Tuesdays and Saturdays: Half chicken spit roast with French Fries, Salad buffet, Potato Salad & Gravy sauce for B225 per person. 7pm-11pm. Located in Patong on Rat-U-Tit 200 Pee Road next to Hotel Mercure.
EVENTS 19
The festival celebrates the island’s victory in 1785 over an invading Burmese force. Anyone travelling from Phuket Airport towards the south part of the island will have seen the famous Heroines Monument, commemorating the two sisters who led the people of Phuket to victory This is an event that will give you a deeper understanding of local culture and history.
Songkran Festival
Designed and built by a Thai-Canadian family in 2011, The Plaza is a very fine sculpture and walled relief garden and entertainment centre. Artists’ pictures can be seen on the plaza walls all year round. The art pieces are donated by “The Unique One,” a rare selection of art by Khun Manop and Mike. Pool competition is sponsored by Komodo Bar at 9pm. Entry fee B100 plus one free beverage. Come on everybodylet’s party. Call 087 280 3282.
Songkran is the old Thai New Year, and is an occasion for family reunions. Many Thai people return to their homes and families for the three day festival. Celebrated each year between the 13th and 15th of April, it was originally a religious holiday. Songkran begins with early morning merit-making, by offering food to the monks. Paying respect to elders and ancestors is also an important custom of Songkran. Young people pour scented water over Buddha images and on the hands of elders to show respect, and to seek their blessing. Another custom of Songkran is to clean houses and anything old and useless must be thrown away. It is believed that anything bad belonging to the old year will be unlucky to the owner if left and carried on to the coming new year. The most prominent custom of the festival is throwing water. Everybody throws water on each other on the first day. In Phuket, the biggest water-throwing parties are in Patong and Saphan Hin.
EVERY DAY
Double Happy Hours At the end of the Rawai beach strip, Rawai Plaza is the best entertainment venue for
Monday Party, Tue. Party, Wed, Party, Thur. Party, Fri. Party What the Puck Saturday Party, Sunday Party Come on everybody, let’s party At Rawai Plaza, cool atmosphere, unique setting. happy people. WILL PERFORM JUST FOR ASKING!!! POLE DANCE BY EMMY THAI DANCE BY NANCY & HIS FRIENDS SO, DON’T BE SHY!! Shows sponsored by Emmy & Joey Bar Nancy Ni Nancy Bar Rawai Plaza, Rawai Beach, Phuket 087 280 3282
daily event updates on
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
20 TIME OUT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
This week in history
GOT YOUR NUMBER
79.75
Wingspan in metres of an Airbus A380 aircraft.
37
Length in metres of the first powered flight by the Wright Brothers.
50
Diameter in centimetres of a giant squid’s eye.
24
Length in kilometres of the root system of a pumpkin.
1898: The wreck of the battleship USS Maine in Havana Harbour in Spanish Cuba.
The Great Phuket Rubber Duck Quiz 1. ‘Rubber Duckie you’re the one, ‘You make bathtime lots of fun...’ What is the next line of The Rubber Duckie Song? 2. Who wrote the words and music to the song? 3. Who performed the rubber-duck-squeaking solo in the original version of the song? Send your answers to manager@phuketcharity.org for a chance to win 10 ducks in the Phuket Community Foundation’s Great Rubber Duck Race on March 3.
SUDOKU
The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music
Sam & Natasha Live 89.5
■■ February 15, 1898 The warship USS Maine explodes and sinks in Cuba’s Havana harbor, killing 266 on board. The US blames a naval mine, and declares war on Spain. ■■ February 16, 1249 King Louis IX of France dispatches the monk Andrew of Longjumeau as his ambassador to the court of the Mongol Khan Güyük, in the Altai region of central Asia. ■■ February 17, 364 The Roman emperor Jovian is found dead in his tent in Asia Minor in suspicious circumstances, after his military campaigns lost key eastern territories to the Persians. ■■ February 18, 1911 The first air mail delivery, comprising 6,500 letters, is flown from Allahabad in British India to Naini, about 10 kilometres away. ■■ February 19, 1861 Serfdom is abolished in Russia, freeing more than 23 million people from slavery on farms and in homes owned by the aristocracy. ■■ February 20, 1472 Scotland annexes the islands of Orkney and Shetland, after King Christian of Denmark and Norway fails to pay the dowry for the marriage of his daughter Margaret to James III of Scotland. ■■ February 21, 1848 Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish The Communist Manifesto, a short book outlining their theories about class struggle and the problems caused by capitalism.
Crossword by Myles Mellor Across 1. Driven transport 5. Jewish teacher 10. Kind of instrument 14. “By yesterday!” 15. Betelgeuse’s constellation 16. “Cogito, ___ sum” 17. Rarely 20. Back 21. Outdo 22. Annexes 25. Dates 26. Chop (off) 29. Piques 31. Can’t stand 35. “The ___ Daba Honeymoon” 36. Andrea Doria’s domain 38. Arabic for “commander” 39. Fab Four film 43. Otherwise 44. Character 45. Poetic meadow 46. Mideast capital 49. Goose speech 50. Time zone 51. Froth 53. Big laugh 55. Astronomer 58. Choker 62. Destination
WEEKDAYS Breakfast
editorial marks 28. Buddy-buddy 30. Pole position? 32. “South Pacific” hero 33. Trig functions 34. Foot the bill 37. Dislike intensely 40. Flyers Down 41. Like old 1. Golden Triangle recordings country 42. Obliquely 2. “___ She 47. Slay Lovely?” 3. Disabling spray 48. Most healthy 52. Compassion 4. “La Bohème,” 54. Licks e.g. 5. Howard of 55. Cultivate “Happy Days” 56. Long, long 6. Victorian, for time (var.) one 57. Sonata, e.g. 7. Food collectors? 59. Daunting 8. Dense mass exam 9. Accustomed 60. “Buona 10. Learn again ___” (Italian 11. “Aeneid” figure greeting) 12. These may be 61. Glimpse inflated 62. Fed. 13. Family head construction 18. Deep blue overseer 19. Old weapon 63. Blood group 23. Attracted system 24. Taste, e.g. 26. Cake part 64. Gabriel, for 27. Ancient one of the disgruntled? 65. Dirty coat 66. Sea gear 67. Ball field covering 68. Barley beards 69. 1980’s-90’s ring champ 70. Cut down
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Live 89.5 Got Talent Weekend Brunch
Siobhan McGovern Kirsty Meyer
9am - 10am
Best Of Breakfast
10am - 1pm
Live 89.5 Dance Anthems
SUNDAYS Sam & Natasha
5pm - 7pm
Weekend Brunch
Kirsty Meyer
10am – 1pm
Steve
7pm - 10pm
The Spin
Tim Newton
1pm - 4pm
Jason Wilder
4pm - 7pm
Steve Johnston
12pm - 3pm
Phuket News Radio
Live 89.5
1pm - 2pm
Saturday Night Fever
Live 89.5
10pm – 12am
International Chart Show Top 40
Jason Wilder
3pm - 7pm
Box Of Neutrals
Live 89.5
2pm – 3pm
Non Stop Music
Live 89.5
12am – 10am
Sunday Night Chill
Live 89.5
7pm - 10pm
Live 89.5
7pm - 7am
Going Green
Nick Anthony
3pm – 5pm
Tel: 076 612 895 SMS: 090 490 7895
Non Stop Music
Live 89.5
10pm – 7am
16 CLASSIFIEDS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Jobs
Bon Cafe Machine
“Royal Cappuccino” brand new Bon Café machine > 23
classifieds@thephuketnews.com
Private Tutor Qualifications:
Siam Palm Residence Co., Ltd.: Siam Palm Residence Co., Ltd. is looking for an experienced Accountant/Financial Controller. His/her main task will be taking care of all financial matters of Siam Palm Residence companies. Requirements: A few years’ experience in accounting position. Proficient in English (speaking, reading and writing). Good computer skills. Must also be willing to assist in the hotel’s front office/reception. Service-minded, as he or she will be in direct contact with (potential) guests in the front office. Salary: negotiable (based on education and experience). Please send your resume with expected salary to: info@siampalmresidence.com For more information call Khun Joy at 0 816 930 195.
· Bachelor’s degree plus qualified teacher status. · Accredited qualifications for working with young children. · Native English speaker, plus the ability to teach other language . · Expected to play at least 2 musical instruments. · Preferably European, stay in and willing to travel with the family. Experience:
· Minimum 7 years’ experience as Private Tutor. · Minimum 3 years’ teaching experience preferably as a qualified teacher. · Between 35 and 47 years old, Female Rationale:
· The purpose is to support the family in personal growth and development of the children.
· The focus will be on the manners, etiquette, wellbeing and educational progress of the children
· The post will have a significant influence on the children’s personality development and will always ensure their wellbeing.
Please contact 081 978 0090 or email carolgarcia729@gmail.com
Boomerang Village Resort: Job Opportunities at Boomerang Village Resort Cafe Del Sol Restaurant. Waiter / Waitress (4) Restaurant Captain (1) Bartender / Bartendy (1) Boomerang Village Resort Receptionist (2) Manager, Receptionist (1) Guest Relation (1). Contact: Email boomerangvillageresort@gmail. com, 085 692 3474.
Kiosk Attendee: Must be responsible. Good command of English. Service minded & flexible to welcome our guests, sell adventure mini golf tickets (fees), soft drinks and souvenirs etc. Call 076 314 3 45, email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.
Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress -Bartender Salary B9,000. Service charge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before it will be an advantage.
Executive Secretary/Accounts: SecureComm LTD Executive Secretary/Accounts Receivable Secure Comm is a private Hong Kong-based encrypted communication provider. Director of Operations of SecureComm Limited is looking for a Phuket-based, preferably: - Thai native with an excellent command of spoken and written English. (Foreigners on long term visas may also apply.) - Background in AR/Accounting and Bookkeeping is a must. - Experienced in data entry, computer literate, proficient with Excel. - Smartphone savvy, experienced with using Blackberry devices preferred. - Experienced as a secretary or executive assistant with strong organizational/detail oriented/administrative skills. -Must be able to travel, preference will be given to candidates with Passports and Driving Licenses. If you meet these requirements, submit your CV/ Resume and photo to securecomm@yahoo.com or contact Jesse at 090 916 3460 directly. *Salary will be based on experience and qualifications, bonuses/ benefits and travel expenses will be provided.
Sales Executive: 1-2 years experience in Sales & Mrk. Good command of English & computer Friendly and outgoing, able to work within and as part of a team - Have own motorbike or car with driving license. Call 076 314 345, email: manager@phuket adventureminigolf.com.
Contact 076 210 511. Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.
family with 2 young boys needs full time nanny for after school and weekends, good English required, prefer Thai national. Excellent salary, leave and meals provided. Call 081 270 2180.
Filipino: International School in Phuket (Chalong) is looking for a Thai or Filipino national to join our team as an art-assistant teacher. We offer good salary, working Monday-Friday, school holiday. Contact 082 323 1188.
Looking for people who love animals and would like to do some volunteer work looking after sick, injured and homeless dogs in Thalang area. Contact: Sherin. peace@gmail.com.
Art teacher - Thai or Nanny: Kamala area
DaVinci Restaurant in Nai Harn: Thai nationality only. Waitresses 2 positions, Bartender 1 position. Experience and good English will be an advantage. Good salary and benefits. Contact Khun Jana 086 947 5197, jana@davinciphuket. com.
Thai Cook-Sous Chef Wanted: Thai/Western restaurant is looking for an experienced Thai cook. Must work under pressure, team player and with good organisation skills. Working hours 11.00-22.00. Good tips. Contact 086 940 4801.
Sala Phuket Jobs Vacancies: -Purchasing Manager: 1 Position -Chief Engineering: 1 Position -Spa Therapist: 4 Positions -Reservations Officer: 1 Position Contact 076 338 888. Email: pncphuket@sala phuket.com.
Sea Bees Diving is looking for a reliable and responsible person, Western or Thai, for our Head Office in Chalong. Applicants should be fluent in English and other languages (German preferred) with good communication, sales skills and willing to work in a highly professional & diverse team. Flexible, able to work under pressure and be service-orientated is a must. This position is long-term & with a full-time contract. Please send your CV & recent photo to: office@sea-bees.com
T
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS 17
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Specialized in large commercial and small residential cooling & heating systems.
076 319406-8 086 4702026-7 www.choochuay.com
MARINE SERVICES
REMOVALS
STORAGE
SWIMMING POOLS
w w w. e m
p ir e p o o ls p h u k e t . c o m
1,800 baht pool service
for the first 20 customers (standard size pool)
19/43, 19/45 Moo 7,Srisoontorn Rd, T. Srisoontorn, A. Thalang, Phuket 83110.
Tel: 076-620113 or 084-8506140 Fax: 076-620015
18 CLASSIFIEDS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Property
Land close to Thanyapura / PIA Half Rai 1.3M, 1 Rai 2.5M > 21
For rent in Patong
For Sale Rawai Beach Special Twin Villa. 4 suites/studios, 4 bathrooms, pool, large terrace, small garden, living space 400 sqm. Include luxury furnishing Price B8.5 mllion.
Phuket Cottages
Near British International School, pool-villas starting from THB 8,800,000.
www.phuket-cottages.com
Call: 089-724-7211
SMS for info: 081 788 8280 Email: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com
location Nanai Road. Nine year lease: ver y low rent, strong starting, easy to manage and a good return on investment. Price 1.2MLN baht. Take this opportunity. Email: Thamad17@yahoo.com. Telephone: 089 728 4005.
Nice House for Long Term Rent: Just a few minute walk to Naiharn beach, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, aircon. B17,000 per month. Call 081 397 1833.
House For Rent: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, fully furnished with small garden, quiet area at Paklok. Rent: B15,000 per month. Email: suksavat@hotmail.com or 084 626 5616.
holiday home with private garden and pool. Within easy reach of Rawai and Nai Harn beach. For full details and pictures please contact me. 084 850 1340.
la, fully furnished and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month. Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.
Beach Condo, Beach 3 Min.Walk: Spacious 2-bedroom apartment for rent, long or short term, Fully furnished, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. Pool, large gardens, parking, and a mere 3 minute stroll to scenic Nai harn beach. resor tgm@gmail. com.
Luxury Ocean View Apartments for Rent in Kata and Karon: 1 or 2 Bdrm, 2 Bathrm, Kitchen, large balcony, parking, 24 hrs security, gymnasium, swimming pool. Ph: 076 486 624 and 086 281 9311. Email: bao200@gmail.com.
Shop Front for Rent: The Royal Phuket Yacht Club shop front space for rent 4.34 M. x 4.37 M. Located on the first floor of a great looking area for retail shop, boutique etc. Call 076 380 200 ext. 601 Khun Naphat.
do, freehold, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 120sqm. 7.8 million Baht, fully furnished. For more pictures and information please contact adrian_troy@yahoo.com
Ocean Front Villa for rent: Luxury brand new vil-
fully renovated sales office/ shop with initial lease of 6 years. Internal area 144 m2, walled back garden 60 m2, 4 parking spots, 3 phase, kitchen, internet, phone/ fax, TV, 5 AC. Contact 085 060 0033.
.
Rawai Seaview Condo for sale: Seaview con-
Sea View Land for Sale: Ao-Yon, 13.5 rai, chanode title.10m/rai.Call Siri 089 649 9939, email:siri_ phuket@changrunner.com.
300 m. from Kata Beach. 236.25 Sqm. 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. For more information call K.Chavarin 089 911 8833/081 866 9253 or email : wkongkeaw@hotmail.com
Surin Beach Office For Rent: Prime location Near Beach 3 Bed Pool Villa: Fully equipped
PROPERTY FOR SALE
Building 3 storey for sale: THB 26,000,000. Only
Andaman Beach Suite Condo Patong Beach, Phuket: Has kitchenette, terrace, TV, CD player, telephone, WIFI, Has full use of Hotel facilities, restaurant, room service, swimming pool, tennis courts, and gym. 120mt to beach, 5 minutes to Patong. email penthouse2102@gmail. com, 089 972 3861, 089 570 1519.
1-floor 350.sqm with 3 toilets. 2-floor 350.sqm with 2 toilets. For visit SMS (Frence) 080 035 1626 English 081 788 8280 Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com For Rusian contact: Oxana: 080 529 0726 Email;phuket.lux@gmail.com
For Rusian contact Oxana 080 529 0726 or Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com
Guesthouse for Lease in Patong: 12 rooms, good
PROPERTY FOR RENT
Main road from Karon to Patong-Close to Simon Cabaret. Multi Functional Building Total 700 sqm (15 metre front)
Nai Harn Baan Bua:
For Sale in RPM Owner Direct: Luxury condo 2
PATO N G - 2 B E D ROOM TOWNHOUSE: C o m p l ete 18 0 d e g r e e seaviews, 215 metres living area, 2 balconies and 2 huge roof terraces. Quiet location, euro managed develp’t, private swimming pool, car parking and gardens. 087 268 1170, www.phuketrealestatesalesandrentals.com.
FOR SALE RAWAI BEACH SPECIAL TWIN VILLAS. 3 OR 4 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHROOMS. POOL, LARGE TERRACE, SMALL GARDEN. LIVING SPACE 400 SQM, LUXURY FURNISHED. PRICE B8,500,000. FREEHOLD.
House for sale Rawai Soi Orchid: 5 sleeping rooms 4 toilets. 3 kitchens EUR / Thai/outside. 3 car places Soi Ruam Na Nachat sale by owner 8.7MB. Tel 084 745 4132, private financing by owner down 2.7MB+4 yearly payment of 1.5MB
Nai Harn Beach Townhouse: 3 story, 2 bed townhouse. Views over Nai Harn lake and only one minute walk to beach.Lease or free hold. Roof top BBQ/ Sala. Buy of the Century. B6,500,000. Call 081 270 4291. See phuketpremiumrealestate.com.
INFO: 081 788 8280. EMAIL; thewhitehousekata@gmail. com.
NaiHarn Beach Lagoon Resort: on South end of Naiharn Beach, Phuket, just 10 minutes to Kata. Nice and quiet nature for your relaxation. Massage, Tours, and Services. Start from only B599. Contact 083 173 9636. B.Jack, email: naiharnbeachresort@hotmail. com.
bed, 2 bath, 154sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Recent redesign. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to high standard. Move in with Tooth Brush only! Owner leaving. 17.5MB. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, bggvirgo@gmail.com, www. RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos. com.
When only the best will do! 4 bed/pool villa in Phuket’s best-kept gated community. 410 sq.mtr villa. 812 sq.mtr land. Overlooking lagoon. Beautiful. Call 081 270 4291. Email: thailandmls@gmail. com, www.phuketpremiumrealestate.com.
Beautiful Villa Rawai: Rawa i So i S a l i g a Land for Sale: Land 1 rai + 81 T/W total 1924 sqm. Does not need landscaping sale by owner land location on the top of the Soi. Tel 084 745 4132, chanote tiltle.
Beautiful 2 bed pool villa with sep maids room or 3rd b/ room. Great outdoor entertaining area. 5 minutes to all conveniences. Reduced to B9,500,000. Call 081 270 4291 or thailandmls@gmail. com.
Condo At The Heights, Kata: Immaculate 2-Bed fo rei gn - f re eh o l d unit in award-winning project. 195 sqm, sea view, near gym & pool. Quality furnishing throughout. Designer kitchen with utility-store. phuket.pn@ gmail.com.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS 19
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.
for living + dining, 1 laundry, big kitchen + long island 1 front off + aircon. Nice view of club house: big garden, pool, tennis. 300 sqm, B5.9 Million. Call 089 925 5486.
with own well. Restaurant and bar with satellite TV and Adsl. Opened for 15 years, with lots of repeat customers, parking, quiet. 086 940 1860.
PROPERTY IN PHUKET secure estate close to beach. Enjoy the private salt water pool and undercover parking, 3 large bedrooms freehold investment. 081 719 4688.
Absolute Beachfront - EVA: Set on the beachLuxury Villa in Chalong: Perfect condition, 660 sqm on 3 levels, 1,600 sqm land, 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, swimming pool 12.5m x 6m with jacuzzi, large sala, double garage. Top quality construction. Reduced price: B25.5 million w w w.tamata-phuket.com crishausb@hotmail.com. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.
F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE
House for sale near Loch Palm: Three bedroom pool villa in Kathu close to international schools. Views over Loch Palm. All bedrooms with aircon and en suite bathrooms. Two car garage and secluded garden. Chanote title. Call 084 844 0991
Opportunity Knocks: B24,500,000. Deceased Estate - Absolute waterfront. Occupying a stunning location on the east coast of Phuket this five-level villa has panoramic sea views from every level. Renovation work required. 085 793 2667. See exotiqproperty. com. Ref AB-V453, email: dmuir@exotiq.com.
LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,700,000. LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.
front, the ff villa offers uninterrupted sea and island views of the south east coast of Phuket. Situated between t wo 5 star resor ts: Vijitt and EVASON near Laem Kanoi. 081 480 3834, http:// www.facebook.com/Phuket. Beachfront.
205/34 Soi Thamdee Nanai 6: House for sale in a very good location in the heart of Patong. The house has 3 floors, 3 sleeping rooms, 1 living room, 3 bathrooms and a roof terrace with jacuzzi, garage. Good rental return. Price on request. 084 188 4544.
Pa tong Towe r fo r Sale: And for rent. Sea
Mission Heights: Land area 500m2, House area 164m2. 3 bed, 4 bath, fully furnished, aircon in all rooms, fans, Internet, satellite TV, swimming pool, independent water supply wells. Finish work December 2012. B10 million. Call 088 838 3242.
NEW Studio Apt in Kathu: 30 sqm, 1 bed-
for sale in Permsap Villa, Cherng Talay. Land 735 m2, original 4 bedroom house w it h 2 3 0 m 2 f l o o r are a modified to 3 bedroom, all windows and doors from SUNPARADISE, separate carport from Shades. Very quiet estate. First owner since 2009. Price B10.9 mln o.n.o. Call 083 509 8797 for information.
www.phuket-land-sale.com
view and mountain views. Freehold from 64 to 448 sq metres. Phone no: 080 692 6114. Email: orsoreal estate@hotmail.com.
Rawai Great Buying:
Freehold House for sale: Freehold house
BEST SEAVIEW LAND-EVER!
room, kitchen, washing machine, aircon, balcony, fully furnished. Condo with gym, 24hr security, car park. 5 mins to Patong, Loch Palm golf. Good view. B1.25 million. Call 086 947 1273.
Lovely house with 2 bedrooms or separate SC flat downstairs.Well ventilated with natural light in pristine condition. Distant sea views. B5,500,000. Call 081 270 4291 or thailandmls@gmail. com. See phuketpremiumre alestate.com
Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full ownership forever-beyond the financing plan of 10 years. Rent 9,000B/Month. Studio room renovated with furniture. A/C, WiFi, kitchen, 200m to beach. 084 242 8914. Rawai4@yahoo.com.
Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa for Sale: Rawai Beach front pool villa for sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.
villa with 5 bedrooms all with ensuite on 1 rai of land. Big hall, office, maid’s room. Brand-new construction opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill. A huge 685 sq.m of living area, fully furnished. Modern European- designed kitchen. Big sea view pool terraces incl sala and attractive bar area. Security alarm system. Selling price on request. By owner directly. Call 085 654 4011 or 089 404 0737. Email: schulz.th@gmx.de.
Laguna/Layan. Luxury private pool villas in secure development. Available now. All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million. Contact owner: 085 549 7110.
PATONG condos for sale: Beautiful, modern
aircon, warm water, 2 aircon
Resort for Sale: Resort 2 rai, with Chanote. 22 Double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden
plot 700 sqm+building+10 bed+10bath+2 restaurants. New renovated. Private financing by owner. Down 2MB+13yearly payment of 1MB. Own forever title land 100 metre to Rawai landing pier. 084 242 8914, rawai4@ yahoo.com.
LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,900,000. LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.
3 Bed Pool Villa Pa Khlok: 3 Beds, 2 Bath 6x3m pool. Full aircon and funishings. Ready for occupation and rental. Secure estate, private parking. 6km from Heroines monument. Close to PIA , BCS and shops. 081 737 0722.
7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5
Best Functional House for Sale: 3 bed + 4 bath,
Sale Bar, Hotel + 1 Shop R a w a i B e a c h: L a n d
Condos/Apartments, furnished, best/quiet locations, garden, s-pool, from 3667sq metre, sea-city-mountian views, from B2,375. Call 087 819 2162 or caltirol@ hotmail.com.
House For Sale In Chalong By Owner:
bedroom, 3 bathroom house with 5 x 10 metre pool 10 minutes south of Central Festival, walking distance to Kajonkiet Bilingual School. To see: 083 301 3470, email: wpdrake@hotmail.com.
special promotion: Studio in brand new, world class, eastcoast development. Never seen on Phuket; Amazing luxury at Real prices. Call 080 882 1377, email: beach projects1@gmail.com.
F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE
3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas:
Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream pool
Double your money in 5 years!: New Year
Beautiful Karon Villa: Modern open living villa has it all, fully furnished, private
Chanote title. 412 sq.metre. 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Extra penthouse with open k itc he n an d sto re r o o m. Lovely garden, very quiet and cosy place. Access to pool nearby. Price B3.9 mill. negotiable. Telephone 087 881 3062 (After 5/4-13 +47 4739 0581) email: kjellsy vertsen@hotmail.com.
2 Pool Villas next to PIA: Ready to move in, villa 1 on 1,100 Sqm. land, for sale 15.9 mill and villa 2 on 2,200 Sqm. land, for sale 19.9MB. Brand new, each with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 12 metre swimming pool, guest bungalow with 1 bedroom 1 bathroom. Perfectly located in a developement with underground electricity and security, only 800 metres from Mission Hills golf course, less than 10 mins to airport, Phuket International Academy and AoPor Grand Marina. Call 081 343 0777. Email: montha_ phuket@ yahoo.com.
20 CLASSIFIEDS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
PROPERTY IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT. F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B3,400,000. LE ASEHOLD. INCLUDE FURNISHINGS. INFO: 081 788 8280. EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.
PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com 20M Baht. Rent minimum 6 months. High season 90K per month.Twelve months or more 70K PM. 087 078 6379.
Karon Hill Condo for sale! Foreign Freehold: Seaview over Karon B e ac h. 10 0 s qm. Li v ing area. 1 bedroom, walk in closets, luxury bathroom, terrace, etc. Fully furnished. Many upgrades. Luxury furnishings. Only 6.9 million baht. Brokers welcome. Call 086 747 9292 (English) or 0 81 970 520 4 (English/ Thai). Email: claudstrey@ gmail.com.
Busy Bar for sale: Very busy Mushroom bar for sale in Soi Bel Air. Wally Bar. All stock, TV sound system, beer boxes and fridges included in sale, rent B10,000 monthly, only 850,000 baht ono. Call
3-Bed House - Sale or Rent: Sun Palm Village, Chalong. Lounge, dining kitchen, 3 beds and 2 baths. Private swimming pool and easily maintained grounds. All furniture with fitted kitchen included. Ideal for small family or as rental investment. Contact 081 273 7326, Email: keithmarshall747@ gmail.com
House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet location
One + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai:
Golf View Villa For Sale: Near British International School, state-ofthe-art villa overlooking the Loch Palm Golf Course: 4 bedrooms + maid’s room; 485 m2 built on 1,860 m2 land. B28million. Contact owner 089 724 7211.
and only 500m from the main road. Thepkrasattri, Heroines Monument. 70sqw x 280sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big living room with open - plan k itc hen (9x9m), 1 separated kitchen, carpark for 3 cars and a small storehouse, 2 aircons, cable TV, 1 phone line TT&T. Price: B3.5 million including furniture. Excl. furniture B2,995,000. Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.
Pool Villa For Sale Nai Harn: Modern, open design villa with a large 9x3 metre pool, 2 floors, nice garden, car park and mountain views, 6 years young, 120 sqm floor, 2 bedrooms, chanote, located close to center & beach. Call 085 473 7812.
Happy Home Apartment for sale: Nice Patong Bangla Building for Sale: B28 mil-
lion, Chanote, 4 floors 6m x 14m. 1st & 2nd tenanted. Flr 3-staff accom, bath, kitchen. Separate office with access to lower floor. 4th flr private Penthouse one bed. 087 881 7600.
apartment, fully furnished at Rawai. The apartment is set in a private compound with pool. It is located only 5 minutes from beach and convenient to Phuket Town. Only B15 million. Tel :081 893 2165 www.happyhomeapartmentphuket.webiz. co.th.
4th floor 50s/m. Huge swimming pool, beautiful gardens, completly renovated new tiles, light, painting, new furniture, kitchen, shower and toilet. 2.5 B/T Eng 085 471 9246, Thai 087 621 3405.
Lovely 6 bedroom/office.Inc: 2 bedroom SC disable flat. Pool, garden, garage, storage. Opp.Tesco in well established area.Priced to sell at B9,000,000. Ph:081 270 4291.Email:thailandmls@ gmail.com.
Seaview Townhouse Patong: Bet ween the city and the jungle at the northern edge of Patong. 70m alt., 10mn walk to the beach. 4 storey +/- 290 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 toilet. 4 aircon, par tly furnished. andamanhills@ gmail.com.
Ocean Front Villa for Sale: Luxury brand new villa, fully furnished and ready to move in, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms with infinity 10 metre long swimming pool and truly beautiful sea view. Located in a small development, only 50 metres from the sea and 3 mins from Ao Po Grand Marina. For sale B19.9 million or for long term rent B150,000 per month. Call 081 343 0777, email: montha_ phuket@yahoo. com.
Patong Fre e Hold Condo: Studio condo on
1 Rai Land QUICK Sale in Rawai: Beautiful land with Chanote for sale, concrete access road, Land plat, electric & facilities ready to build your home. Direct contact Thai owner K.Dallas (Poy) 089 472 9870 or dchaibut@gmail.com.
Apar tment on Golf Course: Golf View, Kathu. Tastefully renovated large (83m2) apartment in Phuket Country Club. Golf view. 1 bed but easily converted to 2. Store, large Western kitchen and all furniture included. Ideal (holiday) home. Contact 081 273 7326, Email: keithmarshall747@gmail. com.
Rawai 6 Bedrooms:
086 725 0771.
Main home: two bed, extended bungalow with outside kitchen, shower and seating salas set in mature, walled, private gardens. Own well, tanks and pumps. Sold, furnished. Will sleep 8+ can be sold with a 30-year land lease for non-Thai. Price B5.5 nego: Mobile: Eng 082 416 0150. 3BB WiFi internet also.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Single House Special Price B9.5 million: Nice house fully furnished with teakwood furniture, ready to move in. 240 sqm. 4 bed 4 bath, close to Kathu waterfall and market. Near Loch Palm, major stores, BIS and KIS. Call Oranwan 086 883 3169.
house near Kajonkiet School. Secure area, Cul De Sac. Nice gardens, two bathrooms. B3.5M negotiable. Call 081 370 8114 (Thai) 087 889 3838 (Eng), e m a i l:d av i d g e m 9 8 @ h ot mail.com.
Patong Condo: Makes a good condo deal now. 1-bedroom corner condo 56sqm, fully furnished. Only 1.99 mil. Normal price 2.6 mil. 10mins walk to beach and Bangla Road. Tel: 089 872 6895 or jospeder@live.no.
Sea-View Contemporary Pool Villla: Located near Phuket town. Land: 855sq.m. House: 650sq.m. Furnished. 3 beds, 2 offices, 2 staff quarters, 1 free room. 2 car parks. Price B54.9 mill. Tel: 081 895 3628 E-mail: jin_koy@yahoo.com.
Pool Villa in Marina: Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedroom situated in the impressive Park Residence sector of Boat Lagoon Marina. Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.
Patong Lof t Condo: Makes a good condo deal now. 1-bedroom, fully furnished, 67 sqm living area. Only B2.99 million. Big swimming pool. Normal price B3.7 mil. Tel: 089 872 6895. Email: jospeder@ live.no.
F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE
S a l e B a r, H o t e l + 1 Shop Rawai Beach: Land plot 7 0 0 s q m + b u i l d i n g +1 0 bed+10bath+2 restaurants. New renovated. Private financing by owner. Down 2MB+13yearly payment of 1MB. Own forever title land 100 metre to Rawai landing pier. 084 242 8914, rawai4@ yahoo.com.
ning seaview, city view 1 bdrm condo on hill 500m from Patong beach. Fitness centre, roof top pool, security,car park, freehold. Only B4,400,000. Keith 084 628 3430, keithb025@gmail. com.
Fu r n i s h e d H o u s e for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom furnished
Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket Sale/Rent: One condo unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace. Long term rent or sale. 0 9 0 487 8 08 4, utaipan@yahoo.com.
Seaview 1 BDRM New Condo Patong: Stun-
2 BEDROOMS LUXE APARTMENT 13 5 S Q M . PR I C E B7,900,000. LEASEHOLD.
Townhouse Chalong Bargain!: Town house on 3 levels with mezanine, 112 sqm, fully furnished, 3 BR, 3 bathrooms, 2 kitchens, 3 air con. Tasteful western decoration, MUST see, HP English 0854415115. Thai 081 555 1230.
Kathu- Pool Villa for sale: Hillside setting. Luxurious 6 bedroom, 5 bathroom pool villa for sale or rent. Sale
INFO: 084 843 8720. EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS 21
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com
PROPERTY IN PHUKET
and only 10 minutes to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 square wah or 564 square metre with ready public utility. Call 081 892 0610,081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.
PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT. Land Plot for Sale: Chanode title at Cherng Talay / Pasak7 (Phuket - Surin Beach aerea) Phone 090 487 8084. Email: utaipan@ yahoo.com.
Donsak Beachfront Land 3 Rai: 67 metres absolute beach frontage, fully infrastructured, ready to build. Close to ferry going to Koh Samui. Chanote title. 6.6MB for all. Contact 087 225 8311 (English) John. Email: nhoj0512@hotmail. com.
New Condo “Phuket Villa Patong�: Prime location, deluxe 65 sqm, 1 bed 1 bath apartment, freehold, modern full furnished, pool, gym, sauna, CCTV + security 24hrs, private park. 4.9MB. Call John: 087 225 8311 (English) Email: nhoj0512@hotmail.com.
Patong Apartment Reduced Price: Condo 4 years old. Swimming pool, security 24/7, cafeteria. Studio 46sqm fully furished. Freehold for foreigners. Price:2.6MLN. Urgent sale, no agent. tel.089 728 4005. Mail:thamad17@ yahoo.com.
Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic sea view, mountain view and Big Buddha. 310 sq metre, 2 beds, 2 baths with option to convert in 3 beds. Contact: Izzy +66(0)86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail. com.
2nd floor, corner unit, stunning sea view, pool, car park, security, best location, ca. 110sqm, 2 bedroom, German kitchen, all new, terrace, only a few metres to beach, B10.6 M 081 824 1385.
Point near Lotus, Big C, Central. Fully furnished. Great views 6th floor. Cost B2.8M Baht. Reduced to B2.25M. Call 087 889 3838 or 081 370 8114. Email: davidgem98@ hot mail.com
from the beach, large 2-bedroom apartment with communal swimming pool and balcony. FREEHOLD (can be foreign owned). B7.5M. Call owner 089 724 7211 or julien@phuket immo.com.
Hill Land for Sale: Very nice location hill land by the Bangwat Dam, total 60 rai, 96,000 square metre. Contact: Attapong 081 892 0610 (Thai), Jantiwa 081 890 8268 (Eng). e-mail: jantiwa_ j@hotmail. com. Seaview Land Patong:
Land for Sale: Mission Hills. One rai. Very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco. B3.4M. 087 276 0529 for info.
for immediate sale located at Lotus Residence, a small 3-storey boutique condo of only 12 apartments total. It is located on a southern hillside above Patong Bay. Call 084 436 2540.
Two parcels of superior land 11 rai. Inc seaview. Main road frontage. Ideal for resort or condominiums. B150M. ( T hai) 0 81 370 8114 o r (Ger) 081 892 1108. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com
Absolute Beach Front Land: S o ngk la dist r ic t
6 rai Hilltop Land for sale: Near Mission Hills golf
1 Rai Chalong Pier Land Sale: 1483 square
SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view / mountain view, furnished, Po o l, 24 h r s e c u r i t y, f o r SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66 (0) 83 103 3801, 081 415 7774.
Beachfront land for sale: 2 rai absolute amazing
Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic
Land Closed to Thanyapura /PIA: Half
Land For Sale: Mission Hills. 3/4 of rai in small community, very quiet and private, close to all services, 10 min to school, airport, beach, golf, Tesco B2.5M. 087 276 0529 for info.
Rai 1.3MB, 1 Rai is 2.5 MB, total 3 Rai of Land, Mountain View, Chanote, 3 Mins drive to Thanyapura/PIA School, 15 Mins to Airport. Contact Marisa 084 305 6667 or marisar1978@hotmail.com.
views over the lake and Loch Palm. Very quiet, secluded plot but with all facilities ready to go. 1551 sqm plot, freehold leasehold with full Chanote title. 081 273 6959.
Land for Sale - in Marina: Design and build
G o l f Co u r s e L a n d For Sale: Near British
1 Rai Sea-View Land:
Intl School, 17 rai with public road access. Suitable for resort or housing project. Can be divided. Price: B 4. 5 m p e r r ai. C o nt ac t owner 089 724 7211, email: julien@phuketimmo.com.
Opposite Wat Chalong on the way up to the hill, Chanote, ca. 36 m x 45 m, sophisticated hillside project, proratable, B8.5 mil direct to owner: 085 65 44 0 11 or 089 40 40 737.
Land At Kathu For Sale: Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Only 15 minutes to Patong
near new deep sea por t. 4.5 Rai divided into 7 Chanote plots. Reluctant sale. B4.9M the lot. Email: jmic chia@yahoo.c om or c all 087 276 0529.
club, may split into 3 x 2 rai seperate plots, B4.2 million per rai, full chanote, water/elec. sea/mountain views. 08 797 85804 (Eng).
metres (0.927 Rai). Chanote Title. New Survey. Public road, electric and good well water. 450m walk to Chalong Pier and all boat tours. Build your dive resort. 085 784 0209.
Apartment for sale in Patong: Apar tment for
beachfront, few min boat ride from Phuket, facing west to sunset and views of Phuket. B13 million per rai +66 (0) 86 278 8300 or izzy.serenitygroup@gmail.com.
Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km
Beach, about 850 sq.metre. Chanote title deed, private road with sewer, 3 phases electricity and wall around the land. Email: rawai.steen@ gmail.com, call 080 530 6880.
Patong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready
Ocean Front Land: 7 rai with 185 metres of sea frontage. Water, electricity, road and boat access, located 800 metres from Yacht Haven marina, perfect site for small beach front development. For quick sale only B5 million per rai. Tel 081 343 0777 Email: montha_phuket@yahoo.com. Reduced for Quick Sale: Studio condo at The
B7,999/Sq wah at Paklok, Chanote, Mountain View, 200m from main road, 11 km from monument and 4 km to Mission Hill. Interested/ Wanted larger size, CALL 084 305 6667, email: mari sar1978@hotmail.com
3 gorgeous lots, clean titles: For sale or long lease. 2 Lots on IslandBeachfront (Bungalow-/ Housing-Estate) and 1 big Mainland-Mountain property all in very quiet, safe, well maintained locations near Krabi. 089 291 4671.
Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold,
Pa klok L and O nly B7,999/Sqwah: Only
Land plot 100 metres to Rawai
your own home with good location and gated community. All the infrastructure you need is available such as water, underground cabling for power, telephone, ADSL internet etc. Contact 076 238 948, email: market ing@phuketproper ty trip. com.
22 CLASSIFIEDS
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
Buy&Sell
Sunseeker 58 Manhattan For SWAP or SALE
4 cabins 3 bedrooms fully equipped located in Boat lagoon. With excellent place FREE for 7 years. Price B12 million or EXCHANGE for a Villa or Apartment in Rawai, Kata, Karon. For English - Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com or SMS 081 788 8280. For Rusian - Ms. Oxana Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com or SMS: 080 529 0726.
New white Honda Jazz
Available for rent with insurance and delivery service
Sailboat for Sale/or TRADE
2 mast 17 metre (50 c.v. Yanmar engine) excellent condition Fully equipped located in Chalong. Valuations price B15 million. Price NOW! B9.8 million ---- OR TO EXCHANGE. For a villa/apartment in Rawai, Kata, Karon Phuket. Email maurice.phuket@gmail.com or SMS 081 788 8280 For Rusian contact Oxana 080 529 0726 or Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com
Speed Boat For Sale:
BOATS & YACHTS
Steppa Fiberglass 32 feet Flybridge two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines. Ideal for diving and tours. B850,000. Call 081 8942124.
A Steal For A Quick Sale: 2007 Italian demo Exceptional Yacht For Sale: Beautifully maintained Wauquiez Yacht 41FT. Specs and photos: w w w.w a u q u i e z f o r s a l e . blogspot.com. Robert: 087 632 8259 or email: camina ta40@hotmail.com. Priced to sell: $199K US. Can be seen in Phuket.
yacht Cranchi 47f t Hard Top. Fully loaded with Tropical air con, genset, Electrical winches, garage, roof, Raymarine Premium Navy, BBQ, Ice Maker, 3 Fridges, “Bose” Sound, Neon light, Twin 570HP with reliable shaft drive, under 300 hours, Brand New Condition. Euro385,000. Call: 089 971 0278, eddyelan@yahoo. com.
Exceptional Yacht For Sale: Beautifully maintained Wauquiez Yacht 41FT. Specs and photos : w w w.wauquiezforsale. blogspot.com. Robert: 087 632 8259 or email: camina ta40@hotmail.com. Priced to sell: $199K US. Can be seen in Phuket.
6.5M RIB: New Hypalon tubing and blue cover. On a fiber glass V shaped hull. 240HP Mercury Giving comfortable cruise at 25-30Kts and 40 Kts Max Ideal for family day trips to beach skiing etc. 081 273 6959.
Glastron Carlson design, Thai registered, 120ltr fuel tank, 200hp Yamaha engine in excellent condition. Includes trailer, boat cover, wakeboard pole, ropes and ski equipment. Call 081 894 5822, email: markbreitis@ gmail.com.
Lodestart RIB: 3.8m,
4 0F T Steel Cut ter Sloop: Ready to cruise. Centrecockpit. Safe, strong German design. New Sails, 44HP Yanmar Engine, 6 Berths, solar, wind generator, BBQ, dinghy&outboard. AUD$110K. 085 378 0498, yacht.antaia@gmail.com.
Speed boat for sale! Now 290,000: 6 metre body Bayliner, 200 HP (EFI) Mercury engine, Yamaha 5 HP back up engine. Blue book. Including: trailer, 2 anchors, and cover, Garmin deep sounder and fish finder brand new. Call 081 477 5637 THAI; 086 283 0082 ENG, RUS.
2 Rai, Cherntalay : 25 year lease for sale. Well situated in fast developing and sought after area close to Laguna. Some fixed rent applies. Contact 087 884 0644 for more info. Ski Boat for Sale:
Moonsoon for sale: 28Ft, registered for 15 passengers. 200Hp/ V6 Mercury motor, only 240 hours, totally restored 40 hours ago, perfect for snorkeling, diving trips, island hopping, water taxi navigation system + fishfinder, 5hp spare motor. Boat and motor in very good condition. Located at Boat Lagoon. Priced for quick sale at B330,000. Contact at : 086 747 9292 or claudstrey@gmail.com.
tion, 12.18m Fiberglass Bowrider, 12mm thick hull, 600ltr fuel tank, 150ltr water tank, licensed for 25 passengers, storage area, manual head, 5 years old, B1.4 million o.n.o, please contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.
Tohatsu 40hp, trailer, skis, tube, lifejackets. B140,000. Contact: 080 073 5371.
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Business for sale: Business only or business & property. Est 2003. Repeat business from big data base, non tourist related soft furnising manufacturing & retail business. Genuine enquires only, no tyre kickers. For further info email samos1941@gmail.com.
Charter Boat: 62ft Hatteras Style yacht, 35 + 4 crew, large upper deck includes website: www.char terboatsphuket.com, price B5,370,000 or best offer. email: eastcoastefi@aol. com or 087 889 8044.
BOATS & YACHTS CONT.
Speedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent condi-
Ce m ent Pro duc t ion Plant: Ready Mixed Conc rete C ompany ’s fac tor y. 446.92 Horse power. Output of workers in the production of 22 people per day at an average yield of about 100 Q/Day (B1,800/Q) average revenue per day for about B180,000. Manufacture of ready-mixed concrete. Can continue immediately. Just buy a cement truck then start delivery. Ready water source to be used for production. Address: Moo. 4 T. Maikhao Thalang Dist. Phuket 83110. Land Size: 20 rai 2 Ngan and 56 talang wah. Price: B130 Million. Contact: Mr. Lee, mobile: 081 803 7189.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Restaurant / Guesthouse: Established restaurant covering two shop houses with private terrace and owners apartment or 8 room guesthouse. Freehold (no lease/rent). Includes all equipment and newly renovated kitchen. Contact for details. Projected ROI 4 years. Call 081 956 3166.
Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@ tile-asia.com.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
CLASSIFIEDS 23
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php CAR FOR RENT
New Honda Jazz: New Honda jazz for rent with insurance and delivery service . Call 081 607 8567.
CAR FOR SALE
facility. High-quality, timeproven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand-new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Tel: 076 384 638, 080 624 7060. Website: www.budsphuket.com.
COOKING CLASS
motorbike trailer, with tow bar and coupling. Cost B45,000 to build, will sell for B25,000. Ideal for dog caring or shopping. Very stable. Please ring 084 858 1917.
food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.
year old 7,500km. automatic, smart lock, park distance control, air bags, CD stereo, controlled on steering wheel 490,000B moving must sell, contact Thai/English : 090 165 08
Clubs & Memberships:
Lady Car for sale: Nissan Tida 2010 model, automatic, as new condition, white, mag wheels, air con, CD stereo controlled from steering wheel, 1 year 1st class insurance. B550,000 ONO, call 087 276 0529.
Club Asia Fitness, Royal Phuket City Hotel - Offers Zumba/LesMills/Yoga Classes/Weight Training/ Sauna/Steam/Swimming pool-all inclusive. For a free trial workout come along and join the action. Tel 076 354 027, 087 275 3614, www.clubasiaphuket.com.
fect condition 359,000 Baht. Tel 081 125 1873, gordon_ asia@hotmail.com.
PERSONAL SERVICES
CHILDCARE
Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest international childcare
For serious interest email: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com for RUSSIAN ; Ms. Oxana Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com
and baking classes have never been more fun using our top-class professional facilities. With complimentary transport from around the island, head to the best Masterchef kitchen on the island. Learn the tricks of the trade from international award winning Chef, Lionel Raiffort. Learn how to cook, from Thai & European cuisines, to the art of baking. Get involved and make a day of it, groups are welcome. For more information, visit w w w. phuket-cooking-academy. com or call 081 821 4064.
Sell Machine 'Bon Café: Sell Machine "Bon
Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.com
POOL TABLES
Football Table for Sale:
Café" "Royal Cappuchino" new still with Bon Café. never used Purchase price of B54,080. Very good deal: Make offer 08 57 98 94 69 Franck.
Brand new “Heavy duty” Soccer/Football Table for rent and sell. Suitable for bars and hotels. Call us now at 081 823 4627, 085 782 1200.
SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE VALCUCINE for sale:
TOYOTA V I O S FO R SALE: 2007 lady owner per-
worldwide. Perfect condition, 2006,manual, 17,500 km, 218 hp supercharged, high end hifi, Recaro seats, Book Service, Ultimate Mini. Collectors item.1.6m, 089 866 3756 (Eng/ Th) frankdreist@hotmail.com.
Price total B38 million (9.50.000.euro) include chanote and Thai company.
Phuket Cooking A c a d e my: C o o k i n g
Motorbike Trailer with Tow bar: Professionally built
Mini Cooper S JCW GP for sale: Only 2000 made
Kata Beach Center 9 apar tments and a 300 sqm Penthouse on the roof plus fully equipped restaurant and pool with terrace are free of rent and now available.
PET ADOPTION
Golf Membership for Sale: Loch Palm 500,000
Mazda 2 For Sale: One
7th Floor Suites (Hotel) Building For Sale
Health Food: Online health
CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS
Bath. Country club 500,000 Bath. Buyer pays for transfer. 083 388 5566. Email borst. jg@gmail.com
BUY & SELL IN PHUKET
VA LCUCINE showroom kitchen for sale due to renovation. 3 years old / good condition / Walnut material with Stainless Steel worktop /hob / hood sink and tap. Please call English (084 240 6688) and Thai (081 484 2565).
WA N T TO G E T A NEW DOG?: Have you thought about adopting a homeless dog,? Many healthy, sterilized dogs to choose from contact : gone2thedoggies@gmail.com
Specialized Carbon Full Suss: Stumpjumper FSR Carbon MTB, Super top spec - Brain F+R Shocks, SRAM XX drive train, Hope Race brakes, Mavix SLR wheels. Large size (180 cm+). Midlife crisis dream machine. 125,000 Thb. 081 737 0722.
24 PHUKET SPORT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
Phuketeers challenge Joy Dive FOOTBALL
SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1
P
huket Super Six leagueleaders Joy Dive conceded points but stayed on top of division 1 after a challenging game against Pita Bar Phuketeers. Meanwhile, Atmanjai and Fruit Ninjas clawed themselves to the top spots in divisions 2 and 3 respectively. Division 1 Pita Bar Phuketeers v Joy Dive FC: 3 – 3 Joy Dive lost their winning momentum and drew against a spirited Pita Bar Phuketeers team. Joy Dive were ahead three times but never looked comfortable, and the Phuketeers pulled one back each time, ending with a share of the points. Banana FC A v Morning Star: 7 – 3 Banana FC A showed they were not a team to be underestimated with a huge 7-3 win against former champions Morning Star. Nanai Boys v Phuket Condos & Homes: 1 – 3 PC&H put in a wholesome
Team
P
W
D
L
F
GD
1
Joy Dive FC
5
4
1
0
29
13
Pts 13
2
Phuket Condos & Homes
5
4
0
1
29
10
12
3
Banana FC A
5
3
0
2
25
2
9
4
Pita Bar Phuketeers
5
2
2
1
15
2
8
5
Morning Star
5
2
1
2
18
-1
7
6
Shakers FC
5
1
1
3
17
-3
4
7
Nanai Boys
5
0
2
3
16
-7
2
8
Holiday Inn FC
5
0
1
4
10
-16
1
Team
P
W
D
L
F
GD
Pts
1
Atmanjai
5
3
1
1
20
5
10
2
Seduction
5
3
1
1
22
4
10
3
Phuket Serenity Villas
5
2
2
1
26
3
8
4
Irish Times
5
2
1
2
20
3
7
5
Bat Fire
4
1
2
1
16
-1
5
6
Big Apple & Pita
5
1
2
2
15
-3
5
7
Blue D Zine PSU FC
5
0
4
1
19
-2
4
8
Mr. Moo
4
0
1
3
11
-9
1
Pts
Division 2
Joy Dive’s Vladimir Obihod on the ball in their match-up with the Pita Bar Phuketeers. effort to inch out a 3-1 win against the talented Nanai Boys squad. It was enough to keep them in second spot, one point below table-toppers Joy Dive. Holiday Inn FC v Shakers: FC 2 – 7 Shakers FC got their first win of the season with a convincing 7-2 result against Holiday Inn, moving Shakers up two spots up the table, leapfrogging their opponents.
Division 2 Seduction v Mr Moo: 8 – 4 An even game turned into a win for Seduction, now in joint first place, while Mr Moo are still struggling. Phuket Serenity Villas v Irish Times: 6 – 5 An intense and even game saw PSV triumph in a late winner. Atmanjai v Bat Fire: 3 – 5 Bat Fire upset table-toppers Atmanajai with a 5-3 win.
Big Apple & Pita v Blue D Zine PSU FC: 3 – 3 Big Apple and PSU had to share the points in this exciting match. Division 3 Rose United – Fruit Ninjas: 3–3 Fruit Ninjas dropped points against the solid Thai team Rose United, currently in third spot and looking for the promotion.
Division 3
Team
P
W
D
L
F
GD
1
Fruit Ninjas
5
4
1
0
24
12
13
2
Russia United
5
4
1
0
23
11
13
3
Rose United
5
3
2
0
25
13
11
4
FC Raya Group Asia
5
3
0
2
23
10
9
5
Banana FC B
5
1
0
4
12
-12
3
6
Two Chefs
4
1
0
3
6
-17
3
7
Gang Junior
4
0
1
3
11
-8
1
8
Crown Plaza Panwa FC
5
0
1
4
7
-9
1
Banana FC B – Russia United: 3–4 Russia United inched out a 4-3 win against Banana FC B
to keep pressure on the top of the division 3 table, in a very physical game with several yellow cards given out.
PSS football comp great success FOOTBALL PHUKET SOCCER Schools (PSS) 3rd annual international tournament was held last weekend. Nearly 40 youth football teams f rom Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Koh Samui and Phuket took part. “We were fortunate in that the weather, although hot, had a cooling breeze throughout the weekend,” said the tournament organiser, PSS head coach Martin Hill. “The facilities gave us a fantastic platform for PSS to showcase our biggest event of the year. Phuket FC involvement on the finals day
added more excitement and the tournament players had the chance to shine in front of their idols.” A total of 350 players in 38 teams competed in the tournament’s four age divisions: Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s. Cups and plates were awarded in each category. Under 8 Cup: Asia Pacific Plate: Samui Arena Academy Under 10 Cup: Phuket Soccer Schools A Plate: Vanda Football Academy Under 12 Cup: Bang Jo United Plate: Asia Pacific Soccer Schools Under 14 Cup: Para FC Plate: Thalang FC A
On Sunday the tournament players were joined by Phuket FC assistant coach Choo Chai and three of the team’s professional players: Giorgi Tsimakuridze, Nontaphan Jiensathawong, and Kampon Phatomakkakul, who helped make the presentation a memorable experience.
RESULTS
One of the Phuket FC football clinics, at Dowroong Witthaya school in Phuket Town.
3 – 1 3 – 2
ESPZEN Soccer School Blue ESPZEN Soccer School Yellow
2 – 1 1 – 0
Para FC Phuket Soccer Schools B
2 – 1 3 – 1
Samui United Academy Vanda Football Academy
4 – 0 2 – 1
Samui United Academy Youth Football Home
Phuket FC inspire school footballers FOOTBALL PHUKET FC ARE REACHing out to a young audience as they build up to the first game of the 2013 Thailand League 1 football season. Led by Phuket FC Chairman Pamuke Atchariyachay, the team’s players, coaches and managers have been visiting schools across the island to attend their morning assembly and anthem ceremony. This week Mr Pamuke visited the Phuket Municipality School on Phulphol Road, where he told students that football helped build social skills and fitness, and could become a real job for some. “Playing football is no longer a boys’ past time anymore. Playing football – apart from helping you improve
your physical strength, and teaching you teamwork and sharing with friends – can also becoming a paying job,” Mr Pamuke said. “Uncle Muke”, as he referred to himself, also encouraged the students to go to this year’s Phuket FC league games and friendly matches. This year, school students in uniform will be admitted to Phuket FC games for free – but Mr Pamuke joked that their parents would still have to pay for a ticket, even if they wore school uniforms. Mr Pamuke also wants to promote football skills in the island’s schools, and so has introduced the Phuket FC Football Clinics for Students. The clinics involve one or two hours of basic football training for students, conducted
by Phuket FC’s coaches and players. This week assistant team manager Choochai Angkabkaew, and three Thai Muslim football stars – Ninuruddin Nide-ha, Sakareya Kolea and Arwut Nuchet – visited the Muslim Witthaya Phuket school in Koh Kaew for a training session with 144 students, aged from 7 to 16 years old. It was the third football clinic since Mr Pamuke launched the programme. Phuket FC will run the clinics twice a month, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons, from 2pm to 3pm. Schools that would like to have Phuket FC visit for a football clinic can email the Phuket FC office at phuketfc2012@hotmail.com for more information.
THEPHUKETNEWS.COM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
PHUKET SPORT 25
Andaman Sea secrets CAST AWAY Jimmy Stewart editor@thephuketnews.com
HELLO AGAIN, MY OFISHInado friends. Having been out three or four times a week during January, I have to report fishing has been mediocre at best with the average catch being a few tuna plus the odd Dorado. Even a three day trip to Koh Ha, Koh Rok and Hin Dang proved uninspiring, although this beautiful area is usually quite prolific. Most overnight fishing trips go to the Similan Islands, and many of our fishing fraternity are unaware of the delights of Koh Ha, Koh Rok and Hin Dang. Koh Ha – ha means five in Thai – is a group of uninhabited islands just south of Phi Phi and Kho Ma. This to me is a magical anchorage where the characters from the Harry Potter books would not seem out place. Weird rock formations, a small beach and crystalclear waters make for great swimming and a magnificent overnight anchorage. It is by far my favorite Andaman Sea destination. Koh Rok is well named, as its west coast is mostly a high cliff with a few sea caves at water level. It is actually two islands, with a navigable channel between them that allows access to pristine sandy beaches along the east coast. Hin Daeng is a group of small rocks about 100 km southeast of Phuket, normally brilliant fishing as these dangerous waters are avoided by commercial boats, whose nets would be torn to shreds. Anchoring there on a still night can be the best bottom
TNT’s Barry Buck bowls to Patong CC’s Patrick Morton, with 15-year-old Paan from Ban Sapam school keeping.
Koh Ha, south of Phi Phi. fishing in the Andaman Sea, although trollers have to be wary of the many pesky divers who frequent this magnificent underwater mountain. The last Sunday of the month saw the monthly Wahoo RBFC fishing trip turn into a mini competition with seven boats checking out their gear prior to Wahoo 2013. In a sad addendum to this month’s column, I have a tale of bad form to share. On Friday, February 8, a fellow RBFC member and I went fishing, trolling only two lines around Racha. The Thai crew member of another boat waved us off after cutting across our bow, only to return and deliberately cut one of our lines by passing too close to our stern. I was told by my friend that it was the second time this had happened. When we returned to port, another boat operator said it could be because we had no Thai crew members but were “two farangs on our own.” Is this the tuk-tuk wars spilling over into the fishing community? I sincerely hope not! To that fishing crew: shame on you, you are a disgrace to the local fishing community, a blight on everything the fishing clubs are trying to do for you, Phuket tourism and the sport. May your barnacles turn into blisters! Tight lines, Jimmy fishinginphuket.com
Hash House Harriers Run 1406: 4pm on Saturday, February 16
Directions: Patong Viewpoint. Travel south on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pee Road in Patong and bear left at the three-way intersection at the end. Continue to the first set of lights and take the second left turn on the corner into Nanai Road. Continue for approximately 500 metres, then turn right at the massage shop on the far corner. Go up the hill on Hasip Pee Road for about 500 metres and turn right at the HHH sign. Drive up the concrete road into the laager. Do not park on the Takraw pitch. More info: phuket-hhh.com
Patong defuse TNT attack CRICKET
E
arly league standouts Patong Cricket Club played against TNT at a gusty Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) on Sunday (February 10). The match was a to-and-fro affair, with both teams in the driving seat at some point. But it was the experienced PCC side who walked off with the league points for the match. TNT was the first team in the field and welcomed the PCC openers with a barrage of fast-paced deliveries. With the fall of the first wicket in the second over, TNT could be forgiven for thinking that they had the upper hand.
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But a whirlwind partnership between Dave Watson (70 off 52) and Raju Seemant (40 off 37) quickly put that idea to bed. Their 80-run partnership was ended with the departure of Seemant in the 13th over. After the third drinks break, a remotivated TNT were rewarded with Watson’s scalp, the 4th wicket to fall, with the score on a healthy 140 in the 21st over.
TNT then proved their reputation as one of the league’s gutsiest teams by staving the run flow in the following overs. A smattering of wickets fell to the bowling efforts of Anthony Dupont and Andrew McMillan, both claiming 3 for 42, and TNT restricted PCC to 217 all out. TNT’s opening pair of McMillan and Ian Henry got their innings off to a blazing start.
McMillan was trapped lbw in the 5th over, but Henry looked comfortable against the PCC bowling attack, eventually falling for 58 off 80 in the 26th over. With the score on 131 for 5 after 26 overs, TNT needed to up the run rate, but the PCC team had other ideas. Despite losing left hand pace man Dave Watson to a hand injury, the PCC team pulled together. Inspired by stellar bowling from Manish Sadarangani (4 for 25), PCC snuffed out the rest TNT batting line up, all out for 175. The next game in the JLL Cricket League is between Jabudays Island Cricket Club and Laguna Cricket Club at the Alan Cooke Ground on Sunday, February 17.
Pita bar players top pool finals POOL THE PITA BAR TEAM ALL but swept the board in the finals of the Southern Phuket Pool League in Karon. The finals were the culmination of weekly competitions between eight teams in the south and west of the island, with players from Mick’s Aussie Bar and Pita Bar meeting in the final at the Walkabout Sports Bar. The final result reflected
a strong showing by Pita Bar, who led the table with nine games to one by the end of the night. Organiser Dave Roberts of Walkabout said there were some close games that might have challenged the outcome, and a good night was had by all. For more information or entering the next edition of the Southern Phuket Pool League in Karon, visit southernphuketpool.com
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26 WORLD SPORT
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PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: WEEK 28
Utd soar as City crumble FOOTBALL
G
oals from Ryan Giggs and Robin van Persie helpd Manchester United open up a 12-point lead in the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday. Giggs opened early with his first league goal of the season, and van Persie scored just before the break. Gigg’s goal means he has scored in 23 consecutive seasons for Manchester United, while the result gave the Red Devils a near-unassailable lead in the league. A day earlier, Manchester City’s hopes of defending their title crumbled in a 3-1 away defeat to Southampton. Southamption’s Jason Puncheon opened the scoring, and a mistake by City goalkeeper Joe Hart let Steven Davis double the score. Edin Dzeko got one back for City, but an own-goal from Gareth Barry sealed the win. Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez dismissed speculation over his future after the Blues got back on track with a 4-1 win over Wigan.
Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs has now scored in 23 consecutive seasons for the English club. Photo: AFP Ramires fired home in the 23rd minute and Eden Hazard doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 56th minute. Shaun Maloney replied for Wigan two minutes later, but Frank Lampard and Marko Marin both notched late goals. Elsewhere, Liverpool crashed to a 2-0 defeat against West Bromwich Albion. The Reds looked set to win when Steven Gerrard stepped up for a late penalty, but Ben Foster saved the shot and Albion took advantage of the escape. Gareth McAuley headed the opener with nine minutes left and Romelu Lukaku’s scored in stoppage-time. Charles N’Zogbia led
Aston Villa to a 2-1 win over West Ham, lifting the league strugglers out of the relegation zone. Christian Benteke converted a penalty in the closing stages at Villa Park, before N’Zogbia curled in a freekick. An own goal from Villa’s Ashley Westwood ensured a nervous finale, but Villa held on for their first win in 10 matches. Swansea’s Michu scored twice in the team’s 4-1 victory over QPR. He scored first in the eighth minute, followed by Angel Rangel 10 minutes later. Bobby Zamora gave QPR hope three minutes after half-time, but Pablo Hernandez struck two minutes later,
before Michu netted a second. England’s Jack Wilshere suffered a thigh injury in Arsenal’s 1-0 victory at Sunderland. Santi Cazorla put Arsenal ahead in the 35th minute. Despite being a man down after Carl Jenkinson was sent off for fouling Stephane Sessegno, the Gunners held on for the win and climbed above Everton into fifth place. Gareth Bale scored both goals in Tottenham’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle. Bale opened early in the first half with a superb free-kick. Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran equalised, but Bale bagged a late winner. Reading suffered a 2-1 defeat at Stoke, falling behind when Robert Huth headed in a 67th minute corner. Cameron Jerome made it two for the hosts in the 81st minute, and Adrian Mariappa’s replied in the 83rd minute. Norwich and Fulham laboured to a 0-0 stalemate in a dour clash at Carrow Road. The draw left Norwich at 14th and Fulham at 12th position in the league. AFP.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
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This month’s competition is sponsored by Australia Bar & Grill in Kata. The monthly winner will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at the venue. The overall winner at the end of the season will win a brand new Honda Scoopy courtesy of AP Honda.
Nigeria’s footballers return to rewards and rapture FOOTBALL
NIGERIA’S SUPER EAGLES arrived home Tuesday after winning the country’s first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in nearly two decades and were welcomed by adoring crowds as well as millions of dollars in rewards Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced at a reception for the team late Tuesday that coach Stephen Keshi would receive US$64,000 (B1.9m) from the government, while the players would receive half of that plus a plot of land in the capital.
Jonathan also listed another US$4.2 million (B125m) pledged by prominent Nigerians for the team and staff. “You are our super heroes. You have put a spring in our steps,” the president said after posing for pictures with the team and the championship trophy. The lavish rewards immediately stoked criticism among some Nigerians on Twitter who questioned whether they were appropriate in a country that is Africa’s biggest oil producer but which struggles to provide basic infrastructure. Earlier in the day, hundreds
welcomed the team back at the airport in the capital Abuja before a very brief appearance later in the afternoon on the grounds of the National Stadium. Along the road from the airport toward the city, school children dressed in their uniforms waited for the team convoy and waved Nigerian flags. A crowd of several hundred fans received the team on arrival at the national stadium in a bus draped in the same colours. Keshi and his team were given a loud cheer when they emerged from the bus and
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Nigeria’s winger Ahmed Musa. Photo: Xavier Rondón Medina supporters surged forward to greet them. The Nations Cup victory in South Africa has thrilled Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation but where the team has in recent years failed to play up to its potential. Sunday’s 1-0 final triumph over outsiders Burkina Faso in South Africa saw the thousands gathered to watch the match on giant screens near the national stadium in Nigeria’s second city Lagos erupt with joy and celebration in the country’s press. “Kings of Africa” said The Punch newspaper on Monday, while The Nation called the win “Nigeria’s magical hour”. Chelsea winger Victor Moses described the victory as
one of the best days of his life after he played a pivotal role when Nigeria picked up a third Africa Cup of Nations title. Moses, on his debut in the continental showcase, made a telling impact on the Super Eagles’ journey to the 2013 title, clinched with a win earned through a first-half Sunday Mba goal. He scored the two late goals that saw off Ethiopia to put Nigeria into the knock-out stages and was instrumental in Mba’s first-half strike that proved sufficient to bring the coveted crown back to Lagos. “One of best days of my life this is a dream come true I’m so proud to be Nigerian,” Moses wrote on Twitter. “The win is for each and
everyone of u back home, I’ll savour this,” the former Crystal Palace and Wigan star added in another post. Nigeria’s third title, after wins in 1980 and 1994 when coach Stephen Keshi was captain, earned the Super Eagles a place at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil in July. They will face world and European champions Spain, Tahiti and Uruguay in the traditional World Cup warm-up. It was a result that took Keshi into the record books as he equalled the feat of late Egyptian Mahmoud El Gohary by winning gold medals as a player and a coach. For team captain Joseph Yobo, who came on for the closing couple of minutes having missed the bulk of the competition with injury, the title was a fitting end to his Nations cup career. The veteran 32-year-old Fenerbahce defender reflected: “This is my sixth Nations Cup and I’d already said it was going to be my last. Not because I can’t play anymore, but because it’s time to give my place to someone else. “I thank God for giving me this victory in my final appearance.” AFP
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2013
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Phuket FC goes to school Football training and inspiration for island’s school students > 24
editor2@thephuketnews.com
England win, France falter RUGBY
OLYMPICS
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s the Six Nations Championship takes a two-week break, England have emerged as the only side with a 100 per cent record after two matches. In beating world champions New Zealand 38-21 at Twickenham in December, England have responded to the burden of expectation with wins over Scotland (38-18) and Ireland (12-6). “Coming into the Six Nations we had to back up that performance against New Zealand,” said England forwards coach Graham Rowntree. “We did that last week [against Scotland] and then we had to do it away from home, because that defines you as a group of players.” With fly-half Owen Farrell demonstrating a maturity well beyond his 21 years and the side again well led by flanker Chris Robshaw, England achieved their first Six Nations victory in Dublin since their
England’s Billy Twelvetrees takes the ball against Scotland. Photo: AFP/Adrian Dennis Grand Slam in 2003. Meanwhile, former France captain turned coach Philippe Saint-Andre faces questions as the team faces an away match to England at Trickenham on February 28. Saturday’s 16-6 defeat by Wales in Paris yielded a desperately sluggish display from the 2011 World Cup finalists, who came secondbest to a Welsh side ending a
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Osasuna
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Reading
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Celta de Vigo
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Deportivo La Coruña
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Team
It first appeared in 708 BC and has been left out of only one Olympic Games, in 1900. Amateur wrestling’s world governing body, the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) said it was stunned by the news, as was Vitaly Mutko, sports minister of Russia, one of wrestling’s powerhouses. A nd there was anger where the ancient Games began, with Greek wrestling federation president Kostas Thanos calling the decision ‘sacrilege’. AFP
Manchester United
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are increasingly competitive after years of sharing the wooden spoon can only be good for the tournament. As for Ireland, stringing two wins together remains an elusive goal. As Ireland coach Declan Kidney said after the England match: “There’s still a hell of a lot to play for. Let’s get to eight points and see where we are at the end of it.” AFP
WRESTLING, AN OLYMPIC sport since the first Olympics in ancient Greece, looks set to be dropped for the 2020 games A decision by the 15 members of the IOC executive board to drop wrestling from the core Olympic sports has yet to be ratified by the full IOC. But Wrestling was last in each of four rounds of voting by the IOC executive to remove one core sport from the Olympic roster. An IOC source said that the outcome was “a real shock”, because moder n pentathlon was expected to removed from the list of 25 core sports for the Games to be held in either Tokyo, Istanbul or Madrid. Wrestling will stay on the list for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, but its likely disappearance after that will leave the Games without one of its original ancient sports.
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run of eight straight defeats. “We must not be scared,” Saint-Andre said. “Rugby can always produce surprises and we must go there with our heads held high.” Italy surpassed all expectations in beating France but their difficulty playing away was emphasised by a comprehensive 34-10 defeat by a resurgent Scotland. The fact that both nations
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Wrestling tumbles from Olympic grace
RESULTS Tottenham Chelsea Norwich Stoke Sunderland
2–1 4 – 1 0–0 2–1 0–1
Newcastle Wigan Fulham Reading Arsenal
Swansea Southampton Aston Villa Man United Liverpool
4–1 3–1 2–1 2–0 0 – 2
QPR Man City West Ham Everton West Brom
Team
RESULTS Mallorca Celta de Vigo Levante Deportivo Real Madrid
1–1 0–1 1–2 0–3 4–1
Osasuna Valencia Málaga Granada Sevilla
Barcelona Real Zaragoza Athletic Bilbao Rayo Vallecano Real Betis
6–1 1–2 0–4 2–1 0–0
Getafe Real Sociedad Espanyol Atlético Madrid Real Valladolid