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Local skateboarders are hoping to raise funds to build a state-ofthe-art B1 million skate park to get the island’s kids off the streets

From left, keen skaters Sun, Dum and Ton can’t wait for a new skatepark. Photo: Claire Connell

FULL STORY ON PAGE 2

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Phuket News TV to go live on Monday

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rought to you by Class Act Media, the parent company of this newspaper, Phuket News TV kicks off on March 18 with a daily news service.

That will be followed by the start of two longer, weekly programmes, This Week in Phuket and Phuket in Focus.

All three programmes will eventually make up an hourlong programme, which will be aired on KPP Cable TV Channel One at 7pm and 11pm everyday.

Phuket News TV is a natural progression for Class Act Media. Following the success of The Phuket News, Live 89.5 and the Russian-language newspaper Novosti Phuketa, TV is the important final ingredient in the media mix.

Class Act Media Managing

Programmes on Phuket News TV will be presented by Alice Na Takuatung (This Week in Phuket); News Presenter Yim Ketsara; and Tim Newton, host of Phuket in Focus.

Director Simon Samaan has been working with the TV team over the past two months preparing for the launch of Phuket News TV. “Phuket News TV is a great step forward for Class Act Media. It gives us presence throughout all three major three media channels; print

(in both English and Russian), radio and now TV. We will be continuing with our normal policy of offering cost-effective promotional options to our clients. Having TV allows us to further leverage on our other media channels and do exactly that.”

The three programmes

build on the excellent resources of the rest of the company.

News Today is the only daily local TV news in English and will be prepared every weekday morning; This Week in Phuket will feature all the island’s events, arts and music; and Phuket in Focus is a weekly current affairs programme that

will look back at the week’s news with further commentary and interviews with the island’s newsmakers.

Station Manager Tim Newton is sure that everyone will enjoy the new programming.

“We’ve worked hard to provide the most flexible viewing options for everyone. The easiest thing to do is to log onto the Phuket News website (www.thephuketnews.com) and click ‘TV’. That will take you to the TV website where you can select to watch any of the current programmes anytime you want. Or we’ll be on KPP Cable TV every day at 7pm and 11pm.

“The key here is making sure the programmes work across all the platforms – smartphones, laptops, tablets – and fit into people’s busy

lives. You watch what you want, when you want.

“We’ve also planned programmes around the people who live on the island, not just the tourists. There are plenty of ‘magazine’ style TV programmes already – we’re building on the great strengths of The Phuket News and Live 89.5, already leaders in coverage of news and current affairs in Phuket.”

Phuket News TV is also a total media production facility and can provide more than just programmes.

“Our recent investment in top-of-the-range audio and video equipment means that we will also be offering highquality corporate video production services to our clients at extremely reasonably rates,” said Mr Samaan.

Momentum growing for skate park Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

A GROUP OF PHUKET skaters are hoping to raise funds to build a B1 million state-of-the-art skate park to help bring the Phuket community together and provide a venue for the island’s skaters.

Phuket expatriate Tim Campbell, together with his friend Ton and other skaters in Phuket, are joining forces to get fundraising underway for the project.

Tim said the idea came from the young skaters in the community, who at the moment skate in the Cherng Talay Tesco-Lotus carpark after school and on the weekends.

With around 20 teenagers

Computer graphic showing how the skate park may look. and young adults using the park regularly, plus a large number of skaters in other parts of the islands such as Kata and Phuket Town, a proposal had been made to build a community skate park about half a rai in size. All going to plan, it could be built next year.

“We’ve spoken to the Or-

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BorTor and they love the idea,” Tim said.

“We hope that the OrBorTor will give us community land [to build on] because it will be a community skate park, which means it will be free entry.

“It will be the people’s park.

The spot that would be ideal is in Surin, next to the King’s

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90x90 | 120x120

www.tile-asia.com info@tile-asia.com | Wana Park, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110 | Tel 076 620 168 | Fax 076 620 169

Monument. They [the local OrBorJor] are building a brand new football field across the road. On the other side of that is a grass area – that’s the spot that we put to the OrBorTor. “Once we start bringing in some revenue then it will show the OrBorTor that we are serious.

“The whole idea is because we want to make it a community idea. A lot of the kids are already giving some of their pocket money towards it. We want the community to build it, and we are assisting Ton and the local boys who skate here in getting that community support and interest, and involvement.”

Tim said there were a lot of groups of young kids riding around on bikes, but once they

reached the influential teenage years, there were many negative avenues on the island.

“Beach, surfing and skating culture all goes together – it is like a big family.

The idea is to give them an environment they can hang out in that’s positive, healthy and giving them some direction in life – that mentorship from the older guys.”

Ma Ann, president of Cherngtalay OrBorTor, said, “I have seen groups of skaters and BMX bike riders in the area, so it will be great for them to have a park. People can also enjoy the football field nearby and sit in the park.”

M r Ma A n n said the Cherng Talay OrBorTor would build the basic structure for the

park, including the concrete base, and lights at the venue.

On March 31, Tim and his friend Quintin Clover, who own Stand Up Projects, will host the Phuket Paddle Festival family event on Bang Tao Beach, which will be the first official fundraiser for the skate park.

With regard to security at the park, Tim didn’t think it would be a problem.

“There will be a culture of teaching, mentoring and community spirit at the park.

“I’d like to think that with these local boys and the great spirit they have, that would be enough.

“If someone comes in and is playing up, then the rest of the community is going to help out.”

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of Horror Sydictive party boss House trial adjourned to sue complainants A HEARING IN THE TRIAL of Norwegian Stein Havard Dokset, arrested last year after police found the rotting body of his ex-girlfriend in a garbage bin in his house, opened last week but was adjourned before any evidence was heard.

The session in the Phuket provincial Court on March 8 was due to hear evidence from the prosecution witnesses.

Dokset arrived in court at 10am, but after a discussion with the judge, the trial was adjourned. It will resume on

Nattha Thepbamrung reporter2@thephuketnews.com

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irat “Champ” Petnunthawong, MD of Sydictive Element, which staged the controversial New Year’s party on Patong Beach, has announced that he will bring civil and criminal defamation suits against complainants who held a press conference on March 6 in Bangkok.

Mr Jirat announced, “I would like to say that the allegations that some people have announced in the media about me are not true. My lawyer is drawing up a case against them. Whoever said these things must be prosecuted under both the civil and criminal law.”

The Manageronline news site confirmed that the Petnunthawong family had instructed their lawyer to prosecute Anandadvip “Chai” Jayankura Na Ayuthaya, a Thai celebrity who owns Anandadvip International Co with “many charges”, and that the family would stage their own press conference to rebut the accusations made in the Wednesday

August 22.

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 rotting contents of the bin were the remains of Ms Rungnapa.

He 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.

Cambodian children caught in Patong raid Anandadvip “Chai” Jayankura Na Ayuthaya speaks at last week’s press conference. press conference. Mr Anandadvip told The Phuket News today that he was not worried by the threat of a defamation suit, and was ready to go to the court.

“Reality is always reality,” he said. “I knew before I started that he would sue me. I’m not worried because I have enough evidence and

witnesses to prove what I said was true.”

Last week’s press conference was held at the Phaholyothin offices of the Royal Thai Police Crime Suppression Division.

Apart from Mr Chai, the speakers were Jechiya Atichatmanee, the owner of No Limit Co, and Roman Shackih, who

bought B100,000 VIP tickets for the event. Anandadvip International Co and No Limit Co were both hired to promote and market the event.

Mr Anandadvip said that anyone else with a complaint against Sydictive Element was welcome to join in a class action suit against the party organisers.

SIX CHILDREN AND SIX adults, all Cambodians, were arrested in Patong last Friday afternoon (March 8) by a Phuket Immigration team led by Superintendent Pol Col Sanchai Chotkayaikit.

Officers had received information that the Cambodians had rented a house on Pisitkoranee Rd, Patong, with the aim of making money from begging on the streets of Patong. None of the 12 Cambodians had a passport.

There were no records of the Cambodians crossing the border. They admitted that they had paid B4,000 per adult to an “agent” to come into Thailand at the Aranyaprathet/Poipet border crossing. From there they had travelled by bus to Phuket.

All admitted being in Thailand illegally, and will be sent back to Cambodia. The owner of the house they were renting was also arrested for sheltering them.

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Mob back sacked teacher Promises but still no GENERAL MANAGER

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round 100 Muslim people, including students of the Muslim Wittaya School in Koh Kaew and members of the school’s foundation, gathered at the school last week to protest at the sacking of a popular teacher.

Parinya Prayadsap, also known as Ibrahim, was fired for going on the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca too often, absenting himself from the school without permission. He has taught at the school for 16 years.

The protestors said that Mr Parinya, who teaches Arabic and Muslim studies at the school, was a popular and well known teacher. They were outraged that he had effectively been fired for going on the Haj, one of the most deeply religious actions a Muslim can perform.

His latest trip to Mecca was at the invitation of the national Sheihkul Islam Office, which asked him to go as a guide to other Thai pilgrims.

Meeting with the protestors, Dr Srirat Ketmuang, representing the school board, said that Mr Parinya had broken school regulations by going to Mecca on pilgrimage three times in the

Teacher Parinya Prayadsap (centre) with some of his 100 supporters. past five years. The school, he explained, has a policy that teachers and staff may perform the Haj only once every five years.

“He went to Mecca three times to work as a guide [rather than as a pilgrim].

This meant that other people in the school who wanted to go on the Haj could not. We have to enforce our regulations in order to maintain fairness,” Dr Srirat said.

However, the protestors, led by Saman Kanuengkan – Imam of Darul Istikorma

Mosque and a member of the board of the Phuket Muslim Association – disagreed with this decision and told him they wanted Mr Parinya reinstated.

“He is a very nice guy and a talented teacher,” Mr Saman said. “It is not fair that he should be fired for going on the Haj. He went as the representative of [Thailand’s Islamic spiritual leader] Chularatchamontri [Aziz Pitakkumpon] who asked him to go on the Haj to lead Thai-Muslim people in Mecca.

“This is our request, from

local people and students: we just want him back. We have asked for talks with the school board many times but they always refused to meet us. That is why we are here today [in force].”

Dr Srirat said that the protestors’ request will be considered by the school board but added that he could not say whether the board would change its decision or not.

In the meantime, Mr Parinya is still on notice, with March 31 set as his final day working at the school.

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TWENTY CONTESTANTS in the Miss Thailand World 2013 beauty contest were in Phuket on Tuesday (March 12), visiting the factory of the company chosen to make the winner’s B1 million crown – Phuket Pearl Group Co. They also went out to Koh Maphrao where the company has its pearl farm, and paid a call on Governor Maitree Intusut.

The crown is set with Belgian diamonds and 11 South Sea pearls. Phuket Pearl’s design team explained that the pearls represent the 10 member states of Asean, with the 11th , at the top of the crown, representing Asean unity.

This is the first time that the company has been chosen to create the crown for Miss Thailand World, though last year it made the crown for Miss World Singapore 2012.

A smile for the cameras from one of the contestants. Inset, design for the winner’s crown.

It has been contacted about doing so again this year.

On Wednesday the 20 contestants visited Wat Chalong and other tourist sites on the

island. They were due to fly back to Bangkok yesterday (March 14).

The Miss Thailand World 2013 finals will be staged at

Bangkok Convention centre, Centara Grand at Central World on April 9. The finals will be broadcast live on Thai TV Channel 3.

WITH PRISONER NUMbers now at bursting point in the existing overcrowded and ancient prison in Phuket Town, the director of Phuket Provincial Prison is hoping that the funds to build a new B1 billion prison in Thalang will be included in the 2014 government budget.

It will be a long time coming when the money finally does arrive – the proposal to create a new prison was first mooted in 2002, when Manit Suthaporn, the top official in the Ministry of Justice, announced that the prison would be closed, and inmates moved either to Bangkok or to a new prison planned for Baan Bang Jo, Thalang.

A decision was made then to build a new prison, rather than upgrade the current one, which is set on limited land, and the request for the budget was made in October last year.

So far no decision has been made by the government.

Prison Director Rapin Nichanon told The Phuket News that the current prison is about 115 years old.

“It can hold only 760 people comfortably, but now there are around 2,000 prisoners. It is very overcrowded” he said.

The prison had asked the government “many times” for the budget to build but so far the funding had not been approved.

However, Mr Rapin said, the Deputy Minister of Interior, Pracha Prasopdee, had confirmed that he would push the project in parliament and promised it would go ahead.

Mr Pracha agreed that the current prison was too crowded and old, and said the government “realised the importance of building a new one”.

“I hope the new prison will eventually happen,” Mr Rapin said.

The new prison in Bang Jo will cover 108 rai of land, and have state-of-the-art facilities.

Water treatment plants, sports facilities, a football field, a skills training school and comfortable dormitories will all be part of an effort to improve the quality of life for prisoners.

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LUCKY, LUCKY

‘Russian’ firms probe is still ongoing – DSI Falling branch flattens five vehicles POL LT COL NIMIT PROMma of the Department of Special Investigation said on Monday (March 11) that the DSI’s investigation into foreign businesses in Phuket continues, though it has yet to find anyone breaking the law.

The focus of the probe was initially on “Russian” businesses in Cherng Talay. Col Nimit said the DSI believes that many of the Russian-controlled companies opening in Phuket have their roots in Pattaya, and are using Thai nominee shareholders.

The DSI team is continuing to check taxes paid, work permits and the companies’ accounts to see whether they are using nominees illegally or not.

“Many Russian businesses in Phuket have Thai nominee shareholders,” Col Nimit said.

He said that after gathering information about illegallyconstituted or illegally-run businesses with foreign shareholders – not just Russian ones but others with foreign participation as well – the DSI team will visit Phuket again “for suppression” – in other words, to make arrests.

“We are also checking work permits and checking whether the foreigners who hold them are doing the work specified in their permits or some other job,” he said.

Asked when results might be expected, he said that the investigation is still ongoing,

and he did not know when the team would return to Phuket to make arrests.

The DSI team, led by Pol Lt Col Somboon Sarasit, commander of the Bureau of Special Crime Section 3, visited Phuket a month ago to check on firms with Russian involvement in the Bang Tao area, after complaints from the Bang Tao Taxi Association (BTTA).

Kalif Panan, a representative of the BTTA and a member of the Cherng Talay OrBorTor, said that after the DSI team visited Bang Tao last month, problems with Russiancontrolled businesses seem to have declined even though there are large numbers of Russian tourists this high season “There are fewer Russian businesses here than before the DSI visited,” he said. “Then, there were more Russians selling tour packages illegally and some Russian involved in organising taxi services.

“We all heard that the Russian taxi service people told guests not to use our service because we are more expensive than they are.”

He said that the local business operators are pleased to have businesses run by real Thai investors rather than businesses that have Thai nominee shareholders.

“We do not mind if they are Thai people who want to do business, but sometimes they are just fronts for foreigners, which is not fair for us.”

S

everal people had a lucky escape when a huge branch fell from a 100-year-old banyan tree in Phuket Town around noon on Tuesday (March 12), badly damaging three cars and two pick-up trucks parked in front of the Phuket Social Security Office (SSO) on Amphur Rd. No one was injured. But the branch crashed onto a Toyota Vios, a Toyota Vigo pick-up truck, a Toyota Mighty X truck, a Mitsubishi Pajero, and a Honda City. It also damaged a motorbike with sidecar.

Thanusak Wonganan, the owner of the Mighty X, was inside his car when the branch fell. He said he was about to park it when he heard a loud crack and the branch fell on his vehicle. Luckily two arms of the branch hit the front and back of the truck, leaving him sitting in the cab unharmed.

He showed a Buddha amulet he wears on a chain around his neck, and which he credited for keeping him safe.

The owner of the Vigo truck and his family also had a close escape. Wilfried Wiederschein from Germany said that he parked his car under the tree. As he walked to the office with his wife and son, he heard the cracking noise. He and his family ran for their lives.

The branch completely flattened the cab of Mr Wiederschein’s truck.

The tree is venerated as a home for spirits, so is not likely to be cut down.

Above, the branch flattened the cab of Wilfried Wiederschein’s pick-up just moments after he and his family had got out of it. Below, Thanusak Wonganan was still in his truck when the branch fell on it. The limb came from a 100-year-old banyan tree.

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CLOSE CALL

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Stray bullet zips into woman’s home Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com

P

huket woman Thayika Yotyoy, 59, had a close call last week when a bullet missed her by millimetres as she stood inside the house in Rawai she shares with her sister and niece.

“I heard a bang like a thunder clap and then something went past my face very fast and hit the floor,” she told police. “At first I thought it was a little stone. But when I looked at it I realised it was a bullet.” Shocked, she shouted to her niece to call the police.

Responding to the call on March 6, Pol Col Kitipas Dejintarasorn, superintendent of Chalong Police Station, arrived and examined the bullet, which he identified as having come from a 9mm weapon.

Police worked out that the bullet had come through the ventilation grill at the top of the wall of the wooden house, then ricocheted off the inside of the roof before whistling past Ms Thayika.

The almost-victim swore that she had no enemies.

“Me and my family have no business conflicts. I do have 18 rai of land near Promthep Cape and some brokers wanted to buy it,” she said. “But I told them I wanted to keep it for my family in the future.”

Police said they had no theories about where the bullet came from or who fired it.

Stray bullets are a hazard in Thailand. British tourist Stephen Ashton was killed by a stray bullet during a New Year party on Koh Samui three months ago, and on January 22 two German tourists in Patong were hit by bullets fired at someone else.

In September last year a Thai woman sitting by the roadside was hit in the thigh by a stray bullet fired during a high speed cops-and-drug-dealers chase in Pattaya.

Igor Nikolaev (left) talks with investigators in his room. Inset, CCTV image of the supposed burglar. Photos: Golf Thairath

Burglar steals room safe

Thayika Yotyoy (left) points at the bullet (circled in yellow).

A RUSSI A N TOU R IST had belongings totalling B100,000 stolen from his Patong hotel room on Monday morning (March 11) while he was at the beach.

Igor Nikolaev, 29, was staying on the second floor of a hotel on Thaveewong Road.

When he came back from the beach he found the room safe had disappeared and, along with it, his iPad, cash, passport and credit cards.

On the footage they saw a man about 180-185 cm tall wearing a grey T-shirt, grey shorts and sun glasses, with a sparse beard and moustache.

Investigators say the burglar spent about 10 minutes in the room before leaving, carrying a suitcase that may have contained the room safe.

Kathu Superintendent Pol Col Jiraphat Pochanapant told The Phuket News, “The thief took the safety box. We are now collecting evidence to track him down. I’m also cooperating with Immigration because we believe the thief may be part of a foreign gang.”

The case is similar to reports of two previous cases in the Karon area where burglars made off with room safes or broke them open.

On February 17 a Hong Kong couple returned to their room to find the room safe missing. In it were a mobile phone, B10,000 and HKD3,000 in cash, two Hong Kong ID cards, a driving license, an ATM card, a wallet and the key of their rented motorbike.

A Russian couple staying at the same hotel found the room safe had been broken open. They lost USD1,400 and RUB5,000 in cash, a B1,000 watch and a B4,000 silver ring.

The Phuket News was unable to confirm reports of a similar theft at another resort in the Karon area.

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Officials discuss problems catching Bangla animal touts A VARIETY OF GOVERNment bodies came together last Friday (March 8), to hold a press conference to review action – or the apparent lack of it – against touts tempting tourists to have their photos taken with exotic animals.

The press conference, held at Provincial Hall, heard that a Wildlife Suppression Patrol has been set up by the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) to patrol Bangla Rd in Patong looking for the touts.

Awat Nithikul, the leader of the patrol officers and Senior Academic at Khao Phra Taew Forest Preserve, said, “There have been a lot of smuggled protected animals including lorises, gibbons and iguanas [being misused] on Bangla Rd. “Since 2010, touts with a total of 21 lorises and gibbons have been arrested.

“Seventeen lorises have been rescued and sent to the Wildlife Conservation Office in Phang-Nga.” He added, “It is very hard for the officers to arrest these people because they work as a network with lookouts at both ends of Bangla Rd. Bangla Rd is crowded with foreigners and

lorises are small, so they can be stuffed into a pocket or a bag”.

Pol Col Jirapat Pohchanapat of Kathu Police Station said, “We’ve had complaints from people asking how it can be that when one tout is caught and taken away, another quickly takes his or her place. But it is hard for the police to catch them all, and the geography of Bangla Rd affects officers’ operations because it is very crowded and there are many sois running off it.

“Early this morning (March 8) Patong Police caught another loris tout on Bangla Rd.” The meeting was asked whether members had seen a video posted on Facebook by the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, who visited Bangla Rd and filmed the situation there, including shots of touts at work with officials close by taking no action.

The officials said they had not, and asked for the URL. To report wildlife crimes, contact the Natural Resource and Environment Crime Suppression Division. The Bangkok number is 02 561 4812 – 7 and the hotline is 1136. Awat Nitikul can be reached at 0866897040.

Rohingya drowned – MP

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ccording to a local MP, two Rohingya refugees are confirmed as having drowned after jumping out of their overloaded boat in a panic sparked by Thai Navy sailors opening fire in an attempt to drive them out of Thai waters.

Last week, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported that members of the Thai navy shot dead at least two and as many as 15 Rohingya migrants in the sea off Phuket on February 22, something which the Royal Thai Navy has denied.

Kantawan Tanthien, Democrat Party MP in Phang Nga,

gion Commander, Vice Admiral Tharathorn Khachitsuwan, who oversees the navy base in Phuket, said the report was false.

“I would like readers to consider whether the report is based on the truth or not,” Adm Tharathorn said.

He said he did not want to make further comments on the matter and he called on the Thai media not to lend any credence to the report.

The story does not look like going away anytime soon, however. New York-based Human Rights Watch was quoted by agencies on Wednesday (March 13), accusing Thai

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS Mohd Fahmi Nordin, of the Tourism Malaysia Phuket Office (right) with winners of tickets to the Malaysian Grand Prix on March 24. The winners win also get to go to the after-race concert featuring Guns & Roses. Tourism Malaysia provided the tickets as prizes for a competition on Phuket Live Radio 89.5FM and as the top prize in the Phuket Community Foundation Great Rubber Duck Race 2013.

Darawan Phankaew belts out Notorious’ winning song. from 3pm at the Hard Rock Café. Four bands will compete to join Notorious in the final.

told The Phuket News this morning that autopsies on two dead Rohingya revealed that they had not been shot dead, but had drowned after the panic, close to Thung Nang Dam in Phang Nga. “I do not think it was the navy’s intention to kill anyone,” Mrs Kantawan said. “Witnesses said the navy did not shoot directly at the Rohingya; they were trying to drive them out of Thai waters, as is their duty.”

The Royal Thai Navy, too, has rejected reports of Rohingya being shot dead, according to The Bangkok Post.

Royal Thai Navy Third Re-

navy personnel of shooting at least two Rohingya asylum seekers and calling on the Thai government to investigate the incident.

“Rohingya fleeing Burma should be given protection, not shot at,” Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, was quoted as saying. “The Thai government should urgently investigate why sailors opened fire at boat people helpless in the sea and prosecute all those found responsible.”

On Monday Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told journalists, “We will investigate this.”

Six expats arrested over work permits

Notorious win music contest by one point PHUKET ROCK MUSIC Academy’s ‘Notorious’ band took out top honours in the first heat of the Battle of the Young Bands competition, held on March 9 at the Hard Rock Café in Patong.

Notorious features young musicians Darawan Phankaew, Baworn Kraipechara, Mathaphon Sanornprorn, Theerakij Manasomboonpan and Santhos Sattayasatien.

‘Eye Forgot’, made up of students from Siobhan’s Music Studio, were second in the competition.

Both bands performed two songs each, with Notorious delivering some blistering heavy metal in both English and Thai, and advancing to the final, which will be held May 4.

Judges said Eye Forgot took a more melodic approach, but were let down by the absence of two band members who had prior commitments. The three remaining members put in a spirited performance which saw them lose by just one point to Notorious.

The second round is being held tomorrow (March 16)

7

The Phuket News and Phuket Live 89.5 radio are media sponsors of this event.

SIX EAST EUROPEANS were arrested in Rawai on Monday (March 11), for work permit offences.

They were named as Maria Batura, Nikolay Evdokimov and Marina Efremova from Russia, Belorussians Aleksandr Lyah, and Sergey Kazei, and Ukranian Denys Kravchenko.

Pol Capt Angkarn Yasanop said, “Ms Batura, the owner, and Mr Evdokimov hold work permits but they were issued in Bangkok and are not valid for Phuket. The other four, do not have work permits.” All face deportation.

8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Opinion

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

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TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Phuket’s first skatepark 1 deserves our full support 2

T

hose with the determination and vision to launch fundraising for what will hopefully become Phuket’s first skatepark should be praised.

With many of the island’s young people now using the Cherng Talay Tesco-Lotus carpark and other areas to hone their skating, it would be great for them to have a community area to hang out in.

Those behind the project want to raise around B1million to build the park, with the OrBorTor earmarking land at Surin Beach and hopefully also making a financial contribution too.

But like anything, it is not only the start-up costs that need to be considered. Such endeavours do not maintain themselves, and something will need to be established to ensure the park does not become run-down or unsafe.

As we have seen many times before in Phuket, well meaning ventures can often end up deteriorating due to lack of budget and questions over who is responsible for it once it is built.

We have seen this with the likes of the Austria-Phuket Community Center, built on Koh Sirae following the tsunami. These days, as we have reported, the venue is run-down and abandoned, has been the target of several arson attempts, and is a known hangout for drug users.

Likewise with the tsunami memorial wall, which was built in Mai Khao. It was in a sorry state until 2011, when volunteers from the US Navy arrived to give it a muchneeded paint job. Instead they found the memorial blocked off by another wall, but that’s a different story altogether.

Safety and security of

the skatepark are two other important issues. On the latter, we hope that all users will be required to wear helmets and safety gear, and that this is strictly enforced.

Like any community centre, the skatepark will be open to bad behaviour and the influence of undesirables. Those behind the project hope this won’t happen, and hopefully it doesn’t.

But the skatepark users, parents and guardians, and stakeholders in the wider community need to have the confidence that the skatepark is a safe place for young people to hang out.

Good luck to Tim, Ton and all those involved in the project planning and fundraising. A skatepark in Surin would be of great community benefit – provided it is properly managed and safe for all to use.

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

OPINION

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

9

Tangled web we weave Voranai Vanijaka

N

ot only is Leonardo DiCaprio an awardwinning actor, he’s also an admirable philanthropist. But life is rarely fair.

In 1999, he was in Thailand filming The Beach. My brother got the job of babysitting the star for B80,000 per week. All he had to do was hang out with Leonardo and make sure he didn’t get into trouble.

At the time I was getting paid B9,000 per month as a university lecturer, grooming the young minds of the nation.

Life is not fair. It never was.

Life will also continue to be unfair to elephants and other species in Thailand, regardless of the letter to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), penned by Leonardo, a board member, and Carter Roberts, president and CEO. Until Thursday, Bangkok is hosting delegates from 177 nations for a major meeting of the UN Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites) which began on March 3.

According to the WWF letter, more than half a million concerned citizens signed a

petition that was submitted to PM Yingluck calling on Thailand to ban its domestic ivory trade.

Thailand’s intention in hosting this event was to shed the image of the country as a hub for illegal poaching.

Notice the word “image” here.

Not actually putting an end to its role in illegal poaching, just the image.

Sure there will be uproarious applause, the clinking of champagne glasses, bold promises and congratulations all around. But as the prime minister stated and the letter has already recognised, there are already Thai laws banning ivory trade.

The letter from the WWF stated “We have seen a growing global chorus, now more than 1.2 million strong, demanding action from the prime minister.” The letter also stressed that the laws in place must be enforced.

But things are not quite so simple. To combat illegal poaching, and many other illegal activities in Thailand, the prime minister must target the patronage network that crisscrosses both the northsouth and east-west axis of the Thai society.

DiCaprio, from The Beach to the board. Photo: Siebbi This network involves everyone from peasants in rural areas to village heads and district councillors, to governors and government departments, to members of parliament and ministers, to urban businessmen and both green and khaki uniforms and many others I might have left out.

Thailand is a patronage network built on connectivity.

One way or another everyone is connected, directly or indirectly – the Six Degrees of Separation rule applies.

For Thai laws to be potent,

the country’s patronage network must be dismantled. But it’s a Catch 22, as those who’ve risen to positions of power were able to do so because of the patronage network. So why dismantle the source of your own success?

And even if you wanted to, how?

How would PM Yingluck target the 265 MPs of her own Pheu Thai Party and all their connections nationwide? What about the coalition partners?

The business allies of her family? The police force ruled by the people carefully selected

by her family? The military that she needs to appease so that room is made for family and friends to rise to the top ranks in the near future?

Perhaps it is better for the WWF letter to be sent to Dubai. But even that won’t get the desired results. To be fair, on the flip side, we can throw the very same questions to the Democrat Party and the old establishment.

This is not to say that any of the aforementioned are directly involved in anything illegal, heaven forbid. But they are components of the anatomy of Thailand, the patronage network.

Follow the trails far enough and you’ll get to somebody who knows somebody, who also knows somebody, who’s actually a somebody, who may implicate a lot more somebodies, directly or indirectly – and that just won’t do.

As well, there are ingrained, superstitious beliefs that run through our veins. Elephants are a national symbol, the mighty beasts of kings.

Therefore it is only logical to the superstitious mind that persons of wealth and prestige must own ivory tusks. Ivory tusks do not only represent

your rightful power and place in society, they also ensure the maintenance of said power and place, and lead to even more prosperity. With such beliefs, how can one resist?

What’s more, the lowly poachers and commoners know not to keep the ivory tusks for themselves. By birth, they are not worthy of such a majestic symbol. If they don’t sell them to the powerful and prestigious, surely karma will damn their destiny for this lack of humility, this vain desire to jump the social ladder.

One must know one’s place in society.

The patronage network stitches up our anatomy, while superstitions dominate our belief system, what chances then do elephants and other species, endangered or otherwise, have?

So yes, we’ll continue to revere the mighty beast as our national symbol, to boast proudly and make bold promises on cleaning up our “image”, while at the same time, illegal poaching and the ivory trade continue.

Voranai Vanijaka is Political and Social Commentator for the Bangkok Post. Email: voranaiv@bangkokpost.co.th

HAVE YOUR SAY The right to ride [Re. Momentum grows for B1m Phuket skate park] Phuket needs a skate-park. It is a wonderful way for kids to keep fit, to meet up and to learn respect.

There are dangers in skating, as with anything, but that should not stop kids from experiencing their bodies, and the joys of being in flight.

There is a lot of interest in skateboarding from the surf community here as well, due to the nature of the six month on, six month off nature of monsoon driven surf.

Michael Flynn Skateboarders are a menace and should not be encouraged.

In fact, ban them and use the money to benefit more [people]. Seems like someone’s kid has a skateboard and a friend/ family member in power.

Laurie Howells Not at all – skateboarding is an art, a way of expression and a catalyst for independent thought.

Like all sports it encour-

ages confidence and fitness.

Why do you think skateboarders are a menace? Because they are on the street?

It seems a slight generalisation that skateboarders are a menace – have you given a thought to the atrocious behavior of certain footballers who demand millions each year? Or even politicians for that matter?

Facilitating kids’ desire to exercise, socialise and develop skills hardly seems a bad idea to me.

To be frank, the only way I would be anyway inclined to agree with your point is if you were once a skateboarder, and therein lies the paradox.

Laurie, it would be great if people with the inclination to compose comments such as yours could be inspired by the courage, dedication and freedom of thought of these kids, perhaps then you would have a weighted argument.

Wake up.

Q Though the general idea is appealing, without safety equipment, which skaters are

woefully against in general apparently, this basically comes down to yet another way to get seriously injured.

This culture doesn’t value safety. Wear helmets!

Dave Williams A real skate area with loops and other things would also attract foreign tourists.

There could even be skateboards for hire in the park.

This would also increase the skateboarders in future.

Okay I am 66, and would perhaps not dare to try myself, but if [they build] the park I could at least try!

Margita Åberg-Palosvirta

Rock my world [Re. Phuket: Jaded rock god wakes up to life] I would love to meet Nick Gavrilovic!

Michelle Seeber

Self-promoter [Re. Phuket: DiCaprio calls on PM to ban Thai ivory trade] DiCaprio cares about every

opportunity to get his name and face in the media, not much else.

Naga

Animal farm [Re. Pitfalls of catching Phuket’s animal touts] Do an undercover/plainclothed mass arrest.

Do it over and over again and eventually the bad guys will get the picture.

I’d also be in favour of arresting any foreigner who gives money to someone who is illegally making money off of protected species.

Put signs up in several languages (perhaps at the airport) stating that anyone caught paying a tout will be arrested and fined.

Dave Williams It is not that difficult to catch these touts actually. Just sent undercover officers.

How hard can it be?

Lucien

Taking a seat [Re. Phuket beach chair

cut-back makes tourists grumpy] I went to Surin beach a month ago, and from the pathway that runs at the back of the beach, it was almost impossible to see the water for all the beach stalls, beach chairs and umbrellas, and encroachment of permanent structures built on the sand above the high water line (which is of course illegal).

Michael Flynn

The truth hurts [Re. Lucky escape as stray bullet zips into woman’s Phuket home] I just love that comment, “Stray bullets are a hazard in Thailand”.

You could not make it up? alan

RIP Johnny

Go away chair mafia. Public beaches are for everyone!

Awk

[Re. Wake to celebrate Phuket expat Johnny Skepper] I was his partner in a financial software company in HK. He kept us all cheerful and positive during the difficult busy period. I always envied his posh accent. Will miss sitting with Johnny on Bangtao beach, [watching] sunsets...

Tony

Total plane wreck

Save them now

[Re. Phuket Film: Flight – Crash and burn] The first few minutes are worth watching, if nothing else. agogohome

[Re. Phuket: CITES ‘has lost patience’ with Thailand] Please clean up the act of illegal ivory, these animals are facing extinction! sonia

Come to Krabi: no beach chairs have ever been allowed in the whole province, bring a towel and if you want, pitch your own small umbrella.

Araminthspa

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

THAILAND NEWS 11

Bangkok-Pattaya new fast rail link

T

CALLING FOR PEACE People hold banners as they take part in an anti-violence protest in the southern province of Narathiwat on March 9. A stubborn insurgency seeking greater autonomy has raged across several provinces in the south for nine years, with near-daily shootings and bombings. Photo: AFP/Madaree Tohlala

Depression affects 1.5m Thai people – study shows ABOUT 1.5 MILLION THAI people aged over 15 years are suffering from depression, according to Narong Sahametapat, the permanent secretary of the Public Health Ministry.

Women are twice as likely as men to be depressed, Dr Narong said.

According to a ministry study, people living in Bangkok have a 5 per cent chance of being depressed, compared with 2.3 per cent to 2.7 per cent for those outside the capital.

Dr Narong said depression treatment was available at all

community hospitals.

The ministry has also trained health volunteers to diagnose people’s mental conditions so that they can send those who need help to hospitals.

Vachira Pengchant, director-general of the Department of Mental Health, said the main difficulty with people suffering from depression was that only 29 per cent of them received treatment.

“Some people might not know that they’re suffering from depression while oth-

ers might be against seeing psychiatrists,” Dr Vachira said.

He said many depressed patients only needed to take one pill daily and their condition would start to improve within two to four weeks.

In cases where depression is not severe, after taking medication for six months, most patients would be fully treated and would have less chance of becoming depressed again.

The chances of the condition reoccurring are 20 per cent to 30 per cent. Bangkok Post

Bangkok passengers horrified by BTS doors opening before stop BTS SKYTRAIN OPERAtor Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc has spoken out about the incident on Tuesday morning where the doors on its skytrain opened prematurely before the train car had arrived at the platform.

The company said that the control room lost contact with a train, which then opened

its doors too soon while approaching Siam Station.

Anat Arbhabhirama, director of the Bangkok Mass Transit System, said the computerised control room of the BTS lost connections with the train during a period of “malfunction” as it was approaching Siam station at 9.47am.

The driver took control of the the train manually, but he failed to park the cars correctly, and opened the doors before some cars had entered the platform. The doors remained open for two minutes.

Photos by commuters were widely circulated on Twitter. Bangkok Post

he government is aiming to complete the country’s first high-speed train between Bangkok and Pattaya by 2018.

Three other lines linking the capital with Phitsanulok, Nakhon Ratchasima and Hua Hin are also scheduled to be completed the following year.

The planned four highspeed rail routes are part of infrastructure projects under the B2 trillion borrowing plan to be tabled before the cabinet for its approval next Tuesday.

Barring any problems, the bill will be forwarded to parliament by the end of this month for final approval, with a target to complete all projects in seven years.

Other key projects to be financed with borrowing under the bill include 10 mass transit projects, dual track railways and road projects which have undergone environmental impact analyses.

Of the total borrowing, B1.65 trillion will be spent on railway development, B30.7 billion on water transport system development, B243 billion on road development, and B12.19 billion on road checkpoint development.

Chula Sookmanob, director

of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office, said the government expected to invite bids for the four highspeed trains in September.

Bidders will be required to specify their technology for the train in the bidding contest to enable the government to project the construction cost.

Interest is expected from Japan, China, South Korea, France, Germany and Spain.

Mr Chula said the government will establish a new organisation before September to manage the high-speed links.

He said the government hopes to be able to reduce the country’s logistics costs by at least 2 per cent after all projects featured in the bill are completed.

The projects could also reduce fuel costs by at least B100 billion a year and cut travelling time between Bangkok and the provinces within a 300km radius to 90 minutes from three hours.

PM’s Off ice Minister Varathep Ratanakorn said the government would meet state agencies on Friday to make sure it can clearly answer questions about the projects that may be raised in parliament.

Bangkok Post

12 ASIA NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Myanmar and Kachin rebels agree to talks MYANMAR’S GOVERNment and Kachin rebels have agreed to continue talks to reach an elusive ceasefire during peace discussions hosted by China, the warring rivals said in a statement released on Tuesday.

Representatives of the Kachin Independence Organisation (KIO) – and its armed wing the KIA – met government officials led by President’s Office Minister Aung Min in the Chinese border town of Ruili on Monday and Tuesday.

“Agreement has been reached to continue (talking) until we get a firm ceasefire based on mutual understanding, respect and trust, to start real political dialogue,” the joint statement said.

The “step-by-step” talks must be followed by orders to “responsible grassrootslevel troops from both sides”, it added, without giving details – although both armies blame each other for launching attacks.

The rivals agreed to hold more talks before April 10, the third round of discussions this year which follows an upsurge in violence at the end of 2012 in Kachin State, in Myanmar’s far north bordering China.

“The two sides will continue to hold consultations on military issues,” said

Beijing’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding China hosted the talks “at the wish of both sides.”

A slew of failed talks between the government and the Kachin since 2011 has seen fighting continue to claim lives on both sides, while rights groups accusing Myanmar’s army of a catalogue of abuses.

The government in January announced a unilateral ceasefire with the Kachin after fighting intensified, but battles continued with the government army capturing a key outpost as it edged closer to the rebels’ headquarters near the Chinese border.

The Kachin, who are fighting for greater autonomy, say any negotiations should also address their demands for more political rights.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced since June 2011, when a 17year ceasefire between the government and the Kachin broke down.

Beijing, which fears an influx of refugees, has urged an end to the fighting. The conflict has overshadowed sweeping changes under Myanmar’s reformist President Thein Sein following the end of decades of harsh military rule in 2011. AFP

An elderly man visits a cemetery to pay respects to his son who was killed in the tsunami. Photo: AFP/Yoshikazu Tsuno

Japan marks second tsunami anniversary

P

eople all over Japan bowed their heads in silence on Monday as they remembered the almost 19,000 who died when a ferocious tsunami surged ashore two years earlier.

Ceremonies were held in towns and cities throughout the disaster zone, as well as in Tokyo, where Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko led tributes to those who lost their lives in a disaster that also sparked a nuclear emergency.

As a mournful quiet descended, cold winds blew

through the grounds of Okawa Elementary School, in Ishinomaki, where at least 70 children were swept to their deaths by the rising waters on March 11, 2011.

The city’s tsunami alarms were sounded at 2.46pm, marking the exact moment a 9.0-magnitude undersea quake hit, sending a massive tsunami barrelling into Japan’s northeast coast.

A total of 15,881 people are confirmed to have died and 2,668 others remain unaccounted for.

The Emperor paid tribute to those who lost their lives, including the more than 2,300 whose deaths have been recorded as being caused by the stresses of life in evacuation centres or temporary housing.

“I am always deeply moved by seeing how so many people lead their daily lives without complaining... and hope... to be able to share their suffering, if only a little,” he said.

Schoolgirl Rin Yamane recounted the horror of the day she lost her mother as they tried to escape the waves.

“Suddenly, we were in the middle of a black sea... When I saw her in a morgue a few days later, I knew then it was a reality,” she said.

Police in Miyagi prefecture were Monday continuing their search for those still listed as missing, with a 50-strong team scouring the coastline.

Figures show 315,196 people are still without a permanent home, many in cramped temporary housing units.

Nearly 10,000 aftershocks have been recorded since the original quake. AFP

North Korea threats chip away at south’s facade OVER THE YEARS SOUTH Koreans have become accustomed to the warmongering threats and provocations of North Korea, often shrugging them off while the rest of the world reacts with horrified concern.

But with military tensions on the peninsula running at their highest level for years, there are signs of creeping public anxiety, especially following the North’s nuclear test in February.

There has been none of the panic that saw people stripping store shelves in 1994 after a North Korean negotiator threatened to turn Seoul into “a sea of fire”.

But South Korea’s largest online marketplace, G-Market,

saw a spike in sales of canned food and instant noodles after the North announced last week it was shredding the 1953 Korean War armistice and voiding peace pacts with Seoul.

According to the Asan Institute think-tank, which runs annual surveys on national public opinion, the number of South Koreans who believe a second Korean War is possible rose from 40 per cent in 2010 to 59 per cent in 2012.

“There may be a lack of outward reaction, but the perceived threat of North Korea is very real and growing,” said institute analyst Karl Friedhoff.

And while only 7.8 per cent of South Koreans cited South-North relations as the

most important national issue in January this year, the figure doubled to 15.4 per cent after the North’s third nuclear test in February.

“I wasn’t really worried until recently,” said Park Soo-Mee, 38, a law office worker in Seoul.

“But people keep saying it feels different this time, and a close friend even said we may have to withdraw some cash in case the North attacks and the electricity is cut.

“My mother who lives in Canada keeps calling everyday to check on me.”

The anxiety is most pronounced among inhabitants of the five “frontline islands” located near the disputed maritime border off the west coast

of the Korean peninsula.

The South Korean military maintains a strong presence on all five, making them a prime target and one that has been chosen before by a North Korean regime seeking to flex its muscles.

In 2010 the North launched an artillery attack on Yeonpyeong island killing four people – including two civilians – and briefly triggering fears of a full-blown conflict.

Recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has inspected a number of artillery units which have their sights trained on the islands, telling them to prepare for “all-out war”. AFP

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Navy to make way for private jets at Phuket?

AIRPORTS OF THAILAND (AoT) is to ask the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) to set aside part of its reserved area at Phuket International Airport for parking private jets.

The RTN tarmac is seen as an immediate solution to the lack of space to accommodate executive jets, which have been mostly banned from operating through the heavily congested airfield since late last year.

AoT reckons that part of the 40-rai RTN reserved area, on the north side of the runway, could be set aside to accommodate four small executive jets.

“We will talk to the RTN soon about using part of the area for private jet parking,” said AoT acting president Somchai Sawasdeepon.

The borrowing of the space would be temporary, until the airport’s B5.7-billion expansion is completed in 2015 when there will be more apron and more bays for aircraft.

Heavy traffic by commercial airlines has taken away all the time slots for take-offs and landings, as well as parking space for private jets.

Such restrictions have prevented most users of private jets – international billionaires, tycoons and celebrities – from landing in Phuket.

An industry source said the RTN did allow some private jets to use its reserved areas on a case-by-case basis over the last two years, but stopped granting permission last month for “security reasons.”

AoT’s move to ask the RTN for help was welcomed

by Jaiyavat Navaraj, chairman of the Southeast Asia Operator Committee, part of Hong Kong-based Asian Business Aviation Association.

“It’s a good solution to deal with immediate problems, but we would like to see AoT developing a sustainable policy whereby business aviation forms part of the Phuket airport development,” he said.

He was referring to the establishment of a terminal and other facilities dedicated to private jets – none of which is included in Phuket airport’s current development plan.

Passenger traffic through Phuket airport reached 9.54 million last year and total aircraft movements soared to 61,004.

When finished, the airport will be able to process 12.5 million passengers a year. But if traffic continues to expand at the current rate, the new facility will be at capacity almost as soon as it opens.

Bangkok Post

AirAsia awarded India go-ahead AIRASIA HAS WON APproval from India’s Foreign Investment Panel to set up an airline in a joint venture with the giant Tata group, an Indian government official said this week.

AirAsia already connects Southeast Asia with Indian cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and Kolkata through its operations in Thailand and Malaysia.

The Foreign Investment Promotion Board has “approved Air Asia’s proposal to enter the [domestic] civil aviation sector”, said an Indian finance ministry official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

AirAsia Group Chief Executive Tony Fernandes, a former record industry executive who took over insolvent AirAsia in 2001 and turned it into one of the aviation sector’s biggest success stories, tweeted the news was “exciting.”

“Thank you all,” he said, adding, “People and companies with good intentions to create jobs and make the life of the average man better will always win.”

AirAsia, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, will have a 49-per-cent stake while India’s Tata Group will hold 30 per cent and entrepreneur Arun Bhatia’s Telstra Tradeplace will take the remaining 21 per cent.

The venture now has to obtain a flying licence from India’s aviation regulator, among other steps, and is aiming to start operations in May or June, the Economic Times reported.

AirAsia’s entry would mark the first by a foreign carrier in the Indian aviation sector since the government relaxed rules last September to allow overseas airlines take stakes of up to 49 per cent in domestic carriers. AFP

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Buriram race track has double agenda Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com

W

ith the Thai government concentrating firmly on populist policies such as the very expensive rice pledging programme, the no-tax first car scheme and others, the dream of the late Minister of Tourism and Sports, Chumpol Silpa-Archa to establish a Grand Prix track in Thailand has long looked like a non-starter.

No longer. Isarn’s political eminence grise Newin Chidchob announced last week that he plans to build a state-ofthe-art race track in his home province, Buriram, at a cost of at least B2 billion. The track will be 4 kilometres per lap, with 16 bends. The complex will also include a drag-racing strip with its own spectator stand.

Forty per cent of the funding for the project will come from overseas investors, with the remainder coming “from our family and partners in Thailand,” Mr Newin said.

He has already engaged the world’s No 1 designer of race circuits, Hermann Tilke, to design the Buriram track and the facilities. Tilke designed Sepang in Malaysia, Singapore’s Marina Bay circuit, the Bahrain, Shanghai and South Korean tracks, and the spectacular Yas Marina circuit in the UAE. But Mr Newin made it clear

The proposed track layout for Buriram. Graphic: Tilke Engineering that he will not aim to host F1 races at the track. He noted that there are 40 Formula 1 tracks around the world, but only 19 are used for F1 races.

Although he is a big F1 fan, he said, “I am not stupid enough to organise [F1 races].

It is not worth the investment.

I will not invest in something that is not worth it.”

For a country with as much poverty as Thailand, a worldclass race track and drag strip might seem to be a flight of frivolity, an act of hubris.

But then Mr Newin revealed the full scope of his idea, and it all began to make a great deal more sense: with Thailand already labeled as the Detroit of Asia, the track will also be a centre for high-tech vehicle testing, around 350 kilometres from Laem Chabang, and less than 200 from Prachin Buri, where Honda is building a

new plant.

Project director Tanasiri Chanvitayarom said the track will be built on 800 rai close to Buriram United’s equally state-of-the-art Thunder Castle football stadium – also created by the will of Mr Newin.

“The circuit will be able to accommodate F3, GT1, GT2 and GT3 races and will [also] be able to host Moto GP or Superbike World Championship races,” Mr Tanasiri said.

“The circuit will also be able to accommodate the automobile industry in Thailand and elsewhere in Asean for testing cars and motorbikes, as well as other automobilerelated products before they go into production.

“Currently, testing [by automobile companies manufacturing in Thailand] takes place overseas but we are confident that we will be able to attract

these manufacturers.”

Mr Newin added, “If we have to invest in building a wind tunnel, test tracks and laboratories, we will do it so that we have all the equipment necessary for complete testing.

“In the meantime, our working group will continue studying whether the project is worth the investment. But from what we see so far, it’s worthwhile.

“We are confident of reaching break-even within five years of the official opening,” he said, adding that the project is expected to be completed in less than two years from now.

Mr Newin said he also expected the circuit to attract many more tourists to Buriram, a flat and mostly featureless province on the border with Cambodia, with an economy that relies heavily on growing rice and cassava.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Helicopter deliveries ‘to boom’ H

elicopter maker Honeywell expects global deliveries of new helicopters for non-military use will increase to between 4,900 to 5,600 over the five-year period from this year to 2017.

In its 15th Turbine-Powered Civil Helicopter Purchase Outlook report, the forecast shows improved purchase plans for new helicopters in every region of the world.

Demand in Asia/Oceania accounts for 19 per cent over the next five years, while North America and Europe weigh in with 27 and 28 per cent respectively.

The highest percentage is predicted to come from Latin America, with 34 per cent, with Africa and the Middle East taking up the remainder.

“Buyer confidence reflected in this year’s survey is a much needed shot in the arm for the industry,” said Brian Sill, vice president,

Honeywell Aftermarket Helicopter Sales.

“Supporting the growth numbers is the fact that helicopter usage for corporate, oil and gas, utility, and training missions is improving, which shows that helicopters are value-add aircraft in today’s business environment.”

Light single-engine helicopters continue to be the most popular product class.

The most frequently mentioned Light Single models were Eurocopter EC130/ AS350 series, Bell 407 and Robinson R66.

Inter mediate/medium twin-engine helicopters tied for the second most popular product class mentioned for purchase during the next five years, holding roughly the same market share as in the 2012 Outlook.

Approximately 25 per cent of total survey mentions were for medium twins, with

another 25 per cent mentioning light twin helicopter class.

The vast majority of global civil helicopter mentions were concentrated in products manufactured by three companies: Eurocopter, Bell Helicopter and AgustaWestland.

Honeywell asked all respondents to indicate their “current” satisfaction over the past year with the model of aircraft they operate. The top six were the AgustaWestland AW139, the Bell 206 series, Bell 407 and Bell 412, the Eurocopter EC130/EC350 series and the Sikorsky S-76.

The biggest users of helicopters were the oil and gas industry, followed by emergency medical services, tourism, training, general utility, law enforcement and electronic news gathering.

The lowest average use was reported by corporations, whose choppers sat on the ground most of the time.

Most popular among owners, according to the survey, is the AgustaWestland AW139.

Keeping an eye on teleworkers TELECOMMUTING – HAVing staff work at home, even in other countries, all linked via the Internet – is fine in theory.

It reduces office space and office costs, and is good for the planet because it reduces the number of commuters.

The US Census Bureau last week released figures that show the number of Americans working at home increased by 4.2 million between 1997 and 2010.

But how do bosses monitor whether workers are actually working and not just fooling around on Facebook?

Many companies have thrown up their hands at the impossibility of monitoring.

As a result, demand for monitoring systems that allow head office to keep an eye on telecommuters has been growing. One of the leaders is a software system called TransparentBusiness.

US company ErnestoOlivares.com has remote workers in Spain, Argentina, and India.

ErnestoOlivares.com, a visual communications company in the US that has remote workers located in Spain, Argentina, and India, uses this system.

Ernesto Olivares, CEO and

Founder of the company, says, “It provides total visibility of the entire project process. It also allows time flexibility for employees, so they can balance their work and family life.

“The geographical location of the employees is no longer a problem and we can incorporate talent from anywhere in the world.”

Miami-based online visibil-

ity agency Intuic.com has been using the system since 2008 to monitor and coordinate its employees and contractors in 17 countries, growing its business by 80 per cent despite the adverse economic conditions in the West.

“We offer an easy and economical solution to the problems of managing a remote workforce,” says Alex Konanykhin, the CEO of TransparentBusiness.

The software records everything that workers do on their computers during working hours, taking supporting screenshots every three minutes, so managers know who is doing what in real time, and can review past performance.

The software is free for contractors and teams with fewer than five remote employees. The company’s website is at transparentbusiness.com PRNewswire

Yoo to go into hotel managing INTERNATIONAL DESIGN firm yoo – headed by French designer Philippe Starck, British developer John Hitchcox, British interior designer Kelly Hoppen and designer Jade Jagger (daughter of Mick) – is moving into hospitality management.

Yoo was heavily involved in design of The Yamu hotel in Phuket before the hotel was

sold after developer Campbell Kane was hit by the 2008 global financial crisis.

Two new hotel management brands have been rolled out: yoo 2 and yoo Collection, to be run by a team led by hotelier Marco Nihof.

Yoo has already signed up the almost complete Aqua hotel on the Philippines holiday island of Boracay.

Consumer confidence highest for 19 months THE CONSUMER CONfidence index (CCI) rose from 81.7 in January to 84.0 for February, Thanavath Phon­w ichai, director of the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has announced.

Mr Thanavath said the centre’s recent surveys showed that consumer confidence had now risen for five straight months and was at its highest level since August 2011, a total of 19 months.

He attributed the increase in consumer confidence to the announcement by the National Economic and Social Development Board that growth in gross domestic product for the fourth quarter of last year was as high as 18.9 per cent, the highest in history.

The decision by the monetary policy committee of the bank of Thailand to maintain the key policy rate unchanged at 2.75 per cent; the 16.1 per cent export expansion in January; the baht’s appreciation; the B300 daily minimum wage and continuing government stimulus measures were also factors behind the improvement in consumer confidence.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Laguna Shores apartments 50pc booked

L

aguna Property has begun selling units in the third wing of its Laguna Shores holiday apartment development, just three months after launching the project.

A l m o s t 12 0 L a g u n a Shores units – more than 50 per cent of the 229 in the building – have been reserved since its market debut on December 15 last year.

Prices for the one-and two-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 40 to 88 sqm, start at B3.7 million.

Laguna Shores will be

built on a lagoon-view site next to the current site of the Latitude marquee, close to the Dusit Thani Resort.

Owners will have access to a range of the Laguna’s lifestyle benefits.

Buyers who have reserved apartments represent a broad range of nationalities with British, Russian, Thai, Singaporean, Australian and Chinese being the main buyers. Seventeen per cent of the buyers are existing Laguna Property owners “We’re delighted that Laguna Shores has received such

an enthusiastic response from buyers,” said Stuart Reading, deputy managing director of Laguna Resorts & Hotels.

“It’s very pleasing that our decision to proceed with Laguna Shores, which represents a new direction and character for our property portfolio, has been vindicated by this positive response.”

The apartments are sold leasehold and will be made available in a rental pool managed by a new brand under the Banyan Tree Group.

Construction of Laguna Shores is due to begin during

the second half of this year, with completion expected in 2015. Show units of three different apartment layouts are on display in Laguna Phuket’s Canal Shopping Village.

Laguna Shores has been somewhat controversial, with existing owners of high-end villas at Laguna complaining that the new development breaks an unwritten agreement that Laguna would forever remain high-end.

They also argue that Laguna Shores will cause traffic chaos in the complex.

Almost 120 Laguna Shores units have been reserved since its market debut on December 15 last year.

Money’s not everything SUCCESS

Stor y

Alasdair Forbes execditor@thephuketnews.com

IT’S REALLY NO GOOD trying to talk about money with Otho Beale Wetzell, known to his many Phuket friends as OB. Money isn’t really a factor in his definition of success.

Looking at the client list on the website of his company, DMG, the company is plainly successful. In Phuket it’s been involved in design coordination and project management for projects such as Amanpuri, Laem Son, Jomchang, Cape Sol and Samsara, as well as developments in Koh Samui.

DMG also recently signed up to help the Hong Kong group building the Rosewood resort on Tri Trang Beach at the south end of Patong.

It’s by no means limited to Thailand, having been involved in projects in the United States, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Fiji, and the Philippines.

But here’s the main point, OB says: “I’ve had a good life.

I’ve had some great experiences.”

Much of this is due to Phuket, he says. In the US, he was conventionally successful – “The States wasn’t the right business environment for me. I mean, I paid the bills.

But here I’m engaged, I’m not stressed.”

He arrived at the right time, 20 years ago, just as the villas were being built at Amanpuri.

“I was needed. I had a skill and a service and a language and a construction methods culture that was needed and valued.”

It also meant he was in touch with high-end buyers who wanted quality.

In those days, the 7:1 formula reigned. Anyone with enough money who was will-

ing to take the risk could build seven houses and sell them for enough profit to pay for one more – their own. DMG helped them build these high-end 7:1 projects.

But OB’s gone through a metamorphosis, an epiphany.

“Is six-star luxury sustainable?” he asks “Is sustainable luxury an oxymoron, an inherent contradiction?”

He characterises the attitude of many of the rich as “I’m paying eight or nine hundred bucks a night for a room, so I’ll use any towel I want, I’ll leave the water running, I’ll open the door and turn the AC on because, you know what, I’m allowed to consume. I’m paying for it.”

“So that’s a built-in contradiction – you can afford it, Mr Guest, but the planet cannot.”

Developers have resisted green building because it costs more, and they themselves do not benefit – the buyers do. Are more buyers now demanding greener buildings? “Absolutely,” says OB, especially now that costs of green technology are falling.

“When LED light bulbs started, for example, they cost US$60 each. No one in their

OB Wetzell: ‘Is sustainable luxury an oxymoron?’ right mind is going to buy at that price.

“But today there are no incandescent light bulb factories – they’ve all closed – and LED lights are six bucks.”

“The demand is dropping the prices for sustainable building components at the same time that building costs are going up a per cent a month, and those lines are going to cross. They’re already crossing with solar panels. Solar panels

didn’t make sense [in financial terms] 10 years ago but today they do.”

Today’s cutting-edge green gurus say that materials for buildings have to be examined as to where they go after the building is no longer used.

“Landfills are full,” OB explains. “They’re wasteful and toxic. Every building now should not simply be more efficient, less toxic and less energy-consuming than the

building next door. No, no.

It has to actually produce energy – make more than it consumes.”

OB is not daunted by the thought of getting people to understand and act on this kind of thinking. Far from it.

“I’m re-energised by this whole thing. I don’t sell to as many people. I get to choose what I want to do. I get to choose the clients. Some clients are too much of a learning curve, too distant from the end of the continuum where I am.”

OB and two of his colleagues in DMG have qualified in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a green building certification program – the only ones in Phuket.

A couple of other people are interested in signing up for LEED certification, and

green-aware Thais are beginning to sign up for Trees, another system for looking at sustainable buildings.

OB is emphatic about the future: “We have to have highrise buildings with gardens on top, with photovoltaics. Cities are dying. They have to have white roofs [to reflect sunlight].

“It’s been said that if we could all of a sudden change all the flat roofs on the planet to white we would very quickly reverse global warming by a degree. That’s not hard, and it runs cooler and so you save on energy.

“Oil’s a wonderful thing.

Carbon’s wonderful. We’re all made of carbon. So don’t burn it. Leave it in the ground. Let the trees use it.”

Now if that could be achieved, it would be a huge success story.

16 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Japan mines ‘fire ice’ as gas substitute JAPAN SAID ON TUESDAY (March 12) that it had successfully extracted methane hydrate, known as “fire ice”, from the seabed off its shores, possibly unlocking many years’ worth of gas for the resource-starved country.

In what they are claiming as a world first, a consortium is drilling for the hydrate, a fossil fuel that looks like ice but consists of very denselypacked methane surrounded by water molecules, one kilometre (3,300 feet) below sea level.

The solid white substance burns with a pale flame, leaving nothing but water. One

cubic metre of it is estimated to contain many times the equivalent volume of methane in gas form.

The consortium, led by Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation, began initial work in February last year and on Tuesday started a two-week experimental production, said an official of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

“It is the world’s first offshore experiment producing gas from methane hydrate,” the official said, adding that the team successfully collected methane gas extracted from

the half-frozen substance.

Under the project, the consortium is to separate methane – the primary component of natural gas – from the solid clathrate compound under the seabed using the high pressures available at depth, officials said.

A huge layer of methane hydrate containing 1.1 trillion cubic metres (38.5 trillion cubic feet) in natural gas – equivalent to Japan’s consumption of the gas for 11 years – is believed to lie in the ocean floor off the coast of Shikoku island, western Japan, the officials said.

“We aim to establish methane hydrate production technologies for practical use by the fiscal 2018 year” ending March 2019, a consortium official said.

The move comes as resource-poor Japan has struck out in search of new energy supplies after it shut down its stable of nuclear reactors in the wake of 2011’s tsunamisparked nuclear crisis.

Japan switched off its atomic reactors for safety checks following the disaster that saw a wall of water hit the Fukushima plant, crippling its cooling systems and sending

reactors into meltdown.

Only two of the nation’s 50 reactors are now operating, with more stringent safety standards and political nervousness in the wake of the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl in 1986 keeping the rest out of action.

This has meant energy costs have shot up for Japan as it has been forced to buy pricey fossil-fuel alternatives.

Meawhile, the world’s largest biogas plant was Monday inaugurated on Finland’s western coast as the country seeks to limit its use of foreign coal.

Built near an existing coal-

fired power plant in Vaasa, central Finland, the 140-megawatt biomass gasification factory is expected to cut coal use by up to 40 percent.

Fuelled mainly with wood residue from Finland’s large forestry sector, the plant is expected to reduce carbondioxide emissions by 230,000 tons a year while providing both heating and electricity for Vaasa’s approximately 61,000 residents.

The plant’s operator, Vaskiluodon Voima, said it would also help create hundreds of new jobs in the region. AFP

Authors slam Amazon bid to grab domains GROUPS REPRESENTING US authors and publishers called on Monday on the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) to deny online retailer Amazon exclusive rights to websites ending with .book, .author, or .read.

ICANN is considering nearly 2,000 requests for new web address endings, ranging from the general (.shop) to the specialised (.motorcycles).

Many of the requests are from large companies such as Apple, Mitsubishi and IBM – with internet giant Google alone applying for more than 100, including .google, .YouTube, and .lol – Internet slang for “laugh out loud.”

Seattle-based Amazon.com, maker of Kindle tablets, has applied for generic top level domains (gTLDs) including .book, .author, and .read.

“We strongly object to ICANN’s plans to sell the exclusive top-level domain rights for generic book-industry terms,” Authors Guild President Scott Turow said in a filed objection.

“Placing such generic domains in private hands is plainly anti-competitive, allowing already dominant, well-capitalised companies to expand and entrench their

market power,” Turow said.

“The potential for abuse seems limitless.”

The guild represents more than 8,000 published authors in the United States.

In its stated opposition to Amazon getting control of .book, the Association of American Publishers noted the internet retailer has expressed its intent to tightly control the domain in pursuit of its business goals.

“Granting exclusive control of a closed registry to any one entity, especially a private company interested in exploiting the domain for business purposes, does a disservice to ICANN’s broader intents,” AAP General Counsel Allan Adler said on the group’s website.

The objections came as Google sent word to ICANN that it is revising its applications for .app, .blog, .cloud and .search to indicate that Google would make those addresses available for others to use.

California-based ICANN says the huge expansion of the internet, with some two billion users around the world, half of them in Asia, means new names are essential.

There are currently just 22 generic Top-Level Domains, or gTLDs, in use, including .com .org and .asia. AFP

Amari Residences: 160 units with sea views from every one of them, as well as access to a private beach and jetty.

Amari Residences Phuket win award for best architecture

A

mari Estates’ newest project, Amari Residences Phuket, has won the “Best Architecture Multiple Residence” award at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2013.

Yuthachai Charnachitta, CEO of Amari Estates & Italthai Group, said, “We are hugely honoured to have won the “Best Architecture for Multiple Residence” award at this year’s Asia Pacific Property Awards.

“This is proof that Amari Residences Phuket stands head and shoulders above the competition in terms of longterm investment opportunities in Phuket, and will continue to

set a high market benchmark in offering accessible and affordable luxury investment opportunities on the island.”

The development is described thus by Amari: “Comprising 160 units including 148 Residences and 12 Pool Villas, Amari Residences Phuket has already set a new benchmark for resort home investments in the tourist destination hotspot, showcasing investment opportunities focused on one and two-bedroom fully furnished residences for regional investors and lifestyle buyers.

“Boasting panoramic 270-degree sea views and set on approximately three hect-

ares of tropical beach forest, Amari Residences Phuket is located on the last prime undeveloped coastal site above Patong Bay, Phuket’s most expensive location where land prices average B130 million a rai.

“Architecturally designed as two and three-story lowrises, the residences are spaciously laid out within the peninsula’s natural and pristine setting and offers sea-views from every unit, as well as access to a private beach and private jetty.”

Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, Managing Director of CBRE Thailand remarked, “CBRE is proud to be bringing the

Amari Residences Phuket to market during our showcase in Hong Kong on March 23 and 24 at the Landmark Mandarin.

“This will be the first international pre-sales event for the project, and we are so pleased that this high-end development is already receiving the industry attention it deserves. We believe that Amari Residences Phuket provides an exciting investment opportunity for those seeking affordable and accessible luxury on the tropical island destination.”

Prices of units at Amari Residences range from B8 million to B80 million.

Dutch cruise ships heading for port calls in Phuket THE CRUISE SHIPS MS VOLENDAM and MS Rotterdam will be positioned in Asia for Holland America Line’s 2013-14 season, with visits planned to Phuket out of Singapore.

The ships will offer expanded Singapore sailings out of the city’s new cruise terminal along with 14-day itineraries and longer ‘Col-

lector’s Voyages’ combining back-to-back itineraries, extended and overnight stays.

“Asia continues to flourish as a popular cruise destination, so the timing is right to increase our capacity in the region and provide our guests with a variety of exciting travel options,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president

marketing, sales and guests programs.

The 51-day Spice Route to Singapore Collectors’ Voyage will offer segments of 25, 36, 37 and 39 days and will feature a daylight transit of the Suez Canal, late departure from Safaga, Egypt and overnight calls at Muscat in Oman, Mumbai in India and Bali in Indonesia.

A 53-day Indonesia, Arabia and India Discovery Collectors’ Voyage will sail out of Singapore and offer shorter segments of 25-, 38- and 39-days.

Passengers will travel to: Java, Komodo Island, Port Klang, Phuket, and Colombo, and call in overnight to Bali, Mumbai and Muscat. e-Travel Blackboard

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Kim White goes back to basics

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

05

Phuket expats wanted

11

ISLAND OF FIRE A strange visit to Siquijor in the Philippines > 10

Photo: Adamgn

Photo: Alasdair Forbes

2 ARTS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

Clockwise from left: Spring Pig Celebration by Melanie Stimmell; Victim of Circumstance by Leon Keer; Monsters Slumber Party by Lysa Ashley.

4D art: taking you to another dimension

T

he “Living Arts Festival @ Ratchaprasong”, which finished on March 10 in Bangkok, celebrated ‘living’ art by gathering more than 10 international artists to create 3D and 4D paintings around the area, on streets or skywalks.

Coined as the very first outdoor festival to showcase 4D paintings in Thailand, spectators could experience these wondrous creations for themselves.

This curious art form can be perplexing yet enigmatic, so Life talked with two of the 3D painters from the US, Melanie Stimmell Van Latum and Julie Kirk Purcel, who have been giving colourful splashes to different surfaces around the world for over 15 years.

What is 4D art to you and what are some things you like to do?

Melanie: It’s something more recent but it’s basically taking a 3D painting and taking it to the next level where you’re not only viewing the 3D painting, but you’re also experiencing it by feeling, hearing and really getting into the environment of the painting itself.

You do that by bringing in other elements other than the painting, such as the wall, or props. Let’s say it was a painting of mermaids, I might add rocks you could actually sit on, with the scene behind you.

For this piece, bubbles come out and there will also be shiny ornaments on top of the saddles, that you can actually touch and feel so that’s an added element.

What are the techniques behind 3D street painting?

Julie: Some of it is just how you use perspective to build the illusion. Another is anamorphic distortion, where everything that’s further away is stretched out basically in a fan shape, longer and wider as it goes away from you.

Anamorphic distortion corrects that because you are looking at it from an angle, instead of flat in front of your face. The last thing is how we use light and shadow. When scaled correctly, it really finishes what the perspective starts.

I first make a rough sketch, then start stretching it. Some of it you can do on computer, but mostly you just need to understand how perspective works and you need to correct it manually because the computer can’t do it.

What is the process and some of the challenges

ing by doing.

How do you deal with different surfaces?

Julie: Sometimes paper or canvas can be laid on anything that’s hard and smooth. I was going to do my painting right on the ground at first, but the type of paint I wanted to use was more permanent so it went on paper instead.

Surface types depend on the weather and how exposed to it you are and how well the surface can take the application. My preference is asphalt with pastels because that’s what I started out with.

of a 3D painting?

Melanie: After you have your sketch, you start by stretching the image in the appropriate way so the perspective reads when you stand at the bottom. Then we grid it and when you lay down the same grid appropriately using strings on the floor, what is in the grids in your sketch should be the same on the floor.

After that you can take the strings out and can just start painting the image.

The biggest challenge is stretching it because I just draw the final picture the way it is but then I have to draw it wrong. You learn as an artist to draw things just the way they look: a certain shape and proportionately correct.

But with 3D you must draw everything incorrectly.

Especially, if you are new to 3D, what can be a challenge is how much to alter things. Plus, sitting on the ground and crawling around for five days is not great for your knees or body.

Is this something taught in art schools?

Julie: There weren’t classes to teach me how to do it when I was still a student. This art is all about learn-

So why is it that people use chalk if it comes off easily? Do you ever feel sad about your art being fleeting?

Melanie: Chalk is the tradition of street painting and it began in Italy about 500 years ago. Most of the time, when it first started, it was all paintings of Mary and her baby Jesus. It’s meant to be a temporary art form because these were the only materials they had back then.

As things moved to 3D, it became more important that it would stay longer and not rub away when people stepped on them. I like it actually and I think some other artists feel the same because the root traditions of street painting is that it’s temporary.

I think people appreciate it a little more, knowing it’s on the ground only for a certain time.

Is this art only found at festivals or can artists randomly draw wherever they want?

Melanie: It depends on the city and location. Most of the time, it’s for an organised event. It’s usually in a place where there’s a lot of foot traffic or car traffic so the area has to be blocked off in some way, so to a certain extent, it has to be planned ahead.

In Italy it’s still very much a tradition for people to just go out on the street and paint and leave a can for tips, but not so much everywhere else. In the US, you would need permits.

What do you like most about street painting?

Julie: I like the size of it and working big, as well as the feeling of accomplishment when you’re done. I like being out in public where I get to share what I do with people, not just being alone where no one ever sees it.

I travel a lot now so I’m always growing as an artist. I like getting to meet people who like what I do, but also to see what people do over there and that’s one of the best things about street art. Bangkok Post

COMMUNITY 3

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

The secrets to dating a Thai guy Kaila Krayewski editor@thephuketnews.com

Incorporate the best parts of Thainess to your actions, without losing your personality.

This means showing extra patience, femininity, and sweetness (do your best not to argue with him or yell at him), but also carrying your own handbag, and be able to hold and buy your own drinks

Koh Phangan-based Kaila Krayewski is the Managing Director of Blonde Traveler.com, a travel support service for women travelling and living in Southeast Asia.

F

or foreign girls, dating a Thai man can be an enchanting, fun, exciting part of your Thailand experience. This cheat sheet to successful cross-cultural romance is based on their experiences.

The approach

Thai guys can be shy. One girl says, “You can chat with a Thai man all evening, swap phone numbers and still not be sure if you’re just friends. They will be sweet and attentive and charming, and you still can’t figure out if it’s just social conventions that make them behave so considerately or if they want to take you for dinner. They’re slow and shy in their approach and they might not even make one.”

But don’t necessarily mistake his lack of aggressiveness for disinterest.

Make it clear that you like him, but don’t throw yourself at him. Smile at him a lot. Don’t flirt with other guys.

Learn a few cute Thai phrases, even if you don’t know how to speak Thai.

Though this is a common dating rule amongst most societies, it’s strongly recommended that if you want to keep a Thai guy, don’t sleep with him on the first date. Western girls are sometimes viewed as more promiscuous than Thai girls, so make him know that that’s not what you’re in it for (unless, of course, you are).

The dating dance Pay half the bill on your first date – this will make clear to him that you want to be treated like an equal.

Many girls say that Thai men can be incredibly romantic and treat you like a queen at the start of the relationship. This may not always last, but hey, enjoy it while it does!

Be a bit mysterious. Don’t give away everything about yourself when you first start dating. Remain confident, and if he does something that in your culture would be unacceptable, make it known to him without getting angry – accept that there are cultural differences, but be sure to point them out rather than internalising them.

He may turn you down the first few times you invite him into your bedroom. This is part of Thai culture, and his way of showing respect for you. Embrace it – how cute is that!? He’ll come in eventually...

Many girls have experienced the hot-and-cold nature of the Thai man they’re dating. They may inexplicably not call, or ignore you for a while, and then turn up all lovey-dovey. On the other hand, they could become overzealous and call you five or more times a day. Be aware of it, and it’s up to you whether you can deal with it or not.

He may call you fat. This is an obvious no-no in the West, but in Thailand, calling someone fat is not seen as offensive. Most Thai women are around 40 kilograms, so compared to that, most Western women are quite a bit bigger. Try not to take too much offence, but let him know that you don’t like it when he says that.

Many Western women have told stories of their Thai boyfriends getting insanely jealous and possessive. Some even threatening rival men with bodily harm. Don’t provoke this jealousy or you could get someone seriously hurt.

If you really like him and want to keep him, show copious amounts of respect for his family – he respects them much more than he lets on. Says one girl: “If you get to meet his family (he will be eager for this to happen if he likes you), try to be as ‘Thai’ as you can without relinquishing your personality. Kiss up to his mum like a fiend.” Dress ultra-conservatively when meeting his family. His grandma will not appreciate your stellar cleavage.

Speaking of which, in general try not to wear clothes that are too revealing around him.

Learn some Thai – he’ll really appreciate it and it’ll allow you a much better connection with his friends and family. Plus, a foreign woman who can speak some Thai is a total turn-on for many Thai guys.

Incorporate the best parts of Thainess to your actions, without losing your personality. This means showing extra patience, femininity, and sweetness (do your best not to argue with him or yell at him), but also carrying your own handbag, and be able to hold and buy your own drinks.

Allow him his freedom – let him go out with his friends and don’t always drag him out with yours.

Thais tend to offer up the word “love” much quicker than might be expected in the West. Expect and know this, and judge for yourself on how serious you want to take it.

Be aware that infidelity is not necessarily frowned upon in Thailand. Many Thai men (and women as well) have more than one girlfriend. If you’re not cool with that, make it known from the beginning, and watch for signs without

being overly paranoid.

Calling it quits At the end of the day, the cultural differences may be too much. If it gets that way, but you’re not sure how to end it, here is one phrase suggested by a girl who’s lived in Thailand all her life: “I love you, but as much as I try, it’s not in the way that you deserve.”

Don’t expect it to be amicable. One girl dated a hi-so (high society) Thai guy, and she tells us: “Once you break up, they have a rule that they cannot be friends with their ex girlfriends and if they do, they will be really disrespectful to them.”

However, that’s not always the case.

Another girl tells us that her Thai exes have been far more respectful to her than her western exes. So it’s probably just down to the individual in the end.

4 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

Patong school gives Burmese children the chance to learn Anne Hoynick editor3@thephuketnews.com

Most of the Burmese children in Thailand grow up without knowing how to read or write. It makes me sad to see that they don’t have the opportunity to learn and have the same chances as other children. By helping, I hope I can change their future

T

he inaugural term is well under way at a new school in Patong, located on Sai 3 Road, which is helping to educate Burmese children living in the local community.

The school was opened on January 15 with the support of Burmese NGOs District Security Committee (DISEC), Patong Social Welfare, and the Foundation for Education and Development (FED).

FED donated most of the supplies, such as the books and whiteboards, while Patong Social Welfare helped with finding teachers and collecting donations.

Recognising the importance of providing opportunities for the often neglected Phuket community, one of the Burmese teachers Poe Shwe Yi, recently quit her job to work as a volunteer full time.

“Most of the Burmese children in Thailand grow up without knowing how to read or write. It makes me sad to see that they don’t have the opportunity to learn and have the same chances as other children.

“By helping, I hope that I can change their future,” she said.

At the moment, the school provides 35 students, aged 4 to 12, with classes in Thai, English, Burmese, mathematics and history.

“Besides classes, we also give the children attention, which they don’t get at home.

“We pick the students up in the morning and take them home after classes. This way, more students are able to come and we also help the parents.”

In the future the school hopes to arrange transportation for children outside of Patong, as well as provide books and uniforms for the students.

“Most Burmese children who are born in Thailand have never been in a class. But they love to be here and they’re eager to learn.”

The school runs fully on donations. If you would like to donate stationery or volunteer at the school, contact Min Min, 083 646 3638.

BRIGHT SPARKS Some 160 students from the Baan Chalong School and Children Development Centre recently graduated, holding a ceremony at Kan Eang 2 to mark the occasion on March 7. Chalong Mayor Samran Jindapon presented certificates to the students as their proud parents looked on.

Intelligence can be taught No.1 child’s brain development center,U.K. Program teaching through edutainment for children aged 6 months-6 years.

Contact us at Plaza floor HAFELE Design Center (opposite Big-C Phuket) Tel: 076-304128 , 083-3966501 E-mail : babiesgenius_phuket@hotmail.com www.babiesgeniusphuket.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Getting back to basics Kim White editor@thephuketnews.com

Kim White is the owner of Sala Suddhavasa, an internal arts centre in Rawai offering private and group sessions in taiji, yoga and meditation: 086 276 9174, info@suddhavasa.com; suddhavasa.com 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.

H

i and welcome to another sunny month in Phuket and another yoga asana, in our pursuit of a healthier body and happier mind.

This month I thought I would talk about dandasana, this posture is considered to be one of the fundamental building blocks for a healthy and successful yoga practise.

More often than not in modern yoga class rooms, this posture is used as a resting asana only, but I am here to tell you that there is more to this posture than meets the eye.

Dandasana or staff pose holds real benefits for your body and mind. When performed correctly, Dandasana strengthens all major core muscles, improves posture, and increases stamina.

I have often taught this to new students and they are very surprised when they realise that what they thought was a simple task of sitting on the floor with their back and legs straight, proves to be a challenge.

In modern day life we tend to sit in a number of ways and on a number of “things” that don’t do our posture any favours. We hunch forward, round the back, lean on one side and always have the knees bent.

Dandasana is a great way of ironing out these little body kinks and getting our bodies back into a heathly upright posture so we look more like humans and less like gorillas.

• Helps improve posture • Strengthens back muscles • Lengthens and stretches the spine • May help to relieve complications related to the reproductive organs

1

Lets look at the how to steps for dandasana – staff pose.

1 Sit on the floor with your legs together

and extended in front of your torso. If your torso is leaning back, it may be because tight hamstrings are dragging the sitting bones toward the knees and the back of the pelvis toward the floor. It may be helpful to sit with your back against the wall (as seen on photo one.) The sacrum (triangular bone at the base of the spine) and the shoulder blades should touch the wall, but not lower

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2

• Stretches shoulders and chest • Nourishes your body’s resistance to back and hip injuries • Helps to calm brain cells • May improve functionality of the digestive organs • Creates body awareness • Helps improve alignment of body • Provides a mild stretch for hamstrings This asana also gives relief to people that feel bloated in the abdomen due to gas or gastric complaints. It also reduces fat from around the waistline and tones the kidneys…(goodbye muffin top!!)

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HEALTH 5

back or the back of the head. Put a small rolled-up towel between the wall and the lower back.

2 Sit towards the front of the sitting bones, Without hardening the belly, firm the thighs, press them down against the floor (or your support), rotate them slightly toward each other, and draw the inner groins toward the sacrum. Flex your ankles, pressing out through your heels.

3 To lengthen your front torso perpendicular to the floor, think of energy streaming upward from the pubis to the sternum, then down the back from the shoulders to the tail bone. Then imagine the tail lengthening into the floor.

4 Imagine your spine as the "staff" at the vertical core of your torso, rooted firmly in the Earth, the support and pivot of all you do. Hold the pose for one minute or longer.

So, enjoy sitting around on the floor this month in staff pose and I will see you next month with another life changing yoga pose.

Happy stretching!

Metta, Kim

6 PETS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

A true cup of Yorkshire tea Jackie Perry editor@thephuketnews.com

Jackie Perry is based in Phuket but travels to judge dog shows all over the world. She is happy to answer any questions from dog lovers. Email them to edi tor@thephuketnews.com

A

lthough it may not appear so, the early start of this diminutive breed is from other Terriers of Scottish descent such as Skyes, Dandie, Dinmonts and Cairns, and they were all collectively know as “Scottish Breeds”.

However it was not in Scotland that the Yorkshire Terrier was developed but in the homes of weavers and fabric workers, who saw an opportunity to make a little extra money by breeding litters for sale to the ladies of fashion.

In the early days – 1860s – the breed was larger and not with the lustrous coat which it now sports and which is its crowning glory.

However, with judicious choice of the smaller examples of the breed, and with some obvious cross breeding with the black and tan toy terrier to establish the colour of the breed, and perhaps a Maltese type dog to give the silky long fine coat, we now have one of the world’s most popular toy dogs.

The standard of the breed calls for a long-haired toy terrier whose coat is parted on the face and from the base of the skull to the end of the tail and hangs straight down each side of the body. It has a high head carriage and a very confident manner combined with energy and self importance.

The head is small and rather flat on top. The muzzle should not be too long, the nose is black and eyes are of medium size and not prominent. They should be dark in colour and sparkling with intelligence.

The ears are small, V-shaped and carried erect and set not too far apart.

The body is well proportioned and compact. The back is short and with a very level topline. The tail is either docked or left long but carried higher than the level of the back.

Quality and texture of coat is of prime importance. It is glossy,

t e P

on the street

T

his week The Phuket News launches a regular “Pet on the Street” section for all those photos you take of animals seen in funny situations across Phuket. This week’s photo was taken at the Central Festival intersection – these three poodle dogs were riding on a motorbike, thoroughly enjoying themselves. If you’ve got a great snap you’d like to share with readers, please email it to editor1@thephuketnews.com, along with caption details.

Want to see your pet here? Email your photo to editor1@thephuketnews.com

fine and silky. On the body it is long and perfectly straight (not wavy). The fall of hair on the head is long and tied back with one bow in the centre of the head or can be done with two bows.

The hair on the muzzle is very long.

The ears should be trimmed short on the tips and the feet also may be trimmed to give them a neat appearance.

Puppies are born black and tan but gradually as they mature the steel blue colour starts to emerge. This is not a silverblue but dark steel blue and should be free of any tan or black hairs when finally into maturity. Tan hair will cover the head, ears and muzzle, but must not extend down onto the neck.

Legs to the elbow on the forelegs and not above the stifle joint on the rear and a ‘vent’ under the tail will have bright rich tan colour. The rich tan of the face will gradually lighten as it falls to the ground.

This is a small breed and there is only one type. There is no such thing as ‘teacup’ or ‘standard’ this description has only come about when puppies have been bred too small or too big. The desired weight is 7 pounds maximum, with 4 – 5 pounds perfect.

Although it is perfect as a companion it does require daily grooming to keep it looking as the breed demands. However many people do trim the long hair and this can be neatly done to give a cute appearance.

The above photograph shows Thailand’s Top Dog Of The Year – All Breeds For 2012, the Thai and Malaysian grand champion ‘Sand Dune.’

Bred in Thailand by the very clever breeder Nanta Tansacha, who also owns the sire of this dog who she has exhibited throughout the world and made him into a world champion.

She has been breeding champion stock for the world for many years, together with very stunning Maltese Terriers.

Adopt a dog

LOUIS WANTS A NEW HOME

Louis is five and a half years old and has lived at the Soi Dog Shelter since she was 12 months old.

She’s healthy, active and full of fun. She’d love a house with a garden and people to make a fuss of her. She’s loving, friendly and would make a lovely family pet. Louis is sterilised and fully vaccinated. If you can offer Louis a new home please email cindy@soidog.org or phone the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222. You can also visit their website www.soidog.org or follow them on Facebook If you’re interested in adopting please phone the shelter on 081 788 4222 or email cindy@soidog.org

WEIRD WORLD 7

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

THE BIG LIST Famous missing persons The tale of a Soviet soldier found living in an Afghan village recalls several other “missing in action” stories – but few have had such a ‘happy’ ending. Some of the “missing persons” that follow may have been genuinely missing – while others just didn’t want to be found...

Jim Thompson: A former U.S. intelligence officer who became wealthy from his Thai silk export business in the 1950s and 1960s, Jim Thompson was the “most famous American in Asia” when he disappeared in 1967 during an afternoon walk in Malaysia’s Cameron Highlands. Despite the largest manhunt in Malaysian history, Thompson was never found.

‘Dan Cooper’, Skyjacker: In 1971 a hijacker who bought a plane ticket under the name Dan Cooper told the stewardess on the flight that he was carrying a bomb – and demanded the plane land so he could collect a ransom of US$200,000 (B6 million). After picking up up the money and four parachutes, “Cooper” ordered the plane back in the air - and then parachuted from the back door as it flew between Seattle and Portland, taking the money with him. He was never seen again.

The Kiss of Death: Bela Kiss, aged 39 at the time of his disappearance, was a Hungarian serial killer who murdered 24 young women before he was conscripted into the Austro-Hungarian Army during the First World War. Police traced him to a Serbian military hospital, but he escaped before the police arrived. A French Foreign Legionaire later reported another legionnaire who fit Kiss’ description, but the suspect deserted from the legion before police could find him.

Lord Lucan: Richard John Bingham, the 7th Earl of Lucan, disappeared in 1974 on the night his children’s nanny, Sandra Rivett, was beaten to death with a lead pipe in the basement of his estranged wife’s home. Lucan, a charismatic society figure who was tipped as a future “James Bond” actor, was rumoured to have fled to live overseas, although his friends suggested he had killed himself in remorse for the murder of Rivett. His disappearance captured the public imagination, and thousands of sightings were reported over the years.

Missing Prime Minister: In 1967, Prime Minister of Australia Harold Holt, aged 59, disappeared while swimming in heavy surf at a beach in Victoria.

Despite one of the largest search-and-rescue operations mounted in Australia, his body was never found. The mystery of Holt’s disappearance has become part of Australian urban legend: rumours of its cause include Holt faking his own death so he could run away with his mistress, or that he was a spy for China spirited away by a submarine, or that he was abducted by a UFO.

Above: Sheikh Abdullah in Herat today. Right: Bakhretdin Khakimov in Soviet uniform.

MIA Soviet heals Afghans

A

war veteran reported missing in action in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion more than 30 years ago has been found living as a healer in an Afghan village.

The former Soviet soldier, who now goes by the name of Sheikh Abdullah, was rescued by Afghans after being seriously injured in 1980, as the invasion forces waged a bitter war against local guerilla fighters known as the Mujahideen.

Sheikh Abdullah - known as Bakhretdin Khakimov before his disappearance - was located in Afghanistan’s Herat province last month by a group of Russian war veterans.

A spokesman for the group said Abdullah/Khakimov, a native of the former Soviet state of Uzbekistan, had now mostly forgotten the Russian language, but remembers some Uzbek.

He was 20 years old when he

went missing-in-action, after suffering a severe head injury during a battle in Shanind district.

“He now leads a semi-nomadic life with the people who sheltered him,” said a statement from the veteran’s group.

Abdullah still suffers from his war injuries, including a facial tic and muscle tremors. But he is “just happy he survived,” said the statement.

Beatles and Bonnie Tyler cheer Church with No God

E

choing with joyful song and with a congregation bent on leading better lives, this London church is like any other – except there’s no mention of God. The north London atheist church is barely three months old but it already has more “worshippers” than can fit into its services, while more than 200 non-believers worldwide have contacted organisers to ask how they can set up their own branch.

Officially named the Sunday Assembly, the church was the brainchild of two comedians, Pippa Evans and Sanderson Jones.

Held in an airy, ramshackle former church, their quirky monthly meetings combine music,

The “Church With No God” in north London. speeches and moral pondering with large doses of humour.

At a recent Sunday service, which had a volunteering theme, songs included “Help” by the Beatles and “Holding Out For A Hero”

by Bonnie Tyler.

Mexican cops stop marijuana cannon

P

olice in the Mexican border city of Mexicali have captured a powerful cannon used to lob packages of marijuana across the border into California.

Mexicalli police said the device, mounted in the bed of a pick-up truck, used a long plastic pipe as a gun barrel and was powered by compressed exhaust gases from an old car engine.

The cannon could fire cylinders packed with drugs that weighed up to 13 kg, the police said.

It had a range of about 400 metres – enough for its operators to park near the Mexican side of the border and shoot the packages across into

US territory, where they would be picked up by the smugglers’ accomplices The device was found after US border officers told their Mexican counterparts that they had confiscated a number of drug packages that appeared to have been fired over the border.

They discovered the cannon atop a truck parked near the border, but the people with the truck managed to flee the scene.

The service ended with big cheers and shouts of “who would like a cup of tea?” – this is Britain, after all.

The church leaders cheerfully admit that they have “ripped off” many elements of their non-religious services from the Christian Church.

“You’re asking people to do new things, so it makes sense for it to be familiar,” said Jones.

Some religious people have been broadly supportive of the aims of the atheist church.

The assembly met the approval of local Anglican vicar Dave Tomlinson, who came from his church two miles away to see what his new rivals were up to. AFP

8 DINING GUIDE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, 2013 FRIDAY,MARCH MARCH 15, 15 2013 List your restaurant here: call 076 612 550 or email sales@thephuketnews.com

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

The Bistro Restaurant

Diavolo

THAI

Breeze Restaurant

Baan Vijitt Restaurant

All the Italian traditions in our bit, savor and experience the real Mama style dishes serving only the traditional taste of Italia. The Bistro is at Impiana Resort Patong Phuket. Happy Hours 50% off for selected beverages, soft drinks, juices from 3pm-5pm & 10pm-11pm daily. Opening hours: 3pm-12am Patong Beach, 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

INDIAN

JAPANESE

Tre by DoublePool Villas

Navrang Mahal

Tamarind 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

A rustic, homely atmosphere serving North and South Indian dishes, freshly prepared by hereditary chefs and served in brass Katoris in the Royal Mughal style of bygone Emperors of India. Many mouth-watering dishes prepared exactly to your liking. Open from 12.30pm - 3pm and 6.30pm - 11pm daily. Karon Sea Sand Resorts & Spa, Karon Beach. 076 286 464

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

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

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

DINING 9

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

A house built on great food Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com

B a a n K a l i m Restaurant & Seafood.

O p e n d a i l y 11 a m until midnight. 221 Prabaramee Rd, Patong Beach (right on the roundabout where you turn right to Kalim, opposite the Novotel). 088 180 6936. baankalim.com

B

aan Kalim Restaurant & Seafood has one of the best dining locations in Patong.

Situated on the northern end of the beach, it offers a great place to watch the sunset without the irritation of being bugged by annoying beach vendors.

The restaurant opened in January 2011, and since then has been serving great Thai, Chinese, international and seafood dishes to both tourists and locals alike.

Restaurant senior sous chefs Preecha “Cha” Kukamsai and Yuthana “Noi” Kukamsai have done wonders with the menu, and it is extensive.

The standout dish on the night we visited was the fried grouper, which had a distinctively

Thai flavour with lemongrass and other herbs.

The fish is not baked – the whole fish is put in a frying pan and deep fried until it is golden brown on each side. It was extremely large however, and easily could have been shared between several people.

Also recommended is the roast duck with orange sauce – which we were told would soon become the restaurant’s signature dish due to its popularity. However, both chefs say their favourite creation is the baked tiger prawn with butter and garlic sauce – one Baan Kalim’s top five all-time best-sellers.

Eminently affordable, especially given the location, most of the standard Thai entrée and main dishes start at B200 (service charge not included), with all seafood priced according to weight.

‘Best restaurant’ vows to reimburse poisoned diners

T

he “world’s best restaurant” said Saturday it would reimburse dozens of diners who came down with a nasty case of food poisoning after savouring its delights.

The two-Michelin-star Noma restaurant said it would alternatively offer them a free meal if they dared to return to the eatery in the Danish capital Copenhagen.

Noma said in a statement that tests had shown that the poisoning was caused by the highly contagious stomach bug norovirus that was brought into the restaurant by a staff member.

Sixty-three customers and some

staff suffered vomiting or diarrhoea last month, health officials said Friday.

The diners at Noma, which grabbed the number one spot in Restaurant magazine’s prestigious annual ranking in 2010, 2011 and 2012, fell sick over a fiveday period, inspectors said in a report.

The inspectors from the Danish food ministry criticised the restaurant for not alerting authorities quickly enough and for failing to take adequate action after the worker fell ill.

Noma blamed a delay in disinfecting the restaurant’s kitchen on internal communication problems.

Noma charges 1,500 kroner (around B7,700) for a menu without drinks. AFP

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

Top left, clockwise, the great view of Patong Beach; the baked tiger prawn; and above, the deep-fried grouper fish with Thai herbs.

10 TRAVEL

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

It’s a kind of magic Kaila Krayewski visits Siquijor in the Philippines, a small island known for its stories of witchcraft

S

iquijor is known across the Philippines as a mystical island full of witches and supernatural phenomena.

It was once called the “Island of Fire” by the Spanish (who colonised the country for about 400 years) because it appeared to give off an eerie glow from afar, a phenomenon now attributed to the hoards of fireflies that inhabit the island.

There was even a theory that the island rose from the sea when an earthquake struck during a thunder and lightening storm.

The island is located in the Southern Visayas (the central grouping of islands in the Philippines) and close to Mindanao (the large island at the bottom that is always in the news). Made mostly of limestone and coral, the island makes up the third-smallest province in the country.

The people speak Cebuano, though Tagalog (the main language of the Philippines) and English are widely understood. Amazingly, despite the island’s remoteness, literacy rate is among the highest in the country, and the crime rate, the lowest.

Every year, folk festivals are held on Siquijor, where wizards and witches from all over the world (who travel under the guise of ‘herbalists’ and ‘natural healers’) congregate to swap potion recipes and legends about witchcraft on the island.

The island’s famous Folk Healing Festival is held on Black Saturday each year, on the island’s highest mountain peak, Mt Bandilaan.

The festival is meant to boost a positive image of Siquijor, helping to rid it of its persona of “Island of Sorcerers”, or the “Black Magic Island”, as it is commonly known in the Philippines.

Goin’ on a witch hunt I wake up to a hot, sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky.

I manage to score a brand new bike for 25 pesos an hour (B18). Soon enough, I am flying down the highway (when I say flying, I mean I was doing about 35kmph).

The clouds suddenly look a bit omi-

Top: Sandugan Beach. Photo: Iveadamgn. Above: Locals mark “Black Saturday”. Photo: Gary W Harrison nous but I’m not going to let that stop me. Here I am, I think to myself, on the Island of Fire itself.

As I drive along, I notice a cemetery on the side of the road.

If there’s any cemetery in the world that ought to be studied for paranormal activity, it would likely be in Siquijor, and I think it an excellent opportunity to take a photo.

But as I do so, a motorcycle passes me – a father and his two sons. The little boy calls out in nearly perfect English: “Don’t take pictures of cemetery!”

Oh. I wasn’t aware of that rule.

I make my way to Siquijor Town, where I ask around for ‘magic’. Seriously. It was a first for me, but without knowing the local language I had to keep my English simple. Funnily enough, they seemed to get what I meant.

A man named Rostem says he knows some people in the mountains, and offers to take me there for 100 pesos. I immediately agree. Rostem is not the most cautious of drivers, but I daresay he gets us there in good time.

The rain starts to come down as we roar up the mountain, but it is re-

freshing and I actually enjoy it. It’s a far drive – about 20kms from Siquijor Town. The trees seem to fly past us and there is a thick fog on the ground.

We roar further up the mountain, passing a small gasoline shops on the way.

We approach an old concrete house with the TV blasting, and two very pretty little girls watching it and giggling. We climb off the bike and poke our heads in the open doorway.

“Do you do magic?” I ask, getting straight to the point. The house is roomy but the furniture is sparse.

“Just wait here,” replies a middleaged woman wearing a tattered apron, who I take to be the Mama. So Rostem and I wait in the hard plastic chairs, and in about five minutes, Papa emerges from some room.

“Can you just check, you know, to make sure there isn’t anything wrong with me?” I ask.

He agrees. He runs his fingers across my back in straight lines, and blows onto it. It sends goosebumps across my upper arms.

He then proclaims that I have an allergy and should stop eating chicken

and eggs, and hands me some oil that smells strongly of herbs and asks me to rub it on my stomach (keep in mind that the wife, two girls, and Rostem are all standing by, watching intently).

So I do, and then he draws the same straight lines again, applying very light pressure, and then declares my internal organs disease-free.

Next he asks me to make a donation to Sr. Santo Nino (baby Jesus). I leave enough for a couple bottles of Tanduay Rum. As Rostem and I descend the mountain, the clouds part and the sun emerges once again. Once I drop Rostem off, I decide it is a great day for a ride around the entire perimetre of Siquijor (about 120kms).

And indeed, it was. The scenery was breathtaking, the people were all smiles and waves, and a very kind gentleman even gave me free coconut juice from his barrel.

I wondered why this island, with its stunning landscape and white sand beaches isn’t a more popular holiday destination. Then I remember the witches.

When I get back to my resort, I am rewarded with a gorgeous sunset of pinks and purples to go with my fish curry. I congratulate myself on my bravery and ability to find witches, promising to return to Siquijor one day for a folk festival, when I can really get my witch hunting on.

How to get there Fly from Manila to Cebu via Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific. From there, boats leave every day from Cebu (oceanjet.net), stopping first in Dumaguete, and then in Siquijor.

When to go The island’s dry season is from January to May, and it is wet for the rest of the year. The Folk Healing Festival takes place around Easter of each year.

Koh Phangan-based Kaila Krayewski is the Managing Director of Blonde Traveler.com, a travel support service for women travelling and living in Southeast Asia.

BOOKS 11

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Hong Kong publisher wants stories from Phuket expats

A

merican expatriate Shannon Young, living in Hong Kong, is seeking contributions from expat women in East Asia for a new anthology.

The collection will feature the writing of women who are currently expats or who have previously lived in an East Asian country.

For the book, this area includes South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, and all the other Asean countries.

Female expats are encouraged to submit either creative non-fiction or travel memoir pieces that speak about the expat “experience” in modern East Asia.

The anthology aims to showcase stories with a strong and personal narrative arc, not just travel guides or descriptions of the places.

“I would encourage writers living in Phuket to share their stories because they know what it’s like to be outsiders, but they are also working to build a life for themselves and their families in a new country.

“No matter what brought them to Asia, they have had moments of struggle, loneliness, and triumph that are worth sharing with other women who will understand.

“They can offer encouragement, humour, commiseration, and a listening ear to each other through their stories.”

Ms Young said the idea for the book stemmed from a conversation between the publisher, Signal 8 Press, and Xu Xi, a prominent Hong Kong novelist who has spent many years living as an expat.

“Xu Xi mentioned that the voices of women often go under-represented in the larger expatriate conversation. Additionally, while there are a number of collections about and by expat women in general, none so far have

focused exclusively on the Asia-Pacific region,” Ms Young said.

“There is a perception that expat women in Asia are only trailing spouses from Western countries. While there are many women who fit that description, there are also career women with trailing husbands, single women, mothers, students, retirees, and so on, and all of them have interesting stories to tell about the expat experience in the region.”

The idea was the perfect project for Ms Young, who is an expat woman herself, and who was already editing manuscripts parttime for the publishing company.

“I am an American who ended up in Asia through a non-traditional path. I moved to Hong Kong to be with a man, so I am in some sense a trailing spouse, but we were not married so I had to get my own job and visa to be able to come here,” she explained.

“A month after I arrived, his company sent him to London. I had to make my way solo for a year and build a life for myself independently.

“We’re now engaged, so I am also about to marry into a local family (he’s half Chinese and half British). I am the only non-Chinese person at my place of work – an experience that is both isolating and invigorating.

“My story, like many others, is unique, but it has elements that will resonate with other expat women in the Asia-Pacific region in a way that the story of an expat in Europe couldn’t.”

Ms Young said contributions should be between approximately 2,000 and 5,000 words in length. Each writer will receive two copies of the completed anthology and a percentage of the royalties to be determined by the final number of contributors.

Submissions, with a brief paragraph about the author, can be sent to shannon@

typhoon-media.com. Submissions should be in Microsoft Word, .doc or .docx format, and in a standard font.

The deadline for submissions is March 31. The book will be released worldwide in paperback and e-book formats in 2014.

Photo book captures island’s people

A

n Australian resident has created a book containing his favourite snaps of Phuket.

Cliff Reeve, a radio host from Bunbury, Western Australia, created the photo book online after his most recent visit to the island last year.

“I basically did the book for myself, though my Dad had the very first copy as a birthday present on the weekend.

“I was going back though about a zillion photos from the last three visits with the idea of doing an album of printed photos, then I remembered seeing some online software to be able to produce your own book. Voila!”

Mr Reeve said the most important aspect for the book was making sure the photos were high quality.

“For hours, sometimes days, I would wander the streets with my camera and generally ask if I could take a picture. A simple smile combined with a wai usually achieved the desired result. Some were taken at a distance and to those people I offer a debt of gratitude.”

He lists his two favourite photos – both of a Thai lady and her baby.

“When I visited in 2007 I walked up

and over the Patong bridge and found a tiny little store with a lovely lady and her infant son. I played “boo” with him for a minute or two and managed a shot I was very happy with.

“At Christmas time [2012] I found that store, met the lady again then gave her the initial photo and her now grown

son was there too so I have another photo of all three of us.

“She spoke no English and my Thai is very, very basic but I think we understood each other and she seemed delighted to get the photo.”

For more details on the book, priced at A$139, visit tinyurl.com/cliff-book

12 TECHNOLOGY IN BRIEF New ‘Walking Dead” this year With the f irst game in the series already a smash hit, developers Telltale are working on The Walking Dead: Season Two which is slated for a late 2013 release.

Telltale CEO Dan Connors had previously suggested the sequel would be available in 2014: “ We apolog ise for any confusion and thank you and all of our fans for your continued excitement for Telltale’s series,” he said last week Others in the company have teased the possibility of more Walking Dead gaming action becoming available before the new release as downloadable content.

WordPress tests post promotion Wordpress.com, one of the world’s most widely-used blogging platforms, is testing a new monetisation scheme by promoting blog posts on PR Newswire’s iReach service.

The promotions are focused on press releases to professional PR websites, but WordPress says that blog posts can also be syndicated to niche sites.

Us e r s a r e b e i n g asked to test the service when publishing a post on a WordPress. com blog.

App pays users to watch ads Mobile startup SmartAds say they will pay smartphone and tablet users as much as US$25 (B775) a month to watch ads.

The free SmartAds app will lock customer’s phones during an advertisement, and let users buy products and share deals.

The company is raising funds on the Indiegogo wesbite.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, 15,2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

Facebook’s new timeline lures video advertisers

L

ast week Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg unveiled a new look to the social networking site’s homepage – the News Feed timeline, which is designed to appeal to users’ personal interests.

With users’ social circles widening, Facebook has shifted their focus to making the News Feed timeline not only more personal, but visually heavy and video friendly.

Zuckerberg compared the new timeline to a newspaper tailored for each person.

“This gives people more power to dig deeper into topics they care about,” he told reporters at a press conference in California.

The news comes on the heels of a New York Times and Wall Street Journal report that Facebook has a team of 150 people working on integrating advertisements – specifically videos – on the timeline.

The word “autoplay” was used several times, sparking a backlash from several users on the social forum website Reddit.

The move to lure advertisers and monetise Facebook in this manner was first reported by AdAge last year.

The new timeline is the first step in incorporating video ads, which could come as early as April.

“Facebook knows that they cant alienate users

Earthworm Jim BLAST FROM THE PAST Jean-Pierre Mestanza editor@thephuketnews.com

D Zuck at the launch of Facebook’s News Feed timeline last week. and continue to grow at the rate they are. That’s why we’ve seen them be cautious in rolling out monetisation products,” said Clark Fredrisken, an analyst with eMarketer, in an article on Mashable.com.

SimCity crisis: worst game launch ever?

I

t’s been 10 years since the last version of the beloved SimCity franchise was released, and gamers were expecting an all-night urban planning session when a new multiplayer SimCity game was finally available last week.

But in an effort to combat piracy, this latest version of SimCity cannot be played offline – a decision that made this launch one of the most disastrous in recent memory.

Unfortunately, the servers that were needed for gamers to play SimCity did not allow for so many people around the world to log on simultaneously, and almost no-one could play the onlineonly title.

A spokeperson for Electronic Arts, the makers of the game, announced the company would not be refunding gamers’ money but would give out a free game in the near future in recompense for

the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, the SimCity servers still do not allow more than a certain number of gamers to log on. Even when they do, it’s been reported that the game easily crashes and users have to start all over again.

As one of the most anticipated games of the decade, SimCity has already garnered over 1,900 one-star reviews on Amazon.com and Metacritic.

Gaming forums are buzzing with the disastrous launch and it is unknown when EA will fix the problem.

“Our plan is to continue to bring more servers online until we have enough to meet the demand, increase player capacity and let more people through the gates and into the game,” said Kip Katsarelis, Senior Producer of SimCity, in a statement last week.

TOP APPS THIS WEEK

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

Crysis 3

Xbox 360, PS3

6

Need For Speed Most Wanted

Xbox 360, PS3, VITA, PC

1

2

Fifa 13

Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, VITA

7

Aliens: Colonial Marines (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

2

3

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (18+)

PS3, Xbox 360

8

Dead Space 3 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

3

4

Call Of Duty: Black Ops II (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U

9

Assassin’s Creed III (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

4

5

Far Cry 3 (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

10

Hitman Absolution (18+)

Xbox 360, PS3, PC

5

Adobe Photoshop (Photo Editing) Quickly (Organisation) All Budget (Business) Swiftkey Keyboard (Keyboard) Sparrow (Email)

iOS/Android Android

o you remember Earthworm Jim? Originally released for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis in 1994, Earthworm Jim was home to one of the most off-the-wall videogame worlds ever created.

It was much more than your typical run and gun platform game, with beautiful background art that gamers could appreciate whenever they pressed pause.

The game centered on an earthworm named Jim, who wore a special suit that helped him run and jump. He also had a gun and several superhuman powers.

The game came out at a perfect time in America, when it was one of only a handful of titles made in the United States from start to finish.

It was cartoony, yes, but also had amazing graphics for its time and became a cult classic.

A later version for the Super Nintendo was easier on the eyes and ears, and there was one sequel, in 1995.

The makers went on to create a whole line of toys, action figures, and a comic book series based on the game.

There was even a successful TV show that included all of the game’s characters.

Earthworm Jim had a cast of memorable characters with wacky names, such as Princess Whats-Her-Name, Evil the Cat, and the best of all – Professor Monkeyfor-a-Head. It also paved the way for other nutty games, including the hugely successful Crash Bandicoot.

iOS Android (Tablet) iOS

Do you have a Blast from the Past? Let us know at editor@ thephuketnews.com

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

IN BRIEF ‘Burt Wonderstone’ opens South By Southwest Fest

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, a new comedy starring Steve Carrell as a washed out Las Vegas magician opened the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival in Austin, Texas this weekend.

Burt Wonderstone also stars Steve Buscemi as Wonderstone’s long suffering friend and stage partner, Anton Marvelton, and Jim Carrey as Steve Gray, a long-haired and egotistical street magician.

The film goes on general release later this month.

This year’s lineup of SXSW films also includes a remake of Sam Raimi’s 1981 horror classic The Evil Dead, and comedy crime drama Spring Breakers, starring Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez as bikini-clad robbers.

Film on Nepal army torture blocked: director

The Cheer Ambassadors: Thailand’s cheerleading team at the ICU world championships in Florida, the subject of a new documentary feature.

Raising cheers for Thailand Tom Metcalfe editor2@thephuketnews.com

F

ilm director Luke CassadyDorion has had a busy week.

When I speak to him about his new film The Cheer Ambassadors, he’s just completed his graduation ceremony at Ramhamkeang University, a five-day process involving more than 30,000 students.

His graduation, in particular, has captured public attention here in Thailand – as one of the few non-Thais to graduate with a BA from Ramhamkeang’s rigourous Thai Studies course, he’s been in big demand for interview with Thai newspapers, radio and television stations.

Now, though, he’s focusing on his new film: in a few days he travels home to California, where The Cheer Ambassadors – a feature length documentary charting the adventures of an awardwinning Thai cheerleading team – is about to have its official North American premier at the San Francisco CAAMFest, a prestigious showcase for new Asian and Asian American film, music, and digital media.

Yet “documentary” is a term the production team are trying to downplay: “It scares off a lot of people,” explains Mr Cassady-Dorion. “We’re calling it a ‘movie with a real story’, or a ‘non-fiction film.’”

The Cheer Ambassors tells the story of a Thai university cheerleading team that rose out of obscurity to become serious world class contenders at the highly-competitive International Cheer Union championships in Florida, tak-

ing home multiple medals in 2009 and 2011.

The idea for the film came during a chat on a Thai beach between Mr Cassady-Dorion and San Francisco-based producer Jason Best, and a former Thai cheerleader, Thapanont “Tae” Phithakrattanayothin, who outlined the story of the team’s adventures in pursuit of their first silver medal in Florida.

The two Americans saw the potential to make a documentary about the team’s story, and started work. The initial fund-raising and shooting took more than a year, followed by another year of fund-raising and post-production work.

The film focuses mainly on Coach Sarawut “Toey” Samniangdeehat, five key teammates, and the team’s spiritual advisor – a fortune-teller who serves as the team’s mentor and leads them in meditation before practice sessions, one of the many cultural touches that makes the Thai team so special.

In other aspects, however, the Thais were at a disadvantage – cheerleading is a well-established sport in North America, and male cheerleaders are typically strong enough to lift their female teammates with one hand to gain points.

That wasn’t so easy for the Thai competitors, where there was less of a size difference between male and female teammates. Instead, the Thai team concentrated on performing difficult human pyramids to capture the judges’ attention.

It’s an inspiring and often emotional story that shows the zealous dedication of Coach Toey, as he struggles to

SFX Coliseum Phuket (Central Festival) 21 And Over (E) [18+] Beautiful Creatures (E) [15+] Jack The Giant Slayer (E) [G] Jack The Giant Slayer (E/3D) [G] Jack The Giant Slayer (E/F) [G] Jack The Giant Slayer (T) [G] Oz: The Great And Powerful (E/3D) [G] Panya Renu 3 (T/E sub) [G]

11:30, 13:35, 15:40, 17:45, 19:50, 21:55 14:40, 19:40 12:10, 17:10, 22:10 14:00, 19:30 13:00, 15:30, 18:00, 20:30 11:00, 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00 11:15, 12:30, 15:15, 16:45, 18:00, 20:45, 22:00 11:00, 13:05, 15:20, 17:40, 20:00, 22:15

transform his fun-loving cheerleading squad into serious contenders in the world-class competition.

The Cheer Ambassadors has already been shown at film festivals around Asia and in Europe, winning the Best Documentary award at the 60°N Os festival in Norway in April, and taking the Audience Award at the ChopShots Documentary festival in Jakarta in December.

It has also been shown at two Thai film festivals, but the production team are holding off on a local cinema release until later this year – by which time the exposure the film gets from overseas festivals like CAAMFest should help build interest at home in Thailand.

Without careful timing, there’s a danger that a documentary film like The Cheer Ambassadors could go largely unnoticed if its release conflicts with major new Hollywood movies or popular Thai productions, explains Mr Cassady-Dorion.

Now, as The Cheer Ambassadors heads to the San Francisco CAAMFest, the Thai cheerleading team featured in the film have been continuing their grueling training at home, where Bangkok University has recently build them a new state-of-the art training facility.

“At first, the team didn’t really believe us when we told them what we wanted to do. But then at the world premiere in Bangkok, many came up to me with tears in their eyes, thanking us for our hard work,” said Mr Best.

“I can’t tell you how much it means to them that people across the world are inspired by their story.”

The makers of a film depicting torture

by Nepal’s army accused the government of censorship after they had to cancel the movie’s release because of delays in getting approval.

The film Badhshala – meaning “Slaughterhouse” in Nepalese – is based on reports of torture and disappearances carried out by a Kathmandu-based battalion during the country’s 1996-2006 civil war.

The army objects to the four-millionrupee (B1.4 million) film which was scheduled for release Friday, saying it could harm the peace process and was made using army uniforms without permission.

‘Oz’ prequel conjures up box office magic

Big-budget 3D fantasy adventure Oz the Great and Powerful debuted on the North American box office with a huge US$80 million (B240 million) in weekend ticket sales.

The Wizard of Oz prequel, starring James Franco, beat last week’s leader Jack the Giant Slayer, which brought in US$10 million (B300 million) in its second week.

The comedy Identity Thief dropped a peg to third, with US$6 million (B 18 million) in takings.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Gross

$80.3M

$80.3M

$10M

$43.8M

1

Oz the Great and Powerful

2

Jack the Giant Slayer

3

Identity Thief

$6.32M

$117M

4

Dead Man Down

$5.35M

$5.35M

5

Snitch

$5.1M

$31.9M

6

21 and Over

$5.06M

$16.8M

7

Safe Haven

$3.8M

$62.9M

8

Silver Linings Playbook

$3.75M

$121M

9

Escape from Planet Earth

$3.21M

$47.8M

$3.12M

$12.1M

10 The Last Exorcism Part II

SFC Jungceylon Phuket (Patong) 21 And Over (E) [18+] A Good Day To Die Hard (E) [15+] Beautiful Creatures (E) [15+] Jack The Giant Slayer (E) [G] Oz: The Great And Powerful (E/3D) [G] Panya Renu 3 (T/E sub) [G]

Weekend gross

11:50, 13:50, 15:50, 17:50, 19:50, 21:50 15:00, 19:40, 21:45 12:30, 17:10 12:00, 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 11:30, 14:00, 16:45, 19:30, 22:10 12:20, 14:40, 17:00, 19:20, 22:00

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, MARCH MARCH 15,

From left, Massimo Franciamore; Giovanni Orgera; Alessandro Frau, Chef and Owner of Acqua Restaurant; Fabio Angius, from Pala Winery; and Bart Duykers, Managing Director BB&B.

FINE DINING AT ACQUA Richard Valentine shares a hug with his mother Gillian.

SUPER SHOW The 16th Andaman Motor Show 2013, which included the Fuse Supermodel Contest, was held at Central Festival last weekend. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 were media sponsors of this event.

Acqua restaurant in Kalim hosted a six-course dinner on March 5 paired with beverages from Sardinian Pala Winery.

ISLAND SCENE 15

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

From left, Scott Gorsuch, Michael Kirjon, Alan Cook and StJohn Mackay.

Author Colin Mackay, right, with wife Ana and their daughter Sky, and cousin StJohn Mackay (left).

CREATING HISTORY At least 150 people made it the largest ever turnout for an American Chamber of Commerce (Phuket Chapter) event when local historian Colin Mackay launched his book, A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region at the Royal Phuket Marina on Friday, March 8. The author and his friend Ajarn Pranee Sakulpipatana made presentations that brought gales of laughter, and some 100 copies of the book were sold, many signed by Mr Mackay.

Ajarn Pranee Sakulpipatana, second from right, and friends.

A FUN AFTERNOON OUT Bangkok-based property developer Able Asset held a workshop on March 9 at its new Centrio Condominium in Kathu. Photo: Phuket Best Group

From left, Olaf Duensing, Jay Birnbaum, Phuket News GM Jason Beavan and Jerrold Kippen.

PHUKET ECO-TALKS The International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP) hosted Chanintat “Mon” Pachantabutr, Managing Director at Skytrek Adventure Co, operartors of the Flying Hanuman adventure park in Kathu, on March 8 at Urban Food in Central Festival. He spoke about eco-tourism.

FINE ART ON SHOW Luxsana “Nok” Charernsri, right, held the official opening of her solo art exhibition in Rawai on March 9. She is pictured with art student Doris Schneidewind. Doris presented flowers on behalf of her and students Susan Usher and Anne Donald.

Mon, third from left, and the Flying Hanuman team.

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH15 15,, 2013 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH

Phuket DJ Emmanuel Skinner.

Phuket DJ Emmanuel Skinner and Sandy Rivera.

SWEET SOUNDS International DJ and dance producer Sandy Rivera played at Xana Beach Club on Saturday (March 9). Photos: Angus Adams

Tobias Lauinger, GM of The Redhouse Bistro & Wine Shop and Ernst Loosen at the shop.

Krister Westberg, Jon Sjolin and Anna Abbona, the Managing Director of Marchesi di Barolo, pictured at Acqua restaurant.

THREE TOP WINEMAKERS PAY A VISIT TO PHUKET

Ernst Loosen and Peter Blumer, owner of the Redhouse Bistro & Wine Shop.

Black Forest Distribution recently brought three world-class winemakers to Phuket: Elena Walch, owner of Elena Walch Alto Adige (hosted at DaVinci); Anna Abbona, the Managing Director of Marchesi di Barolo (hosted at Acqua); and the ‘Godfather of Riesling’ Ernst Loosen of Dr Loosen (hosted at Moevenpick Bangtao Beach Club and Redhouse Bistro & Wine Shop).

Tobias Lauinger, GM of Black Forest; Anna Abbona, the Managing Director of Marchesi di Barolo; and Alessandro Frau, owner/chef of Acqua.

ENTERTAINMENT 17

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

It’s A Big Night Out at the ACG Simon Primarolo editor@thephuketnews.com

W

ell there I was, in my back garden, sat under the shadow of a Durio tree.

Twilight had cast its fading hues of tranquillity that settled on deep waters of a yonder lake. Soon dusk neatly gave way to the inky abyss of darkness, whereupon a solitary light reflected on the faint water’s ripples; ‘Look, the moon is swimming,” says my two-year-old daughter.

Argh, the poetic innocence of youth methinks. Whereas, my minds eye was drifting more in tune with a slight gust that made the light dance with a fiery glint.

I plucked the only tune I could muster on her toy guitar – the intro to Deep Purple’s Smoke on the Water.

It transformed the shores of Lake Geneva to Phuket and I thought, ‘By crikey, that’s what this town needs.’

And thus a Big Night Out was borne.

The lake at the bottom of my garden wasn’t suitable, so I set out in search for a rock solid dwelling to host Phuket’s ‘Woodstock’. The Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) was perfect; essentially a cricket club, in the most picturesque of settings complete, may I add, with an adjacent lake, should Deep Purple turn up unannounced.

To lend it the required potent mix of eclectic vibes best served for a good old fashioned rock n roll knees-up, I set to work on the bands. Elephant in the Room offer that warm nostalgia through tunes we thought we’d forgotten, plus a couple of originals thrown in the mix.

Black and Blue are a blues, soul and classic rock band with age ranges from 24-64, and play the congas too, so that’ll get the hips moving. 4 of a Kind deliver the festival hits, and are as it says on the tin; who’s kind? Their kind, your kind, my kind, our kind.

And what’s this; The Blues Revival belt out the blues with a sweet twang that makes them gold!

Legends of Siam may have the collective age of that one fella in Black n Blue, but they play a mix of classics and originals like vets, in fact, like legends. The Fuzztonez completes the line-up with their funky overtones of rhythm, blues, rock, pop, cowboy and punk – aye caramba, what a party!

Offering the trimmings are the resident Boundary Bar, Grizzly’s beer garden, plus an array of food, and ‘all the fun of the fair stalls’.

None of this is possible without our friends; ACG, Salt, Ceramic Kitchen, AM Production, PCS, Grizzly’s, Boundary Bar, Island Furniture, Lady Pie, The Courtyard, The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa and Live 89.5.

The event will be held on March 23. Doors open at 5pm, and the first band starts at 5.30pm. Pre-sale tickets are B100 and are available from Salt, Grizzly’s, Boundary Bar, Chili’s, Lady Pie, Ceramic Kitchen, Peppers and RPM fitness centre. Otherwise entry is B300 on the gate.

For more details call Prim on 085 691 7250 or email cf.crazyfool@gmail. com The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.

Babes, bikinis and beauty

P

cool ones in the US including Amahlia Stevens for Vitamin A, and Bonnie Coumbe from Australia with her magical Seventh Wonderland.

rior to the ‘Some Like It Hot’ show at Xana Beach Club with Attica tonight (March 15), The Phuket News speaks to Katarina Bonér from Katalina.

What can we expect from your ‘Some Like It Hot’ fashion show at the launch of the new Foxy Friday event at Xana Beach Club with Attica?

A totally glamorous vintage show with lots of colour and many new pieces never shown before! There will also be some surprise elements for dramatic effect.

Any tips for covering up but still looking glamorous?

Oh yes, it is surely easier to look glamorous with a coverup than without.

Gottex has the best ever long caftans in silk, they can include up to 26 colours and they move like magic around you in a breeze or when you walk.

What are your beach beauty secrets?

1. I always use a cream for my skin type. I don’t really like the UV sunblocks with unknown bad chemicals.

Esthederm has great ones.

2. Cover your hair, as it gets really damaged by too much sun.

3. Without makeup is of course best, so I always dye my eyebrows and lashes to accentuate the eyes.

You are about to launch your own fashion line, tell us about that.

My own line is both high in fashion with styles, prints and accessories, but still at a relatively low price. We hope fashionistas as well as every day mothers (like myself) will find their favourites in the line.

What are your top tips for dressing for the beach?

That is all depending on the mood... sometime it is colour splash and going for a bit of a tan, and then the strapless bandeau allows less tan stripes on the chest.

I also like to mix and match, so a printed top to a solid pant is a younger style. At my age, we need all the help we can get!

But mostly I stay in the shade and prefer a little more cover, like a short caftan over a halter bikini, and also including a hat.

What are the three essentials you can’t go on holiday without?

Self tanning products (I am quite sensitive to sun), a great book (I love to read but don’t allow myself to when

Katarina Bonér, from Katalina, will host a fashion show at Xana tonight. Photo: Michael Spigarolo busy at home or with work) and my playful family.

What swimwear designers are hot right now?

I have to mention Molly Grad at Gottex, she is extremely talented and had worked at some of the best houses before (Stella McCartney, YSL and others). I would love to be in the room when she does one of her drawings!

And of course there are some really

Which celebrities do you think get it right on the beach?

Oh that’s a tricky one. But of course somebody my own age is best to keep on top of the list, like Halle Berry.

Such a knock out, and cool person too!

And who doesn’t love Jessica Alba, she has the curves and the smile, and great skin.

Foxy Friday is a new fortnightly event, starting tonight (March 15), from Xana with Attica which features fun, food, fashion and more.

The evening kicks off at 6pm and includes 2-for-1 cocktails for ladies all night, a sushi bar, entertainment for the kids and the Katalina ‘Some Like it Hot’ show at 9.30pm.

For more information visit the ‘Xana with Attica’ Facebook page.

Time to paint it black at DaVinci

F

or the third time, DaVinci restaurant’s wide terrace will welcome fashionable islanders for the Black is Back fashion show on March 24.

Designers, models, photographers, stylists, and all those who follow fashion updates and love glamorous parties are invited to attend.

This year, guests of Black is Back will experience an upgraded show with many new elements, such as live art from Thailand’s Got Talent finalist Romadon.

He will create a piece of art in front of the audience, and it will be sold at the charity auction.

Other auction items are being supplied by luxury resorts, restaurants and well-known companies on the island, including Sri Panwa, Mangosteen Resort, Catch Beach Club, Xana Beach Club, Mookda Spa, EastWest Group and many more.

All proceeds go to the Phuket Has Been Good To Us foundation.

During the fashion show, Phuket models will first wear Katalina Collection swimsuits by Swedish designer Katarina Boner, and will then present the “22 Century” fashion collection, created especially for Black is Back.

The many event partners include The Emerald Terrace Condo Patong,

Princess Yachts Thailand, Boat Lagoon Cruises, Central Festival, and Wine Connection.

Children are welcome at the party, with a special kids zone prepared just for them.

Black is Back is a celebration of style, light, sound, art, fashion and Italian cuisine. Don’t miss this event on March 24 at DaVinci restaurant.

Catwalk starts at 7pm, tickets (B3,000 or VIP B3,500, including Italian buffet and three free drinks) are available from DaVinci restaurant, davinciphuket.com The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.

Fundraiser for Phuket Sunshine Village

T

he first ever fundraising party for the Phuket Sunshine Village (PSV) childcare centre is on the way, with proceeds helping the 120 children who live full time at the village in Ko Sirae.

The party takes place on March 30 at the Green Man pub in Chalong, and the theme and dress code of the event is “shipwrecked”, with prizes given for best costumes.

The party starts at 7.30 pm, with a large buffet dinner. The entrance ticket, priced at B999, includes the buffet and three free drink coupons.

One of the highlights of the evening will be a live performance from the Mid Air Circus Arts team, which operates Thailand’s first full sized flying trapeze and circus arts academy here in Phuket.

Latin dance lovers will be

able to show their moves, as a one hour salsa and bachata music session will follow the trapeze artistic performance.

Once the salsa dancers are exhausted, it will be time for all to hit the dance floors under the groovy pop, R&B and house tunes of DJ Miss Caro till late.

Thanks to many generous local sponsors, the organisers will also give you the opportunity to go home with many

prices from silent auctions and prize raffles.

Tickets can be purchased online at phuketticketmaster. com or at the door. The entire profits of the evening will be directly donated to the PSV Foundation. The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.

For more information visit the Facebook event page “Shipwrecked Party”.

18 EVENTS

FRIDAY MAR 15

15,2013 2013 List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY, MARCH MARCH 15,

SATURDAY MAR 16

Sunday Carvery

Fish and Chips Friday Night B250 per person. At Irish Times Pub, Jungceylon Patong.

$98* *$3 sistic booking fee applies. Buy tickets from Sistic! www.sistic.com.sg or by phone +65 6348-5555. More at journeymusic.com & Lamcproductions. com. Follow us on Twitter & Instagram @ Lamcproductions.

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

B399 per person all you can eat. Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork, fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and a glass of selected beverage. At Irish Times Pub, Junceylon Patong.

MONDAY MAR 18 Quiz Night at Grizzly’s

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.

Schnitzel Day Kokosnuss Restaurant - Every Monday, Schnitzel, fried potatoes and salad buffet B190 per person. Starts 5.30pm. For more info please visit phuketkokosnuss.com.

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.

Saturday Shopping at The Good Shepherd Charity Shop Pool Competition at Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

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.

BBQ All You Can Eat 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.

Half Chicken Spit Roast 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.

Live Music at Underwood Art Factory Sunday Roast Pork at Expat Hotel Sunday roast pork or beef dinner every Sunday 2pm onwards at Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www.expathotel.com.

Pool Competition every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.

TUESDAY MAR 19

SUNDAY MAR 17

Every Friday and first Saturday of every month. The home of Phuket’s finest performers, coming together to bring a night of entertainment, delicious Thai Buffet and great fun. The Lost Legends band. All performed on a unique built stage at the Underwood Art Factory. For booking call 088 762 4505.

Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse

Journey First Ever Concert In Singapore March 19 2013 - 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tickets: $168*, $148*, $128*,

daily event updates on

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013 FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com

EVENTS 19

Shipwrecked!

The Party that will rock your boat... and make a difference for 124 children from the Phuket Sunshine Village - Child Care Center.

Buffet Dinner, Live Entertainment Salsa, Pop & Dance Music DJ Ω, Raffle, Silent Auction Best Costume Award . . .

Venue: The Green Man, Chalong Date: 30.03.2013 - 7:30 pm till late Dress Code: As you were when your ship sank Tickets: 999 THB; includes Buffet Dinner and 3 Drink Coupons - available @ the door

All proceeds will be donated to the PSV foundation

www.phuketsunshinevillage.org

WEDNESDAY MAR 20

Phuket’s First Audio Video Interactive Pub Quiz B99 per drinks and selected beverages buy 1 get 1 free. Quiz master DJ Doris, from 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.

involving all the parents, students and staff from Preschool to Year 12. This special event is a time for us all to come together to share a little of our own cultural backgrounds with other members of the community, as well as a chance for us all to learn lots of exciting and interesting things about the world. Please contact us if you have any questions. Primary contact point is Miki Edouard, Activities and Events co ordinator, at miki@headstartphuket.com or call at 076 612 876.

SUNDAY MAR 31

most spectacular example of the media’s abuse of trust. Advertising dollars once shared by a finite number of newspapers are now spread out over an almost infinite number of digital sites.This raises the question: who is going to pay for the news?

David Armstrong, Post Publishing (Bangkok Post), editor-in-chief of The Australian, The Bulletin, The Canberra Times and the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, will be giving his views from his journalistic career that spanned more than 40 years.

All welcome, doors open 6.15pm, more details ibap-phuket.org

SATURDAY APR 6 Chakri Day

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.

MONDAY APR 22-28

A public holiday to honor the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I.

SATURDAY APR 13-15

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.

THURSDAY MAR 21

Pork Roast and Roast Chicken Every Thursday. Buffet includes salads, soups, mashed potatoes, bread dumplings.

ALL YOU CAN EAT B190. www.phuketko kosnuss.com.

Phuket Paddle Festival A day of Stand Up Paddle for the whole family with elite and fun races, kids games, food and drink, DJs all at beautiful Bliss Beach Club, Bangtao Beach. Entry cost is B200 per person per race with their own paddle board or B500 per person without paddle board. Contact: info@standuppro jects.com, 0854 769 096. All profits of this day go to building Phuket’s first community skatepark.

FRIDAY APR 5 EVERY DAY

FRIDAY MAR 29

HeadStart Celebrates International Day 4pm-8pm at FunStart. This is an event

Songkran Festival

IBAP-News Media in Crisis A Question of Trust. The fallout from the phone-hacking scandal in Britain is the

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 meritmaking, by offering food to the monks.

Paying respect to elders and ancestors is also an important custom of Songkran.

Happy Hour at Sugar Reef Happy Hour B60 on all selected beverages, B120 house doubles, and B99 all selected drinks. 4pm - 8pm. Also Sunday roast served from 2pm. B250 to club members. opposite Tesco Cherngtalay. See sugar reefbar.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

20 TIME OUT

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

This week in history

GOT YOUR NUMBER

■■ March 15, 44 BC The Ides of March – Roman dictator Julius Caesar is stabbed to death by his friend Marcus Junius Brutus and a mob of 60 senators who accuse him of wanting to become King of Rome.

■■ March 16, 597 BC A Babylonian army led by King Nebuchadnezzar II sacks Jerusalem in the Kingdom of Judah, as punishment for rebelling.

■■ March 17, 1936 An Italian team achieve the dream of humanpowered flight with the launch of the Pedaliante, a pedal-powered glider that flies for more than one kilometre, piloted by Emilio Caso.

■■ March 18, 1314 Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Knights Templar, is burned at the stake in Paris for witchcraft – a trumped-up charge so French King Phillip VI can avoid paying his debts to the Templars.

■■ March 19, 1895 French brothers Auguste and Louis Lumière record the first movie with their newly patented cinematograph. It shows workers leaving the Lumière photographic factory.

■■ March 20, 1995 Twelve people die and more than 1,000 are injured in a Sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway, carried out by members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult.

■■ March 21, 1871 American journalist HM Stanley sets out from Zanzibar on his expedition to find the missing missionary and explorer David Livingstone.

5,000

Number of seats in Bangkok’s Royal Dragon restaurant, reputedly the world’s largest.

583

Number of lives lost in the world’s worst air disaster, when two aircraft collided on the runway on Tenerife.

55

Kilometres of cars added to Phuket’s roads last year (22,000 cars x 2.5 metres).

25

Number of times in one second that a cockroach can change direction.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

We don’t like you very much: Julius Caesar is stabbed to death by Roman senators in 44BC.

Crossword by Myles Mellor

1. Thylacine – an industrial cleaning fluid, an animal or a painkiller?

2. What does Saphan Hin mean in English?

3. Where is GorTorMor? 4. How deep is the deepest part of the Mariana Trench?

5. Ringlet, small heath and comma are all types of what?

Answers at the foot of the page.

SUDOKU

Across 1. Expert 5. Catch, in a way 10. Center of authority 14. Cuckoos 15. Impede 16. Bridge toll unit 17. Easy to pick up 20. Baffled 21. One of the Simpsons 22. Supply with ammo 23. Marriage, for one?

26. Raw liquors 28. “China Beach” setting 31. Capture 33. Lagerlöf’s “The Wonderful Adventures of ___” 34. “Right away!”

36. Applications 38. Hotel posting 41. Ghost whisperer?

44. Money in the bank, say 45. Case 46. Peeved 47. “How ___ Mehta Got Kissed, Got Wild, and Got a Life” (novel title)

49. “My ___!”

51. This moment 52. Bathtub type 55. Jupiter, e.g.

57. Charlotte-toRaleigh dir.

58. Frozen desserts 60. Karate moves 64. Sadly 68. Fill 69. Cookie Monster cohort 70. Call to a mate 71. 1914 battle line 72. Big Bertha’s birthplace 73. Combine Down 1. Apple variety 2. Condo, e.g.

3. Fixes, in a way 4. “Confessions” singer 5. Grassland 6. Balaam’s mount 7. Attempt 8. As yet 9. Genetic material 10. Took a load off 11. Extreme fatigue 12. Notify 13. College units 18. Detective, at

times 19. Clothing 24. Drawn tight 25. Arise 27. Sword lilies, for short 28. Astronaut’s org.

29. Deadly biters 30. Small house, in London 32. End 35. Warms up 37. Turned sideways 39. 100 cents 40. Old World duck 42. Bologna home 43. Bog 48. Chinese fruit tree 50. “That hurt!”

52. Full of gossip 53. Son of Simon the Just 54. Noblemen 56. Bundle 59. Minus 61. Diamond Head locale 62. Some Olympians, nowadays 63. Eye affliction 65. “___ Town Too” (1981 hit) 66. Go for the gold 67. Appetite

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

1. Animal (the extinct so-called Tasmanian wolf; 2. Stone Bridge; 3. Thailand (colloquial name for Bangkok); 4. 10,940 metres; 5.

WEEKDAYS Breakfast The Power Hour Lifestyle Drive Non Stop Music

Sam & Natasha Live 89.5

SATURDAYS 7am - 11am 11am - 12pm

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

18 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

Siam Palm Residence Co., Ltd. is looking for an experienced Accountant/

Boomerang Village Resort: Job Opportuni-

ties 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.

Positions available: 1. FB Manager 2. Group HR Director 3. PR Manager 4. Restaurant Manager 5. Bartender 6. Waitress 7. Waiter.

Good benefits, accommodation and service charge guarantee. Contact email: jobs@eventsthailand.net.

Call 089 725 6994.

Sales Executive: 1-2 and as part of a team - Have years experience in Sales & Mrk. Good command of English & computer - Friendly and outgoing, able to work within

own motorbike or car with driving license. Call 076 314 345, email: manager@phuket adventureminigolf.com.

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.

lish skills. General office administration background.

URGENT. Submit CV to office-manager@techworx. asia or call 081 080 3773 for more details. Call to schedule interview.

a outgoing sales person of Russian nationality. There is a good opportunity for the right person with an opportunity to get a high salary and good commission.

Email: jon@twochefs.com.

Sales Wanted: Sales Draf tman Wanted:

woman wanted for smart home/AV company, Phuket area. Reasonable English skills. Salary plus commision/expenses. Send CV with photo to info@techworx. asia.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED PREMIUM: PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD B2,799+VAT. PAY ONCE UNTIL SOLD WILL RUN ONLINE AND IN EVERY PRINT EDITION UNTIL YOU HAVE SOLD. INCLUDES ADDITIONAL 9 PICTURES ONLINE.

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Thai, Draftsman with Autocad experience, basic English, can drive. Send resume at office-manager@ techworx.asia or call 081 080 3773 for more details.

for tourism writers for various projects. Please send your CV to phuketeventco@ gmail.com.

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189 CHARACTERS

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Extra lines B99

Hr Manager Urgently Wanted: 6-star resort in Phang-nga needs experienced HR Manager to be in charge of HR functioning including recruiting, manpower planning, training, developing and evaluating employees performances Email: hr@iniala.com

travel and other business arrangement self-motivated, proactive and easygoing office in Phang-nga.

Email: hr@iniala.com

Senior Spa Therapist Wanted: We are looking for qualified and experienced Spa Therapists (2) for immediate hiring. Send your CVs to recruit@southseagroup.com or contact 076 370 888 Ext. 542 for more details.

Admin Assistant ReSales Manager: The quired: Thai nationality

Southsea Group is looking for experienced and qualified Sales Manager with Hotel background. Pls send CVs to recruit@southsea group.com.

national School in Chalong is looking for a capable Thai individual with good English skills to work as Thai staff manager. Email: phuket international@asia.com.

good command of English, computer knowledge filing

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

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

Urgent banner B199 Box B199

Colour Background B199

Customer Relations Manager: Customers Re-

lation & Sales / Marketing Manager at Health Resort.

Experienced Required.

Email: info@thailandcamp. com.

Colour Headlines B199

INCLUDE NOVOSTI PHUKETA (FREE TRANSLATION TO RUSSIAN) B1,699+VAT.

DEADLINE: MONDAY 11.59PM (MIDNIGHT) FOR THAT WEEKS ISSUE Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

SALES REPRESENTATIVES Qualifications: ● Thai or Expat.

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Print upgrades:

be responsible. Good command of English. Service minded and f lexible to welcome our guests, sell adventure mini golf tickets (fees), soft drinks and souvenirs etc. Please call 076 314 345, email: manager@ phuketadventureminigolf. com.

School Manager: Inter-

Body:

Website link B199

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

Office Manager - Ur- Russian sales: Two gent: Thai with good Eng- Chefs are now looking for Kiosk Attendee: Must and translating doc handle

To u r i s m W r i t e r s Needed: We are looking

Online upgrades:

Sea Bees Diving is looking for a reliable and

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

We offer: ● Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses. ● A friendly work environment. ● Social security paid by the company.

Senior sales staff required: A senior sales staff required for a wholesale/retail dive company, good rates of pay, English essential, driving license, sales experience an advantage, send CV to ian@ sde-asiapacific.com.

● Excellent career progress opportunities.

Interested applicants are invited to apply in person or send application with full resume indicating qualifications and experience, expected salary and recent photo to: adminmgr@thephuketnews.com Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 101

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 19

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

JOBS IN PHUKET

List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com

Start Your Financial Freedom Today!!!

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.

US based network marketing company work in over 140 countries is expanding and opening now the market in Thailand.

Dewa Naiyang Beach Phuket Director of Sales ( Bangkok or Phuket Based) Our ideal candidate will: - Female / Male - Foreigner / Thai - Previous experience in similar position for boutique resort - Bachelor's Degree in Business / Marketing or related fields - Fluent in both spoken and written English - Excellent computer skill, internet literate and social media skills Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV together with applicable certificates to:

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.

Native English Teacher: - To teach class of 9-12, children ages 6-9.

- Must have experience and degree.

- Start April 22.

- Chalong, 8am- 4pm, Monday - Friday.

Mob: 080 624 7060, email: buds.span@ yahoo.com.

DEWA PHUKET 65 Moo. 1 T.Sakoo, A.Thalang, Phuket 83110.

Tel.+66 76 372 300. Fax. +66 76 372 399.

E-mail: Lars@tri-asia.com.

Website: www.dewaphuket.com.

Private Tutor Qualifications: · 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

Looking for serious and positive people to work with us and want a long term business relation. You can work from home or any place you have access to internet. Worlds first instant pay plan.

Income part time.... up to 10.000 Baht per week.

Income full time.... up to 50.00 Baht per week.

Required: Must have good English and computer skills, Skype, independent thinking, positive attitude, willing to learn.

Send CV and recent photo to phuketgeneral@gmail.com or call Mr. Velan 080 692 4084 (English, German, Croatia speaking)

Get on board and start your financial freedom today!

Operations Manager Senior ESL Teacher required: Club Asia Fit- Needed: PHBGTU charness requires a Thai Operations Manager. Candidates must have manag er ial skills, customer services mind and communicate in English well. Contact email: clubasiaphuket@hotmail. com.

Admin & Coordinate Staff Wanted: Small

Accountant Needed: International

Dynamic Real Estate Agency c ompany is seeking admin and coordinate staff, Thai female, fluent in English, Computer literate. Immediate star t. Please send your CV. Email: s a l e s @ 1 8 e x c e l s i o rproperty.com.

School in Chalong is looking for an account ant . T hai nat i o nal, minimum 2 years experience in accounting, good spoken and written English is a must. phuketinternational@ asia.com.

ity is seeking experienced Senior Teacher to teach, manage teaching staf f, and develop curriculum for practical, quality English language programme in 2 government schools. Email: info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org.

Live in Housekeeper Wanted: Exceptional conditions for housekeeper who loves dogs and speaks english. Separate one bedroom apartment with everything. Has to be able to live in full time with us . Call on 080 690 5248.

teacher. · Between 35 and 47 years old, Female

Rationale:

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

We are currently seeking

· 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.

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.

Please contact 081 978 0090 or email carolgarcia729@gmail.com

PR & Marketing Assistant Responsibilities :

● Assisting the PR manager with planning and implementing PR plans for the company ● Representing the company at events & exhibitions ● General Marketing and PR admin tasks

Qualifications:

● Good communication skills both in Thai & English ● Degree qualified – recent graduate welcome to apply ● Have own transport (bike or car) ● Ability to work after normal work hours and/or weekends (time in lieu will be given)

We offer: Phuket Brasserie Jobs Recuitment: -Waitress -Bartender Salary B9,000. Service charge B4,000. If you worked in hotels before it will be an advantage.

Contact 076 210 511.

Send CV and photo to linkwanjai@me.com.

● Competitive salary ● Social security (10%) paid by the company ● Excellent career progress opportunity ● Time in lieu for any overtime hours worked Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to info@thephuketnews.com or fax your resume to 076-612-553

Class Act Media Co., Ltd.

99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 ext 100 Fax: 076 612 553 adminmgr@thephuketnews.com

20 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Property PROPERTY FOR RENT

Nice House for Long Term Rent: Just a few

ACG Cricket Ground: 5 Rai raw land behind ACG clubhouse on long lease for compatible sporting facility. alan@acgphuket.com. hold condo for Sale/Rent Just 2 min walk to beach, with big balcony & sunset view, total of 180 Sqm, 2 ensuite bed rooms, big living space. PhuketAREA.com Search V146.

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.

apartment for long term rent.

Fully furnished with kitchenette, security, parking etc.

Right in the middle of Patong.

More info call 076 344 922 or visit bluewaterphuket.com.

Long term rental Karon: Exceptional fully

Beach Condo, Beach 3 Min. Walk: Spacious Near Beach 3 Bed Pool Villa: Fully equipped

room and fully equipped Kitchen, 160-212sqm. Very high standard with a nice view. Big balcony, swimming pool, gym. Location: K at hu, 10 min. Patong Beach, 5 min. Phuket Town and all department stores and International Hospitals.

Rent Long term: B45,000 – B63,500 Buy: B8,500,000 – B11,500,000. Contact 086 268 7901 or send e-mail to: condophuket@yahoo.com.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE

For rent in Patong Main road from Karon to Patong-Close to Simon Cabaret.

Multi Functional Building Total 700 sqm (15 metre front) 1-floor 350.sqm with 3 toilets. 2-floor 350.sqm with 2 toilets.

For visit SMS (French) 080 035 1626 English 081 788 8280 Email: maurice.phuket@gmail.com For Russian contact: Oxana: 080 529 0726 Email:phuket.lux@gmail.com

room, kitchen/dining area, living room, 2 toilets/showers. Aircon in each bedroom.

Water tank+pump. External covered area. Chanote title: 256 sqm Quiet developed village near Heroines Monument B3.2 million. Call 086 278 0007.

Villa with Pool for Sale: Freehold 3/4 Bedroom Villa.

3 Air Con. 4k. to Ao Makarm Beach. 10x5M pool with 4th bedroom / office on other side.

Plot size 104SqWah. 416Sqm. Reasonable offers. Call 089 831 4703/084 304 6723.

Sea View Land for Sale: Ao-Yon, 13.5 rai, cha-

furnished house for rent in the hear t of Karon. Walking distance to everything. 2 huge bedrooms, new kitchen, lounge, dining, air cons in every room. Call 080 690 5248.

Luxury Condo Rent / Sale: 2 Bedroom, L-

facebook.com/thephuketnews

Affordable 3 Bedroom House: Single floor, 3 bed-

Accommodation Available: Patong Tower Luxury Ocean View Apartments for Rent in Kata and Karon: 1

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minute walk to N aihar n beach, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, aircon. B17,000 per month. Call 081 397 1833.

Kalim Sea View: Free-

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.

2-bedroom apartment for rent, long or short term, fully furnished, kitchen, 2 bathrooms. Pool, large gardens, parking, a mere 3 minute stroll to scenic Nai harn beach. re sortgm@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

node title.10m/rai.Call Siri 089 649 9939, email:siri_ phuket@changrunner.com.

Villa and farmland for sale: A big beautiful house with 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, fully furnished. Located in stunning panoramic hilltop scenery in Takuapa, Phang Nga, covering an area of 127 rai. Surrounded by fertile farmland with fruit trees. Contact K. Peerawat: 084 308 8484.

Email: peerawat200310@hot mail.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. INFO: 081 788 8280. EMAIL; thewhitehousekata@gmail. com.

Guesthouse for Lease in Patong: 12 rooms, good location Nanai Road.9 year lease:ver y low rent,strong starting, easy to manage and good return on investment.

Price 1MLN. Take this opportunity. Thamad17@yahoo.com.

089 728 4005.

Beautiful Villa Rawai: Beautiful 2 bed pool villa with sep maid’s 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.

Shop Front for Rent: The Courtyard - Dance Centre: Located next to Island Furniture, Chaofa Road West, 2 kms. South of Central. Corner unit, on the upper of two floors, 7m x 15 m, plus entrance lobby. Two large mirrors, special flooring, aircons, adequate parking. Rent 25,000B/month.

Security deposit 75,000B (refundable). Lease one to three years. Contact Khun Siriporn Island Furniture. 081 691 0213 or visit thecourtyardphuket.com.

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.

Rawai Seaview Condo for sale: Seaview con-

Nai Harn Baan Bua:

do, freehold, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 120sqm. 7.8 million Baht, fully furnished.

For more pictures and information please contact adrian_troy@yahoo.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, w w w.phuketpremium realestate.com.

Building 3 storey for sale: THB 26,000,000. Only

3 Bed Pool Villa Pa Khlok: 3 Beds, 2 Bath

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@hot mail.com

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.

Patong Apartment Reduced Price: Condo 4 years old. Swimming pool, security 24/7, cafeteria. Studio 46sqm fully furnished.

Fr e e h o l d f o r f o r e i g n e r s .

Price:2.6MLN. Urgent sale, no agent. tel.089 728 4005.

Mail:thamad17@yahoo.com.

Ocean Front Villa for rent: Luxury brand new vilAndaman 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.

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.

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.

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 phuketpremium realestate.com.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

Luxury Villa 3 Bedroom Pool for Rent: New villa

7.5 M House and Pool Bypass Rd: Very clean 5

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.

Resort for Sale: Resort 2

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.

F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,700,000.

LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720.

EMAIL; thewhite housekat a @ gmail. com.

rai, with chanote. 22 Double villas with kitchens, large pool and big coconut garden 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.

3 Bdrm House for sale Thalang: House for sale. 3 Nice Villa for Sale:

Near Naiyang Beach, 3 bed & 4 bath, jacuzzi, open dining/living room, kitchen, fully furnished, aircon, garden, Sala, swiming pool, car park. Only 8.9MB. 087 091 8331 K. Nah, chiangmaibel trade@hotmail.com, dream housephuket.com.

bedrooms and 2 baths, large living and dining room, 4 X aircons, 2 X car ports and garage. House 7 yrs 1 owner , well maintained with 135sqm living area. Land Chanote 92tw. 081 737 3116.

12 R a i Ch a n o d e t o sell: One of the last beautiHouse 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

private pool villas in secure development. Available now.

All beds ensuite. Fully furnished. Rental programme available. B12-20 million.

Contact owner: 085 549 7110.

Modern open living villa has it all, fully furnished, private secure estate close to beach.

Enjoy the private salt water pool and undercover parking, 3 large bedrooms freehold investment. 081 719 4688.

Rawai Condo Sale/ Rent: Sell 1.1MB, Full own-

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.

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. B8.5 million. Call 088 838 3242.

ership 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.

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.

of land next to the new tourist attraction in mai khao. Perfect for investment in future - like shops, guesthouse ..Please email for mobile number and more details. ohmidzi@gmail. com.

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.

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.

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.

dos/Apartments, furnished, best/quiet locations, garden, s-pool, from 36-67sq metre, sea-city-mountian views, from B2,375. Call 087 819 2162 or caltirol@hotmail.com.

F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B3,400,000.

LEASEHOLD. INCLUDE FURNISHINGS.

INFO: 081 788 8280.

EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.

NEW Studio Apt in Kathu: 30 sqm, 1 bed-

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.

Condominium in Patong for Sale: Less than 1 Km Pa tong Towe r fo r Sale: And for rent. Sea view and mountain views.

Freehold from 64 to 448 sq metres. Phone no: 080 692 6114. Email: orsoreal estate@hotmail.com.

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

LUXURY 1-BEDROOM APARTMENT 60 SQM. PRICE B2,900,000.

LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720.

EMAIL; thewhite housekata @ gmail. com.

Freehold House for sale: Freehold house

PATONG condos for sale: Beautiful, modern Con-

One + Two Homes for Sale with AC, Rawai: Sea-View ChalongResidence: Dream pool

rooms villa in Rawai. 160sqm i n d o o r. 4 0 0 s q m o u t d o o r.

Shared swimming pool.

Modern villa renovated in 2011-2012. Fully furnished.

For more info: phuketvillajas mine@gmail.com

ful sea view land between Ao Makham and Ao Yon Road. and infrastructure done 21kkbaht. Tel. 081 917 0377 , 10am-5pm.

Mai Khao Prime Location Land: I sale my piece

House For Sale In Chalong By Owner:

F O R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE

Modern Family House for sale: Beautiful 3 bed-

3 & 4 Bed Pool Villas: Laguna/Layan. Luxury

Beautiful Karon Villa:

320sqm fully furnished. 4 bathrooms, 12m long pool, 5 min. by car to PIA, situated between Naithon and Naiyang beaches. Longterm rent B80,000 include maid & gardener service.

Call 080 143 5294, email: alainterrat@hotmail.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.

for sale in Permsap Villa, Cherng Talay. Land 735 m2, original 4 bedroom house w it h 2 3 0 m2 f l o o r area 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.

Golf Course Land For Sale: Near British

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.

Patong Lof t Condo: Makes a good condo deal now.

1-bedroom, fully furnished, 67 sqm living area. Only B2.99 mil. Big swimming pool. Normal price B3.7 mil. Call 089 872 6895. Email: jospeder@live.no.

For Sale Rawai Beach Special Twin Villa.

4 suites/studios, 4 bat hro oms, p o ol, large terrace, small garden, living space 40 0 sqm. Include luxury furnishing Price B8.5 mllion.

SMS for info: 081 788 8280 Email: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com For Rusian contact Oxana 080 529 0726 or Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com

22 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

1.5 Rai Private Land Cape Yamu: 1.5 Rai flat land at Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 Rai adjoining plots. OrBorTor road access to quiet end of soi location . Sale direct from the owner. 3.75 Mill baht per rai negotiable. Call 081 087 9237.

Land for Sale: 400m from Naiyang Beach. 3 Rai 1 Tarangwah. 6.5MB per Rai. Call 087 091 8331 or email chiangmaibeltrade@ hotmail.com for more information.

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.

Beautiful Naiharn Pool Villa: Secure private hillside

1 Rai Land QUICK Sale in Rawai: Beau-

by Naiharn Beach. Quality furnished throughout. 3 big bedrooms, office, 4 baths, 230 sm plus carport etc. 1050 sm land. New condition. 15x4.6 m pool. Freehold. Nice. 089 727 5407.

tiful 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.

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.

SeaView near Airport: 4 plots (3 connecting, 1 separate) 1km north of Airport, along the road to MaiKhao Beach. Sea view towards south east. NorSor3Gor. 4.5 Rai in total. B4 million per Rai. Contact owner: 081 893 6630.

Karon Hill Condo for sale! Foreign Freehold: Seaview over Karon

Rawai B eachf ront Pool Villa for Sale: Rawai Beach front pool villa for sale. 3 bedrooms, furnished. Contact Siriporn on 089 649 9939.

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.

House on The Corner for Sale: Quiet location 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: B2,995,000 including furniture. Must see! Email: jochenschmitz16@gmail. com. Call 081 607 8000.

sign 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.

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.

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.

P a t o n g Fr e e H o l d Condo: Studio condo on

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.

Rawai 6 Bedrooms: 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. Call 081 270 4291. Email:thailandmls@ gmail.com.

Ocean Front Villa for Sale: Luxury brand new vil-

Pool Villa For Sale Nai Harn: Modern, open de-

Fu r n i s h e d H o u s e for Sale Phuket Villa 5: 3 bedroom furnished

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.

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.

Absolute Beachfront - EVA: Set on the beachfront, 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.

FO R S A L E - K ATA BEACH CENTRE 2 BEDROOMS LUX E APARTMENT 135 SQM. P R I C E B 7, 9 0 0 , 0 0 0 .

LEASEHOLD. INFO: 084 843 8720.

EMAIL; thewhite housekata@gmail.com.

Double your money in 5 years!: New Year special promotion: Studio in brand new, world class, east-coast development. Never seen on Phuket; Amazing luxury at real prices. Call 080 882 1377, email: beachprojects1@gmail.com.

Pool Villa in Marina: Ready to move in, single storey pool villa with 3 bedrooms situated in the impressive Park Residence s e c t o r of B o at L a g o o n Marina. Impressively constructed along a modern Asian theme. 076 238 948, email: marketing@phuketproper tytrip.com.

Golf V i ew V illa For Sale: Near British International School, state-of-the-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.

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.

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.

Seaview Townhouse Patong: Between 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, partly furnished. andamanhills@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: keith marshall747@gmail.com.

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

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.

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.

Seaview 1 BDRM New Condo Patong: Stunning 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.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com

PROPERTY IN PHUKET

PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.

6.1 Rai Land for Sale: 6.1 rai (10,000sq metre).

- 5 m i nute s to N a i t h o n Beach. 10 minutes to Naiyang Beach. 10 minutes to Airport. 7 minutes to New Tesco Lotus. - Roadside land and Chanote title. Call 085 793 2718.

Cheapest Seaview land for Sale: Panorama view

Land Closed to Thanyapura /PIA: Half Seaview Land For Sale: Land located right in the heart of Chalong with panorama view of Chalong pier. Close to number of sandy beaches; Naihan Rawai Kata and Karon.

Easy access to major department stores. Surrounded by public facilities including education institutes and hospitals.

You will benefit from a perfect location that's rapidly increasing in value. 3 rai and 1 Ngan with Chanote title. B22 millions per rai. Call 087 278 7206, 089 215 5041 e-mail: kubesjoy@ hotmail.com.

of sea view golf course view mountain view land for sale.

Near Mission Hills Golf course.

6rai chanote tiltle. B3 million per rai. 087 675 9555, email:pee_ bang56@hotmail.com.

Reduced for Quick Sale: Studio condo at The 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

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.

Seaview Land Patong: Prime Location 35M Lake Front: Fantastic

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.

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.

Absolute Beach Front Land: S o ngk la dist r ic t 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.

BEST SEAVIEW LAND-EVER!

Rawai Great Buying:

www.phuket-land-sale.com

Beachfront land for sale: 2 rai absolute amazing 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.serenity group@gmail.com.

6 rai Hilltop Land for sale: Near Mission Hills golf

1 Rai Sea-View Land:

club, may split into 3 x 2 rai seperate plots, B4.2 million per rai, full chanote, water/elec. sea/mountain views. 087 978 5804 (Eng).

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.

World Class Sea Views: 4 Bedroom British Colonial style house, Cape Yamu, Phuket.

Amazing views spanning over 100km, as far as Krabi. Price reduced from B35 to B28 million. 086 279 6283, email kdesmond59@yahoo.co.uk.

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 www.tamata-phuket.com crishausb@ hotmail.com. 086 271 3260 or 086 273 4149.

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: mon tha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Land Plot for Sale: Chanode title at Cherng Talay / Pasak7 (Phuket - Surin Beach aerea) Phone 090 487 8084. Email: utaipan@ yahoo.com.

Pa klok L and O nly B7,999/Sqwah: Only

Donsak Beachfront Land 3 Rai: 67 metres

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

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.

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 phuketpremium realestate.com.

Land For Sale: Mission

Amazing Sea View Penthouse: Panoramic

Luxury Villa in Chalong:

Two parcels of superior land 11 rai. Inc seaview. Main road frontage. Ideal for resort or condominiums. B150 M. Negotiable. (Thai) 081 370 8114 or (Ger) 081 892 1108. Email: davidgem98@hotmail.com.

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.

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.

Patong/Kalim sea view condo: Freehold,

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.

Rawai Half Rai for Sale: Land plot 100 metres to Rawai 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.

Apartment for sale in Patong: Apartment for SALE in Patong; 50 sqm of the living area, sea-view /mountain view, furnished, Pool, 24hr security, for SALE B2.8M - B3.3M. Contact +66 (0) 83 103 3801, 081 415 7774.

New Condo “Phuket Villa Patong�: Prime

Patong Condo for Sale: My condo is ready

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.

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.

1 Rai Chalong Pier Land Sale: Reduc ed Price. 1,483 sqm (0.927 Rai).

Chanote Title, New Survey.

Public road, electric and well. 450m walk to Chalong Pier. B8.9 million. 085 784 0209. chalong1000@gmail. com. www.sites.google.com/ site/1483meters.

Land At Kathu For Sale: Only 15 min. to Patong and only 10 min. to Phuket Town, located at Kathu, total 141 sqw or 564 sqm with ready public utility.

Call 081 892 0610, 081 472 0770, tan_ohio@hotmail.com.

24 CLASSIFIEDS

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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 12 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 Russian - Ms. Oxana Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com or SMS: 080 529 0726.

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.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Sport Club for Sale

by Owner: Set on 4 rai land with full chanote title.

Include tennis court, volleyball court, fishing lake, game room, restaurant and bar and separate guest bunkalow for sale or long term lease. Call +66 81 569 6026, +61 498 248 656 (English & Thai) Email:patbittersweet@gmail. com. See www.phuketsport. com.

+66 81 892 4804, gordon_asia@hotmail.com Sale Bar, Hotel + 1 Shop Rawai Beach: Land plot

BOATS & YACHTS

A Steal For A Quick Sale: 2007 Italian demo

Sale New Boat SR-21 Finished: Only B330,000.

Samran Marine, We are professional boat builders, factory located in Pattaya, This model is SR-21 fully finished, We can delivery to you place. “This price exclude engine” Call 081 782 0921. Email: nungnapong@ hotmail.com.

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.

Charter Boat: 62ft Hat-

Speedboat for sale Hull Only: Excellent condi-

teras 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.

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, contact 076 362 300 Ext.1801.

Rawai Restaurant For Sale: Popular ex-pat cafe

Speed Boat For Sale: Steppa Fiberglass 32 feet Flybridge two 200 hp Yamaha outboard engines. Ideal for diving and tours. B850,000.

Call 081 8942124.

E xc ept ional Yacht For Sale: Beautifully

Sale New Boat SR-18 Finished: Only B280,000.

Samran Marine, We are professional boat builders, factory located in Pattaya, This model is SR-18 fully finished, We can delivery to you place. “This price exclude engine”. Call 081 782 0921. Email: nungnapong@ hotmail.com.

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.

in excellent location with 2 bedroom ac c ommodation above. 32 seats. Clean, fully equipped, fully operating, high volume, high profit, LOW RENT! Motivated seller looking for quick sale. Family reasons.

B2 million. Call 091 154 3296.

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.

Cement Production Plant: Ready Mixed Concrete Company’s factory.

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.

Restaurant /Guesthouse for sale: Located

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.

700 sq metre+building+10 bed+10 bath+2 restaurants.

New renovated. Private financing by owner. Down B2 million+13yearly payment of 1MB. Own forever title land 100 metre to Rawai landing pier. 084 242 8914, rawai4@ yahoo.com.

in Kamala. 40 metres to the beach. 10 rooms with full furnishings. Restaurant 54 seat. Price B8 million. For more information call 081 396 0033.

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.

Business for sale: Busi-

Restaurant / Guesthouse: Established restron 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: mark breitis@gmail.com.

taurant 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.

Speed boat for sale!

Now 290,000: 6 metre body

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 B850,000 ono. Call 086 725 0771.

Ski Boat for Sale: Glas-

Restaurant/Pub: For sale in Bang Tao Beach Road. Get 10 years contract, great location 50m from Best Western Hotel & Beach. Full furniture and equipment.

Price B2.5 million. Call 087 893 8590, Email: somtom_ landandhouse@yahoo.de

ness only or business and property. Est 2003. Repeat business from big data base, non tourist related soft furnising manufacturing and retail business. Genuine enquires only, no tyre kickers. For further info email samos1941@ gmail.com.

2 Rai, Cherngtalay: 25 year lease for sale. Well situated in a fast developing and sought after area close to Laguna. Some fixed rent applies. Contact 087 884 0644 for more info.

CLASSIFIEDS 25

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BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com 7th Floor Suites (Hotel) Building For Sale Kata Beach Center 9 apar tments and a 300 sqm Penthouse on the roof plus fully equipped restaurant and pool with terrace are free of rent and now available.

Price total 38 million Baht (9.50.000.euro) include chanote and Thai company.

For serious interest email: thewhitehousekata@gmail.com for RUSSIAN ; Ms. Oxana Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com

BUSINESS SERVICES

Clearance Sale

Sailboat for Sale/or TRADE

SAFEWAY THALANG * Liquidation Goods *Unpaid Storage *Repossessions Office Furniture, Bathroom ware, Jacuzzis, Water Tanks, Motor Bikes and more

2 mast 17 metre (50 c.v. Yanmar engine) excellent condition Fully equipped located in Chalong. Valuations price B15 million.

Price NOW! 9.8 million ---- OR TO EXCHANGE. For a villa/apartment in Rawai, Kata, Karon Phuket.

Main Highway Thalang 081 125 1873 - 081 892 4804

Email maurice.phuket@gmail.com or SMS 081 788 8280 For Russian contact Oxana 080 529 0726 or Email: phuket.lux@gmail.com

Life Fitness Walking Machine: Brand new retail

COOKING CLASS

B150,000. Sell for B70,000.

Call 0872760529.

Tile I t: Thalang.

Wana Park on Srisoonthor n 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.

Mini Cooper S JCW GP for sale: Only 2000 made worldwide. Perfect condition, 2006, manual, 17,500 km, 218 hp supercharged, high end hifi, Recaro seats, Book Service, Ultimate Mini. Collectors item.

B1.6m, 089 866 3756 (Eng/Th) frankdreist@hotmail.com.

Toyota Vios For Sale: 2007 lady owner perfect condition B359,000. Tel 081 125 1873, gordon_asia@hotmail. com.

CAR FOR RENT

CHILDCARE

Phuket Cooking A c a d e my: C o o k i n g 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.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

built 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.

SPORTING GOODS & EXERCISE VALCUCINE for sale: VA LC U C I N E s h ow r o o m 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).

PERSONAL SERVICES

H e a l t h Fo o d: O n l i n e health food in Thailand. Good karma, all natural, healthy, and organic products. Please contact 082 276 1675, www.good karmathailand.com.

New Honda Jazz: New Honda jazz for rent with insurance and delivery service. Call 081 607 8567.

CARS FOR SALE

Mazda 2 For Sale: One year old 7,500km. automatic, smart lock, park distance control, air bags, CD stereo, controlled on steering wheel B490,000 moving must sell, contact Thai/English: 090 165 0875.

Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brandnew purpose-built school.

Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/ 2- 8 . M on - Fr i 8 am 5pm. Bus ser vice available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Tel: 076 384 638, 080 624 7060. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.

CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Golf Members h i p: Blue Canyon Golf Lifetime membership for sale! Excellent saving! Call 084 052 2277.

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.

Golf Membership for Sale: Loch Palm 500,000 Baht. Country club 500,000 Baht. Buyer pays for transfer.

083 388 5566. Email borst. jg@gmail.com

PET ADOPTION

Motorbike Trailer with Tow bar: Professionally

Backgammon: Players Wanted. Tel: 081 577 8443, email: phuketconnection@ yahoo.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. B125,000. 081 737 0722.

W E A R E LO O K I N G FOR A NEW HOME Several rescued dogs, Cute, cuddly & groomed ready to be loved.

For more photos visit www.doggieheaven.net Or contact: Sherin.peace@gmail.com ***Vaccinated & sterilised

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27

Tight at the top in Super Six FOOTBALL

SUPER SIX SOCCER Division 1

T

op team Joy Dive shared points with Morning Star after a draw in the latest round of games, and now only two points separate the top four teams in Division 1. In Division 2, three teams have pulled clear from the pack, all challenging for promotion.

Division 1 Pita Bar Phuketeers v Phuket Condos & Homes: 3–1 Pita Bar Phuketeers were looking to amend their midweek loss, while PC&H were looking for the chance to jump up to second spot. It was the Phuketeers who eventually triumphed, with a deserved 3-1 win against PC&H – leapfrogging them on the table in the process.

Joy Dive FC v Morning Star: 5 – 5 A classic match-up as favourites Joy Dive took on the reigning champions. Morning Star, with a thin squad for the occasion, surprised all and took a 2-0 lead. But high-performance gameplay

by Joy Dive made sure they pulled two goals back before

Team

P

W

D

L

F

GD

1

Joy Dive FC

9

5

2

2

43

15

Pts 17

2

Banana FC A

8

5

1

2

38

6

16

3

Morning Star

9

4

3

2

33

3

15

4

Pita Bar Phuketeers

9

4

3

2

24

3

15

5

Phuket Condos & Homes

9

4

1

4

38

1

13

6

Shakers FC

9

1

4

4

28

-4

7

7

Nanai Boys

9

1

4

4

24

-8

7

8

Holiday Inn FC

8

1

2

5

13

-16

5

Pts

Division 2

Team

P

W

D

L

F

GD

1

Seduction

9

6

2

1

47

14

20

2

Phuket Serenity Villas

9

5

3

1

43

9

18

3

Irish Times

9

5

2

2

33

10

17

4

Mr Moo

9

3

1

5

34

1

10

Action from the Divison 3 game between Russia United and FC Raya Group Asia.

5

Atmanjai

9

3

1

5

31

-11

10

6

Big Apple & Pita

9

2

3

4

25

-5

9

the break. In the second half, the intense match went back and forth with goals flying in on both sides. A great game, with points deservedly shared.

Nanai Boys v Shakers FC: 2–2 Shakers and Nanai Boys were both looking for a win to kick-start their seasons and pull them out of the relegation zone. Nanai Boys started best, as they so often do, and were up 2-0 before the break. Shakers, who never rested until the match was over, pulled back two goals and made the end result 2-2. Both these teams

7

Blue D Zine PSU FC

9

1

5

3

29

-5

8

8

Bat Fire

9

1

3

5

30

-13

6

Pts

are now on seven points each.

Division 2 Atmanjai v Seduction: 4 – 11 Atmanjai were no match for Seduction, who netted an 11-4 win and remain top of division 2, en route to automatic promotion.

Big Apple & Pita v Irish Times: 1 – 3 Irish Times stayed on target as they ground out a 3-1 win against a young Big Apple side.

Blue D Zine PSU FC v Mr Moo: 1 – 8 There’s no stopping Mr Moo climbing the table after three

wins in as many games. It’s hard to believe that just two weeks ago Mr Moo were at the bottom of table with only a single point.

Division 3 Rose United v Two Chefs: 6–6 A surprise result as division title contenders Rose United shared points with an improving Two Chefs team.

Banana FC B v Fruit Ninjas: 5–7 Fruit Ninjas went back to top the division with this win against Banana FC in a relatively even game.

Division 3

Team

P

W

D

L

F

GD

1

Fruit Ninjas

9

6

1

2

39

13

19

2

Russia United

9

5

3

1

37

11

18

3

Rose United

8

4

3

1

43

15

15

4

FC Raya Group Asia

9

4

1

4

38

8

13

5

Two Chefs

8

3

1

4

23

-17

10

6

Gang Junior

8

2

3

3

30

-1

9

7

Banana FC B

8

2

1

5

25

-10

7

8

Crown Plaza Panwa FC

9

1

1

7

19

-19

4

Crown Plaza Panwa FC v Gang Junior: 2 – 7 Gang Junior continued their recent good form when they secured a 7-2 win against struggling Crown Plaza.

FC Raya Group Asia v Russia United: 5 – 5 The pick of the games this week in Division 3, as favourites Russian United drew with Raya Group Asia in a thriller.

U11 Brazil defeat England in island’s Fair Play League FOOTBALL THE PENULTIMATE ROUnd of games in the 2013 Fair Play League (FPL) were played at the British International School Phuket on Sunday, March 10.

The Under 11s started the proceedings. Unlike in the recent match between the two national sides, Brazil proved too strong for a weakened England in their opening game, confidently winning 9-3 and picking up two bonus points along the way for conceding zero fouls.

At the same time the top two teams, Spain and Thailand, competed in a highly anticipated match-up.

With both teams vying

for the top spot the game was tight, and at the end they could not be separated as the match finished 1-1.

The second set of matches saw Spain edge past Brazil 2-1 and Thailand beat England 6-2.

The Under 14 division

then took centre stage as the six competing teams played two matches each.

In a repeat of their opening game, Thailand Green and Argentina played out a thrilling 6-6 draw, Spain proved too strong for England

as they recorded a 8-1 win, and Brazil managed to hold on to claim the 3 points with a 2-1 win over Thailand Blue.

After a short break, Thailand Green claimed their first win of the competition with a 5-2 win over England. Thailand Blue put up a spirited display, but two late goals saw Argentina win 3-1, while Spain managed a 4-2 win over an improving Brazil side.

The league is now set up nicely for the last week’s matches next weekend, with all final places still to be decided.

Phuket Soccer Schools head coach and FPL organiser Martin Hill thanked Tawan Sea Adventures and Yorkshire Inn Resort and Spa for sponsoring the 2013 uniforms.

RESULTS U11: Brazil Spain

9 – 3 England 1 – 1 Thailand

U14: Thailand Green 6 – 6 Argentina England 1–8 Spain Thailand Blue 1 – 2 Brazil

Spain Thailand

2 – 1 6–2

Brazil England

Thailand Green 5 – 2 England Thailand Blue 1 – 3 Argentina Brazil 2 – 4 Spain

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Bangtao Place and Entrance to Laguna

www.deepavaliphuket.com

0807 223377 www.loungephuket.com

28 PHUKET SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Bangkok snatch late draw at Surakul FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

P

huket FC performed well in their first home game of the 2013 season, but not well enough to win: although the Islanders were twice in the lead against Bangkok FC at Surakul Stadium on Sunday, a dropped ball by the keeper in the closing minutes of the game shattered their chances for a home victory, and the game ended in a draw.

Bangkok FC “The Iron Bull” were in high spirits before the match. Their star British striker Lee Tuck scored two goals for a win against Nakhon Ratchasima FC a week earlier, and coach Apisit Kaikaew was confident that Tuck and Olof Watson would play as well in Phuket.

Phuket FC, meanwhile, had to drop Nene Bi Tra Sylvestre, one of their own star players, who caught a cold a few days before the game. He was replaced with Moudourou Swa Moise at centre-back, with “Junior” Juninho also coming on in midfield.

A minute after kick off, Phuket FC Captain Nontaphan Jiensathawong dribbled over towards Bangkok’s penalty

GOAL MEN: Phuket FC’s Kritsada Sakaew scored his first goal for the club on Sunday.

Behind him, Bangkok FC’s English forward Lee Tuck scored the subsequent equaliser. area, setting up a shot with his right that went wide past the goal.

The visitors returned fire almost immediately, with Olof Watson speeding from the left sideline before lobbing the ball into Phuket’s danger zone.

Sakareya Kolea clipped the ball into Lee Tuck’s line of fire, but the British star

sent the ball high above the crossbar.

The home side found their game nearly half-way through when Nontaphan earned them a 22-yard free kick off to the left.

Kritsada Sakaew stepped up to take it, curling his free kick past the keeper into the lower corner of the net – his

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1410: 4pm Saturday, March 16

More info: phuket-hhh.com

in and put Phuket back into the lead.

This performance sparked noisy cheers among the Phuket FC’s fans, but two minutes later their cheers were silenced when Kampon attempted to save a throw-in but dropped the ball right in front of Bangkok striker Tuck.

The English forward didn’t waste the opportunity and netted a two-yard shot that snatched Phuket’s first home win right out of their hands.

In the last 15 minutes, Phuket tried their best to score again but they couldn’t succeed. The final whistle was blown after four minutes extra time, leaving the score at a tie.

Phuket FC’s next game will be at Surakul stadium on Saturday, March 16, when the Islanders will host East Coast team Sriracha Suzuki FC, known as the “Blue Marlins” – a match that’s being touted as “The Battle of Two Seas.”

Sriracha are currently placed 16th in the league after a 1-1 draw against Rayong United at their Season 2013 opener, and a 3-1 away loss against BBCU FC on Saturday.

The kick-off is 6.30pm.

Ticket are B100 for adults, and entry is free for school students in uniform and children under 120cm in height.

The time for playing safe is over ANALYSIS Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com

Hares: Brunswick, Bluey & Billy Boy Directions: Go east from Heroines Monument for 14.92 km, turn left and follow the HHH signs.

Bring mossie repellent.

first goal for Phuket, which sent the more than 6,000 fans present cheering with joy.

Now on a roll, Phuket built up their attack.

Ake-atit Somjit sailed past Bangkok’s defence and lobbed the ball over to the waiting “Dudu” Purcino, but the Brazilian’s shot went into the Bangkok keeper’s grasp.

The visitor couldn’t do much for the rest of the first half. Their few attempts were stopped by Phuket keeper Kampon Phatomakkakul, and at half time the Islanders had a deserved 1-0 lead.

In the second half, Bangkok FC repositioned Olof Watson from midfield – where he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Moise – to the left wing, where he might have an easier time against Sakareya.

This tactic seemed to work, when only five minutes into the game Watson snuck past Sakareya before sending the ball to Tuck, who charged forward and stuck a closerange shot with his left foot that went through Kampon’s block and into the goal.

Phuket’s coach Panipol Kerdyaem then decided to pull Kornprom Jaroonpong and Ake-atit Somjit off, and sent on Geoffrey Doumeng and Chana Sonwiset.

The substitutes turned the tide of the game, with Doumeng completing many skillful passes and connecting the play in midfield, while Chana took the right wing/ attacking midfielder position.

Just a few minutes later, Chana lobbed the ball into Bangkok’s goal area, where Dudu charged his first goal

Part of the route from the Phuket HHH run last week, which took runners up the mountains overlooking Au Markam and Cape Panwa, with panaoramic views and challenging hills to scale!

PHUKET FC’S FIRST HOME game was a good performance overall, in spite of the disappointing result that left fans banging their fists.

It must have been hard on the teenaged Phuket FC goalkeeper Kampon when he dropped an easy ball right in front of his own feet and was punished by Bangkok FC’s Lee Tuck.

But Kampon will have time to cool down: he has been called to the SEA Games National Team camp this weekend, leaving the Phuket FC goal to Ninuruddin Nideha to defend.

Fans and Phuket FC managements seemed generally happy with Sunday’s performance.

They had feared that without proper pre-season games to tune them up, their footballers might not play well together. But the latest game shows there is hope for the Islanders.

Despite few awkward plays at the beginning and some offpositioned footballers, Phuket FC under Coach Panipol seemed to pull together quite well.

The two Brazilians, Dudu and Juninho, worked their skills

like a charm, while the Back Four – minus Nene Bi for this game – were good enough to hold off Bangkok’s Lee Tuck and Olof Watson – for a while, at least.

Fans were still puzzled by Coach’s choice to put Captain Nontaphan, a left backer last season, in at left wing. But the he did well enough, given that he hadn’t played in that position since his SEA Games appearance nearly half a decade ago.

My big concern was in midfield, where Phuket FC’s players did well on the attack but were disappointing when it came to defence. Phuket’s midfield game on Sunday was, bluntly put, nearly nonexistent.

However, it’s fortunate for Phuket that Bangkok FC’s game is still an old fashioned longball “kick-and-rush” style where speed trumps skills, and not passing game a-la-Barcelona

and Phuket FC in 2010 under Arjan Arj-harn Song-ngamsab, otherwise they would have had an even bigger problem keeping up in midfield.

Phuket FC will have to learn fast from this latest game in time to host Sriracha Suzuki FC this weekend, because earning one point from every game will not be enough.

There are now three games before the Songkran holiday – a home game against Sriracha this Saturday, an away game against TTM Lopburi on March 31, and a home game against Navy on April 7 – which will give an early indication of where Phuket FC stands in this cutthroat season.

Coach Panipol has done his homework, but if he wants Phuket FC’s TPL dream to be reality, he’ll have to start winning soon. At this stage, playing safe is not very safe anymore.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

PHUKET SPORT 29

TNT blast past Jabudays CRICKET

A Stand-up paddling is a sport for the whole family.

SUP Fest coming WATER SPORTS

A DAY OF STAND-UP paddle for the whole family, organised by Stand Up Projects, a local adventure company supporting sustainable community projects, will be held on Sunday, March 31, from 12 pm to 6 pm.

All profits from the festival will go towards building Phuket’s first community skatepark.

If you have never tried stand-up paddling, this is not a problem: there will be many fun races, plus games for kids, food and drink, and a variety of entertainment at Bliss Beach Club, Bangtao.

There will be different races for men, women, and kids: an Elite Race from the Bliss Beach Club out around the Amanpuri Headland and back, Short Sprint races

around buoys in the bay, a Family Race that allows two people on one paddle board, and the feature Island Relay Race, with four-person teams from Phuket hotels and business competing for bragging rights.

The cost is B200 per person per race for those who have their own board, and B500 using a board supplied by Longtail. The price of the relay race is B2,000 per team.

Register before March 20 for 10 per cent discount.

Registration will close 12pm on Race Day, March 31.

For more information, contact: info@standupprojects.com, 085 476 9096, w w w. standupproje ct s. com, www.facebook.com/ StandUpProjects.

The Phuket News and Live 89.5 are media sponsors of this event.

fter a thrilling win against Patong a week earlier, Jabudays were looking to continue their good run of form and take the top spot in the JLL Hotels cricket league, against a TNT side that has not lived up to expectations this season.

But at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) on Sunday (March 10) T NT f inally showed they can be a force to be reckoned with.

TNT cruised to an easy victory after bowling Jabudays out for 156 runs and then reaching their target of 157 in the 24th over for the loss of only 3 wickets. Their win now sees them in equal third place in the JLL league table after match 13.

After winning the toss, Jabudays chose to bat, hoping to set a big target and possibly pick up some valuable bonus points.

However, they were soon questioning their decision as the in-form Deepak Mehra was dismissed for a golden duck from the very first ball of the day’s play from Barry Buck.

And the nightmare didn’t end there – Imtiyaz Mushtaq was also dismissed in the same

BIS team victorious in Penang ATHLETICS A SQUA D OF YOU NG athletes from the British International School Phuket have returned victorious from a tournament in Penang, Malaysia, against seven other international schools.

The 27-strong team of 12 and 13 year-olds emerged as the overall winners of the Penang tournament after taking first place in swimming, first in girls football, first in boys football, third in girls basketball, and fifth in boys basketball.

BIS Phuket’s Athletics

The BIS Phuket U13 FOBISSEA girls basketball team.

Director Rex Grey thanked the coaches, teachers and parents who readied the respective teams for the competition: “A tremendous thanks goes to coaches/teachers Rachel Duce, Dave Curran,

Jamie Blake, Helen Sweeney, Liz Lewis and Josh Burge, and to BISP parent coaches, Mark Mallia and Bjorn-Erik Willoch – all did a great job in preparing the respective teams and giving up so much personal and family time.”

Over 90 Cities, One Perfect Gateway.

SilkAir and Singapore Airlines Connecting you to Places.

Thanyapura News Tiger’s Neil Culpan swings, misses and is bowled. Photo: Michael Way over, also bowled for a duck from Buck.

Jabudays looked to be going down like the Titanic until captain Anand Chand (17) and Naeem Ul Haq (46) managed to plug the leak and steady the course with a 61 run partnership.

They went into the clubhouse at the 10-over drinks break with 3 wickets down for 81 runs.

However, on the very first ball after the break, Neil Culpan trapped Chand in front lbw, and then managed to follow this up in his very next over by dismissing Ul Haq in the same manner.

The Jabudays ship hit more trouble and started sinking again, with 6 wickets down for only 85 runs as Culpan bagged another wicket.

Ali Khan (12) failed to

make an impression, as did the normally reliable Surender Kumar (2), and at 8 wickets down for 100 runs, the spectators started to place their meal orders at the bar in anticipation of an early lunch.

However, Ravi Naik (19) and Balesh Dessai (26) finally showed some resistance for Jabudays with a 43 run partnership, until Naik exited in the 26th over.

Dessai then fell shortly afterwards and the players adjourned to the clubhouse in the 28th over, with Jabudays being bowled out for only 156 runs.

Despite dismissing Jabudays for a low score, TNT needed to get off to a solid start and not lose any early wickets.

Openers Andrew McMillan (66 not out) and Neil Culpan

did just what the captain ordered, returning to the clubhouse undefeated with 50 runs on the board at the 10-over drinks break.

After a fine opening stand of 122, Culpan was eventually dismissed in the 19th over.

Simon Wetherall (12) then joined McMillan but fell in the 22nd over.

Jabudays quickly struck again as Roshan Jayasuriya (1) was run out only 2 balls later with the score on 144.

However, it was too little too late for the Jabudays side, and McMillan brought TNT home to victory in the 24th over.

Pick of the bowlers for Jabudays was Paresh Borkar (1 for 34).

Next week on Sunday (March 17) Patong take on the Village at the ACG.

30 WORLD SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

PREMIER LEAGUE PREDICTIONS: WEEK 31

Gerrard penalty blunts Spurs FOOTBALL

L

iverpool’s Steven Gerrard shocked Tottenham with a late penalty that clinched a 3-2 win at Anfield on Sunday.

Tottenham scored twice through defender Jan Vertonghen after an opener from Luis Suarez, and would have opened up a 10-point gap on rivals Arsenal in fifth place if they had held on to their lead.

But Gerrard won it for Liverpool, who had equalised through Stewart Downing, and the Reds climbed above Merseyside rivals Everton into sixth place on goal difference.

On Saturday, Queens Park Rangers came from behind to beat Sunderland 3-1 at Loftus Road.

Steven Fletcher put Sunderland in front 20 minutes in, but Loic Remy equalised 10 minutes later.

Andros Townsend, on loan from Tottenham, put the home side in front 20 minutes from full time, and new signing Jermaine Jenas

Liverpool’s Steven Gerard in flight. Photo: Phillip Chambers secured the victory in the 90th minute.

A stunning strike from Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor delivered a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Reading.

A disastrous own-goal from Nathan Baker gave Reading the lead in the 32nd minute, but Christian Benteke equalised less than two minutes later Agbonlahor settled the clash with a fine finish in first half stoppage-time.

The defeat proved the final straw for Reading owner Anton Zingarevich: just 48 hours later the club released a statement confirming that manager Brian McDermott had been sacked.

West Bromwich Albion secured a 2-1 win at home to Swansea City, leapfrogging their opponents into seventh place in the league.

Former West Brom striker Luke Moore put Swansea in front in the 33rd minute, but the hosts replied through a goal from Romelu Lukaku five minutes before half-time.

An unfortunate own-goal gave West Brom victory in the 61st minute, when a header from Gareth McAuley was headed off the line by Swansea full-back Angel Rangel – but the ball hit the Spaniard’s teammate Jonathan de Guzman and bounced into the visitors’ goal.

Senegal striker Papiss Demba Cisse bagged a stoppagetime winner as Newcastle boosted their survival chances with a 2-1 victory over Stoke.

Jonathan Walters put Stoke ahead from the penalty spot with 67 minutes gone.

But a free kick from Yohan Cabaye five minutes later gave Newcastle new hope – and the goal from Cisse two minutes into extra time secured the victory.

Elsewhere, Southampton and Norwich City shared a goalless draw, when goalkeeper Artur Boruc boosted his side’s bid for Premier League survival with a dramatic late penalty save.

The fixture was played in driving rain and sleet that made for testing conditions and both teams struggled to find momentum.

In The Phuket News tipping competition: three games in this round were postponed because of bad weather.

Player chasman now leads the March standings with 41 points, just three points ahead of challengers jigdellasoul, jweigand, Paul 614724 and suncat100, all on 38 points.

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

TOM’S TIPS WEEK 32 Everton v Man City Aston Villa v QPR Chelsea v West Ham Southampton v Liverpool Stoke v West Brom Swansea v Arsenal Tottenham v Fulham Sunderland v Norwich Wigan v Newcastle Man United v Reading

Lose Win Win Lose Lose Lose Win Draw Lose Win

THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

MONTHLY STANDINGS

OVERALL STANDINGS

1. chasman 41 2. jigdellasoul 38 3. jwiegand 38 4. Paul614724 38 5. suncat100 38 6. alanphuket 35 7. aory 35 8. bazerb 35 9. choochoo 35 10. fazza 35

1. suncat100 577 2. Blackrosebar 519 3. scottkip 518 4. mickyleeds 516 5. alanphuket 514 6. diggersd 514 7. toptipster 507 8. gafferworld 503 9. Ping 500 10. fazza 499

In the overall standings, suncat100, with 577 points, has extended his lead over the pack and is now 58 points ahead of challenger BlackRoseBar, on 519 points.

This month (March 2013) the 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.

Wiratchai trains in Phuket for Singapore MMA fight MARTIAL ARTS James Goyder editor@thephuketnews.com

THAI MIXED MARTIAL artist Shannon Wiratchai is back in Phuket to train at Tiger Muay Thai for the biggest fight of his life next month.

The 24 year old is competing on April 5 at ONE Fighting Championship: ‘Kings & Champions’ at the Singapore Indoor Stadium.

His fight with Pakistan’s Bashir Ahmad will be broadcast live to 28 Asian countries, including Thailand, by Star Sports.

On his last outing Wiratchai thought he had beaten Mitch Chilson after stopping the American fighter in the second round at ONE FC: ‘Pride of a Nation’ in Ma- Thai MMA fighter Shannon Wiratchai is training in Phuket for the biggest fight of his career so far. Photo: James Goyder nila, but the fight result was While leaving his friends retrospectively changed to a result cost Wiratchai a win in Manila was a very good His opponent, Ahmad, is at which would have improved experience for me and I am 1-0 – but only one man will and family in Bangkok behind no contest.

The Thai fighter was pe- his record to 3-0, and he is looking forward to my second be able to leave the Singapore is tough, he believes the hard nalised for using an illegal determined to make amends ONE FC fight, hopefully this Indoor Stadium with their work will pay off.

“At Tiger Muay Thai they soccer kick, but the decision when he takes on Ahmad in time there will be no doubt undefeated record intact.

Wiratchai prepared for train me very hard, it is not about the result when I win,” was so controversial it caused Singapore. his last ONE FC fight at Ti- easy but I am lucky to work “It was disappointing but he said.

ONE FC to change its ruleset As a result of the no con- ger Muay Thai & MMA in with someone like Roger to ensure that this particular I am a fighter and I must retechnique would be completely spect the rules and respect the test, Wiratchai’s record stands Chalong and will be spending Huerta who always pushes me. decision of ONE FC. Getting at 2-0-0-1, meaning he remains almost a month there ahead of “As a fighter the training is legal in future.

The decision to change the to fight in front of 16,500 fans unbeaten in his MMA career. his bout in Singapore. the worst bit because I am tired

all the time and can’t eat too much food, but it is all worth it because I get to fight for the biggest MMA show in Asia at the end,” he said.

This will be the first ONE FC show to be broadcast live on Star Sports, meaning that everyone in Thailand will be able to watch it live.

For Wiratchai this brings a little bit of extra pressure and motivation.

“I think all my friends will be watching and maybe my parents as well.

Even [though] they don’t like me to fight, they always support me in whatever I do.

I know I will be representing Thailand and I hope to win and make everyone here proud of me,” he said.

A university graduate who speaks three different languages, Wiratchai is far from your typical fighter.

He competes in MMA not because he needs the money but for the thrill of competition, and will be looking to secure an adrenaline pumping first win under the ONE FC banner when he takes on Ahmad.

For more information about watching ONE FC: ‘Kings & Champions’ visit onefc.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 15, 2013

Sharks win NRL opener on Thursday’s opening night.

The Rabbitohs showed they will be a force in 2013 and in Test star Greg Inglis the Rabbitohs have arguably the best player in the competition.

Inglis was magnificent, having a hand in four of his side’s five tries – three of which were scored by winger Nathan Merritt.

Williams was playing his first NRL match since quitting New Zealand rugby where he was a World Cup winner with the All Blacks in 2011.

Manly Sea Eagles scored three tries in seven minutes early in the second half to storm home over the Brisbane Broncos 22-14 in Brisbane on Friday.

The Broncos looked on course to win with a 14-6 half-time lead before they were swamped by a Sea Eagles attack led magnificently by scrumhalf Daley CherryEvans.

In other results, Penrith Panthers downed the Canberra Raiders 32-10 , Parramatta Eels tossed the New Zealand Warriors 40-10, and Wayne Bennett’s Newcastle Knights hosted Wests Tigers on Monday, defeating the visitors 42-10. AFP

RUGBY LEAGUE

C

risis club Cronulla Sharks overcame a turbulent week of doping scandals to open their National Rugby League season with an emotional 12-10 victory over Gold Coast on Sunday.

It followed a week where up to 14 players were implicated in a swoop by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), which led to the standing down of head coach Shane Flanagan and the sacking of four other football staff members.

And even that wasn’t enough to stem the crisis: on Wednesday the Sharks’ chairman Damian Irvine resigned – saying his earlier comments about the scandal could prove an “obstacle” to the club moving forward (see story, at right.)

Last weekend’s narrow victory against Gold Coast was just the tonic the embattled Sharks club and fans needed as they face the full ramifications of the ASADA investigation..

The Sharks held on for a tenacious victory before their home fans and in the end it was a missed Aidan Sezer conversion that proved the difference with both sides

scoring two tries.

Defending NRL and world club champions Melbourne Storm opened their title defence with an impressive 30-10 home victory over St George Illawarra on Sunday.

In scorching temperatures, the Storm showed no signs of a hangover from their recent trip to England for the World Club Challenge, where they beat Leeds for the title.

The Storm ran in three unanswered tries in the first half to set up the victory, with Test fullback Billy Slater scoring the opening try.

Test scrumhalf Johnathan Thurston guided the North

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29

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Ex-chairman Damian Irvine.

“I feel my presence at the club may prove be to an obstacle in allowing those affected by the decisions made by the board last week to move forward,” he added.

“As a result I’m standing down as chairman of the board of directors.”

Irvine has now been replaced by board member Glenn Coleman.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is investigating the club after the ACC report found the use of prohibited substances was common across multiple sporting codes.

It identified six NRL clubs in a scandal that has shocked the sports establishment.

As many 14 Sharks players have reportedly been accused of using prohibited drugs, with allegations they were given Thymosin Beta 4 (a substance used on horses to increase muscle growth) and CJC-1295 peptides in the 2011 season. AFP

MP

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

MP

W

D

L

F

A

1

Manchester United

28

23

2

3

68

31

71

1

Barcelona

27

23

2

2

85

30

71

2

Manchester City

28

17

8

3

51

24

59

2

Real Madrid

27

18

4

5

66

25

58

3

Tottenham Hotspur

29

16

6

7

51

36

54

3

Atlético Madrid

27

18

3

6

48

24

57

4

Chelsea

28

15

7

6

56

30

52

4

Málaga

27

12

8

7

38

25

44

Team

Pts

Rugby Union

Super 15

Highlanders v Hurricanes

5

Arsenal

28

13

8

7

53

32

47

5

Real Sociedad

27

12

8

7

45

34

44

15:30

17:15

Rugby Union

Super 15

Waratahs v Cheetahs

6

Liverpool

29

12

9

8

56

36

45

6

Real Betis

27

13

4

10

39

39

43

7

Everton

28

11

12

5

44

35

45

7

Valencia

27

12

6

9

38

40

42

8

West Bromwich Albion

29

13

4

12

40

38

43

8

Rayo Vallecano

27

13

2

12

36

43

41

9

Swansea City

29

10

10

9

40

36

40

9

Getafe

27

11

6

10

37

44

39

00:00

02:00

Rugby Union

Super 15

Kings v Chiefs

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Day 2

India v Australia

10

Fulham

28

8

9

11

39

44

33

10

Levante

27

10

6

11

32

40

36

13:20

15:30

Rugby Union

Super 15

Crusaders v Bulls

11

Stoke City

29

7

12

10

27

35

33

11

Real Valladolid

27

9

8

10

35

34

35

15:30

17:30

Rugby Union

Super 15

Reds v Force

12

West Ham United

28

9

6

13

32

41

33

12

Sevilla

27

10

5

12

39

40

35

21:20

23:30

Rugby Union

Six Nations

Italy v Ireland

13

Newcastle United

29

9

6

14

40

50

33

13

Espanyol

27

8

8

11

31

37

32

14

Norwich City

29

7

12

10

27

45

33

14

Athletic Bilbao

27

9

5

13

32

50

32

23:50

02:00

Rugby Union

Six Nations

Wales v England

15

Sunderland

29

7

9

13

32

41

30

15

Osasuna

27

7

7

13

23

30

28

02:50

04:00

Rugby Union

Six Nations

France v Scotland

16

Southampton

29

6

10

13

39

51

28

16

Granada

27

7

6

14

25

38

27

17

Aston Villa

29

6

9

14

28

54

27

17

Real Zaragoza

27

7

5

15

25

38

26

18

Wigan Athletic

28

6

6

16

33

55

24

18

Mallorca

27

6

6

15

28

50

24

19

Reading

29

5

8

16

35

56

23

19

Celta de Vigo

27

6

5

16

26

38

23

20

Queens Park Rangers

29

4

11

14

24

45

23

20

Deportivo La Coruña

27

3

8

16

29

58

17

12:50

14:00

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Melbourne Qualifying

812, 101

19:45

21:45

Soccer

EPL

Everton v Man City

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Swansea v Arsenal

813, 161

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Aston Villa v QPR

817, 102

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v Liverpool

103

22:00

00:00

Soccer

EPL

Stoke v West Brom

817, 103

00:30

02:30

Soccer

EPL

Man United v Reading

29

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Day 3

India v Australia

Sunday, March 17 10:00

12:00

Rugby League

NRL

Titans v Raiders

14:30

16:30

Rugby League

NRL

Manly v Knights

12:00

12:45

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Raceday, Albert Park

12:45

15:30

Motor Racing

Formula 1

Australian Grand Prix

812, 101

20:30

22:30

Soccer

EPL

Sunderland v Norwich

817, 103

22:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Tottenham v Fulham

106

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EP

Wigan v Newcastle

812

23:00

01:00

Soccer

EPL

Chelsea v West Ham

29

11:00

18:00

Cricket

Test Day 4

India v Australia

29

15:00

21:00

Cricket

ODI 1

South Africa v Pakistan

813, 109

TH E CH A I R M A N OF crisis-hit Australian rugby league club Cronulla Sharks quit Wednesday (March 13), days after alleging that some of the team’s players were injected with “equine substances” in 2011.

The Sharks have been at the centre of a doping scandal gripping the National Rugby League (NRL). Last week head coach Shane Flanagan was suspended and four other staff members were sacked.

Announcing his resignation, chairman Damian Irvine said the club had been under intense pressure since being mentioned in an Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report into doping in sport.

He said comments he made to a Sunday newspaper that some Cronulla players had been given horse drugs in 2011 had not helped.

“I shouldn’t have made them [those comments] at the time,” Irvine said.

“But it wasn’t an interview in a calm situation. It was a middle of the night conversation after quite a bit of badgering. It wasn’t sensible to make those comments and I’ll take responsibility for those.

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Sharks chairman quits over doping comments

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Queensland Cowboys to a 2412 win over the Ben Barba-less Canterbury Bulldogs.

The off-contract Thurston showed why he is the most sought-after man in the NRL, setting up three tries.

Canterbury were without seven players from last year’s grand final team, most noticeably 2012 Dally M Medal winner Barba, who is out of the game indefinitely as he battles personal issues.

Russell Crowe’s South Sydney Rabbitohs ruined Sonny Bill Williams’ muchhyped return to the NRL as they scored an emphatic 28-10 win over the Sydney Roosters

WORLD SPORT 31

RESULTS West Ham Man City Norwich QPR Reading

PSTP PSTP 0 – 0 3 – 1 1 – 2

Man United Wigan Southampton Sunderland Aston Vill

West Brom 2 – 1 Swansea Fulham PSTP Chelsea Newcastle 2 – 1 Stoke Liverpool 3 – 2 Tottenham

RESULTS Real Betis Rayo Vallecano Real Valladolid Barcelona Mallorca

2 – 1 2 – 0 1 – 1 2 – 0 2 – 1

Osasuna Espanyol Málaga Deportivo Sevillao

Athletic Bilbao Levante Celta de Vigo Atlético Madrid Real Zaragoza

1 – 0 0 – 0 1 – 2 0 – 1 0 – 0

Valencia Getafe Real Madrid Real Sociedad Granada

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Home draw for Phuket FC

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Vettel wants four

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel drives out during testing at the Jerez racetrack in February. Photo: AFP/Cristina Quicler

FORMULA 1

A

s the Formula One teams prepare for Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on Sunday, Sebastian Vettel’s bid this season to become only the third driver to rack-up four successive world titles faces a triple-edged challenge from Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes.

The German Red Bull driver was crowned the youngest three-time champion in 2012, grabbing the championship from Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso by just three points in a breath-taking season-finale in Brazil after a roller-coaster campaign.

Vettel and Red Bull, whose lacklustre performance in

pre-season winter testing was masked by sleight of hand fuelling to keep rivals guessing, will start the 19race campaign as favourites.

Ferrari and McLaren will, as always, be closely tucked in, but Mercedes, with a bankbusting budget and with Lewis Hamilton having replaced Michael Schumacher, are widely-expected to smash through the three-team dominance.

Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, who consistently outpaced the ageing Schumacher in 2012, set the fastest times in testing in Barcelona, while former champions Alonso and McLaren’s Jenson Button, were just off their shoulders.

Hamilton, the 2008 champion, insists his first year with the German giants will be a

learning curve and that teams’ strengths and weaknesses will not be apparent until the season opener in Melbourne on Sunday, March 17.

“I don’t think there are any expectations,” Hamilton told autosport.com.

“If anything, I feel like I have a free ticket. It’s a year where we know we may not have the best package, but it’s a challenge for me.

“I thin k the pressure is more on the other guys, who had great cars and were evolved into this year’s car.

They have the pressure to go and compete and perform. For us, we only have everything to gain.”

Vettel, looking to emulate Juan Manuel Fangio and Schumacher as a four-in-a-row champion, was only eighth

fastest in testing at Barcelona last weekend.

His test, as well as that of teammate Mark Webber, saw the Red Bulls run full of fuel and with 2012 having seen a dip in their dominance – seven wins compared to 11 the year before – Vettel is keeping his feet on the ground.

“We’re in good enough shape I think. Overall testing has been good for us and we didn’t have too many problems,” said the German.

“But if you sum up all three tests I think all the teams were linked in to what the tyres could do and at times it was extremely difficult to read the set-up changes.

“I’m looking forward to Melbourne now and can’t wait for the racing to begin.”

The starting grid in Aus-

tralia will see 11 teams and not the 12 of a year ago after Spanish strugglers HRT went to the wall of the global economic crisis.

Reflecting the sober financial climate will be the appearance of more pay-drivers, those men fortunate enough to have courted wealthy patrons or been born into moneyed circumstances.

Britain’s Max Chilton, whose father is said to have banked around £70 million (B3.1 billion) when he sold his stake in an insurance company, will debut for Marussia.

At Caterham, France’s Charles Pic, whose mother built up a wealthy portfolio through a French trucking operation, has switched from Marussia where he finished in 21st place last year.

Esteban Gutierrez moves into a Sauber seat vacated

by Sergio Perez – who has replaced Hamilton at McLaren – helped by Mexican communications giant Telmex.

Also making their debut in 2013 will be Finland’s Valtteri Bottas in a Williams, Dutch driver Giedo van der Garde at Caterham and France’s Jules Bianchi, a late addition for Marussia.

Making way are the likes of Timo Glock, Bruno Senna, Heikki Kovalainen and flamboyant Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi.

The season will comprise just the 19 races after the FIA, which governs the sport, was unable to come up with a suitable venue for the July 21 slot left empty by the cancellation of the New Jersey Grand Prix. AFP

England chase Six Nation Slam against defiant Wales RUGBY UNION THE SIX NATIONS MATCH between England and Wales in Cardiff tomorrow has been hailed as “the Test match of all Test matches”, with England chasing their first Grand Slam title in a decade against a Welsh home team determined to deny them the victory.

England maintained their unbeaten record against Italy at Twick-

enham last weekend, but failed to score a try for the first time in 19 Tests against the Azzurri.

There is a sense that England – who scored three tries during a shock defeat of world champions New Zealand in December and four in their Six Nations opener against Scotland – have retreated into their shells the closer they’ve got to the Grand Slam.

Meanwhile Wales, whose hopes

of back-to-back Slams were dashed by a first round loss at home to Ireland, have not conceded a try in their last three Tests.

If Wales win by eight points this weekend they will retain the title, while a win by seven points would see the Championship decided on try count, with the Welsh currently two tries better off (seven to five) than England.

But while an England defeat

would scupper their Slam bid, losing by fewer than seven points would still see them crowned champions.

England full-back Alex Goode admitted the team had fallen short against Italy, but insisted they could still beat Wales in the last game.

“We are confident in the group and the way we are playing, we just need to be more ruthless and clinical,” Goode said.

Wales’ Jamie Roberts, mean-

while, says his team are looking forward to inflicting some pain on England at Cardiff Arms Park.

The Cardiff centre, who featured in Wales’s 28-18 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday, said he welcomed the chance to deny the Slam to Wales’ fiercest rivals.

“England coming for a Grand Slam in Cardiff is the stuff we dream of playing in as Welsh players,” Roberts said. AFP