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• Woman pays for assassin after finding her
British boyfriend in arms of her best friend
• Sumittra Namfuk shot in the head with a
.22 caliber gun while watching TV at home
• Three-man hit team, all from Krabi, were paid just B80,000 to take woman’s life
Alleged assassin Sawit Jongrak, 28.
FULL STORY ON PAGE 2
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THE PHUKET NEWS
NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Thaksin goes up in smoke
Phuket’s Yellow Shirts show what they think of reconciliation bills >6
Alasdair Forbes & Claire Connell execeditor@thephuketnews.com
Deadly triangle
Woman confesses to hit on love rival Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com
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inaporn Ratakarn, the mastermind behind the shooting murder of a 55-year-old woman, was arrested on Tuesday afternoon (June 12) at her home in Pa Khlok. She confessed, police say. Sumittra Namfuk was shot in the head with a .22 caliber gun at her home on Soi Rakchart U-Thit, Thungtong, as she sat watching television on Saturday (June 9). That same day, three men suspected to have carried out the murder were arrested as they attempted to leave Phuket through the Tha Chat Chai Checkpoint in their pick-up truck, which had been identified from CCTV footage. The three – Aroon Pantarn, 28, who organised the murder and drove the car, gunman Sawit Jongrak, 28, and Sanguan
Poongen, 26, who came along for the ride – later admitted to their involvement in the killing. They named Winaporn, 46, as the person behind the hit. After questioning her on Tuesday (12 June), police said that Winaporn had admitted that she had asked a relative, Sirawat Ratakarn, 44, said to be a former village headman, to arrange the shooting. Police also arrested Sirawat at his house on Koh Yao Noi and brought him to Phuket. He has so far denied any involvement. Ms Winaporn told police that she and Ms Sumittra had previously been close friends for 10 years. But their relationship was wrecked about two months ago when Ms Winaporn went to pick Ms Summitra up recently from her house in Thungtong and found her in the arms of a British man who had been
Winaporn’s boyfriend for 16 years. Her fury at finding her best friend with her boyfriend motivated the murder, Ms Winaporn told police. Making things worse was the fact that Summitra had earlier told Winaporn that she had heard that the boyfriend was cheating on Winaporn, and had offered to try to find out who the “other woman” was. Winaporn contacted her relative, Sirawat, who, she alleged, contacted Aroon to arrange a contract hit. At the time of going to press police were still questioning Sirawat who persisted in denying any involvement. An official press conference about the case is expected to be held tomorrow. The name of the British man who was the third part of this deadly love triangle has not been revealed by police.
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Illegally idyllic: The restaurant is built partly on the rocks and partly behind an illegal wall.
Illegal restaurant stopped NINE BURMESE WORKERS were arrested on Monday (June 11) while working on construction of a new restaurant on Tri Trang Beach, south of Patong. The arrests were carried out by the Marine Department (MD) Region 5 and Kathu Police after complaints from local people that the restaurant encroached on the beach and on public land. The incomplete restaurant, covering about 900 square me-
tres, is built mainly in timber. But there is also a section with concrete pillars, roof and floor. A retaining wall made from rock has also been planted in the beach to hold a raised sand walkway. Much of the wooden part of the restaurant is built
on rocks at the high tide mark. The owner of the restaurant was not around when the arrests took place. Officials said he or she would be contacted and would be ordered to remove the structure within 30 days.
CORRECTION: In last week’s issue we wrote that dengue fever cases in Phuket had reached 11,000 in the first five months of this year and that there had been eight deaths. These figures are in fact for the country as a whole.
Sink or swim? I THE PHUKET NEWS
PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
f anyone has doubts about the courage and tenacity of Phuket’s beach lifesavers, a series of photographs taken by Phuket News reader Mike Thomas on Kata Beach on June 5 should lay them to rest. Mr Thomas, who is a surfer himself, told The Phuket News, “The sea was exceptionally big and stormy. I saw four people being rescued in the space of about 15 minutes.” Of the two pictured in the photograph on the right, he said, “These two were pretty lucky. You could see them being pulled out and separated.” She was helped to shore by a kitesurfer while he was rescued by the lifeguards. Are the swimmers just plain stupid? Mr Thomas think it’s more a case of not understanding just how dangerous things can get. “A lot of people are deceived. The water is warm and inviting. They think, ‘I’ll just go for a paddle.’ But then the waves drag them along the beach and then into a rip. It’s naïveté more than anything.” He has nothing but praise for the lifeguards who, he
This photo by reader Mike Thomas shows just how dangerous the beaches can be. says, “do try to stop people going in the water – they’re quite assertive.” But, he says, tourists, determined to make the most of their rain-soaked holiday, can be “quite confrontational. They ignore the lifeguards. What can the lifeguards do?” W hat they do is r isk their lives pulling out of the water the people who have just ignored their warnings not to go in. Red f lags and warning signs don’t alert people who
don’t bother to read the signs, so Mr Thomas believes the authorities should actually close the beaches in weather like last week’s, and back up the closure with the authority of the police. This course has been ruled out for now, however. Visit Jirametakorn, chief of Patong’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office (DPM), told The Phuket News, “No. Patong beach will not be closed. “These are normal conditions for this time of year,
with waves surging right up to the beachfront. “We have erected red ‘no swimming’ f lags and lifeguards are standing by at three points. If they see tourists going to swim, they will warn them not to.” In Kata and Karon the situation is similar. Suphachai Chanphet, the deputy chief of Karon DPM said, “The weather is really not at all suitable for swimming, but we have no legal power to stop tourists from doing so.
“If the weather improves sufficiently, the lifeguards will erect yellow-and-red flags 30 metres apart and direct people to swim in the sea between these flags.” Mr Suphachai added that although the authorities do have the legal power to close beaches entirely, “It is not our policy to do so because we have life guards everywhere”. Prathaiyoot Cheuyuan, President of the Phuket Lifeguards Club, stressed that even with red flags erected ever ywhere, the beaches are still manned with a full complement of life guards. However on a recent morning a group of about 20 tourists all dashed into the water at Kata Beach at the same time, in an area that is covered by only three life guards. “It’s very difficult to deal with a large group like this,” Mr Prathaiyoot said. “I just wish that tourists would comply with the red f lags and listen to the lifeguards.” ■■ Between May 26, when lifeguards went back on duty, and June 10, two people – one foreign, one Thai – drowned and 102 were rescued.
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American lost in surf at Patong RESCUE TEAMS WERE Wednesday (June 14) expected to resume a search for a young American who went missing while swimming off Patong Beach on Tuesday night. The search was suspended after five hours of trying to find the student in the sea from Kalim, along Patong Beach to Tri Trang Beach. The search was sparked by the disappearance of American student Joshua Shane, 21, who went missing on Tuesday at about 10pm when he went swimming with a group of friends off Patong Beach. The American, a student in the college of Liberal Arts and Science at Arizona State University, is understood to have been in Phuket as a short-term exchange student, working with Phuket City Municipality. He arrived in Phuket on Sunday. He and three fellow-students, two men and a woman, went swimming in front of the Graceland Hotel. Rescue workers said there were particularly strong rip currents that night, and all four were soon in trouble. Three were rescued, but Mr Shane could not be found.
Thieves crash MT network THALANG POLICE arrested two Thai men on Monday evening (June 11) after they were found in possession of more than 30 large batteries. The batteries were stolen from AIS, DTAC and CAT mobile phone network towers, resulting in the collapse of phone networks during power outages. The two, Adisak Yoddee, 32, and a 16-year-old, both from Phuket, admitted that they had stolen the batteries from towers on Thalang and elsewhere on the island to sell as scrap. Each stolen battery would
Adisak, centre, and his 16-year-old companion. have fetched around B2,500 from a scrap dealer. The arrests were sparked by complaints from mobile phone users to the Office of the National Broadcasting and
Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) in Bangkok, saying that mobile phone networks were frequently failing, especially during blackouts.
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PHUKET NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
IN BRIEF Australian tourist ‘raped in tuk-tuk’
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Patong tunnel ‘could be built in five years’
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he road tunnel under Patong Hill, between Kathu and Patong, could be completed in as little as five years. This prediction came on Friday (June 8) from Aiyanat Tinapai, Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EAT) in a meeting with ViceGovernor Sommai Prijasilpa, Patong Mayor Pian Keesin and relevant officials. The Ministry of Transport recently gave the EAT responsibility for getting the project under way. Studies and plans would take about two years and construction another three, said Mr Aiyanat. The total cost would be
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More talks: Patong Mayor Pian Keesin (left) shakes hands with Aiyanat Tinapai of the EAT.
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about B6 billion, he added. Where that money will come from is not yet clear. There are two main possibilities: The first would be for the EAT to raise loans itself for the project, backed by government guarantees. It would then hire the contractors and would manage the tunnel after completion, taking tolls to recoup its investment and repay the loans. Another way would be for the project to be put out to tender on a BOT (build, operate, transfer) basis. Under this option a private company would pay for the entire project, would built it, operate it until it has recouped its investment and made an agreed profit, and then transfer it over to a local government department to run.
This is the way the Phuket Deep Sea Port was built more than 30 years ago. It is still run by the company that built it, Chao Phraya Terminal International Co, which has yet to recoup its entire investment. The approach road to the tunnel would start in Phang Meuang Sai Kor Rd in Patong, to the north of the APK resort, while at the other end the ramp from the tunnel would join the road through Kathu at the western end of the dual carriageway, close to the gokart track. A great deal of land will have to be bought for approach roads. The cost of this, Mayor Pian estimated, will be around B1 billion. Mr Aiyanat and Mr Pian agreed to meet soon for further discussions on the project.
A long wait for the light MAINS POWER FOR KOH Maphrao is still coming, but it’s coming at a snail’s pace, the chief of the Phuket Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) has explained. Younobe Petchdee, the head of Koh Maphrao village and Vikunda Quilty, representing The Village Coconut Island resort met with Governor Tri Augkaradacha on Tuesday (June 12) to plead for his help in getting mains electricity. The island was supposed to have received mains electricity in October last year, in a B46-million project that would have seen a 970-metre submarine pipe laid from
Laem Hin, the closest point on Phuket island. Gov Tri asked Vijaan Chuayplod the chief of the Provincial Electricity Authority if things could be speeded up. Mr Vijaan’s reply was not encouraging: he said that it would be up to 18 months before work can start on installing the underwater cable. He explained after the meeting that the Koh Maphrao project had been delayed because it had been bundled together with two other island power projects, for Koh Naka Yai in Phuket, and Koh Phratong in Phang Nga. Although the EIAs for
Maphrao and Naka had now been completed the one for Koh Phratong had not. However, Koh Phratong has now been separated from the other two, to allow them to go ahead. Now the delay is a budgetary one, Mr Vijaan said. “Originally the project called for a 70-square-millimetre cable, but we believe we need 120 square millimetres to allow for future demand. “So we are now waiting for approval of the additional budget, along with two or three other processes that have to be completed. It may be a year to 18 months before we start.”
An Australian tourist, 22, reported that she was raped by three men in a red tuktuk in Patong on Sunday night (June 10), according to reports by Kathu Police. A police source said the Australian said she hired a tuk-tuk near Soi Bangla to get back to her hotel after her night out. Three men were in the tuk-tuk; two at the front and one on the back seat. The tourist reported that the tuk-tuk took her to a quiet spot on Patong beach where the three raped her.
Policeman dies in car smash
Kathu police officer, Capt Thanakrit Kiawyai, died in a car accident on Patak Rd in Karon on Sunday morning (June 10). The accident took place while he was driving through rain from his friend’s house in Chalong back to Kathu. He reportedly lost control on a bend and hit a power pole near Le Meridien Phuket resort. He died in Bangkok Hospital Phuket from serious internal injuries. He was reportedly not wearing a safety belt.
Swiss man, 53, dies at home A 53-year-old Swiss national, Erhard Pfister, died in his house in Karon on Friday (June 8). His partner, Poonsawat U-nila, 40, said Mr Pfister had severe trouble breathing before dying in his bed. His body was taken to Vachira Hospital to await funeral rites.
Australian, 35, dies of coronary Australian Paul James McNeil, 39, was found unconscious in a hotel room in Cherng Talay yesterday morning (June 7). He died later at Thalang Hospital. The hospital listed the cause of death as heart failure.
Phuket elephant camp wins award
The Kinaree Elephant Camp near Chalong Circle has received a national award for the way it looks after its animals. The Kinaree camp was one of 200 around the country that entered the Triennial Elephant Award of Excellence, with entrants rated on the health of the elephants and on the “quality of life” in the camps..
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PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
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AEC 2015 ‘will raise crime rate’
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Festooned with hite paper funeral flowers, an effigy of Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin smoulders as a paper house representing the Red Shirt movement is set alight in the background. An effigy of former PM Thaksin was also burned.
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bout 50 members of anti-government groups in Phuket marched through Phuket City on Saturday (June 9) to show their opposition to four contentious bills ostensibly aimed at bringing about “reconciliation” in Thailand. One of the bills was drafted by 2006 coup leader General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, while the others were drafted by Pheu Thai Party MPs. According to Pheu Thai supporters, the bills were aimed at solving longstanding conflicts in the country through the concept of metta
– love, kindness, and forgiveness. (See also page 10.) The march included members of the Phuket Guard Group, allied to the People’s Alliance for Democracy; Phuket Model, who are opposed to the establishment of an Red Shirt village in Phuket; and the Phuket multicoloredshirt group. The President of Phuket Guard, Lertpong Tansowat, said on Saturday that the local march was an expression of the group’s total opposition to the reconciliation bills. “The bills will help aid the rise of [exiled former Prime Minister] Thaksin and his supporters. We don’t want any more conflict in the country,”
said Mr Lertpong. The groups announced during the march that they would take action if the House of Parliament doesn’t stop pushing the reconciliation bills. They also demanded that the government not amend any clauses in the current constitution, especially Section 112 of the Criminal Code, known as the lèse majesté law, last altered in 2007 following the coup of the previous year. In addition, they said they wanted “Red Shirts” to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court. “It’s reached a point where we can’t keep quiet anymore,” said Mr Lertpong. “We have
to show people’s power to protect the country.” The march including the burning of a effigies of Mr Thaksin and of Gen Sonthi at Saphan Hin, along with a model of a red house, to symbolise the Red Shirts. The previous day about 30 representatives of the Phuket Red Shirts showed up at Phuket Provincial Hall to voice their support for the bills They handed a letter to a Phuket Vice-Governor Sommai Preechasilapa, stating that they would encourage Phuket people to petition for the dismissal of the seven members of the Constitutional Court who ordered Parliament to suspend discussion of the bills.
Graft busters to meet in Phuket SALES SUPPORT
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A N I N T ER NAT IONA L conference to boost Thailand’s effectiveness in fighting corruption and to increase corruption-busters’ international links is to be held next month in Phuket. The conference is to be held at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa in Mai Khao on July 10 and 11, with representatives of 23 countries invited. The conference, organised by the Office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) in collaboration with
the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) will cover a range of topics, Chairat Khanittabutr, Assistant SecretaryGeneral of the NACC, said. “There is still a large amount of corruption among government officials in Thailand and the situation is not improving.” He noted that Thailand’s problem is also an international one because some officials hide the proceeds of corruption abroad. “It is very difficult to follow the money once it has
gone abroad. “The topics of the conference will include relationships between countries in fighting corruption, especially tracking down money that has been sent overseas and getting it back, and combatting money laundering. “This conference, we hope, will give us more knowledge, and better systems and techniques for our work.” The conference has already attracted some big names in fighting corruption, including
Gary Lewis, regional representative of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC); David Luna, director for anticrime programs at the US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs; Peter Ritchie, Senior Advisor, International Crime – Policy and Engagement Branch of the Australian Attorney General’s Department and a representative of Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015, when nationals of the Asean bloc will be able to travel and work in Thailand more or less without hindrance, will encourage more crime, a senior policeman has warned. The warning came this week from the national commander of the Thai Tourist Police, Pol Maj Gen Adis Ngamchitsuksri, who added that Phuket and Pattaya were likely to be targets for the new wave of criminals. He added that he believed the numbers of Tourist Police would need to almost doubled, from the current number of 987 officers nationwide to 1,759. Gen Adis said that lowering immigration barriers meant that “tourists” were more likely to engage in illegal activities. The superintendent of Phuket Tourist Police, Pol Capt Uramporn Koondejsumrit, said that 27 officers are currently stationed on the island.
US consular outreach for Phuket STAFF FROM THE CONsular Section of the American Embassy in Bangkok will visit Phuket for their regular “consular outreach” on Tuesday (June 19). The outreach will be held from 8am-12pm at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. The following consular services are available during the visit: ■■ Notarial Services and Certified Copies (US$50.00 or B1,600). This includes income affidavits for retirees in Thailand. ■■ Passport renewal applications (US$110.00 or B3,520 for adult passports, and US$105 or B3,360 for a child’s passport). ■■ Extra visa pages (US$82 or B2,624). ■■ Social Security, VA, or other federal benefits questions will be taken. ■■ Updated information regarding new voter registration/ absentee ballot requirements. For more information, email acsbkk@state.gov or call 02205-4049.
THE PHUKET NEWS
PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
20 arrested in three days of drug busts SEVEN PEOPLE WERE arrested on Saturday (June 9) and some 6,500 methamphetamine (ya ba) pills and more than half a kilo of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) seized. Details of the arrests have led to talk of the hidden involvement of prominent individuals. Pol Col Wanchai Palawan, head of the provincial antidrugs unit, told a press conference, “Community leaders have been co-operating well [with us], which led to arrest on drugs charges of Katawoot ‘Egg Kai’ Kijnakom, 27. Katawoot was arrested in Tambon Sri Sunthorn with 0.5 grams of ya ice. Police also seized a home-made shotgun and four 12-gauge cartridges. Col Wanchai noted that though the amount seized from Katawoot was small, when he was interrogated he revealed that he had a network. “Those [subsequently] arrested were all part of it – one of the larger drug rings in Phuket.” Those arrested were (in order of capture): Apinant Sae-Diao, 25, with 1.25 grammes of ya ice, in front of Tessaban Sam Kong School off Yaowarat Rd in Phuket town;
Ootoomporn Petchchamnan, 25, with 5.6 grammes of ice, and Miss Manasanant Siemson, 27, with six grammes of ya ice, both at the Phuket Lawyer Law Office in Soi Bor Nam off Surin Rd in Phuket town; and Janya Saeng-Aroon, 47, with 500 ya ba pills and 23.47 grammes of ya ice, at her home in Patra Mansion in Phuket Town. The climax to the hunt came with the arrests of two “mules”, Adisak Wai-asa and Soopakij Sae-Iao, both 18, in possession of 6,000 ya ba tablets and 500 grammes of ya ice, at the new bus terminal on Thepkrassattri Rd. Pol Col Wanchai said the haul was “worth B1 million”. Involvement of the two women arrested at the Phuket Lawyer Law Office has led to rumours that bigger fish await frying. The previous day (June 8) six other people were arrested in Chalong for selling drugs to tourists, bar staff and teenagers. On Tuesday (June 12) Chalong police were again in action, arresting seven drug users and a dealer found in possession of 200 ya ba pills.
Hookah horror! PHUKET VICE-GOVERNOR, Chamroen Tipayapongtada has pledged to tighten controls on the use of hookahs in shops in Phuket. The pledge comes after complaints from parents that their children were being tempted into joining groups that would smoke hookahs, and that they were concerned that by joining these groups their children might get into other ‘social’ problems. V/Gov Chamroen said, “After we received the complaints, we made discreet
checks and discovered there are 12 shops with hookahs in Meuang District, 12 in Kathu District and two in Thalang. “Most of the hookahs were imported from the Middle East. The teenagers smoking them were between 14 and 18 years old.” Last week, the raids that followed resulted in the arrests of 10 young offenders and the owners of 11 shops. The raids also netted six illegal aliens – who were handed over to Immigration – and two drug users.
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Bits of roof (white) were carried from another building 50 metres away by the mini-tornadoes.
Twisters damage 25 homes
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wo mini-tornadoes swept through Baan Lipon on the night of June 7, damaging 25 houses. Villagers in Mu 8 said that no one had been injured when the mini-tornadoes twisted
their way through the village at 1am, but roofs had been ripped off or damaged. In one case, part of the roof of one house was lifted and dumped on the roof of another. Authorities are preparing
to declare the area a disaster zone in order to get emergency funding to pay for repairs to the damaged houses. Villagers are wondering what they have done to deserve the damaging attentions of Mother
Nature – the village is close to the epicentre of the quake that rattled Phuket on April 16. They said that before that particular quake they had never experienced quakes or tornadoes.
Attack on trade in dog meat THE SOI DOG FOUNDATION has launched the Trade of Shame Campaign in a bid to raise awareness of the growing dog meat trade across Asia. The Thai Veterinary Medical Association estimate as many as 500,000 Thai dogs per year make the one way trip to Vietnam and Southern China where they are butchered by
cruel and barbaric methods. John Dalley, the founder of Soi Dog Foundation said, “The conditions under which the dogs are transported and slaughtered are horrific and many die from suffocation long before they reach their final destination. In reality these are the lucky ones.” He added that although
there was no concrete evidence, he had reason to suspect that dog-rustling was taking place on the island, “There is no evidence of the rustlers operating in Phuket, though some local people believe that the large number of dogs that disappeared from Patong Beach in May last year may have gone there.
“Soi Dog Foundation have plenty of evidence showing that local dogs, particularly black ones, have been snatched by migrant workers for local consumption in labour camps on the island. This is most prevalent around New Year and owners should keep their dogs secure during this period.”
Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.
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PHUKET FOCUS
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Time to move On On As Phuket’s oldest hotel prepares to undergo a dramatic renovation to secure its future, Paritta Wangkiat discovers why, at the historic On On, some things will never change
P
hang Nga road in the heart of old Phuket town is unrecognisable to what it once was. In the late 19th and early th 20 centuries, the thoroughfare was a bustling centre of commerce, where a multinational mix of traders would ply their wares, and stop at local street stalls to eat and drink. Although still active today, with many artists calling it home, the road is much more sedate. Sitting along a quiet stretch of that road is the On On Hotel, quietly contemplating a big change for the future. Phu ket’s oldest hotel closed last month, but is due to be reopened by the end of the year following extensive renovations, with a brand new look. Exactly how it is going to look is anyone’s guess, though according to the On On Hotel’s owner, Anurak Tansiriroj, grandson of the founder Pak Yok Tew, the creaky doors, old timber floors, rattling fans and gloomy rooms familiar to generations of backpack-
Left: As this remarkable image shows, the Bang Yai canal was once wide enough to allow a ship to pass through, sometimes, On On guests were picked up from this canal. Right: The much diminished canal today, used as a drainage channel for Phuket Town. Photos: Anurak Tansiriroj ers are likely to give way to a more contemporary and comfortable look. However, Mr Anurak is resolute that the famous SinoColonial facade of the hotel, with its delicate stucco and valuable architectural style, will remain the same as it
was when it opened in 1929. “Think about the hotel as a man with a heart disease. This renovation is like performing heart bypass surgery on the hotel,” says Mr Anurak, whose family coincidentally owns Phuket International Hospital. Indeed, if the On On Ho-
tel was a man, it would be a tough, hardworking one, just like its founder. In 1898, a Chinese immigrant named Pak Yok Tew left his home in the southern Chinese province of Fujian, on a cargo ship bound for Singapore. He was 12 years-old, an orphan, and desperately poor. He made a living in the British colony by working in several jobs in exchange for
food and accommodation. Four years in Singapore and then a stint in Penang taught him the value of hard work. However, realising that he’d never make his fortune in Singapore, in 1902 he made the fateful decision to board a ship headed for Phuket, the island where his luck really began to change. “He’d left a poor worker’s life in Singapore, this was a
chance to reinvent himself,” says Mr Anurak. Young Pak’s new life as a businessman began with him selling utensils, appliances, knives, keys, chains and hammers on the sidewalk of Thalang Road, by then the commercial centre of Phuket. Eleven years passed, and Mr Pak grew up, married and managed to buy a building on Phang Nga road, converting
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Above: The On On Hotel in its former heyday. Top right: A flooded Phang Nga Rd used to be a regular occurence. it into a store that sold everything from steel to rice, and even imported cars from Penang. Through his business, Mr Pak had come to know and befriend many Penang merchants, who regularly visited Phuket. He saw an opportunity to establish a hotel where the merchants could stay. The On On (it means comfort and happiness in Chinese) Hotel was born, with the first five guestrooms built on the second floor of the building, on the side lane that adjoins Phang Nga road. Room rates were reasonably priced, varying from 0.80 satang to B1.50 per night (roughly B1,000 in today’s money). The hotel enjoyed great success, especially when Phuket entered the tin mining era and began drawing traders from across Asia. Rickshaws were sent to pick up guests at either the Kor Jarn Bridge, where the canal meets the sea at Sapan Hin, or at a small port on the Bang Yai canal opposite the old Standard Chartered Bank. Mr Anurak explains that in its prime, the hotel was
unrivalled in Phuket. “A rickshaw was like the limousine of that time,” he says, adding with a smile, “On On was also the best hotel because there was no others on the island.” During World War II, the On On Hotel was used by the Japanese army as an officer’s club. Despite his Chinese origins, the Japanese respected Pak Yok Tew’s diligence and straightforward character, offering him the privilege of trading steel, metal and important war materials with their military. However, Mr Pak turned down the offer because of his anti-war sentiments. Later, he invested in the thriving tin mining business, taking out a mortgage on the hotel to finance his operation. But things didn’t work out, as the land he was mining produced only meager amounts of tin. With the lender seeking foreclosure on the mortgage, for a while it seemed like his hotel business would come to a sad end, but Mr Pak didn’t give up, instead choosing to work hard to clear his debt. Mr Anurak remembers his
grandfather telling him about that time, and his greater work ethos: “He used to say, ‘If I keep going, I may die, but if I stop, I will definitely die.” The former orphan boy sold off his toxic assets in the tin mining business, and focused all his efforts on the On On Hotel until he died with dignity, and without debt, in 1967, having expanded the number of rooms to 50. However the turbulent times of the On On didn’t end with Mr Pak’s death. The property passed into the hands of his son, Mr Keng. But with increased competition, it was hard to attract well-heeled guests. Indeed, during one dark period it became a ‘short-time hotel’, where the purpose of staying was other than sleeping. “The hotel had its rise and fall,” admits Mr Anurak. “It enjoyed both prosperity and difficulties.” When Mr Anurak took over the hotel in 1986, he spent money to improve the condition of the hotel, in an attempt to recapture its former glory, with moderate success. Although the owners have never promoted themselves
as a film set, over the years the hotel has attracted its fair share of Hollywood location shoots. The most famous of these movies was The Beach starring Leonardo DiCaprio, where the On On stood in for a guesthouse on Khao San Road in Bangkok. Rather than advertising, the On On Hotel has instead survived through a core group of loyal customers. Its charming, unique and traditional
9
Pak Yok Tew, who arrived in Anurak Tansiriroj, the current Phuket with nothing. owner of the On On Hotel. Sino-Colonial style, coupled with its cosy atmosphere, also earned it a much-coveted recommendation in many guidebooks, including the likes of Lonely Planet. Another explanation as to why guests keep returning to Phang Nga Rd is Mr Anurak’s warm welcome. “Coming back to the On On is like coming home for some of our guests,” says Mr Anurak. “For me, to make my
New Stoc k
customers feel home and have a good relationship with them is very important.” Though the interior décor of the hotel will soon dramatically change, the unique feeling of the hotel should ensure its continued success on an island crowded with unremarkable places to stay. For as Mr Anurak points out, “I could easily build a new hotel, but no one can build another On On.”
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10 THAILAND NEWS
IN BRIEF Bangkok taxi drivers lend a beating hand It’s not just in Phuket that people get beaten up by taxi or tuk-tuk drivers; a Thai man was clobbered by three taxi drivers at Bangkok’s Mak kasan Airport Link station after he took photos of a driver who refused to take him to his destination.
After the spurned passenger snapped two photos of the driver, the driver attacked him, with the help of two other drivers. A policeman eventually broke up the fight, but not before the passenger suffered a dislocated shoulder. –Coconuts Bangkok
Groom gunned down at his wedding It should have been the happiest day of Yuttana Jeuyeurae’s life: his wedding. Instead, the 25-year-old wound up dead, shot six times. The killing, in Pattani, was apparently a professional hit, with the killer arriving on the back of a bike, pretending
to mingle with guests until his chance came to pull out a pistol and slaughter Yuttana. Police said they were not yet sure whether the motive for the murder was a personal matter or a result of the southern provinces’ on-going civil strife.
Stun gun 1, Foreign tough guy 0 Only metres away from Pattaya Police Station in the early hours of Monday (June 11), a heavily muscled foreign man, possibly intoxicated, scuffled with a Thai man as other Thais watched. The foreigner exchanged blows with his opponent until
another man approached, produced a stun gun and zapped the foreigner, incapacitating him so that everyone else could get away. Despite the fight being right outside the Police Station, police took no action against anyone. –PattayaOne
Teacher arrested on paedophilia charges An American teacher working for a private school in Rayong has been arrested in Pattaya, accused of sexually assaulting five boys under
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the age of 15. Gregory James Miller, 48, from Illinois, has denied paying the boys to perform sex acts. –PattayaOne
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Not just now
Cabinet backs away from confrontation The Phuket News/AFP
T
he Cabinet agreed this week to conclude the current session of Parliament next Tuesday (June 19), backing away from the row over the reconciliation bills that have caused the People’s Alliance for Democracy, or Yellow Shirts , to take to the streets again. Government spokeswoman Sansanee Nakpong said, “Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told the cabinet meeting that the government still stands by the charter amendment policy, as announced in parliament. “But she wants different sides to contribute their ideas and wants the political tension to ease.” To the disappointment of Red Shirt leaders in Parliament – the more radical members of the ruling Pheu Thai Party – the Speaker of Parliament, President Somsak Kiatsuranont, announced that the third reading of the charter amendment bill, along with deliberation of the reconciliation bills, will be postponed until the next
Parliament Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont: ‘It’s not about being brave or a coward.’ session of Parliament. This quashed speculation that these matters might be rammed through before Parliament breaks up. He said that, in this, he had the full backing of the Pheu Thai Party leadership. “It’s not about being brave or a coward, surrendering or not surrendering, but I want all parties to face each other
and talk,” he said. The Yellow Shirt explosion resulted from their belief that the reconciliation bills had one real aim – to get a pardon for exiled ex-Premier Thaksin Shinawatra In addition, one of the draft laws, which aims to amend the Kingdom’s constitution, has angered royalists, who see it as an attempt to weaken the
Monarchy. Thousands of Yellow Shirts blockaded Parliament last month to prevent the house from discussing the reconciliation plans. The government’s moves have also put it at odds with the judiciary: the Constitutional Court ordered a halt to voting on the charter amendment bill after a complaint by senators that it was aimed at overthrowing the monarchy. The government has not scrapped its plan to change the constitution, Sansanee stressed. “Prime Minister Yingluck said clearly during the Cabinet meeting that her government insisted on going ahead with the charter amendments, as she promised during her policy statement,” Ms Sansanee said. “But the government agreed to end the session to enable brainstorming by all parties and to create a favourable climate,” Earlier this month Ms Yingluck warned that Thailand faces a “cycle of violence” unless steps are taken towards reconciliation after years of civil unrest.
THE PHUKET NEWS
Mr Bean fans warned over ‘fake’ Indo film Agence France-Presse
MR BEAN FANS LIVING IN Indonesia have been warned to beware of a locally made spoof horror film called Mr. Bean Possessed by D.P. that stars an unknown actor that bears a resemblance to the popular character. The official Facebook page for Mr Bean, a comedy about a socially awkward man played by the British comedian Rowan Atkinson, said: “We have just heard that there is a new film out in Indonesia with ‘Mr Bean’ in the title. “Please be aware that it has nothing to do with with Mr Bean so please avoid being disappointed.”
Olé?
ASIA NEWS 11
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Photo: Paulo Juntas
Brilliant Asian Americans face the ‘bamboo ceiling’
Agence France-Presse
A
sian American families churn out doctors, engineers and graduate students, but their high-achieving image hides a “bamboo ceiling” that marginalises the fastest growing US minority, experts say. Jonathan Saw, Asia Society’s senior advisor for Asian Pacific American Research, said Monday that a new survey demonstrates an odd mixture of success and disenchantment, with 83 per cent of Asian Americans feeling loyal to their company but only 49 per cent feeling they belong. “Asian Americans don’t really see themselves as belonging to corporate America, even though they are very successful,” he said The reason is that while Asian Americans tend to start strongly, graduating from prestigious schools and quickly winning good jobs, they later hit the so-called “bamboo ceiling.” “You don’t see a lot of Asian Americans in senior leadership positions,” Saw said.
The problem, according to Saw and others at an Asia Society conference in New York, is deeply ingrained bias within wider US society against treating Asians like other Americans. “There’s this notion of Asian Americans as the perpetual ‘other,’” Saw said. Plenty of racial and ethnic groups in the United States – most obviously African Americans – have suffered because of prejudice. But what makes Asian Americans’ problem unique is that they are trapped in the cliché of having to be clever – clever to the point of being nerdy, out of touch, and unable to represent mainstream American life. That’s why the outbreak earlier this year of “Linsanity” – the media hysteria over Asian American basketball player Jeremy Lin leading the Knicks to a string of victories – was a landmark moment, said Saul Gitlin, with Kang & Lee Advertising. Here was yet another Asian American who started on the expected track of studying
Asian American basketball player Jeremy Lin. Photo: AFP at Harvard University but, in a rare twist, emerged as a charismatic sports hero rather than an anonymous doctor or programmer. “It’s a turning point of what happens when you go against the stereotype,” Gitlin said, identifying Lin as a beacon for young Asians who have “suffered at the hands of this stereotype of being the smart guy, the geek, the
tech guy.” However, actor Sendhil Ramamurthy, who was also once on track to become a doctor, told the conference that typecasting in TV and studio films is as strong as ever. “Asians play certain characters,” he said. “They play the doctor, or they play the smart guy. That’s very much still the case. I don’t know what it takes to change that,
otherwise I’d be doing it.” Experts say change may eventually come, as it often does in the United States, through market forces – namely the fact that the 17.3 million-strong Asian American population is shooting up and growing rich. “Asian Americans are the fastest-growing multicultural segment in the US,” Thomas Tseng, co-founder of New American Dimensions, said. Eighty per cent of Asian Americans have broadband at home, compared to 60 per cent of the general population. Eighty-seven per cent go online every day, compared to 73 per cent of the general population, and laptop ownership is 74 per cent versus 52 per cent, Pew survey figures show. “You’d think marketers would be falling over themselves to talk to this population, but that’s not yet the case,” Gitlin said. “This is a beautiful marketplace, really attractive, but it doesn’t really always get invited. I always describe this market as the Cinderella.”
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12 WORLD NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS
Obama rejects Romney’s ‘faulty’ Twitter message A
sarcastic US President Barack Obama Tuesday said the theme of his rival Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign could fit on a tweet with letters to spare – “it’s Obama’s fault.” Obama told supporters in Maryland that his policies at a time of economic misery had been able to “right the ship a little bit” but that he needed a second term to “lock in” progress and growth. “The good news is, the American people generally agree with our vision,” Obama said. “If you just put in front of them issue after issue and you present the Democratic approach and the Republican approach, we win. “The challenge is because folks are still hurting right now, the other side feels that it’s enough for them to just sit back and say, ‘things aren’t as good as they should be and it’s Obama’s fault.’” “And, you can pretty much put their campaign on... a tweet and have some characters to spare.” Brendan Buck, a spokesman for Republican House
Obama’s intent is to draw sharp distinctions between his approach and that of Romney. Speaker John Boehner, quickly hit back at Obama’s remark – on Twitter. “Methinks the President’s silly attack on GOP message shows frustration that he doesn’t have a consistent message at all,” Buck wrote. Obama Tuesd ay held six events in Maryland and Philadelphia as he cranks up the pace of his fundraising
after being well outpaced by Romney, who raised $76 million (B2.4 billion) in May compared to his own haul of $60 million (B1.9 billion)-plus. Aides said Obama’s intent is to draw sharp distinctions between his approach and that of Romney, who he believes would weight the economy towards the richest Americans and hurt the middle classes.
“You’ll never see a sharper contrast,” between rival protagonists in an election, he argued, claiming Romney would run the United States deeper into debt and cut spending on science, education and infrastructure. Obama, trying to bounce back after a wobbly week, which saw grim data showing unemployment edged up to 8.2
per cent and his misstep when he said the private sector was doing “fine,” took on Romney directly in his second event. “He should be proud of the personal success he achieved as the head of a large financial firm,” Obama said. “But I think he has drawn the wrong lessons from these experiences. He seems to believe that if CEOs and wealthy investors like him are doing well, the rest of us automatically do well.” Republicans however succinctly laid out the case against the president’s appeal for a second White House term. “The top line facts are well known to everybody, unemployment is at 8.2 per cent, there are 23-ish million Americans unemployed or underemployed,” said Kevin Hassett, Director of Economic Policy Studies at American Enterprise Institute on a Republican Party conference call. “About 50 per cent of recent graduates can’t find a job or have had to accept a job that’s far below what they are qualified for. “New business start-ups are at a 30-year low and so on.”
Falklands to hold referendum on political status in 2013 THE FALKLAND ISLANDS will hold a referendum on its political status in 2013 in a bid to end the bitter territorial dispute between Britain and Argentina, the archipelago’s government said Tuesday. Gavin Short, chairman of the Falklands’ legislative assembly, said the residents of Villa Suksan is a q uie
t seclude
arn 2 Nai H e s a h P now Selling
the British overseas territory had no wish to be ruled by Buenos Aires, which views the islands as occupied Argentine territory. “We have decided, with the full support of the British government, to hold a referendum on the Falkland Islands to eliminate any possible doubt
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about our wishes,” said Short, adding the vote would be held in the first half of 2013. “I have no doubt that the people of the Falklands wish for the islands to remain a selfgoverning Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom,” he said. “We certainly have no desire to be ruled by the govern-
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ment in Buenos Aires, a fact that is immediately obvious to anyone who has visited the Islands and heard our views.” The announcement comes as both Britain and Argentina commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 74-day war they fought over the islands in the South Atlantic, costing the lives of 649 Argentine and 255 British troops. British forces reclaimed control of the Falklands in June 1982 following an Argentine invasion after then prime minister Margaret Thatcher sent a naval task force. On Tuesday Prime Minister
David Cameron welcomed the announcement of the referendum, saying it should be “up to the Falkland Islanders themselves to choose whether they want to be British”. “Thirty years ago they made clear that they wanted to stay British. That’s why British forces bravely liberated the island from Argentine invaders,” he said. “Now the Argentine government wants to put that choice in doubt again, by shouting down the islanders’ ability to speak for themselves and punishing them for exercising their own free choice.”
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Do you know this child?
Police seek help, photos released of lost ‘forest boy’ BER LI N POLICE ON Tuesday released a photograph of the mysterious “forest boy” who turned to authorities nine months ago saying he lived in a wood for five years and did not know who he was. Police in the Ger man capital sent a picture of the smiling blond boy wearing a t-shirt and a gold necklace to news outlets asking for help in getting to the bottom of a story that captured the world’s imagination last year. “Despite the extensive studies and investigations, the youth office and the Berlin police were still not successful in identifying the boy who calls himself ‘Ray’,” the police statement, which was published in German and English, said. “Who knows the person shown in this picture? Who can give any information about his identity? Who can give any information about the person’s possible relatives?” Giving his name only as “Ray” and his date of birth as June 20, 1994, the teenager sought help on September 5 at Berlin’s City Hall speaking English and just a few words of German. “He claimed he only knew his date of birth and his first name. He was sent to youth emergency services,” police said. “There he told an adventurous story.” The boy was unable to give his family name, birthplace or any other biographical information but said he had spent the last five years living in a forest with his father until he died suddenly in August.
THE PHUKET NEWS
LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 13
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
OPINION
Editor’s Viewpoint
Norachai’s World
Is Phuket special? his week Thai tycoon Dr Boon Wanasin stated his case and desire for Phuket to become a Special Economic Zone, which would in effect give the island complete autonomy over many decisions. Phuket could thus theoretically bypass Bangkok, approve its own projects and set its own budgets and deadlinesto complete them in. Phuket could be responsible for Phuket. Case in point is the Patong tunnel. Dr Boon believes that although the government and more specifically the Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EAT) had expressed interest in getting the project off (or under) the ground, this ascribed responsibility may affect how fast it can be completed. His argument is that if private investors were allowed to liaise directly with Phuket authorities, who know the specific needs and requirements of the island, then a lot more could be done, a lot quicker. Loss of understanding, and moreover dividing of monies would thus be minimised from
T
And while you’re at it, make that a Special No-dognapping Zone, too…
Letters to the editor Unlucky locals [Re. For Koh Maphrao, light at the end of a long tunnel] It’s the same old story: build it first, then a massive sales campaign. Free this, free that, pull in the suckers, rake the cream off the top, pay everyone a bonus and worry about the problems later. Then go into liquidation, put your hand up and ask for government assistance. This is directed at the resorts and the hi-so’s, not the poor unfortunate locals of long standing who possibly had no say in the matter of development. It’s either that or they sold out to the developers without realising the long term consequences of their actions. The developers may have been led up the garden path by corrupt officials, but my gut feeling is that it was eyes wide open all the way, ruled by the almighty dollars. For me, I hope the island and Racha as well would sink below the waves and re-emerge as their former pristine selves of 20-plus years ago, but I know this is just a dream. Interested Observer
It’s about love and respect [Re. Shaming the trading of Phuket dog meat] Many animals face cruel deaths at the hands of humans. Cows, pigs, chickens rot in cages where they cannot move, for example, even in “civilised” countries where dogs are not eaten (to the extent they are here in Thailand), human beings are put in prisons and raped, and the list of inhumanity towards other people and animals is universal, only different sets of cruelty in different disguises. Until humans truly learn to care about the weaker and not prize and trumpet the strong as “winners” and the weak as “losers” then will the plight of animals or other people be as important as going shopping or having the right clothing or climbing up the ladder of success? It might sound like aspiring to have more goods or power has nothing to do with eating dogs in Thailand, but it’s connected. People are more concerned with money and
power than with treating animals or each other with love or respect (if they see the other as weak and powerless). mej313
More than meets the eye? [Re. Work on illegal restaurant stopped] Busted nine possibly innocent workers trying to earn a crust instead of nailing the real perpetrators. Doesn’t look to me that it just went up overnight. Check for greasy palms at the OrBorTor. Dave
Cheap kills [Re. Phuket woman shot dead in suspected British love hit] B80,000 divided by three equals B26,666. That’s £533 each to murder someone. Crazy. Life is cheap for these scumbags. nickswan
Toughen up please [Re. Beach closure rumours denied] It is not unusual for seaside tourism locations to close the beaches. This may be for one of many reasons but all are importantly employed in order to protect and educate those who may not be aware of their impending peril. “No you cannot” is more important than being too scared to say no in case someone doesn’t like it. You are in charge? Take the responsibility! Up to you... Toolbox
Use your head [Re. Rescues at wild Kata Beach] People don’t read signs! However many warnings from airline staff, hotel staff, locals, tourists, lifeguards, let alone the huge waves that are a warning in themselves, people will still go in the water. Maybe we need the army down on the beach with machine guns... Bon Island, Phuket
Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.
omitting the 1,360-km round trip between Bangkok and Phuket. But would having a complete free range to handle Phuket’s affairs be good for Thailand as a whole? Would Phuket become selfish and attempt to safeguard its tourists or even steal them from neighbouring provinces? Would it even be good for Phuket and its inhabitants? Some argue that having a central government that approves all decisions is an archaic infringement on liber ty and the political and bureaucratic logistics of doing it are counterproductive and unhelpful. Others argue that from a purely business sense it is good for those not emotionally involved with a subject to make the final ‘altruistic’ decision, as this is not clouded by bias judgement or a motivation that would benefit solely the market/area that he represents. This only works however if you can trust he or she who has been given the power to make the decisions, regardless of where they call home.
This week in history ■■ June 15, 1667 – The first human blood transfusion is administered by Dr. JeanBaptiste Denys. ■■ June 16, 1779 – Spain declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain, and the Great Siege of Gibraltar begins. ■■ June 17, 1885 – The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbour from France. ■■ June 18, 1858 – Charles Darwin receives a paper from Alfred Russel Wallace that includes nearly identical conclusions about evolution as Darwin’s own, prompting Darwin to publish his theory. ■■ June 19, 1961 – Kuwait declares independence from the United Kingdom. ■■ June 20, 1963 – The so-called ‘red telephone’ is established between the Soviet Union and the United States following the Cuban Missile Crisis. ■■ June 21, 1919 – Admiral Ludwig von Reuter scuttles the German fleet in Scapa Flow, Orkney. The nine sailors killed are the last casualties of World War I.
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14 BUSINESS/LEGAL
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUSINESS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Avista Group goes upmarket Thai hotel company announces third property will be four-star resort > 16
Alasdair Forbes execeditor@thephuketnews.com
Calculating the fees when registering a condo unit Weeraya Imchai Associate Partner Duensing Kippen
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n our last article (May 11) we analysed the Land Office’s appraised value of general buildings and structures. This article will examine the appraised value of condominium units, which is of importance for the calculation of fees and taxes when ownership of a unit is transferred. As with land or other general buildings and structures, ownership of a condominium unit is officially transferred through registration at the Land Office. The fees and taxes payable on registration of ownership are the transfer fee, income tax (payable as withholding tax) and stamp duty or specific business tax/local development tax. You will recall from my previous article that the specific business tax applies to commercial sales of a unit. This includes a unit that has been owned by the seller for less than five years. More than five years, and stamp duty (considerably
less expensive) applies. The transfer fee and income tax to be paid to the authorities upon transfer are calculated based on the Land Office’s appraised value of the condominium unit. The stamp duty or specific business tax are calculated based on the Land Office’s appraised value of the condominium unit, or the sale price of the unit, whichever is higher. The appraised value of a condominium unit is set periodically by a Valuation Committee. The criteria taken into account by this committee can be summarized as follows: • Sale and purchase price, terms and conditions of the sale and purchase agreement or rental amount of unit(s) in each floor of that particular condominium and of other identical or similar-style condominiums nearby; • Quantity and quality of the common property of the condominium; • Facilities and services provided in the condominium; • Quality of the materials and built-in decorations of the unit; YOUR RIGHTS ARE PRECIOUS • Timely, Professional and Quality Legal Service • Transparent & Task Based Billing
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• Purpose of use of the unit (commercial, residential or office space, for example); • Style of the unit and its location in that particular condominium; • Common property management system of the condominium; and • The market price of the land on which the condominium is located, along with construction costs when the condominium was first registered. After the committee has gathered this information, it then sets the official appraised value of a condominium unit by comparing it with the market price of an identical or similarstyle condominium unit nearby, or by comparing it with the rental amount of an identical or similar unit nearby. If neither of these methods is feasible (for example, if there is no other condominium nearby) then the construction costs and the depreciation of the unit are used to calculate the official appraised value. Usually the appraised value is designated floor by floor, though it may be unit by unit. Note that if the condominium comprises several buildings, the appraised value of the floors and units in each of the buildings may well be different. In general, the appraised value of each condominium must be re-evaluated by the Valuation Committee every four years. Naturally, the higher the appraised value is, the more expensive the fee applicable when registering ownership of the condominium unit at the authorised Land Office will be.
Here is the calculation for the residential condominium in Phuket that currently has the highest appraised value, of B91,000 per square metre. The registration fee payable upon registration of ownership of a 200-square-metre unit would be B91,000 x 200 = B18.2 million x 2 per cent, or B364,000. If the unit has been owned for not more than five years by the seller, it will be subject to specific business tax, at a rate of 3.3 per cent of the appraised value or the actual sales price, whichever is higher. In the case of the example above, this would be B18.2 million x 3.3 per cent, or B600,600. Stamp duty would apply if it has been owned for more than five years by the seller. In this case it would be B18.2 million x 0.5 per cent, or B91,000. The income tax applicable depends on individual cases, as it is based on certain deductions, the calculation of which is done through a specific formula created by the legislature which takes into account how long the property has been owned and the progressive tax rates up to 37 per cent of the profit made by the seller calculated from the difference between the appraised value at the time of purchase and the time of sale. Duensing Kippen is a multiservice boutique law firm specializing in real estate and corporate/commercial transactional matters as well as arbitration proceedings. It is the only such firm in Thailand that also compliments its transactional expertise with a core tax law practice. Duensing Kippen can be reached at: phuket@duensingkippen. com or for more information visit duensingkippen.com
Confidence dips after 6-mth rise MCOT
THAILAND’S CONSUMER Confidence Index in May dipped for the first time in the six months, according to the latest monthly survey by the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC). Centre Director Thanawat Ponwichai noted that the overall consumer confidence index remains below 100, which he attributed to concerns over political instability after the chaos which disrupted last week’s deliberation of reconciliation bills in the lower house of Parliament and protests outside the Parliament building. The subsidiary index of opinions on the political situation in May fell to 66.3, the lowest in the past 11 months, while the index of prospects
for the political situation in the next three months dropped to 76.6, the lowest in 12 months. Other worries, Dr Thanawat said, are the debt crisis in the Eurozone and its possible knock-on effects in Thailand, as well as the high cost of living. The US has been also impacted by the Eurozone crisis, the director noted. However, he said that depreciation of Thai baht may help support Thai exports, and suggested that the government should focus on key Asian markets such as China and the ASEAN countries. Meanwhile, Thai tourism, projected to generate income of B650 billion this year, will help boost the economy. The Centre forecast that public consumption is likely to remain sluggish in the second quarter. but is likely to recover in the third quarter, he said
Govt scales down N-power plans NNT
THE NATIONAL ENERGY Policy Council (NEPC) has scaled down plans for nuclear power plants.
Plans for the generation of electricity from nuclear power plants has been scaled down from 10 per cent to 5 per cent of all energy production. Energy Minister Arak Chonlatanon said, after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, that construction of the first planned nuclear power plant has also been postponed for three years, from 2023 to 2026. Before the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan, in March last year, Thailand had planned to build nuclear power plants in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Surat Thani, Trat, Nakhon Sawan and Ubon Ratchathani.
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUSINESS/ECONOMICS 15
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
IN BRIEF Graft not a worry for most Thais: poll Almost two thirds of Thais don’t care if there is corruption in government – as long as they derive some sort of benefit themselves, according to the latest poll by the Assumption Business Administration College (Abac). The latest poll records very similar results to previous Abac polls on corruption. In January last year 64 per cent were basically unconcerned about government corruption. In November last year the percentage rose to 64.6, in January this year it was 64.7 per cent, and in the latest poll, just published, it dropped marginally, to 63.4.
EU crisis ‘could hit Thai exports’ The Director of the International Trade Centre (ITC) of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Att Pisarnvanich, says that the ITC has estimated that the continuing economic problems in the European Union could cause Thailand to miss its 2012 export growth target of 15 per cent. The ITC says Thailand might be able to find new markets to make up for lost trade in Europe and eventually push export growth to 10-12 per cent. If it doesn’t he said, Thai exports could grow between 8 and 9 per cent only.
Rolls-Royce eyes plant in Thailand The Permanent Secretary for Industry, Witoon Simachokedee, said this week that British aero engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce is interested in making Thailand its manufacturing base for the Asean region. He added that the company might also invest in Thailand’s energy business – a division of Rolls-Royce makes oil and gas turbines for power generation.
Thailand ‘most popular’ - survey The 2011 HSBC Expat Explorer Survey puts Thailand at the top of its global list for expatriates with no children. The survey rated quality of life in Thailand as much higher than other countries, with the quality of the healthcare system and relatively low cost of treatment scoring high points. Thailand was also ahead of competitors on the cost of accommodation and working conditions.
FREE THE ISLAND Tycoon in plea for SEZ status for Phuket Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com
T
hai tycoon Dr Boon Wanasin has made an eloquent plea for Phuket to be declared a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to free it from the dead hand of central government dithering. Dr Boon, who is CEO of the Ratchthani Group and also President of a Consultants’ Board of Thonburi Hospital Group, which runs Phuket’s OrBorJor Hospital, was in Phuket with a group of Chinese investors on Saturday (June 9) to look at the island’s potential for investment. The group of Chinese are from the Nanjing-based United Forces Group (UFG), ranked number eight among institutional investors in China. Dr Boon said that they had expressed interest in the Patong Tunnel project. However, he noted that with its high budget of B6 billion, it might take 15 to 20 years for investors to realise a profit from the project, “which is something the company have to think about carefully”. The Governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EAT), Aiyanat Tinapai – which the government has given the responsibility of getting the project going – announced on Friday (June 8) that the EAT might raise loans itself for the project, backed by government guarantees. However, Mr Boon expressed doubts about the abil-
Dr Boon Wanasin: Autonomy would free Phuket from the ‘tedious process’ of getting government approvals. ity of the Thai government to repay the loans, should EAT be unable to do so. “The government is already carrying a high level of debt. There is little possibility that it will help Phuket pay [for the project and improvement of infrastructure],” said Mr Boon. Offering the ICEC as an example, he pointed out that the government had approved construction at a cost of B2.6 billion, but that no budget had been set aside for this. “The way to realise proj-
ects is either through joint ventures with international companies, or by declaring Phuket an SEZ so that local authorities can collect Phuket’s income and tax and use them to develop the island’s infrastructure.” For example, he said, if Phuket were an SEZ it might lease to an investor the 1,000 rai of land in Mai Khao earmarked for the ICEC. Phuket authorities could then use that money to fund infrastructure projects such as the light rail project.
Phuket would also be able to set its own regulations and bylaws, and would have a governor elected by the islanders. This autonomy would free Phuket from the “tedious process” of getting government approval for big-ticket infrastructure projects, which has been holding back development of the island’s infrastructure, Mr Boon said. “If we want Phuket to develop, we have to think out of the box,” said Mr Boon. “Phuket can realise its potential efficiently if it is allowed to
depend on itself.” The Chinese, led by the Chairman of UFG, Zhai Shao Jun, also visited other major tourist hubs in Thailand including Pattaya, Hua Hin and Surat Thani to look for projects they might put money into. “Today, China is one of the world’s biggest investors with more than US$3 trillion (B90 trillion) in funds that are ready to be spent,” said Dr Boon. “If this company invests in a big project in Thailand, they will encourage other Chinese to follow.”
1997 ‘crisis architect’ Saxena gets 10 years Agence France-Presse
A SAGA SPANNING 17 years came to an end on Friday (June 8) when a Thai court sentenced former Indian financier Rakesh Saxena to 10 years in prison for his part in a fraud case that helped trigger the 1997 Asian crisis.
Saxena was accused of embezzling B1.7 billion baht from the Bangkok Bank of Com merce (BBC) while working as an adviser in the mid-1990s. In addition to the jail term, the Criminal Court in Bangkok ordered Saxena to pay a fine of B1 million and return
more than B1.1 billion baht of misappropriated funds, a court official said. If Saxena – who arrived at court in a wheelchair – cannot pay the fine, his prison sentence will be increased
by up to two years, the official said. The BBC collapsed in 1995 and Saxena fled to Vancouver. He lost a 13-year fight against extradition and was deported to Thailand in 2009.
The failure of the bank contributed to the turmoil that led to the devaluation of the Thai baht and subsequently the 1997 “Tom Yam Gung” financial crisis that affected most of East Asia.
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16 BUSINESS/PROPERTY
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Avista Group moves up a notch with new resort
T
he new high-end Avista Hideaway Resort, owned and run by Thai group Avista Hospitality and Investments, is scheduled to open in November. The company already owns and runs the three-star Patong Beach Lodge and the Avista Resort and Spa on Kata Beach. The new 143-room hotel is currently nearing completion on a hillside overlooking Tritrang Beach, at the south end of Patong Beach, close to the Merlin Beach Resort, and with views both to the north over Patong and to the south over Freedom Beach. The company promises a private beach club, three
CGI image of a Jacuzzi Suite at the new Avista resort. themed swimming pools, butler service and “cutting edge” technology, a family games room and “special touches like Sleep Therapy offered by our experts for stressed executives
and new parents”. Avista Hospitality’s Group Chief Executive Officer Ramesh Khendry, explained, “The underlying theme [for guests is] a getaway from their fast-paced lives, a feeling of space and tranquility where they can connect again and recharge while every need is taken care of.” The hotel will have six different room types, ranging from the Bueno Vista room, currently offered at B6,600 a night and the Family Vistam which sleeps four at B7,200 a night, to the Tropical Hideaway Pool Suite with private pool and Zen garden, offered at B15,600 a night.
Mission Heights Residence - A Family Place
A
fter successful development of The Sunrise Ocean Villas in Ao Por, the Mission Heights Co., Ltd Managing Director, Khun Montha Thongsong, sees the very convenient location of their new project as the most important point. Phuket International Academy, airport, beach, golf course, marina and shopping centre; everything is within 10 minutes
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Advertorial
distance. In phase 1 of the project, the first 7 villas are specially designed for families. All with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarters, 12 meter long swimming pool and a covered 2 cars parking, all set on 1,100 sqm. Khun Montha and her partner, a German engineer with over 18
years experience in development, use only high quality material for the construction as well as for the finishing to assure the full satisfaction of the future owners. At this stage of construction the future owners can still customise the villas to their wishes, such as choosing the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, lengths or depth of the swimming pool. Affordable high quality family homes that are for living as
well as investment are the best choice for parents, for whom safeness and happiness of their children is the biggest priority. The price for the first 3 villas is only 13.9 million baht. For further details or to arrange a site inspection, please call Khun Montha on 081 343 0777, or email her at: mission_heights@ yahoo.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
ART 17
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
CULTURE
BIG LIST:
Weird ways to put you off your food > 21
Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
Modern soul in old town P huket artists Zen, Jek and Ids came together last Saturday (June 9) to showcase their unique, zany and at-times literally off the wall art pieces in a combined exhibition at the Drawing Room in Phuket Town. The opening night of the exhibition ‘IdZenJek 1st’ – named after the three artists – attracted many art lovers and contributors to the emerging Old Town art scene. Quietly spoken Zen’s surreal paintings usually hang in his ‘Wua Studio’ on Phang Nga Rd. Having painted for more than 15 years, he describes his normal working process as functional and even practical, “I like painting. That’s the easy answer as to why I paint.” Jek is also from Phuket, and although many of his pieces were hanging on the walls, he considers himself much more of a sculptor, “I like doing that much more with Clockwise from above: Zen, Jek, all different types of material; mingling art enthusiasts, Ids and cement, steel and wood are his sleeping character Peepho. my favourites.” He adds, “I paint to make do many crazy things with the His paintings, however, people happy and also con- paints, first I put the canvas on are also very impressive and rather odd, Jek explains with fused, I want people to have the floor and dash paint, and a smile that this in fact was all manner of emotions when then hang it up for the more intricate designs...” his intention, “What I want they look at it.” Jek creates his huge, The final artist Ids’ glorito show is fun. I paint when I am happy. So I paint to be unique images in rather an ous work was featured promihappy.” unorthodox method, “I like to nently around the two-floor
GERRY’S
editor@thephuketnews.com
PHUKET GALLERIES Designed by Woulfe Studio
Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo.4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, 076 620 071, designedbywoulfe.com.
Drawing Room
56 Phang Nga Road, Talad Yai, Muang, Phuket Town, 086 899 4888
I Mon Art Gallery
29/2 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 086 961 8968, montian_29@live.com. Open daily 8am-7.30pm.
Nakonnai Art Museum
84/34 Moo7, Soi Saiyuan 2, Rawai. 085 974 7218, nakonnaiartmuseum@yahoo.com.
P. Fire Studio
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 085 591 1587, virat-uttakut@hotmail.co.th. Open daily.
Red Gallery
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 087 323 321, redgallerythai@yahoo.com; phuketredgallery.com. Open daily.
Sarasil Art Galllery
121 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 532, somkiatkaewnok@yahoo.com; oilpaintingsphuket.com. Open daily 8pm-9pm.
Tawan Ook Art Gallery
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 081 956 5872. Open daily.
The Love Art Studio
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 089 471 5653, pui.t.l.a.s.@hotmail.com; theloveartstudio.com. Open daily.
Veerachan Usahanun
110/34 Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach Rd, 081 490 4359, usahanun@live.com; veerachanusahanun.com.Open daily.
Vichen Gallery Bzenter
Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722. Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)
exhibition. The eye-catching doodles are sketched in bold, black marker yet contain a dizzying amount of detail. IdZenJek 1st runs until June 30 at the Drawing Room on Phang Nga Road in Phuket Town, 086 899 4888.
VR Gallery & Coffee Shop
Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.
Watcharin Art Studio
27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town, 088 386 1449, watcharintinorodnit@hotmail.com, rindamagicalart.com.
Wua Gallery and Studio
1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 258 208, wua.artgallery@gmail.com; wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.
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THIS WEEK’S HINT: “For visitors and locals alike there is nothing more uplifting than wandering the aisles of this produce market which are crammed with fresh fruit and vegetables as well as meats and fish. “Located behind one of the major shopping centres on the west coast of the island, it is open daily, and staffed with local vendors who cheerfully chat amongst themselves and are only too happy to serve the farang wishing to purchase produce that is generally fresher and cheaper than that sold in the large chain stores.” –Gerry Cummings
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Congratulations go to Darryl Siu, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of one of the pillars at the large Welcome to Patong signage on Patong Hill, between Patong and Kathu. These pillars are about 300 metres up the hill from the Patong Go-Kart and Shooting Range on the Kathu side.
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18 PEOPLE
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Q&A with the SA Ambassador Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
it promotes my country and our products.
S
What concerns do you see as affecting the SA citizens currently residing in Phuket? Well, often than not the Em� bassy would receive cases of petty crime against our na� tionals but it’s not something which happens regularly. Sometimes it would be the loss of travel documents thus making it difficult for them to travel.
outh African Ambas� sador to Thailand, Robina Marks was in Phuket recently to promote the cuisine, the wine and relations between South Africa and Thailand. The Phuket News met up with the Ambassador to welcome her to the island and enjoy a chat over a lovely glass of Chablis. How long have you been the South African Ambassador to Thailand? In October 2011, I accepted an invitation to become a diplomat and the President, on the advice of the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, appointed me as the Ambassador to Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos as well as Permanent Observer to the UNESCAP. I took up my appointment in Bangkok on 23 March 2012, making it almost three months. What was the purpose of your visit to Phuket? I came to attend the South African Food and Wine fes� tival held at the Boathouse hotel & Re Ka Ta restaurant in Phuket.This was a joint venture between Emperor’s Palace Casino & Resort Com� plex in Johannesburg, the Boathouse & Re Ka Ta, the SA Embassy and the SA/Thai Chamber of Commerce. To me this is good because
How would you describe the relationship between South Africa and Thailand? Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Thailand in 1993, relations between the two countries have been growing. There is sense of renewed vigor to take our relations to new heights. Over the years, there has been an exchange of high level visits between the two countries. Safe to say our bilateral relations are very cordial, characterised by mutual respect, appreciation of ������������������������� each other’s������������� unique char� acter and cultural diversities. This is not to say there are no challenges. I am particularly con� cerned by the fact that there is huge lopsided trade deficit in favour of Thailand. This is despite the fact that South Africa is the economic power� house of Africa, and leads the continent in industrial output
We seek partnerships that ensure skills development, innovation, capital invest� ments and technology transfer. Key products exported from Thailand to South Africa are motor cars and parts, rice, telephone sets, computers, and canned fish. Meanwhile major exports from South Africa to Thailand are acyclic hydro� carbons, aluminum, chemical wood pulp, auto parts. Also, our wines have been recognised for their quality and are gaining more of a market share in Thailand. At present, there are 20 Thai companies who represent South African wines. What are the main requests for information you receive? We are often asked whether or not the Thais require a visa to travel to South Africa. Of course we tell them that the Thais, same as South Africans traveling to Thailand, do not require a visa as long as it’s less than 30 days.
South African Ambassador to Thailand, Robina Marks. and mineral production and also generates a large propor� tion of Africa’s electricity. South Africa has abun� dant natural resources, welldeveloped financial, legal, communications, energy and
transport sectors and a mod� ern infrastructure supporting efficient distribution of goods throughout the Southern Af� rican region. Quite frankly, there are plenty of investment opportunities in SA.
Therefore what we need is for Thailand to invest in South Africa. The kind of invest� ment which the country seeks is that which encourages job creation and helps the country to improve the quality of life.
How many SA citizens are currently living in Thailand? The official number is about 67 SA Citizens, due to the fact that registration is voluntary. The reality is that we may have more SA Citizens than we know. For an example, during our Freedom Day celebration we hosted about 400 guests, almost half of the number were South Africans.
Pinky Jatikavanich
10
Questions
I
f you refer to the cafe on the corner of Ras� sada road as ‘Pinky’s’ instead of the actual name of the Gallery Cafe, then you probably already know who Pinky Jatikavanich is. How long have you lived on the island? Six years. After I got my master’s degree in market� ing, and my diploma from Le Cordon Bleu in the UK, I decided to come back to Thailand. Phuket was the first place that I thought of as a good place to live and start my own business. What is the best thing about living in Phuket? It’s a small town and very easy to go from place to place, with many great restaurants and beaches. For the perfect date, Pinky would start by taking you for morning coffee at her café.
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What do you do to relax
Owner, Gallery Cafe when not working? I love hot yoga and reading books on the beach if time allows. I like surfing as well. It’s my new sport. As a chef and restaurateur, what’s your favourite food? I eat everything but my fa� vourite dishes are from Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Running a restaurant must be stressful, what has been your worst day at work? The road my café is located on has odd and even days for parking on either side. On a day when you could not park on this side of the road, I parked in front of the café as usual to unload groceries, and got my tire locked with a clamp within 10 minutes. The person you admire the most and why?
My friend Oscar, who always gives me reality checks. If you could change one thing about Phuket, what would it be? Public taxis could be more reasonably priced. Where in Phuket would you take someone on a first date? Morning coffee at my café probably, then Sala Phuket for a meal and then definitely drinks at Saneha. Favourite place on the island to escape from it all? Kata Noi beach because it’s small and quiet. Your perfect night out? I’d like to start my evening having dinner with close friends at one of my favou� rite restaurants, and then drinks and dancing, but it all depends...
THE PHUKET NEWS
HEALTH 19
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
IN BRIEF Thai hospitals refuse cancer treatment Forty-seven women from Ayutthaya were denied cervical cancer treatment at six private hospitals from July-September of last year, prompting health activists to call on the Thai Social Security Office (SSO) to improve its health care services. Three of the wouldbe-patients had first stage cervical cancer and another 44 were detected as being at the pre-cancer stage. Despite all of the women visiting one of Thailand’s leading laboratories to get tested, the private hospitals refused treatment unless they paid and were tested on the premises.
Antibiotics, more harm than good Frequent antibiotic users are developing resistantmicrobes infections that are causing up to 30,000 deaths in Thailand per year. Overuse of the dr ug can build up immunity to its effects, making it much more difficult to fight the illness and prolonging the need for treatment. This is causing over one million ‘avoidable’ days in Thai hospitals at an estimated B10 billion each year.
Porn star promotes safe sex Legendary porn star from the 1980s Ron Jeremy has become PETA’s latest and rather unusual spokesperson to spread the message that ‘too much sex is a bad thing.’ However, he was not talking about his own line of work – of which he has made over 1,900 films – but regarding the need to spay and neuter cats and dogs.
Warming up to exercise LOSE FAT WITH PAT!
Patrick du Preez editor3@thephuketnews.com
O
ver the course of the next few months I will touch on several aspects of lifelong fitness and how to improve your fitness level through strength training, endurance, stretching, nutrition, cardio workouts and group exercise. No matter what your age is, it’s never too late to start exercising. Regular exercise will actually slow down the ageing process. You will note that folk that work out regularly and watch their diet are in far better shape, stronger, healthier, fitter and often have a far more youthful appearance. It’s not really your age that you have to be concerned about; it’s your attitude. As we grow older, the ability to burn calories becomes less, our joints and muscles feel weaker and our hearts pump fewer beats per minute. Inactivity makes us more prone to the effects of ageing and such illnesses as heart disease, diabetes, fatigue, weight gain, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis and even memory loss. Exercise on the other hand can help us maintain and improve our strength, stamina and overall health. It may even prolong your youthfulness and reverse the ageing process. Starting out It’s always advisable to consult your doctor for a medical check-up if you have not been
No matter what your age, it’s never too late to exercise. very active lately. It’s further recommended to set realistic goals. You will not lose weight overnight if you do not follow proper eating habits and follow an exercise routine. The basic secret of weight loss is to gradually increase aerobic exercise while reducing saturated fats and complex carbohydrates. Set yourself a goal to start out doing moderate exercises three alternative days a week for about 30 minutes. You don’t have to join a gym immediately. You can start off by going for a brisk walk or a slow jog or you may prefer swimming a few lengths of a pool. It takes patience, persistence and discipline to increase your lean muscle tissue and to burn those unwanted calories.
instructors can show you how different exercises are correctly performed. They can further assist you with a beginners programme and put you on the right track. Most commercial gyms have a variety of weight resistance machines, dumbbells, barbells and cardio machines which should include treadmills, cross trainers, steppers, rowers, upright or recumbent bikes. In addition, the fitness centre should ideally offer group classes and certain gyms will also offer Spin Bike Classes. Training in a proper equipped
Photo: LocalFitness.com.au fitness centre does inspire one, and group classes are great to keep you motivated. Phuket has a wide variety of gyms and fitness centres – visit a few and see what they offer, many will usually give you a free trial workout. Cardiovascular conditioning Aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or group exercises can increase your life expectancy. Not only will this improve and exercise the most important muscle in your body – your heart – but it will certainly improve your general fitness
level and help burn those unwanted calories. The more blood your heart can pump with each beat, the less often your heart has to beat throughout the day. The less often it has to beat, the lower your blood pressure drops, reducing your risk of strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney failure in the future. Over the coming months, I will be helping you stay motivated. So, let’s get started: Firstly, set a goal and write it down, including the date for it to be achieved by. Join a motivational group or get a working out buddy or friend. In the months to come I will be looking at more detailed programs for fitness and weight training. I will also cover different types of Group Classes and expand on basic nutrition, vitamins and minerals. Patrick du Preez is the Managing Director of Club Asia Fitness, Royal Phuket City Hotel, Phuket Town; clubasiaphuket.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.
Weight resistance training W hen working out with weights it’s advisable to join a gym or fitness centre for a number of reasons. Firstly the
Euro 2012 make Thais tired The Euro 2012 football championships have kicked off and it’s every bit as exciting and thrilling as ever. Even the most lacklustre of footy fans turn die hard when these types of tournaments starts. But the match start times (all at thephuketnews.com) – 11pm and 1.45am – are likely to have adverse health implications for the Thai resident, due to inadequate sleep or sleep loss, which can affect the immune system and increase chances of being sick.
thephuketnews.com
20 ENVIRONMENT
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Planning for the worst A reader’s response to June 1 article ‘Is Phuket Courting Disaster?’ Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
The environmental question posed in June 1’s edition of The Phuket News was “Is Phuket Courting Disaster? Andrew Durieux – founder and director of Bangkokbased Coverage: a company specialising in Business Continuity Planning, and a regular consultant to the UN, WHO and International Federation of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Societies – contacted us to give his considered answer:
A
s a provider of Business Continuity Planning (BCP) services for almost 20 years, across a wide range of industries, and on four continents, I agree with some of the material reported on. I would like to highlight some matters of interest to your readers however to clarify some of the effect (if not the intention) of the report. Firstly, BCP, or BCM (Business Continuity Management), is something that all managers of any operation, be they government, NGO or
If Phuket sees another disaster, how will Phuket business owners keep its customers? private business, should have in place to protect them from the unexpected. Anyone can plan for things that are expected – that’s basic business as usual. It’s the things you don’t expect that really hurt. I constantly deal with clients that ask me for a plan for last year’s event. While this is admirable and reasonable, the same event has not occurred twice in a row, so why
would you plan only for last year’s event?No government departments and business operators that I know of correctly predicted SARS, the 2004 Tsunami, H1N1, military coup, airport closure, H5N1, Ratchaprasong protests, the floods. Yet many were affected either directly or indirectly. Second, many people think that insurance or financial protection is sufficient to
Pet
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allow recovery. This is not the case as highlighted by the floods last year in Central Thailand, and there are many cases where insurance cover is either denied or just not applicable. Business reputation is one to be highlighted here, and flood insurance, even with sound defences, is now very difficult to find in Thailand, Third, the article highlighted that the BCM presented was marketing his own services, and did this in a way that seemed mocking. BCM is a relatively new profession and skill. There are currently very few qualified practitioners in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Qualifications are normally provided by the Business Continuity Institute in the UK (www.thebci.org) or an equivalent in the US. There are no university degrees in Thailand that teach the subject. I should note that I do not know the presenter in any way, so cannot vouch for his experience or qualifications. Fourth, the attendees at the event were also looking for some suggestions or recommendations, and it seems there were healthy discussions on the area of government preparations, regulations and improvements. This is the key area I believe. Any government will have limited resources (including funding) to cover all possible disaster events, and they must prioritise for the most likely events and then to protect the most number of people and critical services. Countries like Thailand have slowly built up resilience in these areas through economic improvements, safety standards and harsh experience. There is now a basic tsunami warning system for example that was not even considered prior to 2005. However, there is still
much to be done. The government also cannot micro-manage all locations under their protection, so regulations are made, and individuals and business operators are required to undertake some activities by themselves. Bangkok buildings for example are required to have fire evacuation drills, and all new buildings are required to have sprinkler systems built in. The government cannot save all drowning people within one minute, so swimming skills are a personal responsibility. Business operators want to maximise their profits, so they will always ask others to perform tasks which cost money or time, if this is at all possible. If factory owners can get the government to build dykes in central Thailand, they will not need to build them using their own money. If the government does not supply the dykes the business manager will either decide to relocate or build their own dykes. Both the government and business operators need advice on risks and on how to minimize the occurrence of these risks, as well as minimize losses should the risks occur. This is where the environmental and other experts are appreciated. If we know that a part of Thailand is prone to floods, or tsunamis, or earthquakes, then the government and business can plan for this. If we know how fires spread we can make appropriate and safe evacuation plans. A key message of seminars such as the one on May 23 must be that it is almost certain that a large scale disaster will strike Thailand again soon and unlikely that anyone will accurately predict the exact time, location or process of the disaster. This means that neither the experts or the government can advise or protect all business or individuals under their care. Indeed no government in the world can do this at any time. This leaves the government and business owners/managers with a dilemma – they know there will be a disaster, but they cannot plan for it. A complicating factor in Thailand is that the cultural system discourages individuals in all groups from openly expressing concerns for future bad events, believing that voicing such a concern will mean accepting the blame for such an event actually occurring at some future time. Experts can provide advice, but it is often ignored by both
the government and private businessmen. Witness the warnings of the tsunami a number of years before 2005 and subsequent sacking of a prominent individual expert. So now to the advice. 1. All business operators should have in place at least a generic Business Continuity Plan (BCP) or system at all times 2. All business operators should support government initiatives towards risk reduction and governments must develop appropriate regulations based on sound advice from experts, and then enforce these regulations without corruption or favour for the benefit of all. 3. For business operators, identification of key assets and process need to be understood at all times. 4. Contingency plans (or Plan B’s) should be at least considered for all these key assets and processes, and these should be understood and practised regularly by multiple employees. 5. Documenting these plans will assist staff in understanding the requirements and ensure they will work when needed, and will identify equipment, training or other things required to make the plans work. 6. Keep contact lists up to date at all times and store numbers for key people (at least your direct boss and any direct staff) in multiple locations and formats. More specific advice will only be relevant based on the specific business operations. A factory with expensive machinery and dangerous chemicals located in a flood zone needs very different advice than a hotel with 500 rooms based on a beach in Phuket whose major customer groups don’t speak English. I believe that seminars such as those provided in Phuket, and however briefly attended and supported by key government officials should be appreciated and the advice followed more often – even if it means employing the speakers who normally provide generic advice openly at such events. A key note in the June 1 report was the concept of responsibility. All government officials and business operators have a responsibility to at least consider plans for major disaster events that may strike at any time – working together to prepare only makes common sense.
DANE’S WORLD
THE PHUKET NEWS
WEIRD NEWS 21 THEENVIRONMENT
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
THE BIG LIST
Dietary Requirements Don’t get too excited about those gigantic cookie glasses just yet – they’re not being made public (probably because the creators want them all to themselves). But perhaps you can try any of the following:
■ Road map to weight loss: If the very thought of exercise has got your appetite stimulated, you could always just try to get yourself a fork with traffic lights or a talking plate that watches what you eat for you. Meet Diet Dinnerware. The way it works is pretty simple: Every 40 to 60 seconds, the red light on the shaft turns green, indicating it’s okay to have a mouthful. Then the light turns red again, leaving you to masticate like a farm animal while waiting patiently for the green light. Repeat until plate is empty/dinner is cold/you’ve stabbed the nearest living thing with your fork in a fit of hunger rage. It makes every meal as relaxing as gridlock traffic! ■ Talking heads: Now for the talking plate, also known as the Smart Plate, which is slightly misleading, because this plate is in fact extremely stupid, hence why it’s on this list. Designed specifically for fans of The Biggest Loser and intensely depressing meals, the plate is programmed to insult the person eating off it. See, the Smart Plate is equipped with a weight sensor, which is connected to small speakers that will berate you with pre-recorded phrases such as “Where’s your willpower?” and “Stop right there! What about excess weight?” whenever the pre-programmed weight limit is reached. While dieting tends to be all about self esteem issues, the Smart Plate is designed to take whatever little crumbs of self-worth you have left, and make you beg for them, because they know you like crumbs. ■ Feeling blue: The colour of food is huge when it comes to our appetites. And according to some colour theorists, blue is the most unappetising colour. Thus the Diet Sunglasses were born, seemingly with the secondary aim of making fat people look like flamboyant aviators as they eat. The really crazy thing is that they might actually work... completely by accident. While there’s no scientific data saying that blue is the least appetising colour, and about a million blue M&Ms that in fact claim the complete opposite, there is data that suggests it’s the most relaxing colour, and scientists think you’re more likely to eat well if you’re relaxed. So basically, you could just listen to Enya while you eat. Or eat nothing but blue M&Ms. ■ I can’t believe it’s not bacon: Flavor Spray is a caloriefree spray-on flavour by ‘gourmet’ chef David Burke that claims to add, say, cheeseburger flavour to your rice crackers without all those cheeseburgery calories. There’s a range of 25 flavours available, so you can go completely crazy: buttery pesto birthday cake, banana split chicken, mango raspberry bubblegum parmesan cheese teriyaki whiskey. And yes, of course, there is a bacon flavour, which we all know makes everything better. Of course, most of us have some common sense, and that means to most of us, bacon-flavoured broccoli isn’t really going to say “bacon” to our taste buds. It’s going to say, “Broccoli smothered in porky chemicals.” ■ Urinary tact: So you’ve tried every weight loss method known to man, outside of diet and exercise (because that’s for suckers). But there’s almost definitely something you haven’t tried yet (we hope): hCG hormone injections. If you follow that path, you’ll discover that hCG hormone is attained from a very specific source: Human urine. Even more specifically, pregnant women’s urine. Author Kevin Trudeau was the guy to take this pee rocket to the moon with his best-selling book, The Weight Loss Cure “They” Don’t Want You to Know About. Now, let’s talk about Kevin. 1) The man is telling you to syringe pee in your body, and 2) He is a convicted felon with a criminal record the length of your arm who has no medical training or proof of his claims whatsoever. Basically, he’s the sort of guy you might buy drugs from. But medicine? Probably not.
with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
A thirst to die for P
eople often talk about having a thirst for life, but a two-year-old boy has taken that to whole new levels. The boy apparently sat up in his coffin and asked for water before laying back down again lifeless, according to a Brazilian news website. Website ORM claimed Kelvin Santos stopped breathing during treatment for pneumonia at a hospital in Belem, northern Brazil. He was declared dead at 7.40pm on Friday (June 8) and his body was handed over to his family in a plastic bag. The child’s family took him home where grieving relatives held a wake throughout
the night, with the boy’s body laid in an open coffin. But an hour before his funeral was due to take place on Saturday the boy apparently sat up in his coffin and said: “Daddy, can I have some water?”. The boy’s father, Antonio Santos, said: “Everybody started to scream, we couldn’t believe our eyes. Then we thought a miracle had taken place and our boy had come back to life. “Then Kelvin just laid back down, the way he was. We couldn’t wake him. He was dead again.” Mr Santos rushed his son back to the Aberlardo Santos hospital in Belem, where the
Source of a zombie uprising? doctors reexamined the boy and confirmed that he had no signs of life. He said: “They assured me that he really was dead and gave me no explanation
for what we had just seen and heard.” The boy’s family decided to delay the funeral for an hour in the hope that he would wake up again, but ended up burying him at 5pm that day in a local cemetery. Convinced that his son was victim of medical malpractice, Mr Santos has now registered a complaint with the police who have launched an investigation He said: “Fifteen minutes after rushing him away for resuscitation, they came and told me he was dead and handed me his body. Perhaps they didn’t examine him properly. Dead people don’t just wake up and talk. I’m determined to find out the truth.”
New goggles serve up see-food diet JAPANESE SCIENTISTS have developed a set of revolutionary new ‘diet goggles’ which trick over-indulgent eaters into scoffing less food. Anyone donning a pair of the glasses will almost certainly have eyes too big for their belly, with the specs being specifically designed to make food appear up to 50 per cent larger than it actually is. And for all those wondering – which is probably all of you – it’s still not clear whether the goggle’s will make your beer
glass look 50 per cent bigger and make you more drunk. The goggles can however fool people eating a savoury snack into thinking they are actually eating a tasty chocolate treat. Researchers at the University of Tokyo say the illusion tricks the brain into thinking they are about to eat super-sized portions, while the wearer’s hand remains normal size. Volunteers wearing the augmented reality device were told to eat biscuits until they felt
Scientists are testing if they also increase penis size. full to test the effectiveness of the goggles. “By changing the size of the food and scaling it up we have shown that participants eat about 10 per cent less over the course of a day,” said Takuji Narumi, an assistant professor
working on the project. “This is because the brain believes visual information rather than the information it receives from the stomach or our other internal sensors.” There are no plans yet to release the product commercially.
Jerusalem plans DNA dog poo database Agence France Presse
TH E J ERUSA LEM municipality is planning to compile a DNA database for dogs in the Holy City in a bid to combat the problem of dog poo by tracing droppings back to the offending pooch. In a statement, the municipality said it would first be collecting saliva samples from dogs in the city before inputting them into a citywide database. “The municipality pilot project calls for establishment of a database of dog DNA to allow us to reduce the soiling of pavements, parks and public spaces,” the statement said. Once the DNA database has been compiled, the city will
The illustration was necessary. conduct testing to see whether the samples can be effectively matched to dog droppings found around the city. Israeli daily newspaper Haaretz said the municipality hoped to get saliva samples from around 70 to 80 per cent of the 11,000 dogs registered in Jerusalem. Once the database is that complete, the programme will begin trying to match droppings to the offending canine, charging each pooch’s owner a fine of 750 shekels (B6,100).
thephuketnews.com
22 TIME OUT BOOK
MUSIC
FILM Prometheus 124 minutes Rating: 15+
Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Guy Pearce, Charlize Theron
The Age of Miracles
Karen Thompson Walker O N A S E E M I N G LY ordinary Saturday in a California suburb, Julia and her family awake to discover, along with the rest of the world, that the rotation of the earth has suddenly begun to slow. Yet as she struggles to navigate an ever-shifting landscape, Julia is also coping with the normal disasters of everyday life – the fissures in her parents’ marriage, the loss of old friends, the hopeful anguish of first love, the bizarre behaviour of her grandfather who spends his days obsessively cataloging his possessions. This is a coming-of-age tale that asks whether it’s worth coming of age at all in a world that might end at any minute.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
THE PHUKET NEWS
Americana
Neil Young and Crazy Horse THE TRACK LISTING FOR Americana may make some fans skeptical at first. But as ‘Oh Susannah’ stumbles to a start with the familiar crackling over driven guitars and thumping drums, it becomes clear that Americana will be a lot more than just a dull, strummy trudge through the key American classics. It’s appropriate that the album includes not only a twangy ‘This Land Is Your Land’ by Woody Guthrie but a surprisingly faithful version of the Silhouettes’ ‘Get a Job’. The album closes out, ironically enough, with ‘God Save The Queen’. It’s a bit of a wacky choice, and the marching beat prevents the song from ever really getting airborne.
Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
“B
ig things have small beginnings,” Michael Fassbender’s character whispers at a pivotal moment in Ridley Scott’s long-awaited return to the realm of sci-fi. But while the Alien universe he created in 1979 is certainly a big thing, Scott’s latest addition, Prometheus, offers no small beginning. Prometheus not only features one of the most cap-
tivating and carefully-paced opening acts in recent memory, it is a masterpiece of cinema aesthetic that raises the bar for sci-fi imagery. At the same time, this is a film that’s going to have very different impacts on people, largely because of the major question that has haunted the project since it was announced – where exactly does it fit within the Alien universe? Set prior to the events of the original Alien, Prometheus provides a few answers that
many fans of the franchise will appreciate, but at the same time raises much larger (and significantly more relatable) questions about the wonders – and horrors – of creation, and humanity’s place in the cosmos. As a result, the actual connections to the Alien universe feel at times tenuous in relation to the central story, and for non-fans, could come across as tacked-on. Conversely, hardcore fans may be slightly frustrated by some of the answers provided – and perhaps more so by the lack of them. All of the major players deliver enjoyable, or at the very least believable, performances. However, it is Noomi Rapace (Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) and Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds, Shame) who offer especially memorable turns.
Fassbender’s David is easily one of the most fascinating (and disturbing) characters of 2012, and Rapace holds nothing back in a number of especially challenging scenes (not to mention an especially brutal one that will undoubtedly haunt the dreams of all who witness it). Some of the other characters are undercooked, but the shortcomings in their development can almost be overlooked given Scott’s eye for set design and scene composition. The important thing to remember that, despite some laboured efforts to try and be one, Prometheus isn’t an Alien movie. Its core idea is different, and it’s a film more interested in exploring science and religion, and where they intersect.
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 phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076-209-000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076-600-555.
SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) I Miss You (T) [13+]: 11:15, 13:40, 16:10, 18:40, 21:10 Madagascar 3 : Europe’s Most Wanted (T) [G]: 13:35, 15:40, 17:45, 19:50, 21:50 Men in Black 3 (E/F) [G]: 14:15, 16:35, 18:50, 21:10 Prometheus (E/3D) [15+]: 12:20, 14:55, 17:30, 20:05 Prometheus (T) [15+]: 13:55, 16:30, 19:05, 21:35 Snow White and the Huntsman (E) [13+]: 12:00, 14:40, 17:20, 20:00 Snow White and the Huntsman (T) [13+]: 11:15, 13:40, 16:20, 19:00, 21:35
SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) American Pie: Reunion (E) [18+]:
13:55
The Avengers (E) [G]:
17:00, 21:35
I Miss You (T) [13+]:
12:00, 14:30, 20:00, 22:25
Men in Black 3 (E) [G]:
11:50, 14:10, 16:30, 18:50, 21:10
Prometheus (E) [15+]: 11:20, 12:20, 14:55, 16:30, 17:30, 19:05, 20:05, 22:35 Snow White and the Huntsman (E) [13+]:
11:40, 14:15, 16:50, 19:25, 22:00
BRAIN TEASERS
1. Which species of bird spends the entire winter in Antarctica? 2. Which TV series starred Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith? 3. Which four cities have twice hosted the summer Olympics? 4. European and American eels are born in or near which sea? 5. The word ‘alibi’ was originally Latin. What did it mean in that language?
SUDOKU
Across
Down
1. Lacking depth, show all in. (7) 4. River honk? Gem recut. (7) 8. Flower surrounds pupil. (4) 9. Take a loan against chess piece. (4) 10. Banal rite after tea. (5) 12. Cheer once in muddled lack of sense. (11) 14. My urinal twisted eminent person. (8) 17. Eccentric may almost free a thousand. (5) 20. Box in regular army for a cleaner. (5) 21. Postmen I direct to give family power. (8) 25. Organize size? Yes, stem at interior. (11) 28. Bites worries. (5) 31. Burden on ourselves. (4) 32. Island fee with G, we hear. (4) 33. Stimulate to draw breath. (7) 34. Expound previously flat ground. (7)
1. Comedian's sign cut down, they say. (8) 2. Does champ purchase defense? (5) 3. Erode around the conditions outside. (7) 4. Manchester United, with reference to fertilizer. (6) 5. Marlowe’s gear. (3) 6. Love live Martini fruit. (5) 7. Avaricious: almost agreed? Yes. (6) 11. 100 in footwear cause disgraceful incidents. (8) 13. Drug mix on Arctic. (8) 15. Makes fast open land. (5) 16. Yes, in female half. (3) 18. Ms MacGraw, prizefighter. (3) 19. Internet assignment makes pollution. (8) 22. Eva takes hint: point to someone taken to safety. (7) 23. Explosion you and I take for African city. (6) 24. Remove speck and punish soldier. (6) 26. Swerve? Ya! To the west! (3) 27. Ms Doolittle gives direction to Ms Minelli. (5) 29. Eras of commercials. (3) 30. Polish ending to play in snow. (3)
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Emperor penguin; 2. Charlie’s Angels; 3. Athens, Paris, London and Los Angeles; 4. Sargasso Sea; 5. Elsewhere.
thephuketnews.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
KIDS PAGE 23
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
COLOURING CONTEST E
very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with your work, and email it to editor@thephuketnews.com This week, congratulations go to Chiara Nordstrand, age 7, from KISS, who has won a B500 voucher for Phuket Adventure Mini Golf! We look forward to seeing next week's entries.
mail@
A y a, a g e 9, PIADS
Otoey, age 7, PIADS
sophieillustration.co.uk
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THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
LIFE&STYLE Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com
SHOPPING 25 Changing the game
E3 heralds new trends in gaming > 30
fashion file Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to:
editor1@thephuketnews.com
FLOWER GIRL Sarah Foster Gross
Teacher
V-neck black T-shirt (B600) from Gap.
MAN IN BLACK Mr Phiphi
Restauranteur Hat (B250) from Union Mall in Bangkok. Black and white scarf (B120) bought in Bali.
Flower-pattered trousers (B1,800) from Spain.
Blue and gold flats (B199) found at Naka Market.
Bracelet (B60) found on a trip to Jordan. Waistcoat (B250) from Union Mall, Bangkok. Pants (B150) purchased in Jatujak Market, Bangkok. Roman sandals (B2,500) from Central Festival.
ACCESSORIES 1
KHAO OAT
2
3
4
1. Headbands 2. Earrings 3. Feather earrings 4. Vintage hat
B49 each B39 each B59 each B299
Accessories from Khao Oat shop, Expo market, Dilok U-Thit Rd, Phuket City. Open daily 9am-9.30pm. 081-415-6252.
thephuketnews.com
26 DINING
The rainbow nation shines at Re Kà Ta
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
R
e Kà Ta, the beach club located next to the Boathouse in Kata, treated the South African Ambassador to Thailand, the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and guests to a fantastic evening of wining and dining last Friday (June 8), as part of the venue’s South African Food and Wine Festival. The four course gala dinner was prepared by three visiting chefs from the Emperor’s Palace Resort and Casino in Johannesburg, along with Re Kà Ta resident chef and fellow South African, Bryan Burger. One of the visiting chefs, Johannesburg native Candice Friedman said, “It’s been very nice to come here and do a meal for everyone and showcase some real food from all over SA.” Candice said that rather than focusing on one region or particular area of cuisine,
Left: SA Ambassador to Thailand Robina Marks, Director of the South-African-Thai Chamber of Commerce Allan Riddell, and Boathouse GM, Marie-Laure Fleury. Above: Executive Chef Bryan Burger prepares the appetisers. she instead decided to serve a menu of the very best South African food. This was best represented by the African Sun Trio appetiser, which contained three mini bites: ground lamb ‘babotie’ spring roll with mango relish hinted with mint, grilled pap and biltong disc topped with smoked venison and onion marmalade, and the delicious spicy Zulu avocado and pink prawn salad. South African Ambassador
Celebrating American Independence Day JOIN LOCAL AMERICANS and their friends for America’s Independence Day celebration on Sunday July 1 at the HeadStart International School in Kathu, across from Makro. There’s free entry for everyone and games for the kids, jumping playcastles, egg toss and tug-of-war competitions and even a traditional watermelon seed spitting contest. Gates open at noon. A great selection of American foods will be available like apple pie, hot dogs and hamburgers, roasted corn, TexMex ribs and tacos, American sandwiches, ice cream and watermelon. Highlighting the food stalls will be four brands
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to Thailand, Robina Marks, said that in fact the wide variety of food showcased on the evening reflected the multicultural mix of people found in the rainbow nation. HE Marks said, “We have great food that reflects the wonderful mixture of people we have; the Europeans, British and many others have greatly influenced our cuisine to make it rather unique.” The evening was also an opportunity to display some of
R. James Mullen lifestyle@thephuketnews.com
of real American beer. Displays will include a few antique American cars and military jeeps,balloon artists, clowns, face-painters, a real Uncle Sam, a live band playing lively American music and fireworks at sunset. For more information, see: navyleaguephuket.org
of: ‘Same, Same but Different’. “Although the SA and Thai cuisines are very different in flavours, spices, and so on, they are similar in that they are both kind of dry, so a wine that offsets that is a good thing.” The food was delicious, the wine exceptional and the location was perfect – despite the intermittent rain showers that come with this season in Phuket. HE Marks wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“I was welcomed by the rain and subsequent apologies, but in my country rain is a blessing from our ancestors.” On the following night (June 9), Re Kà Ta presented a traditional South African Barbeque Buffet Dinner, a “Braai Vleis”, overflowing with delicious slow-cooked meats and a wine tasting before dinner. To conclude the festival, a lavish ‘Five Course Wine Dinner’ was held yesterday (June 14).
A cold beer for me please FINE WINE
Uncle Sam will be in town.
the finest South African wines on offer, and the job of pairing them with the wonderful dishes fell to George Ciret, the Wine Director at Boathouse, “I worked with chef Bryan who told me what we were going to have tonight, a wonderful assortment of South African food and so I chose some great Chenin wines, among others, to complement it.” He added that the selection of the particular wines followed the very Thai ethos
EVERYBODY IN PHUKET has the perfect excuse to drink beer. While it’s old news that we’ve got our own Phuket Beer brand, not as well known is it is now available throughout the kingdom owing to a recent agreement with major beverage importer-distributor BB&B. Phuket Beer is also gaining a following in the US, as well as neighbouring SE Asian nations, partly due to its gold medal award as best Asian lager in the Monde Selection competition in Belgium.
Fear not if lighter style lager isn’t your stein of choice. Thailand has become known internationally as the production hub for several globally famous beers, not least Asahi, Heineken and Carlsberg, with San Miguel and Tiger giving chase. China’s number one beer Tsingtao will be the next major brand listing Thailand as one of its brewing centres. And who would have guessed barely 15 years ago that two of the Kingdom’s home grown beers, Singha and Chang, would emblazon the jerseys of the world’s best known sports teams: Manchester United and Liverpool? C h a ng, produce d by Thai Beverage Company, or
ThaiBev, entered the market in the mid 1990s and gained early fame by winning a gold medal in 1998 at Australia’s International Beer Competition. Export and light versions of Chang filled other market niches along with an economy beer under the name Archa. ThaiBev sales strategies hit long standing market leader Singha with a near knockout blow. With a de facto monopoly on the multi billion baht Thai beer market since its founding in 1933, Singha regrouped and successfully answered the Chang challenge with its lower priced Leo brand. Although regaining its lead position in domestic sales with Leo, Singha remains in
a fierce fight for the export market. Recent agreement with a major US distributor may help improve their challenge to ThaiBev’s international success. ThaiBev also produces the premium domestic brand Federbrau, now the only Thai beer meeting German purity motto “reinheitsgebot” signifying beers made only from malt, hops, yeast and water with no additives. So we are in beer heaven with many ways to ward off the cruel hot season. Remember there’s nothing wrong with the Thai tradition of tossing a couple of ice cubes in your beer. It keeps your beer cold and rehydrates you. Next month though, we’re back on the wine.
THE PHUKET NEWS
DINING 27
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Tasting the future at XANA beach club Gabriella Ghirardani editor@thephuketnews.com
L
ocated on beautiful Bang Tao Beach, the new X ANA beach club sits outside the newly refurbished Laguna resort, Angsana (formerly Sheraton). XANA is the result of a collaboration between Angsana, Laguna and Attica, one of Singapore’s leading clubs. Together they have created something exceptional. Their opening party on June 30 features Grammy award winning DJ Paul Harris of Dirty Vegas, plus a highly anticipated secret show which will be one of the island’s hottest tickets and starts at sunset until late. The décor is predominantly white, and when the sun is shining XANA sparkles jewel-like from a distance. With its 30 metre pool, cabanas for up to 15 people, and extremely comfortable double and single sun loungers, it’s looking like the place to chill out, see and be seen. There has been much anticipation regarding the opening of this new venue, as the sneak peek lunch held last Sunday (June 10), held to provide a taste of what is to come, proved. Mirko Cappa, the Executive Chef of Angsana, has devised the perfect beach club menu with something for everyone. The menu is Mediterranean fusion with international influences. Chef Mirko has created a menu that is fresh, light and healthy where the quality of the produce shines through. His belief that Mother Nature is an artist, and food should be handled simply and with respect, is apparent in every dish. We started with a selection of crudités served individually in glass cones nestled on a silver stand. A vast array of
Located on Bang Tao Beach, outside the newly refurbished Angsana, XANA is the result of a collaboration between Angsana, Laguna and Attica, a leading Singaporean club.
hand cut vegetables arrived dressed with delicious dips. Crudités are one of those seemingly simple orders that rely solely on the quality and freshness of the dish’s ingredients. This was spot on; organic vegetables tasted as though they had been freshly picked that very morning. The dips were original and yummy:
baby carrot and radishes with a Romanesco sauce, bright yellow peppers with a chilli almond dressing and baby celery with one of the best guacamoles we’ve ever had, all served with warm f lat bread and a handmade pesto that actually tasted of Italy. This was followed by another starter of Prosciutto San Daniele with Burrata from the
Puglia region of Italy. Both were soft and yielding and the Burrata was exceedingly creamy; imagine the best Mozzarella di Buffala you’ve tasted and times it by 10. We also tried the tuna carpaccio with fennel salsa and a Kalamata olive Caponata, all of which were first-rate. After a short break we moved on to a dish of deep fried crispy Cajun calamari served in a pretty paper cone, which arrived with not one but two dipping sauces, one a classic arrabiata with a judicious amount of chile and the other a garlic and lemon aioli with just the right degree of garlic. The crab cakes that were ordered alongside this dish were deemed to be “the best I have ever tasted” from one of our guests and came with a saffron aioli and mixed leaves. Main courses consisted of spaghetti in cartoccio, fine spaghetti cooked al dente with a tomato based sauce that included squid, Phuket
lobster, prawns and razor clams, all steamed and served inside a parchment bag which we opened at the table. The aroma that emanated from this surprise parcel as we tore into it was nothing short of heavenly. Highly recommended. We then ordered the Chilean sea bass which was simply pan fried and served with organic seasonal vegetables. The fish was so fresh as to be translucent on the inside which is exactly how a well-cooked piece of fish should be. I think
it was Ducasse who said that when cooking fish there are 10 seconds between perfect and overdone… this was perfect. I had the Argentinian fillet of beef which cut like butter and was grilled after being marinated in a pungent and heady DOC extra virgin olive oil imported from Lago di Garda (which just happens to be chef Mirko’s home town), with the addition of that divine trinity of Italian herbs: rosemary, thyme and parsley. The beef was cooked medium rare and again the freshness and the quality was outstanding. We just couldn’t manage a dessert as by now I had to loosen a notch on my belt, but decided to go for the tropical fruit basket, which came encased in a half watermelon and consisted of papaya, mango, dragon fruit, pineapple, strawberries and watermelon. The presentation was exceptional. Frank Richards, Director of Music and resident XANA DJ, played cool relaxed tunes in the background and the atmosphere had a very chilled out Sunday vibe. Phuket is in for a treat when this exciting new venue opens its doors with this great new menu on July 1, straight after the party on the 30th. Bookings recommended. More information, visit xanabeachclub.com
Catch the BBQ by the beach J OI N CAT C H BE AC H Club’s popular BBQ Buffet Dinner every Tuesday and Friday (7pm-10pm; from B1,190 per person). They offer a selection of salads, pizzas, pasta, shawarma, Thai food dishes, rotisserie selections, a sushi
and sashimi counter, while sweets include the chocolate fountain, fresh fruit, tiramisu, desserts by BAKE Bakery and Thai desserts. For more i nforma t i on , call 076 316 567 or visit catchbeachclub.com
thephuketnews.com
28 EXPLORE
THE PHUKET NEWS
A peaceful getaway for farming faithful
PHUKET MUSEUMS Chinpracha House
This elegant colonial-style mansion was completed in 1907 by wealthy Chinese immigrant Tan Ma Siang. Chinpracha House is one of the most integral ancient remains on the island. Old photographs, Italian floor tiles, imported furniture from China and old utensils are wellmaintained in the house’s interior. 98 Krabi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 281. Open daily 8am4pm. B100.
VILLAGE of the week
Kathu Mining Museum
Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter4@thephuketnews.com
Built according to colonial architecture, imitating a mansion of a tin miner, the museum shows the origins of Phuket’s culture and history especially from the mining era. Several indoor exhibition rooms display different themes such as Phuket architecture, mining , T h ai - C hin e s e way of life, Chinese immigrants’ life, the Baba’s marriage and the solar system. The outdoor exhibition displays equipment including a dredge and hydraulic mining gear.
T
hirty minutes from Phuket Town, near the northeast coast of the island and close to the Airpark in Pa Khlok, is a quiet and peaceful oasis, the Seed Farm. The farm was set up by members of the Seed Church in Cherng Talay, established five years ago by Thikhun “Pastor Yai” Phapsaneh, a former resort employee. The main crops produced on the 5.5-rai farm are local vegetables such as betel leaves (phak mieng), melientha (phak wan) and fruit, including pineapples, jackfruit, bananas, coconuts and mangoes. The 250 or so members of the church worked together to create the farm, initially as a way of communicating with local people in the Pa Khlok
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Muang Tor Sung Rd (behind Loch Palm Golf Club), Kathu, 088 766 0962. Open daily 9am4pm. B50 for Thais, B100 for foreigners, children half-price.
The main crops produced on the 5.5-rai Pa Khlok farm are local vegetables such as betel leaves (phak mieng), melientha (phak wan) and fruit, including pineapples, jackfruit, bananas, coconuts and mangoes. and Cherng Talay areas. But members of the church find being at the farm very satisfying in itself. Panya Tantipongsakul says, “I am delighted to join my friends at the Seed Farm after working for six days at my job.
“We go to the Seed Farm every Sunday; I take my friends in my minibus. We leave the church at 3pm and come back again at 6pm.” The leader of the Seed Fa r m i s S a n t i “ D e e p ” Paiboon. He says, “We don’t
try to make money from it.” Produce is sold cheap to church members and to local people. He a d d s , “ T he Se e d Farm is an organic farm; we use only natural compost and fertiliser, so we are not worried about the effects of chemicals.” While the men from the church look after the vegetables and fruit trees, the women prepare dinner – both
Isarn and southern styles, then at 5pm the church members and local people – whatever their beliefs – sit down to eat together under a large tree. Mr Santi says, “This is the great time to talk. When someone has something bad happening in their lives, we can offer advice or consolation, or pray together. People also tell each other about the good things that are happening in their lives.”
Philatelic Museum
The museum is in the old preserved Post Office, housing old equipment such as telegraph tickers, telephones, parcel-weighing machines and collections of Thai stamps issued since 1951. There are also a small library and a souvenir room. Phuket Post Office, Montri Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 883. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Free entrance.
Seashell Museum
Over 2,000 species of sea shells that were collected by the Patamakanthin family are now displayed in the museum. The collection includes fossils dating back 380 million years, rare golden pearls, giant clams and left-handed Noble Volute shells. 2/2 Moo 2, Viset Rd, Rawai, 076 613 666; www.phuketsea shell.com. Open daily 8.30am5.30pm. B100 for Thais, B200 for foreigners, children half-price.
Thai Hua School Museum
The museum is in what used to be the main Chinese-language school, built in 1934. Classrooms inside were renovated as exhibition rooms, displaying Phuket Thai-Chinese culture and tradition of the past and present.
At 5pm the church members and local people – whatever their beliefs – sit down to eat together under a large tree.
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28 Krabi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 224; www.thaihua museum.com. Open daily 9am5pm. B50 for Thai, B200 for foreigners, add extra fee for photograph.
THE PHUKET NEWS
TRAVEL 29
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
TRAVEL NEWS
In Bali, luxury isn’t just for grown ups Why should adults have all the fun? For the next three months at Bali hotels Villa Sungai and Sungai Gold, kids up to 12 years-old stay and eat for free (conditions apply). Sungai’s personal service doesn’t stop at mum and dad. Kids have needs too and are treated as valued guests by their 24-hour kid-friendly butlers. They give pandan slippers and sarongs to kids over three, offer 30 minute kids massages, junior swimming goggles with maximum UV protection, and children’s ledges in each of their infinity pools. Little Sungai guests have an easel to paint on, an activity and meals table, an adjustable basketball hoop, two children’s bikes (one
with trainer wheels) and a triangular children’s gym plus plenty of colouring books and pencils. Quite simply, junior’s wish is their command. Mini pedi and mani around the pool? No problem. Full dance performance at the villa with gamelan orchestra and local children? Of course, just ask. Mini golf, bird parks, snorkelling, quad bike riding, elephant safaris and even submarines can be arranged at the click of tiny fingers. Some would say they’re more spoilt than their parents with a four page children’s menu made with love by their private chef. Little Miss and Master should love the ‘fingers & toes’ breaded fish and chicken strips, ‘this little piggy’ pork sausages, ‘pic-apocket’ toasted sandwiches and banana splits and chocolate samosas. Both of the villas provide high-chairs and strollers, Bumbo babysitter seats, cots/ cribs and baby change mats, children’s cutlery including baby feeding spoons, spare baby bottles and sterilizers and the option to pre order infant amenities like nappies, speciality foods and milk so they are there when you arrive.
With all this supervised fun going on they remain focused on safety. Your driver has a car with at least two rear seatbelts and they have two high quality car seats from Safe ‘n Sound. The pool has water floatation devices including back f loats and loads of SPF30 to protect delicate skin. Rent out both villas for a larger family with five bedrooms two pools and four dining areas. Kids get to experience the local Balinese culture simply by staying in a traditional village. Made, their manager, goes a step further taking families on tours of the rice paddies, to the local school and even to meet his own family. For more information contact Pamela Hayes: info@ bali-villasungai.com; balivillasungai.com
young age and they enrolled him in the Paris Culinary Academy. While studying at the Academy he met celebrity chef Eric Robert M.O.F (Meilleurs Ouvrier de France or Best Craftsman of France), the highest distinction for chefs in France. Inspired by his creativity, high integrity and conceptual sense of the culinary arts, Chef Alain worked closely with him while still studying. During his time in Paris, Alain also had the chance to join Alain Ducasse’s three star Michelin restaurant at the Plaza-Athenee under the
Anantara Mui Ne welcomes Chef Nguyen From the three star Michelin kitchens of Paris to his roots back in Vietnam, Executive Chef Alain Nguyen takes gastronomy to new levels at his new home at Anantara Mui Ne Resort and Spa. Alain’s family realised that his true passion lay in the culinary arts from a very
culinary expertise of both Ducasse and Chef Jean-Francois Piege. Later, he followed Chef Piege to open his Michelin two-star “Les Ambassadeur” restaurant at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris. With many years of experience in French cuisine, Alain decided to return to
his roots and came back to Vietnam in 2006. Alain was intrigued by the opportunity to combine unique ingredients and aromas of Vietnamese cuisine with refined French technique. Now in charge of Anantara Mui Ne’s five restaurants and bars, Alain is dishing up a vibrant array of gastronomic journeys, served in settings well placed for guests to appreciate the resort’s tropical oasis and ocean views. Menus at each distinctive venue are thoughtfully created and exquisitely presented by Chef Alain where his world class panache is balanced by a flavourful indigenous focus. The region’s famous red dragon fruits feature in breakfast selections such as homemade marmalade and juices, while later in the day guests can sample this exotic fruit in signature cocktails and desserts. The nearby vanilla plantation provides aromatic sweetness to connoisseur dishes like the roasted king size gambas with Phan Thiet vanilla sauce. Discover culinary journeys rich in local f lavour and let Chef Alain bring the world’s finest fusion cuisine to your table, at Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa.
A first for Australian wildlife tourism In an Australian first, wildlife scouts find wild koalas in advance of every ‘Savannah Walkabout’ day tour near Melbourne, Australia. Each morning, koala researchers head out into the bush west of Melbourne and search koala home ranges for wild koalas. Each koala is named, photographed and GPS located. Behaviour and tree species are also noted before the Savannah Walkabout tour arrives. Tour groups meet wild koalas whose life histories are known, some for many years. The experience is unique in Australia – the animals are discussed as individuals; their preferences, habits, family tree and relationships have all been documented. Koalas are in decline in much of Australia due to habitat loss, bushfire and drought, and as a result have recently been classified as Vulnerable in New South Wales, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. The Savannah Walkabout operates all year. For more details go to echidnawalkabout. com.au: facebook/EchidnaWalkabout-Nature-Tours
. MH Mega Sale...Return to K.L 5,400฿ P.P. all inclusive
Tourism Malaysia (Bangkok office) Unit 1, 3rd Floor, Zuellig House 1-7 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Tel. 02 6363380-3 Fax 02 6363384 Tourism Malaysia (Phuket office) 98/2 Krabi Rd. T.Talad nua Muang District Phuket 83000 Tel.076 220192-3 Fax 076-220196
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30 ENTERTAINMENT
THE PHUKET NEWS
THE TICKET with Claire Connell
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
editor1@thephuketnews.com
You’ll never walk alone I
n 1963, Gerry and The Pacemakers had a hit record with ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. These immortal words soon became the anthem of Liverpool Football Club and to this day it remains the best known song in football; the sound of the massed chorus of supporters on match day is always an emotional moment. But the song has associations with other events and individuals. This includes an airport in Liverpool; a golf course in Cheshire, England; the television series Dallas; spectacular Broadway musicals and one of the most successful musical theatre writing teams of all time. That link is provided by one of the legends of Broadway, a star of stage and movies and
one of the most distinguished individuals I have ever met… Howard Keel. Born in 1919, he starred in many film musicals of the 1950s but is probably best known to modern audiences for his starring role in the TV Series Dallas from 1981 to 1991. But years before Dallas, his rich baritone singing voice made him the star of some of the most famous stage and film musicals ever produced. In the 1940s and 1950s, the team Rodgers and Hammerstein created a number of popular Broadway musicals, it was the golden age of musical theatre. Their first musical Oklahoma opened on Broadway in March 1943. Keel opened with the show in London in 1947 before a packed Drury Lane Theatre audience which demanded 14 encores. Keel was the toast of London and hailed the next great star. Keel had also previously understudied for another
Pictured at the prize-giving for Howard Keel Golf Classic, around 1996. Left to right: David Brook, two directors from Carlsberg, John Lowe (three times World Professional Darts Champion) and Howard Keel. famous Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. In the second act of Carousel, the character Nettie Fowler (no relation to Liverpool’s Robbie Fowler!) sings “You’ll never walk alone”.
That was in 1945, Gerry Marsden was just 3 years-old. Following his stage success Keel went into film musicals, then the Dallas TV series, and then aged 64 he kicked off a recording career.
Phones, tablets transform handheld gaming market Agence France-Presse
SM A RT PHON E S A N D tablet computers are expanding the market for handheld video games and challenging traditional devices, forcing game developers to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape. Executives at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) held this week in Los Angeles said the industry – long focused on generating blockbuster titles for PlayStation, Wii or Xbox 360 – are taking a new look at portable platforms. The new market includes not only die-hard gamers but more casual players, the kind who tap the touchscreens of their iPhones or Android devices while riding the train or waiting for the dentist. Olivier Pierre, of the game publisher BulkyPix, said there is room for both segments to grow. “Mobile is a new platform, as is Facebook. And these new platforms do not cover the same audience as console games,” he said.
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Nintendo 3DS demonstration at E3. Photo: Lian Chang “I don’t see a real competition between smartphones and consoles so far. Maybe in the future, but that’s not the case right now.” But some analysts say the rise of smartphones and tablets is threatening to crowd out handheld consoles like Nintendo’s 3DS and the Sony Vita. A survey by ABI Research shows some 38 million handheld gaming devices from Sony and Nintendo are expected to ship in 2013, down from a peak of 47 million in 2008.
The report said smartphone and tablet use for gaming continues to expand, providing increased competition in the handheld market. “Mobile devices will compete with dedicated handheld gaming devices, but select consumer segments like core gamers and those individuals who do not want or have a smartphone or tablet will still provide some demand,” ABI analyst Michael Inouye said. Jack Buser, senior director of PlayStation Digital Platforms for Sony, said growth
in mobile games is good for the market. “Because of the prevalence of digital devices, (users) are discovering that, yes, they are gamers,” he said. “This is a trend that is extremely healthy for the industry, and we will embrace it. We are all for the evangelisation of electronic games to the broadest audience possible.” Mobile gaming is a unique market, with games that are either free – financed by advertising – or costing just a few dollars. This represents a change for classic developers, which invest millions of dollars in major franchises and sell games for around US$60 (B1,900) apiece. “The game should be designed for mobile,” said Eiji Araki, head of the social games studio GREE. “The mobile player is different from the console game player. They are always online and they can play games all the time... so the game should be designed for three-minute sessions, for minimum times.”
Amidst all this activity he and his wife Judy were active in community charity events. One of his favorites was the Annual Howard Keel Golf Classic held at Mere Golf Club in Cheshire, England.
This event, the biggest and most looked forward to in the celebrity golf calendar was a huge success and raised money for NSPCC. After golf would be one of the most spectacular dinner and cabaret evenings imaginable. Always a plethora of celebrities from every walk of life. But the climax undoubtedly was when the great man would take the stage to thunderous applause and sing his favorites, including ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. He attended this golf event for a number of years until his death at home in California in November 2004, after a short illness aged 85 years. His ashes were scattered at some of his favorite places including John Lennon Airport and Mere Golf Club, the place I first met him many year ago, and the last place I saw him. For me the Liverpool anthem has very special meaning. Howard Keel, you will never walk alone.
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www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895
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ENTERTAINMENT 31
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Videogame play becomes popular spectator sport
FREE WIN REK SH TS! E TICK E 42 G PA
Agence France-Presse
V Performers playing Shrek, Donkey and Princess Fiona.
Shrek the Musical plays in Malaysia DREAMWOR KS’ PLAY Shrek the Musical will arrive in Malaysia in June. Currently taking London’s West End by storm, the show features a score of 19 all-new songs as well as the Shrek anthem, “I’m a Believer”. It boasts a 70-strong cast, orchestra and crew and promises fun for the whole family. Join Shrek and his loyal steed Donkey as they set off on a quest to rescue the beautiful (if slightly temperamental)
Princess Fiona from her tower guarded by a fire breathing love-sick dragon. Add the diminutive Lord Farquaad, a gang of fairytale misfits, and a biscuit with attitude, and you’ve got this must see musical comedy. The musical will show at the Plenary Hall, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, from June 19-24. For more information or bookings see ticketspeople. com, sawasdeemalaysia.com
ideogame play is becoming a spectator sport. “It is the next evolution in gaming,” said Matthew DiPietro of TwitchTV, an online platform that enables people to stream play live online. “Videogames are becoming spectator content in their own right.” More than 17 million people monthly watch videogame play streamed using TwitchTV, which boasts partners such as the Electronic Sports League, Major League Gaming and IGN Pro League. “Competitive game play has been around a long time, and on an Internet video platform it fits just right,” DiPietro said as the company showed off innovations at the E3 videogame extravaganza that ends Thursday in Los Angeles. TwitchTV enticed videogame makers with technology that could be embedded in titles to let people easily and instantly stream play online. TwitchTV was created by the founders of live video streaming platform Justin.tv –
Sailors play an opening round match of a video game tournament sponsored by the morale, welfare and recreation committee aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer. Justin Kan and Emmett Shear. Shear, a devotee of military strategy videogame ‘StarCraft’, noticed that lots of people were using Justin.tv as a stage for live play, according to DiPietro. “We started taking it seriously, building features specifically for gaming,” DiPietro said of the five-year-old San Francisco-based internet firm. TwitchTV launched a year ago and some months later
made a partnership with television titan CBS to get moneymaking video and display ads to weave in during breaks in live game play. “A lot of gamers are able to literally quit their jobs and make livings from streaming on Twitch,” DiPietro told AFP. “If you are between levels or go use the restroom or grab a Red Bull you can just push a button and run an ad.”
Twitch splits ad revenue with those behind game play, but would not reveal details of how the money is divided. Twitch “broadcasters” range from professional gaming leagues to individual players. “Players have become celebrity personalities in their own right,” DiPietro said. Watching or streaming game play is free. TwitchTV has dabbled with subscription or pay-per-view models for some of its big league partners. Games played run the gamut, but among the more popular were ‘League of Legends’, ‘Minecraft’, and freshly released ‘Diablo III’. There is even a massive fan base for “speed running” in which players blast through videogames as quickly and flawlessly as possible. Of course, viewers tune into watch play of blockbuster shooter games such as ‘Call of Duty’ and ‘Halo.’ “Game play by people talented at these games is so astoundingly compelling that you want to watch it live,” DiPietro said. Twitch bills itself as the world’s leading videogame broadcasting network.
thephuketnews.com
32 ISLAND SCENE
DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW On June 7, the Discovery Point - Food Wines event was held at Amari Coral Beach Phuket. A collaboration between Italthai Company and Discovery Point Winery, it presented the new wines that will be available to taste at Amari Coral Beach Phuket. From left to right: Khun Anuchit, ITALTHAI Hospitality Solutions Bangkok; Steve Bennett, MOF, Master of Wine, Discovery Point, New Zealand; Alexander Mack, EAM, Amari Coral Beach Phuket; Andrew Rhodes, IT Specialist, UK; Phil Walker, Executive Chef, Amari Coral Beach Phuket; Simon Youens, AQUA Properties.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
TRUE SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY H.E. Ms Robina Marks (second from right), South African ambassador to Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos, was welcomed by Christophe Gestin (second from left), executive assistant manager at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, during her stay at the resort. Ms Marks was in Phuket to promote South African food and wine. Also seen in the picture are Raymond Manzini, First Secretary – Politician of South African Embassy – Thailand (far left); and Isabel Zola Mabosona (far right).
CELEBRATING A HAPPY BIRTHDAY Khun Chatchanee Ittinuntawan (wearing yellow), Phanason MD, marked her birthday celebrations on June 5. With over 10 years experience in property development, there have been more than 20 successful projects developed under the name ‘Phanason’.
David Brooks, Brad Kenny and Darren Mulqueen. Simon Armstrong, Niphatcha ‘Aom’ Wichainbun and Richard Valentine.
Heidi Jaunch, Denny Bowman and Vio. GREAT MINDS MEET On June 8, Phuket-based groups Skål, GOMS (Grumpy Old Men’s Society) & IBAP (International Business Association of Phuket) held a joint ‘Social Networking’ evening at CLIMAX restaurant on the rooftop of Bangla Suites just off Soi Bangla in Patong Beach. Photos: Dan Miles
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Tero Borvornpotsakul.
THE PHUKET NEWS
ISLAND SCENE 33
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
PERFECT PRESENTATION AT PARESA PHUKET Celebrated for its panoramic views and gastronomic innovations, Paresa Phuket hosted the ‘Organic Spanish Wines & Tapas Night’ wine tasting event at its Diavolo Restaurant, together with certified organic Spanish wines from Parés Baltà wineries last Thursday. Presenting the wines was Parés Baltà’s Export Area Manager, Maxime Bazart and supplied by Black Forest Distribution in Phuket.
Mission Heights Residence - A family place
Affordable high quality family homes. Phuket International Academy, airport, beach, golf course, marina or shopping center, everything is within 10 minutes. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter, 12 meters long swimming pool and covered 2 car parking, on 1,100 Sqm land plots. From 13.9 million baht. For further details or site inspection please contact Khun Montha on 081 3430777 or mission_heights@yahoo.com
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34 EVENTS
THE PHUKET NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php
JUNE 8 - JULY 1
Euro 2012 at Serenity
tato pie, Red snapper and Prawn skewers, Swedish meatballs, Swedish pancakes, Chicken skewers, roasted pork tenderloin,smoked chicken breast, Swedish cinnamon rolls. Homemade bread and desserts from our bakery and much more. Our lovely house band will sing for you all night long. All this and much more B595, children 3-12 years B295. For reservations 076 330 065 www.twochefs.com. www.facebook. com/twochefsthailand.
JUNE 23 - AUGUST 25
Join us for one of the greatest global parties! Start June 8 till July 1 2012 East 88 Beach Lounge will show all matches of the Euro 2012 live on screen with English commentary. Group games start at 11pm and at 1.45am. All finals at 1.45am. All local beers at B100net; Six-Pack beer at B500net; Halftime snacks special at B250net Cool result guessing game with hot prizes! Contact East 88 Beach Lounge within Serenity, call 076 371 900, www. serenityphuket.com.
JUNE 11 - JULY 11
JUNE 23 - AUGUST 31 Learn to Fly - Flying Trapeze
Chris De Meo at VR Gallery
“Learn To Fly” Flying Trapeze Lessons at Laguna at Canal Village. Open to the public everyday for all ages 4 years and up! Starts 5pm till late. We have “Try and Fly” classes, 1/2 hour and one hour sessions And don’t miss “The Laguna Fantasy Fly Shows” presented by “Ordinary People doing Extraordinary things”. Contact K.Pee 084 837 5726 or K.Gee 086 003 0241, KidzSole@ KidzSole.com www.KidzSole.com.
Opening reception June 12, 7pm. VR Gallery is excited to announce the 1st solo exhibition of artist Chris De Meo. So impressive are his works that he has been invited to exhibit “My Abstract Life” at VR Gallery. The exhibit will be predominately large abstract pieces. For the opening reception we request children be over 12 years old. Contact 076 333 568.
WAHOO THAILAND 2013
JUNE 16
SPORT FISHING TOURNAMENT Offshore The Similan Islands
19th - 21st February 2013
Proudly organised by the Rawai Beach Fishing Club, (RBFC) Phuket, Thailand.
57 hours of non - Stop fishing!
Huge media coverage!
Phuket Academy of Dance 2012 Song and Dance Spectacular, Ballet, Jazz and Tap by students across the Island. Contact Linda 081 893 7749 for details.
JUNE 22
CASH AND PRIZES TOTALING OVER APPROX. 3,000,000 BAHT ($100,000) For further details please contact Warren Crowe or Andy Bright info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Warren tel: +66 (0) 812604291 Andy tel: +66 (0) 862739948 Website: www.rawaibeachfishingclub.com RAWAI BEACH FISHING CLUB IS AN OFFICIAL SPONSOR CLUB OF THE INTERNATIONAL GAME FISHING ASSOCIATION. RBFC SUPPORTS IGFA’S STANDARDS OF GOOD SPORTMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL FISHING
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Midsummer Buffet 6 pm until late. At Kata Center. Smoked mackerel, Roast beef, Herring, Our home smoked salmon, Smoked prawns, po-
JULY 1
American Independence Day Picnic American picnic at HeadStart with hamburgers, hot dogs and American beer for sale. Free admission. Games and jumping castle for kids, fireworks at sunset and live band. Contact David Rucker 087 266 7514 or visit website navyleaguephuket.org.
JULY 9-20
Summer Family Festival Laguna Phuket’s Summer Family Festival rocks into action on Saturday 23 June with a spectacular rock music opening party heralding the launch of a two-month treasure trove of fun and games for kids, together with a host of entertainment options for Mums and Dads. Right through until 25 August, Canal Shopping Village is transformed into a carnival playground, with a Beer Tent for parents to socialise and relax while their youngsters enjoy the Kidzsole Flying Trapeze, bouncy castle, trampoline and games in the Kidz Lounge. It all kicks-off on Saturday evening, 23 June, with the grand “Skool’s Out” opening party at Canal Village featuring Phuket’s hottest bands – The Legends of Siam and The Screaming Hypocrites. Festival attractions during the two months include art classes with an Artistin-Residence, free Zumba fitness sessions twice a week in Canal Village, entertainment by a strolling troupe of international performers from the famous Palazzo dinner theatre, and theme parties. The Beer Tent offers a feast of televised big screen summer sporting events – with coverage of the Euro 2012 Football Championship, London Olympic Games, F1 grand prix races, Wimbledon tennis and AFL games, as well as a variety of entertainment, weekly quiz night and Happy Hour drinks. And a popular return attraction for the youngsters at this year’s Festival will be the Kidz Fun Zone, serving up daily afternoons of sports skills, cooking lessons, adventure and educational activities, golf excursions and outings to local amusement parks, for just B200 per session. For more information, a schedule of events and details on promotions, please visit http://www.lagunaphuket.com/events/ family-festival.
Summer Camp at FunStart! Summer Camp Details Where: FunStart When: July 9 -20, 2012 Times: 9am3.30pm. Ages: 7-13 years Includes: Sports, survival in the wild, adventure, cooking, art, making new friends! Cost B12,000 (Special discount for HeadStart students) For registration details contact FunStart office from 10am-8 pm. Contact HeadStart Office, 076 612 876, miki@ headstartphuket.com.
Summer Day Care at FunStart! Summer Day Care Where: FunStart When: July 9-27, 2012. Times: 8.30am-3.15pm. Ages:3-6 years Cost: B9,000 for 3 weeks B3,500 per week. Contact HeadStart front office. Call 076 203 185. Email: miki@ headstartphuket.com.
AUGUST 2 Asalaha Bucha Day It celebrates the first sermon given by the Lord Buddha on the full moon day of the Asalaha (the eighth lunar month). On that day, all Three of the Triple Gem, The Buddha, The Dhamma and The Sangha, had established. It became the day that honoured the Sangha, or the community of the monks.
www.phuketticketmaster.com
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THE PHUKET NEWS
EVENTS 35
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAYS
sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.
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ONGOING EVENTS
rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.
THURSDAYS AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM Sunday Roast at Sugar Reef Sunday roast served from 2pm. Every Sunday. Adults B299, children B150. Sugar Reef, opposite Tesco at Cherngtalay.
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All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Please contact 081 895 4763.
EVERY DAY
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Sunday Roast Pork
Pool Competition @ Expat Hotel Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.
Sunday Roast Pork or Beef Dinner Every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. B290 per person. See www. expathotel.com.
MONDAYS
SATURDAYS
Two Chefs Surf Night Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www.twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@twochefs.com.
TUESDAYS
Pool Competition at Expat Guesthouse Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar. com.
SUNDAYS
Sea Breeze has joined forces with The Burger bar and Beach club to bring you not only superb Thai cuisine in a beach front setting but also an excellent range of gourmet 100% Australian beef burgers. To celebrate we are offering up to two free kids meals with any two full paying adults. Looking for the voucher inside this paper. Live sport every day including our 100” HD screen. Ask about our new Pool Club, plus kids and adults parties planned and catered for. Contact 076 270 399, info@ seabreezesurin.com, www.thebestbeachclub.com.
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At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.
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BBQ at Expat Hotel
Surin Beach Just Got Better
Pool Competition Every Tuesday 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse.com.
WEDNESDAYS
Summer Promotions! Best Mini Golf in Phuket! Phuket Adventure Mini Golf – Fun for Everyone! A challenging 18 holes miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm trees, stones, water, bamboo and bushes. Designed and built together with Scandinavian Adventure Golf. Whether living close by or here on a fabulous holiday, this is the place for the whole family, friends and couples to enjoy at all times. Contact 076 314 345, 080 147 2468, www. phuketadventureminigolf.com.
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Very Happy Hours at Friendship Beachfront Resort Two Chefs Tex Mex Night Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday breakfast at Paresa with jazz music, free flow
At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican
daily event updates on
4-6pm. Everyday. B60 - All beers. B90 House wine and Single shot drinks. B150 Tall cocktail. Great food, great drink, great fun all the time. Contact Charlie 089 728 5304, chef@friendshipbeach.com, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap, Rawai, Phuket.
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36 JOBS
THE PHUKET NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS
Villa for sale or lease Prime property with 12 rooms, common swimming pool > 39
classifieds@thephuketnews.com
JOBS IN PHUKET Marketing Director: CC’s located in the lush hills of Kata is your home away from home. Currently under renovation but when open, our hotel will have gone through many major upgrades. We are currently looking for a Marketing Director who will be responsible to direct and oversee the hotels marketing plans. Experience in understanding tourism trends in Phuket and able to adjust marketing plan as required is a must. At least 2 years of experience in the tourism industry and is familiar with a variety of the fields concepts, practices & procedures. Self-motivated and able to meet stated goals and objectives. Attractive compensation package offered. Position available now. Contact Ken Miller, sales@ccbloomshotel. com, 086 604 1333.
Day Care Staff Need- July/ August 13-24, 2012 ed: Looking for caring, at FunStart. Call 081 968 creative, energetic carers for our Day Care program at FunStart from July 9-27, 2012. Please contact me for more info. 081 968 1562.
Summer Camp Staff needed: FunStart needs enthusiastic, energetic, sporty staff to conduct fun, active, child friendly games and activities from July 9-20
1562.
Restaurant Staf f Needed: Spring Onion Restaurant located in Patong on the corner of Sirirat Road and Prachanukroh Road and we will be serving European and Thai dishes. Staff needed: Head Chef, Chef Helper and Server. Call 084 059 9987.
List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Peripatetic Music Teachers Required: Teachers of piano, voice, violin and guitar are needed for the start of the next academic year, August 2012 at the British International School Phuket. Applicants must be able to speak English and teach all ages from primary to secondary school Salary will be calculated on an hourly basis. Interested applicants should please apply directly to Mr. Thacker, Head of Arts with a letter of application, a full CV, and the names and addresses of three referees. Closing date: 21st June. Contact nthacker@ bisphuket.ac.th, 076 335 555 ext. 1501.
fun and creative to do some private drama and movement lessons after school (4.30-6pm) twice a week, in the Laguna area. This person must be English speaking and non-smoking. Please email: Sherin. peace@gmail.com with previous training credentials, photo of yourself and contact details.
Tha i N a t i o n a l A r t Teacher: Phuket International School has an opening for a position of an Art teacher. Requirements: Thai National, good English, education in Art or in the related field. Email phuketinternational@asia. com.
Salary B15,000 plus good commission. Please contact 076 203 185 or 087 882 5544.
Nanny Wanted: We are looking for a nanny for our daughter of 20 months. Monday to Friday from 2 - 8 pm (6 hours per day). Trust worthy, Experience with children, able to communicate in English. Call 090 706 5564. Office Staff Wanted: Fluent in English, Thai nationality, age 25 - 40, with experience in travel agency and/or real estate business. Working hours: Mon - Sat 9am - 6pm. Send CV hel ena@welcometothailand.si.
Accountant: We are
Private Drama Teach- looking for a full-time ac- Sales And Marketing countant to work in an In- Executive: Thai, self moer Wanted: Female students aged 6 and 9 years old are looking for someone
ternational School. 5 days a week. 8 am to 5 pm. Thai national. Must speak English. Email phuketinterna tional@asia.com.
Swimming Teacher:
Class Act Media is Phuket's leading media company - publishing The Phuket News , Phuket's leading weekly English Newspaper and broadcasting Live 89.5 – Phuket's premier English radio station. Class Act Media also has other publications and a host of other products in Phuket and Samui.
Due to recent expansions we are seeking the following position Sales Manager – Thai or Foreigner (Located in Phuket) Responsibilities : - Managing the sales team (including responsibility for recruitment of new sales staff when needed) - Weekly & monthly sales budget meetings and reporting - Developing and following up new sales leads - Reaching own personal sales targets and responsibility for reaching team targets
We offer: - Competitive salary, bonuses and travel expenses - Friendly work environment - Social security (10%) paid by the company - Excellent career progress opportunity ***The company may offer accommodation plus local transportation costs to successful candidates.*** Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume in English indicating qualifications, experience, expected salary with recent photo via email to adminmgr@the phuketnews.com
Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to
adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 612 550-2 for more info. thephuketnews.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Looking for a qualified Thai swimming teacher to teach and assist teaching swimming for HeadStart International school and after school classes at FunStart.
tivated, fluent in speaking and writing English, driving license, preferably experience in ad sales or property field, competitive salary plus commission. See Exotiq Property. Call 076 527 568.
Receptionist wanted Rawai Area: English speaking helpful, outgoing personality. Well groomed,
height /weight in proportion. Thai or Indo/Filipina/ Burma .Join our dynamic team, send your CV with recent photo and references. info@katagardens.net.
Nanny/Maid live in wanted: Only Thai nationality, basic English essential. Take care of the house and family. One new born baby and 1.5 year old boy to help with. Private room, insurance, long term contract, one month trial. 087 980 7570.
Operations Manager / Sales: Club Asia Fitness - Phuket’s leading fitness centre requires an Operations Manager and a Sales Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. info@cluba siaphuket.com.
Kindergarten Teacher Wanted: We are looking for a native English kindergarten teacher to join our team to teach 10-12 children aged 3- 6 years of age. Must have a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Contact Daniel 084 520 4978, email: info@ cravensnurseryphuket.com.
T h a i N a t i o n a l PE Teacher: Phuket International School has an opening for a position of PE teacher. Requirements: Thai National, good English, education in the related field. Email phuketinterna tional@asia.com.
Electrican plus: Swimming pool company re quires an electrican with an electronics and motor repair background. English skills an advantage. Call 076 620 193.
Website Programmer required: Cybernok are looking for good HTML, CSS and PHP programmers (preferably with Joomla! experience) with good English skills. Please e-mail your CV with recent picture and expected salary. info@ cybernok.com.
THE PHUKET NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 37
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php BOATS & YACHTS
our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact: 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.
one year old, 3 Honda engines 675hp, survey for international Insurance,all safety equipment, VHF radio,side entry and exit doors, 35 places plus 5 staff. Please contact 084 188 4544.
Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.
Fi shin g Yac ht fo r S a l e: F o r s a l e 19 9 1 Tairia sport fishing yacht USD275,000. Email martin@phuketfishboat.com.
Dive Speedboat for Sale: Custom build Dive Speedboat. perfect for Dive business. seats for 24 Divers.47 feet, 3 times 225hp Honda Engines only 400 working hours. Fiberglass Boat. Reduced Price. Call 084 188 4544.
Techworx: Custom design
Yamaha engines. Recently reconditioned, spent B300K to rebuild the engines, paint, etc, needs another B100K to be like new. Offers to James 085 064 4806 alonglee52@ gmail.com.
boat diving, snorkelling, GPS radio, 2x Yamaha engines 200cc. Also available Bauer compressor 40 tanks regs BC DS boat. B900,000. Call Joe 087 891 8912, joe@similandiving-safaris.com.
CARS FOR RENT Food Truck for sale: Phuket’s 1st Food Truck. Perfect for a chef, family, or entrepreneur that loves good food and freedom. DFM Mini Manual 5-Speed, 5,200 Km. L 4.2m, W 1.8m call for more info. Thanks! 081 956 8635.
BUSINESS SERVICES
L u x u r y Ya c h t f o r Sale: For sale 2002 Ber-
Speedboat Dive/Snorkelling: Customised speed-
& installation. Professional service and support. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multiroom audio-video. Call: 084 443 9863.
For Sale 35 Ft Speedboat: With 200 HP x 2
BUSINESSES FOR SALE
tram 510 Flybridge luxury yacht. USD825,000. Email mar tin@phuket fishboat. com.
BUY & SELL IN PHUKET
Bar For Sale Patong: Bar in Patong Otop. Good location. Fully Furnished Including 1.5 year contract. Good profit and easy to run business! Price: 480,000 B. Call 084 342 6704, 086 278 5759. E-mail: skurki@ live.se.
Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Contact: 076 381 895.
The car for rent: Car in good condition, shor t and long-term rental with first-class insurance and delivery service. Call 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.
Roof Rack and Comprehensive Insurance. B15,000 per month. Long Term Rental. Call 081 080 3773, 081 978 2725.
CARS FOR SALE
low mileage, regular service & rust-proof treatment, accident-free, one lady driver only. B950,000. Call: 089 592 4894, email orgibbonslim@ gmail.com.
A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.
Honda Jazz for Rent: Honda Jazz with Insurance Delivery to your Residence 084 304 6723. English speaking, email jindarent@yahoo.co.uk.
Farang Food Paradise:
Suzuki/Carry Pick-Up 1.6M/T: 2011 Suzuki/Carry
Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit
Pick-Up 1.6M/T for rent. White, with 1.5 Metre High Cover,
ONLY 170,000 BAHT CASH!: October 2011, 8,000km. Proton Exora 7/8seat family car. Many options, including GPS, DVD. Price new: B940,000. Now B740,000, or on finance: B570,000 + B170,000 cash. Call 081 788 8280. Email: mauric e.phuket@gmail. com.
CRV 2010 for Sale: 2.0L 4WD, excellent condition,
Old Classic 1960 Benz for Sale: Old classic 1960 Benz. Spent B250,000 to recondition. Offers accepted. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.
Toyota Yaris For Sale: Urgent for sale Toyota Yaris “J”, year 2010. 16,000kms only - Black - B460,000. Contact 084 848 7157.
Charter Fishing Business: Owner is changing business disciplines and wants to exit the charter fishing business. For sale ‘02 Bertram 510 Flybridge and ‘91 Tairia sport fishing yacht. Plus website and all past customers. www.phuketfishboat.com, email mar tin@ phuketfishboat.com.
Grand Sale 30-40% OFF! 15 June to End of June Villa & Hotel Furniture & Home Decor Items Showroom opposite Tesco Lotus Cherngtalay
Motor Yacht Freezer for sale: Custom made H60 x D50 x L200cm, was made for a Hatters Motor Yacht 60 Ft in 1998 and still runs very well. Paid U$5K. Make me an offer. Contact 085 064 4806 or alonglee52@gmail.com.
Cu s t o m B u i l d D i ve Speedboat: 49ft Fiber-
Patong Pool Club & Sports Bar: Big pool club on NaiNai Road in Patong. 9 Brunswick tournament pool tables, air conditioned carpeted pool hall. 20 tvs, 2, 2.5 meter projectors. Call 088 444 7912 (selling because of private health problems). h t t p s : // w w w. f a c e b o o k . com/pages/Patong-PoolClub/322189594471781.
Open Mon-Sat 10.00-19.00 Call us 076-325585
glass Boat, 24 Diver Seat,
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38 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUY & SELL IN PHUKET CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international childcare facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am.-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket. com.
CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS
882 5544. See funstartphuket. com.
Visit http://PhuketRussian School.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 082 804 9131.
082 276 1675. www.goodkar mathailand.com.
bile toilets B2,800/M. Chalong - opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang -main Highway. Contact 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.
sional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www. skalphuket.org.
Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.
sons for daily life (culture and language) with friendly and energised Thai female teacher. Call 080 386 5026.
Club Asia Fitness: Cooking School: Fire up your creative flair with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine. Try our famous pizza school. 082 816 0126, email: info@ foodservicesth.com.
1982 Lafitte Rothschild: 1982 Lafitte RothPalm House International School: Palm House International School, Rawai. Ages 5 -11years. Qualified and experienced teachers, extensive grounds Extra curricular activities include: Swimming, Basketball, Mandarin, Russian. Please look at our facebook page Palm House School or www.palmhouseprimaryschool.com for further information. Contact details: 076 288630, info@palmhouseprimaryschool.com.
schild Red Wine for sale, best offer. I bought it for my collection before. Please call me, James on 085 064 4806.
Complete Bedroom Index: Complete bedroom with big wardrobe, make up table and tv stand, plus matress, 2 bedside tables. INDEX brand. Contact 084 441 3871.
We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.
Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your chil-
Health Food : Online health
and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087
dren starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program.
food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact
Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully vaccinated and sterilised. Please contact 085 574 4258 or email cindy@soidog.org.
PET BOARDING
PERSONAL SERVICES
MOTORBIKES FOR SALE
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE
Funstart: Family spor ts
Home Stay & Day Care For Dogs: Opening Soon in August 2012! Dog-A-holics Thailand is ideal for small to medium size dogs. Owner Rose Nattanicha who is a dog lover. For more information: doga holicsthailand@gmail.com.
Ducati 999 Big Bike f o r S a l e: 2 5 , 0 0 0 k m 10 0 0 c c c ost new B1m. SALE B400,000. Green book (Year 2008 first registered). Contact English 088 447 6676 (Toni)/086 652 9904 (Kiekie).
Repossessed Motorbikes:
Buon A p p et i to: D e li market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273, info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetito group.com.
-2011 Finos from 26,000B. -2011 Scoopys from 29,000B. -2011 Clicks from 29,000B. Safeway Asia main Highway Thalang (next to Shell Gas Station). Contact 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.
MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket, your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.
MOVING & STORAGE
Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex. Please call 076 510 111, e m ail info @ hhl e g alad visor s.c om, w w w.hhle galadvisors.com.
Bon Café Phuket: A
storage from B800/M. -Container rental B3,000/M -Sales/ Site office A/C B6,000/M. -Mo-
PET HOSPITAL Chaofah Pet Hospital: 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.
POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www.phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.
PROPERTY CONCIERGE
producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. Contact 076 355 600-1.
Pro t e c t Yo u r H o m e w i t h C C T V: C C T V & alarm service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera,and GSM alarm. Free survey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or click www. huketechnology.com.
Safeway Storage: -Self
thephuketnews.com
er from the UK. With guaranteed results and over 10 years of experience in men and women’s health and fitness. Pre- and post-natal exercise. Nutrition and weight management. For a free consultation contact Sarah on 084 985 8161, email: sarah@one2onefitness.net.
PET ADOPTION
Singapore Club Phuket:
Want to Practice your Thai? Thai courses and les-
Royal Phuket City Hotel. Of fers Zumba /LesMills classes/weight training/sauna/steam/swimming pool, all inclusive. For a free trial workout, come along and join the action. Tel 076 354 027, 087 275 3614. www. clubasiaphuket.com.
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php
SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a profes-
EDUCATION
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Personal Trainer: Fullyqualified female personal train-
Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.
THE PHUKET NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 39
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php PROPERTY FOR RENT 3 Bedroom Furnished: B11,000 per month, one bathroom, lock up garage and carport on 800 sq metre lot. Close to PIA school, golf, beach and airport. Email gor don_asia@hotmail.com.
bed/5 bath custom home with full western kitchen. Gated entry in quiet development across from Boat Lagoon, near BIS. ADSL, Satellite, Only B30k per month. Martin 087 850 4684.
Discount Rentals Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA
Info: 089 594 4067 Permsap Villa. 5 aircon. 24h security. 081 823 4627.
Laguna, designed for comfort. Has everything spa, B32,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067.
Fully Furnished Homes for Rent: New homes by C. Panwa:1, 2, or 3 bedrms, air, free wifi and cableTV, 1km to beach, 3km to city, gardens, 12,000 m. Web: panwagreen. weebly.com, call 081 892 4311.
Private Pool Villa: Private pool villa for rent, Rawai area, 5 minutes to Chalong centre, fully furnished. Contact 089 472 9870,
65% Off in Low Season!: This Peninsula Villa Phuket is located in Cape Panwa. Phuket. This villa has swimming pool, aircon. and WiFi . Below rates are daily. Weekly and monthly rates available upon on request. • Standard room, share toilet and shower B1,000 • Deluxe room B1,500 • Superior room B2,500 • Penthouse B10,000. Please call James 085 0 64 4806 or email to alonglee52@gmail. com.
Loft Style Flat: Secure, quiet, spacious, new decoration. Great location for exercise. Long-term rental. 086 664 5575.
4 Bed/5 Bath HomeB30k month: Immaculate 4
Space for Rent in Patong: Office, Business space for rent on fifth floor of Patong Tower. Call 076 341 370.
Luxury Pool Villa: Laguna, quality furnishings spa, bar, security, BBQ. B22,000 lease. Call 089 594 4067. Big Luxury Villa: Pool,
PROPERTY IN PHUKET
House Villa for rent: Villa for rent in Rawai Beach, 3 Bed 4 Bath Jacuzzi Bath, Private pool, The striking two-storey homes feature a grand living room and dining area, kitchen. TV, DVD/CD Player, Internet Wifi. 089 727 7477, www.baanmari mar.com.
Furnished 3bed 2bath + Office Near Central for Rent: Furnished house for rent opposite HeadStart
Cozy House and Gar- International School by Central den for Rent: Fully fur- and Makro. 2 air-con. ADSL, nished 2 Bedrooms, 1 office, 2 bedrooms, living, dining and European kitchen with nice garden and private parking with remote gate inside Baan
Mission Heights Residence
Pool House Near Laguna Beach: Comes fully equiped with 3 bedrooms 2 bathooms tropical garden with nice pool. 084 850 1340.
Home and Work Chaofa: 800sq.metre, seven years renewable contract, B40,000 a month, building with three rooms, bathroom, living area and office. Second building up to three offices, two bathrooms, showroom, bike included in the price. Contact 084 552 9792.
washer, 2 hideaway sofa, 2 TVs, 3 desks, office with view over shared swimming pool. B17,000. Contact May 089 973 3276.
Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 Sqm houses, all with 12 meter long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.
Luxury Condo Kata Beach: Stunning seaview
WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE Headline: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
5 star, 1 bed room lounge kitchen, micro wave, satellite TV, DVD WiFi. Weekly/ Monthly rates. Call James 090 864 4519.
PROPERTY FOR SALE Nice One Rai in Chalong: Reduced, just
Body: ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......
189 CHARACTERS
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B6 million now. 200m off main road near Chalong temple. Full chanote title. Call 087 053 6181/089 651 3479. Email philcroker69@hotmail.com.
Located only 10 minutes from Airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang beach, Thanyapura sport / leisure center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.
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THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS
Villa for sale or lease:
This Peninsula Villa Phuket was valued by Night & Frank realty recently at B123 million. It has 12 rooms, common swimming pool and gym facility. Give us an offer. Contact alonglee52@gmail. com.
The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 751 1750 or email mission_heights@yahoo. com.
After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most competitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has a living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quar ter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.
Come visit the villas and you will be wonder fully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here. For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrisevillas@yahoo. com.
www.thesunrisevillas.com
1.5 Rai (2 X 0.75 Rai) Chanote at Cape Yamu: 1.5 rai flat land at Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 rai adjoining plots OrBorTor road access to super end of soi private location. Private sale direct from the owner. Only 3.5 million baht per rai. Contact 081 087 9237, www.phuketlandfor sale.net.
thephuketnews.com
40 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
PROPERTY IN PHUKET
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php for one plot, B3.2 million for cottage + plot. Call 080 467 7770 (Thai), 083 520 0020 (English). www.jindarin.com, Email: eam1008@me.com.
title, 2 km south of Thai Muang town centre. Just 24 km north of Sarasin Bridge. Good road access and electricity. Very quiet, green area. Urgent sale for just B5 million total, nonnegotiable. 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@gmail.com.
Situated in a well established housing complex in Rawai over looking a peaceful, fish filled lake. Email for plans. Call 081 270 4291.
PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.
ish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai).
Thai Style House for Renovated Condo for Sale: Teak wood f loors, Sale: Patong near Simon stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms. Cabaret, 50sq metre huge pool and garden area. Everything new fully furnished plus kitchen, free hold. Sale B3 million, no stupid offers. Thai 087 621 3405/ English. Contact 085 471 9246.
Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.
New Apartment for Sale Patong: Condo: swimming
Kamala Two Brand New pool, security 24/7. Furnished, Villas: Two bedrooms, two 46sqm, freehold: B2.9 million. bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum three- month rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swed-
089 728 4005, thamad17@ yahoo.com.
Jindarin Beach Club & Resor t: B1.5 million
Patio and private pool. House 165sq metre, easily maintained grounds 290sq metre. Double car port. Call 081 273 7326.
Land for Sale: 11 rai,
Exclusive Pool Villa with Class & Style
Land 700 sq metre. Big pool with sala, 400 sq metre living area, 4 bedrooms, dining, guesthouse, garage, 6 bathroom. Full basement. Private street. Bargain price B16 million. www. phuketlivingart.com, residler@gmail.com. Call Rene: 080 890 5137 Yupin: 081 817 4805.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Petchabun Land for Sale: 8 Rai+448sq metre. Chanote title and close to main road. One year teak plant on the land. Call 087 28 4 6142 o r email blue girl83150@yahoo.com.
Land for Sale: Land Mission Hills half rai plot, quiet select location, chanote, water, electricity. Price B1.6m. Six rai hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2m per rai. Call 087 978 5804.
Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo, 1 bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.
Perfect Land for Villa:
Golf Villa for sale/ lease: The Lake View Beach Front Plots: Located opposite of Yacht Haven Marina in a very peaceful, natural envirointment. Ready to build, electricity and water on site, road and boat access. 2 Rai plots each with 60 metre of ocean frontage, perfect for living as well as investment. For sale direct from owner, price only B12 million. Call 081 343 0777.
one kilometre from Naiyang beach. B6.5 millions per rai. Please call : Siriporn +66 (0) 896 499 939.
Golf Villa is only three years old located at Loch Palm Golf Club Phuket. Bought for B32.5 million plus landscape and renovation B6.3 million. Four bedroom plus extra room and pool. Any offers welcome. alonglee52@ gmail.com.
Luxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali style 3 and 4 bed villas 1 km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9m (incl. full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com +66 878 974 42.
Phuket- Surin Beach Area for Sale: Land for sale, chanote title at Maniktownship. 20x25 metres in natural surrounding, 2.4 million baht. Phone 087 275 9621, email nuttapol_trateng@ya hoo.com.
Approx three rai, with chanote
Pent hou se Cond o with Sea Views: Genu-
6.1 R ai Land
for
Sale:
6.1 rai (10,000sq metre). B2,500,000 per rai. Total price: B15,600,000. - 5 minutes to Naithon 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.
ine opportunity to buy 150sq metre (+100sq metre terrace) two double bed, B2.5m condo. Bang Tao Beach. Superb facilities include pool and gym. Company or standalone. B6,990,000. Call Paul 082 6 05 0138.
Bargain Land Rawai: Quiet location for sale: 1 plot 724 sq metre, perfectly developed behind excl project, Bali wall, 16m well, electric, freehold, Building permit for pool villa, private street. Price B4.5m. www.phuketlivingart. com, residler@gmail.com. Eng.German 080 890 5187/ Thai 081 817 4805.
Land for Sale Mission Hills: 800 sq metre. 1300 sq
Nice Villa for sale:
150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206
Three bedroom villa with separate bedroom/office, opposite pool. Khoa Khad Road, two minutes walk to river, four km to Ao Makham beach. Secure parking for two cars, government water, six ring oven, fridge, washing machine, satellite T V, cable T V, Wi- Fi, nature gardens, plot size 104 sq metres. Asking price B7 million. Call owner 084 304 6723 Thai/English.
Rawai Pool Villa: Unique three bedroom pool villa “off the plan”. Three easy payments over seven months.
House with Pool: Three Bed, two bath, lounge and dining kitchen. Western kitchen and fully furnished throughout.
SEAVIEW LAND FOR SALE: Near Chalong pier,
thephuketnews.com
metre. 1600 sq metre. Very quiet and private locations, very close to airport, Tesco, Golf courses and Phuket International Academy. All Chanote title from B1.7 million. Contact 087 276 0529.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES
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THE PHUKET NEWS
TRADES 41
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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thephuketnews.com
42 PHUKET SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Phuket now home to The Islanders FOOTBALL Kazira Hans editor@thephuketnews.com
P
huket’s football club has a new look off the pitch, and it appears to be taking effect on the field too. Indeed, if the local side continue last weekend’s form which saw them win against Sa Kaeo in the Toyota League Cup, fans might not have too many qualms about forking out for a new strip mid-season. Following new president Pamuke Achariyachai taking over the helm three weeks ago, the club’s Board of Directors agreed that FC Phuket
should start afresh and revert to their former name, Phuket FC, as well as change the team logo. The decision was made at a board meeting on June 6, with the board also agreeing to rebrand the team logo from ‘FC Phuket Football Club 1688’ to ‘Phuket FC The Islanders’. Mr Pamuk told The Phuket News this week: “We rebranded the club because we want to be seen under a new light from before. “This rebranding and renaming of the team is like Phuket’s football team being reborn. The Islanders represent us. We are the only team on the island, and we are ready to go big.” Mr Pamuk’s words were put to
FLYING HIGH Phuket Mini Fun Fly 2012
was held at Nai Harn Beach last weekend (June 8-10), attracting about 25 gliders despite the adverse weather conditions. More than 40 photographers also attended to join in the event’s photo contest. The event was organised by Phuket Paragliding Club. Photos: Kritsanaphong Rattanatong
the test last weekend as the new-look side travelled to Sa Kaeo, east of Bangkok, on Saturday (June 9) for their first Toyota League Cup match. In the first half, both teams played with caution, and it wasn’t until midway through that The
Islanders found their rhythm. And it didn’t take them long to find the net. With 10 minutes remaining in the first half, Niran Panthong sent the ball into the Sa Kaeo penalty area, where teammate Ibrahim Kanoute tapped the ball down before sending it into the back of goal, putting Phuket FC 1-0 ahead. The hosts were anxious for an equaliser before the break, launching a series of swift counter attacks and applying pressure to the Phuket FC goal, but their efforts couldn’t yield results as the players left the field with The Islanders leading 1-0. Phuket goalkeeper Peerachart Yimthong was the star of the second
half, soaking up continued periods of intense pressure as Sa Kaeo searched desperately for a goal. In the end, the score remained unchanged, and Phuket FC walked away 1-0 victors. Whether that success can be replicated in the Yamaha League 1 though, where the side are currently languishing in 16th place, is yet to be seen. The team were due to play Siam Navy FC on Wednesday night (June 13), after The Phuket News went to print, as the Yamaha League 1 got underway again. They also host Bangkok this Sunday (June 17) at Surakul Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 6.30pm.
BRAZILIAN FLAIR Brazilian Soccer Schools Phuket (BSS) held a 12-team training
tournament at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC) last Sunday (June 10). There were three age groups, with BSS, Bang Jo Utd, Headstart FC and Dragon Jr entering the Under 8 and Under 10 competitions. BSS Phuket, Headstart FC, The Villa FC and Bang Jo Utd meanwhile competed in the Under 16 division. Each team played three group matches and then one play-off match depending on where they finished in the group. The Under 8 group saw HeadStart claim top spot, Dragon Jr defeated BSS Phuket in the final of the Under 10s, while Bang Jo Untied took the honours in the Under 16s. Pictured are the under-8 competitors. Photo: TSLC
FRIENDLY RELATIONS Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), Kanok-
phand Chulakasem, was welcomed by Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club’s (TSLC) director of sports sales and marketing, Virapol Cholvibul, in a friendly football match between government officials from SAT and the national mass media, who were in Phuket recently for the National Youth Games. Photo: TSLC
thephuketnews.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
PHUKET SPORT 43
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Last man standing SAILING Bob Mott editor@thephuketnews.com
A TURBULENT DAY was had by the three competitors who were brave enough to take a chance on the weather for the seventh – and second last – race of the Ao Chalong Yacht Club “Irish Times” series. Battling 30-40 knot winds, rain, and sizable in-bay waves, there was plenty of broken gear, retirements, and the need to dive below to free ropes tangled in propellers. From a rather easy going start controlled by starter David Rucker from the longtail, everyone was late. Grenville Fordham’s Niña led the way, followed by Jack Christensen’s Linda, with Bill Sax’s Astraeus leading up the rear after their failure to clear the start mark required them to restart. Niña enjoyed the building conditions with the monohulls struggling to stay in touch. Gaps widened with only Niña flying a spinnaker in the boisterous conditions. Due to the extreme conditions the course was shortened. The only one in the group to finish was Niña, battling to the finish under headsail only to windward and into a sometimes 40 knot wind. Linda suffered main traveller track damage due to an accidental gybe whilst attempting to reef sails. Astraeus suffered much the same fate with a broken lower mainsheet block. That problem was further exasperated when a headsail sheet managed to fall overboard fouling the propeller. Swimmers had to go overboard to free it otherwise they would have been in Phi Phi compliments of the wind direction. Back at the club the presentation was delayed so the Astraeus (the Greek god of dusk) crew could participate – they got back just before dusk. Astraeus’ skipper, along with the skipper of Linda, were presented a bottle of wine each for braving the conditions. Niña’s skipper was awarded a bottle of Australia Brut for his efforts and their win and being the only participant to finish the course. The club was busy with those that decided to stay safe ashore – fine weather sailors the lot of them, holding up the bar.
Surprise winner dashes Aussie’s hat-trick hopes ATHLETICS
RESULTS
(42km Marathon)
T
hai newcomer Danchai ‘Dan’ Pankong of Surat Thani was the surprise winner of the Laguna Phuket International Marathon (LPIM) on Sunday (June 10), among a record field of more than 4,000 runners from 50 countries. The 29 year-old student, making his debut at Laguna Phuket and competing only his sixth-ever full 42k full marathon, dashed the hat-trick hopes of two-time champion Stephen Paine of Australia, who led the field for almost all the race and seemed certain to be the first treble Laguna Phuket champion. But Pankong, studying for a Master’s degree in civil engineering at Bangkok’s Rangsit University, built up a steady pace and hung on behind 36 year-old Paine before overtaking with a last-gasp effort at the 37km
Overall Men
1.Danchai Pankong THA 02:49:33 2.Stephen Paine AUS 02:51:35 3.Stuart Haynes GBR 02:52:54 4.Karl Avery NZL 02:56:53 5.Hamish Nixon CAN 03:10:42
Overall Women
1.Sonoko Kashio JPN 03:37:21 2.Meta Vincent AUS 03:39:36 3.Natalie Alderton GBR 03:42:15 4.Moira Lowe GBR 03:43:13 5.Julie Shelley USA 03:44:56
Danchai ‘Dan’ Pankong celebrates his surprise win at the Laguna Marathon. mark to finish two minutes ahead of the Australian in 02:49:33. Paine, champion in 2008 and 2009, finished in 02:51:35, followed by Stuart Haynes of the UK in 02:52:54. The complete LPIM saw record runners this year, with 807 competing the 42km marathon, 918 in the 21km
half marathon, 1,161 in the 10.5km run, 702 in the 5km Community Walk, and 500 in the 2km Kids’ Run. Of the 4,088 total, 1,400 were Thai nationals, with around 50 other nationalities represented. Japan fielded 405 runners and it was a Japanese who took the women’s 42k title;
Sonoko Kashio in 03:37:2, with Meta Vincent of Australia second in 03:39:36 and the UK’s Natalie Alderton third in 03:42:15. The 42km marathon saw sprightly Hatyai couple Somsak and Yindee Kasiwong, aged 78 and 73 respectively, chalk up a further remarkable marathon achievement with
another respectable finish belying their years. The couple, married for 55 years, have completed 80 marathons between them and marked their debut at Laguna by finishing ahead of others much younger in 05:13:03 and 05:13:26. Also prominent on the 42k course was Australian ‘Marathon Man’ Trent Morrow, completing his 50th full marathon in 04:53:10 garbed in his customary Superman costume as part of his personal global charity challenge.
All eyes on the future after Phuket bronze CRICKET Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
IT MAY NOT HAVE BEEN the colour they were after, but few could have been disappointed with Phuket’s bronze medal in the boy’s cricket at the recent National Youth Games. The Phuket Youth Development Squad came joint third with Chonburi, but according to Senior Coach Bill Stahmer, the positives taken out of the tournament show that youth cricket on Phuket has a bright future ahead. “During the Games, the boys improved every game from first to last. I’m happy, I’m proud, I had a warm buzz in my belly. Never before have I felt
like that after a defeat,” he said. “To me, our highlight was our fielding, and the improvement the boys showed over the course of a month. Our fielding was better than [gold medalists] Chiang Mai, in my opinion.” That was probably the result of a concentrated effort to work on fielding prior to the tournament, as well as some good old fashioned discipline instilled in the side by Stahmer during training. “The boys got sick of doing pushups,” he said, alluding to his ‘old school’ approach to coaching. “By the end of the tournament, there was a lot more discipline in the way we were playing cricket.” He said the side were let down though by some short
and wayward bowling at crucial stages in the tournament, despite a hat-trick from medium pacer ‘First’ in one of the pool games. Phuket won their first two matches of the Games, which were both reduced to seven overs from the usual 15 due to rain delays. However, they came unstuck in their next match against eventual silver medalists Khon Kaen, though Stahmer said he believed his side put in one of the most spirited performances he’s seen. They then needed a win against Chanthaburi to qualify for the semi-finals, and did just that, posting 80 from their 15 overs, before bowling out the opposition for 64. Perhaps the occasion got the better of the Phuket boys in
the semi-final though, as they were unable to replicate their batting efforts, being bowled out for just 34. Chiang Mai eventually won the match by nine wickets, and went on to win the tournament. But more important than the results, which were impressive in themselves, was the team spirit at the end of the competition, according to Stahmer. “We weren’t good enough
for gold. But I was so happy with where we finished because we improved so much in a month... They came out of it as such a close-knit team. “Basically over the five games we played, everyone contributed. Everyone did something. To see that improvement was the most satisfying thing, and seeing how much potential there is to be tapped,” Stahmer said.
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thephuketnews.com
44 WORLD SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
IN BRIEF Tahiti revel in shock football triumph Tahiti’s football team is set to receive an ecstatic welcome home this week after the Pacific territory’s greatest sporting triumph, a shock win in the Oceania Nations Cup. The victory guarantees
the Tahitian amateurs a spot at next year’s Confederations Cup alongside footballing superpowers such as host nation Brazil, world champions Spain and South American title-holders Uruguay.
New blocks will ‘enhance performance’ Newly-designed starting blocks to be used at the London Olympics will “enhance” the performance of athletes, according to the sport’s world governing body, the IAAF, and not slow them down as claimed by Usain Bolt. The blocks, redesigned
for this season’s Diamond League and Olympics, came in for criticism last week from none other than Jamaican sprint star Bolt. But the IAAF insisted that changes to the starting blocks, would not affect those using them.
Lorenzo extends deal with Yamaha Spain’s former MotoGP world champion Jorge Lorenzo will remain with Yamaha Factory Racing for the 2013 and 2014 seasons, his team has announced. Lorenzo, 25, moved to the Japanese constructor in 2008 and went on to win the world
title in 2010, as well as finishing second in 2009 and 2011. The announcement ends speculation of a possible switch to Honda, who are looking for a new rider after Australian Casey Stoner’s decision to retire at the end of this season.
Calls for house arrest for Mayweather Floyd Mayweather’s attorneys have asked the fighter be allowed to spend the remainder of his domestic battery sentence at home or the un-
defeated fighter might never climb in the ring again. Lawyers have reportedly filed a motion asking that he be put under house arrest.
England will reap rewards of rotation policy: Strauss CRICKET Agence France-Presse
ngland captain Andrew Strauss has predicted the team will see the benefits of their controversial rotation policy when they put their number one Test ranking on the line against South Africa. Strike bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were rested from the side that drew a rain-ruined third Test against the West Indies at Edgbaston on Monday (June 11), with Anderson omitted from the squad after England had taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. That led to criticisms that England, who have traditionally prized the five-day game above all other formats, were devaluing Test cricket. And when Tino Best set about stand-in seamers Graham Onions and Steven Finn while making 95, the highest ever score by a No 11 batsman in Test history, there were plenty of pundits saying England had got what they deserved by not
E
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England captain Andrew Strauss. playing their strongest team. However, with a packed schedule ahead of them, England coach Andy Flower has repeatedly insisted it was right to rest Anderson and Broad from this Test ahead of the seemingly sterner challenges set to be posed when South Africa visit for a three-match series starting in July. “One of the things about missing a couple of your senior players is it makes you realise what role they do play in the
Photo: Peter Meade
side as well as allowing you to see what role the other guys could play in the side,” said Strauss, named England’s man-of-the-series for a hundred in each of the first two Tests. “I think the picture is a lot clearer now, having seen that,” he added after Onions had taken four for 88 and Finn three for 111 in West Indies’ 426. “In a way, although we didn’t play brilliantly, I am very comfortable we made
that decision, because it will serve us well come the South Africa series.” England dropped several catches, with Ian Bell dropping two in the third slip position Anderson had made his own when he isn’t bowling himself. However, Strauss was happy to have wrapped up another series success, following five-wicket and nine-wicket victories at Lord’s and Trent Bridge respectively, even if this draw meant the end of seamer Tim Bresnan’s previously perfect career record of 13 Test wins. “The West Indies have got some dangerous players there and we were able to overcome that challenge,” Strauss said. “It wasn’t a perfect performance by us...you don’t want to be in a situation where No 11 gets 95 all that often!” England and the West Indies now contest a one-day series before England face Australia in a separate limited overs campaign. However, none of those matches will feature Strauss, who quit white ball international cricket after last year’s World Cup.
FOR SALE 1991 TIARA SPORT FISHING YACHT USD 275,000.00
Twin 550 HP Detroit Diesel Engines 1 Bunk Room RUPP Outriggers Saloon 2 GPS HF 3 Freezers Radio LCD TV VHF Radio DVD Auto Pilot 2 Heads with ShowersIce Maker Sounder 18 Knts EPREP Fly Bridge Bench 4 People VHF Radio Water Maker Electric Anchor Winch 45 FT Over All Length SAT Phone 1 State Room
OWNER IS CHANGING BUSINESS DISCIPLINES AND WANTS TO EXIT THE CHARTER FISHING BUSINESS.
The purchase of both boats entitles the buyer to www.phuketfishboat.com and its database of customers.
thephuketnews.com
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
WWW.PHUKETFISHBOAT.COM martin@phuketfishboat.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
WORLD SPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Ferrari boss backs one-stop strategy FORMULA 1
Phil Mickelson.
Mickelson to hunt with Tiger for US Open GOLF Agence France-Presse
PHIL MICK ELSON couldn’t be happier that his bid for an elusive US Open title – after five runner-up finishes – will start with a first-round pairing with longtime rival Tiger Woods. “I get excited to play with Tiger,” said Mickelson, who was to tee off at The Olympic Club’s ninth hole yesterday (Thursday) with Woods and Masters champion Bubba Watson. “He gets the best out of me,” added Mickelson. “I think when it’s time to tee off on Thursday I’ll be ready to play. One of the issues I’ve had this year, I’ve been a little mentally lethargic on Thursday and Friday. I won’t be this week.” It would seem like Mickelson, 41, wouldn’t need any extra incentive to focus at a US Open. The Californian owns four major titles, but has never won his national open championship. His five near-misses include an epic disappointment at Winged Foot in 2006, where he arrived holding both the PGA Championship and Masters titles and led by two shots with three holes to play. A bogey at 16 and a double bogey at 18 helped hand the title to Australian Geoff Ogilvy. Mickelson still cites that finish as the most heart-breaking of his US Open second places, which also include a one-stroke defeat to Payne Stewart in 1999 at Pinehurst, a runner-up finish to Woods in 2002 at Bethpage and a loss to Retief Goosen at Shinnecock in 2004 – when Mickelson led by a stroke with two to play but bogeyed 17. At Bethpage again in 2009, Mickelson shared the lead in the final round but saw Lucas Glover lift the trophy. “I think it helps me,” Mickelson said of the close calls. “Because this is a tournament where, if you look at my game from 20,000 feet, you’d say, ‘Well, that’s probably not the best set-up for the way he likes to play.’
Agence France-Presse
F
errari boss Stefano Domenicali has defended Fer rar i’s Canadian Grand Prix strategy, despite conceding four places during the latter stages of the race. The Italian team elected to gamble on a one pit-stop strategy on Sunday (June 10) in a bid to beat McLaren driver and eventual race-winner Lewis Hamilton to victory in Montreal. Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso was fighting Hamilton and defending drivers’ champion Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull for the lead throughout the race at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit, and moved to the front of the field when Hamilton pitted for fresh tyres. The Maranello-based outfit decided to gamble by not mirroring the Englishman’s move, hoping that Alonso’s
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso.
Photo: Ryan Bayona
tyres would sustain their grip to the end of the race. However, the 30-year-old’s tyres wore away quicker than expected and he could do nothing to stop Hamilton, Lotus driver Romain Grosjean of France, Mexican Sergio Perez of Sauber and the late-stopping Vettel passing him before the chequered flag as he eventually finished the race in fifth place. Domenicali acknowledged that the gamble had not paid off but insisted his team had
made the right call at the time. “Of course with hindsight it is easy” he said, “my kids who are seven and eight years old could do the right thing. “Honestly when we did the first pit stop, we did the right choice because we jumped one position, but it was not clear at that moment if it would have been one or two stops – because otherwise we would have kept Fernando longer on the track. “Then, considering the pace and considering the way
that Fernando was managing the tyres, we discussed with Fernando and apparently the tyres were keeping up a pace that was good in terms of having a one-stop strategy. “Then, when you arrive at a certain moment, you have to go for one solution or another one, so at that stage the situation – the elements that we had – were okay so we kept going in that direction. “After that, I cannot say anything more than with hindsight of course it was the wrong thing to do.” Double-champion Alonso was also adamant that Ferrari’s strategy was the right call. “I don’t agree that it was the wrong strategy. Grosjean nearly won the race with one stop, so one stop was the right strategy,” he explained. “We tried to win the race not stopping behind Hamilton and we went for it and it didn’t work, but I was happy with the approach and the points.”
Top US senator supports inquiry over fight result BOXING Agence France-Presse
THE TOP US SENATOR said Tuesday he backs a probe into the split decision giving Timothy Bradley a win over Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, but said he believed there was “nothing untoward” in the scoring. Undefeated American Bradley won the controversial high-profile championship boxing bout Saturday in Las Vegas in Senator Harry Reid’s home state of Nevada, where the fight’s three judges were under pressure to explain their scoring, which many experts have described as flawed.
“If an investigation makes everyone feel better, do the investigation,” Democratic Senate Majority Leader Reid, himself a onetime amateur boxer, told reporters in Washington. “I am confident that there was nothing untoward, I think people just make bad decisions in a lot of things they do, including judging fights,” he added. “But it doesn’t hurt to clear the air and take a look at this.” The bout saw judge Jerry Roth give Pacquiao the fight 115-113, but C.J. Ross and Duane Ford both had Bradley winning by the same score, despite Pacquiao appearing to land the more damaging blows throughout the contest.
Filipino Manny Pacquiao, left, and Timothy Bradley.
45
IN BRIEF Katich retires from first-class game Australian batsman Simon Katich on Tuesday announced his retirement from first-class cricket in Australia, citing family reasons. Katich, 36, is currently playing with Hampshire in the English county season and is committed to play for the Perth Scorchers in the Champions League Twenty20 in October. He was axed from the Australian team after the 2010-2011 Ashes series defeat to England in Australia and was stripped of the New South Wales captaincy last year in the Sheffield Shield competition.
China jails eight in crackdown China on Wednesday jailed eight people including two ex-chiefs of its football association and four former national team players, the culmination of a major crackdown on corruption in the scandal-plagued sport. Two former heads of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), Nan Yong and his predecessor, Xie Yalong, were each given sentences of 10 years and six months for taking bribes, Xinhua news agency reported. Nan took bribes worth 1.48 million yuan (B7.5 million) while Xie accepted 1.7 million yuan, it said. The sentences mark the culmination of a campaign to root out entrenched graft in the Chinese game that has ensnared dozens of CFA and club officials, referees and players accused of matchfixing and other crimes.
thephuketnews.com
46 WORLD SPORT
IN BRIEF Six changes for Argentina Argentina coach Santiago Phelan made six changes to his team to play France in Cordoba on Saturday from the side that beat Italy 37-12 at the weekend as part of the summer test series. Rodrigo Roncero has
been left out and replaced by fellow Stade Francais prop Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro. Biarritz Hooker Eusebio Guinazu also moves into the position of prop with the number two jersey going to La Plata’s Bruno Postiglioni.
Buderus extends Knights stay Former Australian Test hooker Danny Buderus has signed for a further season with National Rugby League side Newcastle Knights, the club said on Tuesday. Buderus, 34, who returned home after three years and 81 games in the
English Super League with the Leeds Rhinos, believes he still has a lot to offer under the coaching of Wayne Bennett. Buderus has played 11 games this season and is the second-most capped player for the Knights.
Quirk sees let-off for Chiefs and Nemani Super 15 leaders Waikato Chiefs will not be affected by the three-week suspension handed down to wing Maritino Nemani for a dangerous tackle because of a quirk in the new playing schedule. The penalty bans Nemani up to and including June 23,
covering the three-week Super 15 recess introduced this year to accommodate Test matches during the season. Nemani will however not be available for New Zealand’s North-South match and would miss club rugby during that period.
NZ quake scare rattles All Blacks An earthquake scare left several All Blacks diving for cover in Christchurch ahead of the world champions’ upcoming Test against Ireland in the New Zealand city, it
was reported Wednesday. Coach Steve Hansen, said the 4.2-magnitude aftershock in the early hours of Tuesday morning especially rattled the out-of-town players.
THE PHUKET NEWS
Fear of failure drives record-breaking Nadal TENNIS Agence France-Presse
R
afael Nadal admitted on Monday that a deepseated fear of failure drove him to a record seventh French Open title and will keep him playing until his love of the sport finally drains away. The 26-year-old Spaniard refuses to accept the crown as the greatest claycourt player of all time, despite surpassing Bjorn Borg’s six Roland Garros triumphs which he matched last year. With 11 Grand Slam titles under his belt, he is steadily closing in on Roger Federer’s record of 16 and has time on his side being almost five years the Swiss star’s junior. “I have always been scared of losing,” confessed Nadal, after his 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 win over world number one Novak Djokovic in the Roland Garros final which had been held over from Sunday because of rain. “That’s why I always have full respect for opponents, knowing I can win or lose. I have kept that focus for eight years.”
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FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
Rafael Nadal beats an opponent and fear itself. Photo: AFP His record on clay makes impressive reading – seven French Opens, eight Monte Carlo Masters, seven Barcelona titles, six Rome Masters and 50 career titles in all on all surfaces. “It is not for me to say if I am one of the best. I have probably had the best results and it’s a great and emotional thing to win seven French Opens,” said Nadal, whose career record in Paris now stands at 52 wins and just one defeat.
“But the important thing is to win Roland Garros, whether it’s the first time, sixth or seventh.” His coach, and uncle, Toni Nadal claimed in the immediate aftermath of Monday’s win that his nephew was unfortunate to be playing at the same time as Djokovic and Roger Federer. The inference being that Nadal would have many more than the 11 majors he currently holds. Of the last 34 Grand Slam
tournaments, 31 have been shared between the world’s top three. Juan Martin del Potro was the last man to break the stranglehold when he won the 2009 US Open. “I feel lucky to have achieved the things that I have,” said Nadal. “I have great rivals and even in such an era of fantastic players, I am happy to have won as many matches as I have. I am a lucky man.” Unlike Borg, Nadal insists he has no intention of following the Swede’s example of retiring at the peak of his career. That is despite his longstanding battles against knee injuries which have often threatened to derail his career. “I will be here until injuries restrict either me or my chances of playing. I will keep going as long as the motivation and the passion are with me,” he said. “Hopefully that will be for a long time yet. I will keep working hard every day, that’s my goal and to keep improving, to wake up and have the passion to practice. When that changes, I will say ‘goodbye guys’ but that’s not the case today.”
Wallabies unchanged for second Wales Test RUGBY
Agence France-Presse
INJURED PROP SEKOPE Kepu was named Tuesday in an unchanged Wallabies team for the second Test against Wales in Melbourne tomorrow (June 16). Despite concerns over Kepu’s fitness with a strained forearm tendon, the tighthead NSW Waratahs prop was named subject to proving his availability later in the week. “We are hopef ul that ‘Keps’ will be good to go, but we do have a contingency plan in place if we need it,”
Sekope Kepu was named subject to a fitness test. coach Robbie Deans said. “There are five props in the group we have with us in
Melbourne so we saw no need in bringing anyone extra in.” Deans said utility back Kurtley Beale was not considered for selection and still had some work to do in his comeback from a shoulder injury. He said the continuity of the selection ref lected the level of last weekend’s performance, although he acknowledged that the same would not be good enough for the second of three Tests against the Six Nations champions. “The Welsh will have seen a lot of opportunity in last weekend’s Test,” Deans said. “They showed during their Six Nations campaign that they are resilient – twice winning games in the final moments. “That trait was apparent again in a 12-minute period in Brisbane when they closed from 6-20 to 19-20, to put themselves in a position to win the game after we had made the better start.” Australia won the opening match of the series 27-19 in Brisbane on Saturday (June 9).
THE PHUKET NEWS
Will England win? No Ikea... FOOTBALL
EURO 2012 RESULTS
From page 48 s the world is consumed by Euro fever, all eyes will be on England tonight (June 15) as they look to overcome Sweden and move within range of the tournament quarter finals. They won’t have it easy – England have not beaten Sweden in a competitive fixture since 1968, though they did beat them in a friendly last November. England manager Roy Hodgson though has challenged his side to hone their attacking threat against their Scandinavian opponents, but believes the side’s success will ultimately hinge on the return of Wayne Rooney from suspension for the last group game against Ukraine. A weary England returned to their Krakow training base early Tuesday (June 12), reflecting on a job well done after securing a hard-earned point in their 1-1 draw against Group D favourites France. As expected, England’s gameplan was based on defensive solidity, with France’s dangerous attacking players mostly kept at bay by Hodgson’s well-drilled side.
A
Poland
1-1
Greece
Russia
4-1
Czech Republic
Netherlands
0-1
Denmark
Germany
1-0
Portugal
Spain
1-1
Italy
Ireland
1-3
Croatia
France
1-1
England
Ukraine
2-1
Sweden
Greece
1-2
Czech Republic
Poland
1-1
Russia
Denmark
2-3
Portugal
Netherlands
1-2
Germany
While Hodgson will not be the least concerned by barbs directed at his team – with French World Cup winner Marcel Desailly disparaging England’s display as “feeble” – the coach is hoping to cause more problems for Sweden in attack tonight. “It’s in the final third, isn’t it, really?” Hodgson reflected when asked where his side could improve. “Once or twice, especially in the first half (against France), there were some very promising counter-attacks and they broke
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16:20
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SPORT
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down because we tried a onetouch pass to finish it off rather than taking that extra touch. “The French were just the opposite. They don’t play a lot of one-touch football around the penalty box. They play a lot of two, three touches, holding onto the ball. “Sometimes I think we want to try and finish it off too quickly. I think that’s because of the intensity of the Premier league.” Hodgson is confident that England’s strike force of Ashley Young and Danny Welbeck will
AFL Team
P W D
L
Collingwood
11
9
0
2
1102 882
F
A
125
36
11
8
0
3
1113 807
138
32
Cowboys v. Broncos
2
Sydney
Aussie Rules
AFL
Adelaide v. St Kilda
3
West Coast
10
8
0
2
1087 794
137
32
Tennis
ATP Aegon
4
Essendon
11
8
0
3
1131 855
132
32
Rugby League
20:00
23:00
21:00
23:00
812, 108
23:00
09:00
Golf
US Open
825
23:00
01:00
Soccer
EURO 2012
01:45
03:45
Soccer
EURO 2012
Sweden v. England
Saturday, June 16 813, 109
19:00
20:00
Motor Bikes
MotoGP
Qualifying, Silverstone
816, 107
14:30
16:35
Rugby Union
International
New Zealand v. Ireland
17:00
19:00
Rugby Union
International
Australia v. Wales
21:45
23:45
Rugby Union
International South Africa v. England
19:00
20:45
Rugby League
521
16:30
19:30
Aussie Rules
AFL
812
13:00
14:00
Motor racing
V8 Supercars
NRL
Sharks v. Warriors Gold Coast Suns v. North Melbourne Darwin
1
285
193
18
5
1
269
229
18
13
8
0
5
1
228
211
18
5
Sea Eagles
6
Sharks
13
8
0
5
1
242
228
18
8
St Kilda
11
6
0
5
1159 929
125
24
7
Rabbitohs
12
7
0
5
2
268
265
18
8
Cowboys
13
7
0
6
1
312
250
16
9
Dragons
13
6
0
7
1
190
224
14
9
Carlton
11
6
0
5
1045 906
115
24
10
Fremantle
11
6
0
5
839
888
94
24
11
Richmond
11
5
0
6
1055 976
108
20
12
Nth Melbourne
10
4
0
6
1062 1064
100
16
10
Warriors
12
5
0
7
1
272
288
12
13
Port Adelaide
11
4
0
7
897 1002
90
16
11
Titans
13
5
0
8
1
209
245
12
14
Brisbane Lions
10
4
0
6
819
918
89
16
12
Raiders
13
5
0
8
1
249
318
12
Western Bulldogs
10
4
0
6
748
892
84
16
13
Roosters
13
5
0
8
1
216
312
12
14
Knights
13
4
0
9
1
208
279
10
15
Panthers
12
4
0
8
1
196
267
10
16
Eels
12
2
0
10
2
208
344
8
47
4
18
Gold Coast Suns
11
0
0
11
701 1290
54
0
Queens, London
5
0
28
563 1187
ATP Aegon
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28
9
Tennis
8
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111
0
22:00
13
132
1
20:30
Bulldogs
1054 947
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812, 108
3
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Greece v. Russia
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17
EURO 2012
236
4
4
Soccer
332
0
56
03:45
1
0
699 1250
01:45
4
7
10
(Mon)
0
7
0
Czech Rep v. Poland
9
11
1
NRL
13
11
11
EURO 2012
Broncos
Geelong
Melbourne
Soccer
24
2
Hawthorn
16
Rugby League
Pts
7
Queens, London
14:00
153
6
ATP Aegon
03:45
A
358
4
Tennis
01:45
F
1
32
22:00
12:00
B
2
128
20:30
825
L
0
1014 791
812, 108
816, 107
D
11
2
England v. West Indies
AFL
W
13
0
ODI 1
Aussie Rules
P
Storm
8
Cricket
13:00
Team 1
10
00:00
10:00
NEW SOUTH WALES took Australia’s State of Origin rugby league series to a decider after a spirited 16-12 win over Queensland in the second match in Sydney on Wednesday (June 13). The Blues, trailing 4-6 at half-time, won the match with 12 points in six minutes just after the resumption to hold off Queensland’s determined fightback at the Olympic stadium. Queensland are bidding for an unprecedented seven straight series victories and looked on course to win after scoring in the final minute of the first half to lead at half-time. NSW winger Akuila Uate allowed a high kick to bounce and hand interchange forward Ben Hannant a try under the bar. But the Blues powered to a 16-6 lead to capitalise on Queensland scrum-half Cooper Cronk’s 10-minute spell in the sin bin. Cronk was punished for a professional foul when he held back Todd Carney after a grubber kick in-goal.
Adelaide
16:45
521
Agence France-Presse
5
29
Hawthorn v. Brisbane Lions Tigers v. Roosters
Carney levelled with the resulting penalty and the Blues scored two quick tries to seize control. Fullback Brett Stewart, who scored the game's opening try in the 25th minute, grabbed his second try four minutes after the interval when he backed up a break by Carney to out-sprint the defence from halfway. Cent re Josh Mor ris scored NSW's third try four minutes later after scooping up a ball dislodged from teammate Jarryd Hayne to race 45m to the try-line. But Queensland refused to give in and Test centre Greg Inglis scored a record 14th Origin try off a high kick from Jonathan Thurston with 18 minutes left. NSW players had their hear ts in their mouths when Queensland winger Brent Tate appeared set to score, only for the ball to be knocked out of his hands by Graeme Jennings. Queensland put the Blues under massive pressure on their own try-line forcing six goal-line drop outs and having to defend successive sets of tackles. The series will now go to a decider on July 4.
Tigers
15
Sunday, June 17
RUGBY LEAGUE
% Pts
NRL
18:30
Origin series levelled with spirited NSW win
NRL
1
TEAMS / INFO
Queens, London The Olympic Club, San Francisco Ukraine v. France
816, 107
improve as they gain greater experience. “You must remember that we had Ashley Young, who hasn’t always played that position, and Danny Welbeck, who is 21 and did really well,” Hodgson said. “You’ve got to make allowances for the fact that they had (Karim) Benzema, who is much older and playing for Real Madrid, and Samir Nasri.” But after the Sweden game, Hodgson must also consider how to reconfigure England’s attack for their final group game, when Rooney will become available. It is likely Rooney will assume the second striker role with Young possibly moving wide and Welbeck leading the line. “Our real ace in the hole, I think, should be Wayne Rooney, because he is very fit and he’s raring to go,” Hodgson said. “He really can’t wait to get on the field and if he can play like Wayne Rooney, then we’re going to be a bit more difficult to beat. Sweden meanwhile are coming off the back of their opening 2-1 loss to co-hosts Ukraine, and are currently sitting bottom of the group. For them, the game against England is a must-win if they want to stay alive in the competition.
After Wednesday’s matches
AFP/Phuket News
CHANNEL START END Friday, June 15
WORLD SPORT 47
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
RESULTS Carlton Richmond
11.19 (85) – 14.13 (97) Geelong Cats 9.12 (66) – 12.6 (78)
Gold Coast Suns 7.7 (49) – 21.18 (144) Essendon
Fremantle St Kilda
11.16 (82) – 13.8 (86) Sydney Swans
Port Adelaide 9.8 (62) – 16.12 (108)
Hawthorn
Melbourne 13.9 (87) – 19.15 (129) Collingwood Byes: Brisbane, West Coast, GWS Giants, Bulldogs, Adelaide Crows, North Melbourne
RESULTS Sharks Roosters Knights
22 – 12 22 – 40 16 – 32
Titans Broncos Raiders
Storm 6 – 10 Tigers Panthers 16 – 30 Warriors Byes: Eels, Cowboys, Rabbitohs, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles, Dragons
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48 WORLD SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
SPORT
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012
PLAYING A NEW BRAND FC Phuket become The Islanders in club rebranding > 42
Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
CAN THE THREE LIONS
ROAR? EURO 2012 STANDINGS As of 14/6/12
FULL STORY ON PAGE 47
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Group A
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
Group C
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1 Russia
2
1
1
0
3
4
1 Croatia
1
1
0
0
2
3
2 Czech Republic
2
1
0
1
-2
3
2 Italy
1
0
1
0
0
1
3 Poland
2
0
2
0
0
2
3 Spain
1
0
1
0
0
1
4 Greece
2
0
1
1
-1
1
4 Ireland
1
0
0
1
-2
0
Group B
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
Group D
P
W
D
L
GD
Pts
1 Germany
2
2
0
0
2
6
1 Ukraine
1
1
0
0
+1
3
2 Denmark
2
1
0
1
0
3
2 England
1
0
1
0
0
1
3 Netherlands
2
1
0
1
0
3
3 France
1
0
1
0
0
1
4 Portugal
2
0
0
2
-2
0
4 Sweden
1
0
0
1
-1
0