15-07-2016

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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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HUNDREDS FINED IN TAXI, TUK-TUK DRIVER BLITZ > PAGE 5

NO WORK PERMIT REQUIRED

The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Ch ief of t he Phu ket Employment Office has told The Phuket News that his office will not be investigating any foreigners who collect income from renting out their privately owned condos.

“It is a personal arrangement between the person renting out the condo and the person renting it – it

southern end of Patong, last week.

“The notice is live on the noticeboard in the reception and has been sent out to all owners. The notice states that any foreign owner who is renting his/her unit must by law obtain a work permit, even if the person uses a real estate broker, they still have to get a work permit,” one tenant told The Phuket News.

The notice from the management at the Phuket Palace Condominium said that their lawyers had confirmed

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

@thephuketnews

PAGE 3

Chinese tourist deaths spur safety push

LIFE

PAGE 16

Beach dangers take all forms

Despite the warning posted at Patong Palace condominium (inset), Phuket Employment Office Chief Pitool Dumsakorn says foreigners do not need work permits to collect rent from privately owned condos. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot does not concern the Employment Department,” Phuket Employment Office Chief Pitool Dumsakorn confirmed this week.

The news follows owners of units at the Phuket Palace condominium development in Patong receiving a warning that they must be issued work permits in order to legally rent out their units.

The warning was delivered by a notice posted inside the Patong Palace condominium building, at the

NEWS

with the Ministry of Labour “that the owner must have a work permit because there is money in exchange for rentals and proper taxation must be paid to Patong municipality too.”

The notice also pointed out concerns for owners of units under the “foreign quota” – the number of units foreigners are allowed to own within condo developments in Thailand.

“In fact, according to Thai Law, foreigners allowed to purchase under the foreign quota are only allowed...

SPORT

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Royal Raya Sport take the reins at Phuket FC

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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Taking the sting out of snakebites with anti-venom serums > page 4

Gambling raids net 29 suspects, slot machine Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

Pokim Saelim (left), 48, was presented to the press

by Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amonwat (right).

Car drug drop lands ‘ice’ dealer in heat A PHUKET MAN WAS arrested last week when he was found in possession of six bags of crystal meth (ya ice) weighing a total of one kilogramme.

The announcement of the arrest came at press conference held last Friday (July 8) by Vice Governor Chokdee Armornwat and Capt Aumpon Samorthai of the Border Patrol Police 425.

“On July 6, Lt Teerasak Narasri was sent out to observe an area in Phuket Town, and at around 11am he noticed an Isuzu vehicle parked on Phang Nga Rd. The car door opened and a bag was dropped from it,” Capt Aumpon said.

“He checked the bag and

found that it contained crystal meth. He then opened the car door and found Pokim Saelim, 48, sitting inside.

Lt Teerasak found five more bags of crystal meth inside the pickup. “In total the drugs weighed 1.14kg,” Capt Aumpon said.

Pokim told police that he bought the drugs from “Mr Chai” and that he ordered the drugs by telephone.

“This is the second time he has bought drugs from Mr Chai, he previously bought 1.5kg of crystal meth from Mr Chai for B45,000,” he said.

Pokim has been charged with possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell.

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G

ambli ng raids i n Phuket Town and Patong last weekend netted 29 suspects as well as gambling paraphernalia, including a slot machine and about B70,000 cash.

Officers, accompanied by police and Royal Thai Navy personnel, raided a restaurant in the Soi Saensuk area of Phuket Town last Sunday (July 10), where 11 suspects were arrested for gambling on Muay Thai fights.

When the raid party arrived, the suspects were watching a fight on television.

The officers then raided a mini-mart on Thep Pratan Rd, on the east side of Phuket Town, where 12 suspects were arrested for gambling on Muay Thai. Some suspects attempted to flee, but were quickly taken into custody. Also arrested was shop owner Vithee Jareukan.

Just after midnight on Saturday night, more than 20 officers, including police and military personnel, raided another mini-mart and another restaurant, this time on Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd in Patong.

At the back of the res-

Among the items seized in the raid on a mini-mart on Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd in Patong was a slot machine, placed just inside the shop’s front door. taurant raided was a serving window allegedly used for taking bets and making payouts. Among the items seized in the raid was about B70,000 cash.

Shop staff Surasak Kamonchaiphisit and Thongchai Inprung were taken into custody for allegedly running the

gambling operation.

Later at the mini-mart that was raided, officers seized a slot machine that was located just inside the front door.

Kritsada Boonchuay, 38, was arrested as the owner of the slot machine, while the shop owner, Ratree Wongkot, 58, was also arrested for at

least providing the venue for gambling to take place.

A not he r p e r son , not named by police, was arrested at the mini-mart, police confirmed.

All 29 suspects were taken to Phuket City Police Station and charged for gambling offences.

Condo rentals are ‘work permit free’ The notice also warned of foreign quota owned units.

Continued from page 1 ...for personal dwelling and not for business or income,” the notice read.

“There were questions that the foreign unit own-

ers have a contract with an estate agent, to my personal knowledge the unit owner still has to apply for a work permit but no documentation from Government depart-

ments have been sent to our Juristic Person office although we know for sure that the work permit is needed, it is up to foreign unit owners to decide,” the notice continued.

Regarding rental of units at the development, the notice added, “Rentals can be done from 30 days up and not less.

If you are a Thai company you need not have a work permit as you have Thai directors.”

The notice was marked as issued by the “Phuket Palace Condominium Juristic Person”.

The notice comes amid a crackdown by officials against properties not registered under the Hotel Act being rented out for periods of less than 30 days.

Officals last week warned that renting out condos for periods less than 30 days may incur fines or even jail time. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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Boat safety takes a hit Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket and Krabi Marine Chiefs have vowed to tackle dangerous speedboat operators in the wake of 18-year-old Chinese tourist Li Yuheng dying after the femoral artery in his left leg was slashed by a propeller at Phi Phi Island last week.

“Despite all efforts to save him, Mr Li died at 11:23pm on July 8 at Krabi Hospital due to the injuries he sustained after being hit by the propeller,” confirmed Lt Col Chaetpan Naruedon, Chief Investigator at Phi Phi Police Station.

“Naruedon Tongdee, 20, who started the engine, causing Mr Li’s injuries, has been charged with recklessness causing death.

“The tour company’s insurance has paid about B2.3 million in compensation to Mr Li’s family, the tour company also covered the costs of the family’s visit to Thailand following the incident,” he said.

Mr Li’s death follows the deadly collision of two tour speedboats off Phuket on June 8 that left two Chinese tourists dead and 34 other

Li Yuheng, 18, died from injuries he sustained when hit the the propeller of a speedboat engine last Thursday. Photo: Harsha K R/Flickr tourists injured. That incident, along with several fatal accidents off Pattaya, prompted a major push for marine safety improvements at the national level.

Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul in Phuket on June 16 announced a raft

of new measures to improve marine safety in Thailand, while the Tourism Authority of Thailand also on June 16 posted the new 10-point marine safety crackdown on its website.

Under new regulations, the Marine Department is to

Wall collapse closes road ONE LANE OF THUNG Kha Rd in Rassada remained closed on Tuesday (July 12) following the collapse of a retaining wall on Monday believed to have been caused by recent heavy rain.

The wall is the property of property development company Pruksa Ville who recently purchased the adjoining land for a new development project.

Phuket Public Relations Department were informed of the collapse at 6pm on Monday and immediately sent out telecommunications official Preedee Aengsang to inspect the site, which is close to the entrance to Si Suchat Grand View 2.

Mr Preedee was joined on the inspection by officials from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and Rassada Municipality.

“After inspecting the site yesterday, we installed lighting and cones to the area where the wall has collapsed to make it safe for motorists,” Mr Preedee said on Tuesday.

“A contractor appointed by Pruksa Ville has been working to remove the damaged wall today,” he said.

A representative from Pruksa Ville who declined @thephuketnews

It is believed that recent heavy rain caused the retaining wall to collapse. to be named added, “We only bought this plot of land in June and no work has started on the project yet.

“We found out yesterday that recent heavy rain caused the retaining wall to collapse

so we appointed a company to come out today to remove the wall using backhoes, the removal of the wall will be finished by Wednesday (July 13),” he said.

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impose severe penalties and bans for any businesses or boat operators that break the rules; introduce new and comprehensive testing for anyone applying for a boat operator’s licence; and review and renew boat operators’ licences every five years.

“We are focusing on the test knowledge and interviewing boat operator applicants,” Krabi Marine Chief Boonchaw Tangsiripaisan, who is responsible for vessels at Phi Phi, told The Phuket News.

“They will get their licence only when they have gained enough knowledge and pass the test, and we will be strict on checking our database records before issuing or renewing any licences,” he said.

“Regarding the accident on July 8, the boat operator has had his licence suspended for two years, and he has yet to be sentenced for his criminal liability.”

Phu ket Mar ine Chief Surachai Burapanontachai concurred.

“We are very serious about this issue because this should not happen to anyone,” he said. “The crew acts under the responsibility of the boat operator. If anything happens, the Marine Act holds the boat operator responsible. The consequences will be on him.

“Within two months, the Marine Office will issue new standards to boat operators which will also affect all crew,” he said.

Beach-goers, especially tourists, are urged to swim only between the red-yellow flags.

Lifeguards issue surf warning LIFEGUARDS ALONG Phuket’s west coast have urged swimmers to exercise caution at the beaches as the fallout from Super Typhoon Nepartak, which slammed Taiwan, stirred up dangerous surf.

“The storm has affected the weather for the past few days. Today is looking better and no sections at any beaches have been closed entirely,” said Phuket Lifeguard Chief Prathaiyuth Chuayuan earlier this week.

“But we still recommend that people, especially tourists, enter the water only at the areas marked by red-yellow flags,” he said.

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PHUKET NEWS

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Sorting out snakebites Which hospitals do I rush to for anti-venom serum treatment?

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

QUESTION

SALES MANAGER Jittiya (Tiya) Rakdej 088 754 1371

salesmgr@classactmedia.co.th

SALES SUPPORT Siriporn (Nok) Seangmas 086 479 7470 sales@classactmedia.co.th

I keep seeing the stories of dangerous snakes being caught by those very handy rescue workers who seem to be within arm’s reach anywhere in Phuket, but I have yet to read anywhere exactly what I should do if either myself or someone near me is bitten by a snake.

Do hospitals here keep anti-venom in stock to treat snakebites? What about the local clinics? What basic steps should I take at the scene?

Any information would be great, as right now I haven’t got a clue.

-Chuck, Chalong.

ANSWER

SALES REPRESENTATIVE Somsong (Chompu) Radabut 088 765 5883 sales1@classactmedia.co.th

PR MANAGER Natchaya (Nat) Sittiprasert 088 765 5881 pr@classactmedia.co.th

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Each of the three main government hospitals on the island – Vachira Phuket Hospital, Patong Hospital and Thalang Hospital – keeps its own stock of anti-venom provided by the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute.

If you're not sure what kind of snake bit you, it is recommended you try to take the snake with you so hospital staff can identify it and treat you accordingly. Photo: Alasdair Forbes Vachira Hospital in Phuket Town keeps reserves in case the other hospitals run out of stock.

Local government health clinics are run by whichever local authority is responsible for that area, such as the local municipality or Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor).

As such, the Phuket Public

Health Office (PPHO) does not directly organise for these clinics keep anti-venom in stock. It would be best for you to check with the local council in your area about this.

The same applies to all private clinics. You will need to check with the private clinics in your area to see if they carry anti-venom for snakebites.

One handy thing to remember is that if you’re not sure which snake bit the victim, including yourself, it is best to bring the snake with you so staff at the hospital can correctly identify it and administer the correct antivenom.

That said, most of the people treated for snakebites in Phuket were bitten by either a cobra or a green pit viper.

All three government hospitals in Phuket keep anti-venom for these snakes in stock.

– A Pharmacy Department official at Vachira Phuket Hospital There is no anti-venom in stock at the Chalong Accident & Emergency Centre, located at the Chalong Hospital still under construction (opposite HomePro Village shopping centre near Chalong Circle).

If you or someone near you is bitten by a snake, administer first aid and then get the victim to hospital as quickly and safely possible.

Do not suck the snake bite.

Just clean the wound with soap and tie a cloth or rope over the bite, then get them to a hospital.

– Dr Bancha Kakong, Chief of the Phuket Public Health Office Phuket International Hospital only keeps anti-venom against cobra snakebites. We recommend anyone with a poisonous snakebite – or anyone unsure if the snake bite is poisonous – to go to Vachira Hospital where they keep a wide range of anti-venom.

– Kajornporn Suripai­ san­s akul, the Pharmacy Manager at Phuket Inter­ national Hospital.

The Bangkok Hospital Phuket Pharmacy and Emergency Service Department carries the following anti-venom: Anti Snake Serum Hematotoxic Polyvalent: - For Asian snakes such as Malayan Pit Viper, Green Pit Viper, Russell’s Viper Anti Snake Serum Neurotoxic Polyvalent: - For Cobra, King Cobra, Banded Krait, Malayan Krait Regarding first aid, you might have heard that it is best to tie something tight above the snakebite to slow the flow of venom throughout the body.

That advice was usually accompanied by the caution

to keep the tourniquet tight for five minutes, then release the tourniquet to get bloodflow back into the affected area and then tighten the tourniquet again – all the way to the hosptial.

These days we only recommend that the patient try not to move as much as possible. Just keep movement to a minimum and get the victim to the nearest hospital.

If someone killed the snake which bit the patient, keep the dead snake and bring it to the hospital or take a photo of it so we can identify which kind of snake bit the patient.

If the patient doesn’t know what kind of snake bit him, he will need to be kept in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 24-48 hours for observation.

– Patchareeya Wongmanee, Deputy Head of Department, Emergency Room, Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

The Phuket Provincial Hospital (also called the “OrBorJor Hospital”) in Rassada does not keep any anti-venom in stock.

If any patients arrive with a snakebite, we treat them with first aid but then transfer them to Vachira Phuket Hospital for further treatment.

– A staffer at Phuket Provincial Hospital Dibuk Hospital does not keep any anti-venom in stock.

We send any patients with snakebites to Vachira Hospital because they keep a full range of anti-snakebite serums there.

It is better for the patient to get the correct serum as quickly as possible.

– Kattika Rakdee, Head of Nurse Operations, Dibuk Hospital If you find a snake in your house or yard, you can call the Kusoldharm Rescue Foundation at 076-246599 or 076 246301 – 24 hours a day. The foundation will contact workers on standby near your location to provide assistance.

We will release the snake in the forest at Toh Sae Hill or Khao Phra Thaeo National Wildlife Reserve.

– A staffer on the Kusoldharm rescue hotline thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

PHUKET NEWS

5

Blitz snares 573 illegal taxi, bus, tuk-tuk drivers Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

A

campaign spearheaded by the Director of the Land Transport Department (DLT) for the entire country has netted 573 Phuket public transport drivers breaking the law within just three days, and netting more than B7 million baht in fines in the process.

Checkpoints set up at five locations in Phuket on July 3-5 saw 344 public transport drivers found operating public transport vehicles with expired road tax or worse, operating “unregistered” vehicles.

Each of these drivers was fined B20,000, netting the DLT a windfall of B6.88 million.

“The rest (229 drivers) were fined up to B10,000 each because they were found to be driving outside their designated routes without permission, having illegal modifications to their vehicles, such as adding air horns or spotlights, and using the incorrect vehicle to provide a regular-route service,” said DLT Director Sanit Promwong.

@thephuketnews

Cherng Talay Police are reluctant to divulge details about the taxi driver or his campanions who were firing a rifle within metres of houses at Layan. Image: provided

Police vague on taxi rifle, pig-shooting incident

The transport-driver blitz netted hundreds of Phuket taxi and tuk-tuk drivers, and more than B7 million in fines, for no road tax or driving an unregistered vehicle.

“All information of the public transport drivers who were stopped and fined were sent to the information centre at our office so if they are ever found of committing an offence under the Land Transport Act again, their licence will be suspended or revoked,” he added.

The transport officials were stationed at the Tha Chatchai Checkpoint to check vehicles heading onto the island, and on the west coast road to check all taxis, buses and

green-plated vehicles leaving Phuket International Airport.

Checkpoints were also set up in front of Phuket FantaSea in Kamala, to check all buses, taxis and tuk-tuks going to Patong; at the Thong Thong Checkpoint, to check all buses, tuk-tuks and taxis going to Patong; and in front of Phuket Shooting Range on Patak Rd, to check buses, taxis and tuktuks heading from Chalong into Karon.

Mr Sanit said that officials had no choice but to ramp

up enforcement of public transport laws to solve many issues regarding poor service provided by public transport that was causing damage to tourism.

“We have to be very strict on this in order for us to stop public transport operators from further damaging our tourism image with their poor service or operation,” he said.

Public transport drivers will also be held accountable for their behaviour, Mr Sanit noted.

POLICE A R E R ELUC tant to provide details over a Phuket taxi driver and his companions firing a rifle in a residential area in Cherng Talay on Tuesday last week (July 5), allegedly to shoot wild pigs.

A police pickup truck was within 100 metres of the shooting, as shown in a video provided to The Phuket News by a local resident.

Cherng Talay Police Chief Col Serm Khwannimit told The Phuket News that the taxi driver had been brought in for questioning, but charges had yet to be filed.

“At that time, he was not on duty, working or taking any passengers. His house is near where the incident occurred,” Col Serm said.

“He said he tested the gun,

a .22 rifle, with friends and that he had only just brought the rifle from home in ‘a car with green number plates’ (sic) – it was not carried in the car in working time.”

The man was being held for carrying a gun in public without a permit and firing the weapon without reasonable cause, Col Serm confirmed.

However, he said, “I do not want to give the suspect’s name.”

“We cannot file any charges for shooting any pigs as we have no evidence to substantiate the claim,” he added.

Col Serm declined to answer whether or not it is legal to shoot wild pigs in Phuket, or whether it is legal to shoot any animals on the land where the shooting occurred.

The Phuket News

6

PHUKET NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

‘White Shark’ gets bitten back

Krabi’s Port Takola marina developer refutes mangrove encroachment The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he developer of Port Takola Yacht Marina and Boatyard in Krabi, Gangadhara Co Ltd, has refuted allegations by officials that the company has encroached on protected mangroves by illegally dredging canal access to the site.

A DMCR official alleged that the marina developer encroached on mangroves by widening the canal.

Matthew na Nagara, General Manager of Port Takola Yacht Marina, explained to the press on Tuesday (July 11) that officials led by a representative of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) inspected the marina site on June 29.

Joining the lead of DMCR official were “100 men from various government agencies”, including the DMCR, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Royal Thai Army as well administrative officials, he said.

“After the visit, the representative of the Department of

Aerial photography taken in 2005 by the Royal Thai Survey Department shows that Klong Nob was already 30 to 50 metres wide before the company started any works.

Marine and Coastal Resources reported to the media that the company had infringed Section 14 of the National Reserve Forest Act 1964 and Section 54 of the Forestry Act 1941 because it (the project) has encroached, taken possession of, reclaimed, and/or cleared without permission the affected area,” Mr na Nagara said.

“The representative also

reported that the company had widened Klong Nob from two to three metres wide to about 50 metres wide and that he found dredging activity during the search,” he added.

However, with documents provided to The Phuket News, Mr na Nagara explained that the marina site is on land that has been in his family since 1926, long preceeding the establishment of the Jilad

River National Reserve Area under the National Reserve Act in 1964.

“The Royal Forest Department has also warranted this property and secluded it from the announced area. Forestry officials have the authority to search and arrest any wrongdoer in the National Reserve Area, but not on a private property,” he said.

Regarding the dredging of the canal, Mr na Nagara said, “Klong Nob is a watercourse that is connected to a deep channel of the Jiland River and leads to the Andaman Sea. Historically, the estate owner built a pier and allowed the Laempho villagers to use it for transportation and for shelter. As such, Klong Nob is considered public land for public use according to the land law. It is not a forest area as defined in the National Reserve Act.” Also, Gangadhara Co Ltd had been issued a permit to dredge the canal issued by the Saithai Tambon Administrative Organisation (OrBorTor).

“The SDAO (OrBorTor) received authority from the Harbor Master to permit

dredging and a responsibility of maintaining a watercourse of a small canal, according to the Harbor Master’s Order 718/545,” Mr na Nagara said.

“The company has also received a permit from the Krabi Harbor Master’s Office to dredge a channel connecting the mouth of Klong Nob to the Jilad River. The company plans to dredge a centre channel only so it will not damage the mangrove forest along shoreline on both sides,” he added.

Refuting allegations that Klong Nob was “two to three metres wide” before the dredging began, Mr na Nagara pointed out, “This does not coincide with aerial photography taken in 2005 by the Royal Thai Survey Department. The aerial photography shows that Klong Nob was already 30 to 50 metres wide before the company started any works.

There is also the fact that the dredging contractor had not performed any work at that time because the dredger was still being assembled.”

“We are disappointed that the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has not requested for the company to clarify its process in obtaining these permits before releasing this news to the public,” Mr na Nagara told The Phuket News.

“We co-operated with officials during a previous

search earlier this year. We do not understand why the department has not requested for clarification if it finds any wrongdoing.

“This report will surely effect our development reputation and the construction timeline. We will now seek for justification on this matter,” he said.

The investigation into the Port Takola site was part of the DMCR-led “Operation White Shark” probe, which aims to reclaim protected coastal forests and mangroves in 23 provinces.

“The DMCR’s target for the 2016 [government] fiscal year is to pursue a total of 15,000 rai (2,400 hectares).

We’ve already began proceedings for 10,694 rai [of this and] have 4,306 rai of land remaining, 2,200 rai of which is in Phuket,” White Shark operative Sakda Wichiansin said in Phuket on May 29.

The Phuket inspection team, comprising 200 officials, were split into eight teams to inspect a total of 34 suspected plots across the island.

However, in launching the Phuket investigations, Mr Sakda noted, “The title holders of the suspect land shall submit any documents they possess to be inspected, but if we find that there is no legitimate title or rights, we will press charges at once.”

An aerial photo taken in 2005 shows the canal was already 30-50 metres wide before marina works began.

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PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

7

Chinese souvenir war possible murder motive Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

olice have not dismissed the sale of souvenirs to Chinese tourists at a mini-mart on Phang Nga Rd in Phuket Town a possible motive behind the murder of a northern hill tribe woman who was shot dead at the store early last Friday (July 8).

Ms Wei Lang, 23, was shot dead at about 4am while she sat drinking with her husband and friends inside the store, which a sign in English outside the shop states is a mini-mart, but in Thai and Chinese states is a souvenir or beauty product shop.

Phuket City Police Chief Col Akanit Danpitaksan last Sunday (July 10) +said that after checking CCTV footage from the area, police believe two people are responsible for the murder, however, they must collect more evidence before arrest warrants can be issued.

Col Akanit added that a business conflict between Ms Wei’s husband Da Zhe, 31, who owns the shop and works as a Chinese tour guide, and another group could be a pos-

The exercises off Phuket included terrorist-response manoeuvres. Photo: Royal Thai Navy

Navy concludes crisis exercises Ms Wei died from a single gunshot to forehead, fired from outside the store. sible motive for the shooting as police leaned that an increasing number of Chinese tour groups had been taken to the store to purchase souvenirs.

When police arrived at the scene last Friday, Ms Wei had a single gunshot wound to her forehead. Also inside the shop was her Mr Da and two friends. Mr Da had sustained a small wound to his stomach.

Police were told that the shop was closed with the door locked and the curtains

closed. “Suddenly the group heard gunshots from outside the shop. Mr Da then realised that his wife had been shot.

We were then called to the scene,” said Lt Col Taksin.

He added, “We found four 9mm bullet casings outside the shop, and three bullet holes in the shop window. We believe the shots were fired from a car as it passed by,” he added.

One witness told police that prior to the shooting, one man, believed to drunk, went

Injured sea turtle washes ashore AN OLIVE RIDLEY SEA turtle of an unknown age and sex washed up on Karon Beach last week with one of its f lippers badly slashed.

Marine biology officials have said they believe the flipper was damaged by a fishing net.

Royal Thai Navy Petty Off icer 1st class Jirasak Chugaung informed officials at the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) at Cape Panwa at 4pm on July 6 that the lifeguard team at Karon Beach had found an injured turtle washed up on the beach.

Mr Jirasak said, “The turtle was injured but still alive.

Kusoldharm rescue workers and officials from the PMBC came to the beach and helped transport it to the centre.

“Marine Officials said that the injured turtle found was an

The turtles front left flipper had virtually been ripped off.

Olive Ridley weighing about 50 kilogrammes. Its front left flipper was nearly broken off and there were scratches and wounds all over its body. The officials said that the injuries probably came from fishing nets. They believe the turtle got trapped in the fishing net and it injured itself whilst trying to escape. Officials were

not able to say the sex or age of the turtle,” he said.

“However, the Marine Endangered Species Unit at PMBC are treating the injured turtle, and I was told it will recover fully from its injuries and once this has happened they will release it back into the sea,” he added.

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Storm sinks foreign couple’s yacht A FOREIGN COUPLE LAST week reported to the Krabi Marine Police that their yacht had sunk during a storm whilst moored off Ao Nang late at night on July 6.

Russian national Alexander Travkin, 31, and his Ukrainian partner Julia Mironova, 29, filed a report with the Krabi @thephuketnews

Marine Police at noon July 7, when they reported that their 12-metre yacht Adventure had sunk at Ao Nang.

Mr Travkin told police that he and Ms Mironova, both freelance photographers, had travelled on their yacht from Malaysia and were heading to Phuket.

“The wind was strong and the waves were big so we moored the yacht at Ao Nang and stayed in town. When we returned in the morning, we discovered the yacht had sunk. The mast was still visible and all our belongings were floating the water,” he said.

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to a another convenience store on Phang Nga Rd and used the gun to intimidate another man who had looked at him.

The man with the gun then tried to follow the man, who had left on a motorbike, but could not find him. He then parked in front of Mr Da’s shop and started shooting.

“We believe teenagers shot Ms Wei, but we do not believe they intended to kill her, just intimidate the shop owner,” Col Akanit said.

THE ROYAL THAI NAVY concluded its week-long crisis-response exercises off Cape Panwa on July 5, bringing to an end a spectacle of live simulations that included terrorists taking hostages on a cruise ship and recovering people after a passenger plane ditched into the sea.

The annual drills, titled Crisis Management Exercise 2016 (C-MEX 16), were led by the Third Area Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Centre (MECC), operating under the command of the Royal Thai Navy.

Among the exercises

were regular drills of searescue techniques and boarding, commandeering and searching illegal fishing vessels.

This year, the aim of the exercise was to develop better co-ordination among a wide variety of government agencies in carrying out such manoeuvres, including the Office of the National Security Council as well as the Phuket offices of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Public Health Ministry, the Transport Ministry and Information and Communications Technology Ministry.

The Phuket News

Opinion 8

OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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

CHRIS HUSTED

Executive Editor

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

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News & Sports Editor

editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has four years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th Graduated with a Bachelor of Economics, with experience as a broadcaster for English News at bdnews24.com and a business writer.

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Is this Phuket’s day in the sun? 1

T

he news so far this year for long-term expat residents and business folk on the island has been pretty bleak: from immigration data breaches to the latest scare that retirees might need a work permit in order receive income from renting out a single condo they have paid for with their life savings.

This is on top of the usual woes: huge traffic tailbacks, the water along the Patong beach-front turning brown, and the oft-criticised overdependency on Chinese tourists to bolster tourism. That’s just to name a few. The usual “anonymous” complaints about interactions with immigration officers or police, local driving habits, power outages and minor flooding, also continue to flow ad nauseum.

Yet the news reports in the wake of all these developments

may be shedding a little ray of sunshine through these gray clouds affecting one and all on Phuket.

The traffic delays are due to major roadworks finally underway, even if some projects are taking twice as long as planned. After years of pleas by former Patong Mayor Pian Keesin for funds to build a second wastewater-treatment plant in Patong falling on deaf ears, current Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup has picked up the ball and seems to be making progress in finally getting that project in the pipe.

The airport is undergoing the final stages is a major upgrade, and officials are at least paying attention to the future needs of Phuket’s critical tourism portal. The power outages are necessary so workers aren’t fried as they repair or upgrade high-voltage lines

serving the increasing number of homes and businesses on the island, and plans have already been drawn up to install an entirely new “corridor of power” to serve the island’s ever-increasing demand.

For years officials bleated time and time that Phuket’s budget allocation was based on the officially registered population – last estimated in 2014 as little more than 600,000 – and that was why none of these projects even started just a handful of years ago. But they don’t cry that anymore.

People can debate and criticise all these developments – but they cannot argue that nothing is being done to improve the infrastructure on the island. Infrastructure that everything to come must rely on.

Like or hate it, the hard truth may well be that this is Phuket’s day in the sun.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Patong condo owners told work permits needed to rent out units Foreign owned yacht sinks off Phuket Hill tribe woman, 23, shot dead in Phuket Town Chinese tourist slashed by engine propeller off Phuket dies of injuries Phuket transport blitz nets 573 taxi, bus, tuktuk drivers, B7mn in fines Chinese nominee tour company blitz in Phuket nets 53 tour buses, 29 speedboats Phuket surf danger warning issued amid Super Typhoon fallout Swede found dead in Pattaya, police investigating Campaign launched to rid Phuket of illegal holiday rentals Biologist: Overcrowding destroying Phi Phi’s Maya Bay

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Wasted youth Re: Chinese tourist slashed by engine propeller off Phuket dies of injuries My god... an 18-year-old kid on vacation loses his life at the hands of another ignorant, reckless and untrained moron.

Clearly, nothing will ever change unless, as Christy mentioned, the money starts to dry up. I would not be the least bit surprised if this retard driver is back on another boat as we speak. I can’t begin to imagine the grief caused by this tragic event.

Ed Sanders

Lost count of how many times this has happened in Thailand. I guess there’s no real penalty for injuring or killing tourists in Thailand.

I bet Naradon Tongdee gets away without any jail time. samhayman

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EDITORIAL

The law enforced Re: Phuket transport blitz

nets 573 taxi, bus, tuk-tuk drivers, B7mn in fines If they can do this in three days just think what life could be like if they actually enforce the law all year round.

Sue Yu2

This action to clean up the taxi business is not before time. Congratulations to the authorities. Now what about clamping down on the nut cases that drive minivans at break-neck speed around Phuket? seht1912

Blitz bounty Re: Chinese nominee tour company blitz in Phuket nets 53 tour buses, 29 speedboats Good score!...this is a significant operation that has clearly been out of control for a long time. What will be paramount in this case is to attach meaningful punishments to all these infractions.

Many of these were illegal from the start, and therefore

there should be no gain realized by the people involved.

All assets should be auctioned off, with proceeds going to finance government facilities needed to better regulate these industries, i.e. vehicle safety inspection facilities, marineconservation programmes, and infrastructure improvement projects.

Ed Sanders

Rent for wages Re: Patong condo owners told work permits needed to rent out units It appears that Phuket Palace Condominium Juristic Person have got a little bit confused about a foreigner providing labour and a foreigner having income in the Kingdom of Thailand. Where a foreigner has Thai income but does not work to generate that income does not require a work permit as far as I know. Obviously the income should be reported to the tax authority as required by law. No doubt a few token arrests will take place during

this crackdown whilst until the issue is fully cleared up.

Ben Smith

So how can some condo developers say you will get 6% to 8% return on investment if you buy a condo, with the all the condos available on the rental market you would be lucky to rent one out at present, just wait for all the half-finished ones to come onto the market – fire season sales are coming! peter rawai

This makes sense - renting a property is the conduct of business. It would seem that both a business license and a work permit should be required.

RogerFox

Seen the photos, this notice is not a Government directive/ warning. In itself, it is here and there contradictive and not fully according the Thai law. Sloppy document.

Kurt

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

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

THAILAND NEWS

Ying Kai’s mental claims BANGKOK

M

onta “Ying Kai” Yokrattanakan, accused by former employees of lodging false theft complaints against them, was found to have requested a psychiatric patient card from a hospital in Nonthaburi.

This was revealed by lawyer Songkan Atchariyasap, chairman of the Network Against Acts that Destroy the Kingdom, Religion and Monarchy, citing a police investigation into the case.

Mr Songkan said the probe, ordered by Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Thitirat Nongharnphithak, discovered Ms Monta had submitted the request for the document at a private hospital in the Khae Rai area.

Lt Gen Thitirat said earlier Ms Monta may have a mental illness because she cannot control her behaviour at times and advised her to seek treatment.

Mr Songkan said although Ms Monta has obtained the document, the law clearly stipulates people cannot cite their illness to bolster their defence if they plan and commit

Monta ‘Ying Kai’ Yokrattanakan seen here during a visit to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat in Phitsanulok province. Photo: Chinnawat Singha wrongdoing with the understanding of the consequences.

The lawyer on Sunday (July 10) took Ms Monta’s former employees – Praphawan Jaikla, her parents Chukiat Jaikla and Prapaporn Thongfuang, and Sukanya Sirimuang – to petition the Crime Suppression Division (CSD), asking them to investigate officials, including the police, who may have colluded with Ms Monta to commit crimes.

Ms Monta is in jail awaiting the results of various probes.

Mr Songkan said some high-ranking officers, including the police and military, may have been aware of Ms Monta’s wrongdoing or assisted her in the offences.

The CSD has been asked to investigate the matter before forwarding its report to the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) and the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), he said.

Ms Monta is facing charges of making false complaints to police, attempted human

Tiger Temple to lose 80% of land KANCHANABURI THE NOTORIOUS TIGER Temple in Kanchanaburi province will be reduced to about one-fifth of its present area, with more than 1,000 rai of the land to be seized for distribution to landless local farmers.

The National Council for Peace and Order early this month ordered the seizure of all illegally occupied agriculture reform land. This affected the 1,322 rai used by the Tiger Temple, properly known as Wat Pa Luang Ta Bowa Yannasampanno, in Tambon Sing of Sai Yok District.

Wacharin Wakamanont, agricultural land reform chief of Kanchanaburi, said on Tuesday (July 12) that in 2003 the Office of National Buddhism was granted 391 rai of land designated for agricultural reform for the establishment of the temple, on the condition it be used solely for religious purposes.

As the temple had misused the land, the Kanchanaburi branch of the Agricultural Land Reform Office would reduce the total size of the compound to 279 rai – about 21 per cent of its current area @thephuketnews

Officials survey the compound of the Tiger Temple in Kanchanaburi province today (July 12) before reclaiming about 80 per cent of the entire area for redistribution to landless farmers. Photo: Piyarach Chongcharoen – to be used only for Buddhist affairs, he said.

The temple’s tiger zoo operation was shut down about six weeks ago amid suspicions the management was involved in illegal wildlife trafficking.

The remaining 112 rai of the original grant, together with another 931 rai of agricultural reform land the temple encroached on, would be reclaimed and allocated to 118 poor families to farm and operate as a cooperative, Mr Wacharin said.

Over a decade ago, officials found seven tigers being kept at the temple, supposedly brought in by people who found them as orphaned cubs. The temple was allowed to keep them as there was nowhere else for them to go. The population grew rapidly to 147 early this year and officials suspected the temple management of breeding them as fast as possible and involvement in illegal trafficking.

Bangkok Post

trafficking and insulting the royal institution.

Ms Monta came under new scrutiny after Mr Songkan said on Friday (July 8) that her trusted driver mysteriously disappeared four years ago, as did a millionaire from whom she asked to buy an eight-rai land plot in Udon Thani in 2003.

Based on the millionaire’s case, Mr Songkan said Ms Monta, escorted by tourist police cars, picked up the wealthy woman at her house in

Udon Thani’s Muang district in December, 2003, citing claims by her relatives and nearby villagers. The millionaire went missing afterwards.

The land ownership was later transferred to Ms Monta and it was resold a month later.

When Ms Monta applied for passports and travelled to Mae Hong Son, where she crossed into Myanmar, witnesses confirmed there were state officials in uniform assisting her, Mr Songkan added.

Referring to the probe into Ms Monta’s assets, CSD deputy chief Chakrit Sawasdee last Sunday (July 10) said that the woman’s income only comes from her car wash service and she is not as rich as she claimed.

More than B10 million worth of valuables, which Ms Monta claimed were stolen by her employee, were unlikely to exist. Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn, acting chief of the Metropolitan Police Bureau (MPB), said a panel had been formed to probe five Pracha Chuen police, who took up Ms Monta’s nine complaints against her employees on theft charges.

Bangkok Post

9

2,700 bottles of fake liquor seized BANGKOK THE DEPARTMENT of Special Investigation (DSI) has seized more than 2,700 bottles of fake or smuggled liquor of various brands in a raid on shops in Bangkok and arrested a suspect.

DSI Director-General Col Paisit Wongmuang said the raid was on the Sri Wathnan shop on Siripong Rd and 12 other spots nearby in the Samran Rat area of Phra Nakhon on Tuesday (July 12).

A total of 2,761 bottles of liquor of various brands such as Johnnie Walker, Chivas Regal, Hen nessy XO, along with Penfolds Bin 2 and Penfolds Bin 389 wines, were seized. They had market value of B5 million.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Cop promotion scandal PM furious to learn that officer offers help with colleague’s promotion BANGKOK

P

rime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has ordered the Royal Thai Police to take action against two senior officers involved in a promotion scandal.

Speaking on Tuesday (July 12) at Government House, Gen Prayut said he had directed the Royal Thai Police to step up its efforts to look into the case.

“We are civil servants.

We are not supposed to tell lies. This is nonsense,” Gen Prayut said angrily.

He was citing the case of a senior police officer who is accused of promising to help his colleague get a promotion. But when the officer was questioned, he denied the allegation.

Maj Gen Charoen Srisaluk, commander of the 2nd Metropolitan Police Division, who oversees Bang Sue station, said on Tuesday that the probe into bribery and fraud involving two senior police attached to Bang Rak and Nimit Mai stations was

Officers from the Royal Thai Police take part in a training excersise in Bangkok. Photo: Mike Behnken/Flickr making progress.

He was speaking as he inspected Bang Sue station to follow up on the investigation.

On July 5, Capt Chanchai Yensuk, 39, lodged a complaint with Bang Sue police

against Capt Chanintuch Ratchinotrai, 38, who accused him of making false claims about his ability to get him promoted and deceiving him out of a large sum of money.

Capt Chanintuch, an in-

spector in charge of crime suppression at Bang Rak station, allegedly asked Capt Chanchai, a traffic deputy inspector at Nimit Mai station, to pay him B700,000 to buy some “souvenirs” for

a high-ranking police officer who could help him become an inspector.

An investigator who interviewed Capt Chanchai said Capt Chanchai told him he met Capt Chanintuch at a

petrol station on Vibhavadi Rangsit Rd and handed over B700,000 in cash to him in the hope of getting the promotion.

Capt Chanintuch admitted lying to Capt Chanchai about being able to get him promoted, police said.

He denied knowing any high-ranking police officer who could help Capt Chanchai receive a promotion.

Capt Chanintuch said he intended to spend the money he received from Capt Chanchai on himself, police said.

When he learnt that Capt Chanchai had filed a complaint with Bang Sue police against him, he decided to return the money to Capt Chanchai.

Maj Gen Charoen urged others who might have been deceived by Capt Chanintuch to lodge complaints and provide information to police.

Investigators have reported the incident to the two police officers’ supervisors for their acknowledgement, he added.

However, no police top brass have been implicated in the investigation, Maj Gen Charoen said.

Bangkok Post

Spanish murder suspect denies charges against him BANGKOK A SPANISH MAN CHArged with murder of his fellow compatriot said he did not know the victim when he appeared in the Criminal Court for a preliminary hearing on Monday (July 11).

A smiling Artur Segarra Princep was taken from Bangkok Remand Prison to the court to examine lists of documentary evidence and witnesses in the murder case of David Bernat, 40.

Prosecutors have indicted the 37-year-old on charges of premeditated murder, kidnapping, concealing the body, torture and theft for coercing Bernat into reveal an ATM pin number and butchering him in his room at the PG Rama IX condominium in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district in January.

After details of the indictments were read out, Mr Segarra denied the charges against him. He admitted to staying at the PG Rama IX condominium, the alleged crime scene, but said he had

An official escorts Artur Segarra Princep, a suspect for the murder of David Bernat, to the court on Monday.

Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul not known Bernat.

The court then approved the prosecution’s request to call in 95 witnesses to testify and the defendant’s plea to present a witness.

The court will hear statements from the prosecution witnesses at 25 sessions while a session is given to the defendant witness.

It set July 25 for the second examination of evidence and witnesses.

According to the lawsuit, Mr Segarra allegedly stole B734,940 from Bernat, a highly-paid adviser to a foreign firm. He used an angle grinder to dismember Bernat’s frozen corpse and dumped the body parts in black plastic bags at several locations along the Chao Phraya River.

The Spaniard had pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on May 4.

Bangkok Post thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

ASIA NEWS 11

They’d rather be homeless

Hong Kong’s working poor choose streets over dismal housing HONG KONG

A

plastic sheet, a blanket, a sleeping bag: a makeshift bed laid out in the shadow of towering apartment blocks by a man who would rather be homeless than cooped up in Hong Kong’s cramped and overpriced housing units.

Bright-eyed, neatly turned out but painfully thin, 54-yearold Ah-po works in a warehouse by day. By night he sleeps in the stands of a neighbourhood football pitch in an urban public park, and has done for three years.

In a city where the wealth gap is becoming an unbridgeable gulf, Ah-po is among an increasing number of low earners opting to sleep outside rather than in minuscule units known as “cubicle” or “subdivided” flats, apartments carved into tiny living spaces by landlords capitalising on demand as public housing remains in short supply.

“I work so hard in the day time – I just hope to live comfortably and well in the evening,” Ah-po said.

“But nowadays the rent is so high.”

He says he can make up to HK$12,000 (B52,744) a month when his health permits – he suffers from arthritis – and has been in and out of lowerrent accommodation since his business failed eight years ago.

However, with property prices rocketing in the past decade, even a unit measuring less than nine square metres can cost several thousand Hong Kong dollars per month.

There is no legal stipulation for landlords over minimum apartment size or provision of basic amenities.

Cubicle flats measure as little as 28 square feet, just enough room to squeeze in a

@thephuketnews

A man sleeps at a McDonald’s outlet in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong. Photo: Anthony Wallace/AFP bed. A grimy toilet and kitchen are often shared by multiple tenants. Even these units can cost around HK$2,000 (B9,060) per month.

For Ah-po, the park is a more pleasant environment and removes financial pressure – he fears his arthritis may stop him working, leaving him unable to pay the bills.

“I’ve got familiar with people who come here for morning exercise and we will greet each other,” he says.

“Here I have some sense of belonging.”

Research by Hong Kong universities and NGOs shows the number of homeless rose to more than 1,600 in 2015, up 14 per cent since their last survey in 2013.

More than a third of those have jobs.

“If they do pay rent, (the accommodation) is small and it’s hot, it’s humid, there are many insects...If they go into the park or under the flyover it’s noisy, but at least they can sleep,” says Professor Wong Hung of the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s department of

social work.

The problem has got worse in the last two to three years as salaries have not kept up with rent hikes, Wong adds.

There are long waiting lists for public housing and temporary accommodation is often on the outskirts of the city, meaning extra cost to travel to work, Wong says.

Now the average age of the homeless is rising as they now tend to stay on the streets long-term.

The government says it is trying to “reintegrate” the homeless, with a range of services from emergency shelters to social security payments.

But campaigners argue it is not enough.

Authorities should focus on building low-cost dorms in urban areas where homeless people could settle for two or three years, says Ng Wai-tung, of the Society For Community Organisation (SOCO), a Hong Kong NGO helping the poor.

“It’s very sad that people can’t afford to rent a place to live even though they have work,” says Ng.

In a sign of increasing desperation, some of the city’s poor are now even turning to 24-hour fast-food restaurants for shelter.

The plight of these “McRefugees” was highlighted when a homeless woman was discovered slumped dead over a table in a McDonald’s restaurant last year.

One former McDonald’s sleeper, Angelina Sun, 56, says she stayed there overnight for several weeks when she split from her husband, was jobless and afraid of being a burden on friends and family.

She now earns around HK$8,000 (B36,241) each month in a factory and is in temporary accommodation in a

Christian-run female dormitory.

“The rental outside the dormitory is very high, even for a small studio,” says Angelina.

She is resigned to paying half her salary for a tiny unit when her dormitory place expires.

“There will be no money left for entertainment, clothes, but I can make ends meet. I can survive,” she said.

For others, McDonald’s has become home – retired factory worker Ko Wing-kam, 62, regularly sleeps there to avoid the bedsit he shares with nine strangers.

“I’m not happy with the situation, but there’s nothing I can do,” he says.

At the football stands, Ahpo is laying out his bed.

He has not told his family he is homeless. It is only after dark that he contemplates his fate.

“When I work, I’m ok.

But when I come back after dinner, I will think about my ex-wife, daughter and family members,” he says, staring across the dimly lit park.

“I feel hopeless.”

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

IWC wants action on Maui’s dolphin NEW ZEALAND

Relatives and friends of the 43 missing students of Ayotzinapa, participate in a demonstration in support of the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) teachers’ union. Photo: Hector Guerrero/AFP

T

he International Whaling Commission (IWC) has called on New Zealand to take urgent action to save the world’s rarest dolphin from extinction, voicing “grave concern” about its future.

Population numbers of the Maui’s dolphin, the world’s smallest and scarcest subspecies found only in waters off New Zealand’s North Island, have dwindled to less than 50, prompting fears it could reach the point of no return without strong action, including a ban on fishing in its habitat.

The IWC, in a report released last weekend, said not enough was being done to prevent the dolphins becoming “bycatch” to the commercial fishing industry.

“The IWC scientific committee expressed continued grave concern over the status of this small, severely depleted sub-species,” it said.

“Existing management measures in relation to bycatch mitigation fall short of what has been recommended previously.”

The IWC said Wellington had been saying since 2013 that it was researching the

Slain student’s face eaten by animals MEXICO

A critically-endangered Maui’s dolphin swims off the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Photo: Professor Steve Dawson/AFP issue, but it had not yet taken any steps to rectify it.

Barbara Maas, an endangered species specialist with conservation group NABU International, said the New Zealand government had repeatedly ignored the IWC’s concerns.

“The science is clear, if nothing is done then the Maui’s dolphin is gone,” she said.

“What’s needed is action, not more research. This is a huge indictment on New Zealand.”

Maas estimates only 42

Maui’s dolphin are left, with perhaps a quarter of those comprising breeding age females.

She has called for a boycott of New Zealand’s billiondollar fishing industry, arguing it is the only way to force action on the issue.

Greenpeace said New Zealand could not continue to trade on its “clean, green” image while allowing the Maui’s dolphin to edge towards oblivion.

“How many damning scientific reports do we need to see before the government

agency actually does something,” Greenpeace NZ executive director Russel Norman said in an interview.

“Protecting New Zealand dolphins from extinction is part of what it means to love this country. We market this country on swimming with dolphins.”

The fishing industry argues the government has already banned trawl and set-net fishing in 6,000 square kilometres of waters and there is no evidence Maui’s dolphins exist outside this area.

AFP

ANIMALS ATE THE FACE of a student after he was tortured and killed in southern Mexico on the same night that 43 of his classmates disappeared, a human rights body said on Monday (July 11).

Julio Cesar Mondragon’s body was found on a dirt path in the city of Iguala a day after the students were attacked and abducted by police in league with the Guerreros Unidos gang in September 2014.

Reports initially suggested that the gang had skinned Mondragon’s face.

But the National Human Rights Commission issued a report Monday saying that a scientific analysis of the autopsy and pictures of the body showed that there were no signs that the face was cut by a knife.

There are indications of bites and paw prints from dogs

and rodents, the commission said in its report.

Jose Larrieta, who heads the commission’s Iguala investigation, said Mondragon died of head trauma after he endured “physical torture and he was brutally beaten with viciousness and cruelty due to the joint action and complicity of” 10 drug gang members and an official from the city’s public safety and civil protection department.

Later, the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team, which participated in Mondragon’s second autopsy at the request of his family, said that the lack of skin in his face was due to “fauna activity” but it added that there were also “areas with suspected intervention of a sharp object.”

The authorities say the 43 other students were incinerated at a garbage dump and their remains dumped in a river.

AFP

World’s biggest orchestra performs in German stadium GERMANY MORE THAN 7,500 CLASsical musicians performed in a German football stadium last weekend to set the world record for the biggest-ever orchestra.

Amateur groups and full orchestras from Germany,

Austria and the Netherlands took part in the mega-show Saturday evening (July 9) in Frankfurt’s Commerzbank Arena, national news agency DPA reported.

With 7,548 musicians involved, the event trumped the previous biggest such performance in the Guinness Book

of Records, set in Brisbane, Australia in 2013, with 7,224 musicians.

The giant orchestra in Germany performed excerpts from symphonies by Dvorak and Beethoven, including Ode to Joy, as well as a melody from the musical Starlight Express and a 1976 pop song by John

Miles, Music (Was My First Love).

“We wanted to show how music can connect people, and how important it is for Germany,” said the project’s initiator, Jens Illemann, a trumpet player from the northern city of Hamburg.

AFP

More than 7,500 musicians massed in Frankfurt to form the world’s biggest orchestra. Photo: Hasan Bratic/AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

BUSINESS NEWS 13

RPM offer opens door for 2,700-room resort DEVELOPMENT The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

R

oyal Phuket Marina has been put into the transaction market, with Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels retained as the exclusive broker.

“Following serious interest from an international buyer, Royal Phuket Marina Chairman, Gulu Lalvani, has decided to officially put the development on the market.

As exclusive advisor, JLL will handle the sale through an expression of interest campaign closing September 2016, said a JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group press release issued last week.

“The sale process is by expression of interest. As such, there is no set bidding range,” The Phuket News was told on Monday (July 11).

The sale includes 100-percent interest in the marina, the commercial complex along with a beachfront site in nearby Naka Yai island, reported Bill Barnett, Managing Director of hospitality consultancy C9 Hotelworks.

Aaron Desange, Executive Vice President, Investment Sales Asia, said, “The property offers a number of value enhancement opportunities including the development of hotels, additional residential and entertainment facilities including a proposed worldclass water park. The offering also has the potential for Board of Investment (BOI) privilege allowing for 100-per-cent foreign ownership.”

With a total land area of approximately 200 rai (320,000 square metres), just one third has been developed so far.

Royal Phuket Marina has been entered into the transaction market just 12 months after Mr Lalvani announced a five-year plan to inject B5 billion in investment to transform the marina into a premier lifestyle destination.

“We have worked with a world-class architect to create an innovative Master Plan which will make Royal Phuket Marina the top integrated resort destination in Thailand.

The Master Plan highlights to an incoming owner the opportunity to undertake further value-added projects including the addition of resorts and villas totalling approximately 2,700 keys,” he told The Phuket News this week.

“At the core of the development is a family resort, @thephuketnews

A customer signs up for PromptPay by using an ID card and bank account. Photo: Bangkok Post/Apichit Jinakul

PromptPay raises privacy concerns RETAIL Royal Phuket Marina founder Gulu Lalvani is looking for a buyer to carry on with his vision. Photo: Royal Phuket Marina international beach club, and a world-class water park, making Royal Phuket Marina a dream destination for families from around the world. I am looking for a buyer who will carry on with this vision and take Royal Phuket Marina to the next level,” he said.

Mr Lalvani assured that existing operations will continue as normal. “It remains business as usual for Royal Phuket Marina. Nothing has changed on-the-ground and daily operations are unaffected for all the Royal Phuket Marina team, residents, clients and stakeholders,” he said.

“In the last four months a number of additional facilities have been added to Royal Phuket Marina for the convenience of residents and visitors: Dry Stack boat storage facility where boats up to 12 metres (39 feet) can be stored out of the

water; Kids Mania at RPM – a multi-purpose children’s play zone comprising indoor and outdoor areas for children up to eight years old; and Regus Royal Phuket Marina Business Centre, the first-of-its-kind in Phuket, with fully flexible office spaces, business lounge and meeting rooms provided with comprehensive services,” he noted.

Royal Phuket Marina will continue to be home to Phuket’s PIMEX boat show, Mr Lalvani added.

“Royal Phuket Marina has been the proud venue host of the Phuket International Boat Show for many years and are again the venue host for PIMEX 2017, which will be held January 5-8. Nothing has changed and we are looking forward to another successful PIMEX event and one that looks to be even bigger and

better than ever,” he said.

Mike Batchelor, Managing Director of JLL’s Investment Sales Asia division, commented: “We are anticipating very strong interest in this asset, particularly given the significant future development angle that it offers. Rarely does such a large land holding with extensive master planning and existing infrastructure come to market in such a prominent location and sought-after investment destination.”

ALTHOUGH CITIZENS’ ID cards will be linked with bank accounts for the new PromptPay service, personal privacy will be protected, says Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong.

Signing up for PromptPay using the 13-digit number is for identification only and financial institutions cannot see other information contained on the card, he said.

The ID card is the clearest way to identify a person because it will not duplicate others, as even name and family name can be redundant, Mr Apisak said.

To quell concerns, he will

instruct a legal unit to reconsider the issue thoroughly.

Most of the 15 commercial and four state-owned banks have opened pre-registration for PromptPay, a money transfer and payment service under the national e-payment scheme.

Under PromptPay, people can transfer money online to recipients who hold accounts at different banks, or even the same banks in cross-clearing zones, free of charge, but they are required to sign up to link their ID card or mobile phone number to bank accounts at participating banks.

Official registration for the PromptPay service begins today (July 15).

Bangkok Post

14 BUSINESS NEWS

AIS is for Apple TELECOMS ADVANCED INFO SERvice (AIS) has consolidated its nationwide distribution networks with Apple Inc to cement its leading position in the country’s premium mobile market and better serve more of its high-end customers.

The exclusive deal with the US technology firm will create a win-win scenario as both customers of AIS and Apple can enjoy convenient mobile services at both companies’ service shops.

Pratthana Leelapanang, AIS Executive Vice-President for Marketing, said the deal is expected to boost both companies’ competitiveness in the digital era.

With the network consolidation, Apple’s 60 iStudio shops nationwide will allow AIS customers to sign up for AIS mobile services, change promotional tariff packages and switch from one mobile network carrier to another, conduct bill payments and purchase discounted iPhone handsets at its shops.

Mr Pratthana said AIS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Brexit a stock boon Emerging markets to benefit from EU vote STOCKS Bangkok Post editor@classactmedia.co.th

Pratthana Leelapanang. has around 1,700 customer service centres nationwide, including 500 of its own Telewiz outlets. AIS also has 25,000 small dealers across the country.

“We expect to earn more revenue from the consolidation with Apple,” said Mr Pratthana.

Paramate Rienjaroensuk, President and Chief Executive Officer of iStudio by Copperwired, an Apple premium reseller, said the deal with AIS will create a business ecosystem for both companies and stimulate mobile industry growth.

He added it would further maximise the utilisation of both companies’ digital network resources and boost diversification of their products and services.

Bangkok Post

F

und managers are bullish on the Thai stock market, forecasting the SET index to peak at 1,500 points in the second half as Britain’s exit from the EU triggers capital inf lows to emerging markets.

Diminishing odds of further rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and improving Thai economic momentum will also bolster stock market sentiment, said Smith Banomyong, chief executive of SCB Asset Management.

The stock market will reap benefits from global fund managers’ asset reallocation after Britain’s historic referendum, he said.

“Even though the priceto-earnings ratio of the Thai stock market at 16 times is considered relatively high compared with the past, it is not high in comparison with those of neighbouring countries and not expensive in comparison with listed

The stock market is expected to reap benefits from global fund managers’ asset reallocation after Britain’s historic referendum. Photo: Bangkok Post companies’ earnings growth,” Mr Smith said.

“Several listed companies have announced surprise earnings and prompted analysts to revise their earnings growth for 2016 and 2017.”

The SET index on Monday (July 11) rose by 0.88 per cent to close at 1,468.39 points in turnover of B59.6 billion, taking the gauge’s year-to-date gain to 14%.

Foreign investors have bought around B42 billion more than they have sold this year compared with 2013-15.

Mr Smith said there is a sign that Thai investors are moving their investment assets abroad back home. Since early 2015, Thai investors have repatriated B600-700 billion back to Thailand, with B400-500 billion put into fixed-income funds and the

rest into riskier assets such as equities and property funds.

The Federation of Thai Capital Market Organisations’ investor confidence index for the next quarter jumped by 11.8% to 104.46, from 93.46 surveyed last month. Meanwhile, the number of listed companies certified by the Private Sector Collective Action Coalition against Corruption has surged by 42 to 81 this year.

Angkor bans scanty clothes TOURISM TOU R ISTS W E A R I NG scanty clothing or untidy dress could be barred from visiting Cambodia’s famed Angkor archeological park starting next month.

Khmer Times quoted Aspara Authority, the public organisation tasked with managing the UNESCO World Heritage site, saying it would introduce a ban on untidy and inappropriate dress to “protect” Cambodian culture.

The ban targets tourists

Angkor Wat. who strip down almost to their underwear to beat the heat when visiting the temple sites.

Inappropriate dress has been identified as wearing clothes that have bare shoulders, very short shorts and clothing that would be allowed on the beach

but not at a temple site.

The ban covers everyone, both Khmer people and foreigners, the report said.

The Angkor Visitor Code of Conduct, that urges visitors to respect Angkor by refraining from wearing revealing clothing, has curbed anti-social behaviour at the park, according to Apsara Authority spokesman Long Kosal.

The code was launched in December, last year, to alert tourists on do’s and don’ts, while visiting the World Heritage site.

TTR Weekly

thephuketnews

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

A staple for seafood, roasts and much more > Page 21 @thephuketnews

17

19

BRUNCH BECKONS Different variations of half lotus chair pose

You get a pool... and YOU get a pool!

Photo: Shayan Amin

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

16 HEALTH

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Beach hazards to look out for SAFE WATERS Anton Makhrov life@novostiphuketa.com

L

ast time on Safe Waters we looked into the basics of aquatic emergencies and concluded with the best way to get out of trouble: avoid it totally. This time we will answer yet another obvious question: What should one be aware of when going to the beach?

In this article, Dr Rob Brander from the University of New South Wales – the university studies beach hazards and how to avoid them – points out four main dangers that a swimmer can be faced with on the beach.

Rip currents

Rip currents are the biggest hazard on beaches during rainy season, and if you swim outside the area marked by red and yellow flags there is a chance you will get caught by one.

Rips are very strong and narrow currents of water, moving directly from the shore cutting through breaking waves. This is key to spotting the hazard. Rips often look like a safe spot, a dark gap in the line of breaking waves.

Don’t let it mislead you: what looks like a safe place is actually a dangerous trap.

If caught in a rip, the main thing to do is not to panic, the rip won’t pull you under the water. Second, don’t try to swim against the rip directly to the shore, the rip is too strong even for a trained swimmer. Instead, swim sideways, parallel to the shore to get out of the current and only then turn to the beach. If other people are present on the beach, raise your hand to give a signal of being in trouble.

Waves

One of the main hazards are waves, which in Phuket can reach up to threemetres during low season. Unlike the rips, waves are easily visible, but this doesn’t prevent some beach-goers from entering the water without checking whether it is safe or not. Remember to spend some five minutes watching the sea before proceeding further.

The main hazard is huge plunging waves that curl over and powerfully collapse on the beach surface. Dumping waves are the leading cause of spine injuries on Australia’s beaches. If caught in a wave remember to stretch your arms forward to protect your head and spine.

Danger number two: sneakier waves that can form once in a while in some areas. It looks like a sudden rushing wave that reaches far further than oth-

That flag means you should stay away. ers. This wave is powerful enough to overwhelm a person and carry them into the ocean. Thus, never turn your back to the sea and always spend some time to check the wave pattern.

Sea creatures

Sharks sometimes hit the headlines of local news websites, but in real life they never appear anywhere near Phuket’s beaches. This doesn’t mean that the local fauna is all friendly. At least two types of creatures can pose a threat to a swimmer here: Jellyfish (including Box Jellyfish) and Bluebottles (a poisonous siphonophore also known as Portuguese Man-of-War). Don’t forget sea urchins and other organisms can also be quite nasty, though not lethal.

The best piece of advice is do not touch any marine life and watch your steps on the shore and in shallow water.

If stung by something see a specialist as soon as possible.

Rocks

Nearly every year rock fishing results in one or more deaths in Phuket.

Rocks are exposed to high waves and are very slippery, getting out of the water (if you fall off a rock) can be extremely difficult, if not impossible.

All the recommendations provided for waves apply to rocks as well: check the wave pattern before coming close to the water, never turn your back to the ocean (sneakier waves can come out of nowhere), mind every step you take.

There is an additional point worth mentioning regarding rocks. Remember that some of them are covered by water and can thus pose a danger to unsuspecting swimmer or a person willing to dive from a cliff. Notwithstanding, diving from a cliff in Phuket is a bad idea at any time of the year.

This article references material found on www.scienceofthesurf.com

Pregnancy multivitamins ‘unnecessary’ for most

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ultivitamins and mineral supplements in pregnancy are an “unnecessary expense” with no proven benefits for most wellnourished women or their babies, accoring to a review of science data released on Tuesday (July 12).

Sold at about 18 euros (B700) per month, these supplements are heavily marketed to women in all stages of pregnancy as a means of warding off health problems, said the analysis.

Pregnant women are a soft target

for products which promise to give their baby the best start in life “regardless of cost”, said the authors.

And while daily doses of a B vitamin called folic acid, and vitamin D to a lesser degree, are known to be beneficial, there is no evidence that cocktails stuffed full of other vitamins are in any way protective.

Some may even be harmful, said the paper: high doses of vitamin A can harm a developing foetus.

Multivitamin and mineral supple-

ments typically contain 20 or more active ingredients.

“We found no evidence to recommend that all pregnant women should take prenatal multi-nutrient supplements beyond the nationally (British) advised folic acid and vitamin D supplements, generic versions of which can be purchased relatively inexFolic acid and vitamin D can be beneficial. Photo: AFP pensively,” said the review authors.

The analysis was published in the The guidelines recommend 400 Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, which microgrammes of folic acid daily until is released to inform British doctors 12 weeks of pregnancy, and 10 microand pharmacists about treatment and grammes of vitamin D throughout disease management. pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The focus, said the paper, should be Much of the evidence on which maron promoting a healthy diet and boostketing claims are based, come from ing access to folic acid supplements for studies in low-income countries where lower income women. pregnant women are more likely to be “For most women who are planning malnourished, said the authors. to become pregnant or who are pregFolic acid, a synthetic version of fonant, complex multivitamin and minlate, is used to fortify flour and bread to eral preparations promoted for use dur- reduce birth defects of the brain, spine ing pregnancy are unlikely to be needed or spinal cord – so-called neural tube and are an unnecessary expense,” the defects. authors wrote.

Vitamin D is found in some foods The team had reviewed published and can be synthesised by the body research on folic acid, vitamin D, iron, when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet vitamins C, E and A, and multivitamin light. It has been linked to a healthy supplements in a review of official Brit- heart and bones. ish guidelines for pregnant women.

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Strengthening balance Kim White kim@mindbodyyogasystem.com

I saw a great quote attached to this exact yoga pose once and it said ‘storms make trees grow stronger roots’

Kim White is the owner of Sala Samadhi. she offers authentic Hatha yoga instruction for private and group sessions. Contact: www. mindbodyyogasystem. com or 086 276 9174.

The opinions and advice contained in this column are those of the author only. The Phuket News is not responsible for the outcome or results of following any advice in any situation.

@thephuketnews

HEALTH 17

H

ello and welcome to another month and another yoga asana in the pursuit of a happier and healthier life.

This year seems to be driving at the speed of a bullet train!

As I sat down to write this month, I thought to myself, “Wow, it is halfway through the year” … but then I got my trusty counting fingers out and realised, it is actually past the halfway mark!

This got me thinking about balance, the balance between work and play, the balance in all our relationships and the balance of the emotional tide within ourselves. All of these things require at least one constant, your own mindfulness. We want to be aware at those times when the balance is negatively shifting and make the necessary changes needed, in order for there to be a more consistent harmony in life.

This same mindfulness is also required when working with balances in your yoga practice. You need to be focused on the foot’s connection to the ground, the mind’s connection to the body structure and the consistent flow of the breath. So this month we have a little bit of a challenging asana – but it is nothing that cannot be achieved with a little bit of time and patience. This month I introduce Ardha padmasana utkatasana – which basically translates as a “half lotus chair pose”. A great way to get the brain’s balance pathways stimulated!

I saw a great quote attached to this exact yoga pose once and it said “storms make trees grow stronger roots”. This is a great way to think about balance in general, when under pressure we find the strength to bear down, take hold and stay true.

Let’s look at the physical benefits of this pose: • Strengthens the ankles, thighs, calves, and spine • Stretches shoulders and chest • Stimulates the abdominal organs, diaphragm and heart • Reduces flat feet • Calms the brain • Stimulates the pelvis, spine, abdomen and bladder • Stretches the ankles and knees • Eases menstrual discomfort and sciatica I understand that some of you will find this asana challenging, but there is a step-by-step process and you can work on these steps at your own pace.

1. Start standing feet flat and hip width apart, knees bent, chest forward over thighs and hands on the ground in front of your feet.

2. Lift your right leg and cross your ankle over your left shin or knee.

3. Left foot is firm and flat on the ground, shoulders rolled down the back, bring your chin forward and sit back with your bottom, like you are sitting in a

Photo two.

Photo one. chair. I always pick an eye-level spot on to look at and fix my eyes on that spot to maintain my balance.

4. Start to lift your torso upright, arms out in front shoulder width apart, left knee stays bent. Beginners may want to use a wall or chair in front of you for support (see photo one) or hold your right ankle with your left hand to keep it on the knee (see photo two).

5. When your chest is upright, roll the shoulders down the back and lift the hands about the head (see photo three).

6. Hold for 20 seconds to one minute and repeat with the left leg.

Happy stretching!

Photo three.

18 COMMUNITY

Sue Arnulphy, Wipa Tanmanatragul and Jureewan Smulders from The Phuket International Women’s Club with K. Maew, the welfare teacher from the school.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Nittaya, Wipa, Sue and Lyn with current scholarship students at Phuket Vocational College.

PIWC ‘Scholarship Season’ begins Providing opportunities to children

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The Phuket International Women’s Club was founded in 1989 by a small group of women to foster friendship.

Since then it has morphed into a much bigger entity where members get together to meet other women and also to raise funds for scholarships. The club currently has 125 members from 27 different countries.

For enquiries on how to join or our activities please visit our website www.piwc-phuket.com

ollowing the long school holiday break, the Phuket International Women’s Club (PIWC) has begun assessments for its 2016 scholarship programme.

The club, now in its third decade, provides education support for children from less privileged backgrounds, monitoring their scholastic progress and awarding additional scholarships each year to a new group of students.

“Earlier this week we caught up with some of our younger students, who are already receiving awards, to find out how they were doing,” says Scholarship Chairman K. Wipa Tanmanatragul, “We like to know if all is well, what their plans for the future are and any other self-support initiatives they are involved in.

Our Scholarship Committee is heavily involved to ensure the students are working satisfactorily to reach their potential. If any of them have let their grades fall below the required minimum we like to know why, and if it is a family problem we try to help them through this and encourage them to stick with it.”

At Satree Phuket School and Phuket Wittyalai the committee met up with 23 programme students, with further interviews to come.

A special mention goes to K. Weerayat from Phuket Vocational College who has just won the prestigious “Princess Scholarship” for all round excellence in all aspects of life. HRH Princess Sirindhorn herself will award the certificate, a very special pin and a cash reward, which will help him in his further studies. The Mövenpick Hotel has, through the PIWC, sponsored

K. Wipa, K. Maew (the welfare teacher) and K. Jureewan discussing applications.

Scholarship students at Satree Phuket School with Sue Arnulphy, left and K. Wipa Tanmanatragul, centre.

Weerayat for the last three years.

Four who have just graduated are going on to study medicine, interior design, logistics and business management at the university level. Another is hoping to become an architect.

“This is the fun part, because we can see how confident these young people have become and we love to hear of their dreams and aspirations,” K. Wipa said.

“They have all come so far from the shy and nervous students who presented themselves at their initial interviews and told us their sad stories.”

Following the assessment of current scholarship holders, interviewing will begin for the 2016 intake, with K. Wipa describing it as “a sad and difficult job for the committee.”

She added: “There are always more applicants than we can support and how can you choose between the kid who is living on his own in a shack with his siblings, or the one who has to look after bedridden parents who are unable to work.

“Some are helping grandma make som tam before school, getting up at 4am. A family could be living on B8,000 a month selling noodles, but the chil-

dren always get to school with a clean uniform and a bright smile. Who can make those choices?

“We are grateful to our fund-raising team, who work tirelessly throughout the year making this possible, and to our donors and sponsors.

“Sometimes it might look like we are ‘Ladies Who Lunch’; in a way we are, but it is for a purpose and without the lunches and social events we would not be able to raise the funds to do what we do through the scholarship program.

“We would like to invite anyone who is interested to attend our annual scholarship presentation on August 17 at Satree Phuket School, where all those we support come together for a day.

“There will be many former awardees present – doctors, nurses, teachers – who come along to help. Donations are always appreciated by both the PIWC and the students being assisted to better opportunities in life to a better life through education.”

Information about the event and other PIWC activities can be found at www. piwc-phuket.com or by e-mailing info@ piwc-phuket.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EXPLORE 19

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Dreams become a reality

Extravagance reaches new heights at Ani Villas with exclusive privacy better than this?

“Suites” just barely manages to describe the accommodation at Ani Villas. ouldn’t it be great to have Inspired by the temples of Northern a whole luxury resort to Thailand, they range from Ocean Front ourselves? Right on the Master Suites, directly facing the beach, beach, on a tropical island to the ocean view Master Pool Suites with stunning views? We with a private pool in the middle of the have all dreamed about suite, to the two-bedroom Family Suites, it, recently it has become separated by a private living room. a reality and right at our You almost feel like you can stay indoorstep! doors the whole time, especially when By doorstep, I mean on nearby Koh you have complimentary high-speed Yao Noi Island, a pleasant 30-minute Wi-Fi and unlimited movie streaming speed­boat trip away from Bang Rong via Apple TV and Netflix, but one look Pier in Phuket. Koh Yao Noi feels like at the 42-metre beachfront swimming Phuket of years ago, just a few bikes and pool overlooking Phang Nga Bay, that all even fewer cars, a true tropical island changes in a heartbeat. paradise, the perfect home to Ani Villas.

Need some pampering? Then head to Opened in December 2015, Ani Villas the Spa, which hosts a luxurious couple’s offers their 10-suite resort on an exclutreatment room, steam room and relaxsive basis. That’s right, it’s all yours. ing double Spa Tub with amazing sea A perfect venue for friends and family views. Two dedicated therapists are on who want to spend quality time together standby full-time to ease all your tension or for a special celebration, wedding or and stress away and again, all treatcorporate retreat. Everything is incluments are complimentary. sive, from the full gourmet breakfast, Ani Villas’ first “Villa Resort” opened lunch, and dinner menus, premier topon the idyllic Caribbean Island of Anshelf drinks and mixes, and juices, to all- guilla in 2010. Last year, the estates in day snacks, Asian cooking classes with Thailand and Sri Lanka were added to the executive chef, children’s activities, the collection, with a fourth in the Dolaundry, international phone calls, the minican Republic to be launched early list just goes on and on… Does it get any next year. The first South American property is slated for Panama in 2018.

When we stayed, we were treated to a meal from their visiting Executive Chef from the Anguilla property, Chef Sweets, who prepared a Caribbeanstyle menu on the first night, using local ingredients. The sea bass was a hit with everyone – even the kids – as was the pork Chef Sweets’ pork rib. rib. The big winner was the Prawn and Crab ball – an explosion of flavours.

Not to be out done, resident Executive Chef Yao whipped up a seemingly endless dinner of freshly caught seafood, barbecued to perfection. Lobsters, crab, fish, prawns... the food seemed to never stop coming out of the kitchen.

And that was only to start!

Followed was a just as impressive selection of beef, Caribbean-style sea bass. pork and chicken. We were Jason Beaven gm@classactmedia.co.th

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@thephuketnews

Executive Chef Yao hard at work. so full we didn’t think we had room for breakfast or even lunch the next day.

Of course we did find our appetites again, and Chef Yao showed the skill of his team by impressing even our Thai friends with the selection of traditional Thai dishes at lunch, even changing the menu for some special requests.

Ani Villas Thailand are setting the bar when it comes to the new class of travel, the private luxury travel experience. As they say on the website – Ani Villas Thailand: it’s all yours.

Ani Villas Thailand, Koh Yao Noi Island, Phang Nga. www.anivillas.com + 66 (0) 96 973 7621 anivillas.com/destinations/ thailand

On the second day we had our Asian cooking class, hosted by visiting Chef Ken, who took us on a step-by-step journey into the making of sushi and the techniques of two types – traditional Japanese-style and the popular California roll. Can you pick which one was my attempt?

20 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Spilt coffee and enlightenment On Asanha Bucha and meditation ALL ABOUT BUDDHISM Jason A. Jellison mitnoy@live.com

All About Buddhism is a monthly column in The Phuket News where I take readers on my exotic journey into Thai Buddhism and debunk a number of myths about Buddhism, as well as take readers to exotic temples that few of us have gotten to see…

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hailand will celebrate Asanha Bucha Day on July 19. The holiday marks Buddha’s first sermon and the christening of the Buddhist Monkhood 2,500 years ago. The holiday is held just before the start of Buddhist Lent and is occasionally called the “rains retreat”.

Much like Jesus, Buddha had disciples. However, he had only five original disciples. Different people celebrate the holiday a little differently, but it is common for families to travel back to their family homes and old temples. The temples sometimes preach the original sermon and many young men still like to be ordained into the monkhood on this holy day.

The Buddhist Monkhood is called the Sangha in Pali and the day is a public holiday in Thailand.

Many monks will stay in their temples after July 19 and avoid travel for three months. The date is held on the first full moon of the

eighth lunar month, so unlike most Western holidays, the date can be a little different from one year to another. Last year, the holiday was held on July 30. This year, it will be held on July 19.

My own initial encounter with Buddhism was brought on by the passing of my Great Grandmother.

She had been fighting cancer for some time, and this was expected.

Never-the-less, the finality of such an event is hard for a teenager.

As I poured coffee, my mind drifted back to all of those early Sunday morning meals she cooked for us. Her tiny apartment was quite a restaurant for her grandchildren. Whenever we visited, we would be greeted by the pleasant smell of two pounds of freshly cooked bacon, fresh eggs, toast, orange juice, and oh so many things that any healthy young lad would like…and then it happened. I felt a slight singe on my finger and right toes. Now I’d done it. I’d spilled my coffee all over the counter and onto my feet. You see, while I was physically in our kitchen fixing some coffee, mentally I was in another time, another place… dare I say, a better place.

Although it would be 23 more years until I figured it out, I had actually stumbled upon a bit of Buddhism. Laypersons often ask why Buddhists meditate. In a way that was only slightly different, my spilled coffee was the answer.

The answer is we meditate to alter our reality. Physically, we are in the room with you, but mentally we are somewhere else. Meditation techniques intentionally lead my “spilled coffee” process to a more evolved level. Buddhists meditate

Many monks avoid travel for three months. Photo: suc/Pixabay. to achieve clarity of mind, sort of like fine tuning an old television set. (For our younger readers, old-style TVs had dials and lots of static interference.) As you tuned into channel 12, for example, the picture was fuzzy and it was hard to hear and see what was going on.

But as you turned the fine-tuning dial, the picture and sound became clearer, so then you could see what’s on TV and enjoy the show.

Well, such is the case with life.

You see, we live in static. We live in fuzz and noise. We often can’t tell if we’re watching General Hospital or the five o'clock news. Buddhists meditate to clear the picture. Once you achieve clarity of mind, then you can really see what is going on around you. Everything becomes clear.

When you see large groups of monks meditating peacefully, they are sort of “fine tuning”. The basic equation for becoming a Buddhist is simple. The equation is: Do not kill. Do not steal. Do not

Meditation can be done by people of all ages. Photo: suc/Pixabay.

lie. Do not commit adultery. Do not use intoxicants.

Then, meditate regularly.

Your next question probably is, “How do I meditate?” The answer is that there are a lot of different techniques. Some of them are simple and some are complicated. Different teachers also teach meditation differently and different students learn differently.

You can meditate while breathing, sitting or even while walking. Meditation is frequently taught incorrectly and is the subject of controversy in the Buddhist Fellowship. But, there are some techniques that are basic enough to be agreed on. I will teach you a very simple technique.

First, you need to know that there are long meditations and short meditations. One can meditate for as little as 10 minutes at a time, or for hours. I personally have found that it is best to meditate for short periods very often. However, I have found that shorter meditation was ineffective for me when I was a beginner, and also more difficult to learn. (I know, you’d think a shorter way would be easier, but I found just the opposite.)

Here’s a simple technique you can try at home.

First, wear some loose clothing because you don’t want to be too uncomfortable. Find a quiet spot at home.

Put some blankets or a mat on the floor to soften your seating place just a little. Now, sit down and rest your right foot on top of your left. Rest your right hand in your left, just like you see in the picture (below, left).

Now, close your eyes. Clear your mind. You should see only darkness. Slow your breathing to a relaxing pace.

Inhale and exhale three times to finish clearing your mind.

Now, count your breath on each inhalation. Inhale and count “one”. Exhale at a relaxed pace. Inhale and count “two”. Keep repeating this. New people – and even the experienced – often lose count. If you do, start over at one. Thoughts will inevitably come into your mind. Allow this, but remember the goal is to achieve clarity, so don’t follow them and let them leave your mind with peace. I often allow Buddha’s image to centre in my thoughts, but this is just my personal way.

Corrupt thoughts will come into your mind. Those thoughts could be the distractions of life, or very often thoughts of those whom you love. Sometimes, the thoughts could be lustful. Do not follow those thoughts.

Focus on your counting. You’ll notice slight discomfort.

That is good, actually, because otherwise you may become sleepy, and that’s undesirable.

New people may want to set an alarm. I would suggest meditating for 20 minutes. In time, as you learn to tune out corrupt thoughts, you may find that spontaneous answers to life’s problems will fill their place. I’ve found those answers are for questions that I never even asked, or for long-standing problems. That’s good.

If you’re still interested, there is much more to learn. But, you’ll need a more experienced teacher than someone like me. I am not an Enlightened teacher.

Asanha Bucha Day marks when Buddha laid out the Four Noble Truths and Noble Eightfold Path, so we’ll talk all about those great truths as well as how to find a teacher in my next column. thephuketnews

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DINING 21

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Seafood is the standard Brunching through the ocean

Shayan Amin editor@classactmedia.co.th

D

espite “low season”, Phuket does not seem to be running out of Sunday brunch options.

What it is missing, though, is an option for those of us who do not want a three-ring circus with our brunch. Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa’s Sails Restaurant has a quality brunch for those looking for a relaxing brunch, within a reasonable budget. Set next to the large pool, you can choose to sit outside and enjoy the view, or inside with the cool air conditioning and easy access to all the food you could possibly want.

It is everything you want in a brunch, complete with a fruity welcome drink. Arranged in order of meal courses, from salads and appetisers, to curries and roast meats, followed by breads and cheeses. The main attraction, of course, is the vast display of seafood on offer. On walking into the restaurant, you cannot miss the extravagant display of beautifully cooked lobsters, crabs, scallops, and mussels alongside sushi and sashimi.

The highlight of it all, however, was the incredibly fresh, sumptuous oysters.

We gorged ourselves. We may have been responsible for depleting what was initially a vast population of oysters laying

Bread pudding.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

@thephuketnews

peacefully on the chilled bed, and leaving only a handful of survivors behind.

Paired with lemons or lime (yes, they have both!), fried onions or Catalina sauce, the oysters were fresh and fairly addictive. The lobsters were cooked simply, in a manner that allowed their natural flavouring and delicacy to shine.

For those looking for a more “traditional” brunch, roast options were in full force. Roasted chicken, marinated rib-eye with mustard and a roasted lamb leg with herbs are on display, with an attentive carver ready to give you your preferred cut. The lamb leg and rib-eye were both cooked to medium-rare, but if you prefer your meat less pink, there is also a dish of beef medallions in a balsamic reduction that is bound to please the pickiest of eaters. All can be eaten with the tried-and-true perfect side of mashed potatoes, and with a side of gravy and pepper sauce.

The cheese selection, with its myriad varieties of soft and hard cheeses (and goat cheese!) is any cheese-lover’s dream, and really, if there is nothing else that appeals to you at brunches, this is what you should go for. We happily filled our plates with the different cheeses and stuffed ourselves the best we could. There were many cheeses that you cannot find easily out here, from the Tommy de Savoie and Le Montagnard to the roquefort and Chabichou de Poitou with its flavourful crust and creamy core.

We, miraculously, also managed to nibble at dessert. The chocolate fondue fountain is a draw for children, surrounded by skewered fruit ready to be dipped into delicious warm milk chocolate. The bread pudding, hot and homey in the tureen is made bright and smooth with the additions of the mixed berry compote and custard. There are cheesecakes, chocolate pastries, mango

Cheese display of dreams. pudding, tiramisu along with ice cream with toppings on offer.

Sunday Glitz at Sails is a solid choice, ready to cater to a variety of preferences.

At B1,400++ per person, it is also one of the more competitive options available on the island. If you’re with a large party of picky eaters, or are looking for a quiet brunch to nurse your hangover, this is where you need to be.

For those of you interested, or who

Beautifully roasted rib-eye. already have a Hilton Premium Club membership, are entitled to a 25 per cent discount when dining alone, 50% discount when dining with one guest, 33% discount when dining with two guests, 20% discount when dining with between four and 19 guests.

For more information, or to make large bookings, please call 076 396 433 or email hkthi.fb@hilton.com

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

AMARI PHUKET RECEIVES THE THAI RED CROSS SOCIETY CERTIFICATE Phuket, 11 July 2016 – Representatives of Amari Phuket, Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (right) and Chonnanan Prakarn, Director, Human Resources (left), receive the Thai Red Cross Society certificate from Thanphanida Shusuthichot, Thai Red Cross Society’s Head Nurse (middle). The certificate was presented to thank Amari Phuket for organising a campaign of blood-donation drives so that team members could take part as a way to express their care and willingness to give back to the community.

‘OUR EARTH, OUR HABITAT, OUR HOME’ The monthly Surin Park Beach clean-up was conducted in blustery conditions on Wednesday July 6, when nearly 100 participants from all of the Surin Beach Hotels, including Ayara Hilltops, Manathai, Twinpalms, Novotel Surin Beach, The Chava, The Surin and Amanpuri, removed dozens of large rubbish bags full of trash that were collected from Surin Beach. It was great to see some guests from the hotels also join in to assist, along with no fewer than five of the General Managers from these properties. There is no doubt that these efforts by the hotel staff teams make a real difference to the way Surin Beach and Park is represented. The next Surin Park Beach clean-up will be on Wednesday August 3, meeting as usual at the Twinpalms car park entrance – all are welcome to join.

From left: Nampetch Tipaxsorn - Director of Marketing Communications; Sombat Rattananai Area Director of Revenue Management; Natkamol Suwannasilp - 2nd Runner-up; Jinnita Buddi - Miss Thailand World 2016; Figen Bulut - Hotel Manager; Phatlada Kullaphakthanapat - 1st Runner-up; and Paritchawan Kraiponrak – Director of Sales.

MISS THAILAND WORLD 2016 REVISITS LAGUNA Angsana Laguna Phuket hosted the organisers of Miss Thailand World 2016 on Friday, July 8. It was an opportunity to show appreciation for the support received during Miss Thailand World Training Camp which took place at Angsana.

Jason and Nhoom showed them around the radio studio. @thephuketnews

HIGH SCHOOL AT THE PHUKET NEWS On Monday (July 11), Tuesday and Thursday this week, M4 students from Phuket Thaihua Asean Wittaya School visited The Phuket News to learn the processes at an English news station, in broadcasting news and creating a newspaper, and tour the facilities. We were happy to host them.

The three days included a total of 98 students from the school.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com.

15 JUL SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP AT THANYAPURA

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

SUN

17 JUL

Get active and learn multi-sports skills! Camps are designed to be fun for kids of all ages from 3 and up at Thanyapura. A variety of sports is provided, including Learning to Swim, Competitive Swimming and Tennis. Starting prices from THB 700 per day with different timetables for each sport. For more information and reservations, please call +66 (0) 76 336 000 Email: reservations@thanyapura.com.

WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong from 12pm-Late! Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 395 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN at Two Chefs!!! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast first and third Friday of the month, in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys/Achars, Pistachio Ice Cream, Gulab Jamun, Fruits. Extra dishes on the menu: ONION BHAJI, BOMBAY ALOO, DAL MAKHINI, VANILLA ICE-CREAM. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks.

Mystic Siam @ Coast Centara Grand

Beach Resort Phuket on Saturday the 16th of July from 6.00 PM to 7.00 PM (Happy hour buy 1 get 1) BBQ Buffet dinner 7.00 - 11.00 PM / Quattro live band / Resident DJ / Free flow sparkling for ladies from 9 - 11 pm THB990 Per Adult THB495 Per Child Free for children below 6 years old for more information and reservation please contact Tel : +66 0 7620 1234 Email : cpbr@chr.co.th

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy.

Only B350 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com.

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

Friday BBQ Buffet at SKYE Beach Club

Surf & Turf

Price at 399++ A new menu from July 1st onwards. RSVP, SKYE Beach Club at Naiyang Beach, 093 582 7700.

Phuket Hospitality Challenge

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

The very first Laguna Phuket Hospitality Challenge – A Charity Golf Tournament will take place in Phuket on 15th July 2016 at the Laguna Championship Golf Course. Our aim to have a competitive feel to the event as Hospitality professionals from Phuket and Krabi come together to fight it out in teams, to see who is the best in the region. If you want to participate in this year’s event, please visit the websites at www. asiangolfevents.com or www.asean-events. com and contact Mark or Ti Cameron. Proudly supported by Live 89.5 radio.

SAT

Do You Enjoy An Aussie Style Surf & Turf?

Indulge With Us On Saturday July 16th From 6pm-Late At Two Chefs Kata Beach! Enjoy ALL YOU CAN EAT Plated Mouthwatering Dishes Including: Grilled Australian Rib Eye Steak, Grilled Prawns And Salmon Served With A Trio Of Sauce, Caesar Salad And Potatoes Of Your Choice. All For ONLY 595 Baht! Relax And Enjoy Live Music Performed By Our Famous Two Chefs Band From 8pm-Late! They’ll Be Playing All Of Your Favorites From Classic To The Current Hits! Don’t Miss Out! BOOK Your Table NOW At bit.ly/ReserveTwoChefs More Info At bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

Sunday Gourmet Brunch At Bodega and Grill

Relax with your family and friends while enjoying a lavish Sunday Brunch featuring a delectable international seafood buffet complemented by a 12 course degustation menu featuring finest selection of gourmet plates. Bodega Sunday Brunch from 12pm till 3pm price start from 1950++. Reservations recommend call our F& B Reservation team on 076 324 101 ext 8938.

16 JUL

Bollywood Phuket’s Weekend Special Indian Lunch Set

Mussels night @ Shakers

1.2kg mussels served with french fries, your choice, your style: nature, marnière, provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

BBQ at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport,

Come and enjoy authentic flavours of India by indulging in our special weekend lunch set for only B399++ per person between 11am-3pm. Menu includes 3 starters, 4 main course and dessert served with Gulab Jamun/Phirni Vanilla Custard/ Ice Cream (choose 1). All for just B399++ per person. For more info please call 076 304 034.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

SUN

17 JUL

MON

18 JUL

vine Restaurant in Thanyapura, Thalang.Registration starts at 11.30 am. Members 600 baht, non-members 750 baht. Reservation essential: please contact Maggy Wigman at info@piwcphuket.com

TUE

26 JUL

All you can eat BBQ night

Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 395 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the FUN! RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit. ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents.

6PM – 11PM: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squids, salad buffet, Choice of potatoes & Sauces, Bread, Buns & garlic bread Reservation recommended 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

WED

20 JUL

Toastmasters Phuket

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career?

Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only.

Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info.

THU

28 JUL

SUN

14 AUG

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

Sunday Tapas

6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

This is what Sunday lunches are meant to be - fabulous, fresh unlimited and Western and Asian tapas with friends and family crafted by the talented team of chefs at Banyan Tree Phuket. Starting at THB 2,000 net per person.Reservations, Banyan Tree Phuket, 076 372 400 # 5463.

16th Architect & Engineering Exhibitions 2016

Every Wednesday!

All-you-can-eat Pasta and Pizza

Every Wednesday eat all you can - pizza and pasta only for 500 Baht. Drink all you can Peroni & Belleville only for 450 Baht or both EAT DRINK ALL YOU CAN ONLY FOR 890 Baht with DOUBLE EXPRESSIONS LIVE! Wednesdays 6pm to 11pm. info@pastabellini.com. Located at Chalong Circle, Chao-Fa East.

A CASUAL SUNDAY BRUNCH BY THE POOLSIDE

Relaxing afternoon by the poolside featuring a lavish spread of international delicacies and fresh seafood from the Ocean. Special Promotions: (1) A group of over 10 people receive 20% discount. (2) Birthday celebrations – birthday person receives a complimentary Brunch. The rest of the party, if over 10 people receive 20% discount. All prices are subject to a 7% government tax and a 10% service charge. Children’s prices are applicable to those aged from six to twelve. Children under the age of six dine with our compliments. RSVP, HYATT REGENCY PHUKET RESORT, fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

@thephuketnews

WED

21 JUL

Welcome to the best exhibition in Phuket and Andaman coastline for construction tools and materials and architectural design & décor items comprising a wide range of products and technology. This is a great opporturnity to introduce construction materials and decorative items to the Phuket and Andaman area. Venue: Second floor, Royal Phuket City Hotel. More information please visit www.pic-phuket.com or info@pic-phuket.com, proudly supported by The Phuket News.

SUN

31 JUL

Phuket FC VS Nakhon Si Heritage

PIWC July luncheon

Not to be missed. July 21, 2016 – Phuket International Women’s Club Monthly lunch at Di-

Sunday July 31, Phuket FC VS Nakhon Si Heritage at Surakul Stadium. Kick-off 7pm.

Admission B50 adults, Free for children with school ID Card.Proudly supported by The Phuket News.

Phuket Drum Circle 4th Year Anniversary

The Phuket Drum Circle will celebrate its 4th year anniversary on July 31 in Naiharn beach, from 4:00pm to 10:00 pm. This event is open to the public, and anyone who wants to try drumming or dancing on the beach. The Phuket Drum Circle is a bimonthly event which became the first public drum circle in Thailand with a regular schedule and a website. If you hear your inner rhythm calling come on down. You won’t regret it! For details visit the Facebook page “Phuket Drum Circle”.

DAILY EVENT UPDATES ON

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across 1. What was the Euro 2016 slogan?

2. In which decade was the last person executed by guillotine in France?

3. What nationality was Greg Rusedski before he became a British tennis star?

4. Which country accounts for 70% of the world’s platinum production?

5. West Sands, Scotland, next to St Andrews golf course, appears in the opening scene of which film? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

27. Made up a story 28. Runners 1. Homesteads 30. Run down 6. One of seven 31. Equal branches 33. Former 10. Tie up Portuguese 14. Prorate colony in India 15. Bond 35. Word before and 16. Drops the ball after “against” Down 17. Was no pushover 36. Just manages, 20. Zen state with “out” 1. Closing bars 21. Nonsense 37. Nile biter 2. Spiced stew 22. Literary piece 39. Embellish richly of meat and 23. Flipper 40. Elijah’s vegetables 25. Helicopter part successor 3. Apartment 27. Go this way and 4. Automaker 41. Tolkien that creatures 5. Chole follower 29. Some 46. Musical 6. “That’s 31. Bananas composition disgusting!”

32. Hairpiece 7. List of candidates 48. Navel Academy 34. Tennis great students (1st 8. The dawn Gibson year) 9. G-men 38. Strong features 10. “The Departed” 49. Yearn (for) 42. Store, as fodder star, first name 50. Locks up 43. Pitcher’s asset 51. Listening 11. Lingo 44. Energy 52. 4:1, e.g.

12. Belief 45. Italian money 54. Blow 13. Oil of 47. Thickets wintergreen, e.g. 57. Case 50. Funny guys 59. Dated 18. Chaos 53. Spring (from) 60. Canal zones?

19. Excite 55. After 61. Hebrides island 24. Like a stuffed 56. Prince, e.g.

63. Finish (up) shirt 58. Makes fun of 64. Group with 26. Chemistry 62. Is disappointed troops Nobelist Hahn 65. HOMES part 66. Fed. agency 67. “___ Heartbeat” (Amy Grant hit) 68. Lodge 69. Wee bit 70. Taste, e.g.

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Le Rendez-Vous; 2) 1970s (Hamida Djandoubi, on September 10, 1977); 3) Canadian; 4) South Africa; 5) Chariots of Fire

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history ■■ July 15, 1799

The Rosetta Stone is found in the Egyptian village of Rosetta by French Captain Pierre-François Bouchard during Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign.

1

in 10 people have dropped their phone into a toilet.

■■ July 16, 1661

The first ban k notes i n Europe are issued by the Swedish bank Stock holms Banco.

16

sunrises and sunsets are seen by astronauts on the space station on an average day.

42

■■ July 17, 1976

East Timor is annexed, and becomes the 27th province of Indonesia.

years old was the age that Mark Wahlberg, a high-school dropout, got his diploma to set an example to others.

■■ July 18, 390 BC

A Roman army is defeated by raiding Gauls, leading to the subsequent sacking of Rome.

100

■■ July 19, 1947

The Prime Minister of the shadow Burmese government, Bogyoke Aung San and six of his Cabinet and two non-Cabinet members are assassinated by Galon U Saw.

years ago most Americans spent 46% of each day working just to get food, now they spend only 7% doing so.

15 billion

■■ July 20, 1940

Denmark leaves the League of Nations.

■■ July 21, 365

cigarettes are smoked worldwide every day.

Snorkeling at Ao Sane. Photo by John Knicley

Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

A tsunami devastates the city of Alexandria, Egypt. The tsunami was caused by the Crete earthquake, which was estimated to be magnitude 8.5 or higher. Five thousand people perished in Alexandria, and 45,000 more died outside the city.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

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LEGAL SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

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Buy&Sell BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Dual banana boat for sale

Dual banana boat for water activities. 4.2 m long, 1.6 m wide. Up to 14 riders. This banana boat is brand new, packaging still intact. Stored in a warehouse in Chalong. 40,000, Vladimir, sales@joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

Dive boat for sale

Dive boat Asian Adventure, length–18m, width– 4.6m, depth–1.7m, 1 Eng–315 H.P, capacity 40 passengers +3 crew. Located in Chalong, sales@ joydive.asia, 084 182 8685.

1 engine speedboat for sale

Honda 250 H.P. 15 passengers+3 crew, length–8.10m, width–2.40, depth-1.6.

Excellent condition, sound system. Located in Chalong. Vladimir, sales@ joydive.asia, 0841828685.

Boston Whaler Conquest 255

Immaculate condition, Mercury 150hp x 2 very low hours, Thai registered. This boat comes with full inventory. Lying AoPo Marina Phuket. Mike, mikehigh1@gmail.com, 088 768 4701.

Yacht Chartering and Resort

Big A Swan 55 Yacht Chartering and Resort in Phuket Thailand Sailing : Big A Swan 55, Accommodation: Big A Resort 076-383080 Email: bigasail@samart.co.th.

ACTIVITIES, GROUPS Roof-top Patong Mini Golf The best sea view 18 Holes, roof top Mini Golf. Located on the 4th floor of Banana Walk Plaza in Patong, 091 762 2628, http:// patongminigolf.com Free Tiya’s Hammocks campaign

Win Free hammock from Tiya’s Hammocks Phuket. Winner will get V Weave hammock, handmade from North of Thailand, weight capacity 250 kgs. Value 5,200 THB. More details visit Facebook: Tiya’s hammocks, Contact: Tiya, tiya@ tiyashammocks.com, 089 600 0041.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Restaurant for sale in Rawai

All new equipment, air conditioned, private terrace, unlimited parking. All offers considered. optispa@gmail.com, 088 386 9132, 063 067 4498.

Restaurant set up for sale

A fully equipped restaurant in the highly sought after Boat Avenue mall in Laguna.

Stainless steel kitchen, Wi-Fi, bar counter, service area. Ready to go in days. Email: jukeboxphuket@gmail.com, 081 090 1608.

Restaurant for take over

Fully equipped restaurant in Rawai for take over in a popular tourist spot. High density crowd. 10,000FT and air condition. June, Rawai, senajune@gmail.com, 081 978 5989.

Looking for a Partner Investor

I am looking for a Partner/Investor to expand my Dive business. Anyone interested please email me to discuss the proposal. rwhi690169@bigpond.com

Bangla agogo club for sale

A newly refurbished bar/club with great returns is for sale. Fully fitted out over 2 floors. Very cheap and very low rent. Reliable landlord. Steve, stevepearcergj@hotmail.co.uk, 089 587 0819.

Business for Sale

Non-tourist/bar related business for sale, yearly turnover of 15MB. Call 087 276 0529 or 081 968 6051 for more details.

Newly renovated hotel for rent

Newly renovated hotel/guest house in Patong’s heart for rent from owner. 12 rooms, 2 shops to busy street, many facilities. More details check thephuketnews.com, search Listing ID 55398 or call +66(0)81 538 1399.

German bakery & deli & snack

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

CAR FOR SALE Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G VVTI

2013 - 35,000km - Automatic White - CD Radio, Air-con, Alloys Excellent Condition, Only used for school runs. 525,000, Duang, Royal Phuket Marina, gavinmullins@ hotmail.com, 083 093 9724.

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PETS

Horse and Dog Vet Hospital

Open from 10am. – 8pm. *Service all types of animals. * Experienced professionals. Contact: 076 620 136 / 084 210 6868 and contact@horsedogvet.com www.horsedogvet.com

Pets Magic Planet

Open from 9am. - 7pm. *The best international brands. *The ultimate choice. *Luxury accessries & jewels. Contact: 076 620 106 / 091 040 4000 and contact@petsmagicplanet.com

CAR FOR SALE 2012 FORD RANGER

Ford Ranger 2.2 Diesel Hi Rider 22 Inch wheels, tonne cover, sheep skin seat, cover, showroom condition, 24,000 kms, by careful expat driver. 660,000, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

TOYOTA ALTIS 1.6G AT

2008. 62K kms. White. Usual G refinements.

Insurance, FSH, Lady driver 395K baht ono 395K, Clive Roberts, crob58@gmail.com, 081 087 9237 or 086 270 8727.

Chevy Captiva LT 2008

Chevrolet Captiva LT 2008, 499,000 Baht, 62.000 KM, 1 Owner, 2.0L Turbo Diesel, Full Chevy Service History, No Accidents, 1st Class Insurance. Tel. 082 804 1742.

le

REAL ESTATE SERVICES

Nissan Teana 2.5Lt

OTHER

Honda Jazz 2009 1500cc Auto

57,000kms. One owner since new. Regularly U serviced by Honda. Tax and Insurance until the end of June and available now at right offer. Reduced by 40,000 bht, REDUCED to 330,000bht o.n.o, Andy +66846909144, andysmalster@gmail.com

CARS WANTED Urgent need Toyota hilux vigo

Want to sell your Toyota hilux vigo Champ ? vigo4u is the best palace to sell your Toyota.

Vigo4u now in Phuket, Pataya and Bangkok also. 084 344 3444, 02 810 8117.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE MAX SYM 400I

Big comfortable 2012 scooter one expat owner. Only 2,600 kms., has had 1st service a great bike, reason to sale leaving Thailand. 150,000, Doug Watson, Phuket, dougwatson@hotmail.com.au, 097 045 2788.

PROPERTY FOR SALE LAND NEAR WATERFALL FOR SALE

Beautiful, gently sloping land for sale near Bang Pae waterfall. Good road, 3-phase power. NS3 paper (upgrade applied for). 7 rai, B4m/rai. 087 884 9964 (En) or 087 272 5594 (Th). alasdair.phuket@gmail.com

Kay McDonnell

I have a number of FIRE SALE PROPERTIES from 1.5 MTB to 47MTB. Condos/Houses/Villas Please contact me if you are looking for bargains in the south of the island. 080 124 1245, kay@pare.com

Phuket real estate tour

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

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

t sa

De Laguna By Dr.JaQ

International Clinic English Speaking Doctor By Appointment 095 0851188 FB: DrJaq Warnnissorn Providing Anti-Aging (Botox, Filler, Live Cell Therapy, Alternative Cancer Treatment, Chelation Medical, House Call). Integrative and Advancement in Medicine for individualized treatment programs for patients of all ages and with various disorders, Email: tosawcute@gmail.com

Real estate investment tours are specially designed to help you to achieve your investment goals with the right property in the right location. You will get advice on the multitude of lucrative investment opportunities in Phuket. 1990, md@tourasian.com, 080 826 4665.

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PERSONAL SERVICES

Nai Harn Pool Villa

Brand New 3 bedrooms near the beach, activities and restaurants 8.5 mlb only. Call 095 036 5536 for viewing or more info, contact Jonathan.

Nai Harn Pool Villa For Sale

For Sale

Industrial over locker. Whitehouse Brand. 3 Thread. Brand new never used.

Full tool kit. Bargain at 12,000 Baht. Call Sandi 087 264 0778.

Office Space Laguna

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

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice

In June 2016, Bangkok Hospital Phuket will have to destroy patient records being inactive for over 10 years. For assistance & information, call 1719 or e-mail us at info@phukethospital.com

PROPERTY FOR SALE Outstanding Beach Front Pool Villa

A rare opportunity to purchase a 4 bedroom beachfront villa in a 5* resort at The Village Coconut Island. A “snip” at 22m THB. Contact email aadmo@btinternet. com, Somjit, aadmo@btinternet.com, 081 9791945.

Near the beach, activities and restaurants Brand New 611 Sqm. 16.75 mlb Call 095 036 5536 for viewing or more info, Contact Jonathan.

House for Sale

House at Land and House for sale. 2-storey with 3 bedrooms, living room, kitchen, balcony, jacuzzi, library, laundry. Near to kid playground, two swimming pools, sauna, gym. Enough land to build a second house on the same plot. Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

MAI KHAO LAND

Beachfront land in Mai Khao. East coast. 3 rai 2 ngan 24sqw. For sale: 45 million baht. 45 million.

D Condo Creek, fully furnished

Studio 5th floor, mountains view. Cool & quiet.

24 hrs security, 3 swimming pools, gym. Shops & restaurants around. Rent out good return.

1.85 MB., Tiya, Kathu Phuket, lodchong77th@ yahoo.com, EN & TH 089 600 0041.

COMMUNITY

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE New loft trailer

Fully welded steel construction. Proper fenders springs, hitch, lights, toungue jack, alu deck. Fits M/C, ATY, const, landscape. 1700 lb. cap. 65,000 THB, 081 693 8214.

MEMBERSHIPS Blue Canyon Membership

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

MOVING SERVICES Looking for Moving Company?

With over 15 years of experience Bigmove Phuket is the number 1 provider of moving and shipping in and out of Phuket Thailand. We provide storage in a state of the art clean, secure, storage facility located centrally in Phuket. www.bigmovephuket.com, 081-797-5377.

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CLASSIFIEDS 33

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Buy&Sell

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PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE 2 New Resale Condos 3.9 MB. 7%net ROI

Modern home office for sale

Modern home office for sale located 400 m fr Central Intersection. 1 Unit has 1 commercial, 1 living space, 4 bedrooms & built-in bathrooms. Owner, thip_june19@yahoo.com,

087 543 4716.

1 bed condos on the market 7%net ROI for 14 years!

Rare Pool access modern hilltop unit. Panoramic views of Andaman Bay & city lights of Patong. Also 1 bed city & ocean views, fully furnished & professionally managed. You just collect 7% net/year hassle free. Contact phuketjon@ gmail.com, 084 842 2262.

Horst Lakits

Resort for sale/lease long term, in Chalong/Rawai Area own big well 22 rooms 2 Rai land large pool Restaurant parking No Agents. lets talk, Horst Lakits, 67/18 Soi Sermsuk, bigasail@samart.co.th, 086 940 1860, 076 383 080.

Patong Tower and Andaman Beach suite for sale

Mountains and Sea Views, Call David 080 692 6114, email: patongrealestate@gmail.com

Owner Sales Appartment “ The Pearl of Naithon “ Leasehold

Total area 226,66 SQM including terrace 41,25 Sqm. 3 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms Price THB 13.5 million. MP: 089 814 1458.

Villa For Sale / Rent

Located at Naiharn beach Soi Naya 3, Mountain view, Swimming pool, Balcony, 2 floor, 4 bed room. Total 92 sq.m. Thai 081 958 0542 ENG 081 956 6813.

Sea View Land 265 Met. Pub.Rd.

Great investment. 3/5 Rai Plots. NS3G Titles.

Price start 4 M/Rai. Full infra. 265 Met. Pub. Rd. Frontage. Located on Koh Yao Yai resort area, just 25 min. speed boat from Phuket. We can make easy half day trip 10am-2pm. Call Charlie /more info, charlesaraines@hotmail.com, 062 069 1965.

@thephuketnews

House for sale

Private pool villa with lovely garden half a rai. Quiet and safe area. 3 bedroom 2 bathroom open kitchen.

160 m2 Situated in Ban Pahra. 12 minutes to PIA, Phuket Airport, Nay Yang beach, and Blue Canyon Golf course. 2 min to Mission Hill Golf course. Price 8 million baht, 225 000 euro, bergsstigen@telia.com, 090 701 4204.

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Sea View Villa

Premium villa 8B in the prestiques Sunrise Ocean Villas developement is now for sale.

Being built on the highest point in the estate, only 80 meters from the ocean and located 3 mins away from Grand AoPor Marina, 10 mins from golf course, 20 mins from the airport,, shopping centers, schools and hospitals, this villa is a perfect place to live with no traffic, no pollution and no mass tourism..., Over than 600 Sqm usable building area, 3 bedrooms, guest apartment, maid quarters, games room, 10 meter infinity swimming pool, roof terrace and breath taking views. Can be ready to move in within 8 weeks and still can be customized to the wishes of new owner. For sale at only 24.9 mill Baht. For viewing or more information please contact our sales director, Khun Montha 081 343 0777 Email : montha_phuket@yahoo.com.

Two-story house in Phuket City

Land 400 sq. m, living area 344 sq.m, 6 rooms, 3 bathrooms, maid’s room with bath. Fully furnished. Very good for living and business.

15,000,000.-, Pauline Haldemann, haldemwa@hotmail.com, 081 895 0038.

Laguna - Luxury 1 Bed & Golf Membership For Sale

Totally renovated: new kitchen, wood floors, furnished, sound system. Price includes Laguna Golf Membership and Privilege Card. THB 6.9M. Owner 084 247 1632 - E-Mail: phuket3203@gmail.com

34 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy&Sell

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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PROPERTY FOR SALE Karon Beach New House For Sale/Rent

80 Sqm. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, Terrace carport. Nice Sea view.

Sale 5.8 MB. Rent long term 18,000 per month. Gunter Kraus, Phuket, naruchai@gmx.de, 091 040 2471.

Phuket Beach Front Land

14 RAI Beach front Phuket,Phungnga Close 5-7*hote,Chanode title,90 meters of water frontage More than 100 m wide beach&small piece of land close to the beach 25MB/RAI, Ms.Pam, phuketmyhouse@gmail.com, 089 868 8668.

The Base Downtown - Sale/Rent

1 Bed (35sqm) & 2 Bed (60sqm), fully furnished, pool view. Near Central, BIS, Big C, Lotus, Siriroj hospital, Darasamut School, Thai Hua School (Close to new Central Embassy- good investment). Swimming pool, fitness & library. Rent:15,000-25,000 THB/month and 35,000-45,000 THB/month. Panattaporn.c@gmail.com, 093 639 4654.

Chalong Villa for sale

Living area 450 sq.m, Land 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Seaview terrace, Pool, Carpark. 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 19.5M, oliver@ thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Alexander Kolesnikov

Land & 4 storey commercial building for sale. Patong. Just 60 m from the beach. Guesthouse with 6 luxury rooms + restaurant 40 seats. 17 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

SMALL RESORT BY LAGUNA

4 Luxury villas, office, 2 pools, 1 Rai - Chanote. Secure investment, price below replacement cost, money maker. Owner 82 retiring. 30 Mil Baht.

Lets talk. Owner, 089 594 4067.

House For Sale

Located in Rawai soi Samaki 3, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1 Laundry room, 1 storage room, living area 160 sq.m, Chanot title 280 sq.m. 3.2 MB., Rico9963@hotmail.com, 083 640 9041

Brand new 3 bed villa Onyx

Living area 160 sq.m. Land 200 sq.m. Fully luxury furnished. Open plan living room with kitchen, private & peaceful area, security gate estate, gym. 8.9M, oliver@thurmanngroup. com, 087 877 2320.

Villa for sale

Exclusive villa with pool and garden in Phuket, Rawai/Nai Harn, Land size: 1’700 m2, build up area 400m2. Private sale, no agents please.

36 MB, JasminConsulting@gmx.net

Land for sale - Mission Height

NICE LAND FOR SALE AT MISSION HEIGHT, JUST OVER ONE RAI. Phone 093 629 4400 English, 082 421 4842 Thai.

Alexander Kolesnikov

3 Bedroom villa for sale. Building 320 s.m. Land 900 s.m. Nice garden, 2 car garage, study. Just 3 minutes from BIS. 15 MB, Contact Alexander, alexkolinz@gmail.com, 089 651 3250.

Waterfront Condominium

The Cleat Condo, residence project in Krabi Boat Lagoon Marina. Price 3-9MB, size 37119 Sq.M., 1 or 2 bedroom, marina view. For rent/sale. marketing@phuketpropertytrip.com

Kata Seaview Condo For Sale

New 1 bedroom with great sea and sunset views! 44sqm. Leasehold with foriegn freehold available. Swimming pool, sauna and clubhouse. Flexible furniture options. Great management and rental program, 082 254 0760.

For Sale or Rent

4 bedroom 3 bath room with excellent views of Chalong Bay. 3 storage, fully furnished all new swimming pool in quiet area Rawai beach. All inquires. Tidarat, 087 466 5635.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Anuphas Golfville House- Kathu

Apartment for rent

Land 162 sqwa. Large Pool/Jacuzzi-3 Bed-4 Bath-Office-2 Storage Building-Alarm System and much more. Reduced 22MB to 18 MB for Quick Sale. mrgeoffcurry@yahoo.com, Si +6681 970 8896 TH/ENG, Geoff+6681 854 0061 ENG.

Luxury 1 bedroom ground floor apartment.

65.s.q.m. Central Patong. Short or long term rental. For details email ianscondo21@gmail.com

2 BDR Bungalow, Nai Harn Beach

For rent with “Free UBC Platinum cable TV”, security, air-con, fridge, stove, quiet area, at end of cul-de-sac, 12,500 per month.

Call 098 017 8818 or 087 884 8972.

Ocean View Land Kamala

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

Rawai Sea View Condominium For Rent

Partner for resort wanted

5 Rai. hillside Maikhao beach. Main buiding finished. Nice sunset seaview, 087 267 1192, Julius_schuster2001@yahoo.de

Short/long-term rental. 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, Stunning sea view, Fully furnished, Large swimming pool, lift. reservation@ almaliresidence.com, 0935742533

Land For Sale 3 Mil Baht

Office/Shop for Rent

In Thalang area 2.5 Rai beautiful, flat land with access road, Chanote title, only 5 minutes from Thanyapura (PIA International school). sk.thanya@gmail.com, 081 737 8624.

Ground Floor space with excellent positioning on Chalong Pier Road. For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

House in Karon for Sale

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

House For Rent at tennis club

2 bedrooms,1 en-suite bedroom,2 bathroom, living area and big veranda. Ideal for tennis coach.

Prefer long term rent. Viewing by appointment only.

Patra, patbittersweet@gmail.com , 081 607 2805.

Sea view land in Patong

The last piece of seaview land on prime location in Patong, just 500m from Patong beach, 1.3 KM. to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Contact: Karuna, kpattarawalee@gmail.com, 089 967 5373.

For Sale/Rent (5 Days - 6 Months)

4 Floors, 6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms. Fully furnished. Kuku, Phuket Town. Contact Joy, 093 596 2757, joyfulphuket@gmail.com

PROPERTY FOR RENT

LUXURY POOL VILLA

BY LAGUNA

Kathu Condo for Sale/Rent

Quiet Cozy Full furnished 36 Sqm 1 Bed 1 Bath Swimming pool Fitness Wifi included Short/Long term start 10,000 B/month close to Central. start 10,000, Lily, flyfreelily@gmail.com, 084 109 4466.

Villas & Apts Rent-Chalong

2- and 3-bedroom pool villas, 2-bedroom townhouses & studio apartments. Special prices from 700/night or 8,000/month. Rates include WiFi, maid service, cable TV, furnishings. Great location near Big Buddha. info@chalongapartment.com, 086 282 6221, www.chalongapartment.com

4BED 4BATH GOOD LOCATION

A secure 4-bed 4-bath with a swimming pool in Baan Suan Loch Palm. 5 mins to BIS, 12 to 15 mins to Central, Patong and Phuket Town.

65000THB, jenjiramountford@gmail.com

2 bed house for rent, Kathu

Furnished 2 bed house for rent in Kathu, quiet area within easy reach of Tesco Lotus, Central, golf courses and fresh market. 15,000, Nok Roper, daveroper@live.com, 095 257 5382.

Two condos for sale/rent

2 condos for sale 48 sqm. - sale price $60,000 (developer’s price $116,000) & 54,5 sqm. - sale price $70,000 (developer’s price $128,000). Fully furnished, near Central, Big C, BIS, Lotus, hospitals, schools. Communal pool and gym. Short & long time rent available 48 sqm. – THB 10000-15000 per month; 54,5 sqm. – THB 15000-20000 per month + electricity&water, Ekaterina Oseledets, 095 861 7571.

Phuket Office Share @ RPM

Searching for a prime location address as your office on Phuket? We are inviting small companies or individuals to join us in sharing our office space @ ‘Royal Phuket Marina’. Email us or call us on: 076390482 for full details.Phuket Luxury Living, info@phuketluxuryliving.com, 076 390 482.

Has everything, comfort, security, live in a small resort - lush tropical garden. 35,000 Baht per month. Long lease. Owner, 089 594 4067.

Retail space for rent

Retail space available in the Ocean Plaza Patong for massage, beauty, coffee, souvenir shops etc. Low rent contracts for up to 12 yrs. For info call Natty at 086 281 8883 or 076 343 506. 3632, Nattida Thaboondee, g.cummings@hotmail.com, 086 281 8883.

Chalong villa for rent

Living area 450 sq.m, Land: 800 sq.m. 1st floor: Living room, Master bdr with en-suite bth, Kitchen, Sea view terrace, Pool, 2nd floor: 4 bdr with bth, 2nd living room, Office. 90,000/month/ year., oliver@thurmanngroup.com, 087 877 2320.

Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai

FOR RENT Amazing Sea view Penthouse in Rawai.

360 p ํ anoramic breathtaking views of Chalong bay, mountain view and big Buddha. Two bedrooms, 310 sq.m of spacious living area and balconies. Please contact Izzy 086278 8300 or Danai 090 170 0429. propertysales@serenityphuket.com

House for rent - Near Pah-klok

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

PATONG: 1 and 2 Bed Apartments

2-Bed/2-Bath & Studio for rent. Balcony. Full A/C. Western Kitchen. Modern furnished. All Extras. Fast WIFI free. Quiet Location & well maintained.

Email : khunrei@gmail.com, 084 185 8536.

CHALONG BEACH FRONT LAND

Direct beach front land for rent. Long and short term. Area 2400 sq meter with beach front of 40 meter, Contact: Mr. Narin, narinpga@ gmail.com, 081 826 9390.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

SPORT 35

Phuket FC in goalless draw FOOTBALL

AIS SOUTHERN REGION DIVISION 2

Matt Pond editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket FC opened the second half of the AIS Southern Region Division 2 season with a goalless draw against Satun United on Sunday evening (July 10), with coach Pittaya “Odd” Phimarnman saying that the team is in urgent need of a striker.

But Satun United’s 12th man – the referee – could also be to blame for the result remaining goalless, with a number of decisions going against the hosts.

Going into Su nday’s game, Phuket sat at seventh in the league table with 15 points, just six points from the top spot, while Satun were ninth on 13 points.

With the team now under new management, and with a handful of new additions to the starting 11, Phuket played a very different style of football to what fans had become accustomed to in the first half of the season. However, it was clear from the off that refereeing decisions going against the Andaman Dragon will be something that will continue as it has since the start of their 2016 campaign.

The first poor decision

Phuket FC’s Japanese captain Sato Yusuke protests one of the referee’s many poor decisions in Sunday’s (July 10) game against Satun United. Photo: Har Jib came about 15 minutes into the first 45 when Phuket’s Nattapoom Maya clearly had his legs taken away by Satun’s Chaiya Nakaree inside the penalty box. However, the ref waved to play on.

By the 30-minute mark, Phuket had already seen three players awarded yellow cards, with zero being handed out to Satun despite them being by far the more aggressive and physical of the two teams.

It was late into the second

45 that Phuket had the worst decision go against them, a strike from outside the box

by Phuket was blocked by the arm of a Satun United defender inside the penalty area, and once again, only the ref can know why he decided not to give a penalty.

Sadly, it appears that bad refereeing is something both the fans and squad of Phuket FC are going to be faced with again and again this current season, something which they have had to contend with for

several seasons now.

On the bright side, the overall performance by the Andaman Dragon was positive, and with the addition of a much-needed striker they could well be heading towards the top end of the table in the not so distant future.

Speaking to The Phuket News after the game, Coach Odd said, “At half-time I told the players to concentrate and be more confident in their attacks, but we all know

Team

MP W

D

L

GD Pts

1

Nara United

12

7

3

2

15

24

2

Suratthani FC

12

6

4

2

5

22

3

Ranong United

12

6

4

2

1

22

4

Yala United

12

6

2

4

3

20

5

Trang FC

12

5

3

4

2

18

6

Phuket FC

12

3

7

2

1

16

7

Hatyai FC

12

5

1

6

-9

16

8

Pattani FC

12

4

3

5

5

15

9

Satun United

12

3

5

4

0

14

10

Phatthalung FC

11

2

5

4

-2

11

11

Phangnga FC

11

2

3

6

-7

9

12

Nakhorn Si Heritage 12

0

4

8

-13

4

that we are lacking a killer in the penalty box, and I am waiting for one to come to the club.

“Maybe a striker can be sent down from the sky, or perhaps from the moon, but we desperately need one,” he said.

“If anybody out there knows [Lionel] Messi or someone like him, then please can you call them and let them know that Phuket FC need them,” he said.

Despite only taking a point from the game, the result actually moved Phuket FC up one place in the AIS Southern Region Division 2 table to sixth on 16 points,

Wet Dreams extend PPL lead POOL WET DREAMS BAR EXtended their Patong Pool League lead to four points following a 7-4 win at home over Martin Swiss.

However, the highlight of last Thursday’s (July 7) action came from Gilles from Champs Bar who managed to win the Killer round in their game against M&M Bar with a broken arm.

About two weeks ago Gilles had an accident, and when he visited the hospital to get it checked was told it was simply bruised. After receiving this information he decided to rest up for a few days so that he would play in last Thursday’s round of the league.

After playing on Thursday his arm was still hurting so he returned to the hospital on Friday (July 8) to have it checked again. This time around they told him that his arm was in fact broken.

Champs Bar went on to beat M&M 9-2 even with Gilles’s @thephuketnews

League newcomers 1Bar. painful broken arm.

Elsewhere, Ting Tong lost 6-5 to 1Bar, and Ting Tong’s Goh remains top of the individual scores for the whole league which is currently at 137 players so far this season Dirty Nellies lost 7-4 in their home game against Genius, with young lady Vie going on to win the Killer, something which the pool league always likes to see.

Meanwhile, Natalie Bar eventually had a big 8-3 win away to Simon & Oils after having to wait nearly an hour to get started due to a power cut. This win moved Natalie up into third place knocking

League Standings Wet Dreams

40

Ting Tong

36

Natalie

32

Dirty Nellies

31

Champs

31

Sports

29

1Bar

28

Genius

27

Martin Swiss

20

Amigo

19

Simon & Oils

18

M&M

8

Dirty Nellies down one spot to fourth. Finally, Sports Bar beat Amigo 9-2 away from home.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

but now eight points off top of the table Nara United.

Satun remained in ninth now on 14 points.

The team now faces two away games, the first against Hatyai FC on Sunday (July 17) who sit just below Phuket at seventh in the table also on 16 points. This will be followed by a game against Yala United on July 24, who currently sit at fourth with 20 points.

The Andaman Dragon will then return home on July 31 when they take on Nakhon Si Heritage.

The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of Phuket FC.

Run: #1589 Saturday July 9 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Black Hole Driller & Fungus Location: Chao Fa West - Soi Anusorn 200 Pee Directions: Southbound from Central make a U-turn at the Kwang Road traffic lights, head north 180 metres then turn left into Soi Anusorn.

Continue up the hill for 750m to laager on the right. Northbound on Chao Fa West go 180m past the Kwang Rd intersection traffic lights and turn left into Soi Anusorn and continue 750 m to laager on the right. Pristine site, our first use: Please, NO cigarette butts or litter.

Hash Bus Pickup Schedule: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:30pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 3pm

36 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Thais swing for the Olympics GOLF

T

he recent exploits by Thai golfers on the international stage have heightened expectations for the country’s first-ever medal in the sport at next month’s Rio Olympics.

Golf is returning to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 and Thailand, whose golfers have made steady progress in the past decade, have earned four tickets – two each for men’s and women’s competitions – to Rio de Janeiro.

At the Aug 5-21 R io Games, world No. 38 Thongchai Jaidee and No. 53 Kiradech Aphibarnrat will be carrying the Thai hopes in the men’s tournament, while No. 7 Ariya Jutanagarn and No. 34 Pornanong Phatlum will be vying for the women’s top honours.

The four see participation in the Games as a dream come true.

Thongchai, 46, has played in all the major golf tournaments but never in the Olympics.

“I have won many events in Europe and Asia, but I have

Success at the French Open brought Thongchai Jaidee into the world top 50. Photo: AFP never contested at the Olympics,” said eight-time European Tour winner Thongchai.

“It will be a great honour for me to play for the country at the Olympics as, to me, winning for the country takes priority over everything else.”

The 20-year-old Ariya, who donned the Thai colours at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, is also excited to

represent the country again.

“I cannot wait for the Olympics to start,” said Ariya, adding: “I am anxious to play in Rio because I can represent Thailand. I feel excited about it.”

Ariya has said that she wants to become the topranked player, a major winner and an Olympic champion.

The Thais are pinning

their hopes on Thongchai and Ariya, who are in confident moods after their recent achievements, to deliver medals in Rio. Thongchai stormed to a four-stroke victory at the French Open early this month for his eighth win on the European Tour.

The result moved him back among the top 50 in the

world and he also wrested Thailand’s No.1 spot back from Kiradech.

Ariya, who is now third on the money list, became the first Thai winner on the LPGA Tour when she claimed the Yokohama Tire LPGA Classic title in May. She went on to win the Kingsmill Championship and Volvik Championship to make it three in a row with all her triumphs coming in May, which happens to be her nickname as well.

Teammate Pornanong, 26, is currently ranked 24th on the LPGA money list.

The 26-year-old Kiradech has been suffering from a drop in his form but the burly Thai has the potential to be successful at the Olympics if he can regain his touch in time.

His achievements this year include sharing 15th spot at the Masters, sixth place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and a fifth-place finish at the BMW International Open.

Th ree-time European Tour winner Kiradech has represented the country on many occasions, including the 2007 SEA Games in Nakhon Ratchasima where Thailand swept all the four gold medals

in the golf competition.

Rangsrid Luxitanond, president of the Thailand Golf Association, said improved performances of the Thai players and withdrawals of many world-class players mean that Thailand can start fancying a medal in the Games like a number of other countries.

“As professionals, they have played and practised well but the course at the Olympics will be new for them [the Thai players],” said Rangsrid.

He added: “We have a better chance to win a medal in the men’s event as a number of big names have withdrawn from the Games.

“Anything can happen in golf. If it is your day, you will make it. Hopefully, no one gets injured in the build-up to the tournament.”

The men’s event will be held from Aug 11-14 while the women’s competition will take place from Aug 17-20.

Thongchai and Kiradech will fly to Brazil after the PGA Championship to be held from July 28-31, while Ariya and Pornanong will compete at the Women’s British Open in the same week before heading to Rio. Bangkok Post

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

SPORT 37

Relighting the Dragon’s fire FOOTBALL

Continued from page 40 ...The two main owners of the club were announced as Mr Chatchai Rojrongsi, Director of Royal Gems Pavilion, and Mr Pitipon Nukulpanitwipat, Director of the Raya group of hotels.

The company will be run with the assistance of former Thai national player Capt Tanattub Arjarayut along with Mr Pannapat Limsertto, who will assist with the overall club management. Pitaya “Odd” Pimarmman will continue as Coach, assisted by Mr Niwat Nuisarha.

The ideology of the new setup is to develop Phuket FC into a stronger and bigger team capable of reaching the Thai Premier League.

“Unlike in the past, we want the team’s fanclubs to be united because we have only one [Phuket] team. If you come to the stadium but do not cheer Phuket, that means you are not a fan,” Mr Chatchai said.

“We believe that we now have the best team we have ever had, and with the help of the media we want to give this team a chance to advance to the next level,” he added.

Coach Odd, who himself was uncertain of his position with the club until very close to Friday’s press conference, said, “In the past we had something very wrong with the team’s tactics, but now that we have the assistance of Capt Tanattub,

The new owners, along with their managerial team (back row), pose with present and future Phuket FC players. Photo: Chanida Summast. who will help with training and tactics, we are certain to have a more disciplined team.”

Coach Odd’s assistant, Mr Niwat, added, “We apologise for the team’s performance in the first leg of the season, but leg two is a new beginning for us all.”

Capt Tanattub said, “I have been in Phuket for 30 years now and it is my pleasure to have been asked to help Phuket FC. I would like to thank the new management team for giving me an opportunity to be involved and I promise to help bring Phuket FC to be famous once more.”

Mr Pannapat added, “I was

born in Phuket, so I’m proud to now be working with the team from my home town.

“I understand how the club’s management will support the team and how they want the team to move forward with everyone cheering and supporting. Please give us a chance to show the true spirit of the club and bring back smiles to the faces of all Phuket people.”

There were a number of representatives from the club’s fanclubs and media in attendance at the press conference, and a number of questions raised, the first being why Mr Pitipon and Mr Chatchai had

It’s surf competition time SURFING

SKYLA’S SURF HOUSE

Tim Campbell info@surf-sup.asia

SO YOU THINK YOU’RE a good surfer? Or maybe you think that you’re getting better, even good enough to compete against your mates.

Well, it’s now time to put that board where your mouth is as the atmosphere is building around the beaches of Phuket as the first surf competition of 2016 is happening this weekend, July 16 and 17, on Kamala Beach in front of the Sunwing Resort.

This competition will be the 12th Kamala Surf contest, and the local surfers of Kamala are super pumped about bringing together the best of Thailand’s talent to @thephuketnews

The first surf competition of the 2016 surf season takes place this weekend at Kamala Beach. compete in the event.

The surfers have been spoilt the last few weeks with consistent clean waves which has allowed them to develop their skills and fitness.

Divisions in the competition include men’s & women’s open short and longboards, and to celebrate the future of surfing there is also a Grom division for kids.

Not everyone who enters believe they actually have

a chance to win, but enter merley to have fun.

The cost to enter is B500, which includes a free T-shirt.

Make sure you’re at Kamala Beach tomorrow (July 16) before 9am.

Bring the family or a date and enjoy the weekend soaking up all the competition action.

For more infor mat ion you can contact Moto on 0874646055.

decided to become involved with the club. Their reply was that although they were not Phuket-born, they do have businesses on the island, so they want to give something back to Phuket.

They also said that they want the team to go to the very highest level within Thailand, and if possible in Asia.

When asked about a budget for the team, their reply was simply: “It’s a company secret, but we will base our budget on the team’s ability and how we progress this season.”

As for whether it were possible for the club to return to Division 1, they said, “Sure we can.”

Also questioned was the company’s concept for the future of the team, something which has never really been thought about in the past, but now the new management want to use what they called an “Inside Out” concept whereby they want the players to live well and have their bodies and minds ready to play.

M r Pitipon and M r Chatchai said that Phuket FC

players receive the best training possible and are cheered on by some of the best fans around, and that these points make up the “Inside Out” concept.

Turning to the club’s training facilities, as the team has recently been training at the dilapidated Fifa Tsunami Memorial Football Ground at Ao Makham, the new management said that Phuket FC’s previous owner Pramookpisitt Achariyachai, who gave them the club for free, has agreed to allow the team to use the Republic Training Ground in Chalong.

However, they are looking to develop the Fifa ground in the not-so-distant future.

When asked how they could develop the ground, the reply was that they were currently unsure as they had

not been to check on its current state.

“Our main focus is to first develop the team, we can think about the training facilities at a later time.”

Asked if contact was first made two months ago with previous president MaAnn Samran about the takeover and that a deal could not be closed because someone else involved with the club wanted to find someone themselves to take over, the pair said that these rumours were untrue and that the new management were still talking to MaAnn. “We approached MaAnn less than one month ago, and MaAan still supports and helps us,” was the reply.

Another issue raised was what the new management wanted the club to achieve this season. To this, it was said that the hope was to finish the season in the top four, but definitely no lower than fourth.

However, it was recognised that the squad is missing a striker and that finding a suitable one is now the management’s top priority: “We have to find one, and they have to be a good one.”

Finally, when asked how long the management believed it would take to reach their goal with the club, it was said that it should be in not more than four years, however, progress will be taken year by year. “If we cannot reach our goal in four years, then we should put our hands up and say that we are not the right team to be managing the Phuket FC.” The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of Phuket FC.

Management line-up (see photo from left) Niwat Nuisarha (Coaching Assistant) Pitaya “Odd” Pimarmman (Coach) Pitipon Nukulpanitwipat (Chairman) Chatchai Rojrongsi (Vice Chairman) Capt Tanattub Arjarayut (Manager) Pannapat Limsertto (Club Management)

38 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

He’s only one of three From karting to F1, Manor Racing’s Rio Haryanto EXCLUSIVE BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

H

ere’s a pub trivia question for you: name as many Southeast Asian Formula One drivers as you can.

You don’t need long, and you don’t even need an entire hand of fingers to count them – there have been just three drivers in F1’s entire history to hail from one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions.

The first came from here at home – Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, otherwise known as Prince Bira of Siam, who raced in the first five seasons of the world championship, but to limited success, scoring points just three times before retiring.

It took 46 years for our region to earn its second driver, this time from neighbouring Malaysia. Alex Yoong debuted at the 2001 Italian Grand Prix with Minardi, but his F1 career was short-lived – he was entered into just 18 races before being dropped by the team at the end of 2002.

Today, Southeast Asia can again lay claim to a presence

Manor Racing’s Rio Haryanto hopes that his success in Formula One will be an inspiration for other Indonesians to try to do the same. Photo: Manor Racing on the Formula One grid.

His name is Rio Haryanto, an unassuming and softlyspoken Indonesian, and at the British Grand Prix, as he hurtled rapidly towards the halfway point of his debut season with the Manor team, he sat down with The Phuket News.

Born in 1993, Haryanto tried his hand at karting at just six-years-old, but as an aspiring race car driver he had only the traditional European idols for inspiration.

“At that time I was always looking up to Michael [Schumacher],” he said. “I think it was 2000, and he was dominating

the sport back then.

“I always looked up to him, and I think I remember I said to my dad that one day I wanted to be a Formula One driver.”

In parallel with Schumacher’s increasingly dominant hold on the sport, Haryanto’s own talents grew, pushing him up through the karting ranks.

“As the years go on you have to show your potential.

I went to the world championship of karting when I was 15.

I managed to get fourth in the World Cup. “I think that was the turning point, right after I came fourth in the world champion-

ship – I then went into Formula Renault, GP3, and GP2.”

Raising the attention of the world’s motorsport elite from the Indonesian archipelago so far-flung from Europe is only half the battle. As is always the case in motorsport, a driver’s ability to raise funds to match his ambition is almost as important as driving itself.

“Motor racing is an expensive sport. Of course for us it’s never been easy. To get sponsorship back in Asia or Indonesia at that time was really difficult.

“Thankfully I got a sponsorship deal with [Indonesian state oil and gas company]

Pertamina – I think they came on board in 2010 – and they asked us to write a plan for going to Formula One as it’s also a great opportunity for them to get a bigger market.

“Thankfully they’ve been really supporting me for the past few years.”

But that support hasn’t always been enough, and the finance attached to Haryanto’s contract with Manor has been understood to secure the first half of the 2016 season only.

Some of the fog that hung low around his future has been dispersed by his comparative performance against his highly rated Mercedes-backed teammate Pascal Wehrlein, and at Silverstone Haryanto told reporters his management was confident his deal would be extended to the end of the year.

“I feel like it’s good to have Pascal as a teammate and as a benchmark, because I think he will be a future Mercedes driver,” he said. “I think it shows my potential. It’s a great opportunity to work with him.”

If making it to Formula One is one thing, staying there is another, and to help his cause Haryanto is hoping that forging his own path will cultivate interest amongst Indonesia’s 256 million-strong population sufficient to keep up his momentum.

Homegrown support for the national driver has improved so much since the start of the season that the Indonesian government has been running a text message campaign to raise funds for Haryanto.

“I think it’s increasing, especially nowadays. There is one local TV channel that broadcasts Formula One… and I think this helps a lot for the audience.

“I think it’s great to have this support, and I think that motorsport back in Indonesia now has much more interest.

I think there are much more young karters, and in GP2 we have two Indonesian drivers as well right now, so I think the interest in motorsport is going up.”

Time will tell if Rio Haryanto can hold onto his seat at the Manor Racing team long enough to confirm his potential and vie for a contract with a more competitive outfit, but even to continue his confident performances to the end of 2016 could be enough to deliver him a legacy to inspire young racing drivers in Southeast Asia to take the leap.

“Being the first Indonesian driver I think gives a lot of inspiration to the other drivers as well so that they also can do the same. It is good to be an ‘icon’!”

Promoter plans for Manny to fight this year BOXING FILIPINO BOXING STAR Manny Pacquiao plans to come out of retirement to fight, his promoter said Tuesday (July 12), though the boxer said no

fight has yet been set.

Bob Arum told American sports broadcaster ESPN that the former welterweight champion plans to fight on either October 29 or November 5 as a main event bout in Las Vegas as long as it doesn’t

clash with his Senate duties in the Philippines. No opponent has been named thus far.

“Manny wants to come back,” Arum said. “The problem is he can only come back if it doesn’t interfere with his Senate duties.”

Ar um had previously planned an October 15 fight in Mandalay Bay Events Center, but scrapped it due to upcoming votes in the senate in Pacquiao’s native Philippines.

“The question is building availability because we want to do the fight in Las Vegas,” Arum said about the new dates.

Arum said the most difficult part of setting up a fight is working around the boxer’s busy political schedule.

“He now has given us the go-ahead to shop for a venue and an opponent and see if we can do it on a particular date or dates,” Arum said.

“We’ve been trying to work out a date that doesn’t interfere with his senatorial responsibilities and his ability to train.”

But in a statement, Pacquiao, who has a record of 58-6-2 with 38 knockouts, denied that there were any firm plans on a fight.

According to his promoter, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is set to come out of retirement to fight an as yet to be named opponent later this year. Photo: John Gurinski/AFP “There is no truth to media reports that I’m planning to take a leave from my Senate duties just to fight again atop the ring. I want to make it clear – my priority is my legislative works,” he said.

“My next fight has not yet been discussed. Should there be any, I’ll make sure it will not interfere with my senate duties.”

The boxer said all his training would take place in the Philippines so that he can keep participating in senate pro-

ceedings. Pacquiao typically spends half his time training in the Philippines and the other half in the US. “Boxing is my only means of livelihood to support my family and to help those who are in need,” he said.

“Politics, to me, is a vocation not a means to eke out a living.

“I want to maintain that belief. I want to keep my dignity intact while in public service.”

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

SPORT 39

National heroes Thousands take to the streets to mark Portugal’s victory

Portugal’s head coach Fernando Santos (centre) holds the trophy as he celebrates with his players on a stage at Alameda square in Lisbon on Monday (July 11). Photo: Patricia De Melo Moreira/AFP

FOOTBALL

A

fter a night of rowdy celebrations Portugal’s European champions led by Cristiano Ronaldo returned home to a heroes’ welcome on Monday (July 11) and a country overjoyed by their upset win over France.

Tens of thousands of fans took over the streets of Lisbon waving red and green national flags to mark the historic victory set up by substitute Eder’s extra-time goal that stunned the hosts last Sunday night (July 10) in the Euro 2016 final at the Stade de France.

Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo, who was stretchered off injured and crying early, hugged the trophy on the special flight that took the Portuguese team home.

Two fire trucks sprayed jets of water in green and red over the plane as it taxied to the airport terminal.

“We haven’t slept much, this is our first victory, we had to be here,” said one fan, 21-year-old student Antonio Ribeiro de Magalhaes.

With man-of-the-match defender Pepe carrying the

@thephuketnews

prize down the steps the 23man squad boarded an opentop bus marked ‘Champions’ for a victory parade.

“We’ve entered into the history of Portugal, thank you for everything,” triple world footballer of the year Ronaldo shouted to fans.

“This triumph doesn’t solve our problems but at least it’s making us happy,” Lucia Antunes, 41 years old and unemployed, said, alluding to Portugal’s struggle with an economic crisis and austerity.

“This is something that only happens once in a lifetime,” she added.

The team were received

by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with Ronaldo brandishing the trophy from the balcony of the presidential palace.

“You are the best in Europe!” the head of state told the victorious team, decorating them with Commander of Order of Merit medals.

“You have given an example by winning courtesy of your courage, determination and humility,” he added.

A disconsolate France also went to meet their country’s

leader. In stark contrast, President Francois Hollande could only offer commiseration at a sombre official lunch.

An open-top bus planned for a Paris victory parade was sent back to the depot as French football chiefs started a what-went-wrong inquiry.

Neither country could barely believe the result.

Portugal’s dreams of lifting the Henri Delaunay Trophy looked to have taken a shattering blow when Ronaldo, their captain and talisman, fell to the ground in agony in the eighth minute following a clattering challenge from Dimitri Payet.

After twice going off for treatment and trying to come back, Ronaldo was definitively carried off, covering his face as the tears welled up.

“It was not the final I wanted but I am very happy. It is a trophy for all Portuguese, for all immigrants, all the people who believed in us, so I am very happy and very proud,” Ronaldo said.

T he v ict or y m a rk s a healing of sorts for Portugal after their shock defeat in the Euro 2004 final when they lost 1-0 to an unfancied

Greece side on home turf.

Portugal’s sports press hailed the team with headlines including “Epic”, “Eternal” and “Pride of Portugal”.

Portugal’s coach Fernando Santos and the other players paid tribute to Ronaldo’s role in urging the team not to give up.

Ronaldo returned from treatment, his knee heavily strapped and limping, at the end of 90 minutes to give pep talks to his team-mates – earning ridicule on Twitter from observers who said he was trying to be the coach.

Eder, who plays for French side Lille and only went on in the 79th minute, was having none of it: “He told me I was going to score the winning goal. He gave me strength and positive energy.”

The tournament, expanded to 24 teams for the first time, produced a few memorable upsets but little in the way of classic football. And French captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was the latest to raise questions about the manner of Portugal’s wins.

He described France’s luck as “cruel” and added “one can always argue about the way they play, but they

are efficient and you must congratulate them”.

France spent 450 million euros (B17.5 billion) preparing 10 stadiums for Euro 2016, which could be the last

hosted in one country. Euro 2020, the 16th tournament, will be held in 13 cities in 13 different countries from Azerbaijan to Wales.

AFP

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Stage 14: Flat - 208.8 km

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Knights v. Storm

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Panthers v. Eels

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England v. Pakistan, Day 4 Stage 15: Mountain - 160 km Bourg-en-Bresse – Culoz

Sport editor3@classactmedia.co.th

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Exclusive with Manor Racing’s Rio Haryanto > page 38

THE TAKEOVER FOOTBALL Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

A

Royal Raya Sports’ Chairman and Vice Chairman Mr Pitipon Nukulpanitwipat (left) and Mr Chatchai Rojrongsi. Photo: Hari Jib

fter a long wait and much anticipation as to whether the island would still have a team competing in the second half of the AIS Southern Region 2 Division, the official takeover of Phuket FC was announced last Friday (July 8) at a press conference held at Royal Gems Pavilion in Thalang.

During the press conference it was announced that Royal Gems and Rayaburi Group had taken over the club’s management and that they had set up a new company to run the “Andaman Dragon” called “Royal Raya Sport”.

Continued page 37

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