15-12-2017 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

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NEWS

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Thailand worst for road deaths

LIFE

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Boathouse sails back into brunch

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong took no prisoners in bringing officials to task over repeated failure to fix the problems plaguing Phuket. Photo: PR Dept

GOVERNOR FLAMES OFFICIALS, ENDS LIFEGUARD CRISIS, TARGETS AIRPORT WOES, FLOODS Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong this week unleashed an angry tirade at officials for the flood of problems that are plaguing Phuket, starting with the lifeguard crisis but also taking aim at the poor state of Phuket International Airport and the lack of proactive action to prevent flooding, especially in Patong. Gov Norraphat unloaded at officials who were called to a meeting at the Governor’s House at 7:30am

on Tuesday (Dec 12). Regarding the ongoing debacle over the failure of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to secure fulltime lifeguards to patrol Phuket’s beaches during the dangerous southwest monsoon season, Gov Norraphat called out for a response to the problem only to learn that PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Patomwatthanapong was not present at the meeting – a fact that only added fuel to the governor’s ire. The lack of responsibility shown

by the PPAO led to Gov Norraphat to make the unilateral decision to end the crisis by handing the responsibility of providing lifeguards to the local municipalities and Tambon Administration Organisations (OrBorTor). The PPAO will no longer be involved, he said. “I could see this problem coming, but I thought it would be resolved. But then it happened. This is all from overcomplicated conditions of hiring. The OrBorTor must take over this responsibility. The OrBoJor is

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to be no longer involved [in hiring lifeguards],” he said. “I also ask the Royal Thai Navy to please help me with this issue. Draw up plans for volunteer training. Please keep me up to date with reports. I will still follow this closely,” Gov Norraphat added. At that point, Gov Norraphat’s anger boiled over. “Even the Tourism Minister has called me [about this]… And you don’t know anything. “This makes me uncomfortable. Damn it, I have to do everything...

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Skull found 700m from headless body in drain POLICE HAVE FOUND A skull they believe belongs to a body found in a roadside drain in central Phuket last weekend, and have dispatched the remains to Forensic Police experts in Surat Thani for examination. Delivery driver Mongkol Kongsang, 35, discovered the body at about 10pm last Saturday night (Dec 9) while shining a torch into the drain on Thepkrasattri Rd northbound in Baan Liporn while he was searching for the keys to his pickup truck. Police said the remains were that of a male, age not estimated, dressed in a brown T-shirt and jeans. Two wristbands were on the left wrist, but no identification was found on the body. Police the next day found a skull in undergrowth near where the drain empties into a canal about 700 metres from where the body was found. Thalang Police Deputy

Police believe a skull found belongs to the headless corpse found in a roadside drain in Thalang last Saturday night (Dec 9). Chief Lt Col Anukul Nuket said that hopes were high that the skull belonged to the body. “It might be a case of suicide. Under a tree near where we found the skull we also found a cloth bound around what appeared to be neck vertebrae. The body could have decomposed until the head and body came apart and the body could have been pushed up the drain during heavy rains that caused floods,” Col Anukul said. Eakkapop Thongtub

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

MaAnn Samran still in the hot seat over Surin Beach progress > page 4

Failure to fix problems unleashes Gov’s anger Continued from page 1 ...You have to work hard and harder,” Gov Norraphat remonstrated. Next, Gov Nor raphat turned his attention to the never-ending problems with flooding in Patong, noting how the recurring flooding was turning Patong into a national joke. “I am tired of Patong Police Station being flooded. It is causing immeasurable damage to Phuket’s reputation. It shows everyone that we cannot even stop the f looding in Patong,” Gov Norraphat said. “The f looding happens every time it rains, every year. I can’t stand it anymore – especially when photos of the f loods are distributed everywhere in public. Then a national news report says

Lifeguards at the beaches is now the responsibility of local municipalities to resolve. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot that ‘Patong is Waterworld’ because Patong Police Station is located lower than other places.” To this he called on the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office to respond. Again, no one from that office was present at the meeting.

“The Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office must be held responsible for this. The contract was for B400 million and signed two years ago – but still the contractor has yet to begin work. “Patong Municipality has tried to figure out a way past

this, but they cannot do anything because the contract already signed is still in effect,” he explained. Gov Norraphat also ordered action be taken to fix the problems at Phuket International Airport. “Phuket air por t has a problem. Already 300 aircraft land here each day, and in the next two years it will not be able to accommodate all the tourists coming here. It will be overloaded, and so we need a plan on how we are going to manage all these tourists,” he said. “And right now we have a leaking roof… “We need to fix these problems and draw up plans on how we are going to cope with the growing number of tourists,” Gov Norraphat noted.

Swiss tourist fined for jet-ski in park A SWISS TOURIST WAS fined for encroaching on a national park protected zone after he drove a jet-ski from Naka Island to Ao Phang Nga National Park last Wednesday (Dec 6). An official from Ao Phang Nga National Park, who declined to be named, said, “We saw that the tourist was driving a jet-ski in a protected area close to Hong Island off Phang Nga National Park at 4:20pm yesterday so we had to call him and ask him to stop. “There were two men on the jet-ski, both from Swit-

The tourists had driven the jet-ski from Naka Island to Hong Island. Photo: Ao Phang Nga National Park zerland, but the driver was Sandre Diener, 45. He drove the jet-ski from Naka Island to Hong Island, which is about 10 kilometres,” the official said. “They appeared not to

know that they had done something wrong, so we explained to them that this area is a protected under the National Park Conservation Act. “Jet-skis and other personal watercraft are banned from the area. Only those who have been given permission by the National Park Office can bring watercraft into the area. “Diener was fined B1,000 and given information about the law for this area. I also warned the jet-ski owner, who runs a rental shop, about the tourist’s behaviour. Tanyaluk Sakoot

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PHUKET NEWS

Protected marine life served up at restaurants Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Work continues on expanding the Patong wastewater treatment facility. Photo: Patong Municipality

team from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) Phuket office inspected several restaurants in Karon last week to check whether they had protected marine life on their menus. The DMCR inspection uncovered one restaurant with protected Parrotfish on the menu, and a second with protected reef shark. The issue of protected marine life being sold in restaurants came to light when the GO-Eco PHUKET Facebook page posted photos of Parrotfish being sold in a restaurant on Dec 5. On the same day, DMCR Phuket office Director Watcharin Thintalang and his team went to inspect restaurants in the area and found two on Kata Rd – Coconut Seafood and Focus – both with protected marine life fresh for sale. At Coconut Seafood, officials found two Parrotfish longer than 50 centimetres for sale while at Focus they found a reef shark longer than 50cm. The DMCR officials told

Patong readies for high-season sludge

DMCR officers inspected several restaurants after a reef shark was found on display at a restaurant in Karon. Photo: DMCR both restaurant owners that by selling the said fish and sharks they were contravening the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s (NRE) Supporting and Maintenance Environment Act 1992. Those caught catching or possessing such marine life can be fined up to B100,000, jailed up to one year, or both. Mr Watcharin said, “Parrotfish are a protected marine animal, they reproduce, they don’t damage the corals or pollute the water, they also

reduce atmospheric CO2, and protect some marine reserve areas. “We must make sure we protect these marine animals.” Officials presented both restaurant owners with a written warning which had to be signed confirming they would no longer sell protected marine life in their establishments. On Dec 6, DMCR officials visited a further five restaurants in Karon – Food Market, On Lee, On Lee 1, Ying and Karon Seafood – and although

no protected marine life was found on sale at the time, the owners were presented and made to sign the same document confirming they would not feature protected marine life such as Parrotfish, Bowmouth guitarfish or Shark Ray on their menus. On Nov 19, the DMCR Phuket office inspected seafood restaurants in Karon after Zebra shark and Bull sharks were allegedly being sold on a menu at restaurant in the popular tourist town.

PATONG’S WASTEWATER treatment plant will be able to handle the treatment of sewage in Patong during the tourist high season, Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup has reassured. Additionally, construction of new and larger wastewater treatment tanks has progressed since work began in October, Mayor Chalermluck told The Phuket News on Dec 6. The new wastewater treatment tanks are being built to replace three smaller old ones, which were built in 1989. Mayor Chalermluck admitted, “There was some wastewater overflowing out of the current treatment plant during high season last year. “But this year we will use a temporary plan to prevent overflow of wastewater in this peak season until January

next year,” she added. Mayor Chalermluck preferred for Supakorn Meekaew, chief engineer at Patong Municipality’s Environmental Department, to elaborate. “First, we are going to increase the volume of wastewater inside the treatment tanks to full volume, from 21,000 cubic meters to full capacity at 22,500 cubic meters,” he said. “We will also reduce the time of deposited wastewater to remain in the tanks before the treated water is released into the sea, from six hours currently, to five hours this high season,” he explained. Mr Supakorn also reiterated that construction of the new treatment tanks which began two months ago are expected to be complete in Oct 2019. Tanyaluk Sakoot

Touting elephants okay, says wildlife official A N OF F IC I A L F ROM T H E Phuket Provincial Livestock Office told The Phuket News this week that there will be no action taken against elephant touts who provide rides to tourists on the island’s beaches. The news comes after photos and videos of tourists taking rides on the elephants were forwarded to The Phuket News on Monday (Dec 11) and passed on to the livestock office on Tuesday. “There is nothing wrong with people riding the elephants as long as they are not too small for strenu-

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ous work,” Surajit Witchuwan of the Phuket Provincial Livestock Office told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Dec 13). “The smallest elephant in the photos looks not less than 10 years old. If they are under eight years old they are usually not allowed to work,” he said. “Elephants under eight years old are not considered strong enough to carry people, however it also depends from elephant to elephant according to its size. “There will be no punishment

for the elephant handlers, unless there are complaints from people regarding other disturbances such as the elephants dropping faeces on the beach and they do not clean it. This pollutes the environment,” he added. Meanwhile, the Chief of the Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre in Thalang Piyawat Sukon has clarified the legalities of the act of touting animals within Thai law. “Touting is illegal if the animal is a protected species, but not if

the animal is general wildlife,” Mr Piyawat told The Phuket News on Wednesday (Dec 13). “However it is illegal when there is torture of the animal involved,” he said. “For elephants, if someone complains that it is causing disturbances, such as obstructing traffic or causing trouble, it will be wrong and police can catch the touts and take legal action. “Elephants are protected if they are caught from the wild, however, common elephants that have been

Photos sent to ‘The Phuket News’ on Monday showed tourists riding on the elephants’ backs. Photo: Supplied raised by people at home and are registered do not fall under the animal protection law,” he added. Shela Riva

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A WOM A N W HO WAS three months pregnant died when a pickup truck collided with the motorbike on which she was riding pillion on Wednesday evening last week (Dec 5). The woman’s mother, who was in control of the motorbike, suffered minor injuries in the accident, which occurred on Thepkrasattri Rd southbound in Baan Sapam, Koh Kaew, at 6pm. Kusoldharm rescue workers arrived at the scene to find an Isuzu pickup truck with its front damaged. The driver, Wichit Chuwong, 51, was waiting for police to arrive. Nearby was a Toyota Altis with its left side damaged and a Honda Scoopy motorbike lying at the side of the road. The body of Sir iluck Salangam, 20, was found

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Surin seawall will go ahead: MaAnn Premkamon Ketsara thaiassist@classactmedia.co.th

Siriluck Salangam, 20, died after being thrown from the motorbike which had been hit by a pickup truck. covered in blood 20 metres away from the motorbike. The driver of the motorbike had already been taken to Mission Hospital, Phuket. Mr Wichit and the Toyota car driver, who police did not name, were taken to Phuket City Police Station. “We are continuing our investigation. CCTV footage from nearby will be checked. Alcohol tests will be conducted,” said Lt Sakon Krainara of the Phuket City Police. Eakkapop Thongtub

hief of the Cherng Talay Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) MaAan Samran has assured that construction of the seawall at Surin Beach will go ahead despite experts stating that building the seawall will seriously damage coastal resources instead of preventing beach erosion. Mr MaAan broke the news in an exclusive interview with The Phuket News’s Thailanguage sister publication Khao Phuket following a public meeting at the Thalang District Office on Dec 1. The meeting was held after more than 100 disgruntled local residents and beach op-

Construction of the seawall at Phuket’s Surin Beach will go ahead, vowed Samran. Photo: Premkamon Ketsara erators massed at Surin Beach on Nov 27 to present a list of demands to be answered in the hopes raising the standard of the beach so that it becomes more attractive to tourists. “The building of the Surin Beach seawall will go ahead, but the project is just going slowly,” Mr MaAan told Khao Phuket. However, Mr MaAn n would not elaborate any further on the issue. The Dec 1 meeting was also held with the aim of clearing up “misunderstandings” about alleged duplicity

in allowing beach operators to serve tourists on the sands at Surin Beach. The final conclusion from the meeting was that no vendors, temporary or permanent, would be allowed to operate on the beach. “Surin Beach is an honour beach as King Rama 9 visited here in 1959. This means we should conserve the nature that is here,” Mr MaAnn said. “We do understand resident’s problems, but every occupation has its problems. Everyone must find solutions together,” he added.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th From Melbourne, Australia, Mark holds a BA from La Trobe University where he completed a double major in Anthropology and Media Studies. He has over eight years experience as a journalist, photographer and editor for several magazines and newspapers.

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EDITORIAL

Hobbled by Bangkok

huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong’s recent public dressing down of officials for their failure to progress much-needed safety and infrastructure projects was very well received by the expat community. In fact, officials are failing us on so many fronts that the governor is right – we are becoming the laughing stock of a country where putting a Band-Aid on top of an existing Band-Aid to treat a gaping wound is standard procedure. And this is coming from Bangkok’s appointed representative in Phuket – not an elected official. Gone are the days of elected officials holding top office in Phuket. Once upon a time the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) led the way – with a president elected by the people of Phuket at the helm on policy

decisions, with Bangkok there to provide assistance. That all changed when the Thaksin administration restored the ties of power linking the provinces directly to Bangkok. This remains the case now – with every single decision involving a budget requiring Bangkok’s consent. The push to centralise power in Bangkok certainly wasn’t aimed at helping Phuket develop. After upgrading the airport in the 1980s, Phuket never needed Bangkok’s help. It was foreign expertise in hotels, the fledgling expat community and Phuket locals with drive and foresight that led the way in developing the island’s tourism industry. Though many others would like to take the credit for it. This independence has meant that the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) still does not promote Phuket

through its major promotional events. It doesn’t need to. Check the TAT website if you want. Phuket is obvious in its omission from the TAT’s campaigns, though Pattaya and especially Chiang Mai are still strongly supported. Perhaps Pattaya needs positive promotion? As for Chiang Mai, well who could argue with the sense in ditching two decades of failed attempts to build a major convention centre in Phuket and instead finally taking the budget allocated to build a convention centre in the northern capital. That all came with great support from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), whose former president is our now Tourism & Sports Minister. At least the guy knows how to get things done in Thailand. Let’s see if our Governor can achieve the same success.

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HAVE YOUR SAY Unsung hero

Re: A community-minded man I read the very good article about Khun Sam and his contributions to charity by expertise. However, one particular cause went unmentioned. Perhaps insignificant in the big picture, but for those of us who worked tirelessly to pull it off for seven years, it was greatly appreciated: The Phuket International Blues Rock Festival from 2005 until 2012. The festival was a charity event from start to finish and Khun Sam was our legal sponsor, providing much needed legal advice with numerous related tasks, including the tremendous work load of obtaining temporary work permits for all the artists and other farangs associated with the event every year. Thank you again, Khun Sam! Andy Andersen Founder/Organiser The Phuket International Blues Rock Festival ...................................................

Gov on thin ice

Re: Phuket Governor ends lifeguard crisis, targets airport woes, floods

I sense a re-shuffle ahead. Every time a governor raises issues like this he “suddenly” finds himself off to “Nakhon Nowhere”. The golden geese are too busy squeezing Phuket dry and don’t appreciate interference of this sort. As for not highlighting issues on social media, shaming is the only way to achieve action. He’s right, Phuket’s, and especially Patong’s, infrastructure is a joke. Fascinated I love this governor. He knows the facts and the laziness of officials. He can see the figures for tourists is half what is being claimed. Anyone with eyes can see Phuket has half the numbers that were here, even a few years ago, let alone 10 to 15 years ago. Even with the less numbers the Governor can see the airport is a mess and nothing has been done about the floods. Give them a good bollocking. Simon 01 ...................................................

Bad solutions

Re: Thailand tops road death ranking list Dash cams will do nothing except aid insurance compa-

nies to wriggle out of claims. Driver attitude is what needs to change and real policing to enforce the road rules Crispy ...................................................

Don’t know and don’t care

Re: Thailand tops road death ranking list “Many Thais are well aware of the laws but simply ignore them”. It doesn’t take a “Doctor” to grasp this simple yet fundamental fact. What’s shocking is that so many Thais actually remain ignorant of the law. They don’t just ignore it, they don’t even know they’re doing wrong (even when it should be obvious). We need education, enforcement and cultural pressure to compel change. Captain Jack 69 ...................................................

A great start for water safety

Re: First kids water safety training deemed a success, will be held again Great start to an excellent program. This will save thousands of lives if continued month after month. USNA 2008

Lazy police

Re: Wildlife officials to check Phuket beach over slow loris tout photos I have been to Karon Police Station about 20 times with picture of these people, but the lazy police never have time. But they have time in the morning to take money from these people, this happens every day. I think this police station is the most corrupt police station in Phuket and I’ve lived here for 11 years now. Nasa 12 ...................................................

Is B20 really worth your life?

Re: Phuket pickup truck driver charged after rearending woman stopped at red light Like 50% of the motorbikes here, the back light wasn’t working (check the image). Must be really crap to die, or be seriously injured, because B20 wasn’t spent on a new bulb. Yes, the man was allegedly drunk, but, not having a tail light is the probable real culprit. Sir Burr

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

THAILAND NEWS

Rise in Buddhist pet funerals Religious rituals popping up for dogs, cats and even monkeys BANGKOK Sippachai Kunnuwong

uddhist monks chant next to a pink coffin where Dollar’s small body is nestled amongst flowers – a $600 (B19,539) final farewell for the Shih Tzu at a Bangkok temple that administers elaborate pet funerals. Dollar’s owner, Pimrachaya Worakijmanotham, fights back tears as she takes a last fond look at her six-yearold pet dog, whose tousled grey-white body rests under jasmine garlands. “This is the last time I can be with her... so I want Dollar to receive good things,” Pimrachaya, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, said, a framed photo of “her child” Dollar behind her. Pet cremations, complete with Buddhist rituals, are popping up across Bangkok for dogs, cats and even monkeys. In a devout Buddhist kingdom where religion and superstitious beliefs entwine, some pet owners believe the monk-led send off will boost

Pimrachaya Worakijmanotham saying goodbye to Dollar during the pet’s funeral at Wat Krathum Suea Pla Buddhist temple in Bangkok. Photo: AFP their pets’ chances of being reincarnated as a higher being. According to Buddhist belief, merit garnered in each life eventually leads to nirvana – the state of non-suffering. “In this life, she (Dollar) couldn’t go to the temples to make merit for herself. This is the only thing we can do for her,” Pimrachaya, who is a banker, said. The trend is not unique to Thailand – Japan is particularly fond of lavish goodbyes

to its pets. But in Bangkok it is catching on fast as Thais increasingly see pets as family members. At least three temples offer daily services, including a monk-led ceremony, cremation and sprinkling of ashes in rivers – the symbolic ritual of returning earthly remains to nature. T he e r awat Sa e -Ha n , the founder of Pet Funeral Thailand, says his company cremates more than 200 ani-

Free meat after train hits buffaloes NAKHON SAWAN LOCA L R ESI DEN TS rushed to harvest fresh meat after a passenger train from Chiang Mai ploughed into a herd of water buffaloes last week, killing 21 of them. No passengers or crew were injured, only the buffaloes. The train had left Pak Nam Pho railway station and was about 2 kilometres short of Nakhon Sawan Station when it ran into the middle of the herd as it wandered across the line. A total of 21 buffaloes were

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A local man contemplates a couple of the buffaloes. Local residents were quick to the scene to butcher the animals. Photo: Chalit Pumruang killed, their bodies scattered alongside the tracks. The following morning, many local residents were at the scene, butchering the carcasses of the dead buffaloes

and taking home the meat. Nobody had admitted ownership of the buffaloes. Maj Wichaiyut Kesornsit, of the Nong Pling Police, said investigators were sure the animals were from a buffalo farm in the area. However, the farm operator insisted they were not from there. Local residents also remained tight-lipped regarding the owner, but police said they were preparing to press charges against the person, identified only as “Sia Hua”, a wealthy Chinese man. Bangkok Post

mals each month, from cats and dogs, to monitor lizards, snakes and baboons. “Successful or famous animals like fighting cocks who won the awards will also be brought for cremation,” said Theerawat, a former pet salon owner who jumped into the “good” business of full-blown pet cremation four years ago. Surging demand for his service also reflects the shrinking public spaces in the bustling Thai capital.

“Before, we buried them in authorised parks or backyards but now it’s rare to find ones in Bangkok,” said Phrakru Samu Jumpol, a monk at Wat Krathum Suea Pla. His temple has partnered with Theerawat’s company and now has a ceremonial compound and cremation chambers. While it makes for a good business – starting prices are around B3,000 (around $91) but the most extravagant

services cost up to B100,000 – the monk says the funerals have brought people closer to religion. “Some people might not have a chance to come to the temple at all. When their pets die, they come here,” said Phrakru Samu Jumpol, adding the pet-lovers will be taught the Buddhist lesson that “all things are temporary.” So far, the temple has not faced criticism for its business links. Thailand’s junta is examining temple finances across the country as it seeks to improve the image of a religion which has been hit by a stream of financial scandals in recent years. For pet lovers, the service provides spiritual succour at a time of great pain. At the end of a ceremony to spread the ashes of her Siberian husky Maprang in November, teary-eyed Tipaporn Ounsiri found cause for optimism. “If the next life exists, please come back and be my daughter, don’t be born as a pet any more,” she said. AFP

THAILAND NEWS

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Thailand top for road deaths

Kingdom now has highest fatalities according to worldatlas.com NATIONWIDE Bangkok Post

hailand now tops the rankings as the country with the highest death rate in road accidents, according to one global survey. Despite government attempts to reduce the number of casualties, a seminar on road safety was told on Monday (Dec 11) that Thailand now tops the road death list on the World Atlas website. “The road death rate in Thailand is a matter of extreme concern as the country now ranks first, surpassing the deadliest country in the last survey, Libya,” Thaejing Siripanit, secretary-general of the Don’t Drive Drunk Foundation, told the seminar. He was referring to rankings published in November by the website which gives appraisals on various topics, among them road safety. World Atlas, which provides online information on travel, society, economics and environment, ranked 30 countries around the world.

The road death rate in Thailand surpasses that of other dangerous countries such as Libya. Photo: Chanat Katanyu Thailand’s estimated road traffic death rate (per 100,000 population) stands at 36.2 this year, followed by Malawi (35) and Liberia (33.7). African countries filled most top-10 slots. The World Health Organi-

sation, meanwhile, ranks Thailand as the second deadliest country, behind Libya from a survey of 180 countries. The World Atlas ranking matches death cases in road accidents compiled by the foundation. Last year, up to

22,000 people, or an average of 50 to 60 people a day, died in car crashes, said Dr Thaejing. A few suggestions to boost road safety were proposed at the seminar. Among them was promoting the use of dashboard video cameras, or “dash cams”

in the hope footage of bad driving posted online will deter motorists from driving illegally and unsafely. Dr Thaejing suggested the government make installing dash cams a priority, believing it will go well with its much-

touted Thailand 4.0 policy, which promotes technological advances to improve public services. The cameras will record all events happening in front of cars. This will make motorists think twice before committing mistakes, he said. Dr Thaejing said video clips going viral on social media can be a tough punishment. Wrongdoers could face heavy criticism and even lose their jobs. His foundation wants dash cams fitted in at least 80% of cars. He said he once proposed the policy to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, who expressed enthusiasm for the idea. However, since Gen Prayut instructed officials to work on a policy plan in May last year, there has been little progress, Dr Thaejing said. Dr Thaejing questioned the enforcement of laws that have been in effect for many years but which have failed to curb dangerous driving, mainly by drunk drivers. Many Thais are “well aware of the laws but simply ignore them,” he said.

Temple-mooning duo kicked out BANGKOK APPARENTLY, THE SAMEsex couple who flashed their buttocks at two temples and posted the photos online have been kicked out of Thailand. Police made no comment, but their release was reported by the San Diego Gay and Lesbian News (SDGLN). Joseph Jay Dasilva, 38, and Travis Larry-Spackman Dasilva, 36, were arrested after authorities found photos of their Bangkok adventure on their Instagram page.

One of the first acts by the married American couple after being released was to re-start their Instagram account. Photo: Instagram Immediately after their release from the police lockup, the Dasilvas resurrected the Instagram “travelling_butts” account that led to their arrest.

They were fined B5,000 for public nudity after they posted a photo of themselves mooning at the Temple of the Dawn, Wat Arun. Authorities debated whether to charge them with posting pornography, a Computer Crime Act offence that could have resulted in a prison sentence of up to seven years. According to SDGLN, the men appeared in court but the judge “threw out those charges and sent them back to immigration police to be processed for deportation”. Bangkok Post

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

ASIA NEWS

No match for cockfighting

Bali’s volcanic eruptions overshadowed by fighting roosters INDONESIA Bagus Saragih

volc a n o m ay b e rumbling off in the distance, but for a group of Balinese men and their fighting roosters it’s the roar of the crowd that says the show must go on. Far off the Indonesian resort island’s tourist trail, heavily-tattooed men gather at a clandestine site where birds battle each other – usually to the death – in a gory spectacle known as “tajen” that meshes bloodsport with ancient Balinese Hindu traditions. About 100 male spectators gather on bamboo benches around a dirt ring as two roosters pulled from wicker baskets lunge at each other even before the match starts. The two owners exchange birds to check weight and temperament, a show of sportsmanship to make sure they’re evenly matched. “If the owners of both fighters reach a deal and say ‘okay, let’s fight’, then the roosters fight,” said I Made Gunawan,

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Far off the Indonesian resort island’s tourist trail, heavilytattooed men gather at a clandestine site where birds battle each other – usually to the death – in a gory spectacle known as ‘tajen’ that meshes bloodsport with ancient Balinese Hindu traditions. Photo: Juni Kriswanto / AFP whose rooster was fighting that day. A small dagger about 10 centimetres long is tied to each rooster’s left ankle. The heady smell of incense wafts over the ring as a roar erupts from the crowd. Bets are placed, usually between 20,000 and 100,000 rupiah each (B45.64-B228.20), with most events lasting 15 fights. The roosters are set loose and feathers fly in an explosion of jumping and pecking that

sets the already excited crowd into a bloodthirsty frenzy. The match goes the distance – three rounds over eight minutes – until the referee calls it a draw. Both roosters, weak and wounded, are unable to keep fighting. The ankle blades usually make it a fight to the death in a matter of minutes, punctuated by trails of blood seeping into the dirt. The winner’s owner not only gets bragging rights and

some of the betting proceeds – usually 10% of the purse which can reach $2,000 (B651,990) – but they also get the carcass of their opponent’s rooster, for eating. “My fighter lost today – it won the last time,” said Sudira as he helplessly watched his dying rooster be slaughtered to make dinner. It’s a short career for surviving roosters, who are retired after just a few matches. “They’re then used to breed

with hens,” said Kadek Rudi, whose best fighter was recovering from severe belly wounds. “The offspring will also be good fighters like their father.” The fight took place not far from Mt Agung, which recently burst to life again, sparking mass evacuations and leaving tourists stranded after the main airport was temporarily shuttered. Despite the dangers, leaving his roosters alone in Pring Sari, a tiny community less than eight kilometres from the belching crater, was not an option for Wayan Kompyang. “I have to keep taking care of them to make sure they are healthy and ready to fight after this situation calms down,” he said. Gambling is illegal in Indonesia, where it could land these men in jail for as much as a decade. In conservative Aceh province gamblers can face a public whipping under Islamic law. Cockfighting – the sole source of income for some Balinese men – cuts a sharp contrast with tranquil images of the island as a palm-

fringed paradise. But it dovetails with centuries-old traditions of Balinese Hinduism in the mostly-Muslim archipelago. “Tajen (cockfighting) is closely related to a ritual known as ‘tabuh rah’ held at temples,” said Ni Made Ras Amanda Gelgel, a cultural studies lecturer at Bali’s Udayana University. “The spilling of blood to the earth is needed to expel ‘buta’ or demons, because their blood is believed to appease demons so they don’t disturb people and so the ceremony can be held successfully and safely,” she said. “But it eventually shifted to become entertainment.” Training roosters isn’t for everyone, however, even those who have a stomach for violence. “Taking care of the roosters isn’t easy – they have special food and you need to know how to treat the animals,” Gelgel said. “It’s not as simple as having a good fighter that wins a lot so you can get rich. There is lot more involved.” AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Their final marching orders

Trainee Santas get last instructions ahead of the festive season UNITED KINGDOM Ouerdya Ait Abdelmalek

ens at the ready, a dozen trainee Father Christmases are getting their final instructions before heading out to Britain’s department stores, tourist landmarks and private parties for the festive season. Dressed head to toe in the traditional red velvet costumes, bushy white beards and black boots, the would-be Santas take notes and engage in role plays in an anonymous south London office building. Their teacher, James Lowell, who runs an events company called Ministry of Fun, said being a good Santa is about training, not improvisation. “It is a big deal. Children are coming to meet him because he is a special person,” he said. The encounter has to be “magical”, said Lowell, who warns children cannot be left disappointed after hours of waiting to speak to Father Christmas. The slovenly appearance of

Instructor James Lovell (right) teaches student Santas during a training session at The Ministry of Fun Santa School in London. Photo: Adrian Dennis / AFP some Santas – wearing trainers or smoking – is also a source of irritation for the 52-year-old, a some-time Father Christmas. The first step is getting the costume right. Lowell said the materials have to be high quality. A proper costume can cost around £1,000 (B43,489) and a hand-made beard about the same.

Good Father Christmases also have to be able to move with an ambling gait and are encouraged to practise bellowing over and over the greeting: “Ho, ho, ho!” Being multilingual is a plus and trainees have to be able to name Father Christmas’s nine reindeer. There are some golden rules to remember, like never

asking a child his or her name, whether they have written a letter or what presents they have asked for. Because “you know: you are magical, you are Santa”, Lowell said. The final instructions – never make promises so as not to put parents on the spot and create disappointment and prepare thoroughly for the

dreaded question: “Are you the real Father Christmas?” Modern-day Father Christmas are also encouraged to do some swatting up at home to keep up to date with the latest toys, video games and consoles. “We have to do research to know what is on the shelves,” said Santa David, who has been Father Christmas for 26 years. Like the other Santas, Santa

David said he wanted to remain anonymous to preserve an air of mystery. Santa Dan, an actor who is celebrating his 14th year as Father Christmas, said: “I don’t think there is something more joyful than seeing the reaction, the absolute joy on their face.” On average, Father Christmases only have three minutes to wow children, given the long queues. Despite the weight of the costume, the heat and the noise in department stores, Santa Dan said the real skill is to “maintain that energy that it is just as special for the first child as the last”. Santa Dan said Father Christmas has proved enduring due to his “generosity” and “kindness”. Lowell said: “He’s become a kind of symbolic figure, but not in a religious way. He is the figure that binds it together for everybody. “It does no harm at all... Children believe in him because adults want to believe in him too.” AFP

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Legal protection from builders

Hiring someone to build a house? Thai law now protects you LAW Jerrold Kippen

Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

fter 10 years of success of consumer protection for condominium units purchased from a developer in Thailand, consumer protection for the construction of residential houses is now celebrating its first year of enactment. On January 1, 2017, an official “Notification” was issued called the “Notice of the Contract Committee for the business of residential building construction which shall be contract-controlled (2016)”. Under this Notification, residential house construction contracts were officially included among the list of contracts that are regulated by the Consumer Protection Act (1999). How can you benefit from this? In short, if you hire a contractor to construct your house

in Thailand, you now have rights that are applicable to your agreement with the contractor regardless of whether your agreement with the contractor explicitly includes these rights or even if your agreement with the contractor provides for terms contrary to these rights. And these rights have teeth. The Act specifies that should your contractor fail to comply with the Notification the contractor may be subject to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year, or a fine not exceeding B100,000, or both. The Notification outlines several terms a contractor must now include in all residential construction contracts, such as: • the details of the parties to the contract with the parties’ addresses and identifications, the place and date of contract, the purpose of the construction, a description of the building, and the construction location; • the details of the construction costs, including VAT; • a description of the construction materials, including

The law includes rights that are not specifically mentioned in the construction agreement. Photo: The Phuket News / file quantity and price; • the payment schedule in accordance with work progress; • the due date of the building permit application, to be measured from the contract execution date; • the completion date, to be measured from the date the building permit is received; • the contractor’s liability for defects, such as five (5) years for structure and one (1) year for component parts

JW Marriott Khao Lak sweeps awards HOSPITALITY J W M A R R IOTT K H AO Lak Resort & Spa was recognised at the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards held recently at the Kulm Hotel St Moritz in Switzerland. During a glamorous awards ceremony, JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa was the recipient of three awards, namely Global Winner of Luxury Beach Retreat, Global Winner of Luxury Private Beach Resort and Country Winner of Luxury Ocean View Resort -

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JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. Photo: Supplied Thailand. “We are extremely proud and truly honoured to receive these prestigious awards. It is a testament of the hard work and continuing effort of the entire team who are committed to delivering outstanding guest experiences through service

excellence,” commented Keith Massey, General Manager of JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa. “It is particularly gratifying and humbling to receive these honours as they are based on our guests voicing their satisfaction regarding their previous experiences during their stays,” he added. The World Luxury Hotel Awards is regarded as the “Oscars of the hospitality industry”, and offer recognition for earning the respect of guests and key industry players. The Phuket News

and equipment; • lists of the construction materials, including quantity and prices; • your right to have a third party remedy construction defects in case of any failure by the contractor to remedy the same; and • your termination rights in case of delays in starting construction or completion including a contractual penalty of 0.01% of the construction price per day (limited to 10%

of construction price) for late delivery. The Notification also provides that certain terms are now prohibited in residential construction contracts, such as: • the exclusion or limitation of liability for breach of contract by the contractor; • termination by the contractor without written notice or under any circumstances where you are not in material breach of the contract; • the contractor’s right to claim partial payments before the due date as set out in the contract if you are not in default of any payment or otherwise in breach of the contract; • the contractor’s right to amend the contract’s construction specifications, prices, or conditions, or to add any additional obligations with which you must comply, without your written consent; • the contractor’s right not to refund your payments; • restrictions to your inspection rights; • the contractor’s right to assign the contract without your consent;

• that any of the construction and equipment for which you have paid will be owned by the contractor at any time; or that • should you fail to inspect the work within any specified time you will be deemed to have accepted the construction, including any construction defects. Thailand’s inclusion of condominium development sale and purchase agreements in the list of contracts protected by the Consumer Protection Act 10 years ago has been of significant benefit to investors and, thereby, to Thailand’s real estate market and greater economy. We expect that this year’s inclusion of residential construction agreements under the Act will yield similar benefits. DUENSING KIPPEN is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and affiliated offices in over 50 other countries. Visit them at: duensingkippen.com

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Handling negative reviews

About 84% of people trust an online review as much as a personal recommendation PUBLIC RELATIONS The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

commercial lawyer with experience in travel, tourism and hospitality issues, has shared with an online gathering of travel and tourism leaders her effective steps to dealing with negative online reviews. Addressing a MyTravelResearch.com webinar of travel industry leaders, many of them from small businesses, Alyssa Antcliffe, the principal of Antcliffes Legal, told tourism industry leaders and brand managers that having an online presence and being accessible through online platforms is essential in today’s digital world. The digital economy has been built on ratings and reviews to enable people to “window shop” online. However, it only takes one disgruntled former client or customer to ruin a good reputation by posting a negative review, no matter how false or misleading that review might

Source: Bazaarvoice Conversation Index be, she said. Ms Antcliffe added that, usually, what is published online is not intended to be malicious, but is someone’s honestly held opinion. “In these circumstances, if a comment is substantially true, or represents the honestly held opinion of the reviewer, then a business will have difficulty in bringing a successful defamation claim,” she said. Ms Antcliffe suggested

that if you believe that you or your business is the victim of unfair, untrue and or defamatory remarks as a result of an online review you should act quickly to minimise the damage. She suggested six strategies designed to help minimise damage and avoid costly legal proceedings: • Contact the website which has published the review to ask that the material

be removed, • Contact the client or customer who has left the review and try to resolve the issue that has arisen, • Request that the client or customer remove the review or write a further positive review about the way the issue has been handled and resolved, • Write a short and factual online response to the review addressing the issue, or inform the public that the reviewer’s

comments are unfounded and what the facts are, • Update your website, publish an article, run a promotion or launch a new product. The aim here is to create online news and chatter that will divert attention from the negative review and add new positive reviews and announcements, and/or • Seek independent legal advice. Depending on the issue being raised in a review you may wish to consult a lawyer first. They will be able to advise whether it would be appropriate to involve the authorities, Ms Antcliffe noted. She also made it clear that the six strategies were not intended to be relied on as legal advice as further consideration of each individual’s circumstances should always be thought through before any action is taken. Also in the webinar, Carolyn Childs, co-founder of MyTravelResearch.com, said it was vital not to respond to reviews while angry. Make the effort to be unemotional, level headed and empathetic

when responding. Ms Childs noted that an online response that addresses a complaint in a cool and reasonable way often transforms the negative review into a marketing positive for the travel brand. Research by SEO expert consultants Br ightLocal showed that if a star rating increases from two to three stars on review sites, business goes up by around 33%. Sherry Bonelli of BrightLocal notes that 70% of buying experiences are based on how the customer feels they are being treated and that 84% of people trusting an online review as much as a personal recommendation. Ms Bonelli also notes, “If you think you can ignore a bad review, you’re wrong. Not responding to a negative review is responding. It’s telling everyone that sees the bad review that you don’t care about your customers. “Responding to complaints can help increase customer advocacy. Not responding to a bad review decreases customer advocacy,” she adds.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

A look at the history of Buddhism in Phuket

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

The Boathouse in Kata is back in action!

MISSION IN SIGHT

Mission ship ‘Ixdos’ not far from her first dip in Phang Nga Bay

Zohaib Sikander

huket-based charity MissionShip has been building the steel-hulled schooner Ixdos in the grass-green “docks” of the British International School, Phuket’s (BISP) campus for the last three years. It’s almost 13 years since work first began on the ship and now she is just about ready for her first dip in the waters of Phang Nga Bay – from where she will embark on her mission to save thousands of lives after her launch in early 2018. “We call it a medical ship and it will be sailing, with an auxiliary engine, to carry trained personnel – including doctors, nurses and teachers – to assist disadvantaged communities on islands all around the world,” said Captain Patrick Vickers, WWII Survivor, retired BISP teacher and the driving force behind the project. The ship will provide vaccines in accordance with UNICEF’s international campaign, which aims to vaccinate every child in the world from potentially devastating, but wholly preventable, diseases. The plan is now finally within reach due to Captain Pat’s tireless devotion and rigorous oversight of the project. “The vision of Ixdos came to me when I was working in Papua New Guinea and was reminded of how mission schooners used to operate back in the day, carrying medicine, people and goods between islands,” says Captain Pat. He added that it was more than a dozen years ago when he first felt this urgent need to bring these mission ships back into regular operation, because although the ships have now disappeared, the medical problems they were tackling have not. So he contacted representatives of the local UNICEF office with a proposal to build his own mission ship, in order to bring muchneeded medical supplies and provide treatment to remote island communities. The team at UNICEF, convinced and overjoyed by Captain Pat’s vision, pledged to support the project. In the

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The ‘Ixdos’ sits in dry dock on the lawns of the BISP campus in Phuket. Inset: Captain Patrick Vickers. meantime, Captain Pat joined BISP as Primary ICT Coordinator, where he stayed for five years before retiring. “I felt my background as a seaman, coupled with my construction experience could lead to the fulfilment of a dream of mine – to improve the lives of countless deprived islanders in the world. I soon found a naval architect, sourced the necessary steel and materials, and started building. I was delighted by the response from friends and students at BISP,” says Captain Pat. “Those five long years of working for the health department in Papua New Guinea increased my awareness of the tough conditions which Pacific island folk lived in, and eventually fired me into action. Slowly but surely the dream is coming true. We will soon see the good ship Ixdos launched in readiness for her many missions. Although still not complete, as we do need masts and sails, we have come this far and completion is in sight! May God bless the Ixdos and all who sail in her as we set out on our healing odyssey,” he said with gusto. Captain Pat certainly hasn’t forgotten the contributions made by dozens of International Bachelaurate Creativity, Activity, Service (IB CAS) students from BISP, who have put in thousands of

hours to help get the Ixdos to this point. “Ship-building was a new idea for our IB CAS students. Although DT (Design and Technology) proficiency helped, it was by no means mandatory. We needed willing hands and that’s what we got. Countless hours, come rain or shine, were spent in every quarter of the ship from the engine-room bilge to upper deck. Using first-class Jotun epoxy paint our student teams painted inside and out. Our steel ship is virtually rust-free and rust-proof with its many coats of CAS paint. Thank you CAS students!” he exclaimed. “There was a certain bonding and satisfaction which revealed itself in the detailed reflections each student recorded in their log. To be able to say that our ship is being built by children to save the lives of children is huge, and in reality, it’s even more than that. “Our CAS students have actually taken on board the responsibility to fulfil this dream we all share,” he adds. KS1 students’ MAD (Making A Difference) initiative held a major fundraiser that brought in more than B60,000. The activity “The Amazing Race”, entailed the students paddling a small boat in the campus swimming pool to see how many laps they could complete

in a given time limit. Local companies have also made notable contributions, for example, Mission Hospital has donated a dental chair which will double as an operating table and an eight kilowatt Kohler generator was donated by C & C Marine. Captain Pat keeps a long list of people who donated their time, money and expertise to the project and said that he would also like to thank BISP Headmaster Neil Richards and everyone in the BISP community, both past and present, for their ongoing support. The road to completion has been long and hard for everyone involved, but now it’s finally happening. It will be a threestage launch: 1 – Departure and send-off from BISP campus in early 2018. 2 – Launch courtesy of Boat Lagoon Phuket in early 2018. 3 – Installation of masts, sails and rigging once funding has been secured. Ixdos is set to sail straight into her first missions in Burma, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea as soon as the final touches are complete. For more information or to make a donation visit the website: missionship.com or email info@ bisphuket.ac.th

14 GARDENING

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

The popular Hibiscus Rosa sinensis (left) and a hybrid pink-flowered variety (right). Photo: B Navez

Flower power: Top of the pops A blow-by-blow survey of top tropical shrubs, climbers, trees and annuals GREEN THOUGHTS Patrick Campbell

ears ago I offered my tentative opinions about the best plants to cultivate in your Phuket garden. Now older and I hope a little wiser, I am trying again. The criteria are much the same: first, visual appeal, second, hardiness – the ability to survive, nay thrive, in Phuket’s climate; three, fragrance – and ability to attract bees, birds and butterflies. The first flower most people probably think of when tropical gardens are on the agenda is the hibiscus. Top of the Phuket pops, there must be few gardens

on the island that do not boast a plant or more, not just of Rosa sinensis (the most widely grown), but also of the other hibiscus species as well. All derive from the mallow (malvaceae) family. The red version is the national flower of Malaysia and is seen in offerings and decorations from Bali to Bora Bora. The hibiscus blooms so profusely that each bush carries a significant number of flowers at the same time. Originally a shrub with smallish blooms, the flowers of modern hybrids can be anything up to 30 centimetres across. These trumpet-shaped blooms come in both single and double forms and in a range of hues possibly unmatched by any other shrub – white, cream, yellow, salmon pink, scarlet and magenta. Long established hybrids fare equal-

ly well in Phuket, and are frequently deployed as a tall barrier or hedge where their leaves form a dense screen. The flowers are, of course, a massive bonus. One variety, with variegated leaves and smaller red or pink flowers, is particularly effective in this role – both a strong grower and unfussy about soil conditions. If the conventional hibiscus has a downside, it does require good soil and a reasonably sunny aspect. And since the plant has a branched tap root, it is not entirely happy in a container. Moreover, without good conditions, and unlike its relatives, mutabilis and schizopetalus, it will become prone to fungal mould and white fly infestations. On the other hand, Hibiscus schizopetalus and sometimes referred to as the coral or Japanese lantern, is in this writer’s experience, completely disease free. Much less widely hybridised, it is a pendulous shrub whose single scarlet or coral flowers hang down at the end of long, graceful, leaf-cladarches. While it does not bloom with the freedom of sinensis, the coral hibiscus will tolerate most conditions and is one of the easiest shrubs to strike from cuttings. Hibiscus mutabilis is again quite different. As its name implies, its massive double blooms change colour: white in the morning; pink at noon; rose red in the late afternoon sun. An asset to your Phuket garden with its large rose-like flowers, mutabilis or cotton rose, deserves to be better known. It is a vigorous grower, flowers more-or-less continuously and will accept poor soil and semi-shade. It is difficult to argue against the hibiscus’s place in any list of best-loved shrubs. Most gardeners would vote for

Hibiscus schizopetalus. Photo: K Hari Krishnan Rosa sinensis on the basis of its unparalleled visual display. Few shrubs can match the brilliance or range of its palette of colours. Mutabilis is easier to grow but limited to daily doses of white, pink and red. Schizopetalus is both hardy and delicate in appearance, though not a prolific bloomer. But as far as this writer is concerned, all three varieties are indispensable. They certainly all feature in my private patch. Patrick has been writing for ten years about gardening in Phuket and allied topics. If you have horticultural or environmental concerns, please contact him at drpaccampbelll@gmail.com. Many of his earlier creative and academic publications can be found at Wordpress: Green Galoshes.

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HISTORY 15

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Buddhism comes to Phuket

In the 15th Century Thai Buddhism became the island’s dominant religion HISTORY OF PHUKET Colin Mackay

he Thai dominance over the local population of Phuket from the 15th Century onwards meant Theravada Buddhism was imposed over, or at times merged with, the islanders’ previously more animistic beliefs which held in veneration spirits of the forest, trees, sea and sky and so on. The pluralistic and tolerant nature of Buddhism, however, meant the Malays and Muslims on the island were free to continue to embrace Islam. Almost every village had a small Buddhist monastery (wat), often just a rude bamboo building with a dormitory for the monks, with teaching going on under some large tree (preferably a Banyan, being the same kind the Buddha sat under when he achieved enlightenment). The

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wat and the monks were usually sponsored by the rajah or the local elite who donated land, slaves and money, and the common people gave them food. In return, the wats were repositories of learning, providing education to many of the males in the area and giving them moral instruction along with rudimentary reading, writing and numeracy. This education system in monasteries was often co-opted by the elite that supported them. Monks usually taught the people not to come up with original ideas and to acquiesce to their rapacious lords. The more radical Thai historian, Somsamai Srisudravarna, states that the Buddhist monasteries tended “to delude the peasants into believing that human beings could not thwart destiny… [their] decreed life was subject to merit, karma and fate”. But monks also tried at times to hold the moral high ground and occasionally played the part of ombudsman for the serfs (phrai) and slaves. Monks could deliver petitions to the island’s overlord

Phuket’s Big Buddha was built at the start of the 21st century, but Buddhism has been practiced on the island for more than 500 years. Photo: Roma Nues in Ligor and they were also avenues for inter-community and village discussion and arbitrated in disputes. By emphasizing the principle of a Dhamma-raja (a leader who is acclaimed the peoples’ choice through his knowledge and “virtues”), they were able to provide some moral opposition to the excesses of the despotic local lords in that they could mobilise public opinion. Pierre Poivre, the rather cynical Frenchman who visited the area in the 18th Century, noted that, “Buddhist monks are held in extraordinary veneration in this country. They are zealous, at least in appearance, for the purity of principles and panegyrists of virtues… if such persons are really what they seem to be, one cannot deny them the greatest praise for maintaining such virtue in the midst of the greatest corruption.” There were draconian moral and particularly earthly punishments for

anyone stealing from a wat, such as amputations, or being slowly roasted to death over a small fire – lit intermittently to delay death. A wat also served as the repository for wealth in a society without banks. People often hid their gold in Buddha statues they donated to the monastery for safekeeping, or they buried their wealth in monastery lands. The local Malay Muslim communities, usually based nearer the coast, also built mosques (often wooden and rudimentary), which served much the same spiritual and social purposes as the wats did for Buddhists. The Chinese temples now on Phuket did not appear in any numbers until the mass influx of Chinese workers in the latter 19th century. Adapted from ‘A History of Phuket and the Surrounding Region’ by Colin Mackay. Available on Amazon or order it directly at: historyofphuket.com

16 DINING

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Set sail for Sunday brunch Revamped and reopened: The Boathouse launches ‘Best Brunch’ series Baz Daniel

Modelled on the interior of a luxury superyacht, the chic modernist interior, complete with state-of-the-art open kitchen and gleaming grand piano, embraced us with warmth and elegance....

A potpourri of fresh seafood.

arly Simon would have loved it! Walking into the luxurious, newly-renovated and relaunched Boathouse on Kata Beach is indeed just like “walking onto a yacht” as she sang in her iconic global hit of 1972 – “You’re so Vain”. Allegedly she was singing about toy boy film star Warren Beatty, a member of the Hollywood glitterati, all of whom would have felt right at home at Boathouse’s first Sunday brunch of the 2017 Phuket High Season. Boathouse closed its gorgeous portals for a five month renovation in May when new owners HPL Boutique Collection Hotels took over, and the results were splendidly displayed for all to see at this first brunch. Modelled on the interior of a luxury superyacht, the chic modernist interior, complete with state-of-the-art open kitchen, gleaming grand piano, welcoming bar, smiling staff and even portholes on the walls, embraced us with warmth and elegance. The deep hospitality for which Boathouse has become world famous since its 1989 launch, was clearly on display as the smiling staff seated us on the newlymodelled and expanded outside terrace overlooking the pristine sands of Kata Beach. You can choose to dine inside in the air-conditioning, or on this divine terrace, so close to the breaking Andaman’s Sea’s waves that you feel you can almost touch them. For us, it was a “no-brainer!” On such a lovely December day as this, to sit on the Boathouse terrace and take the first invigorating sip of bubbly, was a transcendent experience that made us feel we’d arrived at the centre of the universe and never wanted to leave! The Boathouse’s brunch cuisine is as spectacular as its views and location, and took us on a gastronomic carousel-ride through a cornucopia of the freshest seafood, all cooked to perfection. The fresh oyster and crustacean bar, foie gras station, mussel pot, and the Boathouse’s famous lobster bisque with lobster ravioli were all there, just begging to be sampled. There were healthful crunchy mixed salads and an a la carte selection of wonderful cooked meats, all utilising the best global and local produce, such as lamb from New Zealand’s hillcrests, prime US beef from the prairie grasslands, salmon from Norway’s

An extensive imported cheese selection with many varieties of freshly baked bread.

Elegant interior decor. deep, icy fjords, and foie gras and truffles from the loamy pastures of France’s heart. All the great gastronomic signatures were there and all were prepared masterfully in the Boathouse’s new open kitchen. The Boathouse has been the proud recipient of a Tatler “Best Restaurant” listing and a Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” every year since 2006 and their spectacular cellar is testament to the continuance of the dedication to offer the finest libations from all around the world. Here’s two insider tips to make your Sundays spectacular from now on. Firstly, make a note in your diary as the Boathouse brunches are every first and third Sunday of the month and are differently themed each time. For ex-

Live music performances. ample this weekend’s (Dec 17) brunch is the “Brittany Fisherman’s Harvest” and the two in January will be “The Ultimate Lobster Mastication!” and “The Great Meat Feast”, with other exciting themes to come in the following months. Secondly, look at Boathouse’s amazing cheese and dessert selection when you arrive, then plan your meal backwards from there. Good cheese selections are hard to find in Phuket and the Boathouse selection is truly spectacular, so you’ll want to leave sufficient tummy space to do it justice. And if you see Carly Simon and Warren Beatty there… pass it on! For more information or reservations call 076 330 015-7 or visit the website at: boathouse-phuket.com

thephuketnews

18 ISLAND SCENE

Around 1,200 people took part in Thanyapura’s popular Colour Fun Run for 2017.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Officials from several government departments took part in the event, including Sports Authority of Thailand Phuket Office Director Virat Patee (right) and Tourism Authority of Thailand Phuket office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon (second from right).

THANYAPURA’S COLOUR FUN RUN LIGHTS UP INAUGURAL PHUKETHON Last Saturday (Dec 9) around 1,200 people took part in Thanyapura’s annual Colour Fun Run. Runners were both local and international, with many travelling to Thailand specifically to take part in this unique event. Tickets for the event were sold out. The event was proudly sponsored by Khao Phuket and Live 89.5.

Several staff and guests wore traditional Thai clothes to mark the anniversary.

Stuart David Reading (right), Senior Vice President – Group Property Development for Laguna Banyan Tree Limited, gave the opening speech of the event.

LAGUNA PHUKET CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF SUSTAINABLE TOURISM Laguna Phuket last Friday (Dec 8) celebrated its 30th anniversary at Banyan Café in Banyan Tree Phuket. More than 180 partners and supporters from the private and public sectors in Phuket, attended the celebration. The night concluded with a wonderful performance by Thailand’s leading vocalist Rudklao Amratisha.

Students from Headstart International School with Class Act Media GM Jason Beavan (right).

From left: Liz, Sandy and Nita.

DELISH CAFE HOSTS GRAND OPENING FOR ITS NEW NAI HARN LOCATION Delish Cafe owners hosted customers, suppliers, friends and family at their new cafe location in Sai Yuan Road, Nai Harn, last Saturday evening (Dec 9). The “Grand Opening” was a chance to thank everyone who helped with the move from Fisherman Way.

The students took a tour Class Act Media’s print, radio and TV departments.

HEADSTART INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT CAM Students from HeadStart International School visited the Class Act Media offices on Thursday and Friday (Dec 7-8) last week to learn more about media in the 21 st century from The Phuket News, Khao Phuket, Novosti Phuketa, Puji Dao Xinwen, Phuket Live Radio - Live 89.5 and The Phuket News TV teams. We hope to see some of them as our colleagues in the future!

From left: Miu, Mam, Meen and Liz. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 19

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

From left: Anil Thadani, Gulu Lalvani, Richard Pope, Dhiprudee Yongsakul, Michael Nurbatlian and Sam Sethi.

From left: Natalie from Benetti, Tim from Kata Rocks and Amy from VistaJet.

NON-STOP PARTIES AND EXCLUSIVE EVENTS FOR SUPERYACHT RENDEZVOUS More than a dozen elegant superyachts moored in Kata Bay last weekend (Dec 8-10) for the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous 2017, proudly sponsored by The Phuket News.

Simon Phillips, superyacht owner and CEO of Seajet International (second from left), with a Seajet and friends.

Tata Young and Chatadul ‘Mor’ Seenapongpipit with baby Ray.

Contest Yachts chose Kata Rocks at the perfect venue to announce their push into the Asian market.

CONTEST YACHTS HOSTS ITS ASIA LAUNCH PARTY AT KATA ROCKS BEFORE KRSR 2017 Paul Poole (left) with Arjen from Contest Yachts.

Contest Yachts, an industry leading custom-yacht builder, launched its brand in Asia last Thurday (Dec 7), one day before the Kata Rocks Superyacht Rendezvous kicked off for the weekend.

The star of the night, Chef Stefano (second from right), worked closely with the team at Sri Panwa during his visit.

The all-singing, all-dancing BISP Drama students perform Cinderella.

MICHELIN-STARRED GUEST CHEF STEFANO DAZZLES AT SRI PANWA

BISP STUDENTS GET ON STAGE FOR XMAS PANTOMIME: CINDERELLA

Phuket foodies last Friday (Dec 8) visited Sri Panwa and Baba Phuket’s “Pop Up” restaurant with two Michelin-starred Chef Stafano Baiocco and the team from Villa Feltrinelli in Italy serving up some delicious modern Italian cuisine.

BISP secondary-level Drama students last week presented a traditional Christmas pantomime of Cinderella featuring familiar characters such as Cinderella, Buttons, Prince Charming, The Wicked Stepmother, Ugly Stepsisters, Fairy Godmother and Dandini. The pantomime was directed by Music and Drama teachers Ms Norman and Ms Baker.

@thephuketnews

20 EVENTS

FRI

15 DEC

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

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SAT

16 DEC

Live Sports at Expat Hotel NRL, AFL, Soccer, Rugby Union. Any live sport, we will show it. Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com

1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Rotary Club of Patong Beach Christmas Dinner

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

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 Roast All Day All Night

Mussels night @ Shakers

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 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 -www.twochefs.com

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

A night of food, drink, music and fellowship. At the Holiday Inn Hotel in Patong, we have an excellent buffet menu, many Rotarians (the most ever!) have donated so there will be plenty of libations. The lovely choir from St Joseph’s Church will entertain us with their angelic voices. Register here before midnight Dec 11 and pay only THB 1,700 at the door. Thereafter it will be THB 1,800. We have limited places please register right away. Children 550 THB (6 - 12), Ankle Biters (babies) free. http://rotarypatong.org/event/christmas-dinner/

SUN

17 DEC

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 445 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 - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344914

MON

18 DEC

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

FRI

22 DEC

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is THB 500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Days Inn in Patong. Please visit www. rotarypatong.org for additional information. The guest speaker will be Australian Consul-General, Craig Ferguson.

Fundraising night for upkeep of scooters & chairs All are welcome to attend and raise funds for a great cause at Kangaroo Bar - Bangla Rd, Patong. Featuring Don’s BBQ and Big Southern Bikes, all coming together for a fundraiser for the continued upkeep of the electric vehicles previously donated to local disabled residents. Friday 22nd December from 7pm at the Kangaroo Bar. Free BBQ and Harley Davidson ridethrough from various bike clubs from on the island and abroad.

SUN

24 DEC

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

WED

Curry Cravings In Karon Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday (starting Dec 1, 2017), in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

XANA’s Sunday Brunch Spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean of XANA Beach Club. Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. From 1,850++THB. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

Sri panwa welcomes back 2 Michelin star Chef Sri panwa welcomes back the 2 Michelin star Chef Stefano Baiocco of Grand Hotel A Villa Feltrinelli together with his team for a pop-up @ Sri panwa, 8th – 20th December, 2017. The award-winning chef will be serving simple Italian classics with their own creative twists such as L’astice and Il Tonno for starters, Ravioli, Le Linguine for pasta dishes, Il Branzino and L’agnello for main courses, finishing with Il Tiramisu and Il Limone for desserts and more. Reservations only, Baba Soul Food, Sri panwa, Phuket, fb@sripanwa.com, 076 371 000.

20 DEC

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS ALL YOU CAN EAT! GRILLED AUSTRALIAN RIB EYE STEAK, TERIYAKI MARINATED CHICKEN AND GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS WITH BBQ SAUCE, RED WINE SAUCE AND BEARNAISE SAUCE CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late. WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333-370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!! Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER.

Traditional Sunday Roast Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 320 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otoolsphuket.com

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Two Chefs Traditional Christmas Buffet On Sunday evening, the 24th of December we are offering our traditional Christmas buffet at Two Chefs Bar & Grill in Kata Beach Branch (South of Kata). Hurry up and book your table NOW as it fills up quick.. We still have two seating’s to choose from, 6 pm and 9 pm. Please make your reservation at email: reservation@ twochefs.com Read more at www.twochefs.com or www.facebook.com/twochefsthailand Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Beach, Kata Beach 076-333-370.

Christmas Eve at The Naka Island Resort & Spa Phuket Christmas Buffet at Tonsai. Celebrate Christmas Eve with your loved ones and enjoy a delicious international and BBQ buffet including a selection of Seafood on ice. Or try the Christmas set dinner at My Grill, Celebrate Christmas with an extravagant tropical island feast and indulge in an exquisite five-course meal. All guests will recieve a visit from Santa Claus. Reservations: The Naka Island Resort & Spa Phuket, Bundarik.Ronra@ luxurycollection.com, 076-337-999.

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EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

SUN

24 DEC

live DJ, beach games and drink specials. Reservations: SALA Phuket Resort and Spa – salesphuket@ salaphuket.com or call 076 338 888.

SUN

31 DEC

JOIN US AT THAVORN FOR CHRISTMAS DINNER 2017! Join us for our Christmas Eve Dinner! It is the most wonderful time of the year to be celebrated among loved ones, new friends and with great food! Enjoy exclusive appetizers, mains and desserts in our festive atmosphere! THB 2,000++ per person Limited seats available. Kindly RSVP: Tel: 063 064-0661 Email: rsvn@thavornbeachvillage.com EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY!

St Joseph Catholic Church Christmas & New Year Mass Celebratory Christmas Masses will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cherng Talay near Laguna and Boat Avenue at 11.00 p.m. Christmas Eve and 11.00 a.m. Christmas Day. Each service will be preceded by a 30-minute carol service, led by St Joseph’s renowned choir and followed by an invitation to enjoy some light refreshments with the congregation after mass. Details can be found on the church website at: phuketcatholics.com

Special French Christmas Menu by Chef Pascal at La Boucherie in Chalong

Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve Dinner Celebrations. The 2017 Festival Season at Angsana Laguna Phuket. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

MON

25 DEC

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats and Bites Music and Food and Fun. January 12-13, 2018 from 6pm till 10pm at Lagoon Quay. Phuket Boat Lagoon: 095 012 2442 / 076 239 888 ext. 618.

THU

18 JAN

Begin your celebration with bubbles and canapes before wandering into a sublime culinary world of international delights. Live music and DJ. Reservations at: fnb.phuhr@hyatt.com, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort, pattarawadee.sukolrat@hyatt.com, 076 231 234.

PIWC Couples dinner at Firefly @ The Pavillions Instead of the monthly lunch we will have a Couples Dinner at Firefly @ The Pavillions in Cherng Talay, a romantic dinner in a magical place under the starlight. Bring along your husband, partner, lover or one of your girlfriends. Registration starts at 6.30pm followed by a superb three-course dinner created by Chef Belinda Tuckwell. Will be somewhere around B1,100 to B1,200 net pp. Bookings: info@piwc-phuket.com

Café Del Mar is celebrating its 1st year anniversary on New Year’s Eve. This is set to be the biggest event the island has to offer. The New Year’s Eve buffet is prepared by celebrity Chef Ronnie Macuja. This will be followed by an amazing late-night party with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight. Only the best international DJ’s on the island will be spinning amazing tracks for you to dance the night away. There are various packages available and it’s highly recommended to pre-book. Please email: info@cafedelmarphuket.com for bookings and more details. The most stylish way to enter into 2018 is at Café Del Mar in Kamala beach. Don’t miss out on this epic event as bookings are limited.

THU

4 JAN

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s Best Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5-course tasting menu including Foie Gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska Scallop, slow cooked Duck breast & Baba au Rhum. “Grape juice” pairing available! THB 1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 - 8 Lagoon Rd, Laguna, Cherng Talay.

EVERY DAY La Gritta’s Discovery Menu

Well-known French chain restaurant in Phuket La Boucherie at Chalong, Phuket is a well-known French chain restaurant. Finest beef steaks, burgers, traditional French cuisine, lamb chops and lamb shank, duck breast and half cockerel, dishes with fish, chicken, pork and much more always at La Boucherie. Visit us every day. Location: https://goo.gl/t8kHDU Website: laboucherie-chalong.com

Take your taste buds on a culinary tour through some of the finest Italian flavours. Chef Patrizia has created a six-course discovery menu consisting of the appetiser, main course and dessert, priced at 1,590 THB++ per person. The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, lagritta@amari.com 076 292 697.

7 Nights 7 Themed Dinners at Rim Talay

Sala Christmas Day Family BBQ

THE PHUKET RENDEZVOUS

Mana Smokehouse

It’s a casual affair this Christmas Day at Sala Phuket on Mai Khao Beach. Enjoy a delicious pool-side BBQ,

For four days, Royal Phuket Marina will be transformed into a bustling hub for all things luxury – high-

Traditional American BBQ/smoked and slow roasted, along with TEX MEX tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas…

@thephuketnews

and much more. Open 7 days a week, all day dining. Best ribs in town. At the front of Best Western Patong Beach. Promotion every day – 399B all you can eat A La Carte. Mondays, come 4 pay 3, Live music. Heart of Patong. Free parking. Reservation, 076-360-220.

White Shimmers New Year’s Eve Party 2018

Café Del Mar is celebrating its 1st year anniversary

Friendship Beach Waterfront Resort’s 14th annual Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet and Party featuring: Live Music with Tropical Rhythm, Children’s Chorus, Santa Claus w/Kids Presents, Welcome Drink. Traditional Buffet w/Roast Turkey, Baked Christmas Ham, Thai Seafood Special, Stuffing, Gravy, Prawn Cocktail, Stuffed Salmon Lox, Meat and Cheese platters, and a large selection of Desserts, Sides and Salads (Vegetarian options available). Adults B1,900++ children under 12 - B600++. For reservations call 66 (0) 89 728 5304 or email chef@friendshipbeach.com. Khun Jao, 27/1 Soi Mittrapap Rawai Phuket, chef@friendshipbeach.com, 66 (0) 89 728 5304.

FRI

12 JAN

Xana Wonderland New Year’s Eve.

December 24, 2017, 8pm-12am midnight. Appetizer and Starter: Duo white and black pudding, apple and scallop salad, frog legs with garlic and parsley. Main: Tournedos Rossini (beef with foie gras and porto sauce) vegetable and potatoes. Sweet: Mango and passionfriut dessert. Price: B1,800 pp. Reservations: 084 753 1237 (Eng-Fra) / 082 444 0555 (Rus).

Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet and Party at Friendship Beach

lighting Phuket as one of Asia’s premier destinations and guaranteeing maritime heaven for leisure boating enthusiasts. As well as showcasing premium yachts in the marina, the PHUKET RENDEZVOUS will also feature properties, exotic cars and luxury brands with live music, events and parties for everyone to enjoy! For more infomation visit: thephuketrendezvous.com

Make each night unique! Enjoy our themed dinners with the cool sea breeze. Phuket Night Market @690 THB++, Thai & International buffet @790 THB++, Seafood Night @980 THB++, Ribs, Wings & Rings @770 THB++, Butcher’s Night @market price, Surf & Turf @950 THB++, Thai Seafood Gala @980 THB++ The terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice. Reservations, rimtalay@amari.com, 076 340106-14 #8027.

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. What are keyboards that have the most-often used letters in the centre row called? 2. What was the tallest building in the world from 1311 to 1549? 3. Who was a great-granddaughter of the Emperor Augustus and mother of the Emperor Nero? 4. What was the world’s first perforated postage stamp? 5. What was the series of American domestic programs in the 1930s in response to the Great Depression called? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Easy

Across classic 1. Besides 60. Baby 4. Duds 62. Cancel 8. Parrot landing 63. Potted 13. Bolt 64. Powerful 14. “The Kite Runner” people protagonist 65. Was in debt 15. Harsh 66. Back to square 16. Ordinal-number __ ending 67. Crumbling 17. Nullify 68. Hostels 18. Discredits 69. Sticky beach 19. Orwell classic problem 22. Crescent shaped object Down 23. Pitch 1. Go from 3 to 9, 24. Native say 28. Urgent appeal 2. Surpass 33. Buddhist who has 3. Present attained Nirvana 4. Was 35. Foe of the philanthropic Iroquois 5. Word of 36. James classic agreement 42. Inkling 6. Confirmation, 43. Old-fashioned e.g. rewards 7. Foreheads 44. Honey or sugar 8. Jewels from 47. Compose a quick oysters note 9. Satanical 52. Put on 10. Sever 54. U.N. agency 11. PC component 55. DH Lawrence 12. Guys

15. Lifted, so to speak 20. Victory sign 21. Like platypuses and otters 25. Scratch 26. 401(k) alternative 27. Idle fancy 29. Seafood selection 30. Artistic period 31. British agency 32. Attentiongetting call 34. Ingested 36. Card spot 37. Words of honor? 38. Expose to moisture 39. Brown color 40. Organization for health issues 41. Fool 45. Sun shade 46. Parter of the Red Sea 48. Subject of Philadelphia 49. Leopard-like cat 50. Hot breakfast cereal

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Dvorak keyboards; 2) Lincoln Cathedral (the first structure to suprass the Great Pyramid of Giza); 3) Agrippina; 4) Penny Red; 5) The New Deal

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Dec 15, 1256 Mongol forces under the command of Hulagu Khan enter and destroy the Hashshashin stronghold at Alamut Castle (in present-day Iran) as part of their offensive on Islamic southwest Asia.

miles (about 9.6km) on average is the distance known in Finnish as “poronkusema”, or how far until a reindeer has to stop and pee.

to 17% of their day is how long today’s doctors spend with patients, recent studies estimate.

Dec 16, 1773 Boston Tea Party: Members of the Sons of Liberty disguised as Mohawk Indians dump hundreds of crates of tea into Boston harbor as a protest against the Tea Act.

162

Dec 17, 1967 Harold Holt, Prime Minister of Australia, disappears while swimming near Portsea, Victoria, and is presumed drowned.

pounds (about B7,061) is how much Brits will spend on average on a great weekend, more than residents of any other European country.

Dec 18, 1271 Kublai Khan renames his empire “Yuan”, officially marking the start of the Yuan dynasty of Mongolia and China.

304,18 750 million

Dec 19, 1606 The Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery depart England carrying settlers who founded, at Jamestown, Virginia, the first of the 13 colonies that became the United States.

millionaires are in the US.

US dollars is how much was spent on developing the threebladed razor. Source: Uberfacts

Sunset jump. Photo by Patricio Forci Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Dec 20, 1955 Cardiff is proclaimed the capital city of Wales, United Kingdom. Dec 21, 1913 Arthur Wynne’s “word-cross”, the first crossword puzzle, is published in the New York World. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

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Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Profitable business for sale

Located on main road in Karon, motorbike rental business, with 30 bikes and helmets, office equipment all included for 2.5MB call 0837774766 or Line - namaqua.j.

New cat café for sale

Brand new 3 floor building in Samkong. Thai & foreigners are loving my café, been doing really good since the opening in September. Unfortunately I have to go back to my country cause of family problems. I invested 1.4MB in this café. We have 12 cats from Bengal (B36,000), Maine Coon (B25,000) Persian, Siamese and Thai cats. They all have the vaccine and they all 6 months. Upstairs, bedroom fully furnished, 4 new air con in the building. Kitchen and bar fully furnished with new equipment. Music speaker and phone. License, work permit company. Lease 3 years can extend when finish. Rent 30.000 per month. Sales - 600,000B negotiable. No deposit if take over. 600,000 negotiable, thephuketcatcafe@ hotmail.com, 0994321733.

sa nt e g r

Business for Sale

R ESTAU R A N T B U S I N ES S I N U CHALONG For rent/sale. Fully equipped & operational, 50 seats Chaofa East road, 400m from Haiyek Traffic Circle. Contact: shchalong@gmail.com

New Salon for SALE

Stylish brand new salon with all equipment and stock for sale at Bang Tao Tinlay Market with all furniture and fixtures. Contact through email at: naveenmarapana@gmail.com or call 080 370 6131 – Kunal, 081 899 0919 –Chin.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

Totally renovated, Italian design & furniture, all-new imported kitchen & bar equipment, ready to operate. Large Bar, DJ booth, garden lounge, rooftop. Seats 50 indoors, 50 in garden, 40 rooftop. 080 143 5541 Pablo.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Diving boat for sale.

Asia Adventure: length (m) 18.00, width (m) 4.60, depth (m) 1.70, gross tonnage 35, maximum capacity is 40 passengers + 3 crew. 1 million bht, K. Vladimir, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive. Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

2-engine speed boats for sale

Length 11.6 m, width 2.83 m, capacity 32 passengers + 3 crew. Front seats. Very good condition. Start 600,000 thb, Joy Dive Adventures Co.,Ltd., Sales@JoyDive.Asia, +66 84 182 8685.

Boating deal of the year: 7.5m baht (reduced from 10m baht)

Due to serious health reasons, the owner must part with his beloved 80’ tour boat. New wiring throughout, power outlets, transformer and voltage meters. New upholstery throughout bar and entertainment area. Engines & generator fully reconditioned & serviced. All maintained to European standards. Ideal boat for quality day trip business. beachsando1@ gmail.com 080 695 3933.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

"Ready to go" w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160L fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry: 081 273 1740. @thephuketnews

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE Long Tail Boat For Sale

HOME IMPROVEMENT TechWorX Projects

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

TechWorX Projects now offer a full Electrical Contractor service. This complements our existing offerings of AV, IT, Home Automation, Home Cinema and Security systems. If you are planning a new build or renovation please contact us for a free consultation. Daragh, 393/8 moo 1 Srisoonthorn road, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, daragh@techworx.asia, 084 443 9863.

Tenancy of Clubhouse for sale

MARKETING, PUBLIC RELATIONS

Ready to go “Long Tail Boat” with or Without Captain (Thai) Get special price, please call 085 781 9167 (English) Bangtao Beach, Phuket, B275,000, giorgionaef@aol.com 085 781 9167.

Tenant required for already established bar and Clubhouse in the Thalang area of Phuket. The prospective tenant should have previous chef/catering experience and want to establish their own style of management and expertise in building up their business. The Owner of the venue is extending and refurbishing the current building to include a new kitchen space and secondary bar with an extra seating area. The Tenancy will require a 1.5 million Thai Baht security deposit, subject to agreed terms and conditions, to include a new fitted commercial kitchen plus new and existing furniture. Flexible lease terms based on a 3+3 year agreement are available. Existing catering needs of the venue will have to be considered when reviewing the business options. Expressions of interest along with current resume and contact details should be sent to info@jandgroup.com

CAR FOR SALE 2014 Nissan Juke For Sale

2014 Nissan Juke, one owner, full history, leather interior, rear sensors, climate control. Perfect Phuket runabout, only 82000km. 530,000, soiana56030@gmail.com, 0950 924 729

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834, 076385081.

Restaurant Tester (expat)

Review and rate restaurants in general and the taste of their dishes in the following locations Surin, Kamala, Patong, Kata, Karon. Candidates must have excellent knowledge of different cuisines as well as communication skills. For more information please send email with the subject “Restaurants” to sh@vetliner.com

MEMBERSHIPS Golf Membership

Golf membership. Loch Palm 350,000 Baht, P.c.c. 310,000 Baht, buy both for 630,000 Baht. Buyer pays all fees. Borst, ja@gmail.com, 083-388-5566.

Phuket Country Club Golf Membership

Phuket Country Club Family Golf Lifetime membership for Sale. 2 courses, 9 & 18 hole course, Seller will pay 60,000 baht transfer fee, the buyer pays 380,000 Thai baht. Contact Chris - 087-884-8972

Loch Palm Golf Membership

Lifetime Loch Palm Golf membership for sale. 400,000 baht, the Loch Palm transfer fee of 72,000 baht will be shared equally between the buyer and seller. sales@joydive.asia

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow & black. Price: 150,000 baht. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak: cherngtalay@gmail. com. Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

MOVING SERVICES Looking for a 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. Mr Joe: bigmovephuket@gmail.com 081-797-5377.