16-01-2015 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

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‘BAD BOYS’ UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER FACEBOOK POSTS

By Phuket News Staff editor@classactmedia.co.th

olice in Phuket are keeping an eye on teenagers who have been posting pictures of themselves on Facebook, describing themselves as gang members and in some cases posing with guns. One is the Facebook page of a member of what appears to be a gang calling themselves “Sapson” (Thai for “confused”). Many of them have elaborate tattooes, and guns and motorbikes seem

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to feature large among their interests. Another interest appears to be 4x100, the cocktail made from cough mixture and banned krathom leaves, and favoured by teenagers as a starter narcotic. Another page seen by The Phuket News features the poster in a variety of pictures with pistols, including pointing one at his own head. He has since taken the pictures down. Provincial Police Commander Pol Maj Gen Patchara Boonyasit told The Phuket News on Monday (January 12) that police monitor Facebook and other social media.

“We identify some suspects from social media when they post about taking or dealing in drugs, or about guns. There is nothing illegal in them making or sharing such posts, but they provide us with trails of evidence to follow. “Most of the people we catch because of posts on Facebook are people with illegal guns.” The island’s police force even has its own social network experts. One who spoke with The Phuket News on condition of anonymity was cautious about revealing too much information but said she already

Police are looking c l o s e l y a t P h u ke t teenagers who posted pictures of themselves with guns on Facebook, of all places.

knew about the two cases above, and about others. “Phuket City police investigators already have information about them,” she said. Phuket has suffered from frequent episodes of teen-on-teen gang violence, often involving high-speed motorbike chases that end in deadly shootings. On Monday (January 12) a 15-yearold and a 16-year-old were arrested for the drive-by murder of a 19-year-old on December 29 last year. The duo said they had shot him after mistaking him for a member of another gang. (See story page 5).

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Sausage delivery man survives mega smash A DELI V ERY M A N WA S lucky to survive after he apparently fell asleep at the wheel of his pickup truck and crashed at high speed into the back of a six-wheeler truck on the main Thepkasattri Rd on Wednesday morning (January 14). At 6.30am, Thalang police were called to the accident which took place in front of the Shell petrol station near Blue Canyon on the southbound side of Thepkasattri Rd, causing morning traffic congestion. Pongsak Inthong, 25, was at the wheel of the Isuzu truck, en

Australian embassy to hold Phuket ‘outreach’ THE CONSULAR SEC tion of the Australian Embassy in Bangkok will conduct a Consular outreach visit to Phuket next Wednesday (January 21) from 9am to 3pm at the offices of Hawryluk Legal Advisors in the CMC building on the bypass road. During the visit, the following services will be provided: Passport renewal applications – please ensure you bring all original documents and photocopies with you. Notarial services Statutory declarations for marriage, retirement visas and driving licence renewals Witnessing documents Fees are payable in cash only. Contact the Consular section on 02 344 6300 to arrange an interview and to confirm the fees payable.

route to deliver sausages to local convenience stores when, police believe, he fell asleep at the wheel. The Isuzu was severely damaged but Mr Pongsak amazingly only suffered minor injuries to his face. He was taken to Thalang hospital after receiving first aid at the scene. Mr Pongsak told police, “I was in a hurry to deliver the sausages. I did not see the tail lights of the six-wheeler.” The driver of the six-wheeler was not injured, though the crash did damage the rear of his vehicle.

Busking dad gets help for hurt child Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

ictures widely shared on the Internet of a Czech father busking in Phuket Town and on Bangla Rd in Patong to collect money for his daughter’s hospital bills have prompted help from many people, he says. Lukáš Matěna was playing guitar on the streets to collect money after his six-year-old daughter, Rebeka, was hit by a car on January 6. He explained to The Phuket News, “We [he and his wife Klàra] were inside Chalong Temple [with the children]. I was parking the bike and did not realise Rebeka had decided to cross the road by herself. “A car hit her fracturing her jaw in three places.” Rebeka was taken to Bangkok Hospital.

On Soi Bangla Lukáš Matěna, with two of his four children, prepares to play guitar for donations. “She is getting better now. But in one week, she is due for a check-up and a week after that, there will be another operation.” The car driver’s insurance company is covering the B800,000 hospital bill but Mr Matěna still has to find money to cover the costs of the family’s extended stay in Thailand.

“We were to have left Phuket on January 8 but because of the accident, we have to wait until our daughter gets better.” Immigration Police officers led by Pol Lt Tapanan Akkarakantarakorn visited the family in the hospital. “We come here just to make sure that they are being helped

properly,” he told The Phuket News. “I had to tell them that it is illegal for a foreigner to play music on the street for money and I suggested that it would be better if they contact the Czech embassy.” Mr Matěna said he had already extended the family’s visas for 30 days last Friday (January 9) but they will have to wait until the second operation and see how feasible it is to travel home after that. The reaction from netizens was wonderful, he said. “People saw me on social media and came looking for us at the hospital. Others saw me performing on the street and gave money. “I want to thank everyone, the local Phuket people, local businesses and officials for their help. We really appreciate it very much,” he added.

Safe: The man with the golden grenade.

‘Grenade’ empties clinic POLICE ARE LOOKING for the person who left a golden grenade at the entrance of the Rassada Health Clinic on Wednesday (January 14). Police received a call just after midday from the clinic reporting that what appeared to be a grenade had been found inside an old tyre next to the entrance of the clinic. It was spotted by a patient who ran back inside and told staff, “There’s a grenade outside!” Patients and staff were evacuated from the building while an Explosive Ordnance Department (EOD) expert examined the gold-coloured device. After gingerly checking it out, the expert was able to give the all-clear. The object was not a grenade, he said, but a cigarette lighter in the shape of a grenade. Police said they were relieved that the device was not a real grenade, but are examining CCTV footage to see if they can identify the person who left it outside the clinic – and ask them some hard questions.

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Light Rail train ‘will run every 5 minutes’ in Phuket Town Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

urther details about Phuket̕ s Light Rail System (LRS) have been revealed, including the fact that trains are expected to run every five minutes in Phuket Town. A representative of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) – who asked not to be named by the press – told a meeting chaired by Phuket Governor Nisit Jansomwong on January 8 that the plans for the LRS can be adjusted to fit the needs of the local people. He also said that initially, 20-22 trains will run the full north-south route every day. “These will run from Tha-Noon in Phang Nga (the northernmost station) to Chalong Circle (the southernmost). “Others will run inside the town to relieve traffic congestion. According to our study, trains will run every five minutes around Phuket Town.” Just how the project will be funded is not yet clear, though it may be modeled on the way

The Light Rail System is expected to cost B24 billion, and is slated to be complete in 2024 the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration organised the Bangkok Mass Transit System (better known as the Skytrain) by identifying institutional investors who founded the Bangkok Transit System Corporation. If that is the case, the system, once it is operational, might be privately owned but

subject to oversight and control by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (OrBorJor). Projections do not see the system making huge profits, the OTP representative said. “We expect 70,000 passengers to use the LRS every day. With tickets selling at B18 for one stop or B160 from

terminus to terminus, this will mean that the project will not be very profitable. “But it will bring economic benefits to Phuket such as fewer people using personal vehicles, shorter travel times, fewer road accidents, and less pollution.” Governor Nisit urged those involved to ensure that the project takes into consideration

local people’s needs, and also connectivity to Phuket’s alternative transportation options. He also encouraged the OTP to spread knowledge about the project widely to the local people. “The LRS is a great public transport option for Phuket. The island is a world-class tourist destination, and we need a

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Hole that caused Molly’s death fixed THE HUGE HOLE IN A BACK ROAD NEAR the Bang Jo Prison has now been fixed – but only after it killed eight-year-old Molly Bailey. Heavy rain on November 9 last year eroded the road, causing parts to collapse and eventually sweeping away a section eight metres long across the width of the road, and some two metres deep. Despite people falling into the hole and lobbying by local residents, the Srisoonthorn Municipality said it had no funds to fix the road. It appears that the death of Molly Bailey – when her mother drove into the hole, which was not properly marked – has sparked the municipality to find the money and rush to

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The road was repaired after a needless death fix the road. The repair was completed and the road reopened last Thursday (January 8), three days after the funeral for Molly was held in England.

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world-class transport system to accommodate the tourists as well as locals,” he said. “It is essential that we make the local people understand about the need for this system, especially those living near the train route. All kam nan (t ambon chiefs) and poo yai baan (village chiefs) should be given full details about the project, including both positive and negative effects it may have on their communities, so that the people in their villages can understand exactly what the plans are.” Vice-Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosutthirak said he believed that taxi drivers and local bus (song taew) operators will understand the need for the system, and will not oppose it. “They will understand that the system will reduce traffic which will be good for them. Trains arriving at each station will be bringing customers to them. They will be able to make money by taking these customers to places inaccessible via the train,” he said.

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All land at iconic cape ‘has been encroached' Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

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he island’s senior vicegovernor has proposed a radical solution to encroachment on public land by poor people: give it to them. Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuttirak was speaking with The Phuket News after a meeting he chaired January 7 to try to resolve the issue of public land encroachment on Phuket. Phuket has a total of 22,613 rai of public land spread across the province, much of it encroached upon, but the meeting highlighted 805 rai of Forest Preserve in the Phrom Thep Cape area, all of which is occupied by individuals or

businesses, it was revealed. The meeting also tried to address who should take responsibility for ensuring that details held in the Land Office should match exactly with those held by district offices, which is not the case at present. The 805 rai at Phrom Thep Cape is only one area out of a total of 124 in Phuket that have been encroached on. The land is believed to have been encroached on by poor people and by businesses. V/Gov Somkiat said that it needed to be worked out if the areas of land in question have been occupied or even become land with Chanote freehold titles. “An example: where is the

V/Gov Somkiet: 'Tiring'. Khao Kad Forest Preserve? Can you point it out? We can see where it should be according to the maps, but in reality how many rai are left?” he asked. He pointed out that Phrom

Thep is not the only problem area. “Is it true that we have 32 areas of public land left in Thalang?” he asked. “How many do we actually have? “I think when we research this – which will take some time – we may also face problems from locals who claim the land. In the past, when government officials went to investigate, they were opposed by local people who claim that they lived on the land before the laws becoming applicable.” “The fact is that the amount of land shown in the paperwork doesn’t match with what is in the database. We need to accept that 805 rai in the Phrom Thep Cape area has been encroached on. “It will be very hard to

take back public land that has already been encroached on. We can’t simply push the people off it. “If the matter goes to court it will never end, or not in our lifetime. After the meeting, V/Gov Somkiet told The Phuket News, “We need to take the first step. Personally, I think we should cancel the public land status and give ownership of the land to the people who are on it. “I have known about this problem for a long time. Government officers have previously done nothing about it and have let people live on public land for 20 to 30 years. I don’t understand why they have started to arrest them now and not before.”

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Private jet ban relaxed PRIVATE JETS CONTINUE to face restrictions at Phuket airport, albeit to a lesser degree than during the recent holiday season. Authorities have now reverted to limitations imposed before the Christmas-New Year period (Dec 26-Jan 5), when most private jets were barred from landing, taking off or parking at Thailand’s third-busiest airport. The new set of restrictions reflects the low-priority status of private jets as officials struggle to make room for commercial airlines amid a severe capacity shortage. At a meeting last Wednesday (January 7), authorities from Phuket airport, the Civil Aviation Department and the so-called flight slot coordinators endorsed a four-point set of guidelines: • All requests for private jet flights through Phuket must be submitted and approved through the coordinators. • Daily permissible private

jet flights are limited to five. • Permission for overnight parking at the airport will be granted only to aircraft with a maximum tail height of 4.02 metres. • Requests for flight approval must be submitted at least three working days in advance. While private jet operators and their high-net-worth travellers are generally unhappy with the restrictions, they admit the rules are now clearer. “What we see now is the flight slot coordinators as the party for us to directly deal with,” said an executive of a private jet operator who asked not to be named. He said permission for overnight parking at the airport is of little use, as the specified tail heights apply to relatively small jets that are seldom used by elite travellers. The upshot is that larger aircraft will need to find another airport to park at after dropping off passengers. Bangkok Post thephuketnews

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Three neighbours all robbed in one night M

ore than B100,000 worth of valuables were stolen from three foreign neighbours houses in Thalang Saturday (January 10). At 7:30am, Thalang police were called to the scene in Moo Baan Farang in Bang Rong, Paklock, to investigate the thefts that occurred between 3-5am. The three foreign residents awoke in the morning to find a number of valuables and cash missing, and all admitted to regularly leaving their doors unlocked. Emilienne Folie, 59, a Belgian national, told police that B30,000 in cash had been stolen, along with her passport, three bank cards and two bottles of imported liquor. Marc Vandoorne, 47, also from Belgium, said that B3,000 in cash had been stolen, as well as a notebook, an iPhone 5 and two phone chargers. The third house robbed was that of Louis Martinez, 68, a French national. He realised his

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The Phuong Nam 69 didn’t stop, the skipper of the fishing boat alleges.

Cargo ship ‘ran over and sank’ local fishing boat

Residents discuss the robberies with police. Two admitted they left doors unlocked. house had also been burgled only when he saw the police in the neighbourhood. Mr Martinez said the screen door leading to the pool had been slashed and B7,000 in cash was stolen, along with a gold necklace worth B18,800, a pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses,

and three bank cards. Police said the robber or robbers entered the houses via the back doors, which were left unlocked. The burglar seemed to know his or her way around the houses, which suggests that he or she could be acquainted with the residents.

Duo killed teen ‘by mistake’ POLICE ON MON DAY (January 12) arrested two youths on charges of murdering 19-year old Chalong “Boat” Natpetchdang on Phoonpol Rd Soi 7 just before midnight on December 29 last year. They also arrested a man from Pattani province who had kept the murder weapon. Boat was shot once with a .38 pistol. He died of the wound later, in Vachira Phuket Hospital. The two boys, 15-year-old A and 16-year-old B (because they are minors they may not

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be named), were arrested in Kathu. Police took away two sets of clothing they believe the boys were wearing on the night of the shooting, and a Honda Wave motorcycle they are believed to have been riding when they shot Boat. Police say that during interrogation both boys admitted to the shooting. A said that he was driving the motorcycle, and B, who was riding pillion, shot Boat because they mistakenly took him for a member of a rival gang.

When asked about the gun used in the shooting, the boys told told police that after the shooting they had given it to a man they named as Abdulla. This led to a third arrest, of Abdulla Masalae, 25, at another address in Kathu. There, police seized a homemade .38 pistol and six bullets. Abdulla faces charge of possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license. The two boys are still under questioning at Phuket City police station.

One witness told police that when she awoke, she noticed a suspicious Honda Scoopy parked behind a truck on the street. Police believe there could be at least three people involved in the robberies. Eakkapop Thongtub

MARINE POLICE OFFIcers are investigating an incident involving the Vietnameseregistered cargo ship Phuong Nam 69 after it allegedly ran over a local fishing boat in the sea off Phuket, sinking it. On Tuesday (January 13), Arom Sriʼim, 58, the owner of the fishing boat Wasana Waree, reported to Phuket Marine Police that at 8:40am, while he was anchoring his boat 10 miles from Phuket International Airport, the cargo ship came at speed and crashed into the front of his boat, causing it to sink. Mr Arom and three other crew members were thrown into the sea, but were quickly rescued by nearby boats. Mr Arom said that the Phuong Nam 69 made no attempt

to stop after the incident, and that he had no information on the ship so was unable to contact its captain. Phuket Marine Office Chief, Phuripat Theerakulpisut said that officials at the Phuket Vessel Traffic Monitoring Centre at Chalong Pier had been notified of the collision, and have confirmed that the Vietnamese ship was on its way to Myanmar with 5,000 tonnes of cement. The Phuket Marine Office has also confirmed that officers caught up with the Phuong Nam 69 and have moved it to Phang Nga Bay while an investigation is carried out. The captain of the vessel was taken to Tha Chat Chai Police station for questioning.

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Dozens of Phuket police to move in national reshuffle Nattapat Tuarob & Chawala Kongsang reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

ighteen senior police officers in Phuket, including three of the six provincial deputy commanders, are to be moved to posts outside Phuket in the annual reshuffle that follows the moving of very senior officers at the end of September last year. The three deputy commanders who will move are Col Arayapan Pukbuakhao (transferred to Deputy Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 2); Col Witoon Kongsudjai (to be Deputy Commander of Krabi Province); and Col Aroon Klaewwatee (Deputy Commander of Investigation, Region 8). They are replaced by Col Theerapol Tipcharoen and Col Saman Chainarong, both transferred from Surat Thani, and Col Weerawat Jantarawijit, formerly Superintendent of Klok-Kloy in Phang Nga. In addition, seven of the 10 station superintendents in

Phuket are to move to posts outside Phuket. Only two will remain in place – Kamala Police chief Col ML Pattanajak Chakrabandhu and Tha Chat Chai Police chief Col Somchai Sunprasert. Col Chawalit Pechsripia of Wichit Police remains in Phuket but will move to be chief of Thung-Tong Police Station; Those moving away are: Col Nattapakin Kwanchaipruek (Thalang) to Deputy Commander of Chumporn Provincial Police; Col Sermpan Sirikong (Phuket Town) to Deputy Commander of Chumporn Provincial Police; Col Pawaorn Pornphromma (Cherngtalay Police Station) to Superintendent of Din Daeng Police Station, Bangkok; Col Sirisak Wasasiri (Karon) to Superintendent of Takua-tung Police, Phang-Nga; Col Krittapas Dechintarasorn (Chalong) to Superintendent of Takuapa Police, Phang-Nga; Col Thitirat Arsakij

Col Arayapan Pukbuakhao will move to a high-profile position in Bangkok (Thung Tong) to Superintendent of Baan Na Derm Police Station, Surat Thani; and Col Jirapat Pochanapan (Kathu/Patong) to Superintendent of Phang-Nga Town Police. Other moves out of Phuket: Lt Col Chakrawat Boontaweekulsawas, Deputy Superintendent (Suppression) from Wichit to Superintendent of Special Operation and Investigation Division, Region 8; Lt Col Chukiet Imjaitham, Deputy Superintendent (In-

vestigation) from Chalong to Superintendent of Thung-Tako Police Station, Chumporn; Lt Col Wisut Krengjing, Deputy Superintendent (Traffic) from Phuket Town to Superintendent of Baan Ta Kun Police Station, Surat Thani; Lt Col Yongyuth Krongmalai, Inquiry Officer, Senior Professional Level of Thalang to Inquiry Official, Advisory Level, Surat Thani City; and Col Jirasak Siemsak, Superintendent of General Staff Division of Phuket Provincial Police, to Superintendent of Koh Yao Police Station. Three other officers will be promoted and/or moved within Phuket. They are: Col Serm Kwannimitr, Adviser (Level 10) to be Superintendent of Cherngtalay; Lt Col K it ipong Klaykaew, Deputy Superintendent (Suppression) of Chalong to be Superintendent of Wichit; Lt Col Boonlert OnKlang, Inquiry Officer, Senior Professional Level of Thalang, to Inquiry Official, Advisory

Level of Thalang Police; and Drafted in from outside Phuket to fill some of the posts vacated by the moves will be: Col Tassanai Orarikdej, Superintendent of General Staff Division 9 in Surat Thani, to Superintendent of General Staff Division of Phuket Province; Col Chaiwat Ouy-Kam, Superintendent of Ranong, to Superintendent of Kathu; Col Sompong Boonrat, Superintendent of Takua-Tung, Phang-Nga, to Superintendent of Karon; Col Chanuchan Cholsuwat, Superintendent of Koh Yao Police Station, to Superintendent of Thalang; Col Noppadol Thiraprawat, Superintendent of Takuapa, Phang-Nga, to Superintendent of Chalong; Col Kraitong Jantongbai, Superintendent of Tab-Put, Phang-Nga, to Superintendent of Phuket Town; Col Somkid Boonrat, Superintendent of General Staff Division 5, Region 8 to Superintendent of Investigation

Division, Phuket Province; Col Songwoot Khunjan, Inquiry Official, Advisory Level, Surat Thani, to a similar post in Kathu; Lt Col Jakra Saowakon, Inquiry Official, Senior Profession Level, Koh Samui, to Inquiry Official, Advisory Level of Investigation Division of Phuket Province. There will also be three moves within Phuket’s Immigration police: Col Prapansak Prasansuk, Superintendent of Phuket Airport Immigration moves to be Chonburi Immigration Superintendent. He is replaced by Col Suppachoke Yongstar, currently Deputy Superintendent of Chiang Rai Immigration. Col Krisadakorn Klinkesorn, Deputy Superintendent of Phuket Immigration, will move to Superintendent of General Staff Division 8 in Immigration HQ in Bangkok. Barring further adjustments the moves were all to take place yesterday (January 15) as part of the nationwide migration.

Patong road repairs will be done by month’s end: Mayor REPAIRS TO BROKEN AND displaced storm-drain grates throughout Phuket’s prime beach town should be finalised by the end of the month, while key, inactive traffic lights will also be activated for pilot, Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsab has announced. Patong Mayor Chalermlak Kebsab told The Phuket News on Friday (January 9) that grate replacements and adjustments along the Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd – the prime traffic artery that runs in front of Jungceylon Shopping Centre – will conclude repairs carried out along various routes throughout Patong over recent months. Meanwhile, she advised drivers using Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, Sai Nam Yen Rd and Phang Muang Sai Kor Rd to continue to be cautious and patient with ongoing roadworks and drainage upgrades. Currently, many sections of Rat-U-Thit Rd 200 Pi Rd – starting from the centrally-located shopping centre and heading south all the way to the three-way junction where the road ends and meets Prachanukroh Rd (near the Coconut Village) – have been reduced from two lanes to one lane, to allow room for

Traffic currently has to dodge around work on drain openings. the grate work to be completed. The sections in repair have been marked by construction barriers and orange, handwritten signs to denote caution. “We have been working on [improving] every route in Patong, which many vehicles depend on. The storm-drain [maintenence and repairs] will be finished soon,” she assured. The grate repairs are among several measures that municipality officials hope will improve traffic flow and safety, as well as drainage efficiency, and thus reduce flooding by next rainy season, midyear. “During the ‘low season’ we could not do much because there was a lot of rain. And now, in ‘high season’ there is little-to-no rain but lots of people around. It’s [grate

repairs] almost finished.” Mayor Chalermluck added that from January 20, authorities will start to activate and monitor several inactive traffic lights throughout town, which had only been shining yellow lights, contributing to much traffic confusion. Traffic lights to get initial priority are those at junctions along Pung Mueang Sai Kor Rd – the route that passes Kathu Police Station, Patong Hospital and the back of Jungceylon Shopping Centre. Mayor Chalermluck added that once the traffic lights have been activated, authorities will monitor traffic at the junctions closely to determine the optimal timing for colour changes, and adjust accordingly. thephuketnews

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Jet-ski operators complain about invasion by ‘pirates’ Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

he head of the Bang Tao jet-ski Club, Surachai Yomlee, has complained that unlicensed jet-ski operators are operating from Bang Tao beach, and have been since November last year. He has also accused “some officials” of colluding with them.

He said that even though he has sent letters and reports to the Phuket Marine Office and Cherngtalay Police, no action has been taken. “There are around six or seven jet-ski operators hiring out jet-skis without licenses. Whenever officers from the Marine Office come to check, the operators always disappear. “We believe there are some

people in the Marine Office colluding with these illegal jet-ski operators,” Mr Surachai told The Phuket News. “If we hold a valid license but others can operate without them, why should we renew our licenses when they expire?” he asked. He added that last year, some of the unlicensed operators were fined B10,000 for operating without licenses,

but following the fines they all obtained valid paperwork. “The unlicensed operators that have now appeared should follow their example,” he said. “We had an agreement with the previous governor [Maitree Intusut], that the maximum number of jet-skis on Bang Tao beach should be 40. “However, if more operators are allowed, there

will be more and more, and the management of the past will be useless. Everything will go back to how it was a decade ago.” “The Marine Office is trying to make the new unlicensed operators legal and put them in our group, but we disagree,” he said. However, Puripat Theerakulpisut, Chief of the Phuket Marine Office, denied this.

He told The Phuket News that the Marine Office has never asked the Bang Tao jet-ski Club to accept more members. Officers are trying to arrest the unlicensed operators but the club has to be more patient, he said. “We have never asked them to increase the number of members, and we are trying to catch the unlicensed operators.”

Lucky escape for motorcyclist clobbered by sideways car A WOMAN WAS RUSHED TO hospital on Saturday (January 10) after a car smashed into her motorbike while she waiting at the traffic lights at the Ketho intersection in Kathu. At 11:30am, Thung Tong police were called to the scene to investigate the accident where they found a Toyota car laying on its side. The motorbike driver, Nown-

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anong Pongjareon, 36, was sent to Vachira Phuket Hospital with a broken leg. According to nearby witnesses, Samita Khawkitpaisan, 57, the driver of the white Toyota, slammed into the back of the motorbike at the traffic lights, which caused her car to flip onto its side. Police questioned Ms Samita at the scene.

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Phuket scrambles to dodge EU red card on seafood exports Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

he Phuket Fisheries Office is scrambling to fix irregularities in the island’s fishing industry by the end of this month, following a warning by the European Union (EU) of trade sanctions if illegal fishing is not curbed. The warning came at the end of October last year, with the EU telling Thai representatives in Brussels that more needs to be done against unregulated and unrestricted fishing off Thailand. “We know about the warning,” Narumol Eakpach, Fisheries Officer Specialist, told The Phuket News, “and we are trying to control boats based at all 14 fishing piers around Phuket. “We have been talking with the boat operators since the end of last year to encourage them to register their crews and to remember to extend the licenses for their boats. “We have also warned them that we will arrest them if illegal crew members are found on board.”

This serene view of fishing boats belies the chaotic nature of the industry. Photo Colin and Sarah Northway. The EU’s “yellow card” was delivered by the EU Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, warning Thailand that it must take action to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing. It was followed on October 28 by another message from the EU Office of International Agricultural Affairs to the Thai Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, warning that if measures to control IUU fishing are not improved

within three months, Thailand’s seafood exports to the EU will be blocked. The bar on imports of Thai seafood to the EU – the world’s biggest importer of such products – would result in loss of revenue to Thailand of about B21 billion a year from the 190,000 tonnes exported each year to Europe. The EU regulations are by no means toothless; Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Guinea have already received red cards. Ms Narumol admitted that

there is a problem regulating the thousands of foreign workers working on fishing boats. Many are registered with the labour office and hold work permits, but not for crewing on the boats they are on. “They keep switching from one boat to another. After they get paid they just jump to another boat. It is a problem identifying and keeping track of them all.” However, she said, progress has been made in the past two

weeks by a special team set up to check on illegal crew members. “We understand the importance of measures to control illegality. The team, which includes Marine Department officers, Marine Police officers, Fisheries officers and Royal Thai Navy agents are carrying out monthly checks above and beyond the normal checks that we make. “We have found that 90 per cent of crew are foreign work-

ers, mostly Burmese, and some of these are still not registered to work on the boats but the situation is getting better now. “More of the workers are registered and when we checked two weeks ago all of the boats are registered.” For the boat registration, the officer expressed her confidence that the cooperation of all sections can control the pirate fishing boats. “Pirate [unregistered] boats will be detected at check points before they sell their catches. We will give [the owner] of any boat with an expired license a year to get licensed. “But this will not protect them from legal action. If [unregistered boats] are arrested at a checkpoint somewhere, they will be punished. After one year, if they are still not registered, they will be barred permanently from fishing. “We have also sent officers to all fishing piers to explain to boat operators that they must report details of the catches they sell. This is very important for quality control and will benefit the overall image of Thai fisheries,” she explained.

Probe begins into second sea gypsy village problem Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

A DISPUTE OVER LAND OWNership between sea gypsies on Koh Sireh and a businessman must be sorted out by the Thai New Year, Gen Surin Pikulthong, chairman of a special national committee looking into such matters, said while visiting the sea gypsy village in December. The sea gypsies are currently in a court fight with “a businessman” who claims to own the land under the village and a Chanote land

paper for 90 rai of land to back his claim – a situation very similar to the ongoing battle over the sea gypsy village in Rawai. That battle has involved highprofile investigations by the Department of Special Investigations and renowned pathologist Dr Porntip Rojanasunan. After looking around the village on Laem Tukkae, Gen Surin told The Phuket News, “I am here to collect information and to look at the area for myself. “From looking at the villagers’

cemetery and the coconut trees we should be able to get a picture of how people lived in the past, and we have done individual interviews to compile family trees. “If they tell us that they have been living here since 1959, [the old people] should also be able to tell us what the area was like back then, and whether the land was mangrove forest. “Since 1955, the businessman says, he has owned the land in this area to grow coconuts. We have to check whether there was a coconut

plantation of 90 rai in 1959, and compare this with the busnessman’s original information. “If [the sea gypsies say] there was no coconut plantation, we need to prove it by digging up the soil next to the Chanote land. If it was a mangrove forest, we should be able to tell from the soil. “However, if the evidence proves that the Chanote held by the investor is legitimate then we will need to find a place for the sea gypsies to live.” When asked when this investi-

gation will be complete, Gen Surin said “Everything must be finished by Songkran.” “We need to be straightforward. I will ask the Land Department to check the Chanote, when it was granted, and also examine pictures from the past”. The head of the village, Opas Jitpan, told The Phuket News “I think the investigation will end in a good way because we have evidence, but we need to check it again. “However, we will never move out.”

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Gov to crack down on work camps, developers’ excesses Nattha Thepbamrung

reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

ollowing the riot between Burmese and Cambodian construction workers in the work camp at Phuket International Airport on New Year’s Day, Governor Nisit Jansomwong is to set up a team to check conditions in all work camps around the island. At a meeting last Friday (January 9), of the provincial committee that approves development projects, he said, “After the case … at the airport camp, I visited the site and found that the worker’s camp … like other [similar] sites, lacks hygiene and safety. “There are 1,500 camps across the island in each of which there are between 20 and 2,000 people living together. “Developers of housing projects have to be more concerned about workers’ safety, cleanliness and hygiene. “These people stay here longterm and live among us, so there is a risk of epidemics of disease when they live like this.”

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Part of the massive work camp at the airport. Most accommodation for construction workers on Phuket is like this, or worse, prompting the Governor to worry about outbreaks of disease. The inspection team would be established in a matter of days, he said. The Governor also told the committee that it must look more strictly at the location and history

of land being developed. “I’ve heard of many cases of wetlands and tin mine lakes being filled in, which is illegal. “You have to make sure that there is no problem over the land

before approving a housing project. “Also, if the land is being filled legally, make sure that the infill comes from a legal source, not from a hill [where excavation] will later cause landslides.

“And construction must not block natural drainage, which will cause floods in the area,” he stressed. He also told the committee to be very careful about approving housing projects by companies that already had developments elsewhere that are not yet complete. “There have been complaints to the Damrongtham Centre from buyers who could not get their money back from developers [whose projects failed]. We have to protect them from the beginning. “This is not just about individual buyers. It also has implications for the national economy. Such situations could result in banks suffering from non-performing loans, which in turn could bring about an economic crisis.” The tom yam gung Asian financial collapse of 1997 was triggered in large part by overextended developers in Thailand who could not repay loans to banks. As a result, by 1999, Thai banks were saddled with massive unpaid debt equalling half of all the loans they had made.

Opinion 10 OPINION

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DALIA HILMI News Editor

Legitimizing land claims

ice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuttirak’s com ment a r y last week on public land encroachment spotlights a long-running ordeal in Phuket, involving not only the mismanagement of public and natural resources, but an underlying class struggle. Worryingly but not surprisingly, (see News page 4) V/ Gov Somkiet highlighted the fact that local authorities don’t actually know how much of Phuket’s public land has been encroached upon. In Phuket, the term “land grab” has long been synonymous with “real estate acquisition”. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, ancestors of many of the island’s most powerful landlords of the present day began to accumulate what would become the island’s prime real estate – often on little more than a

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“might is right” claim basis, if not through temporary landuse titles, later converted into full chanotes on questionable grounds. V/Gov Somkiet’s appeal for the land office to shed more light on the document mess today is a much needed step in the right direction. However, his suggestion – that occupiers of encroached land who are poor and claim to have been living on state land for generations, should just be given the land – needs scrutiny. It is true that many people occupying public spaces are legitimately poor – farmers and homesteaders, raising families on meagre incomes, and with nowhere else to go. However, The Phuket News is confident that any basic survey of Phuket’s “public communities” would unveil – as has been found along beaches and national parks – that much

of the land in question is not claimed by poor people, but by entrepreneurs sitting on “low-entry” investments, if not second or third homes. Indeed, many of the real poor people you find in these communities acquired the “right” to occupy the land from a landlord, who either lives somewhere else, or claims multiple public plots, for the purpose of sale and lease. The Phuket News agrees with V/Gov Somkiet that you cannot just start pushing poor people off land. However, comprehensive and transparent surveys need to be carried out to ensure that people making claims are indeed in need. And if any titles are issued for occupied public land, they should only be of the SorPorKor and SorTorKor categories, which would ensure (barring corruption) that the land could not be sold off or upgraded to full chanote.

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editor1@classactmedia.co.th Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

EDITORIAL

Driving backwards is easy Re: Big changes made to driving test system I called Chotima, they said the cost of the course is 6,000 THB! So, now we can all see what is really going on here! Meanwhile at the PLTO: two full days for a 4 hr driving video and short test? You got to be kidding me! Two full days? jsrit Silly Thailand... this really won’t matter at all, because most people will continue to “buy” a license without going through all that silly learning stuff. My girlfriend and all her friends have never taken a lesson or a test, and I certainly haven’t – that is why Thailand has one of the worst driving safety records on the entire planet. Ed Sanders

Do you want us to stay or not? Re: Phuket Q&A: When will beach chairs make a comeback? Can someone please explain where we as long term tour-

ist can get our say in regards to the beach issue. I just read that ten percent of the beach will be used for venders and if you bring your own umbrella it can only be set up on that small 10percent of the land. Seriously this is messed up. Then another article said that Phuket will be trying to attract older senior tourist. No place to sit,no shade no food. I am at a loss. derngt

figure out its own laws and rules. And also typical, the wealthy owner just gives the big “Up Yours” to Thai officials and continues doing just as he wants. This is the kind of stuff that continues to lead this place right down the crapper. Greedy people and incompetent and corrupt government. The rest of Thais just sit back and watch it happen in front of their face without saying a word. Ed Sanders

Whip em’ like the Seth Efrikans do

Have fun with your number magic

Re: Phuket gun teens under investigation after Facebook posts I think this place needs a bit of South African style policing... gun these punk thugs down before they kill innocent people while robbing them for beer money. These kids are trash and will never amount to anything except trouble. Ed Sanders

Re: 2015 tourist arrivals expected to reach 28.36 million Hi, as an expat resident I know at least 10 couples (mostly older retirees) who will not come anymore next season – 2015/2016. Good luck with your forecast! Beach Lover

Who’s in charge here, really? Re: Disappearing lake case caught between two laws Typical Thailand, can’t even

Mess message for the mayor Re: An open letter to the Mayor of Patong. This is my first visit to Patong. The beach is lovely but what a mess. Every morning I run

down it and it is littered with rubbish., especially from takeaway food shops. Your town is big enough to employ a squad of men to walk down the beach with bags every morning to pick up the rubbish. In addition there are plastic bags blowing into the sea. Turtles eat these thinking they are jelly fish and then die a horrible death. Do something about the rubbish situation or I and many other visitors will not return to spend our hard earned money here. Ron Hall

Not seeing your land logic, v/Gov Re: Give encroached land to the poor – Phuket vicegovernor Give encroached land to the poor – Phuket vice-governor => Then the poor will be rich and no end in view... Hopeless Charlie What planet is this man from? The best land on the island and give it away for free, pure insanity... They are breaking the law, what more do you want? Do your job, that’s what you are paid to do. Paddy

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THAILAND NEWS 11

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Japan to get three choices for dual-track rail projects T

he government will present Japan with three options for investment in double-track railways during Prime Minister Prayut Chan-Ocha’s visit to Japan next month. The issue is among the main topics for discussion between Gen Prayut and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe when the premier travels there between Feb 8-10, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said. The discussion will involve the development of doubletrack rail lines using 1.435m standard gauge in Thailand. ACM Prajin said Japan will be presented with three routes to choose from. The first is the Mae SotPhitsanulok-Khon Kaen-Mukdahan route covering 770km. A second 339km-route is from Kanchanaburi’s Ban Phu Nam Ron via Bangkok to Rayong’s Mab Ta Phut. The Kanchanaburi-Rayong route will be the gateway for goods moving from the

Dawei industrial zone in Myanmar to Rayong, where there is a deep-sea port serving the Pacific Ocean, ACM Prajin said. The third route, covering 653km, is from Bangkok to Chiang Mai. ACM Prajin said it is likely Japan will choose the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route, which has greater potential to materialise before the other routes. He said if the Thai and Japanese leaders agree on investment, the next step will be for the two countries to sign a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on a government-to-government basis, the minister said. He said a joint working group will then be set up to study details of the route and the investment. According to a source at the Japanese embassy in Bangkok, a Japanese delegation, including ambassador Shigekazu Sato, met ACM Prajin at the Transport Min-

Dual-track railways is one of many issues for discussion between Gen Prayut and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe next week. istry Tuesday (January 13) to discuss the railway project. But details of the discussion were not disclosed. Representatives from the Japanese government and the Transport Ministry had twice discussed joint cooperation on the development of a doubletrack rail route in Thailand. However, negotiations stalled

Foreign Business Act remains intact THE COMMERCE MINISTry will not amend the Foreign Business Act (FBA) to more strictly control foreign management in local businesses, in order to keep Thailand attractive to foreign investors. Pongpun Gearaviriyapun, director-general of the Department of Business Development, said on Tuesday (January 13) that the department concluded the FBA should not be changed this year, to comply with the government’s intention to attract more foreign investment to the country. The department based its conclusion on reactions from government agencies and business representatives in late last year. Earlier, it had been proposed to amend the FBA to look into the actual roles of foreign management, apart from their official shareholding structures, to prevent them from overly dominating businesses in Thailand. Mrs Pongpun said Commerce Minister Chatchai Sarikulya agreed with the decision to leave the law intact as it is. In addition, the Department of Business Development will no longer require that the forming of financial institutions, banks and insurance firms must @thephuketnews

Foreign investors attend a meeting with the Department of Business Development, which sought their opinions on proposed amendments to the Foreign Business Act, in November. (Photo by Thanarak Khunton) seek approval from the Foreign Business Board. Other laws and authorities already controlled the establishment of those businesses, Mrs Pongpun said. However, the Foreign Business Board would retain its authority to approve or deny the

formation of related businesses of financial institutions, banks and insurance firms, such as leasing businesses, she said. Mrs Pongpun denied the ministry had been pressured into its decision by foreign investors. Bangkok Post

after the Japanese government was dissolved ahead of a national election, and talks were suspended until a new government was recently formed, ACM Prajin said. He said the permanent secretary at Japan’s Ministry of Trade, Economy and Industry met Thai officials to discuss rail projects.

ACM Prajin said Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith will be among Gen Prayut’s delegation to Japan. The minister said construction of the three routes is part of a master plan to develop the rail transport system initiated in July last year by the National Council

for Peace and Order. Thailand and China last month signed an agreement to construct a 734km Nong Khai-Nakhon RatchasimaKaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut route, and a 133km Kaeng Khoi-Bangkok route. China would finance the projects with around 350 billion baht. ACM Prajin said South Korea also expressed interest in investing in a 1.43m dual-track railway, though the government has not indicated which route. ACM Prajin said the government has no policy of only granting one country the rights to construct all doubletrack rail routes, adding that the government is ready to cooperate with any countries showing an interest. A source at the Transport Ministry said after Thailand signed the railway development deal with China that both Japan and South Korea were unhappy and approached the government for a similar deal. Bangkok Post

12 ASIA NEWS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Singapore tightens anti-graft measures after scandals PRIME MINISTER LEE Hsien Loong has unveiled stiffer measures against corruption after highprofile graft scandals in the last two years that have tarnished Singapore’s reputation for clean government. Lee said a one-stop corruption reporting centre will be set up, the manpower of the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) will be increased and procurement laws will be reviewed. Singapore fell two spots to seventh place in global watchdog Transparency International’s 2014 index of perceived corruption released last month, but it was still ranked as the cleanest Asian country. Denmark topped the list. “We can guess and surmise that it could have something to do and must have something to do with the high profile cases that we have seen in the last couple of years,” Lee said in a speech to civil servants posted on his Facebook page late Tuesday . The CPIB was rocked in 2013 after a senior official, Edwin Yeo Seow Hiang, was found to have misappropriated Sg$1.76 million ($1.3 million)

wor th of gover n ment funds to finance his gambling habit. The same year, Peter Lim, former chief of the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), was jailed for six months for receiving sexual favours from a female executive of a supplier company in return for business advantages. The former head of the narcotics police was cleared of similar charges after a trial that captivated Singapore with its lurid details of sexual liaisons. Smaller cases of irregularities involving procurement have also surfaced over the past two years. “These cases hurt our reputation – they hurt our reputation with Singaporeans, they hurt our reputation internationally,” Lee said in his speech. Large-scale graft cases remain rare in Singapore, a thriving business hub and financial centre, and the government has jealously guarded its reputation for being among the least corrupt in the world. Singapore pays its civil servants some of the world’s highest government salaries in what it says is a deterrent to corruption.

This picture taken on September 17, 2014 shows young Uighurs resting near the Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, farwest China’s Xinjiang region. Xinjiang, home to some 10 million of China’s Muslim Uighur minority, with its vast mineral wealth and billions of dollars of investment, analysts say much of the proceeds have flowed to Han Chinese, stoking resentment amongst many Uighurs. AFP PHOTO/GOH CHAI HIN

China arrests Turks, Uighurs in exit scheme C hina has arrested 10 Turkish citizens and nine Uighurs over a plot to smuggle the members of the ethnic minority – including a wanted “terrorist” – out of the country, a state-run newspaper reported Wednesday (January 14). Uighurs, who number around 10 million in China’s violence-wracked Xinjiang region, are a Turkic-speaking and mostly Muslim ethnic minority who have long chafed under Chinese control. According to the Global Times newspaper, police made the arrests in November after the nine Uighurs tried to leave China from Shanghai Pudong airport using altered Turkish

passports. The 10 Turkish suspects had entered China on the original documents, then had them altered and sold nine of them to the Uighurs for 60,000 yuan ($9,680) each, the paper reported, citing authorities in the financial hub. Two members of China’s Han ethnic majority were also being held, said the paper, which is close to the Communist party. One of the Uighurs was a “wanted” terrorist, and terror-related videos as well as recordings “meant to incite discrimination and ethnic hatred” were found on some of the suspects’ phones, the report said.

It added that the suspects cited Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan among their planned destinations. Shanghai police and the Turkish consulate in Shanghai declined to comment on the case, while the Turkish embassy in Beijing could not be contacted. Beijing has blamed a series of recent attacks on violent separatists from Xinjiang, where information is often difficult to verify independently. Such attacks have grown in scale and sophistication over the last year and have spread outside the restive region. In March, knife-wielding assailants killed 29 people and wounded more than 130

at Kunming train station in Yunnan province, in an attack blamed by officials on separatists from Xinjiang and dubbed “China’s 9/11” by state-run media. Rights groups accuse China’s government of cultural and religious repression they say fuels unrest in Xinjiang, which borders Central Asia. There was no explanation given for why the Uighurs sought to leave by air from Shanghai, rather than crossing a land frontier in their home region. Recent months have seen a series of reports about Uighurs fleeing China, and Beijing has repeatedly put pressure on other countries to forcibly return them – regardless of any suspected terror ties. In September, Indonesian police said they had arrested four Uighurs suspected of being linked to the Islamic State jihadist group. The four had entered the country using forged Turkish passports, authorities said. Months earlier, in March, 300 asylum seekers were discovered by police in Thailand, saying they were Turkish but US-based Uighur activists identifying them as Uighurs. Many Uighurs say they routinely encounter discrimination in China, including in finding housing, employment as well as in applying for passports. AFP thephuketnews

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WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

AirAsia voice recorder recovered in wreckage

he cockpit voice recorder from the AirAsia plane that crashed into the Java Sea last month carrying 162 people was recovered Tuesday (Jan 13) and taken to an Indonesian navy ship, an official said. “The CVR (cockpit voice recorder) has been found and lifted from the sea,” said an official involved with the search, who requested anonymity. Divers had already retrieved the other black box, the flight data recorder, from the sea on Monday (Jan 12). The recorders hold vital information about the last moments of flight QZ8501, which crashed on December 28 as it flew from Indonesia’s Surabaya to Singapore, and will help investigators to find out what caused the accident. Meanwhile, AirAsia CEO, Tony Fernandes sent an email to all AirAsia online sunbscribers in which he states: “I wanted to reach out and thank you for the warmth and support given to all of us. Your messages of love and encouragement strengthen our resolve to be better. We will continue to provide updates as the investigation goes on. “Together with my 17,000 AirAsia Allstars, we ask that you join us in praying for the family members and loved ones of those on board QZ8501.”

The flight data recorder that was retrieved could provide a potential breakthrough in efforts to discover what caused the crash. The recorder, one of two black boxes containing vital information, was brought to the surface early in the morning, said national search and rescue chief Bambang Soelistyo, after a fortnight-long frustrating search hampered by bad weather. Soelistyo said it was found under the wreckage of a wing and added that divers were still hunting for the second black box, the cockpit voice recorder. Officials said Sunday (Jan 11) that strong ping signals from the black boxes had been

detected near an object believed to be the plane’s main body. Improved weather on Monday helped divers to retrieve the flight data recorder. It monitors data such as airspeed and heading, while the cockpit voice recorder stores radio transmissions and sounds in the cockpit. Both are located near the rear of the plane and designed to survive underwater. Indonesia’s National Transport Safety Committee said the recovered black box would be sent to Jakarta for a lengthy analysis, to be carried out with French experts and Airbus. It would later be transferred for further analysis to France, where the aircraft manufacturer

is headquartered. Flight QZ8501 crashed on December 28 on a short flight from the Indonesian city of Surabaya to Singapore. Indonesia’s meteorological agency has said stormy weather likely caused the Airbus A320-200 to go down but a definitive answer is impossible without the data recorders. Forty-eight bodies have been recovered so far, but the weather has hampered efforts to locate all the victims and the wreckage. S.B. Supriyadi, a director with the national search and rescue agency, said initial analysis of the wreckage so far recovered indicated that the plane broke apart on impact

Five years after horrific earthquake, cholera epidemic haunts Haiti FIVE YEARS AFTER AN earthquake demolished its capital, Haiti’s efforts to get back on its feet are still hampered by an epidemic blamed on the UN troops there to help. The United Nations has denied legal responsibility for the ongoing cholera outbreak that has killed 8,000 Haitians, but all scientific evidence points to poor sanitation at a peacekeeping base. Victims of the disease are attempting to sue for damages in a US court, but the United Nations and its donor states are hiding behind the legal immunity conferred on it by its founding treaties. In the meantime, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon will only admit that the United Nations has a “moral respon@thephuketnews

sibility” to help the Haitian people as they attempt to halt the spread of the disease. As Monday’s (January 12) fifth anniversary of the quake approaches, teams of Red Cross workers are going house-to-house to disinfect homes close to the latest death from the intestinal infection. In Carrefour, just outside the capital Port-au-Prince, they found a man suffering from the disease, a strain endemic to Nepal, the homeland of the UN troops whose base has been fingered as the source of the epidemic Treatment centers are set up and the World Health Organization is working with Red Cross to treat cases – around 9,000 last year, down from 200,000 in 2013. AFP

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with the water. “It exploded because of the pressure,” he told reporters in the town of Pangkalan Bun on Borneo island, the search headquarters. “The cabin was pressurised and before the pressure of the cabin could be adjusted, it went down – boom. That explosion was heard in the area.” The search has involved US, Chinese and other international naval ships. Supriyadi said many bodies were believed trapped in the cabin, so reaching that part of the wreckage was also a top priority. The tail of the plane, with its red AirAsia logo, was lifted out of the water on Saturday

(Jan 10) using giant balloons and a crane. It was brought by tugboat on Sunday (Jan 11) to a port near Pangkalan Bun. All but seven of those on board the flight were Indonesian. The bodies of a South Korean couple were identified on Sunday, but their 11-month-old baby remains unaccounted for. The other foreigners were one Singaporean, one Malaysian, one Briton and a Frenchman – co-pilot Remi Plesel. Their bodies have not been recovered. While the cause of the crash is unknown, the disaster has once again placed Indonesia’s chaotic aviation industry under scrutiny. Indonesian officials have alleged AirAsia did not have a licence to fly the route on the day of the crash, although the airline rejects the claim. Indonesia’s transport ministry quickly banned AirAsia from f lying the SurabayaSingapore route. On Friday (Jan 9) it suspended dozens more routes operated by five other domestic airlines for similar licence violations. Despite the disaster, analysts believe that Malaysiabased AirAsia – which has had a spectacular 13-year run of success – will overcome its first major reversal. AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Inheriting a property lease

IT CAN BE DONE IF THE LEASE IS WRITTEN PROPERLY that the lessee’s rights are of a purely personal nature to the lessor, that the lessor would not allow such rights to anyone else. The Article cites a Supreme Court of Thailand case that confirms this understanding of the law (Dika No. 1008/2537 [1994]); and we agree with that understanding. However, the law also recognises that this starting assumption may not be applicable in every case … “unless otherwise provided by the contract.” There was no such provision in the lease contract at issue in the Supreme Court case cited above; there was no “otherwise provided” option for the lessee to assign the lease to anyone the lessee wished without further consent from the lessor. The law allows that a lease agreement can provide otherwise. By entering into an assignment (“succession clause”, in the case of inheritance) in a lease agreement, the lessor surrenders the protection afforded to him under Section 544 of the CCC, which bars any third party not specifically chosen by the lessor from becoming the new lessee. The lessor agrees with the lessee that the right that he is providing to the lessee is not a personal right – they “otherwise provide” that the

lease is not “purely personal”, that the lessor does not need the law’s presumptive protection to control who possesses the property under the lease. In other words: With such a provision in the agreement, the parties “un-personalise” a lease and, therefore, make it inheritable. In closing it should also be noted that: The Supreme Court of Thailand has specifically agreed with our interpretation of Thai law as detailed above with regard to the inheritability of lease rights (see: Dika [Thai Supreme Court] Ruling no. 100/2531); and so has the Land Department of Thailand for almost 50 years now. The Department’s administrative regulations allow for the registration of transfer of real estate to an heir as the “new” lessee where the lease provides that the lessor and original lessee “otherwise agreed” that the lease would be freely assignable to the lessee’s heir (see: Land Department No: Mor Tor 0608/ Wor 6475: August 15, 1967).

AirAsia ‘will rebound fast’ after crash – experts

2015 tourist arrivals ‘will exceed 28m’

Jerrold Kippen Tax & Law Expert Duensing Kippen

ecently, our attention was drawn to an article in another newspaper which claimed that your lease rights in Thailand would be “buried with you”. This, it said, was because of the “fact that lease rights basically cannot be passed on to loved ones in the case of the lessee’s death”. The article claimed that an heir cannot inherit leased land (or for that matter, a villa or a condominium) because Thai law simply does not allow for it. Frightening, if true. But it is not. It is well known that ownership of land by foreigners in Thailand is restricted. Thus, a long-term leasehold is often the best option for a foreigner to invest in land. The article argued that if a lessee dies during the lease term, any heir of such a lessee is not legally entitled to inherit the remaining lease term. The provisions of the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (CCC) that regulate leases in Thailand are silent as to whether or not a lease may be inherited – they do not say it can, nor do they say it cannot. Thus, we need to look

UNTIL FLIGHT QZ8501 went down everything had gone right during a spectacular 13-year run of success for AirAsia, which unlocked a booming market of budget travellers in the region. And as long as no serious safety lapses emerge, analysts say the robust and media-

elsewhere, first to the provisions of law that regulate inheritance and then see how they apply to the provisions that regulate leases. Inheritance or “succession” is regulated by Section 1599ff of the CCC. Section 1599 of the CCC states, “When a person dies, his estate devolves on the heirs.” Section 1600 of the CCC then goes on to define the “estate” as follows: “Subject to the provisions of this Code, the estate of a deceased includes his properties of every kind, as well as his rights, duties and liabilities, except those which by law or by their nature are purely personal to him.” (Emphasis added.) The reason for this excep-

savvy business built up by the Malaysia-based group should help overcome its first major reversal. From immediately after the crash, AirAsia’s colourful boss Tony Fernandes publicly took responsibility, visited victims’ families, and vowed to find out what happened.

tion is that rights and duties always implicate the party on the other end of the deceased’s right and duty. If such a party agreed to grant a right or undertake a duty to the deceased, specifically with the intent of doing so with that particular person alone, that right and duty is “purely personal” and should not be given to or put upon an heir. Therefore, in order to be inheritable, a lease must not be a “purely personal” right. If we then turn to how this applies to leases, the law itself does not define a lease (or what the law refers to as a “hire of property”) as a “personal right”. However, a lease can, in

Such actions are critical in restoring trust, experts say, and stand in stark contrast to Malaysia Airlines’ fumbling, tight-lipped handling of the still-unsolved disappearance of Flight MH370 last March with 239 aboard. “This is an excellent case of a crisis being handled well,

some instances, be interpreted as being “purely personal” by the nature of a given lease transaction. Lessors surely have an interest in who leases their property. This is why apartment owners, for example, screen their potential lessees before entering into an agreement with them. They want to ensure that the person they choose will handle the property with care. This is recognized by the law. Section 544 of the CCC provides that: “Unless otherwise provided by the contract of hire, a hirer cannot sublet or transfer his rights in the whole or part of the property hired to a third person.” Thus, the law assumes

to show your customers that things are being taken care of in a hands-on manner, and that the executives are not just sipping their coffees in a cosy office,” said Daniel Tsang, an aerospace analyst with Aspire Aviation. Even if any safety lapses are pinned on the carrier, aviation analysts say AirAsia could mitigate the impact with an aggressive and public campaign to address shortcomings. AirAsia would need to “be

upfront about safety lapses, own up to error, lay out ways to avoid future [accidents], and move on”, said Terence Fan, an aviation expert at Singapore Management University. “Unless serious lapses at the airline were found, an airline typically bounces back in a few months in terms of traffic.” Taking to Twitter, Fernandes last week vowed all the facts will come out. “We never hide,” he declared. AFP

Duensing Kippen is an international law firm specialising in business transaction and dispute resolution matters, with offices in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand and over 100 affiliated offices in more than 50 other countries. Visit them at duensingkippen.com

A POSITIVE RECOVERY OF the country’s tourism sector has been forecast by the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) after “good signs” in the first quarter of 2015. TCT president Ittirit Kinglek stated that tourist arrivals in the first quarter of this year are expected to reach 7.55 million. He said the TCT forecasted last year’s tourist arrivals at 24.71 million, a decrease from the year earlier by 6.93%. But he expressed optimism that this year’s overall arrivals could reach 28.36 million, generating about B1.29 trillion revenue from foreign travellers and B800 billion from domestic tourists. The TCT president said the projection is viable given that the tourism industry is expanding without any disruption. Thai PBS thephuketnews

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BUSINESS NEWS 15

Resurrection of landmark hotel well under way Nattapat Tuarob reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

SGS director Barrie Buck (left) with managers Claire Ratcliffe and Russell D Russell.

SGS to launch training centre with free seminar WITH ITS TRAINING CENtre officially opening this year, Siam Guardian Services (SGS) will launch its accredited safety courses publicly on January 29 with a free seminar on safety. SGS opened in Phuket more than seven years ago, and has often offered safety training courses throughout. The new centre takes this service to a new level, however, with a team of certified instructors and a list of accredited courses, all aimed at increasing the safety and security of everyone in Phuket. SGS says the safety seminar will be an informational and interactive morning with internationally accredited keynote speakers, live K9 and first aid demonstrations, and opportunities for guests to join in, ask questions and see what the new Training Centre has to offer. Its offerings range from water-based rescue courses

to advanced driving skills, from customised intensive crisis management to security awareness, with a team of instructors that has a combined wealth of certifications and training experience. The Centre’s main focus is on the hospitality industry but SGS says that schools, tour operators and large firms can also benefit from the courses. The seminar will begin with registration at 8:45am. A brief introduction by SGS Director Barrie Buck will open the seminar at 9:15, followed by course information and demonstrations until lunch time. The seminar is free and includes lunch at the Khun Khao Hall at nearby Thanyapura. To register for the event and book a space contact training@ sgsphuket.com before January 21. SGS notes that space is limited so early reservations are recommended.

Pimex show ‘was a record breaker’ THE 12TH PHUKET INTERnational Boat Show (Pimex) presented by Thailand Elite came to a close on Sunday (January 11) after four busy days of deal-making at Royal Phuket Marina. Thousands visited the show daily, re-writing the record books. A record of more than 5,000 visitors – verified by an independent auditing company at the show – made Pimex 2015 the biggest yet. But for the organisers, numbers were only part of the story. “We’re very happy with the turnout, and with over 5,000 independently verified visitors this year it is one of the busiest show’s to date,” said Andy Dowden, Show Director. “However, our focus for Pimex goes beyond the num@thephuketnews

bers. Our focus is on attracting quality visitors … those who have purchasing power. “The feedback has been very encouraging. We expect there to be a lot of business done as a result of leads sourced at the show.” Following record numbers of 2,000 visitors on the first day, thousands of interested buyers from within Thailand and overseas each day enjoyed the offerings onshore and in the water. Confirmed sales at the show included real estate, products by Sea-Doo and Quadski, lots of interest in brokerage boats and with offers made, as well as contracts signed for newbuilds and luxury cars. Class Act Media, owner of The Phuket News, was media sponsor of the Pimex Show.

fter being left to deteriorate for nearly four years, the high-rise Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel, located in the heart of Phuket Town, is being refurbished to begin a new chapter in its life under new ownership and the management of the giant Accor hotel chain. The 17-storey property, one of three high-rise hotels in Phuket Town, was put on the market after the Thavornwongwong family handed it over to the bank in lieu of loan repayments. It was bought by investment house ACAP Advisory Public Co, which put it up for auction several times before a buyer eventually emerged at the end of 2013. That buyer was Phokeethra, a privately-held Thai company that already has the Sofitel Krabi Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort in Thailand, and the Sofitel Ankor Phokeethra Golf and Spa Resort, Siem Reap and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in Cambodia. The managing director of Phokeethra is Supachai Verapuchong who is also Deputy Managing Director of Thai Nakorn Patana, manufacturers of the popular pharmaceutical products Sara, Tiffy, Benda 500, and Anthasil. Mr Supachai also has a 50-50 partnership with Thai media company Kantana in Miga Media Co, which received a concession from the Cambodian Ministry of Defence in 1995 to broadcast VHF TV in that company. Mr Supachai was not available for comment on the Phuket Town hotel but The Phuket News spoke with

Contractor JBL has the renovation well under way. Accor’s South East Asia Public Relations representative, Vasu Thirasak. He was unable to say a great deal but did affirm, “One thing that is clear is that he has definitely chosen Accor’s management team to run the hotel.” Signs outside the site label the hotel as a Novotel – Accor’s four-star brand – but this is not a certainty, Mr Vasu said. “Until we know exactly what [the hotel] will end up being we cannot say what brand it will operate under. This is still in the negotiation process.

“Usually, if the owner of the hotel hires the management team of our brand, discussions

will have to take place between the owner and Accor̕s branding team about the design and architectural details.” He said he was not even sure yet how many rooms the refurbished hotel will have. When asked about the adjoining Thavorn Massage property, which was also handed over to the bank four years ago in lieu of loan repayment, Mr Vasu said he has no details about that yet. A Phokeethra representative said the company was not yet ready to give out any information about either property. The reopening of the hotel will mark Accor’s re-entry into Phuket Town. It was for some years manager of the Royal Phuket City Hotel, under its Novotel brand. The company has a major presence in Phuket, with 10 hotels and resorts under management. These are the Pullman Arcadia at Naithon Beach, the Novotel Phuket Karon Beach, the Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach, the Ibis Phuket Kata, the All Seasons Naiharn, and five properties in Patong – the Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, the Ibis Phuket Patong, the B Lay Tong MGallery, the Grand Mercure and the Novotel Phuket Resort.

16 WEIRD NEWS

THE BIG LIST Workplace Survival The workplace can be a hectic place sometimes, just ask these lucky people ...

Wood chipper: In January of last year, a wood worker in Washington state somehow recovered after becoming trapped in, of all places, a wood chipper. While most of Frank Arce’s body was shredded and destroyed, he was reportedly alert and spoke with reporters while at the hospital. A co-worker didn’t notice Arce had gotten inside the machine when he turned it on for 10 seconds. He suffered a collapsed lung, shattered ankle, shattered pelvis, broken ribs, bruised liver, and broken legs in the incident. Chainsaw: A 21-yearold Pittsburgh worker was standing on a ladder in order cut down a piece of a tree. He held his chainsaw neck high to knock off the remaining bit when it kickedback and chewed into his neck. The blade and chain became embedded 10cm deep into the neck muscle, above the collarbone, but it did not cut the carotid artery. It took three co-workers and seven paramedics to get him down safely with the chainsaw still inside his body. Somehow, he made a full recovery and was released from the hospital just days later. Iron rods: Two iron rods pierced through 20-year-old Anil Kumar’s body back in January 2011 in India when a truck loaded with the objects hit his delivery motorbike. The rods were 25–30 mm thick and pierced through part of his small intestines, lower part of the liver and pancreas. Still, after a four-hour operation in which a team of doctors removed part of his stomach, he made a full recovery. Air conditioner: A man in northern New Jersey back in 2010 made a full recovery after an air conditioner that fell from 15 storeys struck him in the head. Esidras Valles needed just one-hour in surgery and about 50 staples and stitches but he was still able to speak to reporters from his hospital bed following the incident. He was working on a roof in a building attached to a hi-rise when the 18kg object landed on top of him, which the 24-year-old said he didn’t feel. Metal bar: In August 2012, a five-hour-long operation saved the life of a 24-year-old Brazilian construction worker in what hospital workers dubbed as a “miracle”. The man was working at a construction site when a 1.8 meter-long metal bar fell from the fifth floor and impaled his skull. The object pierced Eduardo Leite’s hard hat, entered the back of his skull, and exited between his eyes. Amazingly, Leite made a full recovery and showed no negative affects after the operation.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Builder found six days after workplace plunge A Yang fell 20 meters and drank his own urine to survive.

chinese construction worker survived six days on his own urine after he broke his arms and legs in a fall. The 28-year-old tripped and fell nearly 20 meters at a building site in China’s Hunan province two weeks ago. The fall caused his cell phone to break in addition to shattering his limbs. “At first we thought he was off sick,” said his 32-year-old

co-worker Fai She. “We tried calling him but the phone was constantly off and by day four we thought he must have found work somewhere else,” She said. Six days later he was found by a passerby who heard his cries for help. “I had to drink my own urine for six days to stop myself dehydrating,” Yang told local media. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Canadian ghost town sold to a Chinese developer A GHOST TOWN IN CANada’s westernmost wilds has been sold to a Chinese real estate developer who intends to bring it back to life, according the realtor. China Zhong Ya Group Hebei Canada-China Co. beat out bidders from around the world, real estate agent John Lovelace said in a statement. The sale of Bradian, 230 kilometers (142 miles) north of Vancouver, closed on December 29, 2014. It includes 22 homes, vacant lots, streets and fire hydrants on 50 acres. “The company told us they plan to rehabilitate the town but I think they are prepared to take the time to plan everything out first,” Lovelace said. “That planning process will undoubtedly take considerable time.” The asking price was just under Can$1 million (B27.8

million). The actual sale price was not disclosed. Several Canadian towns have been put up for sale in recent decades after being abandoned following the closure of a local mill or mine. Others were levelled. In the 1930s, Bradian was home to workers from the nearby Bralorne gold mine but they and their families left after the mine closed in 1971. Then in 1997, a couple touring the region reportedly stumbled upon Bradian and decided to buy it, using it as

a summer retreat. But after their two children grew up, they decided to sell. The area offers good snowmobiling or skiing in winter or fishing, boating, swimming and hiking in summer. Lovelace said the sale to a Chinese group is indicative of a new trend involving foreign investors: Chinese buyers looking beyond condos and single family homes in Vancouver to invest in farms, ranches and other rural businesses throughout the province “and in this case an entire town!” AFP

Woman gives birth after one hour notice KATIE KROPAS GOT MORE than she bargained for when she went to the hospital room because of back pain. The 23-year-old from Weymouth, Massachusetts native was told by doctors that the lower back pains she was suffering from was indicative of something else: she was pregnant and going into labour. One hour later, Kropas gave birth to a healthy 4.5kg

baby girl. “I came in with lower back pain on Tuesday morning,” she told a local news station, “later that night they put me in for an ultrasound, they took one look and rushed me off into labour.” Kropas maintained that she was unaware that she was pregnant. “I started to feel like I had put on some weight but I had

been [thinking] maybe that was just Christmas,” she explained. A doctor at South Shore Hospital told local reporters that the incident isn’t as rare as it sounds. “Most people will say, ‘how could you not have known?’, but if you’ve never experienced it before they [pregnant women] don’t really know what they should be experiencing or feeling,” the doctor said.

Kenyan witch doctor fails to raise dead, villagers show their anger FU R IOUS K EN YA N villagers said they wasted a day waiting for a “witchdoctor” to bring a corpse back to life after he failed because he was too “tired”, a report said last week. Scores of villagers in Kenya’s southeastern Kwale district turned up singing and dancing to see the “miracle”, Kenya’s The Star newspaper reported Kanundu had boasted he had already brought five people back to life, and told the scores of villagers on Thursday (Jan 8) that he would resurrect the man who died in October 2013 “by sunset”. But villagers grew angry when nothing happened and Kanundu asked the crowd to wait as he was “tired.” “Tell us the truth,” the crowd shouted, according to the newspaper. “You should not be wasting our time here the whole day.” However, the dead man’s family said they believed the resurrection had been complicated by the fact the man had been “killed by a witch who hid his body” beneath a banana tree, the report added. AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

The dog that was bred for court ladies’ laps

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Siray Bay’s Italians and their food

PARTY PEOPLE PLEASERS

Spencer and Joe living the Mai Khao Dream last week. Photo: Dalia Hilmi

@thephuketnews

Beach Life Kings electrify Phuket> Page 11

2 PEOPLE

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Finnish director to lead next generation Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

innish Harri Haanpaa is the head of Film and Digital Media Academy at the prestigious British International School Phuket (BISP). Having only moved to Phuket just over a year ago, Harri has quickly worked his way up and introduced not only the students of BISP, but also the people of Phuket, to the creative world of film production. Inspired by some of the greats, David Fincher (Fight Club) and James Cameron (Titanic), Harri began his career in Finland where he ran his own film production company – “DreamMill”. The company originally was created in

1995, but kicked off in 2000. Soon after, a producer from Los Angeles called to offer him a job opportunity. He then spent the next eight months training to prepare for his big move to LA. He worked on Hollywood Express, a TV show about music, films, popular culture and celebrities. After two years, he returned to Finland, followed by a tour around Europe, continuing to produce and direct films, commercials and TV shows, while also developing his camera work and editing skills. Harri says that he still enjoys all the basics, including editing and producing: “I really enjoying guiding and teaching others, and being close to the directing side of films. “As a director, my mission is to make people shine i.e. whatever they’re doing... make them perform to the best of their ability.

“It’s quite similar to teaching, really, which is why I eventually turned this interest into a profession. So I then achieved a teaching qualification from Finland. “Teaching is like another form of media, and teaching here at the academy has been great. The students are actually really interested, and I feel like I am coaching them rather than teaching. You really learn who the passionate ones are.” Harri says one of his desires would be to go straight into producing and directing films with the students, but it’s important to “understand the basics” first. He said that it is crucial to let the students think on their own about what they’ve produced. “I try to let them think individually and have their own voice. What’s great about BISP is that they really believe in

this as well, and one of its aims is to allow the students to have a voice.” “I am surprised at how fast they [the students of BISP] are learning. Kids learn surprisingly well, if we let them do it. School is the centre of society and life.” So what’s next for Harri? While he continues to build his life in Phuket and teach at BISP, he also tries to encourage other professionals in Phuket to get involved in film events and groups. He also plans to develop his scripts and create more short films, as well as produce a quality TV series. Harri is keen to continue developing his skills and helping others. “My motivation is simple: to always produce better and better work.” To find out more or to get in touch with Harri, email him at harri@dreammill.fi

Amari Phuket holds fire drill training

ed by Mr Pierre-Andre Pelletier, Vice President and Area General Manager, South Thailand (top photo, front row on the right), Amari Phuket’s management team and other team members recently participated in a fire drill training that was conducted by Patong Municipality’s Fire & Rescue Department. The training followed the fire prevention standards of Thailand’s Occupational Safety, to develop the confidence of hotel guests and all hotel team members in firefighting. thephuketnews

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COMMUNITY 3

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Casino Royale, Phuket edition

You don’t have to travel to Vegas to try your luck!

ocal charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us is hoping for a “full house” at their upcoming event Casino Royale being held at the Pullman Phuket Arcadia on Saturday 7th February. The Monte Carlo themed evening features excitement and exhilaration as guests try their luck on gaming tables and enjoy entertainment and dancing, all in the name of a good cause. As always, the charity will deal out a fabulous spread of food, beverages and great prizes. To ensure the chips are stacked in your favour, make sure you bring along your generous spirit. Try your hand and you never know – you could hit the jackpot! All proceeds from the event will go towards funding PHBGTU’s English language education programme. Director of Operations for Phuket Has Been Good To Us, Tina Hall, is excited to be able to bring a new event to the island. “We strive to deliver the most innovative and high quality events and I think Casino Royale will be no different. This is an opportunity to experience something truly unique in Phuket.” You are invited to don your best Monaco outfit for this glamorous and

Foreigners: which jobs are we prohibited from doing? QUESTION: Dear Phuket News. My friend works at a bar in Patong and we are unsure of the exact rules that apply to foreigners. If he has a work permit, what is he allowed to do? His position is listed as manager, so does that mean he will get in trouble if he washes the dishes or cleans the windows? ANSWER: An officer at Phuket Immigration said, “Foreigners are allowed to work in restaurants, so long as they have a valid work permit. They must only do whatever the job is listed as on the work permit. They must have a non-imm category B visa, with a work permit. The owner of a restaurant/bar etc must ensure that he/she, and every foreigner, are covered.” A Phuket Provincial Employment officer said,“Foreigners can socialise with customers, but must not receive any direct payments for @thephuketnews

anything other than what their work permit says. If the foreigner brings the correct documents with them to immigration for advice, officers may consider other unusual duties. “In the past, we found some foreigners working illegally who were then prosecuted, so we suggest anyone that is confused by what they are allowed to do in the workplace, ask for advice at immigration.” The Alien Business Law (N.E.C. Announcement 281) lists various types of businesses that are prohibited for foreigners to do in the kingdom, which include: Agriculture (rice farming); accounting; hair dressing & beauticians; industrial and handicraft (rice milling/pharmaceutical manufacturing) and many others. For a full list of approved and progibited jobs, please visit immigration and the ministry of labour websites.

sophisticated evening. And of course, your poker face! Entry is by donation of B3,000, so to take a chance and join this Monte Carlo themed event please call 076 278 146 or email info@phukethasbeengoodtous. org. Don’t forget your lucky charm! This charity even has been approved by the Royal Thai Government. For more information on the work Phuket Has Been Good To Us does and how to get involved, please visit www. phukethasbeengoodtous.org or like the Foundations Facebook page at www. facebook.com/phukethasbeengoodtous.

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EDUCATION 5

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

HeadStart kid wins gold Sirikran Seangsalak (Aum), year 1B from HeadStart International School, took part in a Thai Academic competition in Krabi province. After coming first place and receiving the gold medal for ‘Storytelling’ in the Phuket round, Aum then continued to represent Phuket in the Southern Thailand round. Congratulations to Aum who received a Gold medal and came 6th place!

Tropical Writers Workshop returns

fter a successful November 2014 launch on Koh Phangan, the Tropical Writers’ Workshop is back – this time on the even more convenient and accessible, yet still stunning Koh Samui. This workshop will take place towards the end of high season, March 1–15, at Al’s Resort, located directly on Chaweng’s beachfront. Returning to teach key course modules are Joe Cummings, famed travel writer and currently the Editor-at-Large for Bangkok 101; Carl Heaton, founder of Web Courses Bangkok and web consultant for the United Nations; and social media innovator Adam Sharpe, former digital strategy coordinator for MTV EXIT. The high profile team will teach 12-hour courses including Travel Writing, Web Skills, and Social Media, respectively.

Course prices start at just B35,000 for a shared room, with private rooms available for B50,000, inclusive of 14 nights’ private accommodation at the beautiful Al’s Resort, full tuition, website domain and hosting, and much more. Individual courses can be purchased as well. For more information, please visit their website: TropicalWritersWorkshop.com.

Stop at the Lucky Dragon

he Lucky Dragon Learning Centre in Thalang are running a new “stop gap” programme. This is for international families, only in Phuket for a short time (weeks/months) who don’t want the expense/hassle of enrolling into an international school for a short time. They offer stop gap

@thephuketnews

classes at reasonable rates, so the children’s education doesn’t suffer. The centre currently have Australian, French and American students in the programme. In their other classes, they have Thai children and adults and are still running the “Thai conversation for foreigners” class. For more information, visit luckydragonenglish.com.

Australia’s Poncho Circus teach acrobatic tricks at BISP On Monday (January 5) British International School Phuket

welcomed the Australian-based Poncho Circus to campus. In a special Kids Acrobatics Course presented by the Mid-Air Circus Arts, BISP students learnt tumbling, group acrobatics, adagio, pyramids and much more.

6 TRAVEL

Thailand Elite relaunches at boat exhibition

hailand Privilege Card, previously known as Thailand Elite headlined as presenting sponsor at Pimex at the luxury Royal Phuket Marina from January 8-11, re-inventing itself as an exclusive club. The Phuket News went down to the exhibition and interviewed president of the club Apisit Chuenchompoo, who has been in his role for over a year. He says the purpose of the company is to provide and serve the high-end market as well as

lifestyle consumers. Its main goal is to provide the finest that Thailand has to offer into one unique package for honoured guests. Mr Apisit said, “I want to invite everyone to spend and enjoy themselves in Thailand.” One of the most popular privileges offered to foreign visitors who join the club are the visa privileges. With the help from a group of highly-trained service personnel, they will take care of all your entry visas, renewals along with an extended stay privilege that

The Thailand Privilege Card gives access to many Hua Hin restaurants.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Apisit Chuenchompoo (middle), president of Thailand Privilege Card. money alone cannot buy. The new launch is now more available to others, rather than just to lifetime members only. Regular clients and members may go online themselves and check what discounts are available. “More than 300 businesses offer the discount, including a number of shops, restaurants, cinemas, hotels, spas, hiring the Mjet (private jet which can also fly internationally), as well as renting/hiring boats,” Mr Apisit said. “We want to encourage expats, locals, investors, tourists, members of educational institutes, lifestyle consumers as well as celebrities and superstars, to stay long-term in Thailand. “We believe the member card will be a beneficial and appealing aspect of residing in Thailand.” As part of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this club has access to treatments such as special privileges at golf courses and medical facilities throughout the Kingdom. “Thailand Elite allows you to live like the Thai/locals, in the sense that it opens up doors for you and offers you an exclusive invitation into the delights of Thailand. It is the first government card in the world, so if you have a membership here, then

it means you are truly a member of Thailand. “It has grown to be so beautiful and serves all the members and their individual needs. Having a membership means you are a socialite of the high-end market of the world, we hope and expect more people to apply each month. “At least 20 to 30 new people continue to apply every month.” Mr Apisit says advertising and promoting is is crucial to informing other people about the club. Indeed the exclusive club may not be for everyone. But, Mr Apisit explains, “I just tell the truth of the product to everyone.”

The cards also gives access to the luxurious Casuarina Beach Restaurant and Pub. thephuketnews

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PETS 7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Imperial paws: Japanese Chin YOUR BREED

Jackie Perry editor@ classactmedia.co.th

They must consider themselves as being above working as an alarm dog as it befits their aristocratic heritage!

(Center) the Japanese Chin is a small, squarish dog with an ‘oriental appearance’. (Far right) the dog has a large nose with big nostrils and a short muzzle.

n Japan the Japanese Chin is considered royalty. They were originally bred to sit upon the laps of ladies of the court in the Imperial Palace. This breed is an ancient one, confirmed by the many effigies to be found on old carvings in temples, on pottery and embroidery. The origins of this breed a clouded in mystery but there are many stories abound as to where it actually came from and is believed to have been bred as much as 1,000 years ago. The naming of the dog as “Japanese” Chin was done to separate them from their cousins – the Pekingese – though one wonders why it would be necesarry since Chins are always particoloured and have much finer bones and body than China’s Pekingese breed. Both of these breeds were guarded jealously by the Palaces and death was the penalty for anyone else owning one. The first Chins to be acknowledged as having left Japan were those presented to Commodore of the Navy Mathew C. Perry who led the American expeditionary forces that opened up the country in 1854 with the signing of The Treaty of Kinagawa. He took them with him on the long voyage home and opened up the breed to the rest of the world. The Chin is a small dog whose ideal height is 26 cm with weight of 1.8–3.2 kgs. The dog is predominantly white with black, lemon or red markings. The nose and eye rims will match the colour of the

Pet

markings. The eyes are always dark and they display, ideally, a little white on the inside corners which produces what is known as “the squint”. In general appearance, the breed is a small, square, well balanced, lively and very aristocratic dog with a very distinctive “oriental” appearance. The head is fairly large with a moderately broad skull, rounded in front and between the ears. The nose is large with big, open nostrils. The muzzle is short and well cushioned, the upper lips rounded on each side of the nostrils, jaw level and the chin juts up a little to give it that appearance unique to its breed. Well feathered, small ears are set high on the head and carried forwards. The Japanese Chin’s legs are straight

of the week

Curious Gabe This curious pig-tailed macaque is technically not a pet, but a domesticated animal

who lives freely on the island. Named by a local as Gabe, the monkey lives without restraint like thousands of his cousins, siblings, relatives, friends and enemies who call Phuket home. And like the rest of them, Gabe depends on humans for most of his feeding, which include surplus fruits and veggies from the local market, and whatever else is offered – willingly or accidentally – from his primate superiors, including junk food, bananas, coke, pepsi if it can be chewed and has a flavour, you can bet it’s in his favour. Want to see your pet here? Email photos to editor1@classactmedia.co.th @thephuketnews

with strong fine bone, well feathered right down to the hare-shaped feet. The tail is set high on a level back and is usually carried in a plume which hangs over its back. The coat is fine and silky and there should be a full “ruff” around the neck and on the chest and on the rear quarters. This breed is a delight to own. Charming and sweet but they do have a stubborn nature and can be difficult to train. However the Japanese Chin are normally scrupulously clean in their habits and wash themselves like a cat. They are very lively and playful but do not tend to bark. If they do it is very softly and only in extreme circumstances. They must consider themselves as being above working as an alarm dog as it befits their aristocratic heritage! Grooming is minimal. Just a wipe over of their faces after feeding to keep away smells which may be caused by food catching in their short “stops” above their noses. Check their eyes, clip their claws and use a pure bristle brush to give them a once over every day and that is that!

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Spagghetti and lobster... by the masters PREGO BY THE BEACH @ WESTIN SIRAY BAY J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

(Clockwise from top) chef Roberto Collini; Spaghetti and lobster; antipasto misto; green apple sherbert. Photos: JP Mestanza

he northern Italian village of Tione di Trento sits so close to Switzerland, you can basically hear the yodeling. With a population of just 3,000 people, it’s no wonder why Roberto Collini, Executive Chef at Prego by the Beach inside Phuket’s Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, started cooking at the age of 5 – it was a way to pass the time. The soft-spoken Collini learned the ways of proper Italian cooking from his family. At the age of 7 he made his first “creation”: pieces of chocolate rolled up inside a slice of salami he called chocolate salami. “In school, when it was play time, I played with the food,” he said with a laugh. The plate of Spaghetti alla Ragosta (spagghetti and lobster priced at B400) he served on this sunny Friday afternoon was the culmination of a lifetime of playing with food. It’s comfort food with tomato sauce made to perfection that pairs nicely with the soft, fresh lobster which was caught earlier that day in the waters off Phuket. The tender meat complimented the pasta in a way that pork, chicken or beef simply can’t.

SWISSÔTEL RESORT’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY BBQ BUFFET

There is a Prego Italian restaurant in every Westin resort around the world, but Phuket’s location recently went through a complete menu overhaul. That’s what happens when you have three Italians running the place. In addition to Collini, who joined the restaurant early last year, fellow “paisanos” Stefano Maccagno (Executive Assistant Manager) and Janet McNabb (Area General Manager of South Thailand) have all contributed in some way to the new menu. The result is authentic taste that’ll make you say “mama mia”. One of the highlights on the menu is the Antipasto Misto (B250), which has a variety of small appetizers: parma ham with melon, pickled vegetables, coppa, mortadella, salame Milano and caprese salad. For parties of two or more, the Antipasto Misto is a must since it’s light and includes something for everyone. The sparkle of the Siray Bay waters is a great backdrop for the meal and, between chomps of delicious mortadella, it’s easy to appreciate the stunning views. Right next to the dining area is the pool, which has a bar for guests to order and enjoy drinks during their swim. The sounds and views of paradise surround the Prego dining experience

and the best is yet to come. Saltimbocca alla Romana (pan fried pork slices with parma ham, mashed potatoes, and spinach priced at B300) was the highlight of the entire meal with juicy pieces of tender meat being the star of the show. The spinach was equally as soft as the mashed potatoes and had a similar consistency – a huge plus! “My concept is to give to the customers what I like to eat. I try to put my personal touch into all the dishes, it’s something more different for you,” Collini says. For me, “spagghetti and lobster” was all that I could think of for the rest of the day and night. After the meal, we bid adieu but not before I was told that the restaurant runs an all-you-can-eat pasta and pizza special every Saturday for only B550++ (kids 4-12 get 50 per cent discount). At such value, I made a mental note to come back soon. Prego by the Beach is located at the Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa at 21/4 Moo 1, T. Rasada at Siray Bay. It’s open everyday from noon–4:45pm for lunch and 5pm–11pm for dinner. For more information or reservations, please call +66 76 335 600 or email fb.phuket@westin.com

Located along Kamala Beach, the Café is offering a great, fulfilling and entertaining evening every Wednesday from 6 pm to 10 pm, for only B890++ or B1200++ with a glass of selected beverage. As a family friendly place, the restaurant’s buffet is free for children under 7 and only half price for kids aged 7 to 12! If you wish to sample from a selection of large river prawns, Andaman blue crab and mackerel fish, to be cooked right in front of you, come and join us. And while you’re here, why not start the night with a Ticket to the moon”, a special world class drink with a Tanqueray London dry gin, and prepared by professional bartenders. For reservations Please call 076-303000 or email: Reservation.Phuket@Swissotel.com

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 9

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Tai Chi to save your life HEALTH MATTERS

David Mioduski dgmio@msn.com.

This exercise is a complete and powerful healing system that can be used by anybody for any type of illness or problem, physical or mental.

Aside from it’s selfdefense applications, Tai Chi and Qi Gong have been practised for centuries because of its health benefits. Photo: Kevin Poh.

ai Chi and Qi Gong are both traditional exercises based on the theories of Chinese medicine, dating back thousands of years. The obviously profound effects are evident in the individuals who practise these techniques. The practise involves mastering the regulation and control of three parameters: external body movements (different postures and slow flowing dance-like movements), the breath, and the focus of the mind. By learning very simple techniques, one can gain access to self-healing. Many modern studies show how Tai Chi and Qi Gong can improve mobility and ease pain in the body, enhance the immune system by increasing ATP, oxygen capacity, and white blood cell counts, and initiate the release of serotonin and other neuro-endocrine regulating chemicals in the body, thus eliminating depression, anxiety, and other negative emotional states. The exercises are gentle and easy to do and can be learned by a wide range of individuals. The applications include enhancing the healing of serious chronic diseases as well as improving the peak performance of athletic and mental capacities. A compelling body of research emerges when Tai Chi studies and the growing body of Qi Gong studies are combined. Hypertension, cognitive disorders, osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, balance issues, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, shingles, self-confidence and low self-esteem issues are some of the well-researched conditions which show considerable improvements from Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Tai Qi Chuan is the external moving exercise stemming from martial arts applications of self-defence. The modern goal of Tai Qi is to build and circulate the internal and external energy in the body, and thus promote peace of mind, strength, and flexibility in the body. It is the ultimate self-healing tool. By learning to accumulate and move your energy around the body you can heal yourself and others. Qi Gong is like combining exercise with meditation and breath work. It can be an internal or external exercise, depending on which style you choose to learn. The internal exercise can be practised anywhere, in any body position: lying in bed, seated at a desk, or on an airplane, for example. You learn to become aware of and circulate your own internal energy, called “Qi” in Chinese traditions or “Prana” in Indian culture. This exercise is a complete and powerful healing system that can be used by anybody for any type of illness or problem, physical or mental. You will also learn to use it to help others. One session is enough to learn basic techniques that you will use and benefit from for the rest of your life. However, the deeper understanding and subtleties emerge after repeated sessions and prolonged practise. By using abdominal breathing you can learn to enhance your ability to focus and calm your emotions. When learning to circulate the energy in the “microcosmic orbit” along the meridians or energy lines of the body, you will learn about different major acupuncture points on the body and how to use them to correct your posture, relieve pain, enhance sexual function, build your immune system, and heal your internal organs. This is the best method to not only heal existing diseases, but most importantly prevent future diseases from evolving.

Santosa Wellness Center

With views of the Andaman Sea, the Santosa Wellness Centre features state-of-the-art facilities, the centre boasts a five-star raw and vegetarian restaurant, a juice and coffee bar, eight colon hydrotherapy rooms, a pavilion with an expansive range of healthy activities, a herbal steam sauna, and a plunge-style ice bath. santosaphuket.com @thephuketnews

Tai Chi practice during the day. Photo: Ruth Hartnup Many symptoms can be completely eliminated without any drugs or harmful western medical treatments. Acid reflux, indigestion, insomnia, chronic pain, weakness, headaches, dizziness, menstrual problems, addictions of drugs or overeating can all be improved naturally by learning and practising simple Qi Gong exercises. With instruction, from a properly trained and experienced practitioner of Chinese medicine, the exercises can be custom-tailored to individual needs. If you don’t like typical exercise workouts, yoga, or other types of wellness activities, or are limited by pain, self-image issues, excessive weight, fatigue, or general lack of inspiration, then

this could very well be your solution for learning a simple, effective tool to enhance your health. There is no basis or limitation from existing religious or other belief systems. These are very useful exercises which are well-grounded in scientific understanding and have a long history of proven success, being passed on from many generations in many different cultures. Tai Chi/Qi Gong classes are held at Santosa Detox & Wellness Center, 16/4 -5 Patak km. 2 Rd in Kata every Tuesday from 3pm–4pm. For more information, visit www.santosaphuket.com, call +66 76.330.600 or visit www.newworldmedicine.com.

10 ENVIRONMENT

Thai industry eyes Paris, ISO 14001

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Going off-grid in Phuket HAPPY HABITAT

THE GLOBAL SCALE

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

Jirawat Kuramorkanok jirawat_beer@hotmail.com

t a United Nations convention to be held in Paris in November 2015, the countries of the world will be asked to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to limit global temperatures to be near pre-industrial levels. Without further actions to reduce greenhouse gases, the Earth’s temperature is predicted to rise by 1.1 to 6.4 degrees by the year 2100, which would see more heat waves, less frost, less snow, more storms, stronger tropical cyclones and a rise in sea levels. Strategies enabling adaptation to changes in climate will play an important part in reducing the damages. Adapting to change will have its costs and the ability of different sectors, communities and countries to cope with climate change will vary widely. Thailand’s contribution in Paris will be made up of the responses by each of its main regions, and indeed, Southern Thailand. On December 19, 2014, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, of the Ministry of Industry, arranged a seminar in Phuket under the topic “Environment Policy with ISO 14001” Many businesses and business leaders were invited including small enterprises, hotel and hospitality companies, manufacturers and producers of many sorts. The seminar encouraged all manufacturing businesses to apply for

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

the standard, which would regulate factories to be more eco-friendly. ISO 14001 requires compliance with environment guidelines in the factory and also in the surrounding area – the discharging of wastewater into local canals, for example. Indeed waste is the biggest issue facing Southern Thailand and has to be tackled by all sectors. The application process will take about six months, the seminar was told. Once a factory has ISO 14001, there will be a follow-up checks every three years in order to maintain standard and quality. The all-day meeting was spent discussing the benefits of compliance with the standard and many technical matters were discussed and shared to help facilitate better understanding of the processes. With the strengthening of ASEAN, compliance across the region will improve the region’s capacity to engage in better business practices worldwide. ISO 14001 standard will form the basis of Thailand’s commitment to a high and consistence standard to the environment, which will be part of the Thai response to the Paris convention in 2015.

he First utility bill of the year came recently (for December, 2014), and it was the lowest I'd ever seen since moving to my mangroveside man-cave 10 months ago. Thanks to a few energy conscious lifestyle decisions, my latest grid-electricity bill amounted to a whopping B78 for just over three-kilowatt hours of inflated, off- the-beaten-path grid

energy. First, it should be noted that the electricity line running into the property is siphoned from the Soimaster's house at the front of the dirt lane some 300 meters away; as this community is technically off the official grid, the siphoned if not locally micro-generated electricity supplied to villagers is charged at between B20-24 per unit (one kilowatt-hour), compared to energy from the official grid in Phuket, which costs between B2-6 per kWh, depending on various factors (peak hours, private residence vs serviced apartment, promotional caps, for example). I gave the 13-year-old collector boy on a moped a B100 bill and couldn't be bothered asking for change, though I regret not asking for the hand-written receipt for keepsake if not to snap a photo to accompany this article; perhaps for next month's bill which I expect to be even lower. The truth is I've used much more than 3 kWh of electricity this past month. The 3kWh of electricity that I paid for was mostly consumed via turning on and off the AC220V, 15W fluorescent lights – on the porches, in two bathrooms, the kitchen and in my workshop. There was at least one occasion I recall plugging in the AC220V, 80W LCD TV to watch a movie with my son, and his mom plugging in her iPhone to charge a few times. Even so, I do have some doubt as to how accurate the make-shift meter actually is. In any case, it certainly is not spinning as quick and frequent as it's used to over the past year, for most of my energy requirements are now independently generated on site, thanks to affordable access to basic, domestic photovoltaic (PV) solar technologies and systems – solar panels, deep-cycle batteries, charge regulators and the respective direct current (DC) circuits. On any given working day, in which I'm home from work by 8-9pm and there through to the early morning, I estimate I use as much as 500 watt-hours (Wh). And, on a day off in which I'm home for a better part of the day, I might use up to one kWh. Thus, I reckon I've used some 15kWh from my own grid throughout the past month, but probably no more than 20kWh. Comparing this figure to my latest electricity bill, I can deduce that I’m currently 80-90 per cent off the Phuket grid. One year ago, it was opposite and I was 90-95 per cent on the grid.

Electricity from a solar panel (top) needs to be regulated using a controller (above) to charge a batter, power a load. In a near-future column, I’ll share with you an overview of my energy consumption for all my water pumping, lighting, cooling and multimedia, including rough calculations in watts, along with observations and other notes from my transition over the past year, and other challenges/steps I face in the near future. Oh, before I forget, in the last column I promised to tell you about the different types of solar panels on the market. This topic can be pretty technical and complex, and there is plenty of information on the internet explaining everything to the finest detail, but for this space, I’ll try to keep things simple. Basically, there are three types of PV solar panels you can find in Phuket or elsewhere in Thailand for that matter: 1. monocrystaline, 2. polycrystaline and 3. thin-film. Generally, monocrystaline panels are the most expensive, but also most efficient in terms of space-use and energy-conversion. Likewise, polyscrystaline and thin-film panels are cheaper, but less efficient, so they take up more space to achieve the same wattage of a monocrystaline panel. Thus, the most important factors to determine which panels are best for you are A)budget and B) space. If you have limited amount of space, but not worried about costs, then monocrystaline is better. But if you don’t have a big budget but lots of space, then you might want to consider polycrystaline or thin-film types. You will need to determine where you will place your panels – an area that gets the maximum amount of exposure to the sun being most ideal. Also, if you haven’t read my last article about calculating your energy needs, then be sure to catch up, and stay tuned for the next column, when I’ll share some of my own calculations. Watch this space. A version of this article first appeared in “A path to energy independence in Phuket: forming the foundations” published on the author’s blog, Siamerican.com

LOOKING FOR THE BEST

PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

ENTERTAINMENT 11

Beach Life Kings take on Phuket Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The pair have been playing at festivals and parties, including some of the most popular UK events.

(Above) Beach Life Kings promotional poster. (Inser) Joe and Spencer at the Maikhao Dream Villa Resort. Photo: Dalia Hilmi.

@thephuketnews

os Angeles-based electronic music duo Beach Life Kings recently flew to Thailand to debut their music to the Phuket public and The Phuket News was lucky enough to interview them. After being flown in for a twoweek DJ tour by the Maikhao Dream Villa Resort, the pair, Joe and Spencer, have spent their time developing their music, indulging in the culture and pumping up the crowds. The duo started off in London, England where they infused their individual musical tastes together and eventually met Kimberly Wyatt from The Pussycat Dolls. Soon they began to produce music with her in LA. The duo then signed to Chyme Records, which signalled the beginning of their exciting careers. The pair have been playing at festivals and parties, including some of the most popular UK events: Wireless Festival; the notorious Party in the Park; and T in the Park. Having worked alongside the likes of Molly from The Saturdays, Kimberly Wyatt, Roger Sanchez and many more, they have not only developed a distinct musical sound but also learned from some of the best and most popular artists in the industry. Their DJ style can be best described as a tropical flare with a house and groovy edge. Joe said, “We have a universal sound... something even your grandpa could listen to.” The name of their band simply represents their lifestyle back in LA. Having both

grown up near the beach, the pair used this as their inspiration. “You can listen to our music in a nightclub, or you can choose to listen to it at home...whatever you want,” Joe said. With a production company under their belt and experience working on various television programmes including appearances on live TV, it is no wonder the pair are making a name for themselves. “Doors are never closed, the industry always presents many opportunities. People will always be excited about music, especially discovering new sounds. Everyone has been so receptive to us. Especially since it’s our first time in Thailand,” Spencer said.

Their two-week visit was organised by the Maikhao Dream Villa Resort team who put them up in one of their luxurious rooms. Joe said, “This is honestly one of the nicest rooms I have ever stayed in.” Spencer was touched by how accommodating everyone was: “It’s like a home away from home, wherever you come from”. But they won’t be too sad to head back home, as Spencer was awaiting two of his singles to hit the Top 40 chart, while Joe continues to successfully take on the industry. Two powerful people, who collaborate both together and individually, can only lead to success. The duo definitely made their name in Phuket, and promised to be back.

12 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

(Left) Fitbark is a fitness tracker for dogs; (above) Activite Pop smartwatch tracks steps and calories; (below) Pixie Scientific smart diaper.

(Top) SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket during launch. Photo: SpaceX. (Left) SpaceX founder and CEO, Elon Musk, with the Dragon capsule. Photo: SpaceX

SpaceX fails in bid to recycle a rocket

paceX said Saturday it failed in a landmark attempt to recycle its Falcon 9 rocket, after the equipment collided with an ocean platform and broke to pieces. Still, the Californiabased company said the test was a step forward toward one day transforming the aerospace industry and making rockets reusable much the same as airplanes. “Rocket made it to drone spaceport ship but landed hard,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk wrote on Twitter. “Close but no cigar this time. Bodes well for the future tho.” Musk, a billionaire entrepreneur who cofounded PayPal and r u ns Tesla Mot ors, wants to reuse rockets much the way commercial airlines fly the same planes again and again. SpaceX hopes to open a new era in modern rocketry, which wastes millions of dollars after each launch when pieces of the rocket fall into the ocean after blastoff. Saturday’s experiment involved firing the rocket’s engine three times to guide the first stage to a landing spot about 200 miles (322

kilometers) off the coast of northern Florida. The landing site for the Falcon 9 was a powered barge floating in the ocean near the city of Jacksonville, Florida. This “autonomous spaceport drone ship” measures 300 by 100 feet (90 by 30 meters), with wings that extend its width to 170 feet. Since the launch took place in the dark, Musk said the team did not get good video images of the landing and impact. “Ship itself is fine. Some of the support equipment will need to be replaced,” he wrote on Twitter. “ D id n’t get go o d landing/impact video. Pitch dark and foggy. Will piece together from telemetry and... actual pieces.” SpaceX had some success with two previous attempts to make a controlled landing of the rocket in the ocean, slowing it to a hover before it splashed down. The launch’s primary mission was to send the unmanned Dragon cargo ship to orbit, and that went smoothly after two delays in recent weeks due to rocket problems. AFP

Outlook for 2015 CONNECTED

LIFE

Dana Blouin DTBlouin@yahoo.com

There is little doubt that IoT will have an even bigger impact on our day-to-day lives in 2015...

Dana Blouin is an expert in the field of the Internet of Things and connected devices. Follow him on Twitter @danablouin

he New Year is upon us. As I write this, the annual Consumer Electronics Expo is taking place in Las Vegas and the goings-on at the event are polluting my Twitter stream (@danablouin), not that I mind. I always enjoy reading news from CES and seeing what kind of technology is peeking its head out. Since I work in the Internet of Things space I keep my eyes open for any interesting connected devices and try to imagine how they will impact the market in the coming year. This year is no different in that regard, but the sheer volume of connected devices being put on display is staggering. The one thing all these devices, and services, all have in common is that they will augment our life in one way or another. Their common goal is to help us communicate with our devices and make actionable decisions based off of the data provided. That data could lead to vast improvements in quality of life through any number of factors; such as reducing

the amount of time it might take for us to perform a task, tracking our health, providing information for us to be more active or make adjustments in our diet. Many of these devices can even save us money by helping manage our energy usage at home or improve fuel economy in our vehicles. Judging by the enormous amount of connected devices we are seeing from CES this year, there is little doubt that IoT will have an even bigger impact on our day-to-day lives in 2015 than it did in 2014. With any luck, that will lead to some significant life improvements for many of us. Until next time, stay connected.

Surprises of Consumers Electronics Show 2015

ll eyes were on Las Vegas last week as one of the world’s biggest tech fairs, CES 2015, displayed the latest devices. Here’s what made us gasp:

goes on the market for less than US$2,000 later in 2015.

Oculus Rift

3D printed pizza

XYZ Printing's Food Printer makes cookies, pizza and even cakes. It's one of the biggest surprises so far. 3D system's CocoJet also makes desserts (mostly chocolate bars thanks to a partnership with The Hershey Company). The XYZ Food Printer

They're getting it right! All reports indicate that the virtual reality gaming device Oculus Rift has made unbelievable strides in their machine, which now includes “spatial audio” which tech blogs say makes it a gamechanger in the VR realsm. No indication yet on when the device will finally be available to the public.

Wearable drone

The Nixie is the world's first

wearable drone goes over your wrist like a bracelet. The whole point of this device is to take home photos/ videos when alone, but the device’s potential in other applications is enormous. No word yet on when the Nixie, which is also 3D printed, might go on sale.

Automatic belt

Belty improves upon the traditional belt by automatically adjusting itself around your gut whenever there is a

change. For example, Belty will automatically loosen when you're sitting down or after a meal, and then tighten when you stand. Comes in all sizes.

Bendy 4K TV

While we've already known about “flexible” TVs, LG's 4K OLED EG9900 is the first that lets users choose whether the device can flex FOR them. Buttons on the remote control allow the 77inch TV to either “flatten” so all in the room can see, or “f lex” for an intimate setting.

TOP MOBILE APPS THIS WEEK

TOP CONSOLE GAMES THIS WEEK 1

ust Dance 2015

Wii U

Pokemon Omega Ruby/ Alpha Sapphire

3DS

Dino Defender (Game)

Android

inFamous: Second Son

PS4

Super Smash Bros. for 3DS

3DS

SnoopSnith (Security)

Android

Assassin’s Creed: Unity (Bundle)

PS4, Xbox One, PC

Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Xbox One

Gismeteo (Weather)

iOS

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Grand Theft Auto V

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

FlashChat (Messaging)

iOS, Android

Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, 10 Xbox 360, PC

Dragon Age: Inqusition

PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC

Party Mixer (Music)

iOS, Android

thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL JANUARY 16, 2015

Boyhood wins big at Golden Globes, Oscars talk begins

oming-of-age drama Boyhood emerged triumphant Sunday at the Golden Globes, Hollywood’s biggest awards show before the all-important Oscars. The film won three Globes including the coveted best drama prize and best director honours for Richard Linklater at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Los Angeles. The pioneering movie – made over 12 years with the same cast of actors portraying a child’s growth to adulthood – also won a best supporting actress trophy for Patricia Arquette. “This was a very personal film for me ... and it means so much to us that people have seen it and responded to it in that personal way,” Linklater said. Dark comedy Birdman – which had started the evening with the most nominations at seven – and The Theory of Everything, about world-famous scientist Stephen Hawking, each took home two awards. The Globes give the winning films vital momentum just days before nominations are announced for next month’s Oscars, the climax of Tinseltown’s annual awards season. All three leading Globes winners – Boyhood, Birdman and The Theory of

Everything – are relatively low budget films, confirming a trend among the frontrunners in this year’s awards race. Birdman, about a washed-up film actor trying to revive his career on stage, took best musical/comedy actor prize for Michael Keaton, and best screenplay for director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu. The Theory of Everything, the mov-

Cinema legends pass away

hile the current crop of Hollywood stars were enjoying awards season, three legends of the the silver screen passed away last weekend. On Friday night (January 9), famed producer and son of one of the founders of MGM Studios, Samuel Goldwyn Jr, died in his sleep at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. Goldwyn Jr championed the independent film movement and produced low-budget hits Mystic Pizza as well as big budget blockbusters like Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World. The 88-year-old is sur-

vived by his sons John, vice chairman at Paramount Pictures, and Tony, actor starring in the drama Scandal. The following morning on Saturday (January 10), Italian neo-realist film director Francesco Rosi died in Rome at the age of 92. He gained international fame with 1962’s Salvatore Giuliano and won the Rosi

at the Grand Prix at Cannes – The Mattei Affair. On Sunday (January 11), Swedish actress Anita Ekberg – best known as the star of the 1960 film La dolce Vita – after a long battle with several illness at the age of 83. She appeared in one of cinema’s most icon moments: wading into the Trevi fountain in Rome during the classic film.

US BOX OFFICE TOP 10 Film

Weekend

Gross

Taken 3

$40.40M

Selma

$11.20M

$13.49M

Into the Woods

$9.75M

$105.27M

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

$9.44M

$236.52M

Unbroken

$8.37M

$101.60M

The Imitation Game

$7.62M

$40.84M

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

$6.70M

$99.52M

Annie

$4.92M

$79.44M

The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death

$4.83M

$22.33M

$3.75M

$329.53M

10 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 @thephuketnews

ing story of Hawking’s descent into disability as a young man, won best drama actor honors for Britain’s Eddie Redmayne, as well as best original score. The prize for best comedy/musical film went to The Grand Budapest Hotel, a stylish caper starring Ralph Fiennes, while Amy Adams won best actress in a musical/comedy for art

fraud film Big Eyes. Unlike the Oscars, which are voted on by some 6,000 industry members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Globes are selected by fewer than 100 journalists from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The Academy Awards will be held on February 22. AFP

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

TEA TIME AT PALM SEAFOOD Twin Palms on January 8 held a reception to celebrate the opening of its newest seaside dining offering, the Palm Seafood restaurant, offering live seafood in a stunning location a hop and a skip from the Twin Palms resort at Surin. Guests enjoyed imaginative presentations of fresh seafood, strank from the tanks.

(Third from left) Cathy, Will (far right).

Nid and Gregg Young.

MAP ABDAY SHOWS OFF HER ART AT BREEZE Map Abday showcased her latest art collection titled ‘With The Moment’, at Breeze Restaurant, Cape Yamu on January 9 2015.

Tony Henthorne and Gilles Bassi.

The artist (right) and her sister Tum with Rita and Rod Arnold.

Jason Beavan, Class Act Media, with Huw & Tracy from Gecko School. Suparat Thannuy , left, and Nathaphat Kaye Asavathanachart, 2nd right

THANKS THANYAPURA!

Thanyapura stopped by Class Act Media on January 13.

WINNERS OF A COOL PRIZE Gecko School visited the Class Act Media office to collect their prize of a three course dinner at the Edge restaurant at the fabulous Aleenta Hotel.

Party goers enjoying the music.

PACHA TAKES ON PATONG On January 3 The Official Pacha Ibiza On Tour premiered at Love Nightlife.SkyBar.Rooftop Pool with huge success. Global Pacha resident DJ Sebastian Gamboa played to an international crowd. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

ISLAND SCENE 15

KAMALA NOVOTEL NYE PARTY (Second from left) Kelly Lewis, GM of DusitD2, wih friends.

DUSITD2 PHUKET RESORT CELEBRATED NEW YEAR dusitD2 phuket resort celebrated Glow In The Dark New Year’s on their 7th floor roof top with DJ entertainment and Kid’s World Activities during the party and countdown. Guests enjoyed a wide selection of buffet items and bubbly.

Phil Brandel, Class Act Media and Karen.

Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach Hotel celebrated New Years Eve with a spectacular party. Guests really got into the party mood, by dressing up in masks and hats.

WESTIN CHILDREN DAY

(Left) Khun Witoon, Director of HR.

Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket, attended Children’s day event of Koh Siray School on Friday 9th Jan 2015 with handful of food, games and gifts. Director of Human Resources presented scholarships to 22 students in total.

LAGUNA SERVICES VISIT CAM Pictured above are the Laguna Services team who stopped by the Class Act Media office to kindly offer a New Years gift. Third from left, Suratuatdee “Nate” Phetriang and her team, with Jason Beavan and Khun Oil (far right) and Khun Nok (far left) from Class Act Media.

PULLMAN WISHES CLASS ACT MEDIA A HAPPY NEW YEAR (Left) Thirapan “Bella” Narongkool, Marketing Communication Executive of the Pullman Phuket Arcadia and Sasima Panichvibool of the Pullman Khao Lak Katiliya Resort & Villas, with Jason Beavan, Class Act Media. @thephuketnews

NYE WINNER COMES TO CAM Angela Joyce stopped by the Class Act Media office to collect her NY prize: fabulous roundtrip flights to Singapore.

16 ISLAND SCENE

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Kids enjoyed the fun and games at Bang Khu School.

@Phuket Provincial Hall

Centra Ashlee in Patong

Central Festival Phuket organised many games and constructive and entertaining activities for the little ones.

On January 9, a charity event entitled “Smiling Day with NaiHarn Condominium Group” was organised by Rawai Municipality and the Nai Harn Condominium group.

Dragon Junior futsal academy hosted a tourney.

Dara Samut Phuket School also joined in the fun. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

The luxurious 12th Phuket International Boat Show at Royal Phuket Marina took place from January 8-11, which was well attended by celebrities, lifestyle consumers and individuals keen to buy. The relaxed event was filled with people celebrating the boating, leisure and luxury lifestyle in an ideal tropical destination. Pictured, above, from left, Mr. Apisit Chuenchompoo (Thailand Elite); Mr. Gulu Lalvani (Royal Phuket Marina); Mr. Andy Dowden, PIMEX Show Director; Mr. Nisit Jansomwong, Governor of Phuket; Ms. Kanokwara Anutarawatr and Ms. Anoma Vongyai.

Nana on Destiny

Khanom Cake and Dorothy.

Former Liverpool footballer, Alan Kennedy, enjoying the sights.

Bart Kimman of Northrop and Johnson (center) with friends.

@thephuketnews

Colour Glo gals looking hot.

Hugo and Melanie of BB Pool Bar.

(Second from right) Freya Eve, of Daughter of Eve Co., Ltd and friends.

Katrin Martasek (right) and partner.

Jay Walker (right) and friends.

18 EVENTS

FRI

16 JAN

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM patong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete. Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance.

Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delicious banquet of grilled meats, fresh seafood and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

BBQ at Expat Hotel

SUN

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

Fun Family Brunch

For THB 499/-nett. All you can eat

Indian Curry Night on Fridays Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

SAT

17 JAN

Every Sunday at DiVine 11.30am-2.30pm Thanyapura’s DiVine is offering families with an afternoon of FUN at its newly themed Sunday Brunch! DiVine serves international buffet featuring seafood and meat BBQ with heated carving stations. There’s a dedicated buffet for children with free cooking classes and other fun activities indoors. For the adventurous, enjoy the “Walk On Water” and other water fun games at the pool. Price for 4-11 yrs at THB645++ per child. Food only THB1,290++ per person. Beverages Buffet at THB 890++ per person. For reservations, call 076 336 000 or dining@thanyapura.com

Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Sing-

vours from our Thai kitchen. Just THB 650++ per guest Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar. com

18 JAN

Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fbphuket@banyantree.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Sunday Poolside Chill Out Brunch at Kata Rocks Chill out poolside every Sunday for brunch, with our shared table family style dining along with live chill out music. Chef serves modern Mediterranean inspired plates and platters with an Australasian accent. Relax the afternoon away enjoy the brunch then cool off in our stunning 35 meter oceanfront infinity pool Chilled live beats will set the tone and backdrop to the perfect Sunday session 12 noon till 4 pm every Sunday 1500++ per person for brunch and 2500++ including free flow of selected beverages Reservations required, Person: Reservation, Email: reservations@katarocks.com, Phone: +66(0)76 370 777

Free Sauna

TRX – Santosa Signature training Santosa Wellness Center is the home of Phuket’s only certified, open TRX class. Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX Suspension Training bodyweight exercise develops strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously. TRX is the original workout system that leverages gravity and bodyweight to perform hundreds of exercises. TRX is highly functional and efficient in achieving extreme results quickly! To book this class, or to find out the other TRX class

TUE

20 JAN

Free Sauna Zumba in the Jungle Phuket Walking Street Phuket Walking Street, “Laad Yai” is a Village & Community Development Potential Project (SML) of the “Old Phuket Town Community” in Laad Yai, Phuket Town. The visitors can enjoy the Old Phuket Town atmosphere which benefit to the local economic growth in the Old Phuket Town community. Open every Sunday from 16.00 - 22.00 Hrs. For more info visit facebook. com/phuketwalkingstreet or contact: 089 474 5253. Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

MON

19 JAN

We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

daily event updates on

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic fla-

thephuketnews

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WED

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

21 JAN

PASTA MANIA at Dewa Phuket Wednesdays from 7pm Savour the flavours of Italy with fresh pasta, homemade sauces, tasty appetizers and desserts. Just THB 650++ per guest Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com

THU

29 JAN

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 Join Thailand’s Largest Pool League ! Have Fun - Meet People - Play Pool For more details LIKE us on www.facebook. com/vneaphuket or call: 085 797 0005 For Schedules, Standings & Statistics check out: www.compusport.us Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

THU

22 JAN

SGS Training Centre Launch Seminar With the Training Centre officially opening this year, SGS are proudly exposing their accredited safety courses to the island. The safety seminar promises to be an informational and interactive morning with internationally accredited key note speakers, live K9 and first aid demonstrations. It’s free and includes lunch. Reservations required before 21 Jan.

SAT

7 FEB

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the

@thephuketnews

3rd’ Thailand SUP Invitational, Stand Up Paddle racing Come & soak up all the action & witness the best of the best SUPers on offer as we crown Thailand’s SUP champions doing an Elite 6km race & 1km Sprint race. It’s not all serious with plenty of fun & family races & the unforgettable Island team relay challenge where business’ & hotels battle it out for bragging rights. There is a special SUP clinic for beginners to try as well as Music, Indie markets, games, food, beer tent, Finished off with an epic after party at Bliss Beach Club with the freakishly talented “Soundwave Sunday” DJ’s. 500THB/ person includes race registration & equipment hire. Enter as many race categories as you wish. For early registration & more info contact: tim@standupprojects.com, +66825193282

WED

18 MAR

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!! At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@ rawaibeachfishingclub.com

Celebrating Fine Wagyu Beef At JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa 3-day Saga Beef Promotion Presented By Renowned Japanese Chef. The Saga Beef Promotion Menu takes place at JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa’s acclaimed Kabuki Japanese Cuisine Theatre on Thursday January 22 to Saturday January 24 from 5 pm to 10 pm, and is priced at THB 3,800++ per person with 6 premium courses including a glass of Japanese beverage. RSVP: 076 338 000

SUN

22 FEB

PHBGTU - Casino Royale Local charity Phuket Has Been Good To Us is hoping for a ‘full house’ at their upcoming event Casino Royale being held at the Pullman Phuket Arcadia on Saturday 7th February. The Monte Carlo themed evening features excitement and exhilaration as guests try their luck on gaming tables and enjoy fabulous food, beverages and entertainment. Entry is by donation of 3,000THB. To book please call 076 278 146 or email info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org. Class Act Media is a proud sponsor of this event.

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10AM to NOON and every Saturday from 9AM to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties

like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ reginatudor@ gmail.com, 083 104 0788

TUE

27 MAR

CONSTECH 2015 Thailand International Construction Machinery, Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2015 is an international business platform gathering more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands from around the world spanning a vast range of construction and mining machinery and equipment, and machinery for building material production. More than 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEAN construction and mining industries are expected to visit the event. CONSTECH 2015 is organized by Thai Contractors Association under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. CONSTECH 2015 is a must visit exhibition!, Address: IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand., Email: pasinc@impact.co.th, Phone: 02 833 5208 Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

20 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. In the 1992 film The Bodyguard, which actress did Kevin Costner protect? 2. ‘Black’, ‘Hooper’ and ‘Bewick’ are all types of what? 3. What is the official language of Bulgaria? 4. In what year did Neil Armstrong land on the moon? 5. Ban Ki-moon is secretary-general of which organisation? Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

25. Garden figure 26. Half a score 1. Sight parts 27. Kind of treatment 6. Beginning of a 30. Rook conclusion 31. Certain refrigerant 11. Loser’s place? 32. Biblical verb suffix 14. Rustle or murmur 33. Bishop’s seat in Down 15. Stimulant drug ancient churches 17. Chomps at the bit 34. Curb, with “in” 1. Red letters? 19. Arranged anew 35. “Hey there!” 2. Express a 20. Ticket 37. Issue preference 21. Carryalls 38. Deadeye’s forte 3. Continental capital 22. Locks in a barn? 42. Care for 4. Petri dish filler 23. Typewriter roller 44. Antsy 5. Orthodox Muslim 27. Carbonium, e.g. 45. Drooping flower 6. Lacks, briefly 28. Campaign worker spike 7. Related maternally 29. Dialect 46. Wee 8. Archibald and 33. French collagist 47. Small finch Thurmond 36. 1968 movie title 48. Limestone 9. Decent topography 39. 20s dispenser 10. It may be smoked 49. Archie’s better 40. Tungusic language 11. Nirvana tune half 41. Horned goddess 12. Ski trail 50. Protection 42. Squat 13. Distress signal 43. Instant 16. Ice cream flavor 51. Niels Bohr, e.g. 52. West Samoan 45. Have an edge 18. Relating to monetary unit against newborns 53. Bit of kindling 47. Old dagger 22. Speck 54. Put on 50. Foreign dignitary 23. ___ Bear 55. Appraiser 51. Foul-smelling herb 24. Merry-go-round 57. PC component 56. Goes too far music 58. Certain doctor 59. Outdoor magazine 60. Hog haven 61. Extra inning 62. Thirsty

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Whitney Houston; 2. Swan; 3. Bulgarian; 4. 1969; 5. The United Nations.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

■■ January 16, 1964

16,000

Number of advertisements, logos and labels seen each day by the average American.

US$5,001 Price fetched on EBay in 2005 for a pregnancy test that had been used by Britney Spears.

14 billion

Number of insects for every person on Earth.

Percentage of New Year’s resolutions that people fail to keep.

5,400

Period of time, in years, during which humans and Neanderthals are believed to have co-existed in Europe. Source: Uberfacts

This week in history

Three palm trees menaced by a rainy sunset. Photo by James Fergus Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket? Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

The musical Hello, Dolly! starring Ca rol Cha n n i ng, opens on Broadway, beginning a run of 2,844 performances.. ■■ January 17, 1929 Popeye the Sailor Man, a cartoon character created by Elzie Segar, first appears in the Thimble Theatre comic strip. ■■ January 18, 1591 King Naresuan of Siam kills Crown Prince Minchit Sra of Burma in single combat, an event now celebrated as Royal Thai Armed Forces day. ■■ January 19, 1977 Snow falls in Miami, Florida, the only time in the history of the city that snow has fallen. It also fell in the Bahamas.. ■■ January 20, 1841 Hong Kong Island is occupied by the British during the First Opium War. At the time it was described as being ‘almost uninhabited’. ■■ January 21, 1793 King Louis XVI of France is executed by guillotine af ter being found guilty of treason by t he Fre nch Convention. ■■ January 22, 1946 Creation of the Central Intelligence Group, forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency. Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

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

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

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PACKAGING

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

@thephuketnews

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Jobs

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

The Terminal Phuket

Phuket Sirinath Property & The Terminal Phuket Sales Staff 2 (2 years Experience) Marketing 1 (3 years Experience) Accounting 1 (5 years Experience) A & S Supervisor 1 (10 years Experience) M & E Engineer 1 (10 years Experience) HR, Naiyang Beach, k.taksakorn@gmail.com, 076 327 590

Join an International Team, Princess Yachts Phuket is hiring 1 Position: Yacht Charter Assistant; excellent written and spoken english, computer and internet, secretarial experience, Thai national 1 Position: Marketing Assistant; Video, Photo, Adobe, Internet and good English, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at 0866900444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com,

Native English Teachers

Chalong International School is looking for two experienced teachers for our preschool and primary school to start Jan 6 Mon-Fri resume to phuketteacher@ yahoo.com, 080 624 7060

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME

Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized in holiday rentals listing is expanding to new areas of interest. The ideal candidate is a responsible and diligent person with experience as a telemarketer or in sales. Good English and excel skills are essential. Thai or foreigners can both apply. We offer: full training, telephone and email support, high commissions, Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

Vacancies for property sales reps

1.Sale English,Chinese,Russia (Good commission) Have experience in line of Sale 2.staff at booth for Property(17,000 + Lunch + Commission) Can communicate Good English, Kaew, kaew@agtropical. com, 094-8073434

POPMUSIC BAND AVAILABLE FOR NY Luxury Hospitality Management is Thailand’s leading luxury management consulting company, offering services to organisations primarily within the Hospitality, Travel and Tourism industries.

We are growing and hiring: SALES CO-ORDINATOR Thai nationality only, fluent in English, with background & experience in OTA and connections with wholesale agents, Minimum two years experience in Sales. Able to work independently in headquarters office. Good benefit and bonus by KPI targets.

TOUR DESK SALES CO-ORDINATOR Thai nationality only, Sales coordinators for our LHM Adventure tour counter To be based in the properties we manage, fluent English with strong sales mind, full time and part time, good salary, attractive commissions with KPI target bonus structure.

5 piece band available for NEW YEARS EVE. Can do audition first. Bring own instruments. Good quality band for a good party with popular old and new songs! email: paulsmollan@yahoo.com phone: 091-0426739

Are you looking for a Nanny?

Job Wanted!!! If you are looking for someone who can look after your child, pets or house when you plan to get away at night or during the weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570

EXECUTIVE CHEF Popular hotel in Central Patong is looking for an Executive Chef. The applicant must have a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar position. The applicant must be able to assume full Management of a busy Kitchen and be able to co-ordinate Staff. Other duties include: Purchasing, Costing Innovative ideas and external catering events. Salary is negotiable and dependent on experience and ability. Languages Required: Thai / English

Russian Property Broker 150k+ We are one of the leading real estate companies in Phuket that is expanding fast and looking for talented individuals to join our young, dynamic team. We have a position for a Russian speaking agent who has a number of years experience in real estate & within the Phuket market. This is a great opportunity for any hungry and talented sales people to join a market leader. Top Level Commission offered., Top Level Commission, Kamala, Phuket, 092 474 6157, paul@livephuket.com

Position HR Manager

Thai Nationality. Proven experience with managing a team. 3-5 years experience. Knowledge of labour laws, visa and work permit regulations. Good command of written and spoken English. 40,000 baht salary. Send your resume in English to jazon@ headstartphuket.com

Excellent THAI CHEF

Looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work abroad. I am looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work overseas in Sri Lanka at a new Thai Restaurant. Would require to speak little bit of english but what I am looking for is a really good chef who can make Authentic Thai food. Will provide great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@ gmail.com to discuss further.

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K We are hiring!!!!! Both positions for our new branch in Phuket and to be part of our energetic team. Excellent commission & benefits. Email info@thailandpooltables.com, 20,000 THB per month, Ying.

AKA THAILAND

An offer you can not refuse! Anyone who wants to be within a few weeks of earning money an interesting way, contact us. It involves a simple promotional activity on the Internet, which is very fairly assessed and which can behandled easily, by even a schoolboy! For work, you need a computer, patience and a desire to change their financial situation for the better. If you want to have an interesting monthly income, contact us as soon as possible. We would like to help. Contact by E-mail only: kotasovac@gmail.com

Kotasovac

Interested candidates are invited to send an application with complete resume, in English, with qualifications, experience, a recent picture and expected salary to: md@luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com Phone: 0897256994 http://luxuryhospitalitymanagement.com/

Phuket Shopping Tours Job Are you an outgoing, fun loving person? Highly motivated, with excellent customer service skills? If so we want to hear from you. Phuket Shopping Tours is seeking expressions of interest from LICENSED TOUR GUIDES for freelance and full-time work. In addition to hosting Shopping Tours and Island Tours, successful candidates will assist with other aspects of the business including sales, marketing and promotional duties and will be an integral part of our growing team. Requirements ·Good English ·Outgoing personality ·Excellent customer service skills ·Own transport - driver’s license and own car highly desirable ·Excellent knowledge of Phuket ·Prior experience in 4/5 star resorts To learn more about Phuket Shopping Tours and what we do please read our website www.PhuketShoppingTours, Facebook and Tripadvisor. To apply send resume including copy of Tour Guide License to info@PhuketShoppingTours. com or call 0898 66 88 33

AKA THAILAND looking for candidates to fill position: Operation Manager, Chief Accountant, Website & Graphic Designer, Customer Service (English language is a must, Competitive salary for the right candidate) please send CV to info@akathailand.com, Angie, Chalong, 076 604004

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU! Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,��-��,��, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,�� – ��,�� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

Thai& Non Thai nationals Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS

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BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

CAR FOR SALE

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW!

TOYOTA FORTUNER 2008

BOUGHT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ONLY! SUZUKI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARR ANT Y (SUZUKI PHUKET). BIMINI+TR AILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB, )

SILVER,TAN LEATHER INTERIOR, 2.7 PETROL, 69,000 KM,ORIGINALOWNER,NO ACCIDENTS, EXCELLENT CONDITION, CLEAN CAR,FULL TOYOTA SERVICE RECORD, INS AND TA X TO AUGUST 2015. CALL 0883863556 TO VIEW, 700,000 THB, 0883863556

2013 SUZUKI CARRY

Silver Princess Yacht PC530

2 cars, 8100 km and 16500 km. Top condition. Price: 300,000 THB/car o.b.o. Tel 080-5889390 Eng or 092-5628762 Thai

A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669-88105024, Website: www.silver-princess.com, sonny@ silver-princess.com

Subaru WRX STI A Line 2012 Arctic silver with satin gray wrap, Advance racing wheel, STI front and side spoiler, Cold air intake, HKS exhaust, Fuel bank system, STI rear diffuser, Engine remapping, Turbo boost control, Front anti roll bar, Front and back strap bar, Racing STI steel wheel, Mint 2,000 km., 3,500,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), fang@ sripanwa.com, 076-371000

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES INVESTMENT IN RAWAI German design, 5 units, 50sqm to 100sqm. Building 2014 + 1-shop 40sqm. Complete price: 28.5 million Baht. Tel: 0801453533 Chistina.

RAWAI RESTAURANT For Urgent Sale. Area 3.800 Sqm Reduce from 1.5 MB To 980,000 baht Yearly Rent 200,000 baht Includes 2 Houeses.,K.Asoke, big_redchili@yahoo.com, 089 646 7176

Restaurant & Bar For Rent A long established fully equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong. The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@ phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526

Office/Shop For Rent

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Chalong Pier Road ground floor unit available for shop or office use. Excellent location on this popular and well-known road.

8,000 km., The General Lee orange, Wrap in black satin color, Standard 6200 cc with 425 hp, Aftermarket parts, Mopar intake, Mega flow exhaust, H&R lowering spring, Front & back strut bars, Front anti roll bar, Hennessy engine remapping, Now delivering 488 hp, 4,200,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), fang@ sripanwa.com, 076-371000

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

2014 Fortuner TRD 1300 Km 1.27 MB

CAR FOR SALE TOYOTA VIOS for Sale Toyota Vios 1.5 J, ABS, Auto, 2010 model, Silver. 64,XXX KM. First class insurance till 25 January 2015. Only THB 339,000. Call 086 479 7471 to view.

1 month old brand new fortuner 3.0 D4D absolutely fully loaded TRD SPORTIVO full time 4WD price new 1.549.000 selling for 1.270.000 1 MONTH OLD real chance to buy a top model fortuner reason for sale DONT LIKE DIESEL. not negosiable no more discount no bargaining no trades please respect this and kindly NO EMAILS calls only, 1,270,000 THB, Christopher, 08-43772526

2006 Toyota Yaris Good Cond’n

Band available for events New on Phuket island; 5-piece good quality music band available for all sorts of events Corporate events, weddings, gala dinners, parties, festivals etc. Genre: pop/top 40, motown and a bit of rock. Please contact: Brigitta, 0822577102, rigittalouisa@yahoo.com

Business For Rent Massage Spa and Travel Agent with Room for Motorbike Rental good location close to Laree Hotel in Patong Beach. Low key money and Rent, Darren, billycross666@outlook.com, 098 040 8356

For sale Navy Bar Soi Sea Dragon, Bangla, Patong. Key money paid until October 2015. Asking price for 1.6 MB., playschoolphil@ yahoo.com, 081 083 3231 Bangla rd bar for sale Bangla rd Patong bar for sale 10 meters from the band everything included alcohol stock computer fridge chairs 8 year lease 3.9 million baht eng. 086 2752264 or thai 0806195985, 3.9 THB, ed bayford, edbay54@yahoo.ca

2006 Lt. Blue Toyota Yaris for immediate sale. 135K kms, well maintained and serviced, no accidents, reliable car. Call/email Matt, THB 260,000 Firm, 0900720566

2010 BMW 325i Sport

Immaculate low kms (47,000) White 325i Sport with a full compliment of accessories. The car is in new condition with good rubber, full insurance and still has 12 months warranty remaining., 1.67 MB, hsewaugh@yahoo.com, 0849138926

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Motorbike and trailer for sale

NEW MAZDA BT50PRO PICKUP TRUCK

Honda 200cc Motorbike + Trailer Perfect condition, will sell separately or both. Bike B60,000, trailer B20,000. Ideal 4 shopping, camping, dog carring., pino.ellul@yahoo.com, 0848581917

Perfect condition. Only 7800 km. Only 720 000 bht. See more pics http://goo.gl/zZW0Xi, Price: 720000, Kathu, 08 33 91 65 54

Quality Multihulls

FOR SALE

COMPANY FOR SALE

NEW MODEL

Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

from

Summerland 40 LR (Brand New) From 387,500 Euros The new Summerland 40 LR boasts outstanding fuel economy with 40% less consumption than others in its class. Featuring a true Owner’s suite with large windows and designer bathroom. Generous freeboard and high bridge deck clearance for quieter, dryer and more stable performance at sea.

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43 (2005)

Asking $330,000 USD 4-cabin version in excellent condition. With brand new Raymarine electronics, water maker and generator Prashanti is ready to sail away today. Lying: Phuket, Thailand.

Corsair 37 RS Carbon (2008)

Visiona 41 (1994)

Asking 135,000 EURO Ahu is built by Baltec in Asking $229,000 USD Zhuka is a very competitive yacht, Germany and is a well-travelled yet easy to sail with family. This and proven blue-water voyager. Here is an inexpensive way to sailing trimaran is the complete jump aboard a catamaran and package with all the options, live the cruising dream. representing very good value. Lying: Phuket, Thailand. Lying: Pattaya, Thailand.

For further information, a test sail or advice, please contact our team at Boat Lagoon, Phuket: P +66 (0) 76 238 117 M +66 (0)8 1894 1530 E info@multihullsolutions.asia www.multihullsolutions.asia

SAIL I POWER @thephuketnews

NEW I PRE-OWNED

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

COMMUNITY

FURNITURE

PETS FOR ADOPTION

Folding Event Chairs

100 funky, modern design chairs that fold for easy storage. Made from high quality plastic that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change colour in the heat. Great for a restaurant or events. Bought in Bangkok from Pioneer Furniture. Paid approx 950 THB per chair. Willing to separate but would prefer to sell as a bulk lot. Some are still brand new in un-opened boxes and all are in excellent condition, 650 THB each, Andrea, andreachappell@gmail. com, 0802087454

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAMERA baby car seats for sale BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000. Call 086 479 7471.

Missing Quincy

Missing our dog Quincy, Airdale terrier, male, black and brown coat. He got lost on the 31st of december in Patong,3000 Baht reward, 0870912798

OTHER FOR QUICK SALE

Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942

OTHER Land for Sale Phang-nga

18 rai Land with Rubber Plantation for sale In Thayu, Phang Nga. 600,000 baht/rai Tel: 086 276 0041 Owner.

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property Inexpensive land plots on east coast of Phuket for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: two-storey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport. Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/school/commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com , 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@soidog-foundation.org

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

Hard to let go of 2014 CAST AWAY

Jim Stewart editor@classactmedia.co.th

i once again me fellow Fisheroos While December is the official start of the “high” season, it’s a pity someone never told the weather which unseasonably continues to come from the east. Early on in the month many boats reported exceptionally good Sailfish fishing with Captain Boom-Boom and his motley crew pulling in three (we

won’t mention the boat) as they brought them home, but we do have a description of the culprit – mugshot enclosed. December is also credited with “the quote of the year” when a newbie to boats returned from the toilet to say. “It’s like trying to piddle in a glass, standing on a bouncy castle” the crew went into hysterics and pointed at the stern. Staying on humor, as the wind continues to blow, unseasonably from the east, keeping us in port, bored, and Christmas coming up, I asked one of my female Thai staff,

“Do you know what Christmas is?” and was pleasantly surprised when she replied, “Yes Jesus Christ’s birthday” Only to have the wind taken out of my sails when she followed up with, “You know, Santa Claus’s son.” You got to love this place. This may be my last posting on The Phuket News, at least for a while, as I have to go to BKK for a wee bit of therapy, as it looks like I might have termites in my crow’s nest, that need attending to. Greetings to all! Jimmy, www.fishinginphuket.com

Countdown on for evenly-matched, security-tight Cricket World Cup CRICKET

December winner – Steven (left), here pictured with Sport Editor JP Mestanza, took home a B3,000 gift voucher for Angus O’Toole’s Restaurant & Pub after winning The Phuket News’ English Premier League Predictions competition for the month of December. The overall competition winner will receive two round-trip business class tickets from Phuket to Kuala Lumpur as well as two of the same tickets from Krabi to KL from Malaysian Airlines. The monthly winner for January will receive a B3,000 gift voucher to Walkabout Sports Bar in Karon.

FIFA find piece of first World Cup FI FA H AV E FOU N D A long lost piece of the original World Cup which will become one of the major exhibits at its new museum to open next year. The gemstone base of the trophy first awarded in 1930 was found last month, according to David Ausseil, creative director of the museum which is still being built in Zurich. “We found this base in storage at FIFA. It is the original base of the Jules Rimet trophy in lapis lazuli,” Ausseil said. The 10 centimetre (4-inch) tall base has the names of the first four World Cup win@thephuketnews

ners between 1930 and 1950. Uruguay and Italy each won the tournament twice in that time. The base was replaced in 1954. Brazil was given the gold Jules Rimet trophy permanently after they won the World Cup for the third time in 1970. It was stolen in 1983 and has never been found. The new 3,500 square metre World Football Museum in the centre of Zurich is expected to open its doors in March, 2016. FIFA, which was established in 1904, is also based in the Swiss city. It is hoping to get up to 300,000 visitors a year at the museum. AFP

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON for the 11th Cricket World Cup and the likely winner is still guesswork a month out in one of the most evenly-matched and security-conscious tournaments staged. Australia will share the hosting of next month’s cricket showpiece with New Zealand, 23 years after they co-hosted the event when Pakistan beat England in the final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Hosts Australia and defending champions India may be the top two ranked teams but any of a half-dozen sides could lift the trophy on March 29 at the MCG. The Australians, under coach Darren Lehmann, are gunning for their fifth World Cup, while India stopped the Aussies from winning a fourth straight title in the quarterfinals of the last tournament in India in 2011 and have winning recent ODI form. Sri Lanka, the 1996 champions, have by far the most experienced squad with Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan all playing more than 300 ODIs. South Africa, who have come close but have yet to win the World Cup, are always a threat under the captaincy of AB de Villiers, while New Zealand and Pakistan have the firepower to cause problems in this format. The jury is out on England’s chances after they stripped Alastair Cook of the captaincy less than two months out from the World Cup and installed Eoin Morgan in his place. But former Australia Test

batsman Mike Hussey rates England as a ‘dark horse.’ “They’ll fly under the radar a little bit, no one’s really giving them a lot of chance,” Hussey said. “They’ve got some really experienced, quality players but they’ve also got some really good underrated players, guys like Moeen Ali and Chris

Woakes.” Australia’s rising pace star Josh Hazlewood believes the sub-continent teams will struggle with the bounce of the Australian wickets. “Their conditions are a lot flatter and spin friendly and their games are quite high scoring over there,” Hazlewood said. “So I think bounce is the

key. It’s the thing I look for against those sub-continent teams.” Joining the 10 Test-playing nations will be four associate countries – Afghanistan, United Arab Emirates, Scotland and Ireland – to add some unpredictability to the pool games. Matches in Australia will be played in all the major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Hobart) with many of the grounds upgraded and renovated in recent years. New Zealand will host 23 games across seven grounds with the Black Caps playing all their pool games on home pitches while Australia must cross the Tasman to play the Kiwis in Auckland. The other New Zealand venues are Christchurch, which hosts the tournament opener between New Zealand and Sri Lanka on Valentine’s Day, Wellington, Hamilton, Napier, Dunedin and Nelson. AFP

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

High praise for Laguna Phuket’s new golf course GOLF

ver 120 members of international media and executives of the Tourism Authority of Thailand attended the re-opening of the Laguna Phuket Golf Club last Sunday (Jan 11) after more than a year of renovations were made to improve the entire facility. Under the direction of golf course architect Paul Jansen, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club includes a course that is environmentally conscious as they have reduced the number of sprinklers from 1,400 to less than 800, used recycled trees and reduced the amount of

Asian and European Tour golfer Shiv Kapur takes the ceremonial first tee shot last Sunday (January 11). Photo: Laguna Phuket grass through certain areas. “The mark of a great course is when you stand

on the tee and have to think strategically. This is such a thinking man’s course, a

feature that has been lost in some modern designs... This course is better than many

Saracens’ George Kruis gets Six Nations reprieve RUGBY SARACENS LOCK GEORGE Kruis will not miss the start of England’s Six Nations campaign after the Rugby Football Union on Tuesday banned him for three weeks over a dangerous tackle. Kruis, capped four times by England, was cited for a tip tackle on David Halaifonua during Saracens’ 24-23 defeat at Gloucester last Friday and pleaded guilty in front of an RFU disciplinary hearing in London. The 24-year-old will miss his side’s European Rugby Champions Cup games against Munster and Clermont, but will be available for England’s Six Nations opener

24-year-old England international George Kruis will not miss the start of Six Nations. against Wales in Cardiff on February 6. An injury crisis allowed

Kruis to make his England debut during the November internationals and he featured

A s i a ’s m o s t awarded reg ional airline

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Bell smashes 187 for England against PM XI CRICKET OPE N E R I A N BE L L plundered 187 off 145 balls to steer England to an imposing 391 for six against the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Wednesday (Janaury 14). Bell was out on the penultimate ball of the innings, caught by Australian Test batsman and PM XI skipper Chris Rogers off paceman Jason Behrendorff as England made full use of winning the toss at Manuka Oval. It was an encouraging hit out for England ahead of today’s (January 16) opening tri-series one-day international against Australia with fellow opener Moeen Ali

and number three James Taylor both contributing 71. Bell and Ali put on 113 for the first wicket before Bell combined with Taylor in a stand of 141 for the second. Bell hit 20 fours and three sixes in his knock against an attack that included two of Australia’s World Cup squad members, Pat Cummins and Glenn Maxwell. AFP

Phuket FC to play Japanese club next week FOOTBALL

Making every journey worth its while. That’s A joy to f ly.

30kg Baggage Allowance

as a replacement against New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa and Australia. AFP

of the new championship courses bulit in the past five to 10 years,” said Shiv Kapur,

a member of the Asian and European Tours who made the ceremonial first tee shot. The course first opened in 1993 and hosted the Thailand Open in 2009. Laguna officials believed that the renovations were needed to make the course more desirable for golf visitors and host major tournaments. “Our recent investment shows how serious we are about gold and our hotel guests, “ said Laguna Phuket Managing Director Ravi Chandra, “We now hope to host more professional events and in the last quarter of this year we will hold the inaugural Laguna Phuket Amateur Golf Tournament.”

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JAPANESE SECOND DIVISION club Yokohama FC will arrive on Monday (January 19) in preparation for two exhibition matches against Phuket FC at Surakul Stadium in Phuket Town later this month. The match are set to take place next Thursday, January 22, and next Sunday, January 25, with kick-off for both games scheduled for 7pm. The Ronins are expected to test out new tactics and formations, with several players who have signed during the offseason so far. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

SPORT 29

Djokovic, S. Williams top seeds at Australian Open TENNIS

orld number ones Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams were named the top seeds on Wednesday (January 14) for next week’s Australian

Open, but two-time champion Victoria Azarenka did not make the top 32. Djokovic is bidding for a fifth title at Melbourne Park after crashing in the quarter-finals last year to eventual champion Stan Wawrinka, while Williams is gunning for a

sixth Australian crown. Evergreen Roger Federer, who has a record 17 Grand Slam titles, is the second seed ahead of injuryplagued Rafael Nadal, Wawrinka and Japan’s Kei Nishikori. Maria Sharapova, who won the Brisbane International last

weekend, takes the number two seeding among the women, ahead of Simona Halep, Petra Kvitova and Ana Ivanovic. Last year’s champion Li Na has retired. Azarenka ended 2014 ranked 32 in the world, but a first-round loss

at the Brisbane International saw her drop to 41, outside the cut-off for seedings at Melbourne Park. The Belarussian won backto-back Australian Open titles in 2012 and 2013, but battled a string of fitness and personal issues last year. AFP

Ange revolution takes shape for Australia FOOTBALL AUST R A L I A C OAC H ANGE Postecoglou said his team could still get better at the Asian Cup after two emphatic wins showed his rebuilding efforts are paying off. Thumping 4-1 and 4-0 victories over Kuwait and Oman have put the hosts into the quarter-finals, but

Ronaldo beats Messi to Ballon d’Or triumph FOOTBALL PORTUGAL AND REAL Madrid great Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his third FIFA world footballer of the year award on Monday (January 12) in an overwhelming win over eternal rival Lionel Messi, Barcelona’s Argentine magician. The 29-year-old forward, who played a key role in Real Madrid’s charge to a 10th Champions League trophy, beat four-time winner Messi to the Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row. Germany’s World Cup winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came third in the vote. Ronaldo was the star of a glittering FIFA awards ceremony in Zurich at which Real Madrid teammate James Rodriguez won the goal of the year award and Germany’s @thephuketnews

Joachim Loew was declared coach of the year. Ronaldo led Real Madrid to their 10th European Champions League crown – their first in 12 years – in sensational style in 2014, smashing Messi’s record of 15 Champions League goals in a single season with 17 in just 11 appearances. AFP

Postecoglou said there was more to come as tougher challenges await. Australia came into the Asian Cup ranked 100th in the world after a virtually winless 2014, but Postecoglou’s approach in reconstructing the squad now looks vindicated. After a period of trying out players and instilling his philosophy, the former A-League club boss now has a motivated and flexible

Asian Cup squad with eight different goal-scorers already. “We’ve still got improvement in us, and from my perspective that’s what we’ll be emphasising to the players, that whatever we’ve done so far has been good but we can certainly get better,” he told reporters last week. Australia face a stern test in the shape of South Korea on Saturday (January 17), a clash which will decide who

finishes top of Group A and earns an easier quarter-final. Striker Robbie Kruse, man of the match against Oman, said expectations were now sky-high in the Australian camp as the hosts try to lift the Asian Cup for the first time. “We believe in ourselves and we believe in the squad and in the coaching staff that we can go really far in this tournament,” said Kruse. AFP

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2015

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The overall competition winner receives 2 round-trip business class tickets Phuket-Kuala Lumpur AND 2 round-trip business class tickets Krabi-Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia Airlines, overall value THB71,100. The monthly competion winner for October will receive a THB3,000 voucher to spend at Walkabout Sports bar Karon beach, Phuket Cyan

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Manchester United’s English defender Tyler Blackett (L) can’t reach the shot from Southampton’s Serbian midfielder Dusan Tadic (C) as Tadic scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Southampton at Old Trafford. Photo: AFP/Ali Scarff

Tadic strike punishes shot-shy Man United FOOTBALL

outhampton leapfrogged a lacklustre Manchester United into third place in the Premier League table on Sunday as substitute Dusan Tadic’s goal secured a clinical 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. Despite controlling possession, Louis van Gaal’s United failed to muster a single shot on target and saw their 11-game unbeaten run in all competitions ended when Tadic netted in the 69th minute. The Serbian’s goal gave Southampton a first win at Old Trafford since January 1988 and enabled them to avenge their 2-1 loss in December’s reverse fixture, when United had managed only three attempts at goal. It took Ronald Koeman’s side two points above their opponents into third place, while United, who have won only once in their last five league games, now lead fifth-place Arsenal by a single point. Southampton, who have now won four times in five league outings, flooded the

midfield, frustrating United captain Wayne Rooney in his attempts to create openings from deep. Southampton substitute Tadic -- sent on in place of Southampton debutant Eljero Elia – made his contribution five minutes after coming on. Van Gaal, who fell out with Southampton’s coach Koeman during their time together at Ajax, felt the visitors were fortunate to leave Manchester with all three points. “[Southampton] were lucky to score out of nothing. That is very disappointing. We didn’t create so much, but we dominated the game. They came for a draw, I believe, and they go away with a victory. That is disappointing,” he said. Meanwhile at Emirates Stadium, Alexis Sanchez capped an outstanding individual display with two goals as Arsenal moved up to fifth in the Premier League with a 3-0 victory against Stoke on Sunday (January 11). Laurent Koscielny set Arsene Wenger’s side on course for the win with a sixth minute header but it was Sanchez who

stood out, scoring either side of half-time at the Emirates to take his season tally to 18. Arsenal had no shortage of motivation in their efforts to revive their top four challenge in the wake of the New Year’s Day defeat at Southampton that had left them in sixth place. Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland said the Premier League leaders would continue utilising their whole squad after they moved clear at the summit by beating Newcastle United. Manager Jose Mourinho opted to bring in centre-back Kurt Zouma for his first league start in Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Newcastle on Saturday, while Petr Cech replaced the injured Thibaut Courtois in goal. The win allowed Chelsea to move two points clear at the summit after nearest rivals Manchester City could only draw 1-1 at Everton. Steven Naismith earned Everton a sorely-needed point and denied Manchester City the chance to keep pace with Premier League leaders Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Saturday (January 10). Manuel Pellegrini’s team took a 74th minute lead when Samir Nasri set up a shooting opportunity for David Silva, whose blocked strike fell for Brazilian midfielder Fernandinho to head in from close range past the despairing goalline lunge of Seamus Coleman. But second placed City held the lead for just four minutes as they defended poorly at Leighton Baines’ left-flank free-kick and the unmarked

Naismith was allowed to head home powerfully past the stranded Joe Hart. Lazar Markovic claimed his first Premier League goal as Liverpool continued their recent upturn in results with a deserved 1-0 win at struggling Sunderland on Saturday. The £20 million ($30.3 million, 25.6 million euros) close-season signing from Benfica scored the only goal in the ninth minute to consolidate Brendan Rodgers’s side in eighth place in the table. Liverpool have lost just once in their last 13 games, renewing hope of a sustained challenge for a top-four finish in May and with it a return to the Champions League. However, Liverpool are still 10 points behind their tally from this time last year, when they came close to winning the title before being edged out by Manchester City. AFP

PREVIOUS RESULTS:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

JF scottkip phuketkit thailand express blackrock chasman China Bear Clarey B cskaza getrekt

OVERALL STANDINGS 40 40 35 35 32 32 32 32 32 32

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

scottkip zestrealestate diggersd gamagan popcorn AAY danielgoodchild thailand express phils64 aquamarine

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English Premier League 2014 - 2015 Team

MP W

Pts

Chelsea

21 15

46 19 27

Man City

21 14

45 20 25

Southampton

21 12

35 15 20

Man Utd

21 10

34 21 13

Arsenal

21 10

37 25 12

Tottenham

21 10

30 29

West Ham

32 25

Liverpool

29 27

Swansea

26 25

Newcastle

25 33

-8

Stoke

22 27

-5

Everton

30 34

-4

Aston Villa

11 23 -12

West Brom

10 20 29

-9

Crystal Palace

22 31

-9

Sunderland

18 31 -13

Burnley

19 33 -14

Hull

10 20 27

-7

QPR

12 23 37 -14

Leicester

12 20 33 -13

EPL FIXTURES

Hull v Aston Villa