The Phuket News 16 Mar 2018

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

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Army removes free lifeguards from beaches

LIFE

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Koh Maphrao: A step back in time to island paradise The Aircraft Investigation Committee (AIC) inspects the scene of the crash. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

PLANE CRASH KILLS PILOT, CO-PILOT; LEAVES TWO STUDENTS FIGHTING FOR RECOVERY Eakkapop Thongtub, Shela Riva & Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

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huket’s small flying community this week were still coming to terms with the loss of two key members of their fraternity after a small single-engine aircraft crashed near the Phuket Airpark last Saturday (Mar 10).

The pilot, 68-year-old Capt Wattana Thinphang-nga, and his co-pilot, 1st Lt Narin Thaweewat, 67, from Pathum Thani, who was a specialist

instructor in aviation maintenance at Thalang Technical College, both perished in the crash.

Two students, Adel Samae, 19, from Phuket, and Orawan Jindarak, 18, who were sitting on the back seats in the aircraft when it crashed, remain in hospital care. Mr Adel remains comatose.

Thalang Police on Wednesday (Mar 14) confirmed that they had completed their investigation into the incident, but had yet to reach any conclusions as to the cause of the crash.

“Police have completed the process of compiling the evidence, however, we are still waiting for the Aircraft Investigation Committee (AIC) to complete their investigation before (making) any conclusions,” said Lt Col Anukul Nuket, Deputy Chief of the Thalang Police.

“The AIC’s investigation may take months as they have deemed this a ‘serious case’,” he said.

“They have to thoroughly investigate down to the company that manufactured the engine, in order to find the reason for the crash.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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“Now police are waiting for results from the AIC’s investigation.”

Col Anukul also noted that Capt Wattana’s 68-year age was not an issue of legal concern.

“Capt Wattana was not too old to drive an aircraft by law. It is like driving a car, once you have a licence and experience there is no age limit. Plus, it was his personal aircraft,” he said.

Meanwhile, the head of the AIC team, who refused to be named, on Wednesday told The Phuket News, “I cannot say how long it will take, as we need to get the engine...

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Police turn up the heat on youth gangs for drugs, street racing > page 4

Crash probe may take months Continued from page 1 ...manufacturer to check the engine to see if it was working properly or not.

“After the checking, the information also needs to be analysed,” he added.

“At the same time, in the other parts of the information collected, we have to go back at a meeting and analyse all the details before creating a graphic simulation of the plane to find the point of failure.

“It may take several months to complete,” he said.

The crash is being taken very seriously even at a national level, with the police report of the incident being sent to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and other high-ranking officers in the Royal Thai Police.

According to the report, compiled by Thalang Police Deputy Chief Lt Col Amnuay Kraiwuttianan, 1st Lt Narin and 21 students from Thalang Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Department were on a field trip at the airpark.

St udents Mr Adel and Ms Orawan Jindarak had been chosen to go up in the aircraft.

“The aircraft took off the ground at 10:05am. The aircraft then flew

Investigators inspect the wreckage at the crash site in Pa Khlok last Sunday (Mar 11). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub around the airpark. Ten minutes later as the aircraft was going to land the wind got stronger so the captain decided to fly around.

“A strong wind blew causing the aircraft to fall, the captain tried to raise the aircraft up again but finally the aircraft crashed into the ground,” the report stated.

“Staff from the Aeronautical Radio of Thailand in Bangkok were immediately called to investigate the incident with police,” it added.

Speaking to The Phuket News from the scene, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen

Teeraphol Thipjaroen said, “After talking with witnesses we have learned that the aircraft was trying to land. The aircraft failed to land as the wind was very strong. The aircraft then went back into the air but the engine stalled causing the plane to fall.

“The airpark is not far from the scene. I was told that the captain had good experience with thousands of flying hours behind him. He used to fly for commercial airlines before,” Maj Gen Teeraphol said.

A friend of Capt Wattana’s, Nattapan Saneewong Na Ayuttaya, told

The Phuket News, “Mr Wattana was a captain for THAI Airways before.

After he retired, he came to live in Phuket and flew small aircraft here.

“He was also a special instructor of the Thalang Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Department.”

Pitchayathida Pitchayodaecha, 40, a local resident who lives in the nearby Plernjan housing estate told The Phuket News, “I saw the aircraft flying round, which is normal. Not long ago I saw the aircraft again with a strange noise coming from the engine. The aircraft looked as if it was out of control as it was flying slower and slower. The aircraft first hit the top of a tree and then hit the ground so I called for help.”

SURVIVORS Hopes are high that students Mr Adel and Ms Orawan will make a full recovery. Both were rushed to the intensive-care unit (ICU) at Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town as soon as first-responders were able to safely extricate them from the wreckage.

Of the two, the deepest concern lies for Mr Adel, who as of Wednesday remained comatose.

Mr Adel had already undergone surgery for a broken hip, broken

right leg, broken right arm and a broken jaw.

“Mr Adel’s condition is stable as his pressure and breathing are fine, but his response to stimuli is not so good,” a medical staffer at Vachira Hospital told The Phuket News.

“Mr Adel’s state of consciousness rates only five on the 15-point Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). He has not opened his eyes yet.

“He has been given medication to reduce the swelling of his brain and doctors and nurses are closely monitoring his condition,” the staffer added.

Ms O r awa n , however, on Wednesday had been discharged from the ICU already but remained in care at the hospital.

Ms Orawan suffered internal bleeding and a broken back, as well as broken bones in both hands.

“She is conscious but cannot walk. Doctors began her physical therapy today. It will take time for her to walk again,” the staffer told The Phuket News on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, services for Capt Wattana, who was also founder and President of the Phuket Flying Club, are being held nightly 7pm at Wat Pa Khlok. His cremation will be held at noon on Sunday (Mar 18).

Army removes volunteer lifeguards from beaches THE COMMANDING OFficer of the Royal Thai Army contingent stationed in Phuket has confirmed that soldiers under his command last week “asked” volunteer lifeguards at Kamala to leave the beach and no longer provide lifeguard patrols for tourists.

The move follows marketing survey, engineering and strategic planning consultancy LP Laikhum Co Ltd based

in Bangkok quietly being awarded a B13 million contract by the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) to provide lifeguards at Phuket’s beaches.

LP Laikhum Co Ltd was awarded the contract on Feb 28, with the contract effective from Mar 1, but has yet to provide any lifeguards at Phuket beaches as it has yet

to present to the PPAO for approval a list of the lifeguards who will work for them.

“These volunteers on Kamala Beach do not belong to LP Laikhum Co Ltd. We just explained to them that they do not have to stay on the beach (sic),” Col Santi Sakuntanark, Commander of the 25th Infantry Regiment in Phuket, told The Phuket News on Tuesday (Mar 13).

“It is necessary for LP Laikhum Co Ltd to show up and do their job. These volunteers have to give space for (LP Laikhum) to uphold their responsibility because the volunteers are not staff of this company,” he added.

Col Santi said he was aware that under the current circumstances no volunteers or lifeguards of any kind other than those provided by Lai-

khum Co Ltd were allowed to patrol any beaches in Phuket.

“Now, there are no lifeguards on any Phuket beaches,” he said.

“LP Laikhum has not taken any action to fulfil its obligations under the contract.

I have no idea why they do not have their lifeguards on the beaches. I will go to talk with PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Patomwatthanapong as soon

A tourist sits alone on the beach with no lifeguards in sight. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot as possible about having no lifeguards on the beaches.

“It is Mr Watcharin’s responsibility,” Col Santi said.

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Wastewater crisis may end long-term corals The coral bleaching which has occurred at Patong Bay due to wastewater being released into the sea. Photo: Dr Vipawee Dummee

Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

A

fter two weeks of inspecting and sampling the marine life and soil at Patong beaches, a lecturer at the Faculty of Technology and Environment of the Prince of Songkla University has revealed that although there are no serious short-term effects of untreated wastewater pollution on bleached coral, she predicts all seabed-spawning marine life at Patong Bay may die out this year.

“The sulphide levels are very, very high, as is the organic matter level. I am still waiting for results on heavy metals… and the pH level is quite neutral,” Dr Vipawee Dummee told The Phuket News last Thursday (Mar 8).

“The black muddiness level has not changed at all since the release of the wastewater into the bay two weeks ago,” she noted.

“For levels of organic matter, we compared South Patong, which is Tri Trang, to Northern Patong. The or-

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The seven French nationals remain in custody at Phuket Provincial Court. Photos: Chalong Police

French suspects yet to give statements

ganic matter of Tri Trang was 2-6 times higher than that of Northern Patong.

“Sulphide at Northern Patong was not detected (below 1 milligram per kilogram) while South Patong has a value of 3-17 mg/kg, which is very high, indicating that there is organic spoilage on the seafloor,” she said.

“Wastewater, which contains settleable solids, fine particles and organic matter, which is especially fibre from human manure, becomes a mud-like sediment.

“This muddy coating does not get washed away and does not dissolve in water. We do not know whether maybe the upcoming monsoon season will wash it away,” she added.

“Also, due to chemicals in wastewater from municipalities such as washing excrement and so on, including nitrogen and phosphorous, which are the same in fertilisers, goes into natural water and causes algae blooms which float on top of the water. This has occurred at Patong several times before.

“But when the nitrogen

and phosphorus mix with the sediment which has sunken on the seafloor, it will cause the growth of blue and green algae which covers the sea floor.

“Eggs or larvae need to settle on the seafloor, such as prawns, crabs and coral,” Dr Vipawee explained.

“The algae will die and decompose but it will continue to grow back. It is expected that within this year, many populations of sea species will be rendered unable to reproduce due to algae covering the entire seabed,” she said.

T H E SE V E N F R E NC H nationals arrested for extorting 5,000 euros from a 21-yearold French tourist’s parents back in France by sending a video threatening the woman’s safety have yet to have their statements taken by police.

The seven were arrested Tuesday last week (Mar 6) at a rental house in Kamala, though the kidnap victim was taken from Patong in the early hours of Sunday, Mar 4, and held hostage at a house in Chalong until her parents paid the 5,000-euro ransom (about B194,000) later that same day.

Key to the French gang’s statements is that during initial questioning by police they accused the Frenchwoman they abducted of stealing 5,000 euros from them.

Also key to the case is the video, in which the kidnappers threaten to torture the 21-yearold Frenchwoman to death if the ransom was not paid.

“I do not know what their statements are until I talk to them. I will do that this week,” Lt Col Kanan Somrak of the Chalong Police told The Phuket News on Monday (Mar 12).

“I have to talk with the victim [name withheld] to get as much information from her as I can before she leaves Thailand,” Col Kanan said.

“I cannot reveal details from her statement at this time because some of the information is still blurred. There is a lot that is not clear and I just do not understand,” he added.

The Phuket News

Man slaughters estranged wife in daylight knife attack POLICE ARRESTED A MAN for the brutal slaying of his ex-wife in broad daylight in Wichit, south of Phuket Town, last Thursday (Mar 8).

Capt Chatree Choowochian of the Wichit Police was called to an apartment block on the road from the Dowroong Intersection to Chao Fa West Rd at 5:20pm.

Joining him were Wichit Police Chief Col Nikorn Somsuk and Deputy Chief Lt Col Narong Laksanawimon.

At the scene, the officers found the body of Lamai Chokguea, 47, from Phuket, collapsed on the stairs to the second floor and covered in blood.

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Ms Lamai had five serious knife wounds on her neck. Others wounds were found on her forehead and left chest.

Outside the apartment block police found a Toyota Vios car that had been driven into a power pole on the footpath. Blood was spattered down the driver’s door.

“CCTV footage showed that the car was parked on the side of the road. A man ran toward the car and opened the car door. He pulled a female driver out of the car and struck her,” Col Nikorn said.

“The driver tried to escape, but failed. The driver eventually made it out of the car and ran. The man

followed her. That is all the CCTV footage could capture,” he added.

It was not confirmed whether the man, soon identified as Ms Lamai’s estranged husband Winit Kumkrong, from Phang Nga, entered the apartment building in pursuit of Ms Lamai.

Winit had followed Ms Lamai on a Honda Scoopy to confront her over money he was paying to support her, police later confirmed in their reports.

“We then went to a house in Chalong where Winit lives,” Col Nikorn explained. “We found Winit’s mother and his elder sister. They called Winit and tried to convince

him to surrender… Winit finally told them that he was hiding at their relative’s house in Bang Toei, Phang Nga. He was ready to surrender,” Col Nikorn added.

“His mother’s sister went to Phang Nga with us. We found Winit at the house. He was brought back to Wichit Police Station at 10:30pm and the motorbike he used in committing the crime was also taken to the police station,” Col Nikorn said.

“Winit admitted that he was angry that his ex-wife had tried to hit him with the car.

“He also was jealous that his ex-wife was unfaithful,” he added, noting that Winit and Ms Lamai, who

Lamai Chokguea, 47, was found slain on the apartment block stairs. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub had a son and daughter together, had already separated in accordance with Ms Lamai’s wishes, though Winit was still making monthly payments on the car she was driving.

Winit was also angered by Ms Lamai keeping B50,000 from the sale of some land the couple had recently sold.

Eakkapop Thongtub

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Night market caught selling alcohol – again A FTER A WEEK OF warnings issued to vendors across Phuket for illegally promoting and selling alcohol at New Year, Phuket Provincial Health Office have postponed taking any action against vendors at a popular market near Samkong School until next week.

Dr Prapa Nakara, who as Director of the PPHO’s Non-communicable Diseases division directly heads the enforcement of alcohol-related regulations on the island, told The Phuket News last week that her office was unaware that vendors at the popular Chillva Market in Samkong were still promoting and selling alcohol, despite a raid at the market on Dec 26.

During the raid, health officials explained that no vendors at Chillva Market were permitted to sell alcohol at all, never mind promote it, as the market was within 300 metres of a school.

Worse, it was also discovered that the operators of the seven bars at the market were selling alcohol on the pretence that they were legal – but could only provide permits that had already expired a year earlier.

The raid was initially aimed at bringing the vendors into line as they were flagrantly breaking alcohol-promotion laws by promoting and providing two-for-one deals, special discounts and including alcohol among the “specials” along with food.

The return of alcohol sales at the market came to light with a visitor presenting pho-

Vendors at Chillva Market in Samkong have been caught out selling alcohol again, despite being caught illegally selling and promoting alcohol at New Year. Photo: Supplied tographs showing a venue plainly promoting alcohol on a board outside its premises.

“We will start collecting evidence on this, starting with this sign,” Dr Prapa said.

“These vendors have already been warned – and been found breaking the law – about the illegal sale and promotion of alcohol.

“Next, I must send a warning notice to that business and send a formal request to local police and the municipality asking them to do their job. I have to tell them,” Dr Prapa said.

However, she added, “I am not available right now as I have work in Bangkok. I will follow up next week.”

After the raids over the Christmas holidays in December, Dr Prapa said that any offenders caught will be reported to the Office of the Alcohol Control Committee in Bangkok.

However, actual enforcement will be left to the police, she admitted.

The Phuket News

Police inspect motorbikes ridden by youths at Saphan Hin. Photo: Sgt Maj Apichet Poonchum, Head of Phuket Municipality’s Peace and Security Division

Youths targeted for drugs, racing

Jirarat Rakjamroon editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket City Police have ramped up pat rols th roughout Phu ket Town and Saphan Hin to counter gangs of youths using public areas for taking drugs and holding motorbike street races.

The move follows Phuket City Deputy Mayor Kawee Tansuktanon raising the issue at a meeting last week which he called in response to a slew of complaints by local residents.

Areas identified as where gangs of youths gather to take drugs and race motorbikes included the 72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park (Dragon Park) and King Rama IX Park (Suan Luang), and at Saphan

Hin Park, the Indoor Stadium nearby and along Soi Bang Yai, which runs beside Bang Yai Canal at Saphan Hin. “People and tourists are disturbed by the loud noise and the threat of security in life and property, which affects our image of tourism. Relevant agencies need to work together to solve this problem,” the meeting was told.

In response, Phuket City Police Deputy Superintendent Lt Col Chao Pomna and Phuket City Police Traffic Inspector Lt Col Watchara Puakjan explained that police and plainclothes officers will set up checkpoints from 8pm to midnight and conduct patrols in the risk areas.

Further, CCTV cameras will be installed and better lighting installed in the risk

areas, and landscaping will be carried out to improve visibility, the meeting noted.

Motorcycle repair shops will be raided to crack down on stolen motorbike parts being sold and be inspected to ensure that the repair shops are not selling equipment for illegal modifications.

The Phuket Land Transport Office will also carry out inspections to make sure exhaust mufflers being used and sold meet government standards.

A Line group will be created so that relevant agencies can join and cooperate easily.

A report by Phuket City Municipality noted that all offenders will be recorded, but did not confirm the extent that the law will be enacted against the youths.

12-year-old boy missing THE MOTHER OF A 12-year-old boy who went missing from his home last month has appealed for help for any information on his whereabouts.

Thanakorn Chuaysatid went missing from his family home in Muang District on Feb 17, said a notice issued by the Phuket provincial office of the PR Department.

Any persons who believe they have information that may lead to locating Thanakorn are urged to call Duangjan Sae-

Thanakorn Chuaysatid went missing from his family home in Muang District on Feb 17 and has not been seen since. Photo: PR Dept lim on 091-11299146 or 0805268792 or the Damrongtham Centre on 076-213-203 or 1567.

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Prepare for drought Phuket Town Mayor calls for less water use, warns of rationing Jirarat Rakjamroon editor@classactmedia.co.th

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huket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana has called on residents to conserve water as Phuket heads into the hot season, with little rain forecast until the rainy season begins in May. “Phuket City Municipality needs to ask for cooperation from residents to prepare for water shortages,” Mayor Somjai said on Monday (Mar 12).

“Residents should use water economically and check for water leaks. If a pipe breaks or starts leaking, please fix it as soon as possible to reduce unnecessary water loss.

“Also, we urge residents to keep a reserve of water in the house in case any water supply shut-offs are introduced to conserve water use,” she added.

“If we start running out of water reserves, we will need to start rationing how much water we supply,” Mayor Somjai warned.

Mayor Somjai noted that she had been informed of the

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current state of water-supply reserves that currently serve Phuket City residents, and the news was good.

The city’s water reserves currently stand at 90% capacity, compared with 70% capacity at the same time last year.

“Phuket City Municipality can currently supply up to 23,000 cubic metres of water per day,” she said.

“The main water source is Bang Wad reservoir, which currently contains 9,259,058 cubic metres of water,” Mayor Somjai noted.

“Raw water held in municipality lagoons remains at 948,976 cubic meters, the lagoon at Suan Luang (or King Rama IX park) is at 213,262 cubic metres, the lagoon in front of Vachira Phuket Hospital is at 167,522 cubic metres, and the lagoon along Soi Paniang is at 64,000 cubic metres,” she added.

Phuket’s water reserves were bolstered by a much wetter than usual January.

The weather-monitoring station at Phuket International

Bang Wad reservoir has plenty of water in store, but officials are taking precautions just in case. Photo: PWA Airport set a new record for rainfall for January this year with 271mm of rainfall during the month, surpassing the previous record of 200.9mm set in January last year.

Phuket Airport this year also set a new record for the wettest day in January at that weather station, with a soaking 120.8mm of rainfall within the 24 hours of Jan 22, easily breaking the previous record of 95.2mm of rainfall set on

Jan 28, 2016.

However, Mayor Somjai’s call to conserve water comes as Phuket stands to enjoy very little rain until the annual southwestern monsoon returns in May, marking the start of the rainy season.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department forecast until the end of April, temperatures across the country are expected to be on average 0.5ºC above normal

– with exception of the Northeast, which is forewarned of temperatures reaching up to 43ºC this hot season.

Meanwhile, in March total rain nationwide is expected to be 10% lower than normal.

Mayor Somjai warned that water rationing will be implemented if water reserves run low during the dry season.

“If need be, Phuket City Municipality will reduce water-supply pressure, which will leave some residents with reduced water pressure and some residents without water supply at all,” she said.

If water rationing is introduced, the water supply pressure throughout the town will be reduced at certain areas from 10am to 4pm and other areas from 10pm to 4am, and restored to normal pressure during the hours in between, she explained.

“At this stage we have not set any dates to implement water rationing, but if we do need to start reducing our water consumption, we will make public announcements,” she added.

The municipality will set up emergency water supply centres at three locations in case residents need water for their houses during the coming dry season, Mayor Somjai noted.

The first centre will be at the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office on Kra Rd; the second will be “at Soi Paniang on Yaowarat Rd” (exact location not clarified); and the third will be at the Phuket City Municipality Water Purification Plant at Suan Luang.

“Residents in need can contact the Phuket Drought Prevention and Mitigation Emergency Operations Centre by calling 199 or 076-211111, or they can call the Phuket City Municipality hotline at 1132,” Mayor Somjai explained.

“We are also ready to provide assistance to people whose homes are without water because of broken or leaky pipes. People can call the Phuket City Municipality Waterworks Authority at 076211130 anytime, 24 hours,” she added.

Opinion 6

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

Enough is enough

he recent revelation that the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation (PPAO, or OrBorJor) has secretively awarded a B13 million contract to provide lifeguard services on Phuket’s beaches to a Bangkok-based “marketing survey, engineering and strategic planning consultancy” is the latest mindboggling development in the ongoing lifeguard debacle.

Details about the contract, signed off by much maligned PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin Patomwattanapong, are hard to come by, but it appears that it came into effect on Mar 1 and stipulated that the Bangkok consultancy, LP Laikhum Co Ltd, must have 98 lifeguards on patrol from Mar 1 to Sept 30.

But this requirement of the contract has already been broken – as of yet no legal lifeguards have been stationed on Phuket’s beaches. Appar-

ently because the names of the 98 lifeguards to be employed have yet to be submitted for approval by the PPAO – another contract requirement.

On Mar 14 The Phuket News was made aware that Royal Thai Army soldiers were patrolling Kamala Beach requesting existing volunteer lifeguards to cease providing services as they were not employed by the new contract holder. Patong Beach volunteer lifeguards also said that they were unable to continue their work and confirmed that at present there are no officially sanctioned lifeguards patrolling any beaches in Phuket.

That such an appalling breach of the contract terms has already occurred, within weeks of it supposedly coming into effect, should immediately render this shady lifeguard contract legally null and void.

The PPAO has a clear obliga-

tion, and the public has an overriding right, to demand transparency in the tender process for a service that can make the difference between life and death for those who use Phuket’s beaches.

We have not heard from Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong on these latest developments, but if he wants to stick by his guns and ensure that a sustainable solution to the lifeguard issue is found, he should scrap this current contract and work to find a financially sustainable long-term solution as soon as possible. Preferable without any input from the ineffective and belligerent PPAO Acting Chief Watcharin, who seems intent on sabotaging any effective solution in favour of arbitrary and opaque short-term band-aid solutions. How many more people will die while this ridiculous saga plays out?

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HAVE YOUR SAY Please explain

Re: Bag snatcher in surprise arrest at Family Mart OK, I really don’t understand something. The criminal (caught red-handed in this case) is hidden from identification and yet the victims can always be plainly seen in these pictures. Is there some logic behind this, like “protect the crooks, shame the victims”?

Seriously, I don’t understand.

Martin K ..................................................

Double standards

Re: 16 arrested for illegal gambling on Phuket cockfights It’s OK to show cock-fighting on TV’s Fight Sport channel though… what’s the difference?

Are you telling me there’s no gambling going on with these televised events? Rubbish.

Sue Yu2 Yet again, a couple of people having a wager (B300!) is considered a serious crime but the horrible cruelty of forcing animals to brutally injure, maim and eventually kill each other is just fine.

Buddhism in action.

Captain Jack 69

Bad to worse

Re: Phuket Governor order to widen Chalong underpass lanes jeopardises fast lane for ambulances These days the traffic northbound from Rawai is even worse than before. In the past there were two lanes in the last metres before the circle and this was easing the disengaging from the jam for the cars going left and straight.

Only one lane now. The cars going south can now enjoy two lanes after the circle, but they are unuseful and prevent the use of the same lane northbound.

Fedepar ..................................................

Rock bottom

Re: Probe exposes widespread fraud Many of these state officials (criminals) go to Buddhist temples to buy flowers, buy sticks to burn. Do Wai. It must be sickening for the spirit of Holy Lord Buddha to see all these hypocrites using him to clear their criminal conscience. Thai officials cheating old Thai folks. How low can you sink?

Kurt

Everyone knows Thailand is totally corrupt, but state officials stealing from the poor is an absolute low. I hope there will be none of this “transfer to an inactive post” rubbish to let them go scot-free. Toss them in the clink and fine them 10 times what they stole Marcher ..................................................

Flexible laws invite a free for all frenzy

Sugar coating it

Re: Patong wastewater crisis may end long-term marine life reproduction A very polite and intelligent way to say that Patong has turned into a sh**hole.

Vegasbaby ..................................................

Shroud of secrecy

Re: B13mn Phuket lifeguard contract quietly awarded

Re: Patong Municipality found guilty over illegal hotel construction Everything is flexible in Thailand. Again, it’s no wonder that no one takes any notice of any rules when there is no enforcement.

Discover Thainess ..................................................

Really? “A marketing survey, engineering and strategic planning consultancy in Bangkok”, that’s really the first kind of company you’re thinking of when thinking about lifeguards.

Announced quietly. Family ties?

All sounds very trustworthy.

Really taking the lives of Thais and tourists seriously.

Klaas

Rich and powerful stack the deck

Live and let live

Re: Phuket Opinion: Seeing through the facade So true, it will never change, systemic corruption is by design implemented and accepted by those directly benefitting from it, far from democratic, ordinary Thai’s don’t stand a chance.

Pauly44

..................................................

Re: Myanmar workers kill king cobra in Kamala We have a king cobra living around our house in Rawai, I hope to find its nest so we can have it removed, we have two grandchildren to worry about.

It would be a shame to kill it, live and let live is my motto.

Peter Rawai

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

Polish man wanted in Roi Et and at home SA KAEO

Bangkok Post

Dariusz Pieprzyca (seated) at Klongluek Police Station in Sa Kaeo. He is wanted on an arrest warrant for theft issued by the Roi Et Provincial Court and also wanted by Polish police. Photo: Sawad Ketngam

A

Polish man claiming to have been drugged, robbed and lost his memory turns out to be a suspect wanted by police in Poland and also for alleged theft in Roi Et province.

On Feb 24, a European man later identified as Dariusz Pieprzyca was arrested by immigration police for illegal entry at Rong Kluea border market in Aranyaprathet district.

During police questioning, the man appeared to be “mentally unstable”, according to police. He told police he was drugged and robbed of all his money and passport.

He was taken to Aranyaprathet Hospital for medical treatment, with police posted to keep watch over him.

Last Friday (Mar 9), a person giving his name as Anucha Tippon posted on his Facebook account photos and a video clip of a foreigner who “has lost his memory”, asking

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7

The Bank of Thailand last week presented samples of the new banknotes marking the reign of King Rama X. Photo: via Bangkok Post

King Rama X notes to debut on April 6 BANGKOK for help finding his family.

Mr Anucha said he had visited a relative at the same hospital and had a chance to meet and talk to the foreigner.

After learning of his plight, Mr Anucha said he felt sorry for him and offered to help.

In his Facebook post, which was shared more than 100,000 times, Mr Anucha said the man was thought to be from Europe and had lost his memory. He could not remember his name, country or place of residence and had been robbed, so had no identification documents.

Polish police took notice and confirmed the man’s identity as Dariusz Pieprzyca, who is wanted for alleged crimes in Poland.

Lt Col Chaturapat Singhasathit, deputy police chief at Klongluek Police Station, then sought information from police stations nationwide and learned that Pieprzyca was also wanted here on an arrest warrant for theft. The warrant was issued by the Roi Et Provincial Court in January.

A records check found that he travelled in and out

of Thailand through a border checkpoint in Mukdahan in January, police said.

Last Sunday (Mar 11), police served Pieprzyca the arrest warrants from Poland and from Roi Et, but he still claimed he could not remember anything. Police took him out of the hospital for questioning at Klongluek Police Station.

Preprzyca’s picture was also posted on social media last month, with the message he had also claimed to have lost his memory while in Hanoi, Vietnam.

THE FIRST BANKNOTES bearing his His Majesty the King’s image will be available on April 6, initially in three denominations.

The three denominations are B20, B50 and B100, Bank of Thailand Governor Veerathai Santipraphob said last week.

Two other denominations – B500 and B1,000 baht – will be issued on the birthday of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn, July 28.

The f ront of the new banknotes will feature a portrait of His Majesty the King.

The size and dimension will be the same as the banknotes circulated during the reign of the late King Rama IX, he said.

Existing banknotes will remain in circulation, he said.

April 6 is Chakri Day, which commemorates the founding of the current Chakri Dynasty.

Meanwhile, he first coins to circulate under His Majesty the King’s reign are also expected to be launched soon.

The new coins will comprise nine denominations: B10, five baht, two baht, one baht, 50 satang, 25 satang, 10 satang, five satang and one satang.

Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS

8

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Breaking the sound barrier

BKK’s blind singers a part of Thailand’s traditional folk culture BANGKOK Sippachai Kunnuwong

S

trumming his guitar with ease and backed by a drummer, Singhkum Boonriang belts out covers of Thai ballads as strangers pass by on a busy Bangkok afternoon.

But Singhkum is no ordinary busker – he’s one of hundreds of blind singers who perform across the Thai capital at traffic junctions, skytrain stops and other busy locations.

“It’s born out of my love to play music and sing,” Singhkum explains, sitting in front of a small donation box. Aided by a small speaker, he is hopeful of attracting attention, and some loose change.

He started performing in his teens but took up the street gig four years ago when he moved to the Thai capital from the north.

“When I first arrived in Bangkok, I heard many street musicians playing in public spaces, and I love to sing, so I gave it a try,” he adds.

Like Singhkum, many of

A woman donates money to Singhkum Boonriang, 28, as he performs with his guitar in front of a skytrain station in Bangkok. Photo: AFP Bangkok’s blind singers hail from poor and rural provinces and come to the capital in search of work. But their options are limited.

“There are two or three jobs that we can do, like selling lottery tickets, singing or giving massages,” muses 50-year-old Yupin Boonchuen, who makes around B1,000 a day performing outside a skytrain station.

Attitudes towards begging

and street performing are ambiguous in superstitious Thailand; some view disabilities as the result of bad karma from previous lives.

Such street jobs also carry a social stigma, with buskers seen as hustlers on the run from city officials.

“Sometimes (when I get chased away) I feel, why don’t they give me a chance? I was sad that they didn’t give me

an opportunity to show my talent,” Yupin says.

But others in this Buddhistmajority nation see giving to the needy as a way to accrue merit in their next life.

The singers, armed with traditional mandolins and bamboo flutes, can transport listeners to the past.

“They’re actually part of the traditional folk culture of this country,” explains Philip

Cornwell-Smith, author of a book on Thai culture.

“The sound is quite plaintive – the music itself is quite nostalgic, almost, and so I think it has quite a strong pull on the Thai heart,” he adds.

Attitudes may also be changing thanks to reforms from an unlikely corner.

The junta that grabbed power in 2014 has pushed through new rules separating street showmen from beggars by granting “talent” cards.

All Thais who wish to perform for money in public spaces can now register with the authorities and play legally.

So far over 2,000 people have signed up as street performers with the blind singers making up the majority.

The government has also started offering music, performance and fashion classes to help blind singers sharpen their skills and presentation.

A recent two-day training course at a Bangkok hotel saw nearly 300 blind performers from across the country receive voice lessons.

“The project stemmed from the idea of not leaving anyone

behind,” said Napa Setthakorn, director of the Social Development and Welfare Department, which runs the program.

Yet as the legal channels open up, the number of street troubadours is increasing, including young musicians pumping out pop hits.

The added competition often means a drop in earnings.

Singhkum, the guitarist at Lumpini Park, says that on some days he can’t make enough money to cover the two-way pick-up service he needs and the helper who chaperones his travel.

And if this gig doesn’t work out, he’s not sure where else to turn.

He asks: “How many opportunities does our society provide for the disabled?”

“I think little. The disabled people can do so many things but the acceptance from society is still low,” the 28-year-old adds.

His wish is to be seen as first and foremost as a musician.

He insists: “I just want them to think of me as doing a job, not for the sympathy.”

AFP

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

ASIA NEWS

9

Living on a knife edge Jogi tribe face discrimination trying to carve a sedentary existence AFGHANISTAN Anne Chaon

A

fghanistan’s Jogi tribe live on a knife edge: forced to abandon their nomadic lives after violence wrecked their traditional wandering grounds, they still face daily discrimination trying to carve a more sedentary existence in a country that does not recognise them as proper citizens.

Many from the ethnic minority opted to settle near Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the relatively peaceful Balkh province, where they have built neat, mud-brick houses on rented land but their position is precarious.

Afghanistan’s constitution does not explicitly recognise the Jogi as Afghans, making it difficult for them to obtain a tazkira, an identification document needed for any administrative procedure including buying the land they would need to settle permanently.

To obtain a tazkira the applicant’s father or elder brother must already have one.

The community’s leader Mullah Wural says they could be evicted at any time.

It is part of a pattern of discrimination and violence that the Jogi – also called “Jat” in Dari, a name as pejorative as “Roma” in Europe – have suffered since arriving in Afghanistan in the mid-19th century from other parts of Central Asia.

These Sunni Muslims are distinguished from the rest of Afghanistan’s conservative and ethnically diverse population by their social customs – namely how women play an equal role to men in economically supporting their families.

Lightly veiled and wearing bright coloured dresses, they can be seen in Mazar’s streets begging and reading palms, a striking sight in a gender-segregated country where most women are kept behind walls.

“The Jogi are the most open community in the country,” boasts Wural.

But, though the Jogi men work also, often as day-labourers or caring for livestock, many Afghans accuse them of prostituting their wives while they stay at home and do nothing.

“The prejudice is so strong, it’s overwhelming,” says German anthropologist Annika @thephuketnews

An Afghan Jogi man looks at an empty bird cage at his temporary home on the outskirts of Mazar-i-Sharif. Afghanistan’s Jogi tribe face daily discrimination in a country that does not recognise them as proper citizens. Photo: Farshad Usyan / AFP Schmeding, who documented discrimination against the Jogi community in a 2015 report for NGO People in Need (PIN).

Playful 12-year-old Fodar jumps from one courtyard to another as a cow’s ear broth simmers in a pot and chickens busily peck at the ground.

He has managed to enrol in a public school because his family was able to secure him a tazkira owing to his father already holding one.

Because most Jogi are effectively stateless, they also have limited options to move beyond Afghanistan’s borders.

Musician Haji Rangin says he has missed out on gigs abroad because he does not

have an identity document.

Sitting on a carpet between his son on the drums and his brother on a type of violin, he takes his long-handled traditional Uzbek guitar and strikes the strings with a hand adorned with little bells.

The sound draws curious children from the street to listen.

“I get inspired by my community, by my roots. Sometimes when I start the music and specific poems the men start crying,” Rangin says.

“I just wish sometimes to be counted as a citizen of this country... There is no discrimination when it comes to music,” he smiles.

“The problem is, to get a tazkira you have to get registered with somebody of your family who already has a tazkira,” says Schmeding, who believes that the tazkiras held

by Jogi are often fake.

“It’s very difficult to check if it’s legal or not,” she explains.

Most Afghans do not consider the Jogis fellow citizens, no matter how long they have been in the country, she says.

Often politicians will not speak for the group for fear of upsetting the majority of the public.

“It’s a sensitive issue,”

agrees Homayoun Mohtaat, director of the population bureau at the Ministry of the Interior.

In 2006, he says, the Jogi petitioned Afghanistan’s parliament for official legal recognition.

Official estimates put the total population at 20,000 to 30,000 people, mainly in northern Afghanistan. “So far, 1,300 tazkira have been issued, in Kunduz and Mazar,” Mohtaat said.

But the presidential decree that would give them legal status across the country is still pending. In a country with so many problems the plight of the Jogi is not a priority.

And even if it is delivered, discrimination and social prejudice may be harder to root out.

Schoolboy Fodar says he is bullied by other children at school.

He reveals: “Every day I paint something for them and I offer them the painting to buy peace; if not they beat me.”

AFP

10 WORLD NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Pretty pollies or pests?

Holland’s rose-ringed parakeets become a source of noisy debate NETHERLANDS Charlotte van Ouwerkerk

T

o their detractors, they’re dirty alien invaders whose incessant chatter ruins Sunday morning lie-ins. To their supporters, they’re beautiful, cheerful reminders of warmer climes amid the winter chill.

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, thousands of rose-ringed parakeets, close relatives of parrots, have made their home in the Netherlands over the past five decades, and their growing presence has become a source of noisy debate.

Like in other European cities such as London and Paris, the colourful green birds with distinctive red beaks have proliferated over the years.

They gather in garden trees and around schools; they even roost outside the Dutch parliament in The Hague, with urban legend telling how one debate was drowned out by the birds’ constant calls.

Imported from Pakistan in the 1960s to brighten the

A Rose-ringed Parakeet rests on a power line in the Israeli Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya, north of Tel Aviv. Photo: Jack Guez / AFP aviaries of wealthy Europeans – especially the Dutch and British – over the years many escaped and have now successfully adapted to life in the city.

Indeed, the rose-ringed, or ring-necked parakeet was listed among Europe’s top 100 most invasive species in the scientific journal “Biological

Invasions” in December.

While their fans claim they are victims of a knee-jerk fear of anything new, some groups actively lobby for their numbers to be culled.

In Amsterdam, where one of the largest colonies of parakeets lives, the town hall has banned residents from putting out food in some areas or risk

a 70-euro fine (B2,699).

Critics argue the flying flocks undermine the natural order, pinching the resting spaces of owls and bats, leaving behind piles of bird droppings and ravaging trees and plants.

“Some residents are even thinking of moving house because of their infernal noise,”

said Wilfred Reinhold, president of an association fighting against the birds’ presence in the country.

With plentiful food, few predators and lots of water, the living is easy in the Netherlands, where the flocks have grown unchecked.

In Leiden, biologist Roelant Jonker has taken the country’s oldest colony of the birds under his wing, despite being allergic to their feathers and even though his passion was sorely tested six years ago.

While studying a group of yellow-eared parrots in the jungles of Colombia, Jonker was taken hostage by FARC rebels, a “traumatising experience” which lasted eight months.

But he remains determined to protect the estimated 15,000 parakeets which now call the Netherlands home. By comparison, France is 15 times bigger but counts only some 10,000 parakeets.

“Of course they are charming... but they also cause a lot of damage,” said Reinhold, keeping a watchful eye on

some budding chestnut trees outside the Dutch parliament.

A recently published picture of an embassy-lined street near the royal palace sullied with parrot droppings has only added grist to his mill.

Reinhold insists that measures should be taken to stop the flocks.

“Nets could be dropped on the trees at night to catch hundreds of them,” he suggested, accepting however that using guns to shoot them down “would not be a very good idea in the city”.

But removing them would be too costly, argued Jonker, declaring: “There is nothing to do. They are here, they are going to stay.”

He pointed to some birch trees, saying they had once been imported by the Romans and were now an integral part of the Dutch landscape.

The next generation will see the parakeets “as ordinary birds... and they will be as ordinary as all the different colours of people and birds in Europe,” he added.

AFP

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 11

Saving the green

New building regulations target hillside developments PROPERTY Shela Riva reporter1@classactmedia.co.th

N

ew building regulations that quietly came into immediate effect in mid-December have introduced more restrictions on hillside developments while making it simpler and quicker for smaller developments to be granted building permission.

Issued late last year by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), the comprehensive new regulations, comprising 42 pages in total, came into effect on Dec 15.

The quiet launch caught several projects off-guard, with the Phuket office of Public Works and Town & Country Planning Department (DPTPhuket) confirming that any applications for building permits already submitted but not yet approved on Dec 15 being rejected pending adjustments to comply with the new laws.

“If the permit had not yet

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been approved before the new regulations, the new regulations would apply, though it depends case to case,” DPT officer Rujikorn Serirom told The Phuket News.

Mr Rujikorn was limited in his explanations, however, as DPT-Phuket Chief Tawee Homhuan would answer formal questions from The Phuket News only by fax, which Mr Rujikorn compiled.

The formal faxed reply signed by Mr Tawee dodged the question of what happened with building permit applications caught out by the Dec 15 launch, saying only: “For clarity and order on this issue, please re-confirm with the following agencies: 1) Office of Natural Resources and Environment 2) Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning or 3) Board National Environment.”

However, Mr Tawee in his faxed reply welcomed the new regulations, saying, “Phuket is

The new regulations aim to protect the green hillsides from large developments. Photo: The Phuket News / file quickly expanding and developing business-wise. There is a need to protect natural areas and especially areas with slopes of more than 35%, which are mostly located in hill or forest areas.

“There is a sensitive and random risk of landslides during the rainy season or monsoon season on an annual basis…Therefore, it is important to improve the terms by not adjusting such areas for the construction of buildings.”

The new regulations are not retroactive, Mr Tawee confirmed.

“Old buildings (built) under the old laws will not need to be modified to match the new regulations. In fact, it is prohibited to modify by construction or renovate such buildings under this criteria,” he said, noting that it was illegal to remove buildings already built on dangerous slopes for safety reasons.

“Landlords, entrepreneurs

or investors can still build a building or develop property in Phuket areas as before under the terms and conditions of the original building laws, except for the following: Buildings located in sloping areas of over 35% gradient will not be allowed to be constructed or adjust any existing construction area due to the area under Clause 8 (3) of the new law, except for if the building is a single or single-detached houses with the height not exceeding six metres, with green space of no less than 70% of the plots of land submitted for building permission, with a footprint of no more than 80-90 square metres.

Mr Tawee pointed out that the new regulations make it easier for developers to move ahead with smaller projects, while still holding large projects to the same standards already in place.

“According to old regulations, hotels, holiday resorts or condominium buildings that are

over 50 metres from the nearest coastline with a total of 10 to 79 rooms, a total area of each building over 500 square meters but less than 4,000 square metres, must have an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) ready for approval by the Office of Policy and Planning of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment before requesting a building permit,” he said.

“But under the new regulations, under Clause 15 (1) - (b), the above listed buildings, if with less than 30 rooms and each living space (floor area) of each building is not over 1,500 square metres, it is not necessary to prepare an IEE before applying for a building permit, thus saving capital and increasing flexibility and benefit to the land owner or small entrepreneur who wants to operate a hotel, condominium or apartment.

“This will reduce the time to be issued permits and allow the construction of the buildings to begin faster,” he noted.

12 BUSINESS NEWS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Breaking legal boundaries

Patong Municipality found guilty over illegal hotel construction CONSTRUCTION The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

atong Municipality has confirmed that it has not fulfilled a court order to issue a notice for the Andakira Hotel to remove all structures that exceed the original building permit issued seven years ago despite a court ruling that has found Patong Municipality and the Office of the Patong Mayor guilty of failing to perform their duties in ensuring that the original building permit was adhered to.

Instead, Somchai Neitibumroong, head of the Patong Municipality Legal Division, told The Phuket News on Mar 8 that his office has filed an appeal against the decision.

“We filed an appeal on Jan 24,” Mr Somchai said.

Mr Somchai explained the differences in construction as negligible, that only the number of arches on the rooftop level of one of the Andakira Hotel buildings did not confirm to the building permit.

The height of the building and its proximity to the boundary wall were in question. Photo: Supplied “One building was to have seven floors and six arched spaces with a swimming pool on the rooftop, the other building was to have seven floors with only three arched spaces with a swimming pool on the rooftop,” he said.

“But with this second building Andakira illegally made seven floors with seven arched spaces. This was not the same as the Andakira Group applied to Patong Municipality for, and Patong Municipality legal officials issued a warning to Andakira Group about the

deviation from the plans – but Andakira Group did not follow the law,” Mr Somchai said.

However, a copy of the court judgement obtained by The Phuket News shows that the court was aware of major discrepancies of the location of the building on the site in the permit and where it is now located.

Specifically, one building in question was to be no less than 4.8 metres from the boundary of the property, but now sits just 3.2m from the fence.

Also in dispute is the build-

ing’s height, which now stands 27.9m tall.

Mr Somchai did not recognise these issues. He also refused to present to The Phuket News a copy of the original building permit approved to support his claims.

Marked plainly in the court judgement, handed down on Dec 26, is that the Office of the Patong Mayor was given 120 days to ensure that the structures not included in the approved building permit are removed.

No definition of exactly

which structures are to be removed was given.

“Of course we were found guilty, but it is not the highest court process. We have a right to appeal,” Mr Somchai insisted.

Mr Somchai admitted to The Phuket News that Patong Municipality took no further action other than to issue one warning notice.

“We have not issued any warning or filed any notice after the warning we issued on Nov 25, 2011,” he said.

“We did our job in accordance with the Public Works Act. We are just waiting for the Supreme Court. I don’t know when the court will call us for this appeal,” he said.

Again, oddly, Mr Somchai did not recognise that the court in its judgement noted that it was already aware that Patong Municipality had issued the warning to Andakira Group – and yet the court still found Patong Municipality guilty of failing to perform its duty.

Mr Somchai also did not clarify whether the appeal was against Patong Municipality failing to perform its duty in

upholding building laws in Phuket’s most-lucrative tourism town, or against the B250,000 plus 7.5% per annum interest since the day the lawsuit was filed, some six years ago, that the court ordered Patong Municipality to pay the plaintiff, the company of a long-term Phuket expat who has lived in Patong nigh on 20 years, in compensation.

“I can’t give you the document or any further statement about it.” Mr Somchai said.

Of note, current Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup was not in office during the period in question.

“This issue concerns between Andakira Group and P. Hanna Co Ltd. We were not involved with this, and the Andakira Group has accepted to take this responsibility of these damages and deal with it,” Mr Somchai said.

The Phuket News has yet to confirm with the Andakira Group that it has accepted to pay the compensation ordered by the court. Previous requests

by The Phuket News for the Andakira Group to comment on the issue were declined.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Building sustainable business practices

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

14

Student chefs test their skills in cooking comp

17

COCONUT CASTAWAYS It’s just minutes from Phuket by longtail boat but Koh Maphrao feels a million miles away

Koh Maphrao, also known as Coconut Island, has friendly locals, abundant marine life and stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. Photos: Bangfaedd

Kansinee Phumipol & Naiyana Sithongthiao

D

uring the high season in the beginning of the year, Phuket is well-known as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with its beautiful beaches, azure seas and the scores of smaller islands surrounding it. In recent years, Phuket has also increased in popularity among domestic Thai tourists who come for many of the same reasons as foreigners, including the island’s famous local cuisine.

Phuket is both a destination in itself and a jumping off point for the dozens of smaller islands of Phang Nga Bay such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Racha Yai. But if you are not planning to visit any of these more distant islands from Phuket, there is one island that has all the delights of these islands but is located only minutes away by boat from Phuket.

The island in question is called Koh Maphrao, which translated to English means Coconut Island, and it is actually a part of Phuket’s Koh Kaew subdistrict. Koh Maphrao can be reached easily by boat from just north of Phuket Town at Laem Hin Pier, in fact, you can

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see the island right in front of you while you wait for your boat at the pier.

Koh Maphrao has an area of 2,620 rai, which as you might have guessed, is packed full of the towering coconut trees that give the island its name.

Most of villagers on the island are Muslim and still work mostly in the traditional industries of fishing, rubber tapping and coconut harvesting that have sustained the island, and many others like it, for centuries.

The island is teeming with wildlife and it is easy to spot many different types of marine animals such as crabs, fish, shellfish and hermit crabs on its sandy beaches. There are just two piers on the island, one located on the western beach to transfer day-trippers and tourists visiting the island’s resorts and guesthouses and other in the north, which is used by the local fishermen.

There are plenty of accommodation options on the island, from cosy natural bungalows amongst the trees to a large five star resort called The Village.

There are also various food shacks and bars to service the visiting tourists.

Despite being just a few minutes away from Phuket – its noisier, busier brother – Koh Maphrao has a completely different and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect example of South-

ern Thailand’s famous natural beauty.

Trees line the beaches swaying in the wind, as the local villagers go about their daily routines seemingly a world away from the shopping malls, nightclubs and party towns of Phuket. The laid-back island offers a wide range of food and accommodation that will suit every budget, making it a great place to hop over to for the weekend and explore without breaking the bank – another reason why it is a popular choice for both Thais and local expats.

Many visitors simply enjoy exploring the nooks and crannies of the island in search of the perfect sunbathing spot or a patch of sea to go snorkelling and observe the beautiful marine life. There are three beaches; the western beach at the pier, the beach in front of the village and the beach on the east of the island, however the beaches at the pier and village are not as pleasant for swimming as the eastern beach.

Hence, most tourists go to swim on the white sand beach located on the island’s east coast, where there are also a host of other activities to do, such as visiting a traditional fishing village, nature walking, cycling around the island, fishing from a longtail boat and visiting a working pearl farm.

The waters surrounding Koh Maphrao are filled with fish, many of which make for excellent eating, if you are a keen angler, simply chat to one of the local longtail boat operators about hiring their services for a full or halfday fishing tour, there are also places you can cast a line from the beach or rocks, but they might be a little harder to discover without local knowledge.

To get to Koh Maphrao you can pay just B20 to jump on a longtail from Laem Hin Pier, or for a bit more, you can catch a speed boat from Royal Phuket Marina, both options take about 10 minutes to get to the island.

On the way to the island, you will pass several “floating restaurants” out on the water, which are a well-known attraction popular with local and visiting Thais. Even if you’re not visiting the island, you can ask a longtail driver to take you out to the floating restaurants to experience some authentic Southern Thai cuisine for a reasonable price in this wonderfully unique setting – and as long as you are dining, the longtail ride is free!

So if you are looking for the perfect place to relax and forget about your troubles for a while, then now is the perfect time to plan a visit to peaceful Koh Maphrao.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Legacy of sustainability

Following the late King’s example will create a resilient economy Kiranee Narabal

T

he late King’s given name, Bhumibol Adulyadej, translates in English as “Strength of the Land, Incomparable Power” and it was his dedication and commitment to supporting those who toiled on the land – the country’s farmers and rural communities – that secured the monarch’s place in the hearts of Thai people.

King Bhumibol’s passing left more than a simple legacy, but a set of concepts and ideals that will be followed by the people of Thailand for generations to come. He did not only inspire us to love and be there for one another, but also to set a good example for future generations. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said that the King of Thailand is widely considered to be “the world’s hardest working monarch” for his initiatives within many fields. He chose to live a private and humble life and encouraged us to follow in his footsteps.

Throughout the decades of King Bhumibol’s reign, I witnessed his commitment, hard work and humility, and it will never cease to inspire me. King Bhumibol saw the importance of each individual, regardless of their background or status and strongly believed

Ms Kiranee has a diverse career as an educator, business consultant, national news anchor and freelance MC. that our nation is one. Hence, I feel that it is very important to be humble and to have respect for all, despite our differences.

One of King Bhumibol’s most inspiring achievements is his theory of ‘selfsufficiency’, urges us to be satisfied with ourselves and what we have. But it is not about settling for less or giving up any ambitions for what you want in life.

Moreover it reminds us, that when we are striving to achieve something it is equally important to remember that, no matter the result, you have done your best and can be content with it.

King Bhumibol’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy This philosophy consists of three principles: moderation, reasonableness and resiliency. There are perceptions that the Sufficiency Economy principle is applicable only to the rural and agriculture sectors. In fact, it is a philosophy that can be applied to all aspects of life, from managing household budgets to the financial affairs of large corporations.

Being sufficient does not restrict people from having a lot, or possessing luxury items, but it does imply one must not take advantage of others. Everything must be within limits. We say what is necessary, act as is needed and work as is adequate. Thus, sufficiency means within the proper bounds and reasons of the country and the people.

The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) emphasises the “Middle Path” in daily living for people of all genders, ages and walks of life. It encourages people to reach a state of living that is in harmony with nature.

It can be applied at individual, community, national and international levels. The philosophy holds that each individual should be conscientious in their daily conduct and strive to lead a joyful and moderate life. The SEP can also be applied at every level of organisation – family, school, institution and government.

Sufficiency Thinking and Sustainable Business Practices Put simply – people matter and nature matters. Whatever we do, we must ensure that we are not stealing from future generations. Sufficiency thinking is the key to sustainable development and can be understood as “putting people and the environment first, not profit maximisation” – for our children’s sake.

Sufficiency thinking is composed of wisdom or insight and the need for built-in resilience against the risks which arise from internal or external change. The application of this theory in business planning and implementation requires good judgement at every stage. Organisations needs to develop their commitment to the importance of knowledge, integrity and honesty so that their business has the strength and balance to respond to rapid and widespread changes in the world’s economy, society and environment.

In business practice, moderation can

be defined as not over-producing and not over-investing. Reasonableness underscores prudent corporate decisions and the firms that practice sound risk management will fin themselves the most resilient. King Bhumibol believed that if businesses correctly applied the principals of the SEP they would create a culture of corporate sustainability.

Will businesses following the SEP still be profitable?

Based on economic evidence, Thai firms that adopted SEP were less risk prone, but not less profitable. In 1997, the economic crisis gave Thailand first-hand experience of the fragility of economies built on unsustainable growth. Business schools are now teaching future corporate leaders about the crucial importance of business ethics, principles of honesty and integrity, good corporate governance and long-term sustainability. If people are contented, they are less greedy. With less greed, they will face fewer problems. To truly make customers satisfied a business should value honesty, not greed.

Over seven decades, King Bhumibol provided many examples and outlined a clear vision of how to develop a prosperous and sustainable nation. To tackle 21st century challenges successfully, the business community should wholeheartedly adopt King Bhumibol’s sustainable development theories. To achieve this end, the business community can follow King Bhumibol’s example of applying innovative solutions and cost-effective technologies through a rational decision-making process in order to overcome new challenges and ensure society will reap the rewards of a sustainable and resilient economy.

Born in Phuket, Kiranee Narabal, 40, has built a diverse career as an educator, business consultant, national TV news anchor, freelance MC and is involved in several women’s business associations and various charities.

Ms Kiranee will be expanding on these ideas during her talk for Inspired Phuketians on Thursday, March 29 at 6pm at Skye Lake Club in Cherng Talay.

Limited to 55 seats only, tickets are B350 and include one drink and pass around canapés. This event is proudly sponsored

by The Phuket News and Live 89.5. Register at: sales@skyelakeclub.com thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 15

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

How Papaya got her name Soi Dog team rescues starving dog and nurses her back to full health The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

To say Papaya was all skin and bones when she arrived at Soi Dog would be an understatement.

@thephuketnews

O

n the crest of a steep hill, a trembling dog is found alone and starving. No more than a few months old, she is emaciated and terrified. Her fur is long gone. Her eyes plead for help. There is no human being for miles around. In despair, she is eating pieces of decaying papaya fruit that lie on the ground.

She has literally nothing else. This is how Papaya got her name.

What would you do if you came across this heartbreaking situation? Well when Khun Thep, a 70-yearold Animal Rescue Officer found himself in that exact situation he didn’t hesitate for a moment and quickly climbed that steep hill to rescue Papaya. This is just one example of the regular rescue work carried out by volunteers and staff at Soi Dog who have dedicated their time and energy to rescuing and caring for helpless animals that are suffering from terrible diseases and neglect.

To say Papaya was all Papaya on her arrival at Soi Dog. skin and bones on arrival

After months of loving care and attention Papaya is now looking healthy and happy.

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at the Soi Dog shelter would be an understatement. Her desperate condition would have broken anyone’s heart who witnesses it first hand. Papaya trembled incessantly, both from fear and cold – a few sparse tufts were all that remained of her fur.

This is why donations to Soi Dog are desperately needed. It is one thing to climb a hill to pick up a suffering animal, but what happens then? Without donations from compassionate supporters, dogs like Papaya simply won’t survive. There is no government funding for their shelter and extensive medical treatment; there is no other source of help except donations from the public.

It took months of medical treatment, nutritious food and healing baths before Papaya began to turn the corner towards recovery. In the early days, she was so weak her carers weren’t even sure she would make it. But when compassionate

animal lovers respond to a suffering animal’s plea for help and donate, they can make the seemingly impossible happen.

Today, Papaya is so very different to the sad, scared, emaciated dog at the top of that hill. She is transformed in body and spirit – this is all thanks to our generous donors.

Sadly, in this past week alone, many other sick, injured or abused animals like Papaya arrive at the Soi Dog shelter gates and have nowhere else to go.

Just a few dollars a week has the power to heal suffering, remove fear, and restore happiness, where right now there is only pain, terror, and desperation.

It is up to every one of us to help these poor animals who have no other hope for survival.

For more information, or to make a donation to Phuket’s Soi Dog Foundation, please visit: www.soidog.org

16 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

The essence of a good Early Years education is play.

Early Years education essentials Play in Early Years education lays a foundation for future learning EDUCATION CORNER Kenneth Page

When children receive assistance in their early years they achieve more success at school says UNICEF.

A

s the classic children’s song goes, “The wise man built his house upon the rock”, and indeed, every builder worth his salt knows the importance of laying a firm foundation. The above-ground, visible portion of a building may win all the recognition and praise but it couldn’t do so without the solid support provided below-ground.

So it is with education and laying this solid foundation is central to the role of Early Years education. Amongst educationalists there is no doubt about the vital role played by Early Years education. Of course the family environment has the greatest impact on a child’s early (and subsequent) development, but as UNICEF research points out: “Children who receive assistance in their early years achieve more success at school. As adults they have higher employment and earnings, better health, and lower levels of both welfare dependence and crime rates than those who don’t have these early op-

portunities.” (unicef.org/earlychildhood/ index_40748.html).

The essence of a good Early Years education is play. Play is vital for the development of a child. One of the great frustrations for Early Years teachers is to hear people complain, “But all they do is play all day!” Play is the basis for learning. Through play children are exploring the world around them and their relationship with it. It allows them to develop their physical, cognitive, linguistic and emotional abilities whilst also developing their creativity and imagination.

To put that into context, there is a focus in the educational world on developing “21st Century Skills” which often revolve around the “Three Cs” of Communication, Collaboration and Creativity. These are exactly the skills developed through play in an Early Years setting, subsequent year groups in schools can learn a lot from this approach.

The role of an Early Years teacher is to encourage play, not least by providing opportunities for child-initiated play.

But more than that, a skilled Early Years teacher will carefully select play opportunities that guide children into areas important for their development and by leading a variety of play activities with individuals, small groups and whole classes.

A skilled Early Years teacher will weave Mr Ken Page, Primary Principal at the various learning opporBritish International School, Phuket. tunities into play, such as sorting, counting and early writing practices. They will structure play that encourages an ever-expanding vocabulary, including for example, the days of the week, the months of the year and types of weather. They will introduce children to letters and the sounds they make (phonics) and introduce a range of stories and poems to stimulate an enthusiasm for reading. They will also encourage children to develop emotional and social resilience by knowing just when to intervene and when to step back.

My own personal philosophy of a good school being a happy place in which everyone is safe, treated with respect and encouraged to learn is exemplified, arguably in its purest form, by a good Early Years setting – and to see this in practice is a joy to behold.

Kenneth Page is Primary Principal at BISP, you can follow him on Twitter @BISPPrimary.

MORE THAN A GAME Play is a strange word and seems even stranger when applied to education. It is a word that makes many parents wary – no one wants to pay a lot of money for play – after all, can’t children do that at home? And isn’t the term play-based education a contradiction in itself? Shouldn’t we separate play from reality?

But in fact, when children play they are rehearsing real life experiences – they practice what they observe in the grown-up world, they learn about relationships, they experiment and they mimic.

Play is life itself – reduced to an appropriate and brain-friendly level for children. Their young brains are genetically programmed to use play as rehearsal for life. So the better, more varied and more structured the play-based environment is, then the better prepared a child will be for later life. – BISP Headmaster Neil Richards thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

EVENTS 17

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Students set for culinary clash Phuket’s young chefs to go head-to-head at QSI International School The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

Q

SI International School of Phuket will be hosting its second annual Culinary Competition and Food Fare at the school’s campus in Kathu on Friday, April 6 from 11am3:30pm. The competition has been dubbed as the “Kids Top Chef” and will see teams of students from various schools across the island compete in a head-to-head culinary battle.

Last year this was one of the most successful and popular events of the QSI school year and fondly remembered by everyone who participated.

There are several aspects that make this event fun for the entire family.

First and foremost is the excitement of the students competing in a culinary contest using all their skills and knowledge while the assembled crowd looks on. But that’s just the start, for the local community it is a chance to come together and sample the local produce and home-crafted products that will be available, not to mention the several vendors that will be setting up stalls for everyone in attendance to purchase their delectable wares.

QSI’s lead celebrity chef Iron Chef Noi (of Positive Kitchen and the owner of the two popular Suay restaurants) will be playing a large role in the competition. Chef Noi said he feels that such a fun and challenging competition will allow students to be both cooperative and creative in the kitchen, all while learning what it takes to be an Iron Chef.

Each school that participates, both the international and local Thai schools (with English programs), has the opportunity to send one team of four students from ages 12 to 18. The teams that participate will create two culinary delights within a one-hour time limit.

The first dish will be prepared based on a recipe chosen by the celebrity chefs in attendance. The students will have to pay close attention in order to recreate the dish as best they possibly can using ingredients the chefs have prepared. The second dish will be a creative dish that each team can choose and prepare to represent their group and demonstrate their skills in the kitchen.

The student teams will have to make both their original prepared dish and their celebrity recipe impromptu dish within just one hour.

Teams are asked to bring uncooked ingredients, to use in their selected dish, at a cost of no more than B2,000.

Once the teams have completed the challenges @thephuketnews

Chef Ronnie from Cafe del Mar will be judging again.

Chef Noi from Suay will play a key part in the event. they will then be judged by the celebrity chefs. This year QSI is honoured to have Chef Martin from Taste in Surin and Kamala, Chef Ronnie (returning again from last year) from Cafe del Mar in Kamala and QSI’s very own Iron Chef Noi from Suay and Positive Kitchens on hand to help decide the winners.

Through engaging in this competition students will get a range of educational benefits, not least of which will be learning to appreciate just what it takes to get their lunches on the tray every day. Students will also expand their understanding of school meal requirements (the “complete meal”) and the basics of nutrition. Students also gain valuable life skills by working as a team to devise and cook a delicious dish. Finally, students will gain confidence in public speaking by presenting and speaking about their recipes to the judging panel and audience.

QSI students are getting plenty of practice in the lead up to this year’s Culinary Competition and Food Fare.

While the competition takes place, guests in attendance will be able to browse stalls to purchase organic produce and home-crafted foods from local vendors including Bake Free and Phuket Farmers Club.

Entrance is free – guests will be able to buy samples from local restaurants and vendors, including excellent dining establishments such as Suay, Café del Mar, Taste Surin and many

more delicious options.

It will be an exciting day for all those who participate and attend, so come and join the fun!

If you would like to participate in the event, please contact Khun Sa at the QSI office: orasa@pkt.qsi.org or 076 304 312. For more information visit: facebook.com/qsi.phuket/ or through Instagram @qsiphuket

18 ISLAND SCENE

Craig Ferguson and Genevieve Clune.

Guests enjoyed a delicious Southern Thai lunch.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

From left: Aisaya, Benjawan, Uthai, Tida, Ajarn Pranee and Antika.

Many of the attendees are involved in various charity organisations in Phuket.

AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE-GENERAL INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY LUNCH Dozens of prominent Phuket women gathered for lunch at The Blue Elephant restaurant in Phuket Town last Thursday (Mar 8) to mark International Women’s Day. The lunch was hosted by the Australian Consulate-General in Phuket and sought to celebrate the role of women in society and highlight some of the challenges facing women of all ages and backgrounds around the world today.

Guests enjoyed Naughty Nuri's famous Balinese-style pork ribs.

Naughty Nuri's International President Peter Khor (right) welcomed guests.

NAUGHTY NURI’S IN THE FOREST, PHUKET HOSTS ‘FUN IN THE SUN’ EVENT There were mouthwatering Balinese treats aplenty at the inaugural ‘Fun in the Sun’ family brunch at Naughty Nuri's In The Forest, Phuket last Sunday (Mar 11). Guests enjoyed Naughty Nuri’s 1995 Signature BBQ Ribs, fresh seafood, refreshing drinks and tons of fun for everyone.

ANGSANA HOLDS PINK WALK & RUN FUN CLEAN UP FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018 Led by Figen Bulut, Hotel Manager of Angsana Laguna Phuket, a total of 62 walkers and runners joined in the Angsana Pink Walk & Run Fun Clean Up on International Women’s Day 2018 last Thursday (Mar 8). The activity started with a warm-up by the beach at the XANA Beach Club Lagoon deck, then continued as participants walked or ran along the roadside from XANA Beach Club to the end of Layan Beach. Participants collected rubbish along the way back.

The donations of B80 per participant, making a total of B4,000, will be presented to the Phuket Panyanukul School.

The Angsana team poses for a group photo after the clean-up run.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

The Princess led a ceremony to hoist a symbolic parasol over a statue of Buddha.

ISLAND SCENE 19

Scores of local government officials also attended the ceremony led by the Princess.

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS BAJRAKITIYABHA VISITS PHUKET Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha last Friday (Mar 9) arrived in Phuket to visit a temple in Kathu before heading to Prince of Songkla University’s Phuket campus to view a Memorial Art Exhibition for Rama 9. Photos supplied by Kathu Municipality.

Students learnt about televison production in The Phuket News TV studio.

Branded baseball caps were the order of the day for the youngsters.

Students paid close attention during their tour of The Phuket News office.

The students and teachers pose for a photo at the conclusion of the tour.

KAJONKIET INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT THE PHUKET NEWS Students and their teachers from Kajonkiet International School visited The Phuket News offices last Friday (Mar 9) to learn about media production. The students visited the The Phuket News newsroom and the Live 89.5 and Phuket News TV studios, where they spoke with journalists, editors and production staff about how the news gets made.

Julian Lowry (2nd from right) and Manit Pimparien (right) present the donation.

Comedian Eleanor Conway with David Ghani from Brand Connect.

ELEANOR CONWAY’S COMEDY SHOW ‘WALK OF SHAME’ A HIT There was a full house at Drinks & Co in Cherng Talay last Thursday (Mar 8) as UK comedian Eleanor Conway took to the stage to perform her hit one-woman show Walk of Shame – a riotous comedy about sex, sobriety and the modern addict. Due to popular demand, Eleanor performed another sold-out show on Saturday (Mar 10). @thephuketnews

LE MERIDIEN PRESENTS FUNDING FOR SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, represented by General Manager Julian Lowry and Director of Human Resources Manit Pimparien, presented the resort’s annual contribution to the Phuket Marine Biological Centre’s Sea Turtle Conservation Program last Thursday (Mar 8).

20 EVENTS

FRI

16 MAR

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic and cream or Thai style. Reservations recommended B295 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

17 MAR

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tee’d off on February 10th at Laguna Golf Phuket. The WCGC Thailand Series had six qualifiers around Thailand which will culminate the in Phuket on the 28th April for the national Final. For this time, Qualifier 3 - Mar 15th @ Phoenix Gold Golf Club, Qualifier 4 - Mar 17th @ Banyan Golf Club and Qualifier 5 - Mar 25th @ Lotus Valley Golf Club. The winner of WCGC Thailand will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the WCGC World Final in June. For more information please email events@foremanagment.com Laguna Golf Phuket.

Traditional Sunday Roast Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 350 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otoolsphuket.com

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats. Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

For one night only, sample 15 of the best restaurants in Phuket ‘popping up’ at Boat Lagoon’s White House in support of Phuket Has Been Good To Us! For a B2,500 donation try culinary creations from the many amazing chefs and enjoy free flow from our beverage sponsors. The evening will also feature fantastic silent auction prizes, great music, dancing, and more!

Don’t miss Phuket’s best foodie event of the year!

Book now at: phuketticketmaster.com, by email at info@phukethasbeengoodtous.org or call 076 278 146

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

SUN

18 MAR

Sunday Roast All Day, All Night Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites!

Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken.

Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic. Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy. Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band!

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

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is B500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12pm at the Millennium Resort in Patong. For additional information please visit: www.rotarypatong.org.

Beef, Pork and Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended B350 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Sala Steak & Seafood Sunday Grill Premium main courses including imported steaks and whole lobster, accompanied by a buffet of deli-

MON

19 MAR

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Pop Up 4 at The White House at Boat Lagoon

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs!

Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - Stay for the Fun. www.twochefs.com

cious appetizers. Every Sunday from 2 - 5.30 pm with live music performed by the ‘Colin Illy Hill Band’. Pricing: 1,700++ Baht/person and 3,200++ Baht/couple.

For more information : www.salaphuket.com SALA Phuket Resort and Spa, fbphuket@salaphuket.com, 076 338 888.

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand - Qualifier 3rd - 5th

Curry Cravings in Karon Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Ice-cream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only B499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

WED

21 MAR

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

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

THU

EVENTS 21

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

WED

22 MAR

28 MAR

SAT

7 APR

10 Mile International Run Phuket 2018 All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns and Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. B395 P/P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRI

23 MAR

The Phuket race takes runners through Phuket’s beautiful lush settings, stunning sunrises, and backroads on the island’s northern side. The race spans over four distances: 10-mile (16 km), 5-mile (8 km), 3-mile (4.8 km), and 500-metre (for children aged 4-12 years). The top three finishers in the 10 and 5 mile categories receive a trophy. All finishers receive a medal and T-shirt.

For more information and register on the website (Entry Deadline: 17 Mar) : https://www.thanyapura.com/ event/supersports-10-mile-international-run-phuket2018-presented-thanyapura Thanyapura Health & Sports Resort Phuket, events@thanyapura.com, 076 336 000.

Quiz Night - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites everybody to consume (responsibly) for a cause at the Aussie Pub Kamala’s trivia night. Raffles + trivia + drinks + food + raising money for charity = A) fun B) very fun C) boring ? If your answer is A or B, show up by 7:30pm. See: www.rotarypatong.org for more information.

THU

29 MAR

Caribbean Sun Splash Fundraiser The Rotary Club of Patong Beach celebrates a “Caribbean Sun Splash” Fundraiser to benefit the children of Phuket. The 3000 baht per person ticket includes a sumptuous Caribbean buffet dinner, welcome drink, an entertainment extravaganza featuring EKA Soundz, plus Latin DJs with salsa and fire dancers.

Online Auction, Live and Silent auction prizes plus a raffle and prize for most the colorful costume. (http:// www.biddingOwl.com/PatongRotary)

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) a leadership program coordinated by Rotary around the globe.

Young people 13–30 are sponsored by Rotary to attend the event run by the club’s district committee.

Today we will meet six RCoPB Scholarship students from Phuket who attended the event last year, sharing what they learned during this program. Cost: 350 THB for members, 550 THB for visitors.

Inspired Phuketian with Kiranee Narabal

Phuket’s Best Burger 4 Showcase of the Immortals Phuket’s Best Burger 4, “Showcase of the Immortals” Saturday March 24 at Boat Lagoon Marina.

4pm – 10pm. Burgers, drinks, live music, cooking shows, dancers and activities for the kids. Who will become Phuket’s Best Burger 2018?

Austcham Phuket Sundowners March 2018 AustCham Thailand, in collaboration with AMCHAM, BCCT and NTCC is delighted to invite members and guests both from AustCham and partner chambers to join our Phuket Sundowners to be held on Friday 23rd March, 2018, at the Squires Loft Steakhouse Patong from 18:00 - 21:00 (Last drinks served at 20:30).

Cost: 400 baht for AustCham members and partner Chambers’ members and 800 baht for non-members.

Register online at: http://www.austchamthailand.com/ event-2853437

SAT

24 MAR

Phuket AFL Masters Tournament The Thailand Tigers are hosting an AFL Masters tournament at the Alan Cooke Ground featuring teams from across the region. There will be Auskick run for the children, and food and drink available at the ground. We welcome all spectators. If you would like to be involved as a player or with Auskick, please visit www.thailandtigers.com or email thailandtigers@gmail.com

Speech title – Following The King’s Footsteps. Held monthly and open to the public, this event gives an opportunity for well-lived people the chance to share their life experiences. Inspired by the famous TED Talks, this it’s a great way for people to really connect to authentic ideas that will benefit their well-being and happiness in general. Limited to 55 seats only and priced at B350/pax/net including one drink and pass around canapé. Register now by providing name and email to sales@skyelakeclub.com Skye Lake Club Laguna, Cherng Talay.

FRI

6 APR

International Student Cooking Competition and Food Fair QSI Phuket is proud to announce their 2nd Annual Cooking Competition and Food Fare. On April 6th student teams from across the island will compete to impress celebrity chefs at our Kathu Campus. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the island’s epicurean delights sold by local vendors and restaurateurs. Join us for food and family fun from 11 am to 3pm.

6th Anniversary pink party All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6PM – 11PM: All you can eat BBQ Ribs served with salad buffet, potato Salad & Choice of Sauces Reservation recommended 295 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com, 081 891 4381.

@thephuketnews

Xana beach club 6th Anniversary pink party. CoranKolour (Australia) 14:00-16:00, Lazykay-sing sing theater (France)16:00-18:00, Alex Fischer-Oskar (France) 18:00-20:00, Fred Canal-sing sing theater (France) 20:00-22:00, Sacres Francais (France) 22:00-closing.

Reservation, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. 6-7 April 2018 from 6:00pm till 10:00pm at Lagoon Quay.

Thailand SUP Festival 2018 The Thailand SUP Festival is the biggest Stand Up Paddleboard event in Thailand. This year will be the 5th annual event. It will be a fantastic event with technical races, sprints and relays, fun races for kids & families, SUP Yoga and lots of great prizes. Come down to LUX Beach Club on 7 April 2018. www.thailandsupfestival.com info@thailandsupfestival.com

SAT

28 APR

PHAB 2 - Glam, Glitz and Glitter The Phuket Hotels Association, a nonprofit organisation of hoteliers focused on promoting a positive image for Phuket while also supporting communitybased projects, is hosting a benefit gala dinner on Saturday 28 April 2018 to raise funds for 20 hospitality scholarships and traineeships for local residents. The Glam, Glitz and Glitter event will take place the Latitude Marque, Laguna Phuket from 7pm until midnight.

Tickets available at phuketticketmaster.com

daily event updates on

22 TIME OUT

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. In 1960, which country experienced the most powerful earthquake ever recorded?

2. A tablespoon measure in the UK contains a volume of exactly how many millilitres?

3. Carlos Irwin Estevez is better known by what stage name?

4. What was Mary Read famous for during the early 18th century?

5. The bombardment of which sea fort started the American Civil War? Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Medium

Across 1. Objections 5. Asian general 9. Blunder 14. Chemical in fertilizer 15. Tickled pink 16. Word before face or time 17. Upper layer of earth’s crust 18. Man in Manilow’s “Copacabana” 19. Lion prey 20. Chooses a red 23. Get wind of 24. Pull 25. Sigma’s follower 28. Hit alternative 31. Porcupine, e.g.

33. “___ De-Lovely” 36. Scouted out 39. “Get ___!”

40. What a toaster may hold 44. Microscopic amount 45. A spiral 46. Self starter?

47. ‘’Camels’’ of the Andes 50. Groundless 52. Liking 53. Cold-climate bird 56. What comes to mind 59. It could be paired with a steak 63. Where the eagles have landed

66. Crowning point 67. Tropical root 68. The wealthy may live in it 69. Cheese producer 70. Preminger or Bismarck 71. Massage target 72. Sicilian smoker 73. Genuine

27. Complete 29. Health resort 30. Audible relief 32. Do it to an i 33. In a cold manner 34. Pin used as an oarlock 35. “Paradise Lost” figure 37. Direction 38. Where to nosh on Down 1. Kate or Laura a knish 2. Husband of 41. Guatemalan Bathsheba 42. Proposal to buy 3. Poke fun at, on the 43. Variety of primrose playground 48. Out like a light 4. Muslim greeting 49. Music with jazzlike 5. City known for a riffs tomb 51. Magazine staffer 6. Smooth-tongued 54. Application of 7. Diacritical mark language 8. Gussy 9. Popular setting for a 55. Broad-ended tie wedding 57. Related in a way 10. “Not on ___!” (“No 58. It comes from the way!”) heart 11. It’s often chained 59. Lung, for a fish 12. Pet peeve for PETA 60. One of the Gulf 13. Approximate States arrival time 61. Greek cheese 21. To the point 62. Piece of equipment 22. Fjord country, 63. Prime example of briefly stubbornness 25. Like J, 64. List abbr. alphabetically 26. Ancient 65. Colorful rug

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Chile (9.4-9.6 on the moment magnitude scale); 2) 15; 3) Charlie Sheen; 4) Piracy (she was an infamous female pirate); 5) Fort Sumter

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history Mar 16, 597 BC Babylonians capture Jerusalem, and replace Jeconiah with Zedekiah as king.

1

in 3 children in the UK spend less time outside than maximum-security inmates do.

41

percent of women and 9% of men admit to crying at work, according to one research study.

Mar 17, 1963 Mount Agung erupts on Bali killing more than 1,100 people. (Photo: Nov 2017 eruption, by Michael W. Ishak)

2015

Mar 18, 1241 First Mongol invasion of Poland: Mongols overwhelm Polish armies in Kraków in the Battle of Chmielnik and plunder the city.

was the first year since 1974 that nobody climbed to the top of Mount Everest.

143,000

Mar 19, 1932 The Sydney Harbour Bridge is opened.

dollars for 30ml is what the most expensive perfume in the world costs. It comes in a flask studded with 2,000 diamonds.

Mar 20, 2003 Invasion of Iraq: In the early hours of the morning, the United States and three other countries (the UK, Australia and Poland) begin military operations in Iraq.

1 million

people is how much the population of Japan shrank in the five years preceding the country’s 2015 census -- first decline since 1920.

Source: Uberfacts

Mar 21, 2006 The social media site Twitter is founded.

Full Moon Chill. Photo by Fernando Eloy Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

Mar 22, 1906 The first England vs France rugby union match (“Le Crunch”) is played at Parc des Princes in Paris. England wins 8–35.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Jobs

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Jobs

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Trades & Services

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

ADVERTISING SERVICES

CLEANING SERVICES

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

EDUCATION

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

MARINE SERVICES

MARINE SERVICES

MOVING SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PERSONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BAR, RESTAURANT Bar staff wanted

nt

e Urg

Blondie Bar 2 at Otop Market Patong requires Bar Staff. Thai nationals only. Good salary and room provided.

Phone Mick: 081 087 6114.

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE sa nt e g r

le

FOR SALE: SILVERCRAFT 31

ALMOST NEW, 35 HOURS ONLY, STILL U UNDER WARRANTY. EXTRAS, GRAB RAILS COVERS. AVAILABLE NOW. THAI REGISTERED AND TAX PAID. SEA TRIAL AT SHORT NOTICE OK. New price inc reg and extras B4,863,000. Offers over B4.8 Million. Contact William: wfphelps@me.com or 086 943 0333.

6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

“Ready to go” w 175hp 4str Suzuki w 130hrs, 8hp aux, dble axle trailer, Garmin 521S, 160l fuel and full set of gear. Top condition. Call Harry on 081 273 1740.

sa nt e g r

le

Boat For Sale

72' (22m) Thai Trawler partially-converted U as Tour Boat Business. Rebuilt from top to bottom three years ago (spent just over 1MB) including engine as was planned to use for a tour business, owner had to return to the UK unable to return (very ill son). Some weather damage and need some repairs. Engine has only done only 6 hours, has new 12 kua generator. Currently in Hua Hin. Viewing can be arrange. Must sell within the next few months. Open to all reasonable cash offers. Contact Shayne on 093 418 9529 or shayne.inbox@gmail.com

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Unique Investment Opportunity

Unique investment opportunity. Not to be missed. 5 pool villas / 8 Rai of land / Thai Company with Freehold included. INCREDIBLE PRICE. Contact: wfphelps@me.com

Restaurant for sale

Thai food, Seafood restaurant at Karon beach for sale. 1,500,000 Million Baht, George, Karon Beach, georgiospolyno@ gmail.com, 081 088 1451 George, 082 283 3154 May.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE Ur

t sa n e g

le

2012 Ford Ranger 2.2 Open Cab

78,000km. Six-gear manual transmission.

Looks and feels like a new car, treated like a baby by its single owner. Engine clean as. Full set of new tyres. B500,000. Call 081 427 5168.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: B150,000. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

OTHER Loch Palm Golf Club

Lifetime family membership for sale, Annual fee 2018 paid. B300,000. Contact Mr Mons Billgren: monsbillgrenl@gmail.com or call 086 275 3493.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

International Property Advisory (IPA) can help! Give us a call today on 076 604 260/ 098 064 4408/ 080 886 9660 Email: info@ipa. black, utopia@ipa.black Website: www.ipaphuket.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. Chattha Real Estate and Professional Rental Management in Phuket. SELL-BUY-RENTMANAGEMENT-MAINTENACE-GUARANTEED RENTAL. Inquire NOW! www.chattha.asia, 076 636 244 or 090 179 6635. Contact Chanapa at Chattha Real Estate Co., Ltd., Email: info@chattha.asia

PROPERTY FOR SALE HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086-9439834, 076-385081. @thephuketnews

80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong.

Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million. Contact Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

PROPERTY FOR SALE OFFERED FOR SALE

OFFERED FOR SALE A profitable and intimate 20 room garden resort situated on Koh Lanta, Krabi at the end of Long Beach just a 2 minute stroll to the sea. Set in lush gardens, the bungalows are tastefully finished each with their own full – length verandas.

Ideally located in Phra Ae village, with many amenities in the immediate area. The resort benefits from: • A delightful swimming pool (guest use only) • Car-park • Free-WIFI throughout the resort • Room-service • A combined restaurant & bar adjacent to the pool with state of the art Western kitchen • A beautiful tropical garden • Private manager’s accommodation (screened from the resort) • staff quarters • Private electricity supply • Ample water supply & storage For further information, please Email gardenisland.pp@ gmail.com For the attention of Ms. Chorladda CHUANCHOM with the following details: 1. Full name of potential Buyer 2. Full contact details, i.e. , Mobile phone number 3. Brief explanation of experience (if any) in the service industry The Vendor is genuine & the price is opportunistic. Genuine inquiries only please.

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE Nicklas Klodner

2-Story Villa -Gated Community @ Pruksa The Plant Kathu Cornered Land Plot 170 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms indoors 140 sqm With furniture ready to move in B8,100,000, Nicklas Klodner, The Plant 144/15, nicklas. klodner@gmail.com, +6680 519 7719

RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi.

Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required. Owner leaving Thailand. Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com

Brand new 1 bedroom house

Newly built 1 bedroom house sits in the heart of Rawai. Fully furnished house with car parking and ready to move in. Best location in Rawai. B3,400,000, Benni, Rawai, Phuket. Email: b_gholami@hotmail.com or call 088 168 5032.

Building for Sale

One unit building for sale in business area Boat Avenue near Villa Market Laguna. Three and a halfstorey, 24 square wah. Khun Mhee (owner), 49/23, Cherngtalay. Email: anmehee@hotmail.com or call 095 545 0017 or 086 346 2622.

Freehold studio at low price

Freehold 36m2 studio, opposite the Lotus Tesco hypermarket of Phuket Town, freehold condominium; perfect for long stay or for investment B1.9 million. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Single house for sale

Located the way to Yamu Paklok, from the main road 500m, 55 SQW, 3 bedrooms, 2 restrooms, with modern kitchen, 2 cars parking, free space 140 SQM. 3.5 Million Baht, K. Suwit: suwitlap5@ gmail.com, 081 895 6969.

KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach, 2 floor bungalow with 4-bedroom and living room.

Very good/nice view from bungalow. About 2km from James Bond IslandÂť only 4.4 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND. Email: jospeder@live.no or call 089 872 6895

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

3 detached buildings, L-shaped open plan living, Western kitchen, guest suite, pool 11mx5m, quiet residential area. 1.2 rai plot. THB19,750,000. Contact Mrs Simpson by email: thaivillaonline@gmail.com or call 084 447 7248. More info at: thaivillaonline.com

Chalong Office, Workshop/Store

300sqm office on 2 floors with all services incl.3 phone lines + 300sqm undercover workshop/store with 4m ht & 3 phase. Chanote 0.5rai.

B12,000,000, Simon Jupe, 29/4 Soi Nayai, Chalong, Phuket 83130. Email: simonj@cscoms.com or call +66 (0)87 883 2542

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR RENT

New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/wifi/TV.SAT/services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho. Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo.3 Soi Ban Bang Pae,T. Paklok, T. Talang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

COMMUNITY

PROPERTY FOR RENT

Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

Very big house 750 sqm, Land 4,000 sqm, available 15 June, 5 bed rooms, 6 bathrooms, swimming pool, jacuzzi, close to UWCT school, including pool/ garden/service/wifi-tv/sat.

Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho, Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. Long term 145,000/Month, Email Alain: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

SPORT 29

The joys of surfing, health and fitness It doesn’t matter what board you ride, as all boarders ‘get off’ from those unique surfing feelings. Photo: Surftrainingsecrets.com Hayden Rhodes

A

s surfers we are a pretty lucky bunch.

When I say surfers, I mean anyone that loves to ride a board.

Snowboarders, skaters, wakeboarders … it doesn’t matter… At the end of the day we all ‘get off’ from those carves, smooth lines and unique surfing feelings.

And those feelings are vital for us, living in the modern stressed out world.

The feeling is joy.

Only a surfer knows the feeling Heck, even when we go for a bike ride we look for curbs to hit and driveways to carve a little top turn…We’re always looking for that special feeling. You do this too right?

That’s the joy or surfing – it’s just in us. And that my

@thephuketnews

friends is beautiful.

Here’s why.

Surfing (on what ever) is the best sport on Earth You read that right. The best sport on earth!

It’s pretty simple. We ride – we feel alive; full of joy. We ride – moving our mind-bodies outside. We ride – seeking fresh air and naturally beautiful environments. We ride – and there is no right or wrong, it’s just our own creative expression.

We ride – with anyone and everyone, old, young, female,

male, kids, grandparents – its on. We ride – worldwide and include all cultures, religions and ethnic backgrounds into our surfing tribe.

Surfing fitness & health benefits Not only that…We ride – stress dissipates – the known cause of so much mental, emotional and physical illnesses worldwide. We ride – and benefit from healthier bodies, more positive mindsets and enhanced physical fitness.

We ride – with friends and to create new friendships around

the globe. We ride – for our confidence and our self esteem.

We ride – for joy.

And that is a great thing in our modern world.

Enjoy your ride and find your joy.

Surfing fitness, nutrition and performance coaching Remember, surfing is your medicine – for private performance coaching to improve your surfing fitness or surfing mind-body, contact Hayden at info@surftrainingsecrets.com New Fast Surfing Fitness training program coming early 2018.

Hayden Rhodes (Club Manager of Phuket’s Finest Health Club – RPM Health Club) is the creator of Surf Training Secrets.com and is known for his enthusiasm and lifelong love of health, fitness, personal development and surfing. He has been helping people improve their surfing and snowboarding around the world for more than 20 years.

Visit: SurfTrainingSecrets.com

Commonwealth Games selection for BISP Swimmer

S

am Rossi, a Year 12 student at the British International School, Phuket is combining his studies for the International Baccalaureate Diploma with world-class competition level swimming.

Sam is the current Seychelles National record holder for 50m, 100m, and 200m breaststroke in both the 25m and 50m pool.

In 2016 he was selected for his first major international competition for the World Short Course swimming championships in Canada where he broke three National short course records.

At the recent Singapore World Cup Competition, whilst swimming against the world’s best, Sam was again successful in breaking his own records in the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

We are delighted that Sam has now been selected for the XX1 Commonwealth Games to be held at the Gold Coast, Australia next month from the 4th to the 15th of April, and wish him the very best of luck.

30 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Sun March 18

All Day

Nature’s Playground

Wed March 21

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri March 23

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sat March 24

2pm

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Touch Rugby - Mixed Family Teams

Sun March 25

All Day

Natures Playground

Wed March 28

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri March 30

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Touch Rugby – Mixed Family Teams.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1676: Saturday Mar 17 Run Start Time: 4pm Hares: Gorgeous You W*****, Lucky Lek, What-A-Rat Location: Laem Hin Directions: Heading south on Thepkasattri Rd, travel 2.7 kilometres for the bypass intersection and turn left into Soi Kohkeaw 2. Continue 1.6km to laager site and follow all signs to BB Resort as this is the laager site. HHH signs will be displayed in addition at intersections. Heading north from Phuket Town bus station on Thepkasattri Rd, travel 3.2km and make a U-turn at the bottom of the hill just past Sapam Temple on your right. Return up the hill 980 metres and turn left into Soi Kohkeaw 2 and follow above directions.

Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2:15pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:45pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

Reed is an experienced player from Wombat Bar and his well balanced pool skills always guarantee for a good performance.

Simon & Oils pick up first PPL win over Wet Dreams POOL Matt Pond editor3@thephuketnews.com

T

he 12th round of Patong Pool League (PPL), sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables, was played last Thursday (Mar 8) with bottom of the league Simon & Oils finally picking up their first win of the current season.

Last Thursday Simon & Oil’s game was against Wet Dreams, and what with Simon & Oils coming close to victory in several games this season, but not quite managing to cut the mark, most people were rooting for them to finally pick up a win.

They started off strongly winning all their singles and doubles games. However, Wet Dreams managed to pick up some points in the beerleg

and brought the final score to 7-4. Well done Simon & Oils!

Meanwhile, at the top of the table, Natalie Bar extended their lead to 13 points after claiming a good 7-4 win over then 2nd placed Ting Tong Bar, who it has to be said have had some pretty erratic results in recent weeks. However, they are never a team to be underestimated.

Khun Oh played a perfect game for Natalie Bar winning both his singles and doubles games, but owner Natalie contributed nothing to the evening except the very tasty food she always prepares on league night.

It was an intense competition, which was reflected in the beerleg because the winner was not decided until final game.

But Natalie managed to keep their nerve and walked

away with the win.

Elsewhere, Hole in One Bar replaced Ting Tong at 2nd in the league table after clinching a 4-7 away win over Martin Swiss.

Again, it was a very close match with the final score not being decided until the beerleg.

Martin Swiss took the first leg but Hole in One fought back and took the 4-7 win.

However, it should be mentioned that Paul from Martin Swiss won his singles and doubles games along with Bob who plays for Hole in One. Last Thursday it was Red Light’s turn to take on Caddy Shack with both bar owners taking on each other.

Justin of Caddy Shack managed to 7-ball Gwen of Red Light but this was the only highlight for Caddy Shack as Red Light won convincingly with the final score being 8-3.

Long-term tourists Thierry and Andy, and Khun Tum from Red Light had a good evening also winning both their singles and doubles games.

Last but by no means least, Happy End were taking on Wombat in what is always a close match.

After the singles games the score was balanced at 3-3 but Wombat won all the doubles.

Happy End then won the beerleg but Wombat Bar still walked away with a 5-6 win.

League Standings Natalie

89

Hole in One

76

Ting Tong

75

Caddy Shack

68

Wombat

68

Happy End

62

Martin Swiss

62

Red Light

60

Wet Dreams

60

Simon Oil

40

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

SPORT 31

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Mercedes ahead of the pack in F1 preseason Continued from page 32 ...The Italian team used Pirelli’s new hypersoft tyres – the fastest compound the manufacturer has ever developed – to set its best time on the final day of testing, and the newly resurfaced circuit is estimated by some drivers to be worth as much as two seconds per lap.

Red Bull Racing set the third quickest time of the fortnight, almost 0.9 seconds off the pace, but what appears to be a potent aerodynamic concept is being hamstrung by the underpowered Renault engine bolted into the back.

Indeed GPS data reportedly suggests the RB14 was quicker than Ferrari’s SF71H in every corner of the circuit, losing time only on the straights.

But lap time certainly isn’t everything, and for proof look no further than Mercedes’s best effort, which was more than 1.2 seconds slower than Ferrari’s fastest lap.

Mercedes, however, set its best time on the ultrasoft tyres, which is one step harder and approximately 0.8 seconds slower than the hypersoft compound. Moreover, the Silver Arrows spent most of their time in race simulation, never attempting a low-fuel glory run.

What Mercedes did prove, however, is that its class-leading power unit is bulletproof, completing 1,040 laps, over 100 more than any other constructor. With teams allowed just three engines for the entire season in 2018, Mercedes’s dedication to distance is sure to pay dividends.

The fight for supremacy is by no means over, but an early Mercedes head start could be enough to undo the

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MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for March 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at any Walkabout Sports Bar in Karon.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

adamrosindale 17 stafsulaiman 16 Ajax Amsterdam 15 bondi brummie 15 Gracie 15

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TC 165 adamrosindale 163 diggersd 162 thailand express 161 MRB 160

English Premier League 2017 - 2018

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas rests in the pits at the Circuit de Catalunya during preseason tests. Photo: Josep Lago / AFP title ambitions of its rivals.

But even if Mercedes hegemony seems likely, substantially less certain is the order of the rest of the field.

McLaren, which has spent the off-season backing itself as a dark horse after switching from the unreliable Honda engines to Renault power, completed the fewest laps of any team after a string of reliability problems.

Toro Rosso, however, which traded its Renault engines for a partnership with the maligned Honda, was the third most prolific team by laps in testing, marking a major improvement in the Japanese supplier’s fortunes.

Regular points contention is the team’s new goal.

But perhaps the greatest intrigue is saved for Haas, the American-owned team in its third year of competition.

H a a s’s a e r o d y n a m ic concept looked restrained at launch, but its sure-footedness on track was paired with some impressive lap times, and indeed the VF-18’s fastest lap, corrected for using a

harder-compound tyres, would put its performance in line with Ferrari.

With Renault growing stronger by the day and with Force India expected to bring a significant upgrade package to Melbourne, the fight for fourth place in the constructors standings, best of the rest behind the three frontrunning

teams, is more uncertain than ever before.

It makes for a fascinating set-up to next weekend’s Australian Grand Prix and the 2018 Formula One season.

Don’t forget to tune in to Live89.5 each and every Saturday at 9am and 5pm for the Box of Neutrals radio show.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

MP

Manchester City Manchester United Tottenham Hotspur Liverpool Chelsea Arsenal Burnley Leicester City Everton Watford Brighton Bournemouth Newcastle United Swansea City Huddersfield Town West Ham United Southampton Crystal Palace Stoke City West Brom

30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30

W

26 20 18 17 17 14 11 10 10 10 8 8 8 8 8 7 5 6 6 3

D

3 5 7 9 5 6 10 10 7 6 10 9 8 7 7 9 13 9 9 11

L

1 5 5 4 8 10 9 10 13 14 12 13 14 15 15 14 12 15 15 16

*Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Friday March 16

EVENT

Rugby League 14:00 16:00 NRL 16:05 18:00 NRL Rugby Union 13:30 15:30 Super XV Soccer 18:00 18:30 UEFA Champions League 19:00 19:30 UEFA Europa League Saturday March 17 Rugby Union 13:30 15:30 Super XV 15:40 17:40 Super XV 19:55 21:55 Super XV 22:10 00:00 Super XV Rugby Union 19:30 21:30 6 Nations 21:45 23:45 6 Nations 00:00 02:00 6 Nations Soccer 19:10 21:30 FA Cup Soccer 22:00 00:00 EPL 22:00 00:00 EPL 00:30 02:30 EPL Sunday March 18 Rugby Union 12:00 14:00 Super XV Soccer 20:30 22:30 FA Cup Soccer 19:15 21:30 FA Cup 23:30 01:30 FA Cup

TEAMS / INFO Roosters v. Bulldogs Broncos v. Cowboys Chiefs v. Bulls QF Draw QF Draw Highlanders v. Crusaders Brumbies v. Sharks Stormers v. Blues Lions v. Sunwolves Italy v. Scotland England v. Ireland Wales v. France Swansea v. Tottenham Bournemouth v. West Bromwich Stoke v. Everton Liverpool v. Watford Waratahs v. Rebels Wigan v. Southampton Man United v. Brighton (Rpt) Leicester v. Chelsea

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Bournemouth

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Sunday March 18 Match Liverpool

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FA Cup Fixtures - Quarter Finals Saturday March 17 Match Swansea

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Sunday March 18 Match

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Leicester City

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 2018

Riders of all boards are after the same thing, joy! > p29

MERCS IN BOX SEAT

Title holders prove their class-leading power unit is bulletproof Lewis Hamilton drives during the first day of the second week of tests for the Formula One season. Photo: Lluis Gene / AFP

BOX OF NEUTRALS Michael Lamonato michael@boxofneutrals.com

W

ith two weeks of preseason testing complete and with

the season-opening Australian Grand Prix (Mar 25) little more than a week away, only one thing seems certain: Mercedes is still quick.

The field is expected to tighten at the front in the second year of stable aerody-

namic regulations, but preseason testing form – admittedly a vague metric subject to the usual showboating and sandbagging – appears to have dampened hopes.

Ferrari, last year’s title

challenger, and Red Bull Racing have reason for optimism, having set competitive times and having put in strong ontrack showings across the eight days of testing, but

these all come with important caveats.

In particular Ferrari, the fastest car by the end of testing, bettered the previous lap record of Spain’s Circuit

de Barcelona-Catalunya by 1.2 seconds, but this was a mixture of circumstance and classic Scuderia showboating...

Continued on page 31

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