17-02-2012 by The Phuket News

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 - THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012

JUMBO BUSTS

ELEPHANTS SEIZED IN RAIDS ON TOURIST CAMPS P3

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OUR HOUSE A FAMILY’S STORY OF FORTUNE P11

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fter looking at photographs of a body found in the woods behind Freedom Beach on January 25, the parents of missing BritishSouth African Mark Robson, 27, confirmed on Monday (February 13) that the body was that of their son. But Merneen and Keith Robson are baffled at what appears to be Mark’s suicide. The last time they saw him, just days before he died, he was happy and looking forward to starting his new job in Taiwan, they said. On Sunday, after seeing pictures of the body found in the woods, Mrs Robson posted on her Facebook page, “Our darling son Mark had been missing in Thailand and were were informed last night that

his body had been found in Phuket on either 25 or 26th January. “We had seen him over there for a few days while on holiday in January but lost e-mail contact after the 15 January. We are absolutely devastated to have lost our very special boy.” The Robsons contacted Phuket Tourist Police on February 9 to ask them for help to look for their missing son. After seeing a photograph of the body, they confirmed it was that of their son, especially after seeing the unusual T-shirt he was wearing, which they recognised as his. However, Mr Robson told Tourist Police volunteers that he found it hard to Continued on page 2

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Parents baffled by death Tragic end to island hunt

POLICE HAVE NOT RULED OUT POSSIBILITY OF MURDER IN SOUTH AFRICAN’S DEMISE

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Paradise lost... From Page 1 believe that Mark would kill himself, as he had no problems in his finances, his love life or his career, and had never been involved with drugs. He said that he and Mrs Robson had visited their son in Phuket from January 8 to 11, and had seen no indications at all that he was depressed or had problems that might lead him to commit suicide. Mark Robson originally arrived in Thailand on December 5, landing in Bangkok, then travelled alone in Koh Pha’ngan, Koh Samui, Patong, Karon and Nai Yang, according to emails written to his parents as he moved from one place to another. On January 15 he wrote that he was in Nai Yang. That was the last time they heard from him However, ATM records showed that he withdrew money from his Travelex foreign exchange account eight days later. He was due to leave Phuket on February 6 to begin work as an English teacher in Taipei on February 8, but

failed to catch the flight. After receiving information from the Robsons, tourist police volunteers sent the pictures of the Freedom Beach body to them. Police believe that Mr Robson’s death was probably suicide, and emphasised that rumours it was related to the dispute over the land nearby were not true. The body was found seated on the ground with a rope around the neck, tied to a tree limb. There were scratches on the body’s limbs and coccyx. Police theorised that after his death gravity had dragged the body to the ground. However, given the lack of apparent reason for Mark to have killed himself, and because it seemed unlikely that a first-time visitor to Phuket would have gone to such a remote and inaccessible place to commit suicide, police are keeping an open mind and are still investigating the possibility of foul play. Arrangements are being made to collect Mark’s body from hospital in Surat Thani and send it to his parents.

Rockin’ kids cut single

It has been a busy week for the Legends of Siam student band members, winners of the Battle of the Young Bands competition held at Lag una Phuket during the Phuket Community Foundation’s annual Rubber Duck Race Day on Sunday, February 5. Following their winning performance last weekend, Legends of Siam members – Jasmin on vocals, Blaze KC on vocals and guitar, Paul Solo (lead guitar), Gaia Moon (bass) and Rianne Davies (vocals, drums) – have recorded their first single for radio, Mix It Up. Then they managed to squeeze in a photo shoot for Hard Rock Café and filmed their music video for Mix It Up – all while leading regular teenage lives and attending school. Mix It Up is an original song

Mixing it up: Legends of Siam band members, from left, Rannze Rockstar, Gaia Moon, Paul Solo, Blaze KC and Jasmin. that delves into teenage relationships through the use of social networking. The song, written by Gary Crause and Deon du Toit, was recorded by Legends of Siam over one weekend. D u r i ng t he se cond d ay of recording, SkyCam visited the st udio to f ilm footage for the music video. Today (February 17) the band

can be heard chatting with Sam Clarke on his Night Ritual programme on Live 89.5 radio and, of course, playing the new single, for fans and friends to listen. The band’s performance at the Hard Rock Café is scheduled for 9pm on Friday, March 2. For more information, visit the band’s page at Facebook.com/ legendsofsiam

Excavator kills contractor The owner of a water well construction company died on Wednesday morning (February 15) when an excavator slid down a slope and smashed into him in Kalim. Kathu police were called to the well-digging site in Kalim Soi 7 at 2.30am to see the body of Thannin ‘Seb’ Nawarak, 57. Three workers on site with Mr Thannin

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escaped unharmed. They explained that the driver of the excavator was in the machine at the time, but with the engine turned off. As it started to slide toward Mr Thannin and his crew, the driver jumped clear. Mr Thannin’s body was taken to Patong Hospital by volunteers from the Kusoldharm Foundation.

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Top DJ spins at Seduction

RAISING THE FLAG: On Tuesday (February 14), students from HeadStart International School Phuket had the great honour and privilege to welcome Gilberto Genghini and Mrs Loretta Grilli, delegates of the Republic of San Marino and friends of the parents of one of their students, into school. San Marino is the oldest surviving sovereign state and

constitutional republic in the world. The delegates brought with them the official flag of the government of San Marino and a clay pot, made from San Marinese clay and inscribed with the official stamp of the republic. The handing-over ceremony concluded with a rousing rendition of the national anthem of San Marino.

Internationally renowned DJ Calvin Harris will perform at Seduction nightclub in Patong from 10pm on Monday (February 20) evening. Harris is famous for his song We Found Love (with pop star Rihanna), which spent eight weeks at the top of the US Billboard top 40, and has almost 100 million YouTube views. Presales are B600, and door sales are B800. VIP tables are also available for B11,000. For presales and VIP table bookings please call DJ Tracks on 086-740-0078 or Thomas on 081-188-1230.

TEMPTING TAIWAN: Led by Phuket authorities, the OrBorJor, Phuket Tourist Association, Tourism Authority of Thailand, and Phuket Provincial Office, more than 30 local tourism businesses visited Taipei between February 7 and 11 to promote tourism to Phuket. Pictured in Taiwan, from left, are Methee Tanmanatragul of the Thai Hotels Association; Bangornrat Shinaprayoon of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Phuket; Somboon Chirayus, President of the Phuket Tourist Association (PTA): Chatesaenee Thanarak, Manager of Thai Airways in Taipei; Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha and his wife Nalinee, OrBorJor President Paiboon Upatising; and PTA Vice-President Bhuritt Maswongssa.

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JUMBO BUSTS Three baby elephants seized in trek camp raids Three young elephants were seized by police last Saturday (February 10) from three Phuket trekking camps, after officials raided the camps and found that the animals were probably brought illegally from Kanjanaburi Province. Representatives of the three camps, the Sheraton Elephant Camp in Cherng Talay, and the Phu Thai Review Souvenir Market and ATV Review Elephant Trekking Camp, both in Chalong, admitted they had rented the young elephants, which were being

used to attract tourists, from an elephant camp in Sai Yoke District, Kanjanaburi Province. They failed to produce permits for transporting the elephants, which are mandatory as part of regulations to prevent elephants, regarded as a protected species, from being exploited. All elephants in trekking camps must be registered with the local livestock department. The trail to Phuket began in late January, when officials seized 51 elephants from an elephant camp in Sai Yoke.

What’s in the shirt? Two-year-old Johnny plays with an official after the raid on Phu Thai Review Souvenir Market. The camp had no official paperwork for the 51 elephants, and is suspected of having captured the elephants from the wild or having smuggled them in from Myanmar. Three young elephants from the same camp were reported to have been sent to Phuket. The Commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, Pol Col Watcharin Pusit, said officials would collect DNA from the three young elephants seized on Friday to establish whether

they were related to any of the illegal elephants rounded up in Kanjanaburi. Abuse of elephants became a hot issue in the Thai media recently after a wild elephant was discovered butchered in Kaeng Krajan National Park in Petchburi Province on January 3. Several body parts had been cut off and were missing. The remains of another wild elephant were found in the same park. It had been killed and then burned.

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The media outcry had officials focusing more intently on elephant abuse, leading to plans to inspect elephant camps around the country. Phuket is a prime target, not only because of its 25 registered trekking camps but also because it was alleged that the body parts from the butchered animal in Kaeng Krajan – including its penis – had been sent to restaurants in Phuket for the delectation of people who revel in eating weird food. This has not been proven, however.

Officials also seized more than 40 snakes, both imported and local, from the Phuket Snake Shows Co, which is inside the Phu Thai Review Souvenir Market. The snakes were found to have been kept without the camps getting approval from the authorities. The 20 local snakes are to be released in the Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Reservation. The others will be kept at the snake show u ntil they can be returned to their countries of origin.

Brakeless tour bus crashes into house

Methylene blue sales to be controlled Sales of the medicine methylthioninium chloride, commonly known as methylene blue, will be restricted to stop teenagers using the medicine to mask the signs of illegal drug use. Druggists’ organisations held a press conference on Saturday (February 11), following an odd case in a school recently when police carried out urine tests for drug abuse. One student peed blue, and said that he had taken medication containing methylene blue – which he needed to help him urinate. But police believe he took the chemical in a bid to mask drug use.

The tourist bus sits in the wreckage of the yard next to the Soi Wild Kingdom home.

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A tourist bus carrying 18 Chinese tourists and a tour guide crashed into a house in Soi Wild Kingdom at the bottom of Patong Hill on the night of February 8. Two Chinese were reported to have been slight injured, and were taken to Patong Hospital. The driver fled the scene. The crash happened after the bus had successfully negotiated Patong Hill and had passed Wat Suwankiriwong. The driver continued straight on, into Pisit Koranee Rd. Boonyarit Danchawangpan, a guide with Classic Tour, who was looking after the Chinese group, told The Phuket News that he had heard the driver shout that

the brakes were not working. As he came to the first bend on Pisit Koranee Rd, the driver apparently decided he would not make it round the curve, so went straight on down Soi Wild Kingdom, knocking a motorbike flying. The bus sideswiped a pickup then plunged through the gates into the yard of a house at the end of the alley, smashing two motorbikes but stopping short of crashing through the wall into the living room. Mr Boonyarit said he knew the bus driver only as “Brother”. On the back of the bus, however, is a sticker giving the driver’s name in English as Somchai Intrawong.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 083 922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (tbjhome, Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Journalist for Esquire, Fah Thai, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, CNNGo, Surface and Dwell.

ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor

‘Ae Inside’ suspect talks of surrender

Assadakorn ‘Pod’ Seedokbuab, 48, who is suspected of ordering and paying for the murder of Phuket journalist Wisut ‘Ae Inside’ Tangwittayaporn, has been in touch with police to negotiate his own surrender. Assadakorn and shooter Tossapon are both still at large. A Deputy Superintendant of Police Region 8, Maj Gen Pisan Kuldilok, told the National Anti-Corruption Commission at a meeting last Friday (February 10) that

Assadakorn is demanding as a condition of his surrender that he be released on bail with no time in police cells. Gen Pisan said police had not yet reached an agreement with Assadakorn, as they are reluctant to grant a suspect bail in such a serious case. The influential Assadakorn is well known in Phuket as the director of KPP Cable TV. He is also a Vice-Chairman of the Phuket Chamber of Commerce. Mr Wisut was shot dead

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

a month ago in a professional hit. Four bullets were fired at point-blank range through the windscreen of his car. He died of his wounds an hour or so later. The driver of the motorbike involved in the hit was arrested four days later but the alleged gunman, Tossapon Katekeaw, and the alleged organiser/ paymaster, Somkuan “Boy” Pandee, are still at large, along with Assadakorn.

087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).

DANE HALPIN Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From Australia; Degree in Journalism, Charles Sturt University. Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, and The Vientiane Times.

CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at the Gisborne Herald, and the Marlborough Express.

NORACHAI THAVISIN Sub Editor editor3@thephuketnews.com From Thailand: BA, BFA and Master of Fine Art and Design, University of Tasmania, where he worked as a painter and illustrator. Six years’ experience with the Bangkok Post, Pattaya Mail and Fine Art magazine.

PARITTA ‘MAI’ WANGKIAT Chief Reporter 083 240 5837 reporter3@thephuketnews.com

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SOMCHAI ‘KIM’ KOKITTIRAT NISAKORN ‘SAI’ KITTIPRAPANANT

The minibus lies on its side after being clipped by the out-of-control pick-up truck.

1 dead, 2 hurt in pick-up rampage

A young hotel employee was killed, a woman was severely hurt and a Chinese tourist was injured early on Saturday morning (February 11) when an out-of-control pick-up truck sent two motorcycles f lying and caused a minibus to overturn near Chalong Circle. After the carnage, the pick-up drove away. A driver of the mini bus, Chalong Boonnaroa, 40, said he was taking six Chinese tourists from Kata to the airport when the crash occurred. Driving down the hill towards Chalong Circle, he saw a pick-up coming at speed

from Chalong Circle. The pickup rear-ended a bike in the same lane, sending the bike and its rider hurtling to the side of the road. It then slid into the opposite lane and clipped the back of Mr Chalong’s minibus, causing it to flip onto its side, and then slammed into a second motorbike travelling behind the minibus. The rider of that bike, 20-year-old hotel employee Jaturaporn Chithanom was sent flying into the ditch next to the road, killing him instantly. He was reportedly not wearing a helmet.

The rider of the first bike, a woman, unknown, was severely injured and had to be rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital. One of six Chinese tourists in the minibus received an injury to his right shoulder and was also taken to hospital. After all the mayhem, the pick-up sped off in the direction of Kata. Witnesses told police that the pickup might be a hotel vehicle, as they saw a sticker with a shell-shaped logo on the back of it. Police are now looking for the driver.

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British envoy pushes road safety The Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Thailand, Steven Chandler, and British Honorary Consul in Phuket, Martin Carpenter, on Monday (February 13) visited Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha in his office. Mr Chandler told the Governor that he believed Phuket officials generally take good care of British tourists but added that he was

worried about road crashes. He asked Gov Tri to take more action on road safety. “Many British tourists are injured in road accidents, especially those on motorbikes. Some [tourists] may be driving drunk or do not wear helmets, so it would be very good to monitor them much more carefully,” Mr Chandler said. Governor Tri said that he would ask police to set up

more checkpoints to address these problems. “We do set up many checkpoints on various roads to monitor drinking and driving or helmet offences,” he said. Mr Carpenter urged the governor to back more public transport in Phuket. The governor responded that efforts are still being pursued to build a light rail system in Phuket.

IN BRIEF Couple sought after B5.5 million drug bust Police are hunting a Phuket couple alleged to be senior figures in a drug network selling narcotics to users in Thalang District and on Koh Yao Yai. The couple have been identified as Yusobe Laiban, 45, and Patcharee Klomsanoh, 31, posted as wanted after police seized drugs with a street value of around B5.5 million from their home. Acting on a tip-off, police raided the couple’s house in Mai Khao on February 10, but found there only a couple of relatives, Kawee Maliwan, 41, and Halia Waharak. Both were arrested after police found Kawee in possession of 152 ya ba (methamphetamine) pills. A search of the house also resulted in the seizure of 15 grams of ya ice (crystal methamphetamine). The two told police that Yusobe and Patcharee had given them a plastic bucket containing large amounts of ya ba and ya ice, and asked them to take it from Phang Nga to Phuket by boat, in order to avoid police roadblocks. They did so, burying the bucket close to Yusobe’s house. Kawee showed police where the bucket was buried. Officers dug it up and seized another 7,728 ya ba pills and 758 grams of ya ice.

Officials raid hookah bar Officials raided a hookah bar in Wichit District in the early hours of Sat urday (February 11), catching 16 underage teenagers.

Six of the 16 failed to pass ‘purple pee’ urine tests and later admitted that they had used ya ba and ya ice. The raid was arranged after complaints from locals that the “Rong Tiam” bar was serving alcohol to underage teenagers. The bar also provided customers with the use of hookah pipes.

Jakarta boost for Phuket Bike Week

The organisers of the 18th Phuket Bike Week, from April 6 to 10 in Patong, visited Jakarta at the end of January to promote the event. Wittaya ‘Sumon’ Singka lah, coordinator of the event, and Patong Deputy Mayor Chairat Sukkaban arranged a press conference in Jakarta. They also visited the main Harley-Davidson dealer in Indonesia and met Nitee Sriprae of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Jakarta.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

MURKY

Another multi-bureaucrat visit last Friday (February 10) to the disputed land fronting Freedom Beach, south of Patong, failed to come to a conclusion as to the validity of the land deed. A commission of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), consisting of MPs, visited the land to collect more information in the second such public inspections in a matter of weeks, Among the visitors was Prompong Nopparit, Pheu Thai Party spokesman and a vice-president of the NACC, who visited the land a month ago and declared the title deeds “suspicious”. He said at that time that he suspected that as many as 11 bureaucrats, including a former governor of Phuket, were involved in taking bribes to issue the deed. Last Friday, however, the couple who claim ownership of the land, Benja Sawetwaan and Eakchai Sae’ew, turned up and insisted the land was theirs and there was nothing wrong with the deeds. Not only that, said Ms Benja angrily, “Our reputation has been badly damaged

by this investigation. We are victims of society.” She said she believes that the investigation is part of ongoing “persecution” inflicted by people “who failed to grab the land”. Claims have been made that the current Chanote deed for the land is not based on an original Sor Kor 1 paper, and that at least part of the land is in a protected forestry area. But at a meeting at Phuket Provincial Hall last Friday, the couple said that they had bought the land from the Wutthithamaporn family, who had occupied it since 1937. Key dates in the chronology of the land: • 1937: Prateep Wutthithamaporn takes possession of the land. • 1954: Thailand’s current land laws are promulgated. Anyone wanting to confirm possession right to land and to receive a Sor Kor 1 occupation paper must apply to the authorities. However, the land owner at the time, Prateep Wutthithamaporn, shows no interest in talking to the authorities. • 1973: The first preserved forest areas are delineated.

Freedom Beach land case is fogged by mists of time

Benja Sawetwaan (second from right) looks on as Prompong Nopparit makes a point. • 1977: Mr Prateep’s son Mr Thaweep objects to the establishment of a preserved forest area overlapping his land, stating that he has occupied the land since six years earlier, ie 1967. • 1978: The Government begins an official survey to issue land papers to any owner who has missed out in earlier rounds, but fails to survey the Freedom Beach land. Mr Thaweep follows his father’s example and

ignores this. • Sometime before 1990: Pantong Na Ranong signs a contract to buy the land, paying in installments. • 1990: Mr Pantong applies for a title deed. Later, however, he misses an installment and because of the conditions of the sale contract, forfeits any rights to the land • 1997: Ms Benja and Mr Eakchai buy the land from a daughter-in-law of Mr Thaweep. Mr Pantong is

still involved in the application for the deed, as he started the process. • 2010 (April): A full chanote title for the land is issued. Because there was no proof that the original land owner had requested a Sor Kor 1 in 1954 or 1978, Mr Prompong and the NACC suspected that the current title deed for the land might have been obtained through corruption. Mr Prompong pointed out

that neither a Sor Kor 1 nor any papers relating to the issue of a Sor Kor 1 had been found, which was what led him to believe that some officials might have been involved in legal shenanigans. Though Ms Benja failed last Friday to clarify this point, she claimed that a number of relevant authorities, including the Administrative Court, had investigated the case and had come to the conclusion that the land was eligible for a title deed. Mr Pompong earlier pointed out that much of the site consisted of land sloping at more than 30 per cent. Under the 1954 law, no one may occupy or claim ownership of land this steep. This, he said, was another indication that the land deed was dodgy. However, when the 1954 law came into force, it allowed for title deeds that included steep land provided that the claim to the land had been made before 1954. This, Ms Benja said, was the reason her chanote covered even land with a slope of more than 30 per cent. The NACC commission will investigate further.

TDF officers pledge continuing security vigilance at their 58th anniversary parade.

Defence force marks birthday Phuket’s Territorial Defence Force (TDF) celebrated its 58th anniversary last Friday (February 10) at Phuket Provincial Hall. The force, a part of the

regular army, supports government officials and police to help maintain security and order in the nation. Some 79 TDF officers and 200 volunteers are stationed in Phuket.

Officers regularly join police in anti-drug work, preventing public violence, arresting illegal immigrants, combating smugglers, and in disaster relief work.

Volunteer crashes into shop, dies A Territorial Defence Force volunteer, Apinan Chaibandit, 48, died instantly when he crashed his car into a metalwork shop on Chao Fa East Rd in the early hours of Thursday February 9.

Four staff who were drinking in front of the shop leapt out of the way just in time to avoid becoming victims too. Police said they believe Mr Apinan may have fallen asleep at the wheel.

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Sunset vows on Valentine’s Day In front of more than 500 witnesses, 21 couples attended Phuket’s first organised mass wedding, held on Valentine’s Day at Promthep Cape. The February 14 event, entitled Andaman Pearl Flowers and The First Step of Love, included an audience of tourists, relatives and media, while the couples consisted of Thais and foreigners from China, Sweden, England, Canada and the US. Muang District Chief Supachai Pochanukul and Phuket MP Rewat Areerob presided over the mass ceremony, and expressed hope that it would become an annual event. De-

spite some initial hesitation on their part, local villagers also came around to the idea. After the sunset ceremony, the couples were taken to Rawai Palm Beach Resort for a gala dinner, with 12 of the couples then leaving for a honeymoon to Koh Racha the next day (February 15). Until February 26, all are welcome to visit the flower garden at the site, with live music performed every evening from 6.30pm by Thai singers such as Rose Sirintip, Ten Nararak, and Nam Ronnadet. The Phuket News was a media sponsor for the event.

130 couples married in Phuket Town One hund red and thir t y couples were married at the Phuket City District Office in Phuket Town on Tuesday, Valentine’s Day (February 14). When The Phuket News visited, the office was full with couples waiting in line to register their marriage on this, the official day of love. They also received a special gift from Muang District Chief Sirinee Leelanon to mark the occasion. “Today is special. We chose Valentine’s Day to get married because we believe it will bring us good luck and a happy life,” said new husband Tossaporn Haruhansawasin. Couple Johan Winther and Maja Enevoldsen from Denmark also registered their marriage today. “We are very happy to get married here in Phuket. We plan to hold a wedding ceremony at Kata Noi Beach tonight.” said Mr Winther. The only disappointment was for Ms Sirinee, who had hoped that the number of people choosing to marry on Valentine’s Day would exceed last year’s figure. It was not to be. This year’s number fell short by just six couples.

Above, as the sun dips you may kiss the bride. Below, couples receive blessings from allcomers.

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During 14-16 Feb, cool with morning fog and day haze. Isolated to widely scattered thundershowers mostly in the lower portion. During 17-20 Feb, widely scattered to scattered thundershowers with isolated gusts and then 3-5 °C drops.

CENTRAL:

NAKHON RATCHASIMA

25-33 °C

NORTHEASTERN:

23-33 °C HO CHI MINH CITY

During 14-16 Feb, morning mist and day hot with haze. Widely scattered thundershowers. Minimum temperature 23-27 °C, maximum 33-37 °C. During 17-20 Feb, widely scattered to scattered thundershowers with isolated gust.

SOUTHERN (EAST COAST):

During 14-17 Feb, partly cloudy and isolated to widely scattered thundershowers. During 18-20 Feb, widely scattered to scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. Minimum temperature 23-25 °C, maximum 32-34 °C.

SOUTHERN (WEST COAST):

During 14-17 Feb, isolated to widely scattered thundershowers. During 18-20 Feb, widely scattered thundershowers. Minimum temperature 23-25 °C, maximum 33-35 °C. Easterly winds 15-30 km/hr. Wave height about 1 metre.

THE PHUKET NEWS

NATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Iranian loses legs in Bangkok blast A suspected Iranian bomber had his legs blown off as he hurled a grenade at police in Bangkok on Tuesday (February 14), officials said, with Israel accusing Tehran of being behind the third attack in world capitals this week. Two men, including the alleged bomber 28-year-old Saeid Morati, have been charged with causing an illegal explosion and attempting to kill police officers and members of the public. A third suspect is yet to be caught. Their targets were reportedly Israeli diplomats, including the ambassador. The explosion in central Bangkok came a day after bombers targeted Israeli embassy staff in the capitals of India and Georgia, with a female diplomat critically wounded in New Del hi, in at t acks Israel said were plotted by Iran. Bomb squad experts were called out to Soi 31-33 on Sukhumvit 71, in Phra Khanong in the east of the city, after a blast at a house, following which three men were seen fleeing, authorities said. One of the men, named as 28-year-old Saeid Morati, hurled an explosive device at a taxi, which refused to stop, and then tried to throw another at police, triggering a blast at the side of a busy road which tore off his legs, they said. Police said they found

IN BRIEF American dies in stabbing An American woman was found stabbed to death at a hotel in Bangkok’s Sukhumvit area on Monday (February 13), with police suspecting her Indian boyfriend committed the murder before fleeing the country, TAN Network reported.

Swede and Thai face death

Bomb squad officials inspect the site of an explosion in Bangkok on Tuesday (February 14). Iranian identification on the injured man. “So it’s li kely t hat he’s a n I r anian national,” Maj-Gen Pisit Pisuthisak, Deputy Commander of Bangkok Metropolitan Police, said. A high pressure water cannon was used to defuse another device found inside the same house, police said. Authorities detained an Iranian man trying to board a flight at Suvarnabhumi Airport, while a third suspect is believed to have fled to Malaysia. Bangkok has been on the watch for a terror attack since police last month charged

Valentine’s love across the nation Two couples set a Guinness World Record by kissing continuously for 46 hours 24 minutes and 9 seconds on Valentine’s Day (Tuesday February 14) in Pattaya, reported The Nation. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum manager Somporn Nakseutrong said new rules had been added to make the marathon more challenging this year, such as not allowing contestants to go to the toilet or drink water for the first six hours, as well as having to keep their lips touching the other’s at all times. Only Ekkachai and his wife, and homosexual couple Nonthawat Charoenkesornsin and Thanakorn Siththiamthong, were left standing on Tuesday afternoon.

In other celebrations, Bangkok’s Bang Rak district hosted traditional wedding rites for nine couples and 1,000 other lovers registered their marriages at the district office. Its name means “village of love” in Thai. Zoo workers Thanomsak Tonseu and Supisara Boonterm tied the knot in Chiang Mai before flying on a sling to the panda enclosure, complete with four bridesmaids dressed like angels. Two couples said their “I dos” on elephant-back at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, while eight couples hopped on a “love train” and signed their marriages at the Ban Don Rak train station in Surat Thani province.

a Lebanese man suspected of planning a strike following a US warning that tourist areas may be targeted. Thai authorities alleged the Lebanese man had links to Hezbollah, an Iranianand Syrian-backed Muslim Shiite group that is blacklisted as a terrorist organisation by Washington. “The attempted attack in Bangkok proves once again that Iran and its proxies are continuing to act in the ways of terror and the latest attacks are an example of that,” Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak said.

The country assailed Iran as the world’s “biggest exporter of terror” after Monday’s attacks in India and Georgia, amid rising tensions in the region. The blast in New Delhi blew up a car, critically wounding the Israeli diplomat and her Indian driver. In Tbilisi, an Israeli embassy employee found a bomb on his car and contacted police who were able to defuse the device before it detonated. Thai police said they had found no direct link between Tuesday’s bombings and the earlier threat but had received a separate warning from

– Photo AFP

intelligence sources about a potential new attack. “There was some warning of a possible attack and police were monitoring, but we did not know where it would happen,” National Police Chief Phrewphan Damapong said. The US condemned the Bangkok blasts and voiced concern about a worldwide “uptick” in such violence. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Ramin Mehmanparast, rejected the accusations that Tehran was responsible. PM Shinawatra urged people not to “jump to conclusions”. –AFP

The trial against Orjan Robert Elevsson, 38, from Sweden and his Thai girlfriend Narawadee Phothijam, 22, who are accused of smuggling six kilogrames of methamphetamine into I ndonesia st a r ted la st Thursday (February 9) in a Jakarta court. The two were arrested in August at SoekarnoHatto International Airport where they allegedly tried to smuggle in the drugs with the estimated value of US$1.14 million (B34.2 million) in two custom-built suitcases, reported scandasia.com. Both the accused face the death penalty in case of conviction.

South car bomb kills 1, wounds 15 A car bomb killed at least one person and wounded another 15 in Pattani on Thursday (February 9), local hospital officials said. The bomb was hidden in a pick-up truck and exploded in the morning in front of a public health office, damaging buildings, cars and motorcycles nearby, according to police. –AFP

Wildlife activist raided A wildlife activist claimed that dozens of national park officials raided his home for no proper reason and harassed his family on Monday (February 13), after he made corruption allegations against them. Founder and secretarygeneral of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), Edwin Wiek, said 60 to 70 officials of the National Park, Wildlife and Plants Conservation Division raided his home, reported the Bangkok Post. Mr Wiek, 46, has lived in Thailand for 22 years and founded WFFT in 2001. He wrote an article in an English-language newspaper on January 24 alleging corruption, negligence and official cover-up of the killing of six wild elephants, which took place at the Kaeng Krachan and Kui Buri national parks. He claims that certain politicians, park officials,

police and businessmen are involved in the lucrative business of elephant poaching and are covering up the incident, as well as intimidating him to keep silent. Mr Wiek said the officials claimed they had received reports that the WFFT was holding 20 elephants illegally. “We have only six elephants,” he said. “They are all licensed legally.” The officials also demanded documentation for some 450 animals on the 180 rai of land belonging to foundation, to be supplied within three hours. When Jansaeng Sangnanork, 34, Mr Weik’s wife and a foundation director, couldn’t meet the deadline, police arrested her. “I’ve made over 30 reports [of illegal poaching and other activities] and they have not made one case out of any of them,” Mr Wiek said.

thephuketnews.com

REGIONAL NEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Alleged bomber on trial

A Muslim militant arrested in the same Pakistani town where US commandos later killed Osama bin Laden stood trial in Indonesia on Monday on charges including murder for the 2002 Bali bombings. Umar Patek, 45, faces five other counts, including bomb-making and illegal firearms possession, and prosecutors say they will push for the death penalty. Amid a security lockdown, with anti-terrorism units deployed in Jakarta, Patek arrived at the court in an armoured police vehicle, giving a two-thumbs up gesture with his handcuffed hands, but said nothing. The Indonesian is charged with premeditated murder and assembling bombs for the October 2002 Bali nightclub at-

tacks, which killed 202 people including 88 Australians, and strikes on churches in Jakarta on Christmas Eve of 2000. “Defendant Umar Patek committed an evil conspiracy with others to commit a crime by bringing in, obtaining, providing or owning firearms, ammunition or explosive materials and other dangerous materials to carry out terrorism,” prosecutor Widodo Supriady said, reading part of the indictment to court. Wearing a white Muslim skull cap, white trousers, white shirt and an orange prison shirt, he smiled broadly to reporters before entering a holding cell inside the court building. The West Jakarta district courtroom was packed with about 100 spectators, more

Suspected Bali bomber Umar Patek, pictured in the Indonesian court on Monday. –Photo AFP than half of them reporters, many of whom were working for Australian media. Patek, facing a panel of five

judges, was flanked by prosecutors and defence lawyers, who say attempts are being made to paint him as a Bali

bombings mastermind. The trial of Patek, believed to be a key member of the Al-Qaeda-linked Southeast Asian terror network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), is expected to last over four months as prosecutors present evidence from 86 witnesses. They will testify to Patek’s decade-long involvement in terror, prosecutor Bambang Suharyadi told AFP. Patek allegedly used simple household tools including a rice ladle to assemble bombs, which were housed in ordinary filing cabinets, according to Suharyadi and details contained in the indictment. The indictment states that Patek was instructed by fellow Indonesian Imam Samudra to assemble the bombs for the Bali attacks. Samudra,

convicted of being one of the masterminds, was executed in 2008 by an Indonesian firing squad. Riduan Ismudin, also known as Hambali and widely regarded as the brain behind the attacks, was arrested in 2003 and is now held by US forces at Guantanamo Bay. But defence lawyer Asludin Hatjani told reporters Monday: “Prosecutors are trying to suggest that Patek was the mastermind of the Bali bombings, but he was not. He didn’t initiate the attack.” Patek, once the most-wanted terror suspect in Indonesia, was extradited to Indonesia after being arrested in January 2011 in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad, where US commandos killed Al-Qaeda chief bin Laden in May. –AFP

Xi backs expanding US-China Attack on Israel diplomat by military ties, says Pentagon ‘well-trained’ operative: India China’s leader-in-waiting Xi Jinping and US defence chiefs agreed on the need for expanding military relations between the two powers after talks at the Pentagon on Tuesday, a US military spokesman said. China’s top brass has shown less enthusiasm for deepening security ties with the United States but Xi, the country’s vice president, endorsed more military contacts in talks with US Defence Secretary Leon Panetta, Pentagon spokesman George Little said. Following an elaborate ceremony at the Defence De pa r t me nt welcom i ng Xi, the two sides discussed

improving communication between their armed forces as a crucial element to the US-China relationship, Little said in a statement. “They agreed on the need for enhanced and substantive dialogue and communication to foster greater understanding and expand mutual trust,” Little said after Xi met Panetta and top US military officer General Martin Dempsey. Citing recent reciprocal visits by the chiefs of each country’s armed forces, Xi – who earlier met President Barack Obama at the White House – voiced support for an exchange of visits between

Panetta and his Chinese counterpart, Little said. Xi “urged both sides to maintain and strengthen practical exchanges and cooperation between the two militaries,” while Panetta suggested humanitarian assistance and counter-piracy efforts “as productive areas for deepening cooperation,” he said. “Both agreed that the two militaries should discuss the specifics of a program of future exchanges.” Xi said he had travelled to the United States “to deepen mutual trust” and to promote a “cooperative partnership” between the two countries. –AFP

A bomb blast that badly wounded an Israeli diplomat in New Delhi was a terrorist attack by a highly-trained operative, the Indian government said Tuesday, as Israel accused Iran of being responsible. The injured female diplomat was described by doctors as stable following overnight surgery to remove shrapnel from her spine after the attack, in which a motorcyclist planted a suspected magnetic bomb on her car. Home Minister P. Chidambaram told reporters in Delhi, “It is quite clear that a very well-trained person carried out this attack.” Israel said it was in no doubt about whom to blame after the embassy car in New Delhi exploded in a ball of flames, while police defused an explosive fixed

to another Israeli embassy vehicle in the Georgian capital Tbilisi. “Iran is behind these attacks. It is the biggest exporter of terror in the world,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast rejected the accusations. “Iran condemns all acts of terrorism,” he was quoted as saying by Al-Alam television. The 42-year-old Israeli diplomat and her Indian driver escaped from the burning car with the help of bystanders after the hitman fixed the bomb to the silver Toyota. “She has sustained multiple shrapnel injuries. Because of the explosion, sharp metal objects were found in her liver, lungs and spinal cord,” Arun Bhanot, a doctor at the Primus Hospital in Delhi, told reporters. –AFP

Firm in Apple row seeks to ban iPad imports to China An electronics firm embroiled in a copyright row with Apple said on Tuesday it would ask Chinese customs to block iPad imports, as two cities pulled the tablet computers from some shops over the dispute. Proview Technology (Shenzhen) says it owns the Chinese rights for the name “iPad” and is preparing to ask customs to prevent Apple from bringing the iconic tablet computers into China – one of the US company’s biggest markets. Apple last year took the firm to a Chinese court, claiming trademark infringement, but the court unexpectedly rejected the case over lack of evidence. “We are preparing requests to customs for blocking

thephuketnews.com

A copyright row has emerged over the iPad. iPad imports,” Xie Xianghui, the firm’s lawyer, told AFP. “It is still in the process of preparation,” he said. P rov iew Te ch nolog y is owned by a Taiwanese company that registered the trademark name “iPad” in

several countries including China as early as 2000 – years before Apple began selling the product. The US giant subsequently bought the rights for the global trademark, but Proview claims it retained the Chinese rights. Apple said it was the rightful owner of the trademark. “We bought Proview’s worldwide r ights to the iPad trademark in 10 different countries several years ago,” Apple said. “ P r ov iew r ef u s e s t o honour their agreement with Apple in China.” Xie said the firm had lodged complaints in more than 10 cities across China after Apple lost the case in December. –AFP

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Protests on anniversary of last year’s Bahrain uprising Bahraini police dispersed protesters who made several attempts Tuesday to mark the anniversary of last year’s uprising by marching to the site of the protest that was brutally crushed, witnesses said. Several marches took off from Shiite villages on the outskirts of Manama hoping to reach the capital’s Pearl Square, where democracy demonstrators camped out for a month last year before being forcefully driven out. Protesters marched from Sanabis, Deih and Jidhafs, all west of Manama, despite police warning that protests would be dispersed, witnesses said. “Down with (King) Hamad!” they chanted, referring to the Sunni monarch whose Al-Khalifa dynasty has ruled the Shiite-majority Gulf kingdom since the 18th century. The Coalition of the Youth of February 14th Revolution, a hardline group that operates apart from the political opposition led by Al-Wefaq, declared Tuesday the day to return to the square that was razed after the midMarch crackdown.

IN BRIEF Streaker fined for royal flash at the Queen Down Under A st r e a ke r wa s f i ne d AU$750 (B22,500) for mooning at the Queen and Prince Philip on a royal visit. Bar man Liam Lloyd Warriner, 22, clenched an Australian flag between his bare buttocks and ran for 50 metres alongside the royal motorcade as it drove past well-wishers in Queensland, Australia, last October.

Brazil man who led fight against corruption is shot dead

Protesters marched from Sanabis, Deih and Jidhafs, west of Manama, despite police warnings. The coalition posted footage of youth dressed in white Islamic death shrouds running through alleyways, claiming they were heading to the square that is heavily protected by security forces. One picture showed women dressed in traditional black abayas (cloaks) standing close

to the square f lashing the victor y sig n. Al-Wefaq charged that the security forces detained 13 people, including female activist Maasouma al-Sayyed who reportedly reached the square, while rights activist Mohammed al-Muskati said nine women in total were arrested.

Al-Wefaq said police raided Shiite villages where many houses were hit by tear gas canisters, and that several arrests took place overnight. In a statement issued in the evening, Al-Wefaq vowed that the Bahraini protest movement would continue, accusing the government of being “tyran-

-Photo AFP

nical.” The official Bahrain News Agency meanwhile said that “a group of saboteurs” were arrested and would be put on trial. Activists have called for more demonstrations, expected to be held on Monday and Tuesday at the square. –AFP

Pakistan accuses US of meddling Islamabad on Monday (Feb 13) accused Washington of meddling over the restive southwestern province of Baluchistan, threatening to worsen relations still struggling to recover f rom a series of crises. The foreign ministry said the US Charge d’Affairs, Richard Hoagland, was officially conveyed the government’s serious concern over a US Congressional hearing last week that reportedly discussed human rights abuses in Baluchistan. Parliament then unani-

mously passed a resolution condem ning a sub-committee hearing in the US Congress, convened by a Republican lawmaker, saying the United States has no jurisdiction to discuss any issue happening in Pakistan. “The Charge d’Affairs was informed that this was unacceptable as it amounted to interference in the internal affairs of the country,” a foreign ministry statement said. Pakistan’s Baluchistan province has been suffering from a separatist insurgency at the hands of Baluch rebels

since 2004, demanding political autonomy and a greater share of the region’s oil, gas and mineral deposits. Government security officials are often accused of human rights violations and hundreds of people have gone missing, believed detained or killed at the hands of Pakistan’s military and intelligence services. It was unclear whether the anger over the Baluchistan hearing would have any lasting repercussions, or whether it was intended more for an anti-American domestic au-

dience at a time of political uncertainty at home. Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was on Monday charged with contempt of court for refusing to reopen corruption cases against the gover n ment, paving t he way for a t r ial t hat could ultimately help force early elections. Victoria Nuland, spokesperson for the State Department, underlined last week that this hearing was a private initiative. “The State Department is not participating or involved in this

hearing”, she said. The resolution in Pakistan’s parliament was tabled by Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan from the main opposition Pakistan Muslim League party in the lower house and was unanimously passed, state television said. Relations between Pakistan and the United States, allies in the war in Afghanistan, drastically deteriorated last year over the American raid that killed Osama bin Laden and air strikes that killed 24 Pakistani soldiers. –AFP

Journalists in Brazil are calling for more protection after a journalist who campaigned against corruption was shot dead, just days after the murder of another journalist. Paulo Rodrigues, known as Paulo Rocaro, was shot 12 times on Sunday by two men on a motorbike as he drove through the town of Ponta Parã, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. He was editor-in chief of the paper Jornal da Praça and news editor of the website mercosulnews.com in the same town.

Woman jailed for spiking smoothie with antifreeze A US woman has received consecutive prison terms for spiking a 79-year-old man’s peach smoothie with antifreeze after taking control of his bank accounts. District Judge Clark McClellan ordered Selena Irene York, 34, of Utah, to serve three consecutive terms of up to five years each. Authorities said York took control of Ed Zurbuchen’s bank accounts after he opened his home to the woman. Zurbuchen was hospitalised for four days in 2008 and is still undergoing liver and kidney testing.

Belgian court refuses to ban ‘Tintin in the Congo’ A Belgian court refused Friday to ban the sale of Tintin in the Congo, rejecting arguments by a Congolese man that the iconic comic book was filled with racist stereotypes about Africans. The Brussels court ruled that Belgian anti-racism laws only apply when there is a wilful intention to discriminate against someone, said an attorney for Bienvenu Mbutu

Mondondo, the man who tried to get the strip off bookshelves. The court argued that given the historical context – the book was written during the colonial era in 1931 – the author, Herge, “could not have been motivated by the desire” to discriminate, the lawyer, Ahmed L’Hedim, told AFP. A re pre se nt at ive for French publishing house Casterman and Belgian firm

Moulinsart, which holds the rights to the Tintin franchise, welcomed the decision with “great satisfaction.” “This decision is very sound. You have to take the work in its context and compare it with the information and cliches of its time,” said Alain Berenboom, who had warned that a ban would amount to censorship. –AFP

thephuketnews.com

10 LETTERS/VIEWPOINT

THE PHUKET NEWS

OPINION

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Finding life in the past

“The Thonthawes Mansion, said to have cost the sum of B30,000 to build (more than B10 million in today’s money), stands as a symbol of the wealth of an older generation, and as a display of past lives in Phuket” > 11

Editor’s Viewpoint

NORACHAI’S WORLD

BOMBS IN BANGKOK

The perpetrators involved in Tuesday’s alleged terrorism attack in central Bangkok should be dealt a suitably harsh punishment. Many more people could have been injured or killed when alleged suspect – 28-year-old Iranian Saeid Morati – had his legs blown off as he hurled an explosive device at Thai police while fleeing an earlier blast at a house off Sukhumvit. A second Iranian suspect was detained trying to board a flight out of the country, while a third is believed to have fled to Malaysia. We can only hope that it doesn’t take too long for him to be tracked down. It appears Israeli diplomats were the target of the failed bomb plot. Bomb squad investigators rushed to the scene after three men were seen fleeing a blast. It is believed the bomb went off accidentally inside the house. One of the men hurled an explosive device at a taxi which refused to stop and later tried to throw another

Rock of ages.

Letters to the Editor Why not? Very much like the new front page – amiably tabloid, but totally and thankfully unlike The Sun! Alistair Why

Thanks a million [Re. Juliet’s rocking Phuket song has 20 million fans] I wish you could see our faces! This is so awesome! Great write up and the picture looks awesome! We will definitely be framing this. Thanks so much. Kristina Childs (Juliet’s mum)

Love-less [Re. Juliet’s rocking Phuket song has 20 million fans] What the hell as she got to do with promoting Phuket? Just because she is wearing a T-shirt that says I love Phuket,

she suddenly is a promoter of Thailand? Terry

Poo-poo to you [Re. Juliet’s rocking Phuket song has 20 million fans] Other than the shirt, nothing to do with Phuket I can see. More likely the shirt was chosen for her to wear due to the frequent derogatory mispronunciation first time readers make of the name “Phuket.” ScubaNinja

On the bright side Wow look at all the grumpies! YouTube video now at 20.4 million views, it was a fun story! And 20 million people seeing a message about Phuket! If you read the print article you will see that the family visit Phuket yearly, and that this indeed is better

then any TAT promotion! Lighten up! Thanks Juliet and Rob Sharpe for promoting Phuket! We love Juliet! Nancy Botwin

Tripping out [Re. Phuket scores poorly in awards from Tripadvisor] To the critics of Tripadvisor, opinions are different and some small incidents can ruin a holiday in the opinion of a traveller. If there are some fake critics, positive or negative, overall I think the rating which evolves is, as far as I can see it from places and hotels I have been to, right. In positive and in negative. A Hoeld

What a trip [Re. Phuket scores poorly in awards from Tripadvisor]

My personal experience has been quite the opposite, A Hoeld. Hotels that get horrible reviews end up being delightful and tours that get rave reviews end up being horrible. I would never consider Tripadvisor as a barometer for an honest evaluation of anything. It could be used as basic information, but I would hardly risk spending my traveling money based on any Tripadvisor reviews. Dave

Common sense [Re. Phuket scores poorly in awards from Tripadvisor] Anyone with half a brain knows not to take anything written on such websites as Tripadvisor seriously. Many of the reviews are fakes, written by the owners, or people who have exaggerated their own experiences.

This week in history Surely most people use Tripadvisor as simple a guide. My advice is to pick the hotels with the most reviews in a particular area and choose one which is highly rated mong them. This way you avoid picking somewhere that has four positive reviews only (probably not real reviews. That’s what I do when travelling and it has helped a lot. Sally K

Correction

The Wahoo Thailand 2012 Sport Fishing Tournament entrants competed for B3,000,000 in prizes and the Singapore Slingers team won two trophies and money totalling B550,000. This was incorrectly reported in last week’s Phuket News. The error is regretted.

Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax 076 612 553. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.

thephuketnews.com

device at police, instead hitting a tree, bouncing back and triggering a blast which tore off his legs. But what if there had been several people inside the taxi and they weren’t able to escape? What if the bomb had gone off in the busy city centre instead? This could have been so much worse. Ba ng kok has had a rough year already with the flooding and could have done without this stupidity. Thailand’s southern provinces, near the border with Malaysia, are regrettably known for violence and explosive attacks. But not Bangkok, which has been relatively quiet since the 2010 political Red Shirt Rally. Phuket is not immune. Despite one Phuket media agency two weeks ago labelled the US terror alert for Bangkok “misguided” and a “farce”, police here are now on high alert after revelations that the suspects flew through PIA on their way to Bangkok. Sure, Phuket was not the target this time. But we need to be vigilant.

■■ February 17, 1959 – Vanguard 2, the first ever weather satellite, is launched by the US Navy to measure cloud-cover distribution. ■■ February 18, 1979 – Snow falls in the Sahara Desert for the only time in recorded history. ■■ February 19, 1942 – Nearly 250 Japanese warplanes attack the northern Australian city of Darwin, killing 243 people. ■■ February 20, 1935 – Caroline Mikkelsen becomes the first woman to set foot in Antarctica. ■■ February 21, 1965 – Malcolm X is assassinated in New York City by members of the Nation of Islam. ■■ February 22, 1997 – In Roslin, Scotland, scientists announce that a sheep named Dolly has been successfully cloned. ■■ February 23, 1998 – Osama bin Laden publishes a fatwa declaring jihad against all Jews and “Crusaders”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FEATURE 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

FADING MEMORIES Luang Amnartnararak (seated centre) celebrates his 78th birthday in 1927 with 56 relatives, 27 of them children, many of whom lived in the house at one time or another.

By Paritta Wangkiat

huket Old Town sometimes seems like a kind of time warp, where the past overlaps with the present. As I stare at the big pale yellow Thonthawes Mansion at the end of Deebuk Rd, it gives me a kind of a dim nostalgic feeling for something that existed before I was born. Perhaps it’s because this is one of the best examples of Sino-colonial architecture on the island. Its proportion, its meticulous stucco, carving doors, and the reliefs on the walls have attracted uncountable pairs of eyes. I used to think it was a dying house; its door was almost always shut tight. But a couple of weeks ago when I stopped by the house, I learned for a very first time that the house was still alive, albeit breathing faintly. Thonthawes Mansion has endured for almost 100 years. It was first owned by a respectable Chinese immigrant, Tan Kuad, who climbed the social ladder by turning himself from a farmer into a wealthy figure in Phuket. He left China when he was 23 years-old in search of a better life, and wound up in Phuket, finding opportunity

in the booming tin mining industry. At the prime of his life, he was involved in variety of public works, and even helped to bring peace to Phuket, being involved in negotiations to resolve the Ang Yee conflict between tin mine owners and workers in the late 1870s. Encouraged by performers in a touring Chinese opera troupe, Tan Kuad also established the beginnings of the vegetarian festival in Kathu. The annual festival is now a huge event in Phuket, attracting thousands of participants, onlookers and tourists from abroad. His decency caught the attention of King Rama VI of Thailand, who appointed Tan Kuad as Kathu headman, gave him the family name Thonthawes, and in 1913 conferred upon him the lordly title of Luang Amnartnararak. Today, the Thonthawes Mansion, said to have cost the lordly sum of B30,000 to build (more than B10 million in today’s money), stands as a symbol of the wealth of an older generation, and as a display of past lives in Phuket. Apart from elegant old furniture, old photographs

Above: The Thoonthawes Mansion on Deebuk Rd, a masterpiece of Sino-colonial architecture that is slowly fading.

lies lived here together.” Aunt Bhee Nga explained that the interior of the house was divided into several rooms, each occupied by a family, all members of the same clan. Luang Amnartnararak had seven children. The seven had expanded to dozens by the time Aunt Bhee Nga was born. At least 40 people lived in the house, she recalls. Indeed, a photograph dating back to 1927 (see top) shows 57 relatives, 23 of them children. The door of the house used to be open day and night, welcoming neighbour and complete strangers alike to share the crowded interior. Society today no longer Left: This beautifully carved grill allows air to flow. Right: The mansion’s walls are covered with meticulous stucco detail. suits that kind of life, she says. and the house itself, built by Chinese artisans brought in from Penang, the mansion contains a priceless store of of memories and reflections of island society in the past. Sitting on the front poach

of the house, Aunt Bhee Nga, who’s about 70, speaks of her fading memories of the house that has been home to her for her entire life. “It used to be fun here,” she says, “when all our fami-

The house and the neighbourhood have changed. As the Thonthawes Mansion grew older, family members split away to live as single families in other homes. Only four or five people live in the mansion today. “I’m living in the same house as always – but it’s not quite the same,” Aunt Bhee Nga says, looking off into the distance. It’s as if she woke up one day after decades of unbounded relationships, to find that neither she nor the house can trust strangers any more. Today the door of the house is shut. Note: The mansion is not open to the public.

thephuketnews.com

12 BUSINESS/TOURISM

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

BUSINESS

And again...

Bangkok giant Sansiri ready to launch another development > 14

business@thephuketnews.com

Thailand ‘needs more attractions’ Thailand urgently needs to strengthen its travel products by adding new attractions, if it is to remain a major player in ASEAN. Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) President, Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn, warned last week that new tourism products are needed to raise Thailand competitiveness, especially once the ASEAN Economic Community comes into being in 2015. “The main selling points of Thailand are beaches and islands, and other countries in the region are promoting identical experiences,” he said. “If we continue to sell the same old products then our position will be eroded.” Thailand should have mega-tourism attractions on the scale of Disneyland to encourage more tourist arrivals and revenue, espe-

cially from markets such as China and India. Mr Sisdivachr praised the Government’s “Miracle Thailand” campaign, but noted that, like most of the Government’s efforts, it was over a short period using a large budget. “The Ministry of Tourism and Sports should now release a detailed three-tofive-year plan on how it intends to maintain Thailand’s lead in the region.” ATTA Secretary Charoen Wangananont agreed that the Miracle Thailand project was too short and Thailand needed to have a focus on encouraging investment in new attractions. “If we want sustainable tourism development, the Government should set out the blueprint and direction backing it with policies and incentives.” –TTR Weekly

More Thais go abroad Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA) estimates that more than six million Thai tourists will travel abroad this year, pushing outbound tourism expense up eight per cent to over B300 billion. TTAA President Charoen Wangananon stated that outbound tourism in 2012 could see a growth of approximately eight per cent in comparison to 2011. But the growth will also depend on positive factors, such as domestic political stability and lack of natural disasters. It is estimated that around six million Thai tourists will travel abroad this year with a combined expense figure of around B300 billion, which is an increase from last year’s

prediction of 5.7 million outbound tourists and B270 billion in expenses. Outbound tourism in 2011 saw a continuous growth until September when the massive flood broke out, causing the sector to take a nosedive and leaving its annual growth rate at around eight per cent. Preferred destinations among Thai tourists were short-haul destinations, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong and China. Despite the recovery in outbound tourist figure, tour operators will not increase the prices of tour packages this year since consumers now have more options thanks to heav y competition in the industry. –NNT

TAT aims to boost northeast tourism

Kongsak Khoopongsakorn was sent to Switzerland to learn the art of running a resort.

From fruit garden to luxury resort

Many decades ago Vijitt Khoopongsakorn ran a large store right where the Central Market on Ranong Rd, Phuket Town, now stands. He sold everything from dried prawns and other seafood to fruit and vegetables, which were bought for him by members of his family from local communities in and around Phuket. When tourism began in the late 1970s, grandfather Vijitt loaded his goods into large woven bamboo baskets and delivered them to the hotels. Profits were usually invested in land, Mr Vijitt’s grandson Kongsak Khoopongsakorn explains. Before the tourism boom was the tin mining boom, when people like Mr Vijitt bought land that might yield tin ore, in lots of up to 200 rai, and simply started digging big holes in the ground in search of the metal. When the diggings yielded

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no more tin, the mines filled with water, leaving the many lakes that now dot Phuket. The family also had a factory producing coconut oil, and many rai of land on the shore of Chalong Bay, where they established orchards of mango, durian, jack fruit, guava, coconut and other trees. The fruit was sold at the market. The resort began in a small way, as low-end tourist accommodation. The fruit trees in the orchard were thinned out to make room for bungalows, while still leaving enough trees for cool shade. Initially, a row of 10 bungalows were built for the use of weekenders from town wanting to enjoy the sea breeze and eat seafood. As tourism grew, seven thatch-and-bamboo bungalows were built for tourists from elsewhere. The number of bungalows grew to 28, and then 45 with a swimming pool, as the resort

– by now ranked as three-star – was discovered by tourists from overseas. In 2006, the family decided on a radical step: to aim for five stars for the resort, upgrading from the Vijitt Bungalows to The Vijitt Resort. Mr Kongsak and his brother went to study at a hotel management school near Montreux in Switzerland, When they were ready, the old Vijitt Bungalows was pulled down and the Vijitt Resort built in its place, according to plans drawn up by a local firm of architects. “To chain, or not to chain,” was the question the family then asked itself – whether or not to become part of an international hotel chain. Mr Kongsak’s father, Somsak, thought that his sons would learn more by operating the resort themselves, rather than leaving it to be managed by a large international resort operator. It has taken four years, but the resort is now making a good profit and has a high occupancy rate. –Norachai Thavisin

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The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is looking to boost tourist arrivals to the northeast to more than 18 million in 2012. Patmas Wongpattanasiri, TAT Director for the Northeast, said that the country’s northeastern region is the second most popular destination among local travellers, after Bangkok. The region earned tourist revenue of as much as B35 billion in 2011. As a start for this year’s campaign, TAT is joining hands with the Udon Thani City Hall in organising the “Million Red Water Lilies” Festival on February 14. It is the first time the province is promoting this event, which needs a budget of around B300,000 to organise. Concerning the tourism promotion budget for the northeast this year, Mrs Patmas said the figure has been increased by 5-7 per cent to a total of B70 million. The budget will accordingly be allocated to all seven regional offices of TAT. With all campaigns in place, it is expected that there will be around 18.7 million local tourists, bringing in about B40 billion revenue to the region. Mrs Patmas said all TAT overseas offices are also to promote Isarn abroad. –NNT

Diesel tax hike on the cards The director-general of the Excise Department will ask the finance minister to gradually increase the diesel excise tax from next month “to improve its revenuecollection performance”. Excise Depar tment Director-General Bencha Louischaroen said she will propose that the finance minister gradually increase the diesel tax from the current half a satang per litre to the original rate of 5.31 baht per litre before this fiscal year comes to an end. She said the timing of the increase is appropriate, given that global oil prices are on a down-trend. –TAN

BUSINESS/TOURISM 13

INTO THE FUTURE THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Thought-provoking predictions for the world

Futurist, author and business adviser Dr James Canton and his Institute for Global Futures (IGF), which advises industry and the Fortune 100, have released their thought-provoking annual report on the top global trends for 2012. “There is a new future emerging,” Dr Canton says, “that may be characterised by complex trends, accelerated change, hyper-competition, disruptive innovation and uncertainty. This will demand a new way of operating. There are those who will see this as crisis and those who will see it as opportunity.” The IGF report offers 20 predictions and warnings: Education: Look for Apple’s iPad and other tablets to take the lead worldwide and transform learning, bringing education resources to new audiences throughout the world. The ease, mobility and, most important. The interactive media that make learning come alive, will transform education. Middle class growth: Especially in Asia, China and India but throughout the world, economic progress is creating a global middle class that will top 2 billion in the next five years. Activist consumers: Consumers, encouraged by their peers to share opinions, post reviews online, text their ideas, talk back to companies, give their feedback, and interact with others of a common shared experience, will be empowered

to act on their values. Their opinion will have power to influence. Water: Hard-hit areas in Asia, the US and EU will develop water policies that will inevitably bring them into conflict with neighbors. Refreshing global and regional water infrastructure will be smart investments by nations looking to head off the destabilization of their societies from the coming water wars. Hacking: Recent cyber intrusions on governments and organisations signal accelerated hacking coming this year. Why? It gets results and it’s highly profitable. Hard-tocatch online criminals are the new threat. Cyber security has not kept pace with the bad guys. Social media: Social media have killed traditional marketing. Web 2.0 for enterprise is going to be big this year. Just as Google was a few years ago, Facebook is next. The semantic web: Starting to emerge this year will be Web 3.0. Where 2.0 was about social interaction, 3.0 is about deep connections with data and an attempt to make the web more accurate, smarter and useful when you’re searching. Having the web become more intuitive, getting to know you and your needs as a more useful front end. Faster, more accurate, more useful and intuitive. Cloud computing: This is the year that Big Data and Cloud Computing break out.

Business adviser Dr James Canton: Crisis or opportunity? We are in for a global change in how we do computing and analyse data. Cloud Computing will enable you to do on any device anywhere what you currently do on your desktop. Agility: How agile is your network? Is it integrated for mobile? Does it support VOIP, Web, Telematic and Transmedia platforms? Is your organisation ready to move beyond the legacy mindset and silos and move into the future? You want to be out in front of the customer, driving change, not playing catch up. Get agile. Medical revolution: Look for innovations in medicine that can for the ﬁrst time give doctors a glimpse of potential precursors to disease and will lead to prevention.

Cheaper and smarter genomic diagnostics, digital health technology and better use of medical informatics will lead to more personalized medicine. Talent gap: Companies will struggle and compete for talented workers. Jobs will go unﬁlled. Markets will go untouched. Outsourcing is not the only answer. The issue is not about job creation but talent creation. We need an education system that supports the next generation of the likes of Steve Jobs and Steven Spielberg. Climate change: This is the time of climate change “on steroids”. Extreme weather change is becoming the norm as climate models around the world are in ﬂux. More unpredictable risk factors affecting

life, health and property as well as security, are likely. Mind-reading: Neuroscience is getting close to being able to read people’s brainwaves. On the positive side, treating brain injuries and age-related disease. On the negative, fears about mind control. Look for developments that will open a new area of fantastic new medical beneﬁts but also usher in huge privacy concerns over “neurohacking”. Quantum computing: Quantum technology is the next generation of information science. In the future we will embrace a new supercomputing technology platform that is vastly more powerful, based on the Qubit. The key drivers of Quantum are: need for harder encryption to avoid hackers; something faster than silicon in chips to manage the high complexity and huge data crunching of cloud computing. Global youth revolt: The rise of dissatisﬁed youth against the inability of nations to manage economic and democracy crises will reach a boiling point this year. The linkage of global youth into a movement, is possible with a sense of social entitlement that will change government futures and the future of governance. Innovation dividend: Those companies, individuals and nations that support and invest in innovation—the web, telecoms, social networks, wireless, software, nanotech,

neurotech, biotech—will get the beneﬁts. They will be the winners in attracting customers and inventing the future. 3D printing: There is a manufacturing revolution underway. 3D printing will allow the manufacture of anything from buildings to body parts. We are at the early stages of a manufacturing transformation. Cities: As more and more people live in cities, technologies are needed to unlock health, energy efficiency, communications, safety and pollution control. Cities of tomorrow must be green and productive, sustainable, secure and economically viable centers of life and work. We need a global healthy cities plan. Power: The electricity grid worldwide is desperately out of date, and not ready to meet coming demand. We need to move towards a smarter energy grid that can both serve and propel productivity. Trend convergence: Social media, pervasive mobile phone networks and the Arab Spring are an example of a global change that is the end product of trend convergence. We need to learn how to think in bigger frameworks and longer time frames to solve grand challenges that confront our world. ■■ The Institute for Global Futures has been compiling predictive reports since 1990. Download the full 2012 report from FutureGuru.com

Don Muang to reopen March 2 Civil Aviation Department (CAD) and the Airports of Thailand (AoT) have agreed to hold a joint ceremony on March 2 to officially reopen Bangkok’s f lood-hit Don Muang Airport to show its readiness for commercial use. CAD Director-General Woradet Hanprasert said that Thai budget airline Nok Air

would resume flights from Don Muang on March 6. Operations at the airport were suspended on October 25 when its runways were flooded. The airport lost B200-300 million in revenues because of the flooding, Airport General Manager Group Captain Kanputt Mungklasiri said. Gp Capt Kanputt said the

airport – whether operating or not – has costs of around B70 million per month. After the flood receded, restoration work was begun, Mr Woradet said. AoT will restore the power system and begin maintenance work on the eastern runway before the reopening, he said. Mr Woradet said the de-

Despite flooding, FDI is still rising Dr Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary-General of the Office of the Board of Investment, says foreign direct investment (FDI) in Thailand continues to grow steadily, defying assumptions by some that the floods of last year have caused an outflow of capital to elsewhere in Asia. She said that January this

year saw the number of investors rise by 103, compared with the same period last year, with the amount of investment increasing by B78 billion compared with only B26.3 billion in January 2011. Central Thailand got the largest share of FDI, with an inflow of more than B60 billion.

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14 BUSINESS/PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Sansiri to launch two more projects

Bangkok-based proper ty giant Sansiri, having had two resoundingly successful sales of starter-level homes in Phuket, is preparing to launch its third, called Habitia, in Koh Kaew. In October last year Sansiri took deposits on 556 studio Confidence is not yet anywhere near the pre-flood high apartments in just two hours, of September last year, but it’s gradually climbing. –Phuket News Graphic and at the end of January it shifted another 653 in a single day. The pre-sales event for Habitia, 244 semi-detached homes with a nominal value of project B760 million, will Thailand’s Consumer Con- in 2012 to expand by 4.5 to 5 take place from February fidence Index (CCI) edged per cent. 17 to 19. Thanawat Ponwichai, the up in January for the second At a press conference in consecutive month, according centre’s director, warned, Bangkok, Suriya Wannabuit, to the Economic and Business however, that risk factors for Executive Vice President of Forecasting Center of the the economy include fall- Sansiri’s Project ManageUniversity of the Thai Cham- ing confidence in political ment and Marketing Departber of Commerce (UTCC), situations, followed by con- ment, explained, “We have which conducts the monthly sumers’ concern about the been using the Habitia brand index survey. high cost of living due to for modern minimal house Wachira Khuntaweetep, rising energy prices. projects since we launched The consumer confidence the first one in Bangkok an academic at the centre, announced last week that index in January did not rise four years ago.” the CCI on the overall econ- significantly, Mr Thanawat Habitia in Phuket will be omy in January increased noted, explaining that this built on 46 rai of land near the from 63.1 in December to 64 reflected the as-yet-unstable in January, while the Con- economic recovery. sumer Confidence Indices on However, the overall Thai job opportunities and future economy was projected to income rose from 64.2 and improve in the second quarter 92.1 to 65.4 and 93.1 respec- or the second half of this year tively in December. owing to the B300 daily miniShe theorised that the mum wage hike, scheduled to growth in indices in all cat- start coming in on April 1. The centre’s view is that egories was a result of the recovery from the 2011 flood the economy this year is likely crisis which had now returned to grow 4.5 to 5 per cent. But to normal, as well as to the the 7-per-cent growth targeted Government’s post-flood eco- by the Government might be nomic rehabilitation measures, possible if growth in the global which were expected to drive economy and Thai exports are the country’s overall economy satisfactory. –MCOT

Confidence Index edges up again

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Habitia homes in Phuket will follow the same design as projects in Bangkok, above. British International School. The homes are aimed at employees or business owners “looking for a quality house”. The semi-detached homes will have two floors on 140sqm plots. Inside will be three bedrooms and two bathrooms, living room, kitchen, space for a small garden and parking for two cars. The project will also have

another brand imported from Bangkok and consisting of two-f loor, three-bedroom townhouses. Located close to Habitia, it will sell at prices from B1.99 million to 2.5 million, with the presales days scheduled for next month. Mr Suriya said the company is looking for more land, preferably in the Vichitsongkram Rd area of Phuket Town.

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a large lake and open green space with a clubhouse, fitness centre, communal swimming pool and 24-hour security. Price will go from B2.99 million to B4million. The project is expected to be completed within two years – less if all the homes are sold in the presale period. Next on the Phuket list for Sansiri will be Habitown,

the rest of the country by the 10) at a press conference at end of 2013, the company’s the Sea Pearl Villa Resort. CEO, Jon Eddy Abdullah, He also announced that pledged last Friday (February DTAC will begin 4G trial in the near future. Peak speed requirements for 4G are 100 Megabits per second for high mobility wireless com munication (such as from trains and cars) and 1 Gigabit per second for low mobility communication (such as pedestrians and stationary users). The first high-level DTAC press conference ever held in Phuket, the event attracted more than 100 members of the media from the island and from Bangkok.

16 ART

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

CULTURE

BIG LIST: Hangover helpers > 22

culture@thephuketnews.com

GERRY’S view

“I was on this island off Phuket a few weeks ago assisting with the application of polio vaccines to the local children and spotted these two craftsmen building a fishing boat down by the shore. “There is something about the grain and rich colours of the wood, combined with the romance of the sea, that attracted me to take the photograph of these two men engrossed in their skilled craft. “This wonderful boat is now probably riding the waves and bringing home fish to feed the owner’s family as well as a little income.” –Gerry Cummings

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Stringing along the audience With the recent performances by the 4G Quartet of ML Usni Pramoj, the concert by the large Chulalongkorn University Viola Ensemble last week, and an opera soiree at the British International School yesterday starring Julie-Anne Hunter, classical music has arrived on the island in fine style. The Viola Lovers concert, held at the large auditorium at the Prince of Songkla University in Kathu last Thursday (February 9), packed the hall with a young audience of mainly university students. The 29-player ensemble was conducted by Assistant Professor Colonel Choochart Pitaksakorn, who was trained in Europe, and is a long-time teacher of music at university level in Thailand. Deep and mellow notes flowed from the violas playing in harmony Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algeri Overture, Bach’s Partita no.2 in D major, Mozart’s Adagio in C major and Rondo in D major. A woman player on the snare drum beat out the quickening tempo of Ravel’s Bolero to finish the first half of the concert on a definite upbeat note, then the ensemble enjoyed itself with good ol’ Andrew Lloyd Webber’s I

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A student (left) plays on stage at interval, conductor Choochart Pitaksakorn (right). Don’t Know How to Love Him and American Patrol. While the players seemed at home with the last two popular tunes, it was with the compositions Echo and Pra Maha Mongkol of His Majesty the King in the second half of the concert, and a luk-

tung (country music) inspired piece of His Majesty played as the encore finale, that the ensemble was obviously at it most relaxed and lively. During the interval, seven young girls from a school string group came on stage to play three short pieces, with

admirable composure, while their teacher conducted from a seat in the audience. The Phuket News was proud to be the sole sponsor of the concert that floated sweet string sounds, not often heard in Phuket’s evening sea breeze. –Norachai Thavisin

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THE PHUKET NEWS

PEOPLE 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

EVERYDAY PEOPLE

Uncle Aye can at last be his happy self again.

To hell and back Soprano singer Julie-Anne Hunter performs for students at Kalim School, she later sung at BIS’ A Starlight Soiree.

Singing for the stars Sensational soprano singer Julie-Anne Hunter is back in Phuket and is more than happy to enjoy the tropics during Europe’s freezing winter. Hunter was in Phuket to take part in A Starlight Soiree, a fundraiser for the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation, held at the British International School (BIS) last night (February 16). Hunter first came to Phuket in 1999 while working as a performer on a cruise ship. However, her time in Phuket

was only one day, and she didn’t leave Patong Beach. “When I came to Phuket I didn’t want to get back on the ship because the people were so nice.” Hunter has been a professional opera singer for the last 25 years or so. Based in Sussex in England, she regularly travels around Europe to perform, and has appeared in roles of Susanna in Marriage of Figaro, Musetta in La Boheme, and Zerbinetta in Ariadne auf Naxos. Last night she entertained

audiences at BIS with songs by Italian opera composer Giacomo Puccini, Andrew Lloyd Webber, George Gershwin, Mozart and Schubert. The previous week she also performed for excited students at Kalim School. Her career first began when she won a scholarship to study singing and classical guitar at the Royal Academy of Music in London at age 17. While there she won prizes for singing and was awarded a further scholarship for advanced opera training.

Keeping her golden voice in good condition means a lifetime commitment of avoiding colds and flus, singing scales every day, breathing exercises and taking various homoeopathic remedies, particularly colloidal silver and stabilised allicin (a garlic capsule) to ward off any infections. Hunter released her first album, Songs from the Heart, last year, and the songs are available through Soundcloud.com, or on her website http://www. slmlive.com/julieannehunter/

Looking at Lung (uncle) Aye, you would not realise that this particular The Phuket News’ Street People, featured in 2011, had been to hell and back. One morning the breakfast seller’s tooting horn was not heard as usual outside The Phuket News’ office, in the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus in Kathu. We then heard that Lung has been hurt in an accident. As he was slowly Uturning his motorcycle with its laden sidecar on a highway just out of Phuket Town, a tourist van rammed hard into the rear if the bike, sending Lung sailing into the air and landing on the rocky bottom of a ditch. Lung was knocked un-

conscious by the blow, and suffered a broken rib and grazes on the head. His breakfast motorcycle and sidecar was beyond repair. Blaming Lung for cutting in front of their client, the tourist van’s insurer refused all payment and assistance. Uninsu red himself, Lung only had the small government accident insurance payments and the free Vachira Phuket public hospital treatment to help him get back to his feet. Just about the only redeeming aspect for him of the accident was the visits to his home by the old van driver who sincerely apologised for the accident. –Norachai Thavisin

HEALTH

Stem cells may restore hearing

US researchers have begun a groundbreaking trial to test the potential of umbilical cord blood transplants, a kind of stem cell therapy, to treat and possibly reverse hearing loss. The phase I trial follows promising studies on mice showing that such transplants were able to rebuild the structures of the inner ear, and some anecdotal evidence from humans, sparking hope of a cure for some forms of deafness. One of those people is two-year-old Finn McGrath, who suffered brain damage after being deprived of oxygen during a prolonged and complicated delivery, according to his mother, Laura. “His doctors told us he was at high risk for cerebral palsy, vision issues, hearing problems and mental retardation,” she said. Finn’s early days were an all-out struggle to survive, so for his parents, learning that he had failed his hearing tests and had damaged hair cells – the sensory receptors in the inner ear that pick up sounds – was almost an afterthought. He had organ failure, breathing problems, and his cerebral

palsy left him unable to roll, crawl or walk, hold his head up, talk or eat. As his parents searched for ways to help him, they came upon stories online that told of studies using cord blood to help children with cerebral palsy and other disorders. Prior to his birth, the McGraths had arranged to privately bank his umbilical cord blood, a procedure that costs around US$2,000 (B64,000) plus storage fees, and remains controversial among paediatricians. Finn’s parents enrolled him in cord blood trial for cerebral palsy in North Carolina and he received his first transplant in November 2009 when he was about seven weeks old. A second transfusion followed and by May, his parents began to notice a change. Night-time noises, like an alarm on his food pump or the sound of ripping medical tape, would suddenly startle him awake, his mother recalled. “He started vocalising sounds and we could tell that he was anticipating things that we would say. Like, if he had heard a story a number of times

Preparing stem cell cultures. or a song, he would smile like he recognised the song or the story.” Finn had a third infusion in September 2010, when he was one year old. Four months later, an otoacoustic emissions test (OAE), which plays a sound and picks up vibrations in the cochlea and hair cells, came back normal. The early hearing tests that showed hearing loss were not exactly the same as the later tests that came back normal, so McGrath is cautious about

–Photo by Jeff Miller/University of Wisconsin-Madison comparing them directly, but she believes the cord blood transfusions may have helped. “All I can tell you is anecdotally he was not able to hear for probably the first three or four months of his life, and then when he was about six to eight months old, he started hearing.” The hearing trial in Texas aims to take a first step in testing the safety, and later the efficacy, of transfusing cord blood in children age six weeks to 18 months who have sustained post-birth

sensorineural hearing loss. Some reasons that children lose their hearing at or after birth may include oxygen deprivation, head injury, infection, strong doses of antibiotics or loud noises. Sensorineural hearing loss affects approximately six per 1,000 children, and there is no available medical treatment. Hearing aids or cochlear implants are typically offered to boost the ability of the damaged tissues. Research using stem cells in

cord blood, known as hematopoietic cells, is already under way on some types of brain injury, cerebral palsy, juvenile diabetes, kidney and lung disease, he said. The new study at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center is being funded by the Cord Blood Registry, and those eligible must have already banked their own umbilical cord blood with CBR. But to Stephen Epstein, an otolaryngologist in Maryland, that does not pose a conflict of interest, because separate medical institutions in Texas and Georgia are conducting the Food and Drug Administration-approved research. One patient is already enrolled and the study, which runs for one year, has room for nine more. While Finn McGrath still faces many challenges due to his cerebral palsy, his mother is grateful for the things he can do. “I don’t know how much worse off he would have been without the stem cell transfusion,” McGrath said, pointing to his normal cognition, lack of seizures, good hearing and vision. –AFP

thephuketnews.com

18 EDUCATION

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Baanbangtao School Brass Band.

Above: PIA (red) charge towards the goal. Below: Thanyapura attack in the match against Island Tech.

Going to press SCHOOL

Visiting KISP students with teacher Mrs Carter.

A group of students from Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KISP), and their teacher Mrs Carter, visited The Phuket News’ office in Kathu on Friday February 3 to investigate “What makes a good newspaper?”, as part of the students’ persuasive writing unit. They wrote: “We met up with The Phuket News Managing Editor Simon Ostheimer. He took good care of us and organised for us to have some experts, such as Sports

Editor Dane Halpin, who gave us advice on how to create a newspaper. “We learnt so much about what goes into making a newspaper which enabled us to create our own in class. At the end of our trip, we visited the new radio station of The Phuket News, called Live 89.5 FM, where we hung out with Radio DJ Jason Wilder. “Than ks, The Phuket News, for our exciting journalism field trip!”

Formal dance on the pitch.

FOOTBALL RAISES DONATION A total of B58,000 was raised for the Baan Pakrongcheep School renovat ion f u nd through an afternoon of football and fun at Thanyapura on Saturday February 11. The afternoon kicked off in style with the Baanbangtao School brass band leading the players on a march around the pitch before the first of four

soccer duels between Pakrongcheep School and Phuket International Academy (PIA). First blood went to PIA in the 5/6-year-olds boys/girls match, with the home team imposing an exemplary 4-0 victory over their opponents. Things did not go all PIA’s way, though. The 7-9 boys/ girls match and the 10-12 boys

match both ended in scoreless draws before PIA pulled out a second victory, 2-0, in the 8-12 girls match. The afternoon’s play was capped off with a 2-0 win for Thanyapura in an all-female match against Island Technology, probably the most bruising game of the day. In between matches the

crowd were entertained by charming dance performances put on by students from Pakrongcheep School. The money raised from tickets (at B50 each) and from food sales was swelled by a B26,000 donation from the Thanyapura Clinic. Tesco Lotus also gave Pakrongcheep School credit of B20,000.

Help from Hard Rockers Hard Rock Cafe’s Phuket team, known as the Hard Rockers, recently visited the Phuket Special Education Center in Kathu to donate milk, healthy snacks and money to help pay for the building of a canteen and a classroom. Hard Rock crew leader

Kajonkiet

International School Phuket

pting e c c A nts e d u t s now

Gift and the team met the children and their teachers. The school, run by the Fundamental Education Board of the Ministry of Education, provides early intervention education to disabled children. It provides a safe and educational facility for disabled,

autistic and deaf children, aged four to 16, and aims to provide a caring and stimulating environment. Some 25 children come to the school daily from surrounding areas. The team’s assistance is part of Hard Rock Cafe’s Philanthropy Ambassador Program.

“Creating strong minded individuals who will become leaders in tomorrow’s international community.”

• British National Curriculum • Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 & 2 • Morning and afternoon sessions available for Pre-nursery and Nursery

please contact us for further information

082-4250104 (English) | 089-6527599 (Thai & English) e-mail ip@kajonkietsuksa.ac.th | http://international.kajonkietsuksa.ac.th

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Author Gail Clarke tells a story to primary students in the writing workshop.

Book author visits Kajonkiet

Gail Clarke, author of Patrick’s Birthday, visited the Kajonkiet School on Thursday February 9. The author ran a workshop with the children about creative writing and discussed her book, using her parrot

hand puppet. Students from Years 5 and 6 also had the opportunity to practise their interview skills on Gail for their Journalism topic. After 28 years as a primary school teacher in Hong Kong,

Gail Clarke retired with her husband to Italy in 2004. From one migration to another, Gail started writing about migrating animals (parrots and arctic terns) and now advocates passionately for environment preservation.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Green cycling from China to Koh Lanta Didier Vacher has a plan. “I am going to start recycling programmes in Koh Lanta and Phuket, and promote them with the best eco-green expedition action in Asia,” he says. The French green adventurer is set to ride out on an “eco-rickshaw” - a threewheel bicycle rickshaw – from Beijing and ride it all the way to his home on Koh Lanta to raise funds for his island recycling project. “I will do the expedition, write a book, make a documentary, and hold TV and media conferences,” says Monsieur Vacher. He says he will ride the Chinese-built rickshaw “for the environment, sustainable ideas and recycling islands. “I will leave from the China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market in Beijing on April 20 and I will arrive in Koh Lanta on October 31, having cycled through China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand.” His planned route includes: Beijing, the Great Wall of China, Tianjin, Jinan, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau, Halong Bay, Hanoi, Hue, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Siem

Didier Vacher gets ready for his long rickshaw ride. Riep and Angkor, Bangkok, Hua Hin, Khao Lak, Phuket, Krabi and finally, Koh Lanta. This is not the first time Didier has undertaken an unusual journey. In 2005, the intrepid adventurer drove a Thai tuk-tuk, solo, from Bangkok to Europe. The cyclist says authorities in Phuket and Koh Lanta, local conservation groups have expressed support. But the green samlor cyclist still needs sponsorship. Contact Didier Vacher on 084-327-3414or email him at 1world2bike@gmail.com.

ENVIRONMENT 19

Climate change talks A free workshop on “Climate Change and Development of Phuket” is being held this afternoon (Friday, February 17) in the Teaching Hall at the Thanyapura Retreat in Thalang. Speakers are leading Thai environmental planners Dr Chamniern Paul Borratnchaiphan, Senior Director of the Thailand Environment Institute (TEI), and Dr Pakamas Thinphanga, TEI Project Manager. The meeting is being sponsored by SEEK, the Phuket environ mental net work, TEI and the Institute for Social and Environmental Transition (ISET). The half-day workshop, from 1pm to 5:30pm, will discuss “linkages between climate risks and urban challenges, and the role of the business and urban sectors in the urban resilience strategy planning process for sustainable development.” Phuket Town and Ubon Ratchathani in the northeast have been chosen, along with two cities in Vietnam, for a three-year study in a project called the Mekong-Building Climate Resilient Asian Cities, or M-BRACE, which is funded by USAID.

Adopt a dog

Speakers Dr Pakamas Thinphanga (left) and Dr Chamniern Paul Borratnchaiphan. The project is studying how the environment of these cities can best cope with climate change and the increasing demands placed on them by tourism and development. Dr Chamniern has long been a champion of environmental protection and conservation in Phuket. TEI, which he directs, is

a non-profit, non-government organisation founded on a belief in sustainable development and a participatory approach to shared environmental responsibility. ISET coordinates closely with stakeholders in Phuket Tow n a nd U bon i n t he Mekong project. Led by two local green

activists, Sean Panton and Nick Anthony, SEEK (Society, Environment, Economy, Knowledge) is a network for promoting environmental protection in Phuket. Contact SEEK’s Sean Panton on 083-391-5869 or sean@syn ergysportsls.com, or visit myseek.org.

Pet of the Week

Dogs need a home Jenifer is just 12 weeks old and was found abandoned at a local orphanage at only a few weeks of age. She’s now living at the Soi Dog Shelter in our puppy run, but she really needs people to love her and provide her with a safe, loving environment. She’s a very sweet, affectionate puppy and would make a wonderful addition to any family. If you can offer her a good home, please email cindy@soidog.org or phone the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222. You can also visit our website www.soidog.org or follow us on Facebook. If you are interested in adopting a dog please do not buy from the markets. Soi Dog Foundation has over 200 dogs and puppies available for adoption at any time. For more information on how to adopt visit soidog.org. All animals are fully-vaccinated and desexed. Young puppies will be desexed free of charge as soon as old enough.

Pen Srisod writes from Bang Rong, near the gibbon sanctuary, “A month ago the workers on a building site next to us moved out. They were told they could not take any animals with them. “So they left seven pups, plus mother and father, to fend for themselves. We have managed to find homes for two of the pups. “It is now urgent that the others find homes. Yester-

day (February 12) we found the father dead of poison, and had to rush one of the pups to the vet. She is recovering. But we worry that there may be further attempts at poisoning. “All of the pups are white apart from one, and all of them are very friendly. They have all been neutered by Soi Dog and given the necessary shots. “We can’t take them in ourselves as we already

have three dogs, who are fierce about their own territory – there has already been one fight. “We will continue to feed them and provide emergency services, but would be delighted if someone would take one or two or all of them and give them a good, happy home.” Ms Pen can be reached by calling 087 272 5594 or by email to af hkt@ hotmail.com

Want to see your pet here? Email your photos to: editor1@thephuketnews.com

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20 KIDS PAGE

THE PHUKET NEWS

COLOURING CONTEST

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

ach week, colour the picture, have a photo taken with the finished work, and email it to editor@ thephuketnews.com. The grand winner will be announced on this page in two weeks’ time! “This week I’d like to pick Grace Hiranyakas, age 7, from Kajonkiet International School,” says Sophie. “The colours are beautiful and I love the additional helmets and type promoting a safer commute!”

mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk

Runners-up

Elinor Vladiminova, age 10, Headstart

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Fueangfah Brierley, age 9, Phuket International Academy

Alessandra Harris, British International School

Thanks go to all the children at Darasamuth Phuket School, Kajonkietsuksa School, British International School Phuket, Phuket International Academy, and Cocount Club for their fantastic entries. Please keep them coming in, remembering to write your name, age and school on your work.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TIME OUT 21

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

BOOK

MUSIC

FILM Safe House 117 minutes Rating: 15+

Director: Daniel Espinosa Starring: Denzel Washington, Ryan Reynolds, Brendan Gleeson

Behind the Paralytic Stalks Beautiful Forevers Of Montreal By Katherine Boo Random House, 288 pages

Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near Mumbai airport, and as India starts to prosper, Annawadians are by hope of a better future. Abdul sees “a fortune beyond counting” in the recyclable garbage that richer people throw away. Asha, a woman of formidable wit and deep scars from a childhood in rural poverty, has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. Even the poorest Annawadians, like Kalu, a 15-yearold scrap-metal thief, believe themselves inching closer to the good lives and good times they call “the full enjoy”. But then Abdul the garbage sorter is falsely accused in a shocking tragedy; terror and a global recession rock the city; and suppressed tensions over religion, caste, sex, power and economic envy turn brutal.

Taking in any Of Montreal record requires a certain degree of endurance and stamina on the part of the listener. And Paralytic Stalks is no exception, finding frontman Kevin Barnes once again delivering a whirlwind of dizzying pop that drifts fleetingly between the realms of genius and insanity. While some songs, like the 13-minute closer ‘Authentic Pyrrhic Remission’, are virtually unlistenable, there are still tracks that help serve as yet another formidable testament to Barnes’ enterprising spirit, such as the much more accessible ‘Spiteful Intervention’ and the spare, lovely acoustic guitars that introduce ‘Wintered Debts’. Make no mistake, the album is as manic and deranged as anything else that has come from Barnes’ mind in the past decade. But compared to Of Montreal’s previous offerings, Paralytic Stalks demonstrates an intimacy and immediacy which he will do well to repeat.

Taking the ‘thrill of the chase’ to a whole new level, Safe House is literally just a single extended chase scene, a loud and chaotic ride that packs a lot of bang at the expense of plot structure and character development. Directed by Swedish filmmaker Daniel Espinosa, the film centres on rogue CIA agent Tobin Frost (Denzel Washington), who is forced to turn himself in after years on the run selling government secrets. When a safe house he’s remanded to in Cape Town is attacked, rookie operative Matt Weston (Ryan Reynolds) is thrown in the deep end as the two are forced to escape together and stay alive. On the surface, Safe House

should be firecracker entertainment, but it feels more like a makeshift production; a series of set pieces that overvalue the need for frenetic action as opposed to dialogue and story. From the beginning, we probably know too much about Frost’s intentions. By keeping some of the plot a secret, the writers could have accommodated a few extra surprises instead of the grossly predictable ones we are left with. The script, by relative newcomer David Guggenheim,

instead stumbles through just about every spy movie cliche possible, without ever turning them on their heads or providing fresh insight into familiar themes. The Cape Town setting is a refreshing change of backdrop – but that’s all it is. Throughout the film, we encounter no South African characters for more than 30 seconds, making it feel like a wasted opportunity to inject some fresh material into an otherwise stale story. And so with a substandard

script offering few thrills, it is up to the relentless action to keep the audience hooked. And it does work, to an extent. The various martial arts duels are shot a close-range but are still discernible, thanks to a reliance on quick-cut editing rather than the nauseating ‘shaky-cam’ shooting style. The various fist-fights, shootouts and chase scenes are visceral experiences, and achieve a certain level of realism in terms of how the characters react to injuries. The tone is dark and gritty, and overall very engaging. But perhaps ironically, the main flaw is that there is so much action that it simply becomes monotonous. Most of the excitement actually come from the moments of calm that briefly punctuate the relentless action and allow Washington and Reynolds time to show off their respective acting talents – moments that are sadly few and far between. –Dane Halpin

As some movies and movie times change every Thursday morning, after The Phuket News has gone to press, the accuracy of the following information cannot be guaranteed. For up-to-date information, visit sfcinemacity.com, or phone the cinemas directly: SFX Coliseum Phuket 076 209 000 and SFC Jungceylon Phuket 076 600 555.

SFX COLISEUM PHUKET (CENTRAL FESTIVAL) ATM Errak Error (T/E.SUB) [G]: 14:35, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 Journey 2: Mysterious Island (E/3D) [G]: 11:20, 13:20, 15:20, 20:05 Journey 2: Mysterious Island (T) [G]: 12:30, 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 22:30 Man on a Ledge (E/F) [15+]: 13:30, 15:45, 18:00, 20:15, 22:25 Safe House (E) [15+]: 15:05, 17:30, 19:50, 22:20 Star Wars Ep 1 (E/3D) [G]: 17:20, 22:05 Valentine Sweety (T) [15+]: 12:15, 13:35, 14:50, 16:10, 17:25, 18:45, 20:00, 21:20, 22:30

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) Contraband (E) [18+]: Journey 2: Mysterious Island (E) [G]: Man on a Ledge (E) [15+]: Safe House (E) [15+]: Underworld: Awakening (E) [15+]: Valentine Sweety (T) [15+]:

14:45, 18:00, 21:20 12:10, 14:10, 16:10, 18:10, 20:10, 22:10 12:30, 15:40, 19:05, 22:25 11:15, 12:35, 15:00, 17:25, 19:50, 22:15 13:40, 17:05, 20:20 12:00, 14:35, 17:10, 19:45, 22:20

BRAIN TEASERS Across 1. Valuer a quiet expresser of approval. (9) 6. Carriage tutor (5) 10. Town smell around a shirt. (6) 11. Rebuke confused dear Mr Pin. (9) 14. Copy rebound. (4) 17. Blue-blood month; I have nothing for loch. (11) 21. Wheel part talked? (5) 24. Clip etc I used for sun’s track. (8) 28. Raise the back end. (4) 29. Precolumbian civilization in California (4) 30. Coil crab badly for

Solutions to last week’s puzzles

cleaner. (8) 33. To north, a pig pen. Unpleasant. (5) 36. He talks to toppers. (11) 40. Sandhill for cardinal after push for payment. (4) 44. In toto, rye makes bad reputation. (9) 47. Skin design for military show. (6) 48. Shared by goats and cuckolds. (5) 49. Merchants eat tool. (9) Down 2. Black tone. (5) 3. Right fluid for ice venue. (4) 4. Knight be the father? No point. (3) 5. Criticise music. (3) 6. Air in firm city. (5) 7. Astonish a labyrinth. (5) 8. Conceals skins. (5) 9. A quiet pair of cardinals in church. (4) 12. Getaway key? (3) 13. About a mile in pan gets bell tower. (9) 15. Catch policeman. (3) 16. OK about a tree (3) 18. Carriage Ed overused. (9) 19. Sleep in card game. (3) 20. Polish sport? (3)

21. Point to little picture: insult to Spaniard. (4) 22. Finished six balls. (4) 23. Queen leave, therefore. (4) 25. I rushed to the country. (4) 26. Flip a coin to back southern 39. (4) 27. Big town for Honda. (4) 31. I say yes. (3) 32. Where flowers recline? (3) 34. Total increase. (3) 35. Net back number. (3) 36. Premonition of a

hump. (5) 37. Do, or player. (5) 38. Challenges 500 with God of War. (5) 39. Drunkard, thus junction. (3) 41. Final say. (5) 42. Rose made love god. (4) 43. Salvation Army on Rhode Island makes garment. (4) 45. 42 has no right to dawn goddess. (3) 46. Pacific island bark. (3)

thephuketnews.com

22 WEIRD WORLD

YOLKS OF STEEL? China investigates eggs ‘too hard to eat’ Chinese authorities are investigating eggs that bounce after being boiled and may make men sterile, as the country enters yet another food scandal. The eggs, being referred to in Chinese media and on the internet as “rubber eggs” or “ping pong eggs”, are apparently too hard to eat, raising suspicion they are fake, after appearing in “small numbers” in markets nationwide.

“The investigation is designed to appease consumers’ concerns, after some suspected they bought artificial eggs made by unconscientious traders seeking profits,” state media reported. However, the eggs’ hardness could be a natural occurrence, caused by hens consuming large amounts of food enriched with a compound called gossypol, which binds to protein

in egg yolks, Xinhua said. “While gossypol normally exists in the residue of cotton seeds added to chicken feed as an extra protein source, large doses of the compound will suppress sperm activity as gossypol has been tested to be used in male contraceptive pills,” it added, doing absolutely nothing to suppress fear over eating them. Food safety worries are

nothing new to China, where tales of fake cooking oil, tainted milk and watermelons which explode from being fed too much chemical fertiliser appear regularly in the news. In 2008, at least six children died and nearly 300,000 became ill from powdered milk laced with melamine, an industrial chemical added give the appearance of high protein levels.

Incest on Ice

Police in the US arrested a man last Thursday after they found him naked covered in chocolate and peanut butter lying on a supermarket floor. According to a Kentucky police report, 22-year-old Andrew Toothman smashed through the Food World IGA’s glass front door wearing only boots. He then emptied all of the market’s fire extinguishers and spelled out “Sorry” on the floor using NyQuil before head-

ing to the confectionery aisle “The subject had peanut butter and chocolate smeared all over his person,” police said. “[He] admitted to breaking into Food World IGA.” CBS News quoted the officer as saying it was the “biggest mess I have seen”. Toothman was taken to prison on charges of indecent exposure, burglary, and criminal mischief. He was held on $25,000 (B800,000), but has since been released.

Here was the typical Icelander’s pre-date checklist on Valentines Day last week: Put on a nice shirt, buy some f lowers... r un you date’s name through an online incest database. It sounds crazy, but with Iceland’s population at just 300,000, the risk of accidentally romancing a relative is uncomfortably high. Enter Íslendingabók, or the “Book of Icelanders”, an online resource that tracks 1,200 years worth of genealogical data on the country’s inhabitants, according to the website. All Icelanders have to do to prevent incest is type in their name and the name of a potential love interest – that is, provided they have an “Icelandic ID number”, since

A Ta iwa n e s e m a n w a s taken into custody for allegedly swindling millions of Taiwan dollars by selling Sesame Street dolls and other items which he claimed had “magic powers”. The suspect, identified only by his surname Lin, was accused of conning some Tw$3 million (B3.1 million) from a businessman with

products including an Elmo doll which he said was “holy” and could bring luck. It’s not clear whether the Elmo doll was of the ‘tickle me’ variety. The man, who claimed Lin also asked him to “buy property in the underworld” – which probably should have been ringing alarm bells if the Elmo doll wasn’t al-

ready – later contacted the police after he realised he had been scammed. Lin was also suspected of selling the dolls to other victims for up to Tw$1 million (B1 million) apiece, as well as touting a variety of products for their alleged healing effects. Police said they will continue to investigate Lin, a temple

Sweet justice for naked peanut butter robber

Tickle me silly

the database is restricted to citizens and legal residents. An added bonus – Íslendingabók can also tell citizens if they are related to celebrities. In an interview with Global Post, Alli Thorgrimsson, 31, said he used the database to discover that he’s distantly related to singer Bjork. He also breathed a sigh of relief when he learned that he and his ex-wife were distantly enough related (seventh cousins) to be clear of incest concerns, making him one of only a handful of people in the world relieved to marry his seventh cousin. The website, which was developed in collaboration between a genetics research company and a software entrepreneur, has apparently been active since 1997.

keeper in northern Taoyuan county, after they found documents with information on a large number of “followers” from the past several years at his home and temple.

it's the Forking out for weight loss Sorry, next window Lose weight by eating – it’s the glutton’s dream. And now it is reality, thanks to a bizarre new cutlery set attached to dumbbells. The hefty chrome knife and fork weigh one kilogramme each, while the dessert spoon measures in at an extraordinary two kilogrammes, which is heavier than a complete 32-piece set of regular stainless steel cutlery. The ‘innovative’ products, called Eat Fit Cutlery, have been described as good for “gluttons in need

thephuketnews.com

of a work out”. But you’ll need to be willing to pay a costly B4,500 if you want to buy the set, meaning it’s probably better value to just go for a run instead.

With our ever-increasing workloads and social commitments, finding the time to attend a funeral can be a real inconvenience. But mourners visiting the late Robert Sanders, 58, don’t even have to leave the comfort of their cars to pay their respects. Mr Sanders lies in an open casket at the Robert L. Adams drive-through funeral parlour in the Compton district of LA. Those who can stomach stepping inside the funeral home can feel safe behind its

bulletproof glass. Although it’s too late for the people inside the coffins, this life-saving feature made the funeral home a big hit with gang members in the 1980s, when cemetery shootouts meant graveside services were a gamble. Just don’t rock up in your mobile home – the drivethrough area is only 3m high.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

THE BIG LIST

Hangover helpers A nasty hangover is nature’s way of saying you had way too much fun last night. And unfortunately, as we’re all no doubt aware, what goes up must come down. Wayyy down. Here are some tips to limit the damage – or inflict more – from some people who probably knew best. Sicilian sausage: Between the food, the cars, and organised crime, we can be thankful to the Italians for all kinds of wonderful things – but a great hangover cure isn’t one of them. Apparently, Sicilians believe that all you have to do after a wild night of drinking is eat a dried bull’s penis. If you have no reservations about doing that, you’re probably still drunk. Licking wounds: Word on the street, if the street is the BBC, is that Native Americans would run around in the morning to get all sweaty after a hard night on the turps. The logical next step: lick all that sweat up and spit it out, so you can get rid of all the “poison” you’d just oozed out. It’s hard to know which is worse, the sweat licking orgy or the fact that they actually woke up before midday to do it. Ultraviolence: A Clockwork Orange writer Anthony Burgess liked to beat his hangovers to the finish line with a homemade cocktail – and the heavy-drinking Englishman did know a thing or two about morning-after blues. He drank a concoction known as Hangman’s Blood: “Into a pint glass, doubles of the following are poured: gin, whisky, rum, port and brandy. A small bottle of stout is added and the whole topped up with Champagne,” for added effect. Two cowboys, one cup: What did those lonely cowboys of the Wild West concoct to cure their extra- manly hangovers? A fresh, hot cup of tea, of course, which sounds like a perfectly nice, rather feminine little remedy – until you find out what they added to it. Rabbit poo. That actually becomes less weird when you consider cowboys also used to wipe their bum with corncobs, which we like to assume they also ate. Who wants to come to Brokeback Mountain? Meatlovers: For English comic novelist and champion drinker Kingsley Amis, the morning after is often a strange “metaphysical moment”. Amis recommended a mixture of Bovril – a salty meat extract oddly beloved to British people – and enough vodka to set you back on the right path, or at least on the path to the nearest bathroom. Lemon fresh: Apparently some Puerto Ricans swear by rubbing a slice of lemon in the armpit of your drinking arm before you start boozing. While we’re a little dubious about the effectiveness of this one, at least you’ll be left smelling fruity fresh, and have a spare slice for your mixer. Lessons from the past: We all know how much the ancient Greeks and Romans knew how to party, what with the bath houses, orgies, bath house orgies and epic feasts. Well, after a wild night of debauchery, ancient Greeks were all about a nice breakfast of sheep lungs and two owl eggs. Don’t skimp on the owl eggs. Romans, meanwhile, would chow down on deep-fried canaries, which we can only assume were sold in big, familysize buckets and seasoned with secret herbs and spices. Hangover hoodoo: While most of these cures require mixing together ridiculous ingredients, this hangover remedy simply requires a complete lack of logic. Haitian voodoo people are said to recommend sticking 13 black pins in the cork of the offending bottle. That’s probably a good 130 needles or so you’ll need after a night out in Patong. Back to basics: American actor and singer Dean Martin knew how to keep it simple. His cure: “Stay drunk”.

THE PHUKET NEWS

SHOPPING 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

LIFE&STYLE

Ahoy there! Dining at popular Chalong haunt, Anchor Inn > 24

lifestyle@thephuketnews.com

fashion file Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to:

editor@thephuketnews.com

Perfect print

Fresh taste

Waleerat Tantipornsawat,

Nonglak Wangsuk

IT developer.

Her blue patterned jump suit (B350) was bought at the Platinum mall in Bangkok. Her brown and pink checkered bag was a gift from her mother. She found her black wedge Chaps shoes (B3,850) at a store in Central Festival.

4 1. White shell purse B10,900 Silver shell purse B11,500 2. Beaded sandals B2,690 3. Decorated purse B2,690 4. Bag B9,900

Her very cool lime g reen bohemian print dress (B180) was bought at Naka Weekend Market. She found her bracelet (B100) at Sampeng Market, Bangkok. She picked up her strappy brown sandals (B180) from Kasate market near Robinson Department store.

Foreigner-friendly fashion

ACCESSORIES

GINGER SHOP

Office worker.

Accessories from Ginger Shop at Surin Plaza, Srisoonthorn Rd in Cherng Thalay. Open daily from 10am-7pm, 076 271 617.

Phuket resident Ali Goebel has just made Western women on the island’s dreams come true. Her shop, Exquisite Expat Fashion, stocks clothing – including many larger sized items – from about size 4 to 30UK. Ali says she’d been thinking about launching the shop for a number of years, after innumerable conversations with friends that ended in complaints about not being able to find good clothing that fitted well, for a reasonable price. Most of the fashion available in Phuket was made for Thai women’s body shapes, and often the design itself was not suitable for Western women, says Ali. So, along with help from her friends, she stocked her shop by picking up Westernstyle clothing while travelling overseas. “It’s for boobs and butts,” she says with a laugh. Right now she has more than 1,200 items for sale, both new and second-hand. These include bras, swimwear, shoes (up to size 41), underwear, jewellery and accessories, variously picked up on trips to Australia, Bali, Canada, Britain, Japan and the US.

Canadian expatriate Ali Goebel in her recently opened store Exquisite Expat Fashion. The qualified Canadian psychologist is enjoying running the shop so far, and says business is going fairly well. Ali has always had her hand in something entrepreneurial, so opening the Exquisite Expat Fashion shop wasn’t a stretch. People can also donate items to Ali, and receive a

share of the profits when the item sells. “The shop is designed for expat women who live here. We are not on holiday, we are not in a bikini and sarong every day,” says Ali. “Women can come in and find something that fits and makes them feel fabulous.”

Exquisite Expat Fashion, 84/38 Soi Saiyuan, Rawai. (on Soi Saiyuan between soi 11 and 12, next to Infinity Hair Studio), 087-335-4432, alison@asian-treasures.net. The shop is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, but private appointments are also available outside these times.

thephuketnews.com

24 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Weighing in with good food A

nchor Inn restaurant co-owners, Orathai “Pukkie” Leelateep and Makkachai “Jackie” Seangchat, have spent the last 15 or so years working to constantly improve the menu of their Chalong eatery. T h e A n c h o r I n n a ttracts many expats from the area, and its location on the Chalong pier road means its also in the perfect location for dive instructors and accompanying tourists. The restaurant is coowned by Sea Bees Diving, who operate next door, and the eatery provides many meals for its hard-working employees, plus many other dive instructors in the area. The restaurant first opened in 1989 with six tables. These days it is a bustling hangout with 20 tables, including an upstairs area. It is surrounded by trees and has a thatched roof, some-

particularly the salads, of which leftovers are virtually guaranteed. Their dressings, including a mayonnaise one and a mustard one, are both highly-rated by customers, but the recipes are “top secret”, says Jackie. The menu is extensive, with both Thai and European options, plus various snacks. Salads, including a greek salad pita pocket for B150, range in price from B70 to B150. International mains are B200 up, while lasag ne (B200), carbonara (B110) and pizza (B200) are also included on the menu. The restaurant also offers a 15 per cent discount to Rawai Naiharn Business Association cardholders.

Jackie, left, and Pukkie are the friendly faces of Anchor Inn. Below, chicken salad and the famous ‘secret’ dressing.

Anchor Inn has been open for the last 23 or so years. thing Jackie loves because he is a huge nature fan. The couple learned to

cook T hai food f rom a young age, then asked for help from their Western-

er friends to perfect their European-food cooking. Pukkie says cooking is an “excit-

ing adventure” for her. Anchor Inn is k nown for its large serving sizes,

Famous duck curry at Burasari Head Chef Rattanachar t “Thon” Khannglar is wellknown for his famous red duck curry, priced at B250 at Burasari Resort’s Kantok Restaurant in Patong. Khun Thon spent hours with his mother in the kitchen as a youngster, learning how to make Thai food and particularly learning how to perfect the art of cooking red duck curry. He has worked in England, France and in the Caribbean, with such experiences contributing to his knowledge today, and the improvements and adaptations made to his curry dish over time. Khun Thon has spent hours teaching his staff at Kantok Restaurant how to make his famed red duck curry, and supervises them to ensure it is being made correctly. He has worked at Burasari

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Anchor Inn, 1/3 Moo 9, Viset Rd (on Chalong pier road, next to Sea Bees Diving), 076 28 1329.

RED DUCK CURRY

Ingredients:

The famous duck curry served at Burasari Resort, Patong. for four months, and before that worked in England for five years. Originally from Udon Thani, he grew up in Chiang Mai, but has made Phuket his home now, and brought h is deliciou s red cu r r y recipe with him. He makes the curry paste

from scratch, using ingredients of dry chilli, gallangal, red onion, and coriander root. Palm sugar is used instead of white sugar, to ensure that the dish is not too sweet. The duck is roasted in the oven, at a medium temperature (about 180C) over an hour and a half.

Kantok’s Head Chef Rattanachart “Thon” Khannglar. Infused with lemongrass and covered in honey glaze, it is the perfect meat to put in the curry, Khun Thon says. “The meat comes out so tender, not tough at all. The skin is crispy, it tastes delicious,” he says.

“I think duck works better with the red curry flavour because the meat is so tender and it has a really good smell.” Kantok Restaurant, Burasari Resort, 18/110 Ruamjai Rd, www.burasari.com

• Roasted duck 200g • Red or green grapes 50g • Pineapple 50g • Cherry tomato 40g • Kaffir lime leaves 20g • Red curry paste 50g (can be purchased from local markets or food stores) • Fish sauce 20ml • Palm sugar 20g • Coconut milk 200g • Sweet basil 20g

Recipe: 1. Slice the roasted duck. 2. Heat a small amount of the coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat. 3. Add red curry paste and stir well to combine together. 4. Add duck, fish sauce a nd p a l m s u g a r, and the rest of the coconut milk. 5. Add pineapple, grapes, tomatoes, lime leaves and basil. 6. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are just tender.Serve with steamed rice.

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

La Trattoria chef de cuisine Lorenzo Stelzer, left, and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket executive chef Silvano Amolini.

Australian mussel stew, part of the five-course meal.

DINING 25

Back to basics for fine Italian

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket’s resort executive chef, Silvano Amolini, has been at the Dusit for the last two years, and runs the resort’s seven restaurants, including the fine-dining Italian restaurant La Trattoria. It is the second time around for Chef Silvano at the Dusit: he was first here from 1993 to 1997. But the lure of Phuket’s beautiful beaches and the chance to work in a top Italian restaurant (La Trattoria gained mentions in Thailand’s top restaurants list in 2007, 2010 and 2011), meant he was eager for the opportunity to return. Award-winning La Trattoria has been open for the last 19 years, and is wellknown around the island for its high quality food. It is the only fine-dining Italian restaurant in Laguna. Chef Silvano’s style at La Trattoria is very “back to basics”. Meaning the food is what everyone can relate to, and no doubt will surely find

Sicilian cannoli with ricotta, candied fruits and chocolate. their favourite Italian dish on the menu, he says. “It is honest, sincere food. “Italian is my cuisine, it’s what I’ve grown up with. It is a complete cuisine, with different flavours, and centuries of traditions.” Fluent in Thai, Chef Silvano is a perfectionist and comes across as very passionate about his native Italian cuisine. Service is top quality at the restaurant, and Chef Silvano’s serves us a delicious and well-

presented five-course meal, complete with wine matches. Tuna carpaccio, Australian Mussels stew, Saffron risotto, pan-roasted duck breast and Sicillian cannoli with sheep ricotta, candied fruits and chocolate shaves for dessert. But Chef Silvano’s knowledge really comes across when he is explaining the cheese platter. Cheese must be tasted in order from weakest to strongest, to ensure the flavours are

not mixed, he says. He talks us through the cheeses: Nussler (two months of ageing with walnut leaves and nocino liquer), Robiola Di Mondovi (a fresh cheese made from cow’s milk with 21 days of ageing), Homatikas (made from cow’s milk and wrapped with hay from the Alps), Testun Al Barolo (made from cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, with six to eight months ageing in a cave, the last two months alongside Barolo grapes), Cusie Al Malte Whiskey (cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, with six to eight months ageing in a cave along with malt, barley and whisky), and the lucky last, Carublu, (made from cow’s milk and aged with cocoa beans and rum). Hungry yet?

La Trattoria at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuke t , 390 Moo 1 Srisoontorn Rd, Cherngtalay, 076 362 999; dusitthanilagunaphuket. dusit.com

A fine evening of foie gras All types of foie gras creations were on show at Trisara’s Cuisine Couture, held last Friday night (February 10) at the resort. Alain Rougié, dubbed by many as the world’s top foie gras producer presented six dishes, all using the French delicacy, complete with wine matches. In 2007, Rougié opened The School of Foie Gras in Pau (France) where foie gras seminars and master classes are taught. The menu included the interesting dish of apple tart with rosemary and vanilla beans icecream, lollipop foie gras and chocolate.

Above, ballotine of duck magret and foie gras and spring vegetables, and below, apple tart and lollipop foie gras.

Trisara Executive Chef Kla prepares foie gras yaki soba noodle with prawns and carrot.

thephuketnews.com

26 EXPLORE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Phuket Old Town Festival 2012 JAMIE’S PHUKET

Chinpracha House This elegant colonial-style mansion was completed in 1907 by wealthy Chinese immigrant Tan Ma Siang. Chinpracha House is one of the most integral ancient remains on the island. Old photographs, Italian floor tiles, imported furniture from China and old utensils are wellmaintained in the house’s interior.

he end of Januar y was a busy time for festivals and fairs in Phuket. We had the lively Chalong Temple Fair, then a food fair at Saphan Hin (the south end of Phuket Town), it was Chinese New Year on the 23rd (welcome all to the Year of the Dragon) and from January 28-30 there was the Phuket Old Town Festival; three great nights of street fair, food stalls, stage performances in the old part of Phuket Town along Thalang Road and in the Queen Sirikit Park next to the TAT office. We headed into town on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 in the evening. A bit late on Saturday actually as there was a street procession with people dressed up in old style Chinese clothing, and we missed that. But there were plenty of people dressed up along Thalang Road. Phuket has large Chinese inf luence, with a lot of Chinese-Thai people due to large-scale immigration during the 19th century when Phuket went through a major tin-mining boom. But there's not exactly a ‘China Town’ in Phuket. Thalang Road is

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PHUKET MUSEUMS

98 Krabi Rd, Phuket Town, 076 211 281. Open daily 8am4pm. B100.

Kathu Mining Museum Boat ride on the once important Bang Yai canal.

Dragon dancers on Thalang Road.

Built according to colonial architecture, imitating a mansion of a tin miner, the museum shows the origins of Phuket’s culture and history especially from the mining era. Several indoor exhibition rooms display different themes such as Phuket architecture, mining , T h ai - C hin e s e way of life, Chinese immigrants’ life, the Baba’s marriage and the solar system. The outdoor exhibition displays equipment including a dredge and hydraulic mining gear. Muang Tor Sung Rd (behind Loch Palm Golf Club), Kathu, 088 766 0962. Open daily 9am4pm. B50 for Thais, B100 for foreigners, children half-price.

Lantern-lit entrance to Sanam Chai Park.

Muslim girl at Abdul’s roti shop.

very mixed, there are Muslim shops, old Chinese hardware stores and printers, the old herb shop and a Chinese shrine which is right next door to the Christian Assembly. The old town is a place I always like, but it looks espe-

knock someone for spending two weeks on the beach, but I've been doing this blog for years now, trying to show t hat Phu ket is so much more than beaches. I guess the "real Phuket" is what you make of it.

cially good at festival time. In these articles I keep using the term "real Phuket", which is hard to define, since Phuket has many sides, but in the old section of Phuket Town there is certainly plenty to interest visitors. I'm not going to

■■ Read the full version on Jamie’s website: jamie-monk. blogspot.com. Jamie works at liveaboard dive specialists Sunrise Divers in Karon. More info: 084 626 4646, info@sunrise-divers.com; www.sunrise-divers.com

Philatelic Museum The museum is in the old preserved Post Office, housing old equipment such as telegraph tickers, telephones, parcel-weighing machines and collections of Thai stamps issued since 1951. There are also a small library and a souvenir room. Phuket Post Office, Montri Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 883. Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-4.30pm. Sat 9am-12pm. Free entrance.

THE PHUKET NEWS

TRAVEL 27

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Koh Lanta: a charmed life CHECK-IN Koh Lanta is a very quiet and natural destination with its own charm. The island is still largely unspoilt, offering beautiful beaches, green mountain backdrops, and an abundance of wildlife, as well as being located a short distance from some of the most highly-rated diving spots in Thailand. Arguably the island’s best place to stay, Pimalai Resort & Spa is built on a splendid 100 acres of hilly lush tropical forest with direct access to 900 metres of pristine sandy beach. The resort’s architects placed great emphasis on preserving the environment by designing low-rise southern style buildings, resulting today in a resort that complements the setting rather than competing with it.

KLM integrates social media with air travel KLM’s new Meet & Seat initiative makes the airline one of the first to integrate social networking in its regular flight process. Passengers with a reservation can link their Facebook or LinkedIn profiles to the flight they will be on, in order to see who else is on board. Erik Varwijk, Managing Director KLM, said “With Meet & Seat, KLM takes social networking a step forward. This new service connects passengers and aims to give them a more inspirational journey.” Meet & Seat facilitates contact with fellow travellers who have the same background or interests. They can find out whether someone they know will be travelling on the same flight, or discover who else will be attending the same conference in the US, for example. Through Meet & Seat they might arrange to have a coffee before their flight, se-

Pimalai’s elegant pool villas have stunning sunset views. Unlike other Thai islands, Koh Lanta remains unspoiled. The property is located approximately two hours from Krabi International Airport and is reached by the resort’s private minibus and cruising boat, or you can choose to drive and catch a ferry. The accommodation is a restful low-density, southern style design, nestled in the magnificent, lush tropical forest, overlooking Kantieng

lect adjoining seats or decide to share a taxi afterwards. Passengers can only see other Meet & Seat participants after linking their Facebook or LinkedIn profile to their flight. They can decide what personal information from their Facebook or LinkedIn account they would like to share with other passengers. Meet & Seat is available using Manage My Booking on intercontinental flights only. Passengers can choose their seat via Manage My Booking from 90 days until 48 hours before departure, and therefore easily make contact with fellow travellers. KLM Meet & Seat starts with a pilot project on flights from Amsterdam to San Francisco, New York and São Paulo. Shortly afterwards, it will roll out to other intercontinental destinations. –www.klm.com

bay, which is arguably the best bay on the island. In December 2005, 39 pool villas were opened at Pimalai. The elegantly appointed one, two and three bedroom villas are located on a hillside, some 60 to 80 metres above sea level and provide breathtaking views of the majestic Andaman Sea and the surrounding

TRAVEL NEWS it also showed there was more confidence in how the Thai authorities handled internal security. Nations that revoked travel warnings earlier: China; Israel; Greece; Germany; France; Norway; Brazil; Netherland; Denmark; the United States; the United Kingdom; Australia; Austria; Taiwan, South Korea; Japan; and Canada. The UK was one of the last to lift the warning, claiming its travel alerts were part of an important information service for citizens. –TTR Weekly

Bangkok sec uri t y fears fade

Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday Thailand is regaining confidence after several more nations lifted their travel warnings leaving only two alerts in place in Italy and Romania. The ministry spokesperson, Thani Thongphakdi, said: “Only Italy and Romania were still giving information to raise security awareness among citizens visiting Thailand.” Mr Thani believes the withdrawal of travel alerts was indicative of a recovery in travel conf idence. He claimed

tropical vegetation. Today, the resort’s facilities consist of a combined 121 Deluxe Rooms, Pavilion Suites, Beach and Pool Villas, all with a contemporary Thai-style design; two superb infinityedge freshwater swimming pools; a Gold Palm PADI dive centre (operating from November to April); a large fitness

Owned by Bangkok-based Red Planet, the group has announced a line-up of Tune properties starting in Thailand and the Philippines. In the Philippines, it has properties in Angeles, Cebu and Makati. There are more properties in the pipeline for Bangkok and Phuket due to open later this year. Tune Hotels group chief executive officer, Mark Lankester, said: “The opening of Tune Hotel Pattaya marks a crucial point for our expansion in Thailand. It follows the successful opening of Tune Hotel Hat Yai.” Rates at the Pattaya property are set as low as B199 per night, but, like the airline fares, everyt h i ng but t he bed a nd bat h ro om a r e ch a rge able extras. The promotional rate can be booked from February 10 to 17 for a stay from February 17 until April 5, without blackout dates. Booking can be made via www.tunehotels.com. –TTR Weekly

room with high quality fitness equipment; a sport ground that includes two floodlight tennis courts; library lounges offering free high-speed internet access; shops and meeting facilities for up to 60. To enhance this ultimate retreat experience, the resort proposes four dining alternatives for guest to choose from,

three seats in a row. The new ESO initiative is the airline’s second offering introduced with partners Optiontown after the success of it s Upg rade Travel Option (UTo service, launched last year. To take advantage of the ESO, passengers need to log onto the Air Asia website and select Upgrade with Optiontown under the flight information section. AirAsia X CEO Azran Osman-Rani said AirAsia X is on the constant lookout for innovative trends to keep

complemented by an award winning wine cellar, so you can wine and dine in style. Last but not least, the resort offers a wide range of activities including, mangrove eco-tours; canoeing; sailing; scuba diving; bicycling; trekking; tennis and Thai cooking classes, for those looking for a more active focused holidays. Wedding ceremonies can also be arranged, as the resort offers the perfect setting for couples who are looking for a romantic getaway. You can also revitalise in the Pimalai Spa that offers a host of Oriental therapeutic treatments using mainly Thai herbal and natural products. So what are you waiting for? Live the charmed life today, on Koh Lanta.

Pimalai Resort & Spa, reservation@pimalai.com; www.pimalai.com

their customers happy. “We offer them the option to purchase only what is required depending on individual needs rather than bundling the cost to our fare offerings,” Mr Azran said. “This way, guests are able to enjoy continuous low fares from the airline. Feedback from passengers have been resoundingly positive as this service provides a clear comfort value for our passengers, and we’re delighted to expand our product offering to include ESO.” –e-Travel Blackboard

Tune Hotels sings about cheap rates

Air Asia’s budget hotel brand, Tune Hotels, will open in Pattaya mid-February. T he Tu ne Hotel Pattaya will be the second Tune property under the brand after the first one opened in Hat Yai with 148 rooms last year. The 192-room property is located on the resort’s main beach road and is taking bookings as of February 17.

Air Asia X introduce ‘Empty Seat Option’

In partnership with Optiontown, Air Asia X has launched a new service called ‘Empty Seat Option’ (ESO) which offers passengers travelling in economy the chance to secure all

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28 ISLAND SCENE

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

ALL NIGHT LONG: Party people from all over the island attended the opening party of Summer Wind Club and Restaurant in central Patong on February 11. There was live music, food and drink, and free shooters provided all evening. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Photos by Ilse Maria Gibson.

Above left (l-r): pianists Dolpiti Kongviwatanakul and Rasikamon Siyapong, and sopranos Lalit Woratheptnitinan and Nattida Gumchai. Above right: Voice coach Nancy Tsui Ping-Wei receives a bouquet from Narong Pattamasaevi, Chairman of Montara Hospitality Holdings Co, owners of the Boathouse.

Left (l-r): Lori Ashton, Ian Coulson and Kathy Manthei. Right (l-r): Brian Phillips, Prada Bergdahl, and Ken and Ann Gilham.

BOATHOUSE BIRTHDAY: The Boathouse in Kata celebrated its 23rd anniversary on February 8 with an excellent concert of classical music performed by 16-yearold piano prodigy Dolpiti Kongviwatanakul and Mahidol University students and sopranos Nattida Gumchai and Lalit Worathepnitinan, accompanied by Rasikamon Siyapong. They performed a wide-ranging repertoire, from popular hits to pieces by Mozart, Schubert, Bach, Liszt, Donizetti, Delibes, Gilbert & Sullivan and Carl Vine.

CELEBRATING A SUCCESSFUL INTERNSHIP: Students from Phuket Rajabhat University and Phuket Vocational College celebrated the end of their internship with The Panwa Beach Resort, Phuket, earlier this month. They variously spent time in the food and beverage, front office, sales, kitchen and housekeeping departments.

thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

Rock on at Dewa Classic rock ‘n’ roll band Studio 188 from Shanghai perform live at The Terrace Grill, Dewa Phuket tomorrow (Saturday February 18). The name Studio 188 comes f rom the house address where the original band of five members came together to practice. Having performed over hundreds of high profile events in Shanghai and Asia, Studio 188 now boasts a nine piece band and enjoy the inf luences of a staggering array of nationalities and cultures, bringing to its repertoire the raw energy of Australia with the sophisticated yet primal sounds of Latin America, coupled with the polished

cerebral traditions of Europe and the enigmatic brilliance of China and of course, some gringos too. Neill Thacker who is the Head of Arts (music, art, drama and dance) at BIS Phuket was the original trumpet player

in the band playing with them for three years before moving to Phuket in July 2011. The horn section makes the band totally unique as their repertoire extended to music by Chicago, Earth Wind and Fire, Phil Collins, Tower

of Power, Huey Lewis and the News, The Blues Brothers, Blood Sweat and Tears, Robbie Williams and many more rock bands. On February 18, from 7.30pm, expect to be entertained with soul, rhythm and blues, light jazz, Motown, classic rock from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, while tucking into The Terrace Grill’s four-course culinary delights. Regular tickets are B2,100++, while VIP seats are B2,500++. For bookings, contact Dewa Phuket at 076-372300 or email terracegrill@ dewaphuket.com. Buy tickets now at www. phuketticketmaster.com

Music world stunned at death of Whitney Houston, just 48

She will always love you.

thephuketnews.com

The music world paid emotional tribute to legendary US singer and actress Whitney Houston on Sunday, as stars gathered for the annual Grammy show less than 24 hours after her shock death at age 48. Organisers hastily added a performance by singer Jennifer Hudson to the awards

show, as part of a “respectful” tribute at the Grammys, while the veteran producer who discovered her said Houston would want the show to go on. Houston, whose hits included I Will Always Love You but whose career went downhill as she battled with drugs, was found dead in her room at the Beverly Hilton, shortly

before Saturday night’s party. ABC news reported that Houston was found “lifeless,” in her bathtub, the cause of death not immediately known. With a ferociously powerful voice and a dazzling range, Houston achieved stardom as the “Queen of Pop.” She also appeared in hit movies such as The Bodyguard. –AFP

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

WEEKDAYS The Breakfast Club

Ryan Jon

7am til 11am

Weekday Hitz Blitz

great music

11am til 3pm

Drive on LIVE

Jason Wilder

3pm til 7pm

The Night Ritual

Sam Clarke

7pm til 10pm

SATURDAY Box Of Neutrals Saturday Morning Glory Phuket News Radio Dazed and Confused Phuket News Radio

Rob James, Peter McGinley & Michael Lamonato Sam Clarke & Ryan Jon Jason Wilder & Simon Ostheimer Bongo Bob & Baba Fats Ryan Jon & Alasdair Forbes

9am til 10am

10am til 12pm 12pm til 1pm 1pm til 4pm 4pm til 5pm

Going Green

Nick Anthony

5pm til 7pm

Saturday Night Fever

DJ Burt

7pm til 11pm

SUNDAY Dazed and Confused

Bongo Bob & Baba Fats

1pm til 4pm

Lazy Sunday Afternoons

Jason Wilder

4pm til 7pm

Absolute Jazz

Doug Styles

7pm til 9pm

www.phuketliveradio.com Tel: 076-612-895, 090-490-7895

THE PHUKET NEWS

LUXURY 31

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

LUXURY PHUKET

The dictionary defines luxury as “a material object, or service conducive to sumptuous living”, while Wikpedia states: “Luxury goods are products and services not considered essential but are associated with affluence. The concept of luxury has been present in various forms since the beginning of civilisation. Its role was just as important in ancient western and eastern empires as it is in modern societies.” On this new page, we’ll promote the very best in luxury living on Phuket, whether it be a yacht, jet, car, watch, fashion, or jewellery – so read on, and enjoy the Phuket luxe life.

Wahoo Luxury Yacht Charters T her e i s no b et ter way to appreciate the Andaman Sea, with its crystal clear waters and some of the most stunning scenery in the world than on a private charter yacht with Wahoo Luxury Yacht Charters. Wahoo - Phuket’s favorite private yacht charter company offers

an unforgettable cruising, game fishing or diving experience in Phi Phi, Phang Nga, Krabi and beyond Your magical day begins with a warm Thai welcome from their on-board service team, who will ensure you are pampered to the fullest extent throughout the day, leaving you to relax, enjoy a

refreshing swim or explore on the Jet Ski and Sea Canoes. Their sumptuous food menus are all freshly prepared on board, allowing you to dine al fresco in beautiful surroundings, with every possible luxury taken care of. Email info@wahoo.ws, visit www. wahoo.ws or call 076 281 510,

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32 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET FEBRUARY 24-25

List your events here for as low as B99 per line, or online at www.thephuketnews.com/events.php -10.00am - Academic competitions and exhibitions.

Programme March 9: -9.00am - Graduation Ceremony K3, P6 and M3 students Kajonietsuksa. -All day - Student exhibitions. Programme March 10: -9.00am - Graduation Ceremony K3 and P6 students Kajonkiet Pattana School. -All day - Student exhibitions. Contact please call Kajonkietsuksa School : Contact 076 264 770-2. Address: 125 Soi The Valley 1, Pra Phuket Keaw Road, Kathu, Phuket. See kajonkietsuksa. ac.th.

Friday, 17th February 2012 @ Teaching Hall, Thanyapura Retreat 1.00pm to 5.30 pm Speakers Dr. Chamniern Paul Borratnchaiphan / Senior Director, TEI Dr. Pakamas Thinphanga / TEI Project Manager Workshop Overview This half-day workshop engages a working group in a discussion of linkages between climate risks and urban challenges. The role of the business and private sectors in the urban resilience strategy planning process for sustainable development. SEEK Phuket stands for “Society, Environment, Economy, Knowledge”, which aims to build a sustainable Phuket while enriching lives and communities. SEEK was created in 2011 by a diverse group of passionate and committed civic, NGO and business leaders in Phuket and Thailand.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

MARCH 13

Complimentary Admission For more information, please contact Ms Jinatta / Mr Sean E-mail: jinatta@synergysportsls.com Tel: 083 391 5869 (Eng) / 084 3083433 (Thai)

Songkran begins with early morning meritmaking, by offering food to the monks. Paying respect to elders and ancestors is also an important custom of Songkran. Young people pour scented water over Buddha images and on the hands of elders to show respect, and to seek their blessing. Another custom of Songkran is to clean houses and anything old and useless must be thrown away. It is believed that anything bad belonging to the old year will be unlucky to the owner if left and carried on to the coming new year. The most prominent custom of the festival is throwing water. Everybody throws water on each other, during the three day festival. The most popular place for water throwing is in Chiang Mai.

APRIL 23-28

Phuket Int Blues Rock Festival Get ready for the 7th annual Phuket International Blues Rock Festival, South East Asia’s biggest, in Laguna Phuket. Presented by 91.5FM, this festival will be the biggest ever with 12 acts. A global fiesta with musicians from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, Malaysia and Sweden, and a great party with tremendous music, plenty of food and drink. Headliner is the American blues artist/actor who has sold more records and appeared in more movies than than any other blues performer this century: Chris Thomas King! Contact Andy on 086 682 2639, www.phuketbluesfestival.com, email: phuketmusic@yahoo.com.

MARCH 9-10

Thao Thepkrassattri Thao Sri Suntorn Festival The festival celebrates the island’s victory in 1785 over an invading Burmese force. The festival is held at Baan Riang, near Thalang, in the evening. There are market stalls, food, and impressive performances. Anyone in Phuket will have seen the Heroines Monument, commemorating the two sisters who led the people of Phuket to victory.

APRIL 6 Chakri Day A public holiday to honor the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, King Rama I.

APRIL 13-15

Phuket Pride 2012

Current list of activities for Pride week: -CC Bloom’s Hotel in Kata – Pride Pool Party 4 to 9 pm – April 22. -2 Night Big stage event at Loma Park – 4 pm to 11 pm - April 27 and 28. -Nightly Soi Paradise street parties – starts at 10 pm - April 23 to 26. -Mr. Gay Phuket by Fong Kaew at My Way Bar - Paradise Soi – April 26. -Grand Parade through the street of Patong – starts at 4 pm - April 27. -Phuket Gay Pride Overnight Tour (Rainbow Scuba Tours) – April 23 to 24. -Gay Day cruise to Racha Island (Time and Sundowner Bar) April 24 and 25. -V. Sawana Bar – Pride Party in Rawai. Contact Kenneth 086 604 1333, info@ phuket-pride.com.

MAY 1 FEBRUARY 18-19 Basketball Skills Camp at BIS

Former NBA star Ike Nwankwo and his Top Flight Basketball Academy will be at the British International School to run a basketball camp on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th February. This camp is the first of its kind in Phuket and an amazing opportunity to learn from the best coaching team in Thailand. Price: B3500 includes lunches, refreshments and a T-shirt. The camp is open to ages 9-18 years old. Limited spaces so enrol now! Contact Tim Pearson on 082 776 4464, www.bisphuket.ac.th .Email: tpearson@bisphuket.ac.th.

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Open House Kajonkiet The Kajonkiet Group would like to invite you to our ‘Open House’ at our new school campus in Kathu on the 8th, 9th and 10th of March 2012. The “Open House” event includes student work exhibitions, academic competitions, a special booth from Shelton College Singapore and several booths from local organisations.

Programme March 8: -9.00am - Opening Ceremony by Mr. Tri Augkaradacha, Phuket Provincial Governor. -9.30am - Shows from our students.

Labour Day

Songkran Festival Songkran is the old Thai New Year , and is an occasion for family reunions. Many Thai people return to their homes and families for the three day festival. It is celebrated each year between the 13th and 15th of April. It was originally a religious holiday.

The government has established May 1 of every year as Labour Day just like most European countries. The objective of this day is to recognise the employee’s duty and responsibility they show everyday of the year. The government has marked May 1 as a public holiday. You will find most private companies closed, including banks. However, all government offices will remain open. May 1 falls on a Sunday this year so May 2 will be the substitute day for employees.

THE PHUKET NEWS

EVENTS 33

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET FRIDAY Pool Competition Pool Competition at 9pm. Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www. expatsportsbar.com.

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Chef’s Table at Paresa Recipe by Ryan is an innovative culinary dining venture. Indulge in intricate dishes created by Paresa’s Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda, featuring a six-course set menu prepared in a live cooking environment. Time: 6pm to 10pm. Call 076 302 000.

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

Salsa Night After the overwhelming success of our Salsa Evening , we are delighted to invite you to our Salsa Event at Royal Phuket Marina. Dance the Cha-cha, Bachata, Samba and Rumba. Live on the Boardwalk outside “Les Anges” with the sound of our house DJ Mascaro. Date: February 25. Time: 8pm onwards. Entrance Free. Dress: Colourful. For all reservations & enquiries please contact Anna and Didier on 084 051 7455 or 084 306 2016 or Mr. Murat (Events &Group Manager) on 081 797 3364 on www.phuket-dance.com.

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BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. For reservations call on 081 891 4381.

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Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

SATURDAY

List your events here for as low as B99 per line, or online at www.thephuketnews.com/events.php

Half-Chicken Spit Roast

Pool Competition

Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

At 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse. com.

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AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub. Contact 081 895 4763.

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BBQ at Expat Hotel Time 7.30pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsports bar.com.

At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

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On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

WEDNESDAY Quiz Night @ Peppers

All Major Sports Live

Quiz Night every Wednesday at Peppers Sports Bar near Laguna. Great food, great music, great beer. Contact 081 728 1010. Facebook Peppers Sports Bar.

SUNDAY

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

Sunday Roast Pork

Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong B290 per person. Please see www.expathotel.com.

Interactive Pub Quiz Night

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

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat

Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket

Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

THURSDAY

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

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations please call 081 891 4381.

Roaring Bhoys

Recipe by Ryan is an innovative culinary dining venture. Indulge in intricate dishes created by Paresa’s Executive Chef Ryan Arboleda, featuring a six-course set menu prepared in a live cooking environment. Time: 6pm to 10pm. Call 076 302 000, email: dining@paresaresorts.com.

Rotary Club of Patong Beach Weekly meeting in English. Dinner out on first Tuesday of the month. rotarypatong.org.

20% Off All Pizzas

MONDAY

Chef’s Table at Paresa

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

Salsa Class Rawai

Enjoy the original Sunday brunch in Phuket at Twinpalms, Surin Beach. 12-3pm. Reservations please call 076 316 577.

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

Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

Salsa Class in Green Man Studio from 6.30 to 9 pm, more information on phuketdance.com.

Sunday Brunch

Enjoy live music at Kamala’s only live music venue. Every Saturday from 8.30pm with free buffet. Call for more info on 085 655 5127.

Half-Chicken Spit Roast

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

Live Music

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

Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

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BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Rd, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.

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

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

Salsa Night After the overwhelming success of our Salsa Evening , we are delighted to invite you to our Salsa Event at Royal Phuket Marina. Dance the Cha-cha, Bachata, Samba and Rumba. Live on the Boardwalk outside “Les Anges” with the sound of our house DJ Mascaro. Date : February 25. Time: 8pm onwards. Entrance Free. Dress: Colorful. For all reservations & enquiries please contact Anna and Didier on 084 051 7455 or 084 306 2016 or Mr. Murat (Events &Group Manager) on 081 797 3364 on www.phuket-dance.com.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

DAILY

Grizzly’s Sports Bar & Restaurant Watch all the sport that is on TV this weekend with us. Located between Loch Palm Golf Course and Kathu Waterfall. Call 087 471 8747.

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

Sunset Happy Hours & Ninjazz Don’t miss the Sunset happy hours. Between 5pm and 7pm. “Buy one get the same one free” promotion. The Luna Bar, Centara Grand Beach Resort. Call 076 201 234.

Roaring Bhoys - Tuesdays & Saturdays

TUESDAY

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

Bangkok Travellers - Sundays

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

Phuket’s one and only small batch handcraft beer. Open every day for lunch and dinner 11am until midnight. Live music from 7.30pm onwards. Behind the ship, the port zone at Jungceylon. Call 076 3667 753.

Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Road, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

Brew Great Beer

The Craíc Live Music every week

Draught Guinness at the only Irish Bar in North Phuket Open from 5pm, closed Mondays Laguna Phuket

thephuketnews.com

34 JOBS

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

CLASSIFIEDS

Townhouses in Kamala New, affordable three-bedroom properties > 37

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

JOBS IN PHUKET

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php personality and basic book keeping skills. Please call K.Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Class Act Media publishes The Phuket News – Phuket’s leading English language newspaper – and broadcasts Phuket's most vibrant and coolest English language radio station – Live 89.5 FM.

Massage Shop St a f f: Re q u i r e ex-

WE ARE CURRENTLY SEEKING

perienced staf f for b u s y, f r i e n d l y m a s sage shop, Patong Beach,hairdresser, beauty salon experienced, manicure / pedicure, facial, etc. 10am to 11pm. Day off per week. Contact Khun Porn (Thai) 083 176 6475, Email: tammice@ live.com.au.

SALES MANAGER (THAI OR FOREIGNER) RESPONSIBILITIES: - Reaching sales target - Developing and following up new sales leads - Self discipline in developing and managing sales volumes - Preparing regular sales activities reports to the GM - Excellent communication and negotiation skills - Self driven and motivated with a positive attitude - Work well under pressure and achievement oriented

Shop Girl for a Jewellery Shop: A Retail Jewellery Shop in Patong is looking for some shop girls. Speak English. Basic computer skills. Salary plus commission. Please email resume with photo to: info@silverberry.com.

Web Developer PHP puter knowledge, Patong MVC: PHP Developer area. Contact 0 89 972 with strong MVC framework (Yii, CI, Symf, ZEND) and JQuery. Email: iibc. shayne@gmail.com

Bookkeeper: Part time preferably with Mac com-

COMPETITIVE SALARY, BONUSES AND TRAVEL EXPENSES, FRIENDLY WORK ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL SECURITY (10%) PAID BY THE COMPANY, EXCELLENT CAREER PROGRESS OPPORTUNITY

3861.

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending a full resumé in English with a recent photo & expected salary to:

Kindergar ten Secretary: Must have good

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7, Moo 1, T. Kathu, Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553 E-mail: gm@thephuketnews.com

English and computer skills. Mon-Fri, 7.30am-4.30pm, Chalong. Call 080 624 7060.

www.thephuketnews.com

Rental Manager Bangtao Beach: Holiday Resort requires experienced rental and service manager. Excellent salary and bonus. Call 087 885 3532.

A c c o u n t a n t Cherngthalay: Building company seeks Bookkeeper/Accountant. Good English and IT VAT experience. Good salary and Bonus. Call 087 885 3532.

Body Pump, Yoga Etc.) Thai or foreigner, Male/ Female. Contact Tiya 089 600 0041. Email: tiya@ elitegyms.net.

thephuketnews.com

nical support needed to help with computer issues in Surin area. Please email admin@ esxoasia.com.

Wanted Thai Captain: Looking for Thai captain for boat in Chalong. English speaking.Salary: B10,000 fixed + B200 every day. Need IMMEDIATELY. Call Delphine 087 277 7395.

Sales Staff Wanted: English speaking female. Thai with previous selling experience with own car, outgoing personality with ability to sell to farangs, flexible hours. Retainer, fuel, phone and commission. Call K.Nam 076 272 702. Island Curtains.

Office Staff Wanted: Elite Fitness: Personal Female, English speakTrainer – Classes instructor (Aerobics, Body Combat,

Apple Mac Support: Apple Mac tech-

ing staff to work in nice environment with outgoing

JOB WANTED Butler/House Manager: Profes sional Head Butler 44 with over 20 years extensive experience with The Royal Household, Buckingham Palace and an internationally renowned Hollywood Producer is now available. Interested parties kindly email enquiries to p.v.b.b@live.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 35

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET BOATS & YACHTS

BUSINESS SERVICES

Boat for Sale or Barter to Car: Body fibre glass, 27

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

insured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail.com.

CARS FOR SALE

ft, 2007 Y, 2 engine Honda, 4 stroke, 225 M/P. Capacity: 10 person’s, build in Pattaya. Price:760,000. Tel +66 8 751 81347. Email: sss_box01@ yahoo.com.

Ford Fiesta 1.6S For Sal e: Bought Jan 2011, 16000kms, one careful owner, excellent condition Top of range model selling for 570,000THB. 0825173377.

Hyundai XL 5 Speed Manual: Good condition Phuket Consult Services: Insurance, personal Digifox Marine: Marine inboard engines, hydraulic and mechanical equipment service, repairs and spare parts. MAN, Arneson, ZF, Rolls Royce and others. Professional team of engineers, high quality, personal approach guaranteed. Contact 076 336 221, 083 171 4141. Email info@ digifoxmarine.com.

BUSINESSES FOR SALE Kamala Bar for SALE!:

Very profitable bar on main road. Owner returning to Australia in high season. Has one bedroom with ensuite, three FS TVs, pool table, stock, furniture. etc. Price negotiable. Call Chompoo on 084 844 3504.

B u s i n e s s f o r S a l e: Phuket slingshot, Thailand’s only, and bumper cars. Call 082 419 0742.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Bar Bangla Road for sale: Best bar-deal on Bangla Road? Good location in popular Soi Crocodile. Lease payed for 34months. Bar have had same owner for 12 years and wants a quick sell for moving back home. Asking for B1.9 millon only!! Please contact tomarell@hotmail.com.

Small Business Good Returns: Income of over 400k pa and accommodation with this busy and growing laundry business in Patong. Good customer base and reputation, with 9 machines and 3 staff, means money in your pocket from day one. Price B460k. Call Phil on 087 267 9280.

assistance, legal assistance, police and emergency assistance, property management sales and rentals, company registration, visa and work permit and accounting. Call 081 691 9679.

Pr o t e c t yo u r h o m e w i t h C C T V: C C T V & Alarm service. Protect your home with high-quality CCTV camera,and GSM alarm. Free survey and quote. Please call 086 105 8144 or click www. huketechnology.com.

ware. Presented by Blue D Zine Co., Ltd. See bluedzine. com.

Farang Food Paradise: Your specialist of imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.

Indo Construction: 40 years experience of more than 20 years at your service in Thailand. Main contractor: study project, architecture design and construction and management. Contact 076 381 895.

land, Maikhao Beach. Perfect for resort, 15-20 villas. First villa under construction. www. phuketapartments.de. Contact Julius 087 267 1192.

Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.

COMPUTERS English Computer man: Sales (new and used), service and repairs, WLAN a speciality. Free telephone advice. Call 0846 257 744 or email computermanphuket@gmail.com.

DIVING Phuket Scuba Club: PADI 5 Star Centre. Half-day, day-trips, live-aboards and diver education. Contact 076 284 026. Phuket’s only dive club.

Dos & Don’ts of Thai Culture: Learn Thai and Thai culture that is necessary for enjoying life in Thailand. Group classes three days per week, learning about the real dos and don’ts of Thailand. The Genius Language School, call 089 203 9270 (Aooddy). www. the geniuslanguageschool.net.

All 4 Diving: 5/4 Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach. Contact 076 344 611.

Jeep CJ7 2.0 L Automatic 1989: Stainless, disc-brake, powersteering. B450,000. C a l l 0 8 6 2 6 8 8 7 0 1.

CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s

Toursys: Tour operator soft-

oldest bi-lingual international child care facility. High quality, time proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose build school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/2-8. Mon-Fri 8am.5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket. com.

ABC International Nursery: Education for children 18 months to six years old with experienced native English teachers following the UK EYFS curriculum. Contact 089 971 1813.

EDUCATION Learn Thai at Home: Thai woman teacher with 8-9 years’ experience gives Thai and English lessons for company/hotel staff and Thai cooking at your home. Full course with conversation practise and home study material. Both at beginner and more advanced levels. Tel:081 797 1497 Email: teacherjoy_phuket@hotmail. com.

Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your children starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program. Visit http://PhuketRussianSchool.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 08-2804-9131

Cooking School: Fire up your creative flair with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine. Try our famous pizza school. Please call for more info on 082 816 0126, email: info@ foodservicesth.com.

WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENT Heading ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

Body

Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.

Alarms & CCTV Services: Protect your home or office with an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Call 085 798 9469 or email contact@ alarms-phuket-services.com.

CARS FOR RENT Car for Rent: Car in good

Investors or Partners Wanted: Five Rai hillside

B50,000. Call 085 787 5526.

Singapore Club Phuket:

condition, short and longterm rental with first class insurance and delivery service. 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail. com.

A1 Car Rentals: Fully-

Kiddies Home Nursery: Award for top Nursery for Phuket Province 2011. Ages 3 months to 4 years. Open 7 days a week and from 6.30 am to 7pm. Rock Garden Village. Call 076 528 862, mobile 082 539 8252, email: kiddieshomenursery@gmail. com.

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B99 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B198 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B297 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B396 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B495 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B594

CLUBS

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B693

Funstart: Family sports

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B792

and leisure club. Swimming/ golf/playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstart phuket.com.

SK A L I nt er nat ional Phuket: Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www. skalphuket.org.

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B891 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B990

Box B200

Colour Background B200

Colour Headline B200

Colour Picture B395

Deadline: Monday 12pm (noon) for that Friday’s issue

Hand this in at agent shops, our office or fax: 076 612 553

thephuketnews.com

36 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS

BUY & SELL/HOMES IN PHUKET EDUCATION Guitar Lesson By Pro Player: Guitar/bass lessons beginner to advanced. Personal one-on-one or by DVD. Diploma of Teaching (Aust) degree. Call 089 777 3063.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE Health Food : Online

your motorcycle tyres for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West Coast Service Center Phuket. Your big bike specialist on the bypass road. Contact 085 785 4440.

PERSONAL SERVICES DH Yoga Studio Bangtao: Next to Tesco Lotus

health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact 082 276 1675. www. goodkarmathailand.com.

Cherngtalay. Daily 8.30 am and 19.00 pm. Class - B200, 1 month - B3,000, 3 months B7,000. phuketdh@gmail.com.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

English-Thai Law Office: Visa, work permit, com-

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php

& installation. Professional service and support. Premium service: home cinema, home automation, marine AV and IT, lighting control and multiroom audio-video. Call 084 443 9863.

Live Music By Colin Hill: Popular expat pro musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www.play-guitar.net, 089 777 3063.

Phuket Visa: Offers consulting and services on company registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Contact for more info 081 892 9960.

Kata Hot Yoga: The most popular Yoga for men and women in Phuket. Four classes every day. Kata yoga, it works! www.katahotyoga.com, Contact 076 605 950.

Bon Café Phuket: A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.

pany formation, property transfer etc. Please telephone for advice. Contact 084 063 9223.

PROPERTY CONCIERGE

Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Apartment for Rent in Patong: New condo

Havana Cigar Shop:

Yamaha Serow for Sale: 220cc, year 1996. Sale B45,000. Please contact Khun Nicolas (farang) 083 176 4265. Khun Ball 081 084 9532 (Thai).

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tyre Balancing: Dynamically balance

with swimming pool, security 24/7. 46sq metre, furnished. Daily/monthly. 089 728 4005 or email: thamad17@yahoo.com.

Opposite HomePro Village Chalong. Contact 081 956 2024. Email: vinoltds@hotmail. com.

Mali Massage :Mali MasAmerican Health Clinic: Chiropractic spinal adjustment with an experienced chiropractor can take away the pain almost as quickly as it began. Call 076 612 707.

Techworx: Custom design

Atmanjai: World’s best natural health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. See more info at www. atmanjai.com.

sage,100 9-10 Soi Post Office Patong Beach Phuket Kathu 8 315 0. The most beautiful, serene and tranquil facilities in Patong Beach. This is an all inclusive original Thai massage shop. Original Thai massage, Deep Thai, Swedish, foot massage and many more. Facial, aroma therapy full service manicure, pedicure including acrylics. Hair-braiding, waxing. Fish spa too.

Chalong Land: Land in Chalong. 15 rai of gently sloping land, with full chanote, near Chalong temple. Sea views from top of land. Good road access and electricity. Perfect for development. Only B5 million per rai. Contact Peter on 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@ gmail.com.

Four Beds/Four Baths Villa for Rent: Securely located in Baan Suan Loch Palm Estate, 10 minutes to golf courses, International schools and Central, 15 mins to Patong. B65,000 per month. Includes common area pool and gardening service, 6 months minimum. Available from 22 April 2012. +61 41 268 3850 or email jenjira555@yahoo. com.au.

Comfor table Private and Quiet: Three bedroom townhouse, just a few minutes to Karon Beach. B25,000 per month, long term rent required. Call 081 396 0880.

One-Bedroom House, Kata: Fully-furnished, one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, WiFi and cable TV. Price B9,000 per month. Located in Kata. Contact 081 606 2827.

Houses for Rent - Long Term: Chalong, very private with mountain views, two bedrooms, kitchen, fully-furnished, Sat TV, ADSL, UBC and common swimming pool. Contact 089 724 3669.

w w w.malimas sage.c om. Open Daily 10 am - midnight. Call 081 087 2460.

Rent Kata One-Three Bed Apartments: Superb apartments and pool penthouses 115-375 sq metre, less than five minutes walk to two beaches (Kata and Kata Noi) Call 081 078 1246.

PET ADOPTION Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 087 050 8688, email: john@soidog.org.

Rawai Beach Front House: Rawai beach front house for sale/long term rent. Three beds, three baths with three air-con. Cable TV, ADSL on area 1600 sq metre. Call 089 649 9939.

Chaofah Pet Hospital:

POOL TABLES Phuket Pool Tables: www.phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing. All accessories and services. Call for more detaails on 081 823 4627.

thephuketnews.com

apartments, fully-furnished with swimming pool & office. Contract 081 893 2165.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PET HOSPITAL 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.

Apar tment for Rent in Rawai: Business nine

Beach Frontage: One bedroom self-contained holiday villa Rawai. Rental Day/Week Call 081 677 1641.

Townhouse for Rent Ao Makham: Newly-renovated. 2 bedrooms, parking. B8,000 per month, minimum 6 months. Call 081 895 4318 (Thai). Email: wapeebow@ gmail.com.

B1.9 Million New Condo: New Studio (1 bedroom) condominium in The Point, across from Phuket International Hospital and BigC. Beautiful four year old central atrium building with no stuffy hallways. 36 m2, high speed internet, cable TV, and swimming. Parking under building. Third floor with nice view. 1.9 M Baht. Contact Walter at wp drake2@yahoo.com, 083 301 3470.

THE PHUKET NEWS

CLASSIFIEDS 37

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

HOMES IN PHUKET PROPERTY FOR SALE

off main road in great location. Full chanote title. Call 089 651 3479.

To advertise here visit: thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php Land for sale in Rawai: One rai with chanote, please contact owner directly on 089 472 9870, email d_chaibut@ yahoo.com.

Land for sale at Naiharn 210 sqm.1.8 million Chanote title 2 mins to the beach. Tel: 0881673860 email:woodooproperty@ gmail.com

House for Sale at Naiharn B2.55 million 300 sqm with garden.

New Townhouses in Kamala: This is a development of affordable 3-bedroom townhouses, located in Kamala, approximately 1.5 km from the white sandy beach of Kamala and about 10 minutes drive to Patong. Prices from only B4,900,000. For more info call 087 882 2856 or email luc@phukettropical-realestate.com.

Phuket - Allamanda Residences: One Deluxe Condo-Unit (Duplex House) fully-furnished set within the unique Phuket Laguna Complex with balcony right over the lagoon, 3 bedrooms, roof-terrace with sala etc. FOR SALE OR LONG TERM LEASE. Call (66) 081 737 0365, e-mail: utaipan@ya hoo.com.

Rawai Pool Villa: 4 Bedroom/4 Bathroom European style single storey house with self contained guest house and pool on 736m2 plot. Large master bedroom with en-suite, walk in wardrobe. Modern western style kitchen with granite tops, built-ins throughout and 4 aircons.Elec. gate, TV and phone line. Large verandahs, carport, and established garden. Chanote Title B11m. 087 891 9349.

Nice One Rai Chalong NOW Reduced to 6.5m ono: In Chalong 200 metre

Sea View Villa: Luxury

Chanote title.

seaview Patong-Karon villa, four bedrooms, private pool. Sell for B22 million, and also available rental daily and monthy basis. www.awphuket.com.

Tel; 088 167 3860. email:woodooproperty@ gmail.com

Kata Beach Centre Phuket: Apartments for rent and lease in luxury building with pool. Per day, week, month, year and 30 years. Contact Scott Bolls, email: sbolls@hotmail.com, call +66 81 828 0972.

24 rai flat land close to Phuket zoo. Owner direct, B3.8 million per rai, chanot title. Call 085 789 1773.

for one plot, B3.2 million for cottage + plot. Call 080 467 7770 (Thai), 083 520 0020 (English). www.jindarin.com, Email: eam1008@ me.com.

Seaview Land AoMakham for Sale: 33 rai land upon hill with seaview. Very easy access from road. B5 million per rai. 081 895 4318. Email: wapeebow@gmail.com.

Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA

Info: 089 594 4067 Nice Three Bed House for Sale: Three-bedroom

Kata Phuket Luxur y Studio/Apartment: 60

house in Moobaan Tarn Thong Villa opposite Moobaan Chao fa California. B3.1 million. Contact Lee on 081 803 7189.

sq metre. Lease hold 30+60 year option. Free furnishing and transfer. B3.0 million. Contact Scott Bolls, email: sbolls@ hotmail.com, call +66 81 828 0972.

Top Rawai Beach Condo For Sale: Serenity Jindarin Beach Club & Resort: B1.5 million

THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS

Discount Rentals

24 Rai Flat Land Cheap:

Kata House For Sale: 5 minutes to beach, large modern house, three floors, furnished, three beds, two full bath, air-con, western kitchen, spacious living room, garage with laundry/overhead storage, large covered patios, security doors/windows, garden, company name available. B5.5 million. Call 081 131 5751, email: seadog5000@yahoo.com.

3 minutes to Naiharn beach.

Resort & Residences. Two bed / two bath, 134 sq metre. Only B11.9 million. See www. stefan.asia for details.

Patong Guesthouse: 8 rooms, internet cafe and apartment. B1.3 million. Call for details on 0857946530.

Perfect Land for Villa: Approx three rai, with chanote title, 2 km south of Thai Muang town centre. Just 24 km north of Sarasin Bridge. Good road access and electricity. Very quiet, green area. Urgent sale for just B5 million total, nonnegotiable. Contact Peter on 089 652 1951 or email phuket. pn@gmail.com.

Land for Sale: 11 rai, one kilometre from Naiyang beach. B6.5 millions per rai. Please call : Siriporn +66 (0) 896 499 939.

Land for Sale: Land Mission Hills half rai plot, quiet select location, chanote, water, electric price B1.6m. Six rai hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electric, office B4.2m per rai. Contact 087 978 5804.

New Apartment for Sale Patong: Condo: swimming pool, security 24/7. Furnished, 46sqm, freehold: B2.9 million. 089 728 4005, thamad17@ yahoo.com.

After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most compettitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has an living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quarter and a covered 2 car-parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee a complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.

Urgent Three Bed House for Sale: Phuket grand ville pasak soi 8, two storey house, three bed, three bath, three air-con, cable, internet and fully-furnished. Call 081 894 2505.

Come visit the villas and you will be wonderfully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here. For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Monta at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunrise villas@yahoo.com.

House Wi t h Pool Rawai/Nai Harn: Plot of approx 825 sq metre with enclosed space of approx 220 sq metre. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms with open plan western kitchen. Fully air-con, WiFi and cable TV. Solar hot water. Large approx 70 sq metre free-form pool in large established tropical garden. Sala and covered two-car parking with electric gate. Well-established quiet neighborhood. Chanote title. For sale by owner at B10.7 million. Call 087 267 1282 or email david_rosa mond@yahoo.com for details and photos.

www.thesunrisevillas.com

Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood floors, stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms. Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.0 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

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THE PHUKET NEWS

ISLAND SPORT 39

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

BIS TRIATHLON A HIT Nathan Lowry makes a splash.

Isabella Hosking digs deep trying to beat William Potter to the finish line. Students from British International School Phuket (BIS) braved the searing heat last weekend to compete in the school’s annual triathlon competition. The event, held on Saturday morning (February 11), was broken into various age groups, with both an individual and a group division for each. Rex Grey, Director of Ath-

letics at BIS, said the focus this year was on the younger age groups and getting them involved in the sport. “I think just the notion of a triathlon and covering three disciplines is popular, and it’s good for the young ones to get a taste of that,” he said. “The kids are very keen on their sport, so its very easy

to get them involved.” But while there was certainly no shortage of competition, the event was not all about winning. “We try to focus on participation rather than competition,” Mr Grey said. The triathlon kicked off what was a week of sport at BIS, with athletics carnivals being held on Monday and Wednesday.ww Natcha Fongrisin and William Pellegrino.

RESULTS YEAR 1 AND 2 TEAMS 1st - Tanya Thanyaporn, Nathan Lowry, Latte Chitchonthan YEAR 1 AND 2 INDIVIDUAL Boys 1st – Oliver McLean-High 2nd – Tom Clowes 3rd – Jules Glorieux Girls 1st – Matilda Catts 2nd – Katya Mallia 3rd – Alessandro Harris YEAR 3 AND 4 TEAMS 1st – Mia O’Leary, Andrew Symons, Megan Ueckermann 2nd – Titan Hayes, Adam Jacklin, Matthew Diamond 3rd – Sabrina Frank, Chaliesa Potter, Hannah Diamond YEAR 3 AND 4 INDIVIDUAL Girls 1st – Isabella Hoskins 2nd – Harriet Clowes 3rd – Anna Marfuad Boys 1st – Joe Hunter 2nd – Jonty McLean-High 3rd – Adi Llamas YEAR 5 AND 6 TEAMS 1st – Jennifer Sydney, Lalita Wandee, Christina Jansson 2nd – Melanie Preen, Azra Anderson 3rd – Katerina Cook, Sammy Thacker, Alyssa McGoldrick YEAR 5 AND 6 INDIVIDUAL Boys 1st – Alex Mallia 2nd – Louis Glorieux 3rd – Joshua Ford Girls 1st – Andrea Hoskings 2nd – Jenna Doherty 3rd – Emily Matsui YEAR 7 AND 8 TEAMS 1st – Francis Hoskings, Leon Loh, Alex Kirby 2nd – Hannah Willoch, Thomas Brunning, Bank Arunrat 3rd – Christina Bebbington, Maddy Thacker, Jennifer Fredin YEAR 7 AND 8 INDIVIDUAL Boys 1st Raymond Windsor 2nd Tim Schwab 3rd Chris Thomson Girls 1st – Mysha Mallia

Perfect runs continue A couple of cancellations last week meant only two matches were played in the latest round of the Adult Futsal League (AFL) Season 9, sponsored by Thanachart Bank. Up first under lights were TSLC, looking to keep their season’s perfect record intact against SGS. Both teams started slowly, and it was TSLC who opened the scoring midway through the first half through their top scorer, Aek. SGS were spurred into action, attacking hard at the front and creating several chances, but the TSLC goalkeeper was on his game and proved up to

FUTSAL

the challenge. Then, as the half was drawing to a close, TSLC hit three goals in a frenetic four -minute spell to stun SGS. In the second half, with a commanding four-goal lead, TSLC were happy to sit back most of the time and absorb the pressure, and while SGS managed to bag a consolation goal, TSLC whacked in two more to finish the game with an emphatic 6-1 victory. In the Premier Division, Thalang Tigers faced off against reigning champions Portrait FC. With both teams’ squads

depleted for the encounter, it was a case of conserving energy and making the ball do the work. Portrait started on the front foot and pressed Thalang at every opportunity, racing out to a three-goal lead early on. Thalang worked hard to get back in the game but struggled to keep up with Portrait and tired as the game wore on. Portrait kept control of the match, eventually running out 7-2 winners with new Norwegian signing Stig grabbing two and Season 9 top scorer Somsak helping himself to a hat-trick to take his season tally to 10.

CHARITY FIGHT CLUB: Here at the T&T Charity Fight Night for Orphans in Patong on February 13 are James ‘Thorburnator’ Thorburn, and Danny ‘Roundhouse’ Barrow. The MMA and Muay Thai fight and displays raised B20,000 for the Mongkolsarawisudhianusorn Foundation in Isarn. Organisers hope to hold the charity event every three months.

FPL reaches halfway point Playing for keeps FOOTBALL The Fair Play League (FPL) season entered its midway stage last weekend as teams took the field at Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club (TSLC). The first matches saw France take on Germany Green in both age groups. In the under-14s match, the competition’s two top-ranked teams fought it out, with Germany Green looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat. Both teams played attacking football, but in the final five minutes France were able to pull away, scoring two unanswered goals to win the game 9-6 and hand the German team their second

–Photo by TSLC defeat in as many weeks, as well as leapfrog them in the competition standings. The under-11 match saw Germany Green maintain their pressure on runaway

leaders Brazil by claiming a hard fought 3-1 victory over a spirited France team. T he second g roup of matches saw Brazil against Thailand in both age groups.

The under-14 match was another tight game, though it was Thailand who took more opportunities and finished up 5-3 winners. Meanwhile the under-11 Brazil side continued to steamroll their way to the 2012 title by claiming their fifth win from five outings, downing an improving Thailand team 4-1. The final matches saw Argentina take on Germany White. In the under-14s, Argentina claimed the honours for the first time this season with a clinical 8-4 victory. In the under-11s, a strong defensive effort saw Germany White hold on for a 2-1 win, lifting them into third spot on the table.

T ha nyapu ra Spor t s a nd Leisure Club and Brazilian Soccer Schools Phuket are hosting clinics for aspiring football goalkeepers. The clinics, to be held on February 21 and 24, will focus on the key aspects of modern

goalkeeping and assist players with their technique. The clinics will run from 4-7pm. Cost is B1,500 per person for one day, or B2,500 to attend both days. –Martin Hill, 085-331-0295, bss@thanyapura.com

29/2/2012

thephuketnews.com

40 ISLAND SPORT

VILLAGE RUN RIOT AGAINST PATONG The Village cricket team continued their unbeaten run and moved to the top of the Island Fur niture Cricket League table last weekend after demolishing Patong Cricket Club (PCC) at the ACG. Village, who have quickly gone about shaking off their jokers tag this season, won the toss on a hot and humid morning and elected to bat first. It didn’t go well for Village though as they lost opener Kevin Quilty off just the second ball of the innings, clean bowled by Anil Rawat. Martin Foster’s cautious innings at number three, which saw him take 12 balls to get off the mark, helped take his side to 36 before he was caught off Kishor Jhagta for 10. Patong could have broken that partnership much earlier, but had a solid appeal for

CRICKET

LBW against Justin White (22) turned down in the fourth over while he was on 13. White was given another life when he was dropped in the slips just eight balls later, and yet another one when Anthony Van Blerk put him down at mid wicket while he was on 20. But t he lat ter d id n’t prove too costly, as Manesh Sadaranganiin cleaned up White’s stumps in the ninth over to leave Village struggling at 3-38. When Paul Stamp was given LBW off Joshi Naresh in the 12th over, Village looked in serious trouble at 4-42. But Diwan Mydeen and Tim Ross then put on a stabilising partnership, adding 28 runs before Mydeen was

Island Cricket Team

L PT

The Village

0 18

Patong CC

2 16

Laguna CC

0 12

Island CC

1 11

LLL

2 10

TNT

Leopards

caught off Seemant Raju for 16. Sloppy fielding continued to prove costly for Patong, as Ross was dropped at mid-on by Mike Khan while on 20, before Richard Folds stepped up and took a screamer to finally dismiss him for 42. The tail continued to frustrate the Patong bowlers, adding 102 for the final five wickets, before they were eventually dismissed for 172 off 37 overs. Pick of the bowlers was

Raju who picked up 3-36, while Kishor Jhagta and Joshi Naresh bagged two wickets each. While no doubt frustrated by a few fielding errors, the Patong batsmen would have felt pretty comfortable going into what should have been a fairly comfortable chase, with an asking run rate of just 4.3. But when two wickets fell in the third over of their innings, and another two in the sixth, the league leaders were in serious trouble at 4-17. Rishi Sadarangani and Anil Rawat were able to combine well in the middle to put on a 38 run partnership, and after Rawat was out LBW off White, captain Richard Folds (22) carried on the momentum to carry his side to 5-89. But Patong would not go far beyond that score as the tail

THE PHUKET NEWS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Martin Foster, pictured in an exhibition match last month, helped steady The Village after they lost an early wicket. collapsed in emphatic fashion, the final five wickets falling for just one run. Craig Patterson bowled a three wicket maiden to finish off the innings, taking his figures to an impressive 6-17

off 7 to add to his 11 runs with the bat and ensuring he took man of the match honours. This weekend sees an undefeated Laguna take on former champions Island Cricket Club at the ACG.

–Photo by 2011 GP3 series

New website boosts Young ambition P

huket’s budding motorsport star, Dylan Young, is inching closer to his dream of racing in the sport’s premier event thanks to support from fans on his new online

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fundraising site. Young is on his way to race in the GP3 series in Europe – two levels below F1 – with the Marussia Manor team. But he still needs one final

MOTORSPORT push to get his car to pre-season testing before the upcoming GP3 season. “The more testing I am able to do, the more competitive I can be this season,” Young said. The fundraising site, set up by Dylan to enable friends, family and supporters to contribute more easily, allows people to give anything from B30 right up to several million, depending on their means and level of generosity. “When lots of supporters generously do this it can quickly gain momentum and add up,” Young said. While many people in Phuket have approached Young

wanting to contribute financially to his ambitions, he said the cost of a sponsorship was simply beyond most people’s reach. “However, now with this site, this gives those people the

opportunity for their smaller amounts to greatly add up, and it does make a difference.” The donation process takes only two minutes online, and anyone who contributes will receive an autographed

photo from Young. “Now this is a way that everyone can play a part to support my career, whether that be someone interested in motor racing, a sports fan, or someone who just wants to see a local resident from Phuket making it on the world stage,” Young added. A strong performance in the GP3 series could see Young score a trial with the Marussia Virgin Formula 1 team in November. Donations can be made by visiting www.gofundme.com/ dylanyoungracing. Dylan can also be contacted directly at info@dylanyoungracing.com.

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Gambhir backs rotation CRICKET

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir says India’s memorable four-wicket win over Australia in their one-day international on Sunday (February 12) had vindicated the team’s controversial rotation policy. India’s decision to rotate openers through the series saw champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar miss the Adelaide match on Sunday, denying him another chance to score his 100th international century. The decision to rotate players has angered the likes of Indian great Sunil Gavaskar, who believes the best team should always take the field. However, Tendulkar’s absence enabled Gambhir to return to the side to partner Virender Sehwag at the top of the order and he produced a man-of-the-match performance with 92 from 111 balls. Gambhir said a busy playing schedule meant rotating players was a legitimate part of international cricket, adding

Tri Series Standings (as of 12/2/12) Team

Indian opener Gautam Gambhir hit 92 againt Australia. that the Indians were blessed with the playing depth to benefit from the tactic. “The amount of cricket we play it is always important to rotate players and keep them fresh,” he said on Sunday.

“Australia rested Mike Hussey as well because they wanted to keep him fresh. “Now that we have started rotating our players it is a good sign because we know that we've got a lot of

MP W L P

Australia

India

9 8

Sri Lanka

playing strength and someone like Rohit (Sharma) or (Suresh) Raina, it gives them an extra opportunity. “It is important to rotate everyone, there is a long way to go in the series, there are five games left. “It is a team game and I totally back that rotation policy.” Ga mbh i r praised t he emergence of young paceman Umesh Yadav, who picked up two important wickets on Sunday to continue the impressive form he showed during the one-sided Test series. “Umesh for me is the find of the tour, someone who can clock 150 consistently,” he said. “We can star t giving back to the opposition what

we have been receiving for years and years. “Someone who can hit the deck hard, and hit 150-plus consistently, can rattle any batsman in the world. “He is someone who should play for India for a long time and develop as a world-class bowler.” In the other one day international series, England paceman Steven Finn took a career-best 4-34 and Alastair Cook hit his highest score to beat Pakistan in a 130-run win in the first day-night international on Monday. Finn, reduced to serving the drinks during England’s 3-0 defeat in the preceding Test series, destroyed Pakistan’s batting with four early wickets off 29 balls to dismiss them for 130 in 35 overs after Cook’s 137 helped his team to 260-7. The win gives England a 1-0 win in the four-match series after a disastrous Test series – their first as world number one in the five-day format.

Scots lose again RUGBY Scotland coach Andy Robinson insisted his side were on the right track after a 27-13 Six Nations loss to Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday (February 12)condemned them to a fourth straight defeat. Individual errors in both Alonso set the pace on Friday, after Ferrari said they were “not happy” with their car. attack and defence again cost Scotland dear, as they had during the previous week’s 13-6 home defeat by England. Scotland now have a fort1. Nico Rosberg Mercedes (2011) 1:17.613 174 MOTO F1 2. Romain Grosjean Lotus 1:18.419 0.806 212 night to prepare for the visit 3. Michael Schumacher Mercedes (2011) 1:18.561 0.948 174 Mercedes’ theoretically out- 4. Fernando Alonso Ferrari 1:18.877 1.264 106 of World Cup finalists France, Mark Webber Red Bull 1:19.184 1.571 150 dated 2011 car posted the 5. 6. Sebastian Vettel Red Bull 1:19.297 1.684 145 the pre-tournament favourites, Lewis Hamilton McLaren 1:19.464 1.851 166 fastest time in Formula One 7. to Murrayfield with questions 8. Daniel Ricciardo Toro Rosso 1:19.587 1.974 157 Toro Rosso 1:19.597 1.984 159 pre-season testing, while 9. Jean-Eric Vergne again being asked about Rob10. Kimi Raikkonen Lotus 1:19.670 2.057 192 the Lotus E20 is the quickest 11. Sergio Perez Sauber 1:19.770 2.157 116 inson’s regime. Paul Di Resta Force India 1:19.772 2.159 170 of this season’s new batch of 12. Former England flanker and 13. Kamui Kobayashi Sauber 1:19.834 2.221 181 14. Nico Hulkenberg Force India 1:19.977 2.364 90 competitors. coach Robinson confirmed after 15. Bruno Senna Williams 1:20.132 2.519 249 Force India 1:20.221 2.608 46 Nico Rosberg was quickest 16. Jules Bianchi* Sunday’s setback that Scotland 17. Felipe Massa Ferrari 1:20.454 2.841 164 around the Jerez circuit on 18. Jenson Button McLaren 1:20.688 3.075 147 defence chief Graham SteadPastor Maldonado Williams 1:21.197 3.584 122 Thursday with a lap time of 19. man’s contract would not be 20. Heikki Kovalainen Caterham 1:21.518 3.905 167 HRT (2011) 1:22.128 4.515 108 1 minute, 17.613 seconds to 21. Pedro de la Rosa renewed when it expires after 22. Jarno Trulli Caterham 1:22.198 4.585 117 follow up teammate Michael 23. Giedo van der Garde* Caterham 1:23.324 5.711 74 the tournament. Schumacher’s leading pace of Meanwhile the position of It was only the second of two, the fastest time of the Wednesday. four days of testing though, week was set by teammate attack coach Gregor Townsend, Romain Grosjean in a Lo- and by Friday, it was Ferrari’s Nico Rosberg, who was also the former Scotland internatus was the fastest of the 2012 Fernando Alonso who set the driving the 2011 Mercedes. tional, has been called into designs, the French driver's fastest time, just a day after Referring to Schumacher, question by the news that time of 1min18.419 more than his team admitted they were Webber said: “That’s a 2011 Australian backs guru Scott eight-tenths of a second faster “not happy” with their car. car and it shows we’ve still a Johnson will be joining the than defending double World Toro Rosso’s nov ice way to go with the 2012 cars.” Scottish set-up at the end of champion Sebastian Vettel Jean-Eric Vergne was secPhillipe Massa, who was the season. of Red Bull, who was driving ond, just ahead of Red Bull’s well off the pace in his FerBut it was hard not to have for the first time. some sympathy for Robinson Sebastian Vettel, who lost the rari, said putting the new cars Seven-time Formula One entire morning to an electrical through their paces was “a lot and his coaching staff as their world champion Michael fault in the RB8. of work” but he insisted that plans to take on Wales at their Schumacher set the fastest But the biggest revelation “first impressions are positive, own fast-paced running game time in last Wednesday’s from the four days of testing this car has huge potential. It under the closed Millennium testing, clocking a fastest was how far next season’s just takes time to construct the Stadium roof were undone by lap time of 1min 18.561sec cars have to go to catch up to complete package so that she is basic errors. in the morning session and their predecessors. As well as consistent and competitive.” Prop Allan Jacobsen Schumacher’s success on day –AFP/The Phuket News knocked on when in sight of completing 132 laps.

Testing time for F1 cars

Six Nations Team

L PD PT

Wales

0 16 4

England

0 11 4

France

0 18 2

Ireland

Scotland 2

2 -21 0

Italy

2 -22 0

-2 0

the Wales try-line in a first half that ended all square at 3-3. One crumb of comfort was that a run of four successive matches without a try came to an end in the 62nd minute when Laidlaw crossed over.

IN BRIEF Usain Bolt’s absence sparks health fears World 100-metre sprint record holder Usain Bolt has sparked health worries by not running in a hometown meet where he had planned to race after being sighted in Germany instead. Bolt did not run at Saturday’s Camperdown Classic at Jamaica’s national stadium after a statement three days earlier in which he said he was “happy to be healthy”, “excited to begin my season” and “looking forward to a good performance”.

Rugby star Lomu needs new kidney Former All Blacks winger Jonah Lomu has said he needs a new kidney transplant and has lost 30kg since September. Lomu, who scored 37 tries in 63 Tests for New Zealand between 1994 and 2002, had a first organ transplant in 2004 but the kidney stopped functioning in 2011.

Khan confirms Peterson rematch in Vegas Amir Khan is to face Lamont Peterson in a re-match in Las Vegas in May, the British boxer announced via Twitter on Friday. American Peterson deprived Khan of his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) lightwelterweight titles as a result of a controversial split points decision in Washington on December 10.

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42 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

THE PHUKET NEWS

THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:

THE PHUKET NEWS TIPPING COMPETITION: 24

Suarez refuses handshake FOOTBALL Manchester United defeated Liverpool 2-1 in a fiery encounter at Old Trafford that was overshadowed by Luis Suarez’s refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra. The first half had seen little goalmouth activity but that all changed within a couple of minutes of the restart as Wayne Rooney blasted home an unstoppable volley from close range following a flick-on at a corner. Rooney added a second in the 50th minute when he slotted past Pepe Reina after a mistake by Jay Spearing had been seized upon by Antonio Valencia. Suarez temporarily silenced the Old Trafford boos that he had received all game with a predatory finish 10 minutes from time, but the Red Devils withstood a late spell of pressure to take all three points. However, the match was dominated by the Suarez-Evra rivalry, with reports suggesting Liverpool management are now looking to offload Suarez. Despite Utd’s efforts, Man City still hold top spot on the ladder after Joleon Lescott

while Fulham inf licted a fourth straight loss on Stoke with a 2-1 victory. The results have ensured a close finish to the monthly Phuket News tipping competition, with only 10 points separating the top ten players. The February prize will again be a B3,000 voucher from Australia Bar and Grill in Kata, where you can watch all the international sport on 50” plasma screen TVs or on the big screen. ‘Gafferworld’, meanwhile, continues his run at the top Suarez, left, refused to shake Evra’s hand in their first public meeting since last year’s October 15 clash. –Photo AFP in the overall competition, while ‘MRB’ has leapfrogged scored the only goal of the match their attempts to get back into ‘chasman’ to regain second against Aston Villa. the game after going behind spot. The overall winner will Tottenham meanwhile put at the five minute mark, and receive a return flight to the aside any immediate specula- their hopes were finally extin- UK, courtesy of Albatross tion over the future of manager guished when Denis Stracqua- Lufthansa City Center. This weekend sees the PreHarry Redknapp to demol- lursi showed good composure ish Newcastle 5-0 at White to open his Premier League mier League take another week off as the FA Cup enters Round Hart Lane and remain firmly account on 71 minutes. There were a couple of im- 5. All the major teams have a in the title race. Chelsea came unstuck portant games at the bottom of fairly easy run through, with against Everton 2-0 to drop the table as Wigan edged out Chelsea hosting Birmingham below London rivals Arsenal, Bolton 2-1 and Blackburn with- City, Everton taking on Blackwho hit back from behind to stood a thrilling QPR comeback pool, Arsenal on the road against Sunderland, Stevenage taking beat Sunderland 2-1 at the to pick up three points (3-2). Elsewhere, Norwich got on Tottenham and Liverpool Stadium of Light. The Blues were frustrated in the better of Swansea 3-2, against Brighton and Hove.

Phone +66 76 270958 abpoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.lcc-albatross.com THIS MONTH'S COMPETITION IS SUPPORTED BY:

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Treated ‘LIKE A DOG’ Tevez says Mancini was rude and abusive, but is ready to apologise

Carlos Tevez headed back to England accusing Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini of treating him “like a dog” in the incident that led to his exile from the Premier League leaders. The Argentina striker said Monday that an angry Mancini swore at him during the Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich in September, where the forward’s refusal to warmup incensed his Italian boss. Tevez hasn’t played for City since that September 27 match in Germany but is due to return to Eastlands on Tuesday in a bid to revive

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FOOTBALL a career that has effectively been suspended for more than three months. Mancini has indicated his willingness to make peace with Tevez if the player apologises to him. And Tevez, during a Fox Sports interview broadcast in translation on Britain’s Sky Sports News on Monday, said: “I do not think I was wrong, but if they (the club) think so I apologise. “I am ready to return, to win and do the best for the club’s shirt,” he added.

“Hopefully I can help City to be champions again.” But given his description of events in Munich, it may take more than Tevez saying ‘sorry’ to repair his relationship with Mancini. “I was kind of in a bad mood and when he brings on (Nigel) de Jong and takes off (Edin) Dzeko and we’re losing 2-0 I thought it was a defensive substitution so I decided to sit back on the bench,” Tevez recalled. “I had already warmed up for 10 minutes and he has this attitude that he wants to lose 2-0 instead of 4-0. “So I sat down and at the same time Dzeko comes off and is really angry and has a go at Mancini. He then sees the tunnel is closed so he has to sit down next to him and they start to have an argument. “Dzeko was speaking Bosnian and Mancini would swear at him in Italian so it was a real mess. “So I go and sit down and he doesn’t see me because he’s having this discussion. But then he turns around

Man City’s Tevez: ‘Supporters don’t know the full story.’ and sees me and you can imagine what happens. “He’s in the middle of an argument so then he tells me to keep on warming up and treats me like a dog. “So when he spoke to me in that tone of voice, and I said ‘No, I’m not going out’. So I was willing to play, but the coach was in such a foul mood because he had that argument with Dzeko.

“He started on me as well, started swearing at me, that was him, because I was very calm...Mancini said some horrible things to me.” Pr ior to last month’s transfer window there was speculation Tevez, who returned to Argentina after his bust-up with Mancini, would be sold by City. However, despite interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan

and Paris St Germain, no deal was done and he remained on the books at Eastlands. Tevez proved a hit with City’s fans soon after joining the club from local rivals Manchester United in 2009 but they tur ned on their one-time favourite after his spat with Mancini. But Tevez said t hei r reaction was understandable as the supporters did not know the full story. “I believe t hey were misinformed, they weren’t told the facts. “So that when they were told I didn’t want to play they naturally turned against me. “When I saw them burning my shirt with my name on it or hurling insults at me it really hurt. I gave everything to that club and what I love above all is to play football.” Mancini, speaking after City’s 1-0 win away to Aston Villa on Sunday, said of Tevez: “Would I like him to apologise? This is normal I think. And after, Carlos can train and Carlos can play if his condition is good.”

THE PHUKET NEWS

INTERNATIONAL SPORT 43

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

English Premier League Team

MP W

French Ligue 1 D

Man City

Team PSG

Man Utd

Tottenham

Arsenal

Chelsea

Newcastle

Liverpool

Norwich City

MP W

Montpellier

Lille

Lyon

Rennes

Marseille

Saint-Étienne

Toulouse

34 33

Sunderland

Bordeaux

Everton

Lorient

Swansea

Valenciennes

Fulham

Brest

Stoke City

Evian

West Brom

Caen

Aston Villa

Nancy

QPR

Dijon

Blackburn

Ajaccio

Wolves

Nice

Bolton

Auxerre

Wigan

Sochaux

MP W

English Championship Team

MP W

Italian Serie A D

Milan

Juventus

Lazio

Udinese

Internazionale

Roma

Napoli

Palermo

Cagliari

West Ham

Southampton

Birmingham

Cardiff City

Blackpool

Hull City

Reading

Brighton

Middlesbrough

Team

Leeds United

Genoa

Burnley

Fiorentina

Leicester City

Catania

Derby County

Parma

Crystal Palace

Chievo

Tiger not out of the woods GOLF

Phil Mickelson won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for the fourth time on Sunday, denying playing partner Tiger Woods in his bid for a first official PGA Tour victory in over two years. The 41-year-old American fired a final round eight-under par 64 for a 17-under total of 269, winning by two strokes and ending the hopes of Woods, who closed with a three-over 75. “It feels amazing,” said Mickelson, who rallied from a six-shot deficit in the final round. Third round leader Charlie Wi of South Korea was second after shooting a even-par 72 to finish on 271.

Mickelson outfought Woods by getting off to a quick start with a superb opening stretch of one eagle and three birdies in his first six holes and then saving par twice by sinking two long putts on the back nine. Mickelson picked up US$1.15 million in prize money, posting his 40th career PGA triumph and first victory since the Houston Open 10 months ago. “It is frustrating,” Woods said. “I had a chance. “All I needed was to get off to a good start today and I didn’t do that.” –AFP

Russian Premier League Team

MP W

Zenit St Petersburg

Barnsley

Atalanta

Watford

Bologna

Dinamo Moscow

Spartak Moscow

CSKA Moscow

FK Rubin Kazan

17 18

Portsmouth Peterborough

29 29

9 9

8 7

12 13

33 46

31 48

35 34

17 18

Siena

Lecce

5 4

8 6

22 38

Ipswich Town

Cesena

Millwall

Novara

Lokomotiv Moscow

Anzhi Makhachkala

Kuban Krasnodar

Krasnodar

21 22

Bristol City Nottm Forest

30 29

8 7

6 4

16 18

25 23

44 47

Doncaster

Coventry City

German Bundesliga Team 1

Dortmund

MP W 21

Spanish Primera Liga Team

MP W

Real Madrid

Barcelona

Valencia

Levante UD

Espanyol

Atlético Madrid

31 31

B Munich

Mönchengladbach

Málaga CF

Osasuna

Athletic Bilbao

Schalke

Werder Bremen

Leverkusen

Rayo Vallecano

Hannover

Real Sociedad

Getafe CF

Sevilla FC

Hamburger

Real Betis

Hoffenheim

Villarreal CF

Mallorca

Köln

Mainz

Granada CF

Nuremberg

Santander

Gijón

Zaragoza

Augsburg

Freiburg

Champions League Relegation

Champions League qualifiers

Premier League promotion

Volga Nizhny Novgorod

Spartak Nalchik

FK Tom' Tomsk

COMING UP FA Cup (times in Thailand. Matches are shown on TrueSport 1-6)

Millwall v Bolton Wanderers 22:00

21:00

Stevenage v Tottenham

22:00

Norwich v Leicester City

Kaiserslautern

PFK Samara

Stuttgart

19:00

Crawley Town v Stoke City

22:00

Everton v Blackpool

00:15

Sunderland AFC v Arsenal

FK Amkar Perm'

Sunday February 19

Hertha

Terek Grozny

Chelsea v Birmingham City 19:30

Wolfsburg

FK Rostov-Na-Donu

Saturday February 18

10 11

Europa League

Premier League play-off

Liverpool v Brighton & Hove 23:30

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run 1354: Saturday February 18 at 3.30pm Hares: Swollen Colon Directions: Head north to Naithon beach, lager will be in Naithon school at south of the beach (if we can get permission). If not, follow the HHH signs mid beach pointing inland to the new filled area inland opposite the beach. Go in a few hundred meters.

thephuketnews.com

44 INTERNATIONAL SPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS

SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2012

Tri-hard

BIS kids show why three is not always a crowd > 39

sport@thephuketnews.com

SUPER

16? SOUTH AFRICAN RUGBY PUSHES FOR SIXTH TEAM

Kings centre Siyanda Grey.

outh Africa’s Super 15 r u g b y sides are insisting on expanding the league to 16 teams after officials there mooted the idea of sending another team, the South African Rugby Union (SARU) said Sunday. SARU denied local media reports that the teams had threatened to boycott the southern hemisphere championship in 2013, but acknowledged friction with the five current teams over plans to include newbies Southern Kings. “No threat of a boycott was made,” SARU chief executive Jurie Roux said in a statement. “But the franchises have made it plain that the only option to them is the expansion of Vodacom Super Rugby. They also pledged their support for the Kings’ inclusion in 2013 as well as for SARU’s efforts to persuade SANZAR (South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby) to include a sixth South African franchise.” The statement came after weekly newspaper Rapport said the five teams – Central Cheetahs, Coastal Sharks, Golden Lions, Northern Bulls and Western Stormers – had written to SARU president Oregan Hoskins threatening to boycott the championship.

thephuketnews.com

Southern Kings hail from the Eastern Cape, t h e S o u t h A fr ica n prov i nce w it h t h e m o s t black rugby players, and the bid to include them in the Super 15 has become a political hot potato in a country where the sport has historically been dominated by whites. SARU said their letter to Hoskins stated it was “imperative... that SARU as custodian of the South African leg of the tournament will ensure that the Kings are included without prejudice to any of the existing franchises”. The championship currently comprises five sides each from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. SARU deputy president Mark Alexander said last month South African officials would lobby their SANZAR partners to expand the contest to 16 teams. SARU said Sunday that it had decided to delay the decision on how to choose its entrants for the 2013 championship until its annual general meeting on March 31 to allow time for further discussions with SANZAR. The 2012 Super 15 competition kicks off next weekend. A full preview is in next week’s Phuket News. –AFP