17-10-2011

Friday, October 14 – Thursday, October 20, 2011

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CUTTING QUEUES Immigration officers promise faster service Passengers arriving at Phuket International Airport can look forward to shorter queues when Immigration officers begin working longer hours.

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n an attempt to solve the perennial problem of long queues for passport checks at Phuket International Airport arrivals, Immigration officers are about to be made to work a lot harder.

Pol Col Theerayuth Budnampeth, Superintendent of Phuket International Airport Immigration, told The Phuket News that the planned solution is to have officers work 12 hours a shift instead of eight.

“Currently, our officers work in three eight-hour shifts. In each shift we have 12 officers in arrivals and nine in departures.

“However, for the high

season, officers will work two 12-hour shifts each day. This will give us 17 to 20 officers in arrivals and 13 in departures.

“The new shift system will start on November 1 and run until May next year – the exact date when we change back to the three-shift system will depend on passenger traffic.”

He added, “In November, we will launch a project to recruit Thai and foreign volunteers to support the immigration officers by helping people to fill in forms correctly so that the queue moves faster.

“When passengers fill in forms correctly, it takes no

more than a minute to process each one.” Theoretically this means a jumbo-load of 500 passengers could be processed by a full complement of 20 officers in around 25 minutes.

Anyone wanting to volunteer should call the Immigration administration department at 076 327 138.

Meanwhile, Phuket International Airport (PIA) Director Duangchai Condee’s plan to improve the airport in readiness for the tourism high season is now well under way.

B777,400 is being spent to increase the number of check-in counters from 47

to 60. This is planned to be completed by December.

The down escalator that used to occupy the north end of the departure lounge has been removed to make more space (passengers must use stairs or the lift instead), and the toilets have been renovated.

In addition the airport has hired 60 more security staff to speed up baggage checks.

M s D u a ngch a i s a id , “Between October 2010 and September this year there h ave b e e n 8 . 2 m i l l io n international and domestic passenger movements and 55,000 aircraft movements.”

“From this month until March 2012 the average is expected to be 168 aircraft movements a day, which is an increase of 12.6 per cent from the same period last year.

“We expect the number of passengers to increase by 5 per cent in the coming high season compared with the 2010-2011 high season.”

She added that the improvements being made are a short-term solution, using the existing passenger terminal, until the planned new international terminal is completed in 2014.

–Apinya Saksri

Johnson rues World Cup loss to France.

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SIMON OSTHEIMER Managing Editor 08 3922 9265 managingeditor@thephuketnews.com From Hong Kong; nearly a decade’s experience as editor of magazines and newspapers in Shanghai (City Weekend, that’s Shanghai), Beijing (Urbane), Hong Kong (Time Out Hong Kong), Kuala Lumpur (Vision KL), Bangkok (Bangkok 101) and Phuket. Travel journalist for Esquire, Vacations & Travel, Travel & Leisure, DestinAsian, and CNNGo.

ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 08 7884 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 Stuart University; Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, The Vientiane Times.

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

DANIEL OGUNSHAKIN Sports Editor editor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Sport and Sociology degree from Sheffield Hallam University; Three years’ experience at The Phuket Gazette, Phuket Tatler, Business Traveler Asia Pacific, www.footballworldcupbrazil2014.com

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Alleged skimmer gang member Yagir Rodi, with some of the equipment, cash and blank ATM cards found in his room.

Skimmer scammer heads for slammer A Frenchman was arrested last week for his alleged part in using skimming technology to steal credit card information which was then used to make credit cards to steal from victims’ accounts.

The arrest followed information received by Phuket Tourist Police officer from Athiphat Tikanit, Fraud and Corruption Control Officer at the Bangkok headquarters of Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), who reported that someone was using stolen credit card details to withdraw cash and

buy items in Phuket.

By careful monitoring of ATMs island-wide, police detected one of the stolen cards being used at an ATM in front of Phuvaree Resort at Patong. Officers found Yagir Rodi, 31, and Jean Raphael Philippe withdrawing B5,000 from the machine.

As they moved in, the two men fled. Officers were able to apprehend Rodi but Philippe escaped.

Police seized the B5,000 from Rodi then searched the room he shared with Philippe

at the Kris Residence in Patong and found B125,000 in cash, two USB flash drives, 12 blank credit cards, a laptop and a skimmer machine.

Rodi denied that any of this was his. He told police that his job was simply to withdraw cash, and that all the equipment belonged to Philippe. He admitted that he knew the cards he was using to withdraw cash were fake, and that he had used them many times.

Rodi said he had known Philippe for more than a year

in France, and had travelled to Phuket on September 28 to be the withdrawer for Philippe.

Each t i me he wit hd rew money he received a percentage of it from Philippe. On his best day he had withdrawn B160,000 from victims’ accounts, he said.

Phuket Tourist Police believe that there are more than two people in the gang.

They continue to question Rod i a nd t o sea rch for Philippe, whose passport they seized from the room.

–Sukunya Phoonpong

Plantation ‘encroaches on mangroves’ The jury is still out on whether the palm plantation located in Moo 9 of Baan Ao Kung village of Tambon Paklok has encroached on the area’s natural mangrove forests or not.

Leader of Moo 9 Baan Ao Kung village, Chet Panthip, and local residents have repeatedly complained to Phuket Vice Governor Somkiat Sangkaosuttirak that land belonging to Siw-eab Wuttithammaporn is encroaching on natural mangrove forest.

Mr Chet said that a 30 rai parcel of land was converted into a palm plantation by Ms Siw-eab in 2009.

“I have repeatedly discussed the issue with Ms Siw-eab, but every time she dismisses our complaints, and says that this land belongs to her,” says Mr Chet.

V/Gov Somkiat, who inspected the land on Tuesday

Phuket Vice Governor Somkiat Sangkaosuttirak, left, talks with the leader of Moo 9 Baan Ao Kung village, Chet Panthip, about the land of Siw-eab Wuttithammaporn.

(October 11) has instructed the Phuket Provincial Land Office of Thalang district to establish the size and title of Ms Siw-eab’s land.

If it is proved that it is indeed encroaching on the mangrove forest, the government will take ownership.

“Though the owner has a

land title, the area covered by it has to be verified. The land officer will start checking after the rainy season has ended,” V/Gov Somkiat said.

ISLANDNEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

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Illegal dam triggers mudslide into homes

The orange scar left by the sudden landslide looms threateningly above shops located along the bypass road.

50 evacuated after fears of new landslips About 50 local residents on the bypass road were ordered last Friday (October 7) to evacuate their homes because of the risk of deadly landslides on the slopes of Panthurat Hill burying them.

The alarm was first raised after a landslide two days earlier behind the Adisak Equipment store.

As of Wednesday the slope was still unstable, and it was estimated that further heavy rain could send almost a quarter of a million cubic metres off earth and rocks sliding down into eight shops and homes downhill from the slip area.

No injuries or damage have been reported so far, but Rassada Municipality labeled the area a landslide risk zone and said it would be monitored by officials.

Geologist Professor Amnart Tantitamsopon said the landslide was caused by human activity which had resulted in the earth absorbing too much water.

During a site inspection this morning, officers found signs of a small farm and excavation.

More worryingly, they found a wide crack in the surface, about 100 metres in length, above the location of the landslip.

Officials also found a tworai man-made pond on the top of the hill, about two kilometres from the landslide site.

While all agreed that the pond had nothing to do with the latest landslide, they expressed concern that more heavy rain might cause the edges of the pond to collapse, triggering landslides on the other side of Panthurat Hill, which overlooks property developments and the British International School.

Retaining walls and shot-

crete – sprayed concrete – will be needed to contain any future landslide along the bypass road, together with the planting of plants with long, strong roots, Prof Amnart said.

This process can begin only when the earth has dried out enough for it to be effective, he added. That could take as much as a month without rain.

During an emergency meeting of relevant authorities th is af ter noon of f icials seemed to agree, with the president of Rassada Municipality, Suratin Lian-udom, agreeing to wait until the slope is absolutely stable before building a retaining wall.

The situation was due to be reassessed at a follow-up meeting to be scheduled.

Prof Amnart urged the officials to enforce rules on excavation more stringently.

“This landslide is a case study in the impact of random excavation,” he said. “Without law enforcement to control earth grading and cutting, landslides will continue to occur.”

The professor also expressed concern about the many construction projects on slopes around the island that have never been inspected for compliance with environmental laws. He called for accelerated inspections and more rigid law enforcement in order to create safe conditions on the island.

Further north along the bypass road, where the northbound lanes reach their highest point, one lane has been closed to traffic after a small landslip in the slope below the road.

The lane will remain closed until the slip can be shored up.

A mudslide damaged vehicles and spilled into more than 80 homes at Natthakamol housing project early on Tuesday (October 11), after a private dam on a hillside backing onto the housing project collapsed.

The mudslide, which was knee-deep in some areas, swept the housing estate at about 3am following heavy rain.

A team from Rassada Municipality immediately arrived at the scene, lining up walls of sand bags at the front gate to try and stem the flow of mud reaching the main road.

It was eventually brought under cont rol at around midday on Tuesday.

Suratin Lianudom, the Mayor of Rassada Municipality, said a private dam was built without permission by the owner of the land behind the housing project.

After a site inspection, Mr Suratin said he found a natural waterway had been blocked by the 100sqm dam.

A small pipe was found drawing water from the dam to the land owner’s home.

Heavy rain over the past several days had apparently

The knee-deep wall of mud broke into the Natthakamol housing project on Tuesday. brought the dam to capacity, eventually causing the dam wall to collapse.

“We are now focused on solving the problem and cleaning up the mess,” Mr Suratin

said. “Later we will discuss who will take responsibility for the damage.”

However, after Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha inspected the site on Tuesday,

he said it was illegal to build a dam without receiving approval from local authorities.

A full investigation is expected to be launched once the cleanup is complete.

Surprise for tuk-tuk driver gang A gang of tuk-tuk drivers who decided to teach a foreigner a lesson for parking his car in “their” spot on Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd near Jungceylon on Sunday morning (October 9) found they had bitten off more than they could chew.

Witnesses said that the unnamed foreigner refused to move his car and walked off on his mission – to buy a pair of Muay Thai shorts.

This should have been a clue for the tuk-tuk drivers.

By the time he came back to his car about 10 drivers had gathered. They jostled him and pushed him against his car.

At this point the foreigner showed he knew a bit about Thai boxing and knocked two of the drivers to the ground. He then ran into Jungceylon. After the tuk-tuk drivers got over their disbelief they made to follow him, but he re-emerged with two policemen.

One witness said, “It looked like he was quite good at Thai boxing.”

The Phuket News was unable to confirm the identity of the lone ranger. It is understood that the dispute was settled by arrangement. www.thephuketnews.com

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Blind people walk for their rights and to highlight the upcoming Bangkok conference of the World Blind Union.

Blind march for rights Around 70 blind people from seven provinces in southern Thailand joined a street march on Wednesday (October 12) from Bangkok Hospital to the City District Office to to highlight their rights, and to promote the international conference of the World Blind Union (WBU) in Bangkok next year.

WBU is an internationally-recognised umbrella organisation, representing about

285 million blind and partially sighted people in 190 countries.

Representatives from Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Krabi, Phang Nga and Phuket provinces marched outside Bangkok Hospital Phuket, after being informed of the conference by the Thailand Association of the Blind (TAB).

“We wanted to alert the local people

of this conference. Though the conference is organised for blind people, that doesn’t mean it is not important for the Thai community,” the Director of TAB Pitaya Srigotapetch said.

The blind people present at the march also participated in a seminar at Twin Inn Hotel in Phuket Town to learn more about their rights, and career and education opportunities.

New hospital gets set to serve holders of social security cards T h e Phu ke t P r ov i n c i a l Administration Organisation (OrBorJor) Hospital on Srisena Rd in Phuket Town is now preparing to treat patients with social security cards, making it the third hospital in the town to do so, after Vachira and the Mission Hospital.

Holders of social security cards will be able to use the hospit al f rom January 2012, hospital director Dr Chak Somana said. He added, “We are also discussing terms with insurance companies. Treatment for insurance holders should be available early next year.”

At the moment, the hospital is treating only patients from the neighbourhood who hold the government’s B30 health card.

The official opening of the hospital was at the end of

May this year. Dr Chak said, “We opened the out-patient department at the end of May and since July 1 we have been treating in-patients.

“Our medical services include general medicine, orthopaedic surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, geriatrics, dentistry and more.”

“We currently have 129 beds, and will soon have 48 more. Four operating theatres with an air scrubbing system will be completed by the end of this month.” Some of the beds are in private rooms, while the remainder are in twin-bed rooms.

The radiology department is already equipped with a high-speed 64-slice CT scanner, the most modern in Phuket, he added, and the haemodialysis centre has 14 machines that can each handle

Dr Chak Somana, director of the new OrBorJor Hospital. two patients a day.

“We have had some foreigners walk in for treatment with the “Shockwave Machine” in the physiotherapy department,” he said, alluding to the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation machine used to reduce muscle pain, particularly in sportsmen and women.

The hospital is now looking for an oculist, two plastic surgeons and a heart specialist to cover the evening hours.

Dr Chak added, “The prices of medical services are similar to prices in government hospitals, but the standards for service can be compared with private hospitals,” he said.

The hospital is currently offering a 10-point check up for B999, of which B249 will go to the Foundation for Buddhist Novices. The checks include overall physical condition, blood type and condition, sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, urinalysis, kidney and liver function checks and a test for gout.

To contact the hospital, call 076 358 888. There is also a website at phuketcityhospital.org, though so far it is in Thai language only.

The deadline for bids to be made for the Thavorn Grand Plaza Hotel and the neighbouring Thavorn Massage Parlour has been extended.

A spokeswoman for the Bangkok-based ACAP Advisory Public Co, which is selling the hotel and massage parlour, said that there had been no successful bid received by the time the first deadline expired on October 3.

ACAP is therefore continuing to receive bids and will set a new deadline, to be “revealed soon”.

The starting price for the hotel and the land around it is B420 million, with bids for the massage parlour are set at a minimum of B60 million.

■■ Those interested in bidding should contact ACAP by calling 02 694 4999 Ext 4985 or 4959, or 02 670 0546, or by emailing as@acap-asset.com

Stars booked for festival to celebrate HM’s birthday A four-day free music event titled Phuket World Musiq Festival will be held from December 2 to 5 at Saphan Hin to celebrate the 84th birthday of His Majesty the King.

American musician and Thai TV personality Todd “Thongdee” Lavelle and the Le Musiq team were in Phuket on Monday (October 10) to discuss the event with Phuket Governor Tri Augkaradacha.

The budget for the event has been set at B6 million, which will be put up by the Phuket Provincial Administrative Organisation (OrBorJor) and the Singha Group.

The event aims to attract “musicians from all over the world” and music lovers.

The event will run from 5pm to 11 pm each day, with various music performances from many musicians including jazz, folk, blind, deaf and autistic players.

■■ For more information on the festival, call Phuket OrBorJor at 076 211 877.

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Tourist dies in balcony fall A 33 -ye a r- old Au s t r a l i a n tourist is dead after falling four floors from the balcony of the C&N Hotel, in Patong.

The body of Dean William McKeon was found on Rat U Thit 200 Pi Rd by a security guard at 6.40am on Saturday (October 8).

The hotel’s security guard told Kathu Police that Mr McKeon and his five friends went to Soi Bangla and came back to the hotel at about 3am on the same morning after drinking.

Dean McKeon died in Patong last week.

– Photo by Geelong Advertiser.

Mr McKeon, from Geelong,

Victoria, was on holiday in Phuket celebrating a birthday with friends when the incident occurred.

Kathu police Pol Capt Jakkrapong Luang-On said police were waiting for blood test results to conf ir m whether there was alcohol in Mr McKeon’s body at the time of death.

He theorised that Mr McKeon may have drunk, and came out on the balcony to get some fresh air, when he fell.

Sleepwalking was another possibility, he said.

Mr McKeon’s mother Rayna told the Geelong Advertiser on Monday (October 10): “He was staying with mates in a (multistorey) hotel, where it seems he’s gone outside on to the balcony at some stage during the night, and he’s gone over,” Mr McKeon’s sister, Kerryn Skuza, said details surrounding the timing and circumstances of the fall were unclear, the Advertiser reported.

“We think he got up during the night to get some air – that’s

what we’re assuming.”

Dean was “a beautiful bloke”, she said. “He was lovely to everyone, he was a really kind and gentle soul who loved music and was liked by everyone.”

Mrs Skuza said the family was still investigating ways in which Mr McKeon’s body could be returned soon to Australia for burial.

Mr McKeon’s body was being held in Patong Hospital, but wa s t a ke n t o Ba ng kok on Wednesday (October 12).

Hunt for gunman Bangkoo underpass ‘not possible’ still draws blank

Police continue looking for a gunman who tried to kill Karon village headman Winai Chitchew in the early hours of September 24.

Pol Lt Nitikorn Rawang of Chalong Police said there was still no clue as to who the gunman was.

Mr Winai reported to Chalong police that he was almost shot dead while chatting with a friend, Narong Saemin, near Baan Karon Resort on Patak Rd. The gunman fired one shot at Mr Winai, but missed, and the bullet nicked Mr Narong’s ear. Mr Winai believes that the issue most likely behind the shooting was a recent crackdown he led on pirated goods being sold in Kata and Karon.

He wa s su re t hat he and Mr Narong could recognise the gunman, who he described as around 30 years old and dark-skinned.

He said he would be able to describe the gunman’s features to a police artist for a sketch to be produced.

This, however, has not happened, and there now appears to be a rift between the kamnan and the police.

There is no police sketch artist in Phuket so, immediately after the incident, police invited Mr Winai to travel to Surat Thani to give a description of the gunman to the police artist there.

However, Pol Lt Nitikorn cla i me d M r Wi n a i h a d made a statement in which he said he couldn’t remember the gunman, and had told police he wasn’t “comfortable” with the idea of traveling to Surat Thani.

Mr Winai told The Phuket News that the trip to Surat was inconvenient. He also claimed police had not contacted him since the incident.

Three more designs of the proposed overpass at the Bangkoo Intersection at the north end of the bypass road will be put to Phuket authorities at the end of this October. But they and their consultants have ruled out as near-impossible the idea of an underpass, as demanded by tourism leaders who believe an overpass will be a blot on the landscape.

Though the new designs are not clear at this time, Naret Joyum of consultants Epsilon Co told The Phuket News that the new designs would be drawn up based on entire traffic system from the Koh Kaew traffic lights to the Bangkoo Intersection.

The first three designs proposed for the Bangkoo intersection were shot down at a public meeting on August 9 as “not suitable” for Phuket.

Tourism leaders said an overpass would be an eyesore for both locals and visitors and

Authorities are now looking at the entire traffic system from the Koh Kaew traffic lights to the Bangkoo Intersection. said they felt an underpass would be a better option.

“After the meeting, engineers from the Highways Department and the consultants did more research,” said Mr Naret. “Building an underpass at Bangkoo Intersection will have some difficulties because there is underground waterway

underneath the intersection.”

Highways department engineer Khasame Srivanun told The Phuket News that this waterway – originally a natural one which was later turned into a canal and still later buried in pipes during the building of the road from Phuket Town to the airport – is

a major drain for stormwater from the bypass road area to the east coast of the island.

If it were blocked by an underpass, he said, the underpass itself would be flooded, along with the surrounding area.

Last month, the Highways Department and the consultants arranged a public hearing with local people. Unlike the tourism leaders they did not reject the idea of overpasses.

However, they requested that the engineers look at improving the traffic flow at the Koh Kaew intersection at the same time as the Bangkoo intersection.

“The three new designs, when completed, will be based on feedback gathered from local people,” Mr Naret said.

As an interim solution, the Highways Department will try to improve the timing of the Koh Keaw intersection traffic lights to allow traffic to flow more smoothly.

Airport weather radar now back up and running

From left, Suchai Vichien (President of Zone 5), Pichai Wattanapayungkul (chairman of Lions Club International District 310), Weerawat Nukhorhcheep (president of Phuket Lions Clubs) and Nantina Kaewchaiyo (president of Phuket Pearl Lions Club), at the clubs’ 40th anniversary.

Phuket Lions celebrate 40 years on the island More than one hundred members of the four Lions Clubs in Phuket, plus representatives from nearby provinces, celebrated the clubs’ 40th anniversary on Saturday (October 8) at the Phuket Merlin Hotel, Phuket Town.

The four clubs in Phuket –

Phuket Lions Club, Phuket Andaman Sea Lions Club, Phuket Pearl Lions Club and Patong Beach Lions Club – are private organisations which support Phuket events and play a prominent part in contributing to the development of the province.

The weather radar at the Southern Meteorological Centre – West Coast (SMC) is now back up and running, after being offline, reportedly for maintenance, since September 12.

An officer from the SMC said at the end of last week that the radar has been operational for “the last few days”, and is now working properly.

The information from the radar is used by air traffic controllers at Phuket International Airport and relayed to pilots. Officials previously told The Phuket News that the fact that the radar was down posed no threat to airline passengers.

The SMC officer also said the rain which has lashed Phuket for the past few days has passed, and the weather should clear for the week ahead.

“Though a strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Southern Thailand West Coast has brought heavy rain to many provinces, this has now eased and we should see some clear skies over the coming week,” he said.

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74 injured during Veg Festival Seventy-four people, most of them teenagers, required h o s p i t a l t r e a t m e n t fo r injuries received during this year’s Vegetarian Festival, according to the Phuket Provincial Health Office.

During the nine days, 28 mah song (spirit mediums) required hospital treatment for their self-inflicted facial wounds, and two for burns sustained while fire-walking.

Firecrackers took a toll, with 14 people treated for eye injuries, 25 for burns on arms or legs and one for smoke inhalation.

Some of the firecracker

injuries were quite severe.

A member of the staff of the Andaman Narenthorn emergency medical service, which is based at Vachira Hospital, told The Phuket News: “Five people burned by firecrackers are still under treatment in the hospital.”

One youngster received treatment for a wound caused when a ceremonial sword fell on his hand, and another required care for a burn caused by a joss stick.

Two people were treated in hospital after fainting.

A health official said, “More youngsters were play-

ing with firecrackers this year, and more mah song were using [sharp] weapons to pierce their faces, all of which increased the risk of injury.”

One death was reported during the festival, but it is not clear that the festival was directly responsible. Malaysian Heng Yak Seng, aged 76 years, collapsed outside the Pearl Hotel while watching a parade, and died at the scene.

A doctor there said that Mr Heng had a history of heart disease and since the family declined to have an autopsy performed, the exact cause of death was unknown.

Wider use of sharp weapons by mah song may have increased the festival’s health risks.

New GM at Westin Siray Sean Raine has been promoted to General Manager of The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa, Phuket.

M r R ai ne joi ned t he opening team at the resort as Hotel Manager.

“I’m so thrilled and excited to be appointed General Manager at the first Westin resort in Thailand,” said Mr Raine of his preomotion.

“I look back and am so proud of what the team and I have achieved, and I am very much looking forward to sharing in our future achievements.”

Mr Raine’s career with Starwood has spanned more

Sean Raine has spent 11 years with Starwood. than 11 years including a Director of Finance Asia stint as Financial Controller Pacific in the Starwood Asia at The Sheraton Fiji and as Pacific Divisional office.

Helping flood victims Charity flood concert Members of the Thai Red Cross, which is coordinating relief donations from Phuket.

More than f ive hund red people joined the charity concert at Dragon Park in Phuket Town last Friday (October 7) to raise money for flood victims in central Thailand.

MBA students at Ramkhamhaeng University in Phuket organised the event to promote cultural tourism in Phuket and to raise money.

The activities during the

event included Peranakan and Muslim fashion shows, music and dancing, plus a classic car show, bike display, and concert. The amount raised will be known in a few days.

Donations for the victims of flooding can be made at OrBorTor or District offices from October 10-20, or at the Thai Red Cross Society Phuket Office (TRCS) on Rattanakosin 200 Pi Road in Phuket City

(near the Labour Office and Business Registration Office).

Cash donations can be made by deposit into the Krungthai Bank Phuket branch account number 805-039-7335, account name “Confederate

to relieve flood casualty”.

All donations will be passed directly to those suffering in Thailand’s flood stricken areas.

For material donations, the main priorities are water, and dry and instant food.

Mass wedding plans to be a record breaker The organiser of the proposed mass weddi ng i n Phuket next Valentine’s Day, Kusol Thanangpol, has revealed more details of his plans, including a bid for the event to be listed by G u i n n e s s Wo r l d R e cords as the largest ever international mass wedding.

Although the world’s largest mass wedding currently stands at 3,500 couples, in India, this involved all Indian couples. Mr Kusol aims to set a new record for the largest international mass wedding.

At a conference on Saturday (8 October) at the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, he announced that a budget of B170 million has been set

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for the event, which aims to see 108 couples married at a ceremony at Laem Phrom Thep on February 14 next year.

Climbing on the bandwagon organised by Mr Kusol’s Suanluang Wedding company are the Phuket Provincial Government, Phuket Provincial Administration Organization and Rawai Municipality, along with the Dusit Laguna and Courtyard by Marriott.

Mr Kusol told the meeting, “We already have bookings from 10 Thai couples, along with couples from China, Korea, Singapore, the USA, France, Germany, Russia and Brunei.”

The wedding packages are on offer at three different

prices – B49,000, B59,000 a nd B69,000, depending on the grade of hotel chosen by the couples.

“We w ill collect t he couples from the airport on February 12 and there will be a gala dinner that evening.

On February 13, the couples will plant cashew and golden shower trees for luck, and then will be taken for a sightseeing tour culminating with the show at Phuket FantaSea. “On Valentine’s Day they will start by offering alms to 99 monks at Chalong Temple, followed by a water-pouring ceremony at Laem Phrom Thep and the wedding ceremony at sunset.” During these activities the couples will

sign marriage certificates and evidence will be collected to support the world record bid.

In the evening, the newlyweds will join a beach party.

The following morning they will be taken to Koh Racha for their honeymoon.

A website, interweddingphuket.com, has now been launched, through which bookings can be made. The first nine bookings through the website will receive the B69,000 package for B49,000.

Booths will be set up soon in Central Festival and Jungceylon, where bookings in person can be made. Mr Kusol is in discussion with the Tourism Authority of Thailand about promoting the event overseas.

Kusol Thanangpol, pictured left. Bookings have already been received for the island’s proposed mass wedding.

NATIONALNEWS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Bangkok braces flood defences The Government has bolstered flood defences at Bangkok’s main airport and other areas as it works to shield the city of 12 million people from the worst inundation in decades, officials said Tuesday.

Flood protection walls have been raised to a height of up to 3.5 metres at Suvarnabhumi, the country’s main air hub, Airports of Thailand (AOT) Acting Director Somchai Sawasdipol said.

“I am confident [that we can prevent floods at Suvarnabhumi] but we will not be careless,” Mr Somchai said, adding that the airport had two major water pumping stations and a 24-hour team to monitor the situation, to ensure the airport continues to function normally.

At least 269 people have died in more than two months of floods that have damaged the homes and livelihoods of millions of people, according to the Government. More than 200 people have died in neighbouring Cambodia.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra told a Cabinet meeting that “the flood situation is serious, more than a tsunami because a tsunami comes and goes but floods last longer,” government spokeswoman

IN BRIEF UNESCO helps save Ayutthaya

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) will pay B2.3 million to help save historical sites in the ancient capital of Ayutthaya affected by flood.

The Fine Arts Department had asked UNESCO for help and Director-General Soamsuda Leeyawanich said she recently received a letter from the Paris-based agency that it was ready to help save the historical sites.

A g roup of ma r i ne archeologists are now stationed in Ay utthaya to help f lood victims, and would launch an initial inspection soon, she added.

Villagers paddle a boat past a giant “leaning” Buddha statue as floodwaters inundate ancient Ayutthaya.

–Photo AFP Titima Chaisaeng said. The authorities have been building new flood walls in several locations in the north and east of the low-lying capital, where many residents were stocking up on sandbags, non-perishable food and other essential items.

Massive efforts are underway to stop the waters reaching the sprawling city, which has so far escaped serious flooding, unlike areas just north of the

capital, which have seen water up to several metres deep.

A major industrial park home to companies including Japanese automaker Honda has been inundated.

A la rge a mou nt of run-off water is expected to reach Bangkok in mid-October, while high tides will make it harder for the f loods to flow out to sea.

“Whether we can protect

Bangkok depends on three factors – rain levels, run-off water from upcountry and the high tide,” said Justice Minister Pracha Promnog, who heads the Government’s flood relief centre.

“The Government will try its best, but no one can say what will happen. We will try to divert as much water into the sea as we can.”

With the notable exception

of the ancient city of Ayutthaya just north of Bangkok, where historic temples are partially underwater, the country’s top tourist destinations are mostly outside the worst affected areas.

Tourism Minister Chumpol Silapa-archa said the disaster might lead to a dip in foreign visitor arrivals, along with the effect of the European debt crisis, but would not have a lasting impact.

-- AFP

was armed when he held up the bank the previous We d ne sd ay af t e r noon (October 5).

Bank staff said the man, dressed in black clothes and wearing a black crash helmet, forced bank staff with a gun and knife to sweep cash into a black leather bag, then fled on motorcycle.

The bank’s security guards were out on their lunch break.

Fake US dollars at Cambodian border

Cambodian military police arrested two Thai men last week for allegedly smuggling US$430,000 in counterfeit bills into the Cambodian province of Banteay Meanchey through Poipet checkpoint from Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province.

Three Cambodian border police are also being questioned, suspected of helping the two men cross the border.

New Stoc k

Elderly Briton caught after Chiang Mai bank robbery O n S u n d a y (O c t o b e r 9) Ch ia ng Mai police arrested British citizen Michael Ludwig Wynn, 64, on the charge of robbing a bank in Chiang Mai last week.

Siam Com mercial Bank’s Diamond Market branch in Somphet was robbed of B535,000. Police said the suspect’s motorcycle and part of the cash were seized during the arrest.

Police said the suspect

7

has

arriv ed!!

Mr Wynn was previously arrested by Koh Samui police in November last year, initially charged with stealing a motorbike.

Police then laid further charges on the man who had evaded their capture for many months after being named as one of two men who f raudulently collected money on behalf of va r iou s ch a r it a ble organisations in Samui.

Mekong drug attack kills 13 Thai authorities on Tuesday said the bodies of 13 people had been recovered after a raid last week on two Chinese cargo boats on the Mekong thought to have been carried out by a notorious drug gang.

The dead included women and a teenager, said Sermsak Srisant, district chief of Chiang Saen in northern Thailand, near the borders with Laos and Myanmar, in the so-called “Golden Triangle” area known for narcotics smuggling.

Authorities were trying to ascertain whether all 13, who had each suffered gun-

shot wounds, were members of the boats’ crews, he said.

One body was found on a ship while the rest were retrieved from the river.

“We believe these two cargo boats were attacked by a drug group who were act ive i n the Golden Tr iangle,” Ser msak told AFP, adding that 920,000 amphetamine tablets were discovered on the boats.

Sermsak said the gang could have hijacked the boats further north on the river, between Myanmar and Laos, and attempted to force the crew to carry illicit cargo,

but that a shootout appeared to have broken out.

Dr ug k i ng pi n “ Nor Kham”, who is wanted by the Myanmar authorities, was believed to have been behind the attack, he said.

C h i n a’s M i n i s t r y of Foreign Affairs said it was suspending shipping on the Mekong on Monday in response to the attack on the cargo ships Hua Ping and Yu Xing 8 on October 5.

Some Chinese ship operators have asked their Chinese crew to return to China overland from Thailand despite pending deliveries. –AFP

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8

INTERNATIONALNEWS

IN BRIEF Baby Lisa still missing Police say a search of a water tank under a deck at a vacant Kansas City, US home turned up no signs of a 10-month-old girl who has been missing for a week.

Lisa was first reported missing last Tuesday after her father returned home from work.

Her parents have said someone must have crept i nto t hei r home wh ile Lisa’s mother and brothers slept and snatched her.

Australian brain-damaged after Lombok cocktail A n Aust ralia n nu rse suffered brain damage and kidney failure after drinking a cocktail called jungle juice on the Indonesian holiday island of Lombok.

Jamie Johnston, 25, was flown to the Royal Darwin Hospital from Bali in a coma after ordering a jug of arak (rice wine), allegedly contaminated with methanol.

The toxic chemical was prevoiusly linked to the deaths of four foreign tourists in 2009 in Bali.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Captain, officer charged over NZ oil spill crisis The Filipino captain and second officer of a ship stuck on a New Zealand reef have been arrested and charged as up to 70 containers fell into rough seas and a black tide of oil washed up on beaches.

Captain Mauro Balomanga appeared in a Tauranga city court amid a heavy police pres-

ence charged with operating a vessel in a manner causing unnecessary danger or risk as New Zealand grapples with its worst ever maritime pollution disaster.

Balomanga was bailed to reappear on October 19 with the court ordering media not to publish pictures showing his

face after his lawyer expressed fears that “the public may take matters into their own hands” with anger running high. The unnamed second officer was due to appear in court yesterday (October 13).

Up to 300 tonnes of heavy fuel has leaked into the environmentally sensitive Bay

of Plenty since the Liberianflagged Rena hit the Astrolabe Reef, 22 kilometres off the country’s North Island coast, last Wednesday.

Maritime New Zealand said “significantly more oil” may wash ashore. By 11am Wednesday reports were coming in of sheets of oil,

two to three metres wide, covering Papamoa beach.

Oil from the ship was spreading faster than expected, leaving dead animals in its wake and prompting Environment Minister Nick Smith to label the crisis as the country’s “worst maritime environmental disaster”. –AFP

Khmer Rouge judge quits over Cambodia govt ‘interference’

A German judge tasked with probing new Khmer Rouge cases at Cambodia’s UNbacked war crimes tribunal on Monday announced he was resigning in the face of government interference.

Siegfried Blunk said he was stepping down because government objections to further prosecutions linked to the 1975-79 regime effectively made his position untenable.

He described “repeated statements which will be perceived as attempted interference by government officials” over his work on two possible new cases against five ex-Khmer Rouge

members accused of crimes against humanity.

Blunk’s departure will come as an embarrassment to the tribunal, which was set up to bring some justice for the deaths of up to two million people but has been mired in controversy over its handling of the new cases.

The cour t has so far completed just one trial – jailing Kaing Guek Eav, a former Khmer Rouge prison chief, last year for 30 years for overseeing the deaths of 15,000 people.

A second trial involving the regime’s four most senior surviving leaders is under way and expected to start

hearing testimony before the end of the year. The third and fourth cases are widely expected to be dismissed.

Blunk, the tribunal’s international co-investigating judge, had faced mounting criticism in recent months from observers and victims accusing him of bowing to political pressure to drop the two final cases.

Cambodian authorities have made no secret of their objection to pursuing new suspects, with premier Hun Sen – himself a former Khmer Rouge cadre – even saying prosecutions beyond the current second trial were “not allowed”.

A statement from Blunk, released through the court, s a id s u ch gove r n m e nt comments against the investigations had cast doubt over his reputation.

He said that while he would not have been influenced by political statements, his “ability to withstand such pressure by government officials and to perform his duties independently could always be called in doubt, and this would also call in doubt the integrity of the whole proceedings” for the new cases.

His resignation comes a week after Human Rights Watch called for both Blunk

and his Cambodian counterpart You Bunleng to step down for failing “to conduct genuine, impartial, and effective investigations” into cases three and four.

The office of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Blunk would be replaced “as soon as possible” by a reserve judge.

The Khmer Rouge was responsible for one of the worst horrors of the 20th century, wiping out nearly a quarter of Cambodia’s p o p u l a t io n (s o m e t wo million people) through starvation, overwork and execution in a bid to forge a communist utopia.

–AFP

Former Ukraine PM jailed

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A Ukrainian court Tuesday jailed ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Wednesday for seven years after convicting her of abusing power, enraging the West and jeopardising Kiev’s hopes of EU membership.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said the verdict would have “profound implications” for the bloc’s ties with Ukraine, which had hoped this year to sign an Association Agreement in a key first step to membership.

The United States bitterly condemned “a politically motivated prosecution” while Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed bewilderment at the severity of the sentence.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he “expects the judicial proceedings currently still ongoing to be conducted in a fair and impartial manner”, his spokeswoman Vannina Maestracci said.

In apparent recognition of the potentially devastating consequences for the country, President Viktor Yanukovych insisted the decision was not final and that he understood the European Union’s anxiety over the trial.

Judge Rodion Kireyev found Tymoshenko guilty

Former Ukraine Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, pictured here at a conference in 2009, has been jailed. of exceeding her authority while prime minister in 2009 by making the state energy company sign a 10year gas import deal with Russia that was overly advantageous to Moscow.

“The court rules that Y.V. Tymoshenko intentionally used her powers to criminal ends,” Kireyev said in his judgement.

Kireyev said Tymoshenko sustained a loss to state gas firm Naftogaz of 1.5 billion hryvnia ($190 million) by agreeing the 10-year contract and ordered her to pay back the money in full herself.

Tymoshenko, her hair plaited intricately around her head and wearing an immaculate beige dress, defiantly

shouted “Glory to Ukraine!” in response.

“We will fight and defend my good name in the European court. We have to be strong and defend Ukraine from this authoritarianism,” she said.

Tymoshenko has portrayed the three-month trial as a histor ic f ight to ensu re Ukraine’s future at the heart of Europe and a vendetta pursued by Yanukovych to eliminate her from politics after their tight tussle in 2010 presidential elections.

Tymoshenko was later driven in a prison van back to the Lukyanovsky detention centre, where she has been held since her arrest on August 5 for contempt of court. –AFP

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

INTERNATIONALNEWS

Myanmar releases political prisoners Myanmar released thousands of political prisoners on Wednesday under a mass amnesty, according to a government official and an opposition activist.

About 30 political detainees were freed in Yangon, mostly members of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD), a government official said.

An NLD member said that about two dozen political prisoners would be released elsewhere.

Myanmar released the prominent comedian and dissident Zarganar from prison on Wednesday as part of a mass amnesty by the new leadership, his family said.

“I have talked to him. He is free now,” the activist’s sisterin-law Ma Nyein said, adding that that he was expected to be flown home from Myitkyina in northern Kachin State where he was being held.

An activist and the government said Wednesday that dozens more dissidents at least would be released

years. He is believed to suffer from heart disease.

Myanmar state television announced on Tuesday that 6,359 elderly, sick, disabled or well-behaved prisoners would be pardoned from Wednesday “on humanitarian grounds”.

The freedom of an estimated 2,000 political prisoners, who include pro-democracy campaigners, journalists, monks and lawyers, has long been a key demand of Western powers that have slapped sanctions on Myanmar.

Their release would arguably be the clearest sign yet of cha nge u nder a new government that has reached out to cr it ics i ncludi ng opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was freed in November after seven straight years of detention.

President Thein Sein, a Prisoners walk out of the Insein Central Prison in Yangon on Wednesday (October 12). former general and senior – Photo AFP junta figure, has surprised under the pardon for more liveries of aid to victims of response. The famous satirist, critics by signalling a series of than 6,300 prisoners, which Cyclone Nargis, which left who was a vocal critic of political reforms since taking 138,000 people dead or miss- the old military junta, was power following a controverwas announced Tuesday.

Zarganar was arrested ing and prompted international sentenced to 59 years’ impris- sial election last November.

–AFP in 2008 after organising de- criticism of the regime’s slow onment, later reduced to 35

9

IN BRIEF Australian carbon tax law passes lower house The Australian government has secured passage of its controversial carbon tax through the lower house of fe de r a l p a rl ia me nt with the support of key crossbench MPs. Labor won the vote on the 18 carbon tax bills 74 to 72.

The lower house also passed the government’s $300 million (B9.3 billion) steel transformation plan bill.

Hamas to free captured Israeli Israel and Hamas have agreed a landmark deal to secure the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for over a thousand Palestinian detainees.

If the accord is implemented, it will end an ordeal that has lasted more than five years for the young soldier.

Shalot has become a national icon in Israel since his capture by Gaza-based militants in June 2006.

Hamas chief Khaled Meshaal said the first phase of the deal would see 450 prisoners freed “in one week” with 550 more freed later.

US foils ‘chilling’ Iranian plot to murder Saudi ambassador The United States said Tuesday it had broken up a “chilling” plot planned high up in the Iranian government to assassinate the Saudi envoy to Washington, and vowed to hold Tehran to account.

In an explosive twist to the bitter US showdown with the Islamic Republic, the Justice Department charged two men with conspiring with Iranian government factions to blow up Saudi Ambassador Adel al-Jubeir on American soil.

“The complaint alleges that this conspiracy was conceived, sponsored and directed from Iran and constitutes a flagrant violation of US and international law,” said US Attorney General Eric Holder.

“In addition to holding these individual conspirators accountable for their alleged role in this plot, the United States is committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions.”

A criminal complaint named Manssor Arbabsiar, a 56-year-old naturalised US citizen holding Iranian and US passports, and Gholam Shakuri, an Iran-based member of the Quds Force, a unit of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Ambassador Adel al-Jubeir.

Shakuri remains at large while Arbabsiar was arrested on September 29 at New York’s John F. Kennedy airport and appeared in court Tuesday in Manhattan.

His lawyer said he would plead not guilty, if charged.

T he alleged at tempt, dubbed a “Hollywood” scenario by one top US official, was broken open by a paid US source posing as a member of a “violent” Mexico-based drug cartel known for “numerous” assassinations and murders.

The defendants believed the cartel would provide explosives for an attack on the ambassador, according to the complaint.

One official said the assassination could have been followed by other “lethal”

attacks plotted by Iran.

Unconfirmed media reports said the Saudi and Israeli embassies in Washington could have been targets.

Mexico said it cooperated closely with the US investigation and said Arbabsiar was arrested after he was denied entry to the country and sent away on a flight to New York, where he was arrested

by US authorities.

An aide to Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed the allegations as a “prefabricated scenario” designed to “turn public attention away from domestic problems within the United States”.

But US Secretary of State Hillar y Clinton said the United States would consult its allies about how to “further isolate” Iran.

News of the plot will sow even deeper distrust between fierce Gulf antagonists Iran and Saudi Arabia, amid the international stand-off over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The Saudi embassy in Washington called the plot a “despicable violation of international norms, standards and conventions” that “is not in accord with the principles of humanity.”

– AFP www.thephuketnews.com

10 OPINION

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

NORACHAI’S WORLD

Editor’s Viewpoint

On a wing and a prayer As we report this week, Immigration officials at Phuket International Airport will soon be working 12-hour shifts during the high season to cope with the ever increasing number of tourist arrivals. Hiring more officers may be preferable long-term, this is at least a sensible, workable solution.

This new policy is being combined with an increase in the number of check-in counters, recruitment of volunteers to help passengers correctly complete their forms, various infrastructural improvements, and more security staff to speed up baggage checks. With the planned new international terminal scheduled for completion in 2014, it all adds up to a much needed overhaul.

Over the last 12 months, the current domestic and international facilities processed more than 8 million passengers, a huge number that is forecast to only increase, especially in terms of Chinese and Russian tourists, placing ever more strain on the airport’s under strain infrastructure.

As a major international tourist destination (this week it was announced that Phuket is the number two travel destination for Chinese tourists after Hong Kong. As we remark in our business pages, considering that city is actually part of China, then we are – remarkably – number one). However, as with any job interview or date with a

stranger, making the right first impression is everything.

With them already having made the decision to spend their holiday on our tropical isle, it should be of the utmost importance to welcome tourists with open arms, with a pleasant, and efficient airport.

Although we are loath to always compare Phuket with the capital city to the north, it must be noted that despite its futuristic design and superficially modern appearance, passengers’ number one gripe with Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport was the slow time it took to pass through immigration.

A number of months ago, officials there made the enlightened decision to open more counters and increase staff at peak times, an obvious move that has drastically reduced passenger waiting times.

As an important international destination, with annual tourist arrivals outnumbering residents 16:1, it’s high time we ha d a gat eway t hat reflected our status, and which we can all be proud of.

As such, we welcome this week’s announcement by the Immigration department – but we also encourage those in charge of the airport to push on with all the other muchneeded changes. Who knows, perhaps they could be the impetus we need to fix all of the island’s transport woes.

Letters to the Editor Green light

More pink in Patong

[Re. Phuket’s second big Tesco opens for business] Well, I can’t wait for the traffic jams that this extra light will cause and the fact that there will be plenty of people who are way too important to wait in line, thus forming a second ‘turn right’ lane for their personal convenience.

And come on, what on earth is green about a mega shopping complex that will generate thousands of plastic bags in addition to the plastic everything is already packaged in?

There is nothing green about Tesco or any other place of this nature. Please be more honest and you’ll get more respect. You’ll employ a lot of people and pay a lot of taxes.

Leave it at that.

Katakayaking

[Re. Time to get tough on tuk-tuks] An easy cure for tuk-tuk problems: Get a couple of the pink buses from Phuket Town to do a circuit around Patong, and charge B10 to get on and get off when you like.The tuk-tuk drivers would have to clean up their act quickly.

This system works well in Pattaya, why not here?

Mark

Piercing images [Re: Vegetarian Festival] Thanks very much for your coverage of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival this year.

There were some great pictures. As someone new to the island, I found my first time at the festival very interesting.

I learnt a lot about the local culture, and was astounded at

some of the acts, especially the piercings. However I did feel sorry for some of the oldies and young children present, I imagine some of the fireworks would have been very noisy for them! Well done Phuket Town for hosting such a great cultural event. I look forward to next year.

Happy Resident

closed doors it’s a different story. Unfortunately many people forget that these are wild animals, held captive in order to make money. Are they saving them? Sure, but at what cost? I know for sure I would not want to be tied up and then made to cart tourists up the same hill day after day.

Phil F

Trunks in the sand

Calling for consistency

[Re: Rampage elephant moved to mainland] How lucky that couple from the Ukraine were to survive that ghastly elephant fiasco.

I hope they are both safe and well in their home country.

However, one thing’s for sure – it will happen again. There are no regulations around elephant trekking. As for what these camp managers tell the paper, you can be sure behind

[Re: A line in the sand] A response to all this talk of beach encroachment. You have got to feel for the locals who have had their shacks on the beach for the last 30 years, without a fuss. Then in comes some official, telling them to move. The most unfair part is that there is no consistency. The same problem as the knock off goods

on the island’s west coast, only a few are targeted after some “calls” from those in powerful positions. It really is unfair that there is not one rule for everyone.

Sandy

Wed to money [Re: Record breaking mass marriage] I could think of nothing worse than taking part in such an event as the world’s largest wedding ceremony. And where is it being held? Of course, Promthep Cape. I cannot believe anyone would want to be a part of such a horribly commercial idea. But of course, it is good for tourism, so it’s good for Phuket. When and if I get married I sure don’t want to be on honeymoon with 107 other couples!

Single man

Letters should be limited to 250 words, and may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com or fax your contribution to 076 612 553. Please be sure to include your name, address and contact phone number.

The winner of The Phuket News’ ‘Best Letter of the Week’ will receive a gift voucher from Asia Books worth B500. www.thephuketnews.com

Peering into the past [Re. Old Town aims for heritage tag] It’s about time Phuket Town got the recognition it deserved as a heritage area. So many people come to Phuket for the sun and the sea, completely oblivious to the fact that there is such a little treasure within reach. The food, the music, the people: everything is just more interesting in Phuket Town, so any effort to keep it that way can only be a good thing.

Greg Saunders

Correction In last week’s On Camera, we stated that the Grand Opening of FunStart took place at HeadStart International School. It was in fact held in Kathu at the Chalekeree Moo Bahn.

HOTTOPIC 11

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES

Does Phuket’s Old Town need World Heritage status?

T

he face of moder n Phuket is constantly changing. New developments dot the island’s coast, and massive infrastructure projects are in the pipeline.

However, beneath this facade of shiny new beachside villas and luxury property estates, lies a rich history; albeit one slowly disappearing.

This weekend, Professor Yukio Nishimura, urban planner and Vice-President of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), whose functions include evaluation of World Heritage sites, will visit Phuket Town, a major step in its bid for UNESCO World Heritage status.

In the immediate term, bestowing World Heritage status would bring two key things to the island: money from the World Heritage Trust to assist with restoration work; and an influx of tourists to Phuket Town; however the long-term effects of attaining such status are by no means all positive.

Lessons from Abroad Phuket Town’s heritage is closely intertwined with that of Penang, Malaysia. It shares the same Peranakan ancestry, and much of the architecture in the Old Town was directly modeled on that of its Malaysian counterpart. The historic capital of Penang, George Town, was granted World Heritage Status in 2008, but it hasn’t necessarily been all smooth sailing since then.

Alex Ong is a native Penangite, as the islanders are known, and an organiser of the George Town Festival, an annual celebration of the inscription of George Town on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 7, 2008. He believes that, “The [inscription] has favoured the development of George Town... in terms of awareness, conservation and protection of both our tangible and intangible heritage.

“On the other hand, livelihoods in inner city George Town are getting tougher due to rising rental costs. The people are moving out to the suburbs and new townships, and some streets are dead at night.”

Hardware and Software Dr Kosol Taeng-uthai is the President of the Thai Peranakan Association, an NGO leading the charge for Phuket Old Town to attain World Heritage Status.

He is convinced it would bring beneficial results, but says the process must be slow to ensure it is done right – “at least two years” is his time estimate.

“I think it’s a world standard, and the power of globalisation that UNESCO brings can help... people to preserve their heritage,” he said.

“Normally with heritage, people think of the buildings and the architecture, but we also have intangible ‘software’ like food. Now the Peranakan Association is dealing a lot with the intangible heritage.

“We are trying to preserve the ‘hardware’ and the ‘software’. Hardware means the heritage sites, software means the intangible culture.

It’s important because if the locals do not start this programme, then it will not be successful. It should be from the local people.”

Dr Kosol says the aim would be for the area bordered

by Dibuk Rd to the north, Montri Rd to the east, all the way to Sapan Hin in the south, and Satun Rd to the west, to be declared a World Heritage area. Phuket Town would then form part of a ‘trans-boundary’ heritage zone along with George Town, Penang and Malacca, both in Malaysia, both of which also have Peranakan Associations.

I nterestingly, Phu ket Town’s heritage architecture is already fairly well protected. In 1994, Phuket Municipality designated 210 rai (33.6 hectares), covering Rassada, Phang Nga, Yaowarat, Krabi, Dibuk and Thalang Roads as a conservation area, prohibiting buildings more than 12 metres high.

Size Matters Yindee Manosuntthorn is the Head of the Phuket Old Town Community, as well as being a long time business owner on Thalang Road in the heart of the historic area.

“I think the community is too small, and so to join with more people, or people with more inf luence [like UNESCO] would be a good thing,” she says.

Khun Yindee seems acutely aware of the external pressures that the UNESCO title would bring, but says it is something that has already been discussed among the community. But rather than forcing the closure of local businesses, she believes it may actually save them.

She says some long time business owners in Phuket’s Old Town are already selling up shop, particularly as large families divide inheritances. It is simply not as profitable as locations on the west coast, or in Bangkok. “If a lot of tourists come [to the Old Town], it

ry behind that food. If we have World Heritage Status, people will be expected to live in the culture, and that means answering questions about the culture.”

Before and after: Phuket’s Old Town has changed little in the past century; receiving UNESCO World Heritage status would ensure that it stays this way long into the future.

would encourage local people to stay and run the business because it would be more profitable; it is actually an incentive not to sell.”

She is not alone in that opinion. Journalist Normandy Madden lives in Macau – a World Heritage site since 2006 – but also has a home in Phuket. She says she loves Phuket Town “because it’s a miniature crossroads of history”, and believes any concerns about property ownership are probably unfounded.

“I do think it would benefit the local community, in terms of bringing in more revenue and maintaining some of those old businesses, many of which don’t do a thriving business now – it’s a very quiet area in low season,” she said.

“Central Macau, the ruins of St. Paul and the Plaza de Senado, as well as the protected villages of Coloane island, have more tourists now than they did before, but they still look more or less the same as they did years ago.”

T he T hai Pe r a n a k a n Association’s Dr Kosol is also confident of the commitment of local people to retain

their ownership of property, and ensure that the ‘software’ and ‘hardware’ remain in local hands.

“In Phuket, people worry about the future, about the economy. But Baba [another name for Peranakan] people are clever enough to plan how to manage when the future is changing. I think the economy will be growing up fast, and I know that many people from other provinces or other countries will invest here. But I have told everyone that they should remain as owners of the property so we still have a voice in how the town can change.”

Ready or Not Not everyone is so eager for World Heritage Status.

Kritchaya Na Takuathung operates Heritage Trails, which runs guided tours for tourists through Phuket’s Old Town.

Khun Kritchaya obviously has a vested interest in World Heritage Status being granted – it would be good for her business – but she is hesitant to say that it should go ahead, at least in the immediate term.

“[World Heritage Status is] yes and no for me. If you look at business, it will be very, very good. It will draw more tourists to Phuket Town, and make people understand that there is a culture in Phuket Town.

“T he dow nside f rom what I see is that if you go to Penang or Malacca, people are still living in the culture.

When I take people around Phuket Town, the culture is just the buildings... I don’t think the local people really understand what tourists want to see from that.”

Most importantly, Khun Kritchaya feels the people of Phuket Town are simply not ready to meet the expectations that would be required of them should they achieve World Heritage Status. “So many people are too busy, or too caught up with their daily lives and trying to make money, and they don’t have enough information to show people. That’s what scares me if we are to be announced as a World Heritage Site – I don’t think the people are ready...

“They know the name of the local food, for example, but they don’t know the sto-

Young and Old If there is one concern seemingly shared by everyone involved with Phuket’s heritage, it is the younger generations. With bigger and better opportunities for education and employment in Bangkok or overseas, it is becoming difficult for Phuket’s Peranakans to ingrain their cultural traits into their youth.

Phuket Old Town Community Head Khun Yindee says that because so many well educated children go off to study and live abroad, it has become difficult to keep the Peranakan culture alive.

But she also thinks World Heritage Status would help restore cultural values. It could encourage people to take pride in their ancestry, and learn more about their past in the same way that Penang has embraced theirs.

Khun Kritchaya from Heritage Trails also sees it as the definitive factor. She says in Penang, young people are proud and knowledgeable about their history, a trait not widely replicated in Phuket.

“The most important thing I think is not UNESCO, and it is not Penang or Malacca.

The most important thing is the local people here in the Phuket Old Town. We should talk more and discuss together more, and liaise on how to preserve our culture, and how to plan our economy, and plan how to educate our children to ensure our heritage can live beyond the buildings.”

Overall though, she gives a qualified yes to World heritage status. “I think UNESCO is the way to go. If you asked me ‘do you want the UNESCO title’, I would say yes. But I don’t think we’re ready. The buildings are ready, but the people are not ready. We need to educate our own people first, and make sure we are talking about the same thing before we open up the door and welcome more people here.”

Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that if it is granted, UNESCO World Heritage Status is not a recognition of work already done – rather it is a contract of obligation to the future of heritage preservation, a contract that must be signed by every local resident and curious tourist alike.

–Dane Halpin www.thephuketnews.com

12 BUSINESS/TOURISM

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

WHO boss slams big tobacco

The World Health Organization’s chief on Monday urged governments to unite against “big tobacco”, accusing the industry of dirty tricks, bullying and immorality in its quest to keep people smoking.

WHO director-general Margaret Chan accused cashed-up tobacco firms of using lawsuits to try and subvert national laws and international conventions aimed at curbing cigarette sales.

“It is horrific to think that an industry known for its dirty tricks and dirty laundry could be allowed to trump what is clearly in the public’s best interests,” Chan said at a WHO meeting in the Philippine capital, Manila, on Monday.

Chan cited lawsuits by the tobacco industry against antismoking measures in Australia and Uruguay, saying these were “scare tactics” intended to frighten other countries away from following suit.

“It is hard for any country to bear the financial burden of this kind of litigation, but most especially so for small countries,” she said.

“Big tobacco can afford to hire the best lawyers and PR firms that money can buy.

Big money can speak louder than any moral, ethical or

www.thephuketnews.com

Chan – “Big money can speak louder than any moral, ethical or public health argument.’ public health argument and can trample even the most damning scientific evidence”.

Chan called on the countries at the forum of Western Pacific nations to fight back.

“I urge all these countries to stand firm together, do not bow to pressure … we must never allow the tobacco

industry to get the upper hand,” she said.

Chan pointed to successful efforts in the Philippines to increase taxes on tobacco products, saying that the WHO was “gearing up” to support other countries that took such measures.

Chan did not specify how

the WHO would help countries in their efforts to combat the tobacco industry.

But the WHO has for many years called for bans on cigarette advertising and promotion, as well as restrictions on smoking in public places, and higher taxes.

In Australia, Prime Min-

ister Julia Gillard’s government is aiming to introduce world-first legislation that would force all cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging from January 1 next year.

However Philip Morris has launched legal action, claiming Australia’s plans violate international trade obligations and warning it expects billions of dollars in compensation if plain packaging goes ahead.

Australian Department of Health Secretary Jane Halton told the WHO forum in Manila that her government was determined to push through with its plan, despite the “subversive tactics” of tobacco companies.

“We stand ready to repel the assault of big tobacco but we acknowledge it will be a big fight,” Halton told the WHO delegates.

WHO documents released at the forum said that more than a million people a year die from tobacco use in the Western Pacific region.

This covers an area with a population of 1.6 billion people, including China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and many South Pacific island nations.

–AFP

THAI plans flights from Phuket to Denmark From next month until March 2012, Thai Airways (THAI) will launch three weekly flights directly from Copenhagen to Phuket, the first direct THAI f light from Europe to Phuket.

THAI already flies daily from Copenhagen Airport to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi.

The airline will put its Boeing 747-400 on the route with room for 389 passengers.

“With these three extra weekly flights from Copenhagen to Phuket, we offer 4,600 extra monthly seats between Copenhagen and Thailand,” THAI’s Denmark sales director Flemming Sonne said.

“The new seats are in a dd it ion to ou r cu r rent 11,000 seats per month to Thailand,” he adds.

The new flight, a 10-hour, 35-minute flight, will leave Copenhagen on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. On the return, however, passengers must make a connection througbh Bangkok. The airline will operate three additional flights a week on the Bangkok to Copenhagen route.

BUSINESS/TOURISM 13

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Flooding sinks GDP growth The Centre for Economic and Business Forecasting (CEBF) at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has revised its 2011 GDP growth projection downward from 4.4 per cent to 3.6 per cent due to the current flooding, estimated by some sources to be the worst in five decades.

The total bill for flood damage is expected to be B104 billion, according to Thanawat Polvichai, CEBF director.

The B104 billion losses will be split between agriculture (B54 billion), industry (B20 billion), trade (B9.8 billion), tourism (B5.7 billion), public utilities (B9 billion) and housing (B2.2 billion), the CEBF estimates.

The calculation also takes into account the B26 billion damages from floods in the south earlier this year, to give a grand total of B130 billion, which the CEBF argues is equivalent to a 1- to 1.3-point drop in GDP growth.

The Thai economy in the

last quarter is predicted to be less robust because farmers will not be able to mortgage rice crops damaged by flooding in the government’s rice pledging scheme, and that in turn will have an impact on their spending ability as the farmers worry about future income.

In addition, falling stock prices resulting from the economic crisis in Europe, lowered consumer earnings and lower levels of spending by consumers could also cause GDP to drop by a further point.

Mr Thanawat added that if the current f lood threat to the capital cannot be contained and there is widespread flooding in Bangkok, the bill for damage could rise by a further B20 billion.

On the positive side, Mr Thanawat said he expects growth in the fourth quarter to be 4.3 per cent, thanks to improvements in exports and consumption, offsetting poorer growth earlier in the year to

IN BRIEF Ramada wins family resort title Karon’s Ramada Resort scooped this year’s award for Leading Family Resort in Asia in the World Travel Awards, announced recently in Bangkok.

The resort beat off fierce competition from 2007 winner, the JW Marriott at Mai Khao Beach, the Four Seasons in Bangkok and entries from Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Hong Kong.

In the countries section, the Dusit Laguna scored a double, being named Thailand’s Leading Beach Resort and Leading Golf Resort.

Singapore-based Banyan Tree were awarded the Asia’s Leading Resort Brand title.

The awards are decided by votes cast online.

Israel to hire 6,000 Thais

Israel plans to recruit 6,000 Thais to work in agriculture next year, the Senate Committee on Labor and Social Welfare said, following a cooperation agreement between the Tel Aviv and Bangkok.

Instead of having to pay a hefty commission of between B184,500 and B380,000 to private employment agencies in order to get jobs in Israel, job seekers using the government service will pay a much lower sum of 69,306 baht each.

To be eligible, applicants

must be aged between 23 and 39. They can apply online, at www.doe.go.th and www.overseas.doe.go.th or in person at walk-in centres.

These are at the 10 employment offices in Bangkok and at provincial employment offices. Successful applicants should start working early next year. They will be paid B36,900 a month.

–NNT

Visa fees raised Thailand has raised its visa fees for citizens in two major, fast-growing markets for the tourism industry: Russia and India.

The fee for Indians has been bumped up from Rp1,400 to Rp2,000, a rise of 43 per cent, while for Russians, the fee has gone up from US$35 to US$40, an increase of 14 per cent.

The new rates became effective on October 1.

That sinking feeling: Not much sign of economic growth for this woman, sitting on the roof above the flooded lower floor of her house in the ancient city of Ayudhya. –Photo AFP bring in the predicted annual figure of 3.6 per cent.

He predicted that growth in 2012 will be 4.3 per cent.

Also on the plus side of the equation, the Permanent

Secretary for Commerce, Yanyong Phuangrach, is predicting that the inflation rate will tend to decline through the rest of the year.

The Consumer Price In-

dex for September 2011 was at 112.86, up from the same period last year by 4.03 per cent. However, the figure was the first shrinkage in inflation in the past six months, he said,

“and signified the stability of the Thai economy”.

Headline inflation in September was up 0.33 per cent from August but was the first slowdown in 11 months, thanks to price cuts in such products as fuel and meat, coupled with cheaper transport costs.

Mr Yanyong believed the inflation rate would continue on the decline after September since the effects from the Government’s assistance measures, including minimum wage and salary hikes, rice mortgaging and tax refunds for home and car buyers, would not yet be evident.

The Permanent Secretary said he believes that the flooding in the country will not lead to higher inflation, reasoning that overall demand remains unchanged.

He said he was confident that the Commerce Ministry would be able to maintain the average inflation of this year within the targeted range of 3.2-3.7 per cent.

Phuket tops list for the Chinese

Just 0.22 per cent of the population of China went overseas during the recent National day “Golden Week”. Of course, this being China, that percentage equated to 2.2 million people.

According to a survey conducted by Ctrip.com, China’s leading online booking agency, Hong Kong was the top destination, with Phuket second.

Considering that Hong Kong is actually par t of China, that puts Phuket in top position as a destination for Chinese holidaymakers.

Bangkok came seventh.

According to the Thai Ministry of Tourism and Sports, almost 1.2 million Chinese visited Thailand in the first eight months of this year, up 69 per cent from the same period in 2010.

In terms of growth, China and Russia are leading the tourist charge into Thailand.

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14 BUSINESS/PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Investment fund targets high-end home in Phuket

Phuket is on the shopping list of a new investment fund based in Sydney, Australia, which aims to raise AU$30 million (B910 million) from Australian investors to buy luxury properties.

In what is effectively a twist on the traditional fractional ownership model, investors in the Allure Properties Diamond Fund will receive an annual “vacation” allocation to spend at the fund’s six properties, which will be in London, Colorado in the USA, Queenstown in New Zealand, the south of France, Phuket and Fiji.

Behind the fund is Jo Perrott, daughter of Perth business magnate Michael Perrott.

She was quoted by The Australian as saying, “With the strong [Australian] dollar and the decline in international residential property prices, t he buy i ng power of Australian investors has significantly increased.”

The minimum investment is AU$250,000, about B7.6

million. The investors will be entitled to 14 days rentfree stay per year in any of the properties.

There is a fixed investment period of eight years, after which the fund will be wound up and proceeds distributed to the investors.

Ms Perrott plans to launch more similar funds in the future, with investors in any one fund able to use properties in any of the other funds through a cross-fund sharing scheme.

“These multi-million-dollar homes will sleep a minimum of eight guests in stunning style,” the Allure website (allureproperties.com.au) states. “[They will] be professpionally furnished and have staff on hand including private concierge, maids and maintenance personnel as required.

“Investors, through the Fund, will co-own 100 per cent of the properties and importantly, these homes will be theirs to vacation in with family and friends throughout the investment period.”

Phuket is one target of the Allure Diamond Fund. Another (above) is Queenstown in New Zealand.

–Photo by Malcolm Jacobson

Smugglers try to cheat rice scheme The day before the Government officially launched its controversial rice pledging scheme last Friday (October 7), allowing rice farmers to obtain loans against future rice harvests, maverick massageking-turned-politician Chuwit Kamolwisit dropped a bomb.

The MP showed Parliament video of what he said was rice being smuggled across the border from Cambodia, to be sold for double what it would fetch in that country.

“The Thai people might be unknowingly eating Cambodian rice,” he thundered. “The

Cambodian rice could sell for B15,000 a tonne in Thailand under the Government’s pr ice -pledg i ng scheme, compared with only B7,000 a tonne in Cambodia.

“It will be falsely described as Thai rice in order to take advantage of Thai government policy.

“The Thai farmers can only cry in pain at the sight of Cambodian rice being bought for B15,000 a tonne in place of their own rice, most of which has already been destroyed in flooding,” Mr Chuwit said.

As reported in last week’s

The Phuket News, the Gover nment has banned the transporting of more than five tonnes of rice at a time – with heavy penalties – in the hope of scotching those who would cheat on the rice pledging scheme.

But Mr Chuwit’s video evidence seems to show that some people are still prepared to take the risk.

The Thai ASEAN News Network reported on its Twitter feed that the Royal Thai Army had detected three officers involved in the smuggling of rice across the border.

Chuwit Kamolvisit: ‘The Thai people might be unknowingly eating Cambodian rice.’

Corruption in rice scheme inevitable says Thai watchdog The National Anti-Corruption Network (NACN) has pledged to monitor closely the gover n ment’s r ice pledging scheme, saying that corruption is inevitable.

NACN commissioner Pongsak Assakul said the network is now focusing on the government’s rice pledging scheme, in which, he said, “there will certainly be corruption”.

–TAN www.thephuketnews.com

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Bangkok development giant targets Phuket O ne of T hai la nd’s biggest property developers, Sansiri, is about to enter the Phuket market with a condominium project in Kathu.

While foreign property developers have been in the doldrums since 2008 because their products are aimed at the mid-range and high-end markets, which have been soft for the past three years, developers targeting the lowend market, from B1 million to B5 million, have had no trouble selling product.

One of these is Sansiri, an SET-listed company with paid-

up capital of B7.5 billion and property sales in the first half of this year of B4.09 billion.

This week it launched its condo project in Kathu, one of 10 new condo projects the company has launched or will launch in the second half of 2011 alone.

In July, Uthai Uthaisangsuk, the company’s senior executive vice president, told the Bangkok Post that demand for condominiums priced lower than B80,000 per square metre was strong, with a takeup rate of 100 per cent in the first half of the year.

“All projects in this segment were sold out within the first six months of being launched,” he said.

The company’s website currently lists 14 apartment block developments, 11 of them in Bangkok. Prices are as high as B9 million, but most are in the B1-3-million range. If the three condo projects in Bangkok are any guide, the Phuket condos should be selling at around B1 million each.

The website also lists 10 projects with standalone homes, eight townhouse

projects and two shophouse/ home office projects.

In addition to sales of homes, Sansiri has built apartments and offices for rent, and owns Casa del Mare, a 46room hotel in Hua Hin. It also has a property services arm.

The company reported a prof it in 2010 of more than B1.4 billion.

Sansiri is connected to the Lamsam family, which effectively owns Kasikorn Ban k and TT&T, among other major companies.

Starwood Capital Group is also a shareholder in Sansiri.

Banana Disco owner to launch shopping centre Patong Beach Hotel Phuket Ltd, owners of the Patong Hotel and Banana Disco, revealed on Tuesday ambitious plans for a new shopping complex on a 4,500-sqm land plot on the beach road in Patong, aimed squarely at tourists.

Construction crews broke ground last week on the project, which is scheduled to open in May next year.

The three-floor Banana Walk, 100 metres from Soi Bangla, will feature a “modern, tropical” design concept which, claims Smith Obayawat, the project’s architect, will help to change to the face of streetshopping on Patong Beach.

The complex aims to allow visitors to “eat, shop and party”. It will have around 30 boutique retail outlets, five restaurants and rooftop nightclubs. The final building design will depend on the space requirements and design ideas of the new tenants.

“With Banana Walk we have designed architecture to create a shopping experience that’s a complete departure from the typical Thai neighborhood or community malls,” sais Mr Smith, founder of The Office of Bangkok Architects (OBA), one of Bangkok’s leading Architects.

“This is a very special location so we need to remember that more is not always necessarily better.”

“We believe street level mall design in Thailand needs to allow for more freedom of movement and flow for these types of spaces,” he explained.

“We’ve done that with Banana Walk with low density designs that provide ample outdoor

PROPERTY 15

Japan set ‘to offer 10,000 free tickets’ Newspapers and websites in Japan, the UK and Australia have been reporting that the Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) is considering offering 10,000 free air tickets to tourists to try to restart the tourism industry.

Tourism in Japan was slammed by the tsunami and earthquake in March, followed by the lingering problems of containing the damage done by the quake to the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

Yomuiri Online, the website of Japan’s major daily newspaper, Yomiuri Shimbun, reported that the JTA, a department of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, plans to launch an international competition via the internet, with 10,000 free return tickets at stake.

Tourism figures compared with the same period of 2010 halved in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake and although they have recovered

somewhat since then, August’s figure still lagged behind August 2010 by 32 per cent.

According to Britain’s Daily Mail newspaper, the competition would invite applicants to nominate the places in Japan they would like to visit. Successful applicants would receive free flights, but pay for hotels and other costs while in the country.

Afterwards, they would also be expected to write about their trip to Japan, with the stories published on the internet with the aim of improving international confidence in Japan as a tourist destination.

So far there has been no actual confirmation of the plan from the JTA itself.

The campaign echoes the one launched in 2008 by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and AirAsia, in which 100,000 free tickets to fly to Thailand to counter the damage done to tourism by Yellow Shirt political turmoil in Bangkok.

‘Modern tropical’ Banana Walk will feature natural building materials such as bamboo. lounge areas where travellers can mingle and gaze at the shops and restaurants that semi-surround them.

“It also makes common sense that when you have a lovely beachfront setting like Banana Walk that every living space in the complex faces the waterfront.”

Banana Walk’s architectural design has a natural approach featuring stone, wood, glass and bamboo.

Special design elements also create a less air-conditioned environment for Banana Walk by using natural ventilation in common lounge areas. The exterior design uses extensive sun and rain shielding with natural materials to protect the glass and exposed areas from the elements.

Nick Anthony, Managing Director of Indigo Real Estate, the Banana Walk leasing agent, said, “The fresh design approach and the prime location of Banana Walk are attracting some interesting retailers to Patong,” says Nick Anthony.

“If you’re a retailer or restaurant operator looking to expand into Thailand, Patong is a market that can’t be overlooked as its popularity continues to grow. This section of Patong where Banana Walk is located gets an average of over 5,000+ people each day who walk by, and almost 1,000 people an hour in the evening.”

The new centre should appeal to t he shoppi ng desires of one of Phuket’s fastest-growing markets – mainland China.

The developers of Banana Walk stress that they will follow sustainable retail practices, banning plastic bags and all Styrofoam products and supporting a strong recycling program and efficient energy usage system.

Banana Walk is configured for half core retail space and half for food and beverage outlets. The anchor food and beverage outlet will be Baitong Seafood, which is owned by the Banana Walk developers.

The complex is separated

into three blocks, each with three floors and a roof top area facing the inner courtyard and beach. Quality retailers are being invited to be represented in Banana Walk, which the developers predict will become a new destination for shopping on Phuket for both locals and tourists.

The project website is at bananawalkphuket.com

www.thephuketnews.com

16 ARTS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Life up on cloud nine “I always feel good on an aeroplane as I know that the pilot is doing his best to fly me safely to my destination.

When the weather is bad, the pilot will do his best to protect the aircraft. The choice he has here is to fly towards the light,” says Phuket photographer Watcharapong Cholchawalit.

As Watcharapong knows, there is always a fascination in seeing these heavy metal birds, this ingenious feat of human engineering, being able to lift into the air, or gently

Bright nights, big art Phuket’s often quiet ar t scene saw a couple of events in the last week that brightened the monsoonal nights.

Australian designer and sculptor John Underwood invited artists and others to make a form of kinetic art at his Factory studio off the bypass road, by dripping paint on to circular wooden “canvases” that were spinning at the time.

The resulting paintings were quick ly done, and recorded the centrifugal motion and outward spreading splotches of different colours of acrylic paint.

Like the drip-paintings of American painter Jackson Pollock, these painting marks are haphazard and so free of any signature stamp of their creators, or manipulators.

The sculptor’s next clever

idea was to hang these painted circles in his Brush Restaurant and Lounge in Kalim on Saturday night, selling them (for up to B6,000 each) to 40 invited guests to raise funds for the Phuket Has Been Good to Us Foundation. The foundation provides Englishlanguage education for government schools in Phuket.

On Tuesday night, it was the birthday of Benny Falk, the genial blond Norwegian owner of the new Little Monk art gallery and decorative art shop on Saiyuan Rd in Naiharn.

He celebrated it at the same time as the opening of the new gallery by laying out free food and drinks to guests who sat at tables spread out on the footpath.

Mr Falk said he was bowled over by the paintings of Som-

Gallery

focus

Random view

glide down to land. This feat, so routine now that it hardly rates a second glance, should not be possible, but, like a bee’s flight, it is.

The ever-changing cloudscape hold the same fascination for most of us. Hours can be spent sitting at a window awed by the wispy vapour; which eventually disappears into the thin air from which it comes.

Phuket Galleries Art de Phunara

149/11 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherng Talay, 076 527 562, info@phunara.com; phunara.com.

Open daily 10am-7pm, closed Sunday.

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Ceramics of Phuket

71/3 Vichitsongkram Rd, Kathu; 185/6-7 Srisoonthorn Rd, Cherng Talay, 076 326 870, info@ceramicsofphuket.com; ceramicsofphuket.com.

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Chatriya Gallery

2/18 Limelight Ave, Dibuk Rd, Phuket Town, 076 225 284, chariyagallery@gmail.com.

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I Mon Art Gallery

29/2 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, montien_29@live.com. Open daily 8am-7.30pm.

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King Art Studio

21 & 50 Soi Bangla, Patong, 086 682 9130, info@kingsartstudio.com; kingartstudio.com.

Open daily 10am-midnight.

--------------------------------------------------------------Somkiat Kaewnok with Little Monk Gallery’s Benny Falk. kiat Kaewnok, who works at the Sarasil studio on Phang Nga Rd in old Phuket Town, so he invited the artist to show his intricate and deco-

rative oil paintings, with their strangely-elongated figures, in the first solo exhibition at the new Naiharn gallery.

–Norachai Thavisin

Lat Design and Art Garden

95/33 Sai Yuan Rd, Naiharn, 086 294 3971, ja_rassri@hotmail.com.

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Little Monk Gallery

95/33 Sai Yuan Rd, Naiharn, 086 294 3971.

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Phuket Modern Art

5/28 Haad Patong Rd, Patong, 089 646 8838, info@phuketmodernart; comphuketmodernart.com.

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Red Gallery

Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 087 323 321, redgallerythai@yahoo.com; phuketredgallery.com.

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Sarasil Art Galllery

121 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 532, somkiatkaewnok@yahoo.com; oilpaintingsphuket.com. Open daily 8pm-9pm.

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Siam Gallery

73/66 Kamala-Patong Rd, Kamala, 089 586 4133, siamgallery.phuket@hotmail.co.th.

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Soul of Asia

5/50, 2/F, The Plaza Surin, Surin, info@soulofasia.com; soulofasia.com.

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WUA Gallery and Studio

1 Phang-Nga Road, Phuket Town, 076 258 208 wua.artgallery@gmail.com, wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.

Guests at the charity art sale at the Brush Restaurant in Kalim enjoy a drink and the art on the walls. www.thephuketnews.com

As part of The Phuket News’ ongoing commitment to promoting the island’s emerging art scene, we welcome all details of galleries and art events.

Contact us at: managingeditor@thephuketnews.com

PEOPLE 17

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Life is just one long wave

Luke Remmers

Exposed

Man of many talents: Surf House surfing instructor, Kite Zone kite surfing instructor, part-time real estate salesman, owner of Skyla’s Beach House in Kamala, and personal life coach to islanders.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

I was living on Ocean Beach in San Francisco, surfing a lot, working as a paramedic, teaching community CPR and first aid, and had hair down to the middle of my back.

I spent a lot of time travelling and having as much fun as I could. I have always worked to live.

Why did you move to Phuket?

I have lived here for about eight years. I came over on a holiday and met some really great people.

I had been d reaming about a place like this for while and when I met my wife Poy I knew this was the place of my dreams.

What hobbies and sports are you into?

Mostly ocean sports like surfing, wake-boarding, kite surfing, swimming and the occasional dive.

I like playing the guitar and ukulele with Skyla, my one-and-a-half-year-old.

She loves music.

I like to road bike and train with the triathlon crew we have here in Phuket.

I also have a bunch of skateboards and surfboards

Luke Remmers with his musical daughter Skyla.

Always up for a good night: Luke DJing at Skyla’s Beach House in Kamala.

that I take out with the local kids. I love to inspire young minds.

My step-dad, because he showed me how to be a good man by loving my mom.

Favourite food?

Definitely a super steak Mexican burrito with everything; sour cream, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, great salsa, seasoned steak, rice, black beans – oh so good.

Mexican food is my favourite, I even make my own fresh flour tortillas at home.

Favourite music?

Jazz or classical in the morning, though it’s usually El-

mo’s World for a bit with my daughter, after which just ‘quiet’ is nice.

When I’m out, I like to listen to a good DJ playing cool retro beats.

Favourite childhood memory?

I scored the winning goal in a soccer match when the opposing team’s goalie kicked the ball out past the centre of the field and I kicked it straight back in – the ball never hit the ground.

Person you admire?

Funniest thing that has happened to you here?

Well, it’s either the monkey that stole my glasses, or when the policeman laughed at me when I tried to outrun him on my side-car motorbike full of blow-up swimming toys.

Best thing about living on this island?

Going surfing with my little girl in the warm water, it is a perfect place for kids.

Favourite place on the island?

Surin Beach in the monsoon season for surfing.

and dinner at Catch Beach Club and later hit a cool club like Famous or Blow for some late night partying.

Favourite night out?

Going to Skyla’s in Kamala, it’s our place, we love it. So many people have had a blast there, g reat cocktails, barbecues and dancing into the night on the beach or in the tree house.

Best tip for people thinking of moving here?

Enjoy every day, give thanks for what you have, smile, drive around with your windows down or on a motor bike, interact with the community and remember you’re in Thailand not home.

Ideal first date?

We would start off with a surfing lesson, then go for a massage followed by drinks

Skyla’s Beach House: skylaphuket.com

STREET PEOPLE

‘Dad’s’ midday caffeine fix Around midday, thirsty staff at the editorial section of The Phuket News can be found half-listening for the familiar tooting sound echoing up from the street below.

Then it’s time to quickly grab some change and head down to see Pa (Dad), the mobile drink vendor doing the rounds on his motorcycle and coffee-making side car.

Comforting is the aroma of his kafe boraan (Thai-style coffee), small grains of very darkly-roasted coffee grown in and around Chiang Mai in the north, as the old man pours boiling water into the cloth filter funnel to make your steaming cup.

There are always bags of prawn crackers and biscuits

to eat with your drink.

Unusually, Ot Nawamaat’s first name is both the real name and nickname of this popular vendor. “It’s on my ID card,” he affirms.

Four years ago, Ot left the bright lights and the busy streets of Pattaya, where he was selling his drinks for 10 years, for the same in Phuket.

And he likes it better here.

His day starts at 7.30am and he knocks off at the civilised time of 4pm.

He has a set round for the breakfast trade, visiting various offices before coming this way at lunch time. But it looks like he had forgotten to shave this morning.

–Norachai Thavisin www.thephuketnews.com

18 TRAVEL

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

On the Town: Koh Samui’s charming capital Nathon

he official capital city of Koh Samui, quiet Nathon is also the tropical island’s only town.

Long before the tourist hordes arrived, intrepid backpackers first came ashore a t t h e m a i n fe r r y pie r here, reveling in their ‘undiscovered’ slice of paradise.

Because it’s the largest settlement, this is where you’ll also find all the main government buildings – police, immigration, and post office – though you hopefully won’t be here to visit any of them.

Instead, Nathon offers visitors the closest semblance to local life you’ll likely find on the island, with wooden Chinese-style shophouses filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes and bookshops – and (as yet) none of the sleaze found elsewhere.

Located on the waterfront in a charming one-storey wooden house, About Arts & Crafts (Chonwithee Road, 089 724 9673) does a decent trade in hand painted ceramics, coffee, and homemade cakes. Around the corner on Na A mphoe Road is Nathon Books (no tel.), which has probably Samui’s best collection of secondhand paperbacks as well as a sprinkling of literary classics.

If you head away from the pier, and then turn right on Nathon Road, you’ll soon come across The Cor ner Restaurant (no tel.), which serves Thai favourites such

T

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and ’84 Smiles’

The island’s easy riders cruise the capital’s quiet streets.

Boats leave for Phangan from the pier at Nathon Town.

Tourists arrive too early for the weekly walking street.

as pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice.

Once you’ve had your fill, keep on heading south down Nathon Road and you’ll come across Artwear (07 723 6219; www.artwearsamui.com), a T-shirt shop that sells locallymade, original designs – a much better souvenir than that seashell wind chime you

way back to the pier where a line of taxis wait to ferry you back to your hotel for a negotiated price.

were tempted by earlier. Walk on from here, and then turn right back towards the waterfront to reach the last stop on your short Nathon tour.

As the name suggests, Sunset Restaurant (07 742 1244) is the best place in town to watch the sun go down.

Enjoy your fill of seafood, and then slowly make your

How to get there Bot h Ba ng kok A i r ways (bangkokair.com) and Thai Airways (thaiairways.com) offer regular daily f lights from Phuket to Samui airports.

Where to stay Outrigger Koh Samui Resort & Spa (outrigger.com) is a sanctuary of privacy on the north coast of Koh Samui.

This intimate resort offers only 79 rooms, suites and private villas inspired by Thai tradition but featuring contemporary flair.

–Simon Ostheimer

Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket and Dusit International have launched the “84 Smiles” promotion to celebrate the 84th Birthday of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, by donating B84 for every night stayed in Dusit hotels or resorts for 84 days prior to 5 December 2011.

Proceeds from this fundrasing effort go towards the ongoing Dusit Smiles-Operation Smile Thailand programme.

This worldwide organisation mobilises medical professionals to provide safe and effective reconstructive surgery for children born with facial deformities, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. For more information on Dusit Smiles, visit dusit.com/dusitsmiles.

“Guests staying during the promotion period will have the opportunity to match our contribution,” said Mr. Peter Komposch, General Manager, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. “We encourage our guests to support us in meeting our target of raising funds for 84 operations.”

As an additional privilege, guests staying at Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket from December 1-5 will receive a complimentary gift to celebrate the 84th Birthday of His Majesty King of Thailand.

076 362 999; dusit.com.

Starwood announces luxurious new Phuket property Naka Yai

Set on its own private island off Phuket, reached in a short 5 minute trip by speedboat from Ao Po Grand Marina in the northeast, The Naka Island, Phuket resort offers an exclusive and private retreat.

Altogether there are 67 villas each set in their own private garden, with plunge pools, salas and outdoor liv i ng deck s. A u n ique addition are the resort’s Experience Guides, personal butler, concierge and guest relations officer all rolled into one.

As for F&B outlets, Tongsai all day restaurant offers a casual beachside setting; My Grill serves seafood and steaks with a southern Thai twist in a beach grill house; and Z Bar is the place to enjoy a cocktail whilst watching the sunset slip over the horizon.

The Naka Island Spa, www.thephuketnews.com

meanwhile, is one of the largest spas in Phuket, offering holistic therapy focusing on the key principles of health, beauty and inner peace, drawing on local remedies.

The exclusive opening offer is from B9000+++ per villa, per night, inclusive of breakfast and boat transfers. luxurycollection.naka @ luxurycollection.com; starwoodhotels.com

TRAVEL 19

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

A young family come in from a morning dip in the calm waters off Pak Meng beach.

Taking it lying down: the man-shaped island. –Photos by Teerapat Pattanasoponpong

A slice of paradise Those looking for a relaxing weekend away should make their way to Pak Meng beach in Trang province. The pristine and natural area is part of the Chao Mai Marine National Park.

Resembling the shape of a crescent moon, Pak Meng beach is about four kilometres long, with a pier at the northern end. From here, long tails (most of them fishing boats), wait to take tourists to the many offshore islands, including Koh Ngai, Koh Mook and Koh Kradan.

At the southern end of

the beach is an attractive viewpoint, where you can see for miles; though the most obvious landmark is the island just offshore, where karst limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea in the shape of a man lying on his back in the water. The sunsets here are suitably dramatic.

Because of this natural beauty, a few years ago Trang provincial officials started to develop Pak Meng beach as a new tourist destination, which they hoped would turn into a popular area for nightlife and resorts.

While resorts and restaurants are now in abundance, it is still unspoiled enough to be a place for people who love the outdoors, or who want to relax with friends and family. Camping in tents remains a popular option for those who wish to be at one with nature, and forgo home comforts for a few nights.

In the early morning, fishermen head out on long tail boats to secure the day’s catch, local people open up their shops and restaurants to visitors, and a few rental shops set up on the beach.

The best time to visit Pak Meng is November through April, when the temperature is warm and the sea is calm.

How to get there Head north from Phuket on Highway 4 (Phetchakasem Road), then turn right into Highway 4046 (Trang-Sikao).

Drive for 28 kilometres, then turn left onto Highway 4162 for another 10 kilometres.

Turn right at the three-way intersection to Pak Meng Pier. There are daily buses from Trang Central Bus Station to Pak Meng Pier.

www.thephuketnews.com

20 WEIRDWORLD

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

THE BIG LIST

Incredible insurance polices There are some things that money can’t buy. For everything else, there’s insurance.

Here are some of the ridiculous policies that have been taken out by people with valuable ‘assets’ to protect.

Marvelous Merv: While playing for Australia’s national cricket team from 1985 to 1994, Merv Hughes took out an estimated US$370,000 policy on his trademark walrus-style mustache. Of course his cricketing talent was also pretty valuable, but clearly not as valuable as the mo’.

Leggy blonde: German super model Heidi Klum has both of her legs insured, but strangely enough, one happens to be worth more than the other. The former Victoria’s Secret brand spokeswoman’s right leg is insured for US$1.2 million, but her left only US$1 million. Why the discrepancy? A

little scar on her left limb, not that most men on the planet would care in the slightest.

Off his chest: Believe it or not, Welsh crooner Tom Jones used to be considered a sex symbol.

These days, however, 71 year-old Jones lives in fear. Sure, he’s remained famous for half a century, and probably sexed enough women to populate a small and very satisfied country, but he believes it all could come crashing down with a single accident that in any way damages his luxuriant pelt of chest hair. Seriously. To keep his sexiness intact, he’s insured it for the princely sum of US$7 million.

Dolly bird: Everyone loves country star Dolly Parton’s music, right? Well just in case that ever goe s out of style, Parton ha s i n su red e a ch g i normous breast for US$300,000.

Egads Egon: In 1957, world-famous food critic Egon

Ronay wrote and published the first edition of the Egon Ronay Guide to British Eateries. Because his endorsement could make or break a restaurant, Ronay insured his taste buds for a whopping US$400,000 – sure to leave a bad taste in the mouth of the insurers if he makes a claim.

Probing the limits: “Alien abduction, impregnation, and cons u m p t i o n ”: Non-celeb Paul Hucker would get US$1.5 million should any of those things happen. The out-of-this-world policy is actually not as uncommon as you might expect: some 20,000 Americans supposedly have it in some variant. The truth is out there.

Rear-ended: Jennifer ‘f rom the block’ Lopez has a US$27 million insurance policy on her distinctively curvy rear end – after all, it’s not like the music and movie thing were going to work out, as Gigli proved..

Irish Pubs • Restaurant • Guest Houses

Premier Inn Director of Bed Bouncing Natalie Thomas puts her best asset to work.

It’s bottoms up for a British bed tester

British hotel worker Natalie Thomas’ rear end is so good at detecting lumps in beds she is having her prize asset insured for £4 million (B190 million).

The 39-year-old from Luton, Bedfordshire (no joke), tests about 24 guest beds a day as “Director of Bed Bouncing” for budget hotel chain Premier Inn.

Natalie is tasked with testing how comfor table each of the chain’s 46,000 beds is, spending around 20 minutes on each one.

Natalie said: “I absolutely love my job and really can’t imagine doing anything else now. I work with an excellent team of “bouncers” and we

work together to bounce on every part of the bed, before testing how comfortable it is to lie and sleep on.

“Whilst we have lots of fun bouncing on beds, we take our job very seriously as making sure every guest gets a good night’s sleep is of paramount importance to us all.”

100 year-old woman gets male stripper for birthday A woman who said she wanted a male stripper for her 100th birthday party was granted her wish by her family.

Clare Ormiston, who lives at Glenfield Residential Home in Wythall, Birmingham, came up with a couple of suggestions when her relatives asked her what she fancied to mark the milestone birthday.

“The first one was actually ‘a seat on the moon’,” the former secretary’s daughter Marguerite told the Daily Mirror. “Seeing as that was pretty impossible. I said ‘What about something else?’ and she said ‘a stripper’.

“I couldn’t believe it. She’s got a wicked sense of humour – I nearly fell off my chair.”

And the new centenarian’s reaction when a male stripper named Scorpion rocked

Just what she always wanted, and well worth the wait. up to the residential home to fulfill her wish last week? “I enjoyed that. It definitely put a smile on my face.”

Scorpion himself, real name John Green, said of the

pant-exposing gig: “Clare said she’s always wanted to see a stripper – well she’s waited a long time!

“But it was a very special day and she really enjoyed it.”

Draft Beer Great Food Cool Rooms Good Music Live Sport Fancy a long black? How about a flat white? Extra milk? Just be very careful what you order at this old Phuket Town cafe – who knows what you might end up getting served. www.thephuketnews.com

ONCAMERA 21

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Wing Commander Chakrit, Wing Commander Veera Swadee, Air Chief Marshall Werakoop Srisongkram, Peter Singh, Deepak Kaush, Wing Commander Somchit, Wing Commander Sombot, and other VIP attendees.

Alan Dinning, Air Chief Marshall Werakoop Srisongkram, Deepak Kaush, Jasmine Nolan, and Peter Singh.

Club Tropical, The Lounge and Deepavali open in Bang Tao Place N

umerous Thai dignitaries led by Air Chief Marshall Weerakoop Srisonkram from the Royal Thai Air Force attended the opening of Club Tropical, The Lounge, and Deepavali at Bang Tao Place, Phuket on Thursday (October 6).

T he cent re pie ce of T he Lounge is a stylish bar that is supplemented by an outdoor area.

Besides traditional pub food and Thai specialities, The Lounge incorporates its own Indian restaurant, Deepavali, which serves authentic Indian food created by a chef who previously worked in numerous five star hotels throughout the subcontinent.

Invitees enjoying the fun atmosphere: Paul Moorhouse, Deepak Kaush, Harvey Nolan, Mon, Cristy Baker, Aiden Power, and Alan Dinning.

Wing Commander Veera Swadee, Group Captain Pradyut, Peter Singh, Wing Commander Chakrit, Iddy Chutima, Deepak Kaush, Captain Somchai, and other VIP guests enjoying the evening’s entertainment.

Boutique bar Fire Fly opens in Central A new boutique beer bar and restaurant, Fire Fly, held its grand opening last week at Central Festival.

Many honou red g uests, including a host of local celebrities, were at the opening, which included a mini concert by Thai singer Suchart Chawangkul.

The bar and restaurant is located on the first floor of Central Festival Phuket, in the Lan Lom Zone.

Fire Fly has more than 100 international beers on its menu,

Soaking up the atmosphere at Central: From left, Fire Fly general manager Chawalit Rattana-chinkorn, Owner of Kata Group Pramuk Achariyachai, Phuket Senator Thanyarat Achariyachai, General Manager of Central Festival Phuket Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree and Thai singer Suchart Chawangkul.

including a number of unique fruit and chocolate flavoured varieties.

With an open-air feel, the venue offers a chilled out atmosphere with a lounge style design.

At the event, General Manager of Central Festival Phuket Wilaiporn Pitimana-aree revealed plans he has for the shopping centre: “In the future we hope to open many different kinds of restaurants in this zone, including a bar and beverage only section.”

Popular Thai singer Suchart Chawangkul performs for the crowd. www.thephuketnews.com

22 DOWNTIME BOOK

MUSIC

Metals

Feist Interscope/Cherrytree

1Q84

Haruki Murakami Knopf, 944 pages A young woman named Aomame follows a taxi driver’s enigmatic suggestion and begins to notice puzzling discrepancies in the world around her. She has entered, she realises, a parallel existence, which she calls 1Q84.

Meanwhile, an aspiring writer named Tengo takes on a suspicious ghostwriting project. He becomes so wrapped up with the work that, soon, his previously placid life begins to unravel.

Haruki Murakami’s magnum opus is an epic of staggering proportions; 1,000 pages of surreal and powerful writing.

A love story, a mystery, a fantasy, a novel of selfdiscovery, a dystopia to rival George Orwell’s, 1Q84 is Murakami’s most ambitious undertaking yet; an instant best seller in his native Japan, and a tremendous feat of imagination.

Canadian/American artist Feist harnesses all her gifts to create something essential on her latest album Metals.

The matter-of-fact beauty of her voice; the way she effortlessly mixes complicated emotions with equally complicated arrangements; and a versatility that allows her to craft a compilation’s worth of sounds and approaches without lapsing into pastiche.

Feist’s songs are rooted in the repetitions and moods of the blues tradition, an impression that Metals reinforces by its prodigious guitar riffs than run through ‘Anti-Pioneer’ and ‘Get It Wrong, Get It Right’.

Above all else, the album emphasises Feist’s vocals, which sound as though they were recorded very closely to capture even the finest textures and subtlest tones.

Though it’s by no stretch a difficult album, Metals feels like such a refreshing statement of artistic integrity.

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

FILM Cars 2

106 minutes Rating: G Pi xa r has f i nally done the unthinkable: release a film that lacks both humour and originality.

Sadly, this tale of motorised international espionage is an exercise in mediocrity that will probably keep kids happy, but leave parents and animation fans feeling unusually disappointed.

It almost goes without saying that Cars 2 is as visually appealing as any other Pixar production; that has always been a strength of their films, and this is no exception. Unfortunately all that digital dazzle can’t disguise the rusty storytelling under the hood.

As a standalone talking car cartoon, this film would have enough colour and action to keep the kids amused. But as a sequel to the original Radiator Springs tale, and as an addition to

the Pixar pantheon, this is an unworthy entrant. Pixar’s films have always felt crafted by masters of their art. Cars 2 feels like a mismatch of spare parts botched together by an unfortunate apprentice.

One of the biggest mistakes Cars 2 makes is promoting the supporting comic-relief character to the role of protagonist.

Changing the focus from racing car Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) to his rusty tow-truck pal Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), Cars 2 unveils a

complex global conspiracy plot featuring a worldwide Grand Prix, international spy rings, and environmental terrorism.

The dim-witted Mater is mistaken by British agents Finn McMissile (Michael Cain) and Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer) for an American agent in deep disguise and swept up in their mission to reveal the mastermind – or perhaps master motor – destroying the cars racing in the Grand Prix.

McQueen shows up occa-

sionally to run a race or three, and the relationship between him and Mater is threaded through as an awkward concurrent plot line, but the rest of the Radiator Springs team are left out of the starting line-up completely.

In lieu of the simple and predictable narrative from the original Cars, the dual storyline of Cars 2 does make for a more engaging caper, particularly the many nods towards James Bond and the racing world. Still, a good story is nothing without strong characters, and neither leads here fit the bill.

After what was a fairly disappointing first installment in this animated franchise, it’s now probably fair to say it’s not so much the execution as just the concept in general that’s letting it down– animated cars just don’t make for particularly interesting viewing. This film was running on empty from the start.

–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) Abduction (E) [15+]: 11:30, 16:00, 20:20 Cars 2 (E/3D) [G]: 12:35, 15:00, 17:25, 19:50, 22:15 Johnny English Reborn (E) [13+]: 13:45, 18:10, 22:30 Rak Talon on the Beach (T/E.SUB): 11:15, 13:20, 15:40, 18:00, 20:15, 22:35 The Sorcerer and the White Snake (T): 12:15, 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:15 The Three Musketeers (E) [15+]: 12:20, 14:40, 17:00, 19:20, 21:40 The Three Musketeers (E/F) [15+]: 13:10, 15:30, 17:50, 20:10, 22:30 The Three Musketeers (T) [15+]: 11:40, 14:00, 16:20, 18:40, 21:00

SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) Abduction (E) [15+]:

11:15, 13:30, 18:05, 22:25

Apollo 18 (E) [13+]:

12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00, 22:00

Cars 2 (E) [G]: Johnny English Reborn (E) [13+]:

12:00, 14:25, 16:50, 19:15, 21:40 15:45, 20:15

Rak Talon on the Beach (T/E.SUB):

11:50, 14:10, 16:30, 18:50, 21:10

The Three Musketeers (E) [15+]:

12:30, 14:50, 17:10, 19:30, 21:50

STRETCH YOUR BRAIN Across 1. Focus in camp. (13) 8. Despotic rat I place in 200 after car. (10) 9. Using part of plug, easy to make sled. (4) 10. To the east, a digit.

(3) 11. South Africa saints are impudent. (4) 14. In monk’s room, love instrument. (5) 15. Lake of black goo to the north. (4) 17. Bird fuel? Sounds like it. (6) 19. Chewer’s target tips

Solutions to last week’s puzzles

www.thephuketnews.com

back to little cartoon. (8) 21. Rich, tore into manner of speaking. (8) 23. I’m quiet in the blue, and inadequate. (6) 26. Limp to a stop. (4) 28. Wanderer is not crazy.

(5) 29. Miss K in a little drink. (4) 32. Regret street in Paris.

(3) 34. Writer Munro sounds sarcastic. (4) 35. A Tulsa Arab reforms an unformed mind. (6,4) 36. Wandering agent goes back, for example, to Romeo with one nation.

(13) 6. Cry of pain to allow small bird. (5) Down 7. Before note, Nancy’s nine months. (9) 1. For the boys, covers 12. Swallowed most of a for pants. (5) tea. (3) 2. Marks bits of 13. Support swagger. (5) music… (5) 16. Before a turn. (3) 3. …and French church 17. Grip letter to give mark with acid. (4) buyer. (9) 4. Ammo for private 18. Let go tern, oddly, to eye, maybe. (6) get glasses. (9) 5. Technician drinks, it’s 19. Pouch for Strategic said, with plate. (9) Air Command. (3)

20. Follows rear ends. (5) 22. 45 inches east to a couple of learners. (3) 24. Quiet, love! I make Hawaiian food. (3) 25. Drama as Abu and I add a couple of kilos.

(6) 27. Food is nonsense. (5) 30. Potassium Rab and I take to seaside place. (5) 31. Simple, flat area. (5) 33. May have a Central American. (4)

ENVIRONMENT 23

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Living walls Fraisse-sur-Agout vertical garden in Hérault, France – bringing green to the street.

W

hile many of us in Phuket are fortunate to have gardens or green communal areas, for those living in built-up areas, space, or lack thereof, is a common problem.

However, vertical or hanging gardens can provide an innovative option for those looking to establish more green space at home.

The history of the gardens begins with the possibly mythical Hanging Gardens of Babylon, built in 601BC in what is now present day Iraq.

GREEN thumb

As described in a journal

by Greek geographer Strabo, the gardens supposedly consisted of vaulted terraces raised one above another, that rested upon cube-shaped pillars.

These pillars were hollow and filled with soil to allow large trees to be planted.

Legend has it the gardens were constructed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II, to console his homesick

wife who yearned for her green and mountainous homeland.

Varying forms of vertical gardens are easily incorporated into different architectural projects, such as terrace gardens, hanging gardens, green facades, and green walls.

A terrace garden is when vegetation is planted on a raised f lat area, such as a balcony or roof.

Hanging gardens consist of plants in hanging containers; a green facade is made up of plants on wall-mounted trellises; and a green wall is where

A green wall on the European Environment Agency’s office in Copenhagen, Denmark. plants are grown on a light structure attached to the wall.

The green wall concept was invented by French botanist Patrick Blanc in the late 1980s. He created a system which allowed him to grow diverse plants on a vertical wall, without any soil.

The technique involves mounting a metal frame on the surface of a building. PVC sheets are then attached to the frame, as well as a layer of felt,

through which the roots grow.

Nutritional supplements are added to aid the hydroponic system (see verticalgardenpatrickblanc.com).

Though the cost of installing a green wall can be fairly high, the outcome is worth it for the environmental benefits.

Green walls can lower the energy consumption of your home, as well as helping clean up the air, offering shelter, and providing water remediation

on a building’s surface.

There are no limitations on size or height for green walls, and they can be created both indoors and outdoors, providing the nature and greenery often lacking in many urban areas.

In short, there are no boundaries to creating green space, provided you are committed to enhancing the environment for yourself and future generations. The only limit is your imagination.

Clean-up day in the PN bay All is set for a much-needed clean-up day in Phang Nga Bay tomorrow (October 15).

The Phang Nga Bay Conservancy, a pilot initiative of the International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP), has invited volunteers to take to the islands and bring back all rubbish collected.

According to the IBAP website, the Phang Nga Bay Conservancy is, ‘To facilitate in the clean up of the sea, beaches and mangroves in Phang Nga Bay, with a view to holding the event on a regular basis. This is essential to maintain a clean environment and a future for our children.’

As reported in the news. a dwarf sperm whale was recently found dead in Phang Nga Bay, its stomach stuffed with plastic bags. The IBAPled clean-up aims to reduce the possibility of such tragedy: ‘By encouraging participation from adults and children, we will not only create an

awareness of the pollution issues we face but also ensure that the next generations also appreciate the importance of behaving in an environmentally responsible way.’

Those taking part are asked to meet at three separate piers by 10am, where large boats, each carrying up to 40 passengers, will provide free transport to the bay. The piers are at Ao Po Grand Marina along the Thalang coast, northeast of Phuket Town; Chalong Pier; and Laem Hin Pier. Boats are courtesy of John Gray’s Sea Canoe, The Village, Coconut Island, and Sea Bees Diving.

All craft are expected back at Laem Hin by 4.30pm, when all rubbish bags will be counted. In addition to the boats, the event is sponsored

by East Furniture, Evason Phuket, and The Phuket News.

081 970 7910, president@ ibap-phuket.org; phangngabayconservancy.org

If you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse in your garden of this jungle creeper.

–Photo by Tai Sang Wei

A surprising visitor This week’s native makes surprise guest appearances in your garden when you least expect it.

Despite being a large bird of about 50cm long, the Coucal moves quietly through the jungle, however you know it’s about from the resonating “poop, poop, poop” call com-

Meet

the natives ing from the thick vegetation.

Your visitor might be a Lesser Coucal (Centropus bengalensis), which shares the same habitat as its larger cousin, but more likely it’s a

Greater Coucal (C. sinensis, also known as the Crow Pheasant). Found all across Thailand, this crow-like bird has shiny black plumage and tan-coloured wings.

Highly territorial creatures, the Coucal is a member of the cuckoo family, well-known for their tendency of laying their

eggs in other birds’ nests to hatch and then raise. However the coucal is non-parasitic, and so lays three to six eggs in its own nest, which are then hatched mostly by the males.

As a big bird, the Greater Coucal feeds on reptiles, frogs, small mammals, and the young of other birds. www.thephuketnews.com

24 WEDDINGS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Joyce Hsui See-ki and Ken Yiu Chi-chung from Hong Kong were married at Laguna Phuket’s Chapel on the Lagoon.

–Photos by Dang, www.weddingphuket.net

PETS

Pet of the Week

Adopt a Dog

Puk is a small dog and she’s full of beans! She loves to play and just adores affection. Puk’s been living at the Soi Dog shelter for many years and we’d love to see her enjoying life with a family. She’s about three years old with a short white coat and a very cheeky smile. Soi Dog adopts locally and also sends many dogs abroad to wonderful new homes. If you’d like to make Puk a part of your family, please contact cindy@soidog.org or phone the Soi Dog shelter on 081 788 4222.

Australian Steve Joyce and his dog Chopper, an American Staffordshire.

To be in the draw for the monthly Pet of the Week prize, send photos of your pet for publication in The Phuket News to editor1@thephuketnews.com www.thephuketnews.com

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.

25

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

LAST MINUTE DEAL

Phuket’s biggest “trade show” for organisations within the Hospitality & Travel industry

LAST 3 BOOTHS AVAILABLE FOR EXHIBITING OPPORTUNITIES CONTACT: INFO@EVENTSTHAILAND.NET MOBILE: 089 725 6994

www.eventsthailand.net/hosposhow.php www.thephuketnews.com

26 SHOPPING

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Street fashion

1

Hina Musa

Staff at non-profit organisation.

Hina’s dressy white top (B165), her smart shorts (B65), gold necklace (B50), glitzy bag (B12,000) and her watch (B4,500) were all purchases in the US. However, she bought her chic black sandals (B200) from Jungceylon.

Must haves

2

Hand-made accessories from Paul Ropp, Surin Gallery (opp. Surin Plaza), 8/68, Moo 3, Cherng Talay; paulropp.com

3

4

Thunyalak Sombat Student

Thunyalak bought her green top (B350) and her black pleated shorts (B350) from a boutique shop in front of Rajabhat University, while her cute green shoes (B490) were purchased at the popular Naka weekend market.

www.thephuketnews.com

1. Clutch bag 2. Earrings 3. Shoes 4. Bracelets

B1,954 B1,960 B12,166 B724-B827

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

EDUCATION 27

The circle of life

For John Mood, a teacher at the Montessori-led Rawai Progressive International School, it was a good chance to learn alongside his young students how to build an aquaponics irrigation system.

Aquaponics is a remarkably simple concept of growing mostly freshwater fish and prawns in a pond or tank, and then circulating water that is filled with fish droppings into a garden filled with rocks British International School Year 5 students visiting the Phuket International Hospital. and pebbles to feed herbs or vegetables growing there. In short, it’s a mini ecosystem.

The plants thrive on the constant supply of water rich The British International in fertiliser, and in return School (BIS) and the Phuket clean the water supply that is International Hospital recentcirculated back into the fish ly worked together to allow tank. In this way, the system students of Year 5 to get a saves water as well. first-hand look at the proThe immediate benefit cedures conducted within to the aquaponics gardener hospitals, expanding both are constant meals of fish or the students’ knowledge and prawns and organic salad. Plus interest in the field of medicine. the enjoyment of seeing both The students met with fish and a luxuriant garden nurses and other staff who thriving under your care. were delighted to show them Peeking through the Phuket Hospital’s CAT scan machine.

To start, the students spent around the hospital, and in the morning preparing their fact almost matched the level of ultrasound. Children were happy at the contribution by first small experimental fish of excitement of the children also taken to see the nursery. the students’ and their expan- tank and a big bucket of pebbles “ S e e i n g t h e n e w l y- sion of knowledge. when explaining processes in which plants dug up from Teacher Moira Lowe added: the garden had been placed. such as the cleaning of wounds born babies was one of my in the emergency room, and favorite parts of the hospital “It was a great experience for True to the Montessori demonstrating the measure- visit,” said Samantha Thacker, the children to get to know what method of self-learning and one of the Year 5 students. is going on inside their bodment of blood pressure.

One student even had the “I also loved visiting the ies and how they can be fixed when they’re broken as part opportunity to have her blood dentistry department.”

The enthusiastic students of their human body theme. I pressure measured, surprising everyone around her when it bombarded the hospital staff was glad to find out that when was discovered she apparently with intriguing questions, and Jonah’s heart was monitored, instead of getting exasperated, he was in full working order.” had high blood pressure.

–Jay Gietzelt In addition to the emer- the staff was thrilled by the gency room, students were children’s curiosity, treating escorted to the X-ray area each question seriously and Jay Gietzelt , a Year 13 s tudent member of the where they learnt about the answering with kindness.

The hospital staff and the “Press Gang” activity club use of CAT scans in detecting brain activity and infections, students weren’t the only ones at BIS, wrote this report of a after which a hospital staff with smiles on their faces dur- recent Year 5 school visit to member explained the process ing the visit. BIS teachers were Phuket International Hospital.

Student hospital day

RPIS Teacher John Mood, centre, supervises keen students creating their new aquaponics fish and plant ecosystem. development, the young team had worked out for itself, under the supervision of Mr Mood, what materials could be found for their experimental system.

The pebbles came from a driveway, while the team spent the morning catching small fish from the school pond, which would become productive farm fish, ready to produce fertiliser for the plants.

The school’s two cement ponds, already home to large goldfish, will soon become

small fish farms that can hold pla nin (Nile Tilapia), a hardy fish popular with commercial farmers. A small pump then circulates water i nt o t he ex ist i ng la rge garden, in which a variety of vegetables and herbs grow.

It’s a simple circle of life we could all do well to learn from.

–Norachai Thavisin Rawai Progressive International School, 076 289 200, montessori-thailand.com

Fun is no obstacle

Nong In, Early Years student at the Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KISP), had fun with other students crawling, and jumping through an obstacle course. www.thephuketnews.com

28 DINING

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Enough beef to keep even Henry VIII satisfied.

Straight back to your mother’s kitchen: the lemon meringue pie.

Mined from a black hole? The chocolate hazelnut tart.

Culinary trek to the far north When you’re a supplier of food to the luxury end of the market, there’s really only one way to get the word out about how good your products are: let knowledgeable people eat them.

Which is why an assembly of chefs, F&B managers and other professional gourmands made the pilgrimage last weekend, north to the new Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa on Mai Khao to sample victuals supplied by Farang Food Paradise and Spanish wines from Julio F&B. Unlike many gourmet dinners on the island, this one did not go on for 14 courses. Instead, Renaissance Exec Chef Nathan Chilcott opted to kick off with stand-up tapas on the verandah outside the glass box of the Loca Vore restaurant.

Prawns in a creamy ginger sauce came in shot glasses for a quick jolt every bit as refreshing as a mouthful of Absolut. Spoonfuls of rock lobster with tomato stopped conversation for moments of appreciation, eyes closed to savour the moment.

Things were helped along with glasses of wonderfully floral Torre Fornelos Albariño white from Spain. The name supposedly derives from the Spanish for “White Rhine”.

The theory is that Albariño

www.thephuketnews.com

Above: Julio F&B partners Christian Wuzel and Patinya ‘Joon’ Srisuk. Below: Simon Callebert of Farang Food Paradise (left) and Renaissance Executive Chef Nathan Chilcott.

Siamese echoes: The creamy-smooth seared tuna was originally a clone of the Riesling grape, and it certainly has close similarities.

The assembled guzzlers were steered into the restaurant for the main event – the entrée of seared tuna, the hearty beef main course and desserts.

A change of wine came with the tuna – a Sauvignon Blanc from Bodegas Fontana, again in Spain (all the wines chosen by Christian and Joon from Julio for the evening

came from Spain). Stacks of body and a suitable accompaniment for the tuna.

Quite correctly, the tuna was served seared and was creamy-smooth.

Chef Chilcott, who once worked at Gordon Ramsey’s two-Michelin-star Petrus restaurant, went confidently outside the box and served the tuna with Thai echoes – mint, coriander and a chili-andsesame dressing – and small

cubes of grilled watermelon sitting on feta cheese. Surprising but successful.

The main course arrived: large slices of 120-day-grainfed tenderloin, ribeye and sirloin from Australia. Feeding beef on grain is admittedly contentious (“Cows should eat grass, not grain!”), but there is no arguing with the result.

Knives were hardly necessary.

This time, Chef Chilcott went with the tried and tested

for the accompaniments: large bowls of potato gratin, sautéed thyme mushrooms and creamed garlic spinach. And gravy. This was comfort food, pure and simple.

The bowls of vegetables were passed hand-to-hand, a clever device that ensured everyone felt they were dining en famille. The elegant 2004 Gallicant red, which scores a 93 out of 100 on Robert Parker’s scale, ranking it as “an outstanding

wine of exceptional complexity and character” (no arguments there) had body enough to keep up with the food.

For those who still had space after ploughing through enough beef to keep Henry VIII happy, the desserts took them straight back to momma’s table: fluffy lemon meringue pie and chocolate hazelnut tart so dense it might have been mined from a black hole. Accompanied by a fourth wine, a bold 2004 Rioja Promesa Reserva.

Spotted at the dinner were chefs from Trisara and Amanpuri, along with Paolo Fadda from Da Maurizio and his Italian counterpart from Cape Sienna, Francesco Greco.

The word will be getting around now that Loca Vore, with Mr Chilcott presiding, is worth the trek to the north of the island. The F&B people will also be looking more closely at Farang Food’s and Julio’s products.

Finally, a sad note: Julio F&B sells the four Spanish wines only to the trade. So the only way to drink them will be to find a hotel that’s ordering from Julio. Let’s hope, for the sake of the island’s oenophiles, that this changes soon.

–Alasdair Forbes

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

A brush with taste Brush Restaurant and Lounge’s executive chef Yi-Fan Chu once wanted to be a fashion designer, but these days he’s more familiar with kitchen utensils than fabric scissors.

Yi-Fan, 31, was born in Taiwan but largely educated and trained in the United States.

Thanks to him, the menu at Brush has undergone a gamut of inspired changes just in time for the start of high season in November.

On the new menu are a number of Thai-based dishes, fused with the French and international cuisine he has been classically trained in at kitchens in the United States, Germany and Thailand.

Yi-Fan began training to be a fashion designer, but a girlfriend’s encouragement led him to cooking.

“I said I would give it a try.

After that I fell in love with cooking.” His mother had always

encouraged him to cook and remains his greatest influence: “My mum always kept focused on the food and flavours.”

In keeping with this ethos, Yi-Fan sources many fresh ingredients from local markets.

Learning to cook cordon bleu French cuisine at the California School of Culinary Arts, Pasadena, USA was followed by an apprenticeship at Heringsdorf Restaurant, on the island of Usedon, north

DINING 29

Germany and a several other culinary positoins before ending up in Hollywood at The Hungry Cat restaurant.

At aged 27 he started his own Hollywood restaurant, Brenart, before the recession in the US forced its closure.

Yi-Fan went back to Germany, before arriving in Phuket and working at the Absolute Bangla Hotel’s Climax restaurant. brushphuket.com

Taiwan-born Yi-Fan Chu is bringing new tastes to Brush.

Firing up the grill

W

alking around the streets of Phuket is a gastronomic treat. The variety of food sold at various carts, stalls and vendors across the island is a major attraction for residents and visitors alike.

One of the more popular stalls is the barbecue cart, where a mix of meat and vegetable kebabs are cooked over glowing hot coals. The barbecue carts are often decorated with a pink light at nighttime (not to be confused with a common, and also popular, type of bar), making them easy to spot.

The Thai version of this western cooking method is normally a skewer of your choice from beef, pork or chicken, along with a piece of pineapple, pepper, and cherry tomato. However, unlike the western barbecue, the kebabs are cooked in a special Thai sauce, a mixture of spicy, salty and sweet flavours.

Normally served with sticky rice, the kebabs are

Street eats

Thitima Kongtong, a barbecue vendor in Phuket Town.

Right: Delicious pork kebabs. sometimes dipped in ketchup or chilli sauce.

Among Phuket’s more well known barbecue vendors are Thitima Kongtong and her husband Worachai, who have run their stall for almost 10 years. Formerly based in Patong, these days they have moved to Luang Por Wat

Chalong Road in Phuket Town, though their relatives still run a stall on the west coast.

“In Patong there are many foreigners who buy our barbecue, especially once the bars have closed. But here in Phuket Town, there are many Thai regulars who buy from us, even though the price of fresh food is slowly increasing,” says Ms Thitima.

The bestsellers are pork and chicken barbecue kebabs, though other grilled food including sausages, fermented pork, and innards are also commonly requested. The kebabs are priced at B10-20 each, and the stall is open everyday from 8pm until 2am, attracting loyal and regular customers.

www.thephuketnews.com

30 ENTERTAINMENT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

60th birthday bash in Rawai Popular Rawai musician Steve Lawrence used the occasion of his 60th birthday to assemble a colourful mix of musicians for a rare celebration of the south island’s musical talent.

More than 140 guests packed the Freebird Bar’s indoor venue in Nai Harn to enjoy performances from 14 musicians from seven nations, who blasted out a blend of rock, blues and ballads until well into the early hours.

Local minstrel Dave Robinson set the tone of the evening with a string of 60s and 70s pop and rock classics and was joined on stage later by “man in black” Ulrich for a lively set of rockabilly standards which took some of the older revellers back to their early teens. Accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, Sam Wilkinson then took the tempo down with a selection of thoughtful ballads which are a hallmark

www.thephuketnews.com

Sound Check

by Fender Bender

of this popular performer’s enjoyable repertoire.

A highlight of the evening was a storming hour of driving rock and blues from the Big Bamboo band featuring Tony “Chainsaw” Wilson on vocals, Marcus Vogt on lead guitar, birthday boy Steve Lawrence on bass and Peter Coqillard on drums. With a feisty array of classic rock tunes ‘Big Bamboo’ gave proof of their popularity with locals down south.

In the best jamming spirit, a host of other notable musicians took to the stage in an ever-changing line-up, which included the very versatile Glenn Fleagle – and guitarist and vocalist Patrick Chua, who left his lair in Phuket Town’s Rockin’ Angels club to delight the crowd.

There were also contributions from blues harpist

Heinz Egli of Hong Kong’s Age on Stage, New York drummer Charlie Maurer, and occasional-crooner Diligaf John.

Representing local female talent was Thai singer Kaew and Karen Beresford – “Rawai’s Janis Joplin” – who had the house jumping with her raunchy blues offerings.

Guests had their own chance to contribute vocals to the choruses of ‘Mustang Sally’ and ‘Delilah’, a Steve Lawrence party-piece which owed more to theatrics than vocal mastery.

Steve said after the event: “There can be no better way to celebrate a 60th birthday than to perform for friends with the support of such a talented array of kindred spirits. It is a night I’ll never forget, and I suspect there were many present who had their eyes and ears opened to the creative wealth of this musical heart of Phuket.”

IN BRIEF McCartney says ‘I love you, yeah, yeah, yeah’ for third time Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, 69, has married for the third time, exchanging vows with American heiress Nancy Shevell, 51, at the same London register office where he wed his first wife Linda in 1969.

Sir Paul divorced his second wife, former model and charity campaigner Heather Mills, in 2008, after being married for six years, and an acrimonious seperation.

The final curtain?

Zsa Zsa Gabor ‘very unstable’ Zsa Zsa Gabor, the Hungarian-bor n actress and celebrity who became a symbol of Hollywood glamour, is in “very unstable” condition at UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles after a medical emergency.

Gabor, 94, has been in poor health for some years, and her husband, Frederic Prinz von Anhalt, said that “it doesn’t look good.”

Gabor, who ultimately became as famous for her nine husbands, her sharp wit

and colorful personal life as for her movies, has been a fixture of the Hollywood celebrity circuit for more than half-a-century.

Possibly coming soon to screens near you: ‘iSteve Jobs’ The Movie Walter Isaacson’s authorised biography of Steve Jobs, including the late Apple chief’s last ever interview, isn’t even on bookshelves yet.

But that hasn’t stopped one movie st udio f rom pouncing on the rights to make a film out of it.

According to Deadline. com, Sony Pictures has struck a deal with Isaacson and his publishers that will give them US$3 million (B90 million) if the movie is produced – and US$1 million even if it isn’t.

Blistering barnacles, new Tintin trailer is released online A new trailer for Steven Spielberg and Sir Peter Jackson’s 3-D The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn has been released on YouTube.

The trailer shows the largest number of action scenes so far for the film with a style reminiscent of Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. The film opens in Europe next month.

Sweater unravelled: ex-Weezer bassist found dead in hotel Mikey Welsh, the former bass player for the alternative rock band Weezer, was found dead in a Chicago hotel, a police spokeswoman said on Sunday.

Workers at the Rafaello Hotel found Welsh unresponsive and not breathing when they went to his room on Saturday afternoon after he failed to check out as scheduled, spokeswoman Laura Kubiak said.

We l s h l e f t We e z e r in 2001 after a well publicised nervous breakdown, resurfacing later as a semisuccessful artist and painter.

EVENTS 31

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

WHAT’S ON IN PHUKET THIS WEEKEND OCTOBER 15 Phang Nga Bay Clean-Up

Appreciate the importance of behaving environmentally and lend a helping hand in Phang Nga. We encouraging participation from both adults and children.

Please contact information on 081 970 7910, president@ibap-phuket.org.

See www.ibap-phuket.org or www.phangngabayconservancy.org.

THIS MONTH OCTOBER 17-21 Star Vocals Returns to Thanyapura Monday, October 17 to Friday, October 21. 7 - 11 years old, from 9am-12pm.

12-18 years old, from 1pm– 4pm. Open to all including adults. Adults are welcome to join the afternoon workshop, however if there is a high level of interest, we will offer a separate adults workshop from 4.30pm-7.30pm.

OCTOBER 22-24 Trip to Koh Yao Yai Village for photography lovers

(Rama V) in 1910. Thai people lay flower wreaths at his statue in Bangkok and in the provinces. Piya Maharat is the nickname for the King, meaning the beloved great king.

OCTOBER 30 TSLC Ironkids Training Race

Venue: Thanyapura (Monday to Thursday) Legend Music Studios, The Boat Lagoon (Friday). Cost: B6,500 per person. Call 076 336 000 ext.

3501, Email: jo@pia.ac.th.

See thanyapura.com.

OCTOBER 23 Chulalongkorn Day A public holiday in remembrance of King Chulalongkorn

UNTIL DECEMBER TSLC Ironkids

TSLC Ironkids Phuket Triathlon after school training sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3.45pm to 4.45pm. Open to all children from six to 15 years old. Priced at B350 per person.

UPCOMING EVENTS Asian Hospitality & Travel Show Be seen...

18TH - 20TH NOVEMBER 2011

NOVEMBER 4/5 BIS Phuket's 10th International Football Tournament

BIS Phuket is proud to host its 10th International 7-a-side Football Tournament on November 4 and 5 (Friday-Saturday) 2011. www.bisphuket.ac.th.

NOVEMBER 5 The Thailand Property Awards 2011

www.eventsthailand.net

The trip from Phuket to Koh Yao Noi to spend the day biking in the Islands. The ride is a gentle 30km cycling around the Island including lunch at a beachside restaurant. To meet the project director at the community centre who will explain about the center and it’s on going projects, plus the local children who attend the centre.

All cyclists joining this charity bike ride are required to make a minimum donation of B2000 to join the ride. Contact Amazing Bike Tours, James Hembrow on 087 263 2031. See amazingBikeToursThailand.asia.

join the industry’s leaders in celebrating the highest achievements in Thailand’s real extate. At Grand Hyatt Erawant Bangkok. Limited ticket still available B5,000 per person/B50,000 per table For more information and resservations contact Ensign Media. Call 02 662 5195. or info@thailandprobpertyawards.com.

NOVEMBER 17 University & Higher Education Fair   



Chulalongkorn U – BBA  Art and Design Academy Italy  Glion and Les Roches Dusit Thani College  Success Canada  Sino-British College    IDP – Australia Rangsit University    HOC Info AVSS Studywiz  Blue Mountain School of Hospitality 

Phuket’s biggest ‘trade show’ for organisations whithin the Hospitality & Travel industry Hosted Buyer programme - buyers from Asia, Australia, India and more.

For Exhibiting opportunities Contact: info@eventsthailand.net Mobile: 089 725 6994

The aim of this day will be to raise money for the Koh Yao Children’s Community Centre. The Community Centre teaches the Islands youth English Language, the importance of protecting the environment and preserving the history, culture and traditions of life in Yao Noi.

Charity Bike Ride in Koh Yao Noi

@

LESS THAN 30% OF THE SPACE AVAILABLE.

TSLC IronKids Phuket Training Race. A practice triathlon race for children ages six to 15 years old. Registration is at www.ironkidsphuket.com.

OCTOBER 30 Charity Bike Ride in Koh Yao Noi

Tuesdays: Swim and bike and Thursdays: Bike and run.

Pre-book sessions by email activities@thanyapura.co.th.

Bikes available for rent at B100 per session. More info at www.ironkidsphuket.com.

Koh Yao Yai Village, together with “Tiaw Huajai Mai Muang Thai Yangyuen” (Travel with a new heart for a sustainable Thailand) “Amazing Thailand, Always Amazes you” invites all nature photography enthusiasts to get together and discover the legendary love of Naga Nui and NagaTri (Goddess Tri) of the Andaman Ocean and join a photo competition: “Sapai Klong Tong Koh Yao” (Intriguing Koh Yao with your loved camera) Season One; from October 22-24, 2011. Transport and accommodation package available for B4,200pp for 3 days, 2 nights accommodation with full board, coffee break and roundtrip transfer from/to Phuket.

IGCSE and IB students please stop by and talk to them about your future. Parents and staff very welcome. From 12 pm to 4.30pm. Venue: MTB Foyer.

Call 076 335 555 ext. 1103. www.bisphuket.ac.th Nuffic NESO Thailand Netherlands Education Support Office

Northumbria Stamford University CP International Education University of San Francisco Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology Academy of Art, Thailand





ninth anniversary this year.

Also with the 6th Andaman International Soccer 7s on December 3-4 there is a lot to look forward to this year. Register your team now on info@Thai7s.com, www.

Thai7s.com.

NOVEMBER 27 Laguna Phuket 2011 Double Triathlon Festival

The Laguna Phuket Triathlon (LPT) on November 27 and Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific

Championship on December 4 will see hundreds of athletes from around the world arrive for a week-long Tri-Fest of training and social events with top triathlon professionals, in the lush tropical surroundings of the beachfront Laguna Phuket resort.

LPT has a 1.8km swim; 55km bike ride and 12km run; Ironman 70.3 Asia-Pacific Championship has a 1.9km swim; 90.1km bike ride and 21.1km run. Laguna Phuket is using the events to raise funds for its community project providing survival swim lessons for local youngsters.

Online registrations: www.lagunaphukettriathlon.com, www. ironmanphuket.com.

DECEMBER 3 TSLC Ironkids Phuket

King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi

Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality

SHML/ Swiss College of Hospitality Management Lenk

Mahidol University, Dept of Math

Now in their sixth year, The Thailand Property Awards are widely recognised as a benchmark for excellence in Thailand’s residential real estate industry.

You are cordially invited to

NOVEMBER 26-27 9th Phuket Intern.

Soccer 7s The one and only Phuket Soccer 7s will celebrate its

Triathlon for kids six – 15 years old. Registration open until November 27. More information and registration forms on www.ironkidsphuket.com. www.thephuketnews.com

32 EVENTS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011 List your events here for as low as B49 per line, or online for free at www.thephuketnews.com

Happy Hour?

Promotion?

Live Music?

Live Sport?

Brunch?

Dinner?

Spa Promo?

List here thephuketnews.com

FRIDAY IBAP - Regular Meeting Ike Nwankwo, ex NBA player and Los Angeles Laker: Head Coach Top Flight Basketball Academy.

While in Phuket Ike would love to meet with the all of the major international and Thai schools as well as local community leaders and government officials and any owners of sporting halls or sports complexes to be able to discuss potential events like a camp or clinic.

Location for our October 14. Meeting at Full Moon Brewwork in JungCeylon, Patong Beach. See ibapphuket.org.

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit R o a d , P a t o n g . Fr e e pick up Patong and Kalim. Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

TapasTree Near Peppers Bar Laguna. Buy one get one free cocktails. Resident DJ, ’70s to now. Great tapas.

088 443 4166.

Tapas & Wine Night Order tapas, as much as you like, plus one bottle of wine. B1,200 net per person. 6-11pm at White Box Kalim. Call 076 346 271.

Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal

at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

TapasTree TapasTree (Near Peppers Bar Laguna). Resident DJ, ’70s to date. Great tapas. Contact 088 443 4166.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM

Alternate Fridays, all-you -can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.

All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

50% Off All Drinks

All Major Sports Live

From 10pm to midnight with live music, Roaring Bhoys. Every Friday. Irish Times Irish pub, Jungceylon, Patong.

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

Beach BBQ

20% off all Pizzas

Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club, Surin (from B1,190++ per person). 7-10pm. Call 076 316 567.

SATURDAY

At Shakers. Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Road, Patong.

Free pick up Patong and Kalim areas. Reservations please call 081 891 4381.

Colin Hill

SUNDAY

Colin Hill performs (duo) now every second Saturday at Legends Bar in Kamala, with local guitarist Florian. Call 081 079 1069.

Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person

Family Brunch on The Boardwalk Les Anges at RPM. From 11am to 3pm. B795++ Adults, include one glass of house wine, 50 per cent discount. Children under 12 eat for free. Call 076 360 803.

Write your classified advertisement Heading ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ......

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

Enjoy the original Sunday brunch in Phuket at Twinpalms. 12-3pm (from B1,190++ per person).

Reservations please call 076 316 577.

Half-Chicken Spit Roast

Rotary Club of Patong Beach

Only B225 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

Weekly meeting of the only English-speaking Rotary Club on Phuket at the Aloha Villa Hotel (Dinner out on first Tuesday of the month). rotarypatong. org.

Sunday Family Brunch

Beach BBQ

At Club Yamu by Twinpalms. Noon till 3pm. Enjoy delicious pasta, BBQ, Thai home cooking. Call 076 310 557.

Champagne Brunch at Trisara

Every Sunday, the beachfront bar be comes a celebration of fine wines, exquisite tapas, live cooking stations and Phuket’s best dessert, featuring the cool sounds of a jazz trio.

Come and indulge in Roederer Champagne or a wide variety of wines.

Kids club welcome all children with complimentar y snacks.

Advance reservations recommended on 076 310 100 or guest@ trisara.com.

Body

Roaring Bhoys

...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B49 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B98 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B147 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B196 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B245 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B294 ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... ...... B343

Box B100

Colour Background B100

Colour Headline B100

Colour Picture B197

50% discount until 30 October 2011 ONLY B49 per line.

Deadline: Monday 12Noon for that Friday’s issue

Please hand this form to our office or Fax to: 076 612 553 www.thephuketnews.com

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

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pickup Patong and Kalim.

Reser vations 081 891 4381.

TUESDAY Half-Chicken Spit Roast Only B225 per person

DAILY Brew Great Beer

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, 82/15 Moo 4, Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

Sunday Brunch

MONDAY

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

at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim area. Reservations call 081 891 4381.

Enjoy a beach BBQ at Catch Beach Club (from B1,190++ per person).

7pm-10pm. Call 076 316 567.

WEDNESDAY Interactive Pub Quiz night. Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest se lection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.

Chef’s Dinner at Surin Gate Kitchen Star t at 7.30 pm, four courses for B750 with award-winning Chef Daniel Isberg. 086 047 1474, www.suringate.com.

Salsa Class At RPM

Happy hour daily from 4pm to 7pm. Draft beer B110/pint, cocktail two for B220. Behind the ship at Jungceylon Call 076 3667 753.

Grizzly’s Sports Bar and 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

Currie Cup Rugby Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill. com or call 089 226 2878.

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. 076 201 234.

GAA Football & Hurling Live games shown at Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. For more info visit www.australiabargrill. com or call 089 226 2878.

3-Hour Happy Hour

Sals a c las s at Royal Phuket Marina from 7.309pm. For more info on www.phuket-dance.com.

Three-hour Happy Hour M onday- Fr iday, 4pm 7pm. Beer from B5 0.

House spirits B90. Australia Bar & Grill, Kata Beach. 089 226 2878.

BBQ Ribs All You Can Eat

Duke’s Sports Bar at Kata

Only B295 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit Road, Patong. Free pick up Patong and Kalim.

Reservations call on 081 891 4381.

THURSDAY

Watc h your favour ite sports and enjoy a cold beer at the best lit tle spor ts bar in Phuket.

Special “drink of the day” B110, all day - every day. w w w. d u ke s b i g b o a r d . com.

BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat

Peppers Quiz Night

Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-U-Thit R o a d , P a t o n g . Fr e e pickup Patong and Kalim. Reservatins 081 891 4381.

Pe p p e r s S p o r t s B a r.

Daily happy hour, great food, full English breakfast. Open from 8.30am.

All sports shown. Laguna area. Please call 088 443 4166.

AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub 82/15 Moo 4 Patak Road, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.

Australia Bar & Grill at Kata Projector screen plus 50” TVs. TrueVisions and Astro systems. All live sport include AFL, NRL, rugby, F1, football. Call 089 226 2878.

JOBS 33

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com Hotel Receptionist Required English speaking Thai national with good computer skills required for reception, restaurant and bar work in Kamala.

Salary and hours negotiable based on experience. To apply phone 086 941 8880 or send CV to phil@royalembassyresortphuket.com.

www.atsumihealing.com is seeking a Thai national to join our detox team. Excellent English required. shell@atsumihealing.com.

Native English Speaking Teacher Need native English speaking teacher with ability to speak, read and write Thai. Call Robin on 081 803 7189.

Staff Required for New Hotel

Sales Job Available at MAGpal MAGpal imports international magazines for rent. We provided rental service of 1000++ titles of magazines from all over the world. Please visit our website www.magpalthailand.com.

Job available: Sales representative. English fluency, enthusiasm, sales skills, punctual, responsible. karita@magpalthailand.com.

Driver PEXGO Courier requires driver for pick up and deliveries in Phuket. Must be able to work at night. Must speak some English, basic use of computer. Contact Meaw on 076 322 663 or email phuket@pexgo.com.

Dog Loving Couple Needed

Thai couple, aged up to 45, no smoking, to take care of villa and 5 dogs. Husband to work as driver and handyman, wife to work as housekeeper. B20,000/per month Call 088 168 9455.

Health Consultant

-Five reception staff -Waitresses and waiters -Four bartenders -Two cashiers -Three accountants Contact Victor on 088 819 1976 (Thai). Send your CV to admin@ hemingwayshotel.com.

Accountant Needed Phuket Fish Boat Company and its director seek an accounting graduate for general accounting work and database management.

Can be without experience but require a degree in accounting. Full-time position with salary starting at B15,000. Please send applications to martin@phuketfishboat.com.

977 or 0 82 816 0126, or email info@foodservicesth.com.

Thai Staff Wanted Four Thai staff wanted for new sandwich shop “Delicious” in Patong. B8,500 per month. Contact rambomuis@hotmail.com or call 083 738 7139.

PA to GM Wanted Pe r s o n a l a s s i s t a n t t o general manager of trading company in Kamala.

Only Thai national, must speak English 100% and have driving license. Salary start at B25,000 per month. Send resume to email only giovanni@skgf. asia.

Travelling Salesman Sale repre sent a tive available to travel around Thailand for our range of fast moving consumer product.

Thai national, English speaking, computer skills, driving license and proven experience of sales to minimart, supermarket. We already have more than 500 customer in Thailand.

Salary B15K plus commission. Contact via email skgf@skgf.asia.

Help Wanted Food Services are looking to fill several positions within the business: One account and marketing manager (Thai or expat).

Two kitchen helpers (female). One cleaner.

For more information or to apply call 076 390

Sales Assistant Urgently Needed Fluent in spoken and written English,assist manager on a daily basis dealing with clients & office duties,effective interpersonal skills, creative and result-oriented.

Experience in interior design will be advantage.

Good compensation to the right candidate. Send CV to abfabsales@gmail. com.

Thai Housemaid Wanted

Live in. B9,000 per month.

Cherngtalay area. Contact for details on 085 790 2241.

Accountant Wanted Accountant wanted for cooking school and food services business. Thai national. For more information call 082 816 0126 or info@foodservicesth. com.

Villa Manager Experienced villa manag er re quire d. M ust speak excellent English, good computer skills, live in / live out position available. Contact admin@esxoasia.com.

Personal Assistant Full time, Western male. Must have excellent organisational, negotiation, computer skills, self motivated, good communicator.

Speak and write excellent English. Home based.

Send CV and expected salar y to admin@esxoasia.com.

Looking for a Team-Member

The Phuket News is looking to add to its ever growing team of professionals and seeks: Sales Representatives Qualifications:

- Thai or Expat.

- Excellent communication and negotiation skills in Thai and English.

- Highly motivated self-starter with a positive attitude.

- Works well under pressure and has a will to succeed.

We offer:  Competitive

salary, bonuses and travel expenses. friendly work environment.  Social security paid by the company.  Excellent career progress opportunities. A

Please email full resume in English indicating expected salary with recent photo to

adminmgr@thephuketnews.com or call 076 6212 550-2 for mor info.

Sea Bees Diving is looking for a reliable and responsible person (Western or Thai) for our Office in Chalong.

Applicants need to be completely fluent in English and other languages (German preferred) with good communication, sales skills and willing to work in a highly professional & diverse team. Flexible, able to work under pressure and be service orientated is a must.

This position is for a long-term & full-time contract.Please send your CV & photo to: office@sea-bees.com.

Class Act Media publishes The Phuket News - Phuket’s leading English language newspaper. We will also soon be launching Phuket’s most vibrant and coolest English language Radio station – Live 89.5 FM

We are currently seeking To handle:

- PR and marketing of our publications & radio station - Identifying sponsorship opportunities & liaising with event organizers - General marketing & PR projects - Building relationships with government and private companies

Applicants must have: - Excellent personal relationship skills - Excellent command of English and Thai (written & spoken) - Experience in PR/Marketing in print media or radio would be an advantage but is not essential - Lived in Phuket for at least two years - Own car

We offer:

- Competitive salary & bonuses depending on experience - Monday - Friday (8.30 am – 6 pm) - Friendly work environment - Excellent job progress opportunity and job security

Interested applicants are invited to apply by sending a full resumé in English with a recent photo & expected salary to: Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7, Moo 1, T. Kathu, Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553 E-mail: info@thephuketnews.com

www.thephuketnews.com www.thephuketnews.com

34 CLASSIFIEDS

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com CONTENTS

Phuket Consult Services

Animal Care...............34 Boats & Yachts..........34 Business Opportunities............34 Business Services....................34 Cars for Sale..............34 Child Care Servies.....34 Computer Sales & Repair.....................34 Clubs & Associations.............34 ComputerSales-Repairs............34 Diving Services.........34 Education Services.....................34 Miscellaneous Items Wanted..............35 Miscellaneous Items for Sale........................35 Motorbikes for Rent...35 Motorbikes for Sale.....35 Personal Services........35 Pets for Sale...............35 Pool Table Sales & Repair......................35 Property & Concierge Services.....................35 Property for Rent..35-36 Property for Sale.........36 Services.....................37

Insurance, personal as sist anc e, le gal as sistance, police and emergency assistance, p r o p et y manag em ent sales and rentals, company registration, visa and work permit and accounting. 081 691 9679.

ANIMAL CARE Chaofah Pet Hospital 8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. 076 283 365, 083 501 8488.

BOATS & YACHTS 35ft Bayliner Flagship

Tile It

test. B99,000. Call for more details on 084 844 5868.

Digifox Marine

Marine inboard engines, hydraulic and mechanical equipment service, repairs and spare parts.

M A N , A r n e s o n , Z F, Rolls Royce and others. Professional team of engineers, high quality, personal approach guaranteed. We are located in Ao Po Grand Marina. 076 336 221, 083 171 4141. Email info@digifoxmarine.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Kamala Bar for Sale

Twin 260 HP Mekcruisers, fully loaded with Aircon. sound system, TV/ DVD, vacuum toilet, premium Navigation, coffee machine, full bimini enclosure, gas oven, blue hull. A bargain at B3.99 million. Contact eddyelan@yahoo.com, 089 971 0278.

Propulsion Engine Vetus 52 Horsepower diesel marine engine four cylinder turbo. Heat exchange cooling. Brand new, five year warranty.

B349,990 plus VAT. Contact 076 239 112, www. electrical-marine.com.

Fishing Boat for Sale

18’ fibreglass, 60hp Mercury, GPS/fish-finder, bimini, trailer, nice tidy boat with blue book, ready to go. Presently moored in Rawai, for viewing and www.thephuketnews.com

Large bar on main road, with separate bedroom and toilet, pool table, furn. stock, 3 FS TVs. Good takings. Owner returning to Australia. B900k ono. Contact Chompoo on 084 844 3504 or 087 898 0508.

Thalang. Wana Park on Sr isoonthor n Rd. Phuket ’s Quality Tile Boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tileasia.com.

GROUND FLOOR MLM OPENING! Wonderful opportunity... right place, right time.

Looking for a motivated, energetic, experienced networker for a once in a lifetime oppor tunity!

Help me build USA #1 Nutritional MLM company opening in Thailand very soon. Must speak English & Thai.

If you are interested in making money and improving your life, then please pay careful attention to this! I have 25 years experience in mentoring and encouraging individuals for success.

Email: ronmac 2810 @ gmail.com. Do IT!

11 Units Apartment-House for Sale

Green House Construction, renovation, electric, metal work, wood work, shop fitting. Please contact 085 654 2244.

CARS FOR RENT

BUSINESS SERVICES

CARS FOR SALE

A1 Car Rentals

Mazda Familia Pick-up Manual

Shop for Rent

Laundry For Lease

Protect your home or office with an alarm system and CCTV cameras. Call 085 798 9469 or email contact@alarms-phuketservices.com.

Fully insure d st ar t B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.

Lease B2 20,0 0 0 plus B 8,5 0 0 monthly rent.

Pisitkoranee Road, Patong. Fully-fur nished.

Contact Khun Lek, call 089 232 9807.

For lease in Patong. Furnished laundry with two bedrooms. Call Khun Nata on 086 115 2184.

Alarms & CCTV Services

Patong, off Nanai Road, newly renovated, secure income with little work, long term rentals, Chanote title, sale by owner, detailed sales folder available. Only B7.9 million.

087 265 0652, gisbert1@ gmx.net.

Laundry To Let

Prime potential shop for rent in prime commercial location. Also has franchise opportunity for Bellini. For more information call 082 816 0126 or email info@foodservicesth.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.

Farang Food Paradise Your specialist of im ported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. Fax 076 612 734.

And now new branch in Samui. See our website phuketfood.com.

tive English teachers to teach ages 1½ -6. MonFri 8am-5pm. Bus service available. 076 282 232.

Rawai Progressive School International private sc ho o l fo r age s 3 -12 years, offering Montessori education. For more informationtin see our website montessori-thai land.com.

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

International Kindegarten

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. Call 081 797 1497 or Email teac her joy _ phuket@hotmail.com

Native German Teacher

COMPUTER SALES/REPAIRS

Dos & Don’ts of Thai Culture

English Computerman Sales (New and Used), Ser vic e and Repair s, WLAN a speciality. Free telephone advice. Please call 084 625 7744.

CLUBS & ASSOCIATIONS Phuket Golf & C.C. Membership Founder membership for sale. B600,000 include transfer fee. Call 084 839 4868.

SKAL International Phuket Skål is a professional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. See www.skalphuket.org.

Singapore Club Phuket

Toyota Pickup 4 Doors for Sale

DIVING SERVICES

Turbo diesel auto. 148,130 km, year 19 92. Pr ic e B195,000. Call 089 822 7547 (Thai and English).

Paradise Diving Asia

Phuket’s oldest bi-lingual international child care facility. High quality time proven schedule and curriculum. Experienced na-

Learn Thai at Home

Native G er man TEFL teacher is teaching German and English to single students at home or small groups in Chalong. Contact (German/English) 080 778 1220, (Thai)081 810 9115.

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

Buds Nursery Kindergarten

EDUCATION SERVICES

International Kindergarten. Native English teachers, UK and Singapore curriculum, small class sizes. The best choice.

Call for info on 082 323 1188.

Excellent condition, engine rebuilt, brakes, battery, body and paint excellent. Must see. Price B85,000. Mobile 086 270 5462.

CHILD CARE SERVICES

All 4 Diving 5/4 Sawatdirak Road, Patong Beach. For more info call 076 344 611.

All courses and diving trips. Boat charter and individual tours. w w w. dive-paradise.com.

Phuket Scuba Club PA D I 5 S t a r C e n t r e.

Half day, daytrips, liveaboards and diver education. Phuket’s only dive club! Contact 076 284 026.

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.

Free English-Thai dictionary for the first 10 students for enrolments until October 20, 2011.

The Genius Language School, c 089 203 9270 (Aooddy). Visit www.thegeniuslanguageschool. net.

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.

TTT Language School Chalong Ministry of Education ED Visa - Learn Thai TEFL/TESOL Teacher Training. Stay in Thailand! FREE English test!

Many languages with Native Teachers. www.ttt-tefl.com, info@ttt-tefl.com Contact 076 280 869 087 467 8719

CLASSIFIEDS/PROPERTY 35

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE

PERSONAL SERVICES

Leaving Items for Sale

English-Thai Law Office

Last 2 items for sale: - LG DVD receiver system Home Theatre. New condition, old price B15,000 now B8,000 only.

- Philips DVD player. Old price B8,000 now B4,000 only. With excellent condition. Contact 083 645 5321(Nataliya) Russian and English speaking, or Email: natadubai@inbox. ru.

Visa, work permit, company formation, property transfer etc. Please telephone for advice. 084 063 9223.

Honda Click for Sale Honda Click excellent condition only 8,000km B32,000. Patong, 088 440 9324.

Southern Big Bike Chopper Shop All your chopper needs.

Located on the hill before Safari heading south from Patong. Get ready for Bike Week 2012. Please contact 076 292 079 or Khun Bang on 087 382 2494.

Honda CB 750 Chopper for Sale

Recently had major overhaul and re-spray black, kick and elec tric start. This bike is a real head turner. Nice and loud. H as green book so all legal. Get ready fo r B ike We ek 2012. Only B95,000. Call 087 267 8602.

MOTORBIKE SERVICES Dynamic Tire Balancing Dynamically balance your motorcycle tires for a smoother ride with DYNA BEADS! Available at West C oast Service Center Phuket.

Your big bike specialist on the bypass road.

Call for more info on 085 785 4440.

Havana Cigar Shop

PROPERTY & CONCIERGE

Opposite HomePro Village Chalong. Khun Vasanh 081 956 2024. vinoltds@hotmail.com.

Atmanjai

Phuket Visa Of fers consulting and ser vic es on c ompany registration, work permit, visa, accounting, auditor, legal advice. Please call 081 892 9960.

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

Visa run B1,100 A completely new visa run company. Only B1,100.

Leave 5am, return 5am.

No crazy driver, no boats, no bull. Please call 083 390 4924.

Live Music

By Colin Hill

First time in Thailand.

Last t wo puppies lef t.

Pedigree parent dogs from champions of Europe.For more information, please call Elena on 089 8712744 Website: w w w.rhodesian-ridge back.name.

Get maximum exposure on our top ranked website. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket.net.

PROPERTY FOR RENT Beautiful New Condo in Patong

POOL TABLE SALES & REPAIRS Phuket Pool Tables www.phuketpooltables. com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing.

All accessories and services. Please call for

Luxury Five Bedroom

House to Let in Karon

•Executive-style house, available for long-term rental • Spacious lounge/ dining/kitchen area with t wo large bedrooms, both with ensuite & balconies on the upper level.

•Fully-furnished, as new, modern, air-con. Ceiling fans in every room.

Walk ing dist anc e to shops and restaurants. • Rent B25,000 per month.

Please enquire on 080 690 5248 or email on lil@ ladolcevitare.com.au.

Super Pool Villas

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, john@ soidog.org.

months. Please call 081 895 4318 (Thai). Email: wapeebow@gmail.com.

Selling Your Property?

Wo r l d ’s b e s t n a t u r a l health programmes to improve health, reduce stress, weight loss, detox, rejuvenation, vitality and overcome disease. www. atmanjai.com.

Rhodesian Ridgeback Pupies

Honda Click for Rent

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

more infomation on 081 823 4627.

PETS FOR SALE

MOTORBIKES FOR RENT

Shor t- and long -ter m available, no scams, honest good value. Free delivery for hires over one week. Call 087 188 9047.

major brands. 076 355 600-1.

A RT@ p ato n g. b r a n d new fully-furnished, one bedroom, balcony, 200 metres to Jungceylon shopping. Huge pool and gym. 24-hour security.

B30,000 per month, longterm required. Enquire to marklouisw@hotmail. com.

Townhouse for Rent Ao Makham Newly-renovated. 2 bedrooms, parking. B8,000 per month, minimum 6

Luxury five bedrooms all with ensuite, pool villa set in large garden 1.2 rai huge 472 sq metre living area near Laguna,.

Fully-furnished from Island Furniture with modern European kitchen, movie room, kids room or office phone line and WiFi, cable TV and maid room. Asking B20 million for sale, or B90,000 per month rental. Please call 081 597 6911. Email: niny@electrical-marine. com.

Comfortable Private and Quiet

Low rates, monthly and weekly. Near Laguna. Villas have everything. 089 594 4067.

Three bedroom townhouse, just a few minutes to Karon Beach. B25,000 per month, long term rent required. 081 396 0880.

Luxury Villa RawaiNaiharn Beach

One Bedroom House, Kata Fully-furnished, one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, terrace, WiFi and cable TV. Price B9,000 per month.

Located in Kata. Call 081 606 2827.

For long-term rent. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, maid rooms, big swimming pool. B40,000 per month. Minimum one year. Contact 081 397 1835.

Sea View Apartments Modern furnished one and two-bedroom apartments in Kata. Available for long and short term rent. From B20,000 per month. Contact 081 326 2542.

Popular expat pro musician (guitar/vocals) with work permit. Can perform solo, duo or band. www. play-guitar.net, please call on 089 777 3063.

American Health Clinic Chiropractic spinal adjustment with an experienced chiropractor can take away the pain almost as quickly as it began.

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Bon Café Phuket A producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all www.thephuketnews.com

36 PROPERTY

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com PROPERTY FOR RENT

Phuket Paradise Property

3 Bedroom Pool Villa in Chalong

3 Bedroom Pool Villa in Rawai

Houses for Rent Long Term

Private Pool Villa In Centre of Nai Harn

Villa 300 metres from Kata Beach

Price : 9.5 m. THB Type: Villa

Chalong, ver y private with mountain views, two bedrooms, kitchen, fullyfurnished, Sat TV, ADSL, UBC and common swimming pool. Contact 089 724 3669.

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Luxury Condo Central Kathu

For sale or rent. Two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Guest toilet. Total 161-212sq metre. Very nice view, large balcony, common facilities pool/ gym. Call 086 268 7901 (English). Email:martin@ pertinax.asia.

5 Minutes From Laguna!

For sale or rent (short and long-term). Four bedroom. Family pool home.

1, 0 0 0 s q m e t r e l a n d , 330sq metre built-up area.

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Sunset Plaza in Kata Two Bedroom with Seaview

Bedroom : 3 Ref. : JP-005 Property is directly opposite Suksan Villa. Has electric gates to off road parking for one, possibly two, cars. The garden around the villa is mature and decorative. The house has a large lounge area directly overlooking the 8x4 metre pool.

T here are t wo lar g e bedrooms. The master bedroom has a shower and large decor, bath, and both have pool view.

Third bedroom is slightly smaller with a double bed and fitted wardrobes. This property has a European fitted kitchen and dining area . Please contact 083 595 6733. Visit www.

Modern furnished two bedroom. Apartment in Kata. Western kitchen.

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Seaview Land AoMakham for Sale

850 sqm Land Plot for Sale

33 rai land upon hill with seaview. Very easy access from road. B5 million per rai. Contact for details on 081 895 4318(Thai). Email: wapeebow@gmail.com.

TYPE: Villa BEDROOM: 2 REF.: MS-003 Stunning two bedrooms villa with big pool. Big m o d e r n k i tc h e n a n d living room. 2 minutes walk from Tesco Lotus Express. Call 083 595 6733. Visit us at www.

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PRICE: 9.9m. THB

PRICE: 9.9m. THB TYPE: Villa BEDROOM: 2 REF.: JP-001 Fantastic opportunity in the heart of Kata Phuket, Detached family home set on its own plot offering convenient access to Kata beach 300 mtrs away and all surrounding facilities. Call 083 595 6733. Visit us at www.

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In Soi King Saliga, front 22mx42m long. Walled and about 100m from Rawai Beach. Full chanote title.

Contact 080 530 6880.

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C oz y pool villa near Chalong circle. The villa has a very large living room with view over the large garden. There is direct access from living room to the swimming pool. Three large bedrooms and bathrooms.

Phuket Paradise

Eco-resort on Coconut Island: private pier, spa , grass-roofed village, lap pool. Resort lots start at B1 million, cottage and lot start at B2.5 million. www.jindarin.com. Email eam1008@me.com or call 081 396 6060.

Three beds, four bathrooms in Chalong, small estate, end of road, fitted wardrobes, swimming pool, garden, big kitchen, fully-fur nished. Pr ic ed B6,250,000. Call 076 374 562 to view property.

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180 Degree Seaview Land Sale

Great 180 degree elevated seaview land for sale in Leelawadee Hill behind Toyot a o n B y p a s s r d.

1080sqm for B18.9 million.

081 823 4627.

LAND FOR SALE RAWAI

Soi Saliga, Rawai.

1,908 sqm, clean ready to build, Chanote Title.

Next to Eva Beach and Palm House School. Sell by owner. 084 745 4132.

The Sands Condominium

150sqm foreign freehold, two bedroom, swimming pool, GRG FLR, lake view, 150 metres to Naiharn Beach. Price B9.8 million.

Contact 089 875 4173.

Nice Garden Villa in Nai Harn

Cozy villa near Kata Beach. Huge living room with open kitchen. Extra outdoor kitchen. Two large bedrooms. The villa is located within walking distance from Kata Beach. Contact 083 595 6733. Visite us at www.

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Bali Style Pool Villa Two bed with ensuite in Naiharn, 480sq metre, fully-furnished, internet etc, freehold. Priced at B9.7 million. Contact anohoa@ gmail.com.

Private Pool Villas from B4.9M Private sale. Must see.

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Nice One Rai Chalong B7m 200 metre off main road. In great location. Full Chanote title. 089 651 3479.

PRICE: 3.0m. THB TYPE: Condo BEDROOM: 2 REF.: MS-006 Big living room and kitchen. Two bedroom and bathroom. 2 minutes walk to the beach. Common pool. Contact 083 595 6733. Visit w w w.

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Singapore Property for Sale

Luxury property of Singapore for rent sale. Help with loan from 1% per year. Russian speaking. Call +65 9144 0268. www.sourceinvestsing. com.

Two Rai Beachfront Land Khao Lak Freehold Chanote land at K h ao L ak B e ac h, 3 , 312 m 2 , p r i c e o n l y B5,500,000 a rai. Call 081 651 9687.

PROPERTY WANTED Intira Villas is a development of 15 boutique villas in the hear t of Rawai. Second phase open now! Only few villas available. www.in tiravillas.com, call 083 594 9279.

Villa for Rent Wanted

3 or 4 bedroom villa for rent in Cherng Talay area or near. With pool or without pool, furnished and garden preferred. Contact Nataliya on 083 645 5321.

SERVICES 37

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

To advertise in our classifieds visit www.thephuketnews.com HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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38 ISLANDSPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Jaray is first Thai to complete Kona TRIATHLON

Thai triathlete Jaray Jearanai of Phuket is on top of the world after completing the legendary Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in a time of just over 11 hours.

Jaray, sponsored by his employer Laguna Phuket and Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club where he trained to compete in Hawaii and Las Vegas, crossed the finishing line in a time of 11:04:35 after a swim of 1:04:35; bike time of 5:48:27; and run of 3:51:22.

An ecstatic Jaray, 31, said: “It was the toughest experience of my life and I’m so happy to have completed it.

“It’s always been my dream to take part in a full Ironman – I just didn’t expect my first one to be the World Championship in Kona alongside some of my biggest heroes.

“This race and the Las Vegas Ironman 70.3 have been incredible experiences and I’m so grateful to Laguna Phuket for helping to make my dreams come true.”

Jaray is the first Thai national to race and complete the famed Kona course and joins a distinct band of elite global triathlon competitors who have finished the most famous Ironman of them all.

His achievement last Sunday (October 9) was made all the more remarkable as it was the first-ever full Ironman race for Jaray, a marketing executive at Laguna Holi-

Jaray now holds the unique distinction of being the first-ever Thai to compete in both back-to-back Ironman and Ironman 70.3 World Championships in the same year. day Club in Laguna Phuket, and came just weeks after he successfully completed the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Las Vegas.

Ja r ay now hold s t he unique distinction of being the first-ever Thai to compete in both Ironman and Ironman

70.3 World Championships in the same year.

T he a n nu al I ron ma n World Championship in Kona comprising a 3.8km swim, 180.2km bike ride and 42.1km marathon is considered the ultimate triathlon challenge and the most difficult one-day

endurance event in the world, with its 1,800 places desired by triathletes everywhere.

The World Championship was won by Australia’s Craig Alexander in a course record of 8:03:56, while Chrissie Wellington of Great Britain took the women’s title in 08:55:08.

Tin Mine Open tees off soon GOLF

31/10/2011

www.thephuketnews.com

Red Mountain Golf Club is the venue for the 2011 Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Tin Mine Open which is being held on Saturday, October 22.

The TAT has issued an open invitation to keen golfers to take part in what should be a hotly-contested day’s golf.

E n t r a n c e t o t h i s ye a r’s Ti n Mine Open is priced at B3,990 and includes green fees, caddy fees, a goody bag, buffet lunch and dinner, and entrance into the lucky draw.

The Tin Mine Open will use the ‘36’ scoring system which means that handicaps will be calculated on the day to determine the winners.

Flight winners will win trips to play the new Riverdale course in Bangkok and there’s a competition for the best gross flight for the more serious golfers.

Interested players can register at Loch Palm’s pro shop. There are limited spots available and all booking requests will only be confirmed upon payment.

FC Phuket need to keep winning With just nine games remaining in FC Phuket’s maiden TPL Division One campaign, the Southern Sea Kirin need to keep winning if they are to have any chance of gaining promotion to the Thai Premier League for the 2012 season.

FC Phuket are currently in seventh place in Division One, 12 points behind thirdplaced Chainat FC who occupy the final Premier League promotion position.

The Kirin do have a game in hand which could see them cut the deficit to nine points but now have to rely on Chainat, who were also promoted from Division 2 last year, slipping up.

Such is the position the Kirin find themselves in that coach Somphong Wattana will be aware that his side cannot afford to drop any more points between now and the end of the season.

While this task is difficult it is not impossible, especially given that FC Phuket are Division One’s form side, having taken 13 points from a possible 15 in the last five games which included a run of four straight wins before a 1-1 draw in Chiang Mai. The Kirin could have won that match too but for a missed penalty by Ivorian defender Nene Bi, and the squad know they have to take all the chances that come their way if the season is to end as a success.

FC Phuket might have more chance overhauling BBCU FC in second place as the university side are currently on a run which has

FOOTBALL seen them fail to win a single game in the last five.

BBCU are just a single point ahead of Chainat and have also played one more game than FC Phuket.

This Sunday the Greens entertain Samutprakhan Customs United at Surakul. A win for the Kirin could see them move up to fifth position in the league, which, after the poor slump before the mid-season break, would represent a good first season in the first division.

Customs United trail FC Phuket by 14 points. They have lost three of their past five matches and have ended up on the losing side 14 times already this season.

By contrast the home side have lost just six times this season and boast a vastly superior goal difference over their opponents this weekend.

Where FC Phuket have struggled this season is in front of the opposition goal, a shortcoming that has contributed to their nine drawn fixtures.

The loss of striker Thawin Butrasombat with a broken ankle left the squad weakened up front and has caused the side to drop a lot of crucial points.

Had FC Phuket been able to turn some of those draws into victories then promotion at the end of the season would be looking a lot more likely.

–Dan Ogunshakin FC Phuket v Samutprak han Customs United: Sunday, October 16. Kick off 6 pm at Surakul Stadium.

Koh Yao Yai to stage multi-sports event The Koh Yao Yai Sea World Festival, featuring a mountain bike competition, a mini triathlon and a sea kayaking competition, will kick off later this month from October 23 to 25.

The festival is a collaboration between the Phang Nga Provincial Administration Organisation, OrBorTor Koh Yao Yai, and the Rowing & Canoeing Association of Thailand.

The President of the Koh Yao Tourism and Business Club, Sunthorn Sagulsan, explained: “This will be the first time we’ve held the Koh Yao Yai Sea World Festival. The goal is to develop sports tourism in Phang Nga, and this will become an annual event.”

“So far we have 50 confirmed entries for the mountain bike competition, 20 for the mini triathlon and 30 for the kayaking events, which includes 20 competitors from a number of different countries.”

The kayak racing will start from Lo Jak pier on the southwest coast of the island, with competitors racing around

Koh Kai Nai and Koh Kai Nawk.

The mountain bike racing will take place in the hills at the north end of the island, as will the mini-triathlon.

The entry fee for the mountain bike competition and the triathlon is B500 per competitor. The kayaking competition is free to enter, though anyone who does not have a kayak will need to rent one.

Regist rations for su r f sk ii ng closed last Monday (October 10). The deadline for the mountain bike competition and the mini-triathlon is 10am on October 23, while entries for the remaining two kayak events must be lodged by the evening of the 24th.

Fo r mo r e i n fo r m at io n o r t o register, on the sea kayaking events, visit koyaoislands.com/koh-yao-seakayak-regatta-2011/ or email office@ rcat.or.th. For the mountain bike competition and mini-triathlon email info@ kohyaoyai.org or jim_niphon@yahoo. co.th. Competitors may also register at the OrBorTor Koh Yao Yai offices.

ISLANDSPORT 39

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

Distance and Walker to walk the distance

Jay Walker and Russell D. Russell (right) in training at TSLC.

Countdown to new season has begun With the end of monsoon season looming, Phuket’s cricketing fraternity are readying themselves for the 2011/12 Island Fur niture League season at the new home of cricket in Phuket, the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG).

In previous years, the league was played at Cherngtalay School but the new ACG is expected to be a vastly improved facility.

“The ground will have a lush cover of grass so expect to see many more players diving around in the field,” said Martin Foster, the club affairs representitive of the Phuket Cricket Group, the outfit responsible for organising and running the league.

“The synthetic turf pitch will also result in a much more consistent bounce, enabling the batsmen to play their shots with increased confidence.”

The new facility also seems to be attracting more interest from cricketers.

“We expect to have at least six teams this season, which is testament to the popularity cricket is gaining here in Phuket,” Foster said.

“There’s also a good mix of teams and players; some like the social aspects, while others thrive on the on-field competition.

“We have players from many different nationalities including the usual suspects from the main cricketing nations: England, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Australia and New Zealand, but we also have a Thai youth team participating.

“Our youngest players are 16-17 years of age and our old-

CRICKET est player is 62 years young!

“It’s a great way to bring people from all different walks of life together to have some fun.”

The ACG will also have a clubhouse facility from which spectators will be able to watch the games being played in comfort.

“With the ACG we expect not only the players coming to the ground but also their families and friends,” said Foster “They will be able to watch the games from the clubhouse while sitting back, enjoying a drink and analysing the play.

“We hope to create a real community atmosphere where it will be an enjoyable day out for people.”

The main senior competition will be played on Sundays and is a 35-40-over format.

There is also likely to be a Twenty20 competition for the those who can’t get enough.

Thanks to the new facility cricket fans can also expect to see more events and touring sides; the Singapore Cricket Club arrives here next month and the world-famous Marylebone Cricket Club, from Lords, the home of cricket, is touring in February 2012.

Anyone interested in playing in or assisting the upcoming Island Furniture League in any way should contact the Phuket Cricket Group by emailing secretary@phuketcricketgroup.com.

Further details can be found on their website www. phuketcricketgroup.com

On December 11 well-known Phuket residents Russell D. Russell and Jay LeShark hope to become the island’s first Guinness World Record holders by breaking the three-legged distance mark of 110.13km set in 24 hours by Aussie duo Steven and Suzanne Eltis.

The pair aim to walk at least 102km in the same time, surpassing the record set in Brisbane, Australia in 2008.

In attempting to break the current record the pair will be raising money in support of the Phuket Animal Welfare Society (Paws).

Russell, whose middle name fittingly is ‘Distance’, said that no other record entered

into their thinking when they set out to to make their mark.

“We never looked at any other ideas for the record attempt,” said Russell.

“At school many moons ago students raised funds for charity by doing a three-legged walk.”

Russell picked LeShark – whose real name is Jay Walker (you couldn’t make this up) – because he felt he would be the ideal partner when things started to get tough.

“For this sort of thing you need people you know can handle the task but, just as importantly, you need someone who has time for a laugh.”

The duo are training twice a week in preparation for their

record-breaking attempt.

“The first 10 minutes we were all over the place but after trying different styles we got into a routine and a feel for it.

We now feel more comfortable,” said Russell.

The Guinness Book of World Records have a multitude of requirements that must be adhered to in order for a world record to be set.

The entire walk has to be videoed, signed off as authentic by two independent witnesses, and considerable paperwork is required before it can be ratified.

The pair will be able to take breaks along the way but they must meet other requirements,

such as having the ankles tied together in the correct way – a specially made velcro ankle strap with cushioning is being made for the occasion.

Russell and LeShark will start circling the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club 400m running track in Thalang at 1 pm on Saturday, December 10.

At around 6 am the following morning the pair will make the 15km journey to the Laguna Beach Resort “Y-junction” and finish at the Quest Family Fun Day being held there to raise further funds for Paws.

For more information and sponsorship details contact Russell. T: 0895-884 050.

E: canineworld@me.com.

Thai contribution is ‘key to cricket development’ CRICKET

On an island where it rains for half the year, and bakes in oppressive heat for the rest, selling the game of cricket to the locals comes with obvious challenges.

Nonetheless, the game has been slowly but steadily developing on Phuket and behind that steady development is a local driving force.

The foreign coaches from the Phuket Cricket Group (PCG) help, of course, but without the support of local schools and teachers, the promotion of cricket amongst young people would not be possible.

One of those teachers leading the charge, and the woman largely being credited with the success of youth cricket on Phuket, is Jiraporn ‘Took’ Rodkaew.

Took is a self confessed sports junkie: “I just like sport, whether it’s anything from football to badminton.”

As a sport teacher at Sapam School, not far from Supercheap, she was offered the opportunity to go to Bangkok to learn the game of cricket about four years ago.

“I didn’t know what cricket was at the time. I had never heard of it. I just knew it was sport, so I went to Bangkok to learn,” she said.

Since that time, Took has come a long way, even earning her Level 2 coaching accreditation from the International Cricket Council (ICC), something very few people, let

Jiraporn ‘Took’ Rodkaew takes up position behind the stumps and captain Pao. alone Thai women, can boast.

“This sport has challenged me because it is very new to me. Cricket is a complicated game so I had a lot to learn,” she said.

At the moment, her main focus is on next year’s Youth Games, held on Phuket from March 18-28.

Hopes are high for the Phuket boys under-19 side, coached by Took and led by captain Pao. At the previous Youth Games, the Phuket side finished second in Division 2, and fourth overall; hopes are high for a win in 2012 as there

have been only three changes to the squad for next year.

Took has no doubt in her mind that the players are capable of finishing on top.

“We will be number one,” she says. It would be a game person to argue otherwise.

One of the key struggles for the PCG is finding quality local coaches to inspire Thai kids to play cricket, making Took’s long stay at the crease even more positive.

PCG Youth Development Officer Bill Stahmer said Took’s contribution to the game has been invaluable: “Without her help, we’re knackered.”

Took believes cricket could become a popular sport on Phuket and in Thailand, if only it were promoted properly.

“This sport needs to be promoted more to let other know about the game. This sport is special and the young cricketers of Phuket would improve if they have more people playing,” she said.

She is also excited about the opening of the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG), Phuket’s first dedicated cricket oval.

“The young students here really want to learn, new facilities will help them do that.”

–Dane Halpin www.thephuketnews.com

40 INTERNATIONALSPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

THE PHUKET NEWS TIPPING COMPETITION: 8

This month's competition is supported by:

Attention returns to EPL After a weekend without Premier League action following the international break the focus of many football fans around the world returns to the world’s most exciting league.

The global popularity of the English game means that the weekend’s 10 EPL fixtures are eagerly anticipated in many far-flung parts of the world and Thailand is no exception.

This weekend the EPL will generate greater interest than normal as English football’s two most successful clubs – Liverpool and Manchester United – go head-to-head at Anfield in the weekend’s early kick off.

The decline of the Reds of Liverpool and the rise of United in the past 20 years has done nothing to lessen the ferocity of the fixture; the two sets of fans enjoy nothing more than putting one over their rivals at the opposite end of the East Lancs Road.

Victory by Liverpool will be almost as loudly cheered by Manchester

City fans as it would be by supporters of Kenny Dalglish’s side. The Citizens will leapfrog United at the top of the league if, as expected, they beat Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium later in the day.

Chelsea will also be able to draw level on points with United with a win against Everton if the Red Devils lose.

The Blues are still without striker Fernando Torres who is suspended following his red card against Swansea in September but will hope that Frank Lampard (pictured) can continue his goal scoring form.

Everton, by contrast, will be able to field Jack Rodwell after the young midfielder’s red card against Liverpool was rescinded after an appeal.

In Saturday’s other fixtures Norwich entertain fellow newcomers Swansea, QPR face strugglers Blackburn, Stoke will be looking to return to winning ways against Fulham, while third from bottom Wigan take on bottom dwellers Bolton in what is already a six-pointer.

There are three fixtures on Sunday starting with the Black Country derby – another hotly-

WEEK 8 Home Team W D W Away Team

i r i

n a n w

15/10/2011 Liverpool Man Utd Man City Aston Villa Norwich Swansea QPR Blackburn Stoke Fulham Wigan Bolton Chelsea Everton 16/10/2011 West Brom Wolverhampton Arsenal Sunderland Newcastle Tottenham

Please Fax this form to 076 612 553 or hand it in at the Phuket News office in before Friday 2.00 PM. Or visit our website www.thephuketnews.com to enter online.

the Emirates, which should be a comfortable home win for the Gunners, before Newcastle put their unbeaten start to the season on the line against Harry Redknapp’s Spurs at St James’ Park.

Shockingly, The Phuket Chelsea’s Frank Lampard hit News’ tipster Dan Ogunshakin a hat trick in his last game against Bolton. The Blues made a decent start to the new will be hoping for more of month, picking up 14 points on the same against Everton. the back of correctly predicting

–Photo AFP seven results in week seven.

October’s top point scorer is contested match – between West Brom and Wolves at ‘The Lunchroom Kathu’ with 24 points and the overall lead the Hawthorn.

That match is followed by belongs to ‘gafferworld’ who Arsenal against Sunderland at tops the table with 125 points.

October’s top points scorer wins themselves a B3,000 voucher to be used at Peppers Bar and Restaurant, Phuket’s premier sports bar.

The overall winner will win a return flight to the UK at the end of the season.

You can now enter your predictions for round eight.

Either enter them online by 11.59pm on October 14 at thephuketnews.com, fax them to the office on 076 612 553 or hand them to us personally here in Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco-Lotus before 2pm on the 14th.

DAN’S TIPS: Liverpool v Man Utd: home win Man City v Aston Villa: home win Norwich v Swansea: home win QPR v Blackburn: home win Stoke v Fulham: home win Wigan v Bolton: home win Chelsea v Everton: home win West Brom v Wolves: draw Arsenal v Sunderland: home win Newcastle v Tottenham: draw

TOP 10 PERFORMERS (OCT): 1. The Lunchroom Kathu 2. BallBoy 2. gafferworld 4. alanphuket 4. InfoPhuketNews2 4. Jauntingjason 7. fazza 8. aom 8. bazerb 8. dan 8. Mal Kenyon

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TOP PLAYERS OVERALL: 1. gafferworld 2. MRB 3. alanphuket 4. Mal Kenyon 5. MAMCHAM 6. dcoutts 7. chasman 8. Allard 9. apollo131 10. BallBoy

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Heavyweights lock horns once again Despite the protestations of a small number of fans from rival clubs, the coming together of Liverpool and Manchester United is undoubtedly the biggest fixture in the English footballing calendar.

Although the past few years has witnessed the emergence of Chelsea and Manchester City backed by the roubles and petroleum dollars of Roman Abramovich and Sheik h Mansour respectively, the statistics speak for themselves.

The Reds of Merseyside and Manchester are the most successful clubs in English football. Between them they have 37 league titles – 19 for United and 18 for Liverpool – 18 FA Cups, 11 League Cups and 12 European trophies.

Both clubs also boast huge fanbases both in England and around the world, particularly in Asia where fans of both clubs gather in large numbers to watch the match on big screens.

Ask fans of both clubs to name the one side they would most like to beat, and chances are they will spit out the name of the club at the opposite end of the East Lancs Road.

The rivalry between the two clubs stems back to the days of the Industrial www.thephuketnews.com

FOOTBALL Revolution where the two cities competed against each other in the field of business rather than on the football pitch.

This manifested into a rivalry on the field with the emergence of the two clubs in the late 19th century and it has grown steadily over the years and is on a par with El Classico in Spain between Barcelona and Real Madrid, and the Milan derby between AC Milan and Inter.

Such is the intense dislike between the two sides that no player has been transferred between the two clubs for 47 years. Phil Chisholm was the last player to cross the divide when he joined Liverpool from United in 1964.

Four years after that trans­ fer United made a sig­ni­ficant claim of being England’s biggest club as they lifted the European Cup at Wembley.

By the 1970s, however, everything had changed as United were re­legated and Liverpool were con­quering all at home and abroad.

Liver pool dominated the 1980s too but a lack of foresight at boardroom level saw them slip behind United

Luis Suarez, here celebrating his recent goal against Everton, inspired Liverpool to a 3-1 win at Anfield in the corresponding fixture last season. Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge believes he can repeat the feat in tomorrow’s big match. –Photo AFP at the beginning of the 1990s and the status quo changed once again.

Sir Alex Ferguson said he aimed to “knock Liverpool off their perch” and now that he has succeeded, it is the Reds of Merseyside who are trying to claw their way back.

After two mediocre seasons

Liverpool, under Kenny Dal­ glish, underwent a ����������� transformation and have emerged looking like a side capable of pushing United closer this season.

The Red Devils, however, have made the stronger start to the campaign and sit at the top of the league, six points ahead of Liverpool as they look to

defend their title.

In last season’s corresponding fixture striker Dirk Kuyt grabbed a hat trick as a Luis Suarez-inspired Liverpool put United to the sword.

For me r Red s st r i ke r John Aldridge believes that the Uruguayan can repeat last season’s performance

against a United defence yet to hit top form.

“Make no mistake, Alex Ferguson will be very, very wary of Suarez this weekend,” said Aldridge.

“He knows his side have a lot of defensive flaws. They have been great going forward, fantastic to watch, but they are vulnerable.”

Liverpool will also hand a first start in six months to captain Steven Gerrard who returns to the side after a series of groin problems.

“A fit Steven Gerrard strengthens this club, no ques­ tion. If you have Steven in your squad, it’s going to raise the standard,” said Dalglish.

“We want to have a really strong squad – and him being in it makes it that much stronger.”

United striker Wayne Rooney will face a tricky time on his return to Merseyside in the wake of his red card against Montenegro on Friday which itself followed the news that his father Wayne senior and Uncle had been arrested for their alleged involvement in a match-fixing scam.

Liverpool v Man United: Saturday, October 15. Kick off 6:45 pm (Thai time).

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

INTERNATIONALSPORT 41

IT’S TWO IN A ROW Third in Japan gives Vettel his second title A jubilant Sebastian Vettel says his second world championship, which makes him the youngest back-to-back winner in Formula One history, is even more special than last year’s triumph.

After a night of celebrations, the 24-year-old German, the outstanding driver all season, was still struggling to take in his achievement following a third-placed finish in his Red Bull in Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.

That result – after he came home behind winner Jenson Button of McLaren and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso – wrapped up a second successive title for Vettel, with four more races left in the season for him to underline his superiority.

“It is not just me, but it is the whole team that does the work for this,” he said.

“So I want to thank every single person – the whole team back at Milton Keynes in England and everyone in the race team.

“We have done it all together and this time around, really, it feels great. You know

FORMULA 1 last year when I won the title at Abu Dhabi it was the last race.

“I won and it was all over and the season was finished and I had a long time out of the car.

“This year, it’s a bit different and it makes it more special so I’m looking forward to the rest of the season now.”

Vettel, who needed just one point in Japan to clinch the title, joins a pantheon of greats that includes Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher as one of only nine drivers to successfully defend their title.

Vettel said having his compatriot and boyhood hero Schumacher racing alongside him made his crowning glory that bit more special.

“You know, I never imagined that I would win the world championship, and the second world championship, and Michael drives past me doing this [a thumbs-up],” Vettel said.

“That’s really weird because when I was a little boy he was already Formula One world

double world champion.

“I feel very excited and happy for him and I hope he can stay at the top a long time.”

Alonso, the last man to successfully defend his title, in 2006, said: “He drove perfectly in all races and qualifying in all conditions. He deserved it.”

McLaren rivals Button and Lewis Hamilton, two previous world champions, were also fulsome in their praise.

Hamilton, who has endured a difficult campaign, called it “a perfect season” from Vettel.

Button added: “Sebastian this year has been phenomenal and he totally deserves the world championship here.

“He has been given the equipment to do a good job – To be No 1 again: Sebastian Vettel says the second time is more special than the first. and you need that – but he has – Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images. delivered and he hasn’t really champion. So that imagination tel. “He joins a very elite group tion and the work rate that made any mistakes this year.”

Despite having the title was far out of sight. now. He has marked himself he puts in is one of the things in the bag, Vettel said he had “But it is those small out as one of the greats. At such that marks him out.” details that make this some- a young age, it’s phenomenal The seven-time world no intention of easing off and thing very special for me. Life what he’s achieved in such a champion Schumacher, now wants to increase his total of for all of us doesn’t get much short space of time.”

42, who finished a strong sixth 19 career wins in the remaining better than this.”

And Horner had a warn- for Mercedes at Suzuka, said: races in South Korea, India, Red Bull team chief Chris- ing for the field left in Vettel’s “I’m very excited for him. He Abu Dhabi and Brazil.

“I want us to finish the job tian Horner was effusive in his wake, saying: “The best is still is a great driver and still so off,” said Vettel.

–AFP praise for the unassuming Vet- to come. He strives for perfec- young. And he is the youngest

NBA cancels first two weeks of season NBA commissioner David Stern has cancelled the first two weeks of the 2011/12 regular season after several hours of meetings failed to result in a new labour deal with the players.

Stern said he is cancelling 100 regular season games scheduled to take place between November 1 and November 14 after the two sides in the contract dispute met for seven hours on Monday.

Stern said the latest effort to end the lockout of the players and begin the season on time failed because the owners and players are far apart on a number of key issues.

“We just have a gulf that separates us,” Stern said.

“With every day that goes by, I think we need to look at further reductions in what’s left of the season.”

All of the NBA’s 114 preseason games have already been wiped out by the dispute.

No new talks have been scheduled but owners and players said they plan to keep in touch.

“I started out by saying I’m sorry to report, and I’m sad to report, that we’ve cancelled the first two weeks,” Stern said.

“We certainly hoped it

BASKETBALL

would never come to this. We think that we made very fair proposals. I’m sure the players think the same thing. But the gap is so significant that we just can’t bridge it at this time.”

Stern, deputy commissioner Adam Silver, owners Peter Holt of San Antonio, Glen Taylor of Minnesota and James Dolan of New York, plus senior vice president and deputy general counsel Dan Rube represented the owners in talks on Monday.

They met with union executive director Billy Hunter, president Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers, vice president Maurice Evans of the Washington Wizards, and lawyers Jeffrey Kessler and Ron Klempner.

There is still three weeks before the start of the regular season, so the the two sides could still reach a deal in time or possibly end up in court.

Each has accused the other of unfair labour practices which the National Labor Relations Board is looking into. The owners also filed a lawsuit in US federal court against the players’ union.

The owners locked out the players on July 1 when they

Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns won’t be lacing up his trainers in time for the start of the 2011/12 season.

–Photo by Keith Allison. failed to reach a deal before the expiration of the old collective bargaining agreement.

Team owners and players have been haggling over how to divide the NBA’s

$3.8 billion (B115 billion) annual revenues and also over salary cap issues.

The main stumbling block has been the issue of how to share basketball-related income.

The owners want a 50-50 share of revenues while the players refuse to go below 53 per cent.

The gap in their positions has been so wide it could now jeopardise the entire 2011-2012 campaign, said Fisher.

“This is not where we choose to be,” Fisher said.

“We’re not at a place where a fair deal can be reached with the NBA.” Earlier this year, owners angered the players with a proposal that called for salary rollbacks, shorter contracts and a hard salary cap of $45 million (B1.35 billion).

The only previous NBA sea son to be shor tened because of money disputes was in 1998-99, when the season was cut to 50 games.

NBA players reacted to the news with disappointment and expressed sympathy for the stadium workers who will lose their jobs.

“Genuinely sorry to all the employees in and around the NBA arenas losing work,” Phoenix Suns star Steve Nash

wrote on his Twitter page.

“Thanks for the overwhelming support today, guys. You know we want to play and you understand the propaganda/misinformation from the owners.”

Miami Heat superstar LeBron James tweeted, “I wanna sincerely say sorry to all the fans! It’s such a sad day for all of us, especially u guys!

There’s no US w/o You.” –AFP

www.thephuketnews.com

42 INTERNATIONALSPORT

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

THE FANTASTIC FOUR

After the drama, tension and excitement of last weekend’s four 2011 Rugby World Cup quarter-finals just four teams remain in contention for the William Webb-Ellis trophy: trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia, and northern hemisphere foes Wales and France.

All four sides know that two more good performances could see them lift the trophy on October 23 – New Zealand for the first time since 1987, Australia for a record third time, while France and Wales would emulate England and become just the second northern hemisphere side to win the famous gold trophy.

T h is weekend’s f i rst game sees Wales and France lock horns after both sides overcame fellow Six Nations adversaries Ireland and England respectively.

Warren Gatland’s young Welsh side came flying out of the traps and caught their more experienced Irish opponents off guard, as Shane Williams – a rarity in the Welsh team seeing as he is the wrong side of 30 – crossed the line with little more than two minutes on the clock.

Wales’ attacking play – spearheaded by the likes of the irrepressible Jamie Roberts – won them a lot of admiration but their defensive play also drew plaudits from onlookers.

Fr a nce, by cont r a st , haven’t been at their best this tournament but didn’t have to be to beat a poor England side 19-12 in Auckland.

RUGBY

The French back row dominated the English pack and Dimitri Yashvili’s pinpoint kicking heaped untold pressure on an England defence which simply couldn’t cope.

Be cau se of Fr a nc e’s lacklustre displays in the tou r nament to d ate and Wa l e s’ d y n a m i c p l a y, Gatland’s side should begin the match as favourites.

All Black legend Colin Meads says that he expects Wales will go through to the final and face New Zealand: “France are so unpredictable, but on present form I’d back Wales,” he said.

“I’ve said all the way through that we’ll win the World Cup, so I’ve got to stick with that.”

Wale s w il l be wa r y, however, of facing a France side that beat them convincingly 29-8 in this year’s Six Nations and have also won six of the last seven meetings between the two sides.

Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards says Wales need to be ready to face a potentially dangerous French side: “I’ve heard their coach say they have to overcome the obstacle of only having one big performance in them,” he said. “[But] if you look at France in the Six Nations over the last five or six years... they have won it the most.

“It is in the France team to be consistent and they do have the ability to be consistent.”

France have named an

New Zealand centre/winger Sonny Bill Williams: ‘We haven’t played our best footy yet.’

–Photo AFP unchanged line up for tomor- ers and there are few bigger Blacks who are at home and row’s clash while, as of press than when New Zealand and once again will start the time, Wales were waiting on Australia come together in match as favourites. the fitness of fly-half Rhys the final four.

Both teams have injury Priestland before naming The last time the two sides concerns going into the game. their team, with Stephen Jones met at this stage of the tour- New Zealand are without ready to step into his place nament back in 2003, the first- and second-choice flyAustralians upset the odds halves Dan Carter and Colin should he be unavailable.

While any Rugby World on home soil to advance to a Slade, while Mils Muliaina Cup semi-final is a big game, final meeting with England. also misses out.

There have also been ruThis time it is the All some are bigger than oth-

mours about the fitness of flanker and captain Richie McCaw who has been struggling with a foot injury and may also be unavailable.

For the Wallabies star f ull-back Ku r tley Beale was unable to train all week and is expected to miss out.

Winger James O’Connor will take the number 15 jersey if Beale is unable to take his place on the field.

Barring a late injury one man certain to be there is Quade Cooper who hopes to find his best form after a poor match against the Springboks when commentators speculated that the constant jeering was getting to him.

Cooper, who is public enemy number one in New Zealand, attempted to deflect attention away from his own poor performance by piling more pressure on the home side.

“They’ve supposed to have won this World Cup for the past three tournaments and this is no different.

There’s a lot of pressure on them to win this competition on their home soil.”

New Zealand cent re/ winger Sonny Bill Williams, who faces stiff competition from the likes of Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Richard Kahui and Corey Jane for a starting place, believes the All Blacks can cope with the pressure and that, ominously, New Zealand “haven’t played our best footy yet.”

Sunday’s match takes place at Eden Park where the Wallabies haven’t won for 25 years.

Players urge Johnson to stay after England exit England players have urged manager Martin Johnson to remain at the helm despite their worst Rugby World Cup performance since 1999.

Johnson, whose contract is up for renewal in December, made no decision about his im-

RUGBY mediate future after England lost 19-12 to a revived France side in the quarter-finals in New Zealand last Saturday.

The man who captained England to the 2003 World

Cup and aimed to be the first player to return to the winners’ rostrum as a successful coach, said his future was not a matter for discussion when “emotions are still raw”.

Younger members of the squad want Johnson to take

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the team through to the 2015 World Cup in England just as former coach Clive Woodward, who guided the side to glory in 2003, was given another shot at winning the Webb Ellis Trophy after presiding over a quarter-final defeat by the Springboks four years earlier.

“Without a shadow of a doubt,” said 22-year-old scr u m-half Ben You ngs whe n a ske d if Joh n son should stay in the job.

Full-back Ben Foden agreed with Youngs.

“Do I want Martin Johnson to stay? Of course.”

England’s director of rugby operations, Rob Andrew, who will lead a review of the performance, refrained from openly endorsing Johnson.

But Andrew said the situation was different to 2007 when Brian Ashton was sacked as England coach following the World Cup final loss to

Martin Johnson’s face says it all after England crashed out of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The 2003 Cup winning captain has been urged to stay on by his players.

–Photo AFP South Africa in Paris.

“The key thing from my point of view is we take the next four to six weeks with Martin to review what went on,” Andrew said.

“We now have to take stock and not over-react one way or the other.”

“We made it tough on ourselves. It was frustrating at times that we didn’t get the chance to put games away but that’s World Cups, it’s all about pressure,” Johnson said, adding it was too soon to talk about his future.

“The emotions are still very raw for everyone so you need to step away from it.”

For senior members of the England team including Jonny Wilkinson and Tindall, who played with former lock Johnson in the triumphant 2003 side, and captain Lewis Moody, their World Cup days are almost certainly over.

But Johnson believes the best days are ahead for the younger players he has nurtured and that they’d be better for the bitter experience of losing to France.

“Their effort was fantastic, but we left ourselves with far too much to do.”

INTERNATIONALSPORT 43

THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

English Premier Team Manchester Utd Manchester City Chelsea Newcastle Utd Liverpool Tottenham Aston Villa Stoke City Norwich City Swansea City QPR Fulham Everton Wolves Arsenal Sunderland West Brom Wigan Athletic Blackburn Rovers Bolton

P 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

W 6 6 5 4 4 4 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1

D 1 1 1 3 1 0 5 3 2 2 2 4 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 0

Ligue 1, France L 0 0 1 0 2 2 0 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 4 3 4 4 5 6

F 24 23 17 9 10 11 9 4 7 6 5 10 6 6 10 9 5 5 8 9

A 5 5 8 4 8 10 5 8 10 9 13 7 8 10 16 8 10 11 17 21

Pts 19 19 16 15 13 12 11 9 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 5 5 4 3

Bundesliga, Germany Team Bayern Munich Werder Bremen B’sia M’gladbach Schalke Hannover Dortmund Stuttgart Hoffenheim Bayer Leverkusen Hertha BSC Nuremberg Köln Wolfsburg Mainz Freiburg Kaiserslautern Augsburg Hamburg

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 0 1

1 1 1 0 3 1 1 1 1 3 2 1 0 2 1 2 4 1

1 2 2 3 1 3 3 3 3 2 3 4 5 4 5 5 4 6

21 16 9 17 11 13 12 12 10 12 9 13 9 12 13 5 6 9

1 10 4 13 10 7 6 7 11 9 10 18 15 18 22 12 16 20

19 16 16 15 15 13 13 13 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 5 4 4

Juventus Udinese Napoli Palermo Cagliari Roma Lazio Chievo Genoa Fiorentina Catania Parma Siena Novara Milan Atalanta Internazionale Lecce Cesena Bologna

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9

6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 2 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0

2 2 2 2 4 4 3 2 6 3 2 4 5 5 5 4 7 4 3 5

1 2 2 2 1 1 2 3 1 3 4 3 3 3 3 4 2 4 5 4

16 17 14 12 15 12 18 13 15 16 8 8 10 11 9 8 7 9 9 6

7 11 9 10 10 7 14 11 11 19 15 12 12 14 13 10 9 17 12 10

20 17 17 17 16 16 15 14 12 12 11 10 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 5

Coming up this week English Premier League Fixtures

Bundesliga Fixtures

(Times in Thailand)

(Times in Thailand)

Saturday October 15 Liverpool v Man Utd, Man City v Aston Villa Norwich v Swansea QPR v Blackburn Stoke v Fulham Wigan v Bolton, Chelsea v Everton

18:45 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 21:00 23:30

Sunday October 16 West Brom v Wolves 18:00 Arsenal v Sunderland 19:30 Newcastle v Tottenham 22:00

Saturday October 15 Bremen v Dortmund 00:30 Bayern v Hertha Berlin 19:30 B M’bach v Leverkusen 19:30 Mainz v Augsburg 19:30 Stuttgart v Hoffenheim 19:30 Wolfsburg v Nuremberg 19:30 Schalke v K’slautern 22:30 Sunday October 16 SC Freiburg v Hamburg 19:30 Cologne v Hannover 21:30

Sport on TV: Times in Thailand Friday, October 14

Serie A, Italy Team

Team PSG Montpellier Lyon Toulouse Lille Lorient Rennes Caen Auxerre Sochaux Dijon Saint-Étienne Marseille Bordeaux Evian Nice Brest Ajaccio Valenciennes Nancy

P

W

D

L

F

A

Pts

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 0 0

2 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1 3 0 2 2 2 1 1 0 1 1

0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 2 2 1 3 4 4 4

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

3 1 3 6 5 4 6 5 8 4 7 10 4 10 8 7 11 9 7 10

11 11 10 10 10 8 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 5 4 4 3 1 1

MotoGP (Times in Thailand) Iveco Australian Grand Prix, Phillip Island Saturday October 15 Friday October 14 Practice 1 07:10 - 07:55 Qualifying 10:55 - 11:55 Practice 2 11:10 - 11:55 Sunday October 16 Saturday October 15 Warm-up 07:40 - 08:00 Race 12:00 Practice 3 07:10 - 07:55

EVENT

Tennis: ATP Shanghai Masters Golf: Portugal Masters

TIME

CHANNEL

13:00 20:00

Astro Supersport 2 Golf Channel

Saturday, October 15 MLB: Brewers v Cardinals MotoGP: Australia GP Qualifying F1: Korea GP Qualifying RWC: Wales v France Tennis: ATP Shanghai Masters EPL: Liverpool v Man Utd EPL: Man City v Aston Villa EPL: Stoke v Fulham EPL: QPR v Blackburn EPL: Chelsea v Everton Golf: Portugal Masters

07:02 09:55 11:50 15:00 19:00 18:45 21:00 21:00 21:00 23:30 20:30

ESPN STAR Sports STAR Sports Astro Supersport 2 Astro Supersport 2 TrueSport 1 TrueSport 1 TrueSport 2 Astro Supersport 3 TrueSport 4 Golf Channel

Sunday, October 16 MotoGP: Australia Grand Prix F1: Korea Grand Prix RWC: New Zealand v Australia EPL: West Brom v Wolves EPL: Arsenal v Sunderland EPL: Newcastle v Spurs

09:00 12:45 15:00 18:00 19:30 22:00

ESPN STAR Sports Astro Supersport 2 TrueSport 3 TrueSport 1 TrueSport 1

Capello not so mellow about bad boy Rooney England coach Fabio Capello has warned Wayne Rooney that he cannot expect to stroll back into Euro 2012 reckoning after serving his suspension for his red card in Montenegro.

Rooney will serve at least a one-match ban at the finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer after the Manchester United star was shown the sixth red card of his career for kicking Miodrag Dzudovic in England’s 2-2 draw, and Capello said he will not hesitate to look at alternatives.

“Yes,” replied Capello, when asked if he was prepared to leave Rooney out of his team.

“In my life as a manager I have put on the bench a lot of players. I always decided who was the best player at that moment.”

The Italian added: “I need to find the solution for the first game, or two games, that Rooney will not play.

“And if we find that solution, he needs to work to return to the first 11.

“You know me. Sometimes

FOOTBALL I make mistakes but I try to select the best players, in the best moment of form.”

“There were two I did not select for this game who are doing really well. I saw the game that [Jermain] Defoe played against Arsenal. He did really well. He ran a lot and pressed a lot. Daniel Sturridge is the same.”

With qualification assured, Capello will use the November 12 friendly against world champions Spain to examine his striking options.

“Rooney will not play against Spain. I want to test new players, a new style and different movement,” said the England manager.

“Sometimes he will come on at half-time. But not from the start. He will not start. We need to prepare the first XI who will start in the Euros.

“I have got a lot of forwards at this moment, really good forwards, and I need to find the best solution.”

Formula 1: Korean Grand Prix (Times in Thailand) Friday October 14 Practice 1 08:00 - 09:30 Practice 2 12:00 - 13:30 Saturday October 15 Practice 3 09:00 - 10:00

Saturday October 15 Qualifying 12:00 Sunday October 16 Race 13:00

Hash House Harriers

Formula 1 Driver Standings after Suzuka

Run 1336: Saturday, October 15 at 4pm.

1. S. Vettel 324; 2. J. Button 210; 3. F. Alonso 202; 4. M. Webber 194; 5. L. Hamilton 178; 6. F. Massa 90; 7. N. Rosberg 63; 8. M. Schumacher 60; 9. V. Petrov 36; 10. N. Heidfeld 34; 11. A. Sutil 28; 12. K. Kobayashi 27; 13. P. di Resta 20; 14. J. Alguesuari 16; 15. S. Perez 13; 16. S. Buemi 13; 17. R. Barichello 4; 18.

B. Senna 2; 19. P. Maldonado 1. All others 0.

Hares: Dropabolokov, Rushing Around and J.C. Directions: Off Chao Fa Muang Road, between the Honda garage on Chao Fa West and Songkla University.

Bus: Leaves the Expat Hotel, Patong at 14:30 and Baan Rim Klong, Kamala at 15:00.

England coach Fabio Capello has warned Wayne Rooney that he cannot expect to stroll back into the Euro 2012 reckoning after getting himself sent off in Montenegro.

www.thephuketnews.com

44

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THE PHUKET NEWS, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011