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olice have arrested three foreigners in connection with Monday’s (May 14) B30 million jewellery heist, while another suspect remains on the run. In custody are 41-year-old Mexican Ruben Gonzalez, Malaysian Rosina Abu Bakar, 42, and Turkish man Riza Balkan, 49. The fourth suspect, believed to be the mastermind behind the heist, is 57-year-old Mexican woman Mejia Asseneth, who evaded police capture on foot. Continued on page 2
TAKING THE MICKEY: Alleged jewellery thief Ruben Gonzalez, 41 was arrested on Monday.
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JEWELLERY HEIST
‘MASTERMIND’
EVADES CAPTURE Continued from page 1 She remained at large as The Phuket News went to press yesterday morning (May 17). The group are suspected of smashing a car window in Phuket Town and making off with the jewellery before being apprehended while allegedly attempting to flee to Malaysia. The incident took place on Soi Bang Yai, behind the Big C department store near Central Festival. The owner of the jewellery, Thongsak Jittakarnlert, 47, reported to police that his car was being followed by a white Vios on Sunday evening (May 13), after he left a jewellery fair at Central Festival. The stolen jewellery, made from gold, diamonds and other
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Left: Malaysian woman Rosina Abu Bakar, 42, and 41-year-old Mexican man Ruben Gonzalez. Right: A CCTV image from Mr Thongsak’s hotel. Top: The jewels in question. precious gems, was transported from Bangkok to be displayed at the fair, which began on May 10. Mr Thongsak said that before the theft, he parked his car in front of a small local restaurant, just 100 metres
from his hotel, Baan Suan Place, while he had breakfast. The thieves took this opportunity to break the car’s window and take the jewellery, police said. CCTV camera footage showed a male and a female
repeatedly walking past Mr Thongsak’s hotel room on the night before the theft. Camera footage from a different angle showed the same foreign man walkLeft: Alleged Mexican mastermind Mejia Asseneth, 57, i ng i nto t he hotel w it h who evaded police. Right: Turkish suspect Riza Balkan, 49. another female. Following their capture suspects’ possession shows snatched the jewellery, they seven hours after the theft, they listed several targets at are believed to have driven to Gonzalez and Bakar were jewellery fairs around Asia and Patong to dump the car. transferred to Phuket on Tues- Australia, including Sydney, They then reportedly hired day (May 15), while Balkan Phuket and Bangalore. a taxi from Patong to drive remained in the custody of Police suspect they might them to Songkla Province. Trang police, as ya ice and have already been involved But Phuket officers had marijuana were also found in in stealing jewellery at a fair already sounded the alarm to his possession. in Bangna District, Bangkok. police across all southern provThe owner of the stolen Police allege that Gonzalez inces, who set up checkpoints jewellery, Mr Thongsak, re- was the one who broke the on the major roads. ported 600 items missing. window of Mr Thongsak’s car, When the suspects’ taxi However, only 430 items were while the rest of the suspects approached a checkpoint in recovered from the gang. Police helped load the two suitcases of Trang Province, the suspects were still looking for the rest. jewellery into their rented car allegedly forced their driver During a press conference before making their getaway. to carry on through it. on Tuesday (May 15), police CCTV camera footage Trang police eventually revealed they had discovered from Central Festival and managed to force the car to the suspects had met on the Bann Suan Place showed the stop, arresting three of the internet and agreed to col- gang had been following Mr four suspects while Asseneth laborate on several jewellery Thongsak for a few days before managed to flee from the scene. heists. the theft. The hunt continues for the After the suspects allegedly missing Mexican bandit. A notebook found in the
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PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Routes proposed for Patong link Four possible routes for the new Chalong-Patong road were proposed during a public meeting at the Phuket Merlin Hotel on Thursday (May 10). During the meeting, deputy project manager Banpote Jaroensathayatam unveiled the four routes for discussion, all of which start at Yothatikarn Rd (the road to Lung Pu Supha temple), near Amazing Bukit Safari in Chalong. “There are two ways to do this,” explained Mr Banpote. “The first is to improve the existing unsealed gravel road, which connects Yothatikarn Rd in Chalong with Patong. “This way will have less impact on the environment but will be long and bendy.” There are two possible exit routes for the upgraded road – one route exiting at Nanai Rd and the other exiting at Ha Sip Pi, he said. “The other way is to construct a new road, which will be shorter and have fewer bends but may have more impact (on
the natural surroundings).” There are two possible routes for the new road, Mr Banpote said. Part of the route of the proposed road passes through protected forest. Only one route out of the four options will be chosen. In March the project was presented to the Mobile Cabinet for approval, alongside a request for B60 million. Though the budget has not yet been approved, cabinet agreed to the project. The provincial government has already assigned three consulting firms – TransConsult, Phisut Technology and Panya Consultant Company – to inspect the area, report on the possible environmental impact, canvas local people’s opinions, and design the road. According to PWTP director Wongsakorn Noonchookan, “This plan has been discussed for a long time, but it could not previously happen because there was no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) carried out.”
The purple and blue routes indicate the existing road that could be upgraded. The green and red routes demonstrate new road options. End point 1 and 3 is Nanai Rd in Patong, while end point 2 and 4 is Ha Sip Pi Rd. When this road is completed, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion on the existing roads to Patong, including
Prabaramee and Patak Rd. “It will also shorten the way from Chalong to Patong and can be another evacuation route,” said
Mr Wongsakorn. The project is currently undergoing an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and public hearing, which according to Mr Banpote shows that most Chalong and Patong residents agree with the plan. “After we have made the decision about which route to take, we will send information to the Office of Natural Resources & Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) to carry out an EIA. Then we will ask officials and local people to meet again before starting construction, which will take about a year,” said Mr Banpote. C h a r o e n Tewa but r a , Chalong sub-district headman (Kamnan), is a big supporter of the project. “I have tried to get this project started for a long time. It should happen as soon as possible because this road will be to the advantage of all Phuket people, not only those living in Chalong or Patong.”
B6m cocaine haul in parcel Thalang Police have arrested two Phuket women on drug related charges after being given a tip-off from Bangkok police about a delivery of cocaine totalling B6 million, which was expected to arrive by mail. Police were waiting at the Thalang Post Office on Monday (May 14) for Phuket local Suwimol Sampoarat, 44, to come to pick up her parcel. Police searched the package and found three handbags filled with cocaine, with an estimated street value of B6m. Suwimol told police she had come to collect the package on behalf of her Phuket friend, Sirikorn Pankrajang, 45. Sirikorn admitted the cocaine was sent to her by her Nigerian boyfriend, Kevin David, who was living in Bangkok.
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IN BRIEF African tourist arrested for drug possession West African tourist Barry Bouacar, 45 was arrested in Patong on Tuesday night (May 8), after police found he was selling drugs to other tourists. Bouacar, a Guinea national, had been tracked for some time by Kathu police before his arrest, after his role as a drug dealer was reported to police. He was arrested during an attempt to sell 15 grammes of ya ice to an undercover police detective at a hotel on Nanai Road. A n additional 60 grammes of ya ice was found in his room. Police charged him with drug possession.
Google manager visits Phuket Ariya Banomyong, Thailand’s Country Manager for the Google Corperation, dropped by The Phuket News offices last Friday (May 11) to give his first local interview about his recent appointment at the search engine giant. Read our in-depth interview on page 13.
Changing garbage into eggs
A satellite image shows large rainclouds over Thailand earlier this week.
Photo: phuketmet.tmd.go.th
Heavy rain warning issued The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) issued a weather warning for parts of Thailand, including Phuket, on Wednesday (May 16). The warning is in place until the end of today (May 18). The warning stated there would be heavy rain from May 16 to 18,
SilkAir now flies 4 times weekly to Darwin, Australia.
especially along Thailand’s west coast, and in the north, northeast and east of the country. The heavy rain is a result of high pressure flow from China to the upper northeast of Thailand, while a moderate southwest monsoon is pervading over
the Andaman coast. This has caused heavy rain across much of Thailand, including in Phuket. TMD added that flash floods could occur in some areas, and that waves in the Andaman Sea may reach a height of two metres.
Wichit Municipalit y is offering recycling-conscious consumers free eggs in exchange for recycable trash, in a campaign to encourage environmental awareness. 3 kilograms of paper, 15 aluminium cans or 2 kilograms of cardboard can be traded for an egg. A computer set meanwhile can be traded for a whopping 15 eggs. A computer or television monitor can be traded for 7 eggs, while an electric fan will get you 3 eggs. The activity will be held on May 18 from 9am at Sriphuwanart Park in Wichit.
All in return fares to Darwin from
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ALASDAIR FORBES Executive Editor 087 884 9964 execeditor@thephuketnews.com From the UK; 40 years as a journalist and editor on magazines and newspapers in the UK, Middle East, Hong Kong and Thailand: Cheshire Observer, Chester Chronicle, Saudi Gazette, Gulf Mirror, Gulf Construction, Gulf News, Hongkong Standard, Asian Business (Editor) and Phuket Gazette (Managing Editor for seven years).
DANE HALPIN Sub Editor editor2@thephuketnews.com From Australia; Degree in Journalism, Charles Sturt University. Four years’ experience at: The Australian, The Central Western Daily, The Leader, The Canberra Times, and The Vientiane Times.
CLAIRE CONNELL Sub Editor editor1@thephuketnews.com From New Zealand; BA (English) from University of Otago; Diploma in Journalism from the University of Canterbury. Five years’ experience at Gisborne Herald and Marlborough Express.
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From left, Region 8 police deputy chief Major General Pisan Julladilok, Muangtong United director Ronnarit Suewaja, and consultant Paitoon Chutimakornkul during the press conference.
People power to boost FC Phuket FC Phuket, now in second last place in the Division One football competition, has launched a “Save FC Phuket” campaign which involves selling shares in the team to supporters. During a press conference on Wednesday (May 9), Muangtong United director Ronnarit Suewaja said his club wanted to help FC Phuket by launching the campaign.
The FC Phuket club has suffered from financial woes in recent times, with various ideas thrown around on how to help get the club out of the red. The team’s form on the field has also suffered, with the latest blow on Wednesday when the team withdrew from their Thai FA Cup match against Trat, meaning FC Phuket will play no part in
the national competition. “The main problem is the number of fans who don’t believe in the team anymore, so we need a plan to put confidence back into the supporters,” Mr Ronnarit said. “Running FC Phuket costs around B50-60 million per year, so we need to organise a business plan carefully so we can get enough money.” The initial promotion by
Save FC Phuket will give 1000 fans the opportunity to buy shares in the team, with each share costing B10,000. As well as receiving a share in the club, investors will get a special edition FC Phuket jumper and VIP seating, Mr Ronnarit said. For more information on how to be part of the supporters campaign visit fcphuket.org or call 085 888 0501.
editor3@thephuketnews.com From the UK; Masters Degree in Journalism, Kingston University. Five years’ experience at Groove Magazine, Metropolis, The Western Telegraph, The Mirror and Phuket Post.
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Aroon Solos has been reelected the Mayor of Rawai Municipality following an election on Sunday (May 13). He received 3,715 votes, with opponent Yutthana Jandee on 1,972 votes. Voter turnout was reasonable with 6,139 people casting their ballots, around 60 per cent of the total number of eligible voters.
Quake compensation totals B1.3 million Around 400 Srisoonthorn residents whose houses were cracked and damaged by the April 16 earthquake received compensation money from the provincial government to make structural repairs. Thalang District Chief Naruenart Supattaraprateep gave cheques to 410 residents on Thursday (May 10). Sr i s o o nt h o r n M ayo r Worawut Songyot said the funds are from the Phuket Provincial Office’s B50 million emergency reserve fund. “The total amount given
to people will be B1.3 million. The number of people who have claimed for damages is 520, but some people have not come to the office yet. The remaining 110 people were eligible to receive their money until May 16 at the Srisoonthorn Municipality Office. Residents affected are asked to bring their ID cards and their house registration book to Srisoonthorn Municipality or call 076 617 803 or 076 272 852 for more information.
Phuket Police met with representatives from several mini-marts on Monday (May 14) to request that they install CCTV cameras, after several were robbed in recent months. Police have suggested that the installation of cameras on the exterior of minimarts facing out onto the road would help police with their investigations should the mini-marts be targetted. Several mini-marts have been robbed in Phuket, including a recent case in Patong. Two other cases were also reported in Chalong. After the meeting at Chalong Police Station, Superintendent of Chalong Police, Pol Col Sirisak Wasasiri, said most minimarts have CCTV cameras inside, but not outside the stores where they were also helpful.
CCTV footage was instrumental in helping to identify thieves and their vehicles, and also view their escape routes, he said. Authorities also found many CCT V cameras around the island, which were funded by authorities, were not functioning. Police said the budget for new cameras was limited, so they hoped business owners would install them for their own benefit. Pol Col Sirisak also encouraged high quality CCTV cameras to be installed, which would help capture better images. Furthermore he encouraged mini-mart operators to employ male staff during the night shift, as police found thieves were more likely to target mini-marts where a female staff member was in charge at night.
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5
RED SHIRT LEADERS DITCH RALLY
Less than 100 supporters show up after residents protest TIMELINE:
Sukunya Phoonpong reporter2@thephuketnews.com
A Red Shirt political rally at Nai Yang Beach last Sunday (May 13) passed without major incident, after the political group’s leaders failed to show up for the event. Around 200 locals and members of the Raks Phuket Club (We Love Phuket Club) initially gathered to protest the rally at Nai Yang beach, where it was due to take place. Road blockades set up by Club members and local residents meant the Red Shirts were unable to set up their stage, forcing them to relocate to a field near Thalang Technical College. Police from Phuket and Region 8 were present to quell any potential violence between the two sides, but in the end it proved unnecessary. Despite the Red Shirt rally scheduled to begin at 3pm, and several prominent figures due to attend, less than a hundred supporters turned out. More notably, their leaders were not among them. After police assisted in negotiations between the rival groups, the Red Shirts took
Around 200 locals and members of the Raks Phuket Club (We Love Phuket Club) stage a protest against rumoured plans for a Red Shirt Village in Nai Yang. down their stage and banners, abandoned the rally, and left without incident. It followed a protest by around 500 local people outside Phuket Provincial Hall the previous Thursday (May 10), who raised concerns that
a community of Red Shirt political supporters were about to open a village in Nai Yang. Locals and members of the Raks Phuket Club held banners and waved flags in support of the club’s president Boonsuppa Tantai, who
spoke out about his fears the rumoured village would cause disharmony in Phuket. Mr Boonsuppa also submitted a signed petition to Vice Governor Somkiat Sangkaosuttirak. B u t V/G ov S o m k i a t
quashed rumours the following day (May 11), saying the Red Shirt Village was not opening and any plans for such a setup would require an application for permission from the Governor. He said no such permission had been granted.
May 10: Word gets out that a Red Shirt Village is planned for Nai Yang. More than 500 local people gather outside Phuket Provincial Hall in protest. May 11: V/Gov Somkiat Sangkaosuttirak confirms news of the village was a rumour. Instead, the Red Shirts plan to hold a rally at Nai Yang Beach on May 13. May 12: Around 50 local people blockade the road at Nai Yang to prevent Red Shirt supporters setting up a stage for their rally. There are no reports of violence. May 13: Anti-Red Shirt protesters blockade the road to Nai Yang again, and the Red Shirts are still unable to set up their stage. The Red Shirt supporters (and those against the rally) move to a field near Thalang Technical College, where less than 100 supporters turn out, with the Red Shirt leaders not among them. After police assist in negotiations between the rival groups, the Red Shirts take down their stage and banners and leave.
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It’s official folks: Dane’s the wurst
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It was meant to be a showdown between The Phuket News’ Sports Editor Dane Halpin and Live 89.5FM’s breakfast host Sam Clarke, but Russian man Alexander Zavalnyy emerged top dog at last weekend’s Hot Dog Eating Competition. Both Australian media gurus were quickly out of the game as Mr Zavalnyy surged into the lead, surpassing our lads and eventually managing to eat a whopping eight hot dogs in 10 minutes. Dane ended up finishing on a disappointing four, while Sam ate five. Mr Zavalnyy, who looked worse for wear at times during the competition, said he decided to enter on the day after seeing the crowd gathered at Home Pro Chalong. He has lived in Phuket for 12 years training in Muay Thai, and this was his first attempt at an eating competition. “I was walking around and I saw the competition, so I decided to enter. I wanted the prize money (B4,000) and some dinner too. I think I could have probably eaten more,” he said.
Evening fireworks mark a successful time in Phuket.
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Amway visit puts Phuket in 'shop window'
Laguna Phuket, host of the recent Amway China leadership seminar which saw 15,000 delegates at a month-long rolling programme of activities, believes the successful experience has put Phuket firmly in the international incentive event shop window. T he g ia nt event wa s Phuket’s biggest-ever corporate gathering, with Amway delegates and staff staying at Laguna hotels, and was staged in partnership with local governmental authorities. “It was a huge success
and demonstrated we have the proven ability to host demanding large-scale incentive events across our resort,” said Debbie Dionysius, Laguna Phuket Assistant Vice President Destination Marketing. “We’ll now be using this experience as a marketing tool to attract more large incentive groups,” she said. “Phuket is now in the international incentive event shop window and we hope our success as host will bring further benefits to Laguna Phuket and the island.”
'Hot Dog' Halpin and 'Breakfast' Clarke in eating action. After the competition Mr Zavalnyy said he felt “not so good” along with a few expletives, and said he didn’t think he would eat for a couple of days afterward. His friend, Roman Tuturov took second
prize while Andrew Xing from China was third. In the B-Boy competition, Southgangsterz took the top prize, while Power Storm Crew placed second and Thep-Sar 007 third.
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PHUKET FEATURE
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CHANGING
7
TIMES The secret history of Phuket Town’s Clock Tower Circle Paritta Wangkiat reporter3@thephuketnews.com
A
bout 10 years ago, an old man in his late 70s named Kim would appear at the Clock Tower Circle, in the centre of Phuket Town, around 5pm most days. As the sun set, he would sit on a marble chair at the base of the clock tower, from where he gazed into the distant past, visualising how his hometown had looked many years ago. Old Kim would sometimes pass on his stories and local knowledge to interested passersby, who inquired about the history of the famous landmark, and of Phuket’s past. He would always begin by talking about his childhood growing up in Phuket in the early 1930s. He was one of many thousands of native-born ethnic Chinese, descendants of the immigrants who had come to Phuket to work in the tin mines and on rubber plantations. Back then, Kim and his young relatives would sit on the green grass area at the circle to listen to older generations educate them about traditional Chinese literature. All sorts of memories and thoughts were encapsulated at the Clock Tower Circle for Kim’s family – including their yearning for their home country and culture. However, their nostalgia was suppressed in 1938 when Field Marshal Plaek Phibunsongkhram became Prime Minister of Thailand. A keen supporter of fas-
cism and nationalism, he enforced anti-Chinese policies throughout the country to restrict the major roles of Chinese immigrants in the Thai economy at the time. Mass media was manipulated, with flyers, newspapers and radio broadcasts used as tools to impose a nationalist Thai policy, as well as increase the pace of modernisation in the Kingdom. The mandates included specific dress codes that all Thai citizens had to comply with, while national songs, and anti-communist and nationalist slogans were broadcast nonstop on the airwaves. Field Marshal Plaek’s slogans such as “Hats will lead Thailand to great power”, or, “Follow the leader, and the nation will survive” were commonly heard. Old Kim believed this was one of the reasons that the first radio tower was set up at Suriyadetch, or “fountain” circle near the Phuket Town Market in the early 1940s – to effectively communicate the Government’s messages. The Clock Tower located further south was built in the 1950s. With its pre-modern Thai architecture, the Clock Tower had a slender shape and perforated structure, and had a design that attempted to replicate the shape of the Toa Sae Hill located behind it. Some say that the origin of the Clock Tower was influenced by a second series of nationalist policies by Field Marshal Plaek in 1949, after the marshal returned to his leadership post
The picture on the left shows the old Clock Tower in 1960, compared with the 2003 Clock Tower standing today. Old Photo: Sangchan Limlo-hakul
Field Marshal Plaek. one year earlier. He ordered every provincial government office to set up radio broadcast devices in their areas, to play national songs, alert people to the time, and to announce government news. Some Phuketians say they’ve seen similar-designed clock towers in other provinces,
Demolition of the Clock Tower happened on April 6, 2003.
The old Clock Tower in 1960. which has led them to believe the Clock Tower in Phuket Town was a duplicate of others built around Thailand. However, before Old Kim had the chance to investigate the tower’s true history, the structure was knocked down without warning by Phuket City Municipality on a quiet
night on April 6, 2003. The Municipality said it was time for Phuket to move forward with tourism, and the tower needed to be replaced as it was old and was at high risk of collapsing. Though many locals disagreed. A new B7-million Clock Tower was built in its place,
in a neo-colonial style to correlate with the architecture of Phuket Old Town. The same Clock Tower still stands. Though the Municipality believed that modernising the Clock Tower would enhance Phuket’s tourism industry, many locals insisted the old Clock Tower was invaluable in term of memories and history. Old Kim remembered many disappointed faces on the day the Clock Tower was no longer standing high in the centre of Phuket’s Old Town. It had become a landmark for the community. The old man has not been seen at the circle for several years. It’s not certain if he has died, felt too upset over the loss of the old tower, or simply found another, quieter location to relax. Though the new clock ticks on, for Old Kim, time stopped on the day the old one was knocked down.
Photo: Neophuket.com
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THAILAND NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
IN BRIEF Autistic woman may not have consented to Army sex Thai Women’s Rights Organisations have responded critically to Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha’s comments that the autistic woman featured in a sex tape involving six soldiers had consented. The Bangkok Post reports that the six officers have since been dismissed and the ‘superior’ will face a penalty, as will the person who shot the video. Although at this time, it’s still uncertain as to who this is.
Red shirt village torched in Songkhla A roadside pavilion that had been opened for just a few hours in a newly-established red-shirt village was torched on May 15 in Songkhla’s Chana district in what some are seeing as an act of arson, while others as a local disapproval of red zones. The Red Shirt political party is aiming to establish Red Zones around the kingdom, with more than 100 followers turning out in Nai Yang, Phuket on May 13 to show their support. However,
no Red Shirt political figures turned up.
Two police officers arrested about bank robbery
Police officers in Sing Buri have arrested two of their colleagues in connection with an armed robbery on a Kasikorn Bank cash delivery van in the province. A superintendent and sergeant are alleged to have masterminded a 2 million baht van heist at Inburi Market in March. The two will also face charges of supplying AK47 rifles to the three robbers. Pol Maj Gen Piya has said that the two officers are suspended from duty while an investigation team looks into their alleged crimes.
Thailand makes the Universitas 21 Grade Thailand has ranked 41 out of 48 in the 2012 Universitas 21 list of the top countries worldwide for the quality of university-level education. The top five in order are the US, Sweden, Canada, Finland and Denmark. Singapore was 11th.
KNOWLEDGE IS A POWERFUL TOOL: A Thai Ranger stands guard as a Muslim woman takes her children to school on a motorcycle on the first day of the school year in the southern province of Narathiwat on May 14, 2012. More than 5,100 people have been killed – both Muslims and Buddhists – in attacks across Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat since unrest escalated in January 2004, according to Deep South Watch which monitors the violence. Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa has said that the government will use the handling of the southern insurgency as a criterion for assessing the performance of security-related ministries. Photo: AFP
Thai PM insists no reform of royal defamation law Agence France-Presse
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said Friday she would not seek to change the
country’s harsh royal defamation law despite outcry over the death of a grandfather jailed for the offence. Ampon Tangnoppakul, 62, who was dubbed “Uncle SMS”, died Tuesday inside Bangkok prison hospital, while serving a 20-year sentence for sending text messages deemed insulting to the monarchy in 2010. H i s d e a t h p r o m pt e d renewed calls for reform of Thailand’s lese majeste law, with the prime minister’s supporters – known as Red Shirts – leading the clamour for change. “I want to reaffirm that my government policy is to stay put,” Yingluck said in response to questions about possible reform of the law. “I have already told groups who push for amendment that the government’s urgent mis-
Yingluck is resolute that things will remain the same. sion is to solve economic problems,” she said. Under article 112 of the Thai criminal code, anyone convicted of insulting the king, queen, heir or regent faces up to 15 years in prison on each count. Ampon, who was described as a “prisoner of conscience” by Amnesty International, pleaded not guilty during his trial, one in a series under the royal defamation legislation,
which critics say is used to stifle free speech. His conviction triggered rare public protests against the lese majeste law in the capital Bangkok in December. The royal family is a highly sensitive subject in the politically turbulent kingdom. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, 84, has reigned for 66 years but has been in hospital since September 2009.
A tale of two twins Anek Ounwong has claimed that it is he and not his twin brother Anont who should be in the Thanyaburi District Prison in Pathum Thani province. He alleges that Mr Anont has been wrongly jailed for 14 months for an assault that he himself had committed in 2009. The two brothers met for fifteen minutes on 15 May, the first time they has seen each other since Mr Anek had fled the province and
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gone on the run. In the curious case, despite Mr Anek coming forward and Mr Anont continuing to protest his innocence, the police have said that the case is closed as the court has already found him guilty. As it stands Mr Anont will serve the remaining two years of his sentence. At the ‘emotional’ and likely ‘fractious’ family reunion this week, Mr Anek was accompanied by his
mother who said that Mr Anont planned to sue the police when he was released. Ms Boonkerd also said that she recently met with Pitaya Jinawat, director-general of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department, to seek help in gaining Anont’s bail release. In a final twist, police have filed a defamation suit against Ms Boonkerd for questioning police practices and the abilities of the officers involved.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
IN BRIEF China, Japan, S. Korea warn Pyongyang off atom test China, Japan and South Korea warned North Korea will not tolerate further nuclear tests, the South Korean president said, amid fears that Pyongyang is preparing a third atomic blast. Lee Myung-Bak made the remark after talks in Beijing with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda that also saw the trio decide to start free-trade area negotiations before the end of this year.
Mekong murder suspect flown to China A gang leader suspected of masterminding the murder of 13 Chinese sailors on the Mekong River last year has been f lown from Laos to Beijing for questioning. The sailors died last October in a raid on two Chinese cargo boats on the Mekong, an attack thought to have been carried out by a notorious gang in the “Golden Triangle” area known for drug smuggling.
Red Cross suspends Pakistan work after killing The Red Cross on Thursday suspended most of its aid projects in Pakistan and recalled foreign staff to the capital, following the brutal murder of a British worker. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it had suspended activities run
from the southern port city of Karachi and the northwestern city of Peshawar, while it reviewed its operations after the killing of 60-year-old health worker Khalil Dale.
Beijing launches crackdown on illegal foreigners Beijing authorities have launched a 100-day crackdown on foreigners who stay or work in the city illegally. Local police said those who entered China illegally, overstayed their visas or worked without proper permits would be punished. Officers would conduct visa checks in places across the city that were popular for foreigners, police said.
15 dead in Nepal plane crash A plane crashed into a mountain in the Himalayas while trying to land at an airport in northern Nepal on Monday, killing 15 people and injuring six, some critically. The plane was turning to land at Jomsom Airport when it crashed, an official said.
Fake pig ears reported in China Police in China are investigating after the discovery of a batch of “fake” pigs’ ears reportedly made from gelatin. The bogus ears were discovered in a market in Ganzhou. Food safety officials tested the “ears” and found they had been made from gelatin and the chemical sodium oleate, commonly used in the production of soap.
ASIA NEWS
9
Cautious Asians split about gay marriage Agence France-Presse
US President Barack Obama’s ground-breaking support for same-sex marriage was met with applause from beleaguered gay rights campaigners in Asia on Thursday, but also with scorn from hardline opponents. Rights and marriage for homosexuals barely figure on mainstream political agendas in the Asia-Pacific region, where traditional values dominate in many societies and sodomy remains illegal in some. As in the United States, religious conservatives decried Obama, and most gay rights campaigners said in fact that the issue of wedlock was premature for now. The region’s only country where there is a serious debate about legalising gay marriage is Australia, but Prime Minister Julia Gillard said she was unswayed by Obama’s change of heart and would continue to oppose it. “I’ve made my mind up and my position on this is well known,” she told reporters after Obama for the first time said that same-sex couples should be able to wed, igniting a fury of election-year debate in the United States. Gillard said that when a bill calling for legalising gay marriage comes before the Australian parliament later this year, “I won’t vote for it.” In the mainly Catholic Philippines, the only coun-
“Already there is so much opposition, if they start talking about same-sex marriage, it will increase further. We can only fight this much at a time,” he said. But Kavi also acclaimed Obama as “a terrific president”. “I wish the Indian political class and state learn their lessons from Obama. Our traditional society is uncomfortable about these issues – they don’t know how it works.” But there was a vitriolic response from Vinod Bansal, spokesman for India’s rightwing Vishwa Hindu Parishad group, who said gay marriage would “completely destroy our social fabric”. “It is Obama’s view, it can’t be endorsed by societies anywhere in the world. No religion permits same-sex marriages, neither is it beneficial in any way to society as a whole,” he said. Obama has come out in support of same sex marriage. “It will destroy the family Photo: Center for American Progress Action Fund system as well as the cultural try in the world apart from ding bells soon, we are merely and social values of different the Vatican which still bans requesting the government to societies. What is morally divorce, President Benigno face up to the reports” of al- wrong will never be accepted Aquino’s government said leged discrimination against in India.” In Muslim-majority Macautiously that any change to gays in the Philippines, the the law would have to come group’s spokesman Goya Can- laysia, Ibrahim Ali, a parliamentarian and president delario said. from lawmakers. Neither is the issue of of right-wing Malay group But even the Progressive Organisation of Gays in the marriage high on the agenda Perkasa, said that Obama’s Philippines said it was not for gay men and lesbians in announcement would have pushing for same-sex marriage, India, “because they know it no effect on public opinion. But young Malaysians while hoping that Obama’s ad- will upset more people”, said vocacy would prompt Aquino Ashok Row Kavi, head of should nonetheless be eduto address other issues of Humsafar Trust, a Mumbai- cated against this “unnatural” based group dealing with male lifestyle, which is against concern. Islam, he said. “We are not asking for wed- sexual health.
Daily baked Italian Breads and Italian Pastries, from our Executive Pastry Chef Francesco Giordano. Wide selection of Italian cold cuts and cheeses, delicatessen, fruit and vegetables, pasta, fine extra virgin olive oils, and special gourmet products. Enjoy our Illy coffee at the coffee bar, or a nice lunch from our carte of Italian traditional specialty.
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10 WORLD NEWS
IN BRIEF New effort to free OJ Simpson A lawyer for OJ Simpson has filed a new attempt to gain his release from Nevada state prison, alleging the former football star was so badly represented in his trial and previous lawyers that he deserves a new one. Simpson was convicted in 2008 of charges including kidnapping and armed robbery in the caper involving five cohorts, the two memorabilia dealers and a middle man who arranged the meeting. Simpson, 64, is serving nine to 33 years in a northern Nevada prison.
49 headless corpses found in north Mexico
Suspected drug cartel killers in Mexico dumped 49 headless bodies on a highway near the northern city of Monterrey, a sickening atrocity that prompted the government to condemn the “inhuman” violence plaguing the country. The corpses of 43 men and six women, whose hands and feet had also been cut off, were found in a pile on a highway in the municipality of Cadereyta Jimenez.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
High-rolling Brooks couple at centre of hacking storm Agence France-Presse
Rebekah Brooks, one of Rupert Murdoch’s closest confidantes, and her horse trainer husband Charlie are a highsociety couple who are part of British Prime Minister David Cameron’s social circle. But the couple could both face jail sentences if found guilty after being charged Tuesday with obstructing justice, along with four others, in the first criminal charges from Britain’s News of the World phone hacking scandal. The scandal has already led to Brooks, 43, leaving her job and to the closure of the News of the World, the tabloid she once led as one of Britain’s youngest newspaper editors – and one of its few female editors too. But until recently the couple were close to Cameron and moved with some of Britain’s biggest names as part of the so-called “Chipping Norton set”, an elite social circle based in a quaint Oxfordshire town. They reportedly first met at a party hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, presenter of the popular TV motoring show
Rebekah Brooks, former Chief Executive of News International, leaves a lawyers office after addressing the media in London on May 15. Photo: AFP “Top Gear”, at his Chipping Norton estate. Red-haired Brooks – until last year the chief executive of Murdoch’s British newspaper arm News International – comes from a relatively humble state-educated background, and is known as ambitious and a skilful networker. Born Rebekah Wade in
northwest England, she joined Murdoch’s News of the World at age 20 as a secretary, and 11 years later was the paper’s editor. After three years Brooks moved to become the first female editor of sister paper The Sun, where she stayed for six years before being promoted to chief executive
of News International. Her husband is a long-time friend of the prime minister, having met him at the elite boarding school Eton College. Charlie Brooks, 49, is four years older than the premier but they remained friends as Brooks went on to become an amateur jockey then a racehorse trainer.
Known for his lavish socialite lifestyle, he has also written a racing column for the Telegraph newspaper and a novel, “Citizen”, subtitled Greed, Speed, Corruption and a Race to the Death. Rebekah was herself the subject of tabloid stories in 2005 when she was arrested then released without charge after her first husband, actor Ross Kemp, suffered a cut to the mouth. She and Kemp later split, and in 2009 she married Charlie Brooks. The phone-hacking scandal gathered pace in July 2011, leading to Rebekah Brooks’ resignation after two decades at News International and arrest on allegations of phone hacking and bribery. The couple have since avoided the public eye, apart from Rebekah’s appearances at an inquiry into press ethics and before parliament. Rebekah Brooks now faces three charges as well as remaining on police bail from her first arrest, while her husband faces one charge. They are due to appear before magistrates in London on June 13.
Greece prepares for second poll in less than two months Agence France-Presse
Debt-stricken Greece must prepare for its second elections in less than two months after failing to form a government, exacerbating the eurozone crisis which France and Germany vowed to resolve. The election, expected on June 17, follows an inconclusive poll on May 6 when a majority of Greeks expressed their opposition to the austerity measures which Athens agreed to in
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return for a massive EU-IMF bailout late last year. “We are going again towards elections ... under very bad conditions,” Pasok party leader Evangelos Venizelos said Tuesday after the lastditch talks failed. “The Greek people must now make the right decisions for the good of the country,” stressed Venizelos, who supported the EU-IMF deal in a technocrat government formed last November. President Carolos Papou-
lias was due to meet party leaders on Wednesday to set up a caretaker administration to operate until the re-run polls, for which no date has yet been officially announced. Figures Tuesday showing the Greek economy slumped a massive 6.2 per cent in the first quarter compared with a year earlier, fuelling the argument that the austerity policy is simply not working and the emphasis must turn to growth.
THE PHUKET NEWS
LETTERS/VIEWPOINT 11
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
OPINION
Changing times
“Though the Municipality believed that modernising the Phuket Town Clock Tower would enhance tourism, many locals felt the old Clock Tower was invaluable” > 7
Editor’s Viewpoint
NORACHAI’S WORLD
A ROAD TO NOWHERE? A road connecting Patong to Chalong is much needed, but at what cost? Four possible routes have been proposed during a public meeting on May 15. Two of the routes involve extensively upgrading and slightly adjusting the current route, which is unsealed track unsuitable for thoroughfare. The other two options involve building a new road entirely, starting from Yothatikarn Rd (the road to Lung Pu Supha temple), near Amazing Bukit Safari in Chalong and emerging at the south-east end of Patong. The road project is currently undergoing an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and public hearing. There has got to be a better way to get from the south of the island to Patong rather than driving the winding road through Kata and Karon, or instead heading north to Kathu and then driving west. But the benefits of this road need to be weighed up against
Blowing in the wind.
Letters to the editor Bridging the divide [Re: The B300 wage debate] It is almost a global policy to create these gaps between rich and poor, through globalisation, dollarisation, what is called here “excess liquidity” and foreign fiscal policy (Western economics) the gap widens as middle-range small businesses are pushed out of business so large corporations can take over markets. This also has the effect of creating, on a personal level, the already apparent “master/puppet slave” relationships I see here in Phuket between Westerners and Thai people longing to be part of the takeover of SE Asia by developers and Western interests. In effect, this is a form of Colonialism that promotes another form of psychological slavery amongst Thais to serve those with the money. mej313
Just breathe [Re: Phuket’s new incinerator to open late May] Don’t hold your breath folks... Second thoughts, better you do. Just Curious
Morning madness [Re: Four arrested, one on the run after B30m heist] If I had B30 million worth of jewelry, I wouldn’t leave it sitting in my car while I ate breakfast! Would you? Attitudellc
Blocking move [Re. Phuket Protesters blockade at Nai Yang] This reminds of me Florida during the 2000 presidential election. Republicans protested and blocked traffic and physically blocked the way for electoral process and so they won by pushing away the opposition, crowding offices stampeding and yelling while the democratic process was struggling to operate. Very similar tactics seem to be
currently in use amongst the Yellow Shirts to quell their opposing party. Anon
Brand me [Re: Seminars hope to brand Phuket] Good idea Natasha. Phuket does need a brand strategy and resources to draw development in the same direction. Michael Flynn
Land of the free? [Re. Police general laments shortage of officers] I had a highly educated Thai friend explain to us that Thailand is literally “The Land of the Free” and if any personal freedoms were infringed upon (i.e., by the enforcement of traffic laws), there would surely be a general, country-wide uprising. Cindy
A firm denial [Re. Phuket expats in drugs bust] “Police charged the two with drug
possession. However, they denied the charge.” I laughed out loud at that statement. Caught red-handed and they deny it. Scudman
Baa humbug [Re: Red Shirt leaders ditch rally] It seems like the brave leaders were willing to sacrifice the sheep if things got out of hand. Dave
A healthy payout [Re. Phuket’s quake homes face leaks] Payout tomorrow folks, I’m taking bets. Glad I’m not a claimant. Built properly in the first place there would be no problem with such a minor shuffle. Just Curious
Legalise them [Re. Phuket expats in drugs bust] War that can not be won! The Thai government must legalise drugs. Laz1579
Letters may be edited for clarity or length. Email editor@thephuketnews.com. Please include your full name, phone number, and email address.
the cost, environmental impact and developing a rather – as of yet – untouched area of the island. With other road developments already planned for the island, will Phuket’s hills be able to handle yet another large highway cutting through its luscious green landscape? With Patong Hill already voted a danger, both in terms of traffic and landslide risk, would this proposed new route be the same? The area behind Jungceylon shopping complex in Patong, and the area near Chao Fah Rd (areas where the proposed road could connect to) are already traffic nightmares. A significant amount of investigation work is required before this plan goes ahead. Time will tell whether locals get behind the idea or not, or whether the road gets the okay from environmentalists. Will this road benefit those who live here, or simply further destruct our beautiful island?
This week in history ■■ May 18, 1974 – India successfully detonates its first nuclear weapon, becoming the sixth nation in the world to do so. ■■ May 19, 1536 – Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII of England, is beheaded for adultery, treason, and incest. ■■ May 20, 1570 – Cartographer Abraham Ortelius issues the first modern atlas. ■■ May 21, 1936 – Sada Abe is arrested after wandering the streets of Tokyo for days with her dead lover’s severed genitals in her hand. Her story soon becomes one of Japan’s most notorious scandals. ■■ May 22, 1980 – Namco releases the highly influential arcade game Pac-Man. ■■ May 23, 1934 – American bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde are ambushed by police and killed in Black Lake, Louisiana. ■■ May 24, 2001 – Fifteenyear-old Sherpa Temba Tsheri becomes the youngest person to climb to the top of Mount Everest.
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12 BUSINESS/TOURISM
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUSINESS
Demand returns
Expert explains dramatic recovery of Phuket property market > 14
business@thephuketnews.com
Dive and golf shows shine TTR Weekly
Consumers turned out in their droves, over the weekend of May 12-13, to catch travel discounts at the Wonderful Thailand, Wonderful World 2012 show in Bangkok. Around 250,000 consumers, mainly Thais living in Bangkok, turned out to visit the tourism fair. Bargain hunters were attracted to two sub-themes promoting diving and golfing where suppliers were offering 50 per cent discounts on promotional packages to South Thailand. Golf and diving are the two most popular sports tourism niches in Thailand driven by domestic demand, but also attracting expatriates living in the country. Held at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, Wonderful Thailand, Wonderful World, a domestic consumer travel fair highlighted the Thailand Golf & Dive Expo 2012. In addition to the 50 per cent discounts, there were customised packages for diving or golf lessons and accommodation discounts that the organisers said were only available at the show. NCC Exhibition Organisation Company deputy general manager, Bussaya Prakobthong, noted the dive event was successful for nine years before being combined with golf just four years ago to
The course at the Laguna Phuket Golf Club; golf is one of the most popular sports tourism niches in Thailand. broaden the scope for suppliers. “The scale of the shows are not as big as other tourism fairs, but our strength is that we go for niches and the growth is steady and rewarding,” she said. Thailand Golf and Diving Expo featured 200 booths and while the emphasis was on domestic travel some agents were offering dive and golf tours to Malaysia and Indonesia. One travel agent, iDive, partnered with Nok Air to sell an all-inclusive package
for diving at six locations near Phuket. The four-day/ threenight package costs B13,800 per person and is limited to just the event. South Thailand was the main focus for golf tours with most of the tours valid until the end of the rainy season in October. There were criticisms levelled at the event. One focused on the size of various theme niche markets and the lack of variety in products. Another was the lack of readiness. Despite paying for the booths some companies failed to open for
business on day one. Even more distressing for some of the companies, were that the staff assigned to booths went missing, possibly on extended coffee breaks. But overall, the golf and dive sections illustrated Thailand’s tourism options and indicated that exhibitions that focus on specific themes can draw consumers. However, if you were an expatriate living in Thailand and wishing to organise a holiday for your family, you would have been very disappointed at the lack of English
language brochures and lack of English language skills. Ms Bussaya said the company will work with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to build new niche market shows. “This year we tried ecotourism and adventure tours by adding some booths as a part in the Wonderful Thailand, Wonderful World and we will evaluate the response from suppliers,” she said. The entire show including the general tourism areas had 500 booths and attracted 250,000 visitors who spent an estimated B400 million.
New GM at The Westin Siray Bay Starwood Hotels and Resorts recently announced the appointment of experienced hotelier Thomas Mueller as
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General Manager of the first Westin resort in Thailand. “I am thrilled and honoured to be appointed General Man-
ager at The Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa Phuket and I am looking forward to working in Thailand and on Phuket, one
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
of Asia’s most popular island destinations.” Mueller is German with more than 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and was previously based in various countries such as China, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Guam, Hong Kong, Belgium and Switzerland.
Most recently he was General Manager of The Sheraton Hongqiao Hotel and prior to that Thomas headed up the successful opening of both Sheraton Shanghai Hotel & Residences and Four Points Sheraton Shanghai Pudong as Complex General Manager.
Thailand No.1 for Indian travellers Indians are known to travel year round and it is no surprise that the most visited destination by Indians is a 365-day holiday spot like no other – Thailand. For the calendar year 2011, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has revealed that a record number of 917,832 Indians travelled to Thailand in comparison to 791,185 in 2010, making it the number one destination for Indians with a growth rate in excess of 16 per cent in 2011. In 2012, this growth is continuing with 210,722 Indians visiting Thailand from January to March, representing an increase of 1.64 per cent over the same period in 2011. Commenting on the remarkable growth, Sethaphan Buddhani, Director for Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Mumbai said, “We have achieved this growth due to our result-oriented marketing strategies that are matched with performance indicators. “We are also grateful to the Indian travel trade fraternity which has been actively supporting our initiatives through joint promotions that showcase Amazing Thailand as a valuefor-money destination.” Mr Buddhani further elaborated: “We realised the need to tap niche segments as the Indian market has matured over a period of time. As a result, we now tap niche segments such as golf, luxury holidays, weddings, medical, and Bollywood tourism.” Commenting on TAT’s success strategy, Mr Buddhani stated that the Tourism Authority of Thailand focused on educating travel agents, tour operators, wedding planners and media on new and exotic destinations in Thailand through groundbased marketing activities that include workshops, seminars and educational tours. Augmented by exhibitions, joint promotions and mass communication through a wide range of media that include outdoor, print, electronic and online, the Tourism Authority of Thailand has been able to effectively position Thailand as a ‘Value for Money’ destination.
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUSINESS/TECHNOLOGY 13
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Googling the future information. E-commerce in Thailand is not as strong as it is in other places, but we believe this will change in the future. Research has been conducted which suggests that the internet is the most trustworthy medium for accessing information. In the floods, for example, people were finding that the hourly news reports weren’t providing sufficient enough information, and at times (were) inaccurate, so they were going to the internet to find out.
Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
Ariya Banomyong, Country Manager of Thailand for Google, made his first business trip to Phuket last week to deliver a seminar to the International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP). He took time out of his busy one-day schedule to talk with The Phuket News. How did you come to work for Google? I was born and raised in France, and educated there and in England. I came back to Thailand around 11 years ago and worked for the True Corporation. I have always been in the technology/ IT industry and been in mobile communications for most my life. I joined Google in 2011. I have seen the rapid change in the way Thai people access the internet, movies and other online content. Are there any Google services exclusive to Thailand? We try to localise the services wherever we’re based so that’s its country-specific, and actually Thailand was a first for broadcasting our first Google Ad for TV. I think this shows the importance of not neglecting the offline world in promoting the online one. While Google Street View is a huge success, rival MapJack utilises a backpack camera that lets them go to places not accessible to cars. Do you have any plans to launch a similar service? In Thailand we have a large task ahead of us... We have Street View currently in just three places: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket. We’re working with Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), which shows the importance and benefits that it can provide to the tourism market. As a picture can tell a thousand words, we have launched a new project entitled ‘The Miracle’, where we have asked residents in Thailand to identify 10 locations they feel should be promoted and we will then send a trike around the country to take the footage. This is something we will be promoting and is already part of our Street View mission. Thailand is a highly litigious country with many off limit topics, what are your policies on this? Well... being Google we support freedom of expression all over the world. Having said that, sensitive content or offensive content can be censored or taken down. We allow our users
How hard is it to follow Google’s motto, ‘Don’t be evil’ and not exploit users? We put users’ personal information pretty high on our priorities, and you can always opt in or out of receiving tailored or personalised ads. As part of the data liberation association, all information can be retrieved from Google. Have you ever thought
about why the Google homepage is blank and without banners and ads? This is mainly so that everyone can access the page quickly and easily without fuss. Internet speeds differ according to location, so we wanted the customer experience to be pretty uniform no matter where people are accessing it from. Ads are also clearly labelled as such. What is the future of computing in the ‘Post PC’ age? This year, 2012, will be the year of the tablet as 2011 was for the smartphone. Thailand will also have caught up with the rest of the world within three years with regards to the percentage of smartphone users. The future of computing is dependent on the consumers’ needs. Companies are constantly striving to catch up with consumers.
Ariya Banomyong, hard at work building the blocks of Google Thailand to flag inappropriate content and requests by government (and others) are also common but are handled by headquarters in the U.S., all of which can be seen in our regularly published transparency reports. Google Plus seems to be growing very slowly. Do you think it or any other social networking site can ever be a real competitor to Facebook? Sure, there’s a tendency to compare it to other social networking sites, but Google Plus actually has over 70 services, so we like to see it as more of a social platform. Our idea is to create one server-combined user experience. This is to put everything together so it can be accessed quickly and easily. Then make it country-specific and easy to access.
Google flights launched last year but is only operational in the U.S. When can we expect it to cover flights within Asia? It will be hopefully be coming soon. Google flights will make it easier to find the flight details and information you need. Some people want to save money, while some have different needs and wants, like to perhaps fly business class. Google is already very much part of cloud computing. How fast is that growing in Thailand? Cloud computing is a great system of being able to access your documents no matter where you are. An easy example of this is when using your Android phone and you buy a new one, by simply signing in to your Gmail account it will transfer YOUR RIGHTS ARE PRECIOUS
all your contacts instantly and automatically. Thai people realised the benefits of such technology with the recent floods and when they lost their computers they also lost all their data and important documents. When they relocated that had to start all over again. But if they had used cloud technology this could’ve quite easily been avoided. What are Google’s current priorities in Thailand? Our long term missions are to make sure we expand and provide information in Thailand and we want people wherever they are to be able to access the FROM ONLY THB
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14 BUSINESS/PROPERTY
Property demand returns to Phuket The last quarter of 2011 saw the dramatic recovery of the Phuket property market, with the return of demand for Phuket villas and condominiums. Many European-based investors in the property market are taking a look at returning to the market. Research by Knight Frank Thailand has shown that as of the end of Q1 2012, the accumulated condominium supply was 6,094 units. During the first quarter of this year, there were 493 units from 8 projects added to the condominium supply. The accumulated villa supply was 1,880 units, with around 108 units from 5 villa projects added in Q1 2012. Risinee Sarikaputra, Associate Director of Knight Frank Thailand Research and Valuation Department said that there has been an increase of Russians and Singaporeans looking for holiday homes in Phuket. Sava project, located at Natai beach, made headlines with their selling of their latest three ultra villas, with each one costing over 100 million baht per unit. The transaction created an undercurrent of new interest.
Risinee Sarikaputra is positive about the future of Phuket properties. Ms Risinee said, “Singaporeans are looking for holiday homes due to the tighter curbs on local property. However, they are interested in acquiring villas that cost less than half of what one would pay for a similar property in Singapore. The main purchasers of premium
real estate on the island, with transactions ranging from 7-12 million baht a unit, are also concerned with rental returns. Miss Risinee added that Saiyuan Estate, located at Naiharn beach had sold 20 out of 26 units in just six months, with a selling price of 8-12 million baht per unit. Royal Phuket Marina also launched their third phase of condominiums, selling from 4.9 million baht per unit, at the end of March, 2012. Ms Risinee said that many investors are also in the planning stage of returning to Phuket, for example, the huge mixed-use project ‘Boat Avenue’ located in Cherngtalay at the entrance of Laguna. The project will consist of a retail community mall, condominium and villa projects. Amari Estate are planning a build of around 190 condominiums in Patong, which will see competition from the other new development in Patong: Emerald bay. There are also many ‘ultra villa projects’ planned for the areas located near Natai beach.
University consults Phuket IT Six IT lecturers from Walailak University in Nakorn Srithammarat visited Phuket-based IT company Blue D Zine earlier this month to discuss the software and IT trends of the island in readiness of launching its new Master’s degree course in software engineering. Blue D Zine has over eight years of experience in the software industry, creates software for the tourism sector, and has ties with the education sector. Managing Director of Blue D Zine, Patima Khunpromkessara said, “We were happy to Villa Suksan is a q uie
t seclude
arn 2 Nai H e s a h P now Selling
Indonesian property is gaining in popularity with overseas buyers, according to data from one of the U.K.’s leading property portals. The April ‘Top of the Props’ report released by The Move Channel revealed the country is ranked as the 22nd most popular based on website enquiries – up from 31st place just five months ago. Indonesia now accounts for 0.79 per cent of all overseas property searches on the website – double the amount since December 2011. Thailand remains the most popular country for overseas property searches in Southeast Asia and is ranked 14th in the latest report with 1.53 per cent of all searches. The Philippines is ranked in 33rd place with 0.37 per cent. Malta edged its way into the Top 10 overseas property destinations, accounting for 2.59 per cent of enquiries. This was enough to climb four places in the interna-
help. Phuket is growing in terms of IT expertise and will perhaps be national leaders one day. “This is a great example of
d deve lopme nt of bout ique villa s
com bini n
how connecting the education sector with private businesses can help produce students that match the needs of today’s world.”
g lu xury and affor dabilit y
• Full property management • Freehold and Leasehold Ownership Nai Harn Beach & Rawai Bay Tel. 086 686 2389 or 076 384 691 Sales andrew@villasuksan.com
tional chart and become the eighth most popular place in the world for real estate buyers. It may be the European Union’s smallest country by both population and size, but Malta made a bigger impression than Germany, Greece and Cyprus during April, placing it just 0.04 per cent behind the traditional market of Turkey. But while Turkish prices have been increasing amid constant buyer demand, Malta teased investors with more affordable homes in an overlooked market. Monthly fluctuations within the Top 10 may seem slight, but the impact of the global financial crisis can be seen over the long term. During the last six months, Brazil has ousted Italy completely as a buyer favourite, forming a new top five of overseas property destinations: Spain, the U.S., France, Portugal and Brazil. –propertyguru.com.sg
Myanmar tour agents blast ‘greedy’ hotels TTR Weekly
Patima (left centre) welcomes the University lecturers.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Real estate enjoys gains in Indonesia
MYANMAR
Villa Suksan is a quiet secluded Boutique Development of Bali Style Pool Villas combining luxury and affordability. Villa Suksan is inspired by the calm and tranquillity of the Balinese lifestyle combined with Thai and modern elements to achieve an elegance that is both comfortable and functional for overseas buyers. Our goal is to build high quality villas at an affordable price that blend well with the tropical environment.
thephuketnews.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
Tour operators and foreignowned hotels are in a standoff over soaring hotel rates that sky-rocketed almost 300 per cent and threaten the country’s long-term tourism prospects. The initial report on the dispute was reported by the Myanmar Times, but there has been evidence for some time, since the country started to open to investors, that hotels were taking advantage and trebling rates. Representatives of Yangon’s foreign-owned hotel attended a meeting chaired by the Myanmar Hotels and Tourism deputy minister, U Htay Aung, but it ended with no conclusion.
Tourists are flocking to the streets of Yangon. Room rate for international standard hotels in Yangon have shot up by around 300 per cent, according to tour operators who monitor net rates they are given on volume business.
There are just too many business visitors flocking to the country in a kind of gold rush to grab business opportunities as the country’s opens to democracy and sanctions are removed by the international community. It has sparked off a reaction by hotels in Yangon, mostly owned by foreign companies. They are refusing to honour contracted rates to tour operators based on an estimated production of bookings. Tour operators identified what they called the offenders, who they alleged failed to honour contracted rates. They are: Traders Hotel Yangon, Sedona Hotel Yangon, Parkroyal Yangon Hotel and Chatrium Hotel Yangon. Tour operators claim they signed annual contracts on fixed rates based on volume and hotels are now cancelling them or demanding tour operators accept a much higher rate. “You can raise the price when negotiating a contract, but don’t change the contract price later on. “In future, Myanmar will become a great tourist destination so we should cooperate and negotiate with each other now on these matters” said Tour Mandalay chairman, U Khin Zaw.
THE PHUKET NEWS
ART 15
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
CULTURE
BIG LIST: Bad ideas for getting around > 20
culture@thephuketnews.com
KNOW WHERE THIS IS? GUESS RIGHT AND WIN!
GERRY’S
editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php
view
THIS WEEK’S HINT: “The items shown in the photograph have something to do with postal matters, or for those with a pure interest in the subject, they relate to the French word philatelie, which was coined in 1864 to describe the study of the small piece of paper purchased and displayed on envelopes, and their history. The items shown in the photograph, and they make up the major part of a very skimpy and poor exhibit, are housed in a very picturesque Sino-Portugese building in the island’s capital.” –Gerry Cummings
EMAIL US ENTER ONLINE
www.photohutgroup.com
editor@thephuketnews.com thephuketnews.com/ login-game-view.php
GUESS THE CORRECT LOCATION AND WIN A B500 GIFT VOUCHER FROM PHOTO HUT
Congratulations to Eume Chan and marcher, who correctly guessed that last week’s photo was of the Phuket Mining Museum on Muang Tor Sung Road (behind the Loch Palm Golf Course) in Kathu.
Phuket pics ‘n’ pals
PHUKET GALLERIES Designed by Woulfe Studio
Baan Wana Park, 177/22 Moo.4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, 076 620 071, designedbywoulfe.com.
Sukunya Phoonpong reporter2@thephuketnews.com
Dream Gallery
The acronym PNP stands for both Phuket Neo Photo and, informally, Pics n’ Pals. It is a group of like-minded friends who all live in Phuket and who are all incredibly passionate about taking photos. Member Soopphareok Teepapan, who is also a graphic designer, explained how the group started from just a small group of friends who liked to take photographs as a hobby. “We just saw each others’ photos from different photo websites and began chatting about photography on various forums online. We found out that the majority of us lived in Phuket, and so we started to meet to take photographs together and became friends ever since. We initially decided to launch our own website so it would be easier to contact each other,” Mr Soopphareok says. When phuketneophoto.com started in 2007, there were just 20 members, but now there are over a thousand members. Yongyuth Chankol, who works in a tour agency explains more about the group: “The members are not of a typical type; our youngest member is thirteen years old
I Mon Art Gallery
Boat Lagoon, 23/122 Thepkasattri Rd, Koh Kaew, 076 273 487, gallery@asiansourcingallery.com, thedreamgallery.asia. 29/2 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 086 961 8968, montian_29@live.com. Open daily 8am-7.30pm.
Nakonnai Art Museum
84/34 Moo7, Soi Saiyuan 2, Rawai. 085 974 7218, nakonnaiartmuseum@yahoo.com.
P. Fire Studio
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 085 591 1587, virat-uttakut@hotmail.co.th. Open daily.
Red Gallery
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 087 323 321, redgallerythai@yahoo.com; phuketredgallery.com. Open daily.
Sarasil Art Galllery
Phuket Neo Photo regularly put on exhibitions of their best work around the island, like this one in Saphan Hin. and the oldest is about sixty. We are mostly amateur photographers but there are also few professional ones. We welcome all people who like photography, even if they have no basic photo skills. The group tends to take
photos in places predominantly around Phuket, but does sometimes go off the island for a few days. PNP have also organised several public and charity activities in Phuket such as photo contests and workshops in basic photo skills.
Their most recent activity was the free training course Rookie to Pro (RTP). “The RTP is a project to encourage those with the time to learn basic photography skills because we go out and teach photo shooting by taking photos and then making suggestions and giving advice to help them improve,” says Mr Yongyuth. “Now, there are three RTP groups and I think their skills have greatly improved, some members have had their photos published in magazines or have won photography contests and more importantly, some have made really good friendships.” For more information, visit: phuketneophoto.com
121 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 224 532, somkiatkaewnok@yahoo.com; oilpaintingsphuket.com. Open daily 8pm-9pm.
Tawan Ook Art Gallery
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 081 956 5872. Open daily.
The Love Art Studio
Phuket Art Village, Soi Naya 2, Rawai, 089 471 5653, pui.t.l.a.s.@hotmail.com; theloveartstudio.com. Open daily.
Veerachan Usahanun
110/34 Cherng Talay, Bang Tao Beach Rd, 081 490 4359, usahanun@live.com; veerachanusahanun.com.Open daily.
Vichen Gallery Bzenter
Behind Da Vinci Restaurant, Saiyuan Rd, Rawai, 087 890 3722. Open daily 3-9 pm. (Telephone to view before 3pm.)
VR Gallery & Coffee Shop
Next to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, 12 Kata Noi Rd, Kata Noi, 076 333 568; art@momtriphuket.com, momtriphuket.com.
Watcharin Art Studio
27 Yaowaraj Rd, Phuket Town, 088 386 1449, watcharintinorodnit@hotmail.com, rindamagicalart.com.
Wua Gallery and Studio
1 Phang Nga Rd, Phuket Town, 076 258 208, wua.artgallery@gmail.com; wua-artgallery.blogspot.com.
thephuketnews.com
16 FILM
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
BACK TO THE FÜHRER The creators of new sci-fi movie Iron Sky explain why Nazis, the moon and flying saucers make for great entertainment
Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
T
imo Vuorensola would be “very surprised” if there really is a secret Nazi colony on the dark side of the moon. If there was though, he might have the best idea of what it looks like. The Finnish director’s latest film, Iron Sky, explores a near-future dystopia where a secret colony of moon-Nazis seek to take revenge on the Earth after some 70 years in orbital exile. The film has already garnered a cult following across Europe for its outlandish premise, and yesterday (May 17) it touched down in Thailand as the space Nazis begin their Asian cinematic invasion. Given the sheer brilliance of vengeful moon-Nazis as onscreen antagonists, the question has to be asked: Where did the idea come from, and why has nobody thought of it before? Jarmo Puskala, the film’s co-writer and the man behind the original concept, says he’s still struggling to pinpoint the exact stimulus. “I think the idea originally came from a UFO book I read back in high school that had different theories about flying saucers, one of them was ‘some say flying saucers were built by the Nazis, but that is completely ridiculous, everyone knows they come from outer space’,” he says. “Then more than a decade later we were thinking of what film we would make next and... it kind of popped into my head.” The idea might not be quite as far-fetched as it first seems. While, of course, Iron Sky is heavily based in fiction, director Timo says: “The core of the technology [depicted in the film] has at least been
thephuketnews.com
TOP 3 NAZI FILMS (Apart from Iron Sky)
Timo:
1. Schindler’s List 2. Fatherland 3. Starship Troopers
Jarmo:
1. Blues Brothers (“Everyone hates Illinois Nazis!”) 2. Das Boot 3. Downfall visited by the real Nazis; the anti-gravity is created with the alleged ‘Nazi Bell’ experiment, and the Walkür-UFOdesigns are loosely based on the Haunebu designs.” Jarmo prefers to say the film is based on “real conspiracy theories”, saying the so called Nazi ‘wunderwaffe’ projects formed the basis of much of the technology in the film. “It seems a lot of the early flying saucer sightings from the 1940s and 1950s might have actually been tests of secret Nazi planes and rockets captured at the end of the war. Some of the descriptions of the ‘saucers’ are spot on for the ‘flying wing’ jet planes we now know Nazis developed.” And the fictional realism also goes for the film’s nearfuturistic setting, with Timo saying the team chose 2018 as the setting because they wanted freedom to play around with the global political landscape without having to create a broader sci-fi world. “We’ve added hints of future tech, like holographic screens and so on, but we wanted to keep the world as ‘normal’ as possible.” Given the film’s premise, ‘normal’ was never really going to be an option. But even as ludicrous as the concept might seem, it’s indicative of the entertainment industry’s
Above, screenshots from the film, Below left, Jarmo Puskala. Below right, Timo Vuorensola.
ongoing obsession with Nazism, highlighting the fact that they really do make the ultimate movie villains. So why are we still so fascinated by Nazis more than half a century after the collapse of the Third Reich, and what makes them such compelling characters to hate? Timo says: “They are a very clear villain. We know from the very moment a Nazi steps into the room that this is a bad guy, and we have more possibility to venture on other aspects of the character. “Nazis also had a very profound understanding on the strength of visual imagery, whether in uniforms or symbolism, and visuals are – in the end – the key to film as well.” It is this visual imagery that is the true highlight of Iron Sky. The film itself has several apparent flaws – notably an
underwhelming script and some undercooked comedic scenes – yet it was never going to be the point of this film to create high art; this is purely cult film Nazi-porn. But like any great idea, and particularly so for one that is so unusual, the key for Iron Sky was taking the project from the concept stage through to production and then onto the screen. It took some luck, a lot of hard work, and a little bit of help from the online community to make that happen. “Without social media, Iron Sky wouldn’t exist,” Timo says. “We’ve collaborated creatively with our internet community, co-financed the film with our internet community, and created most of the buzz that’s around the film with our internet community.” The team behind Iron Sky raised around 1 million euros
in crowd funding directly through social media. Given the film’s overall budget was 7.5 million euros, that’s not an insignificant amount. By blurring the lines and establishing a direct relationship between the film’s creators and its fans, it has helped Iron Sky develop a near-cult following across all corners of the globe, which has now seen it distributed to 14 countries, with another 23 on the way. On their innovative website, ironsky.net, an online petition helps visitors demand to have the film screened in their local theatre. Of course, its arrival in Thailand marks unfamiliar territory for the filmmakers. Most locals have little appreciation for the enduring impact Nazism has had on the West. Indeed, in this part of the world it was the Japanese
that had the most impact during World War II. Thailand has actually been making headlines recently for all the wrong reasons when it comes to Nazis: earlier this month Democrat MP Boonyod Sukthinthai caused a stir in Parliament when he yelled “Heil Hitler” several times and made the Nazi salute gesture, before storming out of the building. How, then, will Iron Sky go down in a country that often trivialises Nazism and its impact on Europe? “So far it’s been doing very well in Europe, and Europe knows Nazis and the past quite well, but when it comes to say Thailand... I really don’t know what to expect,” says Timo. Jarmo believes it might eliminate some of the guilt factor and make it easier to swallow as a comedy. “It’s interesting to see how people will see the film when they don’t have the guilt much of Europe carries. Nazis are just bad guys there [in Thailand], not something to be ashamed of. So I guess it’s easier to watch the film as a funny action comedy.” Whether it’s a funny action comedy or a serious action drama, not even Hitler himself could dispute the creative genius that has driven Iron Sky to the big screen. Perhaps the only question for Timo and Jarmo is how to top such a unique concept. Iron Sky opened yesterday (May 17) across most Major Cineplex theatres in Thailand. The nearest Major cinemas for Phuket residents are in Krabi, Koh Samui, Hua Hin or Bangkok. Visit majorcineplex.com for showtimes, or ironsky.net and fb.com/ironsky for more information about the film.
THE PHUKET NEWS
PEOPLE 17
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Finding equal opportunities Sompol Sitthiwetch
Manager at Connect Guesthouse (gay friendly Patong hotel); co-chairman of Andaman Power
How many years have you lived in Phuket? I have lived here for 13 years. I am originally from Khon Kaen, in northeast Thailand. Aids. As a volunteer I help out, and also give them free Why did you move here? I moved to Phuket to study condoms and other items.
Exposed
a Bachelor of Business Administration at the Prince of Songkla University. After I graduated I decided to start work in Phuket. Because I am a ladyboy, Phuket gave me the opportunity to obtain a high level position in the hotel and tourism industry.
What is the best thing about living here? It is a good place to be for a ladyboy I think. Many hotels are able to give ladyboys the opportunity to work. I have a good salary here, the weather is good, and many people are gay-friendly.
What do you do to relax? What does your job involve? I love to travel outside of Phuket, finding new delicious Being the manager of Connect restaurants and surfing the web. Guesthouse in Patong, I have the responsibility of taking Favourite food or dish? care of everything within I like all Isarn food, particuthe guesthouse, which has 25 larly papaya salad. What music do you like? rooms and a restaurant. Andaman Power is an or- R&B and pop music. My faganisation that helps support vourite Thai singer is Jennifer gays, ladyboys and sex work- Kim, and I also like Kylie ers in the Patong and wider Minogue. Phuket area. It helps provide Best advice you have for knowledge and awareness of people moving to Phuket? safe sex practices and HIV/ For people who will work here,
there are a lot of hotel jobs available, and the minimum wage is now B300 a day, which is a good thing. For those who will move to Phuket to relax, Phuket is a beautiful island with lots of great culture and local food. The person you admire the most and why? My mother of course. She is a good role model for me. She always tells me it doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you make sure you’re a good person. Where would you take someone on a first date? Promthep Cape for sunset. Favourite place on the island, and why? Thalang Road in Phuket Town, because it combines the romance of Phuket with the island’s historical significance – plus I like the traditional Thai-style buildings. Depending on if I want a quiet or big night out, I like Patong or Rang Hill in Phuket Town.
Sompol “Vickky” Sitthiwetch is the co-chairman of the Andaman Power Organisation, which is located at Patong Hospital and works to promote awareness of sexual diversity.
EVERYDAY PEOPLE
A hard day’s night Sukunya Phoonpong reporter2@thephuketnews.com
Working through the night while most others on the island are sleeping might not be the ideal lifestyle for some, but for tour guide Chachai Hatsut it is a way of life. Chachai, originally from Trang province, has worked as a tour guide since he moved to the island in 1999. Chachai works from late afternoon until the evening as a tour guide, looking after tourists and taking them to various places in Phuket and nearby provinces. From the evening until around 6am he then works his second job making hotel reservations and tour bookings. “I spend the whole night checking and answering my guests’ emails and arranging their bookings. “I have about five to six hours in the morning to sleep before I go to meet my guests in the afternoon, and take them to their des-
Chachai Hatsut works the late night shift in Phuket. tinations.” Chachai studied French at university, meaning he is fluent in French, Thai and English, something that comes in very handy when working with tourists. “I moved to Phuket to use my French language skills. This job makes me feel good because I can talk with many strangers and learn about the differences between the Thai culture and many other cultures. “My guests are mainly French, but I also have other
foreigners, including many Asian guests. This gives me a great opportunity to learn about other cultures,” he said. “People usually work more effectively in the day time, but it is quieter working during the night. I can talk with people in the day time, but at night I only have myself for company,” Chachai says. “Most people work during the day, but I think this is a very suitable job for me.”
thephuketnews.com
18 ENVIRONMENT
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Taking a bite out of the shark trade Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
T
he disturbing discovery by a Phuket News reader of the selling of endangered hammerhead sharks in Kata market has been exasperated by the shocking realisation that the practice is not ‘technically’ illegal. Gw yn Mills, CEO of Pattaya-based environmental organisation Dive Tribe, explained that the laws in Thailand regarding fishing practices are murky at best. “It largely depends on where they’ve been caught... There are harsher penalties if they’ve been caught in a National Park as opposed to open waters for example.” The problem lies in the fact that fishing behaviour is often not recorded in Thailand, with fishermen and fishing crews often failing to submit their behaviour and locations to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora). CITES is an international agreement between governments charged with ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten
A restaurant in Phuket town that serves the ‘delicacy’. their survival. Another problem is that statistics as to the number of sharks are very hard to accurately record. However, it is estimated that the hammerhead population in the Atlantic Ocean has radically declined by over 95 per cent in the past 30 years. The main cause of this drop-off is over-fishing, due to the rise in demand for shark fins from markets in East Asia, especially China, of which hammerheads are the most popular species. Tony Andrews, the Regional Manager of PADI Asia Pacific diving society, however, believes that the sharks featured in this photo were not caught for their fins, and will probably end up as decorative display pieces in local Thai restaurants. “I know it’s horrible to say,
Endangered hammerhead sharks at Kata market. but in the fisherman’s defence, this is not down to the finning trade. Sharks that are being finned are normally finned at sea with the carcass being thrown overboard, to ensure that the boat has more room for storing the fins.” David Roe, a Marine Conservation Officer from Project Aware, which organises divers to tackle major ocean conservation issues ‘Sharks in Peril’ and
‘Marine Debris’, agrees that it’s incredibly important to make the distinction between shark fishing and shark finning, at least from a legal perspective. “With shark finning, the valuable fins are kept while the less valuable shark body is discarded at sea to leave room for more valuable animals. If they sell the body for meat and the fins for the shark fin soup trade, this would be seen as making full use of the animal, as outlined in the UN’s Food and Agriculture’s Code of Conduct for Responsible Fishing.” So, although the practice is not illegal, it is according to Mr Roe and many market shoppers, nonetheless heartbreaking. This is why Project Aware is working to have hammerhead sharks listed under CITES Appendix II at the Conference of Parties in Thailand, March 2013,
Photo: Vivien Faye which would lead to enforced protection of the mammal. Mr Roe believes that resistance to listing any more than the three sharks currently listed on the appendix is due to their high economic value. If their bid is successful, it would not necessarily prevent such shocking scenes in the marketplace, as the listing only places control over international, not domestic trade, but Mr Roe sees such a listing as a major step forward in the conservation of the species. The biggest step Mr Roe, Mr Andrews and many other campaigners see as needing to take place, is a change in attitude and that might, according to some reports, need to start at the very top. A petition by change.org is gathering steam, calling for the removal of the Asian representative of CITES, Dr
Giam Choo Hoo, on grounds of conflict of interest owing to his purported links to the shark finning industry. For his part, Dr Giam, a Singaporean, has said that the attempted ban of the shark finning trade is rooted in cultural bias and is in fact discriminatory. For him, the eating of shark fin soup is a delicacy, and a tradition that has great importance and significance for many around the region. Regardless, Project Aware and PADI have joined forces and are taking action against the shark finning trade by raising awareness amongst the global dive community about issues threatening sharks, and turning divers – those most in contact with the animals – into champions of shark protection. Mr Mills of Dive Tribe is also keen to continue the good work he started in Pattaya here on the island, “We’ll be opening a base in Phuket to raise awareness and educate about how the shark finning and fishing trade is worsening the plight of the sharks. We’ll also visit universities and run courses.” Overall, it is imperative to remain patient, according to Project Aware’s Mr Roe, who believes change will come, albeit slowly. “It’’s important to remember that the biggest issue with shark fishing is that currently, in most cases, it is unsustainable and unmanaged. “[We are] calling for properly managed, science-based shark fisheries. We are also campaigning for a ‘fin’s naturally attached on landing policy’ so as to end the cruel and wasteful practice of finning.” For more information, visit: projectaware.org
SEEKing ways to solve a crisis Environmental organisation SEEK will be hosting a Crisis Management Plan seminar for Phuket on May 23 at the Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club (TSLC). The new initiative aims to develop a Business Continuity Management & Crisis Management Plan for Phuket by bringing together Phuket businesses and thus strengthen Phuket’s resilience in case of another disaster. The recent tsunami scare has highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and will hopefully serve to alleviate not only business owners’ but the general public’s worries about what to do in the event of a disaster, the group says.
thephuketnews.com
The organisation of the project is also being undertaken by the Thai Environment Institute and the National Protection Committee Safety & Environmental Service. Sean Panton, Chief ��������� Executive Officer of SEEK Phuket said, “As businesspeople in Phuket we have
a responsibility to work together to help plan for the future of the island and a sustainable business model with correct responses. We invite all the relevant and interested business owners and operators to this complimentary launch.” The seminar will include an overview of the project goals and process and also a summary of the current Crisis Management Plan with VP Thai Environment Institute Dr Chaiyod Bunyagidj and Khun Prakob Petcharuttana, the Managing Director of MPC Safety and Environmental Service. The seminar will run from 8.30am - 12.30pm on Wednesday, May 23, at TSLC’s The View.
THE PHUKET NEWS
EDUCATION 19
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
PIADS bids fond farewell to Head
HOT WHEELS The wheels on the new Kajonkiet International School bus go round and round to take the students home and on various road trips and excursions.
Thailand signs deal to buy Chinese tablet computers Agence France-Presse
Thailand last Thursday signed a multi-million dollar deal to buy hundreds of thousands of Chinese-made tablet computers for primary school children, an official statement said. The ruling Puea Thai party promised to issue free handheld computers to a million students as part of a raft of
pledges that helped it to an election victory last year. Other undertakings included a rise in the minimum wage and increased rice prices for farmers, and Puea Thai – led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra – has been accused by the opposition of populism. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) minister Anudit Nakornt-
hap inked a contract with Shenzhen Scope Scientific Development Co Ltd, one of four companies “suggested by the Chinese government”. “The first batch of 400,000 tablets, costing $32.8 million (B1 billion), will be delivered within 60 days,” he said in statement, adding that a repeat order would not exceed one million machines.
The Phuket International Academy Day School is preparing to bid farewell to Robin Klymow and welcome his replacement Dennis MacKinnon from August of this year. MacKinnon takes over from the highlyregarded Klymow, who has been Head of School at PIADS for the past two years. Mr Klymow has decided not to renew his contract, owing to family reasons, and this week said he wished his replacement every success in taking up the reins “at one of the finest schools I’ve had the privilege to work at’’. Lister W. Hannah, Chairman of the PIADS Management Board, distinguished educator and IB expert, and former headmaster of the prestigious Geelong Grammar School, said on May 15, “While we will be sad to bid farewell to Robin, we are very fortunate to be able to announce the appointment of Dennis MacKinnon as Head of School. Mr Klymow, who will continue as Head of School until July, said he was gratified to see the school’s many accomplishments in the last couple of years. “In a short space of time, PIADS’ enrollment has doubled and we have brought on a roster of world-class teachers from around the globe. “On the curriculum side, we have on our way to becoming a three-programme IB school, and we recently had our IB PYP authorisation visit. We are in our second year as an Apple school with laptops and iPads. We have also fully integrated with the greater Thanyapura campus, giving the students unparalleled access to Olympic-class facilities and coaches.
Robin Klymow will soon be leaving Phuket International Academy Day School. “With a new team joining in August 2012, I feel proud knowing that the school will build on its strong foundation. Dennis MacKinnon is a most experienced international educator with an extensive Head of School record. “I have found working at the school and Thanyapura a rewarding experience and I have been fortunate to have been part of a forwardthinking school. I want to express my gratitude for an enriching professional association during my employment with PIADS.”
HEALTH
The Dr will hear you now Every Tuesday between 1pm and 2pm, Live 89.5FM station manager Steve Johnston will be joined in the radio studio by Bangkok Hospital Phuket GP, Kanita ‘May’ Chong. T he new seg me nt t o Steve’s Lifestyle show, ‘Health Issues’ will see the pair discuss all manner of ailments, maladies and treatments, with the good doctor on hand to dispense invaluable advice. Dr May is originally from Bangkok but has been in Phuket for two years working at the Wellness and Emergency ward of Bangkok Hospital Phuket. She likes Phuket because of the laidback lifestyle and thoroughly enjoys doing her show. On this week’s show Dr May spoke about HIV, advising listeners to be wary of its three stages. Firstly, for the first month after contracting the virus, sufferers are unlikely to experience many symptoms, perhaps just a light flu. The second stage is what is referred to as the silent stage: This will typically last for between 10 to 15 years and is called as such because of the absence of any notable
Live 89.5FM station manager Steve Johnston will be joined in the radio studio by Bangkok Hospital Phuket GP Kanita ‘May’ Chong every Tuesday; listen live on air from 1pm. or significant symptoms. The third stage is known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, (AIDS). “AIDS has no cure, so all sufferers can do is work on preventing contraction. Always wear condoms and have safe sex,” said Dr May. Dr May added that the Thai government had be-
come much more active and responsible in recent years. “The government works hard to raise awareness of the dangers and now regularly runs schemes to help the people, including the giving out of free condoms.” Tune in to Live 89.5FM every Tuesday from 1pm – 2pm to hear more.
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DANE'S WORLD CHILD’S PLAY 20 WEIRD NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS
Crazed clown ‘scares, attacks’ young children With rates of childhood psychiatric medication on the rise, Dominic Deville probably isn’t helping the situation. Deville rents himself out as an “evil birthday clown” who leaves scary notes for your children, warning them that they’re being watched and that they’ll soon be attacked. At the end of a terrifying week, your child will indeed be attacked. Deville, wearing a freaky clown mask, will smash a cake into your child’s face. The crazy clown is capitalising on what has become a mainstay for all circus-going kids: the fear of clowns. He
also capitalises on masochistic parents who enjoy exploiting their child’s fears. Throughout the week lead-
ing up to the child’s birthday, “The child feels more and more that it is being pursued,” Deville told Metro. “The clown’s
one and only aim is to smash a cake into the face of his victim, when they least expect it, during the course of seven days.” Deville harasses his targets with texts, phone calls and letters to let them know that their time is coming, according to the Herald Sun. Of course, since the creepy stunt is “all in fun,” Deville promises to back off if he’s asked to by parents. “If at any point the kids get scared or their parents are concerned we stop right there,” he said. “But most kids absolutely love being scared senseless.”w
HIGH HITLER! Adding fuel to the design fire Fuhrer was a cocaine addict who injected himself with semen
We all knew Adolf Hitler wasn’t the most normal guy in the world. So it probably comes as no real surprise that he was also a cocaine addict who suffered from flatulence and was injected with bull’s semen to rev up his sex life. The Fuhrer’s personal medical records are among documents going under the hammer in the US, which show he used powdered cocaine extensively to soothe his sinuses and throat. He was also known to break
‘The line of coke was this big.’ wind during meals with his generals in the cramped confines of the Fuhrer-bunker and took huge amounts of anti-flatulence drugs. The report also notes he had a less than sizzling sex life with girlfriend Eva Braun, and would be injected with extracts from bull’s testicles to boost his libido.
Behold the architectural wonders of the world: the Burj Dubai, the Pyramids of Giza, the Taj Mahal – and two random British petrol stations. The two 1960s gas stops were last week awarded Grade II protected status for their unique architecture, fuelling interest in an establishment whose architecture is usually associated with drab uniformity, hellhole toilets, and serial killers lurking in dark corners.
English Heritage awarded the accolades to a UFO-style winged station on the A1 at Markham Moor in Nottinghamshire, and a second station with six ‘parasols’ over the pumps in Birstall, Leicestershire. In our opinion though, you’re still better off visiting more conventional architectural wonders – unless you’re after a glorified rest stop with prowling sex offenders.
BUTTERFLY EFFECT
Austrian designer’s flying Ferrari bicycle With its sleek design, blood red paintwork and bespoke features, the Fahrradi Farfall FFX looks like a next generation Ferrari supercar. But this Ferrari relies on pedal rather than the more conventional horse power. Based on the Italian sports car manufacturer’s B50 million track-only Ferrari FXX, it took Austrian artist Hannes Langeder a year to create this unusual bicycle. The designer shot to fame in 2010 after a lightweight Porsche he created was driven by motor expert Richard Hammond on Top Gear. The vehicle’s name was
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inspired from the Italian for butterfly after it was described by one expert as moving “silently and with the weightless elegance of a butterfly”. Made from a combination of plastic and light-weight steel, the unique bicycle weighs just 100kg and is steered using pedals which control 11 different gears. Langeder even claims the vehicle actually lifts off the ground when ridden by a fast enough cyclist. The eco-friendly car is currently on display at an automotive exhibition in Austria where it is considered road-safe.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
with Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
THE BIG LIST Transport Triumphs The Fahrradi Farfall FFX bicycle may be the greatest feat in useless transportation history since the Sinclair C5, but take a look at any of the following and it starts looking more and more like the supercar it so resembles.
Tread carefully: The treadmill is a wonderful invention for those energetic enough to exercise, but too lazy to step outside. They can also come in pretty handy if you live in England or some other godforsaken part of the world wetter than a fish underwater. The SpeedFit Treadmobile, meanwhile, is a fitness vehicle that takes everything remotely practical from the treadmill and removes it. It’s basically a treadmill powered car, but the thing is so huge it’s almost impossible to turn. But by far the most baffling aspect is that this is a machine that moves forward when you run. If you just cut out that middle man and, you know, actually run, you’ll save a cool US$6,000 (B187,000). On yer ‘bike’: It takes a fair level of skill and supreme stupidity to screw up a bicycle – two wheels, a metal frame, handlebars and an uncomfortable seat, and you’re only some crotch-accentuating Lycra shorts away from qualifying for the Tour de France. But one man wanted to buck that trend. That man is Curtis DeForest. As well as having a terrible name for an environmentalist, DeForest was apparently dismayed by how easy it was to ride a bicycle, and thus the HyperBike was born. The bike’s big selling point (and we use that term loosely, because there’s no way you could sell this ‘bike’) is that you have to use your entire body to move it, which includes pedaling with your hands and feet, guaranteeing you expend every available ounce of energy and dignity while reaching your destination. Balancing act: Ladies and gentlemen, behold the Honda UX-3, the future of elderly mobility devices. Looking like the bastard love child of EVE from WALL-E and a sunglasses case, any small shift in weight will result in the UX-3 moving in that direction, making the fact that Honda wants to market this to old people kind of worrying. To clarify, Honda decided to sell a vehicle that requires extremely precise balance to a group of people who are known primarily for a lack of exactly that. Chariots of fire: The folks at American Chariot had the noble ambition of making police officers faster, more mobile and able to carry more supplies. While this sounds great on paper, what they actually came up with was... well, the photo says it all really. The first thing you might notice is that the American Chariot literally looks like a chariot, which would be extremely intimidating except that instead of a team of fierce stallions pounding the ground in front of you, you have three tiny little wheels. In fact, the configuration is kind of like the Big Wheel trike you had as a toddler. Only you stand up on it, because you’re a big boy now. Without a paddle: Crossing any body of water can be a bit of a hassle. But with their ability to float, ease of use and general reliability, boats make things just a little too easy. So what you really want is a vehicle that lets you frantically hump a metal pole while slowly sinking into the water. And you’re in luck, because such a product exists, thanks to the folks at AquaSkipper. Aside from needing a perfectly flat lake with no waves whatsoever, you’ll need physics to look the other way while you try to dry hump your way across the water for a bit. And we should emphasise ‘a bit’, because sooner or later gravity will catch on to the fact that you’re trying to travel across a freakin’ lake on non-floating metal pole and then things will become extremely wet.
THE PHUKET NEWS
TIME OUT 21
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
BOOK
MUSIC
FILM American Pie: Reunion 113 minutes Rating: 18+
Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Ben Fountani A firefight with Iraqi insurgents captured on tape by an embedded Fox News crew transforms the eight surviving men of Bravo Squad into America’s biggest war heroes. Sent on a media-intensive nationwide Victory Tour to reinvigorate public support for the war, the Bravos become guests of the Dallas Cowboys as part of the halftime show. Among the Bravos is the Silver Star–winning hero of Al-Ansakar Canal, Specialist William Lynn, a nineteen-yearold Texas native. Over the course of this day, Billy will begin to understand difficult truths about himself, his country, his struggling family, and his brothers-in-arms – soldiers both alive and dead.
Aufheben
The Brian Jonestown Massacre At the risk of pointing out the obvious, this sounds like a Brian Jonestown Massacre (BJM) album – though not necessarily right away. From the opening exotica of Panic in Babylon, through the dreamy Viholliseni Maalla, we’re exposed to a unexpectedly methodical approach to a BJM album that shows off some strong Eastern influences. But from here on in, the band’s classic psychedelic sound comes to the forefront as they settle into what they do best. Face Down on the Moon is a particular highlight, while Seven Kinds of Wonderful provides a good introduction for those unfamiliar with BJM’s psychedelic uniqueness.
Director: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg Starring: Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Tara Reid, Seann William Scott Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
The latest serving of American Pie is exactly like that awkward high school reunion; full of people you thought you wanted to see again, until you realise you don’t have anything in common anymore. It’s been some thirteen years since the angsty teens of East Great Falls redefined the teen comedy genre. Jim (Jason
Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan) are now wearily married with a small child. Seann William Scott returns as the grinningly offensive but good-natured Stifler, and Eugene Levy is back as Jim’s scene-stealing dad. In fact, all the familiar faces are back, and for about 20 minutes at the end, it actually works really. The cast suddenly gels, and with the cavalcade of faces from teen movie history flashing before your eyes, it becomes a genuinely humour-
ous nostalgic trip that makes us remember why the first two films were so popular. The problem, unfortunately, is the hour and 20 minutes that comes before it. Because for the sizable majority of Reunion’s running time, it really is like catching up with old friends, in that nothing’s changed, and most of the time it revolves around pointless reminiscence. The jokes are the same, many of the characters have not really developed, and the whole thing just feels slightly recycled. It has some funny moments, sure, but many of those are overly contrived and poorly written, and for teen viewers and newcomers to the franchise in particular, the more adultoriented subject matter may not be as engaging; this is more about nostalgia than reeling in a new audience.
This nostalgia factor is compounded by the presence of so many familiar faces from the original film, plenty of Easter eggs that reference events in the franchise’s history, and even the settling of some unresolved matters – all of which offer a bit of extra enjoyment for longtime fans. Even with a brief moment of screen time, all of the returning players get a chance to make an impression – and, hopefully, bring a smile to fans’ faces. But ultimately, the nostalgia of revisiting our youth is really the only positive to take from this film. After four servings, Reunion might still be tasty to some, but it’s probably now time to take this stale pie off the menu.
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) American Pie: Reunion (E) [18+] 14:15, 16:40, 19:05, 21:30 The Avengers (E/3D) [G]: 12:15, 15:15, 18:15, 21:15 The Avengers (T) [G]: 11:15, 13:15, 14:15, 16:15, 17:15, 19:15, 20:15, 22:15 The Cabin in the Wood (E) [18+]: 17:00, 21:45 The Cabin in the Wood (E/F) [18+]: 14:10, 19:20 Chob Kod Like Chai kod Love (T/E.SUB) [15+]: 13:45, 16:10, 18:35, 21:10 Dark Shadows (E) [13+]: 14:35, 19:10 Dark Shadows (E/F) [13+]: 16:50, 21:30
SFC JUNGCEYLON PHUKET (PATONG) American Pie : Reunion (E) [18+]: The Avengers (E) [G]:
12:00, 14:25, 16:50, 19:15, 21:40 11:30, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00, 19:00, 22:00
Battleship (E) [13+]: The Cabin in the Wood (E) [18+]: Dark Shadows (E) [13+]: Lockout (E) [18+]:
19:30 11:40, 13:50, 16:00, 18:10, 20:20, 22:30 12:30, 14:55, 17:20, 19:45, 22:10 17:30, 22:15
BRAIN TEASERS Down
1. Isn’t lament, yet I tangled exaggerated emotion. (14) 9. Cleans back stitch – about π. (5) 10. Dodges team stair units. (9) 11. It’s quiet since the French went in. (7) 12. Poem owed, they say. (3) 13. She may bring a case. (3) 14. Electronic picture is big movie. (4) 16. One in a hundred in the past. (4) 18. Sea eagle, we hear, may get money. (4) 21. World body act to ruin. (4) 22. Platform to be master of arts. (4) 24. Small commercials we hear for tool. (4) 27. Special care for tea with Elsie, so to speak. (1,1,1) 28. From France, nothing. (3) 29. Louse egg speed makes fertilizer. (7) 31. Overzealous admirer at one with California. (9) 32. Playfully romance when lit about right coming on strong. (5) 33. Diver milieu, it’s wrong, but having the appearance of truth. (14)
1. Greeting, saw as Aberdeen river. (8) 2. Directions to friend in country. (5) 3. Mad in French river, say. (6) 4. Each one back to Oriental. (7) 5. A little bit of fishing equipment to get polliwog. (7) 6. Lean over to direction with right auditor. (8) 7. Valued, certainly in step. (9) 8. Escort addict in hotel. (5) 15. Lack of guilt? In no sense, they say. (9) 17. Line up pool implement. (3) 19. Confusion to infect little bits of paper. (8) 20. Regarding badger den, the French provide new home. (8) 22. Bucking horse? Hello tubes! (7) 23. Liza’s mine! Left to 51. (7) 25. Prig’s corpse. (5) 26. 25 and cardinal makes Graf. (6) 30. Farewell to God in France. (5)
1. Who was the first person to reach the summit of the Matterhorn? 2. Which city was capital of England before London? 3. Which British rock diva formerly worked as a fish filleter? 4. What is the main ingredient in grits? 5. How often do teams compete for the Ryder Cup? Questions provided by Peppers Bar in Cherng Talay.
Solutions to last week’s puzzles:
Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1. Edward Whymper; 2. Winchester; 3. Annie Lennox; 4. Maize; 5. Every two years.
SUDOKU
Across
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22 KIDS PAGE
THE PHUKET NEWS
COLOURING CONTEST
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
E
very week, colour in Sophie's drawing, have a photo taken with your work, and email it to editor@thephuketnews.com The winner will be announced on this page next week. This week, congratulations go to Max Kennedy, age 8 1/2, from Phuket International Academy Day School (PIADS), for his excellent work above. We look forward to seeing how you all colour in Wat Chalong!
mail@ sophieillustration.co.uk
Runners-up
Yana, age 8, from PIADS.
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Lydia, age 8, from PIADS.
Ayia, age 9, from PIADS.
Thanks to all the children at Da r a s a m u t h Ph u k e t S c h o o l, Kajonkietsuksa School, HeadStart, British International School Phuket, Phuket International Academy, and Coconut Club for their entries. Please keep them coming in, remembering to write your name, age and school on your work.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
LIFE&STYLE lifestyle@thephuketnews.com
SHOPPING 23 Going to the dogs
Photos from the fantastic charity evening > 27
fashion file Have an outfit to show off? Send a photo to:
editor@thephuketnews.com
MISS PINKY Aunyanat Rittee
MC
THE RIGHT STRIPES Sylvie Yaffe Consultant
Pink dress (B100) and black belt bought at Phuket Town’s weekend Indy Market.
Animal-print shirt (B20) from a second-hand shop by the Phang Nga Rd Bus Terminal.
Strappy Roberto shoes (B590) from a store in Central Festival.
Zara denim skirt (B1,500) purchased in Central Festival. Bag (B24,000) picked up in Singapore. Gold and brown Bebe shoes (B650) from eBay.
ACCESSORIES 1
2
Leaves of Rice 1. Krajood bag 2. Hessian bag 3. Weaved bag 4. Handmade hat
B890 B400 B450 B350
4
3
Leaves of Rice, Block 2, Kata Night Plaza, Kata Rd. Open daily 11am-11pm. 087-620-7537; facebook.com/LeavesOfRice
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24 DINING
THE PHUKET NEWS
A delicious taste of Italy Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
Chef Alessandro Frau spends the majority of his time split between his award-winning Italian restaurant Acqua in Kalim, and the recentlyopened Bocconcino deli in Surin. As well as a bakery, cafe and gourmet supermarket, he is hoping that Bocconcino, located close to Surin Plaza, will be a little slice of Italy in Phuket; a community centre for locals and tourists alike. “These places are very popular in Italy,” explains Chef Alessandro, “An Italian’s day will usually start off in a deli. “He’ll pop in for a croissant and coffee and then go to work or business. “Perhaps they’ll return to buy some freshly baked bread, and come back for espresso breaks throughout the day.” Almost everything in the deli is Italian; the wines, cof-
fees, cold cuts, biscuits and groceries. Many of the items have especially poignant memories for Chef Alessandro. “All of the selections here were things I had in my Italian childhood. We have lots of treats that can only be enjoyed here.I get emotional when I see the products,” he says. Alessandro believes that deli shopping is steeped in a tradition that has worked for many years. “Actually these stores are becoming popular again in Italy. “The delis offer a personal intimate shopping experience as opposed to the very mechanical and impersonal experience of large supermarkets. They are dying out and so people are returning to places like these.” Fresh bread is cooked on premises each and every day, and fresh baguettes and pastries are available throughout
the day. Bocconcino also does breakfast, lunch, and a large selection of Antipasti, insalate, pasta and soup selections and various types of panini sandwiches to choose from. Bocconcino already has an established clientèle of coffee drinkers, diners and shoppers. Chef Alessandro can be found there most mornings and afternoons, returning home for a brief break before going to work at his Italian restaurant, Acqua. In April of this year, Acqua featured in the Tatler 2012 guide, scoring a maximum 10 out of 10 for its food, the only Italian restaurant in Thailand, and the only restaurant of any type in Phuket, to do so. Bocconcino, Surin main road, 8/71 Moo 3, Cherng Talay, 076-386-531; acquarestaurantphuket.com. Open daily 9am-6pm.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Chef Alessandro Frau is hoping to bring together Phuket’s Italian community.
Changing views on durian Claire Connell editor1@thephuketnews.com
DiVine’s Chef Moo with chicken and fish durian dishes.
To be honest, it was with great trepidation that I accepted an invitation to DiVine restaurant at the Thanyapura Sports and Leisure Club for a lunch feast of durian-themed dishes by Chef Moo. Unlike ever yone else in Southeast Asia (or so it sometimes seems), I’m not a particular fan of the King of Fruits, and while I’ve only tried it once, it was not to my tastes at all. Then there’s the smell, which can be so overpowering that the durian is banned from Singapore’s Mass Rail Transit system. In 1856, British natural-
Chicken curry with durian pieces – surprisingly delicious. ist Alfred Russel Wallace described the fruit as “a rich custard, highly flavoured with almonds, but there are occasional wafts of flavour that call to mind cream-cheese, onion-sauce, sherry-wine, and other incongruous dishes.” I agree with this description entirely, and not in a complimentary way. But, to my delight, Chef Moo proved me wrong with
his array of delicious durian dishes, including chicken durian curry, durian som tam, durian spring rolls, and chicken breast stuffed with durian. According to the chef, the trick is to use young durian, which means the smell and texture are not as overwhelming as eating the ripe fruit. Indeed, many of the dishes prepared had hardly any smell
at all. “The flavour of the durian in the dishes is not too strong, it is mostly sweet. Every dish has a vegetable and other fruit added to control the level of flavour, and to balance it out.” For the die-hard fans of the durian, however, there are some dishes with durian puree and durian cream which are considerably stronger. “I chose durian for the food theme because I wanted a challenge,” Chef Moo says. It’s a challenge he has magnificently risen to: Long live the King of Fruits. DiVine’s Durian Festival runs daily from May 21 to 27 at 6.30pm, guests can sample eight salads, eight main courses, and eight desserts for B780++. For reser vat ions email dining@thanyapura.com
Las Ramblas at Le Winch “Libertine” is Phuket’s newest dining experience presented by Ever Fly Ms Q, also known as American food-lover Quetta Locchi, held at Le Winch alongside Chef Vincent Meuwly. The themed dinner titled Las Ramblas will be held on Wednesday, May 23. Reservations are required, see: libertine.everflymsq.com
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THE PHUKET NEWS
DINING 25
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Thailand wine list first of its kind R
egistration for the inaugural Wine List of the Year Thailand awards will officially open on July 1. The competition is the first of its kind in Thailand, and founder Jon Hyams says the aim is to encourage and reward excellence in the development of wine lists, and improve the wine culture across the country. There are six main award categories (Best Restaurant, Best Café/ Brasserie, Best Wine Bar, Best International Hotel Restaurant, Best Resort, and Best Small List), plus four regional award categories (Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai), plus a Consumerawarded Best List title, and the Best National Wine List title. Jon, the owner of Phuket-based wine consultancy business The
Genuine Palate, is running the awards in conjunction with Events Thailand. He hopes the awards will help lift the standard of wine lists across the country. “Anyone can write a wine list, but to write it well is another thing.” John says the challenges to creating a good wine list include matching it with the establishment’s cuisine and image, balancing the prices, and getting regions, varieties and vintages right. Jon says the awards have a different focus than the remote Wine Spectator awards, because there will be a national focus and the award winners will be given a stack of free publicity and marketing exposure both nationally and internationally, including in national publications
and many across Asia. The awards actually promote the industry here in Thailand, Jon says. The best part about the awards, Jon says, is that any business with a wine list can enter ranging from “corner cafes” to wine bars, and international hotels. The awards cost B990 to enter, and registration closes on August 10. A panel of internationally acclaimed wine commentators and experts will deliver their final decisions in September and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner on October 13. For more information and details on how to enter, visit www.winelistoftheyearthailand.com The Phuket News and Live 89.5FM are media sponsors of the Wine List of the Year Thailand.
Jon Hyams, founder of the Wine List of the Year Thailand awards.
SEAFOOD FIESTA At the Re Ka Ta seafood evening on May 12 are, from far left, Anand Jagota (Owner of Jagota Food Solutions for Professionals), Bill Marinelli (Owner of Marinelli Shellfish), Marie-Laure Fleury (General Manager of Boathouse) and Bryan Burger (Chef at Re Ka Ta). Well-known seafood guru Mr Marinelli and Mr Burger presented a six course meal for guests. Also pictured left is a dish of lobster, cucumber and watercress salad with lime butter.
Jazz and jambalaya
The sweet sounds of New Orleans jazz and the delicious smell of great food emanated from Two Chefs, Kata, as the restaurant held its New Orleans theme night on Friday (May 11). The restaurant was packed as guests sampled traditional dishes such as cornbread, Cajun style crayfish, seafood jambalaya, and Cajun shrimp creole, while the Two Chefs house band played jazz and classics throughout the night. For more information visit twochefs.com
Staff dress up at Two Chefs.
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26 TRAVEL
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
TRAVEL NEWS
Ra f f l e s H o t e l s & Resorts launches new packages collection As part of a brand refresh, Raffles Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new collection of six core packages that will be launched this month. The packages will be available at all eight of Raffles Hotels & Resorts’ properties around the world: Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris; Raffles Dubai, UAE; Raffles Makkah Palace, Saudi Arabia; Raffles Praslin Seychelles; Raff les Hotel, Singapore; Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, Siem Reap, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Raffles Beijing, China. Designed for guests seeking hotels for a broad range of reasons, the packages encompass special occasions, weekend breaks, last minute escapes, business travel and seasonal offers. Diana Banks, Director of Sales & Marketing for Raffles Hotels & Resorts explained:
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“At the heart of each package is an experience that will be delivered with that very special Raffles flair and magic to create what we like to call ‘emotional luxury’. That’s what makes all these packages different. Not just luxurious, but surprising, memorable and inspiring.” More information: raffles.com
Fi r s t a n n ive r s a r y celebrations at RitzCarlton, Hong Kong
A party was held at world’s highest bar, Ozone, located in The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, and at 490 metres above sea level. Over 500 distinguished guests, socialites and supportive patrons of the hotel attended the event. The guests were bedazzled by a fashion show presented by luxury jewellery brand Graff Diamonds and Vivian Luk, dubbed by CNN as “Hong Kong’s poshest dressmaker”. Twelve dresses from Vivian’s latest collection
(valued over HK$1,000,000) were adorned with HK$470 million worth of jewellery from Graff Diamonds. Pierre Perusset, General Manager of The RitzCarlton,Hong Kong, said at the event: “Since our opening last year, the hotel has become an iconic address. We are extremely grateful for the overwhelming response to our restaurants and spa and the fondness expressed by our guests towards our rooms and suites. “The sky is the limit at the world’s highest hotel! In order to continue to exceed our guests’ expectation on our service and product offerings, we will embark on a series of exciting new projects. The recent global launch of the Ritz-Carlton app is one, and The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is going to launch its Facebook page very soon, so stay tuned!” To commemorate the significant milestone, guests staying in The Ritz-Carlton Suite (365 square metres) will be able to enjoy a string of additional benefits at the regular rate of HK$100,000 + 10 per cent per room per night. Available from now until December 31, 2012, the extra benefits include:
– A one-of-a-kind in-room dining experience for two that includes all the signature dishes from the awardwinning restaurants in the hotel – Tin Lung Heen, Tosca, The Lounge & Bar, Café 103 and Ozone – A commemorative scarf by Salvatore Ferragamo – Two-hour spa treatment in the couple’s suite at The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA More info: rc.hkgkw.reserva tions@ritzcarlton.com
YTL’s new Gaya Island Resort set to open doors on July 1 YTL Hotels opens its highly anticipated development, Gaya Island Resort, Borneo on July 1 this year. This world class resort will be added to the group’s collection of luxury properties across Asia and Europe, strengthening YTL Hotels’ reputation as Malaysia’s premier hospitality group.
Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort offers the perfect launching pad to discover Borneo and all that it has to offer. Gaya Island Resort will incorporate elements of Sabahan architecture and contemporary design complete with modern amenities and wi-fi capabilities. It will comprise 121 spacious stand-alone hill villas offering a spectacular view of the ocean and a majestic Mount Kinabalu view for most villas. The resort is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and is a short 30-minute combined car and speedboat ride from the airport. The luxury resort will offer a selection of dining options plus a Pool Bar & Lounge and a 40-metre infinity swimming pool which will provide the ideal place to relax while taking in the picturesque views of Mount Kinabalu from a unique upper deck. Escape to Tavajun Bay, a private enclave where guests will luxuriate in the pristine waters surrounded by the lush tropical rainforest. More info: ytlhotels.com
Australia’s north-west launches new ‘larrikin’ tourism campaign
The Kimberley region in Western Australian is renowned for its stunning landscapes, spectacular coastline and national heritage listed national parks. It is also home to some unique outback characters whose lives are interwoven with the land and will soon be showcased by Australia’s North West Tourism in its latest promotional campaign. Australia’s North West Tourism’s CEO Glen Chidlow said the most memorable travel experiences often have as much to do with the people you meet as the places you visit. “Given the wide range of interesting characters that you meet when travelling around the Kimberley, the toughest challenge of the campaign was selecting only four,” he said. The characters chosen to represent the Kimberley combine knockabout enthusiasm, larrikin humour, exceptional knowledge of their region and passion about sharing their special slice of the Australian outback with visitors. More information: austra liasnorthwest.com
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
ISLAND SCENE 27
A STELLAR SOIREE It was a fabulous night out at the Soi Dog Soiree on Saturday (May 12) when the foundation held their annual fundraiser. The event was held at Xana Beach Club at Angsana Laguna Phuket. MC Garry Holden did a great job while DJ Ben Jay and singer Pjae Stanley kept the tunes coming. Around B450,000 was raised for the foundation.
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28 ISLAND SCENE
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FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
GATHERING OF LIKE MINDS: Around 100 Phuket people from seven Rotary clubs around the island were at the 103rd Rotary International Convention in Bangkok from May 6-9. More than 30,000 participants attended.
FINAL BASH FOR DARTS LEAGUE: The end of season party for the Patong Darts League was held at Shakers in Patong on Friday, May 11. The team plays on Friday nights and the season starts again this evening (May 18). A SURE WAY TO BUY A USED CAR: Phuket’s
TALKING TECHNOLOGY: A couple of hundred people turned up to listen to Ariya first Toyota Sure garage, speBanomyong, Country Manager of Thailand for Google, (not pictured) deliver a seminar to the International Business Association of Phuket (IBAP) on Friday, May 11. The event was held at the A2 Resort in Phuket Town.
WARM PHUKET WELCOME TO FORMER ITALIAN PM: Kata Beach Resort & Spa welcomed former Italian Prime Minister, Prodi Romano, and his wife, Flavia Franzoni to the resort. Pictured from left are Mrs Franzoni; Benasseni Paride, Mosaico representative; Prodi Romano; Massimo Marcato, Italian Chef, Kata Beach Resort & Spa; and Andrew Swatdipakdi, General Manager, Kata Beach Resort & Spa.
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cialising in selling certified used cars, had its official opening on Wednesday (May 9). The event was attended by Phuket’s Toyota Sure Deputy Managing Director Chaipat Na-Ranong and his father, Managing Director Vijit Na-Rong and mother Viboonchai Na-Rong. The garage is located on Chalermprakiat (Bypass) Road at the Bang Khu intersection.
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
THE TICKET with Claire Connell
ENTERTAINMENT 29
editor1@thephuketnews.com
The newly-opened Zorro Club in Rawai will host Ms Q’s weekly Friday evening cocktail events. The Bangkok Traveller Band: From left, guitarist and vocalist Sak, drummer and vocalist Goff, and bassist Chang.
Band of brothers I
f you think remembering all the lyrics to 60 or so songs is hard enough, try learning them in a second language. The three Thai musicians who make up the Bangkok Traveller Band spent their teenage years repeatedly listening to cassette tapes of Western music. Lead singer and drummer Goff said he would write down words one by one in English, try to learn the meaning and the spelling, and spend hours learning to copy the singer’s Western style accent correctly. Guitarist and vocalist Sak, and bassist and backing vocalist
Chang learnt the same way. “It was very difficult,” says Goff, who owns the G&G Music shop in Phuket Town. “But 30 years ago, we had to do that. We had to be Englishlanguage musicians and there was no other convenient way to do it. There was no internet or YouTube or anything like that back then, and we had very limited English-language teaching at schools.” “It was hard, but being musicians is our job, it’s our life. And it was at a time [in Phuket] when people, including many tourists, wanted to listen to English songs.”
Chang, who runs a minimart in Bang Tao, and Goff were friends from Bangkok, who 17 years ago decided to try their fortune in Phuket. After a few years performing on the island they returned to Bangkok. Goff moved to Germany for three years, and then went touring as the drummer for famous Thai pop singer Pongsit Kanpee, a performer Goff describes as the “Thai Bob Dylan”. Meanwhile, Chang was touring with The President Band, a Thai soul music group. He and Goff eventually returned to Phuket and met up
with Sak, a local Phuket musician who works at the Bangkok Store music shop in Phuket Town. The band in its current form has only been together for around six months, but all three have a lifetime of performing experience behind them. A covers band, they specialise in 1980s and 90s rock. The Bangkok Traveller Band plays at Angus O’Tools in Karon on Fridays from 9pm, and at the Craic Irish bar (near Peppers in Laguna) on Thursdays and Sundays from 9.30pm. For more information contact Goff on 081-646-1986.
TGIF – in Rawai Ever Fly Ms Q, the brand b elong i ng t o Phu ke tian Quetta Locchi, has launched a TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Friday) weekly cocktail event at the newly opened Zorro Club in Rawai. T he eve nt w il l be launched this evening (May 18) and will be held every Friday from 6pm to 9pm. Quetta, also known as Ms Q, says the event will
be a “cosmopolitan, yet casual cocktail soirée with a tasty tapas menu, bespoke cocktails and soulful musical programming.” Zorro Club is on the Rawai Beach road, directly opposite the Thai seafood restaurant Baan Haad Rawai, and approximately 100 metres from the Rawai OrBorTor office. For more information visit everflymsq.com
YESs Club opens in Phuket Town Marque Rome lifestyle@thephuketnews.com
A new nightspot, YESs Club, has opened in the soi adjacent to Metropole Hotel in Phuket Town– the first in a decade since the narrow road was home to many of the city’s most popular pubs, and so crowded it was known as ‘RCA Phuket’ after the hugely popular street in Bangkok where thousands travel nightly to party. After a number of wellpublicised incidents – including a shooting, and a stand-off between two groups of armed police – and numerous complaints from hotel guests that they couldn’t sleep because of the noise, the pubs shut down. The soi has been largely abandoned since. But last week YESs Club, held its grand opening event. The new owners, who also operate V.R. Seafood, opposite Poonpol Soi 5, in-
Tiger Muay Thai & MMA in Rawai will host DJ Jason Wilder.
Live from Tiger
Some of the 25 coyote dancers at the newly opened YESs Club in Phuket Town. vested about B4 million in renovating the old Alien Pub in luxurious style. What was once a ruin is now a three-storey pleasure palace with 20 serving staff,
25 ‘coyote’ dancers, a cooking rock band, deejay and sensuous showgirls. If YESs is successful, perhaps it will help rejuvenate a soi many still have
fond memories of. The club is located across from the clock-tower traffic circle on Phuket Rd between the Metropole Hotel and immediately behind T2 pub.
Phuket’s Live 89.5FM Drive show will be broadcast live from Tiger Muay Thai & MMA in Rawai, after they won an island-wide radio contest. The business won the Live at Your Place competition, where a Phuket business had the opportunity to win the chance to have DJ Jason Wilder’s Drive show hosted directly from their location. Staff at Tiger Muay Thai & MMA said they were very excited about the opportunity and were looking forward to welcoming Jason to the camp on May 18, where they say he will be “introduced to the wild and wonderful world of Tiger Muay Thai, with plenty in store for him”.
Join Jason at the business between 3pm and 6pm and get a free Tiger Muay Thai day pass. Tiger Muay Thai & MMA in Phuket is one of the globe’s premier training destinations for professional fighters and fitness enthusiasts alike. With over 30 former and current Muay Thai champion trainers, celebrity fitness consultants and over five rai of training space, they offer a wide variety of classes in everything from yoga to Krabi Krabong. Encouraging a familyfeel with a respect for Thai tradition, TMT seeks to foster authentic Muay Thai training in a world-class environment. For more information, see tigermuaythai.com
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30 EVENTS
THE PHUKET NEWS
UPCOMING EVENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php
UNTIL JUNE 9
where Jean-Noel Lumineau’s delicious French cuisine will be paired with some of Francis Coppola’s best wines. Four course dinner B2,000++ per person. Contact Boathouse House Wine & Grill, Kata Beach, 076 330 015.
JUNE 2
Somrak Maneemai at VR Gallery Somrak Maneemai’s “Lost in the Clouds” collection is his newest work. Somrak has a MFA from Silpakorn University. His Red Gallery was specially mentioned in the New York Times and has recently relocated to the Phuket Art Village in Rawai. The NYT commended the art village for its originality. The VR Gallery is located adjacent to Mom Tri’s Villa Royale at the entrance of the Baan Kata Estate. Contact 076 333 568. See momtriphuket.com.
UNTIL MAY 28
For more information and reservations please contact 076 336 000 or Dining@thanyapura. com. See dining preview on page 24.
MAY 24-26
Seafood Festival
JULY 23 - AUGUST 31 Learn to Fly - Flying Trapeze “Learn To Fly” Flying Trapeze Lessons at Laguna at Canal Village. Open to the public everyday for all ages 4 years and up! Starts 5pm till late. We have “Try and Fly” classes, 1/2 hour and one hour sessions And don’t miss “The Laguna Fantasy Fly Shows” presented by “Ordinary People doing Extraordinary things”. Contact K.Pee 084 837 5726 or K.Gee 086 003 0241, KidzSole@ KidzSole.com www.KidzSole.com.
Come and taste what good seafood is all about. Maine Lobster, Clams, Lagoustines, Scottish Salmon, Monkfish as well as an oyster bar every night of the week featuring the freshest oysters direct from France, Australia and US! Special seafood delicacies a la cart by chef Bryan Burger for lunch and dinner every day. Contact RE KÁ TA Club on the beach, 076 330 015.
Thanyapura Carnival Thanyapura invites everyone to visit our sports facilities with fun games and activities. Get a chance to win special prizes for all of the activities. Contact Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club, 076 336 000.
JUNE 2
MAY 19
The Bangkok Travellers Palazzo Comedy Dinner Show Free Make Up Class@Central Exclusive offer for expat women living inPhuket. Make up workshop by professional make up artist “Make Up Store” (instruction in English only). Discover cosmetic styling that will help enhance your unique beauty and enjoy a 20% discount on top name cosmetics. Space is limited, so sign up today. Please contact K. May 076 291 000 ext 2417, 081 979 3885 or email popanat@ central.co.th.
MAY 21-27
FEBUARY 19 - 21 2013
Surrounded by a timeless atmosphere in a luxurious theatre, enjoy live music, comedy and circus extravaganza during a gourmet 4-course dinner, served by an “outrageous” team of international performers. An amazing mix of a wonderful meal, spectacular entertainment and a warm atmosphere. Price: B2,200 includes a 4-course dinner, spectacular show, one welcome drink, and free transfer! Location: 86/3 Moo 6 Vichidsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket (near Kathu waterfalls).
MAY 24-26
Durian Festival
Francis Coppola Wine Dinner
A tribute to Asia’s “King of Fruits”. Experience Durian like you have never tried anywhere before in this culinary feast at our DiVine Restaurant.
Another great wine dinner at the Boathouse Wine & Grill. Guest speaker Ms Emily Putnam from Francis Ford Coppola Winery in the US will be with us for one evening only
Live band The Bangkok Travellers on Saturday night at 8pm. Also Sunday roast served from 2pm. Every Sunday. Adults B299, children B150. Sugar Reef, opposite Tesco at Cherngtalay.
JUNE 4 Visakha Bucha Day Falls on the full moon of the sixth Thai lunar month (May). It usually falls in May. In the case of a year with an extra eighth lunar month, the Visakha Bucha Day falls on the full moon day of the seventh lunar month. A Buddhist observance commemorating the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. Also observed as National Tree Day. On this, the holiest Buddhist holiday of the year, you will find the temples full with devotees receiving blessings and giving offerings. All government and public sector business will be closed, including most bars and pubs.
www.phuketticketmaster.com
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EVENTS 31
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
REGULAR EVENTS
List your event for FREE at thephuketnews.com/events.php FRIDAY
fast at Paresa with live jazz music, free flow sparkling wine and stunning selection of breakfast dishes. Spend the rest of the day at Paresa’s Infinity Pool or Beach Club. B600++ per person. Every Sunday 9am to noon. Call 076 302 000.
our bakery and much more. One member from our house band will sing pleasant music during the night. Only B495. See www.twochefs.com, 076 284 155, kata@ twochefs.com.
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Roaring Bhoys Live Music every Monday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.
TUESDAY AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Call 081 895 4763.
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Pool Competition At 9pm Expat Guesthouse Sports Bar, Patong. See map at www.expatguesthouse. com.
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Curry Fridays at Navrang Mahal Every Friday, all-you-can-eat authentic Indian curry buffet, B449 net per person. Draught beer B50. 7pm-11.30pm. Call 076 286 464.
WEDNESDAY
SATURDAY Palazzo Sunday Circus Show
Two Chefs Saturday Brunch At Two Chefs Kata Centre. Every Saturday 12pm-3pm, you can enjoy a big delicious buffet with a touch of Scandinavia, and listen to our live music. For example: Our home-smoked salmon, smoked prawns, Swedish meatballs, roasted porkloin, home-made bread, delicious desserts and much more. B395 or B695 include free flow of Chang draught, wine, Sangria. See www.twochefs.com, 076 330 065, katacenter@twochefs.com.
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All Major Sports Live On the big screen. F1, MotoGP, Tennis, Golf, AFL, NRL. Irish Times Irish Pub, Jungceylon, Patong.
Kids and adults of all ages are invited to our Sunday live circus shows in amazing mirror “Big Top” near Kathu waterfalls. Palazzo Sunday Circus is a colourful modern show where an “outrageous” team of international performers (acrobats, jugglers, aerial gymnasts and clowns) dissolve the borders between stage and audience so that you can be a part of the show. Price: Children B300, Adults B500. 076 202 277, www.phuket-palazzo.com.
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Sunday Roast Pork Every Sunday 2pm onwards Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong B290 per person. Please see www.expathotel.com.
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Best Sunday Carvery in Phuket Roast beef, BBQ ham, chicken, pork and Yorkshire pudding. All you can eat B399. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.
Two Chefs Tex Mex Night At Two Chefs Karon 6pm-1am. Every Wednesday you can enjoy Phuket’s best Mexican food. Chili con carne, Mexican rice, Mexican springrolls, nachos, pork fillet skewers, salmon quesadillas, grilled corn cob, desserts from our bakery and much more. Our house band will be here to play live music. B495 or B795 include free flow Chang draught and Sangria. See www. twochefs.com, call 076 286 479, karon@ twochefs.com.
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Interactive Pub Quiz Night Starts from 8pm every Wednesday night. The largest selection of draught beer in Phuket. Irish Times, Jungceylon, Patong.
THURSDAY
MONDAY
BBQ Buffet All You Can Eat Only B325 per person at Shakers. Rat-UThit Rd, Patong. Reservations 081 891 4381.
SUNDAY
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AA Phuket Meetings @ TGM All meetings are one hour long and held in English at The Green Man Pub, one km from Chalong circle. Contact 081 895 4763.
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Lazy Sunday Jazz Morning at Paresa Kick back and enjoy a lazy Sunday break-
Two Chefs Surf Night
DAILY
At Two Chefs Kata Beach. Every Monday from 6pm-12am. You can enjoy our big BBQ Buffet with Blackened red snapper, beef burgers, Chicken Fajitas, Tacos, Chimi-Churri marinated chicken, desserts from
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.
Grizzly’s Sports Bar & Restaurant
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32 JOBS
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CLASSIFIEDS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Mission Heights Residence
Designed especially for families > 35
classifieds@thephuketnews.com
JOBS IN PHUKET Summer Camp Te a c h e r s R e quired: The British International School, Phuket are seeking ESL teachers for their annual July English Summer Camp programme. Full programme details are available on our school website. Applicants are ideally required to have a rec ognized educ a tion degree and a TEFL qualif ic ation. Please submit your applications to ppreez@bisphuket. ac.th.
Swimming Teacher: day off, good salary. Con- per ienc e searching for following positions (Thai Assistant Branch Manager: Assistant Branch Manager Salary B20,000 + excellent commission and benefits. Call 081 823 4627, 085 782 1200. Email : ying@ phuketpooltables.com.
Looking for a qualified Thai swimming teacher to teach and assist teaching swimming for HeadStart International school and after school classes at FunStart. Salary B15,000 plus good commission. Contact: 076 203 185, 087 882 5544.
Accountant: We are Receptionist: Receplooking for a full-time accountant to work in an International School. 5 days a week. 8 am to 5 pm. Thai national. Must speak English. phuketinternational@ asia.com.
Th a i N a t i o n a l A r t Teacher: Phuket Inter- R e a l - E s t a t e S t a f f national School has an Wanted: Looking for full opening for a position of an Art teacher. Requirements: Thai National, good English, education in Art or in the related field. Email phuketinternational@asia. com.
List your ad for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php
time young Thai staff, fluent in spoken and written English with real estate business experience. Please send an e-mail with a photo to info@molokophuket. com.
tionist needed for FunStart Family Sports Club in Kathu. Should have a working knowledge of cashier duties, a good command of English and good customer relation skills. Salary B15,000. Contact Phone: 076 203 185, 087 882 5544.
Looking for Staff: DaVinci Restaurant in Rawai Naiharn is looking for staff. Waitress and bar tender with experience. Working hours 4pm-11.30pm, one
tact: 086 947 5197.
Tr a i n e e M a n a g e r : Thai national with a degree,excellent English skills, out going personality and an enthusiasm to learn and succeed are all essential to start a career in the swimming pool industry. Salary negotiated. Email info@mobilepooldoctor. com.
Private Drama Teacher WANTED: Female students aged 6 and 9 years old are looking for someone fun and creative to do some private drama and movement lessons after school (4.30-6pm) twice a week, in the Laguna area. This person must be English speaking and non - smoking. Please email: Sherin.peace@ gmail.com with previous training credentials, photo of yourself and contact details.
contract/temp work. Best suited towards Villa/Condo developments wishing to lease and sell. Email: mr.m.hopkins@gmail.com.
Japanese Staff: Wedding coordinator: Japanese female, good English and c omputer skill. Sa- mer Wedding, w w w.sa- mer. com Email: info@sa-mer. com.
Operations Manager / Sales: Club Asia Fitness - Phuket’s leading fitness centre requires an Operations Manager and a Sales Consultant. Requirements Thai National, degree and must be able to communicate in English. info@clubasiaphuket.com.
Salesperson Required: Thai female – good command of English, confident, and highly-motivated for a Design Agency based in Phuket. Basic salary plus commission. Contact: john@cre8-media.net or call 083 502 5552.
Accom/Development Manager: With SEO/ Staff Wanted: Siam DivWeb design, Real Estate S&M and travel agent / wholesaler marketing ex-
ing Enterprises and Pier 42 Boutique Resort in Chalong are seeking staff for the
nationals only): Reception, c afé staf f, housekeep ing, porter, kitchen staff helper, sales staff, sales supervisor, warehouse/drivers. Interested candidates please send CV to ian@ sde-asiapacific.com. Call: 076 384 476.
Project Manager / Sales: Motivated Thai male 25-30 years. Degree in Civil Engineering or related field. Proficient in English and Autocad. Willing to learn products, travel and sell. Two years minimum experience preferred. Send CV to cj@searasports.com.
Sales Executive: We
have an opening for a field sales executive to promote our range of luxury website and print design products. See our jobs page on lfrasia.com for more info and details on how to apply. Email: sales@lfr-asia.com.
Vacancy for Cook: Must be able to cook both Thai and Western Food and be able to speak a little English. 6 day week. Good salary, negotiable. 089 855 3207.
Kindergarten Teacher Wanted: We are looking for a native English kindergarten teacher to join our team to teach 10-12 children aged 3- 6 years of age. Must have a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent. Contact Daniel 084 520 4978, email: info@ cravensnurseryphuket.com.
Housekeeping Staff Required: 5 day work week, service charge, duty meals and transportation. Experience required but not necessary. Good attitude. 076 372 300.
Thai National PE Teacher: Phuket International School has an opening for a position of PE teacher. Requirements: Thai National, good English, education in the related field. Email phuketinternational@asia.com.
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CLASSIFIEDS 33
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
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BUY & SELL IN PHUKET SK A L I nt e r na t i onal Phuket: Skål is a profes-
door to the White Room, a lot of people passing because it is between Soi Crocodile and Soi Gonzo. Big screen TV, loud speakers, refrigerator and all else that needed. 082 272 0609.
sional organisation of leaders from all branches of the travel and tourism industry. www. skalphuket.org.
Speedboat Dive/Snorkelling: Customised speedboat diving, snorkelling, GPS radio, 2x Yamaha engines 200cc. Also available Bauer compressor 40 tanks regs BC DS boat. 900,000 Baht. Call Joe 087 891 8912, joe@ similan-diving-safaris.com.
BUSINESSES FOR SALE BOATS & YACHTS
Dive Speedboat for Sale: Custom built dive speedboat.A must see; one of a kind in Phuket. Places for 24 divers. 49 feet Glassfiber 675hp Honda Engines. Only 1 year old ready with all licences for business. 084 188 4544.
Custom Build Dive Speedboat: 49ft Fiber-
35 Feet Speedboat for Sale: 35 Feet Speedboat
glass Boat, 24 Diver Seat, one year old, 3 Honda engines 675hp, survey for international Insurance,all safety equipment, VHF radio,side entry and exit doors, 35 places plus 5 staff. 084 188 4544.
with Yamaha 2 x 200 HP-. Recently spent B380,000 to rebuild like new . Selling it for B1 million. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@googlemail. com.
Singapore Club Phuket:
Rent:
Honda Jazz with Insurance Delivery to your Residence. Call 084 304 6723
Calling all Singaporeans in Phuket to join “Singapore Club Phuket”. Contact Robin on 081 803 7189, 076 303 500.
EDUCATION Boutique Hotel For Sale: - 4 floors - 6 rooms (television, refrigerator, air-conditioning, safety box and furniture included) - 7 bathroom (1 downstairs bathroom)
The car for rent: Car in good condition, short and long-term rental with firstclass insurance and delivery service. Call 086 690 6007, email: k.niwatt@hotmail.com.
CARS FOR SALE
- Kitchen (cooker, hood cooker)
Palm House International School: Palm
- Reception area (Currently used as coffee shop)
Guesthouse and Shop For Sale: Three-
- WiFi
storey 10-metre-wide double shop premises plus 10 newly-fully- furbished rental rooms above for sale in Phuket Country Club area. Chanote title. B22 million or nearest offer. Call 081 606 5772.
- Key card and key tag system
Bar In Bangla / Soi Gonzo: Brand new bar next
- CCTV
- Good security - Growing area - Good location - Successful business Price B10 million. Call 088 761 2617, 085 261 3405.
Benz 2000 E for Sale Benz 2000 E. Was B3.95 million as new, now offering B2.95 million. Has 30000 km. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Russian Language for Your Kids: Are your children starting to forget Russian? Sign up to our Russian Language For Kids program. Visit http://PhuketRussian School.com, email us at info@ phuketrussianschool.com or call 082 804 9131.
Tile It: Thalang. Wana Park on Srisoonthorn Rd. Phuket’s quality tile boutique. Tiles for interior, exterior, residential, commercial. Contact 076 620 168 or 081 424 2828. Email info@tile-asia.com.
Indo Construction: 40 years’ experience and 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 imported food and drinks in Phuket. Visit our shop at the Billion Plaza, opposite Tesco Lotus. Contact 076 612 733, 076 248 900. www.phuketfood.com.
CARS FOR RENT A1 Car Rentals: Fullyinsured. Starts at B12,000 to B18,000 per month. Please call 089 831 4703. Email for more info: a1carrent@gmail. com.
New Mazda2 & Vios for Rent: First class insurance, special price for long term rental. Call 080 521 9888, email sornin_s@yahoo.com.
House International School, Rawai. Ages 5 -11years. Qualified and experienced teachers, extensive grounds Extra curricular activities include: Swimming, Basketball, Mandarin, Russian. Please look at our facebook page Palm House School or www.palmhouseprimaryschool.com for further information. Contact details: 076 288630, info@palmhouseprimaryschool.com.
Old Clasic 1960 Benz for Sale: Old classic 1960 Benz. Spent B250,000 to recondition. Offers accepted. Call 085 064 4806 for more details or alonglee52@ googlemail.com.
CHILDCARE Buds Nursery: Phuket’s oldest bilingual international child care facility. High-quality, time-proven schedule and curriculum. Now in brand new purpose-built school. Experienced native English teachers to teach ages 1 1/28. Mon-Fri 8am.-5pm. Bus service available from Patong, Karon, Kata, Phuket, Rawai and Chalong. Website: www.buds-phuket.com.
Want to Practice your Thai?: Thai courses and lessons for daily life (culture and language) with friendly and energised Thai female teacher. Graduated from university. Negotiable prices can be offered. Plus have outdoor activities for your experience. Call 080 386 5026.
Cooking School: Fire up your creative flair with Food Services Cooking School. Italian, Western and Thai cuisine. Try our famous pizza school. 082 816 0126, email: info@ foodservicesth.com.
MOVING & STORAGE Safeway Storage
CLUBS & MEMBERSHIPS Funstart: Family sports and leisure club. Swimming/golf/ playcentre/gaming arcade. Call 076 203 185, 087 882 5544. See funstar tphuket. com.
-Self storage from B800/M. -Container rental B3,000/M - S a l e s / S i te of f i c e A / C B6,000/M -Mobile toilets B2,800/M Chalong - opposite Wat Chalong. Thalang -main Highway. Contact 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.
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34 CLASSIFIEDS
THE PHUKET NEWS
BUY & SELL/HOMES IN PHUKET MOVING & STORAGE
PERSONAL SERVICES
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php
All accessories and services. Call 081 823 4627.
4 Bed/5 Bath HomeB30k month: Immaculate Selling or Renting Your Property?: We have buyers for foreign freehold, sea view properties and land. Call 080 143 2929 or visit realestate.phuket. net.
Bon Café Phuket: A
MOTORBIKES FOR SALE
producer of premium coffee blends and powdered mixes as well as selling, maintaining, servicing and repairing all major brands. 076 355 600-1.
Repossessed Motorbikes:
Buon A p p et i to: D e li
-2011 Finos from 26,000B. -2011 Scoopys from 29,000B. -2011 Clicks from 29,000B. Safeway Asia main Highway Thalang (next to Shell Gas Station). Contact 076 313 235, 081 125 1873.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS FOR SALE
market and bistro. Number one supplier of Italian Deli in Phuket. Call 076 384 273, info@buonappetitogroup.com, www.buonappetitogroup.com.
Haris & Hawryluck - Attorneys at Law: Unit 6D CCM Complex, call 076 510 111, email info@hhlegaladvi sors.com, www.hhlegaladvi sors.com.
American Health Clinic: Chiropractic spinal adjustment with an experienced chiropractor can take away the pain almost as quickly as it began. Call 076 612 707.
1982 Lafitte Rothschild: 1982 Lafitte Rothschild Red Wine for sale, best offer. I bought it for my collection before. Please call me, James on 085 064 4806.
5 Star River Cruise: A fabulous 4 day/3 night riverboat cruise up the River Kwai. B55,000. Price includes 2 persons in one luxury cabin, daily excursions, transfers from Bangkok, meals. www. destinationthailand.tv. +66 (0) 81 938 1728, email: les@capi taltv.co.th.
Air Tickets to Samui: Need to sell air ticket barter quickly. Substantial savings. Please email or call me for details. +66 (0) 81 938 1728. Email : les@capitaltv.co.th.
Health Food : Online health food in Thailand. Good Karma, all natural healthy, natural and organic products. Contact 082 276 1675. www.goodkar mathailand.com.
thephuketnews.com
B17,000. Contact May 089 973 3276.
PROPERTY CONCIERGE
We Sell Boxes & Moving Supplies: At MY STORAGE Self Storage you can buy quality moving and packing supplies like individual boxes, bubble wrap, packing tapes & knives plus secure padlocks. We also help you to move and store. Call 076 292 909.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
PET ADOPTION Thre e Cu t e K i t t en s Looking for a Loving Home: These kittens have
PROPERTY FOR RENT
4 bed/5 bath custom home with full western kitchen. Gated entry in quiet development across from Boat Lagoon, near BIS. ADSL, Satellite, Only B30k per month. Martin 087 850 4684.
Pa to n g:Ni c e A p a r tment for Rent: Condo with swimming pool, security 24/7, furnished, 46sqm. Daily/ monthly. 089 728 4005, tha mad17@yahoo.com.
Ch a l o n g S e r v i c e d Apartments: Aircon studios, 30-50sqm. Low-season rates from B9,000 for longterm incl rooftop pool, wifi, maid service, full furnishings, big balconies, kitchenette. ht tp://chalongapar tment. com. 086 282 6221.
House for Rent Near Heroines Monument: Two bed, one bath, cable TV, internet, fully-furnished house at B8,000 per month. 080 521 9888.
Space for Rent in Patong: Of fice, Busin e s s s p ac e f o r r e nt o n fifth floor of Patong Towe r. C a l l 0 7 6 3 41 3 7 0 .
65% Off in Low Season!: This Peninsula Villa Private Pool Villa: Private pool villa for rent, Rawai area, 5 minutes to Chalong centre, fully furnished. Please contact : 089 472 9870, e-mail: dchaibut@gmail.com
nearly finished suckling and would love a new home within the next few weeks. At present they are located in Thalang area. Please mail: Sherin. peace@gmail.com.
Phuket is located in Cape Panwa. Phuket. This villa has swimming pool, aircon. and WiFi . Below rates are daily. Weekly and monthly rates available upon on request. • Standard room, share toilet and shower B1,000 • Deluxe room B1,500 • Superior room B2,500 • Penthouse B10,000. Please call James 085 0 64 4806 or email to alonglee52@gmail. com.
Why buy a pet?: Soi Dog Foundation have over 300 beautiful dogs and puppies available for adoption. Fully-vaccinated and sterilised. Contact 085 574 4258. Email: cindy@soidog.org.
PET HOSPITAL
The Heights Apts & Villas: Superb 195-215 sq metre modern apartments, as well as enormous 3 bedroom pool villas. Huge terraces, free WiFi. Estate features gym, sauna, 4 pools. Kata beach/town less than 5 minutes walk. info@kata gardens.net.
Chaofah Pet Hospital:
Phuket Pool Tables: www.phuketpooltables.com. Your number one billiard and snooker supplier in Phuket. Sales, rent and profit-sharing.
includes Wi Fi and Cable tv Fully furnished, kitchen and air con. 086 279 0837 or bricothailand@hotmail.com
PROPERTY FOR SALE
8/28–29 Moo 9, Chaofah East Road. Contact 076 283 365.
POOL TABLES
One bed Bungalow to rent: Quiet location and price
Furnished 3bed 2bath + Office Near Central for Rent: Furnished house
Thai Style House for Sale: Teak wood f loors,
for rent opposite HeadStart International School by Central and Makro. 2 air-con. ADSL, washer, 2 hideaway sofa, 2 TVs, 3 desks, office with view over shared swimming pool.
stairs, walls, 2 bedrooms. Land 330 sq metre, peaceful location, five minutes to Patong, Chanote title. B5.5 million. 086 268 8701, email: f430spiderf1@hotmail.com.
Mission Heights Residence
Designed specially for families, the Mission Heights Residence offer very spacious 540 Sqm houses, all with 12 meter long swimming pool, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, guest bungalow, maid quarter and a nice garden in a very secure, children friendly environment only couple of minutes from Phuket International Academy.
Located only 10 minutes from Airport, Grand Ao Por Marina, new Tesco Shopping center, 2 golf courses, Naiyang beach, Thanyapura sport / leisure center and international school, the Mission Heights Residence is a perfect place to live for families without traffic in a very peaceful, secure and natural surrounding.
THE SUNRISE OCEAN VILLAS
After a great success of the first phase, the Sunrise Ocean Villas is now starting to build the 8 other villas of "Phase2". The price of 17.9 million baht makes the project one of the most compettitive on the island for being only 60m from the beach. Each villa has an living area of over 300 sqm, has 3 spacious bedrooms, all sea views, 5 bathrooms, a 10x4m infinity pool, maid's quarter and a covered 2-car parking. The houses are specially designed to guarantee a complete privacy, with an open panoramic view of the sea.
Come visit the villas and you will be wonderfully surprised by the quality of the project as well as the quality of life you can find here.
The Villas currently under construction being built to highest western standard and are launched at only 13.9 million Baht for the first 3 houses. For appointment or more details contact project director, Khun Montha at 088 75 11 750 or email mission_ heights@yahoo.com.
For appointment or more details, contact the project director Khun Montha at 081 343 0777 (Thai, English & German) Email: thesunri sevillas@yahoo.com.
www.thesunrisevillas.com
Land for Sale Mission Hills: 800 sq metre
Renovated Condo for Sale: Patong near
1300 sq metre
Simon Cabaret, 50sq metre hugh pool and garden area. Everything new fully furnished plus kitchen, free hold. Sale B3 million, no stupid offers. Thai 087 621 3405/ English. Contact 085 471 9246.
Very quiet and private locations, very close to airport, Tesco, Golf courses and Phuket International Academy. All Chanote title from B1.7 million. Contact 087 276 0529.
1600 sq metre.
THE PHUKET NEWS
CLASSIFIEDS 35
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
List your advert for FREE at thephuketnews.com/classifieds.php PROPERTY FOR SALE CONT.
B1.9 Million New Condo: New Studio (1 bedroom) condominium in The Point, across from Phuket International Hospital and BigC. Beautiful four-year-old central atrium building with no stuffy hallways. 36 m2, high-speed internet, cable TV, and swimming. Parking under building. Third floor with nice view. B1.9 m. Contact Walter at wp drake2@yahoo.com, 083 301 3470.
Bargain Land Rawai: Quite location for sale: 1 plot 724 sq metre, perfectly developed behind excl project, Bali wall, 16m well, electric, freehold, Building permit for pool villa, private street. Price B4.5m. www.phuketlivingart. com, residler@gmail.com. Eng.German 080 890 5187/ Thai 081 817 4805.
Exclusive Pool Villa with Class & Style.
Daily / Weekly / Monthly / Lease LUXURY VILLAS NEAR LAGUNA
sion Hills half rai plot, quiet select location, chanote, water, electricity. Price B1.6m. Six rai hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2m per rai. Call 087 978 5804.
Allamanda (Laguna) Residences/Phuket: 1 condo unit, half of a deluxe twin house, fully-furnished and equipped, set direct on the picturesque lagoon with balcony right over it. 3 bedrooms each with shower/bathroom, roof terrace with sala, etc. For sale or long-term rent. Phone (66) 081 737 0365
Info: 089 594 4067
Modern, New Two Storey Villa for Sale:
Living space 200 m2, balcony. terraces, three beds, two baths, furnished, ADSL, tropical garden, calmly gated village, clubhouse pool/tennis court, near Phuket Town, shopping, Rawai-Naiharn beach. Call 089 593 8690, ruen_narayan@hotmail.com.
Land for Sale: 11 rai, one kilometre from Naiyang beach. B6.5 millions per rai. Please call : Siriporn +66 (0) 896 499 939.
Jindarin Beach Club & Resort: B1.5 million for
1 bed, fully-furnished, WiFi, maid service, sea view. Call 081 893 5188.
Discount Rentals
Land for Sale: Land Mis-
room, garage with laundry/ overhead storage, large covered patios, security doors/ windows, garden, company name available. B5.5 million. Call 081 131 5751, email: seadog5000@yahoo.com.
Condo in Phuket Town for Sale/Rent: New condo,
Land 700 sq metre. Big pool with sala, 400 sq metre living area, 4 sleeping room, dining, guesthouse, garage, 6 bathroom. Full basement. Private street. Bargain price B16 million. www. phuketlivingart.com, residler@gmail.com. Call Rene: 080 890 5137 Yupin: 081 817 4805. (English, Thai, German) email: utaipan@yahoo.com.
HOMES IN PHUKET
Nice Villa for sale: Three bedroom villa with separate bedroom/office, opposite pool. Khao Khad Road, two minutes walk to river, four km to Ao Makham beach. Secure parking for two cars, government water, six ring oven, fridge, washing machine, satellite TV, cable TV, Wi-Fi, nature gardens, plot size 104 sq metres. Asking price B7 million. Call owner 084 304 6723 Thai/ English.
Land For Sale: 6 rai Hilltop, sea/mountain views, chanote, water, electricity and office. B4.2 million per rai, Contact : 087 978 5804.
SEAVIEW LAND FOR SALE: Near Chalong pier,
one plot, B3.2 million for cottage + plot. Call 080 467 7770 (Thai), 083 520 0020 (English). www.jinda rin.com, Email: eam1008@me.com.
150 metres from the sea. Three rai and one ngan plot. Chanote title. Price: B25 million per rai. No agent. Call 087 278 7206
Perfect Land for Villa: Approx three rai, with chanote title, 2 km south of Thai Muang town centre. Just 24 km north of Sarasin Bridge. Good road access and electricity. Very quiet, green area. Urgent sale for just B5 million total, nonnegotiable. 089 652 1951 or email phuket.pn@gmail.com.
Incredible investment: Five bed, four bath pool villa. Luxuriously- furnished. Wood pizza oven, 14x4 metre salt water pool. Chanote, Thai company and finance available. B14.9 million. www.villademeo-phuket.com, call 087 897 4421 or sakt27@gmail. com.
Modern Pool Villa: StunLuxury Private Pool Villas: Brand new Bali style
WRITE YOUR CLASSIFIED FREE ONLINE: 189 CHARACTERS + 1 PICTURE
3 and 4 bed villas 1 km to Nai Harn Beach. High rental guaranteed investment. Prices from B12.9m (incl. full furniture pkg). Enquiries sakt27@gmail.com +66 878 974 42.
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Rawai Pool Villa: 4 bed-
room/4 bathroom European style single-storey house with self-contained guesthouse and pool on 736m2 plot. Large master bedroom with en-suite, walk-in wardrobe. Modern western-style kitchen with granite tops, built-ins throughout and 4 air-cons. Electric gate, TV and phone line. Large verandahs, carport, and established garden. Chanote title B11m, 087 891 9349.
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Sea View Villa: Luxury seaview Patong-Karon villa, four bedrooms, pr i vate pool. Sell for B22 million, and also available r e nt a l dai l y a n d m o nt h ly basis. www.awphuket.com.
Kata House For Sale: 5 minutes to beach, large modern house, three floors, furnished, three beds, two full bath, air- con, western kitchen, spacious living
Home/Self-Contained Office: Fully-established estate between Patong and Kamala. Ground floor: selfcontained office with own entrance (approx. 70sq metre) First floor: entrance, kitchen, dining, living plus games room. Second floor: Two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. Master with separate living room/third bedroom. Price: B5,500,000. Sold with 20-year lease (B23,000 per month equivalent). Contact Paul +66 89 586 2959.
ning three-bedroom pool villa, five minutes from Laguna 600 sq metre plot in peaceful location. Finished to a very high specification. MUST SEE. Selling price B12.9 million. Please contact 084 994 9303 or email phuketpoolvilla.info@gmail. com.
Kamala Two Brand New Villas: Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, Western kitchen, 130 sq metre. Nice garden with large pool in quiet area. Price: B5.5 million or minimum threemonth rental. Call 081 496 9070 (Eng/Swedish) or 081 719 1175 (Thai). Email:diod@ telia.com.
REAL ESTATE SERVICES 1.5 Rai (2 X 0.75 Rai) Chanote at Cape Yamu: 1.5 rai flat land at
Cape Yamu. 2 x 0.75 rai adjoining plots OrBorTor road access to super end of soi private location. Private sale direct from the owner. Only 3.5 million baht per rai. Contact 081 087 9237, www.phuketlandforsale.net.
New Apartment for Sale Patong: Condo: swimming
pool, security 24/7. Furnished, 46sqm, freehold: B2.9 million. 089 728 4005, thamad17@ yahoo.com.
MY STORAGE– The Home Extension: Store your belongings at MY STOR AGE Storage solutions to home space problems arising from situations such as: moving, renovating, relocation, travel or simply lack storage space at home. Call 076 292 909.
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FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
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We believe that the success of a project is essentially based on a serious management
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THE PHUKET NEWS
PHUKET SPORT 37
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
SPORT
WILLIAMS ON FIRE
GE S T 7 PAP OR OF STION! AC
Blaze rips through garage after team’s historic win > 40
sport@thephuketnews.com
ON THE CANVAS Boxing writer explains why ‘sick’ sport is out for the count Jody Houton editor3@thephuketnews.com
Acclaimed Las Vegas boxing and darts writer Howie Reed ended his 47-day trip of Asia in Phuket last week, dropping by the Phuket News office to talk about the ‘sick’ state of the art of pugilism. Howie has been covering boxing since ‘89, and has met many of the greats: Tyson, Hatton and Mayweather to name but a few. He still writes stories, but of late has also taken to judging fights. In fact, Howie was fresh from a large fight night in Hong Kong, a place where, unlike the West, boxing is thriving and going from strength to strength. “Over there, it’s a sport very much in vogue right now, and seen as rather a large social
function, with guests coming to enjoy a sit-down meal whilst enjoying the show. “But each country is slightly different, in the Philippines for example, spectators get in free, so it’s very popular but not much money can be made from it.” Howie said that although in Thailand, the majority of people prefer Muay Thai, there are still a few home-grown boxers worthy of a mention, including current WBA champion Tepparth Singwangcha. “But the main problem with Thai boxers is that they don’t have any good sparring partners. There’s no competition for them to improve with in the gym. In Las Vegas for example, no matter how good or bad you are there will always be plenty of sparring partners.”
However, although Howie sees the current quality of U.S fighters as decent, he believes that this doesn’t necessarily translate into making good fights. “Boxing is currently very sick in America and the West... It’s all about getting bums on seats rather than setting up a real challenger for fighters to compete against.” Although Howie admits that he is not so au fait with the intricacies and nuances of Muay Thai, he does recognise one element that exists in both forms: Gambling. “I find it very interesting the amount of betting that (allegedly) goes on (in Muay Thai), despite it apparently being illegal to gamble here. It’s funny how overt it is, you
even seen the guys roaming through the stands gesturing to the TV viewers the changing different odds...”. Back home, Howie believes that gambling on boxing matches is so overt and omnipresent it is having a huge and very detrimental effect on the game. “One of the main reasons that the sport is suffering in the West is the rise of UFC, but that’s not the only reason, it’s much deeper than that.” Howie hesitates for a moment whilst searching for the correct way to phrase it: “They don’t fix matches per se, but you pretty much have a good idea of who is going to win.” This, Howie explains, is more down to matches that should never have been set up in the first place, in order to
Acclaimed journalist Howie Reed in the Live 89.5 studio. generate as much money as possible from the fights’ pay per view subscriptions. The casinos of Las Vegas are also hugely influential in determining who fights who, and where. Judges are untrustworthy and, according to Howie, promoters are getting the final word on the choice of judges.
Unfortunately for boxing fans, it is for this reason, amongst others, that the fight between Manny Pacquaio and Floyd Mayweather will never happen. “MGM are already currently making too much money from them as champions, why would they want to change that by having one outed as a loser?”
Desperate times IN IT TO WIN IT for ailing Sea Kirin SAILING
FOOTBALL
FC Phuket were held to a 1-1 draw against Phattalung on Sunday evening (May 13), extending their winless streak to six games. Phattalung started on the offence in front of their home supporters, but just fifteen minutes into the first half found themselves down to 10 men after Thanathep Jiradab was sent off for his role in a scuffle with Phuket’s Yeon Seung-Won. Yeon was also shown a yellow card. As the players left the field
at half time with the scores 0-0, ugly scenes erupted in the crowd, with one female Phuket supporter struck in the face by a flying bottle. Security guards managed to bring the situation under control, but it was another blight on the record of Phuket supporters, who were involved in several violent incidents last year. Two minutes into the second
half, Phattalung jumped into the lead thanks to a goal from Siwapoong Jarensin, but Phuket hit back at 54 minuted with a goal from Tewadech Ounthong. The scores remained locked as the full time whistle blew, meaning the Southern Sea Kirin remain firmly entrenched in the relegation zone in 17th place. And it’s not only on the field where the situation is getting desperate. The club has also launched a ‘Save FC Phuket’ campaign which involves selling shares in the team to supporters in a bid to stabilise the club’s finances (see page 4).
With a fresh southwesterly wind, a scenic course around the islands off Chalong Bay marked the start of Race 5 of the Irish Times Race Series. As usual, there was plenty of action at the start line. Jack Christenson’s Linda broke the start by about three boat
lengths, and by the time they realised they had to restart they were at least a mile down the course. Meanwhile, Moya Hin, owned and helmed by Peter Jones, managed to run aground on a sand bank before the start, freeing herself just in time. With three divisions and
only five boats though, it was the case for most competitors that “he who comes wins”. All won a bottle of wine for their efforts. Those interested in participating in the next race day can email mick@octopusa sia.com or visit acycphuket. com. Sailors of all skill levels welcome.
Take the plunge! Daily Trips to Phuket‘s best dive sites Special packages for Residents Holiday programmes for Kids Unique customer service e-mail: info@sea-bees.com tel: +66 (0)76 381 765
thephuketnews.com
38 PHUKET SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
LAGUNA REIGN SUPREME CRICKET
Dane Halpin editor2@thephuketnews.com
Laguna entered the final of the Island Furniture Cricket League last Sunday (May 13) as firm favourites. And they lived up to the tag, claiming a comfortable 110 run victory over the season’s surprise contenders, the Village, thanks largely to the efforts of man-of-the-match Val Guirard. Laguna won the toss on a warm morning at the Alan Cooke Ground (ACG) and elected to bat first, knowing they had a little more depth with the bat and also possessed the bowling stocks to defend any reasonable score. Village’s opening bowler Tom Gordon helped kick things off with three wides and a no ball in the first over, as Laguna openers Bill Stahmer (17) and Damian Clowes (12) went about establishing a slow but solid 37 run opening stand. The pair were hoping to make it to drinks, but it wasn’t to be – Clowes was the first to fall, clean bowled by Martin Foster in the eighth over, followed by Stahmer in the 13th. But the depth of Laguna’s
Photo: Neill Culpan The Village batsmen struggled against the superior pace bowling attack of Laguna, pictured right following their 110 run victory at the ACG. batting showed, with every batsman bar one reaching double figures, and Andrew Cole hitting an invaluable 44 from 51 deliveries before being removed by Tom Gordon. But despite a solid run rate, Laguna were struggling to keep a pair of batsmen in the middle for any real length of time – after 30 overs, their biggest partnership was still 37 runs. That is until man-of-thematch Val Guirard (58*) and Lijo Jose (26) met in the centre to blast a seventh wicket 64 off 59 deliveries and help carry Laguna to a very competitive 7-241 off 40 overs. Martin Foster did most of the damage with the ball, claim-
Top batsmen 2011/12 Inns Runs A Cole
6
325
N Culpan
5
267
D Mydeen
5
202
Avg
Top 50s 100s
S/r
4s
6s %Team
3
0
72.38
22
1
28.91
66.75 115*
1
1
92.39
30
5
40.52
67.33 101*
1
1
109.78
18
9
27.04
162.50 84*
Top bowlers 2011/12 M
Overs
Mdns
S Khan
6
39.0
1
M Foster
6
28.1
0
N Culpan
5
40.0
1
Runs Wkts Avg
S/r
5wh
Best
15 11.93 4.59
15.93
0
4-13
155
13 11.92 5.50
13.31
1
7-34
183
12 15.25 4.58
20.67
0
4-27
179
ing 3-37 off eight, while Justin White also returned decent figures of 1-31. But the Village were left ruing their wayward bowling – the sundries column read 48, including 36 wides. With dark clouds starting to form over the ACG, Village knew they needed a brisk start
Econ.
in case the rain set in and the match was decided on run rate. They didn’t get it. Instead, when Martin Foster (0) was out caught behind – he claimed it was off the pad, and made no secret of his disgust with the decision – the Village were 2-11 after five overs, and
looking in serious trouble as Laguna’s opening pace attack of Val Guirard (1-15) and S Ullah (3-19) made themselves known. It should have been 4-15 not long after, after an almost comical series of errors saw two dropped catches off as many balls. Wicketkeeper Mike Ayling was the first guilty subject, dropping a lollypop that went straight through the gloves. The usually safe hands of Sameer Khan were the next to falter, as he ran in from mid-on, only to grass a basic chance at waist height. It was a let-off for the Village, but compounding their woes, Chris Gordon retired injured after copping a throw
from the boundary square on the head as he ran between wickets, and Harvey Nolan was already ruled out after injuring his shoulder in the field. Divan Mydeen (13) and Justin White (28) came to the middle for a 35 run stand, and Tom Gordon also managed five boundaries on his way to 28, but in the end the Laguna attack was simply too good as the Village were knocked over for 128. The victory was especially sweet for Laguna, who had finished runners-up last year. But for a side who many wrote off as the jokers of the IFL this year, the Village proved more than a few doubters wrong with their second place finish.
Tiger grapples Manila medals MARTIAL ARTS Jon Pritchard sport@thephuketnews.com
The long hours of training and preparation – along with the misery of cutting weight for competition – paid off for the Tiger Muay Thai and MMA (TMT) Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) team last weekend. Of the six grapplers that headed to Manila, the Philippines, for the Pan Asian BJJ Gi and No Gi International Open, each of them returned home to Phuket with at least one medal. By the end of the tournament they had racked up a total of nine between them.
The tournament was the biggest tournament in Southeast Asia, and is recognised by the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation. “It was a great opportunity to show everyone that we have a legitimate BJJ programme, and that we have a lot of awesome grapplers here in camp,” said TMT Gear Shop manager and bronze and silver medal winner, Kitty Teppo. Both Teppo and fellow teammate Alex Schild are no strangers to competition; they’ve been heavily involved in the sport for several years now. But BJJ is still relatively new to Southeast Asia, a region better known for its many
indigenous forms of martial arts – especially Muay Thai. Schild, for one, wasn’t really sure what to expect in Manila, but was pleasantly surprised by the high level of competition and the tremendous atmosphere he found. “I was really impressed with the skills of the other competitors, and with how friendly everyone was, too. There weren’t any egos, and everyone was just enjoying the sport as one big collection of people… It was an awesome tournament.” Schild came away with an impressive silver medal finish at his weight in the blue-belt division.
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MEDAL WINNERS (L-R):
Photo: Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Oscar Mendoza, a whitebelt and the least experienced of the group, put on one very impressive performance, winning gold and silver medals in
Chris Hines (silver and bronze), Alex Schild (silver), Jesper Freychuss (bronze), Oscar Mendoza (gold and silver), Kitty Teppo (silver and bronze) and Matt Andrews (bronze).
the Master’s (ages 35 and up) Gi and No Gi divisions, in his first ever Jiu Jitsu tournament. “This success should definitely help us grow,” Schild
said of Tiger’s BJJ programme. “Now we’re able to get out and promote the team at tournaments like this one, and we’re coming home with medals.”
THE PHUKET NEWS
WORLD SPORT 39
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
Windies batsmen set for stern England exam CRICKET
Agence France-Presse
West Indies began their tour of England in the first of a three-Test series which began yesterday (May 17) at Lord’s, with the tourists’ batting likely to determine the course of the match, and the series. Should conditions prove as seam friendly as they have for much of the early part of the English season, West Indies’ top order could struggle to provide the kind of platform that will help improve on a record of just two wins in 30 Tests since beating England in Jamaica in 2009. Kieran Powell made his second first-class hundred in West Indies’ 10-wicket defeat by the England Lions at Northampton last week, a match where number four Darren Bravo made two fifties.
However, Powell’s opening partner Adrian Barath and Kirk Edwards managed just 26 runs between them at Northampton, having only compiled 16 and eight respectively in the near washout against Sussex at Hove. Much could depend on world number one batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who has performed many a rescue mission for the West Indies during a career that last month saw him become only the 10th batsman to score 10,000 Test runs. However, the 37-year-old Guyanese left-hander generally prefers to bat no higher than five in the order. The problem with that, from the West Indies’ point of view, is that too often Chanderpaul comes in with the team already in trouble. For example, during West Indies’ most recent Test – a
Shivnarine Chanderpaul will be key to West Indies’ chances of competing. Photo: AFP 75-run defeat by Australia in Dominica last month – Chanderpaul came in at 73 for three and 45 for three. There has been talk of promoting Chanderpaul up the order but it appears he is
set to stay put – at least for the time being. “It’s something we’ve thought about,” said West Indies coach Ottis Gibson. “Our batting revolves around Shiv – he’s very comfortable
in the position he is at the moment and he’s doing a good job for us. “We’ve decided to leave it as it is at the moment but it’s something we haven’t completely ruled out.”
West Indies will be without aggressive opening batsman Chris Gayle because of his Indian Premier League commitments and the fact the former captain’s lengthy stand-off with the West Indies Cricket Board only recently came to an end. But Gibson backed his younger batsmen to come good, saying: “We know it’s going to be a challenge for them – but the selectors have got a lot of confidence in them, as I have.” Before taking up his current post, Gibson was England’s bowling coach and so helped the likes of home duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad. But the tourists, whose three three leading pacemen – Kemar Roach (ankle), Fidel Edwards (back) and Ravi Rampaul (stiff neck) – have all overcome minor injury concerns, boast some firepower of their own.
Towering feat one for the books Aussie serves up 263kmh record
SURFING Big-wave surfer Garrett McNamara can add a very big achievement next to his name – he’s been recognised by Guinness World Records for surfing the largest wave ever ridden, a towering 78-foot (24-metre) wall of water at Nazare, Portugal, in November last year. McNamara’s record-setting feat was verified by Guinness after an independent panel of big wave and photography experts painstakingly measured still and video images of the colossal wave, according to various news outlets. “I was totally in the moment. PCP. Present, connected and protected,” McNamara, 44, was quoted as saying. According to Guinness, the epic feat eclipsed by more than one foot the previous record, set in 2008 by Mike Parsons at Cortes Bank in California. McNa ma r a , who ha s surfed professionally since age 17, reportedly said he had not planned on going to the beach at all on the day he set the record, after spending the entire previous day in waves that “believe it or not were a little bigger”. He said friends woke him up early and persuaded him to come with them, though he only planned to drive the jet-ski to tow other surfers in. McNamara said he was
Australian Samuel Groth, the world number 340, has broken the record for the fastest serve in tennis with a serve of 263kmh during a Challenger Tournament in Busan, South Korea, the ATP announced on Saturday. The record had been held by giant Croat Ivo Karlovic, who fired down a 251kmh serve dur-
McNamara rides the biggest ever wave. caught up in the moment as he rode the wave, then worked to stay in control of his board as the colossal wall of water drove him straight toward rocks where “if you
fall, there’s not much chance of survival”. The surfer said he knew the wave was big, but he wasn’t sure quite how big until it was made official last
TENNIS ing a Davis Cup match against Germany in March 2011. Groth, 24, broke the record during a defeat by Belarusian Uladzimir Ignatik in the second round of the tournament. During the match, he also produced serves timed at 253.5kmh and 255.7kmh.
Photo: billabongxxl.com week at the Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards in Anaheim, California. Garrett also received a cash prize for his achievement of around B600,000.
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40 WORLD SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
IN BRIEF Hewitt draws French wildcard Two-time Grand Slam champion Lleyton Hewitt, who is battling back from foot surgery, was Wednesday handed a wildcard into the main draw of this month’s French Open. The 31-year-old, who reached the fourth round of the Australian Open in January, has made a speedier recovery than expected from the operation in February and has been training well on clay. His reward is one of Tennis Australia’s two wildcards to Roland Garros, with 16-year-old Ashleigh Barty, the 2011 Wimbledon junior champion, getting the other.
Limbless swimmer delayed in PNG A limbless Frenchman planning to make four challenging swims around the world was delayed in Papua New Guinea on Monday by a paperwork problem. Philippe Croizon, who lost both his arms and legs in an electrical accident in 1994, planned to leave the Pacific country’s remote west to begin swimming to Indonesia’s Papua province. But a delay in official
thephuketnews.com
permission meant that he now hoped to begin the swim – which he will complete with the aid of special prostheses – on Wednesday (May 16).
US backs itself to top Olympic medal count US Olympic officials expect China and Russia to be America’s biggest rivals in the London Games medals race, but a bevy of medal hopefuls introduced this week aim to put the US atop the table. Alan Ashley, the US Olympic Committee’s chief of sport performance, declined to predict a medals tally, but vowed the United States would be at – or near – the top.
Lamont Peterson fails drug test Lamont Peterson’s camp is “disappointed and distraught” by the decision to cancel a world light-welterweight title showdown next week against Britain’s Amir Khan after the American failed a drug test. But an angry Khan labelled Peterson “a cheat” and called for the return of his International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Association titles.
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
FIA investigates blaze FORMULA 1
Driver Standings
1. Sebastian Vettel (GER) 2. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 3. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 4. Kimi Räikkönen (FIN) 5. Mark Webber (AUS)
Agence France-Presse
Formula One’s ruling body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) confirmed it had launched an investigation into the cause of a fire in the Williams garage, injuring more than 30 people, following their victory in Sunday’s Spanish Grand Prix. The FIA said in a statement that a total of 31 people were treated at the Circuit de Catalunya medical centre and that seven were transferred to local hospitals for special treatment for burns and smoke inhalation. In the statement, the FIA said: “The flames were quickly brought under control and the FIA is collaborating closely with the Spanish authorities investigating this incident.” The fire ignited about 90 minutes after Pastor Maldonado had claimed his maiden victory and the first by a Venezuelan. It was the Williams’ team’s first win since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix and came on the weekend that team founder Sir Frank Williams had celebrated his 70th birthday at the circuit on Saturday.
61 61 53 49 48
Constructor Standings 1. Red Bull 2. McLaren Mercedes 3. Lotus 4. Scuderia Ferrari 5. Mercedes-AMG
109 98 84 63 43
Thirty people were injured in the fire, believed to have been started by a fuel leak. Photo: AFP The team were celebrating again on Sunday evening, but they were cut short by the blaze that is believed to have been started by a fuel leak at the back of the team garage while they were packing up. Several Williams team members were injured as they fought the explosive blaze with members of other teams who joined them as a party, to mark the team’s first win in 132 races, was quickly ended. Maldonado joined the res-
cue bid when Williams was quickly ushered away and the Venezuelan carried his 12-year-old cousin Manuel, whose broken right foot was in a protective casing, out of the garage on his shoulders. One of the injured mechanics was airlifted to hospital in nearby Barcelona with serious burn wounds, according to a statement from the Catalan regional government. Unconfirmed reports claimed that he had suffered burns to 40 per
cent of his body. The Williams team issued a statement and thanked all those in the paddock who rushed to their aid. “The Williams F1 Team would like to thank all of the teams and the FIA for their support in this incident,” said the team. The Force India team’s deputy team chief Bob Fearnley criticised the circuit staff for being too slow to react, calling for more training.
THE PHUKET NEWS
WORLD SPORT
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
COOPER COMEBACK Wallabies playmaker named in Reds squad RUGBY
Team
P
W
D
L
F
A
1
Bulls
10
8
0
2
338
230
6
2
Chiefs
11
9
0
2
302
225
5
45
3
Brumbies
10
6
0
4
265
212
7
39
4
Stormers
10
9
0
1
226
158
1
45
5
Crusaders
11
7
0
4
287
245
5
37
6
Sharks
11
6
0
5
283
245
8
36
7
Highlanders
11
7
0
4
264
257
3
35
8
Hurricanes
11
6
0
5
314
309
6
34
9
Reds
11
6
0
5
229
269
3
31
10
Cheetahs
11
4
0
7
291
303
7
27
11
Waratahs
11
4
0
7
256
269
7
27
12
Rebels
10
3
0
7
217
301
4
24
13
Force
11
2
0
9
208
299
6
18
14
Blues
11
2
0
9
231
278
4
16
15
Lions
10
1
0
9
174
285
2
14
Agence France-Presse
Australian playmaker Quade Cooper will start his first game in nearly seven months on Saturday after major knee surgery, opening the door for a possible return to the Wallabies for their Wales series. Cooper, 24, limped out of the World Cup in New Zealand last October after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, which led to a knee reconstruction that has sidelined him since. But the mercurial fly-half was named on Wednesday to start for the Queensland Reds in their Super 15 clash with the struggling Golden Lions in Brisbane, having missed the opening 12 rounds. Cooper came under intense
thing within my power to be prepared both physically and mentally and it’s now about going out and doing the best that I can for the team.” Reds coach Ewen McKenzie said the team would be lifted by Cooper’s presence. “There’s no denying Quade has enormous x-factor but for him this match is about getting back out on the field and getting comfortable again within the match-day environment,” McKenzie said. “Everyone is excited to see him back out there, but it’s important we manage him the right way during this period.” How Cooper fares will be closely watched by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans with Australia playing Six Nations champions Wales in a three-Test series which begins on June 9.
Super 15
Quade Cooper. Photo: AFP scrutiny at the World Cup and was regularly booed while playing in his native New Zealand, where he was cast as a villain for coming to blows with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw ahead of the tournament. But with that and his injury now behind him, he is raring to go.
Conference leader
BP Pts 46
Wild card team
“It has been a long six-plus months on the sideline and I know I’ve done everything I can to tick all the boxes during my rehab and have been as diligent as possible to ensure I am
ready to return,” Cooper said. “Everything which could be done has been done and the rest is now out of my hands. “I’ll be going out on Saturday knowing I’ve done every-
NSW hoping to avoid Origin blues NRL
The Phuket News/ Agence France-Presse
Manly’s Brett Stewart has won the race for the New South Wales (NSW) fullback spot to end a four-year absence from Australian rugby league’s State of Origin series. The 27-year-old Sea Eagles’ star will wear the Blues’ jersey against Queensland in Wednesday’s (May 23) opening encounter in Melbourne in his first appearance since game three of the 2008 series. His inclusion is part of one of the biggest shake ups of the squad in recent history. Blues coach Ricky Stuart revealed his starting team after Monday’s final match of the round between St George Illawarra and Penrith, announcing a 17-man squad with no less than nine changes from last year. Unavailable for the side were Mark Gasnier (retired) and Kurt Gidley (injured). But the rest of the excluded players – Anthony Minichiello, Brett Morris, Jamie Soward, Tim Mannah, Michael Ennis, Keith Galloway and Anthony Watmough – were simply overlooked. Robbie Farah will take the hooking role with Stuart preferring the Wests Tigers skipper to Michael Ennis, who had held the spot since the third match in 2009. Penrith centre Michael Jennings will also become the first player in almost 30 years to be chosen from reserve grade to represent NSW, while Parramatta’s Jarryd Hayne is likely to play on the wing.
Anthony Minichello (in blue) was overlooked for the NSW squad, who will be seeking revenge for last year’s sixth straight series loss. Photo: Getty Stuart will hand debuts to Cronulla’s Todd Carney, North Queensland’s James Tamou and Manly utility Jamie Buhrer. Queensland meanwhile will begin their quest for an unprecedented seventh straight State of Origin title by fielding one of the biggest teams in the series’ history in an attempt to out-muscle the mobile Blues team.
NSW (alphabetical) – Greg Bird; Jamie Buhrer; Todd Carney; Ben Creagh; Robbie Farah; Paul Gallen (capt); Jarryd Hayne; Michael Jennings; Luke Lewis; Trent Merrin; Josh Morris; Mitchell Pearce; Brett Stewart; Glenn Stewart; James Tamou; Tony Williams; Akuila Uate.
Team
P
W
D
L
B
F
A
Pts
1
Storm
10
9
0
1
0
296
121
18
2
Brisbane
10
7
0
3
0
232
156
14
3
Cronulla
10
7
0
3
0
194
161
14
4
Cowboys
10
6
0
4
0
252
168
12
5
Sea Eagles
10
6
0
4
0
186
171
12
6
Rabbitohs
9
5
0
4
1
195
206
12
7
Bulldogs
10
5
0
5
0
206
157
10
8
Warriors
10
5
0
5
0
238
242
10
9
Tigers
9
4
0
5
1
169
183
10
10
Dragons
10
5
0
5
0
150
173
10
11
Roosters
10
5
0
5
0
172
224
10
12
Knights
10
4
0
6
0
154
173
8
13
Raiders
10
4
0
6
0
199
226
8
14
Titans
10
3
0
7
0
145
197
6
15
Panthers
10
3
0
7
0
146
233
6
16
Eels
10
1
0
9
0
167
310
2
ROUND 10 RESULTS Panthers 13 – 12 Raiders 40 – 34 Sharks 12 – 10 Warriors 30 – 26
Dragons Eels Storm Roosters
Greg Inglis; Justin Hodges; Brent Tate; Johnathan Thurston; Cooper Cronk; Matthew Scott; Cameron Smith (capt); Petero Civoniceva; Nate Myles; Sam Thaiday;
Knights 12 – 32 Broncos 22 – 24 Bulldogs 14 – 25 Byes - Tigers, Rabbitohs
Cowboys Sea Eagles Titans
Ashley Harrison. Interchange: Matt Gillett; Dave Taylor; Ben Hannant; David Shillington; Daly Cherry-Evans; Dane Nielsen (two to be omitted).
41
IN BRIEF Rugby World Cup dates announced The Rugby World Cup England is to host in 2015 will kick off on the compromise date of September 18, rugby union’s governing body, the IRB, announced on Tuesday (May 15). England’s Rugby Football Union (RFU) had wanted a September 4 start to the sport’s showcase event, but the southern hemisphere unions preferred a September 25 kick-off to minimise disruption to the Rugby Championship, the tournament that is replacing the Tri-Nations after the inclusion of Argentina.
Five IPL players suspended over ‘fixing’ Five Indian Premier League players were suspended from cricket on Tuesday as fresh fixing allegations hit the game and threatened to further tarnish a competition already dogged by controversy. The five – T. P. Sudhindra, Mohnish Mishra, Abhinav Bali, Amit Yadav and Shalabh Srivastava – are all first-class players, but have yet to break into international cricket.
Uncapped quartet in Wales squad for Australia Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley included four uncapped players in a 38-man training squad announced Monday for next month’s match against the Barbarians and the subsequent three-Test tour of Australia. Scarlets full-back Liam Williams, his team-mate prop Rhodri Jones, Ospreys centre Ashley Beck and Cardiff Blues wing Harry Robinson are the four players involved yet to experience full international rugby union.
Queensland (1-17) – Billy Slater; Darius Boyd;
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42 WORLD SPORT
THE PHUKET NEWS
THE PHUKET NEWS TIPPING COMPETITION: 36
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIZE IS SPONSORED BY:
Amazing City win Premiership FOOTBALL One of the most exhilarating seasons in Premier League history ended in a fittingly memorable style on Sunday (May 13), as Manchester City beat QPR with a stoppage time winner from Sergio Aguero that meant they won the title on goal difference. Rivals Manchester United had finished their game at Sunderland a couple of minutes before the late winner arrived, and having won 1-0, were waiting eagerly for confirmation they’d managed to retain the championship. And indeed Roberto Mancini’s men looked set to suffer final day heartache as they trailed by two goals to one against QPR with 90 minutes on the clock, before substitute striker Edin Dzeko pulled them level and then Aguero wrote his name into Man City history. QPR’s late defeat did not prove costly for their survival hopes, as Bolton’s failure to win at Stoke meant it would be they who follow Wolves and Blackburn into the second tier of English football next season.
Phone +66 76 270958 abpoffice@yahoo.co.uk www.lcc-albatross.com FINAL STANDINGS
Manchester City celebrate their incredible Premier League victory. Bolton needed to win their match, but despite leading 2-1 for over half an hour the game finished all-square, meaning their 11-year stay in the top flight has come to an end. Meanwhile, goals from Emanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe ensured Tottenham Hotspur recorded a win over Fulham, but it wasn’t enough to leap over north London rivals Arsenal. The Gunners stirring success over West Brom meant that Tottenham’s triumph over
Fulham didn’t matter. Harry Redknapp’s team now face an anxious wait ahead of Saturday’s Champions League decider to see if they will qualify for that competition next season. A Chelsea victory would mean that Tottenham will miss out, and the fact that Redknapp’s nephew Frank Lampard is playing for Roberto Di Matteo’s side adds another layer of intrigue. In other matches, Newcastle had to settle for fifth place and
Shaun Rice claims his prize Photo: AFP for the April competition.
Europa League football as an in-form Everton had too much for them at Goodison Park in claiming a deserved 3-1 victory. The afternoon was soured somewhat at the final whistle when Tim Cahill was shown a red card. Bolton’s 2-2 draw against Stoke at the Britannia Stadium consigned Owen Coyle’s side to the Championship. A win would have been enough for the Trotters but Jonathan Walters’ 77th minute goal pushed them into the second tier.
Mark Davies and Kevin Davies had given their side hope after Walters’ early opener for the home side, but Walters’ second from the penalty spot was enough to send the visitors down. As the Premier League wrapped up for another year, so too did the inaugural Phuket News tipping competition. After what has been a massive year of tipping with some fantastic prizes up for grabs, there had to be a winner. And after leading the competition
1. gafferworld 2. MRB 3. chasman 4. scottkip 5. apollo131 6. Farang2005 7. dcoutts 8. zestrealestate 9. Paul614724 10. keefers
555 537 514 506 504 501 491 484 477 472
for most of the year, it seemed only fitting that ‘gafferworld’ continued his dominance to romp home and claim the overall competition by a comfortable 18 points. The win means ‘gafferworld’ takes home the grand prize, a return flight to the UK, courtesy of Albatross Lufthansa City Center. That concludes the tipping competition for the season, but watch this space for details of next season’s competition.
We won’t spend like Di Matteo ready for toughest test FOOTBALL ‘silly’ City: Ferguson FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said on Monday he wasn’t concerned by rivals and newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City’s ability to out bid them in the transfer market. United lost out on successfully defending their title solely on goal difference to City on Sunday when two injury-time goals saw City to a 3-2 win over QPR and their first league crown in 44 years. However, Ferguson said that he was not going to be
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forced into a change of transfer policy because of losing out to their city rivals and would stick to investing in young talent while Abu Dhabi-owned City spent huge amounts on established players. “We know City are going to spend fortunes, pay stupid money and silly salaries. We know that happens. We can’t do anything about that,” the 70-year-old said. “We are not like other clubs who can spend fortunes on proven goods. We invest in players who will be with the club for a long time, who will create the character of the club and the excitement for our fans.”
Agence France-Presse
Roberto Di Matteo is bracing for the toughest managerial challenge of his career as he attempts to lead an injury and suspension-hit Chelsea to Champions League glory over Bayern Munich. Just 10 weeks after taking over at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas, Di Matteo has already overseen a string of notable performances including an unforgettable semi-final win over Barcelona. But the Italian believes that orchestrating a win over Bayern on their home ground on Saturday would represent his greatest triumph as he
Di Matteo: Chelsea are ready for the Champions League final. attempts to pull together a Chelsea side decimated by injuries and suspensions. Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry and fullback Branislav Ivanovic as well as inspirational midfielder Ramires and Raul Meireles. Di Matteo is also sweating
on the fitness of defenders Gary Cahill and David Luiz along with midfielder Florent Malouda. Given the circumstances, Di Matteo agreed he faced the most challenging tactical assignment of his career. “With all the problems that we have it’s certainly
causing me a headache,” the 41-year-old said. Di Matteo is also reading little into Bayern’s 5-2 mauling by Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup final in Berlin last weekend. Asked to comment on the suggestion that Bayern could be beaten if the attacking threat posed by Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben was nullified, he replied: “I don’t think it’s as easy or as straightforward as that. “They have lots of good players,” he said. “To be able to win many titles and be competitive in the Champions League and reach the final you need more than two players. You need a good team.” The Champions League final kicks off at 1.45am on Sunday morning, Thai time.
THE PHUKET NEWS
WORLD SPORT 43
FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2012
WORLD CUP WOES Half of 2014 World Cup stadiums a concern, says FIFA tion or renovation programme pointing to various degrees “of risk” for arenas in Manaus, Cuiaba, Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Sao Paulo. But the biggest concern is for the stadium in the northeastern city of Natal because of a “tight schedule” that left no “margin for problems”, it added. Manaus and Cuiaba have “medium risk” while
FOOTBALL Agence France-Presse
Football’s world governing body FIFA believes that six of 12 Brazilian stadiums due to host the 2014 World Cup may not be ready in time, the daily Folha de Sao Paulo reported. The paper cited a FIFA study on the stadium construc-
‘No margin for error’ - plans for the stadium in Natal.
English Premier League Team
MP W
French Ligue 1 Team
delays in three of the four venues for the competition,” Folha said. The FIFA repor t said challenges facing the Recife arena “will be hard to overcome”, complaining about the “bureaucracy and excessive politicisation” in the country while acknowledging President Dilma Rousseff’s determination to speed things up.
Curitiba and Porto Alegre have “low risk”, with a greater chance of being ready in time. The report indicated that two years before the World Cup gets underway, work on the 12 stadiums have progressed on average by 34.4 per cent. “The outlook for the 2013 Confederations Cup is even more critical. FIFA reports
Italian Serie A
D
L
F
A
P
D
L
F
A
P
D
L
F
A
P
1
Manchester City
38
28
5
5
93
29
89
1
Montpellier
MP W 37
24
7
6
66
33
79
1
Team Juventus
MP W 38
23
15
0
68
20
84
2
Manchester United
38
28
5
5
89
33
89
2
Paris Saint-Germain
37
22
10
5
73
40
76
2
Milan
38
24
8
6
74
33
80
3
Arsenal
38
21
7
10
74
49
70
3
Lille
37
20
11
6
68
38
71
3
Udinese
38
18
10
10
52
35
64
4
Tottenham Hotspur
38
20
9
9
66
41
69
4
Lyon
37
19
7
11
61
47
64
4
Lazio
38
18
8
12
56
47
62
5
Newcastle United
38
19
8
11
56
51
65
5
Bordeaux
37
15
13
9
50
39
58
5
Napoli
38
16
13
9
66
46
61
6
Chelsea
38
18
10
10
65
46
64
6
Saint-Étienne
37
16
9
12
47
42
57
6
Internazionale
38
17
7
14
58
55
58
7
Everton
38
15
11
12
50
40
56
7
Rennes
37
16
9
12
48
44
57
7
Roma
38
16
8
14
60
54
56
8
Liverpool
38
14
10
14
47
40
52
8
Toulouse
37
15
11
11
37
32
56
8
Parma
38
15
11
12
54
53
56
9
Fulham
38
14
10
14
48
51
52
9
Evian
37
13
11
13
54
54
50
9
Bologna
38
13
12
13
41
43
51
10
West Brom
38
13
8
17
45
52
47
10
Marseille
37
12
12
13
45
40
48
10
Chievo
38
12
13
13
35
45
49
11
Swansea City
38
12
11
15
44
51
47
11
Nancy
37
11
12
14
37
44
45
11
Catania
38
11
15
12
47
52
48
12
Norwich City
38
12
11
15
52
66
47
12
Valenciennes
37
11
7
19
37
49
40
12
Atalanta
38
13
13
12
41
43
46
13
Sunderland
38
11
12
15
45
46
45
13
Nice
37
9
12
16
35
43
39
13
Fiorentina
38
11
13
14
37
43
46
14
Stoke City
38
11
12
15
36
53
45
14
Lorient
37
9
12
16
34
47
39
14
Siena
38
11
11
16
45
45
44
15
Wigan Athletic
38
11
10
17
42
62
43
15
Sochaux
37
10
9
18
39
60
39
15
Cagliari
38
10
13
15
37
46
43
16
Aston Villa
38
7
17
14
37
53
38
16
Brest
37
7
17
13
30
38
38
16
Palermo
38
11
10
17
52
62
43
17
Queens Park Rangers
38
10
7
21
43
66
37
17
Caen
37
9
11
17
38
56
38
17
Genoa
38
11
9
18
50
69
42
18
Bolton Wanderers
38
10
6
22
46
77
36
18
Ajaccio
37
8
14
15
38
61
38
18
Lecce
38
8
12
18
40
56
36
19
Blackburn Rovers
38
8
7
23
48
78
31
19
Dijon
37
9
9
19
38
58
36
19
Novara
38
7
11
20
35
65
32
20
Wolves
38
5
10
23
40
82
25
20
Auxerre
37
7
13
17
45
55
34
20
Cesena
38
4
10
24
24
60
22
Chelsea Everton Manchester City Norwich City Stoke City
2-1 3-1 3-2 2-0 2-2
Blackburn Rovers Newcastle United QPR Aston Villa Bolton Wanderers
Sunderland 0 - 1 Manchester United Swansea City 1-0 Liverpool Tottenham Hotspur 2 - 0 Fulham West Brom 2-3 Arsenal Wigan Athletic 3-2 Wolves
MP W
1-1 1-0 1-0 1-3 1-1
Olympique Lyon Lorient Valenciennes Sochaux Toulouse
Marseille Montpellier Nancy Nice PSG
3-0 1-0 3-2 1-1 3-0
Auxerre Lille Saint-Étienne Evian TG Stade Rennes
Spanish Primera Liga
English Championship Team
Ajaccio Bordeaux Brest Caen Dijon
L
F
A
P
8
11
69
41
89
1
Real Madrid
38
32
26
10
10
85
46
88
2
Barcelona
38
28
24
14
8
81
48
86
3
Valencia
38
17
16
10
78
51
76
4
Málaga
38
17
15
11
79
59
75
5
Atlético Madrid
38
15
18
9
66
53
75
6
Levante
38
16
16
12
52
51
70
7
Osasuna
38
13
44
68
8
Mallorca
38
14
55
66
9
Sevilla
38
13
52
66
10
Athletic Club
38
12
56
64
64
11
Getafe
38
50
58
64
12
Real Sociedad
38
18
61
58
62
13
Real Betis
38
13
8
17
47
19
65
68
61
14
Espanyol
38
12
10
16
46
10
19
69
77
61
15
Rayo Vallecano
38
13
4
21
53
15
12
19
55
57
57
16
Real Zaragoza
38
12
7
19
13
17
16
46
51
56
17
Granada
38
12
6
20
13
11
22
67
77
50
18
Villarreal
38
9
14
15
39
14
8
24
48
63
50
19
Sporting Gijón
38
10
7
21
42
46
12
13
21
44
68
49
20
Racing Santander
38
4
15
19
28
63
27
Barnsley
46
13
9
24
49
74
48
Portsmouth
46
13
11
22
50
59
40
23
Coventry City
46
9
13
24
41
65
40
24
Doncaster
46
8
12
26
43
80
36
Reading
46
27
2
Southampton
46
3
West Ham Utd
46
4
Birmingham
46
20
5
Blackpool
46
20
6
Cardiff City
46
19
7
Middlesbrough
46
18
8
Hull City
46
19
11
16
47
9
Leicester City
46
18
12
16
66
10
Brighton
46
17
15
14
52
11
Watford
46
16
16
14
12
Derby County
46
18
10
18
13
Burnley
46
17
11
14
Leeds United
46
17
10
15
Ipswich Town
46
17
16
Millwall
46
17
Crystal Palace
46
18
Peterborough
46
19
Nottm Forest
46
20
Bristol City
21 22
Team
Real Sociedad Real Betis Getafe Levante Real Madrid
MP W
1-0 2-2 0-2 3-0 4-1
Valencia Barcelona Real Zaragoza Athletic Club Mallorca
3-1 0-0 2-1 1-0 2-3
Atalanta Cagliari Novara Bologna Roma
Lazio Chievo Genoa Napoli Catania
3-1 1-0 2-0 2-1 0-2
Internazionale Lecce Palermo Siena Udinese
German Bundesliga
D
1
Juventus Fiorentina Milan Parma Cesena
D
L
F
A
P
D
L
F
A
P
4
2
121
32
100
1
Borussia Dortmund
34
25
6
3
80
25
81
7
3
114
29
91
2
Bayern Munich
34
23
4
7
77
22
73
10
11
59
44
61
3
Schalke 04
34
20
4
10
74
44
64
7
14
54
53
58
4
Mönchengladbach
34
17
9
8
49
24
60
11
12
53
46
56
5
Bayer Leverkusen
34
15
9
10
52
44
54
7
15
54
50
55
6
VfB Stuttgart
34
15
8
11
63
46
53
15
10
44
61
54
7
Hannover 96
34
12
12
10
41
45
48
10
14
42
46
52
8
VfL Wolfsburg
34
13
5
16
47
60
44
11
14
48
47
50
9
Werder Bremen
34
11
9
14
49
58
42
13
13
49
52
49
10
FC Nuremberg
34
12
6
16
38
49
42
12
11
15
40
51
47
11
1899 Hoffenheim
34
10
11
13
41
47
41
12
11
15
46
52
47
12
SC Freiburg
34
10
10
14
45
61
40
56
47
13
FSV Mainz 05
34
9
12
13
47
51
39
56
46
14
FC Augsburg
34
8
14
12
36
49
38
73
43
15
Hamburger SV
34
8
12
14
35
57
36
36
61
43
16
Hertha BSC
34
7
10
17
38
64
31
35
56
42
17
FC Köln
34
8
6
20
39
75
30
53
41
18
FC Kaiserslautern
34
4
11
19
24
54
23
69
37
Rayo Vallecano 1 - 0 Espanyol 1-1 Málaga 1-0 Villarreal 0-1 Racing Santander 2 - 4
Granada Sevilla Sporting Gijón Atlético Madrid Osasuna
Team
Hertha BSC Werder Bremen Augsburg Nürnberg Köln
MP W
3-1 2-3 1-0 1-4 1-4
Hoffenheim Schalke 04 Hamburger SV Bayer Leverkusen Bayern München
Champions League Relegation
Hannover 96 2-1 Kaiserslautern Borussia Dortmund 4 - 0 Freiburg Stuttgart 3-2 Wolfsburg Mainz 05 0 - 3 Mönchengladbach
Champions League qualifiers
Premier League promotion
Europa League
Premier League play-off
8 4 Q B B
DOOR PRICE: 700 Baht
May 26th,2012 thephuketnews.com
www.supalai.com
................................
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.
Project Owner : Supalai Public Company Limited, ���� Supalai Grand Tower, Rama III Road, Chongnonsi, Yannawa, Bangkok ����� Managing Director Mr. Atip Bijanonda, Registered capital of �,��� million baht (Paid �,���.�� MB) Supalai Park @ Phuket City location, Nakorn Road, Mueng Phuket District, Phuket. Total Project Area: around �-�-��.� rai; Title deed no.: ����� (Part of the title deed) High Rise Condominium �� Storey, � Towers, ��� Units and Start Construction in July ���� and Expect Completion in September ����. Construction permits during the operation. The project will be a registered condominium once construction is completed. The project supported by Commercial Bank. The information is subject to change without prior notice. The pictures are simulated concept.