The Phuket News 19 Jan 2018

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

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BOAT SAFETY ON FIRE

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Tsunami warning towers ‘100%’: disaster chief

LIFE

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Phuket youth running for Miss Teen crown Rescue workers attend to a burn victim from the ‘King Poseidon 959’ tour boat off Phi Phi Island.

Photos: Krabi Marine Police / Eakkapop Thongtub

BOAT FIREBALL SCORCHES DOZENS OF TOURISTS, RECKLESS DRIVERS IN SPEEDBOAT COLLISION The Phuket News editor@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket’s espoused marine safety ideals were left in tatters this week after a leaky fuel line on a tour boat off Phi Phi Island resulted in a fireball that left five people – four of them Chinese tourists – in intensive care.

Meanwhile, reckless speedboat drivers on Tuesday (Jan 16) caused a high-speed collision near the entrance to a busy canal on Phuket’s east coast that serves as a major day-trip

departure point for tens of thousands of tourists visiting the nearby islands.

(See page 2.)

The tour boat King Poseidon 959 erupted into flames from a suspected leaky fuel line while hovering offshore from Viking Cave at Phi Phi Island just after 11am last Sunday (Jan 14).

Chinese tourist Kwang Pei Hong, 26, was rushed to Vachira Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town where she remains recovering from serious burns to her face, both legs and arms – with burns to more than 30% of her body.

Doctors have played down fears

that the 26-year-old will need to undergo facial cosmetic surgery for the serious burns she has suffered.

Meanwhile, as of Wednesday (Jan 17), Mei Hua Li, 63, and Gan Li Xia, 26, both remained in ICU at Bangkok Hospital Phuket.

According to a report by the Ministry of Tourism & Sports (MoTS) Phuket office issued on Monday, Ms Mei, who also suffered burns to both her legs and arms as well as her face, was conscious but still on assisted breathing after her lungs suffered damage from smoke inhalation.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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“She is feeling better and doctors clean her wounds in the operation room to prevent infection,” the MoTS report noted.

Ms Gan, who suffered burns to more than 30% of her body, was also still on assisted breathing. “She is conscious and has a high temperature, but her heart is rate normal and doctors are providing constant attention to her wounds to prevent infection,” the report added, At Krabi International Hospital, Chinese tourist Xu Xin, 23, who suffered second-degree burns to her …

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Unwelcome advances cost tourist B30k T H E ACT IONS OF A N Omani tourist staying in Patong has led to police issuing a warning on how tourists should behave while on holiday on the island.

Patong Police confirmed to The Phuket News last Friday (Jan 12) that an Omani tourist was charged with harassment after a hotel housekeeper reported him for harassing her at his hotel room on Jan 3.

Lt Col Theerasak Boongsaeng of the Patong Police said, “On January 3 we charged an Omani male, 55, with harassment after a 25-year-old woman reported to us that he had inappropriately tried to touch her while she was cleaning his hotel room,” said Col Theerasak.

“The female member of staff was cleaning the man’s room when he came in and started talking to her, he then invited her to go out with him to eat.

“When she refused, he walked closer to her like he

Rawai Mayor rallies support for sea gypsies facing charges > page 7

Speedboat slam Italian tourists injured in high-speed crunch Tanyaluk Sakoot reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

Police warned tourists to keep their urges in check while on holiday. Photo: The Phuket News / file was about to hug her. When he did this the member of staff became scared and cried out for help. Other members of staff quickly went to the room. The Omani male then walked out of the room,” he explained.

“The owner of hotel does not agree with the behaviour of this tourist and asked for us to intervene.

“The man was made to pay the member of staff B30,000 in compensation and to apologise for his actions,” Col Theerasak said.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

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fficials from the Phuket Marine Office on Wednesday (Jan 17) identified high speed as a critical factor in the collision of two speedboats off Phuket’s east coast on Tuesday (Jan 16) that resulted in six Italian tourists being admitted to hospital for treatment, along with one boat crewman who remains in hospital care for injuries to his back, face and head.

According to a report by the Phuket Marine Office issued on Wednesday (Jan 17), the speedboat Pimracha was exiting the access canal that leads to Royal Phuket Marina at a speed of 18 knots, while the Satakamon 333 fully laden with the Italian tourists on board was approaching the canal entrance at 25 knots.

“The Pimracha’s captain veered left in order to quickly

Police inspect the damage to the ‘Satakamon 333’, which bore the brunt of the impact. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub slow down while the Satakamon 333 turned right also to slow down. Then both speedboats collided about 600 metres from the entrance to the canal,” the report said.

The Pimracha struck Satakamon 333 broadside, tearing a gaping hole in the boat’s side. Although the impact was well above the waterline, the damage was done at the same

level where tourists sit inside the boat.

One Phuket Marine Office official who asked not to be named told The Phuket News, “The cause of the accident was the speed of the boats. We are waiting for police to conclude their investigation, then we will press charges via Phuket City Police against both boat drivers for their reckless action

leading to the harm of others.

“First, they will be charged with operating a boat at excessive speed in a speed-restricted area, which is a maximum fine of B2,000. But they will also have their boat operator’s licence suspended,” the official said.

The Phuket Tourist Assistance Centre (TAC) on Wednesday confirmed that all of the injured Italian tourists had been discharged from hospital and boarded the Costa Victoria cruise ship on which they arrived in Phuket to continue their holiday.

“The last tourist to be discharged from hospital, Mr Desando Luigi Gino, 52, left the hospital at 1pm today,” said Phuket TAC chief Pattarawadee Thambua.

“The tourists wanted to be discharged so they could continue their adventure trip on the Costa cruise this evening,” she added.

Tour boat fireball injures dozens of tourists, five in ICU

Continued from page 1 ... neck, body and both arms and legs, was conscious but still on assisted breathing, an official at the MoTS Phuket office explained on Wednesday.

“She must remain in the intensive care unit (ICU) for now,” he said.

However, the official added, “As for the captain of the speedboat (King Poseidon 959), Kiengkai Boonsri, his condition is worse because his upper body was burned including the face and arms. He is conscious but also still on assisted breathing, and being fed through a nasogastric tube.

“However, his heart rate is stable despite still having a bit of fever.

Doctors will clean up his wounds again tomorrow (Jan 18),” the official reported.

Chinese tourist Wu Zhian, 62, who was receiving treatment at the Krabi hospital ICU for burns to both arms and both legs as well as his body, fared much better. “As his condition has improved he can leave the ICU today and will be transferred to Bangkok Hospital Phuket this afternoon (Jan 17),” the official said.

Six other patients were also ad-

mitted to Bangkok Hospital Phuket for treatment of burns varying in severity, from second-degree burns to the legs to superficial burns on the arms.

Following the tour boat explosion and ensuing fire, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong on Monday (Jan 15) ordered a full marine safety sweep at all privately operated piers in Phuket.

At the meeting, held at the Governor’s House at 8am, Gov Norraphat noted that privately operated piers and boat terminals were overlooked by a recent crackdown

on marine safety at all governmentrun piers in Phuket, which oversee the ferries and tour boats that handle the bulk of Phuket’s island-bound tourists.

“Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung will check private piers for marine safety,” he said pointedly.

“Public piers keep details of all boats and passengers that depart from their piers, but this speedboat departed from a private pier. Right now, private piers are not held to a complete management standard,” he explained.

Two Chinese tourists receive immediate first aid for severe burns from the boat fire. Photo: Krabi Marine Police “This accident has effects (that have been felt) around the world.

Luckily no one died,” he added, noting that some 25,000 to 30,000 people a day engage in marine tourism in Phuket.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

ISLAND NEWS

Tsunami warning towers ‘100%’, says DDPM Chief

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he Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Phuket office (DDPMPhuket) Prapan Kanprasang has confirmed that all tsunami warning towers at 19 locations in Phuket are “100% working”.

The confirmation came on Tuesday (Jan 16) after reports were filed by a Kamala resident stating that there was no siren sound at Kamala’s warning tower during a regular check carried out on Monday (Jan 15).

The resident sent a complaint via the local Line group “Alert news Phuket Line Group” saying that there was no siren sound during the second “bi-monthly” check conducted by the DDPM at 11am on Monday.

Deputy Chief Executive of the Kamala Tambon Administration Organisation (OrBorTor) Nopporn Karuna and Mr Prapan both assured that the Kamala tower is in fact working.

“We received reports from a resident yesterday evening (Jan 15) that there was no siren sound when checking the tsunami warning tower,” said Mr Nopporn.

Australian tourist Rentia Robertson suffered a broken leg in the jet-ski collision south of Patong. Photo: Supplied

Aussie family injured in Patong jet-ski crash

All 19 tsunami warning facilities in Phuket have been operational since the end of November last year after it was revealed that 11 were ‘out of order’ in late July. Photo: Suticha Sirirat “So Kamala OrBorTor filed a report to the DDPM Region 18 office yesterday.

But we have received confirmation from DDPM staff who conducted the check and they confirmed that the siren did work,” Mr Nopporn added.

Mr Prapan said, “DDPM staff have confirmed that the tsunami warning siren in Kamala is working, as are all 19 tsunami warning towers in Phuket.

“They are working 100%.

They were all fixed by the

end of November 2017. We now conduct two checks per month, on the 1st and 15th, to ensure they are working,” he added.

The concern that the warning tower had failed follows DDPM Deputy Director-General Kobchai Boonyaorana revealing on July 29 last year that 11 of the 19 towers in Phuket were “out of order”.

“Out of the eight siren towers in Phang Nga, five are out of order. But all four broadcast towers are working,”

Mr Kobchai told The Bangkok Post at the time.

“The department aims to fix all of the equipment in the six Andaman coastal provinces by the end of October,” he added.

Former DDPM-Phuket Chief Chatchawan Betjasiriwong told The Phuket News on Aug 2 last year, “We are sending our workers to fix 11 towers, which are in process now. According to our schedule, all repairs will be finished this month.”

AN AUSTRALIAN WOMan on holiday with her family in Phuket suffered a broken leg in a jet-ski collision off Tritrang Beach, south of Patong, on Jan 11.

The accident, in which two jet-skis collided with each other, occurred at 3:20pm, reported Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers at the scene.

“One woman had her left leg broken in the accident.

The other two people injured were both men. One had a sore neck, the other suffered chest pains,” one rescue worker explained.

The Phuket News was told the three injured in the collision were an Australian family on holiday together.

Police identified the injured woman as Rentia Robertson, 48. The two men were identified as Clarence

Robertson, 48, and Edward Robertson, 18.

“All three were taken to Patong Hospital,” one rescue worker confirmed.

Tourist Police were notified of the accident and providing assistance, The Phuket News was told.

The collision raised fears of the scenario nearly a year ago, when Australian tourist Thomas Keating was handed down a two-year suspended jail sentence for reckless driving causing death after a jet-ski collision resulted in the death of his girlfriend, Emily Jayne Collie, 20.

The couple were riding jet-skis near Kata Beach in the late afternoon of Feb 5 last year when they collided in the water at high speed, leaving Ms Collie with severe injuries to her neck and shoulders.

Eakkapop Thongtub

Shots fired at house in residential estate POLICE ARE SEARCHING FOR a suspect or suspects who fired gunshots at a house in Srisoonthorn on Monday night (Jan 15). No fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident.

Thalang Police were notified of the shooting at 7:40pm, with Capt Warawut Sensoap leading a team of officers to investigate the scene, a house in Soi 10 of the Term Fun housing estate.

Police found several 11mm bullet

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holes on items including a Yamaha motorbike, a wall and a window pane.

Police also found seven bullets and three bullet casings on the floor.

There were also traces of gun shots at a neighbouring property.

The owner of the house, named only by police as Chaiwat, 58, told police that no one was in a house at the time of the shooting.

“I did not have any conflict with anyone. The only possible issue I

can think of is that I had broke up with my ex-wife in November last year after we being together for three years.

“She entered a claim for divorce.

After I signed the divorce papers she came and took some items from the house last week,” he said.

“On Sunday night (Jan 14) I received a call from a man who threatened to shoot me dead if I caused my ex-wife go to jail. He also challenged me for a gunfight,

but I refused.

“On Dec 25 last year, the suspect(s) came to my house and damaged my car. I believe this is the same suspect(s). I have already reported that story to Thalang Police,” Chaiwat explained.

Capt Warawut said, “After making investigations we found that a suspect(s) who was/were on a motorbike stopped their vehicle in front of a house. The suspect(s) used an 11mm handgun to fire at

Police collect evidence from the scene. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub the house and sped away. We are now hunting for suspect(s) so they can face legal action.”

Eakkapop Thongtub

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Army revives push for B800mn Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach GENERAL MANAGER

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plan to have an B800 million Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach, which was scrapped almost one year ago and was to be replaced with a lesser-costing B12mn Surin Park, appears to have been revived by the government now under the title “Royal National Park of Surin Beach”.

Details of the newly-named park were announced last Friday (Jan 12) during a visit

by Royal Thai Army Deputy Chief Gen Yodsanan Raicharoen, who made a personal visit to the site where the park will stand.

Speaking during his visit

Deputy Chief of the Royal Thai Army Gen Yodsanan Raicharoen. Photo: PR Dept to Surin Beach, Gen Yodsanan said, “The Royal National Park of Surin Beach will have to relate to local organisations which support OTOP goods and which are made by people in the local community.

“Various government agencies including the Phuket Provincial Public Works and Town & Country Planning Office and the private sector in Phuket must develop this site to be a tourist destination

which relates to King Rama IX and members of the Royal family.

“In addition, this must be a conservation area for the public in the long-term,” Gen Yodsanan said.

“This park will feature a Development Service Centre, Marine Science Centre, Exhibition Centre showing Royal projects from the country’s 76 provinces, Cultural Centre, Sightseeing Building, Nine Kings Monument, King Rama IX’s Photo Exhibition, Sailing Museum, Golf Course, Local Food Court, Activity Area, Car Park, and gardens highlighting the four regions of Thailand.

“All together this project is worth B800mn and I expect this budget to be approved by the Government.

“This project will be a good solution to reviving Surin Beach,” he added.

On Sept 20, 2016, it was confirmed by then-Phuket Vice Governor Chokdee Amornwat that work on Rajabhakti Park to be built at Surin Beach would start in October 2016 with a total budgeted cost of

the project slated to reach B800 million.

“The project was proposed to Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha on Friday (Sept 16, 2016). Next, we will submit the proposal to Cabinet for approval,” V/Gov Chokdee told The Phuket News at the time.

However, on Jan 19 last year, then-Phuket Governor Chockchai Dejamornthan confirmed to The Phuket News that plans to build the B800mn Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach had been scrapped and that a cheaper public park would replace it.

Speaking to The Phuket News at the time, Gov Chockchai said, “We have now cancelled all plans to build the Rajabhakti Park at Surin Beach. We have now decided to build a park which will be named Surin Public Park.”

When asked why the plans to build the Rajabhakti Park had been cancelled, Gov Chockchai said, “We believe that it is not worth spending B800mn on this project. We can build a park for a lot less, and the money we save can be used for other projects.”

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Reverence restored Icons asked for forgiveness before felled

Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong inspects Phuket Historical Park in Thalang where a floating market on a real canal will be part of the upcoming festival. Photo: PR Dept

Digging deep for Heroines Festival PH U K ET G OV E R NOR Norraphat Plodthong inspected Phuket Historical Park in Thalang last week ahead of key preparations that aim to have an actual floating market on a real canal as part of the upcoming Thao Thepkrassatri and Thao Srisoonthorn Festival to be held on March 3-17.

The annual festival, also known as “The Heroines Festival” – celebrates the defeat of Burmese marauders attempting to take Phuket in 1785.

In particular, Governor Norrphat along with Phuket Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung last Thursday (Jan 11) inspected the site where a small canal is to be excavated.

The decision to create an actual canal as part of the festival was based on the

area’s local heritage, Gov Norraphat said.

“Thalang local residents in days past lived lives with a deep connection with local waterways,” he added.

“We assure you that this year the festival will be different to those held in the past.

We want this to be a selling point of Thalang during March and to add this event to the Phuket tourism calendar,” Gov Norraphat explained.

“This year we will pay particular attention to the light-and-sound show and historical play. People will come to have a better understanding – and become proud of – the long history of Phuket Historical Park. The park will live again,” he said.

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huket Governor Norraphat Plodthong led a ceremony at the auspicious time of 9:09am last Thursday (Jan 11) to mark the beginning of the removal or remodelling of 17 statues and other structures at Phra Nag Sang Temple in Thalang that have been deemed to be improper.

The ceremony was held to ask forgiveness from the sacred structures before moving them from the temple to begin reworking or remodelling them to be more “appropriate”.

Vice Governor Prakob Rongmanee said, “Seventeen structures will be improved in one of three ways: removal, destruction or improved to be appropriate. Today we removed some structures such as statues.”

On Monday (Jan 15), heavy equipment was brought in to begin the removal of the 35-metre-tall statue of Luang Por Chaem and a seven-level pagoda.

“These two structures

Removal of the 35-metre-tall statue of the revered Luang Por Chaem will begin on Monday (Jan 15). Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

are very tall. We have to be careful,” V/Gov Prokob noted.

The Fine Arts Department has deemed that the Lung Por Chaem statue was of “uncorrected design”.

“Cracks were found on the statue’s base, which makes it at risk of collapse. So the statue has to be demolished,” V/Gov Prakob said.

The project to “improve” the temple will be carried out in three stages, V/Gov Prakob explained.

“The ‘urgent’ stage is to remove more than 17 structures today. The second stage is to arrange everything in the temple to be appropriate.

The third stage is to create a master plan for the temple to be developed and restored,” he said.

The 17 irregular erections came under scrutiny in November after a rash of comments posted online lambasted the temple for allowing such figures on blessed ground.

Spurring outrage from some members of the public were the statues of a Yak (“giant”) with large exposed breasts brandishing a machine gun, the “poorly crafted” statue of the much-respected Luang Por Chaem and a stupa painted all pink, instead of all white.

The abbot of Phra Nang Sang Temple, Phra Kru Wijitsuppakarn, was suspended from duty for breaching the monkhood’s code of conduct under an order issued by Phra Ratchasirimunee, the head monk overseeing the administration of all temples in Phuket.

“The Phuket office of the National Office of Buddhism removed the abbot from his duties there on Nov 21,” Governor Norraphat pointed out at a meeting on Tuesday (Jan 9).

Consequently, Phra Kru Promprapatsorn, the 67-yearold abbot of Thepwanaram Temple (Manik Temple) in Thalang, was installed as Acting Abbot of Phra Nang Sang Temple, effective Nov 23.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

PHUKET NEWS

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officials take Rawai Mayor joins call Wildlife down slow loris tout to support sea gypsies Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

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awai Mayor Aroon Solos has called for fairness in the case of six sea gypsies who were arrested by Sirinath National Park officials off Phuket’s west coast last Monday (Jan 8).

The six are accused of illegally catching marine life in a national park area.

On Wednesday (Jan 10), Mayor Aroon along with Rawai sea gypsy representative Niran Yangpan handed a notice to Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok at Phuket Provincial Hall.

Joining them were the six sea gypsies arrested: Panya Kohngam, 46, Pichit Bangjark, 42, Anan Bangjark, 56, Thanongsak Kohngam, 41, Thaweelert Hanthalae, 50, and a minor aged 14.

The notice, signed by Mayor Aroon, said, “On Jan 8 at 10am to midday, Sirinath National Park officials arrested six sea gypsies at Nai Thon Beach in Sakoo. They were accused of catching marine life in the Sirinath National

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their traditional equipment in order to make a living,” the statement read.

“Also (the request calls) to provide an entrance and exit area for where boats can stop and be repaired because most (traditional fishing) areas overlap with tourism areas.

Conflicts have happened several times. Also, (the request calls for officials) to control trawlers and net fishing following an agreement (on inshore Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos (2nd from left) hands the formal fisheries encroachment). request to Phuket Vice Governor Snith Sriwihok (left).

“Rawai Municipality is requesting fairness from the Park area. They were taken for sea gypsies to be exempt Phuket Governor to consider to Sakoo Police Station. They for laws preventing persons providing assistance in the were bailed out for B50,000 from entering national parks case of the six sea gypsies each. and other protected areas because they are exempt (from “They told national park under a Cabinet resolution the national park and protected officials that they did not catch announced on June 2, 2010 areas preservation laws) under marine life in the national park that ordered the Ministry of a Cabinet resolution,” the area. They caught marine life Culture to uphold a policy statement continued. in Phang Nga with sharp iron to allow sea gypsies to live V/Gov Snith received the rod. They were forced to stop at their lives in their traditional request and vowed to hand it Nai Thon Beach because one of manner. to Phuket Governor Norraphat them needed to go to Thalang “The policy stated that sea Plodthong.

Hospital for decompression gypsies can fish and search for “Fairness will be given to sickness (DCS) treatment. resources at islands. Under this everyone. As for the Cabinet National Park officials arrested policy, this is a special request resolution, we have to discuss them and would not listen to for (sea gypsies to be allowed) this with relevant governto fish in national parks and ment officers for clarification,” their explanations.”

Mayor Aroon also called other protected areas by using V/Gov Snith said.

OFFICERS FROM T H E Phuket Khao Phra Thaew NonHunting Area Conservation Centre in Thalang together with police arrested a slow loris tout on Kata Beach at 6pm last Wednesday (Jan 10) after receiving a tip-off from a tourist.

“On January 10, Khao Phra Thaew Wildlife Sanctuary officers joined with police and arrested one of the suspects touting slow lorises on Kata Beach,” Piyawat Sukon.

Chief of the Phuket Khao Phra Thaew Non-Hunting Area Conservation Centre, confirmed to The Phuket News last Thursday (Jan 11).

“We caught her through a tip-off given by a tourist.

But it is better not to name the suspect.

“The fine amount is to be decided by court order,” said Mr Piyawat.

“We told her that if she is caught again, the punishment will be very heavy,” he added.

Mr Piyawat added that the slow loris will be taken to the Phang Nga Wildlife Nursery Station, where it will be rehabilitated.

“Thank you for helping the public to communicate with

The tout has been warned that is she is caught again the penalty will be ‘very heavy’. Photo: Piyawat Sukon us,” he said.

The arrest came after a photo of a male slow loris tout on Karon Beach was sent to The Phuket News and forwarded to Mr Piyawat on Dec 7.

The beach inspections that followed yielded no suspects as Mr Piyawat believed the touts recognised the officials’ vehicles and hid.

“The touts had either run away or were hiding. We could not find any suspects,” said Mr Piyawat on Dec 14.

“However, be assured that we will check again soon,” he added.

Mr Piyawat invited reports of suspected illegal possession and mistreatment of wild animals directly to him on 089 873 7749.

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Opinion 8

OPINION

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EDITORIAL

What will it take?

ast week’s opinion piece in The Phuket News warning of the lack of safety in the marine tourism industry in Phuket and Phang Nga Bay proved to be sadly prescient.

Just hours after it was posted online last Sunday morning (Jan 14), reports began coming in about a tourist boat exploding at Viking Cave Koh Phi Phi, injuring 19 of the 31 people on board, many of them severely. As if to further highlight the issue, just two days later (Jan 16) nine more tourists were injured when two tour speedboats collided off the east coast of Phuket.

Following the first explosion and ensuing fire on the tour boat, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong on Monday (Jan 15) ordered a full marine safety sweep at all privately operated piers in Phuket following a hastily convened meeting on

marine safety.

At the meeting on Monday, Governor Norraphat noted that privately operated piers and boat terminals were overlooked by a recent crackdown on marine safety at all government-run piers in Phuket and ordered Vice Governor Prakob Wongmaneerung to check private piers for marine safety.

“Every boat that departs from a pier must be checked with the date, time, boat name, number of passengers recorded – and the most important thing are the names of passengers. We have to know the destinations of each boat in order to make sure it does departs from its scheduled route,” said Governor Norraphat at the meeting.

While Governor Norraphat, should be commended for taking some sort of action, from his statement it appears that he has failed to comprehend the root causes of these ac-

cidents – poorly maintained boats and poorly trained boat operators.

This should not be difficult to grasp given that they are precisely the same causes identified as those that were responsible for the alarming string of bus accidents on Patong Hill and several other parts of the island last year.

It seems once again, that practical steps to improve marine safety over the long term, such as stricter boat registration and maintenance checks and improved training and licensing of operators, will be passed over in favour of face-saving, short-term and woefully ineffective measures.

One wonders how many boat, bus, tuk-tuk and taxi accidents, killing how many tourists, would have to occur simultaneously to force an effective ground up overhaul of transport safety in Phuket.

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HAVE YOUR SAY Practical safety measures critical

Re: Phuket’s private piers face marine safety sweep The itinerary is not the most important aspect. Safe construction and operation is paramount.

These boats need to be properly checked before issuing licences. Proper boats and trained crew. Passenger lists are only useful when collecting the bodies.

Andy Dowden ....................................................

Rudderless leaders

Re: Eight injured as Phuket speedboats collide Looks like the authorities have got the safety aspect sorted out.

First a chap dead on his first scuba dive, a couple of days later a woman chopped up in a boats propeller, new life jackets, many injured in a boat explosion off Phi Phi and now two speedboats colliding in a five-knot limited channel.

I wonder what boat accident will happen in the next 24 hours that safety push would have ruled out? Authorities on top… of what?

R Sole

In Thailand, there is no marine training centre in the Andaman Sea and the two marine training centres are in Samut Prakan (government) and in Pattaya (private).

Therefore, all boat captains have no choice but to work at least two years for a boat operator company to apply to get a helmsman boat licence by complacency, and without proper training, to drive transport boats up to 60 tons.

Asterix ....................................................

Zero tolerance

Re: Phuket police seize over B10mn worth of overpriced items in zero-dollar raids Zero-dollar businesses are scams, almost exclusively group tours being offered to Chinese customers, to the detriment of local traders.

The evidence is that the practice is linked to tax evasion, money laundering and the misuse of the Companies Act by unscrupulous Chinese operators.

Money (in cash) f lows to the Chinese operators, not Thais. Losing billions of baht in tax revenue is no minor matter. For example, a company having a turnover of

some B1 billion paying only B100,000 in tax.

Jor 12 ....................................................

Empty words

Re: Phuket Opinion: Safety a priority, but for who?

You don’t understand. For officials in this country, words are the same as action. You are then supposed to forget the subject, as it has already been addressed.

Sir Burr As long as anyone with a motorbike can hang a “For Rent” sign on it and collect money from tourists with absolutely no system of checks or regulation at all, handing the keys over to unsuspecting unlicensed and inexperienced tourists often without issuing so much as a receipt, and without having to pay anything for the privilege, in the country with the world’s deadliest roads, then what chance of safety to tourists actually have?

Captain Jack 69 ....................................................

Buyer beware

Re: Sky-high airport food prices come under scrutiny Easy. Don’t buy it. If no one

buys any then they will go bust or lower the prices. Take a sandwich and wait for the meal on the plane. Simple.

Simon 01 ....................................................

Change of heart?

Re: Myanmar security forces took part in killing 10 Rohingya: Army What happened? Are the generals under pressure from the international business community? Cartier has decided not to import from Myanmar enterprises under the control of the military, perhaps also Bulgari will live up to its responsibilities as it did when Italian owned.

Bojon ....................................................

Sound of silence

Re: Phuket tsunami warning towers ‘100% working’, says DDPM Chief I don’t think I’ve ever heard one, anywhere. Okay, so now they’ll be tested on the 1st and 15th. Are they all tested at the same time? How loud are they?

What is their range? What time are they tested? Then maybe we could actually know when to listen for them.

Foot

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

THAILAND NEWS

9

Suspected of IS links

Allegedly forged passports for terrorists BANGKOK Bangkok Post

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Pakistani suspect has been arrested for allegedly producing fake passports for transnational criminals, possibly including those joining Isis, according to a source.

The source, who asked not to be named, said immigration staff, police and the army arrested a Pakistani identified as Muhammad Iqbal, 51, last Sunday (Jan 14) at the Metro Condominium in Phasi Charoen district of Bangkok.

A body search found four Indian and three Singaporean passports, while the room search found equipment used for making counterfeit documents and passports.

Iqbal was charged with trading in counterfeit documents and is being held by authorities at an undisclosed location while the investigation continues, the source said.

The arrest was made as a result of an extended probe which began after authorities in February 2016 arrested

@thephuketnews

Iqbal: Charged with counterfeiting. Photo: via Bangkok Post Iranian national Hamid Reza Jafary, known as “Doctor�, at a secluded house in Chachoengsao province.

Immigration police said at that time the gang made bogus passports and supplied them to a network of people from Middle Eastern countries to be used for travel to Europe and Australia.

Iqbal is in the same network as Jafary along with many other Pakistani crimi-

nals who have been linked with counterfeiting documents to supply to Isis, the source said.

Thai authorities are investigating with the help of Malaysian authorities if Iqbal was also involved in making fake passports in 2016 and 2017 for militants from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and possibly Thailand who wanted to travel to join the Isis terror group in the Middle

East, the source said.

The government has always maintained Isis has not been active in any form inside the country.

In a separate development, nine migrants were arrested in Pattaya on Monday (Jan 15) as police, military and Interior Ministry officials jointly inspected major tourist areas.

The operation was aimed at cracking down on migrants who entered the country illegally, especially those working illegally and human traffickers.

The Daily News reported that immigrants from neighbouring countries have been working in protected jobs or running their own businesses by hiring Thai nationals as proxies to pretend to be business owners in many provinces including Chonburi. A police source, who asked not to be named, said brokers or those who gave them accommodation would also have to face legal action.

The police denied reports of negligence and taking bribes.

Police confiscated these eight pills and marijuana-like material from the suspect. Photo: Chaiyot Pupattanapong

Man arrested for selling fake ecstasy PATTAYA A 40-YEAR-OLD MAN has been arrested for allegedly selling marijuana on Walking Street, and cough relief pills he claimed to be the drug ecstasy.

Wilat Thongcham was detained early on Monday morning (Jan 15) on Pattaya’s Walking Street while offering to sell what he claimed to be ecstasy and marijuana to tourists.

Police found eight pills and a bag of marijuana-like material in his possession.

The suspect admitted

that the seized packages were his, but they were bogus drugs, according to police.

The pills were cough relief medication available over the counter, Wilat said.

As for the marijuana, it was a mix of some marijuana, tobacco and some dried Indian Almond leaves.

Wilat claimed he sold fake ecstasy to support his family.

He was taken to Muang Pattaya Police Station for further questioning. He faces possible charges of intent to distribute a fake substance.

Bangkok Post

10 THAILAND NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Thailand’s drug warehouse

The shallow graves of Ayutthaya, Southeast Asia’s meth hub AYUTTHAYA Aidan Jones & Thanaporn Promyamyai

S

tuck on a merry-goround of drug taking, dealing and jail, Somphal Boonsanoon’s journey through addiction ended in a shallow grave in Ayutthaya, Thailand’s historic heart and Southeast Asia’s meth warehouse.

His curse from his teens was ya bah, small methamphetamine pills cut with caffeine that Thais call “crazy medicine”.

The tablets are flooding the country at record rates, along with a high purity and more addictive crystal version called ya ice, as drug lords in neighbouring Myanmar churn out huge amounts into the region.

But while the producers and pushers get rich, Thai communities are withering under an addiction crisis.

Somphal was just 39 when he was shot dead alongside two other addicts after stealing 2,000 pills from a pair of

A member of the United Wa State Army (UWSA) empties a packet of ‘WY’, also known as ‘ya bah’, at drug-burning ceremony to mark the UN’s world anti-drugs day in Poung Par Khem, near the Thailand-Myanmar border on June 26. Photo: Ye Aung Thu / AFP local dealers.

Their bodies were dumped on a muddy canal bank, left to bloat in the August sun – a putrid feast for the monitor lizards that patrol the paddy fields of central Thailand.

All five men involved used ya bah or ya ice. All came from in and around Maha Rat, a

farming district in Ayutthaya province.

“He was a decent person, he wasn’t brutal,” one of Somphal’s relatives said, requesting anonymity fearing reprisals from the drug gangs that riddle the area.

“But he had a weak point... drugs. He just couldn’t stop.”

An hour outside Bangkok’s sprawl, Ayutthaya is the “crossroads” of the regional drug trade that cascades Myanmar-made narcotics across Southeast Asia and beyond, according to Maj Gen Wuttipong Petchgumneard of T hailand’s Narcotics Suppression Bureau.

The cent ral province connects the northern and southern drug routes by road, while its warren of factories – and workers – provide ready stash houses and couriers for the drug gangs.

“Most dr ugs going to Bangkok or overseas are stored there for pick up by the dealers,” he said.

Nearly every night vehicles

packed tight with parcels of gear hustle from the north through Ayutthaya hoping to avoid police roadblocks.

Sometimes the law gets lucky.

More of ten the d r ug convoys slip through.

“These are international crime organisations, they have money, they have manpower, weapons and technology… so we have to constantly evolve to catch them,” added Maj Gen Wuttipong.

In the year to September 18, Thai drug cops seized 199 million ya bah pills, worth around $1.2 billion (B3.8 trillion) on the local market, double the 2016 figure.

Operations also swept up nearly five tons of ya ice – a fourfold increase on 2013.

Recently officers seized a record $30 million (B958.5mn) worth of ya ice from a courier trying to move the drugs from the northeast to central Thailand – the southbound pipeline that pivots through Ayutthaya.

But a glut of precursor chemicals is driving a supply surge from the drug labs of the “Golden Triangle” – a lawless border zone shared by Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.

Thai police estimate between 500mn and one billion ya bah pills and up to 50 tons of ya ice will be produced this year, most of it in Myanmar’s Shan State.

Stamped with the “WY” hallmark of the Wa drug lords of Myanmar, ya bah goes for between $4-$8 (B127-B255)

a pill in Thailand.

Ya ice, a cash cow at around $60-80 a gram (B1,917-B2,556), is destined for Thai users but also smuggled into Malaysia and other overseas markets where its price rises.

This month Australian authorities seized nearly four tons of liquid ephedrine – enough precursor chemicals to make $2.8bn (B8.2trn) of pure ya ice – hidden in a shipment of green tea bottles from Thailand.

Around 350 kilograms of ya ice from Thailand was also recently uncovered in Australia, which has the world’s highest per capita consumption of crystal meth.

With more people getting high, Myanmar’s border drug labs are working overtime to meet demand.

The country’s border zones are “a playground of drug production,” Myanmar Police Col Zaw Lin Tun, told reporters recently.

Critics warn the war on drugs has long been lost in Thailand, leaving jails stuffed with small-time addicts as the men at the apex of the trade get away.

Addiction and crime are gnawing away at once tight, kin-based communities in Maha Rat. “Local people know who is taking drugs and who is selling them, but it’s dangerous to talk about it,” Somphal’s relative added.

A health official, also too afraid to be named, said that 40-50% of Maha Rat’s small population are addicted to drugs.

Successive Thai govern­ ments have opted for the “get tough” approach to drug consumption in a bid to choke off supply.

That has resulted in the 10th-highest incarceration rate in the world, according to International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH).

But it has failed to stem a dd ict ion r ates or dent production.

Proposals for communitybased rehab programs instead of jail for minor drug offenders have evaporated, leaving the country confronting an old scourge with the same weapons.

“Demand (for drugs) is through the roof, but there’s no real rehabilitation provision,” says Jeremy Douglas of the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“Drug policy is stuck on repeat.”

AFP thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

ASIA NEWS 11

A new life sprouts up Areas of war-torn Mosul are on the rebound despite the scars of IS rule IRAQ Sarah Benhaida

E

ven before the Islamic St a t e g r o u p t o o k over her home city of Mosul, Iraqi 31-year-old Nesrine never imagined she would have a job working late into the evening at a fashion boutique.

But now, in districts of Iraq’s second city not left totally devastated by the ferocious fighting to oust the jihadists, life is buzzing again – with more vibrancy than ever.

“We have experienced depression, hunger, ruin and oppression. It is a miracle that we are still alive,” Nesrine said.

“We went through a long nightmare and now we have woken up transformed.”

Nesrine is employed at a gleaming new clothing shop that has opened up on the east bank of the river Tigris – liberated from IS months before the group’s final defeat in western districts six months ago – selling skinny jeans and colourful tops from Turkey.

@thephuketnews

Iraqi families dine at a restaurant on the eastern bank of the Iraqi city of Mosul, six months after chasing out the militants who took control of the city in 2014. Photo: AFP As pop music blares from loud speakers, she works alongside male colleagues advising customers lured in during a late-evening stroll by images of fashion models.

In the shop window, a mannequin wearing an abovethe-knee skirt is on display.

Mosul has long had a reputation as a bedrock of conservatism and became a

hub for Sunni jihadists after the US-led ouster of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

But when IS seized control as it swept across northern Iraq in 2014 the group imposed a radical interpretation of Islamic law far more severe than anything residents had known before.

“If a boy and a girl were discovered together then they

risked being executed,” said Rahma, 21.

Now Mosul University where she studies English is busy with groups of boys with gelled up hair and girls wearing colourful headscarves.

Even before the arrival of IS it was “unimaginable” for girls to get a job outside the home working alongside men, unless it was in a staid public

administration office, she said.

Ziad Dabbagh has just opened up a restaurant to give people somewhere else to go in the commercial neighbourhood of al-Zuhur.

“People in Mosul used to go to other provinces of Iraq to go out,” the entrepreneur said.

Families dine and young men sip tea on the terraces and in the dining hall.

“It was as if we were lost in the middle of a desert, cut off from everything,” said Roua al-Malah, 34, who was out with her family.

“And now all at once we have rediscovered that we can have a good time.”

Behind a green glass door men sip brightly coloured fruit juice in the neighbouring building as they play cards and billiards amid a cloud of smoke from hookah pipes.

Owner Mazen Aziz opened up last May even as fierce fighting was still raging across the river in Mosul’s Old City, which is still a deserted ghost town today.

His billiard club with its smoking, card playing and loud music would have been a prime target for the jihadists who dominated the city for a decade.

“For years in Mosul, after six in the evening there was no one in the streets. Now I can head home at two or three in the morning without fear,” he said.

“A new life is beginning.”

AFP

12 WORLD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Albania losing its eagle

Country’s national symbol at risk due to rampant poaching ALBANIA Briseida Mema

I

t is Albania’s national symbol, but the eagle may soon only be found on the flag. The majestic bird is threatened with extinction due to widespread poaching of raptors.

On the side of a national motorway, just 30 kilometres north of the capital Tirana, a vendor offers motorists a common buzzard for an average price of 7,000-10,000 leks (B2,075- B3,193).

The buzzard is a protected species just like the golden eagle.

B u t t h e m a n i s n’t concerned as he exhibits the bird with its wing wounded by a bullet and its talons tied.

“I didn’t wound it. I was given it to sell. The buyers will keep it in a cage in a bar or a restaurant,” he says.

Whether the customers want to stuff them or to keep them in captivity, they can find these birds for sale on the street.

Of the four species of vultures that used to exist in Albania, “only one, the Egyptian vulture, remains and its population has been extremely reduced,” says M i r ja n Topi, aut hor of Albania’s first bird guide.

So too the dwindling number of golden eagles, a two-headed specimen of which features on the flag of this mountainous Balkan country.

According to experts, some 25 years ago there were between 100 and 200 couples of golden eagles. That number today has been cut in half, “a dramatic decline”, says Topi.

For biologist Taulant Bino, president of the Albanian Ornithological Society, the golden eagle “is on the road to extinction”.

“Fifty years ago or even in the early 1990s, we could see it on every summit,” he says.

On a global scale, the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) is not classified as a threatened species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

But in Albania nowadays

A man offers for sale a wounded common buzzard (buteo buteo) beside a main road near the village of Thuman in Albania. Photo: Gent Shkullaku / AFP the place where you are most likely to see a golden eagle is “stuffed in bars, restaurants or hotels”, Topi says.

The idea is “to decorate the interior to attract customers, at the price of a sickening spectacle, in violation of the law, and in defiance of the state and institutions”, the

bird specialist laments.

In the southern region of Orikum, a man in his 50s, who would only identify himself as Petrit, is proud of the eagle he bought for 400 euros (B15,654). He displays it in his bar next to the national flag and other stuffed birds.

“It is more and more rare

to find an eagle,” he notes.

The state has threatened to close his bar if he continues to show off his trophy but Petrit is not worried.

“I am ready to pay a fine, but I want to keep it.”

And in the mountains of Prenish along the border with Macedonia, a hunter who gave his name as Edmond appeared unfazed to be found with two buzzards he had just killed.

The 35-year-old explained that he plans to use the birds as decoration in his bar “to get more customers”.

There has been a hunting ban in Albania since 2014.

Authorities say it has curtailed a large number of the 2,000-3,000 Italian hunters who are estimated to have killed more than 150,000 birds, including hundreds of raptors over the last decade.

But they admitted, when contacted by journalists, that the ban’s effectiveness is limited as it only imposes fines.

According to Ermal Halimi, a specialist on the issue at the ministry of tourism

and environment, there are plans to toughen the law, including “prison terms for all offences that contribute to the disappearance of protected animals”.

But that’s not the whole story.

Another threat, perhaps even more insidious, hangs over the raptors: the poisoned carcasses that shepherds leave in the field to protect their flocks from wolves.

“A si ng le ca r ca s s is enough to kill several vultures if they find it before the wolf,” says Nexhip Hysolokaj, an environmental expert in the Orikum region where in March, six eagles and vultures were found dead from poisoning.

Fines have never been issued over this practice which shepherds seem to have no intention of giving up.

“The sheep are the ones who feed us, they are our pride and wolves massacre them! We have no choice,” says 83-year old Sado Xhelili as he guards his flock.

AFP

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

BUSINESS NEWS 13

Macao or bust

Commerce entourage looks to expand trade beyond tourism COMMERCE

The 10-strong entourage from Macao included leading figures in tourism, media and areas of commerce. Photo: Tanyaluk Sakoot

Zhong Wenhui & Tanyaluk Sakoot editor@classactmedia.co.th

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delegation of tourism officials and leading bu si ne ss f ig u re s from the autonomous special administrative region of Macao in China arrived in Phuket last Friday (Jan 12) with the aim of laying the formation groundwork for commerce, and not just in tourism.

The 10-strong delegation brought with them an entourage of 20 members from the Macao press corps, including Macao Daily News President Lu Bo, for a three-day familiarisation trip to appraise Phuket and the neighbouring tourism areas.

T he delegat ion was welcomed to the island at the Tourism Authority of T haila nd (TAT) Phu ket office by Narong Onintr, Director of the Phuket office

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of the Province Strategy and Information Group, who made plain the sheer volume and growth in the number of tourists to Phuket from China.

Lino Ho Weng Cheong, General Assembly President of t he Ma ca o -T h a i la nd Chamber of Commerce, noted that the aim of the visit was to put Phuket on the radar

of business people in Macao in many fields of commerce, all made possible through connectivity under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

“By visiting Phuket, we hope to reflect the information and resources of Phuket, and other areas in Thailand, and its role in the Belt and Road Initiative, back to Macao

cit i zens a nd t he Macao Chamber of Commerce by coverage through the media,” he said.

“A l s o , A i r A s i a j u s t launched its Macao-Phuket direct flights four days ago (Jan 8). As the old saying in China goes, ‘Open roads lead to prosperity’. Connection through transport routes can

promote trade between two cities,” he added.

Mr Narong pointed out that Phuket, and Thailand, was likewise looking to expand its relationship with Macao on a range of fronts.

“We are focusing on six plans, namely Phuket as a marine hub, a medical hub, a MICE city, a source of skilled human resources, a ‘Smart City’ and in sports tourism,” he said.

“And this meeting helps to support all these plans as we move ahead together. We can look at cross-promoting tourism in the future,” he added.

At the launch of AirAsia’s Macao-Phuket daily direct f lights earlier this month, Sirima Chindamat, Director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Hong Kong office said that passengers flying from Macao to Phuket via Bangkok amounted to some 70,000.

The director shared that Macao and Hong Kong re-

mains a potential market to Thailand, describing them as “quality tourists”.

“We would love to see 8% more at least, especially with AirAsia’s new route, we are positive to get this number,” Ms Chindamat said.

Celia Lao, CEO of AirAsia Hong Kong and Macao, pointed out that the new direct flights were a long time coming, with strong demand from Macao and Phuket.

The keen interest has been attributed to Macao being a popular destination for Thai tourists and Phuket being a well-known island paradise for Chinese and international travellers, Ms Lao explained.

The direct connection will create immense convenience for travellers from both ends, she added.

Ms Lao also echoed that the chance of adding another Macao-Phuket route is higher than the addition of a Hong Kong-Phuket route, as Hong Kong airport’s runway is often maximally occupied.

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

BANYAN TREE GROUP LAUNCHES BRAND NEW INVESTMENT PROPERTIES ON PHUKET WITH 5 PERCENT GUARANTEED RETURNS Angsana Oceanview Residences to be managed by adjoining Angsana Laguna Phuket The desirability of the properties not only includes the turnkey investment aspect, but also the location on a popular and accessible resort island…

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ngsana Laguna Phuket is spreading its wings with the addition of three low-rise buildings containing 116 hotel rooms and 33 investment apartments in the heart of Asia’s finest integrated resort – Laguna Phuket.

Operated by Angsana Laguna Phuket, the new Angsana Oceanview Residences represent the top-tier categories of the resort’s new wing and provide a unique and attractive investment opportunity for buyers from around the globe with the added incentive of a five percent guaranteed return for five years.

“Angsana Oceanview Residences offer a rare chance to leverage the wellestablished flagship of Angsana Hotels and Resorts and buy into the award-winning Laguna Phuket – Asia’s favourite integrated resort complex on the island’s stunning sunset coast,” said Mr. Stuart Reading, Head of Property Division, Banyan Tree Group “The desirability of the properties not only includes the turn-key investment aspect, but also the location on a popular and accessible resort island surrounded by high-end hotels, an award-winning championship golf course, and a choice of exclusive leisure options,” he added.

Contemporary in style, and overlooking tropical flora that frames the edge of a wide blue lagoon with the Andaman Sea beyond, the residences are infused with a blend of modern and traditional Thai elements that draw inspiration from the history and culture of the location.

Angsana Oceanview Residences are located on the 1st and 5th floors of the lowrise buildings, with penthouse units on the 6th and 7th floors. The residences blend seamlessly with the hotel accommodation, but each one comes with the appealing addition of a private infinity-edge pool offering uninterrupted views.

Ranging from 210 to 316 sqm in size, 32 of the bright, luxurious apartments include two well-appointed bedrooms, with one three-bedroom unit on the fifth floor offering added space for larger groups. The expansive two-bedroom duplex penthouses have private living areas on the lower level, with a large deck and pool on the upper level for entertaining.

significant lifestyle return on the overall investment.

A world of privileges and rewards also awaits buyers of Angsana Oceanview Residences, including complimentary membership to The Sanctuary Club, which brings discounts and privileges across the group’s global network of 43 resorts and hotels, over 66 spas and 80 retail galleries plus three Angsana Oceanview Resichampionship golf courses. dences are integrated into a Owners will also enjoy a fiveproven rental programme that year membership to Angsana allows owners to maximise their Vacation Club, and golf memreturns by having their apartbership at Laguna Golf Club. ment professionally managed

by Angsana Laguna Phuket.

For more information or to Buyers receive a share of the arrange a private inspection, room revenue generated from please contact info@laguna their apartment and also enproperty.com or call +66 (0)76 362 333. Visit our website: joy complimentary use of up to 60 days per year, adding a AngsanaResidences.com thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

New life-coaching collaboration launched

18

SIMPLY THE BEST

D.O.C.G. serves up some classic Italian flavours > Page 20 What could be better than a classic Italian pizza, hot and crisp from the oven at Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach’s D.O.C.G restaurant?

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Famously naughty ribs come to Phuket

21

16 CULTURE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

A clash of civilisations

The concept of ‘siwalai’ emerged as Western styles mingled with Thai SIRINYA’S WORLD Dr Sirinya Pakditawan pakditawan@googlemail.com

Y

ou may have come across the term siwalai in some way or other during your time in Thailand. Just think of the siwalai dress that I’ve dealt with in this column before in the context of traditional Thai dresses or the Siwalai Garden (Suan Siwalai) which is situated in the Grand Palace, Bangkok. The Siamese notion of siwalai was first introduced in the reign of King Mongkut (1851-1868) and can be regarded as a modified version of the English word civilized.

Thus, the meaning of this term ranged from etiquette, to material progress, in the sense of new bureaucracy, infrastructure, electricity, judicial system as well as dress codes, grooming and appearance. However, it is interesting to note that the Siamese quest for “civilization” was primarily a transcultural process in which Western practices and ideas were adapted, transferred and incorporated into the Siamese setting.

In other words, this led to a phe-

Some Thai youths are rejecting ‘siwalai’ fashions.

Photo: Siamese Fashionistas Facebook page The Phra Thinang Boromphiman, inside the Suan Siwalai, was the first building inside the Grand Palace complex to be designed to accommodate carriages and motorcars. Photo: Andreas Hörstemeier nomenon where Western and Siamese aspects were mixed and combined together. For instance, this is shown in clothing: ladies of the court had assumed the hybridized fashion of combining Victorian lacy, high-collared blouses with traditional jongkraben pantaloons (wrapped trousers). Queen Saowapha (also written Saovabha) who was the chief consort of Chulalongkorn also wore this kind of mixed fashion.

For this reason, siwalai might be regarded as a technique that could provide Siam with equally civilized standards to the West. Nonetheless, in addition to its use as a display of civilized standards to the West, it also served as a local legitimisation for the sym-

bolic powers of the Siamese elite. That is to say that there was a gap between a siwalai Westernised public domain and a private domain which remained Thai and local. However, generally we may say that the quest for civilization served as a project for self-confirmation as well as of constructing occidentalised images of Siamese prestige. Thus, we may also claim that Siamese concept of siwalai was never intended to be an attempt to imitate all features of Western civilization.

It is more the case that distinctively Western features were adapted in order to create something new that was nevertheless completely Siamese. Hence, things and aspects labelled as civilized

were considered as prestigious and authoritative. Referring back to the example of fashion, over the years many Western styles of dress were adapted to fit in a new Siamese style considered as “civilized”. It is interesting to note that today, in an apparent rejection of this gradual Westernisation of Thai fashion, a group calling itself ‘Siamese Fashionista’ tries to encourage young Thais to dress in traditional clothes.

Finally, we may claim that siwalai was in fact a kind of elite mimetic resistance to the West and not an attempt of “farangisation” and Westernisation respectively. To learn more about the interplay between Thai and Western culture read Rachel Harrison’s The Ambiguous Allure of the West – Traces of the Colonial in Thailand.

Yours, Sirinya.

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Takeaways from Vegas Consumer Electronics Show Here are some of the highlights from the industry leading show:

Compassionate robots Tech developers began moving beyond artificial intelligence to “emotional intelligence” and empathy with robots that can recognise people and their feelings, and respond in a more human manner. Those on display included a ping pong-playing robot from Japan’s Omron Automation which adapts its game to its opponent by reading body language. SoftBank robot Pepper entertained guests in a private suite adjacent to the show.

Artificial intelligence battle The duel between Amazon and Google for supremacy in artificial intelligence played out at the show. Amazon pushed its “Alexa Everywhere” strategy bringing its digital assistant to eyewear, wristwatches, televisions and even a toilet.

Not to be outdone, Google counterattacked with deals of its own, and with a massive ad campaign including a twostorey “Google Assistant Playground” complete with a spiral slide from the roof to the pavement.

Revving up car tech More players began gunning for Tesla with premium electric cars, including Chinese startup Byton and a revamped startup led by designer Henrik Fisker. The show included a large presence from automakers and showed a commitment to advancing self-driving cars.

South Korea’s Hyundai showed its new Nexo vehicle, betting on fuel cell technology, while Toyota unveiled a concept of an autonomous box for ridesharing and retail service.

T

AFP

he 2018 Consumer Electronics Show, which concluded last Friday (Jan 12) in Las Vegas, drew some 4,000 exhibitors from dozens of countries and more than 170,000 attendees, showcased some of the latest from the technology world.

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TECHNOLOGY 17

Toyota’s mobility concept vehicle, the FV2. Photo: AFP Beyond the car Even as car tech was on display, industry players sought to showcase alternative transport options. These included a self-driving motorcycle from Yamaha, and a range of electric bicycles, scooters, and hoverboards.

“We are seeing with personal mobility that some people like to skate; some people like to scoot, and some people like to ride,” Swagtron chief operating officer Andrew Koven said as he unveiled a line of rideable gadgets.

Let’s get medical The tech world took a deep dive into the medical field, using virtual reality and sensors for health and medical applications. Exhibitors showed how tracking and sensors used in self-driving cars can help keep the elderly from wandering off.

Other devices offered new ways to deal with pain, or predict the onset of disease.

Medical professionals at a CES conference discussed how new pain management techniques such as virtual reality could help address the opioid addiction crisis. Virtual reality headsets have been used to take people’s minds off pain by immersing them in soothing environments. VR programs have also eased trauma by letting patients work through troubling experiences.

Sensors and the cloud Sensors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence are becoming so ubiquitous and affordable that they are popping up in tech items tailored for pets, babies, seniors, new moms and other niche categories. From wearable breast pumps to hip air bags triggered when people fall, and dog or cat doors that open automatically for pets, internet age innovations are reaching into the farthest corner of everyday life.

18 PEOPLE

Helping people find their voice

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

New life-coaching collaboration seeks to create confident communicators The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

It is precisely this cando, positive attitude that Able wants to inspire in other people to help them reach their own dreams and goals.

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huket-based International TV presenter, News Anchor and MC Able Wanamakok, the driving force behind the recent Inspired Phuketian series of motivational talks, has embarked her next venture in the booming life-coaching industry with the launch of Find Your Voice Asia.

Through Find Your Voice Asia, Able is offering tailor-made coaching solutions for both groups and individuals who want to improve their self-confidence and communication skills, as well as promote their professional advancement and improve relationships with both clients and colleagues.

Able says the idea arose from her work with experienced life-coaches Darren Scherbain, Alan Yip and Jay Jay Yankomut, each of whom gave Inspired Phuketian talks and are now collaborating with Find Your Voice Asia to offer their coaching services.

“Inspired Phuketian enabled me to meet Alan, Darren and Jay Jay, and of course, other people. But I didn’t know that they were coaches until afterwards…

I just thought they were really cool people who had something to share,” says Able.

Able says that this is natural next step in the evolution of her 13-year career as a presenter and public speaker – one which she struggled to build against the odds. Growing up in the US state of Ohio, as the child of immigrants from Hong Kong, Able was

Able Wanamakok is diving into the life-coaching industry with her new collaboration: Find Your Voice Asia. the only Asian student at her school and faced racism and discrimination on many fronts.

But rather than become bitter, Able says these challenges made her all the more determined to succeed and create a meaningful life for herself, though it was never easy.

“I’m an immigrant, so my life hasn’t been easy… so to get everything I have today, it’s been a struggle, but I’m happy I have reached this level of success, because many people said I could not grow a successful career doing what I wanted from Phuket,” she says.

“One of the main reasons I started [Inspired Phuketian] is because it had healing that I needed. From myself, from my insecurities… growing up in the States as someone who didn’t speak English. Prejudice and racism still very much exist in the world today… that encouraged me to not allow anybody to tell me what I can and cannot do,” says Able.

It is precisely this can-do, positive attitude that Able wants to inspire in other people to help them reach their own dreams and goals.

“I started Find My Voice Asia because it took me a while to find my own voice and own passions. I tend to help other people too much, I help my parents, my husband and so on, and often times I put other people’s needs ahead

of mine and end up neglecting my own needs and my own path,” she says.

Able says that the team of experienced coaches will enable her business to offer a range of services, from seminars for hotel staff on improving guest interactions and their English skills to one-on-one executive coaching for career and relationship development as well as group activities for kids to help develop their communications and story-telling skills.

“Darren is a triathlon coach and all about positivity and motivation, Jay Jay is aimed at the Thai market only, Alan is more academic and about performance and memory and I’m more about public speaking and confidence – so we all have different things to offer,” she says.

“Basically, we are a team of coaches and trainers who wants to help you to achieve your goals in life. Whether you are a student looking for a fun and stress-free way to achieve academically, the parent of a child looking for activities that would help them develop better life skills or an executive looking to improve your influence and relationships, we can help.”

For more information visit: findyourvoice.asia or facebook.com/ findyourvoiceasia

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

COMMUNITY 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Winnie is on her way

Local girl one of the youngest competitors in Miss Teen Thailand 2017 The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

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ocal student Sipatrada “Winnie” Phiutong will be heading to Bangkok this month to take part in the final of the Miss Teen Thailand competition with the hope of taking the crown home for Phuket.

Winnie, a GED student at Phuket PALS school, has beaten hundreds of hopefuls from across Thailand to be selected as one of the final 50 girls who are heading to the BCC Hall in Bangkok on Jan 24 to take part in the final awards ceremony.

At 15, Winnie is one of the youngest girls in the competition, which accepts entries from girls aged from 15 to 19 years old. But despite her age, she has considerable experience in the limelight, having worked part-time as a model over the last two years. Although at first she was hesitant to enter the competition, she says her friends, family and work-mates encouraged her to apply.

“A lot of friends and family encouraged me to give the competition a try, if it was just me I might not have done it, but because everyone encouraged me, I

@thephuketnews

Sipatrada ‘Winnie’ Phiutong is one of 50 hopefuls competing to be crowned Miss Teen Thailand for 2017. decided to go for it,” says Winnie.

“I like music, I can play guitar and ukulele and I sing as a hobby. I also like to model and have been doing some modelling in the last one or two years, but this is my first time entering a competition like this,” she adds.

From Jan 18 to 24, as part of the competition schedule, Winnie and the other 49 finalists will be heading to a “Beauty Camp” in Khao Yai, northeast of the capital, to rehearse for the final show. At the camp, former Miss Teen Thailand winners will be on hand to offer advice and encourage the girls while they practice dance moves and choreography for the final ceremony.

With such a short time to prepare,

tensions will surely be running high for the 50 competitors, who stand to win considerable prizes of cash, clothing and jewellery as well as the chance to sign a five-year modelling contract with Miss Teen Thailand affiliates.

With the winner taking home B300,000 in cash and prizes, the runner-up taking B200,000 in cash and second runner up B50,000 cash, the competition is sure to be fierce and Winnie says that she is certainly in it to win it.

“We are all a similar age so we can talk to each other and get along, but we go there to do our best and be Miss Thailand, so it’s not so much about making friends,” she says.

Another factor that may work in Winnie’s favour is her height. At 175 centimetres she is the tallest girl in the competition and she is hoping that this might increase to her chances and put her on a more even footing with the older, taller girls.

“But this is Thailand so I’m not sure, maybe they want someone around 160cm, but I hope it might help, I want to get in the final five if I can,” she says.

The Miss Teen Thailand final will air on Channel 7 on Jan 24 between 11:10pm to 01:10am. More information can be found at: facebook.com/missteenthailand

20 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

From delicate shellfish to hearty steaks, everything on the menu at D.O.C.G. is cooked in authentic Italian style.

The stamp of approval

D.O.C.G takes its name from the official mark of Italian authenticity Baz Daniel

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huket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach opened its welcoming portals in December 2016, yet has already become firmly established as a major player among Phuket’s 5-star havens. This beautifullydesigned hotel welcomes business travellers, couples and families alike into its stunning location overlooking a secluded stretch of bite-shaped Tri-Tang Beach with its dramatic headlands rearing skyward on either side.

While all the hedonistic attractions and excitement of Patong are just ten minutes’ drive to the north, the hotel’s tranquil surroundings and extensive grounds provide a secluded and peaceful sanctuary seemingly a world away from the bright lights.

At the heart of this happy, bustling resort sits the friendly, welcoming restaurant named D.O.C.G. This is, at first sight, rather a strange name, that doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Naturally I asked why an Italian restaurant would be so named. It was my old mate Mister Wikipedia who quickly came up with the answer, as he so often does when I stand flummoxed by arcana. He informed me that it stands for Denominazione di origine controllata and is in fact a quality assurance label for Italian wines. So, now we know.

In fact this authentic Italianate eatery is cleverly-named as the quality of produce, cuisine, beverages and the friendly, smiling service are all secondto-none and reflect the essence of fine Italian-style hospitality. Just the sort of restaurant, in fact, which would get an official seal of approval from an Italian Quality Control Authority assessing authenticity!

This resort has eight dining outlets no less, clustered at the heart of the pools and aquamarine canalisations that interweave the grounds and building of this lovely complex. It is a buzzy, friendly hub at the centre of which sits D.O.C.G. and into which we gratefully plunged on a recent Friday evening.

It had been another torrid work week in Phuket and Madame was in no mood to be trifled with. This had better be good, I thought, or there could be trouble afoot from my beloved. I need not have worried.

D.O.C.G. was immediately relaxing and welcoming, as the smiling staff seated us amidst the throng of happy families and couples. With fruit-flavoured sparkling beverage to hand…. Rossini (strawberry) for Madame and Bellini (peach) for me, I could see Her Ladyship visibly relax and knew that all was going to be well in her world this evening.

The menu fairly brims with authentic Italian offerings from designyour-own pizzas in adult and kiddie sizes, to zesty pastas, fresh seafood and healthy complementary salads.

Throngs of happy families around us were tucking into this abundance with heartfelt enthusiasm.

D.O.C.G. also offer T-bone steak nights with a drink for just B1,200 net, and meatballs and mash nights

The author, ready to devour his beef Carpaccio. too. The menu features clear, simple, down-to-earth fare with great pricing, making it highly accessible and good value for couples, families and kiddies alike.

With crooners serenading us from the sound-system and Italian posters and chalk drawings on the wall, Madame was soon in the local swing of things with her Mellanzone alla Parmigiana (baked aubergine) starter, followed by succulent baked New Zealand mussels, while my own beef Carpaccio with rocket and shaved Parmesan, all swimming in a river of fresh lemon juice, was a superb way to dispel Friday night’s stresses. All this lovely faire was accompanied by grape-based libations from Italy and Marlborough New Zealand, served at reasonable prices and by-the-glass, which helped the evening go with a swing.

My main event arrived – Tiger Prawns with garlic, white wine and black-ink tagliolini, while Madame’s seafood soup fairly brimmed with enticingly tasty oceanic denizens.

We sat with coffees and scoops of delicious gelato surveying the happy throng around us in the warren of restaurants in which D.O.C.G. is central. Music played, a chanteuse belted out a Dolly Parton favourite and the laughter of replete stomachs echoed through the poolside palm trees.

I think I even heard a chuckle emanate from Madame’s lips. D.O.C.G. has that effect! thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

DINING 21

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Nuri’s ribs are naughty, but nice Phuket is falling in love with these succulent Balinese-style pork ribs The Phuket News editor1@classactmedia.co.th

N

aughty Nuri’s is the brainchild of American Brian Aldinger and Indonesian Isnuri Suryatmi (Nuri) The husband and wife duo first opened the small roadside stall in Ubud, Bali in 1995 to serve ribs and other popular Indonesian dishes. From those humble beginnings Naughty Nuri’s soon became one of the most popular restaurants in Bali and is rapidly expanding across Asia and they’ve just opened Thailand’s first outlet right here in Phuket.

So how did this humble warung (small family restaurant) become an overnight international sensation?

Well, in a word: Ribs. Naughty Nuri’s signature pork ribs are a symphony of flavourful and smoky Indonesian spices and melt-in-the-mouth tender meat.

They say their ribs are “probably the best ribs in the world” and their customers seem to agree. Despite having been open for just over a month, their new restaurant in Patong has garnered more than 100 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor, almost all of which rave about the ribs, and say they are a mustorder dish.

Naughty Nuri’s in The Forest Phuket

@thephuketnews

Naughty Nuri’s famous pork ribs, surrounded by a selection of their popular Indonesian-style dishes. opened its doors to customers on Dec 21, 2017 and the Balinese Asian-fusion BBQ dining restaurant, situated amid a tranquil forest just a stone’s throw from Bangla Rd, already has legions of devoted fans.

Chef Eddy Wong, Group Executive Chef of Naughty Nuri’s International explained to The Phuket News some of the secrets behind creating their famously tender ribs, but remained tight-lipped on the recipe for Naughty Nuri’s signature rib sauce.

“These ribs are awesome! I’ve been a chef for many, many years, but I’ve never tried ribs as good as these. We choose

the ribs very carefully and we actually marinate them with a lot of fruit like papaya and pineapple, which naturally tenderise the meat. But as for the sauce, I cannot tell you too much about that because it’s a secret,” he said.

While ribs are their claim to fame, they also offer a host of Indonesian style dishes that will keep you coming back for more, such as Babi Guling (suckling pig) a la Naughty Nuri’s, BBQ Satay Lilit, Gilimanuk Balinese Inspired Braised Lamb Shank and their “Notorious” Beef Short Ribs.

It’s not just the food that draws diners to Naughty Nuri’s, the fun and

casual atmosphere and huge alfresco dining area also ensures an enjoyable dining experience. The floor staff are well-trained, friendly, helpful and energetic and are quick to entertain with their signature “oink oink” greeting. Staff also join in for lively dance performances accompanied by the live “Naughty Band” who get customers on their feet with their upbeat musical performances.

The Naughty Nuri’s Phuket, located at 122 Rat-U-Thit Songroi Pi Rd in Patong is able to seat over 500 people, making it the perfect place to celebrate with a big group of family or friends.

Another highlight that will be coming soon is the Avatar Tree, the first of its kind in Phuket. The Naughty Nuri’s Avatar Tree will be a sight to behold and is set to become an iconic attraction, perfect for your next Instagram shot.

Naughty Nuri’s In The Forest, Phuket is offering a special promotions that will be sure to brighten up anyone’s day. Their “Probably The Best Ribs In The World Promo” is where signature ribs are available at merely B10 if you dine in a group of four with a reservation.

For reservations and enquiries, call 076 340 308 and follow the Facebook page to win exciting contest prizes at: facebook. com/nnphuket

22 ISLAND SCENE

Laguna representatives gave gifts to some lucky children.

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

There was a host of activities on offer for Children's Day at Laguna Phuket.

THOUSANDS CELEBRATE NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY 2018 AT LAGUNA PHUKET Laguna Phuket hosted its 26th annual National Children’s Day Celebration at the resort’s outdoor event venue “Laguna Grove” last Saturday (Jan 13). Kids enjoyed game booths, a merry-go-round, puppet theatre, stage performances, a lagoon tour and lots of balloons and goodies. The event also featured a mini-concerts by singer Wichayanee Piaklin, known as “Gam the Star”, and Tachaya Pratumwan, better known a “Keng The Voice”.

Rawai Municipality officials organised the day’s activities.

This lucky girl got to meet the Hulk in person.

RAWAI MUNICIPALITY HOSTS FUN-FILLED CHILDREN’S DAY ACTIVITIES Scores of families came out last Saturday (Jan 13) to mark Children’s Day at an event hosted by Rawai Municipality. Children enjoyed face painting and other fun activities as costumed characters roamed event taking photos with families.

From left: Surrasak Uttasara and Dave Chang.

From left: Tipaporn Koonphol, Wanida Suraban, Chaianan Sutthikun, Chonnanan Prakarn and Atthaphong Chantharattanawong.

ASIA MICE PLANNER RAISES FUNDS FOR THALANG NURSING HOME

AMARI DELIVERS FUN ACTIVITIES TO SPECIAL EDUCATION CENTRE

Asia MICE Planner Co Ltd held their annual “Thank You” party at Mai Sky Bar at Mai House Patong Hill on Dec 28. The event raised over B10,000 for the old folks’ nursing home in Thalang.

The Amari Phuket team, led by Deputy General Manager Tipaporn Koonphol, met with Kathu Mayor Dr Chaianan Sutthikun and Phuket Special Education Centre Director Wanida Suraban during Children’s Day activities at the centre and presented food, gifts and stationery for the students.

Rudi from Class Act Media Rudi presents the vouchers to Marianne.

FINAL PRIZE CLAIMED IN LIVE 89.5 BUMPER CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY The final prize has been claimed in Live 89.5’s massive Christmas Giveaway. Phuket resident Marianne came to the Class Act Media offices last Friday (Jan 12) to collect a Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach voucher for two nights in a Deluxe Garden View guest room, including breakfast for two guests, valued at B16,200.

Hyatt Regency staff team up Chef Mario into the pool, all in the name of a good cause.

HYATT REGENCY PHUKET HOLDS ITS FIRST EVER ‘LINNER’ EVENT “The Pool Linner” – like a brunch, but between lunch and dinner – kicked off at the Hyatt Regency Phuket last Sunday (Jan 14). One of the many highlights was when Executive Chef Mario was thrown into the pool, all in aid of raising funds for local charity Child Watch Phuket. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 23

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

From left: Chanintat Pachantabutr and Peter Khor.

NEW NAUGHTY NURI’S TEMPTS LOCAL MEDIA WITH MOUTH-WATERING RIBS AND INDONESIAN FLAVOURS Naughty Nuri’s in The Forest Phuket welcomed members of Phuket’s media to its newly opened branch in Patong last Wednesday (Jan 10). During the event Chef Eddy Wong, Group Executive Chef of Naughty Nuri’s International, explained some of the secrets behind creating their famously tender ribs, but remained tight-lipped on the recipe for Naughty Nuri’s signature rib sauce.

Chef Eddy Wong.

From left: Chef Dietmar and Chef Andrea

From left: Chef Dietmar and Chef Andrea, Kanokkritika Kritwuttikorn and Oriol Montal.

JW MARRIOTT HOSTS MICHELIN-STARRED CHEF ANDREA CANNALIRE JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa got their culinary year off to a roaring start with a dining experience created by Michelin-starred Italian Chef Andrea Cannalire. Chef Andrea’s four-day guest chef tour at the JW Marriott took place over January 12-15 at Ginja Cook and Cucina Italian Kitchen. He wrapped up his tour with this lavish sixcourse gala dinner at Cucina Italian Kitchen on Jan 15.

Guests got a chance to ‘meet and eat’ with the resident zombies.

THRILLS AND CHILLS INSIDE FRANKENSTEIN’S LABORATORY

Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana (centre) along with other officials from Phuket City Municipality presented gifts to some lucky local children.

Frankenstein’s Laboratory Bar, Restaurant and Cabaret held a soft opening of their new branch in Patong last Friday (Jan 13). Guests were treated to three huge cabaret shows by the Dancing Dead – including MJ’s Thriller, Rocky Horror and Beetlejuice.

There were also three huge live band sets by the Headless Zombies, Creepy drinks and some Monster Feeds as well as “meet and eat” with the zombies. Photos by Marie Antoinette Salazar.

Mayor Somjai joins in the fun.

PHUKET TOWN HOSTS FUN-FILLED ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN’S DAY Guests were treated to three huge cabaret shows by the Dancing Dead. @thephuketnews

Scores of families came out last Saturday (Jan 13) to mark Children’s Day at an event hosted by Phuket Municipality. Children enjoyed face painting, food, music and gifts as well as other other fun activities.

24 EVENTS

FRI

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SUN

19 JAN

21 JAN Sunday Roast All Day All Night

ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ RIBS

A Stellar Dining Experience Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort welcomes Michelin-Starred Chef Andrea Cannalire from Cielo in Ostuni Italy. Fri Jan 19: Beachfront Villa, Live Cooking Demo and Dinner at 4pm. Sat Jan 20: Portofino, threecourse set menu at 6:30pm, Sun Jan 21: Last Recipe, six-course dinner at 6:30pm.

Seats limited, reservations: 076 370 100 or restaurant.phuketbeach@lemeridien.com

Come join us for our WEEKLY BBQ EVERY FRIDAY served ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in All You Can Eat BBQ Pork Ribs, Chicken and Sides for ONLY 445 BAHT! Our BBQ is famous at Two Chefs! Come try us out and enjoy our mouthwatering pork ribs, flavor-bursting chicken and more! Join us for Live Music from 8-Late Performed by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD www.twochefs.com

Curry Cravings In Karon Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday (starting Dec 1, 2017), in Karon Beach. Try out some of our delicious appetizers and mains such as: Aloo Tikki, Samosas, Chicken Tandoori, Aloo Gobi, Navrang Korma, Butter Chicken, Lamb Vindaloo, Naan, Rice, Salads, Chutneys / Achars, Gulab Jamun, Fruits, Onion Bhaji, Bomay Potatoes, Dal Makhini, Icecream etc etc. (Menus subject to change and variety). For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks. Booking: 076 286 464 Ext 4.

XANA’s Sunday Brunch Spend quality time with friends and family, enjoying a one of a kind Sunday brunch on a perfect day of sunshine by the ocean of XANA Beach Club. Every Sunday from 12.00 to 15.30 hrs. From 1,850++THB. Reservations, XANA Beach Club, info@xanabeachclub.com, 076 358 500.

Go Live Sunday Seafood Brunch

Mussels night @ Shakers 1.2kg mussels served with French fries, your choice, your style: natural, marnière, Provençale, garlic & cream or Thai style.

Reservations recommended 295 baht P.P., shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

BBQ Seafood Buffet at Sala Bua Beachfront Restaurant BBQ Seafood Buffet at Sala Bua Beachfront Restaurant at Impiana Resort Patong.

Spoil yourself with a Seafood BBQ Buffet featuring a variety of main dishes cooked in BBQ style. Come and crack open some crab legs, peel some prawns, and sip some spicy Tom Yum, Sushi and Sashimi, grilled mussels, grilled squid, rock lobster, salad and dessert! Available for dinner every Friday from 6.30pm to 10pm. Price: THB 990 net / person Tel: 076 340 138 Email: fb.patong@impiana.com

SAT

20 JAN

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

The Banyan Tree Brunch experience offers a generous selection of live fresh, local and imported seafood with exceptional lobster dishes, Japanese starters, mouth-watering meats, Asian wok and Western grill treats.

Gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, live jazz and tranquil surroundings, The Banyan Tree Brunch has something for everyone! Every Sunday 12pm - 3:30pm, Prices start from B2,800 net per person. For reservations email: fb-phuket@banyantree.com or call 076 372 400.

Traditional Sunday Roast Served from 2pm. Your Choice of either Roast Beef, Chicken, Loin of Pork or Leg of Lamb Served with Roast & Boiled Potatoes, 3 Fresh Vegetables, Yorkshire Pudding & Gravy. Only 320 Baht. Includes a Free Glass of House Red or White. See: www.otools-phuket.com

All you can eat Sunday Roast Buffet Beef, Pork & Lamb – Cauliflower, Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, fried mushrooms, grilled tomatoes – Yorkshire pudding – roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes – gravy, mushroom sauce, mint sauce. Reservation recommended 350 baht P.P., shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

Come enjoy a Traditional Sunday Roast EVERY SUNDAY at Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong. Indulge in our Traditional Sunday Roast ALL DAY & ALL NIGHT for ONLY 445 Baht! Enjoy a Large ALL YOU CAN EAT selection of your favorites! Featuring: Roast Aussie Beef, Pork Loin and Chicken. Roasted or Mashed Potatoes. Roasted Mixed Vegetables Flavored with Thyme and Garlic.

Yorkshire Pudding and Red Wine Gravy.

Enjoy Live Music from 8-Late Performed

by Our Famous Two Chefs Band! Come for the FOOD - RESERVE Your Table Now Online at bit.ly/TwoChefsReservations Check out more details on our website at bit.ly/TwoChefsEvents Reservations, Two Chefs Kata Center, Karon, Kata Beach and Patong., Kata Beach 076-333-370 Kata Center 076-330-065 Karon 076-286-479 Patong 076-344-914

MON

22 JAN

All you can eat BBQ night 6pm – 11pm: Beef, Pork, Chicken, Burgers, Sausages, Prawns & Squid, Salad buffet, Choice of potatoes and sauces, bread, buns and garlic bread. Reservation recommended. 395 baht P.P. shakersphuket@gmail.com 081 891 4381.

TUE

23 JAN

Afraid of public speaking?

Toastmasters can help.

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career?

Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Meetings held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info. phuketprofessionals.toastmastersclubs.org

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

24 JAN

SURF & TURF NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY @ TWO CHEFS ALL YOU CAN EAT! GRILLED AUSTRALIAN RIB EYE STEAK, TERIYAKI MARINATED CHICKEN AND GRILLED TIGER PRAWNS WITH BBQ SAUCE, RED WINE SAUCE AND BEARNAISE SAUCE CEASAR SALAD AND HERB SAUTEED POTATOES. ONLY 495 BAHT. Two Chefs Live Band on stage from 8 pm until late.

WWW.twochefs.com Karon 076-286-479, Patong 076-344-914, Kata Beach 076-333370, Kata Center 076-330-065 COME FOR THE FOOD | STAY FOR THE FUN!! Reservations, TWO CHEFS KARON – PATONG – KATA CENTER.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night 6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

THU

EVENTS 25

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

25 JAN

PIWC Special announcment: Coffee morning in Kamala

FRI

26 JAN

The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is THB 500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Millennium Resort in Patong. Please visit www.rotarypatong.org for additional information.

WED

31 JAN

@thephuketnews

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong The Rotary Club of Patong Beach cordially invites guests and prospective members to attend its regular meetings. The cost for non-members is THB 500 and includes lunch. The meeting begins at 12 p.m. at the Millennium Resort in Patong. Please visit www.rotarypatong.org for additional information.

The 21st Bay Regatta The 21st Bay Regatta is expected to be the biggest yet and will firmly stand out as one of South East Asia’s finest yachting events.

Taking place with a backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery the region has to offer the four days racing and daily prize giving dinners will bring a buzz of excitement to Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi.

Visit: Facebook.com/bayregatta, email Kae Wattana at bayregatta@regattas.asia or call 081 538 8848.

THU

1 FEB

Phuket Business Dinner

6pm – 11pm: All you can eat BBQ ribs served with salad buffet, potato salad & choice of sauces. Reservation recommended. 350 baht P.P. shakersphuket@ gmail.com 081 891 4381.

FRI

2 FEB

Meeting - Rotary Club Patong

There will be a coffee meeting at 10am on Thursday, January 25 at Sienna Rocks (part of Cape Sienna Hotel in Kamala). It has just opened and it is right on the cliff with lovely views! All welcome.

All you can eat BBQ Ribs night

members.bccthai.com/BCCT/asp/eventdetail.asp?EventID=3172&SponsorID=-1 Greg Watkins, Amari Phuket, greg@bccthai, 02 651 5350-3.

PHUKET BUSINESS DINNER by British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) on ‘Update and Future Plans for Thailand’s Kra Isthmus Project’ on Thursday 1 February 2018 at Amari Phuket. Speakers:Gen. Pongthep Thesprateep, Chairman of Thai Canal Association & Pakdee Tanapura, Board member and International Director of Thai Canal Association. Cost & Payment: THB 890 per person . Payment at the door direct to hotel. Booking on website: http://

Everything’s Groovy - PIWC Annual Fundraiser Dinner The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, Jimmy Hendrix, Bell Bottom Jeans, Billowing Caftans, “Hair,” psychedelic Colours Galore and Flower Power. Wrap yourself in the “Swinging 60s” for a night. “A Hard Day’s Night” & “Good Vibrations” are guaranteed. Dress: Optional but crazy 1960s gear preferred to look groovy. From 6.30pm at Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort. Come along and buy a “Ticket to Ride.” B2500 for buffet and one drink. All proceeds go directly toward helping Thai children’s education. Silent auction, raffles, MC Garry Holden of The Thaiger radio. Contact: Lyn Carthew, President, Event Organiser. Email: lyncarthew@hotmail.com

TUE

13 FEB

Afraid of public speaking?

Toastmasters can help.

Boat Lagoon Weekend Beats & Bites Music & Food & Fun. 2-3 February 2018 from 6.00pm till 10.00pm at Lagoon Quay.

Phuket Boat Lagoon, 095 012 2442 / 076 239 888 ext. 618.

SAT

Looking to develop your public speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career?

Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Meetings held the 2nd and 4th Tue of every month at Mövenpick Resort Bangtao Beach Phuket. Contact Jason on 086 479 7471 for more info. phuketprofessionals.toastmastersclubs.org

EVERY DAY

10 FEB

The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand 1st Qualifier The Blue Horizon World Corporate Golf Challenge Thailand Tees off on Feb 10 at Laguna Golf Phuket. The WCGC Thailand Series will have six qualifiers around Thailand culminating in the National Final in Phuket on Apr 28. The winner will travel to Portugal to represent Thailand in the World Final. Email: events@foremanagment.com

CHEF PABLO’S DEGUSTATION MENU Celebrating our Thailand Tatler’s BEST Restaurants Award: Come and indulge in a succulent 5 course tasting menu including Foie Gras, pumpkin soup, Alaska Scallop, slow cooked Duck breast & Baba au Rhum. “Grape juice” pairing available! THB 1,390++ Reservations and full menu: dedos-restaurant.com 076 325 182 8 Lagoon Rd., Laguna, Cherng Talay.

26 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York 1. The board game Trivial Pursuit was invented in which country?

2. YouTube was bought for US$1.65 billion, in 2006, by which company?

3. What is the UK prime minister’s official country residence in Buckinghamshire called?

4. How many feet are in a fathom?

5. What was Victoria’s last name before she married David Beckham?

Answers below, centre

SUDOKU

Hard

Across 1. “Too bad” 5. 23 in blackjack 9. Dinner breads 14. Sacred Hindu writings 15. Dubai moneybags 16. First age in geologic history 17. “Your turn,” in radiospeak 18. Computer rule, faulty output=faulty input 19. Après-ski drink 20. Wooing with food and drink 23. Wood furniture 24. “___ moment” 25. Get moving 29. Tucked in 31. ___ Chocolate, 80’s band 34. Book with legends 35. Waste 36. Ali ___ 37. Send an over the top Valentine’s gift, e.g.

40. Spoils 41. New and used car 42. Cordial flavoring 43. Fireplace remains 44. School venues 45. Auction attendee 46. Seaman’s reference 47. Tennis segment

27. Hardly a speed demon 28. Playing marbles 29. Uses a knife 30. Belg.-based peacekeeping gp.

31. Polish sect member 32. Too weighty 33. High-voltage gun 35. Had had a dip 36. Come together 38. Used a sci-fi gun 39. Indian yogurt Down salad 1. Confess 44. Urban renewal 2. Jean maker target 3. Yemeni port 4. Hindu toga 45. Act mannerly 5. Odysseus disguise 46. Have at a budget, 6. Eskimo boat e.g.

7. Silent 47. Recipe direction communication 48. Fixes a hem 8. Stepped roughly 49. Canyon 9. Really moving phenomenon 10. Global warming 50. Landed concern 51. Desire 11. Places 52. Doing nothing 12. Celebrity 53. Glacial sand 13. Morphine deposit derivative, slangily 54.

Multivitamin 21. Sonic boom supplement 22. Long green 25. Persian Gulf port 55. Hightail it 56. Female 26. Community contraction character 48. Ended on a good note, romantically 57. Elaborate display 58. Mental creation 59. Mischievous 60. Card game 61. Serb, Croat description 62. Grimace 63. S African language 64. Blood pigment 65. Some receivers

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz: 1) Canada; 2) Google; 3) Chequers; 4) 13; 5) Adams

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history

1

Jan 19, 1883 The first electric lighting system employing overhead wires, built by Thomas Edison, begins service at Roselle, New Jersey.

11.3

Jan 20, 1225 The first English parliament to include not only Lords but also representatives of the major towns holds its first meeting in the Palace of Westminster, now commonly known as the “Houses of Parliament”.

teaspoon of honey is actually the lifework of 12 bees.

kilograms is how much candy the average American eats each year.

25

per cent of the world’s supply of hazelnuts is used to make Nutella.

38

Jan 21, 1911 Henri Rougier wins the first Monte Carlo Rally in a Turcat-Méry 25 Hp.

years old is how long the cat Creme Puff, of Austin, Texas, lived. He remains the longestliving cat on record.

Jan 22, 1984 The Apple Macintosh, the first consumer computer to popularize the computer mouse and the graphical user interface, is introduced during a Super Bowl XVIII commercial.

224 million

Jan 23, 1556 The deadliest earthquake in history, the Shaanxi earthquake, hits China.

The death toll may have been as high as 830,000.

Netflix subscribers – about 50% – watch a whole season of a TV show in just one week.

Jan 24, 1972 Japanese Sgt Shoichi Yokoi is found hiding in a Guam jungle, where he had been since the end of World War II.

1 billion

Chalong Bay sailing. Photo by Kirill Stashevskiy

Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to execeditor@classactmedia.co.th

people throughout the world will go to bed hungry tonight.

Jan 25, 1924 The 1924 Winter Olympics opens in Chamonix, in the French Alps, inaugurating the Winter Olympic Games.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

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Trades & Services

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ADVERTISING SERVICES

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Trades & Services

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

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classifieds@thephuketnews.com

POOL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

PRESONAL SERVICES

PROPERTY SERVICES

OTHER

ADVERTISE HERE

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CLASSIFIEDS 31

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Buy & Sell

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

BUSINESSES FOR SALE New Salon for SALE

Stylish brand-new salon with all equipment and stock for sale at Bang Tao Tinlay Market with all furniture and fixtures. Contact through email at: naveenmarapana@gmail.com or call Kunal on 080 370 6131 or Chin on 081 899 0919.

SURIN: LUXURIOUS BAR-RESTAURANT SALE

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

BOATS, YACHTS FOR SALE 6.2m Hypalon Stingray RIB

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

CARS, TRUCKS FOR SALE 2007 Toyota Fortuner Smart V

2007 Toyota Fortuner Smart V 4WD 3.0L diesel, black/tan/carbon fibre in great condition, 128,000km, single owner, tow hitch (never towed), recent brakes, rotors, tires, battery, belts, well maintained. Front seats typical wear and tear. Email: russbo@gmail.com or call 089 999 7597.

FINANCIAL, LEGAL Cryptocurrency Market Trading

If you can store your Bitcoin and purchase Cryptocurrency market Trading from TRC trade then you can loan your TRC and you get a day by day advantage. Your month-to-month benefit is up to 45% and your yearly benefit is likewise huge.

Email: taurusbit123@gmail.com or call 021 180 427.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Flat roof waterproofing

We do flat roof waterproofing with 20 year warranty by installing quality four layer slate spotted bitumen torch foil + crack repair! office@tcm-asia.com, 086 943 9834, 076 385 081.

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE Kawasaki Z300 ABS for Sale

Kawasaki Z300 ABS for sale. Good condition, from owner. Year: 2015. Colour: yellow and black. Price: 150,000 baht. Bo in Cherngtalay/Pasak, email: cherngtalay@gmail.com or Call 076 615 810 or 076 615 811.

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Property in Phuket!

Looking to buy property in Phuket?

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

REAL ESTATE SERVICES Chatta Real Estate

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE

PROPERTY FOR SALE RPM owner direct

Unique luxury condo 2 bed, 2 bath, 155sqm. Foreign FREE HOLD. Architect remodel. New Jacuzzi. Views to lake, mountain, marina, pool etc. Completely furnished to a high standard, toothbrush only required. Owner leaving Thailand.Priced at 16MB for quick sale. Contact Brian (Owner) 089 054 4354, 076 360 943. bggvirgo@ gmail.com RoyalPhuketMarinaCondos.com

sa nt e g r

U

le

Babylon Sky Garden Condominium

New Rawai Sea View Freehold Condominium with roof-top garden and 2 swimming pools. Rental Guarantee Program available 7% x 3yrs or 5% x 5yrs Starting price 3.5 mil THB. Email: sales@babylonskygarden.com or call 099 406 7068.

32 CLASSIFIEDS

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Buy & Sell

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

The Phuket News @thephuketnews

PROPERTY FOR SALE New Kamala house for sale

A-C , One bedroom, One livingroom, WCshower, WIFI, TV cable, 58sqm,terrace, Very quiet and secure place, Chanotte title. 2.5MB, 098 053 2042.

Freehold studio at low price

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

80m2 freehold condo in Patong

Freehold 80m2, 2-bedroom apartment in quiet condo with swimming pool in Patong. Ideal investment in most active tourist area in Phuket. B5.9 million, Michel GUILLIEN, Andaman Beach Suites, Unit 1604, Patong, Phuket. Email: mguillien@gmail.com or call 097 920 2339.

Property for Sale

Ocean View Kata.Fully furnished 1-bedroom condo 44.2.sqm."Sea and sunset views over Kata Bay". For details email: ianscondo21@gmail.com

KOH MAK ISLAND

3 rai with 50 metres of beach, 2 floor bungalow with 4-bedroom and living room. Very good/nice view from bungalow. About 2km from James Bond IslandÂť only 4.4 million baht, Jostein Pedersen, KOH MAK ISLAND. Email: jospeder@live.no or call 089 872 6895

PROPERTY FOR RENT Property 5 Mins Ao Po Grand Marina.

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

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

PROPERTY FOR SALE sa nt e g r

le

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Large Pool Villa For Sale

Large house for sale with private swimming U pool, 3 floors, walled garden with private parking and 656sqm of land. 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom with maid's room. Home office and nice outdoor living space by New Modern Villa 5 Mins Ao the pool. Located in Soi Kokyang - Saiyuan (Rawai/Naiharn Po Grand Marina. area). Just 5-mins from Naiharn Beach. Freehold by owner.

200 sqm, land 500 sqm, 3 bed- B12mn. Leena: ldewis77@gmail.com or 095 061 2868. rooms, 4 bathrooms, swimming pool, close to UWCT school. Including: pool/garden/ COMMUNITY wifi/TV.SAT/services. Google map: tiny.cc/deltaho.

Contact owner (Alain): mrdupouy@yahoo.fr. 65,000/ month, Alain, 57/3 Moo.3 Soi Ban Bang Pae,T. Paklok, T. Talang, Phuket 83110. Email: mrdupouy@yahoo.fr or call 081 893 5270.

5-bed pool villa, 1.2 Rai

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

JOBS

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

SPORT 33

Night run for gibbons Phuket Town fun run to raise funds for rehabilitation project FUN RUN The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

P

huket Vice Governor Thawornwat Khongkaew on Tuesday (Jan 16) chaired a press conference to introduce a charity event titled “Phuket Night Run for the Gibbons” that will be held on Feb 17 and which will support the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project (GRP) in Pa Khlok, Thalang.

The marathon event features a “night walk”, a fun run, and a mini- (night) marathon and will be held from 10:30pm until midnight on Saturday Feb 17, with the starting and finish points being in front of Limelight Avenue on Dibuk Rd in Phuket Town.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Phuket office Director Kanokkittika Kritwutikon, Associate Dean of Faculty of Tourism Management of Outdoor Education Centre from National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) Dr

A percentage of the money collected from the event will be donated to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Pa Khlok. Photo: Wild Animal Rescue Foundation Pithon Monpanthong, Secretary of the Wild Animal Rescue Foundation of Thailand (WARF) Tanapat Pay-

akpatorn and President of the Old Phuket Town Community Don Limnunthaphisit joined the press conference held at

Caddy Shack outed by ‘Asian flu’ POOL IT WAS A LL CH A NGE at the top of the Patong Pool League (PPL), sponsored by Thailand Pool Tables, following last Thursday’s (Jan 11) action as title favourites Natalie Bar were forced to have their game postponed to a later date due to a large number of their opponents Caddy Shack’s team going down with what they described as ‘Asian flu’.

The postponed game between Caddy Shack and Natalie Bar was scheduled to take place this week.

However, the postponed game, and a comfortable 3-8 away win to Simon & Oils

by Hole in One, who are also one of the top contenders to take this year’s PPL title, last Thursday meant that they took over the top spot in the table and now sit four points above second placed Ting Tong Bar and six points clear of favourites Natalie Bar, who now have a game in hand.

Elsewhere, Martin Swiss faced a red hot Happy End team and lost 4-7. The talented Nong Ploy of Martin Swiss played a very strong game against teacher Tak. However, at the end Tak’s @thephuketnews

League Standings

Red Light Bar’s Scott Griffin seen here in action against Wombat Bar. experience was decisive.

Following last week’s league action at Martin Swiss they held a killer competition which attracted some 16 players.

Meanwhile, Red Light won their second match of the season last Thursday picking up a well-earned 6-5 win against an always tough Wombat team.

This was a close game and

Hole in One Ting Tong Happy End Wet Dreams Wombat Martin Swiss Natalie Red Light Caddy Shack Simon Oil

27 23 22 22 22 21 21 (game in hand) 21 19 (game in hand) 11

very exciting one to watch.

The recent resurrection of Wet Dreams Bar was put to a swift stop last Thursday as they were defeated 5-6 by visiting bar Ting Tong.

The next round of the PPL was set to take place yesterday with spectators being welcome to any of the hosting bars to watch the action.

Matt Pond

Limelight Avenue.

“Nowadays, running is a very popular way to exercise as we can see from celebrity

Artiwara Kongmalai (Toon Bodyslam) who started the charity run “Kao Kon La Kao” which made people give more importance to running as an exercise,” V/ Gov Thavornwat said.

“Gover nor Nor raphat Plodthong has given an order to every local administrative organisation to hold activities to encourage teenagers and the public to have opportunities to work out and to have a sporting community, which will be beneficial for the nation in the future,” he added.

V/Gov Thavornwat noted that the Phuket Night Run will be different from other common running activities as participants will run at night time, which allows them to have a “different experience of running”.

“Especially during the Chinese New Year Festival when Phuket Town will be full with colorful decorations.

Another different thing is that the participants will not only enjoy running while seeing the Phuket Old Town, but also have a chance to donate

their money to the charity,” he said.

Ms Kanokkittika added, “TAT has a policy to support sport and tourism activities, and Phuket is considered an appropriate place to become a sport tourism destination. I think the Phuket Night Run is going to be successful. The activity will also promote tourism in the Phuket Old Town area to be more lively.”

Those interested can register on the event website www.phuketnightrun.com or call 081-878-7756. More information can be found on Facebook page: Phuket Night Run 2018.

The Night Walk will be 3.2 kilometres with a registration fee of B350.

The Night Fun Run will be 5.4km with a registration fee of B400.

And the mini- (night) marathon of 10.6km with a registration fee of B450.

B50 will be deducted from each registration and donated by the Phuket Night Run For the Gibbons Rehabilitation project.

34 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Industries come together Year-on-year the Phuket Oilfield Classic continues to grow GOLF The Phuket News editor3@thephuketnews.com

T

he first Phuket Oilfield Classic was held in April 2009 and was founded by 18 friends of Mark Cameron who attended his wedding in November 2008.

The plan was to have a reunion every year because everyone enjoyed the golf in Phuket so much, then it mushroomed into a full blown organised event for oil and gas industry professionals in the region.

As word spread around the Asian Pacific and beyond about the very successful inaugural event, the Phuket Oilfield Classic grew over the years and has supported many children’s charities locally, with nearly B10 million being raised throughout the country

by Mark from all the events he has organised through his

Mark and Graham arrive in Phuket on the golf buggy they drove for 32 days from Pattaya. company Asean Events.

Of course none of this would have been achieved without money being donated by all the participants and sponsors over the years.

This year is the 10th Anniversary of the event (20092018) and it has been a roller coaster of a ride to get to this

milestone for any event, let alone an event aimed specifically at the oil and gas industry, which as we know has been very badly hit by one of the worst oil slumps in history.

Mark Cameron the event organiser admits, “To get so many people to keep coming

back year after year and dig deep into their own pockets, to not only to pay to participate but also donate money to the charities, is remarkable.”

In 2015 prior to the arrival at the Phuket Oilfield Classic, Mark and his friend – Graham Haslam – broke a Guinness World Record by driving a

What’s on at the ACG Date

Time

Activity

Sun Jan 21

Midday

Friendly Local Cricket

Wed Jan 24

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Fri Jan 26

5pm

Sat Jan 27

2pm

Sun Jan 28

Midday

Children’s Cricket Coaching BISP Parents’ & Childrens’ Cricket Natures Playground

Wed Jan 31

5pm

Children’s Cricket Coaching

Sun Feb 4

10am

Start of new Super 8’s League

Children’s cricket coaching.

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS Run #1668: Saturday Jan 20 Run Start Time: 3:30pm Hares: Gorgeous You W*****, Lucky Lek, What-A-Rat Location: Cape Panwa Directions: Travel south on Sakdidet Rd (main road from Phuket Town to Cape Panwa) and after the left sweeping bend and right sweeping bend, pass Ban Ao Nam Bo School on your right. Continue for approximately 770 metres through the road widening upgrades and then turn right (HHH) into Soi Pattana U-Tid. There is a bright green building at this intersection and the road sign may be missing (due to roadworks). Continue for 580m up the hill and onto laager site on the left (HHH).

Bus pick-up: Kamala @ Black Cat’s Bar: 2pm Patong @ Expat Hotel: 2:30pm More info: phuket-hhh.com

The event brings together oil and gas industry workers from across the globe. golf buggy from the Hard Rock Café in Pattaya to the Hard Rock Café in Phuket. It took 32 long gruelling days in the intense Thailand heat and driving on the (now ranked) most dangerous roads in the world to set the Guinness World Record. Culminating in the total funds raised along the way to over B2mn for The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation which Graham represents, after the Phuket Oilfield Classic 2015.

Graham says, “Mark and I met in early 2009 when I attended a separate charity event Mark sponsored, we have been friends and associated through various fund raising activities – largely though Marks Asean Events – ever since.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Mark’s fund raising efforts for underprivileged Thai children for the past 10 years. He is larger than life and the sole reason for the success of this particular event – it is his relationship, personality and professional manner, why many of these golfers return year after year.”

FORE Management has this year joined forces with Asean Events to assist in the operational aspects of event on the ground; Chris Watson

MD of FORE Management says, “Mark and I discussed expanding our collaboration after successfully holding the first Bangkok Hospitality Challenge in November last year and it made perfect sense to continue our relationship by assisting Asean Events, from an operational perspective, at the Phuket Oilfield Classic 2018 due to Mark’s other work commitments in Oman.”

The Phuket Oilfield Classic 10 year celebrations will bring, as always, a boost to the local economy from all the overseas visitors to the island and once again improve the lives of many Thai children with the funds raised during the event. The event will once again support the great efforts at The Phuket Has Been Good To Us Foundation (PHBGTU) Anyone wishing to participate or support the event in any way should contact Mark Cameron on the details below or Graham Haslam from PHBGTU who can be contacted directly through the charity.

Tel: +66 614866736 (Thailand) or +968 91373768 (Oman) The Phuket News is proud media sponsor of this event.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

SPORT 35

PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Guardiola urges City to learn from Anfield pain FOOTBALL

AFP

P

ep Guardiola has challenged his Manchester City stars to use their dramatic 4-3 defeat at Liverpool as a warning to guard against complacency.

Guardiola’s side saw their 30-match unbeaten run in the Premier League come to a stunning end at Anfield last Sunday (Jan 14).

The leaders fell behind to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early opener and although Leroy Sane equalised before half-time, City were blown away by three goals in nine second half minutes from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Although late goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan put a flattering gloss on the score sheet, City boss Guardiola had no complaints about his side’s first league defeat since April 5 at Chelsea.

It was City’s first domestic defeat since an FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal on April 23.

Conceding that all the talk of City winning the title at a canter and possibly going unbeaten throughout the entire season made it hard to keep his players motivated, the Spaniard said: “In every press conference for the last few months you have said that the Premier League is done.

“I always said no. It is still to be done. Sometimes the worse thing is when people say from one month ago that it is over.

“It’s so difficult to maintain this run, especially against good teams like Liverpool.

“Football is an unpredictable game. We have to fight

@thephuketnews

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola stands at the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield last Sunday (Jan 14). Photo: Oli Scarff / AFP until the end to win the league.”

Guardiola admitted City had lost their composure in the second half after being rattled

by Liverpool’s relentless pressing and the ferocious Anfield atmosphere.

“We lost a lot of balls.

Liverpool are so aggressive without the ball and we had little bit of a problem to control that,” he said.

“We started the second half good until the goal from Firmino. After that we lost our control and we become involved in the environment at Anfield.”

Although City’s lead at the top was cut to 12 points following Manchester United beating Stoke on Tuesday (Jan 16), they remain firm favourites for the title.

Guardiola, who will be without defender Fabian Delph for several weeks after his first half injury, believes City will use their Anfield frustration to bounce back in their next game against Newcastle on Sunday (Jan 21).

“Now we must be positive, analyse why we lost and look to the game against Newcastle,” said Guardiola.

“It’s never good news to

lose, but when you lose it’s important not to lose again.

“We have a young team and maybe it can be good for the future.

“I’ve won a lot of titles and always I've dropped points on the way.”

For Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp the victory was a cathartic moment after City thrashed his team 5-0 earlier this season.

It was also significant because it proved Liverpool can still thrive without Brazil forward Philippe Coutinho, who got his wish to join Barcelona

earlier this month.

“To score four in the week after Phil Coutinho leaves the club is a very big statement,” Klopp said.

“It’s not like we held a meeting and said ‘guys can you win today because then no-one will talk about Phil.’

“But of course it was important to show it’s possible to play well without him.”

Unlike the rest of the Premier League this season, Liverpool found the formula to knock City out of their stride.

Klopp believes the game – undoubtedly one of the best in England this term – showed the need to be fearless when facing a team of City’s class.

“Maybe it was a historical game, it could be the only one they lose in the entire season,” Klopp said.

“They are so strong but I really think we deserved it. You need to be brave, you need to play football.

“You can sit in your box and hope they don’t score but that’s not really likely.

“We are Liverpool, so we shouldn’t play that way. We have to attack. There is no alternative against City.”

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change

SPORT START STOP Saturday January 19 Tennis 15:00 19:00 Cricket 10:20 18:30 Saturday January 20 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 20:00 22:00 22:15 00:10 00:30 02:30 Rugby Union 22:00 00:00 Soccer 19:30 21:30 22:00 00:00 00:30 02:30 Soccer 22:00 00:00 22:00 00:00 Tennis 15:00 19:00 Sunday January 21 Rugby Union 20:00 22:00 22:10 00:10 Rugby Union 22:10 00:00 Tennis 15:00 19:00 Soccer 23:00 01:00 Cricket 10:20 18:30

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Aussie Open – Night 6 ODI2 - Brisbane

Melbourne, Rnd 3 Australia v England

European Champ Cup European Champ Cup European Champ Cup European Champ Cup Guinness Pro 14 EPL EPL EPL EPL EPL Aussie Open – Night 7

Montpelier v. Leinster Glasgow v. Exeter Saracens v. Northampton Scarlets v. Toulon Cheetahs v. Southern Kings Brighton v. Chelsea Burnley v. Man United Man City v. Newcastle Arsenal v. Crystal Palace Everton v. West Bromwich Melbourne, Rnd 3

European Champ Cup European Champ Cup European Champ Cup Aussie Open – Night 8 EPL ODI3 - Sydney

Munster v. Castres La Rochelle v. Harlequins Wasps v. Ulster Melbourne, Rnd 3 Southampton v. Tottenham Australia v England

MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

The overall competition winner will receive a 3 day/2 night stay in a Sri Panwa one bedroom luxury private pool villa including daily breakfast plus a 120 minute spa treatment for two persons. Total prize value: B123,000 The monthly competition winner for January 2018 will receive a B3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tool's Karon Beach.

EPL PREDICTIONS MONTHLY STANDINGS

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

OVERALL STANDINGS

poonchai 14 AOR 13 celticpride 12 Griffsbar 12 malcmanning 12

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

thailand express 130 TC 127 adamrosindale 124 malcmanning 124 scottkip 124

English Premier League 2017 - 2018 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Team

MP

W

D

L

F

A

GD

Pts

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

23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23 23

20 15 13 14 13 11 9 8 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 5 3 4

2 5 8 5 5 6 7 7 6 5 7 7 6 6 5 8 9 5 10 5

1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 10 11 10 10 11 11 12 10 10 13 10 14

67 48 54 41 46 41 19 34 25 33 29 21 24 19 21 17 23 23 18 14

17 16 28 16 21 30 20 32 38 42 41 33 35 39 31 29 34 50 30 35

+50 +32 +26 +25 +25 +11 -1 +2 -13 -9 -12 -12 -11 -20 -10 -12 -11 -27 -12 -21

62 50 47 47 44 39 34 31 27 26 25 25 24 24 23 23 21 20 19 17

Premier League fixtures Saturday January 20 Match

Time in Thailand

Brighton

vs

Chelsea

Arsenal

vs

Crystal Palace

10pm

Burnley

vs

Man Utd

10pm

Everton

vs

West Brom

10pm

Leicester

vs

Watford

10pm

Stoke

vs

Huddersfield

10pm

West Ham

vs

Bournemouth

10pm

7:30pm

Sunday January 21 Match

Time in Thailand

Man City

vs

Newcastle

Southampton

vs

Spurs

12:30am 11pm

Tuesday January 23 Match Swansea

vs

Time in Thailand Liverpool

3am

Sport

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

editor3@classactmedia.co.th

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018

Fun run for Gibbon Rehabilitation Project > p33

NITCHAON WANTS MORE

Phuket shuttler hopes for back-to-back titles after Thailand Masters BADMINTON The Phuket News editor3@classactmedia.co.th

N

itchaon Jindapol will try to win back-toback titles at this week’s HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 Perodua Malaysia Masters 2018 being held at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur after she took her second title in a space of three months last Sunday.

The 26-year-old from Phuket has been in good form since late last year, winning two titles at the Bitburger Open in Germany last November and the Princess Sirivannavari Thailand Masters last Sunday (Jan 14).

The world No.13 beat compatriot Pornpawee Chochuwong in last Sunday’s final for the

women’s singles title.

It was Thai shuttlers most successful campaign in the third edition of the annual tournament claiming three titles.

Nitchaon, Jongkolphan Kititharakul, Rawinda Prajongjai, Tinn Isriyanet and Kittisak Namdash delighted the home crowd at Bangkok’s Nimibutr Stadium after winning the women’s singles, women’s doubles and men’s doubles honours respectively.

In the first two editions of the tournament, Ratchanok Intanon (2016) and Busanan Ongbamrungphan (2017) were the only Thai winners, both bagging the women’s singles titles.

The 2017 champion Busanan, who beat world No.20 Aya Ohori of Japan in last year’s decider, had pulled out of the US$150,000 (approximately

Phuket girl Nitchaon Jindapol celebrates after beating Tai TzuYing of Taiwan during their women’s singles quarterfinal match at the Indonesia Open badminton tournament in Jakarta in June last year. Photo: Goh Chai Hin / AFP B4.9 million) BWF World Tour Super 300 tournament because of an ankle injury.

The only blemish in an otherwise perfect final day for the Kingdom was Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Puttita Supajirakul’s loss in the mixed

doubles decider.

Phuket born top seed Nitchaon beat compatriot Pornpawee Chochuwong 21-11, 21-18 to win the women’s singles title.

T he tou r na ment was launched in 2016 in honour of HRH Princess Sirivannavari

Nariratana, a former national team player who won gold in the women’s team event at the 2005 SEA Games.

Nitchaon had few problems in the first round in Malaysia where she faced qualifier Delphine Lansac of France in her first round match on Wednesday (Jan 17).

Meanwhile, world No.5 Ratchanok Intanon also begun her 2018 campaign in Kuala Lumpur.

The 22-year-old, who did not play at last week’s Thailand Masters, beat world No.24 Fitriani Fitriani of Indonesia in her opening game also on Wednesday.

“I am well-prepared and have been training hard for the new season,” Ratchanok said.

She will play over three consecutive weeks in Malaysia, Indonesia and India.

“I have set a higher target for this year because I am now fit after nagging injuries last year,” said the 2013 world champion.

Like Nitchaon, Ratchanok has also enjoyed a good run since late last year when she won the Denmark Open in October and reached the semi-finals of the BWF World Superseries Finals last month.

Meanwhile, Khunying Pat a ma L eeswa dt r a k u l, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand (BAT), said officials from the Badminton World Federation praised the BAT for organising the Thailand Masters in a befitting manner.

She added that it was a good start to 2018 for Thai badminton as its players won a record three titles at the Thailand Masters.

thephuketnews