20-02-2015

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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Friday February 20– Thursday February 26, 2015

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PATONG VENDORS: WE WANT OUR BEACH BACK> PAGE 7

‘EATING’ OKAYED

CIGARETTES & ALCOHOL OUT, BUT BEVERAGES, SNACKS AND SOM TAM TOLERATED ‘IF WASTE-FREE’ Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

A

ddressing confusion stirred-up when local media reported this past week that eating was no longer allowed on Phuket beaches, Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong has clarified that eating is in fact allowed.

Speaking to The Phuket News, Gov Nisit said that his comments about food – made at a meeting on

Tuesday (February 17), held to clarify details of the beach management system – were not aimed at eating, but at keeping beaches garbage free.

He was in fact referring to a long existing law, Section 20 of the Public Health Act (2535BE), which stipulates that the environment of public spaces must be kept clean, prohibiting the disposal of waste – defined as “food scraps, food containers, paper or plastic packaging, manure and human waste (which includes) faeces, urine

or anything that is foul or filthy”.

Gov Nisit said “Snacks such as crisps and pre-packed items are okay, however, when it comes to dishes such as Som Tam, rice-dishes and other common “beach foods”, those who choose to eat them should ensure that they keep the beaches garbage free.”

He said the main target of the regulation is garbage deriving from disposable bags and polystyrene containers, as these are a large source of garbage.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Phuket currently produces no less than 700 tonnes of solid waste per day, the current incineration capacity.

He noted that most of the food waste on Phuket beaches comes from vendors, who are forbidden by Section 34 of the Public Health Act to sell food on all public land without a permit.

Despite this law, and the government’s mandate to enforce it, some business operators have continued to defy the rules.

NEWS

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February festive spirit in Phuket is coming alive

LIFE

PAGE 11

One night in Hong Kong with no money

SPORT

PAGE 27

Phuket set for first home game this Sunday

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Abandoned babies being taken care of at orphanage > page 5

Governor slams police for beach order enforcement tactics

CONFUSION OVER THE rules governing Phuket beaches continues, with the governor on Monday (February 16) slamming local police tactics to “enforce” regulations governing sun loungers outside designated zones.

The meeting was held to address unfounded rumours that tourists were being arrested for bringing sun loungers on the beach.

“I have never ordered anyone to arrest tourists, but [my mandate was to arrest] beach business operators that occupy beach land for personal profit.”

“I had a meeting with police Sunday (February 15) to clarify the understanding again.

I understand that it takes time for tourists to know about the new rules.”

The governor went on to slam communication tactics employed by police at Surin, Kamala and Patong last weekend, referring to the dis-

A hotel staffer offers beverages to tourists at Kamala Beach on February 18.

semination of confusing and mistranslated flyers.

The flyers had two different messages, in Thai and English.

The Thai message was clear: “Don’t place beds on the area of the beach . No exception” However, the English message prompted nothing but itchy scalps, as it read, “No Summer dream on beach, start

February 12”.

Gov Nisit said he did not order for any such flyers to be disseminated and he warned officers not to distribute any more such messages.

“Tourists can still bring mats, sheets or cushions and use them outside the 10 per cent zoning area where umbrellas are allowed,” he confirmed .

Shedding light on beach issue

Continued from front page The Phuket News inspected the situation at Kamala Beach on February 18, and met a group of vendors who were clearly selling beverages on the sand.

The Phuket News understands that there are at least 16 illegal vendors at Kamala, of whom at least nine have received citations for violating the regulation.

“Nine of us have cases that are in the court now but I still see big hotels still can put beach loungers and umbrellas on the prohibited zones,” Chalermkiet Thonghom, a beverage business operator who claims to have worked on the beach for more than 10 years told The Phuket News.

“Tourism will be destroyed … tourists here who usually visit my shop every year have changed their destinations like Vietnam, Mexico and Indonesia … The people who are here already said they will not come back anymore.”

THE REAL ISSUE: Eating is not the problem, the problem is commercial food options that generate beach waste.

The Phuket News also found one privately-owned plot of land next to the beach, where between 7 to 10 vendors were legitimately selling beverages.

On February 18, Vice Governor clarified to The Phuket News that no vendors should be permitted to sell anything on the sand, in accordance with the aforementioned law.

And while he acknowledged that vendors at many popular beaches are still defiant of this mandate, the government will continue to uphold the law.

At the meeting in Phuket Town on Monday, Phuket Police Commander, Pol Maj Gen Pachara Boonprasit, confirmed that local law enforcement will continue to pursue illegal vendors who defy the law.

“There are 115 cases [of illegal food vendor violations being processed] at Karon police station, 27 of which were sent to court and another 62 cases [investigated by] Kathu police station, with eight of them charged and currently being processed by the court.”

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

3

90 day online reporting does not apply to Phuket Denis Riabtcev, 32, (left) and Mikhail Mokratcov, 45, will be barred from Thailand for five years.

Russians nabbed for visa overstays

TWO RUSSIAN NATIONals face being blacklisted from Thailand after being found to have overstayed their visas after being stopped by Immigration police in Nai Harn last Wednesday afternoon (February 11).

Immigration police were on duty in Nai Harn and first noticed Denis Riabtcev, 32, acting suspiciously. They stopped him and asked for his passport, which he did not have in his possesion.

After checking, immigration police found that he had entered Thailand on a 30-day visa on December 8, 2014. The immigartion police then stopped Mikhail Mokratcov, 45, and found that he had entered Thailand on August 9 2014. Both men admitted overstaying and were taken to Chalong police station.

Phuket Immigration Chief, Lt Col Tienchai Chompoo told The Phuket News, “After being questioned they will be [kicked] out of Thailand.

“If we find other cases they will be treated the same. According to the law, if offenders are caught in Thailand without valid permits to stay and have overstayed less than one year they are forbidden from re-entering the kingdom for five years.”

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gration office

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS Matt Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

Q:

I’m an expat living here in Phuket, is it possible for me to do my 90-day report online? Mike in Rawai

A:

Although Thai Immigration has confirmed it is now possible to make your Notification of Staying in the Kingdom over 90 Days online, The Phuket News has received clarification that this only relates to Bangkok.

Speaking to The Phuket News, Phuket Immigration’s Superintendent Pol Col Sanchai Chotkayaikit said, “Actually, expat foreigners must still report themselves to the Immigration Office.

“The online system has some strong and weak points and it is not yet ready to be used in Phuket. However, we believe that it could be available as soon as April.”

Along with reporting directly to the immigation office,

Although it is not yet possible to do your 90 online, you can still do it by post. it is also still possible to do your 90 day report by post.

A team member here at The Phuket News, Anton Makhrov, has recently used the postal service, and although he says the process is slow, it is worth doing, as long as you send your paperwork at least two weeks prior to your reporting date.

According to Thaivisa. com, the online system only works with Internet Explorer but it will be possible to do your 90 day report with other browsers soon.

Requirements for notify-

ing by mail: Photocopy of passport pages with following pages front page showing name / surname / Passport No., etc. current visa last entry stamp of immigration last extension of visa 1. Photocopy of departure card TM.6 2. Previous notifications of staying over 90 days (if any) 3. Completely filled in and signed notification form TM.47 (Don’t forget to sign your name.)

Notice: Your registered mail must be sent to the Immigration office at least 15 days before the due date of notification.

Your new form will be stamped as of the expiration date of your old receipt.

Please keep your receipt of your registered mail in case of lost mail.

Your document can not be processed if you have passed the 90 days limit. (You must go to the nearest immigration office or Immigration Division 1 in person to pay a fine of 2,000 Baht) Waiting for reply mail over 1 month, please contact Immigration Office with your registered mail receipt.

4. Envelope with B10 stamp affixed and return address of foreigner for the officer in charge to send back the lower part of form TM. 47 after having received the notification. This part must be kept for reference and for future notifications of staying Phuket Immigration Office, Phuket Town 482 Phuket Road over 90 days.

5. T h e a b o v e m e n - Tel. (076) 221905 tioned documents must be sent by registered mail and Do you have any Phuketthe receipt of the registra- s p e c i f i c q u e s t i o n s tion kept by the foreigner. n e e d i n g a n s we r e d ?

Send the mail before the re- Please email editor@ newal date 15 days to Immi- classactmedia.co.th

SUV driver in Kamala Hill smash charged with reckless driving A CHEVROLET CAPTIVA SUV AND a Toyota mini-van collided on Kamala Hill on Valentine̕s Day night (February 14) leaving three injured people, two of which were Russian tourists.

At 11pm, Lt Prasert Tongprom led Kamala police and rescue workers from the Kamala OrBorTor to the accident scene after receiving a call about the incident and traffic problems in the area.

Upon arrival, police saw the Toyota mini-van with its windscreen and front left wing damaged. The driver of the van was still inside trapped between his seat and the steering wheel.

The driver was still conscious and

The car and van involed in the Kamala hill collision. complained of chest pains when he was rescued. One Russian woman, bleeding from her mouth, was in the back of the van with her husband.

Police took all three, named as Pan-

ya Srikacha, 47 (the van driver), and Mr Bulatovskii Yuri and Ms Alexeenko Irina, 29, to Patong hospital for treatment.

The Chevrolet, driven by Pramote Suthipitak, 36, from Nakorn Sri Tham-

marat also had damage to its front left wing and its front wheel had come off.

However, Pramote had only suffered minor injuries.

Pramote told police “I reached down to get a battery charger for my phone when I lost control of my vehicle.”

Witnesses told police that the Chevrolet collided head on with the van that was coming from the Patong area.

Kamala Police Snr Sgt Maj Prateep Pongsit has told The Phuket News that Pramote has been charged with reckless driving causing injury and has been released on bail awaiting trial.

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Missing girl from Ranong found in Phuket A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL, Saowalak Tubpan, from Ranong province, who was feared missing was found by her mother who had travelled to Phuket from Ranong in order to locate her. The mother told The Phuket News that the girl was safe and was staying with her friend who lives in Rawai.

On Sunday (February 15), Miss Saowalak had told her brother that she was going to Phuket to see her friend at Chalong Temple.

She was feared missing after not returning home. She was due to take an exam on Monday (February 16).

Police initially told The Phuket News that they were unsure whether the girl did in fact arrive in Phuket, but did have confirmation that she had boarded a Phuket-bound bus from Ranong at around 2pm on Sunday (February 15).

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129 illegal tuktuks could be made legal Nattha Thepbamrung reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

Monitor lizard beaten to death in Krabi

P

huket authorities are considering legalising a further 129 tuk-tuks following reports from the Phuket Tuk-Tuk Union that the operators of the tuk-tuks have been working illegally for around a decade.

Details of the move were revealed at a meeting chaired

by Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuthirak last Friday (February 13).

President of the Phuket Tuk-Tuk Union, Darun Suksai said, “These tuk-tuk drivers have not registered with any company or the union.

I have gathered a list of them and wish to put them in the system.

“I have also ordered GPS (devices) for these tuk-tuks so they can reach the service standard.”

However, V/Gov Somkiet offered another idea.

“In 2002, there was a mob of illegal tuk-tuk drivers who gathered at Provincial Hall.

At that time we legalised around 300 more operators.

There was a promise made that no more tuk-tuks would be added in the future.

“Authorities have to follow the law not to legalise more illegal tuk-tuks,” he said.

Meanwhile, Teeray ut Prasertpol, Chief of Provincial Land Transport Office (PLTO) made a suggestion about the the additional tuk-tuks saying the authorities will check the current 1,300 registered tuk-

tuks to see how many of them are not really working.

“I’m sure that there are some of them that are registered but not working. We will replace those with the 129 new operators.

“However, I will have to negotiate with them and the three companies (who hold the driving permits and with whom the operators are registered with).

“In our next meeting, we will bring the three companies and the union to discuss this together to find a final solution,” he said.

A MONITOR LIZARD measuring nearly two metres in length is believed to have been beaten to death by construction workers in Krabi last weekend.

At about 4pm on Sunday (February 15), reporters had heard news that construction workers in Krabi found a giant Monitor lizard near Tha Reur Rd in Paknam.

Witnesses said they had never seen an animal of this size in the area before.

The male Monitor lizard, which measured 1.8 metres-long and weighed 40 kilos, had suffered wounds all over its body and appeared to have been beaten severely near its tail.

Chatchai Saraban, 24, who lives on the workcamp said, “I was pulling a box of tiles near the walkway of the workcamp when I noticed a tail. I thought it belonged to a crocodile so I poked it with a stick.

“I was frightened when I found out what it was and called my co-workers for help.

“We hit it several times but it did not respond,” said Chatchai.

Nearby residents assumed that the animal came from the forest nearby and had come to the workcamp to find food.

They believe it was beaten to death when the workers found out that it had eaten some chickens at their camp. thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PHUKET NEWS

5

Two abandoned infants now in orphanage care Phuket News Reporters

T

wo infant Phuket babies, who were recently abandoned in separate incidents exactly one week apart, are healthy and have been placed into orphanage care at Koh Siray, The Phuket News has learned.

Staffers at both Thalang Hospital and Vahira Hospital confirmed with The Phuket News on Wednesday (February 18) that the babies –a 3.7-kilogramme baby girl ditched inside a curbside trash bin in Thalang on February 6, and a 2.5kg infant boy left in a Phuket parking lot shopping cart on February 13 – have been placed in the care of the Home for Children and Family in Koh Siray (076-213-315).

According to Thalang Hospital staffer, Ms Aporn Nuansakul, the baby girl was only the third abandoned baby they’d received in the past three to five years.

In contrast, a staffer at

This little boy was left in a shopping cart at Tesco Lotus on the bypass road.

Vachira Hospital, who asked not to be named, said that this was the fourth abandoned baby they’d received over the past year.

The staffers concurred that once an abandoned baby is placed in their care a physician will conduct a health

examination.

Once clear, the baby will then be sent to the orphanage in Koh Siray, where they will remain until either family members come forward to make a claim, or someone petitions for an adoption.

The Phuket News contacted

Patong Coral Reef Restoration kicks-off MORE THAN 150 DIVERS and nature lovers gathered at Patong Bay Sunday (February 15) to take part in the Patong Coral Reef Restoration project.

The project is a cooperative effort between the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources and the private sector. Presiding over the opening ceremony was Patong mayor Chalermluck Kebsab.

Participants in the activity, consisting mainly of divers, were asked to rescue damaged coral by taking it to a nursery, and by putting coral embryos into the sea.

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Other tasks included garbage collection under the sea, and the repair of buoys.

The campaign is expected to speed up recovery of the coral reefs in Patong Bay which has

been affected by pollution, and increase in number of the coral-eating star fish, and the disaster of the 2004 Tsunami.

National News Bureau Thailand

the orphanage, who were unable to provide any comment about the status of the two babies at this time.

Desperate mums The infant baby boy found by shoppers in the parking lot of the Tesco Lotus Phuket

branch shopping centre, was alert yet oblivious to the large crowd of sympathetic onlookers.

Witnesses said they had seen two teen girls ride in on a motorbike (of an unidentified make) from Yaowarat Rd, to make a speedy delivery to the cart near the side entrance of the shopping centre, before fleeing the scene via the bypass rd.

Staff quickly alerted authorities, who dispatched a crew from Vachira hospital. It was speculated that the young boy had been abandoned by unwilling and unable teen parents.

The boy was healthy although he weighed only 2.5 kilos, suggesting he had only been a few weeks old at most.

The incident follows an even more disturbing case of baby abandonment exactly one week prior, when on the evening of February 6, Thalang police were alerted that a baby girl was found discarded in a trash bag in front of a house

in Thalang’s Sisunthon neighborhood.

A resident, Mr Manit Limmanee was walking home when he heard a faint cry coming from inside a trash bin. He inspected and was shocked to find a crying baby, wrapped in towels and placed inside a black plastic bag.

He immediately alerted authorities, and the baby was rushed to Thalang Hospital, where the baby weighed in at 3.7 kilos.

Staff initially reported that a wire string was still attached to the umbilical cord, and presumed it was used to rudimentarily remove the cord Witnesses in the neighbourhood recalled spotting a teenage girl on an unidentified motorbike, who had suspiciously and frantically dumped a black bag inside the said bin, before fleeing the scene.

Police in both cases are investigating CCTV in hope to track down the babies’ mothers for questioning. .

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Three French tourists injured after van flips Eakkapop Thongtub editor@classactmedia.co.th

The ten-wheeler smashed into a mini-van at a red light.

One killed, three others injured in multi-vehicle crash ONE PERSON WAS KILLED and three people were injured in a freak accident last Thursday morning (February 12) involving multiple vehicles at the Old Airport Rd junction on Thepkrasattri Rd. The Phuket News was originally alerted to the accident by eye-witnesses who said that there was heavy traffic in the area.

CCTV footage from the junction showed a mini-van, heading north, stopped at a red light at the Old Airport Rd. A speeding ten-wheeler truck slammed into the back

of the van, pushing it across to the opposite side of the road hitting one car and two motorcycles on its way.

The driver of one motorcycle, later named as Utith Zhaiyang, 34, from Chiang Mai province was killed instantly.

The truck ended up lying on its side at the wooded verge at the side of the road.

It took rescue workers several hours to cut the driver of the truck from his cab. He and two other people from the second motorcycle were taken to Thalang Hospital.

T

hree French tourists were injured after the van they were travelling in crashed on the way to the airport Tuesday afternoon (February 17).

At 1:15pm, Tahchatchai Investigator, Lt Col Watcharin Jiratikarnwiwat, received a call to investigate an accident where a mini-van had overturned on the central reservation of Baan Meang Mai – Airport Rd, about 350 metres from Thalang Technical College.

Upon arrival at the scene, police and rescue workers saw the wrecked Phuket registered Toyota mini-van belonging to the Persona Travel Company.

The van crashed on a curved part of the road and took out a lamp post in the process.

The three injured French tourists were all taken to Thalang Hospital. One had suffered a broken leg, one a broken arm and the other only minor injuries.

The three French tourists were lucky not to have suffered more severe injuries.

The victims were later named as Yassine Bouhou, 31, Frank Andre Alfred Leguelle, 33, and Sertac Akkurt, 26.

The van driver, Piboon Uthairangsi, 42, from Pattalung, said he picked up the

Rotary Club Phuket blood donation day SEVEN PHUKET ROTARY Clubs have joined together with the Thai Red Cross Society to hold a special blood donation event at Central Festival Phuket on Monday (February 23) in celebration of International Rotary Establishment Day. The event will take place on the 3rd floor opposite the B2S shop and will run from from 11am to 4pm.

For more information, please contact Khun Kanokkorn on 081-535-2527.

three tourists from Patong and was on his way to drop them off at Phuket International Airport. He was not injured in the crash.

“I lost control of the vehicle on the bend when my right

tyre burst. The van flipped in the air and landed on the central reservation,” he said.

Police took the driver to Thachatchai station and faces possible charges of reckless driving.

Five arrested in Valentine’s anti-drug and crime campaign F I V E PE O PL E W E R E arrested in Patong last Friday (February 13) for drug or gun related crimes during a Valentine’s anti-drug and crime campaign. Kathu police, led

by Lt Col Suthichai Tienpo, launched the campaign with the help of undercover offices.

The undercover officers started the campaign in Patong and bought drugs from two suspects. This led to three more

arrests. The five suspects and the crimes they were arrested for are as follows: Thanatip Kongyen, 19, was found in possession of .40 grams of ya ice (Crystal meth), a home-made pen gun, seven .9mm bullets, 13 .45mm bullets, 22 .44mm bullets and 3 12 gauge shotgun shells.

Thanatip is to be charged with possession of a Category 1 with intent to sell, and illegal possession of firearm and ammunitions.

Tiemsil Suwanmanee, 36, with .70 grams of ya ice.

Jadsada Katenikom, 19, and Wason Teppipit, 23, police bought .43 grams of ya ice from them and found .38 grams more after a search of their rented room.

Supaporn Kwanjai 33 with .30 grams of ya ice.

Tiemsil, Jadsada, Wason and Supaporn were charged with possession of a Category 1 with intent to sell. thephuketnews

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7

Patong vendors: We want our beach back Tanyaluk Sakoot

reporter2@classactmedia.co.th

A

representative of the Patong Vendors Club is adamant that beach vendors should be allowed to make money from selling goods on the beach just as they did before.

The revelations came after the Department of Skill Development offered free training including accommodation to the vendors on Tuesday (February 17).

The Department of Skill Development met with a number of vendors who had come to listen to details of the training which included bartending, massage, cooking, food and beverage services, computer repairs, electrical work, air-conditioning maintenance and sewing.

Some vendors decided to take the paperwork for the training but appeared to be uninterested in actually signing up.

Head of the Patong Sunbed Club, Ampien Tientin, told The Phuket News, “We knew what they would offer but we want to return to the

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Jakkarin Jareujit (far left) and Head of the Patong Sunbed Club, Ampien Tientin (far right). beach. We have been working for 40 years on public spaces even though we knew about the law. Why did the municipality allow this before?”

Jakkarin Jareujit, a member of

Patong Vendors Club, who is at the forefront of leading the campaigners to return to the beach said, “We think the Department of Skill Development should join with us

to deal with the sunbed issue. This has not been solved yet.

“We want sunbeds back on the beaches.

“I have to wonder whether of-

ficials have listened to or know the comments from tourists.

“Some of them told me ʻThis is the last time we will travel to Phuket,’ and this is because there are no chairs or sunbeds here,” he said.

Mr Ampien went on to say, “We have tried the five zones plan introduced by the Governor and local officials. But we were only allowed to work in a 10 per cent zone. It does not work because it is not enough for tourism.”

Mr Jakkarin added, “We have tried many times to figure it out. I hope they [tourists] will understand that officials have taken chairs [sunbeds] out of tourism. It does not make sense.

“Some tourists cannot lay down because they are older or have come to recover from an operation. We want to reclaim the sunbed service.”

Mr Ampien claimed, “I guarantee that we are a real tourism service and we welcome tourists.”

Officials at the Department of Skill Development calmly offered the vendors the papers and politely advised them that registration is open until April 2.

PHUKET NEWS

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

‘GONG XI FA CAI’ PHUKET

Lots of February festive flare to mark Lunar New Year on the island Steven Layne

editor@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Thai and Chinese celebratory spirit is alive and thriving in Phuket through to the end of the month, with a number of activities coinciding with and marking the “Lunar New Year.”

Since Wednesday (February 18) many Thais of Chinese ancestry in Phuket have been enjoying an annual, unofficial break from work and school in observance of the start of the Lunar New Year.

The Spring Festival, which is observed and celebrated by billions around the world, starts with the New Moon of Chinese New Year, and concludes 15 days later on the Full Moon, marked by the Lantern Festival.

Internationally, the first official day of Chinese New Year was on Thursday (January 19); which in the western hemisphere coincided with the first waxing moon of the new month.

However, according to the

ITINERARY The Old Phuket Town Festival is going to be held from February 26-28 at Queen Sirikit 72 Years Chalearmprakiet Park with a parade and lots of performances lined up.

February 26 16.00 - Cultural Parade 18.00 - Respect paying ceremony to Guan Yin and Sea Dragon plus a music performance from Koh Khai 19.00 - Opening Ceremony by Boonsri Hongsyok accompanied by Governor Nisit Jansomwong and Mayor Somjai Suwansupana 20.30-22.30 - Performances from students of Municipal schools 22.30 - God worshiping February 27 19.30-24.00 - Cultural performance from the People’s Republic of China plus local foods and performances from students of Municipal schools February 28 19.30-24.00 - Cultural performance from the People’s Republic of China plus local foods and performances from students of Municipal schools During the festival, there will also be street shows, performances from artists, local exhibitions and much more.

Thai lunar calendar, which derives from ancient Indian and Chinese lunar observances, the first waxing moon of the new month (Keun n um คืนหน ึง่ ค่�ำ in Thai) was on January 18.

In Chinese tradition, February 18 this year was known as Chuxi, the last day of the previous year – similar to New

The celebrations on the island will culminate with the Phuket Old Town Festival, which starts on February 26.

Year’s Eve in the West – while Thursday, was Chuyi, the first day of the new year.

Festive Spirit This weekend, Chinese people throughout the world have taken a break from their busy work schedules so as to reunite with family, having cleaned

their homes spick and span, to make way for a whole lot of feasting and leisurely trips to popular, local attractions.

Most ethnic Chinese in Thailand are expected to return to school, work and business as usual by Monday, February 23.

During the Spring Festival,

streets and homes – throughout China, in China Town neighbourhoods worldwide, and right here in the Old Town district of Phuket Town – are festively adjourned with traditional Chinese lanterns.

The observance traditionally climaxes with the Lantern Festival, which this years falls

on March 4 and 5.

Here in Phuket, the festive spirit will culminate with street festivals across Phuket Town this weekend and next.

Coinciding this year with the Lunar New Year weekend, the Wat Chalong temple fair, featuring crowds, lights, food, shopping, fun and games galore – is now open and will conclude this Sunday, February 22.

Festivities in the heart of Phuket Town will flare up again next Thursday, February 26, with the start of the Phuket Old Town Festival.

T he fe st ival w i l l b e launched with a colorful, culturally-themed parade on Thursday afternoon, with the festivities to continue on the evenings of the next three days, featuring a pedestrianfriendly street fair taking place throughout the Old Town district.

The festival wraps up on Saturday, February 28, but the Lard Yai “Walking Street” market is scheduled to take place as usual, on Sunday night, March 1.

HUGE REDUCTIONS on exclusive properties in Phuket, details on page 17

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

New airport management well recieved

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Nattha Thepbamrung

reporter3@classactmedia.co.th

P

huket International Airport is free from illegal activity, including blackplate taxis, and most visitors are impressed with the new management system, said Royal Thai Navy Area 3 Commander, Admiral Sayan Prasongsamret.

He made the statement at a media conference held last Thursday (February 12) to give an update about the new Phuket International Airport and beach management systems.

“The progress made on the Airport management is satisfying. Parking and traffic inside the airport is way better than before.

“There are no more blackplate taxis, and the green-plate taxis are all set in groups with their own counters, and boards which list the standard prices for their services.

“The desks are well managed, and the number of illegal tour desks has been reduced a lot. There have been no illegal tour guides found so far,” said Adm Sayan.

“80 per cent of the airport is being well managed. And the view of customers is that they are very happy and impressed.

“Furthermore, Phuket International Airport has just got the prize for Best Airport of the Nation,” he concluded.

With regards to the new beach management system and illegal buildings on public land (beaches), Cherng Talay is the area which has the most complicated issues to deal with.

After the Navy reported that there are still some remaining buildings on Surin and Laypang beaches, Mayor of Cherng Ta-

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Governor Nisit receives the letter from village representative Sutharat Choosombat.

Residents oppose LPG plant

Royal Thai Navy Area 3’s Admiral Sayan Prasongsamret. lay, Ma’ Ann Samran explained from his side about his attempt to probe these cases.

“We also have to follow the law. We cannot just rush to demolish them all, we have to go step by step,” he said.

“I have put a sign telling all restaurants and shops which are built on NorSorLor land (including Zazada, Catch and Bimi beach clubs and those which are using buildings that were previously built for Tsunami victims) at Surin beach to move.

“This also goes for five restaurant and bars at Laypang beach.

“As for beachfront hotels in the area, I have sent a letter to them to warn against putting umbrellas and beach loungers on the sand. It has been reported that a big hotel on Laypang beach was doing that before,” he said.

He also expressed his confidence to the meeting that business operators who were expelled from the beaches will not be able to get back in business at the same places.

“I have heard about them

coming back, and I have recently reported 17 cases to Cherng Talay police who fined them B2,000 each. The police also warned them that if they come back again, they will be prosecuted further.”

Meanwhile, Phuket Governor, Nisit Jansomwong added that the processes have to be done gradually.

“We are dealing with locals, tourists and local authorities who have to get used to the new system.

“It takes time to make everyone understand and follow the rules.

“We are trying to use a management system which is new to Phuket to see if it works or not. After this, OrBorTor and municipalities will have to issue their municipal laws about beach management.

“We will wait three months and let the Prince of Songkhla University team do their research and make their reports on accomplishments of the system to make sure that it works and fits with locals needs before becoming an official regulation,” he said.

A GROUP OF AROUND 20 Baan Nabon villagers gathered at the Provincial Hall Monday (February 16) to file a letter to Governor Nisit Jansomwong against an LPG plant project that is planned to be built in the area.

“There are many hundreds of houses in the area.

Plus the Baan Nabon School is located about 100 metres away from the site,” said Sutharat Choosombat, a representative of the villagers.

The villagers learnt that an operator has filed for approval to build an LPG

gas plant on the Nabon – Chalong Municipality area and therefore decided to gather at the Damrongtham Center. The intended site is also said to have a sign stating that there will be a gas plant constructed there.

“We saw the sign and we were very concerned about the effect it will have, especially that the gas will cause health problems to the local villagers,” Ms Sutharat told The Phuket News.

“There will also be trucks containing gas running inside the community.

We do not feel safe as there

are many tragic cases from accidents happening to gas trucks or plants,” she added.

Governor Nisit accepted the letter from the village representatives and promised to help the villagers. He also said that he would set up a working team which will be led by Vice Governor Somkiet Sangkhaosuthirak.

“The team will work on the case and visit the land. I can tell all the villagers not to be worried. If the plant can possibly harm their living or health, I think the project cannot be approved,” he said.

Opinion 10 OPINION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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

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EDITORIAL Clarifying confusion on the beaches

C

onfusion about the rules governing the island’s beaches appeared to reach new heights this past week.

No doubt, officials have scrambled to employ a competent and consistent communications strategy to effectively inform tourists about the new order on the sands.

Initially announced on December 22 last year, the new regulations – which compromise the previous outright ban of sun loungers and umbrellas by designating a 10 per cent zone at most beaches – formally came into effect on January 29, with enforcement commencing two weeks after that on February 12.

But with police acting on orders, the best way they know how – by policing – some feathers were ruffled, and many disgruntled beach vendors found new fuel in what can be described as an unwinable

Originally from Canada; BA in Sociology from the University of Birmingham in the UK and an MA in Online/Print Journalism from the University of the Arts in London. Three years experience for Britain’s third-biggest publisher, Immediate Media, as well as Bauer Media and InStyle magazine.

MATTHEW POND News Editor editor3@classactmedia.co.th Originally from the UK; Has four years experience as editor and reporter for Phuketindex.com magazine and website, and InPhuket magazine.

TANYALUK ‘MANGO’ SAKOOT

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public and private entities over control of the beaches, we would like to encourage readers to take everything they read/hear/see online with a grain of salt.

The fact is, Phuket beaches are far more pleasant today for most people than they were a year ago, especially for those of us who live here 365 days a year.

And while there has been some confusion as certain kinks get ironed out, anyone who has kept up with our coverage over the past year should be optimistic and not under any illusions about our island’s forward progress.

Finally, we laud and concur with the governor’s emphasis on “Public Relations” over “Law Enforcement”, at least at this early stage of the transition.

It is only hoped that integrity is maintained, and that “hostage” and “fear” tactics do not prevail.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Governor slams police for Phuket beach order enforcement tactics Turkish tourist shot dead in Koh Samui Two Russians nabbed in Phuket for overstaying visas Phuket: 90 day report is now possible online Japanese guide found drowned near Patong, police speculate ‘heartbreak suicide’ One killed three injured in multi-vehicle Phuket crash Chinese tourist dies in Phuket hospital after jet-ski crash in Phi Phi Three French tourist injured after Phuket tour van flips Minor tsunami hits N. Japan after 6.8 quake: USGS, agency Three Men Arrested For Beating Stray Dog to Death

Visit thephuketnews.com for all the latest news

HAVE YOUR SAY Keep these beach bums out Re: Phuket vendors want their beach back Here we go... the continuous plea from lazy beach vendors that miss fleecing tourists are trying to take advantage of the current chaos surrounding beach activities. “But they need our special skills”... pshaw! These people are the very reason things are the way they are, because they refused to follow rules. Keep them off the beach! But let tourists do what they want. I have consistently said that the ban should be specific to the law prohibiting commercial activities, and the necessary enforcement needs to focus on these die-hard beach bums keeping up their illegal activities. To all you former beach bums, go get a real job like the ones being offered by the Department of Skill Development.

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fight to restore the past (See page 7).

Nonetheless, the governor was quick to slam tactics used by law enforcement last weekend, but the situation had already been exasperated, largely by social media savvy agitators distributing photos and video clips of uniformed officers confronting what appears to be innocent Western tourists trying to enjoy their holiday in peace.

The photos and clips were accompanied by messages such as “Save Phuket Tourism” and complemented with the typical rave and rants insisting how horrible and desperate things have become in Phuket – from the usual “tourists will go elsewhere if we don’t go back to the old ways” lot.

While The Phuket News can sympathize with the handful of innocent tourists who have been caught in the middle of a conflict persisting between

TOP 10 STORIES ON thephuketnews.com

Vindictive villain vendors Re: Governor slams police for Phuket beach order enforcement tactics

Brace yourself people, something tells me there is going to be another stupid idea hitting the island any hour. I’m thinking that the next might be some other ridiculous compromise allowing the vendors to creep back onto the sand so they can start ruining the place like in the good old days.

Heaven forbid the Governor and Mayor coming to an agreement that tourists are free to bring whatever they want to the beach, and that the Thai Police will actually be given something worthwhile to do, that being preventing any commercial activities on the beach. Heck, they could even start enforcing parking rules along the beach road... oooh, but wait... that is way too much to ask for. We need to have the police available at all times to help the jetski thugs settle “misunderstandings” with those pesky tourists.

Ed Sanders

Great my customer told me that as the raid started all local vendors took their chairs and run the other direction as the police. the only people left where the tourist with their own chairs. But right after that as the beach was cleared the para sails started to land on the beach again- this did not disturb any police man what a joke!

Wolfman

Illegal vendors cannot be controlled by the authorities, so the easy target compliant tourists are being controlled instead. Happy holiday.

LovePatong

Reckless truckers they really are

Walk-in check-in just as easy Re: 90 day report is now possible online Hmmm...seems like an easy way for criminal law breakers to forge documents and copies and thus stay here indefinitely.

I recently went to Patong Immigration for my 90 day check, and was in and out of there in less than 10 minutes...no charge (although last time it cost 200 baht, graft day I guess).

Ed Sanders

Re: One killed 3 injured in multi-vehicle Phuket crash This is an all to common case

of reckless driving! The truck drivers are always driving too fast and have very little brain behind their ears! The truck driver should be locked up for the rest of his life and the company that employed him should be made to pay 50 million baht compensation for employing someone who was a dander to innocent people Chazwolf

Marine upgrades needed in sea Re: Phuket Marine hub vision gains momentum If the governor wants to turnpikes into a yachting/boating hub he better start doing something about protecting the area from over fishing. Stop the crazy long tail and high speed tourist boats. Stop people from throwing all their rubbish into the water. The Thais are the biggest offenders here.

Stop the locals taking coral and juvenile fish. Install good quality mooring bouys. Just getting boats to come will mot work unless there is something special to come here for.. The governor just does not seem to understand.

Confused Kevin

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Chinese tourists to get Thai etiquette manuals T

housands of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand during their New Year holiday will receive “tourism manuals” in an effort to curb offensive behaviour, officials said Monday (February 16).

The city of Chiang Mai will be the focal point of the Mandarin-language manuals, as it is the most popular destination for Chinese tourists, with some 90,000 expected over this week’s holiday period.

The manual will list museum etiquette, such as not touching paintings, warn against using public property as lavatories, and encourage proper driving behaviour, according to the Tourist Authority of Thailand office in Chiang Mai. Last year 4.6 million Chinese tourists arrived in Thailand, down just 0.29 per cent from 2013. Year-on-year arrivals skyrocketed in December, however, up 86.5 per cent.

Chinese tourists in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have been the target of numerous

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Wiang Gum Gam in Chiang Mai is a popular destination among Chinese tourists. complaints from locals who accuse the visitors of defecating in the city’s moat, causing traffic accidents with reckless driving and defacing several tourist attractions.

Chinese tourists were banned for half of February 3 from entering Wat Rong Khun, the “White Temple”, one of the top tourist destinations

in Chiang Rai, after complaints of inappropriate toilet usage.

Days earlier, photos of a Chinese tourist drying her bra and panties on a chair at Chiang Mai’s airport created a firestorm online and tourism authorities told tour operators to curb such inappropriate behaviour.

On Saturday (February

14), government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd asked Thais to keep their patience with the tourists over the Chinese New Year period.

Sansern admitted that “undesirable” elements were inevitable among such a large influx of tourists but that Thais must keep their spirit of hospitality.

Bangkok Post

THAILAND NEWS 11

Fish soup served with live fly larvae.

Angry waiter puts maggots in soup as revenge A WAITER AT A RESTAUrant in Nong Khai province served a bowl of fish soup with live fly larvae because he was angry at his boss, an investigation launched by the Department of Public Health revealed.

The investigation came after a customer posted a video on social media showing the maggots wriggling in his bowl of gaeng som (Thai sour soup made with tamarind).

Wiwat Korwiriyakomol, a specialist at Nong Khai Department of Public Health, told reporters on February 11 that officials investigated the video and determined that the incident took place at a restaurant “next to the Mekong river.”

According to the investigation, a waiter who was angry after a scolding from his boss decided to re-serve a fish head that was leftover from the day before. Wiwat said the employee has been suspended and his salary reduced.

Despite the incident, the restaurant passed the Department’s sanitary inspections.

“The restaurant met our standards. It is well-liked by tourists and local residents,” Wiwat said. “Let me insist that the incident was caused by a personal problem – I want members of the public and tourists to understand. I don’t want this incident to affect the image of tourism of Nong Khai province.” Bangkok Post

12 ASIA NEWS

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Minor tsunami hits Japan after quake A

strong undersea earthquake unleashed a small tsunami on Tuesday (February 17) off the same coastline of northern Japan devastated by a tsunami in 2011 that left more than 18,000 people dead.

The quake was followed by a series of tremors, the largest of which was magnitude 5.8, but there were no reports of damage or casualties.

A wave of 20cm was recorded off the city of Kuji at 9:07am, way below the possible one metre (3.3 feet) tsunami that the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned could hit.

Waves of up to 10 centimetres were recorded along other parts of the coastline of Iwate prefecture.

Aerial footage showed no perceptible rise in sea levels along the coast.

There was no visible change at the ports in the area, where broadcaster NHK has cameras permanently stationed.

The JMA said the 6.9 magnitude tremor struck at 8:06am in the Pacific some 210 kilometres east of Miyako, at a depth of 10 kilometres.

An official told a Tokyo news conference that geologists regard the quake as an aftershock of the

Japanese tsunami debris floats on the open ocean, March 2011.

2011 earthquake.

The US Geological Survey put the magnitude at 6.7.

Another quake measuring magnitude 5.8 struck in the Pacific off Iwate Tuesday afternoon, the USGS said. No tsunami warning was raised.

As soon as the morning quake hit, Japan’s well-tested system of public alerts sprang into action, with NHK giving blanket coverage.

Announcers urged viewers to seek safety on higher ground and warned against going to the shore to watch for possible effects.

Public address systems all along

the coast also broadcast warnings, while emergency vehicles patrolled with their sirens blaring, as announcements told people to find refuge.

“We only saw a minor tsunami but we continued to warn our citizens not to approach the coast as second and third waves could have been higher,” said Masayuki Yamazaki, an official in the anti-disaster office in Miyako.

Another Miyako official said: “The quake was strong and shook buildings but we did not heard of any damage.”

Local authorities in Iwate had issued evacuation advisories to more than 19,000 people, NHK reported.

Large areas of the coastline covered by the advisory were wiped out by the 2011 quake and tsunami, which triggered a nuclear accident in Fukushima.

The 9.0 undersea quake set off a massive tsunami that swamped cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, sparking the worst atomic accident in a generation.

Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated around the plant amid fears of rising radiation, with many still unable to return to their homes.

The disaster, whose fourth anniversary falls on March 11, looms large in the Japanese psyche. The devastation and loss of life that it wrought reinforcing the country’s natural cautiousness in the face of danger.

Japan is hit by around a fifth of the world’s most powerful quakes every year due to its position at the conjunction of several tectonic plates.

Long experience has left it with strict building codes, such that powerful earthquakes that might raze cities in other countries tend to do little damage.

AFP

Malay group in YouTube bomb threat MALAYSIAN POLICE WERE INVESTIgating a video threat to attack courthouses by an apparently local pro-Islamic State group faction, officials said on Tuesday (February 17).

The video, posted Sunday (February 15) on YouTube, showed four masked men with a Malaysian flag behind them. One sat at a table reading a statement in Malay denouncing the country’s judiciary for being a tool to manipulate democracy.

“Fireworks” would be set off in courthouses late Wednesday (February 18) in protest, he said. One of the three standing behind him held a bottle with a scrap of cloth in the neck, like a Molotov cocktail.

Screen capture of a video posted to YouTube by user “ISIS Malaysia 69”.

“We are aware of the video and we are taking it seriously,” Mortadza Nazarene, police criminal investigation chief, told The Star daily.

The video, posted by a user with the name ISIS Malaysia 69, an apparent reference to one of the acronyms used by the Islamic State group that has declared a caliphate in the Middle East, but made no other reference to it.

The statement appeared to be printed on the back of a photo of Malaysian actress Nora Danish. Danish was not mentioned, and contacted authorities to say she was not involved in the video.

At the end of the video, the men chant “f*** democracy” in English, in apparent contradiction of their earlier defence of the system, and give the middle finger to the camera.

Bangkok Post

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Labourer unloads timber from Kalimantan province from a phinisi, a traditional Indonesian ship.

1/3 of I’nesia timber illegal ABOUT A THIRD OF THE WOOD used by Indonesia’s forestry industry came from clear-cutting natural forests and other illegal sources in 2014, according to a study released Tuesday (February 17).

Raw material from illegal sources used by pulp and paper mills exceeded legal supply by the equivalent of 20 million cubic metres last year, according to a report by Washington DC-based Forest Trends and the Anti Forest-Mafia Coalition, which groups Indonesian civil-society organizations.

The study compared data from the country’s forestry ministry and timber industry, which it said doesn’t have enough supply from legal timber plantations to fill capacity.

The study shows the ineffectiveness of a government moratorium on permits to clear natural forests.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, who took office in October promising to restore degraded forests, has combined the ministries of forestry and environment and last month disbanded an agency assigned to reduce emissions from deforestation.

The gap in legal wood supply will grow by at least 10 million cu/m if pulp and paper mills operate at full capacity and would jump to over 44 million if new pulp mills were to be built, the study estimated. The industry currently operates at less than 80 per cent of capacity.

“Indonesia should expand its moratorium on new concessions to prevent any increase in processing capacity until the gap is closed,” Michael Jenkins, chief executive officer of Forest Trends, said in an e-mailed statement. Bangkok Post

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THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WORLD NEWS 13

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Fighting erupts in flashpoint Ukraine town, breaking truce ighting broke out for the first time inside a flashpoint town in east Ukraine on Tuesday (February 17), officials and proRussian rebels said, dealing a harsh blow to a fragile ceasefire just three days old.

The street-to-street combat, described by both sides as “intense”, was raging in Debaltseve, a strategic railway hub located between the separatist-held cities of Donetsk and Lugansk. The town is largely encircled by heavily armed rebels who previously had been exchanging artillery fire with up to 8,000 government troops holed up inside.

Ilya Kiva, a deputy regional police chief inside the town who was reached by telephone, said the rebels had entered Debaltseve and were using small arms, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.

“There are wounded and killed but we cannot confirm the numbers yet as the battles are still continuing,” Kiva said.

“Battles are going on right now with rebels storming our positions,” a Ukraine military spokesman in Kiev, Alexander Motuzyanik, confirmed.

“Groups of rebel fighters are penetrating into the town itself.”

F

A Ukrainian serviceman looks out from a tank at a base near the village of Peski, Donetsk region, on February 16, 2015. Ukraine’s army is not planning to pull its heavy weapons back from the frontline late Monday, as it is meant to do under a nascent truce, because of continued attacks by pro-Russian rebels, a military said. Photo AFP/ OLEKSANDR RATUSHNIAK Rebels quoted by Russian-language news agencies said their forces had entered from the east and the north and killed “many” Ukrainian soldiers in a “mopping up” operation in the town. They said they were in control of the railway station.

The development severely undermined an already shaky Europeanbrokered ceasefire that came into effect across eastern Ukraine on Sunday (February 15).

A second step of that truce was

meant to see the warring sides move their heavy weapons back from the frontline from Tuesday. But Kiev and the rebels accused each other of repeated violations that prevented that happening.

The United States and Germany had called for a stop to the hostilities and urged free access for OSCE monitors who have been blocked from entering Debaltseve.

“The United States is gravely concerned by the deteriorating situ-

Pedophile priest victims unite to urge action from the pope VICTIMS OF SEXUALLY abusive priests from across the Americas joined forces Monday to urge Pope Francis to allow civilian justice to punish pedophiles and those who covered up their crimes.

From the United States to Argentina, Chile, Mexico and other nations, victims issued a letter made public in Mexico City telling the Argentine pontiff that “words are not enough.”

The letter said that only

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civilian trials and Church reform will put an end to the “great holocaust of thousands of boys and girls who were sacrificed to avoid scandal and salvage the image and prestige of the Catholic Church’s representatives in the world.”

The victims said the pope’s recent admonishments of sex abuse in the Church are “ambiguous and contradictory” because they do not lead to any “institutional process toward truth and justice.”

The letter was read by Jose Barba, one of the victims of Marcial Maciel, the Mexican founder of the ultraconservative Legion of Christ order who died in 2008.

Pope Francis has called for “zero tolerance” of abusive priests since his election in March 2013.

He has asked victims for forgiveness, pledged to combat pedophilia and formed a Church child protection panel. AFP

ation in and around Debaltseve in eastern Ukraine,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in a statement issued before the streetto-street fighting broke out.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had also discussed the situation with US Secretary of State John Kerry and “expressed concern” about rebel breaches of the ceasefire, especially around Debaltseve, Poroshenko’s office said.

German Chancellor Angela

Merkel, Poroshenko and Russian President Vladimir Putin also held a late Monday phone call in which they agreed “concrete measures” to allow OSCE monitors to fulfil their role of observing the ceasefire, according to Merkel’s office.

Ukrainian defence officials had earlier said their troops had been fired on more than a dozen times in the east, including with Grad multiple rocket launchers near Debaltseve. Five troops were killed since Monday (February 16), most of them around the flashpoint town.

The rebels claim that they entirely surround Debaltseve and so it should be considered part of their territory and therefore not covered by the ceasefire.

But Kiev argues its army was holding the town, which is enclaved in rebel-held territory, and that all hostilities there should have stopped as with the rest of the frontline.

Ukraine and the West say Russia is fomenting the insurgency, ordering in troops and tanks in a similar operation that preceded the annexation of Crimea last year.

Moscow denies the allegation and says Russian fighters seen in east Ukraine are “volunteers”. AFP

14 BUSINESS NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Internship courses with great benefits Matthew Pond editor3@classactmedia.co.th

T

he Montara Hospitality Group is set to launch a hospitality internship programme at Phuket’s Trisara Academy on March 2, offering intensive three-month courses on Food & Beverage Operations and Culinary Preparation.

Group Director of Human Resources and Trisara Academy Director, Patteera (Mink) Maneesri told The Group Director of Human Resources and Trisara Academy Director Patteera (Mink) Phuket News that the Food Maneesri. & Beverage Operations and Culinary Preparation skills in many Michelin only for Trisara but for business but they have no internship was launched star kitchens worldwide, the entire market. chance. Our internships because this is Montara including El Celler de Can “We will also provide are their chance to grow.

Hospitality Group’s area of Roca, which was awarded one scholarship for each “If they apply for a expertise and is aimed at the top place in the World’s course. position with the profile catering to a growing need 50 Best Restaurants in “We hope our students of a waitress they will not for skilled employees first- 2013. will be fully prepared to get a job. ly in Phuket and secondly The Culinary Prepara- begin rewarding careers in “This is the whole purin southern Thailand. tion course will lay the Thailand’s ever growing pose of the internship,” “The Academy’s in- foundation for students’ hospitality industry after she said. tensive 520-hour course culinary skills and knowl- completing an internship The three-month coursprovides students with the edge, preparing them for programme,” she said. es are open to Thai nationtraining and knowledge an entry level position in Khun Mink also stated als only. Students must be that they need to succeed the kitchen. that their main target group aged 18 to 28 years old, in Thailand’s hospitality Khun Mink said “The is those who would like have at least a high school sector,” she said. benefits the intern will get to change their career but deg ree and possess an The certificate course is that after graduating we have no choice or chance average level of English in Culinary Preparation will help them to create to do so. speaking skills. will be led by Trisara’s their own portofolio, we “I have met a lot of veteran Executive Chef, will also help them to get waitresses who would like Interested applicants can Chalermchai Prakobkit, a job. to become i nvolved i n f ind out more at www.

However, this is not the culinary side of the trisaraacademy.com. who has fortified his own

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

CONSTECH 2015 IMPACT IS READY TO host CONSTECH 2015, to showcase the construction industry’s innovations and technology and attract more partners from neighbouring countries.

In association with the Thailand Concrete Association (TCA), IMPACT opens the Concrete Feature Zone featuring Concrete Technology which it expects to increase the overall revenue.

The event is scheduled to be held during 27 -29 March 2015 at Hall 7 – 8, IMPACT Muang Thong Thani.

CONSTECH 2015 will be a complete showcase of worldclass machinery, equipment, and the latest technology for the construction and mining industries.

This will be a good opportunity for entrepreneurs, property owners, engineers, and innovation enthusiasts to experience new technology that will benefit their business development, cost management, and workforce shortage. Also, there will be international seminars on the world’s contruction issues.

Over 20,000 sqm of both indoor and outdoor space is spared to welcome all attendants.

They have had a good response from exhibitors who will feature the pavilions,

plus displays from the world’s leading brands such as Hitachi and Putzmeister, Zoomlion Everdigm concrete pumpers, and much more.

In addition, there will be a seminar on “Techniques for Infrastructure Monitoring and Maintenance” by TCA. The seminar will also see participation from distinguished guest speakers from Thailand Concrete Association and others government sectors.

The Technology Showcase Zone is another highlight. This is a space for entrepreneurs to display new technology that has never been seen before.

CONSTECH 2015 is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors from Thailand and neighboring countries, and IMPACT has put emphasis on promoting the event by setting up roadshows in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

Recently, the Cambodian Contractor Association has invitated IMPACT to promote CONSTECH in Cambodia as well.

Those interested in attending the event can register in advance via www.thailandconstech.com.

For more information, please contact Pasin Chantaratim Tel. 02 – 833 – 5208 or e-mail: pasinc@impact.co.th

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There’s an unending display of sights and natural attractions for charter guests looking to enjoy one of the world’s most visited holiday regions from

a unique, and totally personal perspective.

If you’re drawn to marine adventures such as snorkeling and scuba diving or prefer to head ashore and explore, the freedom you will enjoy when chartering a yacht adds a brand new dimension to any travel experience.

The cruising grounds are

just perfect during the High Season running from November to March with picture perfect backdrops such as the dramatic limestone karsts in the stunning Phang Nga Bay, or the long sandy beaches of Phi Phi Island. You could also choose to cruise further north to the Similan Islands, an archipelago with an amazing underwater environment, or visit the Andaman Archipelago where you would enjoy pristine islands and wildlife.

The Princess Yachts team of charter experts, professionally trained and experienced captains and crews will work with you to create the perfect cruise to make your dreams come true.

Interested? Call Rico Stapel, Charter & Marketing Manager at 086 690 0444. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

BUSINESS NEWS 15

Safari World pins hopes on Phuket S

Trisara makes it onto Condé Nast’s 2015 dream list TRISARA, PHUKET’S most luxurious and private pool villa resort, has been included in Condé Nast Traveler’s dream list of top hotels in the world. It was one of only four hotels in Thailand and the only one on the island of Phuket to make the cut in the 2015 Gold List published in the January edition of the magazine.

“We’re delighted to be recognised by the editors of Condé Nast Traveler,” said Kittisak Pattamasaevi, VP of Sales & Marketing,

Montara Hospitality Group, owner and operator of Trisara. “There is no better way to celebrate Trisara’s 10th year anniversary and it also underlines the truly distinctive guest experience which makes our resort so special.”

A prerequisite for each name on the Gold List is a high standard of service, luxury, and beauty. Yet what earned each winner a spot on the list was the unforgettable special touches that bring a hotel’s ethos to life.

Bangkok Hospital Phuket welcomes university students Dr. Narongrit Havarungsi, Director of Bangkok Hospital Phuket, and his operational team recently welcomed a delegation of students from the Faculty of Management Science, Hospital Management major, Southern College of Technology at the hospital’s King Carl Gustaf’s Conference Room. They made an official visit to experience and learn about world-class operations at the hospital, which has earned various awards and recognition both at local and international levels.

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afari World Plc, the country’s biggest theme park operator, plans to spend B1.35 billion to develop a new attraction and facilities in Phuket and respond to higher demand arising from the upcoming Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Chairman Pin Kewkacha said the funds would come from B850 million in loans from local financial institutions, company cash f low and money raised from Safari World’s capital increase programme.

On Monday (February 16), company shareholders A friendly orangutan manages a photo bomb with tourists at Safari World in Bangkok. approved the issue of 133.33 million shares at B5 each to year and take about a year and members visiting Phuket, faces losses. existing shareholders.

“A lot of tourists disapa half to complete. building on the traditional T he pla n is t o r a ise peared due to the political Aside from the new park, European crowd.

B666.66 million, with regis- Safari World has set aside Litti Kewkacha, Safari problems last year,” Mr Litti tered capital rising to B1.66 B150 million to pay back World’s director and execu- said. billion from B1 billion now. loans and B110 million to buy tive vice-president, said the “This year, the Russian Safari World has been on a 12-rai plot and four buildings new theme park would be rouble devaluation caused a the Stock Exchange of Thai- from Kamala Beach Resort an alternative for new and big decline in Russian tourist land’s rehab list for five years. and Hotel Management Co existing customers alike and numbers, as they suspended The company faces delist- to use as staff housing for the increase per-person spending. their trips to Thailand. ing in the absence of a concrete new theme park in Phuket.

“We expect the new theme “We’ll have some effects, rehabilitation plan to improve “We made a decision to park will generate additional as the Russians are the secondits financial situation. expand our business here revenue and help us be profit- largest foreign tourist group Safari World will invest because we see a lot of tour- able in 2017,” he said. visiting Safari World.” through its subsidiary Phuket ism potential in Phuket, where To survive, the company The hope is that once SaFantaSea Plc, operator of the the number of tourist arrivals fari World has a stable string will explore the Chinese tourPhuket FantaSea theme park, continues to increase each of profits it will exit the rehab ist market and create new to build a new theme park on a year,” Mr Pin said. list and resume trading on products to serve their needs.

62-rai plot next to the existing Theme parks are less excitThe AEC’s formation late the SET. one on Kamala Beach.

The business of Phuket ing for Chinese tourists since this year is expected to inThe construction of the crease the number of foreign FantaSea remains healthy, but China has more than 200 theme park will start by mid- tourists from other Asean Safari World in Bangkok still theme parks. Bangkok Post

16 WEIRD NEWS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THE BIG LIST Furry BFFs Animals can cultivate friendships just as strong as humans.

Best friends forever might be a bit of a stretch, especially since some grow larger than others. Yet, we’re still utterly fascinated.

The Snake and hamster: While it is illegal in many countries to feed live vertebrates to other animals, Japan has no such law on the books. A snake called Aochan, who lived in a zoo in Tokyo, was given a live hamster to eat after refusing to snack on frozen rodents. But Aochan also refused to eat his new friend and the hamster was unafraid of the snake, going so far as to sleep on top of the animal. These BFFs became an instant attraction at the zoo and lived together for months.

The dog and orangutan: A South Carolina sanctuary is home to an unsual BFF pairing: an orangutan and a dog. The orangutan – called Suryia – actually noticed the homeless dog – called Roscoe – after it wandered into the facility. The keepers ended up adopting the dog and let him hang out with the orangutan as they prefer not to be alone. A picture book of the two friends, Suryia and Roscoe, is available on Amazon. com with funds going towards a new home for the pair.

Kitten and the crow: An Amazing Friendship is the title of the 2012 book

by Lisa Fleming in which the relationship of Moses the crow and Cassie the cat is told. The crow adopted Cassie – a distressed, stray kitten that appeared in Wally and Ann Collito’s backyard in Massachusets back in 1999 –within minutes of their first encounter. Moses nursed the kitten back to health, feeding it worms and bugs. For months the Collito’s videotaped their playtimes until Moses disappeared in 2000.

Hippo and the tortoise: The bond between Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise has gotten tons of media attention since their first encounter back in 2005. Owen was separated from the herd as a baby and brought to the Haller Park Rescue Center in Kenya. Almost immediately, Owen befriended the Aldabra giant tortoise whose large domed shell and brown colour resembled an adult hippo. Owen treated Mzee like a mother until 2006 when the hippo grew large enough to begin interacting with animals of his own kind.

The BLT: Ballo the brown bear, Leo the lion and Shere Khan the Tiger might sound like The Jungle Book characters, but they are the real names of a group of animal BFFs at a sanctuary in Georgia, USA. The 250-acre Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Locust Grove came to acquire these friends back in 2001 after they were saved from their former owner – a drug dealer who abused all three animals, known collectively as the “BLT”. “They actually seek out each other’s affection, they nuzzle each other, they play together,” said animal keeper Allison Hedgecoth.

Japan killjoys protest Valentine’s Day, hate “passion-based capitalism”

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s Japan celebrated Valentine’s Day last Saturday (February 14) a group of killjoys marched through Tokyo protesting what it called the “passion-based capitalism” of the annual celebration of romance.

Members of “Kakuhido”, which translates as the Revolutionary Alliance of Men that Women find Unattractive and claims on its website that “public smooching is terrorism”, walked through the busy Shibuya district waving banners with buzzkill slogans demanding an end to Valentine’s Day.

However, the spoil-sport group was met by bemused looks from passers-by as the grumpy comrades, numbering just 10 in total, chanted: “Don’t be duped by the conspiracy of chocolate makers!”

“In Japan, women give men chocolate (on Valentine’s Day) to show their affection,” Kakuhido chairman Mark Waters said. “Society is addicted to capitalism. People are profiting from it and we are here today to demonstrate our resistance to the love capitalists.”

Dressed in a white helmet and sunglasses with a pink

scarf covering his mouth, the Japanese protester added: “The name of our organisation is a parody but it does have a serious message.”

In previous protests, members denounced “housewives who control Japan’s future” as their hapless husbands work all hours at the office.

Valentine’s Day in Japan is a huge money-spinner for the confectionary business as women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for the men in their lives – from partners to work colleagues and bosses.

Men reciprocate a month

later on White Day, a Japanese marketing brainwave dreamed up by confectioners in the 1980s to keep the cash tills ringing.

“We will also be protesting White Day,” insisted Waters, cheerlessly. “And Christmas.”

Kakuhido was founded in 2006 by Katsuhiro Furusawa, who began reading the Communist Manifesto after being dumped by his girlfriend and came to the conclusion that being unpopular with the opposite sex was a class issue, fuelling his anti-Valentine message. AFP

Chinese man kidnaps woman he wanted to make his bride WHEN IT COMES TO MATters of the heart, some people choose to woo women with flowers, chocolates and other gifts. For a 32-year-old Chinese banker, desperate times calls for desperate measures.

Liu Hung was tired of coming home to parents who were constantly disappointed at their son’s lack of female interaction, especially when other family members were already married or had girlfriends, according to Chinese papers.

This is why Hung, in a last-ditch effort to finally get a wife, waited in the bushes of a nearby park and kidnapped the first woman to walk past him. Hung allegedly bound the girls hands with rope and even taped her mouth shut.

Hung then allegedly took the victim back to his home in

Images of Liu Hung’s arrest went viral in China.

Dailang, in the north-eastern Chinese province of Liaoning.

He told her they were to get married and he left to arrange the paperwork. The kidnapped woman, who was not named by police, was able to free one of her hands and call her boyfriend from Hung’s landline telephone. The boyfriend called police and the victim

Ride em’ cowboy – This amazing image was captured by Indonesian photographer Hendy Mp and shows a Reinwardt’s Flying Frog riding a beetle. The image was taken near Hendy’s home in Kalimantan Barat. The frog even held on while the beetle tried to fly away. Hendy explains: “It was such an amazing moment, the frog just saw the beetle and decided to crawl on top. It looked like the frog was a cowboy riding a bull and it even put its right leg in the air. The frog was on the beetle for five minutes and the insect was just happily running around.”

was traced back to the home.

Once Hung was on his way back with the wedding paperwork, he was arrested by police just outside the home.

“I am the only one in my family without a girlfriend or wife, and I was fed up of going home and simply getting a hard time,” Hung later told police.

World’s first emoji interview AUSTRALIA’S FOREIGN Minister Julie Bishop has conducted what is reportedly the world’s first political emoji interview, using an angry red face to describe Russia’s Vladimir Putin and a running man to depict her boss Tony Abbott.

Buzzfeed interviewed Bishop by sending her text messages and she responded using only emojis, the ideograms used for visual messages.

Asked about her prime minister, fitness fanatic Tony Abbott, Bishop replied with an image of a man running. For Abbott’s potential leadership challenger, Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull, she offered a mobile phone.

For Russian President Putin, however, she came back with a red face with angry eyes and downturned mouth.

Asked whether she wanted to be prime minister, she replied with an expressionless face with a straight line for a mouth. AFP thephuketnews

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Divers geet deep in Mai Khao research

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New Brazilian dining option in Karon

8

HONG KONG HIGHLIGHT What everyone is doing these days in the Pearl of the Orient > Page 11

An illuminated ferris wheel in downtown Hong Kong, with the IFC tower in the bakcground. Photo: Steven Layne

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2 PEOPLE

Nattha Thepbamrung reporter4@classactmedia.co.th

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

From the voice of an angel

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he powerful and beautiful voice seems to be a gift that God bestowed on many Filipinos, who can be seen at the front of many English-song-performing bands throughout Thailand, and Phuket is no exception.

One such “angel-voice” is Daisy Royo Tumulak, 27, who says she fell in love with Phuket when she moved here nine years ago.

The island reminds her of her home country, though is more colourful here, she says, especially around her workplace in the area of Patong.

“Three months before I came here, I was working with another band based at the Baiyoke tower in Bangkok, but after vacationing in Phuket, I found a better job opportunity.

“I prefer Phuket rather than Bangkok. There is less traffic, a better salary and Phuket is like my home of Boracay island,” she said.

The people, food and lifestyle are particularly attractive.

“I felt really comfortable here from the start. Thai people are really friendly and sincere. When they want to say something to you like you are getting fat, they just say, ‘Hey, Daisy, you are getting fat. You need to reduce your weight,” she laughed.

“When I was in Bangkok, I never went out to explore the city. My life there was boring but when I moved to Phuket I made so many friends. My life here is fantastic. I love the beaches.”

“And I love Thai food so much. Even when I traveled in Hong Kong, I looked for Thai food to eat.”

Also, as a singer, Ms Daisy said she loves Thai music though she found learning Thai language very hard and appreciates the way Thai people preserve their own language.

“Thai music for me is really good and original. In the Philippines, we compose English songs and it does not really represent the Filipinos. What I love about Thai people is they write song in their own language so, I appreciate Thai music.”

Unlike many expats that love to be quiet in other areas in Phuket, Ms Daisy said she prefers Patong lifestyle, which has the perfect mix of everything.

“Patong Beach has everything in the same place.

There are places to have a quiet time, a romantic dinner, or you can have a crazy party, like on Bangla Rd, which you can’t find at other beach areas. Or you can just sit, have a burger and enjoy people watching.”

As a singer in Patong, Daisy doesn’t have “normal”

working hours.

“We [the band mates] work Mondays to Saturdays. Our breakfast is often at 5pm,” she smiled.

“After getting ready, the band begins performing around 9.30-10pm, [and play] until 1am, which is followed by our dinner. Sundays, which is our only day off, is always a shopping day for us. If you see us on Sunday, you will also see plenty of shopping bags packed in the cars.”

Asked how she can sing so well, the singer told The Phuket News her story.

“Since I was young, I loved to sing and started singing in a church with the choir then when I was in grade school I also represented my school to compete in singing competitions with other schools. I’ve been a singer since I was young,” she recalled.

“I think it is a gift from God … It feels good when someone compliments.”

In the blood

Daisy noted that musically inclined Spanish explorers who first came to the islands many centuries ago had some influence on her people.

“If you go to the Philippines, you will see that 80 per cent of Filipinos can sing very well. Many of them, including me never practiced to sing in any school, we just love to sing from the atmosphere we grew up in. My mother is in a choir in a church and my father is a karaoke king, while my brother is also working in the same band as me.”

Of her singing experience in Phuket, Daisy said she has met a lot of great people but also a lot of strange and bad customers.

“Once, there was a black man sitting in the pub and he thought I was a hooker. He asked me to go to him and sit down with him and I was so angry.”

“I told the band and they spoke through the microphone that he cannot be rude to me like that. He told us that his friend told him, he can do whatever he wants with Thai ladies and we told him that no matter what his friends say, he has to respect woman no mat-

ter if they are Thai, Filipino or any nationality. ‘Even if someone told you that, you still need to have respect for woman, like your sister and mother.

You should understand.’”

But there are also plenty of great people who frequent the pub.

“There are a lot of good memories when customers return to the bar. Some of them even bring me gifts. It is a special feeling I get from this job.”

Apart from singing as a career, Ms Daisy and her band, which includes her boyfriend, brother, sister and close friends, also use their talent for the benefit of charity on occasion.

“There was a concert for charity after the big Typhoon in the Philippines last year. We had a concert in Molly Malone’s and all the Filipino bands helped each other. We raised B160,000 for the donation and my boyfriend brought the money back to the country to buy some food, medicine and basic appliances for victims.”

The Filipino community in Phuket is close-knit, she noted. Every year, they have a basketball tournament that also lets Thai people and foreigners join in. Not just for fun, the tournament provides another opportunity to raise funds for the needy.

“This year, we will hold a charity concert for Thai children that need shelter. The income from the concert will be donated to build shelter for them.”

Though Daisy loves her life in Phuket, in the future she has plans to go back to her hometown to follow her dream and open an Irish pub.

“I want to have my own Irish pub in Boracay just the same as Molly Malone’s. I am going to hire another band as I am getting old. I do not want to sing forever. I will just have a jumpin for a few nights at my own bar.”

“However, if the day when I have to move back to my hometown comes, what I will miss the most in Phuket is Molly Malone’s, and all the customers that would miss us, and not to mention my Thai friends, Thai food and the atmosphere here.” thephuketnews

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COMMUNITY 3

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Irish community gives back

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Kajonkiet helps kids

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embers of the administration team of Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) visited Vachira Hospital to deliver the B40,000 donation money that was raised at the school during their Christmas fundraising events.

The money was donated to the children’s wards and will be used to support those children who cannot afford the treatment that they need.

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he Life Home Project Foundation has been providing a home environment for children affected or infected with HIV since 2001. The foundation also helps and assists mothers with the disease, bridging the gaps that the stigma of this disease so often perpetrates.

The women are encouraged to live outside of the project once their symptoms are under control with the administration of antiretroviral medication. Once they feel healthy and strong enough, the women find that they can rejoin their communities and live productive normal lives.

The Life Home Project Foundation has grown from a small rented house in Phuket Town to a purpose built facility by the sea in Koh Siray, presently housing and caring for 18 children, mostly orphaned.

The foundation is now experiencing a new challenge, as many of the children become teenagers. The project needs to provide them with stimulating activities, along with nurturing and guidance to be young responsible adults. The project has been blessed with the assistance of a Juvenile Court Judge who has taken personal time out to come to the project and speak with the teenagers explaining the dangers of drugs, teenage pregnancy and all

the many challenges they may face as they grow older. The Life Home Project also aims to prepare them to go on to third level education. As many of these children are orphaned it will be the foundation’s on going responsibility to get the funding to allow them to attend university and become well-educated young adults.

As one can imagine this is costly and this is why fundraisers like the St. Patrick’s Day Ball on March 14 are needed to raise much needed funding for the lives of the 18 children and teenagers under their care.

Sharon Shannon, “World Renowned International Irish musician” who has played for Presidents Obama and Clinton in Dublin and the White House respectively will be performing. Also in

attendance will be the first Irish Ambassador appointed to Thailand based in Bangkok since last November, HE Ambassador Brendan Rogers.”

The Movenpick Resort and Spa will be providing a mouth watering menu including Irish soda bread and Irish smoked salmon, Irish stew, beef and Guinness pie, corned beef and cabbage, Guinness chocolate cake, and Bailey’s cheese cake.

The Irish Times Pub in Patong will be providing drinks. There will be an assortment of Irish beverages to celebrate a St. Patrick’s Day in style here in Phuket!

Tickets are available from Khun Wandee, call +66 83 969 6084 or email sec.irelandconsulate.phuket@gmail.com

4 EDUCATION

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

An exciting year ahead Jazon Edouard jazon@headstartphuket.com

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picture is worth a thousand words. This aerial photograph is a bird’s eye view of the exciting progress that has been made in the construction of HeadStart’s new campus. The Foundation building, Primary and Secondary building, gym and swimming pool are now 70 per cent complete and scheduled to be ready for use by the end of June 2015.

The remainder of the project is also on schedule which will be ready to open on August 24, 2015.

The increase in space will now allow the school to offer more subjects and options for the students. Next year’s curriculum has been expanded to include Design and Technology, IGCSE Art and Music as well as 8 Cambridge A-Level courses.

This increase in facilities and subjects will enable them to give more options and choices to their students in order to allow them to focus and develop their individual strengths and preferences. To further support the

students learning and achievements, the school will have three state of the art science laboratories, three dedicated and expansive ICT suites and two purpose built art and music rooms.

The school’s new sporting facilities will be just one of the major significant upgrades at the new school and will include an athletics track, 25 meter swimming pool with separate children’s pool, and outdoor basketball court, a multipurpose sports hall will offer 3 badminton courts, a volleyball court and an indoor basketball court.

Externally, two football pitches, two playgrounds, a volleyball court and running track will enhance their sporting offering. Inside the main building, they will also have a dance room and within the new sport centre a large fitness suite.

These outstanding facilities will not only become a daily part of all the student’s physical education and development but this will also enable them to launch new academy style programmes for football and swimming.

Creating treasure with Oasis Ed

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emember that quirky little shop, back in your hometown, overflowing with new treasures to discover with each visit? Some days a set of kitsch wall ducks at the bottom of a basket, or perhaps some crystals discarded from an unused chandelier. Digging deeper you might even have been lucky to find an old tie-dyed throw rug, still recovering from the 70’s, with just a hint of patchouli and sandalwood lingering in the weave.

With such finds being so rare in Phuket, the options for unique, retro, original pieces can often be quite limited. Or fabulously expensive! Which leads many

to look within, to their own resources and resourcefulness for expressing their taste and creativity. In homes all over the island, people are sewing their own clothes, painting bookcases and dyeing tablecloths into multi-colored brilliance.

And the real beauty of this is that in 20 years time, these pieces of handmade original art/craft will be the very thing that someone, rather like yourself, will be overjoyed to discover. So get yourselves to Liven up Your Linen! – A tie dye workshop on February 28, 1 – 4pm in Rawai.

For further information, contact Kez at oasisedphuket.com or call 0849462171

BISP students succeed in Bangkok Thai language competition

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elected Year 5 and 6 British International School, Phuket (BISP) students recently attended three Thai language skill competitions (Listening, Reading Aloud and Public Speaking) held by the Private Education Office in Bangkok.

Competing with children from Thai schools, this was the first time BISP had competed in the competition.

Congratulations to all the students and their teachers on their excellent achievements.

Lalida in Year 5 won a Silver Certificate in Public Speaking; 9th from 45 competitors Natcha in Year 6 won a Silver Certificate in Public Speaking; 12th from 39 competitors Supitcha in Year 5 won Bronze Certificate in Reading Aloud; 47th from 53 competitors Wongsathor in Year 6 won Bronze Certificate in Listening; 35th from 50 competitors Pimpakarn in Year 5 won Bronze Certificate in Listening; 26th from 51 competitors For more information, contact Chaisuda Viponchai: chaisudav@bisphuket.ac.th

KIS students get creative

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he Year 7 and Year 8 students at Kajonkiet International School Phuket (KIS) are learning about the basics of electricity this term.

The Year 7 students made lamps that comprise of a basic circuit and they’ve learned how to solder. A difficult task as soldering is tricky to learn, and very hot! The children needed to be very careful and concentrate but they have done a good job. A great project to do, as you learn a practical skill while also being able to take your own project home.

The Year 8’s made a steady hand game. A game that ‘buzzes’ when a connection is made between the wire and loop. This is a lot of fun as the children got to play with their game together with their friends. Each child has themed their steady hand game, such as a jungle, like in the picture above.

The Year 9’s worked on a ‘trashion’ project last term which means that they took second hand clothing (trash) and recycled them into a new wearable items (fashion). There was a ‘judge’, a

very fashionable EP teacher from New York, who came and judged the items and gave her critique of them. The winning team from each group then enjoyed some pizza for lunch. thephuketnews

6 ENVIRONMENT

Sea Fan.

Banded Coral Shrimp.

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Giant Clam.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Adult Lion Fish.

Diving to rebuild the ecosystem

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t was an exciting time on Mai Khao Beach last Monday (February 16) as eight divers participated in two technical research dives off the coast of the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Phuket (JMPRS).

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) integrated coastal management plan has been developed with the JMPRS over the past three years. The environmental management plan focuses on the surrounding ecosystems and communities in Mai Khao.

This holistic approach takes into consideration the mangrove forest, Pru Jet Sun lake, Mai Khao Beach and finally Mai Khao Reef in front of the JWMPRS and the Anantara Mai Khao Villas.

Only if there is a combined focus and strategy for all of these ecosystems and how they integrate and work together, will the resort be able to be environmentally sustainable long-term and thus see these ecosystems flourish in the years to come.

With the mangrove and lake projects, the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation (MKMTF, a IUCN Member organisation) is currently building a turtle shelter at the JWMPRS for four injured turtles. As part of the IUCN integrated coastal management plan, the turtle shelter and facility will offer a home and a base to the MKMTF for research and conservation. A key portion of this holistic strategy and project is to develop a community-based coral restoration programme for the Mai Khao house reef.

The research dive last Monday was jointly hosted by the JWMPRS and the MKMTF and was led by Professor James True from Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai. He is an expert in marine coral ecosystems and environments and, in fact, organised the International Coral Bleaching Seminar two years ago

at the JWMPRS. The technical research dive organised by the MKMTF, held the following initial goals: Identify the potential area Plot the potential area Photograph the potential area Begin to catalogue the eco system of the area Develop a strategy for the selected area The eight-person dive team included a range of divers from Prince of Songkla Universtiy, IUCN, MKMTF, JW Marriott, Sea Bees Diving and The National Parks. Sea Bees Diving also provided all of the equipment and the dive boat for the new project. The MKMTF and Sea Bees have recently signed a MoU which marks Sea Bees as the official dive partners of the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation.

They will be working together to protect and conserve the marine ecosystem of Phuket and, in particular, Mai Khao.

The dives Professor James True, Prince of Songkla Universtiy, Hat Yai, explained the interesting findings of both dives. The first dive took place on offshore rocks, he said, “This is interesting from the point of high abundances of nephtheid soft corals and juvenile fishes (especially several species of snappers), and the swarm of lion fish.

“Less abundant were several types of small gorgonians, and harp corals, and a few encrusting hard corals. The low visibility and difficulty to dive make it problematic for inexperienced divers, but it would be interesting for macro photographers.”

The second dive site took place on the house reef. Professor James said, “This reef appears to have been completely annihilated by the 2010 mass bleaching event and has not really recovered. In some ways, this is surprising, since the indicators for recovery show no real red

The team just before teir technical research dive off the coast of Mai Khao flags (some amount of disease, but water quality and substrate availability are fine).

“Juvenile abundances are not high, but comparable with other near shore reefs. Number of adult colonies is very low, however, and prevalence’s of physical damage and partial mortality are high. For the most part, this is due to the concentration of discarded and broken fishing gear that drapes the reef.

This is mostly small nets and monofilament lines.

“Recruits of all families were observed, but adults of most families were absent. Turbinaria was the most common adult coral (2 spp), followed by Euphyllia and Diploastrea. Small Acropora colonies were reasonably common, but frequently encumbered by netes and in poor condition”.

Recommendations Following the dives, Professor James said that he believes that the reef would likely respond well to active restoration. When it was discovered a decade ago, it was diverse and supported 80 per cent coral cover.

He said the first steps should be to include removal of rubbish, especially fishing equipment. The presence of healthy adult giant clams (Tridacna) suggests that benefits would accrue from

obtaining large numbers of juveniles from government hatcheries and culturing them on the reef to provide a nexus for natural reseeding.

Likewise, it should be possible to augment the natural recruitment of corals by inserting nubbins sourced from donor reefs directly into the abundant substrate. This process should be undertaken carefully, especially since the hydrodynamics of the site would tend to destroy the structures often used elsewhere. Cultured larvae settled onto modular plugs that can be inserted directly into the substrate would provide the best long-term sustainable solution, with gametes for culture being harvested at spawning time from nearby reefs that suffered less from the bleaching.

As the team move forward together, they will develop an action plan and engagement strategy for the project.

Sea Bees are working with the MKMTF partners to bring this project to the public by developing a set of research dives that will be open for the public to enjoy.

To follow their progress visit www.maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org and see the weekly updates for the upcoming Turtle Shelter and Education Centre which is set to open this year on Songkran day.

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PROPERTY DEALS IN PHUKET *FIND THEM ON PAGE 17 thephuketnews

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ENVIRONMENT 7

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Kids Against Palm Oil: Inspiring young minds with sustainability

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he children in Year 5 at British International School, Phuket have been learning about how fragile the earth has become due to human influence.

More recently, they researched the effect of palm oil plantations on rainforest environments. During their research the students discovered a website called Kids Against Palm Oil. Many of them contacted the website, voicing their concerns about this issue where tens of thousands of orangutans and other native animals have lost their lives and habitats due to the rapid development of unsustainable palm oil plantations.

The children were very lucky to get a response from the founder of the website, 18-year-old Jordan Salama, who offered to hold a Skype conference with them.

During the Skype conference last Monday (February 9), Jordan, who lives in New York, began by telling the About 63 Year 5 student from BISP met with young activist Jordan Salama via Skype. children about his experiences when decided to start a websitein order to During this week’s conference, researching palm oil. After he completed a project about it in Grade 6, he educate others. there was an engaging question-and-

Houses for Hermit Crabs

N

ot only do many of the tourists that reach Batok Bay, Koh Racha Yai daily have a total disregard for the rubbish they leave behind, they also take shells from the beaches as souvenirs of their visit.

Although this doesn’t seem a serious matter, the act of taking the shells actually leaves thousands of hermit crabs homeless. Class Act Media was proud to sponsor a group of local volunteers who on February 14 and 15 placed nearly 80 kilos of shells all over the island’s beaches to provide the crabs with new homes.

@thephuketnews

Event organisers Kamol Teera & Eddie “Reef” (laying down left and right) and some of the volunteers that Class Act Media sponsored to provide shells for hermit crabs on Koh Racha Yai.

answer session where Jordan recounted his experiences of removing unsustainable palm oil products from his school, the success of his website including television appearances across the United States, and why he is so passionate about fighting for this cause.

He also talked about “obstacles” and how, even when something doesn’t go quite right the first time, we must not give up on doing something we believe in.

This was a great message for the children and great advice from the senior American high school student.

The children really connected with him and he quickly became a role model for 63 young minds at BISP. The Year 5 children will now combine these strong messages with their follow-up work based on environmental sustainability, endangered species and “making a difference” in our society.

For more information, contact Rebecca Krijewski: rkrijewski@bisphuket. ac.th

8 DINING

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Racks and Racks and Racks...

Brazilian BBQ heaven at El Gaucho

J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

Meat carvers walk around tables with large racks of grilledmeat (from prime beef cuts to grilled chicken and sausages) for diners to consumer as many heaps as they want

T

he first half of a good Brazilian Rodìzio-style meal is all about tasting and trying. The second half is about concentration and making enough room. By the time you find the most delicious thing for your own tastebuds, you are full and can’t possibly lift that fork again.

This is how you feel after leaving El Gaucho restaurant, located on the second floor of Karon Beach Square and owned by Mövenpick Spa and Resort. The place was recently remodeled and reopened last October as Phuket’s newest Brazilian churrasqueira (steakhouse) complete with the famously meat-heavy Rodìzio grill.

What exactly is Rodìzio? It’s a style of Brazilian dining where meat carvers walk around the diningroom floor with large racks of grilled-meat (from prime beef cuts to grilled chicken and sausages) for diners to consume as many heaps as they want. Every five minutes, the carver comes back with a different meat hot off the grill At El Gaucho, the Rodìzio meal (B1,200++ per person) is called churrasco and comes with rice and grilled vegatables, dinner rolls, and access to the res-

taurant’s salad buffet (which also has seafood cocktails!).

It’s easy to get full early, which is why we saved our appetite for the meats.

First up was grilled chicken followed by beef tenderloin and then lamb.

Each were succulent in their own way, especially with El Gaucho’s homemade chimichuri sauce (macerated parsley, garlic, peppers, swimming in olive oil) and black bean sauce.

During dinner, Apiwat Chaiyarat, Karon Beach Square’s marketing Manager, ordered an a la carte dish: shrimp with mango and avocado. It was a cross between sweet som tam and a shrimp cocktail, though the avocado was the star of the show. It is a light dish that can easily be shared amongst diners.

Back to the Rodìzio, our meat carver came out with racks of smoked pork shoulder, beef sirloin, Italian sausage, rib-eye, and even bacon-wrapped mussels. The Italian sausages were, thankfully, much smaller than usual since diners will be halfway or two-thirds of the way done by the time it comes out.

To finish everything off, our meat carver came out with cinnamon-covered pineapple as a treat. It was an unex-

pected hit though difficult to finish off since we’re basically rolling on our stomachs as we leave.

Before departing Apiwat informed us of a special for The Phuket News readers: Diners who have a copy of our review of El Gaucho should take a photo with the newspaper and post it on Facebook with a check-in at Karon Beach Square and “like” the Karon Beach Square fanpage to receive a “buy oneget-one free” churrasco meal (Rodìzio).

El Gaucho restaurant is located at Karon Beach Square and is open daily, Monday to Sunday, from 6pm– 11pm. Make a reservation at the resort. phuket@moevenpick.com or call (+66) 76.396.139.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

HEALTH 9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Cut the fat with this recipe

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his easy-to-make recipe has complex carbohydrates, proteins, and essential good fats to promote weight loss and build muscle.

Live enzyme-rich foods with oxygen are needed to feed your blood supply. Rich as in the mother of all antioxidants, Glutathione, only found in raw uncooked foods.

Culinary rules of Holistic Chef Barry are as follows: Must be fast and easy to prepare in 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 15 minutes (tops) in most situations.

Ingredients:

1- Four hand-size cabbage leaves 2- Commercial mustard (sugar free) – or you can opt to make your own mustard paste as per your preferred taste with the following ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, ground mustard seed powder, ground cinnamon powder and raw honey in equal parts, along with a bit of coconut oil.

3- A handful of your selected leafy herbal greens. Moringa leaf is a super food that is used in all the wellness detox centres located on Phuket.

4- Salsa or vegan chilli sauce or make it at home. Note that the Good Earth Chef normally boycotts most of the processed fake foods and for good reason, but this will be covered in a future article. The percentage of processed foods would be around 2 per cent in Chef Barry’s recipe plans.

If I was to pick a processed food, salsa would be my choice purely for convenience and time. Amy’s Salsa, made with organic tomatoes is great. The product is available in mild, medium and hot. Salsa is a potent weight loss immune system support and metabolism booster – one of the essential ingredients used in holistic, whole-food recipe creations.

5-Half a cup of shredded carrot (Organic First Choice) 6-Some good quality traditional Korean style Kimchi, a fermented super food found in most retail grocery stores.

Or you can use traditional German Sauerkraut a pro-biotic cultured food.

7-A small handfull of sprouted almonds. How to sprout an almond?

Simply soak the almonds in a glass or ceramic bowl of filtered water over night

and drain out the water into your potted plants. Rinse the almonds until the standing water becomes clear. You have to eliminate the enzyme nut inhibitors that should not be inside the human body (for better complete digestion of the food).

Then, spread your predigested almonds over a towel on top of a plate to air dry. The towel absorbs more moisture out of the nuts.

The following day you will see the almonds a third size bigger and the taste has changed from hard and woody, to a more softer crunchy chocolate taste.

8- The side dish in the photo consists of the following ingredients : One or two teaspoons of dry garlic, a pinch of Thai chilli powder, or Cayenne red pepper, a pinch of turmeric powder, black pepper, and pink Himalayan sea salt.

9- Coconut lemon cream dressing ingredients: One whole coconut; one whole lemon; a teaspoon of equal parts of ground cinnamon; and raw unfiltered honey (a proven weight loss mixture) Half a cup of fresh cubed pineapple.

The core stem has most of the enzyme power.

One small ripe banana to improve taste and is a proven pre-biotic that feeds your friendly flora gut bacteria for immune system support.

To make this wonderfully tasty dressing simply add all the ingredients, including the coconut water, and seed and blend well together to make a fine smooth consistency.

Putting it all together:

1- Add two cabbage leaves with one more leaf on the two sets.

2- Spread your mustard evenly over the surface of each cabbage leaf .

3- Spread your cultured Kim-Chi or Sauerkraut over the top.

4- Liberally spoon your coconut lemon cream dressing over the top.

5- Spread a thin layer of your salsa sauce over this.

6- Next liberally spread your selected micro leafy herbal greens over the top.

7- Garnish with sprouted almonds.

8- Spread your grated raw carrot over this.

9- Add your small bowl of seasoned dry garlic mix.

Kid cancer awareness campaign

B

angkok Hospital Phuket teamed up with Phuket Educational Council in launching a cancer awareness campaign for youths entitled “Young Generation to Fight Cancer” with the aim of spreading awareness of cancer prevention.

On February 7 at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, Dr. Narongrit Havarungsi, Hospital Director, led hospital staff and young participants in a welcome to Phuket Governor Nisit Chansomwong and Mr. Bantoon Thongtan, Chairman of Phuket Educational Council, who @thephuketnews

came to preside over the campaign launch. The event also marked “World Cancer Awareness Month”.

There were various activities: award presentations to winners of an essay contest on the topic “Live a Healthy Life and Stay Away from Cancer”, which

included students from local primary and high schools; health exhibitions about a healthy diet for cancer prevention, and exercises that help fight cancer.

All was rounded up with a puppet performance by local puppeteers from Phuket’s Homeschool project.

How to eat this delight:

Eat it like a sandwich by scooping the whole thing up like a sandwich and bite into the recipe. Don’t forget to sprinkle your garlic herbs over the top as desired for taste.

Special weight loss note: All bread and bakery items must be eliminated from your diet as they have a very long transit time inside the human body, which predisposes a lot of people to be over weight.

The raw living vegan sandwich wraps are a good way to carry out the transition. Bakery goods played a major part in Chef Barry’s weight in the past.

It’s one of the reasons why he used to be obese.

Barry is an American living in Phuket.

Having suffered from obesity in the past, Chef Barry has learned the culinary arts of working with foods from nature and dropped over 45 kg of weight. Fpr over 20 years Barry conducted extensive research about the weight loss industry. He lives with his family at the Garden Villa Phuket Good Earth Health.

Visit https://flic.kr/ps/QgogH to see more original delicious health recipes.

10 BEAUTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

This month’s beauty gems Dalia Hilmi editor1@classactmedia.co.th

You’ll be transported to a field of sunshine bursting with romantic flower scents.

F

rom colourful shadows to liquified lipsticks and quick-drying nail drops, it seems February is the month for revolutionary beauty.

We’ve put together a little round-up of this month’s must-haves.

1

1. Urban Decay’s Sheer Revolution Lipstick is everything you love about the original Revolution lipstick, but with a sharp, shiny finish. Every shade features a super creamy, rich and gorgeous, high-shine finish.

Infused with a nourishing blend of oils and antioxidants Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller.

2. Chloé Love Story is the pop song of floral perfumes. A perfect mix of jasmine-and-orange-flower blend, for a bright, happy, irresistible girl.

Floral, fresh, and sexy, Love Story is the new essence of seduction from Chloé. Orange flower oil opens the fragrance with a radiant and intoxicating characteristic like the flush of new love.

The seductive and joyful scent of stephanotis jasmine, often used in wedding bouquets, gives the fragrance its heart. The scent is grounded by the sensual diffusion and freshness of cedar wood, creating a special base that endures.

3. Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Gift Set is a playful interpretation of the original Daisy fragrance.

It’s a lot more fruity, more bubbly, more girly!

Open the beautiful bottle that’s covered in six softto-the-touch daisies with petals in white, pink and yellow, and you’ll be transported to a field of sunshine bursting with romantic flower scents. Its light, woody base gives the perfume an unexpected twist.

2

3

4

4. NAILS INC. Spring Summer Mini Gel Effect collection is the must have nail set. A six-piece set of mini gel effect polishes formulated with revolutionary plasticiser technology resulting in a high shine, super glossy finish. And the best part? No UV lamp needed.

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5. Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Palette is a sleek, palm-sized palette with Bobbi Brown’s must-have Corrector, Creamy Concealer, Skin Foundation Stick, and Sheer Finish Pressed Powder.

6. And finally, Marula oil. Possibly the answer to perfect skin and hair.

There are plenty of oils around, but, Marula oil is made from the fruit of the marula tree, which is native to Africa. It’s moisturising, but it won’t clog your pores.

It also contains the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids.

The best part? It’s surprisingly nonoily.

6

Beauty tip: maximising baby powder Bangkok Post

B

aby powder is not just for babies and mummies — it can be a real lifesaver in many sticky situations. From bad foot odour to beauty ailments, this simple product can work wonders.

Fixing greasy hair

In our hot and humid country, greasy hair is inevitable. However, washing your hair too often can make the hair dry, brittle and unhealthy. The easy solution is to fix greasy hair at its root cause — the scalp. Sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your scalp can help soak up the excess sebum. Aim for the scalp, not the hair, or you will end up looking like your grandmother.

Lash extension

You can make your eyelashes thicker without investing in expensive lash lengthening products or fake lashes. Coat your lashes with mascara, and before it dries completely, apply baby powder using cotton buds. Apply another coat

of mascara to cover up the whiteness.

Foot odour

If you suffer from bad foot odour, baby powder can be just what you need. Apply baby powder on your feet and between your toes to get rid of bad smells.

Perfecting your lip colour

Baby powder can prolong the life of your lipstick. You can seal the colour by dabbing a bit of baby powder after you’ve applied your lipstick. It is also a good way to create that ultra trendy matte look without having to invest in another lipstick.

Prevent chafing

Chafing thighs cannot only be annoying but also painful. Frequent runners and those with fuller thighs know too well the pain of raw, chafed skin. Apply some baby powder on the troubled area and wipe it off. The sweat in that area will be absorbed by the baby powder, and when the skin is dry, chafing is less likely to occur. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

TRAVEL 11

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

One night in Hong Kong A few hours into the city and back for a little ‘selfie’ time

Steven Layne editor@classactmedia.co.th

I

recently had to fly back to the US on short notice to attend a family funeral. With limited funds and a narrow window to book, one advantage of living in Phuket is the abundance of cross-Pacific flight deals on offer, year round, that depending on the time of year, can even work out cheaper and more convenient than flying out of Bangkok.

This would be my second trip in just over two years back home to Denver (DEN) from Phuket (HKT). The first time, in December 2012, when I’d brought my Thai family back for the holidays, Korean Air yielded the best deal via Seoul (ICN) and Los Angelas (LAX), at about B42,000 each.

For this solo trip, the best deal I could find was from Cathay Pacific, also via LAX. Having booked just a day before travel, the round-trip economy fair turned out to be B49,000 all in, but entailed long overnight layovers at the airline’s hub, Hong Kong (HKG), both legs. On the outgoing trip, I landed in HKG by about 11pm, exhausted and unmotivated to take advantage of the transit, instead opting to lounge around the airport all night, killing much time on the internet via the fast and free WiFi connection.

The complementary USB and power outlet charging stations were really handy, though many of them were disconnected.

I ended up sleeping through much of the layover, sprawled out on three vacant airport bench seats, soothed and sedated by the classical music playing all night in the transit terminal.

ILLUMINATED: The lights in Hong Kong provide for the perfect backdrop for selfies.

As for highlights on my trip back to the “Mile High” city, I’ll save that story for another day.

On my return to Asia last week, I landed in HKG about 7pm, which allowed for a better window to check out the city. If anything, I wanted to see the if the downtown skyline still had the same charm I recall from the last time I was there in 2002.

The airport is located some 33 kilomtres from the heart of the iconic, harbour front skyscraper heart, and the quickest way into town is by the high speed train, which takes about 20 minutes one way.

It only runs until around midnight, and starts again around dawn. Considering my limited funds, I figured three hours would be more than enough, giving me plenty of time to make like Cin-

Above: The IFC tower is the tallest building on Hong Kong island.

Below: Tourists taking selfies near Victoria Harbour.

@thephuketnews

derella and get back to the security of the airport before midnight.

Same day round-trip train ticket costs HK$100, or about B400. If I missed the last train, then I’d have to wait until the early morning to get another train which would cost another $100, and then I’d be stuck in the chilly city all night with nothing to do and little to no money to do it.

Just as I’d remembered in 2002, the train ride was lightning swift; there’s only two stops – Tsing Yi and Kowloon stations – before the terminal stop at Central Station, in the heart of Hong Kong proper. From there, you can easily connect to the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) to swiftly get to other parts of the city, but that would just be one more expense I didn’t need.

So, I set out from the station, set snug under a dull shopping complex at the base of International Finance Centre, the tallest building on HK island at 412 metres. The building was still under construction when I was here last and is now an integral part of the HK skyline, along with the iconic Central Plaza (374 M) and Bank of China (367M) buildings.

I walked around, heading towards Victoria Harbour, where some carnival was taking place.

It should be noted that the tallest skyscraper in the city is not on HK island, but on the opposite bay in West Kowloon. At 484M high, the International Commerce Centre is the world’s 8th largest building.

At Central Piers, I tried to snap a few pics of the towering light spectacle that is the ICC across the bay, but visibility wasn’t on my side so I just strolled around absorbing the sights and lights of Central HK. If you’ve got the time, I’d recommend going up to Victoria Point, with a great vantage point looking down on the city, or even crossing over to Kowloon, for a full water-front skyline vista of downtown.

Most of the pedestrians walking around, were clearly tourists, taking selfies with the fantastically illuminated skyscrapers in the background.

Every other person had a selfie stick.

And while I would never be caught dead with one of those, it was only fitting that I jumped on the selfie bandwagon and snapped at least one selfie.

And that was that, stopped at 7-11 for a sandwich before boarding my train back to the airport. Next time, I’ll have to spend a few days here with the family to enjoy it more.

12 TECHNOLOGY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Phuket experts provide skills online J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

T

he cycle of Phuket expat life goes something like this: visit as a tourist, push your stay for “a bit” longer, find a job and cheap(er) housing, then stay indefinitely. While it’s easy for some to gain employment on the island, for others it could be a frustrating game of endless interviews (if they even get that far).

The digital realm provides solutions for would-be expats and travellers looking to gain income while they discover the world.

Vexbook is a new venture that has become an additional source of income for a few Phuket expat experts, allowing them to not only grow whatever existing business they have but providing some stability for those working remotely.

The website works like this: Those who want to learn new skills or have a problem that requires immediate help can connect with professionals via Skype or FaceTime – whether it be yoga masters, IT experts, nutritionists, chefs, language tutors or more. Clients schedule a time with the expert and then pay them their specific hourly rate through PayPal or Bitcoin (digital currency). Easy peasy.

“A lot of people don’t venture out of their house, everything is online. If you can order everything online and get it delivered to your house, why not for any problem?” said Nick Lawrence, who op-

(Clockwise from top) Julie Reveillet at his home workshop; Scott Stevenson in Chalong tries his hand at Vexbook; Nick Lawrence of Aquatech Phuket gives pool maintenance advice online. erates Aquatech Phuket, a pool services company.

Through Vexbook, Nick provides consultations on how to fix common pool problems. In exchange, the client pays

him depending on the hours they meet.

“I can help people fix things in minutes, especially with Vexbook, where you can Skype and be shown the problem and the equipment and I can relay to

them how to fix it,” he said.

Similarly, Scott Stevenson – a mindset specialist and coaching consultant – is relying on the internet to help connect him with clients he’s unable to meet with in-person.

“So many people want to be a catalyst in their own change and they’re either too embarassed or don’t have time to seek professional help. With Vexbook, it’s created this whole array of pressionals that can actually help through Skype or FaceTime,” he said, “this allows expats to bring their talents to Phuket while still contacting with the rest of the globe.”

Julien Reveillet, owner of Phuket My Mac, has lived here for two years and leverages his knowledge from his years as a networking engineer and IT manager to help others repair their computers.

For Vexbook, he’s providing software help to clients having trouble.

“I think helping people who don’t know can be easy for young people, we understand this because we used computers at an early age. For my clients, however, they just want to know how to connect and make certain things work,” the 33-year-old told The Phuket News.

thephuketnews

FILM 13

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM 4, 2014 THEPHUKETNEWS.COM FRIDAY, FRIDAY,APRIL FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Bond ‘roids up FILM REVIEW

Pimrapee Thungkasemvathana

Bangkok Post

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE

Starring: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong, Michael Caine

DIRECTOR: Matthew Vaughn

RUNNING TIME: 129 minutes

@thephuketnews

F

ree calls. Free internet. For everyone. Forever. Samuel L. Jackson is Valentine — villainous internet billionaire in a sideways baseball cap with a distinct lisp, an aim to save the planet from global warming and a hot accomplice named Gazelle with large blades built into her Pistorius-style prosthetic legs — offers the world. Who could say no?

Meanwhile, celebrities and ministers, rapper Azealia Banks and a Nordic princess are disappearing. Matthew Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service (based on Mark Millar’s comic) flaunts its zany plot that grows from a simple notion: The suit is the modern man’s armour.

Eggsy (Taron Egerton) is picked up from a police station, where he’s being held for committing petty crimes, and taken straight under the wing of the gallant Galahad (Colin Firth) of Kingsman, a secret service modelled after King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table that operates out of a bespoke suit tailor shop. Galahad sits in an office with red walls, decorated with the front pages of The Sun from days he did something remarkable that went unnoticed by the world. On one of those days, “Brad Pitt ate my sandwich”.

Eggsy has, of course, never met a tailor in his life. He’s never seen Trading Places or La Femme Nikita or Pretty Woman. He lives in a cramped social housing apartment with his mother and an abusive stepfather.

That is, until he’s thrown in with a bunch of Oxbridge-don’t-you-know-who-my-father-is

types, with whom he trains and competes.

Eggsy himself has been recruited because of the deeds of his father. The crew lives in a bunker, each taking care of a puppy — Eggsy picks a brooding pug because he it would grow into a fierce bulldog.

The ingredients of the film are common and routine. The characters have been tried.

There are Martinis. Even the gadgets are familiar: a poison pen, a lighter grenade, microchips implanted in the back of the neck. Yet Kingsman is testament that outrageous spy spoofs can be entertaining and gripping, that clichés can be done right.

This pastiche child of James Bond and Quentin Tarantino is brash and boisterous, fun and energetic.

It is taut and playful, with just the right amount of self-awareness. Firth carries the film — it’s s a treat to watch him get into a pub brawl in his refined suit after being interrupted from finishing his pint, to see him stake a priest and split a woman’s head open with an axe in a Catholic church in rural America.

Absurdity is key. Galahad and Valentine talk about James Bond films. Valentine serves Big Macs on a plate and washes it down with aged wine. The female characters are, of course, negligible — it is an homage

to spy films and action movies, after all.

But please, it’s 2015.

Bangkok Post

14 ENTERTAINMENT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Legends of Siam to launch new album on February 28

A

fter what has seemed like a lifetime, young local band, Legends of Siam will finally release their debut album “This Means War” at a launch concert at the Hard Rock Café in Patong on February 28.

To celebrate the albums completion they have released a new single from the album called “Writing My Name” which can be heard on Live 89.5FM in Phuket and via the band’s SoundCloud site.

“The album took a very long time to record because we have had so many line-up changes over the last 3 years” said Blaze KC, the bands leader and guitarist.

“Because we were so young when we started the recording process, we recently had to go back and re-record quite a bit of what was originally done because our voices have changed and we have become better musicians.”

Having survived the revolving door of band member changes, the current lineup of Gemma Kealy (16), Destiny Star (15), Blaze KC (14) and Rannze Davies (18) have been together for a

little over a year now, and this stability has afforded them the time to record an album and develop into a tight live act as was witnessed at the recent Rocktober shows staged at the Underwood Art Factory in Phuket.

Blaze KC started Legends of Siam with Rannze Davies in 2011 when he was just 10 years old.

Since their inception Legends of Siam have worked hard to realise their dreams of making careers in the music industry.

From the onset the band attracted many supporters and became a sought after live act for functions and festivals in Phuket.

They have opened for such Thai superstars as Job to Do, Paradox, Modern Dog and Hugo.

Legends of Siam have big plans for 2015, and have already reached two of their goals which was to complete their album and reach 1000 likes on their Facebook page.

With their ‘we don’t wish for it, we work for it’ attitude, 2015 looks like it will be a successful year for Legends of Siam.

FUTURE LEGENDS: From left, Blaze KC, Destiny Star, Gemma Kealy and Ranze Davies.

To find out more about Legends of Siam visit their website www.legend-

sofsiam.net and connect with them on Facebook.

Latest in the world of celebs AMIGOVIA Whitney Mitha whitneymitha@yahoo.com

Hello baby Christina Aguilera gave birth to her second child. I was only vaguely aware she was even pregnant as I did not see much press on it. She had a baby girl who she named Summer Rain. The “interesting” celebrity child naming continues.

Fifty Shades of Grey The outrageously popular erotic novel made into a movie was released last weekend and as to be expected millions of people turned out to see main characters Christian Grey and Anna Steele in action. I did in fact go see it on Valentine’s Day and I agree with critics reviews in that if you have read the books and are a general fan it is worth seeing but nothing great. The books themselves were not particularly well written and the movie is cut from the same cloth. The movie is not a comedy obviously but I found myself giggling from time to time at the cheesy and seemingly forced sexiness at times. I was not alone either as I heard many bouts of laughter from other movie goers. That said I did enjoy the film overall and will most likely go to the second one. Spoiler alert- the movie ends somewhat abruptly and leaves you hanging.

Awards to be won The 57th annual Grammy awards were

Sam Smith won six Grammys. held on February 8th in Los Angeles, California. Some highlights from the event were Kanye West making a fool of himself yet again by commenting that Beyonce Knowles should have won the Grammy for Album of the year while the actual winner, Beck was giving his acceptance speech. Breakout star to me is singer Sam Smith who at only 22 years old was nominated for six Grammys and won four including Best new artist, Song of the year and album of the year.

Sad news Bobbi Christina, daughter of famous diva Whitney Houston is said to have failing organs while on life support in the hospital.

She was found unresponsive at her home about three weeks ago in what seems to have been a possible drug overdose.

Whitney is an American living in Phuket, writing about the latest gossip and trends in pop culture. Read more from Whitney on Wordpress and Facebook (search: “amigovia”) and follow her on Instagram @Amigovia.

thephuketnews

16 ISLAND SCENE

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PHUKET HOTELS UNITED

Governor Nisit Jansomwong

CLASS ACT MEDIA MAKES THE ROUNDS TO WISH OFFICIALS A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

Lyndon Ellis and Jon Ashenden of SALA Phuket

Montara Place/Trisara Academy was the host venue for a preview of the Phuket Hotel Association on Monday February 16. Above, from left: Left, from left: Anthony Lark V.P. Business Development Montara Hospitalty Group and Richard Pope CEO Infinite Luxury.

Class Act Media’s PR Manager, Pichsinee “Oil” Pomnoi (far left) and GM Jason Beavan (far right) have been making the rounds around the island to wish Happy a Chinese New Year to a number of local government officials and departments. More to follow.

From Left: Bill Black President Montara Hospitality Group, Anthony Lark V.P. Business Development Montara Hospitalty Group, Patteera (Mink) Maneesri Group Director of Human Resources and Trisara Academy Director and David Keen CEO QUO Global

Santi Pawai, Phuket Office of Tourism and Sport Director

(From left) Regina Salzmann of Centara Blue Marine Resort & Spa, Scot Toon of Kata Rocks; Darren Shaw of Centara Grand Beach Resort and Jean-Christophe Nager of The Pavilions.

Anoma Wongyai, TAT Director

HAPPY FRIDAY THE 13TH

It was another great Outside Broadcast of Drive on Live with 89.5’s Jason Wilder pumping out great tunes and interviews in front of The Dock Bar at Royal Phuket Marina.

Make sure to catch us there again on February 27 for another happening Happy Hour.

Cheap drinks, great marina atmosphere!

Jason Wilder interviewing Bongo Bob.

The Village Coconut Island’s Tom Gordon (l), Oliver Wells and Mathew Staken (2nd right and right) along with Stuart Dunn of Elite Property Services. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

ISLAND SCENE 17

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

BUSINESS DINNER RECEPTION WITH AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR The Australian Ambassador HE Mr Paul Robilliard hosted a dinner for Australian business people in Phuket on Tuesday 10 February 2015 at the Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant in Phuket.

Tim Shaw (far left) and Jason Beavan (right) with Paul and Michelle

AN HONORARY OZ EVENING Paul Robilliard, Australian Ambassador to the Kingdom of Thailand visited Michelle Hawryluk, Phuket’s new Honorary Consul to Australia on February 10. A number of honorary guests were invited to attend.

HE Paul Robilliard (3rd right) with local businesspeople

CENTRAL FESTIVAL PHUKET’S VALENTINE LOVE JAZZ CONCERT The music of love filled Central Festival Phuket on Valentine’s Day with a live ‘Love Jazz Concert’ by members of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra. Among the VIP guests, pictured above: Ms Wilaiporn Pitimanaaree, Central Festival Phuket General Manager (white dress) with musicians from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and special guests: former Vice Governor Sommai Prijasilpa; Chinese Consul Ms Wung Huijuan (pink dress); Centara Director of International Sales, Jurairat Mongkolwongsiri (red dress).

ACCOR HOTELS HOLDS ‘YIM’ SMILE KIDS CHARITY DINNER Tim Shaw and Petra Klingler

AMARI PHUKET WELCOMES FAMOUS UK SINGER, ACTOR Richard Margo – Hotel Manager (left), represented Amari Phuket to give a warm welcome to William Young, a well-known singer/songwriter and actor (right) from the United Kingdom during his recent visit to Amari Phuket. @thephuketnews

Accor hotels in Phuket recently organised “Yim Kids Dinner & Charity Night”, a fund-raiser to help Yim Kids Foundation, Accor Thailand’s charity that provides health care and educational opportunities for underprivileged children throughout Thailand. This particular event aimed to fund activities of Child Watch Phuket, which cares for 50 children aged two to five whose parents are still in jail. The funds raised would be used to purchase the centre’s new learning media and expand its existing playground.

The Phuket News’ Matt Pond with organiser Eddie Reef.

HOUSES FOR HERMIT CRABS

Class Act Media was proud to be a sponsor a group of locals who on February 14 & 15 placed shells on the beaches of Koh Racha Yai giving hermit crabs new homes.

18 EVENTS

FRI

20 FEB

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SAT

21 FEB 3rd’ Thailand SUP Invitational, Stand Up Paddle racing

Phuket Old Town Sketchwalk 2015 Phuket Sketchers Club has been established in 2013, by a group of friends, who has a passion for art, they spend most of their time sketching around old town Phuket.

The following year they launched their first event, Phuket old town sketchwalk 2014.

Come & join the PHUKET OLD TOWN SKETCHWALK 2015. RSV: 088 768 4850.

Lombard Champagne Exclusive Dinner Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket together with Wine & Taste Co., Ltd. Invite you to join ‘Lombard Champagne Exclusive Dinner’ Champagne Lombard Export Manager will be a guest speaker and share the great wine tips and technique throughout the night. With 5-course set dinner, created

by Executive Chef Silvano Amolini along with his Chef de Cuisine Lorenzo Stelzer and team. Price THB 2,800++ per person.

Bookings recommended. Contact our Food & Beverage Team, Tel: +66 (0)76 362 999 ext. 3 or 7303 or email: dtlpfb@dusit.com www.dusit.com/dtlp

FRIDAYS WINE & TAPAS Imagine yourself sitting 50meters above sea level and gazing out over an amazing sunset whilst sipping on a Ginger & Lemongrass Martini and enjoying the unique sophisticated city lifestyle ambiance of Phuket. Every Friday ‘All you can Eat’ Tapas and more with free flow of selected beverages at 1,390 Baht net from 7 – 10pm. Get 30% discount on selected beverages from 5.30-6.30pm everyday. Located at Vanilla Sky Bar, Cape Sienna Hotel-Kamala Call 076-337300

Jazz, Blues & BBQ at Dewa Phuket Fridays from 7pm Enjoy live jazz with a delicious banquet of grilled meats, fresh seafood and more. From THB 800++ per guest Book Now: 076 372 300, Person: RSVP, Address: Dewa phuket, Email: sales2@dewaphuket.com

Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Every Saturday night, Num Noi Singpatong, the head trainer and owner of Singpatong + Sitnumnoi gym in Patong Beach, hosts an elite fight series “Suk Singpatong + Sitnumnoi Saturday fight night” at Patong Boxing Stadium (Sai Nam Yen Road), where top international and Thai fighters compete.

Visit pattongboxingstadium.com for more info. Contact 087 628 2719. Proudly supported by Class Act Media. Remark: Free transportation in Patong, Karon, Kata areas when requested in advance. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

BBQ at Expat Hotel

The competition at 9pm Expat Sports Bar at the Expat Hotel Soi Taipan Patong.

See map at www.expathotel.com.

SUN

22 FEB

For THB 499/-nett.

All you can eat

Come to Navrang Mahal in Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa for an authentic Indian Feast every Friday in Karon Beach. Try out our delicious naans, mutton vindaloo, chicken tandoori, dal makhini, butter chicken, samosas, lassis and many more mouth-watering dishes. For only 499/- nett and special reduced prices on drinks, 076-286464 Ext 4.

TUE

24 FEB

Toastmasters Phuket Looking to develop speaking and leadership skills? Ignite your career? Join Toastmasters Phuket and start making yourself a leader today! Invitation only.

Contact joannetoastmasters@gmail.com for more info.

Lunch or dinner served from 2pm. Your choice of either roast beef, chicken, loin of pork or leg of lamb served with roast and boiled potatoes, three fresh vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Only B320 per person which includes a free glass of house red or white. Opposite Centara Karon Resort. See otools-phuket.com

Sunday Poolside Chill Out Brunch at Kata Rocks Chill out poolside every Sunday for brunch, with our shared table family style dining along with live chill out music. Chef serves modern Mediterranean inspired plates and platters with an Australasian accent. Relax the afternoon away enjoy the brunch then cool off in our stunning 35 meter oceanfront infinity pool Chilled live beats will set the tone and backdrop to the perfect Sunday session 12 noon till 4 pm every Sunday 1500++ per person for brunch and 2500++ including free flow of selected beverages Reservations required, Email: reservations@katarocks. com, Phone: +66(0)76 370 777

MON

23 FEB

Zumba in the Jungle We do not consider Zumba a class, it is a fitness party! Making exercising fun, the dynamic Latin-based dance workout has taken the fitness world by storm. Vibrant and energetic, an hour of serious cardio passes by in such a flurry of colourful smiles, that it doesn’t feel like exercise at all! Join us at Santosa, where the formidable Geti Pici transforms our fitness pavilion into a fit-party! To book this class, or to find out the other Zumba class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center.

076 330 600 Patak Rd, Kata.

Weekly Charity Jackpot Quiz Every Tuesday 6.30pm at Sea Breeze Royal Phuket Marina. Schedule February 24th.

First Prize is a 1000 THB food voucher for use in Sea Breeze. The Jackpot is a minimum of 2000 THB per week which rolls over to the next week if no-one wins it. The quiz costs 100 THB per person and teams numbers are unlimited. 100% of the entrance fee per person goes to charity of the month. contact info@seabreezerpm.com 081 415 2884.

WED

25 FEB

Aqua Fitness Live Seafood & Jazz Sunday Brunch at Banyan Tree

Indian Curry Night on Fridays

Come & soak up all the action & witness the best of the best SUPers on offer as we crown Thailand’s SUP champions doing an Elite 6km race & 1km Sprint race. It’s not all serious with plenty of fun & family races & the unforgettable Island team relay challenge where business’ & hotels battle it out for bragging rights. There is a special SUP clinic for beginners to try as well as Music, Indie markets, games, food, beer tent, Finished off with an epic after party at Bliss Beach Club with the freakishly talented “Soundwave Sunday” DJ’s. 500THB/ person includes race registration & equipment hire.

Enter as many race categories as you wish.

For early registration & more info contact: tim@standupprojects.com, 082 519 3282.

Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

SWASDEE SIAM at Dewa Phuket Mondays from 7pm An evening of Thai cultural performance and aromatic flavours from our Thai kitchen. Just THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half. Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@dewaphuket.com

Traditional Sunday Roast Angus O’Tool’s Karon Beach

Time 8pm, Expat Sports Bar, Expat Hotel, Soi Taipan, Patong. www.expatsportsbar.com

Pool Competition at Expat Sports Bar

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Join Banyan Tree’s indulgent LIVE Seafood Sunday brunch featuring lots of LIVE Canadian Lobsters, Tiger prawns, freshly shucked Oysters, Wagyu rump and Foie Gras. Meander from one live cooking station to the next, and don’t forget to leave room for cheese and dessert. With live Jazz music and a kids club, starting at B2,800++ per person including free flow of selected beverages. Advance bookings are highly recommended, Contact 076 372 400. fb-phuket@banyantree.com

Aqua Fitness classes offer you something different to “high impact” sport but the results, however, will amaze you! Aqua fitness can increase muscle tone and improve your breathing, circulation and heart rate as well as help you to reshape your body: slimming your waist, toning your chest, firming your buttocks and strengthening your back. It’s also an excellent weapon against cellulite!

Aqua Fitness classes are held on Mondays at 17:00 and Wednesdays at 11:00am.

Please go to www.santosaphuket.com ot find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center., 076 330 600.

VNEA Pool Leagues Season 2 Join Thailand’s Largest Pool League !

Have Fun - Meet People - Play Pool For more details LIKE us on www.facebook. com/vneaphuket or call: 085 797 0005 For Schedules, Standings & Statistics check out: www.compusport.us Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV. thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

WED

25 FEB

PASTA MANIA at Dewa Phuket Wednesdays from 7pm Savour the flavours of Italy with fresh pasta, homemade sauces, tasty appetizers and desserts.

Just THB 650++ per guest, Kids Eat Half Price Book Now: 076 372 300, sales2@ dewaphuket.com

The Good Shepherd Craft Shop Opens every Wednesday from 10AM to NOON and every Saturday from 9AM to NOON. We have a wide and wonderful selection of handicrafts such as educational toys, dolls, puppets, paper art, greeting cards for all occasions, Novelties like tooth fairy pillow, and many more. All proceeds go directly to The Good Shepherd mission. More info visit www.thegoodshepherd.info/shop/ E-mail: reginatudor@gmail.com, Contact: 083 104 0788 Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

THU

26 FEB

Aerial Yoga–Unique to Santosa The fluid, gravity-defying twist on yoga shows how we can learn to fly whilst relieving compressed joints and re-aligning the body. The practice uses graceful, trapezelike movements which sometimes seem like acrobatics. A wonderful way to do inversion poses, aerial yoga really is an innovative fitness trend, and Santosa are extremely proud to be the only center in Phuket offering suspended movement in every direction along with stimulation of the organs, muscles and bones. To book this class, or to find out the other Aerial yoga class times, please go to www.santosaphuket.com or find us on facebook, Santosa Wellness Center. 076 330 600. Patak Rd, Kata, colleen@santosaphuket.com

SUN

EVENTS 19

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THU

5 MAR

PHUKET ANNUAL WINE OPTIONS CHALLENGE It is time to get competitive (in the best possible way) at the first ‘Phuket Annual Wine Options Challenge’ (WOC)! The WOC is a friendly, entertaining and enjoyable team wine tasting event that celebrates group fun and the fruit of the vine. The WOC takes place at Kata Rocks. Sponsored by KATA ROCKS, BB&B & Class Act Media.

To enter please email Scot via generalmanager@katarocks.com or Khun Neung on awc@bbb.co.th, team entry forms must be received along with a 500 baht entry fee per team before February 27, 2015. ������ Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

FRI

6 MAR

SAT

14 MAR

St. Patrick’s Day Ball to benefit Life Home Project Sharon Shannon, an Irish International world class musician, has kindly agreed to come and play for Life Home Project Foundation on March 14th at the Movenpick Resort and Spa Karon Beach. Sharon has entertained US President Clinton at the White House and President Obama in Dublin along with accompanying Presidents Mary Robinson and President McAleese on state visits to Poland and Australia respectively. She has recorded and toured with Bono, Adam Clayton, Sinead O’Connor, Jackson Brown, The Waterboys, to mention but a few. The night PROMISES to be full of amazing entertainment, delicious dinner and mouthwatering beverages courtesy of the Irish Times Pub. Book tickets now by calling Wandee via phone number 083 9696084 or 076 281273 or sec.irelandconsulate. phuket@gmail.com. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

MON

16 MAR

Bring your family and friends to celebrate in style!

Australian charity, Hands Across the Water invites you to a Bangkok Night of Celebration. The event will include musical entertainment, a live fundraising auction and guest speakers. Hands supports six homes and around 300 at-risk children across Thailand and has raised 270MB over the past 9 years. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok. Starts 6:30pm.

Ticket price 3,000 Baht per person or 27,000 Baht per table of 10. Bookings on team@handsacrossthewater.org.au.

Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

SAT

7 MAR

First day of TEFL training Earn an internationally recognized TEFL certificate from Phuket’s highest-rated TEFL course. Trainees learn about teaching methodology, language awareness, and phonology while gaining invaluable experience though guided lesson planning and observed teaching practice.

Meaningful job support for Phuket, Thailand or anywhere in the world. Discounts available for local residents. For more information, contact Eric Haeg. TEL: 081 968 9334, EMAIL: info@teflcampus.com.

WED

18 MAR

1 MAR

On the first of every month, Laguna Phuket invites you to experience “Laguna Market on First” in the park at Laguna Grove.

Enjoy a variety of goods from food stalls, clothing, home décor, arts and crafts, music and performances, dining area and much more! 2nd market returns this Sunday 1st March at 5pm - 9 pm, with local shows and mini-concerts by Koh Mr.Saxman and Pui The Voice!, julalaks@lagunaphuket.com, 076-362300 Ext.1408. @thephuketnews

SUPERSPORTS 10 Miles International Run 2015 Phuket presented by Thanyapura Supersports and Thanyapura Phuket are proud to announce‘SUPERSPORTS 10 Miles International Run 2015 Phuket presented by Thanyapura’ which will take place on Sun-22 March 2015, total prize money 110,000 B. Register now at www.supersports.co.th and www.thanyapura.com or at Thanyapura club services from 8am to 9pm. Entry closes on 13 March 2015.

Free running Singlet is limited only 1,500 pre registered runners., Email: virapol.c@ thanyapura.com, 089 973 9506. Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

FRI

27 MAR

CONSTECH 2015

XANA 3rd Pink Party feat. DJ Paul Harris Laguna Market on First - Sunday 1st March 2015

SUN

22 MAR

Celebrity DJ Paul Harris, the Grammy award-winning British DJ from the trio Dirty Vegas, is making a return to spin his finest tunes at XANA, a night featuring remarkable entertainment, incredibly sexy ladies, gorgeous men, and spontaneous surprises! It’s a Sexy Pink night! Dress to kill and party all night long. Come with pink underwear for an even bigger surprise!

Tickets are available at XANA, THB 500 including 1 drink, receive an extra drink when dressed in pink! RSVP 076 324 101 info@ xanabeachclub.com Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

RBFC THAILAND 2015 ‘Classic’ Sport Fishing Tournament To be held 18 to 20 March 2015 off the beautiful Similan Islands, the tournament boasts the most generous prize money in Asia!!!

At least 20 boats have already confirmed, including teams from Australia, Canada, USA, UK, Germany, Oman, Hong Kong and Singapore. For further details please contact Warren Crowe Tel: +66(0) 812704291 or Andy Bright Tel: +66(0) 862739948. E-mail: info@rawaibeachfishingclub.com Proudly supported by Class Act Media.

Thailand International Construction Machinery, Equipment and Technology Exhibition 2015 is an international business platform gathering more than 400 exhibiting companies & brands from around the world spanning a vast range of construction and mining machinery and equipment, and machinery for building material production. More than 5,000 trade buyers, industry player and key decision makers from Thailand and ASEAN construction and mining industries are expected to visit the event. CONSTECH 2015 is organized by Thai Contractors Association under H.M. the King’s Patronage (TCA) and managed by IMPACT Exhibition Management Co., Ltd. CONSTECH 2015 is a must visit exhibition!, Address: IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand., Email: pasinc@impact.co.th, Phone: 02 833 5208 Proudly supported by Class Act Media - The Phuket News, Novosti Phuketa, Live 89.5 & The Phuket News TV.

20 TIME OUT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Crossword by Myles Mellor & Sally York Across

1. In heraldry, what does ‘gules’ mean?

2. What is dumb waiter and what is it usually used for?

3. In billiards, how many points are scored for a cannon?

4. What colour are the triple word score squares in the game of Scrabble?

5. Monrovia is the capital of which country?

Answers below, centre.

SUDOKU

62. South African org.

63. Wipe clean 1. Children’s book type 64. Anticipate 65. Math degree 6. Balls 66. Shut out 11. Bill encl.

67. Exigencies 14. Humiliate 15. Beth’s preceder Down 16. Circle segment 17. Dependable one 1. Trodden track 20. Egg protector 2. Double-reed 21. Amateur video woodwind subject, maybe 3. Stooge 22. Actress Rene 4. Consumption 23. Kiss 5. According to 25. Deposited 6. Iron hooks, in 27. Bidding fishing 30. Singing exercise 7.

“The Sun ___ 34. Desktop pictures Rises” 35. Comics canine 8. Umpire’s cry 36. Discontinued 9. When D.S.T. begins 37. Legal authority 10. Descendant of 41. Annex Muhammad 42. ___-American 11. Droops 43. Corrupt 12. Graphic ___ 44. Fiasco 13. Lingering effect 47. Tributes 18. Boot 48. Physicist Niels 19. Classic art 49. Ill-gotten gains subject 50. Inscribed pillar 23. Nota ___ 53. Duffer’s goal 24. The Beatles’ 54. Capture “Back in the ___” 57. Local law enforcers 25. Numbers game

26. Buckets 27. Two-footed 28. Gastroenteritis cause 29. Laughs loudly 30. Thomas the Tank Engine narrator 31. Fixin’ to 32. Gather 33. Pastorals 35. Proposal 38. Pledge 39. Track shape 40. Wreck site 45. Well 46. Lathered 47. Title for some priests 49. Harness racer 50. Diagnostic test 51. Salon job 52. Make an impression 53. Tower site 54. Scottish hillside 55. Biting 56. Catches on 58. Mine find 59. Family dog, for short 60. Cooler 61. See red?

Solutions to last week’s puzzles:

Answers to this week’s Pop Quiz:

1. Red; 2. A small lift for transporting food from kitchen to restaurant; 3. Two; 4. Red; 5. Liberia.

GOT YOUR NUMBER

ISLAND VIEW

This week in history ■■ February 20, 1472

Orkney and Shetland are pawned by Norway to Scotland in lieu of a dowry for Margaret of Denmark.

■■ February 21, 1613 Mikhail I is elected Tsar of Russia, establishing the Romanov Dynasty.

42,000

Number of bottles of Champagne Winston Churchill is estimated to have drunk during his lifetime.

6,000

■■ February 22, 1879

Number of people in the US who die annually in crashes while texting.

100

People killed in an average year in Russia by falling icicles.

30

Grams of salt in a litre of seawater.

1,000

Number of different chemicals in a cup of coffee.

Muay Thai fighter sharpens his skills at the Saphan Hin gym. Photo by JP Mestanza

Source: Uberfacts

Got an unusual or particularly beautiful picture of Phuket?

Email it to editor1@classactmedia.co.th

In Utica, New York, Frank Woolworth opens the first of many five-and-dime Woolworth stores.

■■ February 23, 1991 General Sunthorn Kongsompong leads a bloodless coup d’état, deposing Thai Prime Minister Chatichai Choonhavan.

■■ February 24, 1989 Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issues a fatwa, offering a US$3 million bounty for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses. Rushdie is still on an Al Qaeda hit list.

■■ February 25, 1875 A i s i n - G io r o Z a i t i a n , Guang xu Empe ror of China begins his reign at the age of fou r, under Empress Dowager Cixi’s regency.

■■ February 26, 1993 World Trade Center bombing: In New York City, a truck bomb parked below the North Tower of the World Trade Center explodes, killing six and injuring more than 1,000.

Source: Wikipedia thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PROPERTY 17

18 PROPERTY

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PROPERTY 19

20 PROPERTY

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

@thephuketnews

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

PROPERTY 21

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIEDS 23

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

EDUCATION

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PRODUCTION SERVICE

GUARDIAN SERVICE

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

STORAGE Reserve Your Storage Space

Call 076 29 29 09

or visit mystorageasia.com

 Sizes to Suit all Budgets  Personal & Business Storage  Motorcycle Storage  Left Luggage Service  We Sell Boxes  Storage Insurance Inclusive

Secure, Clean & Cost Effective Self Storage Jungceylon Shopping Center, Patong, Phuket

ELECTRIC

STORAGE

MARINE SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT

HOME IMPROVEMENT

PACKAGING

REMOVALS

ADVERTISE HERE

@thephuketnews

24 CLASSIFIEDS

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

Jobs

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

classifieds@thephuketnews.com

ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT TRAVEL Exo Travel is one of the longest established destination management companies in Asia and one of the best known. Today we have 21 offices and over 700 full-time staff working from our destination-based offices in Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan and China. We are looking for an innovative and knowledgeable candidate to join our team in Phuket.

Operation Officer Work location: Exo Travel–Phuket Office (Bypass)/Reporting to: Phuket Branch Manager

Key role and Responsibilities: Handle FIT bookings Issue job orders for guides and drivers and prepare cash advances Handle Optional Tours bookings Co-ordinate with guides and drivers Reconfirm and co-ordinate with sub-agents Make quotations and reservations for product and / or reservations department in Bangkok

Requirement: Thai National only – Male or Female Good command of spoken and written English, knowledgeable of French or German will be a plus Bachelor degree in Tourism or related field is a plus Preference will be given to candidates with previous experience in travel business Good attitude, well organized, hard working, service minded and very detail oriented with the ability to work as part of a team Ability to work under pressure and timeline Excellent skills in Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point Only those with a genuine interest in joining a professional travel company for long-term commitment need apply.

Interested parties are invited to send their CVs, a covering letter with salary expectation in English and a current photo: E-mail: chaweewan@exotravel.com Website: www.exotravel.com Tel: 076-610 181, 082-805 5772 Fax. 076-610 182

Animal caregiver WANTED

Starting 1st March, full time, caring for sick animals, dog walking, grooming, medicating & running errands, some overnight & weekends expected, experience with animals a must, please send resume to : jellinecastro@ yahoo.com

Join an International Team, Princess Yachts Phuket is hiring 1 Position Urgently: Marketing Assistant; good English, good knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, basic Photo and Video production and Website, Thai national Please call Rico Stapel at: 086 690 0444 and send resume to rico@princessyachtssea.com

The Terminal Phuket Phuket Sirinath Property & The Terminal Phuket Sales Staff 2 (2 years Experience) Marketing 1 (3 years Experience) Accounting 1 (5 years Experience) A & S Supervisor 1 (10 years Experience) M & E Engineer 1 (10 years Experience) HR, Naiyang Beach, k.taksakorn@ gmail.com, 076 327 590

BB PHUKET NEEDS YOU! Come and join us to be a part of our Dream Team. The new unique Pool Bar and Restaurant on Phuket’s stunning East Coast is looking for you.

Position:

- Restaurant Manager/ Assistant Manager (ผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร, ผูช้ ว่ ยผูจ้ ดั การห้องอาหาร) - Bartender/Bartendy (บาร์เทนเดอร์, บาร์เทนดี�) - Host/Hostess (พนักงานต้อนรับในห้องอาหาร) - Banquet Attendant (พนักงานฝ่ายจัดเลี�ยง) - Marketing /PR (การตลาดและประชาสัมพันธ์)

Incentives:

Salary package: ��,���-��,���, competitive compensation and benefit packages and guaranteed service charge. (รายได้รวมอยูร่ ะหว่าง

��,��� – ��,��� บาท ตามตำแหน่ ง , ความสามารถ และประสบการณ์)

- Daily tips - Staff Food - Staff Van - FUN at Work

Requirements:

- “Can Do” attitude (มีทัศนคติดี) - Outgoing personality (บุคลิกภาพดี) - Good English (สามารถสื�อสารภาษาอังกฤษได้ดี) - Great communication skills (มีทักษะการสื�อสารที�ดี) - Passionate (มีความชื�นชอบในสายงาน) - F&B Knowledge (มีความรู้ในด้านอาหารและเครื�องดื�ม) - Hard working (มีความอดทนในการทำงาน) - Reliable (ซื�อสัตย์ม, สุจริต)

Thai& Non Thai nationals Contact us on Jobs@bbphuket.com Phone number: English: 0848927517, Thai: 0935757770

Native English Teachers

Are you looking for a Nanny?

Chalong International School is looking for two experienced teachers for our preschool and primary school to start Jan 6 Mon-Fri resume to phuketteacher@yahoo.com, 080 624 7060

Job Wanted!!! If you are looking for someone who can look after your child, pets or house when you plan to get away at night or during the weekend, Pls contact Email : jj_icu@hotmail.com, 081 476 7570

TELE SALES WORK FROM HOME

Excellent THAI CHEF

Earn up to 3,000 - 5,000 baht/day. International organization specialized in holiday rentals listing is expanding to new areas of interest. The ideal candidate is a responsible and diligent person with experience as a telemarketer or in sales. Good English and excel skills are essential.

Thai or foreigners can both apply. We offer: full training, telephone and email support, high commissions, Email: recruitment@holiplanet.com

Looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work abroad. I am looking for an excellent Thai Chef to work overseas in Sri Lanka at a new Thai Restaurant. Would require to speak little bit of english but what I am looking for is a really good chef who can make Authentic Thai food. Will provide great salary and accomodation. Please contact me on suranga.sd@ gmail.com to discuss further.

Vacancies for property sales reps

1.Sale English,Chinese,Russia (Good commission)Have experience in line of Sale 2.staff at booth for Property(17,000 + Lunch + Commission) Can communicate Good English, Kaew, kaew@agtropical.com, 094 807 3434

Assistant Branch Manager 20 K We are hiring!!!!! Both positions for our new branch in Phuket and to be part of our energetic team. Excellent commission & benefits. Email info@thailandpooltables. com, 20,000 THB per month, Ying.

Class Act Media is southern Thailand's most comprehensive media company, incorporating Phuket’s leading English newspaper ‘The Phuket News’, Russian language newspaper 'Novosti Phuketa', Phuket’s leading English radio station ‘Live 89.5’, Phuket English TV 'Phuket News TV' and a a host of publications and services including ‘The Phuket Colouring book’ & ‘Phuket Ticket Master’.

RADIO/TV REPORTER Class Act Media is looking for a writer/reporter for our radio and TV teams. They would need to have good English-speaking skills and will be writing and reporting news and information on Live 89.5 FM and Phuket News TV. We have a small team of local and international staff.

Qualifications:

● Good english writing and speaking skills ● Full time position with flexible working hours ● Presenting radio news and information ● Some TV news reporting

Interested candidates are invited to send application with full resume, in English, indicating qualifications, experience, recent photo and expected salary.

Apply online at thephuketnews.com/job.php

Class Act Media Co., Ltd. 99/7 Moo 1 T. Kathu A. Kathu Phuket 83120 Tel: 076 612 550-2 Fax: 076 612 553

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CLASSIFIEDS 25

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Buy&Sell BOATS & YACHTS Luxury Motor Yacht for sale

BRAND NEW REFIT - IMMACULATE Condition This luxurious 85-foot motor yacht is a Raymond Hunt Design (Bertram boats) 2 x caterpillar C12 ACERT 705hp (Digital Controls) Licenced for 60 passengers or 12 berth A full specifications sheet is available upon request. 39,265,992 THB, Stuart Walker, elitechartershk@gmail.com, +85297600287

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/thephuketnews

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @thephuketnews

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

COMPANY FOR SALE

CAR FOR SALE Subaru WRX STI A Line 2012 Arctic silver with satin gray wrap, Advance racing wheel, STI front and side spoiler, Cold air intake, HKS exhaust, Fuel bank system, STI rear diffuser, Engine remapping, Turbo boost control, Front anti roll bar, Front and back strap bar, Racing STI steel wheel, Mint 2,000 km. 3,500,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), Email: fang@sripanwa.com, 076-371000, Fax: 076-371004.

4.1M/40HP RIB, 09/2014 AS NEW! BOUG HT IN SEPT. 2014,14HRS ON LY! SUZU KI ENGINE+BOAT UNDER WARRANTY (SUZUKI PHUKET).

BIMINI+TRAILER+TUBE COVERS. 0935840565 (RUS/ ENG) 0987086632 (FR/ENG, 350,000 THB, )

Silver Princess Yacht PC530 A 53 ft Power Catamaran by Silver Princess Yachts. Beautiful design, compact yacht with space & modern interior. Dimensions: 53 ft length, 21 ft beam, 4 ft draft, 50 passengers, 22,000,000 THB, Sonny, 669 8810 5024, www.silver-princess.com, sonny@silver-princess.com

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl

Company for sale - Owner retiring Well known 12 year established company specializing in sales and rental of containers, site/sales offices, Porta Loos as well as Self Storage. Customer base includes Tesco Lotus, Laguna, Marriot, Boat Lagoon and many more. Enormous potential for expansion and export. A conservative value of company assets exceed 11MB which is included in the sale price of 14MB. Call Gordon 081 892 4804, www.safewayasia.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES Investor/Partner Needed Commercial business requires added funding. B15m-B25m (min/max)shares. Company is state of the art and will bring exceptional ROI. Can be active or silent partner. Will respond only to serious inquiries. Complete information available to qualified investors for full investment info. Call E +66884913857 / T +66822581153, mdrannan@gmail.com

Sale Double Shophouse - Kathu

3 storey with six large rooms, large shop/office on ground floor. Rooms fully furnished with cable TV and internet access. Car park available. 14.5 MB, Paul, Email: info@expathotel.com, 081-606-5772

Office/Shop For Rent Chalong Pier Road ground floor unit available for shop or office use. Excellent location on this popular and well-known road.

For more information, please call 081 416 4177 or 076 381 341.

CAR FOR SALE

Restaurant For Sale Restaurant for sale for health reasons in Patong. Soi Nanai 8, For sale is Kitchen equipment, Furniture, Bar, Fridges, etc. which are all new. Price is negotiable. No key money. Monthly rent THB20,000., bernd.schild@gmx.net, 081 891 9818

Nissan Juke 2014 2,500 KM. Show Room Condition Leather Interior Many Extras 685,000 THB. ono Call: 086 561 5597, Dean Noble, deannoble18@gmail.com

One of a kind retail space One of a kind retail space for rent!! Road front building, 36-50 SQM price from 12 to 16,000 THB per month. Call now 085 797 0005

Restaurant & Bar For Rent A long established fully equipped Restaurant with Bar for Rent in an excellent location on Nanai Rd, Patong. The 105 M2 premises includes a fully equipped Kitchen, Restaurant and Bar with ample seating for 50 customers and excellent parking facilities., Peter Wesche, info@phuket-besthomes.com, 081 892 8526 RAWAI RESTAURANT FOR QUICK SALE Rawai Restaurant for quick sale. Big area with parking and Big garden. Rental B200,000 per year with long lease. Price reduced from B1,500,000 To B 980,000 Tel: 089 646 7176 Email:big_redchili@yahoo.com

INVESTMENT IN RAWAI German design, 5 units, 50sqm to 100sqm. Building 2014 + 1-shop 40sqm. Complete price: 28.5 million Baht.

Tel: 0801453533 Chistina.

@thephuketnews

1997 GTO 3000 NON TURBO AUTO A superb example of this rare car. Excellent condition, 32k kms ONLY, red and black leather interior, fully maintained, can be serviced by local Mitsubishi main dealer,class 1 alarm, taxed and insured,2nd owner, will not ship and only sell face to face., 1.35 MILLION THB. 088 761 4090

FOR SALE Mitsubishi Triton Triton 2.5. Only 25,000km. With tinted windows, reverse sensor and camera. A1 condition. Full service history with Mitsubishi dealer, 620,000 THB, Sam Hannah, samhannahtci@ gmail.com, 096 053 8117

Nissan Teana Special 6 cyl November 2013 17000 Km New price 1.700.000.THB Price NOW 1,100,000.THB, Maurice, Email: Maurice.phuket@gmail.com, 099 302 7071, Thai: 090 163 2140.

2010 BMW 325i Sport Immaculate low kms (47,000) White 325i Sport with a full compliment of accessories. The car is in new condition with good rubber, full insurance and still has 12 months warranty remaining., 1.67 MB, hsewaugh@yahoo.com, 084 913 8926.

Ford Explorer Limited 2006 4.6-liter, V-8, 240 horsepower, 104,349 km. Urgent Sale!!! (can be negotiated), Email: info@theviewphuket.com, 081 666 6622

DIVING EQUIPMENT Dive Gear for SALE Axiom BCD ML), Aqua Lung Regs LX with SPG, Dive bag, Dive knife, SMB, 2 masks, fins (US 10), Only used 4 times. Email for further details., 35,0000 THB, Sam, Bang Tao, samhannahtci@ gmail.com, 096 053 8117

FURNITURE Folding Event Chairs 100 funky, modern design chairs that fold for easy storage. Made from high quality plastic that won’t change colour in the heat. Great for a restaurant or events.

Bought in Bangkok from Pioneer Furniture. Paid approx 950 THB per chair. Willing to separate but would prefer to sell as a bulk lot. Some are still brand new in un-opened boxes and all are in excellent condition, 650 THB each, Andrea, andreachappell@ gmail.com, 080 208 7454

MOTORBIKES FOR SALE HONDA FORZA 2013 Honda Forza low 8,775 kms. White, still under warranty, Excellent condition. Note: Helmets inc.

Not top box, 120,000 THB, ross@microbase.com. au, 082 2781570

2008 Dodge Challenger SRT8 8,000 km., The General Lee orange, Wrap in black satin color ,Standard 6200 cc with 425 hp, Aftermarket parts, Mopar intake, Mega flow exhaust, H&R lowering spring, Front & back strut bars, Front anti roll bar, Hennessy engine remapping, Now delivering 488 hp, 4,200,000 THB, Rujiporn (Fang), Email: fang@ sripanwa.com, 076-371000, Fax: 076-371004.

Motorbike and trailer for sale Honda 200cc Motorbike + Trailer Perfect condition, will sell separately or both. Bike B60,000, trailer B20,000. Ideal 4 shopping, camping, dog carring., pino.ellul@yahoo. com, 0848581917

26 CLASSIFIEDS

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

List your classified now at thephuketnews.com

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE CAMERA baby car seats for sale BAKLONG Car Seat - Very good condition, suitable for newborn to 25KG. Prices are THB 4,000 per seat, buy both for only THB 7,000.

Call 086 479 7471.

PETS FOR ADOPTION Neo and Cookie

We are 15 weeks old. We are very sweet with people and can get along easy with other dogs too! We hope you are the one who can give us a home. We will protect your house and love to cuddle. We already got some basic training. If you are interested in us you will get 2 dog training lessons for free.A dog is often happier when they have a friend around. These are best friends, so it would be best if they can stay together, Diana Koster, info@phuket-dog-resort.com, 083 599 6017

Missing Quincy

Missing our dog Quincy, Airdale terrier, male, black and brown coat. He got lost on the 31st of december in Patong,3000 Baht reward, 0870912798

OTHER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

BUY & SELL IN PHUKET

COMMUNITY

Inexpensive land plots / commercial property

Inexpensive land plots on east coast of Phuket for sale, 0.3 - 8 rai, some with a sea view (Bang Pae, Yamu Hills). Direct sale by owner. Price starts from 500 000 THB. Commercial property: two-storey building: 50 rooms, 13 bathrooms, 3 kitchens, 4 rai land plot, 7 min from airport. Nicely renovated. Can be a hospital/ school/commercial/residential property. 35 mln baht, Lana, lana.phuket@gmail.com, 080 27 16 484, 090 870 7773 Sea-View Land & Luxury Villa project in Kamala including architect plans & building permit for 9 villas, 4000m2 sale only THB 30 MB, MIO, pupillopascal@gmail.com Call:088 768 0942

FOR QUICK SALE

Beautiful land plot for sale very convenient located in a secure estate with underground electricity less than 10 mins from Phuket International Academy, Airport, Tesco , Naiyang beach, Grand AoPor marina in a peaceful foreigner community, Chanote title,1100sqm, flat land with fences around, mountain view , ready to build, good investment. For quick sale direct from owner only B3.5 mln., Montha, 081 343 0777, montha_phuket@yahoo.com Land for Sale Phang-nga

18 rai Land with Rubber Plantation for sale In Thayu, Phang Nga. 600,000 baht/rai Tel: 086 276 0041 Owner.

CALLING THE DOG LOVERS OF PHUKET

Soi Dog are looking for dog lovers in Phuket to come and spend time with our 300+ street dogs in residence at our shelter in Mai Khao, North Phuket. We need volunteers to help socialise and walk our dogs - as this is fundamental in preparing our lovely dogs for adoption in Phuket and around the world. Whether you can spare one day a week or can come every day, we would love to have you help our dogs. Volunteering at Soi Dog is an amazing experience and may well change your life. For more details, please email Diana at volunteering@ soidog-foundation.org

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

27

Phuket Super Six League: Season 9, Round 2 FOOTBALL

P

huket’s biggest local six-a-side football league is now underway as Super Six: Season 9 finished off round 2 on February 11. The 24-team league plays every week at Headstart International School.

Phuket Vagabonds team during a ceremony to present their new sponsors, Hooters.

Phuket set to take over Bangkok 10s RUGBY JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

THE PHUKET VAGABONDS ARE SET to make noise at the Bangkok International Rugby 10s, taking place from February 28 – 31, with the aim of bringing more silverware back to the island.

The Vagabonds will be competing against nearly 40 others teams from acrross the region, including squads from New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong and many others. This will also be the first competition in which the team will don their new uniforms, emblazed with their new sponsor: Hooters.

Last year, the Vagabonds survived the

@thephuketnews

“group of death” that included teams from New Zealand, and a French-side from Singapore, to make it to the playoffs, where they outscored their opponents 24-5 (two matches) on their way to the Bowl final.

The thrilling final saw the Vagabonds surge to a 12-0 lead until their rivals, Japan’s Nippon Oval, made some quick scores to tie the match and force overtime.

The Vagabonds would go on to lose the match 17-12. The team more than made up for the loss later in the year with a Cup final victory at the Chris Kays Memorial Rugby 10s and the Plate win at the Phuket International Rugby 10s.

The team’s rugby league team, Southern Thailand Warriors, will also enter the sixteam Thailand Rugby League for the 2015 season later this year.

For more information, visit phuketfootball.com.

SUPER SIX SOCCER: Season 9 Division 1

DIVISION 1 Pita Bar Phuketeers 1 – 5 Daohang Two Chefs 1 – 7 Phuket Condos & Homes

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

TT Boys 5 – 3 Blue Horizon

1

DIVISION 2

3

Black Dragon FC 2 – 0 Irish Times

2 4 5 6 7

Big One 7 –4 Gang Junior DIVISION 3 Shambala United 3 – 3 Jugqrue FC Novotel 1 – 4 Thailand Weightloss

8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Team

P

W

D

L

F

GD Pts

PK Condos & Homes Shakers FC TT Boys Daohang Blue Horizon Sam Kong FC Pita Bar Phuketeers Two Chefs Division 2 TEFL Campus PK Condos & Homes B Black Dragon FC Irish Times Big One Gang Junior USSR Talon FC Division 3 Thailand Weightloss Shambala United Naraya United ConF Jugqrue FC Phuket Serenity Villas Healthy FC Novotel

1 1 1 2 2 0 1 2

1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 1 0 1 2

7 6 5 7 7 0 1 2

6 5 2 2 0 0 -4 -11

3 3 3 3 3 0 0 0

2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2

2 1 1 1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 1 1 1 1 2

5 5 2 8 9 4 0 3

2 5 2 4 2 -3 -5 -7

6 3 3 3 3 0 0 0

2 2 1 1 2 1 1 2

2 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 1 1 1 2

6 8 6 7 7 0 2 4

5 2 4 3 -3 -2 -4 -5

6 4 3 3 1 0 0 0

28 SPORT

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Phuket-trained legend to make MMA debut at Full Metal Dojo MMA JP Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

T

he upcoming Full Metal Dojo 4: Once upon a Time in Bangkok event will be headlined by a clash of two titans of martial arts in Thailand and Cambodia.

Thailand’s Jomhod Kiatadisak – a former Lumpinee and Rajadamnern champion who won about 20 major world titles in his career – will make his mixed martial arts debut against Cambodian champion Vorn Viva on Saturday (February 21) at Live House Studios in Bangkok.

The 44-year-old Jomhod has been training for his debut MMA fight at Phuket’s Tiger Muay Thai & MMA Training Camp alongside fighters

Muay Thai legend Jomhod Kiatadisak in Phuket.

George Hickman, Alex Schild, Roger Huerta and a host of others.

The Phang Nga native has been a trainer in Phuket for the past decade (his gym, Jomhod Muay Thai is near Phuket International Airport) and he most recently came out of re-

tirement to fight Olympic gold medalist Somluck Khamsing back in 2012.

Vorn Viva, meanwhile, is the first Cambodian world champion kickboxer and, at 42 years old, will also be making his MMA debut at Full Metal Dojo 4.

The event will also see Phuket’s Michael Dubois (1-1) take on Dmitrijs Homjakovs (1-0) and Phuket Top Team’s Andres da Forno (1-0) against Jason Archilla, who has been training at Tiger Muay Thai.

Rawai-based gym AKA Thailand’s very own Masoud Rahmani of Iran (1-0) will be fighting Yoann Gouaida (4-3) in the promotion’s first-ever heavyweight bout.

(Above) Phuket-based MMA fighter Michael Dubois during a bout at Full Metal Dojo 2 at Seduction Nightclub in Patong. (Below) Full Metal Dojo 3 in Bangkok.

For more information, visit Fullmetaldojo.com or Facebook.com/fullmetaldojo.

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

IN BRIEF it,” she told reporters ahead of the Australian Open. AFP

SPORT 29

Rodriguez issues apology for doping, mistakes BASEBALL

FOOTBALL

Thai tycoon confirms AC milan talks

FOOTBALL

T hai busi nessman Bee Taechaubol con f i r med Wednesday he has held “cordial” talks with AC Milan about a possible share purchase but denied media reports he has made a formal takeover offer.

Rumours have swirled over the future of crisis-hit Milan following a slew of reports, primarily out of Italy and Thailand, saying Taechaubol -- the executive director of a south-east Asian private equity group -- wanted to buy a 50 percent stake in the club.

Italian media have also reported that Chinese billionaire Wang Jianlin is interested in a majority takeover and is the favoured candidate of the embattled Serie A club’s owner and former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi. AFP

Chelsea were fortunate, admits Mourinho Chelsea ma n age r Jose Mourinho admitted his side were fortunate to come away with a draw in the first leg of their Champions League last16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday (February 17) as he hailed goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

PSG had the better of the game but only had a secondhalf Edinson Cavani goal to show for it, with Courtois producing half a dozen vital saves to help Chelsea claim a 1-1 draw in the French capital.

As a result, Branislav Ivanovic’s precious away goal in the first half – from Chelsea’s only chance of the game – gives the Premier League leaders the upper hand going into the second leg at Stamford Bridge on March 11. AFP

GOLF

Teen golf wonder Ko plans to retire at 30

RUGBY

Teenage world number one Lydia Ko revealed Wednesday (February 18) she plans to retire at 30 and is about to start a psychology degree to prepare for life after golf.

The 17-year-old New Zealander, who smashed Tiger Woods’ record of reaching the top ranking when he was 21, said she wanted a second career later in life. South Korean-born Ko, who won her first professional event at the record age of just 14, will begin an online psychology degree via a university in Seoul next month.

“There’s always a second career that comes along with [retirement] and I’m trying to build up towards it and, because I”m playing a sport, psychology links well with

England full-back Mike Brown is still suffering concussion symptoms after sustaining a head injury against Italy in the Six Nations, head coach Stuart Lancaster revealed last week.

The Harlequins player took a heavy blow to the head during England’s 47-17 victory at Twickenham on Saturday and faces a race against time to prove his fitness for the showdown with Ireland in Dublin on March 1.

“We’re going to have to see how he comes through the return-to-play protocols. He’ll go through that graduated return and he hasn’t started that yet,” Lancaster told a press conference. AFP

England’s Brown sidelined by concussion

VNEA Pool: Season 2, Round 16

HOME

AWAY

Hiso Low Cost Off Course La Taverna LHM Reality Taz Girls Big Apple The Target Masters WTF !!

Fun Taz Y OTG Running Legends

Tan Khun Man O Man Thailand Pool Tables Orange Corner The Kata Dragons Mermaids Cue Boys Pen In Class Act Hustlers The Residence Arrow Media Millionaire

@thephuketnews

SCORE 1:4 1:4 5:0 0:5 5:0 1:4 0:5 5:0 1:4 5:0 5:0 5:0

D

isgraced Major League Baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez released a hand-written apology note Tuesday (February 17) to fans, his New York Yankees teammates and the league for his doping and other mistakes.

Rodriguez, who missed the entire 2014 season serving the longest doping ban in major league history, met with the Yankees last week and apologised to the organisation, including its longtime owners, the Steinbrenner family.

A week later, and just nine days before he and the Yankees gather in Florida to begin pre-season training for the 2015 campaign, Rodriguez said he was sorry he took performance-enhancing substances and also apologised for his often-combative actions in fighting the process that led to his suspension.

“I take full responsibility for the mistakes that led to my suspension for the 2014 season,” Rodriguez said. “I regret that my actions made the situation worse than it needed to be. To Major League Baseball, the Yankees, the Steinbrenner family, the Players Association and you, the fans, I can only say I’m sorry.”

The apology came only hours after a federal judge in Florida issued a four-year prison sentence to Anthony Bosch, who supplied Rodriguez and more than a dozen other major league players with banned substances, including human growth hormones, steroids and testosterone before the Biogenesis scandal was uncovered in 2013.

Rodriguez, a three-time American League Most Valuable Player, was originally given a 211-game ban but it was later reduced to 162 games, the entire 2014 campaign. AFP

Pacquiao, Mayweather should decide soon, says Roach BOXING TIME IS RUNNING OUT for Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather to book a May 2 showdown, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said Tuesday (February 17).

Amid a welter of reports in recent weeks that a deal for the much-anticipated bout was all but done, Roach warned that a decision would be needed soon if both fighters are to prepare adequately.

“We are getting really close,” Roach said of reaching a cut-off for declaring a

May 2 fight a reality.

“I need eight weeks. That window is getting smaller and smaller.” In fact, Roach said, he could make do with a slightly

shorter training camp with Pacquiao, the eight-division world champion who said Monday in the Philippines that a deal was “near.”

On an eight-week schedule, the first fortnight would be core training and general conditioning, Roach said.

“The boxing would start six weeks out, because if you go more than six weeks with Manny you’ll burn him out because of his work ethic.”

Pacquiao is 57-5 with two draws and 38 knockouts, while Mayweather is 47-0 with 26 knockouts.

Fight fans around the world have clamored for years for a showdown between the boxers widely regarded as the best “pound-for-pound” fighters of their generation. AFP

30 SPORT

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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PREMIER PREDICTIONS: ENTER NOW AT THEPHUKETNEWS.COM MAIN SPONSOR

MONTHLY SPONSOR

PANTONE 295C

PANTONE 1797C

The overall competition winner receives 2 round-trip business class tickets Phuket-Kuala Lumpur AND 2 round-trip business class tickets Krabi-Kuala Lumpur from Malaysia Airlines, overall value THB71,100.

The monthly competion winner for October will receive a THB3,000 voucher to spend at Angus O’Tool’s Irish Pub and Restaurant.

Cyan

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Magenta

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5

MONTHLY STANDINGS

1. Seahorse 2. diggersd 3. celticpride 4. cskaza 5. jambos 6. MackemRob 7. mouses ear bar 8. sami 9. stegee 10. bazerb

OVERALL STANDINGS

52 49 46 46 46 46 46 46 46 43

1. diggersd 2. stegee 3. gamagan 4. scottkip 5. phils64 6. popcorn 7. celticpride 8. fazza 9. thailand express 10. zestrealestate

479 477 472 472 465 465 464 461 461 459

English Premier League 2014 - 2015

Manchester United’s English defender Chris Smalling, left, vies for the ball with Arsenal’s French striker Olivier Giroud, right, during the English Premier League match the Emirates Stadium in February, 2014. Photo: AFP/Ben Stansall.

Arsenal handed United showdown in FA Cup FOOTBALL

F

A Cup holders Arsenal were handed a fascinating showdown with Manchester United in Monday’s draw for the quarterfinals.

The draw took place shortly before kick-off in United’s fifth round tie at Preston, with the Gunners selected to travel to either Old Trafford or Deepdale for their last eight clash.

United went on to win 3-1, with a second half fightback ensuring they face Arsene Wenger’s side in the FA Cup for the first time since 2011 when United won 2-0 in another quarter-final tie.

“We have a draw at home, which is important in FA Cup matches,” van Gaal said. “I am pleased we can play against Arsenal and at home.

“Every game in the FA Cup is difficult to win be-

cause every team is giving everything.

Arsenal defeated Hull in last season’s FA Cup final to end their nine-year trophy drought -- a barren run which had dated back to their victory over United in the 2005 FA Cup final.

United’s road to the last eight was not easy as they fell behind Preston thanks to an early goal by Simonson Grayson’s men.

Manager Louis Van Gaal’s response was to introduce Ashley Young and switch formation and it paid off.

After being relatively quiet in his role as a midfielder, Fellaini was moved further forward to partner Rooney in attack and the Belgian scored the visiting team’s second goal with what van Gaal described as a “fantastic training goal”.

Van Gaal said Fellaini offered United an alternative way of attacking when opponents became difficult

to break down.

“I have used a lot of times already Fellaini, more than ever and he scores more than ever,” Van Gaal said.

“He is a player that when we cannot beat the pressure with quality, we can always beat the pressure. That is a quality.

Meanwhile, Arsenal secured their trip to the quarterfinals thanks to two first-half goals by French striker Olivier Giroud as they eliminated Championships high-fliers Middlesbrough – the same team that elminated Manchester City in the previous round.

Elsewhere in the draw conducted, giant-killers Bradford were handed a home tie against second tier team Reading as they look to make the semi-finals to cap a remarkable Cup run that has included a stunning 4-2 win at Premier League leaders Chelsea in the fourth round and a 2-0 success against top-f light side Sunderland in the fifth round on Sunday (February 15).

That pairing ensures at least one Football League side will make it to the final four of the competition.

Bradford stunned Sunderland in a match that wasn’t even televised. The decision to not show the team’s game against the EPL club had been made before Sunderland’s previous match against Fulham.

But Bradford manager Phil Parkinson said, “We were

disappointed this wasn’t on TV. If you just talk about the finances, £250,000 (£385,000, 338,000 euros) for a club like ours would have meant a lot.

“We had to take it on the chin and make sure we put in a performance today (February 15)), and that’s what we’ve done. Hopefully, they will make it a televised game in the next round. I think they will after this!”

Liverpool’s hopes of giving Steven Gerrard an emotional Wembley send-off on his 35th birthday were boosted as they were drawn to face Championship side Blackburn at Anfield.

Reds captain Ger rard has agreed a deal to leave Liverpool for Los Angeles Galaxy at the end of the season, making the FA Cup final potentially his final match for the club he has served with great distinction since 1998.

The remaining quarterfinal pitted Aston Villa, who appointed Tim Sherwood as their new manager this week against local rivals West Bromwich Albion at Villa Park.

Draw for the FA Cup quarter-finals (to be played March 7/8):

Liverpool v Blackburn Bradford v Reading Manchester United v Arsenal Aston Villa v West Brom

Team

MP W

D

L

1

Chelsea

25 18

5

2

2

Man City

25 15

7

3

Man Utd

25 13

8

4

Southampton

25 14

5

Arsenal

6

Tottenham

7

F

A

GD

Pts

55 21 34

59

3

51 25 26

52

4

43 24 19

47

4

7

38 17 21

46

25 13

6

6

47 28 19

45

25 13

4

8

39 34

5

43

Liverpool

25 12

6

7

36 29

7

42

8

West Ham

25 10

8

7

36 28

8

38

9

Swansea

25

9

7

9

28 33

-5

34

10

Stoke

25

9

6

10 28 33

-5

33

11

Newcastle

25

8

8

9

31 37

-6

32

12

Everton

25

6

9

10 31 35

-4

27

13

Crystal Palace

25

6

9

10 27 35

-8

27

14

West Brom

25

6

8

11 24 34 -10

26

15

Sunderland

25

4

12

9

22 36 -14

24

16

Hull

25

5

8

12 23 34 -11

23

17

QPR

25

6

4

15 26 43 -17

22

18

Aston Villa

25

5

7

13 12 34 -22

22

19

Burnley

25

4

9

12 24 43 -19

21

20

Leicester

25

4

5

16 22 40 -18

17

EPL FIXTURES

Everton v Newcastle

15:00

Saturday 21st February 2015

Leicester v Hull

15:00

Aston Villa v Stoke

15:00

Man Utd v Tottenham

15:00

Chelsea v Burnley

15:00

Sunderland v Aston Villa

15:00

Crystal Palace v Arsenal

15:00

Swansea v Liverpool

15:00

Everton v Leicester

15:00

West Brom v Stoke

15:00

Hull v QPR

15:00

Man City v Newcastle

15:00

Aston Villa v Swansea

15:00

Southampton v Liverpool

15:00

Hull v Chelsea

15:00

Sunderland v West Brom

15:00

Liverpool v Man Utd

15:00

Swansea v Man Utd

15:00

Man City v West Brom

15:00

Tottenham v West Ham

15:00

Newcastle v Arsenal

15:00

QPR v Everton

15:00

Saturday 28th February 2015

Saturday 21st March 2015

Arsenal v Everton

15:00

Southampton v Burnley

15:00

Burnley v Swansea

15:00

Stoke v Crystal Palace

15:00

Leicester v Chelsea

15:00

Tottenham v Leicester

15:00

Liverpool v Man City

15:00

West Ham v Sunderland

15:00

Man Utd v Sunderland

15:00

Newcastle v Aston Villa

15:00

Arsenal v Liverpool

15:00

QPR v Tottenham

15:00

Burnley v Tottenham

15:00

Stoke v Hull

15:00

Chelsea v Stoke

15:00

West Brom v Southampton

15:00

Crystal Palace v Man City

15:00

West Ham v Crystal Palace

15:00

Everton v Southampton

15:00

Leicester v West Ham

15:00

Tuesday 3rd March 2015

Saturday 4th April 2015

Aston Villa v West Brom

19:45

Man Utd v Aston Villa

15:00

Hull v Sunderland

19:45

Sunderland v Newcastle

15:00

QPR v Arsenal

19:45

Swansea v Hull

15:00

Southampton v Crystal Palace

19:45

West Brom v QPR

15:00

West Ham v Chelsea

19:45

Liverpool v Burnley

20:00

Saturday 11th April 201 Burnley v Arsenal

15:00

Liverpool v Newcastle

15:00

Man Utd v Man City

15:00

QPR v Chelsea

15:00

Southampton v Hull

15:00

Sunderland v Crystal Palace

15:00

15:00

Swansea v Everton

15:00

Burnley v Man City

15:00

Tottenham v Aston Villa

15:00

Chelsea v Southampton

15:00

West Brom v Leicester

15:00

Crystal Palace v QPR

15:00

West Ham v Stoke

15:00

Wednesday 4th March 2015 Man City v Leicester

19:45

Newcastle v Man Utd

19:45

Stoke v Everton

19:45

Tottenham v Swansea

19:45

Saturday 14th March 2015 Arsenal v West Ham

thephuketnews

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Superport 10 Mile Int’l adds more for runners RUNNING

T

he Supersport 10 mile International Run 2015 at Thanyapura Phuket will now see last year’s female Pattaya Marathon winner Viola Jepchirchir Kimeli in addition to several new features for new runners.

The event will take place on March 22 and will take place at Thanyapura’s sports facilities in Thalang. Registration for the event can be done at Thanyapura.com up to March 13 (no same-day registration available.

In addition, Thanyapura is also offering special room rates for runners who join the Supersport 10 Mile International Run 2015. Runners can stay at Thanyapura Sports Hotel from March 20–22, though it is on a first-come, first-serve basis as there are a limited number of rooms available. Inquiries can be sent to

reservations@thanyapura.com or call +66 76. 336.000 ext 5068.

The event will be broken up into several categories: 10 mile, 5 mile, 2 mile and 500 metre kids run.

Skechers shoe company is running a promotional campaign on running shoes for participants as runners will

MARATHON ATHLETICS GLOBAL GOVERNing body will launch a doping crackdown on elite marathon runners after scandals involving top Kenyan and Russian stars.

Organisers of the races in London, New York, Boston, Chicago,

Live Sports TV Schedule *Times may be subject to change SPORT

EVENT

TEAMS / INFO

Friday, February 20 SS1

08:00 16:00

669

Cricket

ICC World Cup

New Zealand v. England

13:30 15:30 Rugby Union

Super XV

Chiefs v. Brumbies

15:35 17:30 Rugby Union

Super XV

Rebels v. Waratahs

13:30 15:30 Rugby Union

Super XV

Highlanders v. Crusaders

15:35 17:30 Rugby Union

Super XV

Reds v. Western Force

22:00 00:00 Rugby Union

Super XV

Stormers v. Bulls

00:10 02:00 Rugby Union

Super XV

Sharks v. Lions

Saturday, February 21 669

831

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Chelsea v. Burnley

832

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Swansea v. Man United

833

22:00 00:00

Soccer

EPL

Hull v. QPR

831

00:30 02:30

Soccer

EPL

Man City v. Newcastle

SS1

10:30 18:30

Cricket

ICC World Cup

Australia v. Bangladesh

Sunday, February 22 669

20:55 23:00 Rugby Union Aviva Premiership London Irish v. Leicester

831

19:00 21:00

Soccer

EPL

Tottenham v. West Ham

832

21:05 23:00

Soccer

EPL

Everton v. Leicester

831

23:15 01:15

Soccer

EPL

Southampton v. Liverpool

SS1

10:30 18:30

Cricket

ICC World Cup

India v. South Africa

@thephuketnews

Venus outshines new star in title defence opener TENNIS

receive a B1,000 discount coupon for reduction of the 10 mile registration and B500 voucher for the 5 mile, 2 mile, and 500m kids run. Coupons will be distributed on the kits collection day on March 21, along with timing chip, bibs, and event singlets.

Again, registration closes at

March 13 and event singlets are limited to the first 1,500 participants who sign-up.

For more information, visit thanyapura.com.

Class Act Media is a proud media partner.

Marathons marked for doping crackdown

CHANNEL START END

SPORT 31

Tokyo and Berlin have agreed to finance extra testing of top runners by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

The finance from World Marathon Majors (WMM) means that the top 150 runners will face tougher testing after races and out of competition.

Failed tests by Russia’s Liliya Shobukhova, who was the second

fastest women in history, and Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo, three time winner of the Boston marathon, sullied the name of one of the original Olympic disciplines.

Jeptoo, who in the past two years has achieved the Chicago/Boston double, was one of 35 Kenyan athletes suspended over the past two years for taking banned drugs. AFP

VENUS WILLIAMS, WHO COULD return to the world’s top ten for the first time in four years if she makes a successful defence of the Dubai Open title this week, began the journey with a 6-1, 6-2 rout of highly-regarded Swiss teenager Belinda Bencic last week.

The 34-year-old holder of seven Grand Slam titles outplayed Bencic, a 17-year-old earmarked by some as the tour’s most promising new player, for the loss of just three games in only an hour and nine minutes, making her the first player into the third round.

Bencic, the winner of both the Wimbledon and French open junior titles and last year’s WTA Tour newcomer of the year after rising 179 places to number 33, frequently hit the ball very hard and sometimes brilliantly.

But Venus was superb off the ground on both wings, and her 28 winners made up for inconsistencies in her serving.

It was her 16th consecutive win in the Emirate, a sequence which takes in three titles here and dates back to 2005. It suggests a fourth triumph is a distinct possibility, despite a seeding of only eight. AFP

HASH HOUSE HARRIERS

Run #1513: Saturday, February 21 at 4pm Hare: Nothing, Too Old To F*** &, virgin hare A*** Grapes Location: Chaofa West New Wat @ New Reservoir Directions: From Chalong circle travel north on Chaofa West and turn LEFT HHH into New Wat which is in front of the new dam\res-

ervoir area.

From Central, travel south on Chafa West and turn right into same area. Follow HHH to laager site.

Bus pick-up: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong) at 2:30pml; Patong (Expat Hotel) at 3pmBus pick-up: Kamala (Baan Rim Klong) 2:30pm; Patong (Expat Hotel) 3pm.

More info: phuket-hhh.com

Sport editor2@classactmedia.co.th

Muay Thai legend enters MMA cage at Full Metal Dojo > page 28

THE GAME GOES ON

Bangladesh, Afghanistan clash has more than meets the eye CRICKET

B

orn in refugee camps and nurtured in the midst of bloody civil strife, Afghanistan’s cricketers reach another landmark on their extraordinary journey on Wednesday (February 18) when they made their World Cup debut against Bangladesh.

Cricket came to Afghanistan from neighbouring Pakistan, where countless Afghans fled following the 1979 Soviet invasion of their homeland.

Mohammad Nabi, now Afghanistan’s captain, was one

of those who learnt the game in exile, having first played cricket as a 10-year-old in a refugee camp in Pakistan, before the sport came across the border when the Taliban fell in 2001.

Now, the game has flourished to such an extent that cricket is Afghanistan’s most popular sport.

Not that cricket is insulated from the political and security issues that are a part of every day life in Afghanistan, as Nabi knows only too well.

Driving from Jalalabad to a team training camp in Kabul

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015

THEPHUKETNEWS.COM

in May 2013, Nabi saw his father’s car abandoned by the roadside and was told by officials: “Somebody kidnapped your dad.”

Three months passed before the kidnappers were caught and Nabi’s father released unharmed.

“They are thinking Nabi is a big cricketer, he has a lot of money. That is why they took my dad,” the Afghanistan skipper explained.

Afghanistan’s fans have quickly become as passionate as those of established Asian giants India and Pakistan, with many who enthusiasti-

cally followed Wednesday’s (February 18) match in Canberra via radio, television and social media.

The team gave their country something to root for as they marked their World Cup debut by holding Bangladesh to 267 all out at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on Wednesday (February 18). Several Afghan bowlers took two wickets apiece, while wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai impressed behind the stumps.

The Phuket News went to print before the end of the match on Wednesday (February 18).

Bangladesh bowler Rubel Hossain (R) celebrates taking the wicket of Afsar Zazai of Afghanistan (L) during the Pool A 2015 Cricket World Cup match between Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Canberra.

Photo: AFP/Peter Parks.

CRICKET WORLD CUP 2015 Pool A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Played Won Team 2 2 New Zealand 1 1 Australia 0 0 Afghanistan 0 0 Bangladesh 1 0 Sri Lanka 1 0 England 1 0 Scotland

Lost

N/R

R/R

Points

0

0

+2.62

4

0

0

+2.22

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

-1.96

0

1

0

-2.22

0

1

0

-3.04

0

Lost

N/R

R/R

Points

Pool B 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Team India South Africa Ireland UAE West Indies Zimbabwe Pakistan

Played Won 1

1

0

0

+1.52

2

1

1

0

0

+1.24

2

1

1

0

0

0.62

2

0

0

0

0

0

0

1

0

1

0

-0.62

0

1

0

1

0

-1.24

0

1

0

1

0

-1.52

0

Phuket FC set sights on home opener after first win FOOTBALL J.P. Mestanza editor2@classactmedia.co.th

THE 2015 RONINS WILL finally head out to the Surakul Stadium pitch this Sunday (February 22) as they play their first home match of the Yamaha League-1 season against BBCU (7pm kick-off).

Phuket FC already have three points on the table thanks to some slick passing and quick finishing on the road at Trat FC during the season opener last Saturday (February 14).

Midfielder Wasan Saman-

(Left) Wasan Samansin scores (above) Coach Daeng celebrates. Photos: Phuket FC sin (No. 12) polished off a beautiful passing sequence from the top of the box to put the Ronins up in the

18th minute of the match last Saturday (Februray 14) at Trat Stadium.

The pass came from Pati-

pat Armatantri (No. 25), who gave a quick flick from the outside of his boot towards a surging Wasan, who only

needed two touches to find the back of the net.

But Trat wasn’t going down that easy.

In the middle of the second half, striker Piya Kueawan (No. 26) found himself with the ball just behind the Ronins’ defense. As Phuket FC defender Samsen Nima (No. 3) barrelled down behind him, Piya’s shot was sent wide left.

In the 58th minute, the White Elephants would earn a free kick just outside the box. New Phuket goalkeeper, Piyawat Intarapim (No. 19) made a great diving save to the far left post to secure the 1-0 victory for the Ronins.

Class Act Media is a proud media partner.

thephuketnews